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.

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.

August 2019

While the long, hot summer still holds sway in August, migrating birds are one of our best indicators that the season is changing. By the first of the month, warblers, flycatchers and other songbird reports were picking up. Shorebird numbers that soared in July continued at high levels through the end of the month. As happens in most Augusts, shorebirds led the way with unusual reports, and a few songbirds highlights kept things interesting. On the last day of the month, the first Sandhill Cranes were reported at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP).

Among the shorebird highlights, a Snowy Plover was a nice find at CRP on 8/6, and up to five Marbled Godwits at Sherman Island toward the end of the month were notable for Sacramento County, where they are much less frequently found than in neighboring Yolo County. It's likely that increased coverage of Sherman Island, in the extreme southwestern portion of the county, would yield more of this and other locally uncommon species. A Sanderling, also from Sherman Island on 8/1, was a nice find. Baird's Sandpiper reports came from the Davis WTP on 8/16, Sherman Island on 8/28, and the Sacramento Reg. WTP on 8/31 (eBird checklist). The only Least Bittern report of the month was from Mather Lake on 8/10-11.

After being largely absent last fall and winter, starting on 8/22, there were good numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatch reports that continued into September. A Green-tailed Towhee at Babel Slough on 8/31 (eBird checklist) was a nice find where this species has been found before. Four Yellow-breasted Chats at Babel Slough on 8/30 is an impressive number, but this species has been widely reported this year. Rare warbler reports included a Tennessee Warbler at Ancil Hoffman on 8/28, a Black-and-white Warbler at Sacramento Bypass on 8/10, and a Magnolia Warbler along the American River Parkway at the William B Pond access on 8/18. Surely September promises additional interesting finds.

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, Max Brodie, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Emmett Iverson, Afton Kern, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Susan Schneider, Steve Scott, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, Daniel Welsh, Amy Welsh, Dan Williams, and Bart Wickel. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

June - July 2019

June and July can be slow months for birding in the Valley. While there are fewer species to see, it is a very important time for our local breeding birds. The hoped-for rare songbirds in late spring were not found, but a good showing of shorebirds added interest to the period, and a few common songbird species began to trickle in along their post-breeding migrations by late July. Summer records of Redheads continued, with a high of 12 at the Woodland WTP, and one to two at Bridgeway Island Pond. A calling Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported along the American River upstream of Watt Ave on 7/27; unfortunately, it wasn't seen.

Shorebird reports dominated the period, with some excellent finds. Marbled Godwits are fairly regular in Yolo County during the period, where there were many reports, but four at Beals Point, Folsom Lake, on 7/30 (eBird checklist) were much less expected. A Red Knot (eBird checklist) was an excellent find at the Woodland WTP on 7/21-22. A Semipalmated Sandpiper and a Solitary Sandpiper were nice reports from 7/15 at the Anatolia Vernal Pool Preserve off of Sunrise Blvd. A Dunlin at the Davis Wetlands on 7/1 was very early for this species, which is typically one of the later-arriving shorebirds. A single Willet was found at the Lincoln WTP on 7/10, while there were multiple July reports from regular Yolo shorebird sites. Up to three Western Gulls were reported in July from Sherman Island.

Two pairs of Least Terns nested at the Sacramento Regional WTP, and while a total of five chicks were hatched, none persisted for more than a week. No predation was observed, but likely culprits included a family group of five Common Ravens (which have begun nesting locally), Red-tailed and Swainson's hawks, and two Peregrine Falcons that were observed several times near the nest sites. There were multiple  Least Bittern reports throughout the period from Davis Wetlands (eBird Checklist), the Yolo Bypass, and the Putah Creek Sinks. A Brown Pelican seen along Hwy 160 south of Rio Vista on 7/28 was a nice surprise. Unusual songbirds were not reported during this period, though a high of 87 Bank Swallows among a congregation of post-breeding swallows on Sherman Island in the last half of July was a nice report for Sacramento County. While regular in Yolo County in migration, this species is often missed in Sacramento County, even in migration, since they ceased breeding near Rossmoor Bar along the American River more than 15 years ago. Perhaps there are regular at Sherman Island in July, but few people have looked in recent years.

