October 2024

After an amazing September, things were bound to come back down to earth. There weren't a lot of outstanding finds this month, but still a great variety of birds to be seen, with migrants and summer residents getting replaced by wintering waterfowl, Sandhill Cranes, raptors, and sparrows. A female Costa's Hummingbird found at a private yard in Wilton on 8/14 continued through at least 10/23. A male Costa's Hummingbird was found in Davis, near Nugget Fields, on 10/19 (eBird Checklist S199709284) and continued into November--it is likely the same bird that wintered in the area last year as a juvenile.

Shorebird highlights also tapered off from last month. There was a good showing of Pectoral Sandpipers, with reports from Tyler Island (eBird Checklist S197952432) in southern Sacramento County, Cosumnes River Preserve, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, and N Brewer Rd in Placer County. The only Semipalmated Sandpiper reported was from Tyler Island on 8/8--rather late for the species. Two Sabine's Gulls continued at the Woodland WTP from last month to 10/1. A Red-necked Grebe was a nice surprise along the American River Parkway, downstream from the Gristmill access. It was seen and photographed (eBird Checklist S198787293) by many from 10/13-10/27.

By the last day of the month, an American Dipper was found (eBird Checklist S200945287) at a traditional wintering location along Putah Creek, near the Hwy 128 bridge west of Winters. A Sage Thrasher was a nice find (eBird Checklist S199174689) on 10/16 along Yolo County Rd 104, south of 38A. A late-season Grasshopper Sparrow was found along Michigan Bar Rd on 10/6, a site where they are not regularly reported in breeding season, and a Brewer's Sparrow was found the same day at the Woodland WTP. A Black-and-white Warbler was a nice find at Cosumnes River Preserve on the 10/13 Tall Forest Survey, and a Tennessee Warbler continued at Reichmuth Park from September to through the first week of October.

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, Dan Brown, Lyann Comrack, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Susan Goodrich, Joshua Greenfield, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Roger Muskat, Ed Pandolfino, Zane Pickus, Linda Pittman, Ron Pozzi, Jennifer Raven, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Tom Uslan, and Amy Williamson. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2023

The excitement and possibility of September gives way to somewhat milder expectations for October. That said, October is still one of the most pleasant times to be in the field and there is plenty of opportunity to turn up interesting birds. It offers an interesting mix of lingering summer residents while nearly all the typical wintering birds have arrived. It won't be until November when large numbers of wintering waterfowl and raptors settle in, but representatives of most of the expected species do turn up by month's end. Band-tailed Pigeons were reported sporadically on the flats of the Valley. On 10/15, a Greater Roadrunner was seen along Hwy 16 between Rumsey and Guinda in the Capay Valley. This species is increasingly hard to find in our area, where grasslands, rolling hills, and chaparral in the low foothills are filling up with vineyards, orchards, and houses. Common Poorwills have also been harder to find, so one along Latrobe Rd adjacent to Deer Creek Hills on 10/14 was a nice surprise.

Shorebirds were relatively low-key for a month that often holds a surprise or two. A late Baird's Sandpiper continued from 10/11-10/17 at the Sacramento Regional WTP, while Pectoral Sandpipers were reported at several regular locations including Cosumnes River Preserve, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, the Davis Wetlands, and the Woodland WTP. The most surprising find among the Charadriiformes came on 10/27 when two Heermann's Gulls (eBird Checklist S153200213 and eBird Checklist S153207345) were among a small flock of California Gulls at the Sacramento County Bufferlands. The birds continued for a few hours, and a handful of people were able to see them, but they flew away in the late afternoon and were not refound. This is a first county record and one of very few records for the Central Valley.

Blue-headed Vireos are extremely rare in California, so the second for our area this fall was a big surprise when it was found and photographed (eBird Checklist S151233525) on 10/1 near Fishing Access #2 on both the Yolo and Solano sides of Putah Creek upstream of Winters. So far this fall it is shaping up to have a decent if not huge invasion of some montane/northern species, with lowland Steller's Jays, decent numbers of Golden-crowned Kinglets and Varied Thrushes, and good numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches and Pine Siskins. On 10/24, a Winter Wren was found at the same site where it spent last winter near Lake Solano. Another was found upstream near the Hwy 128 Putah Creek bridge on 10/30. It is odd that this species is turning up more than ever, while the expected Pacific Wren is found less frequently than it was a decade or two ago. An Evening Grosbeak was a nice find at Sacramento Bar along the American River Parkway on 10/3. An Orchard Oriole was found at the UC Davis Arboretum on 10/11 (eBird Checklist S151955749), and it continued into November. It can be challenging to separate this species from the much more common, larger and lankier Hooded Oriole, but this bird was seen and photographed by many observers. Warbler migration tapered off by mid-month, and no unexpected warblers were found this October.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserv (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but we thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Lyann Comrack, Konshau Duman, Gil Ewing, Joshua Greenfield, David Hamilton, Denise Hamilton, Cliff Hawley, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Ethan Monk, Gerrit Platenkamp, Zane Pickus, Steve Scott, Kim Tenggardjaja, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Bart Wickel, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2022

September 2022 produced a remarkable number of rarities and the trend continued into October. The Woodland WTP hosted a Surf Scoter on 10/6-10/10 (eBird Checklist S120285606) as well as a showy Long-tailed Duck (eBird Checklist S120816484) on 10/16-10/20. Rufous Hummingbird reports typically taper off by October, but one visiting a feeder in Wilton continued all month and into mid-November. Interesting shorebird reports included a Snowy Plover on 10/12, continuing through the end of the month at the Woodland WTP, a Ruff along West Sherman Island Rd on 10/14, as well as a Ruff at Staten Island (eBird Checklist S121372862) on 10/18-10/26; this was a very good fall for Ruff reports.

