Parent
From email@hidden Sat Apr 01 10:53:08 2000
Subject: [SBB] Arastradero Gobblers
--------
Taking a morning walk to catch the early migrants and the nice weather and
scenery at Arastradero, I saw WILD TURKEYS for the first time there -- on
the hillside west of the creek trail, between the lake and the upper pond.
It was a pair, with the male displaying -- quite a sight.
The WHITE-TAILED KITE pair was displaying (flying with legs down and talons
extended) and perching near each other. Among spring migrants were plenty
of singing ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, 3 BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, and a single
BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER. A large flock of AMERICAN GOLDFINCH were feeding on
the new buds of a California Live Oak, and the Pine Siskin "zhreeee" sound
was emitting from the tree -- I couldn't locate a Siskin by sight, and
don't know but that AMGOs may be able to mimic this sound.
-- Tom Grey Stanford Law School email@hidden
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Apr 01 12:33:14 2000
Subject: [SBB] Greater Roadrunner
--------
This morning as we were driving up Quimby Road to Joseph D. Grant County
Park, we spotted a GREATER ROADRUNNER on the left hand side of the road,
about half way up Quimby, perched on a wood fence post.
At the park, we saw plenty of WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, ACORN WOODPECKERS and
WESTERN MEADOWLARKS. Near the Visitor Center, we saw BULLOCK'S ORIOLES and
a PURPLE FINCH. In the lake, we saw BUFFLEHEADS, a GREATER YELLOWLEGS, a
CINNAMON TEAL, a GADWALL, and plenty of BLUE HERONS.
Pat Curtis
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Apr 01 15:09:20 2000
Subject: [SBB] Re: Spring Arrivals
--------
> The Hooded Oriole males have been back in SFD for over a week, Pigeon
> Guillemots for a few days, no flycatchers yet (except BLPH)
What is SFD? I'm guessing from the Pigeon Guillemots that it isn't Santa
Clara Co. -- if I'm wrong, please let us know where it is!
Al
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Apr 02 07:28:01 2000
Subject: [SBB] Possible Swainson's Hawk in Campbell area
--------
'mornin' all...
Yesterday morning, around 0825 I observed what appeared to be a bird of prey
being hotly pursued by a mob of crows. The BOP landed in what looked like a
Redwood tree at the SW corner of Anthony & Rincon Drive, in Campbell. It
was interesting in that as I viewed the scene from a distance, crows were
arriving from all points of the compass.
In order to get a better view, I drove to there and tried to ID the bird
being harassed. It being 40-50 ft up, and 50-60 feet over, and facing away
from me did little to enhance the view. I did get to observe it for
approximately 40 min. Of course as I was trying to get the blood running
again in my arm, he took flight, so I missed that view through the glasses.
I only got glimpses of his underside markings. Nothing definitive enough to
be sure--other than it was NOT a Red-tailed Hawk. The best view I got was
of the top of his tail, as he was preening. The tail absolutely positively
was brown and black stripped. With the brown stripes being nearly double as
wide as the black. I'd say that I could see around 10 or so brown stripes.
All-in-all, he was mostly brown, and his bottom was a smooth pale cream
color.
My best guess is that it's a SWAINSON'S HAWK. It's been hanging around the
area for the last couple of weeks. But this was the first good (if you can
call that good) view I've managed to get of it. Anybody else in the
Campbell area aware of this?
Up to 60 crows harassed him for nearly 30 min. But then, they slowly began
to disappear as he totally ignored them. When he flew off, there wasn't a
crow around, and all was silent again...
Best regards,
Dusty Bleher
Campbell, Ca.
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Apr 02 09:23:13 2000
Subject: [SBB] PSFL
--------
This morning, Sunday, I heard for the first time my local PACIFIC-SLOPE
FLYCATCHER. For the last 2 years he has been living in our immediate
neighborhood. He calls and calls, but I don't know if he has ever found a
mate. Have never seen young ones around. Kathy Parker
PS Juncos are still incubating.The eggs should hatch today, or tomorrow.
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Apr 02 10:52:15 2000
Subject: [SBB] San Benito Co.--CAKI's and LAGO's
--------
Yesterday (Saturday) morning, there were two Cassin's Kingbirds along with
some Lawrence's Goldfinches on Panoche Road at the first ranch houses to
the east of the New Idria junction. In the afternoon I saw one, probably
two, Cassin's Kingbirds in the area around the junction of Highway 25 and
Cienega Road.
--Peter
------------------------------------------------------
Peter LaTourrette
Bird Photography: http://www.birdphotography.com/
Bird Photo Gallery: http://www.stanford.edu/~petelat1/
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Apr 02 15:01:07 2000
Subject: [SBB] Some good county birds
--------
All,
A quick note on the SCVAS field trip to Alum Rock Park (Al Eisner may post
more later). The most unusual bird, for Alum Rock park, seen on Saturday
(4/1) was an apparent female Osprey (heavy black necklace) flying over the
upper part of the Todd L. Quick Memorial Loop trail (heading east). An
interacting pair of Western Kingbirds and Rufous-crowned Sparrows were also
seen on the loop trail. In the valley a Northern Pygmy-Owl was calling from
the south side of the trail about 100 yds upstream of the eastern end of the
parking lot (and about 100 yds downstream of the Canyon Wren which was
calling from and cleaning out a large hole in a tree [a Sycamore?] in the
Sycamore Grove Picnic Area). The owl was about 120 yds upstream of where a
pair fledged three(?) young last year. An adult male Black-headed Grosbeak
(our first of the year) was seen near the Youth Science Institute just
downstream of the usual Great-horned Owl roost tree.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 2:59 PM, 4/2/00
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Apr 02 15:27:44 2000
Subject: [SBB] Nestbox Monitering
--------
Hi,
Today I monitored my nestbox trail which is located in Grant Ranch
Park at 2000' in the Mt Hamilton Range above San Jose, Ca. 22 of 39
boxes monitored showed nesting activity from four different species. Of
the 22 boxes with nests, three contained WEBB eggs, one of those with a
FWEBB brooding on a full clutch of six.
42 species of birds were observed. The sharp eyes of my son,
David, spotted Redbreasted Sapsucker and Fox Sparrow. Welcomed back were
Western Wood Pewee and Bullock's Oriole.
Let the brooding begin! Good birding to all!
David Cook
Campbell, Ca.
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Apr 02 17:01:59 2000
Subject: [SBB] FW: Parakeets(?) in Sunnyvale
--------
----------
From: Michael Wienholt
To: email@hidden
Subject: Parakeets(?) in Sunnyvale
Date: Sun, Apr 2, 2000, 9:13 AM
All,
Yesterday afternoon at 16:00, a raucous group of 12 of what I believe are
parakeets appeared at Manet & Remington across from the Community Center.
Six of the birds were feeding in seed-bearing ornamental trees fronting the
apartment complex, the remainder were high in a redwood. They flew off in a
tight flock over the orchard and disappeared.
Anyone in this area happen to notice these birds? I have zero experience
with these birds, though I once saw a lone Monk Parakeet in Seaside, Oregon.
These were large and green, with a large white bill and white eye-ring, with
a hint of red on the head. Could these be Mitred or Red-masked?
Funny to see such a large group.
Michael Wienholt
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Apr 02 17:22:52 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] FW: Parakeets(?) in Sunnyvale
--------
At 5:01 PM -0700 4/2/2000, Michael Wienholt wrote:
>These were large and green, with a large white bill and white eye-ring, with
>a hint of red on the head. Could these be Mitred or Red-masked?
That sounds like a conure. There are a couple of naturalized bands of
these loud, noisy, annoying birds in the area (he says, as a former
owner of a pair of Mitred conures....).
Parakeets are the size of finches or sparrows, and would generally be
blue or green with light bills. Conures are more robin sized (or a
bit larger), and they'd be all green with (for mitred) a red patch on
top of the head. They're loud and squawky, while parakeets would be a
lot quieter.
--
--
Chuq Von Rospach - Plaidworks Consulting (mailto:email@hidden)
Apple Mail List Gnome (mailto:email@hidden)
And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar
and say 'Man, what are you doing here?'"
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Apr 02 18:14:02 2000
Subject: [SBB] Field trip to Alum Rock Park
--------
[Grant: this trip report is written as draft submission to the Avocet.]
Twelve intrepid birders braved dry trails, near-80-degree temperatures,
and the ever-present danger of April Fool's jokes, to turn up about 50 species
on SCVAS's April 1 field trip to Alum Rock Park in San Jose. It was warm
early, with conditions good for soaring raptors, including our biggest sur-
prise: an OSPREY soaring over the North Ridge. We also saw a sub-adult
GOLDEN EAGLE, three COOPER'S HAWKs, one NORTHERN HARRIER, numerous RED-TAILED
HAWKs, and several cooperative AMERICAN KESTRELs; and also a flock of about
20 TURKEY VULTUREs soon after 8 AM. Owls were represented by a heard-only
NORTHERN PYGMY OWL in the Mineral Springs area (at 11 AM, no less); and a
GREAT-HORNED OWL roosting in its familiar location by the YSI building. Frank
Vanslager provided us with Questar-filling views of that owl and also of the
head of a perched Turkey Vulture.
Our only CALIFORNIA THRASHER was just heard singing, staying out of view.
But we got an excellent look at a RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW along the Todd L.
Quick loop trail, after an earlier one had given us only a brief glimpse.
Another highlight was a singing BROWN CREEPER. Best of all, the CANYON WREN
put on quite a show at the Sycamore Grove picnic area -- it was back at the
large sycamore cavity (as first described by Pat Kenny on March 18), where it
was alternately out of sight inside the cavity (apparently removing debris)
and singing from perches on the rim.
Recent arrivals were 2 WESTERN KINGBIRDs (at the high point of the Quick
Trail, the same place where we saw the Eagle) and a singing male BLACK-HEADED
GROSBEAK. Other spring birds included a cooperative male ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD,
at least 3 singing HOUSE WRENs, 2 singing ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERs, and at
least 6 BULLOCK'S ORIOLEs.
Thanks to everyone who participated -- all did their share in finding the
good birds and in making this an enjoyable and successful trip.
Al Eisner
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Apr 02 18:31:25 2000
Subject: [SBB] OSPR, WTSP
--------
Hi all,
Yesterday morning an OSPREY was wheeling over Vasona Reservoir for
several minutes, after which it soared off in a northwest direction.
The WHITE-THROATED SPARROW is still coming to my feeders here in Los
Gatos. The latest was this afternoon.
Good birding to you all,
Jean Dubois
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Apr 02 18:52:07 2000
Subject: [SBB] RFI: Backyard nestbox use
--------
All,
If you have nestboxes at home (or elsewhere), please consider taking careful
count of the eggs or young inside and reporting the number of birds that
eventually fledge from your box or boxes. (Reports may be sent to me at this
email address.)
Chickadees, titmice, wrens, and nuthatches are already well into their
nesting process as of this date. Last year, respondents from this list
contributed significantly to the statewide totals of birds fledged
representing several species. For example, only 23 Bewick's Wrens were
reported fledged from nestboxes throughout the state. Santa Clara County
nestboxes accounted for well over half of these. Similarly, local nestboxes
accounted for nearly half of the Chestnut-backed Chickadees and nearly one
quarter of the Oak Titmice reported statewide. All of these species have
experienced substantial population declines in California in recent years, so
our opportunity to give them a boost is of no small conservation
significance. Thank you!
Garth Harwood, Santa Clara County Coordinator
Calif. Bluebird Recovery Program
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Apr 02 21:07:13 2000
Subject: [SBB] SBB Woodpecker populations.
