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5 Nov Mendocino Coast CBC Date ["David Jensen" ] 4 Nov Com Moorhen & Redheads Still at Lk Cleone [K A Havlena ] 03 Nov Tropical Kingbird at Glass Beach, Fort Bragg ["Becky" ] 3 Nov Rock Sandpiper - Glass Beach [K A Havlena ] 3 Nov Ten Mile River Birds [Erica Fielder ] 3 Nov Redheads & Canvasback - Lake Cleone 11/3 [Karen Havlena ] 2 Nov Heerman's Gull at Kelsey Creek [Floyd Hayes ] 03 Nov Redheads--Lake Cleone ["richhubie" ] 2 Nov Cattle Egret in Lake County ["Jerry White" ] 1 Nov Northern Fulmar at Seaside Beach - Ten Mile Area [Karen Havlena ] 1 Nov Harlequin Ducks & White-throated Sparrow [Karen Havlena ] 31 Oct Hooded Mergansers--Little River ["richhubie" ] 31 Oct Lake County Franklin's Gull ["Jerry White" ] 29 Oct RE: Black-crowned Night Heron comment ["John Sterling" ] 29 Oct Re: Black-crowned Night Heron comment [George Chaniot ] 29 Oct Peregrine Falcon slideshow: Thursday, Nov. 19 in Ukiah ["katemarianchild" ] 29 Oct White-throated sparrow [Becky Stenberg ] 28 Oct Black-crowned Night Heron comment ["Robert J. Keiffer" ] 28 Oct Re: Black-crowned Night-Herons-Possible nesting record?? ["Cate" ] 28 Oct Grouse Update - still present but moving out ["Richard" ] 28 Oct Sooty Grouse (Real Time) ["Richard" ] 26 Oct Potter Valley Phainopepla - no, Lewis's Woodpeckers - yes [Kathryn Parker ] 27 Oct Black-crowned Night-Herons-Possible nesting record?? ["richhubie" ] 25 Oct Phainopepla in Potter Valley [George Chaniot ] 24 Oct Lewis's Woodpecker in Potter Valley (MEN) [Matt Brady ] 23 Oct Lewis's Woodpeckers & crows ["Robert J. Keiffer" ] 23 Oct Moorhen at USTP [George Chaniot ] 21 Oct Horned Lark ["Robert J. Keiffer" ] 18 Oct Migrating Geese [K A Havlena ] 18 Oct Tropical Kingbird, Y-H Blackbird, Greater W-F Geese ["Richard" ] 17 Oct Least Flycatcher photos ["Ron LeValley" ] 17 Oct Least Flycatcher ["Ron LeValley" ] 16 Oct CCSP, YHBL & Other Coast Birds - 10/16 [Karen Havlena ] 16 Oct Albino Western Gull ["Gunn" ] 15 Oct Clay-colored Sparrow - Lk Cleone [K A Havlena ] 14 Oct STAL added info ["Robert J. Keiffer" ] 13 Oct correction about STAL ["Robert J. Keiffer" ] 13 Oct lookout for Short-tailed Albatross ["Robert J. Keiffer" ] 13 Oct RE: Sandpiper ID. . . ["Lisa Walker \(Feather\)" ] 13 Oct RE: Sandpiper ID. . . ["Ron LeValley" ] 13 Oct Sandpiper ID. . . ["Lisa Walker \(Feather\)" ] 13 Oct October 18th Pelagic trip [Debra Shearwater ] 12 Oct Yellow-headed Blackbird - Yardbird [K A Havlena ] 09 Oct Pectoral S [AlbionWood ] 9 Oct Audubon October Program ["Charlene McAllister" ] 7 Oct Pacific Golden Plover at Virgin Creek ["Ron LeValley" ] 7 Oct Apologies for malware link- don't open! ["Kris Olson" ] 7 Oct Re: Yellow Headed BB ["Lisa Walker \(Feather\)" ] 7 Oct Yellow Headed BB ["Lisa Walker \(Feather\)" ] 7 Oct Orchard Oriole? [Kathryn Parker ] 7 Oct Warning - "Kris Olson" Post Malicious per CALBIRDS [Karen Havlena ] 06 Oct Jerry White: Blue Grosbeak at Usal SP [Chuck & Barbara Vaughn ] 06 Oct Cackling Geese--Cabrillo Point ["richhubie" ] 5 Oct Lake County [Floyd Hayes ] 5 Oct 10/5 ORCHARD ORIOLE Lingering Near Laguna Point [Karen Havlena ] 5 Oct 10/5 ORCHARD ORIOLE - Laguna Point - (2nd Attempt) [K A Havlena ] 4 Oct Golden Eagle on North Coast [K A Havlena ] 04 Oct Moon Birds ["jarlyus" ] 3 Oct RE: 10/3 -ORCHARD ORIOLE Still at Laguna Pt (MacKerricher SP) ["John Sterling" ] 3 Oct 10/3 -ORCHARD ORIOLE Still at Laguna Pt (MacKerricher SP) [Karen Havlena ] 2 Oct [Fwd: lake mendocino] [] 2 Oct volunteer for Vaux's Swift migration ["Robert J. Keiffer" ] 2 Oct Re: YES Oriole Update - Laguna Point - YES [K A Havlena ] 2 Oct Oriole Update from Laguna Point [K A Havlena ] 1 Oct RE: Semipalmated Sandpiper and Hudsonian Godwit ["John Sterling" ] 02 Oct Orchard Oriole ["richhubie" ] 1 Oct 10/1 Orchard Oriole Location & Sandhill Crane Comment [Karen Havlena ] 1 Oct Orchard Oriole ["John Luther" ] 1 Oct Re: Sandhill Crane at Ten Mile ["Lisa Walker \(Feather\)" ] 01 Oct Pileated ["fred.andrews47" ] 01 Oct Pileateds in Potter ["mhbrady2000" ] 01 Oct Sandhill Crane at Ten Mile ["richhubie" ] 30 Sep Semipalmated Sandpiper and Hudsonian Godwit ["richhubie" ] 30 Sep Hudsonian Godwit and Common Moorhen ["richhubie" ] 28 Sep Greater White-fronted Geese ["Becky" ] 28 Sep Black Swifts ["bruceg2661" ] Subject: Mendocino Coast CBC Date From: "David Jensen" <djensen AT mcn.org> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 05:26:14 -0800 Thursday, 11/5/2009. The Mendocino Coast Audubon Society invites interested persons with all levels of birding skill to join in our thirty-sixth annual Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, January 2. Small groups will survey assigned areas throughout the day. Those who are able to stay will then meet for a catered dinner (BYOB) at Druid's Hall in beautiful downtown Point Arena to report their findings. The count area, which is centered near Manchester, stretches from Cuffey's Cove near Elk to the northern edge of Point Arena and contains some of the best birding habitat along our coast. The first Christmas Count in this area was held on December 15, 1974. Nine observers reported a total of 60 different species. The number of participants as well as reported species has continued to grow since then. Last year forty-two observers reported a total of 140 species. If you are interested in participating in this year's count, please contact David Jensen at djensen AT mcn.org or leave him a phone message at 964-8163. Even if you are not an expert in the identification of gulls or sparrows, you can still be a productive member of this effort and will certainly have an enjoyable day in a beautiful part of our coast. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Com Moorhen & Redheads Still at Lk Cleone From: K A Havlena <kahavlena AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 15:47:42 -0800 (PST) Tues, 3 Nov 2009 -- Dorothy ""Toby" Tobkin called late Tuesday that she saw the COMMON MOORHEN on the east side of Lake Cleone again.  Toby originally found the bird on 13 September.  She also saw the 2 REDHEADS again, as well. For Dorothy Tobkin K. Havlena Fort Bragg, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Tropical Kingbird at Glass Beach, Fort Bragg From: "Becky" <casparbeck AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:19:52 -0000 This morning before 10 a.m. on a shorebird survey, a volunteer spotted what we believe is a Tropical Kingbird in the lone tree on the trail just east of the main beach at Glass Beach in Fort Bragg. The bird had a typical Kingbird shape, gray head and BRIGHT yellow underparts. It was in the top of the tree and flew south--so our look was brief. We talked with Karen Havlena and Toby Tobkin, and we think it was probably a Tropical Kingbird. Just a note--the tourists have left and the birds and insects are back at the beach. Subject: Rock Sandpiper - Glass Beach From: K A Havlena <kahavlena AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 11:38:40 -0800 (PST) Tues, 3 Nov, 2009 -- Dorothy "Toby" Tobkin just called having spotted one ROCK SANDPIPER at Glass Beach, MacKerricher SP in Fort Bragg.  The bird was roosting with Black Turnstones and Surfbirds on the 2nd largest rock to the left of the sandy beach.  Take the right fork from the main pathway at the west end of Elm St, Fort Bragg. For Dorothy Tobkin K. Havlena Fort Bragg, CA  [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Ten Mile River Birds From: Erica Fielder <efielder AT mcn.org> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 10:55:42 -0800 I saw a pair of white-winged scoters in the estuary east of the bridge. The buffleheads returned for the winter 6 or so days ago. Erica ************************************************ For more information on Erica Fielder Studio please see my two websites: http://www.ericafielder-ecoartist.com http://www.birdfeederhat.org Erica Fielder Studio P.O. Box 1075, Mendocino, CA 95460 707-964-1467 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Redheads & Canvasback - Lake Cleone 11/3 From: Karen Havlena <jkhavlena AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 10:00:28 -0800 (PST) Tues, 3 Nov 2009 -- The two REDHEADS and one CANVASBACK were still at Lake Cleone, MacKerricher SP, this morning.  I arrived too early for a good view of the lake, with the sun too low and mist rising from the water, so I walked out to Laguna Point.  Since Rock Sandpipers have been seen both to the north and south of us, I looked carefully but I could not find a ROSA (yet).  With the sun a little higher shortly after 0830, I easily saw the Redheads and the Canvasback on the west side of the lake. Karen Havlena North of Fort Bragg, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Heerman's Gull at Kelsey Creek From: Floyd Hayes <floyd_hayes AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 19:42:33 -0800 (PST) Yesterday a few of us, including Steve and Diane Rose of Grass Valley, searched in vain for the FRANKLIN'S GULL at Clearlake. However, later in the day Steve and Diane found and photographed a HEERMAN'S GULL at Kelsey Creek. They also saw the COMMON MOORHEN at Clearlake Oaks County Park and three YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES in High Valley. Floyd Hayes for Steve Rose Subject: Redheads--Lake Cleone From: "richhubie" <richhubie AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:50:39 -0000 Mon Nov 2, 2009--This afternoon I found 2 REDHEADS at Lake Cleone (approx 3:30). Initially they were at the north side of the Lake approx. 