Sun, 31 Jan 2010 -- Dorothy Tobkin called to say that she saw 1 SNOW GOOSE, 4 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, and 1 minima CACKLING GOOSE inland where two forks of the Ten Mile River come together near a small bridge. There are fields to the east and southeast where the mentioned geese were feeding with some Canada Geese. This is generally considered a private road, but there are many residents on this road, and no logging is presently being conducted. -- For Dorothy Tobkin, Karen Havlena

Sun Jan 31, 2010 -- A picture of the YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER has been posted. [ Mendobirds members can view it here. ] The bird was last seen in the trees mentioned by Karen next to a sign that stated, "NON-ENDOWMENT SECTION". -- Richard Hubacek

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 -- Jerry White phoned to tell me that he had found an adult male YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at Rose Memorial Park, Spruce & N Franklin in Fort Bragg. When I arrived, Jerry noted that the bird was very flighty and not attached to a particular tree. We refound it on the north-central part of the cemetery in one of several exotic trees with strange looking flowers that look like teasles. It flew for a while to the tall eucalypus grove above Pudding Creek. We could not see it in those trees, but it finally flew back to the exotic trees. Richard Hubacek arrived and got some photos of it. The bird is very clean in its markings and much lighter overall than a Red-naped or Red-breasted. This bird called a few times with a medium-loud, whiny mew. Thanks, Jerry! MEN County birds for both Richard and me! -- For Jerry White, Karen Havlena

Sat, 29 Jan 2010 -- Today, at the Crofoot Ranch (east side of Highway 101 with white fence) between Hopland and Ukiah there were 94 Canada Geese (moffitti), 13 ALEUTIAN CACKLING GEESE (leucopareia) and 1 RIDGWAY'S CACKLING GOOSE (minima). On the dug pond nearest Highway 101 were at least 2 HOODED MERGANSERS. The immature and mature Snow Geese from a couple weeks ago were not to be found. The wet pasture field had a minimum of 1000 American Robins on it. At least 3 CANVASBACKS are still on the Old River Road pond south of Talmage at the intersection with Gielow Lane. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 -- While birding at the botanical garden today, two groups of CACKLING GEESE flew by heading south. The first group had over 400 geese in it (I counted them in the picture I took). The second group had approx. 120. This happened just after 12 noon. From the pictures, many of the geese had ALEUTIAN type white neck-rings. -- Richard Hubacek

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 -- Dorothy Tobkin called in to say that after the high tide at Laguna Point, she saw one ROCK SANDPIPER. Back down the road at Lake Cleone, she saw the COMMON MOORHEN and a male WHITE-WINGED SCOTER on the lake, both toward the west end. These birding spots are in MacKerricher SP. Drive west from Hwy 1 on Mill Creek Dr. -- For Toby Tobkin, Karen Havlena

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 -- At about 11 AM I saw the continuing CATTLE EGRET in the Garcia River bottoms. It was in a flock of at least 72 Great Egrets on the east side of highway 1 south of the bridge. At 1 PM the LAYSAN ALBATROSS was snoozing on the water northwest of the pier at Pt Arena. -- John Luther, Oakland

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 -- Birders, I counted 74 GREAT EGRETS and 1 CATTLE EGRET (a Mendo Co. bird for me) in the Garcia River bottoms first thing on 1/26/10. -- John Hunter, Arcata

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 -- This afternoon, Nancy and I did a quick survey of Point Arena with the following highlights: CATTLE EGRET on the east side of Highway 1 in Garcia Flats area. EURASIAN WIGEON (male), GADWALL (apparently uncommon on the coast), CACKLING GEESE (20+), GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (4) on the west side of Highway 1 in Garcia Flats adjacent to Miner Hole Road. These birds were most easily observed with a scope from the lighthouse road. There was a nice assortment of waterfowl in these flocks including: Scaup, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Canada Geese, Pied-billed Grebe, Common Merganser and Bufflehead. BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD (3) off the lighthouse road. Al (LAYSAN ALBATROSS) was at his regular haunt north of the pier at 5p. Good Birding, -- Rich Trissel

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 -- Today at the white-fenced Crowfoot Ranch along Highway 101 between Ukiah and Hopland there were two SNOW GOOSE, one immature and one mature, mixed in with the approximately 100 Canada Geese. Also present were mallards, about 20 American Wigeon and about 20 Hooded Mergansers. Over by Talmage, at the Beckstoffer Talmage Pond, there was a rooster RING-NECKED PHEASANT on the north side of the Beckstoffer Road ...just across from the NW corner of the pond. This is a small area of green grass and scattered live oak trees and the rooster pheasant was seen both in the morning and afternoon. This appears to be a "wild" bird (not recently released from captivity) because of its scittish behavior and extremely long tail and crisp plumage. Look for it feeding in the green grass which is about as tall as the bird. Northern Shovelers, Lesser Scaup and Ruddy Ducks were on the pond. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 -- The Eurasian Wigeon which was on the Christmas Star Vineyard pond in Potter Valley was not seen today or yesterday. -- George Chaniot

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 -- Hello birders. Inspired by the Red Phalarope I saw this morning, I ventured out between rainshowers, to see what I could find. At the north end of Lake Mendocino, I saw one adult THAYER'S GULL, as well as 35 or so California and Ring-billed Gulls. There were quite a few coots and Mallards there, as well as about 60 American Crows, foraging on the lake shore. I also had very distant views of a Duck that could have been a Tufted Duck, but I'm not even sure it was an Aythya! It was quite white-sided and dark-backed/headed, though.
      At Lake Mendocino Dam, there were fewer birds overall, but there was a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE in amongst the domestics, and in the Gull flock (which was larger than the flock at the north end), I noticed one adult MEW GULL and three BONAPARTE'S GULLS. The only non-domestic duck here was an adult American Wigeon.
      At the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant, I ran into Chuck Vaughn, and together we saw a ROSS'S GOOSE that had a silver USFWS band on the left leg and an ALEUTIAN CACKLING GOOSE with a flock of 26 Canada Geese. On the southern, flooded pond, in amongst 80+ American Green-winged Teal was one male EURASIAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL, whose horizontal white stripe was pretty obvious. There was also one bird that could have been an intergrade.
      On the Beckstoffer Vineyard Pond, off River Road in Talmage, were 14 CANVASBACKS, as well as several Lesser Scaup, Northern Shovelers, Ring-necked Ducks, etc. At Gielow Lane Pond was one more Canvasback. Good birding, -- Matt Brady

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 -- Hello all. With the massive rainstorm of the past day or so, the field across the street from my house on East Rd in Potter Valley has become flooded. Yesterday I noticed a few Mallards and a large flock of Canada Geese foraging around it, so I decided to keep my eye on it. This morning, I checked it again, and found more Mallards, as well as four new yard birds: an AMERICAN WIGEON, several WOOD DUCKS, a RING-NECKED DUCK, and, best of all, a RED PHALAROPE, swimming around in circles! This was a complete surprise for me; it was my first Sandpiper for the yard. Has anyone else seen one in inland Mendocino County due to this storm? Are there any other Potter Valley records? Has anyone checked out Lake Mendocino today? Also, the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER continues at the corner of East Road and Burris Lane. -- Matt Brady

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 -- Hi All, In Tom Stienstra's column in the SF Chronicle yesterday it was reported that Brown Pelicans have been seen migrating NORTH. The speculation is the herring that drew the Sea Lions to Oregon is luring the Brown Pelicans too. Interesting. -- Jeanne Jackson

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 -- Today I went to Ft. Bragg to see my son, so I stopped a few places to bird. There were no species of note except maybe a WILSON'S SNIPE at Caspar Pond. What struck me were the sheer numbers of BROWN PELICAN. I saw 13 at Lake Cleone, 85 at Mendocino Headlands and 159 on the beach at Van Damme SP. In addition, the flock at Mendocino was about as large as the one at Van Damme, but it was way out on the rocks. When I counted the ones at Van Damme, I was amazed at how many there were because they were packed so close together. Are other people noticing these numbers also? Is this a new trend or is this normal for this time of year? -- Dave Bengsten

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 -- The male WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER was working on a Gray Pine on Perini Road across from the intersection with the road to Snow's Lake mid-morning. There was a SNOW GOOSE at Austin Park in Clearlake. The YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was at Lakeside Park this afternoon.
      Also, because of a computer problem, I was not able to post a EURASIAN WIGEON found January 7th on a pond visible from the pullout at 1830 Nice-Lucerne Cutoff. Today there were no wigeon there at all. -- Jerry White

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 -- There must have been a SNOW GOOSE episode today. I spotted 8 SNOW GEESE from the Garcia River Mouth overlook. They were with a large flock of Canada Geese (40 plus) in the middle section of Garcia Flats west of highway 1. -- Richard Hubacek

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 -- This afternoon I visited the Ukiah Water Treatment Plant. There was one adult SNOW GOOSE with 24 Canada Geese. They were at the northwest corner, outside the fenced in pond area over near the grapes. Other spp. included: American Wigeon 7, Mallard 48, Northern Shoveler 6, Northern Pintail 1, Green-winged Teal 32, Ring-necked Duck 10, Bufflehead 13, Ruddy Duck 124, Turkey Vulture 2, White-tailed Kite 2, Red-shouldered Hawk 2, Red-tailed Hawk 2, American Coot 97, Killdeer 6, black Phoebe 3, Common raven 9, Marsh Wren 1, Yellow-rumped Warbler 2, Song Sparrow 3, Red-winged Blackbird 72, Lesser Goldfinch 9 -- Dave Bengsten

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 -- Hi All, I spotted a SNOW GOOSE from my window on the Ten Mile estuary on the east side of the bridge. I called Karen Havlena, who went to the bridge with her scope to find that it might be the larger, or greater snow goose. She described the large bill and long grin. -- Erica Fielder

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 -- On Thursday January 14, we saw a male HARLEQUIN DUCK on the main fork of the Eel River about a 1/2 mile above the confluence of the main and middle fork. There may have been 3 others, but we didn't get a clear look at them. We have been regularly seeing BALD EAGLES including a second year bird along this stretch of the river. On Thursday, the second year bird flew low over us and landed on a rock along the river's edge just across from us. Here's a link to a photo of the bird. Click here. Happy birding, -- Cate Hawthorne

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 -- The EURASIAN WIGEON was still there ( 9:30 - 10:45 am) at the Christmas Star Pond, north of the Potter Valley Cemetery on West Road. I went too early and had to wait for the fog to burn off a little before I could see, so avoid the early morning fog if you go. Other birds seen included: American Wigeon 51, Mallard 2, Ring-necked Duck 7, Bufflehead 14, Common Merganser 2, Ruddy Duck 2, California Quail 45 - just south of the pond, Double-crested Cormorant 3, Belted Kingfisher 1, Northern Flicker 2, Black Phoebe 1, Western Scrub-Jay 1, Common Raven 2, White-crowned Sparrow 3, Golden-crowned Sparrow 2, Red-winged Blackbird 6, Brewer's Blackbird 2 -- Dave Bengsten

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 -- John Lamey, a visiting birder from Ontario, reports seeing the LAYSAN ALBATROSS at Arena Cove yesterday in the afternoon. He also saw a ROCK SANDPIPER at Laguna Point. Today we also saw the continuing EURASIAN WIGEON at the Christmas Star Vineyard pond north of the cemetery on West(side) Road in Potter Valley. Then we found a distant LEWIS'S WOODPECKER in oaks north of the end of Burris Lane. An OSPREY was circling near the pond on Burris. -- George Chaniot

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 --[Today] Doug Weidemann and I did our monthly gull survey around Clear Lake. The numbers of most waterbirds (RUDDY DUCK is an exception) are disappointingly low this winter. Our best bird was an immature SNOW GOOSE alone on the beach at Austin Park in Clearlake, which was found by Nick Shepherd on Saturday the 10th. We also saw a lone female RED-BREASTED MERGANSER in a flock of scaup from the large turnout on the east side of the lake opposite Clear Lake State Park, between Lucerne and Paradise Cove. We spent 15-20 minutes searching unsuccessfully for the Hammond's Flycatcher at Lucerne, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Kelseyville and the Williamson's Sapsucker at Lower Lake. The weather wasn't very cooperative. -- Floyd Hayes

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 -- Now that I have all the final tallies in hand, the CBC [19 Dec 2009 ?] results for the Clear Lake have improved considerably. We ended up with a dozen more species than tallied on our preliminary count ~ 143 in all ~ down some from last year's count of 146 and below the high total of 153 in 2007 but still respectable. The number of participants also increased to 57, up from last year's 40 and the previous 10-years' average of 30.
      The species that racked up the highest number of individuals was Ruddy Duck with 13,183 counted, former high count was 5,686 in 1991 and a previous 10-year average of 1,776. Sadly to say, although Ruddys are doing fine, the count for water birds in general is considerably down i. e. Grebes, Double-crested Cormorants and American White Pelicans.
      The runner-up in highest number of individuals and the only other species to break the 1,000 barrier was the American Robin with a total of 4,633 individuals. They are abundant in our vineyards. The former high count for this species was 7,443 in 1975 and a previous 10-year average of 1,307. A big thanks to all our hard-workiing participants. -- Darlene Hecomovich

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 -- Fellow/Fella Searchers, Here are some snaps, unfortunately not from Mendocino, but offer up good views of a flying and resting specimen. A first cycle KUMLEIN'S ICELAND GULL today (1-12-10) at a private location: ICGU2b Flying, view from above ICGU4b. At Rest, at favorite feeding ground. gabagacanicus americanus. Never, ever leave home without good glass.-- Gunn

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 -- Both the EURASIAN WIGEON and the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER continue today at the same locations in Potter Valley described by Jerry yesterday. At the intersection of Burris Lane and East(side) Road look for a utility pole on the west side of the intersection. The Lewis's Woodpecker favors the top of this pole and the large trees to the NE of the intersection. -- George Chaniot

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 -- I drove up Hwy 1 for a while, where 11 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were along side the road at the Westport wastewater treatment plant. The FERRUGINOUS HAWK was flying over the pasture across Hwy 1 from Ocean Meadows. I scoped for alcids without luck from the usual creek mouth turnouts. -- Karen Havlena

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 -- There was a EURASIAN WIGEON at the pond that is just north of the cemetery on West Road [today]. There is no convenient place to park to view this pond. George Chaniot suggests parking at the cemetery and then walking to the pond. Also the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER was seen again near the intersection of East Road and Burris Lane. George also saw both of these birds about an hour or so after the initial sightings. At least one AMERICAN DIPPER was on the river at the bridge.
      Scoping the north end of Lake Mendocino I found a MEW GULL, 4 HOODED MERGANSERS, and another male EURASIAN WIGEON.
      Later in the afternoon the LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES were found at the Hopland Field Station, thanks to Bob Keiffer. -- Jerry White

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 -- I was able to relocate 7 of the LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES this morning at 2700' elevation on the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center. Good Birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 -- I should have sent this out a week ago but it is still happening.Over the past four plus weeks large numbers (25,000+) of robins have been roosting in the trees north of Lake Mendocino Drive along the West Fork Russian River. During the last 17 days or so large numbers of starlings have joined them. They start to show up from the south around 4:30 PM. The robin numbers have dwindled to maybe 1,000 to 2,000. During the same period I have seen a PEREGRINE FALCON numerous times and two at the same time occasionally. The peregrine numbers have gone up to a minimum of five in view at one time last night 1/11, seen by Dave Bengston, myself, and three others. I saw at least three peregrines tonight. Tonight it lasted about 25-30 minutes. We have seen peregrine pairs are doing aerial food (starling) exchanges several times during the last several days. A merlin or two came by one evening a week ago.
      Best place to watch is from the bridge on Lake Mendocino Drive over the river. Good parking on west side of bridge. It's a great show (maybe an understatement, first row seat at National Geographic Special). --Jack Booth

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 -- Just a couple of observations from today's 10th anniversary celebration at the Point Arena Gateway to the California Coastal National Monument: Many BROWN PELICANS - adults and immatures - all along the coast; few HEERMANN'SGULLS staying with them; first year GLAUCOUS GULL at the mouth of the Garcia River; three PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVERS still present and very visible at Arena Point - in front of the three motel units at the lighthouse, less than 15 feet south of the road to the visitors' station; a true albino ROCK PGEON in the BLM public access area between the LORAN station and Lighthouse Road; a light morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK in that same area; a realization of what a treasure the Point Arena/Stornetta BLM property is for anyone who takes the time to wander there. -- Dave Jensen

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 -- Rich Trissel, Jim and I tested a few Fort Bragg areas. The BURROWING OWL is still at the NE side of the Haul Rd bridge over Virgin Creek. A spotting scope is useful here. We saw a CACKLING GOOSE flying with a few Canada Geese over Bald Hill Rd. Take Pudding Creek Rd east a couple of miles, then turn north after the big S-curve. We tried our luck at Lake Cleone. MacKerricher SP, but could not find the Common Moorhen. Later, we drove out to Laguna Point. Rich and Jim also marched out to Laguna Point, but it was low tide, so no Rock Sandpiper could be found ....... After Lake Cleone, Rich, Jim and I continued to Ward Ave, Cleone. Even in the low tide and rough waves, we were able to see one male BLACK SCOTER in the surf.-- Karen Havlena

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 -- Today Dave Woodward confirmed the continuing LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES on the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center. There was also a probable PHAINOPEPLA observed in early afternoon. I tried to confirm this sighting but was about 3 hours later and could not refind the bird. However, based upon the description; black bird with obvious white wing patches in flight, in chaparral where there are now lots and lots of toyon berries and mistletoe berries, I think that it probably was one. I will try to keep an eye on the area next week. Good birding! -- Bob Keiffer

Wed Jan 6, 2010 -- As far as I can remember, there have been no postings concerning BLACK SCOTERS this winter. I found 2 males at Ward Ave. this morning. -- Richard Hubacek

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 -- Hi Birders. Today I was joined by Lauren Harter, on her way up to Washington, for some birding around Potter Valley and a bit in the Ukiah Valley. Highlights were mostly things of local interest. Along Burris Lane, we had one LEWIS'S WOODPECKER near the barn, just after the road goes up a small hill. It kept flying back and forth between a lone oak in the vineyard to the north of the road and the oaks right along the road. We had some ducks at the pond at the end of Burris Lane, but nothing of much note.
      At Van Arsedale Dam we did not find the long-staying Greater White-fronted Goose, but we did find two COMMON GOLDENEYES (both males), three HOODED MERGANSERS (all females), an adult BALD EAGLE, and two AMERICAN DIPPERS. The dippers were in the rocks just below the dam, while the ducks were in the lake behind the dam and the Eagle was in a large snag above the dam.
      We then followed the county road to the Lake County line, but it was pretty quiet, so we decided to head back down into the valley. Two RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS were at different locations along Gibson Lane. At the Potter Valley Rodeo Grounds in the northwestern part of the valley we had about 25 AMERICAN PIPITS and large numbers of corvids (75+ Crows, 15 Ravens, some Scrub-Jays). At the pond along west road, just north of the Potter Valley Cemetery, was perhaps the most unusual bird of the day, a SNOWY EGRET. As I understand it, winter records for this species are sparse in Mendocino County. The cemetery itself was rather quiet.
      We checked the Potter Valley Road bridge for Dippers, but we couldn't find any and the north end of Lake Mendocino was pretty quiet, so we moved on to check some of the ponds south of Talmage. The Beckstoffer Pond had a good diversity of ducks, including 8 HOODED MERGANSERS and our first GADWALS and NORTHERN SHOVELERS of the day. The pond at Gielow Lane was comparatively unducky, but it did have four continuing CANVASBACKS. That's it for now, -- Matt Brady

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 -- I refound the LAWERENCE'S GOLDFINCHES that Chuck found yesterday at the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center. There were at least 12 of them, maybe 14, mixed with three Lesser's. They are at the top elevations of the Center and not open to public access. If you desire to look for these for a life bird or year list then you will need to contact me directly at 707-744-1424 ext 112 or email. I will try to check on them every couple of days and post if they persist. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 -- Good Evening: This evening about 5:40 I heard an owl in the oak in front of my house. I went to find it and did. It was a SCREECH-OWL doing a trilling call. I had my camera and a flashlight, but the light wasn't good enough, so I went inside to get another light and my wife, who has a better camera. When I returned, the owl flew away in a circle and landed on the other side (east) of the house. At the same time, I saw something fly in from the southwest and land in the top of my redwood tree. It was a Great Horned Owl. The WS Owl made one more call, this time the ping-pong call, and then was quiet. The GHO, which never made a noise, flew away to the southeast. I was outside for about an hour more, but the WS Owl never vocalized again. Note: Last week I heard two owls making a commotion and I saw them fly away, but I could not ID them, so I had been waiting. Also, of note, I have two WS Owl nest boxes up, and a general purpose owl box. -- Dave Bengsten

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 -- Greetings Mendobirders- I saw at least 8 LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES in the chaparral at the top of the Hopland R&E Center this morning. They were with 100+ Lesser Goldfinches and all were eating chamise seeds. This is only the 3rd winter we have had them in the county, having been previously reported in the winters of 1988-89 and 2004-05. The COMMON MOORHEN continues on the ponds just above the office area. -- Chuck Vaughn

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 -- Dorothy Tobkin called to say that the BURROWING OWL is still in the same location east of the Haul Rd bridge over Virgin Creek in MacKerricher State Park, Fort Bragg. There is a large parking area by Hwy 1 at the north edge of Fort Bragg. Take the wide path west to the Haul Rd, turn north and walk downhill to just above the bridge. Look for the large logs on the NE side of the creek. The owl is usually to the right of a large root sticking up in a pronged formation. -- For Toby Tobkin , Karen Havlena

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 -- Hi Birders. A couple of days ago George Chaniot mentioned that he had seen a LEWIS'S WOODPECKER at the corner of East Rd. and Burris Lane, in southern Potter Valley [ Dec 30, 2009 - GEC]. This morning, I spotted the birds in some oaks just north of the intersection. It was moving around a lot, but seemed to stay in the same general area. I'll keep an eye out for it, and if it sticks around, post again soon. No sign of the large Canada Goose flock or the Cackling Geese associated with it since the 1st. Good birding, -- Matt Brady

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 -- We have been enjoying the presence of AMERICAN DIPPERS recently on our fresh water kayak adventures. On New Year's Eve, we saw 2 on the Noyo about 4.5 miles up river. The one was near the second Skunk Train bridge and another just below the South Fork Confluence. On Sunday, we watched one on the Eel River about 2.5 miles downriver from Outlet Creek at the top of the rapid where there once was a road crossing the river. I posted a couple of photos on our blog. Best of days, -- Cate

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 -- I found 4 NORTHERN PINTAILS (2 male/2 female) this afternoon waiting out high tide at the bend in the river at the Dolphin RV Park and Marina. Last seen they were moving towards the main harbor. Beautiful birds in full breeding plumage. -- Richard Hubacek

Mon, 04 Jan 2009 -- Point Arena and Manchester. At 9:15a, on the road out to the lighthouse, there was a FERRUGINOUS HAWK. At 9:30a, at the mouth of the Garcia River, as viewed from the bluff trail north of the lighthouse, there were 6 BRANT with the large gull flock. Not that rare, but missed on the CBC. Still in count week ... At 10:00a, the 3 PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVERS were still on the lawn across from the small house closest to the lighthouse. A seasonally rare BARN SWALLOW flew over the small houses while I was there. At 10:15a, the single CATTLE EGRET continued in the Garcia Flats on the east side of Highway 1 south of the Garcia River Bridge. At 10:20a there was a female EURASIAN WIGEON in the small seasonal pond on the east side of Highway 1 across from the dairy (just north of the Garcia River Bridge). I looked for the Burrowing Owl at Davis Pond with no luck. There were at least 40 TUNDRA SWANS at their favorite spot north of Stoneboro and the single SNOW GOOSE is still with them. A beautiful maleWOOD DUCK has joined the female on the Bower Park pond in Gualala. Good Birding, -- Rich Trissel

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 -- On Sunday the 3rd I joined Don Roberson and Rita Caratello for some birding in Lake County. We spent over an hour searching for the WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER at Perini Road in the morning and another half-hour or so in the afternoon. I managed to see the male briefly at about 10:20 am, a few hundred feet up the road and about 100 feet above the road from where it was first found, but it vanished--moving uphill--by the time the Robersons joined me. They spent another 1.5 hours searching for it without success on Monday the 4th. Don saw a RED-BREASTED SAPSUKER to the west of the junction. I suspect the Williamson's Sapsucker is now foraging on trees higher up the hill instead of foraging on trees along the road. Good luck to anybody searching for it!
      The YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at Lakeside County Park in Kelseyville was much more cooperative on Sunday. Its dull facial pattern looks quite similar to last year's bird, which we all thought was a juvenile, but it seems quite unlikely that two different juveniles would favor the same tree in consecutive years. Don suggested that it may have been a dull adult rather than a juvenile last year--and I suspect he's right! I posted my photos from last year here. We also saw a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE at Lakeside County Park.
      Also on Sunday the 3rd the Robersons saw YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES at High Valley and heard two or three LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES flying over. On Monday the 4th they found a "RIDGWAY'S" CACKLING GOOSE at Detert Reservoir.
      Finally, the "screw-legged gull": at Austin Park on Sunday the 3rd, I photographed an adult HERRING GULL with what I think is a screw (maybe something else?) impaled in its right leg: Go figure! -- Floyd Hayes

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 -- I saw a LEWIS'S WOODPECKER and two male PHAINOPEPLAS at Anderson Marsh. The woodpecker was at the ranch house, one Phainopepla was before the boardwalk and the other was after. Five TREE SWALLOWS were flying over the south end of the lake (why do they consistently disappear during fall and suddenly reappear in December or January?), seen from the docks at Redbud Park, and a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was hanging out with domesticated geese to the north of the docks. Nine lingering LEAST SANDPIPERS and 26 SCAUP (they're finally arriving, hopefully to be joined soon by a Tufted Duck!) were at Borax Lake. The odd adult RING-BILLED GULLS, one with dark eyes and the other with a gray right leg, were both present at Redbud Park. Photos of the two odd gulls are posted here and here. I also posted a photo of last winter's Eurasian Green-winged Teal here. -- Floyd Hayes

