August 2024

After a July that broke all-time heat records, hard to believe, August was a relief. Temperatures were more reasonable and we settled into what is often one of the most exciting months on the birding calendar. In August, with post-breeding migration in full swing, just about anything seems possible. A few Snow Geese were reported from scattered locations for the second summer in a row, while a few more Greater White-fronted Geese were found in keeping with recent trends. A Red-breasted Merganser on Folsom Lake was seen from Beals Point for much of the month (eBird Checklist S190051506). A Greater Roadrunner photographed at the Davis Wetlands on 8/29 (eBird Checklist S193177378) was an excellent find. This species has declined in the region because of habitat loss, so finding one so close to heavily developed human habitats is a surprise, but not unprecedented. A female-type Costa's Hummingbird was photographed at a private yard in Wilton from 8/14 into September.

Shorebird highlights included one to two Snowy Plovers found at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) during the first week of the month, one reported sporadically at the Woodland WTP throughout the month (probably accounting for more than one individual over time), one at Beals Point on 8/8, and one at the White Slough WTP (Lodi Sewer Ponds) on 8/23. Solitary Sandpiper reports came from Staten Island on 8/11, a couple different reports from YBWA, and one on the edge of our covered region, in the foothills of Nevada County, at the Lake of the Pines WTP on 8/29. Marbled Godwit and Willet records were a bit too many to innumerate, but four Marbled Godwits at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 8/15 were a nice find for Sacramento County, where this species is not nearly so regular as in Yolo County. On 8/17, a Stilt Sandpiper was quite a surprise at CRP (eBird Checklist S191829688). This species only turns up in the Sacramento area every few years. Single, molting adult Sanderlings were found on 8/3 near the Granite Bay Boat Launch at Folsom Lake (eBird Checklist S190049175), on 8/9 at YBWA, and from 8/11-8/13 at CRP. While still rare to uncommon, Baird's, Pectoral, and Semipalmated sandpipers were reported in small numbers from multiple locations throughout the month.

An Eastern Wood-Pewee was found to the south of the area usually covered here, at Oak Grove Park in Ripon, on 8/2. This diagnostically calling bird was seen and, more importantly, heard by many through 8/5 (eBird Checklist S190046803). This is an excellent find anywhere in the state. An Eastern Kingbird found at CRP on 8/18 appears to be a first for the preserve. A Northern Parula seen by many at the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway on 8/29 continued into early September. A Summer Tanager was found by the same party on the same day--interestingly, 8/29 is well-represented in this column--downstream of Gristmill and the Mayhew Drain, near Larchmont Park, and continued to 8/31. The Indigo Bunting found at the SacSewer Bufferlands on 6/27 was last detected on 8/2.

The Sacramento Area as covered here lies 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: Cavan Allen, Lyann Comrack, Jonathan Eisen, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Joshua Greenfield, Jim Holmes, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Colin Meusel, Dana Miller-Blair, Zane Pickus, Linda Pittman, Ron Pozzi, Rene Reyes, Diane Rose, Steve Rose, Dessi Sieburth, Steve Scott, Gavin Stacey, Cameron Tescher, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2023

While still fully in the grips of summer weather, August is prime migration time for shorebirds and many songbirds. Based on scattered impressions, it appears songbird migration was a little slow. Shorebirds, on the other hand, produced some of the best records ever for the area. Snow Geese continued at multiple sites in the region, which, prior to this year, was very unusual. A White-winged Dove (eBird Checklist S147349713) was a surprise on 8/15 on the Solano County side of Putah Creek at Fishing Access #1 between Winters and Lake Berryessa. On 8/17, a Calliope Hummingbird was coming to a feeder in the Rosemont neighborhood east of Sacramento.

There were excellent shorebird reports this month, and shorebirds accounted for the majority of the area's notable finds. A Pacific Golden-Plover was at the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) Lost Slough Wetlands from 8/19-8/25. A juvenile Hudsonian Godwit was a first for Yolo County (eBird Checklist S147581855) and one of very few records for the Central Valley. It was found at the CR 104 ponds west of the Yolo Central Landfill from 8/18-8/19. A bright Red Knot (eBird Checklist S146345960) was an excellent find at the Woodland WTP on 8/3. Stilt Sandpiper reports came from the Lincoln WTP, 8/15-8/22, and the Robben Rd ponds south of Dixon on 8/23; both reports were of juvenile birds and the dates suggest it could be the same bird involved, but that's only speculation. An adult Red-necked Stint in fading breeding plumage (eBird Checklist S148580342) was an excellent find at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 8/29-30, providing just the second record for the Sacramento area. A Common Tern (eBird Checklist S147809430) was a nice find at the Woodland WTP on 8/21.

A Short-eared Owl flying in the early morning of 8/20 near the Yolo CR 104 ponds was a nice surprise this early in the season. There appeared to be an early influx of Red-breasted Nuthatches late in the month after a couple of years with few reports in the area. A Gray Catbird was a very nice find along Putah Creek, Solano County, near Mace Blvd on 8/31. A Northern Waterthrush on 8/15 was another nice find for Putah Creek Fishing Access #1, and a Northern Parula (eBird Checklist S148176318) was found along Putah Creek near the Pedrick Rd bridge on 8/26-8/27.

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: Steve Abbott, Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Lyann Comrack, Konshau Duman, Joshua Greenfield, Susan Harrison, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Jasen Liu, Mark Martucci, Roger Muskat, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Ron Pozzi, Steve Scott, Kirk Swenson, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, and Bart Wickel. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2022

Despite the heat, August is one of the best months to experience migration. As it turned out, this August was really active in terms of rare and uncommon birds. Shorebirds continued in excellent numbers from July, and by the end of the month songbird migrants were showing in good numbers and diversity. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo at Rossmoor Bar along the American River Parkway (ARP) on 8/28 was quite a surprise. This species has declined precipitously in recent decades, so any local observation is a real treat.

