The OBSERVER Sacramento Audubon Society

General Monterey Bay Coastal and Pelagic Trip Meeting September 24 and 25, 2005 Sacramento Audubon programs will be It’s time again to prepare for one of Sacramento Audubon’s most interesting adventures! This taking a break for the months of July and year’s two-day trip will take place Saturday and Sunday, September 24 and 25. August. You can look forward to the next Normally protected from heavy sea swells, yet geographically situated to capture an amazing program in September. Our Program chair diversity of ocean-going birds, Monterey Bay is an exceptional place to visit. We will have a Sally Riggs has more exciting programs fast-paced tour of landbird hot spots and a day cruise on Monterey Bay. lined up for us including presentations on the condor and hiking and birding in the Led by Mark Cudney, Saturday’s boat excursion on the 71 foot fi shing cruiser Magnum Sierras. Force will highlight the weekend. This is the same comfortable boat as in the past several years. Monterey Bay is perhaps one of the most accessible and productive areas to learn Sacramento Audubon meetings are held the about and enjoy pelagic avifauna and marine mammals. Several species of shearwaters are third Thursday of the month. The public is usually present, not to mention the possibility of close-ups of marine mammals. On Sunday, welcome. Visit our website we will visit the key landbird and shoreline habitats on the Monterey Peninsula that may www.sacramentoaudubon.org for further yield many migratory and vagrant surprises. Jeff Mangum will coordinate Sunday’s itinerary information. and lead the group. Space is limited to approximately sixty (60) passengers on the boat, so send in the registra- tion form as soon as possible. This trip fi lls up fast! Reservations will be fi lled on a fi rst- Thanks Bill & Jan come, fi rst-served basis. No telephone reservations will be accepted. Long time Board members, Bill and Jan Special notice to campers: A group campsite ($4.00 per person per night) is available for Clark recently resigned and Sacramento Friday night, September 23, and Saturday night, September 24, at Veterans Memorial Audubon would dearly like to thank them Campground. Motels and hotels are numerous in the Monterey area but make reservations for their many years of service as board early. Please fi ll out the reservations form included below. members. Fortunately however, they will continue their dedication to SAS by spending large amounts of time manag- Monterey Bay Pelagic Trip Reservation Form ing Bobelaine, and Chairing Electronic September 24 and 25, 2005 • Trip price: $75 per person Communications (our website) and Name ______Telephone ______Membership Committees. Because of their wonderful dedication and work for SAS they were previously honored with Address ______Audubon Camperships. Now maybe they will have more time to pursue their activi- Number of persons ______Total Payment $ ______ties in the Camera Club and to take more trips in the desert and mountains doing Please reserve me _____ space(s) for Friday night September23 and _____ space(s) for Saturday nature photography. night September 24 at Veterans Memorial Park Campground. $4.00 per night per person in group site. NOTE: You will pay the camping fee separately when you arrive. For bookkeeping Just a note that Lea Landry and Sheila reasons please do not include camping fees in your check for the trip. Deaner are the newest members on our Board, having been elected in April. Joe Return this form and your check made out to Sacramento Audubon to: Ferreira is no longer on the board. Jeff Mangum, 5917 Rich Hill Drive, Orangevale, CA 95662

VOLUME 57 • NO. 6 JULY-AUGUST 2005 Field Trip Findings and began to preen. The bird lingered there the most interesting thing his group found Yolo Basin and nearby roads (6/12) – ”We from about 9:30am until after noon when was a Swainson’s Hawk sitting on a nest in had nice looks at Ruddy in breeding the birders returned to the Tides for lunch. a tree surrounded by water. plumage and several flying American Bitterns “After these two sightings, the rest of the at Yolo Basin,” leader Maureen Geiger Point Reyes (5/21) – At Lighthouse Point, day was rather dull,” Dan said. reported. “Then with Howard Edwards’ help, leader Gary Fregien’s group had excellent off-refuge we found Burrowing , followed Mather Lake (5/29) – A significant increase views of the large nesting colony of Common by Swainson’s Hawks, juvenile Black-necked in the number of Yellow-headed Blackbirds Murres, along with Pigeon Guillemots, Stilts, and many Cattle, Great and Snowy over the whole lake compared to last year Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorants, and Egrets and Black-crowned Night- at was noted, possibly because of the higher Western Gulls. The group also had a pair of the rookery on Road 103.” water level this season, leader Wayne Blunk Rock Wrens at the point, reported by veteran said. Numerous Great-tailed Grackles, were Marin birder Rich Stallcup who was met with Evening Beaver Walk (6/10) – Although noted, along with nesting Western Kingbirds his group along the path. The Sacramento Beavers are about four feet long and weigh with fledglings and fledged Western group’s 33 sightings also included Osprey 35 pounds, they don’t appear overly large Bluebirds. At least two calling