Ohlone Audubon Society Field Trip Reports



 

 

Ohone Audubon Society Field Trip,  19 Oct.2002

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, EEC, Alviso

Leaders:  Michael J. Mortensen and Phil E. Gordon.

Panoche and San Joaquin Valleys

OAS Fieldtrip 2/14 & 2/15/04

Leaders, Phil & Pat Gordon

SUMMARY:

Numbers of Species found OAS = 122

Day One, San Benito County, OAS = 71 spp.

Day Two, Merced County, OAS = 97 spp.

 

BIRD CHECKLIST

Seen by OAS both days =(Y)

Seen by OAS 1st Day (D1) or 2nd Day ( D2)

Nests and/or nesting = N

Number of individuals seen or estimated all days (xxx)

CAPITALIZED = Species RARE or Special to OAS

  • Pied-billed Grebe = D2 (3)
  • HORNED GREBE = D2 (1)
  • Eared Grebe =Y (4+)
  • Western Grebe = D1 (1)

X Aechmophorus sp. = D2 (1)

  • American White Pelican = D2 (25)
  • Double-crested Cormorant =Y(3)
  • AMERICAN BITTERN =D2 (1)
  • Great Blue Heron =Y N (12 +/-)
  • Great Egret = Y (6)
  • Snowy Egret = D2 (1)
  • CATTLE EGRET = D2 (5)
  • White-faced Ibis = D2 (1,450 +/-)
  • Greater White-fronted Goose = D2 (1,000+/-)
  • Snow Goose = D2 (10,000+)
  • Ross’ Goose = D2 (30+)
  • Green-winged Teal =Y (80+/-)
  • Mallard =Y (150+)
  • Northern Pintail = D2 (150+)
  • Cinnamon Teal = D2 (25+)
  • Northern Shoveler = D2 (300+)
  • Gadwall = D2 (100+)
  • American Wigeon = D2 (30+)
  • Canvasback =Y (20+/-)
  • Ring-necked Duck = D2 ((25+/-)
  • Greater Scaup =D2 (100+)
  • Lesser Scaup =Y (300+)

X Scaup sp. = D1 (100+)

  • Common Golden eye =D2 (200+)
  • Bufflehead =D2 (40+)

? Common Merganser = D2 (10+)

  • Ruddy Duck = D2 (400+)
  • Turkey Vulture =Y (25+/-)
  • WHITE-TAILED KITE =Y (6)
  • BALD EAGLE = D1 (imm..3RD)
  • Northern Harrier =Y (30+/-

? Sharp-shinned Hawk = D1 (imm.)

 Cooper’s Hawk = D1 (ad.)

  • RED-SHOULDERED HAWK =Y (3)
  • Red-tailed Hawk =Y (70+/-)

 FERRUGINOUS HAWK =D1 (2ads.)

? GOLDEN EAGLE = (2ads.)

  • American Kestrel =Y N (35+/-)
  • MERLIN = D2 (1)

 PEREGRINE FALCON = D2 (1)

 PRAIRIE FALCON = D1 (3-4)

  • Ring-necked Pheasant = D2 (1m.)

 California Quail = D1 (20+/-)

  • VIRGINIA RAIL = D2 (3h)
  • SORA = D2 (1ad.)
  • Common Moorhen = D2 (6)
  • American Coot =D2 (200+)
  • Sandhill Crane = D2 (400+)
  • Black-bellied Plover = D2 (1,000+/-)
  • Killdeer =Y (40+/-)
  • Black-necked Stilt = D2 (40+)
  • American Avocet = D2 (15+)
  • Greater Yellowlegs = D2 (10+)
  • Long-billed Curlew = D2 (500+)

 MARBLED GODWIT = D2 (35+/-)

  • Least Sandpiper = D2 (300+/-)
  • Dunlin =Y (150+/-)
  • Long-billed Dowitcher = D2 (200+)
  • Wilson’s Snipe = D2 (6+)
  • Ring-billed Gull = D2 (1,000+)
  • California Gull = D2 (100+)
  • Herring Gull = D2 (200+)

 

X Gull sp. = Y (400+/-)

  • Rock Dove =Y (40+)
  • Mourning Dove =Y (10+)
  • GREATER ROADRUNNER = D1 (3)

 BARN OWL = D1 (3)

 GREAT HORNED OWL = Y N (10)

 LONG-EARED OWL = D1 (1)

  • Anna’s Hummingbird = Y (2)

 BLACK-CHIN.HUMMINGBIRD?= D1 (1m.)

  • Belted Kingfisher = D2 (2)
  • Acorn Woodpecker = D1 (2)

 Nuttall’s Woodpecker = Y (3)

  • Northern Flicker = Y (5)
  • Black Phoebe = Y (15+/-)
  • Say’s Phoebe = Y (6)
  • Horned Lark = Y (35+/-)
  • Tree Swallow = Y (15+/-)
  • Western Scrub Jay = Y (8)
  • Yellow-billed Magpie = Y (12)
  • American Crow = Y (50+)
  • Common Raven = Y (120+/-)
  • Oak Titmouse = D1 (5)
  • White-breasted Nuthatch = D1 (1h)

 ROCK WREN = D1 (5)

 CANYON WREN = D1 (1)

  • Bewick’s Wren =D1 (4)
  • Marsh Wren = D2 (12+/-)
  • Ruby-crowned Kinglet = Y (8)
  • Western Bluebird =D1 (2)

 MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD = D1 (3)

  • Hermit Thrush = Y (4)
  • American Robin = Y (15+/-)

 Wrentit = D1 (5+)

  • Northern Mockingbird = Y (3)
  • CALIFORNIA THRASHER = D1 (4)
  • American Pipit = Y (80+/-)

 PHAINOPEPLA = D1 (6)

  • Loggerhead Shrike = Y (12+)
  • European Starling = Y (500+)
  • Yellow-rumped Warbler = Y (15+/-)
  • Common Yellowthroat = D2 (1 m.)
  • Spotted Towhee = D1 (3)
  • California Towhee = D1 (2)
  • Lark Sparrow = Y (20+)
  • Savannah Sparrow = Y (100+)
  • Song Sparrow = Y (50+)
  • Golden-crowned Sparrow = Y (12+/-)
  • White-crowned Sparrow = Y (50+)
  • Dark-eyed Junco = D1 (6)
  • Red-winged Blackbird = Y (7,000+/-)
  • TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD = Y (20+/-)
  • Western Meadowlark = Y (120+)
  • Brewer’s Blackbird = Y (1,000+/-)

 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD = D2 (8)

  • House Finch = Y (500+/-)
  • Lesser Goldfinch =Y (3)
  • House Sparrow =Y (30+)

OAS Mammals:

* Coyote

* Spotted Skunk (RK, only)

* Black-tailed Deer

* Black-tailed Jackrabbit

* Nuttall’s (Desert) Cottontail

* California Groundsquirrel

* Botta (Valley) Pocket Gopher

OAS Amphibians:

* Pacific Tree Frog

 

Participants, Members and Guests = 24

RK = road kill

h = Heard Only

* Checklist format furnished by T. Robertson, W.C., CA

PEG:peg 18 Feb.2004

 

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LOS BANOS AND PANOCHE VALLEY TRIP REPORT
22-23 February 2002
Leaders:  Phil and Pat Gordon

 Account of OAS San Joaquin Valley Refuges and Desert 23,24 Feb.'02
 

This is a report of highlights of the 128 species found on an Ohlone Audubon Society trip this last weekend, 23,24 Feb. 2002. Leaders: Phil and Pat Gordon with 33 in the party.

