January 2024

This month produced many interesting reports although local Christmas Bird Count (CBC) compilers noted there were relatively low waterfowl numbers this season. Up to three Red-breasted Mergansers were found throughout the month on Folsom Lake, and one was found on the Sherman Island CBC near Brannan Island on 1/2. More impressive was the report of at least 29 Red-breasted Mergansers (eBird checklist S160083362) on a Lake Camanche boat trip on 1/28. Mid-winter Common Poorwills are very rare, but not completely unexpected. Afterall, they are the only birds known to hibernate. One was found on 1/28 along Yolo County Rd 53 to the west of the Capay Valley. A well-seen and photographed male Costa's Hummingbird (eBird checklist S160274430) spent most of the month in northeast Davis.

Mountain Plover reports were a little more encouraging this winter than in recent years. They continued in the fields along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of the Colusa County line, with a high of just over 100 reported. A high of 54 at the old hotspot south of Dixon along Flannery Rd was a pleasant surprise after so few have been found there in recent years. Western Sandpipers appear to be getting a bit more common in winter, with three reported on the 1/2 Sherman Island CBC, up to 13 found at the Sacramento Regional WTP, and 21 on 1/20 at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP). An adult Glaucous Gull was reported as a flyby near the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway on 1/26 and over the nearby Rosemont neighborhood on 1/28. During the first week of the month, Hill Slough Wildlife Area, south of Fairfield, hosted a Neotropic Cormorant (eBird checklist S157909566). This species is marching north into our area and is already breeding in the southern Central Valley.

Most of the recent news about Burrowing Owls has been bad, so the discovery of six on a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County was a pleasant surprise. This has been a very poor winter for finding Short-eared Owls in the region, and the only reports were of up to three birds along Sankey Rd in Sutter County, east of the Sacramento River. By mid-winter, it became very difficult to find Lewis's Woodpeckers locally. Oddly, one persisted from December at the Orr portion of CRP where they aren't expected. They were mostly absent from their typical, low foothills haunts. It is all the more surprising in a winter season with high numbers of Acorn Woodpeckers at sites on the flats of the Valley (CRP and the Bufferlands, for example) where they are often absent or nearly so.

A Steller's Jay was a nice find on a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County on 1/29. Earlier in the season they were showing up more widely in our area. At least two different Winter Wrens were reported upstream of Lake Solano along Putah Creek between Fishing Access #3 and Fishing Access #1. Up to three Red Crossbills were at the old Sacramento City Cemetery from 1/21-1/25.

There were surprisingly few Vesper Sparrow reports, with only singles along Robinson Rd, south of Dixon, on 1/14, and along Meiss Rd on 1/20. The Orchard Oriole found at the UC Davis Arboretum on 10/11 continued into February. A Bullock's Oriole, very rare in winter, was found on Brannan Island on 1/2. Perhaps the bird of the month was an Ovenbird (ebird.org/checklist/S159709785) found on 1/24 at the WPA Rock Garden in Land Park. Despite how secretive this bird has been, many were able to see it into February, and some were even able to get nice photos. The first-winter male American Redstart found on 12/31 in El Dorado Hills continued into January. A Wilson's Warbler was found on 1/7 along the Lost Slough portion of CRP; they seem to be turning up more often in winter in recent years. The male Summer Tanager that has spent three winters in Land Park in the vicinity of Fairytale Town continued into February.

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, Ralf Baker, Dan Brown, Lyann Comrack, Konshau Duman, Andy Engilis, Jr., Gil Ewing, Kasey Foley, Robert Furrow, Linda Gal, Susan Goodrich, Joshua Greenfield, Cliff Hawley, Marcel Holyoak, Scott Hoppe, Mackenzie Hollender, Emmett Iverson, Logan Kahle, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Dominik Mosur, Roger Muskat, Adam Panto, 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.

January 2023

Although the second half of January wasn't particularly rainy, flooding from storms in the first part of the month continued to limit access to places like Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP). Waterfowl had many options, with standing water well distributed, so they weren't necessarily found in high concentrations at typical locations. Three Trumpeter Swans near the junction of Yolo County Rds 27 and 103 were a nice surprise (eBird Checklist S125953350). Most of the reports of this species in the Sacramento Valley are to the north of the area usually covered by this column. While missed on count day for the Folsom CBC, a male and a female Red-breasted Merganser were on Lake Natoma on 1/4 (eBird Checklist S125436895). A Greater Roadrunner was found along Rd 81 in the Capay Valley on 1/22. This species is becoming increasingly hard to find in the region.

Mountain Plovers continued along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of the Colusa County line, with up to 45 reported. This has been the only location where they have been found in the Sacramento area this winter. The old stronghold south of Dixon did not produce any reports. A first-cycle Glaucous Gull, always a treat (eBird Checklist S126863575), was found on 1/24 through the end of the month along Yolo County Rd 104 west of the Yolo County (Davis) Landfill. Another Glaucous Gull was at Beals Pt, Folsom Lake, on 1/29. Least Bitterns are hard to find, especially in winter, so a report from Yolo County Rd 25, near Rd 103, is notable. The Long-eared Owl wintering in the Wildhorse neighborhood of Davis continued into February.

Lewis's Woodpeckers have been found in excellent numbers this season, but a report of 288 from an all-day outing to a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County was the most impressive yet. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker found on 12/26 near the Elkhorn Volunteer Fire Dept (close to the Elkhorn boat ramp) continued into February. Two different Cassin's Vireos were found in Davis and one was also found in Woodland. Typically exceedingly rare (Eastern) Winter Wrens continued from November, with one at the end of Payen Rd, just into El Dorado County, continuing to 1/3, one at the Putah Creek Fishing Access #2 continuing to 1/17, and the one at Lake Solano Park continuing to at least 1/21. Townsend's Solitaires were well-represented in Sacramento, with the one found at the old City Cemetery on 12/24 continuing through 1/2, the bird at Sacramento City College continuing into February, and a third along S Land Park Dr, to the south of Sutterville Rd, found between 1/3 and 1/21. There were scattered reports of Evening Grosbeaks from Fair Oaks, Lincoln, Davis (eBird Checklist S126341731), and Woodland. A Grasshopper Sparrow along Scott Rd, south of White Rock Rd, on 1/1 was a nice surprise, and a Bullock's Oriole in Woodland on 1/25 was even more surprising. A Nashville Warbler, first detected on 1/19, appeared to be spending the winter in a dry area of CRP, and the Summer Tanager that was found east of Slide Hill Park in Davis on 12/6 continued to at least 1/16.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club 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, Joseph Atkinson, Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Brent Campos, Hugh Cotter, Lyann Comrack, Lily Douglas, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Frank Fabbro, Stephen Fettig, Cliff Hawley, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Adam Panto, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, Cameron Tescher, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Violet Wu, Bart Wickel, Rick Williams, and Wentao Yang. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2022

After record-breaking storms in October and December, this January was dry but for a trace, offering many wonderful days in the field despite concern over what the dry weather might bring. Continuing on the Trumpeter Swan theme from last month, a juvenile Trumpeter Swan was found on 1/15 at a portion of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) not regularly open to the public. Earlier in the month, over 70 were reported among Tundra Swans to the northwest of Oroville (eBird checklist S100687780), north of the area usually covered here, but a remarkable number for anywhere in the state. A male Eurasian Green-winged Teal along Desmond Rd at CRP on 1/9 was a nice find. A Greater Scaup was found on Baldwin Reservoir along the Sacramento/Placer line near Folsom Lake on 1/2, continuing to mid-month; this species is quite rare locally away from the Delta. The female Long-tailed Duck found on 11/26 near the Nimbus Hatchery, usually below the Hazel Ave bridge, continued into February, and a male Red-breasted Merganser was among the Common Mergansers on Lake Natoma for most of the month. A Red-necked Grebe on Folsom Lake was an excellent find, first seen from Folsom Point on 1/2 and continuing for at least a week.

