2000 San Francisco Field Journal

Volume 3, Number 1

San Francisco Field Ornithologists

JOURNAL 2002

SFFO

SFFO Journal Volume 3, Number 1 2002

Contents

3 2002 San Francisco City Round-Up Mark Eaton

5 2002 Systematic Species List Hugh Cotter

20 Sutro Heights, 2002 in Detail Myra Ulvang

22 Glen Park Canyon, 2002 in Detail David Armstrong

23 2002 Pictorial Highlights Mark Eaton

Editor: Mark Eaton [email protected] 1524 36th Avenue San Francisco, CA 94122 San Francisco Field Ornithologist’s Home Page http://www.sffo.org All material ©2002 San Francisco Field Ornithologists. Additional portions may also be copyrighted by the individuals who generated those portions.

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 2

2002 San Francisco City Roundup Mark Eaton 2002 again was a fine year for birding. While overall numbers of birds might seem to be declining, there was no shortage of rarities and other interesting sightings throughout the year. January started off with a bang with several overwintering rarities including a Swamp Sparrow and Tennessee Warbler at the Harding Park Boathouse on Jan 3, a Tropical Kingbird at the Buffalo Paddock on Jan 5 and the overwintering but often elusive Summer Tanager at Middle Lake also on Jan 5 which continued through at least early March. A Glaucous Gull near the north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge was undoubtedly in San Francisco, much to the confusion of many birders. And the Scott’s Oriole, also elusive, continued at the east end of the Conservatory of Flowers in early January lasted until at least the end of March. This represents only the second record for San Francisco, both of which were found by Alan Hopkins! A Red-necked Grebe was viewed from the Pt. Lobos overlook on Jan 6. An Ancient Murrelet was seen off of the Cliff House on Jan 8, a species that is seen less than annually in San Francisco. But the highlight hands down was a Sage Thrasher found on Jan 22. Another Tennessee Warbler was in Strybing on Feb 9. Yet another elusive Middle Lake bird was a Tennessee Warbler at Middle Lake on Mar 3, most likely the third overwintering individual of that species in the City! An oriole found at the San Francisco Zoo on Mar 17 was determined to be a first year male Orchard Oriole. March also brought our now annual irruption of Yellow-billed Magpies, with a bizarre sighting of one on the mid- span of the Golden Gate Bridge on Mar 6, two at Sutro Heights on Mar 13 and three on Mar 24 also at Sutro Heights. Just to add to the confusion, there is apparently a resident (?) population at the end of Aurelius Walker Street on the bayside of San Francisco. Is it really possible that the western birds are wild and the eastern birds are escapees? April rang in with a Black-legged Kittiwake at Sutro Baths on Apr 10. But a Calliope Hummingbird found on the same day on Mt. Davidson overshadowed that. Another Calliope was found on Apr. 26 on Bay View Hill. A Yellow-headed Blackbird was found on the May 4, quite unusual for spring. An unprecedented find was a male Phainopepla at the East Wash of Lincoln Park on May 24 and another bird reported on May 16. Spring vagrants were in short supply as usual, but a Northern Parula on Jun 5 and a Black-and-White Warbler on Jun 13 livened things up. June found another great bird at the Presidio with an Eastern Phoebe on Jun 15. Shorebird rarities continued to be found at Crissy Lagoon with a Baird’s Sandpiper on Jul 28, continuing through at least Aug 2 and one or two Semipalmated Sandpipers on Aug 2-4 and Aug 20-23. A Red-eyed Vireo on Aug 13-19 spiced up tweety-birding during a typically very slow month. September started out well with another Ashy Storm-Petrel at Pacbell on Sep 6-7 and a Frigatebird sp., presumably a Magnificent Frigatebird, seen both from an airplane (!) and from land. American White Pelican on Sep 20 is again one of very few sightings in SF, even though it is fairly common in San Mateo and Marin. Hawk migration was good in late fall with improved reporting from Hawk Hill. Reports included a Bald Eagle on Nov 4, Broad-winged and Ferruginous Hawks on Sep 21 and Sep 23 respectively, a Prairie Falcon on Sep 23, a Rough-legged Hawk on Nov 5 and a pair of Golden Eagles on Nov 1 and Nov 26. Two more Phainopeplas were seen in fall, one on Sep 1 and another on Oct 7. A Long-eared Owl on Sep 14 was the first sighting since 1983 in SF and generated quite a bit of excitement. Two fall Calliope Hummingbirds on Sep 9 and Sep 19 gave SF a remarkable four in a single year. Red-breasted Sapsucker is a fairly common winter visitor, but all individuals identified to subspecies have been S. r. daggetti. So the discovery of a nominate S .r. ruber on Nov 11 was remarkable. A very bizarre sighting was a Burrowing Owl at the Embarcadero BART Station on Nov 4. Unfortunately, the odds that this very lost individual survived this misadventure would not seem to be very good. Another remarkable sighting was a Short-eared Owl on Nov 26. Fall was good for vagrant warblers with 4 Chestnut-sided, 3 Magnolia, a Black-throated Blue, 2 Blackburnian, 3 Blackpoll, 2 Black-and-White, 2 American Redstarts, an unusual fall Ovenbird, and a Northern Waterthrush. But the highlight surely was the first city record for Connecticut Warbler, found on Sep 10 on Mt. Davidson. Were it not for the Connecticut, a Canada Warbler on Aug 31 would have been the fall warbler highlight. Another apparent first city record Scarlet Tanager on Aug 31 – Sep 2 was frustratingly hard to see and document. A Lapland Longspur on Nov 4 was the first unequivocal sighting though a bird seen at Mt. Davidson on Feb 24, 2000 was probably this species. Finally, a Passerina bunting on Aug 31 was identified as a Painted Bunting by an observer with considerable experience with the species.

