Parent
From email@hidden Wed Nov 01 11:52:10 2000
Subject: [SBB] List admin stuff - host was inactive
--------
All,
The Stanford list host, where SBB lives, was undergoing some configuration
changes since yesterday and was out of action until just a few minutes ago.
Some of you may have tried to post, unsuccessfully. SBB should be operable
again.
Those of you who had an issue with your ISP using a spam listing service
that rejected SBB posts should know that this was the nature of the config
change. If you would like to change your SBB subscription back to your
previous address, let me know.
Les
--
Les Chibana
List Bureaucrat
South-Bay-Birds List
email@hidden
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Wed Nov 01 12:33:11 2000
Subject: [SBB] November 11th long distance pelagic
--------
Forwarding for Mike Feighner for Todd Easterla
--------------------------------------
Date: Tuesday, October 31, 2000
From: Mike Feighner
San Francisco Birders -
I have promised Todd Easterla I would send this out to East Bay Birders
who may not get CALBIRD. Sorry to those getting this more than once.
**********
Pterodroma Tours still has a few spaces left to fill the boat for the
November 11th trip out of the Berkeley Marina. This trip will most
likely be headed to the southwest toward the Pioneer and Gumdrop
seamounts and beyond to the continental shelf. Previous November
trips here have yielded Stejneger's, Mottled, and Cook's Petrels and
Parakeet Auklets as well. The boat that we will be using is very fast
and stable compared to other boats used for long distance trips.
We proved On October 14th that this boat was made to take on rougher
weather and still make decent time. I will be introducing a couple of
new
leaders on this trip. Hopefully we will hit good weather and find
target birds.
You may e-mail me (email@hidden) or call me to reserve your spot
on the
boat (address and phone # below)
http://www.jps.net/~todtringa/Tours.htm
Todd Easterla (county twitcher)
email@hidden
Rancho Cordova, Ca.
(916) 638-7007
--
Mike Feighner, Livermore, CA
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Wed Nov 01 15:03:47 2000
Subject: [SBB] County birding
--------
All,
Third attempt, this apparently did not go thru yesterday or this morning due
to Stanford equipment problems.
Bob Reiling, 3:00 PM, 11/1/00
All,
This morning Frank Vanslager and I had a basic plumaged Stilt Sandpiper with
a good sized flock of dowitchers in the pond across from the Coyote Creek
Field Station banding trailer. A Sharp-shinned Hawk was also nearby. Best
bird in the Waterbird Pond was a Dunlin that was in with a small flock of
dowitchers. At 12:20 PM in Lake Cunningham we saw the adult Lesser
Black-backed Gull near the small island on the north side of the lake. The
bird was easy to find but we had been searching for perhaps 10 minutes before
it suddenly appeared near the island.
At one point all of the gulls on the lake (including the LBBG) suddenly took
to the air and flew toward the west. After a quick search we found an
immature Bald Eagle flying (alternately flapping and soaring) high across the
lake and to the south. Lighting was bad but a divided white tail (dark down
the center) with a narrow dark edge was well seen. The trailing edge of the
wing looked ragged (with widely spaced light areas that I initially took to
be missing feathers but that were most likely whitish feathers). Because of
the poor lighting the wing had an overall dark appearance (that is we could
not see any expected "lighter" areas). Kaufman's new field guide has a photo
of a soaring immature Bald Eagle with the tail that I saw, the wing also
looks good (especially the trailing edge) but it's a bit better lit than the
bird we saw. The bird later spent some time soaring near a Turkey Vulture
and although the wingspan of the eagle was longer it was not a great deal
longer. This small difference, by itself, suggests that the bird was a Bald
Eagle since the smallest Golden Eagle would have a 16 percent longer wingspan
than a Turkey Vulture (the smallest Bald Eagle has a one inch longer wingspan
than the average Turkey Vulture).
Earlier we had a flock of about 22 Dunlin (with a mixed flock of "peeps") in
the gull roosting area east of the Alviso Marina parking lot, a Lesser
Yellowlegs in the pond at State and Spreckles, an adult Peregrine Falcon on a
power tower alongside the EEC entrance road and a 2 - 3 Dunlin on the first
small island in Salt Pond A16 (EEC).
Belated CCFS sightings: last Friday we had a Pectoral Sandpiper in the first
pond south of the banding trailer, an adult Golden Eagle overhead and a
female Merlin was perched in a bare tree southeast of the trailer.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 3:17 PM, 10/31/00
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Wed Nov 01 15:27:14 2000
Subject: [SBB] Sierra Road summit
--------
All,
At mid-day today 11/1/00, I checked the Sierra Road summit for longspurs.
No luck, although there were 36 HORNED LARKS and 30 AMERICAN PIPITS in the
area. Also of interest were 2 ROCK WRENS, 1 adult GOLDEN EAGLE, and at
least 4 WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS. On the way up I had an adult FERRUGINOUS
HAWK perched on a telephone pole along Felter Road (near a milemarker with
0334 on it) and on the way down there were about a dozen LARK SPARROWS in
with a big HOUSE FINCH/WESTERN BLUEBIRD/AMERICAN GOLDFINCH flock below
the stock pond west of the summit. Also 2 more WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS over
the railroad tracks in Milpitas.
Mike Rogers
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Wed Nov 01 21:50:11 2000
Subject: [SBB] Osprey
--------
All,
Day 30 for the Vasona Reservoir OSPREY. After some research I have
concluded, because of a band of light brown markings across the breast, that
it is probably a female. Tell me, if I'm wrong.
Jean
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 02 05:43:16 2000
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
At lunch time today, 2 Nov 00, I went to Alviso and checked the pond at
State and Spreckles. I found a basic-plumaged STILT SANDPIPER, perhaps the
same one that has been here on and off for a couple months.
Also present were a LESSER YELLOWLEGS and 17 LONG-BILLED CURLEWS. An adult
PEREGRINE FALCON was perched on a power tower along the EEC entrance road.
Mike Mammoser
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 02 10:52:46 2000
Subject: [SBB] Backyard Birds
--------
JeanDubois certainly has the cat-bird's seat when viewing "his"
Osprey....I've been fortunate enough to share his view with him of this
beautiful bird.
I'm now 3 for 3 for days of seeing "my" tan morph White-throated Sparrow.
Hopefully it has settled in to spend the winter with me. Last year I had a
black morph, so obviously a different bird. Maybe a black one will appear
Yesterday I had a White-breasted Nuthatch drinking out of my fountain...I
only have one other recorded backyard visit of this species...in 1997.
The American Goldfinches are back in force, frequently 20 or so of them are
here. The Lesser Goldfinch are still here, but they are year round.
Gloria LeBlanc
Los Gatos off Quito
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 02 11:20:33 2000
Subject: [SBB] Pre-SCVAS Era
--------
Do any of you more historical minded birders have any knowledge of the Cooper Ornithological Club?
I have a turn of the century envelope postmarked in Santa Clara on January 4, 1901 which contains the club's coat of arms style emblem topped with a Cal. Quail. The return address portion lists G. Barlow as Editor in Chief of "The Condor". It is addressed to Benj. T. Gault Esq. of Glen Ellyn, IL.
If anyone has any knowledge of this birding club, please feel free to email me.
Thx,
Gina Sheridan
Santa Clara, CA
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 02 11:27:32 2000
Subject: [SBB] Stevens Ck at L'Avenida
--------
All,
This morning 11/2/00 before work, I again spent some time along
Stevens Creek between Highway 101 and Crittenden Lane. The highlight
of the trip was finding two female-plumaged COMMON MERGANSERS in the
creek between L'Avenida and Highway 101, the first I have seen in this
here. All three HOUSE WRENS were still present at their favored spots
(the end of L'Avenida, north of the lone eucalyptus, and at the
Crittenden Road bridge). Two ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS were both of the
"lutescens" type. Also of interest were 3+ DARK-EYED JUNCOS, 2 COMMON
SNIPE, and a female BELTED KINGFISHER.
Mike Rogers
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 02 11:58:21 2000
Subject: [SBB] Cooper Ornithological Club
--------
Folks:
Gina Sheridan asked about the Cooper Ornithological Club:
>Do any of you more historical minded birders have any knowledge of the Cooper
>Ornithological Club? I have a turn of the century envelope postmarked in
>Santa Clara on January 4, 1901 which contains the club's coat of arms style
>emblem topped with a Cal. Quail. The return address portion lists G. Barlow
>as Editor in Chief of "The Condor". It is addressed to Benj. T. Gault Esq. of
>Glen Ellyn, IL.
I will answer to SBB rather than Gina, as this is of general interest. The
Cooper Ornithologicl Club (COC) was formed in 1893 in San Jose by four active
birders and oologists who felt that there must be more to bird study than
individuals collecting eggs for their "cabinets." Chester Barlow was one of
the four, but offhand I've forgotten the other three. They generally met
monthly at members' homes and read papers on various aspects of birds. These
papers, although perhaps amateurish by present scientific standards, had a vast
amount of useful first hand knowledge, particularly concerning breeding birds
(since all of these guys were egg collectors).
About this same time, H. R. Taylor, of Alameda, started publishing a monthly
bird journal which he called the Nidiologist (and later renamed the Nidologist
based on a comment from Elliott Coues). He was a member of the COC and
eventually became its president. He offered to summarize their meetings and
use their papers in his journal. He published the Nidiologist/Nidologist from
1893 to 1897 and it contains a wealth of information about the early
activities of the COC. However, he went out of business in 1897 and the COC
was left without a place to write up their field work.
At this time they had about 80 members and this included a Southern California
Division. With a great deal of guts and financial risk they decided to
publish their own periodical and the first issue was published in 1899 as the
"Bulletin of the Cooper Ornithological Club." In 1900 they re-named their
journal "The Condor"; this was volume 2. Volume 99 of The Condor sits on my
desk at home and is now a major archival publication of ornithological
science, sponsored by the re-named Cooper Ornithological Union or COU.
The California Quail Gina mentions was painted by W. Otto Emerson of Haywards
and was the seal used by the Club. Haywards was, of course, later renamed
Hayward. Later publication of The Condor contain a lot of material on the
earlier years of the Club and some of the conservation battles they were
involved in. A full collection in on the mezzanine at Stanford's Falconer
Library and a nearly full collection is included in the legacy of Dick
Mewaldt's library that is at SFBBO (I think).
Bill
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 02 12:14:08 2000
Subject: [SBB] A few Palo Alto birds
--------
This morning I heard a Winter Wren from Matadero Creek (east of highway
101). Yesterday the area past the end of Embarcadero Way had 2 Orange-Crowned
Warblers (one quite bright, one duller but not "gray-headed") and a continuing
Nuttall's Woodpecker (this location seems a bit odd for one). A flock of
about 50 Bonaparte's Gulls briefly emerged from the Wastewater plant (appar-
ently to chase a Red-Tailed Hawk) before disappearing again.
Al
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 02 12:25:02 2000
Subject: [SBB] Skyline birds
--------
This morning, 11/2/00, I saw my first "for the season in my yard" FOX
SPARROW (Sooty type) and VARIED THRUSH (female plumage). I have been
hearing truncated versions of the characteristic vocalization of
Varied Thrush for about two weeks in the area. But, with so many vocally
versatile Steller's Jays in my area, I can't be certain who produced
those sounds. On the other hand, I haven't heard those sounds until
recently.
Over the last week, a very vocal RED-SHOULDERED HAWK has been in the
neighborhood, too.
For those who don't know, I live along Skyline Blvd. between Page Mill
Rd. and Saratoga Gap, on the east (Santa Clara Co.) side.
Les Chibana, Palo Alto, CA
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 02 14:02:45 2000
Subject: [SBB] Sum. Tanager in Menlo
--------
For those of you who don't check or get the transcript of the Northern Calif.