Long-eared Owl distribution is poorly understood. While uncommon and apparently declining, they are also easy to miss, so one found on 10/21 on private property near Esparto is notable. Also in the Capay Valley area, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (eBird Checklist S121220335) was found on 10/10 on private property near Guinda. A Sage Thrasher was a nice find along Latrobe Rd in eastern Sacramento County on 10/1, as was a Townsend's Solitaire on 10/10 near the intersection of Levee Rd and Hopkins Rd, west of UC Davis. A Lapland Longspur was reported as a calling flyover at Folsom Point on 10/18, and at least one Chestnut-collared Longspur (eBird Checklist S120022442) was found along Michigan Bar Rd on 10/5-10/9. Michigan Bar also produced a Grasshopper Sparrow on 10/6-10/8, a Clay-colored Sparrow (eBird Checklist S120090102) on 10/6-10/7, and reports of single Brewer's Sparrows on 10/1-10/7 from different locations along the road. A Clay-colored Sparrow was also found on private property in Amador County near Buena Vista on 10/10, and a Swamp Sparrow was a nice find on 10/18 at the Elkhorn Slough boat ramp. A Bobolink, with only a few previous Sacramento County records, was seen on 10/7-10/8 (eBird Checklist S120138456) along Michigan Bar Rd just south of the Cosumnes River.

If not following last month's amazing number of rare warblers, this month's list would be even more impressive. A Black-and-white Warbler was a very nice find in the Tall Forest of Cosumnes River Preserve on 10/1. The impressive run of Tennessee Warblers continued with one at the UC Davis Arboretum on 10/15-10/17. An American Redstart was found at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 10/9. Chestnut-sided Warbler reports included one at the William B Pond access to the American River Parkway on 10/2, one on 10/13-10/15 (eBird Checklist S120715423) at UC Davis, along La Rue Rd by Hutchinson Field, and, finally, one in residential Elk Grove on 10/31, continuing to 11/1.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserv (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but we thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Brent Campos, Lyann Comrack, Todd Easterla, Frank Fabbro, Robert Furrow, K. Gatejen, Joshua Greenfield, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Marcel Holyoak, Scott Hoppe, Logan Kahle, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Bruce Miller, Ethan Monk, Frances Oliver, Ed Pandolfino, Adam Panto, Nora Papian, Zane Pickus, Mark Sawyer, Elliot Schoenig, Steve Scott, Cameron Tescher, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Bart Wickel, Rick Williams, Violet Wu, Wentao Yang, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2021

After a birdy September, interesting reports continued into October. The starkness of the multiyear drought was mitigated by unprecedented rains on 10/24, breaking records throughout the region, with over five inches on a single day in Sacramento and even more in nearby locations. Three Surf Scoters at Folsom Lake were quite early in the season for the area, where they are rare at any time except, perhaps, in the Delta. These were seen from Folsom Point on 10/14-15. A Red-breasted Merganser (female-type) was a nice find at the Woodland WTP on 10/31, continuing the next day. There have been very few reports of migrating Common Poorwills the past two falls; the only one this year was seen at Babel Slough on 10/18.

One of the most exciting recent finds was a Broad-winged Hawk (eBird Checklist) that spent the morning of 10/3 up and downstream of the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway. It was a first for Sacramento County and one of very few in the Valley. The only Short-eared Owl report so far this fall was from the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 10/30. Lewis's Woodpeckers continued in good numbers at sites on the flats of the Valley, such as Cosumnes River Preserve, in addition to having good showings at their usual wintering areas in oak woodlands and savanna on the edges of the Valley.

A Cassin's Kingbird was an excellent find south of the Rd 103 Pond on 10/1 (eBird Checklist). It or another was found later in the month, on 10/29 through early November, at the Davis Cemetery and Arboretum. There were a fair number of Hammond's Flycatchers reported this month from multiple locations. An American Dipper returned to its typical location near the Hwy 128 bridge over Putah Creek, west of Winters, on 10/7. The only Evening Grosbeak reported was a flyover from Orangevale on 10/28. A late Grasshopper Sparrow was a nice find, photographed along Meiss Rd on 10/16. A Northern Waterthrush was found along Putah Creek at the Hwy 128 dipper spot from 10/21-23. Magnolia Warbler reports are always a pleasant surprise, and one was found on private property in the small Capay Valley town of Guinda on 10/7 (eBird Checklist). A Chestnut-sided Warbler was found at Elkhorn Regional Park in Yolo County on 10/2-4, with another at Lake Solano Park on 10/6, where a male Black-throated Blue Warbler had been reported on 10/5.

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: Lisa Bach, Terry Berger, Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Diane Colborn, Lyann Comrack, Lily Douglas, Konshau Duman, Gil Ewing, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Eric Pilotte, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Cameron Tescher, Jim Thomas, John Trochet, Bart Wickel, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2020

After the amazing list of finds last month, things were bound to settle down a bit, but there were still many interesting reports to go through. An immature Surf Scoter was a very nice find on 10/24 (eBird checklist) along the American River, downstream of the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway (ARP), continuing into November. A Red-necked Grebe was quite a surprise, reported mid-month from the El Dorado Hills WTP. Reports of Common Poorwills in migration this fall were few, but one was found along a service road at the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 10/6, and another was seen in a driveway adjacent to the east side of CRP, west of Galt, for a few days mid-month. These birds are typically found by their eyeshine in vehicle headlights as they perch on little-travelled roads after dark.

