Birdingonthe.Net

Recent Postings from
Santa Barbara County

Updated on Friday, October 19 at 09:06 PM ET
The most recently received Mail is at the top.

Jeff Hanson, Adam Lewis and I were out today.  Found single Northern
Pintail at The sewage Plant. Later We had a single Red head at
Deveraux along with (I believe) several Lincoln Sparrows. Also the the
Merlin was in the dead tree at the bridge to nowhere. Pectoral
Sanpiper also was present.

David

Parasitic jaeger photo is here: [copy and paste the entire link from 
http through the last zero if it does not "click through"; or save time 
and just go to the "new photos" link in expanded view of "my groups"]:

http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/sbcobirding/photos/view/67ff?
b=44&m=f&o=0

As always, if my ID is incorrect, either as to age or species, please 
let me know!

Jim Greaves

A ratty-looking [what I assume to be adult] PARASITIC JAEGER was in 
the middle pond of Goleta Sanitary District around 4pm Friday 19 
October 2007 [photo to be posted shortly in appropriate folder]. 
After it bathed a few times, and drifted to and from the NE corner of 
that pond, it took flight and headed towards Goleta Beach, where we 
lost sight of it, and could not locate it when we went there later. 
Among warblers at GMSD were Yellow, yellowthroat, yellowbutt, 
Wilson's, Townsend's and a female Black-throated Gray. A few Least 
and Spotted sandpipers, a lot of Shovelers, mallards, a few Gadwall, 
and the more or less resident BnStilts and coots.

At Goleta Beach Park, the OSPREY continues, flying along north shore, 
then to a bare limb to eat something it caught; 4 Greater yellowlegs, 
3 Black-bellied plovers, a handful of Willets, Marbled godwits, Long-
billed curlews, 2 Killdeer; Ring-billed gulls are increasing in 
numbers now with representatives of most age classes... 

This morning there were about 150 skimmers at Ninos Drive puddle 
along Cabrillo x East Beach in Santa Barbara; the partially leucistic 
Heermann's gull continues at same location

- Jim and Lark

Hi Folks,
Liz and I had at least 5 LEWIS'S WOODPECKERS, and there were probably 
a few more, on the Lone Star Ranch at the East End yesterday. 

There were also quite a few peeps, dowitchers, yellowlegs, and ducks 
out on the mud flats at the East End. The place was hoppin'!

Melissa Kelly
Assistant Naturalist
Cachuma Lake County Park
Santa Barbara, CA

On Wednesday about 150-200-plus mostly or entirely Violet-green 
swallows circled over Lake Los Carneros heading easterly in the 
blustery wind - Jim Greaves

----- Original Message ----- 
From: AlineandCurtis AT aol.com 
To: joanlentz AT cox.net 
Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 8:54 PM
Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] White-faced Ibis i.d. questions


Actually I thought one had a reddish eye, which is good for White-faced.

Curtis

In a message dated 10/18/2007 8:53:21 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
joanlentz AT cox.net writes: 

  Hi All:
  Curtis Marantz has kindly commented on my query about the 3 White-faced
  Ibis on Atascadero Crk. and he believes that all of the birds are immatures
  (1st winter) and are thus basically unidentifiable as either White-faced or 
  Glossy
  Ibis, at least at this time of year. One of the birds appears to have a 
  faint tracing of white around the
  facial skin and a brown eye, which could be good for White-faced.
  It sounds to me that unless one is looking at an alternate plumaged 
  adult, these 2 species are very difficult to tell apart & the default 
  species should be White-faced, at least in Santa Barbara County so far.....
  Joan Lentz
  Santa Barbara



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

Hi All:
    Curtis Marantz has kindly commented on my query about the 3 White-faced
Ibis on Atascadero Crk. and he believes that all of the birds are immatures
(1st winter) and are thus basically unidentifiable as either White-faced or 
Glossy
Ibis, at least at this time of year.  One of the birds appears to have a 
faint tracing of white around the
facial skin and a brown eye, which could be good for White-faced.
    It sounds to me that unless one is looking at an alternate plumaged 
adult, these 2 species are very difficult to tell apart & the default 
species should be White-faced, at least in Santa Barbara County so far.....
    Joan Lentz
    Santa Barbara

Hi All,  Was looking for the Nelson's, no luck, but did observe 
a Blackpoll at the dam at about 4:00p.m.  Also seen yesterday 
about noon a pair of American Pipits on the slope at the dam.
Jim Long

Hi All, Was looking for the Nelson,s, no luck, but did observe a Black- 
poll at the dam for at least 10 min. 'bout 4:00p.m.   Also a pair of 
American Pipits yesterday on the slope at the dam around noon.  Jim

A single Chaetura swift, Vaux's based on coloration, was above  
Atascadero Creek close to Turnpike this morning. Also present: Black- 
throated Gray Warbler, Pine Siskin, and the 3 White-faced Ibis, which  
dropped in to feed at the S-bend.

At Elings Park this afternoon were 3 Chipping Sparrows.

Hugh R.
SB

The best birds I have turned up on campus over the last couple of days have 
been an American Pipit on the grass in front of the south-facing Manzanita 
dorms, and a Lincoln's Sparrow in the willows next to the northwest corner 
of the UCSB Lagoon, both yesterday.

