May 2023

May has many faces. The first week or ten days are often the most exciting period for migrant songbirds all spring, if not all year. Migration is highly variable, so some days can be very slow, while others are much better. This month, the large flow of migrants quickly dried up by Mother's Day, though there were a few surprises to come. Melt water from the heavy snow pack kept rivers high, and left some sites in the low floodplain connected to the high Delta waters and with limited access. By the end of the month, reports of migrants had really slowed, though mild temperatures and breezy days made for pleasant if not bird-filled outings. 

A few widely scattered Calliope Hummingbird reports came in during the first eleven days of May. Among the unexpected shorebirds, a Semipalmated Sandpiper, much less expected in spring than in July and August, was found at the Robben Rd ponds, south of Dixon, from 5/13-5/15. A Solitary Sandpiper was found on 5/2 north of Vacaville, near the intersection of Leisure Town and Allendale Rds. An adult Franklin's Gull was a nice surprise on 5/21 at the Robben Rd ponds. A Least Bittern was singing from a marsh at a normally closed portion of Cosumnes River Preserve on 5/27; three were found on surveys at the western tip of Sherman Island, though this site doesn't have public access. A Yellow-crowned Night-Heron in Natomas was an excellent find on 5/11 (eBird Checklist S137129604) at River Birch Park, just east of Truxel Rd at Terracina Dr. It was only seen for one day until almost certainly the same bird was found nearby in June.

A Northern Saw-whet Owl was photographed roosting in a tree in Davis on 5/22 (eBird Checklist S138928769). Slowly but surely, Dark-eyed Juncos are establishing themselves as breeders in the Sacramento area. Two singing males, one with a family group, were found at Willowbank Ditch in Davis. Another was singing at Slide Hill Park, and a pair has nested for four years in a row on the UC Davis campus. Another pair was regularly noted in Sacramento near U and 42nd Streets, and fledged young of this pair were confirmed in June. Single Brewer's Sparrows were found on 5/5 at Sacramento Bar along the American River Parkway (ARP), and from more expected grassland sites along both Michigan Bar and Meiss Rds on 5/13. A Vesper Sparrow was a bit of a surprise at Mississippi Bar on 5/1, with another in more expected habitat along Payen Rd on 5/6. Hoped-for vagrant warblers came in the form of two Ovenbirds, both on the same day, and a Palm Warbler. The Ovenbirds were both found on 5/21, at Bobelaine in Sutter County and along Deer Creek off Latrobe Rd (eBird Checklist S138659807) in El Dorado County. The Palm Warbler was on Rayhouse Rd on 5/7, found during an all-day hike that began before 3 AM along this remote Yolo County Rd. A female-type Summer Tanager was photographed on 5/26 near the Glenbrook Park access to ARP between Howe and Watt Aves.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserv (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but we thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, Michael Barnett, Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Kristi Carr, Lyann Comrack, Andy Engilis, Jr., Gil Ewing, Frank Fabbro, Robert Furrow, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Roger Muskat, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Karen Richardson, William Rockey, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, Kirk Swenson, Kevin Thomas, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

May 2022

May is one of the most exciting times of year for birding, especially the first ten days of the month, with shorebird numbers still good (though rapidly tapering off), and perhaps the very peak of songbird migration. As compared with fall (and late summer) migration, spring songbird migration can come through in just a few quick bursts. This didn't turn out to be a rarity-laden month, but there were still excellent, and some astounding, numbers of migrant songbirds. Redheads are quite rare in the region, but the Woodland WTP is the local stronghold (eBird checklist S110744062), with a high of 30 individuals reported this month. Remarkably, the Long-tailed Duck found last November near the Nimbus Hatchery continued to 5/10. The only Common Poorwill reported was along Rayhouse Rd in Yolo County on 5/13. A male Allen's Hummingbird was photographed at a private residence on 5/8 to the southwest of Clarksburg (eBird checklist S109413002).

The only somewhat unusual shorebird of the period was a Snowy Plover along Desmond Rd at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 5/1. There were continuing good numbers of uncommon migrant Empidonax flycatchers (eBird.org checklist S109052114), especially, Hammond's, but also Dusky and Gray flycatchers in the first half of the month, with multiple Willow Flycatcher reports in the second half of the month; the latter are much easier to find in August and September, while the former three are much easier to find, though still not easy, in April and early May. CRP was the site of some outstanding counts for several species. On a survey of the Tall Forest on 5/7, impressive to astounding numbers included 40 Warbling Vireos, 121 Swainson's Thrushes (likely a local record, and 68 were reported on 5/9), six Yellow-breasted Chats, 40 Bullock's Orioles (which should be on territory at this point, but this high number suggests some movement), 41 Wilson's Warblers, 16 Western Tanagers, and 60 Black-headed Grosbeaks!

In terms of local rarities, a Gray Catbird banded at Stone Lake NWR on 5/6 accounts for just the third record for Sacramento County. A Chestnut-sided Warbler was a very nice find at the South Fork Putah Creek Reserve near Mace Blvd on 5/25 and proved to be the only rare warbler of the month. Finally, the Summer Tanager first reported at William Land Park on 2/16, feeding on bees at hives in Fairytale Town, continued through at least 5/3.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserv (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but we thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Cheryl Cobbs, Lyann Comrack, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Linda Gal, Cliff Hawley, Eric Hope, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Steve Scott, Kevin Thomas, Beatrix Treiterer, John Trochet, Tom Uslan, and Stan Wright. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible

May 2021

This May continued from last month to combine for a fairly slow spring, perhaps as a result of the persistent drought. No rare warblers were found through 5/31 and there were few reports of days with really good numbers of migrants. Unfortunately, several heron, egret, and cormorant rookeries in the region were abandoned part way through the breeding season. The cause at some sites may be complex, but at others, the early drying up of wetland foraging sites was the leading cause. There were a fair number of Black Swift reports in the latter half of the month, especially along the edge of the Coast Range to the west and in eastern Sacramento County. A few Calliope Hummingbirds lingered into early May, particularly around Mississippi Bar and Lake Natoma.

Among shorebird reports, most notable was a Snowy Plover (eBird checklist) at Cosumnes River Preserve from 5/2-4 and a Sanderling photographed (eBird checklist) at the Woodland WTP on 5/11. A pair of Least Terns was present at the Sacramento Regional WTP from 5/14-28, but they ultimately departed without attempting to nest. A combination of Northern Harriers, Swainson's Hawks, and Common Ravens that preyed on the chicks of American Avocets and Black-necked Stilts likely caused them to leave. A Neotropic Cormorant (eBird checklist) found at Ellis Lake in Marysville on 5/28, continuing into June, was a first for the area and the most northerly record in the state of this rapidly expanding species; ten years from now, this may well be a regular component of the local avifauna. Single Least Bittern reports came from Mather Lake on 5/22 and Wild Wings Park along Cache Creek on 5/2. A Glossy Ibis was photographed (eBird checklist) along Catlett Rd to the west of Lincoln on 5/28, a nice surprise among the White-faced Ibis.

