February 2024

February is still winter, but some birds certainly have spring on their minds. Adding to the early-breeding Anna's Hummingbirds and Great Horned Owls, by February, herons, egrets, and cormorants are working on their nests. Tree Swallows are conspicuous by mid-January, but by the end of the month, all of the regular swallows except for Purple Martins had been reported. A Tufted Duck was reported in early February from the Laguna Lakes area of Elk Grove, but apparently didn't stick around. Up to five Red-breasted Mergansers were on Folsom Lake, mostly seen from Beals Pt, continuing in a season with an unusually high number of this locally rare species. The male Costa's Hummingbird in northeast Davis continued from last month through at least 2/5.

The shorebird highlight was the continuing Mountain Plovers in the fields along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of the Colusa County line. There was a high of over 140 (eBird Checklist S162232392), but the most impressive report was of 113 on the late afternoon of 2/24 (eBird Checklist S163017598). As darkness fell, about a dozen small groups flew east, calling, as they continued into the darkness. Unbeknownst to most local birders, this traditional viewing site, at least that evening, was not where the birds stayed to roost. Perhaps they continued east over the Sacramento River and into Sutter County. At the old hotspot south of Dixon, a high of 38 Mountain Plovers were reported this month. The only Glaucous Gull was found on 2/10 off Yolo CR 104 to the west of the Yolo Central Landfill (eBird Checklist S161174028), and a Lesser Black-backed Gull was at the same location on 2/5. A Red-throated Loon was reported from 2/16-2/20 on the Deep Water Channel west of the Bridgeway Island Pond and farther to the north on 2/26.

There has been a slight uptick of Yellow-bellied Sapsucker reports in recent years, including one on 2/28 at Cache Creek Preserve (eBird Checklist S163226821). Perhaps more people are looking at sapsuckers more carefully. A Hairy Woodpecker, always a nice find in Sacramento County, was on the south side of Lake Natoma near the Willow Creek access during the first half of the month. A female Vermilion Flycatcher was a nice find at the Williams Cemetery on 2/28, as was a Tropical Kingbird in Suisun City (eBird Checklist S163213813) on 2/24-2/28. A Plumbeous Vireo was photographed (eBird Checklist S160570049) Davis Community Park on 2/3. Tapering off from earlier in the season, there was just one Winter Wren report, on 2/16, from Lake Solano. There were several Red Crossbill reports at the Old City Cemetery in Sacramento during the second half of the month, including a recording (eBird Checklist S161859689) on 2/17 of seven with calls consistent with "type-3" or Western hemlock crossbills (eBirdws/recrtype/); 12 Red Crossbills were also found visiting a Roseville yard on 2/23. A Swamp Sparrow turned up at the Bufferlands on 2/1. Despite moderate flooding and a very skulky bird, five people were able to see it through 2/6. It was seen again briefly on 2/27. On the topic of skulky birds, the Ovenbird continued at William Land Park, as did the Summer Tanager. One of the year's highlights so far was a beautiful male Cape May Warbler found on 2/10 visiting an Elk Grove backyard (eBird Checklist S161169243). It was seen by several visiting birders through 2/12.

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: Steve Abbott, Theresa Blue, Dan Brown, Lyann Comrack, Konshau Duman, Chris Dunford, Andy Engilis, Jr., Gil Ewing, Linda Gal, Susan Goodrich, Joshua Greenfield, Nancy Gronert, Cliff Hawley, Marcel Holyoak, Scott Hoppe, Emmett Iverson, Adam Kucharek, Jeri Langham, Barbara Leary, Mark Martucci, Roger Muskat, Adam Panto, Zane Pickus, Ron Pozzi, Samuel Schmidt, Steve Scott, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Dan Williams, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2023

While there were breaks in the storms, high water, rain, and winds limited birding activity for good chunks of the month. The expected winter raptors and water birds were in their usual spots, though waterfowl moved a lot, exploiting newly-flooded areas. Early signs of spring came in the form of all the regular swallows (except for Purple Martin, not expected until mid-to-late March) reported before month's end. The Greater Roadrunner found along Rd 81 in the Capay Valley on 1/22 continued through February. Mountain Plovers along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of the Colusa County line, continued with up to 30 reported through mid-month. The report of 25 north of Flannery Rd, just west of Hwy 113, was a nice surprise. This appears to be the only report this winter in the vicinity of their old stronghold. A first-cycle Glaucous Gull was reported at the Kiefer Landfill on 2/20, while at least one was found throughout the month along Yolo County Rd 104 west of the Yolo County (Davis) Landfill. Up to two Northern Pygmy-Owls were seen and beautifully photographed (eBird Checklist S127776294) along Rayhouse Rd early in the month. The Long-eared Owl wintering in the Wildhorse neighborhood of Davis continued into March, and at least eight were found on a semi-regular roost in a normally closed portion of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 2/25.

Lewis's Woodpeckers continued in excellent numbers, and the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker found on 12/26 near the Elkhorn Volunteer Fire Dept (close to the Elkhorn boat ramp) continued into late February. Another was photographed (eBird Checklist S129799760) near Guinda in the Capay Valley on 2/27. A Hammond's Flycatcher (eBird Checklist S127904536) was a nice find at Streng Park in Woodland on 2/8 and 2/27. Two different Cassin's Vireos were reported in Davis and a Plumbeous Vireo (eBird Checklist S128181760) was found on the UC Davis campus on 2/7-2/12. The Townsend's Solitaire at Sacramento City College continued into March, while the bird at the Sacramento City Cemetery continued from December to at least 2/22 (access had been limited because of downed trees), and another was near the UC Davis Med Center on 2/14.

There were scattered reports of Evening Grosbeaks in the region, but most remarkable was a regular flock of up to 25 or more (eBird Checklist S129743490) in a Gold River neighborhood south of the American River between Sunrise and Hazel Blvds. They were first reported on 2/23 and were consistent through at least mid-March. This species is almost never found consistently on the Valley floor, but occasionally as transient, calling flybys. Up to three Cassin's Finches (eBird Checklist S130319394) were found throughout the month in a Sacramento yard, and up to five Lawrence's Goldfinches were found regularly at Phoenix Field. A Swamp Sparrow was seen and photographed at Bridgeway Island Pond (eBird Checklist S127608135) from 2/4-2/19, and another was at North Pond in Davis (eBird Checklist S129328592) from 2/18-2/21. The Bullock's Oriole found in Woodland on 1/25 was seen again on 2/23, and the Nashville Warbler at CRP, first detected on 1/19, appears to be spending the winter at a site without regular public access.