Uncommon shorebirds vied with songbirds to get top billing this month. There were so many excellent reports of both, we'll call it a draw. Snowy Plovers are very rare in our area, but are typically found each year. One was at the Woodland WTP on 8/1-7, and another was at the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) on 8/29-31 (eBird Checklist S117873672). More unexpected was a Ruddy Turnstone at the Woodland WTP on 8/4-7 (eBird Checklist S116511780). SRWTP hosted a Ruff from 8/17-30 (eBird Checklist S117234735 and eBird Checklist S117501313). There are perhaps five records for Sacramento County, and this was just the second for the property, and the first in over 20 years. The first few Baird's Sandpipers started showing up on 8/24, and the first Pectoral Sandpiper was found on 8/30. A Solitary Sandpiper was seen by several observers at Cosumnes River Preserve from 8/27-29, and one was found at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 8/27.

Lewis's Woodpeckers are rare on the flats of the Valley and also rare this early in the season, so a few seen toward the end of the month were notable. A Brewer's Sparrow at the Russell Ranch, along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters, on 8/22 was a nice find. Northern Waterthrushes are not found in our area every year, so it was a real surprise to have one along Babel Slough from 8/27-29, and another at Sacramento Bar (ARP) on 8/30. Tennessee Warblers are equally rare around Sacramento, so one at Reichmuth Park from 8/28-8/30 was another excellent find. Also nice was a Blackpoll Warbler at Bridgeway Island Pond near West Sacramento on 8/30 (eBird Checklist S117831838), as was a Summer Tanager along the Humbug Creek Trail in Folsom on 8/31.

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, Lyann Comrack, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Robert Furrow, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Michele McCormick, Dana Miller-Blair, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, and Tom Uslan. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2021

August is one of our hottest months, both in terms of temperature and bird migration. Thankfully, after a very slow spring, the beginning of "fall" migration was more typical in terms of days reported with decent movements of birds. Woodland WTP produced regular reports of up to five Redheads throughout the month, and even a Greater Scaup on 8/17. The first returning Sandhill Cranes were reported from Staten Island on 8/30. A female/immature Costa's Hummingbird was an excellent find at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 8/5.

As is often the case, shorebirds stole the show. A Snowy Plover was found at Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) on 8/9, and Snowy Plover reports from the North Regional Pond near the Woodland WTP came on 8/11, 8/16 (eBird checklist) and 8/19-21. There were good numbers of Marbled Godwits throughout the area, especially in Yolo County, and one at the odd location of William B Pond along the American River Parkway (ARP) on 8/5 is worth noting. Baird's Sandpipers, Pectoral Sandpipers, Semipalmated Sandpipers, and Solitary Sandpipers were widely reported and too numerous to list individually. A Ruddy Turnstone photographed on 8/16 (eBird checklist) at SRWTP was just the third county record, and one was seen briefly on ag land west of Clarksburg on 8/31; we go many years without any reports of this predominantly coastal species. A Red Phalarope at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 8/8-9 (eBird checklist) was an excellent record for the Central Valley of this most pelagic of the phalaropes. An adult Franklin's Gull was found at Woodland WTP on 8/7-9 and a hatch-year Franklin's Gull was found on 8/31 at the same location. A Brown Pelican seen off Sherman Island on 8/11 in southwestern Sacramento County was a nice find.

A Northern Pygmy-Owl was reported briefly calling at Gibson Ranch Park on 8/14, which is very early for this species to turn up on the valley floor. Very early Merlins were found at Sailor Bar on 8/23 and photographed downstream at Larchmont Park on 8/24. A Lewis's Woodpecker at Sailor Bar along the ARP on 8/31 was a nice surprise, as was a Gray Flycatcher at CRP on 8/10. A Red-eyed Vireo reported at Lake Solano on 8/25 was the only truly rare songbird reported in the area. Keeping on the early bird theme, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet was found at East Portal Park in Sacramento on 8/12. Up to seven Brewer's Sparrows were found at Folsom Point beginning on 8/24, but the report of a very early Sooty Fox Sparrow at CRP on 8/10 was even more unexpected. Finally, Yellow-breasted Chats (eBird checklist) were more widely reported than usual, and always make a nice highlight for any outing.

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, Sophia Chau, Lyann Comrack, Konshau Duman, Andy Engilis, Marcus England, Bob Greenleaf, Cliff Hawley, Emmett Iverson, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Tim Ludwick, Mark Martucci, Ed Pandolfino, Zane Pickus, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Lucas Stephenson, Mark Stephenson, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, Emily Wells, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2020

As the list of species below attests, August is one of the most exciting months for bird migration. This August was severely impacted by major fires in the region, particularly in the Vacaville and Winters areas, where many lost their homes from fires sparked by an intense lightning storm, rare for our region. Subsequent air quality was historically bad, making time in the field unhealthful or at least a lot less enjoyable than it otherwise would be. Of course, while many of us have a choice to be outside, nothing stops migration, and interesting birds kept moving through the area. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo at the Sutter NWR on 8/26 (eBird checklist) was a very nice find. The only Least Bittern of the month was reported at Cache Creek Wild Wings Park on 8/9

Topping the list of shorebird reports for the month was a Stilt Sandpiper reported on 8/13 at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP). Single Semipalmated Sandpipers were found at the Arbuckle WTP on 8/8, the Woodland WTP on 8/16, the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) on 8/19-21 (eBird checklist), CRP on 8/23, and the Linda WTP in Sutter County on 8/28. Solitary Sandpipers were found along Woodbridge Rd on 8/1-2, East Catlett Rd on 8/25-26, and the Linda WTP on 8/28. Least Terns were last recorded for the year at SRWTP on 8/6, with an adult and fledged young tern perched together.

