From [[email protected]] Sun Oct 01 13:50:34 2000

Subject: [SBB] Raven in cupertino

--------



I was leaving breakfast across the street from the Cupertino Home 

Depot this morning when I heard a raven. The bird was sitting on a 

light pole in the Home Depot parking lot. I got a pretty good look at 

it (bloody huge bird, too), and after about 30 seconds, it took off 

and flew north.



Not where I'd expect to see one, that's for sure...



-- 

Chuq Von Rospach - Plaidworks Consulting (mailto:[[email protected]])

Apple Mail List Gnome (mailto:[[email protected]])



You seem a decent fellow. I hate to die.

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 01 19:37:13 2000

Subject: [SBB] Peregrine and warblers

--------

This afternoon in the Crittenden Marsh area:  adult Peregrine (good views 

flying close and then perched on one of the power towers), 2 kestrels (good 

views of one hunting over the Cargill salt flats), male and female Harrier, 

several juvenile Audubon warblers (good close views), and a likely flock of 

adult plumaged Audubons at some distance.  Also a couple of green teals and 

young shovelers amid the mallards.  Not much in the way of shorebirds, but 

big flocks of terns at a distance.  We went out there to check a report of 

swans (??), but no luck there!



Just now out my window in the half dark--something that looked a little 

large for a warbler, but yellow below and dark above, wing bars, dark eye 

and faint eyestripe.  That's twice in the last couple of days that someone 

has shown up here just as the sun's setting makes it impossible to catch 

the details...



Natasha







-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 02 02:27:18 2000

Subject: [SBB] :

--------

On Saturday, 30 Sep 00, after I read Gloria's post, I went back to the Palo

Alto Baylands fennel patch and saw the BREWER'S SPARROW and WILLOW

FLYCATCHER that I had missed earlier in the day. A couple other birders

(Brian ?and a friend) and Deborah Bartens were also there looking at the

sparrow.



A spizella sparrow, with a small dainty bill, a slender build, and a long

thin distinctly notched tail, this bird was quite smaller than zonotrichia

sparrows; closer to American Goldfinch in size (which were present for

comparison). Compared to similar-looking species, such as Clay-colored or

Chipping, this bird is much plainer and more gray-brown in color; lacking

the warmer reddish-brown coloration of the others and the more distinct

facial patterns. It had no dark line through the eye as would a Chipping,

having pale lores and a thin pale eyering. The light brownish auricular

patch hardly contrasted at all with the rest of the face and had no

noticeable dark outline. The pale supercilium was very subdued and showed

very little contrast with the rest of the face. A Clay-colored Sparrow would

show a bold facial pattern, with a warm brown auricular patch distinctly

outlined with a dark border and contrasting appreciably with a bold whitish

supercilium. Finally, this bird had a brownish crown with short dark

streaks, and displayed no pale median crown stripe, which both of the other

species would have. Some indistinct streaking on the sides of the breast

indicate that this is a first-year bird.



On Sunday, 1 Oct 00, I made a brief stop at Almaden Lake Park. I found no

sign of any grackles, but did have a single COMMON MERGANER and a CLARK'S

GREBE.



Another stop at the Palo Alto Baylands yielded the WILLOW FLYCATCHER but no

Brewer's Sparrow (perhaps the Wolf sisters or Mike Feighner had better luck

after I left).



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 Oct 02 05:19:24 2000

Subject: [SBB] :

--------

I went to CCFS at lunch time. There I met Frank Vanslager and we searched

the area without finding a bunting or thrasher. We did have a YELLOW

WARBLER, a WILSON'S WARBLER, an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, a HOUSE WREN, and a

few COMMON YELLOWTHROATS. A small flock of AMERICAN PIPITS flew off the

levee on the way out.



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 Oct 02 08:20:41 2000

Subject: [SBB] more on Brewer's Sparrow

--------

I saw Jack Cole yesterday who told me more needed to be said about the Brewer's Sparrow I'd seen on Saturday. The agreement that Dan Keller (and Robin who was with him) and I was that I would just post it on SBB so people would have a chance of seeing it and he would write it up. So, I will leave the official write-up to Dan. He found it.



Dan was the leader of the Sequoia Audubon field trip.



Dan pointed out 2 sparrows sitting near the top of fennel near us. He said look carefully at the one on the left , it's different. See, the tail is so long and thin...it's either a Clay-Colored, Brewer's  or Chipping. It took us awhile to get really good looks at it since it was moving around. Finally it sat in the open for perhaps 5 minutes. That's when I pulled out my new Kenn Kaufman book. 



The facial features that we zeroed in on was a slight eyebrow that extended well past the eye. It was not a bold eyebrow. Dan seemed to think the line from the beak down to the neck line was important which was actually a little more obvious than the eyebrow.. It had a dainty beak, drab color. It was pretty blah in color. The 3 features that seemed the most important were the long skinny tail, the feint lines in the face plus the overall blah color. 



I admitted before that this is only the 2nd Brewer's I've ever seen. Dan said he's seen lots Mono Lake, etc.He seemed to be quite knowledgeable.  He was basically giving me a class on it. He said he would post in San Mateo since he's not on SBB. For me the biggest lesson was to look at every bird. I still remember the Purple Martin Mike Mammoser saw at Sunnyvale amongst a wire-full of swallows. He looked at each one, I didn't and I didn't see the Purple Martin. If it weren't for Dan, I would have brushed off this sparrow as just another one...but once you realized the tail was different...you realize what can be right in front of you that you don't see. Dan & Robin had been in and around the fennel patch since 8 AM and this was 11:30 AM so it also showed that patience paid off for  them...I was lucky.



Gloria LeBlanc





www.wallstreetgifts.com

"largest selection of Wall Street inspired gifts"



www.lgsia.com

When managing your money. we can't control the wind, but we do control the sails"

--------

Attachment

3.2 KBytes

--------



From [[email protected]] Mon Oct 02 08:44:28 2000

Subject: [SBB] Sunday Birds

--------

Hello All,



Here are a few birds of interest seen on Sunday, Oct 1:



Almaden Reservoir:  The number of WOOD DUCKS has increased to 35.  One

SPOTTED SANDPIPER was seen among 15-20 Killdeer.  A male OSPREY swooping in

to scatter the Killdeer was pursued first by an Amer Kestrel and then by a

Red-shouldered Hawk.  Such excitement, but the Wood Ducks seemed unperturbed

by it all.  Along Alamitos Road by the O'Day property wintering

Golden-crowned Sparrows, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Townsend Warblers have

arrived.  Also seen were some lingering passerines - YELLOW WARBLER,

WARBLING VIREO and W. WOOD-PEWEE (one of each).  Also about 10 Western

Bluebirds (some juveniles) were seen flying around the mudflat vegetation

(always a nice sight).



Around mid-day I went over to the Alviso EEC.  Two BLACK SKIMMERS were on

the raised mudflat island in the pond, along with two Western Gulls, six

Herring Gulls, and other usual stuff.  Lots of Eared Grebes on the far side

of the pond.  A PECTORAL SANDPIPER was seen with some Least Sandpipers along

the pond edge.  A PEREGRINE FALCON was on a transmission tower east of the

entrance road.  And Howard Friedman's family and I saw another male OSPREY

flying over the EEC.  (A two-Osprey day!)  For butterfly-watchers, lots of

Cabbage Whites and W. Pygmy Blues were seen in the butterfly garden - also

Gray Hairstreak, West Coast Lady, Mylitta Crescent, and skippers.



In the early evening my family and I took the grandkids over to Almaden Lake

where a CLARK'S GREBE was present.  Also eight Common Mergansers and two

Common Moorhens were by the outflow, and a single female NUTMEG MANIKIN was

seen in the reeds by the outflow.



Not much to add to what's been seen lately at Calero Reservoir this week,

except that four BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS were on the mudflats at the eastern

end on Saturday, Sept 30.



And that's it for now - It's good to see some of my birding friends again as

I'm finally getting out and about again.

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 Oct 02 09:52:11 2000

Subject: [SBB] Fwd: Painted Bunting and Brown Thrasher

--------

This message bounced for some, as yet, unknown reason. The sighting 

occurred on Saturday, 9/30. I got a call from the banding lab on Sunday

morning about these birds and phoned them in to the Northern Cal Birdbox.

I was not able to get online to post to SBB or to see Rita's bounced 

message.



Les Chibana

SBB list bureaucrat



--------------------------------------

Date: Saturday, September 30, 2000

From: Rita and Rob Colwell <[[email protected]]>



Les,

I sent this message to south-bay birders this afternoon and it bounced

back by evening.  The address I have is the same as what is currently

used by sbb.  Could you post this please.



This morning at CCFS at the northmost “training” nets (eight separate

nets from the regular ones) at hatching year Painted Bunting (PABU) was

banded, along with an adult Brown Thrasher (BRTH).  A hatching year

Hammond’s Flycatcher (HAFL) was also banded.  The PABU and BRTH were

both netted in nets 7965 (A and B are immediately adjacent to each other

and the very last ones north).



The PABU was in first basic plumage, brownish with back feathers

greenish with some brighter green feathers molted in.  Flight feathers

were brown.  Tail feathers were distinctly greenish.  The cheek patch on

this bird showed some greenish feathers also.  The “greenish” I refer to

is an almost undescribable blend of lime/chartreuse color.  Photos were

taken.  The adult BRTH was straightforward in appearance.  The HAFL was

identified by in-hand measurements.



Access into CCFS is limited.  If you have not signed a waiver form for

permission to bird the area, contact the SFBBO office.

Rita 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]] Mon Oct 02 10:46:03 2000

Subject: [SBB] baylands Brewer's Sparrow

--------

All:  



On Saturday afternoon, Maria and I saw the Brewer's Sparrow in the baylands

fennel patch, exactly where Gloria LeBlanc reported it (at the reddish post

in the north-west part of the parking lot).  We also checked out, as a very

long shot, Mike Mammoser's report of a Common Poorwill along the east side

of Matadero Creek, downstream from highway 101, but saw few birds of any sort.



Yours, John Meyer  

* * * * * * * *

John Meyer, Dept of Soc, Stanford U, Stanford, CA 94305, 650-7231868

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 02 13:04:06 2000

Subject: [SBB] New Road Topping

--------

Hi,



I was told Saturday that the paving company decided to put off until next

year putting the new topping on the EEC road and parking lot.  We are

closed this weekend, but you can still park outside and walk in.



Lee Lovelady, Volunteer Naturalist.



________________________________________________________________

YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET!

Juno now offers FREE Internet Access!

Try it today - there's no risk!  For your FREE software, visit:

http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 02 16:35:37 2000

Subject: [SBB] PAGP Still at 237 and First

--------

At 10:30 on Monday, October 2, the winter-plumage Pacific Golden-Plover was 

still at the flooded area at the southeast corner of Hwy 237 and North First. 

 From the light at the Freeway On-ramp, the bird is almost impossible to see, 

since it tends to stay 100 feet, or more, east of the flooded area.  But if 

you walk along the north side of the fence as far as you can, and then go 

part way up the bank, it is possible to locate the bird.



I wanted better views, so I continued eastward carefully but very quickly, 

being careful to time it so as not to irritate or scare any freeway on-ramp 

traffic, and got beyond the eastern end of the fence and then out into the 

field.  (I was considering telling any authorities that might stop me, that I 

thought those orange traffic-cones along the on-ramp were put there so that I 

could safely go see the bird!)  I think the great Questar views were worth 

that indiscretion, although I'm sure many would not agree with me.  There 

were also many close Killdeer, and Dowitchers, and Yellowlegs, and 

Sandpipers, and at least 4 Pectoral Sandpipers -- all of which were still 

there in the pond when I left.  (I didn't think it advisable to stay long.)



Frank Vanslager

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 03 02:54:28 2000

Subject: [SBB] :

--------

This morning, 3 Oct 00, Mike Rogers and I birded CCFS, hoping to find any of

last weekends rarities. Our species and numbers seen might differ slightly.



For raptors I had a PRAIRIE FALCON, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, and RED-SHOULDERED

HAWK. I don't think Mike had any of these.



Migrant passerines were still fairly plentiful with dozens and dozens of

YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, 9 YELLOW WARBLERS, 5 WILSON'S WARBLERS, 3

ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, a MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER, 6 COMMON YELLOWTHROATS, 4

HOUSE WRENS, 2 HERMIT THRUSHES, 2 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS, and a probable

HOODED ORIOLE.



We had 75-80 VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS and 17 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS.



I had a CASPIAN TERN fly over before Mike arrived.



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 Oct 03 09:07:14 2000

Subject: [SBB] :

--------

After lunch today, 3 Oct 00, I took a walk along San Tomas Aquino Creek and

found a VIRGINIA'S WARBLER. This bird was working the lerp-infested eucs

with a flock around the edge of the parking lot that borders the creek on

the southeast corner of the creek crossing by Mission College Blvd. Take hwy

101 to San Tomas/Montague Xway. Go north on Montague and take the first

left, which is Mission College Blvd. Go to Freedom Cir and make a U-turn.

Pull into the first driveway on your right, which enters the parking lot.

Check the eucs along the levee by the creek.



Initially, I thought this might be an immature Nashville Warbler, but the

bird had a white throat and extensive white belly and flanks. I also caught

a couple glimpses of a yellow-green rump. This made me think of Virginia's,

but I wanted to be more sure. So, I called Mike Rogers and we refound the

bird. After more observations, both of us believe it to be a Virginia's.



It has a bright yellow breast that contrasts with the white throat and

belly. The undertail coverts are bright yellow as well. The head and back

are a darkish gray, with the gray fading down the face onto the paler

throat. It has a bold whitish eyering. Mike got good looks at the

yellow-green rump, confirming my earlier glimpses. This plumage would tend

to indicate an adult bird.



This area also had a YELLOW WARBLER and at least 3 WESTERN TANAGERS.



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 Oct 03 11:26:54 2000

Subject: [SBB] CCFS tidbits

--------



All,



Just a few notes to add to Mike Mammoser's posted summary of this

morning's CCFS sightings.



I had at least 12 COMMON YELLOWTHROATS, with about half of them being

banded birds, 4 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS, at least 5 HOUSE WRENS, and

a tenth YELLOW WARBLER south of the banding trailer.  Also heard a

single RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET and saw 2 FOX SPARROWS.



All of the YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS I saw well were "AUDUBON'S" and none

were banded.  In contrast, many of the resident SONG SPARROWS and

COMMON YELLOWTHROATS were banded (one SONG SPARROW being banded on the

right leg - not from CCFS??).



Regarding the HOODED ORIOLE, it was definitely a female-plumaged

oriole that was either a HOODED or an Orchard.  The bird flew to the

bushy eucalyptus trees along the dike north of the banding trailer;

after getting up there I was able to see it again as it flew out and

headed north high over the creek.  The bird's shape was consistent

with HOODED (long-tailed) so I think it's safe to call the bird a

HOODED despite the late date.



Mike Rogers

10/3/00

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 03 13:55:27 2000

Subject: [SBB] Downtown SJ Peregrine Falcons

--------

I have been seeing a (one ?) Peregrine Falcon around downtown San Jose 

(around the Adobe, Heritage, and two PG&E buildings - Park Ave., San 

Fernando St., and Almaden Blvd.) on a semi regular basis since at least 

June 15th.  Based upon the size and coloration, I had assumed that this 

individual was a female.  Now today, at around noon, I have seen two 

Peregrine Falcons on the east tower of the Adobe building in friendly 

proximity to each other, almost side-by-side, both on the building itself 

and in the air.  Both birds are pretty much the same coloration, but with 

one slightly bigger than the other.  With such a minimal size difference, I 

am now slightly confused as to which one I have been seeing and if this 

individual was indeed a female.  Perhaps, I have been seeing both these 

past months, but at different times.  If these birds are a pair, could they 

have possibly nested this summer?...I've seen no evidence, but view only a 

small portion of downtown.  Or, is it more likely that one is a new 

individual migrating through or back into the area?



Not being able to pick out from the two birds, the individual I assumed I 

had been seeing these past months and thought I knew so well, has been a 

big blow to my ego and powers of observation.



Eric  

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 03 16:27:01 2000

Subject: [SBB] BWTE at P. A. Flood Control Basin

--------

This morning, Tuesday, I saw my first 2 male Blue-winged Teal of the season 

at the Palo Alto Flood Control Basin.  I headed straight out from the 

Frontage Road parking area along the trail until I couldn't go any farther 

without getting my feet wet.  The two males were further along in a large, 

resting group of male Pintail, Cinnamon Teal, and Green-winged Teal.



Frank Vanslager

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 03 16:40:29 2000

Subject: Re: [SBB] BWTE at P. A. Flood Control Basin

--------

Male Blue-winged Teal have been pretty regular for the past month but

farther out in the Flood Basin near the Bay.

