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20 Nov Ellis Creek Friday AM ["peter_colasanti" ] 20 Nov Mt. Bluebirds, Napa Co ["vireocity" ] 19 Nov Ellis Creek Am Tree Sparrow ["Ruth Rudesill" ] 20 Nov Shollenberger Park, Ellis Creek ponds ["Ctalcroft" ] 18 Nov Ellis Creek trip ["Paul" ] 18 Nov Fwd: AL returns to Pt Arena Cove [Ken Wilson ] 18 Nov Jan 1st. - Sonoma Valley CBC - New Years Day! (Dawn to Dusk) ["torusert" ] 17 Nov Swamp Sparrow continues at Ellis Creek ["Bob Battagin" ] 17 Nov Peterson Guide Author Talks Eagles Weds PM nr Sausalito ["jamaicensisfish" ] 17 Nov Re: cattle egrets [Doug Shaw ] 16 Nov Broad-winged Hawk in Headlands ["Eddie Bartley" ] 17 Nov Place to Play Park, W 3rd Street, Santa Rosa ["Ctalcroft" ] 16 Nov cattle egrets ["laurence" ] 16 Nov cattle egrets hiway 12? ["laurence" ] 16 Nov 11/15 to Cordell Bank [Rich Stallcup ] 16 Nov Junco Assistance ["nickfromcm" ] 16 Nov Oakland Christmas Bird Count, December 20 [Dave Quady ] 16 Nov Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Sonoma State ["kleinhea" ] 16 Nov Nicasio area birds [Jim Yurchenco ] 16 Nov Correction-Clarification: My Earlier 11/15 Orange-Crowned Warbler Post [Daniel Edelstein ] 16 Nov Adult Bald Eagle ["garygscheppke" ] 15 Nov Hawk Hill [Ken Wilson ] 15 Nov Limantour, PRNS ["Eddie Bartley" ] 15 Nov Stinson Beach White-throated Sparrow ["Bob Battagin" ] 16 Nov Ellis Creek - Petaluma [] 15 Nov Orange-Crowned Warbler (Casual Non-Breeding Resident of Marin Co.) & Other Recent Odds & Ends [Daniel Edelstein ] 15 Nov 3 American Golden Plovers at Ellis Creek ["fcox_1946" ] 15 Nov Rode Lagoon, Marin Headlands [] 15 Nov Late Western Tanager, Rohnert Park ["kleinhea" ] 14 Nov Bolinas Lagoon ["Ruth Rudesill" ] 15 Nov Another swamp sparrow ["Ctalcroft" ] 13 Nov Annadel SP, 11/13/09 ["Bill Doyle" ] 12 Nov Re:the stint and morphometrics ["Ken Burton" ] 12 Nov A Christmas Bird Count for Kids! ["torusert" ] 12 Nov Ellis Creek Water Treatment Facility ["Ctalcroft" ] 12 Nov the stint and morphometrics ["Lisa" ] 11 Nov RE: Re: Morphometric identification of mystery peep [Rich Stallcup ] 11 Nov Re: Morphometric identification of mystery peep [Floyd Hayes ] 11 Nov Laguna de Santa Rosa Wetlands Preserve ["Ctalcroft" ] 10 Nov Lake/Sonoma Counities 11/8/09 ["Mike Feighner" ] 10 Nov Scoters etc. ["Jules" ] 10 Nov Caveats Re: Morphometric identification of mystery peep [Nate Dias ] 10 Nov local interest Kenwood ["Ruth Rudesill" ] 10 Nov Recommendation: Central Valley Birding Symposium [Daniel Edelstein ] 09 Nov Raptor ID Workshop with Bill Clark ["jamaicensisfish" ] 09 Nov Upcoming Audubon Canyon Ranch Bird Counts ["cypress.grove" ] 9 Nov Burrowing/Barn Owl on Pine Flat Road 11/8/09 [Dominik Mosur ] 9 Nov Tolay Park [Ken Wilson ] 9 Nov Flannery Rd area ["Ruth Rudesill" ] 09 Nov Las Galinas teal ["kleinhea" ] 8 Nov Tolay Lake Regional Park [Ken Wilson ] 8 Nov Mt Bluebird Flannery Rd. [Bob Power ] 08 Nov Rodeo Lagoon, Marin Headlands - Red-necked Grebe [] 8 Nov Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds, S. Rafael, Marin Co., 11/8/09 [Daniel Edelstein ] 7 Nov Red Phalarope at Bodega Bay ["Bob Battagin" ] 07 Nov peregrines ["Jules" ] 07 Nov Grasshopper Sparrow at Tolay 2 ["peter_colasanti" ] 5 Nov Las Gallinas MAS walk [Len Blumin ] 5 Nov White-winged Scoters ["Rusty Scalf" ] 5 Nov Yellow Warbler ["Lisa Hug" ] 3 Nov RBAC shorebird survey, 11/5/2009, 2:00 pm [] 03 Nov First robins in the garden today ["Ctalcroft" ] 03 Nov Bodega Area, November 2, 2009 ["Ctalcroft" ] 2 Nov Friday evening visitors ["Ruth Rudesill" ] 01 Nov The Owl & The Woodpecker [Maggie ] 1 Nov Burrowing owl ["betty burridge" ] 02 Nov Tolay Lake, Sonoma Co., raptors ["bkeener52" ] 01 Nov Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park ["kleinhea" ] 01 Nov Saturday, October 31, Shollenberger Park, Ellis Creek, Las Gallinas ponds ["Ctalcroft" ] 01 Nov Rodeo Lagoon [] 30 Oct Major Bird Rescue Effort at IBRRC - Update 10/30 ["torusert" ] 29 Oct Volunteering to clean birds at IBRRC [David Wimpfheimer ] 29 Oct Kite Family ["newfieman2001" ] 29 Oct Re: Morphometric identification of mystery peep [Marjorie Siegel ] 29 Oct Morphometric identification of mystery peep [Floyd Hayes ] 29 Oct Cornell/Audubon chimes in on LTStint/Least Sandpiper ["MaryM" ] Subject: Ellis Creek Friday AM From: "peter_colasanti" <peter_colasanti AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:39:55 -0000 Hi All, Went looking for Ruthie's Tree Sparrow yesterday (Thursday)at dusk. No luck, but I saw the Swamp Sparrow in failing light. Tried again this AM and saw neither sparrow, but there was a TUNDRA SWAN flying by with 7 Mutes towards some duck hunters on lower Ellis Creek. Hunters usually aim for the biggest ones. Peter Colasanti PetalumaSubject: Mt. Bluebirds, Napa Co From: "vireocity" <vireocity AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:31:52 -0000 Hello, Mt. Bluebirds were found this week at two traditionl locations in Napa Co., the East Side Road at n'eastern L. Berryessa, and in the pastures west of Milton Rd. (Buchli Stn/Huichica Cr. WA area). Eight bluebirds were midway between the first two ranches at Berryessa. A single male was at Milton where the birds usually hang out along the fence line way out there around the lonesome eucalyptus. Murray Berner NapaSubject: Ellis Creek Am Tree Sparrow From: "Ruth Rudesill" <ruthier AT sonic.net> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:52:19 -0800 This morning at around 7:30 am I was birding at Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility in Petaluma looking for the Swamp Sparrow. There were birds everywhere, especially in the marshy swale next to and north of the two eucalyptus trees (as described by Bob Battagin.) I was checking every sparrow and seeing many there too. Up pops this sparrow on a weed, not too far away, in the morning light - light gray breast, no streaking and big splotch on it. I looked at the head - chestnut cap, gray plain face and chestnut eyeline from the back of eye towards the back of the head, slight whisker mark and a two toned bil - an American Tree Sparrow! Unfortunately, this bird flew off to the south by the line of trees and creek. I called the Birdbox immediately, but could not email until tonight. Yes, I did finally see the Swamp Sparrow too - and Song, Savannah, Lincoln's, White crowned and Golden-crowned (up the trail.) Marsh Wrens and Common Yellowthroats everywhere (over a dozen in that swale.) Several Wilson's Snipe, American Pipits, and a very vocal Greater Yellowlegs were also there. I didn't even look in the other ponds as I had to head to work. I really hope someone can refind and hopefully, photograph this bird! Good Birding, Ruthie Rudesill Kenwood CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Shollenberger Park, Ellis Creek ponds From: "Ctalcroft" <ctalcroft AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:57:30 -0000 Spent about two and a half hours this afternoon at Shollenberger Park and the Ellis Creek water treatment ponds, in Petaluma. Didn't see anything unusual, but counted 36 species. The highlights for me were getting a good look at the very handsome canvasback drake that's still there (in the biggest of the Ellis Creek ponds) and getting some good photographs of rather cooperative cinnamon teals (ditto). Boy, is his eye BRIGHT red. Also saw blue-winged teals at both Ellis Creek and Shollenberger (more at the latter). I ran into another birder who reported hearing that a tree sparrow had been spotted earlier in the day and that my swamp sparrow was seen again this morning at Ellis Creek, this time near one of the ponds, rather than out in the fields. Birds I personally saw were: Say's phoebe, turkey vulture, black-necked stilts, Western sandpiper, American crow, song sparrow, yellow-rumped warbler, white-crowned sparrow, golden-crowned sparrow, snowy egret, northern shoveler, willet, blue-winged teal, coots, avocets, plovers (probably black-bellied), ring-billed gulls, Western gulls, buffleheads, greater yellowlegs, canvasback, red-winged blackbird, house finch, cinnamon teal, common moorhen (3), Canada goose (all greater), mallard, mute swan, marsh wren, Wilson's snipe, American pipit, common yellowthroat, dowitchers (probably LB), killdeer, northern harrier, and Western meadowlark. Colin Talcroft Santa RosaSubject: Ellis Creek trip From: "Paul" <paul_b33 AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:04:32 -0800
Greetings all,
Yesterday I made a trip to Ellis Creek, in Petaluma, in the morning to
do a little birding, with my target birds as Blue-winged Teals and Clapper
Rails. I saw the Blue-winged Teal but missed the Clapper Rail, although I
did hear one lonely Clapper rail call coming from the Southern most pond
with the most reeds in it. Twas cool early, but warmed up with a clear blue
sky around 10AM or so. Following is my list of birds for Ellis Creek. A
nice day for birding.
