Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from San Diego Birding List > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Friday, November 6 at 06:32 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Wood Thrush,©Chris Kerrigan

6 Nov Sage Thrasher etc. ["Paul Zucker" ] 06 Nov Re: Orchard Oriole's @ SD Zoo ["ERIC" ] 06 Nov Birding and More at the Salt Works 11/21/09 ["lazulibuntings" ] 6 Nov fall/winter irruptives and other news ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 06 Nov Fulmars, Oystercatchers and Boobies ["thunefeld" ] 6 Nov Orchard Oriole's @ SD Zoo ["Trent R. Stanley" ] 06 Nov next San Elijo monthly bird count Mon. Nov. 9th ["rtpatton02" ] 5 Nov Nutmeg manikins at Bataquitos [Dyallen2 ] 06 Nov Salton Sea Flamingos and Photos ["tlindner514" ] 5 Nov Last few days, Nov 3-5, 2009 [Jay K ] 05 Nov Famosa Slough ["bicyclebirder" ] 05 Nov Hepatic Tanager ["joanfalconer" ] 05 Nov SAGE THRASHER, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET ["wngit2" ] 05 Nov SAGE THRASHER, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET ["wngit2" ] 05 Nov This mornings sightings ["Doug" ] 05 Nov Sage thrasher - NO [Jim Roberts ] 5 Nov San Diego Bay NWR job opening [] 05 Nov Flock of Cedar Waxwings at Lake Hodges ["thench" ] 05 Nov Dudley Street 4 November ["daverdsn" ] 4 Nov Re: IB Hepatic is back, 4 Nov. 2009 ["Matt Sadowski" ] 4 Nov IB Hepatic is back, 4 Nov. 2009 ["Matt Sadowski" ] 04 Nov Drip ["bicyclebirder" ] 4 Nov Black-and-white Warbler @ San Diego Zoo ["Trent R. Stanley" ] 04 Nov Re: Continuing Sage Thrasher and Raptors ["bjinsd" ] 04 Nov Rangeland Rd. Ramona & Old Julian Hwy. 11-4-09 ["mleesrfr1" ] 3 Nov Jacumba White-winged Doves and misc. ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 04 Nov Continuing Sage Thrasher at Pump Station 65 Peñasquitos Lagoon ["frank" ] 04 Nov Rangeland Road 11-3-09 ["ERIC" ] 03 Nov Re: Mission Bay high tide [Jim Roberts ] 3 Nov Re: Mission Bay high tide [] 03 Nov Mission Bay high tide [Jim Roberts ] 3 Nov Del Mar, Rimini Dr morning birds, 11-3-09 [Jay K ] 2 Nov October 31 "Count" Results [Jay K ] 2 Nov Re: Summer Tanager @ Zoo ["Trent R. Stanley" ] 2 Nov Summer Tanager @ Zoo ["Trent R. Stanley" ] 02 Nov AQUA DULCE AND BURNT RANCHERIA CAMPGROUND ["wngit2" ] 02 Nov 3 Sapsucker day at Guajome ["cortland1970" ] 1 Nov Re: San Pasqual & Ramona 11-1-09 ["Trent R. Stanley" ] 02 Nov Re: San Pasqual & Ramona 11-1-09 - corrected link ["ERIC" ] 02 Nov San Pasqual & Ramona 11-1-09 ["ERIC" ] 1 Nov No Wren today. 11/1/09 [Jay K ] 1 Nov Re: Sage Tharsher at Penasquitos Lagoon ["Jim Roberts" ] 1 Nov Sage Tharsher at Penasquitos Lagoon ["Don Adams" ] 01 Nov San Elijo Lagoon Visitor's Center, Eurasian Collared Dove, LBH, & others ["d_lewi" ] 01 Nov Crissal Thrasher + Brewer's Sparrow @ Borrego Sewage Ponds (11/01/09) ["Eitan" ] 01 Nov Roadrunner Club-Borrego Springs ["Doug" ] 1 Nov Good County Coverage Today! [Jay K ] 01 Nov Re: Yellow-shafted Flicker & Am. Crow in Borrego Springs ["ERIC" ] 31 Oct Yellow-shafted Flicker & Am. Crow in Borrego Springs [Barbara Carlson ] 31 Oct University City sightings ["Jim Roberts" ] 31 Oct County Notes (Eastern), 10/31/09 [Jay K ] 01 Nov random east county notes (10/31/09) ["Eitan" ] 31 Oct Laguna and Cuyamaca Mts ["Geoffrey Rogers" ] 30 Oct Jacumba to Borrego Springs, Oct 30 ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 30 Oct Re: Couch's No, Tropical Yes ["Trent R. Stanley" ] 30 Oct Re: Couch's No, Tropical Yes ["ERIC" ] 30 Oct RE: Couch's No, Tropical Yes ["Claude Edwards" ] 30 Oct Couch's No, Tropical Yes ["Doug" ] 30 Oct Kingbird at Greenwood ["peterginsburg" ] 30 Oct couch's??? kingbird at Greenwood Cemetery [] 30 Oct Nestor ["nikihawk" ] 29 Oct Tierrasanta birds [Jay K ] 29 Oct SD River ["bicyclebirder" ] 29 Oct Pt. Loma area thursday morning ["peterginsburg" ] 29 Oct Chilean Flamingo flying over Ocean Beach flood control channel on 10/06/09 ["swrowell49" ] 29 Oct Gujome Park ["Paul Zucker" ] 29 Oct Da Cove--Zilch; Chiriaco Summit this weekend? ["Walens, Stanley" ] 28 Oct La Jolla Cove, 10-28-09 PM - Black Scoter [Jay K ] 28 Oct Good news bad news ["Terry Sohl" ] 28 Oct Re: La Jolla Cove after 3:00 Wednesday ["Eitan" ] 28 Oct La Jolla Cove after 3:00 Wednesday ["Walens, Stanley" ] 28 Oct more from La Jolla Cove ["lehman.paul AT verizon.net" ] 28 Oct La Jolla Cove on this balmy morning [Stan Walens ] 28 Oct Tom at the Drip ["thunefeld" ] 28 Oct Re: Odd Gull at Torrey Pines SB - Black-legged Kittiwake. ["bjinsd" ] 27 Oct Swainson's Hawks ["paul jorgensen" ] Subject: Sage Thrasher etc. From: "Paul Zucker" <PZUCKER AT roadrunner.com> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 16:32:41 -0800 A very nice day birding. The Sage Thrasher, not present at 7:45am Friday, did show at 8:30 a little further north than sighted previously perched on the fence on the west side of the road. We tried to find you, Vic, but you must have just left. Thanks to Christine Harvey and Anne Reilly for the tips on La Jolla Farms Rd. We did get the female Golden crowned Kinglet and Hermit Warbler. Both the Kinglet and the Sage Thrasher were county birds for me. At the drip, notable species were 2 Golden crowned sparrows, a sooty Fox Sparrow, and Frank Wong. Paul Zucker Encinitas pzucker AT roadrunner.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: Orchard Oriole's @ SD Zoo From: "ERIC" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:52:03 -0000 A trifecta of orioles at the zoo this morning about 9:15. All in the same large coral tree just to the north of the reptile house were the male and female Orchard Orioles reported by Trent, plus a male Hooded and a Bullock's. A few photos posted at: http://tinyurl.com/ericsphotos Eric Kallen Normal Heights --- In SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com, "Trent R. Stanley" wrote: > > (11/6 AT 6:36AM) I just saw 2 Orchard Orioles atop the large Acacia > tree on the west side of the Reptile House. One was adult male plumage > the other was female/immature greenish yellow. As I was leaving I saw > one fly into the Bottlebrush by the nearby Leopard Tortoise exhibit. > > No time for pictures today. Here's the ones I got 10/12: > http://www.sdbirder.com/Birds/OROR > > Zoo opens at 9:00. > > Trent > > -- > Trent R. Stanley > PO BOX 3666 > SAN DIEGO CA 92163-1666 > trent AT ... > http://www.sdbirder.com > Subject: Birding and More at the Salt Works 11/21/09 From: "lazulibuntings" <lazulibuntings AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:05:13 -0000 Dear SD Birders: San Diego Audubon Society is hosting an "Open House" at the salt ponds in South San Diego Bay on Saturday, November 21, 2009. Buses will depart from the parking lot at 1470 Bay Blvd, Chula Vista, approximately every half hour from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The route will be along the 5-mile circuit on the outer dikes (see map posted at http://tiny.cc/Lng20 ). Walking the route is permitted, if and only if, you do not walk onto the inner dikes or into vegetation found along the outer dike. If you wish to walk the outer dike, you may begin at 8:30 a.m., and must return to the parking area before the gates are locked at 1:30 p.m. You may also walk part of the way and catch the bus for part. There are no facilities on the dikes, but porta-potties will be in the parking area for this event. SDAS volunteers will be stationed in the parking lot and on the dikes to provide information about salt ponds, salt production, and habitats of the South San Diego Bay Unit of the National Wildlife Refuge, and to assist visitors in finding and identifying birds. Although the target audience for this event is the general public, especially members of south bay communities, we are happy to extend an invitation to the birding community to take advantage of this opportunity to bird the salt works. There is a 5 ft. plus high tide around 11 a.m. on the 21st, so there may not be much in the way of mudflats exposed during this event. If you have questions, you may call Millie or Peter at (858) 571-5076. Millie Basden-Thomas San Diego [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: fall/winter irruptives and other news From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 11:57:14 -0500 SDBirds: Way back in August there were a few Red Crossbills seen in odd places in CA, and Jim Pea, I think, I had a White-breasted Nuthatch at Presidio Park, which is out of normal range (for the nuthatch, not Jim!). As a result, Guy and I talked then about maybe this being a good fall (and winter) for a number of montane and other irruptive species. But then it sort of "died" for a month. But since then, some interesting birds have been turning up, although more seem to be out in the desert than on the coastal slope. Small numbers of Cassin's Finches and Pine Siskins appeared in the desert in se CA and s. AZ starting in mid-Sep or so and continue to the present, followed by several species of wayward corvids (jays) in the Tucson area (but seemingly nowhere else), more White-breasted Nuthatches outside their normal range, good numbers of American Robins and Cedar Waxwings have followed in many areas, then a fair number of Lewis's Woodpeckers, a few desert American Crows, then a recent major desert push of Western Bluebirds, plus some Mountain Bluebirds at a number of locales, and finally a clear push of Golden-crowned Kinglets (and less so Brown Creepers). (Some of my chronological ordering may be off here, though it is more the species involved that's important.) Oddly, there appear to have been NO more Red Crossbills, and little or no sign of corvid movements here in CA. Today (Friday) I had a wandering White-breasted Nuthatch here in Tierrasanta