-- 



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]] Tue Oct 03 22:39:41 2000

Subject: [SBB] (SBB) Osprey

--------

All,



    This evening while listening to the debate, I was treated to the sight of 

an adult male OSPREY landing in one of my oak trees overlooking Vasona 

Reservoir.  I watched it until it got so dark that the white breast was no 

longer visible.  For all I know it's still there.

    Although most of you "beat the bushes" looking for birds, there is much 

joy in watching them through the living room window while relaxing in a 

comfortable easy chair.



Jean

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 04 05:55:32 2000

Subject: [SBB] :

--------

Today, 4 Oct 00, the VIRGINIA'S WARBLER was still along San Tomas Aquino

Creek just south of Mission College Blvd. It was again in the eucalyptus

trees bordering the parking lot next to the levee. After some minutes,

however, it flew across the street to the north side of Mission College.



Also in this area were a couple WESTERN TANAGERS and some CEDAR WAXWINGS.



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]] Wed Oct 04 08:52:27 2000

Subject: [SBB] -

--------

Folks:



      This morning, 10/4/2000, I saw two adult BROWN PELICANS on Salt Pond 

A2W.  At least three BLACK SKIMMERS were on the south island in 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]] Wed Oct 04 14:30:12 2000

Subject: [SBB] GWFG

--------

Hi all,

   Just a quick note that on Saturday, 9/30, there were 24 Greater White-fronted Geese that flew over me while I was doing a monthly point count on Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve.  They circled, calling repeatedly, for about 5-10 minutes before descending to Searsville Lake.  This was about 8:15 am and they were still there on the lake at 11:30 after I finished my survey.  At least one bird was still there according to another birder on Monday morning.  I think this could be the first record for Jasper Ridge.  Anyone else know for sure?

    The rest of the morning's birding was fairly normal.  Some returning wintering birds included Fox Sparrow, Cedar Waxwing, Hermit Thrush.  Cheers,



Richard





----------------------------------------------

[[email protected]] is brought to you by 

the Stanford Alumni Association and Critical Path.

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 04 14:32:33 2000

Subject: [SBB] Ruffs?

--------

Hello,

Has anyone seen the Ruffs or Stilt Sandpiper at State and Spreckles in the 

last day or so?

Thank you,

Andrew R.

_________________________________________________________________________

Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.



Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at 

http://profiles.msn.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 Oct 04 21:21:10 2000

Subject: Re: [SBB] VIRGINIA'S WARBLER

--------

South-Bay-Birders:



This afternoon at 4 PM I made it over to the lerp-infested eucalyptus trees along

the east side of  San Thomas Aquino Creek (south of Mission College Blvd and east

of east end of Freedom Circle) in Santa Clara.  After about 20 minutes, Maria and

John Meyer arrived.  We searched the entire row of eucalyptus trees and checked

each and every warbler (all were yellow-rumpeds except for one single Yellow

Warbler) until Maria and I sighted the VIRGINIA'S WABLER at 5:18 PM in the third

eucalyptus tree south of the red trailer.  Noticeable were the bold white

eye-ring, white throat, yellow breast, white belly, yellowish undertail, and

yellow-green rump.  The birds seemed to come and go.  Many would fly down to

reeds in the creek and then back into the trees.  There was only one Western

Tanager.  Later Jan Hintermeister arrived.  I held on hoping to refind the

warbler for both Jan and John.  When I left at 6 PM, Maria, John, and Jan were

still searching.   Hopefully, the bird returned and would be  still be present in

the morning.



--

Mike Feighner, Livermore, CA, [[email protected]]





Michael Mammoser wrote:



> Today, 4 Oct 00, the VIRGINIA'S WARBLER was still along San Tomas Aquino

> Creek just south of Mission College Blvd. It was again in the eucalyptus

> trees bordering the parking lot next to the levee. After some minutes,

> however, it flew across the street to the north side of Mission College.

>

> Also in this area were a couple WESTERN TANAGERS and some CEDAR WAXWINGS.

>

> 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]] Thu Oct 05 06:35:10 2000

Subject: [SBB] :

--------

I made a quick stop at San Tomas Aquino Creek at about 2:00pm and was able

to show the VIRGINIA'S WARBLER to John and Maria Meyer, who were there for

the third time.



This bird is interesting. I think that it can safely be judged as a male,

because I don't think that females ever get as bright as this, with such

extensive yellow. Aging it could be a little more difficult. I believe that

Dunn and Garrett say that first year males can sometimes be as bright as

adults. This is certainly a far cry from the dull bird that Steve Rottenborn

found at the Palo Alto fennel patch last year.



Other birds in the area were an immature TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, an

ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, and 2 WESTERN TANAGERS.



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]] Thu Oct 05 11:12:31 2000

Subject: [SBB] -

--------

Folks:



      I visted San Tomas Aquino Creek below Hwy 101 this morning, arriving at 

0955 hr, and finding Jack Cole.  Shortly thereafter I found the VIRGINIA'S 

WARBLER on the northwest bank of the creek about 30 m above Mission College 

Blvd.  Jack and I had very good looks in clearing weather as the bird foraged 

upstream as far as 70 m above the Mission College Blvd crossing.  It fed in 

some flowering plants, but mostly in dry fennel plants.  We watched it from 

1005 to 1010 hrs.  Jack then left and I wrote up my notes.  I refound the 

birds at 1035 and watched it again until 1045 hr, feeding as before in this 

area.  At one point I had the VIRGINIA'S, an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, and a 

YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER on the same fennel plant.  The VIRGINIA'S on one 

occasion aggressively displaced the foraging ORANGE-CROWNED.  The bird tended 

to hold its wings quite tightly against its body, obscuring the rump patch 

which I saw only in flight.  Thanks, Mike!



      There was a f/imm TOWNSEND'S WARBLER in the eucs with the large number 

of YELLOW-RUMPS.



      					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 Oct 05 11:36:17 2000

Subject: [SBB] Guadalupe River

--------



All,



Yesterday 10/5/00 at sunset I checked the fennel patch between

Lockheed and the Sunnyvale WPCP and turned up 2 ORANGE-CROWNED

WARBLERS and a YELLOW WARBLER.  A single AMERICAN PIPIT was atop the

nearby dump.



This morning 10/6/00 I birded the east side of the Guadalupe River

from Montague Expressway to Trimble Road.  Highlights included

7 LONG-BILLED CURLEWS heading towards the airport, 5 NORTHERN FLICKERS,

1 "WESTERN" FLYCATCHER, 1 HOUSE WREN, 3 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, 1 HERMIT

THRUSH, about 8 CEDAR WAXWINGS in ones and twos, 3 ORANGE-CROWNED

WARBLERS, 8 YELLOW WARBLERS, 31 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS,

1 fem/imm TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, 2 COMMON YELLOWTHROATS, 2 WILSON'S

WARBLERS, and 4 WESTERN TANAGERS (including one very bright adult

male).  Most of the warbler and tanager activity was not in the

riparian corridor, but in the eucalyptus trees along the dike along

the southern half of this stretch.



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 Oct 05 11:44:36 2000

Subject: [SBB] oops

--------



Oops, I see my dates should be 10/4 and 10/5 rather than

10/5 and 10/6 - sorry.



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]] Fri Oct 06 06:28:12 2000

Subject: [SBB] Re: Virginia's vs Nashville

--------

I spent a couple hours today with Mike Rogers looking for the

"Virginiaville" Warbler. We couldn't find it and I hope that it hasn't left,

because it would be nice to further study it.



It is interesting that Bill mentioned green in the wings on this bird. When

I first saw this bird, I thought that I could see some green in the flight

feathers. However, when I concentrated on looking at this area, I didn't see

it. I don't know if this was due to the viewing/lighting angle. So, I

chalked it up to a glimpsing of the rump patch.



When I was having doubts about this bird being a Nashville, the thing I

concentrated on looking for was the contrasty yellow-green rump patch. In my

mind, without having seen any references, this was an important

characteristic. When it was confirmed, I thought it was definitive. I got a

pretty good look at the rump myself yesterday, and I still don't know why a

Nashville (particularly an immature) would show such a distinct rump against

such a plain colored back.



Another interesting aspect is that some authorities consider these two birds

to be conspecific. That brings up the question of whether intermediate

characters of this bird might be the result of hybridization. ??



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]] Fri Oct 06 07:51:32 2000

--------

All,



Yesterday, on my lunch hour walk along San Francisquito Creek in Palo

Alto, I saw my first RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET of the season. It was with a

large group of Bushtits and Chestnut-backed Chickadees. Elsewhere along

the Creek there were 4 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS.



I also saw two GOLDEN EAGLES perched close to 280 this morning in the

same area where the family was seen recently, across from the Stanford

Dish.



That's all for now,

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 Oct 06 08:06:08 2000

Subject: [SBB] more reservoirs

--------

I visited Coyote Reservoir on Wednesday (Oct 4, 2000).  The water level is

still somewhat high, but some of the mudflat at the south end was exposed.

Already there are a fair number of shorebirds.  We observed COMMON SNIPE,

DOWITCHER, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, BLACK-NECKED STILT, MARBLED GODWIT, WHIMBREL,

LEAST SANDPIPER, WESTERN SANDPIPER and KILLDEER.  The ducks are starting to

return as well we observed WOOD DUCK, AMERICAN WIGEON, GADWALL, MALLARD,

GREEN WINGED TEAL, CINNAMON TEAL, and NORTHERN PINTAIL.



Also of note were 2 VAUX'S SWIFT mixed in a flock of VIOLET-GREEN & TREE

SWALLOWS.



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 Oct 06 08:06:38 2000

Subject: [SBB] -

--------

Folks:



      I have compared my field notes with the guides by Dunn and Garrett, and 

Curson, Quinn, and Beadle and I retract my observation of a VIRGINIA'S WARBLER 

from yesterday, 10/6/00.  It seems to me that this bird has a number of 

characters that are intermediate between a first-fall female Nashville Warbler 

and an adult male Virginia's Warbler.  Primarily based on the color of the 

primaries and secondaries, which were olive-green or olive-yellow and strongly 

contrasted with the gray back, I believe the bird I saw was a first-fall female 

Nashville Warbler.  A description is below.  



      I have a detailed description from Mike Mammoser of the bird that he saw 

and he noted gray primaries and secondaries, which is appropriate for 

Virginia's Warbler.  There are either two birds here or one bird with two 

differing descriptions.  We can benefit from close studies of these birds by 

other observers.



      					Bill



NASHVILLE WARBLER

10/6/2000

San Tomas Aquino Creek between Hwy 101 and Mission Boulevard



      I walked the levee along the southeast side of San Tomas Aquino Creek 

between Hwy 101 and Mission Boulevard from 0955 to 1045 hrs, looking for a 

Virginia's Warbler found here by Mike Mammoser.  I observed what I thought was 

this bird from 1005 to 1010 hrs (with Jack Cole) and again from 1035 to 1045 

hrs.  My distance to the bird was about 15 m and I used 10x42 binoculars.  The 

morning overcast was clearing at 1000 hours and the sun was starting to cast 

shadows.  The sun was behind me for both periods and the bird was below my eye 

level as it foraged along the opposite levee.



      My initial impression was of a warbler with gray upperparts, a white 

eye-ring, yellow-olive remiges, and a yellow breast.  In direct comparison to 

Yellow-rumped and Orange-crowned warblers, feeding in the same fennel, I could 

discern no difference in size or shape.  The upperparts were a pearl gray and 

included the crown, face, nape, back, and some of the wing coverts.  In some 

postures and lighting conditions I could see fine brown streaking on the crown 

that gave a light brown wash to the crown.  The gray appeared to be lighter on 

the face and then became lighter still in the malar region and onto the 

throat, which was a light gray.  The gray on the nape, back, lesser and median 

wing coverts appeared to be uniform in color.  The greater wing coverts, in 

some angles showed a faint olive-green wash.  Although the bird would 

sometimes flutter its wings when foraging I was never able to obtain a good 

view of the open wing.  Otherwise the bird held the wings tightly closed.  The 

folded primaries and secondaries were a bright olive-green.  Because the wings 

were tightly folded I could never see the rump color or much of the tail as 

the bird was at rest.  Once in flight I caught a glimpse of an olive-green 

rump.



      The yellow of the breast started at the base of the gray throat and 

extended about halfway down the breast and changed to white.  The yellow in 

a frontal view seemed brighter than from the side, but extended from wing 

to wing.  As the bird foraged I could see that the yellow extended past the 

bend of the wing so that in some postures it looked like the yellow cut in 

above the wing towards the back.  The flanks were white towards the belly, but 

were buff-yellow at the wing and had some faint darker streaks.  The undertail 

coverts were the same yellow as the breast.  Once I glimpsed "tail spots" 

beneath the tail that were white or pale yellow and extended halfway out the 

tail.



      During the two observation periods the bird foraged mostly in fennel, 

but sometimes in other flowering plants and occasionally flew into the edge of 

the cattails.  While foraging, it would persistently pick or glean at the 

fennel seed heads or stems, remaining stationary for 15-30 seconds at a time.  

I did not see it call during this time.  Although it seemed to accept 

Yellow-rumped or Orange-crowned warblers in the same plant on occasions, 

one time it repeatedly displaced a foraging Orange-crowned Warbler until the 

bird left the fennel.  I saw no tail bobbing.



      Because of the gray throat and extensive yellow breast, the 

identification problem in this case appears to be between a first-fall female 

Nashville Warbler of the western race _ridgwayi_ and an adult male Virginia's 

Warbler.  K&G include a photograph of a first-fall Nasville (p. 173), but do 

not include a painting.  GQ&B show an illustration of a first-fall female.  

Both sources provide detailed plumage descriptions.  Based on my reading of 

these descriptions, most features are shared by the two species.  The major 

exceptions are:

- eye-ring: described as buffy in K&G for first-fall female Nashville, but

  white for Virginia's.  This bird was white.

- back color: clear gray, but duller (K&G), brownish-olive (GQ&B) for  

  first-fall female Nashville.  Gray with mouse-brown wash (K&G), pearl gray 

  (GC&B) for Virginia's.  This bird was a clear or pearl gray with little in

  the way of brownish except on the crown.

- wing coverts, primaries, and secondaries: adult Nashville is described as 

  being a dusky color edged with olive, while immature is browner (K&G), dark 

  olive-green with paler olive feather edges (GQ&B).  Virginia's is described 

  as having grey wing coverts with dark primaries edged with gray (K&G), 

  blackish with gray feather edges (GQ&B).  This bird had gray lesser and 

  median coverts, but the greater coverts had an olive wash.  The primaries 

  and secondaries showed an olive-yellow color, probably from the edges and 

  this was very striking from the top of the bird.  When I initially saw the 

  bird I described it to Jack as being "gray above with olive-yellow wings".



      Some of these features suggest Virginia's, particularly the back color, 

while others suggest Nashville, particularly the primaries and secondaries.  

The photo of the first-fall female in K&G is very similar to the bird I saw, 

but has more yellow on the flanks than I noted.  The illustration in GQ&B also 

shows more extensive yellow on the flanks and brownish on the wing coverts 

that is different from the San Tomas Aquino bird.  Although I lack extensive 

experience with fall birds of either species, the primary and secondary color 

makes me believe that this is a first-fall female Nashville Warbler.

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 06 09:22:54 2000

Subject: [SBB] Virginia's vs Nashville

--------



All,



Well, Bill Bousman has started an interesting discussion on the ID of

the "Virginia's" Warbler.



First of all, there is only ONE bird here - Bill's description matches

well the bird Mike and I saw.  Secondly, yes, the ID versus a dull

Nashville Warbler is non-trivial and that is why Mike Mammoser called

me to get another opinion when he first found the bird.  When Mike

reported to me the extent of the yellow in the breast I was worried

because that much yellow would suggest an adult male Virginia's, an

age class that constitutes a smaller fraction of our vagrants than

hatching-year birds (although Garrett and Dunn's Warbler guide seems

to contradict Pyle's banding guide by illustrating first-fall male

Virginia's with extensive yellow) - and also, as Bill notes, leads to

potential confusion with dull hatching-year Nashville Warblers.



Last year I had dull hatching-year female Nashville Warblers along

Stevens Creek north of L'Avenida on 10/7/99 and at Pt. Reyes at about

the same time.  These birds can indeed be confused with Virginia's

Warblers, being quite gray.  However, they still retain a yellow tinge

to the underparts in places that should be white/gray on a Virginia's

Warbler, the upperparts are not the "pearl gray" of a Virginia's, but

rather a duller, browner gray, and the rump, while olive-colored, does

not contrast with the area around it as strongly as on a Virginia's

Warbler.  In these respects the San Tomas Aquino Creek bird is typical

of a Virginia's Warbler.



