Parent
From email@hidden Wed Sep 01 08:36:14 1999
Subject: [SBB] Calbird status
All:
I am trying to conform if calbird is still alive and well (and that I
somehow screwed up resubscribing when I changed computers) or whether there
is no traffic anymore on this site. If it is still active, I would
appreciate the latest subscription information.
Thanks, Nick
Nick Lethaby
Technical Marketing Manager
CoWare, Inc.
Tel: 408 845 7646
E-mail: email@hidden
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From email@hidden Wed Sep 01 08:51:52 1999
Subject: [SBB] Chickadee
We just had our first confirmed chestnut backed chickadee of the
season (actually, two). That's early for our yard, but the addition
of a niger feeder may have moved them in early. We had one in with
the bushtits working on a tree next door Monday, and have confirmed
at least two visiting the feeders.
location is central park, santa clara. We normally have a couple of
fall/winter chickadees here, but they haven't shown this early before.
--
Chuq Von Rospach (Hockey fan? )
Apple Mail List Gnome (mailto:email@hidden)
Plaidworks Consulting (mailto:email@hidden)
+
The Jedi that I admire most met up with Darth Maul and now he's toast...
(Weird Al Yankovic - The Saga Begins)
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From email@hidden Wed Sep 01 08:57:19 1999
Subject: [SBB] VASW, OSPR -Reply
Grant
I'm jealous, so you went to see Steve Winwood, eh??
I heard he was really good on Monday.
Oh, yeah, nice swifts too!!
regards
Alan W.
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From email@hidden Wed Sep 01 09:35:04 1999
Subject: [SBB] The Action
Folks:
On my bike commute this morning, 9/1/1999, there was a great deal of
bird activity on Salt Pond A1. I estimated 520 AM. WHITE PELICANS, which is
the high count so far this season. I didn't count the GREAT and SNOWY EGRETS,
but they both were around a hundred. Single BROWN PELICANS were on Charleston
Slough, Salt Pond A1, and Salt Pond A2W.
Bill
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From email@hidden Wed Sep 01 11:00:30 1999
Subject: [SBB] Busy feeders
Home from work, recuperating from an injury, I've had lots of time to
watch feeders the past month. The hummer feeders, in particular,
have been very busy and quite interesting.
We've had a busy time with Hooded Orioles. For awhile, we had 5
regular visitors, two adults, two juvenile males and one juvenile
female. We saw the young ones being taught -- by example -- to
use the feeders. Then we didn't see any for awhile. Recently, we've
had as many as 3 females at once, two juveniles. Again got a
chance to watch teaching. It seems likely that there was a second
brood. Haven't seen a male for more than a week now, so they may
have departed.
Jillions of hummers, all Annas. We have 2 feeders about 20 ft
apart, with no obstructions between. In the past, they have both
been "owned" by one dominant male, as is typical for feeders in
view of each other. This summer, the ownership is split. The owner
of the one farther from the house, close to large viburnum bushes,
watches and doesn't react to activities at the one next to the
house. It has no close-by shady, sheltered perch, so it's harder to
defend. There's aerial combat there about every 2 minutes all day.
The owner must go wandering or get fatigued occasionally,
because we have had 2 and even 3 feeding simultaneously at that
feeder a few times.
Hummers, orioles, chickadees. We've used a lot of sugar water
this summer. Also bumper crops of baby House Finches and
Lesser Goldfinches.
George Oetzel
Menlo Park (barely out of SC Co)
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From email@hidden Wed Sep 01 12:56:00 1999
Subject: [SBB] (mostly) Alviso birding
All:
On 20 Aug., Scott Terrill saw the female RUFF at State and Spreckles
in Alviso at 08:45. Much checking (of this pond, CCFS, and
Calabazas) since then has failed to produce the bird.
On 24 Aug., I had 71 GREATER (2 juv.) and 16 LESSER (1 juv.)
YELLOWLEGS. Fifteen VAUX'S SWIFTS were foraging in the area.
On 25 Aug., I visited Calabazas Marsh, seeing the ad. STILT
SANDPIPER, a SNOWY PLOVER (unusual here even though they nest
just across the slough in pond A8), and 5 ad. GREATER and 24
LESSER (15 juv.) YELLOWLEGS. At State and Spreckles I had 33
GREATER (9 juv.) and 3 ad. LESSER YELLOWLEGS; 20 VAUX'S SWIFTS
were foraging here, and 5 more were near our office.
On 26 Aug., another check of Calabazas Marsh produced the
ad. STILT SANDPIPER, a COMMON SNIPE, 7 ad. GREATER YELLOWLEGS,
39 LESSER YELLOWLEGS (30 juv.), and an ad. PEREGRINE FALCON.
State and Spreckles had 16 ad. GREATER and 7 LESSER (5 juv.)
YELLOWLEGS and 16 VAUX'S SWIFTS. A WILLOW FLYCATCHER was
near the banding trailer at CCFS, and a WESTERN KINGBIRD
was perched along the creek. The waterbird pond had 525
DOWITCHERS; all heard were Long-billed.
On 31 Aug., a quick check of the fennel patch at the Sunnyvale
WPCP produced only 4 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS. Ten VAUX'S
SWIFTS foraged overhead, and an imm. PEREGRINE FALCON was
perched on a power pole. An ad. female HOODED ORIOLE was
feeding recently fledged young near our office.
Today (1 Sep.), along the Guadalupe River upstream from
Montague Expwy., I had 1 MACGILLIVRAY'S, 1 ORANGE-CROWNED,
and 3 WILSON'S WARBLERS; 2 WILLOW, 3 PACIFIC-SLOPE, and 1
ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS; 2 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS; 1
WESTERN TANAGER; and 1 HOODED ORIOLE. A WESTERN WOOD-
PEWEE was near the old Agnews West facility. Two WHITE-
FACED IBIS, 90+ KILLDEER, and 40 CANADA GEESE were in the
irrigated fields west of Zanker Road and north of Hwy. 237.
An ad. STILT SANDPIPER at State and Spreckles could have
been the one previously present at Calabazas Marsh; it was
farther along in its molt into basic plumage (being entirely
basic below and having fewer alternate coverts) than when
I last saw the Calabazas bird, but I think they could be
the same bird. Also here were 98 GREATER (11 juv.) and
25 LESSER (16 juv.) YELLOWLEGS.
Steve Rottenborn
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From email@hidden Wed Sep 01 16:11:38 1999
Subject: [SBB] Suet Feeders
After years of failure with suet feeders I have finally had success
with a home-made mixture which I read, and was told about.
It consists of equal parts of suet, chuncky peanut butter, rolled
oats, cornmeal, and flour. I also added a few oil seeds. Other
goodies are also OK.
Melt the fats & stir in the dry ingredients. Cool in a loaf pan.
Cut into blocks of the correct size to fit a wire feeder.
White-breasted Nuthatches and Scrub Jays are coming so far. I hope
to attract the Nuttall's Woodpeckers, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, and
Plain Titmice that frequent my Los Altos yard year round, and
frequent my oil-seed feeder.
Ruth Troetschler
Ruth Troetschler
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From email@hidden Wed Sep 01 23:17:59 1999
Subject: [SBB] REKN
Last Saturday afternoon 8-28, while testing new camera gear at the far end
of Charleston Slough, I had a quick fly-by of three RED KNOTS, one in
alternate plumage. I did not have time to get a shot or even to get the
binos on them.
---------------------------------------------------------
Peter LaTourrette
Photo Gallery: http://www.stanford.edu/~petelat1/
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society: http://www.scvas.org/
Western Field Ornithologists: http://www.wfo-cbrc.org/
Peninsula Open Space Trust: http://www.openspacetrust.org/
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From email@hidden Thu Sep 02 13:05:35 1999
Subject: [SBB] No White-faced Ibis or Stilt Sandpiper
All,
This morning (about 8:45 AM and 11:00 AM) Frank Vanslager and I birded the
plowed fields on both sides of Zanker Rd. near Hwy 237. We had lots of
Canada Geese, Egrets (mostly Great), Yellowlegs, 3-4 American Crows, 3-4
Turkey Vultures (on the ground), 2 Whimbrel (we originally thought they were
Long-billed Curlews) and a Marbled Godwit but no White-faced Ibis :-( We
then went to the ponds at State St and Spreckles Av where we had lots of
Yellowlegs (both), Least Sandpipers, a few Dowitchers, a poorly seen Wilson's
Phalarope, and a single Vaux's Swift but no Stilt Sandpiper :-( An adult
PEREGRINE FALCON was on one of the towers south of the bend in the entrance
road to the EEC. EEC it's self was dead with lots of Least Sandpipers (in
the channel), a few gulls, 2 Eared Grebes, 2 White-tailed Kites and a Willet.
We then rechecked the plowed fields and went to Calabazas Ponds. Our
biggest disappointment of the day. The largest portion of the North Pond
contained 5 Killdeer (no Dowitchers or Stilt Sandpiper). There was some
action on the west end of the pond (the usual unmentionables plus ?) but it
was to late to walk around the pond. Not much today but it still beats
working!
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 1:14 PM, 9/2/99
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From email@hidden Thu Sep 02 13:18:14 1999
Subject: [SBB] Sunnyvale WPCP birds
All:
Today (2 Sep.), an ad. OSPREY and 12 WOOD DUCKS were at the
Ogier Ponds. Another 14 WOOD DUCKS were along Coyote Creek
between the Ogier Ponds and Hwy. 101 upstream.
A check of the Sunnyvale WPCP produced a good collection of
semi-rarities. A basic/immature-type COMMON TERN and a juv.
BLACK TERN were on the levee between the two sewer ponds
(both occasionally foraging in the larger pond). The Common
Tern looked like most of the ones we saw in August (like a
first-year bird or basic second/adult), and again, I saw
no molt limits in the primaries. On the folded wing, as seen
from close range, the visible primaries looked quite fresh,
but most of the secondaries were very worn and tattered,
contrasting with a few fresh secondaries and with the
greater coverts. Exposed mud in the northeast corner of the
larger pond had many peeps, including a juv. SEMIPALMATED
SANDPIPER. Even more surprising was an adult RED PHALAROPE
in the same area, the only phalarope present. This bird was
in mostly basic plumage, but there were a few alternate feathers
on the hindneck and in the scapulars and upperwing coverts, as
well as several rusty-red alternate feathers along each flank
(forming nearly a complete row on each side). According to
Scott Terrill, several Red Phalaropes have been reported onshore
around Monterey Bay in the past few days due to strong onshore
winds, so maybe these winds were responsible for the presence
of the Sunnyvale bird. Rounding out this list was a vocal BANK
SWALLOW seen and heard foraging with numerous VIOLET-GREEN and
BARN SWALLOWS overhead. Other birds seen here included a juv.
SPOTTED SANDPIPER, 100+ FORSTER'S TERNS (the number roosting on
the levee grew from about 30 at 14:00 to 100 at 15:00), and 65
BROWN PELICANS (flying over; about 50 were juveniles).
A check of the fields along Zanker Road north of Hwy. 237
turned up 7 juv. PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, 2 LESSER and 11 GREATER
YELLOWLEGS, single MARBLED GODWIT and LONG-BILLED CURLEW, 5
WHIMBRELS, 3 each of WESTERN and LEAST SANDPIPERS, and 130
KILLDEER.
Good birding,
Steve Rottenborn
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From email@hidden Fri Sep 03 10:19:42 1999
Subject: [SBB] BLTE,COTE,AMGPL
All,
Yesterday 9/2/99 after work, I stopped by the Sunnyvale Water
Pollution Control Plant, hoping to refind Steve's Red Phalarope. I
failed in this effort, but the juvenile BLACK TERN was still present
on the parallel dikes separating the two ponds, along with three
basic-plumaged COMMON TERNS. All three terns had no dark markings in
the tertials at all, but had very fresh powdery blue-gray primaries,
with thin black lines along the feather shafts and subterminal dark
outlines near the edges. On two of the birds the visible inner
primaries were notably more worn, being blacker and lacking as much of
the powdery bloom.
