Parent
From email@hidden Tue Aug 01 08:23:24 2000
Subject: [SBB] -
--------
Folks:
The male AMERICAN WIGEON that Matthew Dodder mentioned is probably the
one that has been oversummering at Charleston Slough this year. I have seen
this male irregularly and noted that the vanes on the primaries of one wing
are bare, so the bird if flightless until the next molt. Oversummering wigeon
are not unexpected, but always of interest. This is, however, one of our
oversummering birds that is least likely to breed. A pair nested at Hayward
Regional Shoreline this summer and this is probably the first breeding record
for the San Francisco Bay area. There is, however, mention of an earlier
Bay area breeding record in the Marin Breeding Bird Altas (Shuford 1993) which
I have not been successful in tracking down.
Bill
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 01 11:48:59 2000
Subject: [SBB] Table Mountain
--------
I was unable to make it to Table Mountain (UPper Stevens Creek Park)
earlier in the year, so I made the trek down (and especially up!) this
morning. Unfortunately, I didn't pick up any hint of Pileated Woodpeckers
(and I couldn't wait around long). The highlisht was a flock of at least
8 Pygmy Nuthatches at Table Mt. Not much is singing any more, but I did
pick up one distant song of a Cassin's Vireo.
On the way back down Page Mill Road, I saw an adult Golden Eagle on the
transmission towers a bit below Montebello (in Santa Clara Co.).
Cheers, Al
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From email@hidden Wed Aug 02 13:45:49 2000
Subject: [SBB] County birding
--------
All,
This morning Frank Vanslager and I went to Shoreline Lake, Charleston Slough,
the Palo Alto Flood Control Basin and the Yacht Harbor. Not to many
shorebirds around as the tide was really low (later we noted that the exposed
areas in the bay were just covered with birds). Best bird of the day was a
black-bellied, Black-bellied Plover on the larger island in Charleston
Slough, our first of the fall. There were lots of dowitchers in Charleston
Slough and in the flood control basin. No hangers-on though :-( Had a
candidate adult Semipalmated Sandpiper in Coast Casey Forebay but the bird
disappeared before I could get a good look at the scapulars.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 1:53 PM, 8/2/00
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 07 10:00:42 2000
Subject: [SBB] bayside birding
--------
All,
This weekend I managed to check a few bayside locations for shorebirds
and other early migrants.
At 8:00am on Saturday 8/5/00, I joined Mike Mammoser at the Palo Alto
Baylands yacht harbor to scope the mudflats as the tide dropped. No
surprises, but 89 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 8 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, and
8 WHIMBREL were of interest. A few of the WESTERN SANDPIPERS were
juveniles and a juvenile RING-BILLED GULL was also roosting there. At
the mouth of the harbor an adult COMMON RAVEN was feeding three
fledged young and an adult PEREGRINE FALCON flew to the nearby tower.
The North Pond of the Palo Alto Flood Control Basin had 3 adult LESSER
YELLOWLEGS. A group of teal on the far shore included 8 GREEN-WINGED
TEAL, which suggests possible local breeding given the early date.
We checked Adobe Creek near the Forebay pump house, but failed to
refind the female Hooded Merganser reported to us as present that
morning by Frank Vanslager. Of the 400 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS in the
creek, two were banded on the right leg with silver USFW bands, one
also with a green plastic band on the left leg. Another GREEN-WINGED
TEAL was in the creek and an immature COOPER'S HAWK was foraging along
it.
At least 400 WILSON'S PHALAROPES were in the near portions of
Crittenden Marsh and in nearby Salt Pond A2E there were 5 immature
BROWN PELICANS and 94 (MMR) to 99 (MJM) LEAST TERNS.
On Sunday evening 8/6/00, I biked around the Alviso salt ponds during
the rising high tide. The dike between salt ponds A9 and A10 had the
hoped for adult LITTLE BLUE HERON, as well as most of the 35 BROWN
PELICANS on these two ponds. There were also 3 WHIMBREL and
33 LONG-BILLED CURLEWS on the dike here. Besides the many FORSTER'S
TERNS and smattering of CASPIAN TERNS there were several LEAST TERNS
foraging over the outer ponds. I had maximum counts of 5 over
southwest pond A10, 6 over northeast pond A9, and 5 over pond A14.
These birds moved around a lot and were seen heading towards Moffett
Field as well. They were much easier to pick out by their
vocalizations than by sight but with patience came close on several
occasions. The actual number of birds involved is impossible to
guess, but is presumably a portion of our pond A2E flock.
An injured abraded pale-eyed gull in Coyote Slough may have been a
second-summer Herring Gull (or even first-summer?), but was in too bad
a condition for positive ID. The water level in ponds A9 and A14 was
quite high, with little shorebird habitat available. I found no
shorebirds in pond A9, and the northern tip of pond A14 had only large
shorebirds (godwits, willets, avocets, and stilts). However, there
was a large flock (many thousands) of roosting shorebirds in the
middle of pond A14 that contained many peeps (mostly WESTERN
SANDPIPERS), DOWITCHERS, and at least 470 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS. At
least 280 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES (with at least 12 WILSON'S PHALAROPES
among them) were swimming on the pond as well.
I spent over an hour scoping (a good scope, no heat haze, and good
light are absolutely essential here!) this big flock and was well
rewarded. Checking the line of terns perched in the middle of the
flock I found a basic-plumaged BLACK TERN that later flew about the
pond for a while. Shortly after this I heard a turnstone and looked
up to see a RUDDY TURNSTONE flying over the dike near me. The dark
portions of the bird were fairly uniform brown, with a slight rust
tinge to the upperwing coverts. I did not notice any obvious pale
fringing to the back feathers, so it was perhaps a basic-plumaged bird
rather than a juvenile. A few minutes later I located an
alternate-plumaged RUDDY TURNSTONE in the flock - but this bird flew
off to the southeast after less than a minute of observation.
However, eight minutes later I had another alternate-plumaged RUDDY
TURNSTONE in the flock. This bird was present until I left and was
likely a male, given the extensive white areas in the head. Given
that the second bird flew off in a direction without decent habitat
for this species, it may well be that it returned while I wasn't
looking and should perhaps be regarded as the same individual as the
third bird. Further scoping also turned up two RED KNOTS in fading
alternate plumage.
The ride back to the Marina was uneventful (the impoundment north of
the Marina was almost completely dried up).
Mike Rogers
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 07 12:50:09 2000
Subject: [SBB] Saturday Crittenden birding
--------
This message from Jim Danzenbaker didn't make it to the list on its own.
Les
--
Les Chibana
List Bureaucrat
South-Bay-Birds List
email@hidden
--------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 04:45:15 -0700 (PDT)
From: email@hidden (Jim Danzenbaker)
South Bay Birders:
Greetings!
Just a quick note to highlight a few things that I observed on Saturday
(8/5) at the second pond (Pond A2E?) down from the bridge across Stevens
Creek downstream from Crittenden Lane in Mountain View from about 7:15
am until about 8:15 am. There was a very large concentration of feeding
birds including 100s of Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets. I conservatively
estimated 1800 White Pelicans and at least 109 Brown Pelicans which seemed
very high for Santa Clara County. Can anyone provide information on
previous high counts of Brown Pelicans in SC County? Other birds of note
included 55 Least Terns, a Peregrine, and numerous Wilson's Phalaropes.
Long-billed Curlews called from the tidal mudflats on the other side of
Stevens Creek.
Jim Danzenbaker
San Jose, CA
408-264-7582 (408-ANI-SKUA)
email@hidden
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 07 14:33:43 2000
Subject: [SBB] White-faced Ibis At CCFS
--------
All,
At 10:00 AM this morning Frank Vanslager and I saw a White-faced Ibis flying
over the Coyote Creek Field Station "Waterbird Pond." The bird had
apparently flushed while Frank was checking the "middle" percolation pond
located just beyond the fence west of the "Waterbird Pond." The ibis made a
wide circle and returned to this pond. The bird had dark blackish-gray legs
(I saw no reddish highlights but the bird was about 150 Yds away), the head
and neck were a dark gray with spotted, lighter gray fan-shaped facial
patches extending back and down from the eyes and had a spotted, lighter gray
patch on the back of the head. There were no apparent markings on the
throat. The wings, back and tail were a shiny black with a green sheen. It
would seem that this bird is most likely a non-breeding adult. About 30
minutes later as we drove past the ibis once again flew over the Waterbird
Pond and back to the original location. Perhaps the ibis wants to feed in
the Waterbird Pond but was put off by our presence?
The Waterbird Pond water level has once again dropped but it had lots of
dowitchers, Greater Yellowlegs, 12+ Semipalmated Plovers, eight or nine
Wilson's Phalaropes (made a brief stop), a couple of small flocks of peeps
moved in and out, two Caspian and one Forster's Tern and one juvenile Mew
Gull was among the few California and Ring-billed Gulls there. The southern
most of the three fenced-in Percolation Ponds had large numbers of peeps that
were to distant to scan properly. We then went to State & Spreckles St. in
Alviso where at least one Lesser was among the 20-30 yellowlegs there. One
small group each of Western & Least Sandpipers were also there. On the way
over we noted that there were eight Long-billed Curlews on the lawn at the
San Jose Water Treatment Plant (also lots of Red-winged Blackbirds and
European Starlings). Finally we went to Calabazas Ponds (the water level is
up) where we saw one Lesser Yellowlegs, two Wilson's Phalaropes, one maybe
two peeps, several Greater Yellowlegs, eight or nine American White Pelicans
and about 200 dowitchers but no hoped for hangers-on :-(.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 2:25 PM, 8/7/00
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 07 17:00:14 2000
Subject: [SBB] Saturday Crittenden birding
--------
South Bay Birders:
Greetings!
Just a quick note to highlight a few things that I observed on Saturday
(8/5) at the second pond (Pond A2E?) down from the bridge across Stevens
Creek downstream from Crittenden Lane in Mountain View from about 7:15
am until about 8:15 am. There was a very large concentration of feeding
birds including 100s of Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets. I conservatively
estimated 1800 White Pelicans and at least 109 Brown Pelicans which seemed
very high for Santa Clara County. Can anyone provide information on
previous high counts of Brown Pelicans in SC County? Other birds of note
included 55 Least Terns, a Peregrine, and numerous Wilson's Phalaropes.
Long-billed Curlews called from the tidal mudflats on the other side of
Stevens Creek.
Jim Danzenbaker
San Jose, CA
408-264-7582 (408-ANI-SKUA)
email@hidden
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 07 18:00:58 2000
Subject: [SBB] CCFS membership
--------
Hi Birders -
Back in May, when the Hudsonian Godwit was around, I paid for a CCFS
membership. Since then I have heard nothing from CCFS, making me wonder if
my dues ever got to the right person. I tried contacting Al Jaramillo, but
am getting no reply. Is he out of town, and is he the person to contact?
I'd like to get in to bird the CCFS waterbird ponds, but don't even have the
combination to the gate. Can someone help?
Steve Rovell
Marina, CA
email@hidden
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 07 20:43:18 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] CCFS membership
--------
Dear Steve -
My goodness, you certainly should have had a letter from us by now,
acknowledging your membership donation and helping you with access. For
future reference, SFBBO's office number is 408/946-6548 and the general
email is email@hidden. I will check on your membership tomorrow at the
office and get back to you. Did you receive the access form to sign and did
you return it to us?
Sorry to have troubled the listserver with this,
Good birding,
Janet Hanson
SFBBO
----- Original Message -----
From: Steve Rovell
To: SBB
Sent: Monday, August 07, 2000 6:00 PM
Subject: [SBB] CCFS membership
> Hi Birders -
>
> Back in May, when the Hudsonian Godwit was around, I paid for a CCFS
> membership. Since then I have heard nothing from CCFS, making me wonder
if
> my dues ever got to the right person. I tried contacting Al Jaramillo,
but
> am getting no reply. Is he out of town, and is he the person to contact?
