Birdingonthe.Net

Recent Postings from
North Bay Birds

Updated on Sunday, November 11 at 02:03 PM ET
The most recently received Mail is at the top.

I was rather dreading my ususal outing to the lagoon today in view of 
all the bad news we have been having.  However, it was a lovely sunny 
and calm morning and the Park Ranger allowed me to scope from the beach 
for a while before all the workers arrrived and also let me use the 
trail on the south side.
The ocean was calm and there were no obvious oil slicks from my 
vantage.  Bird numbers were fairly low but well within the range of 
recent weeks.  There were 30 or so Surf Scoters just offshore and there 
was no obvious sign of oiling, no great amount of preening etc.  Most 
in fact were sleeping.  There were 34 Western Grebes.  At least 6 
showed obvious oil marks but three of those were actively feeding.  
One  Western Grebe had hauled itself out onto the shore and the Park 
Ranger was calling for help to try to rescue it.  Three Brown Pelicans 
were washing very vigorously, which we usually see on the fresh water 
lagoon itself, and I suspect they are oiled.  13 others, mainly adults, 
were on Bird Rock and seemed clean.  There were the usual numbers of 
gulls but I only saw oil marks on about 6, mainly on the breast and 
belly.  Brandt's Cormorants were few, about 10 , and seemed untouched 
and acting normally.  There was also an oiled Red-necked Loon but it 
did catch a fish as I watched so maybe it will be OK.
By 8:30 there were 49 yellow or white uniformed workers on the beach.  
I couldn't go right down to the water but the beach area seemed much 
cleaner than I expected, though there were obvious oil patches 
remaining.  I know that's just a surface look but I felt a little 
encouraged.
The main lagoon looks completely normal at first glace.  However, there 
were 3 very badly oiled Surf Scoters at the western end and 13 others 
not so heavily soiled.  There were approximately 40 scoters, including 
3 White-winged, and except for the 16 noted the rest seemed unharmed.  
The River Otters tried to capture one of the badly oiled birds.  It 
couldn't fly but managed to get far enough away that the otters gave 
up.  I doubt it will make it next time as it in no condition to feed 
and is clearly weak.  This brings up the question of the Otter's health 
if they start feeding on contaminated birds.  
I don't know how any birds on the lagoon could be caught for cleaning 
without stressing them even more.  The consolation of the beach closure 
is that no people or dogs are bothering them so possobly the leass 
contaminated birds will recover.
The best bird was the female Redhead (8:30am), quite placid today.  
Still curious if this is the same bird reported at Crissy Field.  The 
mergansers and teal reported by William on Friday have gone but on the 
smaller lagoon there was the Common Moorhen and 34 Wigeon and 41 Coots -
 about usual numbers.
Sorry for the log post but unusual circumstances semed to warrant it.
tony
Larkspur, Marin County 

On my bike ride today I saw a Pileated Woodpecker on the Shoreline Trail above 
the 

campground. Also heard a Sora and saw no oiled birds or beach.

Bob Hall
SF

 The # has been patched into San Francisco's 311 network.
It only took a couple of minutes to get through but too bad I had to
wait hours  through a busy signal before I could report the grebe I'm
concerned about. They'll take reports from anywhere not just SF.
Judi Sierra- Oakland

More info on how to help. BeachWatch is surveying any threatened beaches on a 
regular basis. I did my special survey on Thursday and was called tonight to do 
more dawn surveys Sat. and Sun. I hope people can find some way they can help 
from all of these e-mails. 


Thanks,
Sharon
Mill Valley
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Dave Fichtner 
To: Whole Group BeachWatch 
Sent: Friday, November 09, 2007 8:00 PM
Subject: Re: Oil Spill Response


Another input, but this time from the bay.

SF Bay Bird Observatory Outreach  wrote: 
             
                    
                   
              
                
             >Subscribe
              >Archive 

                   

               
              Double-crested Cormorant. PHOTO BY GARRETT LAU 
               
 Long-billed Dowitcher. PHOTO BY GARRETT LAU November, 9th 2007: Special Report 

              Enewsletter of the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory 
              Oil Spill Response
              Dear Friends of the Bird Observatory,
 As you have heard by now, on Wednesday morning, a cargo ship collided with 
part of the Bay Bridge and spilled 58,000 gallons of fuel oil into San 
Francisco Bay, wreaking havoc on the Bay's ecosystems, especially the birds. 

 Birds are particularly vulnerable during spills. It only takes a small amount 
of oil to compromise a bird's feather integrity and insulation, and to cause 
hypothermia and death. Also birds can ingest the oil as they clean it off their 
feathers, which then inhibits their ability to digest food. 

 On Thursday, Bird Observatory staff and volunteers were out on the salt ponds 
and levees conducting wintering shorebird counts. At that early point in the 
disaster, we saw no evidence of oiled birds. 

 But today, Friday, our biologists spotted oiled birds, primarily scaup and 
Surf scoter just south of Highway 92 (San Mateo Bridge) near Hayward. So while 
most of the stricken wildlife has so far been found around the central bay and 
coastal beaches, those oiled birds that can still fly are capable of moving 
into the south bay. 

 The Bird Observatory is working closely with U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff to 
rescue oiled birds, by conducting surveys both from land and by boat, and to 
transport them to rehabilitation specialists. Other partners include the lead 
agency, the Department of Fish and Game Oil Spill Prevention and Response, the 
Lindsay Wildlife Museum and International Bird Rescue in Vallejo. 

 Thank you for all the emails and phone calls we've received today, from 
members and the press, who are deeply concerned and want to know how best to 
help. 

 If you see oiled birds, please note the species, number and precise location. 
This data is important for us to be able to relocate the birds, and for the 
eventual assessment of the spill's damage. 

 In the south bay, call us at  x10 or email biologist Caitlin 
Robinson at crobinson AT sfbbo.org Anywhere in the bay, call the Oiled Wildlife 
Hotline: to report oiled animals or oiled waterways. 

              For more updates on the spill, visit www.sfgate.com
 For more information on volunteering to help rehabilitate birds, visit the web 
site of the Oiled Wildlife Care Network http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/owcn/ 




------------------------------------------------------------------------

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        Our postal address is 
        524 Valley Way
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        United States

         

       


    Cheers, Dave

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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The situation at Alacatraz.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Dave Fichtner 
To: Sharon 
Sent: Friday, November 09, 2007 8:13 PM
Subject: Re: Thought you might like to see what's been reported on Alcatraz


Matt says OK to forward.... I edited out all the names that I don't have 
permission to use. 


Oil slicks are present around the Island with heavy 
concentrations in some areas, minor in others and oil has adhered to 
the shoreline in some areas. The heaviest concentrations were at the 
bottom of the staircase along the Agave Trail and in the cove at 
Barker Beach. One dead cormorant is on the rock ledge below the fog 
horn in section 11. We found one heavily oiled COMU and one heavily 
oiled BLTU. Moderately to lightly oiled birds included one WATA, one 
BLTU, one WEGR, two WEGU.  This afternoon a response 
team went to the Island to assess and address the oiled individuals. 