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 in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, Max Brodie, Brant Brumbeloe, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Afton Kern, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Ron Melcer, Gary Mele, Michael Perrone, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Jim Thomas, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

April - May 2019

This spring has been notable for unsettled weather, cooler temperatures, and unprecedented rain in mid-May, leaving many low-lying areas flooded into June. Redheads are locally hard to find, but continued in low numbers at the Woodland WTP, one of the few places where they are locally dependable. A male Greater Scaup was at the same location as late as 5/12. Unsettled weather no doubt accounted for the report of a Black Swift near Koobs Nature Area in Carmichael on 5/21; the few Valley records of this species typically correspond with late spring storms. A male Allen's Hummingbird (eBird checklist) at Brannan Island SRA on 5/25 was one of few recent records for Sacramento County, though there are historic breeding records. Calliope Hummingbird reports included one from Citrus Heights from 4/11-14, one from Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 4/19, two from Rancho Cordova on 4/26, and one from Wilton on 5/4.

Shorebirds made up the majority of highlights for the period. A Snowy Plover was found at the Davis WTP on 5/6-8. Most impressive was the appearance of multiple turnstones. Ruddy Turnstones (eBird checklist) were found at the Davis WTP, with one to two from 5/4-11, and one at the Woodland WTP on 5/13. Two Black Turnstones at the Davis WTP on 5/4 were even more unexpected. A Ruff was found at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 4/21, and at the Woodland WTP from 4/29-5/9 (eBird checklist). A Stilt Sandpiper at the Davis WTP on 5/6 was also an excellent find. Up to four Baird's Sandpipers (regular in low numbers in late summer, but very rare in spring migration) were found from 5/3-10 at the Davis WTP. Soliary Sandpiper reports included a single at a closed portion of the CRP on 4/17, one along the Wetlands Walk at CRP on 4/20, one to two along Yolo County Rd 32A (near YBWA) from 4/21-22, two at a closed portion of CRP on 4/26, and one on Meiss Rd on 5/4. A Willet was found at the Davis WTP on 5/4, with four seen there on 5/27, and a single was at the Sacramento County Bufferlands on 5/10. A Pectoral Sandpiper was a nice find for spring (they are much more expected in late summer and fall) at Colusa NWR on 5/6. 

For the 10th time in the past 12 years, Least Terns were found nesting at the Sacramento Regional WTP, with the first detection on 5/13, and two pairs present by the end of the month. Surprisingly, there was only one report of a Least Bittern, from Mather Lake on 5/17, where they have been found in the past. A Yellow-crowned Night-Heron found at a large rookery in the Pocket Area of Sacramento was a first for the county (eBird checklist). It was seen and photographed on 5/8, with a few reports thereafter, but was very difficult to find among the hundreds of Black-crowned Night-Herons, mostly tucked away in dense redwood trees where they were nesting. A Glossy Ibis was found at the Woodland WTP on 5/19-20, but was not as reliably seen as the birds reported there last year.

Peregrine Falcons were confirmed nesting at the UC Davis Med Center, with four chicks photographed on a building ledge. There were impressive numbers of uncommon flycatchers, with Olive-sided, Hammond's, Dusky, and Gray flycatcher reports too numerous to list. With the wide adoption of eBird, far more of these species are being reported (and documented) than even a decade ago. One of the most surprising reports was of a flyby Scissor-tailed Flycatcher in Carmichael on 4/11. A Brewer's Sparrow was found at Deer Creek Hills on 4/23, and a Green-tailed Towhee was reported at Yolo Grasslands Regional Park on 5/28. A male Baltimore Oriole was a real surprise at a private yard in Wilton, and a Northern Paula at Grasslands Reg. Park on 5/17 was a nice find. A male Summer Tanager was found at West Pond in Davis on 5/8, and a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak on 5/19 near Meridian in Sutter County was also a nice surprise.