--------
Last year many of us commented on the low numbers of Acorn Woodpeckers.
Now they are everywhere once again, along with continued high numbers of
Nuttal's. Anyone else notice this and/or have any idea of what is going
on??
--
Richard C. Carlson Full-time Birder, Biker, Skier, Hiker
Palo Alto, California Part-time Economist
email@hidden
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Apr 02 21:13:55 2000
Subject: [SBB] Changing of the guard at Arastradero
--------
April 1 had an unusual confluence ofWinter and Spring birds. There were
still Varied Thrush, Siskins and a Bufflehead but Golden-Crowned
sparrows had departed. Bullock's Oriole, Warbling Vireo and Tree
Swallows had arrived. The 280 overpass had White-throated swifts and
Rough wing Swallows -- are both species now freeway specialists?
Finally there still is a Sharp-shinned Hawk hanging around. I suspected
they bred there last year. Is this possible??
--
Richard C. Carlson Full-time Birder, Biker, Skier, Hiker
Palo Alto, California Part-time Economist
email@hidden
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Apr 02 22:07:28 2000
Subject: [SBB] Fremont Peak
--------
Last night, we were up on Fremont Peak at the Observatory chasing
Pluto. Starting about Midnight, Laurie repeatedly heard (and on a few
occasions saw as it flew by) a Great Horned Owl.
chuq (okay, it's VERY south bay...)
--
--
Chuq Von Rospach - Plaidworks Consulting (mailto:email@hidden)
Apple Mail List Gnome (mailto:email@hidden)
And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar
and say 'Man, what are you doing here?'"
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 03 08:30:34 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] SBB Woodpecker populations.
--------
> Last year many of us commented on the low numbers of Acorn Woodpeckers.
> Now they are everywhere once again, along with continued high numbers of
> Nuttal's. Anyone else notice this and/or have any idea of what is going
> on??
In the fall of '98, I surveyed a number of local parks and had a hard
time finding _any_ acorns. In contrast, acorns were abundant in the
fall of '99. My guess is that they've discovered the change and
come back down from the hills for the harvest. I, too, have noticed
that there are lots of ACWO around this year. It's still a decline
from years longer past, but certainly a welcome sight.
----------------
George Oetzel
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 03 09:47:42 2000
Subject: [SBB] OSPR
--------
All,
While at my son's Little League game at Washington Park in Sunnyvale
(near Iowa and Mathilda) on 4/1/00, I saw a low-flying OSPREY heading
to the northwest. This bird finally caught a thermal and spiralled
upward, being in view for over four minutes (which gave me plenty of
time to grab the binoculars from the car and see that it was carrying
a big fish - from one of our city ponds??)
The thermal it rode up looked to be right over my house, so I guess
I'll add it to the yard list :)
Mike Rogers
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 03 10:10:37 2000
Subject: [SBB] Aratingas
--------
Folks:
My old _Parrots of the World_ book lists the genus _Aratinga_ as
conures, as Chuq said. But in Sibley's and Monroe's list of world species
they are called parakeets. The local flocks in Sunnyvale and Palo
Alto are apparently all _Aratingas_--so call them conures, parakeets, or just
_Aratingas_, as you wish.
Life is confusing for us locally as there are at least four species of
_Aratinga_ hanging around in either Sunnyvale or Palo Alto and they have
nested in the past. Birds that have been carefully identified include
Blue-Crowned, Mitred, Red-masked, and either Finsch's or White-eyed Parakeets.
The provenance of both flocks has been reported nth hand, including that a
Marine World truck rolled over and the birds escaped, but I've not had any
first-hand information on their source. Many of these birds have bands (and
the unbanded ones may be young that have been raised locally). There is a
tendency in the various guides to overlook consfusing aspects of these
_Aratingas_, as in the wild their ranges do not overlap. Mitred and
Red-masked can be difficult to distinguish, unless well seen, and immature
birds, which have less red, make this task more difficult. I am
interested in records of these birds related to nesting and when you have the
opportunity to clearly identify them to species.
Bill
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 03 11:01:27 2000
Subject: [SBB] RSHA nest
--------
Yesterday, 4/2/00 I noticed that a pair of RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS have
begun nesting once again in the eucalyptas trees along Hilow Road,
near Marchmont Drive in Los Gatos.
Specifically, the nest is about 80 feet up in the 7th tree from
Marchmont, on Hilow Road. The adult appears to be incubating.
Alan
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 03 11:13:37 2000
Subject: [SBB] Fwd: Stanford campus sightings
--------
I believe this was meant for the whole list and not just for the list
bureaucrat...
Les
--------------------------------------
Date: Sunday, April 2, 2000
From: David B. Lewis
This weekend began to see a few migrants in the Frenchman's Road and
Mayfield Road areas including three singing Wilson's Warblers (not seen),
two male and one female Bullock's Orioles, and a male Rufous Hummingbird
(in my backyard!). There were also numerous singing Yellow Rumped Warblers
(both Audubon's and Myrtle's), Golden- and White-Crowned Sparrows and even
a singing Ruby Crowned Kinglet (one of the loudest songs relative to body
size in my experience). Could not find any Hooded Orioles at Frenchman's
as yet.
- Dave Lewis
David B. Lewis
Division of Immunology/Transplantation Biology, Room H-307
Stanford University School of Medicine
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford, CA 94305-5208
Tel: (650) 498-4189 FAX: (650) 498-6077
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 03 13:47:37 2000
Subject: [SBB] Skyline area birds
--------
SBB,
Yesterday, 4/2/00, a female VARIED THRUSH foraged near the house.
This morning, I heard one singing. Do female VATH sing?
Also, seen yesterday, the reddish FOX SPARROW that I'm narrowing
down to altivagans or zaboria. I think schistacea may be eliminated
because the individual at my house has faint, but noticeable, mantle
streaking. One problem is that the two guides that I'm using, Byers,
et al, and Rising claim different things for altivagans (if I'm
remembering correctly) in regards to back streaking. Anyway, this
bird continues to hang around.
I got a new yard bird yesterday, too. An adult GOLDEN EAGLE rode the
thermals overhead before doing a slight wing-tuck and accelerated
north toward Black Mtn. And speaking of wing-tucks, a RED-TAILED
HAWK was engaged in some roller-coaster flight overhead a bit earlier.
A female Selasphorus hummingbird has been visiting our feeders when
the male Anna's isn't being a butthead. At one point she went to a
spider web in a tree, but it didn't appear that she was collecting
any web; she could have been looking for some protein.
Two BLACK PHOEBE have been visiting the nest site of the previous
two years, under the eaves of our house. I'm still surprised that
they return to nest here because I don't think there is any open
water nearby.
We had a new lepidoptera sp. on our window this morning, too.
A Cecropia Moth, one of the Giant Silkworm Moths! If you haven't
seen one, these are big buggers with a 5 in. wingspan, and
beautiful, too.
"Home" is on the SCL side of Skyline Blvd. between Page Mill and Hwy 9.
Les Chibana, Palo Alto, CA email@hidden
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 03 14:09:49 2000
Subject: [SBB] Sunnyvale East/San Tomas Aquino Creek
--------
Hi all,
Highlights from today's (4/3/00) field work along the Bay Trail in the
Alviso/Sunnyvale area include two FOX SPARROWS, several LINCOLN'S SPARROWS
and COMMON MOORHEN in San Tomas Aquino Creek, a CASPIAN TERN over the
Sunnyvale East Channel near Pond A4 and a pair of mating WHITE-TAILED KITES
near the confluence of Guadalupe Slough and the Sunnyvale East Channel
(Adjacent to Twin Creeks Park).
Good birding,
Tom Ryan
Biologist
Santa Clara Valley Water District
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 03 14:24:02 2000
Subject: [SBB] White-Crowned Sparrow
--------
When birds are feeding in my backyard, I typically have 1-6 White-Crowned
Sparrows. Also some Golden-crowned. This AM I had 32 White-crowned, no
Golden-crowned all within view at the same moment. Have never seen so many
together in my backyard before. I note that last year my last sighting was
April 26...so a little early to be getting ready for migration...FWIW...
Gloria LeBlanc
Los Gatos off Quito
"We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails"
http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 03 14:33:41 2000
Subject: [SBB] Nesting Juncos
--------
Three of the Dark-eyed Junco eggs in a pot on my front porch hatched this
morning by 8:30 (Boy are those baby birds ugly). The fourth egg has not
hatched and the birds are no longer brooding. However, "the books say" that
they begin brooding the day before the last egg is laid, so maybe this one
will hatch later today or tomorrow. Kathy Parker
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 03 14:53:35 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Acorn Woodpecker populations.
--------
The ACWO are known to moved out when acorn crops fail, and return
when they recover. Alternatively, they may not breed when acorns are
in short supply. They are much more noticeable during breeding,
because they loudly greet each other--and the nest hole itself--
every time they approach. Possibly this year there is a potential
for more breeding so they are more obvious.
Ruth Troetschler
184 Lockhart Lane
Los Altos, CA 94022
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------At 8:30 AM -0007 4/3/00, George Oetzel wrote:
> > Last year many of us commented on the low numbers of Acorn Woodpeckers.
> > Now they are everywhere once again, along with continued high numbers of
> > Nuttal's. Anyone else notice this and/or have any idea of what is going
> > on??
>
>In the fall of '98, I surveyed a number of local parks and had a hard
>time finding _any_ acorns. In contrast, acorns were abundant in the
>fall of '99. My guess is that they've discovered the change and
>come back down from the hills for the harvest. I, too, have noticed
>that there are lots of ACWO around this year. It's still a decline
>from years longer past, but certainly a welcome sight.
>
>
>----------------
>George Oetzel
>
>-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
>This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
>server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
>message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
Ruth Troetschler
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 03 15:28:55 2000
Subject: [SBB] New Additions to SBBU
--------
Santa Clara Bird List for 2000
Bill Bousman has updated the Santa Clara Bird List for 2000. The
total is 209 as of March 31. The recent additions are: Brant,
Rufous Hummingbird, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Cassin's Kingbird,
Western Kingbird, Warbling Vireo, House Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher,
Palm Warbler The full list can be viewed on SBBU.
Merlie
Merlie (the Merlin) has probably headed back North for breeding
season. Over the last 4 years he has arrived between October 20 and
24, and has left between March 21 and 27. He has returned here for 8
years of documentation. I hope he comes back next October. You can
check his web page on SBBU.
Birding Web Sites
I have added several new birding URLs to SBBU under "Birding Web
Sites". Each of the new URLs is highlighted so that you can find
them easily. If you have other good web sites to suggest, please
e-mail them to me.
South Bay Birders Unlimited (SBBU)
http://www.stanford.edu/~kendric/birds/
Kendric
-----------------------------------------
Kendric C. Smith, Ph.D.
927 Mears Court
Stanford, CA 94305-1041
(650) 493-7210 (voice or fax)
email@hidden
http://www.stanford.edu/~kendric/
------------------------------------------
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 03 16:59:46 2000
Subject: [SBB] Cassin's Vireo, lots of turkeys, etc.
--------
Howdy South-bay-birders,
Did some local birding late this afternoon. It was hot, so the birds were
being fairly quiet. Along Hicks Road, near the stream confluence just
upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir, there was a CASSIN'S VIREO singing (is
this the first Santa Clara County spring report of this species this year?).
