March 2023

March is a time of transitions. Migration starts slowly, with waterfowl numbers beginning to decrease and early migrants, like swallows, showing up in force. It's not until at least the second week of April that most of the much-anticipated spring migrants appear, but late March produces the first records of species like Swainson's Hawks, Pacific-slope Flycatchers, Western Kingbirds, Warbling Vireos, Bullock's Orioles, Wilson's Warblers, and Black-headed Grosbeaks. Many of our wintering birds will remain through April, but most of the Sandhill Cranes and wintering raptors leave before month's end. There was an uptick of Band-tailed Pigeon reports toward the end of the month, with a cresting wave appearing in April.

A Long-eared Owl was found roosting on the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Bufferlands in a planted live oak on 3/30, accounting for just the third record for the property. This species has been designated as sensitive by eBird, so it will no longer show up on publicly viewable eBird maps or produce eBird rarity alerts. This is an understandable step to protect a species that can be swarmed by dozens of birders and photographers on its roost every day, but it is also unfortunate the specific historical information is no longer readily available, not to mention the palpable joy these birds can give (responsible) observers. There were several Short-eared Owl reports from the first week of the month. They came from Yolo County Rd 104 to the west and northwest of the Yolo County (Davis) Landfill, with others along Sankey Rd (eBird Checklist S130054981), Sutter County, between Hwy 99 and the Sacramento River. A Northern Saw-whet Owl was found roosting in a planted redwood in Natomas on 3/31 (eBird Checklist S132333231).

A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was found by those looking for the Summer Tanager (see below) in William Land Park on 3/17; it continued through the end of the month. The Hammond's Flycatcher found last month at Streng Park in Woodland continued, and another was found for much of the month along Babel Slough Rd (eBird Checklist S131892034). The first report for the season of locally declining Purple Martins was near the traditional colony at Sutterville Rd near Sacramento City College on 3/18. The Townsend's Solitaire at Sacramento City College (eBird Checklist S131701342) continued through the end of the month. Evening Grosbeaks in the Gold River neighborhood south of the American River between Sunrise and Hazel Blvds continued from February. There were reports of 20-30 birds, though numbers tapered off by mid-month, and there were scattered reports elsewhere in the region. A Cassin's Finch was a nice surprise in Orangevale on 3/13, and a Clay-colored Sparrow found in February northeast of Lodi along Buck Rd, south of Acampo Rd, continued through at least 3/8. A bright Red Fox Sparrow was at a closed portion of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 3/25, and the Swamp Sparrow at North (Partansky) Pond in Davis continued on 3/2. The Nashville Warbler at CRP, first detected on 1/19, continued through at least 3/12. A stunning male Summer Tanager (eBird Checklist S130761541) was seen consistently near Fairytale Town in Land Park near the Sacramento Zoo beginning on 3/11, continuing into April. It had been seen sporadically on the zoo property earlier in the winter and is almost certainly the same bird that appeared as an immature last winter.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserv (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but we thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Lyann Comrack, Todd Easterla, Leo Edson, Gil Ewing, Marc Fenner, Maureen Geiger, Joshua Greenfield, Cliff Hawley, Leia Hewitt, Mackenzie Hollender, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Daniel Murphy, Frances Oliver, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Alex Single, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2023

While there were breaks in the storms, high water, rain, and winds limited birding activity for good chunks of the month. The expected winter raptors and water birds were in their usual spots, though waterfowl moved a lot, exploiting newly-flooded areas. Early signs of spring came in the form of all the regular swallows (except for Purple Martin, not expected until mid-to-late March) reported before month's end. The Greater Roadrunner found along Rd 81 in the Capay Valley on 1/22 continued through February. Mountain Plovers along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of the Colusa County line, continued with up to 30 reported through mid-month. The report of 25 north of Flannery Rd, just west of Hwy 113, was a nice surprise. This appears to be the only report this winter in the vicinity of their old stronghold. A first-cycle Glaucous Gull was reported at the Kiefer Landfill on 2/20, while at least one was found throughout the month along Yolo County Rd 104 west of the Yolo County (Davis) Landfill. Up to two Northern Pygmy-Owls were seen and beautifully photographed (eBird Checklist S127776294) along Rayhouse Rd early in the month. The Long-eared Owl wintering in the Wildhorse neighborhood of Davis continued into March, and at least eight were found on a semi-regular roost in a normally closed portion of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 2/25.