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, Keith Bailey, Ian Baldwin, Max Brodie, Paul Buchanan, Lily Douglas, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Matt Forster, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Adrian Hinkle, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Afton Kern, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Carol Livingston, Tim Ludwick, Phil Lutz, Mark Martucci, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Linda Pittman, Jason Riggio, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Mark Stephenson, Jim Thomas, Gene Trapp, John Trochet, Bart Wickel, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

March 2019

This March will surely be remembered for decades as the month of the Garganey (eBird checklist). A male of this small, Eurasian-breeding duck (a California Bird Records Committee review species) was seen and photographed by hundreds in West Sacramento from 3/1-20. It was initially found at Bridgeway Island Pond, where it often continued, but was also seen fairly regularly at a nearby wetland near the intersection of Southport Parkway and Jefferson Blvd. Bridgeway Island Pond has been locally famous for its inexplicably high numbers of Blue-winged Teal (at times over 200), but this find put it on the national map. One to two Surf Scoters continued off of Sherman Island E Levee Rd from early January through at least 3/3, while the cooperative male White-winged Scoter first found on 12/13 near the Nimbus Hatchery continued through 3/31 (it was apparently not seen in April). Male Costa's Hummingbirds were reported from Rancho Cordova on 3/24 and Citrus Heights on 3/25.

An immature Glaucous Gull has been reported sporadically this season in Yolo County, including on 3/8 at the Woodland WTP. The Red-throated Loon found along the Deep Water Channel between Bridgeway Island Pond and the turning basin on 2/27 was reported into the first week of March, while the Pacific Loon found last December on Folsom Lake between the dam and Folsom Point was last reported on 3/10. A Long-eared Owl roost in a private orchard along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters continued with at least five birds present in March. A pair of Hairy Woodpeckers was seen off of Young Wo Circle along Lake Natoma through the end of the month. This is the only site in Sacramento County where this is species is somewhat expected, and only there since 2013.

Another major regional highlight was an immature female Vermilion Flycatcher found along Bruceville Rd, between Twin Cities and Desmond Rds, from 3/9-15 (eBird checklist). It was seen by many, moving between private land and the Cosumnes River Preserve, and often perched cooperatively along the roadside fences. This is only the third Sacramento County record (the others coming from 1983 and 2004). A somewhat early Cassin's Vireo was at Slide Hill Park in Davis on 3/24, while another was found at Marriott Park in the Pocket area of Sacramento on 3/30, along with a well-photographed Plumbeous Vireo (eBird checklist). The bright male Tennessee Warbler photographed in a north Davis yard on 1/25 continued through at least 3/11 along the greenbelt in the vicinity of Elk Place and Falcon Ave. A drab Blackburnian Warbler was reported in north Davis 3/1, but was not refound despite considerable effort. The same goes for a Black-and-white Warbler reported at Granite Regional Park on 3/29. The Palm Warbler first reported on 2/12 near Covell Blvd and Pole Line Rd in Davis continued through at least 3/15.

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, Max Brodie, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Ed Harper, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Afton Kern, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Jean Leonatti, Mark Martucci, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Chris Ronshausen, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Michelle Swarthout, Craig Swolgaard, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2019

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

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

A Hariy Woodpecker was found off of Young Wo Circle along Lake Natoma on 2/12, a little upstream of the reports from recent years. The Northern Shrike (eBird checklist) found near Yolo County Rds 25 and 103 on 11/15 continued in the general area through February, and what is likely a different bird was found across I-5 to the northeast at the Trestle Ponds on 2/7. Mountain Bluebirds were widely reported, with the largest local flock (up to 35) found along Meiss Rd from 2/24 into March (eBird checklist). The bright male Tennessee Warbler photographed in a north Davis yard on 1/25 continued into March along the greenbelt in the vicinity of Elk Place and Falcon Ave. A Palm Warbler was seen by many, beginning on 2/12, near the corner of Covell Blvd and Pole Line Rd in Davis. It foraged on or near the ground in various locations at the nearby office park, parking lot, and apartment complex (eBird checklist).