Shorebird numbers continued fairly high, but rarities were limited, with a Red Knot from 10/5-8 (eBird checklist) at the Sacramento Regional WTP (just the third record for the county and the first in twenty years). A Parasitic Jaeger was reported at Folsom Lake from Folsom Point on the early morning of 10/28, and a Long-eared Owl was found in the Sacramento Bypass (Yolo County) on 10/19. Overlooked in last month's column was the report of a dead Flammulated Owl found in the Land Park neighborhood of Sacramento on 9/25. This species is rarely detected in migration, away from its mid-elevation breeding grounds.

A female Vermilion Flycatcher was reported at the Woodland WTP on 10/31, and a "Solitary Vireo" with characteristics pointing toward Blue-headed Vireo was seen on 10/19 at CRP. We might be in for a good winter of irruptive finches, with higher than typical numbers and reports of Purple Finches and Pine Siskins throughout the region. Single Evening Grosbeaks were reported on 10/17 in east Davis and near Cal Expo on 10/28. Red Crossbills were reported from east Davis, with 12 on 10/27, and at least one on 10/29. A late Grasshopper Sparrow was a nice find along Desmond Rd at CRP on 10/31, away from its low foothill, grassland haunts. Late Yellow-breasted Chats were nice surprises from Elk Slough in southern Yolo County on 10/3 and from Sailor Bar (ARP) on 10/16 (eBird checklist). A Tennessee Warbler was reported along Babel Slough on 10/4 and again on 10/9, and a Blackpoll Warbler was found on 10/2 at the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve.

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: Steve Abbott, Bill Avery, Max Brodie, Andy Engilis, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Emmett Iverson, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Barbara Leary, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Frances Oliver, Michael Perrone, Sonia Santa Anna, Steve Scott, John Trochet, Sally Walters, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2019

October represents a period of transition, with the long, exciting season of post-breeding migrant songbirds and shorebirds tapering off by mid-month, and the full compliment of wintering species in place by month's end, signaled by the arrival of Tundra Swans and Snow Geese. Numbers continue to build into November, but nearly all of the regulars are in place by late October. This October was characterized by dry, sunny days, and periods of high winds, driving devastating fires elsewhere in the state in a pattern that is becoming too familiar.

There were no obvious avian patterns, but rather a grab bag of interesting reports. A Stilt Sandpiper at the Woodland WTP from 10/13-16 (eBird checklist) was a nice surprise, and perhaps the same bird was found at the Davis WTP on 10/20. A Black Rail was reported at the Yolo Bypass on 10/28. Common Poorwills turn up in low numbers in the flats of the Valley post-breeding, and this month there were singles found at the Sacramento Bypass on 10/8, Mace Rd at Putah Creek on 10/15, and Latrobe Rd on 10/28. More unexpected was a Northern Saw-whet Owl (eBird checklist) roosting at Slide Hill Park in Davis on 10/17; it is unclear how common these inconspicuous little owls are in migration and winter, though they are always a treat to encounter.

Just north of the area typically covered here, the male Vermilion Flycatcher  returned to the Maxwell Cemetery for the fifth straight year, as reported on 10/19. An immature male Vermilion Flycatcher was found at Tanzanite Park in Natomas on 10/30 (eBird checklist). It continued through press time, and accounts for just the fourth Sacramento County record, but the second this year, after the immature female that was found at Cosumnes River Presrve (CRP) last March. A Townsend's Solitaire was an excellent find at CRP on 10/4, and late Swainson's Thrushes were found at William Land Park on 10/3, and CRP on 10/4. A Sage Thrasher was a very nice find along Michigan Bar Rd on 10/6, as was a late  Grasshopper Sparrow on Meiss Rd on 10/14. Chipping Sparrows were reported in impressive numbers along the upper American River Parkway, at Phoenix Field, and in Fair Oaks. Is this species becoming more common locally, or are we just learning more through additional reports coming in via eBird? The biggest surprise of the month was a Worm-eating Warbler found in southeastern Davis on 10/27 (eBird checklist), between San Marino Park and Putah Creek. It was seen by many, continuing into November, and accounting for just the second Central Valley report after the January 2018 bird at Reichmuth Park.  

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Stuart Angerer, Dan Brown, Holly Coates, Suzanne Day, Konshau Duman, John Ehrenfeld, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Emmett Iverson, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Steve Scott, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2018

After a very active September, things were bound to slow a bit, but not without quite a few interesting finds in this very dry October. An American Golden-Plover (eBird checklist) was seen and photographed at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 10/20 and continued through 10/27. Five Pectoral Sandpipers were found at the Lost Slough Wetlands, across from the visitor center at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 10/1. Single Pacific Loons were photographed at Beals Pt, Folsom Lake, on 10/21, and on the American River at Sutter's Landing on 10/24, where especially exceptional for the flats of the Valley away from large foothill reservoirs.

Migrating Common Poorwills included singles found at the William B. Pond access to the American River Parkway (ARP) on 10/7-8 (eBird checklist), Michigan Bar Rd on 10/8 and 10/14, and a roadkill in Rocklin found on 10/17. A Band-tailed Pigeon was a nice surprise for the Valley floor at Yolo Grasslands County Park on 10/4. A Least Flycatcher (eBird checklist) was found and photographed at Wild Wings County Park northwest of Woodland on 10/21-22. Most impressive was a hatch-year female Vermilion Flycatcher found at the Davis WTP on 10/20-21, apparently a first for Yolo County. The male Vermilion Flycatcher, reported 10/22, returned for its fourth straight year to the Maxwell Cemetery in Colusa County.

