Parent
From email@hidden Sun Apr 01 10:29:02 2001
Subject: [SBB] Screech Owl Egg
--------
My neighbor has informed me that the WESTERN SCREECH OWL was finally able to
secure his home from the squirrel and there is one egg today. This will be a
rough year for him to provide us with much info since they have a very major
construction project underway.
Gloria LeBlanc
http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
"largest selection of Wall Street inspired gifts"
http://www.cowscowscows.com
"site for the Chicago and NYC cows"
http://www.lgsia.com
"money management for YOU using 9 distinct portfolios"
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 01 16:43:31 2001
Subject: [SBB] "Eurasian" GWTE
--------
All,
Today, while skating along the Stevens Creek Trail at Shoreline Park, we
saw a "Eurasian" Green-winged Teal among the standard Americans in the
narrow water way near Crittenden Marsh. The bird was about 100 yards
down the channel that leads out of the pumphouse at 2100 Crittenden Lane
and parallels the bike path. I was able to get a few photos of the bird,
but I expect they will not be great.
A family of Burrowing Owls has also set up an easily viewed home in a
small grassy hill along the main road shortly before the bridge leading
into the Shoreline Lake parking lot.
That's all,
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 01 18:10:33 2001
Subject: [SBB] More Sibley Guide Corrections?
--------
All:
In my edition of Sibley (generously given to me by Nick Yatsko) there are
some things that I'm not positive are simple errors: There are doubled-up
Male/Female symbols on pages 84, 501, 513, 525, 529, and probably others that
I've missed; and on page 52 there is the notation N>S. Does anyone know for
sure if the author intended something more complicated?
Frank Vanslager
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 01 18:45:28 2001
Subject: [SBB] Dark-backed Aythya at Sunnyvale WPCP
--------
At 5PM today while biking around the ponds, I saw a lone dark-backed duck on
the West Pond that resembled a Tufted Duck. The wind was blowing stiff and I
got a glimpse of what appeared to be longer feathers on the back of the
neck.
The bird was in the middle of the pond and I had no scope, just 10 X 42's.
I've seen Tufted Duck in late February in San Diego, so what is the
likelihood of this being a Tufted?
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 01 19:40:58 2001
Subject: [SBB] Oka Ponds
--------
Good Evening,
Ran to Oka Ponds tonight and in the first pond was a male RING-NECKED DUCK
with two females. In the second pond, a pair of BUFFLEHEAD, and in the third
pond, three pairs of AMERICAN WIDGEONS, three pairs of GADWALLS. The
NORTHERN-ROUGHED WINGED SWALLOWS have increased to about thirty.
In the largest pond where three pairs of BUFFLEHEAD.
Other than that it was quiet (except for the huge bullfrog!).
Good birding to you....
Linda Sullivan
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 01 19:45:08 2001
Subject: RE: [SBB] More Sibley Guide Corrections?
--------
Maybe another typographical error?
It looks like you've caught some errors that are not even on Sibley's web
site. See http://www.sibleyart.com/updates.htm for his list.
Jonathan Hays
-----Original Message-----
From: email@hidden
[mailto:email@hidden]On Behalf Of
email@hidden
Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2001 6:11 PM
To: email@hidden
Subject: [SBB] More Sibley Guide Corrections?
All:
In my edition of Sibley (generously given to me by Nick Yatsko) there are
some things that I'm not positive are simple errors: There are doubled-up
Male/Female symbols on pages 84, 501, 513, 525, 529, and probably others
that
I've missed; and on page 52 there is the notation N>S. Does anyone know
for
sure if the author intended something more complicated?
Frank Vanslager
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 01 19:50:17 2001
Subject: RE: [SBB] More Sibley Guide Corrections?
--------
I note that these errors occur only in sentences. Is it possible the doubled
up symbols refer to the plural nouns "males" and "females" (which would be
grammatically correct if substituted in those particular sentences) ?
Jonathan
-----Original Message-----
From: email@hidden
[mailto:email@hidden]On Behalf Of
email@hidden
Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2001 6:11 PM
To: email@hidden
Subject: [SBB] More Sibley Guide Corrections?
All:
In my edition of Sibley (generously given to me by Nick Yatsko) there are
some things that I'm not positive are simple errors: There are doubled-up
Male/Female symbols on pages 84, 501, 513, 525, 529, and probably others
that
I've missed; and on page 52 there is the notation N>S. Does anyone know
for
sure if the author intended something more complicated?
Frank Vanslager
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 02 05:11:45 2001
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
A walk along San Tomas Aquino Creek in Santa Clara today, 2 Apr 01, produced
a MOURNING DOVE carrying nesting material and a pair of AMERICAN KESTRELS
nesting in an opening of a power tower along the creek.
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 Mon Apr 02 08:05:54 2001
Subject: [SBB] Another N. Pygmy-Owl
--------
Hello All,
On Saturday, Mar 31, I found another N. PYGMY-OWL - this one was perched on
a sycamore branch over Herbert Creek along Alamitos Road by the O'Day
property near Hicks/Alamitos Rds. By the way, all my recent N. Pygmy-Owl
sightings have been early in the morning before 8:00 am.
Not much else to report. Six WOOD DUCKS were seen in Almaden Reservoir with
two males engaging in some sort of squabble with much splashing and flapping
about; a female was nearby. Over 100 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS flew about the
blue oaks hillside near the reservoir. Many VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS skimmed
over and about the reservoir, with lesser numbers of N. ROUGH-WINGED
SWALLOWS seen farther down Alamitos Rd near the Twin Creek area. A
displaying male WILD TURKEY was near the junction of Hicks/Alamitos Roads
with more heard in the surrounding hillsides. Near the confluence of
Guadalupe and Rincon Creeks along Hicks Road, a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER was seen
with a mixed flock of chickadees, juncos, and Yellow-rumped Warblers. An
AMERICAN ROBIN was building a nest with bits of lichen in a forked limb
overhanging the road at the Rincon Creek bridge.
And finally, pairs of RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS were seen along the Stile
Ranch/Fortini Trail in the Santa Teresa Hills - a good time to visit this
area not only for birds, but also for special serpentine flowers which are
beginning to make their appearance.
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 02 08:49:46 2001
Subject: [SBB] -
--------
Folks:
This morning, 4/2/2001, there were three AM. WHITE PELICANS on the North
Pond of the Palo Alto FCB--I assume either late migrants or oversummering
birds. Also in the North Pond were two male BLUE-WINGED TEAL. In the last
month, the female-plumaged HOODED MERGANSERS in the channel across the bike
path from Adobe Creek in the FCB leave early, but are found roosting in the
evening. I saw only one this morning, just after sunrise. Two CASPIAN TERNS
over the Mountain View Forebay are the first I've seen this year. The BLACK
SKIMMER count has increased to 11 on Charleston Slough. The two BURROWING
OWLS continue in the artificial mound across from the entrance to the GC at
Shoreline.
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 02 08:59:06 2001
Subject: [SBB] Sibley Guide
--------
Frank and all-
My guess is that the doubled gender symbols indicate
the plural usage. It's a strange way to do it, but
each one you mentioned, and a few others I found, are
in the plural form. i.e. "some females...." As for
N>S, this would appear to indicate that the Pelagic
Cormorant is larger in the north than in the south,
since > is the symbol for greater. You will notice
that he uses the greater symbol when the female is
greater than the male in species like the raptors.
Jack Cole
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.
http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/?.refer=text
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 02 10:10:57 2001
Subject: [SBB] Greater White-Fronted Geese
--------
Yesterday afternoon (April 1) there were 5 Greater White-Fronted Geese
at the Arzino Ranch in Alviso. By their barring or lack of barring, two
appeared to be adults and the others immatures. I also picked out four
Burrowing Owls, but didn't do a thorough check.
Cheers, 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 Mon Apr 02 10:15:02 2001
Subject: Re: [SBB] More Sibley Guide Corrections?
--------
This is correct. Pyle and other references double the sex symbol in
place of the plural forms "males" and "females". I think that Jack
Cole has it right about the North > South indication. These codes
are not mentioned in the key to the guide on the inside front cover.
Les Chibana
On Sunday, April 1, 2001 7:50 PM, Jonathan Hays wrote:
>I note that these errors occur only in sentences. Is it possible the doubled
>up symbols refer to the plural nouns "males" and "females" (which would be
>grammatically correct if substituted in those particular
>sentences) ?
>
>Jonathan
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: email@hidden
>[mailto:email@hidden]On Behalf Of
>email@hidden
>Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2001 6:11 PM
>To: email@hidden
>Subject: [SBB] More Sibley Guide Corrections?
>
>
>All:
>In my edition of Sibley (generously given to me by Nick Yatsko) there are
>some things that I'm not positive are simple errors: There are doubled-up
>Male/Female symbols on pages 84, 501, 513, 525, 529, and probably others
>that
>I've missed; and on page 52 there is the notation N>S. Does anyone know
>for
>sure if the author intended something more complicated?
>
>Frank Vanslager
>-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
>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
>
>-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
>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
>
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 02 10:46:51 2001
Subject: [SBB] Alum Rock field trip (April 1)
--------
A group of 23 birders participated in a long and pleasant walk through
Alum Rock Park on April 1. Cloud cover kept things cool during all of the
uphill walking, but the sun came out a bit later. We saw about 50 species,
but missed the more unusual specialties this year, and even a few of the
regulars (Golden Eagle, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Allen's Hummingbird). But we
did find three Rufous-Crowned Sparrows (including one bird singing up close
for all of us), a posing California Thrasher, several Brown Creepers, and
a male American Kestrel that appeared to be repeatedly catching mice, taking
them alive to a perch, but then dropping them. One Turkey was heard calling.
The only spring migrants were Northern Rough-Winged Swallows, House Wrens (at
least 7 birds singing), Bullock's Orioles (at least 6), and a couple of unco-
operative Western Kingbirds (uphill from the top of the Todd Quick trail).
Lingering winter birds included several sparrow species (one birder saw a
Lincoln's), several Hermit Thrushes, a singing Townsend's Warbler (seen I think
by just one person), and a few Kinglets and Yellow-Rumps. Raptors included
both accipters and a White-Tailed Kite, along with numerous Red-Tails. We were
told at the YSI that the captive Swainson's Hawk had died a few months ago at
the age of nearly 30; an injured Red-Tailed Hawk was out for air.
Thanks to all the participants for their contributions to the 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 Mon Apr 02 12:16:01 2001
Subject: [SBB] Marsh loop Sunday
--------
Another lovely day on the bay yesterday. We saw our first Moorhen in the
Forebay (to the right as you approach the pumphouse from the parking lot at
the end of San Antonio) and enjoyed the swoops of Cliff Swallows and Barn
Swallows overhead and the Terns and Skimmers on the bay. Two of the Black
Skimmers seemed to be courting--they would fly up together, then flutter at
each other before swooping back down. Maybe we'll have baby Skimmers this
summer? The male Common Yellow-throats were trying to get some courting in
as well--we heard several call and saw one handsome fellow posing in the
sunshine (there's nothing "common" about these little bandits--gotta wonder
about the imagination of the person who named them!). It was terribly
windy and not many hawks were hunting, but we did see one Kite and a male
Harrier struggling along the hill line.
What an amazing place.
Natasha
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 02 12:19:59 2001
Subject: [SBB] Nesting Season
--------
Folks:
With the nesting season underway, this is a reminder that Mike Rogers
and I are still collecting breeding records for the post-atlas data base. A
"record" includes the species, the breeding evidence you saw, the date, and a
precise location. By precise location I mean a description sufficiently
detailed that Mike or I can locate it from a topo sheet. For urban records,
this normally means you need to give us the street (including which side), the
nearest cross street, and where in the block it is located ("2/3rds towards .