This "fall" appears to be shaping up as having a regionally strong migration of Green-tailed Towhees throughout the state and beyond, with local reports in a Davis yard on 8/26, a West Sacramento yard on 8/30, continuing into early September, and at Boulder Ridge Park near Loomis on 8/31. Vagrant warblers are perhaps the most valued currency of the season. Highlights included a Black-and-White Warbler on 8/23 on the Solano County side of Putah Creek (ebird checklist) near the Pedrick Rd bridge, continuing into September, and a female-type Hooded Warbler nearby also on 8/23. On 8/27, an adult male American Redstart was found at Paradise Beach; others searching found a female of the same species on the same day. A Northern Parula was seen by several observers at Ancil Hoffman Park on 8/27-29, and a Canada Warbler was reported on 8/26 at Gibson Ranch County Park.

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 (cvbirds.org) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Brent Campos, Lyann Comrack, Colin Dillingham, Sid England, Jim Gain, Lief Gallagher, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Jeri Langham, John Luther, Mark Martucci, Gary Mele, Frances Oliver, Asher Perla, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Linda Pittman, Ryan Rickman, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, Judy Spitler, Lucas Stephenson, Eddie Tache, Simon Tache, John Trochet, Sally Walters, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2019

While the long, hot summer still holds sway in August, migrating birds are one of our best indicators that the season is changing. By the first of the month, warblers, flycatchers and other songbird reports were picking up. Shorebird numbers that soared in July continued at high levels through the end of the month. As happens in most Augusts, shorebirds led the way with unusual reports, and a few songbirds highlights kept things interesting. On the last day of the month, the first Sandhill Cranes were reported at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP).

Among the shorebird highlights, a Snowy Plover was a nice find at CRP on 8/6, and up to five Marbled Godwits at Sherman Island toward the end of the month were notable for Sacramento County, where they are much less frequently found than in neighboring Yolo County. It's likely that increased coverage of Sherman Island, in the extreme southwestern portion of the county, would yield more of this and other locally uncommon species. A Sanderling, also from Sherman Island on 8/1, was a nice find. Baird's Sandpiper reports came from the Davis WTP on 8/16, Sherman Island on 8/28, and the Sacramento Reg. WTP on 8/31 (eBird checklist). The only Least Bittern report of the month was from Mather Lake on 8/10-11.

After being largely absent last fall and winter, starting on 8/22, there were good numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatch reports that continued into September. A Green-tailed Towhee at Babel Slough on 8/31 (eBird checklist) was a nice find where this species has been found before. Four Yellow-breasted Chats at Babel Slough on 8/30 is an impressive number, but this species has been widely reported this year. Rare warbler reports included a Tennessee Warbler at Ancil Hoffman on 8/28, a Black-and-white Warbler at Sacramento Bypass on 8/10, and a Magnolia Warbler along the American River Parkway at the William B Pond access on 8/18. Surely September promises additional interesting finds.

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: Dan Airola, Max Brodie, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Emmett Iverson, Afton Kern, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Susan Schneider, Steve Scott, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, Daniel Welsh, Amy Welsh, Dan Williams, and Bart Wickel. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2018

This was a very busy month. Combining peak shorebird migration with one of the better seasons for migrant songbirds makes for a great time to get out in the field despite the heat and smoke-filled skies from regional fires. The fires in the Coast Range may have accounted for increased numbers in some Valley hotspots, such as Putah Creek. Rufous Hummingbirds were also reported in higher numbers in Sacramento, perhaps detouring from their more typical migration routes at higher elevations. Many of the interesting reports came from the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA), including multiple reports of a single Least Bittern through the first three weeks of the month. An intriguing report of a solo Chimney Swift on 8/19 came from Putah Creek dowstream of Pedrick Rd, where several of the month's highlights were found.

Shorebirds again stole the show, with only the second Yolo County record of a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at YBWA on 8/31. It was seen by many through 9/2. Other highlights included a Ruff at the Davis WTP from 8/21-22, and many Baird's  Sandpipers, including singles from the Woodland WTP on 8/8 and 8/20-29, a single at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 8/14, up to three from YBWA from 8/15-22 (eBird checklist), and two at the Lincoln WTP on 8/28. Pectoral Sandpipers were reported from YBWA on 8/17 and E Catlett Rd near Brewer Rd in Placer County on 8/28. Single Semipalmated Sandpiper reports came from YBWA on and off throughout the month, and a Solitary Sandpiper was found at West Pond in Davis on 8/17.  The Least Tern pair at the Sacramento Regional WTP fledged one chick by 8/23 and at least one adult continued through 8/28.

A calling Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported at Fremont Weir State Wildlife Area on 8/20, and a Greater Roadrunner was seen along Yolo County Rd 30 about a mile west of Rd 98. The Chestnut-sided Warbler along Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd that was first found in July continued through at least 8/25. A Black-and-white Warbler was found at Ancil Hoffman Park in the oaks between the American River and the golf course on 8/22-25; this species has been found in August or September at the same site in four of the past five years. A Dusky Flycatcher was found at Grasslands Regional Park south of Davis on 8/27-28, and a Green-tailed Towhee and an early Golden-crowned Sparrow were at the same location on 8/25.  A Green-tailed Towhee was also found dead in Carmichael on 8/30. A Bell's Sparrow found at Reichmuth Park on 8/19 represents one of very few records for the Valley floor (eBird checklist). A flurry of Summer Tanager reports included one at Reichmuth Park on 8/17, another downstream of Pedrick Rd from 8/18 through the end of the month, and the male first found in May and continuing through 8/26 at the Orr Ranch portion of CRP. The Indigo Bunting found in July downstream of Pedrick Rd continued through at least 8/6, and a possible female-type Orchard Oriole was photographed at Marriott Park in the Pocket area of Sacramento on 8/22.