> I'd like to get in to bird the CCFS waterbird ponds, but don't even have
the
> combination to the gate. Can someone help?
>
> Steve Rovell
> Marina, CA
> email@hidden
>
>
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email@hidden
>
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 07 20:45:57 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] CCFS membership
--------
Dear South Bay Birders:
Mike Feighner has indicated there are more of you out there in limbo re:
CCFS access. Please let me know immediately if there are any other problems
with obtaining birder access to CCFS.
Good birding,
Janet Hanson
SFBBO
email@hidden
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 08 08:24:39 2000
Subject: [SBB] -
--------
Folks:
Yesterday, 8/7/2000, I saw an adult GREEN HERON in the Mountain View
Forebay in the morning and a single alternate-plumaged LESSER YELLOWLEGS in
the North Pond of the Palo Alto FCB in the afternoon.
Concerning Jim Danzenbaker's pelican counts, any count of AM. WHITE
PELICANS over a thousand is exceptional. In September 1981 2000 were counted
on an aerial survey; in August 1994, high counts during the month included
2200, 1760, and 1050 birds; and in August 1997, 1100 birds were tallied.
BROWN PELICANS are in exceptional numbers when over a hundred. In July 1981
200 were tallied, while during July through September 1986 counts of 300, 151,
150, and 100 were obtained.
Bill
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 08 09:12:37 2000
Subject: [SBB] CCFS Access
--------
Janet:
When I attempted to visit CCFS this weekend I found that the combination lock
from the south entrance, which most birders use, had disappeared. How are we
supposed to get in?
Nick Lethaby
Product Manager, ARC Cores Inc.
Tel: 408 360 2131
e-mail: Nick.Lethaby@arccores
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 08 10:05:59 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] CCFS Access
--------
FWIW, the combo lock was there on Saturday at least until noon. I banded
on Saturday. I have no idea why it would be missing if indeed this was
the case.
Les Chibana
On Tuesday, August 8, 2000, email@hidden wrote:
>
>Janet:
>
>When I attempted to visit CCFS this weekend I found that the combination lock
>from the south entrance, which most birders use, had disappeared. How are we
>supposed to get in?
>
>Nick Lethaby
>Product Manager, ARC Cores Inc.
>
>Tel: 408 360 2131
>e-mail: Nick.Lethaby@arccores
>
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>email@hidden
>
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 08 10:22:43 2000
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
On Sunday, 6 Aug 00, I visited Almaden Lake Park. I observed the pair of
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES for perhaps an hour. Initially, both birds were in the
reeds on the large island, perching and preening. The male spent almost all
his time here, except for some minutes of foraging at the end of the large
island and about 5 minutes perched in his usual spot at the top of the small
nest island. The female was out of sight more than the male, but when I did
see her, she too sat in the reeds on the large island or foraged at the end
of it. I saw no evidence of fledged young or any indication from the pair
that they even had young. I wonder if their nesting attempt failed in some
way.
Otherwise, I saw at least 2 unfledged SNOWY EGRETS and 2 unfledged GREEN
HERONS on the large island. There were 2 CASPIAN TERNS here as well. Up to 8
female-like COMMON MERGANSERS may be full-sized immatures.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 08 19:14:48 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] CCFS Access
--------
Nick,
I checked with the other banders who were at the station after
I left on Saturday. Apparently the combination lock was broken
and was removed for repairs. So, this was only a case of short-
term lock disappearance. They didn't think that anyone would
need to enter and apologized for any inconvenience.
The way I see it, it was probably better to be locked out than
locked in.
Les
On Tuesday, August 8, 2000, email@hidden wrote:
>
>Janet:
>
>When I attempted to visit CCFS this weekend I found that the combination lock
>from the south entrance, which most birders use, had disappeared. How are we
>supposed to get in?
>
>Nick Lethaby
>Product Manager, ARC Cores Inc.
>
>Tel: 408 360 2131
>e-mail: Nick.Lethaby@arccores
>
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>email@hidden
>
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From email@hidden Wed Aug 09 14:03:00 2000
Subject: [SBB] S.C. Bird List, July 31, 2000
--------
Bill Bousman has updated the list:
Five new species were found in July, to one degree or another, all expected.
Brown Pelican, Little Blue Heron, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Common
Tern, Least Tern.
This brings the year's total to 259.
The full list can be seen on:
South Bay Birders Unlimited (SBBU)
http://www.stanford.edu/~kendric/birds/
Kendric
-----------------------------------------
Kendric C. Smith, Ph.D.
927 Mears Court
Stanford, CA 94305-1041
(650) 493-7210 (voice or fax)
email@hidden
http://www.stanford.edu/~kendric/
------------------------------------------
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From email@hidden Wed Aug 09 15:09:05 2000
Subject: [SBB] County birding
--------
All,
This morning Frank Vanslager and I decided to check out Salt Pond A14 to see
if we could get a county year bird. Unfortunately we had none of the
foresight (a bicycle) or the luck (or even the skill) of Mike Rogers. By the
time we had walked to the northwestern corner of the pond the combination of
heat waves and long viewing distances kept us from getting adequate views of
the birds (even at 50 and 100 power). The only thing of note was that there
were at least six Caspian Terns feeding in Salt Pond A9. It also appears
that Red-necked Phalaropes have replaced Wilson's in Salt Ponds A16 & A14. A
single adult Black Skinner was on the western most island in Salt Pond A16.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 3:17 PM, 8/9/00
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From email@hidden Wed Aug 09 22:03:15 2000
Subject: [SBB] Pacific Golden Plover?
--------
Hi,
I went out to Crittenden Marsh with my son today and saw what I believed to
be a Pacific Golden Plover. I could not make a positive ID as the bird was
quite some distance away and I only have a 20x scope. Details I noted were:
white forehead, eyebrow and side of neck, white undertail coverts, dark
bill, black breast and belly. It did not appear to have a white crown or
nape like a Black-bellied Plover. It was quite a bit larger than the
Semipalmated Plovers that were near it. Is this a possible bird for that
area? I would love to have it confirmed if someone with better skills and
optics has a chance to go down there.
Thanks,
Don Ganton
email@hidden
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From email@hidden Thu Aug 10 02:10:58 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Pacific Golden Plover?
--------
----- Original Message -----
From:
> Pacific Golden Plover is definitely possible at this time of year (we
> typically get 1-2 adults in late July-August and they have occurred at
> Crittenden before). However, my recollection is that white undertail
coverts
> are diagnostic of Black-bellied Plover.
I believe that Pacific Golden-Plover also has white undertail coverts. The
white is more extensive in Black-bellied (I think reaching the vent area). I
believe that the diagnostic marks for Black-bellied are the black axillaries
and the white uppertail coverts, marks that are best seen when the bird is
in flight. Of course, the discussion of undertail covert color concerns
alternate-plumaged birds.
I recall an incident in Alaska a couple months ago, where a group of us was
trying to identify a distant bird, and make it into a Pacific Golden-Plover.
Every one of us thought that the crown was too dark for Black-bellied and,
therefore, agreed that it was a Pacific Golden based on the white undertail
coverts (since American Goldens have black undertail coverts in alternate
plumage). Since we were all in agreement, our embarrassment was minimized
when the bird flew and revealed itself as a Black-bellied.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Thu Aug 10 08:49:29 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Pacific Golden Plover?
--------
Don:
Pacific Golden Plover is definitely possible at this time of year (we
typically get 1-2 adults in late July-August and they have occurred at
Crittenden before). However, my recollection is that white undertail coverts
are diagnostic of Black-bellied Plover.
Nick Lethaby
Product Manager, ARC Cores Inc.
Tel: 408 360 2131
e-mail: Nick.Lethaby@arccores
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From email@hidden Thu Aug 10 12:22:45 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Pacific Golden Plover?
--------
*********** REPLY SEPARATOR ***********
On 08/10/2000 at 10:10 AM Michael Mammoser wrote:
>I believe that Pacific Golden-Plover also has white undertail coverts. The
>white is more extensive in Black-bellied (I think reaching the vent area).
I
>believe that the diagnostic marks for Black-bellied are the black
axillaries
>and the white uppertail coverts, marks that are best seen when the bird is
>in flight. Of course, the discussion of undertail covert color concerns
>alternate-plumaged birds.
The bird we saw yesterday did have a white vent area. I didn't get a look
at the axillaries or uppertail coverts. The black on the breast and belly
of the bird was extensive as in the illustration for breeding plumaged
Pacific Golden Plover and Black-bellied Plover in my NGS field guide.
>I recall an incident in Alaska a couple months ago, where a group of us
was
>trying to identify a distant bird, and make it into a Pacific
Golden-Plover.
>Every one of us thought that the crown was too dark for Black-bellied and,
>therefore, agreed that it was a Pacific Golden based on the white
undertail
>coverts (since American Goldens have black undertail coverts in alternate
>plumage). Since we were all in agreement, our embarrassment was minimized
>when the bird flew and revealed itself as a Black-bellied.
I paid particular attention to the crown and nape of the bird in question
and both appeared dark. Once again, though, I was seeing the bird from a
good distance with so-so optics. My son wanted very badly to "make it into
a Pacific Golden Plover". I'm a little more reserved in what I'll count as
seen.
Thanks Mike and Nick for your thoughts. Unless someone else sees a Pacific
Golden Plover at Crittenden in the next couple of days, mine will just have
to stay unidentified and a probable Black-bellied Plover.
Don Ganton
email@hidden
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From email@hidden Sat Aug 12 05:53:08 2000
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
I stopped at the CCFS waterbird pond today, 12 Aug 00, where the water level
seems pretty decent for shorebirds. A fair number of shorebirds included at
least 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS. While I walked around the pond, Al Eisner drove
up and we scoped the birds together, without finding anything more
interesting. After Al left, I continued around the pond and about 500-600
peeps flew in. Among them was a juvenile SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. A large
percentage of the peeps were juveniles. Also present were a half dozen
SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS and 4 WILSON'S PHALAROPES. After I got back to my car,
the pond was virtually empty, due to a couple of flyovers by an adult
PEREGRINE FALCON.
At the EEC in Alviso, the 3 adult BLACK SKIMMERS were still present, and at
least 1 young skimmer that was still fairly downy. The salt pond here had
104 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES and 4 WILSON'S. The adult PEREGRINE FALCON that
has been in this area was again on a power tower along the entrance road.
It's hard to say whether this was the same bird that was at the CCFS
waterbird pond earlier. It's certainly close enough.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Sat Aug 12 12:16:12 2000
Subject: [SBB] LEYEs at Calabazas
--------
This (Saturday) morning there were at least six Lesser Yellowlegs at
Calabazas Marsh. Couldn't get close enough for decent pics though :-(
--Pete
------------------------------------------------------
Peter LaTourrette
Bird Photography: http://www.birdphotography.com/
Bird Photo Gallery: http://www.stanford.edu/~petelat1/
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From email@hidden Sun Aug 13 05:19:55 2000
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
Today, 13 Aug 00, I decided to check some riparian corridors for possible
landbird movement. At the Guadalupe River, it was pretty slow. I found 2
PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS, a WARBLING VIREO, and a male WESTERN TANAGER.
Along Coyote Creek, at the end of Sycamore Drive, I had 2 RED-SHOULDERED
HAWKS, 3 WESTERN TANAGERS, and a male BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD. Perhaps in
a couple weeks thing will start to pick up.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Sun Aug 13 09:27:39 2000
Subject: [SBB] SCVAS Aņo Nuevo 8/12
--------
Hi Everyone--
Santa Clara Valley Audubon runs an annual trip to Aņo Nuevo State Reserve;
this year's was on Saturday, 8/12, and here is the trip summary.