Good Birding to all,
Paul Brenner,
Martinez
Mute Swan
Cackling Goose
Canada Goose
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Mallard
Blue-winged Teal
Cinnamon Teal
Northern Shoveler
Green-winged Teal
Common Teal
Canvasback
Bufflehead - female
Pied-billed Grebe
Western Grebe
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Turkey Vulture
White-tailed Kite
Northern Harrier
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Sora
Common Moorhen
American Coot
Killdeer
Black-necked Stilt
Greater Yellowlegs
Least Sandpiper
Wilson's Snipe
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Anna's Hummingbird
Black Phoebe
Western Scrub-Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Bewick's Wren
Marsh Wren
American Robin
European Starling
American Pipit
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Common Yellowthroat - female
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Brewer's Blackbird
Red-winged Blackbird
Subject: Fwd: AL returns to Pt Arena CoveFrom: Ken Wilson <ken AT talontours.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:09:45 -0800 > Subject: AL returns to Pt Arena Cove > > From: Robert J. Keiffer > > Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 11:23 AM > Subject: [Mendobirds] Laysan Albatross "AL" returns > > 18 November 2009 - Tom Reid, from Point Arena, reports that the > Point Arena > Harbor master Assistant watched "AL", the famous Laysan Albatross, > fly into > Point Arena Cove at 9:00 AM this morning. The bird settled into > resting > just beyond the pier. This will be the 17th consecutive (known) > "winter > season" that the bird has returned to use the cove as safe haven for > resting. Good Birding. Bob Keiffer > > > Ken Wilson ken AT talontours.com www.talontours.com (707) 775-2558 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Jan 1st. - Sonoma Valley CBC - New Years Day! (Dawn to Dusk) From: "torusert" <sonomabirding AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:25:44 -0000 You are most welcomed to join with us on New Years Day for the 5th Anniversary of the Sonoma Valley Christmas Bird Count. This is the 110th CBC. Celebrate birding in the spectacular Sonoma Valley Circle... nestled between two great mountain ranges, vast marshlands in Petaluma, Napa and Sonoma and a variety of other unique upland habitats. Inland birding at its best! Check out the birding circle and join one of the birding teams today. A gourmet potluck and Tabulation Celebration will begin approx 4:30 - 8:15PM at the Sonoma Community Center-Andrews Hall. Sign up and information at http://www.sonomabirding.org/ Darren Peterie Tom Rusert Co-compilers SV-CBC Sonoma,CaSubject: Swamp Sparrow continues at Ellis Creek From: "Bob Battagin" <bigfootbob AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:03:41 -0800 Hi NBBers, A Swamp Sparrow, maybe the same one reported by Colin Talcroft a few weeks ago, was at the Ellis Creek (Water Recycling Facility) in Petaluma this morning. Looking south from the parking lot are two large eucalyptus trees amidst the treatment ponds. Adjacent to the trees and just north of them is a low area which currently has a large puddle of water with low (largely dead) vegetation. The Swamp Sparrow was hanging out along the part of the puddle closest to the eucalyptus trees this morning. This area was a bit of a sparrow magic spot today with the aforementioned Swamp, Lincoln's, Song, Savannah, White-crowned, and Golden-crowned Sparrows all in the immediate vicinity of the large puddle. Good birding, Bob Battagin Woodacre [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Peterson Guide Author Talks Eagles Weds PM nr Sausalito From: "jamaicensisfish" <allenfish44 AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:53:57 -0000 Bill Clark, known widely as a pre-eminent student of raptor plumages, taxonomy,
and behavior, will present "Eagle Quest - To See All the World's Eagles" Weds
night, Nov 18th at Cavallo Point Lodge, East Ft Baker, south of Sausalito. This
is the third and final lecture in the GGRO's 25th anniversary "Celebrate
Raptors" series. Bill will also sign copies of his book, Peterson Guide to
Hawks, which will be for sale at the event. Or bring your home copy for
signing.
Clark's lecture will be held upstairs in the Tidewater Room of the Cavallo
Point Lodge, over at East Fort Baker. It begins at 7pm and there is a $3-5
sliding scale donation. There is a nice bar and separate restaurant at the
lodge, and a great view of the Golden Gate bridge from the porch for those who
arrive early. You can park along Murray Circle or follow the signs/ask the
valet for directions to the parking lot.
Here are the salient details:
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Tidewater Room, Cavallo Point Lodge
601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker
Call GGRO 415-331-0730 or email afish AT parksconservancy.org if questions. Thanks
Folks, Allen.
www.cavallopoint.com
www.ggro.org
www.parksconservancy.org
___________________________________________________
Lecture description from the IGG website
(http://www.parksconservancy.org/our-work/igg/):
Widely known as the author of the Peterson Guide to North American Hawks and
other raptor guides, Bill Clark has an unusual personal goal to see all of the
world's birds of prey and to date he has viewed most of the planet's eagles. He
will pose the question, "Just what is an eagle?" and then recount his favorite
eagle adventures via photos and personal stories of witnessing eagles in the
wild. Clark will carry guests on an eagle world tour to India, Israel, Japan,
Africa, South America, the Philippines, Australia, Madagascar, and most
recently, to Indonesia. Far from a mere eagle travelogue, Clark's talks are
steeped in a deep and first-hand knowledge of bird biology, and an even deeper
passion for watching wild raptors. Guests can expect to come away with a new
appreciation for, and a cutting-edge understanding of, eagle taxonomy and
behavior.
Subject: Re: cattle egretsFrom: Doug Shaw <dougshaw09 AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:02:48 +0000 (UTC) Hi All, A couple of weeks ago I saw a large flock of Cattle Egrets on the front lawn of a church near that point. Usually, I see the flock on the narrow strip of land between Hwy.12 and Irwin Lane in the rural yards. Doug Shaw Santa Rosa, CA, Sonoma County ----- "laurence"Subject: Broad-winged Hawk in Headlands From: "Eddie Bartley" <eddie AT naturetrip.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:12:10 -0800 A Broad-winged hawk graced Hawk Hill in the Headlands today at about 3:45 PM, the latest in the season I've ever seen. Makes one wonder how many might not make the trip south each year. Eddie Bartley [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Place to Play Park, W 3rd Street, Santa Rosa From: "Ctalcroft" <ctalcroft AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:51:41 -0000 As someone just mentioned this place, I thought I'd add something here. My son has just started taking clarinet lessons on Fridays near this park. So, I've been making a 45-minute visit each Friday, starting two weeks ago. This place appears to be quite new--don't know the story--, but there is almost no one there, and the plantings all appear to be new. There are large eucalyptus and oak trees around the perimeter, however, and there are ponds that attract birds. Last Friday I saw: Mallards, Canada geese, killdeer, greater yellowlegs, black-necked stilts, double-crested cormorants, song sparrows, American pipit, Say's phoebe, yellow-rumped warblers, a Cooper's hawk, and a red-shouldered hawk being harassed by crows. So, not a lot yet, but I suspect this will become a gradually better place to bird as the extensive tree plantings mature. For the time being, look on the water and especially in the very big oak with a eucalyptus next to it on the Third St. side, down by the ponds. The park is on Third, between Fulton Rd. and Stony Point Rd. Colin Talcroft Santa RosaSubject: cattle egrets From: "laurence" <laurence AT sonic.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:30:20 -0800 The last 2 days I have seen a big flock of birds on Highway 12 at AT Fulton Road. The time has been about 4:50 PM. They appear to be Cattle Egrets. I have been unable to trace their destination. Does anyone have an idea? Also at Place to Play Park on W 3rd Street in Santa Rosa we saw a Common Merganser at 11AM 11/16. I forgot to put in my name Laurence Taylor Santa Rosa [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: cattle egrets hiway 12? From: "laurence" <laurence AT sonic.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:51:28 -0800 The last 2 days I have seen a big flock of birds on Highway 12 at AT Fulton Road. The time has been about 4:50 PM. They appear to be Cattle Egrets. I have been unable to trace their destination. Does anyone have an idea? Also at Place to Play Park on W 3rd Street in Santa Rosa we saw a Common Merganser at 11AM 11/16. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: 11/15 to Cordell Bank From: Rich Stallcup <rstallcup AT prbo.org> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:21:28 -0800 HEY, THERE, NORTHBAY BIRDERS- Yesterday, 38 birders had a nice pelagic trip from Bodega to Cordell Bank (and back). It was cold and the sea that had been angry for over a week was calming-down. Nobody seemed to be sick...at least not because of the bumpy seas. Here is the list: Laysan Albatross---2 (different birds) Blue Whale-8 Black-footed Albatross-64 Humpback Whale-40 Northern Fulmar-700 Dall's Porpoise-15 Pink-footed Shearwater-13 Pacific White-sided Dolphin-10 Buller's Shearwater-10 Northern Right Whale Dolphin-22 Sooty Shearwater-8 Harbor Porpoise--4 Short-tailed Shearwater-5 Unidentified dark shearwaters-5 There were five pinniped species, Mola mola, Pomarine Jaeger-2 three species of jellies and we caught a Giant Black-legged Kittiwake-10 Squid THANKS, RICH Bonaparte's Gull-650 Red Phalarope-4800 Rhinoceros Auklet-55 Cassin's Auklet-270 Ancient Murrelet--5 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Junco Assistance From: "nickfromcm" <eurohobby AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:08:31 -0000 Hi: Among the Dark-eyed Juncos in my yard, there is a typical Slate-colored, as well as another, probably just a Slate-colored as well, that looks a bit more intriguing. Two photos are in the group photo section, under "Nick Whelan's Photos" & labeled "Interesting Junco"; sorry, but only the first photo has even marginally adequate lighting. For those not members of NBB, I will upload them on my Flickr site as well: www.flickr.com/photos/nick-eurohobby/ The only reason I wonder about the bird being a typical Slate-colored is the quite light gray head, the pretty distinctive black lores, and the fact that the brown back color is so well defined. Anyway, any insight would be appreciated. The variation in juncos is pretty fascinating! Thanks, Nick Whelan Corte Madera, Marin Co.Subject: Oakland Christmas Bird Count, December 20 From: Dave Quady <davequady AT att.