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 3

CBC time brought a Red-necked Grebe at the Marina Yacht Club/Crissy Field and three separate December sightings of Northern Fulmar. A Ross’s Goose was quite tame at the Harding Park Boathouse. A very pale gull at Stow Lake was ultimately determined to be a hybrid, though it doubtlessly had some Glaucous Gull in its recent past. A gray-morph Varied Thrush was the first known SF record of this extremely rare color morph. Another Canada Warbler was the second for the year and the first winter record for North America! ******

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 4

San Francisco Highlights Hugh Cotter 2002 was a very good year for birding in the City, considering that the fall did not match that of previous years. . There were six potential additions to the City list, Calliope Hummingbird, Phainopepla, Connecticut Warbler, Painted Bunting, Scarlet Tanager and Lapland Longspur. Other highlights included the second known record of Eastern Phoebe, the first record of Long Eared Owl in 29 years, and Crissy Field producing some nice shorebirds including Baird’s and Semipalmated Sandpipers. Status Categories: • Vagrant: Recorded less than 5 times in San Francisco City • Casual: Rarity recorded more than 5 times in San Francisco City but not seen in most years. • Rare: Usually only one or two sightings in any year. • Uncommon: Many sightings in any year but sometimes difficult to find • Irruptive: A species than can be abundant in one year and hard to find another. Abbreviations used: CBC- Christmas Bird Count, GGP – Golden Gate Park, LP – Lincoln Park, SF - San Francisco, SRA – State Recreation Area, CAS, California Academy of Sciences

Red-necked Grebe Status: Casual in winter, vagrant in Summer/ Fall One was present off Point Lobos on Jan 6 (SD). Another remained at the Marina Green from Dec 27 (DA) into 2003.

Northern Fulmar Status: Rare offshore primarily in winter, Irruptive 2002 was an average year for this species off San Francisco. In addition to three live sightings of this species, Dec 15, Cliff House (HTC), Dec 23, Cliff House (BF) and off Crissy Field inside the Golden Gate on Dec 29 (ARi), three individual were picked up dead on Ocean Beach, Oct 30, Nov 9 and 22 (JW). Figure 1: Red-necked Grebe, Dec 29, St. Francis Yacht Club ©2002 Calvin Lou Pink-footed Shearwater Status: Casual The only report was of a single bird off Fort Funston on Mar 14. (PS).

Ashy Storm-Petrel Status: Casual Pacific Bell Park seems to be the place to see this species in San Francisco with a single bird observed in the floodlights of the ballpark on Sep 5 and 6 (DQ, GD), similar to sightings at this location last year.

American White Pelican Status: Casual The first report was of 8 birds seen from Harrison Street on May 13 (ASH). The only other report was of two birds flying into San Francisco Bay, observed from Hawk Hill on Sep 20 (HTC).

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 5

Greater White-fronted Goose Status: Rare in winter and spring The “resident” bird present at the Boathouse, Lake Merced, present since 2000, remained throughout the year and was joined in Oct by two other immature birds, all of whom remained into 2003. Migrant birds included one on Oct 5, at Lincoln Park (JY), a flock of 30 off Twin Peaks on Oct 28 (BF), a flock up approx. 40 birds on Nov 25 (BF) and up to 60 over Cole Valley on Nov 26 (PS).

Snow Goose Status: Casual in winter and spring The only confirmed report was of two birds flying North off the Fort Funston viewing platform on Nov 25 (BF). Other “white “ Geese were reported on Dec 18, over the Presidio (JC).

Ross’s Goose Status: Casual in winter and spring A single report, one was at Lake Merced, moving between the Boathouse and the south end of Lake Merced, from Dec 1 to Dec 26 (DPM).

Tundra Swan Status: Vagrant A report of four birds flying over City College in early Nov was the first report of this species since 1993 (fide JC).

Wood Duck Status: Rare Surprisingly the only report was up to two birds present at the south end of Lake Merced from Aug 21 to at least Aug 30 (RF).

Eurasian Wigeon Figure 2: Ross's Goose, Dec 2002, Harding Park Boathouse ©2002 Mark W. Eaton Status: Rare A drake continued at Heron’s Head from 2001 into 2002 and remained until at least Feb 24 (DA). What was likely the returning drake was again at Heron’s Head on Dec 5 (BV).

Blue-winged Teal Status: Casual The first report since 1998 was of two birds present at the south end of Lake Merced on Jun 8 (SR).

Harlequin Duck Status: Casual The only report of the year was of two birds observed off the Cliff House on Feb 25 (BF).

Bald Eagle Status: Casual The only report of the year was of a single bird seen flying from the Marin Headlands into the Presidio on Nov 4 (GGRO).

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 6

Broad-winged Hawk Status: Rare fall migrant, vagrant in winter. The first report of the year was a single bird over Lands End on Sep 20 (ND). A good movement was noted on Sep 23 with four birds noted at Hawk Hill, Marin moving into San Francisco (EP) with seven birds together in a kettle off Twin Peaks the same day (BF). The final report was a single bird over Strybing Arboretum on Oct 6 (DPM).

Swainson’s Hawk Status: Casual in spring and fall. A light morph bird was noted over Stowe Lake, GGP on May 30 (ARi, SB).

Ferruginous Hawk Status: Casual Again the place to see this species in San Francisco is to watch from Marin. A single bird was noted flying into San Francisco from Hawk Hill on Sep 23 (EP). Again it is likely that this species is under recorded in San Francisco and more likely annual as it is at Hawk Hill.

Rough-legged Hawk Status: Casual A juvenile light morph bird was seen over Cole Valley on Nov 5 (PS), the first known report of the species in the City since 1977. Like the Ferruginous Hawk it is likely that this species is underreported in San Francisco as this species is annual ay Hawk Hill in Marin.

Golden Eagle Status: Rare, primarily in spring and fall. One was seen on Nov 1 at Grandview Park (BF) with another in Cole Valley on Nov 26 (PS).

Prairie Falcon Status: Casual in fall A single report: one was at observed flying from Hawk Hill into San Francisco on Sep 17 (GGRO).

Lesser Yellowlegs Status: Casual The only report was an amazing six birds flying over Mount Davidson on Aug 8 (PS).

Semipalmated Sandpiper Status: Casual The first City records in 9 years were all found at Crissy Field. The first was present on Aug 2 and 3 (HTC, PS). Another was present Aug 20 to 23 (PS).

Baird’s Sandpiper Status: Rare in fall In the City a single bird was present at Crissy Field Lagoon from the early date of Jul 28 until Aug 2 (DC, HTC).

Long-billed Dowitcher Status: Rare in spring and fall Surprisingly this species is very rare in the City.

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 7

A single bird was noted at Crissy Field on Oct 20 (JW). The only other report was a single bird, again at Crissy Field on Nov 11 (HTC).

Red Phalarope Status: Vagrant The first report of the year was of a dead bird picked up on Ocean Beach on Oct 30 (JW). A small fallout of this species occurred in Dec with up to 16 birds being present at Lake Merced from Dec 16 to Dec 19 (PS, JP, JY). Other reports included “many” off the Cliff House on Dec 16 (ASH), with one at Crissy the same day (ASH). Two were again off the Cliff House on Dec 23 (BF).

Pomarine Jaeger Status: Rare, primarily in fall The only report of the year was of a single bird off the Cliff House on Aug 18 (JW).