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Keith Bailey, Lyann Comrack, Dave DeSante, Leo Edson, Sid England, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Rob Fowler, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Joan Humphrey, Afton Kern, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Jason Riggio, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, Craig Swolgaard, Robert Traverso, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2019

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

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

A Hammond's Flycatcher was found and photographed at the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery on 1/12 (eBird checklist) and continued through the end of the month. The Northern Shrike found near Yolo County Rds 25 and 103 on 11/15 continued in the general area through at least 1/21. A Plumbeous Vireo was a nice find in Pioneer Park, Woodland, from 1/17-22, and a Steller's Jay was found on a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County on 1/26. A Lapland Longspur was reported by a single observer along the shore of Folsom Lake at Folsom Pt on 1/14. Unfortunately it couldn't be photographed or refound. Perhaps the highlight of the month was a bright male Tennessee Warbler photographed in a north Davis yard on 1/25. It was seen by others in the surrounding greenbelt in the vicinity of Elk Place and Kestrel Place into February (eBird checklist).

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Stuart Angerer, Keith Bailey, Ralph Baker, Max Brodie, Holly Coates, Terry Colborn, Lyann Comrack, Matthew Dodder, Lily Douglas, Kris Dunlap, Leo Edson, Sid England, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Rob Fowler, Steve Hampton, John Harris, Cliff Hawley, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Eric Hopson, Emmett Iverson, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Andrew Lee, Tim Ludwick, Mark Martucci, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Karen Richardson, Jason Riggio, Steve Scott, Judy Spitler, John Sterling, Michele Swartout, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2018

After the fires of last month, rains came and this December might be called fairly typical in the Sacramento area, but there are always a few surprises. The highest total of Blue-winged Teal at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento this month was a careful count of 250. A cooperative male White-winged Scoter (eBird checklist) first found on 12/13 along the American River near the Nimbus Hatchery was seen by many into January along with reports of nearly 60 Barrow's Goldeneyes. A Pacific Loon  (eBird checklist) was a nice find on Folsom Lake near Folsom Point on 12/22, continuing into January.

After years of alarming declines, Mountain Plovers appear to be absent this season from their typical haunts in Solano County south of Dixon. It was a pleasant surprise to find up to reported 58 along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of the Colusa County line (eBird checklist), from 12/30 into early January. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was found at the Yolo County Central Landfill pond along County Rd 28H from 12/26 into January. A winter roost of about ten Long-eared Owls at a closed portion of Cosumnes River Preserve was found on 12/29 and continued into January, and a male Costa's Hummingbird was reported on the ARNHA Wildlife Count at Paradise Beach on 12/1. Lewis's Woodpeckers have been extremely scarce in their typical locations in eastern Sacramento County, but dozens were reported in the Dunnigan Hills in northern Yolo County. A Greater Roadrunner was found in the Dunnigan Hills on 12/1, and another was reported from ag lands west of Arbuckle along Lodi Rd on 12/2.

There were seemingly unprecedented numbers of Northern Shrike reports throughout the area this season. The bird found near Yolo County Rds 25 and 103 on 11/15 continued in the general area through at least 12/20, with likely a second bird in the area based on plumage. Other Northern Shrike  (eBird checklist) reports came from near Plainfield Elementary on 12/1, a closed construction zone at the Sacramento Regional WTP from 12/4-11, and the Peninsula portion of Folsom Lake SRA on 12/30. A Brown Thrasher was an excellent find along Woodbridge Rd near the Ecological Reserve from 12/1 through at least 12/18. Additional interesting reports include a Pacific-slope (or Western) Flycatcher found along Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd on 12/28, a Steller's Jay at Ancil Hoffman Park on 12/7, a Clay-colored Sparrow southeast of Winters on Gaddini Rd in Solano County on 12/17, and a Yellow Warbler, very rare in December, was found by an experienced observer in a Rosemont yard on 12/15. And finally, a Lapland Longspur was reported among an impressive flock of over 1,000 Horned Larks on 12/20 along Yolo County Rd 103 near Rd 27. 

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, Stuart Angerer, Keith Bailey, Max Brodie, Dan Brown, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Robert Furrow, Steve Hampton, Jim Holmes, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Michele Swartout, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2018

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

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

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

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Julie Bryson, Lily Douglas, Chris Dunford, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Robert Furrow, Maureen Geiger, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Joan Humphrey, Emmett Iverson, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Jose Martinez, Mark Martucci, Dan Murphy, Michael Perrone, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Shannon Skalos, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, Sally Walters, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

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.

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.