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, Calvin Carroll, Lyann Comrack, Konshau Duman, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Lief Gallagher, Maureen Geiger, Joshua Greenfield, Cliff Hawley, Leia Hewitt, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Stephanie Levins, Mark Martucci, Daniel Murphy, Roger Muskat, Chris Ortega, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Eric Pilotte, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Alex Single, Cindra Smith, Sean Smith, Kirk Swenson, Cameron Tescher, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2022

The avian calendar progressed on schedule even though the weather was unexpectedly warm and dry--yet another month without rain. By month's end, Sandhill Cranes were leaving, and early arrivals were here in the form of five regular species of swallows. The first Rufous Hummingbird of the season was reported locally on 2/19. Most notable records for the period were continuing from earlier in the season, including the female Long-tailed Duck found on 11/26 near the Nimbus Hatchery, usually below the Hazel Ave bridge, and continuing well into March. A Common Poorwill was flushed along Meiss Rd on 2/16, providing a nice surprise for the season, or really, any season.

The only Mountain Plovers reported in the region continued in ag fields along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of the Colusa County line, at least through the first week of the month. A few interesting gull reports near the Yolo County Central Landfill included an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull beginning on 2/24, and a second-cycle bird (eBird checklist S103857399) beginning on 2/27. A first-cycle Glaucous Gull was first reported on 2/18 (eBird checklist S103534630), and an adult Glaucous Gull was reported on 2/25. One to two Pacific Loons were seen on Folsom Lake from Folsom Point through at least 2/21. The Neotropic Cormorant found on 12/31 along Brannan Island Rd at the junction of the San Joaquin River and Seven Mile Slough continued through at least 2/5; it likely persisted longer, but fewer people were making the long trip after more than a month of residence by this cooperative first county record. Long-eared Owls are very rare locally, but at least ten were found at a traditional roost site in late February at a portion of Cosumnes River Preserve with limited access.

The Eastern Phoebe at the southern tip of Tyler Island continued from 12/12 into March. A Lawrence's Goldfinch spent a week mid-month visiting a Sacramento yard just south of Sutter's Landing, and Meiss Rd produced two Vesper Sparrows in the same area the species was found the previous winter. A young male Summer Tanager first found feeding on bees at hives at Fairytale Town, William Land Park, on 2/16 (eBird checklist S103548804 and eBird checklist S103410208) continued into March. It was mostly cooperative, providing a winter highlight for dozens of birders. This is a rare bird locally, but most records have been of migrants in late summer, and this accounts for one of very few wintering records.

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, Dan Brown, Aidan Brubaker, Krystal Coles, Lyann Comrack, Lily Douglas, Konshau Duman, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Linda Gal, Susan Goodrich, Cliff Hawley, Liam Huber, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Jasen Liu, Mark Martucci, Ethan Monk, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Cameron Tescher, John Trochet, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2021

After a few storms last month, February shaped up to be another largely dry period in this historically dry winter. Many of the highlights were of birds continuing from January, but more widely seen in February. Also continuing was the pattern of higher than usual winter finch numbers. A male Redhead, rare in Sacramento County, especially in publicly accessible spots, was first detected on Mather Lake on 2/20. It moved around between local water bodies, including Marilyn Evans Pond and the N Mather Dr Wetlands, continuing into March. A Surf Scoter was found on the San Joaquin River off Sherman Island on 2/21, where they show up fairly regularly, and the two White-winged Scoters continued near the Folsom Lake dam. A Red-breasted Merganser and one to two Pacific Loons were also reported continuing near the dam. The Red-necked Grebe (eBird Checklist) found at the Port of Sacramento continued from last month through 2/12, while another was on Lake Solano from 2/1-2.

Allen's Hummingbirds are very rarely found in Sacramento County, but are somewhat consistent in the extreme southwestern portion of the county. A male photographed at Brannan Island SRA on 2/26 (eBird Checklist) fit that pattern. The cooperative male Broad-billed Hummingbird, found on 1/29 in a private yard in central Davis, continued into March. A Pacific Golden-Plover was reported at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 2/16-20, and up to two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were found in the vicinity of the Yolo County Landfill Pond, north of Rd 28H, through most of the month; a first cycle Glaucous Gull was reported from the same location on 2/16. A Least Bittern reported on 2/13 from Cache Creek at Wild Wings County Park was intriguing for a species rarely found locally in winter. Bald Eagles began nesting for the second year in a row on the lower Cosumnes River Preserve, continuing the trend of local expansion. A flock of 8-10 Long-eared Owls at a traditional roost site was found on 2/28 at a typically closed section of Cosumnes River Preserve. They had not been present there earlier this season (dependably unpredictable, this enigmatic species), though this makes three years in a row that they spent at least part of the winter near the same spot; a roost of four was also present on 2/14 on private property near Esparto.

A cooperative Red-naped Sapsucker found on 2/7 at Rollingwood Bluffs (eBird Checklist) on the west side of Lake Natoma continued into March and was enjoyed by many. The Eastern Phoebe, first found on 1/24 along Cache Creek near Wild Wings County Park, continued to mid-month. The Tropical Kingbird found at Reichmuth Park on 1/31 was enjoyed by many as it continued (eBird Checklist), increasingly sporadically, through the end of the month. A Sage Thrasher was photographed near the Bridgeway Island Pond on 2/6. A small flock of Red Crossbills was enjoyed by several observers from 2/6-12 (eBird Checklist) at the Old City Cemetery, and a flock of 12 was found at Elk Grove Regional Park on 2/14 (eBird Checklist). On 2/22, a Harris's Sparrow (eBird Checklist) was with a crowned-sparrow flock adjacent to the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve, continuing into March near the junction of Levee and Hopkins Rds, where it was enjoyed by many.

