From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 01 10:53:08 2000 Subject: [SBB] Arastradero Gobblers -------- Taking a morning walk to catch the early migrants and the nice weather and scenery at Arastradero, I saw WILD TURKEYS for the first time there -- on the hillside west of the creek trail, between the lake and the upper pond. It was a pair, with the male displaying -- quite a sight. The WHITE-TAILED KITE pair was displaying (flying with legs down and talons extended) and perching near each other. Among spring migrants were plenty of singing ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, 3 BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, and a single BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER. A large flock of AMERICAN GOLDFINCH were feeding on the new buds of a California Live Oak, and the Pine Siskin "zhreeee" sound was emitting from the tree -- I couldn't locate a Siskin by sight, and don't know but that AMGOs may be able to mimic this sound. -- Tom Grey Stanford Law School [[email protected]] -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 01 12:33:14 2000 Subject: [SBB] Greater Roadrunner -------- This morning as we were driving up Quimby Road to Joseph D. Grant County Park, we spotted a GREATER ROADRUNNER on the left hand side of the road, about half way up Quimby, perched on a wood fence post. At the park, we saw plenty of WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, ACORN WOODPECKERS and WESTERN MEADOWLARKS. Near the Visitor Center, we saw BULLOCK'S ORIOLES and a PURPLE FINCH. In the lake, we saw BUFFLEHEADS, a GREATER YELLOWLEGS, a CINNAMON TEAL, a GADWALL, and plenty of BLUE HERONS. Pat Curtis -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 01 15:09:20 2000 Subject: [SBB] Re: Spring Arrivals -------- > The Hooded Oriole males have been back in SFD for over a week, Pigeon > Guillemots for a few days, no flycatchers yet (except BLPH) What is SFD? I'm guessing from the Pigeon Guillemots that it isn't Santa Clara Co. -- if I'm wrong, please let us know where it is! Al -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 02 07:28:01 2000 Subject: [SBB] Possible Swainson's Hawk in Campbell area -------- 'mornin' all... Yesterday morning, around 0825 I observed what appeared to be a bird of prey being hotly pursued by a mob of crows. The BOP landed in what looked like a Redwood tree at the SW corner of Anthony & Rincon Drive, in Campbell. It was interesting in that as I viewed the scene from a distance, crows were arriving from all points of the compass. In order to get a better view, I drove to there and tried to ID the bird being harassed. It being 40-50 ft up, and 50-60 feet over, and facing away from me did little to enhance the view. I did get to observe it for approximately 40 min. Of course as I was trying to get the blood running again in my arm, he took flight, so I missed that view through the glasses. I only got glimpses of his underside markings. Nothing definitive enough to be sure--other than it was NOT a Red-tailed Hawk. The best view I got was of the top of his tail, as he was preening. The tail absolutely positively was brown and black stripped. With the brown stripes being nearly double as wide as the black. I'd say that I could see around 10 or so brown stripes. All-in-all, he was mostly brown, and his bottom was a smooth pale cream color. My best guess is that it's a SWAINSON'S HAWK. It's been hanging around the area for the last couple of weeks. But this was the first good (if you can call that good) view I've managed to get of it. Anybody else in the Campbell area aware of this? Up to 60 crows harassed him for nearly 30 min. But then, they slowly began to disappear as he totally ignored them. When he flew off, there wasn't a crow around, and all was silent again... Best regards, Dusty Bleher Campbell, Ca. -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 02 09:23:13 2000 Subject: [SBB] PSFL -------- This morning, Sunday, I heard for the first time my local PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER. For the last 2 years he has been living in our immediate neighborhood. He calls and calls, but I don't know if he has ever found a mate. Have never seen young ones around. Kathy Parker PS Juncos are still incubating.The eggs should hatch today, or tomorrow. -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 02 10:52:15 2000 Subject: [SBB] San Benito Co.--CAKI's and LAGO's -------- Yesterday (Saturday) morning, there were two Cassin's Kingbirds along with some Lawrence's Goldfinches on Panoche Road at the first ranch houses to the east of the New Idria junction. In the afternoon I saw one, probably two, Cassin's Kingbirds in the area around the junction of Highway 25 and Cienega Road. --Peter ------------------------------------------------------ Peter LaTourrette Bird Photography: http://www.birdphotography.com/ Bird Photo Gallery: http://www.stanford.edu/~petelat1/ -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 02 15:01:07 2000 Subject: [SBB] Some good county birds -------- All, A quick note on the SCVAS field trip to Alum Rock Park (Al Eisner may post more later). The most unusual bird, for Alum Rock park, seen on Saturday (4/1) was an apparent female Osprey (heavy black necklace) flying over the upper part of the Todd L. Quick Memorial Loop trail (heading east). An interacting pair of Western Kingbirds and Rufous-crowned Sparrows were also seen on the loop trail. In the valley a Northern Pygmy-Owl was calling from the south side of the trail about 100 yds upstream of the eastern end of the parking lot (and about 100 yds downstream of the Canyon Wren which was calling from and cleaning out a large hole in a tree [a Sycamore?] in the Sycamore Grove Picnic Area). The owl was about 120 yds upstream of where a pair fledged three(?) young last year. An adult male Black-headed Grosbeak (our first of the year) was seen near the Youth Science Institute just downstream of the usual Great-horned Owl roost tree. Take care, Bob Reiling, 2:59 PM, 4/2/00 -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 02 15:27:44 2000 Subject: [SBB] Nestbox Monitering -------- Hi, Today I monitored my nestbox trail which is located in Grant Ranch Park at 2000' in the Mt Hamilton Range above San Jose, Ca. 22 of 39 boxes monitored showed nesting activity from four different species. Of the 22 boxes with nests, three contained WEBB eggs, one of those with a FWEBB brooding on a full clutch of six. 42 species of birds were observed. The sharp eyes of my son, David, spotted Redbreasted Sapsucker and Fox Sparrow. Welcomed back were Western Wood Pewee and Bullock's Oriole. Let the brooding begin! Good birding to all! David Cook Campbell, Ca. -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 02 17:01:59 2000 Subject: [SBB] FW: Parakeets(?) in Sunnyvale -------- ---------- From: Michael Wienholt <[[email protected]]> To: [[email protected]] Subject: Parakeets(?) in Sunnyvale Date: Sun, Apr 2, 2000, 9:13 AM All, Yesterday afternoon at 16:00, a raucous group of 12 of what I believe are parakeets appeared at Manet & Remington across from the Community Center. Six of the birds were feeding in seed-bearing ornamental trees fronting the apartment complex, the remainder were high in a redwood. They flew off in a tight flock over the orchard and disappeared. Anyone in this area happen to notice these birds? I have zero experience with these birds, though I once saw a lone Monk Parakeet in Seaside, Oregon. These were large and green, with a large white bill and white eye-ring, with a hint of red on the head. Could these be Mitred or Red-masked? Funny to see such a large group. Michael Wienholt -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 02 17:22:52 2000 Subject: Re: [SBB] FW: Parakeets(?) in Sunnyvale -------- At 5:01 PM -0700 4/2/2000, Michael Wienholt wrote: >These were large and green, with a large white bill and white eye-ring, with >a hint of red on the head. Could these be Mitred or Red-masked? That sounds like a conure. There are a couple of naturalized bands of these loud, noisy, annoying birds in the area (he says, as a former owner of a pair of Mitred conures....). Parakeets are the size of finches or sparrows, and would generally be blue or green with light bills. Conures are more robin sized (or a bit larger), and they'd be all green with (for mitred) a red patch on top of the head. They're loud and squawky, while parakeets would be a lot quieter. -- -- Chuq Von Rospach - Plaidworks Consulting (mailto:[[email protected]]) Apple Mail List Gnome (mailto:[[email protected]]) And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar and say 'Man, what are you doing here?'" -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 02 18:14:02 2000 Subject: [SBB] Field trip to Alum Rock Park -------- [Grant: this trip report is written as draft submission to the Avocet.] Twelve intrepid birders braved dry trails, near-80-degree temperatures, and the ever-present danger of April Fool's jokes, to turn up about 50 species on SCVAS's April 1 field trip to Alum Rock Park in San Jose. It was warm early, with conditions good for soaring raptors, including our biggest sur- prise: an OSPREY soaring over the North Ridge. We also saw a sub-adult GOLDEN EAGLE, three COOPER'S HAWKs, one NORTHERN HARRIER, numerous RED-TAILED HAWKs, and several cooperative AMERICAN KESTRELs; and also a flock of about 20 TURKEY VULTUREs soon after 8 AM. Owls were represented by a heard-only NORTHERN PYGMY OWL in the Mineral Springs area (at 11 AM, no less); and a GREAT-HORNED OWL roosting in its familiar location by the YSI building. Frank Vanslager provided us with Questar-filling views of that owl and also of the head of a perched Turkey Vulture. Our only CALIFORNIA THRASHER was just heard singing, staying out of view. But we got an excellent look at a RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW along the Todd L. Quick loop trail, after an earlier one had given us only a brief glimpse. Another highlight was a singing BROWN CREEPER. Best of all, the CANYON WREN put on quite a show at the Sycamore Grove picnic area -- it was back at the large sycamore cavity (as first described by Pat Kenny on March 18), where it was alternately out of sight inside the cavity (apparently removing debris) and singing from perches on the rim. Recent arrivals were 2 WESTERN KINGBIRDs (at the high point of the Quick Trail, the same place where we saw the Eagle) and a singing male BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK. Other spring birds included a cooperative male ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD, at least 3 singing HOUSE WRENs, 2 singing ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERs, and at least 6 BULLOCK'S ORIOLEs. Thanks to everyone who participated -- all did their share in finding the good birds and in making this an enjoyable and successful trip. Al Eisner -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 02 18:31:25 2000 Subject: [SBB] OSPR, WTSP -------- Hi all, Yesterday morning an OSPREY was wheeling over Vasona Reservoir for several minutes, after which it soared off in a northwest direction. The WHITE-THROATED SPARROW is still coming to my feeders here in Los Gatos. The latest was this afternoon. Good birding to you all, Jean Dubois -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 02 18:52:07 2000 Subject: [SBB] RFI: Backyard nestbox use -------- All, If you have nestboxes at home (or elsewhere), please consider taking careful count of the eggs or young inside and reporting the number of birds that eventually fledge from your box or boxes. (Reports may be sent to me at this email address.) Chickadees, titmice, wrens, and nuthatches are already well into their nesting process as of this date. Last year, respondents from this list contributed significantly to the statewide totals of birds fledged representing several species. For example, only 23 Bewick's Wrens were reported fledged from nestboxes throughout the state. Santa Clara County nestboxes accounted for well over half of these. Similarly, local nestboxes accounted for nearly half of the Chestnut-backed Chickadees and nearly one quarter of the Oak Titmice reported statewide. All of these species have experienced substantial population declines in California in recent years, so our opportunity to give them a boost is of no small conservation significance. Thank you! Garth Harwood, Santa Clara County Coordinator Calif. Bluebird Recovery Program -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 02 21:07:13 2000 Subject: [SBB] SBB Woodpecker populations. -------- Last year many of us commented on the low numbers of Acorn Woodpeckers. Now they are everywhere once again, along with continued high numbers of Nuttal's. Anyone else notice this and/or have any idea of what is going on?? -- Richard C. Carlson Full-time Birder, Biker, Skier, Hiker Palo Alto, California Part-time Economist [[email protected]] -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 02 21:13:55 2000 Subject: [SBB] Changing of the guard at Arastradero -------- April 1 had an unusual confluence ofWinter and Spring birds. There were still Varied Thrush, Siskins and a Bufflehead but Golden-Crowned sparrows had departed. Bullock's Oriole, Warbling Vireo and Tree Swallows had arrived. The 280 overpass had White-throated swifts and Rough wing Swallows -- are both species now freeway specialists? Finally there still is a Sharp-shinned Hawk hanging around. I suspected they bred there last year. Is this possible?? -- Richard C. Carlson Full-time Birder, Biker, Skier, Hiker Palo Alto, California Part-time Economist [[email protected]] -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 02 22:07:28 2000 Subject: [SBB] Fremont Peak -------- Last night, we were up on Fremont Peak at the Observatory chasing Pluto. Starting about Midnight, Laurie repeatedly heard (and on a few occasions saw as it flew by) a Great Horned Owl. chuq (okay, it's VERY south bay...) -- -- Chuq Von Rospach - Plaidworks Consulting (mailto:[[email protected]]) Apple Mail List Gnome (mailto:[[email protected]]) And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar and say 'Man, what are you doing here?'" -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 03 08:30:34 2000 Subject: Re: [SBB] SBB Woodpecker populations. -------- > Last year many of us commented on the low numbers of Acorn Woodpeckers. > Now they are everywhere once again, along with continued high numbers of > Nuttal's. Anyone else notice this and/or have any idea of what is going > on?? In the fall of '98, I surveyed a number of local parks and had a hard time finding _any_ acorns. In contrast, acorns were abundant in the fall of '99. My guess is that they've discovered the change and come back down from the hills for the harvest. I, too, have noticed that there are lots of ACWO around this year. It's still a decline from years longer past, but certainly a welcome sight. ---------------- George Oetzel <[[email protected]]> -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 03 09:47:42 2000 Subject: [SBB] OSPR -------- All, While at my son's Little League game at Washington Park in Sunnyvale (near Iowa and Mathilda) on 4/1/00, I saw a low-flying OSPREY heading to the northwest. This bird finally caught a thermal and spiralled upward, being in view for over four minutes (which gave me plenty of time to grab the binoculars from the car and see that it was carrying a big fish - from one of our city ponds??) The thermal it rode up looked to be right over my house, so I guess I'll add it to the yard list :) Mike Rogers -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 03 10:10:37 2000 Subject: [SBB] Aratingas -------- Folks: My old _Parrots of the World_ book lists the genus _Aratinga_ as conures, as Chuq said. But in Sibley's and Monroe's list of world species they are called parakeets. The local flocks in Sunnyvale and Palo Alto are apparently all _Aratingas_--so call them conures, parakeets, or just _Aratingas_, as you wish. Life is confusing for us locally as there are at least four species of _Aratinga_ hanging around in either Sunnyvale or Palo Alto and they have nested in the past. Birds that have been carefully identified include Blue-Crowned, Mitred, Red-masked, and either Finsch's or White-eyed Parakeets. The provenance of both flocks has been reported nth hand, including that a Marine World truck rolled over and the birds escaped, but I've not had any first-hand information on their source. Many of these birds have bands (and the unbanded ones may be young that have been raised locally). There is a tendency in the various guides to overlook consfusing aspects of these _Aratingas_, as in the wild their ranges do not overlap. Mitred and Red-masked can be difficult to distinguish, unless well seen, and immature birds, which have less red, make this task more difficult. I am interested in records of these birds related to nesting and when you have the opportunity to clearly identify them to species. Bill -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 03 11:01:27 2000 Subject: [SBB] RSHA nest -------- Yesterday, 4/2/00 I noticed that a pair of RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS have begun nesting once again in the eucalyptas trees along Hilow Road, near Marchmont Drive in Los Gatos. Specifically, the nest is about 80 feet up in the 7th tree from Marchmont, on Hilow Road. The adult appears to be incubating. Alan -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 03 11:13:37 2000 Subject: [SBB] Fwd: Stanford campus sightings -------- I believe this was meant for the whole list and not just for the list bureaucrat... Les -------------------------------------- Date: Sunday, April 2, 2000 From: David B. Lewis <[[email protected]]> This weekend began to see a few migrants in the Frenchman's Road and Mayfield Road areas including three singing Wilson's Warblers (not seen), two male and one female Bullock's Orioles, and a male Rufous Hummingbird (in my backyard!). There were also numerous singing Yellow Rumped Warblers (both Audubon's and Myrtle's), Golden- and White-Crowned Sparrows and even a singing Ruby Crowned Kinglet (one of the loudest songs relative to body size in my experience). Could not find any Hooded Orioles at Frenchman's as yet. - Dave Lewis David B. Lewis Division of Immunology/Transplantation Biology, Room H-307 Stanford University School of Medicine 300 Pasteur Drive Stanford, CA 94305-5208 Tel: (650) 498-4189 FAX: (650) 498-6077 -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 03 13:47:37 2000 Subject: [SBB] Skyline area birds -------- SBB, Yesterday, 4/2/00, a female VARIED THRUSH foraged near the house. This morning, I heard one singing. Do female VATH sing? Also, seen yesterday, the reddish FOX SPARROW that I'm narrowing down to altivagans or zaboria. I think schistacea may be eliminated because the individual at my house has faint, but noticeable, mantle streaking. One problem is that the two guides that I'm using, Byers, et al, and Rising claim different things for altivagans (if I'm remembering correctly) in regards to back streaking. Anyway, this bird continues to hang around. I got a new yard bird yesterday, too. An adult GOLDEN EAGLE rode the thermals overhead before doing a slight wing-tuck and accelerated north toward Black Mtn. And speaking of wing-tucks, a RED-TAILED HAWK was engaged in some roller-coaster flight overhead a bit earlier. A female Selasphorus hummingbird has been visiting our feeders when the male Anna's isn't being a butthead. At one point she went to a spider web in a tree, but it didn't appear that she was collecting any web; she could have been looking for some protein. Two BLACK PHOEBE have been visiting the nest site of the previous two years, under the eaves of our house. I'm still surprised that they return to nest here because I don't think there is any open water nearby. We had a new lepidoptera sp. on our window this morning, too. A Cecropia Moth, one of the Giant Silkworm Moths! If you haven't seen one, these are big buggers with a 5 in. wingspan, and beautiful, too. "Home" is on the SCL side of Skyline Blvd. between Page Mill and Hwy 9. Les Chibana, Palo Alto, CA [[email protected]] -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 03 14:09:49 2000 Subject: [SBB] Sunnyvale East/San Tomas Aquino Creek -------- Hi all, Highlights from today's (4/3/00) field work along the Bay Trail in the Alviso/Sunnyvale area include two FOX SPARROWS, several LINCOLN'S SPARROWS and COMMON MOORHEN in San Tomas Aquino Creek, a CASPIAN TERN over the Sunnyvale East Channel near Pond A4 and a pair of mating WHITE-TAILED KITES near the confluence of Guadalupe Slough and the Sunnyvale East Channel (Adjacent to Twin Creeks Park). Good birding, Tom Ryan Biologist Santa Clara Valley Water District -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 03 14:24:02 2000 Subject: [SBB] White-Crowned Sparrow -------- When birds are feeding in my backyard, I typically have 1-6 White-Crowned Sparrows. Also some Golden-crowned. This AM I had 32 White-crowned, no Golden-crowned all within view at the same moment. Have never seen so many together in my backyard before. I note that last year my last sighting was April 26...so a little early to be getting ready for migration...FWIW... Gloria LeBlanc Los Gatos off Quito "We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails" http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 03 14:33:41 2000 Subject: [SBB] Nesting Juncos -------- Three of the Dark-eyed Junco eggs in a pot on my front porch hatched this morning by 8:30 (Boy are those baby birds ugly). The fourth egg has not hatched and the birds are no longer brooding. However, "the books say" that they begin brooding the day before the last egg is laid, so maybe this one will hatch later today or tomorrow. Kathy Parker -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 03 14:53:35 2000 Subject: Re: [SBB] Acorn Woodpecker populations. -------- The ACWO are known to moved out when acorn crops fail, and return when they recover. Alternatively, they may not breed when acorns are in short supply. They are much more noticeable during breeding, because they loudly greet each other--and the nest hole itself-- every time they approach. Possibly this year there is a potential for more breeding so they are more obvious. Ruth Troetschler 184 Lockhart Lane Los Altos, CA 94022 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------At 8:30 AM -0007 4/3/00, George Oetzel wrote: > > Last year many of us commented on the low numbers of Acorn Woodpeckers. > > Now they are everywhere once again, along with continued high numbers of > > Nuttal's. Anyone else notice this and/or have any idea of what is going > > on?? > >In the fall of '98, I surveyed a number of local parks and had a hard >time finding _any_ acorns. In contrast, acorns were abundant in the >fall of '99. My guess is that they've discovered the change and >come back down from the hills for the harvest. I, too, have noticed >that there are lots of ACWO around this year. It's still a decline >from years longer past, but certainly a welcome sight. > > >---------------- >George Oetzel <[[email protected]]> > >-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== >This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list >server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the >message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] Ruth Troetschler -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 03 15:28:55 2000 Subject: [SBB] New Additions to SBBU -------- Santa Clara Bird List for 2000 Bill Bousman has updated the Santa Clara Bird List for 2000. The total is 209 as of March 31. The recent additions are: Brant, Rufous Hummingbird, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Cassin's Kingbird, Western Kingbird, Warbling Vireo, House Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Palm Warbler The full list can be viewed on SBBU. Merlie Merlie (the Merlin) has probably headed back North for breeding season. Over the last 4 years he has arrived between October 20 and 24, and has left between March 21 and 27. He has returned here for 8 years of documentation. I hope he comes back next October. You can check his web page on SBBU. Birding Web Sites I have added several new birding URLs to SBBU under "Birding Web Sites". Each of the new URLs is highlighted so that you can find them easily. If you have other good web sites to suggest, please e-mail them to me. South Bay Birders Unlimited (SBBU) http://www.stanford.edu/~kendric/birds/ Kendric ----------------------------------------- Kendric C. Smith, Ph.D. 927 Mears Court Stanford, CA 94305-1041 (650) 493-7210 (voice or fax) [[email protected]] http://www.stanford.edu/~kendric/ ------------------------------------------ -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 03 16:59:46 2000 Subject: [SBB] Cassin's Vireo, lots of turkeys, etc. -------- Howdy South-bay-birders, Did some local birding late this afternoon. It was hot, so the birds were being fairly quiet. Along Hicks Road, near the stream confluence just upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir, there was a CASSIN'S VIREO singing (is this the first Santa Clara County spring report of this species this year?). A pair of WILD TURKEYS were along Hicks Rd. near the Alamitos Rd. junction, and there were at least two more in the cabin area at Twin Creeks, with a male gobbling loudly right in the middle of the road. Saw a pair of WOOD DUCKS in the swamp at the upper end of Almaden Reservoir. A HOUSE WREN singing near the trailhead parking area in New Almaden was the only one I heard today. On my walk to the east end of Calero Reservoir I saw a male WOOD DUCK flying upstream, and heard a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE along the creek. More WILD TURKEYS were gobbling in the hills nearby. There were at least 3 COMMON GOLDENEYES and 16 Aechmophorus grebes on the reservoir (roughly a 50/50 split of CLARK'S and WESTERN). VIOLET-GREEN, BARN, and CLIFF SWALLOWS were flying over the water. John Mariani [[email protected]] www.birdswest.