40 yards east of the boat ramp. Moved out to the middle when they saw me coming along the board-walk to get a better look. I also momentarily had 2 CANVASBACKS earlier but they flew off north (not my fault). Richard Hubacek Little River Subject: Cattle Egret in Lake County From: "Jerry White" <white-jerry AT att.net> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 11:31:00 -0800 This morning at about 8:30 AM there was a CATTLE EGRET at the Kelsey Creek Outlet. The bird flew off about 5 minutes later heading west along the shoreline. Brad Barnwell went out looking for the bird about an hour later but it had not returned. This is the 4th record for Lake County and the 1st for the outlet and Clear Lake State Park. Another bird new for the park list was the PACIFIC LOON found by George Chaniot etal on Saturday. Jerry White [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Northern Fulmar at Seaside Beach - Ten Mile Area From: Karen Havlena <jkhavlena AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 13:09:46 -0800 (PST) Sun, 1 Nov 2009 -- Jim Havlena found a NORTHERN FULMAR (dark morph) right at the water's edge on Seaside Beach just north of the Ten Mile river mouth.  It was lively, but a sandy beach is an unusual location.  A short time later, Ron LeValley met with us to see the bird.  We wanted him to confirm that Karen's ID was correct and have him give us a assessment of the bird's health. Ron agreed that it was a Northern Fulmar, although the pale bill, outlined with black had us hoping for another species.  The plumage was uniform, medium gray with silvery inner primaries and wing linings. The bird was pretty feisty, so Ron suggested how to release it.  Jim and I drove to MacKerricher SP to the south bluff of Laguna Point (the Orchard Oriole area from Oct).  Jim put the bird in the water near some gulls that were feeding.  The N Fulmar began paddling away from the shore after only a few seconds.  It took a while to get out of the cove and beyond the waves, but it never stopped pushing forward. We left after it was in calmer water, so we did not see if it attempted to take off.  We hope it will be alright! Thanks to Ron for his advise. Karen H. for Jim Havlena North of Fort Bragg, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Harlequin Ducks & White-throated Sparrow From: Karen Havlena <jkhavlena AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 12:48:06 -0800 (PST) Sun, 1 Nov 2009 -- A pair of HARLEQUIN DUCKs were in the cove at the south bluff Laguna Point, MacKerricher SP this morning.  An adult White-throated Sparrow has arrived in the front yard, feeding by the piller and lone pine tree at the north side of the yard.  This is halfway around Ocean Meadows Circle, north of the Ten Mile River bridge.  Last year, the Stenberg Glen Blair WTSP stayed just a day or two longer than our bird.  Now, a WTSP arrived in Glen Blair a day prior to this bird. Karen Havlena North of Fort Bragg, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Hooded Mergansers--Little River From: "richhubie" <richhubie AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:03:50 -0000 Sat Oct 31, 2009--Most of the reported HOODED MERGANSERS have been in the inland area. I had 5 this morning on a small pond just west of the Little River Airport. One breeding plumage male and 4 females. Will post a couple of pictures shortly. Richard Hubacek Little River Subject: Lake County Franklin's Gull From: "Jerry White" <white-jerry AT att.net> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:15:29 -0700 Floyd Hayes just called. He has found a FRANKLIN'S GULL on the roof of Wal Mart in Clearlake. He estimates there are a 1000 gulls there at this time. This is the 3rd county record. Jerry White for Floyd Hayes [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RE: Black-crowned Night Heron comment From: "John Sterling" <jsterling AT wavecable.com> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:42:30 -0700 It took me years to find night-herons in Clear Lake area, but I now see them a lot. Could it be that the species is increasing its range/population? Any evidence for an increase? John Sterling VVVVVVVVVV 26 Palm Ave Woodland, CA 95695 cell 530 908-3836 jsterling AT wavecable.com From: Mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:Mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of George Chaniot Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:31 PM To: Mendobirds Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Black-crowned Night Heron comment The question of the lack of breeding records for Black-crowned Night Herons in Mendocino County has puzzled me for a number of years over here on the western edge of the county. On 11 May 2005 a fresh juvenile with a little clinging down showed up in my Potter Valley yard next to the Red Post Vineyard pond. This seems pretty early in the year for it to have dispersed very far from the nesting area, and it started me wondering if there could be local nesting - perhaps along the Russian River in Potter Valley. The closest nesting area that I am aware of is in Lake County along Scotts Creek near the intersection of Route 20 and Scotts Valley Road. There was a sizeable nesting colony there in at least 2007 and 2008. This is 3.2 mi. from the Mendocino line and about 11 miles from my home. It could be the source of juveniles seen here and at Lake Mendocino, but local nesting seems more likely to me. If our Mendobirds members are sensitized to this issue, maybe we can nail the question down in the next breeding season. If they are nesting in the county, they seem to have slipped under the radar so far. We should report all spring and summer records of this species. George Chaniot Potter Valley, MEN, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Black-crowned Night Heron comment From: George Chaniot <chaniot AT pacific.net> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:31:01 -0700 The question of the lack of breeding records for Black-crowned Night Herons in Mendocino County has puzzled me for a number of years over here on the western edge of the county. On 11 May 2005 a fresh juvenile with a little clinging down showed up in my Potter Valley yard next to the Red Post Vineyard pond. This seems pretty early in the year for it to have dispersed very far from the nesting area, and it started me wondering if there could be local nesting - perhaps along the Russian River in Potter Valley. The closest nesting area that I am aware of is in Lake County along Scotts Creek near the intersection of Route 20 and Scotts Valley Road. There was a sizeable nesting colony there in at least 2007 and 2008. This is 3.2 mi. from the Mendocino line and about 11 miles from my home. It could be the source of juveniles seen here and at Lake Mendocino, but local nesting seems more likely to me. If our Mendobirds members are sensitized to this issue, maybe we can nail the question down in the next breeding season. If they are nesting in the county, they seem to have slipped under the radar so far. We should report all spring and summer records of this species. George Chaniot Potter Valley, MEN, CA Subject: Peregrine Falcon slideshow: Thursday, Nov. 19 in Ukiah From: "katemarianchild" <katem AT mcn.org> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:02:24 -0000 TOP CALIFORNIA EXPERT ON PEREGRINE FALCONS TO SPEAK IN UKIAH The peregrine falcon, sometimes referred to as "master of the hunt," is the fastest bird on earth. Capable of diving at speeds up to 273 miles per hour and cruising horizontally at up to 68 miles per hour, this raptor hunts other birds, often killing them during a high-speed dive with a single blow of its balled-up talons. Once common in North America, peregrines were virtually extinct in the East by 1965; by 1975 western populations had fallen by 90%. The culprit? DDT and other environmental toxins. Thanks to hard-working scientists and amateur bird lovers, these noble birds of prey have made a spectacular recovery in the west. In fact, it is now possible to see them regularly in Mendocino County, where we have more nesting pairs than any other county in the nation. Dr. Monte Kirven, a key figure in California's peregrine falcon success story, will give a slide presentation in Ukiah on Thursday, November 19, 7 p.m., at the Ukiah Civic Center. Dr. Kirven helped pass the federal legislation that banned DDT and spent many years studying the peregrine population in Mendocino County. This Peregrine Audubon Society presentation is free to the public, but donations are welcome. For more information please go to www.peregrineaudubon.org. Subject: White-throated sparrow From: Becky Stenberg <sugarsmom53 AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:32:46 -0700 Just for