Date: 5/16/24 3:51 pm From: Robin via groups.io <robinchen2k...> Subject: [southbaybirds] McClellan Ranch beginner bird outing 5/16
Diane and I led an outing at McClellan ranch this morning! We started out at the feeders, where we saw chestnut-backed chickadees, oak titmice, brown-headed cowbirds, and both pygmy and white-breasted nuthatches enjoying the seeds and suet. An exciting moment was when the female black-chinned hummingbird decided to snack on some hummingbird sage! We also saw a spotted towhee and California towhee on the ground, and before we left the feeders, we were visited by a Steller's jay.
We walked along the path and ended up at the barn, where we saw the Western screech owl roosting in the beams. Further along the path, we saw more chickadees, dark-eyed juncos, black phoebes, and Anna's hummingbird. We also heard some birds but weren't able to see them: western flycatchers, Nuttall's woodpecker, brown creeper. We got a pretty good look at a red-shouldered hawk who flew overhead. Ending up at the creek, we saw a mallard bobbing in the water.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/15/24 3:21 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVAS Field Trip to Santa Teresa County Park
Hi Everyone!
Edward Rooks and I led a field trip to Santa Teresa County Park this morning. We had an unexpected *Western Wood Pewee* low in a eucalyptus tree, great views of *Lazuli Buntings* on the Hidden Springs Trail just before it starts the steep climb, and great views of several *Rufous-crowned Sparrows* at the intersection of the Rocky Ridge and Mine Trails. *Grasshopper Sparrows* were heard only on the hillside behind the bathrooms. Other birds seen were *American Kestrels*, *Western Kingbirds*, a *Blue-gray Gnatcatcher* and *Ash-throated Flycatchers.*
We were also joined by Amanda Newlove who is the nest box monitor for the area. She graciously shared her experiences and photos with us.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/13/24 5:03 pm From: Ryan L. via groups.io <ryanbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Cedar Waxwings
This week I’ve had a large flock of Cedar Waxwings in my front yard. I have a mulberry tree that makes an awful mess on the sidewalk and the street and anyone who dares park underneath it. But it also brings a number of fun birds like the Waxwings. Today I watched one arrive at the top of the tree on a bare branch. After a minute, it started calling and the rest of the flock joined. They don’t always stay long, often darting to the maple tree next door. It’s so much fun to see these beautiful birds all day long.
While watching the waxwings this afternoon I saw House Finches, California Towhee, Black Phoebe, and a Red-tailed Hawk high overhead.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/13/24 11:15 am From: Alvaro Jaramillo via groups.io <chucao...> Subject: [southbaybirds] golden plover over Palo Alto baylands.
Hello all,
I was leading a private group around this morning in the Baylands and right at the end of our time there at about 8 am a Golden Plover flew over heading north. It was in breeding plumage. Overall a very dark plover with black on underparts, no wing stripe, and no white at the base of the tail. One of the first things I looked for was black on the wing pit, saw none, but noticed what looked to be entirely black flanks. The bird was not close, and was flying, so I don’t quite trust myself to call it anything else other than Golden Plover sp? However, the gut feel was that it was an American. Hopefully it shows up farther north in the Bay somewhere. If an American shows up, I am counting this one 😊. If not, it will remain unidentified.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/12/24 11:31 am From: Ryan L. via groups.io <ryanbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Santa Teresa CP 5/12/24
It was a lovely morning at Santa Teresa County Park. I started at the east parking lot of the Pueblo Day Use Area near the benches overlooking the golf course. I started with a female Western Bluebird bringing an insect to a nesting box. The hills were covered in a blanket of fog that burned off over the next half hour or so. I started walking up the Hidden Springs Trail. At the intersection with the Ridge Trail a stream lined with trees meets a small patch of chaparral and open field. In this area I found and heard several birds including House Wren, Wilson’s Warbler, Lazuli Buting, Wrentit, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Rufous-crowned Sparrow. Up the Ridge Trail there was a singing Orange-crowned Warbler and Spotted Towhee. I saw a White-tailed Kite fly overhead to the other side of the ridge. On the way back, as the sun came out and the hills started to warm up, I encountered a Black-headed Grosbeak and an Ash-throated Flycatcher pair in the same tree. Back at the parking lot I saw an American Kestrel pair bringing food and repeatedly visiting a nesting box.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/11/24 12:07 pm From: Lisa Myers via groups.io <lisa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Shannon Valley OSP this morning - WMBD
Hello all -
This morning's bird walk had us at Shannon Valley OSP in honor of World
Migratory Bird Day. Right off the street where we parked we had *HOODED
ORIOLES*, *SPOTTED TOWHEE'S*, *STELLER'S *and *SCRUB JAYS*. We found one
of the very vocal *WESTERN FLYCATCHERS* here too.
We took the trail up through the switchbacks to get to *LAZULI BUNTING*
habitat and were rewarded with several pairs.
I also believe I saw a pair of *LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH* up there in the
same grassy field but would welcome another set of eyes. They may have
been Lesser Goldfinch with very dirty faces. They flew off before photos
were taken. *BLUE-GREY GNATCATCHERS* were buzzing in the oak trees with
*ACORN WOODPECKERS* everywhere.
There were many *OAK TITMICE* moving about following parents and begging
to be fed. At the top of the trail a male *AMERICAN KESTREL* was
harassing an adult *RED-TAILED* HAWK.
Once back down the trail we walked the paved path along Hicks Road. We
observed*CEDAR WAXWINGS* moving back and forth, & up and down above a
section of creek. From our vantage point it appeared as if they were
either bathing in the creek or grabbing food. Along this stretch we
found a pair of *HOUSE WRENS* and heard a *CALIFORNIA THRASHER* not to
be confused with the *NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD* also in the area.
Much of the morning was filled with bird song. Finding the songsters was
the challenge.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/10/24 6:05 pm From: Laurie Alaimo via groups.io <environmom95112...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Brown Pelican at Vasona
Maybe they are looking for food. I read an article earlier this week about large numbers of starving brown pelicans on the coast. Hope they can figure out what’s going on.
Laurie
On Friday, May 10, 2024, 4:59 PM, Carolyn Knight <knight94c...> wrote:
Apparently the pelicans are touring the reservoirs today. One BROWN PELICAN was swimming around Vasona Lake today, trying to snap up the fish from the water. Also present were BARN, CLIFF, and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, and a full complement of gosling of various ages.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/10/24 5:02 pm From: Bob Reiling via groups.io <rreiling2...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Guadalupe Oak Grove park
All,
Apparently the Guadalupe Oak Grove Western Tanagers have moved on, I saw none this morning but another birder saw only one. At about 10:30 this morning (5/10) I had an adult male MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD on the fence between the parking lot and the nearest restroom. The bird was the size of a Western Bluebird but was an overall pale blue (much lighter than the dark blue Western Bluebird with no red on the pale blue chest). Unfortunately my camera was in the car and the bird quickly flew low toward the northwest and I was unable to re-find it. My main concern with the sighting is that the only ones I've seen in the past were in the winter months (Jan 1994, Feb 2012 and Nov 2018) but I can't think of any other bird of its overall pale blue (with no white on the head or wing).
Take care,
Bob Reiling
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/10/24 4:59 pm From: Carolyn Knight via groups.io <knight94c...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Brown Pelican at Vasona
Apparently the pelicans are touring the reservoirs today. One BROWN PELICAN was swimming around Vasona Lake today, trying to snap up the fish from the water. Also present were BARN, CLIFF, and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, and a full complement of gosling of various ages.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/10/24 2:45 pm From: janna pauser via groups.io <jannapauser...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Calero Creek trail
I wanted to expand on my last post for Calero Creek tail. I started at Harry Road at 7:35 this morning. Very quiet until I came upon my first CHAT. It was right in front of me but I couldn't find it. I actually heard the second bird at this location on my return.
Bullocks Oriole 3 in tall Sycamore at creek Black chinned Hummingbird male perched in orchard Wilson's Warbler 2 h Ash throated Flycatcher 5 pair at creek others in orchard House Wren 2 Western Tanager 1 in orchard Lazuli Bunting 2 h near creek crossing Western Kingbird 2 on flew over creek second top of tree near model airplane field Blue gray Gnatcatcher 4, 1 pair at nest Warbling Vireo 8 possible fledgling Black headed Grosbeak 1 female Cedar Waxwing 30 Western Flycatcher 2 h Wood Duck 2 Hooded Oriole 1 h Coopers Hawk Am. Kestrel possible Willow Flycatcher. I have video that could not be positively identified by expert.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/10/24 2:42 pm From: Noah Eckman via groups.io <neckman...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Loma Prieta 5/10
All,
Encouraged by yesterday's impressive migrant numbers in San Mateo county and San Francisco, and also by another massive movement<https://dashboard.birdcast.info/region/US-CA-085> last night, I headed up to Loma Prieta this morning to check out the migration on the Lower Saddle.
Overall, migrant numbers didn't match the crazy totals from yesterday, but there was still a solid trickle of migrants (mostly LAZULI BUNTINGS, WESTERN TANAGERS, and a WESTERN KINGBIRD) heading north. Other highlights include PURPLE MARTINS, a RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD, and the sound of a flock of RED CROSSBILLS (30 reported yesterday!)
The most notable bird, however, was a singing BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW, making their return to the county for the summer.
The exact correlation of BirdCast movement numbers and the migrant activity on Loma Prieta (and wind/weather) seems to be a mystery. If you have any thoughts or input, let me know.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/10/24 12:54 pm From: Ann Verdi via groups.io <aeverdi235...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Brown Pelican at Calero
I saw a young Brown Pelican at the Chynoweth Recharge Pond yesterday (5/9) and posted it on eBird. Once in a great while young Brown Pelicans are seen here at Calero Reservoir, Almaden Lake, and now one at Chynoweth Pond which may have been one of the five seen recently over Almaden Lake. They are looking for food, so hope they get to a better habitat for them soon on the bay or on the ocean.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/10/24 12:24 pm From: janna pauser via groups.io <jannapauser...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Yellow breasted Chats Calero Creek trail
I heard three YELLOW BREASTED CHATS on the Calero Creek trail this
morning. One about a third of the way from Harry Rd. and a second heard
from behind while looking for the first bird. The second bird may have
been on the far side of the creek. A third Chat was heard before the
side path that leads to the creek, about 2/3 of the way from Harry Road.
They seem to be moving south or east.
Wanted to get this out before I go through my photos and list in case
birders going to Calero Reservoir want to stop by.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/10/24 12:07 pm From: Michael Mammoser via groups.io <mmammoser...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Brown Pelican at Calero
After Bob Hirt and I had the 5 BROWN PELICANS at Almaden Lake, we went to Calero and found 2 at that location. I can't say if they were part of the original 5 though.
Michael Mammoser
On Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11:22:07 AM PDT, Eve Meier <eve.m.meier...> wrote:
Hi Everyone!
There’s one Brown Pelican at Calero Reservior. The bird is sitting on the boat dock. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one here before and thought it was interesting because Bob Hirt had reported Brown Pelicans at Almaden Lake.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/10/24 11:27 am From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Brown Pelican at Calero
Also a Common Loon!
> On May 10, 2024, at 11:22 AM, Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone!
>
> There’s one Brown Pelican at Calero Reservior. The bird is sitting on the boat dock. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one here before and thought it was interesting because Bob Hirt had reported Brown Pelicans at Almaden Lake.
>
> Happy birding!
> Eve Meier
>
>
>
>
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/10/24 11:22 am From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Brown Pelican at Calero
Hi Everyone!
There’s one Brown Pelican at Calero Reservior. The bird is sitting on the boat dock. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one here before and thought it was interesting because Bob Hirt had reported Brown Pelicans at Almaden Lake.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/9/24 10:02 pm From: Howard Friedman via groups.io <howardnfriedman...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Home visitors
Just a note from the Rose Garden where I live. We had a few cool migrants on Monday and Tuesday this week at my house. Wilson's Warblers, Black-headed Grosbeak, Townsend's Warbler, White-breasted Nuthatch, Oak Titmouse, Bewick's Wrens feeding their young, Nuttall's Woodpeckers, and Warbling Vireo.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/9/24 9:56 pm From: Howard Friedman via groups.io <howardnfriedman...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Alum Rock Park Trip
Greetings Birding Buddies!