A pair of WILD TURKEYS were along Hicks Rd. near the Alamitos Rd. junction,
and there were at least two more in the cabin area at Twin Creeks, with a
male gobbling loudly right in the middle of the road. Saw a pair of WOOD
DUCKS in the swamp at the upper end of Almaden Reservoir. A HOUSE WREN
singing near the trailhead parking area in New Almaden was the only one I
heard today.
On my walk to the east end of Calero Reservoir I saw a male WOOD DUCK
flying upstream, and heard a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE along the creek. More WILD
TURKEYS were gobbling in the hills nearby. There were at least 3 COMMON
GOLDENEYES and 16 Aechmophorus grebes on the reservoir (roughly a 50/50
split of CLARK'S and WESTERN). VIOLET-GREEN, BARN, and CLIFF SWALLOWS were
flying over the water.
John Mariani
email@hidden
www.birdswest.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 03 17:41:41 2000
Subject: [SBB] Sage Grouse at Honey Lake
--------
Many thanks to everyone who gave advice about the sage grouse at Honey
Lake. Al Liu and I had a very successful trip on Sunday altough we had an
unlucky start. Driving towards 395 at 5:30AM (daylight savings time), we
got stopped by a cop for speeding although I had been following a truck for
the past 6 miles. Fortunately he spared us this time. I guess it is the
presence of the High Desert State Prison but there seemed to be too many
cops for such a small town so beware.
Thanks to John Kempter and Mark Eaton's instructions, we were able to find
the dirt road in the dark in the first try. Since it was dry, we were able
to drive to the cairn in an '85 Dodge Colt and hit the bottom only twice.
Before we got there, we saw two pronghorn, which was a nice surprise. When
I stopped to check out the pronghorn, I could hear the "booming" SAGE
GROUSE. It was a spectacular sight. We stayed there until about 9AM and
counted 16 males in full display and 2, possibly 3 females. At one point, a
coyote approached to within 50 meters of the center of the lek but
surprisingly, only 1 bird took off. We also saw a herd of 11 pronghorn
right before we left.
We then proceeded to Honey Lake where Al spotted a juvenile BALD EAGLE.
Then on to Janesville where we did not fail to see a LEWIS' WOODPECKER at
the cemetery, thanks again to Al. The road to Eagle lake was closed so we
headed to the Last Chance campground, the road to which was also closed by
a fallen tree. After giving a ride to the driver of a pickup which had
gotten stuck in the snow further up the dirt road, we walked towards the
campground and spotted 2 male and 1 female WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKERS, among
other things. But the best surprise of the day was a NORTHERN GOSHAWK that
swooped down from one of the trees. This had been my nemesis bird for a
long time so it was very satisfying. There was not anything very
interesting from the causeway across Lake Almanor so we went on to Lassen
NP. Once again, the road was closed, right after the visitor center, so we
headed back although we managed to find a WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER on the way
out. After a great 15-hour day on three-hours' sleep, we headed back to San
Francisco.
Cagan H. Sekercioglu
Stanford University Center for Conservation Biology
Department of Biological Sciences Stanford, CA 94305-5020
http://jasper1.stanford.edu/~cagan/main.htm
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 03 17:46:56 2000
Subject: [SBB] Courting Kites in Palo Alto
--------
Hello all,
My house is located in the Palo Alto flatlands, on Hamilton Ave. (near
Embarcadero Road). We've had two White-Tailed Kites courting and carrying
on at the top of a big pine tree opposite my house for the past two-three
weeks. Perhaps we'll have a nest! Last year, I noticed up to six kites on
my regular walking route, but none this close to me.
Happy birding,
Nancy Teater
--
Nancy R. Teater Hamilton Communications phone: +1 650 321 0252
email@hidden http://web.hamilton.com fax: +1 650 327 4660
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 03 17:54:53 2000
Subject: [SBB] Correction
--------
Sorry I meant immature bald eagle.
>We then proceeded to Honey Lake where Al spotted a juvenile BALD EAGLE.
Cagan H. Sekercioglu
Stanford University Center for Conservation Biology
Department of Biological Sciences Stanford, CA 94305-5020
http://jasper1.stanford.edu/~cagan/main.htm
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 03 22:59:00 2000
Subject: [SBB] Common Poorwill
--------
Howdy South-bay-birders,
This evening (Mon., 3 Apr.), at about 10:30pm, I heard a COMMON POORWILL
calling from a hillside above my parent's house on Henwood Road (first time
this spring).. I went up there and managed to find it with my flashlight.
Several times I saw it fluttering over the brush like a big bat. I was able
to follow its flight by its bright red eyeshine--looked like pair of
fireflies darting back and forth over the chaparral.
John Mariani
email@hidden
www.birdswest.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 03 23:59:27 2000
Subject: [SBB] Costa's Hummer HO
--------
My Eucalyptus Sideroxylon (Beverly Court Campbell)has been in full
flower. It has attracted a possible Costa's -- I have not yet sighted
it. It gives a very loud chink/tink call. I thought I had the regular
Downy Woodpecker visiting. It's driving the resident male Anna's
crazy. So far I have not even got a look at the damn thing. I will
keep trying.
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 04 08:33:52 2000
Subject: [SBB] EUWI, PEFA
--------
Folks:
Yesterday afternoon, 4/3/2000, the afternoon (mostly) wigeon flock on
Salt Pond A1 appeared to have dropped to 1500-2500 birds. Despite this, I was
able to find three ad male EURASIAN WIGEON in the near-shore part of the
flock. I also saw an adult PEREGRINE FALCON soaring over the Flood Control
Basin.
Bill
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 04 08:33:55 2000
Subject: [SBB] Western Screech Owl Site
--------
There are now 4 eggs. For those that want to see the Western Screech Owl
inside her box and get updates in the weeks ahead you can monitor the
following site....there's also a 2 minute video on the site today.
http://www.parkers.to/owls/Index.html
Gloria LeBlanc
Los Gatos off Quito
"We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails"
http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 04 11:44:43 2000
Subject: [SBB] Owling
--------
Where can I get information on owling trips that I can actually get on
without having to sign up six months before? I would be leaving in a month
and a half so I hope there is something available. Thanks.
Cagan H. Sekercioglu
Stanford University Center for Conservation Biology
Department of Biological Sciences Stanford, CA 94305-5020
http://jasper1.stanford.edu/~cagan/main.htm
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 04 12:12:56 2000
Subject: [SBB] Cassin's Vireo, Poorwill, etc.
--------
Howdy South-bay-birders,
I am reposting these two messages from yesterday because I don't think they
got through--sorry if anyone has received this twice,
Did some local birding late this afternoon (Apr. 3). It was hot, so the
birds were being fairly quiet. Along Hicks Road, near the stream confluence
just upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir, there was a CASSIN'S VIREO singing
(is this the first Santa Clara County spring report of this species this
year?). A pair of WILD TURKEYS were along Hicks Rd. near the Alamitos Rd.
junction, and there were at least two more in the cabin area at Twin Creeks,
with a male gobbling loudly right in the middle of the road. Saw a pair of
WOOD DUCKS in the swamp at the upper end of Almaden Reservoir, and a pair of
COMMON MERGANSERS were in the creek at O'Day's (nice photo op). A HOUSE WREN
singing near the trailhead parking area in New Almaden was the only one I
heard today.
On my walk to the east end of Calero Reservoir I saw a male WOOD DUCK
flying upstream, and heard a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE along the creek. More WILD
TURKEYS were gobbling in the hills nearby. There were at least 3 COMMON
GOLDENEYES and 16 Aechmophorus grebes on the reservoir (roughly a 50/50
split of CLARK'S and WESTERN). VIOLET-GREEN, BARN, and CLIFF SWALLOWS were
flying over the water.
This evening (Mon., 3 Apr.), at about 10:30pm, I heard a COMMON POORWILL
calling from a hillside above my parent's house on Henwood Road (first time
this spring).. I went up there and managed to find it with my flashlight.
Several times I saw it fluttering over the brush like a big bat. I was able
to follow its flight by its bright red eyeshine--looked like pair of
fireflies (or tiny headlights) darting back and forth over the chaparral.
John Mariani
email@hidden
www.birdswest.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 04 12:47:21 2000
Subject: [SBB] Cassin's Vireo, Common Poorwill
--------
Howdy South-bay-birders,
I am reposting this message from yesterday again because I don't think it
got through yesterday or today--sorry if anyone has received this twice or
more.
Did some local birding late this afternoon (Apr. 3). It was hot, so the
birds were being fairly quiet. Along Hicks Road, near the stream confluence
just upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir, there was a CASSIN'S VIREO singing
(is this the first Santa Clara County spring report of this species this
year?). A pair of WILD TURKEYS were along Hicks Rd. near the Alamitos Rd.
junction, and there were at least two more in the cabin area at Twin Creeks,
with a male gobbling loudly right in the middle of the road. Saw a pair of
WOOD DUCKS in the swamp at the upper end of Almaden Reservoir, and a pair of
COMMON MERGANSERS were in the creek at O'Day's (nice photo op). A HOUSE WREN
singing near the trailhead parking area in New Almaden was the only one I
heard today.
On my walk to the east end of Calero Reservoir I saw a male WOOD DUCK
flying upstream, and heard a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE along the creek. More WILD
TURKEYS were gobbling in the hills nearby. There were at least 3 COMMON
GOLDENEYES and 16 Aechmophorus grebes on the reservoir (roughly a 50/50
split of CLARK'S and WESTERN). VIOLET-GREEN, BARN, and CLIFF SWALLOWS were
flying over the water.
This evening (Mon., 3 Apr.), at about 10:30pm, I heard a COMMON POORWILL
calling from a hillside above my parent's house on Henwood Road (first time
this spring).. I went up there and managed to find it with my flashlight.
Several times I saw it fluttering over the brush like a big bat. I was able
to follow its flight by its bright red eyeshine--looked like pair of
fireflies (or tiny headlights) darting back and forth over the chaparral.
John Mariani
email@hidden
www.birdswest.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 04 13:21:06 2000
Subject: [SBB] Rufous Hummingbird, Caspian Tern & House Wren
--------
All,
This morning Frank Vanslager and I saw a definitive (all red backed) adult
male RUHU in a Eucalyptus tree in Ed Levin Park near the northwest corner of
the Spring Valley Golf Course. Later we saw a CATE feeding in Sandy Wool
Lake and a HOWR in the Sycamores above Sandy Wool Lake.
Take care,
Bob Reiling,. 1:19 PM, 4/4/00
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 04 14:07:08 2000
Subject: [SBB] Acorn Woodpecker write-up
--------
Tonight I go before the LG Park Commission to discuss "Birds of La
Rinconada Park" handout that I created. (In this tiny park, 147 handouts
were taken during the past 2 months. Only 2 were found lying on the
ground.) They had asked me to also do a write-up on a bird in the park that
they might use as an informational plaque. I chose to do it on the Acorn
Woodpecker. Ruth Troetschler, an Acorn Woodpecker guru, was kind enough to
revise what I had written. I thought some of you might like to see what I
am submitting tonight. I learned something!
Gloria LeBlanc
Acorn Woodpeckers
The Acorn Woodpecker is about 9 inches in length. It has a black back and
red on its head. The male has red on both the top and the back of its head;
the female only has red on the back of its head. Most woodpeckers have red
on their head. This is the only woodpecker in this park with a solid black
back. It has a yellow throat. When it flies in an undulating manner, you
can see its white rump and white patches on its wings. If you find one, you
can normally find another one nearby.