Alcatraz Oiled Bird Census :15-11:15 am

Double-crested Cormorant - One dead on rocks below north foghorn
Common Murre - One heavily oiled 
Black Turnstone - One heavily oiled, one w/oily feet and legs
Wandering Tattler - One w/oily feet and bill
Western Grebe - One with oily plumage at waterline
Western Gull - Two with oily breast feathers.


 The best bird of the day wasn't a bird, but a Red Admiral 
butterfly!




Cheers, Dave

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__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
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http://mail.yahoo.com 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Especially for the really frustrated folk that want to help and think they 
can't. Look at all the links...plenty to do for everyone. Thanks to Jill at 
GGRO for this.I am furious that apparently both the captain and the Coast 
Guard apparently lied about the extent of the oil until it was too late.

Sharon Salisbury
Mill Valley
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jill Harley" 
Sent: Friday, November 09, 2007 2:40 PM
Subject: oil spill update


There is now a volunteer hotline posted at
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/owcn/.

I just got through after a few tries.  A machine answers and says to
volunteer, you must be 18, and take their health and safety class in
Fairfield.  It is free.  It is held at 4369 Cordelia Road in Fairfield.
It says to come prepared to volunteer after the class, wear close-toed
shoes, old jeans, and a t-shirt, and bring a change of clothes for when
you are done.  There was no indication of a schedule or timeframe.

You still need to call the number  and leave your name and
number so they can schedule you for a class.  You'll hear all of the
above information again on the recording.

It seems as though most birds impacted by the spill are being taken
there, so they will need lots of help as days pass.

I'm trying to find out if there is somewhere where people can donate
towels, rags, food, or water for the clean-up crews.  If I find anything
else out I will pass it on.  In the meantime, see below for a special
NPS website that will have continuous updates. I know we all want to
help but we need to be patient as groups figure out the best way to
respond.

UPDATE FROM GOLDEN GATE NRA COSCO BUSAN INCIDENT COMMAND TEAM:

A website has been established regarding the oil spill at:
www.nps.gov/goga/sf_oil-spill.htm

You may refer visitors who have questions about what is going on or how
they can help, to the website.  It will be updated regularly.

Jill Harley
Research Assistant/Office Manager
Golden Gate Raptor Observatory
Building 1064, Fort Cronkhite
Sausalito, CA 94965
tel:
fax:
jharley AT parksconservancy.org
www.ggro.org

The GGRO is a program of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

Would there be anyone on the list who might be able to complie information 
about other ways to help not directly involving the oiled birds? 


There was mention in an earlier post about towels being needed. 

Are there other supplies that could be gathered and donated and where should 
they be taken? 


I feel very helpless and sad and would really like to help.

Tiffany Erickson
Windsor, CA

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Sharon"  
This just came in and hopefully will explain why untrained people can't do 
much right now.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jill Harley" 
Sent: Friday, November 09, 2007 11:31 AM
Subject: Oil Spill Contacts/what you can do

Hello everyone,

I am sure a lot of you are feeling as depressed and helpless as we are
here at the GGRO about the oil spill in the Bay. It seems as though
untrained volunteers are not able to help at this point in the cleanup
due to the high toxicity of the fuel oil. I have compiled several
emails that I will paste in below, detailing some things you can do to
help. It is best to stay away from beaches and let the trained response
teams do their jobs unhindered. Refrain from picking up oiled birds,
instead call the number below to report them. NOAA is also calling for
documentation of oiled locations (aside from the known impacts, see
below) - if you are out at north/south/east bay beaches and see oiled
rocks, birds, vegetation - take photos, carefully note the location, and
send it to the NOAA contacts below.

I am hoping that they will set up volunteer trainings so that people who
want to help can learn how to safely do so, but so far have not heard of
anything planned. We will get the word out as further information
becomes available.

Jill

*******
HOW YOU CAN HELP:

(From Oiled Wildlife Care Network, www.owcn.org)
Calls from the general public wanting to volunteer outnumbered bird
reports yesterday by about 5-1. Volunteer opportunities for untrained
members of the public are going to be very limited over the next few
days but here's a critical one: please make a special effort to look
for oiled birds in places where the general public doesn't go. Don't
approach or touch the birds but call  and provide the
location (be very specific, GPS coordinates are great), the species,
number of birds seen, whether dead or alive, and percentage of oiling.
Please leave your name and a contact phone number. The sooner, the
better. The faster we can get these birds stabilized and washed, the
higher their chances of recovery and survival.

Under no circumstances should people touch or approach an oiled animal
unless they have HAZWOPER training and are properly equipped. If you
see someone doing this, please remind them that this is toxic material.

(From Save the Bay)
Our contacts at NOAA and other agencies are working to gather any damage
information people are seeing on the ground- and get any info documented
with photos and video. They are concerned about oyster and eelgrass
impacts in addition to other fish and wildlife impacts. Please contact
Natalie Cosentino-Manning at the NOAA Restoration Center if you have
information or pictures- Natalie.c-manning AT noaa.gov, please cc
mlatta AT savesfbay.org.
The lead agency for spill response is CA Dept of Fish and Game- Oil
Spill Prevention and Response.

(From the NPS)
This is a follow-up e-mail regarding the status of the oil spill which
was a result of outbound container ship COSCO BUSAN. Please be advised
that the Unified Incident Command Group is still in the process of
assessing and monitoring the spill. To protect the health and safety of
visitors and park staff, the temporary closures at Fort Point, Crissy
Field Beach, China Beach, Baker Beach and Kirby Cove are still in place.
Although not included in the last update, Rodeo Beach was closed
yesterday afternoon and remains closed. As of 7:00 a.m., November 8,
2007 Tennesse Valley Beach became closed temporarily due to oil
contamination. The temporary closures will remain in effect until the
extent of the contamination and health risks have been assessed. The
Crissy Field Promenade is considered open and safe for recreation but
the beach itself remains closed. The Unified Incident Command Group led
by the US Coast Guard is managing the response to the incident. Please
refer all public information calls to .

Jill Harley
Research Assistant/Office Manager
Golden Gate Raptor Observatory
Building 1064, Fort Cronkhite
Sausalito, CA 94965
tel:
fax:
jharley AT parksconservancy.org
www.ggro.org

The GGRO is a program of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.


 

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

This just came in and hopefully will explain why untrained people can't do 
much right now.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jill Harley" 
Sent: Friday, November 09, 2007 11:31 AM
Subject: Oil Spill Contacts/what you can do


Hello everyone,

I am sure a lot of you are feeling as depressed and helpless as we are
here at the GGRO about the oil spill in the Bay.  It seems as though
untrained volunteers are not able to help at this point in the cleanup
due to the high toxicity of the fuel oil.  I have compiled several
emails that I will paste in below, detailing some things you can do to
help.  It is best to stay away from beaches and let the trained response
teams do their jobs unhindered.  Refrain from picking up oiled birds,
instead call the number below to report them.  NOAA is also calling for
documentation of oiled locations (aside from the known impacts, see
below) - if you are out at north/south/east bay beaches and see oiled
rocks, birds, vegetation - take photos, carefully note the location, and
send it to the NOAA contacts below.