Mark Miller
--------------------------------
The fun of going out to Aņo Nuevo State Reserve lies in the fact that no two
trips are the same. This year, it was pelicans. Seemingly on every rock and
cliff, BROWN PELICANS have arrived in numbers beyond anything I've seen in
16 years. We knew it was going to be a good day when a BLACK SWIFT fluttered
and soared over the rangers' residences, our first stop. From there, we
hiked to the old bridge over New Years Creek; along the way, 20 young
CALIFORNIA QUAIL ran headlong in front of us, watched vigilantly by 2 adult
males. A molting male PURPLE FINCH and a BAND-TAILED PIGEON sat up on
treetops near the creek, and gave good scope views. The creek and
surrounding forest were unusually quiet (related to our later than usual
tour date), so we walked down to South Beach. A single RED-NECKED PHALAROPE
was in the (larger than usual) lagoon. HEERMANN'S GULLS, WESTERN GULLS, and
CALIFORNIA GULLS were roosting in numbers on the beach and we had to walk
gingerly to avoid them. As we arrived on the beach, an OSPREY flew over,
carrying a large fish somewhere inland. Offshore, a few MARBLED MURRELETS,
many PIGEON GUILLEMOTS, and a single flock of three PACIFIC LOONS were
feeding; people were starting to sound like stockbrokers ("It's up! No,
wait, it dove again..."). A Harbor Porpoise close to shore was a nice
surprise. Half-buried in the sand was a dead BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS; it was
pretty impressive, with forearms as long as mine, and feet almost as long as
my hands. From the beach, we trudged up the steep trail to The Pond. There,
gulls and pelicans were performing their daily ablutions, a pair of RUDDY
DUCKS with 4 downy chicks were exploring and feeding, and two BANK SWALLOWS
careened overhead, giving only brief passing views. As we neared the outer
point, the wind was becoming stronger. A WESTERN KINGBIRD, uncommon on the
immediate coast, was trying its best to catch food in the wind; most
everything else stayed low and hidden. At the elephant seal viewing area (it
seems to get progressively smaller each year), SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, RUDDY
TURNSTONE, BLACK TURNSTONE, LEAST SANDPIPER, WESTERN SANDPIPER, SANDERLING,
and RED-NECKED PHALAROPE were feeding in the kelp along with the ubiquitous
EUROPEAN STARLINGS. Two young elephant seals obstructed the beach, staring
blankly at us and tossing sand all over themselves. A Mylitta Crescent on
the path was the only novelty on the way back, and was one of only three
butterfly individuals we saw (a Monarch and a Cabbage White were the other
two). Thanks go to the ranger at the kiosk who let us all in for free, and
to the docent who let us roam outside the ropes. Next year, we'll do it all
again, and everything will be different.
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 14 14:06:56 2000
Subject: [SBB] Declines
--------
Folks:
I'll throw in my 1.8 cents worth.
Warbling Vireo's have been declining within the Palo Alto count circle
at 6.7% a year (p=0.0001). This is based on data from 1981-1998.
Yellow Warblers have shown a worse decline, -17.7% per year, p=0.0008.
As recently as the early 1970s there were multiple breeding territories around
Searsville Lake. As of two years ago there was only one.
Warbling Vireos do not appear to be tied so closely to riparian streams
as Yellow Warblers. Both have undoubtedly suffered from Brown-headed Cowbirds
(cowbird control programs in Riverside Co. have resulted in increases of
Yellow Warblers). Our valley riparian systems show a long-term degradation
from loss of water, grazing, and urbanization. First, the understory goes,
then the mid-level trees, then the larger trees. All components seem to be
important for riparian species. Arizona work shows that riparian systems can
recover relatively quickly, when protected, but that is a difficult battle in
Hubris Valley.
Bill
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 14 16:10:48 2000
Subject: [SBB] Sunday birds
--------
All:
I checked out Crittenden Marsh around noon on Sunday. Not too much. I saw
around 4000 Wilson's Phalaropes and 41 Least Terns on the marsh and salts
ponds to the north. There were 6 Lesser Yellowlegs and 2-3 juv Short-billed
Dowtichers, along with about 40 Long-billed Dowitchers. It's my impression
that this marsh is getting more saline each year. At least the water level at
which the yellowlegs start going elsewhere (presumably in search of less
saline habitat) seems to be higher each year.
Nick Lethaby
Product Manager, ARC Cores Inc.
Tel: 408 360 2131
e-mail: Nick.Lethaby@arccores
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 15 05:56:40 2000
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
At lunch time today, 15 Aug 00, I had an immature COOPER'S HAWK hunting
along San Tomas Aquinas Creek, between Scott and Central Xway.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 15 13:47:56 2000
Subject: [SBB] County birding
--------
All,
This morning Frank Vanslager and I checked out the Sunnyvale Water Treatment
Facility west pond from the top of the hill near the parking lot. There were
good numbers of ducks in the southwestern corner of the pond but there were
no terns. We then checked out the islands on Salt Pond A4 which looked as
though they only had the "usual suspects". A quick trip to the Coyote Creek
Field Station Waterbird Pond revealed a fair numbers of dowitchers and
yellowlegs and a few peeps but no goodies. The ponds east of the Waterbird
Pond were dry and as such birdless. The other usual areas looked pretty bad
as well so we went to the pond at State & Spreckles St. in Alviso. This pond
had really good numbers of Least & Western Sandpipers. The pond in the
northwest corner of Arzino Ranch, near the intersection of Spreckles & Grand
had good numbers of yellowlegs and a few peeps. On the way home we noted
that the northern most Calabazas Pond had good numbers of shorebirds which we
will probably check out later in the week. Not much for our efforts but
thought that I would let you know how things looked out there.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 1:51 PM, 8/15/00
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 15 14:47:24 2000
Subject: [SBB] LEOW
--------
My apologies that this sighting lacks a specific locations, I do want to
pass it along so that people can be on the lookout in similar locations.
We observed a LONG-EARED OWL on private property along Llagas Creek in
Gilroy on 8/14/2000. It was observed briefly 3 times by 2 observers.
Tom Ryan
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 15 15:14:53 2000
Subject: [SBB] Juvenile Dark-eyed Junco in PA
--------
All,
A belated report:
On 8/8 observed a juvenile Dark-eyed Junco being fed by an adult in the
500 block of Forest in Downtown Palo Alto. Seems late in the season, and
I did not realize that they bred there. Am passing along this info for
any and all post-atlasers.
Screech.
--
Paul L. Noble
"Screechowl"
email@hidden
^ ^
@ @
( v )
( )
/ \
m m
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 15 15:37:24 2000
Subject: RE: [SBB] Juvenile Dark-eyed Junco in PA
--------
I live in the Santa Cruz Mts.--1/2 mile from Santa Clara County. We have
large numbers of DEJU throughout the year. Our last group of fledglings
fledged about a week ago and juveniles are still being fed by the parents.
Claire Wilson
-----Original Message-----
From: Paul L. Noble [mailto:email@hidden]
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2000 3:15 PM
To: So. Bay Bird List
Subject: [SBB] Juvenile Dark-eyed Junco in PA
All,
A belated report:
On 8/8 observed a juvenile Dark-eyed Junco being fed by an adult in the
500 block of Forest in Downtown Palo Alto. Seems late in the season, and
I did not realize that they bred there. Am passing along this info for
any and all post-atlasers.
Screech.
--
Paul L. Noble
"Screechowl"
email@hidden
^ ^
@ @
( v )
( )
/ \
m m
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 15 16:09:10 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Juvenile Dark-eyed Junco in PA
--------
Likewise, along Skyline Blvd. between Page Mill Rd. and Saratoga Gap,
at the western edge of SCL, we are still seeing juvenal plumaged
dark-eyed Juncos.
Les Chibana
On Tuesday, August 15, 2000, Claire Wilson wrote:
>I live in the Santa Cruz Mts.--1/2 mile from Santa Clara County. We have
>large numbers of DEJU throughout the year. Our last group of fledglings
>fledged about a week ago and juveniles are still being fed by
>the parents.
>
>Claire Wilson
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Paul L. Noble [mailto:email@hidden]
>Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2000 3:15 PM
>To: So. Bay Bird List
>Subject: [SBB] Juvenile Dark-eyed Junco in PA
>
>
> All,
>
>A belated report:
>
>On 8/8 observed a juvenile Dark-eyed Junco being fed by an adult in the
>500 block of Forest in Downtown Palo Alto. Seems late in the season, and
>I did not realize that they bred there. Am passing along this info for
>any and all post-atlasers.
>
>Screech.
>
>--
>Paul L. Noble
>
>"Screechowl"
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 15 21:19:51 2000
Subject: [SBB] DEJU
--------
And a Dark-eyed Junco was observed feeding a juvenile Brown-headed Cowbird
at Grant and North Drive in Mt. VIew on 8-14. A Cooper's Hawk is back
patrolling the area as well: I've seen a male there the past three years.
Jack Cole
________________________________________________________________________
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From email@hidden Wed Aug 16 08:16:15 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] DEJU
--------
Hi Folks,
At SCVAS in Cupertino, my brother and I also saw a junco feeding a
voracious cowbird fledgling on the same day, 8/14.
Cheers,
Leda Beth Gray
> From: "Jack Cole"
> Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2000 21:19:51 PDT
> To: email@hidden
> Subject: [SBB] DEJU
>
> And a Dark-eyed Junco was observed feeding a juvenile Brown-headed Cowbird
> at Grant and North Drive in Mt. VIew on 8-14. A Cooper's Hawk is back
> patrolling the area as well: I've seen a male there the past three years.
>
> Jack Cole
> ________________________________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
>
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From email@hidden Thu Aug 17 08:53:44 2000
Subject: [SBB] -
--------
Folks:
This morning, 8/17/2000, I saw a single ad. BROWN PELICAN over Mountain
View Slough. An ad. GREEN HERON was in Adobe Creek in the Palo Alto FCB. The
Stevens Creek Tidal Marsh had typical numbers (lots) of American Avocets and
Long-billed Curlews, but no Semipalmated Plovers--I suspect a general
understanding of the preferred prey of the ad. PEREGRINE FALCON that was
sitting on the tower there. I heard my first VIRGINIA RAIL of the season from
the Mountain View Forebay (last heard 28 Mar). I expect that we should find
both Virginias and Soras widely in the next month or so, as their fall
migration get underway. A f/imm HOODED ORIOLE was along Stevens Creek below
L'Avenida.
To pick up the thread on nesting DARK-EYED JUNCOS, of the 384 nesting
records in the atlas and post-atlas data bases, about two and a half percent
(10) have occurred in August. Of the August records in the data base, only
two are after 8/10, so the ones reported this week are quite unusual. Paul
Noble's record is from an urban area where they did not occur as recently as
five or ten years ago. Please note, however, that breeding evidence requires
observation of an adult feeding a young bird or that the fledgling is clearly
still dependent. Birds still in juvenal plumage are not considered evidence of
breeding per atlas protocols.
Bill
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From email@hidden Thu Aug 17 13:09:37 2000
Subject: [SBB] Semipalmated Sandpiper at Calabazas Marsh
--------
All,
This morning Frank Vanslager and I had at least one Semipalmated Sandpiper in
the northern most (the largest) pond at Calabazas Marsh (I believe that this
is now officially known as Harvey Marsh). This or another SESA was easily
refound twice (once after flying from the from the northeast to the southwest
corner of the pond and once after we had checked out the dowitchers). The
bird was obviously smaller than any Western Sandpiper that it was near and
had an extremely short, blunt bill. The scapulars were well defined (nice
dark centers) giving it a scaly appearance. I could find no evidence of
rufous on the head or scapulars, as such, I believe that the bird is a
juvenile.
