December 2023

Not surprising for a month featuring several of our local Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs), this December produced a lot of interesting birds. There weren't many reports of unusual waterfowl, but up to three Red-breasted Mergansers were found throughout the month on Folsom Lake, both from Beals Pt and Folsom Pt, with two recorded on the 12/31 Folsom CBC. One of the best and most accommodating finds was a Red-necked Grebe seen and photographed (eBird Checklist S155618365) by many from 12/2-12/15 at North Natomas Regional Park--the same site that hosted the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron earlier in the year. A most unexpected report was of a well-seen, small gray swift on the Folsom CBC by an experienced observer as either a Chimney or Vaux's Swift. Vaux's Swifts have been reported from Marin County this season, but are exceedingly rare farther inland in winter.

Mountain Plovers continued in the fields along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of the Colusa County line; a high of 122 was reported. The old hotspot south of Dixon along Flannery Rd produced up to six birds on 12/10. These are the only two sites where this species was reported in the entire Central Valley, with the only other sites in the state being Carrizo Plain and just south of the Salton Sea. Marbled Godwits were unusually persistent in small numbers in Yolo County this month, with up to eight at the Yolo Bypass. On the 12/23 Sacramento CBC, an adult and a first-cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull were found at the Yolo County Landfill. There were up to three Least Bitterns reported at the Davis Wetlands during the first half of the month.

A Tropical Kingbird was photographed at Natomas Regional Park on 12/6, and the first Placer County record of the species was found on the Lincoln CBC at Sun City Lincoln (eBird Checklist S157371203) on 12/28-12/29. The Steller's Jay incursion seems to have tapered off, but two at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 12/2 were apparently just the second occurence at the lower preserve. Four Barn Swallows were found along Desmond Rd on 12/29. Pacific Wren reports were few and far between, which makes continuing Winter Wren reports all the more notable. Probably the same Winter Wren was back for a second winter near the Lake Solano campground, with another detected on 12/26 upstream along Putah Creek at Fishing Access #3. Two Evening Grosbeaks in Davis on 12/9 accounted for the only report of this species this month. A Red Crossbill was photographed (eBird Checklist S157033193) on 12/24 at the old Sacramento City Cemetery, and up to 30 were reported from the Arden Park neighborhood near Carmichael from 12/25-12/26. A Brewer's Sparrow was a nice surprise on 12/30 in the Putah Creek Sinks, south of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, and the Orchard Oriole found at the UC Davis Arboretum on 10/11 continued into January. A Nashville Warbler found on 12/1 at CRP was unexpected for the season, and a first-winter male American Redstart found on the 12/31 Folsom CBC in El Dorado Hills off Silva Creek Parkway was a first for the count; it continued into January. For three winters now, a male Summer Tanager has wintered in Land Park (eBird Checklist S156965980) in the vicinity of Fairytale Town, first reported this month on 12/12.

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, Dan Brown, William Clark, Lyann Comrack, Courtney Covington, Jim Davis, Lily Douglas, Konshau Duman, Andy Engilis, Jr., Gil Ewing, Tim Fitzer, Robert Furrow, Linda Gal, Daniel Gillingwater, Joshua Greenfield, Steve Hampton, Kirk Hardie, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Larry Hickey, Scott Hoppe, Mackenzie Hollender, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Ed Pandolfino, Adam Panto, Ron Pozzi, Ian Souza-Cole, Samuel Schmidt, Steve Scott, Judy Spitler, Kevin Thomas, Vicki Ramsey, John Trochet, Alan Wight, Dan Williams, Lynette Williams, Rick Williams, and Ed Yong. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2022

This December was another month where there were too many highlights to fully detail them all. Christmas Bird Counts document our common birds as well as unusual finds, and both types of observation are important. Numbers of wintering geese in the Sacramento area continue to climb. This began with increasing numbers of Greater White-fronted Geese in the past 20 years or so, and now increasing, sometimes staggering, numbers of Snow Geese, along with good numbers of Aleutian Cackling Geese (the latter especially at the southern margin of our regularly covered area: Staten Island and Woodbridge Rd in San Joaquin County). Redheads are pretty rare in Sacramento County, so one spending the month and beyond along the American River Parkway (ARP) just downstream of the Sunrise Bridge was a treat. A Surf Scoter was found in the San Joaquin River off Sherman Island on 12/17 where they are semi-regular.

The only Mountain Plover reports in the region were along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, south of County Line Rd, throughout the month. Most reports were under 50 birds, but one was over 100 when something flushed the entire flock. It doesn't appear that any were detected in the former stronghold south of Dixon. It was a good fall for Ruff, and that continued into December with one found along Yolo County Rd 103 on 12/3 (eBird Checklist S124381182), continuing throughout the month. One of the most exciting finds, and a first for Sacramento County, was a Black-legged Kittiwake found from 12/5-12/7 (eBird Checklist S123565633) from Folsom Point at Folsom Lake where it was also seen flying well into El Dorado County waters. Uncommon loon reports were few, so a Pacific Loon seen from Folsom Point on 12/6 and 12/14 is notable. Least Bittern reports, never common, are much rarer in winter. Whether it's because most of them leave the area in winter or if they're just more secretive, it is difficult to say. One was recorded calling (eBird Checklist S124292891) at the Davis Wetlands on 12/19 and another was found at Cache Creek Wild Wings Park on 12/28. 