I am hoping that they will set up volunteer trainings so that people who
want to help can learn how to safely do so, but so far have not heard of
anything planned.  We will get the word out as further information
becomes available.

Jill

*******
HOW YOU CAN HELP:

(From Oiled Wildlife Care Network, www.owcn.org)
Calls from the general public wanting to volunteer outnumbered bird
reports yesterday by about 5-1. Volunteer opportunities for untrained
members of the public are going to be very limited over the next few
days but here's a critical one: please make a special effort to look
for oiled birds in places where the general public doesn't go. Don't
approach or touch the birds but call  and provide the
location (be very specific, GPS coordinates are great), the species,
number of birds seen, whether dead or alive, and percentage of oiling.
Please leave your name and a contact phone number. The sooner, the
better. The faster we can get these birds stabilized and washed, the
higher their chances of recovery and survival.

Under no circumstances should people touch or approach an oiled animal
unless they have HAZWOPER training and are properly equipped. If you
see someone doing this, please remind them that this is toxic material.

(From Save the Bay)
Our contacts at NOAA and other agencies are working to gather any damage
information people are seeing on the ground- and get any info documented
with photos and video.  They are concerned about oyster and eelgrass
impacts in addition to other fish and wildlife impacts.  Please contact
Natalie Cosentino-Manning at the NOAA Restoration Center if you have
information or pictures- Natalie.c-manning AT noaa.gov, please cc
mlatta AT savesfbay.org.
The lead agency for spill response is CA Dept of Fish and Game- Oil
Spill Prevention and Response.

(From the NPS)
This is a follow-up e-mail regarding the status of the oil spill which
was a result of outbound container ship COSCO BUSAN.  Please be advised
that the Unified Incident Command Group is still in the process of
assessing and monitoring the spill.  To protect the health and safety of
visitors and park staff, the temporary closures at Fort Point, Crissy
Field Beach, China Beach, Baker Beach and Kirby Cove are still in place.
Although not included in the last update, Rodeo Beach was closed
yesterday afternoon and remains closed.  As of 7:00 a.m., November 8,
2007 Tennesse Valley Beach became closed temporarily due to oil
contamination.  The temporary closures will remain in effect until the
extent of the contamination and health risks have been assessed.  The
Crissy Field Promenade is considered open and safe for recreation but
the beach itself remains closed.  The Unified Incident Command Group led
by the US Coast Guard is managing the response to the incident.  Please
refer all public information calls to .

Jill Harley
Research Assistant/Office Manager
Golden Gate Raptor Observatory
Building 1064, Fort Cronkhite
Sausalito, CA 94965
tel:
fax:
jharley AT parksconservancy.org
www.ggro.org

The GGRO is a program of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

Just to follow up on the earlier note regarding Hawk Hill. The National Park 
Service did reopen Conzelman Road today allowing traffic up to Hawk Hill and 
down the west side. Beach closures are at Black Sands Beach and Rodeo Beach, 
however the Hawk Hill area is now open. 

   
 Incidentally, GGRO banders trapped and released the season's first 
Rough-legged Hawk and first Northern Goshawk yesterday. 


Good birds -- 

Allen



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Yesterday afternoon and again this morning we've been out on the 
sanctuary waters in Richardson Bay looking for signs of the oil spill 
and I am relieved to report that we haven't found any as of noon on 
Friday.  We checked along the Strawberry channel and island shoreline, 
Blackie's as well as Sanctuary waters in the western half; we also 
looked for oil and affected birds to the south of the Sanctuary 
boundary and at the mouth of the Bothin Marsh arm of the Bay.  There 
are plenty of grebes and scoters, seemingly unaffected for now.

We feel lucky considering how it has affected other locations nearby 
such as Fort Baker.

I'll repost as news develops.

Kerry Wilcox
Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary
Tiburon

My friend is currently at Shorebird Park, end of University Ave. Berkeley. 
There 

are oiled birds from Emeryville to north. OWCN people are on site and rounding 
up 

birds - there are a lot of birds - my friend said it's overwheming. 

They may need transport help to take the birds to Ft. Mason. My friend, who 
was there trying to keep the F-ing off-leash dogs away from the birds (why are 
dogs even allowed at a place called Shorebird Park??), is being allowed to help 

transport once the birds are rounded up and boxed up by the trained Hazmat 
people. It's 

possible more help is needed if anyone wants to go and standby to do transport. 

Remember DO NOT TOUCH or approach any birds - scaring them back into the water 
will cause their death.

Remember the number to call to report animals dead or alive is .

Maggie Rufo
Novato

Visited Rodeo Lagoon for an hour early this a.m.?Not pretty.

Low-lights!

The beach and trail on the south side of the main Lagoon are all closed due to 
the oil spill.??? While the Lagoon itself has escaped thus far, given that the 
outlet channel to the sea remains closed/dry,?the impact on the birds seems to 
be significant. 


I counted at least 10+ Surf Scoters covered in oil sitting on the western shore 
of the main lagoon.?2?Greater Scaup seemed to be in a?similar predicament and 1 
Ring-necked Duck down at the eastern end of the lagoon?was active but 
significantly?oiled.? Presumably all of these birds were on the sea at some 
stage over the last 24/48 hours before flying onto the lagoon.?? 


Of the 15+ gulls I saw well, two were significsantluy oiled - an adult Mew Gull 
and a 3rd year Glaucous-winged Gull. 


There were at least another 20 Scoter on the lagoon that looked in good shape, 
were diving etc., but many of these were preening extensively and so I suspect 
have suffered some oil contamination.? 


I spoke with the Park officials that were present at the beach to alert them to 
the number of impacted birds on the lagoon.? Amazingly their focus had just 
been on the beach shoreline and?no one had yet looked for injured/contaminated 
birds on the shore of the western shore of the lagoon.? 


The impacts of this spill look like they will be pretty significant I'm 
afraid.? 


Highlights (all on main lagoon)

1 flighty female Redhead on the main lagoon with Scaup/Ring-necked Ducks
5 Hooded Merganser (all females/1st winters)
1 Green-winged Teal (did not look well, but seemed uncontaminated).?
4 Wilson's Snipe
2 Black Turnstone
3 Bonaparte's Gulls (1st winters)

William Legge
Mill Valley, CA?

??????
________________________________________________________________________
Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! - 
http://mail.aol.com 



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Forwarding the following email to North Bay Birds omitted from the original
email.  As Hawk Hill is Martin County, and as North Bay Birds, covers Marini
County, North Bay Birds is a valid recipient of this email regarding the
Hawk Hill Road Closure Announcement.


--
Mike Feighner, Livermore, CA, Alameda County

-----Original Message-----
From: peninsula-birding AT yahoogroups.com
[mailto:peninsula-birding AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of sonny mencher
Sent: Friday, November 09, 2007 8:15 AM
To: sf birds; south bay birds; peninsula birding
Subject: [pen-bird] Hawk Hill closed

Heard Allen Fish speak at the Sequoia Audubon meeting last night.  He
reported that the road up to Hawk Hill is closed as you aproach the change
to one way. This is related to the oil spil and the park service wanting to
prevent unauthorized people from getting down to the beaches.  The road is
open to the alternate watching hawk watch site at the 4 benches below the
main viewing area.  Parking is quite limited at that area.
   