Winter records of Semipalmated Plovers (eBird checklist S100099775) are quite rare, so the one first found at the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) on 12/20 was notable; it continued sporadically through 1/10. Mountain Plovers continued in ag fields along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of the Colusa County line. A Western Sandpiper was a nice find at SRWTP in the first half of the month, as were two south of Stone Lake NWR on 1/3, and another at CRP on 1/26. One to two Pacific Loons were seen on Folsom Lake from Folsom Point throughout the month. The Neotropic Cormorant 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 continued into February. A Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk was a nice surprise at CRP on 1/3. Long-eared Owls are quite rare locally, but 8-10 were found at a traditional roost site on 1/6 and 1/22 at a portion of CRP with limited access.

A Red-naped Sapsucker was found north of Courtland along Waukeena Rd on 1/3. The Hammond's Flycatcher at Reichmuth Park continued through at least 1/15, and the Gray Flycatcher (eBird checklist S100874445) at CRP continued into February. The Eastern Phoebe at the southern tip of Tyler Island continued from 12/12 into February. A Pacific Wren at Sweetwater Creek was a nice find on 1/2 of a species that is getting increasingly hard to find locally. A small flock of Evening Grosbeaks were reported near the Nimbus Hatchery on 1/1. A Grasshopper Sparrow photographed (eBird checklist S100560759) at the Yolo Bypass was a nice surprise for the location and season, while Chipping Sparrows were hard to come by this winter after being quite regular in recent winters. A Swamp Sparrow was found south of Lambert Rd on 1/3, and another was reported off East Levee Rd on 1/24. Unexpected warblers from portions of CRP with limited access included a Nashville Warbler on 1/3 and 1/26, and the Hooded Warbler refound from November on 1/6 and 1/9. A male Black-headed Grosbeak (eBird checklist S100995673) was quite a surprise near Sacramento Bar along the American River Parkway on 1/18-19.

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, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Lauren Glevanik, Susan Goodrich, Mike Guard, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Liam Huber, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, John Trochet, Jane Van Kessel, Dan Williams, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2021

Despite the continuing pandemic, the unfolding season allowed for a good escape into the natural world. Storms arrived, some packing a punch, but seasonal rain totals remain historically low. One of the more interesting birds was a male Baikal Teal shot by a hunter on 1/20 at the Delevan NWR just north of the area typically covered here. While it wasn't a bird we could enjoy in life, the record speaks to possibility; this species of Siberia and eastern Asia has been detected in the state fewer than ten times. The striking male Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler (eBird checklist) continued into February at the Lost Slough Wetlands of Cosumnes River Preserve. One to three Surf Scoters were found on the San Joaquin River in early January off Sherman Island in extreme southwestern Sacramento County. Two White-winged Scoters (eBird checklist) spent the month, starting 1/2, near the Folsom Lake dam, accounting for just the third occurrence of this species in Sacramento County (all since 2017). A Red-breasted Merganser continued, moving between Beals Pt and near the Folsom Lake dam, and a Red-necked Grebe first found on 1/10 exhibited a similar pattern. Another Red-necked Grebe was found in the shipping channel in West Sacramento on 1/27, continuing into February.

One of the most widely enjoyed birds in recent memory was a cooperative male Broad-billed Hummingbird (eBird checklist), found on 1/29 in a private yard in central Davis by brand new birders who then opened their yard to dozens of socially-distanced visitors into February. A very rare but near annual wanderer to Southern California, this species is a great find in the northern half of the state. A Costa's Hummingbird was a nice surprise in Folsom on 1/24. Last month's Black-headed Gull continued at the Stockton WTP through at least 1/17, and the Glaucous Gull near the Nimbus Hatchery continued through 1/6. A Yellow-billed Loon (eBird checklist) was a great find, seen by many from 1/14 through at least 1/24 on the Mokelumne River, near the Tower Park Marina and Hwy 12. Two Pacific Loons continued on Folsom Lake, often near the Sacramento/Placer county line.

An Eastern Phoebe (eBird checklist) found on 1/24 along Cache Creek near the Wild Wings County Park was enjoyed by many into February. A Tropical Kingbird at Reichmuth Park 1/31 also continued, providing the fourth record for Sacramento County and the first continuing bird in a legitimate, public location. A vigorously calling Pacific-slope Flycatcher was a nice surprise at Sherman Island on 1/1, and a Cassin's Vireo was seen in residential Davis from 1/12-24. Up to 40 Mountain Bluebirds were enjoyed by many along the short section of Meiss Rd north of the Cosumnes River. A calling Evening Grosbeak was reported in Elk Grove on 1/2, and in keeping with this finchy winter season, two Cassin's Finches were reported at Rollingwood Buffs near Lake Natoma on 1/13, with up to 25 along Rayhouse Rd on 1/23, and one to two found in an Orangevale yard (eBird checklist) on 1/29 were enjoyed by many visitors into February. And finally, a flock of Red Crossbills was reported in Citrus Heights on 1/8.

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 (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, Brent Campos, Konshau Duman, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Will Hemstrom, Isaac Henderson, Adrian Hinkle, Jim Holmes, Emmett Iverson, Augie Kramer, Adam Kucharek, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Lori Markoff, Mark Martucci, Nora Papian, Frances Oliver, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Ron Pozzi, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Gaven Stacey, Kirk Swenson, Eddie Tache, Simon Tache, John Trochet, Zeke VanZante, Bart Wickel, Lynette Williams, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2020

Many of the notable birds this month were found on or continued from the local Christmas Bird Counts. After decent rains in December, this January was mostly dry, and the disconcerting pattern continued through press time. Notable waterfowl were headlined by the apparent return of last winter's Garganey to Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento; it was reported from 1/3 through the end of the month, though still mostly in eclipse plumage. One of the more striking birds found was a male hybrid Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler seen and photographed from 1/3 into February. The female/immature Red-breasted Merganser first found downstream of the Nimbus Hatchery on 12/17 continued sporadically through at least 1/10. A Band-tailed Pigeon was found in the Pocket/Greenhaven area of Sacramento on 1/1, and Sacramento County's second record of White-winged Dove was found on 1/24 among dozens of Mourning Doves and Eurasian-Collared Doves coming to seed along Meiss Rd to the west of Dillard Rd through the end of the month

It has been a good winter for Western Sandpipers in the Valley, and five were found on Sherman Island on 1/26. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported along Yolo Rd 104 on 1/1, and an adult Slaty-backed Gull (eBird checklist) was photographed at the same location on 1/31. A Barred Owl found on private property in south Davis was reported publicly on 12/11. It turned up again on 1/12, where it was seen and photographed (eBird checklist), but became tangled in a net at a fish pond on 1/13 and was taken to the UC Davis Raptor Center. Because this expanding species is a threat to Spotted Owls, it will likely remain in captivity. A wintering flock of Long-eared Owls was found on private land near Sloughhouse, with a high of 15 or more birds reported. A Common Poorwill found on a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County on 1/15 was a nice surprise so early in the season.