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, Holly Coates, Laura Davis, Lily Douglas, Jon Dunn,  Leo Edson, Stephen Fettig, Robert Furrow, Maureen Geiger, Douglas Hall, Steve Hampton, Terry Hodapp, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Tim Ludwick, Mark Martucci, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Deren Ross, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, Ian Taylor, Gene Trapp, John Trochet, and Sarah Wheeler. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2017

Although many associate September with the peak of migration, August might be the best time of year for birding. Shorebird numbers are very high and peak flows of common songbird migrants are moving through. It is true that more rare songbirds typically come next month, but for shear numbers and diversity this is a great time of year to be in the field, especially before the heat of mid-day. Up to four Redheads were reported throughout the month at the Woodland WTP. They are uncommon at any season in the region, but a few typically show up in the summer in Yolo County. A Least Bittern was found at Bridgeway Island Pond from 8/6-11 (eBird checklist) and another was at Mather Lake on 8/23.

Despite the wet conditions earlier in the year, shorebird habitat (and/or access) was hard to come by in many traditionally good locations. Among the good finds were three Baird's Sandpipers at the Woodland WTP on 8/8 (eBird checklist), with one continuing through 8/14. A single was found at the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 8/10. Solitary Sandpipers continued at the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) Bufferlands from late July, with a peak of four on 8/2. Three Willets were at SRWTP on 8/7, and three were also at the Davis WTP on 8/9.

A Northern Pygmy-Owl at Willowbank Ditch in Davis on 8/31 was a nice surprise. This species is regular in low numbers around the Putah Creek Canyon west of Winters, but very rare anywhere on the flats of the Valley. Wildwings Park along Cache Creek west of Woodland produced reports of good migrant numbers as well as a Gray Catbird on 8/14 and a male Summer Tanager on 8/5. A Northern Waterthrush  was found at CRP on 8/18, and a male American Redstart was found at CRP on 8/19. One of the biggest surprises of the season was a molting female Hooded Warbler in north Davis from 8/16 through at least 8/29 (eBird checklist).

 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 (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Keith Bailey, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Will Hemstrom, Stanton Hunter, Dan Kopp, Kris Kordana, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Tim Liguori, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Kevin Thomas, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2016

While many are waiting for September, for sheer numbers and diversity of migrants, August is hard to top—especially before the heat of mid-day. Massive numbers of flycatchers, vireos, and warblers migrate through the Central Valley, with only a small fraction ever detected. At the same time, shorebird numbers are also at or near their peak. Signs of fall start to creep in with shorter days and the first locally reported Sandhill Cranes this season were flying over Sacramento on 8/31. Continuing from earlier in the summer, Least Bitterns were reported from Mather Lake on 8/20, Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento on 8/28, and up to two were reported throughout the month from the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA).

Many of the notable reports this month come from the shorebird group, which is expected for August. Single Solitary Sandpipers were reported from the Davis Wetlands on 8/19 and the Ione WTP from 8/22-23 (eBird checklist). A Marbled Godwit was at the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) from 8/29-31 and a juvenile Sanderling was at the same location on 8/31-9/1 (eBird checklist). Semipalmated Sanpipers were reported at YBWA on 8/7 and 8/12-13, a single was reported at SRWTP on 8/31, and another was reported from the Arbuckle WTP in Colusa County on 8/1 along with a juvenile Baird’s Sandpiper (eBird checklist). Baird’s Sandpipers were also reported at the Winters WTP on 8/25-31, with a high of three on 8/29, and from YBWA from 8/30-31. Three Pectoral Sandpipers were found at the YBWA on 8/31 (eBird checklist).

A Calliope Hummingbird was a nice find at Ancil Hoffman on 8/28. On 8/9, a Gray Flycatcher was found along Michigan Bar Rd. This species is detected far more often in spring migration. Somewhat more expected was a Dusky Flycatcher at the Orr portion of CRP on 8/27 and a Hammond’s Flycatcher at the Tall Forest on 8/28. Two Pileated Woodpeckers were seen eating grapes near the Fishing Access #1 parking area along Putah Creek west of Winters on 8/2, and a Steller's Jay found the same day at Fishing Access #2 was a surprise so early in the season. Among the few Yellow-breasted Chat reports was one of two birds on 8/27 along Babel Slough Rd on what was described as a morning “bustling with migrants.” Three streaky juvenile Chipping Sparrows were found at the same location (eBird checklist). A Green-tailed Towhee in a Carmichael Backyard on 8/21 was a nice find, and even more unexpected was a female Summer Tanager along Putah Creek near Hopkins Rd on 8/5, west of UC Davis.

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, Kathy Blankenship, Lily Douglas, Chris Dunford, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Frank Fogarty, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, John Harris, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Frances Oliver, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, Ken Schneider, Steve Scott, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, and Rick Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2015

While Sacramento area residents still suffer the hot days of summer, by August there are many birds to keep them company. Shorebird migrant peaks from mid-July through August and by early August the numbers of migrant warblers, flycatchers and other songbirds are often quite impressive, especially in the first couple hours of light on hot summer days. This August, despite the unusually dry conditions brought on by the continued drought, provided many highlights and a good showing of the expected migrant shorebirds and songbirds that keep us heading into the field.