Florence Sanchez

At noon today on the rocks below Campus Point were 5 Black Turnstones.   
Just East of the point, on the sandy beach near a high-tide pool was a 
lone Red Knot.    In the lagoon were 8 - 10 Eared Grebes, along with 10 
or 12 Pied-billed Grebes, and 5 Redhead.    Near the Faculty Club, in a 
small group of Willets and Kildeer was one Greater Yellowlegs.

Barb Millett
Santa Barbara

All:

 

I had about a 1 hour check of the creek mouth and campground area at El
Cap today. It was already rather windy. Only bird of interest was a
Red-breasted Sapsucker.

 

Nick Lethaby

DSP/BIOS, NDK, Codec Engine, xDAIS Product Manager

Texas Instruments


nlethaby AT ti.com

 



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

This morning, at least one Blackpoll Warbler was working the myoporums at the 
top of the slope above the main ponds at the Goleta sewage plant. A fair number 
of western migrant warblers remain. 

   
 Also, there were more Northern Shovelers in the ponds (~360) than I've ever 
seen here, which is saying something. 

   
  Dave Compton
  Santa Barbara


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

After lunch I observed an osprey diving into the slough.  They've been 
visiting the slough for a few months.

Video at
http://www.birdcinema.com/view_video.php?viewkey=c6e155062f3dd4f0b2b0 

Adam Lewis

Follow up to Joan's post...  Jeff Hanson and I put together our 
pictures for your comments per Joan's request. 

Pictures at 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbfledgling/sets//show/ 

and video at 
http://www.birdcinema.com/view_video.php?viewkey=94d14a1767f14eb6fba8 

Thanks,
Adam Lewis and Jeff Hanson

By 1620 when I left, 2 men from Fresno and I had spent about 2 hours, 
with no show by Nelson's sparrow, 17 Oct 2007. Hope the food at the dam 
wasn't washed away by last week-end's rain! - Jim Greaves

Hi All:
    This morning there were 3, presumably White-faced, Ibis actively feeding 
and very approachable in the creekbed as we looked from the bikepath along 
Atascadero Crk.
    Adam Lewis and Jeff Hanson may have some decent photos, which they hope 
to post to the group.
    Would one of you who knows the fine points of ibis i.d. please tell us 
what we should look for to distinguish Glossy from White-faced in basic 
and/or juvenile plumage?
    You can respond to me personally or perhaps to sbcobirding.  I think 
others might be interested?
    Joan Lentz
    Santa Barbara 

At about 10;00 am, we stopped by the Goleta sewage treatment plant in a 
failed attempt to find the Blackpoll Warbler.  We did see YELLOW-RUMPED 
WARBLERS, YELLOW WARBLERS, WILSON'S WARBLERS, BLACK-THROATED GREY 
WARBLERS, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS and one NORTHERN PARULA.   The 
Northern Parula was in one of the short palm tree plants at the base of 
the myraporum trees on the west side of the ponds.  The flock was 
active, moving up and down the line of trees.

Bill and Elaine Uomini
Goleta

I heard the Virginia's calling yesterday just before dusk. It was just upstream 
of the railroad bridge. No luck with the Le Conte's then, but it was getting 
dark and birds were going to sleep. I also saw three Ibis flying south over the 
bird refuge around dusk yesterday, the first I have seen on the south coast 
outside of the Goleta Slough area. 

   
 Just a quick note on invasion species; another one to watch for this year is 
Lewis's Woodpecker, as they have been showing up in the lowlands in other 
counties, and it could be a good year for them. 

  
Oscar Johnson
  Santa Barbara/Ventura

Jim Greaves  wrote:
 I last saw Virginia's warbler when it flew from toyon-like shrub left 

of white bike/rock pile to NE corner of Chase Palm park, disappearing 
into Myoporum between park and construction, at 3:40 pm on Monday 15 
Oct 2007. It followed an Orange-crowned warbler, which returned alone a 
few minutes later; I had no "detection" of Spizella in 3 hours I was 
there on Monday, including brief walk through the park to the east end 
Myoporum - Jim Greaves

--- In sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com, "Lethaby, Nick"  
wrote:
>
> All:> 
> Dave, myself and others were looking and taping for the bird. I did a 
pretty systematic flush of the weedy area on the other side of the 
ditch and found zilch. No sign of the Virginia's as well.
> 
Nick Lethaby



                         
 
       
---------------------------------
Catch up on fall's hot new shows on Yahoo! TV. Watch previews, get listings, 
and more! 


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

At 6 pm this evening a Pacific Golden Plover was hunkering down in the 
strong winds near the mouth of Goleta Slough. It was easily seen from 
the east parking lot. This morning when I checked the slough it wasn't 
there, so I'm presuming this is a layover spot until the winds calm 
down.  Several times it was chased by a BB Plover, making the size 
difference between the two birds quite apparent.

Earlier, I stopped by the GSD plant and saw the continuing Blackpoll 
Warbler and a Black-throated Gray Warbler in the myoporum west of the 
ponds. One Red-necked Phalarope remains in the south pond.