Birdbox:
On November 1st a SUMMER TANAGER was seen in Menlo Park. Take the bike bridge that connects Willow Road in Menlo Park to Palo Alto Drive near Bryant Street in Palo Alto. The bridge is accessible at the cul-de-sac at the end of Willow Place (Christy Nelson)
Les Chibana
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 02 15:09:20 2000
Subject: [SBB] County birding
--------
All,
This morning Frank Vanslager and I birded Ed Levin Park, Calaveras Road
(north from it's junction with Felter Road), Felter Road south and Sierra
Road. Best birds were a near adult Golden Eagle over the north part of Ed
Levin, a large flock of Lark Sparrows in a shallow valley on Calaveras Road
about 3/4 mile north of it's junction with Felter Road, the cattle pond north
of Felter Road (seen from the small group of Eucalyptus trees) had two
dowitchers and a Greater Yellowlegs along with nice variety of ducks and on
Sierra Road we had 2-3 Golden Eagles and 2-3 first fall Rufous-crowned
Sparrows (the stripe on the lower edge of the malar, AKA malar stripe, was
very light and the rufous crown had a narrow, but distinct, light colored
stripe down the center).
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 3:03 PM, 11/2/00
--------
Attachment
922 bytes
--------
From email@hidden Fri Nov 03 10:27:14 2000
Subject: [SBB] Two new Yard birds in Los Altos
--------
I had two new yard birds at my feeder and watering station in urban Los
Altos, near Foothill and Grant Rd.
A Red-breasted Nuthatch was at the feeder and a Pine Siskin was seen
drinking from the clay pottery watering saucer.
Lou
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Fri Nov 03 11:21:52 2000
Subject: [SBB] verdict on the Virginia's Warbler
--------
Dear south-bay-birders,
Below is the opinion of warbler-expert Kimball Garrett on our
"Virginia's Warbler". It sure would be nice to see those original
plates he mentions!
Mike Rogers
Mike:
I'm always hesitant to draw conclusions from electronic photo files,
but I can say with some confidence that this isn't a pure Virginia's
Warbler. No Virginia's specimen I've seen shows yellow-olive in the
wings or tail. Our book's text accurately notes this, but the color
reproduction of the plates was so crappy that everything got washed
with too much yellow on some plates. I wish people could see the
original plates, the way they were meant to look!
Not only does your bird show obvious green on the wings and the
rectrices, but there seems to be some yellow on the sides, which would
be odd for a Virginia's. I certainly see dull fall imm. Nashville's
that show almost completely gray backs -- the green tinges on the
wings and tail are often more obvious than those on the back. Your
bird looks exceptionally gray on the back -- perhaps the one thing
that would lead me to consider a Virginia's X Nashville hybrid. The
tail length is hard to gauge, but looks typical of Nashville to me
(not long like Virginia's, though the differences are not major).
Phillips did "lump" Nashville and Virginia's, but he also threw Colima
into his combined "Gray-headed Warbler", which is pretty ridiculous!
Oberholser, on the other hand, actually put Nashville and Virginia's
in different genera (!!!) based on primary shape. Ned Johnson
published a paper debunking the idea of an overlap in the ranges of
Nashville and Virginia's (though more northerly Virginia's breeding
sites have been found since his paper); but there is marginal overlap
in parts of California, and hybridization wouldn't be terribly
unlikely.
I'd consider your bird a Nashville, but can't completely rule out a
hybrid.
-- Kimball
**********************************************************
Kimball L. Garrett
Ornithology Collections Manager
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90007 USA
213/763-3368 phone; 213/746-2999 FAX
email@hidden
**********************************************************
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Fri Nov 03 13:27:48 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Cooper Ornithological Club
--------
Thank you Bill. I appreciate your time in helping us to connect with our ornothological
roots.
Gina
At 11:58 AM 11/2/2000 -0800, email@hidden wrote:
>Folks:
>
>Gina Sheridan asked about the Cooper Ornithological Club:
>
>>Do any of you more historical minded birders have any knowledge of the Cooper
>>Ornithological Club? I have a turn of the century envelope postmarked in
>>Santa Clara on January 4, 1901 which contains the club's coat of arms style
>>emblem topped with a Cal. Quail. The return address portion lists G. Barlow
>>as Editor in Chief of "The Condor". It is addressed to Benj. T. Gault Esq. of
>>Glen Ellyn, IL.
>
>I will answer to SBB rather than Gina, as this is of general interest. The
>Cooper Ornithologicl Club (COC) was formed in 1893 in San Jose by four active
>birders and oologists who felt that there must be more to bird study than
>individuals collecting eggs for their "cabinets." Chester Barlow was one of
>the four, but offhand I've forgotten the other three. They generally met
>monthly at members' homes and read papers on various aspects of birds. These
>papers, although perhaps amateurish by present scientific standards, had a vast
>amount of useful first hand knowledge, particularly concerning breeding birds
>(since all of these guys were egg collectors).
>
>About this same time, H. R. Taylor, of Alameda, started publishing a monthly
>bird journal which he called the Nidiologist (and later renamed the Nidologist
>based on a comment from Elliott Coues). He was a member of the COC and
>eventually became its president. He offered to summarize their meetings and
>use their papers in his journal. He published the Nidiologist/Nidologist from
>1893 to 1897 and it contains a wealth of information about the early
>activities of the COC. However, he went out of business in 1897 and the COC
>was left without a place to write up their field work.
>
>At this time they had about 80 members and this included a Southern California
>Division. With a great deal of guts and financial risk they decided to
>publish their own periodical and the first issue was published in 1899 as the
>"Bulletin of the Cooper Ornithological Club." In 1900 they re-named their
>journal "The Condor"; this was volume 2. Volume 99 of The Condor sits on my
>desk at home and is now a major archival publication of ornithological
>science, sponsored by the re-named Cooper Ornithological Union or COU.
>
>The California Quail Gina mentions was painted by W. Otto Emerson of Haywards
>and was the seal used by the Club. Haywards was, of course, later renamed
>Hayward. Later publication of The Condor contain a lot of material on the
>earlier years of the Club and some of the conservation battles they were
>involved in. A full collection in on the mezzanine at Stanford's Falconer
>Library and a nearly full collection is included in the legacy of Dick
>Mewaldt's library that is at SFBBO (I think).
>
> Bill
>-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
>This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
>server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
>message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Fri Nov 03 17:52:15 2000
Subject: [SBB] white-headed Ruddy Duck
--------
Dear All:
I noticed mention and discussion of an apparent Ruddy Duck with a white head
a while back in the Santa Clara County Baylands. This is not without
precedent. Back in my college days at Chico State in the 1970s there was a
Ruddy Duck with an all-white head that wintered for several years on the
Chico sewage ponds. It was nicknamed "Commander Whitehead" by the local
birders. Another Ruddy Duck with an all-white head was present on Felt Lake
in Santa Clara County during the early 1970s. It was found by birders going
to look for the Tufted Duck that was there. Initially, some thought it might
have been a White-headed Duck that followed the Tufted Duck over from the Old
World. But no, it was just a Ruddy Duck with a white head.
Ruddy Ducks can also come in other colors. A few years back at the Sunnyvale
sewage ponds I saw one that was pure black and resembled a miniature scoter.
Rich Stallcup also has heard of pure black Ruddy Ducks he tells me.
Best regards,
Peter J. Metropulos
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Nov 04 11:29:42 2000
Subject: [SBB] Oka Ponds
--------
This morning we enjoyed a great look at the OSPREY fishing in one of the
perc ponds. He was being mobbed by some crows but wasn't the least bit
distracted.
We also spotted four or five LESSER SCAUP. The BUFFLEHEADS and HOODED
MERGANSERS were plentiful. We also saw two or three CANVASBACKS.
It was a great day!
Pat Curtis
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Nov 04 14:29:16 2000
Subject: [SBB] White-throated Sparrow
--------
This bounced owing to a bureacratic error... The report is for Los Altos.
--------------------------------------
Date: Saturday, November 4, 2000
From: email@hidden
Just this morning we enjoyed good looks at a brown and tan striped
White-throated Sparrow enjoying SCVAS birdseed in our backyard.
Rita and Rob Colwell
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Nov 04 14:55:51 2000
Subject: [SBB] CCFS Sat. 11/4/00
--------
All,
Banding efforts today yielded 38 birds: 25 banded, 13 recaptures.
B R
0 1 Chestnut-backed Chickadee
3 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1 leucistic, see below)
4 3 Hermit Thrush
0 1 Orange-crowned Warbler (gray-headed, celata)
8 0 "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warbler
2 0 "Myrtle's" Yellow-rumped Warbler
1 0 Fox Sparrow (Sooty)
1 0 Lincoln's Sparrow
0 3 Song Sparrow
1 0 "Gambell's" White-crowned Sparrow
2 2 "Puget Sound" White-crowned Sparrow
3 1 Golden-crowned Sparrow
The leucistic kinglet was pale yellow with a yellowish bill. There was
no olive color on it at all! I've never seen one like this before. As I
approached the bird in the net, I thought it was a Yellow Warbler, but
it seemed too petite. The greater covert wingbar was noticeable as well
as the slightly darker (less pale?) outer web of the primaries that
creates the illusion of a black wing bar on a normal-plumaged Ruby-
crowned Kinglet. I took some photos and will let you know when I post
them to the Web.
Les Chibana
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Nov 04 16:53:20 2000
Subject: [SBB] Eurasian Wigeon & Rough-legged Hawk at Calero Reservoir
--------
Howdy South-bay-birders,
This morning I led a class field trip to Calero County Park. Birds were
plentiful, with most, as usual, concentrated at the east end of the
reservoir. There we refound the male EURASIAN WIGEON (only had distant scope
views). Other waterfowl there included MALLARD, GADWALL, NORTHERN SHOVELER,
NORTHERN PINTAIL, AMERICAN WIGEON, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, RUDDY DUCK, 1 GREATER
SCAUP, RING-NECKED DUCKS, and 50+ BUFFLEHEAD. Shorebirds included 40+
BLACK-NECKED STILTS, 50+ LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 50+ LEAST SANDPIPERS,
several GREATER YELLOWLEGS, and bunches and bunches of KILLDEER.
While scanning the sky for raptors I was surprised to spot a distant
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK flying over the Santa Teresa Hills. Got decent scope views
of it before it soared off to the north and disappeared. Although it was at
quite a distance I could clearly see the white tail with broad black
terminal band, pale head, and large black patches on the underwing coverts.
Didn't see much of a dark belly on this one. The only other local record of
this species that I am aware of was one seen by David Suddjian on 1-12-89.
Other raptors there included 1-2 OSPREY, one of which flew right over
us, and several RED-TAILED HAWKS, one of which was a dark-morph adult. A
lone swallow flying southward was probably Violet-green, but I didn't get a
good enough look at it. Walking back along the road that parallels the creek
upstream from the reservoir we had nice looks at a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER,
somewhat unusual for this location. We also had a chance to compare HUTTON'S
VIREO and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, with both simultaneously in view. Wild Boar
were seen several times.
After birding Calero a few of us (Tom Cochrane, Bidut Sen, and April
Dutta) hiked the Fortini/Stile Ranch Trail loop. Highlights there included a
pair of adult GOLDEN EAGLES, male and female NORTHERN HARRIERS, an adult
dark-morph RED-TAILED HAWK (same one we saw at the reservoir?), a SAY'S
PHOEBE, and a ROCK WREN that cooperatively perched atop one of the old stone
fences. Tom Cochrane pointed out to us some of the rare serpentine-adapted
plants that grow there, and it was nice to see some of their flowers still
in bloom--
John Mariani
email@hidden
www.birdswest.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Nov 04 17:56:26 2000
Subject: [SBB] Osprey Behavior
--------
This morning we observed an osprey fishing over at Oka Ponds. This bird was
not hovering and diving in "feet first" like all the books say they do. He
was definitely diving head first into the water. any thoughts?
Pat Curtis
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Nov 04 19:14:38 2000
Subject: [SBB] Bird Chart
--------
Hi,
I finally got the new bird chart up just inside the front door of the
Environmental Education Center. Only birds east of the railroad (east of
State Street) count as being in the refuge. One lone white pelican sat
on the salt pond island.