Yesterday, our bird-watching outing in Alum Rock Park was exciting and gorgeous. We began our trek at the Quail Hollow picnic area. Upon finding a small flock of Cedar Waxwings in a Redwood, we were treated to it flushing into a a huge flock of over 250 Cedar Waxwings flying by. Through out the trip, we saw disaggregated parts of this super flock. From the parking lot we enjoyed some of the regular species in the park, like Stellar Jays and California Quail. We heard a noisy mob of Jays calling and we discovered a Cooper's Hawk that had agitated them. Moving into the park, we headed toward Rustic Lands and found a pair of Brown Creepers collecting food and a pair of nesting Nuttall's Woodpeckers bringing food to the nest. From Rustic Lands we heard one Ash-throated Flycatcher calling on the hillside above, but in the parking lot we found the returning Bullock's Orioles that appear to be nesting in the Eucalyptus trees across from the parking lot. A mix of California Scrub Jays and California Quail flew about the Eagle Rock Trail. We moved into the park where we heard calling Western Flycatchers and found a small flock of Chestnut-backed Chickadees. We saw a number of Black-headed Grosbeaks. This species seemed to be one of the more common spring migrants we saw and heard on the trip.
We walked up to Inspiration Point and followed the utility road where we spotted our first Ash-throated Flycatcher and the first female Black-headed Grosbeak. We had seen several Spotted Towhees and California Towhees throughout the trip, but we didn't get to see any Dark-eyed-Juncos until we were on the utility road.
Once down on the canyon floor we checked for Western Screech and Northern Pygmy Owls, but we did our best, but they were not in our viewing area! We did hear a Wilson's Warbler calling from the creek too. We stopped by to check on a pair of Nesting Black Phoebes and then went up onto the North Rim Trail. We found a calling Lazuli Bunting and just a little bit ahead saw some Acorn Woodpeckers stashing som acorns in their granary. We also saw a perched Northern Rough-winged Swallow and had a brief spotting of a couple of Wrentits. We found a perched Ash-throated Flycatcher at the intersection of the Loop Trail. A second Lazuli Bunting was calling from the hillside where the Todd Quick Trail re-enters the North Rim. We did have a wonderful close-up of a Turkey Vulture soaring right above us. Joyce really delighted in this event. We walked back after a long productive day and said our so-longs.
This was a truly lovely day. The views were clear and panoramic. Even though we were a small group, I am grateful for the kindness and enthusiasm from all who attended. Thank you all for the hike and the experiences. I want to thank Joyce and Junyan for helping co-lead this trip. I appreciate your help and thoughtfulness.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Deb and I were out for a walk this evening and had an unusual combination of ducks at the Camden bridge that crosses Los Alamitos creek: two Mallard males, one female Common Merganser, and one male Wood Duck. I've never had a Wood Duck in this location before! We also saw two Vaux's Swifts closer to home.
Hugh McDevitt
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/9/24 5:02 pm From: <silicon...> via groups.io <silicon...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Western Tanagers in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park
FYI
R
On May 9, 2024, at 1:32 PM, janna pauser <jannapauser...> wrote:
Guadalupe Oak Grove Park was loaded with WESTERN TANAGERS this morning. I saw fifteen, many in the middle area fly catching from tree tops, more on west side hill. Other birds of interest were BLUE GRAY GNATCATCHER pair, ASH THROATED FLYCATCHER 3, WARBLING VIREO 2, WESTERN FLYCATCHER 2, WILSON'S WARBLER 3, HOODED ORIOLE pair and a possible WESTERN WOOD PEWEE. I also saw a quiet CHIPPING SPARROW in breeding plumage in a tree along the ridge between the two sets of stairs. A SWAINSON'S THRUSH call was heard at the top of the west hill near the top of the stairs on the Villa's property.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/9/24 2:39 pm From: Edward Reed via groups.io <ed.reed3...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Guadalupe River Trail - loads of Western Tanagers - Refound
Re-found Western Tanager + others
Starting at Thamien Park where my car was parked, walked on the west side of Guadalupe Creek at sunrise.
At 37°24'05.3"N 121°56'53.7”W found a birdy spot.
Western Tanagers fluttering between bottlebrush and near by oak tree.
Good views also in adjacent sycamore tree.
Beside the expected for the area Merlin registered:
Black-headed Grosbeak
Robin
Wilson’s Warbler
Anna’s Hummingbird
Orange-crowned Warbler
American Goldfinch
Cedar Waxwing
Lazuli Bunting
Nuttalls Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Sometimes captured 2 or 3 species in a single image.
The bird party was feeding on bottlebrush as Eve noted.
Quite unexpected was between the dike and the row of bottlebrush a Road Runner was spotted.
Was so taken by the unexpected Road Runner a photo was not taken.
The show seemed to be over at 7:45 with the Western Tanager.
Continued walking north to Ulistac Park and met Julie Rose who noted a number of Western Tanagers at the north end or Ulistac.
This location has even more Western Tanager numbers than described at Thamien above. Western Tanagers at this location were catching insects.
At 37°24'28.6"N 121°57'29.4”W
Viewed Western Tanager, Yellow Rump Warblers, Yellow Warblers and Hairy Woodpecker.
Western Tanagers were flying out and back pattern catching insects or chasing each other.
Julie and others spotted and OLIVE SIDED FLYCATCHER atop the bare tree toward the north end.
On my return walk at 11:30 the temp was 80 degrees.
Noted that some Western Tanagers by Thamien park were moving to trees in Guadalupe Creek.
Great day to be birding,.
Thanks Eve
Ed

> On May 8, 2024, at 1:44 PM, Eve Meier <eve.m.meier...> wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> This morning Patricia and I birded the Guadalupe River Trail going north from Riverview Park. The most interesting thing were the high numbers of Western Tanagers on the west side of the trail (across the pedestrian bridge going north). We counted at least 10 birds. A couple of times there would be four individuals in the same tree. We think they were enjoying all the bottle brush along the trail just north of Thamien Park.
>
> Happy birding!
> Eve Meier (San Jose)
>
>
>
>
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/9/24 1:32 pm From: janna pauser via groups.io <jannapauser...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Western Tanagers in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park
Guadalupe Oak Grove Park was loaded with WESTERN TANAGERS this morning.
I saw fifteen, many in the middle area fly catching from tree tops, more
on west side hill. Other birds of interest were BLUE GRAY GNATCATCHER
pair, ASH THROATED FLYCATCHER 3, WARBLING VIREO 2, WESTERN FLYCATCHER 2,
WILSON'S WARBLER 3, HOODED ORIOLE pair and a possible WESTERN WOOD
PEWEE. I also saw a quiet CHIPPING SPARROW in breeding plumage in a tree
along the ridge between the two sets of stairs. A SWAINSON'S THRUSH call
was heard at the top of the west hill near the top of the stairs on the
Villa's property.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/9/24 12:39 pm From: Matthew Dodder via groups.io <mdodder...> Subject: [southbaybirds] McClellan Ranch 05-09-24
The male and female BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDS are both here. The female visited the feeder around noon, and I spotted the male along the creek again. All the same birds I reported yesterday are still here and vocalizing including ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHE, HOUSE WREN, and WESTERN TANAGER. A new species showed up today however—two LAZULI BUNTINGS both females. They were on the west edge of the meadow not far from the creek and feeding in the grass but occasionally perching in the low branches just above grass level. The two were flushed by a female deer who was chasing a coyote away at high speed from her very young fawn. She drove the coyote across the creek and I could hear it through the bushes splashing across the water. The doe then eyed me steadily, as if to say—don’t you dare start with me.
Matthew
Matthew Dodder (he/him)
Executive Director
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
22221 McClellan Rd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
408-252-3748
<director...>
scvas.org
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/8/24 2:27 pm From: Matthew Dodder via groups.io <mdodder...> Subject: [southbaybirds] McClellan Ranch 05-08-24
The female BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD continues to be seen daily at the Salvia flowers outside the conference room window. Patience is required, but it appears to prefer the shaded flowers at the base of the oak tree. Several folks have come hoping to see her at eye level, and I think all have gotten a look. Also today, I was able to see the male BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD on my walk along the creek trail. I suspect the female is nesting somewhere along the creek, but no details on that. A male BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK also flew through the sycamore branches during my walk, and then began calling from an oak in the meadow. WARBLING VIREO, WESTERN FLYCATCHER, WILSON’S WARBLER are daily encounters at this point. An unseen WESTERN TANAGER called this morning outside my office door, but soon stopped—perhaps moved on. Fledging DARK-EYED JUNCOS, OAK TITMICE, CHESTNUT-BACKED. CHICKADEES, and a few BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS are hard to miss around the feeders. PYGMY NUTHATCHES are showing up less often than a month ago, and the HOODED ORIOLES have become almost silent and I can’t remember when I last saw a Bullock’s Oriole here. No sign of the Pacific Spiketail (Dragonfly) yet…
Matthew
Matthew Dodder (he/him)
Executive Director
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
22221 McClellan Rd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
408-252-3748
<director...>
scvas.org
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/8/24 2:05 pm From: Bob Reiling via groups.io <rreiling2...> Subject: [southbaybirds] No Solitary Sandpiper today
All,
There were several "SPOTTED" SANDPIPERS in Parkway Lakes this morning (5/8) including one that was un-spotted that made me think that it might be my target bird until I saw the white in the upper wing when it flew. A pair of COMMON MERGANSERS and two GREATER YELLOWLEGS continued on downstream. When I left AMERICAN CROWS were mobbing an adult BALD EAGLE low over Hwy 82. Later I had an adult YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE at the end of Laguna Ave (late for me but Its been that kind of year, happy to see it).
Take care,
Bob Reiling
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/8/24 1:44 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Guadalupe River Trail - loads of Western Tanagers
Hi Everyone,
This morning Patricia and I birded the Guadalupe River Trail going north from Riverview Park. The most interesting thing were the high numbers of Western Tanagers on the west side of the trail (across the pedestrian bridge going north). We counted at least 10 birds. A couple of times there would be four individuals in the same tree. We think they were enjoying all the bottle brush along the trail just north of Thamien Park.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/8/24 12:55 pm From: Bob Bolles via groups.io <robertcbolles...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Rancho San Antonio HIke
All ... This morning, which was beautiful, Melissa Johnson and I led a hike of ten birders up to the water tank (at the top of the Hill Trail) in search of Lazuli Buntings. We were successful, plus we saw 36 other species of birds, including Ash-throated Flycatchers, Hutton's and Warbling Vireos, and Hairy and Nuttall's Woodpeckers. Joyous birding! ... Bob
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/8/24 12:29 pm From: Melissa Johnson via groups.io <mitzimelissa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Lazuli Bunting & Lawrence’s Goldfinches at Ranch San Antonio
On the SCVAS trip today at Rancho San Antonio, up at the water tower - a male Lazuli Bunting was singing and 2 of us saw 3 male Lawrence’s Goldfinches. Bob will post the rest of the trip details later.
-Melissa
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/8/24 11:25 am From: Gregory Luckert via groups.io <Greg.luckert...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Palo Alto Summer bird count - still needs counters in Sector 7 (SMCO)
Hello,
I would be happy do any of those areas.
-GL
On Wed, May 8, 2024 at 10:55 maliadances via groups.io <maliadances= <yahoo.com...> wrote:
> Hi Folks, > > > > The 2024 Palo Alto Summer Bird Count, hosted by Santa Clara Valley Audubon > Society, will be held on Saturday June 1st, 2024. I am the coordinator > for Sector 7. Sector 7 lies entirely in San Mateo County. I still need > some areas covered. > > > > If you are available to count this year and would like to cover one of the > areas, please let me know as soon as possible. I can fill you in on all the > details. > > > > Areas that still need coverage: > > Area 2 Lower Wunderlich County Park > > Area 7 Coal Mine Ridge > > Area 10 Coal Creek OSP > > Area 11 Russian Ridge OSP > > > > Thanks All, > > Malia > > Sector 7 Coordinator > > > >
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/8/24 10:55 am From: maliadances via groups.io <maliadances...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Palo Alto Summer bird count - still needs counters in Sector 7 (SMCO)
Hi Folks,
The 2024 Palo Alto Summer Bird Count, hosted by Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, will be held on Saturday June 1 st , 2024. I am the coordinator for Sector 7. Sector 7 lies entirely in San Mateo County. I still need some areas covered.
If you are available to count this year and would like to cover one of the areas, please let me know as soon as possible. I can fill you in on all the details.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/8/24 5:30 am From: Bob Reiling via groups.io <rreiling2...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Continuing female Black-chinned Hummingbird
All,
Sometimes your just lucky. The first bird that I saw at the SCVAS office in McClellan Ranch after missing the Black Tern at Shoreline was the female BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD (about 9:15). Nice long drooping bill, white chin and neck & whitish underparts with a bit of green on the upper flanks. Was surprised to see a bit of color where the lower throat met the upper chest (never noted it before on females). Unfortunately, no chance for photos over the next two hours.