Kyle Braunger

Regarding the interesting discussion about a possible montane invasive
year, this afternoon I noted a small flock of Pine Siskins on our
niger feeder, forcing the Lessers off. This is the first time we have
observed this species at our house, in the La Cumbre-Foothill area.
Jared Dawson
Santa Barbara

Too early to tell one way or the other. Impossible to tease out Zaca 
Fire affected bird from a "normal" invasive. If we are IN an invasion, 
where are the crossbills, creepers, evening grosbeaks, varied 
thrushes, white-headed woodpeckers, and other species associated with 
such events in the past several decades? Certainly not on the South 
Coast, and by recent rare accounts, not along Camino Cielo, where one 
might expect to see some of them by NOW. As for Zaca Fire displaced 
birds, how to tell a larger than "usual" number of a species in a 
given area is not just result of greater than "usual" survival? -- Jim 
Greaves

There is no doubt it's a montane year. I think it is possible that the
high numbers of Pygmy Nuthatches on Figueroa is due to displacement as
this species breeds elsewhere in the San Rafaels.

 

________________________________

From: sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of asekoonce
Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 1:13 PM
To: sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com
Subject: [sbcobirding] Re: Montane Invasion Year?

 

I wanted to add to this discussion that there may be a bit more going
on than the fire. Across the LA basin, there are reports of a montane
invasion. For instance, Brown Creepers have been reported from
several places in the lowlands. There was also one last week in
Ridgecrest; and Pine Siskins, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and higher than
usual numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches and Townsend's Solitaires
were present across eastern Kern County last weekend as well.

Sandy

Sandy Koonce
Department of Mathematics 
University of Redlands, Redlands, CA 92373
sandy_koonce AT redlands.edu  

--- In sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com
 , David Compton 
wrote:
>
> Hi Chet and everyone,
> 
> I think we should definitely keep in mind that birds displaced by
the Zaca Fire may have made their way to the lowlands, although it may
not necessarily be the best explanation for any birds showing up now,
six weeks after the fire was contained. Also, this probably wouldn't
explain Clark's Nutcrackers and Cassin's Finches at Figueroa Mtn,
since these species are not generally associated with the areas that
burned. Mountain Chickadees and Pygmy Nuthatches are another matter.
> 
> Dave Compton
> Santa Barbara

 



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

I wanted to add to this discussion that there may be a bit more going
on than the fire.  Across the LA basin, there are reports of a montane
invasion.  For instance, Brown Creepers have been reported from
several places in the lowlands.  There was also one last week in
Ridgecrest; and Pine Siskins, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and higher than
usual numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches and Townsend's Solitaires
were present across eastern Kern County last weekend as well.

Sandy

Sandy Koonce
Department of Mathematics 
University of Redlands, Redlands, CA 92373
sandy_koonce AT redlands.edu

--- In sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com, David Compton  wrote:
>
> Hi Chet and everyone,
>    
>   I think we should definitely keep in mind that birds displaced by
the Zaca Fire may have made their way to the lowlands, although it may
not necessarily be the best explanation for any birds showing up now,
six weeks after the fire was contained. Also, this probably wouldn't
explain Clark's Nutcrackers and Cassin's Finches at Figueroa Mtn,
since these species are not generally associated with the areas that
burned. Mountain Chickadees and Pygmy Nuthatches are another matter.
>    
>   Dave Compton
>   Santa Barbara

Hi Chet and everyone,
   
 I think we should definitely keep in mind that birds displaced by the Zaca 
Fire may have made their way to the lowlands, although it may not necessarily 
be the best explanation for any birds showing up now, six weeks after the fire 
was contained. Also, this probably wouldn't explain Clark's Nutcrackers and 
Cassin's Finches at Figueroa Mtn, since these species are not generally 
associated with the areas that burned. Mountain Chickadees and Pygmy Nuthatches 
are another matter. 

   
  Dave Compton
  Santa Barbara

Chet ogan  wrote:
  RE Montane invasion,

The Zaca Fire may have displaced many birds and
may account in part for some of the "montane invasion"
as the usual altitudinal migrants fan into the
lowlands.

Chet Ogan


--- Kyle Braunger wrote:

> Today while working at a residence near the top of
> the Campanil Hills, 
> at least one Mtn. Chickadee was moving about in 
> conifers on the 
> property throughout the day. This seems a bit
> earlier than usual for 
> Mtn. Chickadees at this location. Last week I heard
> a RB Nuthatch in 
> pines at a residence in Mission Cyn. There was a
> recent report of 
> another RB Nuthatch at Tucker's Grove and there have
> also been a 
> number of reports of Pine Siskins at feeders this
> fall. A report from 
> Figueroa Mtn. a few weeks back indicated a
> substantial number of 
> nuthatches in that area after an almost complete
> absence of both RB 
> and Pygmy Nuthatches there last spring. Could
> these be early signs 
> of a potential "montane invasion year"?
> 
> We've heard the term, but what defines such a year? 
> Are there other 
> factors involved besides weather and changes in the
> food supply that 
> would cause a number of mountain birds to winter in
> the lowlands?
> 
> Information on this topic directed towards the group
> would be much 
> appreciated not only be me, but I'm sure by other
> group members as 
> well. Thank you.
> 
> Kyle Braunger
> 
> 


Imagine there's no countries . . .It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for . . . . And no religion too
Imagine all the people . . . .. .Living life in peace...
- J Lennon-

Chet Ogan
chet_ogan AT yahoo.com



For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com
. 
Yahoo! Groups Links






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

After birding Ocean Park (and seeing 4 Pectoral Sandpipers on the sandbar in 
front of the steps) this morning, Wes & I drove around the Lompoc ag fields to 
look for pipit/longspur flocks. At a field north of Central, east of Union 
Sugar and west of a couple of white water towers, I saw a Red-throated Pipit 
only about 50 ft from the road. Over the next 3 hrs, we discovered that there 
were 3 Red-throated Pipits, as we stalked the birds for good photo 
documentation. There was one really fantastic looking warm-colored probable 
adult male, one other adult and one probable juvenile. 

