From email@hidden Thu Apr 01 10:19:05 1999
Subject: [SBB] Alum Rock Park (NPO), 4/1/99
I had a very similar experience today regarding the recent reports of
the NORTHERN PYGMY OWL at Alum Rock Park at the east end of Alum Rock
Rock Ave in San Jose.
I heard the owl as soon as I got out of my car where there is a large
brown sign that reads something like "Rustic Lands Picnic Area". I
sensed that it was quite a distance away on the other side of the creek.
It turned out that it was very close, in trees at the very edge of the
parking lot. It had a small rodent in its talons, and was consuming it
and calling during eating breaks. I watched it for about 30 minutes
from 7 - 7:30 am.
This was the first time I have seen this bird well, in broad daylight.
Nice bird. Thanks to those who have shared the information.
David Flynt
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
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From email@hidden Thu Apr 01 15:16:15 1999
Subject: [SBB] Pine Grosbeak?
In search for birds in my garden this afternoon I caught a glimpse of a
pink/red bird drinking from the Saratoga creek behind my home. Looking
closer, I identified it as a pine grosbeak, it fit the size, color and beak
shape. Is this a common bird in our area? If not, any other ideas on what
it might be?
Thanks for your help!
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From email@hidden Thu Apr 01 15:44:11 1999
Subject: Re: [SBB] Pine Grosbeak?
Extremely unlikely, but incredible if true.
--
Richard C. Carlson
Chairman, Spectrum Economics
Palo Alto, CA
email@hidden
650-324-2701
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From email@hidden Thu Apr 01 15:54:04 1999
Subject: Re: [SBB] Alum Rock Park (NPO), 4/1/99
When does Alum Rock Park open? I'd like to see that Pygmy Owl early
tomorrow.
--
Richard C. Carlson
Chairman, Spectrum Economics
Palo Alto, CA
email@hidden
650-324-2701
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From email@hidden Fri Apr 02 14:03:18 1999
Subject: [SBB] CORA at Stanford
All this week, while moving our offices, I've heard a pair of COMMON RAVENS
and occasionally gotten a brief glimpse. Today, about 12:30 I observed them
at the construction site on Lomita Mall, opposite the south entrance to the
quad.
They were walking around and over one of the dirt piles, occasionally picking
up small rocks. When I returned about 15 minutes later, one bird was playing
with a balled up piece of aluminum foil. Eventually, it gave a high-pitched
sound I had not
heard before, much like a call to another bird. Sure enough, the other raven
flew down from a nearby pine tree. I was able to walk within 5-6 feet of both
of them.
They seem fascinated with the dirt piles in front of the McCullough Annex
construction.
Susan Stout
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From email@hidden Fri Apr 02 14:31:39 1999
Subject: [SBB] Alum Rock Pygmy Owls and other suburban neighbors
I went to Alum Rock Park at about 8:30AM this morning and had an
interesting half an hour with 2 Pygmy Owls. I heard one calling as soon
as I got out of the car but had a frustrating 10 minutes in the immediate
area of the "Rustic Lands" sign at the edge of the parking lot trying to
track down the caller. Suddenly a fluffy ball of feathers approached the
top of the tree directly in front of the sign - and mounted another ball of
feathers on a high bare branch. Mating Pygmy Owls!
After that it was easy to follow the two, even though one flew upstream and
the other flew downstream. I followed one across the footbridge and found
it in a tree 25 feet to the left of the far side of the bridge. The tree
is on the edge of the trail beside the little amphitheater, with a garbage
can against the trunk. The owl was very active hopping around the tree,
then entered a hole in a large horizontal branch of the tree that overhangs
the trail - the hole faces almost directly downward toward the trail. I
saw the owl enter the hole 3 times in about 10 minutes, never staying in
the hole more than a minute, and never carrying anything that I could
detect.
Unfortunately I had to get to work, but the parking area had several
Bullock's Orioles and a Brown Creeper.
Several people have mentioned Wild Turkeys. Three days in the last week,
at 6PM or so, I have seen a flock of about 10 birds just a few yards from
Highway 101 north of Metcalf Ponds, standing in a dirt road that runs north
from the parking lot near the fishing hut. These birds are well within San
Jose city limits.
I am regularly seeing a pair of Ravens in my neighorhood, the Jackson Oaks
area of Morgan Hill. I have seen a pair, I presume the same pair, every
few days for the last 3 weeks, and I have not seen Ravens in the
neighborhood before. Some spring birds are back (Black-headed Grosbeak,
both orioles, Orange-crowned Warbler) but we still have some of our typical
winter birds: Cedar Waxwing, Pine Siskin, Hermit Thrush, and Steller's Jay.
By the way, Wild Turkeys are well-entrenched in this neighborhood too.
I've counted over 30 at once, typically in 2 groups at this time of year -
a group of females with a big tom, followed by a group of males hanging out
about half a block away from the first group.
Rick Herder
email@hidden
408-256-6925; internal 8-276-6925
IBM Storage Systems Division, San Jose
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From email@hidden Fri Apr 02 15:14:58 1999
Subject: [SBB] WITU
Last night upon leaving work I had a group of WILD TURKEYS on Hellyer
Ave just east of hwy 101. One of them had been hit by a car and about 4
others were milling about on the road.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Fri Apr 02 15:18:17 1999
Subject: [SBB] Golden Eagle
Today (4/1) at 1:15 p.m. I watched a Golden Eagle "hunting" over the grassy
area across the street from Rancho San Antonio Park in Cupertino.
Claire Wilson
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From email@hidden Fri Apr 02 18:45:54 1999
Subject: Re: [SBB] WITU
Mike Mammoser wrote:
> Last night upon leaving work I had a group of WILD TURKEYS on Hellyer
> Ave just east of hwy 101. One of them had been hit by a car and about 4
> others were milling about on the road.
>
> Mike Mammoser
All,
Just though you would like to know, spring Turkey season opens Saturday! Alas, I
failed to get drawn on the Tejon Ranch Hunt in Kern County. Knowing most of these
turkeys being seen here in the south bay are on private property and / or
protected public land hunting of them in these locations is forbidden. Keep an
eye out for poachers looking for an easy mark.
Turkeys may be hunted with permission on private property, generally outside of
city limits ( the hamilton range ranches, for instance).
Anyone seen any WIWA yet? I had one in Los Altos Hills today in full song. Seemed
early.
Regards,
Screech
--
Paul L. Noble
email@hidden
^ ^
@ @
( v )
( )
/ \
m m
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From email@hidden Fri Apr 02 23:59:42 1999
Subject: [SBB] Blue Grosbeak data base alert.
During the past 15 years Blue Grosbeaks have begun a constant movement
westward from eastern Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
During 1998 Blue Grosbeak reports started in Eastern Santa Clara County
such as Ed Levin Park.
This year I will be creating a data base for the seven bay area
countries logging all Blue Grosbeaks observations I can be alerted to.
I will post all findings weekly on south-bay-birds and ebbirds@list.
I need your support in this effort. I am new to this. I have a special
interest Blue Grosbeaks and their habitat needs, specifically Raparian
and Wetland Resources.
Please e mail me email@hidden with your findings.
Thanks in advance for your support of this project.
Happy Birding
Rich Cimino
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From email@hidden Sat Apr 03 07:45:32 1999
Subject: [SBB] RBNU at Ed Levin Park
On Friday, April 2 at about 11 am, I had great views of a very cooperative
Red-breasted Nuthatch just below Sandy Wool Lake in Ed Levin Park. It was in
the low pines just south of the volleyball court at the Elm Group Picnic
Area. There was also a roosting Barn Owl in the lone Palm tree by the
Maintenance Barns, across from the Ranger Station.
Frank Vanslager
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From email@hidden Sat Apr 03 11:29:09 1999
Subject: [SBB] San Francisquito Creek, Stanford
We began the day seeing the NORTHER PYGMY OWL, which was cooperative and
vocal. We only saw one, but heard two along in the vicinity of the
Rustic Lands sign. At least two male BULLOCK'S ORIOLES were visible and
vocal in the parking lot. A female COMMON MERGANSER made a brief
appearence in Alum Rock air-space as it flew along the creek.
San Francisquito creek near Stanford Shopping Mall was productive in the
afternoon. WESTERN TANAGER, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, NASHVILLE WARBLER, ALLEN'S
HUMMINGBIRD, MERLIN. A probable MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER was heard, but
not seen in the same area.
Matthew Dodder
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From email@hidden Sat Apr 03 11:37:20 1999
Subject: [SBB] Alum Rock
A large group of birders got good looks at one of the NORTHERN PYGMY-OWLS
in the eucalyptus right in the middle of the Rustic Lands parking lot in
Alum Rock Park this morning. The bird was calling and after some searching
through this large tree we were able to locate it.
Vivek Tiwari and I walked from Rustic Lands up along the creek to theend
of the road, and just past the Mineral Lodge sign, across the stream from
some orange plastic netting, we (along with Ann Verdi who happened along
at the same time) found a singing CANYON WREN. About half way there we saw
a male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD - all orange on the back. Also had a flyover by
a GOLDEN EAGLE.
-- Tom Grey Stanford CA email@hidden
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From email@hidden Sat Apr 03 11:52:06 1999
Subject: [SBB] Pygmy Owls at Alum Rock Park
This Sat. morning I entered Alum Rock Park on foot at 6:15 AM to look for
the Pygmy Owls reported for the last several days. It was overcast but
still. I heard two birds intermittently calling to each other as soon as I
reached the Rustic Lands picnic area. The calls were given about evey 3
seconds, and were about a half a pitch apart. It was hard to precisely
locate the birds given the noise of the creek. At about 6:45 AM I had a
great view of one of owls for about 5 minutes when it flew into a dead tree
about 20 feet to the right of the "Rustic Lands" sign, immediately in front
of the creek. The owl twisted its head several times, revealing the false
eyes on the back of the head. The bird then flew to the east about a 100
feet and seemed to land in one of the eucalyptus trees in the parking lot.
Several other birders showed up shortly thereafter and the owls were still
calling intermittently. I also heard at least 10 Bullock's Orioles during
my walk through the park.
- Dave Lewis
David B. Lewis
Division of Immunology/Transplantation Biology, Room H-307
Stanford University School of Medicine
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford, CA 94305-5208
Tel: (650) 498-4189 FAX: (650) 498-6077
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From email@hidden Sat Apr 03 18:32:02 1999
Subject: [SBB] Saturday gulls
I saw one apparent (the strong winds made it very hard to use a scope) 1W
Glaucous Gull at the Fremont Lagoons in a brief look. Also saw the Mew x
Ringed-bill Gull at the Palo Alto Duck Pond - this is clearly a hybrid
since it still has the ring on the bill despite being in summer plumage.
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From email@hidden Sat Apr 03 20:18:12 1999
Subject: [SBB] Alum Rock Park today
We saw the Northern Pygmy Owl with numbers of other people at Alum Rock
Park today. Thanks to the gentleman who set up the scope that gave us
such a great look! After leaving the Rustic Lands area, we birded the
road up to the YSI building, where we were thrilled to get wonderful
looks at a wild Great Horned Owl (another lifer!) perched in a tree
near the building--attracted by the hooting of the captive GH Owl.
Other birds on the walk included Brown Creepers, Townsend's Warblers,
and probable Warbling Vireo and Orange-Crowned Warblers (heard calls,
but not seen.)
Hugh McDevitt
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From email@hidden Sun Apr 04 12:41:15 1999
Subject: [SBB] Stevens Creek Park
A pair of AMERICAN DIPPERS was flying downstream above the 4th bridge.
