November 2024

November is officially fall, but it feels like winter in terms of birding. While most wintering species are accounted for, numbers of waterfowl are still building well into December, as are numbers of wintering raptors in our local, and shrinking, open areas. On 11/29, at the Sailor Bar access to the American River Parkway, a female-type White-winged Scoter was a nice find (eBird Checklist S204088015) that continued into December. On 11/16, a coincidental 16 Red-breasted Mergansers were photographed (eBird Checklist S202732270) on Folsom Lake from Folsom Pt. Greater Roadrunners are cherished sightings in our region. One was found along Yolo County Rd 8 in the Dunnigan Hills on 11/8 and again on 11/24. One was also reported along Sand Creek Rd in western Colusa County from 11/16-11/18. Sand Creek Rd is the most consistent location for roadrunners in our area. A female Costa's Hummingbird first found at a private yard in Wilton on 8/14 continued into December, an adult male was reported near Citrus Heights on 11/17, and an adult male was visiting feeders at Heritage Oak Winery in San Joaquin County, north of the Mokelumne River and west of Lockeford, on an 11/24 Central Valley Birding Symposium field trip.

Mountain Plovers returned to the two consistent wintering sites in our area: Solano County along Flannery Rd, south of Dixon, with the first report of 21 on 11/7, and to Yolo County along Hwy 45 just south of the Yolo/Colusa County line, with 15 first reported on 11/28, and more than double that number recorded in early December. Beginning on 11/16, a Pacific Loon was consistently reported on Folsom Lake from both Folsom Pt and Beals Pt. While Burrowing Owls have all but vanished as breeding birds in the Sacramento area in the past ten years--part of the evidence used to officially grant them candidate status as threatened or endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (a position advocated for by Sacramento Audubon Society and the Central Valley Bird Club, among many others)--there is a considerable influx of wintering birds. This fall, the Bufferlands has hosted at least a dozen Burrowing Owls, which harkens back to totals seen 20 years ago. We can only hope that some will stay to breed, which is possible but perhaps unlikely--the last successful breeding on the Bufferlands was in 2017. About six Long-eared Owls were found at a semi-regular winter roost site on a survey of a normally closed portion of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 11/30.

A juvenile Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was found (eBird Checklist S202508087) on 11/14 at the Hwy 128 bridge over Putah Creek to the west of Winters, and a Red-naped Sapsucker was found along Gates Canyon Rd, northwest of Vacaville, on 11/24, continuing into December. An Eastern Phoebe was found (eBird Checklist S204126087) on a survey of a regularly closed portion of CRP on 11/30. This appears to be the third record for CRP and the fifth for Sacramento County. A Plumbeous Vireo was seen by many (eBird Checklist S203516624) at the old Sacramento City Cemetery from 11/10-11/27. The American Dipper found at the traditional wintering location along Putah Creek, near the Hwy 128 bridge west of Winters, continued through the month. Far more surprising was an American Dipper found on 11/19 from the Virgin Sturgeon Restaurant (eBird Checklist S203042383) along the Sacramento River upstream of Downtown. It was seen and photographed by two birders, and not seen after mid-day on 11/19, although the friendly restaurant staff allowed excellent access. This is not quite the strangest location for a dipper in Sacramento County. In September 1990, one was found at the fountain in front of Wells Fargo along the Capitol Mall at 5th St. It is shaping up to be a good winter for Golden-crowned Kinglets, at least on the Valley floor in places like CRP. Varied Thrushes, by contrast, have been in very low numbers. On 11/24, a Red Crossbill was a nice find at the old Sacramento City Cemetery, and a Swamp Sparrow was found on 11/30 at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area in the same canal where one has been found in past years. The Summer Tanager returned for its fourth winter to William Land Park and was photographed on 11/1, though it hasn't been reported again so far this season.

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, Jennifer Albright, Dan Brown, Lyann Comrack, Ben DeDominic, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Maureen Geiger, Joshua Greenfield, Shawn Hayes, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Kurt Mize, Roger Muskat, Ed Pandolfino, Wendy Pearson, Zane Pickus, Linda Pittman, Ron Pozzi, Steve Scott, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Tom Uslan, and Amy Williamson. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2023

November is a great time to be in the field. A time for stray water birds, lingering summer residents, and often a few surprises. It is also a time when you get the feel for how the winter season is shaping up. Is it going to be a big finch year? Lewis's Woodpecker year? Rough-legged Hawk year? Unfortunately, the answers to those questions appear to be, "No." There are decent numbers of Varied Thrushes about, still good numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches from the huge influx earlier in the fall, and Steller's Jays are turning up here and there in the lowlands. In terms of stray waterfowl, Beals Point at Folsom Lake produced a Surf Scoter on 11/16 and up to three Red-breasted Mergansers throughout the month, with one of the latter seen from Folsom Point on 11/4. A Greater Roadrunner was a welcome find on 11/25 (eBird Checklist S155199113) in the Dunnigan Hills of Yolo County along Rd 8.

There were a few notable shorebirds, including up to three Semipalmated Plovers lingering at the Sacramento Regional WTP throughout the month, with one at Staten Island on 11/29. The last stronghold of Mountain Plovers in our area appears to be the fields along Hwy 45 in Yolo County (eBird Checklist S155432140), just south of the Colusa County line. A high of 69 was reported. One to two Marbled Godwits were found at Beals Point and up to eight were at the Davis Wetlands. There were unusually widespread reports of Western Sandpipers. They seem to be lingering longer, and at more locations, than they were just a few years ago. A Brown Pelican reported flying over Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 11/19, at the tail end of the Central Valley Birding Symposium, was a nice surprise.