August 2018

This was a very busy month. Combining peak shorebird migration with one of the better seasons for migrant songbirds makes for a great time to get out in the field despite the heat and smoke-filled skies from regional fires. The fires in the Coast Range may have accounted for increased numbers in some Valley hotspots, such as Putah Creek. Rufous Hummingbirds were also reported in higher numbers in Sacramento, perhaps detouring from their more typical migration routes at higher elevations. Many of the interesting reports came from the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA), including multiple reports of a single Least Bittern through the first three weeks of the month. An intriguing report of a solo Chimney Swift on 8/19 came from Putah Creek dowstream of Pedrick Rd, where several of the month's highlights were found.

Shorebirds again stole the show, with only the second Yolo County record of a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at YBWA on 8/31. It was seen by many through 9/2. Other highlights included a Ruff at the Davis WTP from 8/21-22, and many Baird's  Sandpipers, including singles from the Woodland WTP on 8/8 and 8/20-29, a single at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 8/14, up to three from YBWA from 8/15-22 (eBird checklist), and two at the Lincoln WTP on 8/28. Pectoral Sandpipers were reported from YBWA on 8/17 and E Catlett Rd near Brewer Rd in Placer County on 8/28. Single Semipalmated Sandpiper reports came from YBWA on and off throughout the month, and a Solitary Sandpiper was found at West Pond in Davis on 8/17.  The Least Tern pair at the Sacramento Regional WTP fledged one chick by 8/23 and at least one adult continued through 8/28.

A calling Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported at Fremont Weir State Wildlife Area on 8/20, and a Greater Roadrunner was seen along Yolo County Rd 30 about a mile west of Rd 98. The Chestnut-sided Warbler along Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd that was first found in July continued through at least 8/25. A Black-and-white Warbler was found at Ancil Hoffman Park in the oaks between the American River and the golf course on 8/22-25; this species has been found in August or September at the same site in four of the past five years. A Dusky Flycatcher was found at Grasslands Regional Park south of Davis on 8/27-28, and a Green-tailed Towhee and an early Golden-crowned Sparrow were at the same location on 8/25.  A Green-tailed Towhee was also found dead in Carmichael on 8/30. A Bell's Sparrow found at Reichmuth Park on 8/19 represents one of very few records for the Valley floor (eBird checklist). A flurry of Summer Tanager reports included one at Reichmuth Park on 8/17, another downstream of Pedrick Rd from 8/18 through the end of the month, and the male first found in May and continuing through 8/26 at the Orr Ranch portion of CRP. The Indigo Bunting found in July downstream of Pedrick Rd continued through at least 8/6, and a possible female-type Orchard Oriole was photographed at Marriott Park in the Pocket area of Sacramento on 8/22.

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 in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, Holly Coates, Laura Davis, Lily Douglas, Jon Dunn,  Leo Edson, Stephen Fettig, Robert Furrow, Maureen Geiger, Douglas Hall, Steve Hampton, Terry Hodapp, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Tim Ludwick, Mark Martucci, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Deren Ross, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, Ian Taylor, Gene Trapp, John Trochet, and Sarah Wheeler. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

June - July 2018

June and July can feel like the doldrums for birding around Sacramento, but it is a critical period for many of our local nesting species. By the end of June, shorebirds begin returning and early songbird migrants arrive a month later. Up to three Least Bitterns were reported throughout July (eBird checklist) from the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) and the Glossy Ibis continued at a nest from May through at least 7/19 (eBird checklist) at the Woodland WTP.

 Among the shorebird highlights, YBWA hosted a Pacific Golden-Plover from 7/12-13 (eBird checklist) and a Snowy Plover on 7/18. Marbled Godwits are rare elsewhere in the Central Valley, but are fairly regular in Yolo County. They were reported throughout the period, with a high of 21 at YBWA on 7/7.  Single  Semipalmated Sandpipers were found among large flocks of peeps at YBWA on 7/25, White's Slough (Lodi) WTP (eBird checklist) on 7/30, Woodland WTP on 7/28, and Abel Rd at Colusa NWR on 7/29. The only Solitary Sandpipers reported were singles at the Anatolia Vernal Pool Preserve on Sunrise Blvd from 7/27-28 and the Arbuckle WTP on 7/29. A Franklin's Gull was seen and photographed by many at the Woodland WTP from 6/26-29 (eBird checklist). Four Least Terns were found at the Sacramento Regional WTP on 7/3. One pair stayed to nest along with a single adult that was regularly seen. 