American and male Northern Harrier (at the same when swimming. But when leader Jack Bitterns were heard. Cliff, Barn, Tree and time), and two fledgling Great-horned Owls Hiehle pointed out a Beaver on shore, he Rough-winged Swallows were observed. on a pine limb, again pointed out by Stallcup, showed his group that it is about the size of and male Rufous , both at the a medium-sized dog. At least three others Crystal Basin (5/28) – ”Fifteen birders Fish Docks. were observed swimming. Bird sightings enjoyed good weather and many resi- included Ash-throated Flycatcher, Tree and dent and migratory birds,” leader Coloma, Starza Ranch (5/15) – Bird of the Rough-winged Swallows, Green and Frank Gray reported. “Highlights day at this new area was a beau- an off-course House Sparrow. included White-headed and tiful male Lazuli Bunting singing in Hairy woodpeckers, Calliope the sun, said Valerie Phillips, co-lead- Upper Sunrise, American River Parkway , Lazuli er with Dan Tankersley. Other highlights (6/5) – Mark Martucci reported: “Our Buntings, and excellent were a Pacific-Slope Flycatcher, Ash- group of eight birders had perfect weath- views of Mountain Quail. throated Flycatcher, Black-throated Gray er while recording 41 species. We had and Orange-crowned Warblers, Western great views of nesting Great Blue Herons, Sailor Bar, American Tanager, several Bullock’s Orioles, Western Bluebirds, Cliff Swallows and Black River Parkway (5/27) Chipping and Lark Sparrows, Black-head- Phoebes. Included in our walk were a male Leader Jack Hiehle’s ed Grosbeaks, Violet-green Swallows, and female Bullock’s Oriole, a female Black- group saw nesting and male and female California Quail. headed Grosbeak, and we heard a Green Western Kingbird and Wildflowers included Chinese Houses and Heron calling as it flew above us. Mourning Dove, Wood , Ash-throated Lupines. The site is off State Highway Bodega Bay (6/4) – Leader Dan Brown Flycatcher, Wild 49, four miles northwest of Marshall Gold reported: “Best sighting of the day was an Kirsten Munson Turkey, and Cowbird. Discovery State Historic Park at Coloma. Osprey catching a huge ocean perch of Also Bullfrog and Paradise Beach (5/13) – This American some kind right in front of us at the Tides Slider Turtle. A rattlesnake was heard. River site yielded Black-crowned Night- snack bar deck. The fish was so big the Heron, numerous Green Herons, Black- Osprey could barely get out of the water Purple Martins in Old Sacramento (5/25) chinned Hummingbird, Common Goldeneye, with it. We were able to scope the Osprey Purple Martins and White-throated Swifts Wood Duck and Wilson’s Warbler, leader from about 200 feet. As we watched the were wonderful as always, leader Maureen Jack Hiehle reported. Osprey tearing the fish apart, a very brave Geiger reported. “We also saw Red-shoul- adult Western Gull began to attack it. The dered Hawks, Cliff and Tree Swallows and Beeks Bight, Folsom Lake (5/8) – Leader gull pulled at the Osprey’s tail a few times American White .” Tim Fitzer’s trip was rained out. and jumped on top of it at least once. At Goethe Park (5/22) – Leader Cathie Lazier Sweetwater Creek (5/7) – Birders record- one point, the gull and the Osprey were reported, “Our morning walk included looks ed Yellow-breasted Chat, Black-headed perched on the same rock together. The gull at Bushtits nest-building, many House Grosbeak, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western was actually eating the fish right out from Wrens, some feeding young, and Western Wood-Pewee, Song Sparrow, Wrentit, under the Osprey. The Osprey finally flew off Bluebirds, Tree Swallows and Ash-throated Western Tanager, a Wild Turkey chick, and with the gull in hot pursuit. I guess the two Flycatchers at nest holes. Clusters of cat- a pair of Hutton’s Vireos on a nest, leader of them had eaten enough of the fish that it erpillars were on the pipevine and clouds Richard Barbieri reported. was light enough for the Osprey to flee.” of Painted Lady butterflies were feeding on Spenceville Wildlife Area (5/1) – Leader As the two birds left the scene, a winter winter vetch.” Richard Barbieri’s group recorded Wilson’s plumage Red-throated swam up to Tall Forest, Cosumnes River Preserve Snipes winnowing over fields, Whimbrel, the shore in front of the group, walked out (5/21) – With the river too high to get into Yellow-breasted Chat, Lewis’s Woodpecker, of the water, plopped down 30 feet away the forest, leader John Trochet said about Continued on page 7

Page 2 JULY-AUGUST 2005 Field Trips Field Trip Information For questions regarding the trip or checking the status of the trip in case of unfavorable weather conditions, please call the trip leader first. If he/she cannot be reached, call the scheduler Dan Brown, 362-2458, e-mail: [email protected], for trips through July 31. Call the scheduler Chris Conard, 362-5942, e-mail: [email protected], for trips August 5 through September 4. For trips from September 10 call the scheduler Mark Cudney, 987-2422. Plan to pool cars and share gas expenses with the driver. Walkie-talkies can be helpful on non-local trips. Groups must make prior arrangements with the trip leader. Stephen D’Amato