Interestingly, while Lewis's Woodpeckers appeared in single digits, if at all, in their usual haunts, Acorn Woodpeckers were widespread on the Valley floor in places they are not typically reported. On 11/6, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was found at the Cache Creek Preserve west of Woodland. A Western Flycatcher was found on 11/22 at CRP, and single Cassin's Vireos were reported at CRP and from multiple sites in Davis. Single Red Crossbills were reported from Carmichael on 11/15 and from Davis Community Park on 11/25. A Chestnut-collared Longspur was reported along Latrobe Rd in eastern Sacramento County on 11/1, and a Grasshopper Sparrow was found near the Capay Bridge at Cache Creek on 11/4. The Orchard Oriole found at the UC Davis Arboretum on 10/11 continued into December. A late, lingering Yellow Warbler was photographed in Woodland on 11/1. Townsend's Warblers appeared to be more widely reported throughout the region than usual, and a late Wilson's Warbler was found at CRP from at least 11/21-11/25

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: Ralph Baker, Max Brodie, Dan Brown, Lyann Comrack, Konshau Duman, Gil Ewing, Linda Gal, Maureen Geiger, Joshua Greenfield, Cliff Hawley, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Ron Pozzi, Tom Pritchard, Steve Scott, Dan Tankersley, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Lynette Williams, and Rick Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2022

After the excellent rarities over the past two months, things were bound to return to normal. And mostly they did, though in terms of rarities, this was certainly a better than average November. More importantly, the Sacramento Area and the Central Valley are probably at their iconic best from November through March, with impressive numbers of waterfowl, cranes, raptors, and, of course, sparrows. After all, that is why the Central Valley Bird Club holds its annual symposium each November. Among the expected waterfowl species, two female-type Surf Scoters were found at the Woodland WTP on 11/11 (eBird Checklist S122263717). It seemed possible that a Rufous Hummingbird visiting a feeder in Wilton would spend the winter, but it appears that the last report was on 11/27. A Snowy Plover continued from October at the Woodland WTP through at least 11/12, and a Pectoral Sandpiper at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area was on the late side on 11/13-11/14 (eBird Checklist S122449127).

The only Long-eared Owl report was of a bird being harassed by crows in a West Sacramento yard on 11/7. Two Short-eared Owls were seen on 11/29 along Yolo County Rd 27 between Davis and Woodland. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was a great find at San Marino Park in Davis on 11/10. A Hammond's Flycatcher was reported at the same location and nearby Willowbank Ditch on 11/7-11/9. Vermilion Flycatchers are always a treat in our area, but unfortunately a female photographed (eBird Checklist S122962471) on 11/24 at the Lost Slough Wetlands portion of Cosumnes River Preserve was not refound.

A few Cassin's Vireos were reported lingering into November, and an American Dipper was found at the traditional site along Putah Creek near the Hwy 128 bridge, just downstream of Lake Berryessa, on 11/24 through the end of the month. An Evening Grosbeak was a nice surprise at a Carmichael yard on 11/14. A Northern Waterthrush was an excellent find on 11/6 (eBird Checklist S121987445) just north of Desmond Rd along Franklin Blvd at the bridge over Lost Slough. San Marino Park/Willowbank Ditch in Davis produced another nice find, with an American Redstart from 11/8-20 (eBird Checklist S122259136), and a Palm Warbler was found south of Davis, on 11/26, along Yolo County Rd 104, south of Grasslands Regional Park.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club 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, Nicole Barden, Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Brent Campos, Lyann Comrack, James Dunn, Frank Fabbro, Joshua Greenfield, David Hamilton, Denise Hamilton, Cliff Hawley, Jeri Langham, Dean LaTray, Andrew Lee, David Lumpkin, Mark Martucci, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Mark Sawyer, Samuel Schmidt, Steve Scott, Cameron Tescher, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, and Bart Wickel. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2021

While much of the month was quite dry, there were flooded areas for waterbirds following the historic late-October storm. This was another month with a good number of interesting reports.

A Trumpeter Swan was found among Tundra Swans along Cornelius Rd in Sutter County on 11/21; and two Trumpeter Swans were found along Poundstone Rd, east of Arbuckle in Colusa County, on 11/28. A "Bewick's Swan," the Eurasian subspecies of Tundra Swan, with extensive yellow at the base of the bill, was found among other Tundra Swans along Hwy 45, north of Knight's Landing and south of the Colusa County line, on 11/22. A male Redhead was a nice bird for Sacramento County at the Bufferlands on 11/15. One of the year's most exciting birds for the area was a female-type Long-tailed Duck found on 11/26 near the Nimbus Hatchery, continuing into December and seen by at least dozens of birders (eBird checklist S98105754 and eBird checklist S98247757).

The first Mountain Plovers of the season were reported along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of the Colusa County line on 11/22; up to 65 were reported by month's end. About 30 Mountain Plovers were reported along Flannery Rd, south of Dixon, also on 11/22. A Red-necked Grebe was found and photographed at the Woodland WTP on 11/8-11. The Cassin's Kingbird found on 10/29 at the Davis Cemetery and Arboretum continued through 11/2. A Hammond's Flycatcher, probably the same one that has wintered near the Tall Forest at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) for at least two years, was found again on 11/19. A late Pacific-slope Flycatcher at Mather Lake on 11/19 was also a surprise.

At least two Lapland Longspurs, an excellent find, were photographed and recorded (eBird checklist S97410820) along Latrobe Rd, just west of the intersection with Michigan Bar Rd, on 11/10, and at least one continued to be found sporadically through 11/25; another was found and nicely photographed at Beals Point, Folsom Lake, on 11/12 (eBird checklist S97484219). A Black-and-white Warbler was found at Reichmuth Park on 11/20-21 (eBird checklist S97881436), and presumably the same bird was spotted more regularly in December. A male Hooded Warbler photographed (eBird checklist S98150318) at a normally closed portion of CRP on 11/27 was quite unexpected, but was about the tenth record for Sacramento County, and, surprisingly, the sixth for CRP. A Wilson's Warbler was a nice find for late in the season on 11/17 along Lake Spafford in the UC Davis Arboretum, continuing into December.

