Shasta County

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Recent Postings from
Shasta County

Updated on Friday, November 20 at 07:18 PM ET
The most recently received Mail is at the top.

20 Nov Canceled field trip to Fall River Mills for Saturday Nov. 21, 2009 [Bob & Carol Yutzy ]
19 Nov Re: Saturday time at the Civic 7:30 am [Bob & Carol Yutzy ]
19 Nov Fall River Mills Wintu Audubon Field Trip - this Saturday 7 am Redding Civic Center & 9 am Fall River Vista/Overlook - WEATHER WARNINGS! [Bob & Carol Yutzy ]
19 Nov Kutras Today ["Bruun, Ray (CDPH-DDEWM)" ]
16 Nov Leopard Lane and Fall River Valley ["Don Marsh" ]
15 Nov Leopard Lane [Frank Sanderson ]
14 Nov Leopard Lane] [Bob & Carol Yutzy ]
14 Nov Leopard Lane [Frank Sanderson ]
13 Nov Clear Creek/Horse Town [Frank Sanderson ]
13 Nov Re: Trumpeter swan? ["kn6q" ]
12 Nov Trumpeter swan? ["Kenneth Able" ]
12 Nov RE: Trumpeter Swan? ["Bruun, Ray (CDPH-DDEWM)" ]
12 Nov Audubon California Collaborative Funding Grant - Burrowing Owls ["soaringfalcon6" ]
11 Nov Trumpeter Swans [Bob & Carol Yutzy ]
11 Nov Re: Trumpeter Swan? [BRUCE DEUEL ]
11 Nov Re: Trumpeter Swan? [Bob & Carol Yutzy ]
11 Nov Trumpeter Swan? ["kn6q" ]
11 Nov Redding Christmas Bird Count [Bill Oliver ]
10 Nov East Turtle Bay, Redding ["Bruun, Ray (CDPH-DDEWM)" ]
8 Nov Mouth of Cottonwood Creek [Frank Sanderson ]
7 Nov Shacta Collage [Frank Sanderson ]
5 Nov Galapagos Island birds and wildlife [Linda Aldrich ]
3 Nov Trinity Co. ["Frances Oliver" ]
31 Oct Yellow-shafted Flickers in the county [Bob & Carol Yutzy ]
31 Oct Yellow Shafted No Flicker ["hummers4peg" ]
31 Oct Kutras Lake/Turtle Bay [Frank Sanderson ]
30 Oct White-striped form of White-throated Sparrow [Bob & Carol Yutzy ]
30 Oct Coleman/Battle Creek [Frank Sanderson ]
29 Oct Surf scoters at Fall River Lake ["Kenneth Able" ]
27 Oct Fw: Swallows [Mike Damoth ]
27 Oct Varied Thrush ["blueoakranch" ]
27 Oct Swallows [Mike Damoth ]
26 Oct Re: Kutras Today [BRUCE DEUEL ]
26 Oct Kutras Today ["Bruun, Ray (CDPH-DDEWM)" ]
22 Oct Yet Another White Throated Sparrow!! ["hummers4peg" ]
21 Oct Blue Birds ["brad d" ]
21 Oct Good Birds at Anderson River Park ["Ken" ]
19 Oct Did anyone else have PUMA going over? []
19 Oct Re: Thanks for all the input. [BRUCE DEUEL ]
19 Oct Thanks for all the input. ["bluesmagic48" ]
19 Oct Re: Name this bird, please [BRUCE DEUEL ]
19 Oct RE: Name this bird, please ["Bruun, Ray (CDPH-DDEWM)" ]
19 Oct RE: Name this bird, please ["Bruun, Ray (CDPH-DDEWM)" ]
19 Oct Greater Roadrunner? ["Debby" ]
19 Oct Name this bird, please ["bluesmagic48" ]
16 Oct Black-tailed Gull adult in Tacoma [Bob & Carol Yutzy ]
16 Oct Debby's White throated Sparrow ["hummers4peg" ]
16 Oct White-throated Sparrows ["soaringfalcon6" ]
15 Oct RE: Doves ["Widdowsons" ]
15 Oct Doves ["brad d" ]
14 Oct Kutras this a.m. ["Bruun, Ray (CDPH-DDEWM)" ]
14 Oct White-throated Sparrow ["Debby" ]
13 Oct White and Yellow Crowned Sparrows ["brad d" ]
13 Oct White Throated Sparrow ["hummers4peg" ]
12 Oct Gangster Birds ["bird_brew" ]
12 Oct White-throated Sparrow ["ddailey64" ]
11 Oct FOS Herring Gull at Turtle Bay Yesterday ["kn6q" ]
11 Oct White-throated Sparrow continues ["ddailey64" ]
11 Oct Kutras and Turtle Bay Today ["kn6q" ]
10 Oct White-throated Sparrow ["ddailey64" ]
09 Oct Red-naped Sapsucker in Janesville Cemetery (Susanville area) [Bob & Carol Yutzy ]
8 Oct FRV shorebirds ["Kenneth Able" ]
08 Oct Pectoral Sandpiper at Fall River Valley ["redmodeen" ]
8 Oct Common Poorwill - Shasta Lake ["Widdowsons" ]
6 Oct Team Lemurian's PRBO Bird-A-Thon results [Alicia Young ]
5 Oct Western Kingbird bullying a RTH ["Karen Scheuermann" ]
05 Oct Reading Island-Adobe Rd. ["bluesmagic48" ]
02 Oct Kutras and Turtle Bay, Redding ["kn6q" ]
02 Oct Titmouse color ["bluesmagic48" ]
01 Oct Red-necked Grebe still at Kutras ["bird_brew" ]
01 Oct Sept. 26 & 27 birding in Shasta County [Bob & Carol Yutzy ]
30 Sep Kutras Lake red-necked grebe [Chet ogan ]
30 Sep PRBO Birdathon participants up here??? [Bob & Carol Yutzy ]
29 Sep Re: Kingbird vs. Red Tailed Hawk ["John Hansen" ]
29 Sep RE: Kingbird vs. Red Tailed Hawk ["Bruun, Ray (CDPH-DDEWM)" ]
29 Sep Kingbird vs. Red Tailed Hawk ["brad d" ]

Subject: Canceled field trip to Fall River Mills for Saturday Nov. 21, 2009
From: Bob & Carol Yutzy <boby AT c-zone.net>
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:16:57 -0800

Hello all, With the concern about temperatures tonight of 17 degrees at Hatchet Mountain and Burney and rain and possible snow and another storm coming tomorrow afternoon between 3 pm & 4 pm and that everyone doesn't have 4 wheel drive vehicles - and consulting with Red Modeen and George Horn, we are canceling tomorrow's field trip to Fall River Mills. It will probably be fine up there as they get less moisture than we do but the passes and black ice are the issue. If we left later in the morning then we still have the concerns coming home to Redding tomorrow night! If you know others that were planning on coming who don't have the internet - please tell them. Our stalwart Wintu Audubon president George Horn said he would go down to the Civic in the morning and inform the group and weather permitting possibly bird Kutras and possibly Turtle Bay East. Drive carefully out there and sorry about this, Bob -- Bob & Carol Yutzy Shasta, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Re: Saturday time at the Civic 7:30 am
From: Bob & Carol Yutzy <boby AT c-zone.net>
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:36:24 -0800

Sorry - the timeline is 7:30 am at the Civic on Saturday. Bob Bob & Carol Yutzy Shasta, CA birdies3131 wrote: > Hi Bob, I see that you have a 7:00 time on your posting, I read in the newsletter it was 7:30 can you let me know the correct time since I'm coming from Red Bluff I need to leave a half hour earlier. Thanks Bob! > > Michele Swartout > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Fall River Mills Wintu Audubon Field Trip - this Saturday 7 am Redding Civic Center & 9 am Fall River Vista/Overlook - WEATHER WARNINGS!
From: Bob & Carol Yutzy <boby AT c-zone.net>
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:15:31 -0800