Further out at the northeast corner of the big pond I could not refind
Steve's rare shorebirds, but I was treated to a juvenile AMERICAN
GOLDEN-PLOVER near the green vegetation on the more westerly of the
exposed muddy areas. This bird had fairly bright yellow flecking on
the crown, mantle, and scapulars, but the supercilium was broad and
white and the face and chest lacked any yellow tones, being soft gray
and white with the usual juvenile golden-plover pattern of streaked
upper chest and barred belly and flanks. The primaries formed a
notable black chunk extending well past the tertials to about 2/3 of a
bill length past the tail tip.
Didn't see the Bank Swallow, but there was at least one NORTHERN
ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW in the swallow flock here.
This morning 9/3/99 on the way into work, I made a quick check of
Steven's Creek north of the end of L'Avenida (to just north of the
high voltage power line crossing). Lots of new migrants were around,
with a conservative tally yielding 2 hatching-year WILLOW FLYCATCHERS
(together in the open area just north of the power line crossing), a
heard-only PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, a worn HOUSE WREN (juvenile?),
three to four WARBLING VIREOS, 10 YELLOW WARBLERS (7 in view/earshot
at once!), and 3 WILSON'S WARBLERS. The female HOODED ORIOLE was
still present with at least one fledgling and CALIFORNIA TOWHEES were
feeding young. The adult GREEN HERON and an adult RED-SHOULDERED HAWK
were also around.
Mike Rogers
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From email@hidden Fri Sep 03 10:33:10 1999
Subject: [SBB] Late nesting White-tailed Kites
I learned just last evening that White-tailed Kites have been nesting in
a redwood tree on Janice Way just around the corner from my house in
Palo Alto. The adults might be the same pair, which nested nearby in
the spring, and had young in the nest in early June. The three young
are fledging. Early this morning the adults and two of them flew off
leaving just one immature for the neighbors to view in my scope.
Rosalie Lefkowitz
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From email@hidden Fri Sep 03 10:40:06 1999
Subject: [SBB] TGIF
If my "farm" is any indication, it's going to be good birding this Labor
Day weekend. I had BROWN CREEPER, NUTTALL'S & ACORN WOODPECKER, 3 HOODED
ORIOLES, CALIFORNIA THRASHER, lots of BUSHTITS, CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES,
OAK TITMOUSE, KINGFISHER etc. No Migrants though.
As I was walking along Bicknell (off Quito) to "my farm" (La Rinconada
Park) I heard a very annoyed RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. It was sitting atop a
tall cedar tree. As I watched it with my binocs, it swooped down over my
head - about 10 feet from me - and continued on to another tree. Continuing
to voice its discontentment. I've never had a hawk fly right at me before -
it's quite a rush!
In my backyard, the HOODED ORIOLES continue to empty my hummingbird feeder
daily. And i finally had 5 CALIFORNIA QUAIL - all juveniles - first time
i've had quail since I quit feeding June-July.
TGIF and enjoy Labor Day Weekend!
Gloria LeBlanc
Los Gatos (off Quito)
"We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails"
http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
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From email@hidden Fri Sep 03 12:23:09 1999
Subject: Fwd: [SBB] Suet Feeders
I am thrilled. "Our" Bewick's Wren in now coming to this feeder.
Ruth
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ruth Troetschler
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From email@hidden Fri Sep 03 13:04:28 1999
Subject: [SBB] Almaden/Vaux's Swifts
Yesterday evening (9/2) at least thirty VAUX'S SWIFTS were seen with mixed
swallow flocks near the intersection of Meridian Ave & Coleman Rd. As in
previous years, the swifts appeared to be moving along a corridor coming
from the south. In the early evenings these birds forage over the ponds
along Coleman Rd and the Water District at Almaden Expwy. I expect their
numbers will increase during the next month or so as they prepare for
migration, so I will report again when sizable numbers are noted.
Ann Verdi
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From email@hidden Sat Sep 04 08:31:13 1999
Subject: [SBB] [Fwd: [CALBIRD] Eucalyptus and birds]
This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
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Hello Fellow Birders:
http://www-stat.wharton.upenn.edu/~siler/CALB.html has not been updated
in ages. So, Kimball Garret's latest post will not be in there. Sorry
to those who regularly get posts through CALBIRD and to those who
subscribe to more than one local listserv. I feel that Kimball's post
is equally relevant to us here in the Bay Area. So, I am forwarding it
in its entirety. Certainly you have heard through the news media about
the insect pest that is affecting
(and in some cases decimating) eucalyptus trees in Southern and Northern
California. It is the Red Gum Psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei.
The larvae of these psyllids excrete a small conical "lerp" (made of
sticky, sugary "honeydew") that encapsulates the larva. An affected
eucalyptus is easy to spot because of the sticky lerps on the
leaves, a virtual "rain" of sticky honeydew from the tree, and,
ultimately, lots of dead leaves and even complete mortality.
See Kimball's post below for more details on this insect pest and its
impact on birds. See also
http://www.egroups.com/group/central_valley_birds/?isDecendingSort=0&searchStart=166&isThreaded=0&fetchForward=0&start=166
messages 160-163.
In the Bay Area I have noticed the Red Gum Psyllid in the eucalyptus
trees in my yard in Livermore several days before the news hit the
press. The grove of eucalyptus behind the Arco Gas Station in Livermore
in Alameda County at Stanley and Murrieta are dying as well as the grove
along I-680 in Fremont in Alameda County between Durham and Washington.
Just yesterday I noticed the Red Gum Psyllid in the eucalyptus trees at
the new south parking garage at the Valley Fair Shopping Center in Santa
Clara County.
I haven't had time to check the trees in San Francisco County (Golden
Gate Park and Stern Grove), San Mateo County (Crystal Springs
Reservoir), other areas of Santa Clara County like Stevens Creek County
Park and Saint Joseph’s Hill OSP, or the eucalyptus grove at Moon Glow
Dairy in Monterey County. These locations all contain large groves of
eucalyptus.
--
Mike Feighner, Livermore, CA, email@hidden
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To: email@hidden
From: "Kimball Garrett"
Subject: [CALBIRD] Eucalyptus and birds
Date: Fri, 3 Sep 1999 12:14:57 -0700
Message-ID:
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Reply-To: "Kimball Garrett"
Calbird:
Most of you are aware of the extent to which birds in the coastal
regions of California exploit eucalyptus trees for nectar, particularly
in winter. Searching groves of flowering eucalyptus has become a
requisite modus operandi on Christmas Bird Counts, with the rewards
often being good counts of overwintering hummingbirds, orioles,
tanagers, grosbeaks, and wood-warblers. Given that eucalyptus are
among the dominant trees in many urban and suburban regions of
California, it is hard to imagine birding in the region before
(and after?) the establishment of these exotic trees.
You might have heard of a recent insect pest that is affecting
(and in some cases decimating) eucalyptus trees in southern
California. It is the Red Gum Psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei.
The larvae of these psyllids excrete a small conical "lerp" (made of
sticky, sugary "honeydew") that encapsulates the larva. An affected
eucalyptus is easy to spot because of the sticky lerps on the
leaves, a virtual "rain" of sticky honeydew from the tree, and,
ultimately, lots of dead leaves and even complete mortality.
Infestations grow fastest in the warmer months, and are
exacerbated by drought and other stresses. For example,
Elysian Park (near downtown Los Angeles, and so productive
last winter for orioles, tanagers, and warblers) has been
severely impacted, with hundreds of apparently dying
eucalyptus trees. Maintenance agencies will almost
certainly cut down affected trees rather than risk injury
to the public from falling branches, etc. Some eucalyptus
species are more susceptible to this pest than others;
impacted species include Red Gum Eucalyptus, sugar gum, blue
gum, and a few other.
For more information on this pest, see the Los Angeles County
Agricultural Commission's web site: http://acwm.co.la.ca.us
Where it gets interesting is that there are entire guilds of birds
in Australasia which exploit these lerps for food. Such feeding
habits are especially typical of honeyeaters and pardalotes.
I'm not suggesting that we import these birds, but it will be
very interesting to see if our native birds will exploit this
potentially abundant food source. So I urge all of you who bird
in a favorite park or other site with infested eucalyptus trees
to pay attention to this.
Furthermore, should this infestation result in widespread loss of
large numbers of "our" eucalyptus trees, then the ramifications
for overwintering hummingbirds, orioles, tanagers, and wood-warblers
are potentially severe (though one might view this as more of a
"readjustment" to pre-European conditions). These things are
hard to monitor, so birders this winter should pay close attention
to bird numbers in affected areas.
G'day,
Kimball Garrett
**********************************************************
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
**********************************************************
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From email@hidden Sat Sep 04 10:39:37 1999
Subject: [SBB] Alviso
This morning in Alviso, 25 birders on the weekly Backyard Bird Feeder bird
walk enjoyed two Peregrine Falcons on the towers along the road into the
EEC. Vaux's swifts were seen throughout the area, with the largest
concentration of about 30 birds over the palm trees at the intersection of
State and Spreckles. Some members of the group stopped for an injured Turkey
Vulture along Zanker Road, and hopefully there were able to take it to the
Wildlife Center.
Jack Cole
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
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From email@hidden Sat Sep 04 20:37:44 1999
Subject: [SBB] Sunnyvale WPCP/Spreckles-State/Zanker
All,
Today at 15:40 at the WPCP: a single Northern Rough-winged Swallow among
the small flock of Violet-greens; a Common Moorhen; eight American White
Pelicans; many Long-billed Dowitchers; I think one (possibly two) Common
Terns, showing an all black bill and nape, dark shoulder bar. Could see many
birds on the northeast mudflat, but had no scope and did not wish to disturb
the terns which were on the dike path.
In search of the Peregrine, White-faced Ibis, or Stilt Sandpiper, a check of
State/Spreckles at 17:30 found: many Least Sandpipers; two Western
Sandpipers; Greater Yellowlegs; a female American Kestrel (eating a snake).
At the entrance gate to the EEC: a White-tailed Kite overhead, chased by two
extremely vocal Killdeer. On the lawn at the Water Pollution Control
District HQ on Zanker Rd.: six Long-billed Curlews.
Note to Steve Rottenborn: Thanks for the directions! (Now, where are the
Calabezas and Ogier Ponds (until I get the book you suggested)?) My roadmap
doesn't use these names.
Good birding,
Michael Wienholt
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From email@hidden Sun Sep 05 11:36:07 1999
Subject: [SBB] Willow Flycatcher at EEC
Yesterday, 9/4, a pair of Willow Flycatchers was in the brush on the west shoulder
of the dike to the salt pond at the Alviso Environmental Ed Center. Also saw the
pair of Peregrine Falcons on the road in, and a surprise Black Headed Grosbeak
female in the EEC garden. The max count of Vaux's Swift was more than 40 at State
and Spreckels.
Charles Coston
______________________________________________________________________
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From email@hidden Sun Sep 05 13:57:34 1999
Subject: [SBB] Sunnyvale WPCP
All,
A return visit with scope to the WPCP today at 09:30 -12:30 failed to
relocate the Common Terns reported yesterday. Notable birds: one Bank and
one Northern Rough-winged Swallow among the growing mixed flock of
Violet-greens and Barns (met a fellow on the way out who said someone
reported a Purple Martin here as well); a female fall plumaged warbler; 4 x
Vaux Swift; 35 American White Pelicans; Loggerhead Shrike; Northern Pintail
x 4; 19 Red-necked Phalarope; at least a dozen Semipalmated Plover; a Purple
Finch; four Bonaparte's Gulls; good numbers of Least and Western Sandpipers;
also, a very contented Harbor Seal (?) lazily eating a large fish; a male
Kestrel eating a Barn Swallow; a brief look at a distant possible Caspian
Tern.
Good birding.
Michael Wienholt
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From email@hidden Sun Sep 05 16:09:05 1999
Subject: [SBB] Warblers near Calabazas Ponds
Sun. 9/5 AM
Toured Calabazas Pond area this morning. Pretty quiet, no Stilt
Sandpiper, not much at all. Did see some very big fish in the small
corner pond really churning up the water, have no idea what they are but
many fin sightings and at one point the all bolted out from the center as
if being chased by something.
We also saw some flycatchers along the slough just behind the ponds (away
from Hwy 237). Got a good look from up on the wooden 'bridge to nowhere'.
Not sure what they are.
Very much shape of a Black Pheobe, a bit taller dome on the head. Quite a
bit smaller than Black Phoebes seen next to them. Overal grayish looking
with a more yellowish cast to most of the belly area, except greyer still
just under the chin. Kind of like a Pacific Slope Flycatcher but not so
greenish and a tad bigger.