Most of my time observing this bird was spent trying to obtain

photographs (I managed to get four of the bird in the fennel) and I

therefore did not have a chance to study the bird as thoroughly as

Bill did.  Bill describes the color of the wing coverts in some detail

- were there molt limits?  If there were none this would age the bird

as an adult and rule out Nashville Warbler.



I was also interested in the brown streaking in the crown, something I

did not note through the camera viewfinder, which is likely the "red"

crown patch expected to be present on an adult male.



I did note the olive in the wings that Bill describes.  This does

indeed look "greener" than the gray wing depicted in the NGS guide for

a Virginia's Warbler, but that is likely a Spring bird, rather than a

freshly molted fall bird - I am not convinced that this is enough to

overturn the ID as a Virginia's Warbler given the many other marks

that don't match Nashville (even a dull one).



Maybe my photos will show more (I believe at least one should show the

contrasting rump patch on the foraging bird, something that Bill said

he was unable to see because of the bird's wing position).  Obviously

aging this bird would be a big help, so more detailed observations are

encouraged!  And it seems that the bird is staying around so there

should be opportunity for further study.  (In fact, if it is an adult

bird, then it may be that it first showed up at this location in its

first fall in some prior year and noone ever knew - has anyone ever

birded this spot before??).



A great learning opportunity here :)



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]] Sat Oct 07 14:44:44 2000

Subject: [SBB] RUFF, STSA

--------

All,



A friend and I went to State and Spreckles today in Alviso and got good

looks at both the RUFF and STILT SANDPIPER. As well, there were perhaps

10 LESSER YELLOWLEGS and a GOLDEN EAGLE. At the EEC, the two BLACK

SKIMMERS continue on the island.



That's all,

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 Oct 08 20:25:23 2000

Subject: [SBB] Big Day

--------



All,



Yesterday 10/7/00 Mike Mammoser and I (team M&M) did our "Fall

Challenge" Big Day in Santa Clara County.  We had learned a lot from

our dry run on 9/23/00 and things went smoother this time, with a

couple of really nice birds to spice things up.  Our final tally of

146 species was 8 better than two weeks ago, although still 14 short

of the Big Day I did with Steve Rottenborn and Scott Terrill on

10/12/97.  A comparison of the species seen on these three Big Days is

given at the end of this summary.



In order to do better this time, Mike and I started earlier, leaving

my house at 2:49am and heading for the bay to search for rails and

Barn Owls.  We did well with rails, getting VIRGINIA RAIL and SORA at

the Mountain View Forebay and CLAPPER RAIL at Palo Alto, but had no

luck with Barn Owls, either along the bay or on the Stanford campus.



Arriving at Monte Bello OSP we were dismayed to realize that the area

up there was covered in dense fog, with water dripping off the trees.

Despite this, the hoped for four species of owls cooperated very

nicely, with at least two NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS calling from close

in, a species that was not calling two weeks prior.  At 6:40am

day-birding began.  We ended up getting most of the sought after

targets, including CALIFORNIA THRASHER, WRENTIT, BROWN CREEPER,

HUTTON'S VIREO, PYGMY NUTHATCH, TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, HAIRY WOODPECKER,

BAND-TAILED PIGEON, and two specied we missed last time, WINTER WREN

(1) and VARIED TRHUSH (4+).  However, we only thought we heard

flyover-in-the-fog Purple Finches, a species we had several of last

time.  Both RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET and HERMIT THRUSH, absent two weeks

before, were numerous this time.  We left at 9:10am feeling good about

the day's start.



Our drive back down Page Mill Road failed to produce CALIFORNIA QUAIL

and sure enough we missed this species for the entire day!  However,

we did get the day's only RED-SHOULDERED HAWK.  A quick detour north

on interstate 280 added an adult GOLDEN EAGLE, perched on a snag near

the dish at Stanford.



The flooded field at First Street and Highway 237 added 10 PECTORAL

SANDPIPERS, the day's only COMMON SNIPE (5), and 3 LESSER YELLOWLEGS.

The small eucalyptus trees north of the water pollution control plant

along Los Esteros Road held 2 YELLOW WARBLERS and the blackbird flock

had a few TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS.  A male RING-NECKED PHEASANT at the

railroad crossing was our only one of the day, a bird we missed last

time.  The pond at State and Spreckles held the STILT SANDPIPER,

2 lingering WILSON'S PHALAROPES (one injured and the other keeping it

company), as well as more of both YELLOWLEGS.  An immature PEREGRINE

FALCON hunted overhead and 20 VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS foraged over New

Chicago Marsh.



We arrived at CCFS at 10:42am, a little late but optimistic since the

overcast was keeping things cool.  Three mobbing AMERICAN CROWS

revealed a perched adult COOPER'S HAWK and the pond opposite had the

day's only MEW GULL (first of Fall).  The pond opposite the trailer

held only 3 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, far fewer than of late.



The riparian area added 4 HOUSE WRENS, 3 DOWNY WOODPECKERS, 5 YELLOW

WARBLERS, 3 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS (1 gray-headed), a MACGILLIVRAY'S

WARBLER and 2 "WESTERN" FLYCATCHERS.  Overhead were 35 more

VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS and an AMERICAN PIPIT.  We missed Wilson's

Warblers, but this was more than made up for by stumbling onto a

day-roosting COMMON POORWILL on the dirt path behind the "Mewaldt

Oak".  The waterbird pond had nothing new for us.



We arrived at Ed Levin Park at 12:39pm and added the day's first SNOWY

EGRET and FORSTER'S TERN at Sandy Wool Lake.  The ranger station added

YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE and 2 CEDAR WAXWINGS, but we had no luck finding

any sapsuckers.  A stop at Calaveras Reservoir added WHITE-BREASTED

NUTHATCH (missed last time), WESTERN GREBE, a male CANVASBACK,

2 RING-NECKED DUCKS, and 10 more CEDAR WAXWINGS.  A stop at the end of

Marsh Road proved extremely productive adding SAY'S PHOEBE, an adult

PRAIRIE FALCON (landed on a telephone pole), and a winter adult

CHIPPING SPARROW in a flock of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS.



The Sierra Road summit appeared dead at first, but after a while I

heard distant HORNED LARKS and then the rattle of a LAPLAND LONGSPUR.

I got Mike on the bird in flight and then we watched as the bird

circled nervously with 20 HORNED LARKS for 5 minutes before landing

just west of the corral.  We were afforded great scope views for a few

minutes before an immature COOPER'S HAWK flushed the flock.  This is

only the ninth county record and the earliest record by 8 days!  An

adult GOLDEN EAGLE made our earlier detour north on I280 a waste of

time.  Also had a second SAY'S PHOEBE, but no Rock Wrens could be

found.  On the way down the hill, Mike picked out 2 LARK SPARROWS in a

big flock of HOUSE FINCHES.  We were feeling quite good about our

finds, but were 1.5 hours behind our planned schedule :(



We arrived at the Palo Alto Baylands at 3:27pm; no Semipalmated

Plovers were anywhere to be found on the now very exposed mudflats,

but WHIMBRELS were still present, along with the adult GLAUCOUS-WINGED

GULL that has been here since our previous Big Day.  An immature

PEREGRINE FALCON was repeatedly harassing birds here, including

LONG-BILLED CURLEWS and the GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, which tried to

ignore it at first.  The day's second and last AMERICAN PIPIT flew by

towards the airport.



An accident on highway 101 had things backed up, be we snuck down the

Frontage Road to the Palo Alto Flood Control Basin and added

BLUE-WINGED TEAL and MARSH WREN to the list.  Shoreline Lake added a

male SURF SCOTER.  Nine BLACK SKIMMERS were on the island in

Charleston Slough and single immature BROWN PELICANS were on the same

island (along with another adult GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL) and in Salt

Pond A1.



At the Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant we added BURROWING OWL

right after getting out of the car and a bike loop around the big pond

added 1 adult GREEN HERON, 2 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, 2 LESSER SCAUP,

6 CANVASBACK (4 males), and an adult HERRING GULL.



We decided to finish the day biking the Alviso salt ponds, but first

we added a BARN OWL at SFBBO, contributing it's share to this SFBBO

fundraiser.  Just before 6pm we began our bike trek into the wind and

sun out to pond A10.  None of the 4000+ Red-necked Phalaropes that had

been here two weeks prior were anywhere to be found.  At 6:15pm we

reached pond A10, which brought us our first CLARK'S GREBE of the day

(along with more WESTERN GREBES).  A mixed group of 60 SCAUP in

northwest pond A10 was about evenly split between LESSER and GREATER,

our 146th and last species of the day.  Other birds of interest out

here included 4+ BROWN PELICANS, 160 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, 2 adult

HERRING GULLS, 3 GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS and another immature PEREGRINE

FALCON.  The bike ride back was highlighted by a close encounter with

a STRIPED SKUNK.



Having missed White-throated Swift at Stanford in the pre-dawn hours,

we opted to try for them at a Milpitas overpass that has them in

Spring.  No luck here either, however.  The day finished up at 8:08pm

after driving 151.5 miles, biking about 9 miles, and hiking perhaps 8

miles.



Besides California Quail, biggest misses of the day were Semipalmated

Plover, Belted Kingfisher, Barn Swallow, Wilson's Warbler, and Purple

Finch.



For those interested in planning their own Fall Big Day a comparison

of the three Fall Big Days referred to above follows:



119 species seen on all three Big Days and



  9/23/00 (19)       10/ 7/00 (27)         10/12/97 (41)



                     Clark's Grebe        Clark's Grebe

                                          Cattle Egret

                                          Greater White-fronted Goose

                                          Eurasian Wigeon

                     Canvasback           Canvasback

                     Greater Scaup

Sharp-shinned Hawk                        Sharp-shinned Hawk

Cooper's Hawk        Cooper's Hawk

                     Red-shouldered Hawk  Red-shouldered Hawk

                     Golden Eagle         Golden Eagle

                                          Merlin

                     Prairie Falcon

                     Ring-necked Pheasant Ring-necked Pheasant

California Quail                          California Quail

                                          Semipalmated Plover

Spotted Sandpiper

                                          Red Knot

                                          Dunlin

Stilt Sandpiper      Stilt Sandpiper

                                          Ruff

                     Common Snipe         Common Snipe

Wilson's Phalarope   Wilson's Phalarope

Red-necked Phalarope                      Red-necked Phalarope

                     Mew Gull             Mew Gull

                                          Thayer's Gull

                                          Lesser Black-backed Gull

                                          Sabine's Gull

Caspian Tern

                     Barn Owl

                     Nor. Saw-whet Owl    Nor. Saw-whet Owl

                     Common Poorwill

Vaux's Swift

                                          White-throated Swift

Belted Kingfisher                         Belted Kingfisher

                                          Red-breasted Sapsucker

Willow Flycatcher

Warbling Vireo                            Warbling Vireo

                                          Tree Swallow

Barn Swallow                              Barn Swallow

                     White-br. Nuthatch   White-br. Nuthatch

Brown Creeper        Brown Creeper

                                          Rock Wren

House Wren           House Wren

                     Winter Wren          Winter Wren

Swainson's Thrush

                     Hermit Thrush        Hermit Thrush

                     Varied Thrush        Varied Thrush

                     American Pipit       American Pipit

                     Cedar Waxwing        Cedar Waxwing

                     MacGillivray's Warbler

Wilson's Warbler                          Wilson's Warbler

Western Tanager                           Western Tanager

                     Chipping Sparrow

                     Lark Sparrow         Lark Sparrow

                                          White-throated Sparrow

                     Lapland Longspur

                                          Black-headed Grosbeak

Purple Finch                              Purple Finch





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]] Sun Oct 08 22:02:10 2000

Subject: [SBB] Lesser Black-backed Gull, some shorebirds, duscks at Calero Reservoir, etc.

--------

Howdy South-bay-birders,



    Late this afternoon Jolene and I stopped by State & Spreckles in Alviso

to check out the shorebirds. Had no luck with Ruff or Stilt Sandpiper this

time, but I was surprised to spot an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL in a

small gull flock on the pond. It had bright yellow legs and mantle color a

couple of shades darker than a nearby adult CALIFORNIA GULL, also it was

clearly larger than the California Gull but quite a bit smaller than a

nearby HERRING GULL (also in this flock of about 40 birds were numerous

RING-BILLED GULLS and a single MEW GULL). The Lesser Black-backed had pale

eyes on a heavily streaked face. Had a very large red gonydeal spot on its

lower mandible.

    Other birds at State & Spreckles included 1 WILSON'S PHALAROPE and about

10 LESSER YELLOWLEGS. More LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and about a half dozen

PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were around the pond just southeast of the intersection

of First Street and Highway 237.

    In the south county, LOTS of waterfowl were concentrated at the east end

of Calero Reservoir this morning--MALLARDS, GADWALLS, NORTHERN SHOVELERS,

CINNAMON and GREEN-WINGED TEAL, AMERICAN WIGEONS, NORTHERN PINTAILS, RUDDY

DUCKS, 1 male BUFFLEHEAD (first I've seen there this fall), and at least 18

RING-NECKED DUCKS. With so many American Wigeon this would seem to be a good

place in which to look for a Eurasian, but so far I've had no luck.

Shorebirds there included 55 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, about 30 LEAST SANDPIPERS,

7 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, and about 5 GREATER YELLOWLEGS. Also had a couple

of fly-by AMERICAN PIPITS.





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 Oct 09 12:06:30 2000

Subject: [SBB] Fall Challenge account

--------

On Sunday, 8 Oct 00, I joined Janet Hanson, Grant Hoyt, and Dick Stovel for

a California Fall Challenge birdathon in Santa Clara County. We tallied 129

total species in about 13.5 hours of birding.



At 4:30am we met in Los Altos and headed up into the hills above Stevens

Creek County Park to look for owls. Our efforts to try and entice a Northern

Saw-whet Owl to respond were fruitless. So, we headed back down into the

park, where we enjoyed the mellow stylings of the local WESTERN SCREECH

OWLS.



At Pichetti Ranch we were treated to some calls from a GREAT HORNED OWL and,

surprisingly, BARN OWL. However, the Northern Pygmy Owls refused to even

give us the time of day. Our search for this diminutive owl was still

rewarding, though, as we had a couple of COMMON POORWILLS calling

spontaneously over the remnant orchard there.



Day birding started as usual, with the irritated grumpy call of the SPOTTED

TOWHEE. Soon, we were being treated to a serenade of CALIFORNIA THRASHERS,

with accompaniment provided by BEWICK'S WREN, HERMIT THRUSH, CALIFORNIA

TOWHEE, WRENTIT, and both of the crowned sparrows.



We rounded out our birding at Pichetti Ranch with 4 species of woodpecker,

ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD, both jays, CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE, and LESSER

GOLDFINCH.



 A quick stop at Stevens Creek Reservoir netted us a SPOTTED SANDPIPER

bobbing along the boat launch ramp.



Down in the lower area of the park we picked up more species that we needed

before leaving the Santa Cruz hills. These included BROWN CREEPER, a

TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, BAND-TAILED PIGEON, and a couple of RED-BREASTED

SAPSUCKERS at the Villa Maria picnic area.



After our start in the hills, we went off to Alviso and made a brief stop at

the pond near First Street and hwy 237. Here we found 3 COMMON SNIPE, 6-8

PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, and both GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS, among others.



We then went to CCFS, in order to cash in on as many migrants as possible

before the bird activity slowed. Large numbers of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS

were augmented by a handful of YELLOW WARBLERS, a couple ORANGE-CROWNED

WARBLERS, a few COMMON YELLOWTHROATS, a HOUSE WREN, and a "WESTERN"

FLYCATCHER. Although a WARBLING VIREO was banded that day, we were not able

to find any in the "wild". CEDAR WAXWINGS put in an appearance and a small

number of VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS were still present. An EARED GREBE and a few

PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were on the pond next to the trailers.



Next, we decided to wrap up the land birds with a trip into the Diablo

Mountains. Ed Levin Park was a bust, adding nothing new to our total, but a

drive down a side road produced RING-NECKED DUCK on the golf course water

hazard pond.



At the Sierra Road summit we did well, getting about 4 ROCK WRENS trilling

and rock climbing. Dick did a great job as a cowpoke, herding a flock of

SAVANNAH SPARROWS down the road in front of his car as he slowly drove

along. As I watched a SAY'S PHOEBE flying overhead, I spied a group of

WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS high in the sky above it. We later saw the swifts

again in the background sky of a Rock Wren view. An adult GOLDEN EAGLE

entertained us with its "roller coaster" courtship display. Dick's flyby

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK provided an interlude. Coming down the hill, we added

WESTERN BLUEBIRD and LARK SPARROW.