Hello all, Unfortunately the weather doesn't look real good for this Saturday's field trip with the major storm warning through Friday late pm and probably rain here and snowy mountain passes. It will probably be fine over the hill in Fall River but getting there may be hazardous. If there is rain down here Saturday morning or if the passes are frozen and snowy (with road chain and travel warnings) then we will have to cancel - for safety's sake. We will have to wait and see. Bob and Carol -- Bob & Carol Yutzy Shasta, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Kutras Today
From: "Bruun, Ray (CDPH-DDEWM)" <raymond.bruun AT cdph.ca.gov>
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:34:01 -0800

Rob Santry and I checked out Kutras lake at noon today. -- Red-breasted Merganser (also present on Tuesday this week) -- Hooded Merganser (6 in Kiddie Pond, 2 m, 4 f) -- Barrow's Goldeneye (haven't seen many of these this year) Ray Bruun Shingletown/Redding *************************************************************** Ray Bruun, P.E. Associate Engineer California Department of Public Health Drinking Water Field Operations Branch Valley District (No. 21) 415 Knollcrest Drive, #110 Redding, CA 96002 p: (530) 224-3252 f: (530) 224-4844 e: rbruun AT cdph.ca.gov
Subject: Leopard Lane and Fall River Valley
From: "Don Marsh" <marsh_don AT att.net>
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:46:51 -0000

Ed Pandolfino reported seeing at least two Lapland Longspurs on Leopard Lane last Monday (Nov 9) He posted it on the Central Valley Birding listserv. I tried finding them Saturday afternoon, but only found Horned Larks, Savannah Sparrows, a Kestral and a Northern Harrier. This morning in Fall River Valley I found at least five Rough-legged Hawks and one flock of 35 Snow Geese. It is definitely starting to look and feel like winter. This morning it was 22 degrees at 8am. Good birding, Don Marsh Sutter Creek, CA
Subject: Leopard Lane
From: Frank Sanderson <darliss60 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:57:25 -0800 (PST)

We spent some time this morning out on Leopard Lane. We saw lots of Horned Larks, a pair of American Kestrel, and a pair of Ferruginous Hawks to the southwest, but no Longspurs. Out on Dersch Road between Parkville Road and Leopard Ln. we spotted a Praire Falcon perched in a Oak tree on the north side of the road. Luck F&D [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Leopard Lane]
From: Bob & Carol Yutzy <boby AT c-zone.net>
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:44:04 -0800

Has anyone been there at all this season? November is probably the best month for Longspurs as they dwindle in numbers through January up here it seems. Bob -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [shasta_birders] Leopard Lane Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:43:50 -0800 (PST) From: Frank Sanderson To: shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com Has anyone been out looking for Longspurs within the past week? F&D [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links -- Bob & Carol Yutzy Shasta, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Leopard Lane
From: Frank Sanderson <darliss60 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:43:50 -0800 (PST)

Has anyone been out looking for Longspurs within the past week? F&D [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Clear Creek/Horse Town
From: Frank Sanderson <darliss60 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:23:02 -0800 (PST)

We birded the Clear Creek canyon and the Horse Town areas this morning. Our best birds included; a Canyon Wren, a pair of Wrentits and a very bright Red-breasted Sapsucker. Darliss using an iPod called up the Wrentits within less than twenty feet and pulled the Canyon Wren to within about 100 feet.Luck F&D   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Re: Trumpeter swan?
From: "kn6q" <raymond.bruun AT cdph.ca.gov>
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:03:25 -0000

Probably a bit of an understatement at this point, but it sounds like distinguishing between immature Tundra and Trumpeter, lone individuals especially, can be a tad bit difficult. Setting aside the discussion of characteristics for a moment, consider the chance of this being a Trumpeter Swan. If we say one in one thousand (plus or minus) of the swans in California are Trumpeter, then there's a 99.9% chance this is a Tundra. Given the bird's body is white, not battleship gray, up it to 99.95%. After listening to all that others have said, I feel pretty comfortable calling this a Tundra Swan. Ray Bruun Shingletown/Redding
Subject: Trumpeter swan?
From: "Kenneth Able" <kenable AT hughes.net>
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:06:12 -0800

I am anything but an expert on the identification of these species, especially juveniles. It is a real problem, especially with lone individuals where no size comparison is possible and with silent birds. Last year there was considerable discussion of this issue on ID Frontiers and you could search the archives for those posts. It was daunting. Photos were posted of birds of known identity in which there were tundras that looked for all the world like trumpeters and vice versa. In juveniles, there is considerable convergence in the head and bill characters that are usually touted as decent field marks on adults. If I had to guess on this bird (and it is only a guess), I would opt for tundra based on two things: (1) at this time of year a juvenile trumpeter should be an all-over battleship gray; this much white pretty strongly suggests tundra I think. (2) the angle of the bill base where it meets the feathering on the side of the face looks pretty nicely curved downward as is typical for tundra, instead of angling forward in a more straight line as in trumpeter. But then, of course, there is the nice 'V' at the top base of the bill that is more typical of trumpeter. I said it was a mess. Ken Kenneth P. Able Bob's Creek Ranch 535-000 Little Valley Road McArthur, California 96056 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: RE: Trumpeter Swan?
From: "Bruun, Ray (CDPH-DDEWM)" <raymond.bruun AT cdph.ca.gov>
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:29:06 -0800

Thanks for all the feedback. I was feeling a bit inadequate there not being able to tell a Trumpeter Swan from a Tundra and am a bit relieved to discover it's not an easy thing to do (and even more difficult on immatures). The paler body would suggest Tundra Swan and the massive bill Trumpeter, though, according to Bob Yutzy's last email, the bill grows faster than the body so maybe the bill just looks more massive on an immature Tundra. But if the adult head ratios (per Bob's last email) apply to immatures, it would seem to be a Trumpeter Swan . . . OK, I'm still confused :-) Thanks again, Ray Bruun Shingletown/Redding *************************************************************** Ray Bruun, P.E. Associate Engineer California Department of Public Health Drinking Water Field Operations Branch Valley District (No. 21) 415 Knollcrest Drive, #110 Redding, CA 96002 p: (530) 224-3252 f: (530) 224-4844 e: rbruun AT cdph.ca.gov ________________________________ From: shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of kn6q Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 3:59 PM To: shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [shasta_birders] Trumpeter Swan? I was at Lake McCumber briefly this afternoon. Saw a swan across the lake. Thought it might be a young Trumpeter. Walked around the lake and managed to get some shots with my Canon G10 (not through the scope) which hasn't got much of a zoom. The bird was very tame. Two pictures are posted on my Flickr site. Would appreciate confirmation of ID. Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruunphoto/ Ray Bruun Shingletown [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Audubon California Collaborative Funding Grant - Burrowing Owls
From: "soaringfalcon6" <larrytech AT frontiernet.net>
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:39:00 -0000

Wintu Audubon has been chosen as one of four fortunate Audubon chapters to receive Collaborative Funding grant money from California Audubon for 2010! Claudia Yerion, our conservation chair, and myself, put together a grant application to install artificial burrows for Burrowing Owls. Burrowing Owls are a "species of special concern" in California and we would like to bring their numbers back up in our area of the state. Please report any sightings of Burrowing Owls here on Shasta Birders and shoot me a separate email as well so I can keep on top of possible sightings. Also any additional historical data on Burrowing Owl sightings you have knowledge of would be helpful to develop more possible locations for artificial burrow sites. Let's keep our eyes open for these little beauties on our Christmas Bird Counts coming up also. I would love to see a count of Burrowing Owls on one of the CBCs! Thanks to everyone for your help with this important project!
Subject: Trumpeter Swans
From: Bob & Carol Yutzy <boby AT c-zone.net>
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:57:55 -0800