Saturday, July 2, 6:30am Saturday, July 9 Saturday, July 16, Sunrise Martis Valley and Vicinity Cosumnes River Preserve Tall Forest, Cosumnes River Preserve Leader: Chris Conard, 362-5942 River Walk Bird Count Leader: John Schick e-mail: [email protected] Leader: John Schick Cosumnes River Preserve Martis Valley near Truckee is a mix of the Cosumnes River Preserve Info: 684-2816 ext. 5 Sierra and the Great Basin. We’ll explore Info: 684-2816, ext. 5 or www.cosumnes.org sagebrush flats, open water, coniferous and or www.cosumnes.org John makes a monthly census of this spec- riparian forests in search of the area’s breed- John conducts bird census walks through tacular forested area on the Cosumnes River ing bird species. Meet at the Park and Ride this excellent habitat on a monthly basis. Preserve. A variety of birds and mammals of the Hwy 80 Horseshoe Bar Rd exit in The walk covers about four miles and, at can be expected on this morning walk.. Loomis. Bring water and lunch and be pre- a leisurely pace, should take approximately From Sacramento, take I-5 south, exit on pared for several short to moderate walks. five hours, so be sure to bring a lunch and Twin Cities Road, go east to Bruceville Rd, liquids. Meet John at the visitor center. To then south to Desmond Rd. Meet John at Wednesday, July 6 get there, take I-5 south to Twin Cities, and the Farm Center gate, at the intersection Evening Beaver Walk go right on Franklin Blvd. for about 1 mile. of Desmond and Bruceville Roads. Please American River Parkway Please call the Preserve or check the website call the Cosumnes River Preserve number Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777 a few days prior for the meeting time and or check the website (refer to the schedules Jack will lead us on an evening walk along location. section) a few days prior to confirm the the American River, looking for beavers and meeting time and location. In the past, the muskrats. This trip is limited to 8 partici- Sunday, July 10 trip has been canceled due to floods pants, with a minimum age of 7 years. Call Farralon Islands Boat Trip Sunday, July 17, 7am Jack ahead of time to arrange meeting time Check the front page of last month’s and place. Observer for details and page 7 of this Vic Fazio Yolo Wildlife Area Observer for added information. Call Jeff Leaders: Tim Fitzer, 961-5871 Saturday, July 9, 9am Mangum, 988-2802 to sign up. Dan Brown, 362-2458 Mt Judah & Roller Pass Join Tim and Dan for an early morning Sierran Wildflowers and Birds Thursday, July 14, 6:45pm tour of the wildlife area. This should be a Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777 Bats at the Vic Fazio Yolo Wildlife Area great time for the resident nesting birds of Join Jack and members of the California Contact: Maureen Geiger, 444-0804 the area and maybe some early shorebird Native Plant Society on this hike in the Email: [email protected] migrants. From Sacramento, take I-80 west, Donner Summit area. He will point out then take the first exit at the west end of Take this rare opportunity to view thou- all of the flora and fauna of the area, with the Yolo Causeway. Turn right at the stop sands of bats emerging from the Yolo plants as his specialty. This is a fairly strenu- sign, go under the freeway, take a left onto Causeway at dusk. Fish and Game staff will ous hike at high elevation, with a 1000 the levee road, and down into the first park- lead you to a portion of the wildlife area ft-plus elevation gain on the 4 1/2 to 5 ing lot on your left in the Wildlife Area. normally closed to the public. Wading birds mile round trip. Meet Jack at the trailhead and owls are also an excellent possibility. to start the hike at 9am sharp. To reach Tuesday, July 19 The number of participants is limited, so the trailhead take I-80 east to the Soda contact Maureen for details and to reserve Evening Beaver walk Springs exit, then take the main road to the a space. Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777 Summit, then follow the road to the right Jack will lead us on an evening walk along for about 1/4 mile. Bring lunch, water, and the American River, looking for beavers and clothes appropriate for changeable weather. muskrats. This trip is limited to 8 partici- pants, with a minimum age of 7 years. Call JULY-AUGUST 2005 Page 3 Jack ahead of time to arrange meeting time the west end of the Yolo Causeway. Turn The River Walk Trail (formerly Willow and place. right at the stop sign, go under the freeway, Slough) offers a wide variety of habitat take a left onto the levee road, and down types with excellent opportunities for find Saturday, July 23 into the first parking lot on your left in the ing birds. You can join John on his monthly Carson Pass Wildlife Area. census of the trail, where many rarities have Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777 been found. This is an excellent time of year for migrant songbirds. Call the number This trip is limited to 10 participants to Friday, August 5 listed above for the exact time and location. help preserve the habitat in this high foot Evening Beaver Walk Bring water, a snack, insect repellant and traffic area. Join Jack on this high eleva- Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777 be prepared for 4 miles of easy to moderate tion, 4 to 5 mile hike in search of Clark’s Join Jack on this evening search for beavers walking. Nutcracker, Rufous Hummingbird, Green- and other wildlife. Nobody knows more tailed Towhee and with luck Blue Grouse about the flora and fauna of the American