Lewis's Woodpeckers continued in excellent numbers, and the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker found on 12/26 near the Elkhorn Volunteer Fire Dept (close to the Elkhorn boat ramp) continued into late February. Another was photographed (eBird Checklist S129799760) near Guinda in the Capay Valley on 2/27. A Hammond's Flycatcher (eBird Checklist S127904536) was a nice find at Streng Park in Woodland on 2/8 and 2/27. Two different Cassin's Vireos were reported in Davis and a Plumbeous Vireo (eBird Checklist S128181760) was found on the UC Davis campus on 2/7-2/12. The Townsend's Solitaire at Sacramento City College continued into March, while the bird at the Sacramento City Cemetery continued from December to at least 2/22 (access had been limited because of downed trees), and another was near the UC Davis Med Center on 2/14.

There were scattered reports of Evening Grosbeaks in the region, but most remarkable was a regular flock of up to 25 or more (eBird Checklist S129743490) in a Gold River neighborhood south of the American River between Sunrise and Hazel Blvds. They were first reported on 2/23 and were consistent through at least mid-March. This species is almost never found consistently on the Valley floor, but occasionally as transient, calling flybys. Up to three Cassin's Finches (eBird Checklist S130319394) were found throughout the month in a Sacramento yard, and up to five Lawrence's Goldfinches were found regularly at Phoenix Field. A Swamp Sparrow was seen and photographed at Bridgeway Island Pond (eBird Checklist S127608135) from 2/4-2/19, and another was at North Pond in Davis (eBird Checklist S129328592) from 2/18-2/21. The Bullock's Oriole found in Woodland on 1/25 was seen again on 2/23, and the Nashville Warbler at CRP, first detected on 1/19, appears to be spending the winter at a site without regular public access.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserv (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but we thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Brent Campos, Calvin Carroll, Lyann Comrack, Konshau Duman, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Lief Gallagher, Maureen Geiger, Joshua Greenfield, Cliff Hawley, Leia Hewitt, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Stephanie Levins, Mark Martucci, Daniel Murphy, Roger Muskat, Chris Ortega, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Eric Pilotte, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Alex Single, Cindra Smith, Sean Smith, Kirk Swenson, Cameron Tescher, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2023

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

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

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

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

December 2022

This December was another month where there were too many highlights to fully detail them all. Christmas Bird Counts document our common birds as well as unusual finds, and both types of observation are important. Numbers of wintering geese in the Sacramento area continue to climb. This began with increasing numbers of Greater White-fronted Geese in the past 20 years or so, and now increasing, sometimes staggering, numbers of Snow Geese, along with good numbers of Aleutian Cackling Geese (the latter especially at the southern margin of our regularly covered area: Staten Island and Woodbridge Rd in San Joaquin County). Redheads are pretty rare in Sacramento County, so one spending the month and beyond along the American River Parkway (ARP) just downstream of the Sunrise Bridge was a treat. A Surf Scoter was found in the San Joaquin River off Sherman Island on 12/17 where they are semi-regular.

The only Mountain Plover reports in the region were along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, south of County Line Rd, throughout the month. Most reports were under 50 birds, but one was over 100 when something flushed the entire flock. It doesn't appear that any were detected in the former stronghold south of Dixon. It was a good fall for Ruff, and that continued into December with one found along Yolo County Rd 103 on 12/3 (eBird Checklist S124381182), continuing throughout the month. One of the most exciting finds, and a first for Sacramento County, was a Black-legged Kittiwake found from 12/5-12/7 (eBird Checklist S123565633) from Folsom Point at Folsom Lake where it was also seen flying well into El Dorado County waters. Uncommon loon reports were few, so a Pacific Loon seen from Folsom Point on 12/6 and 12/14 is notable. Least Bittern reports, never common, are much rarer in winter. Whether it's because most of them leave the area in winter or if they're just more secretive, it is difficult to say. One was recorded calling (eBird Checklist S124292891) at the Davis Wetlands on 12/19 and another was found at Cache Creek Wild Wings Park on 12/28. 