 Note to pipit hunters: the habitat is massive west of Lompoc. Once you step 
off the road, the fields are private property. The dirt clods are huge, furrows 
are deep and the wind blows about 25 mph! It was extremely cold. My photos are 
of dirt clods, but Wes has 2 fairly nice photos. Just ask if you would like to 
see them. 

   
  Cher Hollingworth
  Lompoc


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

We had a couple of interesting birds this morning. In a flock of ~30 Canada 
Gooses was one White-fronted Goose. All were flying W towards Ocean Meadows 
Golf Course. Later, a Bobolink was in the marsh just 50-60m SW of the 
intersection of Los Carneros x Mesa Rds. Very many Lincoln's Sparrows are 
passing through now. We must have had 20 of them on our survey. 


Mark Holmgren
Santa Barbara

       
---------------------------------
Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and 
lay it on us. 


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

I last saw Virginia's warbler when it flew from toyon-like shrub left 
of white bike/rock pile to NE corner of Chase Palm park, disappearing 
into Myoporum between park and construction, at 3:40 pm on Monday 15 
Oct 2007. It followed an Orange-crowned warbler, which returned alone a 
few minutes later; I had no "detection" of Spizella in 3 hours I was 
there on Monday, including brief walk through the park to the east end 
Myoporum - Jim Greaves

--- In sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com, "Lethaby, Nick"  
wrote:
>
> All:> 
> Dave, myself and others were looking and taping for the bird. I did a 
pretty systematic flush of the weedy area on the other side of the 
ditch and found zilch. No sign of the Virginia's as well.
> 
Nick Lethaby

All:

 

Dave, myself and others were looking and taping for the bird. I did a
pretty systematic flush of the weedy area on the other side of the ditch
and found zilch. No sign of the Virginia's as well.

 

Nick Lethaby


nlethaby AT ti.com

 



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

I don't know about other people's Condors, But I saw mine in the wild 
before they were all rounded up and captured.  Perhaps that's the case for 
other people as well.

Florence Sanchez


--On Tuesday, October 16, 2007 4:06 PM +0000 Jim Greaves 
 wrote:

>
>
>
>
> I know that "listing" is just a game. Given that, I wonder
> about "rules" that limit the list to only those accepted by other than
> particular county participants...
>
> Trumpeter swan got here on its own from site of fledging a few years
> ago, yet is not accepted because it was tagged and transplanted to its
> foster parents... Were several potential sightings in 1980's or so
> (and later?) not sufficiently proven?
>
> Condor, NONE of which is countable, IS on the list... Shouldn't it be
> called "temporarily extinct in the wild" until it IS countable?
>
> Just wondering when we can count Condors; if we can't count them yet,
> should they not be removed until such time as they "occur" here? Is
> the once-free-flying female that was released last year still alive,
> and if seen, is she countable? (or did she recently die?)
>
> Happy hunting!
>
> Jim Greaves
>
>  

I know that "listing" is just a game. Given that, I wonder 
about "rules" that limit the list to only those accepted by other than 
particular county participants...

Trumpeter swan got here on its own from site of fledging a few years 
ago, yet is not accepted because it was tagged and transplanted to its 
foster parents... Were several potential sightings in 1980's or so 
(and later?) not sufficiently proven?

Condor, NONE of which is countable, IS on the list... Shouldn't it be 
called "temporarily extinct in the wild" until it IS countable?

Just wondering when we can count Condors; if we can't count them yet, 
should they not be removed until such time as they "occur" here? Is 
the once-free-flying female that was released last year still alive, 
and if seen, is she countable? (or did she recently die?)

Happy hunting!

Jim Greaves

Based on Wes Fritz's sightings of Clark's Nutcracker, Cassin's Finches,
and numerous Pygmy Nuthatches on Figueroa and numerous Mtn Chickadees
everywhere in S. Cal, we are having a montane invasion year. I think
it's food related. Normally these are on a 4-year cycle and I would have
expected next to be better rather than this one.

 

________________________________

From: sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of Kyle Braunger
Sent: Monday, October 15, 2007 8:22 PM
To: sbcobirding AT yahoogroups.com
Subject: [sbcobirding] Montane Invasion Year?

 

Today while working at a residence near the top of the Campanil Hills, 
at least one Mtn. Chickadee was moving about in conifers on the 
property throughout the day. This seems a bit earlier than usual for 
Mtn. Chickadees at this location. Last week I heard a RB Nuthatch in 
pines at a residence in Mission Cyn. There was a recent report of 
another RB Nuthatch at Tucker's Grove and there have also been a 
number of reports of Pine Siskins at feeders this fall. A report from 
Figueroa Mtn. a few weeks back indicated a substantial number of 
nuthatches in that area after an almost complete absence of both RB 
and Pygmy Nuthatches there last spring. Could these be early signs 
of a potential "montane invasion year"?

