Papasula's Birding Blog

Upper Truckee Marsh 10/27/09

2009-10-27T20:41:00.001-07:00

On my return trip from a business trip to Fallon, NV I stopped to see what the winds had brought into Lake Tahoe. I felt the best spot to check would be at the end of Tahoe Keys Blvd in South Lake Tahoe at the delta of the Upper Truckee River. There was a strong, cold, and persistent wind the majority of my stay that left my hands numb. Snow put in a cameo appearance at one point and from the northeast I could see much more as it was engulfing that end of the lake.

A few birds were nice, if a bit unexpected...

A juvenile RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was hunting the meadow to the south of Vienna (the entrance road to the Tahoe Keys Marina).

2 AMERICAN AVOCETS looked very cold in the water just past the jetty.

A single HERRING GULL was in with California and Ring-billed Gulls.

This LARK SPARROW was foraging on the ground near the car as I returned. I'm not sure of the status of Lark Sparrow here but it looked a bit out of place sitting in an evergreen.

Other highlights included 2 BALD EAGLES (1 adult and 1 sub-adult), 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 12 HORNED LARKS on the shoreline, and a bevy of waterfowl-1 RUDDY DUCK, 4 AMERICAN WIGEON, 18 NORTHERN PINTAIL, 1 NORTHERN SHOVELER, 16 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, MALLARDS. To top it off were several BLACK-BILLED MAGPIES that are resident here.

Monterey Seabirds Trip 9/26/09

2009-10-07T22:34:00.000-07:00

Pink-footed Shearwater

Had a great outing with Monterey Seabirds with the annual Sacramento Audubon Society chartered trip. Highlights included 1 TUFTED PUFFIN (a lifer!), 1 FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER, 1 adult SABINE'S GULL, a few BULLER'S SHEARWATER, BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS, ASHY STORM-PETREL, BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER, PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, COMMON TERN, POMERINE JAEGER, PARASITIC JAEGER, and NORTHERN FULMAR. On the marine mammal front we had some good looks at RISSO'S DOLPHIN, HUMPBACK WHALE, COMMON DOLPHIN, and PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHIN along with the ubiquitous CALIFORNIA SEA LION, HARBOR SEAL, and SEA OTTER.

Sabine's Gull

A Pomerine Jaeger raises hell with a Pink-footed Shearwater and a Heerman's Gull

Heerman's Gull

A pod of Risso's Dolphins

Tufted Puffin

Pink-footed Shearwater

Humpback Whale giving the boat a wave

Tahoe in September 9/17/09

2009-09-18T12:58:00.001-07:00

Left a day early for a yearly "golf" weekend and hit a couple spots on the Lake. I started at Pomin Park where the Coast Guard station is on the west shore (Placer County) and had a few decent birds between there and the park just north at the end of Bristlecone.

Pomin Park
No sign of the previous day's black and white warbler though there was a lot of activity in the park.
LAZULI BUNTING 1 juv male

Empidonax sp.

Bristlecone St(?)
At the park just north of Pomin and the Coast Guard station there was quite a bit of activity. Several waves of birds came through the trees during my ~4 hr stay.
SANDERLING 1 juv out at the point in the rocks

MARBLED GODWIT 1 roosting at the point

SABINE'S GULL 1 juv feeding approx 300 yds off the point with a Sterna tern that will remain unidentified
Phalarope sp. 2 flying around and sitting several hundred yds offshore (likely Red-necked Phalarope)
FORSTER'S TERN 1 at the point
VESPER SPARROW 1 in the grasses at the point

YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD 1 imm male in the grasses at the point

BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER 1 in the trees at the point
MARSH WREN in the grasses
Lots of ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT

El Dorado County:

Tahoe Keys

WHIMBREL 2 juv
MARBLED GODWIT 1

BREWER'S SPARROW several
Lots of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE 4 in the outlet of the river allowing close approach

Searching (in vain) for Red-necked Stint

2009-08-31T23:18:00.000-07:00

Todd Easterla has done it again. He has the uncanny ability to find the vagrants. He is a rare bird magnet. This time it was aRed-necked Stint at the Vic Fazio Wildlife Area in Yolo County (just West of Sacramento, CA). I tried on my lunch break today without success but did have a decent peep study (dare I say "peep show?").