After many reports from the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) last month, one-to-two Least Bitterns were seen and photographed at the Bridgeway Island Pond near West Sacramento from 8/7-9. Shorebird highlights included a handful of Willet and Marbled Godwit reports from traditional sites in Yolo County, along with a single  Willet report from Sacramento County at the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) on 8/7 and a single Marbled Godwit at Cosumnes River Preserve on 8/15. The only  Sanderling report of the month was from the Woodland WTP on 8/7. A Semipalmated Sandpiper was found at Camanche Reservoir in Amador County on 8/7, apparently a first county record, and two were found there the following day. Another Semipalmated Sandpiper was found and photographed at SRWTP from 8/24-26 (eBird checklist). The only August Baird’s Sandpiper reports were of one at the Woodland WTP on 8/12-13 and one at the Anatolia Vernal Pool Preserve off Sunrise Blvd on 8/22, with two reported there on 8/24.

The pair of Least Terns that nested at SRWTP had two flying young on 8/18, though only one juvenile was seen after 8/19. It was regularly seen into early September along with one or both adults. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported calling and was briefly seen near the Mayhew Drain, downstream from the Gristmill access along the American River Parkway (ARP). The male Costa’s Hummingbird that was banded in September 2013 has since been sporadically reported along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters, including several times this August.

Songbird highlights included a female or immature American Redstart found at the Gristmill access to ARP on 8/30. There was a flurry of Green-tailed Towhee reports, with one along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 8/22, one at the Wood Duck Lakes along South River Rd near West Sacramento on 8/26, and one at the Sacramento Bypass off of Rd 126 on 8/30 (eBird checklist). A male Indigo Bunting photographed at YBWA on 8/8-9 was a nice surprise, and a flyover Pine Siskin on 8/31 at Grassland Regional Park in Yolo County was the only one for the season so far.

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, Jon Dunn, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Clifford Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Eric LoPresti, Harry Oakes, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2014

What an exciting time to be in the field.  Some days can be uncomfortably hot, for sure, but others, mornings in particular, can seem magical when birds materialize in what only yesterday were quiet trees. A report of 42 migrants on the morning of 8/28, 19 of which were Black-throated Gray Warblers, in remnant oaks in a West Sacramento suburb is just one example of what we might hope to find any morning during the protracted “fall” migration period (roughly July-October).

Up to two Least Bitterns continued at Mather Lake from the previous month, while an adult Glossy Ibis near the Tall Forest of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 8/16 appears to be a first record for Sacramento County. A high of four Snowy Plovers, perhaps continuing from July, were reported at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) from 8/10-17; four were also at the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) on 8/11. ASolitary Sandpiper was found at CRP on 8/6, and a Willet and a Marbled Godwitwere reported by several observers along Desmond Rd at CRP on 8/3. Four Willetswere at the Woodland WTP on 8/4. A Stilt Sandpiper on 8/20 at YBWA was an excellent report.  A Sanderling (eBird checklist) was found on 8/16 at SRWTP, and a Baird’s Sandpiper (eBird checklist) was at the same site on 8/26-27; a Baird’s was also at Folsom Lake near Beals Point on 8/23.

The male Costa’s Hummingbird continued at a south Sacramento yard from 5/31 into September, while another was reported in early August visiting a feeder in Fair Oaks.  The Costa’s banded in its hatch year last September along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters returned in late July and continued into September.  A female or immature Calliope Hummingbird visited a feeder in Fair Oaks on 8/12. AGray Flycatcher at Sailor Bar along the ARP on 8/31 was a rare report for the fall. Perhaps in response to dry conditions elsewhere, large concentrations ofPhainopeplas (a high near 30) were found along the upper American River Parkway. A juvenile Black-throated Sparrow (eBird checklist) was a first for the Bufferlands on 8/11. The Summer Tanagerthat stayed all of July near the Tall Forest was last seen on 8/6 and the male Rose-breasted Grosbeak found at the entrance to Rossmoor Bar on 7/26 continued through at least 8/1. Two Lawrence’s Goldfinches along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 8/30 were unusual for that location on the Valley floor.

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, Ashley Casey, Terry Colborn, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Ron Pozzi, Mark Sawyer, John Sterling, Michael Strom, Jim Thomas, John Trochet, and Sharon Wisecarver. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2013

The summer doldrums in our area fully break in August, with good movement of migrant shorebirds and songbirds.  This August produced a few highlights in both categories.  Summering waterfowl included two Redheads and a Lesser Scaup at the Woodland WTP, a Canvasback at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 8/14, and the continuingSnow Goose at CRP.  The Glossy Ibis found last month at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) was reported through 8/1.  Ed Whisler noted a remarkable occurrence on 8/4:  a Peregrine Falcon flushed a roosting Double-crested Cormorant, killed it in midair, and carried the much larger bird to a willow tree.  Two other cormorants, obviously disturbed by the incident, left the roost and flew very close to the falcon.

Shorebird highlights included a Snowy Plover at Sac Reg. WTP on 8/23 and single Solitary Sandpipers at the Davis Wetlands on 8/7 and CRP on 8/3.  A Willet was found at CRP on 8/17, with two in the same field the following day, and one was at the Davis WTP on 8/31.  Two Marbled Godwits were reported at the Davis WTP on 8/27. A Dunlin found on 8/20 at YBWA, still in breeding plumage, was at least a month early (eBird checklist).  Semipalmated Sandpiperswere reported at YBWA on 8/6 (eBird checklist) and 8/20, and Pectoral Sandpipers were at the Davis WTP on 8/10, YBWA on 8/20 and 8/25, and the Davis WTP on 8/31.  A first cycle Franklin’s Gull was a nice surprise at the Davis WTP on 8/27, and a juvenile Western Gull was there the following day.

A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was heard and then seen near the Pedrick Rd bridge along Putah Creek on 8/16.  There were two reports of heard-only Yellow-billed Cuckoosalong the American River on 8/18:  one across the river from Paradise Beach and the other at William B. Pond Rec. Area.  There was a somewhat early report of twoLewis’s Woodpeckers in Capay near the Cache Creek bridge on 8/31.  After last winter’s sparse showing, perhaps this species will winter in higher numbers this coming season.