 As has become expected, Allen's Hummingbirds turned up on private property along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters in late June to early July; one was a green-backed male. Indicating a possible breeding season range expansion, in addition to the Yolo and San Joaquin County records mentioned in the previous column, two Say's Phoebes were found in Elk Grove near Bilby Rd, not far from the small town of Franklin on 7/15. A single Say's Phoebe was also found on 7/28 near Rancho Cordova along the dirt portion of Kiefer Blvd. A "Solitary Vireo" (Cassin's or Plumbeous) was reported on 7/18 at the South Fork Putah Creek Preserve off of Mace Blvd. A juvenile Steller's Jay in Davis on 7/8 was a real surprise and likely wondered down from the Coast Range. A Gray Catbird on 6/19 was a late vagrant downstream from Stevenson's Bridge near Winters, and an adult male Chestnut-sided Warbler along Putah Creek downstream from Pedrick Rd was a surprisingly early vagrant on 7/31, continuing into August. Also downstream of Pedrick Rd were a surprisingly early immature Golden-crowned Sparrow on 7/22 and a male Indigo Bunting (eBird checklist) from 7/26 into August.  The male Summer Tanager continued from May through at least late July at the Orr Ranch portion of Cosumnes River Preserve, but despite much singing, did not appear to have attracted a mate.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Stuart Angerer, Keith Bailey, Mario Balitbit, Kathy Blankenship, Holly Coates, Ore Carmi, Dan Cook, Lily Douglas, Andy Engilis, Stephen Fettig, Robert Furrow, Douglas Hall, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Terry Hodapp, Joan Humphrey, Stanton Hunter, Logan Kahle, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Calvin Lou, Tim Ludwick, Mark Martucci, Bruce Mast, Michael Perrone, Steve Scott, Dan Singer, Shannon Skalos, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, Jim Thomas, John Trochet, and Liz West. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

April - May 2018

Reports from this April and May included many good water birds, excellent shorebirds, a good movement of small flycatchers, but relatively few songbird vagrants. Over 50 Redheads, including more than one brood, were reported by many at the Woodland WTP, while a pair at a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County was found on 5/3 and another pair was at the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 5/4-7. One of the major highlights of the period was one or two Glossy Ibis reported by many at Woodland WTP from 5/25 into June (eBird checklist). One was seen on a nest among nesting White-faced Ibis.

Shorebirds were reported in excellent numbers highlighted by several unexpected finds. Snowy Plovers were reported along Desmond Rd at CRP on 4/15, and two to three were at the Davis Wetlands on 4/24-25. Very impressive numbers of Semipalmated Plovers were reported from CRP, including an amazing report of 320 on 4/25. Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) reports included a Ruff from 4/17-22, a Stilt Sandpiper on 4/21 and 5/2, and, most impressively, a Marsh Sandpiper from 4/15-21 (with only a handful of state records, this being the third from our area). At least six Solitary Sandpipers were reported throughout the period and region.

A Common Poorwill was a nice find at Mather Lake on 5/12 and a late Lewis's Woodpecker was found along the American River Parkway (ARP) at Willaim B. Pond on the same day.  Hammond's Flycatchers were widely reported throughout the region and the period, and single Gray Flycatchers were found at the Sacramento City Cemetery on 4/27, Yolo Grasslands Park on 5/7, a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County on 5/10, and Babel Slough on 5/11 and 5/16. Dusky Flycatcher reports included singles at YBWA on 4/23, Yolo Grasslands on 4/26, Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 4/29, Reichmuth Park on 5/15, and Babel Slough on 5/16. An apparent breeding range expansion by Say's Phoebes included the first confirmed nesting in Yolo County at the Wildhorse Ag Buffer in northeast Davis on 4/25.  They were also confirmed nesting in southeastern Woodland, as well as north Stockton.