An adult LEAST SANDPIPER. By far the most numerous shorebird species today.

An adult WESTERN SANDPIPER. Note the overall white and gray appearance, large bill with a slight droop at the tip and rufous fringed scapulars.

A juvenal LEAST SANDPIPER. Note the warm brown upper parts, yellow legs and the finely pointed bill.

Another treat was a close encounter with 4 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES. Here is an adult with a juvenal in the background.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo in El Dorado County

2009-07-01T22:02:00.000-07:00

On June 30th Bill Wade reported to the CVBirds list that a YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO had been brought to a local bird rehabilitator in Shingle Springs (El Dorado County). He had also solicited the assistance of a photographer to document this occurrence as it is a fairly remarkable record being away from known breeding sites in the Central Valley. I responded and the next morning, July 1st, Nancy the bird rehab lady called and we set up a time for me to stop by.

The bird apparently flew into a neighbor's window and was then caught by a cat which accounts for the missing tail. I would like to thank Nancy for her warm hospitality and tour of the "facility". She was also working with several orphans including 3 sibling Pacific Slope Flycatchers, Black Phoebes, House Wrens, Killdeer, and Anna's Hummingbirds, as well as Acorn and Nuttall's Woodpeckers, Western Bluebirds, and Western Tanagers.

Flash Workshop with Steve Ting

2009-06-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

Took a flash photography workshop with Reno area wildlife photographer Steve Ting. I realized that I have a lot of practice ahead of me to get anywhere near the results that I aspire to (click on Steve's name to see his amazing work!). Here are a couple shots of Western Bluebirds coming in to a nest hole near Reno.

Modoc, Lassen Counties and the Warner Mountains

2009-06-05T23:03:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: On June 28, Dan Singer reported the confirmation of the Eastern Kingbirds at Blue Lake (see below) are breeding and that he obtained photos of one bird sitting on a nest.

Black and White Warbler on Jess Valley Rd., Modoc County

Took a trip up to the northeastern corner of California for birds, butterflies, and odonates with Bruce Webb on June 1st and 2nd. The weather cooperated the first day but was not so conducive to flying bugs the second day. Highlights were several Great Basin Snaketails and Gray Sanddragons on the creek at Zamboni Hot Springs, a single River Jewelwing on the Susan River in Johnstonville, a BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER singing along Jess Valley Rd (approx 7.3 miles east of Likely, Modoc County), 2 EASTERN KINGBIRDS at Blue Lake (Lassen County), and a pair of Bald Eagles feeding a large eaglet in a nest (also at Blue Lake.

Eastern Kingbird at Blue Lake

Eastern Kingbird flying overhead showing the notched primaries and white terminal band on the tail well.

Distant shot showing both kingbirds.

One of many Tree Swallows

A pair of Mountain Bluebirds were a nice addition to the list at Blue Lake

Return to the Owl

2009-04-08T17:41:00.001-07:00

My father and I returned today with my son, Simon (6 1/2 years old) in hopes of another encounter with the GREAT GRAY OWL in Durham. As we arrived we heard the disappointing news that it had been there 15 minutes before we arrived and hadn't been seen since. As we contemplated our move, Simon remarked that we should just walk into the woods to look. What a brilliant idea! We soon came across some photographers in the woods who were on the bird. Simon was so excited to have his first encounter with such a mythical beast! He and I were about 40 feet away and he loved it when the owl "looked right at him!"

Formidable talons!

April Trip to New Hampshire

2009-04-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

It was serendipitous that as my son Simon and I were flying East to visit family a GREAT GRAY OWL was discovered a few miles from my parents' house. Dennis Abbott, Davis Finch, Todd Day, myself and others conducted the search of the Wildlife Management Area on Dame Road in Durham, Todd (on his way home to Virginia from Maine) had found the owl perched nearby. It flew up the hill a short distance and out of sight. We all split up and I followed the flight of the bird up the hill. Not 10 minutes later I spotted the owl as it flew in about 120 feet away. It allowed my approach to 40 feet where I reveled in the sight.