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:59:59 -0800 Hello, Bay Area Birders: The Oakland Christmas Bird Count will be held on Sunday, December 20, and we'd like to invite birders all around the bay area to take part . . . unless, of course, you're committed to your local CBC that day. Past participants have already received an email invitation to take part again this year, and many have already signed up. Won't you join them? You'll have a chance to sample the bird life in an area that fits your interests and abilities, under the leadership of an experienced birder. At the end of the day you can attend the count dinner, to learn what birds others have found, and where. A rarity or two usually turns up, so learning of them on the day of discovery can help you see them, too. Besides, the food is good, and the company is even better. Golden Gate Audubon Society sponsors the Oakland count, and hosts this sign-up page: http://www.goldengateaudubon.org/birding-resources/christmas-bird- counts/ There you can also download a form to sign up for the Oakland count dinner (only $10 this year!), volunteer to help at that dinner, or make the same selections for the December 29 San Francisco CBC, also sponsored by GGAS. If you have any questions, please contact me: Dave Quady, co-compiler (with Bob Lewis) of the Oakland CBC Berkeley, California 510-704-9353 davequady AT att.net PS: Hope to see you at the count! And apologies for cross-posting.Subject: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Sonoma State From: "kleinhea" <andy_kleinhesselink AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:14:55 -0000 After looking for 2 weeks I finally refound the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on Sonoma State Campus in Rohnert Park this morning--around the same spot I saw it before. It was in a black oak right above the shiny new "Butterfly Garden" sign that is at the far end of the native plant garden. This is about 50 yards east along the path from the big lake on campus. It definitely was the same bird I saw last time, very dull, indistinct face and breast markings, no red on the nape that I could see. Wide bands of off-white flecking on the back. I have not seen any red-breasted sapsuckers yet this season, so if you hear a sapsucker out there it's probably this one. Also another good spot nearby are the weedy fields north of the creek near the new Green Music Center building. They are full of sparrows. Had many Lincoln's in there and a White-throated Sparrow yesterday. Good Birding, Andy Kleinhesselink CotatiSubject: Nicasio area birds From: Jim Yurchenco <jimy AT ideo.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:09:59 -0800 A Ferruginous Hawk was seen on Saturday on a private ranch above Nicasio Reservoir. A Burrowing Owl was seen on Sunday. This (or a different bird) has been present in the area for about four weeks. They have overwintered at this site in past years. James YurchencoSubject: Correction-Clarification: My Earlier 11/15 Orange-Crowned Warbler Post From: Daniel Edelstein <edelstein AT earthlink.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:05:18 -0500 (EST) Orange-Crowned Warbler is (of course) a common nesting season breeding resident (and it's not what I wrote in my subject line of 11/15, a "casual non-breeding resident" of Marin Co.) What I meant to write and correctly explain in the text of my original email message on 11/15: Orange-Crowned Warbler is a "casual non-breeding season visitor" in the sense that only populations of individuals occur during the "winter"/non-breeding season. The species is also a breeding resident. In summary, is it correct to suggest the species is a year-round resident. Sorry for the confusion and/or error. Daniel Daniel Edelstein Novato, CA (Bay Area) & Ellison Bay, WI http://www.warblerwatch.com My two blogs: http://warblerwatch.blogspot.com (my blog devoted to wood-warblers) http://danielsmerrittclasses.blogspot.com (my blog focused on classes I teach at Merritt College in Oakland, CA, including my next one that begins in 11/09) 12 Kingfisher Court Novato, CA 94949-6628 USA 415-382-1827 (voice & DSL fax)Subject: Adult Bald Eagle From: "garygscheppke" <gscheppke AT orgman.org> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:20:12 -0000 Not a birding trip but saw an adult Bald Eagle at Stafford Lake.Subject: Hawk Hill From: Ken Wilson <ken AT talontours.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:44:19 -0800 Today during Hawk Watch at the Marin Headlands we had great looks at
two different '1st year' Bald Eagles (both flying north), a prairie
Falcon and close looks at two Peregrine Falcons.
Non raptors migrating south included Purple Finches and White-
throated Swifts.
Ken
Ken Wilson
ken AT talontours.com
www.talontours.com
(707) 775-2558
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Limantour, PRNSFrom: "Eddie Bartley" <eddie AT naturetrip.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:12:10 -0800 Nov 14/15. Clem Miller Environmental Education Center. Just back from a weekend session of David Lukas's most excellent Ornithology 101 (hosted by Point Reyes Field Seminars). The class was just a blast and the birding in between sessions, while a bit minimal due to the shortness of daylight, was outstanding. The area just around the center is super birdy, especially the riparian zone. Saturday late afternoon a few of us hiked the Coast Trail down to Limantour beach and the first raptor we saw was a sub-adult GOLDEN EAGLE. a little further along at least four Great-horned Owls were sounding off an hour before sunset, one showing well. When we reached the prairie we saw a Harrier pair already engaged in courtship behavior. Didn't have long on the beach as the sun was leaving us but there was a lot of feeding activity with pelicans, cormorants, scoters and Pacific Loons. That evening back at the camp we heard three owl species: Great-horned, then a Barn Owl and later a very active SAW-WHET OWL. The camp itself is in the shadow of a ridge and in the morning there was a hard frost but once the sun hit the alders the whole area was buzzing with activity: all of the expected winter commoners and many of them, quite a few less common including many GC Kinglets and a couple of RB Sapsuckers but the best sighting of the trip for me was a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW that perched up in gorgeous light and preened for several minutes before flying off into the scrub. Point Reyes is just full of surprises! Eddie Bartley San Francisco [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Stinson Beach White-throated Sparrow From: "Bob Battagin" <bigfootbob AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:54:35 -0800 Hi NBBers, Today Deborah Fitzpatrick and I found a White-throated Sparrow under the seed feeders in front of 107 Buena Vista Ave. in Stinson Beach. As Ruth Rudesill mentioned in her posting earlier today, there were a couple of Eurasian Wigeon on Bolinas Lagoon. Additionally, two Blue-winged Teal were in the south most part of the lagoon, just south of the derelict boat skeleton. In the old pumpkin patch/wet field across Olema-Bolinas Road from Bolinas Elementary School and Warren Weber's Star Route Farm there were 30 Wilson's Snipe and three Greater White-fronted Geese. I found two Orange-crowned Warblers between yesterday and today, one at the entrance road to Stinson Beach Park and the other at Keith Hansen's Gallery in Bolinas. Good birding, Bob Battagin Woodacre [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Ellis Creek - Petaluma From: helen.k AT comcast.net Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:51:13 +0000 (UTC) Looking for rails on the high tide, Bill Doyle and I birded Ellis Creek half the day. We heard plenty of Virginia Rails and a couple Sora but no less common rails. Birds seen around the ponds include Cackling Goose, my FOS Canvasback, Golden Eagle, Peregrine, Common Moorhen, 4 Pacific Golden-Plover (in the "Ephemeral Pond" area), and many Pipits. Also, yesterday we hiked up the Two Quarry Trail in Annadel State Park to the area where Bill saw a Barred Owl on Friday but with no luck. Helen Kochenderfer Santa Rosa [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Orange-Crowned Warbler (Casual Non-Breeding Resident of Marin Co.) & Other Recent Odds & Ends From: Daniel Edelstein <edelstein AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:50:34 -0500 (EST) Orange-Crowned Warbler (Casual Non-Breeding Resident of Marin Co.) & Other Odds & Ends/11-15-09, Marin Co., CA.......11/15/09 * Today at Stafford Lake in Novato, I enjoyed observing: - ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (1, seen up close; it was the lutescens subsp. Vermivora celata lutescens, the subsp. that would be expected among the others that occur in N. Am.) Of course, this species "overwinters" in small numbers during the non-breeding season in Marin Co., but for this date their numbers are obviously far few (compared to their abundant to common level during the breeding season). Thus, I reckoned it a species worth Sharing & Telling. In addtion, some of you may also see this species in small numbers during your Christmas Bird Count (CBC) forays. - A common non-breeding resident, the TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, was heard in at least a dozen spots today in the Stafford Lake area (i.e., the sharp chip note is distinctive). Again, this documentation is not unexpected, but the abundance of concentration amidst the Stafford L. environs was impressive. * As for other recent seasonal observations and nature notes/phenological tidbits, I share: - I've detected the non-breeding resident VARIED THRUSH periodically since September in the Marinwood/S. Novato area, as I hear this species singing occasionally whenever I venture forth; - Throughout the Bay Area in the last month (e.g., Marin, Sonoma, and Alameda County), I have heard singing SAY's PHOEBE, always a treat -- though, as you may already know, it's a common to fairly common non-breeding resident. However, I typically only see