Virtually no Burrowing Owls were reported this May, which may point to a near future where this species will no longer breed locally, but will only be a winter visitor and transient. Say's Phoebes (eBird checklist) are heading in the other direction, with new nesting records from many sites in the past few years, including the first nesting recorded at the Sacramento Regional WTP/Bufferlands this May. After a winter with very high numbers, a few Pine Siskins were reported through the end of the month and into early June. The only rare songbird reported this May was a Black-throated Sparrow photographed (eBird checklist) at Sailor Bar along the American River Parkway on 5/5. One highlight for the month was a fair number of Yellow-breasted Chat reports, both from scattered locations, and more expected sites like Sailor Bar.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserv (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Lyann Comrack, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Ed Harper, Larry Hickey, Jim Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Asher Perla, Michael Perrone, Roger Muskat, Nora Papian, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, Gaven Stacey, Cameron Tescher, John Trochet, Zeke VanZante, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

May 2020

Certainly by mid-month, many people were getting out in the field and traveling more widely than they had during the first month and a half of the stay-at-home order for COVID-19. The migration came in fits and starts, with some really high numbers of regular songbird migrants in early May and a few vagrants peppered in, raising excitement levels. A young male Common Goldeneye lingered through at least 5/26 along the American River Parkway (ARP) near Paradise Beach and another young male was reported on the Delta Shores Circle pond, just north of the Bufferlands, on 5/23. Black Swifts are rarely encountered on the Valley floor, and when they are, it is usually during periods of unsettled weather. This May, singles were reported from Sailor Bar along the ARP on 5/13 and 5/25.

Among the shorebird highlights was a Sanderling in breeding plumage at the Woodland WTP on 5/18 (eBird checklist). A Solitary Sandpiper was found at the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 5/4, and one was found on the same date at the Yolo County Central Landfill Pond. A bigger surprise came in the form of four Red Phalaropes in a flooded field near the Davis Wetlands on 5/18. Least Terns were first noted back at the Sacramento Regional WTP on 5/8, with two pairs attempting nesting; success is difficult, with a high level of predation by Common Ravens,  Swainson's Hawks, and others on the young of nesting stilts and avocets, as well as the terns. Sacramento County's second Glossy Ibis was found along Desmond Rd at CRP from 5/5-7 (eBird checklist).

Among the songbird highlights were typically wintering species found later than usual into spring, including a very late Golden-crowned Kinglet singing at Twitchell Island on 5/21, and a singing brown (female-type) Purple Finch at CRP on 5/12. Unprecedented numbers of Chipping Sparrows were reported in April, but much more surprising was a nesting pair found in a closed portion of CRP in mid-May and continuing into June, establishing the first breeding record for the county and perhaps for the Valley floor. A Brewer's Sparrow was a nice find along the grassland portion of Michigan Bar Rd on 5/25. Good numbers of Yellow-breasted Chats were reported, including one apparently on territory at Sailor Bar. Notable vagrants included a  Tennessee Warbler (eBird checklist) at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 5/9, a  Kentucky Warbler, exceedingly rare for the region, seen by many at Yolo Grasslands Regional Park on 5/27, a male Hooded Warbler at CRP on 5/29, and a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak at CRP on 5/16.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Lyann Comrack, Matthew Doyle, Konshau Duman, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Mike Guard, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Michael Novak, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Jason Riggio, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, Jim Thomas, John Trochet, Bart Wickel, Dan Williams, Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

April - May 2019

This spring has been notable for unsettled weather, cooler temperatures, and unprecedented rain in mid-May, leaving many low-lying areas flooded into June. Redheads are locally hard to find, but continued in low numbers at the Woodland WTP, one of the few places where they are locally dependable. A male Greater Scaup was at the same location as late as 5/12. Unsettled weather no doubt accounted for the report of a Black Swift near Koobs Nature Area in Carmichael on 5/21; the few Valley records of this species typically correspond with late spring storms. A male Allen's Hummingbird (eBird checklist) at Brannan Island SRA on 5/25 was one of few recent records for Sacramento County, though there are historic breeding records. Calliope Hummingbird reports included one from Citrus Heights from 4/11-14, one from Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 4/19, two from Rancho Cordova on 4/26, and one from Wilton on 5/4.

Shorebirds made up the majority of highlights for the period. A Snowy Plover was found at the Davis WTP on 5/6-8. Most impressive was the appearance of multiple turnstones. Ruddy Turnstones (eBird checklist) were found at the Davis WTP, with one to two from 5/4-11, and one at the Woodland WTP on 5/13. Two Black Turnstones at the Davis WTP on 5/4 were even more unexpected. A Ruff was found at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 4/21, and at the Woodland WTP from 4/29-5/9 (eBird checklist). A Stilt Sandpiper at the Davis WTP on 5/6 was also an excellent find. Up to four Baird's Sandpipers (regular in low numbers in late summer, but very rare in spring migration) were found from 5/3-10 at the Davis WTP. Soliary Sandpiper reports included a single at a closed portion of the CRP on 4/17, one along the Wetlands Walk at CRP on 4/20, one to two along Yolo County Rd 32A (near YBWA) from 4/21-22, two at a closed portion of CRP on 4/26, and one on Meiss Rd on 5/4. A Willet was found at the Davis WTP on 5/4, with four seen there on 5/27, and a single was at the Sacramento County Bufferlands on 5/10. A Pectoral Sandpiper was a nice find for spring (they are much more expected in late summer and fall) at Colusa NWR on 5/6. 

For the 10th time in the past 12 years, Least Terns were found nesting at the Sacramento Regional WTP, with the first detection on 5/13, and two pairs present by the end of the month. Surprisingly, there was only one report of a Least Bittern, from Mather Lake on 5/17, where they have been found in the past. A Yellow-crowned Night-Heron found at a large rookery in the Pocket Area of Sacramento was a first for the county (eBird checklist). It was seen and photographed on 5/8, with a few reports thereafter, but was very difficult to find among the hundreds of Black-crowned Night-Herons, mostly tucked away in dense redwood trees where they were nesting. A Glossy Ibis was found at the Woodland WTP on 5/19-20, but was not as reliably seen as the birds reported there last year.

Peregrine Falcons were confirmed nesting at the UC Davis Med Center, with four chicks photographed on a building ledge. There were impressive numbers of uncommon flycatchers, with Olive-sided, Hammond's, Dusky, and Gray flycatcher reports too numerous to list. With the wide adoption of eBird, far more of these species are being reported (and documented) than even a decade ago. One of the most surprising reports was of a flyby Scissor-tailed Flycatcher in Carmichael on 4/11. A Brewer's Sparrow was found at Deer Creek Hills on 4/23, and a Green-tailed Towhee was reported at Yolo Grasslands Regional Park on 5/28. A male Baltimore Oriole was a real surprise at a private yard in Wilton, and a Northern Paula at Grasslands Reg. Park on 5/17 was a nice find. A male Summer Tanager was found at West Pond in Davis on 5/8, and a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak on 5/19 near Meridian in Sutter County was also a nice surprise.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, Keith Bailey, Ian Baldwin, Max Brodie, Paul Buchanan, Lily Douglas, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Matt Forster, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Adrian Hinkle, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Afton Kern, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Carol Livingston, Tim Ludwick, Phil Lutz, Mark Martucci, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Linda Pittman, Jason Riggio, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Mark Stephenson, Jim Thomas, Gene Trapp, John Trochet, Bart Wickel, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

April - May 2018

Reports from this April and May included many good water birds, excellent shorebirds, a good movement of small flycatchers, but relatively few songbird vagrants. Over 50 Redheads, including more than one brood, were reported by many at the Woodland WTP, while a pair at a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County was found on 5/3 and another pair was at the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 5/4-7. One of the major highlights of the period was one or two Glossy Ibis reported by many at Woodland WTP from 5/25 into June (eBird checklist). One was seen on a nest among nesting White-faced Ibis.