As the name implies Acorn Woodpeckers eat acorns. La Rinconada Park has
oak trees, which produce acorns. Acorn Woodpeckers live in-groups and
frequently store acorns in soft bark, or dead trees or limbs. These storage
places are known as granaries. The largest granary documented housed 50,000
acorns. They never gather acorns from the ground. In fall woodpeckers pick
mature acorns from the branches and place them in woodpecker-made holes in
the granary. They make certain that each acorn is placed very tightly in a
hole - otherwise a squirrel will steal the acorn. As time passes, the acorn
will shrink in size. A woodpecker then moves the acorn into a smaller hole.
You can watch them trying holes over and over again until they find one
that the acorn fits into tightly. When hungry, a woodpecker selects an
acorn to eat from the granary, splits it open and eats it or feeds it to
the young.
Local Acorn Woodpeckers do not migrate since they would leave their food
behind. Thus, the Acorn Woodpeckers you see in La Rinconada Park live here
year round. There are 8-12 Acorn Woodpeckers that reside here. They live in
a colony. A colony usually consists of more males than females. The
females are usually sisters; the males are brothers, both from different
families. Young birds may remain with the colony, not breeding, until they
can take over the parent colony or leave to join another colony nearby.
In the spring a female lays an egg. When the second female enters the nest
to lay her egg, she will destroy the egg there. If there is a third female,
she will also destroy the egg that is there. When a female enters the nest
to lay a second egg, she is not aware that the egg in the nest might not be
hers. After each female has laid one egg, they lay more eggs because none
can determine which egg isn't theirs. Typically all females lay their eggs
in the same nest. The nest is normally in a hole of a dead tree but can
also be one drilled into a partially decayed limb of a mature oak or other
living tree. All of the birds in the colony will take turns sitting on the
eggs. Once the eggs are hatched, all of the birds will help feed the young.
Acorn Woodpeckers do not select a mate. They live as a commune.
As our area is becoming more urban, Acorn Woodpeckers are losing their
homes. Some of the houses across the street from La Rinconada Park have
incurred damage from Acorn Woodpeckers. Remember the Acorn Woodpeckers were
here before the houses. Historically, the granaries they used were in oak
trees and dead wood snags-but they will store acorns in any wood available!
Two of the houses across the street had lots of large holes with acorns
stuffed into them. The owners removed the wood roofs and put on metal roofs
so that the woodpeckers could not make holes. The Los Gatos Parks
Commission is aware of the Acorn Woodpeckers that live in La Rinconada
Park. They are pleased that this park can provide a needed habitat for the
colony.
"We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails"
http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 04 15:17:04 2000
Subject: [SBB] Nesting Birds
--------
In addtition to my Junco nest, I now have a pair of CHESTNUT-BACKED
CHICKADEES nest building in a birdhouse in my back yard. The last couple of
weeks I have noticed them checking the house out and one day heard some
remodeling going on inside the box. Lately, I hadn't seen any activity, but
I haven't been home much either, so this morning I opened the door in the
back and looked in. The nest is built mainly of "hairs" taken from the bark
of our redwood tree and lined with the dryer lint that I put on out compost
pile. I have since seen a chickadee go into the box. I remember that
someone wanted info on chickadees nesting in boxes. E-mail me on what info
is wanted. Kathy Parker email@hidden
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 04 17:46:23 2000
Subject: [SBB] Wild Turkey
--------
This morning I saw a female WILD TURKEY cross the east parking lot at Alum
Rock Park and go up the hill toward the eucalyptus trees. There were also 2
to 3 male BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS at the picnic area to the left as one
enters the park. (The one with all of the large oak and sycamore trees).
Kathy Parker
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 04 19:21:12 2000
Subject: [SBB] Canyon Wren
--------
Hi Birders!
It isn't often we get to observe and study the behavior of the Canyon Wren,
so the bird in Alum Rock Park this morning put on a nice show for me between
8:30 and 9 AM. It was very active along the creek just beyond the bridge at
the upper end of the pavement. In addition to it's regular and familiar
song, the bird would repeatedly sing, from a stationary spot, a five-note,
softly-muted rendition of it's descending song. It would bob and weave like
Mohammad Ali, and dip like a dipper, and with each dip turn its head from
side to side or sometimes hop around 180 degrees. On one occasion it took a
small leaf under the large wooden piling that juts out from the rocky stream
bank, but apparently it was just practicing nest-building, as it did not
return to that spot again. It spent half the time exploring all the nooks
and crannies of the rocks, and the other half bobbing and dipping
(posturing?) from the top of the bank or the man-made rock structures. All
in all it was a five-star performance.
Jack Cole
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 04 22:28:50 2000
Subject: [SBB] Stanford Hills
--------
All,
Sunday afternoon in the quarry area of Old Pagemill Road I had an
emphatically singing HOUSE WREN and perhaps four BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS.
Many Western Bluebirds, and Lesser Goldfinch were present as well. There
were at least two PINE SISKIN that flew overhead, but I did not get a
satisfactory look at them; I only heard their calls. I heard an
unfamiliar oriole and looked all over for it. When I finally found the
singing bird, it turned out to be a Northern Mockingbird doing an
uncanny impersonation of an oriole. Barn, Cliff, Tree, and Northern
Rough-winged swallows were foraging overhead.
Matthew Dodder
http://www.birdguy.net
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Wed Apr 05 08:11:11 2000
Subject: [SBB] Owl report
--------
With the 5 cameras, one of the questions Mike wanted to answer was when and
how often the Mom got food. Also, he wasn't certain he had even seen the
Dad. Here are his comments from the first night Mom was
incubating....Gloria LeBlanc
>We've got decent shots of Dad showing up with food, though you can't tell
>exactly what he's carrying. Monday night he brought her food 5 times 9:00,
9:20, and 9:50 etc. and he obviously had a gift each time.
People from 77 different locations visited our owl web site yesterday and
watched the video 84 times. I don't know when I'll have time to do more.
"We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails"
http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Wed Apr 05 12:43:54 2000
Subject: [SBB] Redtail x Ferruginous ???
--------
I saw a beautiful Red-tailed hawk this morning at Arastradero reserve in
PA. Lovely buteo with full red tail. Problem was that his bird had no
belly band whatsoever. Instead it had a very light creamy reddish wash
on its chest and belly. Doesn't fit. Any ideas???
--
Richard C. Carlson
Chairman, Spectrum Economics
Palo Alto, CA
email@hidden
650-324-2701
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Wed Apr 05 15:15:21 2000
Subject: [SBB] Red-tailed Variants
--------
Folks:
Our Red-tails are very variable. Birds range from almost black
underneath, to deep red, to normal birds with dark feathering on the belly, to
birds that are pale pinkish below, to cream, and to pure white. And these are
just variants of the western subspecies. Krider's and Harlan's are something
else. Unless leucistic, however, all should show a dark patagial mark.
[There are a few leucistic birds reported as well.]
Bill
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Apr 06 09:28:07 2000
Subject: [SBB] SWSP
--------
Folks:
This morning, 4/6/2000, I saw a SWAMP SPARROW at the Stevens Creek Tidal
Marsh, just north of the bridge at the south end of the marsh. The sparrow is
in mostly alternate plumage now, althougth there are still some white median
crown feathers between the crown stripes that are now a bright rufous. The
tide was out and there was a bay overcast at the time (about 7:45 am). Just
as our common wintering sparrows are starting to sing more as their hormones
tell them its time to go, the secretive marsh sparrows sometimes have a brief
period in April when they are easier to see and will sometimes even sing.
There was a STRIPED SKUNK about 15 feet from the bike path next to Salt
Pond A2W this morning. Through the binoculars it looked truly fierce as it
pulled up grass clods looking for food.
Bill
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Apr 06 11:13:18 2000
Subject: [SBB] Owl www site
--------
Mike has updated the owl site...awesome pictures...video of Dad coming in
with food...
Last year the eggs were first noticed on 4/30
this year we know the first egg was on 3/26, last on 4/2
Last year the first egg hatched on 5/14
Anyone want to tell us what we should expect this year?...we're thinking
4/2 plus 21 days makes it 4/23
Last year Mom flew for first time (to our knowledge) on 5/27
That was when we scheduled the "owl viewing party" at the house
We now know that Mom DOES leave the box at night!!!!
Last year fledge date ws 6/15.
We are invited to see the owls, as a group, but date not set yet...in the
meantime check out the site...it's AWESOME!!!
Mike (owl "owner") is not a birder...but is a techie...and is now an owl
admirer.
gloria leblanc
"We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails"
http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Apr 06 11:30:12 2000
Subject: [SBB] www.parkers.to/owl
--------
This is web site for owls....Gloria LeBlanc
http://www.parkers.to/owls
"We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails"
http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Apr 06 13:18:26 2000
Subject: [SBB] CAHU
--------
This morning at my banding site on private property near Felter and
Sierra Roads I banded a male Calliope Hummingbird. My records show that
this is only three days later than my report from 1995 of a male CAHU
seen at the same site on April 3. This morning's effort also yielded 7
banded Rufous hummingbirds; an estimate of RUHU on site this morning was
between 12-16 birds. Migration of RUHU this spring at this place has
been very good--numbers of birds present have flucuated depending, of
course, on the weather. This morning, the site, which is at about 600
m, just barely cleared the upper level of the cloud cover, giving an
"island effect" with the outer Coast Range, as well as the Diablos,
floating on a sea of clouds. A glorious morning!
Rita
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Fri Apr 07 06:23:22 2000
Subject: [SBB] HOGR, FOTE
--------
Greetings,
Yesterday, 4/6/00, I spent my lunch time at the EEC in Alviso. A few of the
46 species identified were my first Horned Grebe in summer plummage for the
year in the south end of salt pond A16 (immedeiately beyond the EEC) along
with large numbers of Eared Grebes. The 'horns' and reddish (rufous) neck
very prominantly differentiated the HOGR from the 'ears' of the EAGR. There
is still a fair number of podiceps grebes in winter plummage.
Also saw a pair of Forester's Terns (FOTE)in the area (my first of the
season). A pair of Common Moorhens were swimming together in the channel by
the Cottonwood trees. Good numbers of Lesser Scaup can be seen at Pong A16
and many American Wigeon remain at the 'pond' near Spreckles and State St.
in Alviso.
Cheers,
Karl
_______________________________________________________
Get 100% FREE Internet Access powered by Excite
Visit http://freelane.excite.com/freeisp
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Fri Apr 07 10:21:12 2000
Subject: [SBB] Owl visitation
--------
On a tentative basis we are scheduling an owl visitation on Tuesday, May
16th from 7 pm - 9 pm.
At 7ish Mike would show highlights of video clips...he tapes about 6 hours
each night and edits.
Last year the Mom flew at 8:15 PM...I watched the video from last night
this morning and the Mom left the box at 8pm for 15 minutes...the Dad
brought food at 8:20 PM and 8:42 PM...didn't have time to see more...I do
need to work!
The web site will not be updated for a week since Mike is going out of town
and his wife doesn't do it. There have been over 400 "hits" on his web site
in the last couple of days. It would be great for a school to see it.
Once the eggs have hatched we'll have a better timeframe. I will confirm
later and give directions if May 16th 7-9PM is the gathering time...it
probably will be...if you're interested, write it on your calendar in
pencil....
Gloria LeBlanc
"We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails"
http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Fri Apr 07 11:37:55 2000
Subject: [SBB] Black Skimmers
--------
Hi all,
Last week, Mike Taylor, a tern/skimmer biologist from So. Cal. observed 9
Black Skimmers at Charleston Slough, 4 had bands. He was unable to read
them through my cruddy spotting scope. I was wondering if those of you with
superior spotting scopes who could probably ID species of feather lice
(joke) would mind keeping an eye out for banded skimmers and reporting them
to me at either SBB or my personal address "email@hidden". If possible,
I will report back on where the bird was banded and what year.
