September 2024

September has so many possibilities. Shorebirds, waterbirds, raptors, and all manner of songbirds are on the move during the transition from late summer to fall. This month produced a few regional firsts and there are almost too many great birds to mention! A Red-breasted Merganser on Folsom Lake that was seen from Beals Point for much of August continued through mid-September. A Common Poorwill was flushed from the trail at Bobelaine on 9/23; this species seems to be turning up less often in migration. A female Costa's Hummingbird found at a private yard in Wilton on 8/14 impressively continued through September and into October.

Vying for bird of the year, a Wood Sandpiper was found (eBird Checklist S194649921) at the Woodland WTP on 9/9 through 9/10. It briefly went missing on 9/9 and was found at a small pond nearby, but returned to the WTP on 9/10. This is just the fifth record for the state and the first for the Central Valley. Six Snowy Plovers were found together at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 9/1. A Ruff was photographed (eBird Checklist S193994152) among dowitchers in a field off Hwy 45 and Yolo County Rd 109A on 9/4. There were several reports of Baird's and Pectoral sandpipers from multiple locations, and single Semipalmated Sandpiper reports came from the Woodland WTP on 9/3 and 9/9. On 9/21, an immature Sabine’s Gull was found at the Woodland WTP, with perhaps the same bird continuing on 9/26, and two birds were present from 9/29 to 10/1. A Sabine's Gull was also found at Folsom Lake from Beals Pt on 9/26, and yet another great bird, a Franklin's Gull, was found (eBird Checklist S194887708) at the Woodland WTP on 9/12 through 9/30. 

A Broad-winged Hawk photographed (eBird Checklist S196019306) flying over Reichmuth Park on 9/21 was a big surprise and only the second Sacramento County record. A Pygmy Nuthatch seen at a Citrus Heights yard on 9/7 was quite a surprise away from the coastal or mountain conifer zones, and accounted for one of very few Central Valley records. A Black-throated Sparrow was seen by many from 9/7-9/12 at a private yard southwest of Clarksburg. Green-tailed Towhee reports came from the American River Parkway (ARP) between Howe and Watt avenues on 9/10, a private yard in the Pocket Area of Sacramento on 9/18, and yet another from a private yard in Wilton on 9/28. Rare warblers were well represented this month, with a Northern Waterthrush along Putah Creek, downstream of the Pedrick Rd bridge, on 9/15 through 9/18, and a Tennessee Warbler at the same location from 9/15 through 9/23. Another Tennessee Warbler was found at Reichmuth Park from 9/27 into October. A Black-and-white Warbler was seen at the Ione WTP on 9/20 through 9/21. A Virginia's Warbler was found on 9/17 (eBird Checklist S195522462) and continued through 9/18. It is the first El Dorado County record and was found while following up on the first El Dorado County record of a Magnolia Warbler that was seen (e Bird Checklist S195569107) from 9/16 through 9/18--both were seen from the old RR track trail along Deer Creek off of Latrobe Rd. American Redstarts reported on 9/8 and 9/18 from Lake Solano were different individuals based on plumage. The Northern Parula found at the Gristmill access to ARP on 8/29 continued through 9/7, and a Chestnut-sided Warbler was found at the Putah Creek Fishing Access #1, west of Winters, from 9/18 through 9/20.

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 Blake, Lyann Comrack, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Susan Goodrich, Joshua Greenfield, Emmett Iverson, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Roger Muskat, Ed Pandolfino, Zane Pickus, Linda Pittman, Ron Pozzi, Mark Sawyer, Adam Searcy, Samuel Schmidt, Elliot Schoenig, Steve Scott, Ian Souza-Cole, Gavin Stacey, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Tom Uslan, and James White. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2023

September about tops the list as the most interesting month for birding in our area. This month did not disappoint in terms of rarities, though many noted more slow days in the field than desired and very few days with really high numbers of migrants. There were some interesting shorebirds again this month, but songbird rarities stole the show. Toward the end of the month, many reported flyover Sandhill Cranes, signaling a turn toward fall. A Snowy Plover was a nice find at Staten Island in San Joaquin County on 9/20, and the string of excellent Yolo County shorebird reports continued with a Stilt Sandpiper at the Rd 104 ponds from 9/7-9/20. Pectoral Sandpipers were widely reported, and Solitary Sandpiper reports came from Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 9/2, a different CRP location on 9/3, and from the Bufferlands on 9/7. 

A well-photographed Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (eBird checklist S150244482) was an excellent find at Lake Solano on 9/18. A Least Flycatcher at CRP on 9/15 was an excellent find, as was an Eastern Kingbird along the Natomas Main Drainage Canal, north of Garden Hwy and the Sacramento River, on 9/6-9/8. Even more surprising was a well-photographed Blue-headed Vireo (eBird Checklist S149673549) on 9/11 along Putah Creek near the Pedrick Rd Bridge. Two Pacific Wrens reported at Lake Solano on 9/23 were on the early side. Four Evening Grosbeaks on 9/21 at Sacramento Bar along the American River Parkway (ARP) were a real surprise, as was a male Red Crossbill that perched briefly in the top of a dead tree at Willow Hill Reservoir Community Park in Folsom on 9/3. A Lark Bunting was nicely photographed (eBird Checklist S149336417) at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 9/8, and a Green-tailed Towhee was a nice find at Sailor Bar (ARP) on 9/15. A recording of a calling Bobolink was a nice surprise from the Pocket neighborhood of Sacramento on 9/6.

Rare warblers made a good showing this month, with a Northern Waterthrush at YBWA on 9/9, and a Tennessee Warbler at Sacramento Bar (ARP) on 9/24. A Virginia's Warbler, very rare in Northern California, was an excellent find (eBird Checklist S150244482) at Lake Solano on 9/17-9/18. American Redstarts were found on 9/1 near the Pedrick Rd bridge, along Babel Slough from 9/2-9/7, and in North Davis on 9/19. A Northern Parula was a nice find at Lake Solano on 9/6, as was a Chestnut-sided Warbler on 9/19 at Sacramento Bar (ARP). Rounding out the list of rarities, Summer Tanager reports included one at CRP on 9/9, two different birds at CRP on 9/15, and one at William Land Park on 9/26.