I have seen several Great Gray Owls over the years but never this close. The sheer size of the bird was quite surprising! He knew I was there but really didn't seem to care! It then flew....right at me! Exhilarated, I watched as it flew within 6 inches of me to a perch about 100 feet behind me. I followed and it continued to an opening where it sat in the open for a short time. Several attempts to alert the others finally succeeded at this spot. The bird then flew toward the road and out of sight....just as the others came into view.

Slaty-backed Gull in Davis, CA!

2009-02-28T17:44:00.001-08:00

Slaty-backed Gull

On Friday, February 27, Todd Easterla and John Sterling reported a SLATY-BACKED GULL at the Davis Oxidation Ponds. This year has been fantastic for gulls at this site and the adjacent Yolo County Dump. As luck would have it I had Saturday off and headed over as soon as I was able. After scanning the available gull groups and finding 2 first winter GLAUCOUS GULLS, several THAYER'S, GLAUCOUS-WINGED, HERRING, CALIFORNIA, and RING-BILLED GULLS (and an apparent "KUMLIEN'S" GULL) someone had alerted another birder that they had refound the Slaty-backed in a field about a mile away.

I arrived to a decent sized flock of gulls and almost immediately came across a dark backed gull in front of all the others. My excitement quickly subsided as I realized I was looking at an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL and not the Slaty-backed. This is only the second Lesser Black-backed I've seen in California and was still excited to see it but I thought it was the bird people were calling the Slaty-backed. Soon, tough, I was on the SLATY-BACKED GULL and had moderate looks at quite a distance. The following digiscoped shots were all I could get.

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Slaty-backed Gull

Slaty-backed Gull

"Kumlien's" Gull? Comments welcome on this one! The primaries look good and the tertials are ok but the bill seems too big to me. What do you think?

Quick Trip to Southeast Arizona

2009-01-16T11:17:00.000-08:00

I was in Phoenix for a convention and thought I'd try for some of the recent rarities in the Tucson area. After dipping on the Patagonia Lake Rufous-backed Robin I headed for Florida Canyon for Rufous-capped Warbler. I had forgotten to print directions up the wash but had read them enough I had unknowingly memorized them! The entire canyon was silent. I heard the distant call of a Lesser Goldfinch at one point and began to feel as though I was hiking in vain. I reached the spot where the warblers had mostly been seen and spent 20 minutes without luck until I remembered there was another spot upstream that was favored more recently. After another 200yds up the canyon I reached a flat area where there had been a fire at one point. It was there that one of the reported three RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLERS made itself known in the thick brush on the side of the wash. I was able to get a couple great (but brief) looks as it foraged about 6-10 feet back in the brush. What a stunner! It never came out for a photo.

The next day my time was short as I was planning on having lunch in Scottsdale with an old friend. I decided to head over the the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum for some photo opps. I was not disappointed...

BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRDS made a nice showing in the Hummingbird Aviary

This male COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD was very difficult...often perching in terrible light or under cover of the dense vegetation

There was a single female RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD vigorously defending her feeding station

This BARN OWL was on the arm of a docent at one of the educational stops

In the aviary there was a WESTERN TANAGER...

...several doves including this BAND-TAILED PIGEON...

...a very out of place BLUE-WINGED TEAL...

...and one of the ubiquitous CACTUS WRENS.

In speaking with one of the volunteers I found out that most of the birds are from local rehabilitation facilities.

Red-throated Pipits in San Francisco

2008-10-22T23:39:00.000-07:00

For the past few days there have been many reports of several RED-THROATED PIPITS at Crissy Field in San Francisco's Presidio. I have seen this species once before just north of that location on Point Reyes several years ago. I decided to have a go at it last minute. After surviving the Bay Area traffic, I arrived at approximately 9am. I soon located a large flock of AMERICAN PIPITS that quickly took flight and vacated the premises. I walked the length of the field and became distracted by a SAY'S PHOEBE on the beach. As I returned to the field I immediately flushed 2 RED-THROATED PIPITS from very near the walking path. They flew a short distance and allowed approach but remained wary. It became apparent that there were at least 3 individuals present from 9am-11am. My 100-400 zoom lens was a bit short but I was able to get some images.

Alvaro Jaramillo was present recording the flight calls of the pipits. His excellent recording can be heard here.

