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16 May New Yard Bird today Rose-breasted Grosbeak ["TA Blackman" ] 15 May Black Swifts over Poway - 15 May [Jim Pawlicki ] 15 May More Tierrasanta Black Swifts, 5-15-12 [Jay K ] 16 May follow-up to Hummingbird ID help photos at http://bit.ly/KaMMop ["stevan" ] 15 May Re: Northern Parula @ Zoo ["Trent R. Stanley" ] 15 May may 26-28 pelagic trip aboard Searcher [celia condit ] 15 May Re: Northern Parula @ Zoo ["Bruce Rideout" ] 15 May Northern Parula @ Zoo ["Trent R. Stanley" ] 15 May results of today's 14 May 2012 San Elijo monthly bird count ["rtpatton02" ] 14 May Black Swifts in Tierrasanta (Photos), 5-14-12 [Jay K ] 14 May hummingbird id question ["stevan" ] 14 May Re: unknown blue bird in Tijuana River Valley ["Eitan" ] 14 May SDFO May 2012 Meeting - Joe Sweeney [BJ Stacey ] 14 May unknown blue bird in Tijuana River Valley [] 13 May Someone told me to go fly a kite ... [Jack Daynes ] 13 May Clay-colored Sparrow at Fort Rosecrans - 13 May ["jmpawli10" ] 13 May Black Swift in east El Cajon, 5-13-12 [Jay K ] 13 May Re: Fort Rosecrans Sat AM ~ Balt continues ["ERIC" ] 13 May Lilac-crowned parrots ["kguyer25" ] 13 May Black-and-white Warbler Sorrento Valley photos ["stevan" ] 12 May RE: Barrel Spring and points south, 12 May 2012 (additional notes) ["Geoffrey Rogers" ] 12 May Barrel Spring and points south, 12 May 2012 (additional notes) ["Geoffrey Rogers" ] 12 May Barrel Spring and points south, 12 May 2012 ["Geoffrey Rogers" ] 12 May Famosa Slough ["bicyclebirder" ] 12 May I have a photo need an ID [Sharon Muczynski ] 12 May Jacumba 5- 11 & 12 ["ERIC" ] 12 May Fort Rosecrans Sat AM ["TA Blackman" ] 12 May New Burrowing Owls and Pt Loma Highlights, 5-12-12 [Jay K ] 11 May Tijuana River Valley, Metro Waste Revegetation Site, Old Dairy Mart Rd, W-turf farm [Michael Evans ] 11 May RE: Western Bluebird expansion ["Winnie Arnn" ] 11 May SeaWorld ["bicyclebirder" ] 11 May Re: Western Bluebird expansion [John Walters ] 11 May Continuing Wilson's phalaropes at San Dieguito River Park ["uwviper" ] 11 May Western Bluebird expansion ["Doug" ] 11 May Acorn Woodpeckers ["markjprager" ] 11 May next San Elijo monthly bird count Monday 14 May ["rtpatton02" ] 10 May Coastal Band-tailed Pigeons, Torrey Pines Gliderport, 5-10-12 [Jay K ] 11 May SD River ["bicyclebirder" ] 10 May Lake Murray ["Gary G" ] 9 May Re: Fort Rosecrans "Red-flowering Tree" [Michael Evans ] 10 May Fort Rosecrans Warblers Today ["orchidanica" ] 8 May SDFO - May 15 - Joe Sweeney "The Birds of Rancho La Puerta." [BJ Stacey ] 8 May Re: Wilson's phalaropes in breeding plumage at San Dieguito River Park [BJ Stacey ] 09 May MTRP 5-8-12 ["ERIC" ] 8 May Pacific Golden-Plover (7 May) 7th Street IB [Justyn Stahl ] 8 May RE: Gray Vireos and Mountain Quail ["Geoffrey Rogers" ] 8 May Gray Vireos and Mountain Quail ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 8 May Bird and Butterfly Garden, 8 May 2012 ["Geoffrey Rogers" ] 7 May Wilson's Warbler [Sharon Muczynski ] 7 May miscellanea ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 07 May Waxwings En Masse ["Gary G" ] 7 May Wilson's phalaropes in breeding plumage at San Dieguito River Park [Stephen Perry ] 07 May Brown Booby, early Xantus' Murerlet chick, and other pelagic notes. May 5, 2012 ["davpovey" ] 06 May Clay-colored Sparrow ["peterginsburg" ] 6 May Breeding Semi-Palmated Plovers at Robb Field Area ["pbzepf AT netzero.net" ] 6 May Re: Jacumba 5-6-2012 ["Trent R. Stanley" ] 06 May Jacumba 5-6-2012 ["ERIC" ] 06 May Cabrillo NM ["Lauren Hughes" ] 06 May Prothonotary and hermit warblers at FRNC ["margaret.elman" ] 6 May Prothonotary Warbler @ FRNC [Steven Tucker ] 6 May Fort Rosecrans - PROTHONOTARY WARBLER [BJ Stacey ] 6 May Tennessee warbler at bird & butterfly garden ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 5 May Cuyamaca loop, 5 May 2012 ["Geoffrey Rogers" ] 5 May MacGillivray's, Collipe, Gull-Billed Tern, Skimmer flock... [Mark Stratton ] 5 May Re: SDUT editorial on birds ["Trent R. Stanley" ] 5 May SDUT editorial on birds ["Geoffrey Rogers" ] 5 May SDUT editorial "Absence of birds" ["Geoffrey Rogers" ] 5 May Westminster Park Palm Warbler, May 5 ["Walens, Stanley" ] 5 May White-winged Dove, Point Loma 5-5-12 [Jay K ] 05 May Picoides Woodpecker at San Elijo ["buckfairbanks" ] 5 May Re: Red Knots [Janice Nordenberg ] 5 May Red Knots [Janice Nordenberg ] 05 May Need help with ID ["lbruby" ] 4 May breeding-plumaged Red Knots ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 4 May Bank Swallow, Sorrento Valley, 5-4-12 [Jay K ] 4 May La Jolla Cove, May 4 ["Walens, Stanley" ] Subject: New Yard Bird today Rose-breasted Grosbeak From: "TA Blackman" <obeach AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 13:54:35 -0700 http://obeach.smugmug.com/Birds/Southern-California-Birds-2011/i-fb2Sh3h/0/L /GrosebeakRose-breasted-L.jpg Vicki spotted a new yard bird today. Tom Blackman obeach AT cox.net obeach.smugmug.com ------------------------------------ Subject: Black Swifts over Poway - 15 May From: Jim Pawlicki <remex3250 AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 20:11:28 -0700 At exactly 6:30 pm this evening (15 May) a group of 4 Black Swifts in company of a Cliff Swallow passed over the very west end of Old Creek Rd. located off of Stonebridge Parkway in the town of Poway (this is just north of MCAS property). They came in at fairly low altitude from the south and continued on directly to the north--the sighting in total lasted no more than 10-12 seconds. A record shot of two of the birds, plus a heavily cropped photo of one is at the link below. Also in the vicinity was a singing "Bell's" Sage Sparrow. Jim Pawlicki San Diego, CA jmpawli10 AT gmail.com www.flickr.com/photos/jmpawli10 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: More Tierrasanta Black Swifts, 5-15-12 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 20:52:51 -0700 (GMT-07:00) SD-Birders, Nine birders enjoyed seeing five BLACK SWIFTS again this evening in Tierrasanta at the same location as mentioned in my post last night. Four appeared together at eye level at 7:36pm and one final bird flew about 8 feet right over our heads at 7:50pm. Conditions were almost the same as last evening, but the wind was a tad bit stronger. These birds seemed to be coming from due south and heading directly north, so not following the river. They were life birds for about half of the group. The LESSER NIGHTHAWK pair made a brief appearance as well, but no Poorwills could be detected. Jay Keller, San Diego ------------------------------------ Subject: follow-up to Hummingbird ID help photos at http://bit.ly/KaMMop From: "stevan" <stevanbrad AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 00:35:49 -0000 thanks to a number of folks who took a shot at the id, wide range of responses young anna`s, calliope, black chinned, and costas I copied and pasted a few edited responses That is definately a baby Anna's. They nest around my house for years now. Have many pics. `I think it's ok for Black-chinned; probably juvenile` `it might be a costa` but the habitat is not right` `looks like an Anna's to me, may just be a very young bird thus the smaller size (it wouldn't be unusual for chicks to already have fledged and be out and about for early nesters` so I learned your spot on if you id the bird as a hummingbird....... I think it would be great if more people posted some id bird photos and then we could all learn something, even if its just the fact that its not always clear cut steve brad leucadia ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Northern Parula @ Zoo From: "Trent R. Stanley" <trent.stanley AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 12:43:15 -0700 Here's the photos I took of the Northern Parula today. http://www.sdbirder.com/Birds/SETAME -- Trent R. Stanley PO BOX 3666 SAN DIEGO CA  92163-1666 trent AT sdbirder.com http://www.sdbirder.com On Tue, May 15, 2012 at 9:29 AM, Trent R. Stanley wrote: > At around 8:30AM (5/15/12) I heard an unusual song while working in > the vicinity of Sabretooth Grill and tracked it down. It was a > beautiful adult male NORTHERN PARULA mixed  in with a small flock of > other warblers; Hermit, Townsend's and Wilson's. They're feeding in > the trees surrounding the patio area of Sabretooth Grill and then > occasionally dropping down to visit the water feature nearby, > providing excellent looks. The bird is pretty easy to find due to it's > unusual song. It's was doing the typical song and dawn song when I > left around 9AM. > > Map:  http://g.co/maps/mqxvd > > I took a few photos and will post them when I get home. > > -- > Trent R. Stanley > PO BOX 3666 > SAN DIEGO CA  92163-1666 > trent AT sdbirder.com > http://www.sdbirder.com ------------------------------------ Subject: may 26-28 pelagic trip aboard Searcher From: celia condit <searcher AT bajawhale.com> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 10:17:50 -0700 dear seabirders: just a few spots open on our 2.5-day "wildlife weekend" for seabirds and marine mammals aboard searcher over memorial day weekend--may 26-28. click here for all the details including previous years' sightings: http://www.socalbirding.com/upcomingtrips/sandiegomay26282012.html san diego's own pelagic expert, dave povey, will be aboard to chum up, spot, and identify seabirds which may include red-billed tropicbirds, south polar skuas, laysan and black-footed albatross, pink-footed and sooty shearwaters, black and leach's storm-petrels, sabine's gulls, northern fulmar and a host of others. pelagic birder and marine mammal expert, peter gaede, will also be a leader. expected marine mammals include blue, humpback, and fin whales, common dolphins, harbor and elephant seals, California sea lions and the unexpected "surprises" in deep water and offshore. the boat departs on saturday morning and returns monday by noon. our itinerary will include birding over the 9-mile bank, deep-water offshore (weather permitting), cortez and tanner banks, 30-mile bank, and the coronado islands. the