The Tropical Kingbird first found along Sherman Island East Levee Rd on 11/23 continued through at least 1/11. The young male Vermilion Flycatcher, becoming increasingly bright red, first found at Tanzanite Park in Natomas on 10/30 continued into February. There was a good showing of wintering Empidonax flycatchers at Cosumnes River Preserve. A Hammond's Flycatcher was found in the Tall Forest on 1/2, while a Gray Flycatcher (found 1/4: eBird checklist) and a Pacific-slope Flycatcher (found 12/29) were found on public trails and continued into February. The Plumbeous Vireo reported in Winters on 12/8 continued through at least 1/6. The Clay-colored Sparrow found on 12/27 at Tanzanite Park continued into February. Additional notable reports included up to 45 Mountain Bluebirds along Meiss Rd west of Dillard Rd (first found on 1/15), two Lawrence's Goldfinches (much harder to find in winter) on 1/15 on a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County, the continuing Swamp Sparrow along the auto tour route at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, and the continuing Worm-eating Warbler in southeastern Davis, first found on 10/27 at San Marino Park and continuing through at least 1/13.

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, Gil Ewing, Marc Fenner, Ben Graber, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Emmett Iverson, Logan Kahle, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Ronan Nicholson, Michael Perrone, Steve Scott, Lucas Stephenson, Mark Stephenson, Thomas Tinsley, John Trochet, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2019

January produced several good finds along with rarities continuing from December. A Brant at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) from 1/13-14 appears to be just the third Sacramento County record. It was found foraging and roosting with a large flock of Greater White-fronted Geese. While Trumpeter Swan has been removed from the California Bird Records Committee review list, identification is still very challenging. There were reports of singles from Yolo County near County Rds 27 and 104 from 1/12-18, while another was reported from E Levee Rd in Natomas on 1/30. A single Surf Scoter was found off of Sherman Island E Levee Rd on 1/2 and 1/23, while the cooperative male White-winged Scoter first found on 12/13 along the American River near the Nimbus Hatchery continued well into February. A Long-tailed Duck was a nice surprise at Sherman Island County Park from 1/12-26 (eBird checklist). The Pacific Loon found near Folsom Point on 12/22 continued to the end of the month, and a Red-necked Grebe was an excellent find along Sherman Island E Levee Rd on 1/1 on the inaugural Sherman Island CBC.

Mountain Plovers have been absent most of the season from their typical haunts in Solano County south of Dixon. Finally, a single report of 18 birds photographed from Creed Rd came in on 1/12, while up to 60 continued to be found along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of the Colusa County line, from 12/30 to at least 1/20. Single Semipalmated Plover reports came from the Yolo County Central Landfill on 1/12 and the Sacramento County Bufferlands on 1/22. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was found at the Yolo County Central Landfill pond along County Rd 28H from 12/26 to at least 1/11 (eBird checklist). An immature Glaucous Gull was reported from the same location on 1/12. The winter roost of about ten Long-eared Owls in a closed portion of CRP first found on 12/29 continued through 1/7, but flooding prevented access later on a monthly survey. The report of 54 Lewis's Woodpeckers at a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County on 1/26 was notable because of their scarcity this season at other typical wintering sites.

A Hammond's Flycatcher was found and photographed at the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery on 1/12 (eBird checklist) and continued through the end of the month. The Northern Shrike found near Yolo County Rds 25 and 103 on 11/15 continued in the general area through at least 1/21. A Plumbeous Vireo was a nice find in Pioneer Park, Woodland, from 1/17-22, and a Steller's Jay was found on a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County on 1/26. A Lapland Longspur was reported by a single observer along the shore of Folsom Lake at Folsom Pt on 1/14. Unfortunately it couldn't be photographed or refound. Perhaps the highlight of the month was a bright male Tennessee Warbler photographed in a north Davis yard on 1/25. It was seen by others in the surrounding greenbelt in the vicinity of Elk Place and Kestrel Place into February (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: Stuart Angerer, Keith Bailey, Ralph Baker, Max Brodie, Holly Coates, Terry Colborn, Lyann Comrack, Matthew Dodder, Lily Douglas, Kris Dunlap, Leo Edson, Sid England, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Rob Fowler, Steve Hampton, John Harris, Cliff Hawley, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Eric Hopson, Emmett Iverson, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Andrew Lee, Tim Ludwick, Mark Martucci, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Karen Richardson, Jason Riggio, Steve Scott, Judy Spitler, John Sterling, Michele Swartout, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2018

The first month of 2018 started off with some real surprises. Two of them were firsts for the Central Valley. A Curve-billed Thrasher, apparently of the eastern sub-species group, became widely known on 1/14 along Rominger Ct in Woodland, not far from the Woodland WTP (eBird checklist). It was seen and photographed by many visiting a residential yard into February, but had first been detected by a resident on 1/8 and word got out when it was entered on eBird. The other amazing find was a Worm-eating Warbler at Reichmuth Park in Sacramento from 1/6-29 (eBird checklist and video). Despite being a secretive bird, often staying low and in dense vegetation, it was seen by approximately 150 birders. Both of these species are on the California Bird Records Committee review list (http://www.californiabirds.org). Unpleasant surprises included a human body found by birders looking for the Worm-eating Warbler and a group of birders visiting the north Valley who had their car set on fire while only a short distance away.

Continuing from December were amazing flocks of over 100,000 Snow Geese roosting and foraging in the ricelands north of Lincoln. A male Eurasian Green-winged Teal was photographed at Cosumnes River Preserve on 1/13 (eBird checklist). A Snowy Plover was a nice surprise at Folsom Lake near the Granite Bay boat launch on 1/9 (eBird checklist) and a Stilt Sandpiper southeast of the intersection of Lone Star Rd and Hwy 20 in Colusa County from 1/23-26 was a first for the county. A Lesser Black-backed Gull at Beals Pt on 1/2 and Lake Natoma on 1/6 was probably the same bird continuing from December (eBird checklist).  One to two Glaucous Gulls were at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area throughout much of the month (eBird checklist) and the continuing Glaucous Gull at Beals Point was found on 1/2 (eBird checklist).