Lee Lovelady, Vounteer Naturalist.
________________________________________________________________
YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET!
Juno now offers FREE Internet Access!
Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Nov 05 17:14:49 2000
Subject: [SBB] Oka Ponds
--------
All,
A birdy hour beginning at Noon at Oka Ponds produced the following:
Four Green Heron
Chipping Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Eleven male and Nine female Hooded Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Gadwall
Eight male Ring-necked Duck
One female Common Goldeneye
One male Downy Woodpecker
Bufflehead
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Was told there was an Osprey around, but this was not seen.
Good birding.
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Nov 05 17:44:02 2000
Subject: [SBB] Golden Eagles
--------
On Saturday, Penny & I did quick circuit through the Ogier Ponds area around
1300 or so. It was very disappointing. Too late. Too many users. Too
windy. The most interesting thing we saw was a "gas hawk" shaped and painted
like a "Stop" sign--doing Immelmann's and such...
Upon leaving, we decided to take an always interesting run up Metcalf road.
Saw a lot of the usual suspects. But the highlight of our day was two fully
adult Golden Eagles feeding on a steer carcass. We had great views and got to
see a lot of mantling and other interesting interactive activity.
If you're interested, the carcass is just over the top, about 1/4 mile or so
past the motorcycle park--on the opposite side of the road. It's about
halfway up the hill on the side facing the road and should be easily spotted.
I suspect that a number of carrion feeders can be found there for some time to
come...
Dusty (& Penny) Bleher
Campbell, Ca.
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Nov 05 20:00:16 2000
Subject: [SBB] Bald Eagle
--------
All,
Saturday morning, on my way to Point Reyes, I saw an adult BALD EAGLE on
the power lines south of the San Francisco Airport (north of Coyote
Point) along Hwy 101. I believe this is Burlingame and is the same area
I saw BAEA in October of 1999.
As well, the GOLDEN EAGLES are still easily observed along Hwy 280 in
the vicinity of the Stanford Dish. Today one was visible chasing a
Red-tailed Hawk away from the area.
Matthew Dodder
http://www.birdguy.net/
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Nov 05 23:14:23 2000
Subject: [SBB] White-throated Sparrow
--------
All,
Although I haven't seen it yet, I heard a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW in my
yard here in Los Gatos.
Jean
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 06 08:44:52 2000
Subject: [SBB] -
--------
Folks:
This morning, 11/6/2000, I saw two BROWN PELICANS on Salt Pond A2W. An
adult GOLDEN EAGLE was plucking prey at Shoreline west of the Stevens Creek
Tidal Marsh. By the time I got over there the eagle had finished and moved
off to a light pole. The prey was an AMERICAN COOT. The bird appeared to
have been completely plucked, with meat taken neatly off the skeleton, leaving
the bill, head, backbone, and tail intact. At least one leg as well as some
viscera were not eaten. The Shoreline golfers will be pleased if this becomes
a habit. I did not see the capture, but assume it was a surprise, as I doubt
a Golden Eagle can outmaneuver a coot in flight, but . . . Along Stevens
Creek above Crittenden I saw a male _columbarius_ MERLIN. There were
12 BLACK SKIMMERS on Charleston Slough.
Bill
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 06 09:19:00 2000
Subject: [SBB] PAHGCC
--------
I spentk about an hour and a half at the Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country
Club this morning (a visit I had planned a week ago was rained out). In recent
years (but typically 1-2 weeks earlier) I've found increasing numbers of
Lawrence's Goldfinches there, but I didn't find any today -- just some scat-
tered Lesser Goldfinches and Pine Siskins. Other birds of interest: a Hairy
Woodpecker (a species I usually don't find there), about 5 White-Breasted
Nuthatches (I had hoped for another color!), and a Brown Creeper. Also
notably absent compared to last year were Western Bluebirds.
Al
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 06 11:05:15 2000
Subject: [SBB] SUN Nov 5 SCVAS trip to Elkhorn/Harkins
--------
A dozen SCVAS'ers joined a quartet of SCBC'ers on a gray morning to work
Jetty Rd, Moon Glow Dairy, and the Reserve HQ, and then headed for Harkins
Slough to chase the TROKIN there. Best morning bird was a RED-NECKED GREBE
just beyond the jetties, as well as 9 species of gulls along the road. Both
Jetty Rd and MGD offered superb views of MERLINS. MGD had both YELLOWLEGS
and, after careful scrutiny, both DOWITCHERS (mainly by call-in-flight and
tail). The group's species count kept mounting steadily, to over 100 by
lunchtime.
A few more spp at the now-sunny HQ, and we decided to forgo Elkhorn Rd and
head to Harkins Slough. There, at the very last, the TROPICAL KINGBIRD may
have put in a distant appearance, unless the glimpsed yellow-bellied
kingbird was a WESKIN, but not one that bore celebrating. But who cared? --
we had just witnessed the day's astounding Audubon Moment. Two PEREGRINES
turned the space over Harkins Slough Rd into an aerial arena, dashing and
swooping after each other, yelling as few of us had ever heard. At one
point they locked talons and plummeted together a hundred feet in a
tumbling free fall to (for one of them, actually onto) the very surface of
the roadside pond. As the spectacle went on and on around us and right
above us, we "stood amaz'd."
For the day, a group tally of 111 species. But it is those Peregrines that
all of us will cherish about "that time at Harkins Slough."
Todd Newberry
Santa Cruz CA
email@hidden
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Nov 07 10:46:06 2000
Subject: [SBB] short-eared owl
--------
All,
I went to the PA flood control basin yesterday (11/6/00) between 5:00-5:30
pm to look for owls. A single short-eared owl was up flying at about 5:10.
Lots of activity--about 10 kites, a harrier, and 4-6 redtails were active
until
almost dark.
--Richard
Richard M. Clark
279 Campus Drive
Beckman Building B301
Stanford, CA 94305
Phone no.: 650-725-7599
email: email@hidden
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Nov 07 14:02:15 2000
Subject: [SBB] Swans in Palo Alto
--------
Today about 12:30 I saw 5 swans fly over Palo Alto Baylands. I was on the
boardwalk out at the end. They flew over the LEBNIC building and landed
along the shore about 1/4 mi. north of the boardwalk.
They were not Mute Swans nor were they Snow Geese. One of them vocalized.
They are the same kind of swans that I see out near Chico/Oroville area
in the wintertime.
I believe these are Trumpeter Swans but always get the names confused
(because they changed it once?).
This is the first time I have ever seen them in the bay area. Is this
unusual?
There were a couple of birders at the duck pond and I mentioned it to
them. Don't know if they were able to see the swans later. Hope so.
-Chris
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Nov 07 14:29:14 2000
Subject: [SBB] Charleston Slough area
--------
Seen at the base of Charleston Slough today at noon were 3 BROWN PELICANS
preening next to at least 11 BLACK SKIMMERS on the island. The skimmers
were splayed-out in the midday sun, wings cocked upward to the back,
bills laid out on the ground. [On Sunday at dusk, the group I was with
saw 12 skimmers.]
In Adobe Creek, a male BLUE-WINGED TEAL that we saw at dusk on Sunday
was still present on a small island in mid-channel. Go out on the
Charleston Slough levee to the 2nd bare tree on the left beyond the
pumphouse and look into the channel on the left. The teal was sleeping
on the leafy green island on the right side of this view.
Les Chibana
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Nov 07 17:33:14 2000
Subject: [SBB] Palo Alto Baylands
--------
All,
Hoping that the Baylands Tundra Swans (2 adults and 3 immatures
according to Deborah Bartens) would hang around, I arrived to
look for them at 3:50pm. Apparently they had just left unseen
minutes before my arrival. However, straight out from the
observation platform was a basic-plumaged COMMON LOON (far enough
out so as to be in San Mateo County) and an adult PEREGRINE FALCON
was perched on a log in the San Francisquito Creek Delta (also in
San Mateo County) eating a large bird. An adult male BLUE-WINGED
TEAL was in the lagoon directly opposite the interpretive center
on my way out.
I quickly checked the outer Palo Alto Flood Control Basin from
Byxbee Park, hoping that maybe the swans had moved there - no such
luck. A foraging (and later perching on a pole) SHORT-EARED OWL
was nice though.
Mike Rogers
11/7/00
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Wed Nov 08 13:50:41 2000
Subject: [SBB] Summer Tanager at Grant Ranch
--------
Harriet Gerson identified a SUMMER TANAGER this morning, 11/08/00, at
Grant Ranch on Allan Thomas' SCVAS fieldtrip. It was in the trees
behind the house.
She noted a light bill, no facial marks, no wingbars; it was mostly
yellow and very red in vent area and breast. Her impression was that it
appeared more elongated than a Western Tanager.
Les Chibana
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Wed Nov 08 17:22:51 2000
Subject: [SBB] Re: Summer Tanager at Grant Ranch
--------
I should make a slight correction on the color description that I used.
Also, here's further elaboration by Lou Beaudet, who was also present
for the sighting.
"it was mostly yellow" should have been described as "yellow-orange".
Here's Lou's comments:
"From underneath the bird, the vent area, undertail area looked more
orange than yellow or red. It was an intense color, but not exactly
bright. I guess a rich orange, with a tint of umber, or rufus. If that
makes sense. The overall bird color was a yellowish orange, a little
darker tone than the female summer tanager yellow shown in the Kaufman
book. It was in the open shadow so that may have made it look a little
darker than it was. We should have had pantone color chips in order to
compare the colors."
[I know that Lou mentioned Pantone color chips in jest, but as a side
note, Munsell color system is probably more accepted by biologists,
but Pantone may be more accessible. Both are probably too expensive
and overkill for even the avid birder. In either case, they may work
for evaluating skins, but aren't that appropriate in the field.]
Les Chibana
On Wednesday, November 8, 2000, Les Chibana wrote:
>Harriet Gerson identified a SUMMER TANAGER this morning, 11/08/00, at
>Grant Ranch on Allan Thomas' SCVAS fieldtrip. It was in the trees
>behind the house.
>
>She noted a light bill, no facial marks, no wingbars; it was mostly
>yellow and very red in vent area and breast. Her impression was that it
>appeared more elongated than a Western Tanager.
>
>Les Chibana
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Wed Nov 08 19:05:04 2000
Subject: [SBB] EUWI, BWTE, REDH in Alviso
--------
All,
This afternoon 11/8/00 I helped Cheryl out on the SFBBO survey of Salt
Pond A9 in Alviso, which took place during the low tide (3:35pm-5:15pm).
On the drive out we had an adult PEREGRINE FALCON on a telephone pole
along pond A14 and some two hundred BONAPARTE'S GULLS were foraging in
the northern part of the same pond.
As usual, pond A9 was teeming with ducks, including nearly 14,000
NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 1176 AMERICAN WIGEONS, and 1011 CANVASBACKS.
Among these more numerous species were a few rarer birds, including
4 EURASIAN WIGEONS (2 adult males, 2 females), a pair of BLUE-WINGED
TEAL, and 3 REDHEADS. At least 8 more REDHEADS were in nearby pond
A10. Three lingering immature BROWN PELICANS were on the A9/A10 dike,
a big female MERLIN cruised the northern edge of A9, and a vocal adult
PEREGRINE FALCON (likely the same bird as before) made a pass overhead
there as well. Three RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS in pond A9 added to the
5 seen on the drive out. At least 16 COMMON GOLDENEYES and 291
BUFFLEHEAD in pond A9 were significantly higher numbers than I've had
yet this Fall for these species.
Earlier today, on a 10K run through Shoreline Park over lunch, I saw
another immature BROWN PELICAN along the southern edge of Salt Pond A2W.
Mike Rogers
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Wed Nov 08 19:17:46 2000
Subject: [SBB] Palo Alto High Tides
--------
Deborah Bartens, City of Palo Alto Naturalist, has again provided
data for the coming High Tides at the Palo Alto Yacht Harbor.