. .). We try to locate records to within 50 m. For wildland records this is
more difficult.
It is difficult to succinctly tell you what is of most interest.
Generally we are interested in all raptor records, as they are high on the food
chain, and certainly records of uncommon or rare species. We are saturated
with European Starling, California Towhee, House Finch, and House Sparrow
records. However, away from the northern Santa Clara Valley, even these
records may be of interest.
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 02 12:49:47 2001
Subject: [SBB] Backyard birds
--------
This past Friday, 3/30/01, my wife saw a tree full of Hooded Orioles in our
South San Jose neighborhood (south of Santa Teresa Boulvard). I did get to
enjoy the privilege however. Sunday afternoon we observed three calling
Red-shouldered Hawks with their 'windows' showing clearly as they circled
high above our back yard with a couple of Red-tailed Hawks nearby. We still
have two Pine Sisken coming to our thistle feeders (one seems ill at times)
and about six White-crowned Sparrows and one Gold-Crowned Sparrow with
obvious evidence of molting to adult plumages. One brightly colored male
Rufous Hummingbird buzzed our neighbors orange tree while we were on our
patio enjoying our morning cup of coffee. About a dozen Cedar Waxwings
zipped across the house but didn't stop to visit.
The birds are there for those who are aware.
Karl
We change best when
we learn from the past and
plan for the future,
while enjoying the present. _SJ
_______________________________________________________
Send a cool gift with your E-Card
http://www.bluemountain.com/giftcenter/
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 02 13:20:13 2001
Subject: [SBB] Immature Lark Sparrows on SCVAS field trip
--------
All,
On Saturday's SCVAS field trip to Gilroy Hot Springs Road we picked up most
of the desired species (Wood Duck, Common Merganser, Greater Yellowlegs,
Golden Eagle, Wild Turkey, Warbling Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Purple Finch,
House Wren, Hermit Thrush, Western Bluebird, Bullock's Oriole, Orange-crowned
Warblers (heard only) and Lark Sparrow). Some big misses included Tree
Sparrow and Northern Harrier seen the day before. The timing of this years
spring migration (local over wintering birds leaving earlier than usual,
breeding starting earlier than usual and more southerly migrating birds
arriving later than usual (or simply bypassing our neck of the woods)
resulted in some of the more interesting observations. Two out of three Wild
Turkey sightings were of solitary females apparently heading of to nest sites
on the hillsides, male Purple Finches either did not sing or seldom got it
right and at one stop along Canada Rd. we were fortunate to see three
immature Lark Sparrows in a bush alongside the road from which they were
apparently unable or unwilling to leave (in spite our close proximity). I
got the impression that they were fresh out of the nest and just learning to
move among the branches. An adult Lark Sparrow nearby was not quite so
reluctant. We also could not help but notice that water flow in Coyote Creek
was significantly lower than usual and that expected wet spots along Canada
Rd. were dry.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 12:45 PM, 4/2/01
--------
Attachment
1.7 KBytes
--------
From email@hidden Mon Apr 02 13:20:14 2001
Subject: [SBB] County birding
--------
All,
This morning Frank Vanslager and I did some birding around Charleston Slough
in the faint hopes that something might have blown in (other than us). Lots
of Scaup (both) and many small rafts of Ruddy Duck were actively feeding,
lots of dowitchers (resting, as were most sandpipers), a few of most of the
usual ducks (no Wigeon), several Forster's Terns, three Bonaparte's Gulls, at
least nine Black Skimmers (usual place in Charleston Slough), one Greater
Yellowlegs, one female Surf Scoter, one brightly marked adult male American
Goldfinch and at least two Common Snipe (in the brush piles in Adobe Creek
with Least Sandpipers tuck in and around them).
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 1:15 PM, 4/2/01
--------
Attachment
842 bytes
--------
From email@hidden Mon Apr 02 13:39:33 2001
Subject: [SBB] Immature Lark Sparrows (part 2)
--------
All,
I should have mentioned that a really big miss was the Western Kingbird (none
seen in two days birding the area). The immature Lark Sparrows that were in
a bush on the East side of Canada Rd, were down hill from a hilltop home
about a quarter of a mile south of the MM Ranch.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 1:37 PM, 4/2/01
--------
Attachment
435 bytes
--------
From email@hidden Mon Apr 02 13:52:56 2001
Subject: [SBB] Mime-Version: 1.0
--------
Just after I left Tom Grey at Frenchman's meadow on Saturday, I heard my
first Pacific Slope Flycatcher of the season near the intersection of
Frenchman's and Mayfield. Last week I had the treat of hearing Hermit
Thrush sing its full song in my backyard on campus.
Dave
Division of Immunology/Transplantation Biology
Dept. of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine
CCSR Building, Room 2115B
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford, CA 94305-5164
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 02 15:41:39 2001
Subject: Re: [SBB] -Hooded Mergansers
--------
Along with the female/immature Hooded Mergansers near the pumphouse, a
beautiful mature male and a female have been in the flood basin channel at
the end of the Shoreline salt ponds. They have been there from February
through at least last Tuesday.
Richard C. Carlson
Full Time Birder, Biker, Skier, Hiker
Part-time Economist
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 02 15:48:31 2001
Subject: [SBB] White-headed Ruddy Duck redux
--------
Sue Macias and I saw the white-headed Ruddy Duck again in pond A9 (by the mouth of Alviso Slough at Coyote Creek). It was in the corner by the levee between A9 and A10 (on the Alviso Slough side). The pond has several hundred Ruddy Ducks, as well as American Coots, American Wigeon, Canvasbacks, Pied-billed Grebes, Mallards, Lesser and Greater Scaup, Red-breasted Mergansers, Double-crested Cormorant, Western and Clark's Grebes, American Avocets and gulls galore. The levee between A9 and A10 is full of pre-nesting California Gulls and some Double-crested Cormorants (and one American White Pelican). It was unpleasantly windy out there today and we had some hilarious looks at California Gulls bathing at the mouth of Alviso Slough that were blown off-kilter as they opened their wings to bathe.
Cheryl Millett
San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory
PO Box 247
1290 Hope Street
Alviso, CA 95002
phone 408/946-6548
fax 408/946-9279
--------
Attachment
1.3 KBytes
--------
From email@hidden Mon Apr 02 16:11:32 2001
Subject: [SBB] WT Swifts 4/2/01
--------
I had a WHITE-THROATED SWIFT over Coyote Creek, south of Tasman Ave
yesterday (4/2/01).
(Not sure if they have been reported yet).
I am back as a Santa Clara County resident. Apt. on River Oaks Dr. near the
Cisco Agnews Devastated Area.
Does anyone bird the Coyote Creek between Tasman and Montague regularly?
Would appreciate tips on access/parking.
Thanks,
Vivek
--------
Attachment
1.5 KBytes
--------
From email@hidden Mon Apr 02 17:41:50 2001
Subject: [SBB] Immature Lark Sparrows (part 3)
--------
All,
Oooops! Tree Sparrows should read Tree Swallows.
Sorry,
Bob Reiling, 5:42 PM, 4/2/01
--------
Attachment
186 bytes
--------
From email@hidden Mon Apr 02 17:56:56 2001
Subject: [SBB] What a morning for RUHUs
--------
This morning proved to be a good day to observe Rufous Hummingbird
psychology at a feeding site when “weathered in” during migration. I
arrived at my banding site in the Diablos (near Felter and Sierra Roads)
early this morning to 38 degree temperature and low 100 % cloud cover. The
change in weather from last week was tremendous. For the last couple of
weeks the mild pleasant weather was great not only for humans but also for
migrating RUHUs. I had been netting few of the few hummers that came in to
the pink eucalyptus flowers. Occasionally I could actually see and hear the
male birds (perhaps an Allen’s in there?) zipping overhead heading generally
in a north direction.
This morning was a different story altogether. Straight off in the garden
area, hummer activity was high. I could hear chattering Anna’s and
squealing, zinging Selasphorus, and could see flashing gorgets of magenta
and orange. The ANHU seemed upset at the intrusion of so many other bossy
birds and though they tried valiantly to defend their turf, the RUHUs seemed
to be winning. My extremely rough estimate of hummers in the small garden
for the morning was about 5-8 ANHU and 8-12 RUHU. I never saw a female RUHU
flying around, but their subtle presence was detected by netting 6 of them.
Several different male RUHU took turns chasing each other, other hummers,
one poor scrub jay that happened by, and, when the area was swept clear of
anything with wings, rested atop prominent perches to glare to the left and
right. This went on continuously.
I caught, in addition to the 6 females, 3 male RUHU, 2 adult male, 1 adult
female, and 2 young ANHU. There was no visual fat levels on the RUHU, their
weights were normal, though. But several of the earlier captured birds (in
March) did have quite a bit of fat and were thus heavier in weight. One of
the male RUHU had 75% green on his back. One of the female RUHU was a
second-year bird (born last year) because she had retained 4 juvenal tail
feathers.
I never cease to be amazed at the tenacity, perseverance, and resiliency of
these beautiful little birds.
Rita 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 Mon Apr 02 21:32:11 2001
Subject: [SBB] Alviso EEC and Arzino Ranch
--------
Hi,
Late this afternoon, I took advantage of the extra hour of daylight and
birded the EEC in Alviso and Arzino Ranch. While walking along the entrance
road to the EEC, I flushed a Burrowing Owl. There were several Eared
Grebes, one coming into breeding plumage in the salt pond. A Northern
Pintail flew over as did a few Bonaparte's Gulls. I had a Loggerhead Shrike
near the shelter that is across from the EEC.
I then drove over to Arzino Ranch to see the Greater White-fronted Geese
reported by Al Eisner. I found them easily enough, along with two more
Burrowing Owls. I am also fairly certain that I saw a Cattle Egret fly from
Arzino Ranch and land near Grand and Spreckles, but by the time I drove
over for a closer look, it was gone. It appeared smaller than a Great
Egret. The bill was more orange than yellow and the legs were dark. I know
Cattle Egrets have been seen in this area before. Have any been seen
recently?
Thanks,
Don Ganton
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 02 22:18:08 2001
Subject: Re: [SBB] Alviso EEC and Arzino Ranch
--------
Could be one, Don. I've seen one hanging around the large Oka pond
several times this winter.
Haven't seen many, or that one for some time though. But I know they're
around...
Dusty Bleher
Campbell, Ca.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Ganton"
To: "South Bay Birds Mailing List"
Sent: Monday, April 02, 2001 21:32
Subject: [SBB] Alviso EEC and Arzino Ranch
> Hi,
>
> Late this afternoon, I took advantage of the extra hour of daylight
and
> birded the EEC in Alviso and Arzino Ranch. While walking along the
entrance
> road to the EEC, I flushed a Burrowing Owl. There were several Eared
> Grebes, one coming into breeding plumage in the salt pond. A Northern
> Pintail flew over as did a few Bonaparte's Gulls. I had a Loggerhead
Shrike
> near the shelter that is across from the EEC.
>
> I then drove over to Arzino Ranch to see the Greater White-fronted
Geese
> reported by Al Eisner. I found them easily enough, along with two more
> Burrowing Owls. I am also fairly certain that I saw a Cattle Egret fly
from
> Arzino Ranch and land near Grand and Spreckles, but by the time I
drove
> over for a closer look, it was gone. It appeared smaller than a Great
> Egret. The bill was more orange than yellow and the legs were dark. I
know
> Cattle Egrets have been seen in this area before. Have any been seen
> recently?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Don Ganton
>
> -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
> 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
>
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 03 05:41:37 2001
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
I stopped by the Arzino Ranch in Alviso today, 3 Apr 01, and saw the 5
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE. Two of them had barring consistent with adults,
while the other 3 had barring that ranged from sparse to none. A single
CATTLE EGRET was also present in the pasture.