An immature male Costa's Hummingbird was reported on 1/12 at Reichmuth Park but was not refound. Adding to the reports of wintering Cassin's Vireos this fall and winter was a bird found at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 1/22. A Winter Wren was heard calling and recorded on 1/28 (eBird checklist) from the same closed portion of CRP where one was found in November of 2011. Two Pacific Wrens were calling nearby for comparison. A Northern Waterthrush was an excellent find along Putah Creek on 1/4 near the Hwy 128 bridge over Putah Creek in the area that often hosts an American Dipper. The dipper was seen occasionally too, and the waterthrush continued through the end of the month. The Palm Warbler first found at the Woodland WTP on 11/24 was reported into February.  The Swamp Sparrow found just off the auto tour at YBWA on 11/25 continued into late January. The continuing Harris's Sparrow along S Meridian Rd in Sutter County was reported through at least 1/22. A Red Fox Sparrow was found along with two Sooty Fox Sparrows along the Sacramento River off of Riverside Blvd near 35th Ave on 1/13 (eBird checklist) and a male Black-headed Grosbeak was a real surprise for winter in Land Park on 1/18.

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:  Kelly Childress, Chris Dunford, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Frank Fogarty, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Tim Lenz, John Luther, Frances Oliver, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Jason Riggio, William Rockey, Ken Schneider, Steve Scott, Shannon Skalos, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, Rick Williams, and Gary Woods. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2017

During an historically wet January, many of our favorite locations were partially or completely under water for much of the month. It is perhaps fitting that several of the most interesting reports were of waterfowl. Four Trumpeter Swans, a mix of adults and juveniles (eBird checklist), were reported among Tundra Swans north of Knight's Landing off of Hwy 45 on 1/5, and at least one continued there through 1/7. Four adult Trumpeter Swans were reported farther north and to the east of Arbuckle, along Lodi Rd from 1/7-9. An eight-mile stretch of the San Joaquin River is visible from East Sherman Island Rd in extreme southwestern Sacramento County (the far side is Contra Costa County). A flurry of reports from this stretch began on 1/26, with a male Long-tailed Duck, found again on 1/27 and even heard "yodeling." That bird was not refound after the second day, but on 1/29, a male Tufted Duck (eBird checklist) was found by many and continued into February. Two White-winged Scoters, very rare inland, were found the same day, and also continued into February. Greater Scaup, approaching 1,000, were reported from the river, along with many thousands of Snow, Ross's, and Greater White-fronted Geese in the nearby fields.

A Least Bittern photographed at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 1/2 was a nice find, especially for winter, and before this site was completely flooded for the rest of the month. Up to five Mountain Plovers were reported east of Davis along Rd 30, beginning on 1/2 and continuing for much of the month. Caspian Terns are fairly rare in winter, so a report of six at the Sacramento Bypass on 1/11, and a single in the vicinity of Lake Natoma and the Nimbus Hatchery from 1/15-21 were notable.

Wintering Hammond's Flycatchers are rare, but, along with Pacific-slope/"Western," account for the bulk of locally found "empids" in winter. A Hammond's Flycatcher was found and photographed at William Land Park on 1/11 and another was found and photographed at West Pond in Davis (eBird checklist) from 1/11-14. Three Northern Rough-winged Swallows at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento on 1/15 were notable for the season, with at least one continuing through the end of the month. A Townsend's Solitaire was a nice find at Lower Cache Creek Regional Park from 1/15-26. A Sage Thrasher, first reported on 1/27 near Rds 25A and 96B, was seen by many into February, but had apparently first been spotted about a week earlier. A second Sage Thrasher was found on 1/30 along Rd 89, north of Rd 16. A gorgeous Red Fox Sparrow, first detected on 1/3 along the American River Parkway between Howe and Watt, was photographed and reported almost daily into February.

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, Stuart Angerer, Keith Bailey, Dan Brown, Andi Burnett, Terry Colborn, Matt Davis, Lily Douglas, Todd Easterla, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Kevin Guse, Steve Hampton, Andrew Johnson, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Ed Pandolfino, Pam Pappone, Jim Rowoth, Ben Sandstrom, Kirk Swenson, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2016

With the tail end of the Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) and periods of nice weather, there were a lot of observers in the field producing many reports of interesting birds. Among the waterfowl, a Eurasian Green-winged Teal was reported at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 1/3, and five Surf Scoters were found in Sacramento County on the San Joaquin River off of the Sherman Island East Levee Rd on 1/1, with reports continuing through 1/8 (eBird checklist). Impressive raptor numbers have been reported in recent years near Plainfield Elementary by Yolo County Rds 97 and 25A, and on 1/2, 25Red-tailed Hawks, including one dark Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk, and six Ferruginous Hawkwere found there. A Swainson’s Hawk near Lake Solano on 1/26 was an interesting report, and a beautiful dark morph Rough-legged Hawk was reported throughout the month along Riley Rd north of Galt (eBird checklist).

Mountain Plovers used to be more common in Yolo County than in recent years, so reports from two sites were encouraging (eBird checklist):  eight were found northeast of Davis near Rds 102B and 27 on 1/2, with as many as 12 reported through the second week of January, and a single was found near Plainfield Elementary on 1/23. A Pacific Golden-Plover was reported from YBWA from 1/3-9. An adult Glaucous Gull found at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) from 1/17-25, initially in a closed area and later along Desmond Rd, was rare for Sacramento County, which has had far fewer records of this species than Yolo County.

Reports of single Northern Pygmy-Owls from the Putah Creek Canyon below the Hwy 128 bridge came in on 1/8 and 1/13. A Long-eared Owl was flushed from a day roost from private land near Sweetwater Creek on the 1/3 Folsom CBC. Five Long-eared Owls were found roosting in an orchard near Putah Creek between Davis and Winters, and five were also found at a closed portion of CRP on 1/4. Up to four Short-eared Owls continued in the ag fields along Yolo County Rd 30 northeast of Davis, and four were also seen on Sherman Island Crossing Rd on 1/1. A continuingHairy Woodpecker on 1/3 was a little farther downstream, near the Parkshore Dr access, than reports from Lake Natoma last winter and spring.

Just ten miles north of the typical cutoff for this column was a male Vermillion Flycatcher found at the Maxwell Cemetery, west of I-5, on 1/23 and seen by many into February. A Cassin’s Vireo was a nice winter find at UC Davis on 1/26. Two Steller’s Jays were near Michigan Bar on 1/8 and a single was along Putah Creek downstream of the Hwy 128 bridge on 1/13.  It’s widely acknowledged that Common Raven numbers have been building locally, but a single group of 114 along Riley Rd on 1/4 was astounding. A MacGilivray’s Warbler found on a closed portion of CRP on 1/16 was likely the same bird found nearby on 11/29 and accounts for one of very few winter records of this species.