If you lose this e-mail, the data will be posted on:
South Bay Birders Unlimited (SBBU)
http://www.stanford.edu/~kendric/birds/
Kendric
---------------------------------------
High Tides - Palo Alto Yacht Harbor
11/13/00 12:54 pm 9.0 ft
11/14/00 01:36 pm 9.0 ft
12/09/00 10:29 am 9.0 ft
12/10/00 11:07 Am 9.3 ft
12/11/00 11:48 am 9.4 ft
12/12/00 12:32 pm 9.5 ft ***
12/13/00 01:20 pm 9.4 ft
12/14/00 02:11 pm 9.0 ft
01/06/01 09:10 am 9.0 ft
01/07/01 09:55 am 9.3 ft
01/08/01 10:41 am 9.6 ft
01/09/01 11:29 am 9.7 ft ***
01/10/01 12:18 pm 9.7 ft ***
01/11/01 01:09 pm 9.5 ft
01/12/01 02:02 pm 9.1 ft
02/05/01 09:34 am 9.2 ft
02/06/01 10:27 am 9.5 ft
02/07/01 11:20 am 9.6 ft ***
02/08/01 12:12 pm 9.5 ft (see below)
02/09/01 01:03 pm 9.2 ft
03/07/01 10:19 am 9.0 ft
03/08/01 11:14 am 9.0 ft
-----------------------------------------
NOTE: From an article in the "Calypso Log" (Aug 2000), on February
8, 2001 there should be an unusually high tide because the Moon will
be closest to the Earth (perigee), and there will be a "spring tide"
(when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are positioned in nearly a straight
line). The "spring tide" has nothing to do with the season "Spring",
rather it refers to the water that appears to "spring up".
-----------------------------------------
Kendric C. Smith, Ph.D.
927 Mears Court
Stanford, CA 94305-1041
(650) 493-7210 (voice or fax)
email@hidden
http://www.stanford.edu/~kendric/
------------------------------------------
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Wed Nov 08 20:05:23 2000
Subject: [SBB] Palm Warbler at CCFS
--------
Today, 10/29/00, at Coyote Creek Field Station (CCFS), Vicki Silvas-Young and I found a western PALM WARBLER about 200 yds. north of the tall eucalyptus that's just north of the Mewaldt Memorial Live Oak. This oak is the large one near the trailer. The warbler flushed from small shrubs on the eastern side of the top of the levee. It foraged in the vegetation within a foot of the ground. Later, I refound the bird just past the first turn of the levee (a left) north of the trailer. It foraged on the ground and in the shrubs just beyond the fence in San Jose Water Treatment land.
On first sighting in flight, the bird flashed limited white tail spots on
the outer corners of the spread tail. When only the face was visible to me, the supercillium led me to think that this was a Myrtle's Yellow-rumped Warbler. Vicki pointed out that the supercillium was too prominent for Myrtle's and felt it was something else. As the bird moved into a more visible position, the yellow undertail coverts and pumping tail action were noticeable. The lack of yellow on the rest of the underparts and the off-white supercillium pointed us to the western race of the Palm Warbler, Dendroica palmarum palmarum.
We encountered at least three singing FOX SPARROWs among the six to eight
that we saw. We also saw many LINCOLN'S SPARROWs and HERMIT THRUSHes. All of these sightings were in the overflow channel (the area between the trailer and the creek).
The settling ponds are collecting rain water. In the ones opposite the trailer, there were many BONAPARTE'S GULLs.
At the old Alviso marina, the mudflats east of the parking lot by the train
tracks were hosting many more BONAPARTE'S GULLs.
Access to CCFS is limited. To gain access, it is requested that you become
a member of the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory (SFBBO) of which CCFS
is a field station. You will need to read and sign the access policy. Call
SFBBO in Alviso for more information. Sorry, I don't have the phone number
handy.
Les Chibana
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 09 06:03:27 2000
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
A walk along San Tomas Aquino Creek today, 9 Nov 00, produced a flock of
65-70 CEDAR WAXWINGS at the eucs near Mission College Blvd. Also, an adult
GOLDEN EAGLE was overhead, heading towards the west. I also watched a GREAT
EGRET in the creek down a large-sized rat (thought he was going to choke on
it).
Last Saturday, 4 Nov 00, I watched the LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at Lake
Cunningham. A single CLARK'S GREBE was the only aechmophorus representative
here.
Mike Mammoser
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 09 09:28:40 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Palm Warbler at CCFS
--------
Sorry, this message was "trapped" in my computer at home and inadvertently
got sent. It's the same message that I had already sent before.
Les Chibana
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 09 09:36:48 2000
Subject: [SBB] Grant Park Birds
--------
Reference Harriet's summer tanager, we looked at it through Frank
Vanslager's Questar from twenty feet away, and during the discussion,
several different types of field guides came out.
To me, the most exciting bird was the Red-breasted Sapsucker on the
Hall's Valley Trail. At this higher altitude, you see birds you rarely
see in the valley, two jays, woodpeckers, pine siskin, and, I can't
remember how long it has been since I saw my last Yellow-billed Magpie.
Cheers, Lee Lovelady.
________________________________________________________________
YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET!
Juno now offers FREE Internet Access!
Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 09 15:39:43 2000
Subject: [SBB] Summer Tanager continues at Grant Ranch
--------
All,
This morning Frank Vanslager, Roland Kenner and I were able to watch the
Summer Tanager for an extended period of time. The bird spent most of the
observation period(s) in several small trees (including two of three apple
trees) located along the east side of the farm house. It had spent some time
earlier in a grove of trees located 150 feet east of the farm house. During
our observations the SUTA caught several fairly large insects following
which, it would fly to a good sized branch to prepare the insect (kill it,
remove wings, etc.), it would then eat the insect (small bites, chew well)
and rest for a short period before resuming the hunt.
The bird had reddish-orange undertail and uppertail coverts (with some red
extending back onto the tail when viewed from above), several of the greater
coverts were reddish and reddish areas were seen on the forward part of the
folded wing (wrist) when the bird stretched forward while eating, on the nape
of the neck, on he side of the neck below the auriculars, the front of the
head and crown (most apparent when the bird raised it's crest) and in a line
running down the center portion of the chest and belly. The rest of the bird
is essentially as previously described with a fairly large, light colored
bill (some darkness noted at the upper base of the upper mandible), a dark
eye with a fairly obvious whitish eyering, the lower part of the bird was an
overall yellowish-orange, the upper part of the bird was an overall
brownish-green with some (lighter) olive-green noted above the reddish
uppertail coverts (the rump).
I have limited experience with SUTA but based on these observations and
researching available field guides I was wondering if this bird might well be
a red morph female rather than an immature male? The bird seems to have to
much red for a normal female and I feel that an immature male with reddish
uppertail and undertail coverts would have some larger patches of red
elsewhere on it's body (head, chest or back).
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 3:33 PM, 11/9/00
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 09 18:20:59 2000
Subject: [SBB] merlin in santa clara!?
--------
I hardly believe it myself, but I'm pretty sure we had a male merlin at our
apt. complex just after 5pm today. Some weeks ago we had a hawk (probably
Sharpshinned) visiting the balcony opposite ours, so I've been keeping my
eyes out. Came home today to see a small hawk perched on the antiquated tv
antenna atop the building opposite ours. Alas, all of the good binoculars
were in the truck with my husband, somewhere in traffic. I had my little
8x24 cheap roofs and I grabbed a decent look from our balcony, only about
30 feet away. Compact bird, *relatively* short tail (esp. compared to the
Sharpie I was expecting!), yellow-orange feet, dark eyes, streaky
underside, dark slate-blue-grey back and wings (light was poor so colors
were dulled), and a faint but unmistakable mustache. I had pretty poor
views of the tail and couldn't say whether there was any banding. Looks
like a dark-ish Taiga merlin. Of course he didn't like me watching him and
flew off, dipping over the other side of the roof almost
immediately. Location: an older apt. complex very near El Camino and
Lawrence, not particularly wooded nor any significant grassy open spaces.
Natasha
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 09 20:13:12 2000
Subject: [SBB] RE: wintering summer tanager
--------
With regard to the SUMMER TANAGER recently reported from
the vicinity of San Francisquito Creek, on the border between
Santa Clara County and San Mateo County, it should be noted
that a summer tanager was found at the same location during
each of the winters of 94-95, 95-96, and 96-97. I am not
aware of any reports of SUTA from this location since 1997
until the recent one, but it is a bird that could easily spend
the winter there and not be discovered. If the current
bird is, in fact, the same returnee, (and, given the scarcity of
summer tanager reports, that seems likely) it would be in
at least its seventh winter.
- Dick
>Date: Thu, 02 Nov 2000 10:59:36 -0800
>Subject: N. Calif. BirdBox 10/31 - 11/1
..
>San Mateo County:
>On November 1st a SUMMER TANAGER was seen in Menlo
>Park. Take the bike bridge that connects Willow Road
>in Menlo Park to Palo Alto Drive near Bryant Street in
>Palo Alto. The bridge is accessible at the cul-de-sac
>at the end of Willow Place (CN)
>- Observers
>CN Christy Nelson
Richard Stovel email@hidden
--------
With regard to the SUMMER TANAGER recently reported from
the vicinity of San Francisquito Creek, on the border between
Santa Clara County and San Mateo County, it should be noted
that a summer tanager was found at the same location during
each of the winters of 94-95, 95-96, and 96-97. I am not
aware of any reports of SUTA from this location since 1997
until the recent one, but it is a bird that could easily spend
the winter there and not be discovered. If the current
bird is, in fact, the same returnee, (and, given the scarcity of
summer tanager reports, that seems likely) it would be in
at least its seventh winter.
- Dick
>Date: Thu, 02 Nov 2000 10:59:36 -0800
>Subject: N. Calif. BirdBox 10/31 - 11/1
..
>San Mateo County:
>On November 1st a SUMMER TANAGER was seen in Menlo
>Park. Take the bike bridge that connects Willow Road
>in Menlo Park to Palo Alto Drive near Bryant Street in
>Palo Alto. The bridge is accessible at the cul-de-sac
>at the end of Willow Place (CN)
>- Observers
>CN Christy Nelson
Richard Stovel email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 09 20:38:02 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] merlin in santa clara!?
--------
At 6:20 PM -0800 11/9/00, amphibian wrote:
>I hardly believe it myself, but I'm pretty sure we had a male merlin
>at our apt. complex just after 5pm today.
It's possible -- we are in Santa Clara, and had a Merlin take a
pigeon off our feeder about two years ago. Definitely a Merlin, since
he was nice enough to haul lunch off to the fence and give us a good
opportunity to look while he ate.
I don't think they're common, but they do wander through.
--
Chuq Von Rospach - Plaidworks Consulting (mailto:email@hidden)
Apple Mail List Gnome (mailto:email@hidden)
Be just, and fear not.
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 09 22:58:16 2000
Subject: [SBB] White-throated Sparrow
--------
All,
My ears didn't deceive me Sunday morning, a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW
visited my ground feeders here in Los Gatos late yesterday. I believe this
is the eighth year that I have had one. Meanwhile, the OSPREY stays the
night here.
Jean
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Fri Nov 10 09:38:55 2000
Subject: [SBB] Santa Clara Bird List Update
--------
Bill Bousman sends the following:
Only one species in October, the Lapland Longspur that Mike Rogers and
Mike Mammoser found on 10/7/2000. That brings us to 283 for the year, 17 shy
of the magic 300 species.
There are two "4s" left: Tundra Swan and White-winged Scoter and, as I am
writing this on 11/9/2000, the Tundra Swan has already been recorded for
November. Also, in early November, birders have picked off a "5" and a "6".
So the County List for November is already at 286.
The complete list can be found at:
South Bay Birders Unlimited (SBBU)
http://www.stanford.edu/~kendric/birds/
Kendric
-----------------------------------------
Kendric C. Smith, Ph.D.