this species and do not hear it. Lastly, I began hearing W. SCREECH OWL calling in our adjoining forest about six weeks ago and regularly hear them now.... On a warm day a couple of weeks ago, I heard singing DARK-EYED JUNCO. Given its song was somewhat truncated, I figured it's possible the individual was a hatch year that was still practicing (i.e., plasticity) and not yet in definitive song. Good birding, Daniel Edelstein Novato, CA (Bay Area) & Ellison Bay, WI http://www.warblerwatch.com My two blogs: http://warblerwatch.blogspot.com (my blog devoted to wood-warblers) http://danielsmerrittclasses.blogspot.com (my blog focused on classes I teach at Merritt College in Oakland, CA, including my next one that begins in 11/09) 12 Kingfisher Court Novato, CA 94949-6628 USA 415-382-1827 (voice & DSL fax)Subject: 3 American Golden Plovers at Ellis Creek From: "fcox_1946" <frank_c AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:37:57 -0000 Thanks to Al, the Shollenberger docent, we visited Ellis Creek (Sanitary district ponds - less than a mile South off of S. McDowell, Petaluma - take Cypress Drive ... I know: I don't get out birding often enough!!). As suggested by another enthusiastic birder, we saw 3 American Golden Plovers in the dry field near parking lot. Our very brief walk included Blue Wing & Cinnamon Teals, Wilson Snipe, canvasbacks, yellowlegs (didn't check greater or lesser), lots of American Pipits, Meadowlarks, cedar waxwings, and much more. Compared to the Las Gallinas Ponds, the Ellis Creek ponds are even more birdy and a pleasant, easy walk. If there are other 'occasional' birders out there: this is a MUST SEE site!Subject: Rode Lagoon, Marin Headlands From: WGDLegge AT aol.com Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:30:08 -0500 72 species logged at the Lagoon this weekend. Several species seemed to be on the move, notably Surf Scoter, with several hundred seen moving south offshore in small flocks of up to 30 birds on both mornings, together with small numbers of loons. There was a mini-influx of American Robins on Saturday, with over 50 seen (normally less than 5), and flocks of Band-tailed Pigeon were heading south high over the Headlands this morning. Highlights offshore: 1 Northern Pintail (rather out of place in the middle of a raft of Western Grebes on the sea just off the beach this morning, which flew off south) 7+ Red-throated Loon on the sea just off the beach 1 Red-necked Grebe (an adult) on the sea off the beach on Saturday only 7 Heermann’s and 1 Bonaparte’s Gull moved south offshore on Sunday 2 Marbled Murrelet flew north close to shore on Saturday Highlights on/around the Lagoon: 5 Ring-necked Duck All three species of Merganser present, with 3 Hooded, and single Red-breasted and Common Merganser 1 White-tailed Kite (the continuing juvenile) Up to 3 Northern Harrier, including a male 3 Wilson’s Snipe 10+ White-throated Swift high over the Headlands 1 Townsend’s Warbler 1 Red Crossbill flew over heading south on Saturday William Legge Mill Valley, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Late Western Tanager, Rohnert Park From: "kleinhea" <andy_kleinhesselink AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:15:38 -0000 I had a Western Tanager late this afternoon as I was biking back from Sonoma State. I heard it call from a street tree right above me at the corner of E. Cotati Ave. and Snyder in Rohnert Park. It then flew across the street to the trees in front of the Holy Family Episcopal Church, where I re-found it. Andy Kleinhesselink CotatiSubject: Bolinas Lagoon From: "Ruth Rudesill" <ruthier AT sonic.net> Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:16:45 -0800 Today RROS (Redwood Region Ornithological Society) had a field trip to Bolinas Lagoon. At the high tide we hoped for some rare sparrows at Pine Gulch Creek, but no luck with those. Instead, we were rewarded with glowing in the sun looks at a very cooperative Common Yellowthroat. There were several male Eurasian Wigeons on the lagoon with the many ducks. Best bird was a young Bald Eagle soaring above. This was a Marin county bird for several participants. A Peregrine Falcon flew over as well. No other unusual birds were seen but there were a lot of waterfowl and shorebirds. Ruth Rudesill Kenwood CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Another swamp sparrow From: "Ctalcroft" <ctalcroft AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:16:56 -0000 I guess these guys like me. Having found one at Ellis Creek a couple of weeks back, I was able to get a shot of another one today (I think--please correct me if I'm wrong; photos in "Colin Talcroft Bird Photos" folder on the site here), this time at Spring Lake, in the open area as you approach the entry to the little peninsula at the north end of the lake. This has proved to be a good place to see sparrows. The photos aren't very good, because he was quite distant, but he was there today, at about noon. Wasn't a lot otherwise, and nothing unusual, except the swamp sparrow: scrub jay, Steller's jay, crows, turkey vultures, California towhee, spotted towhee, mallards, Canada geese, scaup, buffleheads, Wilson's snipe, common moorhen, coots, DC cormorant, great blue heron, great egret, snowy egret, ruby-crowned kinglet, yellow-rumped warblers, and a red-shouldered hawk. Colin Talcroft Santa RosaSubject: Annadel SP, 11/13/09 From: "Bill Doyle" <bill.doyle AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:30:27 -0800 On a long route today, through the east side of Annadel SP, birds of interest to me were f.o.s. Varied Thrush, Winter Wren, and a very cooperative Barred Owl. Conspicuously absent were Creeper, and White-breasted Nuthatch. The only warbler sp. seen was Townsend's. All six woodpeckers were everywhere. I am aware of the scarcity of Barred Owl in Sonoma County. I am familiar with the bird from time spent in MT, WY, and WA, where it is relatively common. I had good, long looks at this bird perched about 75' away...pale head, pale breast and belly, with brown streaks. As with every other Barred Owl which I have seen in the woods, it sat and looked at me till I walked away. Bill Doyle Santa Rosa [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re:the stint and morphometrics From: "Ken Burton" <brdnrd AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:16:53 -0800 Just to clarify...I was responding to someone else's post which said "basic," not "basic-like." I don't recall even seeing Joe's post and hope no one was offended by my input. Ken Burton ArcataSubject: A Christmas Bird Count for Kids! From: "torusert" <sonomabirding AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:56:56 -0000 Celebrate the holiday season with kids birding.... Every year for over a century “Christmas Bird Counts” (CBC's) have been run across America during the holiday season. Young kids with their families are often not included with this important 24 hour rigorous “citizen science” effort...so we created the Audubon CBC for Kids... and families...using some of the important basic ingredients of this grand old tradition. The objective is to have fun and potentially create a “farm team” of birders and conservationists for the future of birding and encourage families to enjoy nature together. It is a wonderfully simple, healthy, holiday celebration for almost any school, youth group or community. Here is a helpful information packet: http://www.sonomabirding.org/blogsection/Events_New/ Tom Rusert Sonoma,CA. http://www.sonomabirding.org/Subject: Ellis Creek Water Treatment Facility From: "Ctalcroft" <ctalcroft AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:35:51 -0000 I expect someone will make an official report about the day out at Ellis Creek today. In the meantime, I just wanted to tell the people who asked about photos while I was there that some pictures of the warbler everyone was puzzling over are posted in my folder (Colin Talcroft Bird photos). They are the last three photos. The group consensus was that this was an orange-crowned warbler in a very unusual plumage for this time of year. In a few days I will leave up only the best of the three, but, for the time being, the three shots are there if anyone wants to see them. Fun day today. Thanks to all who were helpful. I know a couple of other people got photos of this bird, too. I look forward to seeing them. Colin Talcroft Santa RosaSubject: the stint and morphometrics From: "Lisa" <lisahug AT sonic.net> Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:54:38 -0000 Hi All, While the stint topic is still slightly alive, I want to correct what I said to the group a few weeks ago. I enthusiastically chimed in with Ken Burton's correction of Joe Morlan calling the bird a basic-plumaged bird. Although Ken's reasoning was quite correct - the bird was going from juvenile to formative - not basic. The correction was unneccessary because Joe said the bird had "basic-like" (meaning: looking like basic) plumage. It was a very good word choice. Most of us are familiar with the basic plumage of shorebirds being that plain gray plumage that birds acquire in the fall. The term formative is a very new term and most birders are not familiar with its meaning (plumage following juvenile in some birds), so "basic-like" was absolutely appropriate. Sorry Joe. Lisa Hug Sebastopol, CASubject: RE: Re: Morphometric identification of mystery peep From: Rich Stallcup <rstallcup AT prbo.org> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:18:00 -0800 FLOYD and NATE
Might plumage characteristics be useful in your discussion ?
THANKS, RICH
________________________________
From: northbaybirds AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:northbaybirds AT yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Floyd Hayes
Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:12 PM
To: North Bay Birds
Subject: [NBB] Re: Morphometric identification of mystery peep
Nate, I agree with you, and others have written me privately about the issue.
That's why I averaged ratio measurements from four different photos in which
the proportions differed slightly in each. When I'm less up to my neck in
academia I will do some further statistical analyses and compare ratios from
specimen data with ratios obtained from measurements in photos of undisputed
Least Sandpipers and Long-toed Stints. But for the time being, I can assure you
that a simple bivariate plot of bill : tarsus ratio vs bill : middle toe ratio
shows the Limantour peep well outside the range of variation in my sample of
Long-toed Stint specimens.