The Black-chinned Sparrow, exceedingly rare both for the Central Valley floor and for anywhere in the state in winter, last reported on 10/23 was refound on 1/14 and continued to be seen and photographed into February (eBird checklist). Two Bell’s Sparrows were found on 1/3 near Sweetwater Creek, where they’re likely resident, but often missed on the CBC. An apparent White-throated X White-crowned Sparrow of was at CRP on 1/16-18. A Swamp Sparrow was reported as a brief sighting at the William B. Pond access to the American River Parkway on 1/25. Red Crossbill reports continued, especially at the Sacramento City Cemetery, with up to 20 reported throughout the month. Red Crossbills were also found at the Sutter Cemetery from 12/29 through at least 1/24, and a single and a flock of three were in Folsom on 1/3. Twelve crossbills were also reported at the Mosquito Abatement Ponds on Bond Rd in Elk Grove on 1/4. A male Lawrence’s Goldfinch at the Sacramento Regional WTP on 1/13-14 was new for the SRWTP/Bufferlands (eBird checklist), and eight to twelve Evening Grosbeaks were very cooperative in north Davis near Antelope Ave from 1/27 into February (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:  Roger Adamson, Stuart Angerer, Keith Bailey, Mark Cudney, Laura Davis, Bruce Deuel, Lily Douglas, Todd Easterla, Bob Ellis, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Ted Gilliland, Kevin Guse, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Dan Murphy, Frances Oliver, Ed Pandolfino, Linda Pittman, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, Craig Swolgaard, Ian Taylor, John Trochet, Daniel Welsh, Rick Williams, and Sharon Wisecarver. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible. 

January 2015

Band-tailed Pigeons, Steller’s Jays, Varied Thrushes, and Pine Siskins continued in high numbers into the New Year, breaking some local CBC records. Among the interesting waterfowl were the continuing Falcated Duck at Colusa NWR that remained into February and a male Eurasian Green-winged Teal photographed at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) north of Desmond Rd on 1/29.  The female Red-breasted Merganser below the Nimbus Hatchery continued on 1/1-4, with one female reported at Folsom Lake on 1/9. A male Red-breasted Merganser near the Gristmill access of the American River Parkway was reported from 1/22 into February, often displaying to a female Common Merganser (photo on flickr). A Surf Scoter was found off Sherman Island in the San Joaquin River on 1/1, with six on 1/19. The Red-throated Loon continued on Folsom Lake through the month and a Red-necked Grebe was reported there on 1/9.

The most interesting raptor report was of a light morph Harlan’s Hawk near Yolo County Rds 97 and 25A on 1/30. Mountain Plovers are rare away from their regular haunts in Solano County south of Dixon, so 18 found along County Line Rd at the Yolo-Colusa boundary west of I-5 on 1/29 were a nice surprise. An adult Iceland Gull (a state review species) photographed downstream of Nimbus Hatchery on 1/2 would be a first confirmed record for Sacramento County if accepted by the CBRC. The only Glaucous Gull reported in January was an adult at the Davis WTP on 1/4.

A Long-eared Owl was found in CRP’s Tall Forest on 1/2 and the long-staying male Costa’s Hummingbird in South Sacramento was last reported on the same date. A Red-naped Sapsucker was a nice find at Lake Solano on 1/28. A Hairy Woodpecker along Lake Natoma between Young Wo Circle and Parkshore Drive from 1/27 into February, when two were reported on several occasions, was a good find for Sacramento County.

A Hammond’s Flycatcher was reported at Babel Slough on 1/1, the continuing Hammond’s Flycatcher at William Land Park was present through at least 1/2, and a “Western” (Pacific-slope/Cordilleran) Flycatcher was found at the SRWTP Bufferlands on 1/5. A Canyon Wren reported along upper Lake Natoma below the Folsom Rodeo Grounds on 1/4 was one of just a few reports for the location, and a Townsend’s Solitaire at Gates Canyon in Solano County on 1/4-5 was unexpected. The Black-and-white Warbler found on 12/27 along Babel Slough Rd was reported through 1/24 (photo). Interesting sparrow reports included two Vesper Sparrows along Meiss Rd on 1/30, a Swamp Sparrow at the Lost Slough Wetlands of CRP on 1/5, and another Swamp Sparrow at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area from 1/23 into February. A Cassin’s Finch in north Davis from 1/3-7 was a nice surprise, as was a Red Crossbill flying over Don Nottoli Park in Elk Grove on 1/20, a male Lawrence’s Goldfinch at Sutter’s Landing north of downtown Sacramento along the American River on 1/18, and an Evening Grosbeak in Woodland on 1/16.

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, Brent Campos, Ashley Casey, Terry Colborn, Lyann Comrack, Lily Douglas, Chris Dunford, Ken Ealy, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Cory Gregory, David and Denise Hamilton, Steve Hampton, John Harris, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Clay Kemf, Dan Kopp, Alan Krakauer, Jeri Langham, Jolie Lipsig, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Steve Scott, Charles Smith, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, Bruce Webb, Deb Weston, and Sharon Wisecarver. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2014

First things first:  rain on 1/29 ended a record 52-day stretch without any precipitation, an unprecedented dry spell for mid-winter, and summer-brown fields persisted into February.  The six Trumpeter Swans at Lagoon Valley in Solano County continued through at least 1/2, with some sightings at a nearby pond adjacent to Travis Air Force Base.  Impressive high counts in Yolo County of 28 Blue-winged Teal came from Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 1/5, and a spectacular 56 were seen at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento on 1/14 (eBird checklist).  The species has never been so numerous in Sacramento County, so while only a single Blue-winged Teal was found along E Levee Rd in Natomas, two to three Eurasian Wigeons were notable there among the numerous American Wigeons (eBird checklist).  One of the most impressive observations in recent years was a communal night roost of up to nearly 150 Northern Harriers along Yolo County Rd 30 east of Rd 105.  These birds continued into February and were seen interacting with up to four Short-eared Owls.  As dusk approached, the owls attempted to forage in the field while harriers were streaming in from all directions.  A dark morph Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk was found at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) from 1/17-18.

A Semipalmated Plover continued through at least 1/7 at the Farmers Central Rd Pond along Yolo County Rd 102 for a very rare January record.  Western Gulls are rare in the Sacramento area away from Sherman Island, so notable reports this month included a first-cycle bird at the Nimbus Hatchery on 1/12, an adult along the American River Parkway at Ancil Hoffman Park on 1/24, and an adult near the Tower Bridge along the Sacramento River on 1/31. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was found at the Yolo County Landfill on 1/7 and 1/14, and a second-cycle Glaucous Gull was reported from the same location on 1/8.  On 1/19 at the Davis WTP, a first-cycle Glaucous Gull was reported along with an adult "Kumlien’s Gull" at the Davis WTP (Kumlien's is currently considered a subspecies of Iceland Gull, a state review species, but thought by many to be on a continuum between Iceland Gull and Thayer’s Gull).

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This Costa's Hummingbird spent its first winter along Putah Creek upstream of Davis and molted into this gorgeous male during its stay. Photo by Manfred Kusch.

A wintering bird originally identified as a hatch-year Black-chinned Hummingbird, a species perhaps undocumented in the region in winter, molted into a distinctive male Costa’s Hummingbird by the end of the month along Putah Creek upstream of Davis.  Songbird highlights included a “Solitary Vireo”  (likely  Cassin’s  or Plumbeous) singing at Lake Solano on 1/12, a Townsend’s Solitaire at upper Lake Natoma near the Young Wo Circle access on 1/23, a Sage Thrasher at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 1/18, the continuing Harris’s Sparrow in north Davis off of Cortez Ave, here for its third winter, and the Swamp Sparrow first reported from Lagoon Valley on 12/28 continued through at least 1/1.  Another Swamp Sparrow was found along Putah Creek downstream of the Pedrick Rd Bridge from 1/16 through the end of the month, and a Gray-headed (Dark-eyed) Junco was an extremely rare report from the Orr Forest portion of CRP on 1/1.