Saturday, August 13, 6am and Gray-crowned Rosy Finch. At peak River Parkway. The trip is limited to 8 wildflower time, there are fields of flowers people, with a minimum age of 7 years. Yuba Pass and Sierra Valley in dazzling variety. Call Jack for reserva- Call ahead to reserve a place and arrange Leader: Chris Conard, 362-5942 tions, meeting time and place. Bring lunch the time and meeting location. e-mail: [email protected] and liquids, wear sturdy shoes and be pre- Get out of the Valley heat for a chance to pared for changeable Sierra weather. Saturday, August 6, 6:15am see good numbers of montane birds. Yuba Alpine County Pass is an excellent area to find several Sunday, July 24, 8am Leader: Bill Hart species of woodpeckers, along with other Mather Field Park For details call 362-5942 surprises. Sierra Valley should have ample Leader: Wayne Blunk, 876-0457 e-mail: [email protected] water to make for a good mid-day tour. Mather Lake and its surrounding grasslands Be prepared for easy to moderate hiking Bill lives in Markleeville and knows this at mid-elevation. Bring water and a lunch. host a wide variety of birds. Wayne knows area well. Expect to see resident montane this area well. This is a good trip for begin- From Hwy 80 we’ll meet at the Park and species, migrating songbirds, humming- Ride off Horseshoe Bar Rd exit in Loomis. ners and enjoyable for all. Meet in the birds, and perhaps a few sur- parking lot of Mather Regional Park at the prises. We will carpool Sunday, August 14, 7am corner of Douglas Road and Eagle’s Nest from the north end of Shorebirds of the Road. There is a parking fee. the Raley’s Shopping Center parking Sacramento Valley Saturday, July 30, 7am lot on El Dorado Leader: Steve Abbott, Loney Meadow Hills Blvd on the 225-0564 Leader: Scott Hoppe, 652-5409 north side of Hwy e-mail: [email protected] Come join Scott for this late July trip. 50. Plan to meet Loney Meadows is a beautiful mountain Bill at 8:15 at the August is a great time meadow north of Grouse Ridge near Woodfords store off to view shorebirds in the Bowman Lake at about 6000 foot elevation. of Hwy 88 just east Sacramento Valley on migra- of Hwy 89. tion from their Arctic breeding The area can have some excellent birding. Stephen D’Amato Scott has seen 7 species of woodpecker grounds. Since ideal conditions there including Pileated and Williamson’s Sunday, August 7 change depending on water levels, Sapsucker; also Townsend’s Solitaire, 7am – 11am Steve will take you to the local areas with Calliope Hummingbird, Willow Flycatcher Upper Sunrise, the best shorebird habitat. This may be in and 7 species of warbler. Meet Scott at the American River Parkway Yolo, Placer, or Sacramento County–or all Park and Ride on Horseshoe Bar Road in Leader: Mark Martucci, 722-6098 three. This is a good chance to brush up Loomis at 7am. The meadow is about an on the common species and possibly find Mark will lead you on a morning walk something unexpected. If you have a spot- hour’s drive from there. Bring water and to one of his favorite spots along the lunch or a snack. ting scope, bring it, along with water and a American River Parkway. You will see a snack. Meet at the Park and Ride off I-80 nice variety of resident birds and maybe a in West Sacramento. From Sacramento, Sunday, July 31, 5:30pm few early fall migrants. From Highway 50, take the West Capitol Ave exit. Turn left, Vic Fazio Yolo Wildlife Area drive north on Sunrise Blvd., turn left on and the Park and Ride will be on your Leader: Maureen Geiger, 444-0804 Fair Oaks Blvd., and take the first left on immediate left. Email: [email protected] Pennsylvania. There is a $4 per car entrance fee. This is a good trip for beginners. Join Maureen for this popular sunset tour Friday, August 19 of the wildlife area and witness the spectacle Evening Beaver Walk Saturday, August 13, Daybreak of White-fronted Ibis flocks coming in to Leader: Jack Hiehle, 967-0777 roost. This is also a great time of year for River Walk Trail, resident birds, shorebirds and other early Cosumnes River Preserve See August 5 trip for details. migrants. As the sun goes down, foraging Leader: John Schick owls are a possibility. From Sacramento, Cosumnes River Preserve take I-80 west, then take the first exit at Info: 684-2816 ext. 5 Page 4 JULY-AUGUST 2005 Saturday, August 20, Daybreak Tall Forest, Cosumnes River Preserve Bobelaine Leader: John Trochet Info: 684-2816 ext. 5 The Tall Forest is perhaps the best remain- THANK YOU FOR YOUR DIRECT DONATIONS ing example of riparian forest in the Central Valley. John has found excellent rarities, in Thank you so much to the following for their direct donations in support of our addition to large numbers of migrants and Sacramento Audubon general fund and Bobelaine Sanctuary: Donna Dickey, resident species. This is an excellent time of Marilyn Lewis, Charles Conway, Kevin McRae, Gregory and Mernie Brott, and year to see migrant songbirds. John’s tours Charles Finley. are the only regular public access to the Tall A large thanks also goes out to RBS Public Policy Strategy and Sergeant Major Forest. Call the number listed above for Associates, Inc. for their generous contribution of $1,000 towards a tabletop kiosk the exact time and location. Bring water, a snack, insect repellant and be prepared for for public education events. 4-5 miles of moderate hiking.