in a grove of lerpy eucalyptus--an atypical location and habitat. Plus 2 W. Tanagers and 2 Bullock's Orioles which are probably wintering birds. Yesterday, Thursday, on private property in San Diego we had a continuing adult male Summer Tanager and a Cassin's Vireo which is probably a returning bird for at least its second winter. A walk along the San Diego River near Mission Center Road was fairly quiet, with just three probably-returning-wintering B-t Gray Warblers. --Paul Lehman, San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com – Enhanced email for the mobile individual based on Microsoft® Exchange - http://link.mail2web.com/Personal/EnhancedEmail Subject: Fulmars, Oystercatchers and Boobies From: "thunefeld" <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:19:39 -0000 Greetings, Tom Blackman, Pete Ginsburg and I met Dave Povey at San Diego's Shelter Island at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday November 3 to go see what we could see at sea in between fog banks. We saw 4 Brown Boobies at the south end of the Nine Mile Bank, 35 more on the Coronados Islands, around 20 Northern Fulmars, 2 American or AM/BL Oystercatchers of varying purity, Humpback Whales and Tom got a killer photo of a Peregrine Falcon scooping a Cassin's Auklet off the water for lunch – tastes like chicken. Trip report and Tom's photos: http://www.socalbirding.com/tripreports/sandiegonov32009.html There may be a couple of spaces left on the November 14 Condor Express trip from Santa Barbara. http://www.socalbirding.com/release/santabarbaranov72009.html Come on out with us to see what's out there. W. Terry Hunefeld, Encinitas Life is short. Seabird often. In memory of Luke Cole "Come on out with us to see what's out there." Southern California Seabirding Trips Buena Vista Audubon Society http://www.SoCalBirding.com Los Coronados Islands, Channel Islands to the Edge of the Continental Shelf The Oceanside CBC needs you! Please visit: http://tinyurl.com/yfawgxe http://www.socalbirding.com/christmasbirdcount/2009cbc.html Subject: Orchard Oriole's @ SD Zoo From: "Trent R. Stanley" <trent.stanley AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 06:53:39 -0800 (11/6 AT 6:36AM) I just saw 2 Orchard Orioles atop the large Acacia tree on the west side of the Reptile House. One was adult male plumage the other was female/immature greenish yellow. As I was leaving I saw one fly into the Bottlebrush by the nearby Leopard Tortoise exhibit. No time for pictures today. Here's the ones I got 10/12: http://www.sdbirder.com/Birds/OROR Zoo opens at 9:00. Trent -- Trent R. Stanley PO BOX 3666 SAN DIEGO CA 92163-1666 trent AT sdbirder.com http://www.sdbirder.com Subject: next San Elijo monthly bird count Mon. Nov. 9th From: "rtpatton02" <rpatton AT san.rr.com> Date: Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:48:04 -0000 Please spread the word - San Elijo Lagoon monthly bird count Monday Nov 9th (& 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: Nutmeg manikins at Bataquitos From: Dyallen2 <dyallen2 AT aol.com> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 19:24:49 -0800 I saw a small group of nutmeg manikins at Batiquitos Lagoon this afternoon. They are rare in the wild around here, but I got a good look at them, and the coloring is unmistakable. Several of the group were juveniles--maybe it was a family. They were in a large weed patch near the path leading up to the first parking area past the Nature Center. David Allen Encinitas [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Salton Sea Flamingos and Photos From: "tlindner514" <lindner514 AT cox.net> Date: Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:27:56 -0000 we went to salton sea looking for the lesser black-backed gull ... no go on that ... but we did find a yellow-footed gull and three flamingos at the end of young road very distant flamingoes http://tinyurl.com/yknooh7 i've also posted some photos i've taken lately ... nothing special ... but a pretty good ruby-crowned kinglet showing his stuff ... go to the link below and click on san diego http://tinyurl.com/ykcgktz note: i had to move my site to tomlindner.com Tom Lindner Ramona Subject: Last few days, Nov 3-5, 2009 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 21:55:37 -0500 (EST) I've been fairly actively birding but turning up only semi-interesting birds. Late afternoon Tuesday I had a BROWN CREEPER working some pines here in Tierrasanta, which the Atlas lists as rare away from the mountains. The last two mornings I was at the overlook at Kendall-Frost Marsh and today had one adult HERRING GULL do a couple of fly-bys, two HORNED GREBES (my first of Fall), and at least one RED KNOT. Yesterday at the mostly-dry pond to the north of the Sorrento Valley Rd pump station, a WILSON'S SNIPE was probing in the open. For whatever reason, despite a couple of visits, I have not seen the Sage Thrasher. Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: Famosa Slough From: "bicyclebirder" <speteren AT cox.net> Date: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:46:46 -0000 Common for you, but a first for me at the slough was a common snipe at 2:45 Thurdsay. West edge of the spit of land seen from the high point between benches #1 and #2. JimPea, SD, CA Subject: Hepatic Tanager From: "joanfalconer" <joanfalconer AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:10:51 -0000 I refound the male Hepatic Tanager at Caspian & 4th. this morning at 9:45, Thurs. First saw him in the trees above garbage cans in the parking lot south of Caspian. Then flew across to the tree (ficus?) next to the rest rooms. Joan Falconer Scripps Ranch, Ca Subject: SAGE THRASHER, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET From: "wngit2" <wngit2 AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:39:35 -0000 This morning (November 5), Anne Reilly and I decided to bird her "patch" a.k.a. La Jolla. We met at the grad housing on Discovery Way where it was pretty quiet other than a couple Townsend's Warblers. We made a brief stop by Ellentown and finally to La Jolla Farms Rd. My only regret was that we should've done the route in reverse order. We only had a bit of quality birding time and put a small dent in covering the area. There was a Green-tailed Towhee which flagged us down w/ the typical "mew" call on the right side of the driveway digging his way to China, at 9445 La Jolla Farms Rd. The Cape May Honeysuckle had at least 2 Allen's Hummingbirds. There are several pines at the corner of Black Gold and La Jolla Farms Rd. In these pines we had a first winter Hermit Warbler, a female Golden-crowned Kinglet and heard 2 additional GC Kinglets. In the immediate area we had all the usuals (Nuttall's Woodpecker, Cedar Waxwings, Fox Sparrow, etc.). We parted around noon and I continued to the end of Sorrento Valley Rd. to check on the Sage Thrasher that was originally reported on Nov. 1. It was waiting, perched on the dried plants above the pilings. This is located N of the pump station, beyond the bend in the road. It flew to the fence and was still there when I left. Thanks go out to Paul Lehman for directing us to additional county birding sites w/ "real potential" and to Don Adams for reporting the striking Sage Thrasher. Christine Harvey Santee, CA sdch AT cox.net Subject: SAGE THRASHER, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET From: "wngit2" <wngit2 AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:35:33 -0000 This morning (November 5), Anne Reilly and I decided to bird her "patch" a.k.a. La Jolla. We met at the grad housing on Discovery Way where it was pretty quiet other than a couple Townsend's Warblers. We made a brief stop by Ellentown and finally to La Jolla Farms Rd. My only regret was that we should've done the route in reverse order. We only had a bit of quality birding time and put a small dent in covering the area. There was a Green-tailed Towhee which flagged us down w/ the typical "mew" call on the right side of the driveway digging his way to China, at 9445 La Jolla Farms Rd. The Cape May Honeysuckle had at least 2 Allen's Hummingbirds. There are several pines at the corner of Black Gold and La Jolla Farms Rd. In these pines we had a first winter Hermit Warbler, a female Golden-crowned Kinglet and heard 2 additional GC Kinglets. In the immediate area we had all the usuals (Nuttall's Woodpecker, Cedar Waxwings, Fox Sparrow, etc.). We parted around noon and I continued to the end of Sorrento Valley Rd. to check on the Sage Thrasher that was originally reported on Nov. 1. It was waiting, perched on the dried plants above the pilings. This is located N of the pump station, beyond the bend in the road. It flew to the fence and was still there when I left. Thanks go out to Paul Lehman for directing us to additional county birding sites w/ "real potential" and to Don Adams for reporting the striking Sage Thrasher. Christine Harvey Santee, CA sdch AT cox.net Subject: This mornings sightings From: "Doug" <dwaguillard AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:16:06 -0000 I dipped on the Hepatic Tanager this morning at the Park/Apt. complex at Caspian and Imperial Beach Blvd.in Imperial Beach, but did see an adult Yellow-crowned Night Heron in the Pine Tree near the mobile home in the park's parking lot. Just off shore of the IB Pier was approx 500-600 Western/Clark's Grebes in three different groups. This is the largest concentration that I've ever seen. Then it was off to Fort Rosecrans, where I heard a Red-breasted Nuthatch calling in the north eastern section of the cemetery. At the Drip at Cabrillo was the largest number of Hermit Thrushes I've ever witnessed with up to 12 birds