Parasitic Jaeger Status: Regular offshore, primarily in fall. Interesting was a spring record of a bird on Seal Rocks at the Cliff House on May 20 (ND).

Long-tailed Jaeger Status: Casual The only report of the year was of a single bird off the Cliff House, an adult, Oct 18 (RS).

Hybrid Glaucous X ??? Gull A very pale gull on Stowe Lake, GGP from Dec 30 (MZ) into 2003 was thought to be a hybrid with significant Glaucous Gull in its genes.

Black-legged Kittiwake Status: Rare, Irruptive Seven birds were seen off Fort Funston on Mar 14 (PS). A single bird was seen Apr 3, off the Great Highway (ASH). Another single bird remained at the Cliff House from Apr 10 to 12 (MU, KMcK). Four adults were seen from the Cliff House on Nov 8 (PS).

Common Tern Status: Uncommon/Rare in spring and fall, Irruptive Again this species remained scarce this year. One and possible two birds were present on Lake Merced from Aug 30 until at least Sep 7. (BF, JW). One was Figure 3: Common Tern, Sep 7, Concrete Bridge, Lake Merced present at Crissy Field on Aug 20 (SR). Again up to three birds were present at ©2002 Calvin Lou Lake Merced on Sep 18 (JW) (same as earlier birds?).

Ancient Murrelet Status: Casual offshore in winter. The only report of the year was a single bird seen off the Cliff House, Jan 7 (ASH).

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 8

Burrowing Owl Status: Extirpated, now a casual migrant A most unusual sighting of this species was that of a single bird found within the Embarcadero Bart station on Nov 2 (fide JW)

Long-eared Owl Status: Vagrant The first known City record since 1983 was a single bird seen throughout the day and at dusk at Fort Miley East on Sep 14 (ASH, HTC).

Short-eared Owl Status: Vagrant A flyover bird at Middle Lake on Nov 26 (KMcK), was the first report since 1998.

Northern Saw-whet Owl Status: Casual A calling bird in McLaren Park on Nov 4 (AdeM) was thought to be of this species.

Black Swift Status: Uncommon spring and fall migrant Figure 4: Long-eared Owl, Sep 14, Fort Miley This species was observed in more typical spring numbers, with three ©2002 Calvin Lou birds, Jun 4, 16 on Jun 5, and another on Jun 11 (PS), all on Mount Davidson. Fall records from Mount Davidson included singles on Sept 2 and 11 (PS).

Costa’s Hummingbird Status: Vagrant Following up on the two records in 2001, two more records of this species was reported in 2002. One an immature male was present at Mount Davidson on Aug 21 (PS). Another was at the East Wash, LP, on Sep 9 (KMcK).

Calliope Hummingbird Status: Vagrant With no known previously known acceptable records for this species prior to 2002, there were three records this year. The first was a female at Mount Davison on Apr 10 (PS, M.ob.). Another female was present on Bayview Hill on Apr 26 (JL). The final report, another Mount Davison record, was a female type present on Sep 19 (PS). 2002 was an incredible year for this species.

Rufous Hummingbird Status: Uncommon in spring and fall, casual in winter. Singles were observed Apr 4, Apr 8, Apr 23 and Apr 30 at Mount Davidson (PS). A single bird was present at Bayview Hill on Apr 27 (ASH). An early Figure 5: Calliope Hummingbird, Apr 10, Mt. fall report was a single bird on Mount Davidson on Jul 19 (PS). Davidson ©2002 Kevin McKereghan

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 9

Acorn Woodpecker Status: Casual year round, normally seen in very small numbers; irruptive. Reports of this species were back to normal in 2002 with only four reports. One was present in the Eastern GGP on Jan 25 (SD) and likely remained in the area. A migrant was seen flying out of the East Wash on Apr 23 (HB, HTC). Another was present in the Rhododendron Dell in GGP on May 11 (JM) the final report was from Mount Davidson on May 20 through May 29 (PS).

Red-breasted Sapsucker Status: Uncommon. A bird of the subspecies ruber was present in Strybing Arboretum from Nov 16 until the end of the year (JM). Per JM there are only approx. 5 known records of this subspecies in California, with three specimens and two sight records.

Nuttall’s Woodpecker Status: Casual Following up on the exceptional year in 2001, there were reports of at least 8 birds in the City through out the year with birds in Golden Gate Park, Glen Canyon Park, Lincoln Park, Mount Davison and the Presidio where a high count of three birds was made on Sep 21 (DSg, BF et al).

Willow Flycatcher Status: Rare in spring, fairly common in fall (Primarily in Sep) The only spring record was of a single bird present at the Mount Davidson on May 30 (PS). Fall records went from Aug 9 until Oct 5 (M.ob.) with at least 14 birds reported. Figure 6: Red-breasted Sapsucker, ssp. ruber ©2002 Billie Severy Least Flycatcher Status: Casual in fall, vagrant in winter 2002 had but a single record, with a report of a single bird at Mount Davidson on Sep 11 (PS, KMcK).

Hammond’s Flycatcher Status: Rare in spring and fall An excellent spring for this species on Mount Davidson with a total of six birds reported between Apr 19 and May 23 (PS). The only other spring record was of one in Strybing Arboretum on May 11 (JM). Fall reports were above average with a total of four birds noted, Aug 31 to Sep 4 (HTC, ND), Sep 12-14 at the East Wash, Lincoln Park (HTC). One was present at the Lake Merced Boathouse on Sep 21 (JM). The final report was of one at the East Wash on Oct 2 (HTC).

Eastern Phoebe Status: Vagrant A bird found at the west end of Crissy Field on Jun 15 (HTC), unfortunately could not be re-located. This is only the second known record for this species in the City.

Tropical Kingbird Status: Uncommon in fall, casual in winter and spring. Tropical Kingbird is the most common kingbird in fall. 2002 was a poor year for this species. The continuing bird from 2001 in GGP remained in the Buffalo Paddock until at least Apr 19 (JW). There were no other confirmed reports during the year. A kingbird species seen at San Francisco State University on Oct 31 (SM) was likely this species based on date.

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 10

Plumbeous Vireo Status: Vagrant One present at Strawberry Hill, Stowe Lake on Sep 9 and 10 (BF) was the first record in the City since 1999.

Cassin’s Vireo Status: Uncommon migrant, casual in winter A winter report was of a single bird Dec 10, in the Presidio (JC).