Here is some stuff on IDing Bob *SEPARATING TRUMPETER AND TUNDRA SWANS CHECKLIST Feb 1999* The name Tundra Swan includes the Whistling (North American) and Bewick's (Eurasian) swan subspecies. Characteristics are age related, and vary by populations and within populations. No characteristic, except the call, should be considered by itself diagnostic. Several characteristics should be used in combination when diagnosing the species. The following checklist describes differences between Trumpeter and Whistling (Tundra) swans. Trumpeter(s) are signified by [T], and Whistling(s) are designated by [W]. Click on the photo for Trumpeter Swan photos. *MATURE TRUMPETERS AND TUNDRAS:* Mature Trumpeters and Tundras may be defined as all white birds (including all white neck and head). *A. Size.* Males are usually larger than females. [T] are generally larger than [W], although there is some size overlap. *B. Physical Proportions:* 1. Neck Length / Body Length Ratio. [T] is usually greater than [W]. The longer neck of [T] is usually fairly easily recognizable. 2. Body Length / Body thickness Ratio. [T] is usually greater than [W]. This is noticeable in a profile view of the rump, where the included angle between the back and the underside is smaller on [T] than it is on [W]. *C. Angle of The Body Major Axis (BMA): *The BMA is a straight line through the base of the neck and through the tail. The BMA of both species usually slopes up toward the tail when the swans are swimming or sitting, but the slope is greater for [W] than it is for [T]. This and body length-to-thickness differences combine to give [W] a higher, steeper rump appearance when swimming or sitting. Use this mark when viewing a large flock of sleeping or feeding [W] to eliminate potential [T] candidates. *D. Feet size:* [T] feet are larger than [W] feet, with no overlap. [T] feet are typically 6-1/2" to 7" wide. This is useful for swans in flight and when the swan is standing on one foot with the up foot extended to the rear. *E. Head Profile and Bill Shape:* Head profiles vary for both species. 1. Some [T] have a pronounced flat, or nearly flat, head for about 2" to 2-1/2" from where the forehead feathers meet the culmen to the apex near the back of the head (call this Type 1 head). On other [T] the flat area is less pronounced, and even can appear as a rather smooth curve (call this Type 2 head). The line of this "flat" area on Type 1 and 2 heads usually continues slightly BELOW the line of the upper mandible. Most [W] have a distinctive round head, with varying radius of curvature that is almost always smooth. Some [W] heads can look like Type 2 [T] in profile, not considering size differences. However, the distinguishing difference between the species is almost always noted in the fact that for [W] the line of the forehead continues ABOVE the line of the upper mandible. Martha Jordan describes the species head differences this way: [W] is like a smaller black cone stuck on the front of a Styrofoam ball; [T] is like a larger black cone that just covers the front of the Styrofoam ball. In the case of [T] the ball has been reshaped somewhat with, to varying degrees, a flat top and pointed apex. 2. [T] exhibits an abrupt change of contour at the apex (associated with the flat head, Type 1) which gives the head a "pointed" look. [W] exhibits a smooth curve around the apex. 3. The apex of [T] is near the rear of the head well behind the eye. The apex of [W] is near the center of the head just slightly behind the eye. 4. [T] has a flat area along the nape (sometimes not flat). [W] has a curved nape. 5. The nape of [T] transitions abruptly at the neck (not always). [W] has a smooth transition of the nape to the neck. 6. The distance from the bill tip to the eye of [T] is about 2 times the distance from the eye to the nape. The distance from the bill tip to the eye of [W] is about 1 times to 1-1/2 times the distance from the eye to the nape. Measurements of 4 Trumpeters revealed that the total length of the bill from tip to eye was 5-1/2" to 6", and the distance from the eye to nape was 2-1/2". 7. The upper mandible of [T] is almost straight (can be concave), while the upper mandible of [W] is concave (can be straight). Often [T] has a "Canvasback" profile. 8. [T] has a massive bill (not always). The bill of [W] is not massive. 9. The lore skin of [T] meets the eye. The lore skin of [W] also meets the eye but it may be slightly narrower near the eye on some swans. The yellow patch on the lore of [W] may make it appear that the lore pinches near the eye. To give some idea how wide is the lore skin at the eye of [T], typically the eye of [T] is 3/8 inch diameter while the lore skin joining the eye is 5/16 inch wide. 10. [T] has no yellow on the lore. [W] has a yellow spot on the lore proceeding from the eye (15 percent do not have yellow). 11. The forehead feathers of [T] are shaped like a V, with the sides of the V curved inward so that the angle between the sides becomes smaller near the point. The forehead feathers of two year old and older [W] form a U. This forehead feather shape is one of the most reliable features for separating [T] and [W], although it is not diagnostic by itself. For example, first year, all white [W] may have a V forehead feather pattern. 12. The distance from the bill tip to the nostril of [T] is only a little less than the distance from the nostril to the eye. The distance from the bill tip to the nostril of [W] is about 1/2 the distance from the nostril to the eye. Measurements of 4 Trumpeters revealed that the distance from the bill tip to the nostril was 2-1/2" and the distance from the nostril to the eye was 3-1/2". *F. Vocalizations: *Diagnostic. The vocalizations of both species may be heard on The Trumpeter Swan Society web site, http://www.taiga.net/swans/swanid.html . Small groups of [T] on the ground are usually silent for several hours. Occasionally all members of a small [T] group will begin to "talk" to each other. This may last from 1 to 15 minutes. Large groups talk more frequently. The pitch of [T] individuals varies. *G. Habits:* 1. Head Bobbing. [T] and [W] head bob, although [T] perhaps more frequently. [T] head bobs when nervous, prior to flight, and at other times. [W] often greet each other by extending their heads forward so that the extended, straight neck makes about a 30 to 45 degree angle with the vertical; [T] never greet with this head and neck posture. 2. The "Kink" in The Neck. Both [T] and [W] exhibit the kink in the lower part of the neck when the swan is inactive. 3. Angle of The Standing Swan. [W] usually stands horizontal (not always); [T] stands from horizontal to about 20 degrees above horizontal. *H. Color of Feet and Legs: *[T] and [W] have black feet and legs. Young all white [T] have extensive yellow along the sides of the toes and up the legs. The yellow diminishes with age. Three year old [T] may show the yellow. Young all white [W] show no yellow on the feet or legs. *IMMATURE TRUMPETERS AND TUNDRAS:* Separating the immature of [T] from the immature of [W] is even more difficult than separating the mature of the two species. Color differences, physiological development of bill and head, dependence of characteristics on age, and variation among individuals are primary sources of confusion. Look for juveniles associating with adults. Association with an adult must be combined with other characteristics. The following characteristics differ between juveniles and adults. Characteristics not mentioned below are the same for juveniles as for adults. *I. Body color:* [T] are dark gray (battleship gray). [W] are light gray. [T] holds the gray color longer into late winter than does [W]. [W] have completed their body molt to white by early March, while [T] do not complete their body molt to white until April or later. Both species often show gray around the head and neck until well after the body molt is completed. *J. Size:* Immatures of [T] and [W] are slightly smaller than adults and do not achieve full adult size until their second spring. Size difference of males and females of both species is less pronounced than in adults. *K. Head and Bill Deviations From the Adult Characteristics:* 1. Culmen shape. [W] can have a flat, or even convex, culmen. Even first year [W] can have a straight culmen. 2. Bill size. Bill size can appear to be disproportionately large on [T] and [W] because the bill reaches adult size by the first fall, whereas the body does not reach full size until the second fall or later. 3. The V of The Forehead Feathers. The U of [W] forehead feathers develops slowly on some swans. First spring all white [W] may still show a V forehead feather pattern. 4. Bill Color. Juvenile [W] gradually acquires a black bill during its first winter. By spring its bill has become mostly black. Thus, an immature swan showing extensive black at the base of the bill could be either species, especially after November. Nevertheless, juvenile swans in early fall may be separated on the basis of this character with some confidence because most immature [W] have pink meeting the face. Martha Jordan indicates that there is a qualitative difference in the distribution of black on the bill, with [T] appearing to have a bill that is "black with a pink area in the middle'" whereas [W] has a "pink bill with black at the ends". Clearly the most fail-safe use of this mark is if an immature swan shows pink meeting or nearly touching the facial feathering, then it is [W]. 5. Legs and Feet Color. [T] have olive-buff legs and yellow webs on feet. [W] have flesh colored to black legs and feet. 6. Vocalization. While some [T] do not vocalize until the 2nd year, some vocalize, generally at a higher pitch than the adults. *Sources:* 1. Article by Michael A. Patten and Matthew T. Heindel, Identifying Trumpeter and Tundra Swans in the Field, October 1994 BIRDING (available for about $3.00+ postage from ABA, 1-800-634-7736) 2. The Trumpeter Swan Society 3. Martha Jordan 4. Jim Snowden 5. Prepared by Rod Hug Please Report Trumpeter Swan sightings to: * steve_bouffard AT fws.gov (Steve Bouffard, USFWS, Idaho) * khunting AT hq.dfg.ca.gov (Kevin Hunting, Bird Species of SpecialConcern) * mrogers AT nas.nasa.gov (Mike Rogers, California Bird Records Committee) , * rodhug AT aol.com (Rod Hug, The Trumpeter Swan Society, 4603 Bridle Trail, Santa Rosa, Ca 95409, (707) 539-3413)) -- Bob & Carol Yutzy Shasta, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Re: Trumpeter Swan?
From: BRUCE DEUEL <bdeuel AT wildblue.net>
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:57:50 -0800