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, Terry Colborn, Chris Dunford, Gil Ewing, Kevin Guse, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Shawn Lockwood, John Luther, Tristan McKee, Frances Oliver, William Rockey, Deren Ross, Jim Rowoth, John Sterling, Ron Storey, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, Charley Walker, Dan Williams, and Bruce Webb. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2013

After a very wet December, January was dry, clear, and often cold. It appears the lack of rain encouraged many reports from the field. One to two Trumpeter Swans were reported in Sutter County at Hwy 70 near Striplin Rd from 1/13-17. Brant are very rare in the Central Valley, so two reports created much interest: Staten Island from 1/18-19 and Colusa NWR from 1/19-25. On 1/30, a river otter captured a swimming Wood Duck at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) by diving and grabbing it from beneath the water’s surface. Distinctive male Eurasian Green-winged Teal were found south of Dixon on Creed Rd on 1/11-12 and at Colusa NWR on 1/14. Two male Surf Scoters were seen in the San Joaquin River from Sherman Island on 1/29. A female Red-breasted Merganser continued into the new year at Greenhaven Lake, and a first county record was found for Sutter County on 1/8-10 at Hwy 70 and Marcum Rd (the same site as the continuing Horned Grebe). A Pacific Loon was on Lake Natoma near Negro Bar along with a Common Loon from 1/11 into February, and the Red-throated Loon near the Folsom Lake Dam persisted from October.

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Pacific Loon, 26 Jan 13, Lk Natoma, by Ray Rozema

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Pacific Loon and Common Loon, by Ray Rozema

An American White Pelican photographed at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento on 1/8 proved to have been banded in Idaho as a youngster in 2012. Rough-legged Hawk reports continued in good numbers throughout the area. A Pacific Golden-Plover was found at Stone Lakes NWR on 1/4 and two Western Sandpipers along Arno Rd near Galt on 1/1 were unusual for the winter. While regular in our area closer to the Delta, a Mew Gull found on 1/21-29 in Yuba City along the Feather River was a first for Sutter County. An adult Iceland Gull (a state review species) was reported and photographed at the David WTP on 1/19-22. A Lesser Black-backed Gull, continuing from December, was found at the Davis WTP on 1/9, and a Slaty-backed Gull (another state review species) was reported at the same location on 1/27.

A Long-eared Owl was at the Yolo Grasslands Park from 1/12-14 and another was found at the Valensin portion of CRP on 1/30. Short-eared Owls were widely reported, with up to 8 along Riley Rd near Galt, and multiples from Yolo County Rd 30, and near Brewer and Nicholas Rds in Sutter County. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was found on 1/27 and continued into February near Bear River High School, Lake of the Pines. On 1/3, single Red-naped Sapsuckers were reported from Rosemont and from Sailor Bar. A Hairy Woodpecker was a rare find for Sacramento County near Lake Natoma off of Young Wo Circle on 1/7.

The first winter Northern Shrike found in Sutter County off Pacific Ave near Striplin Rd on 12/27 continued through at least 1/2; another was reported on Phillip Road in Placer County on 1/2, while yet another was reported from the Colusa NWR on 1/14. Other interesting reports include an impressive 23 Red-breasted Nuthatches found on the UCD Winter Bird Count on 1/23, the Winter Wren near Lake Solano continuing into February, a Townsend’s Solitaire at Nimbus Flat (Lake Natoma) on 1/7-8, Sage Thrashers from Putah Creek near UCD on 1/7 and Tonzi Rd NE of Ione on 1/28 into February. A Palm Warbler was found during a survey at Prairie City OHV Park on 1/3, and a Red Fox Sparrow was at the Valensin portion of CRP on 1/30. The north Davis Harris’s Sparrow continued through at least 1/10, and the bird found in Fairfield on 12/17 continued into February. Red Crossbills continued at the south end of the Sacramento City Cemetery through at least 1/7, and the male Common Redpoll found on 12/31 continued at a feeder near Lincoln only through 1/1.

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, Murray Berner, Kathy Blankenship, Summer Brasuel, Dan Brown, Rudy Darling, Matthew Dodder, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Claire Gallagher, Frank Gray, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Jim Laughlin, John Luther, Brian O’Connor, Ed Pandolfino, Kathy Parker, Linda Pittman, Don Schmoldt, Dan Skalos, Gwen Starrett, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, Dan Tankersley, John Trochet, Charley Walker, Bruce Webb, Ed Whisler, and John York. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2012

While January brought a bit more rain than December, the season continued to be remarkably dry, and numbers and diversity of wintering songbirds were lower than normal. The male Falcated Duck found at the Colusa NWR on 12/8 continued into February. Up to six Eurasian Wigeon were seen in the same pond. Four Eurasian Wigeon was a nice total on the 1/3 Rio Cosumnes CBC, and other notable reports were from the Lincoln WTP on 1/25 and the Ione WTP on 1/21, along with a female  Barrow’s Goldeneye. An apparent male Gadwall x Mallard (“Brewer’s Duck”) was at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 1/3. Reports continued of the Brown Pelican first found in West Sacramento on 8/24.

Rare “Prairie” Merlins were reported more than usual, with the bird from Nader Ln north of Lincoln found again on 1/2, another photographed at Paradise Beach along the American River Parkway on 1/5, and a well-described male at the Orr portion of CRP on 1/13. Two Long-eared Owls were a nice surprise at CRP on 1/3-5. It has been a fairly good winter for Short-eared Owls locally, and spectacular in portions of the Bay Area. Near Vacaville, 15+ were seen in late January and closer to Sacramento, there was one at CRP on 1/12, three east of Yolo Grasslands Park on 1/23, and two at Stone Lakes NWR on 1/29 in the field south of Elk Grove Blvd between Franklin Blvd and I-5.

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Ruff at CRP - photo by Ed Harper

Three Semipalmated Plovers at the Woodland WTP on 1/26 were unexpected for January. The Mountain Plovers first found along Progress Rd north of Oswald Rd (west of the Sutter NWR) on 12/17 continued with 12 present on 1/7 and at least two remaining on 1/27. They have been scarce in Yolo County in recent years, so 14 near Rds 17 and 101 outside of Woodland on 1/7-9 were most welcome. A Ruff found on 1/3 and again on 1/12 was only the second for Consumnes River Preserve. Notable gull reports include a first cycle Vega Gull (Siberian Herring Gull) at the Yolo Landfill on 1/9, single adult Western Gulls at Ancil Hoffman (ARP) on 1/9 and the Davis Wetlands on 1/16, and first cycle Glaucous Gulls at the Yolo Landfill pond on 1/16 and east of Sutter NWR on 1/22; it was likely the same bird present at Sutter NWR on 1/27.