A Long-eared Owl was found in the Wildhorse neighborhood of Davis during the latter half of the month (eBird Checklist S125152766) and continued into January. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker found on 12/26 near the Elkhorn boat ramp by the Elkhorn Volunteer Fire Dept also continued into January. A Tropical Kingbird was a nice surprise on 12/16 along County Rd 104 on the Solano-Yolo County line south of Maxwell Ln. Typically any Winter Wren report is notable (the eastern species compared with Pacific Wren; the two were split in 2010), but there were three found this December, continuing from November. One was along the railroad tracks at the end of Payen Rd (eBird Checklist S123078085), just across the Sacramento County line into El Dorado. Another was at Lake Solano Park, continuing into January, and yet another was wintering nearby at the Putah Creek Fishing Access #2. Pacific Wrens are getting increasingly difficult to find wintering in the Valley in the past decade, so it's surprising that these Winter Wrens were found. Other notable reports include a Townsend's Solitaire at the Sacramento City Cemetery on 12/24 (eBird Checklist S124737797) through the end of the month, plus another at Sacramento City College on 12/26 continuing into January. A Cassin's Finch was reported at Sacramento Bar (ARP) on 12/15 and two Red Crossbills were reported at Lower Sunrise (ARP) on 12/20. After a fall with many Tennessee Warblers, one more was found at Cosumnes River Preserve on 12/4. The Palm Warbler along County Rd 104 on the Solano-Yolo County line south of Maxwell Ln continued from 11/26 through most of December (eBird Checklist S123476004). A Summer Tanager was a nice surprise along the bike path east of Slide Hill Park in Davis, beginning on 12/6 and continuing into January.

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, Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Brent Campos, Bruce Christensen, Lyann Comrack, Lily Douglas, Todd Easterla, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Frank Fabbro, Stephen Fettig, Joshua Greenfield, Cliff Hawley, Radha Krishna, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Adam Panto, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, Cameron Tescher, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, and Bart Wickel. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2021

Not that long ago, reports of Trumpeter Swans were pretty rare. It now seems that there are always a few about to be found, and fortunately there are some people who are willing to search through tens of thousands of Tundra Swans to find them. On 12/7, there were at least 4 Trumpeter Swans (two adults and two juveniles) at the east end of Sankey Rd in southern Sutter County (eBird checklist S99609884). The female Long-tailed Duck found on 11/26 near the Nimbus Hatchery continued into January. Most views were rather brief as the bird repeatedly dove below the Hazel Ave bridge, spending more time underwater than on the surface. A female-type Red-breasted Merganser from 12/2-9 was a first for the Sacramento County Bufferlands.

With increased reports of Neotropic Cormorants in southeastern California and then into the Central Valley, it was only a matter of time for Sacramento County's first. One of these smaller, relatively longer-tailed cormorants was found on 12/31 among a group of Double-crested Cormorants along Brannan Island Rd at the junction of the San Joaquin River and Seven Mile Slough. It continued in the area and was seen by many into January. A Pacific Golden-Plover found on 12/5 was a nice find at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP). Out-of-season Semipalmated Plovers included one at Staten Island on 12/2 and one at the Sacramento Regional WTP on 12/20-22. Mountain Plovers continued in ag fields along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of the Colusa County line. On 12/16, two Pacific Loons were found on Folsom Lake, seen from Folsom Point, while Common Loons were surprisingly hard to come by this season.

This month produced a nice assortment of uncommon to rare flycatchers. A Hammond's Flycatcher spent the month at Reichmuth Park (eBird checklist S99721549), and a Gray Flycatcher (eBird checklist S99076368) returned to winter at CRP. A Hammond's Flycatcher was also found at the EC Garden on the UC Davis campus on 12/7-16, and a Dusky Flycatcher (eBird checklist S98764536) at CRP on 12/11 was quite a surprise. The most cooperative rare flycatcher was an Eastern Phoebe at the southern tip of Tyler Island (eBird checklist S99730949), continuing from 12/12 into January. Two Northern Rough-winged Swallows that spent the month at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery were a nice surprise, while Chipping Sparrows were hard to come by after being quite regular in recent winters. The Black-and-white Warbler found at Reichmuth Park on 11/20-21 was refound on 12/4 and continued through at least 12/11.

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, Konshau Duman, Gil Ewing, Cliff Hawley, JIm Holmes, Liam Huber, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, John Trochet, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2020

Despite the COVID pandemic leading to the cancellation of many local CBCs, there was good quantity and quality of bird reports throughout the region. Very dry conditions have characterized most of the fall and winter, but where the wetlands had water, bird numbers were good. Waterfowl highlights included a male Eurasian Green-winged Teal on 12/15 at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) and the returning hybrid Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler at the Lost Slough Wetlands of Cosumnes River Preserve. A Greater Scaup along the American River Parkway (ARP) upstream of the Mayhew Drain from 12/25 into January was unusual for the region away from Delta. A Surf Scoter was reported off Sherman Island on 12/12, and Red-breasted Merganser reports included one off Beals Pt at Folsom Lake for most of the month, another off Tyler Island on 12/23, and multiples at the Amador County portion of Lake Camanche along with two Red-necked Grebes on 12/22.

The American Golden-Plover found at the Woodland WTP continued through at least 12/19, which is extremely late in the season for this species. A lingering Semipalmated Plover was at the YBWA on 12/5 and the Woodland WTP through 12/15. A little south of the area typically covered here, a Black-headed Gull (eBird checklist) found at the Stockton WTP from 12/5 into January deserves mentioning, along with a Franklin's Gull at the same site from 12/4-15. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was found near the Nimbus Hatchery from 12/1-2, and a second-cycle bird was found in the same area on 12/22-27. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was near the Yolo Landfill from 12/7-28. A striking first-cycle Glaucous Gull (eBird checklist) caused a stir downstream of the Nimbus Hatchery from 12/14 into January; a second-cycle bird was near the Yolo County Landfill on 12/27. A Pacific Loon was first found off Brown's Ravine at Folsom Lake on 12/5, and one to two continued off Folsom Point and/or Beals Point into the new year; one to two Pacific Loons were in Amador County waters of Lake Camanche on 12/22.