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 03 09:37:32 2001
Subject: [SBB] Wings,a free MAC database for bird records
--------
Wings is a FREE relational database that manages bird records that
works on a Mac. Version 2.0.2k was released on March 31, 2001
Information and downloads:
http://homepage.mac.com/wings_4d/
Kendric
South Bay Birders Unlimited (SBBU)
http://www.stanford.edu/~kendric/birds/
-----------------------------------------
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 Tue Apr 03 12:18:27 2001
Subject: Re: [SBB] Alviso EEC and Arzino Ranch
--------
> I then drove over to Arzino Ranch to see the Greater White-fronted Geese
> reported by Al Eisner. I found them easily enough, along with two more
> Burrowing Owls. I am also fairly certain that I saw a Cattle Egret fly from
> Arzino Ranch and land near Grand and Spreckles, but by the time I drove
> over for a closer look, it was gone. It appeared smaller than a Great
> Egret. The bill was more orange than yellow and the legs were dark. I know
> Cattle Egrets have been seen in this area before. Have any been seen
> recently?
Not exactly recent, but we had a good look at a Cattle Egret at
Arzino Ranch during the CBC. Perhaps that bird has stuck around
for the past several months.
================================
George Oetzel Menlo Park, 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 Tue Apr 03 21:14:13 2001
Subject: [SBB] Tuesday birds, Almaden Valley
--------
Howdy South-bay-birders,
Today I did a little birding near home. BULLOCK'S ORIOLES and WILSON'S
and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS were singing near the footbridge at Almaden Lake
Park. At the inflow to the lake there was an odd hybrid goose (Canada x
domestic?) and the usual stuff--1 COMMON MERGANSER, the resident COMMON
MOORHEN, and the regular gull flock (mostly CALIFORNIA GULLS--the Herrings
appear to have departed).
farther upstream, along the Alamitos Creek Trail, there were singing
WILSON'S, ORANGE-CROWNED, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS. Other birds seen
upstream included CLIFF and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, WESTERN BLUEBIRD,
CALIFORNIA THRASHER, HOODED ORIOLE, more BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, and LINCOLN'S
SPARROW.
This afternoon I briefly visited Calero Reservoir, where I saw an adult
GOLDEN EAGLE but not much else. Sunday night (April 1st) I heard a COMMON
POORWILL calling near my parent's house at the foot of the Santa Teresa
Hills.
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 03 21:29:44 2001
Subject: [SBB] Pine Siskins, Salmonella and Megabacteria
--------
I had a chance to talk to Hillary Stern of For the Birds today about the
Megabacteria and Salmonella outbreaks. Unfortunately, with megabacteria,
there's a lot of "we dunno", but here is what I found out today.
It's an oral-fecal transmission, so cleanliness of and around the feeder
is important. If you see signs of sick birds around your feeders, take
the feeders down -- Hillary's taken hers down for at least a month to
avoid having the birds congregate and pass it around. If you have ill
birds, you want them dispersed and not around the feeders.
It's unknown how transmissible megabacteria is, and whether it's a
primary infection or showing up in birds already weakened by salmonella.
Hillary said the sisken she treated responded to anti-fungals, but not
all of the common ones worked on the megabacteria.
The megabacteria IS transmissible among different birds. there is
literature that it will infect poultry -- so don't assume it'll stay
with the siskens, and if you keep other birds, use caution with your
sanitation. There is some very limited data that it can move to mammals,
but how infectious it is isn't known (Hillary said they aren't treating
it like they would Chlamydia, which can move to humans easily - she
doesn't feel the need to be paranoid about it, but suggests being
careful)
If people have information about outbreaks, I'd like to hear about it so
I can pass it along. And if you have other questions, let me know. The
ones I can't answer I'll run by her when I see her....
--
Chuq Von Rospach, Internet Gnome
[ = = ]
Yes, yes, I've finally finished my home page. Lucky you.
It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of
Karma to burn off.
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 04 11:02:30 2001
Subject: Re: [SBB] Tuesday birds, Almaden Valley
--------
Hello, all,
I too did some birding at Almaden Lake yesterday, and besides the BULLOCK's
ORIOLES, I saw a pair of KILLDEER, a female BELTED KINGFISHER, some ACORN &
NUTTALL WOODPECKERS, an OAK TITMOUSE, and a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK in a tree
just before the path dips under the underpass. He groomed himself a long
time, so I had a good, leisurely look.
Best,
Sue Field
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 04 11:07:59 2001
Subject: Re: [SBB] Vaux's Swift
--------
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul L. Noble"
> I have seen Vaux's Swifts & N. Rough-wing Swallows entering the overpass
> structure at I280 & Arastradero Road in PA for the past 10 days ( since
> about 3/25). They sure get into those holes at speed!
Are you implying that Vaux's Swifts are breeding in this overpass? Or do you
really mean White-throated Swifts? I may be wrong, but I don't think we have
any Santa Clara County breeding records of Vaux's Swift in anything but
chimneys.
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 Wed Apr 04 14:41:28 2001
Subject: [SBB] HOODED ORIOLES
--------
For the first time this season I have BOTH a female and male HOODED ORIOLE
in my backyard - together :-) they always make me feel like I've wandered
into the tropics...they're so gorgeous...
gloria leblanc
Los Gatos off Quito
http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
"largest selection of Wall Street inspired gifts"
http://www.cowscowscows.com
"site for the Chicago and NYC cows"
http://www.lgsia.com
"money management for YOU using 9 distinct portfolios"
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 04 16:42:39 2001
Subject: Re: [SBB] HOODED ORIOLES
--------
On Wednesday, April 4, 2001, at 02:41 PM, Gloria LeBlanc wrote:
> For the first time this season I have BOTH a female and male HOODED
> ORIOLE
> in my backyard - together :-
I think my orioles are here. I came home this afternoon and the feeder
was empty. Either the orioles are here, or half the hummingbirds in the
state had a convention here this morning.
Chuq Von Rospach, Internet Gnome
[ = = ]
Yes, yes, I've finally finished my home page. Lucky you.
How about never? Is never good for you?
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 04 18:50:09 2001
Subject: Re: [SBB] Vaux's Swift
--------
I have seen Vaux's Swifts & N. Rough-wing Swallows entering the overpass
structure at I280 & Arastradero Road in PA for the past 10 days ( since
about 3/25). They sure get into those holes at speed!
Screech
Tom Ryan wrote:
> Hi all,I observed my first Vaux's Swift of the year today (4/4/01).
> There was just one individual flying with a mixed species group of
> swallows over wetlands near the intersection of Zanker Rd & Hwy
> 237. Cheers,Tom
--
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 Wed Apr 04 20:40:30 2001
Subject: Re: [SBB] Vaux's Swift
--------
Whoops!
I meant white-thoated swifts. Duhh!
Screech.
P.S. Boy are you guys on your toes!
Michael Mammoser wrote:
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Paul L. Noble"
>
> > I have seen Vaux's Swifts & N. Rough-wing Swallows entering the overpass
> > structure at I280 & Arastradero Road in PA for the past 10 days ( since
> > about 3/25). They sure get into those holes at speed!
>
> Are you implying that Vaux's Swifts are breeding in this overpass? Or do you
> really mean White-throated Swifts? I may be wrong, but I don't think we have
> any Santa Clara County breeding records of Vaux's Swift in anything but
> chimneys.
>
> 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
--
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 Thu Apr 05 07:43:10 2001
Subject: [SBB] EEC
--------
This morning there were two beautiful Pintails just
inside the gate at the EEC. A little farther down the
road, I got a glimpse of a nice Cinnamon Teal too.
One last invite to the EEC this Saturday evening.
Gates will be open later for a twilight walk at 5:30
pm followed by a nice slide show presented by Freddy
Howell, owner of Wild Bird Center and SCVAS member.
Shade grow coffee tasting too! No reservations
necessary. Tell your friends!
Thanks.
Sharon Lee
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.
http://personal.mail.yahoo.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 05 07:59:46 2001
Subject: [SBB] apologies
--------
Regarding International Migratory Bird Day Pre-Fligh
event, slide show is at 7pm, NOT 7:30pm.
Thanks
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.
http://personal.mail.yahoo.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 05 09:52:49 2001
Subject: [SBB] Vaux's Swift
--------
Hi all,
I observed my first Vaux's Swift of the year today (4/4/01). There was just
one individual flying with a mixed species group of swallows over wetlands
near the intersection of Zanker Rd & Hwy 237.
Cheers,
Tom
--------
Attachment
1.1 KBytes
--------
From email@hidden Thu Apr 05 09:57:28 2001
Subject: [SBB] Caspian Tern
--------
Sorry for the delay & double posting, but I also observed a single Caspian
Tern over the SCVWD pond at the corner of Coleman and Almaden Expressway
last week on 3/28/01.
Tom Ryan
--------
Attachment
799 bytes
--------
From email@hidden Thu Apr 05 11:10:03 2001
Subject: [SBB] HOME, BLSK
--------
All,
At sunset yesterday 4/4/01 I walked out along Charleston Slough.
A female HOODED MERGANSER was still in the channel opposite the
Forebay and 12 BLACK SKIMMERS were in Charleston Slough. Upon
leaving, another female HOODED MERGANSER flew into the channel
next to the first bird (this was at 8:00pm and it was already
quite dark).
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 Thu Apr 05 12:32:50 2001
Subject: [SBB] Hooded Mergansers, Peregrine
--------
Wednesday morning, April 4, there were 3 Hooded Mergansers -- 2 in the
channel by the Forebay and one in Shoreline Lake.
Also, a young Peregrine was harassing the shorebirds near the outer end of
the Flood Basin.
Richard C. Carlson
Full Time Birder, Biker, Skier, Hiker
Part-time Economist
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 Thu Apr 05 13:55:10 2001
Subject: [SBB] Yellow Warbler and Cassin's Vireo return to Almaden Valley, etc.
--------
Howdy South-bay-birders,
Just returned from visiting some sites around the Almaden Valley. At
O'Day's Lovely Dell, along the road into Twin Creeks, I was buzzed by a
Selasphorus-type hummingbird and had my first YELLOW WARBLER for the season
(a singing male). Other birds there included HOUSE WREN, ORANGE-CROWNED
WARBLER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, etc. Didn't see any Wood
Ducks, but there was a SNOWY EGRET and bunches of Western Pond Turtles at
the upper end of Almaden Reservoir.
Across the road from the New Almaden entrance to Almaden Quicksilver
Park there were 2 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS holding down territories along
the creek.
In the Santa Teresa Hills I walked part of the Fortini Trail from the
trailhead at the end of Fortini Road. Best bird was an unseen CASSIN'S VIREO
singing from oak woodland beside the trail. Other birds here: RED-TAILED
HAWK (apparently nesting again in the crown of a redwood), YELLOW-BILLED
MAGPIE, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, HOUSE WREN, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH,
BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, CALIFORNIA THRASHERS, 2 singing RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS,
etc.
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 Thu Apr 05 19:24:04 2001
Subject: [SBB] Hermit Thrush etc.
--------
In the neighborhood near University in Los Altos, I saw a Hermit Thrush
this afternoon. Since I often have glimpses of _possible_ thrushes but
very few good sightings, I was very glad to see this one. Not much song;
the nearby Bewick's Wren was hogging all the airtime! That wren has been
singing his heart out recently, so I'm hoping for a nest! Also found my
first Townsend's Warbler in that area since late 2000. The Goldfinches are
out in force the last few weeks--includes mostly very bright Lesser
Goldfinches, but also some American Goldfinches. It was a lovely day,
albeit a bit nippy for April.