Take care,
Bob Reiling
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/6/24 2:42 pm From: bobhirt2004 via groups.io <Bobhirt...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Almaden Lake - Brown Pelicans
Mike Mammoser, Linda Sullivan and I were chatting at Almaden Lake at 2:30 PM today and were treated to 5 Brown Pelicans flying around investigating but not landing. After five minutes they flew off toward the north along the Guadalupe.
Wow!!
Bob
Bob Hirt
(408) 821-2732
Please excuse the brevity, the typos, and the sometimes humorous autocorrect changes.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/6/24 8:37 am From: jan hintermeister via groups.io <jan.hintermeister...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Grant Ranch Clark’s Grebe and cormorant with red throat path
Yesterday I was at Joseph D. Grant County Park checking out my Great Blue Heron colony for SFBBO. At the small bay near the Grant Lake parking lot I saw a Clark's Grebe. Later in the morning it moved to the far end of the lake (photo attached).
Close to the island on Grant Lake I saw a cormorant. There are a lot of Double-crested Cormorants on the lake and that's what I think it is, but it had a distinctly red throat patch. I thought maybe that was a breeding plumage feature, but I didn't see any red mentioned in field guides at home. I'm attaching a photo for this bird. Is this within the normal range of color variation or is it some kind of aberrant color feature? Any thoughts would be welcome.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/4/24 11:32 am From: Matthew Dodder via groups.io <mdodder...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Subspecies team 05-03-24
Yesterday, my last Birdathon team, the Subspecies, ventured out on a four hour effort. We began at Picchetti Ranch OSP at 8:00, and ended at noon at McClellan Ranch. The team comprised of Carolyn Straub, Steve McHenry, Mike Armer, Ryan Ludman, Amanda Newlove, Christopher Klein, Fanghong Chen, and Matthew Dodder. We spent a lot of time on bird songs, of which there were many to be heard.
At Picchetti Ranch OSP we hiked to the seasonal pond finding a family of Mallards and most exciting was a pair of Wood Ducks. As we continued toward the boundary and into the woods we found Ash-throated Flycatcher, Orange-crowned Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Further along the trail, we heard Western Tanager and Western Wood-Pewee in the valley below us.
Next we went to the Lakeshore Picnic Area to scan the water and sky. We found the Spotted Sandpiper along the shore before the boat ramp. Later, we saw a second Spotted Sandpiper in the cove blow the road. Our most fortunate discovery here was a Green Heron flying along the far edge of the reservoir toward the north end of the reservoir.
At the Stevens Creek Reservoir Spillway (below the dam), we added our first Song Sparrow, Bushtit, and had exceptional looks at Ash-throated Flycatcher.
Finally at the McClellan Ranch, we picked up a few common birds at the feeders such as Pygmy Nuthatch, Brown-headed Cowbird and California Towhee. We spent some time watching the salvia flowers outside the conference room and were rewarded with excellent views of the female Black-chinned Hummingbird.
We ended at lunch quite satisfied with our haul of 56 species. Trip report here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/230426 We also raised nearly $2000 for the SCVAS Education program. Thank you to all of our excellent team members, and all our generous donors!
Matthew
Matthew Dodder (he/him)
Executive Director
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
22221 McClellan Rd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
408-252-3748
<director...>
scvas.org
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/3/24 6:31 pm From: John Harshman via groups.io <john.harshman...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Weird eBird reports
Today, someone on eBird reported a Greater Coucal, Common Chlorospingus, Gray-crowned Yellowthroat, and Golden-crowned Warbler in Willow Glen. None of them seem very likely, and I’m pretty sure there are no Western Hemisphere records for the first species. Was someone’s account hacked by a prankster? Is it possible to butt-dial a checklist? Any clues?
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/3/24 9:39 am From: Susan Tenney via groups.io <satenney...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Birdathon Report from Pearson-Arastradero
Hi Everyone,
Yesterday morning, our Birdathon team, Winging It, birded at Pearson-Arastradero Preserve in Palo Alto. It was a beautiful, calm, sunny morning. In the four hours, we saw and heard 52 species, including: a Lazuli Bunting; many Ash-throated Flycatchers and House Wrens; two Western Kingbirds; several Wilson's Warblers and a Hutton's Vireo calling from creekside trees; many Tree and Violet-green Swallows; and a lonely White-crowned Sparrow. Some of us also heard a Western Tanager.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/2/24 6:28 pm From: Andrew Melnick via groups.io <andrew.melnick...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVAS Calero Creek, Wednesday, 01 May 2024
On Wednesday, 01 May 2024, Hugh McDevitt, Sheila Raymond, and Andy Melnick, led a group of eleven other birders on a trip to Calero Creek, including a small section of Santa Teresa County Park.
The weather and the birds were spring time cooperative.
Highlights of the trip included:
Hooded Oriole
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Lazuli Bunting
Rufous-crowned Sparrow
Western Tanager
Lark Sparrow
Western Flycatcher
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/2/24 5:46 pm From: Teresa Cheng via groups.io <tc_eliot...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Swainson's Hawk above Rancho San Antonio
This morning while looking for Lazuli Bunting in Rancho San Antonio on the Hill Trail by the water tower, I saw a Swainson's Hawk in the distance. It was far away -- the photos are taken at 1200mm and heavily cropped.
Regards,Teresa Cheng
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/2/24 3:05 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Parkway Lakes - Solitary Sandpiper
Hi Everyone,
Garrett found two Solitary Sandpipers at Parkway Lakes the other day so I decided to check it out. There were *Spotted Sandpipers* everywhere (counted at least 8) and I did refind one of the *Solitary Sandpipers*. Besides these birds there were also *Killdeer*, *Western Sandpipers* and *Least Sandpipers*. Last week or so, I also had *Greater Yellowlegs* and *Semipalmated Plovers* at this spot. All these shorebirds love the little islands in Coyote Creek. The Solitary Sandpiper was on the bank of the creek near the small pullout before the official parking lot about here: 37.227723, -121.752223.
There's roadwork on Metcalf Rd but you can still access the pullout mentioned above and the parking lot (37.22974629610856, -121.75677134417245).
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/2/24 11:24 am From: Ryan Phillips via groups.io <norcalbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] BLACK TERN Shoreline Lake Island
An alternate/breeding plumage adult BLACK TERN, likely same returning bird from past years, was on the island this morning. Perched on island, bringing back fish and courting Forster's Terns.
Good Birding, Ryan
Ryan Phillips Scotts Valley NorCal Birding www.norcalbirding.com
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/1/24 6:36 pm From: Alvaro Jaramillo via groups.io <chucao...> Subject: [southbaybirds] question about Palo Alto Baylands in early morning.
Thanks to all who answered the message.
Alvaro
Hello all,
I am going to take a group of birders to the Baylands later on in the
month. This will be early, like 7 am. The official site says the Baylands
opens at 8, but is that just the center? Can one park and access the trails
before 8 am? Any locals with current knowledge out there.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/1/24 12:28 pm From: Alvaro Jaramillo via groups.io <chucao...> Subject: [southbaybirds] question about Palo Alto Baylands in early morning.
Hello all,
I am going to take a group of birders to the Baylands later on in the
month. This will be early, like 7 am. The official site says the Baylands
opens at 8, but is that just the center? Can one park and access the trails
before 8 am? Any locals with current knowledge out there.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/1/24 5:30 am From: Group Notification <noreply...> Subject: [southbaybirds] South Bay Birds Monthly Reminder #guidelines-notice
Thank you for being a member of South Bay Birds [SBB]. This is our monthly reminder sent to the list with information about the group.
South Bay Birds [SBB] is a list intended for reporting the interesting birds you find in Santa Clara county, in order to help your fellow birders see them as well. We encourage everyone to share where they bird and what they see. Please include the general location (e.g., an eBird hotspot) and, if appropriate, the bird(s) of interest in the subject line, with any additional detail needed in the message body. If you use eBird, we encourage you to include a link to the eBird trip report that you filed.
This list is maintained by the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (https://scvas.org). Their volunteers and funding keep the list running so please consider joining or donating to them. SBB's Lead Admin is Jim Dehnert. Chuq Von Rospach, Brooke Miller, Matthew Dodder and Barry Langdon-Lassagne assist Jim. You can contact the administration team with your questions and concerns at southbaybirds+<owner...>
The home site for this list is https://scvas.org/siliconvalleybirding and you can find out more about us there. To start sending messages to members of this group, send email to <southbaybirds...>
The birds we watch should be our primary concern. As birders we need to be sensitive to their needs and not do things that put the birds or their habitat at risk.
We believe all birders should act as ethical birders. Your personal year list or that special photograph could put the bird at risk or cause its nest to fail. Because we expect all birders to act ethically around the birds that bring them joy, we expect that of the birders who are on our list as well. We have written up some ideas of what it means to be an ethical birder, and list links to other resources on ethical birding as well. Please read them and act to put the bird’s needs ahead of your own. If we find out that members of the list are putting birds or their habitat at risk, those members may lose access to the mailing list and its resources.
We also believe that members of the list should treat each other properly. If a list member is found to be attacking or harassing other list members, or engaging in activities that violate the ethical birding code it may affect their future ability to contribute to or subscribe to our lists.
*Acceptable Content*
The primary content for SBB is to report interesting birds you saw and where you saw them ( https://groups.io/g/southbaybirds/message/24065 ). The objective ( https://groups.io/g/southbaybirds/message/25078 ) is to help other birders interested in the birds you saw to find them themselves. Please include the general location (e.g., an eBird hotspot) and, if appropriate, the bird(s) of interest in the subject line, with any additional detail needed in the message body. Please report only Santa Clara County locations -- other counties have their own mailing lists for trip reports.
Occasionally the administrator will post an Advocacy digest -- no more than once a week, and more typically much less often. This digest contains topics that are not typically posted to the list but we feel are of interest to the readers of SBB and are important enough to warrant posting to the wider audience. These messages will be tagged with the word "Advocacy" in the subject so members who aren't interested can delete or filter them if they choose. Topics posted as Advocacy messages typically include updates on important Advocacy activities by Santa Clara Valley Audubon (SCVAS) and SCVAS volunteer activities.
*Unacceptable Content*
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
We discourage general discussion and questions on South Bay Birds, for that we've created a Facebook group (see below). If you wish to propose a general-purpose announcement for an Advocacy digest post, please send the proposed text to the administrator (below).
Please do not post notices of upcoming events to SBB. There is a sister list, South Bay Birds (Events) [SBB-Events], that should be used for that purpose. If you are interested in knowing what events are being offered by SCVAS and other county bird-oriented organizations, we encourage you to subscribe to this list (see below).
Please do not post carpooling requests for events to SBB. We request that they go to the Facebook discussion group.
*Unsubscribing from South Bay Birds*
If you ever need to unsubscribe from this list, an unsubscribe link is at the bottom of every message, or you can go to https://groups.io/g/southbaybirds/. That's also where you can view the list archives, set up a vacation hold, change your email address, or modify your subscription in any way.
South Bay Birds and Birdwatching in Silicon Valley are affiliated with the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (http://www.scvas.org), which offers classes and outings around the county, so if you're interested in learning more about birding in the county or joining other birders in going out birding, they can help you find an outing that matches your interests.
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Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/30/24 11:15 am From: Marion Farber via groups.io <marion_farber...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Shannon Valley OSP - Lazuli Buntings galore!
Shannon Valley Open Space was delightful this morning. The *Lazuli Buntings* were having singing wars, and I was treated to eye-level looks at them as they fed on high weeds. *House Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers,* and *Ash-throated Flycatchers* were all singing. I saw a large group of *Vaux's Swifts* flying overhead - I estimated at least 20. *Red-tailed Hawks* and *Red-shouldered Hawks* were doing aerial displays. This place is a hidden gem!
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/29/24 5:59 pm From: Joe Parker via groups.io <jandkparker...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Nesting Western Bluebirds
I believe I have a pair of Western Bluebirds feeding young in my olive tree in Los Gatos. What is newsworthy about this is that until we had some large conifers come down in our front yard this winter I had not seen a bluebird within 1.5 miles of my house. After the trees came down, the bluebirds appeared with a couple of days and have stayed.