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: Kathy Blankenship, Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Holly Coates, Konshau Duman, Chris Dunford, Andy Engilis, Stephen Fettig, Steve Hampton, John Harris, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Rich Howard, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Chris McAllister, Michael Perrone, Dan Murphy, Nora Papian, Katie Rian, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Gaven Stacey, Kirk Swenson, Eddie Tache, Simon Tache, John Trochet, Bobby Walsh, Rick Williams, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2020

For the first time in recorded history, we had absolutely no rain in February. That's not to say that the region was devoid of waterfowl. Colusa County's first Garganey was found on 2/26 off of White Rd (eBird checklist), east of I-5 at Harrington, and continued into March. A Eurasian Green-winged Teal (eBird checklist) was seen sporadically at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA). The White-winged Dove found on 1/24 along Meiss Rd to the west of Dillard Rd continued through at least 2/2. A male Costa's Hummingbird was visiting feeders in southeastern Davis mid-month, and an Allen's Hummingbird was seen by multiple observers visiting flowering eucalyptus on Sherman Island from 2/12 through at least 2/24, with a displaying male and at least three other Rufous/Allen's Hummingbirds seen. This Delta location is just beyond the edge of the regular breeding range for this species.

A Marbled Godwit at the YBWA on 2/23 was a nice find for the season, and a Ruff (eBird checklist) at the same location on 2/27 was even more unexpected. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was found at the Yolo Landfill Pond on 2/25, and perhaps different adult was found at the YBWA on 2/26. An adult Slaty-backed Gull was photographed on 2/15 (eBird checklist) along Yolo County Rd 104 where likely the same bird had been found earlier in the season. Rough-legged Hawks are much less expected than they were two decades ago, but this winter they continue to be reported fairly regularly from good raptor locations in the region. A wintering flock of at least ten Long-eared Owls was found on 2/22 in a closed portion of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) where the flock had been found in November and December, but missed in January. 

The young male Vermilion Flycatcher first found at Tanzanite Park in Natomas on 10/30 continued to 2/26, but was missed thereafter. The Gray Flycatcher, first found on 1/4 along the River Walk at CRP, continued through at least 2/21. A Northern Shrike was found on 2/29 and seen by many into March near the Colusa Garganey location. The Plumbeous Vireo reported in Winters on 12/8 continued through at least 2/20, and a singing Cassin's Vireo at Slidehill Park in Davis on 2/26 was also notable for the date. Two Evening Grosbeaks were heard and seen near Sac St. on 2/16. A Lark Bunting was found (eBird checklist) on 2/1 along Yolo County Rd 86 to the north of Rd 16 and continued through the end of the month. The Clay-colored Sparrow found on 12/27 at Tanzanite Park continued into mid-March. Additional notable reports included the continuing Harris's Sparrow in Woodland, the continuing Swamp Sparrow along the auto tour route at the YBWA, and a Black-and-white Warbler at Bobelaine on 2/1. The continuing Worm-eating Warbler in southeastern Davis, first found on 10/27 at San Marino Park, was only sporadically found through at least 2/29.

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: Stuart Angerer, Kathy Blankenship, Max Brodie, Holly Coates, Konshau Duman, Chris Dunford, Gil Ewing, Leif Gallagher, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Stan Hunter, Emmett Iverson, Logan Kahle, Jeri Langham, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Ken Schneider, Steve Scott, Dave Shuford, Ken Sobon, Gavin Stacey, John Trochet, Zeke VanZante, Bart Wichel, Dan Williams, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2019

This February was fairly quiet, with many of the reports being continuations of birds found earlier in the season. One to two Surf Scoters continued off of Sherman Island E Levee Rd from early January into late February, while the cooperative male White-winged Scoter first found on 12/13 near the Nimbus Hatchery continued into March. A male Costa's Hummingbird was seen by many in a south Davis yard from 2/7 through the end of the month (eBird checklist).

Mountain Plovers continued along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of the Colusa County line, with up to 14 through the first week of February. An immature Glaucous Gull has been reported sporadically this season in Yolo County, including on 2/16 from the Central Landfill along County Rd 28H. The report of an adult Black-headed Gull (a CA Bird Records Committee review species) was a nice surprise off of Hwy 12, west of the town of Terminous, on 2/22. A Red-throated Loon was found along the Deep Water Channel between Bridgeway Island Pond and the turning basin on 2/27, and was seen by many into March (eBird checklist). It was likely the proximate cause of the discovery of a major rarity that was found nearby on 3/1 (check back next month).

A Hariy Woodpecker was found off of Young Wo Circle along Lake Natoma on 2/12, a little upstream of the reports from recent years. The Northern Shrike (eBird checklist) found near Yolo County Rds 25 and 103 on 11/15 continued in the general area through February, and what is likely a different bird was found across I-5 to the northeast at the Trestle Ponds on 2/7. Mountain Bluebirds were widely reported, with the largest local flock (up to 35) found along Meiss Rd from 2/24 into March (eBird checklist). The bright male Tennessee Warbler photographed in a north Davis yard on 1/25 continued into March along the greenbelt in the vicinity of Elk Place and Falcon Ave. A Palm Warbler was seen by many, beginning on 2/12, near the corner of Covell Blvd and Pole Line Rd in Davis. It foraged on or near the ground in various locations at the nearby office park, parking lot, and apartment complex (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. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Keith Bailey, Lyann Comrack, Dave DeSante, Leo Edson, Sid England, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Rob Fowler, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Joan Humphrey, Afton Kern, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Jason Riggio, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, Craig Swolgaard, Robert Traverso, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2018

After the amazing finds of last January, a more typical month was expected and came to pass, but not without some nice surprises, including several continuing birds from previous months. Both the Curve-billed Thrasher in Woodland and the Worm-eating Warbler at Reichmuth Park were reported through at least 2/17. A Red-necked Grebe was found at Lagoon Valley Regional Park on 2/24 and continued into March. Over a dozen Ferruginous Hawks were reported near Plainfield Elementary School, while the few reports of Rough-legged Hawks included singles at Conaway Ranch on 2/7, south of Payen Rd mid-month, and off of Latrobe Rd on 2/24.

