Sacramento Audubon Society is proud to offer a variety of field trips every month. Here’s some of what birders saw, heard, and experienced on recent field trips. Field trips are open to birders of all abilities. We’d love to have you join us on an upcoming Sacramento Audubon field trip.
In addition to the usual resident birds, we saw a Lewis's Woodpecker. Image by Ray Rozema
Putah Creek Preserve, (10/14)
Leader Ben Graber reported: "The trip went pretty well. We birded Putah Creek, Lake Solano and Monticello Dam. In addition to the usual resident birds, we saw a Lewis's Woodpecker and Wilson's and Townsend's Warblers. We heard a Sora and saw lots of Wood Ducks. At the dam we heard a Rock Wren, but it stayed well hidden."
Gibson Ranch, (10/15)
A row of sprinklers spraying across the lawn provided bath time for dozens of Cedar Waxwings. Image by Ray Rozema.
Leader Kevin Thomas reported: "It was a wonderful morning for a Sacramento Audubon Society field trip, with seven participants all ready to help each other out so we could see as many species as possible. The morning started crisp and sunny with good looks at Green Heron along the water's edge and plenty of Killdeer running around along the lawn shoreline. We spotted a Red-shouldered Hawk feeding on something across the pond on the ground and were able to see its beautiful feathers glistening in the morning sun. There were flocks of Red-winged and Brewer's Blackbirds interspersed with Brown-headed Cowbirds fluttering around the trees and wires around the park. A row of sprinklers spraying across the lawn provided bath time for dozens of Cedar Waxwings, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Western Bluebirds. A short time later we found our first of three Black-throated Gray Warblers for the morning feeding in a valley oak tree. The lawn area was a feeding ground for Yellow-rumped Warblers, Dark-eyed Juncos, and a few Chipping Sparrows foraging around picking up any invertebrates they could find. Although Black Phoebes are common in the park we were excited to get good looks at a Say's Phoebe flycatching and perching along the boulders that line the road through the park. As the morning wore on the birds became less active but we had a good time looking, listening and chatting about various aspects of bird biology and behavior. A Red-breasted Nuthatch prompted a discussion on irruption years in the valley of higher elevation specialists. This fall and winter is shaping up to be a good one for this species. Thanks to those who attended, good birding!"
Reichmuth Park, (10/20)
A Red-shouldered Hawk greeted us. Image by Daniel Brown
Leader Eric Johnson reported: “Eight intrepid birders ventured into the wilds of this urban oasis. A Red-shouldered Hawk greeted us from a wire across the canal and gave us a nice loud welcoming cry. In the park proper, we got glimpses of a Black-throated Gray Warbler and a Townsend's Warbler, in addition to the usual (for this time of year) Yellow-rumped Warblers and Northern Flickers. Three very late (or insanely early?) Western Tanagers popped out for a moment and a merry flock of Bushtits scampered through the blackberry bushes, scoffing at the herbicides causing the brown leaves. At the north end of the park, Western Bluebirds, House Finches, and American Goldfinches frolicked in the soccer fields. We found 31 birds and introduced two first-time visitors to one of the best, most easily birdable spots in Sacramento.”
Effie Yeaw Nature Center Family Nature Walk, (10/21)
As usual, the first birds observed were Acorn Woodpeckers. Image by Ray Rozema
Co-leaders Rich Howard and Lynne Tweten reported: "We joined EYNC Naturalist Hannah Steurer to lead a full group (15) on an easy walk under perfect weather conditions. Children ranged in age from about 5 to high schoolers, and the adults were augmented by folks who joined us on the trails. As usual, the first birds observed were Acorn Woodpeckers, busy at work storing acorns for the winter. We pointed out the sapsucker holes in various trees and explained their habits, but were not rewarded with a glimpse of the culprits. Soaring Turkey Vultures shared the skies with Red-tailed Hawks and Red-shouldered Hawks. Water birds were scarce due to continuing high, fast water, but we did find Mallards and a Snowy Egret. On our return we were joined by two Anna’s Hummingbirds and a Northern Flicker. At the end, families expressed their gratitude for all they learned and headed inside the visitor center to see Echo, the resident Great Horned Owl."
Beginning Birder Walk, William Pond Park, (10/22)
Larry Hickey, co-leader with Rich Howard, Nancy Kapellas and Jane Van Kessel, reported: "Following a rain shower, which ended just in time, 11 of us enjoyed a beautiful fall morning at the William Pond part of the American River Parkway. A cooperative flock of Cedar Waxwings stayed on a eucalyptus tree just across from where we started providing us with excellent scope views. White-crowned Sparrows were active the entire morning, singing everywhere, and other recently returned winter residents were found, including large numbers of American Coots and a few Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Highlights included watching a Cooper's Hawk being chased off by a group of Yellow-billed Magpies, Gadwall on the open water, and excellent scope views of what appeared to be a genuine Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker."