Species in this report from Merced, San Benito and Fresno Counties include:
1.   Tundra Swan
2.   Blue-winged Teal
3.   Bald Eagle
4.   Merlin
5.   Prairie Falcon
6.   Lesser Yellowlegs
7.   Chukar
8.   Greater Roadrunner
9.   Barn Owl
10. Long-eared Owl
11. Cassins Kingbird
12. Cliff Swallow
13. Mountain Bluebird
14. Phainopepla
15. Vesper Sparrow, and
16. Tricolor Blackbird

On Saturday, Feb. 23 in Merced County along Santa Fe Grade a Lesser Yellowlegs was with the dozens of Dunlin, Long-billed Dowitchers, and White-faced Ibis on the graveled road section.
In the Merced National Wildlife Refuge we also saw the large flocks of Ross and Snow Geese (one flock was estimated at 18,000 birds). Lots of Sandhill Cranes were found foraging as well as in noisy flights. A 2-3 year Bald Eagle flew over us here. At least two male Blue-winged Teal were in the most southeast pond in front of the new viewing platform, across from Meadowlark Trail. We didn't attempt looking for the Stilt Sandpipers here as reported earlier.  On the Meadowlark Trail the wintering Orange-crowned Warbler reported to us earlier was a gray-headed sub-species (probably of a rocky mountain origin). The Great Horned Owl was here and another on a nest south of the refuge along Sandy Mush Rd.

On Sunday,  24 Feb. in Fresno County at Mercy Hot Springs we found two Barn Owls and two Long-eared Owls in the Tamarisk (or Aithel) trees. Also special were two pairs of Lawrences Goldfinches and a California Thrasher singing on territory while we continued eating lunch at the convenient picnic tables. The owner Larry had told us he had been hearing the owls; and where he thought they might be.  His nephew is away at college, so no one is checking them daily these days. He appreciated the collection of a dollar per person we donated before leaving. Birders would do well to extend their best good manners that we can continue to benefit from such oasis opportunities to bird. We did not drive the BLM Rd., but a few Mountain Bluebirds were on fence lines along the roads in Fresno and San Benito Counties. Earlier at the Little Panoche Detention Reservoir and dam (Fresno County) we found a pair of Greater Roadrunners running and posturing along the lake edge.  Canvasbacks and Ring-necked Ducks were here, but the Rock Wren (usually found here) was found later in San Benito County. The flock of Cliff Swallows had returned to their nest site under the bridge at Mercy (?) Creek and ranch; about 3 weeks ahead of San Juan Capistrano. We found two Chukars at Shot Gun Pass, San Benito County. They climbed the hill and flew out of sight right over us. No Ferruginous of Rough-legged Hawks were seen by us. One Prairie Falcon was along southeast Panoche Road. We did not drive New Idria Road.  The Cassins Kingbird called and perched on the fence and in the front yard trees of the 1st house beside Panoche Road while a Merlin flew into a nearby tree. It appeared to be a male of the lighter richardsonii (Falco colunbarious richardsonii) subspecies.  Another Mountain Bluebird was on the same fence, and 6 Vesper Sparrows were along the next perpendicular dirt road just south of this house/ranch.  No Mountain Plovers were seen in spite of intensive searching up to Silver Creek.

At Paicines Reservoir, San Benito County, the adult Bald Eagle was perched in an Oak Tree. Two Tundra Swans were present along the southeast shore
as were about 45 Tricolored Blackbirds still with their buffy-white, Fall Plumage, wing bars.

Mammals found included: Pacific Black-tailed Deer, Black-tailed Jackrabbit Audubon's (Desert) Cottontail, Muskrat, California Groundsquirrel, Coyote.
Amphibian: Pacific Tree Frog

Thanks and Good Birding!
Phil Gordon

PEG:peg 25 Feb. 2002
 
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LOS BANOS AND PANOCHE VALLEY TRIP REPORT
17, 18 February 2001
Leaders:  Phil and Pat Gordon

This is a report of a few highlights of the 116 species found on the annual
Ohlone Audubon Society Los Banos and Little Panoche Valley trip.
The predicted heavy rain didn't daunt the 9 cars of 19 folks who ventured into
the San Joaquin Valley Desert country to enjoy the winter birds. Very little rain
hampered us,  not showering until after most were secure in their motels or
campgrounds.

In Merced County were found the following:

At Merced National Wildlife Refuge a Blue morph Snow Goose was among
about 2,000.  We found numbers of both white geese species as well as Sandhill
Cranes way down this year. Near the entrance was a tree with about 80
wintering Brown-headed Cowbirds. We didn't locate the earlier reported Eastern
Phoebe or Stilt Sandpiper,  but while looking we discovered a Great Horned Owl
on her nest.  A sprinkling of White-faced Ibis were present.  The shallow pond at
the entrance observation deck was full of various shorebirds,  congratulations
are in order to this successful habitat construction. A few of the Audubon's
(Desert) Cottontails were seen.

Basalt Campground continues to attract many land birds.  The dozens of species
of native and exotic trees are now large and have attractive fruits and flowers.
Noteworthy were three pairs of calling Great Horned Owls. We didn't locate Barn
Owls that often roost. Many Anna's Hummingbirds (Salasphorus  hummers
hadn't arrive yet) and a colony of Yellow-billed Magpies were here of the 22
species found by campers. On the way out we saw several of the 24 full grown
Tule Elk released only a couple of days earlier (fide Don Emery).

Near Los Banos State Wildlife Area,  at the northeast corner of Hwy 165 and
Henry Miller Rd. were a mixed flock of several hundred Tri-colored Blackbirds
with Brewer's.  A quick tour of Los Banos State Wildlife Area gave us more
White-faced Ibis, Soras and 4 Common Moorhens,  before heading to a great
meal at the Woolgrowers Inn Basque Restaurant.

Volta Pond Tundra Swans weren't present this year, but 18 American White
Pelicans were along with a good number of duck species, a Sora, Pied-bill
Grebe, and American Avocet.