927 Mears Court
Stanford, CA 94305-1041
(650) 493-7210 (voice or fax)
email@hidden
http://www.stanford.edu/~kendric/
------------------------------------------
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Fri Nov 10 09:45:28 2000
Subject: [SBB] N. Calif. Birds Not in the East
--------
When we have birding friends from the East Coast who have never
birded in Northern California, they appreciate having a list of target
birds for the area. By looking at all the maps in the NGS Bird Book,
I came up with a list of 92 birds that are not generally seen on the
East
Coast.
This list is reproduced on the SBBU Web Site either in Taxonomic
Order or Alphabetical Order. Print them out and impress your next
visitor from the East Coast.
Last weekend, a friend from the East Coast got 38 life birds in our
area (with my help).
South Bay Birders Unlimited (SBBU)
http://www.stanford.edu/~kendric/birds/
Kendric
-----------------------------------------
Kendric C. Smith, Ph.D.
927 Mears Court
Stanford, CA 94305-1041
(650) 493-7210 (voice or fax)
email@hidden
http://www.stanford.edu/~kendric/
------------------------------------------
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Nov 11 18:06:47 2000
Subject: [SBB] Pileated Woodpecker - Skyline Blvd.
--------
My wife, Mary, informed me that she heard, then saw, a male PILEATED
WOODPECKER at our house this afternoon. I had a feeling they'd show
up sometime. We live on the Santa Clara County side of Skyline Blvd.
between Page Mill Rd. and Saratoga Gap. (Hwy 9). My guess is that
this bird is one of the Table Mtn. group. But who really knows how
many other family groups may be in this area?
Les Chibana
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Nov 11 20:50:08 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Pileated Woodpecker - Skyline Blvd.
--------
In a message dated 11/11/00 6:25:55 PM Pacific Standard Time, email@hidden
writes:
> My wife, Mary, informed me that she heard, then saw, a male PILEATED
> WOODPECKER at our house this afternoon. I had a feeling they'd show
> up sometime. We live on the Santa Clara County side of Skyline Blvd.
> between Page Mill Rd. and Saratoga Gap. (Hwy 9). My guess is that
> this bird is one of the Table Mtn. group. But who really knows how
> many other family groups may be in this area?
>
>
On the coastward side of the mountains they have shown a tendancy to wander
some in the fall, sometimes moving to watersheds not occupied in the breeding
season and spots well removed from breeding territories. Thus, it is
certainly possible that "your" PIWO was not from the nearest breeding
locality.
David Suddjian
Capitola
email@hidden
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Nov 12 13:19:16 2000
Subject: [SBB] Immature Bald Eagle and Eurasian Wigeon
--------
Sorry for the late report, but near sundown on Friday, 10 November, there were a pair of Eurasion Wigeon in pond A4 in the northeast section of the pond with many American Wigeon, Northern Shovelers, Gadwall and American Coots.
Just after sunrise on Saturday, 11 November, there was an immature Bald Eagle on the perimeter levee by the A9/A10 cross-levee. It flew across Alviso Slough to perch on a white barrier fence that read "Leslie Salt Company" on a levee on that side. The bird was not seen when I returned there at sundown.
Finally, this morning while doing a boat survey of Mallard/Artesian Slough, Debbie Wong Ottman, Tadd Ottman, Liwen Mah and I saw a Peregrine Falcon on a power tower by the entrance road to the Alviso Environmental Education Center.
Cheryl Millett
Biologist
San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory
PO Box 247
1290 Hope Street
Alviso, CA 95002
phone 408/946-6548
fax 408/946-9279
--------
Attachment
1.5 KBytes
--------
From email@hidden Mon Nov 13 02:19:21 2000
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
On Saturday, 11 Nov 00, I did some birding at CCFS. The only notable birds I
had here were: a WINTER WREN in the riparian corridor and a HOUSE WREN in
the overflow channel. Later, an adult PEREGRINE FALCON was along the
entrance road to the EEC. When I arrived back home, an adult GOLDEN EAGLE
was soaring overhead near the Santa Teresa Hills.
Mike Mammoser
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 13 10:44:35 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Pileated Woodpecker - Skyline Blvd.
--------
Les -
I also heard but didn't see a Pileated at our house around 7 AM Saturday
morning. We are about 10 miles north of you, I think, north of 84 and just
west of Skyline.
Janet Tashjian Hanson
Executive Director
San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory
P.O. Box 247
Alviso, CA 95002
email@hidden
408/946-6548
-----Original Message-----
From: Les Chibana
To: South Bay Birders
Date: Saturday, November 11, 2000 6:39 PM
Subject: [SBB] Pileated Woodpecker - Skyline Blvd.
>My wife, Mary, informed me that she heard, then saw, a male PILEATED
>WOODPECKER at our house this afternoon. I had a feeling they'd show
>up sometime. We live on the Santa Clara County side of Skyline Blvd.
>between Page Mill Rd. and Saratoga Gap. (Hwy 9). My guess is that
>this bird is one of the Table Mtn. group. But who really knows how
>many other family groups may be in this area?
>
>Les Chibana
>
>
>-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
>This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
>server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
>message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to
email@hidden
>
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 13 11:18:03 2000
Subject: [SBB] Loma Prieta, Grant Ranch
--------
All,
Early on Saturday 11/11/00, I watched for migrants from the saddle
where the pavement formerly ended below Loma Prieta. I had none of
the hoped for "montane" species (nutcrackers, solitaires, Cassin's
Finches etc.), but there was some movement here, with 264 BAND-TAILED
PIGEONS in 10 groups all heading southeast and 155 CEDAR WAXWINGS in
6 groups mostly heading northwest. Only small numbers of THRUSHES
(46 AMERICAN ROBINS, a few VARIED and HERMIT THRUSHES), PURPLE FINCHES
(up to 19), and PINE SISKIN (5) were in the area.
I also had the usual chaparral and coniferous forest birds, including
a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER and heard-only GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS.
Later in the morning, a two-hour check around the ranch house at Grant
Ranch County Park failed to turn up the Summer Tanager, which likely
departed in response to our record-cold nights. I did find a "white"
morph WHITE-THROATED SPARROW in with a big ZONOTRICHIA flock west of
the ranch house though. Also 2 RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS, 1 TOWNSEND'S
WARBLER, 3 LARK SPARROWS, and small numbers of PINE SISKINS in the
area.
While driving to Morgan Hill for my son's football game on Sunday
11/12/00 I saw an OSPREY flying north along highway 101 near Coyote
Creek Drive by the golf course.
Mike Rogers
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 13 15:08:56 2000
Subject: [SBB] Leucistic RCKI
--------
[Apologies for the duplicates because of my cross-posting!]
Curious? In "normal-speak" this means a pale Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
On 4 Nov 2000, one was banded and photographed at the Coyote Creek
Field Station of the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory. I've posted
some images and some notes at the following URL:
By the way, "leucistic" is an odd word. You probably won't find it in
a standard dictionary; I'm not sure if it will be in a dictionary of
biological terms. A few months ago, I did a Web search and got a lot
of reptile Web sites discussing the Leucistic Leopard Gecko, a popular
captive reptile. I'm happy to see that the birding community has been
busy lately and there are now many bird references and leucism. Some
examples,
http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/feb99/919442794.Zo.r.html
http://www.umd.umich.edu/dept/rouge_river/mywa.html
http://www.komkon.org/~cassino/public/
http://www.hummingbirds.net/albino.html
http://www.best.com/~petrel/Angus.Leucistic.GBBGU.html
http://www.astro.utu.fi/~hlehto/photo/owl100.shtml
Les
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 13 17:05:53 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Leucistic RCKI
--------
At 03:08 PM 11/13/00 -0800, Les Chibana wrote:
>[Apologies for the duplicates because of my cross-posting!]
>
>Curious? In "normal-speak" this means a pale Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
>On 4 Nov 2000, one was banded and photographed at the Coyote Creek
>Field Station of the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory. I've posted
>some images and some notes at the following URL:
>
>
>
>By the way, "leucistic" is an odd word. You probably won't find it in
>a standard dictionary; I'm not sure if it will be in a dictionary of
>biological terms. A few months ago, I did a Web search and got a lot
>of reptile Web sites discussing the Leucistic Leopard Gecko, a popular
>captive reptile. I'm happy to see that the birding community has been
>busy lately and there are now many bird references and leucism. Some
>examples,
Les et al.
My understanding of the use of the word is that it refers to any form of
albinism which is not total. So an albino has to be a "total albino", no
pigment including in the eyes. There is no such thing as a "partial albino"
and these individuals should be termed leucistics. This includes birds with
reduced melanins (washed out) and those with patches of white feathers.
This was how it was explained to me by Gary Graves of the Smithsonian when
discussing with him "partial albino" specimens of icterids I was checking
out in their collections.
Now I do know that this is not exactly how these words are used, even in
the literature. I do wonder if there is an exact definition in an
authorative text which we all need to agree on and begin using.
cheers,
Al
Alvaro Jaramillo
Senior Biologist
San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory
P.O. Box 247
Alviso, CA 95002
(408)-946-6548
http://www.sfbbo.org/
Home of the California Fall Challenge!!
email@hidden
Birds of Chile and
New World Blackbirds at : http://www.sirius.com/~alvaro
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 13 17:05:53 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Leucistic RCKI
--------
At 03:08 PM 11/13/00 -0800, Les Chibana wrote:
>[Apologies for the duplicates because of my cross-posting!]
>
>Curious? In "normal-speak" this means a pale Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
>On 4 Nov 2000, one was banded and photographed at the Coyote Creek
>Field Station of the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory. I've posted
>some images and some notes at the following URL:
>
>
>
>By the way, "leucistic" is an odd word. You probably won't find it in
>a standard dictionary; I'm not sure if it will be in a dictionary of
>biological terms. A few months ago, I did a Web search and got a lot
>of reptile Web sites discussing the Leucistic Leopard Gecko, a popular
>captive reptile. I'm happy to see that the birding community has been
>busy lately and there are now many bird references and leucism. Some
>examples,
Les et al.
My understanding of the use of the word is that it refers to any form of
albinism which is not total. So an albino has to be a "total albino", no
pigment including in the eyes. There is no such thing as a "partial albino"
and these individuals should be termed leucistics. This includes birds with
reduced melanins (washed out) and those with patches of white feathers.
This was how it was explained to me by Gary Graves of the Smithsonian when
discussing with him "partial albino" specimens of icterids I was checking
out in their collections.
Now I do know that this is not exactly how these words are used, even in
the literature. I do wonder if there is an exact definition in an
authorative text which we all need to agree on and begin using.
cheers,
Al
Alvaro Jaramillo
Senior Biologist
San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory
P.O. Box 247
Alviso, CA 95002
(408)-946-6548
http://www.sfbbo.org/
Home of the California Fall Challenge!!
email@hidden
Birds of Chile and
New World Blackbirds at : http://www.sirius.com/~alvaro
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 13 18:37:44 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Leucistic RCKI
--------
For what it's worth, the "Birder's Dictionary" (by Randall Cox) defines
leucism as "a condition of paleness of plumage due to environmental factors
instead of genetic abnormality." It defines albinism as "color variation
caused by an absence or reduction of pigments in feathers, including four
types: total albinism, in which all pigments are completely absent from
feathers, skin and irises; incomplete albinism, in which pigment is absent
from one or more of the feathers, skin or irises, but not all three;
imperfect albinism, in which all pigments are reduced or at least one
pigment is missing; and partial albinism, the most common form in birds, in
which pigments are reduced or absent from parts of the feathers, skin or
irises..." Incidentally, I just found an old copy of "Ornithology in
Laboratory and Field", 4th edition by Olin Sewall Pettingill, Jr. in which
the definition of albinism is nearly word for word the same as that of the
"Birder's Dictionary" (it is listed in the bibliography of the "Birder's
Dictionary").
Don Ganton
*********** REPLY SEPARATOR ***********
On 11/13/00 at 5:05 PM Alvaro Jaramillo wrote:
>Les et al.