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 03 17:41:41 2000 Subject: [SBB] Sage Grouse at Honey Lake -------- Many thanks to everyone who gave advice about the sage grouse at Honey Lake. Al Liu and I had a very successful trip on Sunday altough we had an unlucky start. Driving towards 395 at 5:30AM (daylight savings time), we got stopped by a cop for speeding although I had been following a truck for the past 6 miles. Fortunately he spared us this time. I guess it is the presence of the High Desert State Prison but there seemed to be too many cops for such a small town so beware. Thanks to John Kempter and Mark Eaton's instructions, we were able to find the dirt road in the dark in the first try. Since it was dry, we were able to drive to the cairn in an '85 Dodge Colt and hit the bottom only twice. Before we got there, we saw two pronghorn, which was a nice surprise. When I stopped to check out the pronghorn, I could hear the "booming" SAGE GROUSE. It was a spectacular sight. We stayed there until about 9AM and counted 16 males in full display and 2, possibly 3 females. At one point, a coyote approached to within 50 meters of the center of the lek but surprisingly, only 1 bird took off. We also saw a herd of 11 pronghorn right before we left. We then proceeded to Honey Lake where Al spotted a juvenile BALD EAGLE. Then on to Janesville where we did not fail to see a LEWIS' WOODPECKER at the cemetery, thanks again to Al. The road to Eagle lake was closed so we headed to the Last Chance campground, the road to which was also closed by a fallen tree. After giving a ride to the driver of a pickup which had gotten stuck in the snow further up the dirt road, we walked towards the campground and spotted 2 male and 1 female WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKERS, among other things. But the best surprise of the day was a NORTHERN GOSHAWK that swooped down from one of the trees. This had been my nemesis bird for a long time so it was very satisfying. There was not anything very interesting from the causeway across Lake Almanor so we went on to Lassen NP. Once again, the road was closed, right after the visitor center, so we headed back although we managed to find a WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER on the way out. After a great 15-hour day on three-hours' sleep, we headed back to San Francisco. Cagan H. Sekercioglu Stanford University Center for Conservation Biology Department of Biological Sciences Stanford, CA 94305-5020 http://jasper1.stanford.edu/~cagan/main.htm -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 03 17:46:56 2000 Subject: [SBB] Courting Kites in Palo Alto -------- Hello all, My house is located in the Palo Alto flatlands, on Hamilton Ave. (near Embarcadero Road). We've had two White-Tailed Kites courting and carrying on at the top of a big pine tree opposite my house for the past two-three weeks. Perhaps we'll have a nest! Last year, I noticed up to six kites on my regular walking route, but none this close to me. Happy birding, Nancy Teater -- Nancy R. Teater Hamilton Communications phone: +1 650 321 0252 [[email protected]] http://web.hamilton.com fax: +1 650 327 4660 -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 03 17:54:53 2000 Subject: [SBB] Correction -------- Sorry I meant immature bald eagle. >We then proceeded to Honey Lake where Al spotted a juvenile BALD EAGLE. Cagan H. Sekercioglu Stanford University Center for Conservation Biology Department of Biological Sciences Stanford, CA 94305-5020 http://jasper1.stanford.edu/~cagan/main.htm -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 03 22:59:00 2000 Subject: [SBB] Common Poorwill -------- Howdy South-bay-birders, This evening (Mon., 3 Apr.), at about 10:30pm, I heard a COMMON POORWILL calling from a hillside above my parent's house on Henwood Road (first time this spring).. I went up there and managed to find it with my flashlight. Several times I saw it fluttering over the brush like a big bat. I was able to follow its flight by its bright red eyeshine--looked like pair of fireflies darting back and forth over the chaparral. John Mariani [[email protected]] www.birdswest.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 03 23:59:27 2000 Subject: [SBB] Costa's Hummer HO -------- My Eucalyptus Sideroxylon (Beverly Court Campbell)has been in full flower. It has attracted a possible Costa's -- I have not yet sighted it. It gives a very loud chink/tink call. I thought I had the regular Downy Woodpecker visiting. It's driving the resident male Anna's crazy. So far I have not even got a look at the damn thing. I will keep trying. -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 04 08:33:52 2000 Subject: [SBB] EUWI, PEFA -------- Folks: Yesterday afternoon, 4/3/2000, the afternoon (mostly) wigeon flock on Salt Pond A1 appeared to have dropped to 1500-2500 birds. Despite this, I was able to find three ad male EURASIAN WIGEON in the near-shore part of the flock. I also saw an adult PEREGRINE FALCON soaring over the Flood Control Basin. Bill -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 04 08:33:55 2000 Subject: [SBB] Western Screech Owl Site -------- There are now 4 eggs. For those that want to see the Western Screech Owl inside her box and get updates in the weeks ahead you can monitor the following site....there's also a 2 minute video on the site today. http://www.parkers.to/owls/Index.html Gloria LeBlanc Los Gatos off Quito "We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails" http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 04 11:44:43 2000 Subject: [SBB] Owling -------- Where can I get information on owling trips that I can actually get on without having to sign up six months before? I would be leaving in a month and a half so I hope there is something available. Thanks. Cagan H. Sekercioglu Stanford University Center for Conservation Biology Department of Biological Sciences Stanford, CA 94305-5020 http://jasper1.stanford.edu/~cagan/main.htm -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 04 12:12:56 2000 Subject: [SBB] Cassin's Vireo, Poorwill, etc. -------- Howdy South-bay-birders, I am reposting these two messages from yesterday because I don't think they got through--sorry if anyone has received this twice, Did some local birding late this afternoon (Apr. 3). It was hot, so the birds were being fairly quiet. Along Hicks Road, near the stream confluence just upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir, there was a CASSIN'S VIREO singing (is this the first Santa Clara County spring report of this species this year?). A pair of WILD TURKEYS were along Hicks Rd. near the Alamitos Rd. junction, and there were at least two more in the cabin area at Twin Creeks, with a male gobbling loudly right in the middle of the road. Saw a pair of WOOD DUCKS in the swamp at the upper end of Almaden Reservoir, and a pair of COMMON MERGANSERS were in the creek at O'Day's (nice photo op). A HOUSE WREN singing near the trailhead parking area in New Almaden was the only one I heard today. On my walk to the east end of Calero Reservoir I saw a male WOOD DUCK flying upstream, and heard a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE along the creek. More WILD TURKEYS were gobbling in the hills nearby. There were at least 3 COMMON GOLDENEYES and 16 Aechmophorus grebes on the reservoir (roughly a 50/50 split of CLARK'S and WESTERN). VIOLET-GREEN, BARN, and CLIFF SWALLOWS were flying over the water. This evening (Mon., 3 Apr.), at about 10:30pm, I heard a COMMON POORWILL calling from a hillside above my parent's house on Henwood Road (first time this spring).. I went up there and managed to find it with my flashlight. Several times I saw it fluttering over the brush like a big bat. I was able to follow its flight by its bright red eyeshine--looked like pair of fireflies (or tiny headlights) darting back and forth over the chaparral. John Mariani [[email protected]] www.birdswest.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 04 12:47:21 2000 Subject: [SBB] Cassin's Vireo, Common Poorwill -------- Howdy South-bay-birders, I am reposting this message from yesterday again because I don't think it got through yesterday or today--sorry if anyone has received this twice or more. Did some local birding late this afternoon (Apr. 3). It was hot, so the birds were being fairly quiet. Along Hicks Road, near the stream confluence just upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir, there was a CASSIN'S VIREO singing (is this the first Santa Clara County spring report of this species this year?). A pair of WILD TURKEYS were along Hicks Rd. near the Alamitos Rd. junction, and there were at least two more in the cabin area at Twin Creeks, with a male gobbling loudly right in the middle of the road. Saw a pair of WOOD DUCKS in the swamp at the upper end of Almaden Reservoir, and a pair of COMMON MERGANSERS were in the creek at O'Day's (nice photo op). A HOUSE WREN singing near the trailhead parking area in New Almaden was the only one I heard today. On my walk to the east end of Calero Reservoir I saw a male WOOD DUCK flying upstream, and heard a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE along the creek. More WILD TURKEYS were gobbling in the hills nearby. There were at least 3 COMMON GOLDENEYES and 16 Aechmophorus grebes on the reservoir (roughly a 50/50 split of CLARK'S and WESTERN). VIOLET-GREEN, BARN, and CLIFF SWALLOWS were flying over the water. This evening (Mon., 3 Apr.), at about 10:30pm, I heard a COMMON POORWILL calling from a hillside above my parent's house on Henwood Road (first time this spring).. I went up there and managed to find it with my flashlight. Several times I saw it fluttering over the brush like a big bat. I was able to follow its flight by its bright red eyeshine--looked like pair of fireflies (or tiny headlights) darting back and forth over the chaparral. John Mariani [[email protected]] www.birdswest.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 04 13:21:06 2000 Subject: [SBB] Rufous Hummingbird, Caspian Tern & House Wren -------- All, This morning Frank Vanslager and I saw a definitive (all red backed) adult male RUHU in a Eucalyptus tree in Ed Levin Park near the northwest corner of the Spring Valley Golf Course. Later we saw a CATE feeding in Sandy Wool Lake and a HOWR in the Sycamores above Sandy Wool Lake. Take care, Bob Reiling,. 1:19 PM, 4/4/00 -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 04 14:07:08 2000 Subject: [SBB] Acorn Woodpecker write-up -------- Tonight I go before the LG Park Commission to discuss "Birds of La Rinconada Park" handout that I created. (In this tiny park, 147 handouts were taken during the past 2 months. Only 2 were found lying on the ground.) They had asked me to also do a write-up on a bird in the park that they might use as an informational plaque. I chose to do it on the Acorn Woodpecker. Ruth Troetschler, an Acorn Woodpecker guru, was kind enough to revise what I had written. I thought some of you might like to see what I am submitting tonight. I learned something! Gloria LeBlanc Acorn Woodpeckers The Acorn Woodpecker is about 9 inches in length. It has a black back and red on its head. The male has red on both the top and the back of its head; the female only has red on the back of its head. Most woodpeckers have red on their head. This is the only woodpecker in this park with a solid black back. It has a yellow throat. When it flies in an undulating manner, you can see its white rump and white patches on its wings. If you find one, you can normally find another one nearby. As the name implies Acorn Woodpeckers eat acorns. La Rinconada Park has oak trees, which produce acorns. Acorn Woodpeckers live in-groups and frequently store acorns in soft bark, or dead trees or limbs. These storage places are known as granaries. The largest granary documented housed 50,000 acorns. They never gather acorns from the ground. In fall woodpeckers pick mature acorns from the branches and place them in woodpecker-made holes in the granary. They make certain that each acorn is placed very tightly in a hole - otherwise a squirrel will steal the acorn. As time passes, the acorn will shrink in size. A woodpecker then moves the acorn into a smaller hole. You can watch them trying holes over and over again until they find one that the acorn fits into tightly. When hungry, a woodpecker selects an acorn to eat from the granary, splits it open and eats it or feeds it to the young. Local Acorn Woodpeckers do not migrate since they would leave their food behind. Thus, the Acorn Woodpeckers you see in La Rinconada Park live here year round. There are 8-12 Acorn Woodpeckers that reside here. They live in a colony. A colony usually consists of more males than females. The females are usually sisters; the males are brothers, both from different families. Young birds may remain with the colony, not breeding, until they can take over the parent colony or leave to join another colony nearby. In the spring a female lays an egg. When the second female enters the nest to lay her egg, she will destroy the egg there. If there is a third female, she will also destroy the egg that is there. When a female enters the nest to lay a second egg, she is not aware that the egg in the nest might not be hers. After each female has laid one egg, they lay more eggs because none can determine which egg isn't theirs. Typically all females lay their eggs in the same nest. The nest is normally in a hole of a dead tree but can also be one drilled into a partially decayed limb of a mature oak or other living tree. All of the birds in the colony will take turns sitting on the eggs. Once the eggs are hatched, all of the birds will help feed the young. Acorn Woodpeckers do not select a mate. They live as a commune. As our area is becoming more urban, Acorn Woodpeckers are losing their homes. Some of the houses across the street from La Rinconada Park have incurred damage from Acorn Woodpeckers. Remember the Acorn Woodpeckers were here before the houses. Historically, the granaries they used were in oak trees and dead wood snags-but they will store acorns in any wood available! Two of the houses across the street had lots of large holes with acorns stuffed into them. The owners removed the wood roofs and put on metal roofs so that the woodpeckers could not make holes. The Los Gatos Parks Commission is aware of the Acorn Woodpeckers that live in La Rinconada Park. They are pleased that this park can provide a needed habitat for the colony. "We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails" http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 04 15:17:04 2000 Subject: [SBB] Nesting Birds -------- In addtition to my Junco nest, I now have a pair of CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES nest building in a birdhouse in my back yard. The last couple of weeks I have noticed them checking the house out and one day heard some remodeling going on inside the box. Lately, I hadn't seen any activity, but I haven't been home much either, so this morning I opened the door in the back and looked in. The nest is built mainly of "hairs" taken from the bark of our redwood tree and lined with the dryer lint that I put on out compost pile. I have since seen a chickadee go into the box. I remember that someone wanted info on chickadees nesting in boxes. E-mail me on what info is wanted. Kathy Parker [[email protected]] -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 04 17:46:23 2000 Subject: [SBB] Wild Turkey -------- This morning I saw a female WILD TURKEY cross the east parking lot at Alum Rock Park and go up the hill toward the eucalyptus trees. There were also 2 to 3 male BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS at the picnic area to the left as one enters the park. (The one with all of the large oak and sycamore trees). Kathy Parker -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 04 19:21:12 2000 Subject: [SBB] Canyon Wren -------- Hi Birders! It isn't often we get to observe and study the behavior of the Canyon Wren, so the bird in Alum Rock Park this morning put on a nice show for me between 8:30 and 9 AM. It was very active along the creek just beyond the bridge at the upper end of the pavement. In addition to it's regular and familiar song, the bird would repeatedly sing, from a stationary spot, a five-note, softly-muted rendition of it's descending song. It would bob and weave like Mohammad Ali, and dip like a dipper, and with each dip turn its head from side to side or sometimes hop around 180 degrees. On one occasion it took a small leaf under the large wooden piling that juts out from the rocky stream bank, but apparently it was just practicing nest-building, as it did not return to that spot again. It spent half the time exploring all the nooks and crannies of the rocks, and the other half bobbing and dipping (posturing?) from the top of the bank or the man-made rock structures. All in all it was a five-star performance. Jack Cole ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 04 22:28:50 2000 Subject: [SBB] Stanford Hills -------- All, Sunday afternoon in the quarry area of Old Pagemill Road I had an emphatically singing HOUSE WREN and perhaps four BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS. Many Western Bluebirds, and Lesser Goldfinch were present as well. There were at least two PINE SISKIN that flew overhead, but I did not get a satisfactory look at them; I only heard their calls. I heard an unfamiliar oriole and looked all over for it. When I finally found the singing bird, it turned out to be a Northern Mockingbird doing an uncanny impersonation of an oriole. Barn, Cliff, Tree, and Northern Rough-winged swallows were foraging overhead. Matthew Dodder http://www.birdguy.net -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Wed Apr 05 08:11:11 2000 Subject: [SBB] Owl report -------- With the 5 cameras, one of the questions Mike wanted to answer was when and how often the Mom got food. Also, he wasn't certain he had even seen the Dad. Here are his comments from the first night Mom was incubating....Gloria LeBlanc >We've got decent shots of Dad showing up with food, though you can't tell >exactly what he's carrying. Monday night he brought her food 5 times 9:00, 9:20, and 9:50 etc. and he obviously had a gift each time. People from 77 different locations visited our owl web site yesterday and watched the video 84 times. I don't know when I'll have time to do more. "We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails" http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Wed Apr 05 12:43:54 2000 Subject: [SBB] Redtail x Ferruginous ??? -------- I saw a beautiful Red-tailed hawk this morning at Arastradero reserve in PA. Lovely buteo with full red tail. Problem was that his bird had no belly band whatsoever. Instead it had a very light creamy reddish wash on its chest and belly. Doesn't fit. Any ideas??? -- Richard C. Carlson Chairman, Spectrum Economics Palo Alto, CA [[email protected]] 650-324-2701 -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Wed Apr 05 15:15:21 2000 Subject: [SBB] Red-tailed Variants -------- Folks: Our Red-tails are very variable. Birds range from almost black underneath, to deep red, to normal birds with dark feathering on the belly, to birds that are pale pinkish below, to cream, and to pure white. And these are just variants of the western subspecies. Krider's and Harlan's are something else. Unless leucistic, however, all should show a dark patagial mark. [There are a few leucistic birds reported as well.] Bill -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 06 09:28:07 2000 Subject: [SBB] SWSP -------- Folks: This morning, 4/6/2000, I saw a SWAMP SPARROW at the Stevens Creek Tidal Marsh, just north of the bridge at the south end of the marsh. The sparrow is in mostly alternate plumage now, althougth there are still some white median crown feathers between the crown stripes that are now a bright rufous. The tide was out and there was a bay overcast at the time (about 7:45 am). Just as our common wintering sparrows are starting to sing more as their hormones tell them its time to go, the secretive marsh sparrows sometimes have a brief period in April when they are easier to see and will sometimes even sing. There was a STRIPED SKUNK about 15 feet from the bike path next to Salt Pond A2W this morning. Through the binoculars it looked truly fierce as it pulled up grass clods looking for food. Bill -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 06 11:13:18 2000 Subject: [SBB] Owl www site -------- Mike has updated the owl site...awesome pictures...video of Dad coming in with food... Last year the eggs were first noticed on 4/30 this year we know the first egg was on 3/26, last on 4/2 Last year the first egg hatched on 5/14 Anyone want to tell us what we should expect this year?...we're thinking 4/2 plus 21 days makes it 4/23 Last year Mom flew for first time (to our knowledge) on 5/27 That was when we scheduled the "owl viewing party" at the house We now know that Mom DOES leave the box at night!!!! Last year fledge date ws 6/15. We are invited to see the owls, as a group, but date not set yet...in the meantime check out the site...it's AWESOME!!! Mike (owl "owner") is not a birder...but is a techie...and is now an owl admirer. gloria leblanc "We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails" http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 06 11:30:12 2000 Subject: [SBB] www.parkers.to/owl -------- This is web site for owls....Gloria LeBlanc http://www.parkers.to/owls "We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails" http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 06 13:18:26 2000 Subject: [SBB] CAHU -------- This morning at my banding site on private property near Felter and Sierra Roads I banded a male Calliope Hummingbird. My records show that this is only three days later than my report from 1995 of a male CAHU seen at the same site on April 3. This morning's effort also yielded 7 banded Rufous hummingbirds; an estimate of RUHU on site this morning was between 12-16 birds. Migration of RUHU this spring at this place has been very good--numbers of birds present have flucuated depending, of course, on the weather. This morning, the site, which is at about 600 m, just barely cleared the upper level of the cloud cover, giving an "island effect" with the outer Coast Range, as well as the Diablos, floating on a sea of clouds. A glorious morning! Rita -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Fri Apr 07 06:23:22 2000 Subject: [SBB] HOGR, FOTE -------- Greetings, Yesterday, 4/6/00, I spent my lunch time at the EEC in Alviso. A few of the 46 species identified were my first Horned Grebe in summer plummage for the year in the south end of salt pond A16 (immedeiately beyond the EEC) along with large numbers of Eared Grebes. The 'horns' and reddish (rufous) neck very prominantly differentiated the HOGR from the 'ears' of the EAGR. There is still a fair number of podiceps grebes in winter plummage. Also saw a pair of Forester's Terns (FOTE)in the area (my first of the season). A pair of Common Moorhens were swimming together in the channel by the Cottonwood trees. Good numbers of Lesser Scaup can be seen at Pong A16 and many American Wigeon remain at the 'pond' near Spreckles and State St. in Alviso. Cheers, Karl _______________________________________________________ Get 100% FREE Internet Access powered by Excite Visit http://freelane.excite.com/freeisp -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Fri Apr 07 10:21:12 2000 Subject: [SBB] Owl visitation -------- On a tentative basis we are scheduling an owl visitation on Tuesday, May 16th from 7 pm - 9 pm. At 7ish Mike would show highlights of video clips...he tapes about 6 hours each night and edits. Last year the Mom flew at 8:15 PM...I watched the video from last night this morning and the Mom left the box at 8pm for 15 minutes...the Dad brought food at 8:20 PM and 8:42 PM...didn't have time to see more...I do need to work! The web site will not be updated for a week since Mike is going out of town and his wife doesn't do it. There have been over 400 "hits" on his web site in the last couple of days. It would be great for a school to see it. Once the eggs have hatched we'll have a better timeframe. I will confirm later and give directions if May 16th 7-9PM is the gathering time...it probably will be...if you're interested, write it on your calendar in pencil.... Gloria LeBlanc "We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails" http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Fri Apr 07 11:37:55 2000 Subject: [SBB] Black Skimmers -------- Hi all, Last week, Mike Taylor, a tern/skimmer biologist from So. Cal. observed 9 Black Skimmers at Charleston Slough, 4 had bands. He was unable to read them through my cruddy spotting scope. I was wondering if those of you with superior spotting scopes who could probably ID species of feather lice (joke) would mind keeping an eye out for banded skimmers and reporting them to me at either SBB or my personal address "[[email protected]]". If possible, I will report back on where the bird was banded and what year. There are three types of bands on these birds, 1) a USFWS metal band; difficult to read in the field, but not impossible to get at least a partial reading. 