A brief stop at the State and Spreckles pond provided a couple gems. Both

the RUFF and the STILT SANDPIPER were present for our viewing satisfaction.

Two lingering WILSON'S PHALAROPES were the only ones for the trip, and I

managed to convince the others that the speck on the power tower in the

distance was really a PEREGRINE FALCON (it really was, I swear).



We shot to the Palo Alto Baylands, where we hit the shorebird bonanza,

adding LONG-BILLED CURLEW, WHIMBREL, MARBLED GODWIT, WILLET, AMERICAN

AVOCET, and BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. Three gull species, a few duck species,

and FORSTER'S TERN rounded out a big jump in the day's total.



The duck pond produced the only LESSER SCAUP and BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS of

the day.



A stroll out the boardwalk at the interpretive center gave us a CLAPPER

RAIL, conveniently foraging in the tidal channel.



At the Palo Alto flood control basin, a male BLUE-WINGED TEAL was right

where it was supposed to be, while a WHITE-TAILED KITE perched openly across

the pond.



At Charleston Slough, the 9 BLACK SKIMMERS that were here the previous day

were being quite cooperative. Shoreline Lake produced the always-present

SURF SCOTER and, as luck would have it, a nice BROWN PELICAN.



Walking around the forebay, it became clear how stupid it was of me to

forget the rail tape in my car back in Los Altos. So, I tried the next best

thing. That was to whistle up a Sora call (I don't have the nerve to try and

imitate any sound a Virginia Rail can make). As is usually the case, about 3

VIRGINIA RAILS responded to this (they're dumber than sand), but the keen

Soras were having none of my deception.



Our last slated stop of the day was the Sunnyvale Sewage Ponds. The

BURROWING OWL was sitting at the entrance to its burrow, just as it has over

the course of weeks past. Unfortunately, we failed to find a number of

hopeful species here, but were treated to a display by an immature PEREGRINE

FALCON, which decided to test its skills on an innocent NORTHERN HARRIER

that was quietly minding its own business, hunting over the grassy side of

the landfill. We were quite entertained, but I doubt that the harrier was

amused.



With some daylight left, we tried to fill out our card by heading back to

Alviso. Arzino Ranch again failed to produce a Ring-necked Pheasant, so we

left to go back to CCFS. This was fortuitous, because it produced the

elusive BELTED KINGFISHER, which was perched quietly along the creek near

the waterbird pond. In addition, as we drove back out the levee, Janet spied

an immature RED-SHOULDERED HAWK perched not too conspicuously in the

riparian corridor. On top of that, while we watched the Red-shouldered, an

adult COOPER'S HAWK flew in and landed nearby. Our tally ended with this

nice little 3-species flurry.



We tried vainly to crank up our total to a nice round number of 130, but the

Alviso pheasants had evidently gone to bed. All in all, it was a nice birdy

day, and all for a good cause.



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 Oct 09 12:08:22 2000

Subject: [SBB] SCVAS field trip to Princeton/Pillar Point

--------

    I apologize for the double posting to two county mail lists - this is a

brief report of yesterday's Santa Clara Valley Audubon field trip to Princeton

in San Mateo Co.  Eleven birders spent the morning in the town of Princeton

(especially around the Mezza Luna restaurant and the south end of the airport),

and at the Pillar Point marsh and harbor.

    No vagrants were found, but that wasn't the interest of the group in any

case.  (A small flock near the Mezza Luna included just the commonest western

species.)  Among the observations were the first Horned Grebe and Say's Phoebe

I've seen this season (the latter at the airport), two Snowy Plovers on the

beach, a continuing Pigeon Guillemot near the old pier (at the northeast

corner of the harbor), and a Red-Breasted Nuthatch (seen by only a few) in

cypresses by the harbor.  Also providing particular enjoyment were a sooty

Fox Sparrow, an adult Red-Shouldered Hawk flushed and observed at close range

near the harbor, and two American Kestrels sparring in flight.  Finally, a

freshly killed Common Murre (with fish hook protruding) was found by a couple 

of other birders at the beach.  [I'm attempting to report its band informa-

tion.]  

    All in all a very pleasant morning.

							Cheers, 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]] Mon Oct 09 12:10:42 2000

Subject: [SBB] Re: SCVAS field trip to Princeton/Pillar Point

--------

     I forgot to mention the flock of about 20 Elegant Terns still at the

harbor.  (I apologize again for what has now become a quadruple posting!)



								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 Oct 09 13:49:58 2000

Subject: Fwd: [SBB] Grant Park

--------

The List Bureaucrat is having some bureaucratic problems...

This messaged bounced when it shouldn't have. Here it is.



Les



--------------------------------------

Date: Monday, October 9, 2000

From: [[email protected]]

Date: 09 Oct 00 13:01:06 -0700

From: Jim Yurchenco <[[email protected]]>

Subject: Grant Park







Sunday, Amy and I spent the day at Grant County Park.  Joining us was an Argentinean birder and guide named Santiago Imberti, who we met through a colleague at work.  It was a lot of fun to show around a person new to the area.  He ended the day with nine life birds.



Highlights were at least four and as many as six Lewis' Woodpeckers seen at the north end of the Canada de Pala trail.  We had never recorded this species before at Grant, nor seen so many of these birds at once on the west side of the Diablos.



Also interesting were the five to eight golden eagles in the area.  Two were engaged in what appeared to be extensive courtship activities, with much swooping and diving and brief talon locks.



James Yurchenco

Palo Alto









-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 09 14:17:26 2000

Subject: [SBB] Peregrine on Commute

--------

My normally dull and monotonous commute was enlivened this morning by a Peregrine Falcon. The bird was quartering the field at the junction of Montague Distressway and Lick Mill.



Gina Sheridan

Santa Clara





-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 09 15:58:23 2000

Subject: [SBB] hawk on balcony

--------

Just scared off a hawk from hunting a caged cockatiel on the balcony 

directly across from our apt., only a few feet away.  Probably a juvenile 

sharp shinned, but we were too stunned to keep precise track of its field 

marks...  According to my husband, the hawk swooped in between the two 

buildings and landed on the railing next to the bird cage, sending the 

cockatiel into a noisy panic.  I walked into the room to see the hawk only 

a foot or two away from the cockatiel, obviously calculating how to get 

into the cage, and the cockatiel frantically trying to figure out how to 

get OUT of the cage.  I can't imagine that bird had ever seen a hawk 

before, but he knew it was trouble!  I'm not sure what I was thinking, but 

I opened our balcony door and startled the hawk, which flew off and 

disappeared behind nearby buildings and trees almost immediately.  It's not 

the first time we've seen a small hawk in the neighborhood and with this 

evidence of boldness we're looking forward to more interesting encounters 

in the future.

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 09 18:34:44 2000

Subject: [SBB] Hawks and Herons and other backyard birds in Almaden

--------

It is definitely Fall in my backyard!



Aug. 29 I had a pair of Stellar's Jays at my ground

feeder.  (This unusual for my yard.)



My first White Crown arrived Sept. 16, several days

earlier than in past years.

The first Gold Crown was seen Sept. 28.



A pair of Wrentits were in the birdbath on Sept. 25. 

This was the first time I'd seen two together.



Also on Sept. 28 we had the  remaining feathers of a

Hawk kill on our lawn.



House Sparrows have been feeding with my 30 or so

California Quail who are wrecking my Iris beds with

their "hollows" for dust bathing.



Yesterday, a large Hawk (presumably a Cooper's) was

chasing a yard bird around the bushes.



This morning I had a "new" bird fly through my yard as

I was headed to the feeder--A GREAT BLUE HERON!!   At

the same time I heard and saw my yearly Black Phoebe

from atop a small radio antennae.



Barbara Harkleroad

Near the foothills, Almaden Area  

 





__________________________________________________

Do You Yahoo!?

Get Yahoo! Mail - Free email you can access from anywhere!

http://mail.yahoo.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 Oct 09 19:12:32 2000

Subject: [SBB] WEBL

--------

All,



Of local interest, I saw a group of 6 WESTERB BLUEBIRDS on High Street,

just one block from University Avenue in Palo Alto. It seemed a little

irregular finding them so close to downtown, but ofcourse on the other

side of El Camino on Stanford Campus, WEBLs can be found regularly.



Matthew Dodder



-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 09 19:31:21 2000

Subject: [SBB] Pishing a Cooper's Hawk

--------

A few days ago I heard a very loud chip note in our tangerine tree 

that is next to our thistle feeder for our year-round Lesser 

Goldfinches.  I couldn't see anything from our kitchen door, so I 

decided to pish (although not being a big believer that pishing 

works).



When I did pish, out flew a Cooper's Hawk.  So I guess pishing does 

work, but maybe only for Cooper's Hawks.



Today I went out to the feeder, and again a Cooper's Hawk flew out. 

I went out to fix the feeder since the 1 x 1 inch board screwed to 

the top of the fence that the feeder was hanging from was broken. 

Maybe the Hawk sat on it and broke it.



So, if you pish, don't be surprised if you get a Cooper's Hawk (that 

ate the bird you were pishing for).



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 Oct 09 19:49:52 2000

Subject: [SBB] more Alviso birding

--------



All,



Yesterday 10/8/00 I made a few stops in Alviso to see what birds Mike

and I might have missed thanks to the blistering pace of our Big Day.

My first stop was the row of eucalyptus trees north of the water

pollution control plant on Los Esteros Road.  These trees had seemed

birdy on 10/7, but we had no time for a thorough check.  I ended up

with 9+ YELLOW WARBLERS, 2 HERMIT THRUSHES, and the usual SPARROWS and

YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS.  Also had 5 BARN SWALLOWS and 2 BELTED

KINGFISHERS, which we could have used the day before.  Two DARK-EYED

JUNCOS, 3 RING-NECKED PHEASANTS, 2 LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES, 1 AMERICAN

PIPIT, and an adult COOPER'S HAWK were also of note.



At State and Spreckles the STILT SANDPIPER flew in while I was

searching through the very few shorebirds present.  The 2 WILSON'S

PHALAROPES were still present, along with 4 LESSER YELLOWLEGS.



A check of the nearby EEC turned up a YELLOW WARBLER, a RUBY-CROWNED

KINGLET, and the first PINE SISKIN I've had this Fall.  Nineteen

HERRING GULLS and the 2 adult BLACK SKIMMERS were on the island in

pond A18.  Many TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS and 2 SORAS were in the reeds

along the entrance road.  No sign of any Red-necked Phalaropes.



Today 10/9/00 I took advantage of the Columbus Day holiday and decided

to see what today's storm may have brought in.  I started out at CCFS,

where quite a few migrants were about.  Highlights included an adult

dark morph RED-TAILED HAWK, 2 COOPER'S HAWKS, a BELTED KINGFISHER,

5 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS, 1 BARN SWALLOW, 7+ HOUSE WRENS, at least

2 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS (in cottonwoods north of the banding trailer),

2 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, 5 HERMIT THRUSHES, a flock of 17 CEDAR

WAXWINGS that I bumped into repeatedly, 5 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS

(1 gray-headed), 6 YELLOW WARBLERS, 2 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBELRS

(1 adult male and 1 imm male/adult fem), 1 TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (ad fem/

imm male), 1 WILSON'S WARBLER, and 2 DARK-EYED JUNCOS.  Mike and I

missed 5 of these species on our Big Day just two days before!  :(



The pond at State and Spreckles was virtually empty, but an AMERICAN

PIPIT flew over while I was there.



Next I opted to bike around the Alviso Salt Ponds, again trying to see

what Mike and I had missed during our hurried late evening bike ride

on our Big Day.  The answer was "quite a bit", including 1 HORNED

GREBE in A9, 1 adult male EURASIAN WIGEON coming out of eclipse

plumage in A9, 1 female REDHEAD with 12 CANVASBACK in A10, 1 female

BUFFLEHEAD in A11, 1 adult THAYER'S GULL with 20 HERRING GULLS in A11,

4+ CASPIAN TERNS (including 1 juvenile), and 3 BARN SWALLOWS - or 7

species needed on our Big Day!  Other birds of interest included

54 BROWN PELICANS in A9 with over ten times as many AMERICAN WHITE

PELICANS, 1550 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS in A9 and on the dike

between A9 and A10, 34+ GREATER SCAUP, 2 to 3 immature PEREGRINE

FALCONS, 3 VIRGINIA RAILS and 1 SORA, 170 FORSTER'S TERNS, and 30

VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS.  Just as I reached outer pond A9 it began to

rain pretty hard.  The dikes were converted to super slippery bay mud

that instantly welded my bike tires to the bike frame.  Ended up having

to carry the bike and the scope for over a mile before things dried up

enough to push the bike - ugh!



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 Oct 09 23:34:42 2000

Subject: [SBB] (SBB) Osprey, Band-tailed Pigeons

--------

All,



    Saturday morning the OSPREY was back on his perch overlooking Vasona.  

Late that afternoon he circled the lake and, I believe, would have landed on 

his perch, but I had a number of guests and he veered off.  This morning he 

was at the perch with a large fish (not a 30 lb. salmon, but not a 2 oz. 

minnow either)  It appeared to be more than half the bird's length.  This 

evening at about 1745 the bird was back for the night.



    The BAND-TAILED PIGEONS seem to have some sort of pecking order.  I never 

see juvenile birds on the trays of the hanging feeders but they do come to 

the ground feeders.  The adult birds use both.



Jean

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 10 11:19:38 2000

Subject: [SBB] Snowy Egrets

--------

On Sunday in the small reservoir behind Gunn High School in Palo Alto there

were 10 Snowy Egrets and lots of Mallards. To see that many Snowy Egrets

all together at that spot was really quite a beautiful sight. I also saw a

Yellow-Rumped Warbler as I walked the trail behind the high school.





-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 11 09:04:23 2000

Subject: [SBB] New Almaden Reservoir visit

--------

"cc:Mail Note Part"

--------

Saturday morning (Oct. 7), I counted 30 WOOD DUCKS from where the stream enters

Almaden Reservoir to the first cove on the right. Also sighted was an OSPREY in

a dead tree about 100 yards up the slope from the stream. 



Other birds seen between the reservoir and the O'Day property include:

ACORN WOODPECKER, AMERICAN ROBIN, ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD, BAND-TAILED PIGEON, BELTED

KINGFISHER, BUSHTIT, CALIFORNIA QUAIL, CALIFORNIA TOWHEE, CHESTNUT-BACKED

CHICKADEE, GREAT BLUE HERON, KILLDEER, LESSER GOLDFINCH, MALLARD, NORTHERN

FLICKER, NUTTALL'S WOODPECKER, STELLER'S JAY, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY and several very

large flocks of DARK-EYED JUNCO, GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.



Grant Webb



-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 12 08:47:30 2000

Subject: [SBB] -

--------

Folks:



      This morning, 10/12/2000, I saw a single immature BROWN PELICAN in with 

the AM. WHITE PELICAN flock on Salt Pond A2W.  There were two adult PEREGRINE 

FALCONS on separate transmission towers on A2W and Stevens Creek Tidal Marsh.  

There were at least 10 BLACK SKIMMERS on the south end of Charleston Slough, 

so it looks like the winter flock is being established.  Eight VIOLET-GREEN 

SWALLOWS were over the Mountain View Forebay.



      					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 Oct 12 09:13:32 2000

Subject: [SBB] punchline:  immature sora

--------

Lou Young, Larry and Judie Manning, and I did a Santa Clara county Big Day

this past Tuesday for SFBBO's annual California Fall Challenge, North

America's most innovative and exciting birding event. Please excuse the

shameless plug, but remember to sign up and participate next year.  



We picked the one day in October when it was possible to get very very wet,

but we still had a good birding day.  Lots of birds, including WOOD DUCKS in

Almaden Reservoir with another at Steven's Creek Park. OSPREY at Almaden

Reservoir with another at Steven's Creek Park, WESTERN TANAGER in the Hicks

Road/Almaden Reservoir Area, 11 BROWN PELICANS at Palo Alto Baylands, 9

BLACK SKIMMERS in flight at Charleston Slough.  



However the most interesting bird occurred at dusk at the Sunnyvale

Treatment Plant.  While walking out towards the radar dish, Larry spotted a

rail in the mud between the levee and the reeds in a long stand of trees

about 200 feet from the dish.  The immediate impression was SORA, but on

closer inspection there were un-sora-like features.  The face and breast

were a warm brown with a distinct white eyeline that extended around the

back of the eye down to a buffy white throat.  The bird was completely

fearless.  We watched it for around 20 minutes from very close range, our

presence and talking had no apparent affect.  Our hopes were high that this

was an unusual rail rarely seen in California.  Back at the car we each

wrote up our notes and then looked at our bird books.  We all agreed that

what we had seen was an immature SORA.