--Natasha
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 05 23:08:06 2001
Subject: [SBB] Osprey
--------
All,
Just when I thought my OSPREY had left, she returned after just a little
over 2 week's absence. She was still on her perch overlooking Vasona
Reservoir this evening when darkness closed in.
Jean
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 06 08:23:15 2001
Subject: [SBB] BAND-TAILED PIGEIONS
--------
I'm living a Kodak moment. I have 61 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS in my backyard. In
the center of my patio I have a tree whose branches I cut off every winter
so there are just stubs...sorry I have no idea what type of tree it
is...anyway, it's like I have very large leaves EVERYWHERE. The tree is
absolutely covered with pigeons--shoulder to shoulder. Don't think another
one could get on the tree if it tried. I also have some on the
ground....this is my largest number of Band-taileds this year...
Gloria LeBlanc
http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
"largest selection of Wall Street inspired gifts"
http://www.cowscowscows.com
"site for the Chicago and NYC cows"
http://www.lgsia.com
"money management for YOU using 9 distinct portfolios"
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 06 08:51:23 2001
Subject: [SBB] Geese and Weather
--------
Folks:
Al posted two independent queries, both interesting, and both perhaps
unanswerable.
Concerning Canada Geese, Grinnell and Miller (1944) considered the
subspecies _canadensis_ to nest in the northeastern marshes and felt that most
of the Great Central Valley wintering birds were also of this subspecies.
They note that these birds reached a minimum at the beginning of the 20th
century but recovered. Most notable in this recovery was an isolated local
breeding record on Crystal Springs Reservoir in 1932 (see: Moffitt, J. 1939.
Notes on the distribution of Whistling Swan and Canada Goose in California.
_Condor_ 41:93-97; _Bird-Lore_ 35:112). It seems likely that this subspecies
constitutes the wintering flocks recorded at Crystal Springs and Calaveras
reservoirs over the last 50 years.
Locally, breeding Canada's date from 1959 or so, but their origin and
exactly what happened in the first few years is uncertain. Lidicker and
McCollum believed that the birds nesting at Brooks Island, Contra Costa
County in 1959 (see: Lidicker, W. Z. and F. C. McCollum. 1979. Canada Goose
established as a breeding species in San Francisco Bay. _West. Birds_
10:159-162), were the origin of our birds, but there is some evidence that
there was a second source at Lake Merritt, based on captive birds, and I don't
recall if the subspecies were identified in either case. The spread of
Canada's from one or both of these spots seems clear, however.
As concerns the effects of weather on spring and fall migration along
the Pacific Coast, I recommend you take an afternoon and sit down with
_Audubon Field Notes_ and read all of the Middle Pacific Coast Region reports
from the late 1950s to 1970. What will amaze you is the number of very bright
people exploring a great many hypotheses which, in the end, came to naught.
New hypotheses are greatly to be desired, but a careful review of the past
history is needed first.
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 Fri Apr 06 11:50:03 2001
Subject: [SBB] Fwd: Geese and winds.
--------
There is some problem with e-mail between the SBB listserver and
Alvaro's ISP, so this didn't get through. This is the message
that Bill Bousman referenced in his recent post.
To Al's #2 point, since we record wind direction at Coyote Creek
for banding data, the prevailing winds there seem to be from WNW.
It seems that large storm systems will cause winds to shift to
come from the south, or high pressure to the north and east will
shift winds to come from those directions. But these are temporal
events.
Les
--
Les Chibana
List Bureaucrat
South-Bay-Birds List
email@hidden
--------------------------------------
Date: Thursday, April 5, 2001 10:47 PM
From: Alvaro Jaramillo
Birders,
I am cross-posting to Pen birds and South-Bay birds, sorry for the
duplicate messages some of you will receive. I have been wondering about a
couple of things and maybe you can help me out with these questions.
1) Canada Geese- I know we have had discussions on the identification of
the small Canada Geese that show up here every once in a while, but what
about the larger ones. I guess this is really two questions which I have
not been able to solve. The Canada Geese that summer here and breed are
presumably from an introduced population and were not historically part of
the avifauna. Nevertheless does anyone know which subspecies they belong
to? Any records of where the original stock was from? Secondly, in winter
the wild migratory large geese that winter in the Central Valley, what
form are they? Are these all "Lesser" Canada Geese (parvipes) or are they
something else?
2) winds in the spring - I have been keeping track of the winds recently
and at least here on the coast it is clear that the winds are almost always
either from the northwest or west. This is true at this season when birds
are trying to head north. I guess with these head winds or winds that are
likely to blow things inland its no mystery why the coast is not
necessarily packed with northbound landbird migrants in the spring
(unfortunately). I have also noticed that often there are south winds
locally in the Santa Clara Valley while winds may be from teh W or NW
elsewhere in the Bay Area and this makes me wonder if this is why places
like Coyote Creek are pretty good places for migration in the spring as is
the Diablo range (at least the west flank). Has anyone looked into this
locally? Also, is there anything out there that studies the effects of
winds on small migrants and makes a determination of what ideal migration
winds are? I assume that strong tailwinds are bad, as are strong head
winds? How about cross winds or winds at an angle to the flight line? Since
weather can be pretty static in the Bay Area during migratory periods,
particularly the fall, its possible that local wind directions and
strengths are more important in concentrating migrants in the area. It
would be nice to set up a general hypothesis and see if it works or not.
All for now,
Al
Alvaro Jaramillo
Biologist
San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory
P.O. Box 247
Alviso, CA 95002
(408)-946-6548
http://www.sfbbo.org/
Home of the California Fall Challenge!!
email@hidden
Birds of Chile and
New World Blackbirds at : http://www.sirius.com/~alvaro
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 06 12:43:56 2001
Subject: [SBB] Re: [pen-bird] Geese and winds.
--------
Hi Al --
I suspect that your local breeding form is the Western (also called
"Giant") Canada Goose (_Branta canadensis moffitti_). This is the form
that was intoduced and breeds in the Monterey Bay region, and is the most
commonly introduced and established form in other parts of the world (e.g.,
England and New Zealand). _B. c. moffitti_ is what Grinnell and Miller
called _B. c. canadensis_. The latter is now the name for the Atlantic
Canada Goose, which breeds and winters in eastern North America. The large
Canada Geese in the valley in winter are the Western and the Lesser (_B. c.
parvipes_). Palmer's Handbook of North American Birds (Vol. 2; 1976)
covers the identification and distribution of Canada Goose subspecies
fairly well.
The winds come from the same direction down here, yet places like the Big
Sur and Carmel River mouths are regularly packed with northbound migrants
in spring. I doubt that these spring winds have much of an impact on where
migrants appear. This is because winds generally don't pick up until after
sunrise, which is well after most landbird migrants have set down and even
after their "morning flights."
Jeff Davis
Santa Cruz, 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 Fri Apr 06 13:57:25 2001
Subject: [SBB] Fwd: Canada Goose subspecies
--------
I checked with Andy Engilis at UCDavis who is involved with some
waterfowl studies. He had some additional comments to Jeff Davis's.
Les Chibana
--------------------------------------
Date: Friday, April 6, 2001 1:46 PM
From: Andrew Engilis, Jr.
Les - Some to add, but for most part Jeff is accurate. The term Giant
Canada Goose is usually reserved for B. c. maxima; B. c. moffitti is the
Great Basin (Western or Moffitt's Canada Goose). The latter is native to
intermountain states, East of Sierra, but has been widely introduced all
over the western US (and world). No doubt Monterey large geese are of this
form. The large form thus in California is generally regarded as all B. c.
moffitti. B. c. maxima has, in the past been introduced, from game farms
(where it only exists, wild populations extinct), into Northern Sacramento
Valley. Some birds are still reported and some gene mixing could have
occurred between introduced Great Basin and Giants. I am unaware of any
other large forms in California (B. c. canadensis or B. c. interior).
That is it for large forms. As for Lessers, which I do not consider large
forms, the two most common wintering are B. c. taverneri and B.c. parvipes.
They are regular in the Central Valley but are rare along the coast, but am
sure they wander your way from time to time. Separation in the field is
very difficult if not impossible. Should be able to separate Common or
Large forms from Lessers in the field.
Hope this helps -- Andy
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 07 07:18:03 2001
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
I wandered around today, 7 Apr 01, stopping first at CCFS and birding the
riparian corridor. I was hoping that the recent rains may have downed some
migrants. There were good numbers of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS (some singing),
with side-by-side views of a bright male Audubon's and a bright male Myrtle.
A couple ORANGE-CROWNED, WILSON'S, and the ever-present COMMON YELLOWTHROAT
rounded out the warblers. A few HERMIT THRUSHES were present as well. But no
real migration fallout. I heard a GREAT HORNED OWL calling along the creek,
but was unable to see it. A pair of RED-TAILED HAWKS has a nest in the
cottonwoods just north of the trailer. One hawk would stand on the nest for
some time, while the other one perched nearby. I don't think they have any
eggs yet, because there is no incubating going on. I counted 12 active GREAT
BLUE HERON nests in the rookery and 7 of GREAT EGRET. One of the egret pairs
has just started a nest, laying down the foundation sticks only now. A pair
of WHITE-TAILED KITES was perched in a willow near the rookery, and were in
a location where they have bred in the past. A flyby adult accipiter
couldn't be positively identified.
Next stop was the Sunnyvale sewage ponds. At least 3 BURROWING OWLS were
along the side of the old landfill. The immature SNOW GOOSE is still
present. It's been doing some molting, and has acquired a fully white back.
The dusky feathers seem limited to the wings and the head now.
The North Pond of the Palo Alto flood control basin seemed to be carpeted
with swallows, mostly CLIFF. There was also a group of 13 CANVASBACKS and 4
GREATER SCAUP here.
Stops at other places didn't produce much of note. FORSTER'S TERN numbers
seem to be building nicely, with about 20 counted around Shoreline and the
FCB, and about 200 BONAPARTE'S GULLS were at the Palo Alto Estuary.
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 Sat Apr 07 07:30:34 2001
Subject: Re: [SBB] thrush questions
--------
----- Original Message -----
From: "amphibian"
>
> I'm a little concerned about timing, since it looks like we're at best on
> the edge of the year-round habitat. Can someone clarify whether Hermit's
> sometimes stay in Santa Clara for the spring?
There is some localized breeding of Hermit Thrushes in the Santa Cruz
Mountains above Santa Clara Valley, but they will certainly vacate the
valley floor and foothills during the breeding season. But that won't happen
for another month or so (I'm sure someone has more accurate info). There's
plenty of Hermit Thrushes around right now. Also, my impression is that we
are a couple weeks away yet from the start of Swainson's Thrush migration
(again, someone may have more accurate info on this timing).
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 Sat Apr 07 11:45:00 2001
Subject: [SBB] RE: OKA PONDS
--------
Good Morning,
A quick run to Oka Ponds this morning produced a beautiful pair of HOODED
MERGANSERS in the large pond by the bridge. The Swallow are in great
numbers, NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED, BARN and VIOLET GREEN. The RED-WINGED
BLACKBIRDS were calling. A few CANADA GEESE thrown in to the mix, other than
that very quite. Did do a car run over to Los Gatos Creek Park, the large
pond as you drive in was loaded with Swallows, a few Canada Geese and four
White Domestic Geese? Only a three CORMORANTS and a handful of PIED BILLED
GREBES!