  If you had plans to visit Hawk Hill, you might want to call first to check
on road closure
  

Sonny Mencher of San Mateo County

For information on the S. Marin Christmas Count  on 12/29/07 please visit:

http://www.marinaudubon.org/07birdcount.htm

-----------------------------------------
Maggie Rufo
Novato

Hello, Bay Area Birders (with apologies for cross-posting):

Golden Gate Audubon Society sponsors two Christmas Bird Counts:

	Oakland -- Sunday, December 16
	San Francisco -- Thursday, December 27

Invitations have been mailed to everyone who participated in either  
count in recent years (but not to those who had signed up online by  
Wednesday for one of the counts--thanks to all who did so!).  If you  
participated recently but haven't received your invitation yet it  
should arrive any day now.

This note invites new participants to join the counts.  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;  
learning of them on the day of discovery can help you see them, too.

It's easiest for you, and for the compilers, if you sign up online.  Go  
to

http://www.goldengateaudubon.org/html/birdresources/ 
christmasbirdcount.htm

and follow the links to sign up for either count, and to download  
sign-up forms for the count dinners.  Early sign-ups pay a reduced  
price for dinner.

However, if you prefer, you can call Golden Gate Audubon Society at   to request sign-up forms and/or dinner reservation forms  
for either count.  Act soon -- sign-up deadlines are November 25 for  
the Oakland CBC and December 7 for the San Francisco CBC.

For further information, contact one of the compilers:

San Francisco -- Alan Hopkins, ash AT sfo.com,
                            -- Dan Murphy, sfbirdcount AT yahoo.com,  

Oakland -- Bob Lewis, Bob AT wingbeats.org,
                  -- Dave Quady, davequady AT att.net,

Hope to see you at the counts!

Dave Quady
Berkeley, California
davequady AT att.net

Hello, Bay Area Birders (with apologies for cross-posting):

Golden Gate Audubon Society sponsors two Christmas Bird Counts:

	Oakland -- Sunday, December 16
	San Francisco -- Thursday, December 27

Invitations have been mailed to everyone who participated in either  
count in recent years (but not to those who had signed up online by  
Wednesday for one of the counts--thanks to all who did so!).  If you  
participated recently but haven't received your invitation yet it  
should arrive any day now.

This note invites new participants to join the counts.  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;  
learning of them on the day of discovery can help you see them, too.

It's easiest for you, and for the compilers, if you sign up online.  Go  
to

http://www.goldengateaudubon.org/html/birdresources/ 
christmasbirdcount.htm

and follow the links to sign up for either count, and to download  
sign-up forms for the count dinners.  Early sign-ups pay a reduced  
price for dinner.

However, if you prefer, you can call Golden Gate Audubon Society at   to request sign-up forms and/or dinner reservation forms  
for either count.  Act soon -- sign-up deadlines are November 25 for  
the Oakland CBC and December 7 for the San Francisco CBC.

For further information, contact one of the compilers:

San Francisco -- Alan Hopkins, ash AT sfo.com,
                            -- Dan Murphy, sfbirdcount AT yahoo.com,  

Oakland -- Bob Lewis, Bob AT wingbeats.org,
                  -- Dave Quady, davequady AT att.net,

Hope to see you at the counts!

Dave Quady
Berkeley, California
davequady AT att.net

I just saw in the tree outside my window a Northern Flicker with 
yellow-shafted primaries and a red mustache. It's neck was bare, head brown.

Karen Jo Rippens
Terra Linda

Alison Kent
Davis, California
Oiled Wildlife Care Network
Wildlife Health Center
Thanks, Tom.
In addition, I'd like to issue a special plea for birders please to
try and get to "places less travelled" where you know there to be
birds. We got over 40 calls yesterday reporting one oiled surf scoter
at Crissy Fields; one call reporting 40 oiled clapper rails in
Anderson Marsh would really help sort out rescue triage.

The sooner, the better. The faster we can get these birds stabilized
and washed, the higher their chances of recovery and survival.

Calls from the general public wanting to volunteer outnumbered bird
reports yesterday by about 5-1. Volunteer opportunities for untrained
members of the public are going to be very limited over the next few
days but here's a critical one: please make a special effort to look
for oiled birds in places where the general public doesn't go. Don't
approach or touch the birds but call  and provide the
location (be very specific, GPS coordinates are great), the species,
number of birds seen, whether dead or alive, and percentage of oiling.
Please leave your name and a contact phone number. We are inundated
and most of my veterinary and administrative coworkers have left
Davis; of the ones of us still here who are answering this number, I'm
the only one who's likely to know what a clapper rail is, so please be
patient if you get through to a live person.

Under no circumstances should people touch or approach an oiled animal
unless they have HAZWOPER training and are properly equipped. If you
see someone doing this, please remind them that this is toxic material.

Many thanks.
Alison Kent
Davis, California
Oiled Wildlife Care Network
Wildlife Health Center

To Report an Oiled Bird:

Tom Rusert
Comm. Outreach Volunteer
Int'l Bird Rescue
www.ibrrc.org
Fairfield, CA.

Since my last post I have received info about the oil spill from Charles 
McGlashen and others.If you need any more info go to his website. I also got a 
call from Oiled Wildlife Care Network. They wanted to emphasis to ONLY call the 
877# for ALL AND ONLY OILED animals, NOT just birds. They are being overwhelmed 
with people calling in to volunteer. If you want to volunteer please go to this 
website(hope the link opens for you) and you will get instructions. They will 
call when they need help. If the link won't open google Oiled Wildlife Care 
Network. 


Thanks,
Sharon Salisbury
Mill Valley
The message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments:
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or receiving certain types of file attachments. Check your e-mail security 
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The International Bird Rescue teams are actively working round the
clock with the USCG other "trained" teams with bird collection. Here
is an update. http://www.ibrrc.org/Cosco_Busan_spill_2007.html

Bunker fuel spills are very toxic to marine life, especially birds
that float and feed through a spill. Anyone who has hazmat training is
needed first but we will also need more volunteers for transportation
and other jobs. To volunteer - http://www.ibrrc.org/index.html

To report oiled wildlife, please call 

To report oil sightings, please call  

Tom Rusert
Comm. Outreach Volunteer 
Intn'l Bird Rescue
Fairfield, CA.

--- In northbaybirds AT yahoogroups.com, "Sharon"  wrote:
>
> I was just advised that for whatever reason the GFNMS doesn't want 
details of this disaster to leak out to the press.

Too late. I heard it on the radio at 6 this morning. Why would they not 
want the public, and especially the "press" to know about this? Was it 
an "inside job"?

I was just advised that for whatever reason the GFNMS doesn't want details of 
this disaster to leak out to the press. They were o.k. with my telling the 
group. Also, if you see an oiled mammal you have to also call the emergency 
phone line at the GFNMS  in addition to the MMC number given in my 
previous report and the 877# Maggie indicated. So that is 3 different numbers 
for oiled mammals. I know this is a bird group but I think everyone would want 
to help any creature caught in this man-made disaster. 