Red-eyed Vireo Status: Casual in spring and fall. 2002 was an average year for this species. An early record was of one present at Strybing Arboretum from Aug 13 to 19 (MZ, M.ob.). One again in the same area of Strybing Arboretum on Sep 16 was possibly the same bird (BStC)

Yellow-billed Magpie Status: Annual casual migrant? 2002 was yet another interesting year for this species. The first report of the year was a bird seen flying over the Golden Gate Bridge on Mar 6 (HB). Two were present at Sutro Heights Park on Mar 13 (MU), three were observed at Fort Funston on Mar 14 (PS) with three at Sutro Height Park on Mar 24 (MU), which were possibly the same birds. From Apr 13 until the end of the year at least two birds were present near Hunters Point, one of which had a bad leg (ASH, M.ob.). The final report was of a single bird flying over Monterey Boulevard on May 22 (DSg). The timing of these spring reports mirrors those of the previous year.

Oak Titmouse Status: Vagrant A single bird present at Candlestick Point SRA, from Dec 2001 continued into 2002 and was last reported on Feb 6 (BH).

Western Bluebird Status: Casual Two were observed flying past Twin Peaks on Sep. 23 (BF) with three at this same location on Oct 21 (BF). Five flyovers were noted going over Mount Davidson on Oct 27 (PS).

Townsend’s Solitaire Status: Casual There were two records of this species in 2002 both from Mount Davidson, the most regular spot in the City to try for this species. The first was seen on Oct 2 (PS, SR), the second on Nov 15 (PS).

Wrentit Status: Casual migrant, extirpated as a breeding species from San Francisco. Exciting news came this year in the form of the location of a pair of birds present at Bay View Hill in Apr and May (JC) .

Sage Thrasher Status: Vagrant A single bird was present on Mount Davidson on Jan 22 (PS) but could not be refound. This was the first City record since one in Sep 1993.

Phainopepla Status: Vagrant

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 11

With no known records for this species prior to 2002 a total of four records were reported during the year in both spring and fall. A bird in the Presidio on May 16 was reported to be this species and was followed by a calling male at the East Wash, LP on May 24 (HTC). One was seen briefly in the Presidio on Sep 1 (KMcK, BS et al) with the final report of one flying past Twin Peaks on Oct 7 (BF). This “invasion” as such, mirrored other coastal reports of this species during the year.

Tennessee Warbler Status: Rare Continuing from 2001 was a bird near the boathouse, Lake Merced on Jan 3 (RF). Another was at Middle Lake, GGP from Jan 31 to at least Feb 13 (DN, DPM). Another winter record was of one present at Strybing Arboretum from Feb 9 to Mar 3 (ASH). The only migrant report was of one on Mount Davidson on Sep 19 (PS). A bird present at Strybing Arboretum on Nov 23 and 24 was possibly the returning bird from earlier in the year (JW, RF).

Northern Parula Status: Rare, spring and fall After all the records in 2001, this year proved to be quite the opposite with only two reports, a singing bird at the East Wash, Lincoln Park on Jun 5 (HTC) and a single bird at Lafayette Park, Aug 26 to 28 (PMcC).

Chestnut-sided Warbler Status: Rare in spring and fall A total of four birds were reported in fall down from last year’s numbers. The first was reported from Lake Merced, near the boathouse on Sep 12, with another individual found at the Vista Grande Canal on Sep 21 (JM) and remaining until at least Oct 3. A third was found at Middle Lake, GGP, on Sep 28 (DM) and another was found at Sutro Heights Park on Sep 29 (DC, MU).

Magnolia Warbler Status: Casual in spring and fall Single birds were noted Sep 13, at the East Wash, Lincoln Park (HC), Cole Valley, Oct 12 (PS) and one at the Sunset Circle, north Lake Merced, Oct 19 (RF).

Black-throated Blue Warbler Status: Rare in fall, vagrant in winter. The only report of this species was of a single bird on Sep 10 (ND) at the Pioneer Log Cabin, GGP.

Black-throated Green Warbler Status: Vagrant A female type was found at Lobos Dunes, Presidio on Oct 19 (PS).

Blackburnian Warbler Status: Casual in fall A single bird was the East Wash, LP on Sep 12 with two birds together the following day (HTC).

Palm Warbler Status: Rare primarily in winter and late fall. Not a great year for this species with only 3 birds reported. A wintering bird was again observed at North Lake, GGP on Feb 12. One was at Sunset Circle, North Lake Merced Oct 17 to Nov 18 at least (RF, JW). The only other report was a single bird present at Merrie Way parking lot on Nov 1 (MU).

Blackpoll Warbler Status: Rare, primarily in fall

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 12

Only three birds were reported in the fall, down from previous years. Two birds were on Strawberry Hill, Stow Lake on Sep 19 (LC). The only other record was a single bird at Sutro Heights Park, on Sep 24 (DA).

Black-and-white Warbler Status: Rare A singing male was at Lincoln Park, East Wash on Jun 13 (HTC). In fall a female was found at Strawberry Hill, Stow Lake, on Sep 8 (DD), with a second bird present on Sep 10 (ND). One remained at this location until at least Sep 14.

American Redstart Status: Rare, primarily in spring and fall. Not a great year for this species with only two reports: Sep 9 to 13 (DA) at Stowe Lake, GGP and Sep 17, at the East Wash, Lincoln Park (CL).

Ovenbird Status: Casual in spring and fall, accidental in winter. The only report was of a single bird at the East Fort Miley on Sep 21 (HC, JR, MU, BV), found during the annual Rare Bird Round Up.

Northern Waterthrush. Status: Rare, primarily in fall Another Rare Bird Round-Up find was a single bird was found at the Vista Grande Canal, Lake Merced on Sep 21 (JM, RFi) and remained until at least Sep 24, the only record of the year.

Connecticut Warbler Status: Vagrant A first City record of this long overdue species was a bird present on Mount Davidson, Sep 10 (PS). This report has been recently approved by the CBRC.

Canada Warbler Status: Casual in fall, accidental in winter. 2002 was an exciting year for this species. A male was found on Mount Davidson on Aug 31 (DA). Incredibly a female was found during the San Francisco CBC, on Dec 27 (DPM) and remained well into 2003. This is believed to be one of the few if not first North American wintering records for this species.

Summer Tanager Status: Rare A female was present Oct 13 at Sutro Heights Park (HTC). Another female was present at Middle Lake, GGP from Nov 3 and into 2003 (RS).