Unfortunately, almost no single character is diagnostic on an immature swan. The pointed forehead feathering is good, but I'd like this bird to be much darker gray, especially this early in the season. I'll try to review some i.d. stuff I've saved on these birds and make further comments. Cheers, Bruce Deuel Red Bluff On Wed, Nov 11, 2009 at 9:12 PM, Bob & Carol Yutzy wrote: > Hello all, > > I like the V point made by the bill up into the head feathering rather than > a U shaped angle. > > I wonder what Ken Able and Bruce Deuel would say - these two species are a > very difficult discrimination for most of us - without the two species > together. > > Bob > > Bob & Carol Yutzy > Shasta, CA > > > > kn6q wrote: > > I was at Lake McCumber briefly this afternoon. Saw a swan across the lake. Thought it might be a young Trumpeter. Walked around the lake and managed to get some shots with my Canon G10 (not through the scope) which hasn't got much of a zoom. The bird was very tame. Two pictures are posted on my Flickr site. Would appreciate confirmation of ID. > > Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruunphoto/ > > > Ray Bruun > Shingletown > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Re: Trumpeter Swan?
From: Bob & Carol Yutzy <boby AT c-zone.net>
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:12:32 -0800

Hello all, I like the V point made by the bill up into the head feathering rather than a U shaped angle. I wonder what Ken Able and Bruce Deuel would say - these two species are a very difficult discrimination for most of us - without the two species together. Bob Bob & Carol Yutzy Shasta, CA kn6q wrote: > I was at Lake McCumber briefly this afternoon. Saw a swan across the lake. Thought it might be a young Trumpeter. Walked around the lake and managed to get some shots with my Canon G10 (not through the scope) which hasn't got much of a zoom. The bird was very tame. Two pictures are posted on my Flickr site. Would appreciate confirmation of ID. > > Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruunphoto/ > > Ray Bruun > Shingletown > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Trumpeter Swan?
From: "kn6q" <raymond.bruun AT cdph.ca.gov>
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:59:07 -0000

I was at Lake McCumber briefly this afternoon. Saw a swan across the lake. Thought it might be a young Trumpeter. Walked around the lake and managed to get some shots with my Canon G10 (not through the scope) which hasn't got much of a zoom. The bird was very tame. Two pictures are posted on my Flickr site. Would appreciate confirmation of ID. Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruunphoto/ Ray Bruun Shingletown
Subject: Redding Christmas Bird Count
From: Bill Oliver <wwoliver9 AT gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:28:18 -0800

You are cordially invited to participate in the Wintu Audubon society's 34th Annual Redding Christmas Bird Count (RCBC) to be held on Saturday, January 2, 2010. The RCBC is part of a western hemisphere effort to census bird populations using a standard protocol. The RCBC is a 15-mile diameter circle centered just north of Keswick Dam on the Sacramento River. It extends eastward to Shasta College, westward to Oak Bottom Marina on Whiskeytown Lake, south to Clear Creek and north to Shasta Dam. Partiipants with all levels of birding skills can contribute. Small groups of participants will count the number of birds of each species in an assigned are. Each group will be lead by an experienced local birder. The Count is conducted from dawn to dusk, rain or shine. That evening we will gather at a local restaraunt for dinner and compilation of the results. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Bill Oliver (Phone: 530-941-7741 or Email: wwoliver9 AT gmail.com). Last year 26 participants tallied 118 species. Even if you have difficulty in idenifying sparrows and gulls, and who doesn't, you can still be of service. And it is a great way to hone your birding skills. We also invite backyard feeder watchers to report their sightings on January 2. Bill Oliver, Compiler Redding [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: East Turtle Bay, Redding
From: "Bruun, Ray (CDPH-DDEWM)" <raymond.bruun AT cdph.ca.gov>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:15:50 -0800

I had a Townsend's Warbler at East Turtle Bay today. Time was 12:30. They're always a nice surprise. Ray Bruun Shingletown/Redding
Subject: Mouth of Cottonwood Creek
From: Frank Sanderson <darliss60 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 16:31:08 -0800 (PST)

We spent the morning and early afternoon birding the mouth of Cottonwood Creek area. Although we were disappointed not to see any California Thrashers we spotted a number of Phainopeplas, with several eating berrys very close. We also had a immature Bald Eagle and Merlin up nice and close. Luck F&D [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Shacta Collage
From: Frank Sanderson <darliss60 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 12:26:55 -0800 (PST)

We had a good morning birding at Shasta Collage.Â Our best birds and the first time we have seen them at the collageÂ were, Northern Harrier (1), Hooded Merganser (4 two pair) and American Pipit (8+).Â Today's bird list included; Canada Goose Wood Duck Mallard Hooded Merganser California Quail Green Heron Turkey Vulture Northern Harrier Cooperâ€™s Hawk Red-shouldered Hawk Red-tailed Hawk American Kestrel Killdeer Spotter Sandpiper Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove Annaâ€™s Hummingbird Belted Kingfisher Lewisâ€™s Woodpecker Acorn Woodpecker Nuttallâ€™s Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Black Phoebe Western Scrub-Jay American Crow Oak Titmouse Bushtit White-breasted Nuthatch Bewickâ€™s Wren Ruby-crowned Kinglet Western Bluebird Northern Mockingbird European Starling American Pipit Yellow-rumped Warbler Spotted Towhee California Towhee White-crowned Sparrow Golden-crowned Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Western Meadowlark Brewerâ€™s Blackbird House Finch Lesser Goldfinch Luck!Â F&D Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Galapagos Island birds and wildlife
From: Linda Aldrich <lindaandphil AT earthlink.net>
Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 12:00:26 -0800 (GMT-08:00)

Wintu Audubon Chapter cordially invites you to attend our next meeting on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 7:00 pm in the Turtle Bay Museum's theater. Jay & Terri Thesken, members of the Shasta Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, will present a slideshow of avian and other wildlife encountered on their recent trip to the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador and the Cuzco/Machu Picchu area of Peru. Waved albatross, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigate birds and other unusual birds, reptiles, mammals and plants will be included.
Subject: Trinity Co.
From: "Frances Oliver" <hummer52 AT sbcglobal.net>
Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 07:40:13 -0800

Over the weekend Liz West, Jim Rowoth and I birded around Trinity Co. We birded all the typical spots: Lewiston Lake, Power House Rd (below Trinity Dam), Trinity Center, Hayfork SP, Ewing Reservoir, Hayfork Rds & finally Ruth Lake. Waterfowl is beginning to return to the area. Along Lewiston Lake we saw 2 huge rafts of Coots (a cootilla?), with tagalongs of RUDDY'S, BUFFLEHEAD, RING-NECKED DUCKS, AM. WIGEON, L. SCAUP, etc. Pretty much what you expect but not in the huge numbers I have had in the past. At Mary Smith campgrounds we had a WINTER WREN, plus the usual assortment of kinglets, creepers, etc. Up against the dam the standouts were 8 BARROW'S GOLDENEYE (5 beautiful males) & 8 HOODED MERGANSERS (2 males). At Trinity Center was a GREATER-WHITE FRONTED GOOSE, which for me was much wanted! And Trinity Lake continues to get lower each time I see it. On Sunday we went to Hayfork. Along Big Creek Rd a GOLDEN EAGLE looked down at us from high atop a pine tree. At Ewing Reservoir, we had a pair of CANVASBACKS. At the Hayfork SP we shared the ponds with the Sunday walkers. Best birds were 3 GADWALL. A probably No. Harrier was briefly seen taking off from a very distant perch. And on our way out of town, another GOLDEN EAGLE starred down us at from another tree. I think this is by far the most I have ever had in Trinity at one time! After driving what seemed like forever to Ruth Lake, we finally arrived. Unfortunately, not much of the lake is there! Along Hwy 36 as we approached Red Bluff was ~10 LEWIS WOODPECKERS (Tehama Co.) Thought Trinity is far from home, and you don't find huge number of birds at this time of year, the spectacular display of fall foliage was well worth the drive!! Good Birding! Frances Lodi, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Yellow-shafted Flickers in the county
From: Bob & Carol Yutzy <boby AT c-zone.net>
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:01:33 -0700