Thanks,
Sharon Salisbury
Mill Valley

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi,

I just got home from conducting a special oil survey of my beach for the Gulf 
of the Farallones Nat'l Marine Sanctuary. Kirby Cove, in the Marin Headlands, 
was closed to the public when I got there at 7. The smell was very strong and I 
could see the oil in the water from the top of the road. 


The beach and rocks were covered with fresh oil patties. We observed 3 Scoters, 
species unknown as they were black with oil. One sank from the oil and one 
disappeared and one poor thing dragged itself onto the beach. I tried to get a 
photo and spooked it back into the water. The last time it came out it was so 
near dead it didn't move. We were happy to see a team from one of the bird 
rescue groups, (perhaps the one mentioned in an earlier e-mail) with a large 
net and towels. They caught the one Scoter and covered it with a towel but I 
doubt it will make it. We also saw several Western Gulls with oil on their 
heads and feet. We were there at high tide so there are probably going to be 
more victims when the tide goes out. We were told we may be called out again 
today and tomorrow. So far the oil has reached as far as Stinson Beach. This is 
much worse than they estimated last night and they have set up a command center 
at the Presidio. Also, if you see any oiled LIVE mammals please call The Marine 
Mammal Center at . Any dead mammals please call the Calif. Academy 
of Science at . If anyone wants to call me you can reach me at  or just e-mail me. I have photos of the spill and the poor Scoter 
if anyone should want to see how bad it is. People like myself were just coming 
in from various beaches so they won't have a true picture of the extent of this 
accident until tomorrow. 


Very sad but good to see the quick and eager responses of so many people from 
Park Rangers, Firemen, Coast Guard, Beach Watch, police, various bird and 
mammal rescue groups etc. 


Sharon Salisbury
Mill Valley
















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I was wrong when I said to take oiled birds anywhere - you should NOT 
touch an oiled bird, even with a towel, the oil is toxic to you. You 
should call the number Tom gave: and do exactly what they 
tell you. Do not touch an oiled bird. WildCare will possibly need 
donations of old towels as once they use a towel on an oiled bird they 
cannot reuse it. As for now, 1 pm Thursday, no birds have been rescued 
alive yet. If you are interested in possibly driving birds from 
WildCare in San Rafael to IBRRC in Fairfield), if they end up getting 
any live ones, you could email me directly with your phone number. 

Maggie Rufo
Novato

The birding community and the public is asked to report any injured or
oiled wildlife to the Oiled Wildlife Reporting 

Hotline -.

Tom Rusert
www.ibrrc.org
Volunteer Community Outreach 
& Release Team
Sonoma, CA.

 

Hello all,

We had our first of season (and first for 2007) White-throated Sparrow in our 
backyard for seed this morning. This is sparrow species #7 for us in 2007. 


Good birding,
Denise & David Hamilton
Napa
Napabirders AT att.net


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

OK -

I really blew this one - When you work 45 -50 hours a week and get 200 emails a 
day your brain gets fuzzy... 



Yesterday, Nov 5th, I saw a Rough-legged Hawk fly acrossed Adobe Rd north of 
the intersection with Stage Gulch Rd - near the area ranch with the sheep and 
emu. This is not in any town - its a popular commute route between Sonoma 
Valley and Petaluma in Sonoma County. This location is north of Hwy 116. 


On Oct 25th - 2 white geese (probably Snow) were with several hundred Canada 
Geese in the field on Frates Rd acrossed from Adobe Golf Course. Same commute 
route but in east Petaluma 


Oct 26th - I heard a calling White -throated Sparrow in my yard, first for the 
season. which I forgot to put was in Kenwood, Sonoma Valley 


Good Birding,
Ruth Rudesill
Kenwood Sonoma Co


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi,

I checked out one of the areas this morning that I will be doing for 
the PRBO shorebird survey and found a vesper sparrow.  It was along the 
second trail to the east of the channel that enters the southside of 
Shorebird Marsh.  The trail is bordered to the east by a 
pickleweed/cordgrass marsh that is fronted by the bay and to the west 
by a diked wetland, which is mostly grass and scrub.  The bird was on  
the west side of the trail near a well berried toyon.  One of its white 
outer tail feathers(the right one if I recall correctly) was a bit 
askew.  I also noted that it was larger than a nearby Lincon's Sparrow 
and had a white eyering.

Good birding,

Bill Lenarz
Kentfield, Marin County 

My suggestion, in Marin and Sonoma at least, is to contact Assemblyman  Jared 
Huffman's office. This is the most likely route to a swift and functional  
response.
 
What I've heard from several long-term state and NPS folks is that over the  
last decade or two there's been a strong, steady shift in both agencies to the 
 nearly complete dominance of law-enforcement types and the associated 
mentality. Gun-carrying rangers in both state and federal parks has become the 

norm. Interpretation, environmental concerns and policy are a long way down the 

list for this mentality.
 
The three stories posted here are emblematic of a larger problem, but the  
good thing about state parks is that the problem can be addressed, and often on 

a local basis. We need to start putting real pressure -- through 
organizations  and through our elected representatives -- on park managers.
 
The behavior Jon describes is absolutely unacceptable in a public employee,  
nevermind a park ranger. 
 
 
Bill Noble, San Anselmo



************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Rude park staff should be reported to superiors. We managed to get rid
of some bad apples at Pt. Reyes fish docks by doing this. Civil
servents are not immune from discipline especially if enough public
pressure is placed.
Judi Sierra- Oakland

All NBB reporters,
   
 When reports are given, streets and specific details are given but often city 
and/or county are left out. 

   
  Bill
Ruth Rudesill  wrote:
 Yesterday, Nov 5th, I saw a Rough-legged Hawk fly acrossed Adobe Rd north of 
the intersection with Stage Gulch Rd - near the area ranch with the sheep and 
emu. 


On Oct 25th - 2 white geese (probably Snow) were with several hundred Canada 
Geese in the field on Frates Rd acrossed from Adobe Golf Course. 


On Oct 26th - I heard a calling White -throated Sparrow in my yard, first for 
the season. 


Good Birding,
Ruth Rudesill

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



                         


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Yesterday, Nov 5th, I saw a Rough-legged Hawk fly acrossed Adobe Rd north of 
the intersection with Stage Gulch Rd - near the area ranch with the sheep and 
emu. 


On Oct 25th - 2 white geese (probably Snow) were with several hundred Canada 
Geese in the field on Frates Rd acrossed from Adobe Golf Course. 


On Oct 26th - I heard a calling White -throated Sparrow in my yard, first for 
the season. 


Good Birding,
Ruth Rudesill

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I was one of many who drove over from the Sacramento area to observed the 
Harris's sparrow last winter.? I felt uncomfortable upon my arrival with how 
the cars belonging to birders were blocking the road as you enter the park!? 
Since I am a supporter of our California State Parks, I buy a yearly pass, so I 
proceeded into the park and parked legally in the picnic area.? It was a great 
trip, and we picked up golden-crowned kinglet, varied thrush, and 
chestnut-backed chickadee in the picnic area, as well as the Harris's sparrow. 


I will continue to support our National, State, and local parks.? I hope you 
reconsider your decision, Jon....I would hate to think you will give up on 
visiting places like Owl Canyon and Bodega Head! 