the record, I have a White -throated sparrow in my hedgerow this morning, 10/29 in GlenBlair. His markings are bright and bold. I'd like to think it's the little fellow who spent last winter here, hoping he'll stay. Becky Stenberg GlenBlair Subject: Black-crowned Night Heron comment From: "Robert J. Keiffer" <rjkeiffer AT ucdavis.edu> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:31:23 -0700 28 October 2009 - The topic of Black-crowned Night Herons in Mendocino County is of great interest concerning the archived records. In the past decades, this species was always considered rather unusual and somewhat of a "target bird" for those who took their Mendocino County year list seriously. In the last decade more communal roosts have been discovered thus making this bird easier to find during the late summer/fall/winter. The recent posts have brought a couple of these communal roosts to the forefront, and though known to individuals, these roosts had never been "documented" before in county bird records. This is great. Breeding is suspected in the county as immatures have been seen many times during the fall and winter periods . however, keep in mind that these immatures are quite capable of arriving from elsewhere (immigration). But, they are probably local resident birds. To my recollection, I don't believe that we have any documentation of actual nests, eggs, or juveniles (young before they can fly) in the county. Yet, this species most probably does nest here. Nesting however, will not occur at the fall/winter communal roost areas, and of course happens in spring and early summer. Good birding. Bob Keiffer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Black-crowned Night-Herons-Possible nesting record?? From: "Cate" <thorn91 AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:19:50 -0000 There appear to be 2 colonies of black-crowned night herons on the lower portion of the Noyo River. I have been watching them for 3 years now from a kayak and from shore. The one colony is in the "magic corner" of the Noyo River by the former launch ramp of Dolphin Isle Marina. The other is across the river from the main mooring basin. Lately some of the BCNH's have been active in the mid to late afternoon, but typically they become active around dusk. Morning birders may catch glimses of the BCNH's before they tuck into the fir trees for the day. During the day, we consistently see them in their roosts from kayaks in the river. I suspect that they are nesting on the Noyo and have a couple of ideas where their nests are but have not seen an actual nest. Here is a link to a photo that a visitor took of a juvenile during one of our sunset bird paddles this summer. Best of days, Cate Liquid Fusion Kayaking --- In Mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com, "richhubie" wrote: > > Mon Oct 26, 2009--I observed 2 juvenile BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS on the Noyo River at around 2:30 PM today. The location was the Dolphin RV Park and Marina which is as far as you can drive up the Noyo off the Highway 20 entrance. David Jensen told me about the BCNH roost at this location last month. BCNHs are listed as rare in Mendocino County with no nesting records. David thinks that he may have seen juveniles at that location this last summer. He is going to talk to the owner of the kayak company located at the marina to see if she has pictures and dates of juvenile BCNHs from earlier in the year. > > > Richard Hubacek > Little River > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Grouse Update - still present but moving out From: "Richard" <rich_trissel AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:06:40 -0000 2:05p Hello - The Sooty Grouse is still here but has moved out of the redwood and is walking across the property towards the thick brush. Good Birding, Rich Subject: Sooty Grouse (Real Time) From: "Richard" <rich_trissel AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:51:39 -0000 28 October 2009, 1:45pm Gualala Hello - A juvenile Sooty Grouse ran into one of our living room windows and then flew into a redwood across our driveway. This happened about 40 minutes ago (1:05pm). The bird is still perched in the redwood. If anyone is interested in VERY good looks of Sooty Grouse please feel free to call me at 884-9973. I'll post an update again shortly and I'll post some photos. Rich Trissel Gualala (Fish Rock Road) Subject: Potter Valley Phainopepla - no, Lewis's Woodpeckers - yes From: Kathryn Parker <jandkparker AT mindspring.com> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:53:44 -0700 Spent 2 hours on Burris Lane this morning looking and listening for a Phainopepla. Did not find it. Did however, see 4 LEWIS'S WOODPECKERS to the north of Burris Lane while scanning treetops. Kathy Parker Los Gatos Subject: Black-crowned Night-Herons-Possible nesting record?? From: "richhubie" <richhubie AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:58:56 -0000 Mon Oct 26, 2009--I observed 2 juvenile BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS on the Noyo River at around 2:30 PM today. The location was the Dolphin RV Park and Marina which is as far as you can drive up the Noyo off the Highway 20 entrance. David Jensen told me about the BCNH roost at this location last month. BCNHs are listed as rare in Mendocino County with no nesting records. David thinks that he may have seen juveniles at that location this last summer. He is going to talk to the owner of the kayak company located at the marina to see if she has pictures and dates of juvenile BCNHs from earlier in the year. Richard Hubacek Little River Subject: Phainopepla in Potter Valley From: George Chaniot <chaniot AT pacific.net> Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:08:07 -0700 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 -- At 12:12 p.m. today Paul Hawks found a male PHAINOPEPLA on Burris Lane in Potter Valley. It was in some small oaks along the lane about 100 feet west of mailbox 12000. This is in the level section along the vineyard and beyond the barn. He saw it fly off to the north to an oak in the vineyard and return to the same tree along the road. I ran in to Paul shortly afterwards and went back to look for it. I refound it easily at about 12:35 in the same tree. It was making the characteristic, upward-inflected call note repeatedly, which led me right to it. While I was watching, it flew south across the lower pasture and into the oaks along the creek, where I lost it. I looked again about 1:30 p.m. and scoped the trees to the south to no avail. Perhaps someone with better hearing could pick it up at that distance. George Chaniot Potter Valley, MEN, CA Subject: Lewis's Woodpecker in Potter Valley (MEN) From: Matt Brady <podoces AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:13:10 -0700 (PDT) Hi Birders. This evening, I rode my bike up to the pond at the end of Burris Lane, in Potter Valley (Mendocino County). I found it to be rather more birdy than the past few times I have been up there. The clear highlight was a LEWIS'S WOODPECKER, frequenting some oaks at the top of the hill overlooking the pond. On the pond were 32 Ring-necked Ducks, 2 American Wigeon and 8 Mallards, but only 4 Coots and no Pied-billed Grebes, at least that I saw. Good birding, Matt Brady Potter Valley, MEN Location: Potter Valley--Burris Ln. pond Observation date: 10/24/09 Number of species: 29 American Wigeon - Anas americana 2 Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos 8 Ring-necked Duck - Aythya collaris 32 California Quail - Callipepla californica 8 Cooper's Hawk - Accipiter cooperii 1 American Kestrel - Falco sparverius 2 American Coot - Fulica americana 4 Lewis's Woodpecker - Melanerpes lewis 1 My first for this location in a very, very long time. Acorn Woodpecker - Melanerpes formicivorus 4 Nuttall's Woodpecker - Picoides nuttallii 2 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) - Colaptes auratus [cafer Group] 9 Black Phoebe - Sayornis nigricans 2 Say's Phoebe - Sayornis saya 1 Western Scrub-Jay (Coastal) - Aphelocoma californica californica 3 American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos 2 Common Raven - Corvus corax 6 Oak Titmouse - Baeolophus inornatus 6 White-breasted Nuthatch (Pacific) - Sitta carolinensis [aculeata Group] 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglet - Regulus calendula 3 Western Bluebird - Sialia mexicana 2 American Robin - Turdus migratorius 80 European Starling - Sturnus vulgaris 200 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) - Dendroica coronata coronata 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) - Dendroica coronata auduboni 20 Spotted Towhee - Pipilo maculatus 1 California Towhee - Pipilo crissalis 1 White-crowned Sparrow (Puget Sound) - Zonotrichia leucophrys pugetensis 10 Golden-crowned Sparrow - Zonotrichia atricapilla 45 House Finch - Carpodacus mexicanus 5 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Lewis's Woodpeckers & crows From: "Robert J. Keiffer" <rjkeiffer AT ucdavis.edu> Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:28:49 -0700 Thursday - 22 