Also present was a LAPLAND LONGSPUR which was (unexpectedly) associating quite closely with the Red-throated Pipits.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird in Nevada County, CA!

2008-08-31T08:40:00.000-07:00

On August 30, 2008, Bruce Webb and I made the pilgrimage up to Nevada City to see a RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD that had been coming to birder Rudy Darling's feeders for (at that point) 7 days. We were not disappointed. There were also ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD, PILEATED WOODPECKER, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, "OREGON" JUNCOS, and CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES to occupy us during the nearly 20 minutes between the Ruby-throat's feeder visits. According to Joe Morlan, this will likely be the 10th accepted record (based on the breadth of documentation already) for California.

Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve

2008-05-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

I spent an hour at Bolsa Chica Reserve near Huntington State Beach before I had to get to the airport. What a show! The FORSTER'S TERNS were diving next to the boardwalk, an adult was feeding a young tern on the railing of the boardwalk allowing close approach (~3-4 feet)...

...and a few BLACK SKIMMERS made a fly by...

...and a skimming.

Avocets, avocets, avocets!

2008-05-14T22:06:00.000-07:00

I returned to the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary to find the pond adjacent the Sea and Sage Audubon House as I had left it yesterday...rife with AMERICAN AVOCETS and a few CINNAMON TEAL.

There was a bit of interaction as well as avian romance on the pond. I never get tired of avocets.

San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

2008-05-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

I have been sent to Irvine for work and found myself with a few hours this morning. A quick Internet search led me to the Sea and Sage Audubon Society's San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary...and it is just a few blocks south of the Marriott where I am staying! BELL'S VIREO was very vocal but difficult to photograph...maybe I'll get some shots tomorrow. This ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD landed right next to me and seemed to be "licking his lips"!

As I returned to my car I almost stepped on this SAN DIEGO GOPHER SNAKE...scared the gopher out of me! I was looking up into the trees as I walked and by the time my eyes landed on this guy, I was a mere 2 feet away. This impressive snake measured approximately two and a half feet long and didn't seem too bothered by me. I really like the Alice Cooper eye makeup!

I didn't have time to visit the Audubon House but will return in the morning. There were AMERICAN AVOCETS and CINNAMON TEAL in the pond adjacent to the center seemingly unaware of the parking lot...I hope they are there tomorrow.

Sacramento Mandarin Duck

2008-03-30T23:15:00.000-07:00

After shooting an adventure racing team at Lake Natoma, I spent the afternoon with my 5 year old son, Simon at McKinley Park in East Sacramento. This is a great spot for close views of wild WOOD DUCKS as the pond there has several pairs. Today the pond held a surprise...an adult male MANDARIN DUCK (who copulated with a very willing female Wood Duck). This is a free flying bird that is likely an escape...but you never know!

No leg bands...

...primaries are all intact...

...somehow, though, I don't think any rare bird committee would accept this one! Regardless...he's quite a stunner!

Summer Tanager in El Dorado Hills!

2008-03-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

Chris Conard got wind of a returning SUMMER TANAGER staked out off a nature trail in a suburban neighborhood about a week ago. I finally got a chance to get over there and check it out. I was there for about 20 minutes when Fritz Steurer appeared and pointed me to the bird. I got off a few poor shots before it flew out towards the neighborhood. Dave Johnson and Dee Wyrencia were also there at the time. The others left but I wanted to try and get another chance for photos. About 5-10 minutes later the bird reappeared and allowed fairly close approach. Nice bird!

It was feasting on bees that were slowly appearing from an oak. You can see bee parts on it's bill in these photos.

Texas: Day 6. Last half day...a great way to end the trip!

2008-03-04T15:37:00.001-08:00

We decided to use the remaining half day of my involvement in this trip to check local parks in Harlingen for Groove-billed Ani. Since it was local, we didn't get up until 7:00am (vs. the 4:30am and 5:30am alarms of the previous days). It was a beautiful day with very little wind! It figures...last day here...and it's a half day!

While getting ready I checked the Texbirds listserv and saw that there was a TROPICAL PARULA found the day before near the Convention Centre on South Padre Island. This was one species I was hoping for but really didn't expect. Plans changed immediately. South Padre Island is only a 35 minute drive from Harlingen and, since the Spring breakers were all still sleeping or hung over, there was no traffic.