The water level in this pond would seem to be almost ideal for Western
Sandpipers with only a few Least Sandpipers being seen. The dowitcher flock
also seems to be growing (perhaps 100-125 birds now) and one of four Wilson's
Phalaropes present (the hidden one of course) had us excited until we saw its
yellow legs (the bill appeared to be quite decurved). About half of the
yellowlegs present (4) were Lesser (nice to have the dowitchers nearby for
those long distance calls).
Earlier we were at Crittenden Marsh where we had an adult Peregrine Falcon on
one of the power towers. An estimate of 4000 Wilson's Phalaropes in the
marsh just might be a bit low, they are just covering the eastern portion of
the pond there and we had some really impressive mass flight demonstrations.
We also saw about 60 Red-necked Phalaropes near the middle northern portion
of the pond with a couple of Wilson's Phalaropes thrown in for good
comparison viewing.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 1:15 PM, 8/17/00
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From email@hidden Thu Aug 17 15:53:15 2000
Subject: [SBB] Late lowland dark-eyed junco
--------
Adding to the anecdotal data on DEJU, a pair of juncos has been visiting
my backyard in midtown Palo Alto for at least three months. This is the
first year this species has been a breeding-season regular in my yard.
I awaited the appearance of immature birds for several weeks, but didn't see
any until one appeared about August 3rd. It has not been seen since, and
the sighting doesn't qualify for breeding bird atlas status under the
strictures given by Bill Bousman. My presumption is that this represents a
second or third nesting attempt by this pair - there is an ample supply of
cats and cooper's hawks in the neighborhood to truncate the careers of
nestlings and fledglings.
Also, anecdotally, DEJUs have been nesting at Stanford for several years,
not only in semi-natural environments like the Arboretum, but in landscaped
situations such as around the Medical Center. I used to consider this
species as an upslope (or downslope?) migrant, present in the flatlands in
winter, but moving upslope to breed in nearby hills. Not anymore.
- Dick
Richard Stovel email@hidden
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From email@hidden Sun Aug 20 05:29:21 2000
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
At Calabazas Marsh today, 20 Aug 00, I had an adult STILT SANDPIPER that was
in transition from alternate plumage to basic. Also a juvenile SEMIPALMATED
SANDPIPER was present. Three VAUX'S SWIFTS were overhead with the swallows,
and a CASPIAN TERN was on the mudflats.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Sun Aug 20 06:06:23 2000
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
At least 3 LESSER YELLOWLEGS were present at Calabazas Marsh as well on
Sunday.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Sun Aug 20 09:17:06 2000
Subject: [SBB] Western Tanager, Snipe
--------
Friday morning Jean DuBois was at my house and told me on Thursday he'd
seen his first American Goldfinch since they had left for the summer. Ten
minutes after he left, my first American Goldfinch showed up. (last one in
my backyard was in May).
Saturday at Almaden Lake with Freddie Howell's little group, we saw 12
female Common Merganser like seals on 2 rocks. Nary a male to be seen. Also
had a COMMON SNIPE on the grass. SPOTTED SANDPIPER with CASPIAN & FORSTER
TERN sitting together.
Sunday at "my farm" La Rinconada Park had a male WESTERN TANAGER. Also a
flock of sparrows - haven't seen a sparrow there since April. The only one
I actually saw was a Song Sparrow and didn't have time to check out the rest.
Gloria LeBlanc
Los Gatos off Quito
"We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails"
http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
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From email@hidden Sun Aug 20 10:51:46 2000
Subject: [SBB] Out of area - Hawks
--------
Good morning all;
I realize that what I'm about to write is a bit out of our area.
But it's close enough that some of you might want to go and enjoy
it.
Yesterday Penny and I were en route to the Merced NWR for a day of
birding (don't bother going, it's drained, dry, and deserted at the
moment). The large field laying in the NE quadrant of the
intersection of California and San Diego streets (about 5 mi. SW of
Mendota--as the crow flies on Panoche Road -> California Road) was
being cleared with a disc cultivator. On that field sat what we
estimated to be about 750 (the average of three quadrant counts
spanning 2 hours) raptors of various denominations. Among a
smattering of Ravens and Turkey Vultures, sat Swanson's Hawks,
Ferruginous Hawks, and probably Rough-legged Hawks. While we
obviously didn't get to inspect each bird in detail, neither
Red-tailed nor Red-shouldered Hawks seemed to be in evidence (the
ones I probably am best able to recognize at a glance).
Not yet being experienced enough to quickly ID tightly wheeling
birds, I was unable to make any solid calls. The variations (ages,
morphs, and species) were so quickly presented that we were unable
to view any one bird long enough to get a good call. Nor with the
density of the swirling birds was I able to engage my partner for
discussion. The majority of the birds were Swainson's Hawks--of
that I'm fairly sure. They ran the gauntlet from juveniles to
adults, and across all possible combinations of morphing. It was a
zoo! While they were visible enough for counting, the heat shimmer
and the presentation of a sitting bird made ID'ing them impossible
(for me, at least).
75-80% of the birds seemed to be Swainson's. The rest were a mix of
the species already mentioned. Interestingly enough, they--and all
the rest--hopped around on the ground, apparently foraging. I
watched one catch a small rodent, and then mantle furiously as
others attempted to share his catch... From time-to-time between
100 and 150 birds would take off as a group, and begin to soar on
thermals. Most of these (95+%) were Swainson's, with only a few of
the others thrown into the mix. We saw as many as 4 of these
"soaring clouds" at once.
While most of the birds were wary, we were able to drive to within
10 meters of many without apparent care on their part. While the
Mendota and Merced NWR's were dull, all these raptors hopping,
wheeling, feeding, and soaring were awesome!
Best regards,
Dusty Bleher
San Jose, Ca.
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From email@hidden Sun Aug 20 18:41:36 2000
Subject: [SBB] Shorebirds
--------
At the CCFS waterbird pond today, there was an adult Pectoral Sandpiper
between 2 and 3 PM. Also present was 1 Lesser Yellowlegs and 2 Caspian Terns
(one a juvenile). [Belated report: On Aug. 12, I saw a young Green Heron at
the inlet to this pond. Mike Mammoser arrived a bit later; he already sum-
marized the shorebirds from that day, including the one I missed by leaving
first....]
I tried the Calabazas Marsh twice today for Semipalmated Sandpiper.
Between 8-9 AM there were only a couple of dozen stints, mostly Least
Sandpiper -- it was probably too close to low tide. Late afternoon there
were several hundred Western's, but while I was getting closer to check out
a candidate, a prolonged Harrier episode started; by the time it was over
most of the flock had left. [Mike: what time did you see the Semi?] I did
see 5 Lesser Yellowlegs and 30 or so Wilson's Phalaropes here, plus a Green
Heron at the southwest pond.
Al Eisner
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From email@hidden Sun Aug 20 19:17:40 2000
Subject: [SBB] Almaden birds (and others)
--------
This afternoon while walking in the IBM research facility above Harry Rd
in the Almaden Valley, Debbie and I saw several Western Bluebirds, a
pair of Loggerhead Shrikes, and a large group of Turkeys. We don't see
shrikes up there very often, so it was odd to see a pair very close
together on a barbed wire fence. We also saw two different groups of
wild boar, which was also a first for us on this side of the valley.
Hugh McDevit
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 21 02:52:00 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Shorebirds
--------
----- Original Message -----
From:
>
> [Mike: what time did you see the Semi?]
I arrived at Calabazas between 11:00 and 11:30am, finding the Stilt
Sandpiper right away. I watched this bird, and showed it to others, for
about an hour or so before concentrating on the peeps, and finding the
Semipalmated. So, it was probably about 12:30 or so.
For those keeping the records for the County, this was the third
Semipalmated that I saw this "fall", it being a distinctly different
individual from the juvenile I saw at CCFS (and of course different from the
adult back in July). This bird had a shorter bill than the CCFS bird. This
bird also had pale grayish edges to the dark-centered scapular feathers,
while the CCFS bird had some rufous edges to the upper scapulars.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 21 10:53:13 2000
Subject: [SBB] Guadalupe River, Calabazas Ponds
--------
All,
Saturday morning 8/19/00 I spent almost three hours working the east
side of the Guadalupe River from Montague Expressway south to about
2/3 of the way to Trimble. No surprises, but there were a few early
fall migrants, including 1 VAUX'S SWIFT, 5 "WESTERN" FLYCATCHERS (2 of
these PACIFIC-SLOPE by call), 2 YELLOW WARBLERS, 4 COMMON YELLOWTHROATS,
2 WILSON'S WARBLERS, and 3 WESTERN TANAGERS. Still some breeding
activity, with 7+ HOODED ORIOLES including young birds accompanying
(usually agitated) adults at three places, Northern Mockingbirds
carrying food for young and fledglings, and a SONG SPARROW feeding a
young BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD. Also at least four active ROCK DOVE nests
under the Montague Expwy bridge, including at least two with young.
Just a note for those who don't know, birding along the riparian
corridor here is difficult. There are no real paths, homeless people
sometimes camp along here, and others use the area to grow illegal
plants. Use caution if you bird this area.
Next I headed to Alviso, checking the pond at State and Spreckles.
Shorebirds here included 300+ LEAST SANDPIPERS, 6 LESSER YELLOWLEGS,
both DOWITCHERS, 1 WILSON'S PHALAROPE, and 2 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES.
At least 8 VAUX'S SWIFTS foraged vocally over the houses here for a
few minutes.
After this I headed to the Calabazas Ponds. Three CLIFF SWALLOWS were
all I could find still hanging around from the nesting colony under
the bridges. After a long search I finally found the juvenile
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER reported previously by Bob Reiling. It ranged
all over the pond, but offered scope-filling views on the mud only 30
meters away at one point. It was much less cooperative when I tried
to show it to John Meyer and Mitch Ninokata, flying almost immediately
every time I relocated it (John got brief looks). Of course five
minutes after they left it foraged out in the open for ten minutes in
the middle of the pond!@#$! Al, I first located this bird at 12:48pm
and it was still present at 2:51pm. Other birds of note here included
5 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 25 WILSON'S PHALAROPES, 1 RED-NECKED PHALAROPE,
and another VAUX'S SWIFT. I searched carefully through the dowitchers
(which were spread out and close) for Stilt Sandpipers and found none,
so it seems likely that Mike Mammoser's bird the next day was a new
arrival.
Mike Rogers
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 21 13:10:47 2000
Subject: [SBB] Re: Crittenden Marsh & Calabazas Ponds
--------
Can someone on this list please post directions to both Crittenden Marsh and
Calabazas Ponds/Marsh. Sounds like interesting things are happening at these
places, and I'd like to check them out. (I'm an East Bay birder not familiar
with these South Bay birding areas.)
Thanks much,
Kathy Robertson
Hayward
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 21 13:42:02 2000
Subject: RE: [SBB] Re: Crittenden Marsh & Calabazas Ponds
--------
Kathy:
I work very close to these ponds. There are two different access points to
these ponds here in Sunnyvale.
1) access from Sunnyvale Baylands Park:
>From Highway 237 take Caribbean north (Lawrence Expressway changes to
Caribbean at Highway 237). Pull into the park entrance on the right and
follow the road to the right that then bends east and follows the north side
of Highway 237 to the closest access point to the ponds. At times there is
a park fee, but I am not sure if that is currently the case.
2) access from the business area south of Highway 237:
>From Highway 237 head south on Lawrence Expressway and take the first street
east. Follow that street to the last business on the list before a bridge
over the creek. Park in the back of that business near the levee. Hike the
short distance under the Highway 237 Overpass to the ponds at the north side
of Highway 237.
Mike Feighner
> -----Original Message-----
> From: email@hidden [SMTP:email@hidden]
> Sent: Monday, August 21, 2000 1:11 PM
> To: email@hidden
> Subject: [SBB] Re: Crittenden Marsh & Calabazas Ponds
>
> Can someone on this list please post directions to both Crittenden Marsh
> and
> Calabazas Ponds/Marsh. Sounds like interesting things are happening at
> these
> places, and I'd like to check them out. (I'm an East Bay birder not
> familiar
> with these South Bay birding areas.)