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, Chris Dunford, Jonathan Eisen, Frank Fabbro, Tim Fitzer, Joshua Greenfield, Mike Guard, David Hamilton, Denise Hamilton, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Jenny Luo, Mark Martucci, Bryce Parker, Zane Pickus, Rene Reyes, Steve Scott, Kim Tenggardjaja, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2022

Observing birds ties us to the seasons and makes us more aware of the world around us. At no time is this more true than during the peak of migration. This September produced an outstanding number of rare and unusual reports along with excellent numbers of regular migrants. While shorebird migration tapered off substantially by the end of August, this was one of the busiest Septembers for songbird migrants in recent memory. Calliope Hummingbirds are much more regular in spring, so an individual visiting a yard in Galt from 9/14-21 and another at Upper Sunrise along the American River Parkway (ARP) from 9/19-21 were both notable.

Less expected shorebirds this month included a Snowy Plover on 9/9 at the Woodland WTP, and a Ruff from 9/2-5 along Bogue Rd, west of Yuba City. The early arrival of Lewis's Woodpeckers noted last month was followed by reports of dozens from regular haunts in the low foothills such as near Michigan Bar. A Gray Flycatcher from 9/23-24 at Folsom Point, Folsom Lake, was a nice find for a species much more regular in the spring. A juvenile Black-throated Sparrow, also from Folsom Point on 9/23 (eBird Checklist S119283026), was even more of a surprise. Green-tailed Towhees were reported on 9/10 at Mace Blvd by Putah Creek, on 9/13 from Grasslands Regional Park in Yolo County, and on 9/20 from Babel Slough. A locally very rare female-type Orchard Oriole was an excellent find at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 9/20.

No group of birds symbolizes songbird migration more than warblers. We are usually lucky to have three or four rarities among the regular migrants, but this month was outstanding. Continuing from August, Tennessee Warblers were unusually well represented: one was found from 9/3-9 along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd, with another at Upper Sunrise (ARP) just downstream from the Nimbus Hatchery on 9/16 (eBird Checklist S118854732). Apparently a different Tennessee Warbler was found at Upper Sunrise on 9/21-22, with another at Rossmoor Bar (ARP) on 9/22. An American Redstart was found at Babel Slough from 9/16-17, while a Northern Parula was seen from 9/2-5 near the Gristmill access to ARP. A Blackburnian Warbler was found at Babel Slough from 9/20-23 (eBird Checklist S119376742), and another was at the Orr Ranch portion of CRP on 9/24 (eBird Checklist S119357310). A Chestnut-sided Warbler was reported on 9/21 at Reichmuth Park (eBird Checklist S119168751), with two found there from 9/22-24, and one continuing through 9/28. A Blackpoll Warbler was reported from Grasslands Regional Park, Yolo County, from 9/13-19, and another was at Upper Sunrise from 9/16-19. And wrapping up this impressive list, a Palm Warbler was found at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 9/27-28, and another was seen in an Orangevale yard on 9/28.

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 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, Aidan Brubaker, Lyann Comrack, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Frank Fabbro, Robert Furrow, Linda Gal, Cliff Hawley, Marcel Holyoak, Scott Hoppe, Logan Kahle, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Roger Muskat, Ed Pandolfino, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Cameron Tescher, Kevin Thomas, Bart Wickel, Violet Wu, and Wentao Yang. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2021

September is probably the most anticipated month on the birding calendar. The possibilities seem endless. Waterfowl are building in numbers, shorebirds are still numerous, Sandhill Cranes are calling overhead, and it is undoubtedly the best time of year to find a rare warbler or other songbird highlight. A Costa's Hummingbird was briefly seen and heard calling at Ancil Hoffman park along the American River Parkway (ARP) on 9/12. The shorebird highlight of the period was a Stilt Sandpiper found on private ag land west of Clarksburg on 9/14 and 9/21 (eBird Checklist). A hatch-year Franklin's Gull continued from last month at the Woodland WTP through 9/2.

Lewis's Woodpeckers were widely reported moving through the flats of the Valley, especially in the last ten days of the month, and good numbers are being reported from their usual wintering areas. A Least Flycatcher found on 9/6 north of the Tall Forest at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) was the first report for Sacramento County in several years. Gray Flycatchers, much more regular in spring, were reported at Sacramento Bar (ARP) on 9/1 and along Elk Slough in southeastern Yolo County on 9/6. A Red Crossbill was reported as a calling flyover at the UC Davis campus on 9/2. Numbers of Brewer's Sparrows continued to be reported at Folsom Point along Folsom Lake. Impressive numbers of Green-tailed Towhees were reported, with up to five along upper Mix Canyon Rd (northwest of Vacaville) from 9/8-9; the species was also found on 9/2 near the Gristmill access to ARP, on 9/4-7 and 9/16 at Reichmuth Park, and on 9/10 and 9/19 along Babel Slough.

There was a particularly good showing of uncommon to rare warblers this month. A Black-and-white Warbler was reported at the Tall Forest of CRP on 9/3, and Tennessee Warblers were reported along the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve (PCRR) upstream of the UC Davis campus on 9/12, at the Elkhorn Regional Park along the Sacramento River on 9/18, and near the Stevenson Bridge downstream of Winters on 9/19. American Redstarts were reported from the PCRR on 9/5-6 and from Paradise Beach (ARP) on 9/12. A Chestnut-sided Warbler was found and photographed (eBird Checklist) along the PCRR from 9/11-14. A Blackpoll Warbler was also found and photographed (eBird Checklist) along the PCRR from 9/12-18, as well as along Babel Slough on 9/17. Finally, a Palm Warbler was reported on 9/9 and again from 9/15-22 at Folsom Point; it seemed unusually skulky for the species and evaded being photographed.

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, Paul Cordero, Konshau Duman, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Linda Gal, Cliff Hawley, Davis Hamilton, Denise Hamilton, JIm Holmes, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Barbara Leary, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Roger Muskat, Zane Pickus, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Gavin Stacey, Kirk Swenson, Craig Swolgaard, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Bart Wickel, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2020

With the continued severe smoke on top of a worldwide pandemic, this is not the September that any of us would have chosen. Yet, looking back after this round of smoke has cleared, with fine particles deep in our lungs, the list of birds recorded in September 2020 is remarkable in both the number and diversity of rarities. There were also some interesting Valley floor records of species that likely fled their Coast Range haunts ahead of the fires. Among the latter was a Hairy Woodpecker in north Davis on 9/11 through at least 9/20, a higher than usual number of Green-tailed Towhees reported locally, and a Rufous-crowned Sparrow, very rare on the flats of the Valley, at Babel Slough on 9/19. A Chimney Swift reported on 9/10 from the Harrington Way access to the American River Parkway (ARP) is among a handful of reports of this enigmatic species in the region. Among the interesting shorebird records was a Ruff (eBird checklist) in Colusa County on 9/29-30 in a flooded field off of Sycamore Cuttoff between Hwys 20 and 45. A Sanderling (eBird checklist) was at the Sacramento Regional WTP on 9/9-10, and a Buff-breasted Sandpiper (eBird checklist) at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 9/22-23 accounted for one of very few historical records of this species in the area.