Saturday, August 20, 6:15am BOBELAINE NEWS Lake Tahoe Leader: Nancy Bittner, (530) 525-7373 Bobelaine Birdathon–I want to thank those who spent a day birding for the For carpool info: 362-5942 Birdathon and then spent the necessary time and effort collecting pledged mon- e-mail: [email protected] ies, as well as those who sent direct donations. Money raised will be used to maintain Bobelaine Sanctuary for the next fiscal year. Join Nancy as she explores her favorite places to find birds around Lake Tahoe. General News–Minor flood water this spring caused some additional work clean- Enjoy a full day in the forest and along the ing debris off the main entrance trail.However at the present time all trails are lakeshore. Bring water and a lunch. We will open and mowed. Be sure to schedule your trip to the sanctuary early in the day carpool from the north end of the Raley’s this summer as the heat tends to slow down the birds as well as the birders . Shopping Center parking lot on El Dorado Bill Clark, Co-Manager Hills Blvd on the north side of Hwy 50. 916-783-8305 The trip will begin at the Tahoe Keys at 8:15am. For Tahoe directions and details, call Nancy. Park and Ride will be on your immediate Saturday, September 3, 6:30am left. Point Reyes Sunday, August 21, 7am Leader: Chris Conard, 362-5942 Bobelaine Sanctuary Walk Sunday, August 28, 7am-10:30am e-mail: [email protected] Leader: Brian Gilmore, 451-9146 Migration at the SRCSD Bufferlands This is a great time of year for migrating e-mail: [email protected] Leader: Chris Conard, 362-5942 shorebirds and songbirds. Rarities are always Join Brian on this early morning hike e-mail: [email protected] possible. Be prepared for a full day with through the riparian habitat of Bobelaine August mornings are a good time to view moderate hiking, and changeable weather. Sanctuary. Be prepared for a walk of two to migrating songbirds–especially warblers and Bring water and a lunch. Meet at the Park three miles. Expect resident species along flycatchers. We will tour several sites that and Ride off I-80 in West Sacramento. with a good chance for an influx of early have produced good numbers of migrants From Sacramento, take the West Capitol fall migrants. Bring water and snacks. Take in past years. From Sacramento, take I-5 Ave exit. Turn left, and the Park and Ride I-5 north to Hwy 99 toward Yuba City. south. Take the Meadowview/Pocket exit will be on your immediate left. Two miles after 99 crosses the Feather and turn left (east). Turn south on Freeport River, turn right on Laurel Ave. Follow it to Blvd. Just before the town of Freeport, turn Sunday, September 4, 5:30pm the end and meet at the parking area. left on Stonecrest and follow it over the Yolo Basin Wildlife Area, Evening freeway to a locked gate. Leaders: Maureen Geiger, 444-0804 Saturday, August 27, 7:30am Cathie LaZier, 457-6882 Bodega Bay e-mail: [email protected] and Leader: Andi Salmi, 691-7216 [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Maureen and Cathie hope to see good Join Andi for a full day of birding, explor- numbers of White-faced Ibis flocks coming ing the many habitats around Bodega Bay. in to roost. There should be several species Plan to see many waterfowl, shorebirds, of wading birds, and if water conditions gulls, raptors, and migrating songbirds. warrant, this is a great time of year for Bring lunch, water, and warm clothes. shorebirds. Foraging owls sometimes make Meet at the Park and Ride off I-80 in West an appearance in the late evening. From Sacramento. From Sacramento, take the Sacramento, take I-80 west, and take the West Capitol Ave exit. Turn left, and the Kirsten Munson first exit (Exit 78) at the west end of the Continued on page 6 JULY-AUGUST 2005 Page 5 Yolo Causeway. Turn right at the stop sign, should be blooming; California Buckeye go under the freeway, make a left onto the Butterflies are active, the kites and Red- Sacramento Audubon levee, and drop down into the wildlife area. Shouldered Hawks are usually highly vis- The trip will begin at the first parking lot ible. The smaller passerine birds are active Needs YOUR Help! (on your left) at the beginning of the auto in the cool of the morning too, and early tour. migrants are always a possibility. There is Frequently, SAS is in need of volunteers to a $4 per car park entrance fee. If you want help spread the word about birds, conserva- Wednesday, September 10, 9:30am to carpool in, meet Cathie at 7:15 on Rod tion and wildlife care. These environmental Sonoma – Mendocino Birding Beaudry Drive just off Folsom Blvd. This advocates are needed to attend meetings, Healdsburg Vaux’s Swifts walk will end before noon, and is a good staff an information table at community Leader: Ron Storey (707) 762-5276 trip for beginners. events, help organize White Elephant sales e-mail: [email protected] and our wonderful pelagic trips to Monterey Come and bird the vineyards of Sonoma Saturday, September 17, 