2) Plastic color bands with a letter & 2-3 numbers engraved on them; please report the color and code if possible. 3) Small plastic color bands (most are white) that SFBBO has placed on bay area chicks. Please report any of the following information 1) the type of band (see above), 2) the leg (the bird's right or left, not yours: ) the band is on, 3) any letters, numbers or colors, 4) the date, and 5) the location. Thanks in advance for any observations. Good birding, Tom -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Fri Apr 07 12:02:39 2000 Subject: [SBB] Checklist -------- Can anyone e-mail me a Bay area bird list? I'd like to organize my sightings better and don't feel like paying for a commercial software. -- Richard C. Carlson Chairman, Spectrum Economics Palo Alto, CA [[email protected]] 650-324-2701 -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Fri Apr 07 12:06:35 2000 Subject: [SBB] Owls and Humminbirds -------- Last evening, April 6, we tried owling at Monte Bello. Conditions were perfect -- no wind, clear, little moon. We heard at least 6 Screech Owls but failed to get any to come closer. For hummingbirds, I noticed an incredible Rufous/Allen's migration on March 29 along the Coast. They were everywhere, but I see very few on this side of the hills. -- Richard C. Carlson Chairman, Spectrum Economics Palo Alto, CA [[email protected]] 650-324-2701 -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Fri Apr 07 17:29:07 2000 Subject: [SBB] New Northern California birding guide -------- I realized that some California birders have not heard of the new "Birding Northern California" guide by John Kemper that came out last year. I think this is the best site guide for the area, with over 300 sites, range maps for almost 200 specialties and seasonal occurrence bar charts for all the species. This is where I got precise directions for the sage grouse lek at Honey Lake. Here is the review from Amazon and the URL to buy it from there: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1560448326/002-1376264-5541065 You can also buy it from Falcon guides for a bit more: http://www.falconbooks.com:80/book2.cfm?product_ID=2689&sub=birding&ID=4&a=0 &z=0 With the passion of a life-long birder and the precision of a former professor of engineering, John Kemper has written an exceptional, new site guide for northern California. Detailed information is given for 81 major locations from the Oregon border through Monterey, King, and Tulare counties plus the Kern River Valley in Kern County; Mono County and the White Mountains are included on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada The book focuses on species of interest by listing “specialty birds” and “other key birds” at the beginning of each location description. Specialty birds include uncommon to abundant birds found primarily in the western United States, endangered or threatened species, and rare birds if the site is among the best for the bird. The text describes when, where, and how to the find the birds at each site, and this information was personally verified by John during two years of fieldwork preparing the book. Range maps and bar charts at the back of the book are cross-referenced to the best sites for each species and the time of year when each species occurs in different regions of the state. Readers will appreciate the easily readable, detailed maps and the clearly written site descriptions. Novices, long-time California birders, and birders from out of state planning their first or 100th trip to the state, will find the information needed to find the birds of interest to them and to plan successful birding trips. Cagan H. Sekercioglu Stanford University Center for Conservation Biology Department of Biological Sciences Stanford, CA 94305-5020 http://jasper1.stanford.edu/~cagan/main.htm -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Fri Apr 07 19:54:39 2000 Subject: [SBB] Exotic cage birds, Twin Creeks, Hicks Road -------- Howdy South-bay-birders, Sorry about the confusing multiple posting of my last couple of messages. Visited the Dolphin Pet Store on Campbell Ave. a few days ago--noticed they had a Yellow-breasted Bunting and Blue Tit caged there--neither seemed to be adjusting well to cage life. Surprised to see these Eurasian species in a pet shop--I guess any exotic that can be kept in captivity is a potential escapee that we could meet up with in the wild. Birds found late this afternoon (Fri.) on a walk from the Hicks Road turnoff to Twin Creeks included WOOD DUCKS (3), COOPER'S HAWK, WILD TURKEYS, BAND-TAILED PIGEON, WARBLING VIREO, HOUSE WREN, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and NORTHERN ORIOLE. Along Hicks Road it was unusually quiet, with few birds singing. There were 2 more HOUSE WRENS upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir. John Mariani [[email protected]] www.birdswest.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 08 10:00:13 2000 Subject: [SBB] Birds over the last week -------- Interesting birds over the last week: Saturday, April 1st: saw our first Bullock's Orioles of the season in Almaden near the bridge where Camden avenue crosses Los Alamitos creek. Debbie had heard a pair of orioles in the same spot two weeks while out on a run, but wasn't able to spot them. Sunday, April 2nd: took a nice hike in Rancho San Antonio. Once we shook the crowds right around the farm, we got nice looks at a singing Wilson's Warbler, lots of singing Orange-Crowned Warblers, a single Pacific Slope Flycatcher, Bewick's Wren, and a beautiful Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher. Tuesday, April 4th: driving by Calero Resevoir on my way home from work, I saw a Golden Eagle perched in a metal guard rail by the side of the road that was being harassed by a couple of crows as I drove past. Thursday, April 6th: I spotted what I think was my first Caspian Tern of the season at Calero driving by on my way to work. Friday, April 7th: Around 4 PM at the Mockingbird Hill entrance to Quicksilver County Park, saw my first Warbling Vireo of the season, saw White-breasted Nuthatch, and heard lots of singing Bewick's Wrens, Wrentits, and Orange-Crowned Warblers. Also saw a female finch that I suspect was a Purple Finch because of the striping on the face. An accipiter gave me a pretty good look as it circled overhead, but I don't have enough field experience separating Cooper's and Sharp-shinned to know which it was. It had a noticably long tail. Tail appeared to be square-edged. Hugh McDevitt -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 08 10:23:18 2000 Subject: [SBB] Stanford area sightings -------- The Frenchman's Road area and the stream along Stanford Ave. this morning had three Pacific Slope Flycatchers, three Hooded Orioles, two Bullock's Orioles, one singing Wilson's Warbler. - Dave Lewis David B. Lewis Division of Immunology/Transplantation Biology, Room H-307 Stanford University School of Medicine 300 Pasteur Drive Stanford, CA 94305-5208 Tel: (650) 498-4189 FAX: (650) 498-6077 -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 08 10:34:02 2000 Subject: [SBB] Vasona Lake, Los Gatos -------- This morning, over at Vasona Lake, we spotted large numbers of CEDAR WAXWINGS. Their numbers increased significantly over the past week at the park. I suspect they are beginning to gather up the flock to migrate. We also saw AMERICAN ROBINS building nests in the trees over by the snack shack building. The CLIFF SWALLOWS were abundant and have begun building their mud nests on the foot bridge over the lake. There is also a hawk, which I think is a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, building a nest in the Eucalyptus trees in the back of the park. We also saw at least six BULLOCK'S ORIOLES over at Oak Meadow Park. Pat Curtis -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 08 10:43:14 2000 Subject: Re: [SBB] Birds over the last week -------- At 10:00 AM -0700 4/8/2000, [[email protected]] wrote: >Saturday, April 1st: saw our first Bullock's Orioles of the season in >Almaden near the bridge where Camden avenue crosses Los Alamitos creek. we've seen no sign of any orioles here (Santa Clara, central park area). -- -- Chuq Von Rospach - Plaidworks Consulting (mailto:[[email protected]]) Apple Mail List Gnome (mailto:[[email protected]]) And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar and say 'Man, what are you doing here?'" -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 08 15:56:43 2000 Subject: [SBB] Strange Woodpecker Color -------- In Guadalupe Oak Grove Park, San Jose, in an area where Nutall's are always seen and heard, I saw what looked exactly like a Nutall's except that it was a rich russet in color. I was able to observe it for a couple of minutes as it foraged upside down on a tree limb. (I know a Flicker when I see one!) None of my bird books show a woodpecker with this coloring. There was no red on the head. It had the same barring, size and behavior as the frequently observed Nutall's. Any ideas? Barbara Harkleroad Almaden area -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 08 16:06:40 2000 Subject: [SBB] Northern Pygmy Owl -------- On Saturday from 11 am until at least 12:30 pm a Northern Pygmy Owl was along Stevens Canyon Road above Stevens Creek Park. The owl was upstream from the first bridge about a hundred feet before a telephone pole labeled #9. It was in a leafless tree on the stream side of the road above the edge of the road. Rob Colwell -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 08 20:28:00 2000 Subject: Re: [SBB] Strange Woodpecker Color -------- Stricklands??? -- Richard C. Carlson Full-time Birder, Biker, Skier, Hiker Palo Alto, California Part-time Economist [[email protected]] -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 09 00:30:28 2000 Subject: [SBB] Saturday Birds -------- All, While skating at Charleston Slough and Shoreline today (with my binoculars) I counted 9 BLACK SKIMMERS on their traditional island. There are still two female COMMON GOLDENEYES on the lake and near Tern Island there was a male REDHEAD. Matthew Dodder http://www.birdguy.net/ -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 09 15:00:58 2000 Subject: [SBB] Emily Renzel Wetlands Birds -------- This morning, 4/9/00, Phyllis Browning and I did our monthly census at the Emily Renzel Wetlands in Palo Alto. Highlights included a pair of BLUE-WINGED TEAL in the salt marsh on the east side of the preserve and Selasphorus hummers at the end of Embarcadero Way. A male ALLEN's hummer identified itself with a classic courtship flight. At 8:40 am a pair of crows was courting in a walnut tree by Matadero Creek just east of the frontage road. They were still present at 10:30 when we first saw a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK perched in the same tree. Cliff Swallows have returned to nest under the bridge there. As we've noticed in other years, they seem to have a much later arrival date for this location than elsewhere in Palo Alto. Rosalie Lefkowitz -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 09 16:24:25 2000 Subject: [SBB] Woodpecker at Guadalupe -------- Thanks to RReiling, The bird was a definite "eyecatcher." It looks like the Williamson's. It definitely had the barring on the back. When I sent my query, I hadn't looked at the Williamson's Sapsucker in my Nat'l Geo. It stands out as a definite posibility. Hopefully I can see it again and look for the white tail patch. However, the size appeared Nuttallish. Barbara Will take my camera tomorrow! ---------- >From: [[email protected]] >To: [[email protected]] >Subject: Re: [SBB] Strange Woodpecker Color >Date: Sun, Apr 9, 2000, 4:11 PM > > Barbara, > > The time of year would tend to rule out immature woodpeckers/sapsuckers. I > think that the best bet (other than a partially leucistic Nuttall's) would be > a female Williamson's Sapsucker. WISA have been seen in the area which is on > the edge of it's year-round range. The white rump patch on a female WISA > should be fairly obvious but the yellow belly and black chest markings may > not be easily seen. Strickland's would be unrealistically outside it's > normal range and it does not have a ladder back. > > Get a photo if you can and good luck, > Bob Reiling, 3:17 PM, 4/9/00 > -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 09 16:36:49 2000 Subject: [SBB] Skyline Blvd. birds -------- Saturday, 4/8/00, I led a dawn chorus bird walk for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. This preserve is south of the junction of Page Mill/Alpine Rd. and Skyline Blvd. and most of it is within San Mateo County. Lots of singing ORANGE-CROWNED and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS were present. A CHIPPING SPARROW was seen at the disabled parking area. Also heard was a WARBLING VIREO. A couple of pairs of RING-NECKED DUCK and a few sightings of RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET and GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW represented the lingering winter birds. A BADGER was seen at a burrow below the trail/road that cuts over the top of the ridge from the Horseshoe Lake area to the ranger station near Alpine Pond. It had very pale facial markings. A medium-sized white butterfly, similar to a Pine White, was seen. Shooting Stars, Hound's Tongue and Fringepods were among the wildflower highlights. Our first BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK for our yard this year was seen this morning, 4/9/00, at our hummingbird feeder. It was a brightly-colored male. Les -- Les Chibana, Palo Alto, CA [[email protected]] -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 09 19:35:48 2000 Subject: [SBB] White-throated Sparrow -------- This afternoon, 4/9/00, while conducting my weekly Project Feeder Watch Survey, I observed a 'different' White-crowned Sparrow. Grabbing a pair of binoculars I discovered it to be a White-throated Sparrow (a life bird, right in my own back yard!). The lateral white stripe seemed broader that the WCSP. The yellow spots at the front of the white strips were brilliant and the white throat very distinctive. I've always wondered how 'different' the WTSP would appear from the WCSP, now I know. Cheers, Karl _______________________________________________________ Get 100% FREE Internet Access powered by Excite Visit http://freelane.excite.com/freeisp -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 10 08:21:29 2000 Subject: [SBB] Weekend Almaden Birds -------- Hello All - Here are a few birds of interest from the Almaden area over the weekend, Apr 8-9. Calero Reservoir, Apr 8 - a RED-THROATED LOON was at the upper end - also a W.GREBE, a CLARK'S GREBE, and several LESSER SCAUP - TREE SWALLOWS are still hanging around the dead cottonwood upstream of the reservoir - CLIFF SWALLOWS have also now arrived Twin Creeks Area, Alamitos Rd, Apr 8 - WOOD DUCK, COMMON MERGANSER, HOUSE WREN, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, and displaying WILD TURKEYS Quicksilver CP, Mockingbird Hill area, Apr 8 - BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS have arrived in force with chasing/courting activity - a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was seen bringing nesting material to a residential palm along Mockingbird Hill Lane (Mike R & Bill B, I'll get better coordinates for you later) Sierra Azul OSP, Woods Rd, Apr 9 - PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, a singing BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, lots of ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, and a pair of GOLDEN EAGLES overhead Stiles Ranch Trail, Santa Teresa CP, Apr 9 - a ROCK WREN and singing RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS I guess the "best" bird of the weekend was the Red-throated Loon. Lots of good wild flowers (especially along Woods Rd and serpentine Stiles Ranch Trail) - and butterflies (good numbers of courting Common Buckeyes, plus Calif Ringlet, Sara Orangetip, Mylitta Crescent, Checkered Skipper, Western Swallowtail, and Pale Swallowtail). That's it for now - Ann -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 10 09:08:16 2000 Subject: [SBB] Big Day -------- The Spiderhunters (Vivek Tiwari and Tom Grey) did a Birdathon Big Day yesterday in Santa Clara County, and got a tentative count of 114 species. We started at Stevens Creek Park, where landbird activity was slow on a cold morning -- singing WILSON'S, TOWNSEND'S, and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, WARBLING VIREOS, and a couple of BULLOCK'S ORIOLES at Villa Maria, but nothing more exciting -- well, I guess a pair of NUTTALL'S WOODPECKERS copulating was a nice sign of spring! The reservoir made up for this with an OSPREY overhead, joining a CASPIAN TERN. We didn't check the upper creek for the Dipper, but went on to McClellan Ranch, where we found the HOODED ORIOLE in its palm, and a gorgeous male PURPLE FINCH at the feeders. On from there across the county to the east hills and Ed Levin Park, where Sandy Wool Lake had 4 species of swallows (lacking Rough-winged), and the sycamore grove above had two singing HOUSE WRENS, a great view of an all-rufous-backed male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD, and an excellent view of a RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW. On up to the top of Summit Road, where we were treated to the sight of two GOLDEN EAGLES in the distance, which we followed down until they landed next to each other on the ground in a pasture. We had birds we hoped to see up there, and in short order one after another they appeared for us very cooperatively -- HORNED LARK, LARK SPARROW, AMERICAN PIPIT, ROCK WREN. Then back to Bayside to see what we could get to fill out our list. Sunnyvale WPCP had two BURROWING OWLS on the former dump hillside; Shoreline had the expected BLACK SKIMMERS; and along with expected birds, Baylands had about 60 BONAPARTE'S GULLS. Among the major dips of the day were Yellow-rumped Warbler (!), any flycatchers except Black Phoebe, any accipiters, and quite a few of the duck species that were all around us very recently. All in all, a very fun day! -- Tom Grey Stanford Law School [[email protected]] -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 10 09:59:46 2000 Subject: [SBB] Russet-colored Nuttall's Woodpecker -------- Folks, If Barbara's description is correct, that is, "I saw what looked exactly like a Nutall's except that it was a rich russet in color. . . There was no red on the head. It had the same barring, size and behavior as the frequently observed Nutall's," then it cannot be either a Williamson's Sapsucker or a Strickland's Woodpecker, both of which have different patterns. In this case, assuming the description is correct, the color change is undoubtedly genetic, that is, the black feather pigments have been replaced or surplanted by brown pigments. I have not heard about such a pigment change for this species and would appreciate a very careful description that describes all of the feather tracts or, better still, a photo. I am unaware of any pattern of vagrancy of Strickland's. Mike Rogers is sure to know, but I don't think the CBRC has even reviewed the species for the California list. Williamson's Sapsuckers do move about a bit, but contrary to Bob Reiling's comment, we are not on the edge of their range. They are a very rare vagrant to the coast and there is only one record for Santa Clara County. Nonetheless, his suggestion of this species (female) is a good one, assuming Barbara's description is not accurate. So get that photo or a detailed description, feather tract by feather tract. Bill -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 10 10:24:18 2000 Subject: [SBB] Weekend birds -------- All: On Saturday, I checked out the area just N. of the Alviso marina. The shallow pond to the right of the path has a number of shorebirds and gulls. These included a potential first-year Iceland Gull I need to do some further investigation on. There were Herring and Thayer's Gulls still present and a single Caspian Tern.Most interersting shorebirds were about 15 Black-bellied Plovers. On Sunday, Hidden Lake in Milpitas had about 50 Thayer's Gulls, almost all first years. A quick check of CCFS later turned up about 230 Bonaparte's Gulls and some ducks and shorebirds, including a female Greater Scaup. Nick -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 10 10:34:29 2000 Subject: [SBB] Smith's Creek,San Ant Valley -------- All, Yesterday 4/9/00, I decided to work the Diablo Range for early migrants. I started out at 7:10am at Smith's Creek Ranger Station, which was actually pretty quiet except for numerous singing HOUSE WRENS and noisy STELLER'S JAYS. However, as I worked my way back to the southwest corner of the meadow (near the broken-down barn) I did find a pair of LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES and a big sparrow flock (3 LINCOLN'S, 2 WHITE-CROWNED, and 19+ GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS). Then I heard a single song of a NASHVILLE WARBLER from the budding oaks up the hillside to the west (the morning sun was warming the tree tops here). Working my way upslope, I eventually found 3 male NASHVILLE WARBLERS (none singing after that first song!) and 4 HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHERS (all calling, the first two chasing each other around) with 2 male BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS and an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (quality flock!). Next I headed along the southern edge of the meadow, finding the first of three WILSON'S WARBLERS and 2 more BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS. Down along the creek I added 2 WARBLING VIREOS, 2 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS and four more ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS. Following the road back up towards Grant Ranch Park netted 2 more BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, another BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and a singing RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW across the creek. Ducks made a decent showing, with 2 COMMON MERGANSERS flying overhead to the east as I arrived and another "quacking" female in the creek just west of the bridge, as well as a single MALLARD and a single WOOD DUCK along the creek east of the bridge. Other lingering winter birds included 4 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, 2 to 3 HERMIT THRUSHES, and only 2 