O'Neal Wildlife Area is still attractive for many hawks. Courtship behavior was
seen for White-tailed Kites, Northern Harrier, Red-shouldered and Red-tailed
Hawks. One overwintering Orange-crowned Warbler was found. O'Neal Forebay
(Madeiros Rec. Area) was visited for diving ducks. Nothing unusual was found,
but several Violet-green Swallows were with the dozens of Tree Swallows.

In Fresno County the Little Panoche Reservoir held over 80 Canvasbacks and
over 70 Redheads the most we've ever seen here.  Also a Common Moorhen
was below the dam overlook.  A flock of 16 White-throated Swifts came in close.
Singing Lark Sparrows and Horned Larks were here.  A Rock Wren usually here
was found about 1/2 way to Mercy Hot Springs (about 4 miles) near where 7
Mountain Bluebirds were foraging near the road.

At Mercy Hot Springs the picnicking and flush toilet for $1 per head is the best
bargain around.  Courting and singing Say's Phoebes and one Califonia
Thrasher on territory were attractive.  The Long-eared Owl hasn't shown up this
year,  but Barn Owl can be found in the Aithel Trees (fide: the owners son, who
keeps a careful eye on them).

In San Benito County, above Panoche Valley,  Shotgun Pass had 4 Chukars.
With considerable searching and encouragement from members of the Santa
Cruz Bird Club, we located 34 or more Mountain Plovers. The site was along
New Idria Rd. almost to Silver Creek Ranch.  There is a ranch site with a two
story newly painted, two story water tankhouse;  the color is pastel peuse green.
The field just south of the next south fence line had the birds foraging together
about 1/2 into the field (500 yards).  They spooked up,  but relocated in the field
when the first of our 6 Prairie Falcons flew at them.  Later, another Prairie
Falcon was seen taking a Western Meadowlark,  but had to drop to the ground
of its fence pole feeding perch when another one flew at it, only to hop back up
and finish its meal.  The reward for all 7 cars pulling off the road for a couple of
trucks to pass on the narrow, winding Panoche Rd. to Paicines was a couple of
Rufous-crowned Sparrows and another feeding Prairie Falcon. One
Phainoplepla was seen along here.  In the late dusk light we saw the 6 Tundra
Swans that are wintering at the Paicines Reservoir, but the Bald Eagles had
already gone to roost.  We headed on to Hollister, dinner in Gilroy, and home.

Respectfully submitted,

Phil Gordon

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Howard Cogswell's Briones Report
Date: Thu, 14 Jun 2001, 9:30AM

We had 18 participants in yesterday's trip to Briones.
No surprises, really. Best observations were of a RtHa carrying a large snake (gopher sn.)
in ovious display; 4 Acorn Woodpeckers surviving despite the horde of
Starlings produced in some of their holes, 2 Townsend Warblers (migrants
yet), & 2 singing Lazuli Buntings-- but only 1 seen and that at a distance.
We didn't lug a scope on the hike, but needed it there.

-- Best regards,
Howard Cogswell.
 

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Coyote Hills Regional Park
Date: 9/14/2004 8:26:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: Eugene and Akiko Makishima

Hi Everyone,

We missed 5 days during the first two weeks of Sept. Not a very abundant
migration here and little variety.

Coyote Hills Sightings:

migrants:
Lesser Yellowlegs 9-14-04 (2)
Willow Flycatcher 9-3-04 (3: all sighted at the same time with two in
one field of view!), 9-4-04 (4: same cluster of 3 + 1),9-6-04 (4)
Pacific-slope Flycatcher 9-1-04 (2-3), 9-3-04 (2),9-4-04 (2), 9-5-04
(2), 9-6-04 (4),9-10-04 (4),9-11-04(4),9-14-04 (5-6)
Warbling Vireo 9-1-04, 9-3-04, 9-5-04, 9-6-04 (2),9-10-04,9-11-04
(2),9-14-04
Orange-crowned Warbler 9-11-04
Townsend's Warbler 9-6-04 ( 2 females )
Yellow Warbler 9-3-04, 9-6-04 (3),9-10-04 (3), 9-11-04 (4),9-14-04
(6-7)three distiguisable males & 3 distinguisable females
Wilson's Warbler 9-1-04,9-3-04 (2),9-4-04,9-5-04, 9-6-04
Western Tanager 9-1-04,9-3-04 (2), 9-5-04 (2),9-10-04,9-11-04 (2)
White-crowned Sparrow 9-1-04 (adult: early), 9-6-04 ( Imm.)
Black-headed Grosbeak 9-4-04 (male)

residents:

American White Pelicans 9-5-04 (approx. 100)
Red-shouldered Hawk 9-6-04
Loggerhead Shrike 9-3-04 (3): one was about 100 yards west of the
entrance booth and the other one was closer to the power poles. This one
is different than the one previously reported. We could see them both.
The first is the 5th location for Loggerhead Shrikes and the one near
the power pole is the 6th one!.

Eugene & Akiko


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Coyote Hills, Fremont,

Field Trip Report: Mar. 12, Sat., 9:00-11 a.m, Coyote Hills Regional Park,

This trip was organized to help beginners identify birds by their songs and calls. The songs of the Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow, and Marsh Wren dominated the main marsh. In addition Sora, Virginia Rail and Pied-billed Grebe were heard. At one point a Virginia Rail walked back and forth in the cattails only 15 feet from our group. A very loud and insistent “kidick, kidick, kidick” helped us follow its approximate position behind the cattails, but we never saw the bird! Such is the life of those birders who would seek rails! Our luck changed quickly with the clear sound of “witchity, witchity, witchity, wich”, the song of the male Common Yellowthroat. We saw its striking black mask and bright yellow throat and breast! We were also treated to the calling sounds of Common Moorhens and Red-winged Blackbirds. As we approached the Dust Trail we heard the calls of Tree Swallows already moving into the nest boxes provided by Dave “Doc Quack” Reinsche and his Wildlife Volunteers of the East Bay Regional Park District, DocQuack@ebparks.org. Twelve birders enjoyed a beautiful morning of bird song and friendship out in the marsh.

Please join Michael Mortensen and me on May 14th, 2005 for another “Birding by Ear for Beginners”; see the details in the Field Trips listing above —WS Classes

January 10, 2004

Leader: Bill Scoggins

A sun lit, flying Red-shouldered Hawk provided great views by passing right in front of us. Other highlights included a Loggerhead Shrike, Green-winged and Cinnamon Teal, four White-tailed Kites, three Common Moorhen, seven Fox Sparrows and five California Quail. As the field trip ended, five Red-tailed Hawks circled over the visitor center some calling out. These included three adults and two juveniles. Two of the five broke off to fly to a nest at Hoot Hollow. We heard 3 Virginia Rails and one Sora. Five Monarch butterflies fluttered about during the trip. A Western Pond Turtle was seen hauled out in the big pond of the Main Marsh—WS.