An American Dipper was first reported for the season on 10/26 (eBird checklist) at the traditional location below the Hwy 128 bridge in Putah Creek Canyon. A Townsend's Solitaire seen on 10/18 in Carmichael near the intersection of Winding Way and Garfield Ave was a nice find for a species found infrequently in the county. A Swainson's Thrush found by an experienced observer on 10/4 at the Yolo Grasslands County Park was quite late for a species much less common in fall migration than in spring. Up to three Lapland Longspurs reported at the YBWA from 10/14-15 were a nice surprise. A Clay-colored Sparrow found and photographed at the Folsom Pt access to Folsom Lake on 10/13 and 10/20 accounts for one of just a few records of this species for Sacramento County. On 10/20, a late Grasshopper Sparrow was found at "Vesper Sparrow Corner," west of Winters along Hwy 128, along with three Vesper Sparrows. A Magnolia Warbler was found dead along Mace Blvd where it crosses Putah Creek on 10/3; it now resides at the UC Davis Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology. An American Redstart was found along Rd 98A, west of Hwy 45 and north of Knight's Landing from 10/27-29. Palm Warbler reports included one near the Harrington access (ARP) on 10/10 and one to two at Folsom Pt on 10/20-21.

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: Linda Angerer, Stuart Angerer, Keith Bailey, Brent Campos, Holly Coates, Craig DeMartini, Lily Douglas, Chris Dunford, Andy Engilis, Stephen Fettig, Robert Furrow, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Joan Humphrey, Scott Hoppe, Emmett Iverson, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Keith Kwan, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Oscar Moss, Sarah Newton-Scott, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Jim Thomas, John Trochet, Amy Welsh, Dan Welsh, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2017

There were quite a few interesting reports in this time of transition, with waterbird numbers building and fall migrants tapering off, but with some welcome surprises. A possible Bean-Goose sp. (perhaps Taiga Bean-Goose) was seen and heard flying over Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 10/3 with a small flock of Greater White-fronted Geese. Unfortunately this bird has not been relocated, but may turn up among the large overwintering flocks. Reports of 100+ Blue-winged Teal would be shocking if they haven't been the norm at Bridgeway Island pond in West Sacramento in recent years. Two Surf Scoters at the Lincoln WTP 10/17-19 were very nice finds for the Valley.

Reports of migrating Common Poorwills came from an office park in Roseville on 10/3, Meiss Rd on 10/14 and CRP along the River Walk on 10/21. Band-tailed Pigeon reports included singles from the American River Parkway (ARP) between Howe and Watt Aves on 10/1 (eBird checklist), CRP on 10/13 and William Land Park on 10/27. Around Davis, there was one at Slide Hill Park on 10/19, 25 there on 10/22, and 40 on 10/26 along Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd. A Red-naped Sapsucker (or perhaps a hybrid with Red-breasted) along Putah Creek upstream of Winters was found on 10/19. A Hairy Woodpecker at CRP on 10/3 was unexpected, where there are very few records for the flats of the Valley, and another from the low foothills at Michigan Bar on 10/9, though still rare anywhere in Sacramento County, was less of a surprise.

An American Dipper was found at the traditional site near the Hwy 128 bridge over Putah Creek to the west of Winters on 10/22-31. Varied Thrushes were reported in fair numbers after a near-absence the previous fall/winter. A Sage Thrasher on 10/11-13 near Pedrick Rd and Putah Creek was a nice find. Locally rare warblers included a Tennessee Warbler at Ancil Hoffman Park along the ARP on 10/9, a Chestnut-sided Warbler along Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd on 10/6, and a Black-and-white Warbler on 10/7 at Ancil Hoffman Park. The female Hooded Warbler in north Davis first reported on 8/16 continued through end of the month.  A "Sage Sparrow" photographed on 10/20 along Yolo County Rd 27 east of Rd 103 (eBird checklist) was determined to be a Sagebrush Sparrow after much discussion. Red Crossbill reports included one at Babel Slough on 10/17 and a calling flyover in the Rosemont neighborhood (south of Hwy 50 and east of Watt Ave) on 10/30. An Evening Grosbeak was photographed in north Davis on 10/12 and one flew over Slide Hill Park in Davis on 10/13 (http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S39919227).

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, Kathy Blankenship, Lyann Comrack, Dan Cook, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Frank Fogarty, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Arav and Aranya Karighattam, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, John Luther, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, John Trochet, Dan Williams, and Rick Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible

October 2016

After a very busy September, reports slowed during what proved to be an historically wet October. Impressive Blue-winged Teal numbers continue to be reported at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento, with a high of 92 on 10/29 (eBird checklist). Locally uncommon Redhead reports were of a single male at the Sacramento County Bufferlands on 10/20 and a high of six at the Davis WTP from 10/16-18. A Marbled Godwit was a nice surprise among a Long-billed Curlew flock along East Levee Rd in Natomas on 10/27. The nice showing of Pectoral Sandpipers at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) continued, with six on 10/1 and a single continuing through at least 10/8. Two Pectoral Sandpipers were found at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 10/18-22, and two were found at the Davis Wetlands on 10/2 along with a fairly late Solitary Sandpiper. An adult Western Gull was a nice find at the Davis Wetlands on 10/31, where they are rare but regular (eBird checklist). The  Sabine's Gull at the Sacramento Regional WTP continued through 10/1.

