Folsom CBC Highlights

I took part in the annual Folsom Christmas Bird Count today...great way to end the year! Highlights included a "SLATE-COLORED" JUNCO in a flock of approximately 75 "OREGON" JUNCOS, 2 PRAIRIE FALCONS, and lots of GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES (42 to be exact!) at Mimi's Cafe on East Bidwell Street.

Although these were nice the bird that took the cake was not in my area...Ed Harper received a call to help in the identification of a small owl that was found in Orangevale Community Park. He returned with photos of a SAW-WHET OWL! I couldn't resist the urge to abandon my duties in Area 6 for a few minutes to attempt to find this cool little guy.

All in all a good day. Oh yeah...it all started with 3 GREAT-HORNED OWLS, 1 BOBCAT, and 2 COYOTES!

Lots of Birds in Cameron Park Today!

I stopped at Bass Lake in Cameron Park on my way home today and was pleased to find an adult BALD EAGLE perched across the water. There were also several waterbirds present including 8 HOODED MERGANSERS, 1 drake CANVASBACK, several GADWALL, Ruddy DUCKS, RING-NECKED DUCKS, 50+ PIED-BILLED GREBES (they seem to congregate in large numbers here this time of year), and some very close LARK SPARROWS (though I was without camera at that point!).

Over at Cameron Park Lake there were more of the same plus BUFFLEHEAD, a single female LESSER SCAUP, 2 EARED GREBES, and a very cooperative SNOWY EGRET.