Good Birding to you all and best regards,
Linda Sullivan
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 07 13:08:51 2001
Subject: [SBB] thrush questions
--------
OK, so the other day I saw a lovely thrush in Los Altos, and the only two
plausible candidates were the Swainson's and the Hermit Thrush. As
reported, not much chance to hear its song. Good view of face (very
distinct eye ring, distinct yellow malar swoop) and chest (very distinct
dark chest spots). I did _not_ see colored lores such as Sibley shows in
the Swainson's. I didn't get a good view of its tail, however, so I'm left
without that color key. Working mostly from Sibley, using these details
and the fuzzy logic of my "a ha!" recognition upon turning the page to
Hermit Thrushes, I identified it as a Hermit--and I now fear I was
premature in doing so. Here are my questions:
I'm a little concerned about timing, since it looks like we're at best on
the edge of the year-round habitat. Can someone clarify whether Hermit's
sometimes stay in Santa Clara for the spring?
Also I've noted that several other sources suggest that the Hermit's eye
ring is much less distinct than what I saw and Sibley suggests. Any
thoughts on local Hermit eye rings?
It's also unclear whether we would have mostly "interior west" or "pacific"
thrushes here--or a mixture. Seems like the Scrub Jays, for example, are
mixed. Among other reasons, I ask because Sibley's "pacific" Swainson's is
described as having "less bold spectacles and less distinct spotting on
breast"--and if those are the ones we've got, it seems much more likely
that I saw a Hermit Thrush!
Thanks much,
Natasha
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 07 13:27:54 2001
Subject: [SBB] Frenchman's Meadow, Stanford
--------
On this cold morning, a singing HERMIT THRUSH near the playground.
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 07 15:11:29 2001
Subject: [SBB] OAK MEADOW/VASONA
--------
Good Afternoon,
Decided to check Oak Meadow/Vasona. The WESTERN BLUEBIRDS have returned to
nest in box H2 across from the playground on the Vasona side. Last year this
box produced three little babies (and great pictures). The parents are back
and going in the box with big bugs....
At Oak Meadow, the BULLOCK'S ORIOLES are back nesting in the same trees as
last year. A ROBIN was sitting on her nest as I took pictures of the
Orioles. There were approx. 30 CEDAR WAXWINGS, ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS where all
over and YELLOW RUMP WARBLERS abound.
Have a great birding day and best regards,
Linda Sullivan
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 07 15:51:53 2001
Subject: [SBB] goslings
--------
A family of Canada Geese including 7 goslings made two
appearances today at the EEC.
Sml
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.
http://personal.mail.yahoo.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 07 16:11:41 2001
Subject: [SBB] Re: Hermit Thrush
--------
Dear Natasha, Herm, the Hermit Thrush that spends every winter in the
side yard of my house on the flats of Los Gatos, was still here as of three
days ago. I don't see him every day, but did see him then. Kathy P.
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 07 18:20:40 2001
Subject: [SBB] Opsrey & Forster's Tern
--------
Good Evening,
Read Mike Mammoser note on "searching for what the winds might have blown
in", and with that I ran back to Los Gatos Creek/Oka Ponds. The Osprey was
having a hard time flying with all the wind. The first of the seasons
Forster's Tern was a real treat. Other than that the winds were really
strong and the Mergansers were still in the large pond on the Oka Ponds side.
Good birding and best regards,
Linda Sullivan
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 07 18:37:14 2001
Subject: [SBB] Herm
--------
Kathy Parker---glad to hear about your Hermit Thrush...it's like hearing
from a ghost...you haven't posted for months!!!
I've been lucky that a PURPLE FINCH pair have begun to grace by yard...a
nice splash of color from him. I seem to have a covey of quail in my front
yard and another in my back...or am I just seeing double?
Gloria LeBlanc
http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
"largest selection of Wall Street inspired gifts"
http://www.cowscowscows.com
"site for the Chicago and NYC cows"
http://www.lgsia.com
"money management for YOU using 9 distinct portfolios"
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 07 18:56:56 2001
Subject: [SBB] Ash-throated Flycatcher arives, more Hermit Thrushes, etc.
--------
Howdy South-bay-birders,
This morning myself and a group from my class did some birding along
Alamitos Road and Hicks Road. We started at the trailhead parking area in
New Almaden. Across the road, in the riparian near La Foret Restaurant, we
found PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, a singing YELLOW WARBLER
(heard only), YELLOW-RUMPED (MYRTLE) WARBLER, and PURPLE FINCH, plus to add
to the other HERMIT THRUSH reports we saw one high in a tree along the
creek, and later heard one singing there.
While birding there we also bumped into Ann Verdi, who birded with us
off and on this morning, since we were making our rounds of the same places.
At the intersection of Alamitos Road and Hicks Road near Almaden Reservoir
we heard and briefly saw an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, our first for this
spring. In this same area a WARBLING VIREO and HOUSE WREN were singing, and
we later saw a displaying WILD TURKEY on a hillside near the intersection.
Ann had seen a few WOOD DUCKS before we arrived at Almaden Reservoir,
but by the time we arrived they couldn't be refound. We did see a SPOTTED
SANDPIPER walking along the far shore, under shady oak woodland and dry
brush above the waterline. It's choice of habitat seemed unusual, especially
when it left the water to forage under bushes.
From there we walked Alamitos Road to Twin Creeks. Birds found between
the reservoir and Twin Creeks included VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, a CASSIN'S
VIREO (heard only), HOUSE WREN, 2 singing YELLOW WARBLERS, BLACK-HEADED
GROSBEAK (heard only), PURPLE FINCH, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, a pair of
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS, and a displaying WILD TURKEY (even when we couldn't
see any turkeys we could hear their loud gobbling).
Along Hicks Road we stopped to check the riparian upstream from
Guadalupe Reservoir. We heard HOUSE WRENS, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, and
WARBLING VIREO singing, but otherwise it was pretty quiet--we listened for
Wilson's Warbler but didn't hear any on this trip. Ann did find and share
with us an AMERICAN ROBIN on its nest near the creek confluence.
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 Sun Apr 08 15:14:24 2001
Subject: [SBB] County birding
--------
All,
On Saturday's SCVAS field trip to Stevens Creek we had an adult male Osprey
flying North over us from the reservoir following which it turned west, great
looks at some low and slow flying White-throated Swifts (a possible Vaux's
but it was alone and never came in close enough), we had good looks at
Warbling Vireo (one chasing another for a while), Pacific-slope Flycatcher,
Hermit Thrush, Black-headed Grosbeak (another chase), Bullock's Oriole (a
first year male and later an adult male) and Orange-crowned Warbler. We also
had fair looks at Hutton's Vireo and Purple Finch (one a singing first year
male). I also had a singing Cassin's Vireo for a short time for a county
year bird. At one point Wrentits were gathering nesting material from a
bush, in the open about ten feet from us, later Bushtits did the same in a
tree just over our heads. One question coming out of the trip that I
certainly don't know the answer to is "Do Hutton's Vireo's do as many as six
to eight rapid, single note calls in their song?" My feeling is that perhaps
three is the maximum. We heard a call that was slow for a Junco (and did not
fall off at the end) and just didn't sound right (to me) for a Towhee (it had
a bell like quality and was fairly loud).
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 3:00 PM, 4/8/01
--------
Attachment
1.5 KBytes
--------
From email@hidden Sun Apr 08 17:13:49 2001
Subject: [SBB] Re: thrush questions
--------
Natasha the amphibian wrote:
> OK, so the other day I saw a lovely thrush in Los Altos, and the only two
> plausible candidates were the Swainson's and the Hermit Thrush. As
> reported, not much chance to hear its song. Good view of face (very
> distinct eye ring, distinct yellow malar swoop) and chest (very distinct
> dark chest spots). I did _not_ see colored lores such as Sibley shows in
> the Swainson's. I didn't get a good view of its tail, however, so I'm left
> without that color key. Working mostly from Sibley, using these details
> and the fuzzy logic of my "a ha!" recognition upon turning the page to
> Hermit Thrushes, I identified it as a Hermit--and I now fear I was
> premature in doing so. Here are my questions:
(etc.)
At this time of year, basically Hermit Thrushes are still here from the
winter, and Swainson's haven't yet arrived. (The latter are possible, but
no-one has reported one yet that I've heard, and the numbers don't pick up
until late in the month.) The spotting description better matches Hermit;
I have no idea what a "swoop" is. Did you get a look at the uppertail, which
in Hermit would be a strongly contrasting rufous? There's an excellent
set of articles on Thrush identification by Alvaro Jaramillo in Birding
magazine last year, and perhaps he'll elaborate. By the way, he notes (and
illustrates with photos) that it isn't quite the lores on Swainson's which are
buffy, but the region immediately above the lores, forming a sort of spectacled
look (although to my mind much less prominently so than on a Cassin's Vireo).
In short, I think your first reaction was probably correct, but it's always
good to check for all possibilities.
Cheers, 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 Mon Apr 09 05:35:59 2001
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
On Sunday, 8 Apr 01, I went to check the south county. My first stop at San
Felipe Lake showed at least 5 active GREAT BLUE HERON nests. Plenty of
swallows overflying the lake, but I didn't concentrate on identifying them.
San Felipe Road produced no kingbirds; the eucalyptus trees were inhabited
only by TREE SWALLOWS, BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, and HOUSE FINCHES.
A WRENTIT was singing along Llagas Creek right at Bloomfield Ave, which
seemed totally out of place for this species. Also, a pair of AMERICAN CROWS
was building a nest in the willows along the creek about a hundred yards
north of Bloomfield (new COnfirmation for the block?).
Further north along Llagas Creek, near Watsonville Road, the GREAT BLUE
HERON rookery in the eucalyptus tree had at least 7 active nests. A pair of
LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES was hunting east of Chesbro Reservoir, along Willow
Springs Road near Hale Rd.
Today, 9 Apr 01, San Tomas Aquino Creek in Santa Clara produced a female
COMMON MERGANSER, a COMMON SNIPE, a female MALLARD with a single downy young
chick, a LINCOLN'S SPARROW, and a BLACK PHOEBE building a nest under the hwy
101 overpass.
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 Mon Apr 09 08:14:33 2001
Subject: [SBB] "My Farm"
--------
One really feels part of nature when you're standing under a tree to stay
dry during a shower. And, afterwards the sun came out and "my farm"
glistened. (La Rinconada Park)
I saw an AMERICAN ROBIN carrying nesting material. Didn't see one warbler!
Did see a LINCOLN'S SPARROW as well as the 2 crowned sparrows- although they
weren't together. A BULLOCK'S ORIOLE was a pretty sight. The pair of
MALLARD's continue to inhabit the little creek.
NUTTALL'S seemed to be everywhere and very vocal.
Gloria LeBlanc
Los Gatos off Quito
http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
"largest selection of Wall Street inspired gifts"
http://www.cowscowscows.com
"site for the Chicago and NYC cows"
http://www.lgsia.com
"money management for YOU using 9 distinct portfolios"
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 09 08:19:00 2001
Subject: [SBB] -
--------
Folks:
This morning, 4/9/2001, I saw six AM. WHITE PELICANS in the North Pond
of the Palo Alto FCB; one had a nuptial horn. A GREEN HERON was just north of
the boathouse at Shoreline Park, perched at the top of a tree and
squawking--territorial behavior? One female HOODED MERGANSER was in the
channel across the bike path from Adobe Creek. The BLACK SKIMMER count was
11. Two BURROWING OWLS continue in the mound at Shoreline across from the GC
entrance; they've been there at least since 3/8/2001.
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 09 08:50:02 2001
Subject: [SBB] More Almaden stuff
--------
Hello All,
John Mariani has covered pretty much all of what was seen and heard around
the Almaden area this weekend. I have only a few more things to add.
On Saturday, Apr 7, before I met up with John's group I was checking out the
riparian area by the New Almaden Community Center off Bertram Road and found
a PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER in the willows and a singing (chattering) HOUSE
WREN in the brush by a large old rusting metal relic (presumably from the
mining days). Two BULLOCK'S ORIOLES were back there as well. Of the four
WOOD DUCKS seen, a pair was seen heading upstream and two males were headed
in the direction of Larrabee Gulch. I also had three WILD TURKEYS by the
O'Day property, one of which swooped in low over my head, another landed in
the top of a willow tree plucking off little willow buds, and the third was
seen in the hillside.