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS. Also had 4 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS (in Bay Laurel, not the oaks were the HAMMOND'S were), 3 HUTTON'S VIREOS, and 2 to 3 PURPLE FINCHES. BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, and a CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE were all carrying nesting material and a pair of CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES was engaged in courtship feeding. I next headed to the Mt. Hamilton summit, where I spent some time watching two hummingbird feeders. Among the many ANNA'S were at least three male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS and at least two female selasphorus that were undoubtedly also RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS. More interesting was one female hummingbird that was very white below, lacking the dingy grays of the female Anna's. The throat was unmarked except for a few pale gray flecks. I though that it might be a female Costa's or Black-chinned Hummingbird and the shorter looking bill suggested Costa's, but it flew off to the south without calling before I could make the ID. Frustratingly, I later heard what sounded like the call of a Costa's Hummingbird from across the road, but it never returned to the feeders. Other birds here included 3 singing male BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS (including territorial chasing by two of them) and a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER. After this, I headed east to San Antonio Valley. A stop at Seeboy Ridge (milepost 6.00) produced a male LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH and another BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER. A SAGE SPARROW was singing at milepost 7.66 and an alternate-plumaged GREATER YELLOWLEGS was in the creek - also a NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW foraging over the creek here. Three more GREATER YELLOWLEGS and two more NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS were just further east. A COMMON YELLOWTHROAT at the Arnold Pond at milepost 9.30 was a surprise and a DOWNY WOODPECKER here was good for the Diablo Range interior. Another NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW and 7 RING-NECKED DUCKS (5 males) were near the green mile marker 11.0 (about milepost 10.67). Another LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH flew over the chaparral at milepost 12.43. Once into the San Antonio Valley, I had 6 WOOD DUCKS and another GREATER YELLOWLEGS, but not the hoped for Solitary Sandpiper. Three ELK among the cows were a surpise so far from the Isabel Valley. A LEWIS'S WOODPECKER was by the yellow gate, along with another LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH. Also had another DOWNY WOODPECKER and 3 WESTERN KINGBIRDS along this stretch of road. At least four SAGE SPARROWS were singing both east and north of the junction and a male PHAINOPEPLA was near the first cattleguard north of the junction. A pair of LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH, a pair of NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS, and a male AUDUBON'S YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER flew overhead here. I had only ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS at the junction feeders, where Steve Rovell and Steve Glover had reported a female Calliope Hummingbird from the day before. Mike Rogers -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 10 11:37:47 2000 Subject: [SBB] To: [[email protected]] -------- Can someone send me the address of the server to sign on to birdwest - I am trying to set up a new computer. Thanks, Nick -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 10 11:59:24 2000 Subject: [SBB] Black-throated gray warbler -------- On Sunday, I heard a Black-Throated Gray Warbler on Gerona St. on the Stanford Campus. dave Division of Immunology/Transplantation Biology Room H-307 Stanford University School of Medicine 300 Pasteur Drive Stanford, CA 94305-5208 Tel: (650)498-4189 FAX:(650) 498-6077 -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 10 13:06:26 2000 Subject: [SBB] baby hummer -------- Hi All, My boss just came to me with a baby hummingbird that fell out of the nest. It is still living and we are wondering if we should call someone, or what should we do? I am at Slac in Menlo Park. Any suggestions? Thanks, Pat Prickett [[email protected]] -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 10 14:10:39 2000 Subject: [SBB] hummer rescue -------- Hi All, Thanks to all who responded to my plea about the hummer. We called wildlife rescue and they couldn't come to us and we couldn't go to them, so we called Peninsula Humane and they are coming out to get the bird.(They've been out several times in the past. Once they were out on a Mt. Lion call, but I don't think they found it). My boss instinctively wrapped the bird in soft tissue paper and the bird seemed in pretty good shape. It actually looks more adult size. Many thanks for quick response. Pat -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 11 02:47:37 2000 Subject: Re: [SBB] New Northern California birding guide -------- >I realized that some California birders have not heard of the new "Birding >Northern California" guide by John Kemper that came out last year. I think >this is the best site guide for the area, with over 300 sites, range maps >for almost 200 specialties and seasonal occurrence bar charts for all the >species. This is where I got precise directions for the sage grouse lek at >Honey Lake. Here is the review from Amazon and the URL to buy it from there: I picked this book up on a trip to Oregon & used it extensively on a trip to Pt. Reyes and a couple other outings away from the SBB coverage area. It's got wonderful directions to specific locations within Pt Reyes to locate Pacific Golden Plover (for instance) and very thorough information about how to get around, property rights you need to observe to get to the spots described. I did a quick check this past weekend by reviewing the local hot spots (Foster City locales, Palo Alto ponds, Charleston Slough, etc) and found all my best routes were covered. Great book. My philosophy on it is to buy as many copies as possible. I want to make sure the author collects enough on this one to get interested in a Birding Southern California. cheers, -mary ----- Mary @ Wisnewski .com web maven without portfolio -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 11 08:26:14 2000 Subject: [SBB] EUWI (still) -------- Folks: Yesterday afternoon, 4/10/2000, I noted that the AM. WIGEON flock on Salt Pond A1 in Mountain View was still in excess of a thousand birds and I was able to find at least one male EURASIAN WIGEON in the flock. This is getting quite late for a spring record. I counted seven BLACK SKIMMERS at Charleston Slough. Bill -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 11 10:16:02 2000 Subject: [SBB] birds -------- Some recent birding highlights: On the weekend of 1-2 Apr 00 I birded Almaden Quicksilver and Henry Coe Parks. The usual migrants were around (lots of singing HOUSE WRENS at Coe), but nothing that hasn't already been reported. I also stopped at San Felipe Road on 2 Apr 00 to look for Cassin's Kingbird, but had no luck with this species. I did find a BARN OWL that was roosting in the eucalyptus, and a pair of RED-TAILED HAWKS was building a nest in the middle euc. At San Felipe Lake, a colony of TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS has moved into the reeds along the edge of the lake, near the GTGR spot (this is actually in San Benito Cnty). GREAT BLUE HERONS had at least 6 active nests in the submerged trees out on the lake. WESTERN and EARED GREBES were still present, as well as 16 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS. On 6 Apr I had a pair of WOOD DUCKS along Coyote Creek south of Hellyer. YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS are singing profusely, gearing up for breeding elsewhere (although the warblers do breed in localized spots in the Santa Cruz Mnts). On 8 Apr I drove along Metcalf and San Felipe Roads. RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS were singing on the hillside just east of hwy 101 along Metcalf. Surprisingly, San Felipe Valley had all 5 swallow species. BARN and CLIFF were nesting on a building a quarter mile or so from the end of the road, while TREEs were checking out some nest boxes on the adjacent fenceline. VIOLET-GREEN were flying about the oaks looking for cavities, while ROUGH-WINGEDS were hanging around the little bridge that crosses the creek. The valley also had a rufous-morph RED-TAILED HAWK. On 9 Apr I headed up to Grant Park, stopping first at the trailhead behind the old barn to look for Grasshopper Sparrows. I failed to find any, but heard some gobbling WILD TURKEYS across the road. I then went up to Smith Creek, where I found Mike Rogers wandering the road. I didn't see any of his good migrants, so I tried the area around Grant Lake. Here I had a male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD at the eucalyptus trees just east of the lake, as well as a good half dozen female selasphorus hummers. I found 3 FORSTER'S TERNS at the lake and, at one point, 2 of them chased after a RED-TAILED HAWK that was innocently flying by. Mike Mammoser -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 11 10:25:13 2000 Subject: [SBB] Shoreline Park -------- All, On my run through Shoreline Park yesterday 4/10/00 I noted a vocal adult PEREGRINE FALCON circling up to harass one of the local adult RED-TAILED HAWKS in front of the 80'x120' wind tunnel inlet here at NASA and had two HOODED ORIOLES along Stevens Creek between L'Avenida and Crittenden Lane. One oriole, an adult male, was very vocal and visible in the lone eucalyptus halfway between these two roads, both on my way out and on my way back. Also interesting were a pair of adult MUTE SWANS in Permanente Creek just south of the auto bridge to the boat house parking area by the golf course clubhouse. Mike Rogers -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 11 10:34:32 2000 Subject: [SBB] March archive online -------- South Bay Birders, The archive of the March 2000 South-Bay-Birders messages is online at: http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~jmorlan/southbay.htm Other updates include two new mystery birds, a warbler and a gull, and answers to last month's mystery thrasher and bluebird at: http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~jmorlan/mysteries.htm Enjoy! -- Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA 94044: mailto:[[email protected]] California Birding; Mystery Birds: http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~jmorlan/ California Bird Records Committee: http://www.wfo-cbrc.org/cbrc/ -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 11 16:54:02 2000 Subject: [SBB] CAQU in Los Altos Neighborhood -------- Today (4/11) while working at a client's home in N. Los Altos, my Brittany started acting birdy just as we got in the backyard. I let him go and he worked across the lawn to a group of shrubs and then went on a staunch point. As I approached, a male California Quail rocketed out of the shrubs and into the neighbors yard and soon began to call. This is an area far removed from their native habitat (an area closer to ECR than Foothill Expressway). I have seen quail in the neighborhoods before, almost always in spring. I assume this individual was looking for a mate or new habitat to exploit. My client does have a feeder and I guess this is what the bird was doing in the yard. The owner has not seen quail in the yard for many years, but that too was in the early spring. Screech. -- Paul L. Noble "Screechowl" [[email protected]] ^ ^ @ @ ( v ) ( ) / \ m m -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 11 17:15:15 2000 Subject: [SBB] Eurasian Wigeon -------- All, This morning the adult male Eurasian Wigeon was still in Salt Pond A1 with thousands of American Wigeon. Ten Black Skimmers were on the small island in the southeast corner of the pond. (Hunting season must be over for all these ducks to be on this pond.) For those who don't know, Salt Pond A1 is the large pond north of Shoreline Lake and east of Charleston Slough. Take care, Bob Reiling, 5:12 PM, 4/11/00 -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 11 22:48:00 2000 Subject: [SBB] Yellow Warbler, nesting Canada Geese, and other goodies -------- Howdy South-bay-birders, This afternoon I visited some Almaden Valley spots, starting with Alamitos Road between Almaden Reservoir and Twin Creeks. Along the creek at O'Day's there was a singing YELLOW WARBLER, the first I've heard there this spring. Other birds found in that short stretch included SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, WILD TURKEY, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, VIOLET-GREEN and N. ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS, HOUSE WREN, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, 1 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (singing), BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLES. Along Hicks Road, just upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir, I pished in a pair of CASSIN'S VIREOS. Looked for but didn't find any Wilson's Warblers there. WESTERN KINGBIRDS have returned to their usual spot along the Alamitos Creek Trail upstream from Almaden Lake (near the upper end of the long dry gravel bed). As I walked up I thought I heard a Cassin's Kingbird call, but my search only produced 3 Westerns (guess I misheard). Other birds along the path included lots of VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, HOUSE WREN, CALIFORNIA THRASHER, CEDAR WAXWINGS, and more BULLOCK'S ORIOLES. I was surprised to see a very scrawny looking COYOTE come to the creek to drink. At Almaden Lake there were a few HERRING GULLS among the CALIFORNIA and RING-BILLED GULLS on the island at the stream inflow, also 1 FORSTER'S and 2 CASPIAN TERNS. A pair of CANADA GEESE along the lakeshore had a brood of 6 goslings in tow--very cute in their yellow down. John Mariani [[email protected]] www.birdswest.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Wed Apr 12 08:17:28 2000 Subject: [SBB] New Yard Birds -------- Last evening a White-throated sparrow showed up at my backyard feeders in Los Altos. What a beautiful bird! Two other Zonotrichia were in attendance, as well. A Golden-crowned and White-crowned sparrow were also present at the same time. Last week a White-tailed Kite landed in a large pine tree in my backyard after having been mobbed by the local crow gang. Lou Beaudet -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Wed Apr 12 17:38:17 2000 Subject: [SBB] Mystery Bird -------- Today at lunch, one of the fellas at the table mentioned to me that he had seen a dark bird with a very curved bill from his office window. I told him I thought it was probably a California Thrasher. He went on to mention that there were two birds, and one bird's bill was quite a bit shorter that the other. I was intrigued, so I went up to his office after lunch hoping to see the bird. I did see the bird. A California Thrasher it was not! When I first saw the bird from the rear it looked very much like a starling. Maybe, a little larger. When the bird turned around I was amazed to find that although it looked starling-like, it had a somewhat curved bill that was at least three times the length of a starling's bill. The bill was black at the base, changing to a bright yellow about a 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the base, which tapered to quite a sharp point. I was unable to see the other bird. I was able to obtain a camera-pass from the tenants, and will try to get pictures of the bird tomorrow. Lou Beaudet -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 13 07:48:38 2000 Subject: [SBB] Junco Nest -------- Yesterday, Wednesday, the Junco nest was lost. I don't know what happened, I wasn't home. When I went to check on the nest at about 3:30, it was empty. I found one of the babies, dead on the ground under the nest. No sign of the other three. The enst was not messed up at all, no struggle. The baby under the nest, other than being dead, showed no obvious injuries- no punctures, blood, etc. I am hoping that the parents will renest. Should I clear the old nest out and hope they renest there, or will they use the old nest? Kathy Parker -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 13 13:58:35 2000 Subject: [SBB] Band-Tailed Pigeons -------- I have 54 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS eating in my backyard at this moment. Gloria LeBlanc Los Gatos off Quito "We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails" http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 13 13:59:48 2000 Subject: [SBB] Another CAHU -------- This morning as a reward for braving the threatening weather, Rosalie Lefkowitz and I banded another Calliope Hummingbird. This time it was a female. Like the male, she was tiny, tipping the scales at 2.6 grams, and showing the typical cinnamon-buff coloration to the sides of the breast and flanks. The back was bronzy-green; the throat was white speckled with small bronzy spots. Tail was short. Center tail feathers showed the unusual "pandurate" shape that female Calliopes have. She was a real treat to see. Rita -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 13 14:46:23 2000 Subject: [SBB] BBPL -------- Today, 4/13/00, at noon I visited the Alviso Marina. The Black-bellied Plovers (I counted eight)continue at the overflow area between pond A12 and the RR tracks. Also observed in that area were a pair of Swamp Sparrows and a pair of Norther Pintail along with many of the 'usual' shorebirds. A Western and a Clark's Grebe were alone in pond A12. A pair of Forster's Terns flew over the pond briefly. Cheers, Karl _______________________________________________________ Get 100% FREE Internet Access powered by Excite Visit http://freelane.excite.com/freeisp -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 13 14:52:10 2000 Subject: [SBB] Smith Creek Fire Station -------- All, This morning Frank Vanslager and I birded Smith Creek Fire Station (because of Mike Rogers recent sightings of Hammond's Flycatcher, MacGillivray's Warbler and Lawrence's Goldfinches). When we arrived the area around the bridge was alive with singing House Wrens and a Black-headed Grosbeak was singing upstream of the bridge. Then as we headed west along the south side of the fire station Frank spotted a couple impatient Lawrence's Goldfinches in the top of a bare tree located on the fire station. I was fooling with my scope at the time (a rock in one of legs) and the birds flew just as Frank was getting them in his scope :-(. We then headed up into the hills, bearing left at the junctions (listening carefully all the way). Near the top we had a singing immature male Purple Finch. (Someone recently said that female PUFI don't sing, it would be nice to have a reference, if possible, since none of my books make any mention of females singing, or not.) I could see no color (yellow-green or otherwise) on the PUFIs head, chin or throat, the bird looking essentially the same as a female (no, I did not see the rump). We also saw a Lark Sparrow near the top of the trail. It was literally down hill from there with no other "mentionables ." The only good thing was that it didn't rain hard until we got back to the car. A quick stop at Grant Ranch/Hall's Valley Lake added some birds to the day's list (Wild Turkeys were heard and seen near and on Quimby Road). Take care, Bob Reiling, 2:48 PM, 4/13/00 -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 13 15:20:32 2000 Subject: [SBB] RFI: Ogier Ponds -------- All: I tried to access the Ogier Ponds today for the first time. I tried Ogier Lane off the Monterey Highway, but there were signs at the end stating there is no access at this point. Exactly how does one visit these ponds? Is there any access off 101? Thanks, Nick -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 13 15:28:17 2000 Subject: [SBB] Birds seen at the Post Office... -------- The new Pacific Coast Rain Forest stamps are out. Birds on their own (peel & stick) stamps: Harlequin Ducks American Dipper Winter Wren ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Judy Donaldson -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 13 15:30:47 2000 Subject: [SBB] Mystery Bird -------- I failed to get a picture today. It was reported as being there before I arrived and again after I left. I'll try again tomorrow. The location of the bird is at the rear of the Lockheed Martin facility at 160 E. Tasman Ave. San Jose. It had been bathing in some standing water on a part of the roof that overhangs the loading dock. I don't think it is visible from the parking lot unless you catch sight of it flying to one of the nearby trees. Lou Beaudet -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 13 15:44:59 2000 Subject: Re: [SBB] Mystery bird -------- Joseph Morlan says: >> Ann Verdi suggested >>it may be a bulbul of some kind. Any ideas as to what this odd bird might >>be? > >How about Redeyed Bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans)from southern Africa? Then the question becomes how did it get hear. Granted it is probably an escape if that is true, but I don't recall these birds being a frequent of infrequent cage bird - are they? -Chris -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 13 16:40:48 2000 Subject: [SBB] Acorn Woodpecker picture -------- The Los Gatos Parks Commission has agreed to distribute the "Birds of La Rinconada Park." It will be one piece of paper. On one side will be the names of the birds. On the reverse side will be the write-up of the acorn woodpecker. They would like to have a picture of an Acorn Woodpecker on it....It will be printed in black and white. Does anyone have a sketch, or photo they would be willing to let me use - for free? Dusty has agreed to put it all together and make the handout "pretty" for me. I am to present the finished product on May 2nd for final approval at the Los Gatos Parks commission meeting. Can you help me? Gloria LeBlanc "We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails" http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Fri Apr 14 06:03:22 2000 Subject: Fwd: [SBB] BBPL -------- Upon further review, the SWSP I reported yesterday, 4/13/00, was a Savannah Sparrow. I apologize for the error. Karl ----- Original Message ----- > Message-ID: <25547732.955662383670.JavaMail.imail@derby> > Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2000 14:46:23 -0700 (PDT) > From: Karl Fowler <[[email protected]]> > To: [[email protected]] > Subject: [SBB] BBPL > > > Today, 4/13/00, at noon I visited the Alviso Marina. The Black-bellied > Plovers (I counted eight)continue at the overflow area between pond A12 and > the RR tracks. Also observed in that area were a pair of Swamp Sparrows and > a pair of Norther Pintail along with many of the 'usual' shorebirds. A > Western and a Clark's Grebe were alone in pond A12. A pair of Forster's > Terns flew over the pond briefly. > > Cheers, > Karl > > > > > > _______________________________________________________ > Get 100% FREE Internet Access powered by Excite > Visit http://freelane.excite.com/freeisp > > -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== > This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list > server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the > message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] _______________________________________________________ Get 100% FREE Internet Access powered by Excite Visit http://freelane.excite.com/freeisp -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Fri Apr 14 16:10:44 2000 Subject: [SBB] Olive-sided Flycatcher, etc. -------- Howdy South-bay-birders, Just visited Twin Creeks, where a silent OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was perched in one of its usual spots, tip-top in a bare eucalyptus. Other birds there included CASSIN'S VIREO, YELLOW WARBLER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, PURPLE FINCH, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES. Around the parking area at the New Almaden entrance to Almaden Quicksilver Park: PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, WESTERN BLUEBIRD, and singing YELLOW-RUMPED and YELLOW WARBLERS. Along McKean Road there were a pair of GOLDEN EAGLES circling near last year's nest site. There is still a pile of sticks atop the tower platform, but whether they are again nesting there I don't know-- John Mariani [[email protected]] www.birdswest.