price of $450 per person includes all meals, beverages (soft and adult), accommodations, and expert guidance. a mexican migratory permit (provided by us) fee of $40 will be additional in order to access and view the wildlife around the coronado islands. sign up and more information at: http://www.bajawhale.com/weekends/wildlife-weekend-1/ hope to have you aboard! celia celia condit Searcher Sportfishing and Natural History Tours 2838 Garrison Street, San Diego, California 92106 USA phone 619-226-2403 * fax 619-226-1332 * cell 619-518-2403 Baja Whalewatching and Pelagic Birding: www.bajawhale.com Long-range sportfishing: www.searchersportfishing.com TWITTER AT searcherfishing or AT bajawhale [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Northern Parula @ Zoo From: "Bruce Rideout" <brideout AT sandiegozoo.org> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 10:10:25 -0700 The Northern parula is still present in the trees at the south corner of the patio area at Sabertooth Grill as of 10:00 am, Tuesday May 15. Bruce Rideout La Mesa On May 15, 2012, at 9:31 AM, "Trent R. Stanley" wrote: > At around 8:30AM (5/15/12) I heard an unusual song while working in > the vicinity of Sabretooth Grill and tracked it down. It was a > beautiful adult male NORTHERN PARULA mixed in with a small flock of > other warblers; Hermit, Townsend's and Wilson's. They're feeding in > the trees surrounding the patio area of Sabretooth Grill and then > occasionally dropping down to visit the water feature nearby, > providing excellent looks. The bird is pretty easy to find due to it's > unusual song. It's was doing the typical song and dawn song when I > left around 9AM. > > Map: http://g.co/maps/mqxvd > > I took a few photos and will post them when I get home. > > -- > Trent R. Stanley > PO BOX 3666 > SAN DIEGO CA 92163-1666 > trent AT sdbirder.com > http://www.sdbirder.com > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Northern Parula @ Zoo From: "Trent R. Stanley" <trent.stanley AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 09:29:20 -0700 At around 8:30AM (5/15/12) I heard an unusual song while working in the vicinity of Sabretooth Grill and tracked it down. It was a beautiful adult male NORTHERN PARULA mixed in with a small flock of other warblers; Hermit, Townsend's and Wilson's. They're feeding in the trees surrounding the patio area of Sabretooth Grill and then occasionally dropping down to visit the water feature nearby, providing excellent looks. The bird is pretty easy to find due to it's unusual song. It's was doing the typical song and dawn song when I left around 9AM. Map: http://g.co/maps/mqxvd I took a few photos and will post them when I get home. -- Trent R. Stanley PO BOX 3666 SAN DIEGO CA  92163-1666 trent AT sdbirder.com http://www.sdbirder.com ------------------------------------ Subject: results of today's 14 May 2012 San Elijo monthly bird count From: "rtpatton02" <rpatton AT san.rr.com> Date: Tue, 15 May 2012 05:09:50 -0000 112 species were recorded at San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve & Cardiff State Beach on the May 14th monthly bird count. The next count will be Monday June 11th. Thanks to all who volunteered their time: Steve Brad (Beach, WestBasin, NatureCenter); Mary Lou Kaae, Jayne Lesley (CentralBasinWest = "pole road" NW of Rios Ave); Tom Dean, Peter Ginsburg, Steve Perry (CentralBasinSouth = Rios trail); Bob Chaddock, Jim Pea, David Trissel, Jim Wilson (EastBasinSouth = La Orilla-Sta Inez trail); Lori Chamberlain, Elizabeth Venrick (EastBasinEast = eastern mesa); Robert Patton (Cardiff cove; EastBasinNE = Escondido Cr & adjacent; EBNW = flood control dike). Migration is underway with some late-lingering waterfowl (green-winged teal, northern shoveler, & American wigeon) & a good selection of landbirds moving through, including olive-sided flycatchers along the Rios trail, off El Camino Real, & at the nature center site, western wood-peewees, a relatively early willow flycatcher along the Rios trail, Swainson's thrush, warbling vireo, Nashville, Townsend's, & Wilson's warblers, & western tanager. An American bittern was heard along the east basin dike, & a remaining Pacific loon was seen offshore, as were sooty shearwaters & Brandt's cormorants. Allen's hummingbirds and rufous/Allen's sp. were well represented. Behavior indicative of nesting was observed in several species, including tree swallows & Hutton's vireos, & most notably as a new location for a pair of Lawrence's goldfinch feeding two fledglings about 100-150 yds east of the Rios trailhead. Species included: Pacific loon, pied-billed grebe, sooty shearwater, double-crested cormorant, Brandt's cormorant, American bittern, great blue heron, great egret, snowy egret, green heron, black-crowned night-heron, white-faced ibis, green-winged teal, mallard, cinnamon teal, northern shoveler, gadwall, American wigeon, ruddy duck, white-tailed kite, northern harrier, Cooper's hawk, red-shouldered hawk, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, peregrine falcon, California quail, clapper rail, Virginia rail, common gallinule, American coot, black-bellied plover, semipalmated plover, killdeer, black-necked stilt, American avocet, greater yellowlegs, spotted sandpiper, willet, whimbrel, marbled godwit, sanderling, western sandpiper, least sandpiper, Heermann's gull, ring-billed gull, California gull, western gull, Caspian tern, elegant tern, Forster's tern, rock pigeon, Eurasian collared-dove, mourning dove, white-throated swift, Anna's hummingbird, Allen's hummingbird, Allen's/rufous hummingbird sp., Nuttall's woodpecker, downy woodpecker, olive-sided flycatcher, western wood-peewee, willow flycatcher, Pacific-slope flycatcher, black phoebe, Say's phoebe, ash-throated flycatcher, Cassin's kingbird, western kingbird, tree swallow, barn swallow, northern rough-winged swallow, cliff swallow, western scrub jay, American crow, common raven, bushtit, Bewick's wren, house wren, marsh wren, California gnatcatcher, Swainson's thrush, wrentit, northern mockingbird, California thrasher, European starling, Hutton's vireo, warbling vireo, orange-crowned warbler, Nashville warbler, yellow warbler, Townsend's warbler, hermit warbler, common yellowthroat, Wilson's warbler, yellow-breasted chat, western tanager, black-headed grosbeak, spotted towhee, California towhee, Belding's savannah sparrow, song sparrow, red-winged blackbird, Brewer's blackbird, great-tailed grackle, brown-headed cowbird, hooded oriole, house finch, lesser goldfinch, American goldfinch, Lawrence's goldfinch, house sparrow, nutmeg mannikin. R. Patton San Diego, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Black Swifts in Tierrasanta (Photos), 5-14-12 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 20:42:25 -0700 (GMT-07:00) SD-Birders, This evening, at least eight BLACK SWIFTS flew northeast up the San Diego River as seen from the cliffside trail off the corner of Colina Dorada and Calle de Vida in Tierrasanta. You may recall that this is the same location I saw Black Swifts last year on May 11 & 12 and on June 6, the former dates of which they were strongly suspected of roosting on the cliffs overnight. I believe this helps to establish this location as a regular migration corridor for the species. The time was 7:26pm, and conditions were clear with an occasional breeze from the northwest, with an approaching marine layer seen distantly to the west. Heavily cropped photos of the birds can be seen at the link below: http://www.flickr.com/photos/71649753 AT N07/ I quickly called BJ Stacey who lives in Santee and he observed a single Black Swift flying over the river at 7:44 from his location. The others may have been below the treeline from his vantage point. This confirms that they were flying along the river at least between our locations. To get to this spot, park at the MTRP entrance gate at the corner of Colina Dorada and Calle de Vida. Walk along the gravel road a short ways until the first footpath appears on your right. Take that trail, then the left fork of the trail to walk up the hill. The trail Ts and at this point you are at the gorge with the river below staring at the distant Mission Gorge Road. I have always observed them here in the evening, but morning may be just as good. This is the same location where a pair of Lesser Nighthawks and Common Poorwills have been frequenting, among other interesting species. Jay Keller, San Diego, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: hummingbird id question From: "stevan" <stevanbrad AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 22:47:55 -0000 this hummer was 10 ft away appeared smaller than an anna`s bird was in riparian area Sorrento valley any help appreciated http://bit.ly/KaMMop steve brad leucadia ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: unknown blue bird in Tijuana River Valley From: "Eitan" <ston571 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 16:37:18 -0000 Hi Mary, These are indeed "exotic" blue birds, they are Black-Throated Magpie-Jays which are escapees from captivity and have established a breeding colony in the Tijuana River valley. It is quite a striking sight when they make an appearance! Their native range is the Pacific coast of Mexico, from the state of Sonora south to Jalisco, south of which they are replaced by the very similar White-throated Magpie-Jay, whose range extends from there all the way south to northwestern Costa Rica. Fun birds! Eitan Altman Mission Hills --- In SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com, wrote: > > Hi All, > I'm not a birder (yet) with a list and all, but I do enjoy seeing and hearing the birds in the Tijuana River Valley where my horses live at a boarding stable with lots of trees and a pasture. (Hollister and Monument rds) > HERON STORY > One day I saw a great blue heron in the pasture and I was feeling sorry for it, thinking we've displaced its habitat with farming and pastures, etc. instead of the marsh/river it once was. The next day the heron was still