Single Pacific-slope/”Western” Flycatchers were reported from Mather Lake on 1/1 and CRP on 1/15, and single Cassin’s Vireos at different sites of CRP were found on 1/15 and 1/16. While generally a poor winter for montane invaders like Golden-crowned Kinglets, two Brown Creepers were found at CRP on 1/3, and a single was found on 1/15. Out of range Harris’s Sparrows have been widely reported, and locally the north Davis bird continued through the month, and another was found along Desmond Rd at CRP on 1/23, also continuing into February. Other notables include three Northern Rough-winged Swallows at CRP on 1/13, with four on 1/14, twenty Mountain Bluebirds at Stone Lakes NWR on 1/4, an astounding flock of over two million European Starlings flying over CRP on 1/17, a Chipping Sparrow at CRP on 1/3, and a Western Tanager at East Lawn Cemetery (along with the continuing (possibly hybrid) Red-naped Sapsucker) on 1/8.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties 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: Chad Aakre, Roger Adamson, Dan Airola, Matt Brady, Terry Colborn, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Maureen Geiger, Cory Gregory, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Joanne Katanic, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Jim Laughlin, Don Marsh, Mark Martucci, William Rockey, Dale Rubach, Zach Smith, Maryanne Steurer, John Sterling, Dan Tankersley, Beatrix Treiterer, John Trochet, and the local CBC counters and compilers. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2011

After a very wet early winter, much of January was quite dry and pleasant, though periods of heavy fog held sway in the low portions of the Valley.  There were many interesting reports for the month, some spilling over from December and the CBC season.  Topping the list was the Central Valley’s first Zone-tailed Hawk.  It was first seen at fairly close range near Babel Slough Rd on 1/24 as it flew across the Sacramento River into south Sacramento, the site of a couple of additional reports into early February.  The other bird causing a major stir this month was an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull found at the Nimbus Hatchery on 1/9, continuing into February.  It was a rather large-billed individual, but otherwise appeared to be a Lesser Black-backed, for just the third or fourth county record.  Another first for the Central Valley came in on 2/1, but we’ll wait until next month for that one.  Click on the photos below to enlarge.

Lesser Black-backed Gull, January 18, 2011, by Ed Harper

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Sage Thrasher, January 16, 2011, by Ed Harper

Two immature Trumpeter Swans were found along Waltz Rd to the northwest of Lincoln on 1/19 and a Eurasian Green-winged Teal was found at the Yolo Wildlife Area on 1/29.  A female Red-breasted Merganser was on Laguna West Lake, south of Laguna Blvd in Elk Grove on 1/3, continuing through at least 1/9.  A Red-throated Loon on Dutch Slough near Oakley on 1/28 was not too far away, as a loon swims, from a bird reported in November at Sherman Island.  On 1/20 a Pacific Loon was found from Beals Point at Folsom Lake along with seven Common Loons.  An adult Western Gull was found on 1/28 along the American River Parkway (ARP) at Ancil Hofmann and a first-cycle Glaucous Gull was at the Davis WTP on 1/29.

Another of the month’s top finds was a first winter Harris’s Sparrow in a yard near the Gristmill Access of the ARP on 1/31.  It continued into February, when it was widely seen and photographed.  A Sage Thrasher was found on 1/4 south of Clarksburg along the South River Rd at Yolo County Rd 142.  It continued through at least 1/19.  On the 1/15 Tall Forest survey at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP), highlights included six Blue Snow Geese, a male Eurasian Wigeon, and a Western Sandpiper (rare in winter).  On 1/22, a Cassin’s Vireo was an excellent find at the Tall Forest, along with a wintering Townsend’s Warbler.  A visit to private land in southeastern Sacramento County on 1/29 produced a rare (for California) “Prairie” Merlin, over 100 Lewis’s Woodpeckers, and an immature Northern Shrike.

Additional highlights included an Eastern Phoebe found at the Orr portion of CRP on 1/4, and the continuing Eastern Phoebe along Garden Hwy north of Radio Rd, found through at least 1/9. The continuing Tropical Kingbird from Davis was last reported on 1/2.  After weeks without a report, the Steller’s Jay in Curtis Park was found again on 1/30.  The Mountain Chickadees at East Lawn Cemetery continued into at least mid-January, and Evening Grosbeaks were widely reported in Davis in addition to a couple of reports around Sacramento. 

Many of these reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserv.   Visit www.cvbirds.org and click "Listserv" for details.  With nearly 100 reports, it is impossible to list everyone; however, I want to thank the following for reports on the above species and for providing additional information:  Roger Adamson, Dan Airola, Dan Brown, Laura Davis, Jim Dunn, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Brian Gilmore, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Dan Kopp, Gary Langham, Jeri Langham, Ron Melcer, Michael Perrone, Will Rockey, Deren Ross, Don Schmoldt, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, Jim Tietz, John Trochet, Sally Walters, Bruce Webb, Dan Williams, and Ken Wilson.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2010

Several highlights from the local CBCs topped the list for January.  A Red-throated Loon found on the 1/3 Folsom CBC was a first for the count, a first for the lake since 1999, and the first for Sacramento County in many years.  The loon was reported through at least 1/10 at the Mormon Island access near the Sacramento/El Dorado County line and was found again in February.  Another highlight from count day was a juvenile Northern Shrike at Beal’s Point.

The Red-throated Loon and Northern Shrike were found the day after the Folsom CBC and nicely photographed by Daniel Lee Brown on 4 January 2010. Additional CBC highlight shots can be found here: http://naturestoc.smugmug.com/Other/Folsom-Xmas-count-birds/10861562_Ng4FU/1/757798481_Cthpd#759709628_syGws

Red-throated Loon

Northern Shrike

Standouts from the 1/5 Rio Cosumnes Count include a Western Flycatcher and a Nashville Warbler from the Tall Forest portion of Cosumnes River Preserve.  A young male Lark Bunting (seen through 1/18 on Riley Rd, south of Dillard Rd) and a Chestnut-collared Longspur were found at the Valensin portion of CRP.  Additional highlights were reported in last month’s CBC summary.

Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawks are getting more scrutiny from local birders, with the bird near Thornton continuing into January, and at least two reported in Yolo County:  one north of Davis from 1/2 into February and another near Zamora on 1/8.  A 1/15 raptor survey in southeastern Sacramento County produced a Rough-legged Hawk, five Ferruginous Hawks, a Merlin, and seven Prairie Falcons.  A Long-eared Owl found on 1/16 at Yolo Grasslands Park south of Davis continued into February.

Other interesting finds include a male Tufted Duck at the Davis Wetlands on 1/16 and a 3rd-cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull at the nearby Yolo County Landfill.   A  Common Loon, rare for Yolo County, was found at the Port of Sacramento on 1/22 and continued through at least 1/25.  An outing along Putah Creek on 1/22 to the west of Winters produced some nice finds, including a Hairy Woodpecker and two  American Dippers.  A Hammond’s Flycatcher found in N Davis on 1/2 continued into February.  Two Western Kingbirds at the Prairie City State Vehicle Rec. Area were a big surprise for the early date of 1/21.  A McCown’s Longspur along County Line Rd in extreme northern Yolo County was an excellent find on 1/22.  A Western Tanager was good for winter at CRP on 1/7.  A California Thrasher, rare in Sacramento County, was heard singing across the river from the Gristmill access well into February.