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 -- Barbara Dolan and I birded around the north end of Lake Mendocino this morning. We did not find the Tufted Duck today. There were only about 60 scaups scattered around the north end of the lake. On the mud near the north ramp we saw 8 Long-billed Dowitchers, 1 Dunlin, a dozen Least Sandpipers, 2 Spotted Sandpipers, and a Wilson's Snipe. Also sitting on the mud was a Bonaparte's Gull. -- George Chaniot

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 -- A PEREGRINE FALCON made a mistake in targeting and got caught between some blackberries and the fence near the barn on White Dog Ranch. He was carefully extracted and released unharmed. Last week saw several BUSHTITS in the front yard there, and a flock of about 20 GREAT EGRETS in a tree; they often fish in the irrigated pasture there.-- C. De La Cruz

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 -- I covered the north shore of Lake Mendocino this morning in the drizzle, but I did not find the Tufted Duck. There were seven DOWITCHERS near Oak Grove Parking Lot. I've got to go out on the mud soon and try to identify them. -- George Chaniot

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 -- This morning the male TUFTED DUCK continued on Lake Mendocino. The scaup flock was scattered over the bay to the west of the north boat ramp and I had to scope through a couple of times to find my quarry. He was hanging out with 2 pairs of LESSER SCAUP fairly close to the shore. He has a quite extensive tuft, especially when he is resting with his head turned on his back. -- Kathy Parker, Los Gatos

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 -- I went out to Lake Mendocino to look for the tufted duck to no avail today. After I walked out to the mudflat I returned to the parking lot and was about to leave when a bird flew past me. I could not believe it at first, even though it is my totem bird. It was a VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW. I watched it from 4:38 pm until 5:01 pm. It was trying to find a place to roost under the eaves of the restroom and occasionally flying up into the louvers. It appeared to be healthy the way it was flying. I was not smoking or drinking anything either. Other birds I saw included: Starlings 9, House Finch 4, Mallards 65, Coots 33, Greater Scaup 8, Killdeer 9, Green-winged Teal 15, Bufflehead 3, Great Egret 1, Nuttall's Woodpecker 2, Acorn Woodpecker 3, Flicker 1, Gull sp. 41 -- Dave Bengsten

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 -- Doug Weidemann and I birded around Clear Lake today. Our best bird was a 1st-cycle GLAUCOUS GULL at WalMart (my 11th gull species on the roof!) and also at the landfill in Clearlake. It's a pure white bird, very easy to spot among the 1000 or so gulls. We also saw a 2nd-cycle "white-winged" gull with pale eyes and brown-tinged wingtips, intermediate in size between a California Gull and Herring Gull, that looks like a chunky Iceland Gull or a petite hybrid of Glaucous X Herring or Glaucous-winged X Herring or Glaucous X Glaucous-winged--we gave up on it!
      At Lucerne Harbor we found a "different" Empidonax flyatcher and Jerry White joined us to help identify it. We concluded it was a HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER. It was in the clump of willows just south of the docks.
      At Lakeside County Park in Kelseyville we tallied 19 CACKLING GEESE.
      On 5 December, Nick Shepherd saw four BARROW'S GOLDENEYES at Pirate's Cove in Clearlake Park, but I was unable to find them the following day or today. But I did see a pair of PHAINOPEPLAS there on 6 December.
      Also on 6 December I got some cool photos of an adult RING-BILLED GULL with brown eyes and another adult RING-BILLED GULL with a gray right leg and greenish-yellow left leg, both at Redbud Park. We saw the latter again today. One of these days I'll post some photos... -- Floyd Hayes

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 -- This afternoon Karen Havlena, Steve Grams, and I refound the male TUFTED DUCK near the north boat ramp at Lake Mendocino, It was best seen by walking out onto the exposed mud to where the inlet stream flows into the lake. It was associating with Greater Scaup, Buffleheads, and American Coots - mostly in the stream. We got some excellent looks through the scope with good light at close range. Good photo opportunity. There were also four dowitchers, some Least Sandpipers, a Wilson's Snipe, and a possible female Blue-winged Teal.
      I went down to the dipper location at milepost 37.08 on Route 20, and there was fresh dipper sign on the rocks, but I saw no dipper. -- George Chaniot

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders. At 10 this morning I saw a male TUFTED DUCK in basic plumage at the north end of Lake Mendocino. The bird was feeding with Greater Scaup, Mallards, and Green-winged Teal in the calmer areas along the edges of the inlet. It was easily visible within 50-75 yards to the SSE of the cement boat launch. It was not on the lake during the 15 minutes I watched it. -- Chuck Vaughn

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 -- I was at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens today from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM today and spent about 45 minutes in the area where the Williamson's Sapsucker was reported last sunday. There was a very people-friendly PILEATED WOODPECKER but no Sapsucker. -- Richard Hubacek

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 -- Six ANCIENT MURRELETS and two MARBLED MURRELETS were seen from the middle platform along the Laguna Point boardwalk by Dorothty Tobkin. Additionally, Toby had a "six grebe day" between Laguna Point and Lk Cleone. The ROCK SANDPIPER was not seen today. Toby also saw the BURROWING OWL in the logs east of the Haul Road bridge over Virgin Creek. These birds were seen in MacKerricher SP west of Hwy 1 north of Fort Bragg. --- (for) Dorothy Tobkin.
      Richard Hubacek, Trudy Jensen, Jim Griswold and I looked for the Williamson's Sapsucker with no luck again today. A female WISA was seen Saturday at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens along the southern boundary of the property west of the vegetable garden about 150-200 yards. -- Karen Havlena

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 -- HI All, I just received a report from Chris Skyhawk who is from the Albion area. He and his family were out for a walk at the Navarro River Beach on Sunday 12/6. Chris wrote, "I ran into nature photographer Jon Klein who said he had a report that a BALD EAGLE had been seen several times hunting in the estuary. The person who told him even had a picture of it eating a Coot on the north bank." It does sound like a reliable sighting. People sometimes confuse an Osprey with a Bald Eagle. But, as we all know, an Osprey does not eat Coots! -- Jeanne Jackson, Anchor Bay

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 - Several local birders searched for the Williamson's Sapsucker along the south side of the Mendocino Botanical Gardens all Sunday morning. This was the bird found by Dave Jensen and others on Saturday. The "search group" did NOT find the bird, but two fresh sapping well sites were discovered in the low isolated pines between the south path (at the large open grassy area were the MCBGardens has evetn tents occasionally) and the boundary fence. One sap well is about 7 feet from the ground, and the other is about 10 feet from the ground. These sapping well sites are consistent with Dave's description of the bird staying low to the ground and moving from tree to tree. The sap well holes were small, maybe 3/16 inch in diameter and round, and I think they are unlike Red-breasted Sapsucker sap wells which tend to be larger and sometimes "squared" in shape ...so my gut feeling is that this bird made them (although I am not personally familair with Williamson's Sapsucker behavior).
      With the sapping wells being found, I think it is likely that the bird will return to the site. It probably has a series of sap-well sites that it visits ...and some of those are probably on the private property to the south (do not cross the fence onto private property). We are hoping that birders will continue to keep a sharp eye out for this female Williamson's Sapsucker at this site.
      The only prior Williamson's Sapsucker record for the county was a specimen collected near Albion in the early 1900's. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer.

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 -- At 11:30 today (Saturday) a group of 4 observers spotted an adult female WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg. The bird was found adjacent to the path along the southern boundary of the park, just southeast of the open grassy area where tents are erected for musical events (about 150 yards west of the vegetable gardens). After about five minutes of viewing, the bird flew south. Other highlights of the morning's walk included several hundred PACIFIC LOONS flying far offshore, all three coastal falcon species(Peregrine, Merlin and Kestrel), and a very cooperative NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL that surprisingly escaped the notice of nearby sparrows. -- Dave Jensen

Fri, Dec 04, 2009--Went out to Navarro Point early this afternoon to look for raptors. When I got out to the point I noticed a continuous stream of PACIFIC LOONS passing south some distance out over the ocean. This was my first experience with the Pacific Loon migration. I estimated 650 (very conservative) passing in the short time I was there. It was very impressive!
      My question is--is this late in the season for this to happen? A posting today on the NWCALBIRD site notes that 1000 PACIFIC LOONS in 27 minutes were observed. Most of the research I've read (and in talking to Toby) seems to support that this is a late migration. I'm prepared to hear comments that I'm wrong.
      Had at least 3 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 AMERICAN KESTRELS and 2 WHITE-TAILED KITES (one being a juvenile) in my raptor search. -- Richard Hubacek

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 -- Jim and I saw the female LONG-TAILED DUCK, now on the west side of Ten Mile bridge feeding alone this morning. She can be very difficult to see, diving and staying underwater for long periods. This is the first time either of us has seen this bird since she was first noticed on 22 November by Toby Tobkin. -- Karen and Jim Havlena

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 -- The YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was at Lakeside County Park this morning. Other birds of interest at the park were; COMMON LOON, CACKLING GOOSE, HOODED MERGANSERS, and MERLIN. On the way back to Kelseyville there was a FERRUGINOUS HAWK on Big Valley Road. -- Jerry White

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 -- Dorothy Tobkin called that there was one ROCK SANDPIPER at Laguna Pt, MacKerricher SP, that was seen at high tide from the far, point viewing platform. The ROSA liked being near SURFBIRDs. Laguna Point is reached by driving north of Fort Bragg on Hwy 1 to Mill Creek Dr and turning west to the last parking lot. -- For Toby Tobkin, Karen Havlena

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 -- Beckstoffer Pond--Tindall Ranch Rd., Mendocino County. Start time: 11:30 AM Area covered: 1.0 acre(s), Duration: 0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)
12 American Wigeon, 16 Mallard, 42 Ring-necked Duck, 3 Greater Scaup, 19 Hooded Merganser, 1 Turkey Vulture, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 14 American Coot, 3 Rock Pigeon, 1 Acorn Woodpecker, 2 Northern Flicker, 1 Black Phoebe, 2 Western Scrub-Jay, 4 American Crow, 40 American Robin, 1 Northern Mockingbird, 400 European Starling, 3 Red-winged Blackbird, 2 Brewer's Blackbird, 2 House Finch. -- Dave Bengsten

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders. We birded down the south Mendo coast today, more or less repeating the route taken by the Audubon trip a couple weeks ago. Not quite as successful as that trip; fewer eyes and no experts! We did see several Ferruginous Hawks in the fields south of Elk again, but no RLHA, Peregrines or Merlins. Male and female Harriers in two places (the Kinney Lane picnic area, and the field north of Miner Hole). One very brief glimpse of a possible Osprey at Elk. White-tailed Kites in three places: the Garcia River field, the horse-pasture in Albion, and my backyard on Middle Ridge :). Red-tailed Hawks everywhere.
      The mouth of the Navarro River was particularly active, with a large mixed flock of ducks: mostly Buffleheads, about a dozen Common Goldeneyes, and four female Surf Scoters. A lone Red-Breasted Merganser off in the distance. Also a lone Phalarope was very actively flying from place to place, never settling on the water for long, and never giving me a very good view; from the wing pattern I favor Red-Necked, but couldn't be certain. Five Brown Pelicans flew into the river, settled briefly, then flew back out to sea.
      We ended up at Point Arena where we finally, definitively saw the LAYSAN ALBATROSS, Al, in the place everybody always says he hangs out (NW of the pier). To celebrate we had coffee and dessert at the Chowder House, where we were entertained by a California Gull stealing the bun off a tourist's hamburger, swallowing it, flying over to a nearby roof, horking it back up and then chasing it down the roof.
      No particularly unusual birds, but it was a gorgeous day with lots of bird activity. Plenty of good looks at some beautiful birds - one of the FEHA soared slowly past us at close range, thrilling our guest from the Bay area. Tomorrow we are going to try for the Burrowing Owl, Redheads, and maybe the LTDU. Anybody know if we can find Harlequin Ducks at Dolphin Isle? Cheers, -- Tim Bray

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 -- I was coming back from birding the UWSTP with Chuck Vaughn, Cheryl Watson and Geoff Heinecken when I spotted the honkers off the freeway. I got off and went around. The CANADA GEESE were on the west side of Airport Blvd. at the south end right where it goes from two way to one way. I parked on the far side of the road and was pleasantly surprised by the juvenile SNOW GOOSE. -- Dave Bengsten

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 -- The continuing LONG-TAILED DUCK was reported again on Sunday by Toby Tobkin, east of the Ten Mile River bridge. She also saw many Pacific Loons streaming by Laguna Pt and the 2 REDHEADS at Lk Cleone, MacKerricher SP. A NORTHERN FULMAR also passed close to the point viewing platform.
      At the Ten Mile area, I still have the continuing FERRUGINOUS HAWK at about 70.32 mm on Hwy 1, north of the Ten Mile R. bridge. I went to the river to look for the LTDU (not seen), but I did see 2 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS (E. Fielder's?) and an OSPREY, all on the east side of the bridge. -- Karen Havlena

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 -- The two SURF SCOTERS were seen today at Library Park, Lakeport. -- Jerry and Nikki White

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 -- The BURROWING OWL is still at Virgin Creek, MacKerricher SP, Fort Bragg. This morning, the wind was gusting at least 35 mph or more. I saw Dan Airola from Sacramento. He had missed the owl yesterday afternoon, so we walked down to the Haul Road and the small bridge over Virgin Creek to try again. Dan thought it is more wind today than Friday.
      The BUOW was standing in exactly the same spot where Jim and I saw it on Wednesday. One can see the entire bird by standing just south of the bridge. Look across to the east where there are quite a few large logs on the north shore, below the large, new brown house. Look for three large roots sticking up in the center of the logs. The owl stands about 5 or 6 ft to the right toward the creek. (If you stand on the north side, you can only see the head). For clarification, there is only one Burrowing Owl at this location. I'm sure that Toby, Jim, Dan and I all saw the same bird.
      Park in the large parking area on Hwy 1, Fort Bragg, a little south of Kemgas and Matson Building Materials. Walk out the obvious path to the Haul Rd and go north to the small bridge. To repeat, the best view is seen from above the south side of the bridge, and morning is probably the best time. -- Karen Havlena

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 -- I found and photographed a presumed adult GLAUCOUS X HERRING GULL on a dock at the south end of Golf Avenue in Clearlake. I was unable to relocate it the following morning. A photograph accompanied with a description is posted here: On both days there was another odd-looking adult resembling a Herring Gull but with dark gray rather than black wingtips; I suspect it was a hybrid HERRING X GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, which is much more common. -- Floyd Hayes

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 -- I thought some might be interested in a report on "Al," the LAYSAN ALBATROSS at Point Arena Cove in Mendocino County. Kimya Lambert and I saw him fly in around 3:30 pm on Friday, 11/27/09. Both legs appeared to be working well (photos from the winter of 06/07 showed an apparent broken leg). Photos here -- Cris Connard

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 -- Our feeder was graced by the presence of a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW today, Thanksgiving Day '09. This is earlier in the year than he usually visits us. We have many Juncos each year and there has always been one SLATE-COLORED JUNCO among them. It is back again this year. Just one with all the other little dark eyed Juncos.
      The dominant hummingbird right now appears to be the male Anna's with the deformed beak and tumor on his right shoulder that we observed last summer. -- Cherie Foster, 1810 Sanford Ranch Road, 462-3339

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 -- Karen Havlena saw a BURROWING OWL this morning at Virgin Creek where Toby saw one yesterday. -- For Karen Havlena, Art Morley

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 -- I took my laptop to Lake Pennyroyal [today], hoping to get some writing done. It was hard going, what with all the birds clamoring for my attention. I sat in one place for about 1.5 hrs. Western Bluebirds, Robins, Cedar Waxwings, and at least one Yellow-rumped Warbler were all eating mistletoe berries. Of note for this location were 4 Green-winged Teal, 2 Pileated Woodpeckers, and 1 Hooded Merganser. It's been years since I've seen any Pileated Woodpeckers at the lake. -- Kate Marienchild

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 -- Dorothy Tobkin just called that a BURROWING OWL was on the east side of the Haul Rd bridge over Virgin Creek at 11:30-am. When at the short bridge or just north of it, look east on the north side of creek. The owl was on some logs below the new, brown house.
      Park at the large, dirt pullout on Hwy 1, south of Kemgas and Matson's Building Materials, Fort Bragg. Walk out the obvious path to the Haul Rd, then north down to the bridge and creek. -- For Dorothy Tobkin, Karen Havlena

Sun Nov 22, 2009 --The surprise of the Peregrine Audubon outing to Covelo today were the very late appearance of at least 6 WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS spotted By David Jensen at the bridge just after the Dos Rios turnoff on Highway 162. A full report on the trip will be posted on their website in the near future. click here -- Richard Hubacek

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 -- Toby Tobkin saw a female LONG-TAILED DUCK today at about 11:30. At that time it was with Surf Scoters about .25 miles east of the Tenmile bridge. -- Art Morley for Toby Tobkin

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 -- I pished up a somewhat late COMMON YELLOWTHROAT at Lk Cleone, MacKerricher SP this morning. It was just south of the restrooms by the lake parking lot where the Mallards are hanging out. It appeared to be a young male with a hint of a mask and very bright yellow throat, breast and undertail. An adult SNOW GOOSE was with the large flock of Canada Geese on Bald Hill Rd, about 1 1/2 miles east on Pudding Creek Rd from Hwy 1 in Fort Bragg. -- Karen Havlena

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 -- The sun came out briefly so I went up to Casper Pond. The immature Ross's Goose was not there apparently feeling unwanted. I did take some pictures of the remaining goose. One of the pictures, showing the head has been uploaded. It still looks (to me) like the Ross's x Lesser Snow Goose hybrid shown in Sibley's "Guide to Birds". Note also the indented (curved) feather line at bridge of bill is curved like Snow Geese not straight like a Ross's. Of course the goose could have been grinning at me for stepping in goose poop. -- Richard Hubacek

Thur, 19 Nov 2009 -- Dorothy Tobkin called that an immature ROSS'S GOOSE was at Caspar Pond today. She stated that "miraculously" the adult "Ross's" Goose has lost its partial/semi-grin patch, and now it looks exactly like the newly arrived immature Ross's. I saw both birds together late this afternoon. The immature bird is clearly a Ross's. (I have boldly written this before)....The immature has a grayish bill and grayish legs/feet and some light gray smudginess on various parts of the basically, white plumage, with black tips to the primaries. Where the mandibles come together on the bill, there may be a thin blackish line, but not a serated, grin patch. The adult now looks the same - it does not appear to have a serated, grin patch, but there is a thin black line. ALL of the other proportions are identical.
      Also, please note: The adult bird nipped at the immature several times, even though the young bird wanted to stay by the adult's side. Toby also noticed this behavior -- territorial? Adult Ross's can have a partial/slight/minimal grin patch, according to several books. Go Ross's!!! Caspar Pond is at the junction of Hwy 1 and Fern Creek Rd, just north of the Caspar Creek bridge. -- For Dorothy (Toby) Tobkin, Karen Havlena

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 -- Dorothy Tobkin called that the ROCK SANDPIPER was on the 2nd large rock at the sandy beach, north end of Glass Beach in Fort Bragg. This is at the west end of Elm St. Take the right fork to the sandy beach.
          After receiving a call from Chuck, I zoomed over to Lake Mendocino to see the AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN at the south end near Coyote Dam. The pelican had moved slightly to a small peninsula directly east of the lower parking area at the dam. Luckily, the bird was standing when I arrived about 1:40-pm. Then, it settled down and tucked its bill. I placed some phone calls after that, and it was still in sleeping mode when I left. Hopefully, it will spend the night! -- Karen Havlena

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 -- Mendocino County November 18th. Left Sonoma State College a little after one PM and arrived at Lake Mendocino (exit eastbound on Lake Mendocino Drive north of Ukiah) and parked in the large parking lot next to the dam at the southern end of the lake. There, sitting out on the mudflat on a little peninsula sleeping, was the AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, a surprisingly hard bird to see in this county. Not taking any chances, I waited about 20minutes until it lifted it's head. Yep, still alive. Headed home. -- Jim Lomax

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- There was a single AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN at Lake Mendocino at 11:30 this morning. The bird was on the exposed mud on the NE corner of the dam just below the parking lot. It should be easy to see; it towers over the coots and miscreated waterfowl out there like the Pillsbury Doughboy. I did not see it there Sunday when I was picking through the gulls. Hopefully it will hang around a while. -- Chuck Vaughn

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 -- Tom Reid, from Point Arena, reports that the Point Arena Harbor master Assistant watched "AL", the famous Laysan Albatross, fly into Point Arena Cove at 9:00 AM this morning. The bird settled into resting just beyond the pier. This will be the 17th consecutive (known) "winter season" that the bird has returned to use the cove as safe haven for resting. Good Birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Tue Nov 17, 2009 -- While birding Lake Cleone on Monday at approx. 11:30 AM I found a RED-TAILED HAWK in a tree on the north side of the lake near the "pump-house". Upon reviewing the pictures I noticed a single silver band on the right leg. The bird appeared to be an western intermediate (per Sibley) adult. -- Richard Hubacek

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 -- I also saw, possibly a different, though presumably the same MARBLED GODWIT as reported earlier by Floyd Hayes. The Marbled Godwit was seen, while kayaking on Sunday afternoon, 11/15, at around 4 pm in Rodman Slough, foraging on the mudflats about 400 meters from the bridge on the slough side. No other unusual birds were seen yesterday but, in the lake itself, just beyond the slough, the incredible proliferation of hundreds & hundreds of BONAPARTE'S GULLS flying, swimming and foraging - both skimming and diving - on the now shallow, glass-smooth lake was stunning. -- Vishnu

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 -- This morning at 07:55 the two SURF SCOTERS were still present off Library Park in Lakeport. One was only about 20 feet from shore off the boat ramp by the TNT Restaurant, and the other was about 60 feet out. They were underwater most of the time, and as I was watching them, they worked their way south around Willow Point and out of view. I missed them yesterday at about the same time.
          Next I went on the Lakeside County Park to look for a Red-breasted Sapsucker which would be my 200th Lake County year bird, but instead I found a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER in the small eucalypt by the backstop of Ball Field A. It is probably not a stretch to imagine that this is the same bird that spent last winter in the same tree. -- George Chaniot

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 -- I birded with Doug Weidemann around Clear Lake yesterday. In addition to the SURF SCOTERS in Lakeport we saw one other bird of interest, a MARBLED GODWIT at the mouth (lake side) of Rodman's Slough. Amazingly it was foraging (or at least trying to forage) on a few patches of mud, none more than a foot across, jutting above the water near a small patch of reeds several hundred feet from shore. I doubt it stayed there for long. -- Floyd Hayes

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- Late this afternoon a male COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD in adult plumage made several visits to the feeders in our yard. It is probably not a stretch to imagine that this is the same bird that we saw very intermittently in February and March last year. -- Chuck and Barbara Vaughn

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 -- The two SURF SCOTERS were close to shore between the main pier [in Library Park in Lakeport] and the TNT Restaurant around 10:30 this morning. They were still present when I went back around 1:00 pm or so. -- Jerry White

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- Barbara and I watched 2 Scoters with our binoculars at about 1 pm today (Nov 14) off of Library Park in Lakeport. I am quite confident that they were juvenile SURF SCOTERS, but am hoping somebody can get out there with a scope to confirm this. -- Thanks, Chuck

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 -- Geoff and I refound the CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR today at 1PM in the same general location it was seen previously, southeast of the monument on the Mendocino headlands. It's a skulker. -- Cheryl Watson

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 -- Karen Havlena and I found the CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR reported by Toby at approx. 3:45PM. It wasn't easy. We found it in the long grass field just south/east of the monument by walking thru it. It flew to about 50-60 feet south of the monument and we lost it when it jumped off the bluff into the grassy area just below the bluff. Got some pictures and if they're any good will post. -- Richard Hubacek

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 -- Per a message on my answering machine, Toby found a single 1st winter CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR at 11:00AM today. It was located at the south/west section of the headlands, just south of the monument. -- Richard Hubacek for Toby

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 -- This morning an adult (returning?) FERRUGINOUS HAWK was on a cypress across Hwy 1 from Ocean Meadows north of the Ten Mile R. There has been a FEHA covering that area every winter since we moved here in 2005.
        At Lake Cleone, there was a female WHITE-WINGED SCOTER out on the middle of the lake. The 2 REDHEADs were visible, also. The heavy surf and high tides broke down more of the Haul Rd barrier between the cove and Lake Cleone. A lot of sand had been bulldozed off the road to Laguna Point, and kelp was strewn over the parking lot at the lake. -- Karen Havlena

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 -- Two SWAMP SPARROWS were found below the Ten Mile River bridges. An adult was seen by Dorothy Tobkin and an immature was spotted by Karen Havlena near the adult. Richard Hubacek was able to see one of the birds. -- Karen A Havlena

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 -- Dorothy "Toby" Tobkin called late Tuesday that she saw the COMMON MOORHEN on the east side of Lake Cleone again. Toby originally found the bird on 13 September. She also saw the 2 REDHEADS again, as well. -- For Dorothy Tobkin, Karen Havlena

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 -- This morning before 10 a.m. on a shorebird survey, a volunteer spotted what we believe is a TROPICAL KINGBIRD in the lone tree on the trail just east of the main beach at Glass Beach in Fort Bragg. The bird had a typical Kingbird shape, gray head and BRIGHT yellow underparts. It was in the top of the tree and flew south--so our look was brief. We talked with Karen Havlena and Toby Tobkin, and we think it was probably a Tropical Kingbird. Just a note--the tourists have left and the birds and insects are back at the beach. -- Becky Bowen