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, Lily Douglas, Konshau Duman, Gil Ewing, Mike Guard, David Hamilton, Denise Hamilton, Cliff Hawley, JIm Holmes, Liam Huber, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Leslie Morris, Adam Panto, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Jim Rowoth, Uday Sant, Steve Scott, Katie Smith, Cameron Tescher, John Trochet, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2020

The most attention-grabbing bird this November was a Bean-Goose found along Desmond Rd at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 11/14 among the tens of thousands of Greater White-fronted Geese. It was seen the following morning by the early birders, but flew off and was refound only briefly. Despite a concerted effort on subsequent days, the bird was not reported again. During long periods when most of the geese had their heads tucked it would be nearly impossible to separate it from the white-fronts. Most observers are provisionally calling this a Tundra Bean-Goose (eBird checklist), though the identification between it and the Taiga Bean-Goose can be tricky, with at least some individuals appearing intermediate. The two Bean-Geese have only been officially treated as separate species since 2007, and the California Bird Records Committee has accepted just two records so far (a Tundra Bean-Goose and a Taiga/Tundra Bean-Goose). The immature Surf Scoter first found on 10/24 downstream of the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway (ARP), continued through 11/4, and another was found off Sherman Island on 11/15. Red-breasted Merganser reports included one off Beals Pt at Folsom Lake on 11/19-30, one at the Woodland WTP on 11/22, plus up to four on Lake Camanche on 11/24.

Flocks of up to 50 Band-tailed Pigeons over Davis may have been fire refugees, as thousands of acres of their Coast Range habitat were burned over the summer. An American Golden-Plover found at the Woodland WTP on 11/28 (eBird checklist), continuing into December, was an excellent find and very late in the season for this species. Winter Golden-Plovers are usually of the Pacific variety. Mountain Plover reports have declined precipitously in the past two decades, so a flock reported for much of the month along Hwy 45 north of Knights Landing, with a high of 37, was encouraging. A report of 200+ along Robinson Rd in Solano County on 11/23 brings to mind the glory days of decades past. Pacific Loon reports included one on Lake Natoma from 11/2-4, one to two between 11/2-13 off Beals Pt, and multiples on Lake Camanche on 11/24 (eBird checklist), along with perhaps record numbers of Common Loons there.

Long-eared Owls were more widely reported than usual, with singles near Esparto on 11/15, from Ryer Island on 11/16, Cache Creek Preserve on 11/17, at Mississippi Bar on 11/20, and near Davis on 11/25. One was flushed at CRP on 11/28 along with two owls that got away unidentified. Spenceville Wildlife Area hosted an impressive 62 Lewis's Woodpeckers on 11/24. An Evening Grosbeak was reported at Sailor Bar (ARP) on 11/19, and Red Crossbills were fairly widely reported, including small flocks in Orangevale on 11/3 and 11/20, nine on 11/9 at Rollingwood Bluffs (eBird. checklist) near Lake Natoma, one at Verde Cruz Creek in Orangevale on 11/10, one at Willowbank Ditch in Davis on 11/8, and another at Slide Hill Park in Davis on 11/23. Purple Finches continue to be more widespread and numerous than at any time in recent memory and Pine Siskins are in very good numbers as well. A Black-throated Sparrow was a nice surprise on 11/30 adjacent to Lake Solano, and single Yellow Warbler reports were very late for the season at CRP on 11/15 and 11/28.

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 Birds Club listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Peter Grunow, Denise and David Hamilton, Steve Hampton, Hugh B. Harvey, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Logan Kahle, Kathy Kayner, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Roger Muskat, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Ron Pozzi, Steve Scott, Gaven Stacey, John Trochet, and Rick Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2019

Dry weather continued through most of the month with warm, calm, and sunny days. While many took advantage of the beautiful weather to get out in the field, much-need rain finally came at month's-end, easing fears of another round of devastating fires. A Brant at the Woodland WTP and environs on 11/6-7 was a first Yolo County record (eBird checklist). A hybrid Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler male was found for the second year in a row at the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 11/9, and two Redheads at CRP's Lost Slough Wetlands were a nice find for Sacramento County, where they are far less regular than in Yolo County.

In contrast to recent months, unusual shorebird records did not steal the show despite good numbers where habitat was available. A few Western Sandpipers, rare after mid-October, did linger through the end of the month at the Woodland WTP and at the Sacramento Regional WTP, with a high of seven toward the end of the month. First-cycle Glaucous and Lesser Black-backed gulls were reported at the Yolo County Landfill (eBird checklist), beginning on 11/16, while a first-cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported near the Nimbus Hatchery on 11/29.  Approximately ten Long-eared Owls were found at a communal roost on 11/30 at the same location as the previous winter on a portion of CRP with restricted access.

One of the month's highlights came in the form of a Tropical Kingbird found along Sherman Island East Levee Rd on 11/23. Only the third record for Sacramento County, and the first seen by many observers, viewing was still difficult because of a lack of parking and private property concerns at the remote location. Greater access difficulty surrounded a more unexpected species: Yolo County's first Pygmy Nuthatch was found in West Sacramento on 11/21 where it persisted for a few days along a railroad line behind the police station. The young male Vermilion Flycatcher found at Tanzanite Park in Natomas on 10/30 continued to at least late November. Other interesting finds included a "Western Flycatcher" (Pacific-slope Flycatcher expected) at CRP's Lost Slough on 11/2; a Cassin's Vireo along CRP's River Walk on 11/9; the returning Swamp Sparrow at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (eBird checklist), and a long-overdue first Swamp Sparrow at the Sacramento Regional WTP Bufferlands on 11/26; an Evening Grosbeak in Carmichael on 11/26; and calling flyover Red Crossbills near the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway on 11/1, east Davis on 11/3, and the Arden neighborhood in Sacramento on 11/4 . The Worm-eating Warbler found in southeastern Davis on 10/27 at San Marino Park continued through at least 11/16 (eBird checklist). 