Are sightings of immature SORA common in the fall?  This is the first

immature that any of us had seen. 



At two different times while we were watching the SORA, a VIRGINIA RAIL

walked right into our binocular view, giving a nice size comparison.  It's

been a long time since I had been at the treatment plant at dusk.  It's

really a great place.  There are thousands of ducks on the ponds.  We also

saw an adult SORA and a GREEN HERON, and heard several VIRGINIA RAILs.  Also

at dusk the EGRETS are flying in to roost in the reeds while the

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS are flying out from their roosts.  It was really

a very exciting place.



Jan Hintermeister

Santa Clara, CA 



[[email protected]]

[[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]] Thu Oct 12 10:07:33 2000

Subject: [SBB] Stevens Creek again

--------



All,



Stevens Creek north of L'Avenida was quite birdy this morning, with a

surprising 58 species found.  This relatively high number was due in

large part to the nice weather, which seemed to induce all kinds of

stuff to fly overhead, including a "V" of 12 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS

with 2 (small?) CANADA GEESE at one end, TURKEY VULTURES, 2 each of

WHITE-TAILED KITE, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, and RED-TAILED HAWK, at least

one AMERICAN KESTREL, 3 CALIFORNIA GULLS, one or two BELTED

KINGFISHERS, a VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW, an AMERICAN PIPIT, 5 CEDAR

WAXWINGS, both TRICOLORED and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, and at least

11 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS.



There is still a trickle of migrants moving through, with 2 "WESTERN"

FLYCATCHERS, 2 HOUSE WRENS (1 singing), 5 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, a

HERMIT TRHUSH, an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, 4 YELLOW WARBLERS, an adult

male BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, a COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, and

2 DARK-EYED JUNCOS.  The HOUSE WRENS are always in the same few

locations and seem to be long-staying birds rather than new migrants

(I think the same holds true for the CCFS birds).



While crossing the Crittenden Road Bridge I noted 6 BROWN PELICANS

over Salt Pond A2E and a NORTHERN HARRIER over Crittenden Marsh.



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 Oct 12 17:20:51 2000

Subject: [SBB] Upper Grant Ranch Park

--------

All,



This morning Frank Vanslager and I birded the first 2.2 miles of the 4.5 

miles required to reach the north end of the Canada de Pala trail from the 

Twin Gates parking lot in Grant Ranch Park.  (I wish I had known it would 

have been be a nine mile round trip before I started).  Of course we did not 

find any Lewis's Woodpeckers.  Best birds were Golden Eagles, Lark Sparrows 

and an American Pipit.  We were unable to ID many of the birds flying from 

the grassy hilltops (we did not clearly see expected Horned Larks) but there 

were many Western Meadowlarks, Goldfinches (both) and Western Bluebirds.  We 

also had Savannah Sparrows, House Finches, Dark-eyed Junco's, Acorn 

Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers, both Jays, Yellow-billed Magpies, Mourning 

Doves, White-breasted Nuthatches, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, American Crow, 

American Kestrels and Red-tailed Hawks.  Mammals included a large Bobcat 

working the hilltop near us ("he" did not appear to be shy). 



Take care,

Bob Reiling, 4:57 PM, 10/12/00



 

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 12 19:16:07 2000

Subject: [SBB] Santa Clara Co. List

--------

Bill Bousman has revised the list as of 9/30/00:



September, as expected, was the vagrant month and added 15 species.  In

going over the list I found I had never added Black-chinned Hummingbird.  This

was probably found in May--I'll add it next month.  Thus, we've added 16 birds

to August's 266, and this brings us to 282 and striking distance of 300 birds.



The big news, of course, were two new birds for the county list:

Arctic Warbler and Painted Bunting.



There are only two "4's" not found this year: Tundra Swan and

White-winged Scoter.  We have an excellent chance for Tundra Swan in December,

but White-winged Scoters have been down in recent years.  There are only 12

"5's" left and we are unlikely to get them all.  To reach 300 we will have to

really do well on the "6's."



American Golden-Plover, Pacific Golden-Plover, Wandering Tattler ,

Black Turnstone,Baird's Sandpiper. Parasitic Jaeger, Black-chinned Hummingbird,

Red-naped Sapsucker, Arctic Warbler, Brown Thrasher ,Blackpoll Warbler,

Northern Waterthrush, Brewer's Sparrow, Painted Bunting, Bobolink,

Yellow-headed Blackbird



The complete list can be viewed on:



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]] Thu Oct 12 19:25:57 2000

Subject: [SBB] MERLIE IS BACK!

--------

At 5:00 pm tonight (10/12/00) I saw Merlie (a black Merlin) on his 

tree.  At 5:25 pm he was eating. This is the 9th year for Merlie (at 

least since I have been watching).



This is about one week earlier than usual.

Does this foretell a hard winter, or just better sightings?



I looked for Merlie while I was in Alaska, but only saw one Merlin 

(at Nome), and it wasn't Merlie.  Of course, I don't really know 

where Merlie goes when he leaves here, maybe only to Canada.



You can find more information on Merlie's Home Page at:



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]] Fri Oct 13 12:07:39 2000

Subject: [SBB] Sierra Road

--------

Spent an hour or so birding the summit of Sierra Road, southeast of Milpitas, 

this morning. There were a few Horned Larks about, but no Longspurs were 

heard or seen.  There was a flock of Western Bluebirds, four Yellow-rumped 

Warblers (can't escape them anywhere, now), Rock Wren, Say's Phoebe, Golden 

Eagle, Yellow-billed Magpies, etc. A large Tarantula crossed the road. I 

hadn't been up there since last winter, so was surprised to see that the 

property on both sides of the road now belongs to the Santa Clara County Open 

Space Authority. Once resource inventories have been completed and the area 

made "safe", the public will apparently be allowed to wander the fields. The 

signs say that more information can be obtained by emailing 

"[[email protected]]".



Roy Carlson

San Carlos, California

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 13 13:02:45 2000

Subject: RE: [SBB] Sierra Road

--------

This piece of Open Space is called Kirk Property 

and can be found in http://www.openspaceauthority.org/kirk.htm

Al



-----Original Message-----

From: [[email protected]] [mailto:[[email protected]]]

Sent: Friday, October 13, 2000 12:08 PM

To: [[email protected]]

Subject: [SBB] Sierra Road





Spent an hour or so birding the summit of Sierra Road, southeast of

Milpitas, 

this morning. There were a few Horned Larks about, but no Longspurs were 

heard or seen.  There was a flock of Western Bluebirds, four Yellow-rumped 

Warblers (can't escape them anywhere, now), Rock Wren, Say's Phoebe, Golden 

Eagle, Yellow-billed Magpies, etc. A large Tarantula crossed the road. I 

hadn't been up there since last winter, so was surprised to see that the 

property on both sides of the road now belongs to the Santa Clara County

Open 

Space Authority. Once resource inventories have been completed and the area 

made "safe", the public will apparently be allowed to wander the fields. The



signs say that more information can be obtained by emailing 

"[[email protected]]".



Roy Carlson

San Carlos, California

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 13 13:47:43 2000

Subject: [SBB] Osprey at Almaden Lake

--------

The most interesting bird to be seen near the Almaden

Lake this morning about 10:30 was a beautiful Osprey

who was patroling the Los Alamitos Creek.  The normal

trail out of the lake is closed due to construction. 

There is a detour trail that can be walked on the west

side of the creek which is supposed to be completed in

a couple of weeks according to the park ranger.  It

can be walked for a fairly short distance now and is

very pleasant.  It was there that we spotted the

Osprey who made more than one pass over our heads and

filled our binoculars.



Barbara Harkleroad

Almaden area.



P.S. My latest backyard birds have been American

Goldfinch and at least four Juncos.



__________________________________________________

Do You Yahoo!?

Get Yahoo! Mail - Free email you can access from anywhere!

http://mail.yahoo.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 Oct 13 14:56:50 2000

Subject: [SBB] White Headed Ruddy Duck

--------

Palo ALto Flood Basin's Ruddy Duck Flock has one with an all white head.

It's also somewhat larger than its brethren.  Otherwise, it looks like a

ruddy -- little up-turned tail, etc.  Doesn't match any species I can

find.

-- 



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 Oct 13 15:49:48 2000

Subject: Re: [SBB] White Headed Ruddy Duck

--------



> Palo ALto Flood Basin's Ruddy Duck Flock has one with an all white head.

> It's also somewhat larger than its brethren.  Otherwise, it looks like a

> ruddy -- little up-turned tail, etc.  Doesn't match any species I can

> find.



How about White-Headed Duck, Oxyura leucocephala. A picture can

be found at:



http://www.stlzoo.org/content.asp?page_name=WhiteDuck



See also:



http://www.ramsar.org/w.n.uk_ruddy_ducks.htm



Daniel Bump

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 13 16:01:46 2000

Subject: Re: [SBB] White Headed Ruddy Duck

--------



>> Palo ALto Flood Basin's Ruddy Duck Flock has one with an all white head.

>> It's also somewhat larger than its brethren.  Otherwise, it looks like a

>> ruddy -- little up-turned tail, etc.  Doesn't match any species I can

>> find.

>

>How about White-Headed Duck, Oxyura leucocephala. A picture can

>be found at:

>

>http://www.stlzoo.org/content.asp?page_name=WhiteDuck

>

>See also:

>

>http://www.ramsar.org/w.n.uk_ruddy_ducks.htm



A better picture of the White-Tailed Duck can be found at:



http://www.ug.bcc.bilkent.edu.tr/~mcaliska/ordek.html



It is native to Turkey and Russia, and declining in numbers

due to hybridization with Ruddy Ducks. The top of the 

otherwise white head is black. Does this resemble your bird?



Daniel Bump

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 13 16:38:20 2000

Subject: [SBB] Los Gatos Creek Park / Almaden Lake

--------

Yesterday evening (Thursday), My son Will and I birded Los Gatos Creek

Park. More ducks have arrived since the last time I was there. We saw Ruddy

Duck, Gadwall, Ring-necked Duck, American Widgeon and Hooded Merganser (1

male, 2 females). There was a Common Yellowthroat in the reeds along the

third pond and a couple of Green Herons about.



This morning at Almaden Lake, I saw an Osprey flying along Los Alamitos

Creek and perched by the bridge at Mazone Dr. Around 2pm I drove down

Winfield to where it ends at Cross Springs (?) and saw it perched in a

Sycamore North of Winfield. 



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]]



From [[email protected]] Fri Oct 13 20:24:15 2000

Subject: [SBB] Los Altos Townsend's, Downy, Steller's

--------

A nice little bit of birding on a walk along Fremont in Los Altos 

today...  At about noon in Marymeade park, in addition to the usual 

Chickadees and Titmice, I found two Downy woodpeckers and what must have 

been an adult male Townsend's Warbler in full summer crisp colors.   I 

frequently see Nuttall's woodpeckers in this neighborhood; these were the 

first Downys I've spotted.  As for the warbler, I know Townsend's aren't 

particularly rare here, but it's a lovely bird and *my* first 

sighting.  Unfortunately I had to look straight upward to see it through 

the oak canopy--great view of the belly, chest, neck, and profile of the 

head, but virtually no possibility of seeing its back.



Walking a little further toward Loyola Corners, I heard a jay scolding.  I 

thought, "jay," but then it didn't sound quite right and maybe it was a 

crow or a squirrel (I swear they all imitate each other)--but no, it 

sounded like a jay more than those.  The puzzle was solved when I came 

round the tree and realized the jay sounded different because it was a 

Steller's, not the usual Scrub Jay of that area.  In fact, I got a good 

chance to compare because the Scrub Jay who usually hangs out near that 

tree had a lot to say about his cousin's visit...:)  I am not particularly 

good with sounds, so I'm fairly impressed that I knew the call wasn't 

"right" for a Scrub jay.  Do the Steller's typically come further into the 

cities during the spring and fall?  I believe the last time I saw a 

Steller's in this area it was late spring--but if I go just a little 

further into the foothills, the balance shifts and I see mostly Steller's 

and only a few Scrub Jays most of the time.



I'm still waiting for the waxwings to show up in Loyola Corners.  This 

spring we had flocks almost every day for a while and they are such 

handsome birds with such a funny tiny voice...



Natasha Dehn





-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 14 07:36:06 2000

Subject: Re: [SBB] White Headed Ruddy Duck

--------

This bird has an all-white head.  No black that I could see.  Your

white-headed duck picture shows a black crest. Is it Asian or South

American??



--

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 Oct 14 08:01:03 2000

Subject: Re: [SBB] White Headed Ruddy Duck

--------



> This bird has an all-white head.  No black that I could see.  Your

> white-headed duck picture shows a black crest. Is it Asian or South

> American??



It is native to Turkey and Russia. A range map can be found at:

http://www.bird-stamps.org/species/27139.htm



I went looking for this bird last night around 6 PM. The large flock

of Ruddy Ducks and other species we found is adjacent to Byxbee Park.

Is that the right place?



We found one Redhead among other things, no aberrant Ruddy.



Dan

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 14 09:28:27 2000

Subject: Re: [SBB] Los Altos Townsend's, Downy, Steller's

--------

Natasha and all--



Stellar's Jays are increasingly invaded the "flatlands" of Los Altos 

in fall.  I ascribe this to the fact that the area is becoming a 

coniferous forest. This year a large flock of STJA spent several days 

near our home battling the local Scrub Jays before they finally 

retreated.



Ruth Troetschler

184 Lockhart Lane

Los Altos,  CA  94022



----------------------------------



  At 8:24 PM -0700 10/13/00, amphibian wrote:



A nice little bit of birding on a walk along Fremont in Los Altos 

today....... Walking a little further toward Loyola Corners, I heard 

a jay scolding.... when I came round the tree [I] realized the jay 

sounded different because it was a Steller's......



>.  Do the Steller's typically come further into the cities during 

>the spring and fall?  I believe the last time I saw a Steller's in 

>this area it was late spring--but if I go just a little further into 

>the foothills, the balance shifts and I see mostly Steller's and 

>only a few Scrub Jays most of the time.

>

>Natasha Dehn

>

>

>-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

>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]] Sat Oct 14 09:48:26 2000

Subject: Re: [SBB] White Headed Ruddy Duck

--------

This bird was farther out in the largest Ruddy/Canvasback flock where

the Bay dike hits Charleston Slough.  It's a  long walk but an easy

bike.  I couldn't find it this morning.  There must be 500 Ruddies out

there.



--

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 Oct 14 15:54:10 2000

Subject: [SBB] Alviso birds

--------

CCFS banding this morning netted a Winter Wren and a Marsh Wren. The bander

training group netted a Marsh Wren, uncommon in the CCFS nets. Yellow-rumped

Warblers were the most numerous species this morning. We banded 15 "Audubon's"

and 6 "Myrtle" Warblers. Last Sunday, 10/8/00, a banded hatch-year Lincoln's 

Sparrow was recaptured at CCFS. It was banded on 10/4/00 at Southeast 

Farallon Island and believed to have left the island on 10/5/00. So, some 

birds that find their way out there, do make it back to the mainland.



I checked the pond at State and Spreckes St. in Alviso, looking for the 

Ruff and Stilt Sandpiper, but could not find either. There was one Pectoral 

Sandpiper and 5 Lesser Yellowlegs among the small gathering of shorebirds.



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 Oct 14 16:58:43 2000

Subject: Re: [SBB] Alviso birds

--------

Sorry, brain mis-fire....



The regular banding effort netted a Winter Wren and a BEWICK'S Wren, and

the training group got the Marsh Wren. We don't normally see 3 species of

wren in one day of banding at CCFS (the Coyote Creek Field Station of the

San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory... aren't acronyms nicer?)



Les Chibana



On Saturday, October 14, 2000, Les Chibana <[[email protected]]> wrote:

>CCFS banding this morning netted a Winter Wren and a Marsh Wren. The bander

>training group netted a Marsh Wren, uncommon in the CCFS nets. Yellow-rumped

>Warblers were the most numerous species this morning. We banded 15 "Audubon's"

>and 6 "Myrtle" Warblers. Last Sunday, 10/8/00, a banded hatch-year Lincoln's 

>Sparrow was recaptured at CCFS. It was banded on 10/4/00 at Southeast 

>Farallon Island and believed to have left the island on 10/5/00. So, some 

>birds that find their way out there, do make it back to the

>mainland.

>

>I checked the pond at State and Spreckes St. in Alviso, looking for the 

>Ruff and Stilt Sandpiper, but could not find either. There was one Pectoral 

>Sandpiper and 5 Lesser Yellowlegs among the small gathering of

>shorebirds.

>

>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]]

>





-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 16 09:37:35 2000

Subject: [SBB] Almaden/some Sunday birds

--------

Just a few birds to report from the Almaden area on Sunday, Oct 15.