there, staring intently at the ground between stalking around on its long legs. Then, surprise!, I saw it fly off with a gopher in its beak, holding it by a rear leg and its other 3 legs and little tail stretched out as it became airborne with the great heron. Since then I've seen the (white herons?) in the field hunting gophers, too. One hung around the stable yard for a day or so, and it seemed to know all the places gophers had made holes and it visited each area, watching carefully for awhile before moving on to the next site. > EXOTIC BLUE BIRDS UNKNOWN???? > But my real question here is about a very exotic looking bird that visits our ranch fairly often, always in pairs or groups of about 4 or 5. It is bright, bright blue overall with a bright white chest. It has topknots of feathers sticking up from its head sort of like on a peacock. The tail is extremely long and has puffs of blue or blue black (?) feathers at the end of each long strand. It flies well and likes to hang out in the trees. I've never seen one on the ground. It has a deep sort of gravelly voice and they call to each other a lot. People around call them Mexican Blue Jays but they don't look at all like that when I look up what a Mexican Blue Jay is. I'd say they are maybe larger than the crows of which we see tons at a time. The crows ALWAYS know when we've thrown out some seed in the pasture, etc. > What are these exotic birds? I've never seen them mentioned on the few birding references I've seen on my google alert for the Tijuana River Valley. > Thanks! > Mary > ------------------------------------ Subject: SDFO May 2012 Meeting - Joe Sweeney From: BJ Stacey <finaticphoto AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 09:36:53 -0700 The May SDFO meeting will be held Tuesday May 15th at *6:00 p.m.* when we will be treated to Joe Sweeney discussing "The Birds of Rancho La Puerta." In addition to a new starting time we will be *meeting in a newer location: * *San Diego Foundation Building, * *2508 Historic Decatur Road, Raymond room* The location will be in the Raymond Room of the San Diego Foundation (SDF) at Liberty station, 2805 Historic Decatur Road. The best way to enter the SDF building is 150 ft. just South of Roosevelt on Historic Decatur enter via the courtyard. The Raymond Room is on the second floor. BJ Stacey Santee -- Visit the new San Diego Field Ornithologists Web Site Your online resource to birding one of "birdiest" counties in the US http://sandiegofieldornithologists.org/ And you can now join San Diego Field Ornithologists on Facebook http://tinyurl.com/3rrpm76 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: unknown blue bird in Tijuana River Valley From: <puppetsafari AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 14 May 2012 8:31:32 -0700 Hi All, I'm not a birder (yet) with a list and all, but I do enjoy seeing and hearing the birds in the Tijuana River Valley where my horses live at a boarding stable with lots of trees and a pasture. (Hollister and Monument rds) HERON STORY One day I saw a great blue heron in the pasture and I was feeling sorry for it, thinking we've displaced its habitat with farming and pastures, etc. instead of the marsh/river it once was. The next day the heron was still there, staring intently at the ground between stalking around on its long legs. Then, surprise!, I saw it fly off with a gopher in its beak, holding it by a rear leg and its other 3 legs and little tail stretched out as it became airborne with the great heron. Since then I've seen the (white herons?) in the field hunting gophers, too. One hung around the stable yard for a day or so, and it seemed to know all the places gophers had made holes and it visited each area, watching carefully for awhile before moving on to the next site. EXOTIC BLUE BIRDS UNKNOWN???? But my real question here is about a very exotic looking bird that visits our ranch fairly often, always in pairs or groups of about 4 or 5. It is bright, bright blue overall with a bright white chest. It has topknots of feathers sticking up from its head sort of like on a peacock. The tail is extremely long and has puffs of blue or blue black (?) feathers at the end of each long strand. It flies well and likes to hang out in the trees. I've never seen one on the ground. It has a deep sort of gravelly voice and they call to each other a lot. People around call them Mexican Blue Jays but they don't look at all like that when I look up what a Mexican Blue Jay is. I'd say they are maybe larger than the crows of which we see tons at a time. The crows ALWAYS know when we've thrown out some seed in the pasture, etc. What are these exotic birds? I've never seen them mentioned on the few birding references I've seen on my google alert for the Tijuana River Valley. Thanks! Mary ------------------------------------ Subject: Someone told me to go fly a kite ... From: Jack Daynes <jc_daynes AT spamcop.net> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 20:14:11 -0700 May in Poway is a time when White-tailed Kites are pair bonding. I have been building a roof on top of my roof at my house to insulate over and still enjoy my open beam ceilings. While up there, I've been seeing their aerial combat displays. I couldn't resist climbing down during one of these episodes and struggling to capture images. I did manage to get a few tolerable shots. Click on the link below to view the images: http://www.shadetree-imaging.com/News/tabid/113/EntryID/31/Default.aspx Take care, -- -- Jack -- ================================== Wildlife Photography with Emphasis on Birds ================================== 858-442-1907 Poway, California (San Diego Co.) N 32° 57' W 117° 04' At 508' Elevation ================================== ------------------------------------ Subject: Clay-colored Sparrow at Fort Rosecrans - 13 May From: "jmpawli10" <remex3250 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 22:36:28 -0000 The highlight of a trip to Fort Rosecrans this morning (13 May) was a Clay-colored Sparrow that put in a brief appearance in company of 2 Chipping Sparrows along the eastern fenceline running south from the Euc grove. All were initially along the small makeshift "stream" (leaking pipe) that is near the large sprawling cedar/juniper?, before they moved slightly north along the fenceline. BJ Stacy and I checked the location about 45 minutes later and only 1 Chipping Sparrow remained in the vicinity. Other migrants were as reported recently, including the lingering Hermit x Townsend's hybrid that was first reported yesterday, along with an Olive-sided Flycatcher seen near the Euc grove. A photo of the Clay-colored is at the link below. Jim Pawlicki San Diego, CA www.flickr.com/photos/jmpawli10 ------------------------------------ Subject: Black Swift in east El Cajon, 5-13-12 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 15:41:37 -0700 (GMT-07:00) This morning at about 10:20am I noted a single BLACK SWIFT flying among White-throated Swifts and swallows just east of where I-8 crosses over Broadway in El Cajon. It was circling actively at times close to the ground, so apparently feeding. Interestingly, the marine layer dissipated less than a mile east of this spot. I checked the area again this afternoon and saw NO swifts or swallows. I later realized that all the times I have actually seen Black Swifts were when I just happened into them, i.e. I have never seen one when specifically trying! Jay Keller, San Diego ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Fort Rosecrans Sat AM ~ Balt continues From: "ERIC" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 20:17:18 -0000 Trent Stanley & I birded several spots this morning. The best bird we found was the adult male Baltimore Oriole reported yesterday by Tom. The bird posed atop a large pine in the northeast portion of the cemetery.. then flew off to the west, never to be seen again. The light was awful. Also seen at Fort Rosecrans were numerous western tanagers, hooded orioles, hermit warblers, lots of Townsend's warblers, Wilson's warblers, yellow warblers, western flycatchers etc. Earlier we birded residential Pt. Loma (vicinity of Dudley Street) and found lots of common western migrant warblers, a nice congregation of western tanagers at Gage Place, and hooded orioles. One warbling vireo. Trent found a Myrtle-type yellow-rumped warbler. Later we tried Pioneer Park in Mission Hills and found nothing worth looking at. Final stop was Allen Road in Mission Hills. Several yellow warblers, Townsend's warblers, and more orioles and black-headed grosbeaks. The prime attraction was a brilliantly blooming silk oak just a bit down the trail from the end of the pavement. One of the locals has tried to block access down the trail past the pavement with bags of trash and chunks of wood apparently trying to make it look like there is no path past the paving. There are no "no trespassing" signs up, and unless the road has been officially closed by the city, which is unlikely, this path is open to all. I noticed last week that there are some surveyor's stakes up with the letters "PL" which indicates "property line." These are just east along the trail. A few poor pics of the Baltimore Oriole: http://egk.smugmug.com/Photography/RECENT-PHOTOS Eric Kallen Normal Heights --- In SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com, "TA Blackman" wrote: > > Sat (05.12.2012) the flowering eucs were attracting many birds, Hermit, > Yellow, Townsends and Orange-crowned Warblers. The ecu by the Wall also had > Western Tanagers, Hooded Orioles plus Black-headed Grosbeaks. The best bird > was an adult male Baltimore Oriole. Flyovers by Western Kingbirds were > noted as well. > > > > Tom Blackman > > obeach AT ... > > obeach.smugmug.com > ------------------------------------ Subject: Lilac-crowned parrots From: "kguyer25" <kguyer25 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 18:44:09 -0000 There is a pair of Lilac-crowned parrots hanging in my neighbors tree in North Park eating some kind of fruit. I finally got a close