A Long-eared Owl was found in the Wildhorse neighborhood of Davis during the latter half of the month (eBird Checklist S125152766) and continued into January. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker found on 12/26 near the Elkhorn boat ramp by the Elkhorn Volunteer Fire Dept also continued into January. A Tropical Kingbird was a nice surprise on 12/16 along County Rd 104 on the Solano-Yolo County line south of Maxwell Ln. Typically any Winter Wren report is notable (the eastern species compared with Pacific Wren; the two were split in 2010), but there were three found this December, continuing from November. One was along the railroad tracks at the end of Payen Rd (eBird Checklist S123078085), just across the Sacramento County line into El Dorado. Another was at Lake Solano Park, continuing into January, and yet another was wintering nearby at the Putah Creek Fishing Access #2. Pacific Wrens are getting increasingly difficult to find wintering in the Valley in the past decade, so it's surprising that these Winter Wrens were found. Other notable reports include a Townsend's Solitaire at the Sacramento City Cemetery on 12/24 (eBird Checklist S124737797) through the end of the month, plus another at Sacramento City College on 12/26 continuing into January. A Cassin's Finch was reported at Sacramento Bar (ARP) on 12/15 and two Red Crossbills were reported at Lower Sunrise (ARP) on 12/20. After a fall with many Tennessee Warblers, one more was found at Cosumnes River Preserve on 12/4. The Palm Warbler along County Rd 104 on the Solano-Yolo County line south of Maxwell Ln continued from 11/26 through most of December (eBird Checklist S123476004). A Summer Tanager was a nice surprise along the bike path east of Slide Hill Park in Davis, beginning on 12/6 and continuing into January.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserv (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but we thank the following for their reports: Dan Airola, Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Brent Campos, Bruce Christensen, Lyann Comrack, Lily Douglas, Todd Easterla, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Frank Fabbro, Stephen Fettig, Joshua Greenfield, Cliff Hawley, Radha Krishna, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Adam Panto, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, Cameron Tescher, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, and Bart Wickel. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2022

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

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

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

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

October 2022

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

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

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

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

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.

August 2022

Despite the heat, August is one of the best months to experience migration. As it turned out, this August was really active in terms of rare and uncommon birds. Shorebirds continued in excellent numbers from July, and by the end of the month songbird migrants were showing in good numbers and diversity. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo at Rossmoor Bar along the American River Parkway (ARP) on 8/28 was quite a surprise. This species has declined precipitously in recent decades, so any local observation is a real treat.

Uncommon shorebirds vied with songbirds to get top billing this month. There were so many excellent reports of both, we'll call it a draw. Snowy Plovers are very rare in our area, but are typically found each year. One was at the Woodland WTP on 8/1-7, and another was at the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) on 8/29-31 (eBird Checklist S117873672). More unexpected was a Ruddy Turnstone at the Woodland WTP on 8/4-7 (eBird Checklist S116511780). SRWTP hosted a Ruff from 8/17-30 (eBird Checklist S117234735 and eBird Checklist S117501313). There are perhaps five records for Sacramento County, and this was just the second for the property, and the first in over 20 years. The first few Baird's Sandpipers started showing up on 8/24, and the first Pectoral Sandpiper was found on 8/30. A Solitary Sandpiper was seen by several observers at Cosumnes River Preserve from 8/27-29, and one was found at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 8/27.

Lewis's Woodpeckers are rare on the flats of the Valley and also rare this early in the season, so a few seen toward the end of the month were notable. A Brewer's Sparrow at the Russell Ranch, along Putah Creek between Davis and Winters, on 8/22 was a nice find. Northern Waterthrushes are not found in our area every year, so it was a real surprise to have one along Babel Slough from 8/27-29, and another at Sacramento Bar (ARP) on 8/30. Tennessee Warblers are equally rare around Sacramento, so one at Reichmuth Park from 8/28-8/30 was another excellent find. Also nice was a Blackpoll Warbler at Bridgeway Island Pond near West Sacramento on 8/30 (eBird Checklist S117831838), as was a Summer Tanager along the Humbug Creek Trail in Folsom on 8/31.

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, Robert Furrow, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Michele McCormick, Dana Miller-Blair, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, and Tom Uslan. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

July 2022

Shorebirds save July from being a really slow month like June. They are about a month ahead of songbird migrants, and July has a track record of producing some of the most interesting shorebird records each year. Even though it happens every year, it's an amazing spectacle to see these birds coming through our area, with many of the species having bred in the Arctic. The first songbird migrants, such as Warbling Vireos, Wilson's Warblers, Black-throated Gray Warblers, and Western Tanagers were coming through by the end of the month. Back to shorebirds, the most notable finds included a Snowy Plover at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife on 7/22 (eBird checklist S115690333), and one at the Woodland WTP on 7/24. A Stilt Sandpiper was an excellent find at the Woodland WTP on 7/27-28 (eBird checklist S115915662). A Franklin's Gull in breeding plumage was a nice surprise on 7/19-20 (eBird checklist S115410598), also at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area.