A Long-eared Owl was a nice find in a closed portion of the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 9/21, as was a Least Flycatcher along Babel Slough Rd on 9/5. An early Pacific Wren was found at Reichmuth Park on 9/26, and a Varied Thrush was also early on 9/20 at Elk Slough near Clarksburg. A Gray Catbird was an excellent find in the largely burned-over Putah Creek Canyon west of Winters on 9/27-29. One to two Clay-colored Sparrows were found at Folsom Point, Folsom Lake, from 9/12-15 along with a few of the more expected but still notable Brewer's Sparrows. Single Vesper Sparrows were found at Folsom Point on 9/4, at Sailor Bar along the ARP on 9/21, and at Don Nottoli Park along the northern border of the Stone Lakes NWR on 9/26. A Bobolink was an excellent find on 9/22 in a closed portion of the CRP.

Among the impressive warblers found this September was a Northern Waterthrush along Putah Creek, downstream of Winters, on 9/7-9, and another at Bushy Lake in the ARP on 9/12. A Black-and-white Warbler (ebird checklist) was found at Babel Slough on 9/4 and 9/15, and the bird continuing from last month in the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve was reported through at least 9/12. Single Tennessee Warblers were widely reported, including at Verde Cruz Creek on 9/3, near the intersection of Fair Oaks and Greenback, at Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd on 9/10, along Putah Creek near Mace Blvd on 9/20, and at Lodi Lake on 9/22-23. A Kentucky Warbler was heard-only at the CRP on 9/3, but called back and forth to a recording. An American Redstart was seen briefly in the River Park neighborhood near Sac State on 9/23, and a Northern Parula was at Ancil Hoffman Park in the ARP on 9/14, with another along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 9/25-26. A Magnolia Warbler on 9/20 along Pumphouse Rd near Clarksburg was a nice surprise, as was a Blackburnian Warbler seen by many (eBird checklist) on 9/4-5 downstream of Pedrick Rd, near Levee Rd; another Blackburnian Warbler was at the CRP on 9/25, and a Chestnut-sided Warbler was also at the CRP on 9/18. As many as three Blackpoll Warblers accounted for observations in the vicinity of the Gristmill access to the ARP, with one on 9/15, two on 9/16, and subsequent reports on 9/20-23; just across the river at William B. Pond, there were reports on 9/19 and 9/27. Another Blackpoll Warbler was found at the CRP on 9/21, and a male Summer Tanager was at the CRP on 9/18. Wow.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve (cvbirds.org) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Stuart Angerer, Max Brodie, Lyann Comrack, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Lief Gallagher, Susan Goodrich, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Sean McAllister, Dan Murphy, Roger Muskat, Frances Oliver, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Linda Pittman, Steve Scott, Gavin Stacey, Kirk Swenson, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Bart Wickel, Dan Williams, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2019

September might be the most interesting month on the local bird calendar. Shorebirds are still excellent, though perhaps slightly down in numbers from July and August (assuming good conditions can be found) and it is peak time for warblers and other songbird migrants. In addition, wintering and migrating waterfowl, Sandhill Cranes, and raptors are moving in, along with wintering sparrows. There is even turnover in open country flycatchers, as we say goodbye to the last of the Western Kingbirds and hello to Say's Phoebes.

Interesting shorebird reports continued from August, with a Buff-breasted Sandpiper (eBird checklist) at the Woodland WTP on 9/28 leading the pack. On 9/1 at Sherman Island, two Baird's Sandpipers were reported along with 19 Marbled Godwits. Two Baird's Sandpipers were also at the Sacramento Regional WTP on 9/3, and two Baird's Sandpipers were at the Woodland WTP on 9/20 along with a Pectoral Sandpiper. Two Sanderlings were a nice surprise at the Winters WTP on 9/9, and a Solitary Sandpiper was found at North Pond in Davis on 9/7. A Franklin's Gull was found at the Woodland WTP on 9/20, and a Long-tailed Jaeger was found and photographed at Beals Point, Folsom Lake, on 9/12-13 (eBird checklist).

There was a big region-wide movement of Lewis's Woodpeckers on 9/21: 8-10 were reported moving over North Pond in Davis, with a similar number flying upriver at Ancil Hoffman, plus at least 80 moving south in Auburn, about 500 feet up, along with Turkey Vultures! A major highlight for the month was a Wood Thrush along Putah Creek, west of Mace Blvd in Solano County, on 9/15-19 (audio calls  eBird checklist). A Green-tailed Towhee was found in a Fair Oaks yard on 9/1, while another was found at the Wood Thrush location west of Mace Blvd on 9/16 (eBird checklist); also at the latter site was a Northern Waterthrush on 9/15-16 (eBird checklist). A Tennessee Warbler was a nice find at Yolo County Grasslands Park on 9/27. During a period of a few days with excellent warbler numbers, the Tall Forest and vicinity at Cosumnes River Preserve on 9/29 produced a Chestnut-sided Warbler, a Blackpoll Warbler, and at least 85 Black-throated Gray Warblers. Blackpoll Warblers were also found at Upper Sunrise on the American River Parkway on 9/17 and William Land Park on 9/22. Flyover Evening Grosbeaks were reported over Davis on 9/21 and 9/26, and over Putah Creek at Mace Blvd on 9/27

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: Dan Airola, Jean Broadhvest, Max Brodie, Holly Coates, Chris Dunford, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Emmett Iverson, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Roger Muskat, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Deren Ross, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, and Bart Wickel. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2018

As always hoped for in September, there was a nice smattering of rarities among good numbers of common migrants. Signs of the coming fall grew stronger, with building numbers of waterfowl and the arrival of Sandhill Cranes by mid-month. Good shorebird reports continued, especially early in the month.  The Buff-breasted Sandpiper (eBird checklist) found at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 8/31 was seen by many through 9/2. Other notable shorebirds included a Baird's Sandpiper at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 9/3, with one to two at YBWA in the first week of the month, and one to two at Lincoln's WTP from 9/4-11. Three Pectoral Sandpipers were found at CRP on 9/3, one was at the Davis WTP on 9/13-16, and one to two were found at YBWA from 9/1-3 and again from 9/23-29. Solitary Sandpiper reports included two at CRP on 9/2, a single there on 9/8, one at E Catlett Rd west of Lincoln on 9/6, and one at YBWA on 9/8.  A Franklin's Gull was a nice surprise at the Woodland WTP on 9/20-21, and apparently a different bird was found at the Davis WTP on 9/20.