Songbird highlights included an adult male American Redstart at Reichmuth on 8/14-16, with what is likely the same bird found in September.  Another adult male American Redstart was found at the SRCSD Bufferlands from 8/16-19, and an adult maleBaltimore Oriole was photographed at the Sacramento Bypass, accessed from Yolo County Rd 126 on 8/19.

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:  Mark Ackerman, Gil Ewing, Claire Gallagher, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, William Rockey, Jim Rowoth, John Sterling, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Ed Whisler, Brian Williams, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2012

Widespread reports of common migrant shorebirds and songbirds accounted for most of the activity this month. Several rare shorebird reports were most notable, including two Snowy Plovers in Colusa County along Husted Rd south of Hwy 20 on 8/26, a Willet at Sherman Island in southwestern Sacramento County on 8/11, four juvenile Red Knots at the Yolo Wildlife Area (YWA) on 8/26, a Sanderling at the Sacramento Reg. WTP on 8/4, and a juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper at the Farmers Central Pond near the Woodland WTP on 8/14-15. An adult male Ruff at the Woodland WTP molting out of breeding plumage on 8/1-2 may have been the same bird as the Ruff found at YWA on 8/26-27.

Sanderling with Least Sandpiper at Sac Reg WTP.

Sanderling, Aug 4, at Sac Reg WTP. Photos by Chris Conard

An immature Hooded Merganser at the Davis Wetlands (DW) on 8/31 is consistent with the continuing expansion of this species in the region.  Brown Pelican reports continued, with one along the Sacramento River north of the Rio Vista Bridge on 8/11, and three the same day in the San Joaquin River off of Sherman Island.  Additional reports came from DW on 8/25 and YWA on 8/27-30.  Up to two Least Bitterns were detected at Mather Lake from 7/4 through the end of August.  Large communal roosts of White-tailed Kites were reported, with 250 in Elverta in early August and up to 128 in Wilton in late August.

A Long-eared Owl was found roosting in willows along with numerous Barn Owls at Mather Lake on 8/5-26.  An immature/female Calliope Hummingbird was reported in East Sacramento on 8/22, and another was found at the Colusa NWR on 8/26.  Interesting songbird reports from Cosumnes River Preserve included an early Ruby-crowned Kinglet on 8/19, a large grayish Hermit Thrush typical of breeders in the western mountains on the early date of 8/25, and a “ratty” Northern Parula near the visitor center on 8/11.  An early White-crowned Sparrow was found along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 8/30.  Immature male Summer Tanagers were reported on 8/10-25 along Putah Creek between Winters and Davis, and in North Davis on 8/15.  A gorgeous male Indigo Bunting (see below) at the Sacramento Bypass off Yolo County Rd 126 on 8/4-19 was seen by many, and female and juvenile buntings in the area suggest that it may have bred locally—possibly with a female Lazuli Bunting.

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:  Dan Airola, Bruce Deuel, Todd Easterla, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Maureen Geiger, Kevin Guse, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Keiller Kyle, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Phil Lutz, Frances Oliver, Michael Perrone, Linda Pittman, Will Rockey, Jim Rowoth, Don Schmoldt, John Sterling, John Trochet, and Ed Whisler. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2011

Once again shorebirds stole the show. There were good numbers of common migrant songbirds, but with few exceptions, nothing particularly noteworthy. A Brant spotted on Sherman Island was just the second record for Sacramento County. Likely the same bird was being seen near Benicia in the same time window. The first Sacramento County record was also from Sherman Island: 2/10-19/2001. 

The bird of the month and most likely the Sacramento Area bird of the year was a Common Ringed Plover found at the Davis Wetlands on 8/19. This was another excellent find by Todd Easterla, a first state record, and one of few records for the Lower 48. This species, just slightly larger and more boldly marked than a Semipalmated Plover, put on an excellent show, calling and even allowing close approach to see that it lacked webbing (“palmation”) between its toes. When a rare migrant is found the day following discovery it is considered good luck, but it is not too unusual when a bird continues for a couple of days. This bird, however, stayed until 8/26, allowing 100+ birders to see it and attracting considerable media attention; though it did disappoint many traveling from outside the area by disappearing just before dozens of birders arrived on Saturday, 8/27. 

Common Ringed Plover showing the lack of webbing between toes. Photo by Todd Easterla on 8/20/2011

Buff-breasted Sandpiper at the Lincoln WTP. Photo by Linda Pittman on 8/30/2011

Common Ringed Plover (second from right) with two Semipalmated Plovers and a Western Sandpiper. Photo by Todd Easterla on 8/20/2011

Eastern Kingbird at Yolo Wildlife Area. Photo by Linda Pittman on 8/31/2011

An Eastern Kingbird was found at the eastern edge of the Yolo Wildlife Area on 8/30, and was seen by many through 9/1 among dozens of Western Kingbirds. This was only the third Yolo record and the first since 1973. More photos here.

Another excellent find for the month was a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at the Lincoln WTP on 8/29-31. This species shows up along the coast each fall in very low numbers, but this was a first for Placer County and only the second record for the Central Valley. Other good shorebird records include two Snowy Plovers at the Lincoln WTP on 8/8, a Solitary Sandpiper at Sherman Island on 8/15-16, a Solitary Sandpiper and a Semipalmated Sandpiper at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 8/6, and a Semipalmated Sandpiper at the Davis WTP on 8/14 and the Davis Wetlands on 8/18.