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 15 08:24:52 2000 Subject: [SBB] Mime-Version: 1.0 -------- Yesterday I braved some intermittent rain and took an out-of-town friend on the Table Mountain hike. Good views in flight of a Pileated Woodpecker, but did not see evidence that the nest hole of previous years was in use. Bird activity was otherwise subdued but included Warbling Vireos (3), Ash-Throated Flycatchers (2), Pacific-Slope Flycatchers (2), Rufous Hummingbirds (2), and many Black-Throated Gray Warblers. - Dave David B. Lewis Division of Immunology/Transplantation Biology, Room H-307 Stanford University School of Medicine 300 Pasteur Drive Stanford, CA 94305-5208 Tel: (650) 498-4189 FAX: (650) 498-6077 -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 15 09:37:17 2000 Subject: [SBB] Mystery Bird no longer a mystery. -------- I was able to observe this bird several times yesterday. I'm quite certain it is a male starling with an abnormally long bill. The bill is at least 2 1/2 to 3 times longer than a normal starling bill. The bill has some darker coloring at the base, fading into a bright yellow, and then back to about a 1/4 to 1/2 inch of black at the very tip of the bill. The bill does not appear to be deformed in any other manner, just elongated. The bird seems to be paired with a female who is bringing nesting material to a cavity in the roof overhanging the loading dock. I was able to take several pictures of the birds through the tinted office windows. Hopefully they will come out in spite of the significant loss of light from the tinting. Having just read "The Beak of the Finch", by Jonathan Weiner, on the evolutionary process, I wonder what kind of offspring this pair of birds would produce? Lou Beaudet -------- Message -------- Subject: [SBB] Mystery Bird -------- I failed to get a picture today. It was reported as being there before I arrived and again after I left. I'll try again tomorrow. The location of the bird is at the rear of the Lockheed Martin facility at 160 E. Tasman Ave. San Jose. It had been bathing in some standing water on a part of the roof that overhangs the loading dock. I don't think it is visible from the parking lot unless you catch sight of it flying to one of the nearby trees. Lou Beaudet -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 15 10:30:04 2000 Subject: Re: [SBB] Mystery Bird no longer a mystery. -------- At 9:37 AM -0700 4/15/2000, Louis J. Beaudet wrote: >I was able to observe this bird several times yesterday. I'm quite >certain it is a male starling with an abnormally long bill. Interesting. We had, for about three years, a finch that summered on our feeder that had a deformed bill. Since she lasted multiple years, it was obvious that she could still take care of herself, but we always kept an eye out for her. She didn't appear last summer, and we haven't seen her since. Can't say if she ever nested, but I never saw signs of her feeding young around the feeder. -- -- Chuq Von Rospach - Plaidworks Consulting (mailto:[[email protected]]) Apple Mail List Gnome (mailto:[[email protected]]) And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar and say 'Man, what are you doing here?'" -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 15 11:44:45 2000 Subject: [SBB] White-tailed Kite Nests -------- Two pairs of White-tailed Kites are nesting in my neighborhood. There are at least 3 downy young in a nest in a large pine behind houses on a cul-de-sac of Thomas Drive off the 3300 block of Greer Rd. in Palo Alto. Further north in a pine visible from the Greer Rd. bridge over Matadero Creek is a second pair. The tree is behind houses on Higgins (off Colorado), but was most easily seen from the driveway of the nearby Kona Apts. The male, calling loudly all the time, brought twigs for nesting and then copulated with the female. Rosalie Lefkowitz -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 15 19:24:47 2000 Subject: [SBB] Common Loons, etc. -------- Hello SBB, Stopped at Lexington Reservoir today (4/15). There were three breeding-plumaged COMMON LOONS, a pair of COMMON MERGANSERS and an OSPREY. Six VAUX'S SWIFTS were cavorting overhead with a mixed swallow flock and a handful of WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS. In Palo Alto, at Middlefield Rd x Ensign Way (near Adobe Creek and Mitchell Park), there was a rather large flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS which I estimated to be 900-1000 birds. They restlessly moved in sub-groups from tree to tree, but stayed in the area for quite some time. David Suddjian, Capitola [[email protected]] -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 15 23:47:15 2000 Subject: [SBB] South County Field Trip -------- Howdy South-bay-birders, Today I led a class field trip that started in New Almaden and ended hours later in the Santa Teresa Hills. Fortunately we only had a little rain at the very outset; otherwise the weather was fine, although a bit breezy and cool at times. Highlights: Trailhead parking area in New Almaden - HAIRY WOODPECKER, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, HOUSE WREN, ORANGE-CROWNED, YELLOW, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE. Almaden Reservoir - 1 GREAT EGRET and 1 male COMMON MERGANSER. Road from Almaden Reservoir to Twin Creeks - 7 WILD TURKEYS, PACIFIC-SLOPE and 3 ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS, YELLOW, ORANGE-CROWNED, and WILSON'S WARBLERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE. The Ash-throated Flycatchers must have just arrived--I didn't see or hear them the previous day. Orange-crowned Warblers were carrying nesting material. Upstream from Twin Creeks we saw an AMERICAN DIPPER near the second bridge. Santa Teresa Hills - There were 2 WESTERN KINGBIRDS at the beginning of the Stile Ranch Trail. Up the trail we had great close looks at a pair of GOLDEN EAGLES, and when we reached the hilltop grassland we saw NORTHERN HARRIER, HORNED LARK (singing high overhead), and a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW. It sounded as if there were 2 Grasshopper Sparrows singing on either side of the path, but we only saw one. Other birds found along the loop formed by the Stile Ranch Trail and Fortini Trail: SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, WHITE-THROATED SWIFT, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, WESTERN BLUEBIRD, and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW. We watched a RED-TAILED HAWK and a YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE visit their nests in the crowns of redwoods along the Fortini Trail. The hawk flew in with material for the nest. John Mariani [[email protected]] www.birdswest.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 16 13:09:32 2000 Subject: [SBB] Woodpecker News -------- The brown woodpecker in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park was seen by two birders this morning, Sunday, at about 10:15 am. Jana Pauser, who accompanied me on the Christmas Bird Count, along with another birder who had previously seen the bird (including last spring) spotted the bird and had good looks. Jana described the bird to me as reddish brown (under a cloudy sky), no red on head, perhaps smaller than a Nutall's but very similar looking. I have returned to the park a few times since my sighting several days ago as reported to SBB, but have not been able to refind the bird. Unfortunately, I will be out of town for about a week beginning tomorrow. Below are directions to the park and area where the bird is to be found. I hope to return and learn that more people have spotted it. Barbara Harkleroad Almaden Area Guadalupe Oak Grove Park, in San Jose, cross street is McAbee and > Thorntree. Other near major cross steets are Meridian and Redmond Rd in > the Almaden area. > You will find a small drive-in and parking area > off Thorntree Dr. From the parking area, walk straight ahead into the > wooded area, NOT toward the restroom and the hills. I'm not a good judge of > distance, but would guess between 25 and 50 yards along the trail which > parallels the fence, Nutall's are usually heard and seen. The bird I > described flew across the path (from my right to the left-fence side) and > landed on an oak limb. -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 16 15:26:13 2000 Subject: [SBB] Twin Creeks Birds -------- Yesterday afternoon in the Twin Creeks area past Almaden Reservoir, Debbie and I saw Black-Headed Grosbeak, Bullock's Orioles, and a low-flying Great Blue Heron. We also saw a small group of American Goldfinches, which seemed a little out of the ordinary to me. Later in the afternoon, we saw a pair of Common Mergansers on Alamitos Creek. Hugh McDevitt -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 16 19:36:05 2000 Subject: [SBB] Question about Black-crowned Night-Heron -------- A question for you more experienced Heron watchers... I've recently assumed watching and recording duties for the 2000 Vasona Lake heron rookery report. The previous watch was good enough to show me around. In the process, we discovered what looked to be immature BCNH's. The question: could this be an early brood from this year? Or would those be last year? In other words, how long do BCNH's wear juvenile fletching? FWIW; anybody that hasn't gotten their fill of Ross's Goose, can find one at the rookery island on Vasona Lake. There's one there (for the moment, anyway...). Best regards, Dusty Bleher Campbell, Ca. -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 16 23:57:23 2000 Subject: [SBB] Stevens Creek Park cloud forest -------- Or so it seemed. My class did a field trip there today, Sunday, 4/16/00. We did surprisingly well, considering the impending rain. It managed to only drizzle before we quit at 1:30p. Some highlights: We had a CLARK'S and WESTERN GREBE in the reservoir, as well as an OSPREY and 3 CASPIAN TERNS. While at the Chestnut Picnic area, a large bodied sandpiper flew southeast over the park; this was Whimbrel or Godwit-sized. We had one CASSIN'S VIREO singing and foraging at Villa Maria picnic area. PURPLE FINCHES were singing in the area; all but one were in non-adult male plumage. BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS were active and singing, but they weren't easy to see along the trail above Villa Maria. We also had singing ORANGE- CROWNED, Audubon's YELLOW-RUMPED, TOWNSEND'S, and WILSON'S WARBLERS. BULLOCK'S ORIOLES were quite vocal, too. We had great views of a couple of singing WESTERN TANAGERS and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS at the Cooley and Canyon picnic areas. Best birds were a pair of AMERICAN DIPPERS building a nest under the bridge that leads to the Cooley picnic area. This is across Stevens Canyon Rd. from Canyon picnic area, just upstream from the Mt. Eden Rd. junction. This is considerably farther downstream than where they've been seen in the past few years. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a pair nesting at the usual area upstream, too. These birds were easy to see from the road to the Cooley picnic area (and the Costanoan group camp). The bridge is low and the creek is small, and it appears that it would be difficult to view the nest without spooking the birds. So, I would like to urge people to resist going under the bridge to look at the nest. Remember, there's a good chance that if you do, you could be responsible for a nest failure. If you would like to see a dipper nest, try the Wurr Rd. bridge over Pescadero Creek near San Mateo County Park. This is a bigger bridge and you can view a nest, if present, from across this larger creek. Regarding singing Purple Finches that appear to be female, according to Pyle's ID guide, young males can be found in immature plumage into their 2nd Oct. I haven't found any references that say if female PUFI sing. Les Chibana -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 17 00:21:16 2000 Subject: Re: [SBB] Stevens Creek Park cloud forest -------- At 11:57 PM -0700 4/16/2000, Les Chibana wrote: >Regarding singing Purple Finches that appear to be female, according to >Pyle's ID guide, young males can be found in immature plumage into their >2nd Oct. I haven't found any references that say if female PUFI sing. For what it's worth -- I keep canaries, which are basically domesticated finches (sort of like how poodles are domesticated wolves, but don't tell my canaries I said that...). And you do find that an occasional female sings. I happen to have one now (I bought a male, and it surprised the heck out of us when it took over the food dish and started laying). From talking to others, it seems that the frequency is very rare (less than 1 in 500), but it's far from unheard of. And I have anecdotal info that it happens with other domesticated finches. Which doesn't prove a thing about PUFI, but it seems to be something that does happen within the finch family, so I'd expect that PUFI does, also. Just rarely enough to confuse people. It could well be a juvenile male, and the only real way to be sure is be there when they drop the eggs... -- -- Chuq Von Rospach - Plaidworks Consulting (mailto:[[email protected]]) Apple Mail List Gnome (mailto:[[email protected]]) And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar and say 'Man, what are you doing here?'" -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 17 14:33:44 2000 Subject: [SBB] job announcement -------- FIELD TECHNICIAN TO WORK ON COMMON RAVENS AND GREAT EGRETS: One field technician is needed to assist on a study of Common Ravens in the San Francisco Bay area from early May to late July/early August. The study is a collaborative project between Point Reyes Bird Observatory and Audubon Canyon Ranch. The position will focus on radio-telemetry and behavioral observations of ravens. The technician will work as part of a raven project team and will also participate in extensive behavioral monitoring of raven/egret interactions at waterbird nesting colonies. Qualified applicants must be in excellent physical condition, have experience in field ornithology, be willing to occasionally work long, early, or late hours, and have the patience to spend long periods of time watching for rare behaviors or waiting for ravens to approach traps or bait stations. Applicants must also be willing to use their own vehicle to help with tracking radio-tagged birds; compensation for mileage costs will be provided. The ability to work independently and on a team is essential. Experience in radio-telemetry or behavioral studies of birds is highly desirable. Salary is $1,000/month, and shared housing at Audubon Canyon Ranch will be provided. In your letter of application, please describe type and extent of experience relevant to the position, educational background, and the names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of 2 references. Send applications as soon as possible to Jennifer Roth at Point Reyes Bird Observatory, 4990 Shoreline Hwy., Stinson Beach, CA 94970, or to [[email protected]]. -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 17 18:16:15 2000 Subject: [SBB] birds -------- On Saturday, 15 Apr 00, I took a hike in Henry Coe Park, from the visitor's center out to Manzanita Point. Bird activity was generally low on the way out there, but once at Manzanita Point it picked up considerably. I had dozens of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, 6-8 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, a few ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, 4-5 CHIPPING SPARROWS, an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, a CASSIN'S VIREO, a couple BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, many singing PURPLE FINCHES, and lots of LESSER GOLDFINCHES. Both a WARBLING VIREO and a WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH were carrying nesting material out there. A good number of WILD TURKEYS were present as well. On the way home I stopped at Ogier Ponds. The TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS are still going strong in the pond just north of the model plane park, with a female carrying nesting material. On Sunday, 16 Apr, I went back to Smith Creek, where I met Rob Colwell and his friend Tom. We searched the area fruitlessly for rare migrants, but Tom finally spied a male LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH at the fire station. We found little of interest at the summit or at Arnold Pond, so those guys turned back and I continued down into San Antonio Valley. I had 2 singing SONG SPARROWS just past mile point 12 going down the east side of the mountain. Just as I entered the valley, I had 2 WOOD DUCKS fly by. A lot of goldfinches singing in the oaks here may have included some Lawrence's, but I couldn't get a visual on them. At the Junction, about 12 hummingbirds were feeding simultaneously from the feeders, but all were ANNA'S. All in all, a quiet drizzly day. Mike Mammoser -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 18 17:17:01 2000 Subject: [SBB] Smith Creek again -------- All, This morning Frank Vanslager and I, once again, birded Smith Creek Fire Station. Best bird there was an adult male Black-throated Gray Warbler. On our way home Frank saw a breeding plumage Chipping Sparrow on the top wire of the fence on the north side of the road a couple hundred yards above the Hall's Valley/Grant Ranch Lake parking area. Unfortunately it flew before I could park the car :-(couldn't see it from my side). Take care, Bob Reiling, 5:15 PM, 4/18/00 -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 18 17:48:26 2000 Subject: [SBB] orioles! -------- First oriole of the season hit the feeder today. a nice, absolutely gorgeous hooded male. youngster, probably a yearling. He's calling, so there are other orioles in the neighborhood, too. They were definitely not here yesterday, and when I got home from work, noticed the sugar water level had changed, so I figured they were around. he was there within ten minutes.... Location is Central Park area, Santa Clara. -- -- Chuq Von Rospach - Plaidworks Consulting (mailto:[[email protected]]) Apple Mail List Gnome (mailto:[[email protected]]) And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar and say 'Man, what are you doing here?'" -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 18 18:34:37 2000 Subject: [SBB] Re: singing Purple Finches -------- I was thinking about what Chuq said about the females of his captive species of finches singing. I would be more likely to go along with this except it occured to me that we don't see female House Finches singing. Or, has anyone seen this? I would think that these more closely related species might be more indicative of the other's behavior. Les Chibana, Palo Alto, CA [[email protected]] -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 18 22:05:21 2000 Subject: [SBB] Re: singing Purple Finches -------- At 6:34 PM -0700 4/18/2000, Les Chibana wrote: >except it occured to me that we don't see female House Finches >singing. Or, has anyone seen this? I would think that these more >closely related species might be more indicative of the other's >behavior. Has anyone looked for it? This is the sort of thing that would be very easy to not notice, unless you're looking for it, and rare enough that without some kind of formal study, probably couldn't be answered. Seems like something that would require formal research to answer... (but I'll start watching my feeder, just in case) -- -- Chuq Von Rospach - Plaidworks Consulting (mailto:[[email protected]]) Apple Mail List Gnome (mailto:[[email protected]]) And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar and say 'Man, what are you doing here?'" -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Wed Apr 19 10:00:32 2000 Subject: Re: [SBB] Re: singing Purple Finches -------- Female finches of many species, including House and Purple, are known to sing. Their songs are unlike male songs though in that they are shorter, less complex, and given less frequently. The fact that male Purple Finches don't acquire their red color until their second year of life makes observing female song problematic in this species. House Finches are more straightforward. Jeff Davis Santa Cruz, CA >At 6:34 PM -0700 4/18/2000, Les Chibana wrote: >>except it occured to me that we don't see female House Finches >>singing. Or, has anyone seen this? I would think that these more >>closely related species might be more indicative of the other's >>behavior. > >Has anyone looked for it? This is the sort of thing that would be >very easy to not notice, unless you're looking for it, and rare >enough that without some kind of formal study, probably couldn't be >answered. Seems like something that would require formal research to >answer... > >(but I'll start watching my feeder, just in case) > >-- >-- >Chuq Von Rospach - Plaidworks Consulting (mailto:[[email protected]]) >Apple Mail List Gnome (mailto:[[email protected]]) -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Wed Apr 19 11:01:06 2000 Subject: [SBB] OWL UPDATE -------- The Western Screech owl web site has just been updated with 2 new video clips--also data as to how frequently feeding occurs. We are waiting for the owlets to arrive before we set a specific date for an "owl gathering". www.parkers.to/owls I've heard that many teachers are using this site. Wonderful! Mike's putting in a lot of time and effort and expertise into this site. It should be getting more exciting next week. Gloria LeBlanc "We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails" http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Wed Apr 19 16:01:09 2000 Subject: [SBB] singing Purple Finches -------- Kendric Smith thought some of you would appreciate knowing about published references on female finch songs. For published details on female song in House Finch see: Bitterbaum, E. and L. F. Baptista. 1979. Geographical variation in songs of California House Finches (_Carpodacus mexicanus_). Auk 96:462-474. Mundinger, P. C. 1982. Microgeographic and macrogeographic variations in the acquired vocalizations of birds, pp. 147-208. in Acoustic communication in birds, Vol. 2 (D. E. Kroodsma and E. H. Miller, eds.) Academic Press, New York. Thompson, W. L. 1960a. Agonistic behavior in the House Finch. Part I: Annual cycle and display patterns. Condor 62:245-271. For female song in Purple Finch see: Wootton, J. T. 1996. Purple Finch. In The Birds of North America, No. 208 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, and The American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C. Jeff Davis Santa Cruz, CA -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 20 16:56:24 2000 Subject: [SBB] BLSK -------- Hello all yesterday(4/19/00) there were 4 BLACK SKIMMERS on the small (sludge?) island at the southeast corner of pond A1 near Shoreline lake, along with the usual FORSTER'S TERNS and AVOCETS. Over at the northwest corner of Shoreline lake, by the small pier, there were 2 pairs of WESTERN GREBES who allowed some closeup photo's as well as 2 pair of SURF SCOTERS. Otherwise birds were very sparse on shoreline lake. Over at an island at Charleston Slough there were two more BLACK SKIMMERS. Alan -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 20 17:25:53 2000 Subject: [SBB] Ed Levin CP - BWHA -------- All, Today 4/20/00 at lunch, I headed up to the sycamores above Sandy Wool Lake at Ed Levin Park, hoping for recently arrived Lazuli Buntings and Blue Grosbeaks. I succeeded in finding two singing male LAZULI BUNTINGS, but got much luckier on the way up the hillside. I had been checking the many hawks that were riding the thermals and noticed one circling up over the northeast corner of the golf course. When I got my binoculars on it I was amazed to see a dark morph buteo with a broad white tail band just past half way to the tip of the tail. The bird's small size and flat-winged soaring profile (no dihedral) quickly led me to the ID of an adult dark morph BROAD-WINGED HAWK! (county bird #333 for me). This is only the fifth county record, the first for Spring, and the first record of an adult (although there was a record of an adult on April 19, 1997 at Jasper Ridge in nearby San Mateo County). I first saw the BROAD-WINGED HAWK at 12:08pm as it circled up over the golf course. After rising fairly high up it headed to the northeast, then circled a few more times, then continued on to the northeast, disappearing from sight behind the ridge at 12:14pm. The hawk was a small dark-morph buteo with entirely dark upperparts, upperwing, underparts, and underwing coverts. The flight feathers appeared pale gray with some darker markings. The entire perimeter of the underwing was edged in black, with this black edging being slightly broader at the wing tips (outer primaries). The tail appeared dark except for a narrow white tip and a broad white band across the entire width of the tail just beyond halfway to the tip. This band was very obvious, especially when backlit. The tail was not fanned, so the second pale band was hidden by the undertail coverts. The tail appeared proportionately longer than those on nearby Red-tailed Hawks. The wings appeared to be stocky, with a relatively smaller length past the "wrist" than on other larger long-winged buteos. The wing tips appeared pointed and there was a slight bulge at the rear edge of the wing near the innermost primaries/outermost secondaries. The bird showed no signs of any molt, as expected for an adult at this time of year. Other birds in the general area included 6+ WESTERN KINGBIRDS (including 5 together in a big aerial skirmish), 2 to 3 GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS, 7+ RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS, a lingering WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, and 3 male SELASPHORUS HUMMINGBIRDS winging their way north, at least one of which was a male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD (it stopped in the eucs by the parking area before moving on). A female LESSER GOLDFINCH was building a nest in a bush in the drainage above the sycamores. A quick check of Spring Valley area turned up an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, two occupied TREE SWALLOW nests, 2 more male SELASPHORUS HUMMINGBIRDS, and a late RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. On the way back across highway 237 a GOLDEN EAGLE flew to one of the high voltage towers near Great America Parkway. Mike Rogers -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 20 18:36:11 2000 Subject: [SBB] Fwd: [MBB] Monte Bello Open Space Preserve -------- In case you're not on the Monterey list..... -------------------------------------- Date: Thursday, April 20, 2000 From: DAVID EKDAHL <[[email protected]]> This morning Connie Vigno and I visited the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Santa Clara County), off of Page Mill Road and just down from Skyline Boulevard.  