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, Suzanne Day, Lily Douglas, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2018

November is typically one of the most pleasant times to be in the field in the Central Valley. This month stood out because of a ten-day period where it could be painful to breath as thousands of homes and many thousands more acres burned to our north in the state's most catastrophic wildfire. Yet the birds were there in the wetlands and forests and grasslands to be seen through the smoke or once it cleared. Blue-winged Teal continue to be reported in impressive numbers at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento, with 100+ regularly found, and with high single digits from many locations where one or two used to be a highlight.

A Pacific Loon on the Sacramento River in Old Sacramento near the Delta King on 11/7 was an excellent find for the Valley floor where records are few (eBird checklist). Presumably the same adult Western Gull returned for at least its 10th winter along the American River near Effie Yeah Nature Center on 11/13. A Long-eared Owl was found in a closed portion of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 11/20 where this species has been found on occasion. The few late season empids included a Hammond's Flycatcher (eBird checklist) on 11/10 at Fishing Access #1, west of Winters, and single Pacific-slope (or Western) Flycatchers at the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway on 11/2 and CRP on 11/3.

A Northern Shrike near Cruiser Haven Marina north of Discovery Bay from 11/1-10, a little outside of our typical area of coverage, seemed a harbinger of a good season for this species in the region (eBird checklist). Another Northern Shrike was found near Yolo County Rds 25 and 103 on 11/15 and continued in the general area. A Cassin's Vireo was reported 11/2-6 at CRP, with another in Davis on 11/30. Two Steller's Jays were found at Fishing Access #1 on 11/6 through at least 11/10, and another was a bit of a surprise at Folsom Point on 11/13. The American Dipper first reported for the season on 10/26 continued at the traditional location below the Hwy 128 bridge in Putah Creek Canyon. Other interesting finds included a black-backed Lesser Goldfinch (a plumage typically found in the southeastern portion of their range) seen sporadically at a feeder in the River Park neighborhood of Sacramento, a Grasshopper Sparrow at CRP on 11/9, a Red Fox Sparrow at the Sacramento Bypass on 11/8, and a late Wilson's Warbler near the Tall Forest at CRP on 11/11.

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: Julie Bryson, Lily Douglas, Chris Dunford, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Robert Furrow, Maureen Geiger, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Joan Humphrey, Emmett Iverson, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Jose Martinez, Mark Martucci, Dan Murphy, Michael Perrone, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Shannon Skalos, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, Sally Walters, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2017

Each November one looks at the bird records and tries to infer what kind of winter we are likely to have. Are there a lot of northern or montane birds showing up in the Valley? Are we going to have a lot of Lewis's Woodpeckers, or Varied Thrushes, or Pine Siskins? Has anyone seen a Rough-legged Hawk?  Aside from an apparent influx of Purple Finches, the main theme of the month may be lingering migrants, plus a few surprises. A Eurasian Green-winged Teal was a nice find at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) from 11/8 to at least 11/25.  

The peak of shorebird season has passed, but reports of single Pacific Golden-Plovers at YBWA on 11/3 and again on 11/11 were matched by presumably a different bird found at the Woodland WTP on 11/3-20. (eBird checklist) Four Marbled Godwits at YBWA were a nice find on 11/18. The gull highlight was a Franklin's Gull found at the Woodland WTP on 11/21 and continuing through at least 11/28. (eBird checklist) One a taxonomic note, Iceland Gulls are a lot easier to find this fall:  Thayer's Gull and Iceland Gull have been lumped by the AOU, and all are now considered Iceland Gulls, though teasing out the their subspecific identities is still a great challenge.

Empidonax flycatchers are very rare after mid-October, with Hammond's and "Western Flycatchers" (presumably Pacific-slope Flycatchers) accounting for nearly all of the late fall and winter records in our area. A "Western Flycatcher" was found and photographed along Babel Slough on 11/19 (eBird checklist). Single Cassin's Vireos were found at Slide Hill Park in Davis on 11/14 (likely a continuing bird) and at Reichmuth Park on 11/12 (eBird checklist).  One of few Chestnut-backed Chickadee records for Sacramento County, and a new species for the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP), was found on 11/18 along the River Walk. A second chickadee, not identified to species, was heard the same day on the Tall Forest survey at CRP.  A Palm Warbler foraging near one of the ponds at the Woodland WTP on 11/24-28 was quite a surprise. (eBird checklist), as was an Orchard Oriole (eBird checklist) found on 11/30 in north Davis and continuing into mid-December. Lastly, a Swamp Sparrow was found along the auto tour at YBWA on 11/25 foraging in the canal near "the Y" where the route splits south of the entrance. This species has been found at the same spot in previous years and it continued there into mid-December. 

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, Laura Davis, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Stan Hunter, Dan Kopp, Arav and Aranya Karighattam, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Tim Ludwick, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, William Rockey, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Ian Souza-Cole, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, and Rick Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible

November 2016

In strictly avian terms, the biggest regional news was of typically pelagic Red Phalaropes turning up in many inland locations, including the Central Valley. The other notable theme was the lack of montane and northern irruptive species that characterized the past two winters.  So far this season, there have been very few reports of Red-breasted Nuthatches and Pine Siskins, relatively few Lewis's Woodpeckers and Golden-crowned Kinglets, and very few Varied Thrushes. Among waterfowl reports, Blue-winged Teal numbers continue a steady climb, most impressively with 177 at Bridgeway Island Pond on 11/6. Inland Surf Scoter reports included one at the Marysville Sewage Ponds from 11/6-21 and one at the out-of-the-way Frog Pond off of Rayhouse Rd in Cache Creek Canyon on 11/13-14 (eBird checklist).