On Sunday, Apr 8, my son and I hiked some trails around Mt Umunhum, starting
at Barlow Road (an old fire road), then heading down to the Woods Road Trail
- in all a hike of about 5 miles. It was a great hike, especially for
wildflowers, but not too many birds were seen on this cold wintery-like day,
but here are a few birds of interest seen: a pair of HUTTON'S VIREOS
engaging in nest material gathering about 1/2 mile down Barlow Rd from the
start of the trail. Feeding ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS were also seen here.
Otherwise, pretty quiet - mostly juncos, chickadees, Lesser Goldfinch,
Bushtit, Spotted Towhee, N. Flicker, and oh yes, Anna's Hummingbird. The
Barlow Rd trail shows good promise of more and varied birds on a better day
with stands of Grey Pine, Knob-cone Pine, Douglas Fir, and Calif Nutmeg, as
well as a good variety of oaks and chaparral scrub - but it is a
"knee-cruncher" trail, very steep in places.
Later in the day I checked back along Alamitos Road by the O'Day property
and saw a CASSIN'S VIREO. My "m.o." of birding these days is to look for
movement, then point my binoculars and hope for something interesting, and
in this case it was. The vireo was feeding on grubs and didn't appear to be
singing. Also saw a lone male WILD TURKEY displaying.
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 09 10:14:32 2001
Subject: [SBB] thrush migration timing
--------
All,
Thrush ID is indeed difficult, especially when views are incomplete
(as is often the case with these skulkers). As others have noted, it
is a bit early to be finding Swainson's Thrushes still, while Hermit
Thrushes have a few more weeks with us.
The first Swainson's Thrushes to arrive are our local breeders. These
birds can be found singing on their territories along Skyline by
mid-April or slightly earlier. In rare cases we hear of records as
early as the first week of April. The migrants (which outnumber our
breeding birds but can go largely undetected since most are not
singing) pass through quite a bit later. The Swainson's Thrush does
not breed at the Coyote Creek Field Station, so banding data are good
for determining the migration periods of this species. The first
migrants are usually found in the last week of April, with 80% moving
through between roughly May 10 and the end of May. The last 10%
straggle through to mid-June and beyond, making this species one of
our latest spring migrants (along with Willow Flycatcher).
In fall the bulk of the migrants pass through between about 10 Sep and
early October, with a few birds being found until the last few days of
October. These late birds are probably not our local breeders. For
instance a bird I saw along Stevens Creek on 10/26/99 was apparently
(by color and call note) one of the Alaska breeding subspecies.
Hermit Thrushes, on the other hand, arrive in mid-September and are
still present throughout April, with a few birds found until about 10
May. Besides these overwintering/migrant birds, a few Hermit Thrushes
breed up along Skyline and there have been some surprise summer
banding records from CCFS, perhaps of failed or dispersing local
breeders.
Thus during the year there are two periods, from mid-April through the
first week or so of May and from mid-September through October, when
one has a reasonable chance of finding both of these species in the
county and careful consideration should be given to both species.
Outside these periods extreme care should be used for claims of the
less expected species. Our breeding Swainson's Thrushes and many of
our migrating birds are actually very rusty above, often leading to
incorrect claims of Veery in California. These birds are quite
distinctive and should be readily separable from our Hermit Thrushes.
For other birds the distinctions may be more subtle and careful
attention should be paid to face pattern and back/rump/tail contrast.
Happy thrushing,
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 09 10:45:37 2001
Subject: [SBB] More thrushing
--------
Hello all,
Having read the various posts on thrush migration, I believe the pretty
thrush I saw in my Palo Alto backyard this morning is a Hermit. I'm always
surprised and pleased when I see anything other than the usual finches,
juncos, titmouses and hummingbirds.
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 09 21:41:21 2001
Subject: Re: [SBB] Re: thrush questions
--------
At 05:13 PM 4/8/01 -0700, email@hidden wrote:
>Natasha the amphibian wrote:
>
> > OK, so the other day I saw a lovely thrush in Los Altos, and the only two
> > plausible candidates were the Swainson's and the Hermit Thrush. As
> > reported, not much chance to hear its song. Good view of face (very
> > distinct eye ring, distinct yellow malar swoop) and chest (very distinct
> > dark chest spots). I did _not_ see colored lores such as Sibley shows in
> > the Swainson's. I didn't get a good view of its tail, however, so I'm
> left
> > without that color key. Working mostly from Sibley, using these details
> > and the fuzzy logic of my "a ha!" recognition upon turning the page to
> > Hermit Thrushes, I identified it as a Hermit--and I now fear I was
> > premature in doing so. Here are my questions:
>
>(etc.)
>
>At this time of year, basically Hermit Thrushes are still here from the
>winter, and Swainson's haven't yet arrived. (The latter are possible, but
>no-one has reported one yet that I've heard, and the numbers don't pick up
>until late in the month.) The spotting description better matches Hermit;
>I have no idea what a "swoop" is. Did you get a look at the uppertail, which
>in Hermit would be a strongly contrasting rufous? There's an excellent
>set of articles on Thrush identification by Alvaro Jaramillo in Birding
>magazine last year, and perhaps he'll elaborate. By the way, he notes (and
>illustrates with photos) that it isn't quite the lores on Swainson's which
>are
>buffy, but the region immediately above the lores, forming a sort of
>spectacled
>look (although to my mind much less prominently so than on a Cassin's Vireo).
All,
First, I am flattered that Al liked the thrush ID articles. I am even
more amazed that anyone actually read them, thanks!
I think that Al covered the main points. The only thing I would add is that
Hermits have this nice habit of cocking and flicking their tail, often
accompanied by a quick droop or flick of the wings. This happens almost
invariably when landing, or sometimes after a quick run or movement.
American Robins do this too, but Swainson's Thrushes do not tend to do it.
If you saw a nervous tail flick it tips the scales towards Hermit. Here
close to the Ocean the subspecies of Hermit Thrush we see are very small
with petite bills, they look cute and in bill size and shape are more like
a bluebird. Swainson's Thrushes are bigger with larger bills. These
differences are subtle, but once you begin looking for them they can really
help you out in the field.
cheers.
Alvaro
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 09 22:39:38 2001
Subject: [SBB] Lawrence's Goldfinches, nesting at Arastradero
--------
All,
During nestbox checks at Arastradero this morning (4/9/2001), I made a
careful check of the 80-odd goldfinches in the ripening fiddlenecks at the
extreme southeastern corner of the preserve. As in the past at this
location, there was at least one male and one female Lawrence's Goldfinch in
among the Lessers.
Other birds of potential interest at this location were a Selasphorus hummer
(heard better than seen), a noisy House Wren which appears to be nesting in
one of my boxes, and several excited Savannah Sparrows in the fiddlenecks
with the goldfinches. About 20 Pine Siskins were foraging in nearby Blue Oak
foliage. A pair of Western Bluebirds building a nest at the parking area
provide excellent close-range viewing, and a male Northern Harrier coming
into full adult plumage was hanging around at close range too.
Several Chestnut-backed Chickadees and Oak Titmice are incubating their eggs
this week, as is a single pair of WEBL (most are still in the
nest-construction stage.)
At Hidden Villa this evening there was a Vaux's Swift in among a large and
fast-moving swallow flock. Two or three White-throateds have been around
consistently for most of the spring.
--Garth Harwood
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 09 23:09:27 2001
Subject: [SBB] Arastradero OSP
--------
All,
On Saturday, I took my Palo Alto Adult School Beginning Birding class to
Arastradero OSP and we were treated to great views of BLUE-GRAY
GNATCATCHERS near the golfcourse and a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE in the willows
by the pond. A nesting pair of RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS were also seen and
heard above the pond. A WILSON'S WARBLER and a "Myrtle" YELLOW-RUMPED
WARBLER were near the small bridge by the water as well. Many TREE
SWALLOWS, and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS foraged over the fields and a few
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS by the pond. There was also a lone VAUX'S
SWIFT among the many WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS near the entrance.
A full report can be found at my site:
http://www.birdguy.net/trip_report.html
That's all for now,
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 Mon Apr 09 23:20:44 2001
Subject: [SBB] PSFL
--------
All,
I heard my first PACIFIC SLOPE FLYCATCHER (six of them, infact) on
Wednesday, April 4 along the San Francisquito Creek in Palo Alto between
Alma and the pedestrial bridge. As well, the area seems to have good
numbers of Swallows, mostly VIOLET-GREENS, but a few TREE, CLIFF and
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED. Haven't seen a Barn in the area yet this Spring.
TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS and both forms of YELLOW-RUMPED are present as well.
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 Tue Apr 10 10:21:14 2001
Subject: [SBB] Re: {SBB] Lawrence's Goldfinches, nesting at Arastradeo
--------
Garth wrote:
> During nestbox checks at Arastradero this morning (4/9/2001), I made a
> careful check of the 80-odd goldfinches in the ripening fiddlenecks at the
> extreme southeastern corner of the preserve. As in the past at this
> location, there was at least one male and one female Lawrence's Goldfinch in
> among the Lessers.
> Other birds of potential interest at this location were a Selasphorus hummer
> (heard better than seen), a noisy House Wren which appears to be nesting in
> one of my boxes, and several excited Savannah Sparrows in the fiddlenecks
> with the goldfinches. About 20 Pine Siskins were foraging in nearby Blue Oak
> foliage. A pair of Western Bluebirds building a nest at the parking area
> provide excellent close-range viewing, and a male Northern Harrier coming
> into full adult plumage was hanging around at close range too.
>
> Several Chestnut-backed Chickadees and Oak Titmice are incubating their eggs
> this week, as is a single pair of WEBL (most are still in the
> nest-construction stage.)
Garth: A perhaps careless reading of the title of your post suggested at
first that you had nesting Lawrence's Goldfinches; however, the comma likely
mean you didn't intend that. What's the story? Also, I'd guess the location
isn't far from the main parking lot, perhaps along Arastradero Road. About
how far from there is it, and is it accessible by a sanctioned trail?
Thanks, 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 Tue Apr 10 10:28:53 2001
Subject: [SBB] Locally Breeding Hermit Thrush
--------
Mike's comment on locally breeding Hermit Thrushes prompts me to describe an
odd population of likely breeders here in San Mateo County. I know this is
out of the South Bay Birds area, but I think it is relevant information for
the area. Perhaps this phenomena occurs elsewhere in our region.
In May of 1996 while doing field work for the San Mateo County Breeding Bird
Atlas I heard (and saw) a Hermit Thrush on Sherwood Point, a peninsula that
juts southward into Lower Crystal Springs Lake (Atlas Block 5050). I
assumed it was a late migrant and did not include it in my atlas sightings.
On June 7, 1997 Peter Metropulos and I were again doing atlas work in the
same area. This time we counted up to 6 individuals all singing in the
area, with a few more on the adjoining atlas block (5055). All were still
present and singing when we returned to check on the area on June 14, 1997.
Conventional wisdom in SM County is that our breeders are restricted to the
higher elevation areas along Skyline Boulevard, most likely in coniferous
forest with limited understory. These birds were at approximately 800 feet
in an isolated patch of chamise/chaparral.
Because of the difficulties in arranging access to this closed area within
the San Francisco Watershed, I have not been back since to check on these
birds. I do hope to go in early May of this year to see if this population
is still present. With a little luck I can also arrange a later visit.
The only conclusion here at this point is that there is still much we don't
know about Hermit Thrush breeding in the San Francisco Bay Area!