October 2009 - Two Lewis's Woodpecker's were seen along the LAK/MEN just to the southeast fo the UC-Hopland Research & Extension Center. These birds are not really chasable by the public, however, I wanted to give a "heads-up" to everyone to keep an eye out in this species' regular haunts such as Covelo/Round Valley and the Old River Road between Talmage and Hopland. Last winter of 2008/2009 there was only one single LEWO reported in the county, and that was the one on the King Ranch on the Old River Road. Perhaps there will be a better winter showing for the species in MEN county for 2009/2010. Another unusual sighting that I had was watching 7 American Crows fly from Sanel Valley up and over the Mayacmas Mountains (at about 2800' elevation) into LAK County heading towards Clear Lake. Even though our local crow flocks are primarily resident, I wonder how much genetic interchange takes place from immigation/emigration between the main valleys and populations? Good birding. Bob Keiffer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Moorhen at USTP From: George Chaniot <chaniot AT pacific.net> Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:19:59 -0700 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 -- This morning at about 09:30 I saw a juvenile COMMON MOORHEN on the east end of the south pond at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant. It was associating with coots and staying mostly hidden in the emergent vegetation. This species seem to be becoming more abundant in recent years in Mendocino County. This year I believe I have seen about seven individuals in four different locations. George Chaniot Potter Valley, MEN, CA American Wigeon 3, Northern Pintail 4, Mallard 60, Cinnamon Teal 2, Northern Shoveller 150, Green-winded Teal 40, Ring-necked Duck 10, Greater Scaup 2, Bufflehead 1, Ruddy Duck 3, Pied-billed Grebe 1, Eared Grebe 1, Snowy Egret 1, Turkey Vulture 1, American Coot 50, COMMON MOREHEN 1, Killdeer 15, Least Sandpiper 2, Dunlin 4, dowitcher sp 2, Wilson's Snipe 5, Northern Flicker 1, Black Phoebe 2, Western Scrub-Jay 2, American Crow 4, Common Raven 1, Long-billed Marsh Wren 1, Northern Mockingbird 1, European Starling 20, American Pipit 3, Cedar Waxwing 10, Audubon's Y-r Warbler 3, Song Sparrow 3, Lincoln's Sparrow 1, White-crowned Sparrow 10, Golden-crowned Sparrow 5, Brewer's Blackbird 5, House Finch 1. Subject: Horned Lark From: "Robert J. Keiffer" <rjkeiffer AT ucdavis.edu> Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:16:35 -0700 Wednesday - 21 October 2009 - An adult female Horned Lark has been a "road bird" for the last two days at the UC-Hopland Research & Extension Center. I got a glimpse of the bird yesterday as it flew off but was unable to identify it to species then .however from vocalizations I knew it was "pipit-like". This morning it was (assumed same bird) back at the exact same spot and I was able to get a good binoc-look at it. Horned Larks are rather rare in the interior of the county with best chances at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant. Even on the coast, fall migration produces singles or small flocks which usually do not stick around for long and luck has to be on your side to see the species. Good Birding. Bob Keiffer. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Migrating Geese From: K A Havlena <kahavlena AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:13:12 -0700 (PDT) Sun, 17 Oct, 2009 -  This morning, I saw a minima Cackling Goose with eight White-fronted Geese on the beach at Howard Creek.  This is along Hwy 1 north of Westport a few miles. There were almost no land birds at the creeks. Jim Havlena Ocean Meadows Fort Bragg, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Tropical Kingbird, Y-H Blackbird, Greater W-F Geese From: "Richard" <rich_trissel AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:26:16 -0000 18 October 2009 Point Arena / Manchester Hello - This morning at about 8:30a my wife, Nancy, and I saw a Tropical Kingbird on North Windy Hollow Road about 50 meters from the end of the road. I have uploaded a few pictures -- sorry about the quality. We then went to Barnegat Road off Stonboro Road and saw a Yellow-headed Blackbird in the large blackbird flock that was working the dairy which borders the north side of the lake (reached from trail off the north end of Barnegat). Several Tricolored Blackbirds were also in the flock. Also seen from that same spot were 27 Greater White-fronted Geese. Good Birding, Rich (and Nancy) Trissel Subject: Least Flycatcher photos From: "Ron LeValley" <ron AT madriverbio.com> Date: Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:03:52 -0700 Are now in the folder called Ron LeValley. Here are the links. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mendobirds/photos/album/1016897831/pic/1877294 208/view?picmode= &mode=tn&order=ordinal&start=1&count=20&dir=asc http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mendobirds/photos/album/1016897831/pic/2757270 54/view?picmode=medium &mode=tn&order=ordinal&start=1&dir=asc Ron From: Mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:Mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ron LeValley Sent: Saturday, October 17, 2009 3:51 PM To: 'Mendobirds' Subject: [Mendobirds] Least Flycatcher Hi all, This morning out on the Little River Headlands was a small Empidonax that I am calling a Least Flycatcher. I apologize for not getting the word out early, but I had computer user malfunction, and this bird was in a neighbor's yard in a place that can't be viewed without upsetting people so I couldn't have had people come to see it anyway. I realize that this might be a first county record. I am uploading some pictures to the Mendobirds Photo section. They should be there in a few minutes. It was not close so they are not the best photos, but I think they are identifiable. It was a small flycatcher, very white below, with a large head, bright white eye ring, bold white wing bars and only the slightest hint of yellow on the abdomen. It was flycatching, and sitting for extended periods when it would occasionally flick its tail up a tiny little bit. It did not dip the tail down like a Gray, nor did it actively flick its tail like a Western. Never did I see it flick it's wings. The bill was somewhat broad - broader than a Dusky/Hammonds, but not as broad as a Western. The bill was dark brown above and mostly pinkish-pale below with a hint of dark along the middle of the lower mandible. I have a video clip of it sitting as well. It only stayed around for about 30 minutes and then when I checked later it was not there. It wasn't in a place that normally holds birds, I was actually surprised it stayed as long as it did. Hope one shows up someplace that others can see it! Ron Ron LeValley Photography P.O. Box 332 Little River CA 95456 707/937-1742 Mendocino Coast Photographer Guild and Gallery 301 North Main Street Fort Bragg California USA 95437 Cell: 707/496-3326 Gallery: 707/964-4706 > Ron AT LeValleyPhoto.com For a free natural history Picture of the Day in your e-mail, go to http://www.levalleyphoto.com/gallery/omw.php For archives of past Picture of the Days, go to www.levalleyphoto.com/gallery [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Least Flycatcher From: "Ron LeValley" <ron AT madriverbio.com> Date: Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:51:05 -0700 Hi all, This morning out on the Little River Headlands was a small Empidonax that I am calling a Least Flycatcher. I apologize for not getting the word out early, but I had computer user malfunction, and this bird was in a neighbor's yard in a place that can't be viewed without upsetting people so I couldn't have had people come to see it anyway. I realize that this might be a first county record. I am uploading some pictures to the Mendobirds Photo section. They should be there in a few minutes. It was not close so they are not the best photos, but I think they are identifiable. It was a small flycatcher, very white below, with a large head, bright white eye ring, bold white wing bars and only the slightest hint of yellow on the abdomen. It was flycatching, and sitting for extended periods when it would occasionally flick its tail up a tiny little bit. It did not dip the tail down like a Gray, nor did it actively flick its tail like a Western. Never did I see it flick it's wings. The bill was somewhat broad - broader than a Dusky/Hammonds, but not as broad as a Western. The bill was dark brown above and mostly pinkish-pale below with a hint of dark along the middle of the lower mandible. I have a video clip of it sitting as well. It only stayed around for about 30 minutes and then when I checked later it was not there. It wasn't in a place that normally holds birds, I was actually surprised it stayed as long as it did. Hope one shows up someplace that others can see it! Ron Ron LeValley Photography P.O. Box 332 Little River CA 95456 707/937-1742 Mendocino Coast Photographer Guild and Gallery 301 North Main Street Fort Bragg California USA 95437 Cell: 707/496-3326 Gallery: 707/964-4706 Ron AT LeValleyPhoto.com For a free natural history Picture of the Day in your e-mail, go to http://www.levalleyphoto.com/gallery/omw.php For archives of past Picture of the Days, go to www.levalleyphoto.com/gallery [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: CCSP, YHBL & Other Coast Birds - 10/16 From: Karen Havlena <jkhavlena AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:49:25 -0700 (PDT) Fri, 16 Oct 2009 -- Late this morning I saw Toby's CLAY-COLORED SPARROW by Lk Clone's outflow pond in the berry bushes below the Haul Rd, MacKerricher SP.  