Two Band-tailed Pigeons were seen along Wood Duck Slough at the CRP's Tall Forest on 10/1. From 10/25 to the end of the month, a Greater Roadrunner was seen by many along Yolo County Rd 92B (eBird checklist) near Matchbook Winery. A well-described Yellow-shafted (Northern) Flicker was reported at the UC Davis Arboretum on 10/4 and another was reported from Lake Solano on 10/9. An Olive-sided Flycatcher reported along the American River Parkway (ARP) between the Howe and Watt accesses on 10/1 was the latest report of this uncommon migrant this season. A probable Tropical Kingbird was briefly seen and heard at Charles Jensen Park in Carmichael on 10/30. 

A Townsend’s Solitaire at the Sacramento City Cemetary on 10/5 was an excellent report of this species that has proven to be quite rare in the Valley (eBird checklist). Three Mountain Bluebirds along Michigan Bar Rd on 10/30 in eastern Sacramento County were the first for the season. A female-type American Redstart was found along ARP near the Estates Dr access on 10/1 (eBird checklist) and a hatch-year male was found along Babel Slough on 10/2 (eBird checklist). On 10/2, a Brewer's Sparrow was photographed at the Sacramento City Cemetery along with five Chipping Sparrows (eBird checklist). A Grasshopper Sparrow found along Meiss Rd on 10/10 was surprisingly late in the season (eBird checklist). A Chestnut-collared Longspur found along Lamb Road, east of Staten Island, in northern San Joaquin County on 10/22 continued through the end of the month and is a good record of a rare but likely under-reported species.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports:  Keith Bailey, Mike Curry, Lily Douglas, John Ehrenfeld, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Alan Krakauer, Keith Kwan, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Dan Murphy, Frances Oliver, Linda Pittman, Jim Rowoth, Ben Sandstrom, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Kirk Swenson, Jim Thomas, John Trochet, David Yee, and Bryan Young. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2015

This month was modestly slow in the scheme of things and can't really be characterized, like some months can, as an invasion year of montane birds or one with a lot of rarities. Waterfowl numbers continued to build, Ferruginous Hawks and Merlins and other winter raptors increased in abundance, and some of the most interesting reports were of birds that lingered from September. The only Pectoral Sandpiper report of the month was from the Davis Wetlands on 10/5, while a single Red-necked Phalarope continued through the end of the month at the Woodland WTP.

Unlike the past fall/winter period, there were few reports of Band-tailed Pigeons away from typical sites on the west side of the Valley, where over 50 were reported in the Putah Creek canyon on 10/17. A Common Poorwill found along Latrobe Rd in eastern Sacramento County on 10/24 was later than most. A Red-naped Sapsucker was photographed (eBird checklist) at Lake Solano County Park on 10/3.

Among songbirds, a Western Kingbird was reported along Babel Slough on the surprisingly late date of 10/8. There doesn't appear to be a repeat of last winter's  Steller's Jay invasion, though singles from Fair Oaks on 10/21-22 and another Fair Oaks site on 10/31 were notable. A Sage Thrasher along Michigan Bar Rd first reported on 10/8 continued to at least 10/15 and was seen and photographed (eBird checklist) by several observers. A Tennessee Warbler found at Ancil Hoffman Park on 10/7 was probably the same bird found there on 9/30. A Black-and-white Warbler first reported at the UC Davis Arboretum on 9/29 continued through at least 10/1, while a late Wilson’s Warbler was found in Davis on 10/25. The Black-chinned Sparrow first found along Babel Slough on 9/30 was reported through 10/19. An impressive 9 Vesper Sparrows were at “Vesper Sparrow Corner” on Hwy 128, the first bend west of Winters, on 10/17. A female Cassin’s Finch was a nice surprise among Purple Finches at Fiske Lake in the mountains of northwest Yolo County. A flock of Red Crossbills were reported north of the American River near Hazel Ave on 10/30, and Evening Grosbeak reports included one from along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 10/8, one at Effie Yeaw on 10/17, and four in Fair Oaks on 10/30.

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, Ralf Baker, Kathy Blankenship, Subhash Chand, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Ted Gilliland, Steve Hampton, Larry Hickey, Dan Kopp, Alan Krakauer, Eric LoPresti, Calvin Lou, Mark Martucci, Linda Melching, Dan Murphy, Michael Perrone, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, John Sterling, Michele Swarthout, Jim Thomas, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet and Mike Yoshihara. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2014

The streak of rare and unusual species continued and if it wasn't for last month’s unprecedented number of rarities, this October would stand out even more. A Falcated Duck photographed at Colusa NWR on 10/30 and seen for a few days was not as bright as the bird found in the winter 2011-12 (and briefly the following winter). It is relatively early in the season, so with continued molt it could present a more striking appearance. Band-tailed Pigeons (eBird checklist) became more widespread in Sacramento County toward the end of the month and into November than any time on record. A Common Poorwill was foraging along Latrobe Rd in the pre-dawn of 10/9. The male Costa’s Hummingbird continued at a south Sacramento yard into November, while Lewis’s Woodpeckers and Acorn Woodpeckers continued to show up in unusual locations and the latter, especially, persisted at these sites. 

An Ash-throated Flycatcher on 10/4 at “the Point” along the River Walk of Cosumnes River Preserve was unusually late. Like the Band-tailed Pigeons,Steller’s Jays staged an unprecedented invasion. Two were reported in Orangevale on 10/18 and then the floodgates opened, with reports from Fair Oaks (eBird checklist), Lake Natoma, the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway, Folsom, and the Putah Creek Canyon west of Winters. Chestnut-backed Chickadees continued around Davis and Putah Creek and Varied Thrushes were in good numbers at many locations throughout the region. 