Single Pacific Golden-Plovers were found at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) from 2/10 into March and along Poundstone Rd near Arbuckle on 2/18. Other notable YBWA shorebirds included a Stilt Sandpiper on 2/12, an early small flock of Western Sandpipers on 2/17, and a Ruff from 2/17 through the end of the month (eBird checklist). A Greater Roadrunner was found along Yolo County Rd 57 in the Capay Valley on 2/3, and a Long-eared Owl was found roosting in Veteran's Memorial Park in Roseville on 2/5, continuing through at least 2/13. A male Red-naped Sapsucker, one of few Yolo County records, was found along Hwy 128 near Positas Rd on 2/21 (eBird checklist).

A Hammond's Flycatcher was found in West Sacramento near the Port of Sacramento Barge Access on 2/3-4 (eBird checklist), and a Cassin's Vireo was found in east Davis on 2/3, perhaps continuing from last fall. A Sage Thrasher was an excellent find near Slide Hill Park in Davis on 2/8. The Northern Waterthrush continued along Putah Creek near the Hwy 128 bridge through the end of the month, and the Palm Warbler first found at the Woodland WTP on 11/24 was reported into March. A Wilson's Warbler was an unexpected winter find in a Davis yard on 2/5. The Swamp Sparrow found just off the auto tour at YBWA on 11/25 continued through the end of February, and a Red Fox Sparrow was found in a closed portion of CRP on 2/27.

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: Roger Adamson, Stuart Angerer, Keith Bailey, Terry Colborn, Lisa Couper, Chris Dunford, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Tim Fitzer, Steve Hampton, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Stan Hunter, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Bruce Mast, Roger Muskat, Michael Perrone, William Rockey, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, Mara Weston, Dan Williams, and Rick Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2017

Extremely wet weather continued and many local sites were partially or completely flooded, limiting access to popular birding area such as the Cosumnes River Preserve, portions of the American River Parkway, and the Yolo Bypass. The male Tufted Duck first found on 1/29 from the San Joaquin River Levee Rd at Sherman Island continued on and off through at least 2/20. What was apparently a second male Tufted Duck was found and photographed miles upsteam off of Brannan Island (eBird checklist) on 2/11. The two White-winged Scoters also continued into February, with at least one through reported through 2/19. A Surf Scoter was found in the same area from 2/11-18, with others reported at the Winters WTP (eBird Checklist), beginning on 2/3, and Lake Berryessa on 2/28.

A Common Loon was found at the Deep Water Channel in West Sacramento from 2/6-21 (eBird checklist), with two at Lake Solano on 2/27-28, and a single below Monticello Dam on 2/28. An adult Brown Pelican on Lake Natoma on 2/18 was a surprise for the season (most Brown Pelican records for the Valley have been in the summer and fall). A pair of Bald Eagles began nesting at Lake Natoma this season, reflecting the further expansion of this species in the area. A light-morph Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk was an interesting find in El Dorado Hill from 2/19 through at least 2/26. An adult Glaucous Gull was found at Rd 104 just south of Rd 155 along the flooded Yolo Bypass from 2/11-15 (eBird checklist).

Apparently the same banded male Costa's Hummingbird that has been present on and off for over three years continued along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters this month. A Hammond's Flycatcher photographed in Village Homes, Davis, was also reported for much of the month. A Tropical Kingbird found at Brannan Island SRA on 2/11 (eBird checklist) was the first photographed in Sacramento County. The Townsend's Solitaire initially found at Lower Cache Creek Regional Park 1/15 continued through at least 2/13. The Sage Thrasher, first reported on 1/27 near Rds 25A and 96B, continued through at least mid-month (eBird checklist) and another Sage Thrasher was found on the eastern portion of Meiss Rd on 2/12. A wintering Wilson's Warbler continued near Spanos Court, along the American River Parkway (ARP), and was seen sporadically throughout the month. Finally, the Red Fox Sparrow (eBird checklist) found along the ARP between Howe and Watt continued to be reported almost daily into March.

February 2016

Spring-like weather for much of the month allowed for a lot of activity outdoors, but rekindled fears of continued drought. By the end of the month, Sandhill Cranes were seen in high circling flocks on their way north and the first of a wave of returning Swainson’s Hawks were reported. Surf Scoterscontinued on the San Joaquin River near Sherman Island, with six seen on 2/15, and a female Red-breasted Merganser  was a nice find among Common Mergansers on the American River near the Upper Sunrise access on 2/21.

The dark morph Rough-legged Hawk continued throughout the month along Riley Rd north of Galt and another was found on Meiss Rd on 2/13. Five Mountain Plovers continued on Yolo County Rd 103 through at least 2/9. Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were reported at Folsom Lake near the Granite Bay boat ramp on 2/3, an adult and a first-cycle, with the adult continuing on 2/6. At least three Short-eared Owls continued in the ag fields along Yolo County Rd 30 northeast of Davis, and two were found along Waltz Rd, west of Dowd Rd, just north of Lincoln from 2/20 to at least 2/25. ANorthern Saw-whet Owl was found along the American Parkway bike trail just downstream of the Nimbus Hatchery on 2/10, and was seen by many (eBird checklist) through 2/12. A continuing Hairy Woodpecker was at the Young Wo access to Lake Natoma through at least 2/29.

The Black-chinned Sparrow (eBird checklist), exceedingly rare for the Central Valley floor, continued until at least 2/27. A Grasshopper Sparrow photographed at close range at Deer Creek Hills on 2/20 was a nice find for winter (eBird checklist). A Red Fox Sparrow was reported from CRP around the Tall Forest on 2/28. Two Swamp Sparrows continued from the Sacramento CBC just off the auto route at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 2/13. While caution is advised with rare out-of-range races of Dark-eyed Juncos, a Pink-sided Junco was well-described near the Mace Blvd bridge over Putah Creek on 2/14. Lawrence’s Goldfinches showed up several times this month, including two flyovers in Davis on 2/7, four in Fair Oaks on 2/13, a male at the Folsom Rodeo Grounds on 2/21, and a flyover at the Orr Ranch at CRP on 2/27. Red Crossbill reports began drying up in Sacramento, with the last report from the Old Cemetery on 2/5 and a report of two flyovers near Sac State on 2/9. Up to 10 Evening Grosbeaks continued in north Davis until mid-month (eBird checklist). Based on their call-type, they are not birds that summer in the Sierra, but are from farther north.