Brown Pelicans continued to be seen throughout the summer, with four in Contra Costa County near Sherman Island on 8/14. The Lodi Sewage Ponds bird continued from 7/20 to 8/14, and a Brown Pelican was found in West Sacramento on 8/24, continuing into September. A flock including two Arctic Terns and 11 Common Terns over the Davis Wetlands on 8/24 was a first county record for Arctic Tern and the largest flock of Common Terns recorded in the county. Least Terns at the Sac Reg. WTP continued through 8/12 after fledging three chicks. A single adult was at the Lodi Sewage Ponds on 8/7. On 8/20, a Peregrine Falcon was seen catching bats as they emerged at dusk from the Franklin Blvd Bridge near CRP. Swainson’s Hawks were also making an attempt at the bats, but were far less successful. Finally, a cooperative juvenile Brewer’s Sparrow, allowing scope-filling views, was a nice find at CRP on 8/20.

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: Dennis Cavallo, Todd Easterla, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Frances Oliver, Linda Pittman, Ron Pozzi, Jim Rowoth, Mary Schiedt, Susan Schneider, John Sterling, John Trochet, Ed Whisler, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2010

Reports of good numbers of the expected migrant songbirds were overwhelmed by excellent shorebird reports.  The only rare warbler was a Northern Parula seen and heard by several observers on the Cosumnes River Preserve’s (CRP) Tall Forest survey on 8/22.  A Yellow-billed Cuckoo found on 8/15 at CRP near the Accidental Forest was the first for Sacramento County in several years (a few days earlier, on 8/12, a mountain lion on the river bank was well seen from a canoe near this spot!).  Up to three Yellow-billed Cuckoos were reported from the Sutter NWR off of Hughes Rd from 8/7-20.  Before we delve fully into the shorebird reports, an adult Glossy Ibis reported along Rd 102 southeast of Woodland on 8/27 deserves our attention.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo by Susie Nishio

Yellow-billed Cuckoo by Susie Nishio

Juvenile Snowy Plover 8/28/10 by Chris Conard

There were impressive shorebird reports from multiple sites in the Sacramento area.  A Snowy Plover was found at the Lodi WTP on 8/7-8 and five were at the Sacramento WTP on 8/28.  Marbled Godwits were reported in good numbers from multiple sites, with “dozens” among a Long-billed Curlew flock at Sherman Island on 8/23.  There were Solitary Sandpiper reports from the Lincoln WTP on 8/11 and the Davis Wetlands on 8/29-30.  A Sanderling was found at the Woodland WTP on 8/21, one was at the Sacramento WTP and adjacent Bufferlands on 8/17, and an impressive 15 were reported from Sherman Island on 8/23.  The only Sacramento County  Semipalmated Sandpiper report was a juvenile at the Sacramento WTP on 8/10, but at least 18 individuals were reported in Yolo County this July and August!  Baird’s Sandpipers were widely reported in Yolo County (with up to seven at the Woodland WTP on 8/23), the Lodi WTP and Lincoln WTP, but missed entirely in Sacramento County.  An excellent series of photos of a Baird's Sandpiper from the Lodi Wastewater Treatment Plant by Dan Brown on 8/9/10 can be seen here.  A Pectoral Sandpiper  was at the Woodland WTP on 8/19 and a Stilt Sandpiper was found at the Davis Wetlands on 8/26-28.  The excellent shorebird conditions at Woodland WTP came at a high price, perhaps from a biotoxin in algae:  there were many sick and dead shorebirds among the feeding flocks.

Other highlights included a Least Bittern at the Yolo Wildlife Area (YWA) on 8/14, the continuing Least Terns at the Sacramento WTP through 8/24, an early Red-breasted Sapsucker at CRP on 8/8, a continuing Bell’s Vireo at YWA into at least the first week of August, a Say’s Phoebe about two weeks early along the American River Parkway near the Nimbus Hatchery on 8/26, and numerous Red-breasted Nuthatch reports throughout the region.  An interesting older report involved a Steller’s Jay found on 6/12 near Elk Grove-Florin and Gerber Rds in south Sacramento.  This distinctive species is rare at low elevations in winter and very unexpected at other seasons.

Many of these reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserv.   Visit www.cvbirds.org and click "Listserv" for details.  With nearly 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:  Chad Aakre, Dan Airola, Peter Armstrong, Dan Brown, Jim Dunn, Todd Easterla, Kevin Guse, Steve Hampton, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Jim Laughlin, Susie Nishio, Frances Oliver, Ed Pandolfino, Kathy Parker, Ron Pozzi, John Sterling, Kevin Thomas, Mike Thompson, John Trochet, Liz West, Ed Whisler, and Dan Williams.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2009

Avoided by many because of the heat, August is one of the most productive months of the year.  It rivals September as the peak month of the songbird migration, and is probably the best month of the year for shorebirding.  This August was no exception.  Visits to local riparian forests in the hours just after sunrise were often rewarded with good numbers of migrants.  The report of a possible juvenile Red-necked Stint at the Yolo Wildlife Area (YWA) on 8/30 sucked up all the oxygen in the local birding community, with folks from throughout the state trying to get a look at it.  This Asian stray has only been recorded about 10 times in the state.  While adults in breeding plumage are pretty straightforward, the identification of a juvenile is tricky business.  If you were lucky enough to see this bird, which was reported sporadically into September, please send photos and written descriptions to the California Bird Records Committee (californiabirds.org).  The bird was found among thousands of Western and Least Sandpipers in partially flooded rice fields just east of the auto loop; also present were one or two Semipalmated Sandpipers and at least one Baird’s Sandpiper.

Possible juvenile Red-necked Stint at Yolo Wildlife Area, 8/30/09. Photo by Daniel Lee Brown. Click on photo for larger version.

Juvenile Least Bitterns at Yolo Wildlife Area, 8/23/09. Photo by Daniel Lee Brown. Click on photo for larger version.