Hello all, Not to put too fine a point on it - we may only have one prior record of a pure Yellow-shafted Flicker for the county. That was on 10/26/2002 with a female type bird seen by Bea Currie in the Redding Cemetery. A pure Yellow-shafted is a bird that meets the following criteria: Step 1 = bright yellow shafts to the underwing feathers Step 2 = bright red crescent on the back of the crown Step 3 = black mustache Step 4 = gray crown and forehead with a tan face (versus the opposite for Red-shafted) The fourth condition I believe is required and has ruled out some of our previously suspected county records. We have seen probably 15 birds in the county that looked like Yellow-shafted Flickers and none has made it through the above criteria yet! Bob -- Bob & Carol Yutzy Shasta, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Yellow Shafted No Flicker
From: "hummers4peg" <Plwoop AT aol.com>
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:06:20 -0000

Saw my first Yellow Shafted today---it came in for a drink and quick bath at my dripping birdbath...Seemed concerned about washing his face and eyes...Very exciting--totally yellow on underside and black malars...Flew right at me and up to the roof so got a great wiew of his underside.....Have been having more flickers than usual--often 4 and 5 at a time..Haven't seen my white throated sparrow for about 3 days but he was good company for a week!! Peggy Elwood
Subject: Kutras Lake/Turtle Bay
From: Frank Sanderson <darliss60 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:49:41 -0700 (PDT)

We were just at Kutras & Turtle Bay; lots of Bufflehead and what we think was a Common Loon way across at Kutras. We spotted a pair of Hooded Mergansers at Turtle Bay in the pond across from the big portable irrgation pump. F&D [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: White-striped form of White-throated Sparrow
From: Bob & Carol Yutzy <boby AT c-zone.net>
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:24:25 -0700

It is possibly going to be a big year for White-throated Sparrows as we had one pass through our yard on Monday this week. We had the white-striped (on the head) form - which is thought to be less common than the tan striped form. By the way, we also had a Yellow-shafted type flicker a week ago or so but after going through the progression of ID features we couldn't rule out a hybrid. Step 1 = bright yellow shafts to the underwing feathers Step 2 = bright red crescent on the back of the crown Step 3 = black mustache Step 4 = gray crown and forehead with a tan face (versus the opposite for Red-shafted) We could not find the bird after it flew to make it to step 4. Therefore it goes as a possible Yellow-shafted but also maybe a hybrid! We keep looking at our local flickers. Bob -- Bob & Carol Yutzy Shasta, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Coleman/Battle Creek
From: Frank Sanderson <darliss60 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:02:34 -0700 (PDT)

We had great morning birding the Coleman/Battle Creek area.Â If you haven't been down there in a while the ponds next to the parking area again have water in them.Â Today's bird list includes; Wood Duck Mallard Bufflehead California Quail Pied-billed Grebe Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron Great Egret Turkey Vulture Red-tailed Hawk Golden Eagle American Kestrel Virginia Rail Sora American Coot Ring-billed Gull Mourning Dove Belted Kingfisher Lewisâ€™s Woodpecker Acorn Woodpecker Red-breasted Sapsucker Downy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Black Phoebe Ash-throated Flycatcher Western Scrub-Jay Yellow-billed Magpie American Crow Common Raven Horned Lark Bushtit White-breasted Nuthatch March Wren Ruby-crowned Kinglet Western Bluebird Hermit Thrush American Robin Northern Mockingbird European Starling Cedar Waxwing Yellow-rumped Warbler Wilsonâ€™s Warbler Spotted Towhee California Towhee Savannah Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Golden-crowned Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Red-winged Blackbirds Western Meadowlark Brewerâ€™s Blackbird Lesser Goldfinch Our best birds were the Golden Eagle, Virginia Rail, Sora and the red-breasted Sapsucker.Â Darliss called the Sora and Rail to within 20 feet of where we were standing or less.Â Good birding F&D [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Surf scoters at Fall River Lake
From: "Kenneth Able" <kenable AT hughes.net>
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:29:06 -0700

At around 11:30 this morning, there were five juv surf scoters (with not much else) on Fall River Lake. Ken Able Kenneth P. Able Bob's Creek Ranch 535-000 Little Valley Road McArthur, California 96056 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Fw: Swallows
From: Mike Damoth <mikedamoth AT yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:56:14 -0700 (PDT)

here it is again with the photos........ Mike Damoth Palo Cedro, CA ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: "Mike.Damoth AT CH2M.com" To: mikedamoth AT yahoo.com Sent: Tue, October 27, 2009 12:31:48 PM Subject: FW: Swallows > > > >This is so sweet, but so sad, too. Many people are not aware that swallows mate for life. >Swallows: >> >> >>Here his mate is injured and her condition is fatal. >>She was hit by a car as she swooped low across the road. >> >> >>Here he brought her food and attended to her with love and compassion. >> >> >> >>He brought her food again but was shocked to find her dead. >>He tried to move her ... a rarely-seen effort for swallows! >> >> >> >>Aware that his sweetheart is dead and will never come back to him again, he cries with adoring love... >> >> >>   >>He stood beside her, saddened about her death. >> >> >> >>Finally, aware she would never return to him, he >>Stood beside her body with sadness and sorrow. >> >> >> >>Millions of people were touched after seeing these photos in >>America and Europe and even India. The photographer sold these pictures for a nominal fee to the most famous newspaper in France . >>All copies of that edition were sold out on the day these pictures were published. >>And many people think animals don't have a brain or feelings? >> >>You have just witnessed love and sorrow ... a lot more than some people are capable of. >> >>> >>> ________________________________ > > ________________________________ New Windows 7: Find the right PC for you. Learn more. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Varied Thrush
From: "blueoakranch" <blueoakranch AT yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:32:12 -0000

A varied thrush was calling on our ranch west of Cottonwood this a.m. David
Subject: Swallows
From: Mike Damoth <mikedamoth AT yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:23:16 -0700 (PDT)

Amazing yet sad photos........ Mike Damoth Palo Cedro, CA > > > >This is so sweet, but so sad, too. Many people are not aware that swallows mate for life. >Swallows: >> >> >>Here his mate is injured and her condition is fatal. >>She was hit by a car as she swooped low across the road. >> >> >>Here he brought her food and attended to her with love and compassion. >> >> >> >>He brought her food again but was shocked to find her dead. >>He tried to move her ... a rarely-seen effort for swallows! >> >> >> >>Aware that his sweetheart is dead and will never come back to him again, he cries with adoring love... >> >> >>   >>He stood beside her, saddened about her death. >> >> >> >>Finally, aware she would never return to him, he >>Stood beside her body with sadness and sorrow. >> >> >> >>Millions of people were touched after seeing these photos in >>America and Europe and even India. The photographer sold these pictures for a nominal fee to the most famous newspaper in France . >>All copies of that edition were sold out on the day these pictures were published. >>And many people think animals don't have a brain or feelings? >> >>You have just witnessed love and sorrow ... a lot more than some people are capable of. >> >>> >>> ________________________________ > > ________________________________ New Windows 7: Find the right PC for you. Learn more. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Re: Kutras Today
From: BRUCE DEUEL <bdeuel AT wildblue.net>
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:51:45 -0700

Ray's post reminded me I forgot to report a couple of sightings I had yesterday. I was walking the Sacramento River Trail above the ACID dam and saw an Osprey, while down at the Sundial Bridge I saw 2 gulls, an adult Herring Gull and an adult Glaucous-winged Gull. About an hour later both gulls were at Kutras Lake. There were also 6 Lesser Scaup there, but I didn't see Ray and Rob's loon. Cheers, Bruce Deuel Red Bluff On Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 2:42 PM, Bruun, Ray (CDPH-DDEWM) < raymond.bruun AT cdph.ca.gov> wrote: > > > At about 12:30 p.m. today, Rob Santry and I had a Common Loon at Kutras. > Also, I forgot to mention earlier that I had a Forster's Tern there last > week. I'm not used to seeing them in the west county this time of year. > > Ray Bruun > Shingletown/Redding > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Kutras Today
From: "Bruun, Ray (CDPH-DDEWM)" <raymond.bruun AT cdph.ca.gov>
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:42:52 -0700