Also saw three other year birds: WILSON'S WARBLER, BROWN CREEPER, and
CASPIAN TERN (over the reservoir).
-- Tom Grey Stanford CA email@hidden
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From email@hidden Sun Apr 04 20:32:59 1999
Subject: [SBB] Alum Rock: Pigmy-Owl, Sunday Dusk
At Rustic Lands, there was at least one NORTHERN PIGMY-OWL that began
calling every few seconds around 715pm tonight. I believe there were
two owls, due to a slight difference in pitch and that the calls seemed
to come from two different directions sometimes.
At around 745pm, one was good enough to fly into a small tree between
the Rustic Lands parking lot and the creek, giving me an unobstructed
view for a couple of minutes from about 20-30 feet. Wow! It was getting
dark, but the general shape, striped flanks, and nape pattern were clear.
I was not able to make out a pattern on its tail.
Earlier, down the path from Rustic Lands across the big foot bridge by
the park's entry kiosk, there was a GREAT HORNED OWL up in an oak
tree.
Jeff Finger
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 05 08:41:07 1999
Subject: [SBB] Quicksilver, Apr 4
The following birds were noted at Almaden/Quicksilver CP on Sunday, Apr 4:
BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS were seen and heard in the chaparral at Capehorn
Pass. After two unsuccessful attempts to find this species on the March
SCVAS Field Trips, they have now finally arrived. My first HOUSE WREN of
the season was seen and heard by the trailhead at the New Almaden entrance.
Near the Mockingbird Hill entrance, WARBLING VIREO, CASSIN'S VIREO and
NORTHERN ORIOLE were all seen and heard. Also of interest were two HAIRY
WOODPECKERS in the nearby vicinity.
That's it for now - Ann
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 05 09:02:13 1999
Subject: [SBB] Some birds
All,
Saturday's windy SCVAS field trip to Grant Ranch Park was for or most more
miserable than last year's Santa Clara County Christmas Bird Count. (We were
dressed for that.) There were white caps on the lake and very few species
(or birds) were seen. However, an adult male Osprey flying low over the
hills east of the lake and two gorgeous breeding plumage Chipping Sparrows
near the ranch house made the "worst trip" that Alan Thomas had ever been on
worthwhile.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 8:38 AM, 4/5/99
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 05 09:20:45 1999
Subject: [SBB] From HOOR to HOME
Saturday morning got off to a good start as the first Hooded Oriole
of the season landed on one of our hummer feeders. He returned at
least once later in the day.
We decided to visit Arastradero Preserve in the afternoon, figuring
that the valley above the lower lake would be sheltered from the
wind. (It was.) We found only the usual Pied-billed Grebe and Coot
on the lower lake and numerous Yellow-rumped Warblers in the
valley. We saw Nuttall's Woodpeckers of both sexes, but no Acorn
Woodpeckers at all in an area where I've come to expect many.
At the upper lake, we had a killer look at a male Hooded
Merganser. Also present were a female Bufflehead and another
Coot.
----------------
George Oetzel
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 05 10:25:47 1999
Subject: [SBB] backyard report
Since I still can't walk far, it was great to walk 20 feet and see the
Northern Pgymy Owl at Alum Rock Saturday. I think I was the last one to
arrive and I thank whoever let me look through his scope.
The rain certainly brings out the birds. Have my first Allen's Hummingbird
of the year. I haven't had quail since the neighbor's cat got rid of them
last year and I see 2 as I type this, so my first of the year. The
White-throated, White-Crowned, and Golden-crowned sparrow are all visible.
As are California Thrasher, CA towhee, spotted towhee. American Goldfinches
in brilliant yellow. Lesser and Pine Siskin here too. House finch. Junco.
Titmouse. Chickadee. That's what I see now...Probably have a hundred birds
eating. Must get some work done...so I can pay for the birdseed!
Gloria LeBlanc
Los Gatos off Quito
Your PFO (Personal Financial Officer)
http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 05 14:38:00 1999
Subject: [SBB] Bowers Park and vicinity 4/4
Hi Everyone--
On 4/4, I visited Bowers Park in Santa Clara. Many Easter celebrants, not
many birds, but I did see a male BULLOCK'S ORIOLE in the palms behind home
plate at Vierra Field, a male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD and many young
(short-billed) ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS were nabbing gnats in the eucalyptus
trees behind the bleachers, and a female NUTTALL'S WOODPECKER was excavating
a nesthole in a utility pole on the west side of the creek.
Mark Miller
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 05 15:04:25 1999
Subject: [SBB] Hooded Oriole
Yesterday a beautiful male Hooded Oriole found the hummer feeder. Last
year it was May 16 before I had any Oriole, and then it was a female.
Barbara Harkleroad
Almaden Valley
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From email@hidden Wed Apr 07 11:01:49 1999
Subject: [SBB] Wilson's Warbler
I single male WILSON'S WARBLER showed up in my backyard in Campbell this
morning. He had a distinctive black cap and was very bright yellow
underneath. He flitted around the birch tree much like kinglet or bushtit.
Pat Curtis
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From email@hidden Wed Apr 07 14:05:29 1999
Subject: [SBB] Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Rufous Hummingbird
All,
This morning Frank Vanslager and I saw two Rufous-crowned Sparrows on the
edge of Spring Valley Golf Course, below Sandy Wool Lake in Ed Levin Park.
Later I got good looks at a breeding plumage male Rufous Hummingbird (all red
back) in the far northeastern corner of this part of the park. Earlier we
saw the Northern Pygmy Owl (at the usual location) and a Great-horned Owl
(near the YSI Bldg) in Alum Rock Park. We also saw a Barn Owl in a Fan Palm
located in a maintenance yard on the east side of Spring Valley Golf Course
just off Calaveras Rd (seen on Frank's SCVAS field trip on Sunday).
Unfortunately we dipped on the Red-breasted Nuthatch Frank found last Friday
on the western edge of Ed Levin Park below Sandy Wool Lake.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 2:03 PM, 4/7/99
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From email@hidden Thu Apr 08 00:06:28 1999
Subject: [SBB] Osprey, Red-shouldered Hawk nest
Howdy South-bay-birders,
Late this afternoon (Wed.) I visited Almaden Reservoir under cloudy
skies. Aside from ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER I has no returning migrants
there. Back at my parents home, at the base of the Santa Teresa Hills, I
had better luck. Through a break in the clouds I spotted an OSPREY
flying north. Then I saw a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK in the eucalyptus next to
the house, carrying a leafy twig in its bill. It went to a nest high in
the tree where a second bird was waiting. In the past Red-tailed Hawks
and Great Horned Owls have nested in this same eucalyptus. I hadn't
noticed this nest before, although it is visible from the driveway.
Hopefully there will be some baby hawks up there soon...
John Mariani
email@hidden
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From email@hidden Fri Apr 09 10:59:42 1999
Subject: [SBB] Alum Rock Park 4/9
Hi Everyone--
The pair of NORTHERN PYGMY-OWLS made an appearance at the Rustic Lands
Picnic Area at Alum Rock Park around 9:30 this morning. One bird flew into
an oak overhanging the access road with a mouse or vole (dull brown pelage,
small round ears, longish hairless tail) in its clutches, sat there for
several minutes while several cars drove beneath it, then flew across the
parking lot into the sycamores and handed the vole to its partner. One or
another bird sat in the sycamores or adjacent trees until I left at around
9:50, but I never heard any vocalizations. I also saw a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK
soaring over the parking lot.
Mark Miller
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From email@hidden Fri Apr 09 16:12:05 1999
Subject: [SBB] Backyard birds
I had 55 Cedar Waxwings in one tree today. White-thoated Sparrow remains a
daily visitor. Quail and Thrasher now daily also....plus, all the
rest...hopefully in another week I can walk again...but,thank god, for my
backyard! Gloria LeBlanc
Your PFO (Personal Financial Officer)
http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
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From email@hidden Fri Apr 09 18:13:04 1999
Subject: Re: [SBB] Alum Rock Park 4/9
South Bay Birders,
Does anybody know when the gate opens at Alum Rock and what the entry
fee is? I'm considering having a class field trip there on the 17th
or 18th.
Thanks in advance.
Also the South Bay Birds archive for March is now online at
http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~jmorlan/southbay.htm
We also have some new mystery birds for your pleasure and/or
frustration.
--
Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA 94044: email@hidden
California Birding; Mystery Birds: http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~jmorlan/
California Bird Records Committee: http://www.wfo-cbrc.org/cbrc/
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From email@hidden Fri Apr 09 20:16:39 1999
Subject: [SBB] birds.
Birders:
Today there was a female Blue-grey Gnatcatcher at CCRS, while the
immature Ross's Goose still is hanging around the waterbird pond. Numbers
of Western Sandpipers are increasing in the region, there were many at the
waterbird pond as well as the sewage control plant. At Hidden Lake (with
Nick Lethaby) in Milpitas there still are a number of Thayer's Gulls as
well as a "Nelson's" Gull (Herring x Glaucous hybrid) and several mystery
birds, one of which was likely a Herring x Glaucous-winged hybrid. Later on
I noticed an adult Peregrine falcon soaring around over downtown Palo Alto.
cheers,
Al
Alvaro Jaramillo "It was almost a pity, to see the sun
Half Moon Bay, shining constantly over so useless a country"
California Darwin, regarding the Atacama desert.
email@hidden
Helm guide to the New World Blackbirds, Birding in Chile and more, at:
http://www.sirius.com/~alvaro
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From email@hidden Sat Apr 10 12:28:38 1999
Subject: [SBB] Ed Levin birds
At Ed Levin Park this morning, the sycamore grove on the hillside above
Sandy Wool Lake, a WESTERN KINGBIRD, a HOUSE WREN, 3 RUFOUS-CROWNED
SPARROWS, an ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD and a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE.
-- Tom Grey Stanford CA email@hidden
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From email@hidden Sat Apr 10 21:19:54 1999
Subject: [SBB] Alamitos Creek @ La Foret Restaurant
Between old and new bridges along the creek ( about 100' ):
Hermit Thrush, Western Flycatcher, Hutton's Vireo, Pair of White Breasted
Nuthatches, Orange Crowned W.,Pair Black Phoebes and five other common
resident species.
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From email@hidden Sun Apr 11 12:00:12 1999
Subject: [SBB] Panoche 4/10 (Lark Buntings etc.)
Hello all,
Joan Armer, Leni Silberman and I spent the day cruising through the Panoche
area yesterday (4/10/99). Highlight of the trip was a group of 5 LARK
BUNTINGS hanging around with 50 or so LARK SPARROWS on the roadside fence
wires approximately 2.5 miles south of the New Idria intersection. We studied
the group of 3 males and 2 female/immature birds for about 20 minutes at
short range, as close as 15 feet, and using all 4 field guides present before
making the call. Although the ID of males in breeding plumage should be a
simple matter, the 3 adult males were a crazy-quilt of black, grey, and white
patches (mostly black) as they were clearly seen in mid-molt. Bobolink
seemed an outside possibility until we focused carefully on the heavy,
bluish-gray bill. There were also a few very colorful HORNED LARKS in the
same mixed flock. Altogether a lark of a day...
A mile or so west of the Panoche tavern, we were also pleasantly surprised to
find a cooperative group of VESPER SPARROWS on the fencing among hundreds of
SAVANNAH SPARROWS, the latter showing a broad range of facial coloration from
widespread yellow to none. It was great to have the opportunity to study
these "colorless" SASP next to the Vespers, just a few feet outside the car
window. The chestnut wing patch was clearly seen by all on some of the VESP.
