THE

Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society Established 1926 AVOCET The Newsletter of the Audubon Society March-April 2019

Birdathon is On! Are You Ready? by Chuq Von Rospach, Birdathon Committee Chair s we approach Spring Migration, our thoughts turn to Spring Birdathon - our annual fundraising event that Akicks off Saturday, March 30th and runs through May 5th. This is the most fun you will ever have fundraising, and your contributions help fund our education programs through- out the year. It’s easy to get involved: if you want to learn more about birds

and birding in Santa Clara County, you can join one of the or- Rospach by Chuq Von ganized groups and go out with experienced leaders who will share their knowledge with you during the outing. If you want to support the fundraiser without joining a group, set yourself as a solo participant and go out and bird and report in your results. Have a group of friends you want to bird with? Set up your own team and have a good time while helping Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society fund its ongoing projects. Ready to sign up? Just go to scvas.org/birdathon to fnd dates and team descriptions, and register as a participant or create your own team. Then, all you need to do is fnd sponsors and from Birdathon 2018 Wren Rock go birding! There are events for all levels of birders, from brand new, enthusiastic learners to our most experienced people. For those just starting out, consider one of our big sits, where we fnd a good place to hang out and wait for the birds to come to us. Like bird photography? Join a photography team! cont’d on page 4 Key Birdathon Dates • March 30, 2019: Kick-off Dinner We’ll start off with a catered dinner and some friendly competitive birding. • March 31-May 5: Competition Window Pick a team or start your own! Get out and bird! • June 1: Awards Dinner Time to recognize the biggest fundraisers and best birders, and hand out a few prizes.

Monthly Speaker Series

Wed. 3/20 with Bruce Lyon - "Reconsider the Coot"

Wed. 4/17 with Norman Kikuchi, M.D. - "Birds of the American West"

The Avocet 1 Carpool if possible; bring binoculars, feld guides, layered clothing. LO = Lunch March-April Field Trips optional; RC = Heavy rain cancels; NF = No facilities available; KF-AA = Kid (Full details are also available online at scvas.org/FieldTrips) friendly, all ages; KF-10+ = 10 years and older; KF-14+ = 14 years and older **Please note: Online registration is required for all feld trips.** Please RSVP by going to scvas.org/FieldTrips, then fnd your trip and follow the easy registration directions. A confrmation email will follow. If you have any questions, please email Eve Meier, the Field Trip Coordinator, at [email protected]. Saturday, March 2; 8:00AM Saturday, March 9; 8:00AM Sunday, March 17; 8:00AM Coyote Point, Almaden Lake (East Side) and Ed Levin County Park (North) San Mateo County Bayside Los Trail Birding with the Board! Half day. Leader: Al Eisner, [days and 3 hours. Leader: Mary Wisnewski, 3 hours. Leader: Bill Walker, (408) voicemail: (650) 926-2018]. Direc- (408) 887-0738. Directions: From 887-4572. Directions: Take Hwy 237 tions: From 101-N, exit at Peninsula Hwy 85 in San Jose take the Almaden east, crossing I-880 and I-680 (237 Ave. Turn right immediately at the “T,” Expwy exit south. In 0.8 miles, turn left becomes Calaveras Rd), turn left on then left at the next “T” (traffc lights at onto Coleman Rd, then make the frst Downing Rd to the park entrance. Meet both), which is Peninsula Ave, and into right onto Winfeld. Free street parking in parking lot on the far, northeast side the park (admission charge). Continue or $6 parking lot fee. Meet near blue of Sandy Wool Lake (near the dog along golf course fence and beyond to bathrooms. Highlights: We’ll look for park). Highlights: Join SCVAS Board end of road. Meet at the parking lot adja- waterfowl and wading birds at the lake member, Bill Walker, to look for park cent to the yacht club. Highlights: Coy- then explore the riparian habitat of the regulars (magpies, eagles, goldfnches), ote Point is a prime San Mateo County creek looking for sparrows, fnches, and and spring activity in Milpitas’ prime birding location, with bayside, marsh, other songbirds. Diffculty: Easy 2-3- birding hotspot. Diffculty: 2-mile walk and landbird areas. This trip should be mile walk on paved bike path. RC over grass and unpaved trails. Trail is good for shorebirds (including “rock- steep in places. Notes: Entrance fee. RC Sunday, March 10; 8:00AM birds” more typical of the ocean coast) Stevens Creek County Park Monday, March 18; 8:30AM and waterfowl (Harlequin Duck is pos- Half day. Leader: Dave Zittin, (408) Oka Ponds sible). Diffculty: Mostly level walk. 515-7104. Directions: From I-280 in (Los Gatos Creek County Park) Notes: Scopes will be very useful. RC Cupertino take Foothill Expwy exit 3 hours. Leader: Dani Christensen, Tuesday, March 5; 9:30AM south and follow Foothill Blvd south (408) 781-5530. Directions: From Hwy Pearson-Arastradero Preserve (becomes Stevens Canyon Rd) for 2.1 17 take the Camden Ave/San Tomas Birding with the Board! miles. Turn left into frst park entrance Expwy exit. Go west on San Tomas, Half day. Leaders: Mike Armer and and meet in Chestnut Picnic Area park- then take Dell Ave. Follow Dell to the John Richardson, (650) 450-1788. ing lot. Diffculty: Moderately strenu- park entrance, on the left. Meet in the Directions: From I-280 take Page Mill ous walk looking for migrants and local parking lot near restrooms. Highlights: Rd west, turn right on Arastradero Rd, breeding birds in a riparian area. Notes: We’ll be walking around Oka Ponds and meet in the parking lot about a Vehicle entry fee required. RC, KF-AA looking and listening for breeding song- half-mile on the right. Highlights: Join birds, waterbirds, and lingering winter- Wednesday, March 13; 8:30AM SCVAS Board members Mike and John ing waterfowl. Diffculty: Easy, fat Calero Creek Trail on this trip to bird grassland and oak walk on gravel or paved trails. Notes: 3 hours. Leader: Eve Meier, (408) 569- woodland habitats. We’ll be on the look- Use county pass or purchase $6 day pass 9391. Directions: From San Jose, take out for raptors, woodpeckers, and win- at parking lot. RC Almaden Expy southeast until it ends at tering sparrows. Diffculty: Moderately Harry Rd. Turn right onto Harry, then Friday, March 22; 1:00PM strenuous hiking. Notes: Limited to 20 make the frst left onto McKean Rd. Backyard Birds at McClellan Ranch participants. RC Travel 1.3 miles to Fortini Rd. Turn left 1.5 hours. Leader: Eve Meier, (408) Wednesday, March 6; 12:00PM onto Fortini Rd toward the Santa Teresa 569-9391. Directions: McClellan Ranch City of Sunnyvale Landfll Hills. At the end of Fortini, turn left onto Preserve is located at 22221 McClellan One hour. Leader: Allen Royer. Con- San Vicente Ave. Parking is on the right. Rd, Cupertino. From 280-S in Mountain tact landfll coordinator, Silviana Ruiz, Highlights: This fat trail runs along the View, take the Foothill Expwy Exit onto with questions at (408) 730-7545. bottom of the Santa Teresa Hills pass- N Foothill Blvd. In 1.3 miles, turn left Directions: Donald M. Somers Water ing through grassland, chaparral, ripar- onto McClellan Blvd. The ranch will be Pollution Control Plant, turn into Bor- ian habitats, and an old orchard. We’ll on your left in 0.4 miles. Highlights: regas and then turn left at the T intersec- look for Rufous-crowned Sparrows, Learn your backyard birds and more at tion. Meet under the pepper tree across Wrentits, returning swallows, and Wood this beginner’s bird walk while we start from the Porta Potty. Diffculty: Bird- Ducks. Diffculty: 2-3-mile walk over by watching the bird feeders then stroll ing geared toward beginners. Notes: possibly muddy/uneven trails. Notes: along a paved trail. Diffculty: 1-2-mile Bring binoculars; loaners available. RC, Closest facilities at Calero County Park walk on paved path. Notes: Binoculars KF-10+ at the Rancho San Vicente entrance. available. RC, KF-10+ Beginners welcome! RC, NF, KF-10+