Detections of secretive Least Bitterns are always a highlight. One was found along the Sutter Bypass west of Bobelaine in Sutter County on 7/1-5, and two were seen at the Davis Wetlands on 7/18. Twelve Burrowing Owls (ages unspecified) on a property without public access southeast of Dixon were reported on 7/7. This month there were only four sites with Burrowing Owls reported in the Sacramento Area, with two locations in Sacramento County and only one site in Yolo County. None of the Sacramento or Yolo sites appeared to have produced any young this year.

On 7/13, an adult Say's Phoebe was found feeding three full-grown juveniles at the Northstar Park in north Davis (eBird checklist S115268697). The species seems to be establishing itself as a local breeder, but there are still just a handful of nests in our area. Up to 200 Common Ravens were reported in early July staging or roosting on high transmission utility towers north of Keifer Blvd, between Sunrise Blvd and Grant Line Rd. These birds appear to be drawn to the area by the Keifer Landfill. As recently as ten years ago, this species was much harder to come by in our area. A Varied Thrush at the William B. Pond access to the American River Parkway on 7/22 by an experienced observer was more than two months earlier than expected. In terms of true songbird rarities, a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was photographed at a feeder in El Dorado Hills; it was first seen on 7/2 and stayed for about four days. And finally, an Indigo Bunting was seen singing along the Sutter Bypass, west of Bobelaine, on 7/1.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Image by Jennifer Schmal

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, Gil Ewing, Robert Furrow, Josh Greenfield, Cliff Hawley, Marcel Holyoak, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Cathie LaZier, Andrew Lee, Eric Liskay, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Jennifer Schmal, Steve Scott, Jim Thomas, John Trochet, Todd Wills, and Meirun Zhang. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

June 2022

June is a very important time for birds in the Sacramento Area, with many species wrapping up or still in the middle of their annual breeding efforts. That said, it can be a tough time for birders, with uncomfortably warm days and less local species diversity than any other time of year. In many years, we get a late June record of an eastern vagrant warbler or the like, providing an exclamation point for the annual spring migrant. This year, we were not so lucky. Consequently, many birders head to the mountains to enjoy cooler temperatures and species that pass through our area in April and May. Blue-winged Teal continue to be widely reported throughout the year, suggesting they are established to a degree that would have been astonishing a decade ago. A calling Common Nighthawk was a nice surprise in the River Park neighborhood, north of Sac State, on 6/13 (eBird checklist S112879744). An Allen's Hummingbird continued at a private yard southwest of Clarksburg through at least 6/6.

The break in the June doldrums begins around the third week of the month with the arrival of migrating shorebirds. Least Sandpipers and Western Sandpipers are usually among the earliest. A Snowy Plover was a nice find for the area, at the Woodland WTP, on 6/25 (eBird checklist S113789671). A Marbled Godwit was at the same location on 6/22-23, as were three Willets on 6/23; another Willet was found in the Yolo Bypass on 6/27. For only the second time since 2008, a pair or two of Least Terns failed to show up at the Sacramento Regional WTP. A Glossy Ibis reported on 6/3 was an apparent first Yuba County record (eBird checklist S112052831). It was found among a big White-faced Ibis flock along Plumas Arboga Rd, south of Marysville.

Sadly, it appears that Burrowing Owls are nearly extirpated as breeders in the Sacramento Area, with about five known individuals continuing into June. Typically, there is an influx in the fall, with most migrating out of the area by the end of March. After decades of declines and plateaus, numbers in the breeding season have nearly dried up, starting about ten years ago. Habitat loss is certainly a factor, but declines are likely tied to a reduction in prey base because of drought and, perhaps, pesticides such as neonicotinoids (Burrowing Owls are partially insectivorous). A few species of songbirds have a migration pattern lingering into June. These include Willow Flycatchers (last reported on 6/17) and Swainson's Thrushes (last reported on 6/19). Warbling Vireos and Wilson's Warblers were also found into early June. A juvenile Dark-eyed Junco was an interesting find at Sailor Bar on 6/29. A junco pair was reported in Davis throughout the month, and there are previous breeding records for the city. Yellow Warblers continue to breed in small numbers in remote portions of Cosumnes River Preserve, reclaiming their historical breeding territory after decades of absence caused by forest clearing and brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds

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, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Linda Gal, Leif Gallagher, Cliff Hawley, Liam Huber, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Asher Perla, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Steve Scott, Cameron Tescher, Jim Thomas, John Trochet, Tom Uslan, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

May 2022

May is one of the most exciting times of year for birding, especially the first ten days of the month, with shorebird numbers still good (though rapidly tapering off), and perhaps the very peak of songbird migration. As compared with fall (and late summer) migration, spring songbird migration can come through in just a few quick bursts. This didn't turn out to be a rarity-laden month, but there were still excellent, and some astounding, numbers of migrant songbirds. Redheads are quite rare in the region, but the Woodland WTP is the local stronghold (eBird checklist S110744062), with a high of 30 individuals reported this month. Remarkably, the Long-tailed Duck found last November near the Nimbus Hatchery continued to 5/10. The only Common Poorwill reported was along Rayhouse Rd in Yolo County on 5/13. A male Allen's Hummingbird was photographed at a private residence on 5/8 to the southwest of Clarksburg (eBird checklist S109413002).