At about 12:30 p.m. today, Rob Santry and I had a Common Loon at Kutras. Also, I forgot to mention earlier that I had a Forster's Tern there last week. I'm not used to seeing them in the west county this time of year. Ray Bruun Shingletown/Redding
Subject: Yet Another White Throated Sparrow!!
From: "hummers4peg" <Plwoop AT aol.com>
Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:30:35 -0000

Twice today I have seen a White Throated Sparrow in my back yard!! Very exciting--saw my very first one only a few days ago at Debbey's house and now one in my yard!! Also possibly of note I had an Eurasian Collared Dove about 10 days ago--a first for my yard. Peggy Elwood
Subject: Blue Birds
From: "brad d" <abynrml2 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:16:12 -0000

There were several (5-6) Blue Birds flying around the North Star Brewery on Iron Ct. in the Gateway Industrial Park this morning. I was on a break and grabbed my camera. I posted a picture: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/shasta_birders/photos/album/194092772/pic/1071906084/view?picmode=&mode=tn&order=ordinal&start=21&count=20&dir=asc Or, just click on the "New Photos" on the homepage. peace...brad
Subject: Good Birds at Anderson River Park
From: "Ken" <ken.bachman AT yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:07:45 -0000

Hi all, I had a good time birding Anderson River Park this morning in perfect weather. Best birds were; a White-throated Sparrow, Western Grebe (a park first for me), 3 Lincoln Sparrows (a favorite bird), and quite a few Lewis's Woodpeckers. I dipped on several `slam dunk' birds, and still found 41 species. This bodes well for next Tuesday's field trip at the park. Ken Bachman Anderson, CA
Subject: Did anyone else have PUMA going over?
From: XemaSab AT aol.com
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:27:01 -0400

I had some interesting swallows going over about a half an hour ago in Redding. I think they were PUMAs, but they were badly backlit, so I am not positive of the identification. They appeared mostly dark with a forky tail. Some of them definitely were light on the belly, but I saw no light on the chin. Interesting. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Re: Thanks for all the input.
From: BRUCE DEUEL <bdeuel AT wildblue.net>
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:50:36 -0700

This is definitely a juvenile Dark-eyed Junco. Notice the white outer tail feathers. Cheers, Bruce Deuel Red Bluff On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 12:32 PM, bluesmagic48 wrote: > > > I am going to put a few more photos that might help. We were at Summit Lake > Campgruond Sept, 7th and saw this bird at the edge of the lake pecking > around in the mud. > Thanks again, Michael > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Thanks for all the input.
From: "bluesmagic48" <bluesrollers AT sbcglobal.net>
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:32:24 -0000

I am going to put a few more photos that might help. We were at Summit Lake Campgruond Sept, 7th and saw this bird at the edge of the lake pecking around in the mud. Thanks again, Michael
Subject: Re: Name this bird, please
From: BRUCE DEUEL <bdeuel AT wildblue.net>
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:55:38 -0700

When were you there? This looks like a juvenile Dark-eyed Junco to me. Cheers, Bruce Deuel Red Bluff On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 11:22 AM, bluesmagic48 wrote: > > > We were in Lassen Park and photos of this bird and can't I.D. it for sure. > A sparrow of some kind. I will post the photos. Any help would be greatly > appreciated. > > Thank, Michael > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: RE: Name this bird, please
From: "Bruun, Ray (CDPH-DDEWM)" <raymond.bruun AT cdph.ca.gov>
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:47:08 -0700

Someone corrected me in an email and I agree. Looks like a young Dark-eyed Junco. *************************************************************** Ray Bruun, P.E. Associate Engineer California Department of Public Health Drinking Water Field Operations Branch Valley District (No. 21) 415 Knollcrest Drive, #110 Redding, CA 96002 p: (530) 224-3252 f: (530) 224-4844 e: rbruun AT cdph.ca.gov ________________________________ From: shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of bluesmagic48 Sent: Monday, October 19, 2009 11:22 AM To: shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [shasta_birders] Name this bird, please We were in Lassen Park and photos of this bird and can't I.D. it for sure. A sparrow of some kind. I will post the photos. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank, Michael [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: RE: Name this bird, please
From: "Bruun, Ray (CDPH-DDEWM)" <raymond.bruun AT cdph.ca.gov>
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:37:34 -0700

Odd looking, but I believe it's a young Golden-crowned Sparrow. Ray Bruun Shingletown *************************************************************** Ray Bruun, P.E. Associate Engineer California Department of Public Health Drinking Water Field Operations Branch Valley District (No. 21) 415 Knollcrest Drive, #110 Redding, CA 96002 p: (530) 224-3252 f: (530) 224-4844 e: rbruun AT cdph.ca.gov ________________________________ From: shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of bluesmagic48 Sent: Monday, October 19, 2009 11:22 AM To: shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [shasta_birders] Name this bird, please We were in Lassen Park and photos of this bird and can't I.D. it for sure. A sparrow of some kind. I will post the photos. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank, Michael [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Greater Roadrunner?
From: "Debby" <ddailey64 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:30:28 -0000

Has anyone seen the Greater Roadrunner at the Dersch Rd spot lately?
Subject: Name this bird, please
From: "bluesmagic48" <bluesrollers AT sbcglobal.net>
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:22:07 -0000

We were in Lassen Park and photos of this bird and can't I.D. it for sure. A sparrow of some kind. I will post the photos. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank, Michael
Subject: Black-tailed Gull adult in Tacoma
From: Bob & Carol Yutzy <boby AT c-zone.net>
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:13:38 -0700

In case anyone is interested there is a Black-tailed Gull adult (an Asian stray) that has been being see for a few day in Tacoma Washington on a log jam. Bob -- Bob & Carol Yutzy Shasta, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Debby's White throated Sparrow
From: "hummers4peg" <Plwoop AT aol.com>
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:26:16 -0000

Congrats to Larry Jordan on the terrific pictures of Debby's white throat and thanks for posting them.. Quite a nice backyard guest!!! Peggy Elwood
Subject: White-throated Sparrows
From: "soaringfalcon6" <larrytech AT frontiernet.net>
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:53:48 -0000

I posted some photos of the White-throated Sparrow, courtesy of Debbie Dailey. Thanks Debbie for giving me another lifer! You can see the photos here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/shasta_birders/photos/album/1231144624/pic/1041843001/view?picmode=original&mode=tn&order=ordinal&start=21&dir=asc
Subject: RE: Doves
From: "Widdowsons" <widdowson AT saber.net>
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:07:19 -0700

Band-tailed Pigeons by description and range. Cheers, Bud Widdowson Shasta Lake, CA From: shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of brad d Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 11:39 AM To: shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [shasta_birders] Doves 11:00am I just saw 6 doves in south Summit City that had a white stripe on the back of their neck. I looked in my book and couldn't find what kind they were. Any ideas? peace...brad [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Doves
From: "brad d" <abynrml2 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:38:57 -0000

11:00am I just saw 6 doves in south Summit City that had a white stripe on the back of their neck. I looked in my book and couldn't find what kind they were. Any ideas? peace...brad
Subject: Kutras this a.m.
From: "Bruun, Ray (CDPH-DDEWM)" <raymond.bruun AT cdph.ca.gov>
Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:37:24 -0700

I dropped by Kutras at 10:25 and surveyed the waterfowl with binocs hoping for some storm blown birds. But it was pretty much the same as it's been except: Canvasback - 2 males in close Lesser Scaup - 2 males in close Common Goldeneye - first adult plumaged male I've seen this season California Gull - a group of four (highest number yet this season) together with one Ring-billed Gull a distance away -- all gulls were adult plumaged Ray Bruun Shingletown/Redding
Subject: White-throated Sparrow
From: "Debby" <ddailey64 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:45:37 -0000