The Avocet 2 Wednesday, April 3; 12:00PM Sunday, April 14; 8:00AM Field Trips cont’d City of Sunnyvale Landfll Stile Ranch Entrance to Santa Teresa One hour. Leader: Allen Royer. Con- County Park Saturday, March 23; 8:00AM tact landfll coordinator, Silviana Ruiz, Half day. Leader: Mary Wisnewski, Palo Alto Baylands (Photowalk) with questions at (408) 730-7545. See (408) 887-0738. Directions: From Half day. Leader: Chuq Von Rospach, write-up for March 6. RC, KF-10+ Hwy 85 exit Almaden Expwy and fol- low until it dead-ends; turn right onto (408) 221-0797. Directions: From Hwy Saturday, April 6; 8:00AM Harry; go 1 block, go left onto McK- 101 in Palo Alto turn right onto Embar- ean. In 1.3 miles, turn left onto Fortini cadero Rd. At the stop sign (not light), Half day. Leader: Bill Pelletier, (408) Rd. Travel to end of road, turn left, and go left and follow the road to the Duck 644-5583. Directions: From Hwy 101 park at Stile Ranch trailhead. High- Pond (paved lot on the left). Highlights: or I-680 take McKee Rd northeast lights: We’ll climb switchbacks among We’ll look for bird photography oppor- toward hills then left on Toyon Ave, the wildfowers and look for thrash- tunities and interesting species (lots of right on Penitencia Creek Rd, and con- ers, Rufous-crowned Sparrows, and shorebirds and waterfowl migrants). tinue into park. Pass under bridge and spring activity. Diffculty: Trail is steep Diffculty: Some fat land walking but meet at far end of Rustic Lands park- and rocky. Notes: Closest facilities at accessible to all. Notes: Open to pho- ing lot (free). Highlights: Variety of Calero County Park at the Rancho San tographers of all levels and any type of habitats, including chaparral, riparian, Vicente entrance. Bring water. NF, RC camera. Questions about photography? mixed forests, grassland, and rocky ter- Bring them to discuss with the leader rain. Possible Great Horned Owl, Her- Saturday, April 20; 8:00AM and other participants. RC mit Thrush, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Cañada de los Osos Ecological Sunday, March 24; 9:00AM California Thrasher, Acorn Woodpeck- Preserve, Gilroy Charleston Slough ers, raptors. Diffculty: Moderately Half day. Leader: Rick Herder, (408) Half day. Leader: Allen Royer, (408) strenuous 3-mile walk. RC, KF-14+ 930-1029. Directions: Meet for car- pooling at 8:00AM in the parking 288-7768. Directions: From Hwy 101 Wednesday, April 10; 8:30AM lot behind Subway at 6981 Cameron in Mountain View take San Antonio Rd Santa Teresa County Park Blvd, Pacheco Pass Hwy (152 East) north to Terminal Blvd parking area. 3 hours. Leader: Eve Meier, (408) east of Gilroy. Cañada de los Osos is a Meet at entrance nearest San Antonio 569-9391. Directions: Take Hwy 101 Dept. of Fish & Wildlife facility open Rd. Notes: For beginning birders but all or Hwy 85 to the Bernal Rd exit. Con- by invitation only, located at the east are encouraged to attend. RC, KF-10+ tinue on Bernal past the golf course and end of Jamieson Rd. Highlights: Oak uphill, turning left at the entrance. Meet Wednesday, March 27; 12:00PM woodlands, grasslands, wetlands with at Pueblo Picnic Area near bathrooms. McClellan Ranch Preserve possible Tricolored Blackbird colony. Highlights: We’ll explore the upper 2 hours. Leader: Merav Vonshak, (408) Diffculty: Mostly level walk, some grassland areas and rocky hillsides of the 252-3740. Directions: From 280-N creek beds to explore. RC exit on Foothill Blvd, turn left, then Santa Teresa Hills and look for Western left again on McClellan Rd. Meet at Kingbirds, Ash-throated Flycatchers, Saturday, April 27; 9:00AM the bird feeders in front of the SCVAS and Lark Sparrows. Diffculty: 2-mile Charleston Slough Offce. Highlights: Take a walk in dif- walk over possibly muddy/uneven Half day. Leader: Allen Royer, (408) ferent habitats along the preserve look- trails. Notes: Use county pass or pur- 288-7768. See write-up for Mar 24. RC, ing at bugs, snails, salamanders, and chase $6 day pass at frst parking lot. KF-10+ Beginners welcome! RC, KF-10+ other small critters! RC, KF-4+ Sunday, April 28; 9:00AM Saturday, March 30; 8:00AM Friday, April 12; 8:30AM Santa Clara Valley Water District Grant Ranch County Park Coyote Creek Trailhead 1.5 hours. Leaders: Robin Chen and Half day. Leader: Steve Tracey, (408) (Anderson Lake County Park) Eve Meier, (408) 569-9391. Direc- 966-3860. Directions: Take Hwy 130 3 hours. Leader: Dani Christensen, tions: SCVWD is located at 5700 east for ~11 miles from I-680; or take (408) 781-5530. Directions: Take Hwy Almaden Expwy, San Jose. From Hwy Quimby Rd east ~7 miles from Capi- 101-S to Cochrane Exit, turning left 85, take the Almaden Expwy Exit tol Expwy. Meet at Grant Lake park- on Cochrane. After about a mile, turn south. Continue south on Almaden ing area on Mt. Hamilton Rd (Hwy left on Malaguerra Ave and continue Expwy. At the frst light after cross- 130) on the left (coming from San Jose) into Anderson Lake County Park, with ing Blossom Hill, turn left onto Via 0.25 miles past the main park entrance parking lots on the left. Meet in front Monte Dr to enter the SCVWD park- (on the right). Parking here is free but of the Visitor Center. Highlights: We’ll ing lot. Park in visitor parking or other limited, and we’ll do some car shuf- explore the southern part of the mean- unmarked parking, meet in front of the fing with the parking in the main park dering , and look for main building towards the north end if necessary. Highlights: We’ll check Wood Ducks, Common and Hooded of the lot. Highlights: We’ll bird the out Grant Lake and other park locations Mergansers, and listen for breeding pond, if it is full, and Guadalupe River for early migrants and resident birds. songbirds. Diffculty: ~2.5-mile out- in search of ducks, wading birds, and Notes: Entry fee required ($6 or SC and-back walk over a mostly fat trail. song birds. Diffculty: 1-2 miles easy County Park pass) for main park area. Notes: Use county pass or purchase $6 walking. Notes: Beginners welcome! RC day pass at parking lot. RC RC, NF, KF-10+ The Avocet 3 Birdathon cont’d from page 1 How to Get Involved • Join a Guided Team: Pick a team or intensity level Team Categories that interests you and register online for a $50 dona- • Single-participant Teams – Bird on your own time at tion ($15 for participants 18 years or younger). your favorite location! • Form Your Own Team: Grab a friend, choose a date, • 24-hour Teams – Include all outings longer than 4 team name, and location, and head out to record the hours. These often run ten-twelve hours and may birds you see. start in the pre-dawn hours for some owling, and • Go Solo: Don’t want to join a team? Sign up, pay are often built around one-day big days (chasing the your donation, and go out and bird during the event. most species). You can do whatever type of outing you want – it’s • 4-hour Teams – These are shorter events that usually your outing! explore one area of the county. They tend to have a • Sponsor: Want to help SCVAS but can’t get out and slower pace than the 24-hour events and work well bird? Do a feeder watch and donate with the results, for new birders and those hoping to learn the good or just send in a donation to support the organization. birding areas in the county. You can also make pledges based on the results of • Big Sits – These are -hour events where we sit other participants or teams. and let the birds come to us - perfect for new birders, • Encourage Others to Sponsor: Talk to friends, fam- those who can’t do a lot of hiking, or who want to ily, and co-workers about pledging a donation based be social and talk birding while we identify as many on the results of your outing. Many members get species as we can without leaving the sit circle. pledges based on the number of species they see. • 24-hour Photography Teams – Just like the 24-hour teams, a photography team has one day to photo- How to Donate graph as many species as possible for fun and brag- Donate online at scvas.org/birdathon, or send a check to: ging rights. • 4-hour Photography Teams – Just like the 24-hour Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society photography challenge, but shorter, and less intense. 22221 McClellan Road Cupertino, CA 95014 Most important... Don’t forget to submit your results to the Birdathon Coordinator so you can be eligible to win some If sending a check, please write “Birdathon” and your amazing prizes! Prizes are awarded based on the amount team/participant’s name (if applicable) on the memo line. of donations raised, number of species seen, number of species photographed, and so on. For more information Questions? on award categories and prizes, check out the “Rules” and Contact Birdathon Coordinator, Carolyn Knight at “Prizes” tabs at scvas.org/birdathon. [email protected]. Tues. 3/12 & 4/9; 10:00AM Young Audubon Events Calendar Eve Case Bird Discussion Group Meets at the home of Rosalind Roberts: Sat. 4/7; 10:00, 10:30, and 11:00AM Wed. 3/6 & 4/3; 7:30-9:00PM Elephant Seal Walks Bay Area Bird Photographers 100 Kathy Ct, Los Gatos. Call Rosalind with questions at (408)395-6631. Año Nuevo State Park Embarcadero Room, Rinconada Library Topic 3/12: Tanagers Register now for a guided walk to see the 1213 Newell Rd, Palo Alto Topic 4/9: Sharp-shinned & Cooper’s Hawks Elephant Seals! Families with children Topic 3/6: “Southern Arizona Bird ages 7 and older are welcome to attend. Photography & Hotspots” with Tom Ingram Fri. 3/15 & 4/12; 12:00-1:30PM Cost: $5/member; $10/non-member Topic 4/3: “Birding, Island Style” with Nature Journaling Space is limited, details and registration Vayun Tiwari with John Muir Laws at scvas.org/YoungAudubon. See scvas.org/babp for details. McClellan Ranch Preserve, Cupertino Audubon Naturalist Training Sat. 3/9; 10:00AM-1:00PM *Note: New time!!* Free workshops for all ages! No RSVP for High School Students Cavity Nesters Recovery Program Please note: We are sad to announce that Orientation and Training required; please be on time. See calendar at scvas.org for details. due to recent transitions, we are unable to McClellan Ranch Preserve, Cupertino offer Audubon Naturalist Training in the See details on page 5. Sat. 4/27; 10:00AM-3:00PM summer of 2019. We apologize for any Rummage Sale! inconvenience this may have caused and McClellan Ranch Preserve, Cupertino look forward to a new class of Audubon See details on page 12 (back page). Naturalists in 2020!