Scarlet Tanager Status: Vagrant A bird at El Polin Spring, Presidio from Aug 31 to Sep 2 is potentially a first City record and is awaiting assessment by the CBRC (PS) Figure 7: Canada Warbler, Dec 29, SF Zoo Clay-colored Sparrow ©2002 Calvin Lou Status: Rare primarily in fall migrant, vagrant in winter

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 13

It was hard to know how many of this species was found this year. The first report was of one present at Sutro Heights Park on Sep 21 (HTC) until at least 22 Sep Another or the same individual was found again at Sutro Height Park on Oct 2 (MU). Was the same individual again found on Oct 30 until at least Nov 4 (MU, ND)? Besides Sutro Heights Park, the only other individual was at a private residence near Lake Merced on Sep 22 (JW).

Brewer’s Sparrow Status: Casual The only report of the year was of a single bird present at Crissy Field on Sep 24 (ASH).

Lark Sparrow Status: Casual The only report of the year was of a single bird at the Aids Dell, GGP on Feb 23 (DA).

Swamp Sparrow Status: Rare in winter One remained at Lake Merced from 2001 into 2002. Another was present at the North End of Lake Merced on Nov 3 (DPM). One remained at Middle Lake from Dec 20 into 2003 (ND). One was Mountain Lake Park on Dec 27 during the SF CBC (fide DPM).

Lapland Longspur Status: Vagrant A long awaited first known record for the City was of a single bird present at Candlestick Point SRA on Nov 4 (AdeM).

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Status: Rare in spring and fall, casual in winter Mount Davidson was the place to be, and the only place to catch up with this species in 2002, with four separate birds including, female, May 22, first spring male, Jun 5, adult male, Jun 6 and 7 and one immature male on Aug 6 (all PS).

Painted Bunting Status: Vagrant Potentially a first City record of this CBRC review species was a report of an immature or female at the East Wash in Lincoln Park on Aug 31 (ND) and awaits CBRC review.

Great-tailed Grackle Status: Casual One bird was present at the south end of Lake Merced on May 13 (DA). On May 24 and 25, two birds were present at this same location, both males (JY).

Orchard Oriole Status: Casual in fall, accidental in winter 2002 had but a single report of a bird at the San Francisco Zoo, from Mar 16, until at least Apr 3 (DPM).

Scott’s Oriole Status: Vagrant The bird continuing from Dec 2001 was seen through Mar 30 (SD, M.ob.). Again this was only the second City record.

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 14

Cassin’s Finch Status: Casual One present on Mount Davidson on Oct 21 (PS) was thought to be the first for this location.

Observers David Armstrong (DA), Scott Bauer (SB), Herb Brant (HB), California Academy of Sciences (CAC), Josiah Clark (JC), Luke Cole (LC), Dan Cooper (DC), Hugh Cotter (HTC), Stephen Davies (SD), Gary Deghi (GD), Al De Martini (AdeM), Nathan Dias (ND), Mark Eaton (ME), Rich Ferrick (RF), Brian Fitch (BF), Robbie Fisher (RFi), Alan Hopkins (ASH), Calvin Lou (CL), John Luther (JL), Susan Masta (SM), Pat McCulloch (PMcC), Kevin McKereghan (KMcK), Joe Morlan (JM), Dan Murphy (DM), Many Observers (M.ob.), David Nelson (DN), John Perry (JP), Eric Preston (EP), Dave Quady (DQ), Allan Ridley (ARi), Siobhan Ruck (SR)), Jennifer Rycenga (JR), Paul Saraceni (PS), Dan Singer (DS), Rich Stallcup (RS), Brian St Clair (BStC), Myra Ulvang (MU), Bradley Volker (BV), Jay Withgott (JW), Jason Yakich (JY), Matt Zlatunich (MZ) ******

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 15

Mt. Davidson, 2002 in Detail © Paul M. Saraceni 2002, all rights reserved Species First Date Other Dates Notes Brown Pelican 12/27 3; fly-over Double-crested Cormorant 1/15 3/18, + (-3/28); 8/5, 8/9, 12 max. 11/14; 11, 3/26; 9/21, 10/2, 11/14-15 fly-over Great Egret 1/16 1; fly-by; OFMD Turkey Vulture 10/2 1; fly-by; OFMD Canada Goose 10/3 15; fly-over Mallard 5/23 1 f.; fly-by; OFMD Scaup sp. 11/18 37; fly-by; OFMD Northern Harrier 10/21 10/28, 11/18, 11/20 1 (immature) max.; fly-over Sharp-shinned Hawk 1/22 + (-5/3); 8/21, 9/17, 2 max. + + (-12/27) Cooper’s Hawk 3/19 8/6, 8/21 , 9/9, + (-12/27) 2 max. 9/27, 10/2 Red-shouldered Hawk 1/4 + (-6/12); 8/6, + (-11/13) 3 max. 9/21 Red-tailed Hawk 1/4 + (-7/4); 8/6, + (-12/27) 3 max. 2/11, 9/21, 12/27 American Kestrel 1/4 + (-3/26); 6/19, + (-7/19); 4 max. 10/2; 1 m., 1 f. 8/5, + (-12/27) wintered; 1 juv. f. 6/19, + (-7/19) Merlin 1/4 + (-2/12) ; 10/24, 2 (1 m., 1 f.) max. 2/11; + (-12/5) 1 m. (“suckleyi”) wintered since 12/27/01, returned 10/24); 1 f. (“richardsonii”) 2/11 Peregrine Falcon 9/21 1; fly-over Killdeer 3/26 4/10 1; heard-only; fly-by; OFMD Lesser Yellowlegs 8/8 6; fly-over Mew Gull 10/30 11/20 2 max. 10/30; fly-over California Gull 1/4 + (-4/19) ; 6/19; 8/5, 9/9, 23 max. 3/22; fly-over 10/2, + (-12/27) Herring Gull 3/21 1 ad.; fly-over Western Gull 1/4 + (-6/10); 7/1, + (-7/9); 9 max. 1/4; fly-over 8/7, + (-12/23) Glaucous-winged Gull 1/4 + (-3/22) 5 max. 3/22; fly-over Glaucous-winged x Western Gull 11/18 3 ad,; fly-over Rock Dove 1/4 + 30 max. 1/4; fly-over Band-tailed Pigeon 1/10 + (-7/19) ; 8/6, + (-11/27) 75 max. 10/2; 45, 9/23, 10/28; 19, 4/6; 1-2 juv. 5/24, + (-7/4); PN Mourning Dove 1/4 + 35 max. 10/28; PN Black Swift 6/4 6/5, 6/11 ; 9/2, 9/11 16 max. 6/5; 3, 6/4, 6/11; 1, 9/2, 9/11; fly-over Vaux’s Swift 9/21 + (-10/14) 20 max. 9/25; 19, 10/3; fly-over Anna’s Hummingbird 1/4 + 15 max. 4/22, 8/21; PN Costa’s Hummingbird 8/21 1 immature m. Calliope Hummingbird 4/10 9/19 1 (f.) max. Rufous Hummingbird 4/6 4/8, 4/10, 4/29-5/3; 7/4, 2 (ad. m.) max. 4/10, 4/29, 7/19 5/2-3; 1 ad. m. 7/4; 1 immature m. w/ rufous back & crown, 7/19 Allen’s Hummingbird 2/14 + (-7/9) 12 max. 4/22; PN Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird sp. 7/9 7/19, + (-10/7) 30 (f./immature) max. 8/5 Acorn Woodpecker 5/20 5/22-24, 5/29 1 m.