Both Vesper Sparrow and Lark Bunting were life birds for most of us.
Also at the roadside in the open grasslands west of the tavern, we
encountered a BADGER burrowing energetically a few feet from the pavement.
In the oak woodlands along the way from Paicines there were few surprises,
but we were pleased to find a total of three PHAINOPEPLA at separate,
mistletoe-laden oaks. WILD TURKEYS were seen displaying in a couple of
roadside clearings. No eagles or other noteworthy raptors were encountered,
except a probable PRAIRIE FALCON seen in bad light near the New Idria
junction. The Paicines Reservoir was not too exciting at this late date.
--Garth Harwood
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From email@hidden Sun Apr 11 12:44:12 1999
Subject: [SBB] birds
One of the NORTHERN PYGMY-OWLS put on a good show on Saturday for about
25 birders, showing up about 9:15am (sorry Kendric) and giving
scope-filling views for a half hour or so. It even did some hunting,
trying to capture some unseen prey item on the ground about 20 feet in
front of the assembled group.
Later, I walked with John and Maria Meyer into the park to the end of
the paved path that goes past the parking lot. We hoped for Canyon Wren
on the likely-looking slopes here, but failed to find one. Returning to
the eastmost end of the parking lot, we ran into Nick Lethaby who said
that he had the wren right there last weekend. Within some minutes I
heard the CANYON WREN sing twice, though I never saw it.
I then saw a pair of COOPER'S HAWKS in a courtship display over the
ridge above the north rim trail. The male had his white undertail
coverts fluffed out, and was diving down on the larger female with his
legs dropped in a typical raptor display. She seemed oblivious, soaring
away over the ridge with him following along.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Sun Apr 11 13:55:50 1999
Subject: [SBB] Blue Birds
While walking in the Guadelupe Oak Grove Park (McAbee and Golden Oak Way,
SJ.) on Friday afternoon, I spotted a beautiful pair of blue birds. Having
walked in that park for several years, since its inception, this is the
first year to see blue birds there. There is a lot of activity
now--kestrals, acorn woodpecker, white breasted nuthatch, Nutall's
woodpecker, swallows, many beautiful yellow-rumped warblers, junco, scrub
jay, titmouse, starling, modo, all enjoying one of our few spring-like
days.
Barbara Harkleroad
Almaden Valley
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From email@hidden Sun Apr 11 14:18:27 1999
Subject: [SBB] Black-headed Grosbeak
My Black-headed Grosbeak has just returned to spend the summer of 1999 in
my backyard! Migration is so awesome. Gloria LeBlanc Los Gatos off Quito
Your PFO (Personal Financial Officer)
http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
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From email@hidden Sun Apr 11 21:33:49 1999
Subject: [SBB] Weekend birds
Howdy South-bay-birders,
Saturday Jolene Lange and I walked part of the Alamitos Creek Trail
downstream from Graystone Lane. Best birds: a GADWALL, COMMON MERGANSER,
1 fly-by MERLIN, numerous brightly plumaged MYRTLE and AUDUBON'S
WARBLERS, swarms of VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, and male HOODED and BULLOCK'S
ORIOLES. While driving along Camden Ave. where it parallels the Arroyo
Calero we saw a GOLDEN EAGLE.
Today (Sun.) I visited Calero Reservoir in the late afrternoon. The
number of ducks was low, and I didn't spot any loons. There were
HUNDREDS of TREE SWALLOWS over the reservoir; normally reports of this
species in our area are in the single digits.. There were also a few
VIOLET-GREEN, CLIFF, and BARN SWALLOWS among them, but they were greatly
outnumbered by the Trees. Other birds there included an OSPREY and
GOLDEN EAGLE.
John Mariani
email@hidden
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 12 07:54:02 1999
Subject: [SBB] Caspian Tern, et al
Hello All -
On Saturday, Apr 10, a CASPIAN TERN was seen over Stevens Creek Reservoir.
On Sunday, April 11, I did some brief spot checks in the Almaden area amid
the rain showers and came up with the following. Along Alamitos Road
upstream of Almaden Reservoir, a pair of WOOD DUCKS flew out of the woods
upstream and landed in the backwaters, three WILD TURKEYS were seen crossing
Alamitos Road, and a LINCOLN'S SPARROW was in the brush near the O'Day
property. Three WOOD DUCKS (two males and one female) were seen upstream of
Calero Reservoir near the ranger station. At the upper end of Calero
Reservoir were nine WESTERN GREBES, ten COMMON MERGANERS, one CINNAMON TEAL,
and as John Mariani has already reported there were swallows galore (mostly
Tree, Barn, Violet-Green, and Cliff). N. ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS were seen in
the Guadalupe channel behind the Water District Pond.
That's it for now - Ann
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 12 08:58:26 1999
Subject: [SBB] Herons
I toured Vasona and Los Gatos Creek parks Sat (4/11) looking for
heron and egret nest activity for SFBBO.
At Vasona, on the small island near the dam, two Great Blue
Herons were together at the site of last year's nest. I couldn't see
any nest structure, though. They were preening and scratching, in
GTBH slow-mo, not obviously working on any sort of nest activity.
There was a Green Heron perched in brush lower on the island. On
the larger island, near the lake inlet, two Black-crowned Night
Herons were perched separately. One was in what seems like a
good nest site, but I couldn't see any nest structure. It didn't move
during the time I was checking the small island; the other left
during that time.
A small island in pond #1 at Los Gatos Creek (Oka Ponds) had
several Snowy Egret nests last year. There's no activity there yet
this year. The large bush isn't yet fully leafed out. I did spot one
SNEG foraging on each of ponds 3, 4, and 5.
Birds on the home front have also been interesting. A pair of CA
Thrashers has been spending a lot of time in our back yard,
thrashing in the wood-chip mulch and picking up nesting material.
Our "feeder cop" Annas hummer has relaxed his vigil for the spring,
so we've sometimes been seeing two at once at the pair of feeders
that he usually controls. Yesterday, and again this AM, a female
Rufous Hummingbird visited. We had good looks both times and
compared with guides to decide unambiguously in favor of Rufous,
rather than Allens.
George Oetzel Menlo Park, CA
(W) email@hidden (SFBBO) email@hidden
San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory
http://www.sfbbo.org
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 12 10:13:52 1999
Subject: [SBB] Saturday morning
On Saturday morning (April 10) I visited Lower Stevens Creek and Ed Levin
Parks, and also made a few brief visits to some Alviso locations. Not many
birds were singing at Stevens Creek Park, perhaps due to the heavily overcast
conditions; I did pick up Warbling Vireo and Pacific-Slope Flycatcher for the
year. As already noted by Ann Verdi, there was a single Caspian Tern at the
reservoir.
I had nothing of special note at Ed Levin, either. At the Arzino Ranch in
Alviso, there were three breeding-plumaged Cattle Egrets and 14 Whimbrels (the
latter associating with a smaller number of Long-Billed Curlews).
Al
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 12 10:34:12 1999
Subject: [SBB] Stevens Creek Park
This message is in MIME format. Since your mail reader does not understand
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Hello All:
On Saturday, my wife and I went to Stevens Canyon Park after enjoying the
pygmy-owl at Alum Rock. At the Canyon Picnic site was CASSIN'S VIREO and
WARBLING VIREO, and numerous TOWNSENDS and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS. After
an hour of diligent searching, we found one AMERICAN DIPPER singing above
the fourth bridge (just outside the park).
Steve Miller
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 12 11:17:41 1999
Subject: [SBB] HOOR--Sunnyvale
On Sunday, 4/11/99, a male hooded oriole in full breeding plumage was
investigating the oriole feeder in my backyard. He is the first I've
seen this year, and I'm glad I put the feeder out as soon as I heard
(from this list) that orioles were back in town!
Tina Peterson
--
Christina A. Peterson
Life Sciences Reference Librarian
San Jose State University
California
email@hidden
408-924-2727 (voicemail)
408-924-2701 (fax)
Visit the Library without Walls!
http://library.sjsu.edu/staff/peterson/peterson.htm
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 12 11:56:43 1999
Subject: [SBB] A profuse plethora of pygmy-owls
Sunday, 4/11/99, a few waterproof birders from my class
persevered with our Alum Rock Park field trip. We located
one of the Northern Pygmy-Owls (NOPO) at the Rustic Lands
picnic area after a short search, to begin the trip. The owl
called occasionally.
Just before noon, near the Youth Science Institue (YSI), June
Santoro found another NOPO in a leafless tree 15 ft. off the
paved road on the canyonside opposite YSI. This bird sat
quietly facing us, seemingly unbothered by the attention that
we showed it. It was slightly below us. After a short while,
it stared intently at the hillside below us. It shifted its
head sided to side, apparently setting its range, then it
darted toward us, to the ground 6 ft. below us. It emerged a
minute later with a vole and returned to its original perch.
While we watched it begin to consume its lunch, Harriet
Gerson, found a second NOPO perched in a foothill pine about
20 ft. off the road at eye-level within 40 ft. of the dining
owl.
This road climbs the canyon side from the gate at the end of
the parking area, just beyond YSI. The foothill pine was the
3rd one from the base of the paved road, along the road. The
eating owl perched in the currently leafless trees on the YSI
side of the pine.
With the two NOPO reported in the Rustic Lands area, there
are at least 4 NOPO present between the entrance area and
YSI.
Other highlights of our trip in the increasing drizzle:
- A definite male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD (RUHU) on the North Rim
Trail. It had an entirely rufous back, not a speck of green was visible.
The location for this bird is just beyond the
hairpin turn of the private paved road which is the same road
where the pair of NOPO near YSI were. This is a good spot for
selasphorus hummers.
- We had another male selasphorus hummer on the North Rim
trail, toward the park entrance. I first assumed it was an Allen's
because it was doing a courtship flight (consisting
of a shallow U). But I suppose it's possible for migrant
male Rufous to be practicing their licks enroute to their
breeding grounds and that flight styles are not necessarily
exclusive. Comments? I didn't get enough of a view of its
back for any additional clues.
We also saw a male BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK near the RUHU.
WARBLING VIREO, BROWN CREEPER, TOWNSEND'S WARBLERs and
alternate-plumaged Audubon's YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERs were on
the valley floor. Along the North Rim and Loop Trails, we saw
several HOUSE WRENS, LINCOLN'S SPARROWs. BULLOCK'S ORIOLEs
are extremely abundant and active at the park. We looked for,
but didn't locate any, Canyon Wren, and Rufous-crowned
Sparrows.
YSI was open and the some of the raptors were being exercised
in case you're interested in closeup views of these birds.
Les
==========================================
Les Chibana, Palo Alto email@hidden
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 12 12:49:05 1999
Subject: [SBB] Two Osprey over Pichetti Ranch
All,
During the SCVAS field trip on Saturday to Pichetti Ranch two Osprey were
seen directly over the ranch. I could not find a necklace on either bird but
they were some distance away when first seen.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 12:42 PM, 4/12/99
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 12 12:49:49 1999
Subject: [SBB] Birding 4/3
I took my birding class to Palo Alto Baylands, Shoreline Park and Lake
Merritt on a very windy day. At the baylands we were able to compare male
and female cowbirds and blackbirds very closely as well as male and female
Lesser and Greater Scaup. The Wood Duck drake was still there.
At the Shoreline Park we were able to compare alternate and basic Horned and
Eared Grebes.
At Lake Merritt we were treated to very close comparisons of adult Thayer's
and Herring Gulls. We scanned through all of the scaup but were not able to
find the female Tufted Duck.