The Avocet 4 SCVAS Classes & Excursions We are pleased to offer the following classes and excursions to our members and community. For full descriptions and more information, please visit our website at scvas.org or call the Offce at (408) 252-3747. Cavity Nesters Recovery Program - Nest Box Monitor Training Date: Saturday, March 9 Time: 10:00AM-1:00PM Instructor: Mike Azevedo Location: McClellan Ranch Preserve, Cupertino Cost: Free! Register: RSVP online at scvas.org/CNRP. Description: We will start with general information for new nest box monitors. You will learn what’s going on with our local cavity nesters and how you can help stop their decline. After that we will grab a quick lunch (so bring food!) and then walk along the trail at McClellan Ranch and learn how to open nest boxes, identify species, and troubleshoot. This session is open to new monitors and current monitors who would like a refresher. Get Started Birding in Santa Clara Valley Classroom Session: Thursday, March 14 at McClellan Ranch Preserve, Cupertino; 7:00-9:00PM Field Session: Saturday, March 16 at Charleston Slough, Mountain View (meet at the end of Terminal Blvd); 8:00-11:00AM Cost: Free! Register: Find the class on our calendar at scvas.org and RSVP to reserve your spot. Instructor: Mary Wisnewski Description: Are you curious about identifying and observing birds here in the Bay Area? into your local environment with this introductory class and associated feld trip. In our evening class, we’ll cover birding basics - families of common birds, their habitats, how to tell them apart, and how to use binoculars. You’ll learn where to fnd birds in different seasons and tides, and then practice what we learned in a weekend feld trip. Beginner’s Bird and Plant ID Walk Series Date: Sunday, March 24 Time: 9:00AM-12:00PM Instructors: Vicki Silvas-Young (SCVAS) and Arvind Kumar (CNPS) Location: Park - 2305 South White Road, San Jose; meet at the Marina building Cost: Free! $6 parking fee. Register: RSVP via “California Native Plant Society - Santa Clara Valley Chapter” Meetup for directions and details. Description: As spring begins, join us for a beginner’s bird and plant identifcation walk through Lake Cunningham Park, a major destination for waterfowl and migratory birds. Note: Please meet at the Marina building at 9:00AM. The Marina is on the western shore of the lake, next to Raging Waters, at the opposite end of the park from the main entrance on White Road. In Google Maps, search for “Lake Cunningham Marina.” *Co-sponsored by California Native Plant Society, SCVAS, and Open Space Authority* Yuba Pass and Sierra Valley Excursion Date: Saturday-Sunday, June 8-9 Time: 8:00AM - approx. 4:00PM Leader: Dave Zittin Location: Meet at Bassett Station (100 Gold Lake Rd, Sierra City, CA 96125) Cost: $30/member, $50/non-member. *Lodging and meals not provided. It is highly recommended that participants secure lodging immediately. For a partial list of lodging and more information, email [email protected].* Register: Find the excursion on our calendar at scvas.org and register through the form. Description: Come explore one of the Sierra Nevada’s summer birding jewels. On Day 1 we will explore the Yuba Pass area and on Day 2 we will explore Sierra Valley. For a list of potential birds, check the event description at scvas.org. Note: Rain or snow cancels, with refund. Bon Voyage to Kelsey Frey, Education Programs Coordinator Dear Friends, I have very much enjoyed working for SCVAS for the past 2 years, and, of course, getting to know all of you! Thank you for making my job that much more enjoyable, and for all the help I’ve received with our education programs – we really couldn’t have done it without our wonderful volunteers! I started out as a volunteer, and after two days was hired as an intern. Then I became an Education and Outreach Associate, Birdathon Coordinator, and fnally, Education Programs Coordinator. At frst, I was not what you’d call a “birder.” I enjoyed nature, sure, but I didn’t know the difference between a chickadee and a junco. Now, I’m happy to say that I’ve fallen in love with birds. I want to know their names, habits, where they live and sleep… (I’m becoming convinced that “bird watcher” should be changed to “bird stalker.”) I secretly drag my friends out on birding excursions disguised as “nature hikes.” I’ve even earned the nickname “birdbrain” in one friend group (not sure if this is a compliment or something I should fnd offense from; although after reading The Genius of Birds I’m convinced it’s the former.) I am grateful for all that I’ve learned and done while working here, all the young lives I’ve introduced to the joys of birding, and all the wonderful people I’ve met and worked with. It’s been a good run, but after growing up in and then returning to the Bay Area, I’m ready to spread my wings and continue my migration. I will always hold a fond place in my heart for SCVAS, and will always know where I can fy home to. Kelsey Frey The Avocet 5 eight few over the Cambrian area on on 14 Dec (RPh). A fock of thirteen 12 Jan (AVe). One to two Eurasian Cattle Egrets fying over Saratoga on Field Notes Green-winged Teal are wintering at 6 Dec were the frst record for the year (December 2018-January 2019) the north VTA mitigation pond again (RPh). Their destination - unknown. by Pete Dunten this year. One was spotted on 7 Dec Cattle Egrets occur annually in the (RJ) and two were found on 21 Dec county; the last year Cattle Egrets were Greater White-fronted Goose through (MDo). Another was found on San missed was 1986. Single White-faced White-faced Ibis Tomas Aquino Creek near Hwy 237 Ibis visited Alviso salt pond A16 on 5 At least one Greater White-fronted on 22 Dec (KON, WP). A Eurasian Dec (LC) and 16 Dec (ST) and nearby Goose frequented Shoreline Park be- Green-winged Teal intergrade (KG) Alviso Slough on 25 Dec (ErS). tween 4 Dec and 24 Jan (m. ob.). The joined the group of teal on the VTA high count was four at the Shoreline mitigation pond on 23 Dec (KG). A Swainson’s Hawk through kite-fying area on 3 Jan (WBr, JL). solo Long-tailed Duck on Alviso salt Barn Swallow Three were found at Palo Alto Bay- pond A15 graced the San Jose CBC A Swainson’s Hawk over Newby lands on 2 Jan (CnB), 4 Jan (BM), and on 16 Dec (MMR) and stayed through Island on 18 Dec was the frst record 27 Jan (DBp, JSu). Single ‘speckle 25 Dec (SPv). Long-tailed Ducks are in the county for December (AR). bellies’ were also on the north VTA found in the county roughly two years Snowy Plovers were concentrated on mitigation pond on 11 Dec (RJ) and in every fve. Redhead counts reached Alviso salt pond A12 on 26 Jan, when at Arzino Ranch on 12 Jan (AR). record levels this winter, with 3075 72 were tallied during a census (RJ, High counts of Cack- MJM, MMR). Single ling Geese included Ruddy Turnstones four at the north end of were sighted on 7 Dec at Coyote Valley on 7 Dec Gold St and Elizabeth St (KON, WP), seven at in Alviso (MDo) and on Penetencia Creek Park 20 Dec at salt pond A12 on 16 Dec (AVe), three in Alviso (WGB). Turn- at Arzino Ranch on 25 stones are least likely in Dec (SPv), and six at winter, though they can Noble Park in the Ber- be found in the county ryessa neighborhood of in any season. A count San Jose near Penitencia of fourteen Sanderling Creek Park on both 22 on A12 during the San Jan (WP, KON) and 26 Jose CBC on 16 Dec Jan (SPz, GRy). One of was a nice tally (SCR, the seven was a small- MMR). Black Skim- er “minima” Cackling mers favored locations Goose. The only other further north in SF Bay “minima” was frst noted this winter; all sightings 29 Dec in Coyote Valley in the South Bay were near Laguna Ave (RPh). of single birds. One was Small numbers of Snow seen at Shoreline Lake Geese frequented the on 1 – 2 Jan (WGB, RJ, margins of SF Bay be- GL, EdG) and one was tween 11 Dec and 7 Jan. at salt pond A16 on 26 The high count was four Jan (RJ, MJM, MMR), at Arzino Ranch on 4 – 5 while as many as 61 Jan (RJ, SPz, WP, KON) were at the Foster City and fying over the Don shell bar in San Mateo Edwards NWR EEC on Summer Tanager by Karen Burnson county during the pe- 7 Jan (BLL, VLL). Fur- riod. The only report of Short-eared ther afeld, three Snow Geese were Redhead on Alviso salt pond A11 on Owls this winter came on 19 Jan when present at Calaveras Reservoir on 16 26 Dec (SCR) and 4058 on ponds A10 a pair were courting along Marsh Rd Jan for the San Jose CBC (TO), fve and A11 on 26 Jan (MMR, MJM, RJ). (WP, KON). High counts of White- were at Guadalupe River Park on 29 A single male Barrow’s Goldeneye throated Swifts are possible in the Dec (SPz), and one joined the geese and a male Barrow’s x Common winter when large numbers gather at in Coyote Valley between Bailey Ave Goldeneye both visited Shoreline dusk to roost together. The count of and Laguna Ave on 3 Jan and 5 Jan Lake beginning in mid-November. 290 over Coyote Valley OSP on 2 Dec (KP, BM, GL). The last of the geese On 2 Dec a male Barrow’s Goldeneye was exceptional (STu). Not long af- to arrive was Ross’s Goose. One vis- moved to nearby pond A1 (BM). A ter the beginning of the new year our ited Byxbee Park on 31 Dec (JHy) and female was found on Alviso salt pond frst spring migrants arrive, well ahead one was on Alviso salt pond A10 on A11 during the San Jose CBC on 16 of the vernal equinox. The frst Al- 26 Jan (RJ, MJM, MMR). Two groups Dec (SCR). Two different male Bar- len’s Hummingbirds was spotted on of Tundra Swans overfew neighbor- row’s x Common Goldeneye hybrids 23 Jan at McClellan Ranch Preserve hoods in southwest San Jose. A bevy were on Shoreline Lake through the (GL), followed on 24 Jan by two in a of ten passed over the Almaden area period (m. ob.). Brown Pelicans re- Mountain View neighborhood and two on 29 Dec (THa) and a whiteness of mained in the area in good numbers, at Whisman Park (both MDo). A quiet with 42 counted at Shoreline Lake The Avocet 6 a record high count for the park (GL). the county. First seen on 2 Dec (JPa), Field Notes cont’d A small number of Blue-gray Gnat- the warbler remained through 9 Jan catchers stayed for the winter. One (JRg, KBy). Yellow Warblers are tap-tap-tapping this time of year may was noted at Santa Teresa CP on 12 found during winter in four of every be the frst clue a sapsucker is winter- Dec (PL, EvM) and 22 Dec (MFa), fve years. This winter one was along ing. Fresh sap wells are another clue, three were along Arroyo Hondo on 16 Coyote Creek above Silver Creek Val- often revealed by other small birds, Dec (PDu), and one was heard along ley Rd on 14 Dec and 7 Jan (both PDu) the hummingbirds, kinglets and war- the Mule Trail on Mt Hamilton on 2 and another was at Ulistac NA on 17 blers attracted to the insects which are Jan (BMa). Two Townsend’s Soli- Dec (JRu). The remarkable number of drawn to the sap. Finding a sapsucker is only the frst challenge. Sorting out which species or hybrid is present is the second. A few of the sapsuck- ers spending the winter with us have been cooperative, returning to the same trees repeatedly. A Red-naped Sapsucker at Guadalupe Creek along Hicks Rd has been present from 2 Jan through the end of the period (WP, KON, m. ob.). Another was found dur- ing the Palo Alto CBC in Monte Bello OSP on 17 Dec (DPy). Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were present at four loca- tions. The immature found at the San- ta Clara Valley Water District head- quarters on 23 Oct remained at least through 27 Jan (GRy). The immature Miller by Brooke at Ulistac NA frst noted on 26 Oct stayed through at least 10 Jan (PLa). Two more immature Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were discovered during the period, one at Lake Cunningham