Shorebirds were reported in excellent numbers highlighted by several unexpected finds. Snowy Plovers were reported along Desmond Rd at CRP on 4/15, and two to three were at the Davis Wetlands on 4/24-25. Very impressive numbers of Semipalmated Plovers were reported from CRP, including an amazing report of 320 on 4/25. Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) reports included a Ruff from 4/17-22, a Stilt Sandpiper on 4/21 and 5/2, and, most impressively, a Marsh Sandpiper from 4/15-21 (with only a handful of state records, this being the third from our area). At least six Solitary Sandpipers were reported throughout the period and region.

A Common Poorwill was a nice find at Mather Lake on 5/12 and a late Lewis's Woodpecker was found along the American River Parkway (ARP) at Willaim B. Pond on the same day.  Hammond's Flycatchers were widely reported throughout the region and the period, and single Gray Flycatchers were found at the Sacramento City Cemetery on 4/27, Yolo Grasslands Park on 5/7, a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County on 5/10, and Babel Slough on 5/11 and 5/16. Dusky Flycatcher reports included singles at YBWA on 4/23, Yolo Grasslands on 4/26, Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 4/29, Reichmuth Park on 5/15, and Babel Slough on 5/16. An apparent breeding range expansion by Say's Phoebes included the first confirmed nesting in Yolo County at the Wildhorse Ag Buffer in northeast Davis on 4/25.  They were also confirmed nesting in southeastern Woodland, as well as north Stockton.

Plumbeous Vireos were reported near the UC Davis campus on 4/18, at CRP on 4/21, and Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd on 4/22.  Two Chestnut-backed Chickadees were seasonally unexpected on 5/6 along Putah Creek downstream of Winters.  The only vagrant warbler reported this period was a singing male Hooded Warbler along Cache Creek at Wild Wings Park on 5/21 (eBird checklist). A surprising three Harris's Sparrow reports included singles at Putah Creek Access #3 on 4/3, Julietta Winery in Clarksburg on 4/14, and the Davis Wetlands on 5/7. The Swamp Sparrow that wintered at YBWA was last reported on 4/7. Yellow-breasted Chats were found at several locations on 4/27, including the Sacramento Reg. WTP Bufferlands, the Sailor Bar access to ARP, and Putah Creek Fishing Access #5, plus  Yolo Grasslands Park on 5/10. For the fifth year in a row there was a singing Summer Tanager at CRP, with one at the Orr Ranch on 5/20. A Rose-breasted Grosbeak along Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd was a nice find on 4/26, and a few Pine Siskins, reported from several sites, lingered into early May.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Roger Adamson, Keith Bailey, Kathy Blankenship, Brent Campos, Holly Coates, Lyann Comrack, Farley Cross, Mathew Dodder, Lily Douglas, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Frank Fogarty, Deb Ford, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, James Holmes, Joan Humphrey, Paul Hurtado, Logan Kahle, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Tim Ludwick, Mark Martucci, Sara Mayhew, Kurt Mize, Michael Perrone, Sonia Santa Ana, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, Jim Thomas, John Trochet, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

April - May 2017

As spring progressed, many sites were still partially flooded from the historically wet winter. Nevertheless, good reports of shorebirds and migrant songbirds were widespread. Three Red-breasted Mergansers were a surprise along Able Rd at the south end of the Colusa NWR on 5/4. The pair of Bald Eagles with two chicks at Lake Natoma continued as a highlight for many into May. There were multiple reports of Black Rails, including calling birds at White's Slough (a known location for the species near the Lodi Sewer Ponds), one seen along the Wetlands Walk boardwalk at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 4/28, and birds seen and heard along a small drainage in El Dorado Hills in late April and into May.

There were quite a few good shorebird reports, including three Snowy Plovers at the Granite Bay boat launch at Folsom Lake on 4/7 and a single along Desmond Rd at CRP on 4/15. Two Marbled Godwits were found on 4/14 at the Colusa NWR auto tour shortly after it reopened from flooding. A single Marbled Godwit was at CRP on 4/22 as was an impressive flock of 78 Whimbrels on 4/13. Single Solitary Sandpipers  were found on 4/30 at the large Meiss Rd Pond near Dillard Rd and at the Orr Ranch at CRP, and another was at CRP on 5/5. Two Willets were along Desmond Rd on 4/15, a Sanderling was found at the Lincoln WTP on 4/21, a Semipalmated Sandpiper (eBird checklist), especially rare for spring, was photographed at the Sacramento Reg. WTP (SRWTP) on 4/18-19, a Pectoral Sandpiper was found along Yolo County Rd 30 near Rd 105 on 4/27, and another Pectoral Sandpiper (a male in breeding plumage) was at CRP on 5/3. The Davis WTP had a great run, with a single Stilt Sandpipers from 5/7-9, two from 5/10-14, and a Red Knot on 5/10 and 5/13. A Sabine's Gull was a nice find at the Woodland WTP on 4/7 and a Least Tern on 4/25 was locally early at SRWTP where they have nested in recent years, including this year beginning in May.

A Common Poorwill was heard calling along Latrobe Rd on 4/30 and a poorwill was found dead from a vehicle strike on 4/16 along S River Rd, south of West Sacramento; this species is a rare, or at least rarely detected, migrant on the Valley floor. There were multiple reports of Calliope Hummingbirds visiting local feeders, and an impressive report of 6-8 males found in chaparral/chamise habitat on the ridge above the Beek's Bight parking lot at Folsom Lake on 4/25. There were a fair number of Hammond's Flycatcher reports throughout the month and, surprisingly, Gray Flycatcher  reports, between 4/9 through May, were too numerous to list here (more than a dozen reports). Single Dusky Flycatchers were reported at Bobcat Ranch west of Winters on 4/20 and at Wood Duck Lake, south of West Sacramento, on 4/30. A late Say's Phoebe on 5/15 was unusual for the date along the ag buffer in the Wildhorse neighborhood in Davis. Two Varied Thrushes along Irish Hill Rd near Ione were a surprise on the late date of 5/14 when they have been extremely scarce in our area this year. Single Northern Parulas were found along Irish Hill Rd on 5/14 and at Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd on 5/28. A Palm Warbler at White's Slough from at least 4/2-10 was an excellent find for the Valley. Other notable reports included a Green-tailed Towhee visiting a Rancho Cordova yard on 4/24, a Vesper Sparrow (eBird checklist) along Meiss Rd on 4/30, a Brewer's Sparrow on Meiss Rd on 5/2, and an impressive 20 Chipping Sparrows along Michigan Bar Rd on 4/24. A singing male Summer Tanager was present at CRP on 5/27 (for the fourth year in a row) and a singing male Baltimore Oriole was reported from private property along Putah Creek near the Solano diversion dam on 5/28.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Stuart Angerer, Keith Bailey, Carla Barbaro, Paul Buchanan, Roy Carlson, Lily Douglas, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Stephan Fettig, Frank Fogarty, Claire Gallagher, Ted Gilliland, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, James Holmes, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Stephen Long, John Luther, Mark Martucci, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Jim Rowoth, Sonia Santa Anna, Mark Sawyer, Sarah Newton-Scott, Jim Thomas, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Charley Walker, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

April - May 2016

 A very active two months with a lot of interesting birds included the second Marsh Sandpiper record for our area. Among rare waterfowl, two male Red-breasted Mergansers were found on Lake Natoma on 4/7. A Glossy Ibis (eBird checklist) was found at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area and seen by many from 4/2-8. North of our area, but still of interest were four Brown Pelicans soaring over the Sacramento NWR on 4/20.