Common Poorwills are always a nice surprise on the Valley floor, and one was found at the Wood Duck Lakes (Bee Lakes) south of West Sacramento on 9/20. An Eastern Kingbird was photographed along Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd on 9/3, and a Western Kingbird was seen in Davis at the Wildhorse Ag Buffer on the late date of 9/27.  A Gray Flycatcher, especially rare in fall, was photographed at YBWA on 9/23 (eBird checklist), and a Townsend's Solitaire was a nice surprise at the Wood Duck Ponds on 9/19 and 9/21. A Gray Catbird (eBird checklist) was seen by many along Babel Slough Rd and continued from 9/9-18. The same location produced reports of a Dusky Flycatcher, a Green-tailed Towhee, and two Yellow-breasted Chats. A Sage Thrasher was a nice find at the Folsom Point access to Folsom Lake on 9/8 and 9/13.

An impressive 50 Lawrence's Goldfinches were reported along Folsom Lake near Sweetwater Creek on 9/28, and single Brewer's Sparrows were found at the YBWA on 9/8 and the William B Pond access to the American River Parkway (ARP) on 9/15. Among the rare warbler reports was a female-type American Redstart found at the Wood Duck Ponds on 9/13.  A Chestnut-sided Warbler was a nice find at Ancil Hoffman (along ARP) on 9/5, and another was found on a field trip to Del Paso Park on 9/15 and seen again on 9/16. A Blackpoll Warbler was seen by many from 9/21-29 along Putah Creek near Hopkins Rd, and a Canada Warbler at William Land Park on 9/23 was one of just a handful of records for Sacramento County.  The Summer Tanager continued along Putah Creek, downstream of Pedrick Rd, through at least 9/20, while another was found at Lake Solano on 9/2, and a third was photographed at Reichmuth Park (eBird checklist) on 9/8.

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: Holly Coates, Matt Davis, Lily Douglas, Chris Dunford, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Frank Fogarty, Robert Furrow, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Joan Humphrey, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Sarah Newton-Scott, Frances Oliver, Michael Perrone, Deren Ross, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2017

Almost everyone looks forward to September with the promise of cooler temperatures, an increased chance of rare migrant songbirds, and Sandhill Cranes by mid-month. Waterfowl numbers began to build, and the most notable duck this month was a single Greater Scaup at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 9/30. Limited shorebird highlights included a Baird's Sandpiper on 9/26 at the Davis WTP, one to two Pectoral Sandpipers (eBird checklist) at the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) from 9/12-16, and up to three Pectoral Sandpipers at YBWA from 9/13-18. A juvenile Sabine Gull was a nice surprise for the second year in a row at the SRWTP from 9/26-29 (eBird checklist).

A Common Poorwill at Babel Slough on 9/28 was a nice find for the Valley floor, as was a Costa's Hummingbird at Sailor Bar, along the American River Parkway (ARP), on 9/25. Lewis's Woodpeckers were seen on several occasions moving through the flats of the Valley, but hadn't established themselves in their typical wintering grounds in the oak woodlands ringing the Valley. A Townsend's Solitaire at Babel Slough on 9/14 was another good find (eBird checklist).

There was a nice assortment of rare warblers in the region, including a Tennessee Warbler found along Cache Creek at Wild Wings Park west of Woodland on 9/6, and another along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 9/16. Also near Pedrick Rd on 9/16 was a Chestnut-sided Warbler. Another Chestnut-sided Warbler was found on 9/26 at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) near the Tall Forest among large numbers of migrants, which included 40 Black-throated Gray Warblers. A Blackpoll Warbler was found along the east side of the Freemont Weir off of Rd 16 on 9/14, and another was found at Ancil Hoffman Park along the ARP on 9/27.  An American Redstart was a nice find on private property near Winters on 9/28, as was a Northern Waterthrush along Putah Creek downstream of Winters on 9/25. The female Hooded Warbler in north Davis first reported on 8/16 continued into October. 

 Two Green-tailed Towhees were found along Babel Slough Rd near S River Rd from 9/1-15, with another along the ARP near Larchmont on 9/2, and yet another at YBWA from 9/16-17. Clay-colored Sparrow records are very rare in the Valley, so two reports were notable, with one at the YBWA on 9/9 (eBird checklist) and another along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 9/24. Brewer's Sparrow records included one in a Davis backyard on 9/1, one at SRWTP on 9/13, another at the Davis Wetlands on 9/25, and yet another on 9/16 at Babel Slough along with an impressive 15 Chipping Sparrows. A Black-throated Sparrow at Michigan Bar from 9/24-26 was an excellent find, as was a Lark Bunting at Freemont Weir Wildlife Area from 9/12-13 (eBird checklist). A molting male Indigo Bunting was reported from Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 9/16 as were two Evening Grosbeaks in east Davis on 9/23. Finally, the report of a family group of six Blue-gray Gnatcatchers from 6/26-28 at the River Bend access to the ARP was accidentally omitted from a previous column; this is an exceedingly rare nesting record from the Valley floor.

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, Brent Campos, Hugh Dingle, Chris Dunford, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Jesse Kramer, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Jason Riggio, Steve Scott, Kirk Swenson, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Amy and Daniel Welsh, and Ed Whisler. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2016

Periods of transition are always interesting and September may be the richest transition period of the year. Warblers and other migrants move through in high numbers, tapering off a bit by the end of the month, while winter residents begin arriving in the form of waterfowl, cranes, and sparrows, to name a few. This September was richer than most in terms of rarities.

A few Least Bittern reports continued into this month, with singles at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) reported from 9/5-10 and one to two were calling from a wetlands mitigation bank on private land near Colusa NWR on 9/22. Shorebird activity tapered off a bit from last month, but there were still some interesting reports. A juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper was found at YBWA on 9/6, and Pectoral Sandpipers were reported there from 9/1-21, with a high of three. Two Baird's Sandpipers and five Pectoral Sandpipers were reported from the Lincoln WTP on 9/2. Additional Pectoral Sandpipers were found at the Davis WTP from 9/26-28 (a high of four), and the Lost Slough portion of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) from 9/11 into October, with a high of eight (eBird checklist). A Solitary Sandpiper was found downstream of the Capay Bridge along Cache Creek on 9/3 and another was at the Davis WTP on 9/26-27 (eBird checklist). A juvenile Long-tailed Jaeger (eBird checklist ) was a nice surprise at the YBWA on 9/2, as was a juvenile Sabine's Gull at the Sacramento Regional WTP from 9/26 through 10/1 (eBird checklist).