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 -- Dorothy "Toby" Tobkin just called having spotted one ROCK SANDPIPER at Glass Beach, MacKerricher SP in Fort Bragg. The bird was roosting with Black Turnstones and Surfbirds on the 2nd largest rock to the left of the sandy beach. Take the right fork from the main pathway at the west end of Elm St, Fort Bragg. -- For Dorothy Tobkin, Karen Havlena

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 -- I saw a pair of WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS in the estuary east of the [Ten Mile River] bridge. The BUFFLEHEADS returned for the winter 6 or so days ago. -- Erica Fielder

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 -- The two REDHEADS and one CANVASBACK were still at Lake Cleone, MacKerricher SP, this morning. I arrived too early for a good view of the lake, with the sun too low and mist rising from the water, so I walked out to Laguna Point. Since Rock Sandpipers have been seen both to the north and south of us, I looked carefully but I could not find a ROSA (yet). With the sun a little higher shortly after 08:30, I easily saw the Redheads and the Canvasback on the west side of the lake. -- Karen Havlena

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 -- This morning at about 8:30 AM there was a CATTLE EGRET at the Kelsey Creek Outlet. The bird flew off about 5 minutes later heading west along the shoreline. Brad Barnwell went out looking for the bird about an hour later but it had not returned. This is the 4th record for Lake County and the 1st for the outlet and Clear Lake State Park. Another bird new for the park list was the PACIFIC LOON found by George Chaniot et al. on Saturday. -- Jerry White

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 -- This afternoon I found 2 REDHEADS at Lake Cleone (approx 3:30). Initially they were at the north side of the Lake approx. 40 yards east of the boat ramp. Moved out to the middle when they saw me coming along the board-walk to get a better look. I also momentarily had 2 CANVASBACKS earlier but they flew off north (not my fault). -- Richard Hubacek

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 -- Steve and I went to Lake Co this morning to try for the Franklin's Gull on the Walmart roof in Clearlake. Had no luck with that but the rest of the day was successful. SHARP-SHINNED HAWK flew over while we were looking for the gull. Met Floyd Hayes who had seen the Franklin's the day before. He gave us lots of help locating the places we wanted to visit but were sure where they were.
Went to Hidden Valley Lake WTP which is south on the 29 to Grange Rd and east until it turns south. Floyd told us there would be a gate at the end of the road and it was okay to go inside the gate and up the hill for good views of the WTP. We added HOODED MERGANSERS and one female LESSER SCAUP. Looked for Burrowing Owl but had no luck.
Then further south on the Hwy 29 to Butts Canyon Rd for the drive to Detert Res. It was low and not too much on it except more Hooded Mergansers and the usual ducks. Then back on Butts Canyon to Middletown and up Hwy 175. At Cobb Mountain we got a STELLER's JAY. Further along we stopped at Boggs Mountain State Park and added PYGMY NUTHATCH, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET and HERMIT WARBLER.
Continuting to follow Hwy 175 to Kelseyville, stopped at Clearlake State Park and finally found the trail out Kelseyville Creek. A flock of GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE flew over the trees just after we arrived. Then out at the mouth of the creek sat a HEERMANN'S GULL among the many DC Cormorants and American White Pelicans. VIRGINIA RAILS AND SORA began calling and we saw those.
The sun was going down quickly and we headed to Borax Lake to look for AMERICAN PIPITS, which we saw and Eurasian Wigeon, which we didn't. Lots of shovelers and other wigeon. Continued on to Clearlake Oaks Launching Facility on Island Dr. where Floyd told us there was a COMMON MOORHEN. Check, got that one. Then checked the lake and got a COMMON LOON. Back-tracked a little to High Valley Rd to look for Lewis' Woodpecker. Missed that but got our other goal which was the YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE. It was a gorgeous, warm day in Lake Co. -- Diane and Steve Rose, Grass Valley

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 -- Floyd Hayes just called. He has found a FRANKLIN'S GULL on the roof of Wal-Mart in Clearlake. He estimates there are a 1000 gulls there at this time. This is the 3rd county record. Photos here. -- Jerry White for Floyd Hayes

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 -- Most of the reported HOODED MERGANSERS have been in the inland area. I had 5 this morning on a small pond just west of the Little River Airport. One breeding plumage male and 4 females. Will post a couple of pictures shortly. -- Richard Hubacek

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 -- Just for the record, I have a WHITE-THROATED SPAROW in my hedgerow this morning, 10/29 in GlenBlair. His markings are bright and bold. I'd like to think it's the little fellow who spent last winter here, hoping he'll stay. -- Becky Stenberg, GlenBlair

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 -- There appear to be 2 colonies of BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS on the lower portion of the Noyo River. I have been watching them for 3 years now from a kayak and from shore. The one colony is in the "magic corner" of the Noyo River by the former launch ramp of Dolphin Isle Marina. The other is across the river from the main mooring basin.
          Lately some of the BCNH's have been active in the mid to late afternoon, but typically they become active around dusk. Morning birders may catch glimses of the BCNH's before they tuck into the fir trees for the day. During the day, we consistently see them in their roosts from kayaks in the river.
          I suspect that they are nesting on the Noyo and have a couple of ideas where their nests are but have not seen an actual nest. Here is a link Click here. to a photo that a visitor took of a juvenile during one of our sunset bird paddles this summer. Best of days, -- Cate Hawthorne

Wed, 28 Oct 2009, 2:05pm -- Hello - The SOOTY GROUSE is still here but has moved out of the redwood and is walking across the property towards the thick brush. Good Birding, -- Rich Trissel

Wed, 28 Oct 2009, 1:45pm -- Hello - A juvenile SOOTY GROUSE ran into one of our living room windows and then flew into a redwood across our driveway. This happened about 40 minutes ago (1:05pm). The bird is still perched in the redwood. If anyone is interested in VERY good looks of Sooty Grouse please feel free to call me at 884-9973. I'll post an update again shortly and I'll post some photos. -- Rich Trissel, Gualala (Fish Rock Road)

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 -- Spent 2 hours on Burris Lane this morning looking and listening for a Phainopepla. Did not find it. Did however, see 4 LEWIS'S WOODPECKERS to the north of Burris Lane while scanning treetops. -- Kathy Parker, Los Gatos

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 -- I observed 2 juvenile BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS on the Noyo River at around 2:30 PM today. The location was the Dolphin RV Park and Marina which is as far as you can drive up the Noyo off the Highway 20 entrance. David Jensen told me about the BCNH roost at this location last month. BCNHs are listed as rare in Mendocino County with no nesting records. David thinks that he may have seen juveniles at that location this last summer. He is going to talk to the owner of the kayak company located at the marina to see if she has pictures and dates of juvenile BCNHs from earlier in the year. -- Richard Hubacek

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 -- At 12:12 p.m. today Paul Hawks found a male PHAINOPEPLA on Burris Lane in Potter Valley. It was in some small oaks along the lane about 100 feet west of mailbox 12000. This is in the level section along the vineyard and beyond the first barn. He saw it fly off to the north to an oak in the vineyard and return to the same tree along the road.
          I ran in to Paul shortly afterwards and went back to look for it. I refound it easily at about 12:35 in the same tree. It was making the characteristic, upward-inflected call note repeatedly, which led me right to it. While I was watching, it flew south across the lower pasture and into the oaks along the creek, where I lost it. I looked again about 1:30 p.m. and scoped the trees to the south to no avail. Perhaps someone with better hearing could pick it up at that distance.
          Matthew Matthiessen, Karen Havlena, and I searched the area from about 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., and we could not find the bird again. There were, however, about six LEWIS'S WOODPECKERS flying among the oaks to the south. We also saw and adult BALD EAGLE, and at least three immature GOLDEN EAGLES. -- George Chaniot

Fri, 24 Oct 2009 -- Hi Birders. This evening, I rode my bike up to the pond at the end of Burris Lane, in Potter Valley (Mendocino County). I found it to be rather more birdy than the past few times I have been up there. The clear highlight was a LEWIS'S WOODPECKER, frequenting some oaks at the top of the hill overlooking the pond. On the pond were 32 Ring-necked Ducks, 2 American Wigeon and 8 Mallards, but only 4 Coots and no Pied-billed Grebes, at least that I saw. Good birding, -- Matt Brady

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 - Two LEWIS'S WOODPECKERS were seen along the LAK/MEN just to the southeast fo the UC-Hopland Research & Extension Center. These birds are not really chasable by the public, however, I wanted to give a "heads-up" to everyone to keep an eye out in this species' regular haunts such as Covelo/Round Valley and the Old River Road between Talmage and Hopland. Last winter of 2008/2009 there was only one single LEWO reported in the county, and that was the one on the King Ranch on the Old River Road. Perhaps there will be a better winter showing for the species in MEN county for 2009/2010.
          Another unusual sighting that I had was watching 7 American Crows fly from Sanel Valley up and over the Mayacmas Mountains (at about 2800' elevation) into LAK County heading towards Clear Lake. Even though our local crow flocks are primarily resident, I wonder how much genetic interchange takes place from immigation/emigration between the main valleys and populations? -- Good birding. Bob Keiffer

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 -- This morning at about 09:30 I saw a juvenile COMMON MOORHEN on the east end of the south pond at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant. It was associating with coots and staying mostly hidden in the emergent vegetation. This species seem to be becoming more abundant in recent years in Mendocino County. This year I believe I have seen about seven individuals in four different locations. -- George Chaniot

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 -- An adult female HORNED LARK has been a "road bird" for the last two days at the UC-Hopland Research & Extension Center. I got a glimpse of the bird yesterday as it flew off but was unable to identify it to species then .however from vocalizations I knew it was "pipit-like". This morning it was (assumed same bird) back at the exact same spot and I was able to get a good binoc-look at it. Horned Larks are rather rare in the interior of the county with best chances at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant. Even on the coast, fall migration produces singles or small flocks which usually do not stick around for long and luck has to be on your side to see the species. Good Birding. -- Bob Keiffer.

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 -- Howdy, Seabirders, The full trip report for Shearwater Journeys' pelagic trip from Fort Bragg on October 18, 2009 is at: Sherawater Journeys
Highlights included a FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER, over 1000 CASSIN'S AUKLETS, and two ANCIENT MURRELETS (new county bird for me). Lots of krill near shore, with 2 BLUE and 2 HUMPBACK WHALES feeding along with all of the Cassin's Auklets. -- Debra Shearwater

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 -- Point Arena / Manchester, Hello - This morning at about 8:30a my wife, Nancy, and I saw a TROPICAL KINGBIRD on North Windy Hollow Road about 50 meters from the end of the road. I have uploaded a few pictures -- sorry about the quality. We then went to Barnegat Road off Stonboro Road and saw a YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD in the large blackbird flock that was working the dairy which borders the north side of the lake (reached from trail off the north end of Barnegat). Several TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS were also in the flock. Also seen from that same spot were 27 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE. Good Birding -- Rich (and Nancy) Trissel

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 -- Hi all, This morning out on the Little River Headlands was a small Empidonax that I am calling a LEAST FLYCATCHER. I apologize for not getting the word out early, but I had computer user malfunction, and this bird was in a neighbor's yard in a place that can't be viewed without upsetting people so I couldn't have had people come to see it anyway.
          I realize that this might be a first county record. I am uploading some pictures to the Mendobirds Photo section. here and here It was not close so they are not the best photos, but I think they are identifiable.
          It was a small flycatcher, very white below, with a large head, bright white eye ring, bold white wing bars and only the slightest hint of yellow on the abdomen. It was flycatching, and sitting for extended periods when it would occasionally flick its tail up a tiny little bit. It did not dip the tail down like a Gray, nor did it actively flick its tail like a Western. Never did I see it flick it's wings. The bill was somewhat broad - broader than a Dusky/Hammonds, but not as broad as a Western. The bill was dark brown above and mostly pinkish-pale below with a hint of dark along the middle of the lower mandible. I have a video clip of it sitting as well.
          It only stayed around for about 30 minutes and then when I checked later it was not there. It wasn't in a place that normally holds birds, I was actually surprised it stayed as long as it did. Hope one shows up someplace that others can see it! -- Ron LeValley

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 -- Late this morning I saw Toby's CLAY-COLORED SPARROW by Lk. Cleone's outflow pond in the berry bushes below the Haul Rd, MacKerricher SP. I did the weekly SOS survey on Ten Mile beach earlier in the morning, having the most SNOWY PLOVERs I have seen this year totaling 27. All of the SNPLs are about 1/2 mile north of the ramp north of Ward Ave, Cleone. The ONLY other shorebird I had on the entire 4 1/4 mile walk was one Killdeer. This afternoon in the front yard, Jim called out that the YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD had returned to the front yard. She was missing since the rain storm. -- Karen Havlena

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 -- Dorothy "Toby" Tobkin called that she saw a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW at Lake Cleone in MacKerricher SP late morning. The specific location is on the south side of the outflow pond on the west side of the road going out to Laguna Point. A lot of berry bushes and lush grasses are just below the Haul Rd, where a Black Phoebe inhabits the area. -- For Dorothy Tobkin (Karen Havlena)

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 - I apologize for the "cryptic" message about the SHORT-TAILED ALBATROSS yesterday, and I am sure that it raised a few questions. This particular bird was observed off of Half Moon Bay on October 11th. A photo of the bird can bee seen on the Western Field Ornithologist website http://www.westernfieldornithologists.org/gallery The bird, even though not apparent in the photograph, was banded and wearing a satellite transmitter. Further checking by observers located one of the researchers involved with the banding project, and a map was provided showing that when the bird was spotted it was on its way north along the Northern California Coast. On October 12th , based upon the satellite tracking map, it was probably in Mendocino County waters, but directly west (latitude-wise) from Northern Sonoma County (bird locations on the ocean are measured to the nearest land point which for much of that area is Point Arena).
          Most interesting to me, however, is the satellite tracking map covers the whereabouts from October 3 to Oct 12, 2009. Prior to the sighting the bird DOWN (southward) along the Mendocino Coast, and it looks like it was VERY close to shore along the Ten-Mile Beach to Fort Bragg section of our coastline. After it came down our coast it headed pretty far out to sea, and then came back towards near-shore around the Monterey area .and then headed north again (this is when the SFBBO Pelagic trip came across the bird last Sunday). I do NOT know if this STAL satellite-tracking info is available on any particular website. -- Good birding! Bob Keiffer

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 -- A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD and about 50 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDs have joined the neighborhood blackbird flock, and all have been feeding in the front yard this morning. I looked at Lisa Walker's photos, and while there are similarities, her bird at Lake Cleone was much darker and the feather edges (where wing patches would be and the tips of the primaries) were whiter. So, I believe that this bird is different from the Lake Cleone bird. It was too bad that she didn't get to photo the Fort Bragg YHBLs that came to feeder in town. The flock here is way too skittish for me to attempt a pic. It seems that there have been about 4 YHBLs in the Fort Bragg area in the last 2 weeks. -- Karen Havlena

Thu, 08 OCT 2009 - We looked for the Orchard Oriole at Laguna Point, without success, but instead found a lone PECTORAL SANDPIPER foraging among the wrack on the beach in the horseshoe cove. -- Tim on Middle Ridge, Albion

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 -- Hi all, I took a brief walk at Virgin Creek Beach this evening and found one PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER on the north end of the beach. It mostly stayed up in the wrack line except when the Coast Guard Helicopter spooked it and then it went to the rocks briefly before returning to the lode of flies... -- Ron LeValley

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 -- At MacKerricher State Park, on my way out passing Lake Cleone and just north of the turn into the parking area, was a smallish flock of Brewer's Blackbirds. Perched among them, I caught sight of a flash of yellow and backed up to take a closer look. Sure enough, what appeared to be either a juvenile or an adult female YELLOW-EADED BLACKBIRD was among the flock. When I stopped the engine to capture more shots (will upload my other shots later), she or he flew across the road and landed on a piece of wood bordering the rise before the beach, just north west of where she had been. -- Lisa Walker

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- Jerry White found a first-winter BLUE GROSBEAK at Usal Beach Campground at around 10 this morning. He watched it for about 30 seconds. It was in the open grassy meadow between the campground and the beach. Jerry reports that he could not refind the bird in 20-30 minutes of searching. Of local interest were 2 WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS flying over the campground. -- Chuck Vaughn for Jerry White

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 -- At about 4:00 PM today, I saw 100+ CACKLING GEESE fly south over Cabrillo Point. They were Aleutian "type" based on a very blurry picture. -- Richard Hubacek

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 -- The ORCHARD ORIOLE is still vacationing at MacKerricher SP, along the south bluff of Laguna Point. I just got back from seeing her at 12:45-pm. Pishing brought her out from the berry brambles twice in the span of five minutes. She was in the lush, horseshoe-shaped cove just west of the pine tree growing at the base of the bluff. The bird was first discovered 1 October by John Sterling. From the Laguna Point parking lot, walk out the dirt trail in the SE corner of the lot. Taking the right fork is shorter to the south bluff trail. Several large clumps of blackberries and wax myrtles line the face of the bluff. Walking out the short, dirt spurs off the main the OROR. -- Karen Havlena

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 -- For the record, here are a few highlights from the last several weeks: On Sunday, 4 October, two male EURASIAN WIGEONS (one immature, one adult) were at Borax Lake.
          On Sunday, 27 September, Nick Shepherd and I saw 31 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED flying over Anderson Marsh and later we saw 31 (surely the same flock) at Borax Lake. We also saw a MERLIN at Austin Park and seven RED-NECKED PHALAROPES at Borax Lake.
          On Sunday, 20 September, Doug Weidemann and I saw a PECTORAL SANDPIPER at the mouth of Kelsey Creek. We canoed out to the Aechmophorus grebe colony south of Rodman Slough but all nests had been abandoned--hopefully because the chicks had hatched out and departed (we saw several small ones accompanying adults). At Borax Lake we saw 19 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES.
          On Sunday, 13 September, my wife Marta and I canoed out to the Aechmophorus Grebe colony south of Rodman Slough. We also bumped into Brad Barnwell and his wife, who had kayaked to the colony and were returning. We saw about 50 active nests, mostly WESTERN GREBES but also at least three pairs of CLARK'S GREBES. We could see eggs in about 20 nests, with up to five eggs present. I managed to dig up some published reports of winter breeding in nearby areas to the south in Nevada (eggs incubated as late as 19 December; Colonial Waterbirds 20:95-97, 1997) and San Diego County, California (downy chick on 25 February; Condor 69:209, 1967), but nothing that late north of San Francisco. -- Floyd Hayes

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 -- An adult GOLDEN EAGLE soared over Chadbourne Gulch heading south, high above the coastline early this afternoon. It was being chased by a Red-tailed Hawk. The size difference was easily seen, with the Red Tail appearing to be quite a bit smaller than the eagle. The eagle kept moving, while the RTHA kept circling just north of the gulch. Chadbourne Gulch was deadly quiet, as has been the case recently. -- Karen Havlena

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 -- Last night's full Harvest (or Hunter's, if you prefer) moon drew me out into the fall chill for an activity I haven't done for several years. This autumn full moon coincides with the beginnings of southward bird migration and a surprising number of them can be seen in transit across it. The low, early moon is great in Potter Valley because the pass to the south east into Lake County is a popular route. Bundle up and get comfortable with binoculars (some kind of support helps) or a spotting scope, experimenting with zoom and focus settings. I saw nine silhouettes in about ten minutes and plan another try tonight. -- Jim Armstrong

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 -- Late this afternoon, the imm female ORCHARD ORIOLE was seen by Barbara Dolan and Cheryl Watson, while Matthew Matthiessen photographed her late Friday afternoon. This bird is definitely following an afternoon pattern. [ Just a quick addition to Karen's information. I found the bird there at 12 noon, so it at least appeared that early on Thursday. -- John Sterling] Look SSE of the far platform at Laguna Point in the blackberry and wax myrtle brambles. There are several clumps of brambles about a football field's length to look off the dirt path along the bluff. The past few days, she has appeared at 2:00, 4:45, 5:00,and as late as 6:15-pm. Apparently, the NW winds are keeping the bird in the brambles, protected by the bluffs. From the Laguna Pt parking lot, take a dirt trail at the SE corner of the lot. At the fork, go right. This will take you to one of the reliable blackberry spots. -- For Cheryl Watson, Barbara Dolan, and Matthew Matthiessen, -- Karen Havlena

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 -- 2:40-pm -- I just saw the imm female ORCHARD ORIOLE at the same place as yesterday. She is an afternoon bird to be sure! Please read the directions below. Tip #3: Park on the upper row of spaces at the Laguna Point parking lot and walk out a dirt trail at the SE corner of the lot. Take the right fork after a short distance. This will take you directly to the south bluff trail and the brambles. The wind has died down a little and it has warmed up a bit. The bird was very active, so it may move around again to the SE clumps of blackberries. -- Karen Havlena

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 -- A 45-minute search of the south bluff of Laguna Point this morning didn't turn up any orioles. It was fairly windy and quite a few Yellow-rumped Warblers were in the blackberry brambles, where I didn't notice them yesterday afternoon.
          If you try your luck with the ORCHARD ORIOLE, the entire length of clumps of wax myrtles and blackberries is a little longer than a football field, if drawing a straight line. The large clump where John Sterling refound the OROR at about 2:00-pm yesterday was the second closest bramble to the actual point. Then, a couple of hours later, she had moved SE to the brambles by a smallish pine growing down at the base of the bluff.
          Tip: Walk out every short spur trail that goes towards the ocean from the main dirt trail along the south bluff. The pine is not very visible from the main trail. Tip #2: A Black Phoebe hangs out by the clump where John and I saw the oriole. Good luck and good birding, -- Karen Havlena

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 --After about an hour of searching for the ORCHARD ORIOLE, I was about to give up when it popped it head up and I was able to get a good look at it. Pishing did not seem to help for me. If you are going to chase it, take the trail from Laguna Point observation platform and follow it south along the bluff. When you find a pine tree (thank-you Toby) coming up on the ocean side you are in the right area. I followed the trail until it dipped (formed a canyon on both sides) climbed up the embankment just pass the dip, looked north and the bird was in a section with ferns,just west of the berry and myrtle bushes. This section is where the pines close in on the ocean bluff. -- Richard Hubacek

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 -- Luckily, John Sterling was still at MacKerricher SP near Laguna Point, so I got to see the ORCHARD ORIOLE with his help. She is an imm female and was feeding on blackberries in the spot where Matthew had a Palm Warbler last year. If you are standing at the actual point platform, walk SSE on the dirt path at the top of the bluff. Look for wax myrtle and blackberry bushes hanging off the bluff. There was a Black Phoebe and some sparrows around. The birds responded well to loud pishing.
          I was sorry that the several people who looked for the imm SANDHILL CRANE could not refind it, but it really blended in with the sand dunes. I first saw it and photographed it just west of the Ten Mile R. bridges. It could be anywhere in that area, or Bob Keiffer thinks it could go to Sand Lake, west of Inglenook (difficult to get to). I will try to put a photo on either this listserv or on Peregrine Audubon's photo gallery.
          Speaking of Peregrines, I watched a PEFA chase a Black-bellied Plover out over the ocean, but I didn't see if the plover became brunch for the falcon. -- Karen Havlena

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 -- I just received a phone call from John Sterling in Mendocino Co. Today he found an ORCHARD ORIOLE in MacKerricher State Park. Walk out the boardwalk to Laguna Point. The oriole was in the short pines just south of the point. -- John Luther, home in Oakland

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 -- After a combined effort of searching for at least an hour and a half, Rich and I came up empty-winged. There were several tracks in the dunes indicating that Canada Geese were there, Common Raven tracks, a few Killdeer and maybe California Quail tracks, and some tracks that *might* have indicated a Sandhill Crane (I really should have taken shots of them, especially after seeing the photos at the links below):
http://dirttime.ws/Notebook/Heron.htm
http://dirttime.ws/Photos/IM000206.jpg
It compares herons of various species with Sandhill Crane. And I saw tracks that very closely resembled Sandhill Crane in the dunes. Ah, well. Another time, perhaps. -- Lisa Walker

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 -- For the second morning (9:30) this week Halle and I saw a pair of PILEATED WOODPECKERS at the end of the pavement on Burris Lane. -- Mike And Halle Brady

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 -- Karen Havlena just called to report a juv. SANDHILL CRANE at Ten Mile Beach. She said that it was on the west side of the bridge in the dunes south of the willows and road but maybe heading down towards the water. -- Richard Hubacek for Karen

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 --[Today] (9/30) at about 11:30 a.m. I saw a female PILEATED WOODPECKER near the boarwalk along Lake Cleone. -- Fred Andrews

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 -- [This] afternoon I saw a lone AMERICAN WIGEON just east of the north boat ramp with some Mallards. On Friday the 25th I saw the GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE fly over the inlet at @ 12:30. One lone juvenile separated from the flock and landed in the channel near the portable rest room. It was still there yesterday with some Canada Geese. As a side note; I saw my first AUDUBON'S YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER of the season in Pomo C in the eucalyptus trees yesterday the 30th. -- Steve Grams

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 -- "Toby" Tobkin called to say that she again found the HUDSONIAN GODWIT at Virgin Creek Beach this morning. She also saw a single (and much rarer-these days) SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER at the end of Virgin Creek. -- Richard Hubacek for "Toby"

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 --There is still a HUDSONIAN GODWIT at Virgin Creek as of this morning at approx. 9:15 AM. It was north of the creek at the point where the rocks and bluff first cut into the beach. It was feeding in some kelp and is very tame. The COMMON MOORHEN is still at Lake Cleone. It was located in the extreme east end of the lake. It was near a group of coots and is best seen from the south side of the lake. -- Richard Hubacek

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 at 10:30 a.m. -- 75+ GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE flying south. Three more at 11 a.m. Seen from Ten Mile Beach where 24 Western SNOWY PLOVERS observed. -- Becky, Caspar

Sun Sep.27 2009 -- Yesterday (Sunday) on top of the 1st ridge east of Laytonville very near the "L" I saw 6 BLACK SWIFTs pass over heading South. I was loading firewood, not "really" birdwatching. at 9:40am I happen to look sky-ward and saw a single BS. It was 30-40 yards above me. I tracked it with-out optics until loosing it in the distance below the horizon. It didn't flap it's wings once in maybe 300 yards. It seemed so relaxed compared to the nervous little VAUX's. I scrambled for my Binos to take a "birdwatching break". At 10:05 I saw 5 more pass over-head at the same distance and in the same flight path. I continued to watch until 10:50 with no others sighted. Other notables; A singing CALIFORNIA THRASHER and two BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERs. Remember to have fun! -- Bruce Gullett, Laytonville/Dos Rios

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 -- Late morning, Matthew Matthiessen found a PHILADELPHIA VIREO on Miner Hole Rd. (Sorry for the late notice, but cellphone coverage is bleak in coastal areas). The bird was 100 meters EAST of the cattle guard on Miner Hole Rd, in a flock of Warbling Vireos, kinglets and chickadees. -- For Matthew Matthiessen (Karen Havlena)

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 -- At Pt Arena Cove this afternoon, I spotted a CLARK'S GREBE off the pier. . .thought folks would like to know :) -- Lisa Walker

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 -- About 6:00 PM there was a high-flying flock of GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE heading ESE over Hopland. There were about 60+ birds in the V-formation. I heard a high-flying flock on Thursday also but could never spot them ...maybe the same group that Chuck Vaughn reported. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 -- Dorothy Tobkin called to discuss the change-over of birds at Virgin Creek beach today. Instead of finding the Hudsonian Godwit, she saw 12 DUNLIN and 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS. I did NOT see either of those two species yesterday, when I did see the HUGO. It was much cooler on the coast today, We still had fog coming and going all day long, but the temperature was definitely cooler. I went to Lk Cleone late morning in hopes of hearing or seeing the Summer Tanager but had no luck. I saw Matthew's Honda, but did NOT see him or his birding pals, either. Perhaps a few passerines (like R. Hubacek's Palm Warbler) are finally on the way here. -- Karen Havlena

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- This seems to be the fall for COMMON MOORHENS in Mendocino County. There was a juvenile on the north oxidation pond at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant this morning. There was also a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER on the middle pond, just the second inland record in the last 6 years according to the Mendobirds inland fall arrival database that George maintains (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mendobirds/database). Four PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were on the sludge pond. Other birds of local interest were single male RING-NECKED DUCK and GREATER SCAUP, the first I have seen this fall. Yesterday evening 35 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE flew ESE over my house. -- Chuck Vaughn

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 -- One male and one female YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD at a feeder in a backyard in Fort Bragg. E mail me privately for details. -- Lisa Walker

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 -- At 10:15 this morning, I refound the HUDSONIAN GODWIT on Virgin Creek beach in Fort Bragg. The HUGO was with a Black-bellied Plover just north of the spot where the bluff first juts out toward the ocean. There were 3 Marbled Godwits a little south of the actual creek mouth, but they were at least 150 meters south of the HUGO. -- Karen Havlena

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 -- I found a PALM WARBLER at Point Cabrillo this morning a little after 10:00. It was located on the unpaved lighthouse trail at a point where the trail marker indicates a split in the trail. -- Richard Hubacek, Little River

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 -- Between Point Arena and Manchester, Hello - This morning at 10:45 there was a WHITE-FACED IBIS in the field to the right as you drive in Windy Hollow Road from Highway 1. The bird was in the closest wet area to the road. At 11:00 there was a juv. light phase FERRUGINOUS HAwk hovering over the field that is across highway 1 from the entrance to Miner Hole Road. The VERY slow passerine fall migration continues. Nothing to report after spending a couple hours at the end of Miner Hole Road and Windy Hollow. Good Birding, -- Rich Trissel

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 -- Hi all, Below are the species and numbers encountered on this past Sundays pelagic trip out of Fort Bragg, sponsored by the Mendocino Audubon Society. The top highlight was having 4 Orcas swim with the boat, sometimes not even 5-10 ft away!