There are three types of bands on these birds, 1) a USFWS metal band;
difficult to read in the field, but not impossible to get at least a partial
reading. 2) Plastic color bands with a letter & 2-3 numbers engraved on
them; please report the color and code if possible. 3) Small plastic color
bands (most are white) that SFBBO has placed on bay area chicks.
Please report any of the following information 1) the type of band (see
above), 2) the leg (the bird's right or left, not yours: ) the band is on,
3) any letters, numbers or colors, 4) the date, and 5) the location.
Thanks in advance for any observations.
Good birding,
Tom
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Fri Apr 07 12:02:39 2000
Subject: [SBB] Checklist
--------
Can anyone e-mail me a Bay area bird list? I'd like to organize my
sightings better and don't feel like paying for a commercial software.
--
Richard C. Carlson
Chairman, Spectrum Economics
Palo Alto, CA
email@hidden
650-324-2701
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Fri Apr 07 12:06:35 2000
Subject: [SBB] Owls and Humminbirds
--------
Last evening, April 6, we tried owling at Monte Bello. Conditions were
perfect -- no wind, clear, little moon. We heard at least 6 Screech
Owls but failed to get any to come closer.
For hummingbirds, I noticed an incredible Rufous/Allen's migration on
March 29 along the Coast. They were everywhere, but I see very few on
this side of the hills.
--
Richard C. Carlson
Chairman, Spectrum Economics
Palo Alto, CA
email@hidden
650-324-2701
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Fri Apr 07 17:29:07 2000
Subject: [SBB] New Northern California birding guide
--------
I realized that some California birders have not heard of the new "Birding
Northern California" guide by John Kemper that came out last year. I think
this is the best site guide for the area, with over 300 sites, range maps
for almost 200 specialties and seasonal occurrence bar charts for all the
species. This is where I got precise directions for the sage grouse lek at
Honey Lake. Here is the review from Amazon and the URL to buy it from there:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1560448326/002-1376264-5541065
You can also buy it from Falcon guides for a bit more:
http://www.falconbooks.com:80/book2.cfm?product_ID=2689&sub=birding&ID=4&a=0
&z=0
With the passion of a life-long birder and the
precision of a former professor of engineering, John Kemper has written an
exceptional,
new site guide for northern California. Detailed
information is given for 81 major locations from the Oregon border through
Monterey,
King, and Tulare counties plus the Kern River Valley
in Kern County; Mono County and the White Mountains are included on the
eastern side of the Sierra Nevada
The book focuses on species of interest by listing
“specialty birds” and “other key birds” at the beginning of each location
description.
Specialty birds include uncommon to abundant birds
found primarily in the western United States, endangered or threatened
species, and
rare birds if the site is among the best for the bird.
The text describes when, where, and how to the find the birds at each site,
and this
information was personally verified by John during two
years of fieldwork preparing the book. Range maps and bar charts at the
back of
the book are cross-referenced to the best sites for
each species and the time of year when each species occurs in different
regions of the
state. Readers will appreciate the easily readable,
detailed maps and the clearly written site descriptions. Novices, long-time
California
birders, and birders from out of state planning their
first or 100th trip to the state, will find the information needed to find
the birds of
interest to them and to plan successful birding trips.
Cagan H. Sekercioglu
Stanford University Center for Conservation Biology
Department of Biological Sciences Stanford, CA 94305-5020
http://jasper1.stanford.edu/~cagan/main.htm
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Fri Apr 07 19:54:39 2000
Subject: [SBB] Exotic cage birds, Twin Creeks, Hicks Road
--------
Howdy South-bay-birders,
Sorry about the confusing multiple posting of my last couple of messages.
Visited the Dolphin Pet Store on Campbell Ave. a few days ago--noticed
they had a Yellow-breasted Bunting and Blue Tit caged there--neither seemed
to be adjusting well to cage life. Surprised to see these Eurasian species
in a pet shop--I guess any exotic that can be kept in captivity is a
potential escapee that we could meet up with in the wild.
Birds found late this afternoon (Fri.) on a walk from the Hicks Road
turnoff to Twin Creeks included WOOD DUCKS (3), COOPER'S HAWK, WILD TURKEYS,
BAND-TAILED PIGEON, WARBLING VIREO, HOUSE WREN, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and
NORTHERN ORIOLE.
Along Hicks Road it was unusually quiet, with few birds singing. There
were 2 more HOUSE WRENS upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir.
John Mariani
email@hidden
www.birdswest.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Apr 08 10:00:13 2000
Subject: [SBB] Birds over the last week
--------
Interesting birds over the last week:
Saturday, April 1st: saw our first Bullock's Orioles of the season in
Almaden near the bridge where Camden avenue crosses Los Alamitos creek.
Debbie had heard a pair of orioles in the same spot two weeks while out
on a run, but wasn't able to spot them.
Sunday, April 2nd: took a nice hike in Rancho San Antonio. Once we
shook the crowds right around the farm, we got nice looks at a singing
Wilson's Warbler, lots of singing Orange-Crowned Warblers, a single
Pacific Slope Flycatcher, Bewick's Wren, and a beautiful Blue-Gray
Gnatcatcher.
Tuesday, April 4th: driving by Calero Resevoir on my way home from
work, I saw a Golden Eagle perched in a metal guard rail by the side of
the road that was being harassed by a couple of crows as I drove past.
Thursday, April 6th: I spotted what I think was my first Caspian Tern
of the season at Calero driving by on my way to work.
Friday, April 7th: Around 4 PM at the Mockingbird Hill entrance to
Quicksilver County Park, saw my first Warbling Vireo of the season, saw
White-breasted Nuthatch, and heard lots of singing Bewick's Wrens,
Wrentits, and Orange-Crowned Warblers. Also saw a female finch that I
suspect was a Purple Finch because of the striping on the face. An
accipiter gave me a pretty good look as it circled overhead, but I don't
have enough field experience separating Cooper's and Sharp-shinned to
know which it was. It had a noticably long tail. Tail appeared to be
square-edged.
Hugh McDevitt
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Apr 08 10:23:18 2000
Subject: [SBB] Stanford area sightings
--------
The Frenchman's Road area and the stream along Stanford Ave. this morning
had three Pacific Slope Flycatchers, three Hooded Orioles, two Bullock's
Orioles, one singing Wilson's Warbler.
- Dave Lewis
David B. Lewis
Division of Immunology/Transplantation Biology, Room H-307
Stanford University School of Medicine
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford, CA 94305-5208
Tel: (650) 498-4189 FAX: (650) 498-6077
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Apr 08 10:34:02 2000
Subject: [SBB] Vasona Lake, Los Gatos
--------
This morning, over at Vasona Lake, we spotted large numbers of CEDAR
WAXWINGS. Their numbers increased significantly over the past week at the
park. I suspect they are beginning to gather up the flock to migrate. We
also saw AMERICAN ROBINS building nests in the trees over by the snack shack
building. The CLIFF SWALLOWS were abundant and have begun building their
mud nests on the foot bridge over the lake. There is also a hawk, which I
think is a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, building a nest in the Eucalyptus trees in
the back of the park. We also saw at least six BULLOCK'S ORIOLES over at
Oak Meadow Park.
Pat Curtis
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Apr 08 10:43:14 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Birds over the last week
--------
At 10:00 AM -0700 4/8/2000, email@hidden wrote:
>Saturday, April 1st: saw our first Bullock's Orioles of the season in
>Almaden near the bridge where Camden avenue crosses Los Alamitos creek.
we've seen no sign of any orioles here (Santa Clara, central park area).
--
--
Chuq Von Rospach - Plaidworks Consulting (mailto:email@hidden)
Apple Mail List Gnome (mailto:email@hidden)
And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar
and say 'Man, what are you doing here?'"
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Apr 08 15:56:43 2000
Subject: [SBB] Strange Woodpecker Color
--------
In Guadalupe Oak Grove Park, San Jose, in an area where Nutall's are always
seen and heard, I saw what looked exactly like a Nutall's except that it was
a rich russet in color. I was able to observe it for a couple of minutes as
it foraged upside down on a tree limb. (I know a Flicker when I see one!)
None of my bird books show a woodpecker with this coloring. There was no
red on the head. It had the same barring, size and behavior as the
frequently observed Nutall's. Any ideas?
Barbara Harkleroad
Almaden area
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Apr 08 16:06:40 2000
Subject: [SBB] Northern Pygmy Owl
--------
On Saturday from 11 am until at least 12:30 pm a Northern Pygmy Owl was
along Stevens Canyon Road above Stevens Creek Park. The owl was
upstream from the first bridge about a hundred feet before a telephone
pole labeled #9. It was in a leafless tree on the stream side of the
road above the edge of the road.
Rob Colwell
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Apr 08 20:28:00 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Strange Woodpecker Color
--------
Stricklands???
--
Richard C. Carlson Full-time Birder, Biker, Skier, Hiker
Palo Alto, California Part-time Economist
email@hidden
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Apr 09 00:30:28 2000
Subject: [SBB] Saturday Birds
--------
All,
While skating at Charleston Slough and Shoreline today (with my
binoculars) I counted 9 BLACK SKIMMERS on their traditional island.
There are still two female COMMON GOLDENEYES on the lake and near Tern
Island there was a male REDHEAD.
Matthew Dodder
http://www.birdguy.net/
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Apr 09 15:00:58 2000
Subject: [SBB] Emily Renzel Wetlands Birds
--------
This morning, 4/9/00, Phyllis Browning and I did our monthly census at
the Emily Renzel Wetlands in Palo Alto. Highlights included a pair of
BLUE-WINGED TEAL in the salt marsh on the east side of the preserve and
Selasphorus hummers at the end of Embarcadero Way. A male ALLEN's
hummer identified itself with a classic courtship flight. At 8:40 am a
pair of crows was courting in a walnut tree by Matadero Creek just east
of the frontage road. They were still present at 10:30 when we first
saw a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK perched in the same tree. Cliff Swallows have
returned to nest under the bridge there. As we've noticed in other
years, they seem to have a much later arrival date for this location
than elsewhere in Palo Alto.
Rosalie Lefkowitz
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Apr 09 16:24:25 2000
Subject: [SBB] Woodpecker at Guadalupe
--------
Thanks to RReiling,
The bird was a definite "eyecatcher." It looks like the Williamson's. It
definitely had the barring on the back. When I sent my query, I hadn't
looked at the Williamson's Sapsucker in my Nat'l Geo. It stands out as a
definite posibility. Hopefully I can see it again and look for the white
tail patch. However, the size appeared Nuttallish.
Barbara
Will take my camera tomorrow!
----------
>From: email@hidden
>To: email@hidden
>Subject: Re: [SBB] Strange Woodpecker Color
>Date: Sun, Apr 9, 2000, 4:11 PM
>
> Barbara,
>
> The time of year would tend to rule out immature woodpeckers/sapsuckers. I
> think that the best bet (other than a partially leucistic Nuttall's) would be
> a female Williamson's Sapsucker. WISA have been seen in the area which is on
> the edge of it's year-round range. The white rump patch on a female WISA
> should be fairly obvious but the yellow belly and black chest markings may
> not be easily seen. Strickland's would be unrealistically outside it's
> normal range and it does not have a ladder back.