It was a beautiful morning with many flowers blooming and birds singing.  We had ORGANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, WILSON WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, SONG SPARROW, BUSHTIT, HUTTONS VIREO, WARBLING VIREO, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, and many more.  There were NO LAZULI BUNTINGS. Of greatest interest was a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE.  I saw the bird fly into the trees just above us, it had an erratic flight pattern with white outer tail feathers.  The bird in flight was back-lighted and so I could not see the buffy wing patches.  While it perched on the top of the tree above us, I observed that it was a slender gray bird with a size between that of a bluebird and a robin.  The bird had a distinct eye ring with a short bill.  The white outer tail feathers were not visible while the bird was perched. I could also not see the buffy wing patches while the bird was perched, the lighting on main part of the body was poor.  The bird did not vocalize.   David Ekdahl -------- Attachment Text10.htm 1.6 KBytes -------- From [[email protected]] Fri Apr 21 09:18:24 2000 Subject: [SBB] It won't be long now . . . -------- Folks: This morning, 4/21/2000, a SWAMP SPARROW was singing at the south end of the Stevens Creek Tidal Marsh, near the west end of the bridge. Although I could not confirm the identification, I also heard a similar song along Adobe Creek near the end of the eucalyptus. The island in the SE corner of Salt Pond A1 had seven BLACK SKIMMERS this morning. Bill -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Fri Apr 21 11:51:12 2000 Subject: [SBB] Re: Stevens Creek Park cloud forest -------- Les wrote (on the Santa Clara list, but about San Mateo birds): > The bridge is low and the creek is small, and it appears that it would > be difficult to view the nest without spooking the birds. So, I would > like to urge people to resist going under the bridge to look at the nest. > Remember, there's a good chance that if you do, you could be responsible > for a nest failure. If you would like to see a dipper nest, try the Wurr > Rd. bridge over Pescadero Creek near San Mateo County Park. This is a > bigger bridge and you can view a nest, if present, from across this larger > creek. I would urge you to also refrain from trying to view a nest (if any) at this latter location. (They have nested there the past two years.) While it's true the bridge is larger, and there's a good chance that one could do this safely; still, the best policy is to avoid any possible disturbance. Regarding the post Les forwarded from the Monterey Bay list regarding Santa Clara Co. birds: I sent the author of the Townsend's Solitaire report a private request for some sort of directions; if he responds, I'll forward that information. Cheers, Al -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Fri Apr 21 13:52:26 2000 Subject: [SBB] No Broad-winged Hawk :-( -------- All, I really didn't expect to find the BWHA during my survey trip of Ed Levin Park, in preparation for SCVAS field trip on Saturday, but it would have been nice. (If we, Frank Vanslager and I, had only gone yesterday.) This morning it was cold and windy. We did manage to find a male Lazuli Bunting (maybe two, a county year bird), a single Rufous-crowned Sparrow, two Golden Eagles, both swifts, an Ash-throated Flycatcher (a county year bird at this late date!), lots of Western Kingbirds, ditto Bullock's Orioles, a single male selasphorous hummingbird, we dipped on House Wren (but they've got to be there) and we had to walk the ridgeline for a brief glimpse of Grasshopper Sparrows (I won't be taking the group up there). Lots of evidence of recent cow activity on the trails which can make birding a messy business if your not careful. Take care, Bob Reiling, 1:52 PM, 4/21/00 -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Fri Apr 21 15:25:16 2000 Subject: [SBB] Fwd: Location of Montebellow Townsend's Solitaire -------- I received the following response from David Ekdahl: > We saw the bird at 11:30 AM as we were walking down the Canyon Trail, before > the junction of the Bella Vista trail. It flew to the top of the oaks, > which are on both sides of the Canyon Trial, this area is right next to a > marsh area. Cheers, Al -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Fri Apr 21 16:48:19 2000 Subject: [SBB] Brown mystery Woodpecker -------- Howdy South Bay Birders, This afternoon I managed to refind the "brown woodpecker" at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park, first reported by Barbara Harkleroad. What a strange looking bird! It is a NUTTALL'S WOODPECKER, and appears to be leucistic (parts of its plumage faded or at least different in color). Where it should be black on its back, wings, and crown, it is instead a nice tan color. It also shows some brown coloration on the breast, especially the sides (no black spotting there). Some parts are still black--the whisker mark, at least the frontal part of the face patch, and its central tail feathers. The rattling call it gave was 100% Nuttall's. I found it in the area in which Barbara said to look. From the parking area off Thorntree Drive (which is off McAbee) follow the path into the woods (not toward the restroom). The bird was past the sign for "San Jose's Oaks, " near a trash container on the right. There are LOTS of Nuttall's and ACORN WOODPECKERS here. The Acorn Woodpeckers were busy destroying the roof of the restroom, and have been storing acorns between the shingles. I haven't been to the park before, and was surprised at the nice big expanse of oak woodland there. Other birds at the park included RED-TAILED and RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, lots of VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, NORTHERN ORIOLE, and all the usual oak woodland species. Upstream from Almaden Lake, where the stream rejoins the trail just past the dry gravel bed, I saw a WESTERN SCRUB-JAY fly to a palm tree across the creek, and immediately come under attack by a pair of HOODED ORIOLES that were lurking among the dead fronds. A WESTERN KINGBIRD helped them drive off the jay. Looks like the orioles are probably nesting in there-- John Mariani [[email protected]] www.birdswest.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Fri Apr 21 17:34:48 2000 Subject: [SBB] Yellow-breasted Chat -------- Folks-- After reading an article on YBCH which indicated that they are widespread across the US, I began to wonder if this is so, why we never see them. Can anyone tell me where they can be found in California? Ruth Troetschler 184 Lockhart Lane Los Altos, CA 94022 Ruth Troetschler -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Fri Apr 21 18:35:53 2000 Subject: Re: [SBB] Yellow-breasted Chat -------- I'm sure that Bill Bousman can provide good historical background to Chat occurrence in the Bay area. I recall that he said that historical records stated that they used to nest in the willows along the mouth of San Francisquito Creek. What? Willows where? The closest reliable location that I'm aware of is Pipers Slough at Bethel Is. in the delta. A few years back, one or two appeared near Ruthie's Treasures 'n Trash (or vice versa) along Mines Rd. During fall(?) migration, we've banded them at Coyote Creek Field Station. I guess they used to be a lot more abundant and local breeders before the suitable riparian habitat disappeared with development and flood control. Les Chibana On Friday, April 21, 2000, Ruth Troetschler <[[email protected]]> wrote: >Folks-- > >After reading an article on YBCH which indicated that they are >widespread across the US, I began to wonder if this is so, why we >never see them. > >Can anyone tell me where they can be found in California? > >Ruth Troetschler >184 Lockhart Lane >Los Altos, CA 94022 >Ruth Troetschler >-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== >This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list >server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the >message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to >[[email protected]] > -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Fri Apr 21 20:26:18 2000 Subject: Re: [SBB] Yellow-breasted Chat -------- They used to be pretty regular in the East Side of Pinnacles at the campground. -- Richard C. Carlson Full-time Birder, Biker, Skier, Hiker Palo Alto, California Part-time Economist [[email protected]] -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 22 00:44:39 2000 Subject: Re: [SBB] Yellow-breasted Chat -------- About chats-- The only chats I've ever had in Santa Clara Co. were along Mines Road in spring (May) migration--one was in riparian, the other was singing from chaparral (unlikely habitat, but that's where it chose to take cover). Yellow-breasted Chat summer throughout California but are somewhat local and scarce. Some good places are Old Mission Dam at San Diego, Hidden Valley Wildlife Preserve (Riverside Co.), Morongo Valley, the Sepulveda Basin (L.A. Co.), Mariposa Creek in and near Mariposa (a good stop enroute to Yosemite National Park), riparian woods along the Colorado and Sacramento Rivers, and the mesquite adjacent to Furnace Creek Golf Course in Death Valley. In May there are sometimes a few migrants in the riparian at the Big Sur River Mouth too. I seem to remember a record of a couple singing birds along a south county creek a few years back--one of David Suddjian finds? John Mariani ----- Original Message ----- From: Ruth Troetschler <[[email protected]]> To: South-bay-birds <[[email protected]]> Sent: Friday, April 21, 2000 5:34 PM Subject: [SBB] Yellow-breasted Chat > Folks-- > > After reading an article on YBCH which indicated that they are > widespread across the US, I began to wonder if this is so, why we > never see them. > > Can anyone tell me where they can be found in California? > > Ruth Troetschler > 184 Lockhart Lane > Los Altos, CA 94022 > Ruth Troetschler > -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== > This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list > server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the > message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] > -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 22 08:06:17 2000 Subject: [SBB] Yellow-breasted Chat -------- Ten years ago I found a pair of Chats attempting to breed in the riparian strip along Llagas creek just west of Santa Teresa Blvd in San Martin. At that time I heard of one or two other Chat pairs attempting to nest along the creeks west of the southern Santa Clara Valley. Bill Bouseman should have more complete data. Indicentally, I think that strip of Llagas creek is no longer dense enough to support Chats. Charles Coston ___________________________________________________________________ Get your free, permanent e-mail @www.com, the original Net address! - http://www.com/freemail Listen to your favorite music while you work! - http://www.com/radio -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 22 09:48:40 2000 Subject: [SBB] Yellow-breasted Chat -------- FYI Last year, on 5/29/99, Steve Rottenborn reported two singing Yellow-breasted Chats in the south county, along Llagas Creek, upstream from Bloomfield Rd. Lou Beaudet -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 22 16:26:38 2000 Subject: [SBB] White-Throated Sparrow & Golden-Crowned Sparrows -------- Hi All, I still have a WTSP here in Los Gatos. It came to my ground feeder at about 1:00 this afternoon. My GCSPs have apparently left for the summer. I saw the last one on wednesday, 4/19. Jean Dubois -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 22 17:04:14 2000 Subject: [SBB] A few raptors, etc. -------- Howdy South-bay-birders, This afternoon (Sat.), near the headquarters building at Calero County Park, I saw a MERLIN fly by, spooking the crows and finches. It was a rather dark and streaky bird. I'm unsure, but I think it might be a bit on the late side for this species. Also a pair of adult GOLDEN EAGLES were again circling near last year's nest site along McKean Road. Over Calero Reservoir there were lots of FORSTER'S TERNS, 2 CASPIAN TERNS, and lots of swallows (TREE, VIOLET-GREEN, BARN, and CLIFF SWALLOWS). John Mariani [[email protected]] www.birdswest.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 22 18:11:56 2000 Subject: [SBB] Saturday birds -------- I spent several hours this morning near the Smith's Creek Fire Station, along Mt. Hamilton Road. Conditions were often drizzly, and lighting was poor at the outset. Nonetheless, there were lots of birds. I was greeted at the bridge by several BULLOCK'S ORIOLEs and a male WESTERN TANAGER, along with the usual singing BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKs and HOUSE WRENs. Then, heading right after the stile, near the next gate I encountered a Warbler flock, which included Hermit and Townsend's. My totals on WARBLERs for the whole area: about 7 ORANGE-CROWNED, 2 HERMIT (adult males), 2 TOWNSEND'S, and at least 8 WILSON'S; plus a BLACK-THROATED GRAY heard singing in the distance. Other species included one lingering RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET (with the Warblers), a pair of BROWN CREEPERs, about 2 HERMIT THRUSHes (heard), at least one singing CALIFORNIA THRASHER, and several GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWs (some singing). AFter my first pass through the oak hillside, I ran into Mike Rogers and Alma. They had earlier seen 2 HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHERs, and Mike saw them again while we were separately searching. By honing in on a fairly distant call, Mike was later able to lead me to one of them, atop tall trees near the southwest corner of the meadow. Although the bird wasn't close enough to study details, the shape (including short narrow bill) in combination with the call (in synch with its tail flicks) was enough for my identification purposes. I later re-encountered the (presumably same) bird twice more, getting better looks. Thanks to Mike for hanging in there. Mike saw a few other species of note which I missed, so I won't mention them here. The Mt. Hamilton summit was badly fogged in when I got there. There was very little evident bird activity, but I spent 15 minutes at the hummingbird feeders (even they were not easy to view in the fog!), seeing only ANNA'S (at least 6) and one female SELASPHORUS. After lunch I stopped at several Alviso locations. The Arzino Ranch had the first CATTLE EGRET I've seen there this year (a bird in breeding plumage). The impoundment north of the Marina had well over 500 DUNLIN (many in their truly striking alternate plumage), and over 2000 WESTERN SANDPIPERs; there were also 9 GREATER YELLOWLEGs here or nearby, but nothing more interesting. Cheers, Al -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 22 18:35:52 2000 Subject: [SBB] CCFS banding today -------- Today, Saturday, 4/22/00, we had a significant push of WILSON'S WARBLERS. 5 males were banded; before today only 3 had been banded this spring, all singles for each day. Only one Audubon's YELLOW-RUMPED, several ORANGE- CROWNED WARBLERS, and a couple of COMMON YELLOWTHROATS rounded out the warblers netted. One each of WHITE- and GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS were netted. Lots of BULLOCK'S ORIOLES were heard singing, but none ended up in the nets. Les Chibana -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 22 20:39:30 2000 Subject: Re: [SBB] Re: Dipper nest -------- If any of you spend time in Ashland, Oregon, this summer...Dippers nest in Lithia park...there's a nest under the bridge east of the marble fountain, downstream from the band shell and adjacent to a park maintenance shed. Male's been singing in that vicinity this week, female carrying food. Nest materail hanbgs down slihgtly from bottom of support beams under bridge and thus is slightly visible from upstream on east side ata safe distance from the nest -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 22 21:34:04 2000 Subject: Re: [SBB] Yellow-breasted Chat -------- The Morongo Valley Chats are usually pretty easy to find from late April through mid May. - Dave Lewis At 12:44 AM 4/22/00 , John Mariani wrote: >About chats-- > >The only chats I've ever had in Santa Clara Co. were along Mines Road in >spring (May) migration--one was in riparian, the other was singing from >chaparral (unlikely habitat, but that's where it chose to take cover). >Yellow-breasted Chat summer throughout California but are somewhat local and >scarce. Some good places are Old Mission Dam at San Diego, Hidden Valley >Wildlife Preserve (Riverside Co.), Morongo Valley, the Sepulveda Basin (L.A. >Co.), Mariposa Creek in and near Mariposa (a good stop enroute to Yosemite >National Park), riparian woods along the Colorado and Sacramento Rivers, and >the mesquite adjacent to Furnace Creek Golf Course in Death Valley. In May >there are sometimes a few migrants in the riparian at the Big Sur River >Mouth too. I seem to remember a record of a couple singing birds along a >south county creek a few years back--one of David Suddjian finds? > >John Mariani > >----- Original Message ----- >From: Ruth Troetschler <[[email protected]]> >To: South-bay-birds <[[email protected]]> >Sent: Friday, April 21, 2000 5:34 PM >Subject: [SBB] Yellow-breasted Chat > > >> Folks-- >> >> After reading an article on YBCH which indicated that they are >> widespread across the US, I began to wonder if this is so, why we >> never see them. >> >> Can anyone tell me where they can be found in California? >> >> Ruth Troetschler >> 184 Lockhart Lane >> Los Altos, CA 94022 >> Ruth Troetschler >> -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== >> This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list >> server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the >> message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to >[[email protected]] >> > >-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== >This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list >server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the >message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] David B. Lewis Division of Immunology/Transplantation Biology, Room H-307 Stanford University School of Medicine 300 Pasteur Drive Stanford, CA 94305-5208 Tel: (650) 498-4189 FAX: (650) 498-6077 -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 22 22:24:01 2000 Subject: [SBB] Los Gatos Creek Park - Hooded Merganser -------- Hi, This past Friday (4/21) I birded Los Gatos Creek Park. There I found a drake Hooded Merganser in the creek. Is it common for this bird to still be in the area at this time of the year? There were lots of Brown-headed Cowbirds in the trees along the entrance road from Dell Ave. An Eared Grebe in breeding plumage was in the first pond. I saw a Green Heron fly by and several Forster's Terns, but no Caspian Terns (I had seen one there last Wednesday). Don Ganton -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 23 09:19:18 2000 Subject: [SBB] Renesting Juncos -------- After loosing their nest to probably a Scrub Jay, the pair of Dark-eyed Juncos is trying again in a potted fern in my neighbor's backyard. They have again laid 4 eggs, but have not started incubating yet. Kathy P. -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 23 16:29:02 2000 Subject: [SBB] Nests -------- This morning, Sunday, I met Peter LaTourette up at the sycamore trees at Ed Levin Park. We saw 1 male Lazuli Bunting, 4 Bullock's Orioles and the usual cast of characters - no Blue Grosbeaks. Peter showed me an Anna's Hummingbird nest with two nestlings barely fitting into it and a goldfinch nest. Both are in the downhill sycamore tree. He found both by watching adults going to them. The hummingbird nest is on the path side of the tree and the goldfinch nest is on the far side of the tree, fairly low down. There was also a huge swift-swallow flock working the valley. I saw Barn, Cliff,Violet-green and Tree swallows and White-throated Swifts. Kathy P. P.S. The Cattle Egret was still at Arzino Ranch in with the grazing horses. -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 23 19:40:30 2000 Subject: [SBB] Re: Nests -------- Forgot to say that Peter and I also saw a badger under the sycamore tree. I had heard that they were about, but had never seen one - amazing front claws. at least 2 or 3 inches long. Kathy P. -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 23 21:03:36 2000 Subject: [SBB] VASW at Ed Levin Park -------- All, On a brief trip to Ed Levin Park today, which was over run by Easter BBQs, I had three VAUX'S SWIFTS among the many hundreds of Barn and Cliff Swallows over the pond and picnic area. Near the horse ranch above the Elm Area there were perhaps 10 BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, many many Selasphorus Hummingbirds. The few I was able to view well all appeared to be RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD. In the same area there was HOUSE WREN and WESTERN KINGBIRD. I saw no Lazuli Buntings or Blue Grosbeaks. On Calaveras Road, above the reservoir I had my first BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK of the season. Matthew Dodder http://www.birdguy.net/ -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 23 22:49:28 2000 Subject: [SBB] Twin Creeks & Hicks Road -------- Howdy South-bay-birders, This afternoon (Sun.) I visited Twin Creeks, where I saw OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, YELLOW WARBLER, and my first WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE of the season. There was still a GREAT EGRET at Almaden Reservoir. Along Hicks Road in Jacques Gulch I heard a WESTERN TANAGER calling. Other birds there included WHITE-THROATED SWIFT, HAIRY and DOWNY WOODPECKERS, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, and a warbler-type song I couldn't identify (possibly Nashville?) John Mariani [[email protected]] www.birdswest.