Any ideas? There was at least one and perhaps 2 pair of them in the area.
Lots of Common Yellowthroats, males and females in the reeds to the
Baylands side of the ponds.
Out by Sunnyvale WPCP was pleased at both Wilsons and Red-Necked
Phalaropes, an odd Raven find, and disappointed with only Forsters Terns
and Ring Billed Gulls - no other gulls there or at Calabazas Ponds.
Bummer.
Carrying a tripod on a bike is managable but there are tricks to make it
work. Was able to cover much more distance than I would have had time for
on foot.
-Chris
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From email@hidden Sun Sep 05 20:32:50 1999
Subject: [SBB] Crittendon Marsh and Almaden Lake Park
This afternoon at Crittendon Marsh, we had lots of White Pelicans (more
than I remember seeing on a single day), two Brown Pelicans, Snowy and
Great Egrets, Avocets, Long-billed Curlews, Greater Yellowlegs, Least
and Western Sandpipers, and Forster's Terns (but not the hoped for Least
Terns, again.) We also had a nice close look at a Northern Harrier.
This evening just before dusk at Almaden Lake Park, we had a single
probable Vaux's Swift. It wasn't a good enough look for me to count it
for my life list, but it was a small swift with no apparent white on
it. It was just over us and away before we could get a very good look
at it. Subsequent searching at the SCVWD pond and other stops along
Coleman Rd didn't result in any other swallows or swifts. We did have
two Green Herons, a Great Blue Heron, and a single Black Crowned Night
Heron at the SCVWD pond (along with the resident cormorants.)
Hugh McDevitt
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From email@hidden Sun Sep 05 22:42:19 1999
Subject: [SBB] 5 September Sunnyvale WPCP Birds
This afternoon, my friend Steve Gerstle from Seattle and I birded the Sunnyvale
WPCP ponds. While we didn't find any unusual swallows, we did manage to refind
the 2 COMMON TERNS amongst the tern flock on the levee. Slightly farther out
along the levee, there was a PECTORAL SANDPIPER nestled in the midst of a
good-sized flock of Dowitchers. Near the western edge of the mud flats
southwest of the 90 degree turn of the levee to the west (at the estuary), there
was an obvious bright juvenile SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, seemingly preferring the
company of the few WESTERN SANDPIPERS that were present in the peep flock. A
PEREGRINE FALCON kept things lively and there were 15-20 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES
swimming just southwest of the aforementioned turn of the levee.
Mark
Sunnyvale WPCP
PEFA
2 COTE
PESA
SESA
15-20 RNPH
--
Mark Eaton 1524 36th Avenue
mailto:email@hidden San Francisco, CA, 94122-3123
http://www.best.com/~eaton http://goldengate.ca.audubon.org
"I tell you the more I think, the more I feel that there is nothing more
truly artistic than to love people."
- Vincent Van Gogh
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From email@hidden Sun Sep 05 23:18:36 1999
Subject: [SBB] Calero Reservoir, SCVAS trip to Monterey Co.
Howdy South-bay-birders,
Again visited Calero Reservoir on Sat, Aug 4. The water is rapidly
receding, but there is still good shorebird habitat at the east end of
the reservoir. There I had 4 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS along with the more
usual shorebirds. The number of ducks there continues to grow, and on
Saturday included NORTHERN SHOVELER, NORTHERN PINTAIL, many CINNAMON
TEAL, and a large flock of AMERICAN WIGEON.
Today, Aug. 5, I led a SCVAS trip to Moss Landing. Highlights:
Moonglow Dairy - 5 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 1
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER, 1 RED PHALAROPE, lots of
RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and 1 BLACK TERN (at the third pond).
Carmel River Mouth - 1 CEDAR WAXWING (early?), 3 LESSER YELLOWLEGS,
1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER, and good numbers of western migrants, with a large
mixed flock about 100 yards down from the Hwy1 bridge, but no
Prothonotary Warbler, unfortunately.
On my way home I stopped at Struve Pond (west side of Hwy 1 just
north of Moss Landing). Along with the many RED-NECKED PHALAROPES on the
pond there were 2 WILSON'S PHALAROPES.
John Mariani
email@hidden
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 06 15:42:41 1999
Subject: [SBB] LBHE in Alviso
This morning, my wife Debbie and I walked out to pond A9 from the Alviso
Marina in hopes of spotting a Little Blue Heron. Previous reports had
seen the bird at the A10/A11 dike, so we were a little disappointed when
we didn't find anything there. However, we walked along A10, and Debbie
spotted a dark heron on the far dike that was obviously smaller than a
Great Blue. We got closer to the dike between A9 and A10 and got very
good looks at a single Little Blue Heron (a lifer!) mingling with a
flock of Long-billed Curlews, Marbled Godwits, and another Great Heron.
The other highlights of the morning were a spectacular air show by a
flock 50-60 White Pelicans flying over us. They changed directions en
masse several times, and it was so quiet that we could hear their wing
beats. We also had several large flocks of peeps fly close by--felt
like Dolby sound in a movie theater. There were lots of terns on the
way out, but we didn't see anything that was obviously different than
Caspian or Forster's. The walk out to the A9/A10 dike was a moderate
2-hour mixed walk/birding. It took us a little over an hour to make it
back at a fairly brisk walking pace.
Hugh McDevitt
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 06 18:33:49 1999
Subject: [SBB] Wilson's Warbler
Spent an hour at a bench at "my farm" (La Rinconada Park) at noon today.
Had a flock of perhaps 50 Wilson's Warblers...couldn't find anything but
Wilson's. Also had a WESTERN TANAGER, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, SPOTTED
TOWHEE and an adult RED-TAILED HAWK sitting atop a tree on the La Rinconada
golf course a football field away. Altogether had 19 birds while sitting on
one bench....earned that birding while sitting time after hiking down the
sand bottom of the Carmel River yesterday with John Mariani....John's made
his report from yesterday but we all had an awesome day in the Monterey
area!
Still have HOODED ORIOLES at my feeder...also had a really weird
bird...looked like it was half Rock Pigeon and half Mourning Dove...have
only seen it once.
Gloria LeBlanc
Los Gatos off Quito
"We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails"
http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 06 18:57:26 1999
Subject: [SBB] Golden Eagle at Monte Bello/Black Mtn.
All,
At 16:00 today, spotted from the junction of the Indian Creek Trail at the
Backpacker Camp, a very large chocolate brown bird perched on the radio
tower at Black Mountain. With my 10x42's I could clearly see bright yellow
feet. I walked up the trail toward Black Mtn. approx. 2/10 mile to get a
better view and when I put the scope on it the bird flew down, showing a
broad wedged tail with grayish bands and uniformly dark underwings. I
sprinted up to the top of the rise and circled around the bald looking hi
and lo but unable to locate the bird.
At 16:45 on the trail back to the Monte Bello parking area from the camp,
the bird appeared soaring high overhead flying to the northwest. Scoped it
with a Red-tailed Hawk in the same visual field. It passed directly overhead
and then the bird disappeared. I see that this bird is listed as a "2" on
the County List, but I was surprised, having seen my other 3 Golden's in E.
Oregon, Idaho and SE Arizona.
Other birds: a very vocal Brown Creeper and a female Ruby-crowned Kinglet
devouring a caterpillar on the Skid Rd. Trail; two Band-tailed Pigeons on an
exposed perch on the Indian Creek Trail climbing up to the backpacker camp;
a bright male American Goldfinch just below the camp; Juncos at the radio
tower on Black Mountain; 2 juvenile and 2 adult Western Meadowlark and
Lesser Goldfinch on the returning trail, as well as excellent views of a
male Kestrel hunting the slope at a hover.
Good birding.
Michael Wienholt
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 06 21:40:18 1999
Subject: [SBB] Re: SCVAS trip, WHITE-WINGED TERN!
Hi Joe, South-bay-birders.
Wow! Yesterday at Moonglow we watched that tern for quite a while at a
considerable distance, and the possibility of White-winged Tern was
never discussed, although we found the bird puzzling. At a distance it's
paleness made me at first mistake it for a Forster's, but when I scoped
it I realized it was clearly something else (wrong pattern on head, bill
was
too short, had a dark carpal bar). In flight the dark leading edge to
the upperwing was Least Tern-like, but the bird was clearly too large,
and flight-style wrong for a Least. It also bothered me that there was
no dark smudge at the side of the breast, and that the dark cap was so
slight, but I let it slide. We were viewing it at a distance in harsh
light, and I assumed its upperparts were darker in reality than they
appeared to us (It's upperparts were gray, but not much darker than
those of a Sterna tern, the underwing pale with some dusky on the flight
feathers). After reviewing my field guides I realize I made the mistake
of not considering all possibilities! Very humbling. It's clear that the
bird I so confidently called a Black Tern was a White-winged. So to
those SCVAS members who were with me Sunday, we saw some very good birds
that day...we just didn't know how good!
P.S.--The bird was correctly identified today, and was still at the
third pond at Moonglow. If you go look for it PLEASE dark down near the
eucalyptus, not at the other spot--
John Mariani
email@hidden
Joseph Morlan wrote:
> On Sun, 05 Sep 1999 23:01:54 -0700, John Mariani
> wrote:
>
> >1 BLACK TERN (at the third pond).
>
> John,
>
> Are you sure it wasn't the White-winged?
>
> --
> Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA 94044: email@hidden
> Fall Birding Classes begin Sept 7: http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~jmorlan/
> California Bird Records Committee: http://www.wfo-cbrc.org/cbrc/
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 06 21:57:21 1999
Subject: [SBB] Sunnyvale birds
Howdy South-bay-birders,
Today I spent some time birding in Sunnyvale. At the Calabazas Road
ponds I ran into Mike Mammoser. Only noteworthy bird there was a
PECTORAL SANDPIPER.
From there I went to the Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Ponds.
There I saw 2 BROWN PELICANS. a steady passage of AM. WHITE PELICANS, 2
more PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, and 1 COMMON TERN with a flock of FORSTER'S.
The Common Tern was a juvenile with dark carpal bar, all-black bill,
white forehead and black band stretching from the eyes around the nape.
Legs were shorter, slimmer, and darker in color than those of nearby
Forster's. In flight it showed a relatively broad dusky trailing edge to
the underside of the flight feathers (I've got to be more careful about
tern I.D. after badly messing up on the White-winged Tern). There were
BARN, CLIFF, and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS at the ponds today, but no sign
of the Bank Swallow and Purple Martin reported by Mike Mammoser--
John Mariani
email@hidden
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From email@hidden Tue Sep 07 09:19:18 1999
Subject: [SBB] Franklin's Gull (from Suddjian)
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Date: Mon, 06 Sep 1999 14:44:22 -0400 (EDT)
From: email@hidden
Subject: FRGU sighting
To: email@hidden
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Dear Bill,
It's been a while since we've corresponded. As you can see I'm now (finally)
on-line.
Yesterday (5 Sept 99) I observed two juv. Franklin's Gulls at the Palo Alto
Duck Pond. They were in the fray with the other gulls, ducks and geese
seeking handouts.
Best wishes,
David Suddjian
email@hidden
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From email@hidden Tue Sep 07 09:58:04 1999
Subject: [SBB] A1 Frenzy
Folks:
There was a feeding frenzy on Salt Pond A1 this morning, 9/7/1999, in
the arm that is next to the levee between the salt pond an the Mountain View
Forebay. The centerpiece was groups of AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS; I counted 665.
They were feeding silently in their cooperative fashion and were accompanied by
a cacophony of 1000 CALIFORNIA GULLS, working for scraps. Within the gull
flock were a few WESTERNS and RING-BILLS; I had fewer than 10 of each. Around
the periphery of the pelicans, where the pond becomes shallower, were 51 GREAT
EGRETS and, in shallower water still, were 62 SNOWY EGRETS. Although many
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS (>50) were foraging in Charleston Slough, none
were working the A1 resource.
Closer to work, I heard a WRENTIT calling on Stevens Creek above
Crittenden Lane. Curiously, this species is fairly common in south county
streams with heavy overgrowth such as berry brambles, but not in the north
valley. This time of year, however, this normally sedentary species does
wander considerably.