enough look to ID them. They join up with a few other parrots for a noisy fly-by a few times a week! ------------------------------------ Subject: Black-and-white Warbler Sorrento Valley photos From: "stevan" <stevanbrad AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 13 May 2012 19:11:33 -0000 LT. Commander Pete Ginsburg and I observed a VERY vocal BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER in the large parking lot and riparian area near south side of 10170 Sorrento Valley Road, San Diego, CA the riparian area was quite birdy with expected spring migrants last 3 photos here http://bit.ly/JHRVFT for the record yesterday there were 2 blue winged teal near pump station 65 penesquitos lagoon and a female red head duck in square pond by practice polo field east of polo field del mar, not sure how expected these birds are at this time of year HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL steve brad leucadia ------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Barrel Spring and points south, 12 May 2012 (additional notes) From: "Geoffrey Rogers" <rogersgl AT cox.net> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 17:57:25 -0700 After more consideration I feel comfortable calling this an Anna's Hummingbird; it had some fleck of color in the throat and the grayish centers of the undertail coverts are best for this species. The date and location are better for this species. I am a bit puzzled by the buff in the flanks though. Geoff ______________ Geoffrey Rogers San Diego, CA rogersgl AT cox.net _____ From: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Geoffrey Rogers Sent: Saturday, May 12, 2012 5:30 PM To: sdbirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [SDBIRDS] Barrel Spring and points south, 12 May 2012 (additional notes) I neglected to add that according to the atlas it is late for migrant Black-chinned Hummingbird; however, possible breeding occurred in square Q22 and several squares to the west. The hummingbird had a noticeably long, slightly decurved bill, a slight buff tinge to the flanks, and grayish centers to the undertail covers. Geoff ______________ Geoffrey Rogers San Diego, CA rogersgl AT cox.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Barrel Spring and points south, 12 May 2012 (additional notes) From: "Geoffrey Rogers" <rogersgl AT cox.net> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 17:29:42 -0700 I neglected to add that according to the atlas it is late for migrant Black-chinned Hummingbird; however, possible breeding occurred in square Q22 and several squares to the west. The hummingbird had a noticeably long, slightly decurved bill, a slight buff tinge to the flanks, and grayish centers to the undertail covers. Geoff ______________ Geoffrey Rogers San Diego, CA rogersgl AT cox.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Barrel Spring and points south, 12 May 2012 From: "Geoffrey Rogers" <rogersgl AT cox.net> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 16:52:57 -0700 Since there hasn't been a report out of Barrel Spring after Bob Miller's from October 2010 that I could find, I made the long drive out this morning. Barrel Spring is really out of the way unless one is going to the Anza-Borrego Desert and to my memory has never produced any high-end rarities but was good for Mountain Quail according to old reports from former San Diegan Mary Beth Stowe. Recent reports and advice on finding this species, migration, and the fact that I had never been there also prompted me to go. I spent a half hour there (0645-0715) and in spite of my passable quail imitation heard only one at distance to the south. Migrants were minimal with a Townsend's and 2 Wilson's warblers (16 species total). I stopped at Mission Santa Ysabel next and had 12 species including one calling Eurasian Collared-Dove; interestingly there were no warblers. Then I made a short stop on Banner Creek at the top of Banner Canyon and had nothing of note. In the Laguna Mountains, Oasis Spring was getting warm and I was limited to 12 species--nothing unusual, and accessibility continues to diminish. Last stop was Agua Dulce Creek and by now it was quite warm. Nevertheless, I had 28 species including Townsend's, Yellow, and Wilson's warblers, Cassin's Vireo, Western Tanager, Purple Finch, and a female Black-chinned Hummingbird, a new species for me there. I heard 3 Mountain Quail calling at short distance away from the creek but nearing noon I didn't expect any to be near water. Another was, as Gary Nunn described, very close to Wooded Hill Road near the entry point from Sunrise Hwy. Geoff _____________ Geoffrey Rogers San Diego, CA rogersgl AT cox.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Famosa Slough From: "bicyclebirder" <speteren AT cox.net> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 23:37:21 -0000 The birds still haven't decided to nest, yet, but are showing signs of interest. There was an olive-sided flycatcher in the tree tops at the south end. First I've seen there. JimPea ------------------------------------ Subject: I have a photo need an ID From: Sharon Muczynski <muczynski.sharon AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 14:01:45 -0700 I am trying to learn the birds in San Diego. I found out I cannot post photos on this listserv. I have a photo of what I think is a Wilson's Warbler. Could I get someone's expert opinion? I will be happy to send you the .jpg photo I have. Just let me know. Best Regards, Sharon Muczynski [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Jacumba 5- 11 & 12 From: "ERIC" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 20:11:20 -0000 I birded Jacumba on Friday evening and Saturday morning. Birds of interest: Yellow-headed blackbird -2 (at the east end of town near the ag area) blue grosbeak (m&f in the mustard at along the border of the ag area) Harris' hawk black-throated gray warbler Wilson's warbler yellow warbler hooded & Bullock's oriole Lawrence's goldfinch killdeer tricolored blackbird warbling vireo (2) vermilion flycatcher - male & female at the same spot where they nested last year, the rundown houses across from the ag fields. western tanager (2) western kingbird - numerous A few pics posted at: http://egk.smugmug.com/Photography/Jacumba-Birds Eric Kallen Normal Heights & Jacumba ------------------------------------ Subject: Fort Rosecrans Sat AM From: "TA Blackman" <obeach AT cox.net> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 13:05:49 -0700 Sat (05.12.2012) the flowering eucs were attracting many birds, Hermit, Yellow, Townsends and Orange-crowned Warblers. The ecu by the Wall also had Western Tanagers, Hooded Orioles plus Black-headed Grosbeaks. The best bird was an adult male Baltimore Oriole. Flyovers by Western Kingbirds were noted as well. Tom Blackman obeach AT cox.net obeach.smugmug.com ------------------------------------ Subject: New Burrowing Owls and Pt Loma Highlights, 5-12-12 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 12 May 2012 12:40:53 -0700 (GMT-07:00) SD-Birders, Some exploring around the Otay Mesa area yielded the discovery (?) of at least four BURROWING OWLS south of Brown Field, of which two birds appeared to be young to my eye, though if so, out of the nest for some time (see photo). I'm struggling with whether posting the exact location is appropriate, so I'd say just email me if you want directions. The site itself is basically a grassy field and culvert with active construction going on, so not particularly sensitive and probably not going to last for too many more months/years. Other highlights of the day included a HERMIT X TOWNSEND'S WARBLER hybrid (see photo) at the flowering gum tree SE of the main entrance at FRNC and an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER at Westminster Park. Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/71649753 AT N07/ Jay Keller, San Diego ------------------------------------ Subject: Tijuana River Valley, Metro Waste Revegetation Site, Old Dairy Mart Rd, W-turf farm From: Michael Evans <aves AT mac.com> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 19:23:38 -0700 I spent about a half hour (ca 0930-1000) this morning, May 11, 2012, casually birding the Metropolitan Waste Reveg site and the most-southerly "Dairy Mart pond" west of Old Dairy Mart Rd and the turf farm in the Tijuana River Valley (general vicinity of lat, long: 32.54944, -117.06467). Nothing unexpected, but I wonder if anyone has seen evidence of White-faced Ibis nesting in the valley this year? I have also seen this species south of the turf farm in the river channel in recent days. There was evidence of at least two different ages of young Pied-billed Grebes in the pond. Numbers recorded of Song Sparrows and warblers was probably much fewer than present. I usually see a pair of Greater Roadrunners along Old Dairy Mart Rd, but did not see them this morning. Mike Evans San Diego Gadwall 1 Mallard 2 Ruddy Duck 1 Pied-billed Grebe 6 Green Heron 1 White-faced Ibis 3 Northern Harrier 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Common Moorhen 1 American Coot 1 Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 Bell's Vireo 1 American Crow 2 Common Raven 1 Bushtit 2 Wrentit 1 Orange-crowned Warbler 5 Yellow Warbler 6 Common Yellowthroat 3 Yellow-breasted Chat 2 Song Sparrow 6 Great-tailed Grackle 1 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Western Bluebird expansion From: "Winnie Arnn" <winniearnn AT cox.net> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 14:57:25 -0700 For the past four years, a pair of Western Bluebirds has unsuccessfully tried to nest on the campus of Saint Augustine High School in North Park. They have chosen a metal downspout on a very busy exterior staircase with literally hundreds of teenage boys passing by 5-10 times a day. I have never seen a fledgling, but have seen evidence of a nest in the downspout. I think the temperature inside the metal downspout would get way too hot for success. Any suggestions on how to get them NOT to try again next year? I'm thinking of asking our custodian to install some kind of metal grate or mesh so the water can come out but the birds can't get in. From: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of John Walters Sent: Friday, May 11, 2012 8:12 AM To: Doug Cc: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [SDBIRDS] Western Bluebird expansion On 5/10/2012 11:02 PM, Doug wrote: > > Now, we've known for a few years that Western Bluebirds have been > breeding at Fort Rosecrans and Greenwood Cemetery in San Diego, which > has made some sense with thier expansive grass lawns and trees. > > About 2 years ago, I found Western Bluebirds (2 pairs) in residential > Chula Vista, with 1 pair near the intersection of 2nd Ave and I st, > and a second pair near 1st Ave and K St. > > Today, I found another pair on the 00 block of 2 Ave, which is about 5 > long blocks to the north of the first pair that I saw years ago. The > one thing in common is that each home that had the Bluebirds, had a > really nice looking lawn in front of their homes. > Interesting. We've had bluebirds using our bird bath off and on over the past several months, which I don't recall ever seeing before in our Bonita neighborhood. Haven't seen any sign of breeding, but it might fit in with a range expansion in this part of the county. John Walters Bonita, CA john-walters AT cox.