The only somewhat unusual shorebird of the period was a Snowy Plover along Desmond Rd at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 5/1. There were continuing good numbers of uncommon migrant Empidonax flycatchers (eBird.org checklist S109052114), especially, Hammond's, but also Dusky and Gray flycatchers in the first half of the month, with multiple Willow Flycatcher reports in the second half of the month; the latter are much easier to find in August and September, while the former three are much easier to find, though still not easy, in April and early May. CRP was the site of some outstanding counts for several species. On a survey of the Tall Forest on 5/7, impressive to astounding numbers included 40 Warbling Vireos, 121 Swainson's Thrushes (likely a local record, and 68 were reported on 5/9), six Yellow-breasted Chats, 40 Bullock's Orioles (which should be on territory at this point, but this high number suggests some movement), 41 Wilson's Warblers, 16 Western Tanagers, and 60 Black-headed Grosbeaks!

In terms of local rarities, a Gray Catbird banded at Stone Lake NWR on 5/6 accounts for just the third record for Sacramento County. A Chestnut-sided Warbler was a very nice find at the South Fork Putah Creek Reserve near Mace Blvd on 5/25 and proved to be the only rare warbler of the month. Finally, the Summer Tanager first reported at William Land Park on 2/16, feeding on bees at hives in Fairytale Town, continued through at least 5/3.

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, Cheryl Cobbs, Lyann Comrack, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Linda Gal, Cliff Hawley, Eric Hope, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Steve Scott, Kevin Thomas, Beatrix Treiterer, John Trochet, Tom Uslan, and Stan Wright. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible

April 2022

April is one of the busiest months, and this year did not disappoint. In the latter half of the month, excellent numbers of migrants were reported, especially from the upper portion of the American River Parkway (ARP) and from Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP). Remarkably, the Long-tailed Duck found last November near the Nimbus Hatchery continued into May. A female Hooded Merganser with 4 young found along the River Walk at CRP on 4/19 adds to the growing list of breeding records for this species. A Common Poorwill was flushed on private property in southeastern Sacramento County on 4/27. Calliope Hummingbirds were thought to be quite rare and notable as spring migrants, but as more observers report their sightings to eBird we're learning that the species is uncommon but fairly regular this time of year, particularly from about Rancho Cordova east to the low foothills.

The sighting of a Virginia Rail with five small young (eBird Checklist S108306501) off the wetland boardwalk at CRP on 4/27 was a rare confirmation of breeding by this fairly common, but secretive species. Groups of one, four, and 15 Pacific Golden-Plovers were found in Solano County along Bulkley, Etzel, and Delhi roads south and east of Dixon on 4/15-16; they were found in the same area last year, perhaps indicating a regular migrant passageway. Single Snowy Plovers were found at Folsom Lake near the Granite Bay Boat Launch on 4/17-21 (eBird Checklist S107283877) and CRP off Desmond Rd on 4/24. A Ruff at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 4/17-23 was well-seen and photographed (eBird Checklist S107862578), and among the few Solitary Sandpiper reports for the region this month was one at CRP on 4/24 north of Twin Cities Rd. The only Least Bittern record for the month was from Sutter NWR on 4/23.

Five Lewis's Woodpeckers continued at CRP on the Orr Ranch property as late as 4/25, continuing the presence of this species from this winter on the flats of the Valley floor in a year with good but not staggering numbers in the low-elevation foothills where they are expected. Hammond's, Gray, and Dusky flycatchers, as with Calliope Hummingbird mentioned above, appear to be more numerous than previously thought as they move through our area in spring. Say's Phoebes continue to establish themselves not just as a common wintering species, but as an increasing local nester. A Loggerhead Shrike nest at the Sacramento Regional WTP found on 4/19 containing five featherless young was notable for its location: a pile of tumbleweed blown against a fence. Brewer's Sparrows were reported from two locations along ARP on 4/26, with one at the William B. Pond access, and two at Sailor Bar. A Black-throated Sparrow was an excellent find near the El Manto River access on 4/23, where it was seen and photographed (eBird Checklist S107865207) by many. A Green-tailed Towhee was a nice find in western Nevada County, just south of Spenceville Wildlife Area on 4/25. Good numbers of migrants at CRP on 4/23 included a locally impressive 18 Nashville's Warblers. Female Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warblers were seen breaking off small twigs, and were followed closely by a male at CRP on 4/17, and River Bend Park along ARP on 4/13, suggesting breeding behavior. This is quite surprising for a species known regionally as a breeder in montane coniferous forest, but a female seen with three young in southeast Glenn County a few years ago indicates lower-elevation nesting is possible. Finally, the young male Summer Tanager found feeding on bees at Fairytale Town, William Land Park, on 2/16 continued through at least 4/22.