>
>My understanding of the use of the word is that it refers to any form of
>albinism which is not total. So an albino has to be a "total albino", no
>pigment including in the eyes. There is no such thing as a "partial
albino"
>and these individuals should be termed leucistics. This includes birds
with
>reduced melanins (washed out) and those with patches of white feathers.
>This was how it was explained to me by Gary Graves of the Smithsonian when
>discussing with him "partial albino" specimens of icterids I was checking
>out in their collections.
>
>Now I do know that this is not exactly how these words are used, even in
>the literature. I do wonder if there is an exact definition in an
>authorative text which we all need to agree on and begin using.
>
>cheers,
>
>Al
>
>
>
>Alvaro Jaramillo
>Senior Biologist
>San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory
>P.O. Box 247
>Alviso, CA 95002
>(408)-946-6548
>
>http://www.sfbbo.org/
>Home of the California Fall Challenge!!
>
>email@hidden
>
>Birds of Chile and
>New World Blackbirds at : http://www.sirius.com/~alvaro
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 13 20:00:13 2000
Subject: [SBB] Merlin and PACBC
--------
All,
First:
one of my students informed me he had found a female MERLIN on the
telephone pole by the Bayland Interpretive Center on Sunday afternoon.
As well there was an AMERICAN BITTERN in the channel at the Palo Alto
Flood Control Basin. I wish I'd been there...
Second:
Mark your calendars... It's that time of year again, and I'd like to get
people thinking about the 2000 Palo Alto Christmas Bird Count! The count
will be on Monday, December 18. I'll be coordinating Region 7, which is
located along Skyline Blvd for the most part. As with all other Regional
Coordinators, I'll be needing some volunteers to help survey the area.
If any one would like to help with the count, let me know and I'll see
if I can team you up with others already counting.
Thanks in advance,
Matthew Dodder
http://www.birdguy.net/
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 13 23:55:52 2000
Subject: [SBB] Some south county birds
--------
Howdy South-bay-birders,
>From Jim Danzenbaker I hear that the male EURASIAN WIGEON was again seen at
Calero Reservoir this past Sunday. Also I received a second-hand report from
him that his brother Mike saw a GLAUCOUS GULL at Almaden Lake Park on
Sunday, Nov. 5th.
This past Saturday I visited the Santa Clara Valley Water District Pond
on the east side of Almaden Expressway. Most of the usual waterfowl were
absent, no doubt because of the dogs swimming in the pond (there are always
a lot of dogs running loose here--don't know if it is approved or just
ignored by the water district). Did see an OSPREY, GREEN HERON, and
GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL. At Almaden Lake Park the gull numbers were low, but I
did see 1 MEW GULL among them. As usual there was 1 COMMON MOORHEN with
coots near the creek inflow, and COMMON MERGANSERS at the lake and farther
upstream. Counted almost 20 LINCOLN'S SPARROWS in weeds along the creek just
upstream from the lake.
John Mariani
email@hidden
www.birdswest.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Nov 14 08:30:22 2000
Subject: [SBB] Palo Alto CBC
--------
Hi Folks,
I am coordinating region 8, and will be needing counters, especially for
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, and Hidden Villa, both of which often
yield some great birds. I could also use some experienced counters for
Foothill Park, which is normally closed to non Palo Alto residents. So if
you've been dying to bird there give me a shout. The count is Mon Dec 18.
Leda Beth Gray
Board Member and Conservation Chair
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
---------------------------------------------------------
JOIN US!
Check out our web site at: http://www.scvas.org
---------------------------------------------------------
Our mission is to maintain, protect and preserve native animal and plant
habitat, and to foster a greater public awareness of our environment, with
emphasis on birds and their ecosystems, particularly in Santa Clara County
and in the San Francisco Bay Area.
--------
Attachment
1.1 KBytes
--------
From email@hidden Tue Nov 14 08:56:47 2000
Subject: [SBB] Mt. Hamilton CBC
--------
Folks:
The 24th Mt. Hamilton CBC will be held on Wednesday, December 20th. As
always, the count is run by Don Schmoldt, who will be delighted to have anyone
join this sometimes poor-weather count. The count circle extends from just
west of Mt. Hamilton to cover a large portion of the Diablo Range including
bits of Alameda and Stanislaus counties. Much of this land is private
property, but Don has arranged for access to areas where mere mortals
generally cannot go. Traditionally, the countdown dinner is held in Lotus and
Keith Baker's house, which, for you trivia fans, is the highest house in Santa
Clara County.
Don and his wife Sally Walters are moving to Sacramento next week. The
best contact is probably e-mail: . Don's phone number
is 916-739-8821 and, if this doesn't work, try Sally's: 916-739-6465. For the
regulars, Don expected to send packets out this past weekend.
Bill
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Nov 14 09:12:44 2000
Subject: Re: [SBB] Leucistic RCKI
--------
Dear Les
My Random House Dictionary has leucite a whitish or greyish mineral.
and leuco, a combining form with the meanings white from the Greel
meaning white, bright.
Ruth Troetschler
----------------------------------
At 3:08 PM -0800 11/13/00, Les Chibana wrote:
>[Apologies for the duplicates because of my cross-posting!]
>
>Curious? In "normal-speak" this means a pale Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
>On 4 Nov 2000, one was banded and photographed at the Coyote Creek
>Field Station of the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory. I've posted
>some images and some notes at the following URL:
>
>
>
>By the way, "leucistic" is an odd word. You probably won't find it in
>a standard dictionary; I'm not sure if it will be in a dictionary of
>biological terms. A few months ago, I did a Web search and got a lot
>of reptile Web sites discussing the Leucistic Leopard Gecko, a popular
>captive reptile. I'm happy to see that the birding community has been
>busy lately and there are now many bird references and leucism. Some
>examples,
>
>http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/feb99/919442794.Zo.r.html
>http://www.umd.umich.edu/dept/rouge_river/mywa.html
>http://www.komkon.org/~cassino/public/
>http://www.hummingbirds.net/albino.html
>http://www.best.com/~petrel/Angus.Leucistic.GBBGU.html
>http://www.astro.utu.fi/~hlehto/photo/owl100.shtml
>
>Les
>
>
>-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
>This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
>server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
>message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
--
Ruth Troetschler
--------
Attachment
2.4 KBytes
--------
From email@hidden Tue Nov 14 20:23:51 2000
Subject: [SBB] SBBU Web Site Revised
--------
Greetings:
I have totally revised the SBBU Web Site. It is now in "Frames" so
that it will be easier to add new features in the future. You will
find yourself using the "Back" key a lot, or else clicking on the
Table of Contents that is always present.
Since it is not intuitive how to print pages from a frame web site, I
have added a listing in the Table of Contents on "How to Print These
Pages".
Formatting has been cleaned up somewhat, files have been rearranged,
and some new pictures have been added.
Your comments and suggestions are very welcome. What new features
should I add?
Are there things that could be eliminated or reorganized? Are any of
the links now out of date? Do you have some favorite links that I
could add?
I haven't had time to check out everything on a PC, so let me know if
anything doesn't line up correctly or whatever.
South Bay Birders Unlimited (SBBU)
http://www.stanford.edu/~kendric/birds/
Regards,
Kendric
-----------------------------------------
Kendric C. Smith, Ph.D.
927 Mears Court
Stanford, CA 94305-1041
(650) 493-7210 (voice or fax)
email@hidden
http://www.stanford.edu/~kendric/
------------------------------------------
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Wed Nov 15 12:29:50 2000
Subject: [SBB] San Jose CBC
--------
Hello All,
This is to announce the San Jose Christmas Bird Count to be held on Sunday,
Dec 17. As always we need counters in all areas - Alviso Salt Ponds and
wetlands; the Diablo Hills, inc Calaveras Reservoir and SF Watershed Lands;
riparian corridors; and urban parks. This year the countdown dinner will be
held at Emma Prusch Park, 247 S. King Rd, San Jose (near the intersections
of Hwys 101 & 280).
Please contact me if you would like to participate and what type of habitat
you would like to count in. Also you can contact me if you have any
questions.
Thanks, Ann, SJ CBC compiler
email@hidden
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Wed Nov 15 13:45:17 2000
Subject: [SBB] Monterey Peninsula CBC
--------
To all birders:
(Apologies to all those who receive this message more than once, ie. Mike.)
Friday, December 29th is the date for the Monterey Peninsula Christmas Bird
Count. It always proves to be a splendid affair in one of the most
beautiful areas in the state. I'd like to invite you all to participate in
one form or another. Counters are always needed, especially on the pelagic
portion of the count ($20 fee). A home-cooked dinner is provided FREE to
all participants at the countdown. For more information or to RSVP, please
call or e-mail me. Thanks!
Steve Rovell, compiler
483 Ferris Ave.
Marina, CA 93933
(831) 883-9288
email@hidden
PS - Some people always wonder why this count always occurs on a weekday.
The cost of the boat is about doubled on weekends, making it prohibitively
expensive. In the past few years, I have attempted to schedule the count on
a Friday or Monday (adjoins the weekend) to include as many people as
possible.
--------
Attachment
1.2 KBytes
--------
From email@hidden Wed Nov 15 19:55:33 2000
Subject: [SBB] Great Blue Heron
--------
A friend and I birded Guadaloupe Oak Grove Park in the early afternoon
today. We were surprised to find a Great Blue Heron walking about in the
grassy area at the foot of the hill near the restrooms. It seemed unusual
to us to find this bird in this oak/grassland habitat.
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Wed Nov 15 23:24:14 2000
Subject: [SBB] osprey
--------
All,
If you would like to photograph an OSPREY or view it at close hand,
Gordon and Claudia Peterson have constructed a blind on my back deck. The
view is unobstructed and within about 50 feet. Call me first at (408)
395-4264 to find out if it is here. I can't predict anything in advance.
Yesterday it left at daylight, returned at 7:00 a.m. with a fish and stayed
until around 9:30 a.m. Today, it stayed until around 2:30 p.m. It usually
returns for the night between sundown and dark.
Jean
Los Gatos
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Wed Nov 15 23:59:19 2000
Subject: [SBB] Wednesday birds, Calero Reservoir
--------
Howdy South-bay-birders,
Just some of today's sightings--
At lunchtime today I saw an adult GOLDEN EAGLE flying over Santa Teresa
Blvd. north of Bailey Avenue. Scoped Calero Reservoir from the boat launch
late this afternoon. Shorebirds there included LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS,
GREATER YELLOWLEGS, LEAST SANDPIPERS, and BLACK-NECKED STILTS. On the west
side of the reservoir there was a PEREGRINE FALCON perched in an oak (very
distant even with the scope). About 10 COMMON MERGANSERS were also on the
west side of the reservoir. Scanning the water it looks like EARED GREBES
and COMMON GOLDENEYES have really increased here. At the east end there were
still 5 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, along with the majority of the coots and
ducks.
John Mariani
email@hidden
www.birdswest.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 16 05:31:06 2000
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
This morning, 16 Nov 00, I saw an OSPREY carrying a fish away from Coyote
Creek at the end of Bernal in south San Jose.
Last Monday I had a couple of TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS in the trees at Mission
College and San Tomas Aquino Creek.
Mike Mammoser
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 16 07:44:09 2000
Subject: [SBB] -
--------
Folks:
Yesterday, 11/15/2000, I saw a female-plumaged HOODED MERGANSER in the
Mountain View Forebay. However, she was not there this morning. Also, an
adult PEREGRINE FALCON was on a tower at the Stevens Creek Tidal Marsh as has
often been the case this winter. I saw four VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS over
Charleston Slough.
This morning, 11/16/2000, the BLACK SKIMMER count at Charleston Slough
was 12. Noticeable this week has been an increase in BUFFLEHEAD at Charleston
Slough and the Mountain View salt ponds, from four birds on Monday to 20+
today. Similarly, Shoreline Lake had four COMMON GOLDENEYES last Monday and
15+ today. I suspect the frost we've had in the last week has meant ice on
northern lakes and ponds where these diving birds have lingered.