>
> Thanks much,
>
> Kathy Robertson
> Hayward
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 21 13:49:05 2000
Subject: RE: [SBB] Re: Crittenden Marsh & Calabazas Ponds
--------
All:
That should be the last business on the left. There's no business on the
list, whatever that would be!
Mike Feighner
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Feighner, Mike [SMTP:email@hidden]
> Sent: Monday, August 21, 2000 1:42 PM
> To: email@hidden
> Subject: RE: [SBB] Re: Crittenden Marsh & Calabazas Ponds
>
> Kathy:
>
> I work very close to these ponds. There are two different access points
> to
> these ponds here in Sunnyvale.
>
> 1) access from Sunnyvale Baylands Park:
>
> From Highway 237 take Caribbean north (Lawrence Expressway changes to
> Caribbean at Highway 237). Pull into the park entrance on the right and
> follow the road to the right that then bends east and follows the north
> side
> of Highway 237 to the closest access point to the ponds. At times there
> is
> a park fee, but I am not sure if that is currently the case.
>
> 2) access from the business area south of Highway 237:
>
> From Highway 237 head south on Lawrence Expressway and take the first
> street
> east. Follow that street to the last business on the list before a bridge
> over the creek. Park in the back of that business near the levee. Hike
> the
> short distance under the Highway 237 Overpass to the ponds at the north
> side
> of Highway 237.
>
> Mike Feighner
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: email@hidden [SMTP:email@hidden]
> > Sent: Monday, August 21, 2000 1:11 PM
> > To: email@hidden
> > Subject: [SBB] Re: Crittenden Marsh & Calabazas Ponds
> >
> > Can someone on this list please post directions to both Crittenden Marsh
> > and
> > Calabazas Ponds/Marsh. Sounds like interesting things are happening at
> > these
> > places, and I'd like to check them out. (I'm an East Bay birder not
> > familiar
> > with these South Bay birding areas.)
> >
> > Thanks much,
> >
> > Kathy Robertson
> > Hayward
> > -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 21 19:01:45 2000
Subject: [SBB] SWIFTS
--------
All,
Yesterday evening I tried to get some photographs of the WHITE-THROATED
SWIFTS which had revealed their evening roost to me the previous
afternoon. (Incidentally, trying to photograph swifts is tough on one's
neck as you're bending backwards and pivoting constantly... I can't
really recommend it.) The roost is along the wall to the left of the
main arch leading into the Rodin "Bergers of Calais" sculpture. As you
face the Memorial Church, follow the green construction fence to your
left until it stops against a corner between two walls and an eaves.
There had to have been close to 100 swifts circling around the face of
the arch 5:30pm. There were also atleast 4 VAUX'S SWIFTS in with the
flock. It did not appear they were using the same roost. VIOLET-GREEN
SWALLOWS were also to be seen.
Incidentally, registration for the Fall session of Beginning
Birdwatching begins soon. More information can be found at:
http://www.birdguy.net/
or http://www.paadultschool.org/
That's all,
Matthew Dodder
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 22 09:35:23 2000
Subject: [SBB] RUFF, STILT SA
--------
All,
Peter Metropulos reported a Ruff, a Stilt Sandpiper, and 5 Sanderlings
to the northern CA Bird Box from Crittenden Marsh on Sunday afternoon.
Yesterday evening 8/21/00 (high tide) I headed out behind Moffett
Field to the marsh to see if I could refind some of these birds. The
RUFF and the STILT SANDPIPER were both together with the dowitcher
flock. Both were adults in basic plumage. The RUFF was somewhat
larger and longer legged than nearby dowitchers and appeared
significantly larger in flight (the flock was spooked by two PEREGRINE
FALCONS (one adult, one immature) on a few occasions. There were also
single GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS near the RUFF for additional size
comparison. The RUFF was significantly larger than the LESSER
YELLOWLEGS, but also notably smaller than the GREATER YELLOWLEGS.
This suggests to me that the bird is a male, although perhaps not a
very large one.
Other birds noted included 5 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 10 SEMIPALMATED
PLOVERS, 5 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 15 WHIMBREL, 3 WILSON'S PHALAROPES,
410 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 2 CASPIAN TERNS. Earlier in the day
I had 2 or 3 VAUX'S SWIFTS over Moffett Field.
Mike Rogers
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 22 15:23:19 2000
Subject: [SBB] Stilt Sandpiper & Pectoral Sandpiper
--------
All,
This morning Frank Vanslager and I saw an adult, non-breeding plumaged Stilt
Sandpiper in the pond east of the intersection of State St. and Spreckles Ave
in Alviso. The bird was obviously smaller than dowitchers and Lesser
Yellowlegs, was about the same size as Wilson's Phalaropes (although longer
legged) and larger than Red-necked Phalaropes all of which were near it at
one point or another during our one hour observation period. The mantle was
an overall light grayish-brown, the belly was whitish with some vertical
blackish barring visible on the lower flanks continuing back and under the
tail. The chest had an overall grayish wash. The bird had a well defined,
whitish supercillium (a darker grayish-brown crown and a lighter
grayish-brown face), whitish throat and a white rump (well seen in flight).
The legs were a yellow-green and the bill was of medium length, black with a
slight decurve near the tip.
We then went to the Coyote Creek Field Station (CCFS/CCRS) Waterbird Pond
where we were unable to find anything new (there were lots dowitchers, a few
yellowlegs, peeps and gulls). We then went to check out the mud-flats west
of the pond and Salt Pond A18. As usual there were lots of gulls (mostly
California) in the salt pond and very little in the mud flats. On our way
back past the Waterbird Pond we noted that there were a large number of
shorebirds on the north side of the pond and decided to do a quick check.
Almost the first bird seen, feeding by itself on the northern edge of the
pond, was an adult Pectoral Sandpiper. It was much larger than the Least
Sandpipers feeding nearby and obviously smaller than the dowitchers feeding a
few feet away. The proximal portion of the shortish, nicely decurved bill
was a yellowish to yellow-green while the distal portion of the bill was
black. The bird had an indistinct whitish supercillium and the legs were
yellowish. The upper parts of the bird were an overall grayish-brown. The
belly except for an area near the vent (on the side) was whitish. The area
near the vent appeared dirty (blackish-gray). The point at which the belly
met the grayish-brown streaked chest formed a fairly well defined line.
We had first stopped at Calabazas Marsh in the morning but the water level
was quite low and there were very few birds (three Greater Yellowlegs were
joined by about 8-10 peeps just before we left to go to State and Spreckles
in Alviso). Also of note at State St and Spreckles Ave were a flock of
Vaux's Swifts flying over the field northwest of the intersection.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 3:31 PM, 8/22/00
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 22 17:24:13 2000
Subject: [SBB] Late Hummer Nest?
--------
We have a hummingbird (Anna's it looks like) nesting outside our office
window in Santa Clara right now. She is sitting in the nest and has been
there at least 5 days, perhaps not much longer.
Isn't this way late for hummingbirds to nest or do they multiple clutch?
-Chris
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 22 17:31:37 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Late Hummer Nest?
--------
At 5:24 PM -0700 8/22/00, Chris wrote:
>Isn't this way late for hummingbirds to nest or do they multiple clutch?
Yes, they can definitely multiple clutch. We had one at work a number
of years back that went three rounds one year.
--
Chuq Von Rospach - Plaidworks Consulting (mailto:email@hidden)
Apple Mail List Gnome (mailto:email@hidden)
And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar
and say 'Man, what are you doing here?'"
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 22 18:32:31 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Late Hummer Nest?
--------
Yes. While 2 is typical, I have observed them with up to three
nestings.
Dusty Bleher
San Jose, Ca.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2000 17:24
Subject: [SBB] Late Hummer Nest?
> We have a hummingbird (Anna's it looks like) nesting outside our
office
> window in Santa Clara right now. She is sitting in the nest and
has been
> there at least 5 days, perhaps not much longer.
>
> Isn't this way late for hummingbirds to nest or do they multiple
clutch?
>
>
>
> -Chris
>
> -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
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>
>
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 22 19:10:28 2000
Subject: [SBB] Swifts at Stanford
--------
All,
My apologies... I neglected to say that the swift roost I mentioned
yesterday is on Stanford Campus. To access the area, follow Palm Drive
(University Ave.) toward campus, park around the oval lawn if you visit
after 5:00. The swifts were on the large wall to the left of the main
arch facing the lawn.
Matthew Dodder
<<
Yesterday evening I tried to get some photographs of the WHITE-THROATED
SWIFTS which had revealed their evening roost to me the previous
afternoon. (Incidentally, trying to photograph swifts is tough on one's
neck as you're bending backwards and pivoting constantly... I can't
really recommend it.) The roost is along the wall to the left of the
main arch leading into the Rodin "Bergers of Calais" sculpture. As you
face the Memorial Church, follow the green construction fence to your
left until it stops against a corner between two walls and an eaves.
There had to have been close to 100 swifts circling around the face of
the arch 5:30pm. There were also atleast 4 VAUX'S SWIFTS in with the
flock. It did not appear they were using the same roost. VIOLET-GREEN
SWALLOWS were also to be seen.
Incidentally, registration for the Fall session of Beginning
Birdwatching begins soon. More information can be found at:
http://www.birdguy.net/
or http://www.paadultschool.org/
That's all,
Matthew Dodder
>>
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From email@hidden Wed Aug 23 12:54:09 2000
Subject: [SBB] Ruff at Crittenden Marsh
--------
All,
This morning five birder's; Jessie Conklin (who spotted the bird first),
Frank Vanslager, Jack Cole, another birder and I saw the ad male Ruff at
Crittenden Marsh. The basic plumaged bird was marginally bigger than the few
dowitchers it was next to (we did not see it near a Lesser Yellowlegs) as it
fed and preened. The head looked somewhat small for the body size (but not
excessively so). The bill was shortish with a nice decurve along it's length
and the legs were yellow-orange. At one point it swam across some open water
showing it's humped back with it's raised feathers to good advantage.
There were few dowitchers in the marsh and we did not locate the Stilt
Sandpiper (a low and falling tide would probably pull these birds out into
the bay). We got there when we did so that we would have the best air for
viewing (it was overcast) realizing that it would be during high tide that
birds would probably be there but that the air would then, most likely, be
bad. We saw several Semipalmated Plovers, both yellowlegs, lots of peeps but
did not find a single Sanderling. Wilson's Phalarope numbers are decreasing
while the Red-necked Phalarope numbers are increasing (there are lots of both
kinds). At one point Frank called a hundred plus Vaux's Swifts flying high
overhead while Jack agreed that he had thirty plus in one binocular field of
view. (We also had lots of really good low down and close-in sightings
during most of the morning.) On our way in we made note of an adult
Peregrine Falcon on one of the power towers north of the bridge over the
Stevens Creek Mitigation Area and on our way out saw a juvenile Peregrine
Falcon fly to one of the towers in the same area. The young falcon then flew
from the tower and returned shortly thereafter carrying what looked to be
very large prey for it, a light grayish plumaged Rock Dove, which it
proceeded to eat. There are still lots of Least Terns in Salt Pond A2E.
It's been a good week! Be aware that a scope is a must if you plan on
chasing this bird and even then you will need high power (35X min.) and quite
air.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 12:44 PM, 8/23/00
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From email@hidden Wed Aug 23 13:25:11 2000
Subject: [SBB] Birding at Crittenden Marsh
--------
Anyone work near there and want to give it a try at lunch on Friday?
I work just a few blocks opposite side of 237 from the Marsh/Baylands
area.
It is also a short drive to State & Spreckles.
I have a good scope to bring along.