My backyard WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was present this morning, long enough for Brooke McDonald to check it out. Claudia Lyons arrived shortly thereafter, and with the bird being absent, we decided to venture out in the storm to see what might have dropped in at Kutras. Nothing much to report there: Western and Eared Grebes, Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Canvasback, Gadwall, American Wigeon, and the usuals. Debby Dailey-Anderson Redding
Subject: White and Yellow Crowned Sparrows
From: "brad d" <abynrml2 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:40:37 -0000

The White and Yellow Crowned Sparrows showed up in my backyard in Summit City today.
Subject: White Throated Sparrow
From: "hummers4peg" <Plwoop AT aol.com>
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:51:38 -0000

Many Thanks to Debby Dailey for sharing her backyard White Throated Sparrow this afternoon. I had never seen one and found it to be a nice attractive little bird. It showed up about 20 minutes or so after I arrived. Also got a good look at the unusual white crown it is hanging with. Much fun. Peggy Elwood
Subject: Gangster Birds
From: "bird_brew" <bird_brew AT yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:58:47 -0000

"A mafia-style protection racket may be in operation in our backyards." http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/0407/03.html A cute video (albeit a bit over the top at some points) on cowbirds and how they are effecting songbird populations. Unfortunately, they fail to mention the key point that cowbirds are subsidized by people feeding them, so there is no mention about what people can actually DO about cowbirds. ~Alicia [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: White-throated Sparrow
From: "ddailey64" <ddailey64 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:41:49 -0000

Anyone need this bird for the county? He seems to be sticking around. He showed up a little later than "usual"...about 6:15 this evening. Observed him (and his cohort!) until dark. Debby Dailey-Anderson Redding
Subject: FOS Herring Gull at Turtle Bay Yesterday
From: "kn6q" <raymond.bruun AT cdph.ca.gov>
Date: Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:09:14 -0000

Yesterday, I forgot to mention an adult Herring Gull upstream of the Sundial Bridge. First of season (FOS) for me. Ray Bruun Shingletown, Shasta County, CA
Subject: White-throated Sparrow continues
From: "ddailey64" <ddailey64 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 11 Oct 2009 03:47:04 -0000

The sparrow flock which includes a partially leucistic White-crowned and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW made another appearance in my backyard this afternoon. The birds were seen from about 4-6pm. I'll keep the ground seed going! Debby Dailey-Anderson Redding
Subject: Kutras and Turtle Bay Today
From: "kn6q" <raymond.bruun AT cdph.ca.gov>
Date: Sun, 11 Oct 2009 03:45:55 -0000

I drove into Redding for some birding today and realized on the way there was probably a second Saturday bird walk. Being too late to meet up for that, I headed to Kutras. After about 20 minutes, Bill Oliver showed up. We birded for a while and then drove to Turtle Bay, where was a motorcycle event on the lawn of the Redding Convention Center. Parking and traffic were horrible. I lost Bill somewhere in the mess. Notable birds (59 total): **Mandarin Duck (we've had escapees here before?) - 1 male at south end of Sun Dial Bridge Hooded Merganser - 1 female (found by Bill) Western Grebe - 2 Bald Eagle - 1 adult viewed from Kutras Lake flying upstream of Hwy 44 bridge Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 4, Arboretum Yellow Warbler - 5, Arboretum Black-throated Gray Warbler - 1 female, Arboretum Orange-crowned Warbler - 1, Arboretum Lincoln's Sparrow - 5, Arboretum Lark Sparrow - 1, Arboretum Ray Bruun Shingletown, Shasta County, CA
Subject: White-throated Sparrow
From: "ddailey64" <ddailey64 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 2009 03:50:27 -0000

Perfect weather produced 48 species at Lema Ranch this morning. Highlights included a MERLIN, AMERICAN KESTREL, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, and LARK and LINCOLN'S SPARROWS. Returned home to find a beautiful WHITE-THROATED SPARROW feeding alongside the White and Golden-crowneds! This is a new yard species for us and my 3rd county sighting. Debby Dailey-Anderson Redding
Subject: Red-naped Sapsucker in Janesville Cemetery (Susanville area)
From: Bob & Carol Yutzy <boby AT c-zone.net>
Date: Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:19:42 -0700

Hello all, Had some work in the Susanville area today and stopped by the Janesville Cemetery and found a male Red-naped Sapsucker in the middle of the cemetery. Always neat to see. Bob Bob & Carol Yutzy Shasta, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: FRV shorebirds
From: "Kenneth Able" <kenable AT hughes.net>
Date: Thu, 8 Oct 2009 11:02:22 -0700

In addition to the places mentioned by Red, there are some rice fields in good condition for shorebirds and waterfowl on the south side of the road just west of the Glenburn church (beginning where the Glenburn Rd. turns left [generally southward] and heads to Fall River Mills, and continuing westward). There are three or four adjoining fields that have good water levels and the rice gone. That said, there were relatively few birds there on Monday. One pond had 18 pectorals, about the same number of least sandpipers and 3-4 western sandpipers, along with numerous killdeer. The habitat certainly looked better than what it produced. Very few waterfowl around at places such as Fall R. Lake. Maybe with next week's promised storm .... Ken Able Kenneth P. Able Bob's Creek Ranch 535-000 Little Valley Road McArthur, California 96056 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Pectoral Sandpiper at Fall River Valley
From: "redmodeen" <ffbrdr AT att.net>
Date: Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:32:14 -0000

Yo Birders -- On Wednesday, 7 Oct., Nancy and I spent a few hours birding around Fall River Valley. Fairly quiet but there was one good area off Horr Road where we found several shore birds including a pair of Pectoral Sandpiper. The birds were in the first rice paddy on the left after turning onto Horr Road. Also there were good numbers of Least Sandpiper, a few Greater Yellowlegs, many Killdeer, at least three Wilson's Snipe, several Ring-billed Gull, and hundreds of Brewer's Blackbird and Red-winged Blackbird. Out at the end of the road, we had three Sandhill Crane in the yard of one of the homes there. Most rice has been harvested, and some fields have been turned over and flooded while a few still have straw stalks and little water. There were Canada Geese on the wing everywhere, lots of sparrow activity, although we never saw a Golden-crowned, two adult Bald Eagle, numerous Red-tailed Hawk (25+), a few Marsh Hawk, but few water birds other than an abundance of Pied-billled Grebe. The only group of ducks was off Spring Creek Road where we had Green-wing Teal, Mallard, and Gadwall. The rice ponds along the road to Rat Ranch have been harvested, one totally and the other partially, but the remaining straw is so high it is very difficlult to find any birds other than numerous Red-wings which fly out or cling to the stalks. The first pond as you drive in is bone dry but the second still has water. A crew was working in the area on irrigation piping and a large area has been plowed for some future crop. We did not go to the boat launch area. Lovely fall weather, some trees showing color, and it is getting crisp at night over there. Red Modeen Redding
Subject: Common Poorwill - Shasta Lake
From: "Widdowsons" <widdowson AT saber.net>
Date: Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:46:36 -0700

Hello All, This evening (10/07/09) at dusk, there was a Common Poorwill hawking instincts from the entrance road to our house in Shasta Lake City. We watched it for a while in our headlights before it flew off. Cheers, Bud & Margaret Widdowson [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Team Lemurian's PRBO Bird-A-Thon results
From: Alicia Young <bird_brew AT yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 2009 13:36:45 -0700 (PDT)

Dear Shasta Birders, Team Lemurian completed its PRBO Bird-A-Thon for Shasta County this past Saturday, Oct 3rd.Â Our total species count for the day was 107, despite dipping on all the owls and several common birds.Â Thank you to all who made a financial contribution to the team or provided some local birding tips.Â Being relatively new to the area, it really means a lot to us to have the support of the local birding community. Our complete list of species is attached, followed by a narrative of our Bird-A-Thon day.Â The complete species list and a few select photos will also soon be made available on our website, www.firstgiving.com/Team_Lemurian.Â If youâ€™d like any more details, feel free to email Alicia at bird_brew AT yahoo.com. Thank you again for your support, and we hope to see more people out in their finest white robes next year! ~Team Lemurian (Alicia Young and Pablo Herrera) Work like you don't need the money. Love like you have never been hurt. Dance like nobody is watching. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Western Kingbird bullying a RTH
From: "Karen Scheuermann" <kscheuer AT c-zone.net>
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2009 21:00:22 -0700