Sailor Bar, (10/24)
Flying overhead was a kettle of Turkey Vultures. We presumed that they are congregating for the Salmon run. Image by Chris Conard
Leader Darrell Mohr reported: "Cool clear morning and ten people ready to go birding. The parking lot had a number of different species of birds including a large flock of White-crowned Sparrows. Then off to the trail that leads to the Fish Hatchery overlook. At that point Double-crested Cormorants were perched on the wire that spans the river. Also perched on the wire were California Gulls. Then we went back to the trail along the American River. We soon saw Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Bushtits. Farther down the river we noted a large number of gulls on a little island; among the group were California and Herring Gulls. Also flying overhead was a kettle of Turkey Vultures. We presumed that they are congregating for the Salmon run. We had a total of 44 species."
Napa-Sonoma Marches, (10/25)
Great birding began in the parking lot with a Merlin. Image by Susan Goodrich
Amy McDonald, co-leader with Nancy Gronert, reported: "For shorebird lovers, the Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA--Huichica Unit was the place to be on October 25th.
We scheduled our trip to take advantage of a noon high tide with the expectation that shorebirds from nearby mudflats would crowd onto islands and the Pond 7A levee as the tide rose. We were not disappointed. Great birding began in the parking lot with an American Kestrel, Merlin, Northern Harrier, and juvenile Cooper’s Hawk, followed by a Loggerhead Shrike as we headed out. Several exposed islands in the pond to the east of the main trail were packed with shorebirds, with highlights being two Snowy Plovers, a Pectoral Sandpiper, and many Semipalmated Plovers. Walking through the eucalyptus grove, Soras and a Virginia Rail were heard calling from the adjacent marsh. As we approached the levee we could hear the noisy cacophony of thousands of shorebirds, and we arrived to find every inch of the levee occupied. It was an incredible sight as shorebirds continued to pour in and clouds of birds rose and then jostled to find places to land. It was a daunting task to estimate total counts for each species. Thanks to all of our trip participants for their enthusiasm and contributions to a great trip. The complete checklist can be found here (photo credit to Susan Goodrich): eBird Checklist S153067682.”
One of the best birds today was a White-throated Sparrow. Image by Daniel Brown
Auburn State Recreation Area, (10/27)
Leader Craig Swolgaard reported: "Today was a great day! Seven of us started out at 8AM and spent over three hours birding over a 4.5 mile hike in Auburn SRA. The morning started out cold but warmed up once the sun got higher. A total of 39 species were recorded. One of the best birds today was a White-throated Sparrow, well seen and photographed by all. Others included Band-tailed Pigeons, Purple Finch, Green Heron, and Steller’s Jay. The hike takes you through oak woodland and grassland, a deep ravine with conifers and a creek, and some riparian / pond habitat. Many of the “winter” species such as Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Cedar Waxwing were present. Here is a link to our eBird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153179285."
Bridgeway Island Pond, (10/28)
Large numbers of Greater Yellowlegs were joined at the pond by fewer but still numerous Lesser Yellowlegs. Image by Mary Forrestal
Maureen Geiger, co-leader with Cliff Feldheim, reported: "Twelve cold, windblow but undaunted birders enjoyed the Pond and surrounding area seeing almost 60 species of birds on this first cold, fall morning. Cliff Feldheim joined Maureen as a co-leader and shared his vast knowledge of the Pond and its birds from cul-de-sac to levee. Highlights, of course, were the huge numbers of Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal plus qually large numbers of yellowlegs, stilts and dowitchers. Other species included Western Grebes on the Channel and Forster’s Tern, Say’s Phoebe, and an end-of-trip Sora."
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, (11/4)
Leader Dan Williams reported: "Eight of us had a magnificent day in Napa Valley which started at Lake Hennessey Boat Launch, where we were entertained by birds for two hours without hardly leaving the parking lot! The lake itself was teeming with grebes (mostly Westerns but we were able to pick out a few Clark's), many of which still had begging juveniles in tow (too large to ride on their parents' backs, but not above continuing to beg). A Hairy Woodpecker bombed into one of the trees at the edge of the parking lot and was cooperative enough to give us some great views in the scope.