-------------
-Chris Illes
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From email@hidden Wed Aug 23 14:50:52 2000
Subject: [SBB] Common Poorwill
--------
Common Poorwill (1+) was heard calling near Calero Reservoir on 8/22/00 by
SCVWD biologist Bill Henry.
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From email@hidden Thu Aug 24 08:22:22 2000
Subject: [SBB] -
--------
Folks:
This morning, 8/24/2000, I saw a WILLOW FLYCATCHER along Stevens Creek
below the powerline crossing below L'Avenida. We should be finding these
birds for the next month along our local creeks.
Bill
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From email@hidden Thu Aug 24 11:06:55 2000
Subject: [SBB] SWPCP
--------
All,
Of 11 Santa Clara County Wandering Tattler records, 9 have fallen
between 5 Aug and 14 Sep, with most of these in the rather narrow
window between 25 Aug and 10 Sep. Of the 11 eleven records, 9 have
been from the Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant or nearby
Moffett Field. Given this, I decided to make an early morning bike
tour of the SWPCP, hoping that the rising tide might push a tattler
there - wishful thinking, but a good way to start the day anyway, with
63 species of birds being found.
The swallow flock over the reed beds near the entrance is growing. I
had 5 species, with 340+ VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, 50+ BARN SWALLOWS, and
just ones or twos of the other species, including one juvenile TREE
SWALLOW that sported a very Bank Swallow-like breast band. Also with
this flock were at least 30 VAUX'S SWIFTS. In the first channel near
the entrance there were 3 immature GREEN HERONS and a pair of COMMON
MOORHENS feeding small precocial young.
Thousands of NORTHERN SHOVELERS are covering the ponds here, along
with smaller numbers of other dabbling ducks. In addition, I had six
broods of LESSER SCAUP, with females escorting 43 precocial young, two
broods of 8 being still very small. On top of this, 28 other
full-sized LESSER SCAUP included mostly hatching-year birds,
presumably from another three or so broods. Also on the main pond
were 14 EARED GREBES.
There is little shorebird habitat here, but the floating algae mat in
the northeast corner of the big pond had a single SEMIPLAMATED PLOVER
and WESTERN SANDPIPER among many LEAST SANDPIPERS and KILLDEER.
Nearby Salt Pond A5 on the other hand, had thousands of roosting
shorebirds and terns, including 45+ RED-NECKED PHALAROPES and
10+ CASPIAN TERNS. Too bad this area is not accessible. A HARBOR SEAL
in Guadalupe Slough here is about as far up as I have seen one.
Nearby Salt Pond A3W had 26 BROWN PELICANS and at least 10 more had
flown southeast from there earlier, for a total of at least 36 birds.
Most of these were in a feeding flock at the southwest corner of the
pond.
Mike Rogers
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From email@hidden Thu Aug 24 19:53:01 2000
Subject: [SBB] RUFF question
--------
All,
The RUFF was still present this morning at Crittenden Marsh. It was
visible on the far side of the lagoon near a tuft of grass and a clump
of wood on the back right side. A telescope is clearly necessesary, but
the bird is easy to pick out of the crowd. It was very similar in size
to the surrounding Dowitchers, perhaps even smaller, but this may be an
illusion due to the bird's more sleek shape. It is longer-necked and
longer-legged and therefore taller than the dowitchers. It is much paler
and more obviously "scaled" than any of the other birds nearby with
primarily a warm grayish cast. I also noticed the smallish head atop a
more robust neck than the Lesser Yellowlegs to be seen nearby. The bill
is much more stout than that of a LEYE and slightly drooped.
It has been suggested this individual is a small male bird, but I'm not
clear how that decision was made. Noticing the size similarity to the
dowitchers, and accounting for the much shorter bill, it would seem the
bird had to be about 9" from bill tip to tail tip. This would place it
below the average length for a female, which NGS measures at 10". Based
on size alone, it would have guessed this bird is a female.
I don't have enough experience with this species to offer any valuable
input, but I would like to hear how it was that some viewers decided it
was male. Of the many illustrations and photos I've consulted it seems
difficult to sex these birds in any plumage except breeding. Thoughts?
As well there were once again several dozen VAUX'S SWIFTS above the
mudflat area before the marsh, a PEREGRINE FALCON on the high-tension
lines and dozens of LEAST TERNS in the saltpond beyond the Ruff area.
Multitudes of WILSON'S PHALAROPES and some RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were
present too.
That's all for now,
Matthew Dodder
Beginning Birdwatching:
http://www.birdguy.net/
http://www.paadultschool.org/
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From email@hidden Fri Aug 25 05:43:19 2000
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
I visited Crittenden Marsh at lunch time today. No Ruff. Although a distant
bird looked interesting in the heat haze, moving closer showed it to be a
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (one or two more were around as well). Lots of RED-NECKED
PHALAROPES and a few WILSON'S. Only 2 DOWITCHERS present, and a SEMIPALMATED
PLOVER. STILTS and AVOCETS all over.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Fri Aug 25 07:21:53 2000
Subject: [SBB] -
--------
Folks:
Yesterday, 8/24/2000, I counted four LESSER YELLOWLEGS in the North Pond
of the Palo Alto FCB.
Bill
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From email@hidden Fri Aug 25 09:55:22 2000
Subject: [SBB] Stevens Ck N of L'Avenida
--------
All,
Early this morning 8/25/00 I checked Stevens Creek north of L'Avenida
for migrants. This proved quite fruitful, as I found 1 hatching-year
(=HY) male SELASPHORUS HUMMINGBIRD, 1 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, 2 HY WILLOW
FLYCATCHERS, 6 "WESTERN" FLYCATCHERS (1 a PACIFIC-SLOPE by call),
5 YELLOW WARBLERS, 1 COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, 3 WILSON'S WARBLERS (most/all?
of these warblers and flycatchers being HY birds), 1 HY male
BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and 1 HY HOODED ORIOLE. All of these birds
except 2 of the WEFLs were between the power line crossing and the
lone eucalyptus.
Mike Rogers
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From email@hidden Fri Aug 25 10:50:39 2000
Subject: [SBB] sexing Ruffs
--------
Matthew (and others with an interest),
Ruffs are sexually dimorphic in size, with males being significantly
larger than females. As far as I know, there are no plumage
differences in basic plumage, except that some male birds are
sometimes completely white-headed (reminiscent of breeding plumage).
The size differences are so great that most shorebird books act like
sexing the birds is straightforward and obvious - this isn't always
the case. A very good silhouette illustration of both male and female
Ruffs in comparison with typical Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs is
shown in Paulson's Shorebird book. In general a female Ruff (Reeve)
is close to or slightly larger than a Lesser Yellowlegs in size,
whereas a male can approach the size of a Greater Yellowlegs. We used
to have Ruffs fairly regularly with the dowitcher flock at the CCFS
(then CCRS) waterbird pond. The females tended to easily disappear
among the dowitchers, generally appearing smaller. Males typically
stand taller than the dowitchers - once we had a truly giant male
there.
My notes from 8/21 are given below:
...adults in basic plumage. The RUFF was somewhat larger and longer
legged than nearby dowitchers and appeared significantly larger in
flight (the flock was spooked by two PEREGRINE FALCONS (one adult, one
immature) on a few occasions. There were also single GREATER and
LESSER YELLOWLEGS near the RUFF for additional size comparison. The
RUFF was significantly larger than the LESSER YELLOWLEGS, but also
notably smaller than the GREATER YELLOWLEGS. This suggests to me that
the bird is a male, although perhaps not a very large one.
As far as size comparison to the dowitchers, the bird was
longer-legged and longer-necked as you noted, even though its
different shape made comparing actual body bulk to the dowitchers
difficult. This was much more obvious in flight, when the Ruff
appeared to be notably longer and much more massive, being perhaps 30%
(?) heavier than the dowitchers. Note that HMP indicates that the
size difference between male and female Ruffs are also best
appreciated in flight (this is also true of Pectoral Sandpipers, which
are also sexually dimorphic in size).
HMP provides ranges of measurement information. Lengths are given
from bill tip to tail tip in millimeters. Bill length is also given,
so you can subtract to get a range of bill base to tail tip lengths
(necessary when comparing to dowitchers with long bills). Assuming
that the biggest birds have the longest bills and vice versa I get the
following lengths minus bill lengths:
Greater Yellowlegs 240 - 269
Ruff (male) 230 - 278
Long-billed Dowitcher 216 - 222
Ruff (female = Reeve) 174 - 216
Lesser Yellowlegs 197 - 210
As you can see, the first conclusion is that Ruffs are variable in
size, even when split apart by sex. In general females are smaller
than dowitchers and very like Lesser Yellowlegs. Males can be only
slightly larger than a dowitcher, or as large (larger even?) than a
big Greater Yellowlegs! Based on these size measurements I still feel
the bird is more likely a smallish male than a large female, but
obviously some birds are tough (only 10mm difference between the
largest female and smallest male when bill length is included!).
Mike
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From email@hidden Fri Aug 25 11:08:50 2000
Subject: [SBB] Alviso EEC
--------
On Wednesday evening, I biked around the Alviso EEC with my dad, son and
daughter. There were many Red-necked Phalaropes in the salt pond, but I saw
no Wilson's. We saw two adult Black Skimmers which flew at my father and my
daughter as they rode out past the dock. I'm assuming that this means that
there are still young skimmers present, though we didn't see any. There
were many Black-necked Stilts, including what looked like a leucistic stilt
that has been sighted before in the area. I also saw a juvenile Black
Phoebe.
Short off-topic note:
On the way out, we saw two small Gopher Snakes on the road. Both were very
sluggish and one had visible injuries. The injured one had a
strangely-shaped head. Much more spade-shaped than I've seen before. We
actually mistook it for a rattlesnake at first glance. I moved both a
little off the road since bike and dog traffic were heavy. If anyone is
interested, I've uploaded a couple of pictures.
http://thebirder.com/photos/P8230071.jpg
http://thebirder.com/photos/P8230077.jpg
Don Ganton
email@hidden
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From email@hidden Fri Aug 25 16:10:57 2000
Subject: [SBB] Stilt Sandpiper
--------
All,
While coming back from lunch in Milpitas today 8/25/00, I decided to
check the pond at State and Spreckles in Alviso. Best bird there was
a mostly basic adult STILT SANDPIPER. This bird had a few alternate
lower rear scapulars and some remnants of barring on the lower
flanks/undertail, but was otherwise mostly in basic plumage. It was
also in active primary molt, with several inner primaries being
regrown on both wings. This Stilt Sandpiper is definitely not the
Crittenden bird, but may be the "transitional" Calabazas Pond bird
found by Mike Mammoser (how much alternate plumage did that bird have
left on 8/20?) and is probably the "basic adult" found here by Bob and
Frank on 8/22/00.
Also here were 8 LESSER YELLOWLEGS (among 62 GREATERS, with 15 more
GREATERS on the other side of Grand Blvd), 10 WILSON'S PHALAROPES,
2 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and many LEAST SANDPIPERS.
Mike Rogers
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From email@hidden Fri Aug 25 18:29:31 2000
Subject: [SBB] Crittenden
--------
I'm now 0 for 2 on tries for the Ruff at Crittenden, having tried both
suggested approaches. On Tuesday evening, I waited nearly to high tide, but
there were for some reason few shorebirds on the marsh (except for Avocets,
Stilts and Phalaropes); the birds toward the east end were not really viewable,
but there weren't many in any case. I did have 12 to 14 Whimbrels. There were
more than 500 Phalaropes; of the 300 or so close enough to identify, nearly
all were Red-Necked (just a few Wilson's), a decided shift from a week or two
earlier.
This morning (Friday) there were lots of shorebirds, despite the low tide,
but most were in the eastern half, with viewing into the sun. I spotted one
Lesser Yellowlegs, but didn't manage to pick out the Ruff. There were still
about 450 Phalaropes (mostly too distant to ID). On adjoining salt pond A2E
there were 14 Brown Pelicans; I counted nearly 50 Least Terns, but there were
likely more farther off.