Upon arrival I was pleased to see that the spot where this bird was found is a very small grove of trees next to the Convention Centre which is surrounded by salt marsh...this was an isolated oasis. As I returned to the car to get my camera, Dad came running around the corner to get me because he had found it! It gave all great views for the hour that we were there...beautiful lighting and it seemed oblivious to our presence as it would feed in the trees right over our heads.

Also in the grove were several butterflies...

...roosting MONARCHS...

...and PIPEVINE SWALLOWTAILS.

There was a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER present as well. This is a very active species that rarely sits still. The nice weather following such severe winds was probably the reason this bird took a few minutes to preen itself...a sight I've never encountered in the 31 years I've been birding.

All in all a good trip despite the weather. 4 life birds for me and a few state birds for Dad. The Tropical Parula was such a great way to end the trip.

Texas: Day 4. Another windy day

2008-03-02T21:16:00.000-08:00

We began our day at Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park in search of Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. We walked into the park about 45 minutes before dawn and almost immediately heard an EASTERN SCREECH-OWL trilling in the dark. A short walk from the entrance yielded 3 more. PAURAQUE (pah-RAH-key) were calling around us and one flew within feet of us. We were able to get one in the flashlight beam for a moment and saw the unmistakable orange "eye shine."

It began to get lighter and suddenly, we both heard a FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL from the trees ahead. It gave us perhaps, 8-10 toots and never called again and we never did see it. After searching through a passerine flock for the previously reported Tropical Parula (without luck) we decided to leave.

On our way out we bumped into the daily bird walk and the leader happily showed us this roosting EASTERN SCREECH-OWL.

This insect (Hoverfly?) was guarding one of the interpretive signs...there seemed to be one at each sign.

We then headed for Frontera Audubon where there had been Groove-billed Ani reported recently. No luck with the ani but we did have some nice birds, leps (butterflies), and odes (dragonflies).

This GREAT KISKADEE was coming to the water for a drink.

TELEUS LONGTAILS and BROWN LONGTAILS were braving the winds.

This BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD was coming in to feed at one of the several nectar feeders.

A short walk through the grounds found us at a feeding station that held an OVENBIRD, INCA DOVES, and several CHACHALACAS, like this one. He seemed to be displaying...all puffed up.

I believe this is a mature (past it's prime) ROSEATE SKIMMER.

I was told that this butterfly is a TEXAS CRESCENT but can't find that common name referenced.

After Frontera we decided to give another shot at Aplomado Falcon and headed east to Laguna Atascosa. A large falcon perched on a radio tower gave us hope and a show...it pursued a NORTHERN HARRIER that had a prey item and forced it to relinquish the meal. We found it a little bit later on the ground and it turned out to be a PEREGRINE FALCON.

In pursuit of the falcon I almost stepped on this WESTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE...a life herp (reptile).

Texas: Day 3. Another day, another life bird

2008-03-01T19:55:00.001-08:00

Today we spent the entire day (yes 7am-7pm) waiting for the Muscovy Ducks to show themselves on the Rio Grande at Salineno. They never did. Neither did Hook-billed Kite. RED-BILLED PIGEONS showed well providing me with a new species. The sky was overcast all day which made photography difficult. We did have some highlights...3 ZONE-TAILED HAWKS joined the vultures soaring above. A COMMON BLACK HAWK sat partially obstructed in a tree upstream frustrating some birders. Below are some of the birds present.

GREAT KISKADEE sounds filled the air most of the day. There were several at a feeder nearby fighting over the peanut butter tray.

AUDUBON'S ORIOLE is a specialty of Salineno. This male was at the feeder eating oranges.

This CURVE-BILLED THRASHER was new for this trip. Love that orange eye!

One of the most common birds in the valley is GOLDEN-FRONTED WOODPECKER.

LEAF-CUTTER ANTS created a nice diversion while we waited (and waited...and waited).

On a side note...we watched many large bales of marijuana trafficked across the border on boats and witnessed (quite close) a boat of illegal immigrants come ashore as 2 vehicles raced into the parking lot to pick them up and drive off in haste.

Texas: Day 2. Second day, first lifer!