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 16

Species First Date Other Dates Notes Red-breasted Sapsucker 10/2 1 ad. Nuttall’s Woodpecker 11/27 1 f.; fly-over Downy Woodpecker 2/11 + 3 max. 6/5, 11/18; PN Hairy Woodpecker 2/28 3/25, 4/16, 5/23-24, 2 (1 m., 1 f.) max. 8/26 6/5-6, 7/19, 8/7, + (-9/21), 10/25, + (-12/27) Northern Flicker 1/4 + (-4/19) ; 9/19, 12 max. 10/2 + (-12/27) “Yellow-shafted” Flicker 10/2 10/3, 11/13 1 max. Olive-sided Flycatcher 4/25 + (-6/10) ; 8/5, + (-8/28) 2 max. + Western Wood-Pewee 5/14 + (-7/19) ; 8/26, + (-9/21) 3 max. 6/5, 6/20, 7/4, 7/9, 9/1; 1 juv. 7/4; PN Willow Flycatcher 5/30 8/9, 8/27 , 9/8, 9/10, 9/21 1 max. Least Flycatcher 9/11 1 juv. Hammond’s Flycatcher 4/19 4/24, 5/23-24 1 max. Pacific-slope Flycatcher 4/10 4/22, 5/24, 6/4-6, 6/11; 5 max. 9/1 8/8, + (-10/1) Black Phoebe 1/4 + (-5/3); 6/19, 6/27; 8/14, 3 max. 10/27, + (-10/30) 9/18, + (-12/27) Say’s Phoebe 9/17 + (-10/14) 2 max. 9/20 Ash-throated Flycatcher 6/10 6/11; 9/2 2 max. 6/11 Western Kingbird 4/23 5/16 1 max.; fly-over Cassin’s Vireo 4/5 + (-4/30), 5/22, 5/24; 8/9 2 max. 4/22 Hutton’s Vireo 2/14 2/26; 3/18, + (-4/23); 8/7, 2 max. + + (-11/13) Warbling Vireo 4/22 + (-6/11) ; 8/5, + (-10/7) 30 max. 5/24 Steller’s Jay 4/19 9/4, + (-11/25) 3 max. 9/9 Western Scrub-Jay 1/4 + 14 max. 7/4; PN American Crow 1/4 + 25 max. 1/10, 9/27 Common Raven 1/4 + 31 max. 9/27; N Tree Swallow 2/14 2/26; 8/5 2 max. 2/26; fly-over Violet-green Swallow 3/13 4/5; 10/1 , 10/4 93 max. 10/4; fly-over Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5/3 8/5, 8/27 , 10/4 3 max. 5/3, 8/27, 10/4; fly-over Bank Swallow 8/21 13; fly-over Barn Swallow 8/6 1; fly-over Cliff Swallow 9/9 1; fly-over Chestnut-backed Chickadee 1/4 + 11 max. 5/20; N Bushtit 1/23 + (-11/18) 16 max. 8/1; N Red-breasted Nuthatch 5/24 6/4; 8/26, 9/2, 9/8 1 max. Pygmy Nuthatch 1/10 + 15 max. 8/6; N Brown Creeper 4/5 1; singing; heard-only Bewick’s Wren 5/14 7/4, 7/9; 8/1, + (-9/2) 1 max. House Wren 4/22 4/24; 8/6, + (-12/27) 3 max. 9/11, + (-9/30) Winter Wren 1/4 + 5 max. +; PN Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 8/6 8/8-9, 8/27, 8/29, 9/7-8 2 max. 8/8 Golden-crowned Kinglet 3/28 4/4, 4/8; 10/2, + (-11/25); 12 max. 10/30 12/23 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1/4 + (-4/30); 9/20, 12 max. 4/5; wintered + (-12/27) Western Bluebird 10/27 5; fly-over Townsend’s Solitaire 10/2 11/18 1 (ad.) max. Swainson’s Thrush 4/30 5/14, + (-6/12); 6/20, 7/4; 9 max. 5/21; 7, 9/21 9/4, 9/21, + (-10/2) 1 juv. 6/20 Hermit Thrush 1/10 + (-4/29) ; 9/28, 8 max. 10/24; 5, 2/28;