Plumbeous Vireos were reported near the UC Davis campus on 4/18, at CRP on 4/21, and Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd on 4/22.  Two Chestnut-backed Chickadees were seasonally unexpected on 5/6 along Putah Creek downstream of Winters.  The only vagrant warbler reported this period was a singing male Hooded Warbler along Cache Creek at Wild Wings Park on 5/21 (eBird checklist). A surprising three Harris's Sparrow reports included singles at Putah Creek Access #3 on 4/3, Julietta Winery in Clarksburg on 4/14, and the Davis Wetlands on 5/7. The Swamp Sparrow that wintered at YBWA was last reported on 4/7. Yellow-breasted Chats were found at several locations on 4/27, including the Sacramento Reg. WTP Bufferlands, the Sailor Bar access to ARP, and Putah Creek Fishing Access #5, plus  Yolo Grasslands Park on 5/10. For the fifth year in a row there was a singing Summer Tanager at CRP, with one at the Orr Ranch on 5/20. A Rose-breasted Grosbeak along Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd was a nice find on 4/26, and a few Pine Siskins, reported from several sites, lingered into early May.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Roger Adamson, Keith Bailey, Kathy Blankenship, Brent Campos, Holly Coates, Lyann Comrack, Farley Cross, Mathew Dodder, Lily Douglas, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Frank Fogarty, Deb Ford, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, James Holmes, Joan Humphrey, Paul Hurtado, Logan Kahle, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Tim Ludwick, Mark Martucci, Sara Mayhew, Kurt Mize, Michael Perrone, Sonia Santa Ana, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, Jim Thomas, John Trochet, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

March 2018

March gives us the first taste of spring, with some of the early-arriving Neotropical migrants in place before month's end. All of the regularly occurring swallows, includingPurple Martins, arrived by mid-month and were scouting or building nests. The first Western Kingbird was reported on 3/16, and Bullock's Orioles arrived a week later. Lingering from February, a Red-necked Grebe continued at Lagoon Valley into April. Three Ferruginous Hawks continued near Plainfield Elementary School through 3/16. Interesting shorebird reports included a Pacific Golden-Plover  (eBird checklist) throughout much of the month at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, and a Ruff was at the same location on 3/10. Most surprising was a Baird's Sandpiper at the Woodland WTP (eBird checklist) on 3/22-23, one of very few spring records and apparently the earliest by far.

Early March produced several reports of a calling Long-eared Owl about a mile and a half up Rd 53 from Guinda in the Capay Valley. A "group" of Long-eared Owls spent the winter in an olive orchard along Putah Creek downstream of Winters. The status of this secretive species in our area is poorly understood. On 3/23, an impressive six Northern Pygmy-Owls were detected calling in Bray Canyon at Bobcat Ranch, on the north side of Hwy 128 and the Putah Creek Canyon.

A Cassin's Vireo was found at Bray Canyon on 3/23, and photos are still being evaluated of a "Solitary Vireo" reported as a Plumbeous Vireo on 3/31 along Arcade Creek near American River College.  On 3/11, a pile of feathers was all that remained of the Sage thrasher first found on 2/8 in a Davis yard, illustrating the vulnerability of out-of-range birds, if not all birds. The Northern Waterthrush continued along Putah Creek near the Hwy 128 bridge through at least 3/8, and the Palm Warbler first found at the Woodland WTP on 11/24 was reported through 3/21. A male Lawrence's Goldfinch visiting a Natomas feeder on 3/10 was a nice find for the Valley floor, away from typical breeding locations in the low foothills.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Roger Adamson, Keith Bailey, Holly Coates, Lily Douglas, Gil Ewing, Frank Fogarty, Kevn Guse, Steve Hampton, James Holmes, Joan Humphrey, Dan Kopp, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Tim Ludwick, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2018

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

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

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

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Roger Adamson, Stuart Angerer, Keith Bailey, Terry Colborn, Lisa Couper, Chris Dunford, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Tim Fitzer, Steve Hampton, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Stan Hunter, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Bruce Mast, Roger Muskat, Michael Perrone, William Rockey, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, Mara Weston, Dan Williams, and Rick Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2018

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

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

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

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports:  Kelly Childress, Chris Dunford, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Frank Fogarty, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Dan Kopp, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Tim Lenz, John Luther, Frances Oliver, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Jason Riggio, William Rockey, Ken Schneider, Steve Scott, Shannon Skalos, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, Rick Williams, and Gary Woods. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2017

Christmas Bird Counts (CBC), waterfowl, raptors, and interesting sparrows add up to make December a high point of the year, but occasionally a bird comes along that upends the typical patterns. A Citrine Wagtail was photographed at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 12/15 and seen by two birders on the morning of 12/16. Then wind gusts built to 50 mph and the bird was never seen again. This species had only been recorded twice before on the North American continent.