Coyote Hills Regional Park

6 January 2001, Saturday

Hello fellow bird watchers,

This afternoon at 4:40PM, an immature Bald Eagle was in the eastern part of the South Marsh at Coyote Hills Regional Park, southern Alameda County.  It was close to a full adult with nearly pure white tail and head.  Meg Gleason, Ken Sutton, and I decided to stop and check out a large raptor shape in a tree about 250 yards off Patterson Ranch Road.  It was perched in the trees about 200 yards southwest of the entrance Kiosk.  A White-tailed Kite flew over to harass the Eagle which decided to fly east past the Kiosk and was last seen flying toward the Alameda Creek Flood Control Channel.  [Update:  The Bald Eagle was spotted twice on 8 Jan.2001 in the same place at 10AM and 2:30PM.  Also spotted 14 & 15 Jan. at the same location by Ken Sutton]

A few minutes earlier we had stopped to check on another raptor that turned out to be a Northern Harrier; as we watched, an American Bittern stepped out of the weeds at the side of the road and slowly crossed over the road very near us.  We had wonder views--lasting several minutes.--Bill Scoggins

=========================

Highlights for the Ohlone Audubon Society field trip to Coyote Hills, 8-11AM, today.
Date: 6 January 2001, Location: Coyote Hills, Weather: Light overcast, Leader: Bill Scoggins

In the North Marsh: four Common Snipe and 11 Green-winged Teal.

Main Marsh: Two female Common Golden, 9 Cinnamon Teal, Say's Phoebe, and 9 Black-crowned Night Heron flying together overhead.  Two Blue-winged Teal were seen by Nancy Christensen at the boardwalk; she is the only birder who saw them.

The complete list follows.

Pied-billed Grebe 8
Double-crested Cormorant  2
American White Pelican 4
Ruddy Duck 75
Canada Goose 6
American Widgeon 7
Gadwall 13
Green-winged Teal 9
Mallard 35
Cinnamon Teal 9
Northern Shoveler 250+
Canvasback 90
Lesser Scaup 4
Common Goldeneye 2 females
Snowy Egret 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 2
Black-crowned Night Heron 9
Turkey Vulture 6
White-tailed Kite 3+
Northern Harrier 4
Coopers Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel female eating vole
California Quail V
Virginia Rail 2 by Voice
Common Moorhen 1
American Coot 6
Common Snipe 4
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Dowitcher species 2
Gull species 9
Western Gull 2
Anna's Hummingbird 1
Northern Flicker 4
Nuttall's Woodpecker V
Black Phoebe  2
Western Scrub Jay 5
Common Raven V
Loggerhead Shrike 1
American Robin 28
Northern Mockingbird 1
California Thrasher 1
Cedar Waxwing 8
European Starling 25
Chestnut-backed Chickadee 3
Bushtit 15
Marsh Wren  2
Bewick's Wren V
Tree Swallow 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  6
House Finch 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler   "Audubon's" 3
Common Yellowthroat V
Fox Sparrow  Sooty, Passerella u. f. 3
Song Sparrow 2
White-Crowned Sparrow 9
Golden-crowned Sparrow 25
Dark-eyed Junco 8
California Towhee 4
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Western Meadowlark 70+

Monarch butterfly one

Tree frog one by voice

V=identified by Voice
Not all birds seen by all birders.
I would appreciate receiving additions and corrections from today's participants.
Twenty-three birders enjoyed a beautiful morning of birds and friendship..

This list recorded by Bill Scoggins, WNScoggins@aol.com

Subj: August Coyote Hills sightings
Date: 8/31/01 5:56:46 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: EUGENE & AKIKO MAKISHIMA
To: wnscoggins@aol.com (Bill Scoggins)

Hi Bill,

Some sightings from August at Coyote Hills:

Green Heron 6-16-01
White-tailed Kite (6) 8-16-01 ,(probably migrants)
Cooper's Hawk 8-28-01
Red-shouldered Hawk 8-28-01
Peregrine Falcon 8-7-01
Acorn Woodpecker (2) 6-31-01 (one observed in April 2001)
Willow Flycatcher 6-31-01
Pacific-slope Flycatcher (3) 6-28-01, 6-29-01, (5-6) 6-30-01
Hutton's Vireo 6-28-01, 6-31-01
Warbling Vireo 6-28-01, 6-29-01, 6-31-01
Yellow Warbler 8-28-01, 8-31-01
Wilson's Warbler 8-7-01, 8-31-01
Western Tanager (male) 8-28-01, (2 females) 8-28-01
White-throated Sparrow (white stripe form) 8-28-01 & 8-29-01  (an exceptionally early date!)
Pine Siskin 8-28-01
Purple Finch (male) 8-29-01 ( a female sighted the previous Fall)

A pair of Ash-throated Flycatchers were observed continously from May to
July at Coyote Hills. Have you observed any nesting/breeding
activity?
          Good Birding.

          Eugene & Akiko Makishima

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Hayward Regional Shoreline
(end of West Winton Ave.)

From: Bob Richmond

Date: Sun, 19 Aug 2001 16:34:06 EDT
Subject:  Hayward Shoreline

Today at the Hayward Shoreline the following was seen -

   Surfbird - 1 or 2, 1 seen at Hayward Landing and 1 or 2 seen in a pond
known to locals as Frank's Dump West.
   Least Tern - up to 156, also seen in the same pond.
   Dunlin - 1, also seen in the same pond.
   Snowy Plover - several seen in the same pond
   Sanderling - several seen in the same pond
   Red Knot - hundreds also seen in the same pond

   Shorebirds at this pond are easily most during high tide or an incomming
tide near high tide.

Good Birding

Bob

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SIGHTINGS FROM OHLONE AUDUBON SOCIETY TRIP TO



4 November 2000 8:40am - - 4:35pm
Leaders: Phil & Pat Gordon and David & Denise Hamilton

(Included are sightings along route in NAPA Co.(R) and from prior day previews (P) and PEG historic (1996) (H) trips as indicated. Heard not seen=h.

Observers (other than PEG) are shown by (0). Attendees=24.

NAPA COUNTY BIRD LIST CA #28 Phil Gordon (81spp.) 1996 - 2000

OAS Trip Total=73spp.
 

Emu/12 Dromaius novaehollandiae (P) (D=Domestic collection)

Pied-billed/2 Grebe Podilymbus podiceps

Western Grebe/2  Aechmophorus occidentalis

Clark's Grebe/15+ Aechmophorus clarkii

Great Blue Heron/2 Ardea herodias

Great Egret/2 Ardea alba

Canada Goose/8 Branta canadensis (P)

Green-winged Teal/6 Anas crecca

Mallard/6  Anas platyrhynchos

Gadwall/4  Anas strepera

Bufflehead/10 Bucephala albeola (P)

Turkey Vulture/1 Cathartes aura

Osprey/2 Pandion haliaetus

Sharp-shinned/2 Hawk Accipiter striatus

Cooper's Hawk/1 Accipiter cooperii (H)

Red-tailed Hawk/2 Buteo jamaicensis

Red-shouldered Hawk/2 Buteo lineatus

Golden Eagle/3 Aquila chrysaetos (2ad.,1imm.)