A migrating Common Poorwill at the Sacramento City Cemetery was a nice find on 9/2 (eBird checklist). Single Hammond's Flycatchers were reported from the Sacramento County Bufferlands on 9/2, the Lost Slough portion of CRP on 9/4, and Babel Slough on 9/23-24. A Plumbeous Vireo was reported in north Davis on 9/22, but even more remarkable was a Philadelphia Vireo reported at Upper Sunrise along the American River Parkway on 9/13. This bird was well-seen but unfortunately did not linger for others to see or photograph it. An Ovenbird was reported from a Woodland yard on 9/18 and single Northern Waterthrushes were found at Blue Oaks Park in Roseville on 9/4, YBWA on 9/16 (eBird checklist), and one was mist-netted and banded at Stone Lakes NWR on 9/21. An American Redstart was found along the Garden Hwy on 9/11, Blackpoll Warblers were reported from Babel Slough on 9/23 and along the Garden Hwy on 9/28, and a Canada Warbler at Lake Solano on 9/7 was an excellent find (eBird checklist). A Clay-colored Sparrow at Michigan Bar on 9/11 was the first photographed in Sacramento County (eBird checklist). Other interesting reports from Michigan Bar include a Brewer's Sparrow on 9/5 and a Vesper Sparrow on 9/24. A Green-tailed Towhee was found at Ancil Hoffman Park on 9/3 (eBird checklist), a Thick-billed Fox Sparrow was reported along Putah Creek upstream from Winters on 9/13 (eBird checklist), and a female-type Orchard Oriole was reported along Babel Slough on 9/10.

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, Laura Davis, Matt Davis, Lily Douglas, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Frank Fogarty, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Stanton Hunter, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Frances Oliver, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Brad Rangell, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Robert Shields, Ian Souza-Cole, Kirk Swenson, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Charley Walker, and Stan Wright. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2015

During the hot days of summer, many of us long for September. Not only does it promise cooler weather, but the arrival of the first Greater White-fronted Geese, Sandhill Cranes, and White-crowned Sparrows, to name a few. It also is one of the best times to turn up unexpected species.This month, a Glossy Ibis was photographed at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 9/18 (photos); another surprise was a clearly seen Black Rail along Babel Slough on 9/14.

There were excellent shorebird reports this month, including four Snowy Plovers at the Woodland WTP on 9/4. There were a handful of Willet and Marbled Godwit reports from YBWA and a Solitary Sandpiper was photographed along the River Walk at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 9/19., The shorebird report of the season was a Black Turnstone photographed and seen by many from 9/15 through 9/22 at the Woodland WTP; a Red Knot was at the same location on 9/17. A juvenile Ruff was found and photographed at YBWA from 9/20-24 and aSanderling was at Beals Point, Folsom Lake, on 9/10. Pectoral Sandpiper reports were few, with one at Yolo County Rds 45 and 95B on 9/6, one at CRP along Desmond Rd on 9/13-14, and another at YBWA on 9/17. 

The breeding Least Terns continued just into September, with one adult and one juvenile still present at the Sacramento Regional WTP on 9/4. “Several” Chimney Swifts were reported among a large flock of swifts along Babel Slough, including Vaux’s and White-throated, on 9/13. AShort-eared Owl was reported along Cherokee Ln in Galt on 9/27 and there were two Common Poorwills found on the lower CRP: one on 9/12 and another on 9/21.

A Least Flycatcher was an excellent report from CRP on 9/16 and single Dusky Flycatcherswere reported from CRP on the same day as well as along Michigan Bar Rd on 9/18. The firstGolden-crowned Kinglet reported this season was at Yolo County’s Grasslands Regional Park on 9/21. Rare warblers included a female or immature  American Redstart found at the Gristmill access to ARP on 9/8 that may have been the same bird first found there on 8/30. A Northern Parula was found along Babel Slough on 9/5 and another was reported from Putah Creek and Mace Blvd on 9/11. A Tennessee Warbler was reported at Ancil Hoffman Park on 9/30 and a Blackpoll Warbler was found along Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd on 9/12.  A Black-and-white Warbler was found at Ancil Hoffman Park on 9/22, the same site where one was seen by many last fall, and two were reported at the UC Davis Arboretum on 9/29-30. Following on last month’s flurry of Green-tailed Towhee reports, one was photographed along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters on 9/6. Chipping Sparrows were reported at a feeder near Hazel Ave north of the American River on 9/18, at CRP on 9/21, and at Ancil Hoffman Park on 9/23. ABlack-chinned Sparrow found and photographed along Babel Slough on 9/30, continuing into October, was very unexpected and an extremely rare bird for the Valley floor (eBird checklist). Brewer’s Sparrow reports came from Arcade Creek near American River College on 9/14 and Michigan Bar Rd on 9/18.  A female Painted Bunting seen and photographed (photo) at the Ione WTP on 9/12 was a really nice surprise. Among the few Pine Siskin reports was one from Lost Slough at CRP on 9/6.

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, Elliot Chasin, Lisa Couper, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Ted Gilliland, Steve Hampton, Scott Hoppe, Afton Kern, Dan Kopp, Alan Krakauer, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Eric LoPresti, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Mark Sawyer, John Sterling, Craig Swolgaard, Kevin Thomas, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2014

In terms of rare and uncommon birds, this month was one of the most dynamic on record. Several county firsts led the way, while other notable reports included acorn eating birds outside their normal range. Many observers reported numbers of Acorn Woodpeckers where they are rarely found, but more impressive were up to twenty Lewis’s Woodpeckers in oak woodlands on the Valley floor in places that they almost never occur. Three reports of Band-tailed Pigeons on 9/28 (American River Parkway (ARP), Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP), and William Land Park) hinted at more to come in October.

A Sharp-tailed Sandpiper was an excellent report for Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 9/22, along with six Pectoral Sandpipers; the latter species was also found at Lodi WTP on 9/11 and the Winters WTP from 9/21-23. A jaeger not identified to species was first seen at Folsom Lake on 9/16. Presumably the same bird was identified as a Parasitic Jaeger and seen by many from Folsom Point and Beals Point from 9/19-28. This is apparently the first jaeger found at Folsom Lake and a first for Sacramento County, though not for El Dorado and Placer Counties, where this typically pelagic species is sometimes found in Sierran lakes. Observers seeking this bird found up to four Sabine’s Gulls (eBird checklist) from 9/19-28 and up to four Common Terns from 9/21-28 (apparently the second Sabine’s Gull record for Sacramento County and the first documented  Common Tern for the county). Four Common Terns were also found at Camanche Reservoir on 9/21.