The fields near Plainfield School at Yolo County Rds 25 and 96 have hosted good numbers of Ferruginous Hawks in recent fall and winter seasons. On 11/6, three were reported, including one dark morph. Rough-legged Hawk reports included singles at Yolo County Rd 28H between Rds 103 and 104 on 11/5, the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 11/15, Scott Rd on 11/22, and Meiss Rd on 11/27. The inland invasion of Red Phalaropes in our region was represented by up to four at Colusa NWR seen from Able Rd on 11/18-23 and one at the YBWA on 11/27 (eBird checklist). Two Marbled Godwits were reported from Colusa NWR on 11/25. 

The only reports of Short-eared Owls came from Yolo County Rd 30, with one on 11/15 and two on 11/29, and a Northern Saw-whet Owl was a nice surprise in a Roseville yard on 11/16. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was photographed along Rd 78A in the Capay Valley on 11/5 (eBird checklist). The male Costa's Hummingbird that was banded as a hatch-year in September 2013 and has spent much of its life on private property along Putah Creek between Winters and Davis was seen on 11/16 after an absence of months. A late Hammond's Flycatcher was found at Cosumnes River Preserve's Tall Forest on 11/12 (eBird checklist)  and a Cassin's Vireo was photographed at Bobelaine Sanctuary on 11/27 (eBird checklist). A Plumbeous Vireo in the Covell Park area of North Davis from 11/5 through most of the month (https://radamson.smugmug.com/Birds/Plumbeous-Vireo-in-Davis-2016) was a nice find for the region. An American Dipper was found at the traditional location downstream from the Hwy 128 Bridge in the Putah Creek Canyon from 11/14-25 and a Sage Thrasher was an excellent find near the Michigan Bar Bridge, south of the Cosumnes River, on 11/20-21.

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, Ted Beedy, Ken Britten, Elliot Chasin, Dan Cook, Kathy DeFay, Chris Dunford, Gil Ewing, Ian Gledhill, Steve Hampton, Darlene Hecomovich, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Eric LoPresti, Calvin Lou, David Nickerson, Frances Oliver, Muriel Parker, Linda Pittman, Jim Rowoth, Shannon Skalos, Kirk Swenson, Linda and Scott Terrill, Charley Walker, and Rick Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2015

As fall turned toward winter, most of the regular winter birds were established in their usual haunts. Each minor storm was watched with anticipation to see if it might help end the drought, but at the time of this writing, rainfall has been occasional and too modest to make much of a dent in the deficit of recent years. A gynandromorph Gadwall, left side male and right side female, was an intriguing find at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 11/1 at the Lost Slough Wetlands. A Greater Scaup, rare regionally away from the Delta, was found with a Lesser Scaup (eBird checklist) along the American River Parkway near Sailor Bar on 11/30. On 11/3, seven female Red-breasted Mergansers were spotted on Folsom Lake near Mormon Island, and another female was at the Lodi Sewage Ponds on 11/21.

The few Rough-legged Hawk reports included singles at the Conaway Ranch on 11/2, the Davis WTP on 11/9, Sacramento International Airport on 11/11, and one obviously in transit over upper Lake Natoma on 11/14. Ferruginous Hawk reports were widespread, but four, including a dark morph, along with 22 Red-tailed Hawks near Rds 97 and 25A in Yolo County on 11/18 were notable. A Pacific Golden-Plover at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) was reported on 11/5, with one to two continuing throughout the month (eBird checklist). Another Pacific Golden-Plover was found on 11/16 along Abel Road on the south side of Colusa NWR. A Marbled Godwit was found along the entrance road to YBWA on 11/18, but more surprising were 11 reported along Cherokee Ln near Galt on 11/30. A Western Sandpiper was a nice find for the season among a large flock of Dunlin and Least Sandpipers in flooded rice fields near the intersection of Kempton Rd and Brewer Rd in eastern Sutter County. A Red-necked Phalarope was a surprising find in a large puddle near Mormon Island at Folsom Lake on 11/3, while the latest report for the season was one continuing at the Woodland WTP on 11/4. An adult Western Gull was found at Touchstone Lake in West Sacramento on 11/25.

Band-tailed Pigeon reports included two at Upper Sunrise along the ARP on 11/6, seven at Sailor Bar on 11/7, one at Garcia Bend Park in the Pocket Area of Sacramento on 11/26, one at the SRWTP Bufferlands on 11/22 (eBird checklist), and 27 at Michigan Bar on 11/28. A Common Poorwill on Michigan Bar Rd, north of the Cosumnes River on 11/14, was quite late in the season (eBird checklist). A Long-eared Owl was a nice find at a closed portion of CRP on 11/29; one or two have been recorded from this portion of CRP in most recent fall/winter seasons. Two Steller’s Jays were reported north of the Michigan Bar Bridge on 11/26-30, and two Mountain Bluebirds were found on 11/14 near the Manzanita Cemetery north of Lincoln. A MacGillivray’s Warbler found on 11/29 at CRP was an excellent report this late in the season. Late Wilson’s Warblers were found at CRP on 11/8 and at Delta Meadow’s State Park near Walnut Grove on a 11/20 Central Valley Birding Symposium trip. A Red Crossbill invasion continued to build with reports along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 11/1, three in Natomas on 11/17 near West El Camino Ave and Capitol Oaks Dr, and 10 in downtown Winters on 11/21--check back in December. And lastly, four Evening Grosbeaks were reported flying over Slide Hill Park in east Davis on 11/12.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Roger Adamson, Keith Bailey, Terry Colborn, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Michael Gertz, Ted Gilliland, Ben Graber, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Scott Hoppe, Afton Kern, Dan Kopp, Mark Martucci, Gary Mele, Michael Perrone, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, Susan Steele, John Sterling, Michele Swarthout, Craig Swolgaard, Kevin Thomas, Daniel Thomson, John Trochet, Bruce Webb, and Rick Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2014

After two months with an amazing number of unusual birds, things quieted down a little in November, but there were still plenty of notable reports. The Falcated Duck first reported from Colusa NWR on 10/30 continued into December, though some days it was absent from the pond near the observation deck. A Eurasian Green-winged Teal (or “Common Teal”) was reported at the Davis Wetlands on 11/9, and it or another was photographed at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (eBird checklist) on 11/14. Two female Greater Scaupwere found on the American River near Sailor Bar on 11/17. A flyover Marbled Godwit along the River Walk at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 11/3 was very unusual for the date. A  Franklin's Gull was found just west of I-5 at Turner Rd, north of Lodi, on 11/22; two were seen the morning of 11/23 in addition to a few Mew Gulls. On 11/21, a second-cycle Glaucous Gull was found at the Davis WTP.