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:  Ralf Baker, Virginia Bonham, Dan Cook, Lyann Comrack, Lisa Couper, Laura Davis, Lily Douglas, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Claire Gallagher, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, James Holmes, Jeri Langham, Amy McDonald, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Dave Quady, John Robinson, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, Mary Schiedt, Judy Spitler, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, Amy Welsh, Daniel Welsh, Deb Weston, and Mara Weston. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2015

This month was most notable for the continued reports of unprecedented numbers of Band-tailed Pigeons, Steller’s Jays, Varied Thrushes, and Pine Siskins. Most interesting among the waterfowl was a reported flyover Emperor Goose at County Line Rd at the Yolo/Colusa boundary and the Falcated Duck at Colusa NWR that continued through at least 2/17. The male Red-breasted Merganser at the Gristmill access of the American River Parkway (ARP) was reported from 1/22-2/17, and up to two Red-throated Loons were reported from various locations on Folsom Lake through 2/12. For sheer numbers, the most impressive raptor report was from Yolo County Rd 96B, between Rds 25 and 25A, where a few minutes with a scope produced 39 Red-tailed Hawks and 9 Ferruginous Hawks on 2/3.

 
County Line Rd east of I-5 hosted 54 Mountain Plovers, the highest number from Yolo County in many years (eBird checklist). A Marbled Godwit, quite rare in winter away from the coast, was found at Colusa NWR from 1/31-2/1. Gull reports were relatively few this month, with a first-cycle Western Gull at Folsom Lake’s Beals Point on 2/1 and a second-cycle Western Gull at the Yolo County Landfill Pond on 2/14 being most notable. A Greater Roadrunner reported between Davis and Winters on 2/22 where Rd 91A almost meets Rd 31 may have been the same bird seen at that location on the Putah Creek CBC. A nearby private orchard hosted a Northern Saw-whet Owl, first noticed on 2/19, and a Long-eared Owl on 2/25. The male Costa’s Hummingibird that has been reported along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters continued for another month.


The Red-naped Sapsucker found last month continued at Lake Solano through at least 2/15, and a male and female Hairy Woodpecker along Lake Natoma between Young Wo Circle and Parkshore Drive continued into March (eBird checklist). A Cassin’s Vireo with a slightly deformed bill near the Gristmill access to ARP on 2/5 was a surprise for the winter season. Even more surprising was the report of calling and briefly seen Bohemian Waxwings among a huge flock of Cedar Waxwings near Carmichael on 2/7. Unfortunately they were not refound despite considerable effort. A Lark Bunting was found and photographed along Robinson Rd south of Dixon on 2/10 (photos). The Swamp Sparrow at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area was reported from 1/23 through at least 2/10, up to five White-throated Sparrows were found between the Howe and Watt accesses to ARP throughout the month, while the Harris’s Sparrow in N Davis continued, but was not always easy to find. A male Cassin's Finch was reported in Davis on Feb 10 and may have been the same bird found earlier in the winter.


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: Patricia Bacchetti, Lyann Comrack, Chris Dunford, Gil Ewing, David and Denise Hamilton, Steve Hampton, David Hartley, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Joan Humphrey, Jeri Langham, Karen Keinitz, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Eric LoPresti, Tim Manolis, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Janet and Mark Scheel, Mary Schiedt, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, Dan Tankersley, John Trochet, Kent Van Vuren, Bruce Webb, Dan Williams, and Roger Willmarth. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2014

This was a fairly quiet month in terms of new bird reports.  Multiple Eurasian Wigeons and Blue-winged Teal reports continued, and four Surf Scoters were found in the San Joaquin River off of Sherman Island, Sacramento County, on 2/23 where they are proving to be sporadic but somewhat expected in winter.  A female Red-breasted Merganser was found on the American River near the Gristmill access on 2/22 and continued into March.

Rough-legged Hawks were found in low numbers in their regular grassland haunts.  Mountain Plovers were harder to find than usual in Solano County south of Dixon this dry winter, so 40 off of Robinson Rd on 2/13 were notable for this year.  A possible adult Kumlien’s Iceland Gull (a state review species) was reported from the landfill south of Dixon at Hwy 113 and Hay Rd on 2/7 along with an adult Slaty-backed Gull (also a state review species).  An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull (photos) was at the same location on 2/13, along with a pale apparent second-cycle Glaucous Gull (photo).  A second-cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported from the Yolo County Central Landfill on 2/15, and a first-cycle Glaucous Gull was at the Davis WTP on 2/14.

A Red-naped Sapsucker was reported along Yolo County Rd 20 near the entrance to the Cache Creek Nature Preserve on 2/23, but it was apparently not refound; until last winter, this species had not been confirmed in Yolo County.  A male Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker was a nice find at Cosumnes River Preserve on 2/11.  A “probable” Plumbeous Vireo was seen and reported singing near North Davis Pond on 2/24. Up to 15 Varied Thrushes were regularly reported in William Land Park between Funderland and the golf course pro shop; and as many as four Western Tanagers were in the surrounding neighborhood.  The continuing Harris’s Sparrow in north Davis off of Cortez Ave was reported through at least 2/22, and an Evening Grosbeak was found along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters on 2/5.

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:  Justin Bosler, Chris Dunford, Leo Edson, Cory Gregory, Steve Hampton, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Joseph Morlan, Roger Muskat, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, and Chris and Teri Wills. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2013

A winter season that began with a very wet December transitioned into the driest January and February on record.  Impressive waterfowl reports included at least 30,000 geese at Cosumnes River Preserve.  Large numbers of Greater White-fronted Geese and, more recently, Snow Geese were not regular at this site less than ten years ago.  Five Eurasian Wigeons were unusual for the Ione WTP on 2/17, and one was not too far away along Hwy 104 in Sacramento County, just west of the Amador County line on 2/5.  A male Eurasian Green-winged Teal was reported at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 2/27.  More than 200 Greater Scaup on the San Joaquin River near Sherman Island on 2/2 are notable because these Delta waters are the only place this species regularly occurs in the Sacramento area.  Up to three Red-breasted Mergansers were found on Lake Camanche, with the first detected on 2/8; aPacific Loon and at least four Common Loons were also found there on 2/8.  The continuing Red-throated Loon was on Folsom Lake near the Dam through at least 2/3, and the Pacific Loon on Lake Natoma continued through at least 2/5. 