American Kestrel/2 Falco sparverius

Merlin/1 Falco columbarius

Wild Turkey/4 Meleagris gallopavo

California Quail/h Callipepla californica h

Red Jungle Fowl/100+ Gallus gallus (P)(R) (D)Fighting Cocks

Virginia Rail/1 Rallus limicola h

Sora/1  Porzana carolina h

Killdeer/2 Charadrius vociferus

Common Snipe/1 Gallinago gallinago

Ring-billed Gull/3 Larus delawarensis

California Gull/1+ Larus californicus

Rock Dove/12 Columba livia (R)

Band-tailed Pigeon/25+/- Columba fasciata

Mourning Dove/3 Zenaida macroura (R)

Anna's Hummingbird/2 Calypte anna

Belted Kingfisher/1 Ceryle alcyon

Acorn Woodpecker/5+ Melanerpes formicivorus

Red-naped Sapsucker/1 Sphyrapicus nuchalis (H)

Red-breasted Sapsucker/1 Sphyrapicus ruber (daggetti?) (0)

Nuttall's Woodpecker/3 Picoides nuttallii

Downy Woodpecker/1 Picoides pubescens

Hairy Woodpecker/1 Picoides villosus

Northern Flicker/3 Colaptes auratus

Pileated Woodpecker/2 Dryocopus pileatus

Black Phoebe/2 Sayornis nigricans

Steller's Jay/2 Cyanocitta stelleri

Western Scrub-Jay/4+ Aphelocoma californica

American Crow/? Corvus brachyrhynchos

Common Raven/2 Corvus corax

Chestnut-backed Chickadee/5 Parus rufescens

Oak Titmouse/6+ Baeolophus inornatus

Bushtit/20+/- Psaltriparus minimus

Red-breasted Nuthatch/3 Sitta canadensis

White-breasted Nuthatch/5 Sitta carolinensis

Brown Creeper/1 Certhia americana

Bewick's Wren/3 Thryomanes bewickii

Winter Wren/2 Troglodytes troglodytes

Marsh Wren/1 Cistothorus palustris

Golden-crowned/5+ Kinglet Regulus satrapa

Ruby-crowned Kinglet/10 Regulus calendula

Western Bluebird/6 Sialia mexicana

Hermit Thrush/2 Catharus guttatus

American Robin/25 +/-  Turdus migratorius

Varied Thrush/1 Zoothera naevia

Wrentit/3+ Chamaea fasciata

Northern Mockingbird/1 Mimus polyglottos

European Starling/3 Sturnus vulgaris

Cedar Waxwing/8 Bombycilla cedrorum

Loggerhead Shrike/1 Lanius ludovicianus (R)

Hutton's Vireo/2 Vireo huttoni

Yellow-rumped Warbler/6+ Dendroica coronata (auduboni)

Townsend's Warbler/1 Dendroica townsendi (P)

Spotted Towhee/2 Pipilo maculatus

California Towhee/2 Pipilo crissalis

Fox Sparrow/1 Passerella iliaca (iliaca) (H)

Song Sparrow/2 Melospiza melodia

Golden-crowned/5+  Sparrow Zonotrichia atricapilla

White-crowned Sparrow/3 Zonotrichia leucophrys

Dark-eyed Junco/5+ Junco hyemalis (pinosus?)

Red-winged Blackbird/30 Agelaius phoeniceus

Brewer's Blackbird/6+ Euphagus cyanocephalus

Brown-headed/h Cowbird Molothrus ater (0)

Western Meadowlark/1 Sturnella neglecta

Purple Finch/5 Carpodacus purpureus

House Finch6+/- Carpodacus mexicanus

Pine Siskin/? Spinus pinus (P)(0)

Lesser Goldfinch/4+ Carduelis psaltria

House Sparrow/7+ Passer domesticus (H)
 

MAMMALS

Black-tailed Deer Odocoileus hemionus

California Ground Squirrel Spermophilus beecheyi +h

Western Gray Squirrel Sciurus griseus (P)

Eastern Fox Squirrel Sciurus niger (P)
 

REPTILE

Western Garter Snake Thamnophus elegans (Aquatic) (P)
 

AMPHIBIAN

Pacific Tree frog Hyla regilla h
 

FISH

Steelhead Rainbow Trout Salmo gairdneri
 

ODONATA

Striped Meadowhawk(?) Sympetrum pallipes Imm.(pale, small dragonfly)
 

LEPIDOPTERA

Alfalfa (Sulfur) Butterfly Colius eurytheme (P)

Cabbage Butterfly Pieris rapae (P)

Buckeye (Peacock) Butterfly Junonia coenia (P)

West Coast Lady Vanessa carye (P)

Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta
 

COLEOPTERA

Convergent Lady Beetle(?) Hippodamia convergens (P)(1-2,000),Richie Creek Tr.

HYMENOPTERA

Bald-faced Hornet(Nest) Vespula maculata Spectacular nest, 18"+ diam.

(Fide: Jerry Steenhoven)
 

**NOTE: List with individuals (#'s) found on OAS Trip to be filed in OAS Trip Collection

along with the 24 Attendee names
 

Reported by Phil Gordon, Ohlone Audubon Society

PEG:peg 6 Nov.2000
 
 

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OAS TRIP TO RODEO LAGOON & HAWK HILL,
MARIN HEADLANDS

Hawk Hill, Marin Headlands, GGNRA OAS trip, Sun., 8 Oct. 2000. Leaders, Phil and Pat Gordon.

Over half of our 20 participants arrived at Rodeo Lagoon at 7:30am to enjoy early morning birding in the Willows and Coastal Scrub around the Lagoon. Migrant "Myrtle" Warblers were joined by Yellow Warbler, Hermit Thrush, and Fox, Golden-crowned and White-crowned Sparrows. Waterbirds included Eared and Pied Grebes, 4 Heron species, Brown Pelicans along with Heermann's Gulls and Double-crested Cormorants. But the best bird of the Lagoon was found by a visitor from Sacramento, Steve Holzman, a surprising American Dipper, very rare in the county and not very close to expected habitat (cool, flowing, coastal streams). Pat Gordon spotted the first of 3 - 4 Jaegers chasing Elegant Terns off Fort Cronkite beach. Here Western Grebes, Common Murres and Surf Scoters were on the open sea.

Foggy conditions continued on Hawk Hill so raptors were very few. Although there still were reasonable sightings of a passing Northern Harrier and Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks. After an excellent noon time talk to about 50 visitors by a volunteer, we were all treated to close-up views of a tiercel (male) Merlin, which was released with its leg band. Only a couple of dozen Merlins have been seen in the last 25 years, and very rarely caught. It perched nearby in a couple of different trees before finally heading south through the intermittent fog and clearing skies. Our first Ruby-crowned Kinglet (of the season) and Red-breasted Nuthatch was here.