A calling Northern Pygmy-Owl was reported downstream of the Gristmill access to the ARP on 12/5. A Long-eared Owl was found at Mississippi Bar from 12/10-11, and up to four Short-eared Owls were seen at Sherman Island during the first half of the month. An American Dipper was reported along Sweetwater Creek just upstream of Folsom Lake on 12/4, and the returning dipper continued along Putah Creek near the Hwy 128 bridge downstream of Lake Berryessa. A Sage Thrasher was found on private land from 12/21-23 off Central Ave in Yolo County where it meets the Deep Water Ship Channel. A Townsend's Solitaire was a nice surprise on 12/20 at Sailor Bar. Evening Grosbeak reports included one in Davis on 12/1 and two over Elk Slough in Yolo County on 12/24. One to two Cassin's Finches (eBird checklist) were found and photographed in Davis from 12/3-7, and a Red Crossbill was reported over Rosemont on 12/14. A Black-throated Sparrow continued on private property near Lake Solano and a Lark Bunting (eBird checklist) was found and photographed at the YBWA on 12/30. Unlike recent winters, no unusual wintering warblers were reported this month.

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: Steve Abbott, Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Jonathan Eisen, Elias Elias, Andy Engilis, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Brad Holtz, Scott Hoppe, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Lindsey Mitchell, Frances Oliver, Adam Panto, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Ron Pozzi, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, Gaven Stacey, Kirk Swenson, Cameron Tescher, John Trochet, Zeke VanZante, Ed Whisler, Lynette Williams, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2019

The extended dry period this fall finally broke up in late November, with moderate rainfall occurring on and off throughout December. Many of the interesting birds for the period were found during local Christmas Bird Counts or from increased scouting and followup visits the counts inspired. Among notable waterfowl was a female/immature Red-breasted Merganser  (eBird checklist) downstream and later in the vicinity of the Nimbus Hatchery. It was first reported on 12/17 and found sporadically into January. A well-photographed male Blue-winged x Cinnamon Teal (eBird checklist) was at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 12/27.

Lesser Black-backed Gull reports continue to increase in our region. On 12/21, a third cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull was found at the Yolo County Landfill Pond and an adult was at the Davis WTP on the same day. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was photographed (eBird checklist) at the Anatolia Vernal Pool Preserve on 12/21 and refound there for a few days. It or another adult was also found near the Nimbus Hatchery on 12/28. Two Glaucous Gulls were found on 12/20 along Yolo Rd 104, with probably the same birds found at the nearby Yolo County Landfill on 12/21. An adult Glaucous Gull (eBird checklist) was photographed just downstream of the Nimbus Hatchery on 12/29. A Barred Owl (eBird checklist) on private property in south Davis, apparently the first for the Central Valley, was reported publicly on 12/11. It was roosting in a barn and adjacent trees and turned up again in early January. Approximately 12 Long-eared Owls continued at a communal roost on 12/28 on a portion of Cosumnes River Preserve with restricted access.

The Tropical Kingbird found along Sherman Island East Levee Rd on 11/23 continued into January, as did the young male Vermilion Flycatcher, becoming increasingly bright red, first found at Tanzanite Park in Natomas on 10/30. A Plumbeous Vireo was found in Winters from 12/8 through at least 12/15. Tanzanite Park also produced a Clay-colored Sparrow (eBird checklist), first found and photographed on 12/27; it continued through at least 12/29 in the vicinity at a private yard. Additional notable reports included a Harris's Sparrow (eBird checklist) visiting a Woodland yard on 12/13, the continuing Swamp Sparrow at YBWA, an Evening Grosbeak at Slide Hill Park in Davis on 12/14, four Red Crossbills over a Carmichael yard on 12/28, and a Tennessee Warbler found in Davis on 12/29 near the Birch Lane Elementary School. The Worm-eating Warbler in southeastern Davis found on 10/27 at San Marino Park continued through the end of the month, while a Wilson's Warbler was a surprise near Larchmont Park along the American River Parkway on 12/8, as was an unseasonable Black-headed Grosbeak at Lake Solano on 12/15.

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, Suzanne Day, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Rich Howard, Emmett Iverson, Tony Kurz, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Andrew Lee, Dan Murphy, Michael Perrone, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, Bart Wickel, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2018

After the fires of last month, rains came and this December might be called fairly typical in the Sacramento area, but there are always a few surprises. The highest total of Blue-winged Teal at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento this month was a careful count of 250. A cooperative male White-winged Scoter (eBird checklist) first found on 12/13 along the American River near the Nimbus Hatchery was seen by many into January along with reports of nearly 60 Barrow's Goldeneyes. A Pacific Loon  (eBird checklist) was a nice find on Folsom Lake near Folsom Point on 12/22, continuing into January.

After years of alarming declines, Mountain Plovers appear to be absent this season from their typical haunts in Solano County south of Dixon. It was a pleasant surprise to find up to reported 58 along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of the Colusa County line (eBird checklist), from 12/30 into early January. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was found at the Yolo County Central Landfill pond along County Rd 28H from 12/26 into January. A winter roost of about ten Long-eared Owls at a closed portion of Cosumnes River Preserve was found on 12/29 and continued into January, and a male Costa's Hummingbird was reported on the ARNHA Wildlife Count at Paradise Beach on 12/1. Lewis's Woodpeckers have been extremely scarce in their typical locations in eastern Sacramento County, but dozens were reported in the Dunnigan Hills in northern Yolo County. A Greater Roadrunner was found in the Dunnigan Hills on 12/1, and another was reported from ag lands west of Arbuckle along Lodi Rd on 12/2.