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 17

Species First Date Other Dates Notes + (-12/27) wintered American Robin 1/4 + 190 max. 1/4; N Varied Thrush 1/10 3/18-19; 9/28, + (-11/25); 78 max. 10/28; 48, 10/21; 12/23, 12/27 16, 12/23; 6, 1/10 Northern Mockingbird 1/4 + 8 max. 3/26; NN Sage Thrasher 1/22 1 European Starling 1/4 + 30 max. 12/5 American Pipit 9/17 + (-11/15) 4 max. 9/17, 10/27; fly-over Cedar Waxwing 1/4 + (-5/29) ; 8/27, 125 max. 10/28; 55, 5/21 + (-12/23) Tennessee Warbler 9/19 1 immature Orange-crowned Warbler 3/13 + (-5/24); 7/9, + (-10/29) 18 max. 5/1; 4, 8/1 Nashville Warbler 4/22 4/29, 5/1, 5/3, 5/24 2 (m.) max. 5/1; 1 f. 4/22; 1 m. 4/29, 5/3, 5/24 Yellow Warbler 5/14 + (-6/7); 8/1, + (-10/7) 45 max. 9/11; 20, 5/24 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1/4 + (-5/2); 9/19, + (-12/27) 50 max. 10/4 “Myrtle” Warbler 3/15 + (-5/2); 6/11; 10/27, 3 max. 4/24, 10/29; + (-11/13) 1 ad. m. 6/11 Black-throated Gray Warbler 4/22 4/23; 8/7, 8/26, + (-10/7) 3 max. 10/2 Townsend’s Warbler 1/10 + (-5/24) ; 8/22, 15 max. 9/8; wintered + (-12/27) Hermit Warbler 4/5 + (-5/24); 8/5, 9/9 , 9/28 2 max. 4/29, 5/14, 5/24 Connecticut Warbler 9/10 1 ad. m. (p.a. CBRC) MacGillivray’s Warbler 8/9 8/21 1 max. Common Yellowthroat 6/3 1 f. Wilson’s Warbler 3/22 + (-10/1) 6 max. 5/22, 5/24, 8/26; 1 juv. 6/12, 7/4; N Western Tanager 4/23 + (-6/11); 7/4, 8/5, 90 max. 9/19; 60, 9/9; + (-10/21) 1 f./immature 7/4 Spotted Towhee 1/4 + (-4/23), 5/22; 10/2, 4 (3 m., 1 f.) max. 2/14, + (-12/23) 2/28, 3/21; 3 (2 m., 1 f.), 2/22, 2/25, 4/8; wintered California Towhee 1/4 + (-12/27) 4 max. 8/19; NN Chipping Sparrow 4/29 4/30; 8/27, 9/20, 9/23 1 max. Savannah Sparrow 8/28 9/9, 9/17 1 max. Fox Sparrow 1/4 + (-4/29); 9/17, 14 max. 9/30; wintered + (-12/27) Song Sparrow 1/4 + 18 max. 8/21; N Lincoln’s Sparrow 1/4 + (-4/22); 9/8, + (-12/5) 3 max. 4/4, 10/24; Wintered White-throated Sparrow 11/14 1 ad. White-crowned Sparrow 1/4 + 45 max. 11/6; N Golden-crowned Sparrow 1/4 + (-4/29) ; 9/19, 40 max. 11/13; wintered + (-12/27) Dark-eyed Junco 1/4 + 15 max. 10/27; 4 juv. 5/20; N Lazuli Bunting 4/22 + (-6/11) , 6/19; 8/5, 13 max. 4/24; 2 m. 6/19 + (-9/4) Rose-breasted Grosbeak 5/22 6/5-7; 8/6 1 f. 5/22; 1 1st-spr. m. 6/5; 1 ad. m. 6/6-7; 1 immature m. 8/6 Black-headed Grosbeak 4/6 4/23, + (-6/12); 8/1, 6 max. 5/20, 5/24, 8/7-8 + (-9/20) Red-winged Blackbird 9/28 1 m.; fly-over

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 18

Species First Date Other Dates Notes Western Meadowlark 2/28 5/1, 5/3; 10/2, + (-11/13) 4 max. 10/12 Brewer’s Blackbird 1/4 + 70 max. 1/4; NN Brown-headed Cowbird 1/30 4/16, + (-6/12); 7/4 5 max. 5/20 Hooded Oriole 5/2 5/21, 6/11; 7/1; 8/29 2 (f./immature) max. 7/1 Bullock’s Oriole 4/6 4/24, 4/29, 5/14, 6/6; 2 (m.) max. 4/29 8/7, 8/9, 9/1 Purple Finch 1/4 1/16; 3/15, + (-5/2); 7/1, 70 max. 10/21; 60, 10/28; 8/1, + (-12/27) 1 juv. 7/1 Cassin’s Finch 10/21 1 f./immature House Finch 1/4 + 40 max. 6/4; N Red Crossbill 1/10 3/4, 3/25; 9/28; 12/23 2 max. 3/25; fly-over Pine Siskin 1/10 + (-4/29), 5/22, + (-6/19); 55 max. 10/30; 24, 3/28; 7/1, + (-11/18) 21, 8/1 Lesser Goldfinch 1/10 + (-12/23) 15 max. 11/11 American Goldfinch 4/24 9/8, + (-11/25) 3 max. 10/21, 10/29 House Sparrow 1/4 + 4 max. 1/23

Total Species: 124

Codes: “N” = evidence of nesting within park boundaries of Mt. Davidson “PN” = probable nesting within park boundaries of Mt. Davidson “NN” = nesting in neighborhood surrounding park boundaries of Mt. Davidson “OFMD” = observed from, but not within or over, park boundaries of Mt. Davidson

Non-avian Observations: Striped Skunk Western Gray Squirrel Jerusalem Cricket Banana Slug “ballooning spiders”

Odonates: Common Green Darner 9/19 (2) Striped Meadowhawk 9/19 (1)

Census Dates: [49] Jan 4, 10, 15, 16, 22, 23, 30 [55] Feb 11, 12, 14, 22, 25, 26, 28 [62] Mar 4, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, 25, 26, 28 [83] Apr 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 16, 17, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30 [93] May 1, 2, 3, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30 [96] Jun 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 17, 19, 20, 27 [96] Jul 1, 4, 9, 19 [103] Aug 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29 [112] Sep 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30 [120] Oct 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 12, 14, 16, 21, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30 [123] Nov 6, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 25, 27 [124] Dec 5, 23, 27 ******