A young Bonaparte's Gull put in an appearance flying up and back across the middle of the lake. Image by Daniel Brown
Walking up the edge of the lake just a short way, we were surprised to hear a couple of Virginia Rails calling, and then were even more surprised to have a brief look at a flying Sora! A Red-breasted Nuthatch was a nice treat along the shore, a young Bonaparte's Gull put in an appearance flying up and back across the middle of the lake, and then atop a conifer on the far western side of the lake we spotted a distant Bald Eagle. As we were getting back to our cars and about to head to our next destination, the eagle lumbered our way giving us a spectacular rather low fly-by. From late morning into early afternoon, we birded the Redwood Trail at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, meandering up Ritchey Creek Canyon from the picnic area. Quite near the trailhead turned out to be where most of the avian activity was, with a mixed flock containing Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Brown Creepers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and at least one each of Hutton's Vireo and Townsend's Warbler. Above that spot, the trail got rather quiet with the exception of the occasional Steller's Jays and Band-tailed Pigeons, until...two gargantuan Pileated Woodpeckers came loping into a Doug-fir across the creek from us that was bestrewn with grapevines and proceeded to work at the grapes, sometimes dangling like parrots! A most entertaining encounter to end the day with. We toasted to the pair at V. Sattui Winery where we had a lovely après-birding wine and cheese."
Traylor Ranch, (11/5)
The consensus was there were a lot of White-crowned Sparrows. Image by Chris Conard.
Mary Forrestal, co-leader with Susan Goodrich, reported: "16 birders set off on a cloudy Sunday morning to see just how many White-crowned Sparrows could be squeezed into 88 acres of bird sanctuary. Along the way they saw 5 different types of woodpeckers including: Acorn, Nuttall’s, Downy, Northern Flicker, and 2 Red-breasted Sapsuckers! Several raptors also put in appearances: Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, American Kestrel, Cooper’s Hawk, and a possible Sharpie. Good looks at a Purple Finch were appreciated by all. But the grand prize for many was a California Thrasher singing at the top of a tree! Altogether 45 species were seen and the consensus was there were a lot of White-crowned Sparrows. You can see the complete eBird list for the trip at https://ebird.org/checklist/S153847816."
Cosumnes River Preserve, (11/7)
An American Pipit was seen just off the path at the water’s edge. Image by Dana J. Miller-Blair
Leader Cathie LaZier reported: "The fog lifted and the sun came out just as 16 of us started along the seasonal wetland trail. Several experienced birders carried scopes and spotted birds, assisting the newer birders in finding 10 species of ducks, a few species of shorebirds and hawks, and a variety of small passerines. Sandhill Cranes were abundant and we had great scope views."
Nimbus Fish Hatchery, (11/11)
Susan Goodrich reported: "15 birders set off on sunny morning with Fish and Wildlife educator Molly Shea to explore the Nimbus Fish hatchery environs, and were immediately rewarded with a beautiful male American Kestrel perched on a wire over the American River. Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and Spotted Sandpipers dotted the river, as 19 Double-crested Cormorants lined the cross-river wire. Two Black-crowned Night Herons were spied in the netted area south of the river. Molly shared information about the current salmon run as salmon ran upstream in the river and swam around the tanks. Molly also offered a treat as she took the group behind the chain-link fence to walk around the two overflow retention ponds south of the river. The reward was a beautiful Northern Pintail among the Herons, Mallards and many, many gulls. A 2-3 year old Bald Eagle soared overhead, showing it knew no boundaries like chain link fences. Gulls came and went throughout the morning and though most were identified as California Gulls, the group was able to spy a few Herring Gulls and a Glaucous-winged Gull. Another treat was a great number of White-throated Swifts, circling overhead as the group circled back around towards the bridge. A final lap was taken near the dam, showing more gulls, Cedar Waxwings, Bewick’s Wrens, and a very large kettle of Turkey Vultures stewing overhead! Complete lists of the birds seen can be found here."
https://ebird.org/checklist/S154228229 & https://ebird.org/checklist/S154243475
Beginning Birder Walk at William Pond Park, (11/12)
Larry Hickey, co-leader with Rich Howard and Jane Van Kessel, reported: "On a perfect November morning 10 of us enjoyed birding at the William Pond part of the American River Parkway. Yellow-billed Magpies and California Scrub-Jays were active and very vocal the entire morning. We started out with good views of Western Bluebirds, Yellow-rumped Warblers, European Starlings and a male Northern Flicker. On the open water we were pleased to see Pied-billed Grebes, American Coots and beautiful Wood Ducks. We were also surprised to see an increasing number (five) of Mute Swans. Highlights were good scope views of a Great Blue Heron beginning to acquire breeding plumage, and a close, very cooperative Red-shouldered Hawk spotted by one of our beginning birders."