present between 8 – 16 Dec (WP, Tanager Summer KON) and one at Hellyer CP on 29 Dec (VT et al.). A Cassin’s Kingbird taires near Loma Prieta were a nice Palm Warbler reports that began on at Los Gatos CP on 2 Jan (BM) was surprise on 29 Dec during the Calero- 21 Oct continued into December and a nice fnd. Late December brought Morgan Hill CBC (BBz). The Moun- January. Six reports between 2 Dec focks of Tree Swallows, with forty tain Bluebirds along Laguna Ave in and 14 Jan came from the vicinity over Byxbee Park on 26 Dec (JD) Coyote Valley since 17 Nov stayed of Byxbee Park (WGB, MMR, NM, and 25 over Lake Cunningham on 6 into the frst week of December. A WBr, GL) and one sighting on 27 Jan Jan (WP, KON). Violet-green Swal- male was last seen on 2 Dec (JWm) came from Whisman Park (FV). The lows outnumbered Tree Swallows and a female was still present on 3 Dec fve Black-throated Gray Warbler over Lake Cunningham on 6 Jan (WP, (JSt). Both Phainopeplas found in late sightings were about average for the KON) when 100 were present. A fock November remained into January. The winter. Single warblers were found at of eighty Tree/Violet-green Swallows Phainopepla at Almaden Quicksilver West Valley College on 6 Dec (OA), over the Coyote Creek Field Station CP was found through 9 Jan (JD) and Blackford Elementary on 16 Dec (RJ), on 26 Dec were too distant to identify the Phainopepla at Guadalupe Oak San Francisquito Creek near Stanford (DWn). For the third winter in a row, Grove Park through 26 Jan (STu). Ad- on 17 Dec (WBr, JL), Rancho San Northern Rough-winged Swallows ditional sightings were of single birds Vicente in on 17 Dec were found in December, with one at in Stevens Creek CP on Charcoal Rd and 21 Dec (JPa, KB), and along Gua- Lake Cunningham on 16 Dec and two on 23 Dec (MPy) and along Guada- dalupe Creek near Via Lugano on 25 along the Penitencia Creek Trail on 26 lupe Creek near Via Lugano on 13 Jan Dec (BH). A Hermit Warbler graced Dec (both GL). Barn Swallows were (BLL, VLL). Phainopeplas are rarely a Mountain View neighborhood on 4 found early in the winter, with two at found as far west as the Stevens Creek Dec (MDo), and a Wilson’s Warbler Lake Cunningham on 9 Dec (BLL, CP location in the Santa Cruz Moun- enjoyed Ulistac NA on 15 Dec (JTr). VLL), two at Almaden Lake Park on tains. The sighting along Guadalupe Chipping Sparrows were present 11 Dec (BM), one over Charleston Creek was a good example of the “Pa- at TJ Martin Park through winter af- Slough on 14 Dec (SPv, RT), three tagonia rest stop effect,” wherein the ter arriving on 7 Nov (JPa). The high discovery of one rare bird (a Summer count was twelve on 5 Jan (BM). along Clayton Rd near Mt Hamilton Tanager in this instance) leads to more on 5 Jan (WP, KON), and one at Lake discoveries soon thereafter. A Nash- Cunningham on 16 Jan (KON). ville Warbler along San Francisquito Pygmy Nuthatch through Creek near Stanford was a nice fnd on cont’d on page 8 Cassin’s Finch the Palo Alto CBC on 17 Dec (WBr, Sixteen Pygmy Nuthatches at Cuesta JL). A Blackburnian Warbler along Park in Mountain View on 14 Jan was Coyote Creek near Silver Creek Val- ley Rd was only the sixth record for The Avocet 7 Bullock’s Orioles in December and orowski (EdG), Kevin Gin (KG), Tom Field Notes cont’d January placed this winter in the top Hamel (THa), Bob Hirt (BH), John Hur- quartile of the 25 years with records. ley (JHy), Deborah Jamison (DbJ), Rich- A Grasshopper Sparrow was near They are absent during winter about ard Jeffers (RJ), Jane Jordan (JaJ), Barry Santa Teresa CP’s Stile Ranch trail- four years of every ten. One at the Langdon-Lassagne (BLL), Virginia Lang- head on 18 Dec (JPa). Two Grasshop- Sunnyvale Golf Course contributed to don-Lassagne (VLL), Peter LaTourrette per Sparrows photographed at J Grant the Palo Alto CBC on 17 Dec (DbJ), (PLa), Garrett Lau (GL), Susan LeClair CP on 25 Jan (SPz) added a rare re- one along the Penetencia Creek Trail (SLC), Jasen Liu (JL), Patricia Lynch cord for the in winter. participated in the Calero-Morgan Hill (PL), Nateri Madavan (NM), Mike Mam- The Swamp Sparrow found at Isabel CBC on 29 Dec (MSm), and one at moser (MJM), Bruce Mast (BMa), Eve Ranch on 2 Jan during the Mt Hamil- the Santa Clara Valley Water District Meier (EvM), Brooke Miller (BM), Tom ton CBC was another rare record for headquarters on 19 Jan (JPa) was too Olson (TO), Kitty O’Neil (KON), Kath- the Diablos (MMR, MJM). Swamp late to join the counts. An Evening ryn Parker (KP), Janna Pauser (JPa), Ser- Sparrows were found at eight locations Grosbeak recorded calling at West gey Pavlov (SPv), William Pelletier (WP), in December and January, a remark- Valley College on 4 Dec (OA) was Devin Peyton (DPy), Sergio Perez (SPz), able number. Two Summer Tanagers, the frst and only record this winter. Ryan Phillips (RPh), Michael Pyle (MPy), both males, delighted many observers. A Cassin’s Finch, a bird of the Sierra Jason Riggio (JRg), Alex Rinkert (AR), The frst, an adult, was discovered Nevada, was found on the Mt Hamil- Mike Rogers (MMR), Steve Rottenborn on 23 Jan near Guadalupe Mines Rd ton CBC on 2 Jan along San Antonio (SCR), Judy Rudolph (JRu), Gordon Ry- and Lavender Creek (JPa). It was still Valley Rd near Skye Ranch (JWg). dquist (GRy), Marc Simmel (MSm), John present on 19 Jan (JPa). The second, Cassin’s Finch is rare this close to the Sterling (JSt), Eric Storms (ErS), Joanna an immature, was found at Vasona coast in winter, with fewer than ten re- Suits (JSu), Jason Tanner (JTr), Vivek Ti- CP on 9 Jan (SLC) and has remained cords in the county. wari (VT), Steve Tracey (ST), Ryan Treves through January (PLa). Western Tan- (RT), Steve Tucker (STu), Frank Vanslager agers were found at eight locations, Observers: Ozzie Altus (OA), Keith Bai- (FV), Ann Verdi (AVe), James Weigand with two at Whisman Park on 28 Jan ley (KBy), Bonnie Bedzin (BBz), Cyn- (JWg), John Weismuller (JWm), Dan Wen- (MDo, ABr) and the remainder all sin- thia Berg (CnB), Bill Bousman (WGB), ny (DWn), multiple observers (m.ob.) gletons. A Black-headed Grosbeak Andrew Bradshaw (ABr), Will Brooks (WBr), Daniel Bump (DBp), Karen Burn- has spent the winter at a feeder in San Please send notice of rarities Jose’s Dry Creek neighborhood (JaJ). son (KB), Lilian Chou (LC), Jim Dehnert to Pete Dunten via email at The location is unfortunately outside (JD), Matthew Dodder (MDo), Pete Dunt- [email protected] the local CBC count circles. Three en (PDu), Marion Farber (MFa), Ed Gasi-