There were seemingly unprecedented numbers of Northern Shrike reports throughout the area this season. The bird found near Yolo County Rds 25 and 103 on 11/15 continued in the general area through at least 12/20, with likely a second bird in the area based on plumage. Other Northern Shrike  (eBird checklist) reports came from near Plainfield Elementary on 12/1, a closed construction zone at the Sacramento Regional WTP from 12/4-11, and the Peninsula portion of Folsom Lake SRA on 12/30. A Brown Thrasher was an excellent find along Woodbridge Rd near the Ecological Reserve from 12/1 through at least 12/18. Additional interesting reports include a Pacific-slope (or Western) Flycatcher found along Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd on 12/28, a Steller's Jay at Ancil Hoffman Park on 12/7, a Clay-colored Sparrow southeast of Winters on Gaddini Rd in Solano County on 12/17, and a Yellow Warbler, very rare in December, was found by an experienced observer in a Rosemont yard on 12/15. And finally, a Lapland Longspur was reported among an impressive flock of over 1,000 Horned Larks on 12/20 along Yolo County Rd 103 near Rd 27. 

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, Stuart Angerer, Keith Bailey, Max Brodie, Dan Brown, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Robert Furrow, Steve Hampton, Jim Holmes, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Michele Swartout, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2017

Christmas Bird Counts (CBC), waterfowl, raptors, and interesting sparrows add up to make December a high point of the year, but occasionally a bird comes along that upends the typical patterns. A Citrine Wagtail was photographed at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 12/15 and seen by two birders on the morning of 12/16. Then wind gusts built to 50 mph and the bird was never seen again. This species had only been recorded twice before on the North American continent.

Maybe it will cease to be impressive someday, but continued reports of over 200 Blue-winged Teal at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento are remarkable from even a statewide perspective. A Hooded Merganser X Goldeneye or possibly Bufflehead hybrid (eBird checklist) was an interesting find along the American River between Howe and Watt Avenues. Up to 60 Mountain Plovers were found in their traditional area along Robinson Rd at Flannery Rd in Solano County. Less expected was a single Mountain Plover on 12/10 along Abel Rd near Williams, west of Lone Star Rd.  A Pacific Golden-Plover was found at the Woodland WTP from 12/8-18 and another found on the 12/28 Lincoln CBC along Brewer Rd, south of Philip Rd, was a first Placer County record; it continued through the end of the month. The Franklin's Gull found at the Woodland WTP on 11/21 continued through at least 12/6. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was found at the Yolo County Central Landfill pond along Rd 28H on the 12/17 Sacramento CBC, and another was at Beals Point, Folsom Lake, on 12/30. An adult Glaucous Gull (eBird checklist) was at the Woodland WTP on 12/8 and a second-cycle was found at Beals Point on 12/30-31.

Plainfield School (along Yolo County Rd 97) hosted up to three Short-eared Owls, plus up to six Ferruginous Hawks, at the end of the month. At least four Long-eared Owls returned to their winter roost in a private olive orchard near Putah Creek between Davis and Winters. On 12/21, a walk up Rayhouse Rd off of Hwy 16 in the Cache Creek Canyon produced a Northern Pygmy-Owl, a Pileated Woodpecker, and three Hairy Woodpeckers. Another trip on 12/29 on Rd 53 out of Guinda turned up three Northern Pygmy-Owls. Only one Lewis's Woodpecker was reported along Scott Rd, near Carson Creek, and none were apparent on Latrobe or Michigan Bar Rds this December.

The "Western Flycatcher" (likely Pacific-slope) found along Babel Slough on 11/19 continued on 12/13; another was found at the Orr portion of the Cosumnes River Preserve on 12/23.  Single Cassin's Vireos were reported from North Davis on 12/1, Cache Creek Preserve on 12/3, and in Winters on 12/15. A California Thrasher, quite rare for Sacramento County, was very conspicuously singing along Humbug Creek near the corner of Oak Ave Parkway and Blue Ravine Rd in Folsom on 12/31, continuing into January. The Palm Warbler found at the Woodland WTP on 11/24 continued through 12/8, and a Wilson's Warbler was found in North Davis on 12/14-27. The Swamp Sparrow (eBird checklist) found just off the auto tour at YBWA on 11/25 continued through the end of December. On 12/25, a Harris's Sparrow was found in Sutter County at a private residence south of the small town of Meridian, along S Meridian Rd; it continued into January. The Orchard Oriole found on 11/30 in North Davis continued through 12/12.  Rounding out the three species of orioles in Yolo County this December are one to two Hooded Orioles continuing through the end of the month in North Davis and a first-year male Bullock's Oriole found on 12/10 at Park Blvd and Acorn St in West Sacramento. Good numbers of Purple Finches and Pine Siskins continued throughout the month.

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: Holly Coates, Maurice DeMille, Lily Douglas, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Dan Kopp, Arav and Aranya Karighattam, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Tim Ludwick, Mark Martucci, Frances Oliver, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Shannon Skalos, Steve Scott, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible

December 2016

Reports from this December were dominated by birds found on our local CBCs. A few other birds of note were found, but overall, it was a quiet month without a lot of surprises. High numbers of Blue-winged Teal continue to be reported at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento. The seasonal high so far was 224, recorded on 12/11. On the 12/31 Folsom CBC, a female or young male Red-breasted Merganser (ebird checklist) was photographed on the American River near the Nimbus Fish Hatchery. A Mountain Quail was found on the Folsom CBC near Sweetwater Creek above Folsom Lake. This species is surely regular in the area, but rarely reported, and this was only the second record on this CBC in 39 years. A Red-necked Grebe (initially found in November) was reported on 12/31 from Beals Point at Folsom Lake.