Thanks to all who supplied directions.
Jim Gain
Modesto
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 12 13:05:20 1999
Subject: [SBB] RE: A profuse plethora of pygmy-owls
REPLY RE: A profuse plethora of pygmy-owls
I forgot to mention: also seen at Alum Rock Park was a =
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, seen and heard ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERs =
and one WILSON'S WARBLER.
Les Chibana
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 12 17:17:53 1999
Subject: [SBB] RE: A profuse plethora of pygmy owls
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We had another male selasphorus hummer on the North Rim
trail, toward the park entrance. I first assumed it was an Allen's
because it was doing a courtship flight (consisting
of a shallow U). But I suppose it's possible for migrant
male Rufous to be practicing their licks enroute to their
breeding grounds and that flight styles are not necessarily
exclusive. Comments? I didn't get enough of a view of its
back for any additional clues.
Les,
In 1993 at CCRS I worked on a Rufous Hummingbird project where I color
marked them and also put in some time in the field with observations.
Several times I observed courtship displays between male RUHUs and
female RUHUs (marked individuals). On one occasion two female RUHUs
were perched in a coyote bush and a male RUHU performed an abbreviated
aerial dive over the bush, consisting of a shallow U-shaped flight back
and forth twice. On two separate occasions males performed "shuttle"
or "whisking" displays, where the males perform a series of buzzy
oscillations in a horizontal figure 8 pattern. This display is not
unique to RUHUs, but is also described for other hummer species.
Rita Colwell
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We had another male selasphorus hummer on the North Rim
trail, toward the park entrance. I first assumed it was an Allen's
because it was doing a courtship flight (consisting
of a shallow U). But I suppose it's possible for migrant
male Rufous to be practicing their licks enroute to their
breeding grounds and that flight styles are not necessarily
exclusive. Comments? I didn't get enough of a view of its
back for any additional clues.
Les,
In 1993 at CCRS I worked on a Rufous Hummingbird project where I color
marked them and also put in some time in the field with observations.
Several times I observed courtship displays between male RUHUs and female
RUHUs (marked individuals). On one occasion two female RUHUs were
perched in a coyote bush and a male RUHU performed an abbreviated aerial
dive over the bush, consisting of a shallow U-shaped flight back and forth
twice. On two separate occasions males performed "shuttle"
or "whisking" displays, where the males perform a series of buzzy oscillations
in a horizontal figure 8 pattern. This display is not unique to RUHUs,
but is also described for other hummer species.
Rita Colwell
--------------C3924E95C637B613D51EEEFB--
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 12 17:38:01 1999
Subject: [SBB] RE: Selasphorus flight, was pygmy-owls
REPLY RE: Selasphorus flight, was pygmy-owls
Rita, =
Thanks for the feedback. =
Is the shallow-U display flight also done by Allen's?
Les
Rita and Rob Colwell wrote:
>We had another male selasphorus hummer on the North Rim
>trail, toward the park entrance. I first assumed it was an Allen's
>because it was doing a courtship flight (consisting
>of a shallow U). But I suppose it's possible for migrant
>male Rufous to be practicing their licks enroute to their
>breeding grounds and that flight styles are not necessarily
>exclusive. Comments? I didn't get enough of a view of its
>back for any additional clues.
>
>Les,
>In 1993 at CCRS I worked on a Rufous Hummingbird project where I color =
>marked them and also put in some time in the field with observations. =
Several times I =
>observed courtship displays between male RUHUs and female RUHUs (marked =
>individuals). On one occasion two female RUHUs were perched in a coyote =
bush and a male =
>RUHU performed an abbreviated aerial dive over the bush, consisting of a =
>shallow U-shaped flight back and forth twice. On two separate occasions =
males performed =
>"shuttle" or "whisking" displays, where the males perform a series of buzz=
y =
>oscillations in a horizontal figure 8 pattern. This display is not unique =
to =
>RUHUs, but is also described for other hummer species.
>
>Rita Colwell
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 12 17:47:13 1999
Subject: [SBB] Red-breasted Nuthatch, Greater Roadrunner, etc.
Howdy South-bay-birders,
Today I took advantage of the nice weather to do some Almaden Valley
birding. I started at Twin Creeks upstream from Almaden Reservoir. In
the flooded upper reaches of the reservoir I saw about 6 WOOD DUCKS.
Checked the riparian vegetation, But didn't find much. Still no Yellow
Warblers--they seem to be a bit late this year. Along Guadalupe Creek
just upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir I saw singing HOUSE WREN and
WILSON'S WARBLER.
At Almaden Lake there were COMMON MERGANSERS, BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, and
a Selasphorus type hummingbird buzzed by. Looks like the gulls have
mostly moved on--there were only about 50 CALIFORNIA GULLS there. Along
Alamitos Creek, just upstream from Almaden Lake, I saw a singing
PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and at least 3 NUTMEG MANIKINS/SPOTTED MUNIAS.
a CALIFORNIA THRASHER across the creek was singing while running on the
ground!
Farther upstream along the Alamitos Creek Trail I was surprised to
find a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH silently working its way around an oak. It
was at the north end of the picnic area, which is just downstream from
the wooden footbridge near Graystone (same place where the Magnolia
Warbler was in Jan.). Seemed pretty out of place on the valley floor in
deciduous riparian habitat.
Back at my parent's house a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was sitting on its
nest in the big eucalyptus. While watching it through the scope I heard
a cooing from a nearby hillside that sounded suspiciously like a
roadrunner. My mom once told me she saw one on the roof of the barn, but
I wasn't quick enough to see and confirm it (we have some scrawny wild
turkeys around here that she could have misidentified, and a roadrunner
perched on the barn roof sounded sort of improbable). Well today I found
a certified GREATER ROADRUNNER perched in a elderberry bush on a
hillside behind the house, cooing while it dangled a western fence
lizard from its beak. My mom is saying "I told you so." This is only the
second one I've seen in the Santa Teresa Hills (the other sighting was
about twenty years ago, on the other side of that same hill). If anyone
has information on other roadrunner sightings anywhere in the Almaden
Valley area, I would be interested to know about them. I've noticed this
species is on the Quicksilver Park list.
After that I decided to push my luck and do a hike through the Santa
Teresa Hills near the IBM facility. Along Fortini Road I saw a
YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE--they have become scarce in this area in recent
years. As I started uphill there were VIOLET-GREEN, CLIFF, and BARN
SWALLOWS darting past me at eye-level. Farther on I saw a COOPER'S HAWK,
a WHITE-TAILED KITE doing a display flight, and a TURKEY VULTURE
carrying what looked like a vole in its beak--I presume it found it
dead. Other birds seen included a ROCK WREN, HOUSE WREN, and
RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW.
John Mariani
email@hidden
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From email@hidden Tue Apr 13 15:48:09 1999
Subject: [SBB] Spotting scope
I have a Kowa spotting scope for sale. Please reply to me, not to the
list, if you're interested and want more
information.
Les
==========================================
Les Chibana, Palo Alto email@hidden
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From email@hidden Tue Apr 13 21:39:11 1999
Subject: [SBB] Cattle Egrets
Today I spent a 2 hour lunch at the Environmental Education Center in Alviso
doing some birding. I observed a Lesser Scaup in the pond by Spreckles Ave.
as well as several Cinnamon Teal and Pintails. Across Grand Ave. on the
Arvino Ranch I found 5 Cattle Egrets, a Loggerhead Shrike and a Burrowing Owl
in the pasture with the horses. At one point a horse grazed so close to the
BUOW that the ducked into its burrow, then emerged when the horse moved on.
On my return to work, I saw close 60+ Great egrets in a field being disked
(near Zanker and Hiway 237).
Good birding,
Karl
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From email@hidden Wed Apr 14 09:01:42 1999
Subject: [SBB] Pelicans
Folks:
On my bike commute home yesterday afternoon, 4/13/1999, I counted at
least 11 AM. WHITE PELICANS in the outer portion of Salt Pond A1 (near the
island). I assume these are oversummering birds. In the morning I noted at
least three male BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS in residential Palo Alto for the first
time this year--one of the least attractive harbingers of spring. I counted
six BLACK SKIMMERS on Charleston Slough (now devoid of its ancient building
and favorite nest site for Cliff Swallows).
Bill
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From email@hidden Wed Apr 14 14:04:18 1999
Subject: [SBB] Some birds
All,
Today during the SCVAS field trip to Almaden Quicksilver County Park an
alternate plumage male Black-chinned Hummingbird was well seen about half the
way up the trail to the ridge (name?) on a small, isolated bare tree near the
road (to which it kept returning). Other newly returned birds seen included
a Western Wood-Pewee (seen by only a few but well heard), House Wren and
Pacific-slopes Flycatcher (the latter two seen near the creek). Big misses
include Ash-throated Flycatcher and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 2:03 PM, 4/14/99
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From email@hidden Wed Apr 14 18:50:15 1999
Subject: [SBB] Palo Alto Raptor Nests
COOPER'S HAWKS have returned for a second year to nest in the
Greenmeadow neighborhood of Palo Alto. The nest is in a Camphor tree in
front of 355 Parkside Drive just up the block from last year's nest.
And in my neighborhood a pair of WHITE-TAILED KITES appears to be
settling into the same pine tree they used last year and probably in
earlier years also.
They can be seen from the cul-de-sacs of the 3300 blocks of Kenneth and
Thomas Drives, which go west from the 3300 block of Greer Rd. I can see
a nest in the tree from the Thomas side, but I'm not sure if it's last
year's or newly built.
Rosalie Lefkowitz
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From email@hidden Wed Apr 14 21:04:45 1999
Subject: [SBB] Pygmy Owl: 2nd Time A Charm
Marion and I arrived at Alum Rock Park at about 8:30 am on Wednesday, and
were soon joined by Mitch Ninokata. We thought we heard the Pygmy Owl, but
couldn't locate the infrequent gentle sound. At about 10 am, I decided to
look over every limb on the oak tree on the opposite side of the parking
lot from the Rustic Land sign. I had been at it for about 5 minutes when
another birder came over to see what I was looking at, and yelled "there it
is". Oh, well.
We had much better views when we walked up to the trail in back of the
tree. The owl was then at eye level. Suddenly the owl streaked out of the
tree and into some tall grass and twigs near us. After much thrashing
about, the owl re-emerged with a fairly large black lizard, and flew back
to the oak tree to eat the head and guts. It left the rest of the lizard
on a branch, and flew to the other side of the tree to hunt some more.
After about 30 minutes we decided to leave. A car then pulled up with 3
ladies. One was from Half Moon Bay; she had gone down to Santa Cruz to
pick up her friends to come out to look for the famous owl. We pointed it
out immediately.
Now who had more fun, those of us who had looked for 1.5 hours before
finding it on our second trip, or the ladies who just drove up and had it
handed to them?
Of course, now that we have seen this life bird, we will probably keep
tripping over Pygmy Owls on our upcoming trip to Arizona.
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From email@hidden Wed Apr 14 22:48:04 1999
A female Nuttal's Woodpecker has decided to roost in one of my nesting
boxes. She has been coming every evening for a week, shortly before
sunset. Other birds in my Cupertino yard are Bewick's Wrens, an
occasional Rubycrowned Kinglet, Robins, Wood Thrush(still here), Black
Phoebe skimming the surface of our swimming pool for small insects,
Mocking Bird and Scrub Jay. Plain Tits are raising a family in one of
my nesting boxes. I have two Ana's Hummingbird nests quite close
together(ca.1 1/2ft.) in the low hanging branches of my California
Peppertree. One of these nests has 2 eggs in it.