Francis Toldi
Burlingame, CA
-----Original Message-----
From: email@hidden
[mailto:email@hidden]
On Behalf Of
Dr. Michael M. Rogers
Sent: Monday, April 09, 2001 10:15 AM
To: email@hidden
Subject: [SBB] thrush migration timing
Hermit Thrushes, on the other hand, arrive in mid-September and are
still present throughout April, with a few birds found until about 10
May. Besides these overwintering/migrant birds, a few Hermit Thrushes
breed up along Skyline and there have been some surprise summer
banding records from CCFS, perhaps of failed or dispersing local
breeders.
Thus during the year there are two periods, from mid-April through the
first week or so of May and from mid-September through October, when
one has a reasonable chance of finding both of these species in the
county and careful consideration should be given to both species.
Outside these periods extreme care should be used for claims of the
less expected species. Our breeding Swainson's Thrushes and many of
our migrating birds are actually very rusty above, often leading to
incorrect claims of Veery in California. These birds are quite
distinctive and should be readily separable from our Hermit Thrushes.
For other birds the distinctions may be more subtle and careful
attention should be paid to face pattern and back/rump/tail contrast.
Happy thrushing,
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 10 10:32:57 2001
Subject: [SBB] Wilson's are back too
--------
Unless I missed it, no one has mentioned the arrival of WILSON'S WARBLERS.
I've got several singing around my yard in Felton since, I think Thursday
or Friday of last week (4/5 or 6).
--
Paul Stevens email@hidden
Tivo, Inc. http://www.tivo.com
P.O. Box 649101 408-519-9194
Alviso, CA 95164-9101 Fax: 408-519-5339
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 10 14:28:50 2001
Subject: Re: [SBB] Locally Breeding Hermit Thrush
--------
In a message dated 4/10/01 10:37:21 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
email@hidden writes:
> Conventional wisdom in SM County is that our breeders are restricted to the
> higher elevation areas along Skyline Boulevard, most likely in coniferous
> forest with limited understory. These birds were at approximately 800 feet
> in an isolated patch of chamise/chaparral.
>
That is not the case, as the species is a widespread breeder on the coastal
slope in the southern part of SM County, occuring in varied conifer forest
and chaparral settings. Many are at moderate to high elevation, but I think
the distribution of suitable habitat is more significant than elevation. Many
in the Pescadero, Butano and Gazos watersheds are at elevations below 400'
for example. They do generally avoid any near proximity to the coastal zone.
David Suddjian, Capitola
--------
Attachment
1.1 KBytes
--------
From email@hidden Tue Apr 10 14:48:53 2001
Subject: RE: [SBB] Locally Breeding Hermit Thrush
--------
So much for conventional wisdom!
Thanks for the clarification. That puts the northern county location in
much better perspective. Sherwood Point is consistent with the areas you
describe. It is a microhabitat with a distinctly interior feel.
Could you describe in more detail the specific habitat for our local
breeders, be they in San Mateo or Santa Clara (or Santa Cruz) Counties?
Incidentally, the breeding records that David describes are amply
represented in our soon to be published Breeding Bird Atlas data set.
Francis Toldi
Burlingame, CA
-----Original Message-----
From: email@hidden [mailto:email@hidden]
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2001 2:29 PM
To: email@hidden; email@hidden
Subject: Re: [SBB] Locally Breeding Hermit Thrush
In a message dated 4/10/01 10:37:21 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
email@hidden writes:
Conventional wisdom in SM County is that our breeders are restricted to the
higher elevation areas along Skyline Boulevard, most likely in coniferous
forest with limited understory. These birds were at approximately 800 feet
in an isolated patch of chamise/chaparral.
That is not the case, as the species is a widespread breeder on the coastal
slope in the southern part of SM County, occuring in varied conifer forest
and chaparral settings. Many are at moderate to high elevation, but I think
the distribution of suitable habitat is more significant than elevation.
Many
in the Pescadero, Butano and Gazos watersheds are at elevations below 400'
for example. They do generally avoid any near proximity to the coastal zone.
David Suddjian, Capitola
--------
Attachment
9.0 KBytes
--------
From email@hidden Tue Apr 10 14:58:18 2001
Subject: [SBB] County birding, Twin Gates and Smith Creek
--------
All,
This morning Frank Vanslager and birded Twin Gates (left side of road above
Grant Ranch County Park) and Smith Creek (beyond that). Best birds at Twin
Gates were Pine Siskens (a moving flock of about 20 birds), Bullock's Oriole
(two adult males battling over territory and a female), Western Bluebird (a
few males), Oak Titmouse (two) and White-breasted Nuthatch (two). Best birds
at Smith Creek were Lawrence's Goldfinch (two females and an adult breeding
plumage male), Chipping Sparrow (two singing birds, one a well seen adult),
Purple Finch (heard only), Orange-crowned Warbler (heard only), Bullock's
Oriole, Wild Turkey (a lone female), and House Wren (two). We may also have
had two to three singing MacGillivray's Warblers. The problem is that the
birds were not doing the full song (although at least two birds did the same
song) and we cannot positively rule out Yellow Warbler (doing a partial
song). The song sounded like "sweeter sweeter sweeter wit to wit." Big
miss of the day however, was a darkish gray looking Flycatcher that I thought
was most probably a Hammond's but that I was only able to get two extremely
short glimpses of it before it disappeared. In general the birding was slow
but well worth the effort.
People should be advised that they are working on the bridge over Smith Creek
(only one lane open) and that parking is very limited near the fire station.
My guess is that the bridge work will take all summer.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 2:46 PM, 4/10/01
--------
Attachment
1.7 KBytes
--------
From email@hidden Tue Apr 10 17:00:32 2001
Subject: [SBB] RUFF in Alviso
--------
All,
I made a quick stop at Alviso this afternoon 4/10/01. Not many
shorebirds were in the wet fields, although I did have 3 LONG-BILLED
CURLEWS (one chased off by a pair of BURROWING OWLS), 1 WHIMBREL, and
1 heard-only GREATER YELLOWLEGS.
Across the road in the marsh at State and Spreckles, I had a female
RUFF (=REEEVE) in with 60 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS. This basic-plumaged
bird showed little signs of molting in any alternate plumage, the legs
were yellow, and there were still warm buff tones in the
hindneck/upper back, suggesting perhaps a first-spring bird. Given
that last fall's birds that spent from 29 Aug to 28 Oct here were
thought to be an adult female and a juvenile male, this would be a
different bird if it is indeed this age. Today's bird seemed to be
molting in some new tertials, as the lower tertials were white-edged
(rather than buff/yellow as on the upper tertials) and one on the
right side was shorter than the one above it (regrowing). In flight
the bird looked a little worn, but on the ground there was no obvious
fraying or wear. Initially, the Ruff spent much of its time well
concealed in the vegetation, but later it flew out to a more open
pool. Unlike the dowitchers, it was actively foraging.
Several pairs of dabbling ducks in full breeding condition were also
around, including two pairs of AMERICAN WIGEON (they bred at Hayward
last summer, so keep an eye out for a potential first county breeding
record!), a pair of NORTHERN PINTAIL, four pairs of CINNAMON TEAL, and
many pairs of NORTHERN SHOVELERS. A newly hatched KILLDEER was also
racing over the gravel pond edge.
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 10 17:34:26 2001
Subject: [SBB] Warblers
--------
Today ( 4/9) had a small flock of warblers working the oaks along Creek
Drive in Menlo Park. Most notable were a singing Black-thoated Gray
warbler and a singing Hermit Warbler. Many Townsend's Warblers and a
couple Orange-crowned Warblers thown in.
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 10 17:42:42 2001
Subject: [SBB] more on pine siskins
--------
Talked to Dr. Stern again today. She's been talking to the national
wildlife lab. They're interested in getting samples of the birds for
study. If you're willing to help, here's what to do: if you find a dead
siskin, refrigerate it (please don't freeze it), and either take it to
For the Birds in Los Gatos, or contact them -- they can get you
instructions on how to get it to the labs for study.
--
Chuq Von Rospach, Internet Gnome
[ = = ]
Yes, yes, I've finally finished my home page. Lucky you.
To the optimist, the glass is half full.
To the pessimist, the glass is half empty.
To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 10 18:11:40 2001
Subject: Re: [SBB] Locally Breeding Hermit Thrush
--------
In a message dated 4/10/01 2:57:19 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
email@hidden writes:
> Could you describe in more detail the specific habitat for our local
> breeders, be they in San Mateo or Santa Clara (or Santa Cruz) Counties?
>
>
Forest nesting habitat in the Santa Cruz Mountains is principally Redwood -
Douglas fir forest, old or young, with a hardwood component (tan oak,
madrone, live oak). In such forest they are most numerous away from streams,
up on slide slopes and ridges, often where the hardwood component is well
developed and there is a fair amount of tall understory vegetation
(huckleberry, sapling tan oak, etc.). On the coastal slope of the S.C.
Mountains they are also found in manzanita - knobcone scrub, and can be
pretty numerous in such areas. The scrub habitat is mostly used where there
is a lot of seasonal fog. In the southern Santa Cruz Mountains (south of
Soquel Creek) they are especially attracted to small brushy clearings in
generally forested areas.
One of my favorite experiences is sitting out along one of the high ridges,
like Butano Ridge, amid the knobcone scrub, watching the sunset and listening
to the Hermit Thrushes sing.
David Suddjian, Capitola
--------
Attachment
1.8 KBytes
--------
From email@hidden Tue Apr 10 23:52:44 2001
Subject: RE: [SBB] RUFF in Alviso
--------
I reached the intersection of Spreckles and State at 7:00PM after seeing
Mike's message.
Forgot about the small matter of the tides. The tide was in and there were
no shorebirds.
A RING-NECKED PHEASANT was calling at the end of Spreckles street.
A male NORTHERN HARRIER was being harassed by RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDs.
On the way out, I found a/the RUFF in Arzino Ranch. It was with 6 Dowitchers
in
a patch of water west of the where the railway line crosses Zanker Rd.
Did not have a scope. Would have needed that to compare this bird with
Mike's notes.
Vivek
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 Wed Apr 11 05:55:52 2001
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
I visited Alviso at lunch time today, 11 Apr 01. Checking the marsh at State
and Spreckles produced nothing unusual (Jim Danzenbaker was there as well
and saw nothing). The pond across the road at Arzino Ranch was equally
unproductive. So, I went over by the railroad tracks, where a wet area in
the field was present. All I found here of note was a LESSER YELLOWLEGS.
Steve Miller showed up and continued to scope this area after I left. Maybe
he has something more to report. Arzino, near the Jubilee Center, had 3
BURROWING OWLS.
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 Wed Apr 11 10:45:06 2001
Subject: [SBB] Band Tailed Pigeons
--------
I had two Band-tailed Pigeons at my feeder this
morning. The remaining Gold Crowns and White Crowns
are in beautiful breeding plumage, and the Lincoln's
Sparrow continues to show up frequently as it has for
several months now. This morning it was feeding and
then flew into the shrubs just below our dining room
window. I have constantly tracked it on the calendar
and am beginning to wonder just how long it's going to
stay around. Where is its major breeding area?
The quail crowd has lessened, but I still have
several feeding and calling.
Barbara
Almaden Area
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.
http://personal.mail.yahoo.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 11 10:56:07 2001
Subject: [SBB] Band-tailed Pigeons
--------
I had two Band Tailed-pigeons at my feeder this
morning. Also, the remaining Gold Crowns and White
Crowns are in beautiful breeding plumage, and the
Lincoln's Sparrow continues to show up frequently as
it has for several months. This morning it was
feeding and then flew into the shrubs just below our
dining room window. I have constantly tracked it on
the calendar and am beginning to wonder just how long
it's going to stay around. What is their primary
breeding area?