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: SeaWorld From: "bicyclebirder" <speteren AT cox.net> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 20:05:06 -0000 Several of the great blue heron nests have young and of the 11+ snowy egret nests three have young. The little blue herons are on two nests by the sealion pool and there are a couple of black-crowned night-heron nests behind the tide pool that I can't get close to. No sign of yellow-crowned night-herons or the reddish egret. There was a glaucous-winged gull in the parking lot that I've seen on the river. The single bonaparte's gull continues east of the Mission/Sports Arena bridge. JimPea, SD, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Western Bluebird expansion From: John Walters <john-walters AT cox.net> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 08:12:18 -0700 On 5/10/2012 11:02 PM, Doug wrote: > > Now, we've known for a few years that Western Bluebirds have been > breeding at Fort Rosecrans and Greenwood Cemetery in San Diego, which > has made some sense with thier expansive grass lawns and trees. > > About 2 years ago, I found Western Bluebirds (2 pairs) in residential > Chula Vista, with 1 pair near the intersection of 2nd Ave and I st, > and a second pair near 1st Ave and K St. > > Today, I found another pair on the 00 block of 2 Ave, which is about 5 > long blocks to the north of the first pair that I saw years ago. The > one thing in common is that each home that had the Bluebirds, had a > really nice looking lawn in front of their homes. > Interesting. We've had bluebirds using our bird bath off and on over the past several months, which I don't recall ever seeing before in our Bonita neighborhood. Haven't seen any sign of breeding, but it might fit in with a range expansion in this part of the county. John Walters Bonita, CA john-walters AT cox.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Continuing Wilson's phalaropes at San Dieguito River Park From: "uwviper" <UWVIPER AT aol.com> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 06:21:11 -0000 Made a quick stop by the new Dust Devil Trail in San Dieguito River Park late this afternoon and had three continuing Wilson's phalaropes in the southern most pond on the West Loop Trail as described the other day by Steve Perry and BJ. Thanks for the tip guys! Good Birding! Jeff Coker Oceanside, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Western Bluebird expansion From: "Doug" <dwaguillard AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 06:02:59 -0000 Now, we've known for a few years that Western Bluebirds have been breeding at Fort Rosecrans and Greenwood Cemetery in San Diego, which has made some sense with thier expansive grass lawns and trees. About 2 years ago, I found Western Bluebirds (2 pairs) in residential Chula Vista, with 1 pair near the intersection of 2nd Ave and I st, and a second pair near 1st Ave and K St. Today, I found another pair on the 00 block of 2 Ave, which is about 5 long blocks to the north of the first pair that I saw years ago. The one thing in common is that each home that had the Bluebirds, had a really nice looking lawn in front of their homes. Doug Aguillard National City, CA dwaguillard AT gmail.com ------------------------------------ Subject: Acorn Woodpeckers From: "markjprager" <mprager AT san.rr.com> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 04:59:27 -0000 SDBIRDers, This morning there were 4 Acorn Woodpeckers in my back yard in the Mira Mesa area. I've never seen them near here before and there are very few (and only very small) trees. Oddly they were most interested in the goldfinch (nyjer seed) feeder but they also attended the sunflower seed feeder. Mark Prager San Diego / Mira Mesa ------------------------------------ Subject: next San Elijo monthly bird count Monday 14 May From: "rtpatton02" <rpatton AT san.rr.com> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 04:48:10 -0000 Please spread the word - San Elijo Lagoon monthly bird count Monday May 14th (& 2nd Monday of each month, rain or shine) Meet at the north end of Rios Ave. in Solana Beach at 7:30 a.m. (from I-5, exit on Lomas Santa Fe & head west, turn north on Rios Ave. which is just east of Highway 101 & the railroad tracks). Bring a lunch or pick up one nearby & we'll meet to compile at noon at the nature center (SE of the intersection of Manchester Ave & San Elijo Ave). thanks, Robert Patton San Diego, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Coastal Band-tailed Pigeons, Torrey Pines Gliderport, 5-10-12 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 21:35:50 -0700 (GMT-07:00) SD-Birders, Late this afternoon BJ Stacey and I met after work at the Torrey Pines Gliderport in the off chance that Black Swifts might happen by. Instead we were treated with a fly-by of two BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, which clearly showed an overall medium-gray overall color, rosy hue to the breast, nape patches with white line and dark primaries. The actual white band to the tail was hard to see since they kept them folded, but I thought I caught a glimpse. Otherwise, the ocean seemed lifeless. Jay Keller, San Diego ------------------------------------ Subject: SD River From: "bicyclebirder" <speteren AT cox.net> Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 02:29:38 -0000 less than 100 ducks remain, a male pintail with a bad wing, 2 wigeon, a brant and ruddy, gadwall and mallards. One coot. A glaucous-winged gull is still hanging around the SeaWorld section and a reddish egret, probably the mature one, was seen flying towards SeaWorld and went down towards the great blue heron rookery. They have started preparations for a second bridge next to the Mission/Sports Arena bridge. They will coffer dam half the river and build half the new bridge then replace the coffer dam to the other side for the rest of the new bridge. Should be an interesting rest of the year. Dairy Mart pond is very warblery, especially west of the pond. With all the yellow warblers I'm sure there is a Prothonwassit there somewhere. JimPea, SD, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Lake Murray From: "Gary G" <ggrantham AT san.rr.com> Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 21:24:43 -0000 To get away from the carpet cleaners, I checked out Lake Murray this morning (8/10/12). It started out slow but I ended up with quite a few migrants and summer visitors. The most migrant activity was at Del Cerro Point near the concrete outhouse on the west side of the lake. Among the 55 species seen were: Yellow Warbler - 6 Townsend's Warbler - 4 Wilson's Warbler - 9 Western Tanager - 5 Bullock's Oriole - 3 Hooded Oriole - 4 Western Kingbird - 3 Black-headed Grosbeak - 3 Caspian Tern - 2 Forster's Tern - 2 Western Grebe - 6 There were very young Killdeer following two adults and in a different area an adult was doing the broken-wing distraction display. Newly hatched American Coots were also following an adult. I didn't see any sign of Wood Ducks but the Nutmeg Mannikin's are doing well. Gary Grantham Scripps Ranch ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Fort Rosecrans "Red-flowering Tree" From: Michael Evans <aves AT mac.com> Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 19:43:56 -0700 From and earlier post On May 20, 2009, at 10:09 PM, Michael Evans wrote: > > > SD Birders: > I checked at a local nursery a few years ago about this plant, which > has been used as a street tree in San Diego (not often used in recent > years). I believe it is Corymbia ficifolia or the Red Flowering Gum > (previously known as Eucalyptus ficifolia). See that great font of > knowledge, Wikipedia for more information: > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Fort Rosecrans Warblers Today From: "orchidanica" <imagephotopro AT earthlink.net> Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 01:51:09 -0000 Today (Wed) warblers continued in large quantities at the flowering red gum eucalyptus se of the main entrance right next to the road. The vast majority were Townsend's and Hermit with a few Orange Crowned. Also Western Tanagers and Hooded Orioles. I managed to photograph some in flight or hovering over the flowers. See my Bird Photography Blog at http://imagephotopro.com/BirdPhotography/ Larry Moskovitz Image Photo Pro ------------------------------------ Subject: SDFO - May 15 - Joe Sweeney "The Birds of Rancho La Puerta." From: BJ Stacey <finaticphoto AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 19:35:42 -0700 Tuesday, May 15, at 6:00 p.m., in the Hoffman room of the San Diego Foundation Building, 2508 Historic Decatur Rd. Going south on Rosecrans St. (in the Midway area of town), turn left on Roosevelt Rd. into Liberty Station, and then left again on Decatur. Park in the first parking lot, or on the street. Program: SDFO member Joe Sweeney will discuss "The Birds of Rancho La Puerta." -- BJ Stacey *Fins to fur, fangs to feathers: capturing wildlife through a lens.