_______________________________________________________________
Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com
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From email@hidden Thu Apr 15 07:24:34 1999
Subject: [SBB] Re: Some birds
RREILING2 wrote:
>All,
>
>Today during the SCVAS field trip to Almaden Quicksilver County Park an
>alternate plumage male Black-chinned Hummingbird was well seen about half
the
Bob, this begs the question, "What does a basic-plumaged male Black-chinned
Hummingbird look like?" I believe that this is a species (and dare I say, a
family)
that has no seasonal plumage difference.
Les
All,
It's obvious, a basic plumage male BCHU looks like an alternate plumage male
BCHU! Thanks for the input. I think that I meant to say adult male BCHU but
my tongue got wrapped around my eye-teeth and I couldn't see what I was
saying (or typing). My main interest was in reporting a BCHU in habitat far
different from that in which I usually see them. Aren't all returning
breeding birds in breeding plumage?
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 7:22 AM, 4/15/99
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From email@hidden Thu Apr 15 10:34:32 1999
Subject: [SBB] RE: Some birds
REPLY RE: Some birds
RREILING2 wrote:
>Aren't all returning =
>breeding birds in breeding plumage? =
>
>Take care,
>Bob Reiling, 7:22 AM, 4/15/99
This does seems obvious. Aternate plumage is spring plumage, aka, nuptial, =
breeding plumage. I guess it doesn't matter how this plumage is acheived. =
It's interesting to note that skimming through Pyle's ID guide, the bander'=
s =
bible for passerines and near-passerines, it seems that roughly less than =
half =
of the birds covered have a pre-alternate molt. When it occurs in a =
species, =
this molt is usually limited or partial, involving only head and some body =
feathers. Those birds that don't molt but seem to have a significant =
alternate =
plumage achieve this look by worn plumage. There are significant numbers =
of species that don't show an obvious difference in plumage between winter =
and spring. =
So, yes, your statement is technically correct; but it implies that there =
is =
a visible difference. When in doubt, try to describe the differences you'=
re =
seeing, or see if any field guide shows or describes a significant =
difference.
By the way, the Common Ravens nesting on Marine Way in Mtn. View, near =
the Forebay are feeding nestlings. Yesterday, three nestlings were visible.=
Good breeding birding!
Les
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From email@hidden Thu Apr 15 11:15:13 1999
Subject: RE: [SBB] RE: Some birds
I find birding terminology an endless source of amusement and confusion.
Is the bird in adult plumage or in definitive plumage?
Is it a juvenile, an immature or subadult?
Is it in basic plumage or winter plumage?
Breeding or alternate?
Is the bird in 1st fall plumage or 1st basic plumage or juvenal plumage?
If a bird's appearance changes due to wear, on a consistent cycle is it
still called basic and alternate plumage if it doesn't molt?
As a beginning birding teacher do I correct birders or ignore mistakes?
Jim
> ----------
> From: Les Chibana
> Reply To: Les Chibana
> Sent: Thursday, April 15, 1999 10:34 AM
> To: south-bay-birds
> Subject: [SBB] RE: Some birds
>
> REPLY RE: Some birds
>
> RREILING2 wrote:
> >Aren't all returning >breeding birds in breeding plumage? >
> >Take care,
> >Bob Reiling, 7:22 AM, 4/15/99
>
> This does seems obvious. Alternate plumage is spring plumage, aka,
> nuptial, breeding plumage. I guess it doesn't matter how this plumage is
> achieved.
> It's interesting to note that skimming through Pyle's ID guide, the
> bander's bible for passerines and near-passerines, it seems that roughly
> less than half of the birds covered have a pre-alternate molt. When it
> occurs in a species, this molt is usually limited or partial, involving
> only head and some body feathers. Those birds that don't molt but seem to
> have a significant alternate plumage achieve this look by worn plumage.
> There are significant numbers of species that don't show an obvious
> difference in plumage between winter and spring.
> So, yes, your statement is technically correct; but it implies that there
> is a visible difference. When in doubt, try to describe the differences
> you're seeing, or see if any field guide shows or describes a significant
> difference.
>
> By the way, the Common Ravens nesting on Marine Way in Mtn. View, near the
> Forebay are feeding nestlings. Yesterday, three nestlings were visible.
>
> Good breeding birding!
>
> Les
>
>
> =========================================================================T
> his 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
>
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From email@hidden Thu Apr 15 12:15:48 1999
Subject: RE: [SBB] RE: Some birds
--====55545354485656495250===1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-Ascii"
REPLY RE: [SBB] RE: Some birds
These are good issues to bring up. These may be rhetorical questions, but
in the interest of clarification, I'd like to address these. I hope that =
this =
discussion has a place on this list. =
Oh, and I do have a bird sighting: I still have a FOX SPARROW at my house =
on Skyline Blvd. this morning. The GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWs are =
certainly looking very natty these days. PINE SISKINs are still visiting =
feeders, but in lower numbers.
Gain, Jim wrote:
>I find birding terminology an endless source of amusement and confusion. =
Yes, and add to this, the changes in taxonomy and common names. But I =
think
that it's all for the better. It shows that this passion/science is growing=
and changing. It's useful to have the vocabulary to communicate with =
others =
of a similar mindset. The differences in terminology can be important. And
they can be overwhelming to novices.
Caveat: I don't have a science background; birding is an avocation; I've =
banded a few years, and I have the interest to teach a birding class. =
So, I don't know that much and I am open to correction.
>Is the bird in adult plumage or in definitive plumage? =
Definitive plumage is the plumage that defines the species. Circular logic?=
I think I've seen references to definitive winter plumage, so this may not =
only refer to alternate plumage. Comments?
>Is it a juvenile, an immature or subadult? =
- Juvenal plumage =3D a plumage usually held for only a couple of weeks =
after =
leaving the nest. BTW in case anyone is unclear, "juvenal" is used as an =
adjective to "plumage", "juvenile" is used as a noun to define age.
- Immature =3D subadult =3D pre-adult plumage. Subadult is usually used =
for =
species that take several years of different immature plumages to achieve
full adult plumage.
>Is it in basic plumage or winter plumage? =
Basic plumage =3D winter plumage
>Breeding or alternate?
Breeding plumage =3D alternate plumage =3D nuptial plumage =3D spring =
plumage
>Is the bird in 1st fall plumage or 1st basic plumage or juvenal plumage?
I think that when "fall plumage" is used, it implies a different plumage =
than
basic plumage. A bird in fall plumage may be in a suspended molt, and its =
appearance will change to basic on the winter grounds. "1st" as a modifier
for these terms, means the very first time a bird is in that particular =
plumage. "1st" is used when this is a significantly different appearance
than other fall or basic plumages. Technically, I think, as noted above, =
"juvenal" is a subset of, and more specific, than "immature".
>If a bird's appearance changes due to wear, on a consistent cycle is it
>still called basic and alternate plumage if it doesn't molt?
The terms can still be used regardless if the change is due to molt or
wear. It's my opinion that using these descriptors for species that don't =
show an obvious or significant difference between the two plumages
is of little value.
>As a beginning birding teacher do I correct birders or ignore mistakes?
>Jim
I think it's better to correct them, being sensitive to the confusion and
frustration that it can carry.
--====55545354485656495250===1
Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-Ascii"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
REPLY RE: [SBB] RE: Some birds
These are good issues =
to bring up. These may be rhetorical questions, =
but
in the interest of clarification, =
I'd like to address these. I hope that this =
discussion has a place on this list. =
Oh, and I do have a bird sighting: =
I still have a FOX SPARROW at my house
on =
Skyline Blvd. this morning. The GOLDEN-CROWNED =
SPARROWs are
certainly looking very natty =
these days. PINE SISKINs are still visiting =
feeders, but in lower numbers.
Gain, =
Jim wrote:
>I find birding terminology =
an endless source of amusement and confusion. =
Yes, and add to this, the changes =
in taxonomy and common names. But I think
that =
it's all for the better. It shows that this =
passion/science is growing
and changing. =
It's useful to have the vocabulary to communicate =
with others
of a similar mindset. The =
differences in terminology can be important. =
And
they can be overwhelming to novices.
Caveat: =
I don't have a science background; birding =
is an avocation; I've
banded a few years, =
and I have the interest to teach a birding =
class.
So, I don't know that much and =
I am open to correction.
>Is the =
bird in adult plumage or in definitive plumage? =
Definitive plumage is the plumage =
that defines the species. Circular logic?
I =
think I've seen references to definitive =
winter plumage, so this may not
only =
refer to alternate plumage. Comments?
>Is =
it a juvenile, an immature or subadult? =
- Juvenal plumage =3D a plumage usually =
held for only a couple of weeks after
leaving =
the nest. BTW in case anyone is unclear, =
"juvenal" is used as an
adjective =
to "plumage", "juvenile" =
is used as a noun to define age.
- =
Immature =3D subadult =3D pre-adult plumage. =
Subadult is usually used for
species =
that take several years of different immature =
plumages to achieve
full adult plumage.
>Is =
it in basic plumage or winter plumage?
Basic =
plumage =3D winter plumage
>Breeding =
or alternate?
Breeding plumage =3D alternate =
plumage =3D nuptial plumage =3D spring plumage
>Is =
the bird in 1st fall plumage or 1st basic =
plumage or juvenal plumage?
I think =
that when "fall plumage" is used, =
it implies a different plumage than
basic =
plumage. A bird in fall plumage may be in =
a suspended molt, and its
appearance =
will change to basic on the winter grounds. =
"1st" as a modifier
for these =
terms, means the very first time a bird =
is in that particular
plumage. "1st" =
is used when this is a significantly different =
appearance
than other fall or basic plumages. =
Technically, I think, as noted above,
"juvenal" =
is a subset of, and more specific, than =
"immature".
>If a bird's =
appearance changes due to wear, on a consistent =
cycle is it
>still called basic and =
alternate plumage if it doesn't molt?
The =
terms can still be used regardless if the =
change is due to molt or
wear. It's my =
opinion that using these descriptors for =
species that don't
show an obvious or =
significant difference between the two plumages
is =
of little value.
>As a beginning =
birding teacher do I correct birders or =
ignore mistakes?
>Jim
I think it's =
better to correct them, being sensitive =
to the confusion and
frustration that it =
can carry.
--====55545354485656495250===1--
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From email@hidden Thu Apr 15 12:55:25 1999
Subject: [SBB] BCHU
While out in the courtyard today, 15 Apr 99, a male BLACK-CHINNED
HUMMINGBIRD came by and fed off the flowering fruit trees. This is on
Hellyer Ave near Coyote Creek.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Thu Apr 15 14:20:57 1999
Subject: [SBB] The Thread That Wouldn't Die
Folks:
I really hope that this thread does not last much longer. However, it
does bring up a point that is useful to discuss and understand. There is a
difference between reality, that is the birds we observe, and the terminology
we use to describe what we see. Our terminology often gets messed up as our
tongue stumbles over our brain, but by and large the terminology is fixed by
ornithologists and if you are interested in specific definitions then you
should consult a textbook, not this list-server.
In contrast, what we see is of great interest and this is enhanced when
we use the correct terminology, but even when our words are incorrect the
observations are still of value. Some examples:
1. Steve twice reported an alternate Long-billed Dowitcher last winter. Why
would such a bird be out of its normal seasonal plumage? Is this typical? Of
course we don't have those answers, but the observation is of value.