constantly moving in & out of the drip area, along with the one known Fox Sparrow. While in the parking lot, I watched one Pergrine attacked a flock, yes a flock (kettle) of 6 Red-tailed Hawks, which is also the largest group I've ever seen on the Point. The Painted Redstart could be heard singing in the residential area at Dudley and Albion. Doug Aguillard San Diego, CA doug AT basiclink.com Subject: Sage thrasher - NO From: Jim Roberts <jroberts AT scripps.edu> Date: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:55:42 -0800 This morning (11/5/09) from about 9 til 9:30AM , I tried unsuccessfully to refind the Sage Thrasher in Sorrento Valley. North of the pump station was a "mewing" California gnatcatcher. Immediately south of the pump station in the swampy area, a Snipe flushed. Jim Roberts University City Subject: San Diego Bay NWR job opening From: Gjon_Hazard AT fws.gov Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 11:42:39 -0800 Pardon the cross-posting... (and marginal listserv-topic appropriateness) The links at the bottom provide full details (Don Brubaker's summary, copied from an earlier post, may not be entirely accurate on the current particulars of the job [e.g., it looks like it's a full GS-11 position now, not a GS-9/11]). (I'm just forwarding, don't contact me for info, 'cause I don't have the answers.) Cheers, -Gj ==================================== Gjon C. Hazard Fish and Wildlife Biologist Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office 6010 Hidden Valley Road, Suite 101 Carlsbad, CA 92011 USA Voice: 760/431-9440x287 FAX: 760/918-0638 E-mail: Gjon_Hazard<.at.>fws.gov http://carlsbad.fws.gov/ ==================================== ----- Forwarded by Gjon Hazard/CFWO/R1/FWS/DOI on 11/05/2009 11:08 AM ----- Don Brubaker/MOBILE/R 1/FWS/DOI To 11/05/2009 10:29 cc AM Subject Fw: MPP & DEU VAs - Wildlife Refuge Specialist, GS-0485-11 Remember when I wrote . . . All y’all (plural form of y’all) . . . Tijuana Slough and San Diego Bay NWR’s will be advertising for a Wildlife Refuge Specialist in the not too distant future - hopefully. This position will occupy an office at TjSNWR, Imperial Beach, CA, however, an opportunity may be had to periodically ‘float’ over to San Diego NWR, Jamul, CA when assistance is needed/demanded - they can be that way at times. Wildlife Refuge Specialist? What’s that? A job. A good job. In a nut-shell, a GS-0485-09/11, Wildlife Refuge Specialist, at TjS/SDB NWR’s does a variety of activities ranging from, but certainly not limited to, and subject to temporary modification of: turning nuts and bolts to replace boundary signs; drafting environmental regulation and compliance documents; working with contracted heavy equipment operators to prep nesting sites and repair berms; conciliate a refuge neighbor who’s fed up with the zillion starlings roosting in their palm tree; providing tours of the refuge; working with assorted conservation partners on salt pond restoration; orchestrating trail brushing work parties; asking visitors to keep their dog on a leash; assessing facilities and equipment for servicing and repair; generating statements of work and initiate contract services; and assist other refugenae with a variety of duties not listed above. And, all the above-mentioned could occur on one day. The general series 0485 is quite similar to a 0486, Wildlife Biologist. However, 0485’s are considered managerial/pseudo-supervisory/assistant managers . . . y’follow? Scrutinize, heavily, the requirements for this series – 0485-09/11. The botany component is often the troublesome requirement. Do you have 9-units of botany? Ask yourself, do you want to live in the metropolitan San Diego area? Go ahead, ask. Nobody'll hear you. The way of life here is not cheap. Gas prices are consistently higher than most parts of the country. Traffic can be a bugger. And a good studio apartment can run ya $1,500/month. However, you’ve got the ocean; an hour and a half can put you in the desert, or pine forests, or well into Baja, Mexico, or a rockin’ head-bangin’ concert in Los Angeles. Like a net, we plan to cast the advertisement far and wide as we want a number of qualified applicants to consider. The review and selection process will be rigorous as this position is integral to the day-to-day function of TjS/SDB NWR’s and the San Diego Refuge Complex. We may be a small complex of refuges, yet we’ve several million dollars worth of projects to complete over the next couple of years. Do you want to be a part of that? Feel free to share this among your neighbors and friends. Look to USAJOBS.opm.gov for the announcement . . . in the not too distant future. Well, see below. ----- Forwarded by Don Brubaker/MOBILE/R1/FWS/DOI on 11/05/2009 10:19 AM ----- Andy Yuen/CFWO/R1/FWS/ DOI To 11/05/2009 09:37 cc AM Subject Fw: MPP & DEU VAs - Wildlife Refuge Specialist, GS-0485-11 Please share with your colleagues. Thanks. Andy Andrew R. Yuen Project Leader San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex Office Telephone: 760/930-0168 Cellular: 760/535-7065 FAX: 760/930-0256 ----- Forwarded by Andy Yuen/CFWO/R1/FWS/DOI on 11/05/2009 09:35 AM ----- Sue Godfrey/RO/R1/FWS /DOI To 11/05/2009 08:26 cc AM Subject MPP & DEU VAs - Wildlife Refuge Specialist, GS-0485-11 Hi Andy, Below are links to the announcements for the Wildlife Refuge Specialist, GS-0485-11, position. Both open 11/05/09 and close 11/27/09. MPP - governmentwide http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?JobID=84241758&q=fish+and+wildlife&lid=342&sort=rv%2c-dtex&rad_units=miles&brd=3876&pp=50&jbf522=0485&vw=d&paygrademin=11&paygrademax=11&re=134&FedEmp=Y&FedPub=Y&caller=agency.aspx&AVSDM=2009-11-05+00%3a03%3a00&rc=6&TabNum=1 DEU - general public http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?JobID=84366926&q=fish+and+wildlife&lid=342&sort=rv%2c-dtex&rad_units=miles&brd=3876&pp=50&jbf522=0485&vw=d&paygrademin=11&paygrademax=11&re=134&FedEmp=Y&FedPub=Y&caller=agency.aspx&AVSDM=2009-11-05+00%3a03%3a00&rc=4&TabNum=1 If you have any questions, please let me know. **************************************** Sue Godfrey Human Resources Specialist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Human Resources 911 NE 11th Ave. Portland, OR 97232 Phone: 503-231-6136 Fax: 503-231-2373 **************************************** Subject: Flock of Cedar Waxwings at Lake Hodges From: "thench" <thench AT cox.net> Date: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:43:41 -0000 8:30 a.m. A flock of 8 cedar waxwings and one pudgy Western bluebird landed in a tree on the high road, Vista de la Cresta, above Lake Hodges and then flew down toward Mission Road along the lake. Tracy Henchbarger Escondido (Lake Hodges) thench AT cox.net Subject: Dudley Street 4 November From: "daverdsn" <daverdsn AT aol.com> Date: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:52:17 -0000 The Painted Redstart finally showed well on the wires on Albion and Dudley just after the fog lifted at 09:05. Thanks to everyone who helped us see this bird after two trips from the UK! Dave and Malcolm (Derbyshire Ornithological Society). Subject: Re: IB Hepatic is back, 4 Nov. 2009 From: "Matt Sadowski" <matt.sadowski AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 17:22:31 -0800 Actually the time was 8:30 to 9:00 PST. I was getting the time from my camera which is still on PDT. Matt Sadowski Chula Vista, CA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Sadowski" To: Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 5:16 PM Subject: [SDBIRDS] IB Hepatic is back, 4 Nov. 2009 > The male Hepatic Tanager at 4th and Caspian Way in Imperial Beach is > back for its fourth (known) winter. It was giving its soft "chuck" > call from the apartments north of Caspian nearly constantly from > around 9:30 to 10:00. It also uttered its Hooded Oriole-like "veet" > flight call several times. It then flew into the apt. parking lot > south of Caspian where I left it. > > photos: > http://www.flickr.com/photos/68911779 AT N00/ > > Matt Sadowski > Chula Vista, CA > > Subject: IB Hepatic is back, 4 Nov. 2009 From: "Matt Sadowski" <matt.sadowski AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 17:16:45 -0800 The male Hepatic Tanager at 4th and Caspian Way in Imperial Beach is back for its fourth (known) winter. It was giving its soft "chuck" call from the apartments north of Caspian nearly constantly from around 9:30 to 10:00. It also uttered its Hooded Oriole-like "veet" flight call several times. It then flew into the apt. parking lot south of Caspian where I left it. photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/68911779 AT N00/ Matt Sadowski Chula Vista, CA Subject: Drip From: "bicyclebirder" <speteren AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:04:28 -0000 Regulars included a couple of golden-crowned sparrows. The spotted towhee, CA thrasher and six hermit thrushes were all in one field of view (ignoring the white-crowned sparrows and house finches and CA towhees and jays and such that were also in it). Great Backyard Bird Count is 2/12/10 - 2/15/10. The feeder count starts in 10 days. Go to eBird for updates. Oceanside's CBC is sometime next month. Go to T Hunefeld for updates. JimPea, SD, CA Subject: Black-and-white Warbler @ San Diego Zoo From: "Trent R. Stanley" <trent.stanley AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 14:56:42 -0800 This afternoon (11/4/2009) I found a Black-and-white Warbler in the lerp infested eucalyptus near my office, SW of the Giant Panda Exhibit. The same area that had a wintering Black-throated Green Warbler last year. It's the 1st BAWW I've ever seen at the Zoo. Someday I'll have to compile a Zoo list... I got one