On 10/5, a Blackburnian Warbler was the highlight among over 130 warblers, including an exceptional 40 Black-throated Gray and 35 Townsend’s Warblers, along Wood Duck Slough near the Tall Forest at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP). A return visit on 10/6 failed to find the Blackburnian, but did produce a Magnolia Warbler.  On 10/1, two Palm Warblers were found in Roseville, with one off PFE Road near the Haight Nursery and another along Country Club Ave near Acton Way. Interesting sparrows included a Vesper Sparrow along Meiss Rd on 10/3, two Grasshopper Sparrows at Meiss Rd on 10/4, with one continuing on 10/30 (eBird checklist), a Swamp Sparrow along Cache Creek on 10/29, accessed from Wild Wings County Park, and theHarris’s Sparrow along Cortez Ave in North Davis, returning for its fourth winter on 10/26. Notable finches included a calling Cassin’s Finch near the Tall Forest on 10/13, another at Slide Hill Park in Davis on 10/22, a flyover Lawrence’s Goldfinchat CRP on 10/3, another west of Winters along Putah Creek on 10/8, an Evening Grosbeak at the Gristmill access on 10/3-4, and another along Putah Creek west of Winters on 10/8.

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. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports:  Dan Airola, Brent Campos, Chris Dunford, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Cory Gregory, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Doug Herr, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Craig Swolgaard, Jim Thomas, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Matt Victoria, Liz West, Dan Williams, and Sharon Wisecarver. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2013

October 2013 was quite a contrast from the previous year.  The influx of montane birds that characterized last fall and winter did not occur, and Red-breasted Nuthatches, which last year seemed to be everywhere, were absent.  On the other hand, Lewis’s Woodpeckers, very hard to see last fall and winter, are back in their regular haunts on the Valley’s margins this fall; one was even found along the River Walk of the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 10/12.  They are quite rare on the Valley floor itself, away from blue oak woodlands in the low foothills.

Woodland Wastewater Treatment Plant held many of the most interesting reports.  Greater Scaup are rare in the area away from the Delta, so one there on 10/21 and two on 10/23 were notable.  Two American Golden-Plovers(eBird checklist), less regular in the Valley than Pacific Golden-Plovers, were also found at Woodland WTP from 10/17-24, as was a Marbled Godwit on 10/1, one to two Pectoral Sandpipers from 10/16-18, and a Franklin’s Gull on 10/21 (eBird checklist).  The latter was refound at the Yolo Central Landfill Pond from 10/22-24, and a juvenile Western Gull was there on 10/11.

Other interesting reports included a Common Poorwill on private property in SE Sacramento County on 10/23, a male Calliope Hummingbird in a Folsom backyard on 10/6, and single Hammond’s Flycatchers in N Davis on 10/12 and the Yolo Co. Grasslands Reg. Park on 10/14.  A Warbling Vireo on 10/27 at the Orr Forest of CRP was later than expected, as was a Grasshopper Sparrow along Meiss Rd at a traditional breeding location on 10/14.  The only Brown Creeper reported in Sacramento County was in Fair Oaks on 10/4.  On 10/20, the Harris’s Sparrow returned to the same N Davis neighborhood for the third consecutive fall/winter.  The only other vagrant songbird of the month was a male Indigo Bunting that visited a Sacramento Backyard on the late date of 10/22. 

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports:  Steve Abbott, Brent Campos, Chris Dunford, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Claire Gallagher, Steve Hampton, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Frances Oliver, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Linda Pittman, Don Schmoldt, John Sterling, John Trochet, and Sally Walters. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2012

This October had a nice mix of lingering migrants and winter arrivals. The invasion of northern/montane species continued, with high numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches and Pine Siskins. Evening Grosbeaks were found in the Rancho Cordova area on 10/23 and 10/28, as well as in Esparto, where ten were reported on 10/29. In response to unsettled weather, Violet-green Swallows, which are not regular on the Valley floor, were widely reported mid-month, with a high of 250 at the Woodland WTP (WWTP) on 10/12.

Among the water bird highlights was a hatch-year Surf Scoter at WWTP on 10/30-11/2. Folsom Lake produced two uncommon loon reports, with a Red-throated Loon off Beals Point on 10/30 and a Pacific Loonnear the Granite Bay launch on 10/31. A Red-necked Grebe at Rancho Seco on 10/16 could not be refound despite several attempts. Two Baird’s Sandpipers were found at the Lincoln’s WTP on the somewhat late date of 10/5, and Pectoral Sandpipers were reported from Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP), with four on 10/4, and Yolo Wildlife Area (YWA), with two on 10/4. A Marbled Godwit was photographed at YWA on 10/28, as was a hatch-year Franklin’s Gull (eBird checklist), which continued through 10/31. A hatch-year Sabine’s Gull was found at the WWTP on 10/12-16 (eBird checklists with photos by Claire Gallagher and Steve Hampton).

Among the songbird highlights, most notable were a (eastern) Winter Wren at the Orr Forest of CRP on 10/11 (probably the same bird that wintered there last season), a Gray Catbird at Bobelaine in Sutter County on 10/19-20, a Brown Thrashermist-netted and banded at Stone Lakes NWR on 10/3 (the second for this location, with one netted at the same spot on 7/10/2008), a Palm Warbler at Azevedo Park in Rocklin on 10/28, a hatch-year American Redstartin Sacramento near 31st and B Streets on 10/7, and a Clay-colored Sparrow on Chadbourne Rd in Fairfield on 10/22. Other interesting reports include a Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk at Colusa NWR on 10/16, a Rough-legged Hawk seen over Elk Grove Park on 10/30, a Common Poorwill at the Bufferlands on 10/7, two Hammond’s Flycatchers at Putah Creek Fishing Access #1 on 10/14, a very late Western Kingbird on Rd 27 northwest of Davis on 10/19, a Sage Thrasher at the Valensin portion of CRP on 10/18, up to ten Chipping Sparrows from various Yolo County locations, a Grasshopper Sparrowat the Blue Heron Trail (Stone Lakes NWR) on 10/5, and the Harris’s Sparrow in north Davis returning for another season on 10/26. Manfred Kusch put together an excellent set of birds bathing in Putah Creek between Davis and Winters (photos).