Yesterday, 9/6/1999, I had little success with local specialties at the
Sunnyvale WPCP ponds or the Calabazas ponds. At the former I counted 102
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and 26 RED-NECKED PHALAROPE but had no terns or unusal
shorebirds. At Calabazas the best bird was an adult PEREGRINE FALCON. I
also checked the Duck Pond for Suddjian's Franklin's Gulls without success,
but I did not check out the thousands of gulls floating on the high tide in
the estuary there.
Bill
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From email@hidden Tue Sep 07 10:15:26 1999
Subject: [SBB] Del Puerto Cyn 9/6
Hi Everyone--
To avoid the Labor Day traffic frenzy, I came home last night through Del
Puerto Canyon. Around 7:45PM at MP 19 and 18.5 in Stanislaus County (just 2
miles from the Santa Clara line), I flushed 2 POOR-WILLS from the road. At
each one, I stopped the car in the traffic lane and kept the headlights on.
They would land on the shoulder at the edge of my headlights, then flutter
through the beams to catch something. There was a Wild Boar snuffling
through the campground at Frank Raines Park, and a tarantula in the road at
MP 5 or so.
Mark Miller
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From email@hidden Tue Sep 07 10:18:09 1999
Subject: [SBB] weekend birds
All:
On Friday evening, I saw all 5 Common Terns at the Sunnyvale WPCP ponds,
along with the Black Tern, and single Pectoral and Spotted Sandpipers. I
saw one Common Tern that showed the molt limits resulting in a dark wedge
midway along the primaries.
Saturday, I birded the Alviso Salt ponds. Since the high tide left some mud
exposed, not all the shorebirds came in to roost on the saltponds. The most
interesting were 6 Red Knots and 4 Dunlins. There were 85 Vaux's Swifts in
Alviso.
Sunday morning, a check of CCRS turned up a number of migrants including 6+
Willow Flycatchers and a MacGillivray's Warbler, There appears to a
Peregrine roosting in the dead tree by the entrance gate. In the evening a
survey of a private area turned up 13 Pectoral and 2 Baird's Sandpipers.
Monday morning, I checked the east of side of Coyote Creek opposite CCRS.
I flushed a Grasshopper Sparrow 3 times but never got it to perch. There
were the usual common migrants. The flooded fields west of Zanker held 14
Pectoral Sandpipers and 9 Lesser Yellowlegs. Around my apartment, migrants
included a W. Wood-Pewee and 6 W. Tanagers.
At midday, I checked Crittenden Marsh. There were lots of peeps and
Semi-palmated Plovers using the pond as a high tide roost. Otherwise birds
were disappointingly similar to the previous weekend. The same single
Lesser Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpiper were present. One new arrival was a
Pectoral Sandpiper.
A pretty humdrum weekend.
Nick
Nick Lethaby
Technical Marketing Manager
CoWare, Inc.
Tel: 408 845 7646
E-mail: email@hidden
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From email@hidden Tue Sep 07 12:01:42 1999
Subject: [SBB] Website Updated
SouthBay Birders,
The August archives for this list have been posted and may be browsed
at http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~jmorlan/southbay.htm
Also there are two new mystery birds (both shorebirds) for your
consideration this month and "answers" to the sandpiper and tern from
last month. There is already disagreement on this month's birds, so
please join in the discussion and help us figure it all out.
The photo gallery has new images of Shy Albatross and a video of
Short-tailed Albatross from California as well as many more recent
California rarities.
I redesigned the pages slightly, so they should be easier to navigate.
I also did a complete link verification for the whole site over the
weekend.
>From the main page go to "California Birding" and you'll see the links
for the mystery birds and the photo gallery at the top. The url is in
my signature.
Enjoy!
--
Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA 94044: email@hidden
Fall Birding Classes begin Sept 7: http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~jmorlan/
California Bird Records Committee: http://www.wfo-cbrc.org/cbrc/
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From email@hidden Tue Sep 07 12:51:01 1999
Subject: [SBB] Weekend birds
Sorry for the cross-posting, this report has sightings from
both counties.
On Saturday, 9/4/99, in banding efforts at CCFS, of the 23
birds handled, we had 13 "Western" Flycatchers and 2 Willow;
one each of these empids were recaptures. Mike Mammoser
stopped by and reported that he saw far more Willow
Flycatchers in the field than "Western".
On Sunday, 9/5/99, I checked the Bay Rd. end of Ravenswood
OSP, just north of the county line. Good numbers of
shorebirds were present. Of note were 31 RED-NECKED PHALAROPE
feeding very close to the trail on the north side of the
impoundment. I saw about a dozen RED KNOTS among the roosting
shorebirds, several with yet-to-be-molted reddish breasts.
A large number of BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS with summer plumage
were present, along with the MARBLED GODWITS, LONG-BILLED
CURLEWS, WILLETS, and DOWITCHERS. In the impoundment on the
north side of the OSP which is just south of the western end
of the Dumbarton Bridge, was a large roosting flock (about
10,000 birds) of similar composition. The Dowitchers heard
here were SHORT-BILLED.
The tide was in and there was no exposed mud in the Bay
during this time.
Les
==========================================
Les Chibana, Palo Alto email@hidden
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From email@hidden Tue Sep 07 12:54:11 1999
Subject: Re: [SBB] WPCP - Carpal Bars on Terns
Vivek Tiwari wrote:
>
> 1) Does a distinct black carpal bar automatically rule out Forster's?
Yes. Juvenile Forster's can show some darker markings on the marginal/
lesser coverts, but they are indistinct and do not form a distinct blackish
bar. Juv. (and basic adult?) Arctic Terns can show a variably blackish/
distinct carpal bar, so characteristics of the carpal bar would not be
very helpful to distinguish Common and Arctic terns.
>
> 2) If so, and assuming that all 4 were COMMON TERNS, does the red on the base
> of the bill indicate a 1st fall bird, while all black bills indicate basic
> adult plumage?
No. I think that any age could show color at the base of the bill.
I've seen birds that were obviously non-juveniles this fall that had
all-black bills, some with red at the base, and some with fleshy-orange
(almost brownish) at the base. The age of "first-fall" (i.e., juvenile)
birds should be obvious by conspicuous paler edging to the feathers of
the upperparts and dark markings in the tertials (and probably some
scapulars).
As we've been reporting so far this fall, ageing these non-juvenile,
basic-type birds has been a challenge, and I don't think we've come
to any strong conclusions. I saw a basic-type Common Tern in Alviso
today showing obvious primary molt, and I suspect that it was likely
an adult as a result, but I'm not sure. If anyone sees a definite
juvenile Common Tern, please let us know (I guess John Mariani had
the first of the fall) so we can keep track of numbers of individuals
out there.
Steve Rottenborn
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From email@hidden Tue Sep 07 14:03:59 1999
Subject: [SBB] birds
On Saturday, 4 Sep 99, I started the day at CCFS to look for landbird
migrants. An immature COOPER'S HAWK fled the riparian as I set out. I
found a nice group of migrants consisting of 8 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, 4
"WESTERN" FLYCATCHERS, 7 YELLOW WARBLERS, 3 HOUSE WRENS, and a WARBLING
VIREO. I also had 2 WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS overhead with the swallows.
Stopping along Zanker, I found 4 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS in the field to the
west.
A stop at State and Spreckles in Alviso produced the adult STILT
SANDPIPER and at least 5 LESSER YELLOWLEGS.
At the EEC I found another WILLOW FLYCATCHER.
On Sunday, 5 Sep 99, I went to the Sunnyvale sewage ponds, ostensibly to
check out the northeast corner of the pond. I never got there. While
looking through swallows on the wires just short of the radar station, I
noticed an immature PURPLE MARTIN sitting amongst them. It was a good
50% larger than the other swallows, and sat preening on the wire or
flitting about for quite some time. Also, this martin was banded, having
an aluminum USF&W band on the left leg and a yellow color band with the
number 426 on the right leg (yes, I was close enough to scope that out).
Later while looking at a juvenile VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW (there were very
many of these around), a juvenile BANK SWALLOW landed right next to it
in my scope view. I studied this bird for a long time before noticing
that another BANK SWALLOW was sitting on the wire just above it.
On the levee separating the two ponds there wasn't much evidence of
terns, but a flock of about 130 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS was interesting.
On the way back to the car I had 3 immature GREEN HERONS.
On Monday, 6 Sep 99, I went to the Guadalupe River, which was pretty
dead except for a couple of "WESTERN" FLYCATCHERS, a YELLOW WARBLER, and
an imm/fem BULLOCK'S ORIOLE.
At CCFS things were a little better with 4 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, 6
PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS, a WESTERN TANAGER, 2 YELLOW WARBLERS, 2
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES, a HOUSE WREN, and a WARBLING VIREO. Three
WHITE-TAILED KITES in the area included a juvenile.
An immature PEREGRINE FALCON was soaring over Arzino Ranch, while State
and Spreckles produced only yellowlegs.
At Calabazas Marsh I ran into John Mariani, who picked out a PECTORAL
SANDPIPER as the only bird of note.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Tue Sep 07 18:16:21 1999
Subject: [SBB] WPCP - Carpal Bars on Terns
On Sunday - around 6:00PM, I saw 4 terns with distinct black carpal bars at
the Sunnyvale WPCP. These were with the flock of terns and gulls on the dike
between the two large ponds.
All 4 had solid, sooty napes. 3 had all black bills. 1 had red on the base of
the bill. This bird had uniform pale upperparts.
2 of the birds with the all black bills had slightly greyish wings and one of
them had distinctly lighter tips on the median coverts.
Questions:
1) Does a distinct black carpal bar automatically rule out Forster's?
2) If so, and assuming that all 4 were COMMON TERNS, does the red on the base
of the bill indicate a 1st fall bird, while all black bills indicate basic
adult plumage?
All 4 birds seemed to have contrasty (darker) primary tips in flight and when
sitting. I couldn't see the leg color and don't know much about bill and body
shape differences to decide on the id otherwise.
Thanks,
Vivek Tiwari
email@hidden
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From email@hidden Wed Sep 08 10:17:48 1999
Subject: [SBB] L'Avenida
All,
I made another quick check of Stevens Creek north of L'Avenida today
9/8/99 on the way in to work. Pretty much the same assortment of
birds hanging around there, including 15+ YELLOW WARBLERS, 3 to 4
WARBLING VIREOS, 2 WILSON'S WARBLERS, 2 to 3 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS,
1 COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, and the family of HOODED ORIOLES (there are
definitely two fledglings, still with prominent gape flanges and
incompletely grown tails). I heard what sounded like Bill's WRENTIT
up towards the lone eucalyptus near the Crittenden Road bridge, but
couldn't find it when I got up there. A singing male TRICOLORED
BLACKBIRD among a small flock of BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS atop a high
voltage tower was unusual for here.
Mike Rogers
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From email@hidden Wed Sep 08 13:36:21 1999
Subject: [SBB] more Common Terns
All:
On 3 Sep., I saw 2 ad. PEREGRINE FALCONS and a WILLOW FLYCATCHER
at the Stevens Creek tidal mitigation area near Crittenden
Marsh, and heard at least 2 ELEGANT TERNS calling over the salt
ponds north of Crittenden.
On 7 Sep., I had 1 COMMON, 150+ FORSTER'S, and 20 CASPIAN
TERNS, 30 BROWN PELICANS, and 100 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS
foraging in salt pond A-12 (the one just north of the Alviso
marina). The Common Tern had a dark wedge on p7 or 8
indicating molt limits, but the inner primaries (proximal
to this dark wedge) were fairly short, so the bird was in
active molt, unlike most of the COTE we've been seeing.
Otherwise, the bird looked like those we've been seeing.
A juv. SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (fairly brownish, not as gray
as my Sunnyvale WPCP bird) was with Westerns and Leasts at
the south end of the impoundment along the west side of the
RR tracks north of the Alviso marina. At State & Spreckles,
I saw the ad. STILT SANDPIPER, 54 GREATER and only 4 LESSER
YELLOWLEGS.
Today (8 Sep.), I had a WILLOW FLYCATCHER and an ad.