At 3:10pm, as scheduled, those traveling home were accompanied with the mixed blessing of Blue Angels roaring over and through the skyscrapers of San Francisco. It was noticed that all the Rock Doves started flying around, but a flock of 4 Brown Pelicans didn't seem to change their flight behavior even when the jets screamed right over them.

Always a memorable day, we tallied 62 species, and had nice visits with other birders, some new friends and some familiar.

Respectfully submitted, Phil Gordon, co-leader

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Field Trip Report Ohlone Audubon Society Field Trip to

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Fremont, CA, Alameda County

on October 2, 2004, 9AM-Noon. Leader: Bill N. Scoggins.

The weather started out foggy and cleared by 11AM, 60-68 degrees. Species seen included the following: American White Pelican, Mallard, Teal species, White-tailed Kite, Northern Harrier, Redtailed Hawk, Sora (flying), Clapper Rail (2), Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs (3), Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Rubycrowned Kinglet, Cedar Waxwing flying overhead , Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Yellowthroat , Wilson’s Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, and Golden-crowned Sparrow—WS.

 

 

Saturday, September 9, 2000.

Don Edward's S.F. Bay National Wildlife Refuge

REPORT OF THE FIELD TRIP TO FREMONT:

by Pat & Phil Gordon for OAS and our partner, DESFBNWR.

A dozen binoc toting folks met at 9:00am, and couldn't leave the parking lot for almost an hour watching 6 migrant Yellow Warblers along with territorial antics of dive-bombing Anna's Hummingbirds along with other busy birds on this beautiful morning.

Additional migrants such as Orange-crowned Warbler, more Yellow Warblers, and a real treat, one Willow Flycatcher (Federally Endangered) insected in the tall brush between the wooden stairs and the Florence LaRivier marsh. Here too we found Common Yellowthroats. The White and Golden-crowned Sparrows hadn't arrive from Alaska yet. The American Kestrel (fine male) left to be replaced on another nearby telephone wire by an immature Sharp-shinned Hawk who turned into a Cooper's Hawk when it took off. Probably a resident bird since almost every one of our breeding bird blocks had a nest in it.

The yellow Grindelia shrubs were spectacular as were the "flowers" of the cord grass which hid the chattering Marsh Wren. The tide had risen dispersing many of the shorebirds, but stilts, least sandpipers, and egrets were common along with a few Mallards. In the north distance several observers spotted a few wheeling Am.White Pelicans above a kettle of Turkey Vultures.

While on the walk south on the main levy a Virginia Rail called, then two plus a Sora and finally four Clapper Rails called. A glimpse was had of one Virginia"s. It was "railly" terrific - especially with several in the group who hadn't experienced such before.

Another rare migrant was seen when the more common Greater Yellowlegs flew by with 3 Lessers following. The Barn Swallows juveniles hadn't left for South America yet; and they were conspicuous along with another master of the air, a White-tailed Kite.

The group lingered, with relaxed bird watching until almost noon, having found 38 species seen by all (except one of the leaders missed the AwPe). The complete List will be on file with the Bill Scoggins, Field Trip Committee Chair./Coordinator.

This cooperative project assisting with the Interpretive Program of the DESFBNW Refuge has been the result of a very successful new alliance between them and National Audubon Society. We are looking for new, additional leaders. Please contact Vi Saima Barclow or Bill Scoggins if interested or don't refuse if asked - it is O.K. to start/lead a "Leaderless" walk with the understanding that you will show people where to go and all will participate in the bird, etc. identifications.

Respectfully submitted, Phil Gordon, co-leader

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Date: 27 May 2000, 8AM-12:25PM.

Location: Starting at Horse Stables, across Alameda Creek, along Crandall Creek to DUST Marsh at Coyote Hills.

Weather: Early fog cleared; 60-68 degrees.

Leader: Bill Scoggins

Pied-billed Grebe 2, Double-crested Cormorant 2, Canada Goose 19 adults + 15 or more goslings, Mallard 9 adults + 13 ducklings, Northern Shoveler 1 male in the DUST Marsh ponds, Snowy Egret 3, Great Blue Heron 1, Great Egret 2, Turkey Vulture 3, White-tailed Kite 1 & possible nest near DUST Marsh in top of Sycamore tree., Northern Harrier 1 , male Accipiter sp. 1, Cooper’s Hawk , Red-shouldered Hawk 1 harassing Red-tailed, Red-tailed Hawk 3, American Kestrel male at Horse Stables, Common Moorhen 2 + 1 by voice, Killdeer nesting (4 eggs) on Ranch, possible 2nd nest, Gull species 4, Bonaparte’s Gull 1 seen by Alice Hoch, Ringed-necked Pheasant 1 by voice, Anna's Hummingbird 1, Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3 adults including a female feeding a fledgling: fledgling had a red forehead, Black Phoebe 3, Western Scrub Jay 1, American Robin 1, Northern Mockingbird, 1 European Starling 40+, Marsh Wren 2 plus 2 by voice, Bushtits 2 + others by voice, Tree Swallow 1, Barn Swallow 11, Cliff Swallow Nesting Colony under brigde 50+ young present in nests, American Goldfinch 2, Lesser Goldfinch pair on nest/feeding young at bridge, House Finch 4, Common Yellowthroat 2 adult + 1 imm. Male + 4 by voice, Song Sparrow 3 + 3 by voice, Spotted Towhee 1 by voice at horse stables, California Towhee 2, Western ? Tanager female--bill & body shape was Tanager-like, Black-headed Grosbeak 3 singing including 1 seen on Patterson Ranch, Hooded Oriole 1 male seen several times, Bullock’s Oriole 2 males, 1 female Red-winged Blackbird, 9 Brewer's Blackbird 9, and House Sparrow 1.

Also seen: Butterflies: Painted Lady 2, Cabbage White, 3 Anise Swallowtail 2.

Muskrat hauled out in morning sun in Crandall Creek.; Jack Rabbit 3 on Patterson Ranch.

An pair of Red-tailed Hawks were seen performing courtship behavior (legs down and circling); the next day I saw a pair moving sticks to one of the high voltage transmission line towers crossing Patterson Ranch near Patterson Ranch Road. They made several trips and were building a nest in the top of the third tower north of the road.

Note: a large nest (Red-tailed Hawk?)was seen west of the horse stables about ¼ mile. We observed it, but there was no activity.