marginal photo of it before I left grounds for the day. http://www.sdbirder.com/Birds/BAWW Trent -- Trent R. Stanley PO BOX 3666 SAN DIEGO CA 92163-1666 trent AT sdbirder.com http://www.sdbirder.com Subject: Re: Continuing Sage Thrasher and Raptors From: "bjinsd" <bjinsd AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:41:57 -0000 I ran over and found the Sage Thrasher over my lunch break today (noon hour). It was up on the fence/railing by the freeway across from the nearly dried pond (maybe 150 yards west of the station). Thanks to everyone for both finding and reporting this bird. While there I was able to see some raptor activity too. A Peregrine Falcon swooped through and a female Northern Harrier were hunting over the marsh. Sitting on one of the poles was a Red-tailed hawk. The best "action" happened when the Harrier passed by the clump of trees on the other side of the railroad tracks. Another raptor-like bird came screaming out of the trees and the two grappled with each other. I watched as long as I have views of the birds, but they kept heading east deeper into the canyon. Best description is the bird was very similar to a Northern Harrier, only slightly smaller-sized overall. I could not tell if the white tail band went all the way around or not. The bird in question had a rounded face like a Harrier. The flight style was not direct - more wavy, but I don't know if this had to do with the on and off battling for which it was engaged. Unfortunately most of this action happened between me and sun so I was watching mostly silhouettes. Could this have been a Short-eared Owl? Or just a smaller Harrier? I'm not sure but wanted to describe it and hopefully get some ideas, and also so that those interested might keep an eye out. BJ Stacey Santee bjinsd AT yahoo.com --- In SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com, "frank" wrote: > > a very cooperative Sage Thrasher originally reported by Don Adams and Jim Roberts on 11/1/09 was again seen today(11/3)at 10 am between telephone poles 4 and 5 north of the pump station on Sorrento Valley Road,perched on top of the green log fence paralleling the road. After some 5 minutes of good views some bicyclists spooked him and he flew east and was not refound. > Frank Wong > Del Mar,Ca > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Rangeland Rd. Ramona & Old Julian Hwy. 11-4-09 From: "mleesrfr1" <marktlee AT juno.com> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:27:57 -0000 Around 11:30 am a beautiful light Ferruginous Hawk slowly soared low over the the road, also many Mountain Bluebirds. At Old Julian Hwy at the turnoff at 941, there were about 10 Collard Doves and 8 Turkeys. Mark T. Lee Chula Vista Subject: Jacumba White-winged Doves and misc. From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 20:54:30 -0500 SDBirds: This afternoon--Tues--I stopped for an hour at Jacumba on my way home from the desert and saw a few things of some interest. Tops on the list were the FIVE WHITE-WINGED DOVES at the southeast corner of town. This many birds strongly suggests that they are wintering there, I would assume. The species is known to winter in moderate numbers, of course, at lower elevation in the Anza Borrego/Borrego Springs area, but this might be the first hint that they would do so at this site up around 3000 feet. Also in town was a single American Crow, which is slightly east of its normal range. And lastly, a "Myrtle" Warbler there is a subspecies decidedly scarce on the dry east slope. --Paul Lehman, San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://link.mail2web.com/mail2web Subject: Continuing Sage Thrasher at Pump Station 65 Peñasquitos Lagoon From: "frank" <fmwongmd AT san.rr.com> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:19:57 -0000 a very cooperative Sage Thrasher originally reported by Don Adams and Jim Roberts on 11/1/09 was again seen today(11/3)at 10 am between telephone poles 4 and 5 north of the pump station on Sorrento Valley Road,perched on top of the green log fence paralleling the road. After some 5 minutes of good views some bicyclists spooked him and he flew east and was not refound. Frank Wong Del Mar,Ca Subject: Rangeland Road 11-3-09 From: "ERIC" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:11:45 -0000 Mountain Bluebirds were out in decent numbers this morning on both sides of Rangeland Road in Ramona. The best spot seemed to be at the corral on the west side of the road. The birds would perch on the fences, pipes, and posts allowing for good views. A few western meadowlarks, no FEHA. The cattle farm up the road had lots of blackbirds,cowbirds, starlings and two WF ibis, but I could not find any yellow-headed among the crowd. A few pics of the bluebirds posted at: http://tinyurl.com/ericsphotos Eric Kallen Normal Heights Subject: Re: Mission Bay high tide From: Jim Roberts <jroberts AT scripps.edu> Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:56:10 -0800 Gjon, Thanks for the information. The fact that the rails were up against the fence may not be that big of a problem. I made several passes through the area before I even saw them. The pickleweed is thick enough even outside the fence (west of the fence where one of the rails was seen) to successfully hide the birds. One of the birds eventually moved east along the edges of the pickleweed foraging and even swimming for short stretches across the water as it moved back out into the marsh. I never did see the other one leave the area. Jim Roberts University City Gjon_Hazard AT fws.gov wrote: > > > All: > > A recent SDBIRDS report noted: > > < (western edge of the marsh, near the wooden overlook deck). The only > one of the two which was completely visible had a band on both legs. > The bands didn't appear to be colored or prominently labeled with > numbers or letters. They appeared to be dull-finished metal, probably > aluminum. Does anyone know of this specific banding having been done.>> > > Brian Collins, the biologist at the San Diego Bay National Wildlife > Refuge, > informs me that the banded clapper rail is most likely one of the > captive-raised birds. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Chula Vista > Nature Center, and Sea World (along with the help of other dedicated > souls) > has been augmenting populations of the endangered light-footed clapper > rail > with individuals raised in captivity. Released birds have one standard > (dull aluminium) Bird Banding Laboratory band on one leg, and a yearly > "cohort" band on the other leg. This year, the cohort bands are kind of a > brushed, pale, brassy-looking aluminum. The bands are numbered, but > they're generally not readable under field conditions. Seven birds have > recently been released into Kendall-Frost. > > It is unfortunate to hear that the observed birds were up against the > fence. As many of you know, high tides force rails and other secretive > salt-marsh animals out of their usual haunts and into the periphery. This > allows birders a chance to observe these seldom-seen birds, but it also > allows for predators to see them, too. Development and other changes in > the landscape have encroached on coastal salt marshes, limiting the > availability of safe upland areas. Sea-level rise may be contributing or > may contribute in the future to a reduction in the amount of area that is > not inundated. > > Additional information may be found at: > > > > > PDF > > > > > > Cheers, > -Gj > > ============ ========= ========= ====== > Gjon C. Hazard > Fish and Wildlife Biologist > Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office > 6010 Hidden Valley Road, Suite 101 > Carlsbad, CA 92011 USA > Voice: 760/431-9440x287 > FAX: 760/918-0638 > E-mail: Gjon_Hazard< .at.>fws. gov > http://carlsbad. fws.gov/ > ============ ========= ========= ====== > not an official USFWS email > > Subject: Re: Mission Bay high tide From: Gjon_Hazard AT fws.gov Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 14:28:16 -0800 All: A recent SDBIRDS report noted: <> Brian Collins, the biologist at the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, informs me that the banded clapper rail is most likely one of the captive-raised birds. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Chula Vista Nature Center, and Sea World (along with the help of other dedicated souls) has been augmenting populations of the endangered light-footed clapper rail with individuals raised in captivity. Released birds have one standard (dull aluminium) Bird Banding Laboratory band on one leg, and a yearly "cohort" band on the other leg. This year, the cohort bands are kind of a brushed, pale, brassy-looking aluminum. The bands are numbered, but they're generally not readable under field conditions. Seven birds have recently been released into Kendall-Frost. It is unfortunate to hear that the observed birds were up against the fence. As many of you know, high tides force rails and other secretive salt-marsh animals out of their usual haunts and into the periphery. This allows birders a chance to observe these seldom-seen birds, but it also allows for predators to see them, too. Development and other changes in the landscape have encroached on coastal salt marshes, limiting the availability of safe upland areas. Sea-level rise may be contributing or may contribute in the future to a reduction in the amount of area that is not inundated. Additional information may be found at: PDF Cheers, -Gj ==================================== Gjon C. Hazard Fish and Wildlife Biologist Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office 6010 Hidden Valley Road, Suite 101 Carlsbad, CA 92011 USA Voice: 760/431-9440x287 FAX: 760/918-0638 E-mail: Gjon_Hazard<.at.