The first Swainson’s Hawk reported in the area was near Dixon on 2/13, but sightings did not become regular in the Sacramento area until a month later.  Perhaps owing to the dry conditions, there was a surprising absence of large flocks of Black-bellied Plovers this month and last.  An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was found at the Woodbridge Rd Crane Reserve on 2/22-24.  An adult Western Gull was found at Ancil Hoffman Park along the American River Parkway (ARP) on 2/3-6.  This species is regular at Sherman Island, where there were several reports, and somewhat regular at the Yolo Landfill and Davis WTP, where both an adult and a 1st cycle were found sporadically throughout the month.  A 1st cycle Glaucous Gull was at the YBWA on 2/16, and there were several reports at and around the Davis WTP.  A Common Poorwill was an interesting winter find along Fremont Mine Rd near Amador City on 2/26.  A Red-naped Sapsucker found along Hwy 128 from 2/13-20, just east of the Hwy 128 bridge below Monticello Dam, was an exceptionally long-overdue first county record for Yolo (eBird checklist).

Among the notable songbird reports was a Mountain Chickadee in Sacramento near W and 22nd Streets on 2/12.  Other birds of interest include the Winter Wren near Lake Solano continuing through at least 2/18, a Townsend’s Solitaire (eBird checklist) near the Gristmill Access to the ARP from 2/2-13, the continuing Sage Thrasher NE of Ione on Tonzi Rd through at least 2/8, a Palm Warbler (eBird checklist) south of Rio Vista at Sandy Beach Park from 2/22 into March, the continuing Harris’s Sparrow in N Davis into March, and four Red Crossbills at Ancil Hoffman Park on 2/28.

An excellent set of winter bird photos by Manfred Kusch is here.

View fullsize

Townsend's Solitaire near the Gristmill access to Am. River Pkwy, 3 Feb '13. Photo by Chris Conard.

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:  Jan Allen, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Nancy Gronert, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Karen Kienitz, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, John Luther, Don Marsh, Frances Oliver, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Linda Pittman, Jim Rowoth, Dan Sandri, John Sterling, Tim Steurer, John Trochet, Dan Williams, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2012

View fullsize

Common Redpoll in Woodland by Jackie Shulters

View fullsize

Common Redpoll in Woodland by Jackie Shulters

The bird of the month was a Common Redpoll photographed at a backyard feeder in Woodland on 2/22, continuing on and off until 2/25. This first for Yolo County and the Sacramento Area was seen by several birders and photographed, but was probably not seen by most who looked, as it never developed a consistent pattern of visitation during its short stay. The (eastern) Winter Wren first found on 11/27 was refound at a closed portion of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 2/25, but was not subsequently detected.

The continuing Falcated Duck at Colusa NWR was seen through at least 2/10, and two blue morph Ross's Geese were found on that date as well. Other interesting waterfowl, reported on 2/5 at Bridgeway Island pond in West Sacramento, included a continuing hybrid male Northern Shoveler X Blue-winged Teal, nine Blue-winged Teal, and a male looking like a Blue-winged Teal, but with a cinnamon belly. A hybrid male Blue-winged Teal X Cinnamon Teal was at Yolo Wildlife Area, also on 2/5. The Brown Pelican in West Sacramento continued through the month and a banded juvenile was seen on 2/8 at the Yolo County Landfill. Upon reporting the large readable band code, it was learned that the bird was initially picked up on Lakeville Hwy in Petaluma, banded at a rehab center, and released on 11/18 in Monterey with other pelicans.

A raptor search on 2/10 in the Dunnigan Hills north of Esparto produced 18 Northern Harriers, a Red Shouldered Hawk, 55 Red-tailed Hawks, three Ferruginous Hawks, two Golden Eagles, 27 American Kestrels, and an impressive 34 Loggerhead Shrikes. A Rough-legged Hawk, several Ferruginous Hawks, two Golden Eagles, and a Prairie Falcon were reported mid-month along Hwy 104 east of Galt. On 2/17, 6-8 Short-eared Owls were found along Rd 30 east of Davis and seen by many in the following days.

Most of the month’s gull reports came for the vicinity of the Yolo Landfill and Davis WTP. Several gulls approaching the Iceland Gull end of the spectrum (from the paler Iceland to the darker Thayer’s Gull) were reported, including an apparent nominate glaucoides on 2/12-18 (For more on this topic, visit <http://www.tertial.us/gulls/tkg.htm>). At least two Western Gulls and three Glaucous Gulls were present in February, along with up to 350 Thayer’s Gulls. A first-winter Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported from Doton’s Point at Folsom Lake on 2/1.

The Harris’s Sparrow in north Davis continued through at least 2/19, and the Harris’s Sparrow found on Desmond Rd at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 1/23 continued into early March. Apparently there were two, with one farther south on a closed road. Additional highlights included 40+ Mountain Bluebirds on private property in southeastern Sacramento County on 2/20, a Townsend’s Solitaire on Rayhouse Rd on 2/2, the continuing Black-throated Sparrow near Esparto, and a Chestnut-collared Longspur at the Valensin portion of CRP on 2/9.

View fullsize

Harris's Sparrow at CRP on 16 Feb 2012 by Janice Clark

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: Roger Adamson, Terry Colborn, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Maureen Geiger, Cory Gregory, Steve Hampton, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Linda Pittman, Ron Pozzi, William Rockey, Jackie Shulters, Zach Smith, John Sterling, Dan Tankersley, John Trochet, and Magill Weber. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2011

Painted Bunting, 8 Feb 2011, photo by Chris Conard

Harris's Sparrow, 4 Feb 2011, photo by Chris Conard

Following closely on the Central Valley’s first Zone-tailed Hawk (last reported in south Sacramento on 2/7), assuming that report is accepted by the California Bird Records Committee (CBRC, californiabirds.org), a Painted Bunting was found coming to a feeder in Stockton on 2/1.  While just south of the area typically covered by this column, its status as a first for the Valley earns it top billing here.  A female or young male, it continued through press time, being seen and photographed by multiple visiting birders at a private back yard.  Another great backyard bird was a Harris’s Sparrow found near the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway (ARP) on 1/31, continuing through press time and seen by dozens of visitors.