Bald Eagle reports are climbing locally, and a conservative total of 14 on the 12/31 Folsom CBC is remarkable; early signs of nesting were also reported from Lake Natoma. Raptor reports from the Dunnigan Hills on 12/17 and 12/19 near the intersection of Rds 14 and 88 included up to four Ferruginous Hawks, two Rough-legged Hawks, a Golden Eagle, and a bobcat. For at least 11 years one to three Merlins have spent winter nights in the 2300 to 2700 blocks of Anza Ave in north Davis, and at least two birds were reported this month. From ten to over 50 Mountain Plovers  (ebird checklist) were reported throughout the month at the traditional location, south of Dixon, along Robinson Road north of Flannery Road. On the 12/28 Lincoln CBC, single Semipalmated Plovers were found northwest of Lincoln, both in Sutter (Cornelius Ave) and Placer counties (Waltz Rd; continuing on 12/30). Two Short-eared Owls were reported in the vicinity of Robinson and Flannery Rds on 12/2.

A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was found on the 12/18 Putah Creek CBC at the same location as last year, along Cantelow Rd in Solano Co. The male Vermilion Flycatcher  (ebird checklist) found last winter returned to the Maxwell Cemetery in Colusa County and was reported from 12/26 into January. A Cassin's Vireo was found at the Sacramento City Cemetery on 12/13, and two American Dippers were found along Sweetwater Creek on 12/31. The lack of Varied Thrush reports this winter continue and only one was recorded on the Sacramento CBC, while the species was missed on other local counts. Mountain Bluebirds were reported multiple times near Yolo County Rds 16 and 89, a Wilson's Warbler was a nice surprise on the 12/3 ARNHA Count near the Spanos Ct. access to the American River Parkway, and an impressive eight Thick-billed Fox Sparrows were found at the top of Mix Canyon Rd in Solano County on the Putah Creek CBC.

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, Peter Armstrong, Keith Bailey, Elliot Chasin, Lily Douglas, Chris Dunford, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Ed Pandolfino, Jim Rowoth, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, and Charley Walker. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2015

Reports from this December were dominated by birds found on our local CBCs. A few other birds of note were found, but overall, it was a quiet month without a lot of surprises. High numbers of Blue-winged Teal continue to be reported at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento. The seasonal high so far was 224, recorded on 12/11. On the 12/31 Folsom CBC, a female or young male Red-breasted Merganser (eBird checklist) was photographed on the American River near the Nimbus Fish Hatchery. A Mountain Quail was found on the Folsom CBC near Sweetwater Creek above Folsom Lake. This species is surely regular in the area, but rarely reported, and this was only the second record on this CBC in 39 years. A Red-necked Grebe (initially found in November) was reported on 12/31 from Beals Point at Folsom Lake.

Bald Eagle reports are climbing locally, and a conservative total of 14 on the 12/31 Folsom CBC is remarkable; early signs of nesting were also reported from Lake Natoma. Raptor reports from the Dunnigan Hills on 12/17 and 12/19 near the intersection of Rds 14 and 88 included up to four Ferruginous Hawks, two Rough-legged Hawks, a Golden Eagle, and a bobcat. For at least 11 years one to three Merlins have spent winter nights in the 2300 to 2700 blocks of Anza Ave in north Davis, and at least two birds were reported this month. From ten to over 50 Mountain Plovers (eBird checklist) were reported throughout the month at the traditional location, south of Dixon, along Robinson Road north of Flannery Road. On the 12/28 Lincoln CBC, single Semipalmated Plovers were found northwest of Lincoln, both in Sutter (Cornelius Ave) and Placer counties (Waltz Rd; continuing on 12/30). Two Short-eared Owls were reported in the vicinity of Robinson and Flannery Rds on 12/2.

A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was found on the 12/18 Putah Creek CBC at the same location as last year, along Cantelow Rd in Solano Co. The male Vermilion Flycatcher (eBird checklist) found last winter returned to the Maxwell Cemetery in Colusa County and was reported from 12/26 into January. A Cassin's Vireo was found at the Sacramento City Cemetery on 12/13, and two American Dippers were found along Sweetwater Creek on 12/31. The lack of Varied Thrush reports this winter continue and only one was recorded on the Sacramento CBC, while the species was missed on other local counts. Mountain Bluebirds were reported multiple times near Yolo County Rds 16 and 89, a Wilson's Warbler was a nice surprise on the 12/3 ARNHA Count near the Spanos Ct. access to the American River Parkway, and an impressive eight Thick-billed Fox Sparrows were found at the top of Mix Canyon Rd in Solano County on the Putah Creek CBC.

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, Peter Armstrong, Keith Bailey, Elliot Chasin, Lily Douglas, Chris Dunford, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Ed Pandolfino, Jim Rowoth, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, and Charley Walker. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2014

The highlight of the month came on the last day of the year with a Long-tailed Duck (eBird checklist) found downstream of Sailor Bar on the American River Parkway (ARP), the same spot where one was found 20 years earlier. Other interesting waterfowl included the Falcated Duck at Colusa NWR continuing into January (eBird checklist), a high of 34 Blue-winged Teal at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento on 12/31, a female/immature Red-breasted Merganser at the same location also on 12/31, another Red-breasted Merganser on Folsom Lake on 12/7, and another continuing from November on ARP into January (eBird checklist). An impressive total of 137 Hooded Mergansers were found on the 12/14 Putah Creek CBC. A Red-throated Loon and possibly twoPacific Loons were reported on Folsom Lake 12/4-7, and a Red-necked Grebe was on Lake Berryessa on 12/14.