PEREGRINE FALCON at the Alviso EEC, and at State &
Spreckles, there were 60 VAUX'S SWIFTS and a molting
imm. WILSON'S PHALAROPE (Scott Terrill and I later saw
the ad. STILT SANDPIPER here). At the Sunnyvale WPCP, I
watched terns along the levees between the two ponds from
15:15 to 16:15. I saw at least 8 COMMON TERNS, with up to
7 present simultaneously, and given the turnover in birds
here, there may have been more than 8. One was a juvenile,
faded but still having obvious pale edging on the feathers
of the upperparts and dark subterminal markings in the
tertials, lower/inner scapulars, and inner greater coverts.
Interestingly (and most disconcerting), the secondaries of
this juvenile, seen well in flight, were not particularly
dark, and the secondary bar was therefore not very
conspicuous. Also, the tips of the secondaries were
extensively white (so that the bird appeared superficially
Arctic-like). Still, the bases of the secondaries were
slightly darker than the greater coverts, the secondaries
were not as extensively white as an Arctic should have,
and the bird's size and shape were typical of a Common.
The more I look at these terns, the more I realize how
variable they are (and how generalizations such as those
found even in the most up-to-date guides can be misleading).
The other seven were all basic-type birds like those we've
been seeing regularly here. Of these seven, only one was
in active molt, with p9 short on each wing and p10 obviously
very old, brown, and worn. Two others showed molt limits
(contrast between darker/older and paler/younger primaries),
while four did not.
Only 4 Common and 45 Forster's Terns were present when I
arrived at 15:15, all 8 Commons had appeared (and 7 were
present simultaneously) and 80 Forster's were present at
about 16:00, and birds had begun to leave by 16:15.
Steve Rottenborn
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From email@hidden Thu Sep 09 11:38:22 1999
Subject: [SBB] Charleston Slough
At Charleston Slough tonight there were two PECTORAL SANDPIPERS on the
south side of the old pump house. They were feeding with a small group
of Least Sandpipers and two Greater Yellowlegs. On the other side of the
trail, on "Skimmer Island" there was a single first winter male
RING-NECKED DUCK and a few AMERICAN WIGEONS.
Matthew Dodder
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From email@hidden Fri Sep 10 10:13:40 1999
Subject: [SBB] Baylands
All,
This morning 9/10/99 before work I checked the Palo Alto
Baylands for migrants. Not many around. The fennel patch
near the ranger's residence had a YELLOW WARBLER among
several COMMON YELLOWTHROATS and the nearby trees at the
rangers residence had a YELLOW WARBLER and a "WESTERN"
FLYCATCHER.
The trees at the end of Embarcadero Way were only a little
better, with 5 YELLOW WARBLERS, 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER,
and 2 VAUX'S SWIFTS overhead.
Mike Rogers
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From email@hidden Fri Sep 10 11:21:40 1999
Subject: [SBB] Pectoral Sandpipers
This morning at Charleston Slough there were still two PECTORAL
SANDPIPERS on the south side of the pump house feeding with a small
group
of Least Sandpipers. The pump was working while I watched and it pretty
much drained out this area, leaving mud flats for now, but could be
dried up soon. So I don't know how long these sandpipers will stay
around?
The pumping action created a bonanza on the other side for egrets and
herons. I saw about 100 in a mixed flock of greater, snowy, and great
blue within a tight area all fishing along the banks. Some were
displaying their plumes and running off subordinates, maybe because they
were so close together? A pretty sight.
Mike Clark
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From email@hidden Fri Sep 10 11:46:36 1999
Subject: [SBB] OVENBIRD
All:
In my previous message, I forgot to mention a BANK
SWALLOW at the Sunnyvale WPCP and a juv. PECTORAL
SANDPIPER at State and Spreckles in Alviso on 8 Sep.
Yesterday (9 Sep.), a check of the Palo Alto Baylands
area produced only an imm. male SELASPHORUS hummingbird
in the fennel patch and 7 YELLOW WARBLERS at the Palo
Alto WPCP. The north pond of the Flood Control Basin
had an ad. STILT SANDPIPER. Like the Alviso bird, this
one had entirely basic upperparts except for a few
upperwing coverts and several outer primaries; this
bird appeared to have more retained old primaries than
the Alviso bird currently does. Also, the FCB bird had
a few blackish splotches on the underparts retained from
alternate plumage. Three female/imm.-type BLUE-WINGED
TEAL were also here. The other ad. STILT SANDPIPER
was at State and Spreckles (seen by m.ob. in early
afternoon), along with a juv. PECTORAL SANDPIPER
picked out by Bob Reiling. An ad. PEREGRINE FALCON
was along the EEC entrance road. At CCFS, I had
8 PACIFIC-SLOPE and 2 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, 2 HOUSE
WRENS, and 5 YELLOW WARBLERS near the trailers.
This morning (10 Sep.), I birded the Guadalupe River
between Montague Expwy. and Trimble Road. The
highlight was an OVENBIRD about midway between the
two roads. I marked a line across the levee on the
east side of the river about 50 meters downstream
from a "Replanting Project" interpretive sign; the
Ovenbird was in and around a walnut tree in the
riparian corridor, even with this line. It responded
well to pishing by approaching and staying close to
me, but it never called. Also here were 25 WESTERN
TANAGERS, 15 YELLOW and 5 WILSON'S WARBLERS, 1 WILLOW
and 5 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS, 1 WESTERN WOOD-
PEWEE, 3 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, 7 HOODED ORIOLES,
1 WARBLING VIREO, 1 imm./female LAZULI BUNTINGS, and
1 SHARP-SHINNED and 3 COOPER'S HAWKS.
Good birding,
Steve Rottenborn
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From email@hidden Fri Sep 10 12:32:47 1999
Subject: [SBB] Charleston Slough/Pump House
Folks:
On nomenclature, Charleston Slough does not have a "pump house."
It has an old concrete structure at its south end that has now been
torn down and there is a pump next to it which connects with Shoreline
Lake. The pump house across the path from this point drains the
Mountain View Forebay into Adobe Creek (which is part of the Palo
Alto Flood Control Basin). Charleston Slough has a muted tidal flow
but probably has salinity typical of the South Bay. Mountain View
Forebay is largely fresh water from storm drains.
Bill
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From email@hidden Fri Sep 10 13:36:40 1999
Subject: [SBB] Ogier Ponds
All,
Things were very slow at Ogier Ponds this morning. The water level is very
low in some of the ponds and the creek inlet is becoming overgrown. We did
see a couple dozen Wood Ducks (of all ages), a couple Ruddy Ducks, two female
Ring-necked Ducks and one eclipse male American Wigeon (in addition to the
usual Gadwalls and Mallards). There were no shorebirds (a Killdeer was
heard). Small passerines seemed to be either going somewhere else or hiding
from the wind (or us) and although a few of the "usual suspects" were seen
quantity and quality were way down. I did get a quick look at a yellow
warbler that may well have been one (a YEWA) but it quickly disappeared into
a wind blown tree. A couple Red-tailed Hawks, a pair of American Kestrels
and a White-tailed Kite were seen. Finally, just as we were leaving Frank
got a long distance look at an Osprey (unknown sex and age) which was flying
north of the ponds. All in all, today was very poor birding when compared to
this time last year.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 1:33 PM, 9/10/99
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From email@hidden Fri Sep 10 13:54:23 1999
Subject: [SBB] Re: Ovenbird
All:
Scott Terrill called to say that he saw the Ovenbird at
about 13:00 at the aforementioned walnut tree. The
bird did not respond well to pishing (although that
apparently brought the bird into view), but it did
respond well to, and began calling repeatedly in
response to, Scott's imitation of an Eastern Screech-
Owl.
Steve Rottenborn
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From email@hidden Fri Sep 10 16:25:03 1999
Subject: [SBB] Calero Reservoir birds
Howdy Sout-bay-birders,
Yesterday afternoon I visited the east end of Calero Reservoir.
Highlights included 4 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS along the shores and at least
1 male TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD in a large blackbird flock there.
Today I revisited the east end of the reservoir. There were still at
least 4 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS there, and I also saw 2 GOLDEN EAGLES (1
ad., 1 imm.). The immature eagle flew very close to where I was
standing, making an unsuccessful assault on the duck flocks. Lots of
ducks are there now, including many AMERICAN WIGEON, N. PINTAIL,
CINNAMON and GREENWINGED TEAL, GADWALL, etc. Along the levee near the
stables there was a flock of 16 WILD TURKEYS, and along the creek inflow
I had close looks at a pair of CALIFORNIA THRASHERS. The east end of the
reservoir is really loaded with birds right now, and is a place to keep
an eye on.
Walked part of the Alamitos Creek Trail downstream from Leland High
School today. Migrants were sparse, as usual--only found 1 YELLOW
WARBLER and a few PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS and WESTERN TANAGERS. Of
course there were most of the usual residents--RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS,
BELTED KINGFISHER, etc.
I've scheduled a new birding class with MetroED for this fall,
beginning Sept. 23 and extending to Oct. 28. The course consists of six
evening meetings and several Saturday field trips. If anyone is
interested, more information about the class and how to register can be
found at the following web page:
http://home.pacbell.net/redknot/class.html
John Mariani
email@hidden
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From email@hidden Sat Sep 11 11:02:06 1999
Subject: [SBB] Nutmeg Mannikins
The Backyard Bird Feeder group walked this morning along the Los Alamitos
Creek Trail north from the parking lot on Camden Ave. Highlights included
three female COMMON MERGANSERS, two singing CALIFORNIA THRASHERS, two
WILSON's and YELLOW WARBLERS, and three NUTMET MANNIKINS aka spotted munias
or ricebirds.
Jack Cole
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From email@hidden Sat Sep 11 15:37:34 1999
Subject: [SBB] American Bittern and Sora
All,
This morning when we arrived at Ogier Ponds for the SCVAS field trip the
entrance was locked and was not opened until about 8:30 AM. (I guess if the
model airplane hobbyists don't want to fly it never gets opened?) In the
meantime a couple of fishermen with a canoe went into the first pond south of
the entrance and flushed every visible duck in the pond, including
approximately a dozen Wood Ducks in the far southwestern corner of the pond.
Later a family throwing a stick into the pond for their pet dog to retrieve
managed to flush a remaining pair of WODU from reeds on the North side of the
pond. Generally birding was better than Friday, a Golden Eagle came down,
quite low, from the ridgeline to a point just south of the model airplane
field providing good viewing before finally gaining height. We had
Red-tailed Hawks, White-tailed kites, a couple of accipiters (one each
probable Cooper's Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk) and a pair of American
Kestrels decorated various Cottonwood branches in the area. There was a
marked improvement in the variety of passerines seen (the wind was not as bad
as yesterday but it was still slim pickings). We had a calling California
Thrasher, fair looks at a Yellow Warbler, good looks at a female Nuttal's
Woodpecker, Lesser Goldfinches, a Western Meadowlark and Belted Kingfishers
(along with some of the "usual suspects"). We had excellent views of one
Green Heron but the best birds were in the pond nearest the model airplane
field. As we walked along the southern edge of this pond an American Bittern
flushed from the reeds and flew to the eastern edge of the ponds giving us
excellent views of it's back, black wingtips and yellow-green feet as it
flew. A Sora was found in the southeastern corner of this pond shortly
thereafter (one had been calling earlier). We "dipped" on the Osprey,
Ring-necked Ducks, a Ruddy Duck and Caspian Terns seen Friday. Finally one
question remains, "Is Coors Light the beer of choice for fisherman?" Their
blue and white (is it silver?) cardboard containers, empty cans and bottles
decorate many selected sites around the two largest ponds where man has beat
back the wilderness and developed the area for his enjoyment.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 3:35 PM, 9/11/99
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From email@hidden Sat Sep 11 16:50:25 1999
Subject: [SBB] COTE
This afternoon at 2:30 PM there were no terns along the central levee or
adjacent levee between the two Sunnyvale WPCP ponds. At 3:30, there were
four COMMON TERNS there among over 50 Forster's terns. Other birds of note
included four Bonaparte's gulls and 35 Red-necked Phalaropes.
Jack Cole
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From email@hidden Sun Sep 12 22:22:19 1999
Subject: [SBB] NOPO at Hidden Villa
All,
While accompanying group of trainee naturalists at Hidden Villa in Los Altos
(a nonprofit organic farm and nature preserve where I am now working as an
environmental educator), I encountered a Northern Pygmy-owl at close range
along the Pipeline Trail at about 2PM yesterday (Sat. 9/11/99). The bird flew
in to land on an oak branch about 12 ft above the trail and calmly observed
us for approximately 10 minutes before we moved on. It was silent throughout
the encounter.