>
> Get a photo if you can and good luck,
> Bob Reiling, 3:17 PM, 4/9/00
>
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Apr 09 16:36:49 2000
Subject: [SBB] Skyline Blvd. birds
--------
Saturday, 4/8/00, I led a dawn chorus bird walk for the Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. This preserve is
south of the junction of Page Mill/Alpine Rd. and Skyline Blvd. and most of
it is within San Mateo County.
Lots of singing ORANGE-CROWNED and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS were present.
A CHIPPING SPARROW was seen at the disabled parking area. Also heard was a
WARBLING VIREO. A couple of pairs of RING-NECKED DUCK and a few sightings
of RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET and GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW represented the lingering
winter birds.
A BADGER was seen at a burrow below the trail/road that cuts over the top
of the ridge from the Horseshoe Lake area to the ranger station near Alpine
Pond. It had very pale facial markings. A medium-sized white butterfly,
similar to a Pine White, was seen. Shooting Stars, Hound's Tongue and
Fringepods were among the wildflower highlights.
Our first BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK for our yard this year was seen this
morning, 4/9/00, at our hummingbird feeder. It was a brightly-colored male.
Les
--
Les Chibana, Palo Alto, CA email@hidden
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Apr 09 19:35:48 2000
Subject: [SBB] White-throated Sparrow
--------
This afternoon, 4/9/00, while conducting my weekly Project Feeder Watch
Survey, I observed a 'different' White-crowned Sparrow. Grabbing a pair of
binoculars I discovered it to be a White-throated Sparrow (a life bird,
right in my own back yard!). The lateral white stripe seemed broader that
the WCSP. The yellow spots at the front of the white strips were brilliant
and the white throat very distinctive. I've always wondered how 'different'
the WTSP would appear from the WCSP, now I know.
Cheers,
Karl
_______________________________________________________
Get 100% FREE Internet Access powered by Excite
Visit http://freelane.excite.com/freeisp
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 10 08:21:29 2000
Subject: [SBB] Weekend Almaden Birds
--------
Hello All -
Here are a few birds of interest from the Almaden area over the weekend, Apr
8-9.
Calero Reservoir, Apr 8 - a RED-THROATED LOON was at the upper end - also a
W.GREBE, a CLARK'S GREBE, and several LESSER SCAUP - TREE SWALLOWS are still
hanging around the dead cottonwood upstream of the reservoir - CLIFF
SWALLOWS have also now arrived
Twin Creeks Area, Alamitos Rd, Apr 8 - WOOD DUCK, COMMON MERGANSER, HOUSE
WREN, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, and displaying WILD TURKEYS
Quicksilver CP, Mockingbird Hill area, Apr 8 - BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS have
arrived in force with chasing/courting activity - a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK
was seen bringing nesting material to a residential palm along Mockingbird
Hill Lane (Mike R & Bill B, I'll get better coordinates for you later)
Sierra Azul OSP, Woods Rd, Apr 9 - PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, a singing
BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, lots of ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, and a pair of GOLDEN
EAGLES overhead
Stiles Ranch Trail, Santa Teresa CP, Apr 9 - a ROCK WREN and singing
RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS
I guess the "best" bird of the weekend was the Red-throated Loon. Lots of
good wild flowers (especially along Woods Rd and serpentine Stiles Ranch
Trail) - and butterflies (good numbers of courting Common Buckeyes, plus
Calif Ringlet, Sara Orangetip, Mylitta Crescent, Checkered Skipper, Western
Swallowtail, and Pale Swallowtail).
That's it for now - Ann
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 10 09:08:16 2000
Subject: [SBB] Big Day
--------
The Spiderhunters (Vivek Tiwari and Tom Grey) did a Birdathon Big Day
yesterday in Santa Clara County, and got a tentative count of 114 species.
We started at Stevens Creek Park, where landbird activity was slow on a
cold morning -- singing WILSON'S, TOWNSEND'S, and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS,
WARBLING VIREOS, and a couple of BULLOCK'S ORIOLES at Villa Maria, but
nothing more exciting -- well, I guess a pair of NUTTALL'S WOODPECKERS
copulating was a nice sign of spring! The reservoir made up for this with
an OSPREY overhead, joining a CASPIAN TERN. We didn't check the upper creek
for the Dipper, but went on to McClellan Ranch, where we found the HOODED
ORIOLE in its palm, and a gorgeous male PURPLE FINCH at the feeders. On
from there across the county to the east hills and Ed Levin Park, where
Sandy Wool Lake had 4 species of swallows (lacking Rough-winged), and the
sycamore grove above had two singing HOUSE WRENS, a great view of an
all-rufous-backed male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD, and an excellent view of a
RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW. On up to the top of Summit Road, where we were
treated to the sight of two GOLDEN EAGLES in the distance, which we
followed down until they landed next to each other on the ground in a
pasture. We had birds we hoped to see up there, and in short order one
after another they appeared for us very cooperatively -- HORNED LARK, LARK
SPARROW, AMERICAN PIPIT, ROCK WREN. Then back to Bayside to see what we
could get to fill out our list. Sunnyvale WPCP had two BURROWING OWLS on
the former dump hillside; Shoreline had the expected BLACK SKIMMERS; and
along with expected birds, Baylands had about 60 BONAPARTE'S GULLS. Among
the major dips of the day were Yellow-rumped Warbler (!), any flycatchers
except Black Phoebe, any accipiters, and quite a few of the duck species
that were all around us very recently. All in all, a very fun day!
-- Tom Grey Stanford Law School email@hidden
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 10 09:59:46 2000
Subject: [SBB] Russet-colored Nuttall's Woodpecker
--------
Folks,
If Barbara's description is correct, that is, "I saw what looked exactly
like a Nutall's except that it was a rich russet in color. . . There was no
red on the head. It had the same barring, size and behavior as the frequently
observed Nutall's," then it cannot be either a Williamson's Sapsucker or a
Strickland's Woodpecker, both of which have different patterns. In this case,
assuming the description is correct, the color change is undoubtedly genetic,
that is, the black feather pigments have been replaced or surplanted by brown
pigments. I have not heard about such a pigment change for this species and
would appreciate a very careful description that describes all of the feather
tracts or, better still, a photo.
I am unaware of any pattern of vagrancy of Strickland's. Mike Rogers
is sure to know, but I don't think the CBRC has even reviewed the species for
the California list. Williamson's Sapsuckers do move about a bit, but
contrary to Bob Reiling's comment, we are not on the edge of their range.
They are a very rare vagrant to the coast and there is only one record for
Santa Clara County. Nonetheless, his suggestion of this species (female) is
a good one, assuming Barbara's description is not accurate.
So get that photo or a detailed description, feather tract by feather
tract.
Bill
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 10 10:24:18 2000
Subject: [SBB] Weekend birds
--------
All:
On Saturday, I checked out the area just N. of the Alviso marina. The shallow
pond to the right of the path has a number of shorebirds and gulls. These
included a potential first-year Iceland Gull I need to do some further
investigation on. There were Herring and Thayer's Gulls still present and a
single Caspian Tern.Most interersting shorebirds were about 15 Black-bellied
Plovers.
On Sunday, Hidden Lake in Milpitas had about 50 Thayer's Gulls, almost all
first years. A quick check of CCFS later turned up about 230 Bonaparte's Gulls
and some ducks and shorebirds, including a female Greater Scaup.
Nick
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 10 10:34:29 2000
Subject: [SBB] Smith's Creek,San Ant Valley
--------
All,
Yesterday 4/9/00, I decided to work the Diablo Range for early
migrants.
I started out at 7:10am at Smith's Creek Ranger Station, which was
actually pretty quiet except for numerous singing HOUSE WRENS and
noisy STELLER'S JAYS. However, as I worked my way back to the
southwest corner of the meadow (near the broken-down barn) I did find
a pair of LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES and a big sparrow flock (3 LINCOLN'S,
2 WHITE-CROWNED, and 19+ GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS). Then I heard a
single song of a NASHVILLE WARBLER from the budding oaks up the
hillside to the west (the morning sun was warming the tree tops here).
Working my way upslope, I eventually found 3 male NASHVILLE WARBLERS
(none singing after that first song!) and 4 HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHERS (all
calling, the first two chasing each other around) with 2 male
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS and an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (quality
flock!).
Next I headed along the southern edge of the meadow, finding the first
of three WILSON'S WARBLERS and 2 more BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS. Down
along the creek I added 2 WARBLING VIREOS, 2 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS and
four more ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS. Following the road back up towards
Grant Ranch Park netted 2 more BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, another
BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and a singing RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW across the
creek.
Ducks made a decent showing, with 2 COMMON MERGANSERS flying overhead
to the east as I arrived and another "quacking" female in the creek
just west of the bridge, as well as a single MALLARD and a single WOOD
DUCK along the creek east of the bridge. Other lingering winter birds
included 4 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, 2 to 3 HERMIT THRUSHES, and only
2 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS. Also had 4 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS (in Bay
Laurel, not the oaks were the HAMMOND'S were), 3 HUTTON'S VIREOS, and
2 to 3 PURPLE FINCHES.
BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, and a CHESTNUT-BACKED
CHICKADEE were all carrying nesting material and a pair of
CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES was engaged in courtship feeding.
I next headed to the Mt. Hamilton summit, where I spent some time
watching two hummingbird feeders. Among the many ANNA'S were at least
three male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS and at least two female selasphorus
that were undoubtedly also RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS. More interesting was
one female hummingbird that was very white below, lacking the dingy
grays of the female Anna's. The throat was unmarked except for a few
pale gray flecks. I though that it might be a female Costa's or
Black-chinned Hummingbird and the shorter looking bill suggested
Costa's, but it flew off to the south without calling before I could
make the ID. Frustratingly, I later heard what sounded like the call
of a Costa's Hummingbird from across the road, but it never returned
to the feeders. Other birds here included 3 singing male
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS (including territorial chasing by two of
them) and a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER.
After this, I headed east to San Antonio Valley. A stop at Seeboy
Ridge (milepost 6.00) produced a male LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH and another
BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER. A SAGE SPARROW was singing at milepost 7.66
and an alternate-plumaged GREATER YELLOWLEGS was in the creek - also a
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW foraging over the creek here. Three
more GREATER YELLOWLEGS and two more NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS
were just further east. A COMMON YELLOWTHROAT at the Arnold Pond at
milepost 9.30 was a surprise and a DOWNY WOODPECKER here was good for
the Diablo Range interior. Another NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW and
7 RING-NECKED DUCKS (5 males) were near the green mile marker 11.0
(about milepost 10.67). Another LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH flew over the
chaparral at milepost 12.43.
Once into the San Antonio Valley, I had 6 WOOD DUCKS and another
GREATER YELLOWLEGS, but not the hoped for Solitary Sandpiper. Three
ELK among the cows were a surpise so far from the Isabel Valley. A
LEWIS'S WOODPECKER was by the yellow gate, along with another
LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH. Also had another DOWNY WOODPECKER and 3 WESTERN
KINGBIRDS along this stretch of road. At least four SAGE SPARROWS
were singing both east and north of the junction and a male
PHAINOPEPLA was near the first cattleguard north of the junction. A
pair of LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH, a pair of NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED
SWALLOWS, and a male AUDUBON'S YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER flew overhead
here. I had only ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS at the junction feeders, where
Steve Rovell and Steve Glover had reported a female Calliope
Hummingbird from the day before.
Mike Rogers
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 10 11:37:47 2000
Subject: [SBB] To: email@hidden
--------
Can someone send me the address of the server to sign on to birdwest - I am
trying to set up a new computer.