* Check out my web site: http://www.finatic-photography.com/ *San Diego Field Ornithologists* Web Site *Your online resource to birding one of "birdiest" counties in the US* http://sandiegofieldornithologists.org/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Wilson's phalaropes in breeding plumage at San Dieguito River Park From: BJ Stacey <finaticphoto AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 19:31:15 -0700 I went over and walked the north trail during lunch today at Dust Devil. Not too many species of birds but there were still 3 Wilson's Phalaropes in all of their breeding glory. The place is loaded with Horned Larks and there are some Redheads down in the lagoon. Steve, thanks for letting everyone know that these trails are now open as I hadn't heard any other announcement. -- BJ Stacey Santee *San Diego Field Ornithologists* Web Site *Your online resource to birding one of "birdiest" counties in the US* http://sandiegofieldornithologists.org/ On Mon, May 7, 2012 at 9:13 AM, Stephen Perry wrote: > ** > > > Inspired by Paul's post on breeding plumage red knots, I thought folks > might like to see breeding plumage Wilson's phalaropes too. A pair were > seen Sunday morning (May 6th) in the first pond on the newly opened Dust > Devil Nature Trail off El Camino Real. They were towards the back (west > end) with a few dowitchers, avocets, stilts. For those of you unsure where > this is, exit I-5 at Via de la Valle, head east to El Camino Real. Turn > right and follow El Camino Real until you see the parking lot on the right > (just past the Chinese Church on the left and before you reach the lights > for Stallions Crossing development). Walk the service road west and branch > off to the left when you get to the first pond (west loop on map below). > > http://www.sdrp.org/archive/Trail%20Maps/Dust%20Devil%20Trail.pdf > > http://www.sdrp.org/trails.htm > > Steve Perry > Solana Beach > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: MTRP 5-8-12 From: "ERIC" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Wed, 09 May 2012 01:14:15 -0000 The light was harsh this morning at old Mission Dam. Olive-sided Flycatcher Ash-throated Flycatcher Pac Slope Flycatcher Black-chinned hummer Bullock's Oriole Rufous-crowned Sparrow Black-headed Grosbeak Yellow Warbler Blue Grosbeak Eric Kallen Normal Heights ------------------------------------ Subject: Pacific Golden-Plover (7 May) 7th Street IB From: Justyn Stahl <justyn.stahl AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 12:03:29 -0700 A late post, but she is not subscribed - Yesterday, Nicole Desnoyers found a (the?) PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER, with a black belly, in with the Red Knots (14) and Black-bellied Plovers at approximately 10:40am from the end of 7th Street in South San Diego Bay. The last report of this species (individual?) was 12 April by Paul at the Tijuana River mouth. Cheers, Justyn Stahl San Clemente Island/North Park [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: RE: Gray Vireos and Mountain Quail From: "Geoffrey Rogers" <rogersgl AT cox.net> Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 11:40:08 -0700 Anywhere along Wooded Hill Road one can chance upon Mountain Quail but I would recommend continuing on to the permanently locked gate, parking in the dirt lot and taking the faint trail east and then north down past the meadow to Agua Dulce Creek and frequently year-round water. I have had them very near the creek almost dependably in spring/summer early in the day as they come and go from drinking. There are probably several pairs that use it. Also, unless I'm misinterpreting the directions given, Wooded Hill Road runs more north of Sunrise Highway (a left turn as one heads east then north toward the town of Mount Laguna) and is midway between mile markers 21.5 and 22. A good cross reference is the street sign on the right (south) side of the road that says Morris Ranch Road, which leads south down to the SDSU Observatory parking area. It's even more fun to find in the dark! Geoff ______________ Geoffrey Rogers San Diego, CA rogersgl AT cox.net _____ From: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of lehman.paul AT verizon.net Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2012 11:05 AM To: sdbirds AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [SDBIRDS] Gray Vireos and Mountain Quail A responsive pair of Gray Vireos right along Kitchen Creek Road are at about mile 2.2--at the first dirt pullout on the right past Mile Marker 2. Down in gully along right side of road. For those interested in SEEING Mountain Quail, Gary N. turned me on to a spot that worked this morning (Tues) as well. It is along Sunrise Highway about 8 or 9 miles up from I-8 and a couple miles before the Mount Laguna store/fire station area: on the west side of the road is Wooded Hill Campground and Road, and the first couple tenths of a mile of that road has a bunch of quail along it--and given the open understory it is actually possible to track them down and see them (early morning best). Lastly, there was singing "Bell's" Sage Sparrow at the usual spot behind the Border Patrol facility just southeast of Kitchen Creek Road/I-8. --Paul Lehman, San Diego ---------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com - What can On Demand Business Solutions do for you? http://link.mail2web.com/Business/SharePoint [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Gray Vireos and Mountain Quail From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 14:04:50 -0400 A responsive pair of Gray Vireos right along Kitchen Creek Road are at about mile 2.2--at the first dirt pullout on the right past Mile Marker 2. Down in gully along right side of road. For those interested in SEEING Mountain Quail, Gary N. turned me on to a spot that worked this morning (Tues) as well. It is along Sunrise Highway about 8 or 9 miles up from I-8 and a couple miles before the Mount Laguna store/fire station area: on the west side of the road is Wooded Hill Campground and Road, and the first couple tenths of a mile of that road has a bunch of quail along it--and given the open understory it is actually possible to track them down and see them (early morning best). Lastly, there was singing "Bell's" Sage Sparrow at the usual spot behind the Border Patrol facility just southeast of Kitchen Creek Road/I-8. --Paul Lehman, San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com – What can On Demand Business Solutions do for you? http://link.mail2web.com/Business/SharePoint ------------------------------------ Subject: Bird and Butterfly Garden, 8 May 2012 From: "Geoffrey Rogers" <rogersgl AT cox.net> Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 10:25:14 -0700 After a work assignment nearby, I stopped here briefly yesterday and today and did not see the Tennessee Warbler. The blooming Grevilleas are still very attractive and lots of Yellow and Orange-crowned warblers were in and out, also a Nuttall's Woodpecker and a few Black-headed Grosbeaks. Yesterday, a Townsend's Warbler or 2 and a Black-throated Gray were here. Today I also heard around 5 Swainson's Thrushes calling and a few singing between the building and garden proper. Geoff ______________ Geoffrey Rogers San Diego, CA rogersgl AT cox.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Wilson's Warbler From: Sharon Muczynski <muczynski.sharon AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 7 May 2012 09:45:41 -0700 A pair of (I think) Wilson's Warblers gleaned my Englemann oak before coming to the patio and searching my Grevillea. Here is the photo. What do you think? Best Regards, Sharon Muczynski LEED® AP Ecology M.S. Candidate San Diego State University [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: miscellanea From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Mon, 7 May 2012 13:42:03 -0400 Tried for the Prothonotary Warbler this morning at Fort Rosecrans Cemetery, but NO luck. Still several each of Townsend's, Hermits, and W. Tanagers, plus a Nashville and Swainson's Thrush, visiting that blooming tree, but no apparent Protho. Not very many migrants in the cemetery away from that area. Reasonable number of migrants near Famosa Slough. The eucalyptus trees along Allen Road in the Mission Hills neighborhood are again lerpy this spring, with a reasonable number of warblers and tanagers in attendance. Yesterday, there was a female YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD on the fence along the helicopter field bordering the Tijuana Estuary. The slug of breeding-plumaged Red Knots continued at the north end of 7th. --Paul Lehman, San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com – Enhanced email for the mobile individual based on Microsoft® Exchange - http://link.mail2web.com/Personal/EnhancedEmail ------------------------------------ Subject: Waxwings En Masse From: "Gary G" <ggrantham AT san.rr.com> Date: Mon, 07 May 2012 16:30:31 -0000 This morning (5/7/12) there was a flock of 250 Cedar Waxwings circling over south Scripps Ranch. They may be forming up for the trip north. Gary Grantham Scripps Ranch ------------------------------------ Subject: Wilson's phalaropes in breeding plumage at San Dieguito River Park From: Stephen Perry <s-perry AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Mon, 7 May 2012 09:13:04 -0700 (PDT) Inspired by Paul's post on breeding plumage red knots, I thought folks might like to see breeding plumage Wilson's phalaropes too. A pair were seen Sunday morning (May 6th) in the first pond on the newly opened Dust Devil Nature Trail off El Camino Real. They were towards the back (west end) with a few dowitchers, avocets, stilts. For those of you unsure where this is, exit I-5 at Via de la Valle, head east to El Camino Real. Turn right and follow El Camino Real until you see the parking lot on the right (just past the Chinese Church on the left and before you reach the lights for Stallions Crossing development). Walk the service road west and branch off to the left when you get to the first pond (west loop on map below).   