We've heard the term, but what defines such a year? Are there other 
factors involved besides weather and changes in the food supply that 
would cause a number of mountain birds to winter in the lowlands?

Information on this topic directed towards the group would be much 
appreciated not only be me, but I'm sure by other group members as 
well. Thank you.

Kyle Braunger

 



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

RE Montane invasion,

    The Zaca Fire may have displaced many birds and
may account in part for some of the "montane invasion"
as the usual altitudinal migrants fan into the
lowlands.

Chet Ogan


--- Kyle Braunger  wrote:

> Today while working at a residence near the top of
> the Campanil Hills, 
> at least one Mtn. Chickadee was  moving about in 
> conifers on the 
> property throughout the day. This seems a bit
> earlier than usual for 
> Mtn. Chickadees at this location. Last week I heard
> a RB Nuthatch in 
> pines at a residence in Mission Cyn. There was a
> recent report of 
> another RB Nuthatch at Tucker's Grove and there have
> also been a 
> number of reports of Pine Siskins at feeders this
> fall. A report from 
> Figueroa Mtn. a few weeks back indicated a
> substantial number of 
> nuthatches in that area after an almost complete
> absence of both RB 
> and Pygmy Nuthatches there last spring.   Could
> these be early signs 
> of a  potential "montane invasion year"?
>  
> We've heard the term, but what defines such a year? 
> Are there other 
> factors involved besides weather and changes in the
> food supply that 
> would cause a  number of mountain birds to winter in
> the lowlands?
> 
> Information on this topic directed towards the group
> would be much 
> appreciated not only be me, but I'm sure by other
> group members as 
> well. Thank you.
> 
> Kyle Braunger
> 
> 


Imagine there's no countries . . .It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for . . . . And no religion too
Imagine all the people . . . .. .Living life in peace...
- J Lennon-

Chet Ogan
chet_ogan AT yahoo.com

Today while working at a residence near the top of the Campanil Hills, 
at least one Mtn. Chickadee was  moving about in  conifers on the 
property throughout the day. This seems a bit earlier than usual for 
Mtn. Chickadees at this location. Last week I heard a RB Nuthatch in 
pines at a residence in Mission Cyn. There was a recent report of 
another RB Nuthatch at Tucker's Grove and there have also been a 
number of reports of Pine Siskins at feeders this fall. A report from 
Figueroa Mtn. a few weeks back indicated a substantial number of 
nuthatches in that area after an almost complete absence of both RB 
and Pygmy Nuthatches there last spring.   Could these be early signs 
of a  potential "montane invasion year"?
 
We've heard the term, but what defines such a year?  Are there other 
factors involved besides weather and changes in the food supply that 
would cause a  number of mountain birds to winter in the lowlands?

Information on this topic directed towards the group would be much 
appreciated not only be me, but I'm sure by other group members as 
well. Thank you.

Kyle Braunger

Hi All:
    Today in bird class this a.m. we were unable to find the sparrow at Lake
Los Carneros on the dam, but Vicki Menzies, one of the participants, went 
back in the
afternoon bet/ 3:00-3:30 pm & saw the Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow at the
far west end of the dam, around the 2nd or 3rd post in towards the center. 
It was being chased back into the reeds by a White-crowned Sparrow, she 
said.
    Joan Lentz
    Santa Barbara

There is a male Greater Scaup at Devereux giving much better looks than last 
year's birds there. Other diving ducks were 2-3 Surf Scoters, a Redhead, and a 
Ring-necked Duck. 



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

This morning, 15 Oct 2007, Ninos Drive, parking lot wetland, south of 
Cabrillo in Santa Barbara [also known as East Beach volley ball area]: 
a partially leucistic HEERMANN'S GULL and an almost adult HERRING GULL 
were among California, Western gulls, Elegant terns, and 300 BLACK 
SKIMMERS. 1 Black-bellied plover and several each Willets and Marbled 
godwits were the only shorebirds. An adult Heermann's chased the pale 
one towards the west, and a sign blocked my view so I could not see if 
it came down in the next group of gulls by the west end of Cabrillo 
Arts center, or continued to fly. Both Cackling geese were still in the 
Mission-Laguna outfalls laguna; 4 Least peeps the only shorebirds... - 
Jim Greaves

To use the vernacular I was a "dipper" on LeConte's Sparrow as of 5:15 
pm when I left, about time sun was poking under clouds. There were 
western bluebirds, a Virginia's warbler, Orange-crowned and yellows, 
and yellowthroats, Lincoln's, Song and White-crowned sparrows. But no 
mousy little bird... - Jim Greaves

As Guy Tingos reported a little while ago, the LeConte's Sparrow has not been 
refound (now as of 2:30pm). But since it was posted to both of these lists, 
here are more exact directions: 

   
 Park in the parking lot on the west side of Garden St, just north of the Santa 
Barbara waterfront and just south of the railroad tracks. (There is an exit for 
Garden St on 101.) Follow the tracks east for about 200 meters, to an area with 
an east-west ditch that is lined with cattails and bulrush. The bird was seen, 
very briefly, at a spot where there is a red bicycle and a pile of rocks. If 
the bicycle is gone, look for the rocks on the north side of the tracks. The 
bird was in Bermuda grass and in the ditch. There is plenty of space between 
the ditch and the tracks, but please be careful of trains. Also, the north side 
of the ditch is a popular area for the homeless to sleep, with all that 
entails. One of the businesses with a fence line near the ditch apparently 
keeps dogs on the OUTSIDE of the fence, presumably tied up. I assume the dogs 
will be there after (and before) business hours. 