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: Bruce Deuel, Scott Dietrich, Chris Dunford, Gil Ewing, Claire Gallagher, Cory, Gregory, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Joanne Katanic, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, John Luther, Ron Melcer, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Will Rockey, Steve Rottenborn, Mary Schiedt, Don Schmoldt, John Sterling, Michael Strom, Danny Swicegood, Dan Tankersley, John Trochet, and Sally Walters. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2011

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The Black-throated Sparrow by Ray Rozema

After several months where shorebirds took top billing, this October produced some nice songbird records. Two of these occurred at the same location: Putah Creek near the end of Hopkins Rd. Both birds were found on 10/1 and continued on 10/2. A Tennessee Warbler was detected first and other observers, looking for it, found a Clay-colored Sparrow. The latter was seen on both the Yolo and Solano sides of the creek. The songbird of the month was a Black-throated Sparrow southwest of Esparto on 10/21. It was seen into November, associating with Lark Sparrows in a young orchard along Rd 22, a little north of Rd 23. Apparently this is only the second Yolo County record. Female Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were reported on 10/6 on the Yolo side of Lake Solano and on 10/7 in west Davis

There were two other excellent finds for the month. A first year Common Tern was seen at Sherman Island on 10/14. Surprisingly, this is one of very few reports for Sacramento County. They are more regular at other sites in the Central Valley, but this may reflect a paucity of good roosting and foraging sites with birder access in the county. On 10/6, two Chimney Swifts were found among several small flocks of Vaux’s Swifts flying at near eye level in stormy weather. The Chimney Swifts were noted as larger, longer-winged, and darker overall, with a more direct flight style consisting of fewer wing beats and more gliding than the “fluttery” Vaux’s Swifts.

Brown Pelican by Dave Johnson

The Brown Pelican first found at the Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento on 8/24 continued in the vicinity throughout the month. The dull brown neck and head, lack of much color on the bare parts (bill and skin on face), and the uniform pale edging to feathers on the upper surface of the wings indicate this is a first year bird, as are most Brown Pelicans that stray into the Central Valley.

On both 10/1 and 10/30, a Band-tailed Pigeon was found in Davis. On 10/2 a Band-tailed Pigeon was found at the SRCSD Bufferlands (a first for this location), and a male Yellow-shafted (Northern) Flicker was found at Cosumnes River Preserve on 10/8. Also on 10/8, a Townsend's Solitaire was seen on the ridge above Cold Canyon Campground along Putah Creek; downstream of this site, an unusually large flock of 25-30 Band-tailed Pigeons and calling Chestnut-backed Chickadees  were detected. A Vesper Sparrow on Sherman Island Levee Rd on 10/10 adds to the list of recent finds from Sherman Island.

Many of these reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve. Visit cvbirds.org and click "Listserve" for details. With nearly 100 reports, it is impossible to list everyone; however, I want to thank the following for reports on the above species and for providing additional information: Brent Campos, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Kevin Guse, Steve Hampton, Alison Kent, Dan Kopp, John Luther, Michael Perrone, John Sterling, Michael Strom, John Trochet, Magill Weber, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2010

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (and Killdeer), 10 Oct 2010, by Daniel Lee Brown

Sabine's Gull, 7 Oct 2010, by Daniel Lee Brown

Sabine's Gull, 7 Oct 2010, by Daniel Lee Brown

Find additional pictures by Daniel Lee Brown here.

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Yolo County was the hotspot for rarities in the Sacramento area, if not Northern California.  Topping the list was a gorgeous and mostly cooperative Sharp-tailed Sandpiper at Yolo Wildlife Area (YWA), seen by many despite its furtive habits from 10/7 to at least 10/16.  A Red-throated Pipit was reported by a couple of parties on 10/20 in the same area as the sandpiper, but was far less cooperative, and a Glossy Ibis was reported on 10/9.  A fairly common bird off the coast on pelagic trips, but a real treat inland was an adult Sabine’s Gull at Woodland WTP from 10/6 to 10/8; a juvenile was at the same location from 10/27-28.  This site held an adult Pacific Golden-Plover for most of the month and a late Bank Swallow on 10/8.  A Northern Saw-whet Owl was found in Davis on 10/30, and a first county record for Cassin’s Kingbird was found on 10/15 north of Winters at Rds 27 and 88; it continued through press time.  Rounding out the list are a Chestnut-sided Warbler at Babel Slough on 10/3, a Northern Waterthrush along Putah Creek above Lake Solano on 10/6, and a Green-tailed Towhee at the Yolo Grasslands Region Park archery range on 10/10.

Following a few reports in and around Davis beginning on 9/25, there was a flurry of Evening Grosbeak  reports.  Most came from north Davis and UCD, with the last on 10/28.  There were also several Sacramento County reports into the second week of the month from the American River, Carmichael, and East Lawn Cemetery, as well as numerous reports from low elevation sites throughout the state.  This flurry of reports is unprecedented in the past two decades, and may go in hand with the unusually abundant Red-breasted Nuthatches just about anywhere there are ornamental conifers and in some riparian areas.  Other interesting finds included two Golden-Plovers near Jepson Prairie not identified to species on 10/11, a Willet flying over a Rosemont home (east of downtown Sacramento) on 10/3, two Red Phalaropes flying by at close range at Sherman Island (only the second report for Sacramento County) on 10/25, a bright Red Fox Sparrow at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 10/31, and a calling flyover  Chestnut-collared Longspur at CRP on 10/9.