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:  Dan Brown, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Jeri Langham, Ed Pandolfino, Linda Pittman, Zack Smith, Brian Sullivan, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, Ed Whisler and Dan Williams.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible

January 2009

This male Summer Tanager was found by Karl Oettle on 1/29/09 in Orangevale. This species has been found wintering in the Sacramento area on a few other occasions. In March of 2008, a male Summer Tanager was found in El Dorado Hills, having also been found there the previous two winters. Photo by Karlin Oettle, 2/9/09.

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This month was fairly dry with long stretches of inviting spring like weather.  It also wrapped up the Christmas Count season, with the Rio Cosumnes CBC on 1/3 and the Folsom CBC on 1/4.  The bird of the month was a gorgeous male Summer Tanager visiting a private yard in Orangevale.  It was found on 1/29 and continued through at least 2/12.

Scouting for Rio Cosumnes produced a Long-eared Owl at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 1/1.  That bird was not refound on 1/3, but other CRP highlights included a Eurasian Green-winged Teal, a Least Bittern, a Cassin's Vireo, and two Chestnut-collared Longspurs.  A rare blue morph Ross's Goose was reported within the count circle on Merritt Island, Yolo County.  Folsom CBC highlights included two Steller's Jays (one near Lake Natoma, the other at the Peninsula portion of Folsom Lake), a flock of Red Crossbills in Folsom, and five Lawrence's Goldfinches near Sweetwater Creek.

The Folsom CBC also produced an adult Western Gull and a first-winter Glaucous Gull at Folsom Lake.  The latter was found again on 1/14.  The Davis Landfill and Wastewater Treatment Plant hosted thousands of gulls, which feed at the landfill and roost on the treatment pond levees.  The highlights were at least three different Glaucous Gulls, including an adult, at least three Western Gulls, and a very impressive 350 Thayer's Gulls.

A Yellow-shafted [Northern] Flicker was reported in North Davis on 1/22, with another at the Nimbus Hatchery on 1/23.  Caution is always advised to rule out intergrades with Red-shafted Flickers.  These are far more common than "pure" birds (note especially the face pattern, crown and cheek color).  An adult Northern Shrike was at CRP's Valensin unit on 1/14, and another adult was reported near Catlett and Brewer Rds on 1/26.  Two Greater Scaup were found at the Yolo Wildlife Area on 1/17, and there were several reports of a Eurasian Wigeon from that location, along with scattered reports throughout the Sacramento area.  Highlights from a 1/10 visit to CRP included a "Western" Flycatcher (Pacific-slope/Cordilleran), and four to five Western Tanagers (owing to an excellent wild grape crop this fall).  Other interesting finds include a Swainson's Hawk over Davis on 1/30, a Selasphorus Hummingbird (Rufous/Allen's) at UC Davis on 1/25, and two Chipping Sparrows at the Masonic Lawn Cemetery in Sacramento near Broadway and Riverside on 1/18.

Many of these reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserv.  Visit www.cvbirds.org and click "Listserv" for details.  With nearly 100 reports, it is impossible to list everyone; however, I want to thank the following for reports on the above species and for providing additional information:  Roger Adamson, George Chaniot, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Jeri Langham, Don Lotter, Karl and Karlin Oettle, Ed Pandolfino, Mary Schiedt, Zach Smith, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, Bruce Webb, and Dan Williams.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2008

Several of the month's highlights were found on the 1/3 Rio Cosumnes CBC, including a Eurasian Green-winged Teal, a locally impressive five Eurasian Wigeon, 70 Eurasian Collared-Doves, two Long-eared Owls, a Hermit Warbler, and a Grasshopper Sparrow.  Over 300 Great-tailed Grackles were reported around Elk Grove—one of the area hotspots for this expanding species.  Scouting trips prior to the count produced a Bald Eagle, a Barn Swallow, and a Yellow Warbler.  A Rusty Blackbird was reported from an Arno Rd dairy on 1/1.  Documentation of this and other state review species should be submitted to the California Bird Records Committee.

Suburban Sacramento County produced a few excellent reports.  A Plumbeous Vireo was found in Elk Grove Park from 1/16 to at least 1/21.  The Land Park neighborhood in Sacramento hosted a Townsend's Solitaire from 1/19 to 1/23 and a Mountain Chickadee from 1/28 to at least 1/30—Brown Creepers, a  Townsend's Warbler, and a Western Tanager were also found by those looking for the locally rarer species.  An unidentified Empidonax flycatcher was found near the Sacramento Zoo on 1/1 (continuing from 12/24).  The Green-tailed Towhee found in a Rancho Cordova backyard on 11/25 continued through January.  

The gull extravaganza continued at the Davis Landfill and Davis WTP.  There were impressive reports throughout the month, exemplified by a 1/10 report of an adult "Kumlien's" Iceland Gull (a state review species), two Glaucous Gulls, and six Western Gulls.  200-300 Thayer's Gulls were reported, adding to the site's reputation as one of the premiere gull watching locations in the state.  The high numbers of Western Gulls (9 were reported on 1/19) may be attributed to storms driving this typically coastal species inland.  An adult Western Gull was also reported from Lower Sunrise on the American River Parkway on 1/15.

There was a spectacular report of an Emperor Goose (a state review species) at the Yolo Wildlife Area (YWA) on 1/13 flying with a large flock of Snow Geese.  Presumably the same bird was seen again on 2/12.  There is one previous record for the county: 1907!  There was a most intriguing report of a Leach's Storm-Petrel flying along Hwy 99 near Stockton on 1/7 after a heavy storm.  A very productive trip to Lake Solano on 1/13 produced reports of a Hairy Woodpecker, a Pileated Woodpecker, five Brown Creepers, a White-throated Sparrow, and 10 Purple Finches. Other good finds included a Red-throated Loon from Comanche Reservoir on 1/5, a Ruff at YWA on 1/19, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Fairfield continuing from 11/18, a dead Long-eared Owl at West Pond in Davis on 1/20, a Pacific-slope Flycatcher at Lake Solano on 1/22, a Black-headed Grosbeak northeast of Davis on 1/21, and up to four Lapland Longspurs continuing near the corner of Brewer and Nicolaus Rds in Placer County.  A male Cassin's Finch was found near Slide Hill Park in Davis on 1/29 and continued through at least 1/31.  This species also staged a minor invasion into the foothills just above the area typically treated in this column.

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:  Roger Adamson, Dan Brown, Todd Easterla, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Maureen Geiger, Jeff Gilligan, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, David Johnson, Alison Kent, Jeri Langham, Laura Look, John Luther, Ed Pandolfino, Deren Ross, Mike San Miguel, Jr., Mary Schiedt, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, Gene Trapp, John Trochet, and Bruce Webb.  Special thanks to Steve Hampton for a summary of Yolo County birds and to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.