--Garth Harwood
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 13 09:10:53 1999
Subject: [SBB] Sooty Shearwaters
Hello all;
On Sunday I found myself at the Monterey Bay Aquarium facility. While
spending a few moments outside on their patio, we were treated to the sight
of 100's of thousands of birds flying along in a ribbon that stretched
across our line of sight from the shore around Sand City, to out of sight
towards the west. They were many miles away. While they didn't fly like
them, they looked like starlings. But because of the distance (and only
having 7X35 binocs handy) I was unable to tell much about them--other then
there were lots of them.
A few hours later, we spotted the shoreward end of the line as we were
passing through Sand City. We found a place to stop and set up the scope.
Due to: bad sun angle, wind vibrations, distance (about 1,000 yards),
constant motion of the birds, etc..., viewing was poor. *But*, given a
number of pretty good glimpse's at them, I'm fairly sure they were Sooty
Shearwaters. Beaks & legs appeared to be dark. The distance (not to
mention my old eyes) kept those little nose knobs near the top of their beak
a mystery. I *thought* I could make them out from time-to-time. But I
never got a sure hard confirm on them...
What was so riveting was the shear numbers of birds. From the aquarium, the
ribbon of birds seemed to touch the water, and run from shore, to out to sea
(and out of sight). As they wheeled and turned, the light would reflect
collectively, and the ribbon seemed to undulate and sway with a hidden beat.
Later, as we were having lunch, we could again watch them. But this time
they were heading back towards the shore (near Sand City).
For those of you who've never been to the Monterey Aquarium, you should go.
It's truly magnificent, and worth every penny of entrance fee. Best of all,
in their aviary, you can see Avocets, Red and Red-necked Phalaropes,
Killdeer, and others from less than an arm's length away... Neat place!
Dusty Bleher
Campbell, Ca.
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 13 09:57:06 1999
Subject: [SBB] Pectoral Sandpipers
All,
On Saturday morning (presumably) the same 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen
(by a number of people) in the Mt. View Forebay next to the dirt trail that
parallels Terminal Ave. No other unusual sightings on a quiet morning.
Nick Yatsko
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Clark [mailto:email@hidden]
Sent: Friday, September 10, 1999 11:22 AM
To: South Bay Birds
Subject: [SBB] Pectoral Sandpipers
This morning at Charleston Slough there were still two PECTORAL
SANDPIPERS on the south side of the pump house feeding with a small
group
of Least Sandpipers. The pump was working while I watched and it pretty
much drained out this area, leaving mud flats for now, but could be
dried up soon. So I don't know how long these sandpipers will stay
around?
The pumping action created a bonanza on the other side for egrets and
herons. I saw about 100 in a mixed flock of greater, snowy, and great
blue within a tight area all fishing along the banks. Some were
displaying their plumes and running off subordinates, maybe because they
were so close together? A pretty sight.
Mike Clark
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 13 10:09:01 1999
Subject: [SBB] Weekend birds
All:
After missing both the White-winged Tern and Yellow-throated Vireo on
Wednesday and the Guadalupe River Ovenbird on Friday, I thought my luck had
to change this weekend. It didn't!
On Saturday morning, I briefly checked the east side of CCRS but saw
virtually nothing. There were about 20 Pectoral Sandpipers in the flooded
fields at Zanker and 237. In the afternoon, I visited Ravenswood OSP to
check the high tide roost. Lots of birds, but 10 Red Knots were the only
birds of even mild interest. A quick check of the south pond of the Palo
Alto FCB revealed 37 Greater Yellowlegs and a Pectoral Sandpiper.
Sunday morning I checked CCRS again, this time on the normal west side.
When I arrived, the banders had trapped what appeared to be a Dusky
Flycatcher. It was extremely worn, barely showing a bit of an eyering
behind the eye, but showed a narrow bill with a hint of a dusky tip to the
lower mandible. The wing-tail ratio looked much better for a Dusky than a
Hammond's. This would be a county bird although I'd like Al J. to check the
photos and measurements first. I also saw about a dozen Yellow Warblers and
a W. Wood-Pewee. The imm Peregrine was still around.
I checked Crittenden Marsh at the high tide but this was almost totally
dead apart from roosting W. Sandpipers that contained a juv. Sanderling.
Virtually no yellowlegs and NO dowitichers (I presume these had all moved
to the Palo Alto FCB since SR saw the Stilt Sandpiper there).
I then checked the CCRS waterbird pond in the evening. The incredible
decline of this spot was summed up by the complete lack of any dowitchers
(an unwelcome first for fall migration) and yellowlegs. The water level is
very low. Fortunately, there were 2-300 roosting peeps (unusual this fall).
These included a Semi-palmated Sandpiper, although the flock flew off
before I could check it really well to eliminate other rarer stints. I then
checked out the salt pond N of the mudflat W. of the shorebird pond. A juv
Golden Plover sp. flew by calling (very probably an American based on the
white supercilium and lack of yellow on the head and neck). After 20
minutes I finally relocated it way out in the middle of the pond only for
it to immediately fly before I could put the scope on it. A bad ending to a
bad weekend. Time to head to the coast.
Nick Lethaby
Technical Marketing Manager
CoWare, Inc.
Tel: 408 845 7646
E-mail: email@hidden
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 13 10:35:01 1999
Subject: [SBB] HWY 280
Driving home from San Francisco yesterday, I was treated to 2 adult
GOLDEN EAGLES flying together between the Stanford Dish and 280. I never
get tired of eagles so I pulled over to the side and observed them for a
few minutes as they flew directly overhead and moved slowly toward the
coastal hills. Amazingly, there was a moment when the traffic was thin
enough that I could hear their great wings flap overhead... A nice way
to end a non-birding day.
Matthew Dodder
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 13 12:17:02 1999
Subject: [SBB] Weekend Bird walks
Apologies for any duplicates from the cross-posting. These
reports are from San Mateo County, at the edge of Santa Clara
County.
I led two bird walks for the Midpeninsula Open Space District
this weekend. Here are the highlights.
Saturday, 9/11/99, Ravenswood OSP, at the end of Bay Rd., East Palo Alto,
9:00a to 12:00n:
a MERLIN, powered out to the eucalypts by the Palo Alto
Boatworks, then headed north toward the Dumbarton Bridge;
100's of BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, many still retaining summer
plumage; only 1 RED KNOT seen, but others were probably
present as I saw about a dozen last weekend; 10 RED-NECKED PHALAROPE
foraging at very close range at the north end of the impoundment; 3
WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS among many BARN and
VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. The shorebird flock was primarily
composed of LONG-BILLED CURLEW, MARBLED GODWIT, and WILLET,
as it did last week. 45 species total.
Leps: West Coast Lady (on 9/5/99), an unkn. Blue, and an
unkn. medium-sized one (I can't find my field guide!)
Sunday, 9/12/99, Long Ridge OSP, Skyline Blvd. including a corner of
Santa Cruz County:
3 male WILD TURKEY near Ward Pond; 2 "WESTERN" FLYCATCHERS,
one calling in Pacific-slope-manner, the other was silent;
HUTTON'S, CASSIN'S (heard-only), and WARBLING VIREOS. A
WESTERN TANAGER was heard and a sighting of a possible
YELLOW WARBLER added to the short list of migrants. We
encountered two mixed flocks of foraging passerines, but
nothing unusual was seen in these. About 25-plus species
total.
Leps: Calif. Sisters, West Coast Lady, Calif. Ringlets, an
unkn. Fritillary, an unkn. Blue, and maybe a Swallowtail.
Also, on Monday, 9/6/99, we had 2 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS
stopping briefly in our yard on Skyline Blvd., on the western
margin of SCL.
Les
==========================================
Les Chibana, Palo Alto email@hidden
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 13 12:32:11 1999
Subject: [SBB] MGWA, STiltSA, PRFA
All,
On Friday evening 9/10/99 (about 6:30pm) I checked Steve's walnut tree
along the Guadalupe River above Montague for the Ovenbird. There was
a well-beaten path to the spot, but the bird was apprently pished out
and didn't show itself. There were a HOODED ORIOLE and a WILLOW
FLYCATCHER here though. A quick check of State and Spreckles in
Alviso afterwards turned up the basic adult STILT SANDPIPER among
22 LESSER YELLOWLEGS.
On Saturday morning 9/11/99, I started out at 7:15am once again at
the Ovenbird spot. After again failing to locate this bird, I headed
north along the river to Montague in the overflow channel and then
began birding my way south along the creek. I reached the Ovenbird
spot again just after 9:00am, but still no Ovenbird. I continued
working my way south to about 2/3 of the way to Trimble Road, then
came back and checked the Ovenbird spot at 10:15 - still no luck. In
general the area was surprisingly low on birds given the time of year,
but there were a few migrants around nonetheless, including 2 WILLOW
FLYCATCHERS, 2 "WESTERN" FLYCATCHERS, 1 SWAINSON'S THRUSH, 4 WARBLING
VIREOS, 2 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, 5 YELLOW WARBLERS, 1 fem/imm
MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER, 3 WILSON'S WARBLERS, 9 WESTERN TANAGERS, and
up to 3 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS. Also of interest were a roosting BARN
OWL and a LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE.
Afterwards I again checked State and Spreckles in Alviso, refinding
the basic adult STILT SANDPIPER and a juvenile PECTORAL SANDPIPER,
again with many LESSER YELLOWLEGS. At least 35 VAUX'S SWIFTS were
foraging low overhead here, some vocalizing. A single CLIFF SWALLOW
remained among the many BARN and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. An adult
PRAIRIE FALCON was hunting along Zanker Road nearby and was later seen
again with Mike Mammoser near the CCFS trailers - the waterbird pond
was a bust. As noted by Nick Lethaby, the water level is quite low.
Mike Rogers
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 13 13:09:24 1999
Subject: [SBB] Jasper Ridge Bird Survey
Hi all,
Sunday morning Chip Haven, Ron Arps, and I did our monthly point
count survey on Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve. This was our first time
in this point count area. There are four areas of the preserve that have
been designated, each with 7 points at which we do our surveys. A group
covers an area for four months, then the groups rotate to another area.
Eventually we will all have learned and birded every point on the preserve,
and we will be "off cycle" by the time we rotate back to our starting area.
This should help to reduce observer bias over time.
In any case, we were doing the "grassland" portion of the preserve
this time, and hence we had very low bird counts, as birds tend to be
patchily distributed and in quite low numbers throughout the grassland. Our
"best birds" were an American Kestrel that flushed from an isolated tree
adjacent to one of the points, and a Grasshopper Sparrow that we identified
after the point count was over. The sparrow had flown into our circle in
one of the pure grassland habitats (Serpentine) and dropped into or near a
bunch grass. We hadn't been able to id the bird as it arrived and had to
wait until the count time was over, before trying to chase it down. As I
knew that Steve Rottenborn had previously had Grasshopper Sparrows during
the Fall in past years on Jasper Ridge, we made an effort to get good looks
at it. This bird seemed to retain some juvenile plumage with streaks down
its breast. Over the course of getting looks at this bird, we also flushed
out at least two more sparrows which may also have been Grasshopper Sparrows
but we didn't get enough of a look to be sure. Nonetheless, finding this
species on the Ridge is quite nice. It would be interesting to know if
these birds are dispersing from somewhere like Montebello, as there are no
breeding records for the Ridge (or even any singing birds in Spring, as far
as I know).
Otherwise, the day was nice enough, but few birds were seen in our
counts. Typical species included Lesser Goldfinch, Scrub Jay, Anna's
Hummingbird, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Oak Titmouse, Wrentit, California
Thrasher, Acorn Woodpecker, Bewick's Wren, etc. Most of these birds were
heard beyond the count circle and therefore didn't get included in the
survey results. On one grassland point we didn't have any species in the
seven minutes (which is fairly typical here). Our other "good" bird was a
Black Phoebe, heard at an open woodland point (Blue Oaks mostly) and
confirmed within the circle after the end of the count. This bird is
unusual on top of the Ridge, but regular along the various waterways and
around buildings. That's all for this month. Cheers,
Richard
email@hidden
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 13 13:21:19 1999
Subject: [SBB] Stevens Creek
Folks:
I did Mike's Stevens Creek route this morning, 9/13/1999, covering the
creek from just below L'Avenida down to the lone eucalyptus above Critteden.