A Chimney Swift (eBird checklist) with six Vaux’s Swifts was heard calling and was photographed along ARP west of Capital City Freeway on 9/8. The male Costa’s Hummingbird continued at a south Sacramento yard from 5/31 to near the end of the month, and the Costa’s banded a year ago along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters continued from August.

For the Sacramento Area, the list of rare warblers and other songbirds was outstanding. A Yellow-throated Vireo found at CRP’s Tall Forest on 9/20-21 was a first for the county and a Philadelphia Vireo was reported at Lodi Lake Nature Area on 9/19-20. A flurry of excellent warbler finds began on 9/1, with a Northern Waterthrush  (video on flickr) along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd (9/1-8) and a Black-and-white Warbler (eBird checklist) at Ancil Hoffman Park in the ARP from (9/1-6). Birders following up on these finds produced most of the additional rare warblers. Another Black-and-white Warbler was found in CRP’s Tall Forest on 9/26. Tennessee Warblers were found at a backyard water feature in Rosemont on (eBird checklist) 9/3, Ancil Hoffman Park on 9/11, and Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd from 9/16-22. A Blackpoll Warbler was along the same stretch of Putah Creek from 9/7-9, while another was in the same Rosemont water feature on 9/9 (eBird checklist). One of the most exciting finds for many was a Canada Warbler  (eBird checklist) at Ancil Hoffman Park that continued from 9/11-26. Female/immature American Redstarts were found at Putah Creek and at CRP’s Tall Forest in the same date range of 9/21-26, and a Chestnut-sided Warbler was found in the Arden Park neighborhood of Sacramento from 9/22-26.

There was a small influx of Chestnut-backed Chickadees around Davis and early Pacific Wrens were found at the UC Davis Arboretum on 9/21 and at CRP on 9/26. A Sage Thrasher was found along Latrobe Rd about one mile west of Michigan Bar Rd on 9/22 (eBird checklist), and Vesper Sparrow reports include two along South Shingle Rd in El Dorado County (beyond the junction of Michigan Bar and Latrobe Rd) on 9/17, one at Folsom Point on 9/23, and one along Payen Rd on 9/29 (eBird checklist).

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports:  Dan Airola, Dan Brown, Lyann Comrack, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Bob Ellis, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Maureen Geiger, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Eric LoPresti, Mark Martucci, Sarah Mayhew, Roger Muscat, David Nelson, Michael Park, Michael Perrone, Linda Pittman, Ron Pozzi, Mark Sawyer, John Sterling, Michael Strom, Craig Swolgaard, Jim Thomas, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, C.V. Vick, Bruce Webb, Deb Weston, Nick Whelan, Dan Williams, Sharon Wisecarver, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible. 

September 2013

View fullsize

Summer Tanager, Cosumnes River Preserve, 7 September 2013, by Chris Conard

Flocks of Sandhill Cranes, the quintessential sound of fall in the Valley, were increasingly reported the last week of the month.  There were several good shorebird and gull reports, but most notable were some excellent migrant songbirds.  The biggest highlights included a Tennessee Warbler and a Chestnut-sided Warbler along Putah Creek downstream from Pedrick Rd on 9/1; both continued through 9/3, and theTennessee Warbler was last reported on 9/10.  The same species pair was found along Babel Slough Rd on 9/22.  A Northern Parula was reported from Cache Creek Nature Preserve west of Woodland on 9/12 and a Blackpoll Warbler was found along Putah Creek on 9/2.  Likely the same adult male American Redstart found at Reichmuth Park on 8/14-16 continued on 9/6.  A Summer Tanager was found at the Accidental Forest of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 9/7, and an Orchard Oriole was reported along Putah Creek with nearby Hooded Orioles for comparison on 9/6.

A Sanderling and a Pectoral Sandpiper were found at the Granite Bay Boat Launch at Folsom Lake on 9/26 and two Pectoral Sandpipers were seen along Desmond Rd at CRP on 9/27-28.  A first-cycle Franklin’s Gull at Woodland WTP on 9/30 was matched by another first-cycle Franklin’s Gull the same day at the Granite Bay Boat Launch along with an early adult Mew Gull and an early adult Thayer’s Gull.  An adult Western Gull was a nice find at the Woodland WTP on 9/25.

A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd from 9/2-3.  Single Hammond’s Flycatchers were reported in Yolo County along Babel Slough on 9/3 and Cache Creek Nature Preserve on 9/12.  A Dusky Flycatcher was found at the Putah Creek Sinks portion of the Yolo Bypass on 9/5, and a Gray Flycatcher, unexpected in fall, was reported at the Gristmill Access to the American River Parkway on 9/8.  Additional interesting reports included a Yellow-breasted Chat along Putah Creek on 9/5-7, a Brewer’s Sparrow at the SRCSD Bufferlands on 9/30, and single female Indigo Bunting along Babel Slough on 9/3 and Putah Creek on 9/4.

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, Brent Campos, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Claire Gallagher, Steve Hampton, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, John Luther, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Jim Rowoth, Ruth Rudesill, John Sterling, Michael Strom, Kevin Thomas, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2012

Interesting songbird reports were widespread, with some excellent highlights, especially along Putah Creek near UC Davis between Hopkins and Pedrick Rds, and Babel Slough south of West Sacramento. Red Crossbills made an appearance in the Davis area, with a high of 20 along Putah Creek on 9/2; an invasion of montane birds may be coming, with widespread reports and high numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches and an influx of Pine Siskins.

Typically eastern songbirds are much-sough prizes and this September proved richer than most. Least Flycatcher reports came from Yolo Grasslands Park on 9/2-3 and Babel Slough on 9/8. A Great Crested Flycatcher (a state review species) was reported from Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 9/14. A wren was photographed at Babel Slough on 9/23 showing characteristics of an (eastern) Winter Wren (a state review species; since the 2010 split, the western birds have been called Pacific Wrens). Excellent warbler reports included Tennessee Warblers reported from a private yard in Carmichael on 9/9, Putah Creek from 9/16-18, and Babel Slough on 9/23 and 9/26; a Northern Parula near Freeport on 9/3; and, most notable, Yolo’s first Bay-breasted Warbler at Babel Slough on 9/19. An impressive five Blackpoll Warblers were found in the area, including Putah Creek between Davis and Winters on 9/11, Babel Slough and Lagoon Valley on 9/14, Lake Solano on 9/16, and the Sacramento City Cemetery on 9/25.