In my opinion, if the postures and behavior resemble Long-toed Stint but the
plumage and body proportions resemble Least Sandpiper, the simplest explanation
is that there's more likely to be something unusual about the postures and
behavior (neck deformity?) rather than something unusual with both the plumage
and body proportions. And believe me, I'm trying to be objective: I was HOPING
that the Limantour and Palmdale peeps would be shaped more like Long-toed
Stint.
Floyd Hayes
Hidden Valley Lake, CA
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Re: Morphometric identification of mystery peepFrom: Floyd Hayes <floyd_hayes AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:12:19 -0800 (PST) Nate, I agree with you, and others have written me privately about the issue.
That's why I averaged ratio measurements from four different photos in
whichthe proportions differed slightly in each. When I'm less up to my neck in
academia I will do some further statistical analyses and compare ratios from
specimen data with ratios obtained from measurements in photos of undisputed
Least Sandpipers and Long-toed Stints.But for the time being, I can assure you
that a simple bivariate plot of bill : tarsus ratio vsbill : middle toe ratio
shows the Limantour peep well outside the range of variation in my sample of
Long-toed Stint specimens.
In my opinion, if the postures and behavior resemble Long-toed Stint but the
plumageand body proportions resemble Least Sandpiper, the simplest explanation
is that there's more likely to be something unusual about the postures and
behavior (neck deformity?) rather than something unusual with both the
plumageand body proportions. And believe me, I'm trying to be objective: I
wasHOPING that the Limantour and Palmdale peeps would be shaped more like
Long-toed Stint.
Floyd Hayes
Hidden Valley Lake, CA
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Laguna de Santa Rosa Wetlands PreserveFrom: "Ctalcroft" <ctalcroft AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:06:55 -0000 Visited the Laguna de Santa Rosa Wetlands Preserve for the first time today--Very briefly. Walked a few of the trails for about 40 minutes before dark, in bad and declining light. Despite that, saw white-crowned sparrows, golden-crowned sparrows, a flock of about 50 robins, a belted Kingfisher, northern mockingbird, ruby-crowned kinglet, bi-colored blackbirds, cedar waxwings, scrub jays, crows, Canada geese, mallards, yellow-rumped warblers, a kestrel, and a very loud red-shouldered hawk. Clearly a place worth visiting under better conditions. If you've not been there, the trails start from a parking lot just beyond the Sebastopol Community Center (turn in to the driveway to the left of the building with the solar panels). It's on Morris St. the first street on the right as you enter town from the Santa Rosa side. Colin Santa RosaSubject: Lake/Sonoma Counities 11/8/09 From: "Mike Feighner" <feinerVogel94551 AT comcast.net> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:47:57 -0800 Forwarded to NBB on behalf of Dominik Mosur of San Francsico... -- Mike Feighner, Livermore, CA, Alameda County -----Original Message----- From: countybirders AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:countybirders AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Dominik Mosur Sent: Monday, November 09, 2009 9:05 AM To: countybirders AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [CB] Lake/Sonoma Co.s 11/8/09 Went up to Lake County to crack that egg (0 sp. so far.) Finished up the day with 67 species birding Rodman Slough, the edges of the town of UpperLake (including Reclamation Road) and up along M-1 (road into Mendocino Natl. Forest.) No rarities found but Reclamation road had a nice 3 sp. Blackbird flock (Brewer's, RW, and a few Tri-Coloreds), harrier/kite plus Virginia Rail/Marsh Wren calling near dusk. A tilled field off Rancheria rd. 1 mile north of the heart of UpperLake provided (2) Lark Sparrows and a Merlin harassing the Blackbird flock there. Near the turn off for Horse Mtn. on M-1, the obligatory Mountain Chickadees/RB Nuthatches/GC kinglets/Hairy Woodpecker. An Orange-crowned Warbler in the riparian around Rodman Slough was the only other sp. of w00d-warbler besides Myrtle/Audubon's that I saw all day. On the way home I drove up Pine Flat Rd. in Sonoma Co. At MM 4.5 I had a fly-by Barn Owl on the way up and a Burrowing Owl standing on the side of the road on the way down about an hour later (~8:30 p.m.). Also a Gray Fox and a beatiful sky filled with stars. Good birding, Dominik Mosur San FranciscoSubject: Scoters etc. From: "Jules" <jevens AT svn.net> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:15:43 -0000 Marshall, east side of Tomales Bay from Hwy 1: The divers have arrived en masse on Tomales Bay. A huge flock of Surf Scoters (3000 birds) rafting on calm waters off Marshall, just south of Cypress Grove this morning. There were maybe two dozen White-winged Scoter intermixed (no Blacks found) and small numbers of all six grebe species. A basic Red-necked Grebe was quite close the east shore as was a female Oldsquaw (aka Long-tailed Duck). While I was scoping, a river otter came up from below and pulled a duck under, then swam to shore and ate it. A little too far to be certain of the bird's ID, but it seemed to be a female surf scoter. JulesSubject: Caveats Re: Morphometric identification of mystery peep From: Nate Dias <offshorebirder AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:43:46 -0800 (PST) Marjorie's sense of caution is well justified. * While it is tempting to break out one's ruler or calipers with images of birds on our computer screens, one must be VERY careful of false ratios. Angle of photographer, lighting, and other variables usually conspire to give slightly false impressions. In fact, I would say the foreshortening effect is more the rule, than the exception... It is only on rare occasions that a bird's bill/body/feet are 100% perpendicular to the photographer, and the bird is very well lit, and etc. etc. etc. Several 'stars' have to align for the suggested technique to work and such is usually not the case. Nathan Dias - Charleston, SC ---------- Subject: Re: Morphometric identification of mystery peep From: Marjorie SiegelSubject: local interest Kenwood From: "Ruth Rudesill" <ruthier AT sonic.net> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:21:40 -0800 This early morning before sunrise, I was doing my jog/power walk through the streets of Kenwood. Saw or heard nearly 30 species, but notably an Osprey was flying over town. We don't have any large ponds in the immediate area but I suppose it was traveling to one of the big winery ponds down the Valley. BTW the fall colors are peaking here now - take a drive down Hwy 12. Gorgeous! Ruth Rudesill Kenwood, Sonoma Valley, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Recommendation: Central Valley Birding Symposium From: Daniel Edelstein <edelstein AT earthlink.net> Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:20:34 -0500 (EST) PLEASE excuse my note, below, if it's warranted. BUT for folks who have been to the Stockton-based annual Central Valley Birding Symposium, the drive from the North Bay Birds area is well worth it. Check out: http://www.cvbs.org/ if you wish to see the schedule of high-quality, premium speakers that will be presenting at this year's 11/19 - 11/23/09 conference. The Friday field trips promise to be par excellence.....and the Saturday seminars/Powerpoint slide shows offer emerging information that I'm confident many of you may appreciate. To wit: Two of the taxonomic-related seminars I'll attend on 11/21/09: 8:30-9:30 am: “Red Crossbills Ecology & Species Complex”–-Rodd Kelsey 9:45 am—11:30 am “"Harlan's and Red-tailed Hawks: their taxonomy, differences, and field identification." –-Bill Clark * Regards, Daniel Daniel Edelstein Novato, CA (Bay Area) & Ellison Bay, WI http://www.warblerwatch.com My two blogs: http://warblerwatch.blogspot.com (my blog devoted to wood-warblers) http://danielsmerrittclasses.blogspot.com (my blog focused on classes I teach at Merritt College in Oakland, CA, including my next one that begins in 11/09) 12 Kingfisher Court Novato, CA 94949-6628 USA 415-382-1827 (voice & DSL fax)Subject: Raptor ID Workshop with Bill Clark From: "jamaicensisfish" <allenfish44 AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:33:40 -0000 A RARE OPPORTUNITY for Bay Area birders; a handful of spaces still available. Bill Clark, author of the Peterson Guide to Hawks and other raptor books, will teach a Weekend Advanced Raptor Identification Class in the Marin Headlands on November 14-15, 2009. Sponsored by the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, the class will be held from 9 am to 4 pm, both Saturday and Sunday, meeting at Fort Cronkhite in the Marin Headlands each day. Saturday, November 14th, will be a classroom day with Bill presenting slides of western US raptors and his detailed ID tips. Sunday, November 15th will be a field day, when the class will carpool to a field site in Marin, the Delta, or elsewhere in the Bay Area to see the greatest possible diversity of raptors. Cost of the two-day session will be $150 per person. If you want to be part of this class, please email the GGRO to reserve a space -- ggro AT parksconservancy.org -- and we will confirm pronto by return email if there are still spaces available. Then bring a check with you to the class on Nov 14th, made out to "GGNPC." Please include your email address and phone numbers in yur email, so we can contact you easily and give you all the details about the class. If you have questions about the class, please call GGRO at 415-331-0730 or email Allen Fish at afish AT parksconservancy.org. Bill Clark is the author of the Peterson Field Guide to Hawks, as well as other world raptor guides, and many scientific papers on raptor trapping, identification, and behavior. He was a founder of Cape May Bird Observatory, especially pioneering the banding station there in the mid-1960s. He was employed as the first director of the National Wildlife Federation's Raptor Information Center in the 1980s, and started his own ecotour company, Raptours, in the 1990s. Bill currently lives in Texas but continues to travel globally to see new raptor species.Subject: Upcoming Audubon Canyon Ranch Bird Counts From: "cypress.grove" <cgrc AT egret.org> Date: Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:06:33 -0000 Hello NBBers, Each year Audubon Canyon Ranch biologists census shorebirds and waterbirds on Tomales Bay with the help of dedicated volunteers. Join us as we collect data on these bird populations from boats and from the shores of beautiful Tomales Bay. Volunteers should have excellent birding skills and be able to identify birds in-flight and from a distance. Upcoming Shorebird Count Dates: Nov 24, 2009 Tuesday 12:30pm-2:00pm Dec 7, 2009 Monday 11:30am-1:00pm Dec 21, 2009 Monday 9:30am-11:00am Jan 18, 2010 Monday 9:30am-11:00am Feb 1, 2010 Monday 9:45am11:15am Feb 15, 2010 Monday 9:45am-11:15am Upcoming Waterbird Boat Count Dates: (If you like a challenge, you'll love these!) Dec 19, 2009 9:00am-3:00pm (contributes to the Point Reyes CBC) Jan 16, 2010 9:00am-3:00pm Jan 30, 2010 9:00am-3:00pm Feb 13, 2010 9:00am-3:00pm Contact the Cypress Grove Research Center at 415/663-8203 or cgrc AT egret.org for more information. Best wishes, Emiko CondesoSubject: Burrowing/Barn Owl on Pine Flat Road 11/8/09 From: Dominik Mosur <polskatata AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 08:55:51 -0800 (PST) Returning from a trip to Clearlake last night I drove up Pine Flat Rd (no.