2. Steve and the Mikes have provided us extensive descriptions of 1st-winter
"Iceland-like" gulls this winter. For the distinctions they were making it
was essential that they know the names of the feathers they were talking
about, but the terminology was not what was important as much as their
observations and their discussion of real-world effects such as feather wear
and so forth.
3. Mike M. reported a fairly early "alternate" Chipping Sparrow in March I
believe. This species winters in this area rarely, but all winter birds I'm
aware of have been in basic plumage, that is, their colors were brownish and
close looks were required to eliminate the other Spizellas. But using the word
alternate in this case is a shorthand that says this was a bird in breeding
plumage and it's nice to know that that is what he saw. In many years we have
the confusing situation of wintering male Western Tanagers, still with fairly
dull yellow heads in early April, just as the first migrant birds come through
dressed up in the glorious red-feathered head. It's nice when folks report
what they see--the terminology can be corrected.
By all means learn and use the right terminology, but clarity in your
reports is what is most important and if the terminology assists you then
that's great. If the terminology obscures what you see, then hopefully
someone will comment (thank you, Les).
Bill
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From email@hidden Thu Apr 15 17:13:11 1999
Subject: [SBB] Swifts and Waxwings
Today (4/15) saw many White - throated Swifts flying over almost every
overpass on I 280 between Edgewood Road ( San Mateo Co.) and Page Mill.
Saw one enter a overpass conduit at Arastradero Rd. Also today up to 17
Cedar Waxwings were seen in Los Altos.
Regards,
Screech.
--
Paul L. Noble
email@hidden
^ ^
@ @
( v )
( )
/ \
m m
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From email@hidden Thu Apr 15 20:54:34 1999
Subject: [SBB] Response
Hi Barbara,
I will keep you informed about the female Nuttal's Woodpecker.
I have a problem, and that is that I rescued 5 kittens that were
deposited or born under my redwood deck. Meanwhile they are adults and
have all been neutered/spayed. I was not able to give them away. I try
to keep, them in the house as much as possible, but true to their
nature they not only catch rodents and lissards. I play guardian for
the birds by having various water hoses in proximity. What can I do? I
think a bell around their necks would be appropriate( or a noose?)
Dirk Thiele
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From email@hidden Thu Apr 15 21:05:00 1999
Subject: [SBB] Error
The bird in question is a Hermit Thrush, not a Wood Thrush. My
apologies.
Dirk Thiele
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From email@hidden Fri Apr 16 08:25:51 1999
Subject: Re: [SBB] Response (cats & bells)
> Meanwhile they are adults and have all been neutered/spayed. I was
> not able to give them away. I try to keep, them in the house as
> much as possible, but true to their nature they not only catch
> rodents and lissards. I play guardian for the birds by having
> various water hoses in proximity. What can I do? I think a bell
> around their necks would be appropriate( or a noose?)
Bells help. I've heard of cats that learn to keep a bell quiet enough
that they resume successful hunting. In at least one case that I
know of, that problem was fixed by hanging two bells on the cat.
----------------
George Oetzel
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From email@hidden Fri Apr 16 08:53:36 1999
Subject: [SBB] Santa Clara Co. Bird List????
This is another call for someone to volunteer to continue the Santa Clara
County Bird List, but perhaps not with the complexity that Mike Rogers
featured during his 3 year tenure.
I would suggest that the minimum information that is necessary is the date
that the bird was first seen, as reported on the SBB List. For example:
Red-throated Loon 02/16
Pacific Loon
Common Loon 02/08
Pied-billed Grebe 01/02
Horned Grebe 01/02
Red-necked Grebe
Eared Grebe
Western Grebe
Keeping track of multiple sightings, and the names of all the people
reporting was a huge task. Furthermore, it made the list difficult to read.
Is there a volunteer willing to take on this simplified list format?
Once each month, I can again post this list on SBBU (where the lists for
1995-98 are posted, see URL below).
I will provide the volunteer with an electronic list of the birds, to which
they can add the dates, and then e-mail the list to me each month for
posting.
Mike's "Recent Progress Of The Composite List" was a nice feature.
At the end of the year we can also publish the names of the people who went
over 200 birds for the county (if they send them in).
Kendric
P.S.
MAYBE I SHOULD CONDUCT A POLL.
Did people find the County Bird List useful? If not, maybe this is why
there has been no volunteer.
If you found the list useful, please let me know.
If you did NOT find the list useful, also let me know, and why.
I will report back to SBB on this poll.
email@hidden
South Bay Birders Unlimited (SBBU)
http://www.stanford.edu/~kendric/birds/
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From email@hidden Fri Apr 16 14:09:20 1999
Subject: [SBB] HOODED ORIOLE Menlo Park
All,
The neigborhood near my office (Creek Drive along the San Francisquito
Creek on the Palo Alto, Menlo Park border) produced a male HOODED
ORIOLE, five BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, and four PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS today
at lunch. Warblers were uncharacteristically silent and difficult to
locate along the four block stretch which usually produces dozens of
yellow-rumps, townsends etc. A single NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW flew
high above the creek pursued by two angry hummingbirds. One ALLEN'S
HUMMINGBIRD was seen close to the bridge over El Camino Real.
I keep hoping that the wood ducks reported by Jesse Conklin a 1000 yards
upstream will come down and allow themselves to be included on the
Partridge Avenue Checklist Area...
Matthew Dodder
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From email@hidden Fri Apr 16 14:47:19 1999
Subject: [SBB] Please cc Herb Fong on Stanford Campus sightings - WTSW at Medical Ce
nter
Hi All,
Favor to ask. When you are birding on Stanford Campus and especially if
you have any sightings of raptors, including nest sites, please cc: Herb
Fong (University Manager of Facilities Operations) to your posts. His email
is: email@hidden.
Herb is very interested in encouraging natural rodent control on Campus
which will include putting up nest boxes for Kestrels and Barn Owls. I was
thinking that all the sightings earlier this spring would help him to
determine where the need for boxes might be. Anyone have a summary? Bill?
Another note, White-Throated Swifts have been checking out the courtyard
near Lane Library at the Medical Center all morning, from the third
floor I am getting excellent views!
Thanks for your help.
Karen Hoyt
To: SOUTH-BAY-BIRDS@STANFORD
cc: ML.KAH(Karen.Hoyt)
To: SOUTH-BAY-BIRDS@LISTS
cc: ML.KAH(Karen.Hoyt)
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From email@hidden Fri Apr 16 15:50:26 1999
Subject: [SBB] Sightings
I live off Summit Rd in the Santa Cruz Mts. Amongst many of the expected
species, we still have the Fox Sparrow that wintered over. Also still have
two very active Varied Thrushes. It's basically a redwood forest
environment with open spaces for the houses.
Claire
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From email@hidden Sat Apr 17 13:32:31 1999
Subject: [SBB] SCVAS field trip to Alamitos Creek
Howdy South-bay-birders,
Today's SCVAS field trip to Alamitos Creek was highlighted by a female
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE at Almaden Lake. Frank Vanslager first spotted it
on one of the islands of vegetation in the lake, from which it flew to a
pepper tree on the shore. An apparent female BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD
was also seen at the park, along the lakeshore near the creek inflow and
picnic tables. There were not many ducks at the lake, but 2 COMMON
MOORHENS were still hanging around. CANADA GEESE have nested, as
confirmed by the presence of goslings.
Other highlights of our walk from the footbridge at Graystone to the
lake and back included a pair of GADWALL, COMMON MERGANSER,
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS, 1 ad. GOLDEN EAGLE, RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS,
all the usual woodpeckers (including a too-brief glimpse of a
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER), PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS (seen by few), 4+
WESTERN KINGBIRDS, a bathing CALIFORNIA THRASHER, great views of
swallows and LINCOLN'S SPARROWS, a plenitude of HOODED and BULLOCK'S
ORIOLES, 1 male BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and 2 NUTMEG MANIKINS (a.k.a
Spotted Munia). While enjoying a lengthy look at a Lincoln's Sparrow we
flushed a LESSER GOLDFINCH off its nest, which we had unknowingly been
standing directly under. In total we tallied at least 65 species, with
most shared by all participants.
For those who do not already know, I've been maintaining a page with
recent bird sightings and news from the Almaden Valley area, updated
regularly. You can find it at:
http://home.pacbell.net/redknot/almadenbirdnews.html
John Mariani
email@hidden
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From email@hidden Sat Apr 17 16:25:10 1999
Subject: [SBB] Stilt Sandpiper
A breeding-plumaged Stilt Sandpiper was in the dowitcher flock on the first
pond along the entry road to CCRS at 11.00. The Ross's Goose is still on
the waterbird pond.
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From email@hidden Sat Apr 17 18:27:27 1999
Subject: [SBB] Alum Rock Park
South Bay Birders,
I'd like to thank all those who gave me information on access at Alum
Rock park. I scheduled a class trip for 8:30 this morning.
It was a great success. Jim Danzenbaker alerted us to the Northern
Pygmy-Owl which showed up around 9:30am at the Rustic Lands parking
lot. We watched it carry a mouse into the large Eucalyptus in the
middle of the lot where it was joined by a slightly larger Northern
Pygmy-Owl, probably the female of the pair. The two owls sat together
and we watched as the first owl transferred the mouse to the second.
The same Eucalyptus tree had Steller's Jays and Mourning Doves
carrying nesting material into nests. A Red-tailed Hawk visited a
nest high in a tree across the canyon. Bullock's Orioles were
abundant.
Then we walked up the closed road toward the Youth Sciences Institute
where we found several Black-headed Grosbeaks, a Western Tanager, a
Lincoln's Sparrow and a Rufous-crowned Sparrow. A House Wren was
nesting in a bird house. We were treated to scope views of yet
another Northern Pygmy-Owl in bare branches by the parking lot at the
Youth Sciences Institute and a Great Horned Owl roosted sleepily in a
tree behind the building. White-tailed Kites did courtship flights
over the hills.
A highlight at the end of the trip was the spectacular show put on by
the Canyon Wren just past the last bridge, singing and bouncing around
the rocks along the creek. A wonderful morning!
--
Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA 94044: email@hidden
California Birding; Mystery Birds: http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~jmorlan/
California Bird Records Committee: http://www.wfo-cbrc.org/cbrc/
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From email@hidden Sat Apr 17 19:44:12 1999
Subject: [SBB] Swifts
Dear Birders.
Screech wrote, "Today (4/15) saw many White - throated Swifts flying
over almost every overpass on I 280 between Edgewood Road ( San Mateo
Co.) and Page Mill."
I have spotted White-throated Swifts at I 280/El Monte overpass in
recent days.
Regards, Ginny Becchine
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From email@hidden Sun Apr 18 11:35:10 1999
Subject: [SBB] RBNU, WTSW
SB Birders---
On Monday April 12 I had a very vocal RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH spend a
few minutes in my yard in south Los Altos, passing through with a
mixed flock of migrants.
On Wednesday April 14 a pair of WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS was flying
very low over an open courtyard at Stanford Shopping Center. I have
observed a nest site on the Nordstrom's roof in recent years, and
will keep an eye out for activity this year.
---Grant Hoyt
To: email@hidden
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From email@hidden Sun Apr 18 16:49:18 1999
Subject: [SBB] Hooded Oriole, Rough-winged Swalow
The local male Hooded Oriole finally showed up on Tuesday and
immediately started poking in the palm tree where he or his antecedent
has nested for the last 21 years. No female yet, but he is singing
hopefully every morning and investigating another palm that now has a
squirrel nest in it.