Blackpoll Warbler, Photos by Manfred Kusch, 11 Sept 2012

Putah Creek between Davis and Winters.

A Yellow-breasted Chat was found at Bobelaine on 9/8 and another was regularly detected along Putah Creek for the first week of September.  A hatch-year Orchard Oriole was another Yolo County first, found along Putah Creek near UCD, often in the vicinity of Hooded Orioles, from 9/11-18.

Other interesting reports included a Brown Pelican at the Yolo Wildlife Area (YWA) on 9/7; a continuing Least Bittern at Mather Lake on 9/1; an apparent American Avocet X Black-necked Stilt hybrid at the Davis Wetlands early in the month; a Solitary Sandpiper at YWA on 9/17; a juvenile Sanderling at the Granite Bay launch at Folsom Lake on 9/11; a Yellow-billed Cuckoo heard along Putah Creek on 9/1; four Greater Roadrunners along Sand Creek Rd west of Arbuckle on 9/1; a hatch-year Allen’s Hummingbird banded along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters on 9/20 and a hatch-year Calliope Hummingbird in north Davis on 9/5; Lewis’s Woodpecker reports on the Valley floor, with up to four from Putah Creek near UCD on 9/14-16 and a juvenile at the Sacramento County Bufferlands on 9/27 (a first of the site); a male Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker at Reichmuth Park on 9/25; a Green-tailed Towhee in north Davis on 9/22; a Brewer’s Sparrow at the YWA on 9/23; and a Large-billed (montane) Fox Sparrow at CRP on 9/14.

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 (cvbirds.org) and eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Murray Berner, Terry Colborn, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Pat Hildreth, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Phil Lutz, Michael Park, Michael Perrone, Linda Pittman, Ron Pozzi, John Sterling, Michael Strom, John Trochet, Amy Welsh and Daniel Welsh. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2011

After three months of unprecedented shorebird finds (June, July, and August each had first records for the Central Valley, and the Common Ringed Plover at the Davis Wetlands (8/19-26) was a first for the state), things were bound to get back to normal. This was a fairly typical September, with reports of expected shorebird and songbird migrants, as well as an influx of returning waterfowl. The one major anomaly was Brown Pelicans seen through most of the month, with the bird first found at the Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento on 8/24 continuing through 9/11. Possibly the same bird was seen flying at the Port of Sacramento (W. Sacramento) on 9/6. Two Brown Pelicans continued from last month in Contra Costa County waters near the Antioch Bridge on 9/20. Another individual was seen at the pond along Rd 102 near the Woodland WTP on 9/3-11 and at the Woodland WTP on 9/21. 

Juvenile Brown Pelican and Snowy Egret at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento on 1 September 2011 by Chris Conard. Additonal photos are here.

Juvenile Brown Pelican 1 Sept 2011 by Chris Conard

Juvenile Sabine's Gull- 8 Sept 2011 by John Sterling

Probably the most unexpected bird of the month was a juvenile Sabine’s Gull at the Woodland WTP from 9/8-15.  Juvenile Sabine's Gull and Barn Swallow photographed at the Woodland Wastewater Treatment Plant on 8 September 2011 by John Sterling. Additional photos are here .

A Pacific Golden-Plover was found at the Davis WTP on 9/9-10. The Woodland WTP produced a Semipalmated Sandpiper (9/8-15), up to four Baird’s Sandpipers (9/8-15), and two Pectoral Sandpipers on 9/8, with five on 9/11 at the nearby pond on Rd 102. Pectoral Sandpipers were widely reported from other sites, including the Lincoln WTP (8/30-9/9), Riley and Salas Rds near Wilton (9/29), Staten Island (six on 9/17), and Sherman Island (two on 9/20). A Solitary Sandpiper was found at the Lincoln WTP on 9/6-9, and a long-staying bird was at the Sacramento Reg. WTP from 9/14-23. A Sanderling was found at the Davis Landfill pond visible from Rd 28H on 9/12-16. A Stilt Sandpiper was at the Davis Wetlands on 9/16 and, perhaps a different bird, was at the Davis WTP on 9/29-30.

The Eastern Kingbird found at the Yolo Wildlife Area on 8/30 continued through 9/1. The sole “eastern” warbler of the month was a Blackpoll Warbler on 9/15 along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd. A White-throated Sparrow was in the same area on 9/26. And finally, a singing male Indigo Bunting on 8/2 at the Sac Reg. WTP Bufferlands was inadvertently left off of last month’s tally.

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: Dan Airola, Kathy Blankenship, Brent Campos, Dennis Cavallo, Todd Easterla, Cory Gregory, Steve Hampton, Michael Perrone, Linda Pittman, Mary Schiedt, Dan Skalos, John Sterling, John Trochet, Magill Weber, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2010

Rarities were hard to come by at coastal hotspots like Point Reyes, but the Sacramento area had a good September, which continued into October.  There was a little flurry of Sacramento County Green-tailed Towhees, with the first found along the American River Parkway (ARP) at Sacramento Bar on 9/10.  Attempts to refind this bird were unsuccessful, but produced three Olive-sided Flycatchers that afternoon.  This latter species is a rare but regular migrant, and seems to be more regularly found in the eastern half of the county than down in the flats, at sites such as Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP).  Another Green-tailed Towhee was found near the “Accidental Forest” at CRP on 9/18-19, and a third was seen by many near the Gristmill access of ARP from 9/19-23.

Craig Swolgaard photographed this Green-tailed Towhee near the Gristmill Access of the American River Parkway on 9/21/10

This White-winged Dove photographed by Mark Martucci is a first record for Sacramento County

Sacramento County’s first White-winged Dove was seen in a Citrus Heights backyard from 9/16 through at least 9/18.  Yolo County produced the lion’s share of rare songbirds this month.  Among the most notable reports were of a Red-eyed Vireo on 9/14 at Babel Slough, a Pygmy Nuthatch along Pumphouse Rd near Clarksburg, a Blackpoll Warbler from Babel Slough on 9/27, and a female Baltimore Oriole at the Sacramento Bypass on 9/11.  Evening Grosbeaks started turning up in the Valley at multiple sites, especially in early October, but the first reports were of single birds on 9/25 at the UC Davis riparian reserve and near the Gristmill access to ARP on 9/28.