Sonoma County) to check out the stars and got to see a couple of owls as well.
MileMarker 4.5 was the productive spot. On the way up (around 7:45 p.m.) a
BARN OWL flew in front of the car. On the way back down a BURROWING OWL was
seen standing at the edge of the road. It didn't fly off until we were within
15 feet of it.
Good birding,
Dominik Mosur
Subject: Tolay ParkFrom: Ken Wilson <ken AT talontours.com> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 07:56:06 -0800 Sorry,
I forgot to mention a Loggerhead Shrike on yesterdays walk.
Ken
Ken Wilson
ken AT talontours.com
www.talontours.com
(707) 775-2558
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Flannery Rd areaFrom: "Ruth Rudesill" <ruthier AT sonic.net> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 07:48:25 -0800 Late yesterday afternoon, Bob Speckels and I were birding the Flannery Road area in Solano County. While we missed the aforementioned Mt Bluebird and Ferruginous Hawks, we did see a Prairie Falcon, 3 to 4 Burrowing Owls, Horned Larks, over a dozen Loggerhead Shrikes (good to see those numbers) and a large flock of Lark Sparrows. An aside, not in North Bay birds territory but we also birded Capay Valley in Yolo and there were several flocks of over 50 Lark Sparrows there too along Cache Creek. Is this normal? I've never so many Lark Sparrow in a day in my birding life! Ruth Rudesill Kenwood CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Las Galinas teal From: "kleinhea" <andy_kleinhesselink AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:34:29 -0000 For what it's worth there was a Green-winged type Teal at the first pond at Las Galinas on Sunday showing a very faint vertical white bar on the side. It did not show strong white markings, however, on the face--and otherwise looked just like a Green-winged Teal. A possible hybrid Eurasian X Green-winged Teal, or is it just a faintly marked GW Teal? Andy KleinhesselinkSubject: Tolay Lake Regional Park From: Ken Wilson <ken AT talontours.com> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 22:13:11 -0800 This afternoon Becky and I took our first look at this new park (by
permit only) and enjoyed the raptor display. We saw 12 or more White-
tailed Kites (at one time), as many or more Red-tailed Hawks, 4-5
Northern Harriers, several American Kestrels, a distant Coopers Hawk
and a perched Merlin that proceeded to give us hunting displays. Non
raptors of note included large numbers of Say's Phoebes and Western
Meadowlarks.
Ken Wilson
Ken Wilson
ken AT talontours.com
www.talontours.com
(707) 775-2558
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Mt Bluebird Flannery Rd.From: Bob Power <rcpower AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 19:46:30 -0800 (PST) Hi all, I led a raptor class out to Grizzly Island and the Flannery Rd. / Robinson Rd. "loop" today. We headed east on Flannery and crossed Hwy 113 and ran into a large American Goldfinch flock. As we rolled by slowly, scanning for raptors, one of my passengers said "that bird had a lot of blue in the tail." About 15 seconds later my sub-conscious kicked in and my conscious mouth kicked in and said "we're turning around." A lone female/juv Mt. Bluebird was sitting on the fence just east of Flannery / 113. In the first 1/4 mile. We went by twice to try to find a larger flock or at least one male, but there was just the lone bird. We had a Ferruginous light-morph adult at Goose-haven and Lambie, and another Ferruginous Hawk 2 miles south on Grizzly Island from the Grizzly Island/Hwy12 intersection. There's a small group of Great-tailed Grackles taking up shop at the Grizzly Island / Hwy 12 intersection (3 males / 3 females was my highest count). I only mention it because I'm a carpet-bagger and I don't have a clue as to how long they've been there. I will say, that after 6 years of staging Robinson Rd. trips from that intersection, this is the first time I've seen Grackles there. On Saturday, we had two prairie falcons at Jepson Prairie, one sighting on Robinson Rd., and one sighting on Creed road. No Ferruginous Hawks on Saturday in the Robinson/Flannery/Jepson/Creed confluence, and no Rough-legged Hawks seen on either day. A few digi-scoped images from today can be seen at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/14935921 AT N00/ Good birding, Bob Power Oakland, CASubject: Rodeo Lagoon, Marin Headlands - Red-necked Grebe From: WGDLegge AT aol.com Date: Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:42:58 -0500 A good autumnal selection on offer at the Lagoon this weekend, with 67 species logged in all, top honors going to: A first winter Red-necked Grebe looking settled on the main lagoon this morning A female Black Scoter that arrived from the north and obligingly landed on the sea just off Rodeo Beach amongst a large raft of Western Grebes riding the impressive swells 1 ‘tan-striped’ White-throated Sparrow on the south side of the main lagoon along Lagoon Trail where the willows enclose the trail. Best of the rest included: 6 Bufflehead 2 Hooded Merganser (female/1st winters) 1 Red-breasted Merganser 1 Red-throated Loon on the sea 2 Eared Grebe (main lagoon) 1 Green Heron (juvenile) 1 White-tailed Kite (last week’s juvenile which seems to have taken up residency in the cypress trees behind the fire station 1 Northern Harrier (the in-residence adult female) 3 Wilson’s Snipe 1 Heermann’s Gull 1 Winter Wren 1 Savannah Sparrow Site year list now up to 166 species! Mammals this weekend included the usual 4 River Otters around the main lagoon, and both Harbor Seals and Harbor Porpoise offshore. Good birding. William Legge Mill Valley, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds, S. Rafael, Marin Co., 11/8/09 From: Daniel Edelstein <edelstein AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 12:53:46 -0500 (EST) Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds, S. Rafael, Marin Co., 11/8/09
*
Seasonal sightings/birds of local interest {no vagrants (accidentals, if you
prefer), no casual visitors in this report}:
- SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER (1, seen feeding, then heard while fleeing) (Pond 1
area)
- LESSER YELLOWLEGS (1) (Pond 1)
- YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (1 male, Audubon's subspecies, in small non-native Pond
or Bald Cypress on shore of Pond 1, 100 yards from the concrete bridge ingress
area).
Normally, I wouldn't list this common non-breeding resident of Marin Co (when
seen at Las Gallinas.....though I've read more than one resource that states
this sp. nests in our county's higher altitudes).
However, to see a breeding plumage/alternate plumage male Yellow-Rumped in
early Nov. is noteworthy.
The Pyle Guide ("Identification Guide to N.A. Birds, Part 1; Peter Pyle, Slate
Creek Press, 1997), for example, mentions a gradual pre-alternate molt occurs
from Dec.-May......As a result, it seems the breeding plumage-wearing
individual I saw was a little early in its pre-alternate molt cycle.