Almaden Reservoir:  approx 30 WOOD DUCKS were present at the upper end.

100+ BAND-TAILED PIGEONS circled overhead above the reservoir; in the Twin

Creeks area another 15-20 were seen.



Calero Reservoir (eastern end):  The wintering coot population is increasing

by the hundreds.  The wintering Eared Grebe population is also picking up as

12 were seen this weekend at the eastern end.  Ducks: many Mallards, Amer

Wigeons and Gadwalls.  Also 25+ Ring-necked Ducks, Ruddy Ducks, and

Green-winged Teal.  Eight Common Mergansers.  One or two of the following:

Bufflehead, N. Shoveler, N. Pintail.  Shorebirds: Black-necked Stilt,

Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitcher, Least Sandpiper, and

one Spotted Sandpiper.  Eight Forster's Terns still present.



Nothing too exciting - but there it is.

   - 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 Oct 16 11:16:15 2000

Subject: [SBB] Stevens Creek North of L'Avenida

--------



All,



Things were pretty quiet this morning 10/16/00 along Stevens     

Creek north of L'Avenida.  The only lingering migrant was a

"WESTERN" FLYCATCHER.  However, a MERLIN chasing a passerine

and then landing in the Moffett housing area was the first

I've seen this Fall and a high-flying BAND-TAILED PIGEON

(heading northwest to Shoreline Park) was very unusual for

this spot.



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 Oct 16 14:28:08 2000

Subject: [SBB] -

--------

Folks:



      Jan Hintermeister asked about immature Soras in the South Bay, and how 

common they are.  The secretive nature of this species makes any quantitative 

assessment difficult and most observations are of vocalizations rather than 

birds.  In my experience, fall immatures seem relatively common compared to 

adults, although not to the extent observed in the immature/adult proportions 

of our wintering sparrows for example.  



      The problem with immature Soras is, of course, their tendency to be 

transmuted into Yellow Rails.  Occasionally, however, the reverse occurs, as 

with the Yellow Rail at the Baylands that nearly succumbed to a winter storm 

and was revived, banded, and initially recorded as a Sora.  Avoid alchemy.



      					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 Oct 16 15:05:32 2000

Subject: [SBB] County birding

--------

All,



This morning Frank Vanslager and I birded Stevens Creek from Hwy 101 to the 

bridge at Crittenden Lane (nothing new in the mitigation "mudflats" or in 

Crittenden Marsh).  Best bird was a probable Palm Warbler.  I got a short, 

unaided, look at a bird that was continuously pumping it's tail.  A quick, 

split second look (through the binoculars) revealed a very plain looking 

warbler with an obvious whitish supercillium and light streaking on the 

flanks and chest.  Unfortunately during this split second sighting I don't 

recall seeing yellowish undertail coverts.  We were unable to refind the bird.



Other birds included a single Western Flycatcher (type, no call), several 

Yellow-rumped Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Lincoln's Sparrows, at 

least three Hermit Thrushes, both Goldfinches, Northern Flickers and a female 

Nuttall's Woodpecker.  An unusual sight was a large flock of European 

Starlings flying in all directions, at once, at about the same height 

apparently flycatching (doing their swift imitation?).



Take care,

Bob Reiling, 3:04 PM, 10/16/00 

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 16 16:13:44 2000

Subject: [SBB] Fwd: Hello from Oregon

--------

Hi Les--



SBBers were interested in knowing where I am, so if you could post this for me, I'd be grateful.



Mark



-------------------



After many years in the Bay Area, I have moved to the Portland area. Birders here are generous with their time and knowledge, and I'm learning about many new places to go. Last weekend, I went to central Oregon (around Bend) with an organized Oregon Field Ornithologists trip to look for Boreal Owl, woodpeckers, and waterfowl. On Friday night, the group went into the Cascades to about 6000', the last 4 miles on a rocky track, to a place where Boreals had been found in previous years. The weather was cold and misty, but I heard distant calls in response to the tape. On Saturday, the group spent most of the day at reservoirs looking at ducks and grebes (Red-necked Grebe was a highlight), then went to a recently burned patch of woods. It only took a few minutes to find a Black-backed Woodpacker, and after an hour or so, I had seen 6 Black-backs and a female Three-toed. This was my first Three-toed ever south of Alaska. After dinner, the group went back to try for the Boreal Owl ag!

!

ain, this time with clear weather. In response to the tape, a Boreal Owl flew directly over the leader, calling angrily. I found myself ducking, but saw nothing. The owl called off and on for another 30 minutes or so, but from deep inside the forest. The roads will be snowed in soon, but next year I want to try some places in northeastern Washington where they're more common. Already there's been a report of Northern Hawk Owl and multiple Boreals from up there. Best wishes to all of you; feel free to look me up if you're birding up this way.



Mark Miller

Hillsboro, OR

[[email protected]]





10% cash back on all your calls through 2000 at Lycos Communications at http://comm.lycos.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 Oct 17 17:06:00 2000

Subject: [SBB] Townsend's Solitaire, Slate-colored Junco

--------

A couple of reports. Harriet Gerson had a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE at her bird

bath yesterday afternoon, 10/16/00, in Saratoga at the base of the Santa

Cruz Mtns. She said that she was enjoying her first Hermit Thrush for her 

yard for this season when a plain gray bird joined it at the bath. The 

white eye-ring was prominent as was the thrushlike bill. She could not see 

any rusty wing markings as the bird was facing her the whole time of the 

sighting. It bathed but maintained a very erect, alert posture. It flew out 

of her yard after the sighting and she could not refind it. It originally 

came to her seed feeder but quickly moved to the bath when it didn't appear 

to find anything of interest.



This morning at my house on Skyline Blvd., a SLATE-COLORED DARK-EYED JUNCO

was among the Oregon Dark-eyed Juncos. It had a very faint tint of umber

on its back. Otherwise it was gray on the upperparts and on the flanks.

There was no contrast in color from the back to the head, so there was no

hooded effect. The margin between the gray of the breast and the white of 

the belly was a gray concaved shape. I didn't notice any wingbars.



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]] Tue Oct 17 21:47:38 2000

Subject: [SBB] Good bye

--------

All:



As some of you probably already know (or have guessed from my lack of

recent postings), I have just relocated to Santa Barbara in the last month.

I wanted to take the opportunity to thank all the birders who made my stay

in the Bay Area so enjoyable and wish you all the best of luck in the future.



Although I hope to see plenty of good birds in Santa Barbara, my family

commitments and the relocation process have limited my birding so far,

although I did find a Franklin's Gull on a visit to the beach!



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]] Tue Oct 17 23:41:49 2000

Subject: [SBB] Osprey

--------

All,



    This is day 15 for the OSPREY who occupies a roost overlooking Vasona 

Reservoir.  His activities have gotten pretty routine.  He is there in the 

morning until about 10:00, although he might leave earlier for a few minutes 

to catch a large fish for his breakfast.  He has done this five times that I 

have observed.  Upon leaving for the day, he returns in the late afternoon, 

between 5:00 and 6:00 when he apparently settles down for the night.



Jean

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 18 06:34:55 2000

Subject: [SBB] :

--------

Along San Tomas Aquino Creek at Scott Blvd in Santa Clara today, I had an

adult RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, a COMMON MERGANSER, and a small flock of AMERICAN

GOLDFINCHES.



Last Sunday, 15 Oct 00, I had 5 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS at the pond near State

and Spreckles in Alviso.



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]] Wed Oct 18 07:39:02 2000

Subject: [SBB] Anderson Reservoir

--------

	Monday (10/16/00) we surveyed Anderson Reservoir.  Highlights

include 3 GOLDEN EAGLE (1 1st year, 2 AD), EARED GREBE have returned, the

usual WESTERN & CLARK'S GREBE, BELTED KINGFISHER, and COMMON MERGANSER.



	Tuesday (10/16/00) we observed an OSPREY hunting on Coyote Creek

near Ford Road.

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 18 13:41:26 2000

Subject: [SBB] White-headed Duck

--------

Hi,



Nature Magazine, 28 September 2000, reports that our Ruddy duck, Oxyura

jamaicensis, was a welcome addition in European collections, until it

excaped and started breeding with their Oxyura leucocephalus.  British

decided to control the interlopers by shooting them.  Spread of ruddy

ducks to Spain and Turkey is threatening their white-headed ducks and are

being shot.  This was reported by Chris Mead, at The Nunnery, in Norfolk,

UK:     [[email protected]]



So now I am wondering if the O. leucocephalus felt rejected and decided

to migrate to the U. S.  



Lee Lovelady.



________________________________________________________________

YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET!

Juno now offers FREE Internet Access!

Try it today - there's no risk!  For your FREE software, visit:

http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 18 13:51:19 2000

Subject: [SBB] County birding

--------

All,



This morning Frank Vanslager and I once again birded Stevens Creek north of 

La'Avenida with basically the same results except that we had no mystery 

warbler and no Western Flycatcher.  We did add a Fox Sparrow and a Green 

Heron crawling along some low branches under heavy cover got me going for a 

while.  We then went to Harvey Marsh aka Calabazas Ponds (the north pond was 

loaded with American Avocets, dowitchers and gulls, a few peeps and a couple 

Greater Yellowlegs).  We flushed two Ring-necked Pheasants and heard a third 

calling on our way to the northern most pond.  We then went to the pond at 

State & Spreckles St in Alviso where the best bird was a Lesser Yellowlegs.  

A Cooper's Hawk stirred things up there for a while.  We then went for a 

short drive to the Environmental Education Center [EEC] where we added 

another Fox Sparrow, Hermit Thrush, Lincoln's Sparrow and a Say's Phoebe.  

Several Sora called in the channel to the east of the center.  This channel 

also had a number of Least Sandpipers with a few Western Sandpipers thrown in 

for contrast.  There were no "mentionables" on Salt Pond A16.  New Chicago 

Marsh had a number of ducks in it but we were unable to locate anything 

different [the light was pretty bad at this point]. 



Take care,

Bob Reiling, 1:36 PM, 10/18/00 

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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]] Wed Oct 18 15:33:34 2000

Subject: [SBB] South County

--------

Birders,



I happened across an immature blue phase Snow Goose and an adult Ross's

Goose near the corner of Church Ave and Llaga Ave in San Martin.  The blue

phase had an all dark head with a black smile on the bill.  Both birds were

hanging out on water with a flock of Canadas.  The Ross's in particular

appeared a bit lost...  It sure is Yellow Rumped city out there.



Enjoy,

RWH

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 18 23:36:01 2000

Subject: [SBB] Bald Eagle in Cupertino

--------

This morning (10/18) in Cupertino at around 11:30 a.m., I saw a mature BALD

EAGLE in a clump of evergreens at the Peppermill restaurant in Cupertino

near the corner of DeAnza Blvd and Mariani Ave. I did a double take at first

since it seemed so out of place in a large urban area away from water.



regards,



Kenneth Petersen



-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 19 08:31:08 2000

Subject: [SBB] Herons in Mtn View Forebay

--------

This morning 10/19, around 7:30 am, I saw 10 Black-Crowned Night Herons 

sitting in the small pond at the Mountain View Forebay. Never have seen so 

many in one spot; they usually fly to the cattails to roost. I thought 

maybe they were soaking their feet and trading stories about last night. 

But Dick Carlson came along and said they were more likely hunting for 

rails. I prefer my version.

Cheers, 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]] Thu Oct 19 08:49:41 2000

Subject: [SBB] -

--------

Folks:



      This morning, 10/19/2000, I counted eight BLACK SKIMMERS on the south 

island in Charleston Slough, but may have missed a few.  A fall HOUSE WREN was 

along Stevens Creek below Crittenden Lane in a large sparrow flock working the 

weeds there.



      					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 Oct 20 14:20:27 2000

Subject: [SBB] Charleston Slough area

--------

I saw 10 roosting Black Skimmers on the island at the base of Charleston 

Slough during a short walk at lunchtime today. Two appeared to be more 

brownish imm. Last night 11 of them were coursing over the slough, doing 

figure 8's and climbing uncharacteristically high in a dogfight maneuver. 

They were flying well up to the end of twilight. Are they nocturnal 

foragers? You know, I think I've asked this question before and recall 

that Steve Rottenborn may have answered that they had a colloquial name 

along coastal Virginia that referred to their night "fishing". 



Also, an imm. Red-tailed Hawk was on the ground in front of a company

at the corner of Casey Ave. and Marine Way (near the Mtn. View Forebay).

It was busily dismantling a black Eastern Gray Squirrel. By averting my 

eyes as I walked past, I was able to come within 12 ft. of it. 



Off topic: my wife mentioned that back in Michigan, there was a zoo that

had a display of what they called "California Black Squirrels". Funny, 

here they call them black Eastern Gray Squirrels.



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 Oct 21 05:32:34 2000

Subject: [SBB] :

--------

Today, 21 Oct 00, I went to the south county. At the Morabito goose farm

there was a single ROSS' GOOSE and GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE in the pond.

The Ross' had no bands or cut halluces and didn't look to be pinioned. The

White-fronted didn't show its legs, but the wings looked to be in good

condition. Tony Morabito told me that these birds are free flying and that

they come-and-go, but they have been hanging around for a few years.

Evidently, they have given up migration, so I don't know what their status

should be. His normal captive crew of 7 SNOWS, a few GREATER WHITE-FRONTEDS,

and myriad races of CANADA GEESE were present, as usual.



A SAY'S PHOEBE was at South County Airport.



At Ogier Ponds an OSPREY was eating a fish at the top of a power pole. An

adult RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was perched at the entrance road. The pond to the

north of the road had a handful of CANVASBACKS in with the horde of

GADWALLS, while the south pond had 5 RING-NECKED DUCKS and 3 BONAPARTE'S

GULLS.



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]] Sun Oct 22 15:19:03 2000

Subject: [SBB] RE: Los Gatos Creek Park & Oka Ponds

--------

Good Afternoon All:



Had a super morning of birding (even with all the wind) over at Oka Ponds and 

Los Gatos Creek Park. On the Oka Ponds side there was a male HOODED MERGANSER 

with two female MERGANSERS.  Overhead there was an adult OSPREY and a IMM. 

OSPREY.  BELTED KINGFISHERS, a pair of NORTHERN-RED SHAFTED FLICKERS, Male 

and Female in some sort of wing flashing, courting type behavior, really neat 

to watch!  Also a first for the season for me at Oka Ponds was a BUFFLEHEAD, 

only one, but great to see.  Lots of AMERICAN WIGEONS, and GADWALLS.  A flock 

(12) of CEDAR WAXWINGS too!



On the Los Gatos Creek side in the first large pond were seven RING-NECKED 

DUCKS, RUDDY DUCKS.  15 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS all swimming and diving 

together, fun to watch.



There were also the usual birds, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, GOLD-CROWNED 

SPARROWS, BLACK PHOEBE, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, 

COOPER'S HAWK, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, GREEN HERON, GREAT EGRET, GREAT BLUE HERON 

just to name a few.



Hope you all a fun day of birding, I know I did.  



Best Regards,

Linda Sullivan

Saratoga 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 Oct 22 23:10:37 2000

Subject: [SBB] Osprey

--------

All.

    Day 20 for the Vasona Reservoir OSPREY.

Jean

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 23 06:41:59 2000

Subject: [SBB] Saturday birding

--------

Howdy South-bay-birders,



Sat. we had a class field trip to Alviso. Shorebird highlights included 2-3

LESSER YELLOWLEGS at State & Spreckles and a lingering WILSON'S PHALAROPE at

the CCFS Waterbird Pond. At State & Spreckles there were 2 MEW GULLS among

the RING-BILLED and CALIFORNIA GULLS, and many more Mews were on the ponds

near CCFS. An adult GOLDEN EAGLE made a couple of passes over the Waterbird

Pond.

    Sadly, it looks like the Burrowing Owl habitat at Nortech and Disk Drive

has been plowed over.



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 Oct 23 10:26:44 2000

Subject: [SBB] Merlins; bluebird at Byxbee

--------



  A Merlin near Stanford Medical School Office Building (chasing a

mourning dove) on 10/19, another near Baylands Interpretive Center,

Palo Alto (chasing shorebirds) 10/21, and another in midtown Palo

Alto (sitting near the top of a redwood tree) 10/23, seems like a fall

influx for this species.



  A female/imm. bluebird at Palo Alto's Byxbee Park (last seen near

the telephone pole field at the northeast end of the mound) on 10/22

poses i.d. problems similar to the bird found last year at Geng Road.

Personally, I think it was a western bluebird, but whether it is a

dispersant from the expanding local population or was blown in across

the bay by the strong wind from the east is anybody's guess.