I did the weekly SOS survey on Ten Mile beach earlier in the morning, having the most SNOWY PLOVERs I have seen this year totaling 27.  All of the SNPLs are about 1/2 mile north of the ramp north of Ward Ave, Cleone.  The ONLY other shorebird I had on the entire 4 1/4 mile walk was one Killdeer.  This afternoon in the front yard, Jim called out that the YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD had returned to the front yard.  She was missing since the rain storm. Karen Havlena North of Fort Bragg, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Albino Western Gull From: "Gunn" <gashawk AT mcn.org> Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:04:34 -0000 This guy is hanging out on the pier right off the Warming Hut in Crissy Field. I'm guessing WEGU by the shape but maybe someone here knows better. Seems to be in pretty good condition. http://farallones.org/gull/WEGU_albino1.jpg Subject: Clay-colored Sparrow - Lk Cleone From: K A Havlena <kahavlena AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:54:07 -0700 (PDT) Thu, 15 Oct 2009 -- Dorothy "Toby" Tobkin called that she saw a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW at Lake Cleone in MacKerricher SP late morning.  The specific location is on the south side of the outflow pond on the west side of the road going out to Laguna Point.  A lot of berry bushes and lush grasses are just below the Haul Rd, where a Black Phoebe inhabits the area. For Dorothy Tobkin (K Havlena) North of Fort Bragg, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: STAL added info From: "Robert J. Keiffer" <rjkeiffer AT ucdavis.edu> Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:08:58 -0700 Wednesday - 14 October, 2009 - I apologize for the "cryptic" message about the Short-tailed Albatross yesterday, and I am sure that it raised a few questions. This particular bird was observed off of Half Moon Bay on October 11th. A photo of the bird can bee seen on the Western Field Ornithologist website http://www.westernfieldornithologists.org/gallery The bird, even though not apparent in the photograph, was banded and wearing a satellite transmitter. Further checking by observers located one of the researchers involved with the banding project, and a map was provided showing that when the bird was spotted it was on its way north along the Northern California Coast. On October 12th , based upon the satellite tracking map, it was probably in Mendocino County waters, but directly west (latitude-wise) from Northern Sonoma County (bird locations on the ocean are measured to the nearest land point which for much of that area is Point Arena). Most interesting to me, however, is the satellite tracking map covers the whereabouts from October 3 to Oct 12, 2009. Prior to the sighting the bird came DOWN (southward) along the Mendocino Coast, and it looks like it was VERY close to shore along the Ten-Mile Beach to Fort Bragg section of our coastline. After it came down our coast it headed pretty far out to sea, and then came back towards near-shore around the Monterey area .and then headed north again (this is when the SFBBO Pelagic trip came across the bird last Sunday). I do NOT know if this STAL satellite-tracking info is available on any particular website. Good birding! Bob Keiffer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: correction about STAL From: "Robert J. Keiffer" <rjkeiffer AT ucdavis.edu> Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:23:30 -0700 13 October 2009 - I meant to say that the STAL was SW (not SE) of Point Arena yesterday (based upon satellite tracking). [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: lookout for Short-tailed Albatross From: "Robert J. Keiffer" <rjkeiffer AT ucdavis.edu> Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:13:58 -0700 Monday - 13 October 2009 - I have received a very credible report that a first-year Short-tailed Albatross was heading north along the coast SE of Point Arena just yesterday. It is probably continuing north today but it is difficult to say how close to shore (or maybe it has already passed). If you live on the coast please keep a sharp-eye along our coast. This species has yet to be visually documented Mendocino County waters. Good birding. Bob Keiffer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RE: Sandpiper ID. . . From: "Lisa Walker \(Feather\)" <feather7023 AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:45:57 -0700 (PDT) Thanks to Chuck, Sean, Gary and Ron!! :) You all confirmed it for me. And to think I was leaning towards Rock. LOL. .. . Stay dry, everyone! I got soaked out there today! Feather --- On Tue, 10/13/09, Ron LeValley wrote: From: Ron LeValley Subject: RE: [Mendobirds] Sandpiper ID. . . To: "'Lisa Walker (Feather)'" , Mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2009, 1:43 PM HI Feather,   It’s a Pectoral Sandpiper. Nice shots.   Ron   From: Mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:Mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Lisa Walker (Feather) Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 1:10 PM To: mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [Mendobirds] Sandpiper ID. . .     .. . .with short yellow legs at Glass Beach during a break in this horrendous storm today. Shots at the Yahoo!Groups site. Feather [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RE: Sandpiper ID. . . From: "Ron LeValley" <ron AT madriverbio.com> Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:43:09 -0700 HI Feather, It's a Pectoral Sandpiper. Nice shots. Ron From: Mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:Mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Lisa Walker (Feather) Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 1:10 PM To: mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [Mendobirds] Sandpiper ID. . . .. . .with short yellow legs at Glass Beach during a break in this horrendous storm today. Shots at the Yahoo!Groups site. Feather [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Sandpiper ID. . . From: "Lisa Walker \(Feather\)" <feather7023 AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:10:14 -0700 (PDT) .. . .with short yellow legs at Glass Beach during a break in this horrendous storm today. Shots at the Yahoo!Groups site. Feather [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: October 18th Pelagic trip From: Debra Shearwater <debi AT shearwaterjourneys.com> Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:56:19 -0700 Hello, Mendo Seabirders, Shearwater Journeys' Sunday, October 18th pelagic trip will meet at the boat, TELSTAR, which is half way down North Harbor Drive (on your way to the original boat, Trek II), on the left side of the road. There is a parking lot. Please check in with the leaders at 0630, as usual prior to boarding the boat. Dress warmly, wear your rain gear. The trip is sold out. The current weather system should be dissipated by Sunday, hopefully. See you there! Debi Debra Shearwater Shearwater Journeys, Inc. PO Box 190 Hollister, CA 95024 831.637.8527 debi AT shearwaterjourneys.com www.shearwaterjourneys.com www.shearwaterjourneys.blogspot.com **Antarctica, South Georgia, & The Falkland Islands, January 5-24, 2010* Shearwater Journeys' Exclusive Charter Waiting list available [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Yellow-headed Blackbird - Yardbird From: K A Havlena <kahavlena AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:02:48 -0700 (PDT) Mon, 12 Oct 2009 -- A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD and about 50 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDs have joined the neighborhood blackbird flock, and all have been feeding in the front yard this morning.  I looked at Lisa Walker's photos, and while there are similarities, her bird at Lake Cleone was much darker and the feather edges (where wing patches would be and the tips of the primaries) were whiter.  So, I believe that this bird is different from the Lake Cleone bird.  It was too bad that she didn't get to photo the Fort Bragg YHBLs that came to feeder in town.  The flock here is way too skittish for me to attempt a pic.  