Regards, happy birding,
Daniel Edelstein
Novato, CA (Bay Area)
&
Ellison Bay, WI
http://www.warblerwatch.com
My two blogs:
http://warblerwatch.blogspot.com
(my blog devoted to wood-warblers)
http://danielsmerrittclasses.blogspot.com
(my blog focused on classes I teach at
Merritt College in Oakland, CA, including my next
one that begins in 11/09)
12 Kingfisher Court
Novato, CA 94949-6628 USA
415-382-1827 (voice & DSL fax)
Subject: Red Phalarope at Bodega BayFrom: "Bob Battagin" <bigfootbob AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 22:06:04 -0800 Hi NBBers, Today Noah and Greg Arthur and I birded Bodega Bay. At the sand spit opposite the Marine Lab housing entrance road Noah found a Red Phalarope mixed in with the thousands of birds that roost and feed at that location. At Porto Bodega, on the pilings at the entrance to the marina, there were over 100 Black Turnstones, as well as two Ruddy Turnstones and three Whimbrels roosting on the pilings at high tide. There was a single Red Knot in with the hundreds of Marbled Godwits and Willets along the rip rap on the south edge of the Porto Bodega parking lot. Driving to Bodega Bay this morning a Ferruginous Hawk was on the power poles at the junction of Highway 1 and Valley Ford Road. Good birding, Bob Battagin Woodacre [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: peregrines From: "Jules" <jevens AT svn.net> Date: Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:03:42 -0000 Good morning sky people, Walking along Lagunitas Creek this morning, I heard strident, creaky, high-pitched croaking calls and looked up to see not one, not two, but three peregrines overhead. The two smaller tercels were chasing the larger bird, which was almost buteo-sized. As it passed overhead the underparts appeared very dark and heavily barred/streaked. The other two birds were finely barred and both had the buffy wash characteristic of the locally breeding anatums. The size differential was huge; the larger bird nearly twice the size of the other two. I judged the larger bird to be an immature female Peale's and the other two as adult male anatum's. After the initial chase, the three birds flew off in parallel, though in stratified layers, and joined a kettle of six vultures and a red-tail spiraling up over Olema Marsh (above the calls of Soras and Virginia rails.) Great day to be alive! [Note: average weight for female Peale's is 1200 (1005-1595) gms; for a male anatum (of Alaskan birds which are larger than California anatums); its 652 (590-801) grams, therefore an average-sized female pealei can be nearly twice the size of a male anatum.]Subject: Grasshopper Sparrow at Tolay 2 From: "peter_colasanti" <peter_colasanti AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:55:36 -0000 Hi birders, This morning I was doing a Tolay Creek Ranch (TRC) survey with Andy Lacasse, Len Nelson and Andy Compari and found a Grasshopper Sparrow. It popped up onto a downed branch for about 2 seconds. TCP is a relatively recent addition to Tolay Park, encompassing most of the rest of the valley of Tolay Creek down to the bay. It's not presently open to the public, but we started doing monthly surveys there in September. In case you haven't heard, Tolay Park is now open to the public on an interim basis on weekends. You need to be vetted by the county for entry during the interim by attending a class held at the Veteran's Hall here in town. Peter Colasanti PetalumaSubject: Las Gallinas MAS walk From: Len Blumin <Len.blumin AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 20:36:41 -0800 14 intrepid birders dodged the rain today at the Las Gallinas ponds today and were rewarded with good looks at the usual raptors (Northern Harrier, Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper's Hawk, American Kestrel and White-tailed Kite) plus fleeting looks at a Merlin buzzing the Rock Pigeons and a distant Peregrine Falcon. Anseriformes included a juvenile Snow Goose staying close to the Canada and Cackling geese in the pasture, and somewhat disappointing numbers and diversity of ducks. Highlghts of the latter include a female Ring-necked Duck in (Pond #1) and a transient Eurasian Wigeon (also Pond #1). Shorebirds were sparse (mainly LB Dowitchers, Least SP). The water level in Pond #1 is quite low, and the prolonged levee project is finally near completion. No unsual passerine species were seen. Photo ops were good, including the juvenile Northern Harrier: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2715/4079753510_e69bb0e1d2_o.jpg and an adult Red-Shouldered Hawk: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4079753470_af54b07088_o.jpg -- Cheers, Len Blumin, Mill Valley, California len.blumin AT gmail.com Swaro 80 HD, 30X, DCA, CoolPix 8400 http://www.flickriver.com/photos/lenblumin/sets/72157614994688364/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: White-winged Scoters From: "Rusty Scalf" <rscalf AT sonic.net> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 20:07:12 -0800 There were 2 female White-winged Scoters just beyond the 'fish dock' at Pt Reyes this afternoon. These days it's comforting to see White-wings. It's a bird I've been worried about for years. Rusty Scalf [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Yellow Warbler From: "Lisa Hug" <lisahug AT sonic.net> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 11:59:59 -0800 Hi Birders, This morning there was a YELLOW WARBLER at Lucchesi Park in Petaluma (Sonoma County). I don't know if it is a late migrant or a bird that will winter. Tuesday, I did a little sweep of West Sonoma County and found and/or saw a few interesting birds. WHITE-THROATED SPARROW- Monte Rio - the Park with the Community Center along the Russian River WHITE-WINGED SCOTER - off Duncan's Landing RED-NECKED GREBE - off Bodega channel PIGEON GUILLOMOTS - one off Bodega Head and one in the channel at Bodega (getting very late) WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE - Bodega Farm Pond (1 mile east of the town of Bodega) CACKLING GEESE - 5 at Bodega Farm Pond Lisa Hug Sebastopol [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: RBAC shorebird survey, 11/5/2009, 2:00 pm From: northbaybirds AT yahoogroups.com Date: 3 Nov 2009 21:59:49 -0000 Reminder from: northbaybirds Yahoo! Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/northbaybirds/cal RBAC shorebird survey Thursday November 5, 2009 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm All Rights Reserved Copyright 2009 Yahoo! Inc. http://www.yahoo.com Privacy Policy: http://privacy.yahoo.com/privacy/us Terms of Service: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/Subject: First robins in the garden today From: "Ctalcroft" <ctalcroft AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:57:08 -0000 November 3, 2009. First robins in the garden this morning (Northeast Santa Rosa, Sonoma County). First flickers appeared on October 1.Subject: Bodega Area, November 2, 2009 From: "Ctalcroft" <ctalcroft AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:17:13 -0000 Spent the day out at Bodega today. Stopped first at the farm pond on Bohemian Highway (about 6 miles west of Sebastopol, on the way to Bodega Bay). There were many more ducks than there have been recently--although still not that many. Saw a pair of buffleheads among the Canada geese and mallards, a couple of female shovelers, a fair number of ring-necked ducks, and a lone duck different from the rest that looked like a Eurasian wigeon to me. The highlight was the ring-necked ducks, a new Sonoma County bird for me. At Porto Bodega, nothing out of the ordinary, but saw: House sparrows, turkey vultures, Western gulls, greater yellowlegs, Brewer's blackbird, double-crested cormorant, great blue heron, surf scoters, a lone marbled godwit, a Western grebe or two, and a couple of common loons. At the Tides, the usual flock of sandpipers was there, but also saw Western grebes, snowy egrets, a horned grebe, and a great blue heron. Nothing much at the rail ponds but yellow-rumped warblers. At the north end of Bodega Harbor, saw surf scoters, common loons, greater scaup (quite a few), ruddy ducks, Western grebes, great egrets, great blue herons, and six buffleheads. On my way home, passing the same location, there were 14 male buffleheads and about half that number of females. On the mud flats just past Spud Point marina, saw: Snowy egrets, brown pelicans, white pelicans, Western gulls, marbled godwits, willets, black-bellied plovers, black turnstones, ruddy turnstones, great blue herons, double-crested cormorants, great egrets, and surf scoters. Further along, after Westside Park, saw: Western gulls, California gulls, and a single Bonapart's gull along with more herons, surf scoters, and white pelicans. On the way to Bodega Head there were many egrets, herons, Western gulls, and cormorants. At Campbell Cove it was more surf scoters, six more buffleheads, and more Western gulls. Saw nothing up on the cliffs above, except a good view of a Northern Harrier. At the hole in the head, there was little to see except a black phoebe and various sparrows I couldn't identify, along with many yellow-rumped warblers. Again nothing much out of the ordinary, but I enjoyed seeing the ring-necked ducks, all the buffleheads, the Bonapart's gull, and the Harrier. At the hole in the head there was also a juvenile raptor that I couldn't figure out. I've posted pictures of this bird and a sparrow I'm wondering about in my picture album here. Any thoughts much appreciated. The raptor pictures are terrible because of the great distance, but the sparrow is clear. Thanks Colin P.S. Just saw Ruth's post. Must have been a Halloween thing. While trick or treating with my son, we heard a screeching in the oak trees around us and the stench of skunk. It was too dark to see what was going on, but heard wingbeats and saw something fly off. I think a big owl had just killed a skunk.Subject: Friday evening visitors From: "Ruth Rudesill" <ruthier AT sonic.net> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:17:30 -0800 This post is a few days late as I was out of town this weekend. There was a rather loud Halloween party in our usually very quiet neighborhood but I thought I could hear owls over the din. I went out to my deck, and yes, two Western Screech-Owls were calling back and forth in my live oak trees! This is the first time I have ever heard screech-owls in my yard. Years ago, some kids found an injured screech-owl in my field, but other than that I have never known them to be in my yard. Ruth Rudesill Kenwood CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: The Owl & The Woodpecker From: Maggie <magwhls AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:59:56 -0800 Hi Birders, The title of this message is also the title of a wonderful book by Paul Bannick, photographer and author. Paul will be speaking this coming week at GG Audubon and Mt. Diablo Audubon. His talks, and photos, are truly outstanding and Paul has an amazing ability to capture bird behaviors that you don't see in most books or presentations. Each one of his talks is different because he adds new photos all the time. I saw him speak this past summer at Madrone Audubon and it was probably the best birding-related natural history presentation I've seen. I highly recommend attending one of Paul's talks! You can get details at www.paulbannick.com and then click on Tour Dates. If you cannot make it to a talk, then get a copy of the book if you can! Maggie Rufo Novato "...