Things were much the same as Mike has reported in the last two weeks. I had
six YELLOW WARBLERS and some of them were not settling down for the day, but
moving on. A variety of missed chips.
I found the female HOODED ORIOLE at the eucaplytus with two
dependent young. The more demanding one was fed a couple of times. Where the
power lines cross I had a family of LESSER GOLDFINCHES with one juvenile still
begging for food but being given only air by the adult as far as I could tell.
Mid-September is late for both species for dependent young.
Bill
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 13 13:32:24 1999
Subject: [SBB] birds
On Saturday, 11 Sep 99, I went to CCFS to look for migrants, finding
some of the usual suspects. I had 2 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, 4 PACIFIC-SLOPE
FLYCATCHERS, 3 YELLOW WARBLERS, a HOUSE WREN, and a WESTERN TANAGER.
Mike and I watched a PRAIRIE FALCON fly by over the sludge ponds and I
later had 2 VAUX'S SWIFTS overhead with the swallows.
Later I had the adult STILT SANDPIPER at State and Spreckles, and
Calabazas Marsh had 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS.
On Sunday, 12 Sep 99, I went to the Palo Alto Baylands, where the fennel
patch was relatively quiet. At the WPCP, bird activity was low as well,
but I did manage to watch an immature female HERMIT WARBLER for about an
hour.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 13 13:42:01 1999
Subject: [SBB] RE: Jasper Ridge Bird Survey
REPLY RE: Jasper Ridge Bird Survey
Jeffers, Richard G wrote:
>Hi all,
> Sunday morning Chip Haven, Ron Arps, and I did our monthly point
>count survey on Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve.
[snip]
>Grasshopper Sparrows
>but we didn't get enough of a look to be sure. Nonetheless, finding
this
>species on the Ridge is quite nice. It would be interesting to know if
>these birds are dispersing from somewhere like Montebello, as there are
no
>breeding records for the Ridge (or even any singing birds in Spring, as
far
>as I know).
Were there any sightings of Grasshopper Sparrows at Monte Bello OSP this
year? I recall reports from Russian Ridge and several other locations, but
not from Monte Bello.
Les
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 13 14:48:44 1999
Subject: [SBB] WTKI
A WHITE-TAILED KITE was still sitting on a nest at CCFS on Saturday, as
if incubating eggs. If eggs are still unhatched at this point, we could
be looking at a mid-October or later fledging date.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 13 15:05:44 1999
Subject: [SBB] VIRGINIA'S WARBLER
All,
Today at mid-day Steve Rottenborn found a VIRGINIA'S WARBLER
at the Palo Alto Baylands fennel patch. I refound the bird
between 1:47 and 1:57 at the west end of the patch near the
ranger's residence, but lost it when it flew into the residence
trees. It is a real skulker, staying at mid-height in the
fennel and gleening slowly and unobtrusively. It is also a
very dull bird. It does, however, call occasionally, which
helps to locate it and follow it once found.
Mike Rogers
9/13/99
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 13 15:28:15 1999
Subject: [SBB] Virginia's Warbler
All:
This morning (13 Sep.), I saw two STILT SANDPIPERS at State
and Spreckles in Alviso. One was the adult that has been
regular there lately, and the other was a juv. with a great
deal of basic feathering in the back and scapulars. On 7
Sep. I saw a juv. Stilt Sandpiper on private property in
Alviso, but that bird did not have any basic feathering.
Given the short interval between these two sightings and
the significant difference in plumage (2/3 or more of the
back feathers and scapulars of today's bird were basic),
I'd guess that they are different individuals. Forty or
more VAUX'S SWIFTS were over our office in Alviso.
At the Palo Alto Baylands, a check of the fennel patch
initially produced no migrants, and if the VIRGINIA'S
WARBLER had not begun calling, there is no way I would
have found it. However, I followed the call to this
dull hatching-year bird and watched it for about a minute
at 12:50 before going to the phone to alert others.
>From 13:00 to 13:10 or so I followed it around the fennel
patch trying to photograph it, never seeing it well but
hearing it call almost constantly. It then became quiet,
calling only a few times for Mike Rogers and me from
13:20 to 13:35. I returned later to find Mike Mammoser
watching the bird, and I got very good looks again from
16:45 to 16:50 or so. This was a county bird for me, and
is, I believe, the second county record.
The VIWA was about the same size and shape as a Yellow
Warbler (though none were present for direct comparison).
It was very dull and gray overall, being more or less
uniformly medium gray all over the head, neck, and back,
with just a faint hint of brownish in these areas (this
brown tinge really apparent only in sunlight). The
upperwing coverts, secondaries, tertials, and rectrices
had dark gray/charcoal centers with very broad gray edging,
producing an overall medium grayish wing and uppertail
surface. The only outstanding feature of the head was a
moderately broad, well defined, round grayish-white orbital
ring. Unlike the illustration of the immature female in
NGS, the lores were the same medium gray as the rest of
the head. The eye was black, and the bill appeared blackish
overall (though I did not study it carefully, I did not note
any paler color on the bill). The chin and throat were only
slightly paler than the sides of the head, and there was no
strong demarcation between these areas. The breast was
gray like the throat, and despite good views in both light
and shadow, I saw no yellow on the breast at all. In direct
sunlight, the breast appeared to have a slight pale brownish
or buffy cast, although this was not conspicuous and the
underparts appeared gray overall. The gray of the breast
became slightly paler posteriorly (on the belly). The
undertail coverts were moderately bright yellow, while
the rump and uppertail coverts were a somewhat darker, more
greenish-yellow color. The legs and feet appeared dark
brownish-black. The bird pumped its tail frequently.
The call was not the hard, loud, metallic "chink" or "tink"
I had expected, but instead was only a moderately loud,
slightly less metallic "tink" or "twink" with more internal
noise than I expected, sometimes sounding like "tzink".
At times the bird gave a louder, more typical metallic
"tink" call, and perhaps the dense fennel in which the
bird foraged made its call sound strange at times. When
I initially found the bird, it was by itself, but when I
watched it later with Mike Mammoser it seemed to be
associating closely with a flock of Bushtits.
In the north pond of the Palo Alto Flood Control Basin,
Mike Mammoser and I had 65 GREATER YELLOWLEGS (no Lessers)
and a juv. PECTORAL SANDPIPER.
Steve Rottenborn
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 13 16:12:41 1999
Subject: [SBB] County List Update
Bill Bousman has updated the County List as of August 31.
The total is 270 with 6 new birds:
White-faced Ibis, Swainson's Hawk, Red Knot, Baird's Sandpiper, Ruff,
Common Tern
The list is posted on:
South Bay Birders Unlimited (SBBU)
http://www.stanford.edu/~kendric/birds/
Kendric
-----------------------------------------
Kendric C. Smith, Ph.D.
927 Mears Court
Stanford, CA 94305-1041
(650) 493-7210 (voice or fax)
email@hidden
http://www.stanford.edu/~kendric/
------------------------------------------
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 13 17:28:45 1999
Subject: [SBB] late HOOR
A tardy report to say that I still had a single female HOODED ORIOLE
in my back yard in San Jose on September 7th.
I have never seen HOODED ORIOLES stay this late before!
Alan W.
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 13 18:19:58 1999
Subject: [SBB] Monday birds
This afternoon I made some brief stops by the bay. At Mountain View
Forebay there were 3 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS. A PEREGRINE FALCON was seen
flying over the Palo Alto Flood Control Basin, and 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS
was with Greaters next to the Palo Alto Baylands Interpretive Center.
Unaware that a Virginia's Warbler had been found I checked that same
fennel patch and the trees around the residence with nary a migrant to
be found. Congrats Steve for finding another great bird!:
Nothing out of the ordinary at the SCVWD Pond except for 1 SPOTTED
SANDPIPER.
My beginning birding class starts 9/23. For more information go to:
http://home.pacbell.net/redknot/class.html
John Mariani
email@hidden
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 13 19:20:19 1999
Subject: [SBB] Ruby-crowned Query
> THIS MESSAGE IS IN MIME FORMAT. Since your mail reader does not understand
this format, some or all of this message may not be legible.
--MS_Mac_OE_3020095219_6230181_MIME_Part
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit
Bill,
Thanks for your message and sorry I did not respond sooner.
I called the Ruby-crowned Kinglet based on the small size; thin,
warbler-type bill; and broader eye-ring. The wingbars were wider than a
Hutton's Vireo, to my eye. The bird was extremely active, like all kinglets
I've seen.
In my field notes, I noted the paler breast and more distinct eye-ring,
which gave me the "feeling" it was female, although these may not be
considered diagnostic of a female vs. male, particularly in the absence of
the ruby crown, which i did not see. For these reasons, I wish to retract
designating the bird as female, but based on the other field markings will
maintain the species as Ruby-crowned Kinglet rather than Hutton's Vireo.
Michael
--MS_Mac_OE_3020095219_6230181_MIME_Part
Content-type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII"
Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable
Ruby-crowned Query
Bill,
Thanks for your message and sorry I did not respond sooner.
I called the Ruby-crowned Kinglet based on the small size; thin, warbler-ty=
pe bill; and broader eye-ring. The wingbars were wider than a Hutton's Vireo=
, to my eye. The bird was extremely active, like all kinglets I've seen.
In my field notes, I noted the paler breast and more distinct eye-ring, whi=
ch gave me the "feeling" it was female, although these may not be =
considered diagnostic of a female vs. male, particularly in the absence of t=
he ruby crown, which i did not see. For these reasons, I wish to retract =
designating the bird as female, but based on the other field markings wi=
ll maintain the species as Ruby-crowned Kinglet rather than Hutton's Vireo.<=
BR>
Michael
--MS_Mac_OE_3020095219_6230181_MIME_Part--
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From email@hidden Mon Sep 13 22:07:18 1999
Subject: Re: [SBB] VIRGINIA'S WARBLER
South-Bay-Birders:
Arrived at the Fennel Patch at the Palo Alto Baylands at 4:50 PM shortly
followed by Dick Stovell and Bob Juhl and Mike Mammoser. Mike Mammoser
had seen the Virginia;s Warbler in the Fennel Patch at 4:30 PM...I
missed it by 20 minutes. I followed the bushtit flock around for almost
two hours without luck.
I checked the trees around the residence. In case you were wondering
what the Red Gum Psyllid looks like, check out these trees when you look
for the Virginia's Warbler. These trees are fully infested. One tree
is nearly dead, and one is not far behind. I didn't notice any extra
bird activity in these trees.
--
Mike Feighner, Livermore, CA, email@hidden
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From email@hidden Tue Sep 14 12:06:03 1999
Subject: [SBB] VIWA
Yesterday, 13 Sep 99, I arrived at the Palo Alto Baylands at about
4:30pm and immediately had the VIRGINIA'S WARBLER in a flock of
BUSHTITS. The bird disappeared into the fennel just as Steve Rottenborn
showed up. We refound the bird and watched it from quite close range for
the next 10 minutes or so.
The most distinctive things about this bird were the bold white eye-ring
and the yellow undertail coverts. Otherwise the bird was rather dull;
medium gray above and paler below. I didn't see the uppertail coverts.
Like Steve, I couldn't see any yellow in the breast.
After birding other areas, I returned to the fennel patch to find a
number of birders present (Mike Feighner, Dick Stovel, Bob Juhl and his
wife). We searched for about an hour without any luck. At one point I
heard a couple metallic chip notes that sounded somewhat like a
California Towhee, but was unable to track down the bird that made them.
I suppose it's possible it could have been the Virginia's.
Mike Mammoser
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From email@hidden Tue Sep 14 12:10:21 1999
Subject: RE: [SBB] Ruby-crowned Query
REPLY RE: [SBB] Ruby-crowned Query
Michael,
One field mark that often works for me to help distinguish between these species is the character of the wingbars. On Hutton's Vireo (HUVI), the upper wingbar is usually more pronounced than on the Ruby-crowned Kinglet (RCKI). Often the RCKI will only show a very small portion of the upper wingbar. On HUVI, the feather edging between the two wingbars is dark, giving it a darker blackish appearance than the area between the two wingbars. On RCKI, the feather edging below the predominant lower wingbar is dark, giving it the appearance of a dark wingbar below 2nd wingbar. The feather edging above the dominant wingbar is chartreuse.