An American Golden-Plover was an excellent find at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 4/24, though the bird of the period was a Marsh Sandpiper found at YBWA on 4/16-23 (http://www.wildlightphoto.com/birds/scolopacidae/tringa/masand00.html), allowing most who searched for it excellent views. A Ruff was also in the area from 4/19-20 (eBird checklist), as were lesser notables like two Snowy Plovers. A Ruff was also found along Desmond Rd at CRP on 4/28. A Soliary Sandpiper was found in north Davis on 4/17, and there were reports from YBWA on 4/4 and 4/18-23, as well as the Orr Forest at CRP on 4/23. This was an amazing spring for Franklin’s Gull reports, with one, a probable second-winter bird, found at Colusa NWR along Abel Rd on 4/9. An adult Franklin’s Gullat CRP’s Lost Slough wetlands on 4/24 was just the second record for Sacramento County. Another was found at the Davis WTP from 4/28-5/4, and it or another was found in a field along Rd 25 near the Conaway Stock Pond on 5/16-17. Yet another Franklin’s Gull was at Folsom Lake’s Granite Bay boat launch on 5/1. On 5/23, a pair of Least Terns was found already on a nest at the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP). This is the seventh year in the past nine that this species has nested at the site.

A Common Nighthawk was a nice surprise roosting along the edge of Michigan Bar Rd just before its junction with Latrobe Rd on 5/7 (eBird checklist). A male Costa’s Hummingbird was an excellent find in El Dorado Hills on 5/3. A male Calliope Hummingbird was seen along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters on 4/4, and at the same location on 4/30. Others were reported from Rancho Cordova on 4/9, Michigan Bar Rd on 4/12 (eBird checklist), and Mather Lake on 5/8. The Hairy Woodpeckercontinued into May along Lake Natoma near the Young Woo access. Hammond’s Flycatchers andDusky Flycatchers were reported multiple times, especially in Yolo County, and Gray Flycatcherswere reported from the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway (ARP) on 5/1, Cache Creek Wild Wings Park on 5/3, and the Blue Ridge Trail on 5/9. A Plumbeous Vireo was also found at the Gristmill access on 5/1. Common Raven expansion continues, with nesting confirmed for the first time at both the UC Davis campus and the SRWTP Bufferlands.

A Townsend’s Solitaire (eBird checklist) was found at the YBWA on 4/16. On 4/19, another Townsend’s Solitaire was found upstream of Winters along Putah Creek, and a third was found on 5/1 near Putah Creek where it’s crossed by the extension of Mace Blvd (Rd 105). On 5/5, a late singing male Varied Thrush was found along Yolo County Rd 141 near the Bogle Winery. A singing Northern Parula was at CRP’s Tall Forest on 5/17, and a singing male Blackpoll Warbler was a first for spring in Yolo County along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 5/4. A Green-tailed Towhee was found at ARP’s Ancil Hoffman Park on 5/4. On 4/2, a sparrow looking very much like a Clay-colored Sparrow was found along Meiss Rd and apparently the same bird continued through 4/8. Many experienced birders thought the photos showed a Clay-colored Sparrow, but ultimately, it appears that the bird was likely a Brewer’s Sparrow. Up to three Brewer’s Sparrows were also reported there. Grasshopper Sparrows were found breeding in a closed portion of CRP near Twin Cities Rd and I-5. They were first detected on 4/18, and an adult was seen feeding a stub-tailed juvenile on 5/20. An interesting White-crowned X Golden-crowned Sparrow (eBird checklist) was found at Mather Lake on 4/12.

A male Summer Tanager sang almost continuously north of the Orr Forest at CRP on 5/22, which is the third consecutive year that singing males have been found at CRP. A female-type Cassin's Finch was reported along the north levee of the Sacramento Bypass on 5/13. On 4/3, 12 Red Crossbills were seen in a Fair Oaks backyard, and on the surprisingly late date of 5/24, Red Crossbills were heard and seen flying over Esparto. Five Pine Siskins were found in east Davis on 5/10, with one found on the late date of 5/31. Evening Grosbeaks were reported regularly in Davis through 4/19, and then with sporadic reports until the last report of two males on 5/8.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports:  Keith Bailey, Dan Brown, Laura Davis, Lily Douglas, John Ehrenfeld, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Frank Fogarty, Brian Gilmore, Bob Greenleaf, Kevin Guse, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Doug Herr, Logan Kahle, Tony Kurz, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Tim Lenz, Tim Manolis, Mark Martucci, Frances Oliver, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, William Rockey, Jim Rowoth, Sonia Santa Anna, Mark Sawyer, Mary Schiedt, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, Jim Thomas, John Trochet, Ed Whisler, Dan Williams, Rick Williams, and Mike Yoshihara. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

April - May 2015

After a dry winter, we had an unusual spring, with mostly cool temperatures and a strong Delta Breeze. Aside from flycatchers, songbird migrant reports were below average, but there was good diversity of shorebirds and uncommon hummingbirds. A male Eurasian Green-winged Teal was photographed at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 4/23 and a male Red-breasted Merganserwas at Lake Camanche on 4/13. Single Least Bitterns were reported through 4/11 at Stone Lakes NWR, at the Barn Ponds of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 4/19, Mather Lake on 5/12, and Cache Creek near the Wild Wings County Park west of Woodland on 5/16. Presumably the sameLittle Blue Heron returned to the rookery in Natomas on 5/8, but it was only reported one day, courting a Cattle Egret, and didn’t linger like it did last spring. Following on the numerous Black Railreports at Stone Lakes last month, up to three were singing and calling along the River Walk at CRP from 5/23 into June; another was reported from Twitchell Island on 4/17. 

In contrast with a slow songbird migrant season, shorebirds were particularly well represented. Lake Camanche had a good showing, with two Snowy Plovers on 4/13, four on 4/18, five on 4/21, plus a Marbled Godwit and Baird’s Sandpiper (eBird checklist) on 4/25; the latter being quite unusual in spring. An impressive 215  Semipalmated Plovers were at CRP on 4/26 and an impressive 43 Willets were at the Woodland WTP on 4/16. Abel Rd in Colusa County east of Williams had quite a list of species on 4/24, including Snowy Plover (cont. to 5/3),Marbled Godwit (cont. to 5/3), a Semipalmated Sandpiper (regular but rare in fall, very rare in spring), and a Baird’s Sandpiper. Solitary Sandpiper reports included the YBWA on 4/8, the Bufferlands on 4/21, the Ione WTP on 4/25, and Mather Lake on 5/2. Four Marbled Godwits were at the Granite Bay Boat Launch at Folsom Lake on 4/27. Ostrom Rd southeast of Yuba City hosted two Willets and four Marbled Godwits on 4/27 and the shorebird highlight of the season, a Rufffrom 4/28-30. 

After last winter’s influx, a few Band-tailed Pigeons lingered until late May. A migrant Common Poorwill along Pumphouse Slough near Babel Slough in Yolo County was a nice find on 4/20.Costa’s Hummingbirds males were reported at Fair Oaks on 4/2 and Rancho Cordova on 4/20, while Calliope Hummingbirds (eBird checklist) were reported more widely than ever before, with a few dozen reports throughout the Sacramento Area from 4/1 to the last week in May.  Lewis’s Woodpeckers were widespread into early May. The last report was from Hwy 16 near Latrobe Rd in Amador County on 5/25, but probably the same bird was found dead on the highway on 5/31. The male and female Hairy Woodpeckers along Lake Natoma, downstream of Young Wo Circle, continued through at least 4/19, with the female reported in early June. 