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!" - EmersonSubject: Burrowing owl From: "betty burridge" <bburridge AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 20:54:31 -0800 Earlier today, Sunday Nov 1st, Link van Cleve and two others found a Burrowing Owl on the Shell Beach - Pomo Campground trail, about one mile east of Hwy l near some big rocks. It was first seen when the group was within 10 feet of the bird. It flew about 6 feet, then another 6 feet, and allowed a lengthy viewing. It seemed quite tame. Interesting is the fact that a 'tame' Burrowing Owl first reported on Bodega Head last week was apparently seen only once, even though it has been looked for each day since. Same bird? Shell Beach is south of Goat Rock and north of Bodega Bay in Sonoma County Link gave me permission to post his sighting. Betty Burridge [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Tolay Lake, Sonoma Co., raptors From: "bkeener52" <keener.bill AT epamail.epa.gov> Date: Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:22:06 -0000 On Sunday, Tolay Lake Regional Park in Sonoma County was great for raptor-viewing. We observed 9 species: White-tailed Kites (6), Northern Harrier, Golden Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk (1), American Kestrel, Prairie Falcon (1). Tolay Lake is located at the end of Cannon Lane (off Lakeville Highway), but despite being a Sonoma County Regional Park, access is currently limited. See http://www.sonoma-county.org/parks/pk_tolay.htm for more information. Good Birding, BillSubject: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park From: "kleinhea" <andy_kleinhesselink AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:32:52 -0000 Hi All, I've been birding the riparian area along Copeland Creek as it runs through the Sonoma State campus since I started school here this fall. Today I heard a sapsucker call, went to find it and discovered it was NOT a Red-breasted! I took a long look at it and chased it from one sapsucker hole tree to the next for a while. It had very wide areas of white markings on the back, had a white mark above and behind the eye and a white mark from the malar that connected with white running down the sides of the neck to the breast. The bird overall was fairly smudgy and not crisply marked. I did not note any red on the back of the head. Unfortunately I couldn't get a great look at the throat and breast but it appeared to have a pale throat with no bright red color and no distinct black breast marking. I don't have a guide with me here but I think it best matches a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker over a Red-naped. To find it go to the northeastern corner of the big lake on campus, there are some large spruce trees just off the path with a lot of sapsucker holes in them. I saw the bird move between these trees and an oak tree about 30 yards north of there across the trail from the propagation shade house on the north side of the native plant garden. Maps of SSU can be seen here: http://www.sonoma.edu/university/maps.shtml I'm on campus today, e-mail me if you want me to come show you were I saw it--I may be able to get away from homework for a moment to help you find it. Good luck, Andy KleinhesselinkSubject: Saturday, October 31, Shollenberger Park, Ellis Creek, Las Gallinas ponds From: "Ctalcroft" <ctalcroft AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:54:04 -0000 Visited Shollenberger park in the morning on Saturday. Saw the family of white-tailed kites that has been there the past few days, on the Adobe Creek side of the area. Also saw: Black phoebe, coots, black-necked stilts, northern shovelers, killdeer, Western meadowlark, red-winged blackbirds, mallards, song sparrow, Western sandpiper, and willets. At the other end of the park, saw: Shovelers, avocets, black-necked stilts, marbled godwits, coots, Canada geese, dowitchers (probably long-billed), Western gulls, ring-billed gulls, turkey vultures (drying their wings, sitting among the gulls), plovers (probably black-bellied), and a few blue-winged teals. Then drove over to the Ellis Creek ponds. Saw: Red-winged blackbirds, Anna's hummingbird, cedar waxwings, Canada geese, scrub jay, and house finches right in the parking lot. In and around the ponds, I saw: Cinnamon teal, coots, black-necked stilts, northern shovelers, Canada geese, greater yellowlegs, mallards, pied-billed grebe, killdeer, a Wilson's snipe, dowitchers again, yellow-rumped warblers, great egret, black phoebe, blue-winged teal, a kestrel, a marsh wren, and what looked like a female lesser scaup, but I'm still working on identifying that one. Finally, ran down to the Las Gallinas sewage treatment ponds. I actually found them this time. Saw: Snowy egrets, great egrets, black phoebe, northern harrier, shovelers, avocets, crow, Canada geese, willets, black-necked stilts, white pelicans, northern pintails, green-winged teals, dowitchers, American wigeons, gadwalls, Western grebes, bushtits, yellow-rumped warblers, and a white-crowned sparrow. Nothing unusual, but I hope these day lists help people keep up to date on what's where. I know I appreciate it when people post them. Hoping to see both of the goldeneyes this season. Anyone seen any yet? ColinSubject: Rodeo Lagoon From: WGDLegge AT aol.com Date: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:38:01 -0500 Encountered thick fog on both my Saturday and Sunday early morning circuits of Rodeo Lagoon in the Marin Headlands this weekend, which severely limited the species count given the inability to see more than 50 yards offshore. Consequently the best I could manage were 4 Bufflehead, including a fine male, the first of the Fall on the main lagoon. Also floating around are 2-3 1st winter Bonaparte’s Gulls. An adult female Northern Harrier seems to have taken up residence and obligingly flushed 4 Wilson’s Snipe up from the lagoon shoreline that I would have otherwise missed. Best of the rest: 4 Green-winged Teal (Saturday) – which circled and left into the fog and presumably out to sea 1 female Surf Scoter on the smaller inner lagoon – an odd place for one! 1 juvenile White-tailed Kite (Saturday) 1 female Nuttall’s Woodpecker (only my second of the year at this site) 1 Townsend’s Warbler 1 Savannah Sparrow American Robins were more in evidence this morning suggesting they were on the move last night. That’s about it! William Legge Mill Valley, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Major Bird Rescue Effort at IBRRC - Update 10/30 From: "torusert" <sonomabirding AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:16:06 -0000 Oregon and Washington wildlife rescue centers are overwhelmed with epidemic numbers of wet, cold, and dying sea birds soiled by unusual sea slime. The first group of 150 of the slimed sea birds were driven Saturday from Portland, Oregon by van to International Bird Rescue's (IBRRC) Fairfield, CA bird center for treatment. On Monday the U.S. Coast Guard lent a hand. Using a C-130 a crew flew an additional 305 harmed seabirds birds from Astoria, Oregon to McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, CA. Because of the shear number of casualties, IBRRC is treating this emergency as an oil spill, with one significant difference " there is no oil. This means that there is no responsible party and therefore no financial support for our rescue effort. Here is the latest update - http://www.ibrrc.org/algae-slime-response-2009.html The birds being treated at IBRRC include the following: Grebes, Murres Red Throated Loons, Pacific Loons, Common Loons and Scoters. Individuals and organizations wishing to assist the effort should contact. Anyone wishing to assist the effort please call our volunteer line at 707-207-0380 ext. 109. Tom Rusert Community Outreach ibrrc.orgSubject: Volunteering to clean birds at IBRRC From: David Wimpfheimer <ceruleanswift AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:32:33 -0700 (PDT) Yesterday I volunteered at the International Bird Rescue Research Center at
Cordelia. I spent most of the day holding western grebes, red-throated loons
and common murres while the birds were fed, cleaned and rinsed. I now have a
much fuller awareness and appreciation for the tremendous work that is done at
the center. And in the future when I read about the number of birds killed or
rescued in oil spills I will not just see numbers, like casualties in a battle,
but I will remember these living, breathing, calling and biting birds.
Volunteers are still needed to help with this effort. I encourage anyone
interested to contact Cheryl Reynolds at clapperail AT comcast.net or Gail at
buteau_migration AT yahoo.com.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Kite FamilyFrom: "newfieman2001" <nrdyer AT comcast.net> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:50:01 -0000 At Shollenberger this morning near Adobe Creek there were three juvenile White-tailed Kites and one adult. Photo under Docent Bob shows buffy wash that will soon fade. Docent Bob, Shollenberger Park, PetalumaSubject: Re: Morphometric identification of mystery peep From: Marjorie Siegel <masiegel3 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:40:18 -0700 (PDT) Are these measurements fully comparable, i.e. museum specimen vs digital image of a live bird? A statistical test might help here, too. Marjorie SIegel, Mill Valley --- On Thu, 10/29/09, Floyd HayesSubject: Morphometric identification of mystery peep From: Floyd Hayes <floyd_hayes AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:36:51 -0700 (PDT) While visiting several major American museums back in 1992, I took measurements
of 37 Long-toed Stints and 37 Least Sandpipers at the Field Museum of Natural
History in Chicago. Suspecting that fairly accurate ratios of bill / tarsus
length and bill / middle toe length could be obtained from photos and compared
with specimens (and hoping one day I could measure ratios in Jonathan
Alderfer's outstanding photos of the Palmdale peep), I came up with the
following ranges in specimens:
Bill / middle toe length: 0.66-0.85 in Long-toed Stint, 0.80-1.02 in Least
Sandpiper
Bill / tarsus length: 0.75-0.96 in Long-toed Stint, 0.88-1.14 in Least
Sandpiper.
I measured the ratios in four of Noah Strycker's outstanding photos using a
caliper on my monitor and using the same measurements that I used with the
specimens, and came up with the following averages:
Bill / middle toe length: 1.04
Bill / tarsus length: 0.99
Based on my morphometric data, the mystery peep appears to be a Least
Sandpiper.
Can anybody help me access the closeup photos of the Palmdale peep in the CBRC
archives?
Floyd Hayes
Hidden Valley Lake, CA
Subject: Cornell/Audubon chimes in on LTStint/Least SandpiperFrom: "MaryM" <perfect53 AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:08:55 -0000 Oct 26 (2 days ago) mary morrison Hi, Can you help ID this bird? Thanks. | Cornell Birds to me show details 6:04 AM (2 hours ago) Dear Mary, I sent your photos to Brian Sullivan of our eBird team and a very experienced birder. In his opinion the bird is a juvenile Least Sandpiper that looks pretty typical for the species. Hope this helps and that you'll be willing to post this sighting at eBird, a joint checklist of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, at www.ebird.org. You might like to explore eBird on your own and learn yet more about what this online checklist has to offer. You might even decide to enter your own sightings at eBird. That way you'll have them in one location but they will also be available to other birders and scientists alike. Anne Hobbs Public Information Specialist Cornell Lab of Ornithology http://www.birds.cornell.edu Interpreting and conserving the earth's biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. Won't you consider supporting our feathered friends by becoming a member of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology? We help birds and other wildlife through research, education, citizen science, and conservation. To join or to learn more about us please visit http://www.birds.cornell.edu/NetCommunity/membership or call 1-800-843-2473. |