Thanks, Nick
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 10 11:59:24 2000
Subject: [SBB] Black-throated gray warbler
--------
On Sunday, I heard a Black-Throated Gray Warbler on Gerona St. on the
Stanford Campus.
dave
Division of Immunology/Transplantation Biology
Room H-307
Stanford University School of Medicine
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford, CA 94305-5208
Tel: (650)498-4189 FAX:(650) 498-6077
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 10 13:06:26 2000
Subject: [SBB] baby hummer
--------
Hi All,
My boss just came to me with a baby hummingbird that fell out of the nest.
It is still living and we are wondering if we should call someone, or what
should we do?
I am at Slac in Menlo Park.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Pat Prickett
email@hidden
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Apr 10 14:10:39 2000
Subject: [SBB] hummer rescue
--------
Hi All,
Thanks to all who responded to my plea about the hummer. We called wildlife
rescue and they couldn't come to us and we couldn't go to them, so we called
Peninsula Humane and they are coming out to get the bird.(They've been out
several times in the past. Once they were out on a Mt. Lion call, but I
don't think they found it). My boss instinctively wrapped the bird in soft
tissue paper and the bird seemed in pretty good shape. It actually looks
more adult size.
Many thanks for quick response.
Pat
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 11 02:47:37 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] New Northern California birding guide
--------
>I realized that some California birders have not heard of the new "Birding
>Northern California" guide by John Kemper that came out last year. I think
>this is the best site guide for the area, with over 300 sites, range maps
>for almost 200 specialties and seasonal occurrence bar charts for all the
>species. This is where I got precise directions for the sage grouse lek at
>Honey Lake. Here is the review from Amazon and the URL to buy it from there:
I picked this book up on a trip to Oregon & used it extensively on a trip
to Pt. Reyes and a couple other outings away from the SBB coverage area.
It's got wonderful directions to specific locations within Pt Reyes to
locate Pacific Golden Plover (for instance) and very thorough information
about how to get around, property rights you need to observe to get to the
spots described. I did a quick check this past weekend by reviewing the
local hot spots (Foster City locales, Palo Alto ponds, Charleston Slough,
etc) and found all my best routes were covered.
Great book. My philosophy on it is to buy as many copies as possible. I
want to make sure the author collects enough on this one to get interested
in a Birding Southern California.
cheers,
-mary
-----
Mary @ Wisnewski .com
web maven without portfolio
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 11 08:26:14 2000
Subject: [SBB] EUWI (still)
--------
Folks:
Yesterday afternoon, 4/10/2000, I noted that the AM. WIGEON flock on
Salt Pond A1 in Mountain View was still in excess of a thousand birds and I
was able to find at least one male EURASIAN WIGEON in the flock. This is
getting quite late for a spring record. I counted seven BLACK SKIMMERS at
Charleston Slough.
Bill
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 11 10:16:02 2000
Subject: [SBB] birds
--------
Some recent birding highlights:
On the weekend of 1-2 Apr 00 I birded Almaden Quicksilver and Henry Coe
Parks. The usual migrants were around (lots of singing HOUSE WRENS at
Coe), but nothing that hasn't already been reported.
I also stopped at San Felipe Road on 2 Apr 00 to look for Cassin's
Kingbird, but had no luck with this species. I did find a BARN OWL that
was roosting in the eucalyptus, and a pair of RED-TAILED HAWKS was
building a nest in the middle euc. At San Felipe Lake, a colony of
TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS has moved into the reeds along the edge of the
lake, near the GTGR spot (this is actually in San Benito Cnty). GREAT
BLUE HERONS had at least 6 active nests in the submerged trees out on
the lake. WESTERN and EARED GREBES were still present, as well as 16
AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS.
On 6 Apr I had a pair of WOOD DUCKS along Coyote Creek south of Hellyer.
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS are singing profusely,
gearing up for breeding elsewhere (although the warblers do breed in
localized spots in the Santa Cruz Mnts).
On 8 Apr I drove along Metcalf and San Felipe Roads. RUFOUS-CROWNED
SPARROWS were singing on the hillside just east of hwy 101 along
Metcalf. Surprisingly, San Felipe Valley had all 5 swallow species. BARN
and CLIFF were nesting on a building a quarter mile or so from the end
of the road, while TREEs were checking out some nest boxes on the
adjacent fenceline. VIOLET-GREEN were flying about the oaks looking for
cavities, while ROUGH-WINGEDS were hanging around the little bridge that
crosses the creek. The valley also had a rufous-morph RED-TAILED HAWK.
On 9 Apr I headed up to Grant Park, stopping first at the trailhead
behind the old barn to look for Grasshopper Sparrows. I failed to find
any, but heard some gobbling WILD TURKEYS across the road. I then went
up to Smith Creek, where I found Mike Rogers wandering the road. I
didn't see any of his good migrants, so I tried the area around Grant
Lake. Here I had a male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD at the eucalyptus trees just
east of the lake, as well as a good half dozen female selasphorus
hummers. I found 3 FORSTER'S TERNS at the lake and, at one point, 2 of
them chased after a RED-TAILED HAWK that was innocently flying by.
Mike Mammoser
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 11 10:25:13 2000
Subject: [SBB] Shoreline Park
--------
All,
On my run through Shoreline Park yesterday 4/10/00 I noted
a vocal adult PEREGRINE FALCON circling up to harass one of
the local adult RED-TAILED HAWKS in front of the 80'x120'
wind tunnel inlet here at NASA and had two HOODED ORIOLES
along Stevens Creek between L'Avenida and Crittenden Lane.
One oriole, an adult male, was very vocal and visible in
the lone eucalyptus halfway between these two roads, both
on my way out and on my way back. Also interesting were
a pair of adult MUTE SWANS in Permanente Creek just south
of the auto bridge to the boat house parking area by the
golf course clubhouse.
Mike Rogers
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 11 10:34:32 2000
Subject: [SBB] March archive online
--------
South Bay Birders,
The archive of the March 2000 South-Bay-Birders messages is online at:
http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~jmorlan/southbay.htm
Other updates include two new mystery birds, a warbler and a gull, and
answers to last month's mystery thrasher and bluebird at:
http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~jmorlan/mysteries.htm
Enjoy!
--
Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA 94044: mailto:email@hidden
California Birding; Mystery Birds: http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~jmorlan/
California Bird Records Committee: http://www.wfo-cbrc.org/cbrc/
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 11 16:54:02 2000
Subject: [SBB] CAQU in Los Altos Neighborhood
--------
Today (4/11) while working at a client's home in N. Los Altos, my
Brittany started acting birdy just as we got in the backyard. I let him
go and he worked across the lawn to a group of shrubs and then went on a
staunch point. As I approached, a male California Quail rocketed out of
the shrubs and into the neighbors yard and soon began to call.
This is an area far removed from their native habitat (an area closer to
ECR than Foothill Expressway). I have seen quail in the neighborhoods
before, almost always in spring. I assume this individual was looking
for a mate or new habitat to exploit. My client does have a feeder and I
guess this is what the bird was doing in the yard. The owner has not
seen quail in the yard for many years, but that too was in the early
spring.
Screech.
--
Paul L. Noble
"Screechowl"
email@hidden
^ ^
@ @
( v )
( )
/ \
m m
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 11 17:15:15 2000
Subject: [SBB] Eurasian Wigeon
--------
All,
This morning the adult male Eurasian Wigeon was still in Salt Pond A1 with
thousands of American Wigeon. Ten Black Skimmers were on the small island in
the southeast corner of the pond. (Hunting season must be over for all these
ducks to be on this pond.) For those who don't know, Salt Pond A1 is the
large pond north of Shoreline Lake and east of Charleston Slough.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 5:12 PM, 4/11/00
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Apr 11 22:48:00 2000
Subject: [SBB] Yellow Warbler, nesting Canada Geese, and other goodies
--------
Howdy South-bay-birders,
This afternoon I visited some Almaden Valley spots, starting with
Alamitos Road between Almaden Reservoir and Twin Creeks. Along the creek at
O'Day's there was a singing YELLOW WARBLER, the first I've heard there this
spring. Other birds found in that short stretch included SHARP-SHINNED HAWK,
WILD TURKEY, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, VIOLET-GREEN and N.
ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS, HOUSE WREN, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, 1 YELLOW-RUMPED
WARBLER (singing), BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLES.
Along Hicks Road, just upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir, I pished in a
pair of CASSIN'S VIREOS. Looked for but didn't find any Wilson's Warblers
there.
WESTERN KINGBIRDS have returned to their usual spot along the Alamitos
Creek Trail upstream from Almaden Lake (near the upper end of the long dry
gravel bed). As I walked up I thought I heard a Cassin's Kingbird call, but
my search only produced 3 Westerns (guess I misheard). Other birds along the
path included lots of VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, HOUSE WREN, CALIFORNIA
THRASHER, CEDAR WAXWINGS, and more BULLOCK'S ORIOLES. I was surprised to see
a very scrawny looking COYOTE come to the creek to drink.
At Almaden Lake there were a few HERRING GULLS among the CALIFORNIA and
RING-BILLED GULLS on the island at the stream inflow, also 1 FORSTER'S and 2
CASPIAN TERNS. A pair of CANADA GEESE along the lakeshore had a brood of 6
goslings in tow--very cute in their yellow down.
John Mariani
email@hidden
www.birdswest.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Wed Apr 12 08:17:28 2000
Subject: [SBB] New Yard Birds
--------
Last evening a White-throated sparrow showed up at my backyard feeders
in Los Altos.
What a beautiful bird! Two other Zonotrichia were in attendance, as
well. A Golden-crowned and White-crowned sparrow were also present at
the same time.
Last week a White-tailed Kite landed in a large pine tree in my backyard
after having been mobbed by the local crow gang.
Lou Beaudet
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Wed Apr 12 17:38:17 2000
Subject: [SBB] Mystery Bird
--------
Today at lunch, one of the fellas at the table mentioned to me that he
had seen a dark bird with a very curved bill from his office window. I
told him I thought it was probably a California Thrasher. He went on to
mention that there were two birds, and one bird's bill was quite a bit
shorter that the other. I was intrigued, so I went up to his office
after lunch hoping to see the bird. I did see the bird. A California
Thrasher it was not!
When I first saw the bird from the rear it looked very much like a
starling. Maybe, a little larger. When the bird turned around I was
amazed to find that although it looked starling-like, it had a somewhat
curved bill that was at least three times the length of a starling's
bill. The bill was black at the base, changing to a bright yellow about
a 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the base, which tapered to quite a sharp point.
I was unable to see the other bird.
I was able to obtain a camera-pass from the tenants, and will try to get
pictures of the bird tomorrow.
Lou Beaudet
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Apr 13 07:48:38 2000
Subject: [SBB] Junco Nest
--------
Yesterday, Wednesday, the Junco nest was lost. I don't know what happened,
I wasn't home. When I went to check on the nest at about 3:30, it was
empty. I found one of the babies, dead on the ground under the nest. No
sign of the other three. The enst was not messed up at all, no struggle.
The baby under the nest, other than being dead, showed no obvious injuries-
no punctures, blood, etc. I am hoping that the parents will renest. Should
I clear the old nest out and hope they renest there, or will they use the
old nest? Kathy Parker
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Apr 13 13:58:35 2000
Subject: [SBB] Band-Tailed Pigeons
--------
I have 54 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS eating in my backyard at this moment.