It seems that there have been about 4 YHBLs in the Fort Bragg area in the last 2 weeks. Karen Havlena Ocean Meadows / Ten Mile North of Fort Bragg, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Pectoral S From: AlbionWood <albionwood AT wildblue.net> Date: Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:20:32 -0700 Thursday October 8 2009 - We looked for the Oriole at Laguna Point, without success, but instead found a lone Pectoral Sandpiper foraging among the wrack on the beach in the horseshoe cove. Tim on Middle Ridge, Albion Subject: Audubon October Program From: "Charlene McAllister" <charmac AT mcn.org> Date: Fri, 9 Oct 2009 10:27:57 -0700 October 19, 2009 Meeting Location: Town Hall at 7:00 pm Cnr Laurel and Main Street Fort Bragg Speaker: Matthew Matthiessen. Birding the "Stans": A trip through Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan Peregrine Audubon refers to him as the "Incomparable Matthew Matthiessen". He's a member of the "Twitch Whiffers", a group that does a Big Sit Birding Circle. He does an annual trip to locations around the world that most of us will never see. And every October Matthew comes to the coast to share one of his unusual adventures with Mendocino Audubon. While birds are always a feature, Matthew gives us a picture of the regions, the peoples and all the wildlife. Don't miss the opportunity to visit two of the "Stans" with Matthew this month. Audubon programs are open to the public at no charge. A donation will be gratefully accepted to offset the cost of presenting programs. For further information go to http://www.mendocinocoastaudubon.org/ or contact charmac AT mcn.org [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Pacific Golden Plover at Virgin Creek From: "Ron LeValley" <ron AT madriverbio.com> Date: Wed, 7 Oct 2009 20:49:41 -0700 Hi all, I took a brief walk at Virgin Creek Beach this evening and found one Pacific Golden Plover on the north end of the beach. It mostly stayed up in the wrack line except when the Coast Guard Helicopter spooked it and then it went to the rocks briefly before returning to the lode of flies... Ron Ron LeValley Photography P.O. Box 332 Little River CA 95456 707/937-1742 Mendocino Coast Photographer Guild and Gallery 301 North Main Street Fort Bragg California USA 95437 Cell: 707/496-3326 Gallery: 707/964-4706 Ron AT LeValleyPhoto.com For a free natural history Picture of the Day in your e-mail, go to http://www.levalleyphoto.com/gallery/omw.php For archives of past Picture of the Days, go to www.levalleyphoto.com/gallery [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Apologies for malware link- don't open! From: "Kris Olson" <kristenolson AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 7 Oct 2009 20:37:52 -0700 All, I returned home today to learn that my computer had sent malware links to many of my contacts. I DO run up-to-date antivirus software, weekly scans, and have a firewall-so despite those efforts.. I apologize in advance for any problems this caused. Kris Olson [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Yellow Headed BB From: "Lisa Walker \(Feather\)" <feather7023 AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Wed, 7 Oct 2009 18:09:35 -0700 (PDT) OK, the shots are added. . .maybe someone can tell me if the bird is an adult female *(there were no streaks on the sides)* or a juvenile? Am thinking and leaning towards juvenile male due to what appear to be whitish outer edges on the flights. --- On Wed, 10/7/09, Lisa Walker (Feather) wrote: From: Lisa Walker (Feather) Subject: [Mendobirds] Yellow Headed BB To: mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 5:48 PM   At MacKerricher State Park, on my way out passing Lake Cleone and just north of the turn into the parking area, was a smallish flock of Brewer's Blackbirds. Perched among them, I caught sight of a flash of yellow and backed up to take a closer look. Sure enough, what appeared to be either a juvenile or an adult female Yellow-headed Blackbird was among the flock. When I stopped the engine to capture more shots (will upload my other shots later), she or he flew across the road and landed on a piece of wood bordering the rise before the beach, just north west of where she had been. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Yellow Headed BB From: "Lisa Walker \(Feather\)" <feather7023 AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Wed, 7 Oct 2009 17:48:41 -0700 (PDT) At MacKerricher State Park, on my way out passing Lake Cleone and just north of the turn into the parking area, was a smallish flock of Brewer's Blackbirds. Perched among them, I caught sight of a flash of yellow and backed up to take a closer look. Sure enough, what appeared to be either a juvenile or an adult female Yellow-headed Blackbird was among the flock. When I stopped the engine to capture more shots (will upload my other shots later), she or he flew across the road and landed on a piece of wood bordering the rise before the beach, just north west of where she had been. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Orchard Oriole? From: Kathryn Parker <jandkparker AT mindspring.com> Date: Wed, 7 Oct 2009 17:44:20 -0700 Has anyone looked for the Orchard Oriole in the last couple of days? Kathy Parker Los Gatos Subject: Warning - "Kris Olson" Post Malicious per CALBIRDS From: Karen Havlena <jkhavlena AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 7 Oct 2009 16:19:16 -0700 (PDT) CALBIRDS has a warning about the post from "Kris Olson" that has "(no subject)."  It could be malicious spam.  Do not click to download the LINK. George may be the only one who can delete that post. Karen Havlena [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Jerry White: Blue Grosbeak at Usal SP From: Chuck & Barbara Vaughn <cevaughn AT pacific.net> Date: Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:51:12 -0800 Greetings Mendobirders- Jerry White found a first-winter BLUE GROSBEAK at Usal Beach Campground at around 10 this morning. He watched it for about 30 seconds. It was in the open grassy meadow between the campground and the beach. Jerry reports that he could not refind the bird in 20-30 minutes of searching. Of local interest were 2 WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS flying over the campground. Chuck for Jerry White ********************************* Chuck and Barbara Vaughn Ukiah, CA 95482 cevaughn AT pacific.net Subject: Cackling Geese--Cabrillo Point From: "richhubie" <richhubie AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:25:54 -0000 Mon Oct 5, 2009--At about 4:00 PM today, I saw 100+ Cackling Geese fly south over Cabrillo Point. They were Aleutian "type" based on a very blurry picture. Richard Hubacek Little River Subject: Lake County From: Floyd Hayes <floyd_hayes AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2009 16:39:56 -0700 (PDT) For the record, here are a few highlights from the last several weeks: On Sunday, 4 October, two male EURASIAN WIGEONS (one immature, one adult) were at Borax Lake. On Sunday, 27 September, Nick Shepherd and I saw 31 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED flying over Anderson Marsh and later we saw 31 (surely the same flock) at Borax Lake. We also saw a MERLIN at Austin Park and seven RED-NECKED PHALAROPES at Borax Lake. On Sunday, 20 September, Doug Weidemann and I saw a PECTORAL SANDPIPER at the mouth of Kelsey Creek. We canoed out to the Aechmophorus grebe colony south of Rodman Slough but all nests had been abandoned--hopefully because the chicks had hatched out and departed (we saw several small ones accompanying adults). At Borax Lake we saw 19 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES. On Sunday, 13 September, my wife Marta and I canoed out to the Aechmophorus Grebe colony south of Rodman Slough. We also bumped into Brad Barnwell and his wife, who had kayaked to the colony and were returning. We saw about 50 active nests, mostly WESTERN GREBES but also at least three pairs of CLARK'S GREBES. We could see eggs in about 20 nests, with up to five eggs present. I managed to dig up some published reports of winter breeding in nearby areas to the south in Nevada (eggs incubated as late as 19 December; Colonial Waterbirds 20:95-97, 1997) and San Diego County, California (downy chick on 25 February; Condor 69:209, 1967), but nothing that late north of San Francisco. Floyd Hayes Hidden Valley Lake, CA Subject: 10/5 ORCHARD ORIOLE Lingering Near Laguna Point From: Karen Havlena <jkhavlena AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2009 13:31:02 -0700 (PDT) Mon, 5 Oct 2009 -- The ORCHARD ORIOLE is still vacationing at MacKerricher SP, along the south bluff of Laguna Point.  I just got back from seeing her at 12:45-pm.  Pishing brought her out from the berry brambles twice in the span of five minutes.  She was in the lush, horseshoe-shaped cove just west of the pine tree growing at the base of the bluff.  The bird was first discovered 1 October by John Sterling. From the Laguna Point parking lot, walk out the dirt trail in the SE corner of the lot.  Taking the right fork is shorter to the south bluff trail.  Several large clumps of blackberries and wax myrtles line the face of the bluff.  Walking out the short, dirt spurs off the main trail will give you better visibility.  Afternoon searching is best for the OROR. Karen Havlena North of Fort Bragg, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: 10/5 ORCHARD ORIOLE - Laguna Point - (2nd Attempt) From: K A Havlena <kahavlena AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2009 14:29:36 -0700 (PDT) Mon, 5 Oct 2009 -- The imm female ORCHARD ORIOLE is still vacationing at MacKerricher SP, along the south bluff of Laguna Point.  