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, Krystal Coles, Lyann Comrack, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Rob Furrow, Linda Gal, Susan Goodrich, Bob Greenleaf, Kevin Guse, Cliff Hawley, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Jim Laughlin, Cathie LaZier, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Ethan Monk, Adam Panto, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Steve Scott, Judy Spitler, Cameron Tescher, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, and Bark Wickel. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

March 2022

The waiting is the hardest part, or so the song goes. March has many spring-like days, but if you're hoping for spring migration to fully arrive, you'll have to wait a little bit longer. This March there were a few early Warbling Vireos, Cassin's Vireos, and Wilson's Warblers in the last week of the month, but it isn't until mid-April that the first waves of spring migrants reach our area. So we wait. Yet, from a diversity standpoint, March is very rich, with most of the wintering birds (ducks, massive numbers of geese) continuing, augmented by early Neotropical species like Swainson's Hawks, all of the regular swallows, Western Kingbirds (the first reported this year was on 3/12), and Bullock's Orioles having arrived well before month's end. A Common Poorwill singing along lower Latrobe Rd in Sacramento County on 3/11 was an excellent find. Allen's Hummingbirds were found at Brannan Island SRA on 3/5 and at a private residence southwest of Clarksburg on 3/22.

Among the notable shorebirds were lingering Mountain Plovers in ag fields along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of the Colusa County line, with at least three continuing through 3/6. A Marbled Godwit on Marcuse Rd in Sutter County, west of Hwy 99, on 3/3 was a bit early for local records, as was another (eBird checklist S105650730) along Desmond Rd at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 3/26-30. Also on 3/3, a Lesser Black-backed Gull (2nd cycle) and a Glaucous Gull (1st cycle) were found at the Yolo County Central Landfill (eBird checklist S104115896). Five Long-eared Owls continued at a traditional roost site since January at a portion of CRP with limited access. Short-eared Owl reports have been fairly limited of late, with one along Yolo County Rd 27, between Rds 103 and 104, on 3/6, and up to three along Sankey Rd, west of Hwy 99 in Sutter County (eBird checklist S104344985) for much of the month.

This March produced an unexpected Yellow-bellied Sapsucker bonanza, with an immature female seen by many at Gibson Ranch from 3/16-23 (eBird checklist S104957211), accounting for the first widely-seen individual of this species in Sacramento County for decades. And then from 3/20-29, a male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (eBird checklist S105312382) was seen along Willowbank Ditch in Davis, at San Marino Park. It appears to have been lingering from earlier in the season where views had been inconclusive. The Eastern Phoebe at the southern tip of Tyler Island first found on 12/12 was last reported on 3/5, and the Gray Flycatcher continued at CRP through at least 3/26. The first Purple Martin of the year was found on 3/18 at the Sutterville overpass near Sacramento City College. Reported as a hyper-local point of privilege, a male Phainopepla found on 3/12 during a tour of the Sacramento Regional WTP Bufferlands was a long-overdue new addition to the property's bird list (number 246). Meiss Rd continued to host two Vesper Sparrows, and the young male Summer Tanager found feeding on bees at Fairytale Town, William Land Park, on 2/16 continued through at least 3/16.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserv (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Lyann Comrack, Konshau Duman, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Frank Fabbro, Susan Goodrich, Ben Graber, Cliff Hawley, Liam Huber, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Jasen Liu, Mark Martucci, Dana Miller-Blair, Nora Papian, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Cameron Tescher, John Trochet, Tom Uslan, Lynette Williams, and Zachary Yeates. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2022

The avian calendar progressed on schedule even though the weather was unexpectedly warm and dry--yet another month without rain. By month's end, Sandhill Cranes were leaving, and early arrivals were here in the form of five regular species of swallows. The first Rufous Hummingbird of the season was reported locally on 2/19. Most notable records for the period were continuing from earlier in the season, including the female Long-tailed Duck found on 11/26 near the Nimbus Hatchery, usually below the Hazel Ave bridge, and continuing well into March. A Common Poorwill was flushed along Meiss Rd on 2/16, providing a nice surprise for the season, or really, any season.