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, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Kevin Guse, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, John Luther, Jeff Mangum, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Zack Smith, John Sterling, John Trochet, Ed Whisler, and Dan Williams.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2009

As might be expected, things slowed a bit from last month, with the songbird migration tapering off by the middle of the month.  As most of the warblers and other favorites left us until next April, we were compensated with building numbers of waterfowl, raptors, and sparrows.  But October always holds a few surprises.  This year they included a Chestnut-sided Warbler along the American River Parkway (ARP) on 10/4, a Brewer’s Sparrow at the Yolo Wildlife Area (YWA) on 10/10, and a  Bobolink along Putah Creek at UC Davis on 10/6.  A female-type Costa’s Hummingbird was a nice find at Wildhorse Golf Course in Davis on 10/18-19.

Another event that must be mentioned is the incredible storm that dumped two to four inches of rain in the Sacramento area on 10/13.  The storm can be blamed for the loss of some nice trees and premature flooding of shorebird habitat, but it also filled wetlands, leading to an early showing of several hundred Canvasbacks and Ring-necked Ducks at the Sacramento County Bufferlands.

On 10/11, an impressive 300+ Turkey Vultures were recorded on a roost in suburban Land Park.  Other highlights included an immature Bald Eagle over ARP on 10/12 near Watt Ave, a Pacific Golden-Plover at the Woodland WTP on 10/28, two Band-tailed Pigeons over Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 10/4, a very late Western Kingbird at Wildhorse Golf Course on 10/18, a late Cassin’s Vireo in north Davis on 10/10 and even later at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 10/17, and late Wilson’s Warblers at CRP on 10/18 and YWA on 10/22.

Burrows seem to be a limiting factor for Burrowing Owls in the open areas of the low foothills in eastern Sacramento County.  They rarely breed in these habitats and often winter in culverts (until they flood), among rocks, and even in piles of trash or concrete.  The walking trail from Rancho Seco out to the Howard Ranch has provided another option for them, as they now winter under footbridges along the trail.  Where these owls spend the breeding season is an open question.  Lewis’s Woodpeckers  were reported several times in unusual locations on the Valley floor (they are usually in the blue oak savanna on either side of the Valley).  At more typical sites they were in impressive numbers, with over 100 along Michigan Bar Rd in eastern Sacramento County on 10/25, with some flying 1,000 feet in the air.  An amazing 206 were counted on a survey at Bobcat Ranch near Winters at the end of the month.  See photos below.

Lewis Woodpecker pictures by Ray Rozema.

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 Airola, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Ryan Phillips, Vance Russell, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, Jim Tietz, John Trochet, Jonathon Widdicombe, and Dan Williams.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2008

In avian terms, September gives way to October without the page-turning abruptness of the human calendar.  The songbird migration continues, but begins to sputter after the first week.   Waterfowl numbers build, and reports of our uncommon raptors—Ferruginous Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Merlin—increase.  Each fall is a bit different from the one before.  This year, Pine Siskins have been widely reported, and Chestnut-backed Chickadees staged a minor invasion of the Putah Creek watershed.  Always a favorite, Lewis's Woodpeckers returned in good numbers to the blue oak savanna.  To our south, a million or more Tree Swallows staged in corn fields west of Tracy in the latter half of the month, and were gone before the calendar turned to November.  They were first detected on weather radar, as a flock this size shows up when it disperses in the morning, and they made a splash in the local news.

Standouts for the month include a Red-necked Grebe at the Winters Sewer Ponds on 10/19, a female Surf Scoter at the Lincoln WTP on 10/27, and a Red Phalarope at the same location on 10/7-8.  A Blackpoll Warbler was reported along Putah Creek, west of Winters, on 10/4.  The following day, a Chestnut-sided Warbler was found in north Davis.  The male Northern Parula found at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 7/26 continued until at least 10/2.  A Lapland Longspur was reported at the junction of Brewer and Nicholas Rds in Placer County on 10/15.  The most tantalizing report of the month was of one or two Red-throated Pipits.  The bird(s) were heard calling on 10/21 as they flew over a Yolo County field near Rds 105 and 29.

Other interesting reports include a rather late Solitary Sandpiper found at the Yolo Wildlife Area on 10/18, Band-tailed Pigeons from Discovery Park on 10/7 and CRP on 10/18, a Northern Pygmy-Owl from southeastern Sacramento County on 10/17, three Common Poorwills from the same location on 10/15 and one at CRP on 10/5, and a Hammond's Flycatcher at CRP on 10/12.  A trip up Yolo County's Rayhouse Rd on 10/13 produced two Hammond's Flycatchers, two Chestnut-backed Chickadees, and three Cassin's Finches.  A "bold pair" of Pileated Woodpeckers continued at Lake Solano, and an albino Eared Grebe was at CRP on 10/11.  Along the American River Parkway, the California Thrasher continued upstream of the Howe access, and a Red Fox Sparrow was found for just one day on 10/12 near the Gristmill access.

Many of these reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserv.  Visit www.cvbirds.org and click "Listserv" for details.  With over 100 reports, it is impossible to list everyone; however, I want to thank the following for reports on the above species and for providing additional information:  Roger Adamson, Dan Airola, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Ed Pandolfino, Phil Robertson, Deren Ross, Jim Rowoth, Mary Schiedt, John Sterling, John Trochet, Bobby Walsh, and Dan Williams.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.