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 24 00:26:37 2000 Subject: [SBB] Charleston Slough... -------- Wandered over the Charleston Slough this evening. Things were fairly quiet, if you could ignore the strafing swallows... (grin). It looks like the Scaups have moved out in the last two weeks (since my last visit) -- there were still ruddy ducks everywhere, and a number of Western Grebes, and some mallards and canada geese. Saw a good number of Avocets, and since I was there last, the killdeer seem to have moved in, and some small shorebird I couldn't ID cleanly in good numbers (some kind of sandpiper, I think, but I didn't bring the scope, and I'm lucky to recognize grebes....grin). Neither of them were there my last visit. Also some common terns and a couple of coots. two cormorants, but no positive ID on either, but from the neck and beak (shorter/straighter and dark, respectively), I'd lean towards Brandts. On Friday, I had a design review meeting with myself down at the sunnyvale sewage plant, wandering around the pond that fronts the plant and Mount Sunnyvale. Very quiet there, with the same grebes, ruddys (including one in full winter garb and dark beak that confused me for a while), four comorants (again, possibly Brandts, again, too far out for positive ID), and little else. There were two (and possibly as many as four) ravens up on Mount Sunnyvale picking through things, and they were notable mostly because every time a truck went by with a full load, they stopped what they were doing and hopped up on things to get a good look at the incoming truck. Once is coincidence, four times is casing the joint... (grin) -- -- Chuq Von Rospach - Plaidworks Consulting (mailto:[[email protected]]) Apple Mail List Gnome (mailto:[[email protected]]) And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar and say 'Man, what are you doing here?'" -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 24 07:35:45 2000 Subject: [SBB] Misc birds -------- The GREEN HERON has made its first appearance this year at "my farm" (La Rinconada Park). On Sunday a new species for the park was added. There were 2 ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS cavorting on the grassy hill. VAUX's were flying overhead. For the past 3 mornings I've seen a flock of about 20 CEDAR WAXWINGS sitting in trees on Bicknell. The GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWs have also left my backyard. Saw one lingering WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW yesterday. The gardener cleared out some of the weeds on the hill in my backyard Tuesday...thus, creating nature's dust bowl. I forget how much the quail and doves enjoy taking dust bathes. They've been busy in the past few days doing so. Joined also by that exotic species, the house sparrow. No baby owls yet. Gloria LeBlanc Los Gatos off Quito "We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails" http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 24 09:05:56 2000 Subject: [SBB] Chat Chat -------- Folks: Yellow-breasted Chats are rare and local summer residents and migrants in the county here. Their preferred habitat of riparian with willows and scrub have been largely eliminated by development and flood control (everyone take a bow). San Francisquito Creek ended in a willow swamp at one time (now the Palo Alto Golf Course and the Palo Alto airport), and only after heavy rains did the creek flow to the Bay. Apparently it was good habitat for chats and, perhaps, even Yellow-billed Cuckoos, if one is to believe a Stanford PhD candidate at the end of the 19th century, Joe Grinnell. Nowadays, chats appears to breed irregularly in a few areas open to the public, and perhaps more regularly on closed public lands as well as private lands. If you are into guerilla birding they are still to be found in the county. Bill -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 24 09:07:55 2000 Subject: [SBB] More Almaden birds -------- Hello All, Here are a few more sightings from the Almaden area on Sunday, Apr 23. Calero Reservoir: several VAUX'S SWIFTS were seen with mixed swallow flocks over the reservoir - at least 15 W. GREBES and 4-5 breeding-plumaged EARED GREBES were seen - a pair of COMMON MERGANSERS were present, but most all of the wintering waterfowl appears to have departed - several FORSTER'S TERNS and one CASPIAN TERN seen - TREE SWALLOWS were flying about the dead sycamores upstream of the reservoir Almaden Reservoir: two male WOOD DUCKS seen in the Larabee Gulch extension - birds seen and heard along Alamitos Rd (Twin Creeks) included HOUSE WREN, YELLOW WARBLER, WARBLING VIREO, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE Hicks Road (near confluence of Guadalupe & Rincon Creeks): WILSON'S WARBLER, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and a heard-only calling N. PYGMY-OWL - a female Black-headed Grosbeak was seen gathering nesting material by the pullout about 500 yards west of the stream confluence Water District Ponds (Almaden Expwy & Coleman Rd): just a nesting record to report here - a female BULLOCK'S ORIOLE was seen constructing a nest in a low overhang on the northside of the pond - also CANADA GEESE with young were seen Ann -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 24 09:22:21 2000 Subject: [SBB] birds -------- On Saturday, 22 Apr 00, I went to Alum Rock Park. About 100 yards past the end of the parking lot I found the CANYON WREN singing from the roof of the bathroom building there (I assume that it's the same bird being recently reported). It then moved up the canyon wall (where the habitat is more typical) and sang from various points up there for the next hour or so. Also, near this same location, I had 2 pairs of ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS carrying nest material into small drainage holes in the rock wall along the creek and a female MALLARD with 6 precocial young. The best bird, however, was back at the parking lot. When I got back there, I noticed a raptor with a long, pointed wing shape. I rushed to the car and got out the scope in time to see it before it disappeared over the north rim, and was able to confirm its ID as an adult SWAINSON'S HAWK. It had dark, charcoal-colored flight feathers on the underwing, which contrasted noticeably with the pale underwing coverts, and a reddish/brown breast that contrasted with the rest of the pale underparts. I then headed for Ed Levin Park to check on the hawk migration there, finding a CASPIAN TERN over Sandy Wool Lake before heading up to the sycamores. Rain dampened the effort, but I had a singing LAZULI BUNTING, a number of RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS, and a single GRASSHOPPER SPARROW below the trail just past the sycamores. On Sunday, 23 Apr, I checked out Gilroy Hot Springs and Canada Roads. The area right at the intersection of these 2 roads was quite birdy. A GREEN HERON flushed from the trees and a HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER was in the riparian up Canada Road. ORANGE-CROWNED and WILSON'S WARBLERS, CASSIN'S and WARBLING VIREOS, and PURPLE FINCHES were all singing away here. A couple of WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES were also singing here. I stood below one of these birds, watching it as it perched and flycaught (?) 20 feet above me. It was interesting to note that this bird had a completely orange lower mandible and was giving a 2-syllabled "peee-yee" call. It's instructive to know that the extent of orange on the lower mandible is sometimes used as a character pointing to Eastern Wood-Pewee and that Westerns (as this bird surely was) can be variable enough to reach that extent. The call note, probably not heard very frequently, is also similar to the Eastern's "pee-a-wee", though not as mournful-sounding. Further up Canada Road I ran into a small flock of migrants that included another HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER, a male HERMIT WARBLER, and a couple of BLACK-THROATED GRAY and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS. WILSON'S and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS singing here may have been birds on territory. I then drove to San Felipe Road, where I had a CASSIN'S KINGBIRD perched in the middle eucalyptus just as I got out of the car. This bird had a clump of white cottony material in its bill, which I assumed was for nest building purposes. However, as I maneuvered for a different angle, I took my eyes off the bird and it was gone when I looked back. I never saw it again during the next 20-30 minutes that I was there. A RED-TAILED HAWK was perched next to the nest that they were building the last time I was there, but eventually flew off. I couldn't see any birds in the nest. On the way home, I had a GREEN HERON at the pond outside of Coyote Ranch and another one flying by at north Parkway Lake. I also had GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS on both days this weekend. Mike Mammoser -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 24 09:41:00 2000 Subject: [SBB] Montebello -------- On Sunday morning I took a walk along the Canyon Trail (in Montebello OSP) as far as the Nature Trail intersection. I did not find the Townsend's Solitaire reported a few days earlier from the vicinity of the sag ponds. Worth noting: about 7 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERs; and one singing male LAZULI BUNTING. Also curious was a male NUTTALL'S WOODPECKER which had added a prefatory note to its usual rattle, making it sound superficially similar to the call of a nearby ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (especially when the rattle was abbreviated). Cheers, Al -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 24 11:26:48 2000 Subject: [SBB] SCVAS field trip to Ed Levin Park -------- All, Thanks to Richard Clark all those on Saturday's (4/22) field trip to the northern portion of Ed Levin Park got to see a Grasshopper Sparrow. (A life bird for several people on the trip.) Richard first heard Grasshopper Sparrow calling as we left the parking lot and his ability to "pick out" it's call from the din of Red-wing Blackbird calls ultimately lead to his finding (twice) a perched and singing bird. Earlier at the beginning of the trip we had a Caspian Tern over the lake, Brewer's Blackbirds on the lawn and in the trees near the parking lot we had Western Kingbirds (with a nest), Bullock's Orioles, Mourning Doves, selasphorous and Anna's Hummingbirds. Bicolored Red-winged Blackbirds were continuously flying to and from the Eucalyptus trees located there. Up the hill, just past the "green gate", we had at least two Savannah Sparrows and a calling Grasshopper Sparrow which was never clearly seen. An adult male Lazuli Bunting was then spotted in the top of one of "the" Sycamore trees as we slowly approached but was unfortunately, shortly thereafter chased off by a Bullock's Oriole not to be seen again. A Song Sparrow, California Towhees, House Finches and Lesser Goldfinches (with a nest) were in the Sycamores. Turkey Vultures, a dark morph Red-tailed Hawk, White-throated Swifts and Cliff Swallows intermittently flew overhead as Forster's Terns joined the Caspian Tern over the lake below. About 100 yards past the Sycamore trees a singing Grasshopper Sparrow was found on a dead twig in the green meadow below the trail. A "pair" of Rufous-crowned Sparrows were also seen in this area on the hillside above the trail. A flock of Tricolored Blackbirds gave some a fleeting look as they flew toward the golf course. A "big-headed, square-tailed" accipiter caused differing opinions and a short discussion (Emily Curtis choose to abstain). Near the lower hang glider windsock we had another calling Grasshopper Sparrow, a "coughing" Ash-throated Flycatcher (in the trees beyond) and a Rufous-crowned Sparrow perched on fence posts so as to be well seen by all present. At the "green gate" on our way back we turned left and headed down the hill, toward the golf course and Chaparral Ranch. On this loop a smallish, quite "hawk" disappear into Eucalyptus trees along the golf course and a male selasphorous hummingbird (one of those with red fairly high on the back and no green on the nape of the neck) buzzed around us while Barn, Violet-green and Northern Rough-winged Swallows flew overhead (and sometimes below us). As we neared the parking lot Richard once again heard a Grasshopper Sparrow calling from the meadow. Other birds included Wild Turkeys at the intersection of Downing And Calaveras Rds, a Spotted Towhee and a House Wren seen as we waited for the park gates to open in the morning. Take care, Bob Reiling, 11:11 AM, 4/24/00 -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 24 11:43:09 2000 Subject: [SBB] Grant Ranch, Crittenden etc. -------- All, On Saturday 4/22/00, Alma Kali and I birded the Smith's Creek Ranger Station area. We started out atop the ridge between Grant Lake and Smith's Creek at 7:50am, working the oaks here for migrants. Best birds were 2 NASHVILLE WARBLERS (apparently male and female) among at least 8 AUDUBON'S YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, a male TOWNSEND'S WARBLER and a WILSON'S WARBLER. A small flock of GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS included an unseen sparrow singing a 3-note song that differed from the usual GCSP song in that the third note was on the same pitch as the first (ideas?). A large noisy flock of 50+ AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES did not contain any siskins, but did attract a single LAZULI BUNTING. At the Smith's Creek bridge we found 2 more NASHVILLE WARBLERS and at the southwest corner of the meadow (the trees south of the broken-down barn) we had at least 2 HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHERS (singing, calling, and chasing each others - great looks at eye level in the small pines here). We then headed along the creek, finding an immature SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, a WOOD DUCK, and a singing CASSIN'S VIREO. Heading back to the ranger station, we bumped into Al Eisner, who reported his find of a male Hermit Warbler to us. So we headed up the hillside looking for warblers while Al searched for the flycatchers. Very quickly we found a warbler flock that contained 2 singing male BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, at least 2 adult male HERMIT WARBLERS, a NASHVILLE WARBLER, a WILSON'S WARBLER, and two calling HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHERS giving chase to each other (same two birds?). A real surprise here (no goldfinch flock) was 2 PINE SISKINS, one being harassed by a DARK-EYED JUNCO. We yelled for Al, who came running, but after being quite cooperative at first, the two HAFL wandered off just as Al arrived. We heard at least one of the birds off and on for the next half hour, but it wasn't until we started heading back to the meadow that I managed to point one out to Al. A quick stop up the road at milepost 15.50 (last year's MacGillivray's Warbler spot) produced another calling HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER at eye level in the willows and the third HERMIT THRUSH of the morning. The road back over to Grant Ranch produced 2 singing LAZULI BUNTINGS and a singing RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. Other totals for the morning included 7 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, 11 WILSON'S WARBLERS, and 16 GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS. In the afternoon I made a quick check of the Stevens Creek Tidal Marsh/Mitigation Area and nearby Crittenden Marsh and found the following shorebirds: BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER - 15 (mostly full alternate) SEMIPALMATED PLOVER - 2 KILLDEER BLACK-NECKED STILT AMERICAN AVOCET GREATER YELLOWLEGS - 1 WILLET - 14+ WHIMBREL - 4 LONG-BILLED CURLEW - 12+ MARBLED GODWIT - 5 WESTERN SANDPIPER - 2800 LEAST SANDPIPER - 15 DUNLIN - 11 alternate SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER 210+ dowitchers, with 180 in Crittenden being apparently all LONG-BILLED (by call and plumage) and 33 in the tidal area being mostly SHORT-BILLED (by call and plumage) Other birds of interest included at least four pairs of AMERICAN WIGEON, 10 EARED GREBES, 16 LESSER SCAUP, 10+ NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 2 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, and a dark morph RED-TAILED HAWK. Lastly, in the evening I rechecked the City Hall in Sunnyvale, hoping to confirm breeding by Dark-eyed Juncos (I had seen territorial behavior there last month and this would be a new breeding bird for atlas block 8535). I did find a pair of DARK-EYED JUNCOS, but they didn't let me find their nest :(. I did, however, find an immature COOPER'S HAWK building a nest in the redwoods here. It would break off branches with a quick jerk of the head and then fly them back to the nest, all the while being mobbed by ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS. Other nests here included those of an AMERICAN CROW, a BLACK PHOEBE (with young), and a HOUSE FINCH. A GODLEN EAGLE (apparent adult) soared high overhead at 5:23pm. Mike Rogers -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 24 14:37:12 2000 Subject: [SBB] Pinnacles birds -------- All: I did a bit of birding on a family camping trip to the East Pinnacles this weekend. Highlights were 2 Lawrence's Goldfinches and a Bell's Sage Sparrow (neither of which I've seen before at the East Pinnacles, although they are easy at the W. side), and 4+ Hammond's Flycatchers. Other migrants includes a W. Tanager and lots of Wilson's Warblers. I failed to see any good hummers at the Campground feeders. Regards, Nick -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Mon Apr 24 19:52:45 2000 Subject: [SBB] Tanagers, Lawrence's Goldfinches, etc... -------- All, At Hidden Villa in Los Altos, a male Western Tanager in bright breeding plumage has been hanging around along Adobe Creek since at least last Thursday (4/20). Resident farmer Andy Scott reported seeing a pair at one point, which is entirely possible considering that an active nest was observed here on last year's Summer Bird Count. Nesting activity at Hidden Villa on this date (4/24) includes at least 3 Black Phoebe nests with eggs under the eaves of various buildings, a CA Thrasher nest in a shrub with at least 3 eggs, an Anna's Hummingbird nest right outside the Executive Director's office, and several House Finch nests under the eaves of the Visitor's Center. In the nestboxes we keep there, a Western Bluebird nest contains 5 eggs, an Oak Titmouse nest has 9 large young less than a week from fledging, and two Chestnut-backed Chickadee nests contain 6 eggs and 6 new young. Ash-throated Flycatchers are calling near the boxes they nested in last year, and two boxes were observed today with eager pairs of Violet-green Swallows carrying nest material inside. While leading bird/butterfly walks at Henry Coe State Park's annual Backcountry weekend April 15-16, I had rare access to the Orestimba area north of Bell Station in the SE corner of Santa Clara County. On the SC County side of the line, I had a total of 32 Lawrence's Goldfinches. (There were another 16 or more on the Stanislaus County side.) The LAGO were in a pure flock of 25 on private land about 3 miles north of Bell ZStation, while two mixed LAGO/LEGO flocks contained 4 LAGO at Pacheco Creek's crossing of the Orestimba road, and 3 more near the summit of Burra Burra Peak close to the southern park boundary. A silent male Purple Finch seen at Pacheco Creek is considered rare for the area. Two Chipping Sparrows and one Lazuli Bunting were also singing in this general area (there were more across the Stanislaus line.) At least 3 Western Screech-owls were heard at night on the Stanislaus side. --Garth Harwood -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 25 11:39:48 2000 Subject: [SBB] Stevens Creek CP -------- All, This morning 4/25/00, I spent an hour quickly checking a few spots at Stevens Creek County Park. I started at the Canyon/Cooley Picnic Areas, where I bumped into Al Eisner. We had 3 to 4 WESTERN TANAGERS and a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE here, along with two singing CASSIN'S VIREOS, two singing YELLOW WARBLERS, and a lingering AUDUBON'S YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER. I left Al waiting for a Dipper to show (none had up to this point) and headed back to the bridge at the upper end of the reservoir. Here a female-plumaged MERLIN was perched and preening in a eucalyptus and an alternate-plumaged SPOTTED SANDPIPER was just north of the bridge. Another singing YELLOW WARBLER and another singing CASSIN'S VIREO were here as well. Driving to the lower parking lot, another YELLOW WARBLER was singing below the dam. Near the lower parking lot there was another WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, but no Olive-sided Flycatchers were to be found. A CASPIAN TERN flew overhead to the reservoir. Mike Rogers -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 25 12:11:54 2000 Subject: [SBB] Re: Stevens Creek CP -------- Mike Rogers wrote: > I started at the Canyon/Cooley Picnic Areas, where I bumped into Al > Eisner. We had 3 to 4 WESTERN TANAGERS and a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE here, > along with two singing CASSIN'S VIREOS, two singing YELLOW WARBLERS, > and a lingering AUDUBON'S YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER. > > I left Al waiting for a Dipper to show (none had up to this point) and > headed back to the bridge at the upper end of the reservoir. Here a > female-plumaged MERLIN was perched and preening in a eucalyptus and an > alternate-plumaged SPOTTED SANDPIPER was just north of the bridge. > Another singing YELLOW WARBLER and another singing CASSIN'S VIREO were > here as well. No Dipper appeared while I was there. What did appear was a worker with a noisy weed trimmer for about 15 minutes. Then after a brief respite, he spent a similar period scourging (that "g" is intentional) the area with a yet noisi- er leaf blower. I would have thought our County Parks would be one place from which the latter devices might be banished. Also passing through was another singing Cassin\'s Vireo (heard). (I later found Mike's two farther downstream.) > Driving to the lower parking lot, another YELLOW WARBLER was singing > below the dam. Near the lower parking lot there was another WESTERN > WOOD-PEWEE and an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, but no Olive-sided > Flycatchers were to be found. A CASPIAN TERN flew overhead to the > reservoir. I did see an Olive-Sided perched atop the Euc's between the Ranger Station and the Villa Maria area. Al -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 25 14:04:23 2000 Subject: [SBB] Alum Rock Park -------- Hello all, I'm an East Bay Birder who strayed into the South Bay yesterday afternoon (Sun, 4/23) hoping to see the Canyon Wren at Alum Rock Park. I had no luck with the CAWR, but I did see an American Dipper. I was standing next to the creek at the first stone footbridge upstream from the "Alum Rock Bridge". The Dipper was calling as it flew and landed on a rock just downstream from the bridge. It remained there for a good 10-15 seconds, then flew off upstream. Unfortunately, the bridge and nearby foliage blocked my view in that direction, so I was unable to determine where it went. Kathy Robertson Hayward -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 25 14:34:30 2000 Subject: [SBB] Alum Rock Park-Correction -------- Whoops! That was actually Monday, 4/24, that I saw the American Dipper at Alum Rock. Kathy Hayward -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 25 16:05:55 2000 Subject: [SBB] Some county birds -------- All, This morning Frank Vanslager and I birded the Twin Gates and Smith Creek Areas along Mt. Hamilton Road. We had Chipping Sparrows at both locations. At Smith Creek we had an adult male Western Tanager, Wilson's Warblers, Warbling Vireos and a singing Yellow Warbler (sweet, sweet, sweet, I'm so sweet) in addition to the recently arrived and vocal House Wren, Bullock's Oriole, Black-headed Grosbeak and Orange-crowned Warbler. There was nothing special in a Yellow-rumped (mainly Audubons) Warbler flock at Twin Gates and we could not find a flock at Smith Creek. We also continue to strike out on Hammond's Flycatchers (guess I'll eventually have to buy that permit from Mike Rogers :-). We both got brief glimpses of one each flycatcher (mine had a fairly bright yellow belly so I'd vote for Pacific-slope even though I've no idea what the bill look like). Take care, Bob Reiling, 3:09 PM, 4/25/00 -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 25 16:39:28 2000 Subject: [SBB] Smith Creek and San Antonio Valley -------- I too struck out at Smith Creek this morning. Pretty much the same birds as Bob and Frank had. Went on the San Antonio Valley- much more interesting. Found a cooperative SAGE SPARROW at mile post 5. A solitary SOLITARY SANDPIPER was