2008-02-29T19:11:00.001-08:00

It seems we've been here for a long time and it's only been 2 days! My first life bird came in the form of a tyrant flycatcher...COUCH'S KINGBIRD at Estero Llano Grande State Park (where Jim Booker resides as Park Naturalist). This cooperative individual allowed fairly close approach and preened for us. Also in the area was a female Vermillion Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Cinnamon Teal, Blue-winged Teal, and Green Kingfisher.

We also looked for Groove-billed Ani among the reeds across Llano Grande with no luck. There were lots of BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS, AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, 2 ROSEATE SPOONBILLS, and a PEREGRINE FALCON but the gale force winds beat us into submission quickly and we had to retreat off the levee and back to the trails.

At Santa Ana NWR there was a brief look at what may have been Hook-billed Kite but neither of us are comfortable with the sighting to call it. At the headquarters feeder there was this female YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER that is quite unusual in that it has an entirely black cap. Typically there would be some red in there. Allegedly, Ken Kaufmann was here yesterday and said that he's only seen one other like it in his life.

Other highlights of the day included:

OLIVE SPARROWS were ubiquitous in the undergrowth.

Gotta post another GREEN JAY from today...you'd think they'd be orange with all the citrus they eat!

A couple of life odonates...BAND-WINGED DRAGONLET flutters in a jewelwing-inspired way. Very different flight behavior than I've seen.

This emerald beauty had me thinking "darner" it was so big. It turns out to be a GREAT PONDHAWK...very different from Western Pondhawks in California.

Finally, there was this QUEEN stopping for a moment to allow a photo.

Despite the high winds and lack of Hook-billed Kites and Groove-billed Anis, we had a good day with many nice birds and bugs.

Texas: Day 1

2008-02-28T19:24:00.001-08:00

It was a very windy day searching for Aplomado Falcon in the vicinity of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge on the southern coast of Texas. Although we dipped on the falcon we had some nice distractions to keep us busy. I saw my first armadillo and we had brief looks (and I got a couple poor photos) of a bobcat.

We started the day with a trio of calling TROPICAL KINGBIRDS outside the motel. I need the very similar Couch's Kingbird so this was a bit of an exciting start...thinking that they may not be Tropicals...but, alas.

There were a few odonates braving the winds of the day including this RED SADDLEBAGS.

LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES are common here.

The feeders at the visitor center in Laguna Atascosa NWR had a pair of ALTAMIRA ORIOLES coming in to orange halves.

Also at the visitor center were several GREEN JAYS. 3 Javelinas (a wild pig also known as Collared Peccary) were feeding on fallen bird seed and the jays were actually landing on their backs...perhaps picking off insects(?).

Despite the winds, many Turkey Vultures and a few BLACK VULTURES proved their wares as aerialists.

Also on the wing a lot were CRESTED CARACARAS. These are one of my favorite raptors...they got pers'nality!

WHITE-TAILED HAWKS were a treat.

All in all a good first day...off to Santa Ana tomorrow to search for Hook-billed Kite and Couch's Kingbird!

New Tenant in Cottonwood!

2008-02-28T18:48:00.000-08:00

I was heading to work one morning last week and, as always checked the Red-tailed Hawk nest (see posting below) for new activity. Well, there was certainly some new activity! This GREAT-HORNED OWL has taken up residence and has been sitting on eggs for about 2 weeks now. Can't wait to see the young soon!

Santa Cruz Booby

2007-04-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

I went down to see the well reported BROWN BOOBY on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. There was a lot of feeding activity to the east of the wharf. There were hundreds of BRANDT'S, DOUBLE-CRESTED, and PELAGIC CORMORANTS, WESTERN and CLARK'S GREBES, BROWN PELICAN, COMMON, RED-THROATED, and PACIFIC LOONS feeding just off shore as well as BONAPARTE'S GULLS and a BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE flying around the wharf.

Signs of Spring!

2007-04-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

This Orange-crowned Warbler was singing and defending territory on Hwy 49 in Nevada County on Saturday, March 31.

No Great Gray but others make the trip worth it!