Friends of SCVAS (Gifts received December 1, 2018 through January 31, 2019) California Quail Maltbaek John & Agnes Caulfeld Joan & Gregory Loney David Wimpfheimer Peregrine Falcon Karen Mccreddin Lyn Chambers Steven Longcor Nick & KC Yatsko (Up to $99) Steve McHenry Dina Cheyette Andy Lott James Yurchenco ($500-$999) Phillip Acker Laura Balkovich Patricia Anderson Eileen McLaughlin Jennifer Couperus Margaret MacNiven Gretchen Zane Francesco Meschia Morteza Danesh Linda & Jerry Mar Scottie Zimmerman Becky Baybrook Lorrayne Bailey Ellyn Bush Julie Barney Luz M. Molina De Karen DeMello Joseph & Dorian Gena Zolotar Mulero Peggy Don Martinka Constance Crawford Diane Bates Burrowing Owl Hewlett Packard Jean Batryn Mary Louise Moses Diane Ducey Hugh & Debbie Isaac Munro Donald & Elaine Dvorak McDevitt Enterprise Foundation Robert & Marion ($250-$499) Bob Hirt Blumberg Kathleen Nunes Alan Eisner Joanne & Doug McFarlin Peter & Patricia Biocini Thomas Olson Charlotte Epstein Shannon McMahon Dick & Sharon Blaine Lawrence & Joan Barbara Boyington Johnston Juliette Bryson Heidi Paessler James Estes Microsoft Linda Brownrigg Barry Patrick Suzanne L. Fellenz George & Lilo Miller Felix & Helen Jeffrey & Marcia Keimer Luke Camery Joan Leighton Mimi Carlson Lee Pauser Jean B Fordis Chris Mossing Charpentier RD Penn Justin Fritz Jakub Mracek Jitze & Nancy Couperus Marlene Macek Dan Chapman Jim Meikrantz Doug Cox Donna Poulos Ursula Gallichotte Susan Niemi Dinesh & Joy Desai Emily Renzel Marlene J Gordon Rita Norton John & Georgiana Jean & Gregory Myers Kenneth & Elna Leighton Nakata Cunningham Christine Robson Weaver Elaine Gould Brian O’Connor Flaherty Betty J. Rogers Rose Green Christopher OConnell Marilynn Gallaway Melanie O’Brien Jim Dehnert Franklin & Susan Orr David Depew Kathryn Ryczkowski Waldo Griffn Janna Pauser Nicola & Gary Gordon James Estes Richard Stovel Herbert Gross Tina Petrigni Terry Hart Golden Eagle Jean B Fordis Lucy Tompkin Marge Haley Ellen Ratner Larry & Marcia Hulberg ($1000-$4999) John Fowler Leslie Train Brian Hart Lenore Roberts James & Kathryn Maria Valdez Ray and Elsa Heald Mary Ann Robertson Johnson Apple Inc. Mary Gill Priya Balasubramaniam Tom Gough Andrea Vedanayagam Ross & Karen Heitkamp Ruth & Ed Satterthwaite Ho Min Lim Betty Wyatt Konrad Herman Jeffrey Segall Kenneth Mamitsaka Gail & Doug Cheeseman Aaron Grossman Google Inc. John Gurley Mary Yates David Hinson Indranil Sircar Pauline Marchon Kirsten Holmquist Michael Smith David McIntyre Urs Hoelzle Laura Haberlin American Avocet IBM Corporation Nancy Hay Intel Corporation Elinor Spellman Eve Meier ($100-$249) Mark & Petra Kinsman Marcella Stauber Andrew Melnick Deborah Jamison & Lucia Heldt Steven Patt Margaret A Hinebaugh Edwin Aiken Chris & John Knight Kathryn Strachota Marilee Miffin Sylvia Alderman James & Judy Kuhl Jane Tatchell Mary Murphy Enrique & Judy Klein James & Margaret Wayne V. Krill Hohenshelt Michael Armer Ann Lam Virginia Timmerman Laurence D. Nelson Janet Bertaina Jeff & Maureen Bruce W Tolley April Pufahl J. Holley Taylor Sue Hunt Bill Walker Constance Hunter James & Carolyn Bliss LaTourrette Samson Tu Michael Rogers David Lewis Dan Bloch Ann Latta Barbara Tyler Martin Sorensen Donald & Nancy Penelope Bowen Julia Lewis Shawna Veach Annette Teng Lorenzen Phyllis Browning Bernard Lint Villages Hiking Club Peter & Christina Louis Caputo Thomas Lipkis Chuq Von Rospach Allen Carkner Jim & Sue Liskovec William & Linda Wilson The Avocet 8 Conservation Corner: Check In With Our Environmental Advocate by Shani Kleinhaus Light Tower Corporation Plans for Arena Green Park the cities of Sunnyvale and Mountain View to review their In our most recent Avocet, we discussed the ubiquitous policies and operations with the goal of reducing light pol- impacts of light pollution on all living things, and our con- lution and implementing dark-sky policies and practices. cern over the prospect of a monumental lighted structure Mountain View and Sunnyvale residents, please sign up in a San Jose park. The Light Tower Corporation initially with [email protected] for updates! proposed to resurrect the San Jose Light Tower (1881- Coyote Valley 1915) as an iconic tourist attraction. Wikipedia tells us that In January, our volunteers joined in with hundreds of the tower was possibly the world’s tallest free-standing people gathered in front of to Rally iron structure at the time. It was so bright it cast distinct for Coyote Valley prior to the City Council discussion shadows a mile away, of Coyote Valley. At and impacts to wildlife stake is the allocation were evident. Local of up to $50 million in police even sold birds Measure T funding for that collided with the the purchase of land in tower to restaurants. In Coyote Valley - land May of 1900, the tower that can conserve agri- reportedly attracted culture and open space, a swarm of beetles, and provide critically which were pursued important habitat for by insectivorous birds; birds and wildlife. Staff birds and beetles were presentation to the City electrocuted, causing Council clearly favored stray cats to mob the industrial development base of the tower. Dis- in the valley, but it ruption of reproductive seems that pro-devel- rhythms in birds were opment arguments are also reported by local starting to shift from farmers. Loggerhead Shrike by Sergey Pavlov the quest to develop the entire valley to more of a com- SCVAS has effectively protested the plans to resurrect promise. We believe that the undeveloped land in Coyote the Light Tower. Recently, the San Jose Light Tower Cor- Valley should remain open space, and will continue to poration decided to focus instead on an iconic structure advocate towards the preservation of this important land. at Arena Green Park (part of Guadalupe River Park). An Sally Jewell, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior, in international design competition will be conducted to a letter to San Jose City Council, January 22, 2019: select the structure. We remain concerned, since Arena “As you study the future of your region and sharpen Green is where Guadalupe River and Los Gatos Creek the vision you would like to make a reality, I encour- converge - an ecologically sensitive site where Steelhead age you to shape your policies and investments to Trout migrate, beavers are occasionally observed, and preserve irreplaceable natural spaces, not only for dozens of species of birds nest or migrate. We are also con- today, but for the health and wellbeing of the people cerned by the use of parkland to support a large, lit struc- and critters for generations to come.” ture. City Council is tentatively scheduled to approve the site selection (Arena Green) and the process for the design Migrating Newts Killed by Traffc competition on March 12. San Jose residents, please sign We love birds, but sometimes we aim to protect migra- up with [email protected] for updates! tion routes for other species. In Coyote Valley, it’s terres- trial mammals. In the Santa Cruz Mountains: Pacifc and Dark Sky Policy Rough-skinned