Bill
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 16 08:25:01 2000
Subject: [SBB] Re: Great Blue Heron
--------
Herons and egrets both seem to be well adapted to suburbia here. Before
Stanford started building condos along Sand Hill Road, my bicycling husband
often saw as many as 4 GBH in the fields hunting for ground squirrels.
There was even one that hunted right alongside the edge of the road,
seemingly indifferent to the hundreds of cars passing by. Like Peregrines
going after pigeons, they're apparently taking advantage of an easy meal.
Nancy Teater
From: "R. Strait"
To: "South-bay Bird List"
Subject: [SBB] Great Blue Heron
Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2000 19:55:33 -0800
MIME-Version: 1.0
Sender: email@hidden
A friend and I birded Guadaloupe Oak Grove Park in the early afternoon
today. We were surprised to find a Great Blue Heron walking about in the
grassy area at the foot of the hill near the restrooms. It seemed unusual
to us to find this bird in this oak/grassland habitat.
--
Nancy R. Teater Hamilton Communications phone: +1 650 321 0252
email@hidden http://web.hamilton.com fax: +1 650 327 4660
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 16 11:39:55 2000
Subject: [SBB] My Farm
--------
I've been out of town so decided to take a mid-morning stress-relief break and walk to "my farm" (La Rinconada Park). As I entered off Bicknell there was a large flock of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS. Couldn't find any other species in the flock.
As I came to the "third" bridge I noticed a lot of bird activity. I sat on the picnic table in front of the largest Euc in the park and was intrigued. About 100 ROBIN's were flitting about. 20 CEDAR WAXWING'S. the normal 8 ACORN WOODPECKERS. Plus other assorted feathered friends. I've never seen this many Robins at "my farm" before.
Gloria LeBlanc
www.wallstreetgifts.com
"largest selection of Wall Street inspired gifts"
www.cowcowscows.com
"site for the Chicago and NYC cows"
--------
Attachment
1.3 KBytes
--------
From email@hidden Thu Nov 16 19:18:51 2000
Subject: [SBB] Off topic: recommendations for W. Europe field guide wanted
--------
I'm making a trip to Germany in December. Will spend most time in Munich
but will probably be out in the Bavarian countryside on at least one
occasion. In the past I've simply guessed at the birds I was seeing; this
time I'd like to take a compact field guide. Suggestions?
Thanks,
Natasha
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Thu Nov 16 23:25:50 2000
Subject: [SBB] Calero-Morgan Hill CBC scheduled for Sat., December 30th
--------
Howdy South-bay-birders,
Yup, it's another Christmas Bird Count reminder -- the next
Calero-Morgan Hill CBC is scheduled for Saturday, December 30th. We have a
big area to cover and lots of birds to count, so we need all the eyes and
ears we can get. We especially need experienced help in some of our best
areas--Ogier Ponds and Calero Reservoir need party leaders!
Of course birders of all experience levels are welcome to take part.
Participants will be divided into parties, each with specific territories to
cover. Areas within the circle include Almaden Quicksilver and Santa Teresa
County Parks; Almaden, Calero, Chesbro, and Guadalupe Reservoirs; the
northern half of Anderson Reservoir; Almaden Lake Park; the northern Coyote
Valley, including the Ogier Ponds and Parkway Lakes; Coyote Ridge in the
Hamilton Range; and the summit of Loma Prieta. So pick an area that sounds
interesting and join us on count day--we could use help everywhere!
Please contact me if you want to take part in the count or have
questions about it. If you participated last time please let me know if you
would like to cover the same area or a different one, and if you are new to
the count let me know if you are interested in a particular area or habitat.
To those who reply I will soon be sending out an email with more complete
information, directions to the countdown location, etc.
John Mariani
(408)997-2066
email@hidden
www.birdswest.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Fri Nov 17 08:20:27 2000
Subject: [SBB] Merganser at MV Forebay
--------
The female-plumage HOODED MERGANSER was at the Mountain View Forebay at 4:30 PM yesterday.
Charles Coston
______________________________________________________
Listen to your favorite music while you work!
- http://www.com/
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Nov 18 04:28:49 2000
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
Today, 18 Nov 00, I went to the Charleston Slough area. I heard at least one
each SORA and VIRGINIA RAIL in the forebay. There was also about 30
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS here, which is a higher number than I normally
see at this location.
Shoreline Lake had a female HOODED MERGANSER, a handful of COMMON
GOLDENEYES, EARED, HORNED, and WESTERN GREBES.
There were 12 BLACK SKIMMERS on Charleston Slough, along with a sizable
flock of CANVASBACK.
The north pond of the PAFCB had 5 male and 3 female BLUE-WINGED TEAL.
Mike Mammoser
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Nov 18 08:42:14 2000
Subject: [SBB] Oka birds
--------
Yesterday afternoon there was a late YELLOW WARBLER in the Eucalyptus by the parking lot north of the Los Gatos percolation ponds. The Oka/Los Gatos ponds had the usual mix, including the OSPREY on the dead tree in the north pond, SNIPE on the creek islands, and an immature COOPERS HAWK along the creek. Along the creek upstream of the ponds there is a domestic/wild mix MALLARD with a growth on the head as big as the bird's head. It seems to be otherwise healthy.
Charles Coston
______________________________________________________
Listen to your favorite music while you work!
- http://www.com/
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Nov 18 14:33:36 2000
Subject: [SBB] Some County Birds
--------
On Saturday morning, the 18th, at the eastern end of Shoreline Lake there
were a couple of Horned Grebes and a male Barrow's Goldeneye. At the
Crittenden Marsh walk-in/parking area, there were a flock of American Pipits.
While I was observing them, an adult Golden Eagle flew in over my head and
landed on the squirrel-infested hillside just outside the heavy wooden fence.
It spent the next several minutes chasing squirrels around on foot! Then it
flew off to a power tower. Later, on my way out, I found the eagle again on
the ground near that slight northern excursion of the heavy wooden fence
where a couple of Burrowing Owls were still to be seen. It soon flew off to
the west, but then seemed to return in a few minutes with a friend of his.
Altogether, I probably got views of 3 Golden Eagles and 3 Burrowing Owls.
Frank Vanslager
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Nov 18 17:43:47 2000
Subject: [SBB] Saturday Birds
--------
All,
Today before dusk at Sunnyvale WPCP, one male Green-winged Teal and six
Bonaparte's Gulls were seen.
The ponds are full of Canvasback, Northern Shoveler and lesser numbers of
Gadwall and Ruddy Duck. 45 American White Pelicans flew overhead to the
northwest.
Earlier at Don Edwards, a flock of Short-billed Dowitchers, a dozen Eared
Grebe, Belted Kingfisher and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
State & Spreckles had Lesser Yellowlegs, American Avocet, and an adult male
American Kestrel.
Good birding.
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Nov 18 19:01:35 2000
Subject: [SBB] Ring-necked Pheasant
--------
Hi,
I can't remember how long it has been since I saw my last RING-NECKED
PHEASANTat the Environmental Education Center. This morning I walked in
from Alviso and, just as I was rounding the turn to the north, a cock
flew over and landed near the pump house, calling all the way. One of
our weekend persons, Jamie, said one hen raised six chicks last summer.
A TURKEY VULTURE overhead, but nothing else of special interest on my
noon walk.
Lee Lovelady, Volunteer Naturalist.
________________________________________________________________
GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!
Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Nov 18 19:44:38 2000
Subject: [SBB] hawks etc.
--------
As a child, I thought of hawks as creatures of the wilderness, rare and
distant. And in the era of DDT, perhaps they were. Now I look at our
neighborhood, so far from that wilderness ideal, and think about how
wonderfully inaccurate my old ideas are. Yesterday I watched a pair of
Kestrels perched on the shrubby overpass embankment of Lawrence Expressway
as it passes over El Camino. The day before I *may* have seen a Peregrine
over the nearby Safeway parking lot. And within the previous week I had
good sightings of a Red Tail circling Walgreens, the Merlin on my
neighbor's antenna, and a Sharpie on the telephone pole in front of our
apartment complex. Four or five species in one week in a perfectly boring
plot of apts., little ranch houses with tiny yards, and strip
malls. Wow. Seems they do pretty well out of the wilderness when we don't
shoot or poison them...
Friday was a good day for birds in other ways. Mark saw a Peregrine and a
Red Shouldered Hawk along 237 near 880, and I saw and heard my first fall
flock of Cedar Waxwings, as they made a quick Los Altos flyby. Saw "my"
male Townsend's Warbler at Marymeade park too, as well as the pair of
Downies. More waxwings today at Audubon's McClellan ranch, but still none
close enough to really admire their beautiful plumage. Send some a little
closer, OK? :)
Finally, a quick note of thanks to everyone who offered recommendations for
field guides to European birds. We stopped by the Audubon shop and picked
up Lars Jonsson's _Birds of Europe_, which came highly recommended and
seems to be a really nice book. I just hope I get to see some of these
great birds!
--Natasha
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sat Nov 18 21:44:45 2000
Subject: [SBB] Red Fox & Oka Highlights
--------
About 7:30 AM yesterday I came to the top of my street (Montclair) to head down the hill on my morning walk and was surprised to see two red fox at the corner of Hippelwhite & Montclair - a residential corner. The fox with the white tip on its tail headed back down the road and went into the 10 acres of open space. The other one ran into the cul de sac. I heard it howling, couldn't figure how to get through the fence that separates these homes from the open space. I've never seen foxes other than at "My farm" which is over a half a mile away...this was a block from me!
I watched a California Towhee at "my farm" fly through the chain link fence. It would fly at normal speed, then tuck its wings in for a heartbeat, then fly again from the other side. I love bird behavior. It was like flying through the eye of a needle.
At Oka Ponds today I saw 2 pairs of COMMON MERGANSERS, is there any bird more beautiful than the male one? There were 2 SNIPE on their island. Counted 58 DOUBLE-BREASTED COURMORANTS sitting on "their wire", another dozen swimming - is there somewhere else in the county that has this concentration of these birds? I don't think I've seen it. Lots of YELLOW-RUMPS. Both a GREEN HERON and a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON.
In my backyard I haven't spotted the WHITE-THROATED SPARROW this week - but I've been busy. At dusk tonight there were 72 MODO's and a dozen QUAIL. My BAND-TAILED'S have dwindled from a peak of 72, to a more normal count of 20-30, down to less than a dozen. The GOLDFINCHES are eating lots of thistle from my feeder, emptying half of the feed in my 4" feeder daily. There are about a dozen AMERICAN and another dozen LESSER feeding several times throughout the day.
Gloria LeBlanc
www.wallstreetgifts.com
"largest selection of Wall Street inspired gifts"
www.cowcowscows.com
"site for the Chicago and NYC cows"
--------
Attachment
2.7 KBytes
--------
From email@hidden Sun Nov 19 12:52:01 2000
Subject: [SBB] Fwd: Lesser Black Backed Gull and Snow Goose
--------
This is a note from Calvin Lou.
Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000 20:28:37 -0800
LAKE CUNNINGHAM- SAN JOSE NOV 18, 2000 400-430PM.
After shopping at the Gilroy Outlet Factories, we decided to head to Lake
Cunningham.
I saw the LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL on the small island with the white
pelicans, a couple of snowy egrets, a great erget, d-c cormorants and
several ring-billed gulls. As I got closer to the island, I saw the flock of
domestic geese heading toward me. There a smaller bird in amongst them. It
turned out to an immature SNOW GOOSE.
Now, we heading to the Great Mall. Shopping and birding.
Calvin Lou
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Nov 19 13:10:27 2000
Subject: [SBB] BWTE
--------
All,
Yesterday late afternoon in the Palo Alto Flood Control Basin along
Frontage Road there were between 35-40 BLUE-WINGED TEALS. Seems to be a
dependable place for them each fall and a nice opportunity to compare
all three female Teal species.
Matthew Dodder
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Nov 19 13:56:37 2000
Subject: [SBB] Palm Warbler
--------
Today, an immature Western Palm Warbler was banded at CCFS. It was
captured in one of the nets that are temporarily set up north of the
regular ones at the trailer. (Same area where the Painted Bunting and
Brown Thrasher were captured in September).