The adult Lesser Black-backed Gull found at the Nimbus Hatchery on 1/9 continued to at least 2/5, and two Western Gulls were at Ancil Hoffman on 2/26.  An adult Glaucous Gull was photographed flying over Rosemont (east of Sacramento) on 2/1.  Impressive Yolo County gulls reports from the Davis Landfill and nearby sewer ponds included up to three Glaucous Gulls and two Western Gulls.  Always on the cutting edge of gull ID, Yolo gull watchers reported a second-cycle Slaty-backed Gull on 2/19 (a CBRC review species), a Kumlien’s (Iceland) Gull on 2/17, and a possible glaucoides Iceland Gull on 2/19 (Iceland Gulls are CBRC review species).

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 26 Feb 11, by Chris Conard

Light morph Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk, 13 Feb 11, Dan Scott

A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker found on 2/26 and continuing into mid-March at Serrano and Silva Valley Parkways in El Dorado Hills appears to be a first record for El Dorado County.  The annual bird count at UC Davis, run this year on 2/6, produced some good local winter finds.  To the west of campus along Putah Creek, highlights included a Short-eared Owl at a restored grassland site near Stevenson’s Bridge (one of few reports this winter), a Hairy Woodpecker (rare that far into the Valley), and a wintering Yellow Warbler.  Eleven Red-breasted Nuthatches on the UCD campus was also impressive.

A light morph Harlan’s (Red-tailed) Hawk was photographed along I-5 between Elk Grove Blvd and Hood-Franklin Rd on 2/13, and dark morphs included the returning wintering bird at Thornton and Peltier Rds in San Joaquin County and one at Cosumnes River Preserve on 2/12. 

Pacific Loon and Red-necked Grebe, 28 Feb 11, by Chris Conard

Wilson's Warbler, 19 Feb 2011, by Chris Conard

Rounding out a short but busy month was a Red-throated Loon on Folsom Lake, Folsom Point, on 2/11, a Pacific Loon and a Red-necked Grebe at Lake Camanche on 2/28, a Long-eared Owl at Grasslands Regional Park at archery range on 2/19, a wintering Wilson’s Warbler at the Sacramento County Bufferlands on 2/19 and into March, the continuing Curtis Park Steller’s Jay through at least 2/27, a Mountain Chickadee at Larchmont Park and ARP on 2/21, and numerous Evening Grosbeaks in Davis.

Many of these reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserv. Visit cvbirds.org and click "Listserve" 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:  Dan Airola, Dan Brown, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Maureen Geiger, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Don Marsh, Sarah Newton, Cheri Pillsbury, Linda Pittman, Jim Pompy, John Sterling, John Trochet, and Bruce Webb.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2010

Southwestern Sacramento County, particularly Sherman Island, is the most remote portion of the county.  It is an hour’s drive from downtown Sacramento.  The report of a male Tufted Duck on 2/16 caused a minor rush to this seldom-birded area.  Since it is adjacent to Suisun Bay and only 25 miles from San Pablo Bay, one would expect a coastal influence.  While the Tufted Duck only remained through 2/17, up to five Surf Scoters were present on 2/17-18, with close to 100 Greater Scaup (quite rare elsewhere in the county), along with dozens of Bonaparte’s Gulls and at least ten Mew Gulls.  Other highlights from Sherman Island included thousands of Greater White-fronted Geese and Snow Geese, with a few blue-morph Snow Geese and fair numbers of Ross’s Geese.  Also impressive was a flock of 500 Yellow-headed Blackbirds—almost all males.

It is no secret that interesting birds can be found in our urban parks and neighborhoods.  A Plumbeous Vireo was found in Southside Park in Sacramento on 2/11 and continued into March.  It was recorded on the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) and birders looking for it also recorded a Black-throated Gray Warbler and a Western Tanager.  Following up on a GBBC report of an unconfirmed rarity produced another excellent find:  a Red-naped Sapsucker in south Sacramento from 2/18 through the end of the month. 

Another well-studied bird was a male Eurasian Wigeon at Sailor Bar on the American River Parkway, first found on 2/1.  It continued throughout the month and allowed close approach by photographers. 

This Plumbeous Vireo was found at Southside Park near downtown Sacramento on 2/11 and was observed into March.  This species is closely related to Cassin's Vireo (a regular spring and fall migrant through Sacramento, and breeder in the mountains and nearer the coast).  Plumbeous, Cassin's, and the eastern Blue-headed Vireo were formally considered a single species:  Solitary Vireo.  Plumbeous Vireos lack the yellow and greenish tones of the Cassin's.  They normally breed in the Great Basin mountains, Southwest, and Rockies, but occasionally turn up on the west side of the Sierra crest in fall and winter.  Photo by Linda Pittman (3/6/10)

A few Eurasian Wigeons turn up in the area each winter, but one has never been easier to observe and photograph than the one found on 2/1 at Sailor Bar Park (on American River Parkway), which continued into March.  Photo by Dave Johnson.

There are more reports of interest than space will allow, but a brief rundown includes the apparent Bufflehead X Goldeneye hybrid continuing at Lake Solano, the Red-throated Loon found on the 1/3 Folsom CBC continuing through 2/14, the Long-eared Owl found on 1/16 at Yolo Grasslands Park south of Davis continuing through 2/17, and the Hammond’s Flycatcher found in N Davis on 1/2 continuing into March.  A trip to a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County produced an impressive 8 Ferruginous Hawks, 110 Lewis’s Woodpeckers, 74 Mountain Bluebirds, and 8 Purple Finches.  Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk reports continued, including a rarer light morph on Yolo County Rd 29 near Rd 94.  The first Swainson’s Hawk of the season was near Davis on 2/20.