Cheers,
Dee Warenycia
Roseville CA

________________________________________________________________________
Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! - 
http://mail.aol.com 



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Jon and All,

  A few years back I was birding Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa. I planned 
my 12 mile hike by the posted map at the kiosk / ranger station. This hike 
was during the short winter months. About 3/4 through my hike in the 
mid-afternoon I discovered my intended return trail was posted CLOSED. How 
nice that the parks personnel did not post this at the kiosk. I knew better 
than hiking on a closed trail for both safety and possibility of a hefty 
citation. Thus, I was forced to backtrack a few miles to another trail. I 
got back to my car which I had parked within the park at about 5:15 PM, 15 
minutes after closing time worrying I may have been locked out. Instead a 
park ranger pulls up in his truck and tells me in a rude manner that the 
park is closed. I " tried " to explain my situation with the trail which 
received no sympathy or apology. Then the ranger told me he had taken down 
my license plate number and if I ever was in the park again after hours I 
would be cited.
  I studied Parks Administration in college ( BS CSUS 1985 ) and could never 
see myself treating the public in this manner. Both State Parks and Federal 
Park Rangers go through the same P.O.S.T. training as do police officers.
  BTW, you can be cited for using bird tapes or your own voice to call in 
birds in many / or all / state parks. I have seen this rule posted in some 
state parks. Calling in birds is considered harassment of wildlife.

Good Birding,

Doug Shaw
Santa Rosa, CA
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "jwinterggo" 
To: 
Sent: Monday, November 05, 2007 5:27 PM
Subject: [NBB] California State Parks and Birding


> In January 2007,  while looking for a wintering Harris's Sparrow at
> Adobe State Park in Petuluma I was cited for a criminal trespass by a
> State Park Ranger.   I was standing on the pavement less than 100 feet
> inside the park gate trying to get a better view of the sparrow which
> was hiding on the park-side of the brush.  And believe me, there was
> nothing more to it than that.  I was booked, finger printed and released
> at the county jail.  A misdemeanor is a criminal offense. Over the
> course of the next seven months the DA's office did not bother to
> file the charge.  I persisted in finding out what had become of the
> citation.  The charge was eventually filed and I was able to get the
> citation reduced (after considerable negotiation) to an infraction (like
> a traffic ticket) for $190.00.  I made an agreement to pay the fine to a
> local bird rescue group in Sonoma County which I did.  The whole process
> took 11 months to resolve with three court appearances on my part and
> none of it was necessary.  If the case had gone to trial I would have
> easily won, but the cost of an attorney would have far exceeded the fine
> by a significant margin.
>
> My point of all this is to warn all birders be very careful when birding
> in State Parks.  If you do not, you could find birding is a criminal
> activity.  All parks have a multitude of regulations that can be easily
> used against you.  You may not be aware of all of the rules and law
> enforcement has a wide latitude in how they wish to enforcement the law.
> My situation was clearly excessive in the extreme, but it could happen
> anywhere in the state park system.  I will never set foot in a
> California State Park again for any reason and I would advise birders to
> carefully consider the same thing.  Our parks are administered for our
> benefit, not the benefit of the State Parks.  State Parks manages those
> lands on our behalf, not theirs.  They work for us and the State of
> California only pays their salary.  It is a lesson that should be keenly
> remembered by all public administrators.  If State Parks wants to
> alienate birders they are clearly doing their job.  Forgive the
> crosspost.
>
> Jon Winter
>
>
>
>
> Unsubscribe:  mailto:northbaybirds-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com
> Website:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/northbaybirds/
> Listowners:  mailto:northbaybirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com
>
> Please do not post "Out of Office" messages to NorthBayBirds.
>
> For vacation suspension of mail go to the website.  Click on Edit My 
> Membership and set your mail option to No Email.  Or, send a blank email 
> to these addresses:
>
> Turn off email delivery:  mailto:northbaybirds-nomail AT yahoogroups.com
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> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

Sorry to hear about Jon's Kafkaesque experience at Adobe State Park. I did warn 
North Bay Birders last fall when my friend and I were trying to find, I 
believe, the same bird. We were just standing by the gate and a very unpleasant 
woman, who had no uniform, told us that if we set foot one inch inside the park 
we would be cited. We politely explained that we were looking at a bird and 
that the park was going to open in a few minutes, but we were ordered away and 
got back into the car and waited till opening time. Then a ranger drove up as I 
was trying to turn my car around and honked at us with a very unfriendly 
demeanor. I have never encountered this at ANY state or national park. What 
happened to Jon is beyond belief and I think someone should make a formal 
complaint. It is one thing to say you can't come in until 10:00 and quite 
another to arrest and fine you. Most parks open much earlier and I don't recall 
seeing any warning signs about putting a foot inside the park. Very strange. 
Jon, I would contact the State Parks and also call or write your local 
congressman/woman. 


Sharon
Mill Valley

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

In January 2007,  while looking for a wintering Harris's Sparrow at
Adobe State Park in Petuluma I was cited for a criminal trespass by a
State Park Ranger.   I was standing on the pavement less than 100 feet
inside the park gate trying to get a better view of the sparrow which
was hiding on the park-side of the brush.  And believe me, there was
nothing more to it than that.  I was booked, finger printed and released
at the county jail.  A misdemeanor is a criminal offense. Over the
course of the next seven months the DA's office did not bother to
file the charge.  I persisted in finding out what had become of the
citation.  The charge was eventually filed and I was able to get the
citation reduced (after considerable negotiation) to an infraction (like
a traffic ticket) for $190.00.  I made an agreement to pay the fine to a
local bird rescue group in Sonoma County which I did.  The whole process
took 11 months to resolve with three court appearances on my part and
none of it was necessary.  If the case had gone to trial I would have
easily won, but the cost of an attorney would have far exceeded the fine
by a significant margin.

My point of all this is to warn all birders be very careful when birding
in State Parks.  If you do not, you could find birding is a criminal
activity.  All parks have a multitude of regulations that can be easily
used against you.  You may not be aware of all of the rules and law
enforcement has a wide latitude in how they wish to enforcement the law.
My situation was clearly excessive in the extreme, but it could happen
anywhere in the state park system.  I will never set foot in a
California State Park again for any reason and I would advise birders to
carefully consider the same thing.  Our parks are administered for our
benefit, not the benefit of the State Parks.  State Parks manages those
lands on our behalf, not theirs.  They work for us and the State of
California only pays their salary.  It is a lesson that should be keenly
remembered by all public administrators.  If State Parks wants to
alienate birders they are clearly doing their job.  Forgive the
crosspost.

Jon Winter

Yesterday, my sister and I birded mostly in Napa Co. Starting out at Lake 
Hennessey along Conn Valley Rd, the 2 continuing juv. SNOW GEESE were viewed 
along the shoreline with lots of Canada Geese. Among the many coots, scaup, and 
grebes: 2 female WOOD DUCKS, a HORNED GREBE, and the continuing TUFTED DUCK. 