Amid a generally slow spring for songbirds, empids were well represented, with widespread reports of Hammond’s Flycatchers, and reports of the less common Gray Flycatcher at CRP on 4/5, Meiss Rd on 4/13 (eBird checklist), Don Nottoli Park on 4/16, the Howard Ranch on 4/19, and Mather Lake on 4/30. Dusky Flycatchers were reported on 4/11 at Cache Creek Wild Wings Park, 4/16 near the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway, 4/19 at the Howard Ranch and at CRP, along Putah Creek near Stevenson’s Bridge on 4/22, Mather Lake on 4/30 and 5/19, and William Land Park on 5/20. A singing Say’s Phoebe was at the Sacramento Reg. WTP on the late date of 4/27. 

Reports of bird-rich days were few and far between this spring, though one with good numbers and diversity, including two Hermit Warblers, was along Rd 126 at the Sacramento Bypass on 5/11. Another such morning also produced good overall numbers and a Red-eyed Vireo upstream of Stevenson’s Bridge on 5/18. Steller’s Jays, widespread last winter, continued through the end of April. A Red-breasted Nuthatch was found at CRP on 4/19 and a female Varied Thrush on the late date of 5/23 at the Davis Wetlands was quite a surprise. There were several reports of Yellow-breasted Chats, with most coming from CRP, including two on 4/24. A Clay-colored Sparrow was well-described at YBWA on 4/27 and Brewer’s Sparrow reports in eastern Sacramento County continued into early May. A very vocal Baltimore Oriole (possibly with some Bullock’s traits) was found at Westgate Landing Regional Park west of Lodi from 5/15 through at least 5/31; a female Summer Tanager was reported there on 5/16. Pine Siskin reports continued into early May, with an unusually late 5/20 report from the Bufferlands. A pair of Lawrence’s Goldfinches at CRP on 5/11 was unusual away from their known sites on the margins of the Valley. 


The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Ben Abramovitz, Dan Airola, Stuart Angerer, Breck Breckenridge, Paul Buchanan, Brent Campos, Ashley Casey, Lyann Comrack, Dave and Pat Croft, Farley Cross, Iryna Dronova, Todd Easterla, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Claire Gallagher, Maureen Geiger, Ian Gledhill, Cory Gregory, Gary Grenfell, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Afton Kern, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Jim Lomax, Calvin Lou, Bunkie and Jeff Mangum, Don Marsh, Mark Martucci, Sarah Mayhew, Frances Oliver, Ron Pozzi, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Judy Spitler, John Sterling, Jim Thomas, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Amy and Daniel Welsh, Dan Williams, and Julian Wood. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

April - May 2014

During a very busy two months, the obvious standout was a Marsh Sandpiper  (photos and additional information) found along Liberty Island Rd, south of Swan Rd, in Solano County southeast of Dixon on 4/9-12. This was only the second for California and the contiguous U.S. and the first seen by multiple observers—in this case probably more than two hundred observers.  The bird was also seen flying into adjacent Yolo County.  The other standout shorebird of the period was a Stilt Sandpiper in alternate plumage on a closed portion of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 4/27.

Hooded Mergansers are continuing to establish themselves as breeding birds in our area.  Two family groups were seen in mid-May along the American River Parkway (ARP). One was upstream of Howe Ave and the other was near the Gristmill access.  The Howe family was closely tracked and the female appeared to lose her eight young in only three days.  A Red-breasted Merganser found on the American River near the Gristmill access on 2/22 continued through 4/6.  Additional shorebird highlights included a Pacific Golden-Plover at Sherman Island in southwestern Sacramento County on 4/27-29 (eBird checklist), and single Snowy Plovers at the Yolo Landfill Pond along Rd 28H on 4/23, the Granite Bay boat launch at Folsom Lake on 4/25, and the Woodland WTP on 5/2.  A Solitary Sandpiper was found at CRP on 4/17 and an impressive concentration of five or more was on a closed portion of CRP on 4/26. A Marbled Godwit was at the Regional San Bufferlands on 4/25 (eBird checklist). The most notable gull report was a second-cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull at the Yolo County Central Landfill on 4/5.

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Costa's Hummingbird by Sharon Wisecarver

A male Costa’s Hummingbird visited a south Sacramento yard from 5/31 to at least mid-June, and single Calliope Hummingbirds were reported on 4/3 in Elk Grove, 4/5 at CRP, at another site in Elk Grove on 4/7, and along Garden Hwy near Sacramento on 4/15. Gray Flycatchers were slightly more conspicuous than usual, with reports from Don Nottoli Park in Elk Grove on 4/21 (eBird checklist), the Bufferlands on 5/2, two individuals near the Nimbus Hatchery on 5/13, and Slide Hill Park in Davis, also on 5/13.  The latter site also had three Hammond’s Flycatchers and a single Dusky Flycatcher on the same date.  Single Dusky Flycatchers were also found near the Gristmill access on 5/14 and at CRP on 5/25. A singing Say’s Phoebe was a surprise for the late date of 5/12 at the Woodland WTP.

Plumbeous Vireos were reported from Slide Hill Park on 4/20, the Gristmill area of ARP on 5/12, with perhaps the same bird downstream at Larchmont Park on 5/14, and in north Davis on 5/23.  Other interesting finds included a Steller’s Jay from Rayhouse Rd in Yolo County on 4/12 and 5/18, a Tennessee Warbler along Putah Creek in Solano County downstream of Hwy 505 on 5/16, and a Black-and-white Warbler reported singing at the Sacramento Bypass in Yolo County on 5/24.  Two  Brewer’s Sparrows were along Michigan Bar Rd north of the Cosumnes River on 4/20-21, single Vesper Sparrows were along Sand Creek Rd in Colusa County on 4/5 and Latrobe Rd in Sacramento County on 4/7, the Swamp Sparrow along Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd continued through 4/7, a White-throated Sparrow was found in a Davis yard at the very late date of 5/31, and the Harris’s Sparrow in north Davis off of Cortez Ave continued through 4/5.  And finally, a male  Indigo Bunting was found singing at the Sacramento Bypass in Yolo County on 5/25-31.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports:  Roger Adamson, Dan Airola, Cathy Corcoran, Chris Dunford, Andy Engilis, Cory Gregory, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Chance Hines, Sharon Kirkpatrick, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Roger Muskat, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Jim Pompy, Ron Pozzi, John Sterling, Michael Strom, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Ed Whisler, Hillary White, Sharon Wisecarver, and Gary Zamzow. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

April - May 2013

In the spring of 2013, single Hooded Merganser chicks were delivered to veterinary clinics in both Loomis and Cool, Placer County (Stefanie Stewart, pers. com.). The nest sites of these birds are unknown, but these chicks and others found in the same area in 2011 and 2012 point to additional nesting in the region. Photo by Amber Mecum and Stefanie Stewart.

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It is difficult to condense two of the most active months on the avian calendar, but though this spring was slim on hoped for vagrant songbirds, some regular western migrants were very well represented. There were good numbers of uncommon Empidonax flycatchers and Yellow-breasted Chats were too numerous to list (http://rayrozema.smugmug.com/Birds/Warblers/15005972_Hb5mXS#!i=2482861145&k=Bg9JNqj).

For the third year in a row, Hooded Mergansers nested at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP), with a nest found in a Wood Duck box at Horseshoe Lake east of Hwy 99. A female with six chicks near the Valensin Forest at CRP on 5/21 may have been from that nest or could represent another breeding record. This species is now becoming established as a nesting bird in California and portions of the Central Valley (http://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/journals/wb/v37n04/p0228-p0236.pdf).