It doesn’t take much for Mother Nature to take advantage
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/29/24 9:50 am From: scvasprograms via groups.io <programs...> Subject: [southbaybirds] April 28 BIOBLITZ at Almaden Quicksilver
Hi folks,
SCVAS had a great day out with POST and Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful yesterday at Almaden Quicksilver Mickingbird Hill Entrance as part of iNaturalist's City Nature Challenge. ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, DARK-EYED JUNCOS, AND BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS built an amazing sounds cape, while the Hacienda trail gave our bioblitz team great views of RED-TAILED HAWKS and TURKEY VULTURES.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/29/24 9:34 am From: Matthew Dodder via groups.io <mdodder...> Subject: [southbaybirds] McClellan Ranch
There have been two BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDS at McClellan Ranch. The male first showed up on Friday, April 19, and I saw him again on Monday, April 22. Then a female visited the feeder this past Friday, April 26 which I found when I was escorting some visiting birders around the preserve. Her pale throat, small rounded head, and long curved bill were good features. With any luck, we may have a nest along the creek again this year.
WILSON’S WARBLER has been singing regularly outside my office door each morning. The WESTERN FLYCATCHERS have dropped from a high of 6 individuals to only one or two around the meadow. WARBLING VIREOS seem to be stable at two singing birds.
Matthew
There is still time to help our Birdathon.
Click on any other teams to pledge your support:
Matthew Dodder (he/him)
Executive Director
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
22221 McClellan Rd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
408-252-3748
<director...>
scvas.org
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/29/24 12:46 am From: Aidan Sinha via groups.io <aidansinha...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Weekend Birding 4/27 and 4/28
Hi all,
On Saturday, 4/27, I visited Rancho Canada del Oro OSP, and later the Stile Ranch Trail at Santa Teresa CP. At Rancho Canada del Oro, I found a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE along the creek east of the overflow lot, a GOLDEN EAGLE flying to the north, and a HOUSE WREN, a WARBLING VIREO, and two CASSIN'S VIREOS along the Llagas Creek Loop Trail. The far end of the loop is currently closed, although most of the trail (including most of the section along the creek) are still open. At Stile Ranch, I had a single RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW at the top of the switchbacks, a male LAZULI BUNTING near the parking lot, and a male RUFOUS/ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD in the sage near the top of the switchbacks. In the afternoon, I visited the San Francisquito Creek Mouth to search for the Ruddy Turnstone, but arrived too late and the tide was too high (roughly 4.5 ft according to https://tides.willyweather.com/ca/santa-clara-county/san-francisco-bay--san-francisquito-creek-entrance.html ).
On Sunday, 4/28, I visited the San Francisquito Creek Mouth again. This time, I arrived early enough that the mudflats were still present, and was able to find one RUDDY TURNSTONE in San Mateo County (it never moved into Santa Clara, however). I also had a possible Black Turnstone later on, but my views were fairly distant and I could not confirm the ID. Chris Overington did see one here on April 23. According to https://tides.willyweather.com/ca/santa-clara-county/san-francisco-bay--san-francisquito-creek-entrance.html , the tide was about 3 ft when I first saw the Ruddy Turnstone, and 3.7 ft when I last saw the Black Turnstone candidate. I also visited the Harris's Sparrow stakeout spot near Emily Renzel, and was able to find the HARRIS'S SPARROW foraging along the bike path behind the parking lot. The bird is now fully into breeding plumage, and has a gray face and black crown/forehead/throat.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/28/24 10:39 pm From: Lisa Myers via groups.io <lisa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVAS Birdation at Purgatory Auto Works and Dinosaur Farm
Several of us attended the SCVAS birdathon field trip to the "Purgatory
Auto Works and Dinosaur Farm" located in the Mtn. Hamilton range. As
described by SCVAS member and homeowner LC Boros, attendees were invited
to bird, "our small private ranch in the East Foothills overlooking all
of Santa Clara Valley. Since purchasing the parcel in mid-2015 we have
worked to restore native habitats and now, what was once an overgrazed
wasteland is at any given time home to at least 45 different species of
birds. (To date we have documented over 100 species.)"
I told LC I would write the SBB email to share a bit about our time on
her property. The effort they have made to return their 14 acres to
native plants and grasslands has rewarded all with some great birds. We
were able to enjoy *BARN SWALLOWS* nesting building in their barn, with
*RED-TAILED HAWKS* circling near with one escorting a *GOLDEN EAGLE* out
of its territory. The native garden did include bird feeders, nectar
feeders and bird baths so the species assortment was awesome including a
tan striped *WHITE-THROATED SPARROW*. Both *HOODED* and *BULLOCKS
ORIOLES* took advantage of the nectar and jelly offered, and both
*STELLER'S* and *CALIFORNIA SCRUB JAYS* co-exist here. The *CALIFORNIA
THRASHER* and *NORTHERN* *MOCKINGBIRDS* were also quite chatty. A few
*GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS* remained. We had a heard only *LAZULI BUNTING*
and spotted one distant *WESTERN* *KINGBIRD. *
Several bird houses are scattered about the ranch and at this time are
home to *TREE SWALLOWS* and *WESTERN BLUEBIRDS. *
*CLIFF SWALLOWS *were observed grabbing dirt from the side of the road
indicting nest building.
This birdathon event included lunch with a view of the valley. We ended
our time with roughly 30 species seen or heard during our visit. The
effort made to provide ideal California habitat for the birds is very
commendable.
Birding private property is always great fun. A thank you to LC Boros
for including her home in the SCVAS birdathon and inviting members to
come see the birds. And if you wish to donate to this year's birdathon
you still have time.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/28/24 4:22 pm From: Mark Kinsman via groups.io <mhkinsman...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Red-Whiskered Bulbul in Santa Clara
A RED-WHISKERED BULBUL has been visiting the Chinese pistache tree in our front yard on Osborne Ave at around 4pm for the last few days. Likely the same bird that was here last November.
--
Mark Kinsman
Santa Clara
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/28/24 2:45 pm From: Diane McCoy via groups.io <dianemccoy10...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVAS trip to Stanford Arizona Cactus Garden
Hi.
This morning 11 participants joined Susan Tenney and me at the Stanford Arizona Cactus Garden area for some spring birding.
We were not disappointed.
We saw 31 species. Here is the ebird list:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S170785260
We were greeted by lots of bird song, chirps and tapping: House Finches, Lesser Goldfinches, doves, Acorn Woodpecker, Nuttall's Woodpeckers, Bewick's Wren, and American Robins. We saw lots of Anna's Hummingbirds, Dark-eyed Juncoes and White-breasted Nuthatch.
But right near the beginning of the path we spotted two Western Tanagers; a treat for the group.
Closer to the mausoleum we saw a very flitty Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and got our first looks at a male Hooded Oriole, whom we continued to spot along the way to the cactus garden and in the garden as well. Anna's Hummingbirds were enjoying the lovely and very striking cactus blooms and House Finches were soaring continuously, staking out territory in the tall thin cypresses.
Three Red-shouldered Hawks continued to fly over and one perched in a cactus garden tree; perhaps young one asking for food!
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/28/24 1:14 pm From: janna pauser via groups.io <jannapauser...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Shannon Valley Open Space 4-28
This morning I birded Shannon Valley Open Space following the loop route
to paved trail along Hicks Road to Shannon and back to my car. This
varied trail is just seven minutes from my home.
Birds of interest were a NORTHERN FLICKER pair, HOUSE WREN and BLACK
HEADED GROSBEAK at the start. The first of seven singing LAZULI BUNTING
was heard along the switchback trail and the first of four BLUE GRAY
GNATCATCHER were here. The singing buntings were close together and high
on the ridge at the start but as I continued east they were lower and
closer to the trail.
I flushed a large BAND TAILED PIGEON flock after the footbridge and
heard one of two ORANGE CROWNED WARBLER and a single WILSON'S WARBLER.
Swallows and swifts were flying very high and were not counted. I heard
several distant ASH THROATED FLYCATCHER in the wooded ravine, then had
two pair along the Hicks Road paved trail. Maintenance mowing a grassy
area upset one flycatcher pair. Several WARBLING VIREO, HOUSE WRENS and
a single WESTERN FLYCATCHER were heard along Hicks. Five singing CAL.
THRASHERS were seen or heard along the trail and in residents yards.
At the corner of Hicks and Shannon I spotted a HOODED ORIOLE nest in fan
palm. Orioles were entering several trees here. One of my photos points
to the hanging nest seen from the road.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/27/24 5:42 pm From: Andrew Melnick via groups.io <andrew.melnick...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVAS Ed Levin CP Saturday 27 April 2024
On Saturday, 27 April 2024, Sheila Raymond, Andy Melnick, and Sarah Chan led a group of fifteen other birders on a trip to Ed Levin County Park in Milpitas. The weather was more pleasant than the Wednesday trip earlier this week, and most of the birds a bit more cooperative.
We had great looks at male and female Bullock’s Oriole, and were able to see and hear singing Lazuli Bunting, and Grasshopper and Rufous-crowned Sparrow.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/27/24 12:43 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Shannon Open Space Preserve
Hi Everyone!
This morning I had a little bit of time so I birded Shannon Open Space Preserve <https://scvas.org/self-guided-birding/shannon-valley> which is super close to my house. Some birds of interest were many *Lazuli Buntings*, especially as the trail goes alongside the mustard grass, about 20 *Vaux's Swifts,* a pair of *Wood Ducks* in Guadalupe Creek (which you can see from the paved trail that runs along Shannon Rd), and a *Black-chinned Hummingbird* as I made my way back to my car through the neighborhood. If you do the whole loop it's only 1.5 miles although steep in some sections.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/26/24 1:39 pm From: janna pauser via groups.io <jannapauser...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Guadalupe Oak Grove minor fallout
There must have been a minor fallout in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park
overnight. I arrived at 8:15 and hiked up the north hill where I heard
then saw a LAZULI BUNTING. I believe a pair flew off to the south but
were not seen again.
The elevated trail between the two sets of stairs had two BLUE GRAY
GNATCATCHER, a WESTERN KINGBIRD, WILSON'S WARBLER and ASH THROATED
FLYCATCHER. A dozen VAUX'S SWIFTS joined the many swallows overhead.
Another WILSON'S WARBLER, WESTERN FLYCATCHER and several
ORANGE CROWNED WARBLER were heard only.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/25/24 8:51 pm From: lc boros via groups.io <stega...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Run for the Hills! Birdathon Team - Woods Rd
Yes…Yes…join a team!
Consider joining my team which is this Sunday!
This is the one time of year our ranch in the East SJ Foothills is open to the public and best of all it happens during nesting season. Not only can you can see and hear the results of our efforts restoring native habitat to encourage over 50 bird species to live just outside our doors, but all the birds are putting on their best feathers and providing a lot of entertainment. There’s plenty to see near the house: from the Red-Tails hunting down in the South Pasture while the Cooper’s Hawk terrorize the north garden where the freshly returned Orioles are refueling all while the Swallows, Blackbirds and Goldfinches (including Lawrence’s!) sing out by the garden shed, plus short hikes can be taken to see our dozen or so already active nest boxes all while taken in the 270 degree view of all of Santa Clara Valley.
Plus there’s tasty food provided — usually from Sushi Arashi.
Send me a note privately if you want more details.
/stega
————
LC Boros (stega)
Voice Actor and Ranch Manager @ Purgatory Auto Works and Dinosaur Farm
stega.org / purgatory.org / boros.net / networkgirl.org
IG: @the.stega / Ranch: 408-270-6230 / Cell: 408-396-8658
> On Apr 24, 2024, at 3:09 PM, Eve Meier <eve.m.meier...> wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> Today, Edward Rooks and I led a non-traditional birdathon team "Run for the Hills". Instead of trying to find the most birds possible, we birded Woods Rd in Almaden Quicksilver hoping for Black-throated Gray Warblers. Our favorite bird of the day ended up being a Pileated Woodpecker near the parking lot. We could hear him hammering on a tree a little ways off and, at one point, the bird flew over our heads. Orange-crowned Warblers and Hutton's Vireos were calling all along the trail. We had at least 4 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers as well. As far as the Black-throated Gray Warblers, we heard many but we're only able to get our eyes on one or two. Here's our complete checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S170135806 >
> So far this team has raised a little over $600 to support the SCVAS education and conservation programs. There are 5 more teams you can sign up for. See the list below and visit: https://scvas.org/birdathon to learn more about this fundraiser.
> FLEDGLINGS <https://scvas.org/spring-birdathon-2024-teams#fledglings>: SATURDAY, APRIL 27
> LOONG <https://scvas.org/spring-birdathon-2024-teams#loong>: SUNDAY, APRIL 28
> PURGATORIAL BIRDS AND LUNCH <https://scvas.org/spring-birdathon-2024-teams#purgatory>: SUNDAY, APRIL 28
> WINGING IT <https://scvas.org/spring-birdathon-2024-teams#wingingit>: THURSDAY, MAY 2
> SUBSPECIES <https://scvas.org/spring-birdathon-2024-teams#subspecies>: FRIDAY, MAY 3
>
> Happy birding!