Location: Noyo Harbor Notes: Mendocino Audubon-sponsored pelagic trip aboard the SEA HAWK. Number of species: 9

Common Loon - Gavia immer 1, Pelagic Cormorant - Phalacrocorax pelagicus 14, Spotted Sandpiper - Actitis macularius 2, Black Turnstone - Arenaria melanocephala 15, Red-necked Phalarope - Phalaropus lobatus 1, Pigeon Guillemot - Cepphus columba 2 both juveniles at the mouth of the harbor., Belted Kingfisher - Megaceryle alcyon 1, Black Phoebe - Sayornis nigricans 1, Brewer's Blackbird - Euphagus cyanocephalus 10

Red-throated Loon - Gavia stellata 1, Common Loon - Gavia immer 1, Black-footed Albatross - Phoebastria nigripes 10, Northern Fulmar - Fulmarus glacialis 8, Pink-footed Shearwater - Puffinus creatopus 95, Buller's Shearwater - Puffinus bulleri 3, Sooty Shearwater - Puffinus griseus 54, Brown Pelican - Pelecanus occidentalis 2, Brandt's Cormorant - Phalacrocorax penicillatus 1, Pelagic Cormorant - Phalacrocorax pelagicus 4, Western Sandpiper - Calidris mauri 4, Red-necked Phalarope - Phalaropus lobatus 4, Red Phalarope - Phalaropus fulicarius 13, Heermann's Gull - Larus heermanni 1, Western Gull - Larus occidentalis 60, California Gull - Larus californicus 130, Caspian Tern - Hydroprogne caspia 17, Common Tern - Sterna hirundo 6, Arctic Tern - Sterna paradisaea 1, South Polar Skua - Stercorarius maccormicki 1, Pomarine Jaeger - Stercorarius pomarinus 14, Parasitic Jaeger - Stercorarius parasiticus 10, Long-tailed Jaeger - Stercorarius longicaudus 1, jaeger sp. - Stercorarius sp. 6, Common Murre - Uria aalge 40, Cassin's Auklet - Ptychoramphus aleuticus 35, Rhinoceros Auklet - Cerorhinca monocerata 9

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 -- Just returned from Virgin Creek myself. Spotted a HUDSONIAN GODWIT with other Marbled Godwits (there were at least four MG's). Also spotted a lone SNOWY PLOVER, same end of the beach. -- Lisa Walker

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 -- A HUDSONIAN GODWIT was at Virgin Creek (just north of Fort Bragg) today. At 10:30 this morning Toby Tobkin saw the bird at the north end of the beach in the company of 3 Marbled Godwits. At 12:15 Cheryl Watson saw the bird in that same area with 2 Marbled Godwits. -- Dave Jensen for Toby and Cheryl

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 -- Thanks to Rich Trissel and Jerry White's discovery last Sunday, I enjoyed stellar views of an adult AMERICAN BITTERN at Hunter's Lagoon south of Manchester this afternoon (4:45 - 5 PM) as it was slowly feeding completely in the open on the north central shore in front of the tall reeds. From Highway 1, I had driven west on Stoneboro, right on Bristol Road and parked in the cul-de-sac on Coventry Lane before walking out to scan the water. Pied-billed Grebes, a Great Blue Heron and a female Northern Harrier were also present. For the birds, -- Richard Kuehn

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 -- Mid- to late afternoon, I stopped by Lk Cleone and found the adult male SUMMER TANAGER near its usual spot just off the break in the boardwalk on the north shore of the lake. The bird was calling, and he flew from the junction of the boardwalk and the trail uphill to the north to the west a short way. He perched near the boardwalk in the partially dead pines. -- Karen Havlena

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 -- "Toby", Carolyn Kinet, and I did some north coast birding today. The morning was too nice so our expectations for eastern vagrants were not high. Our expectations were met. We did see some good birds. At Chadbourne Gulch we had a PECTORAL SANDPIPER, at least 3 MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLERS, and 2 CASSIN'S VIREOS. There were many of the normal mig 2 rants also. The eastern trail has been cleaned-up somewhat. It looks like the trashy area at the entrance has been bull-dozed. We had a LARK SPARROW at the Westport STP and 2 MARBLED MURRELETS at the Vista Point north of Westport-Union Landing State Beach. We stopped at Lake Cleone but could not find the Common Moorhen or the Summer Tanager, but we didn't spent much time looking. -- Richard Hubacek

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 -- Chuck Vaughn, Karen Havlena, and I saw some interesting birds at Usal Creek campground this morning: an early RED_BREASTED SAPSUCKER, and a late HOUSE WREN, and a DUSKY FLYCATCHER. Bird activity was generally low. At Juan Creek we scoped a MARBLED MURRELET offshore. This species used to be found quite regularly here but has not been found much in the last year following the fires. I am glad to announce its return. -- George Chaniot

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 -- Had to work today which consisted of helping take some seniors to Lake Cleone for a picnic lunch. With only my binoculars I was able to see the Common Moorhen that Toby found yesterday. It is now in the little peninsula that comes out into the west end of the lake. I thought it was very dark and might be an adult. If true there might be 2 of them present. All the seniors that wanted to see it enjoyed the view. -- Richard Hubacek

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 -- This morning Dorothy Tobkin found a COMMON MOORHEN at Lake Cleone. It was deep in the east end, but could be scoped from the parking lot. It appeared to be a juvenile rather than a winter adult. -- for Toby, George Chaniot

Sun, 13 Sep 2009-- South Manchester , Hello - This morning at about 10:30a Jerry White and I saw an AMERICAN BITTERN at Hunter's Lagoon (Highway 1, west on Stoneboro then right on Barnegat Dr. to the end, then walk north on a trail to waters edge). The bird was on the north edge of the lagoon in the reeds just east of where 2 white boats are sitting in the mud. Good Birding, -- Rich Trissel

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 -- The 'bee's' are actually yellow-jackets. You are correct about their habit of wandering in and out of their ground-based hive when the sun warms it. That was how I was able to find the Tanager. It's amazing to me how many people have come by to see him and still he remains. He is sooo beautiful and I count myself fortunate to have even seen him and witnessed the same feeding behavior you described. -- Feather Forestwalker

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 -- Last weekend, I met a couple from Oakland who were enjoying the SUMMER TANAGER in its clearing habitat. They told me it's feeding on bees living in or near the clearing; you may know that bees become active only when the sun shines on their hive/nest. The Tanager bashed a bee in its beak against a tree limb, before removing the sting and then eating the bee. This could explain why I never saw the bird after work (three tries!), but did at mid-day, when the bees had warmed up enough to become part of the food chain again. -- Good birding!-- Jessica Morton

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 -- This afternoon, Sat. Sept. 12, the male SUMMER TANAGER was still at Lake Cleone. Take the boardwalk on the north side of the lake from the parking lot. About 20 feet before the boardwalk becomes asphalt, a large blackberry bush reaches over the trail. At 3:00 this afternoon, the bird was feeding in this bush. -- Kathy Parker, Los Gatos

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- I saw a BLACK SWIFT this morning on the Valley View Trail on north Cow Mountain. The bird was foraging over the chaparral at the ridge crest separating the watersheds of the south and north forks of Mill Creek. After watching Vaux's Swifts around Ukiah all summer, this bird seemed so relatively large and its flight so languid that at first glance I thought it was a distant Merlin! My main interest was in the chaparral birds so I didn't proceed all the way up the north Mill Creek canyon, and there was not a lot of activity anywhere. -- Chuck Vaughn

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 --There were 120 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES and 4 RED PHALAROPES at Glass Beach yesterday swimming just a few feet off-shore. They were there around 12:30 PM. When I approached the beach you could heard them calling. I found one "Red" is the flock and Toby who arrived after me found two more. One of the "Reds" was seen out of the water walking the beach with other shorebirds. The birds seemed to be attracted to the flies on the kelp. We found another "Red" south of the beach with another "small" flock of Red-necked. -- Richard Hubacek

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 -- Here are some photos of the male SUMMER TANAGER that has been hanging around Lake Cleone in MacKerricher State Park, taken [today] about mid-day (on our third attempt to see the bird). Thanks to Richard Hubacek for his help in finding it. http://www.pbase.com/gtepke/summer_tanager_0909
          I had inadvertently bumped the aperture dial on my camera (to f/14!) and didn't notice until after the bird disappeared, so the photos didn't come out very well. I posted them mainly because I haven't seen any discussion of the subspecies of this bird. Based on the lack of contrast between the color of the head and neck vs. the upper back, and the relatively short bill, it looks like the eastern subspecies (Piranga rubra rubra), rather than the western form (P. r. cooperi) that breeds in southern California. Compare to this presumed cooperi from Arizona: http://www.pbase.com/gtepke/image/117097184
          I read somewhere that most of the Summer Tanagers that are found along the California coast in fall and winter, and that are identified to subspecies, are rubra. Comments/corrections are welcome.
          Other than this bird, the most noteworthy birds we saw during our holiday weekend in the Mendocino area were a WILLOW FLYCATCHER in a wash above the western part of the beach in Van Damme SP on 9/6, and a large (~100) flock of VAUX'S SWIFTS at Lake Cleone on 9/5 that were simultaneously hitting the surface of the water to drink. A spectacular sight. Good birding, Glen Tepke, Oakland

Tue, 07 Sept 2009 -- I normally do not post observations of EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES anymore since they became well established in the county several years ago but this morning as I drove down my driveway to Feliz Creek Road west of Hopland there was a flock of about 30 birds on our dirt road. To me this shows that there is still mass movement of this species especially during the fall of the year. There has been one pair of the doves all summer below our place, and a few pair around the Hopland area, but this large flock has appeared from nowhere is probably moving somewhere (north or south?) . Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 -- Despite excellent shorebird habitat at Borax Lake, Kelsey Creek and along the Nice-Lucerne Cutoff, few shorebirds were present this past weekend. I saw two BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS at Borax Lake on 5 September, when a PEREGRINE FALCON managed to catch one of the few shorebirds there, and yesterday (7 September) I saw a PECTORAL SANDPIPER in a flooded field along the Nice-Lucerne Cutoff.
          Yesterday at the mouth of Rodman's Slough I was stunned to count 230 distant but obvious nests of WESTERN and CLARK'S GREBES, visible in open water several hundred yards from the shore. Most of the nests had an adult on it and some adults seemed to be adding material to the nests. Among an estimated 500 adults present I was only able to pick out one swimming chick among them, so most of the nests must have eggs or small chicks. I'm surprised they're nesting so late in the year--it's September! Has anybody seen them nesting so late in the year? -- Floyd Hayes

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 -- This morning at about 9:30 I found a TENNESSEE WARBLER (2nd county record) at Rodman Slough Park. The bird was on the trail that parallels the lake, just before the sign : Park Ends Private Property. Dave Woodward came out and we searched for about 2 more hours but did not refind the bird. --Jerry White

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 -- This afternoon I went to Rodman Slough Park on Clear Lake for an hour. Along the trail that parallels the lake to the south I found a WILLOW FLYCATCHER, and out on the lake there were four FORSTER'S TERNS. -- George Chaniot

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 -- There was an early SAY'S PHOEBE this morning (11:30) near the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. The bird was hawking in the open field near the headlands south of the Gardens' property, in the area where the Loggerhead Shrike was found earlier this summer. Stan Harris' earliest fall date for this species is September 6 (two Humboldt County sightings). -- Dave Jensen

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 -- "Toby" Tobkin called me to report 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS at Casper Pond an unusual location. Casper Pond is just east of Highway 1 at Fern Creek Rd. in Casper. -- Richard Hubacek for Toby

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 -- [This] afternoon, 9/4, at Lake Cleone, both SUMMER TANAGERS were present at the same location described by previous observers, the small clearing on the north side of the lake where the trail changes from boardwalk to asphalt. The tanagers came in together at 1:20 p.m. Both of them were still feeding when we left about 20 minutes later. -- Dave Woodward

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 -- While birding the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens today I ran into Geoff Heinecken and Cheryl Watson on Fern Canyon Trail. While discussing the birds of the day, Western Tanagers and Warbling Vireos, I noticed an Adult Male AMERICAN REDSTART high in the trees. It started calling and came down so close our bino's could not focus. It was in the same location near the west end of the canyon. Time was 12:15 PM. -- Richard Hubacek

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 -- Today at 2:30 I watched the SUMMER TANAGER for about 5 minutes. It was perching and flying out from the dead pines along the 100' section of asphalt where there is a gap in the boardwalk. -- Art Morley

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 -- At the Westport Headlands there was a WESTERN KINGBIRD and a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT. At a pullout just south of Westport there were 2 MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLERS. At Bruehl Point there was a LARK SPARROW. I saw the single HUDSONIAN GODWIT at Virgin Creek Beach around noon. -- Jerry White

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 -- Greetings Birders, Today, my daughter and I were accompanied by the entertaining and informative Dave Bengston for a long day of birding parts of the north coast of Mendocino County. First stop was Glass Beach (just north of Ft. Bragg) at about 7am, where we looked for the BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER. No luck, except the usual suspects.
          At Virgin Beach we met Oliver (Ollie) Kolkmann, also of Willits, who mentioned that he spotted a HUDSONIAN GODWIT with a few MARBLED GODWITS, but that just a few minutes before we arrived, a PEREGRINE FALCON(?)(well, some sort of agressive bird) flew over and scattered the host of gulls and the godwits. We continued north along the beach and came across Dorothy Tobkin (Toby) who was waving frantically at us from a distance until we understood to look out over the waves at three birds flying south. They turned out to be one SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, one WHIMBREL, and one immature HUDSONIAN GODWIT. The trio landed about a hundred yards south of us, so we meandered (by that I mean we sprinted) over to about twenty yards away to get good looks and pictures (this was at 10:30am, sunny, and on a sandy beach) of a very co-operative bird.
          Dorothy also mentioned that she had seen the BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER yesterday after seeing our previous post.
          From there, we went further north to Ward Avenue beach and saw the usual suspects until we noticed a couple of birds harassing the BROWN PELICAN and gulls about a hundred yards out. They turned out to be a dark morph and a light morph pair of immature POMARINE JAEGERS operating close to shore.
          From there, we went to Lake Cleone and almost immediately refound the male SUMMER TANAGER at the first forks in the trail on the north side of the lake. There were numerous PYGMY NUTHATCHES.
          We moved on to the beach to the west of the lake, where (north of the wooden steps to the beach at the parking lot) we spotted a possible first winter YELLOW-BILLED LOON. It was too far out to get a positive ID, but the bottom mandible was definitely curved upward, and the bill was large, yellow, and pale. It may still be there for someone else to take a look on Thursday.
          Actually, don't tell Dave, but we were in a hurry to go because we had worn Dave out. Best regards and good birding, -- Mike and Alexandria Curry, Willits, CA

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 -- Dorothy Tobkin reports seeing one HUDSONIAN GODWIT this morning at Virgin Creek Beach. Yesterday there was a report of a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER at Glass Beach. -- George Chaniot for Toby

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 -- Due to the helpfulness of other MendoBirders ever since Karen Havlena's original post about Dorothy (Toby) Tobkin's discovery of 4 Hudsonian Godwits at Glass Beach August 26th, [today's] College of the Redwood's _Birds of the North Coast_ course presented me with a unique opportunity: I helped find a Life Bird for everyone in the class, including Prof. Greg Grantham and myself. Greg had been informed by someone yesterday that a HUDSONIAN GODWIT had been seen on 10 Mile Beach, north of the Ward Ave parking, earlier in the day; so this is where he took us for our field outing in the afternoon. We had walked to the end of the haul road and down onto the beach where we were looking at many of the usual suspects: Black-bellied Plovers, Black Turnstones and Black Oystercatchers when a medium sized shorebird with a long bill, flashing black underwing coverts edged with white, flew past and landed on some nearby mussel beds.
          Having studied the field marks, I immediately scoped the bird and confirmed its ID before sharing my scope with others. Luckily the bird probed and fed for a long time, allowing everyone to get crippling views! The bird we observed was a juvenile with a very distinct white supercillium, beautifully patterned wings, plain belly and black tail.
          To all the MendoBirders who’ve kept readers of this ListServ informed about this particular species, I'd like to shout out a THANK YOU on behalf of the students in the Biology 16 class. I'm hoping many of them will soon join our ranks. Be well and GREAT Birding, -- Richard Kuehn

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 -- Bill Doyle and I saw three HUDSONIAN GODWITS at 9 this morning at the north end of Virgin Creek Beach, MacKerricher State Park, first on the sand and around 9:30, flying north over the rocks at the end of the Beach. Thanks to Bob Keiffer for telling us exactly where he last saw them. There was also a juvenile RED KNOT on the rocks with a couple SURFBIRDS in the same area. -- Helen Kochenderfer, Santa Rosa

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:30 - 09:15 AM PDT -- The two HUDSONIAN GODWITS found by Matthew Matthiessen yesterday were still present at the far north end of Virgin Creek Beach, MacKerricher State Park, just north of Fort Bragg. I heard that another probable bird was on Ten Mile Beach just north of Ward Avenue at 10:00 AM this morning. I personally believe that these are NOT the same individuals as found last week at Glass Beach. HUGOs are showing up along the coast of California recently, and seem to be part of an unprecedented migration wave coming down the Pacific Coast.
          This species is considered a "Review Species" by the California Bird Records Committee, and up until the printing of the Rare Birds of California, published in 2007 by the Western Field Ornithologists, only 21 records of Hudsonian Godwit had been accepted by the CBRC. So, the message is: please don't take these Mendocino County sightings lightly, despite the fact that we probably have had at least 6, maybe 7, individuals within the last week seen by many observers. Please document your sightings as best possible with notes, photographs, sketches, etc. - the more the better. Submit your documentation directly to WBO-CRBC or through me. rjkeiffer@ucdavis.edu -- Bob Keiffer

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 -- Today Becky Bowen sent me an email that she spotted a HUDSONIAN GODWIT with a Marbled Godwit on Ten Mile Beach. It was located North of Ward Ave. near the Snowy Plover fencing. This is probably the same bird reported yesterday by Paul Hawk which means it spent the night. The time was 10:00 AM when spotted. She also had 17 SNOWY PLOVERS. -- Richard Hubacek for Becky Bowen

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 -- This morning at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant there was a BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, a PECTORAL SANDPIPER, and a female BLUE-WINGED TEAL. -- George Chaniot

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 -- While birding at Lake Cleone in the early afternoon, a young couple from the Bay Area told me they had seen a HUDSONIAN GODWIT at 10-mile beach north of Ward Ave. It was with a Marbled Godwit. In the late afternoon, I found the pair north of the roped-off Snowy Plover nesting area. It was great to see the two species side by side, and they allowed me to get within 35 or 40 feet. Both Godwits were actively probing the sand about 10 -15 feet from the high-water line. I watched them for about half an hour. They stayed in the same area, slowly working their way northward.
          No sign of the Summer Tanager at Lake Cleone. State park personnel were cutting trees nearby and the noise of the power equipment probably kept a number of birds away. -- Paul Hawks

Sun Aug 30, 2009 -- Just some more information on the HUDSONIAN GODWITS. Matthew was kind enough to give me a call and stayed with the birds until I got there. When I first saw them they were at the far south end of Virgin Creek Beach and could be seen from the bluff overlooking the beach. They then flew north and were refound near the end of the Virgin Creek Beach. A Century 21 sign could be seen from the beach. Keeping a respectful distance and advising people and dogs to avoid them, Jerry White was able to see them. Matthew and I left at about 1:30 PM and Jerry stayed until Barbara Dolan and Geoff Heinecken arrived. -- Richard Hubacek

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 -- Matthew Matthiessen called to say that he has (re)located two HUDSONIAN GODWITS at Virgin Creek Beach, MacKerricher State Park. They have been on the sandy beach from about 150 m north of the creek mouth to just south of the creek. He found them about 10:45 and they have been present at least an hour and a quarter. -- George Chaniot for Matthew Matthiessen

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 -- Greetings Birders, My daughter and I were birding Glass Beach last night (Saturday, Aug. 29) at the immediate small beaches north of Glass Beach up to about even with the last beach house to the east. We spotted what we believe to be a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER alone in one of the little coves with a sandy beach. We got good looks for about 15 or 20 seconds before it flew around a rock to the north. It has a dark top of head, buffy yellow breast that turns to white at the vent. No spots (or very light) on the sides of the breast. The back had a black and tan with whitish trim patchwork pattern. We did not hear it call. The bill is short, straight, and like the eye, dark. The legs are yellow. It ran from one pile of seaweed to another apparently searching for food, but it did not climb on top of the piles. We were looking from the bluff above, and when it flew, I did not notice any white pattern, but we only had a couple of seconds to look before it disappeared around a rock. It seemed shy of us. It was beginning to get dark after that, but we went searching for it and refound it, but could not get any pictures that are clear. It is not very noticeable from the bluffs above until it moves. Good luck refinding it! Best regards, Mike and Alexandria Curry, Willits, CA

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 -- I saw the SUMMER TANAGER adult male this afternoon in the spot where the yellowjackets are today and made some attempts at photos. He made his appearance around 1:43 PM. No sign of the immature, either. -- Feather

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 -- In all the commotion with the Hudsonian Godwits yesterday I didn't get a chance to post that the SUMMER TANAGER (full adult) was still at Lake Cleone. I saw it at 12 noon. It was foraging further up the trail in the pines but did return to the clearing. No sign of the second Tanager reported several days ago. Also had a PEREGRINE FALCON pass over the west end of the lake going north. -- Richard Hubacek

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 -- This morning on Burris Lane in Potter Valley there was a lot of sparrow activity. It felt like a fall morning. There were concentrations of about 30 Lark Sparrows, 40 Chipping Sparrows, several Savannah Sparrows, and 100 mixed swallows. Near, but not exactly with, the Chipping Sparrows was a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW. The best area was along the fence lines by the Bald Eagle Vineyard beyond the barn with pigeons. The Clay-colored Sparrow was on the ground by the roadside, and on the fence, and then it flew off to the north into the vineyard. The shank of the morning was from about 7:30 to 8:30 after which the birds seemed to move into the vineyard. -- George Chaniot