Reported by Bill Scoggins

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Feb. 2, 2001
Martin Luther King, Jr., Regional Shoreline (Arrowhead Marsh)

Sheila Junge & I led one other Audubon member, Nancy Christenson, on a 1 1/2 hr. walk.  We were lucky in that the rain stayed away during that time.  (However, it was cold and windy during much of the trip.)  We didn't see either owls nor rails.  Sheila & I will confer via email to compile the list.  None of the 3 of us counted the birds.  We'll give a rough estimate of the numbers.

I think we should not do this trip at this time next year.  Rain might interfere.

Many of these numbers are guesses.  I count only those birds that I see at the same time or those that I feel could not have moved so fast to the position I see "new ones" in, in the time that has passed.  Since we are not doing a census, the numbers only include the birds we saw and not all those that may have been there.

None of the particpants wanted to count birds.  (However, I did consult Sheila and Nancy before coming up with the list and numbers and incorporated some of their comments.)  My appologies to you, Dr. Cogswell, the field trip records, and the National Audubon Soc.

We saw these 42 species:

Pied-billed Grebe - 1

Horned Grebe - 1 or 2

Eared Grebe - 2

Western Grebe -2

Clark's Grebe -  3
Double-crested Cormorant -  8 - 12

Great Blue Heron - 1

Great Egret - 1

Snowy Egret - 2

Canada Goose - about 10

Mallard - about 12

Northern Shoveler -  8

Gadwall - 4

Green-winged Teal - 10

American Wigeon - 10 - 20

Canvasback - 6

Greater Scaup -100+

Surf Scoter - 3

Common Goldeneye-about 10

Bufflehead -  3 - 6

Ruddy Duck - 20+

Turkey Vulture - 5

American Coot - I really have no idea - there could have been 10 or many, many more or there could have been fewer than 10.

Killdeer -  3

Black-necked Stilt - 8+

American Avocet - 40

Greater Yellowlegs - 1
Willet - 10

Marbled Godwit - 50

Black Turnstone - 5

Western Sandpiper - 12+

Least Sandpiper - 12+

Dunlin - 5

Dowitcher species - I  really don't know - perhaps 15

Ring-billed Gull - 1

Western Gull - 15 - 20

Glaucous-winged Gull - 1

Forster's Tern - 1

American Crow - 2

European Starling -  about 20

Savannah Sparrow - 2

Western Meadowlark - 1

Our trip on 2/10/01 was from about 10:00 to 11:37 AM. during a lull in the rain on a very rainy day.  It was cold and windy during much of our trip.

Bill, the following should not be on the official list, but I thought you might be interested in it.

Before Sheila and Nancy came (i.e., before the OAS trip), as I sat in my car, I saw also: Long-billed Curlew, White-crowned Sparrow, Calif. Towhee. and Am. Robin. I think the last 3 species may have been seen during a brief stoppage of the rain.  I saw 37 species (and may have heard a Black Phoebe) while I was inside my car, during the rain from about 9:10 - 9:55 AM.  I was parked at 3 different places in the (on the same route as the OAS trip).

Alice Hoch

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Arrowhead Marsh 2/5/00

Leader: Alice Hoch

A small group of optimistic birders gathered at Arrowhead Marsh (part of Martin Luther King, Jr., Regional Shoreline in Oakland) on 2/5/00. Although it had been billed as a “Beginners’ Trip”, most of the participants were very experienced birders. It was windy and overcast. When the rain began, most of the birders were so engrossed in their fantastic, close-up views of one Clapper and two Virginia Rails that they totally ignored the droplets. Highlights of the trip (besides the rails) included great views of male Barrow’s and Common Goldeneyes, 5 grebe species close enough for all to see the identifying marks, a fly-by of Snow (or possibly Ross’) Geese, a distant Peregrine, at least 7 Black Turnstones, and a Burrowing Owl (found in a downpour, and seen by those crazy enough ignore the heavy rain).

Other interesting sightings included close views of Greater Scaup (so participants could ascertain their identity), Cinnamon and Green-winged Teal, Surf Scoters, Pintails, and Canvasbacks. The water was so high (due to the tide and storm runoff) that the marsh was almost completely flooded. So about 200 shorebirds (mostly Willets and godwits) covered the boardwalk. Along the road to and from the meeting place individual participants also spotted Whimbrels, Long-billed Curlews, Western and Least Sandpipers, Dunlin, and (before the rain) other Burrowing Owls.

Thanks are in order to the participants who found and showed the rest of us the birds and to some other birders who happened to be there and showed us their finds. From 42 to 53 species were seen (depending on whom you ask) in 2 hours. During at least one hour of that it was raining. A complete trip list in on file with the field trip chairman. —Alice Hoch

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Field Trip Report:

Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge complex


On the weekend of Feb. 17 & 18, Pat and Phil Gordon led a
group of 16 on a tour of Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge,
Grey Lodge, Colusa NWR, Colusa State Wildlife Area, Llano
Seco NWR, Colusa, Butte and Glenn Counties.


Starting near Willows on I-5, this trip is proved to be outstanding
for wintering waterfowl, cranes and raptors. We saw
American Bittern, Wilson’s Snipe, Snow Goose, Ross’s Goose,
Hooded Merganser, Wood Duck, Eurasian Wigeon, Redhead and
Ring-necked Duck, White-faced Ibis, Bald Eagle, Peregrine
Falcon eating an American Coot, Sandhill Crane, Common
Moorhen, Western Tanager, Varied Thrush, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Yellow-rumped Warbler. The
group found a combined total of 104 species of birds.

According to an official refuge survey for January 22, 2007,
there were 101,340 Snow Geese and 68,350 Pintails at the
SNWR. Combined totals for all six refuges, including Llano
Seco, recorded 335,045 Snow Geese, 233 Cackling Canada
Geese, 262,837 Pintails and 130,660 Green-winged Teals.

Reported by Bill Scoggins

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Feb. 18, 2001

Stevens Creek Shoreline

LEADER'S REPORT

Leader's name:  Debbi Brusco & Susan Peterson

Event title:  Discovering Wetland Birds-Morning Migrants

Location:  Stevens Creek Shoreline

Date:  2/18/01, 9:15-12:45 Weather condition:  Threatening rain, but only a light drizzle at the start, dry otherwise with peeks of sun.

Number of participants and noteworthy information about the group:  2 plus me.  Susan was ill.  Since the weather was questionable, the only people who showed up were from the west side of the bay.

Event highlights (e.g. interesting plant, animal, geology sightings; interesting information from participants; other):  High tide was at 8:46. We ended around 11:15, and the water was barely down at the north end, 2.5 hours after high.  We saw a little over 30 species, including Burrowing Owls, Canada Geese, Common Goldeneye, Marsh Wren, Northern Flicker, and at the end, saw a large flock of Long-Billed Curlew fly in to the shallow area.  Aside from one or two American Avocet, these were the only shorebirds seen on the water.