in a small pond on the south side of the road at about 10.5 miles, across from a gate labeled "Sandoval". A pair of WOOD DUCKS was in the creek at mile 15 and a male PHAINOPEPLA was in the oaks at the fire station across from the junction. Also saw the female CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD in among all of the ANNA'S at the Junction feeders. LAWERENCE'S GOLDFINCHES were feeding on the Fiddlehead flowers at about mile 16 -17. Kathy P. -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 25 20:43:34 2000 Subject: [SBB] Tanagers again -------- All, Today (4/25/00) at Hidden Villa, I saw two male Western Tanagers chasing each other energetically from tree to tree for at least 20 minutes (I had to leave) near the Duveneck House. One of the males' red head was considerably brighter than the other's. They were calling noisily all the while. Lesser Goldfinches were pulling threads from old twine in the gardens as well. --Garth Harwood -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Tue Apr 25 23:34:31 2000 -------- We Knew this was coming!! Bill 602P will permit the Federal Govt. to > charge a 5 cent charge on every delivered email. > > Please read the following carefully if you intend to stay online and > continue using E-mail: The last few months have revealed an alarming trend > in the Government of the United States attempting to quietly push through > legislation that will affect your use of the Internet. Under proposed > legislation the US Postal Service will be attempting to bill E-mail users > out of "alternate postage fees." > > Bill 602P will permit the Federal Govt. to charge a 5 cent surcharge on > every E-mail delivered, by billing Internet Service Providers at the > source. The consumer would then be billed in turn by the ISP. > > Washington DC lawyer Richard Stepp is working without pay to prevent this > legislation from becoming law. The US Postal Service is claiming that lost > revenue due to the proliferation of e-mail is costing nearly $230,000,000 > in revenue per year. > > You may have seen their recent ad campaign "There is nothing like a > letter." Since the average person received about 10 pieces of email per > day in 1998, the cost to the typical individual would be an additional 50 > cents per day, or over $180 dollars per year, above and beyond their > regular Internet costs. > > Note that this would be money paid directly to the US Postal Service for a > service they do not even provide. The whole point of the Internet is > democracy & non-interference. > If the federal government is permitted to tamper with end. > > You are already paying an exorbitant price for snail mail because of > bureaucratic efficiency. It currently takes up to 6 days for a letter to > be delivered from New York to Buffalo. If the US Postal Service is allowed > to tinker with email, it will mark the end of the "free" Internet in the > United States. One Congressman, Tony Schnell (r) has even suggested a > "twenty to forty dollar per month surcharge on all Internet service" above > and beyond the government's proposed email charges. Note that most of the > major newspapers have ignored the story, the only exception being the > Washingtonian which called the idea of email surcharge "a useful concept > who's time has come" (March 6th 1999 Editorial). Don't sit by and watch > your freedoms erode away! > > Send this e-mail to EVERYONE on your list, and tell all your friends and > relatives to write to their congressman and say "No!" to Bill 602-P. > > It will only take a few moments of your time, and could very well be > instrumental in killing a bill we don't want. -------- Attachment 3.3 KBytes -------- From [[email protected]] Wed Apr 26 02:31:09 2000 Subject: [SBB] Nesting Red-shouldered Hawks, phony e-mail tax -------- Howdy South-bay-birders, Tuesday I noticed a pair of RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS at last year's nest site in the crown of a tall eucalyptus at my parent's house along Henwood Road (Santa Teresa Hills). One bird was on the nest with the other half of the pair perched nearby. Last year's nest fledged young, and hopefully the pair will have a successful nesting season. I received a piece of mail from the South-bay-birds list about a purported tax on e-mail. This is a hoax that has been going around and around, often targeting particular individuals in congress who then get inundated with misinformed emails. The bill number mentioned in the email message is invalid. Please DON'T help circulate this misinformation-- John Mariani -------- Attachment 1.3 KBytes -------- From [[email protected]] Wed Apr 26 05:48:39 2000 Subject: [SBB] Re: -------- Another hoax. Please check before you post! See: http://www.urbanlegends.com/ulz/emailtax.html On Tue, 25 Apr 2000 23:34:31 -0700, "Lou Young" <[[email protected]]> wrote: >> Send this e-mail to EVERYONE on your list, and tell all your friends and >> relatives to write to their congressman and say "No!" to Bill 602-P. -- Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA 94044: mailto:[[email protected]] California Birding; Mystery Birds: http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~jmorlan/ California Bird Records Committee: http://www.wfo-cbrc.org/cbrc/ -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Wed Apr 26 07:11:25 2000 Subject: [SBB] White-throated Sparrow -------- Just had one White-throated Sparrow in my yard...yesterday a solitary Golden-crowned Sparrow...and a solitary White-crowned sparrow.... gloria leblanc Los Gatos off Quito "We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails" http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Wed Apr 26 08:05:15 2000 Subject: [SBB] Re: eMail to SBB regarding Bill 602-P is a HOAX!! DO NOT reply! -------- This is a HOAX, people! An absolutely baseless and unfounded rumor recycled by persons that don't have the requisite gray matter to be able to separate fact from fiction! PLEASE, do not reply; and for Pete's sake, don't proliferate this message. It's bad enough that I've already befouled this list server with my response... I've already contacted the last up-line perps. and their ISP's. No need to "pile on". If you have sent out furtherings of this note, please contact those folks and have them STOP continuing proliferations. If someone sent you this or a similar note, please contact them and tell them to CEASE AND DESIST! Get a grip, folks! Next thing ya know someone will insist on having seen Elvis! Dusty Bleher Campbell, Ca. ----- Original Message ----- From: Lou Young To: Roger Winquist Sent: Tuesday, April 25, 2000 23:34 We Knew this was coming!! Bill 602P will permit the Federal Govt. to > charge a 5 cent charge on every delivered email. > > Please read the following carefully if you intend to stay online and > Send this e-mail to EVERYONE on your list, and tell all your friends and > relatives to write to their congressman and say "No!" to Bill 602-P. > > It will only take a few moments of your time, and could very well be > instrumental in killing a bill we don't want. -------- Attachment 2.8 KBytes -------- From [[email protected]] Wed Apr 26 08:54:04 2000 Subject: [SBB] Apology -------- Sorry about the 602 bill spurious message. It was late at night and I didn't check www.urbanlegends.com about this hoax. I was in the process of checking my e-mail addresses that I had laboriously transferred to my new laptop, so I just passed the hoax on. I will go back to my normal routine of not forwarding anything from a non-checked source. Sorry x 10,000. Lou -------- Attachment 872 bytes -------- From [[email protected]] Wed Apr 26 13:08:01 2000 Subject: [SBB] Guadalupe Oak Grove Park birds -------- GUADALUPE OAK GROVE PARK, SAN JOSE This morning, Janna Pauser spotted, and we both had good looks at a WESTERN TANAGER while searching, once again, for the brown NUTALL'S. (She had a very good, long look at the brown Nutall's on Sunday.) The TANAGER was in the same area as previously described where the woodpecker has been seen. We had a good look at a pair of HUTTON'S VIREO, saw many WHITE BREASTED NUTHATCH, TITMOUSE, STARLINGS, one regular NUTALL'S, one RED TAILED HAWK and ACORN WOODPECKERS. We could hear a WRENTIT and got a report that a healthy-looking Red Fox was in the area once again. Monday, while in the park, I saw the RED SHOULDERED HAWK, basking in the sun on a snag, trying to imitate an ANHINGA. I have not been able to find the KESTRAL pair which resided in the park all winter. Monday, I still had one WHITE CROWN and one GOLD CROWN, but haven't seen them since. I have had, at one time, four BROWN HEADED COWBIRDS in my yard. They are very bold! My hummingbirds are absent now, and I haven't had my yearly visit from the HOODED ORIOLES. -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Wed Apr 26 20:20:29 2000 Subject: [SBB] Long-eared Owl in Palo Alto -------- All, I saw a Long-eared Owl tonight at the mouth of Matadero Creek. The bird was roosting very close to the ground along the trail that leads toward the Bay. I reached this area by parking in the short drive way near the new marsh project along Frontage Rd. I walked out along the trail and found this handsome owl just beyond the fork at the platform. Matthew Dodder http://www.birdguy.net/ -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 27 13:50:22 2000 Subject: [SBB] Some birds -------- All, This morning Frank Vanslager and I went to Stevens Creek Mitigation Pond and Crittenden Marsh to check out the sandpipers. The mitigation pond was dry but had several Semipalmated Plovers, one small flock of Western Sandpipers, a couple Marbled Godwits, some Willet and a few ducks (one adult male Cinnamon Teal with a busted wing showing the gorgeous light blue and green upper wing markings). Crittenden Marsh was also slow but had one Greater Yellowlegs and ten breeding plumage Eared Grebes. The pond north of Crittenden Marsh (A2E) had a small island with a mixed flock of sandpipers including, in addition to Western Sandpipers, four Least Sandpipers and a basic plumage Dunlin (a dark upper rump was well seen). We then went the Palo Alto Yacht Harbor where a very large, basically pure flock of Western Sandpipers covered the freshly exposed mud flats. A Whimbrel, Long-billed Curlew and a duck or two were here and there. The entrance to the Yacht Harbor (and Matadero Creek) had many alternate plumage Dunlin and alternate plumage Black-bellied Plover in addition to basic plumaged pluvialis. The distance was too great to study the basic plumaged pluvialis but they seemed to be the same size and shape as the Black-bellied Plovers. (We do get a few spring migrating Pacific Golden-Plover, don't we? Do they obtain their alternate plumage later than Black-bellied Plovers as do American Golden-Plovers?) No sandpipers were seen during a brief stop at the Palo Alto Baylands. Take care, Bob Reiling, 1:41 PM, 4/27/00 -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Thu Apr 27 23:18:04 2000 Subject: [SBB] Re: Long-eared Owl -------- Some more specific instructions for the LEOW of last night: The trail, which begins on Frontage Road near the new marsh project follows the creek toward the Bay. The trail is on the North side of the creek. The trail begins with a short gravel driveway near a bridge and a gate. It then leads out about 150 yards to a wooden platform where trail bends to the left and is posted No Tresspassing. The trail which continues to the right toward the Bay IS accessible. As you face the Bay at this junction there is some water on the left and a small marshy area on the right. The LEOW was sitting beneath the trees, right out in the open, and very low in a bush on the other side of this marshy area. In fact, it was almost on the ground which seemed unusual to me. I was able to watch the bird for several minutes as it rested in the sun and looked right at me. A Bayland patrol drove toward me and I pointed out the bird to him. I don't know if it is reasonable to expect this bird to remain in this area or not, but just in case I'm going to visit the area again. Does anyone know about previous spots for LEOW in the South Bay? Matthew Dodder http://www.birdguy.net/ -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Fri Apr 28 16:56:25 2000 Subject: [SBB] birds -------- Today, 28 Apr 00, I found a basic-plumaged SPOTTED SANDPIPER in Coyote Creek south of Hellyer. There was a pair of WHITE-TAILED KITES as well, driving away a wayward RED-TAILED HAWK. The kites are apparently nesting in the same tree they used 2 years ago. Mike Mammoser -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 29 09:02:31 2000 Subject: [SBB] White-throated Sparrow -------- Friday, April 28 4 pm WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, North San Jose Bird: Feeding under bushes with a small group of Golden-crowned Sparrows. Definitely in the tan-striped phase, with a tan central head stripe, a discernable mustache, and dark streaking on the shoulders and under the wings. Location: Seely Rd, between River Oaks Pkwy and Montague Expwy. Decorative bushes under a row of Eucalyptus trees separating (formerly two farms) two company parking lots on the E side of Seely, near Coyote Creek. 12 trees in from the street. The bird is quite tame and let me approach to within 12 feet, even though the GCSPs fled under the bushes. This is quite late. I will watch to see if it stays into the summer. - Chris Salander -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 29 11:20:08 2000 Subject: [SBB] Arastradero birds -------- An early walk through Arastradero Preserve on this beautiful morning yielded 50 species, including a singing LAZULI BUNTING near the entrance, a singing BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK along the creek trail above the lake, a PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, 5+ ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS, 2-3 BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS, a HOUSE WREN, a HUTTON'S and a WARBLING VIREO, 5+ ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, 2-3 WILSON'S WARBLERS, and a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE. Among 7 species of raptor were a pair of COOPER'S HAWKS displaying overhead. -- Tom Grey Stanford Law School [[email protected]] -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 29 12:22:40 2000 Subject: [SBB] LEOW -------- I saw the Long-eared Owl this morning after Mike Mammoser told me how to find it (not easy). Unfortunately, I made the mistake of showing it to another photographer who happened by. I had already concluded that there wasn't a decent shot possible so we split up and went separate ways. Later I noticed him going down off the trail toward the owl. I went back to warn him not to get too close. It looked like he was in the spot where Mike and Nick had presumably stood. But he fussed with his gear and his photo pack, and that was too much for the owl and it flushed. I remonstrated him and we both withdrew. The message is that even though this owl is fairly docile it has its limits. The good news is that it flushed only as far as the next coyote bush behind and ended up easier to see, albeit farther from the trail. --Pete ------------------------------------------------------ Peter LaTourrette Bird Photography: http://www.birdphotography.com/ Bird Photo Gallery: http://www.stanford.edu/~petelat1/ -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 29 12:38:25 2000 Subject: [SBB] birds -------- On Saturday, 29 Apr 00, I went to the Matadero Creek trail into the Palo Alto flood control basin. Here I refound the LONG-EARED OWL that was previously reported by Matthew Dodder. When I first found it, it was facing away from me low in a coyote bush and I couldn't really see any good field marks, except for its smaller size as compared to Great Horned. So, I headed back to the car to get my scope, where I ran into Nick Lethaby. We both went back and got reasonable views of the bird, which had at least turned its head around so that we could see its face. Its close-set eyes, orange facial disk, narrow head, and long close-set ear tufts all point to this species. The bird was low in the third clump of coyote brush after you make the right turn in the trail. Also present here was a BUSHTIT nest, an AMERICAN GOLDFINCH nest, and an ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD nest was in the riparian. At the end of Embarcadero Way I had a flock of 56 CEDAR WAXWINGS and another flock of 78 along the shore of Shoreline Lake. The lake itself had 2 WESTERN GREBES, 3 SURF SCOTERS, and a male GREATER SCAUP. No Black Skimmers were present on the island in Charleston Slough. Mike Mammoser -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 29 13:51:21 2000 Subject: [SBB] White-Throated Sparrow -------- All, I last saw the WTSP at my feeders on 4/25. Jean Dubois Los Gatos -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 29 15:26:02 2000 Subject: [SBB] LEOW -------- All, At 2:30 this afternoon I got another brief look at the owl as it flew from the second big turn on the Matadero Creek Trail. This area is about 50 yds beyond the platform marking the first big turn. I was leaving the area and had not yet seen the bird. Looking back toward the back left corner of the small marsh I saw the bird flying toward the eucalyptus trees close to the creek. I lost it as it dropped (and hopefully stopped) in the dense foliage. It seemed that it had been roosting in the coyote bushes close to the trail when something startled it. Matthew Dodder http://www.birdguy.net/ -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 29 16:24:54 2000 Subject: Re: [SBB] White-Throated Sparrow -------- He switched to my house...think I've had him since then...same one that i've seen at your house...gloria leblanc At 04:51 PM 04/29/2000 EDT, you wrote: >All, > I last saw the WTSP at my feeders on 4/25. >Jean Dubois >Los Gatos >-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== >This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list >server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the >message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] > > "We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails" http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sat Apr 29 23:04:50 2000 Subject: [SBB] LEOW still at Matadero Creek -------- Mike Mammoser and myself saw the LEOW at 9.00 AM this morning. It was in the Coyote bushes on the righthand sode of the trail about 40M after you follow the trail right at the fork. You could easily miss it. -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 30 10:00:51 2000 Subject: [SBB] Stanford Dish birds -------- I used to walk up to the Dish behind Stanford regularly, but haven't been up there for a year. I walked up early this morning hoping to find a Grasshopper Sparrow -- one has appeared sporadically in past springs on the hillside overlooking the intersection of Page Mill Rd and Junipero Serra. No luck on that, but the area around the big Dish itself was quite birdy. As in past years, a pair of WESTERN KINGBIRDS are there, and I saw them carrying food twice to the same spot in the telescope structure; I couldn't get a visual angle to confirm that there is a nest there. A CHIPPING SPARROW was amidst the many House Finches. A HOUSE WREN was singing in one of the oaks, and there were 4-6 BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, I believe two family groups, in the area. A YELLOW WARBLER was singing in the wash that runs downhill from the road just south of the Dish. A walk down the foot trail that descends across from the Dish turned up another HOUSE WREN and two ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS singing along the way. Tom Grey Stanford Law School [[email protected]] -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 30 10:12:56 2000 Subject: [SBB] Oak Titmouse -------- The OATI nest in our yard has failed (or at least 2 birds did not fledge). One of the fully feathered nestlings had one leg buried so deeply in the nesting material, that it could not free itself (I broke the lower leg off in order to get it out). The other had the lower left leg missing. These birds were dead no more than 1-2 days when found.. Ruth Troetschler -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 30 17:22:18 2000 Subject: [SBB] The Weekend at My Farm -------- When you see a fairly large yellow bird and hope it's an oriole, then see the red on its head which makes it even rarer for you, one wants to yell "It's a WESTERN TANAGER!" but no one is around and none of your neighbors or friends even care--so what do you do? write SBB of course! Also seen at "my farm" La Rinconada Park today were: WILSON'S WARBLER, CALIFORNIA THRASHER, CALIFORNIA QUAIL, GREEN HERON eating in the creek, a couple of RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS circling above while squawking at each other, a BUSHTIT in practically every tree (rather than grouped in families), a flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS, SONG SPARROW, SPOTTED and CALIFORNIA TOWHEE, WRENTIT, and above several VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. Gloria LeBlanc Los Gatos off Quito "We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails" http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 30 17:42:40 2000 Subject: [SBB] WESTERN SCREECH OWL update -------- Upon wakening Thursday morning (April 27), it was seen that one egg had hatched. Returning from work Thursday night, another 2 eggs had hatched. A fourth owlet has not yet been seen, but the egg is broken and we think it must be under the mother. The father is not doing as good of a job this year as last bringing food to the mother. He seems to bring a lot of crickets and bugs. However, last night he brought her a fairly large gopher. But, before the gopher arrived she must have been quite hungry because she went out and caught a bird and brought it back in about 5 minutes! With the sound in the nest box, you can hear the chicks asking for food. I viewed a bit of video footage today. Mike will edit it all down to under 20 minutes and will show the edited version the night of the Owl Open House. With the last egg hatching last night (Saturday) we can begin our timeline. Using last year's info, we know that the mom first left the box for an extended time 14 days after the last egg hatched. Applying those numbers to this year, it would mean April 29+14 or May 13. We don't want to cut it too close, thus, the previous date announced May 16th will be the date you can come see the owl and the video. Time is being delayed until 7:30 pm since their 6-year old daughter has a baseball game that day. Last year the mom left the nest box for her first full evening out at 8:15 pm, now activity tends to start around 8:45 pm. Owl open house will be 7:30 pm-9:30 pm. on Tuesday, May 16. Since the owls are NOT visible from the street, we do not want to blast the address to everyone. They are being extremely kind to allow us into their house and share "their" owls with us. Thus, I will do as I did last year and have people meet at my house and follow me to see the owls. Plan to arrive between 7:15 and 7:30 pm. I will leave promptly at 7:30 pm. There will be only one owl open house this year. If you are interested in attending, email me, tell me how many will be attending with you and I will send you directions to my house. Gloria LeBlanc Los Gatos off Quito "We can't change the financial winds, but we can adjust the sails" http://www.lgsia.com http://www.wallstreetgifts.com -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]] From [[email protected]] Sun Apr 30 21:49:24 2000 Subject: [SBB] Blue Grosbeaks -------- Hi, Today (Sunday), I went to Ed Levin park hoping to see the Lazuli Buntings I've been reading about on SBB. I hiked up to what I assumed were the sycamore trees above the lake mentioned in earlier posts (I'm not sure what a sycamore looks like). The trees I went to were 1/2 to 1/3 of the way up the hill where the hang gliders take off. I didn't find any LABUs, but I did see a pair of Blue Grosbeaks. I first saw them uphill from the trees amongst some yellow flowers that looked like mustard. The male flew up into the trees a couple of times, but I never did hear him sing. There were also plenty of Western Kingbirds near the lake, including one nest in a eucalyptus tree. Three Caspian Terns were jousting over the lake. Don Ganton [[email protected]] -++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**== This message was posted through the Stanford campus mailing list server. If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message body of "unsubscribe south-bay-birds" to [[email protected]]