>fws.gov http://carlsbad.fws.gov/ ==================================== not an official USFWS email Subject: Mission Bay high tide From: Jim Roberts <jroberts AT scripps.edu> Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:58:18 -0800 I checked out the marsh (it used to be called Kendall Frost, now it has a sign with another name) this morning (11/3/09) in Mission Bay (north of Crown Point). I couldn't dig out any sharp-tailed sparrows (or the green-tailed towhee I saw a couple weeks ago) but there was one bird of interest. There were two Clapper rails along the chain-link fence (western edge of the marsh, near the wooden overlook deck). The only one of the two which was completely visible had a band on both legs. The bands didn't appear to be colored or prominently labeled with numbers or letters. They appeared to be dull-finished metal, probably aluminum. Does anyone know of this specific banding having been done. I know a number of Clapper rails were released in San Elijo Lagoon within the last year; were they banded in this manner? Jim Roberts University City Subject: Del Mar, Rimini Dr morning birds, 11-3-09 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 10:36:23 -0500 (EST) Early this morning I made a 45-minute visit to the Rimini Drive area in Del Mar and found a substantial amount of activity including warblers such as Townsend's (several) and at least a dozen Selasphorus (presumably Allen's) hummingbirds. The highlight was a MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE at Umatilla St & Via Alta, which seems to be a regular winter visitor to this particular area. Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: October 31 "Count" Results From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 21:54:56 -0500 (EST) SD-Birders, Thank you to everyone who responded to my request for sightings of the "impromptu" San Deigo Fall Count from October 31. There were about 25 respondents, virtually all of which contributed to the count. Including all reports I received, 161 species were recorded in the county on that day. Add to that the 45 species which we know were there or were unreported to me, there should have been about 206 species recorded on the day. If you believe you had additional species beyond what I might have been made aware of, please let me know. We were benefited by a pelagic trip offshore which netted a Jaeger, Rhino Auklet, and other birds, as well as a few swallows in a mixed flock. Unreported birds included rails, various likely shorebirds, terns, and assorted passerines. With a slightly earlier date, we could have added a number of additional species. Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: Re: Summer Tanager @ Zoo From: "Trent R. Stanley" <trent.stanley AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 16:12:21 -0800 I went back later in the morning and got a picture of it. http://www.sdbirder.com/Birds/SUTA -- Trent R. Stanley PO BOX 3666 SAN DIEGO CA 92163-1666 trent AT sdbirder.com http://www.sdbirder.com On Mon, Nov 2, 2009 at 7:09 AM, Trent R. Stanley wrote: > Just found a Summer Tanager (Mon., 11/2) at the old Elephant Mesa area > (now Urban Jungle) in the fig tree by the Giraffe Experience. Tried to > get photos but the leaf blowers and a pressure washer arrived making > it impossible to re-find with all the noise. It was making a call > similar to Nuttall's Woodpecker, like this recording: > http://www.xeno-canto.org/sounds/uploaded/XRABICUARW/R09_0486-Summer-Tanager.mp3 > > The Camphor tree above Meerkat's is starting to fruit. Hopefully it'll > attract some good birds again, like a Scarlet Tanager... > > -- > Trent R. Stanley > PO BOX 3666 > SAN DIEGO CA  92163-1666 > trent AT sdbirder.com > http://www.sdbirder.com > Subject: Summer Tanager @ Zoo From: "Trent R. Stanley" <trent.stanley AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 07:09:21 -0800 Just found a Summer Tanager (Mon., 11/2) at the old Elephant Mesa area (now Urban Jungle) in the fig tree by the Giraffe Experience. Tried to get photos but the leaf blowers and a pressure washer arrived making it impossible to re-find with all the noise. It was making a call similar to Nuttall's Woodpecker, like this recording: http://www.xeno-canto.org/sounds/uploaded/XRABICUARW/R09_0486-Summer-Tanager.mp3 The Camphor tree above Meerkat's is starting to fruit. Hopefully it'll attract some good birds again, like a Scarlet Tanager... -- Trent R. Stanley PO BOX 3666 SAN DIEGO CA 92163-1666 trent AT sdbirder.com http://www.sdbirder.com Subject: AQUA DULCE AND BURNT RANCHERIA CAMPGROUND From: "wngit2" <wngit2 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:07:16 -0000 Today (November 1), Barbara Carlson and I searched for the elusive Winter Wren reported at Aqua Dulce. We were soon joined by Marcie Mason and Mike McClintock. Although the Winter Wren eluded us, we had 2 consolation Townsend's Solitaire (1 at the pump house seen by all, 1 on the road NW of the pump house, Mike McClintock). At Burnt Rancherita campground, there was an additional Townsend's Solitaire bellying up to the water trough w/ a Cassin's Finch and numerous Purple Finches. Mike McClintock reported a Red-breasted Sapsucker which made its appearance at the trough soon after we parted. On the way out of the campground, near the entrance, a Red-naped Sapsucker called us over for a peek just above eye level. It was a nice male. Christine Harvey Santee, CA sdch AT cox.net Subject: 3 Sapsucker day at Guajome From: "cortland1970" <reilanne AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:30:35 -0000 Today, Sunday, Nov. 1 I had the pleasure of viewing a Red-breasted Sapsucker, a Red-naped Sapsucker and a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Guajome County Park. The 3 birds were in different areas. The Red-breasted was in a tree down by the lake and the Red-naped flew from the tree just beside the restroom to the trees across the street near the east entrance. A birder named David showed me where the Yellow-bellied was in the pepper trees near the wedding gazebo. Anne Reilly La Jolla Subject: Re: San Pasqual & Ramona 11-1-09 From: "Trent R. Stanley" <trent.stanley AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:56:13 -0800 Here's the pictures I got today. http://www.sdbirder.com/Birds/Grasslands Trent -- Trent R. Stanley PO BOX 3666 SAN DIEGO CA  92163-1666 trent AT sdbirder.com http://www.sdbirder.com Subject: Re: San Pasqual & Ramona 11-1-09 - corrected link From: "ERIC" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:49:38 -0000 http://tinyurl.com/ericsphotos > Eric Kallen > Normal Heights > Subject: San Pasqual & Ramona 11-1-09 From: "ERIC" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:43:59 -0000 Trent & I birded the San Pasqual Valley and the Rangeland Road area of Ramona this afternoon. At the WAP we had one fly-over of the zone-tailed hawk. From the south side of the valley we spied what appeared to be a ferruginous hawk. Along Rangeland Road we found a ferruginous hawk and mountain bluebirds in groups of 2 or three which Eitan reported yesterday. Jay Keller joined us at this point. We wandered to the horse farm to the north-east and found a mixed flock of blackbirds and starlings, at least 500 birds. The best birds in the flock that we could find were three yellow-headed and a decent number of tricolored. A few pics of the blackbirds posted. http://tinyurl.com/ericsphtos Eric Kallen Normal Heights Subject: No Wren today. 11/1/09 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 17:49:11 -0800 (GMT-08:00) Despite three hours of searching and recording-playing, I could not locate the Winter Wren at Agua Dulce today. The consolation prize was the CASSIN'S FINCH that flew over me twice uttering its very distinctive call. Due to my lack of significant experience with the species, at first I wondered if it was the call of some vireo, then considered a Siskin on steroids. The second time I heard it is was with 2-3 Purple Finches giving their pik notes, and after listening to the audio of the Cassin's call, can without much doubt call this a Cassin's. I also visited Rangeland Road and found Eric and Trent already at the MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD flock. Farther along the road we located at least three YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS among the other Icterids and Starlings at the cow farm. Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: Re: Sage Tharsher at Penasquitos Lagoon From: "Jim Roberts" <jroberts AT scripps.edu> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 17:35:23 -0800 (PST) At 3 PM (11/1/09) I refound Don's Sage Thrasher in the same general area. I found it first at the fourth power pole north of the pump station. It foraged mostly from the wooden rail fence, sitting atop the poles, running along the rails and flying off (down) to forage. It finally flew into the bushes east of the paved road and was more difficult to see. I watched is for at least 30 minutes. Speaking of rails...there was a Virginia rail in the marsh immediately south of the pump station. Jim ROberts University City > At 8:30 AM, Sunday, 11/1/2009 there was a Sage Thrasher at Penasquitos > Lagoon. It was along the fence along the closed part of Sorrento Valley > Road near the 3rd power pole north of pump station 65. > > Don Adams > San Diego, CA > DKAdams AT prodigy.net > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > Subject: Sage Tharsher at Penasquitos Lagoon From: "Don Adams" <DKAdams AT prodigy.net> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 13:27:30 -0800 At 8:30 AM, Sunday, 11/1/2009 there was a Sage Thrasher at Penasquitos Lagoon. It was along the fence along the closed part of Sorrento Valley Road near the 3rd power pole north of pump station 65. Don Adams San Diego, CA DKAdams AT prodigy.net [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: San Elijo Lagoon Visitor's Center, Eurasian Collared Dove, LBH, & others From: "d_lewi" <d_lewi AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:07:45 -0000 I stopped by the San Elijo Lagoon visitor's center this morning. Saw a Little Blue Heron there for the second day in a row sitting on a post. As I followed the trail just west of the visitor's centerdown, just past the bend that curves left, there was a Eurasian Collared Dove sitting on a sign. It allowed very close approach and stayed there until I left. As I was leaving, I also saw a Western Grebe in the water by the trail entrance near the visitor's center. Additional Birds: Willets Western Sandpipers Black Phoebe Dowitchers Song Sparrows House Finchs Mocking Birds Mallards Dave Lewis Carmel Valley Subject: Crissal Thrasher + Brewer's Sparrow @ Borrego Sewage Ponds (11/01/09) From: "Eitan" <ston571 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:10:36 -0000 Inspired by Eric's photos and guided by his directions, I marched myself out to the old borrego sewage ponds this morning, arriving at about 5:50am (15 minutes before official sunrise). In retrospect that was probably still a bit too late (I would recommend showing up 30 minutes before sunrise while it is still mostly dark), as the desert was already fully lit... Fortunately, however, I finally conquered my #1 county nemesis bird as a CRISSAL THRASHER darted out from the bushes along the dirt road for a few diagnostic but tantalizingly brief looks. The bird was quite skittish, making a few brief sallies from cover before 6am, and then disappearing for the rest of the morning. Other birds seen at the ponds included: 2 BREWER'S SPARROWS many SAGE SPARROWS ("desert" flavor) SAVANNAH SPARROWS WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW HORNED LARK AMERICAN PIPIT NORTHERN HARRIER VERDIN PHAINOPEPLA NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD BLACK-TAILED GNATCATCHER ROADRUNNER The only interesting bird on the drive home was a long PINE SISKIN mixed in with the goldfinches at the Julian Birdwatcher's Store feeders. Eitan Altman Mission Hills Subject: Roadrunner Club-Borrego Springs From: "Doug" <dwaguillard AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:38:29 -0000 I was not an invitee to the group who was doing the Borrego Springs run yesterday, but ran into them at the Roadrunner Club as I was there chasing the Yellow-shafted Flicker that Paul Lehman had found the day before. The Roadrunner Club should be San Diego's "Galileo Hill", but for some reason, it doesn't seem to get that much coverage during migration. I'll have to change that this coming spring. While there, I observed the following: Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, American Wigeons, Pied-billed Grebe, Belted Kingfisher, Eurasian Collared Doves, Red-shafted Flickers, Yellow-shafted Flicker, Northern Flicker intergrade, American Robin, Western Bluebirds, Cedar Waxwings, Western Meadowlarks, Audubon's Warblers, Orange-crowned Warblers, Starlings, House Finches, White-crowned Sparrows, House Sparrows. The roving group had other species, that they have already reported. Yellow-shafted Flicker http://tinyurl.com/yb3cznw Douglas Aguillard San Diego, CA doug AT basiclink.com Subject: Good County Coverage Today! From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:03:45 -0400 (EDT) Hi Everyone, It looks like significant portions of the county were covered today by a lot of people. I'm curious as to what a snapshot of the species diversity would be like on a day in late October. If you birded today, whether a significant outing or just at your backyard feeders, could you reply to me directly (not the list) with your species lists? I'll post the results in a few days as an FYI. Also, I'll not make public any names or locations of species seen, especially if they are sensitive for any reason. Just indicate that to me in your email. I'm kicking around the idea in my mind of putting together a County Fall Count for next year during the height of migration (as a compliment to the America's Birdiest County Spring Count perhaps), and this data would be a decent, albeit a bit late indicator of what we might expect next year. Thanks! Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: Re: Yellow-shafted Flicker & Am. Crow in Borrego Springs From: "ERIC" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 02:10:00 -0000 I've posted a few pics of todays birds at the usual spot: Note: Sage Sparrow at the old sewage ponds..... http://tinyurl.com/ericsphotos Eric Kallen Normal Heights --- In SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com, Barbara Carlson wrote: > > Seven of us joined Paul E. Lehman this morning in Borrego Springs.  At De Anza Country Club, we saw two American Crow (rare in Borrego Springs), White-breasted Nuthatch, two Golden-crowned Sparrows, and a Merlin.  > > The male Yellow-shafted Flicker continues at the Roadrunner Golf & Country Club.  Also seen at this location were a  Plumbeous Vireo, two Lawrence's Goldfinch, another Merlin and a Red-shouldered Hawk. > > Eric Kallen started his morning at the Borrego sewage ponds, where he saw and photographed two Crissal Thrashers, a Sage Thrasher, and more Lawrence's Goldfinch.  > > On > our way home, we stopped off at Mesa Grande Road and saw the two Lewis's Woodpeckers (found by Jay Keller on 10 October 2009).  In the same vicinity was a small flock of Vesper and Savannah Sparrows. > > Barbara Carlson > San Diego > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > Subject: Yellow-shafted Flicker & Am. Crow in Borrego Springs From: Barbara Carlson <barbarac2003 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:30:29 -0700 (PDT) Seven of us joined Paul E. Lehman this morning in Borrego Springs.  At De Anza Country Club, we saw two American Crow (rare in Borrego Springs), White-breasted Nuthatch, two Golden-crowned Sparrows, and a Merlin.  The male Yellow-shafted Flicker continues at the Roadrunner Golf & Country Club.  Also seen at this location were a  Plumbeous Vireo, two Lawrence's Goldfinch, another Merlin and a Red-shouldered Hawk. Eric Kallen started his morning at the Borrego sewage ponds, where he saw and photographed two Crissal Thrashers, a Sage Thrasher, and more Lawrence's Goldfinch.  On our way home, we stopped off at Mesa Grande Road and saw the two Lewis's Woodpeckers (found by Jay Keller on 10 October 2009).  In the same vicinity was a small flock of Vesper and Savannah Sparrows. Barbara Carlson San Diego [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: University City sightings From: "Jim Roberts" <jroberts AT scripps.edu> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:28:15 -0700 (PDT) I didn't see any western county reports today; so, I'll chime in. This afternoon (11/31/09) a latish WARBLING VIREO was seen in residential University City (Shenley and Bothe streets). A DOWNY WOODPECKER was seen in the western end of Rose Canyon. Yesterday a pair of PEREGRINE FALCONS were soaring over San Clemente Canyon near Clairemont Mesa Blvd. A NORTHERN HARRIER was seen in western Rose Canyon yesterday as well. Jim Roberts University City Subject: County Notes (Eastern), 10/31/09 From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:18:04 -0400 (EDT) Several birders ventured out to the Borrego Springs area today and had some nice birds, though nothing exceptional. I'll let others describe those results, and pick up where I departed the group. At Tamarisk Grove a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was cooperative for photos near the entry kiosk. Later at Paso Picacho, a heard-only Sapsucker (Red-naped or Red-breasted) was at campsite 34, and while I was standng at campsite #80, and adult male WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKER flew into a tree less than 10 feet away from me where it remained for at least 15 minutes, cooperating for photos. The lady at the entrance kiosk seemed to be knowledgeable about birds and reported that a Mountain Bluebird has been hanging with a flock of Westerns in the area. I could not locate the flock. Earlier in Borrego Springs, while driving north along Borrego Valley Road just south of Palm Canyon Dr, two owls overflew my car in tandem about 15 feet off the ground, the flat faces and big-headed shape with fairly wide wings were easily observed. Since it was just getting light, the only field mark I could pull out was dark wingtips and other dark markings under the wings. I believe this rules out Barn Owls and points to either Short-eared or Long-eared Owls, perhaps likely Long-eareds because of the habitat? Take Care, Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: random east county notes (10/31/09) From: "Eitan" <ston571 AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:46:13 -0000 No rarities but some interesting finds as Lisa and I roamed around east-ish... LINDO LAKE - 1 continuing GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (resident bird) with the greylags 1 bright adult male YELLOW WARBLER ~10 TRI-COLORED BLACKBIRDS mixed in with the great-tails and brewer's at the far west end 2 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES plenty of great inland shorebird habitat on the east side, which is now half mud... nothing rare but there were 8 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 25 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 2 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, plus some stilts and