Does anyone who looks for this fieldmark feel that it is not reliable?
Another good mark is that the footpads of RCKI are yellowish-orange,
and HUVI are grayish. This is easier to see than you might think.
Regarding the activity of the bird, I've always heard/read that this should not be a primary reason for ID between these species. There are
hyperactive HUVI and hypoactive RCKI.
My two bits,
Les Chibana
Palo Alto, CA email@hidden
Michael Wienholt wrote:
>Ruby-crowned Query Bill,
>
> Thanks for your message and sorry I did not respond sooner.
>
> I called the Ruby-crowned Kinglet based on the small size; thin, >warbler-type bill; and broader eye-ring. The wingbars were wider than a Hutton's Vireo, to >my eye. The bird was extremely active, like all kinglets I've seen.
>
> In my field notes, I noted the paler breast and more distinct eye-ring, >which gave me the "feeling" it was female, although these may not be considered >diagnostic of a female vs. male, particularly in the absence of the ruby crown, >which i did not see. For these reasons, I wish to retract designating the bird as >female, but based on the other field markings will maintain the species as >Ruby-crowned Kinglet rather than Hutton's Vireo.
>
> Michael
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From email@hidden Tue Sep 14 12:20:40 1999
Subject: RE: [SBB] Ruby-crowned Query
REPLY RE: [SBB] Ruby-crowned Query
Geez, I thought I proofed this...
Les Chibana wrote:
>Michael,
>
>One field mark that often works for me to help distinguish between these >species is the character of the wingbars. On Hutton's Vireo (HUVI), the upper >wingbar is usually more pronounced than on the Ruby-crowned Kinglet (RCKI). Often the >RCKI will only show a very small portion of the upper wingbar. On HUVI, the >feather edging between the two wingbars is dark, giving it a darker blackish >appearance than the area between the two wingbars. On RCKI, the feather edging below the
This last part should have read,
"On HUVI, the feather edging between the two wingbars is dark, giving it a darker blackish appearance between the two wingbars."
Sorry for the extra posting.
>predominant lower wingbar is dark, giving it the appearance of a dark >wingbar below 2nd wingbar. The feather edging above the dominant wingbar is chartreuse. >Does anyone who looks for this fieldmark feel that it is not reliable?
>
>Another good mark is that the footpads of RCKI are yellowish-orange,
>and HUVI are grayish. This is easier to see than you might think.
>
>Regarding the activity of the bird, I've always heard/read that this should >not be a primary reason for ID between these species. There are
>hyperactive HUVI and hypoactive RCKI.
>
>My two bits,
>
>Les Chibana
>Palo Alto, CA email@hidden
>
>Michael Wienholt wrote:
>>Ruby-crowned Query Bill,
>>
>> Thanks for your message and sorry I did not respond sooner.
>>
>> I called the Ruby-crowned Kinglet based on the small size; thin, >>warbler-type bill; and broader eye-ring. The wingbars were wider than a Hutton's Vireo, >to >my eye. The bird was extremely active, like all kinglets I've seen.
>>
>> In my field notes, I noted the paler breast and more distinct eye-ring, >>which gave me the "feeling" it was female, although these may not be considered >>diagnostic of a female vs. male, particularly in the absence of the ruby crown, >>which i did not see. For these reasons, I wish to retract designating the bird as >>female, but based on the other field markings will maintain the species as >>Ruby-crowned Kinglet rather than Hutton's Vireo.
>>
>> Michael
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From email@hidden Tue Sep 14 12:23:52 1999
Subject: RE: [SBB] Ruby-crowned Query
At 12:10 PM 9/14/99 -0700, you wrote:
> REPLY RE: [SBB] Ruby-crowned Query
>Michael,
>
>One field mark that often works for me to help distinguish between these
species is the character of the wingbars. On Hutton's Vireo (HUVI), the
upper wingbar is usually more pronounced than on the Ruby-crowned Kinglet
(RCKI). Often the RCKI will only show a very small portion of the upper
wingbar. On HUVI, the feather edging between the two wingbars is dark,
giving it a darker blackish appearance than the area between the two
wingbars. On RCKI, the feather edging below the predominant lower wingbar
is dark, giving it the appearance of a dark wingbar below 2nd wingbar. The
feather edging above the dominant wingbar is chartreuse.
>Does anyone who looks for this fieldmark feel that it is not reliable?
>
>Another good mark is that the footpads of RCKI are yellowish-orange,
>and HUVI are grayish. This is easier to see than you might think.
>
Thanks to Les for posting these useful notes.
I would also point out that Ruby-crowned Kinglets have black legs (tarsi
and tibiae) while on the Hutton's Vireo the legs are dark blue-grey as is
the case in many vireos. This colour of blue-grey legs is rare in our
passerines, also found in the orioles and to a lesser extent on
Chestnut-backed Chickadees.
Things you learn while banding!
cheers,
Al
Alvaro Jaramillo "It was almost a pity, to see the sun
Half Moon Bay, shining constantly over so useless a country"
California Darwin, regarding the Atacama desert.
email@hidden
Helm guide to the New World Blackbirds, Birding in Chile and more, at:
http://www.sirius.com/~alvaro
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From email@hidden Tue Sep 14 13:42:57 1999
Subject: [SBB] New county list & PA birds
All:
While missing the VIWA at Palo Alto this lunch time, I decided to start the
Santa Clara County NOTlist. This year, I currently have NOT listed
Ovenbird, BW Warbler, Dickcissel, BB Sandpiper, and Virginia's Warbler. The
rules are simple. Only birds that have a dotted line status or rarer in
Bill Bousman's list can be counted (Willow Flycatcher is excluded as it
should have a better status and I may list other species). You have to look
for the bird for at least 30 minutes either on a day it was seen or the day
after. The only exception to this is if you are out of town, in which case
you can try on your first free day, provided it is not certain the bird has
gone. You can count multiple missed attempts to see a bird, but you lose
all of these once you add the species to your county list. Attempts to see
a bird must be at least 4 hours apart.
I did have quite good views of a Swainson's Thrush at PA Baylands and a bad
look at Yellow Warbler. Plenty of Bushtits. I didn't check the mudflats,
although the duck pond had nothing.
Nick
Nick Lethaby
Technical Marketing Manager
CoWare, Inc.
Tel: 408 845 7646
E-mail: email@hidden
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From email@hidden Tue Sep 14 15:25:37 1999
Subject: [SBB] Virginia's Warbler
All,
This afternoon, about 1:30 PM, I had a quick upper rear view of what may have
been the VIWA recently found by Steve Rottenborn. The bird was in the fennel
patch with Bushtits. The problem is that since I did not see the eye-ring or
the front of the bird I don't believe that I can rule out an immature Common
Yellowthroat. We were unable to re-find the bird.
Take care,
Bob Reiling, 3:35 PM, 9/14/99
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From email@hidden Tue Sep 14 20:54:43 1999
Subject: [SBB] Late HOORs
We also have had late Hooded Orioles this year. We saw our last
male on 8/23, but continued to see females and juveniles later. The
last seen was quite grey, presumably juvenile, on 9/6. both Marti
and I thought we heard one on 9/9, but we didn't see it. The call
could have been just after leaving the feeder, which has been
common behavior. (But the juv are usually quiet)
------------------------
George Oetzel
Menlo Park, CA
650.854.2385
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From email@hidden Wed Sep 15 15:45:10 1999
Subject: [SBB] FWD: {EBB} RE:DCCO
This was posted to East Bay Birds. I thought it might be of interest to
SBB.
Les
--------------------------------------
Date: 9/15/99 2:54 PM
From: Mjrauz
Hi Birders,
I'm new to the list and studying Double-crested Cormorants on the
bridges.
Thought you might be interested in the results of this year's data. There
were 794 nests on the San Francisco Bay Oakland Bridge in '99. In 1990,
there were 465 nests.
Also looks like a colony developed at Lake Merritt two years ago; it held
12
nests this year. I'm interested in any observations of large
concentrations
of corms at the reserviors or any other local nesting colonies aside from
Richmond Bridge and San Mateo tower colonies. Let me know.
Thanks and good birding,
Mark Rauzon, Box 4423, Berkeley, CA 94602, email@hidden
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From email@hidden Wed Sep 15 18:05:04 1999
Subject: [SBB] Calero birds
This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
------=_NextPart_000_001F_01BEFFA4.D63883E0
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Howdy South-bay-birders,
Late this afternoon I made a shorebird stop at Calero Reservoir. Birds =
at the receding east end of the reservoir included 3 PECTORAL =
SANDPIPERS, 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, a few LEAST SANDPIPERS, 2 GREATER =
YELLOWLEGS, about 30 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, and lots of KILLDEER.
------=_NextPart_000_001F_01BEFFA4.D63883E0
Content-Type: text/html;
charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Howdy =
South-bay-birders,
Late this afternoon I =
made a=20
shorebird stop at Calero Reservoir. Birds at the receding east end of =
the=20
reservoir included 3 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, a few =
LEAST=20
SANDPIPERS, 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, about 30 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, and lots =
of=20
KILLDEER.
------=_NextPart_000_001F_01BEFFA4.D63883E0--
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From email@hidden Wed Sep 15 20:40:12 1999
Subject: [SBB] birds
Hi all,
Hi birders,
Yesterday I had to go to the Zanker Road Landfill, where I saw 2 Loggerhead
Shrikes perched on a wire. On my way back, still on Zanker Road I saw 8
Turkey Vultures in a disked field, perched on the ground in not more than a
10 ft by 10 ft area. Some were periodically raising and lowering their wings
(like Mocking birds do).
Today Rosalie Lefkowitz and I observed a juvenile Redtailed Hawk on one of
the towers near the launching dock in the Palo Alto Baylands
devouring a bird or rodent.
Near the harbour master's cottage I observed a Black Phoebe. In the psyllid
infested Eucalyptus trees I watched hundreds of young Black birds feasting
on the psyllids.
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From email@hidden Wed Sep 15 21:26:35 1999
Subject: [SBB] Hooded Oriole, etc
I had my Hooded Orioles at my backyard feeder on Sept 8 - then left town on
business and the orioles moved South while I was gone. Saw none today.
My normal morning walk through "my farm" (La Rinconada Park) was quite
productive this a.m. (I didn't stop to bird, just kept on walking.) I had
KINGFISHER, BROWN CREEPER, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, both JAYS, CALIF
THRASHER, both TOWHEES, both ACORN & NUTTALLS are quite plentiful, "yellow"
WARBLER'S (species undetermined), BUSHTITS, etc. ROBINS are normal at "my
farm" but never seem to come to my yard. I had 6 MOCKINGBIRDS actively
interacting with each other.
Had a meeting this morning with SCVWD and Town of Los Gatos people
regarding falling down bridge at La Rinconada Park--it will be fixed
soon!!! If anyone needs a great contact at SCVWD, let me know. He found a
1974 building permit for us!
In my backyard the CALIFORNIA QUAIL are now regular eaters. But, they are
uninterested (as is every other species) in my cracked corn. Other birds
eating are ho-hum.
Gloria LeBlanc
Los Gatos off Quito
"We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails"
http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com
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From email@hidden Fri Sep 17 14:31:18 1999
Subject: [SBB] Mt. View Shorebirds
There was still at least one PECTORAL SANDPIPER and one SEMIPALMATED
SANDPIPER this morning at 9:30 in the Coastal Casey (Mt. View) Forebay.
Jack Cole
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From email@hidden Fri Sep 17 17:20:43 1999
Subject: [SBB] [open-space] Council Sets Goal of 1:1 mitigation for Loss of Owl
Habitat.
Don't know if this is outside the scope of SBB.
But seems relevant to birds and Santa Clara city residents.
Vivek Tiwari
email@hidden
- -----Original Message-----
From: Paul G. Barnett [mailto:email@hidden]
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 1999 11:56 AM
To: email@hidden
Subject: [open-space] Council Sets Goal of 1:1 mitigation for Loss of
Owl Habitat.