> Eve Meier (San Jose)
>
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/25/24 5:58 pm From: Ryan Phillips via groups.io <norcalbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Shoreline Highlights April 25
Hi All, While conducting surveys of Charleston Slough in Shoreline wt Mountain view today I had the following highlights:
21 ELEGANT TERNS, first heard over California Gull nesting colony then they flew right past me heading south over A1 then 15 mins later heading north to colony but kept flying north. Probably birds of Ravenswood colony or heading that way. Best bird of the day.
A hybrid BLUE-WINGED TEALxNORTHERN SHOVELER in the NE corner
An adult BALD EAGLE
2 VAUX'S SWIFTS AND 2 WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS in a large swallow flock.
49 SEMIPALAMATED PLOVERS
A CLARK'S GREBE AND WESTERN GREBE associating
18 BLACK SKIMMERS on the island. A dramatic drop in numbers today. Out scouting? Left for Foster City? Foraging?
Some lingering ducks included 4 CANVASBACKS AND a LESSER SCAUP.
The shorebirds were stunning in their breeding plumage (LESA, DUNL, WESA, WILL..).
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/25/24 5:53 pm From: m_m_rogers via groups.io <m.m.rogers...> Subject: [southbaybirds] 4/21/2024 SCL Big Day (belated report)
All,
Below is a belated summary of a Sunday 4/21/2024 Big Day that Richard Jeffers and I did.
We started out at 3:05am at the Mountain View Forebay, hoping to get our list started with birds that are vocal at night. We did hear 2 VIRGINIA RAILS and a SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, but not much else of note. Likewise, a stop at the Palo Alto estuary added a BARN OWL and the day's only LONG-BILLED CURLEW, but not the hoped for Short-billed Dowitcher or Ridgway's Rail. A check of Alviso turned up the day's only NORTHERN PINTAIL and a pair of CINNAMON TEAL, as well as a few expected shorebirds.
Heading over Quimby Road to Grant Ranch, we added WESTERN SCREECH-OWL and several GREAT HORNED OWLS as well as a few early vocalizing songbirds. A stop at the pullout at mile 13.9 above Grant Lake just before 6am added more species, including a heard-only COMMON POORWILL. A stop at milepost 15.5 added one of only two HERMIT THRUSHES on the day, as well as more morning bird song.
Day birding began in earnest at Smith Creek at 6:14am. A very vocal RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH upslope of the fire station was a surprise and our only one of the day. Otherwise, migration was modest and we worked for over 2.5 hours to find many of the expected less common migrants, including 2 HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHERS (both found by their calls), 1 WESTERN FLYCATCHER, 4 WARBLING and 1 CASSIN'S VIREOs, 8 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, 2 singing NASHVILLE WARBLERS, 14 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, 1 singing BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, 4 TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS, 2+ singing HERMIT WARBLERS, 3 WILSON'S WARBLERS, 3 WESTERN TANAGERS, and 4 LAZULI BUNTINGS. Other notable birds included a singing CHIPPING SPARROW, a female PHAINOPEPLA, and a male HOODED ORIOLE.
Grant Lake had limited diversity and no eagles, but PIED-BILLED GREBES and AMERICAN COOTS already had precocial young. We found no wigeon, a species we missed the whole day for the first time in over two decades of spring big days! The ranch house area was also pretty quiet, but added 2 more WESTERN FLYCATCHERS, our first WESTERN KINGBIRDS, and a SELASPHORUS HUMMINGBIRD, but no Vermilion Flycatcher like last year. A goldfinch flock near the wishing well sounded like it held a Lawrence's Goldfinch, but we could only find 6 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES and 5 PINE SISKINS among the LESSER GOLDFINCHES.
Lake Cunningham added 4 GREEN HERONS, 3 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, at least 10 GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES, and an EARED GREBE, but we found all these species again later in the day. A quick stop at the Rosicrucian Museum on the way to the bay turned up a male BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD perched on the telephone wires and a flock of 40 CEDAR WAXWINGS (we had seen a single waxwing earlier at Smith Creek).
Arriving at the bay, the Gold Street ponds provided the only SPOTTED SANDPIPER for our day. Alviso Slough behind the cannery had 6 LESSER SCAUP. Precocial young BLACK-NECKED STILTS were already in evidence along the EEC entrance road. Scoping ponds A16 and A18 from the EEC didn't turn up much besides impenetrable heat haze. We ended up with only Ring-billed and California Gulls on the day (combined with no lingering wintering geese, this significantly impacted our species total).
The Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant/Pond A4 turned up 2 WESTERN KINGBIRDS (no Tropical) and 2 COMMON GALLINULES but again a low diversity of wintering waterfowl. A flock of 20 all-white pigeons looked out of place flying over Pond A4. Things got better when we circled the Mountain View Forebay and we added a pair of SURF SCOTERS and 13 BLACK SKIMMERS on Shoreline Lake, 5 CANVASBACKS, 2 GREATER SCAUP, and a BUFFLEHEAD on Pond A1, and a MARBLED GODWIT and 2 DUNLIN on Charleston Slough.
A stop at the Emily Renzel wetlands on the way to the Palo Alto Baylands added the continuing HARRIS'S SPARROW. Shorebirds were already pretty far out at the boat launch at the estuary mouth, but we added our first BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS (4) and a WHIMBREL for the day. And at 4:30pm, we were both scoping the bay edge when a RED-THROATED LOON flew by heading north just outside the yacht harbor mouth. A completely unexpected bird and the latest I've ever seen on an SCL county spring big day (the other April record being from 19 Apr 2008)!
After this, we headed to the south county, stopping along Hellyer Avenue to add SAY'S PHOEBE. Ogier Ponds did produce the SOLITARY SANDPIPER, but not the hoped for kingfisher, Wood Duck, or Osprey. A flock of 13 BUFFLEHEADS was a surprise though! Palm Avenue added 2 YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES and a KESTREL; both species were also along West Laguna Ave as well. At 7:11pm, we arrived at the Calero boat launch and soon added 5 PURPLE MARTINS (2 males), our first CLARK'S GREBES, but no Osprey or eagles.
We finished our day at the Stile Ranch trailhead, finally catching up with RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS and hearing two singing HORNED LARKS as a bonus! Heading back home we were treated to another BARN OWL at 8:14pm.
All-in-all we had lots of misses, but ended up with 148 species, 4 of which I have not found on previous Santa Clara County April Big Days (Solitary Sandpiper, Purple Martin, Phainopepla, and Harris's Sparrow). As noted above, American Wigeon was missed for the first time ever. Hutton's Vireo I've only missed once before, but was presumably missed this year largely because we spent the morning in the Diablo Range instead of along Skyline and at Stevens Creek County Park, as in most past years. Conversely, I've missed Ruby-crowned Kinglet the last 11 years, but the odds should have been better at Smith Creek, where I can normally find one at this time of year. And definitely we need to find a better/more accessible place for lingering gulls!
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/25/24 5:27 pm From: Steve Patt via groups.io <stevenpatt...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Lean Green Birding Machine Birdathon
At 7 am on Wednesday, April 24, three intrepid members of the Lean Green Birding Machine left my front door to embark on a day-long two-wheeled birding expedition. 35 1/2 miles, 9 1/2 hours, and 93 species of birds later, we concluded a very successful and very satisfying outing. Contributions to honor our efforts and benefit the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Societys educational programs for kids can be made here: https://scvas.app.neoncrm.com/campaignTeam.jsp?campaignId=157&teamId=112&
The Lean Green Birding Machine (originally the Mean Green Birding Machine when the team had more people) has been participating in the SCVAS spring birdathon for at least a dozen years. This year after some unfortunate personal issues we were down to just three intrepid cyclists long-time LGBMers Bill Walker and myself, and new recruit Winnie Homer-Smith. In past years we've opted for the 4-hour category, but it's always felt a bit rushed. This year we decided to switch to the new 10-hour category, allowing us to cover a bit more territory, stop for lunch, and in general feel less pressure to move on from a good bird (or a possible sighting). It was an excellent decision.
[IMG_6274.jpeg]
Starting at my house at The Forum at Rancho San Antonio, we started off the day in nearby Rancho with the first of two GREAT HORNED OWL nests, and proceeded to exhaustively cover the bike-accessible trails at Rancho. By 8:30 we had a solid 40, highlighted by two different Rails in the "Rancho wetlands" SORA and VIRGINIA RAIL. To top it off, we actually saw the Sora for the first time at this location. We did have some misses (Black-headed Grosbeak), but in general were off to a good start. Nearby Gate of Heaven Cemetery added COMMON MERGANSER and KILLDEER, though the Ring-necked Duck present two days earlier had gone.
SCVAS HQ at McClellan Ranch Nature Preserve added several more species, including the resident WESTERN SCREECH-OWL, but neither the hoped-for White-throated Sparrow nor a Hooded Oriole made an appearance. On through Blackberry Farm and the Stocklmeir property, and then we had a bit of a ride to our next stop, Cuesta Park, where we quickly found our target PYGMY NUTHATCH. A short jaunt from there puts us on the Stevens Creek Trail, headed for the Bay. Along the way we added another 17 species, most notably a WESTERN KINGBIRD.
It was now noon, so we rewarded ourselves with a nice lunch at the Shoreline Cafe. It would have been nice if a Brewer's Blackbird had joined us at our table, as they often do, because that was one of the common species we never did lay eyes on during the day (Great Blue Heron was another). After lunch, Shoreline Park and Lake added more to the list. The highlight was watching the largest squadron of BLACK SKIMMERS we'd ever seen flying around.
After surveying the Charleston Slough shorebirds from the platform (with time saved thanks to Pete Dunten letting us know we wouldn't find any Least Sandpipers among the thousands of WESTERN SANDPIPERS, thanks Pete!), the Adobe Creek Trail was particularly productive. Not only did we pick up some DUNLIN farther out in Charleston Slough, but in Adobe Creek itself we added both AMERICAN WHITE and BROWN PELICANS, a lone NORTHERN PINTAIL, three CINNAMON TEAL, and last but not last a RED-THROATED LOON (or "Red-throated Diver" as Apple's Brit-speaking Photo ID software would have it).
In the Palo Alto Baylands we finally found our only pair of GREEN-WINGED TEAL along with a group of WHIMBREL, and our only crowned sparrow, a GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW. The final spot on our agenda was the vagrant stakeout at the north end of the Emily Renzel Wetlands. At first we came up empty, but while we searched were rewarded with our first BUSHTITS for the day. But then the cry came from Bill "There it is!" And so, very satisfyingly, our 93rd and final bird for the day showed himself a HARRIS'S SPARROW. As with the Loon and several earlier sightings, though none of us had brought an actual camera, my iPhone 15 ProMax with its 5x optical zoom lens produced quite satisfactory results, with a lot lighter load!
[IMG_6292.jpeg]
The other two members of the team seemed eager to keep searching for species we had missed like Brewer's Blackbird, but there was no chance we were going to reach 100 species, and having that be our final species instead of the Harris's seemed way too anticlimactic to me. So instead we pretty much made a beeline back to Cupertino. When we started, I think we all thought the "10-hour" time limit was way more than we'd need or want, but as it turned out it was a little over 9 1/2 hours by the time we returned to the start for a beer and a ceremonial listening to Grant Hoyt's epic birdathon song, "One More Bird". "One more bird, one more bird! Don't even have to see it, you can count it if it's heard!"
Join us next year, but in the meantime, if you were inspired by our efforts, we welcome and encourage contributions to both honor our birdathon and support the educational programs of SCVAS, which provide nature study opportunities for unfunded schools who can't afford to pay for such enrichment programs. You can do so here: https://scvas.app.neoncrm.com/campaignTeam.jsp?campaignId=157&teamId=112&
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/24/24 4:49 pm From: Howard Friedman via groups.io <howardnfriedman...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Alum Rock Park Trip
Greetings from the wandering birders,
Yesterday our offering from the Earth was very nice indeed. Alum Rock Park did not disappoint us. The morning was breezy and cool. We anticipated warmth, but it never arrived so we generated our own warmth of spirit and body by hiking. Our early bird identifications from the parking lot below Eagle Rock included Black-headed Grosbeaks calling, large flocks of Cedar Waxwings perched high above and soaring Band-tailed Pigeons circling. We spied several California Quail crossing the road (which begs the question, why do the quail cross the road?) that eventually hid in the California Sagebrush.