This morning a pair of Rough-winged Swallows were doing nuptial flights
very low over Saratoga Creek near Murdock Park. They kept flying into
and out of a large drain that drains the streets in our neighborhood
into the creek. They would be gone in the drain for several seconds -
long enough to be quite far back into the dark recesses of the drain -
then come out and resume their aerobatic chase. Once the chasee lit on
the fence in front of me for about 15 seconds, seeming to breath very
hard, then the chaser came back and off they went.
Lou Young
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From email@hidden Sun Apr 18 22:50:25 1999
Subject: [SBB] CCRS
The adult summer plumage Stilt Sandpiper was still at CCRS. Passerine
migrants were limited with a couple of Golden-crowned Kinglets the
highlight. ALong with plenty of sparrows and 3 Hermit THrushes, it's pretty
clear that summer migrants are still in short supply. I has 2
Orange-crowned, 1 Wilson's Wabler, and a Western Flycatcher.
I had a nice male Hooded Oriole in Milpitas later along N. Abbott Avenue.
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 19 07:26:23 1999
Subject: [SBB] McClellan Ranch, Apr 17
On Saturday, Apr 17, Dave Cook led a group of SCVAS new members on a
birdwalk around the perimeter of McClellan Ranch property along the riparian
corridor of Stevens Creek where we had a nice combination of resident birds,
springtime migrants, and lingering wintering species. Orioles are back in
force and we saw several BULLOCK'S ORIOLES with nests under construction
along the creek. HOODED ORIOLE was seen as well. Other springtime migrants
included N. ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW, WARBLING VIREO, and PACIFIC-SLOPE
FLYCATCHER. Lingering winter birds included YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER,
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (in breeding plumage), and PINE SISKINS at the
feeder. And then the resident birds - W. BLUEBIRD, NUTTALL'S WOODPECKER,
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE, OAK TITMOUSE, BELTED
KINGFISHER, and SONG SPARROW. And finally our bird-of-the-day - an
unexpected WHITE-THROATED SPARROW seen in the willow shrub. A good
introduction for our new members.
Ann
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 19 08:32:08 1999
Subject: [SBB] MERL
Folks:
On my bike commute home, Friday afternoon, 4/16/1999, I saw a late
female/imm. MERLIN coursing across the fields at Moffett Field. Bon journee.
Bill
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 19 11:37:50 1999
Subject: [SBB] Cowbird
For 4 years I've been pretty lucky feeding birds in my backyard - avoiding
the "garbage" birds. However, in the last 3 weeks my House Sparrow
population has grown from 0 to 2 to 6. In the past week by Cowbird
population has grown from 0 to 2. I've been lucky not to have these birds
before - any sugggestions? Guess I should be thankful I've yet to see a
Rock Dove, just the Band-tailed's.
Went to my neighbor's to view the Western Screech Owl that is living in
their owl box. They have a mini-camcorder attached to the box. I could see
it BREATHING!!! Too bad there is only one owl. Last year they had 2. They
are going to record a couple of hours on a video, then edit it down. I'll
let you know if a second owl arrives...
gloria leblanc
los gatos off quito
Your PFO (Personal Financial Officer)
http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 19 13:42:43 1999
Subject: [SBB] Sunday birds
On Sunday morning I headed up the Mt. Hamilton Road as far as Smith's
Creek. I first looked along Quimby road for TURKEY, finding two males in
full display on a hillside above the road. My usual spots for Rufous-Crowned
Sparrow didn't pan out. At Smith's Creek itself (along the creek and around
the fire station), landbirding was rather dull -- the only spring birds I
encountered were 1 WARBLING VIREO, 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER and 1 or 2 ORIOLEs
(probably BULLOCK'S).
Shorebirding there was much better! Well, there was actually only one
shorebird, but it was a SOLITARY SANDPIPER. The spot was reached by turning
right immediately after climbing over the "Nature Sanctuary" gate, and follow-
ing the fenceline to just past the decayed barn (and just before the next
gate). There's a small seasonal muddy pond on the left. I didn't see any-
thing there when I first walked by, but on my way back (without rechecking,
unfortunately) I saw I had flushed out a medium-sized shorebird, which was
heading in the general direction of the highway bridge. All I could tell from
the rear view was that it had longish pointed wings, and didn't fly like a
Spotted. When I returned to this pond an hour later, I saw the Solitary
there. Another "unfortunately": the only feasible view was toward the sun,
but I'll append a description based on what I could see. It soon walked out
of sight behind some brush, and that was the last I saw it. (It likely took
off while I was looking away.) I tried coming back up to an hour later, but
it had not returned.
Before and after this trip, I made attempts for the Stilt Sandpiper (it
would have made a nice combination for the day!), but on both occasions found
it securely protected from marauding birders.
After lunch I spent a while at Almaden Lake Park, looking for the Great-
Tailed Grackle reported by John Mariani (found by Frank Vanslager). I didn't
find it, but the park was getting pretty crowded. The habitat seems decent for
one to stay: a lake, with Duck/Goose-feeding areas, lots of garbage, and some
vegetation for cover. That's a description as well of the Santa Barbara loca-
tion where a small flock has taken up residence for several years now, although
that location has more reeds; they can often be found in the morning checking
out the garbage cans.
Solitary Sandpiper brief description:
Observed about 10:10 AM, Apr. 18, 1999. A medium-sized shorebird with a large-
ly horizontal profile. It seemed longer than a Spotted, and had shorter legs
than a Yellowlegs. The bill was straight, with a length about 1.5 to 2 times
the length of the head. It bobbed up and down a little, but didn't teeter at
all (like a Spotted). And, if the earlier observation of a bird flying off
was the same bird, it did not fly like a Spotted. My view was toward the sun
(there was no other vantage point), so I could not make out fine details of the
plumage. In general, the upperparts were grayish (medium-dark) as was the
head, and a similar tone of grayish shading extended over the breast; the belly
was white. The facial pattern was dominated by a prominent, white, complete
eye ring. Any paler superciliary line was faint and at most in front of the
eye. I was not able to get a clear look at the tail pattern.
Al Eisner, April 19, 1999
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 19 14:05:05 1999
Subject: [SBB] Wrentit
Today I was delighted to see as well as hear my furtive Wrentit singing his
heart out while perched within my pine tree. Sure hope he finds a mate and
hangs around.
Barbara Harkleroad
Almaden
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 19 16:35:34 1999
Subject: [SBB] a few birds
All:
On 28 Mar., the ad. male MERLIN was roosting near our office
at dusk. A MERLIN seen near here on 29 Mar. may have been
the same bird.
On 4 Apr., two pairs of BLUE-WINGED TEAL were at Sunnyvale
Baylands Park.
On 13 Apr., 10 GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS were in the hills between
Hellyer Ave. and Yerba Buena Road in southeastern San Jose.
Seven were here on the 14th.
On 15 Apr., a male LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH was near Lake Cunningham.
On 16 Apr., there were still 130 AMERICAN PIPITS in a flock in
Milpitas, and an ad. GOLDEN EAGLE was at Arzino Ranch.
On 17 Apr., I had a female/imm. MERLIN in Alviso and another
in mid-town Palo Alto.
Good birding,
Steve Rottenborn
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 19 17:18:03 1999
Subject: [SBB] Alum Rock Park
This morning Charlie Moores and I spent two hours at the Rustic Lands
Picnic area. We were treated to many different and wonderful views of
the two NORTHERN PYGMY OWLS, sharing food, eating food (A bloody good
show!), drinking and bathing in the creek, and just posing in the
sunlight. Charlie, for you camera people, now has 20 pounds of gear
centered around a Canon LX-1 video camera. While at the picnic area, I
saw or heard 28 different species. Later on we walked up the road and
found the non-captive GREAT-HORNED OWL in the large oak tree in front
of the VSI building. When we arrived at the park I heard an OLIVE-SIDED
FLYCATCHER calling.
Jack Cole
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 19 19:24:01 1999
Subject: [SBB] Pinnacles, Birdathon
All,
On Saturday, 4/17/99, a group from my birding class went to
Pinnacles Nat'l Monument. The trip was reminiscent of a day
in Southeast Arizona from a walk up an arid valley in the
cool of the morning to the hummingbird watch at a bank of
feeders. We visited the east side of the Park.
At our meeting point at Paicines, we had 5 WESTERN KINGBIRDs
vocalizing and actively flycatching.
We had lots of birdsong and sounds. CANYON WRENS were
plentiful along the trail to the Bear Gulch Reservoir.
We had a ROCK WREN at the reservoir. BEWICK'S and HOUSE
WRENs rounded out a wren-filled day. WHITE-THROATED SWIFTs
and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWs twittered around the cliffs,
in spite of the numerous rock-climbers. Other abundant and
vocal species were: PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, OAK TITMOUSE,
WARBLING VIREO and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER. One YELLOW WARBLER
was seen but not heard to sing. A pair of COMMON RAVEN tended
to a nest in the cliff face above the picnic area at the end
of the road past the visitor's center.
There was a report of Lawrence's Goldfinches at the Bailey
Bridge. We searched unsuccessfully for them. This bridge
crosses the creek past the entrance kiosk to get to the
visitor's center.
We stopped at the private campground on the way out. The
manager is a birder and provided us with some tips on where
to look for birds in the campground, which we were welcomed
bird. She also invited us to check out her hummingbird
feeders at her home. We were pleasantly surprised by the
high activity at her feeders. ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDs made up
the bulk of the visiting hummers. Two gorgeous male BLACK-
CHINNED HUM. dominated the feeders. Their purple gorgets
flashed in the mid-afternoon sun. Also present was a male
RUFOUS HUM. and a female Selasphorus hum.
On Sunday, 4/18/99, the Wry Wrentits Birdathon team put out
their efforts for the SCVAS Birdathon. The team consisted
of Harriet Gerson, Gail and Doug Cheeseman, and myself. We
got a total of 121 sp. for the day, 5:00a - 6:30p. We started
at Stevens Creek Park (SCP), checked in at McLellan Ranch (MR), moved on
to Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve (JR),
then to Palo Alto Baylands (PAB), and finished at Charleston
Slough/Shoreline (SP).
Highlights:
A pair of Blue-winged Teal at PA FLood Control Basin
POORWILLs calling near the spillway at Stevens Creek Reservoir
1 VAUX'S SWIFT over Jasper Ridge.
1-2 BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERs along the trail leading uphill
from Villa Maria picnic area.
1 AMERICAN DIPPER under the private driveway bridge, upstream
from the 4th bridge beyond the Canyon picnic area.
2 male WESTERN TANAGERS atop a eucalyptus above the Chestnut
area.
A black-backed Lesser Goldfinch at McClellan Ranch
Summer arrivals:
Warbling and Cassin's Vireos - abundant at SCP
1 Yellow Warbler at Cooley picnic area SCP
Wilson's Warblers - abundant at SCP
Only a few Black-headed Grosbeaks at SCP
Lingering winter birds:
The Greater White-fronted Goose at PAB duck pond
Small numbers of winter ducks were still present
1 Semipalmated Plover at Mtn. View (Coast Casey) Forebay
Many breeding-plumaged Long-billed Dowitchers at PAB
Breeding-plumaged Bonaparte's Gulls at PAB
Cedar Waxwings at SCP
Townsend's Warbler at SCP
White- and Golden-crowned Sparrows
Pine Siskin at SCP
We observed the Common Ravens near the Mtn. View Forebay and
PAB carrying eggs back to their respective nests.