The quail crowd has lessened, but still there are
several feeding in small groups.
Barbara Harkleroad
Almaden Area
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.
http://personal.mail.yahoo.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 11 13:45:10 2001
Subject: [SBB] Northern Pygmy-Owl
--------
Wednesday noon, Shirley Gordon spotted a Northern Pygmy-Owl at Almaden-Quicksilver County Park. The bird was 6' down in a tall sycamore at the first big, right-hand, nearly hairpin turn a 1/4 mile up Mine Hill Trail from the New Almaden/Hacienda parking area. The lone sycamore is off to the left as one goes uphill, near the sharpest part of the turn. (I think this is the same turn in the trail, though not the same tree, in which Ann Verdi reported seeing a pair of Northern Pygmy-Owls on March 10th.)
Thanks to Shirley's spotting and Frank Vanslager's scope, all those who were still there at the end of the SCVAS birdwalk which Shirley led were treated to wonderful views of the bird.
Roland Kenner
--------
Attachment
1.1 KBytes
--------
From email@hidden Thu Apr 12 03:37:48 2001
Subject: [SBB] Fwd: Undelivered mail for email@hidden
--------
>
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
--------
Message
--------
--------
Final-Recipient: rfc822; email@hidden
Action: failed
Status: 5.1.1
--------
Message
--------
Subject: nesting boxes occupants
--------
Hi,
Two of my three nesting boxes in my Cupertino garden/yard have birds raising
families in them. Bewicks Wrens and Chestnutbacked Chicadees.
There is also a Bushtit nest suspended from a lower branch of my back yard
California Pepper Tree.
Last year I had a Bushtit nest in the front yard Pepper Tree. Unfortunately
it was deserted. In the fall I opened up the nest and found a Cowbird egg
and 3 Bushtit eggs in it. I took pictures of this.
Dirk Thiele,
Cupertino
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
From email@hidden Thu Apr 12 05:43:08 2001
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
I went to Alviso today, 12 Apr 01, and stopped at the EEC. There were a few
hundred breeding-plumaged EARED GREBES on the salt pond. I saw GREAT EGRET,
SNOWY EGRET, and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON in the rookery. An ORANGE-CROWNED
WARBLER was present near the Center and a female AMERICAN GOLDFINCH was
carrying nesting material.
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 Thu Apr 12 10:02:04 2001
Subject: [SBB] Frenchman's Meadow, Stanford
--------
There was quite a scene in the meadow this morning, the first really
spring-like morning in several days. One pair of HOODED ORIOLES is
established in the more northeasterly of the two fan palms; I located the
nest woven below one of the palm fronds, and saw the female carrying a
piece of down to it. The male was perched nearby, chattering occasionally
and looking domestic. In, around and about the other fan palm 3 males were
chasing one female while trying to chase each other off at the same time,
chattering constantly, and regularly giving their high sharp flight call,
along with occasional fragments of song. I watched the spectacle for a half
an hour, but had to leave with the struggle unresolved.
A male BULLOCK'S ORIOLE was on top of one redwood, singing; one of the
local nesting pair of RED-TAILED HAWKS was perched atop another. I also
heard my first of the year PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER singing nearby, as well
as a singing TOWNSEND'S WARBLER. A couple of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were
around, including a very bright male Audubon's. Several BROWN-HEADED
COWBIRDS lurked. The regular summer squadron of VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS were
overhead, and COOPER'S HAWK circled briefly.
-- 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 Thu Apr 12 10:47:44 2001
Subject: [SBB] Location of Frenchman's Meadow
--------
In answer to several requests: Frenchman's Meadow is at the end of
Frenchman's Road on Stanford campus. Coming from the Palo Alto side, take
the circular Campus Drive around to the south side of the Quad (toward the
hills), go east on Mayfield, then right on Frenchman's. The meadow is where
the two palm trees are.
Coming from the foothill side, turn off Junipero Serra onto Santa Maria,
turn right onto Gerona, which will take you to the meadow.
The street on Frenchman's is marked for residential parking only, but I
don't believe this is enforced.... but for unimpeachable legality, turn up
Estudillo a block or so and park on the street.
I hope the HOOR show is still going on!
-- 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 Thu Apr 12 11:41:59 2001
Subject: [SBB] HOODED ORIOLE
--------
Good Morning,
Just thought I would post that a HOODED ORIOLE showed up just moments ago in
backyard. He was here for the first time last year on Easter, amazing how
close he came to arriving at Easter again this year!
Best regards,
Linda
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 12 12:21:06 2001
Subject: [SBB] thrush subspecies
--------
Natasha,
Hopefully this will help address your question of whether we have
"Interior West" or "Pacific" thrushes in the valley.
Checking Grinnell & Miller "The Distribution of the Birds of
California" (1944) - available reprinted from Artemisia Press for only
about $25 I believe - you can see we are listed as having 5 subspecies
of Hermit Thrush (Hylocichla guttata=Catharus guttatus) and 2 of
Swainson's Thrush (Hylocichla ustulata=Catharus ustulatus) in the
state. These are:
Alaska Hermit Thrush - guttatus
Dwarf Hermit Thrush - nanus
Monterey Hermit Thrush - slevini
Sierra Hermit Thrush - sequoiensis
Great Basin Hermit Thrush - polionota
(the first two being winter visitors from the north (Alaska and
British Columbia) and the latter three being summer visitor breeding
birds, with "slevini" accounting for our local San Mateo County
breeders)
and
Rocky Mountain Swainson Thrush - almae (=swainsoni)
Russet-backed Swainson Thrush - ustulatus (including oedicus)
(both of these being summer visitors, with "ustulatus" (including what
is now oedicus) accounting for all California breeders except those in
the Great Basin).
Pyle's "Identification Guide to North American Birds" (1997) is more
recent and has a complete list of subspecies for the whole United
States. Also, these subspecies are listed in "groups" of the kind
illustrated in Sibley. For Hermit Thrush, the first three subspecies
are in the "guttatus" group, whereas the last two are in the
"auduboni" group (it also appears that there may be more California
subspecies now then in Grinnell & Miller's time). For Swainson's
Thrush, "ustulatus/oedicus" are in the "ustulatus" group, whereas
"almae" is part of the Olive-backed group.
Now, to match up the names in the Sibley guide to subspecies or
subspecies groups, go to the Sibley website at www.sibleyart.com and
check out the subspecies page http://www.sibleyart.com/taxa.htm:
Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus
Pacific C. u. ustulatus group
Taiga/Interior West C. u. swainsoni group
Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus
Taiga/Eastern C. g. faxoni group
Rocky Mountains C. g. auduboni group
Pacific C. g. guttatus group
Thus you can see that our local breeding Swainson's Thrushes
("ustulatus") are depicted as "Pacific", whereas "almae" is part of
the Taiga/Interior West group. Grinnell and Miller do not list other
subspecies for California, but some migrants of other subspecies do
presumably pass through California, e.g. "incanus" from Alaska - a
grayer-backed member of the "Pacific" group.
Both our wintering and breeding Hermit Thrushes are "Pacific" birds,
but gray-backed Interior West/Rocky Mountain birds are also found in
the state (and may be found especially during migration).
Both Grinnell & Miller and Pyle are outstanding references and well
worth buying. With them you can do this kind of analysis for all our
birds.
Hope this helps,
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 Thu Apr 12 15:33:08 2001
Subject: [SBB] Alviso Ruff
--------
All,
This morning shortly after nine and again at noon Frank Vanslager and I saw a
basic plumaged Ruff in the weeds on the far side of the pond located at
Spreckles & State St. in Alviso. Frank originally located the preening Ruff
among a group of sleeping Dowitchers about 100 yds north of the intersection
along a line with a wire fence which extends toward the pond. At noon the
bird was actively feeding with Dowitchers and Black-necked Stilts in the
weeds between the railroad tracks and the pond directly east of the
intersection. In both cases it was hard to see all of the bird (it was
behind an Avocet, Dowitchers and Pickle Weed in the morning and was moving
through heavy Pickle Weed later) but it was fairly easy to find (a whitish
fronted, small-billed bird among the warmly marked long-billed birds).
Hardest to see were the legs (color) and the best we got was that they were
yellowish (with no green). Sexing is also a bit of a problem in that the
bird appeared to stand somewhat taller than the Dowitchers but also somewhat
shorter in length (bill length difference?). My guess then is that this Ruff
is most likely Mike Rogers Reeve. The slightly decurved bill, about the
length of the head, seemed to be all black (at least at the distances we
viewed it we could see no (expected) color at the base of the bill). The
throat and the lower portion of the face were quite white with the chest,
belly and undertail coverts appearing a light shade of gray (dirty?). It had
a small, whitish supercillium and a dark eyeline. The crown was a fairly
dark, uniform grayish-brown with a minimal amount of white at the base of the
upper bill. The head, itself, often appeared to be quite small. The
scapulars and the primaries were dark brownish-black centered with buffy
edges. The white sides of the upper rump and the dark terminal tail band
were well seen as it preened (the central stripe however, was not confirmed).
During most of the noon sighting, as the bird fed, the feathers of the
mantle were raised.
Other notable birds included Whimbrel and Long-billed Curlew in "the pond"
Pickle Weed, a huge yellowish Canada Goose chick on the far side of the
tracks, five to six Common Snipe (in the weeds) and a gorgeous strutting cock
Ring-necked Pheasant in Arzino Ranch (three to four Burrowing Owls there
also). Coyote Creek Field Station was dead but we did have at least two
almost all white gulls (whitish primaries) in Salt Pond A18. The whitest
gull was quite large with an all black bill (probably a bleached out first
winter Thayer's Gull) while the other somewhat darker shaded gull was the
size and shape of a California Gull, had a bicolored bill with a dark tip
(your guess on this one is probably better than mine).
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 3;30 PM, 4/12/01
--------
Attachment
3.1 KBytes
--------
From email@hidden Thu Apr 12 19:57:01 2001
Subject: [SBB] RE: Caspian Tern(s)
--------
Good Evening,
Went to a few place to bird this late afternoon and evening bird.
Oak Meadow: Was really busy with birds. I counted two pair of Bullock's
Orioles (between the restrooms and the children's playground), but I do think
there may be more than that present. Cedar Waxwings(30) still present in the
same area. Lots of Robins, Bushtits and Towhees. The Acorn Woodpeckers (7)
are always a treat to watch.
Vasona: A Bullock's Oriole was spotted by the boat launch (they had a nest
there last year). At the rookery there was a nesting (?) Black-crowned Night
Heron with a Snowy Egret standing next to him! A Green Heron was there too.
Oka Ponds: The Canada Goose is still incubating in the first pond towards the
fence by the freeway. Two pair of American Wigeons present, along with four
pairs of Bufflehead, a single pair of Hooded Mergansers and a single pair of
Gadwalls in the large pond by the bridge.
Just as I was leaving I spotted a tern. I followed it back over the bridge to
the Los Gatos Creek Ponds side.....okay I ran.....A single Caspian Tern flew
over the ponds, and after watching it for ten minutes, in flew six others.
WOW.... Four Great Egrets where flying what looked like, back to Vasona, and
a beautiful Red-tail Hawk circled the ponds. Four Ruddy Ducks, three female
and one male in the large pond.
Lots of Swallows (50) Northern Rough-winged and Barn.
Good birding to all and best regards,
Linda Sullivan
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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 13 05:38:56 2001
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
I went back again to Alviso today, 13 Apr 01, this time finding the RUFF in
the marsh at State and Spreckles. The bird was behind the small fenced-off
area that is just south of the intersection. It was in a wet area of
pickleweed that is just adjacent to the open water. This bird spends a g