Rita Colwell
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Nov 19 16:32:36 2000
Subject: [SBB] Stevens Creek Shoreline
--------
On our morning walk today we identified approximately 50 species.
Highlights were: five Burrowing Owls, at two burrows, on the green hills
northeast of the kite flying area, American Pipits in the field, a Sora,
dashing across the mud north of the first wooden bridge east of the
mitigation channel, Black-Bellied Plover, a Belted Kingfisher,
Bonaparte's Gulls, Canvasbacks and adult and juvenile Black-Crowned Night
Herons at the bay side.
On Friday, we saw a Clapper Rail (also dashing, but I saw enough to tell
it had a longer bill than the Sora that we'd also seen), a Dunlin, plus a
Loggerhead Shrike at the northeast corner of the impoundment.
Debbi Brusco
________________________________________________________________
GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!
Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Sun Nov 19 21:54:42 2000
Subject: [SBB] Ospreys, Cormorants & Egrets
--------
All,
This morning at 9:15 the female OSPREY was eating a fish. Another osprey
appeared and began circling her. Although I couldn't hear her through the
double-pane windows, she seemed to be vocalizing, either calling to her mate
or protesting the intrusion of a stranger. At this time of year, I think it
was the latter. In either case, she didn't fly off until she had finished
eating the fish.
Another interesting occurrance. A hundred or so DOUBLE-CRESTED
CORMORANTS were swimming and fishing down the middle of Vasona Reservoir.
Apparently, some of the fish they were hunting headed toward the shore. Some
30 AMERICAN and SNOWY EGRETS were taking advantage of this by working the
shallows along the shore. As the cormorants preceded down the lake, the
egrets flew forward to keep abreast of them, stopped to fish, then fly
forward again.
Jean
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 20 02:51:04 2000
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
On the way to the San Felipe Valley on Sunday, 19 Nov 00, I had an OSPREY
over the Metcalf Ponds. An adult RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was near the
intersection of Metcalf and San Felipe Roads.
In the valley I saw a small PRAIRIE FALCON, undoubtedly a male, hunting over
the horse pastures. It made a number of low-level forays, skimming along
about a foot or two above the surface of the ground, looking to surprise an
unwary ground squirrel. Also present was a SAY'S PHOEBE and a dark-morph
RED-TAILED HAWK. I could hear WILD TURKEYS calling from the tree line.
I then visited the Ogier Ponds, where I found another OSPREY feeding on a
fish at the top of a bare tree. Ducks that were present on the ponds
included large numbers of GADWALLS, 52 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 15 LESSER SCAUP, 7
AMERICAN WIGEON, 2 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 5 CANVASBACK, 4 BUFFLEHEADS, and
uncounted RUDDY DUCKS. There were 4 COMMON MERGANSERS (1 male, 3 females)
and 7 HOODED MERGANSERS (3 males, 4 females). The gull flocks included over
100 CALIFORNIA, 37 HERRING, 2 THAYER'S, 2 GLAUCOUS-WINGED, and 5 MEW GULLS.
A flight of 55 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS slightly to the south was
interesting.
On the way home I saw another dark-morph RED-TAILED HAWK at Monterey Hwy and
Bailey.
Mike Mammoser
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 20 05:53:28 2000
Subject: [SBB] :
--------
On a lunch time walk today, 20 Nov 00, I stopped at the trees near San Tomas
Aquino Creek and Mission College Blvd. Besides the abundant YELLOW-RUMPED
WARBLERS, I found a gummy-faced ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER and a TOWNSEND'S
WARBLER. There was a nice sized flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS here as well.
Another TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, a bright male, was at the corner of Scott and
Olcott.
Mike Mammoser
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 20 08:14:08 2000
Subject: [SBB] Almaden Birds
--------
Hello All,
Here are some birds of interest seen over the weekend in the Almaden area.
Calero Reservoir (Nov 18): The male EURASIAN WIGEON was still present
(finally saw it after three tries); it was seen preening and resting on a
mud spit in the midst of a bunch of coots. Another interesting duck was a
female HOODED MERGANSER. Six AMER WHITE PELICANS were circling and flying
over the reservoir then seen heading northwest over the dam - they may have
been displaced by the arrival of 150+ Canada Geese on the mudflats at the
eastern end. 50+ EARED GREBES were at the lower end near the dam. Most of
the interesting birds were at the shallower eastern end, and here's a list
of ducks seen (besides the two noted above): Green-winged Teal, Mallard, N.
Pintail, N. Shoveler, Gadwall, Amer Wigeon, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck,
Lesser Scaup, Comm Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Comm Merganser, Ruddy Duck - and
shorebirds: Killdeer, Black-necked Stilt, Greater Yellowlegs, Least
Sandpiper, Dunlin, Long-billed Dowitcher. An immature PEREGRINE FALCON was
also seen on the shoreline at the eastern end.
Almaden Reservoir (Nov 19): Only 15 WOOD DUCKS were seen this time - a
disappointing number as last week (Nov 12) 63 were present; however, an
unseen person was shooting off a shotgun scaring most of the waterfowl -
very disturbing at this usually tranquil locale. Four COMMON MERGANSERS
were on the reservoir, and on the peripheral mudflats ten COMMON SNIPE and
three SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were seen. There was a lot of passerine activity
at one of the pullouts along Alamitos Road and here I found a tan-striped
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW in the underbrush with a mixed sparrow/junco flock,
and higher up in an oak a HERMIT WARBLER - a little birdy bonanza.
And just a final note - please support our CBC's if you can. The areas just
described are covered in the Calero-Morgan Hill CBC.
Thanks, Ann
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 20 15:08:03 2000
Subject: [SBB] EEC Possibles
--------
Serious Birders,
Sharon, at the Environmental Education Center, said a party of
out-of-county birders, who claimed to be serious birders, reported a
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER just off the board walk, and also saw a RUSTY
BLACKBIRD. Two neat birds to look for when at the EEC.
Reference the recent report of Great Blue Herons chasing ground
squirrels, has anyone out there ever seen the GB Heron actually swallow
a ground squirrel? Would they peck the squirrel to death?
Lee Lovelady, Volunteer Naturalist, EEC.
________________________________________________________________
GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!
Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 20 15:09:03 2000
Subject: [SBB] Historical Query
--------
Folks:
San Mateo, Marin, Santa Cruz, and Alameda counties all have books on
place names, but not so Santa Clara, I guess. So for you historians out
there, where would _Ferguson's Swamp_ be? A few weeks ago I discussed some of
the early birders, including H. R. Taylor of Alameda County, who was a fierce
oologist. On 30 Apr 1889, he collected a set (2 eggs) from a Swainson's
Hawk's nest in Ferguson's Swamp. This was a period when Swainson's Hawk was a
common to abundant species in southern Monterey County and western Fresno
County with scattered records in San Benito, Contra Costa, and Yolo counties.
There is a second egg set from Berryessa, collected by Rollo Beck on 21 Apr
1894. Interestingly, there is no mention by early observers, such as Barlow,
Van Denburgh, and Grinnell of either of these records, but the
oologist-naturalist connection was often tenuous.
Bill
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 20 16:10:01 2000
Subject: [SBB] Re: Great Blues & Ground Squirrels
--------
When I was first birding, in 1983, I watched a Great Blue Heron stalk
ground squirrels. He was in a field, stood absolutely still and waited
until one appeared. He speared one with his beak and proceeded to eat it
whole, head first. This was down at UC Santa Barbara . Kathy Parker
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 20 16:30:28 2000
Subject: [SBB] BAGO
--------
All,
The adult male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was still at the east end of Shoreline
Lake this afternoon 11/20/00. Twenty COMMON GOLDENEYES were also on the
lake.
Mike Rogers
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Mon Nov 20 17:56:52 2000
Subject: [SBB] White-headed Ruddy Duck
--------
This morning at the mouth of Alviso Slough, while conducting a survey, Sue Macias and Yvonne McHugh saw a SHORT-EARED OWL and the immature BALD EAGLE that had previously been seen in the same area. Late in the afternoon, Yvonne McHugh and I saw an AMERICAN BITTERN flush from the marsh between pond A9 and the Mouth of Alviso Slough, 4 EURASIAN WIGEON in A9 with a large group of mixed ducks including AMERICAN WIGEON, a BLUE-WINGED TEAL in the northwest corner of the pond, and a white-headed RUDDY DUCK toward the northeast corner of the pond mixed in with many other RUDDY DUCKS. Unfortunately we didn't have time to examine the white-headed duck more closely, since the sun was approaching the horizon. How common is it for RUDDY DUCKS to have a white head? I think there was a recent post about this, but I don't have it at hand.
Cheryl Millett
Biologist
San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory
PO Box 247
1290 Hope Street
Alviso, CA 95002
phone 408/946-6548
fax 408/946-9279
--------
Attachment
1.4 KBytes
--------
From email@hidden Mon Nov 20 18:52:47 2000
Subject: [SBB] CCFS Saturday 11/18/00
--------
Banding on Saturday at Coyote Creek Field Station (SFBBO) didn't net
anything as unique as Sunday's Palm Warbler, but there were some
interesting birds.
Most unlikely was a HUTTON'S VIREO, which is rarely banded at CCFS.
A female ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was recaptured; it appeared to be of
the gray-headed, celata race, based on wing length and sex, less so
on gray-headedness. We also banded a GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, 4th for
the fall season, so far.
The bulk of the species were Audubon's YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS (8),
HERMIT THRUSH (6), LINCOLN'S SPARROW (5), SONG SPARROW (5), and
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET (3). Also recaptured a BEWICK'S WREN. Only
one WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW (pugetensis) was netted.
This morning, 11/20/00, at our home along Skyline Blvd., a SHARP-
SHINNED HAWK came down to the ground looking for prey.
Les Chibana
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Nov 21 07:59:00 2000
Subject: [SBB] Los Gatos Creek Park Osprey
--------
Hi,
For the second day in a row, I've seen an Osprey perched in the tree on the
island just past the entrance to Los Gatos Creek Park. I wonder if he
commutes to Vasona.
Don Ganton
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Nov 21 10:16:52 2000
Subject: [SBB] Rusty Blackbird
--------
Dear Birders,
I stirred up quite a few letters over the report of the Rusty Blackbird
at the EEC Sunday. Sharon is off today, but I E-mailed her and hope to
hear something back Tuesday. One thing in favor of the RB. In fifteen
years at the Environmental Education Center, I have never seen a Brewer's
Blackbird there. But the bird guides show the Rusty Blackbird as an
inhabitant of marshy situations.
Note that at low tide, the shorebirds flock to the mudflats in Mallard
Slough, near the floating pier. At high tides, they move over to the
shallow pond just west of the observation deck in New Chicago Marsh. I
admit I would have difficulty singling out a Barid's Sandpiper.
Cheers, Lee Lovelady, Volunteer Natuaralist.
________________________________________________________________
GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!
Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to email@hidden
From email@hidden Tue Nov 21 13:53:48 2000
Subject: [SBB] Charleston/Shoreline
--------
Hi, all
Yesterday and today I guided two bird field trips to the Charleston Slough
area for my Zoology class at De Anza, and had a few good birds.
Yesterday's highlights included an AMERICAN BITTERN (which lifted up from
Charleston Slough and flew toward the Flood Control Basin area), one
CALIFORNIA THRASHER, and a great look at BLACK SKIMMERS skimming (and
harrassed by Ring-bills whenever they caught anything, of course).
Today, in the rain, the female HOODED MERGANSER was again at the northern
end of Shoreline Lake, with a couple of female COMMON GOLDENEYE. We didn't
go far enough to check on the Barrow's, seen recently on the lake. We also
had a great look at a male RING-NECKED PHEASANT, toward Charleston Slough,
near where the new observation deck is being built.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Jesse Conklin
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com
-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==
This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list
server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the
message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to ema