I saw her today at 12:45-pm.  Pishing brought her out from the berry brambles twice in five minutes.  She was in the lush, horseshoe-shaped cove just west of the pine tree growing at the base of the bluff.  The bird was first found on 1 October by John Sterling. (Apologies if a similar message gets posted here on Mendobirds. I tried to send a post almost an hour ago, but it is apparently lost).   From the Laguna Point parking lot, walk out the dirt trail from the SE corner of the lot.  Taking the right fork is shorter to the south bluff trail.  Several large clumps of blackberries and wax myrtles line the face of the bluff.  Walking out the short, dirt spurs off the main trail will give you better visibility.  Afternoon searching seems to be best for the OROR. Karen Havlena North of Fort Bragg, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Golden Eagle on North Coast From: K A Havlena <kahavlena AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 4 Oct 2009 14:48:19 -0700 (PDT) Sun, 4 Oct 2009 -- An adult Golden Eagle soared over Chadbourne Gulch heading south, high above the coastline early this afternoon.  It was being chased by a Red-tailed Hawk.  The size difference was easily seen, with the Red Tail appearing to be quite a bit smaller than the eagle.  The eagle kept moving, while the RTHA kept circling just north of the gulch. Chadbourne Gulch was deadly quiet, as has been the case recently. Karen Havlena North of Fort Bragg, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Moon Birds From: "jarlyus" <jimarm AT pacific.net> Date: Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:33:25 -0000 Last night's full Harvest (or Hunter's, if you prefer) moon drew me out into the fall chill for an activity I haven't done for several years. This autumn full moon coincides with the beginnings of southward bird migration and a surprising number of them can be seen in transit across it. The low, early moon is great in Potter Valley because the pass to the south east into Lake County is a popular route. Bundle up and get comfortable with binoculars (some kind of support helps) or a spotting scope, experimenting with zoom and focus settings. I saw nine silhouettes in about ten minutes and plan another try tonight. Subject: RE: 10/3 -ORCHARD ORIOLE Still at Laguna Pt (MacKerricher SP) From: "John Sterling" <jsterling AT wavecable.com> Date: Sat, 3 Oct 2009 18:11:04 -0700 Just a quick addition to Karen's information. I found the bird there at 12 noon, so it at least appeared that early on Thursday. John Sterling VVVVVVVVVV 26 Palm Ave Woodland, CA 95695 cell 530 908-3836 jsterling AT wavecable.com From: Mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:Mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Karen Havlena Sent: Saturday, October 03, 2009 6:02 PM To: mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [Mendobirds] 10/3 -ORCHARD ORIOLE Still at Laguna Pt (MacKerricher SP) Sat, 3 Oct 2009 -- Late this afternoon, the imm female ORCHARD ORIOLE was seen by Barbara Dolan and Cheryl Watson, while Matthew Matthiessen photographed her late Friday afternoon. This bird is definitely following an afternoon pattern. Look SSE of the far platform at Laguna Point in the blackberry and wax myrtle brambles. There are several clumps of brambles about a football field's length to look off the dirt path along the bluff. The past few days, she has appeared at 2:00, 4:45, 5:00,and as late as 6:15-pm. Apparently, the NW winds are keeping the bird in the brambles, protected by the bluffs. From the Laguna Pt parking lot, take a dirt trail at the SE corner of the lot. At the fork, go right. This will take you to one of the reliable blackberry spots. For Cheryl Watson, Barbara Dolan, and Matthew Matthiessen, Karen Havlena North of Fort Bragg, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: 10/3 -ORCHARD ORIOLE Still at Laguna Pt (MacKerricher SP) From: Karen Havlena <jkhavlena AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 3 Oct 2009 18:01:58 -0700 (PDT) Sat, 3 Oct 2009 -- Late this afternoon, the imm female ORCHARD ORIOLE was seen by Barbara Dolan and Cheryl Watson, while Matthew Matthiessen photographed her late Friday afternoon.  This bird is definitely following an afternoon pattern. Look SSE of the far platform at Laguna Point in the blackberry and wax myrtle brambles.  There are several clumps of brambles about a football field's length to look off the dirt path along the bluff.  The past few days, she has appeared at 2:00, 4:45, 5:00,and as late as 6:15-pm.  Apparently, the NW winds are keeping the bird in the brambles, protected by the bluffs. From the Laguna Pt parking lot, take a dirt trail at the SE corner of the lot. At the fork, go right.  This will take you to one of the reliable blackberry spots. For Cheryl Watson, Barbara Dolan, and Matthew Matthiessen, Karen Havlena North of Fort Bragg, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: [Fwd: lake mendocino] From: chaniot AT pacific.net Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2009 19:35:29 -0700 (PDT) ---------------------------- Original Message ---------------------------- Subject: lake mendocino From: "Steve Grams" Date: Thu, October 1, 2009 10:24 To: chaniot AT pacific.net -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yesterday afternoon I saw a lone American Wigeon just east of the north boat ramp with some Mallards. On Friday the 25th I saw the Greater White-fronted Geese fly over the inlet at AT 12:30. One lone juvenile separated from the flock and landed in the channel near the portable rest room. It was still there yesterday with some Canada Geese. As a side note; I saw my first Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler of the season in Pomo C in the eucalyptus trees yesterday the 30th. Steve Grams [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: volunteer for Vaux's Swift migration From: "Robert J. Keiffer" <rjkeiffer AT ucdavis.edu> Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2009 16:23:46 -0700 2 October 2009 - I have been contacted by Larry Schwitters, Project Coordinator for Audubon Vaux's Happening www.vauxshappening.or , to ask if anyone wants to volunteer to help gather data on Vaux's Swift migrations and roosts in the North Coast area. If anyone is interested either go to the website or contact me directly and I will put you in touch with Mr. Schwitters. Good birding. Bob Keiffer. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: YES Oriole Update - Laguna Point - YES From: K A Havlena <kahavlena AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2009 14:46:00 -0700 (PDT) Fri, 2 Oct 2009 -- 2:40-pm -- I just saw the imm female ORCHARD ORIOLE at the same place as yesterday.  She is an afternoon bird to be sure!  Please read the directions below.  Tip #3:  Park on the upper row of spaces at the Laguna Point parking lot and walk out a dirt trail at the SE corner of the lot. Take the right fork after a short distance.  This will take you directly to the south bluff trail and the brambles.  The wind has died down a little and it has warmed up a bit.  The bird was very active, so it may move around again to the SE clumps of blackberries and wax myrtle. Karen H ________________________________ From: K A Havlena To: Mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Fri, October 2, 2009 10:54:38 AM Subject: [Mendobirds] Oriole Update from Laguna Point   Fri, 2 Oct 2009 -- A 45-minute search of the south bluff of Laguna Point this morning didn't turn up any orioles.  It was fairly windy and quite a few Yellow-rumped Warblers were in the blackberry brambles, where I didn't notice them yesterday afternoon. If you try your luck with the ORCHARD ORIOLE, the entire length of clumps of wax myrtles and blackberries is a little longer than a football field, if drawing a straight line.  The large clump where John Sterling refound the OROR at about 2:00-pm yesterday was the second closest bramble to the actual point.  Then, a couple of hours later, she had moved SE to the brambles by a smallish pine growing down at the base of the bluff.  Tip: Walk out every short spur trail that goes towards the ocean from the main dirt trail along the south bluff.  The pine is not very visible from the main trail.  Tip #2:  A Black Phoebe hangs out by the clump where John and I saw the oriole. Good luck and good birding, Karen Havlena North of Fort Bragg, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Oriole Update from Laguna Point From: K A Havlena <kahavlena AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2009 10:54:38 -0700 (PDT) Fri, 2 Oct 2009 -- A 45-minute search of the south bluff of Laguna Point this morning didn't turn up any orioles.  It was fairly windy and quite a few Yellow-rumped Warblers were in the blackberry brambles, where I didn't notice them yesterday afternoon. If you try your luck with the ORCHARD ORIOLE, the entire length of clumps of wax myrtles and blackberries is a little longer than a football field, if drawing a straight line.  