Newts. In recent years, thousands of newts As our cities transition to LED lighting, light pollution and have been killed by traffc on Alma Bridge Road east of sky glow are increasing throughout our landscape. LED Lexington Reservoir as they migrate between the hills and lights are excellent in saving energy, and are thus impor- breeding ponds. Our Environmental Advocacy group is tant in efforts to reduce emissions. However, we must also working to raise awareness in the hope that solutions will consider their impact on light pollution. SCVAS is asking be found to minimize this carnage. The Avocet 9 2018 Christmas Bird Count Highlights We would like to extend a special thank you to all of the count compilers and volunteers who participated in the 2018 Christmas Bird Count, and to Bonnie Bedford-White for formatting the results tables. For complete CBC data, including full summaries and results, please visit scvas.org/christmasbirdcount. San Jose - December 16, 2018; Compiled and coordinated by Mike Azevedo Rainy weather threatened the count but held off for the most part. Write-up birds included Cackling Geese seen at Lake Cun- ningham, San Jose Sewage Outfall Channel, and Penitencia Creek Park. Snow Geese and a Ferruginous Hawk were both reported at Calaveras Reservoir. Another Ferruginous Hawk and a Yellow Warbler were seen along Warm Springs Trail. Lesser Yellowlegs was seen at Thompson Creek and Gold Street and a Blue-winged Teal was seen at Mallard Slough. A Long-tailed Duck was seen on Pond A15 and a White-faced Ibis was found on A16. Black Rail and Barrow’s Goldeneye were also found in Alviso. Swamp Sparrows were reported at Guadalupe Slough and Alviso Marina. A Black-throated Gray War- bler was seen at Coyote Lagoon and in Willow Glen. Another cool bird found in two places was the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher reported in Alum Rock Park and Calaveras Reservoir along Arroyo Hondo. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was found at Lake Cunningham, and Great-tailed Grackles were seen at Thompson Creek and Alviso City Limits as well as the San Jose Sewage Outfall. The lack of owls was notable - no Burrowing Owls, Short-eared Owls, Northern Pygmy-Owls or Barn Owls were found. Great Horned Owls were heard at Ed Levin Park and one was even seen there by our frst Christmas Bird Count for Kids held the same day. Western Screech-Owls were heard along Calaveras Road but they were not very talkative, keeping their temper tantrums to a minimum. In all 166 species were recorded for a total of 10,307 birds. Palo Alto - December 17, 2018; Compiled and coordinated by Al Eisner The count was blessed with pleasant weather this year. The above-average species count of 169 was one less than last year. The only misses among species present in recent years were Cackling Goose, Blue-winged Teal (ffth miss in a row), Red-breasted Merganser, Common Gallinule, Red-breasted Nuthatch (an irruptive species usually found in small numbers), Swamp Sparrow (one was found for count week) and Brown-headed Cowbird. There was just a single report (two birds) of Pine Siskin, another irruptive species. On the other hand, a single Ring-necked Pheasant was the frst found in six years. American Goldfnch and all blackbirds were found in remarkably low numbers, while notable new highs were reached for Eurasian Collared-Dove, Acorn Woodpecker, and White-breasted Nuthatch. Of course there were also rarities. A Caspian Tern along the Dumbarton Bridge was new to the count. A Nashville Warbler found along San Francisquito Creek was the fourth occurrence for the count, while three Chipping Sparrows (at Sylvan Park) and a Bullock’s Oriole (at the Sunnyvale golf course, frst in eighteen years) were both sixth occurrences. Great-tailed Grackle was found for the fourth year in a row at Shoreline. Bald Eagle was seen for the ffth year in a row, this time an adult fying over Stanford. A Ferruginous Hawk over Arastradero Preserve might be the same individual seen a year earlier at Felt Lake (after a gap of seventeen years from the previous count observation). A Snowy Plover at the “triangle” area near Crittenden Marsh was the ffth time on the winter count (they are regular on the summer count). Further information, including more frequent “good” species, will be provided in an online version. Mount Hamilton - January 2, 2019; Compiled and coordinated by Bob Hirt For a change, we welcomed clear but chilly weather in the morning of our count. We had few weather-related access issues since the roads were open and dry. The result was a complete count. However, we had a below-average species count of 91, with a low count of only 6,200 individual birds. As to individual species we had a below-average year for Lawrence’s Gold- fnches with only 31 tallied. Lewis’ Woodpecker came in at 63. The real shock was a frst-time miss in the count’s history: American Robin. Count notables included a Cassin’s Finch, Swamp Sparrow, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. High counts were for Pied-billed Grebe (52! all-time high) and Eurasian Collared-Doves again breaking previous high counts. Good acorn crop produced good numbers for Band-tailed Pigeon and Acorn Woodpecker. Low counts were for American Robin, California Thrasher, California Towhee, (Sooty) Fox Sparrow, Black Phoebe, White-crowned Sparrow, and House Finch. Thanks to our leaders: Mike Rogers, Mike Mammoser, Mike Azevedo, Charles Coston, Terris Kasteen, Kirsten Holmquist, Dale Stahlecker, Bruce Mast, and Leighton Nakata. Our deepest thanks go to Elinor Gates for hosting a marvelous compilation feast again this year, and for fnding our only Varied Thrushes and Red-breasted Nuthatches. She also spotted a back-lit fycatcher that might have been our frst Ash-throated but it was not quite as cooperative as needed. Calero-Morgan Hill - December 29, 2018; Compiled and coordinated by Beth Hamel This was Beth’s last year as compiler. Thank you for all of your support, Beth! And thanks to Rick Herder for taking over! The day was bright, clear and sunny, but also cold. Most species counts were low of average and the total number of count day species was 141, also below average. The team counting the Loma Prieta area were treated to an amazing view of San Fran- cisco and two Townsend’s Solitaires. Ten Tundra Swans were seen fying through the Almaden area. Tree and Violet-green Swallows were seen fying over ; Burrowing Owls were found at Coyote Ridge and Rancho San Vicente; a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was seen at Hellyer Park; and a female Phainopepla was spotted at Almaden Quicksilver Park. A Cackling Goose was seen in Coyote Valley on count day, and a single Snow Goose was found there as a count week bird. We had a record high of seven Bald Eagles. The continuing leucistic Bald Eagle managed to swing by three different parties to say hello! It has been a privilege to be the compiler for this circle. Rick Herder is taking over now, and I know that he will do a tremendous job! The Avocet 10