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 -- I posted nine shots from today [of the HUDSONIAN GODWITS] at Glass Beach, on the [Mendobirds] site. I was able to get within at least three feet, towards the end, so there are some good closeups. Unfortunately, the only really good opportunity to get a shot of wing linings was when a rogue wave came up over the seaweed mounds and the birds flew off, over my head without my being able to get a shot. They circled briefly, then flew north over the cliffs towards Pudding Creek. I never saw them land again. -- Feather Forestwalker

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 -- Dorothy Tobkin found 4 HUDSONIAN GODWITS at Glass Beach at the west end of Elm St, Fort Bragg. From the parking area, walk west and take the right fork to the sandy beach. There was a MARBLED GODWIT with the HUGO's on a kelp bed. -- For Dorothy (Toby) Tobkin, Karen Havlena

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 -- This morning I spotted a juv. PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER about 1 1/2 miles north of Ward Ave. There were at least 6 BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS further north along the beach, with 4 together. Other birds of interest included a RUDDY TURNSTONE, 13 SNOWY PLOVERS, 3 MARBLED GODWITS and a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER. The dowitcher was so tame that I walked within six feet of it. Ten Mile beach is the north extension of MacKerricher SP and is located from Ward Ave, Cleone, up to the Ten Mile River. -- Karen Havlena

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 -- There was a SOLITARY SANDPIPER at the outlet of Kelsey Creek in Clear Lake State Park late this afternoon. -- Dave Woodward

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 -- Brad and Kathy Barnwell while kayaking recently, had a SOLITARY SANDPIPER at the exposed mudflats at Rodman Slough along the Nice-Lucerne Cutoff road. They then found a BLACK-NECKED STILT on some newly exposed mudflats between Rodman Slough and Nice. These add to a growing list of shorebirds found in Lake County this fall season. -- Jerry White

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- There was a female INDIGO BUNTING on and below the fence between to the south pond and adjacent pear orchard at about 9am today. The bird was feeding with House Finches and Savannah Sparrows, alternating between the fence and ground below the Himalaya berries. I was able to view the bird at length, but the group eventually disappeared into the orchard. Other birds out there were the continuing BAIRD'S SANDPIPER on the N pond, a SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER on the sludge pond, and a male PURPLE MARTIN. -- Chuck Vaughn

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 -- [Sunday] morning I checked out Borax Lake. There was an impressive flock of about 125 WESTERN SANDPIPERS and 75 LEAST SANDPIPERS, but they were very skittish and I was unable to pick out anything different among them (definitely no larger species). There were also 19 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES. -- Floyd Hayes

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 -- Today fourteen birders went out from Fort Bragg on the Seahawk on an impromptu pelagic trip to compensate for recent cancellations. It was a moderately rough day, but there were birds to be seen all the five hours. We went out 8-9 miles, and water temperatures were between 51 and 52ºF all day.
          The low point of the day was followed by the high point: at about 8 miles out a possible petrel was called out. It flew parallel to the port side, and we got looks at it against the sun flying ahead of the boat. No one was very confident of the ID. "Oh, @#$%!," I thought with a sinking feeling. "Finally a Pterodroma in Mendocino waters and no ID." About 15 minutes later it came to light that Dave Nelson, not feeling too well on the stern, had looked up and bagged several photos of the bird which showed it to be a DARK-RUMPED PETREL, probably Hawaiian. (lat/long: N 39.55567, W 123.96586) Which all goes to show that it is still possible to take a random bird photo and come up with a lifer! A complete list with estimates: Common Loon 1, Black-footed Albatross 57, Northern Fulmar 125, Dark-rumped Petrel 1, Pink-footed Shearwater 30, Sooty Shearwater 30, Ashy Storm-Petrel 2, Brown Pelican 3, Double-crested Cormorant 1, Pelagic Cormorant 13, Red-necked Phalarope 100, Pomarine Jaeger 2, Parasitic Jaeger 1 , Heerman's Gull 6, California Gull 40, Western Gull 20, Sabine's Gull 11, Common Murre 15, Pigeon Guillemot 9, Cassin's Auklet 10, Rhinoceros Auklet 20, Osprey 1 out as far as N 39.48006, W 123.88100, Wandering Tatler 1 Noyo Harbor, Spotted Sandpiper 1 Noyo Harbor, Great Blue Heron 1 Noyo Harbor, Great Egret 2 on kelp, Pacific White-sided Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Northern Fur Seal?, Harbor Seal

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 -- Barbara Dolan, Vishnu, and I were surprised to find two SUMMER TANAGERS at Lake Cleone this morning just before 11AM. As Fred Andrews posted earlier both birds were male, one adult and one first year bird. The younger bird was mostly red, with olive-yellow nape, underparts, and flanks. The adult was seen singing softly as well.
          At Virgin Creek beach Barbara found a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER just north of the creek. We followed the bird north to the first rocky area, where we spotted a fresh juvenile RED KNOT in a flock of dowitchers. Thanks to Karen Havlena and David Jensen for their expert help in IDing the knot. -- Cheryl Watson

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 -- Today I was with a group of about 20 birders. We saw 2 male SUMMER TANAGERS in a Tan Oak tree along the Lake Cleone Boardwalk trail, MacKerricher State Park. This was at about 11:00 a.m. They were seen adajecent to the asphalt service road. Walk east along the boardwalk from the Lake Cleone parking lot. At the service road, the two tanagers were in the tan oaks to the left (west side of service road. -- Fred Andrews

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 -- In Lake County today I saw two CASPIAN TERNS on the beach at Austin Park, Clearlake. At Borax Lake there was one BAIRD'S SANDPIPER among the other peeps and 8 phalaropes sp. lost in the heat distortion. After being flushed several times by a kestrel, the Baird's ended up on the north shore by itself. In High Valley I was not able to locate a Yellow-billed Magpie - this is the fourth time this year that I have dipped on this species. -- George Chaniot

Sat, 22 Augt2009 -- I met Matthew Matthiessen at Lake Cleone, MacKerricher SP, this morning. After a while of looking, Matthew heard the male SUMMER TANAGER call. The bird called frequently, finally making him easy to locate. He was in his favorite area eating both choke cherries and insects. Matthew got lots of pics of this new MEN bird for him. It was the first time I heard him calling.
          The best place to look is on the north side of the lake. From the parking lot, start looking along the boardwalk from the second place where the boardwalk widens (looks like a bench should be there, but isn't). The bird has been seen from there east to where there is a break in the boardwalk. Take the asphalt path north (slightly uphill) about 20-25 yards. On your left will be a small, open area about 20x25 ft. This is the most reliable place. MacKerricher SP is west of Hwy 1 north of Fort Bragg about 4 miles. Turn west on Mill Creek Dr. -- Karen Havlena

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 -- Thursday evening a WESTERN WOOD PEWEE showed up in our yard (first time) and spent most of its time feeding a STARLING chick. -- Henri Bensussen

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 -- I just received a call (5:25PM) from a neighbor, Raj Naidu, that he observed the SUMMER TANAGER today from 2:45 to 3:30 PM. He had gone to look for it yesterday when I told him about the bird and didn't see it. He tried again today and found it. He reported that it was in the same location as Monday when found. Check the Monday report for that location. -- Richard Hubacek

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 -- At Kelsey Creek outlet early this evening there was a MARBLED GODWIT and a flock of 10 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS. -- Jerry White

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 -- Hi Birders. This afternoon I visited the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant. A juvenile SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER started in with the Leasts in the southwest corner of the southern pond, but then flew to the marshy western-most sludge pond, where it continued when I left, an hour later. This is a rather long-billed bird, and is differant than the very short-billed bird I saw last week. Two juvenile BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS were on both the north and south ponds; the bird on the latter flushed up with a group of Least Sandpipers, then receded back into the thick plant growth. Single juvenile LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS were also on both the north pond and south pond. Other Peeps included 10 Western Sandpipers on the north pond, and about 100 Least Sandpipers, mostly concentrated in the weeds of the south pond. There were at least 50 Killdeer, mostly on the dry flats of the north pond. Three RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were at the east end of the flooded central pond. Also on the central pond were four BLUE-WINGED TEAL, while a single GREEN-WINGED TEAL and a single NORTHERN PINTAIL were with the Mallards on the southern pond. Passerine migrants included ~15 YELLOW WARBLERS, and ~10 SAVANNAH SPARROWS. A VIRGINIA RAIL called briefly from the weeds in the southern pond.
          Overall, Peep numbers seemed higher than last week, when I visited last, but most of them were Leasts, and most of those were hiding in the weedy, flooded south pond. The north pond now has two small puddles, one at each end of the pond. The one at the east end is actively being pumped down, but most of the peeps were on the west end.
          A brief stop by the pond at the end of Burris Lane in Potter Valley yielded very few birds; it was quite hot and breezy there this evening. I guess that's about it. -- Matt Brady

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- Early this morning there was an adult COMMON MOORHEN on the southern-most of the 2 ponds that are located near the UC Hopland Center office area. It is not a stretch to imagine that this is the same individual which has wintered here the past 3 years. Prior to 2006, there had been exactly 2 sightings in more than 50 years of observations. -- Chuck Vaughn

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- After all the wonderful birds reported this weekend, I birded the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant oxidation ponds this morning with great expectations. The reality was not equal to my desires. The best bird out there was an early PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Other birds new this fall (for me) were 1 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 2 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, and 3 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS at HREC. -- Chuck Vaughn

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 -- Jim and I met Richard Hubacek on the north boardwalk at Lake Cleone, on the coast at MacKerricher SP about 1-pm. We (fairly) quickly found the SUMMER TANAGER on the north boardwalk. This bird is molting, but is close to full adult plumage. (The lower belly has a central patch of yellow, and the tail feathers are splayed out, as if new). Otherwise, the bird is all red. We did NOT find an AM REDSTART (This could be the same bird announced by both Fred Andrews and Jerry White). Barbara Dolan & Cheryl Watson & Geoff Heinecken & Dorothy Tobkin arrived to look for the tanager when we had to leave. Fall vagrant chasing is off to an early start! -- Karen Havlena

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 -- I've uploaded 2 pictures of the SUMMER TANAGER. I heard it call and not knowing what it was went looking for it. The location of the bird where I first saw it (and the last time) is on the north side of Lake Cleone. Take the boardwalk from the parking lot. The boardwalk ends temporarily at some asphalt. Just where the boardwalk starts-up again there is a trail to the left. Go up the trail for about 15-20 yards and there is a small clearing on the left. The Tanager was flycatching in that small clearing. It was also seen from the boardwalk west of the trail. Thank you to the unknown young lady who let me use her cell-phone to call Karen. -- Richard Hubacek

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 -- Richard Hubacek found an adult male SUMMER TANAGER at Lake Cleone (MacKerricher SP) at approx. 12:30 pm. The bird was just up the dirt trail to the campground/visitor center (north side of lake). This is where the boardwalk is separated by an area of asphalt. I believe there is a pump house nearby. -- Karen Havlena (For Richard Hubacek)

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 -- At about 11:30 am today, I saw what I thought was an AMERICAN REDSTART on the boardwalk at Lake Cleone. This was on the east side of the lake, near where Mill Creek goes under the boardwalk, on the east side of the boardwalk. The bird was in mid canopy of some red alder trees. I did not get a photo. I do not have confirmation from other birders. -- Fred Andrews

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 -- There was an adult male AMERICAN REDSTART [at Lake Cleone] early evening on Saturday August 15th about 30 yards past the end of the boardwalk. -- Jerry White

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 -- For the past few weeks my husband and I have been marveling at and truly enjoying the little male COSTA'S HMMINGBIRD that visits our feeders many times a day. Yesterday I casually asked Matthew Matthiesen how common these are in this area and learned, much to my chagrin, that we have been sitting on an exciting little secret! Matt came over and saw our little friend both last night and this morning, and confirmed his identity. I am trying to recall when we first saw him and know that it has been since July 20th and perhaps a few days before that. I watch for him each morning, starting at first light, and am always thrilled to find him still here.
          We have seen a Costa's in our yard in late August, for about 2 weeks each time, the two previous summers as well. It will be interesting to see if he tries to winter over with our Annas or starts a new Costa's trend and has actually been moving between Ukiah and warmer winter climes.
          If someone does not have this bird on their list and wishes to try to catch a glimpse, they may call us at 707-462-3339 to find a mutual time to drop by. His pattern seems to be to stop in once an hour or hour and a half. He is able to ignore all the fuss around him and really chow down for a spell then stays away for up to 2 hours. His longest visits seem to be between 6:15 and 7:00 a.m. and just before dark. Unfortunately, that means he is here when the light for photos is truly awful on our deck! We are also blessed this week with a couple dozen Rufous Hummingbirds passing through, which seems to have become this groups twice a year routine. The Hooded Orioles that visited the feeder all summer have not been seen now for just over a week. -- Cherie Foster

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 -- Today at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant there were five RED-NECKED PHALAROPES on the middle pond. There was also a female RUDDY DUCK with two downy chicks - one of the few breeding records for Mendocino Co. Although there was extensive mud on the north pond, there were only a few WESTERN SANDPIPERS, Least Sandpipers, and one GREATER YELLOWLEGS. -- George Chaniot

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 -- Early this morning Nick Shepherd and I saw the adult BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER in 3/4 alternate plumage at Borax Lake. I suspect it is the same individual seen at Kelsey Creek a few days earlier. Despite searching thoroughly among the usual peeps we did not see George's SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER--which was either somewhere else on the lake or came in after we left (several peeps appeared to arrive while we were there). We also saw 7 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES.
          At Kelsey Creek we saw a juvenile SORA, which is not listed as present for summer according to Jerry's checklist. We wondered whether it hatched locally or arrived recently from elsewhere. Few shorebirds were present. Nick left after we birded Kelsey Creek.
          At Rodman's Slough I saw my first WILLOW FLYCATCHER of the season.
          At Reclamation Road I climbed the abandoned red machine and scanned several thousand starlings (mostly), blackbirds and crows for a half hour. After spotting several long-tailed false alarms (several kestrels and a mockingbird) I was about ready to give up when I finally saw a male GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE on a wire well west of the road, where it perched with crows rather than the blackbirds, and then it flew far to the south. Whew!
          At Nice I saw a juvenile RING-BILLED GULL, my earliest date for a juvenile in the county.
          On Friday the 7th I saw 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS and 9 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES at Borax Lake, plus the usual peeps. -- Floyd Hayes

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 -- At Borax Lake in Lake County this afternoon there was a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER and, among 40 Leasts and Westerns, a SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. At Kelsey Creek there was only a few Leasts and Westerns. -- George Chaniot

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 -- I was on Tenmile Beach today from about 1:40 to 3:30 and did not find the Franklin's Gull. I went south to Inglenook Creek. I did not search the river edges which is a possibility. -- Art Morley

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 -- I've downloaded a picture of the FRANKLIN GULL that Karen Havlena found this morning just north of Inglenook Creek. [see Mendobirds photo section] The Gull was last seen flying north. Due to fog I couldn't see how far it flew. -- Richard Hubacek

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 -- This morning there were three GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES at the Reclamation Rd. wild rice fields east of Upper Lake. The fields are private property, but the grackles were visible from the public road along the east side. To get to the location take the eastern end of Reclamation Rd. to the rice fields and turn left (south). Drive down to the end of the road where there are two sets of double aluminum gates. There are utility poles and wires crossing the rice fields near that location. The grackles were landed on the utility wires near the third pole mixed with crows and blackbirds including a few TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS. All of the birds were flying back and forth between the wires and the rice fields which were all recently harvested. A spotting scope would be useful. -- Dave Woodward

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 -- Hi Birders. This afternoon Maggie MacPherson and I visited the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant, to look for some Shorebirds. In the North Pond, we were able to refind the SOLITARY SANDPIPER, as well as a juvenile SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. I'm not sure if the SemiSand was a continuing bird or a new bird, but singles (of unspecified age) were reported on the 5th of August and 9th of August, so it could be the same bird. I was able to snap some good photos of the Solitary Sandpiper, and some tolerable photos of the Semipalmated Sandpiper, which I will hopefully be able to upload soon.
          Other birds included quite a few LEAST SANDPIPERS, lesser numbers of WESTERN SANDPIPERS (all juvs, as far as I could tell), two GREATER YELLOWLEGS, one SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, one SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, and a juvenile SNOWY EGRET. One brood of six or so baby RUDDY DUCKS was nice to see. Two or three YELLOW WARBLERS in the oak trees along the western side of the ponds were migrants, I suppose. I guess that's it. Good birding, -- Matt Brady

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 -- At least 5 PURPLE MARTINS are along University Road on the west end of the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center. They have been hanging out in the large diameter, but short, power pole on the south side of the road adjacent to the "Ski Pond" property. They have been there for a while, but I was able to get a good count on them this morning. Good Birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 -- At 9-am, I found an adult FRANKLIN'S GULL on Ten Mile beach, 1/4 mile north of Inglenook Ck mouth. Mid-morning, Richard Hubacek called to tell Jim that he saw the gull and took a couple of photos. The bird flew north towards Ten Mile River mouth.
          I quickly completed my SOS survey, which included a BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, fos MARBLED GODWIT, and eleven SNOWY PLOVERS, so I could drive over to Ukiah.
          At 12:30-pm, I saw the SOLITARY SANDPIPER at the Ukiah STP. It was still in the SW corner of the north pond. It is in fresh plumage, a cool brown with light tan speckling on the edges of the almost all wing feathers. It has been many years since I have seen a SOSA, and this one is lovely.
          Now, I am going to scope the north end of Ten Mile beach, to see if I can relocate the Franklin's Gull. Jim said he might walk down to Inglenook Ck tomorrow morning. If it can be refound, I will post again. -- Karen Havlena

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- I met George Chaniot at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant this morning. We found a SOLITARY SANDPIPER on the north pond. It seemed attached to the western corner of the pond. George saw a LESSER YELLOWLEGS and a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER on the south pond which we could not refind. There were at least 4 Greater Yellowlegs and moderate numbers of Western and Least Sandpipers. -- Chuck Vaughn

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 -- There was a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER in breeding plumage and a WILLET at the outlet of Kelsey Creek this afternoon. -- Dave Woodward

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 -- Was sitting in the yard yesterday and saw a bird that my wife and son both identified as a SAY'S PHOEBE according to multiple books. I'm 4 miles east from Mendocino village. -- Jeffrey Osier-Mixon

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 -- I think I saw two VAUX'S SWIFTS flying at dusk above Redwood Valley (Black Bart Trail) this evening. I also saw a SANDERLING at Lake Mendocino last Sunday, August 2. Sorry for the late report. -- Kate Marianchild

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 -- Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens :The male AMERICAN REDSTART was still near the intersection of the Fern Canyon Trail and the North Trail at 1:45p this afternoon. Good Birding, -- Rich Trissel

Sat, 08 Aug 2009 --- This morning there was a LESSER YELLOWLEGS, a SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, and a heard-only LEAST BITTERN. -- Jerry White

Sat, 08 Aug 2009 --- Geoff and I found a WHITE-FACED IBIS on the south pond of the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant this morning. The bird spooked easily but stayed in the plant, flying back and forth between the muddy north and south ponds. We also spotted a SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER on the north pond, possibly the same bird seen last Wednesday. And lots of LEAST SANDPIPERS on the sludge pond. -- Cheryl Watson

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 -- I saw my first WILLOW FLYCATCHER of the season on the Eel River near Fish Creek. This is about halfway between Hearst and the Highway 162 bridge at Outlet Creek. The river valey is wider here with extensive gravel deposits with small willows growing in the gravel. The bird was making foraging sallies from a small rock in the middle of the (very low) flow. -- George Chaniot

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 -- Hi all, This morning I scoped the ocean from Little River Headlands for a while. It was very calm. I did see what I was pretty sure was a COOK"S PETREL. At watching it as it flew by, I became convinced that I was looking at a Pterodroma instead of a shearwater, because of the bouncy flight. I am familiar with Manx Shearwaters and their close to the water flight, and even though there was no wind, this bird was still bouncy. At one point I thought I saw a hint of a 'W' pattern on the back as it banked. It was too far away to get anything really convincing, but this weekend might be a good time to scope the ocean.. Not much else was about, I saw one RHINOCEROS AUKLET, only one juvenal COMMON MURRE (with its dad) and a few PIGEON GUILLEMOTS already started on their way north. Oh, and a BLUE WHALE..thanks for sending it north Richard.. -- Ron LeValley

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- I ran into Cheryl Watson and Geoff Heinecken this morning at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant. We found a SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER on the north pond which is presently being drained. There 50-75 peeps between the sludge pond (primarily LEAST SANDPIPERS) and the north oxidation pond (primarily WESTERN SANDPIPERS). Of local interest were 9 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS and 3 SNOWY EGRETS on the north pond. As with last August, it is feast of famine with the habitat out there, and these conditions are unlikely to last long. All of the water is being drained into the very weedy south pond where visibility is a problem. -- Chuck Vaughn

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 -- Today at Borax Lake there was a BAIRD'S SANDPIPER and a SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. Also at the Kelsey Creek outlet there were 2 LEAST BITTERNS. I heard 1 bird call and saw another one in flight. -- Jerry White

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 -- Today I was doing steelhead surveys in the Main Stem Eel River where Tomki Creek comes in about 2.5 mi downstream from Van Arsdale Dam. I saw and heard a PURPLE MARTIN coming down to the river to drink on the wing. It's the first time I've seen them in the upper Eel since they quit nesting under the Pioneer Bridge some years ago. -- George Chaniot

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 -- Birds of local interest this afternoon at the outlet of Kelsey Creek in Clear Lake State Park included 5 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 3 WILSON'S PHALAROPES, one RED-NECKED PHALAROPE and one GREATER YELLOWLEGS. The number of Least and Western Sandpipers increased to about 40. - Dave Woodward

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 -- Hi all, We went to look for the Wilson's Phalarope at Virgin Creek Beach reported by Trudy Jensen today. We were not successful with that bird, but there was an adult BAIRD'S SANDPIPER at Virgin Creek Beach this afternoon. There were also three LESSER YELLOWLEGS and six LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS and about 10 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERSs among the Western and Least Sandpipers and Killdeer. -- Ron LeValley and Charlene McAllister

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 -- This morning there was one RED-NECKED PHALAROPE and one SEMIPALMATED PLOVER at the outlet of Kelsey Creek in Clear Lake State Park. I also saw a fly-by adult BALD EAGLE. The SANDERLING was still present on Friday afternoon, but I didn't see it today. -- Dave Woodward

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 -- Around noon today at Borax Lake I saw a LESSER YELLOWLEGS and similar numbers of WESTERN and LEAST SANDPIPERS as last weekend, but no phalaropes or anything else noteworthy. Floyd Hayes

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 -- This morning at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant there was a WILSON'S PHALAROPE and four LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS on the north pond. -- George Chaniot

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 -- We have another first summer record for Lake County (in addition to the juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper found by Floyd Hayes at Borax Lake). Dave Woodward on Monday July 27th, found a SANDERLING at Kelsey Creek outlet in Clear Lake State Park. I saw the bird on Wednesday. This is the first record outside of the Fall period (when they are extremely rare in the county). Also on Wednesday I counted 20 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES on Borax Lake.
          Most years in July in Lake County there is very little shorebird habitat exposed. But because of the low lake levels this year there is extensive available and viewable habitat at Borax Lake and at the Kelsey Creek outlet (waterproof boots needed here to cross over to what is for now an island). These are the two best locations for sandpipers usually, but other spots that might turn up something are Lake Pillsbury, Detert Reservoir, Indian Valley Reservoir or other exposed shoreline locations around Clear Lake. -- Jerry White

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 -- One of the RUDDY TURNSTONES remained on Ten Mile beach about 3/4 mile north of Ward Ave when I did my SOS survey Thursday morning. By the new fenced area about 1/2 mile north of Ward Ave, I saw 6 SNOWY PLOVERS. Two of them were banded. The bands were totally different styles, which may indicate that those two birds were banded at separate locations. Two additional SNPLs were way up the beach, north of Inglenook Creek mouth halfway to Ten Mile River mouth. -- Karen Havlena

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 --I was able to refind the AMERICAN REDSTART at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. It's location was on the West end of Fern Canyon Trail about 30 yds from the end. The same spot that the Audubon Walk found it on the 15th. I found it at 12:30 PM and again at 2:30 PM. I heard it sing only once but it did call several time. It's call is still the loudest and sharpest of all the calls in the area. It's been there now for at least 19 days. -- Richard Hubacek

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 -- Three RUDDY TURNSTONES and four SNOWY PLOVERS were on Ten Mile beach this morning, as seen by Jim Havlena. Jim did my SOS survey for me today. The RUTUs were about 3/4 mile north of Ward Ave. and the SNPLs were only about 1/2 mile north of Ward Ave. This area is part of MacKerricher SP and is west of Cleone and Hwy 1 and north four miles to the Ten Mile River. -- For Jim Havlena, Karen Havlena

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 -- At 7:30 this morning at Borax Lake I found 60 WESTERN SANDPIPERS & LEAST SANDPIPERS, 2 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 28 WILSON'S PHALAROPES, 4 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, and 1 WILLET. -- George Chaniot

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 -- Floyd Hayes just called with a number of shorebirds seen in the Clearlake area: At Borax Lake he saw the following expected species 35 Western Sandpipers, 15 Least Sandpipers, and 5 Long-billed Dowitchers. In addition he recorded 6 WILSON'S PHALAROPES, 13 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, and the first summer record for the county, a SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. At Austin Resort he had a flock of 16 WILLETS flyover. That is easily a new high count for the county. -- Jerry White for Floyd Hayes

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 -- To all; I looked and listened for the male AMERICAN REDSTART in the area Richard writes about for 3 hours on 7-25-09. Up and down "FERN" and "CANYON " to Dahlias , etc. Unfortunately, I did not have a sighting of the bird. But I left at 1:30PM . I did find the WESTERN WOOD PEEWEE nest with the babes being fed; I also saw 3 groups of BROWN CREEPERS IN 3 different areas around, one group with 5 birds. Also WILSONS WARBLER begging to a parent and receiving a niblet. A beautiful place to bird, nice weather. Barbara Dolan