http://www.sdrp.org/archive/Trail%20Maps/Dust%20Devil%20Trail.pdf   http://www.sdrp.org/trails.htm   Steve Perry Solana Beach [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Brown Booby, early Xantus' Murerlet chick, and other pelagic notes. May 5, 2012 From: "davpovey" <dpovey AT nethere.com> Date: Mon, 07 May 2012 03:35:08 -0000 Matthew Binns, Tom Blackman, Peter Gisburg and I did a mini pelagic Saturday out of San Diego Bay. We did the "Nine Mile Bank" bottom to top with a turn around the "178" spot (14 n.m. west of O.B.). A dark juvenile Brown Booby was seen at close range off the outer edge of the bank. About 12 n.m. west of Pt. Loma (on the U.S. side). Both Tom & Matthew got photos. A breeding plumage Common Murre was south of the Point. 24 Xantus's Murrelets, were scattered outside of 5 n.m. One adult was tending a chick. I measured by GPS 14.6 n.m. from the nearest breeding ground North Coronado Is . That little guy had swum a long way! My earliest previous date for a non flying chicks was May 9, 2009 (5 chicks w adults) & May 11, 2008 (2 chicks w adults). Most other Xantus's chick records from my notes are for mid May to Mid June, with a late date of June 22nd, and an older note of 48 Xantus's, many in groups of three (I think I was infering chicks ? - flight ability unknown or not stated), to 25 n.m west of the "islands" July 9, 2002. Cassin's Auklets 20. Rhinoceros Auklets 6, all now immatures. Sooty Shearwaters (100) were seen all the day, but no real concentrations. We only had three Pink-footed Shearwaters for the day. Black Storm Petrels were in low numbers maybe 40 or so. The raft is out there somewhere! Two Commons and maybe 175 Pacific Loons passed by us, with more loons too distant to I.D. Red-necked Phalaropes were also in numbers 300 or so, now all in alternate plumage. There were 6 Least Terns fishing in the outer ship channel to the bay. Zuniga Jetty still has a Wandering Tattler, a Black Turnstone, Spotted Sandpiper, and Whimbrel. Another Whimbrel was seen flying north offshore. A couple of reminders; the Grande pelagic trip is May 19th. call Pt. Loma Sportfishing at 619 223-1627 The Searcher Natural History 2.5 day is May 26-28. This trip is likely our best opportunity to get well offshore this spring and to visit Islas Los Coronados. Yeah they got the permits to go!! Call Celia at 619 226-2403 Dave Povey Dulzura ------------------------------------ Subject: Clay-colored Sparrow From: "peterginsburg" <pagins AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 06 May 2012 22:39:21 -0000 Seen today (6 May) around 13:00 along the trail heading east from Amargosa Drive and paralleling Willowhaven Road in Encinitas. It was on the northern of the two trails. Peter ------------------------------------ Subject: Breeding Semi-Palmated Plovers at Robb Field Area From: "pbzepf AT netzero.net" <pbzepf@netzero.net> Date: Sun, 6 May 2012 22:31:05 GMT If it's of interest, there was a group of 10 to 15 Semi-Palmated Plovers is the SD River across from the tennis courts at Robb Field yesterday (5/5) and several were in breeding plumage. That was a nice treat for me anyway.Paul ZepfMira Mesa ____________________________________________________________ 53 Year Old Mom Looks 33 The Stunning Results of Her Wrinkle Trick Has Botox Doctors Worried http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL3241/4fa6fc157309be9526cst06vuc [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Jacumba 5-6-2012 From: "Trent R. Stanley" <trent.stanley AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 6 May 2012 14:49:56 -0700 Here's my pics of the Nighthawk and others. http://www.sdbirder.com/Birds/Jacumba-Birds-562012 Trent -- Trent R. Stanley PO BOX 3666 SAN DIEGO CA 92163-1666 trent AT sdbirder.com http://www.sdbirder.com On Sun, May 6, 2012 at 2:13 PM, ERIC wrote: > ** > > > Trent Stanley & I birded Jacumba this morning. > > Highlights included: > > two Harris' hawks - one with a ground squirrel in its talons. > vermilion flycatcher - south of old US 80 across from Bornt Farms > black-throated sparrow > tricolored blackbirds (red-wings too) > Pacific-slope flycatcher > warbling vireo - several > yellow warbler > Wilson's warbler > oak titmouse > California quail (boatloads) > Swainson's thrush > blackheaded grosbeaks - 3 or more > Bullock's orioles > lesser nighthawk > Lawrence's goldfinch - numerous > western tanagers - a flight of 4 birds > > some pics of recent Jacumba birds: > > http://egk.smugmug.com/Photography/Jacumba-Birds > > Eric Kallen > Normal Heights & Jacumba > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Jacumba 5-6-2012 From: "ERIC" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Sun, 06 May 2012 21:13:38 -0000 Trent Stanley & I birded Jacumba this morning. Highlights included: two Harris' hawks - one with a ground squirrel in its talons. vermilion flycatcher - south of old US 80 across from Bornt Farms black-throated sparrow tricolored blackbirds (red-wings too) Pacific-slope flycatcher warbling vireo - several yellow warbler Wilson's warbler oak titmouse California quail (boatloads) Swainson's thrush blackheaded grosbeaks - 3 or more Bullock's orioles lesser nighthawk Lawrence's goldfinch - numerous western tanagers - a flight of 4 birds some pics of recent Jacumba birds: http://egk.smugmug.com/Photography/Jacumba-Birds Eric Kallen Normal Heights & Jacumba ------------------------------------ Subject: Cabrillo NM From: "Lauren Hughes" <Rsand14592 AT aol.com> Date: Sun, 06 May 2012 20:43:12 -0000 Thanks for the support. I confess, it was I who wrote the letter. UT knows me as Laura and with my stellar reputation :) usually prints my letters. Lauren Hughes Pt. Loma ------------------------------------ Subject: Prothonotary and hermit warblers at FRNC From: "margaret.elman" <elmanm AT aol.com> Date: Sun, 06 May 2012 19:52:18 -0000 My husband and I went to FRNC this morning to check for activity in the red flowering tree southeast of the first eastern entrance to the cemetery. BJ Stacey had just seen a prothonotary and some hermit warblers in the tree when we arrived about 9:00. Several people saw the prothonotary and hermit warblers. There were also Townsend, orange-crowned, and Nashville warblers in the same tree (as well as some MacGillivray's warblers which I did not see). I was unable to get a picture of the prothonotary warbler but have included a link to a picture of the hermit warbler. http://www.flickr.com/photos/elmanm/7003433208/ Margaret Elman Pacific Beach ------------------------------------ Subject: Prothonotary Warbler @ FRNC From: Steven Tucker <talkingtrees80 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 6 May 2012 12:03:18 -0700 (PDT) Birders - Today, while birding with Frank Meyer, I stumbled into a male Prothonotary Warbler at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. It was foraging in the blooming Eucalyptus southeast of the entrance that many migrants seem to be favoring. Another birder whose name I didn't catch got a glimpse of the bird before I arrived, and several of us (including Guy) managed some brief looks after hanging around for a while. The bird is extremely secretive and spent most of the time we were there in the center of the tree, being invisible. It is a somewhat dull male, but still very striking; long and pointed black bill, spiffy blue-gray wings, greenish back, yellow head, breast and belly, bright white undertail coverts. A couple terrible photos are at: http://seagullsteve.blogspot.com/ Also present at the tree were 2 female Calliope Hummingbirds, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Yellow, Wilson's, Orange-crowned, Nahsville, Townsend's and Hermit Warblers. Cheers, Steve Tucker San Diego, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Fort Rosecrans - PROTHONOTARY WARBLER From: BJ Stacey <finaticphoto AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 6 May 2012 12:27:00 -0700 I made my first trip of the season to Fort Rosecrans this morning and was rewarded with a nice array of warblers and other birds. Tops on the was a female (or first year male) PROTHONOTARY WARBLER that played hide-and-seek for over two hours. I first found it and had a semi-clear look at it but thought it had mistaken it for a Hermit Warbler. A few other birders arrived and they got good views and confirmed what I had seen. Guy arrived and had brief looks at the bird (and told me how to tell the sex of the bird - a male would be bright yellow-orange headed). I didn't obtain any photos but some were by others so hopeful one of them will post them later. Also there were Wilson's, Yellow, Nashville, Townsend's, Orange-crowned and Hermit Warblers all coming into the same tree. Just over the wall in pile of branches was a MacGillivray's Warbler to round out my morning of warblers. Hummingbird species was mostly Anna's but there were also at least one selasphorous and a male Calliope. Bullock's and Hooded Warblers also were coming into the same tree as all the warblers as were multiple Western Tanagers and Black-headed Grosbeaks.. This is the same tree where all the action has been for the past few days. A blooming eucalyptus just to the southeast of the main east entrance. -- BJ Stacey Santee *San Diego Field Ornithologists* Web Site *Your online resource to birding one of "birdiest" counties in the US* http://sandiegofieldornithologists.org/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Tennessee warbler at bird & butterfly garden From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Sun, 6 May 2012 14:48:06 -0400 Late morning on sunday There was a Tennessee Warbler In the blooming silk oak tree In the back of the bird and butterfly garden. It