------8 8 1 2 2 10 73 54 78 25 97 30 75 18 17 58 961 141 137 905 179 432 854 756 270 129 344 1273 1076 1383 27,954 12/29/18 Cal-MH

------

4 6 2 1 4 7 6 1 91 72 10 49 13 21 57 31 76 179 358 191 106 954 246 155 6,200 MtH 1/2/19

------

1 3 1 3 1 1 1 2 3 4 2 95 36 14 70 53 27 20 39 15 61 42 14 932 169 548 229 907 139 290 216 524 PA CW 1284 1019 74,426 12/17/18

------

2 4 1 4 1 3 3 9 7 12 80 66 51 11 33 36 18 SJ 901 166 200 489 177 275 457 124 678 222 226 155 183 179 CW 1729

10,307 12/16/18

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f species undetermined Week Count San Jose: compiled by Mike Azevedo Mike compiled by Jose: San Palo Alto: compiled by Al Eisner Alto: compiled by Palo Mount Hamilton: compiled by Bob Hirt compiled by Hamilton: Mount Verdi and Ann Hamel Beth compiled by Hill: Calero-Morgan

ect the most recent ABA checklist, version 8.0.5 (12/19/2018). ABA checklist, version ect the most recent

f

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sp CW SJ (form unidenti PA (Myrtle) (Myrtle) MtH Cal-MH blackbird sp blackbird Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco (Slate-colored) Dark-eyed sparrow sp sparrow Fox Sparrow (Slate-colored) Sparrow Fox Fox Sparrow (Sooty) Sparrow Fox gold Key: Total individual birds Total Warbler Gray Black-throated Warbler Townsend’s Tanager Western Species Total

Yellow Warbler Yellow Warbler Palm (Audubon’s) Warbler Yellow-rumped has been Listing order entryData and chart Bonnie Bedford-White. format by adjusted to re Orange-crowned Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Nashville Yellowthroat Common

Great-tailed Grackle Great-tailed Brewer’s Blackbird Brewer’s Brown-headed Cowbird Brown-headed Tricolored Blackbird Tricolored Western Meadowlark Western Oriole Hooded Oriole Bullock's Blackbird Red-winged

Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco Junco (Oregon) Dark-eyed

Golden-crowned Sparrow Sparrow Golden-crowned White-throated Sparrow White-throated Sparrow White-crowned Lincoln’s Sparrow Lincoln’s Sparrow Swamp Song Sparrow Sparrow Song

California Towhee California Chipping Sparrow Sparrow Lark Sparrow Bell's Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Fox Spotted Towhee Spotted Sparrow Rufous-crowned

Lawrence's Gold Lawrence's American Gold Red Crossbill Red Siskin Pine Lesser Gold Species

------1 4 2 4 4 8 2 1 8 5 1 6 9 37 55 29 56 25 65 40 19 35 66 19 74 13 18 15 347 900 169 663 238 319 105 194 314 644 248 301 252 155 532 122 107 158 2536 1079 12/29/18 Cal-MH

------1 2 2 3 6 1 1 1 2 6 4 2 3 1 13 27 12 21 59 29 18 76 28 85 10 17 58 15 21 11 45 194 147 101 159 312 MtH 1/2/19

------3 3 8 4 2 1 2 3 4 6 1 16 50 32 30 17 46 57 26 60 33 10 10 14 50 103 134 793 597 153 264 PA 159 453 254 155 410 836 172 334 271 395 104 168 CW 1373 1532 1143 1235 12/17/18

------3 5 4 1 9 1 6 1 4 9 5 1 7 5 94 79 90 36 12 60 55 89 10 49 93 15 16 10 57 90 SJ 895 621 500 137 159 107 136 556 116 775 300 119 242 160 3160 12/16/18

ed form

rasher

f

rush T rush T

T

c (Winter) Wren c (Winter) f swallow sp swallow falcon sp (intergrade) unidenti N. (Yel-sh) Flicker N. (Yel-sh) Sapsucker sp Sapsucker Cassin's Finch Purple Finch Finch Purple House Sparrow House American Pipit Finch House Phainopepla Munia Scaly-breasted Cedar Waxwing Waxwing Cedar California Mockingbird Northern Starling European Varied Varied American Robin American Robin Hermit Hermit Western Bluebird Bluebird Western Solitaire Towsend's Wrentit Ruby-crowned Kinglet Ruby-crowned House Wren Wren House Paci Wren Marsh Wren Bewick’s Gnatcatcher Blue-gray Kinglet Golden-crowned Red-breasted Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch Pygmy Creeper Brown Wren Rock Oak Titmouse Titmouse Oak Bushtit Violet-green Swallow Violet-green Swallow Barn Chestnut-backed Chickadee Tree Swallow Tree Aerican Crow Aerican Common Raven Lark Horned Phoebe Black Phoebe Say's Loggerhead Shrike Vireo Hutton's Jay Steller's California Scrub-Jay Magpie Yellow-billed Prairie Falcon Prairie Woodpecker Pileated American Kestrel Merlin Falcon Peregrine