7:30am Bay and the Farallons, and for a variety of and Mendocino Counties with Ron and Reichmuth Park other situations. Phyllis Storey. Last year Ron arranged a Leader: Tim Manolis 485-9009 Many volunteer needs are one-time; others tour of the organic gardens at Join Tim at the park entrance on Gloria would best be served by a commitment of Fetzer Winery in Hopland. Drive and 43rd Avenue. In the past Tim one meeting a month for a certain time There we were able to has found many uncommon birds in period. In addition to the volunteers, SAS eat our way through Reichmuth Park. He’ll be looking really needs a volunteer coordinator, some- the garden, sampling for fall migrants, warblers, vireos, one who could spend some energy organiz- various varieties of and flycatchers. This is good ing the current volunteers and helping sign tomatoes, apples and chance to work on identifying up others. Each volunteer could decide how figs. We sampled birds in confusing fall plum- much time to offer and which situations many herbs, includ- age, and Tim has the exper- would be of the most personal interest. ing garlic, chives and tise to do it. The need for increased exposure to Audubon fresh basil. and other conservation issues in and We will end the day Saturday-Sunday around Sacramento has never been greater. late, near dark in September 24, and 25, Come and help. Contact Maureen Geiger, Healdsburg to watch the Monterey Bay Coastal 444-0804, or any of the other SAS Board Vaux’s Swifts stage and and Pelagic Trip members if you are interested. descend into a chimney as Two-day Monterey Trip if a huge vacuum was sucking Reservations: Daniel Kilby them in. Last year we watched as Jeff Mangum many as a thousand Swifts descend (916) 988-2802 Did You Hear? into the chimney in a five-minute period. Leader: Mark Cudney (916) 987-2422 This is an event that happens every year in National Audubon Society, BirdLife Healdsburg and an event you should experi- Please see the front page of this month’s International, and other conservation- ence at least once. It is a party atmosphere Observer for details. ists around the globe announced in with many people bringing picnic suppers Saturday: The best pelagic birding in North April that the Ivory-billed Woodpecker and lawn chairs. America - Monterey Bay. has been found in eastern Arkansas! Bring a lunch, or plan on joining Ron and Sunday: Visit several Monterey Peninsula The last accepted sightings of an Ivory- Phyllis who will be eating at one of the delis and adjacent area hot spots for land and billed Woodpecker were in Cuba in along the way. This is a full day of birding shore birds. 1987 and 1988, and the last fully that will prove to be a delight for all who documented United States sighting Please note that by popular demand the occurred in Louisiana in 1944. While attend. Plan to carpool with friends as it is ocean trip will occur on Saturday. a long driving day. Meet Ron and Phyllis at there have been a number of reports of 9:30am in Shollenberger Park in Petaluma possible Ivory-billed Woodpecker sight- (about 1-1/2 hours from Sacramento). ings since then, none have been con- firmed prior to April’s announcement. Directions to Shollenberger Park are on the Mission Statement More information, photos, and video website at www.petalumawetlandspark.org Sacramento Audubon Society or phone Ron. can be found at these two web sites. As a Chapter of the National Cornell Lab of Ornithology Audubon Society, we will focus on Sunday, September 11, 7:30am http://birds.cornell.edu/ivory/ conservation and environmental edu- Goethe Park Morning Walk cation to ensure that the Sacramento The Nature Conservancy Leader: Cathie LaZier, 457-6882 region’s natural ecosystems and http://www.ivorybill.org/ e-mail: [email protected] diverse bird populations are pre- This is such an extraordinary event in Join Cathie for a morning walk in the park- served, restored, and made available light of the general trend of conserva- way while it is still cool. Even at this time for study and enjoyment. tion efforts that you may want to con- of year there are some interesting things sider the donation information also. along the river. Vinegar weed and tarweeds

Page 6 JULY-AUGUST 2005 Continued from page 2 Seasonal Observations Field Trip Findings continued from page 8 Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Kingbirds, for Wayne in his many visits here. Since its Additional highlights include a male Red- Yellow and Orange-crowned Warblers, significance wasn’t noted until later, it wasn’t breasted Merganser* from Comanche Lawrence’s, Lesser and American Goldfinches, identified as to species. Reservoir on 4/22, Pine Siskins reports Wood Ducks, Loggerhead Shrike, Rock Wren into late May, an early Yellow-billed Cuckoo Bufferlands Big Day (4/23) – Despite rain report on 5/3 from Shanghai Bend along and Western Grebe. and wind, 22 participants recorded 101 spe- the Feather River near Yuba