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 -- I found the AMERICAN REDSTART at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens again at approx. 4:00 PM. It's location had changed. It was near the East end of Fern Canyon Trail which connects to the SOUTH Trail. It sang infrequently and I did not hear it call. I have not seen a female and there were no signs of nesting although I had a brief moment of hope because it was in a tree with alot of begging chicks. It turned out to be a Western Wood-Pewee nest. It has a bedraggled look (new picture downloaded) which according to The Birds of North America Online is probably due to molting. This bird has been in this general location for at least 13 days. -- Richard Hubacek

Sun, 19 July 2009 -- George & Janet Chaniot and I went to Fort Bragg's Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, arriving about 9:10-am just before Toby Tobkin showed up. We all walked along the North Trail, passing through the right-side gate. Watching for alders and listening, we soon heard the male AMERICAN REDSTART. A little pishing brought him out, below the canopy of the alders. We all got many excellent looks, while the bird sang and sang. He began to range around his presumed territory.
          Our other goal was to search for the female AMRE, reported on this listserv by Chuck Vaughn two days ago. We kept track of the male as he moved in and around Fern Canyon by the creek and up the south rim near the dahlia garden. The four of us looked carefully for 50 minutes. Toby continued the search for a while longer, when George, Jan and I had to leave at 10:30. She called me at noon. No female AMRE could be located, unfortunately.
          Both Toby and myself agreed to try to monitor that area of the botanical gardens during the week for the female and any evidence of breeding activity. -- Karen A Havlena

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 -- This morning at Virgin Creek beach there was a RUDDY TURNSTONE, 4 WHIMBRELS, and about 60 WESTERN SANDPIPERS. -- George Chaniot

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 -- RUDDY TURNSTONE and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS spotted at MacKerricher - full breeding plumage, but starting to change out. See photos at the group site :) -- Feather Forrestwalker

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- Barbara Dolan, Cheryl Watson, Geoff Heinecken and I made a very quick trip to the coast this morning to look for the recently reported American Redstart and Red Knot. We met Toby Tobkin at the Botanical Gardens and did find a Redstart near the north trail, but not the singing male. We found a Yellowstart, with visibly worn flight feathers, in that same area. Hmmm...adult female (?)...adult male...breeding??? Our trip to Virgin Creek beach for the Red Knot was for naught; there was not a Knot at that spot. -- Chuck Vaughn

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 -- As of 12:15PM the AMERICAN REDSART was still calling and singing in the same location (see previous postings) at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Toby and her dog were at the spot and she said that it had come so close that her binoculars would not focus. The bird was seen by me both hign in the trees and down near the creek. I have uploaded 2 pictures to the site. -- Richard Hubacek

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 -- Two non-breeding, adult POMARINE JAEGERS flew out of the fog bank that lay immediately offshore from Ten Mile beach this morning. It was quite foggy at the north end of Ten Mile beach as I began my SOS shorebird survey. Still north of Inglenook Creek mouth, a pocket of sunshine opened up, with the thick fog bank just a few yards out in the breaking waves. The jaegers flew about 15-20 ft above me moving south over the wet sand. Realizing their navigation error, the pair swung around and headed back into the fog and out to sea. Even though it was a brief encounter of less than a minute, they were close providing excellent looks including bulbous, central retrices that were a little over an inch longer than the median and outer retrices and wide, white patches at the base of the primaries.
          Other shorebirds included a molting RED KNOT. After discussing the plumage and the fact that the Ten Mile bird had a stiff, right leg creating a hobbling gait when it tried to run, Toby Tobkin and myself agreed that her REKN on the 14th at Virgin Creek beach was a different bird (brighter with no limp). -- Karen A Havlena

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 -- Yesterday evening (7/15) there was a juvenile cowbird (looked like an overgrown sparrow) being fed by a very small gray bird (sorry, don't know what kind) in our backyard. The little bird was dashing back and forth trying to keep the cowbird fed, then they moved on--just here for a few minutes. -- Henri Bensussen Fort Bragg/Harold St.

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 -- Hi All, Since I had an 11 AM meeting in Petaluma today I decided to bird Lake Co at dawn and then hustle back to Petaluma. After all Petaluma is about half way there from Oakland. So out of the house by 4:30 and 7 AM found me at Rodman Slough just west of the bridge, but could not find the black bird that I hoped for. I went to plan B which was to park east of the bridge by the green gate at 1830 Nice-Lucerne Cutoff Road following George Chaniot's and Jim Lomax's nice directions. I scanned all of the marsh areas, fields and trees seeing lots of black birds such as Crows, Red-winged Blackbirds, Starlings, BH Cowbirds, DC Cormorants, but not the one I was hoping for. Then, at 7:30, a much longer tailed black bird flew from the northeast (perhaps from about where Jim saw it on July 3 on his "death march" in 104 degree temperature) to near where I was standing. I finally had great views of a nice male GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE. Thank goodness I did not have to go to plan C , D, etc. Since it was only 7:30 there was no need to rush back to Petaluma. I just enjoyed the Rodman Slough area. I parked east of the bridge and watched the White Pelicans, Green Herons, Black-crowned Night Herons, DC Cormorants, etc. Just as I was about to leave I noticed a long-tailed black bird in a dead tree straight north across the slough on the east bank. Yup, it was a (the same?) Great-tailed Grackle. A nice morning and when I left at 9 AM it was only 77 degrees. -- John Luther, Oakland

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 -- During the Mendocino Coast Audubon walk this morning (approx. 11:00 AM),Trudy Jensen spotted an Adult Male "Singing" AMERICAN REDSTART. All observers on the walk got good views. It's location was in the West section of the Gardens along the north path about 30 Yards (just a guess!) from the very obvious pump-house. It was moving above the creek to the south. If you look at a map of the Gardens it was located in the West section of the "Red Alders and Riparian Vegetation". Other birds of note were a calling GREATER YELLOWLEGS flying over and about 8 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS (also found by Trudy) an apparent first for the Gardens. -- Richard Hubacek

Mon, 13 Jul 2009(approx.) -- Peter Pyle reported to me (with a photo) an adult male HARLEQUIN DUCK at the end of South Harbor Drive (off Hwy 20) near the Dolphin Isle Marina, This is a public campground/RV park along the Noyo River near Fort Bragg. This is about 1 mile from the mouth of the river. The duck was in the northern of the two dock channels (the one against the cliffs) when he saw it. So , I believe this to be the first Mendocino County record that hasnot been directly along the coastal shore (or nearby in Noyo harbor). Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer [17 July 2009 - Thanks to those who let me know that the drake Harlequin Duck has been around the Noyo Harbor and upper marina for up to 2 years.]

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 -- Perhaps I missed it in the archives, but I don't see that this bird has been previously reported. While on a brief family trip through the area, we stopped by the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg. There I heard and saw a singing, adult male AMERICAN REDSTART in the riparian vegetation in what I guess is called "Fern Canyon". The bird was audible and visible from the "North Trail" west of the property's bottleneck; I also heard it from the "Dahlia Garden" (see the garden's map . It was good to be back in the region. I wish I could get there more often... Cheers, Gjon Hazard, Encinitas, San Diego County, CA

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 -- This morning, while doing a Save Our Shorebirds survey, Toby Tobkin found a RED KNOT in a group of 24 Surfbirds. She reports it was molting out of breeding plumage but still had a lot of red on it. It was the same size as the Surfbirds. The group was on the first set of rocks at the north end of the beach. -- Toby Tobkin by Trudy Jensen - ps - Jim & i went to the beach about 12:30 and were not able to find the Red Knot - just 8 Surfbirds, 1 Black Turnstone, a dozen Whimbrels, and a dozen Black Oystercatchers. the waves were washing over a lot of the rocks, so the flock could easily have moved on... Trudy Jensen

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 -- To those interested; The bird was seen 7-10-09 6:30AM. The bird was seen 7-11-09 at 6:20AM and 6:40AM on the Gazebo feeder. Next time seen on same weekend day of 7-11-09 by Karen Havlena, visiting about 3:30PM . On 7-13-09 it was seen at 7:35AM. The bird was not seen on 7-14-Yet. - Barbara Dolan

Sat-Sun, 11-12 July 2009 -- A group of eight of us also birded the high country of the Mendocino National Forest a day behind Matthew Matthiessen and Karen Havlena. On Saturday we followed M1 from the Eel River Ranger Station to Spruce Grove. We spent the night at Spruce Grove, and Sunday morning we continued south on M1 as far as Monkey Rock. Then we backtracked and took M61 and M6 down to Lake Pillsbury and out.
          On the way in along the Covelo Road, we stopped at the Dos Rios Bridge and got glimpses of both WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS and VAUX'S SWIFTS. At the sandstone bluffs there were two PEREGRINE FALCONS.
          One of the most noticeable things of this trip was abundance of CASSIN'S FINCHES. We saw them and heard them singing at numerous locations between Charcoal Ridge and Monkey Rock. With over a decade of visiting this area in summer, I don't think I've ever seen this many. On May 31st this year Chuck Vaughn and I did not see or hear one. We also saw quite a few WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKERS from Grizzly Flat to the extreme corner of Lake County near where M61 meets M6. DUSKY/HAMMOND'S Flycatchers were evident, and we saw a singing TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE along M1 near Charcoal Ridge and saw another juvenile at Spruce Grove. GREEN-TAILED TOWHEES were numerous, and we saw several HERMIT WARBLERS at Spruce Grove.
          At Spruce Grove we found the main camping area occupied (a first for me!), so we drove to another very nice site about 200 yards further to the east. At about 9:30 p.m. a FLAMMULATED OWL began calling to the west in the direction of the spongy meadow, and later in the evening another began calling to the east - keeping some of the party from falling asleep!
          At Spruce Grove we hit several fantastic mixed flocks of about ten species - one flock seemed to be mobbing something unseen, and the other was pished up. Juveniles of almost every species were found wherever we went.
          About 80 species for the whole loop from Ukiah to Ukiah. -- George Chaniot, with Janet Chaniot, Chuck Vaughn, Cheryl Watson, Geoff Heinecken, Roger Foote, Barbara Dolan, and Dave Bengsten

Sun, 12 July 2009 -- 10:38am This morning I watched a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK hunting what appeared to be a family of Oregon Juncos. They were all in a White Oak growing in our yard, here on Dos Rios east of Laytonville. The tree is about 45' tall with many 2'-3' clumps of mistletoe growing in it through-out the canopy. 5 or 6 Juncos were using the "balls" of mistletoe for refuge as the Sharpie would literally crawl in one side and out the other chasing the the OJs from one clump to another. What I found odd was at the same time, there were several Red-Breasted Nuthatches, with at least 3 obvious Juveniles foraging on the main trunk and limbs of the same oak tree. Seemingly unnoticed and never pursued by the predator. After about 5-6 mins the SSH over took a young Junco as it tried to fly 8 or 10' between clumps! I headed east to check-out the WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS at the Dos-Rios/Hwy 162 bridge as well. Great "fly-byes" Thanks Karen! I don't really have a "Favorite" Bird. But if one develops... The WTS is certainly "in the running". Remember to have Fun! -- Bruce Gullett. Laytonville

Fri-Sat, 10-11 July 2009 -- Matthew Matthiessen and I went on a short camping trip to eastern mountains of MEN County, mainly along route M1 and down Hull Mtn Rd after MEN County birds for me and year birds for both of us.
          We started the trip at Dos Rios, where 5 WHITE-THROATED SWIFTs could be seen at once flying below the Hwy 162 bridge, but several more than that number could be heard. We walked the railroad tracks to listen for Canyon Wren, but had no luck with it. (Dragonflies and damselflies were another goal at which we had great success on the Eel River and elsewhere).
          Spruce Grove: The most exciting birds of the the trip were 2 FLAMMULATED OWLs that began calling at 9:25 pm, before Matthew had his CD and speaker ready to go. One of the owls was directly above us at the top of a tree, so whatever direction one turned, it seemed that the bird was calling from a different spot. At our campsite in Spruce Grove, 3 CASSIN'S FINCH provided good looks. A HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER also visited the camp.
          Sat, 11 July 2009 -- Driving south on M1, we stopped to see NASHVILLE WARBLER, DUSKY FLYCATCHER & WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKER, but missed out on Townsend's Solitaire. The unlikely Black-chinned Sparrow was not to be ours. Mountain Chickadees, warbers: Black-throated Gray, Hermit, Yellow-rumped & Orange-crowned, plus Lincoln's & Fox Sparrows, as well as many Red-breasted Nuthatches abounded. -- Karen Havlena & Matthew Matthiessen

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 -- To all; ROSE=BREASTED GROSBEAK - First seen at my feeder at 7:20PM 7-9-09. Black head and neck extending to the low back and rump which has a generous contrasting generous white area. The edges of this band of white are slightly flecked with black. The tail is all black. Light large bill and contrasting to the black face. Rose red bib which extends with a point into the white chest and abdomen. White patch areas on the black wings. Have not been able to see the underwing yet. Feeding again this morning 7-10-09 on gazebo feeder and saucer feeders-taking the area away from the BLACK HEADED GROSBEAK family which consists of a large number of members with many plumage states(including possibility of the07 and 08 CBC bird). New yard bird . -- Barbara Dolan

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 -- After being excused from jury duty yesterday, I birded around the lake. At the mouth of Rodman Slough I walked out onto the rocks and, about 5 minutes later, a LEAST BITTERN flushed from reeds only about 12 feet from the farthest rock and flew about 75 feet before disappearing into the reeds. I searched the area between Rodman Slough and Robinson Lake for the Great-tailed Grackle for more than 45 minutes before giving up.
          Shorebirds are moving through and I'm predicting a stellar migration this fall for Lake County. A flock of 13 LESSER YELLOWLEGS flew over Robinson Lake (water too high for shorebirds). At Borax Lake, where shorebird conditions are ideal (lowest water I've seen since moving here 5 years ago), about 80 WESTERN SANDPIPERS and 20 LEAST SANDPIPERS were on the small pools on the former island (now connected to land and accessible by foot). -- Floyd Hayes

Tue, 07 July 2009 -- 5:00 - 6:00 PM - There were 4 VAUX'S SWIFTS foraging over the Russian River channel on both sides of the Talmage bridge. I am guessing that they are a family group as there was a difference in wing molt on the birds .possibly adults versus immatures. The birds foraged for the entire hour that I was there .always passing over the bridge . never under the bridge. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 --'s up, Dogs? I went to bed intending on going east, but when the alarm went off at three I changed my mind and chose Plan B and got up at five. Actually Plan B was tomorrow's Plan A but 3 AM is hard these days. Getting old. So off to Lake County to look for George Chaniot's rediscovered bird reported yesterday.
          Arrived at Rodman Slough about 1000 hrs and found the green gate at 1830 Nice-Lucerne Cutoff Road east of the slough. I parked and as George said, scoped north and northwest from the gate. I found the snags in the direction of the pump house as he described, but they were to hell and gone from where I was. I could barely see a Common Crow sitting on the snags with the heat waves. After 15 minutes and deciding I wasn't going to have George's luck with one appearing in the small window between the green trees to the snags, I looked for a better way. I checked my google map which I had made at home, then headed northeast to Hwy 20. Ruby took me northwest on Hwy 20 to Reclamation Road where we went west. We followed Reclamation Road around to the north and then continued as it curved west again to another gate. Here Reclamation turns north again and the dirt road behind the gate is Edmand's Boulevard (not marked). A couple of years ago, the Prof and I talked to a person there and he told us it would be alright to walk beyond the gate, which has space to go around, and bird. I have no idea who that man was but he was now my source of permission. I walked west on Edmand's Boulevard and turned south which headed me back towards the bridge area even though I knew I could not reach that area. The walk is a mile and a half and it was 104. A truck came by with three men and I braced myself but they asked what bird I was looking for, were very friendly, offered me a ride for the rest of the way (declined), and wished me luck. Felt much better.
          The walk south is on Whalen Way (also not marked) and I walked to the south end and turned east on MacKie Road (again not marked). Basically, I walked around the irrigated fields of the Reclamation Area. Once I got to Mackie, I went east about 1-2 tenths of a mile and walked up on the dike. This abuts a finger of the slough which extends east from Rodman Slough. The snags were now 400 yards away and much easier to see. However, during the hour I was there, feeling sick and close to vomiting in the heat (Who forgot the damn water!), the bird was a no-show. By noon, I had to go back hoping I would make it without dropping dead. As I walked back on Mackie, I came upon another pumphouse which I had passed going the other way. I could see that I could walk up on the dike unmolested by weeds, sticker bushes, needles, ticks, etc., unlike the other two places I tried, so I walked up on the dike again. This put me at the entrance of where the finger flows into Rodman Slough. I sat down on a rock to rest and stop the nausea. As I was peering down into the water, I suddenly saw a reflection fly from east to west going by right in front of me and I looked up to get 'Welcome back to the GOP's most qualified candidate, one term mayor, and part term governor from the largest state that knows how to pick 'em, UU in Drag, Maverick Sarah Louise Heath "I can see those commies from my yard" Palin' looks at the beautiful blue black adult male GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE. Yes! The grackle flew down another fifty feet and perched in the only tree growing on the levee south of the pump house area. I watched it for ten minutes before I left with it still there. The euphoria got me almost back to Ruby before I got sick. Felt better in the air conditioning on the way home.
          Thank you George, for finding and reporting it. -- Jim Lomax

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- Cheryl Watson, Barbara Dolan and I birded the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant this morning. Although there is little shorebird habitat, with the exception of the sludge pond, birds are beginning to turn over out there. Most notable today were 2 (m,f) BLUE-WINGED TEAL, a very early SNOWY EGRET, and 6 WILSON'S PHALAROPES. There were about 6 each of WESTERN and LEAST SANDPIPERS. Yesterday, Cheryl and Barbara saw a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER. Steve Stump, a very observant plant employee, reported that a WHITE-FACED IBIS was present on Wednesday. It was not refound yesterday or today. -- Chuck Vaughn

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 -- This morning I went to Rodman Slough for my third try for GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE, and I succeeded. I set up my scope at the green gate to the east of the bridge at number 1830 and scoped the rice fields and trees to the north. It took about 15 minutes before I saw one sitting in the top of a dead tree to the NW - in line with the pumphouse. The scope was really necessary to pull this one in from public access on dry land. -- George Chaniot

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- Cheryl Watson, Barbara and I saw 3 adult female WILSON'S PHALAROPES this morning on the sludge pond at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant. Sure wish they would start draining some ponds so we could get some mud. There wasn't anything else really noteworthy out there on this hot day! -- Chuck Vaughn

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 -- This past Saturday 6/26 we were walking along the Eel River in Mendo county just over the hill from Potter Valley when we saw a beautiful yellow bird with a red head. Looked it up in our book and it sounds like a WESTERN TANAGER. -- Stan, Santa Rosa

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 -- Today Linda Angerer and I conducted the Hullville BBS which runs from up on Hull Mtn. in ex. se. Mendocino Co., I believe, south past the west side of Lake Pillsbury in n. Lake County. The route passes through some outstanding chaparral of a kind that does not occur in Humboldt County, mostly because it's loaded with chamise.
          A highlight was a singing Bell's [Sage] Sparrow, a form regarding as worthy of individual treatment by Beadle and Rising in their sparrows book. This bird was at a site I did not mark but which was one of the flagged BBS stations. It's a few miles northward of Lake Pillsbury and, while a straightforward drive, takes a long time to get to on the mostly unpaved M1 forest road. If anyone is interested in trying to hear and see this sparrow, which I viewed from the main road, let me know and I can put you in touch with Linda for directions.
          We also encountered numerous Blue-gray Gnatcatchers as well as other chaparral birds, including Oak Titmouse. I had California Thrasher at a BBS stop here a couple years ago but not this time. We heard a Poor-will at our camp high on the south shoulder of Hull Mountain the evening of the 25th. From the looks of the habitat, it would seem likely they're scattered throughout that stretch of country. -- David Fix, Bayside, HUM, Calif

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 -- This morning I birded the 'old logging road' along the Eel River from Pioneer Crossing Bridge to beyond Bucknell Creek and into Lake county a ways. I saw several WILSON'S WARBLERS in this area which I don't often see at this time of year. I also saw Orange-crowned Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and eight Yellow-breasted Chats for a total of six warbler species. There was a lot of dipper sign at the riffle just below Trout Creek and the county line riffle just above Bucknell Creek - but no dippers today. -- George Chaniot

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 -- Not sure if this is unusual but it struck me as so... a pair of OAK TITMICE in the courtyard by the tasting room at Handley Cellars in Philo on Thursday 6/25, midday. I don't recall having seen them in the valley. -- Taylor Ellis

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 -- Today I went to the ponds where the COMMON MOORHEN young were seen. I saw one breeding adult foraging across from me. On arrival I flushed the GREEN HERON. Other birds included; SONG SPARROW, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, ,CALIFORNIA TOWHEE, SPOTTED TOWHEE, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, BLACK PHOEBE-ONE LOOKING LIKE A FRESH YOUNG BIRD. Surrounding area birds included; ACORN WOODPECKER, TREE SWALLOWS hawking; NUTTALS WOODPECKER; LESSER GOLDFINCHES.
          I missed the floating island-it was not moving . No rattlesnake though I was alert due to Karen's report.
          At the Bottle brush up by the utility road North of the walk-in to the pond, there were numerous ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, and a beautiful SELAPHORUS MALE that repeatedly tried to enter and feed ,but was being harassed and chased away. Back and out the gate at that North pond there were WESTERN BLUEBIRDS; MOURNING DOVES; CANADA GEESE WITH young, and a lone WESTERN GREBE. 7 COMMON RAVENS came down to drink. -- Barbara Dolan

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 -- I had not checked my e-mail for a week (vacationing in Yosemite) when I briefly stopped by Rodman Slough yesterday at 10:00 am, so I was unaware of George Chaniot's sighting of a Least Bittern last week. A couple of minutes after clambering up on the rocks I was pleased to see the LEAST BITTERN flush from reeds about 30 feet away, fly about 20 feet farther into the reeds, and disappear. This morning I learned that Doug Weidemann and his father searched for it at noon yesterday--but they were less fortunate. I also searched fruitlessly for a grackle at Rodman Slough.
          A CASPIAN TERN was on the beach at Austin Park in Clearlake. At the small park east of Park Street in Lakeport I counted 67 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON nests, up from the 34 nests that Doug and I tallied on May 17. Clear Lake now has large numbers of courting WESTERN and CLARK'S GREBES, but I could not find any fledglings among them. -- Floyd Hayes

Thu, 18 June 2009 -- George Chaniot and I met at Mendocino College to look for the two juvenile COMMON MOORHENS at the "rail pond" on the campus of Mendocino College in Ukiah. George confirmed these birds as the first breeding record of COMO in Mendocino County this past Sunday, 14 June. We also were interested in trying to refind a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON that George saw on Sunday.
          We had to wait a while to finally see the two young COMO's emerge from the cattails on the east side of the larger pond that is closest to the buildings. They are growing quickly! One of the parents was near the north side of the pond.
          There were a few other VERY interesting sightings while we were there. One was the traveling clump of cattails that George mentioned in his previous post on 6/14. There was no breeze at all, but this clump of living cattails, about 4 ft in diameter, moved back and forth over a 8-10 yard area! There must be an animal (maybe the beaver I saw another time) propelling the cattails around the pond - a very puzzling sight to see. Also, we watched dragonflies and snake(s). CAUTION>>>> a WESTERN RATTLESNAKE was by the path at the south side of the pond. It was still cool, so the snake moved slowly across the path and into a low area of gray, granite-type rocks. These rocks are easy to see, so take care in that specific area.
          After George had to leave, I stayed on to continue looking for the BCNH. It was not to be found! On the east side of the smaller pond to the south, I got great looks at a slow moving, 4 ft Gopher Snake. I got fairly close to the adult COMO on the north side of the "rail" pond.
          Park at the east end of the main parking lot and walk south to the ponds, which are just west of where the entrance road turns north. -- Karen Havlena

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 -- I drove over to Rodman Slough on Clear Lake this morning mainly to look for the Great-tailed Grackles reported recently - no luck. I walked south from the bridge and out to the rocks near the picnic table. There were at least 10 YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS in the reeds to the south. After about ten minutes a LEAST BITTERN appeared in the same reeds, then flew by close and landed about 50 feet away. It was about as good a view as you can get. There was a female GADWALL in the rice field at 'Robinson Lake' , and there were at least four CINNAMON TEAL flying over the rice fields along Reclamation Road - both species listed as extremely rare in summer on the Lake County list. -- George Chaniot

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 -- Our kayaking business is at Dolphin Isle on the Noyo, and we have been watching this HARLEQUIN DUCK over the past 2 years. He is one of the first migratories to appear early in the fall and one of the last to leave in the late spring. We see him almost daily including last night. Lately he has been fraternizing with the mallard drakes. In the winter, he tends to congregate with the buffleheads. He has a very squeaky - "rubber ducky" like voice and a personality of his own. We are glad that you noticed him. He is such a handsome bird. Best of days, -- Cate Hawthorne

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 -- Two days ago another, smaller snake came and ate all the babies. One adult House Wren mobbed it over and over, and a couple of Anna's Hummingbirds also hovered around the scene. The fact that only one adult wren was mobbing the snake makes me think something happened to the other parent as well as the babies.
          This morning I opened the nest box, looking for jumping spiders or their egg sacs, and I found the snake still there. At the moment it's torpid and sort of upside down, so I'm not sure of the i.d.
          The reason I was looking for jumping spiders is that House Wrens (mostly males) collect jumping spider egg sacs and attach them to the walls of the nest cavity, and the sticks that make up the nest. When the spiderlings hatch they go around gobbling up mites. (At least that's been observed in nests of captive House Wrens). I was trying to figure out what kind of jumping spiders they collect. -- Kate Marianchild