Les
==========================================
Les Chibana, Palo Alto email@hidden
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From email@hidden Mon Apr 19 20:28:30 1999
Subject: [SBB] Rancho San Antonio
There was a WESTERN KINGBIRD at Rancho San Antonio today. It was the
first one I have ever seen at Rancho. The GREAT HORNED OWLets are long
gone from their nest, but an adult was perched on a nearby pine tree,
and one of the owlets could be heard making its scratchy call in the
eucalyptus where the nest was.
Jeff Finger
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From email@hidden Tue Apr 20 10:00:05 1999
Subject: [SBB] BIG DAY
I apologize for the lateness of this report. Jesse Conklin and I went on
an all day trip on Saturday April 17 in San Mateo and Santa Clara
Counties and had good results throughout the day. While there were no
remarkable birds located the total of 142 species satisfied us anyway.
We opted to speed from hot-spot to hot-spot instead of working one or
two locations for longer periods of time. This could be considered
cheating I suppose, but we did it anyway. The following account is
extremely shortened, but if anyone is interested I would be happy to
post a complete list or email it directly to you:
Beginning at Alum Rock we had Northern Pygmy Owl, Great Horned Owl and
Barn Owl.
On the road up to Grant Ranch in the hills off of Alum Rock Avenue we
had 5 Western Kingbirds in a single tree, and Bullock's Orioles were
practically everywhere. There was a Red-tailed Hawk on a nest close as
well. A bit higher up the hill, just before the crest leading down to
Grant, we had a single Lark Sparrow on a wire. At Grant Ranch we had 3
Ash-throated Flycatchers, Wild Turkey, House Wren, Common Yellowthroat,
Swainson's Thrush and Sora.
>From there we came back down and worked Coyote Hills Regional Park where
we say Black-throated Grey Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Wilson's
Warbler, Western Tanager, and Chipping Sparrow.
Don Edwards Park, across the highway, yielded a single Wilson's
Phalarope, all the expected shorebirds, Dunlin, Greater Yellowlegs,
etc., many Western and Least Sandpipers, and Caspian Tern.
The Palo Alto Baylands and Duck Pond produced male Wood Duck, Northern
Harrier, Vesper Sparrow, Bonopart's Gull and Greater White-fronted
Goose. At the nearby Palo Alto Flood Control Basin we saw a pair of
Blue-winged Teal, and Cinnamon Teal.
Charleston Slough had the flock of Black Skimmers, Common Moorhen.
>From there we headed to Hwy 92 and went over the hill and relocated the
Thick-billed Kingbird, Lincoln's Sparrow, Allen's Hummingbird at the
Ocean Colony along Hwy 1 in Half Moon Bay.
Heading south along Hwy 1 we stopped at San Gregorio Beach and found
Whimbrel. Pescadero Beach produced Thayer's Gull, Pelagic Cormorant,
Black Turnstone, Surfbird, Black Oystercatcher, and Caspian Tern. The
marsh across the street had Virgina Rail.
At Phipp's Ranch we found a pair of Wood Duck in the creek by the
Natural Garden. Red-shouldered Hawk, Hairy Woodpecker, two subspecies of
White-crowned Sparrow.
At Butono State Park we had Winter Wren, Black-headed Grosbeak. By the
time we got to Cloverdale Road and Gazos Creek Road we were fading fast
and decided we had to get to Pigeon Point. This was probably a bad idea,
because it was very cold and both windy and rapidly getting dark. We
did, however find Pigeon Guillemot.
The most embarrasing thing of the day was we never saw White-throated
Swift, Brant's Cormorant or Brown Pelican! There were actually many
common things we COULD have seen. This was undoubtably due to our quick
stop-and-spot approach. Oh, well...
Matthew Dodder
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From email@hidden Tue Apr 20 12:50:57 1999
Subject: [SBB] Big Day
The Spidereaters (Vivek Tiwari and yrs truly) and I did a Big Day within
Santa Clara County on Saturday, and managed to see 121 species at a fairly
pace between 7 am and 6 pm. No real rarities, but a nice cross section of
county birds.
We started, traditionally, at Stevens Creek Park, where we found our first
CASSIN'S VIREOS of the year - several singing. We also had PACIFIC-SLOPE
FLYCATCHER, WILSON'S WARBLER, and PURPLE FINCH as well as the expected
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER and WARBLING VIREO.
>From there we went to McClellan Ranch, where we found Nick Lethaby leading
a group. With their tips, we managed to find HOODED ORIOLE and PINE
SISKIN; BULLOCK'S ORIOLES were here as well.
On to Ed Levin Park (along 680 we had WHITE-THROATED SWIFT at an overpass)
where a TREE SWALLOW was on Sandy Wool Lake and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW and
HOUSE WREN in the sycamore grove up the hill.
>From there up Sierra Road, where the summit provided our best single stop
of the day, yielding a ROCK WREN, a HORNED LARK flock, a couple of LARK
SPARROWS, SAVANNAH SPARROW (singing), WESTERN KINGBIRD, and a lone flyover
LONG-BILLED CURLEW.
We went up Mt Hamilton as far as Grant Park, which was very quiet in early
afternoon, but with an immature GOLDEN EAGLE overhead. We decided not to
go on to Smith Creek, which we assumed would be similarly quiet, and so
missed our chance at the Solitary Sandpiper seen there that morning by Al
Eisner.
Back down and to Alviso, where our best birds were 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS in
the Arzino Ranch field next to the Jubilee Church parking lot. We also had
our only RING-NECKED PHEASANT, and a couple of ducks that aren't gimmes
this late (NORTHERN PINTAIL, AMERICAN WIGEON), but no Cattle Egret, no
Burrowing Owl, no unusual shorebirds, raptors, or gulls.
On to Shoreline Park, where the BLACK SKIMMERS were on the Slough and both
EARED and HORNED GREBES (many of former in alt plumage, 2 of latter in
early moult) were on the Lake, and two SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were in the
Forebay. The Forebay used to be a gimme for Black-crowned Night-Heron --
no more. And apart from the grebes, the Lake was almost empty - no
Goldeneyes or Buffleheads, for instance.
We ended our day at Baylands, where a late afternoon falling tide produced
vast numbers of shorebirds - a great treat. No rarities, but SEMIPALMATED
PLOVER (again) and a single WHIMBREL, along all the expected species, most
in good numbers, aand most in alternate plumage. BONAPARTE'S GULLS were
near the Sea Scout building, and the WOOD DUCK and GREATER WHITE-FRONTED
GOOSE on the duck pond along with a couple of lingering first-year
GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS.
Notable dips for the day included Yellow-rumped Warbler (!), Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, and both accipiters.
-- Tom Grey Stanford CA email@hidden
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From email@hidden Tue Apr 20 14:09:37 1999
Subject: Re: [SBB] Big Day
For the record - Tom and I are the "Spiderhunters" but
"Spidereaters" actually sounds better!
Vivek
>Tom Grey wrote:
>The Spidereaters (Vivek Tiwari and yrs truly) did a Big Day within
>Santa Clara County on Saturday, and managed to see 121 spec
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From email@hidden Tue Apr 20 15:14:00 1999
Subject: [SBB] Stilt & Pectoral Sandpipers and more
All,
Today Frank Vanslager and I saw the breeding plumage Stilt Sandpiper in the
first pond at CCRS (now SFBBO). Lots of shorebirds were there including
several breeding plumage Dunlin. The Ross' Goose in the "waterbird pond" was
joined by an adult male Redhead while a couple of Caspian Terns flew
overhead. On one occaision all of the Northern Shovelers flushed from the
pond and were joined by the Ross' Goose as they flew far out over the bay.
The ROGO did not seem to be able to keep up and subsequently returned to the
pond with a few of the NOSH.
We then went to Arzino Ranch where we saw a breeding plumage female Pectoral
Sandpiper in the wetlands near the Jubilee Christian Center. The bird was
much larger than Least Sandpipers nearby and obviously smaller than a nearby
Killdeer. The wingtips extended to just beyond the end of the tail. It's
legs were yellowish. The bill was about the length of the head (maybe a tad
longer) with a very modest decurve at the end. The middle proximal portion
of the dark bill was yellow-orange. It's whitish supercillium narrowed
behind the eye. The face below the eye including the ear coverts had a
rufous tint. The crown was dark striped also with a very slight rufous tint.
Neck and upper chest were light grayish beige with dark stripes. Lower
chest, belly, flanks and undertail coverts were white. The demarcation
between the striped upper chest and white lower chest was not as sharply
defined as Frank and I are used to seeing. (Because of new feather growth?)
Feathers on the upper body (mantle, scapulars, wing coverts and tertials) had
dark brownish-black centers with light buffy-gray edges. Primaries were
black with light edges. I did not see the upper portion of the tail or the
uppertail coverts. The bird did not call or fly while we watched it. It
eventually walked into the weeds on the far side of the water and out of
sight.
Four breeding plumage Cattle Egrets were also in Arzino Ranch, several
Ring-necked Pheasants were heard calling in the field north of the Christian
Center, a Burrowing Owl was on Nortech Dr. (It's burrow went under sidewalk),
a Ring-necked Pheasant was seen in New Chicago Marsh and an adult Golden
Eagle was in one of the power towers near the entrance to the Environmental
Education Center.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 3:13 PM, 4/20/99
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From email@hidden Tue Apr 20 21:35:57 1999
Subject: [SBB] Arastradero, Monte Bello 4/20
All,
During a check of the nestboxes at Arastradero Preserve this morning
(4/20/99), I tracked down a singing GRASSHOPPER SPARROW atop the grassy hill
due east of the Preserve's parking lot.
Other birds were fairly routine, though two WESTERN BLUEBIRD pairs had
completed nests, one of which contained an egg. This is good news, as I had
not had WEBL nest here in the previous two years. Hundreds of swallows
(Violet-Green, Tree, Cliff, and Barn) were active over the area, but none of
the cavity-nesters had begun nests. Flocks of CEDAR WAXWINGS and PINE SISKINS
were still present, working over the buds in the Blue Oak treetops.
West of the parking lot I heard, then saw an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER and an
inquisitive HOUSE WREN. A CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE was sitting on 6 eggs, in
keeping with what seems to be a late nesting season for this species as well
as for titmice (normally some of the season's first, starting in early to
mid-March). BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS were observed in the oak tops at several
locations on the west side of the preserve.
Encouraged by the early Grasshopper Sparrow, I checked out Monte Bello OSP on
my way home at about 3pm. No more GRSP, Black-chinned, Buntings, etc., but a
pair of CHIPPING SPARROWS were ground-feeding with juncos at the gate where
the White Oak Trail originates (about 1/3 mile W from the parking lot). At
least 3 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS were in song along the Stevens Creek
Nature Trail within a mile of the trailhead, two of which were observed
together in the live oak tops near the junction of the White Oak and Stevens
Creek trails. A CASSIN'S VIREO was heard along the Stevens Creek trail as
well.
--Garth Harwood
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From email@hidden Tue Apr 20 22:52:19 1999
Subject: [SBB] Jasper Ridge
The flycatchers are back! Monday, April 19 I saw for the first time this
year the Olive-sided Flycatcher at Jasper Ridge on his usual tree, singing
his characteristic song. The Ash-throated Flycatchers were vocalizing
also; I heard at least two, but could not find them.
Marion Smith
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From email@hidden Wed Apr 21 11:32:50 1999
Subject: [SBB] Santa Clara Co. Bird List is Back
Greetings:
Thanks to Bill Bousman, the Santa Clara County Bird List for 1999 is alive
and well.
We are still working out a few bugs, but hope that soon the list will be
up-to-date.
Please check out the list