City, and a Rayhouse Road, West Yolo County (4/30) cies on the Sacramento Regional County Greater Roadrunner* seen heading north The group found Mountain Quail, which lead- Sanitation District Bufferlands Big Day. of the Sutter Buttes on 4/9. A roadrunner er Dan Brown said may be a very good sight- Leader Chris Conard said that over the past was seen later the same day at Greylodge Wildlife Area! This is only the second road- ing for this area, along with Sage Sparrow and four years, SRCSD Big Days have counted runner record for Sutter County. Mountain California Thrasher. Wildflowers were in good a total of 137 species, with a high of 111 Quail, Sage Sparrows, and Black-chinned form, especially Chinese Houses and Yellow in 2002. This year’s tally included two male Sparrow* were reported from Rd 41/ Globe Lily. Blue-winged Teals, good views of Virginia Sand Creek Road near the Yolo/Colusa Phoenix Field (4/25) – Jack Hiehle more , heard-only Sora, Semipalmated Plover County border. At Sweetwater Creek east (12), Wilson’s Warbler (7), Western Tanager, of Folsom Lake, a Steller’s Jay and Hairy or less led two field trips to the vernal pools Woodpecker were reported on 4/30. The White-throated Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak (4), in Fair Oaks. He led the first in person from Hairy Woodpecker was seen at a nest on 8am to 11am. After he got home he received and Great-tailed Grackle (3). 4/26. Perhaps the same Common Black- a cell-phone call from several late arrivals at Snipes Pershing Ravine (4/16) – Warblers Hawk** that spent the winter in Stockton Phoenix Field who had misread the hours of were plentiful, including Orange-crowned, was seen by many in Sonoma County in the the trip in the Observer. No, problem, they Townsend’s, Black-throated Gray, and latter half of May. On 5/1, the observation of a male Allen’s Hummingbird* displaying described the flowers they saw and Jack Wilson’s, leader Richard Barbieri report- to a female Black-chinned was topped by a identified checkerblooom, among others, and ed. Also, Western Bluebirds, Ash-throated very vocal Mountain Lion seen crossing the directed them to the downingia. Jack, who Flycatchers, and a great look at a perched access road north of the Tall Forest at CRP. knows the plants like the back of his hand, Cooper’s Hawk. Documentation of species listed with an allows that it was the first time he had ever Pine Hill Preserve, Cameron Park Unit (4/16) asterisk (*) seen in the Sacramento area “phoned in” a field trip. – Highlights included stunning views of a sing- should be submitted to the Sacramento Bird Records Committee. Species with a double Mather Lake (4/24) – Spring migrants ing Sage Sparrow, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, asterisk (**) are on the California Review included Wilson’s Warblers, Warbling Vireos, and California Thrashers, leader Chris Conard List. Orange-crowned Warblers and Western reported. “As the group was departing, we Thanks to the following for their reports (the Wood-Pewees, leader Wayne Blunk said. observed a male Calliope Hummingbird for- majority were taken from http://groups. Great-tailed Grackles were present in large age and groom. Nothing, however, topped yahoo.com/group/central_valley_birds/ numbers, nest-building along with Western close views of a Coast Horned Lizard. On a and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sac- Bluebirds and Yellow-headed Blackbirds. Five scouting trip on 4/11, a Common Poorwill ramento_birds/) : Roger Adamson, Steve Abbott, Peter Armstrong, Vicki Boffin, Lola to six Black-headed Grosbeaks were also flew up from my feet along the trail.” Brocksen, Dan Brown, Ken Burton, Brent noted. A swan was an unusual sighting, a first Pete Hayes Campos, Mary Chambers, Janice Clark, Daryl Coldren, Bruce Deuel, Mike Eaton, Andrew Engilis, Gil Ewing, Rob Fowler, Neil Quiz on Birds Ganju, Maureen Geiger, Brian Gilmore, Steve Glover, Ed Greaves, Kevin Guse, Richard Seen in California Hall, David Hamilton, Denise Hamilton, Steve Farallon Islands By an Old Coot named Jack Hiehle Hampton, Ed Harper, Ray Hasey, Waldo (Jack’s description) Holt, Marcel Holyoak, Dave Johnson, Jon Boat Trip Katz, Deby Keller, Mary Kiernan, Jon King, 1. What bird has the longest bill? Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Laura Look, Sunday, July 10 2. What four bird species have wing spans Calvin Lou, John Luther, Ron Melcer, Martin less than the length of the bird? Meyers, Sharon Minnick, Kurt Mize, Barbara As of press time there are still sev- Mohr, Joseph Morlan, Frances Oliver, Ed 3. What is the smallest bird in length, wing eral openings for this great trip. Jeff Pandolfino, Jim Pearce, Anne Pellegrini, Mangum leads the trip out of Sau- span and weight? June Persson, Ryan Phillips, Don Roberson, salito aboard the “Salty Lady” and 4. Which bird stands the tallest? Terry Ronneberg, Steve Rovell, Jim Rowoth, Jennifer Rycenga, Mary Schiedt, Don Answers heads for the Point Reyes-Farallon Schmoldt, John Sterling, Michele Swartout, Islands National Marine Sanctuary. (length, wing span and weight as Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, Heath If you’re interested in marine mam- compiled by Sibley) Wakelee, Charley Walker, Sally Walters, Judy mals, pellagic birds and an exciting 1. White (and certainly the largest) Whitcombe, Chad Witco, Alan Wight, and Brian Williams. day give Jeff a call to reserve your 2. Western Grebe, Clark’s Grebe , Greater space. Roadrunner, and Ring-necked Pheasant. Chris Conard Jeff Mangum, (916) 988-2802 3. Calliope Hummingbird 4. Greater Sandhill Crane