The large clump where John Sterling refound the OROR at about 2:00-pm yesterday was the second closest bramble to the actual point.  Then, a couple of hours later, she had moved SE to the brambles by a smallish pine growing down at the base of the bluff.  Tip: Walk out every short spur trail that goes towards the ocean from the main dirt trail along the south bluff.  The pine is not very visible from the main trail.  Tip #2:  A Black Phoebe hangs out by the clump where John and I saw the oriole. Good luck and good birding, Karen Havlena North of Fort Bragg, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: RE: Semipalmated Sandpiper and Hudsonian Godwit From: "John Sterling" <jsterling AT wavecable.com> Date: Thu, 1 Oct 2009 23:13:37 -0700 I spent most of the day walking from Ft. Bragg to McKerricher State Park including several walks through the entire Virgin Creek beach area, but only found one very gray Marbled Godwit. Could this be the godwit reported in the last couple of days? I have photos if anyone wants to see them for reference. John Sterling VVVVVVVVVV 26 Palm Ave Woodland, CA 95695 cell 530 908-3836 jsterling AT wavecable.com From: Mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:Mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of richhubie Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 2:35 PM To: Mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [Mendobirds] Semipalmated Sandpiper and Hudsonian Godwit Wed Sep 30, 2009--"Toby" Tobkin called to say that she again found the HUDSONIAN GODWIT at Virgin Creek Beach this morning. She also saw a single (and much rarer-these days) SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER at the end of Virgin Creek. Richard Hubacek for "Toby" [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Orchard Oriole From: "richhubie" <richhubie AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 02 Oct 2009 04:50:27 -0000 Thu Oct 1, 2009---After about an hour of searching for the ORCHARD ORIOLE, I was about to give up when it popped it head up and I was able to get a good look at it. Pishing did not seem to help for me. If you are going to chase it, take the trail from Laguna Point observation platform and follow it south along the bluff. When you find a pine tree (thank-you Toby) coming up on the ocean side you are in the right area. I followed the trail until it dipped (formed a canyon on both sides) climbed up the embankment just pass the dip, looked north and the bird was in a section with ferns,just west of the berry and myrtle bushes. This section is where the pines close in on the ocean bluff. Richard Hubacek Little River Subject: 10/1 Orchard Oriole Location & Sandhill Crane Comment From: Karen Havlena <jkhavlena AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 1 Oct 2009 15:58:05 -0700 (PDT) Thur, 1 Oct 2009 -- Luckily, John Sterling was still at MacKerricher SP near Laguna Point, so I got to see the ORCHARD ORIOLE with his help.  She is an imm female and was feeding on blackberries in the spot where Matthew had a Palm Warbler last year.  If you are standing at the actual point platform, walk SSE on the dirt path at the top of the bluff.  Look for wax myrtle and blackberry bushes hanging off the bluff.  There was a Black Phoebe and some sparrows around.  The birds responded well to loud pishing. I was sorry that the several people who looked for the imm SANDHILL CRANE could not refind it, but it really blended in with the sand dunes.  I first saw it and photographed it just west of the Ten Mile R. bridges.  It could be anywhere in that area, or Bob Keiffer thinks it could go to Sand Lake, west of Inglenook (difficult to get to).  I will try to put a photo on either this listserv or on Peregrine Audubon's photo gallery.  Speaking of Peregrines, I watched a PEFA chase a Black-bellied Plover out over the ocean, but I didn't see if the plover became brunch for the falcon. Karen Havlena North of Fort Bragg, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Orchard Oriole From: "John Luther" <aplomado-falcon AT worldnet.att.net> Date: Thu, 1 Oct 2009 13:00:42 -0700 I just received a phone call from John Sterling in Mendocino Co. Today he found an Orchard Oriole in MacKerricher State Park. Walk out the boardwalk to Laguna Point. The oriole was in the short pines just south of the point. He will birding Mendo all day. He would appreciate a call on his cell phone (530 908-3836) if any one finds a good bird (like Hudsonian Godwit, Summer Tanager or Moorhen) in Mendo today. John Luther home in Oakland Subject: Re: Sandhill Crane at Ten Mile From: "Lisa Walker \(Feather\)" <feather7023 AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Thu, 1 Oct 2009 12:13:16 -0700 (PDT) After a combined effort of searching for at least an hour and a half, Rich and I came up empty-winged. There were several tracks in the dunes indicating that Canada Geese were there, Common Raven tracks, a few Killdeer and maybe California Quail tracks, and some tracks that *might* have indicated a Sandhill Crane (I really should have taken shots of them, especially after seeing the photos at the link below): http://dirttime.ws/Notebook/Heron.htm http://dirttime.ws/Photos/IM000206.jpg It compares herons of various species with Sandhill Crane. And I saw tracks that very closely resembled Sandhill Crane in the dunes. Ah, well. Another time, perhaps. Feather --- On Thu, 10/1/09, richhubie wrote: From: richhubie Subject: [Mendobirds] Sandhill Crane at Ten Mile To: Mendobirds AT yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, October 1, 2009, 9:09 AM   Thu Oct 1, 2009--Karen Havlena just called to report a juv. SANDHILL CRANE at Ten Mile Beach.. She said that it was on the west side of the bridge in the dunes south of the willows and road but maybe heading down towards the water. Richard Hubacek for Karen [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Pileated From: "fred.andrews47" <fredandrews1963 AT comcast.net> Date: Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:50:42 -0000 Yesterday (9/30) at about 11:30 a.m. I saw a female pileated woodpecker near the boarwalk along Lake Cleone. Subject: Pileateds in Potter From: "mhbrady2000" <mhbrady2000 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:10:28 -0000 For the second morning (9:30) this week Halle and I saw a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers at the end of the pavement on Burris Lane. Mike And Halle Brady Subject: Sandhill Crane at Ten Mile From: "richhubie" <richhubie AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:09:04 -0000 Thu Oct 1, 2009--Karen Havlena just called to report a juv. SANDHILL CRANE at Ten Mile Beach. She said that it was on the west side of the bridge in the dunes south of the willows and road but maybe heading down towards the water. Richard Hubacek for Karen Subject: Semipalmated Sandpiper and Hudsonian Godwit From: "richhubie" <richhubie AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:34:47 -0000 Wed Sep 30, 2009--"Toby" Tobkin called to say that she again found the HUDSONIAN GODWIT at Virgin Creek Beach this morning. She also saw a single (and much rarer-these days) SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER at the end of Virgin Creek. Richard Hubacek for "Toby" Subject: Hudsonian Godwit and Common Moorhen From: "richhubie" <richhubie AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:09:57 -0000 Tue Sep 29, 2009---There is still a HUDSONIAN GODWIT at Virgin Creek as of this morning at approx. 9:15 AM. It was north of the creek at the point where the rocks and bluff first cut into the beach. It was feeding in some kelp and is very tame. The COMMON MOORHEN is still at Lake Cleone. It was located in the extreme east end of the lake. It was near a group of coots and is best seen from the south side of the lake. Richard Hubacek Little River Subject: Greater White-fronted Geese From: "Becky" <casparbeck AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:16:20 -0000 Yesterday, September 27, 2009 at 10:30 a.m., 75+ Greater White-fronted Geese flying south. Three more at 11 a.m. Seen from Ten Mile Beach where 24 Western Snowy Plovers observed. Subject: Black Swifts From: "bruceg2661" <gmtranch AT willitsonline.com> Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:10:05 -0000 Sun Sep.27 2009 Yesterday (Sunday) on top of the 1st ridge east of Laytonville very near the "L" I saw 6 BLACK SWIFTs pass over heading South. I was loading firewood, not "really" birdwatching. at 9:40am I happen to look sky-ward and saw a single BS. It was 30-40 yards above me. I tracked it with-out optics until loosing it in the distance below the horizon. It didn't flap it's wings once in maybe 300 yards. It seemed so relaxed compared to the nervous little VAUX's. I scrambled for my Binos to take a "birdwatching break". At 10:05 I saw 5 more pass over-head at the same distance and in the same flight path. I continued to watch until 10:50 with no others sighted. Other notables; A singing CALIFORNIA THRASHER and two BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERs Remember to have fun! Bruce Gullett, Laytonville/Dos Rios