So, there seems to be a choice of looking into the sun or looking into
heat waves. Tough Ruff!
Al
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From email@hidden Sat Aug 26 05:23:11 2000
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
On Saturday, 26 Aug 00, I visited the CCFS waterbird pond. I saw my first
MERLIN of the season on the way in. A single LESSER YELLOWLEGS, in the first
sludge pond on the way in, gave me pause. There were 7 more at the waterbird
pond, with about double that in GREATERS. I met Bob Reiling there and we
made a quick check of the riparian area around the eucalyptus, back at the
trailer. There were 2 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, a few WESTERN/PACIFIC-SLOPE
FLYCATCHERS, a female/immature HOODED ORIOLE, a HOUSE WREN, and my first
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER of the season.
We both then went to the pond at State and Spreckles in Alviso, where we
found the STILT SANDPIPER in with the GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS (didn't
count the yellowlegs). Bob agreed that this was the same bird he saw here a
few days ago, and it looked virtually the same as the bird I had at
Calabazas last weekend.
Bob then left, and I went to check on Crittenden Marsh, but ended up
excluded because of a concert going on at Shoreline (no parking places). So,
instead, I went to Charleston Slough. The water in the slough was pretty
high (it was probably around high tide) and a group of shorebirds was
concentrated on the large island at the south end of the slough. They
included 6 WHIMBRELS and at least 25 obvious juvenile SHORT-BILLED
DOWITCHERS. As I was ready to leave I had an adult COMMON TERN fly over. The
tern was still in alternate plumage, with the black wedge in the outer
primaries on the upperwing, gray underparts, and a pure white tail.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Sat Aug 26 13:13:32 2000
Subject: [SBB] Stilt Sandpiper in Alviso, Willow Flycatchers & Spotted Sandpiper in CCFS
--------
All,
At 11:45 this morning Mike Mammoser and I had the adult Stilt Sandpiper in
the pond at the intersection of State St. and Spreckles Ave. The bird was
associating with (hiding under) a small group of Greater Yellowlegs (some
Lesser Yellowlegs were nearby). The number of shorebirds in this pond was
significantly reduced from earlier in the week.
Earlier we had two Willow Flycatchers posing with a silent "Western"
Flycatcher on the power lines just northeast of the Coyote Creek Field
Station banding trailer (we had at least one Pacific-slope Flycatcher calling
behind us toward the creek). Even earlier, before I met Mike, I had a
Spotted Sandpiper tail dipping it's way along the "reeds" in the northeast
corner of the CCFS Waterbird Pond. The bird was far enough away that I was
unable to see the supercillium but the bird had fairly bright yellow legs (I
assume that this rules out the Common Sandpiper which has greenish legs, I
should be so lucky).
The water level in the Waterbird Pond is, in my opinion, nearly perfect.
There were good numbers of dowitchers (maybe 300), Greater (lots) and Lesser
Yellowlegs (6-7) but just a few "peeps". No Pectoral Sandpiper. Early on,
while I was concentrating on the birds in the pond a male Ring-necked
Pheasant came out of the weeds right behind me scaring the whatever out of
both of us as I reacted to the noise. At the same time a Belted Kingfisher
was "machine gunning" the creek nearby.
I should also note that the water levels in the first pond (it had 2 dozen
dowitchers in it at one point) and the pond across from the banding trailer
(it had lots of ducks in it but no shorebirds) are starting to look good
again. The end of next week may be just right,
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 1:19 PM, 8/26/00
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From email@hidden Sat Aug 26 23:54:24 2000
Subject: [SBB] Saturday shorebirding
--------
Howdy South-bay-birders,
This morning (Aug. 26) I visited Calero Reservoir. The shorebird habitat
at the east end near Bailey Road ("Bailey Cove") is presently about as good
as it gets--in the shallows there I counted 16 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, 13
GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and 2 COMMON SNIPE, along with
hordes of KILLDEER. This spot is also real popular with herons and egrets,
and as I walked the edge of the water I discovered why--frogs everywhere!
Never seen such a concentration of amphibia around here. This is definitely
a place to keep an eye on. Ducks are also increasing at the sheltered east
end of the reservoir, with MALLARDS and NORTHERN PINTAILS predominating.
Later in the day Jolene and I visited Crittenden Marsh in spite of a
concert that packed the overflow parking lots. At the marsh (which always
looks more like a salt pond to me) we saw 3 WILSON'S PHALAROPES, thousands
of NORTHERN PHALROPES, 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, but no more unusual shorebirds.
With scope we had extremely distant views of a couple of LEAST TERNS perched
on a boardwalk in the salt pond to the north of the "marsh."
Metropolitan Adult Education will again offer a beginning birding class
this fall, with Thurs. evening classes and weekend field trips. Special
trips will focus on raptors, owls, and passerine migrants. To find out more
go to: http://home.att.net/~redknot/birdwatching_for_fun.htm, or register by
calling MetroED at 408-723-6553.
John Mariani
email@hidden
http://www.birdswest.com
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From email@hidden Sun Aug 27 15:28:19 2000
Subject: [SBB] Eared Grebs at EEC
--------
Just returned from a Saturday visit to Don Edward's EEC in Alviso.
There was a flock of about 150 EARED GREBES between island 1 and 2
in the main pond. The RED NECKED PHALAROPES (about 50) are still
there, and island 1 has been left to the BLACK NECKED STILTS. One has
the usual pink legs but is otherwise pale white. Only 1 BLACK SKIMMER
was seen on island 3. The chick was absent, or, I fear, seen dead on
island 1, where I saw it live last week.
The rest was normal.
Gordon
Gordon Barrett
Instructor, West Valley College
14000 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California
(408) 741-2481
email@hidden
Pelican Class Website:
http://instruct.westvalley.edu/barrett/pelican/
Or, for emergencies:
http://sj.znet.com/~gbarrett/pelican/
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From email@hidden Sun Aug 27 17:42:45 2000
Subject: [SBB] Sunday afternoon shorebirding
--------
I visited three shorebird spots in the latter part of Sunday afternoon:
the CCFS waterbird pond (relatively few shorebirds - more water has been let
in, so it's now above optimum), the impoundment at Spreckels/State streets in
Alviso, and the NW pond of the Palo Alto Flood Control Basin. All had lots
of Yellowlets, with my estimate for (Greater, Lesser) at the three spots
being (18, 3), (55, 5), and (40, 1 or 2). In addition, the Spreckels/State
spot had at least 10 Wilson's Phalaropes and a (the) Stilt Sandpiper. The
latter was a near-basic-plumaged adult, presumably the same bird which has
been there for a few days. It was feeding with a few Dowitchers at about 3:45,
but it later went "into hiding".
Al
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 28 04:16:30 2000
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
On Sunday, 27 Aug 00, I returned to CCFS to bird the creekside riparian. I
had some interesting migrants that included 2 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, 5-6
"WESTERN" FLYCATCHERS, 4 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, 1 HOODED ORIOLE (perhaps
the same as yesterday), a HOUSE WREN, 4 YELLOW WARBLERS, a YELLOW-RUMPED
WARBLER (perhaps the same as yesterday), and a VAUX'S SWIFT overhead. Lots
of COMMON YELLOWTHROATS everywhere.
The STILT SANDPIPER continued at the pond near State and Spreckles in
Alviso.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 28 08:17:06 2000
Subject: [SBB] Coyote Valley ELTE
--------
I did a biking & birding trip with Santa Clara County Park Ranger Jeff
Cossins on Sunday, August 27th. We found 50 species during the morning.
Including WOOD DUCKS (~25 individuals, 1 duckling with 2 adults near the
footbridge upstream of the old winery), COMMON MERGANSER, GREAT HORNED OWL
near the Ranger Station, BELTED KINGFISHER, TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS at Ogier
Ponds, and the highlight of the morning, a slightly out of place ELEGANT
TERN.
It was my first ELEGANT TERN for the county. We got excellent close looks
at it as it flew south along Coyote Creek just upstream of Hwy 101. It had
a long, narrow, light orange colored bill, white forehead, long, narrow
wings with little black at the tips, forked tail intermediate between FOTE &
CATE. I ruled out CATE based on bill color & size (relatively slender body
& long, narrow wings), and extent of black on wings, ROTE on bill size, body
size, and FOTE based on larger body, longer wings and longer narrower bill.
The bird was in transit. I have observed many FOTE & CATE following the
major creeks from the bay to the reservoirs. I recommend keeping an eye out
for it if you are at any of the south county reservoirs, or metcalf ponds in
the next couple of days. My apologies for not reporting it sooner, this was
the first opportunity I had to get to a computer since the sighting.
Cheers,
Tom Ryan
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 28 10:18:52 2000
Subject: RE: [SBB] Coyote Valley ELTE
--------
Just a clarification on the location, it was uptream from the first place
where Coyote Creek Crosses Hwy 101, approximately 1 mile downstream from the
Anderson Ranger Station. or approximately 2 mi north of Cochrane Rd on Hwy
101. Coyote Creek crosses 101 in multiple locations.
Tom
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From email@hidden Mon Aug 28 21:57:50 2000
Subject: [SBB] Calero Reservoir birds
--------
Howdy South-bay-birders,
Late this afternoon I again checked "Bailey Cove" at Calero Reservoir. An
adult PEREGRINE FALCON was perched on the lone oak near the mouth of the
cove. Shorebirds there included 8 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED
DOWITCHER, 2-3 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 20 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, and lots of
KILLDEER. Had a possible Common Tern in a small flock of FORSTER'S, but they
all flew before I could scope them in better light. Lots of ducks, including
NORTHERN SHOVELERS and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. The shallows are bullfrog heaven,
and a smorgasbord for wading birds--
John Mariani
email@hidden
http://www.birdswest.com
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 29 14:38:51 2000
Subject: [SBB] County birding
--------
All,
This morning Frank Vanslager and checked out the Palo Alto Yacht Harbor which
was really dead as the tide was way out there (taking all the shorebirds with
it). We then went to Stevens Creek at L'Avenida. This area was almost as
dead (I got a quick look at a Willow Flycatcher) and we were on the wrong
(west) side of the creek. Unfortunately the creek was running quick and deep
and we were unable to cross it without waders (It would have been better to
come in by way of Crittenden Lane, cross the creek there and then walk south
along the east side of the creek to the trees).
Our final stop was Charleston Slough which was clearly the place to be. The
slough itself was at low tide (the tide gate must be doing it's job) and it
was loaded with shorebirds, ducks, gulls and terns. Although we were unable
to find a goodie among the shorebirds and we failed to find Mike Mammoser's
Common Tern amongst all the Forster's Terns, most of the usual duck species
were accounted for. The large, northern most pond in the Palo Alto Food
Control Basin (to the west) had 400-600 dowitchers with at least as many
"peeps", several yellowlegs (both species) and at least three Red-necked
Phalaropes. Still no goodie:-(
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 2:47 PM, 8/29/00
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 29 17:05:18 2000
Subject: [SBB] alviso birds
--------
Today Tom Vandenbosch and I saw the following bird s
in Alviso
At 10:30 Am we saw a Ruff at Grand and Speckles and a Pectoral
sandpiper . Later in the day we found the Stilt Sandpiper at the pond
at Grand and Speckles
Allan Wofchuck
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From email@hidden Tue Aug 29 17:43:23 2000
Subject: [SBB] Swifts in Mnt.View
--------
All,
Today ( 8/29), in north Mountain View I saw a flock of up to 100 Vaux's
and White-throated Swifts ( Maybe 15% White-throated). The flock passed
as a group, feeding and headed in a southeasterly direction.
Screech.