Band-tailed Pigeons continued throughout the month in many Valley locations, with some totals approaching 100 birds.  A Northern Saw-whet Owl photographed (photo on flickr) in a Natomas neighborhood was a nice surprise on 11/4 (two were reported from Lower Sunrise along the American River Parkway on 10/20). The two male Costa's Hummingbirds (one along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters and the other in South Sacramento) continued throughout the month. Lewis’s Woodpeckers were widespread, but along Latrobe Rd in eastern Sacramento County (Deer Creek Hills) several observers noted concentrations greater than they had ever recorded (eBird checklist). An impressive series of Lewis’s Woodpecker photos was taken along Putah Creek (photos on facebook). A Red-breasted Sapsucker at Fishing Access #1 along Putah Creek west of Winters appeared to be of the northern subspecies ruber. On 11/29, a female Williamson’s Sapsucker was found in the Tall Forest at CRP for a first Sacramento County record. A “Western”  (presumably  Pacific-slope) Flycatcher was found nearby the same day. Steller’s Jays were widely reported around Folsom and the eastern portion of Sacramento County, along the American River downstream to the Gristmill access, with one along the River Walk at CRP on 11/2, regularly in the Putah Creek Canyon west of Winters, and in Davis on 11/27.

Late Yellow Warblers were reported from North Pond in Davis on 11/1 and Lost Slough at CRP on 11/2. A Prothonotary Warbler was reported from Colusa NWR on 11/26, but it apparently was not refound. Single Vesper Sparrows were found along Meiss Rd from 11/1-19 (eBird checklist) as well as north of the Cosumnes River at Michigan Bar on 11/11. A Red Fox Sparrow was found 11/4-7 in a Folsom yard (photo on flickr) and the Harris’s Sparrow continued in North Davis. Western Tanagers appear to be wintering again (2-4 individuals) in Land Park. Pine Siskins were widespread, but most notable was a report of over 100 on 11/28 from the Willow Creek East neighborhood of Folsom. Evening Grosbeaks reports included 20 at the Folsom Rodeo Grounds on 11/1, one over the River Walk at CRP on 11/3, six from Fair Oaks on 11/4, and four in William Land Park on 11/23.

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:  Steve Abbott, Elizabeth Bredberg, Lyann Comrack, Jann Dorothy, Chris Dunford, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Cory Gregory, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Phil Lutz, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Alison Sheehey, Steve Stump, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, Amy Welsh, Dan Welsh, Deb Weston, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2013

Despite an exceedingly dry fall, in terms of precipitation, waterfowl reports led the way. Blue morph Ross’s Geese appear to have increased in recent years, but they are still rare.  On 11/19, individuals were reported at both Sutter and Colusa National Wildlife Refuges.  An immature/female Surf Scoter (photo) was an excellent find at the William B. Pond access to the American River Parkway on 11/30, while the bird of the month was Yolo County’s first Black Scoter, a female (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34046677@N04/11072939933/in/set-72157638086308206), at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 11/25-27.  This last species is exceedingly rare in the Central Valley.

The few shorebird and gull highlights this month included a long-staying Pacific Golden-Plover at the Woodland WTP (11/12-27) and a late Semipalmated Plover at the same location on 11/12-16.  A hatch-year Western Gull found along Lone Star Rd east of Williams on 11/19 was a very good find for Colusa County, and an adultWestern Gull was found at Nimbus Hatchery on 11/21.  Rounding out the gull reports, a hatch-year Glaucous Gull was seen at the Yolo County Landfill Pond, viewed from Rd 28H, on 11/14. 

A hatch-year male Costa’s Hummingbird (eBird checklist) was a nice find in Esparto on 11/3-4, and 39 Band-tailed Pigeonswere reported along Putah Creek west of Winters on 11/17.  A Yellow Warbler along Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd on 11/2 and a Wilson’s Warbler along the River Walk at Cosumnes River Preserve on 11/9 were reported much later in the year than expected.  Other nice finds included a Vesper Sparrow at the traditional large bend west of Winters along Hwy 128 on 11/17-23, a Red Fox Sparrow at Willowbank Ditch in Davis on 11/7, the continuing Harris’s Sparrow in N Davis, and anotherHarris’s Sparrow found in Amador County north of Lake Camanche from at least 11/19-29.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports:  Dan Airola, Chris Dunford, Ken Ealy, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Claire Gallagher, Steve Hampton, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, John Luther, William Rockey, Jim Rowoth, Dale Rubach, John Sterling, Michael Strom, John Trochet, Dan Williams, and Sylvia Wright. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2012

This year has seen by far the most Long-eared Owl reports of any in the 2000s and this month added its share of records. Three to four were found on a roost in the Tall Forest of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 11/22 and one was calling near CRP’s Orr Forest on 11/25. Another was found during the Central Valley Birding Symposium at the Stockton Rural Cemetery on 11/17. A Northern Saw-whet Owl was at the same location on 11/12. Both species are very hard to find in winter, and many more certainly escape detection.