Check out this photo of an audacious kingbird! http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_13452818?source=email Karen Scheuermann www.shastarootsnshoots.com/Tehama_Wild_Care.htm "What happens to wildlife will happen to us." Marty Stouffer [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Reading Island-Adobe Rd.
From: "bluesmagic48" <bluesrollers AT sbcglobal.net>
Date: Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:34:17 -0000

We spent most of the morming birding Reading Island snd the Cottonwood Creek access Off of Adobe Rd. We saw two Phainopepla on the access trail. Real quiet on Reading Island. We did see the Black-Throated Gray Warbler, Lark Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White Crowned Sparrow, Golden-Crowned Sparrow, House Sparrow, Bushtits, Yellow-Rumped Warbler, Acorn and Lewis's and Nuttall's Woodpeckers, Red Shafted Flicker, Yellow-Billed Magpie, Titmouse,Cooper's and Red-Shouldered and Red-Tailed Hawks. A nice morning of birding. I will post some photos later. Quite a few of these birds were along the roadside. Thanks, Michael
Subject: Kutras and Turtle Bay, Redding
From: "kn6q" <raymond.bruun AT cdph.ca.gov>
Date: Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:41:50 -0000

Today I spent the morning looking for birds at Kutras Lake and Turtle Bay/Arboretum. Species count = 67. Highlights: Kutras Lake - Peregrine Falcon (1 adult flyby as I was leaving at 12:50 p.m.), Red-necked Grebe (one continuing), Western Grebe (4), Eared Grebe (1), Horned Grebe (2), Lesser Scaup (5+). Turtle Bay/Arboretum - Cassin's Vireo (1), Wilson's Warbler (3), Black-throated Gray Warbler (1), Yellow Warbler (10+), Lincoln's Sparrow (7), Savannah Sparrow (1), White-crowned Sparrow (several), Golden-crowned Sparrow (several), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2, first of fall). Ray Bruun Shingletown, Shasta County, CA
Subject: Titmouse color
From: "bluesmagic48" <bluesrollers AT sbcglobal.net>
Date: Fri, 02 Oct 2009 03:01:55 -0000

I posted some photos of a Titmouse. We call it the punk Titmouse because of the color of the top feathers. Is there a name for this? We have never seen this before but we are new to birding. Also the Red Shouldered Hawk was seen near the Gover Ranch. The Common Yellowthroat in Klamath Faals. We were birding Reading Island and saw at least four Phainopepla, Spotted Towhee, California Thrasher, Cedar Waxwings.Will send some Virginia Rail photos from Parkville Rd. another time. Thanks, Michael
Subject: Red-necked Grebe still at Kutras
From: "bird_brew" <bird_brew AT yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:45:14 -0000

Hi All, Yesterday evening (Wednesday September 30th) Pablo Herrera, Bud and Margaret Widdowson, and I stopped by Kutras Lake around 5:45pm. The Red-necked Grebe was quickly spotted just beyond the Aqua Golf enclosure (downstream side). We all had fantastic looks from the parking lot just next to the Aqua Golf parking area. We also spied a pair of Common Goldeneye within the Aqua Golf enclosure. Happy birding! ~Alicia
Subject: Sept. 26 & 27 birding in Shasta County
From: Bob & Carol Yutzy <boby AT c-zone.net>
Date: Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:59:28 -0700

Could anyone who birded anywhere in the county (Shasta) this last weekend please send me a copy of your bird list so that I can forward it on to others for the Luke Cole Memorial birding deal. Thanks for the help. I think our Red-necked Grebe was not seen til Monday and beyond. Anyone see it Saturday or Sunday? Bob -- Bob & Carol Yutzy Shasta, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Kutras Lake red-necked grebe
From: Chet ogan <chet_ogan AT yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:24:30 -0700 (PDT)

Keith Slauson and I stopped by Kutras Lake Monday late afternoon and saw a moulting adult alternate plumaged Red-necked Grebe in addition to a Horned Grebe, & a Redhead mixed in with mallards, GWTE, NOSH, CAGO, one greater white-fronted goose with domestic geese. Thought the Red-necked grebe is uncommon enough inland to report. Imagine there's no countries . . .It isn't hard to do Nothing to kill or die for . . . . And no religion too Imagine all the people . . . .. .Living life in peace... - J Lennon- Chet Ogan chet_ogan AT yahoo.com 707-442-9353 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: PRBO Birdathon participants up here???
From: Bob & Carol Yutzy <boby AT c-zone.net>
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:10:11 -0700

I just got a message from a Record Searchlight writer asking about other teams participating in the Birdathon up here in our county. I know of only Alicia's team - are there others. Please let me know, Thanks, Bob -- Bob & Carol Yutzy Shasta, CA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Re: Kingbird vs. Red Tailed Hawk
From: "John Hansen" <majorhart AT sbcglobal.net>
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:44:47 -0500

I've been very familiar with Wsstern, Eastern, and Cassin's kingbirds and they all very agressively defend the nest area. In tucson we watched everyday as one of a cassin's kingbird pair battled a Merlin - over and over the merlin went up to latch onto the kingbird and the kingbird went down. We thought th kingbird woule be dinner any second but it never happened. The attack intensified as the nesting season progressed - In a couple of weeks the Merlin didn't come anymore. The Merlins (one or two - some dark) spent the winter at Jacob's Park in west Tucson and probably still do. We regularly saw mobs of kingbirds diving on Cooper's Hawks at Ft Lowell Park. They were often successful and preventing the Cooper's hawks from getting their nest but over time there were a number of nests lost. The Cooper's Hawks never messed with the huge colony of Great Tailed Grackles one block from their nest tree. When the kingbirds attack a merlin they keep their tails way above and head down - when they attack a cooper it's a dive and hit and get off. Western and Cassin's often attcked the coopers together in a mob. Sometimes greattailed grackles were in it too. John Hansen Saint Joseph MO ----- Original Message ----- From: Bruun, Ray (CDPH-DDEWM) To: shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 3:36 PM Subject: RE: [shasta_birders] Kingbird vs. Red Tailed Hawk Years ago, I saw a very similar situation with an Eastern Kingbird attacking and, in the process, alighting on a Golden Eagle that was flying overhead. This was at a national wildlife refuge just north of Great Falls, Montana. Unlike the instance referred to by the last poster, I did not get a picture. Somewhere I've read of kingbirds attacking low-flying aircraft as well. Ray Bruun Shingletown/Redding, CA ________________________________ From: shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of brad d Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 1:30 PM To: shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [shasta_birders] Kingbird vs. Red Tailed Hawk Nice little story and a couple great photos. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1216709/Pictured-The-p lucky-little-kingbird-took-piggyback-predatory-hawk-lived-tell-tale.html enjoy, peace...brad [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (6.1.0.448) Database version: 6.13370 http://www.pctools.com/spyware-doctor-antivirus/ E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (6.1.0.448) Database version: 6.13370 http://www.pctools.com/en/spyware-doctor-antivirus/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: RE: Kingbird vs. Red Tailed Hawk
From: "Bruun, Ray (CDPH-DDEWM)" <raymond.bruun AT cdph.ca.gov>
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:36:30 -0700

Years ago, I saw a very similar situation with an Eastern Kingbird attacking and, in the process, alighting on a Golden Eagle that was flying overhead. This was at a national wildlife refuge just north of Great Falls, Montana. Unlike the instance referred to by the last poster, I did not get a picture. Somewhere I've read of kingbirds attacking low-flying aircraft as well. Ray Bruun Shingletown/Redding, CA ________________________________ From: shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com [mailto:shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of brad d Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 1:30 PM To: shasta_birders AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [shasta_birders] Kingbird vs. Red Tailed Hawk Nice little story and a couple great photos. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1216709/Pictured-The-p lucky-little-kingbird-took-piggyback-predatory-hawk-lived-tell-tale.html enjoy, peace...brad [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Kingbird vs. Red Tailed Hawk
From: "brad d" <abynrml2 AT yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:29:34 -0000

Nice little story and a couple great photos. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1216709/Pictured-The-plucky-little-kingbird-took-piggyback-predatory-hawk-lived-tell-tale.html enjoy, peace...brad

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