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January 11, 2003,  San Pablo Reservoir Recreation Area

On January 11, 2003, twenty-two OAS members and friends joined leader Steve Abbors at the San Pablo Reservoir Recreation Area to see a Bald Eagle soar the length of the reservoir and perch for clear viewing.  All had great views of a Red-breasted  Sapsucker which was followed by a hummingbird that drank out of the wells the Sapsucker had drilled.  This was a first for many of us who saw this behavior.  Waterfowl included Common Mergansers and Ring-necked Ducks. One Osprey and a probable Merlin rounded out the raptor list.  Everyone was surprised and delighted to see a flock of 5 Golden-crowned Kinglets.  It was a pleasure to meet Dr. Robert C. Stebbins who was also participating in the field trip; Dr. Stebbins is author of the Peterson Field Guide:  Western Reptiles and Amphibians.  He announced that an all color 3rd edition will be published in March 2003.  Thanks to Steve Abbors for a great day of birding. Steve is manager of watershed and rccreation for the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) and an avid, expert birder.  Also thanks to EBMUD for closing the Reservoir Area from mid- November through mid-February each year during the migratory bird season as part of the District's wildlife enhancement program.  Steve hopes to lead a spring trip for OAS to the same area; so watch for an announcement in the next Kite Call--WS.

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Shadow Cliffs, Dec 13, 2003

Leaders: Kathy Robertson & Bill Scoggins

Two male Common Golden-eyes, flying rapidly by us, were a very impressive start to a great birding day. Near the swim lagoon we observed a group of 25 Eared Grebes diving and surfacing nearly in unison. Later an aggressive Red-shouldered Hawk drove a Red-tailed Hawk out of the park. According to Kathy Robertson’s records, Red-shouldered Hawks nested here last year. We also had very clear views of Ring-necked Ducks, Common Moorhens and White-breasted Nuthatches—B. Scoggins.

 

Sutter Buttes and Gray Lodge State Wildlife Area last Saturday, 30 January 2005

Greetings all, Here's my view of our Ohlone Audubon Trip with Don Schmoldt and Sally Walters to the Sutter Buttes and Gray Lodge State Wildlife Area last Saturday, 30 January 2005. No doubt I've missed some details. Should you know of any additional/corrections please send along to these (above) addresses. Bill, so sorry to hear you were under the weather and had to miss this trip. Perhaps you may want to include this in the OAS Web site. I'll try Pasting as well as an Attachment. Don, we hope your cold dries up soooon!! Thanks again. Some of us did find Sofa's Thai Restaurant in Yuba City; on Plumas ("Feather" - how appropriate) Street. 'Twas good food and nice, friendly atmosphere. Best Regards, Phil E. and Pat A. Gordon SUTTER BUTTES & GRAY LODGE OAS TRIP Saturday, 29 Jan. 2005 was the Sutter Buttes and Gray Lodge State Wildlife Area OAS Field Trip. Although suffering from maladies like a lingering cold, Don Schmoldt and his wife Sally Walters paced us fruitfully around the Buttes. While the rest of the Valley crept out of dingy fogginess, we were faced with the distraction of the un-folding of breathtaking views of the emerald clothed Buttes in bright sunshine versus spotting and I.D.'ing all the birds. Beginning with two, fine adult Ferruginous Hawks along Pass Road along with about 350 Lesser Goldfinch swirling to and from a patch of "exotic" thistles; both with great flight views. The day couldn't have been nicer - well worth the long trek from the Bay Area to Sutter and Butte counties for the six cars with the twelve enthusiasts. The close of the day was with a fabulous flyout when all the accumulated waterfowl; away from hunters, went out, off refuge, to nocturnal foraging (a phenomenon that ceases just after all the hunting stops for the season - DS). Thanks from all went to Don and Sally for a most rewarding and successful trip.

Species found numbered 86 plus the en-Route Snowy Egrets and the Long-billed Curlew in Solano Co. Species specially hoped for or uncommon to rare are in BOLD letters. No. SPECIES COMMENTS No.SPECIES COMMENTS 1 Pied-billed Grebe 45 Long-billed Curlew R - SOL Co. 2 Double-crested Cormorant 46 Long-billed Dowitcher 3 Great Blue Heron 47 WILSON'S SNIPE 17 G L 4 Great Egret 48 Ring-billed Gull 5 Snowy Egret R - SOL Co. 49 Herring Gull 6 Black-crown. Night Heron 50 Rock Pigeon 7 WHITE-FACED IBIS Gray Lodge 51 Morning Dove 8 Turkey Vulture 52 GREAT HORNED OWL m + f G L 9 Gr. White-fronted Goose 53 Belted Kingfisher 10 Snow Goose & Blue morph 54 ACORN WOODPECKER 2 S B 11 ROSS'S GOOSE Gray Lodge 55 NUTTALL'S WOODPECKER 1 S B 12 Canada Goose 56 DOWNEY WOODPECKER 1 G L 13 TUNDRA SWAN R - SUT Co. 57 Northern (Red-Shafted) Flicker 14 Gadwall 58 Black Phoebe 15 EURASIAN WIGEON 4 Gray Lodge 59 Say's Phoebe 16 American Wigeon 60 Loggerhead Shrike 17 Mallard 61 Western Scrub-Jay 18 BLUE-WINGED TEAL 1 Gray Lodge 62 Yellow-billed Magpie 19 Cinnamon Teal 63 American Crow 20 Northern Shoveler 64 COMMON RAVEN 1 Gray Lodge 21 Northern Pintail 65 VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW 1 Gray Lodge 22 Green-winged Teal 66 Tree Swallow 23 Ring-necked Duck 67 WHITE - BREASTED NUTHATCH 1 S B 24 Greater Scaup 68 Marsh Wren 25 Bufflehead 69 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 26 Common Goldeneye 70 Western Bluebird 27 Ruddy Duck 71 American Robin 28 OSPREY 1 Gray Lodge 72 Northern Mockingbird 29 White-tailed Kite 73 European Starling 30 BALD EAGLE 2 & Imm.S B & G L 74 AMERICAN PIPIT 1 S B 31 Northern Harrier 75 Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 32 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK R - SUT Co. 76 LARK SPARROW 3 S B 33 COOPER'S HAWK 1 Gray Lodge 77 Savannah Sparrow 34 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK S B & G L 78 FOX SPARROW 1 G L 35 Red-tailed Hawk 79 Song Sparrow 36 FERRUGINOUS HAWK 2 S B 80 White-crowned Sparrow 37 American Kestrel 81 Golden-crowned Sparrow 38 Ring-necked Pheasant 82 Dark-eyed (O) Junco 39 COMMON MOORHEN 15 + G L 83 Red-winged Blackbird 40 American Coot 84 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD 1 Gray Lodge 41 SAND HILL CRANE S B & G L 85 Western Meadowlark 42 Killdeer 86 Brewer's Blackbird 43 Black-necked Stilt 87 House FInch 44 GREATER YELLOWLEGS S B & G L 88 Lesser Goldfinch .  

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