Snowy Plovers were found at Folsom Lake near the Granite Bay Boat Launch on 4/6, the Woodland WTP on 4/10, and CRP on 4/28. The only Solitary Sandpiper reported was at CRP’s Cougar Wetlands on 4/27. Single Willetswere found at CRP on 4/13, the Granite Bay Boat Launch on 4/17, with seven there on 5/3, and in Sutter County on 4/23 along Marcuse Rd off Hwy 99 and along W Catlett Rd. Two Sanderlings were at the Granite Bay Boat Launch from 5/6-8 and an adult Franklin’s Gull was seen there on 4/13.

A migrating Common Poorwill was found at Yolo Grasslands Park on 5/3 and single Calliope Hummingbirds were at CRP on 4/13 and Babel Slough on 5/4. Willow Flycatchers are more easily found in fall migration, with spring reports this year at Yolo Grasslands on 5/24, the Sacramento Bypass northwest of West Sacamento on 5/23-24, the Sacramento County Bufferlands on 5/28, and Folsom on 5/29. In addition to the numerous Hammond’s Flycatcher reports, Dusky Flycatcherswere found along the Sacramento River near Greenhaven on 4/12, at CRP on 4/21, at Yolo Grasslands Park on 4/26, in Davis on 5/9, at Paradise Beach on 5/11, and at E Portal Park in Sacramento on 5/13. Gray Flycatchers were at the Sacramento Bypass on 5/3 and 5/13, Paradise Beach on 5/11, and Sailor Bar on 5/16. A hatch year Say’s Phoebe at Bobcat Ranch west of Winters on 5/17 may have come from a nest nearby.

A Bell’s Vireo at the Bufferlands on 4/29-30 raised hopes that it might try to nest, but was it was not subsequently found. A Bell’s Vireo was found at YBWA (Putah Creek Sinks) on 5/9 where nesting was attempted in 2010 and 2011. A Plumbeous Vireo was reported at Willowbank Ditch in Davis on 5/9. Brown Creepers nested along Putah Creek upstream of Winters were they have in previous years and a late Pacific Wrenwas at CRP on 4/21. A Northern Parula was singing at the Point along the River Walk at CRP on 5/11 and a Green-tailed Towhee was found on 5/7 at the Sacramento Bypass. There were multiple Brewer’s Sparrows reports, with the first at Don Nottoli Park in Elk Grove on 4/2-17 and at the surprisingly late date of 5/28; additional reports include Michigan Bar Rd on 4/6-7 and 4/24, and Meiss Rd from 4/13-23, with an impressive six on 4/23. Vesper Sparrows were found on Michigan Bar Rd on 4/7 and Meiss Rd on 4/13 and 4/27, with multiple Grasshopper Sparrows also found on Meiss Rd (photos). A Black-throated Sparrow was reported in Lincoln on 5/3, White-throated Sparrow reports were particularly numerous, the continuing Harris’s Sparrow in N Davis was last seen on 4/9, and two male Lark Buntings were reported on Yolo County Rd 38 southeast of Davis on 5/6. Both Red-breasted Nuthatches and Pine Siskinslingered well into May at multiple locations and a Red Crossbill was reported in Davis on 4/29.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Ashley Casey, Jenner Davidson, Scott Dietrich, Chris Dunford, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Tim Fitzer, Claire Gallagher, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Ron Melcer, Frances Oliver, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Linda Pittman, Jim Rowoth, John Sterling, Stefanie Stewart, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Daniel Welsh, and Hillary White. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

April - May 2012

It is impossible to include all the notable reports from two of the most active months in the avian calendar, with lingering wintering birds, the arrival of summering birds, and vast numbers of purely transitory migrants. Perhaps the most notable theme for this year’s spring migration was the discovery of several sparrows rare to our area. Michigan Bar Rd in eastern Sacramento County produced reports of two Brewer’s Sparrows on 4/29 and one on 5/12, plus a Black-throated Sparrow on 5/9 along and a male Lark Bunting on 5/13. Nearby Meiss Rd produced up to four Brewer’s Sparrows from 5/6-12, as well as another Black-throated Sparrow on 5/9 (photos by Linda Pittman). Meiss Rd also hosted at least two pairs of Grasshopper Sparrows for which the road is well known, and Michigan Bar Rd produced steady Lawrence’s  Goldfinch reports. Blue Ridge to the northwest of Vacaville hosted one or more Black-chinned Sparrows from 5/17-28. The Harris’s Sparrow in north Davis continued through at least 4/7.

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Crested Caracara - photo by Sarah Mayhew

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Crested Caracara - photo by Sarah Mayhew

Most exciting were two finds that are first records for the Central Valley. The discovery of a Crested Caracara southeast of Davis along Mace Blvd on 4/16 was a major find for the area, with many observers seeing the bird through 4/17, and at least one report on 4/21. Perhaps even more out of place was a Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel found at the Yolo Landfill Pond on Rd 28H. It was seen by many on the afternoon and evening of 4/28 (Photos by Marcel Holyoak). (Additional photos and details of Yolo County rarities are here: http://www.tertial.us/yolobirds/yolorare.htm)

Sacramento County’s first breeding record of Hooded Mergansers was documented last year at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) with the discovery of a female with young; this year a female was found incubating eggs in a Wood Duck box.

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Female Hooded Merganser sitting on eggs - photo by Jim Dunn.

Sacramento County’s first breeding record of Hooded Mergansers was documented last year at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) with the discovery of a female with young; this year a female was found incubating eggs in a Wood Duck box. For the third year in a row, California Gulls have attempted to nest at the Davis WTP, but this year only three pairs have been detected. Other interesting reports include a late Common Loon on the American River Parkway near Upper Sunrise that was found on 6/10 downstream by Howe Ave, a Red-necked Grebe at the Lincoln WTP on 5/9, the continuing Brown Pelican in West Sacramento into early June and another over Mather Lake in Rancho Cordova on 4/22, four Willets at CRP on 4/30, a Ruff at CRP on 4/14-22 and another at the Yolo Wildlife Area on 4/23, the continuing Lesser Black-backed Gull at Folsom Lake (Granite Bay) on 4/3, a late near-adult Glaucous Gull at the Yolo Landfill on 4/27, and a Least Tern found at the Sacramento Reg. WTP on 5/21 where they have nested for the past four years.

A calling Northern Pygmy-Owl at the Michigan Bar Bridge on 4/7 was one of few records for Sacramento County. A Lesser Nighthawk found on South Shingle Rd on 5/9, just east of Michigan Bar Rd, may be the first for El Dorado County, though they are regular on nearby Meiss Rd. Two Steller’s Jays were found at Cold Canyon Reserve on 5/28, and a Brown Creeper was nest building downstream of Lake Solano on 5/16. A Townsend’s Solitaire was found on Rayhouse Rd on 4/23 and impressive movements of Swainson’s Thrushes were reported along Putah Creek and at CRP, with a high of 50-60 just west of UC Davis along Putah Creek on 5/9. A Northern Parula was found along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters on 5/30. Yellow-breasted Chats were reported at CRP on 5/11 and Michigan Bar on 5/12, but most interesting was apparent breeding by a pair at Sailor Bar along the American River, first detected on 5/30.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties are included. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Scott Dietrich, Chris Dunford, Jim Dunn, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Cory Gregory, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Dave Johnson, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, John Luther, Don Marsh, Mark Martucci, Harry Oakes, Frances Oliver, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Linda Pittman, Ron Pozzi, William Rockey, Diane Rose, Jim Rowoth, John Sterling, John Trochet, Bruce Webb, Magill Weber, and Ed Whisler. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

April - May 2011

Somewhat surprisingly, with an unusually cool and wet spring, there were relatively few unusual finds. Of course there were a lot of birds to see and a few notable reports, but hoped for vagrant songbirds were not among them: not a single vagrant warbler was reported in the Sacramento area. Shorebirds were better represented and Evening Grosbeaks continued through mid-May. Perhaps the most notable birds the storms blew in were Black Swifts, seen over Putah Creek just downstream of Monticello Dam, on 5/15 and 5/17. The other standout report was the return of at least two singing Bell’s Vireos to the Yolo Wildlife Area (YWA) just south of Parking Lot G.