Rough-legged Hawks were not widespread this month, with reports limited to one found on 12/13 (and continuing) near the intersection of Yolo County Rds 103 and 28H and up to three reported off Payen Rd south of Folsom, beginning on 12/22. Six Swainson’s Hawks, a rare winter bird in the Delta, and a Ferruginous Hawk were along Hwy 12 just west of Lodi on 12/27. At least three Glaucous Gulls were in Yolo County, with an adult at the Davis WTP on 12/6 and the Yolo Bypass on 12/27, and two 2nd cycle birds were in the vicinity of the Landfill and WTP. On 12/14 a Greater Roadrunner near Rds 31 and 91A was just the third Putah Creek CBC record. Band-tailed Pigeons continued in impressive numbers, with over 200 recorded on 12/1 and 12/29 at Michigan Bar (photo on flickr). The two male Costa's Hummingbirds (Putah Creek between Davis and Winters and the other in South Sacramento) continued, and a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was photographed on 12/4 in the Hollywood Park neighborhood of Sacramento (https://picasaweb.google.com/113364264343827160307/YellowBelliedSapsucker141204).

An amazing 292 Steller’s Jays were reported on the Putah Creek CBC (previous high of 78), though they were slightly less widespread in the region than they had been a month earlier. Other interesting songbirds included a Hammond’s Flycatcher at William Land Park on 12/12 (with probably the same bird continuing on 12/31), a Cliff Swallow at the Yolo Bypass on 12/27, and an American Dipper (photo on flickr) at the traditional location below the Hwy 128 bridge in the Putah Creek Canyon from 12/7 throughout December.Varied Thrushes were widespread, with moderate to shockingly high numbers.  An example of the latter was 85 counted in one area of William Land Park on 12/14 and other reports of over 60 in view at one time. A Black-and-white Warbler was found on 12/27 along Babel Slough Rd and continuing into January; a Chipping Sparrow was at Teal Bend Golf Course on the same date; five Western Tanagers were in the same tree in William Land Park on 12/17, and Pine Siskins continued to be numerous and widespread.

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, Lyann Comrack, Matthew Dodder, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Tim Fitzer, Cory Gregory, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Jim Holmes, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Jolie Lipsig, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Mark Sawyer, Charles Smith, Kirk Swenson, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, Bruce Webb, Amy Welsh, Dan Welsh, and Deb Weston. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2013

With only one day of rain (0.36"), this December was consistent with what has been the driest year on record.  What little water was available still held some highlights, including six Trumpeter Swans at Lagoon Valley in Solano County.  They were tentatively identified on 12/22, and with solid confirmation by 12/24, they were seen by many into January.  A dozen Hooded Mergansers found along the American River Parkway (ARP), where only recently quite rare, between Howe and Watt on 12/7 is further illustration of this species' expansion in the region.  The "boat crew" on Lake Berryessa found four Pacific Loons on the 12/15 Putah Creek CBC, and a single  Pacific Loon was reported off Beal's Point, Folsom Lake, on the 12/29 Folsom CBC. Unlike some recent winters, Rough-legged Hawk reports came in from many locations in the region.  Golden-crowned Kinglets and Varied Thushes were widely reported, but Red-breasted Nuthatches, Brown Creepers, and Pine Siskins were absent or nearly so.

Shorebird highlights included a Semipalmated Plover that continued through the month at the Farmers Central Rd Pond along Yolo County Rd 102 (eBird checklist) and Western Sandpipers, rare in winter, were present with up to five at the previous location, up to 22 at the Woodland WTP, with a single at Cosumnes River Preserve on 12/1, and two on the 12/30 Lincoln CBC.  A Glaucous Gull at the Yolo County Landfill on 12/2 (photo) continued through much of the month along with a second-cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull at the same location from 12/7-10.

A Long-eared Owl was reported on Quail Ridge during the 12/15 Putah Creek CBC.  A male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was a rare report for the region from Paradise Beach (ARP) on 12/7 and two Red-naped Sapsuckers were reported on the 12/15 Putah Creek CBC.  Another Red-naped Sapsucker was reported on 12/15 at McBean Park in Lincoln.  It was refound on 12/30, and photos may show some out of place red feathering indicative of some Red-breasted Sapsucker ancestry; prior to 1985 these three species were considered one, and there is considerable interbreeding at the contact zones.  A Hairy Woodpecker was reported at Upper Lake Natoma, off of Young Wo Circle, on the 12/29 Folsom CBC.

Out of season flycatchers included a "Western" Flycatcher (probably Pacific-slope) at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 12/1 and a very rare wintering Ash-throated Flycatcher in Antelope from 12/5-17.  A Northern Shrike was a nice find along William Lane (a dirt road west of Dowd Rd, south of Nicolaus Rd) in Placer County on 12/30.  Other interesting reports include a Plumbeous Vireo along Old River Rd in Yolo County on the 12/22 Sacramento CBC, a Steller's Jay near Brown's Ravine, Folsom Lake, on 12/29, a (eastern) Winter Wren reported on the 12/15 Putah Creek CBC (a state review species), and a Townsend's Solitaire along Babel Slough Rd from 12/11-23.  A Red Fox Sparrow was reported from CRP on 12/1 and at least three different Red Fox Sparrows were reported on the 12/7 ARNHA count.  More surprising was a Thick-billed Fox Sparrow along Blue Ridge Rd near Mt. Vaca on the 12/15 Putah Creek CBC, and a Swamp Sparrow was reported on 12/28 at Lagoon Valley.  Five Lawrence's Golfinches, rare in winter, were reported both on the east side of the Foresthill Bridge near Auburn on 12/14 and from Sweetwater Creek on 12/29.