The only Mountain Plovers reported in the region continued in ag fields along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of the Colusa County line, at least through the first week of the month. A few interesting gull reports near the Yolo County Central Landfill included an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull beginning on 2/24, and a second-cycle bird (eBird checklist S103857399) beginning on 2/27. A first-cycle Glaucous Gull was first reported on 2/18 (eBird checklist S103534630), and an adult Glaucous Gull was reported on 2/25. One to two Pacific Loons were seen on Folsom Lake from Folsom Point through at least 2/21. The Neotropic Cormorant found on 12/31 along Brannan Island Rd at the junction of the San Joaquin River and Seven Mile Slough continued through at least 2/5; it likely persisted longer, but fewer people were making the long trip after more than a month of residence by this cooperative first county record. Long-eared Owls are very rare locally, but at least ten were found at a traditional roost site in late February at a portion of Cosumnes River Preserve with limited access.

The Eastern Phoebe at the southern tip of Tyler Island continued from 12/12 into March. A Lawrence's Goldfinch spent a week mid-month visiting a Sacramento yard just south of Sutter's Landing, and Meiss Rd produced two Vesper Sparrows in the same area the species was found the previous winter. A young male Summer Tanager first found feeding on bees at hives at Fairytale Town, William Land Park, on 2/16 (eBird checklist S103548804 and eBird checklist S103410208) continued into March. It was mostly cooperative, providing a winter highlight for dozens of birders. This is a rare bird locally, but most records have been of migrants in late summer, and this accounts for one of very few wintering records.

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, Dan Brown, Aidan Brubaker, Krystal Coles, Lyann Comrack, Lily Douglas, Konshau Duman, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Linda Gal, Susan Goodrich, Cliff Hawley, Liam Huber, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Jasen Liu, Mark Martucci, Ethan Monk, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Cameron Tescher, John Trochet, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2022

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

Winter records of Semipalmated Plovers (eBird checklist S100099775) are quite rare, so the one first found at the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) on 12/20 was notable; it continued sporadically through 1/10. Mountain Plovers continued in ag fields along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of the Colusa County line. A Western Sandpiper was a nice find at SRWTP in the first half of the month, as were two south of Stone Lake NWR on 1/3, and another at CRP on 1/26. One to two Pacific Loons were seen on Folsom Lake from Folsom Point throughout the month. The Neotropic Cormorant found on 12/31 among a group of Double-crested Cormorants along Brannan Island Rd at the junction of the San Joaquin River and Seven Mile Slough continued into February. A Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk was a nice surprise at CRP on 1/3. Long-eared Owls are quite rare locally, but 8-10 were found at a traditional roost site on 1/6 and 1/22 at a portion of CRP with limited access.

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

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserv (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Lyann Comrack, Konshau Duman, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Lauren Glevanik, Susan Goodrich, Mike Guard, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Liam Huber, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, John Trochet, Jane Van Kessel, Dan Williams, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2021

Not that long ago, reports of Trumpeter Swans were pretty rare. It now seems that there are always a few about to be found, and fortunately there are some people who are willing to search through tens of thousands of Tundra Swans to find them. On 12/7, there were at least 4 Trumpeter Swans (two adults and two juveniles) at the east end of Sankey Rd in southern Sutter County (eBird checklist S99609884). The female Long-tailed Duck found on 11/26 near the Nimbus Hatchery continued into January. Most views were rather brief as the bird repeatedly dove below the Hazel Ave bridge, spending more time underwater than on the surface. A female-type Red-breasted Merganser from 12/2-9 was a first for the Sacramento County Bufferlands.

With increased reports of Neotropic Cormorants in southeastern California and then into the Central Valley, it was only a matter of time for Sacramento County's first. One of these smaller, relatively longer-tailed cormorants was found on 12/31 among a group of Double-crested Cormorants along Brannan Island Rd at the junction of the San Joaquin River and Seven Mile Slough. It continued in the area and was seen by many into January. A Pacific Golden-Plover found on 12/5 was a nice find at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP). Out-of-season Semipalmated Plovers included one at Staten Island on 12/2 and one at the Sacramento Regional WTP on 12/20-22. Mountain Plovers continued in ag fields along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of the Colusa County line. On 12/16, two Pacific Loons were found on Folsom Lake, seen from Folsom Point, while Common Loons were surprisingly hard to come by this season.