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:  Roger Adamson, Dan Airola, Dan Brown, Subhash Chand, Gil Ewing, Maureen Geiger, Kevin Guse, Steve Hampton, Dave Johnson, Dan Kopp, Harry Oakes, Ed Pandolfino, Linda Pittman, Dave Quady, Zack Smith, John Sterling, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, and Dan Williams.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2009

During an otherwise slow month, the gull spectacle at the Davis Landfill and the Davis Wastewater Treatment Plant far exceeded any past reports.  Thousands of gulls feed at the landfill and loaf on the treatment plant levees, and reports of three state review species brought out even reluctant gull watchers.  Photos and documentation of Slaty-backed, Lesser Black-backed, and Iceland Gulls should be submitted to the California Bird Records Committee (californiabirds.org).

Topping the list was an adult Slaty-backed Gull found on 2/27, which continued through at least 3/7.  Only since 2005 has this Asian species been on the official state list, and most records have been from Half Moon Bay.  1998 reports from Davis and Folsom Lake may be revisited now that this species is known to occur here.

Adult Slaty-backed Gull (dark-backed gull at center). Photo by Daniel Lee Brown, 3/4/09.

Same bird in flight showing the distinctive wing tip pattern: limited black with white “string of pearls.” Photo by Daniel Lee Brown, 3/4/09.

A very pale first-winter bird thought by many to be an Iceland Gull (possibly of the nominate race glaucoides) was found on 2/12 through at least 2/15.   There were several apparent Kumlien’s Iceland Gulls also reported during the month (this subspecies is less distinctive, and there is controversy surrounding Kumlien's/Thayer's Gull taxonomy).

This beautiful white gull is thought by many to be a first-winter Iceland Gull. Photo by Todd Easterla, 2/13/09

Adult Lesser Black-backed Gull. Photo by Todd Easterla, 2/12/09

The same bird in flight. Photo by Todd Easterla, 2/13/09

An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was found on 2/12 through 2/17, with a second-winter bird reported on 2/27, continuing into March, and another adult was found on 2/28.  There had been no previous records for this species in Yolo County.  It must be mentioned that these highlight gulls were all found by Todd Easterla.  Locally impressive were up to four Glaucous Gulls and three Western Gulls among the multitudes at this site.

Aside from the gulls, this month produced much needed rain, but fewer bird reports than usual.  Interesting finds include a Long-eared Owl at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 2/7, perhaps the same bird that was found on 1/1, and a Chipping Sparrow at Discovery Park on 2/24.  A Common Poorwill was reported in a barn near Winters on 2/26.  This species is rarely reported in winter, and can go into a hibernation-like state for weeks at a time.  White-throated Sparrows were reported regularly at CRP and near the Gristmill access of the American River Parkway.  It is widely understood that raven numbers are increasing, though 240 Common Ravens reported along a two-mile stretch of County Line Rd (Yolo/Colusa) is amazing.  The report of a Western Kingbird at Stone Lakes NWR on the 1/3 Rio Cosumnes CBC was omitted from last month’s column.  This species is perhaps less expected than a  Tropical Kingbird in winter (that is certainly the case along the coast), but this year there were local reports in November (Lodi) and December (south of Davis).

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:  Steve Abbott, Roger Adamson, Dan Brown, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Jim Holmes, Jeri Langham, Ed Pandolfino, Vance Russell, John Sterling, John Trochet, and Dan Williams.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2008

The report of the month came in the form of two Glossy Ibis in Placer County on 2/16 along Brewer Rd, just to the north of Nicolaus Rd.  This species on the California Bird Records Committee review list has been reported locally several times in the past year.  The first accepted record for the state was as recent as 2000.  A few dedicated birders have been looking very carefully through White-faced Ibis flocks.  The wider application of high quality spotting scopes—in the hands of skilled observers—is a big factor in the increased reports.  There are also many more ibis to look through in recent years.  Just in the past two decades White-faced Ibis have gone from rare to abundant in our area—a little good news for a change!

Continuing on the topic of state review species, presumably the same Emperor Goose reported at the Yolo Wildlife Area (YWA) on 1/13, flying with a large flock of Snow Geese, was seen again on 2/12.  Other waterfowl reports include at least five Eurasian Wigeons on 2/16 along Pleasant Grove Rd, south of Nicolaus Rd, in Sutter County.  A Eurasian Wigeon at the Sacramento County Bufferlands on 2/20 added to the handful of records for that location, and two Greater Scaup were present there on 2/22. 

Two Ruff (a male and a female) were first found at YWA on 2/27, and continued into March.  This rare species has been amazingly regular at this location.  On 2/7, an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported from Beal's Point at Folsom Lake.  This is a state review species, but has been reported more widely in the state in recent years.  It is still an outstanding find away from the coast or the Salton Sea.  At least one first-year Glaucous Gull was found at the Davis Wetlands on 2/16 during the Central Valley Bird Club's winter gulls tour.

Reports of up to ten Short-eared Owls along Yolo County Rd 28H and 103 (west of the landfill) began on 2/10 and continued through the end of the month.  There have been excellent totals of this species throughout the region this winter.  At least one Northern Saw-whet Owl was found on private land on Ryer Island for the second year in a row.  This year it was first reported on 2/18.  Other interesting reports include several Bald Eagle sightings on the upper portion of the American River Parkway, a Greater Roadrunner along Yolo County Rd 95 near Zamora on 2/15, up to 200 Violet-green Swallows foraging along the American River near the Nimbus Hatchery during a break in a storm on 2/24, at least two of the Lapland Longspurs continuing through 2/9 near the corner of Brewer and Nicolaus Rds in Placer County, and a Black-headed Grosbeak found northeast of Davis on 1/21, continuing through at least 2/6, was determined to be an immature male.  The male Cassin's Finch found near Slide Hill Park in Davis on 1/29 continued through at least 2/1, and Lawrence's Goldfinches were found coming to feeders in Rancho Cordova and Fair Oaks. 

Many of these reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserv.   Visit www.cvbirds.org and click "Listserv" for details.  With over 150 reports, it is impossible to list everyone; however, I want to thank the following for reports on the above species and for providing additional information:  Steve Abbott, Roger Adamson, Dan Brown, Paul Buchanan, Subhash Chand, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Maureen Geiger, Phil Gordon, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, David Johnson, Jeri Langham, Robin Leong, Shawn Lockwood, Ed Pandolfino, Jim Pearce, Deren Ross, Mary Schiedt, John Sterling, Dan Tankersley, John Trochet, and Bruce Webb.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.