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:  Dan Airola, David Diller, Chris Dunford, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Claire Gallagher, Frank Gray, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, John Luther, Dick Norton, Frances Oliver, Ed Pandolfino, William Rockey, Deren Ross, Jim Rowoth, John Sterling, John Trochet, Dan Williams, and Bruce Webb. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2012

Nearly six inches of rain fell on Sacramento (170% of average), so it’s appropriate that many of the interesting records were waterfowl. Last winter’s Falcated Duck returned to the Colusa NWR on 12/2, but was last reported there on 12/19; it was apparently at the Sacramento NWR on 12/30. A male Surf Scoter was on the San Joaquin River near Sherman Island on 12/1. A female Long-tailed Duck was at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 12/14-15. Female Red-breasted Merganserswere found among large flocks of Common Mergansers at Laguna West on 12/24 and Greenhaven Lake on 12/30, with at least one of the latter continuing into January, along with up to 1,200 Common Mergansers.

The Red-throated Loonnear Beal’s Point since October continued into January. Rare away from large reservoirs, three Horned Grebes were at the Lincoln WTP from 12/4-27, and one was in Sutter County at Marcum Rd and Hwy 70 from 12/23 into January. The hatch-year Brown Pelican at Riverlake in the Pocket Area of South Sacramento continued through at least 12/12. A Rough-legged Hawk was just east of Rancho Seco on Hwy 104 on 12/7, and four were south of Payen Road on 12/30.

A Pacific Golden-Plover was along Rd 104, near the Yolo Landfill, on 12/25--perhaps the same bird found on the 12/23 Sacramento CBC. Mountain Plovers were regularly reported from Robinson Rd south of Dixon, with a high of 90. Two Marbled Godwits were found on the 12/23 Sacramento CBC, and a Wilson’s Phalarope, very rare in winter, was on private land during the 12/16 Putah Creek CBC. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was near the Yolo Landfill on 12/8 and continued throughout the month; another was at Beal’s Point, Folsom Lake, on 12/28. One-two Glaucous Gulls were near the Yolo Landfill throughout the month.

A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was found along Quail Canyon Rd, off Pleasants Valley Rd, on 12/16. A Western Kingbird along Yolo Rd 105 near Rd 30 on 12/7 had apparently been seen there for a few days. A juvenile Northern Shrikewas found in Sutter County off Pacific Ave near Striplin Rd on 12/27, with sporadic reports into the new year. The Winter Wren near Lake Solano and Las Positas Rd continued into January. A Grasshopper Sparrow, rare in winter, was found at the top of Las Positas Rd on 12/16, and a Red Fox Sparrow was nearby at Fishing Access #3 on the same date. The north Davis Harris’s Sparrowcontinued into January, and another was found in Fairfield on 12/17, near Business Center Dr and Green Valley Rd, also continuing into the new year.

One of the year’s highlights was a male Common Redpoll coming to a feeder on 12/31. Just the fourth Central Valley record, it was seen by many for one more day before moving on- see photos below. Pine Siskins were widely reported in high numbers. Red Crossbills were found at the Gristmill access of ARP on 12/1, with three at Upper Sunrise (ARP) on 12/30, and a high of seven at the Odd Fellows/Old City Cemetery from 12/10 into January. Evening Grosbeak reports continued from last month, with one at the Sacramento City Cemetery on 12/8, two in Davis on 12/9, 12 in Folsom on 12/12, and 15 in Folsom on 12/16.

We feature photos of some of the highlight birds on the Sacramento Audubon Web site.

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: Steve Abbott, Ben Abramowitz, Dan Airola, Mark Cudney, Al DeMartini, Chris Dunford, Jon Dunn, Todd Easterla, Leo Edson, Tim Fitzer, Claire Gallagher, Cory Gregory, Kevin Guse, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Jim Laughlin, Don Marsh, Ed Pandolfino, Linda Pittman, Jim Rowoth, Don Schmoldt, Ken Schneider, Susan Schneider, John Sterling, Michael Strom, Dan Tankersley, John Trochet, Bobby Walsh, Bruce Webb, Ed Whisler, and John York. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2011

Falcated Duck at Colusa NWR by Linda Pittman

Falcated Duck at Colusa NWR by Linda Pittman

December 2011 was one of the driest Decembers on record, with just over a quarter-inch of rain. Many local CBCs reported lower than average numbers and diversity, especially waterfowl and irruptive species likely to be driven into the Valley by severe weather (see the CBC reports for details). Yet, the mostly spring-like weather led to many observers in the field. The most notable report was a male Falcated Duck found at the Colusa NWR on 12/8. It was missed on a couple of days, but for the most part was very cooperative, continuing into January. If accepted by the California Bird Records Committee, it would be only the third record for the state and the first for the Central Valley. Prior to 2002, the occasional reports of this species were considered escaped captives, but recent reports on the West Coast suggesting vagrancy from Asia have gained wider acceptance. Additional waterfowl of interest included an aberrant or hybrid Emperor Goose found on 12/23 at Sutter NWR, a first-year Trumpeter Swan at Lake of the Pines on the 12/17 Auburn CBC, a Eurasian Green-winged Teal at the Yolo Wildlife Area on 12/17, and a female Red-breasted Merganser at the Granite Bay access to Folsom Lake on 12/26.