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 19

Sutro Heights Park, 2002 in Detail Myra Ulvang The following 96 species were identified in or over the park in 2002. There were also some questionable ones not counted. Ten additional species seen in 2001are listed at the end. Codes following the name: • N=nested in park in 2001 or 2002 • FO=flyover • PN=probably nested in park. • Months=1-12 or specific dates seen. 2002 Species List: Brown Pelican 4/9, FO Tree Swallow 2/22-6/9, N Double-crested Cormorant 2-5, 9-11 occasional FO Violet-green Swallow 3/26, 7/27 Great Blue Heron 6/14, 6/25, 12/27 FO Barn Swallow 3/10-7/31 Great Egret 9/19, 10/22 FO Chestnut-backed Chickadee 1-12, N Turkey Vulture 1/27, 11/17 FO Bushtit 1-12, N Mallard 3/23, 4/26 FO White-breasted Nuthatch 10/2 Osprey 2/21, 7/23, 10/16 FO Pygmy Nuthatch 1-12, N Sharp-shinned Hawk 9/25, 10/17 Brown Creeper 1-12, N Cooper's Hawk 3/2, 3/19, 5/11, 7/24, 9/16, 9/28 Bewick's Wren 1/14-2/14 Red-tailed Hawk 1-12, N House Wren 9/4-11/11 American Kestrel 10/23 Winter Wren 1-12, PN Merlin 10/26 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1/1-4/10, 10/7-12/31 Peregrine Falcon 11/10 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1/1-3/31, 10/4-12/31 Killdeer 4/5 heard Hermit Thrush 1/1-4/15, 10/2-12/31 Heermann's Gull 10/10 FO American Robin 1-12, N Western Gull 1-12 FO Varied Thrush 9/28, 12/8-12/31 Glaucous-winged Gull occasional FO Northern Mockingbird 4/7-6/11, occasional 8-10 Caspian Tern 5/16 FO European Starling 1-12, N Forster's Tern 7/6 FO Cedar Waxwing 1/3-5/16, 9/22-11/13 Rock Pigeon occasional FO Orange-crowned Warbler 1-4, 8-12 Mourning Dove 1-12, N Nashville Warbler 9/19 White-throated Swift 5/20 FO Yellow Warbler 9/14-9/29 Anna's Hummingbird 1-12, N Chestnut-sided Warbler 9/28, 10/9 Allen's Hummingbird 2/5-7/28, N Yellow-rumped Warbler 1/1-4/9, 11/11-12/31 Belted Kingfisher 10/11, 11/2 FO Black-throated Gray Warbler 9/21 Nuttall’s Woodpecker 7-12, Male in 7, Female 8-12 Townsend's Warbler 1/1-4/10, 9/3-12/31 Downy Woodpecker 1-12, N Hermit Warbler 12/5 Northern Flicker 1,3,4, 9-12 Blackpoll Warbler 9/24 Olive-sided Flycatcher 5/15, 6-8 N Common Yellowthroat 9/8 Western Wood-Pewee 8/29-9/30 Wilson's Warbler 4/6-5/5, 6/9, 8/7-8/27 Willow Flycatcher 8/27,10/2 Summer Tanager 10/13 Pacific-slope Flycatcher 8/27-9/14 Western Tanager 5/21, 8/27, 9/8-10/2 Black Phoebe 1-12 California Towhee 1-12, N Western Kingbird 9/14 Clay-colored Sparrow 9/21- Hutton's Vireo 8/20-9/30, 11/1,12 9/23,10/2,10/30,10/31,11/3 Warbling Vireo 8/18, 9/10, 9/22 Savannah Sparrow 11/3 Western Scrub-Jay 1-12, PN Fox Sparrow (Sooty) 1/14-3/26, 10-12 Yellow-billed Magpie 3/13(2), 3/24(3) FO-(in 2001- Song Sparrow 3/27, occasional in 6,8,9,and 12/24 2/27(1), 3/14(2) on trees) Lincoln's Sparrow 3/11,9/26,10/2 American Crow 1-3, 6-7, 11/12 White-throated Sparrow (white-striped) 11/18 Common Raven 1-12 mainly FO White-crowned Sparrow 1-12, N

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 20

Golden-crowned Sparrow 1/1-4/21, 9/28-12/31 Hooded Oriole 4/2-8/18, N Dark-eyed Junco 1-3, 9-12, N Bullock's Oriole (f)8/27 Black-headed Grosbeak 5/7 House Finch 1-12, N Red-winged Blackbird 1/1-4/1, 7-12 Pine Siskin 11/2 FO Tricolored Blackbird 7/4, 9/27 Lesser Goldfinch 3/26, 9/19 Western Meadowlark 10/10 FO American Goldfinch 4/18, 7/19 Brewer's Blackbird 1-12, PN House Sparrow occasional 3-12 Brown-headed Cowbird 2-10 Species seen in 2001 but not in 2002: Canada Goose Loggerhead Shrike Red-shouldered Hawk Blackburnian Warbler Band-tailed Pigeon Palm Warbler Vaux's Swift MacGillivray's Warbler Hairy Woodpecker Tropical Kingbird ******

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 21

Glen Park Canyon, 2002 in Detail David Armstrong The data in this report come from my personal observations (roughly 25 visits over the course of the year) and those observations that were reported to me or to the SFBirds mailing list. (If anyone has additional species records for 2002 please let me know). Of the 70 total species, I personally recorded 68, and Paul Saraceni’s CBC team added Varied Thrush and Purple Finch on Dec 27. The total species count was 1 less than for last year, which was not bad considering the lower total number of visits for 2002. 2 new additions to the cumulative park list were made: • Hairy woodpecker, first located by a group of us doing a Big Day on Apr 13; • White-throated swift, seen flying over on May 15 Other interesting sightings for the park included a female Nuttall’s Woodpecker that Paul Saraceni found on Apr 14 and which stayed for a month, a migrant Nashville Warbler I saw on Apr 29, a House Wren found on the CBC and refound on Dec 29, and a Spotted Towhee on the hillside behind the Day Care center which was observed a few times. Unfortunate misses included Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, Black-throated Gray and Hermit Warblers, and Red-shouldered Hawk. Probably the most exciting avian occurrence for the year was the successful breeding by the resident pair of Great Horned Owls. Jean Conner and Richard Craig of Friends of Glen Canyon Park discovered the nest and two owlets during the spring. Many birders were able to observe and photograph the proud parents and their offspring. Total species on park list: 102 Total observed in 2002: 70 Total observed in 2002: 71 New additions to park list, 2002: 2

Species recorded in 2002 (*indicates possible or confirmed breeding): Double-crested Cormorant Olive-sided Flycatcher Ruby-crowned kinglet Dark-eyed Junco Great Blue Heron Pacific slope flycatcher American Robin Black-headed Grosbeak Turkey Vulture Black Phoebe Varied Thrush Lazuli Bunting* (PR) Sharp-shinned Hawk Say's Phoebe Northern Mockingbird Brewer's Blackbird Cooper's Hawk Hutton's Vireo European Starling Brown-headed Cowbird Red-tailed Hawk* (CO) Warbling Vireo Cedar Waxwing Hooded Oriole American Kestrel Steller's Jay Orange-crowned Warbler* (PR) Bullock's Oriole* (PO) Gull sp. Western Scrub Jay Nashville Warbler Purple Finch Rock Dove American Crow Yellow Warbler House Finch Band-tailed Pigeon Common Raven Yellow-rumped Warbler Pine Siskin Mourning Dove Violet-green swallow Townsend's Warbler Lesser Goldfinch Great Horned Owl* (CO) Barn Swallow Wilson's warbler American Goldfinch* (PR) White-throated Swift (new) Cliff Swallow Western Tanager House Sparrow* (CO) Anna's Hummingbird Chestnut-backed Chickadee Spotted Towhee Allen's Hummingbird Bushtit* (CO) California Towhee Nuttall's Woodpecker Pygmy Nuthatch* (CO) Fox Sparrow Downy Woodpecker House Wren Song Sparrow Hairy Woodpecker (new) Winter Wren White-crowned Sparrow Northern Flicker Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher Golden-crowned Sparrow ******

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 22

Pictorial Highlights Mark Eaton This section shows some additional photo highlights of the year 2002 in the City of San Francisco.

Red-necked Phalarope

Great Horned Owl

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 23

Yellow-billed Magpie

Lazuli Bunting

2002 Journal, San Francisco Field Ornithologists 24