 - Dick



Richard Stovel  [[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 Oct 23 11:22:20 2000

Subject: [SBB] Saturday at PA Baylands, MV Shoreline

--------

Saturday, 10/21/00, was a gorgeous day to be out at the edge of the Bay.

My field trip group found a male BLUE-WINGED TEAL was seen at the duck 

pond. A MERLIN was seen flying over the old yacht harbor toward the airport with a prey item in its talons. Out at the boardwalk, a RED-TAILED HAWK 

seemed to steal a rat from a NORTHERN HARRIER then went to sit on a tower 

for a while without indulging. 



10 BLACK SKIMMERS were roosting on the large island at the base of 

Charleston Slough. 



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 Oct 23 13:38:41 2000

Subject: [SBB] Sunday Birds

--------

Hello all:



On Sunday afternoon, I went to Shoreline Lake, Charleston Slough, Palo Alto

FCB, and Palo Alto Baylands.  It was clear and somewhat windy but nothing

like what was being described for the east bay.  Shoreline Lake had 2 SURF

SCOTERS, an adult male and a juvenile male; 2 EARED GREBES and 1 HORNED

GREBE (first for me this fall); and an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.   Only other

birds of note were 12 BLUE-WINGED TEAL (8 male, 4 female) in the main

(western) pond at Palo Alto FCB.  They stayed up against the far western

reeds so there could have been more.  No Aythya yet, but lots of Pintails

(500+) and some Shovelers.  At least 200 Green-winged Teal at the Baylands

was impressive.



Steve Miller     

--------

Attachment

2.6 KBytes

--------



From [[email protected]] Mon Oct 23 15:14:37 2000

Subject: [SBB] Fwd: San Francisco Booksigning and Slideshow by David Sibley

--------

Hi SBBers,



Just got this message. 



By the way, I am really enjoying sibley's new bird guide and have even 

found a bag to carry it in the field if necessary. It shows hybrid gulls, 

Aythya ducks sleeping, flight patterns, and a very gray Nashville Warbler.

;-)     It's a really well thought out guide. 



Also, don't forget the Kenn Kaufman booksigning at a specially scheduled 

SCVAS mtg., Monday, Nov. 20th, at the Campbell Community Center. In case

you've been out of touch with the birding community, Kenn's also got a

great new field guide out using digitally manipulated photo images which

puts them into the photo-illustration category and gets them past some of

the problems with photo images in field guides.



Call the Audubon Nature Shop to see if they have copies for you to 

purchase! They are usually open Mon-Fri 10:00-5:00, Sat 10:00-2:00.

(408) 252-3747. 



DISCLAIMER: I don't get any kickbacks for any sales at the Audubon

Nature Shop, although I wouldn't mind it.



Les Chibana



--------------------------------------

Date: Monday, October 23, 2000

From: Karen Hoyt



>Hi Les,



I didn't know if this was appropriate for the South Bay Birds list.  Please 

forward it on if you think it would be ok.



Thanks,



Karen



>Dear GGRO Folks:

>

>Please forward this to friends and family that you think might be interested.

>

>Thanks,

>

>Allen Fish

>

>A Night with David Sibley, Author & Artist of

>The Sibley Guide to Birds

>

>Please join us for a book-signing and slideshow by David Sibley, author and

>artist of the most thorough new field guide for birds of US & Canada, The

>Sibley Guide to Birds.

>After more than ten years in the planning, painting, and writing, the

>Sibley Guide gives birders its first single-author field guide for the

>continent north of Mexico since the Peterson guides.  Widely known as the

>artist of the precise pen-and-inks of Hawks in Flight and other works by

>Pete Dunne, David Sibley includes more than 6000 illustrations of more than

>800 species in this groundbreaking book!  So please join us Thursday

>evening when David Sibley will give a slideshow on the agonies and

>ecstasies of producing this incredible new guide, and will sign your copy

>as well.

>

>GGRO volunteers & members will receive a 15% discount on guides bought at

>this event.

>

>One night only:

>Thursday, November 2, 2000, from 7 to 9 PM

>Golden Gate National Recreation Area Headquarter

>Building 201, Upper Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA

>

>Sponsored by the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory.

>For more information or directions, call (415) 331-0730 or email:

>[[email protected]].

--------

Attachment

FOR RELEASE1.doc

19.5 KBytes

--------



From [[email protected]] Mon Oct 23 15:27:30 2000

Subject: Re: [SBB] Sunday Birds

--------

There was a male and female Lesser Scaup at the duckpond on Sat. but no

other Aythya sp. seen.



On Monday, October 23, 2000, Miller, Steve E <[[email protected]]> wrote:

>Hello all:



[snip]

>

>No Aythya yet, 

>



[snip]



>Steve Miller     

>





-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 23 16:50:29 2000

Subject: [SBB] Greater White-fronted Geese

--------

Lisa Myers reported seeing a small flock of Greater White-fronted Geese

flying very slowly into the wind at Sunnyvale Baylands Park yesterday, 

Sunday, 10/22/00, while leading a class of beginning birders. The geese 

were flying just over treetops near the Lawrence Expwy/Hwy 237 crossing, 

going northeastward into the park and seemed to be dropping altitude. 

She didn't see them land.



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 Oct 23 18:14:05 2000

Subject: [SBB] Saratoga Townsend's Solitaire

--------

10/23/00, Harriet Gerson reports that she just saw the Townsend's Solitaire 

at her home again. This bird was first seen about a week ago in the area of 

the intersection of Via Roncole and Kreisler Ct. which is southwest of the 

intersection of S. De Anza Blvd. and Prospect Rd. in the north end of 

Saratoga. Via Roncole runs south from Prospect about .25 mi. west of S. 

De Anza Blvd. Kreisler Ct. is the 4th right turn south of the railroad 

tracks. 



Please be aware that the neighborhod may be sensitive to strangers walking 

about with binoculars, so be well-behaved if you go looking for this bird.



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]] Tue Oct 24 13:50:38 2000

Subject: [SBB] County birding

--------

All,



This morning Frank Vanslager and I checked out Harriet Gerson's neighborhood 

but we were unable to refind the Townsend's Solitaire.  This result may be 

expected since it has only been seen in early evening.  We did see a Merlin 

nearly catch a Band-tailed Pigeon in a long chase covering several hundred 

yards (our initial impression was that they were two Band-tailed Pigeons as 

they were almost the same size).  Later we had a basic plumaged Cattle Egret 

in the pond at State & Spreckles in Alviso.and an adult Golden Eagle over the 

entrance to the Environmental Education Center.  A Peregrine Falcon was on a 

power tower east of the center and a few minutes later another (same?) on a 

tower near the Sunnyvale Water Treatment Facility.



Take care,

Bob Reiling, 1:51 PM, 10/24/00  

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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]] Wed Oct 25 00:51:14 2000

Subject: [SBB] Calero Reservoir

--------

Howdy South-bay-birders,



Late Monday afternoon I visited Calero Reservoir. Didn't go to the east end

where most of the birds were concentrated, but scoped the lake from the boat

launch. There were 6 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS and about 15 LEAST SANDPIPERS

next to the boat launch. Scoping the east end from there I could see many

more shorebirds--30-plus BLACK-NECKED STILTS, a few dowitchers, but the

majority I couldn't identify at that distance in the fading light. Also at

the east end there were EARED GREBES, 5 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS and about 10

FORSTER'S TERNS. While I was scoping an OSPREY and AMERICAN PIPIT flew over.



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 Oct 25 17:51:56 2000

Subject: [SBB] Common Poorwill at CCFS

--------

Vicki Silvas-Young left a message that a Common Poorwill was banded today

at SFBBO's Coyote Creek Field Station. I understand that this species is 

usually netted at the station when the nets are opened very early. I don't

know if this was the case today.



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]] Wed Oct 25 20:55:41 2000

Subject: [SBB] Sierra Road summit sightings

--------

I recently spoke to a representative of the Santa Clara County Open Space 

Authority, Patrick Congdon, regarding their new acquisition which includes 

the land on both sides of Sierra Road at, and near, the summit. They are 

trying to inventory the inhabitants of the property, and would appreciate 

information concerning sightings of birds and other wildlife there. The info 

should be sent to Patrick at "[[email protected]]". It will 

probably be at least a year before public access is granted. 



Roy Carlson

San Carlos, California

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 25 23:01:13 2000

Subject: [SBB] Partially Albino White-crowned Sparrow

--------

At around 5:30 pm this evening I had a partially albino, adult

white-crowned sparrow foraging under one of my feeders along with

several other immature and adult white-crowned sparrows.

The bird had a pretty typical adult white-crowned sparrow head

coloration down to the nape. The breast, flanks, and belly (with some

minor black and brown feathering) were very white, as was the back. The

wings and tail appeared to be somewhat darker that the normal

white-crowned sparrow coloring.  The bird was in the shadows a good part

of the time. I ran and got my camera and 300mm lens and was able to take

a few pictures. The lighting was poor so I'm not to optimistic about the

results.

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 Oct 26 07:56:54 2000

Subject: [SBB] "Virginia's Warbler" photos back

--------



All,



I have now gotten the photographic enlargements of my four "Virginia's

Warbler" photographs back from Kodak.  For those interested in seeing them,

respond to [[email protected]] and I will send the jpeg files to you.



Basically these photographs confirm that Bill Bousman's description of this

bird is accurate.  In particular, all the greater coverts, secondaries, and

most of the median (and lesser?) coverts are yellow-green rather than gray.

In addition there is a fair amount of this color in the rectrices.  The

lower flanks, although not bright yellow like the chest and undertail

coverts, do have a dingy yellow wash to them.



Looking at plate 5 in Dunn and Garrett's "Warblers", this bird looks very

like the "spring adult female" Virginia's Warbler (presumably this plumage

can be closely matched by a first-fall male too), although the yellow on the

chest was brighter and more extensive.  The plate appears to show some

yellow-green in the secondaries and greater coverts and has a pattern of

yellow on the underparts, rump, and tail that is also a good match.  The

depictions of the dull first-fall female Nashville Warbler are not as good a

match, with more extensive yellow beneath (especially on the throat, which

lacked yellow completely in our bird) and much browner upperparts.  However,

the facing text indicates that the "flight feathers and wing coverts" of a

Virginia's Warbler should be "gray, never greenish", seemingly at odds with

the illustration.  Also, according to the text on page 175, Nashville

Warblers should show some olive in the back, which this bird absolutely

lacked (confirmed by the photos).  This leaves the situation somewhat

confused.



However, looking at the new Sibley guide, the "drab first-year female"

Nashville Warbler is portrayed quite differently.  In particular, the back

is a clear pearl gray, virtually lacking olive or brown tones and the lower

flanks and throat are almost white.  The Virginia's Warbler illustrations

show absolutely no olive in the wings or tail in any plumage.  Based on the

paintings in this guide the bird is unequivocally a Nashville Warbler.



I will send the photos to Kimball Garrett and Peter Pyle for further

analysis.



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 Oct 26 09:37:09 2000

Subject: [SBB] corrected email address

--------



Oops,



That email address for those interested in the "Virginia's Warbler"

photos should be



[[email protected]]



I "hybridized" my email addresses - sorry,

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 Oct 26 12:04:10 2000

Subject: [SBB] Bluebirds & Hawks

--------





> > by lists.Stanford.EDU (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id JAA07023

> > for <[[email protected]]>; Thu, 26 Oct 2000

09:22:44 -0700 (PDT)

> >Received: from c660088a ([24.176.159.211]) by femail1.sdc1.sfba.home.com

> >          (InterMail vM.4.01.03.00 201-229-121) with SMTP

> >          id

<20001026162225.WUFG2380.femail1.sdc1.sfba.home.com@c660088a>

> >          for <[[email protected]]>;

> >          Thu, 26 Oct 2000 09:22:25 -0700

> >Message-ID: <019601c03f69$3e4996e0$[[email protected]]>

> >From: "Gloria" <[[email protected]]>

> >To: "Bird-South Bay" <[[email protected]]>

> >Subject: Bluebirds & Hawks

> >Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2000 09:24:40 -0700

> >Organization: Wall Street Gifts

> >MIME-Version: 1.0

> >Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

> > boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0193_01C03F2E.9165FE80"

> >X-Priority: 3

> >X-MSMail-Priority: Normal

> >X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.50.4133.2400

> >X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.50.4133.2400

> >

> >This is a multi-part message in MIME format.

> >

> >------=_NextPart_000_0193_01C03F2E.9165FE80

> >Content-Type: text/plain;

> > charset="iso-8859-1"

> >Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

> >

> >I just had a phone call from a non-birder neighbor who said she had a =

> >tree filled with Bluebirds...she does!!! I went over and saw them with =

> >my own eyes...on Bicknell in Los Gatos...they were of the western =

> >variety.

> >

> >Sunday I walked to my farm and as I entered I noticed a RED-TAIL =

> >soaring...then I realized there were 3 RED-TAILs...they were jostling =

> >each other.They were having great fun as they swooped upon each other.  =

> >My guess is that they were the mother and 2 children I saw all summer. I

=

> >was surprised they were still a 3-some.

> >

> >I walked under the trees in my farm (La Rinconada ParkK) and was =

> >surprised to see 2 COOPER's. They were working as a team, flying through

=

> >the trees. I leaned against a light pole and watched for 1/2 an hour. =

> >They would sit on branches and rest, then take off. They'd leave my area

=

> >of sight, then return. Zipping through the trees. Fascinating how they =

> >can do this without poking an eye. Then a SHARPIE came and sat on a limb

=

> >15 feet from the light pole I was against. He was there just a few =

> >minutes when zoooom the COOPER's were upon him.=20

> >

> >For 45 minutes I watched first 3 red-tails, then 2 cooper's and a =

> >sharpie in an area where I see little hawk activity. Certainly wasn't =

> >the type of activity I had anticipated seeing at "my farm" but it was =

> >thoroughly enjoyable!

> >

> >Gloria LeBlanc

> >Los Gatos off Quito

> >

> >

> >www.wallstreetgifts.com

> >"largest selection of Wall Street inspired gifts"

> >

> >------=_NextPart_000_0193_01C03F2E.9165FE80

> >Content-Type: text/html;

> > charset="iso-8859-1"

> >Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

> >

> ><!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">

> ><HTML><HEAD>

> ><META content=3D"text/html; charset=3Diso-8859-1" =

> >http-equiv=3DContent-Type>

> ><META content=3D"MSHTML 5.00.3105.105" name=3DGENERATOR>

> ><STYLE></STYLE>

> ></HEAD>

> ><BODY bgColor=3D#ffffff>

> ><DIV><FONT face=3DArial>I just had a phone call from a non-birder =

> >neighbor who=20

> >said she had a tree filled with Bluebirds...she does!!! I went over and =

> >saw them=20

> >with my own eyes...on Bicknell in Los Gatos...they were of the western=20

> >variety.</FONT></DIV>

> ><DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>

> ><DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Sunday I walked to my farm and as I entered I =

> >noticed a=20

> >RED-TAIL soaring...then I realized there were 3 RED-TAILs...they were =

> >jostling=20

> >each other.They were having great fun as they swooped&nbsp;upon each =

> >other.  My=20

> >guess is that they were the mother and 2 children I saw all summer. I =

> >was=20

> >surprised they were still a 3-some.</FONT></DIV>

> ><DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>

> ><DIV><FONT face=3DArial>I walked under the trees in&nbsp;my farm (La =

> >Rinconada=20

> >ParkK) and was surprised to see 2 COOPER's. They were working as a team,

=

> >flying=20

> >through the trees. I leaned against a light pole and watched for 1/2 an =

> >hour.=20

> >They would sit on branches and rest, then take off. They'd leave my area

=

> >of=20

> >sight, then return. Zipping through the trees. Fascinating how they can =

> >do this=20

> >without poking an eye. Then a SHARPIE came and sat on a limb 15 feet =

> >from the=20

> >light pole I was against. He was there just a few minutes when zoooom =

> >the=20

> >COOPER's were upon him. </FONT></DIV>

> ><DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>

> ><DIV><FONT face=3DArial>For 45 minutes I watched first 3 red-tails, then

=

> >2=20

> >cooper's and a sharpie in an area where I see little hawk activity. =

> >Certainly=20

> >wasn't the type of activity I had anticipated seeing at "my farm" but it

=

> >was=20

> >thoroughly enjoyable!</FONT></DIV>

> ><DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>

> ><DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Gloria LeBlanc</FONT></DIV>

> ><DIV><FONT face=3DArial>Los Gatos off Quito</FONT></DIV>

> ><DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>

> ><DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>

> ><DIV><FONT face=3DArial><A=20

>

>href=3D"http://www.wallstreetgifts.com">www.wallstreetgifts.com</A><BR>"l=

> >argest=20

> >selection of Wall Street inspired gifts"</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>

> >

> >------=_NextPart_000_0193_01C03F2E.9165FE80--

> >



-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 27 05:44:56 2000

Subject: [SBB] :

--------

On San Tomas Aquino Creek there was a subadult GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL today,

27 Oct 00, in the water with the MALLARDS where Scott Blvd crosses. It

seemed a little out of place as it caught and ate a crayfish. Perhaps it's a

riverine specialist. I say it was a subadult because it had a little black

on the bill just behind the red spot, while the plumage was full adult. It

was probably a 4th winter bird.