From here we continued up Lake Co to look for the Williamson Sapsucker that 
Lisa Hug found on 11/3. From Middleton we took Hwy 175 to Boggs Mountain State 
Forest. Turn right on Forestry Rd (look for the big blue CDF sign at the 
corner) and drive past the parking area & kiosk then drive straight up the wide 
dirt road to Calso campground. We found the flock of juncos, bluebirds and 
PYGMY NUTHATCHES but no sapsucker. It was a busy campground due to the Search & 
Rescue training session. 


We traveled back to Napa via Butts Canyon Rd and checked out Detert Reservoir 
(still in Lake co). Lots of coots, ducks, egrets, and geese. It is drier than 
I've ever seen it. 


Finished out the day along the east side of Lake Berryessa. Just as we turned 
onto the road we had multiple LEWIS'S WOODPECKERS flying around. Throughout the 
drive along East Rd we had about 20! About 1/2 way along the drive we found 
another juv. SNOW GOOSE with the Canada's. Then to end the day, along side the 
road we found a juv. ROCK WREN. 


All & all a beautiful day!
Frances
Lodi, CA


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

This afternoon I had a juvenile male Black-chinned hummer at my feeder. 
Behavior was as before, calm and relaxed at the feeder, giving me 
sufficient time to grab my binos and see his details from inside the 
house. He was pale in front, had that long slender shape with a 
well-defined neck and small head, large bill, and a flecks of purple 
reflecting at his throat. I sat outside with the camera to get a shot, 
but he didn't return the several hours I sat out there.

Karen Jo Rippens
Terra Linda

Greetings. Patti and I were delighted to find and then show some friends a  
female Barrow's Goldeneye today in the 3rd pond at the Las Gallinas Treatment  
ponds in San Rafael. Her almost totally orange bill was shining brightly, and 
it  was our first Goldeneye of the season . A few Bufflehead were present, as  
well as the usual cast of ducks.The Peregrine was on the power tower nearest 
to  pond 3 on the north side, giving great looks. Shorebirds included 4 
Wilson's Snipes, 50 Least Sandpipers, 100 Dowitchers and a scattering of 
Avocets 

and  Stilts. Cheers, Len Blumin



************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Jerry White notes this the third record for Williamson's Sapsucker in Lake
County.  I was fortunate to see the 2nd record of Williamson's Sapsucker in
Lake County on 6 March 2005, found by Darlene Hecomovich and Jeanette Knight
on 24 February 2005 and refound by Dave Woodward on 25 February 2005.

This is within the same general area reported by Lisa Hug on 3 November
2007.

Earlier directions to the 2005 sighting were:

<>

--
Mike Feighner, Livermore, CA, Alameda County
 

>-----Original Message-----
>From: northbaybirds AT yahoogroups.com 
>[mailto:northbaybirds AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Lisa Hug
>Sent: Saturday, November 03, 2007 7:43 PM
>To: northbaybirds AT yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [NBB] Williamson's Sapsuckers in Lake County
>
>Hi All,
>
>Today (Nov 3) I found a male and female Williamson's Sapsucker 
>in Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest in the Calso Campground.
>
>
>To get to Boggs Mountain State Forest, take rte 175 north from 
>Middletown.  At milepost 18.24, turn right on Forestry Rd.  (There 
>is a big blue CDF sign there.  Drive on this road for about a half 
>mile and there is a parking area, forestry office, a kiosk with maps 
>for sale and an observation log.   
>
>From here, pick up a map and find Calso (it's a campground).  It is 
>about 1.5 to 2 miles straight up the little dirt road from the 
>parking area.  You may drive there, (I thought it was all hiking 
>trails).  The birds were in a flock of Bluebirds, Juncos, Yellow-
>rumped Warblers, Pygmy Nuthatches and a Downy Woodpecker that were 
>hanging out near the outhouses at Calso campground.
>
>
>Good Luck,
>
>Lisa Hug
>
>
>
>Unsubscribe:  mailto:northbaybirds-unsubscribe AT yahoogroups.com
>Website:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/northbaybirds/
>Listowners:  mailto:northbaybirds-owner AT yahoogroups.com
>
>Please do not post "Out of Office" messages to NorthBayBirds.
>
>For vacation suspension of mail go to the website.  Click on 
>Edit My Membership and set your mail option to No Email.  Or, 
>send a blank email to these addresses:
>
>Turn off email delivery:  mailto:northbaybirds-nomail AT yahoogroups.com
>Resume email delivery:  mailto:northbaybirds-normal AT yahoogroups.com 
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

Hi All,

Today (Nov 3) I found a male and female Williamson's Sapsucker in 
Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest in the Calso Campground.


To get to Boggs Mountain State Forest, take rte 175 north from 
Middletown.  At milepost 18.24, turn right on Forestry Rd.  (There 
is a big blue CDF sign there.  Drive on this road for about a half 
mile and there is a parking area, forestry office, a kisk with maps 
for sale and an observation log.   

From here, pick up a map and find Calso (it's a campground).  It is 
about 1.5 to 2 miles straight up the little dirt road from the 
parking area.  You may drive there, (I thought it was all hiking 
trails).  The birds were in a flock of Bluebirds, Juncoes, Yellow-
rumped Warblers, Pygmy Nuthatches and a Downy Woodpecker that were 
hanging out near the outhouses at Calso campground.


Good Luck,

Lisa Hug

Tony Harrow and I undertook our usual circuit of Rodeo Lagoon early this 
morning.? The Scoter-fest continues at this location and today we had all three 
species of Scoter on the main lagoon, although the River Otters were disturbing 
the Scoter flock almost continually.? The birds would occasionally fly out to 
sea, rest, but soon return, so?we can only guess that the feeding at the lagoon 
is very good at the moment given the risk these birds are taking. 


Highlights were as?follows:

35 American Wigeon
6 Ring-necked Duck
14+ Greater Scaup on main lagoon, plus 4 south offshore
61+ Surf Scoter on main lagoon (a record count for the lagoon itself), plus 20+ 
on the sea and a few small flocks moving south offshore 

1 female Black Scoter seen on the main lagoon and sea
10 White-winged Scoter on main lagoon, although we saw some of these birds on 
the sea as well, but when we left all 10 were on the lagoon including a group 
of 8 feeding next to the road causeway at the eastern end of the lagoon, 
allowing fabulously close views. 

1 Bufflehead
1 Red-breasted Merganser
9 Ruddy Duck
1 Common Loon cruising the?main lagoon
1 Common Moorhen on inner lagoon
1 Greater Yellowlegs
30+ Dunlin flew south over the beach and up over the?Headlands in a single 
flock 

4+ Wilson's Snipe
1 1st winter Bonaparte's Gull
1 Say's Phoebe
1 Savannah Sparrow
2 Lesser Goldfinch (good for this location)

William Legge
Mill Valley, CA
________________________________________________________________________
Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! - 
http://mail.aol.com 



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi all,

     Did another monthly survey at Tolay Park today; raptors were 
happening.  Saw both accipiters, one each Ferruginous and Rough-
legged Hawks, and 2 juvie Golden Eagles attending a bloated bovine 
carcass.  Tolay Park is a Sonoma County regional park presently in 
development and could/should be open to the public in 1 or 2 years.
     Next Saturday, Nov 10, there's a combined Shollenberger Park 
survey/RROS field trip.  There are plans to continue on to Tolay Park 
for a "look-see" after the ShollPark circuit.  Meet at Shollenberger 
Park kiosk at the foot of Cader Lane, Petaluma, 8 AM if you wish to 
tag along.
     Tolay is accessed from Lakeville Highway across from 
Gilardi's/Papa's Taverna (Lakeville)via Cannon Lane.  Maybe half a 
mile up Cannon Lane there's a farm pond on the left.  Today it 
contained:
5 Ring-necked Ducks
3 Cackling (ssp. Aleutian) Geese
2 Lesser Yellowlegs
That pond's pretty interesting fall through spring and is open to 
view from a county road.