Additional interesting reports included a Snowy Plover and a Sanderling at the Granite Bay boat launch at Folsom Lake on 9/6, a Solitary Sandpiper the same day at CRP, Black Swifts among a large foraging flock of swifts and swallows at Lake Solano on 9/19, a Hammond’s Flycatcher in north Davis on 9/13, and single Brewer’s Sparrows at the Yolo Wildlife Area on 9/4 and Sherman Island on 9/28.  Single Yellow-breasted Chats were mist netted at Stone Lakes NWR on 9/15 and 9/22.  Pine Siskins were widely reported in fair numbers, and Red-breasted Nuthatches were reported from many sites and in impressive numbers.  Finally, testing of shorebirds that died at the Woodland WTP, as reported last month, appears to show the culprit was avian botulism. 

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, Dan Brown, Scott Dietrich, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Kevin Guse, Steve Hampton, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Ron Melcer, Ron Pozzi, Mary Schiedt, John Sterling, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Ed Whisler, and Dan Williams.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2009

When most birders think of fall migration, they think of September.  While August has a lot to offer, it doesn’t feel like fall.  October is a great month for birding, but the songbird migrants are slowing a bit, and many of the winter birds are already in place.  So September it is.  And this was a good one.  Topping the list are several excellent songbird migrants from Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP).  A Brewer’s Sparrow was a nice find on 9/4 and a Green-tailed Towhee was found on 9/9, but a Northern Waterthrush on 9/14 was even more exciting, and a male Black-throated Blue Warbler in the Orr Forest portion of CRP on 9/15 was exceptional.  Rounding out the Sacramento County warblers was a juvenile/female Hooded Warbler at Glen Hall Park along the American River Parkway (ARP) on 9/19-20.

Yolo County Grasslands Park south of Davis produced a nice list of songbirds as well, with a Least Flycatcher on 9/14, and an Olive-sided Flycatcher, a Gray Flycatcher (extremely rare in fall), and a Dusky Flycatcher on 9/12, along with a Chipping Sparrow.  A thick-billed Fox Sparrow on 9/23 is from a racial group very rarely recorded in the Valley.  A first fall Tennessee Warbler was found in north Davis on 9/28-29 and a Blackpoll Warbler was found at the UC Davis Riparian Reserve on 9/26.

Shorebirds continued in good numbers at Yolo Wildlife Area (YWA), with reports of the possible Red-necked Stint (see last month’s column) continuing through 9/10.  A very rare adult Sharp-tailed Sandpiper was photographed on 9/4.  Nearly all of these rare Asian shorebirds found in the state are juveniles.  It was last reported on 9/9.  Up to a dozen Pectoral Sandpipers were also present, as were Snowy Plovers on 9/5 and 9/24.  A Red Phalarope reported from YWA on 9/9 is a very rare bird inland.   A  Pacific Golden-Plover was found at the Woodland WTP on 9/4 and a juvenile Sanderling was at the Davis Wetlands on 9/11.

A Greater Flamingo was found at the Davis WTP on 9/29; the bird was likely an escapee, but still unexpected and interesting.  A Lesser Nighthawk was rare locally, and getting late in the season, at Slide Hill Park in Davis on 9/6, and more expected was a Common Poorwill on Michigan Bar Rd in eastern Sacramento County on 9/27.  On 9/12 at CRP, an early Short-eared Owl was a nice surprise, along with a Marbled Godwit and a Bank Swallow.  The godwit and swallow are both fairly regular in Yolo County in migration, but quite rare in Sacramento County—the latter becoming increasingly so.  A California Thrasher near William Pond along the ARP on 9/20 was nice find for the Parkway.

Many of these reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserv.  Visit www.cvbirds.org and click "Listserv" for details.  With over 100 reports, it is impossible to list everyone; however, I want to thank the following for reports on the above species and for providing additional information:  Dan Brown, Todd Easterla, Richard Hall, Steve Hampton, Marcel Holyoak, Oscar Johnson, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Jeff Mangum, Michael Perrone, Mary Schiedt, Zach Smith, John Sterling, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Katharine Wagner, and Dan Williams.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2008

September is the heart of fall songbird migration, and this year it did not disappoint.  Regular western migrants were reported in good numbers and from many locations.  Shorebird numbers and diversity also remained strong.  By the end of the month, many returning winter residents, such as Red-breasted Sapsuckers, Hermit Thrushes, and White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows were being recorded.

Highlights begin with eastern songbirds detected along the American River Parkway (ARP).  For the second year in a row, a Bay-breasted Warbler was found at the Gristmill access (9/20-21).  A Palm Warbler was an excellent find just upstream of the Howe Access (9/23-25).  Rounding out the parkway warblers, a male Black-and-white Warbler was found at Lower Sunrise on 9/24.  An adult male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was found at Discovery Park on 9/10, while a probable first-year bird was seen the same morning just to the north along Bannon Creek.  The male Northern Parula found at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 7/26 continued into October.  9/27 produced a second Northern Parula at a different CRP location.  A Tennessee Warbler was a nice find along Putah Creek, upstream of Davis (9/9).

In a month packed with highlights, a Chimney Swift heard calling among a flock of Vaux's Swifts near the UC Davis Med Center on 9/9 is one of few ever reported for the Sacramento area.  A first-year Sabine's Gull at the Woodland WTP on 9/25 was another excellent find.  A Hairy Woodpecker at CRP on 9/28 was only the fourth record for the preserve in 20 years of surveys.  A Chestnut-backed Chickadee at Discovery Park on 9/10 is one of few records for Sacramento County. 

Shorebirds were well-represented among the month's reports.  A Pacific Golden-Plover was found on 9/24 at the Woodland WTP, and a Snowy Plover was along the shoreline of Folsom Lake at Beal's Point on 9/11.  Two Sanderlings were there as well, and they were more widely reported than usual:  Lincoln WTP on 9/5, south of Dixon on 9/15, and along the Feather River at Bobelaine on 9/18-19.  Two Solitary Sandpipers were at North Davis Farms on 9/8, and one was west of Yuba City (9/16-17).  Semipalmated Sandpipers were found along Brewer Rd in Placer County on 9/4 and at the Lincoln WTP on 9/10.  Pectoral Sandpipers were widely reported, with 9 or more at the Woodland WTP on 9/24.

Other interesting reports include a first-year Common Tern at the Davis WTP (9/9), an Olive-sided Flycatcher at the Sacramento County Bufferlands on the fairly late date of 9/19, a Dusky Flycatcher at CRP on 9/4, a late Western Kingbird in Davis on 9/22, and a California Thrasher that spent the month near the Howe Access was unusual for ARP.

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, Todd Easterla, Steve Hampton, James Holmes, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Mark Martucci, Jeri Langham, Jim Laughlin, Frances Oliver, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, June Persson, Dave Quady, Toby Rohmer, Deren Ross, Mary Schiedt, Zach Smith, John Sterling, John Trochet, and Dan Williams.  Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.