There were at least two family groups of Least Bitterns in the pubic portion of YWA.  One group was seen for nearly the entire month, with at least one adult and five juveniles present.  These were certainly the most viewed Least Bitterns in local history, providing much happiness to those who have struggled to find these marsh skulkers in the past.  Reports of Tundra Swans on 8/18 in Olivehurst and 8/20 in Roseville are absurdly early for a species not typically recorded in our area until late October or November.  A female Redhead at the Gristmill access of the American River Parkway (ARP) on 8/30 was a surprise in both timing and location.  A juvenile Brown Pelican was at the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District Bufferlands on 8/4-5, providing only the fourth record for the county.

Additional Semipalmated Sandpiper reports included one from the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) on 8/3, two at the Woodland WTP on 8/7, and one at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 8/18.  Five Willets were at SRWTP on 8/3, with single Baird’s Sandpipers there on 8/18 and 8/24.  The Franklin’s Gull from last month continued at the Davis WTP through at least 8/6, with that or another also seen at Woodland WTP on 8/5.  Two very early adult Herring Gulls were reported by a very experienced observer from the Gristmill access of ARP on 8/29-30.  Members of the Least Tern family at SRWTP were seen through 8/7.

Notable songbirds included the continuing Red-eyed Vireo at North Pond in Davis from 7/18 to 8/15, and the Northern Parula at the same site from 7/29 to 8/8.   A Dusky Flycatcher was found in north Davis on 8/26, and an out-of-season  Ruby-crowned Kinglet was at CRP on 8/16, with another from Rush Ranch in Solano County around the same date.  Seven Nashville Warblers at CRP is a high total for this species, which is usually more common locally in spring than fall.  An  American Pipit from YWA on 8/18 was very early, and a White-crowned Sparrow  in Fair Oaks on 8/23 was a month ahead of schedule.  Rounding out the highlights, a Summer Tanager was found in Yolo County at Rds 27 and 88, and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak was in Fair Oaks on 8/18; these species are both now detected annually, where only five years ago they were considered exceptional.

Many of these reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserv.  Visit www.cvbirds.org and click "Listserv" for details.  With over 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:  Chad Aakre, Roger Adamson, Chuck Brittain,  Dan Brown, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Maureen Geiger, Steve Hampton, Jim Holmes, Jeri Langham, Tim Manolis, Michael Perrone, Shawn Petrash, Vance Russell, Kathryn Sanderson, Mary Schiedt, Zach Smith, John Sterling, John Trochet, Dan Williams, Bruce Webb, and Ed Whisler.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2008

August is a great time for birding in the Sacramento area.  Really, it is.  This is known by experienced birders, but is still not widely accepted by most.  Sure, it can be very hot, but it also gets light very early.  The hours before 9am can be pleasant and very birdy.  August is perhaps the most productive month for "fall" shorebirding, though July and September are excellent too.  Songbird migrants, especially in the second half of the month, can be quite numerous.

While this August provided us with many birds, there were only a few rarities found, and most of the best of those were continuing from the previous month.  These included the two Stilt Sandpipers at the Davis Wetlands (DW), which continued from 7/31 to 8/2, and the two Least Terns that attempted to nest (their eggs failed to hatch) at the Sacramento Reg. Wastewater Treatment Plant (SRWTP).  First seen on 6/27, the terns were last seen at the SRWTP Bufferlands on 8/5.  The male Northern Parula found at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 7/26 continued well into September.  A Plumbeous Vireo reported on 8/31 at the South Fork Putah Creek Preserve, just downstream from Mace Blvd, was perhaps the best August-only rarity.  A very early Brown Creeper was a there as well--recall that a nest was found farther upstream on 5/18.  A Green-tailed Towhee, also quite early, was a nice find at the West Pond in Davis on 8/10.

Among the uncommon shorebird finds, the best "haul" occurred at CRP on the morning of 8/5, with a Snowy Plover, two Marbled Godwits (far less common in Sacramento County than Yolo), a Semipalmated Sandpiper, and a Baird's Sandpiper.  An impressive total of 78 Semipalmated Plovers was reported from the Woodland WTP on 8/8.  Single Solitary Sandpipers were reported from private property in eastern Yolo County on 8/8 and DW on 8/10.  Five Willets were at the Davis WTP on 8/10, and an impressive 25 Marbled Godwits were at DW on 8/19—six godwits were also at the Lincoln WTP on 8/19.  Single juvenile  Semipalmated Sandpipers were at the Bufferlands on 8/2 and 8/7.  A Baird's Sandpiper was found at the Lincoln WTP on 8/19, with one to two at the Bufferlands in the second half of the month.

A female or young male Calliope Hummingbird was found on 8/8 after striking a window in Natomas.  This species is more often recorded in spring.  Other interesting reports include a Hermit Thrush thought to be one of the western montane races on the early date of 8/1, and the continuing male Common Goldeneye  along the American River near Gristmill continued into September.  Banded Caspian Terns photographed mid-month at SRWTP proved to be from colonies in Richmond, CA and the Columbia River, OR.  A late report of a Band-tailed Pigeon near Galt on 6/8/08 is one of very few for the Central Valley in summer, and all the more interesting when taken with the Band-tailed Pigeon found along the American River at River Bend (formerly Goethe) Park on 7/2.

Many of these reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserv.  Visit www.cvbirds.org and click "Listserv" for details.  With nearly 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:  Roger Adamson, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Richard Hall, Steve Hampton, Scott Hoppe, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Cathie LaZier, Shawn Lockwood, Michael Marsh, Ed Pandolfino, Deren Ross, Jo Ellen Ryan, Mary Schiedt, John Sterling, Gene Trapp, John Trochet, Dan Williams, and David Yee.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.