Black Swift, May 17, 2011, by John Sterling

Evening Grosbeaks, April 17, 2011, by Chris Conard

For additional photos of the Black Swift,
click here 

For videos of the Evening Grosbeaks and additional photos, click here

A gorgeous Red-necked Grebe in breeding plumage at William B. Pond along the American River Parkway (ARP) on 5/5-6 was an excellent find. A Brown Pelican was seen flying over Sacramento near Hwy 50 and 65th St. on 5/28 (on 6/2 it or another bird was found in W Sacramento). Least Bitterns were heard calling at Mather Lake on 5/13, with two heard on 5/14, and at Lake Solano on 5/22. A Merlin on 4/23 at Cosumnes River Preserve was one of the later local reports.

Among the good shorebird finds, six Pacific Golden-Plovers were at the Trestle Ponds northeast of Woodland on 4/18. A Snowy Plover was found at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 4/23, and one was present there from 5/1-3. A high of 13 Snowy Plovers were at YWA, first reported on 4/26, some exhibiting breeding behavior. Ultimately they abandoned the area when the fields where they were foraging dried up. Solitary Sandpipers were widely reported, with an early report from a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County on 4/3. There were multiple reports at CRP between 4/22 and 5/8, with an impressive high of five on 4/30. Two Willets were present at YWA on 4/27, and up to 10 Marbled Godwits were reported toward the end of April, but the most notable find there was a Red Knot in breeding plumage on 4/26.

For the second year in a row, California Gulls attempted to nest at the Davis WTP. A very usual scene in the Capay Valley on 5/16 involved an adult Western Gull eating a road-killed raccoon. Closer to more typical haunts, and adult Western Gull was also reported from Sherman Island on the same day. A single Least Tern was found at the SRCSD Bufferlands on 5/31, where they have nested for the past three years.Among the uncommon flycatchers, most notable were several Gray Flycatchers, including one at Beek’s Bight, Folsom Lake, on 5/1, CRP on 5/2, along Putah Creek between Winters and Davis on 5/11, and one at Paradise Beach (ARP) on 5/15. The Steller’s Jay that wintered in Curtis Park continued through the end of May. A singing Brown Creeper was along Putah Creek downstream of Lake Solano on 4/27 and an adult was feeding a fledgling at the Lake Solano campground on 5/30 (video here). A Green-tailed Towhee was found at Sailor Bar (ARP) on 5/18, and the Harris’s Sparrow found near the Gristmill access (ARP) on 1/31 was last reported on 4/17. Evening Grosbeak reports continued, with up to 30 along Old Davis Rd near the UCD Wildlife Health Center. They were seen at this location from 4/13 to 5/14, and breeding behavior (copulation and stick carrying) was noted on at least two occasions. Two were reported flying over Orangevale on 5/15.

Many of these reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve. Visit cvbirds.org and click "Listserve" for details. With more than 100 reports, it is impossible to list everyone; however, I want to thank the following for reports on the above species and for providing additional information: Steve Abbott, Dan Airola, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Dan Kopp, Alison Kent, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Sarah Newton, Frances Oliver, Ron Pozzi, W.L. Rockey, John Sterling, John Trochet, and Daniel Welsh. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

April - May 2010

It is impossible to cover everything from two of the most active months on the avian calendar, but there is no doubt about the highlights of the season, and probably the year.  Bell’s Vireos were found singing from two separate locations south of Parking Lot G at the Yolo Wildlife Area (YWA) beginning on 4/16.  Possible mating activity was reported involving a third bird, but nothing was confirmed.  This species had been a regular member of the Central Valley’s breeding bird fauna prior to being devastated by Brown-headed Cowbird nest parasitism and riparian habitat loss.  Modifications to the environment made the state far more suitable to cowbirds, and Bell’s Vireos were hit harder than any of the native songbirds, becoming rare by the 1920s.  The YWA birds continued through press time, and though there are a lot of cowbirds in the area, it is very encouraging to see the possible return of this species.  Bell’s Vireos successfully bred at the San Joaquin NWR (Stanislaus County) in 2005 after an absence from the region for decades.  Click here for a video by Chris Conard.

Bell's Vireo by Craig Swolgaard 4/16/2010

Painted Redstart by Subhash Chand, May 22, 2010

A Painted Redstart, a gorgeous warbler characteristic of southeastern Arizona, was found in a residential neighborhood in Auburn sometime before birders became aware of it on 5/17.  This very cooperative bird, the loudest and most conspicuous in the neighborhood, was found through at least 5/28.  Painted Redstarts are very rare visitors to far southern California in winter, but this is only the third or fourth record for the northern half of the state, and most unexpected.  Click here for a video by Chris Conard.

With sporadic rain and unsettled weather, one might have expected a lot of grounded migrants.  There were some excellent days, especially in the western half of the Valley, with those east of the Sacramento River wondering where most of the birds were.  Perhaps most astonishing was a morning walk up Rayhouse Rd in the foothills of Yolo County on 5/1.  In addition to nice finds of a Pileated Woodpecker and a Hairy Woodpecker, there were amazing numbers of regular western migrants.  Low estimates were of 40 Western Wood-Pewees, 40 Ash-throated Flycatchers, 125 Warbling Vireos, 150 Townsend’s Warblers, 175 Hermit Warblers, 100 Wilson’s Warblers, and 75 Western Tanagers.  This gives a hint of how many birds migrate through and what a small fraction we actually record.

A partial list will have to suffice for the other highlights, with a female Surf Scoter at the Woodland WTP on 4/20, a Least Bittern at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 5/8, a Ruddy Turnstone at the Davis Wetlands on 5/14, a breeding plumage  Sanderling and Baird’s Sandpiper (very rare in spring) at the Woodland WTP on 5/19, a Ruff at YWA on 4/20-22 and 5/1, a Common Nighthawk along Meiss Rd on 5/28, many Olive-sided Flycatcher and Gray Flycatcher reports (the latter mostly around Davis), Brown Creepers nest building near Lake Solano on 4/14, a Black-and-White Warbler near UCD on 4/14, an amazing 25-30 Chipping Sparrows  near Winters on 4/15, and three to four likely breeding pairs of Dark-eyed Juncos at CRP.  There were two frustrating reports lingering from March.  A male Vermilion Flycatcher was photographed on private property in central Yolo County, but word didn’t get out until after it was gone.  Also, a Gray Catbird was apparently photographed in Carmichael on 3/10, but the photographer wouldn’t give specific details.