We departed the parking lot to make our way down the road A pair of American Robins were calling above us from a Valley Oak. They were very much a likely pair ready to nest. We watched them feeding. The next stop was the adjacent parking lot where we looked for a pair of Bullock's Orioles (the Eucalyptus is a regular nesting haunt for these birds for years). Low and behold, the song of the Oriole filled the air. We were all treated to it's gorgeous apricot orange plumage and contrasting wing bars as it flit about the outer edges of the tree. Behind us a Norther Flicker called and another bird revealed itself to the entire group. Entering the Rustic Lands picnic area we got a better look at a huge flock of Cedar Waxwings in towering Redwood. The big treat was watching a pair of Northern Flickers copulating (behavior is fascinating for sure). We lucked out running into Chris Johnson who joined us for a bit and shared his wonderful and warm expertise. Thanks Chris! He helped us identify a Western Flycatcher singing and confirmed the Ash-throated Flycatcher I had heard on the hillside.
Walking over to the historic bridge, one of our new participants/members found a sleeping Great Horned Owl to the amazement of our entire group. We definitely spent several minutes owl gazing. Finally off the asphalt, we joined the creek trail finding several Bushtits and Chestnut-backed Chickadees. In this mixed flock our only warbler of the ad appeared: An Orange-crowned Warbler.
Walking along the stream trail we found a few small flocks of Chestnut-backed Chickadees and Bushtits. In a few places we caught the songs of House Wrens singing it up. A pair of Northern Rough-winged Swallows perched in good view. They shorty after viewing they became very active. Near the log cabin we all watched feeding Golden-crowned Sparrow, really working it too. We heard a number of Black-headed Grosbeaks in the area and watched a few more flying about. Near the YSI we got to observe a Black Phoebe as it guarded its nest.
It was a fabulous but chilly day. Our group was fun, engaged, interactive, and kind-hearted. I am grateful to have lead such a connected group who spent so much time helping each other bird. A special thanks to John Harshman. You made this trip much more informed, interesting, and well-oiled. It is a pleasure to work with you anytime.
It was good to be in the park where I have had some of my most amazing experiences and have visited since I was 2 years old. Life is a blessing indeed.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/24/24 3:46 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Run for the Hills! Birdathon Team - Woods Rd
For those of you that are unfamiliar with this location, you can see SCVAS's
self-guided field trip <https://scvas.org/self-guided-birding/woods-road> by Dani Christensen. And here's the gps for the
trailhead: 37.17538804117031, -121.8619393101242.
Eve
On Wed, Apr 24, 2024 at 3:09 PM Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
>
> Today, Edward Rooks and I led a non-traditional birdathon team "Run for
> the Hills". Instead of trying to find the most birds possible, we birded
> Woods Rd in Almaden Quicksilver hoping for Black-throated Gray Warblers.
> Our favorite bird of the day ended up being a *Pileated Woodpecker* near
> the parking lot. We could hear him hammering on a tree a little ways off
> and, at one point, the bird flew over our heads. *Orange-crowned
> Warblers *and *Hutton's Vireos* were calling all along the trail. We had
> at least 4 *Blue-gray Gnatcatchers* as well. As far as the *Black-throated
> Gray Warblers*, we heard many but we're only able to get our eyes on one
> or two. Here's our complete checklist:
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S170135806 >
> So far this team has raised a little over $600 to support the SCVAS
> education and conservation programs. There are 5 more teams you can sign
> up for. See the list below and visit: https://scvas.org/birdathon to
> learn more about this fundraiser.
>
> 1. FLEDGLINGS
> <https://scvas.org/spring-birdathon-2024-teams#fledglings>: SATURDAY,
> APRIL 27
> 2. LOONG <https://scvas.org/spring-birdathon-2024-teams#loong>: > SUNDAY, APRIL 28
> 3. PURGATORIAL BIRDS AND LUNCH
> <https://scvas.org/spring-birdathon-2024-teams#purgatory>: SUNDAY,
> APRIL 28
> 4. WINGING IT <https://scvas.org/spring-birdathon-2024-teams#wingingit>: > THURSDAY, MAY 2
> 5. SUBSPECIES
> <https://scvas.org/spring-birdathon-2024-teams#subspecies>: FRIDAY,
> MAY 3
>
>
> Happy birding!
> Eve Meier (San Jose)
>
>
>
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/24/24 3:09 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Run for the Hills! Birdathon Team - Woods Rd
Hi Everyone,
Today, Edward Rooks and I led a non-traditional birdathon team "Run for the Hills". Instead of trying to find the most birds possible, we birded Woods Rd in Almaden Quicksilver hoping for Black-throated Gray Warblers. Our favorite bird of the day ended up being a *Pileated Woodpecker* near the parking lot. We could hear him hammering on a tree a little ways off and, at one point, the bird flew over our heads. *Orange-crowned Warblers *and *Hutton's Vireos* were calling all along the trail. We had at least 4 *Blue-gray Gnatcatchers* as well. As far as the *Black-throated Gray Warblers*, we heard many but we're only able to get our eyes on one or two. Here's our complete checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S170135806
So far this team has raised a little over $600 to support the SCVAS education and conservation programs. There are 5 more teams you can sign up for. See the list below and visit: https://scvas.org/birdathon to learn more about this fundraiser.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/23/24 2:36 pm From: Eileen Melton via groups.io <eileen-smileen...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Shoreline Black Skimmers
Congratulations on this evidence of your hard work, must feel great!
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: <southbaybirds...> <southbaybirds...> on behalf of Ryan Phillips <norcalbirding...>
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2024 1:48:51 PM
To: southbaybirds <southbaybirds...>
Subject: [southbaybirds] Shoreline Black Skimmers
We have been working hard on the Sailing Lake Island this winter and early spring and it has paid off with 144! BLACK SKIMMERS on the island. This is the largest number ever on the island and this could be the largest BLSK flock recorded in the Bay Area. Bill Bousman, Mike Rogers, or Steven Rottenborn may be able to confirm or deny that. Attached are some BOC pics. They will be uploaded to eBird shortly.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/23/24 1:49 pm From: Ryan Phillips via groups.io <norcalbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Shoreline Black Skimmers
We have been working hard on the Sailing Lake Island this winter and early spring and it has paid off with 144! BLACK SKIMMERS on the island. This is the largest number ever on the island and this could be the largest BLSK flock recorded in the Bay Area. Bill Bousman, Mike Rogers, or Steven Rottenborn may be able to confirm or deny that. Attached are some BOC pics. They will be uploaded to eBird shortly.
Good Birding, Ryan
Ryan Phillips Scotts Valley NorCal Birding www.norcalbirding.com
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
South Bay Birds is maintained by the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (https://scvas.org) and its volunteers. Our website, https://scvas.org/siliconvalleybirding, contains content guidelines, the SBB code of conduct, and additional information.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/22/24 2:52 pm From: Steve Patt via groups.io <stevenpatt...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Sora and Virginia Rail in the "Rancho San Antonio Wetlands"
I've been hearing Sora whinnying and ko-eee-ing in the Rancho wetlands regularly pretty much every time I go by. Today on a birdathon (hopefully my wife will post about that later) we had probably three calling, two in the corner closest to Cristo Rey, and another one down by the paved path. But, to my surprise and delight, virtually in the same place by the paved path today (10 am), we had a repeatedly calling Virginia Rail as well.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
All,
Today my dad and I visited the Palo Alto area to search for the Ruddy Turnstones reported by Carter Gasiorowski and Garrett Lau. As we were getting out of the car at Geng Road, I noticed an unusual raptor soaring over the area. I took several pictures of the bird before it flew off to the northwest and vanished. We then headed out towards the San Francisquito Creek Mouth to search for the turnstones, but found that the tide was very high and few shorebirds were present, so we headed back to Geng Road. When we arrived, we ran into Matthew Dodder who was just arriving. I showed him the photos of the unusual raptor from earlier, and he confirmed that it had been a SWAINSON'S HAWK - a very rare bird for the bayshore. Several other interesting finds during our visit included a BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD in the parking lot, a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE in the parking lot, and a family of CANADA GEESE (including several young).
We then headed for the Harris's Sparrow stakeout location near Emily Renzel Wetlands. After some searching, several other birders and I were able to view the HARRIS'S SPARROW as it foraged under some trees at the edge of the parking lot where it has been reported. This bird's plumage has changed significantly since February - it is now molted into breeding colors and has a black forehead/throat and gray face.
After the Harris's Sparrow, we headed back to Geng Road to try again for the turnstones. We ran into Matthew again at the creek mouth, but the tide was still too high for the turnstones. My dad and I then headed towards the Lucy Evans Nature Center, and while biking there, I noticed an unusual empid in several tall shrubs along the trail (at these coordinates: 37°27'34.4"N 122°06'42.2"W). Matthew and I later came back to search for the bird, and he was able to confirm that it was a HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER - another great bird for the area. Other highlights here included many WESTERN SANDPIPERS in the slough near the duck pond, a CANVASBACK in the channel parallel to the airport, and another CANADA GOOSE family with 3 young.
After the Hammond's Flycatcher, it was getting late for us, so we headed home. I believe Matthew also left, but later returned and found the turnstones (and oystercatchers) with Garrett. Garrett also found the Hammond's Flycatcher later on, and Richard Jeffers spotted a Red-throated Loon flying past the yacht harbor. Tom Cho also had a Tropical Kingbird at Geng Road towards the end of the day - overall, a very good day for rarities in Palo Alto. One final note - huge thanks to Matthew for helping me with the IDs for the Swainson's Hawk and Hammond's Flycatcher!
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/21/24 4:02 pm From: Matthew Dodder via groups.io <mdodder...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Ruddy Turnstone
There actually 3 Ruddy Turnstones. Two were rather dull brownish seen together. A third individual was much more intensely colored. Garrett got photos, I’m sure.
Matthew
> On Apr 21, 2024, at 2:45 PM, Matthew Dodder <mdodder...> wrote:
>
> Just flew in at 2:42 PM at San Francisquito creek mouth on Santa Clara side for Garrett and me. Also seen, two Black Oytercatchers.
>
> Matthew
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/21/24 2:11 pm From: David Zittin via groups.io <dzittin...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Rancho San Antonio
This morning, Floy and I hiked the service road from the north parking lo its intersection with Hilltop Trail. Here we encountered our FOS sighting of an Ash-throated Flycatcher. Although we heard one in the area a few days earlier, we were unable to get eyes on that one. Today the Ash-throated was out in the open calling on a sycamore tree. We also heard and saw three Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and a few other species. During our 10 minute walk on this road we saw 7 species.
We turned left onto Hilltop Trail from the service road, and this trail was fairly birdy. We heard three more Ash-throated Flycatchers and saw one calling on top of an oak tree. Near the water tanks, we first heard and then saw our FOS Lazuli Bunting. As we made our way down to the bridge at Permanente Creek on the PG&E trail, we saw and heard at least six House Wrens. In total we saw 26 species. Details for the Hilltop portion of our walk are at https://ebird.org/checklist/S169699696.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/21/24 12:10 pm From: Carter Gasiorowski via groups.io <carter.gasiorowski...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Ruddy Turnstone, San Francisquito Creek Mouth
Yesterday. 4-21-24, my dad and I met with Garrett Lau and Susan Weinstein at the San Frisquito Creek Mouth to look for shorebirds with the receding tide. We arrived when the tide was around 5.5 feet, and almost all of the debris around the creek mouth was underwater. Several WHIMBRELS and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS were roosting on the Santa Clara side of the creek. For the first hour, we saw almost no birds, so I'd recommend arriving just after the tide recedes to 5 feet. When the tide was around 4.6 feet, a RUDDY TURNSTONE appeared on a piece of debris just across the county line in San Mateo County. A few minutes later it flew into Santa Clara County, landing on a raised bit of mud behind the large brown sign. As the tide dropped below 4.5 feet, flocks of shorebirds began streaming in. Most of the birds here are in San Mateo County, but a small corner is within Santa Clara County (see Adam Burnett's post linked below). We didn't spot any Red Knots mixed n with the hundreds of MARBLED GODWITS, DUNLIN, and other expected birds.