--
Paul L. Noble
"Screechowl"
email@hidden
^ ^
@ @
( v )
( )
/ \
m m
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From email@hidden Wed Aug 30 05:07:40 2000
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
At lunch time today, 30 Aug 00, I had the RUFF and STILT SANDPIPER at the
New Chicago Marsh near State and Spreckles in Alviso. Also present were Al
Eisner, Art Edwards, and Mark Miller, among others.
The Ruff was about the size of a dowitcher. At one point it looked slightly
larger and at another it looked slightly smaller. So, I guess it's fair to
say it was dowitcher-sized. To me, it would seem to be a tough call trying
to sex it by size, so I'll defer to Mike Rogers' analysis. It was dark brown
above with pale buff edgings to the feathers. It was mostly pure white
below, with the white extending up onto the throat, face, lores, and
forehead. The bird had a dusky wash across the breast, with some mottled
darker horizontal marks through this wash. The legs were orangish, but
couldn't be seen very well, because they were mostly hidden in the water.
The slightly drooped bill was entirely black.
The Stilt Sandpiper looked to be the same bird that has been here for a
while.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Wed Aug 30 11:02:52 2000
Subject: [SBB] Ruff and Stilt Sandpiper Still Present
--------
Hello all:
The RUFFwas present with extremely good views at 10:30 am today at the
corner of Grand and Spreckles. It appears to be the same bird as the
Crittenden Marsh bird as it closely matches Mike Roger's description. The
STILT SANDPIPER was in with dowitchers at State and Spreckles. Many
Red-necked and Wilson's Phalaropes and Lesser Yellowlegs were also present.
No sign of a Pectoral Sandpiper.
Steve Miller
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From email@hidden Wed Aug 30 11:34:59 2000
Subject: [SBB] Ruff and Stilt Sandpiper continue in Alviso
--------
All,
This morning Frank Vanslager, Steve Miller, Joe Carlson, Don & Marge? (sorry
don't know last name) and I saw the basic plumaged adult male Ruff (looks
like the same small male as was seen in Crittenden Marsh) and the adult Stilt
Sandpiper (same bird that has been there since 8/22) in the shallow pond that
borders the east side of Spreckles Ave. in Alviso. The Ruff was at the far
south end of the pond near Grand Blvd. and the Stilt Sandpiper was toward the
northern end of the pond north of where State St. ends. The air was great
(not really a problem when the Ruff is less than 60 feet away) and the more
distant views of the Stilt Sandpiper showed that it still has significant
barring on the rear flanks and undertail. At one point the STSA was standing
sleeping behind two Lesser Yellowlegs in front of two Greater Yellowlegs and
a dowitcher when a Wilson's Phalarope walked up behind it for 20 winks. A
nice chance to make size comparisons. The Ruff had nice yellow-orange legs
(some areas looked a bit reddish), has nice, bright white underparts, some
buff around the upper chest, white throat and face (tending to look like it
has the start of an eye stripe) and the feathers on the upper parts had dark
brownish centers with light buffy edges. From any distance this bird has
much lighter upper parts than the dowitchers and yellowlegs it was being seen
near. At on point the Ruff decided to take advantage of the goodies being
brought to the surface by the spinning Wilson's Phalaropes.
I was really surprised that that more people didn't try to get these birds
this morning, maybe it's a lunch break bird. We did try for but did not find
the Pectoral Sandpiper but then it can be a hit or miss bird even when it's
around.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 11:41 AM, 8/30/00
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From email@hidden Wed Aug 30 13:17:01 2000
Subject: [SBB] Spreckles Ave. 8/30
--------
Hi Everyone--
The STILT SANDPIPER continued to lounge with dowitchers and phalaropes at
the marsh at Spreckles and State in Alviso until 12:30PM, when A PEREGRINE
FALCON flew in and sent most of the waders somewhere to the west. The Ruff
had slinked off before I got there, and I did not see it.
Mark Miller
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From email@hidden Wed Aug 30 14:41:47 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Ruff and Stilt Sandpiper continue in Alviso
--------
All,
Roy Carlson would be surprised if he knew that he was now known as Joe!
Guess I had another senior moment.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 2:47 PM, 8/30/00
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From email@hidden Wed Aug 30 15:02:49 2000
Subject: [SBB] The Two-Ruff Theory?
--------
Mike Mammoser wrote:
> At lunch time today, 30 Aug 00, I had the RUFF and STILT SANDPIPER at the
> New Chicago Marsh near State and Spreckles in Alviso. Also present were Al
> Eisner, Art Edwards, and Mark Miller, among others.
>
> The Ruff was about the size of a dowitcher. At one point it looked slightly
> larger and at another it looked slightly smaller. So, I guess it's fair to
> say it was dowitcher-sized. To me, it would seem to be a tough call trying
> to sex it by size, so I'll defer to Mike Rogers' analysis. It was dark brown
> above with pale buff edgings to the feathers. It was mostly pure white
> below, with the white extending up onto the throat, face, lores, and
> forehead. The bird had a dusky wash across the breast, with some mottled
> darker horizontal marks through this wash. The legs were orangish, but
> couldn't be seen very well, because they were mostly hidden in the water.
> The slightly drooped bill was entirely black.
When I arrived just before 11, I saw the Ruff at close range near Grand Blvd
(Ave?), in the company of 2 Lesser Yellowlegs and some Dowitchers. (The birds
here later flew up to near State St., where we refound the Ruff.) I felt
that this bird was at most only slightly larger than the Lesser Yellowlegs
(perhaps not at all), even discounting the shorter bill. This seems to me
to be decidely smaller than what Mike Rogers described for the Crittenden
bird (which I unfortunately didn't see); on the other hand, Matthew Dodder's
description seemed to be of a correspondingly small individual. Perhaps
Mike R. can make use of Mike M.'s description of the underparts (with which
I fully concur) to see if the plumage matches the Crittenden bird. I can
add to Mike's account above that: the legs were an orange-yellow, decidedly
more orange than Yellowlegs' legs, but not bright orange. The face seemed
pale buffy, with a whiter region around the base of the bill (but that's
typical of many Ruffs). The upperparts color seemed to be medium-brown in
some light, darker brown in other.
So, has Santa Clara Co. had one or two Ruffs so far this season?
Al Eisner
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From email@hidden Wed Aug 30 15:35:01 2000
Subject: [SBB] Some Pond info
--------
All,
While running around this morning we noted that the water level in the
northern most pond at Calabazas is too high (almost no shorebirds in it, none
notable, not even ducks). The first pond on the left at CCFS is now
"shorebird worthy". A couple hundred dowitchers there today. The two ponds
across from the banding trailer are rapidly filling with ducks [but still not
"shorebird worthy"]. The worst news however is that the water level in the
Waterbird Pond is way too high! Only stilts and avocets there now :-( I'm
sure that our recent high tides are responsible but please, someone, close
the valve before the road is flooded [well that was an exaggeration].
Frank was wondering how the water level in New Chicago Marsh [more
importantly our much beloved pond alongside Spreckles Ave] manages to stay
just right?
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 3:38 PM, 8/30/00
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From email@hidden Wed Aug 30 16:53:14 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] The Two-Ruff Theory?
--------
All,
I assume that Mike Rogers saw the same Ruff at Crittenden as Frank Vanslager
and I did. We also saw the bird there at fairly close range, perhaps twice
the distance of today's sighting. (I'm sure that Mike also saw it at fairly
close range). I believe that they are most probably the same bird. The body
coloring, the all white underparts, the white face (especially in the lores
which looked as though it could be the start of a supercillium), the leg
coloring is the same yellow-orange and as Al points out we have the same
concern over sexing the bird. It should be noted that according to published
information the largest dowitcher can be larger than the smallest male Ruff
(by a whopping 40 mm) and the largest LEYE is less than 10 mm shorter, I
don't think that a four percent difference in the overall length of LEYE or
Ruffs can be seen in the field. Lengths are (LBDO 270-300 mm, male Ruff
260-320 mm, Reeve 200-250 mm and LEYE 230- 250 mm). We also know that, as
can see from the data above, there is a much greater variability in the size
of Ruffs (especially males).
I saw the bird on both occasions as being longer bodied (but much slimmer)
than the dowitchers which I felt would make the two birds about the same size
(different neck lengths, bill lengths and stances make an overall comparison
difficult). However, if one cannot accept that this is an unusually small
male Ruff than I think that a case must be made for an unusually large Reeve
(they are normally are much shorter than dowitchers (even the shortest of the
dowitchers) and can even be, on the average, shorter than Lesser Yellowlegs.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 4:57 PM, 8/30/00
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From email@hidden Wed Aug 30 18:49:02 2000
Subject: [SBB] Calero Reservoir birds
--------
Howdy South-bay-birders,
Birds at the east end of Calero Reservoir near Bailey Road this afternoon
included a concentration of at least 40 PIED-BILLED GREBES; lots of ducks,
among which there were AMERICAN WIGEON, NORTHERN SHOVELER, and GREEN-WINGED
TEAL; the adult PEREGRINE FALCON, still perched in the lone oak at the mouth
of Bailey Cove; 6 GREATER YELLOWLEGS; 1 CASPIAN TERN; a TRICOLORED
BLACKBIRD in a flock of RED-WINGED; and a LARK SPARROW near the gate where
you enter from Bailey.
John Mariani
email@hidden
http://www.birdswest.com
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From email@hidden Wed Aug 30 21:13:38 2000
Subject: [SBB] OK, I give up.
--------
How do you differentiate Long-billed and Short-billed Dowitchers? I see
mails confidently stating that there were Long-billed Dowitchers here and
Short-billed Dowitchers there; but the best I have been able to say is that
I have seen full breeding or juvenile Short-bills and the rest could be
either dowitcher in anything from partial breeding plumage to winter
plumage.
I'm guessing that the key right now is the timing of their moult. Are there
likely to be any birds in full winter plumage? Any in full breeding plumage?
Are the tail patterns good for separating them? The National Geographic
suggests that the best way of telling them apart is by call but to me they
seem to be the quietest birds on the shores.
They certainly make Least and Western Sandpipers seem like a doddle.
Thanking in advance any kind souls for whatever help they can give...
Andy.
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From email@hidden Thu Aug 31 05:37:07 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] The Two-Ruff Theory?
--------
----- Original Message -----
From:
>
> It should be noted that according to published
> information the largest dowitcher can be larger than the smallest male
Ruff
> (by a whopping 40 mm)
This is based on the bill length being included in the measurement.
Discounting the length of the bill, a male Ruff will never be as small as
the largest dowitcher.
I again studied the Ruff at New Chicago Marsh today over lunch. I had two
direct comparisons with dowitchers, looking at body length, body width, and
overall length (without the bill). Against one dowitcher the Ruff looked
slightly smaller in all measurements (Jim Danzenbaker said "a lot smaller")
and against the other about equal in all measurements. Other comparisons
were made with dowitchers a little distance away. No comparison made the
Ruff look any larger than a dowitcher. The width of the Ruff's body may have
looked slightly smaller than that of the dowitchers at its widest point
(this comparison is also exacerbated by the fact that the Ruff tapers more
at the tail than the dowitchers). Now, Paulson says that a female Ruff is
about the size of a dowitcher, while a male is about the size of a Greater
Yellowlegs. This is certainly a generalization, but even if one analyzed the
corrected length data from HMP, a Ruff that equates to a dowitcher in size
is more "likely" to be a female.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Thu Aug 31 08:32:02 2000
Subject: [SBB] -
--------
Folks:
This morning, 8/31/2000, there was a single BROWN PELICAN on Salt Pond
A2W. On the Stevens Creek Tidal Marsh, one tower had a GOLDEN EAGLE, while a
second had an adult PEREGRINE FALCON plucking an unidentified bird.
Bill
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From email@hidden Thu Aug 31 10:30:59 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] The Two-Ruff Theory?
--------
Bob Reiling wrote:
> It sho