   
 A somewhat late Virginia's Warbler was on the north side of the ditch near the 
LeConte's spot. An unidentified Spizella was also in the area, and one birder 
reported seeing a Tropical Kingbird in nearby Chase Palm Park (south side of 
the tracks). 

   
 It is mostly cloudy in Santa Barbara at the moment, but the sun is just coming 
out. I'm not sure what it will be like by the end of the day. 

   
  Dave Compton
  Santa Barbara

Rebecca Coulter  wrote:
  Dave Compton just called to say that Wes Fritz has found a LE CONTE'S 
SPARROW near Chase Palm Park along the RR tracks. More specific 
directions will follow, but best bet for now is to park on Garden St. 
just above Cabrillo and walk east along the RR tracks until you see 
Dave/Wes, etc.

Updates to follow.
Rebecca Coulter
Santa Barbara



For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com
. 
Yahoo! Groups Links






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

As Guy Tingos reported a little while ago, the LeConte's Sparrow has not been 
refound (now as of 2:30pm). But since it was posted to both of these lists, 
here are more exact directions: 

   
 Park in the parking lot on the west side of Garden St, just north of the Santa 
Barbara waterfront and just south of the railroad tracks. (There is an exit for 
Garden St on 101.) Follow the tracks east for about 200 meters, to an area with 
an east-west ditch that is lined with cattails and bulrush. The bird was seen, 
very briefly, at a spot where there is a red bicycle and a pile of rocks. If 
the bicycle is gone, look for the rocks on the north side of the tracks. The 
bird was in Bermuda grass and in the ditch. There is plenty of space between 
the ditch and the tracks, but please be careful of trains. Also, the north side 
of the ditch is a popular area for the homeless to sleep, with all that 
entails. One of the businesses with a fence line near the ditch apparently 
keeps dogs on the OUTSIDE of the fence, presumably tied up. I assume the dogs 
will be there after (and before) business hours. 

   
 A somewhat late Virginia's Warbler was on the north side of the ditch near the 
LeConte's spot. An unidentified Spizella was also in the area, and one birder 
reported seeing a Tropical Kingbird in nearby Chase Palm Park (south side of 
the tracks). 

   
 It is mostly cloudy in Santa Barbara at the moment, but the sun is just coming 
out. I'm not sure what it will be like by the end of the day. 

   
  Dave Compton
  Santa Barbara

Rebecca Coulter  wrote:
  Dave Compton just called to say that Wes Fritz has found a LE CONTE'S 
SPARROW near Chase Palm Park along the RR tracks. More specific 
directions will follow, but best bet for now is to park on Garden St. 
just above Cabrillo and walk east along the RR tracks until you see 
Dave/Wes, etc.

Updates to follow.
Rebecca Coulter
Santa Barbara



For everything birding in Santa Barbara County: http://www.sbcobirding.com
. 
Yahoo! Groups Links






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

Just coming to this argument late. Looking at Jim's pictures in the
photo section of sbcobirding, I am reminded of the descriptions of the
two Whimbrel subspecies in "Trans-Beringian  Comparisons of
Mitochondrial DNA Differentiation in Birds" (Zink et al 1995):

"Numenius p. variegates is smaller than hudsonicus and also differs in
coloration.  Numenius p. variegates has a whitish rump whereas
hudsonicus is uniformly dark, contrasting little in appearance with
its back; variegatus also lacks the buffy background color in its
venter that characterizes hudsonicus.  The difference in background
coloration gives variegates a strikingly whiter or grayer overall
appearance."  

This bird is strikingly whiter and grayer overall and is not buff in
the vent.  If for some other reason this bird is not variegatus I
would suggest it is not a hybrid, but is a bird missing the red or
orange color gene.  A schizochroistic or orangeless mutant. There is
an article in Birding magazine talking about bird pigments and mutants
and stuff. Color Abnormalities in Birds: A Proposed Nomenclature for
Birders by JEFF N. DAVIS.

Mark Brown
Santa Maria

As of 1:30 this afternoon, the Le Conte's Sparrow reported from Santa Barbara 
had not be refound. 


Guy Tingos
Santa Barbara, CA

As of 1:30 this afternoon, the Le Conte's Sparrow reported from Santa Barbara 
had not be refound. 


Guy Tingos
Santa Barbara, CA

Dave Compton just called to say that Wes Fritz has found a LE CONTE'S  
SPARROW near Chase Palm Park along the RR tracks. More specific  
directions will follow, but best bet for now is to park on Garden St.  
just above Cabrillo and walk east along the RR tracks until you see  
Dave/Wes, etc.