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 -- Geoff and I saw two ROCK WRENs on the south end of the Lake Mendocino dam this morning. The first was in the lake side rocks side not far from the tower and the second near the rest room. As we headed back, the first wren flew across the dam and south in the direction of the second. A pair maybe? -- Cheryl Watson

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 -- I went back to the Mendocino College pond this morning to check on the COMMON MOORHENS, and I quickly found an adult clambering around in the _top_ of the cattails pecking at the newly emerging 'flowers'. It carried something yellow in its bill deep into the cattails. A few minutes later I saw a largish juvenile with a lot of clinging down emerge from the cattails at the east end of the pond. About 15 minutes later I saw two juveniles at the same time. I heard a lot of rail sounds which I have never heard before coming from their vicinity. This is, I believe, the first confirmed nesting in Mendocino County. Oddly, there is a floating island of cattails in the pond which must have drifted 40 feet while I was there. -- George Chaniot

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 -- A single Male Harlequin on the Noyo River June 12, 2009 about 10 AM and again at 5PM. -- Bud Bernard

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 -- Hi All, The WHITE-FACED IBIS continued at the Ukiah sewage plant today (June 12). At 8:30 this morning it was along the southern edge of the second large pond as you look from south to north (southern most pond is almost dry). It was very well hidden in the vegetation at the edge of the pond. Most of the time it was not visible or only its head would stick up above the vegetation. -- John Luther, Oakland

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 -- This evening at sunset I was walking along West Road in Potter Valley south of the cemetery when a nighthawk flew over low heading toward the western hills. It was silent, but I got a good enough look at the position of the white bar and the pointedness of the wings to be sure that it was a COMMON NIGHTHAWK. It's the first of this species that I've seen in Potter Valley since 10 Jun 1984. [not seen the next three evenings] -- George Chaniot

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 -- This morning I did some productive birding along the Lake Pillsbury road, 240B, between Potter Valley and Soda Creek, concentrating on the Lake County side of the line. My goal for the day was to search the grassy area west of Soda Creek for Grasshopper Sparrow, since on May 31 Chuck Vaughn and I found several at a similar area on the Covelo Road. As it was a weekday morning, there was very little traffic until about 10:00, and I had the place almost to myself.
          Just about 1/4 mile into Lake County I found a MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER, a pair of HERMIT WARBLERS, and a HOUSE WREN. The female Hermit Warbler was carrying food. At about mile 36.3 I heard a booming SOOTY GROUSE near where I heard one several years ago. Isn't this late in the season?
          I spent about an hour at the grassy hillside. It is located at about mile 32.5 and is called "The Slides" on the Mendocino National Forest map. It also shows as an open area on the DeLorme map p.75, A 4.5. I picked up on a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW before I finished my first thermos of coffee. It appeared briefly on a fence wire on the north side of the road then flew across the road and down the slope a way. Over the next half hour I got two more views downslope. One could be seen singing, and the other seemed to have some food in its craw. These were in the area between the two "Slide Area" signs and near the pi-shaped gate posts at 27282. In the same area there were at least four LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES, 3m 1f, visiting some water in a seep along the road and feeding in the weedy grasses upslope - some of which were bloomed-out fiddlenecks. I also had several close passes by GOLDEN EAGLES and one BALD EAGLE flying upcanyon high overhead. -- George Chaniot

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- I stopped in at the USTP this afternoon for a quick walk around the ponds. There was a WHITE-FACED IBIS feeding on the edge of the middle pond. It flew to the sludge pond as I approached, and it was still there when I left. About the only other bird of any interest out there is a continuing and very worn BUFFLEHEAD female. -- Chuck Vaughn

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 -- I just wanted to let you know that there has been a male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK visiting my bird feeder on Ford Street in Ukiah. I saw him visit off and on yesterday (Sunday, June 7) in the early morning and again in the afternoon. -- Lois O'Rourke

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 -- We saw at least 3 GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES up the right branch of Rodman Slough near Lakeport on Sunday, 6/7 around noon. -- Mark Bailey

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 -- RED CROSSBILLS are now coming to our feeders in Little River. I've seen at least 2 juveniles. They are very trusting. I've posted two close-up pictures in my Red Crossbill album in the photo section. -- Richard Hubacek

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 -- UC Hopland Research &Extension Center - this morning Greg Giusti, Shane Feirer, and I discovered a Rufous-crowned Sparrow nest with 4 unmarked whitish-blue (maybe white as it was hard to tell in the shadows) eggs in it. It was in Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii) habitat with a grass understory of rattlesnake grass, ripgut, dogtail, etc. The site was very well shaded and is on a west aspect old cut on the upper side of a very old dozed-fire trail with the nest tucked into a small pocket on the partially grassed road-cut. The nest is grassed-lined with tightly woven grass, with an overhang which protected the upperside of the bird and nest. The female returned to the nest to brood shortly after being flushed. I believe that this may be Mendocino County's first documented nest - although nesting has been confirmed in the past by observers witnessing adults feeding fledged young. Good birding. Bob Keiffer

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 -- Having some time to kill at Mendocino College this afternoon, I went to the "Rail Pond" to take a look. I was surprised to find a COMMON MOORHEN. I have not seen them there since late March. As I was watching the bird at the east end of the pond, I heard another calling from the cattails on the south side. I presume that these are the same two birds that wintered here. During the 50 minutes that I watched the pond I had a moorhen in view less than 10% of the time. I heard them call about 10 times.
          Having two birds in the right habitat at the right time of year is the lowest level evidence of possible nesting. This bears further observation since I don't believe there is a Mendocino breeding record to date. -- George Chaniot

Sun, 31 May 2009 -- Invasion of the Exotics: Eight EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES in our Ft. Bragg yard today. They came in with a group of starlings and a pair of house sparrows, plus a pair of mourning doves. -- Henri Bensussen

Sat, 30 May 2009 -- Marisela de Santa Anna reported that on Saturday, 5/30/09, during a bike ride along Reynolds Hwy. in Little Lake Valley, she saw for the first time there, a pair of LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES. The exact location was not mentioned. She wondered if Lawrence's Goldfinches had ever been reported from Little Lake Valley or the Willits area before. I don't recall ever hearing of that either. Does anyone know? -- Vishnu

Fri, 29 May 2009 -- Late this afternooon I found a single ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER on the south side of Juan Creek, just east of Highway One. Juan Creek is on Highway One north of Westport, just before the road turns inland. I also saw several PURPLE MARTINS at that location. -- Dave Jensen

Fri, 29 May 2009 -- No Ash-throated Flycatcher was seen during the scheduled bird survey this morning at Pt. Cabrillo. If still there it could have a larger feeding territory than where I saw it. However, there was a WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH recorded on the survey, which is also unusual for the coast, and there are no oaks on the Pt. Cabrillo Preserve. The WBNU was seen in the south-east corner of the Preserve in mixed pine and riparian vegetation. -- Art Morley

Thu, 28 May 2009 -- Today at about 3:30 I saw an ASH-THROATED FLYCACHER at Point Cabrillo. It was about 100 yds north of the houses in an area surrounded by wax myrtle and spreading Cypress. It was about 50 feet from breeding bird survey station #12. We will watch for it on the survey tomorrow morning. It could be nesting. -- Art Morely

Thu, 28 May 2009 -- Thursday morning - today I observed a male LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH gather salt at the traditional spot from years past along University Road here at the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center. The "traditional spot" is a black-plastic salt feeder for sheep that is on the SE side of the road near a wooden pasture sign that says "Vassar Corner". There are multiple Lesser Goldfinches and House Finches that come in for the salt also. The salt feeders have a large black plastic rain shield over the top of the tubs. Viewers are welcome to stop at the "parking area" near the sign ..watch for the goldfinches at the salt feeder close by (25 feet), or the salt feeder behind the gate (75 feet), or atop the many fences, or bathing at the bird bath near the tank overflow to the SE. Listen for the high "bell-like tinkle" sound of the Lawrence's. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Wed, 27 May 2009 -- Hi - A few interesting things. This year I'm seeing a lot more nesting birds, unfortunetly the european sparrows are chasing the new birdbird couple out of the boxes. Some ravens were nesting atop a tall pine tree in our yard(about 3 stories up) on monday morning I found 3 young raven heads , neatly detached and about 3 feet from their intact bodies on the ground below the nest, it appears they were just about to fledge, still with a few pin feathers..they were just dispatched and kicked out there were no signs of them being eaten,etc. I beleive this attack happened at night. I don't hear any more sounds , nor do I see the parents who were regulars here.
          I saw 2 young Pileated Woodpeckers that appear to have just left the nest. And , It wasn't the Pileated Woodpeckers in our dead pine tree as I suspected as I see a female and male on our property often, because yesterday I saw a female flicker enter a hole in it.
          There are a number of other nesting birds that have returned to the same nests for several years now. Usually we have a number of Pheobes here, but for some reason they are all absent for a few weeks now.( really strange as we usually have so many)
          Today I saw some sort of raptor type bird Ive never seen in this are area before, it had long ,narrow wings, and was very light colored,top and undersides with white/grey with some black perhaps, but it definetly was not a kite or the usual hawks around here. I wasnt able to grab my binocs before it flew off. It wasnt making any sounds. Curious if anyone has any ideas on that. -- Lynne- Road D redwood valley

Tue, 26 May 2009 - Tuesday - Two Grasshopper Sparrows were seen at the traditional site on the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center. 1 was a singing male. We are certain that nesting is occurring (as it has in prior years). This site in NOT open to the public .but limited viewing can be arranged. Good Birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Mon, 25 May 2009 -- Larry Siemens spotted a TUFTED PUFFIN near Goat Rock, Mendocino Headlands SP on Memorial Day. The group he was with birded there early in the weekend, but did not see the TUPU until Monday. -From Hwy 1 near Mendocino village, take Lansing St intersection (north side of Mendocino), and turn west on Heeser St and park at the NW parking area. Goat Rock is the large, grass-covered rock that would be the most due north. Scope the water in this area. A pair bred here last year, so this could be one of the same adults. -- Kaen Havlena [For Larry Siemens]

Mon, 25 May 2009 -- Today, I helped Bob Keiffer run his Breeding Bird Survey on Branscomb Rd, from Laytonville to Hwy 1. Our most surprising bird was a NASHVILLE WARBLER found by Bob west of Branscomb. Quite a few HERMIT, BLACK-THROATED GRAY, WILSON'S and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS were at many stops. One of the WILSON'S stumped us for a couple of minutes until we could actually see it, because its song was so rapid - a Wilson's on speed. We also had PURPLE MARTINS and a GREEN HERON near the western end of the route.
          Jim joined us for the rest of the day. We tried for Marbled Murrelets at Juan Creek without success. (There have not been any MAMU there for months). Then, we traveled back east on Branscomb Rd, then north on Wilderness Lodge Rd to the Angelo Coast Range Reserve, where we met Peter Steel. We found two to three old NORTHERN GOSHAWK nests, but no NOGOs.
         Continuing east, we drove Dos Rios Rd its12 miles from Laytonville to the Hwy 162 bridge. There we saw 3+ WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS. We then walked the old railroad tracks between Dos Rios and the Eel River to listen for Canyon Wren but had no luck with it. So, back to Laytonville we went to end our fun day. -- Karen Havlena (Bob Keiffer and Jim Havlena, too)

Sun, 24 May 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- Barbara and I met Cheryl Watson and Geoff Heinecken at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant this morning for some birding. There wasn't a lot of activity, but we did see a couple of nice birds. There were 2 BLACK-NECKED STILTS which were quite active, visiting any spot with shallow water. On the north pond we saw a pair (m,f) of BLUE-WINGED TEAL among the mallards. They had moved to the middle pond by the time we left. It was nice to hear the SWAINSON'S THRUSHES singing along the river. -- Chuck Vaughn

Mon, 18 May 2009 -- The last few days have brought the most magnificent display of BROWN PELICANS my wife and I have seen since moving to Albion in 2005. Notwithstanding "duplicates" in my observations, my estimate is based on counting formations which varied from one or two individuals up to 52 in one group - usually in groups of 20-30. I estimate that on Sunday afternoon, May 17, groups totaling 300-500 Brown Pelicans the shoreline of Salmon Creek cove and then headed north. Today, we are also seeing a consistent series of fly-bys and then they head north. BTW - would someone educate me and let me know what the correct term is for a "group" of pelicans? My Googled results include pod, squadron, flock, scoop... Thank you! -- Howard Guyer

Sun, 17 May 2009 -- Location: Offshore Waters (Mendocino Co.). Notes: Pelagic Trip out of Fort Bragg (with Mendocino Coast Audubon Society) Other Species seen: 3 Humpback Whales, 10 California Sea Lions, 2 Harbor Seals, 1 Gray Whale, 6 Pacific White-sided Dolphin, & 5 Harbor Porpoise
Number of species: 38
Brant (Black) 45, Surf Scoter 12, Pacific Loon 825, Common Loon 20, Western Grebe 34, Black-footed Albatross 200, Northern Fulmar 16, Pink-footed Shearwater 170, Sooty Shearwater 325, Ashy Storm-Petrel 2, storm-petrel sp. 1, Brown Pelican 98, Brandt's Cormorant 27, Pelagic Cormorant 38, White-faced Ibis 16, Osprey 2, Black-bellied Plover 1, Red-necked Phalarope 177, Red Phalarope 1, Sabine's Gull 125, Bonaparte's Gull 60, Heermann's Gull 2, Western Gull 255, California Gull 181, Glaucous-winged Gull 15, Common Tern 7, Elegant Tern 2, Pomarine Jaeger 2, Parasitic Jaeger 2, Common Murre 425, Pigeon Guillemot 17, Rhinoceros Auklet 16, Mourning Dove 1, Purple Martin 3, Cliff Swallow 2, European Starling 2, Song Sparrow 2, White-crowned Sparrow 2 -- Ron LeValley

Sun, 17 May 2009 -- Today Barbara Dolan, Bruce Gove, Cheryl Watson, Geoff Heinecken, and I birded along the Eel River near Potter Valley from the Pioneer Crossing Bridge to Trout Creek. We saw many of the species seen on 9 May including 7 warbler species. Several MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLERS, at least one HERMIT WARBLER, and several YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS. -- George Chaniot

Thu, 14 May 2009 -- Inspired by MasterBirder Steve Glover's report, I got up to Hopland about 0730 hrs. Over the last few years I have looked for this goldfinch either here or on Burris Lane in Potter Valley and every year I have missed it. Today was no exception. None around the Hopland Research area.
          I drove back into Ukiah to the Water Treatment Plant, signed in, and hiked out to the ponds. It's hampered and a little sign tells you which way to go due to over a years worth of construction. I walked over to the western most pond, set by itself, and checked the shoreline. Immediately got "sharing a hot tub with Alexandra Cymboliak Zuck" looks at a beautiful SOLITARY SANDPIPER. A very nice surprise. Nothing else of note, unless you like to look at Mallards in the other ponds, two of which had too much water for shorebirds, and the other, the southeastern most one, was almost dry. A couple of puddles had six Spotted Sandpipers, Killdeer, and a Semipalmated Plover. (Alexandra? You remember her. Probably you knew her as Sandra Dee. Google it if your that young.)
          Headed north then, to mm 103. I needed the swifts Steve and Frances saw. All roads in this county were designed by the health industry, namely, the pharmaceutical companies. People who drive these roads use a lot of hydrochlorothiazide pills. To keep their blood pressure down. Anyway, by mid-day, I arrived to find...no swifts. Only Violet- green, Cliff, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows. I climbed the hill for a better view again wasting my time.
          Then I drove out Hwy 162, to Dos Rios, to look for reported-over-the- years Canyon Wrens. Couldn't find any, but, while checking the rocks in the canyon below the bridge by Dos Rios, there was a WHITE- THROATED SWIFT flying around with the swallows. Felt a little better.
          In planning the day, I was going to go out to Fort Bragg as well, but there just isn't enough time. It's 103 miles to mile marker 103 when you enter the county and it takes forever. So now I figured I'd check Burris Lane on my way home. Upon arrival at 1715 hrs, I drove to the east end and sat there. No goldfinches in sight. I called Steve. He told me to look around the Fiddleneck across from the pullout at the top of the rise just before the end of the road. I parked at the pullout and walked to the fence on the north side, which is uphill, and once at the fence, I had to look downhill on the other side finally finding the Fiddleneck buried in the grasses. While I was looking, I suddenly had "we don't have to drive it, we can park it out in back, and have a wild party in my Pink Cadillac... Pink Cadillac" looks at a gorgeous male LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH. AT LAST! It was sweeter than finding a 500 dollar bill, sweeter than keeping my right arm, sweeter than sharing a hot tub with Alexandra... Well...not that sweet. -- Jim Lomax

Wed, 13 May 2009 -- At 11:30 AM, I heard and observed 12 RED CROSSBILLS flying from the Pygmy Forest over Little River Airport Rd. to the "Wood's" Senior Park. -- Richard Hubacek

Sun, 10 May 2009 -- In Mendocino County we noticed a flock of swifts over the Eel River at the bridge near mile 103. We backtracked to a pullout on the southbound side just before the bridge (quite possibly not legal). Amongst a flock of VAUX'S SWIFTS were at least 3 and probably more WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS, a county bird for both of us. Finally, at about 5:30 we saw a pair of LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES in the amsinckia just before the end of Burris Lane. Good birding! -- Steve Glover, Dublin and Francis Oliver, Lodi

Sun, 10 May 2009 -- At least 3 LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES were at the end of Burris Lane this afternoon from about 3:30-4:30. They tend to disappear deep into the patch of fiddlenecks and may still be present when not seen. -- George Chaniot

Sun, 10 May 2009 -- Neither Red Knot nor Ruddy Turnstone could be found at Virgin Creek beach late morning. Four LONG-BILLED CURLEWS, sixteen DUNLIN, four Semi-palmated Plovers, several Western Sands, and numerous Whimbrels were about. At Ten Mile river mouth, there were three LONG-BILLED CURLEWS and two Spotted Sandpipers. On Ocean Meadows Cir, our tan stripe WHITE-THROATED SPARROW is still with us. Its molt appears to be complete, so it may not hang around much longer. May 10th should be a pretty late date for MEN. (Humboldt Co. has records to very, late May, etc). -- Karen & Jim Havlena

Sat, 09 May 2009 -- The Peregrine Audubon field trip to Potter Valley and the Eel River took place Saturday. Among the more interesting finds were a displaying YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT near the old bridge on Potter Valley Road, an AMERICAN DIPPER at the rapids at milepost 0.97 on Potter Valley Road, multiple MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLERS and HERMIT WARBLERS along the Eel River between Pioneer Crossing Bridge and Trout Creek Campground, and at least 6 LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES at the end of Burris Lane (seen in mid-afternoon, but not in mid-morning). A full list can be seen at the Peregrine website -- George Chaniot

Fri, 08 May 2009 -- Early afternoon, I saw a male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD west of Hwy 1, Inglenook, near mm 66.50, just south of Little Valley Rd. Late morning, I had seen a mystery bird there, so I went back to see if it was around. (The bird, reminiscent of a female Phainopepla, flew in a flight pattern characteristic of PHAI towards Inglenook Fen). The YHBL also flew towards Inglenook Fen, sort of inticed by a few Brewer's Blackbirds). Barn Swallows were also flying about the area. -- Karen Havlena

Fri, 08 May 2009 -- This evening from 6:45-7:05 the LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES were back at the end of Burris Lane in Potter Valley as described in the last post. This time there were two females and one male on the fence and in the orange fiddlenecks. When they land in the fiddlenecks, they disappear from sight and could be overlooked. A male was singing on the fence only about 25 feet from my car window; I don't think I have ever heard the song as well. It's a sweet, complex warble with some mimicry thrown in. I hope we can find them on tomorrow's field trip. -- George Chaniot

Fri, 08 May 2009 -- Late morning, Toby Tobkin, myself, and Dave Jensen saw an undeniably different RED KNOT at Virgin Creek beach, north on the main beach but a little south of the first bluff. Two RUDDY TURNSTONES were nearby. One LONG-BILLED CURLEW was a short distance north of the REKN with several Whimbrels. This REKN was just coming into breeding plumage. The throat, upper breast and the sides had light orange, splotchy coloring, unlike George's description of yesterday's very brightly colored knot. At Laguna Point, there were two BONAPARTE'S GULLS found by D A Jensen. Caspian Terns and Red-necked Phalaropes are on the move, as well along the coast. -- Karen Havlena

Thu, 07 May 2009 -- Chuck Vaughn and I birded along the coast this afternoon working on our year lists. The most interesting finds were a RED KNOT in high breeding plumage, two LONG-BILLED CURLEWS, and a RUDDY TURNSTONE - all among other migrants at Vir gin Creek Beach in the late afternoon. -- George Chaniot

Wed, 06 May 2009 -- Hi Birders. I had a few unusual migrants at my parent's place in Potter Valley (Mendocino County) today. Perhaps of most interest (to me) was an adult male CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD that tried to share the single Hummingbird feeder with about a dozen Anna's and at least three Rufous Hummingbirds. Also quite interesting was a pair of PURPLE MARTINS that buzzed by while I happened to be out on the deck. The PUMAs were new for me for the inland portions of the County (and my yard, of course). Actually, today was quite a good day for migrant Swallows in general, with a dozen or so Cliff Swallows, two Northern Rough-winged Swallows and several Violet-green Swallows during the same twenty or so minutes that I noticed the Martins in. In the Raptor department, I was excited to see a pair of BALD EAGLES soaring high over the valley, headed in the general direction of the pond at the end of Burris Lane. I've seen them from the property several times during winters past, but these were the first Bald Eagles I have seen during the breeding season in Potter Valley. Also interesting were a dozen or so Turkey Vultures that suddenly appeared low over our house; judging by their sudden appearance and disappearance, I suspect that they were migrants.
          At the end of Burris Lane at about 5:30 this afternoon, I did not see any Lawrence's Goldfinches, but most of the expected migrants were in (Western Kingbird, Lark Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, etc), and I saw another 50 or so Cliff Swallows and a half dozen or so Violet-green Swallows moving past. Also nice to see was a close adult Golden Eagle.
          Finally, this evening in Ukiah I noted 250 or more VAUX'S SWIFTS crusing fairly low over the County Courthouse. -- Matt Brady

Tue, 05 May 2009 -- At 8:30ish CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD at our feeder with the evening frenzy of Anna's and a male and female Rufous. It was so miniature compared to the Anna's. -- Kelly Austin

Tue, 05 May 2009 -- We have had an adult male BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK coming to feed both at our yard and the south yard (with feeders) in Ocean Meadows Circle, 1/2 mi north of Ten Mile River for three days. Also, the WHITE-THROATED SPARROW is still coming to the seed as of today, 5 May. Alas, I have NOT seen any of the TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS for at least one + week. As I recall, the TRBL's left briefly from the pond across Hwy 1 last year, so hopefully they will return shortly to our area. --Karen Havlena

Tue, 05 May 2009 -- This evening at 6:30 I saw a pair of LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES along the road above the pond on Burris Lane in Potter Valley. There is a patch of orange fiddlenecks beyond the fence on the north side of the road which they were visiting along with some Lesser Goldfinches. They also landed on the fence. -- George Chaniot

Tue, 05 May 2009 -- This morning we briefly had a male BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK in the front yard. -- Tim Bray, Middle Ridge, Albion

Mon, 04 May 2009 -- I first saw EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE in Mendocino County July 24, 2004 Mendobirds message 963 at which time I posed the question "How long before they appear in my yard?" Well, the answer is four years, nine months, and ten days. A pair landed on the fence outside my study window and eyed the feeding area for a while before going to the ground and feeding. -- George Chaniot

Sun, 03 May 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- Barbara and I got out this morning to the USTP in between these May rains. We met Geoff and Cheryl and Barbara Dolan. There had certainly been a turnover in shorebirds since last Wednesday. The big surprise was a group of at least 200 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, in various stages of alternate plumage, on the N pond. I do not recall ever seeing that many birds inland before. My personal previous high count inland was 33 birds at USTP in April, 1995. Other birds of local interest were 15 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 15 DUNLIN, and a single LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER. The Avocets and the Wilson's Phalarope were not to be seen, however the latter could easily have been invisible in the mass of Red-necked Phalaropes. -- Chuck Vaughn

Sat, 02 May 2009 -- Hi All, Today a flock of over 100 BROWN PELICANS was seen by Cheryl Faconti flying over Gualala Point Island headed north. They were followed by several smaller flocks. As she put it, "So magnificent!" -- Jeanne Jackson, Anchor Bay

Sat, 02 May 2009 -- S Dora in Oak knoll area of Ukiah: We have had a pair of EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES doing major courting behavior for over a week, and our first BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK of the spring showed up at the feeder this morning. -- Janet Rosen

Sat, 02 May 2009 -- I checked for the AMERICAN DIPPER again today and saw one fly by in the same area. The recent rains have erased from the rocks most of the sign which was apparent yesterday. -- George Chaniot

Fri, 01 May 2009 -- I watched five EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES here in Laytonville valley this evening at 6:15 pm feeding in a horse pasture with 8-10 California Quail and a small flock of Brewer's Blackbirds. I was able to watch them for about 10 minutes before they were "spooked" along with the quail and blackbirds by some one coming out of a house to tend the horses. The location was/is 44700 Tolen Ave. Access is west at the Laytonville Auto Parts store, across from the Cheveron station in Downtown Laytonville. Take the second left just past a large two story building. Then, it's the second house on the right. Yesterday 4/30 I saw what I thought was a Collared-Dove fly over hwy 101 approx. 4 miles south of Laytonville at the Shamrock Ranch. (Where the Elk hang out on the east side of the hwy) But was unable to make a good ID. -- Bruce Gullett

Fri, 01 May 2009 -- Today I found an AMERICAN DIPPER, perhaps two, at the 'quarry' area along Potter Valley Road at about milepost 0.97. There is quite a bit of fresh dipper sign downstream as far as the parking area at milepost 0.75. I saw a dipper carrying food upstream from the rapids, and I suspect that there is a nest in that vicinity. -- George Chaniot

Fri, 01 May 2009 -- I have been marking the calendar each day for some time to write that we still have a tan-stripe WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and a GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW coming to our front yard to feed near the driveway on Ocean Meadows Circle, north of the Ten Mile R. bridge. -- Karen & Jim Havlena

Fri, 01 May 2009 -- A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was heard by Toby Tobkin at the Botanical Gardens this morning. The Chat was along the south boundary fence by the large "Events" lawn area. The Gardens are west of Hwy 1, about 1/2 mile south of Hwy 20 & Hwy 1. There is a fee to enter if one is not a member. Of note, Toby said theYBCH is a new addition to the MC Bot. Garden's Bird Checklist. -- (for) Dorothy Tobkin.