2007-04-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to find the recently reported Great Gray Owl in Yuba County, Bruce Webb and I made the short drive up past Nevada City to Ridge Road. Although Don Marsh was fortunate enough to see it (albeit briefly) the rest of us dipped. Nice looks at Pileated Woodpecker and this Anna's Hummingbird made the trip worth it anyway.

Red-tailed Hawks nesting on my commute!

2007-04-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

There is a lone cottonwood on the west side of the Scott Grade in Folsom right next to Highway 50. The nice thing is that the height of the road allows a look into the nest! A few weeks ago I saw the pair tending to building duties and about a week ago noticed the female was incubating. I was able to get a few shots with my hazards blinking...not recommended!

Digiscoping Again!

2007-02-02T20:16:00.000-08:00

I just found an awesome adapter from Adorama for the Canon SD400 Digital Elph. This adapter couples beautifully with Swarovski's DCA (Digital Camera Adapter). I am using it with a Leica APO Televid spotting scope and had to make some minor adjustments as this DCA is designed for use with Swarovski's own eyepieces. I was able to try it out for the first time this morning with some reasonable results.

A Smew-tiful Day!

2007-01-22T22:21:00.000-08:00

Another life bird...nice start to 2007!

I received word of a SMEW in Tuolomne County found on Saturday, January 20 and immediately began figuring out where I could fit in a trip down to chase it. The spot would be a 2+ hour drive from home so I would need a good part of the day to get down there and back...Monday was the day!!!

Upon arrival I was able to pick out the Smew immediately with my bare eyes as it was the only small white duck out there. There were many RING-NECKED DUCKS, HOODED MERGANSERS, and MALLARDS on the pond, as well, and a GREAT EGRET stalked fish from the reeds across the water. There were already a few people there including Martin Meyers and David Nelson.

At times, the SMEW would charge into a small group of Hooded Mergansers and display to the females. Puffed out chest and sharp crest was his way of impressing the ladies. A few of us commented that the raised crest that it used to display was weak compared to it's typical disposition.

Chris Conard and Kimya Lambert showed up a little later as did a birder from Louisiana named Webb Smith who just so happened to be working on his Big Year with a short trip to California...right place/right time!

Folsom CBC Highlights

2006-12-31T23:26:00.000-08:00

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!

2006-12-29T19:44:00.000-08:00

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.

Another Lifer!

2006-11-21T20:39:00.000-08:00

After having just nabbed the luckiest moment in my birding life (being in the right place at the right time for the one day wonder Taiga Flycatcher) another life bird popped up in the Bay Area. So I sprinted down to the Pescadero Creek mouth in San Mateo County to give a go at the reported Yellow-billed Loon. As I walked across the bridge to join a couple birders on the other side I saw a large loon in the area upstream near the bend where Joe Morlan reported seeing it the day before. I was able to make out the pale bill (especially the mostly pale culmen) and scalloped back that clinches the identification and separates this bird from the similar Common Loon. After a short hike along the creek I was able to get within 30 feet of the bird as it seemed quite oblivious to me as it continued to dine on crabs in the shallows. This afforded ample opportunity to photograph the loon (unfortunately it was backlit/sidelit the entire time).

Searching for a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

2006-11-08T22:44:00.000-08:00

I was able to stop and look for the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper for about an hour on the way home with no luck. There were a handfull of other birders there looking, too. It was quite windy and the light wasn't optimal but I was able to pull out 7 Pacific Golden Plovers from the 100, or so, Black-bellied Plovers. I was able to point out structural differences and plumage characteristics between the two species to a couple people. I always enjoy helping people see something new...whether it is a new species or a new way of looking at something familiar...I know how much I like when someone helps me see something new and it feels good completing that circle. I tried to digiscope with my LG VX9800 camera phone. It has a fairly good camera and gets decent results. Even though the golden plovers were at quite a distance and field marks are hard to detemine, you can see the size difference easily between the black-bellies and the goldens. The 3 birds in the front (to the left of the gull) are a good example - Black-bellied Plover, Pacific Golden Plover, and Black-bellied again. The middle bird is obviously smaller and you can even ascertain (with, perhaps, a little imagination) from this photo a warmer overall color in comparison to the grayer black-bellies. It was great to get out even if just for my lunch hour. Certainly whet my appetite for leading trips for the Central Valley Birding Symposium in a couple weeks.