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]] Fri Oct 27 12:55:19 2000

Subject: [SBB] Palo Alto Baylands

--------

    A visit this morning didn't turn up any interesting passerines; at nearby

Embarcadero Way I did find one Orange-Crowned Warbler along with the hordes

of Yellow-Rumped.  Shorebirds also were of the expected types, with over 100

Dunlin and only one Whimbrel noted.  But there was a good collection of

(mainly dabbling) ducks, including a flock of nearly 300 Northern Pintail in

the Bay, and 2 male Blue-Winged Teal along with about 30 Cinnamon in the

estuary channel.  Finally, one Peregrine Falcon was hanging around on the

transmission towers.

                						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 Oct 27 13:35:27 2000

Subject: [SBB] PAFCB, Charleston Slough

--------

I went on a short walk at the Charleston Slough levee at lunchtime today.

The rains have pushed some of the junk in Adobe Creek further down the 

channel and the PA flood control basin seemed recharged with water. There 

was a small flock of CANVASBACK in the open pond in the middle of the 

basin. A couple of them appeared to be sleeping Redhead but I didn't 

have a scope with me to confirm this.



At least 8 of the BLACK SKIMMERS were roosting on the large island at the 

base of Charleston Slough. 



One SEMIPALMATED PLOVER was in the Mtn. View Forebay. There's a good 

number of shorebirds in the forebay and a few peeps were in the rainwater 

in the ponds opposite the forebay. 1 hen and 2 imm. pheasants walked 

between these ponds on the north side of the trail.



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]] Fri Oct 27 15:39:20 2000

Subject: [SBB] Los Gatos Creek Park

--------

I went on a lunchtime walk around Los Gatos Creek Park today. Most notable

species were Hooded Merganser (3 female, 2 male), Spotted Sandpiper, and my

first Bufflehead of the season (a male), all at Oka Ponds and a Greater

Yellowlegs in the ponds off Dell Ave - the first I've seen here. 



In addition, I saw all 5 usual herons and egrets, Ruddy Duck, American

Wigeon, Ring-necked Duck and Belted Kingfisher.



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]]



From [[email protected]] Fri Oct 27 17:08:15 2000

Subject: [SBB] Golden-crowned Kinglet

--------

All,



Today, ( 10/27) heard and saw a Golden-crowned Kinglet foraging in a

coast redwood in north central Los Altos (near Almond Elementary

School).



--

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]] Sun Oct 29 16:10:29 2000

Subject: [SBB] Ogier Ponds 10/29/00

--------

All,



The ponds are full of Gadwall. Also seen: Ring-necked Duck, Red-shouldered

Hawk, seven Greater White-fronted Geese, one Eared Grebe, one Black-crowned

Night-heron, Nuttall's Woodpecker and a Western Meadowlark.



At Riverside Drive, 1.3 miles north of the turnoff to Ogier Ponds on

Monterey Road, an immature Ferruginous Hawk was seen perched on a power pole

next to a plowed field. The bird had a nearly all white tail and head and

showed a fair amount of rufous to the legs in flight.



Also, an awesome rainbow.



Happy birding.

-++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==--++**==

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 Oct 29 18:01:52 2000

Subject: [SBB] Conversations with a COHA

--------

We have had Cooper's Hawks in our neighborhood for several years, so I

wasn't too surprised when I heard one call as I was working in our front

garden today. I looked up in time to see a juvenile swooping low over me

followed by a hummer in brave pursuit. Since I usually talk to our garden

birds with the hope of habituating them a bit (we don't feed), I called up

to the hawk something like, "Hey, how are you? I haven't seen you for a

while..." and so on. It made a circle and a half over me and then peeled

away to the north. I called after it, "Hey, come back here..." whereupon it

did a 180 and returned to light in the top of the spruce across the street.

I watched it for a few minutes and then went back to my gardening. When I

looked up again it was gone. Coincidence?



--Peter





------------------------------------------------------

Peter LaTourrette

North American Bird Photo Gallery: http://www.birdphotography.com/

Jasper Ridge 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 Oct 29 18:33:34 2000

Subject: [SBB] Eurasian Wigeon at Calero Reservoir & other weekend birds

--------

Howdy South-bay-birders,



Visited Calero Reservoir late Sunday afternoon. Birds galore! From the boat

launch I scoped a PEREGRINE FALCON perched in an oak on the west side of the

reservoir. A few EARED GREBES and shorebirds were also seen there.

    Across from the Calero park office there was a BIG mixed

icterid/starling flock. Sifting through the flock I counted about 10 male

TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS and numerous cowbirds, but nothing fancier than that.

    As usual, most of the birds were at the sheltered east end of the

reservoir. Best sighting there was a male AMERICAN WIGEON hanging out with a

couple of AMERICAN WIGEON, showing off it's bright russet head. Other birds

there included 8 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, about 20 BUFFLEHEAD and most of

the regular ducks,  1 adult male NORTHERN HARRIER, thousands of AMERICAN

COOTS, 30+ BLACK-NECKED STILTS, 60+ LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, about a half

dozen DUNLIN, 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER, 70+ LEAST SANDPIPERS, several GREATER

YELLOWLEGS, uncounted hordes of KILLDEER, 2 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, and several

FORSTER'S TERNS. This may be the largest concentration of shorebirds I've

ever seen at Calero. Mammal-wise the most interesting/disturbing sight was a

pair of WILD BOAR trailing piglets (or is that boarlets?).

    Saturday morning's class field trip to the coast was shortened by rain,

but we still mananged to spend some time birding before the real heavy

downpour began. We started at the mouth of Wadell Creek (Santa Cruz County).

Scoping the ocean we saw lots of RED-THROATED LOONS and WESTERN GREBES, with

a single CLARK'S GREBE among them. A large flock of gulls and shorebirds

flew away when an adult PEREGRINE FALCON flew in and landed on the beach--we

had some excellent scope views of it before it too flew away.

    We then crossed the highway to Rancho del Oso. Fromt the park

interpretive center and corrals we followed the gated road a short distance

further inland, to where there is a row of decidous trees on the right,

their trunks ringed with sapsucker holes. Sure enough we saw 1-2

RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS there. In that same general area we encountered a

couple of large mixed species flocks, composed largely of RUBY-CROWNED

KINGLETS and TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS. Among them we found a GOLDEN-CROWNED

KINGLET and at least 1 HERMIT WARBLER. On the walk back we had nice views of

PYGMY NUTHATCHES foraging above us in the Monterey Pines.  Tom Cochrane and

I continued birding north into San Mateo County Coast, but by the time we

reached Gazos Creek it was really pouring and we  quit early--





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 Oct 29 18:47:10 2000

Subject: [SBB] Eurasian Wigeon at Calero Reservoir

--------

Howdy South-bay-birders,



Sorry for an error in my earlier posting--in the text of my message it

should read male EURASIAN WIGEON, not male AMERICAN WIGEON. That may be

obvious from the reference to its head color, but I just thought I should

make the correction in case my error caused some confusion--



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 Oct 30 01:26:16 2000

Subject: [SBB] :

--------

On Saturday, 28 Oct 00, I made some rounds down along the bayside. I stopped

first in Alviso, at the State and Spreckles pond. With my initial scans I

saw nothing very interesting and was getting ready to leave. However, Steve

Miller arrived and I went over to talk with him. Shortly afterwards the

adult RUFF came out from the grass and began foraging among the dowitchers.

We watched it for some minutes, and ended up leaving while it was still

there.



Both Steve and I then went to the Marina and looked through the gull flock

across the tracks from the parking lot. It consisted mainly of CALIFORNIA

GULLS, but had a few other species thrown in. The hoped-for Lesser

Black-backed was absent.



Walking out the trail, we had fair numbers of DUNLIN in the impoundment,

with a scattering of WESTERN and LEAST SANDPIPERS.



Salt pond A13 had a CLARK'S GREBE and a number of WESTERN GREBES. I saw 1

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER on this pond. EARED GREBES were quite plentiful on

the ponds. A gathering of feeding BONAPARTE'S GULLS on pond A12 yielded

nothing unusual. So, Steve and I both headed for Shoreline.



The wind was whipping up some good waves on Shoreline Lake and bird life was

scant. Charleston Slough had 11 BLACK SKIMMERS on the leeward side of the

large island. Other shorebirds here included MARBLED GODWITS and WILLETS in

good numbers, with a few LONG-BILLED CURLEWS and BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS.



The flood control basin had numbers of ducks, but  none that were notable.

There were 2 WHITE-TAILED KITES perched on a small tree near the pump house.

The best bird was a perched male MERLIN.



Steve went to check the other side of the FCB and I went to the Guadalupe

River, where I had no luck finding the Harlan's Hawk, which I had hoped was

back for the winter.



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 Oct 30 08:47:59 2000

Subject: [SBB] Almaden Reservoir

--------

Hello All,



I check Almaden Reservoir early Saturday morning, Oct 28 and here are the

birds of interest.  67 WOOD DUCKS - 47 were near the shallow upper end and

another 20 were in the Larrabee Gulch extension.  Nine COMMON SNIPE were on

the mudflats near the upper end.  Most of the snipe were crouched down by

some fallen brush; however, one snipe was seen actively wading in the water

and walking on the mudflats.  At all times it walked slowly and deliberately

with a curious bobbing bouncy gait sort of like a Spotted Sandpiper except

that its whole body bounced up and down.  It didn't appear to be injured -

maybe it was some kind of stalking manuever.  At any rate, it was rather

comical and I wonder if anyone else has ever seen this kind of behavior in a

snipe.  Also five VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS were foraging over the reservoir.

At a brief stop at the Mokcingbird Hill entrance to Quicksilver CP, another

15-20 VGSW were seen overhead.



I also check Calero Reservoir on Saturday, but John Mariani has said it all

in his Sunday report - however, I did not see the Eurasian Wigeon on

Saturday.  The only birds that I could add for Saturday morning that were

not not mentioned were eight CANVASBACKS and one COMMON SNIPE.



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 Oct 30 09:29:26 2000

Subject: [SBB] Five raptors at "Antenna Hill"

--------

Gayle and I walked up Stanford's Antenna Hill Sunday afternoon, 

entering from the Alpine Road (Piers Lane) entrance.  Part way up the 

hill we got a short glance at one of the occasionally seen Golden 

Eagles flying thru the trees toward the south.  On up the hill, we 

saw a Northern Harrier, a couple of White-tailed Kites, two or three 

Red-tailed Hawks, and two American Kestrels.  Near the cattle-guard, 

we saw small flocks of Yellow-rumped Warblers,  Golden-crowned 

Sparrows, and several Western Bluebirds.  Other birds seen along the 

road in small numbers included (Black Pheobes, Kinglets, Starlings, 

Doves, Juncos, Finches, both Jays, Acorn Woodpeckers, etc).



Some of our better viewing featured "aerial ballets" between a 

Kestrel and a RT Hawk and later, between one of the Kites and another 

RT Hawk.  However, the best sighting of all occurred 3/4 of the way 

to the top when THREE Golden Eagles materialized to the south, 

roughly above the I280 freeway.  There seemed to be two immatures and 

one adult, judging by the white feathers on two of the birds (on both 

bird's wings plus base of tail of one).    We lost sight of one young 

bird flying north -- while we watched the other two soaring around 

together and briefly touching talons.  After a while, the younger 

bird landed in a tree down near the freeway while the older one 

scouted the area, presumably for food.  We heard a lot of loud 

"whimpering" from the bird in the tree; so, it appears that it's 

still somewhat dependent for its food.



I've been up the hill three times over the past ten days and had at 

least a distant eagle view each time.  Today's sightings probably 

extended over at least 15-20 minutes and were much more satisfying 

than my earlier fleeting glimpses.



By the way, over the weekend, with the return to standard time, the 

preserve containing Antenna Hill began to close at 5pm Standard Time. 

For the last several weeks, we've been allowed to stay up to an hour 

after the 7pm closing time (in by 7, out by 8).  I forgot to ask if 

this will continue to be the procedure.  Perhaps some Stanford person 

can point us to a website that has the answer.



Cheeps, Scott









-- 

Scott T. Spencer   aka [[email protected]]

Menlo Park, CA     spouse: [[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 Oct 30 09:40:52 2000

Subject: [SBB] LBBGU at Lake Cunningham

--------



All,



On Sunday 10/29/00 I decided to make a late-afternoon check of Lake

Cunningham in San Jose to see whether the Lesser Black-backed Gull had

returned for a fourth winter.  I arrived at the park just after 3:15pm

and almost immediately found the (now adult) LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL

swimming in front of the island.  Ranger Charlie said that three

people with scopes had failed to find the bird on Friday, so it may

have just arrived with this last storm.



Although in its fifth winter now there are still tiny slivers of black

left in the bill between the nostril and the base of the bill.  The

legs are a dull yellow, with the feet slightly brighter - no pink

tones at all this time.  The bird has a nearly complete white head,

with just a few dusky feathers in front of and below the eye and over

the forehead.  In addition, the primary molt has not proceeded very

far, with p5 being replaced now (and thus the five old outer primaries

beyond that still needing to be replaced).  The tail was extremely

frayed, as were old retained tertials.  This retarded molt is typical

of this individual bird, but apparently not of european Lesser

Black-backed Gulls.  The single small mirror on p10 (the outermost

primary) was exactly as it appeared last spring (no surprise since it

is the same feather on the same bird).



I studied the bird and got several photographs (including flight

shots) for 1.5 hours until 2 immature GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE flew

in to the grassy fields north of the lake with several CANADA GEESE.

Also at Lake Cunningham were an immature BROWN PELICAN with four

AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, an adult GREEN HERON, and an adult PEREGRINE

FALCON flying in with a large bird (pigeon?) in its talons; it spent

the next hour dining on a high voltage tower along Capitol Expressway

and vocally chasing a RED-TAILED HAWK in the area.



Earlier in the afternoon, I had a GOLDEN EAGLE soaring over I280 south

of the dish at Stanford.



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 Oct 30 13:10:14 2000

Subject: [SBB] Palm Warbler at CCFS, 10/29/00

--------

Yesterday, Sunday, Vicki Silvas-Young and I found a PALM WARBLER at Coyote

Creek Field Station (CCFS). It was foraging along the top of the levee

road about 200 yds. north of the tall eucalyptus that's just north of 

the trailer. Later, while driving out to the waterbird pond, I stumbled

across the same bird along the base of the fence just past the first turn 

(left) north of the trailers. This was still on top of the levee. 



At first, I only saw the bird in flight when it flushed from very low 

shrubs along the eastern edge of the road. I could see about 2 white tail 

spots limited to the outer corners of the spread tail. On the ground hidden 

in shrubs, I could only see its face with a supercillium that led me to 

think that we were looking at a Myrtle's Yellow-Rumped Warbler. Vicki 

felt that the supercillium was too prominent and suggested something more 

enticing, a Worm-eating Warbler! The bird finally emerged as we continued 

to watch it and I could see its yellow undertail coverts and tail pumping 

action. The rest of the undersides and the supercillium lacked yellow 

which points to a typical fall-plumaged western race, Dendroica palmarum 

palmarum.



In the overflow channel area between the levee and the creek, three of

the six to eight FOX SPARROWs we saw were singing! LINCOLN'S SPARROWs

and HERMIT THRUSHes were present in good numbers.



BONAPARTE'S GULLs were present in good numbers in the settling ponds 

opposite the trailer, as well as near the Alviso marina in the mudflats 

by the train tracks east of the parking lot. I must have seen Mammoser

and Miller footprints in the mud in this area. 



Access to CCFS is limited. Please get in touch with the San Francisco

Bay Bird Observatory (aka SFBBO) in Alviso and become a member. You 

will need to read and sign an access policy statement. You will then 

be provided access information to the field station area.



I tried posting this from home yesterday but the Santa Cruz Mtns. phone 

lines tend to get useless for data communications with the first rains. 



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 Oct 30 15:09:46 2000

Subject: [SBB] White-Throated Sparrow

--------

I have my first WHITE-THROATED SPARROW of the season eating now in my backyard. It is of the tan variety.



Gloria LeBlanc

"We can't change the wind, but we can adjust the sails"

--------

Attachment

606 bytes

--------