The trail that leads beyond the bench towards the creek mouth is now closed, so it is harder to view the birds without a scope.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/21/24 8:29 am From: Steve Patt via groups.io <stevenpatt...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Lazuli Bunting at Rancho San Antonio
LAZULI BUNTING (just one that I saw) has returned to its usual spot by the water tank on top of "Horse Trailer Hill" that starts at Lot 1 at Rancho San Antonio. HOUSE WRENS are also singing at both bottom and top of the hill, and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS seem particularly abundant at Rancho thus year, at multiple locations.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/20/24 5:46 pm From: Lisa Myers via groups.io <lisa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] A Los Gatos morning birding for SCVAS
Hi all -
Led my "Los Gatos Birdwatcher" SCVAS Birdathon team this morning. It was
a 4 hour adventure. We spent the first two hours on the Los Gatos Creek
Trail south of the Main Street Bridge. While we hoped for an American
Dipper we never saw one. While here we did watch nest building NORTHERN
ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS. CEDAR WAXWINGS were also here in numbers. One
STELLER JAY was the only jay we found all morning. We did have a few
WARBLING VIREOS in view and singing. All in all it was rather quiet
along the creek.
We then moved over to Vasona County Park. We did not find anything
un-expected and added 30 new species to our list including a SPOTTED
SANDPIPER working its way along the shore. A GREEN HERON flew by and we
also watched an AMERICAN COOT fly the distance of the reservoir. Ya
don't see that everyday. An ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD was feeding a chick in
the nest. The chick fully feathered actually fledged before our eyes. We
found a WILSON'S WARBLER high in an oak and only one YELLOW-RUMPED
WARBLER today. One of the GREAT-HORNED OWLS was clearly in view as it
sat in the eucalyptus above the camp host. The goslings are around now
following their parents. We ended with 57 species.
We had 16 participants out there today. The youngest in 3rd grade and
the oldest probably has a grandchild in 3rd grade. A great group to
share sightings and knowledge amongst each other and those passing by.
Letting "civilians" look through a scope at a great bird is always fun.
Thank you to all supporting our efforts for SCVAS. And you have more
time to support this years birdathon and many more weeks to get
involved. Check it out = https://scvas.org/birdathon
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/20/24 5:36 pm From: Ann Verdi via groups.io <aeverdi235...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Almaden Eagles Birdathon report - Fri, Apr 19
On Friday, April 19, the Almaden Eagles team did our annual Spring Birdathon. We are an all-woman team and do our counting using the "distributed" option with each member selecting their own area and/or place to count at their own time and pace. This year's team includes Janna Pauser, Kirsten Holmquist, Marion Farber, Linda Sullivan, Bobbie Baker and Ann Verdi.
We ended up with a total of 114 species this year. Rather than go through a long list of birds seen and heard, I just want to highlight special birds seen by each team member.
Two of the team members cover fairly large areas, so I want to start with them first:
Janna Pauser covers most of the Almaden area including Hicks and Alamitos Roads and always comes up with a substantial number of species seen and heard, including ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, CASSIN'S VIREO and more.. This year she had a PHAINOPEPLA at Casa Grande in New Almaden, Also, in the early evening she got COMMON POORWILL on the road leading up to IBM.
Kirsten Holmquist covers much of the area south of Almaden proper - part of Stile Ranch Trail at Santa Teresa (ROCK WREN, WHITE-TAILED KITE), Calero Reservoir (OSPREY, 4 grebe species including EARED GREBE, 5 swallow species including BARN and CLIFF, and two tern species (CASPIAN and FORSTER'S). At Canada del Oro her finds included OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, W. WOOD-PEWEE, W. FLYCATCHER, W. KINGBIRD and HUTtON'S VIREO. In Coyote Valley, she added YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE and YELLOW WARBLER.
Linda Sullivan joined us this year to cover the Santa Clara Valley Water District and Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. Unfortunately the Water District had decided to drain the entire main pond and do maintenance on the smaller mitigation pond at this time - so what to do? As a true birder, Linda decided to go ahead with it anyway, and somehow the birding god (goddess) looked down on her and sent a magnificent adult BALD EAGLE to survey the situation thereby causing the workmen to stop what they were doing to see what was going on.
Linda also joined others, including Janna, to check Santa Teresa later in the day to view some of the birds there - LAZULI BUNTING, RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW, RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD, and also found a GOLDEN EAGLE. So that makes for a two eagle day for the Almaden Eagle team.
Marion Farber checked the Los Capitancillos Ponds again this year, and happily has reported that a female WOOD DUCK is now caring for her young brood in the easternmost pond west of Meridian again.
Bobbie Baker saw the GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE at Almaden Lake who seems to want to hang on here a while longer. We were hoping this goose would still be here, and so it was.
Ann Verdi counted at the Greystone Park and was able to come up with a furtive RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH in the tall evergreen trees there - the only one seen for our day.
So - there you have it - another successful and somewhat unique day for our annual Birdathon. We hope to try it again next year.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
The swsw set out on our 10-hour Birdathon effort today. The team comprised of Liz Frith, Mary Ann Allan, Pauline Marchon, Emily Kim, Kelly Dodder and Matthew Dodder. We met at Dodder Abbey in Mountain View and proceeded to Ed Levin County Park, Don Edwards EEC, Sunnyvale WPCP, Emily Renzel Wetlands, Stevens Creek Park, and McClellan Ranch. Highlights were as follows.
Ed Levin Sandy Wool/ Elm Area:
Grasshopper Sparrow, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Lazuli Bunting, and Say’s Phoebe on the hillside trail leading to the Sycamore Grove. The hike had completely dried out since last weekend, but at Sycamore Grove we decided to turn around. We bumped into friends Sheila Raymond and Mr. Melnick who informed us of a Western Kingbird we had missed on our way up. We found it later high on the hillside on the barbed wire fence above the hang glider landing strip. A singing White-throated Sparrow was in the Elm Area and stood for pictures near the parking lot.
Ed Levin Spring Valley Area:
Golden Eagle perched high on the hillside across the road. We had multiple Selasphorus Hummingbirds during our visit to the East Hills, but we had our first really good look at Rufous Hummingbird in the flowering eucalyptus above the horse training area. A White-tailed Kite and a Cooper’s Hawk presented themselves too.
Don Edwards EEC:
We picked up most of our Shorebirds here, but also had a Bonaparte’s Gull, and an Iceland Gull scoped from the corner of the Butterfly Garden. A small group of Greater Scaup was found in the distant pond. Three Barn Owls were seen as well.
Sunnyvale WPCP:
We searched for the wintering Tropical Kingbird and came up short, but we had a Lesser Scaup, another Western Kingbird as well as several Common Gallinule. We never did see Green Heron, sigh….
Emily Renzel Wetlands:
We made this detour of the sole purpose of finding the Harris’s Sparrow, which was briefly visible and has become so completely handsome since we last saw it! So much black on its face and snow white belly. Its distinctive call clued us to its presence and with some patience it revealed itself.
Stevens Creek Park (various):
We picked up a few species here, but not as many as we’d hoped. Still, seeing Black-headed Grosbeak, and Western Tanager bathing in the creek was wonderful.
McClellan Ranch:
Since I bird this place all the time, we had some expectations. The late afternoon - early evening activity is quite different, so it took us a while to get our remaining targets. One by one we located Western Flycatcher, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, and finally Black-chinned Hummingbird (reported earlier by Eve Meier). We also had a large number of Cedar Waxwings near the parking lot.
We missed some painfully easy birds, but that’s the way it works when you’re working against the clock and all you’re eating is chocolate-mint pretzels.
Matthew Dodder (he/him)
Executive Director
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
22221 McClellan Rd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
408-252-3748
<director...>
scvas.org
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/20/24 4:53 pm From: David Zittin via groups.io <dzittin...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVAS Field Trip to Sanborn County Park
Hi Birders,
Fourteen of us endured sunny, 70 plus degree paradisiacal weather on a mission to find birds. Our final count included 31 species. A few highlights follow: A Band-tailed Pigeon on a nest, a Western Tanager, several singing and well-exposed Black-headed Grosbeaks. We heard several Cassin's and Warbling Vireo, but only saw one of each. We also heard at least four Western Flycatcher and managed a good view of one of those. Everyone got good looks at Wilson's Warbler as well as the Orange-crowned Warbler, Unfortunately, we did not see the Hermit Warbler that Eve found on Wednesday. We tried to find a Pacific Wren, but no luck.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/20/24 4:50 pm From: Bob Reiling via groups.io <rreiling2...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] No Calliope Hummingbird 4/19
All,
Sorry but the bad lighting on the upper chest and throat led to my mistaken ID. The white outer edges to the tail are clearly visible and there is no white on the end of the tail. Many thanks to those who responded.
take care,
Bob Reiling
\On 04/20/2024 1:51 PM PDT Bob Reiling <rreiling2...> wrote:
> All,
> A closer review of my my photos shows that what I assumed was a Western Kingbird is in fact a CASSIN'S KINGBIRD (photo). it was distant and 3/4 of the way up the the first hill on the Stile Ranch trail.
> Take care,
> Bob Reiling
>
>
> > ---------- Original Message ----------
> > From: ROBERT REILING <rreiling2...>
> > To: "<southbaybirds...>" <southbaybirds...>
> > Date: 04/20/2024 10:59 AM PDT
> > Subject: No Calliope Hummingbird 4/19
> >
> >
> > All,
> > The only Hummingbird seen on Friday (4/19) on the Stile Ranch trail was an Anna's. Best birds seen at the higher elevations were a ROCK WREN, a RUFOUS- CROWNED SPARROW (PHOTO) and a WESTERN KINGBIRD.
> > Take care,
> > Bob Reiling
> >
>
>
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/20/24 4:37 pm From: Ann Verdi via groups.io <aeverdi235...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Almaden Eagles Birdathon, 4/19/24
On Friday, April 19, the Almaden Eagles went out for our annual Birdathon count which is mainly centered in the Almaden area, parks,lakes, reservoirs and points south as far as Canada del Oro and a bit of Coyote Valley.. We are an all-woman team and have opted to use the "distributed": form of counting where each team member selects a certain area or place to count birds. Team members include Janna Pauser, Kirsten Holmquist, Marion Farber, Bobbie Baker, Linda Sullivan, and Ann Verdi.
We ended up with 114 species for our day, and so rather than list all the species seen, this post will highlight areas and birds seen by each individual.
Two of our members cover the greatest areas, so I'll start with them.
Janna Pauser covers most of the Almaden area including Hicks Road and Alamitos Road including wooded vicinities. A highlight for Janna this year was a PHAINOPEPLA seen at Casa Grande in New Almaden.Also, along with the many species she heard and saw during the day was COMMON POORWILL in the early evening In the Santa Teresa Hills near IBM.
Kirsten Holmquist covers most of the area south of Almaden proper including part of theSanta Teresa Hills at Stile Ranch, Calero & Chesbro Reservoirs, Canada del Oro, and a bit of Coyote Valley., Highlights for Kirsten at Calero Reservoir included four grebe species at Calero Reservoir, including an EARED GREBE.five swallow species including BARN & CLIFF, an Osprey, a BALD EAGLE and two tern species, CASPIAN and Forster's. Birds of interest at Canada del Oro included OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, W. WOOD-PEWEE, WESTERN FLYCATCHER, WESTERN KINGBIRD & HUTTON;S VIREO, In Coyote Valley, she also picked up YELLOW WARBLER, YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE and W. MEADOWLARK.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/20/24 4:19 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Solitary Sandpiper Continues
I meant Semipalmated Plovers - thanks for the catch Mike!
On Sat, Apr 20, 2024 at 3:47 PM Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Hi Everyone!
>
> This afternoon my husband and I walked down to the northernmost "pond" at
> Ogier Ponds from Coyote Creek Rd to hopefully refind the *Solitary
> Sandpiper*. We did find the bird while we were standing on the dirt trail
> that runs along the southside of the pond. The bird was mostly well hidden
> in the dead reeds but came out briefly. *Western Sandpipers, Least
> Sandpipers* and one *Greater Yellowlegs* were also present.
>
> One the way home, we stopped at Parkway Lakes and scanned the shorebirds
> there. Lots of *Western Sandpipers* were present as well as *Semipalmated
> Sandpipers*, *Greater Yellowlegs*, *Spotted Sandpipers* and one* Least
> Sandpiper*.
>
> ebird Ogier: https://ebird.org/checklist/S169519291 > ebird Parkway: https://ebird.org/checklist/S169529132 >
> Happy birding!
> Eve Meier (San Jose)
>
>
>
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/20/24 4:07 pm From: Aidan Sinha via groups.io <aidansinha...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] No Calliope Hummingbird 4/19
Bob and all,
This kingbird looks like a Western Kingbird to me. The tail appears to have while outer edges (present on WEKI but not on CAKI), and there is not a high amount of contrast between the white cheek and gray face. However, I am no expert, and other opinions would certainly be appreciated.