Gloria LeBlanc
Los Gatos off Quito
"We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails"
http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Apr 13 13:59:48 2000
Subject: [SBB] Another CAHU
--------
This morning as a reward for braving the threatening weather, Rosalie
Lefkowitz and I banded another Calliope Hummingbird. This time it was a
female. Like the male, she was tiny, tipping the scales at 2.6 grams,
and showing the typical cinnamon-buff coloration to the sides of the
breast and flanks. The back was bronzy-green; the throat was white
speckled with small bronzy spots. Tail was short. Center tail feathers
showed the unusual "pandurate" shape that female Calliopes have. She was
a real treat to see.
Rita
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Apr 13 14:46:23 2000
Subject: [SBB] BBPL
--------
Today, 4/13/00, at noon I visited the Alviso Marina. The Black-bellied
Plovers (I counted eight)continue at the overflow area between pond A12 and
the RR tracks. Also observed in that area were a pair of Swamp Sparrows and
a pair of Norther Pintail along with many of the 'usual' shorebirds. A
Western and a Clark's Grebe were alone in pond A12. A pair of Forster's
Terns flew over the pond briefly.
Cheers,
Karl
_______________________________________________________
Get 100% FREE Internet Access powered by Excite
Visit http://freelane.excite.com/freeisp
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Apr 13 14:52:10 2000
Subject: [SBB] Smith Creek Fire Station
--------
All,
This morning Frank Vanslager and I birded Smith Creek Fire Station (because
of Mike Rogers recent sightings of Hammond's Flycatcher, MacGillivray's
Warbler and Lawrence's Goldfinches). When we arrived the area around the
bridge was alive with singing House Wrens and a Black-headed Grosbeak was
singing upstream of the bridge. Then as we headed west along the south side
of the fire station Frank spotted a couple impatient Lawrence's Goldfinches
in the top of a bare tree located on the fire station. I was fooling with my
scope at the time (a rock in one of legs) and the birds flew just as Frank
was getting them in his scope :-(. We then headed up into the hills, bearing
left at the junctions (listening carefully all the way). Near the top we had
a singing immature male Purple Finch. (Someone recently said that female
PUFI don't sing, it would be nice to have a reference, if possible, since
none of my books make any mention of females singing, or not.) I could see
no color (yellow-green or otherwise) on the PUFIs head, chin or throat, the
bird looking essentially the same as a female (no, I did not see the rump).
We also saw a Lark Sparrow near the top of the trail. It was literally down
hill from there with no other "mentionables ." The only good thing was that
it didn't rain hard until we got back to the car. A quick stop at Grant
Ranch/Hall's Valley Lake added some birds to the day's list (Wild Turkeys
were heard and seen near and on Quimby Road).
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 2:48 PM, 4/13/00
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Apr 13 15:20:32 2000
Subject: [SBB] RFI: Ogier Ponds
--------
All:
I tried to access the Ogier Ponds today for the first time. I tried Ogier Lane
off the Monterey Highway, but there were signs at the end stating there is no
access at this point. Exactly how does one visit these ponds? Is there any
access off 101?
Thanks, Nick
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Apr 13 15:28:17 2000
Subject: [SBB] Birds seen at the Post Office...
--------
The new Pacific Coast Rain Forest stamps are out.
Birds on their own (peel & stick) stamps:
Harlequin Ducks
American Dipper
Winter Wren
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Judy Donaldson
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Apr 13 15:30:47 2000
Subject: [SBB] Mystery Bird
--------
I failed to get a picture today. It was reported as being there before I
arrived and again after I left. I'll try again tomorrow.
The location of the bird is at the rear of the Lockheed Martin facility
at 160 E. Tasman Ave. San Jose. It had been bathing in some standing
water on a part of the roof that overhangs the loading dock. I don't
think it is visible from the parking lot unless you catch sight of it
flying to one of the nearby trees.
Lou Beaudet
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Apr 13 15:44:59 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Mystery bird
--------
Joseph Morlan says:
>> Ann Verdi suggested
>>it may be a bulbul of some kind. Any ideas as to what this odd bird might
>>be?
>
>How about Redeyed Bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans)from southern Africa?
Then the question becomes how did it get hear. Granted it is probably an
escape if that is true, but I don't recall these birds being a frequent
of infrequent cage bird - are they?
-Chris
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Apr 13 16:40:48 2000
Subject: [SBB] Acorn Woodpecker picture
--------
The Los Gatos Parks Commission has agreed to distribute the "Birds of La
Rinconada Park." It will be one piece of paper. On one side will be the
names of the birds. On the reverse side will be the write-up of the acorn
woodpecker. They would like to have a picture of an Acorn Woodpecker on
it....It will be printed in black and white. Does anyone have a sketch, or
photo they would be willing to let me use - for free?
Dusty has agreed to put it all together and make the handout "pretty" for me.
I am to present the finished product on May 2nd for final approval at the
Los Gatos Parks commission meeting.
Can you help me?
Gloria LeBlanc
"We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails"
http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Fri Apr 14 06:03:22 2000
Subject: Fwd: [SBB] BBPL
--------
Upon further review, the SWSP I reported yesterday, 4/13/00, was a Savannah
Sparrow. I apologize for the error.
Karl
----- Original Message -----
> Message-ID: <25547732.955662383670.JavaMail.imail@derby>
> Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2000 14:46:23 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Karl Fowler
> To: email@hidden
> Subject: [SBB] BBPL
>
>
> Today, 4/13/00, at noon I visited the Alviso Marina. The Black-bellied
> Plovers (I counted eight)continue at the overflow area between pond A12
and
> the RR tracks. Also observed in that area were a pair of Swamp Sparrows
and
> a pair of Norther Pintail along with many of the 'usual' shorebirds. A
> Western and a Clark's Grebe were alone in pond A12. A pair of Forster's
> Terns flew over the pond briefly.
>
> Cheers,
> Karl
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________________
> Get 100% FREE Internet Access powered by Excite
> Visit http://freelane.excite.com/freeisp
>
> -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
> This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
> server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
> message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to
email@hidden
_______________________________________________________
Get 100% FREE Internet Access powered by Excite
Visit http://freelane.excite.com/freeisp
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Fri Apr 14 16:10:44 2000
Subject: [SBB] Olive-sided Flycatcher, etc.
--------
Howdy South-bay-birders,
Just visited Twin Creeks, where a silent OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was perched
in one of its usual spots, tip-top in a bare eucalyptus. Other birds there
included CASSIN'S VIREO, YELLOW WARBLER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, PURPLE
FINCH, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES.
Around the parking area at the New Almaden entrance to Almaden
Quicksilver Park: PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, WESTERN
BLUEBIRD, and singing YELLOW-RUMPED and YELLOW WARBLERS. Along McKean Road
there were a pair of GOLDEN EAGLES circling near last year's nest site.
There is still a pile of sticks atop the tower platform, but whether they
are again nesting there I don't know--
John Mariani
email@hidden
www.birdswest.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Apr 15 08:24:52 2000
Subject: [SBB] Mime-Version: 1.0
--------
Yesterday I braved some intermittent rain and took an out-of-town friend on
the Table Mountain hike. Good views in flight of a Pileated Woodpecker,
but did not see evidence that the nest hole of previous years was in use.
Bird activity was otherwise subdued but included Warbling Vireos (3),
Ash-Throated Flycatchers (2), Pacific-Slope Flycatchers (2), Rufous
Hummingbirds (2), and many Black-Throated Gray Warblers.
- Dave
David B. Lewis
Division of Immunology/Transplantation Biology, Room H-307
Stanford University School of Medicine
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford, CA 94305-5208
Tel: (650) 498-4189 FAX: (650) 498-6077
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Apr 15 09:37:17 2000
Subject: [SBB] Mystery Bird no longer a mystery.
--------
I was able to observe this bird several times yesterday. I'm quite
certain it is a male starling with an abnormally long bill. The bill is
at least 2 1/2 to 3 times longer than a normal starling bill. The bill
has some darker coloring at the base, fading into a bright yellow, and
then back to about a 1/4 to 1/2 inch of black at the very tip of the
bill. The bill does not appear to be deformed in any other manner, just
elongated.
The bird seems to be paired with a female who is bringing nesting
material to a cavity in the roof overhanging the loading dock.
I was able to take several pictures of the birds through the tinted
office windows. Hopefully they will come out in spite of the significant
loss of light from the tinting.
Having just read "The Beak of the Finch", by Jonathan Weiner, on the
evolutionary process, I wonder what kind of offspring this pair of birds
would produce?
Lou Beaudet
--------
Message
--------
Subject: [SBB] Mystery Bird
--------
I failed to get a picture today. It was reported as being there before I
arrived and again after I left. I'll try again tomorrow.
The location of the bird is at the rear of the Lockheed Martin facility
at 160 E. Tasman Ave. San Jose. It had been bathing in some standing
water on a part of the roof that overhangs the loading dock. I don't
think it is visible from the parking lot unless you catch sight of it
flying to one of the nearby trees.
Lou Beaudet
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Apr 15 10:30:04 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Mystery Bird no longer a mystery.
--------
At 9:37 AM -0700 4/15/2000, Louis J. Beaudet wrote:
>I was able to observe this bird several times yesterday. I'm quite
>certain it is a male starling with an abnormally long bill.
Interesting. We had, for about three years, a finch that summered on
our feeder that had a deformed bill. Since she lasted multiple years,
it was obvious that she could still take care of herself, but we
always kept an eye out for her. She didn't appear last summer, and we
haven't seen her since. Can't say if she ever nested, but I never saw
signs of her feeding young around the feeder.
--
--
Chuq Von Rospach - Plaidworks Consulting (mailto:email@hidden)
Apple Mail List Gnome (mailto:email@hidden)
And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar
and say 'Man, what are you doing here?'"
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Apr 15 11:44:45 2000
Subject: [SBB] White-tailed Kite Nests
--------
Two pairs of White-tailed Kites are nesting in my neighborhood. There
are at least 3 downy young in a nest in a large pine behind houses on a
cul-de-sac of Thomas Drive off the 3300 block of Greer Rd. in Palo Alto.
Further north in a pine visible from the Greer Rd. bridge over Matadero
Creek is a second pair. The tree is behind houses on Higgins (off
Colorado), but was most easily seen from the driveway of the nearby Kona
Apts. The male, calling loudly all the time, brought twigs for nesting
and then copulated with the female.
Rosalie Lefkowitz
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Apr 15 19:24:47 2000
Subject: [SBB] Common Loons, etc.
--------
Hello SBB,
Stopped at Lexington Reservoir today (4/15). There were three
breeding-plumaged COMMON LOONS, a pair of COMMON MERGANSERS and an OSPREY.
Six VAUX'S SWIFTS were cavorting overhead with a mixed swallow flock and a
handful of WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS.
In Palo Alto, at Middlefield Rd x Ensign Way (near Adobe Creek and Mitchell
Park), there was a rather large flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS which I estimated to
be 900-1000 birds. They restlessly moved in sub-groups from tree to tree, but
stayed in the area for quite some time.
David Suddjian, Capitola
email@hidden
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Apr 15 23:47:15 2000
Subject: [SBB] South County Field Trip
--------
Howdy South-bay-birders,
Today I led a class field trip that started in New Almaden and ended hours
later in the Santa Teresa Hills. Fortunately we only had a little rain at
the very outset; otherwise the weather was fine, although a bit breezy and
cool at times. Highlights:
Trailhead parking area in New Almaden - HAIRY WOODPECKER, PACIFIC-SLOPE
FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, HOUSE WREN, ORANGE-CROWNED, YELLOW, and
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE.
Almaden Reservoir - 1 GREAT EGRET and 1 male COMMON MERGANSER.
Road from Almaden Reservoir to Tw