flew in from the willows along the river, Fed on the blossoms and returned it to the willows. -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com - Microsoft® Exchange solutions from a leading provider - http://link.mail2web.com/Business/Exchange ------------------------------------ Subject: Cuyamaca loop, 5 May 2012 From: "Geoffrey Rogers" <rogersgl AT cox.net> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 20:56:18 -0700 I did a 6-mile loop hike today starting at Paso Picacho Campground and heading up Cuyamaca Peak, returning on Lookout Road but turning north to Azalea Springs Fire Road and then down Azalea Glen Trail (north loop) and back to Paso Picacho. The objective was to see if I could still do such a hike and to find White-headed Woodpeckers. I finished the hike with 45 species including Hairy Woodpecker but no White-headed. Highlights were up to 3 Hermit Warblers and a Townsend's above 6,000 feet on the peak. (The area above this on the lee side of the peak was only minimally burned in the Cedar fire of 2003.) A Dusky Flycatcher, Western Tanager, 2 Olive-sided Flycatchers, and 5 Purple Finches were here and a Green-tailed Towhee was singing in the open area (burned) below 6,000 feet. Two Purple Martins were in flight over the intersection of Azalea Springs Fire Road and Lookout Road. Cassin's and Warbling vireos were heard along Lookout Road at lower elevation just south of the campground. Azalea Glen was relatively birdless although lots of water was flowing through it. On the summit of Cuyamaca Peak some construction is under way with a pair of new buildings--maybe generators, and a pair of what looks like propane tanks. Geoff ______________ Geoffrey Rogers San Diego, CA rogersgl AT cox.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: MacGillivray's, Collipe, Gull-Billed Tern, Skimmer flock... From: Mark Stratton <zostropz AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 19:34:16 -0700 Spent most of the day up at FRNC today. Basically had all the birds that have been reported in the last week or so, most at the red flowering tree just to the south of the main entrance building, including a MacGillivray's Warbler. At the red flowering tree near the Commital (spelling) shelter, we had the male Colliope Hummingbird as well. This evening, I wanted to see if I could still see the Red Knots at 7th St. in Imperial Beach, (only 1 that I could see), but while I was there, we were treated to quite a show with around 50 to 100 Cliff Swallow's coming down to the muddy shore to collect mud for their nests. I found a spot (private property) where they were actually building and there must have been more than 100 Swallow's with different stages of around 40 to 60 nests, it was quite a site. I went to the north end of 8th St. and there were 2 Gull-Billed Terns as well as a nice sized flock of around 60 to 100 Black Skimmers. Every once in a while, the whole flock would fly and then re-land in the same spot which is just east of the berm, near the end of 8th St. The Gull-billed Terns were just west of the berm. Mark and Camille Stratton North Park zostropz AT gmail.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: SDUT editorial on birds From: "Trent R. Stanley" <trent.stanley AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 19:11:21 -0700 Truncated twice. URL shortening sites like tinyurl.com and goo.gl are perfect for this and it eliminates any confusion. Corrected URL's: http://goo.gl/U5WqK http://tinyurl.com/7ap6n6p -- Trent R. Stanley PO BOX 3666 SAN DIEGO CA  92163-1666 trent AT sdbirder.com http://www.sdbirder.com On Sat, May 5, 2012 at 6:54 PM, Geoffrey Rogers wrote: > > > > The link apparently got truncated. Try > > > ockey-fights/> > http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/may/04/letters-may-day-violence-birds-ho > ckey-fights/ > > Geoff Rogers > San Diego, CA > rogersgl AT cox.net > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > ------------------------------------ Subject: SDUT editorial on birds From: "Geoffrey Rogers" <rogersgl AT cox.net> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 18:54:59 -0700 The link apparently got truncated. Try http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/may/04/letters-may-day-violence-birds-ho ckey-fights/ Geoff Rogers San Diego, CA rogersgl AT cox.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: SDUT editorial "Absence of birds" From: "Geoffrey Rogers" <rogersgl AT cox.net> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 18:18:02 -0700 I'm not familiar with the writer and don't know if she is on SDBirds but wanted to say thanks: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/may/04/letters-may-day-violence-birds-ho ckey-fights/ Geoff Rogers San Diego, CA rogersgl AT cox.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Subject: Westminster Park Palm Warbler, May 5 From: "Walens, Stanley" <swalens AT ucsd.edu> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 19:26:04 +0000 present this morning at 9:00 along the fence line next to Canon Street just south of the community garden plots. many common migrants as well as red-masked parakeets in the park. Stan Walens San Diego ------------------------------------ Subject: White-winged Dove, Point Loma 5-5-12 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 11:18:15 -0700 (GMT-07:00) This morning a WHITE-WINGED DOVE did a fly-by above Silvergate Road on Point Loma, and serves as the only highlight of my morning. There were moderate number of common migrants, and birds like Hermit Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Western Kingbird and Western Tanager were most evident. There must have been a decent flight of Swainson's Thrushes, as I heard and saw a few of the typically very skulky bird. Jay Keller, San Diego ------------------------------------ Subject: Picoides Woodpecker at San Elijo From: "buckfairbanks" <buckfairbanks AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 05 May 2012 17:39:17 -0000 Hi all My wife and I came across this bird yesterday afternoon at the San Elijo Nature Center. It was foraging from shrub to post to low shrub, eventually flying north across the street to the pines on the hillside. We made it as a male Hairy Woodpecker, based on bill length and overall size. We are familiar with both these species (Downt and Hairy) from our time in the Mammoth Lakes area. After checking the bird atlas this morning, it seemed like the sighting might be of interest. It sure surprised us. Good birding Michael Martin Oceanside, CA ------------------------------------ Subject: Re: Red Knots From: Janice Nordenberg <jnordenb AT san.rr.com> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 10:03:33 -0700 All of the shorebirds took off shortly after 9:30 and have not returned. Jan Nordenberg San Diego Sent from my iPhone On May 5, 2012, at 9:27 AM, Janice Nordenberg wrote: Paul's Red Knots and Black-bellied Plovers are still showing well at 7th Street this morning (5/5). Jan Nordenberg San Diego Sent from my iPhone ------------------------------------ Subject: Red Knots From: Janice Nordenberg <jnordenb AT san.rr.com> Date: Sat, 5 May 2012 09:27:19 -0700 Paul's Red Knots and Black-bellied Plovers are still showing well at 7th Street this morning (5/5). Jan Nordenberg San Diego Sent from my iPhone ------------------------------------ Subject: Need help with ID From: "lbruby" <lruby1 AT san.rr.com> Date: Sat, 05 May 2012 05:37:35 -0000 Hi, I saw the doves in the photos at the link below at K and 2nd street in Encinitas several times between Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. I'm not 100% sure on the ID. Initially I was thinking Ringed Turtle Doves, but the undersides of the tails of the two birds are different. Wondering if one is a Ringed Turtle Dove and the other a Eurasian Colored Dove? Or are they something else? http://lbrpics.smugmug.com/Animals/Doves/22801439_DvcwdD#!i=1829531912&k=BGKWhcV Thank you. Lisa Ruby San Diego ------------------------------------ Subject: breeding-plumaged Red Knots From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 22:35:05 -0400 Not any sort of true rarity, but Friday morning there were about 200 Red Knots at the north end of 7th in Imperial Beach (south end of SD Bay) and over half the birds were in stunning full breeding plumage. If you are used to seeing this species only as a "Gray Knot," then these birds are a real treat. Best numbers and views today were as the tide just began to fall, around 9:15-10:15AM--though obviously that time will shift. And clearly the birds will be leaving very soon. Overall, a moderate number of shorebirds there, include some high-plumaged Black-bellied Plovers as well. --Paul Lehman, San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com – What can On Demand Business Solutions do for you? http://link.mail2web.com/Business/SharePoint ------------------------------------ Subject: Bank Swallow, Sorrento Valley, 5-4-12 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 17:20:55 -0700 (GMT-07:00) Today at around 11am a nice crisp Bank Swallow was foraging up and down Penasquitos Creek behind 11107 Roselle Street in Sorreno Valley among numerous Rough-winged Swallows, which nest under the I-5 overpass just to the south of this area. The Bank would zip by every few minutes, offering only brief but close views with each pass. Jay Keller, San Diego ------------------------------------ Subject: La Jolla Cove, May 4 From: "Walens, Stanley" <swalens AT ucsd.edu> Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 21:42:30 +0000 Stopped by the Cove for 30 minutes at lunchtime. Pretty dead. No shearwaters or loons. A few black storm-petrels in the usual zone [they're much easier to see first thing in the morning when the light is better, the sea is calmer, and they're closer to shore] and a northward fly-by black oystercatcher that disappear somewhere back near the Cave Shop rocks. Big shindig at the Cove tonight and tomorrow. Coast Blvd. is closed. Stan Walens San Diego ------------------------------------