This month produced a nice assortment of uncommon to rare flycatchers. A Hammond's Flycatcher spent the month at Reichmuth Park (eBird checklist S99721549), and a Gray Flycatcher (eBird checklist S99076368) returned to winter at CRP. A Hammond's Flycatcher was also found at the EC Garden on the UC Davis campus on 12/7-16, and a Dusky Flycatcher (eBird checklist S98764536) at CRP on 12/11 was quite a surprise. The most cooperative rare flycatcher was an Eastern Phoebe at the southern tip of Tyler Island (eBird checklist S99730949), continuing from 12/12 into January. Two Northern Rough-winged Swallows that spent the month at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery were a nice surprise, while Chipping Sparrows were hard to come by after being quite regular in recent winters. The Black-and-white Warbler found at Reichmuth Park on 11/20-21 was refound on 12/4 and continued through at least 12/11.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserv (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Lyann Comrack, Konshau Duman, Gil Ewing, Cliff Hawley, JIm Holmes, Liam Huber, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, John Trochet, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2021

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

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

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

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

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserv (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Lyann Comrack, Lily Douglas, Konshau Duman, Gil Ewing, Mike Guard, David Hamilton, Denise Hamilton, Cliff Hawley, JIm Holmes, Liam Huber, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Leslie Morris, Adam Panto, Nora Papian, Michael Perrone, Ron Pozzi, Jim Rowoth, Uday Sant, Steve Scott, Katie Smith, Cameron Tescher, John Trochet, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2021

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

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

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

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserv (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Lisa Bach, Terry Berger, Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Diane Colborn, Lyann Comrack, Lily Douglas, Konshau Duman, Gil Ewing, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Eric Pilotte, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Cameron Tescher, Jim Thomas, John Trochet, Bart Wickel, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

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.

August 2021

August is one of our hottest months, both in terms of temperature and bird migration. Thankfully, after a very slow spring, the beginning of "fall" migration was more typical in terms of days reported with decent movements of birds. Woodland WTP produced regular reports of up to five Redheads throughout the month, and even a Greater Scaup on 8/17. The first returning Sandhill Cranes were reported from Staten Island on 8/30. A female/immature Costa's Hummingbird was an excellent find at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 8/5.

As is often the case, shorebirds stole the show. A Snowy Plover was found at Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) on 8/9, and Snowy Plover reports from the North Regional Pond near the Woodland WTP came on 8/11, 8/16 (eBird checklist) and 8/19-21. There were good numbers of Marbled Godwits throughout the area, especially in Yolo County, and one at the odd location of William B Pond along the American River Parkway (ARP) on 8/5 is worth noting. Baird's Sandpipers, Pectoral Sandpipers, Semipalmated Sandpipers, and Solitary Sandpipers were widely reported and too numerous to list individually. A Ruddy Turnstone photographed on 8/16 (eBird checklist) at SRWTP was just the third county record, and one was seen briefly on ag land west of Clarksburg on 8/31; we go many years without any reports of this predominantly coastal species. A Red Phalarope at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 8/8-9 (eBird checklist) was an excellent record for the Central Valley of this most pelagic of the phalaropes. An adult Franklin's Gull was found at Woodland WTP on 8/7-9 and a hatch-year Franklin's Gull was found on 8/31 at the same location. A Brown Pelican seen off Sherman Island on 8/11 in southwestern Sacramento County was a nice find.

A Northern Pygmy-Owl was reported briefly calling at Gibson Ranch Park on 8/14, which is very early for this species to turn up on the valley floor. Very early Merlins were found at Sailor Bar on 8/23 and photographed downstream at Larchmont Park on 8/24. A Lewis's Woodpecker at Sailor Bar along the ARP on 8/31 was a nice surprise, as was a Gray Flycatcher at CRP on 8/10. A Red-eyed Vireo reported at Lake Solano on 8/25 was the only truly rare songbird reported in the area. Keeping on the early bird theme, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet was found at East Portal Park in Sacramento on 8/12. Up to seven Brewer's Sparrows were found at Folsom Point beginning on 8/24, but the report of a very early Sooty Fox Sparrow at CRP on 8/10 was even more unexpected. Finally, Yellow-breasted Chats (eBird checklist) were more widely reported than usual, and always make a nice highlight for any outing.

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, Sophia Chau, Lyann Comrack, Konshau Duman, Andy Engilis, Marcus England, Bob Greenleaf, Cliff Hawley, Emmett Iverson, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Tim Ludwick, Mark Martucci, Ed Pandolfino, Zane Pickus, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Lucas Stephenson, Mark Stephenson, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, Emily Wells, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.