On 11/6, a “Brewer’s Duck” (Gadwall X Mallard) was found at the Woodland WTP (WWTP) along with the Surf Scoter continuing from 10/30. A female White-winged Scoter was at Beals Point, Folsom Lake, on 11/13; the Red-throated Loon continued nearby in Sacramento County waters on 11/14. A hatch-year Brown Pelican was seen and photographed at Riverlake in the Pocket Area of South Sacramento on 11/22. Two Semipalmated Plovers were found mid-month at the Farmers Central Pond in Woodland, a Marbled Godwit, perhaps continuing from last month, was found at Yolo Wildlife Area on 11/18-25, and a very late Baird’s Sandpiper was at the WWTP on 11/1. A Franklin’s Gull was at WWTP on 11/15 and an adult Glaucous Gull was at the Yolo County Landfill on 11/25.

A Greater Roadrunner was on the Valley floor, seen in both Yolo and Colusa Counties as it crossed County Line Rd near John’s School Rd, on 11/10. Songbird highlights included juvenile Northern Shrikes on private property along Nicolas Rd near Lincoln on 11/2 and at the Fremont Weir on 11/3. A Cassin’s Vireo at CRP along the River Walk on 11/10 was a nice find for late in the season as was a Nashville Warbler at the Orr Forest on 11/25; a Green-tailed Towhee was found north of the Tall Forest on 11/3. An (eastern) Winter Wren was found, photographed, and recorded on the Yolo County side of Lake Solano near Positas Rd from 11/20-27. Vesper Sparrows continue along Hwy 128 west of Winters, with two at “Vesper Sparrow Corner” on 11/22. The Harris’s Sparrow returning from last winter to North Davis continued through the month. Excellent diversity and numbers of finches were reported, with a male Cassin’s Finch at the UCD Arboretum on 11/7 along with four Red Crossbills in the same area, widespread Pine Siskin reports, including an impressive 200+ at the Old Sacramento City Cemetery on 11/24, and continuing Evening Grosbeak reports from Davis on 11/18 and 11/27, Granite Bay on 11/22, and Sacramento on 11/22-23.

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: Brent Campos, Daryl Coldren, Farley Cross, Scott Dietrich, Chris Dunford, Jon Dunn, Andy Engilis, Jr., Rob Fowler, Claire Gallagher, Cory Gregory, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Dan Kopp, Gordon Lane, Jeri Langham, Eric LoPresti , Joseph Morlan, Michael Perrone, Jim Rowoth, John Sterling, Dan Tankersley, John Trochet, and Bruce Webb. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2011

This interior-type Sage Sparrow was found by Dan Williams at Sherman Island, in southwestern Sacramento County, on private property. He was able to arrange access for people to see this bird through 11/22. Photo by Linda Pittman on Nov 17, 2011, with additional photos here . Photos by John Sterling are here.

This Winter Wren was found on a monthly bird survey at a closed portion of Cosumnes River Preserve on Nov 27, 2011. Image taken from a video by Chris Conard. Additional images and videos of this bird, which include characteristic calls, as well as Pacific Wrens for comparison are here.

Despite decades of observation, it is quite remarkable that new species are added to the state, the Central Valley, and the local counties each year. The most recent example is a bit different, since it was assisted by the 2010 AOU split of “Winter Wren” into three species: Eurasian Wren, Pacific Wren, and Winter Wren (or “Eastern” Winter Wren). Pacific Wren is the regular breeding bird along the coast and in the mountains of California, which regularly winters in small and varying numbers in dense riparian forest at sites like the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP). On 11/27, a Winter Wren (looking and sounding like a bird from eastern North America) was recorded at CRP. This was at a remote site without regular public access, but recordings of the call and video were obtained, which can be viewed at the Web link below. If accepted by the California Bird Records Committee, this would be a first for the Central Valley and one of a handful so far for the state.

Among the best finds of the month were an American Golden-Plover and a Pacific Golden-Plover at the Farmer’s Central Pond of Rd 102, south of Woodland, on 11/4. The former was refound on 11/5. A juvenile sapsucker was seen in downtown Sacramento on 11/2. Only Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are known to retain juvenile plumage into the fall and away from their natal grounds, so it would appear to be that species by default. A Sage Sparrow (interior type) was discovered on private property at Sherman Island on 11/7. Fortunately, limited access was obtained and the bird was seen through 11/22.

In addition to the expected chaparral species, a ten-mile hike up Rayhouse Rd on 11/27 produced 75 Band-tailed Pigeons, four Northern Pygmy-Owls, four Hairy Woodpeckers, 20 Purple Finches, and four Thick-billed Fox Sparrows. The latter birds, of the type breeding in the mountains of California, are rarely detected in our area. Additional birds of note include the continuing Brown Pelican in West Sacramento, a White-winged Dove in Solano County at Birds Landing and Montezuma Hills Rds on 11/17, 65 Band-tailed Pigeons coming to Putah Creek for water at the Hwy 128 Bridge below Monticello Dam on 11/18, a Short-eared Owl along Desmond Rd at CRP on 11/5 (there have been few recent Sacramento County reports), the continuing Black-throated Sparrow in Esparto, an apparent Red Fox Sparrow found singing in north Davis on 11/25 and continuing into December, and at least two different Lapland Longspurs found in a field north of Rd 27, between Rds 102 and 102B, from 11/17 through the end of the month.

Many of these reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve. Visit cvbirds.org and click "Listserve" for details. With over 100 reports, it is impossible to list everyone; however, I want to thank the following for reports on the above species and for providing additional information: Todd Easterla, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Dan Kopp, Sami LaRocca, Michael Perrone, John Sterling, Zach Smith, Magill Weber, Dan Welsh, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2009

The most intriguing report of the month was of an immature Wood Stock on 11/1 flying over the Sutter National Wildlife Refuge.  It was not refound.  On the same day at Lake Natoma, a Common Loon and four Horned Grebes were seen.  At this site and nearby Folsom Lake, both species are regularly found in winter, but extremely difficult to find elsewhere in Sacramento County.  Always a nice find, but especially so in the low foothills of Amador County, a Eurasian Wigeon was seen on 11/28 at Goffinet Reservoir east of Ione.  A Redhead was at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 11/20 during the Central Valley Birding Symposium, and up to three were present at the Sacramento County Bufferlands during the first half of the month among about 2,000 Canvasbacks.

A Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk was reported regularly from the Symposium onward north of Lodi along Thornton Rd, just north of Peltier Rd, to the east of I-5.  Another was reported in Yolo County along Rd 31 to the west of Davis.  One to two Merlins took up residence along the American River Parkway between the Gristmill and Watt accesses. 

There were a number of notable finds at CRP this month.  A well-described Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker on 11/3 is near the top of the list.  We expect lingering Black-throated Gray Warblers  and  Townsend’s Warblers, often through the CBCs, but a Hermit Warbler that persisted at Cosumnes River Preserve through 11/11 was more of a surprise.  There was also a very late Wilson’s Warbler on 11/1.  A Dusky Flycatcher was a very nice find, continuing from 11/7-11.  There were single Swamp Sparrow reports from CRP on 11/11 and 11/13.  At both CRP and the Sacramento County Bufferlands, there were at least four separate White-throated Sparrows at each location.  A White-throated Sparrow was also found at the chronically underbirded Bobelaine Sanctuary on 11/4-7.  Eleven Purple Finches at CRP on 11/13 was a very nice total for the Valley floor.

An American Dipper at a traditional winter location along Putah Creek at the Hwy 128 bridge to the west of Winters.  Photo by Chris Conard on 28 Nov 2009.  This species also showed up on the Mokelumne River this year below the Camanche Dam, where it is less regular.  Dippers occasionally show up in winter elsewhere in the Valley and low foothills, with a handful of reports from the Lower American River, the Cosumnes River at Michigan Bar, Sweetwater Creek near Folsom Lake, and even artificial waterfalls in El Dorado Hills.

An American Dipper returned to its traditional spot along Putah Creek at the Hwy 128 bridge to the west of Winters.  More unusual were regular reports of one to two dippers on the Mokelumne River below the Camanche Dam beginning on 10/24 and continuing through November.  A Townsend’s Solitaire was at the same site on 11/12.  Other interesting reports include a second-year Western Gull at the Davis Wetlands on 11/20 and an early adult Glaucous Gull at the Yolo County Landfill beginning on 11/1.  A late Hammond’s Flycatcher was found at White’s Slough on 11/27, a Sage Thrasher was seen at the nearby Lodi Sewage Ponds on 11/6, and a Grasshopper Sparrow was found along Woodbridge Rd on 11/21--always a good find in winter and anywhere away from the known isolated breeding areas.

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:  Dan Brown, Matthew Dodder, Steve Hampton, Lauren Harter, Dan Kopp, Sami LaRocca, Don Marsh, Jeff McCreary, Frances Oliver, Ed Pandolfino, Diane Rose, Steve Rose, Jennifer Rycenga, Zach Smith, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, David Vander Pluym, Liz West, and Dan Williams.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2008

While there were no major standout reports this month, there were a lot of good birds seen.  Pine Siskins continued to be reported in good numbers (and were downright common in Davis), though fewer were seen in some areas toward the end of the month.  As is appropriate for the time of year, waterfowl were well represented among the reports. 

On 11/2, there were an impressive 22 Blue-winged Teal at the Davis Wetlands.  A Greater Scaup was reported at Sutter NWR on 11/11, a female Surf Scoter was found at the Lincoln WTP on 11/4 through 11/7, and a Red-breasted Merganser was on the American River near Gristmill on 11/18, while two were on the Yolo County Rd 103 pond on 11/19.  On 11/28, a hybrid Bufflehead X Common Goldeneye was reported at Lake Solano. 

A Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker was found at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 11/2.  It was well studied to rule out an intergrade with a Red-shafted Northern Flicker.  These intergrades account for nearly all of the flickers in our area showing yellow-shafted characteristics.  "Western" Flycatchers (probably Pacific-slope Flycatchers) were reported at CRP on 11/1 and 11/14, with two on 11/29.  Also at CRP on 11/29, a "Solitary" Vireo was found, but was not seen well enough to identify to species, and a grosbeak was found (likely a Black-headed Grosbeak).  Most astonishing that day at CRP were 11 White-throated Sparrows—perhaps the single-day record for one location in the Sacramento area.  Rounding out the Cosumnes reports were a Swamp Sparrow on 11/28 and two Cassin's Finches on 11/9.  A Long-eared Owl and a Canyon Wren were found on private land in southeastern Sacramento County that is part of the CRP Project.  For the latter species, this is only the second record for the county since 1967. 

A bedraggled Western Kingbird found near the Lodi Sewer Ponds during the Central Valley Birding Symposium (11/22-23) was extremely rare for the season.  Other interesting reports include a male Costa's Hummingbird at UC Davis on 11/20, a Red-naped Sapsucker in Galt throughout the month, a Townsend's Solitaire at Lake Solano on 11/2, a mini-invasion of Steller's Jays on 11/8 and 11/9 (near Gristmill, in Orangevale, Newcastle, and near Lincoln), and a Cassin's Finch in Davis on 11/18.  A Swainson's Hawk was seen at the Yolo WA on 11/15, over 50 Cattle Egrets were regularly reported at Glenbrook Park adjacent to the American River, an adult Western Gull was at Sherman Island on 11/11, two Pacific Golden-Plovers were on Flannery Rd south of Dixon on 11/8, and 60-65 Mountain Plovers were there on 11/29. 

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:  Steve Abbott, Roger Adamson, Terry Colborn, Andy Engilis, Tim Fitzer, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Doug Herr, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Jim Laughlin, Frances Oliver, Ed Pandolfino, Phil Robertson, Jim Rowoth, Mary Schiedt, John Sterling, John Trochet, Bobby Walsh, Ed Whisler, Dan Williams, and David Yee.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.