[SBB] S.C. Co. Bird List

We have made a good start in January on the composite list with a total of 201 species. This reflects, I believe, a lot of activity by local birders plus a few lingering rarities from December. In the previous 7 years, our January start has averaged 193 species and out best counts have been 196, so this 201 is a good start indeed.

There are simply too many 4's to list. On 1 Jan alone, we found 14 4's and by the end of the month there were 22.

We had nine 5's in January--7 were holdovers, but 2 were new. On 1 Jan, numerous birders checked out the SOLITARY SANDPIPER northwest of the Coyote Creek GC (apparently not seen past 3:00 pm) and the BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER at Upper Penitencia Creek Park. The same day, a pair of GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES were seen at the Coyote Creek GC, but were missed by many--they must have other areas they are using that we have yet to hit upon. The male RUFF at the New Chicago Marsh was refound on 3 Jan and seen through the end of the month. Also wintering, a NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was refound on 3 Jan at the Charleston Road marsh and probably a second bird was seen the same day along Stevens Creek below La Avenida--could there be three birds here? A new 5 for the month was a TUNDRA SWAN found on Grant Lake on 6 Jan and seen at least for a few days. SNOWY PLOVERS were found on 13 Jan on closed ponds at Alviso, but also along the Alviso Slough Trail. A CATTLE EGRET seen on 14 Jan at the Palo Alto Duck Pond may have been the same bird that has been wandering around locally, but found only irregularly. Lastly, on the high tides at the end of the month, a SWAMP SPARROW was found along Alviso Slough not far from the Alviso Marina.

Three 6's were holdovers from fall and early winter. An immature male YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER wintering at Ed Levin CP was found on 1 Jan. Although somewhat elusive, it has been seen to the end of the month. The adult BRANT doing the Palo Alto-Shoreline circuit was picked up on 2 Jan and remained a bit longer, but now appears gone. Finally, one of the PELAGIC CORMORANTS found in December was seen again on 2 Jan.

[SBB] S.C. Co. Bird List - January