Updates to follow.
Rebecca Coulter
Santa Barbara

 While birding on the UCSB campus this morning at the Manzanita Village 
restoration site, our volunteer Jodi Brown pointed out to me a small 
hummingbird perched a few feet away from us. I recognized it as an immature or 
female Costa�s Hummingbird. The bird was in the East-West arm of the �L-shaped� 
restoration area, closer to the dorms than to the ocean. There were also 
present lots of Zonotrichia sparrows, Lincoln�s Sparrow, House Wren, and a few 
gnatcatchers. 

      Mark Holmgren
Santa Barbara
  
       
---------------------------------
Building a website is a piece of cake. 
Yahoo! Small Business gives you all the tools to get online.

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

All:

 

Did I mention the NW wind? As in September, we got a pretty steady dose
of W/NW winds again, although birding was fortunately better. However,
we failed to find any new county or state birds. We were lucky even to
get on the island since the camping was booked out, but the biologist
helped get us permission to stay after all.

 

Day 1: Boat trip was again v. poor with a few jaegers and storm-petrels.
On the island the wind was not too bad. Lots of birds compared to a
September visit but entirely due to plentiful White-crowned and Savannah
Sparrows. Highlight was a Prairie Warbler (photographed by Wes), along
with a Sage Thrasher, Burrowing Owl, 5 harriers, and 2 Ospreys. That
night the rain arrived early effectively shutting down migration from
the N.

 

Day 2: By dawn we were facing a brisk W. wind. Although our initial
experience suggested not much had arrived, persistent searching paid off
in a nice run of empids - single Western, Gray, Hammond's, and Dusky -
all giving really good views, along with a Thick-billed Fox Sparrow and
a confiding Macgillivray's Warbler. A Lawrence's Goldfinch near the
landing area was a nice bonus.

 

Day 3: The W. wind persisted all night long. Fortunately the skies were
clear and a surprising number of birds came in off the ocean although
many never landed or touched down just briefly before departing. There
were more western warblers around including a Palm seen briefly just by
me. Wes quickly got revenge by seeing a Lesser Nighthawk that we
couldn't refind despite a 30-minute search. An additional Burrowing Owl
was found as well as a Short-eared. We had good looks a Green-tailed
Towhee, a female Slate-colored Junco, and a selection of Fox Sparrow
races. The hoped for 'Montane Express' finally arrived in the form of a
heard-only Pine Siskin! A bit better were nice looks at a Golden-crowned
Kinglet. The return boat trip was pretty quiet except for a number of
Black and Ashy Storm-Petrels.

 

For me surprises were the lack of Merlins and only a single Sage
Thrasher.

 

Nick Lethaby

DSP/BIOS, NDK, Codec Engine, xDAIS Product Manager

Texas Instruments


nlethaby AT ti.com

 



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

At Devereux on Sunday afternoon, Kyle, Lark and I saw a Red-shouldered 
hawk land about 100 meters around the corner towards NW of south 
pullout, stalk on ground, then take 10 or so foot flight a foot above 
lake edge and catch a Sora, dart back to shore and eat it just inside a 
partial shield of tules. There were FOUR Pectoral spipers, one of which 
is larger, orangish-breasted one I hope was Sharptail, obviously a 
juvenile, and based on size next to one with it often feeds, a likely 
male. Latter birds with dowitchers, noisy killdeer, 2 greater y-legs, a 
spotted spiper, all feeding along road just north of south pullout and 
up to the curve just past the middle unofficial pullout.

Jim and Lark

Red-breasted Sapsucker at large peppertree on east side of Cambridge at 
the pine pocket park (corner Valera?). Several Golden-crowned sparrows.

Munia flock at Ward end of bike path along Atascadero Creek, adults and 
juveniles; a Western tanager, a Wilson's warbler, pair of Hutton's 
vireo, a Say's phoebe, a Western bluebird (male), and about 10 American 
pipits the only "good" birds encountered along or near the Patterson to 
Ward Drive bike path. Townsend's and other expected warblers; several 
Golden-crowned sparrows here as well. No flycatchers or rarities.

A Peregrine flew over car, 15 feet above street, heading easterly, as 
we passed the z-curve north edge of Goleta sewer SW corner of airport.

An Osprey flew west fast from the east while we were at parking area 
east end Goleta Beach park, landing in cormorant tree over the parking 
lot at Goleta Beach restaurant, dropped like a peregrine into water and 
caught 2 sardines at once, flew to cormorant roost, feasted on one, 
dropped the other which was run over... osprey looked at it a few times 
when he had finished the other, but someone picked it up and tossed it 
into water. An adult Cooper's hawk flew into tree and perched 20 feet 
away, not close enough for a 2-fer photo, then was harassed out by 
cormorants. Finally Osprey flew out after harassment by several adult 
cormorants seeking roosts near sundown, but not before feigning attack 
on one of them - osprey flew north out of sight from our vantage point 
behind hedge. A female Townsend's warbler flew into hedge and fed along 
parking north edge. No unusual whimbrels, godwits (3 and 8 present; 7 
or more L-b curlews and 3 Greater yellowlegs still present with one 
Black-bellied plover, up to 5 Spotted spipers and numerous willets).