Peter Colasanti

Just caught the good news about the Ca. Condor.  Many folks have seen
John Moir's fine lecture, supported the effort by writing letters and
perhaps missed this news update. Gov. Schwarzenegger’s signed AB 821,
which will help the continued recovery of the California Condor by
banning the use of lead ammunition from areas inhabited by the
endangered species. Here is the article.
http://ca.audubon.org/newsroom/071012_condor_AB821.html

Tom Rusert
http://www.sonomabirding.org/
Sonoma, Ca.

GOOD AFTERNOON NORTHBAY BIRDERS-

 

The first goldeneye of the season for me was 

a young Barrow's on the Mendoza pond 10/30.     

That is only the second one on the Outer Point (Point Reyes),

EVER.

 

There have been a few Lapland Longspurs and 2 Pacific

Golden Plovers out there, too. White-throated Sparrows are

scattered among the other Zonotrichias and this is probably a 

good time to remind ourselves that ALL of them in their first

winter are" tan striped".

 

MODOC and SISKIYOU counties are rockin with raptors and

waterfowl right now. Sorry for the Northeast post.

 

            GOOD HUNTING       RICH

 

 

 



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

North Bay Birders:

This morning there is a Palm Warbler in the trees around the north-west 
end of the industrial park at the end of Cotting Ct in Vacaville.  It 
is associating with a large group of YR and OC warblers and is moving 
around a lot.  It has been relatively easy to locate and track due to 
its loud, frequent and distinctive calls.

Cotting Ct is off Cotting lane, which is just northwest of the 505/Vaca 
Valley interchange.  Be aware that this area is private property, but 
brief and respectful use of the "public" parking lot area is probably 
okay.

Good birding.

Dave Bell
Vacaville

Hi Birders,

Apologies for the very late posting. I have been out of town and
unable to get online since last week and just subscribed to the list.
Although outdated, it may be of interest to some.

Last tuesday 10/23 while in the area during a short visit from Tucson,
I excitedly jumped at the last minute birding opportunity to join a
squid fishing charter heading to Cordell Bank from Bodega Bay and was
greatly rewarded with a good mix of pelagic species while cruising
around for the elusive squid.

The main highlight was a juvenile BROWN BOOBY twice showing off its
spectacular low-angle plunge-diving antics.

A short list of notable birds seen is as follows:

Buller's Shearwater - 14
Pink-footed Shearwater - 11
Black-vented Shearwater - 3
Flesh-footed Shearwater - 2
Short-tailed Shearwater - 6
Sooty Shearwater - 16
Black-footed Albatross - 10
Northern Fulmar - 55
South Polar Skua - 2
Parasitic Jaeger - 2
Rhinoceros Auklet - 12
Cassin's Auklet - 21
Red Phalarope - 7
Glaucous-winged Gull - 3
Red-throated Loon - 13
Barrow's Goldeneye - 33

In and around Bodega Harbor and breakwaters were:

American White Pelican - 35
White-winged Scoter - 7
Common Loon - 10
Pacific Loon - 4
Red-throated Loon - 17
Brandt's Cormorant - 25
Pelagic Cormorant - 18
Common Murre - 41
Pigeon Guillemot - 8

A small group of Tricolored Blackbirds near the Tides Restaurant
capped off a great day's birding and desire for a return visit.


Good Birding!

Moez Ali
Tucson Az/Kenya
www.tropicalbirding.com
www.birding-america.com

Hi Birders,
 
Yesterday (10/29/07) I saw the continuing Tufted Duck, from the end of Conn  
Valley Road.  Also of interest were two Common Loons at the south end of  the 
lake.  I viewed them from the large pullout just west of the boat  launch.
 
Good birding,
Kathy Robertson
Hayward, CA



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Haven't seen any recent reports from Bolinas Lagoon, so I'll give a very  
brief report of a visit today. The wintering flocks are building in earnest.  
Thousands of Northern Pintail, and good numbers of Wigeon, including a number 
of 

Eurasian Wigeon (on the east shore and at Pine Gulch Creek Delta). Good 
numbers  of Surf Scoters, and increasing numbers of Ruddy Duck and Bufflehead. 
Didn't see  any Goldeneye or Mergansers. Highlight of the shorebird cast was a 
group of 70 Black Turnstones, probably passing through. Dunlin have increased, 

and a few  Whimbrels have arrived, along with the usual numbers of Long-billed 
Curlews,  Marbled Godwits, Black-bellied Plovers and Avocets. Peeps present 
but not seen at close range. Small numbers of grebes so far. Most unusual sight 

was  a good sized eared seal with large flippers, hauled out on the shore at  
Volunteer Canyon and not looking very healthy, presumably a Northern Fur 
Seal.  Marin Mammal Center notified and responded. Cheers, Len  Blumin



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Hi All,

  I added PYGMY NUTHATCH to my yard list yesterday 10/28. I heard 1-3
calling from a redwood tree.
  Upon arriving home from work at 0720 ish yesterday morning I saw a pair of
unusual birds flying over. The skies were heavily overcast at the time. Two
birds about the size of a Red-shouldered Hawk flew over with pointed wings
that were black / dark-brown on top. I basically had a rear end to the side
view of the two birds. The tails are what threw me since they were both very
long streaming and appeared to be forked. Also, the flight pattern was
extremely light/ graceful with very shallow slow wingbeats. I grabbed my
binoculars from the car just in time to see the rear left side od the two
birds as they vanished from view. About ten minutes later I drove the length
of Shiloh Road and then north on Windsor Road with no luck of relocating the
birds. The birds came from the vicinity of Airport Blvd. and the Old Redwood
Highway and were flying nw towards Shiloh Road in Windsor.

Good Birding,

Doug Shaw
Santa Rosa, CA

The Redwood Region Ornithological Society (RROS), which is an 
organization established in 1962 to encourage the study and 
conservation of birds, other wildlife, and their natural habitat has a 
Website (and has had a Website for a couple of years now).  On the 
Website you can find past observations of the past month in the North 
Bay area (as documented by Ruth Rudesill in PDF form), a calendar of 
upcoming meetings and field trips lead by experienced birders, and the 
latest RROS newsletter (in PDF Form).  In addition you will find a 
schedule of the upcoming Christmas Bird Counts in the North Bay area.  
The Website address (URL) is http://www.rros.org � please visit the 
Website.

Thanks,

Ron Storey (Webmaster for the RROS Website)
http://rros.org
Petaluma, CA