avocets in with the puddle ducks. ~10 EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES no sapsuckers, no vermilion flycatcher RANGELAND ROAD - 1 adult light-morph FERRUGINOUS HAWK 2 VESPER SPARROWS mixed in with the savannahs a small flock of MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS RAMONA POND - 2 TREE SWALLOWS circling over the pond seemed a little late LAKE HENSHAW - viewed from the bald eagle turnout (not at home) at the south end of the lake were ~150 WHITE PELICANS, 78 CANADA GEESE, and 6 GREATER-WHITE FRONTED GEESE feeding or roosting along the shore along with hundreds of coots and wigeon. Eitan Altman Mission Hills Subject: Laguna and Cuyamaca Mts From: "Geoffrey Rogers" <oreortyx AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:22:35 -0700 Today (31 October), Hank Ingersoll and I birded several areas in the Laguna and Cuyamaca mountains. Our best bird was a Winter Wren near Agua Dulce Creek, which still has a small trickle of water. The bird was seen along the old dirt road northwest of the pumphouse. We first saw it foraging in wild rose near some cut sections of a downed tree but soon it flew east toward the creek. This is the same road that makes a hairpin turn where the creek crosses under it. North of the Al Bahr Shrine Camp, at Oasis Spring was a Townsend's Solitaire along with a small number of common species, including two Purple Finches. Earlier we had stopped at Morris Ranch Road and found nothing of note and then the same around the empty-looking feeder at the Forest Service Visitor's Center. In the Cuyamacas, we covered part of the Stonewall Mine area and Paso Picacho Campground and found nothing of note. Geoff Geoffrey L. Rogers San Diego, CA oreortyx AT earthlink.net Subject: Jacumba to Borrego Springs, Oct 30 From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:20:24 -0400 SDBirds: Birded my way from Jacumba via Anza Borrego to Borrego Springs on Friday. "Best" bird was the pure, male "Yellow-shafted" Flicker at the RoadRunner Club in Borrego Springs. First hanging around the clubhouse/office/medical clinic building, later it moved a couple blocks farther in and to the right at the corner of "Wedgie Drive" (I kid you not!!). Also near the entrance kiosk at RoadRunner was a Yellow-shafted X Red-shafted intergrade (pure brown face but pinkish-red underwing and undertail). Otherwise, single White-br Nuthatches had wandered to Jacumba and to the Stagecoach Trails Resort (south of Scissors Crossing) where there was also a Golden-crowned Sparrow. Agua Caliente Park and Tamarisk Grove were very quiet. --Paul Lehman, San diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com - Microsoft® Exchange solutions from a leading provider - http://link.mail2web.com/Business/Exchange Subject: Re: Couch's No, Tropical Yes From: "Trent R. Stanley" <trent.stanley AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:03:30 -0700 Here's the audio recording I made when the bird FINALLY spoke again, and we were all able to correctly identify it. http://members.cox.net/stealth/TRKI.mp3 (1.72 MB (1,814,483 bytes) -- Trent R. Stanley PO BOX 3666 SAN DIEGO CA 92163-1666 trent AT sdbirder.com http://www.sdbirder.com Recording setup (good but already outdated): Microphone: Audio-Technica AT822 STEREO DAT MICROPHONE http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/resource_library/literature/1c54579c9c613753/at822_english.pdf Recorder: Sharp MD-MT821 Portable MiniDisc Recorder http://www.minidisc.org/part_Sharp_MD-MT821.html Editing software: Adobe Audition 3.0 http://www.adobe.com/products/audition/ Subject: Re: Couch's No, Tropical Yes From: "ERIC" <eric AT trs-sandiego.com> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:52:03 -0000 Its still a gorgeous bird and worth the trip and time spent with friends.... http://tinyurl.com/ericsphotos Eric Kallen Normal Heights --- In SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com, "Doug" wrote: > > My apologies folks for the confusion on my part in calling out a Couch's Kingbird. I want to thank all of you who came out and waited for this bird to call again. > > I do not know if I heard one of the several Cassin's Kingbirds call at the same time that I thought the Tropical was calling, but it's very apparent now that I screwed up. > > Again, I'm sorry for taking up your time and gas to come down to see a Tropical Kingbird. > > Doug Aguillard > San Diego, CA > doug AT ... > Subject: RE: Couch's No, Tropical Yes From: "Claude Edwards" <keps1 AT flite-tours.com> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:29:09 -0700 On the contrary, Doug, I for one very much appreciate that you got thr word out - via Gjon Hazard - to get SDBIRDers who were paying attention the possibility of its presence! Those birders who went and tried for it still enjoyed seeing a Tropical Kingbird, but as you often say to other tardy reporters, it is better to get interested people into the field then hash out its ID afterwards, common or unusual or not. Good going and keep up your own high standards for reporting. Claude Edwards West of Kensington -----Original Message----- From: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Doug Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 2:15 PM To: SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [SDBIRDS] Couch's No, Tropical Yes My apologies folks for the confusion on my part in calling out a Couch's Kingbird. I want to thank all of you who came out and waited for this bird to call again. I do not know if I heard one of the several Cassin's Kingbirds call at the same time that I thought the Tropical was calling, but it's very apparent now that I screwed up. Again, I'm sorry for taking up your time and gas to come down to see a Tropical Kingbird. Doug Aguillard San Diego, CA doug AT basiclink. com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Couch's No, Tropical Yes From: "Doug" <dwaguillard AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:15:05 -0000 My apologies folks for the confusion on my part in calling out a Couch's Kingbird. I want to thank all of you who came out and waited for this bird to call again. I do not know if I heard one of the several Cassin's Kingbirds call at the same time that I thought the Tropical was calling, but it's very apparent now that I screwed up. Again, I'm sorry for taking up your time and gas to come down to see a Tropical Kingbird. Doug Aguillard San Diego, CA doug AT basiclink.com Subject: Kingbird at Greenwood From: "peterginsburg" <pagins AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:47:51 -0000 I just got a call from Doug Aguillard and he said the bird just called again and it seems to be a Tropical and not a Couch's. Peter Subject: couch's??? kingbird at Greenwood Cemetery From: Gjon_Hazard AT fws.gov Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:43:34 -0700 Passing the message along... Doug Aguillard is reporting via text messages a kingbird that might be a Couch's at Greenwood Cemetery in San Diego. It is in the western-most section in the circular section north of the "closet" (closest?) building. He is there now (10:30, 10/30/09). Cheers, -Gj ==================================== Gjon C. Hazard Carlsbad, CA 92011 USA ==================================== not an official post of the USFWS Subject: Nestor From: "nikihawk" <nikihawk AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:59:09 -0000 I saw my first "Black" Merlin, F.c. suckleyi, of the season yesterday and saw it again today, in the field behind Home Depot, Palm and Saturn. I could determine it was a male by size, shape, and flight style, but could not determine if it was an immature or adult, as it was flying too fast to see any blue sheen to the black dorsal area, or lack thereof. This recent storm from the north has brought a lot of raptor migrants to the area. Nicole Perretta Nestor Subject: Tierrasanta birds From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:48:36 -0400 (EDT) This afternoon at a nice little patch of neighborhood trees (mostly pines and eucs) I frequently check here in Tierrasanta, there was a first winter Golden-crowned Sparrow, my first of Fall, consorting with the numerous White-crowned Sparrows. Also present was a possible first-year male black-backed Lesser Goldfinch that I saw only briefly that will take additional looks to confirm. It had a very dark-looking back and much white on the secondaries, so I think it has a good shot at being one of this race. This spot is on Seda Drive between Calle de Vida and Clairemont Mesa Blvd, and frequently hosts the two expected species of Sapsuckers in winter, which I have not seen there yet this Fall. Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: SD River From: "bicyclebirder" <speteren AT cox.net> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:40:34 -0000 First five bufflehead showed today along with the first three lesser scaup. A pair of peregrine falcon were chasing one another. Christine Harvey pointed out two Bonnies that must have flown in while my back was turned. Greenwing teal made a big showing today along with the ruddy ducks. JimPea, SD, CA Subject: Pt. Loma area thursday morning From: "peterginsburg" <pagins AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:03:55 -0000 No new birds to report. The Painted Redstart was in trees near 711 Silvergate. Ay Ballast Point there were 8 oystercatchers visible with one at least American/hybrid (limited views and glaring sun precluded ID). Peter Subject: Chilean Flamingo flying over Ocean Beach flood control channel on 10/06/09 From: "swrowell49" <swrowell AT cox.net> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:32:14 -0000 On 10/06/09 at 9:34am I spotted a Chilean Flamingo flying very rapidly from East to West over the Ocean Beach flood control channel behind Robb Field. I took four shots of the flamingo as it passed by and I posted these shots on 10/08/09. Sorry for the delay on posting this message. I am rather new to web groups and posting messages. Did anyone else spot this bird? Subject: Gujome Park From: "Paul Zucker" <PZUCKER AT roadrunner.com> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:23:17 -0700 Birded the park Thurs morning looking for the Yellow Bellied Sapsucker that Pete Ginsberg saw several days ago or last week. Didn't get that but instead got a Red Breasted Sapsucker who wasn't shy at all .He was low down and 15 feet away for as long as we wanted. Adjacent to the lake near the east park entrance, not up by the kiosk and gazebo area. My bird of the day tho' was a Cassin's Vireo, same area as the sapsucker, but in small tree next to restrooms near the east entrance to the park. No clay colored sparrow at Buddy Todd. Observers Frank Wong and Paul Zucker Encinitas pzucker AT roadrunner.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Da Cove--Zilch; Chiriaco Summit this weekend? From: "Walens, Stanley" <swalens AT ucsd.edu> Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:49:11 -0700 The weather was beautiful, the seas calm, the wind 5 mph from the east. There were virtually no birds of any kind at the Cove this morning. Only thing of note: a FOS group of 4 red-breasted mergansers. I'm going to go up to Chiriaco Summit to look for the curve-billed thrasher this Saturday or Sunday. As always, have room in the car for others. Stan Walens San Diego swalens AT ucsd.edu [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: La Jolla Cove, 10-28-09 PM - Black Scoter From: Jay K <azure.jay AT earthlink.net> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:45:37 -0700 (GMT-07:00) SD-Birders, A few of us visited La Jolla Cove this afternoon and while bird diversity was a bit less than the morning stint, there were still some nice birds around. The top bird was the surprising female BLACK SCOTER that was with a flock of Surf Scoters thankfully just offshore perhaps 100-150 feet from our vantage point. It had a totally white and unbroken cheek patch behind the bill extending back to the nape, forming an obvious capped appearance in flight. The bill was thin and compressed meeting the crown of the head at a sharp fairly vertical angle, the head shape itself similar to dabbling ducks. Other notable birds while I was there included an adult close-in Black-legged Kittiwake which we then scoped for a long period of time as it continued north and a Parasitic Jaeger. Prior to my arrival, Stan Walens reports 6 White-winged Scoters with 5 in one group. Jay Keller, San Diego Subject: Good news bad news From: "Terry Sohl" <tlsohl AT alliancecom.net> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:38:11 -0500 The bad news (for me anyway).I saw my first good-sized flocks of Lapland Longspurs on the way home today. Boo, winter. The good news.only 190 days or so until the Hummingbirds are back at my feeders. Terry Sohl [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: Re: La Jolla Cove after 3:00 Wednesday From: "Eitan" <ston571 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:19:07 -0000 As an FYI to the group, I stopped by for an hour at lunch today and the winds were blowing HARD from basically due west, 20mph for sure with stronger gusts. However, all that wind (plus beautiful light) produced few birds, just a pair of COMMON MURRES, a handful of PACIFIC LOONS, and scattered ducks flying in slow motion fighting the winds. Good luck this afternoon! Stuck behind my desk, I will keep my eyes fixed on the trees blowing outside the window. Eitan Altman Mission Hills --- In SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com, "Walens, Stanley" wrote: > > Jay and I are going to go back to the Cove after work today. > Winds are allegedly 20 mph from the N. > Feel free to join us. > > Stan Walens > swalens AT ... > San Diego > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > Subject: La Jolla Cove after 3:00 Wednesday From: "Walens, Stanley" <swalens AT ucsd.edu> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:06:53 -0700 Jay and I are going to go back to the Cove after work today. Winds are allegedly 20 mph from the N. Feel free to join us. Stan Walens swalens AT alcatraz.edu San Diego [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Subject: more from La Jolla Cove From: "lehman.paul AT verizon.net" <lehman.paul@verizon.net> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:15:57 -0400 SDBirds: I spent a little over three hours at La Jolla Cove from dawn until 10AM (Weds). The north wind picked up and shifted to the northwest as the time went on. I was "off to the side" with Barbara, Guy, Matt, and Pete--trying to stay a bit more sheltered than the die-hards sitting on Stan's Bench. Our highlights were: many flocks of assorted waterfowl heading south, with G-w Teal being by far the most numerous, and numbers of puddle ducks regularly mixing with the Surf Scoters 1 Greater Scaup (arrival) 1 White-winged Scoter (arrival) ca. 20 Pacific and 2 Common Loons 1 Northern Fulmar several hundred Black-vented Shearwaters ca. 15 Bonaparte's Gulls (arrivals) 2 Pomarine, 1 Parasitic, and 3 jaeger sp. 9 Common Murres 2 Rhinoceros Auklets --Paul Lehman, San Diego -------------------------------------------------------------------- myhosting.com - Premium Microsoft® Windows® and Linux web and application hosting - http://link.myhosting.com/myhosting Subject: La Jolla Cove on this balmy morning From: Stan Walens <swalens AT ucsd.edu> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:52:54 -0700 More birders than birds at the Cove this morning. Wind was 10-15K but from the NE, not the NW as the weatherman promised. Sea was choppy and roiling. Light was perfect. Most of the birds were at Lehman Distance, but luckily Paul was there and could I.D. them for us. 4-5 jaegers 9 common murres 1 ancient murrelet, in sight for about 10 seconds before disappearing into a trough never to be seen again 1 rhinoceros auklet 1 white-winged scoter 1 nothern fulmar maybe 200 black-vented shearwaters, nearly all at LD. a couple clumps of loons some other usual stuff; nothing special Stan Walens San Diego swalens AT ucsd.edu Subject: Tom at the Drip From: "thunefeld" <thunefeld AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:58:29 -0000 Hey, that's Tom Blackman and David Kimball at the drip at Cabrillo on Channel 8 news! http://tinyurl.com/yzxy466 The Oceanside Christmas Bird Count needs you! Please visit: http://www.socalbirding.com/christmasbirdcount/2009cbc.html W. Terry Hunefeld, Encinitas The Oceanside Christmas Bird Count needs you! Please visit: http://www.socalbirding.com/christmasbirdcount/2009cbc.html Subject: Re: Odd Gull at Torrey Pines SB - Black-legged Kittiwake. From: "bjinsd" <bjinsd AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:44:19 -0000 I received an email from Joe Morlan that suggest I might have found a Kittiwake. I quick look in my fieldguide ruled that because it show the bird should have a yellow bill. Upon going home I looked in "Gulls of the Americas." Image 8.15 on page 78 is exactly what I saw - a first-cycle Black-legged Kittiwake. Thanks Joe for the suggestion as I would not have thought to think of a Kittiwake. The book states that usually November is the time of year they show here so this may be a bit on the early side. It continues that during storms or strong winds they can be found even slightly inland and seem to favor beaches or rivermouths. BJ Stacey Santee --- In SDBIRDS AT yahoogroups.com, "bjinsd" wrote: > > > I went to Torrey Pines Beach this afternoon for lunch and came across a > gull that has me perplexed. I saw the gull in question 4 times over a > span of 30-40 minutes. It was seen flying with some Westerns (size made > it pop out to me first). I was flying up and down the beach crossing > the channel to the marsh. I did not see it feeding nor resting, always > flying. > > I didn't have my camera with me (I know, it actually happens during the > work week) so there are no photos at this time of the bird. Other gulls > along the beach north of the park entrance and south of the marsh > channel were Westerns, Californias, Heermann's and 2 Ring-billed. > > > > Below are the notes that I made of the odd gull: > > > > * Smaller than Western, maybe Heermann's size. Did not have > direct comparison to Heermann's but I would think probably a bit > smaller, definitely not larger. > * Gray wings, lighter than an adult Western. > * Black wing tips. > * Dark bill. Lighting did not allow me to tell if black or dark > brown. > * Crescent shaped black mark on back of head, almost like the letter > "C." It was not an ear patch, but larger in size. > > > > I made a few phone calls and Jay Keller arrived but we had not refound > the bird before I had to leave for the office about 1:45. If he refinds > it he said he would post. > > It did not strike me as a winter Laughing, but other than that I don't > know which hooded (taking a guess here) gull it would be. > > > > BJ Stacey > Santee > bjinsd AT ... > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > Subject: Swainson's Hawks From: "paul jorgensen" <jorgy AT cableusa.com> Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:34:39 -0700 This morning, October 27, at 0930, 8 SWAINSON'S HAWKS departed the Date Farm in Borrego Valley, headed SE. One showed pale plumage on the face and back, characteristic of a juvenile. Paul Jorgensen [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]