Maybe it will cease to be impressive someday, but continued reports of over 200 Blue-winged Teal at Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento are remarkable from even a statewide perspective. A Hooded Merganser X Goldeneye or possibly Bufflehead hybrid (eBird checklist) was an interesting find along the American River between Howe and Watt Avenues. Up to 60 Mountain Plovers were found in their traditional area along Robinson Rd at Flannery Rd in Solano County. Less expected was a single Mountain Plover on 12/10 along Abel Rd near Williams, west of Lone Star Rd.  A Pacific Golden-Plover was found at the Woodland WTP from 12/8-18 and another found on the 12/28 Lincoln CBC along Brewer Rd, south of Philip Rd, was a first Placer County record; it continued through the end of the month. The Franklin's Gull found at the Woodland WTP on 11/21 continued through at least 12/6. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was found at the Yolo County Central Landfill pond along Rd 28H on the 12/17 Sacramento CBC, and another was at Beals Point, Folsom Lake, on 12/30. An adult Glaucous Gull (eBird checklist) was at the Woodland WTP on 12/8 and a second-cycle was found at Beals Point on 12/30-31.

Plainfield School (along Yolo County Rd 97) hosted up to three Short-eared Owls, plus up to six Ferruginous Hawks, at the end of the month. At least four Long-eared Owls returned to their winter roost in a private olive orchard near Putah Creek between Davis and Winters. On 12/21, a walk up Rayhouse Rd off of Hwy 16 in the Cache Creek Canyon produced a Northern Pygmy-Owl, a Pileated Woodpecker, and three Hairy Woodpeckers. Another trip on 12/29 on Rd 53 out of Guinda turned up three Northern Pygmy-Owls. Only one Lewis's Woodpecker was reported along Scott Rd, near Carson Creek, and none were apparent on Latrobe or Michigan Bar Rds this December.

The "Western Flycatcher" (likely Pacific-slope) found along Babel Slough on 11/19 continued on 12/13; another was found at the Orr portion of the Cosumnes River Preserve on 12/23.  Single Cassin's Vireos were reported from North Davis on 12/1, Cache Creek Preserve on 12/3, and in Winters on 12/15. A California Thrasher, quite rare for Sacramento County, was very conspicuously singing along Humbug Creek near the corner of Oak Ave Parkway and Blue Ravine Rd in Folsom on 12/31, continuing into January. The Palm Warbler found at the Woodland WTP on 11/24 continued through 12/8, and a Wilson's Warbler was found in North Davis on 12/14-27. The Swamp Sparrow (eBird checklist) found just off the auto tour at YBWA on 11/25 continued through the end of December. On 12/25, a Harris's Sparrow was found in Sutter County at a private residence south of the small town of Meridian, along S Meridian Rd; it continued into January. The Orchard Oriole found on 11/30 in North Davis continued through 12/12.  Rounding out the three species of orioles in Yolo County this December are one to two Hooded Orioles continuing through the end of the month in North Davis and a first-year male Bullock's Oriole found on 12/10 at Park Blvd and Acorn St in West Sacramento. Good numbers of Purple Finches and Pine Siskins continued throughout the month.

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, Maurice DeMille, Lily Douglas, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Dan Kopp, Arav and Aranya Karighattam, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Tim Ludwick, Mark Martucci, Frances Oliver, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Shannon Skalos, Steve Scott, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible

November 2017

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

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

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

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000’ contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Stuart Angerer, Laura Davis, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Stan Hunter, Dan Kopp, Arav and Aranya Karighattam, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Tim Ludwick, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, William Rockey, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Ian Souza-Cole, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, and Rick Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports—without them, this column would not be possible