A Swainson’s Hawk on 12/8 at Williams was rare for winter that far north in the Valley. Single “Prairie” Merlins were reported from Nader Ln north of Lincoln on 12/3 and near Granite Bay on 12/26. Gulls at the Yolo County Landfill included an adult Lesser Black-backed Gulland an adult Glaucous Gull on 12/10. The latter bird may have been the same one present on 12/31, with a second-cycle Glaucous Gullpresent on 12/30. An adult Western Gull was at Ancil Hoffman Park along the American River on 12/28. One of the most intriguing reports of the month was of a male Black-chinned Hummingbird near El Dorado Hills on the 12/26 Folsom CBC. It was seen well, though attempts to refind this bird were unsuccessful. A Red-naped Sapsucker was seen by many at East Lawn Cemetery beginning on 12/13. The hint of excess red on the face may indicate a Red-breasted Sapsucker somewhere in its ancestry.

Harris's Sparrow by Linda Pittman

Other excellent finds included a Western Kingbird on Oak Ave northwest of Folsom on 12/12-13, a Northern Shrike at the Peninsula portion of Folsom Lake, two Cassin’s Vireos in town on the 12/15 Marysville CBC, a Canyon Wren near Old Folsom on 12/26 (the first for this site in 40 years), a Northern Waterthrush near Lake of the Pines on the 12/17 Auburn CBC and again on 12/19, an apparent Hermit X Townsend’s Warbler at Baldwin Reservoir on 12/26, a first winter Harris’s Sparrow in north Davis from 12/4 into January, and two Evening Grosbeaks at East Lawn Cemetery on 12/15. The Black-throated Sparrow in Esparto continued through most of December, and a Lapland Longspur continued in a field north of Rd 27 from 11/17 through at least 12/9. From last month, 26 Mountain Plovers on a portion of Sherman Island without public access on 11/10 provided the first record in over a decade for Sacramento County.

Many of these reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve. Visit cvbirds.org and click "Listserve" 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: Steve Abbott, Brian Acord, Roger Adamson, Bruce Deuel, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Maureen Geiger, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Dan Kopp, Lea Landry, Jim Laughlin, Mary Beth Metcalf, Frances Oliver, Michael Park, Kathy Parker, W. Rockey, Krysta Rogers, Jennifer Rycenga, Craig Swolgaard, John Sterling, Dan Tankersley, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Bruce Webb, Dan Williams, and the local CBC counters and compilers. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2009

Local Christmas Bird Counts and the ARNHA Wildlife Count had a lot of birders in the field.  The biggest highlights of the CBC season came in January (see next month or the CBC summaries), though there were a number of nice finds this December.  One of the most spectacular events reported and nicely photographed was a huge flock of  European Starlings (photos here), in the hundreds of thousands, often pursed by a Peregrine Falcon.  A similarly huge flock was in the Elk Grove area.  In spite of the damage starlings do to our native cavity nesters, these undulating flocks, twisting, breaking apart, recombining, are amazing to behold.

The low foothills of Amador County have been getting more consistent coverage the last two winters.  Highlights this month included two Eurasian Wigeons at Goffinet Reservoir east of Ione, three  Barrow’s Goldeneyes at the Ione WTP, and a Mew Gull at Lake Camanche.  The ducks were reported several times in the first part of the month and the gull was found on 12/3.  The Lincoln WTP produced a nice assortment of moderately rare ducks.  Best was a Red-breasted Merganser on 12/30, followed closely by a Eurasian Wigeon reported on 12/24, missed on the 12/30 Lincoln CBC and found again the following day, and seven Redheads on 12/18.  Two Redheads at Willow Hill Reservoir near Folsom High School on 12/12 didn’t stick around for the Folsom CBC.  The same can be said for a Band-tailed Pigeon in Folsom the following day.  A Band-tailed Pigeon was also found near Ancil Hoffman on the 12/5 ARNHA Count.   A Long-eared Owl was reported the same day from the upper portion of the American River Parkway (ARP).  This is one of the most enigmatic of our regular birds, perhaps equaled in this respect only by Least Bittern.  They are certainly quite rare, but how rare is difficult to judge since they are so easy to overlook.

Bald Eagles are regular at Folsom Lake, increasingly frequent over the upper portion of the ARP, and now not unexpected at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP), Stone Lakes NWR, and the SRCSD Bufferlands.  An adult was at the Bufferlands on 12/14 (an infrequent visitor last winter was only the second record in over 20 years) and, perhaps the same bird, was seen eating a Northern Shoveler at CRP on 12/20.  Ferruginous Hawks were widely reported, but Rough-legged Hawks were few and far between.  A Swainson’s Hawk was seen over Pedrick Rd to the west of Davis on 12/3, but this species was missed on local CBCs.

A Common Goldeneye X Bufflehead hybrid returned for its second winter to Lake Solano, seen here trailing a pair of Common Goldeneyes. Photo by Ed Harper.

One of the more interesting birds was the returning Bufflehead x Common Goldeneye at Lake Solano, first found the previous winter.  A Semipalmated Plover at Staten Island on 12/20 was very good for the season.  An adult Glaucous Gull at the Yolo County Landfill on the 12/27 Sacramento CBC was one of the better finds; others from the CBC include two Brown Creepers (largely absent from the valley this winter), four Townsend’s Warblers, and two Chipping Sparrows, all from the City of Sacramento portion of the count.  Red Fox Sparrows were found on 12/5 at both the ARP near Gristmill and CRP.  White-throated Sparrows were well represented, with continuing reports from ARP upstream of Howe Ave, CRP and the Bufferlands, along with two found in Sacramento on the CBC.  Also of note were much higher than usual reported numbers of Puget Sound White-crowned Sparrows (almost identical to the drab brown, yellow-billed Nuttall’s White-crowned Sparrows seen on trips to Point Reyes and Bodega Bay).

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, Dave Bell, Dan Brown, Scott Dietrich, Jim Dunn, Andy Engilis, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Dan Kopp, Lea Landry, Don Marsh, Ed Pandolfino, Nancy Sage, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, and John Trochet.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.