I also visited the Stile Ranch area late this morning (4/20). There was no sign of the Calliope Hummingbird, although I did get great views of several Rufous-crowned Sparrows. Kerry Sommer did see the Calliope in the afternoon today (so it is still around), and John Scharpen and Tim Hoo reported a Cassin's Kingbird in the morning.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/20/24 3:47 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Solitary Sandpiper Continues
Hi Everyone!
This afternoon my husband and I walked down to the northernmost "pond" at Ogier Ponds from Coyote Creek Rd to hopefully refind the *Solitary Sandpiper*. We did find the bird while we were standing on the dirt trail that runs along the southside of the pond. The bird was mostly well hidden in the dead reeds but came out briefly. *Western Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers* and one *Greater Yellowlegs* were also present.
One the way home, we stopped at Parkway Lakes and scanned the shorebirds there. Lots of *Western Sandpipers* were present as well as *Semipalmated Sandpipers*, *Greater Yellowlegs*, *Spotted Sandpipers* and one* Least Sandpiper*.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/20/24 1:51 pm From: Bob Reiling via groups.io <rreiling2...> Subject: [southbaybirds] No Calliope Hummingbird 4/19
All,
A closer review of my my photos shows that what I assumed was a Western Kingbird is in fact a CASSIN'S KINGBIRD (photo). it was distant and 3/4 of the way up the the first hill on the Stile Ranch trail.
Take care,
Bob Reiling
> ---------- Original Message ----------
> From: ROBERT REILING <rreiling2...>
> To: "<southbaybirds...>" <southbaybirds...>
> Date: 04/20/2024 10:59 AM PDT
> Subject: No Calliope Hummingbird 4/19
>
>
> All,
> The only Hummingbird seen on Friday (4/19) on the Stile Ranch trail was an Anna's. Best birds seen at the higher elevations were a ROCK WREN, a RUFOUS- CROWNED SPARROW (PHOTO) and a WESTERN KINGBIRD.
> Take care,
> Bob Reiling
>
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Dropped by the Shorebird Rookery around 6pm yesterday (4/19). Lots of nest-building going on! In addition to the usual suspects - lots of SNOWY EGRET, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON and a few GREAT EGRET - there were two WHITE-TAILED KITE up in a tall conifer next to building 1355, visible from the visitor parking spots. I couldn't tell if there was a nest there. I also heard a distant NUTTALL'S WOODPECKER, saw two AMERICAN CROW ambling on the ground in search of food, and heard the high-pitched whistle of the wings of a MOURNING DOVE. I searched for the Black Phoebe nest from last year but didn't see any signs of it.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/20/24 10:59 am From: Bob Reiling via groups.io <rreiling2...> Subject: [southbaybirds] No Calliope Hummingbird 4/19
All,
The only Hummingbird seen on Friday (4/19) on the Stile Ranch trail was an Anna's. Best birds seen at the higher elevations were a ROCK WREN, a RUFOUS- CROWNED SPARROW (PHOTO) and a WESTERN KINGBIRD.
Take care,
Bob Reiling
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/19/24 9:33 pm From: janna pauser via groups.io <jannapauser...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Almaden Eagles, my day
A large flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS in a neighbors tree was a nice start to
my day for the Almaden Eagles Birdathon.
At Casa Grande Museum in New Almaden, my stake out PHAINOPEPLA was still
over Alamitos Creek. I had both HOODED and BULLOCKS ORIOLE, BROWN
CREEPER and other common residents here. HOUSE WRENS, BLACK HEADED
GROSBEAK and WESTERN FLYCATCHERS were heard along Alamitos Road. Almaden
Reservoir had little activity and Twin Creeks, not yet at its peak, was
also quiet.
I decided to drive up Mt. Umunhum Road to the Bald Mt parking lot. I
heard several BLACK THROATED GRAY WARBLERS along the way and picked up
CAL. THRASHER, WRENTIT and BLUE GRAY GNATCATCHER. I photographed an ASH
THROATED FLYCATCHER and BLACK THROATED GRAY WARBLER on the Mt. Umunhum
trail. My only CASSIN'S VIREO was singing at the intersection of Hicks
and Mt. Umunhum.
Yesterday I had a PILEATED WOODPECKER on Hicks Rd. at Rincon Creek but
not today. After lunch I checked on Ann Verdi who was wrapping up her
morning, then I quickly checked out the Calero Creek trail. It was
rather quiet at 1 pm but I added a few new birds, LARK SPARROW, AM.
GOLDFINCH and LAZULI BUNTING. A WESTERN FLYCATCHER posed nicely on a
log. Now how often does that happen?
I'd like to thank Ann Verdi who has led the Almaden Eagles since 1999.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/19/24 9:01 pm From: Matthew Dodder via groups.io <mdodder...> Subject: [southbaybirds] DeDUCKtions trip report (04-19-24)
The DeDUCKtions set out on our 10-hour Birdathon effort today. The team comprised of Liz Frith, Mary Ann Allan, Pauline Marchon, Emily Kim, Kelly Dodder and Matthew Dodder. We met at Dodder Abbey in Mountain View and proceeded to Ed Levin County Park, Don Edwards EEC, Sunnyvale WPCP, Emily Renzel Wetlands, Stevens Creek Park, and McClellan Ranch. Highlights were as follows.
Ed Levin Sandy Wool/ Elm Area:
Grasshopper Sparrow, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Lazuli Bunting, and Say’s Phoebe on the hillside trail leading to the Sycamore Grove. The hike had completely dried out since last weekend, but at Sycamore Grove we decided to turn around. We bumped into friends Sheila Raymond and Mr. Melnick who informed us of a Western Kingbird we had missed on our way up. We found it later high on the hillside on the barbed wire fence above the hang glider landing strip. A singing White-throated Sparrow was in the Elm Area and stood for pictures near the parking lot.
Ed Levin Spring Valley Area:
Golden Eagle perched high on the hillside across the road. We had multiple Selasphorus Hummingbirds during our visit to the East Hills, but we had our first really good look at Rufous Hummingbird in the flowering eucalyptus above the horse training area. A White-tailed Kite and a Cooper’s Hawk presented themselves too.
Don Edwards EEC:
We picked up most of our Shorebirds here, but also had a Bonaparte’s Gull, and an Iceland Gull scoped from the corner of the Butterfly Garden. A small group of Greater Scaup was found in the distant pond. Three Barn Owls were seen as well.
Sunnyvale WPCP:
We searched for the wintering Tropical Kingbird and came up short, but we had a Lesser Scaup, another Western Kingbird as well as several Common Gallinule. We never did see Green Heron, sigh….
Emily Renzel Wetlands:
We made this detour of the sole purpose of finding the Harris’s Sparrow, which was briefly visible and has become so completely handsome since we last saw it! So much black on its face and snow white belly. Its distinctive call clued us to its presence and with some patience it revealed itself.
Stevens Creek Park (various):
We picked up a few species here, but not as many as we’d hoped. Still, seeing Black-headed Grosbeak, and Western Tanager bathing in the creek was wonderful.
McClellan Ranch:
Since I bird this place all the time, we had some expectations. The late afternoon - early evening activity is quite different, so it took us a while to get our remaining targets. One by one we located Western Flycatcher, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, and finally Black-chinned Hummingbird (reported earlier by Eve Meier). We also had a large number of Cedar Waxwings near the parking lot.
We missed some painfully easy birds, but that’s the way it works when you’re working against the clock and all you’re eating is chocolate-mint pretzels.
Matthew Dodder (he/him)
Executive Director
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
22221 McClellan Rd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
408-252-3748
<director...>
scvas.org
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/19/24 3:45 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Some First of Seasons
Hi Everyone!
This morning I co-led a beginners trip at McClellan with Peg Alberts. In the native garden area just outside the SCVAS office, we spotted a *Black-chinned Hummingbird*. After McClellan, I checked out my "secret spot" along the Tony Look Trail at Stevens Creek CP and spotted a *MacGillvray's Warbler* in the same location as the bird was last year. Other birds along that same section of trail included *Lazuli Bunting* and *Western Wood Pewee*, both FOSs for me. To get to my "secret spot" park at the Baytree Parking lot and take the Tony Look trail to just past the reservoir where you need to make a sharp left. This trail continues into the trees where it makes a hairpin turn (more like a U). Birds seem to love this section of the trail. Here's the gps: 37.293698, -122.073183. (There is one very steep section.)
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/18/24 4:06 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Quack Pack Team Results - Palo Alto Baylands
Hi Everyone!
The Quack Pack Birdathon team met at the Lucy Evans Nature Center and
walked to Byxbee Park and back, spotting 62 species in 4 hours. Thousands
of shorebirds were in the lagoon and it was so fun to see them all take
flight at once. We also enjoyed the Dunlins getting their black bellies - a
new site for many in our group. At the ranger station, we tracked down
a Wilson’s
Warbler which was one of our favorite finds of the day. Both Hooded and
Bullock’s Orioles were spotted in the native gardens of the Palo Alto Water
Treatment Plant. We were also pleasantly surprised by a Western Kingbird as
we walked back to the picnic tables. We continued birding while we ate
lunch thinking there was no way we’d get to 60 species but as we sat there,
more species trickled in including a Mourning Dove and a Belted Kingfisher.
At the parking lot, while we’re getting back in cars, we were treated to
our final bird of the day - a Rock Pigeon! Hey, every bird counts.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Today 4-18-2024 I spent some time looking for migrating shorebirds. Nothing unusual seen with a couple of */Semipalmated plovers/* seen for a few seconds while */Dowitchers/*, */Western sandpiper/* and some */Dunlin/* were present in good numbers.
There were 4 */Clark's grebes/* in the channel next to the boat launch and at Harriet Mundy pond there was a */hybrid Northern shoveler x Blue wing teal/*- it maybe the same one seen in previous years.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/17/24 4:47 pm From: christine belanger via groups.io <offtore...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Los Capitancillos Wood Duck 4/17
Cool!!!
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S9, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: "Marion Farber via groups.io" <marion_farber...>
Date: 4/17/24 10:53 AM (GMT-08:00)
To: <southbaybirds...>
Subject: [southbaybirds] Los Capitancillos Wood Duck 4/17
There's a mama Wood Duck on the westernmost pond with 8 ducklings!
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/17/24 4:40 pm From: Hugh McDevitt via groups.io <hdmcdevitt...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Calero Creek Trail
I birded the Calero Creek Trail from Harry Road to Fortini Road this morning. I walked up part of the Stiles Ranch trail hoping to see the Calliope Humming bird (meeting Garrett and Amanda who had seen it earlier), but dipped. I did have see a Rufous Hummingbird while on that trail. Best birds were FOS House Wrens checking out a nest box, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, a pair of Lark Sparrows. I heard an Ash-throated Flycatcher in the IBM orchard on my way out and finally saw two near Harry Road on my way back. I heard an interesting song in a tree near the chaparral hillside closer to Fortini. Merlin identified it as a Lazuli Bunting, but I was never able to see it. I did have a bunting in this same tree last year, so perhaps they have returned.
Here is the ebird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S169059251 Hugh McDevitt
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/17/24 10:57 am From: Garrett Lau via groups.io <Garrett.Lau...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Calliope Hummingbird
I just saw the Calliope Hummingbird in the same area where Eve reported it
yesterday.
Garrett Lau
On Tue, Apr 16, 2024 at 2:50 PM Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
>
> There’s a male Calliope Hummingbird along the Stile Ranch trail. I’m at
> the 2nd hairpin turn past the drip at 37.2041732, -121.8061455.
>
> Happy birding!
> Eve Meier (San Jose)
>
>
>
>
>
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 4/17/24 8:24 am From: Matthew Dodder via groups.io <mdodder...> Subject: [southbaybirds] McClellan Ranch
The past few days have been active with spring activity. Lots of nesting birds utilizing the boxes along the creek trail including WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE, and OAK TITMOUSE. Our first-of-season BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK showed up in the meadow yesterday. The WESTERN FLYCATCHERS along the creek have dropped in number from a high of six last week to just 4 yesterday. There are at least two WARBLING VIREOS around the compound. The HOODED ORIOLES seem stable at 3 individuals—2 males and one female.
The tan-striped WHITE-THROATED SPARROW is still visiting the feeder, but is shy compared to the other Zonos. No sign of Black-chinned Hummingbird yet, but we’ll keep searching.
Matthew Dodder (he/him)
Executive Director
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
22221 McClellan Rd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
408-252-3748
<director...>
scvas.org
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