Jim and Lark

Hi, all.  Up to 7 of us were looking for the sparrow between 5 pm and 
6:30.  Finally, at 6:30, the woman from San Jose (sorry I forgot your 
name) had it in the brush/fennel to the East end of the dam. 
Yelling, "There he is!" I got there quick enough to see something fly, 
but that was all. Could not refind. Found every other blinkin' blue-
gray gnatcatcher, etc. Sigh.  Oh, well, it is still there for tomorrow.

Other interesting birds:  a merlin returning twice to the top of the 
evergreen on the freeway side of the dam.  Second time eating berries!  
While I was hunting in the reeds at the sides of the dam, watched a 
marsh wren preening for five minutes, an immature Wilson's warbler, and 
a Sora came out in the low light.  Kingfisher flyover right at sunset.  
Coyotes howling, and a bobcat wandered by, spotted by David and 
Rebecca,of Zone-tailed fame, who came over from playing music all day.  
A fun time was had by all.  Kay Regester, Ventura

Sunday, 10/14, 3 pm

The Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow was out feeding on the fennel on the 
slope above the middle of the dam at Lake Los Carneros this afternoon. 
It let me linger about 15 feet away while foraging in full sun giving 
excellent looks at every feature. It finally flew off into the reeds 
west of the dam.

Rob Lindsay

Howdy Folks,
A couple of surprises this week: 
about 30 TREE SWALLOWS flew over the boat Friday afternoon, and
a male MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD was in the campground behind the General 
Store this morning. By our records this is a new species for the 
Cachuma list. Lehman mentions one near Cachuma in Jan 1981, but not 
at Cachuma.
Also a MYSTERY GULL; I haven't had much experience with Thayer's 
Gull, but if anyone else is out this way to check it out, it's been 
sitting on the marina log line since Friday;  we haven't seen it fly; 
largish adult with lightish mantle, yellow bill, pink legs and dark 
eyes.
A CACKLING GOOSE was sitting on Storke Flat Friday afternoon, but I 
didn't see it today. 
The WHITE PELICANS are apparently gone, we have just 5-6 EARED GREBES 
around, and we're still seeing at least WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS in the 
air back towards the mountains. 
NORTHERN SHOVELERS and a couple of GADWALL at the East End are the 
only ducks around. 

Birds of Cachuma Lake   Monday-Sunday Oct 8-14, 2007

All sightings by Liz Mason and Melissa Kelly


Eared Grebe	Podiceps nigricollis
Pied-billed Grebe	Podilymbus podiceps
Western Grebe	Aechmophorus occidentalis
Clark's Grebe	Aechmophorus clarkii
Double-crested Cormorant	Phalacrocorax auritus
Great Blue Heron	Ardea herodias
Great Egret	Ardea alba
Mute Swan	Cygnus olor
Cackling Goose	Branta hutchinsii
Gadwall	Anas strepera
Northern Shoveler	Anas clypeata
Ruddy Duck	Oxyura jamaicensis
Turkey Vulture	Cathartes aura
Northern Harrier	Circus cyaneus
White-tailed Kite	Elanus leucurus
Cooper's Hawk	Accipiter cooperii
Red-shouldered Hawk	Buteo lineatus
Red-tailed Hawk	Buteo jamaicensis
Bald Eagle	Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Osprey	Pandion haliaetus
Merlin	Falco columbarius
American Kestrel	Falco sparverius
California Quail	Callipepla californica
American Coot	Fulica americana
Killdeer	Charadrius vociferus
Spotted Sandpiper	Actitis macularia
California Gull	Larus californicus
Mourning Dove	Zenaida macroura
Band-tailed Pigeon	Columba fasciata
Greater Roadrunner	Geococcyx californianus
White-throated Swift	Aeronautes saxatalis
Anna's Hummingbird	Calypte anna
Belted Kingfisher	Ceryle alcyon
Acorn Woodpecker	Melanerpes formicivorus
Nuttall's Woodpecker	Picoides nuttallii
Northern Flicker	Colaptes auratus
Black Phoebe	Sayornis nigricans
Western Scrub-Jay	Aphelocoma californica
American Crow	Corvus brachyrhynchos
Tree Swallow	Tachycineta bicolor
Oak Titmouse	Baeolophus inornatus
Bushtit	Psaltriparus minimus
White-breasted Nuthatch	Sitta carolinensis
Bewick's Wren	Thryomanes bewickii
Wrentit	Chamaea fasciata
Western Bluebird	Sialia mexicana
Mountain Bluebird 	Sialia currucoides
California Thrasher	Toxostoma redivivum
European Starling	Sturnus vulgaris
Yellow-rumped Warbler	Dendroica  coronata
Common Yellowthroat	Geothlypis trichas
Spotted Towhee	Pipilo maculatus
California Towhee	Pipilo crissalis
White-crowned Sparrow	Zonotrichia leucophrys
Song Sparrow	Melospiza melodia
Dark-eyed Junco	Junco hyemalis
Brown-headed Cowbird	Molothrus ater
Red-winged Blackbird	Agelaius phoeniceus
Brewer's Blackbird	Euphagus cyanocephalus
Great-tailed Grackle	Quiscalus mexicanus
House Finch	Carpodacus mexicanus
Lesser Goldfinch	Carduelis psaltria
House Sparrow	Passer domesticus



Melissa Kelly
Ass't Naturalist
Cachuma Lake County Park
Santa Barbara County, CA