Species Sapsucker Red-breasted Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Nuttall's Woodpecker Hairy Flicker (Red-shafted) Northern

------9 1 3 4 6 7 5 7 8 1 9 2 1 4 3 4 6 9 1 53 16 27 23 28 16 24 24 30 95 44 17 525 188 281 190 340 856 293 12/29/18 Cal-MH

------

7 5 8 2 5 1 2 2 4 2 7 2 7 4 4 63 45 344 MtH 1/2/19

------

1 6 2 1 1 1 2 1 9 3 3 5 1 3 5 8 6 2 1 24 53 20 32 21 96 75 45 21 90 24 17 58 10 89 47 44 447 168 115 191 108 189 568 156 180 480 890 PA 1384 2547 1015 1156 1217 12/17/18

------

8 1 4 3 2 1 5 8 2 6 1 1 2 5 6 23 12 27 14 57 85 47 31 95 39 81 29 93 78 14 SJ 237 232 217 332 118 626 512 301 147 111 748 241 697 179 2483 1905 5211 1305 3948

15206 12/16/18

sher

sp

f

ayer’s) Gull ayer’s)

sp T

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gull sp Glaucous-winged x Western Gull Western x Glaucous-winged dowitcher, sp dowitcher, peep sp Red-naped Sapsucker Red-naped Northern Saw-whet Owl Saw-whet Northern King Belted Woodpecker Lewis's Woodpecker Acorn Sapsucker Yellow-bellied Northern Pygmy-Owl Pygmy-Owl Northern Owl Burrowing Western Screech-Owl Screech-Owl Western Owl Horned Great Ferruginous Hawk Hawk Ferruginous Owl Barn Red-tailed Hawk Hawk Red-tailed Bald Eagle Bald Hawk Red-shouldered Sharp-shinned Hawk Hawk Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s White-tailed Kite Eagle Golden Harrier Northern Green Heron Green Night-Heron Black-crowned White-faced Ibis Vulture Turkey Osprey Snowy Egret Egret Snowy Great Egret Egret Great American Bittern Heron Blue Great Caspian Tern Caspian Tern Forster’s Double-crested Cormorant Double-crested White Pelican American Pelican Brown

Glaucous-winged Gull Glaucous-winged Iceland ( Iceland Herring Gull Gull Herring California Gull California Gull Western Gull Gull Western Ring-billed Gull Ring-billed Gull Mew Gull Gull Mew Greater Yellowlegs Yellowlegs Greater Gull Bonaparte’s Lesser Yellowlegs Lesser Willet Spotted Sandpiper Sandpiper Spotted Wilson’s Snipe Snipe Wilson’s

Long-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Western Sandpiper Western Dowitcher Short-billed Least Sandpiper Ruddy Turnstone Ruddy Sanderling Dunlin Marbled Godwit Godwit Marbled Species

------3 5 1 2 7 3 6 1 85 99 70 15 45 60 78 88 21 63 13 13 19 13 80 45 10 107 975 368 507 235 202 141 310 268 171 726 108 572 CW 12/29/18 Cal-MH

- -

------4 6 9 7 3 2 33 29 39 52 25 84 39 78 36 57 79 315 179 567 MtH 1/2/19

------4 4 2 2 5 1 3 7 5 1 1 7 1 1 31 14 18 53 72 11 18 19 51 41 15 54 20 43 20 249 226 255 567 294 120 253 PA 115 116 301 102 687 266 277 866 916 966 171 1752 3797 1332 1214 1089 17381 10830 12/17/18

- - - - - 5 3 1 3 2 1 5 1 3 9 3 47 40 60 30 61 14 93 10 21 53 96 29 SJ 116 230 232 280 912 223 169 579 110 252 375 250 406 122 676 622 892 883 179 444 2000 1226 1078 4149 1994 5565 3269 2459 2957 1699 5639 1522

10391 12/16/18

s sp

2018 SANTA CLARA COUNTY CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS 2018 SANTA

ehead aechmophoru duck sp Common x Barrow's Goldleneye Common x Barrow's scaup sp f Whimbrel Long-billed Curlew Killdeer Snowy Plover Snowy Plover Semipalmated Black-bellied Plover Plover Black-bellied American Avocet American Coot Stilt Black-necked Common Gallinule Sora Sora Virginia Rail Virginia White-throated Swift White-throated Anna's Hummingbird Rail Black Ridgway's (Clapper) Rail Rock Pigeon Rock Pigeon Band-tailed Collared-Dove Eurasian Mourning Dove Dove Mourning

Clark’s Grebe Grebe Clark’s Western Grebe Grebe Western Eared Grebe Grebe Eared Wild Turkey Turkey Wild Grebe Pied-billed Grebe Horned California Quail California Quail Ring-necked Pheasant

Red-breasted Merganser Merganser Red-breasted Duck Ruddy Common Merganser Common Merganser Hooded Merganser Merganser Hooded Barrow’s Goldeneye Barrow’s Common Goldeneye Common Goldeneye Scoter Surf Long-tailed Duck Bu Lesser Scaup Species Ring-necked Duck Ring-necked Duck Scaup Greater Redhead Redhead Canvasback Canvasback Northern Pintail Pintail Northern Teal Green-winged Eurasian Wigeon Wigeon Eurasian Wigeon American Mallard Gadwall Northern Shoveler Northern Blue-winged Teal Blue-winged Teal Cinnamon Wood Duck Wood Tundra Swan Tundra Canada Goose Canada Goose Cackling Goose Greater White-fronted Goose Goose White-fronted Greater Snow Goose Goose Snow The Avocet 11 Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society Non-Proft Organization 22221 McClellan Road U.S. Postage Paid Cupertino, CA 95014 San Jose, CA Phone: 408-252-3747 Permit No. 5869 E-mail: [email protected] www.scvas.org

New Members 12/1/2018 - 1/31/2019 Thank you and welcome! Christina Armstrong Jen Jelincic Peter Arnold Jared Keyes Lorrayne Bailey Cate Levey Laura Balkovich Julia Lewis Becky Baybrook Susan Lewis Emily Berk Wei Li Lin Jared Bernstein Julie MacKinnon Dan Bloch Melissa Maglio June Cancell Jakub Mracek Miles Colman Laurence D. Nelson Belem Escalante Karen O’Brien Flor Escobar Christopher O’Connell Justin Fritz Francisco Pacheco William Gardner Emma Jane Shelton Kiran Gopinath Emily Southerton Brian Hart Virginia Timmerman Terry Hart Jacqueline Valencia Urs Hoelzle Shawna Veach John Holback Larry Volpe John Hurley Hershell West Donna James And thank you to those who renewed! STAFF Transitional Executive Director Environmental Advocate Education and Outreach Specialist Kelly Alfrey, [email protected] Shani Kleinhaus, [email protected] Carolyn Knight, [email protected] (408) 627-7172 (650) 868-2114 (408) 252-3740 Offce Manager Burrowing Owl Conservation April Austin, [email protected] Sandra Menzel, [email protected] (408) 252-3747 (831) 431-3301 Offce Fax (408) 252-2850 MONTHLY SPEAKER SERIES are NATURE SHOP HOURS Offce E-mail [email protected] held on the third Wednesday of each month Monday - Thursday 10:00AM - 4:30PM Website www.scvas.org except July, August and December and are Friday *Call Offce* open to the public. Saturday 10:00AM - 2:00PM SCVAS is a private, non-proft corporation affliated with the National Audubon Society. More info. at scvas.org/SpeakerSeries. Please call (408) 252-3747 for special requests. BOARD OF DIRECTORS meetings are open to all members. Call the offce at (408) 252-3747 for times and directions. OFFICERS DIRECTORS President Secretary Mike Armer John Richardson Diane Hart Joan Leighton Gabrielle Feldman Bill Walker Vice President Peter Hart Vivek Khanzodé Bob Hirt

2019 Volume 67, Number 2 C1ZC140Z Avocet Editor: Kelly Alfrey

The Avocet 12