JULY-AUGUST 2005 Page 7 Sacramento Audubon Society Nonprofi t Org. Seasonal PO Box 160694 US Postage PAID Observations Sacramento, CA 95816-0694 Permit #2310 Sacramento, CA April 1 to May 31 Rare and Unusual Bird Reports 783-2331 Spring for many is the highlight of the birding year. Birds are in their best looking plumage and many are singing, territorial, and rela- tively easy to observe. And then there are the truly outstanding encounters. Just such a find was of a Cassin’s Sparrow** along Latrobe Rd in eastern Sacramento County. This species typically requires observers to visit southeastern Arizona, Texas, or a few of the short-grass prairie states. Many were able to see this bird as it skylarked and sang over our local prairie from 5/21 to at least 5/30. While the bird has fairly drab plum- age, it has a beautiful song. This was the first record for the Central Valley, and only the fourth for mainland Northern California (it has also occurred on Southeast Farallon Island). In addition to the flow of regular Western migrants, which in itself is a pleasure to watch and hear, a Plumbeous Vireo* was reported from the UC Davis Campus Reserve on 4/22. Other vagrant songbirds came in the form of a Northern Parula* from the Tall Forest of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 5/30 and a Tennessee Warbler* that was briefly stunned by a collision with a window of a Rocklin residence on 5/16. The latter of the pavement coming from Ione Rd. On same location on 4/8, with another Willet bird was photographed before it recovered 5/24, a Common Nighthawk* was seen reported on 4/27. A Baird’s Sandpiper was and flew away on its off course migration. and heard along Meiss Rd about three miles a rare spring find from the Woodland WWTP An Indigo Bunting* was reported from the from Dillard Rd. Many were able to observe on 4/28. Nearly 200 Black were seen Sutter Bypass south of Yuba City on 5/21. up to four of this locally rare species among at this location in late April and early May. the expected Lesser Nighthawks well into Over 100 Marbled Godwits were reported The Cassin’s Sparrow led directly or indi- June. near Galt on 4/26. A similar number were rectly to many other reports from eastern seen near the Davis WWTP on 4/23. Three Sacramento County. Nearby on Michigan Bar In the shorebird department, a Snowy Plover* seen at CRP along Desmond Rd on Pacific Golden-Plovers* were reported from Rd, a Brewer’s Sparrow* was intermittently the Woodland WWTP on 4/1. Two nearing reported from 5/22 to 5/28. Along Meiss 4/3 showed the russet crown characteris- tic of the Old World races. Another Snowy breeding condition were reported from the Rd, Grasshopper Sparrows were regularly same location on 4/27. reported about one mile west of the end Plover* and a Willet were reported from the Other highlights include Gray Flycatcher reports from the Wood Duck Ponds south of West Sacramento on 4/23, Bobelaine on Sacramento Audubon Society Information 4/24, Dry Creek in southern Placer County on 4/26, and the Putah Creek Sinks on Correspondence: P.O. Box 160694, Sacramento, CA 95816-0694 5/2. Hammond’s and Dusky Flycatchers Internet Address: www.sacramentoaudubon.org were reported from multiple locations, as Membership/Subscriptions: Jan Clark, (916) 783-8305 were Olive-sided Flycatchers. The latter was Seasonal Observations: Chris Conard, 2405 Rio Bravo Circle, especially conspicuous along the American River Parkway through May. Grasshopper Sacramento, CA 95826 Sparrows were reported from several (916) 362-5942 grassland locations in Yolo County, as were e-mail preferred: [email protected] two singing birds from Stone Lakes NWR. Editor: Sharon Wisecarver, (916) 399-1660, e-mail: [email protected] Common Ravens were found with three nestlings at the Valensin portion of CRP. A Copy deadline is the 15th of the month. Send all copy to the Editor. Observations pair also lingered late in the period at Stone must reach the Seasonal Observations Editor by the 8th of the month. Lakes. A Least Bittern from CRP on 5/11 was the only report of the species for the The Observer is published monthly January through December, except June and season. August, by the Sacramento Audubon Society. Observations continued on page 7

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