Many of these reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserv. Visit www.cvbirds.org and click "Listserv" for details.  With over 200 reports, it is impossible to list everyone; however, I want to thank the following for reports on the above species and for providing additional information:  Roger Adamson, Dan Airola, Dan Brown, Todd Easterla, Leo Edson, Irene Engilis, Gil Ewing, Kevin Guse, Steve Hampton, Dave Johnson, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Linda Pittman, Deren Ross, Don Schmoldt, Susan Schneider, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Sally Walters, Liz West, and Ed Whisler.   Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

April - May 2009

While April and May only officially cover one season, spring, they encompass much of the avian calendar.  The last of the wintering sparrows and ducks typically leave in the first ten days of May, with shorebird migration pretty much over by then as well.  Songbird migration is a more protracted affair, beginning as early as January with the influx of Tree Swallows, and extending into June with Willow Flycatchers, plus a few late Yellow Warblers and Swainson’s Thrushes.  Mid-May to mid-June is a good window for vagrants, and we had only one to speak of this period, though another surprise will have to wait for the next column.

This Summer Tanager was photographed in north Davis on May 17 by John Sterling. The blotchy red plumage is indicative of a first spring male.

The songbird highlight of the period was a young male Summer Tanager in north Davis on 5/17.  Many observers reported low numbers of migrants until unsettled weather in early May produced some nice mornings with good counts of warblers, Western Tanagers, flycatchers, and vireos.  In late April, when things were slow in the Valley, there were reports of good movements of common western migrants in the foothills.  There was a smattering of Hammond’s Flycatchers reported locally, with the slightly rarer Dusky Flycatcher reported in Davis on 4/20 and Ancil Hoffman Park along the American River Parkway (ARP) on 4/28.  Another was found at the Yolo Wildlife Area (YWA) on 4/21, where a Gray Flycatcher was also found.  The latter species is a spring-only migrant in the Valley and always a nice find, with others reported at Prairie City OHV Park on 4/22, Reichmuth Park on 4/28, and ARP near Howe Ave on 5/2 and 5/14.

Stilt Sandpiper was found at the Yolo Wildlife Area on 4/13/09 by Ed Harper. It remained there for a second day. Photo by Chris Conard, 4/14/09.

The other highlight bird for the period was a Stilt Sandpiper at YWA on 4/13-14.  A Ruddy Turnstone was another excellent find there on 4/14 and 4/16.  Marbled Godwits were regularly reported from the site, with a high of 9 on 4/19.  Other good shorebird finds include a Snowy Plover at the Sacramento County Bufferlands on 4/26, and Solitary Sandpipers from the same location on 4/20-22, and Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 4/24.

Steller’s Jays were found in several Valley locations this past winter, but one in Sutter County where Riego Rd joins the Garden Hwy on the late date of 5/21 was a real surprise.  Other lingering winter birds included a Varied Thrush on 5/16 at CRP  and  Pine Siskins in Davis through at least 5/12.  Additional notable reports were the returning Least Terns at the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (more next month) on 5/29, a Band-tailed Pigeon in the River Park neighborhood of Sacramento on 5/1, good numbers of Calliope Hummingbird reported, with a high of three individuals along ARP downstream of the Nimbus Hatchery on 5/5.  A  Brewer’s Sparrow was reported on the same day and at the same location.  Rounding out the highlights, Olive-sided Flycatcher reports were up slightly this spring, a Vesper Sparrow was along Scott Rd south of White Rock Rd on 4/23, and a local high-count of ten Chipping Sparrows was at Ancil Hoffman (ARP) on 4/9.

Many of these reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserv.  Visit www.cvbirds.org and click "Listserv" for details. With over 200 reports, it is impossible to list everyone; however, I want to thank the following for reports on the above species and for providing additional information:  Todd Easterla, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Frank Gray, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Keith Kwan, Jeri Langham, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Linda Pittman, Don Schmoldt, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, and Dan Williams.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

April - May 2008

For many, April through May is the highlight of the birding year.  Common Western songbird passage peaks from mid-April to mid-May, though the end of May into early June is a good time to look for Eastern vagrants.  Shorebirds tend to peak earlier, with the bulk of the birds having moved on by the second week of May.  In addition to the expected species, there were a few surprises this season.  A Black-and-white Warbler was found along Putah Creek near Stevenson's Bridge on 4/17.  Another  Black-and-white Warbler was seen on 5/24 along with a "fall out" of common Western species at the UC Davis Riparian Reserve.  On 5/16, a gorgeous singing male Hooded Warbler spent the day at the Gristmill Rec. Area of the American River Parkway (ARP).

Additional highlights for the period included a Red-necked Grebe in breeding plumage at the Lincoln WTP on 5/5 and a breeding plumage Franklin's Gull  photographed on 4/5 at the Davis Wetlands.  A Snowy Plover at Beal AFB on 4/29 was a first for Yuba County and a Red Knot in breeding plumage near Dingville (south of Yuba City) on 5/13 was an excellent find.  A Solitary Sandpiper was found on 4/3 at Sailor Bar, ARP, in addition to one at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 4/12, and another at North Davis Farms on 5/8.  On 4/18 at CRP, a Willet and four Short-billed Dowitchers were reported.  Twenty-four Marbled Godwits at Yolo Wildlife Area (YWA) on 5/1 was the high count for the spring.

It was an excellent spring for Gray Flycatchers, with two from Davis, and single birds from Sacramento, CRP, and ARP between 4/19 and 5/3.  At least five were found in the Auburn State Rec. Area on 4/29.  To the south of our typical area of coverage came a report of 62 Gray Flycatchers in the foothills of Madera County on 4/25.  Typically thought of as a rare spring migrant west of the Sierra crest, this is an outstanding report. A Dusky Flycatcher was reported at North Davis Farms on 4/14.  On 4/27, two  Hammond's Flycatchers and one Dusky Flycatcher were found at CRP.

The Green-tailed Towhee first found on 11/25 in a Rancho Cordova backyard continued through at least 5/9.  Another Green-tailed Towhee was seen in a Carmichael yard on 4/18.  On 4/26, a Brewer's Sparrow was found north of the Cosumnes River on Michigan Bar Rd.  On 4/27, two Grasshopper Sparrows were reported along Meiss Rd.  A Harris's Sparrow was found on private property along the Mokelumne River near Lodi on 4/29.  A very late Golden-crowned Sparrow was at the Sacramento County Bufferlands on 5/27.

Other interesting reports included two Brown Creepers taking food to a nest along Putah Creek in Solano County on 5/18, a Calliope Hummingbird in Olivehurst on 4/21, another along Putah Creek on 4/24, and a Sage Thrasher on 5/14 along Thornton Rd to the south of the Lodi WTP.  There was an amazing report of over 300 Swainson's Hawks south of Tracy along I-5 on 5/29.  A very late (possibly injured) Rough-legged Hawk was found in Placer County near Dowd and Waltz Rds from 4/24 through at least 4/26.  A report of 70 Common Yellowthroats at CRP on 4/12 was impressive.  A Hooded Merganser with 11-12 young was reported on 5/5 from Sun City Lincoln Hills where this species has now bred for several years.

Many of these reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserv.  Visit www.cvbirds.org and click "Listserv" for details.  With over 150 reports, it is impossible to list everyone; however, I want to thank the following for reports on the above species and for providing additional information:  Ryan Abe, Steve Abbott, Roger Adamson, Dan Brown, Subhash Chand, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Irene Engilis, Gil Ewing, Tim Fitzer, Maureen Geiger, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Scott Hoppe, David Johnson, Jon Katz, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Jim Laughlin, Cin-Ty Lee, Tim Manolis, Ed Pandolfino, Andy Pfeffer, Deren Ross, Kathryn Sanderson, Mary Schiedt, John Sterling, John Trochet, Charley Walker, Dee Warenycia, Brian Williams, and Dan Williams.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.