Fri, 01 May 2009 -- I went back to USTP again today. There was a turnover in the shorebirds: 1 SEMIPALMATED SANFPIPER, 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 39 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 6 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 1 DUNLIN in beeding plumage, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER in breeding plumage, and 2 WILSON'S SNIPES. -- George Chaniot

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 -- I visited the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant this morning to look for the Wilson's Phalarope seen yesterday, but I did not find it. Other shorebirds present were 6 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 6 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 8 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, 3 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, and 2 WILSON'S SNIPES. YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS were singing strong from the riparian. -- George Chaniot

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 -- Rich Hubacek found a WILSON'S PHALAROPE on the north pond at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant late this morning. The bird is between distinctive plumages. When we snuck up to get a better look it flew across the pond, revealing a Wilson's white rump and unmarked wings. -- Cheryl Watson

Mon, 22 Apr 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirder- This morning I saw a pair of LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES feeding on fiddleneck above the office area at HREC. Maybe this year these irruptive birds will stick around to breed here again. We didn't see a single individual here in 2008. -- Chuck Vaughn

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 -- I had a BARRED OWL of the darker variety tonight about 7:30 PM at my neighbor's property. I went back to get my family to show them and it had moved on. It may be resident there, as the property consists of 11 acres of fairly mature woods. If anyone wishes to try their luck with me tomorrow evening, I'll be happy to accompany them. Please give me a call or email me if so. I have my neighbor's permission as long as people are with me. Good birding. -- Mike Curry (707) 456-1032

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 -- A pair of EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES visited our backyard Thursday, in Ft. Bragg. -- Henrietta Bensussen

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 -- Today I visited Timber Lake at approx. 5080 ft. elev. on the southern slope of Snow Mtn in northern Lake County. The lake would better be described as a small tule pond. There were at least 4 male and 5 female Red-winged Blackbirds in the tules around the lake. Bryan McIntosh confirmed nesting by Red-winged Blackbirds at Timber Lake in 1994. I did not observe any behaviors to confirm nesting, but their continued presence suggests the possibility that they are long-term breeders at the lake. Earlier this month on 4/5/09 I visited a small lake that has no official name at the low (west) end of the slides in the Blue Slides area near Snow Mtn. It is ringed by Ponderosa Pines, Douglas-Firs and live oaks and is in the drainage from the the southern slope of Snow Mtn. at approx. 3500 ft. elev. There were two male Wood Ducks and also one male and two female Mallards on the lake at that time.--Dave Woodward

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders: I met Dave Bengston and Cheryl Watson at the USTP oxidation ponds this morning. Things were pretty much as Karen described from yesterday except that there were 5 AMERICAN AVOCETS, and 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS. The real surprise was a pair of MUTE SWANS on the north pond. Floating languidly among their smaller cousins, they appeared so huge and elegant. For a brief moment we thought we heard strains of "Dance of the Swans" echoing through the sludge digestors...NOT!--Chuck Vaughn

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 -- On 4/8/09 an imm. male HOODED ORIOLE visited our feeders in southwest Lakeport and stayed until 4/11. This evening 4/22/09 there were two imm. male Hooded Orioles at our feeders, both visiting together on several occasions. I suspect both of the orioles we saw today are new to the location. -- Dave Woodward

Wed, 22 April 2009 -- This AM I birded the USTP in Ukiah. I had an early arrival of YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT along the Russian River at the east boundary of the water treatment plant. I pished twice and the bird popped out of the willows to perch on the barbed wire just a few yards away. Two AMERICAN AVOCET were at the most north pond. Interesting behavior: For no apparent reason, other than possibly territorial, one of the Avocets stretched out its neck parallel to the ground, called and chased a female Mallard a few yards. The duck flapped out into the water. (George Chaniot told me that several years ago, that a pair of Avocets had a nest, with eggs, at USTP that failed only because of rising water levels).
          Other birds at USTP were: 1 m. LESSER SCAUP; a pair of GREATER SCAUP; 2 pair CINNAMON TEAL; 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 3 WILSON'S SNIPE, Lst +Western Sandpipers;Yellow, Wilson's & Org-crowned Warblers, and other waterfowl (NSHO, RNDU, RUDU, CAGO).
          At Lake Mendocino, I watched a ROCK WREN sing near the parking lot by the Coyote Dam. It sang a variety of phrases! There was a HOODED ORIOLE on Cromwell Dr. I also checked the palms on Empire Dr but didn't see any HOOR. -- Karen Havlena

Sat, 18 April 2009 -- With the weather warming there was lots of human activity on the lake ...skiers, kayakers, fishermen, etc. by late morning. However, I was able to spot a mature and immature BALD EAGLE on the east side, along with a single BONAPARTE'S GULL. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 -- Hello - This morning I had 6 swallow species (well, 5 + martin) while standing in one spot (for less than 20 minutes) on the bridge over the Gualala River. There were at least 10 PURPLE MARTINS present. Good Birding, -- Rich Trissel

Fri, 17 April 2009 -- This morning at both Noyo R. and Ten Mile R. bridges, a few pair of PURPLE MARTIN just arrived early this morning. I looked briefly for the LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE at the MC Botanical Gardens but did not see it. -- Karen Havlena

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 -- This morning at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant there were five AMERICAN AVOCETS on the south pond. The water is falling in all ponds. The middle pond is mostly puddled mud now, and the is mud appearing in the north and south ponds as well. This should pull down some passing shorebirds. This morning there were 11 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 4 LEAST SANDPIPERS, and 5 WILSON'S SNIPES. A group of 6 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS (2m, 4f) flew over the sludge pond, landed in a nearby tree for a few minutes, and then flew off far to the SE. This species has been increasing in Mendocino Co. in the last five years. I am trying to keep track of this, and I would appreciate any observations. Lake Mendocino had very few birds on it today, but the following were of interest: 6 BONAPARTE'S GULLS between the mesa and the boat-in campground, a COMMON LOON in the same area, a ROCK WREN singing on Coyote Dam, and a 2nd year BALD EAGLE near Deer Camp. -- George Chaniot

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 -- My wife and I have spotted what we believe to be an EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE pair roosting in a red wood tree in south Ukiah. We have never seen this bird before in this area. They have been around for a couple of weeks. Sibley's says not in this area. Are they common to this area??? Thanks -- Bill Leair

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders: Late this afternoon Barbara showed me a male CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD which visited our feeders twice during a 30-minute watch. I will let you know if it sticks around. -- Chuck Vaughn

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 -- This morning, the LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens was seen by Toby Tobkin and 3 other birders. It perched on a couple of windswept pine "trees" (and on a driftwood log along the bluff) and made hunting forays. The wind has abated a bit and perhaps it was fueling up for its departure. -- Trudy Jensen

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 -- Heavy winds brought some rare visitors to Big River on Tuesday: at least 25 CASPIAN TERNS were observed just upstream from the Haul Road Gate while a few others were observed as far upstream as 1.67 miles. Also observed were a small flock (12-14) of dark geese, likely BRANT. Last Friday morning, a pair of GREATER YELLOWLEGS shared the flat across from the boat launch ramp with 3 GREAT BLUE HERONS. -- Matt Coleman

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 -- Taking a tip from Jim Lomax, , I went back to Riviera West Drive on the side of Mount Konocti, parked at the end of Mountain Crest Drive, and made my way uphill to the Mount Konocti cliffs. This is serious, blind, bushwhacking, and it took about a half hour to go about a quarter mile up the steep slope. I spent about another forty minutes working west along the base of the cliffs, and finally heard, but never saw, a CANYON WREN. It was about 50 yards beyond the pink flagging. No White-throated Swifts today.
          On the drive back along Soda Bay Road I saw a pair of EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES near Stone Road, and at Lakeside Park I independently discovered the SNOW GOOSE and ROSS'S GOOSE that I see Floyd Hayes reported yesterday. -- George Chaniot
          [ The Snow Goose and Ross's Goose that frequented the Esplanade and C St. area in Lakeport were found in late November by Jamie Scott. They occasionally joined a flock of park ducks and domesticated geese that are fed by a property owner nearby. Canada Geese, as many as nine Cackling Geese and one Greater-white-fronted Goose also joined the group on occasion. On one date (Dec. 5, 2008), there were two Snow Geese and the one Ross's Goose present at the same time. One Snow Goose and the Ross's Goose were frequently seen through January, but their visits to the C St. domesticated flock became less frequent. We began to see them fly by in a flock of Canada Geese. They were generally flying either along the west shore of Clear Lake or in a direction toward or away from the City of Lakeport sewer treatment lake at the end of Linda Lane (SW of Lakeport). That area is used by Canada Geese for grazing. On Jan. 20 and 21, 2009, I saw the flock of Canada Geese, the Snow Goose and Ross's Goose fly in front of my house (they are yard birds now) heading toward the sewer treatment lake area. The geese continued to frequent the Esplanade area on occasion into March. As far as I know they have not been seen in the area since. I have not seen the geese at Lakeside Park, but it seems likely they are the same geese that frequented the west shore of Clear Lake earlier in the year. -- Dave Woodward]

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 -- We've had flocks of CEDAR WAXWINGS passing through this past week, in our back yard in Fort Bragg. Lots of AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES and some PINE SISKINS too. -- Henrietta Bensussen

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 -- Flocks of CASPIAN TERNS, about a dozen at a time, are flying north over the west end of Middle Ridge in Albion this afternoon/evening. Also, yesterday we had a bright male WILSON'S WARBLER, first one I've seen on this property. Cheers, -- Tim Bray

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 -- Today I birded around Clear Lake with Don and Doug Weidemann. We tallied several late winter birds, including a 1st-cycle THAYER'S GULL and four HORNED GREBES at Clearlake, two more HORNED GREBES at Clearlake Park, a 1st-cycle WESTERN GULL at Nice, and a SNOW GOOSE and a ROSS'S GOOSE at Lakeside County Park. We also saw four male and two female CINNAMON TEAL at Robinson Lake. At Corinthian Bay (just west of Lakeside County Park) we counted 57 active GREAT BLUE HERON nests, which can be viewed from St. Francis Drive and Elizabeth Drive. At Nice we were entertained by a EUROPEAN STARLING pilfering nesting material from an active OSPREY nest. -- Floyd Hayes

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 -- As I was coming across Hwy 20 I saw a flock of around a dozen WHITE PELICANS circling.I don't know what this area is called, it's between Upper Lake and Blue Lakes, the NW corner of Clearlake where it is flooded at high water and diked fields at low water. -- Becky Stenberg

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 -- Easter Sunday - in late afternoon I came across a flock of about 100 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS and was surprised to get my binocs on an apparent leucistic Band-tail. The entire bird was about the cream color of a Eurasian Collared-Dove ..but it was definitely a wild Band-tailed Pigeon. That was here as the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center ..but these pigeons will be moving on ( to where?) very soon ..so keep an eye out. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Sun, 12 Apr, 2009 -- While in search of the Blue-winged Teals reported by David Jensen yesterday I found myself out on the Garcia River overlook by the lighthouse. Just north of the river's mouth were approx. 200 BRANT resting(?)on shore. It might be a local stop because another 16 flew in while I was watching.
          The BLUE-WINGED TEAL and CINNAMON TEALs were still in the pond where David found them as of noon today. In a conversation with Karen Havlena, she said that the LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was still at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens as of today. See past postings for information on location. -- Richard Hubacek

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 -- Bob -- Note the BRANT resting near Gualala. Also, I have tried for Purple Martins at several local bridges in the last two days - NO luck. We have a pair of NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS that returned today across the street today (they breed on the face of the bluff). In our yard, we still have our Tan-striped WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and about four TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS (I have informed George). -- Karen A Havlena

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 -- Highlights of this morning's Mendo Coast Audubon Society field trip at The Sea Ranch included many alternate plumage COMMON LOONS and PACIFIC LOONS flying north; many BRANT resting close to shore; a few CASPIAN TERN flying north; singing WILSON'S WARBLERS, ORAMGE-CROWNED WARBLERS and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS; many VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS and ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS, several BARN SWALLOWS and a few TREE SWALLOWS (no Cliffs).

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 -- This afternoon at the Stornetta Ranch on Highway One, north of Point Arena: on the small pond (flooded area) east of the highway just north of the Garcia River, there were 5 male and 2 female CINNAMON TEAL as well as a pair of BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Oh ya- and a couple of Mallards. -- Dave Jensen

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 -- The LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was still present despite 4 deer and 12 ravens in the yard, plus a brisk wind blowing. It was at the top of a scrubby, shore pine next to the boundary fence. I managed to get quite close, standing next to a thorny shrub. The shrike began to give its buzzy, short call 8+ times. It was silent for a minute, then it gave a one-note call, metallic and clear like a Cal Towhee. After 6 to 8 of the one-note call, it waited about 30 seconds, then began a two-note "song." The quality was similar to the one-note call, but with two notes together followed by a short pause. (I have heard the buzzy call many times but not the song). [Note: The reason one must look for the shrike from the botanical gardens is that small neighborhood has a locked gate to a private road, thus preventing entrance. The gardens has a small entrance fee if you are not a member. It is located on the west side of Hwy 1 in S Fort Bragg, south of Hwy 20.] -- Karen A Havlena

Fri,10 Apr 2009 -- At the MC Botanical Gardens and at Ten Mile R. bridge area, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS and WILSON'S WARBLERS, plus PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS. Lingering winter birds include VARIED THRUSH and many YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS.-- Karen Havlena

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 -- This morning in the drizzle the two BLACK-NECKED STILTS and one AMERICAN AVOCET continued at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant on the mud that is appearing in the middle pond. Also present were a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, a LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, a GREATER YELLOWLEGS, and three CINNAMON TEALS. -- George Chaniot

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 -- The LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE perched atop the chimney of the light, grayish beige house adjacent to the SW corner of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens today around noon. The rain showers don't seem to bother it. There is a fee to enter the gardens if you are not a member. The location is on the west side of Hwy 1, south of Hwy 20's end at 1 in southern Fort Bragg. They open at 9-am. -- Karen A Havlena

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 -- TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS are back in numbers at the location on East Road in Potter Valley where the bred last year. Today there was a minimum of 240 birds in the blackberry hedge on the south side of the pond at mailbox 10707 East Road, and nest-building is underway. There are also tricolors present near the two other locations where they have nested in Potter, but I have not been able to determine their status yet. -- George Chaniot

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 -- 6pm Laughlin Way and Lees Rd., Redwood Valley, male BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK We've never seen one this early. It joined the abundant spring variety of backyard birds including RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS, HOODED ORIOLES and BULLOCK'S ORIOLES. -- Kelly Austin

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 -- A first spring male HOODED ORIOLE visited my oriole and hummingbird feeders in southwest Lakeport at noon today and was still present after 4pm today. It joined at least five Bullock's Orioles that have been using the feeders the past few days. -- Dave Woodward

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 - 12:30 PM - Chuck Vaughn & I quickly birded the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant at noon. On the exposed mudflat in the middle pod there were the continuing two BLACK-NECKED STILTS and one AMERICAN AVOCET. A GREATER YELLOWLEGS visited the mudflat but was chased off by one of the stilts. At least four CINNAMON TEAL and a GREEN-WINGED TEAL were among the numerous BUFFLEHEAD, RUDDY DUCKS, MALLARDS, RING-NECKED DUCKS and NORTHERN SHOVELERS. Apparently there should be more exposed mudflats in the near future which may provide good stopover habitat for migrating shorebirds. A singing WILSON'S WARBLER was along the south fence line ditch as you walk along the west pond. Good Birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 -- After being dismissed from jury duty I decided to bird the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant before it rained. There were two BLACK-NECKED STILTS in the middle pond where some mud islands have appeared. Time was approx. 10:55 AM and they were still there when I left after it started raining. -- Richard Hubacek

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 -- Dorothy Tobkin said that the LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was still at the Mendo Coast Botanical Gardens this Tuesday morning. We are currently having a rain shower this afternoon, but there is NO wind, so maybe the shrike will find lots of insects to eat and stay a few days longer. -- Karen Havlena

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 -- On Sunday the 5th I canoed with Doug Weidemann at Anderson Marsh. We found a number of active nests including 19 GREAT BLUE HERON, 1 GREAT EGRET, 1 OSPREY and 1 RED-TAILED HAWK. The heron rookery was near some homes and, after some exploration by car, we found out that most of the heron nests could be conveniently observed from Harbor Lane at the south end of Clearlake, from where we also saw a EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE. The Osprey nest is in front of the Mormon Church at the end of Lakeview Way. We saw very few grebes; Doug has the data so I'm not sure of exact numbers but I think we saw four WESTERN GREBES and two CLARK'S GREBES in an area where there was a major colony several years ago. -- Floyd Hayes

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 -- I kayaked in the area west of the Lake County Park on the south side of Clear Lake. (along the lake shore between the county park and the Indian casino). Birds of note (to me) were a COMMON MOORHEN and very, very many vociferously singing MARSH WRENS. The one Marsh Wren I had long careful looks at had a prominent blue horizontal stripe across his upper breast. The stripe appeared to be about 1/4 wide and was a grayish blue on an otherwise cream white throat above and breast below. Sorry, no photo. I've never seen or heard of this before. Does anyone know whether this was an anomaly or a regular breeding feature?
          I had gone out to check on the status of the Western Grebe/Clark's Grebe population and in 4 hours I saw not a one. (I did hear one in the distance behind me, at one point.) Has anyone seen Grebe flocks in other parts of Clear Lake recently? I bring this up because it is my understanding that the last successful breeding season there was in the spring of 2006. There was no real breeding population the past 2 years and in 2007, at least, it was attributed to a fish die-off. Any related information would be appreciated. -- Vishnu

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 -- VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS appeared this morning, checking out potential nesting sites in the snag. Probable BARN SWALLOWS have been heard inside a nest in the eaves of the house for over a week, but I have yet to see them flying around - odd! Four OSPREYS in a group circled over us this afternoon. Later, a single Osprey joined some Turkey Vultures circling around, before heading north. A RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER began drumming on metal signs and the ground wire on a power pole - probably the same bird who did that last year? Another surge in hummingbird numbers over the past two days; apparently the RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS are continuing to arrive.
          Forgot to post a notice at the time, but about two weeks ago a couple of probable CASPIAN TERNS went by on their way north. Haven't seen the flocks that usually go over us this time of year. Cheers, -- Tim Bray, Middle Ridge, Albion

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 -- The LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, originally found Sat, 4/4, is still immediately adjacent to the SW boundry of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Walk out toward the south bluffs, and after getting out into the open grassy area, look just beyond the fence to the large, open yard with a light ashy-gray house. The shrike likes to perch atop the house, on the fence, the wellhouse and the scrubby, shore pines. (Toby Tobkin called me this morning after seeing it). -- Karen Havlena

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 --The LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE found by David Jensen was refound today by Karen Havlena and Toby Tobkin this morning. I saw it at noon today. It perched in two locations while I was there. The tip of the roof of the most Western house and a green shrub that formed a sort of triangle up near the fence. -- Richard Hubacek

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 -- Just after sunset my wife and I saw a NIGHTHAWK sp flying over our property off Fish Rock Rd. on Gualala Ridge. A new bird for our property and a Mendo county bird to boot -- nice. Good Birding, -- Rich Trissel

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 -- While birding at the Little River Airport today about 11:30 AM., A flicker flew out of a drainage ditch to a tree very close to me. I noted the bird had yellow tail feathers, a black malar and a red nape crescent. Before I could get my camera out it flew off. Not having much experience with YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER I did not note the face and throat coloring. Did not see any red in the under-wing feathers but also didn't see any yellow due to angle of flight. The bird was in the North-west section of the airport. -- Richard Hubacek

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 -- A LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was seen on the southern boundary of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens approx. 100 yards from the ocean bluffs this morning. Although this bird is fairly common at times inland, this is the first LOSH I have seen on the coast since I returned in 2001. -- Dave Jensen

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 -- I've had a flock of PINE SISKINS around our house (in the hills above Ukiah)for the last couple of weeks, giving the resident flock of Lesser Goldfinches a lot of competition at the feeders. -- Maureen O'Hagen

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 -- Hi all, The past couple of weeks has bought a few interesting birds around.
          14-15 March 2009     CALIFORNIA TOWHEE     1 singing on the Little River Headlands
          17 & 31 March 2009     CALIFORNIA TOWHEE    the same or another bird at the entrance to Van Damme Beach State Park
          28 March 2009     GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE    One flying around Big River about a 1/4 mile upstream with a group of 25 or so Canada Geese
          31 March 2009     WILSON'S WARBLER    about 10 singing along Little River at Van Damme State Park. -- Ron LeValley

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 -- Saturday between 4 and 5 pm a male HOODED ORIOLE was at our oriole feeder here in Redwood Valley (Laughlin Way and Lees Rd.). The Hooded and Bullock's Orioles visit every year so it was a welcomed sight to see one return again. -- Kelly Austin

Sat, 28 March 2009 -- Three CASPIAN TERNS were at the surfline by the mouth of Ten Mile River in the early morning. Also, in the river slightly upstream, there was a lone, nice-looking male GREATER SCAUP. (Since he was alone, he probably isn't very nice at all)! In the afternoon, a large V of about 115 "Aleutian" CACKLING GEESE flew north over the neighborhood. Their calls are certainly different than large, Canada Geese. Three or four "minima" Cackling Geese were in the flock.Our imm WHITE-THROATED SPARROW is still coming to our seed. Also, there are 2 or 3 maleTRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS here, as well. At least one female blackbird appeared to be a little smaller and darker and was with one of the males (guessing female TRBL). -- Karen Havlena

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 -- Hi All, Mel Smith was at the Point Arena Pier this Monday the 23rd when he saw Al, the LAYSAN ALBATROSS, swim over to a surfer and then vocalizing. Al then lifted off at 5:26 pm, flying west. As of yesterday, Saturday the 29th, there have been no sightings of him/her. Good flying to our special visitor. -- Jeanne Jackson, Anchor Bay

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 -- Today I was counting at my house for Project Feederwatch. I saw a male BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, the first this year. He did not stick around and I think he was just passing through. I also saw a PURPLE FINCH with the eye disease, which I reported to Cornell. This is the only purple finch I have ever seen with the eye disease. I also saw two WRENTITS in my yard. I have lived here for 20 years and never seen any here. I live in oak woodland in an urban area and not chaparral. -- Dave Bengston

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 -- North of Ward Avenue on the beach well above high tide line, several SNOWY PLOVERS were seen with BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, which were just getting their breeding plumage. I have posted four photos of the Snowy Plovers (A LIFE LIST BIRD FOR ME) at the YahooGroups MendoBirds site. -- Feather Forestwalker

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 -- The ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was still near the Fairbanks Lane/Hwy 162/Poonkinney Road junctions as reported yesterday by Charles. I saw no other raptors in Round Valley other than Red-tailed Hawks and Am. Kestrels. A HOUSE WREN (my first for the year) was singing near the Eel River Ranger camp area ....no Canyon Wrens could be found. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 -- Joanne Haller and I found a SNOW GOOSE and an ALEUTIAN CACKLING GOOSE on the north shore of Lake Pilsbury at the Oak Flats Campground. -- George Chaniot

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 -- I believe this is a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK - looks like light juv. click here for photos Saw it here in Round Valley, hanging around the intersection of Fairbanks Rd and hwy 162, several times today. -- Charles Nummelin

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 -- Joanne Haller and I visited the Mendocino College ponds this afternoon and saw the two continuing COMMON MOORHENS. Both have bright red bills now and chartreuse legs.
In Potter Valley we could not find the Burrowing Owl on Burris Lane. -- George Chaniot

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 -- Geoff Heinecken saw and heard a male BULLOCK'S ORIOLE in our south of Talmage yard this afternoon. Spring marches on. -- Cheryl Watson

23 March 2009 - Large numbers of hummingbirds are once again congregating at my feeders. Numbers have been increasing all month, and seem to have taken a big jump last week. Among the new arrivals are a few RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS. Cheers, --Tim on Middle Ridge, Albion

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 -- I have received word that "AL" the Point Arena Cove wintering LAYSAN ALBATROSS was at the cove... and has been for several days of the last week. The bird will assuredly be leaving soon for until, hopefully, next winter. Good Birding.-- Bob Keiffer

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 -- There is a pair of OSPREY checking out an osprey nest on Old River Rd. south of Talmage. Going south on Old River Rd, look for mile post 8.80. Go three tenths of a mile further south. On the right hand side of the road in a tall snag there is an osprey nest that was used last year. The pair has been there since the middle of last week if not before. I saw one osprey perched above the nest shortly after 5pm today 3/23. -- Janet King

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 -- My neighbor photographed a leucistic AMERICAN ROBIN in your area, and e-mailed the photo to me yesterday, asking for an ID. I have posted the photo in the photo area of Mendobirds in an album called Leucistic Amercan Robin. The photo was taken on March 2, 2009, 2:07 PM. Location: Mendocino County, 19870 Ridgeway Highway, Potter Valley, CA. That is about 6 miles outside Potter Valley. Or it is about 28 miles Northeast of Ukiah, out in the country on a dead-end road. I am curious to know whether anyone else on this list has seen it. Thanks! -- Dotty Calabrese, Mountain View, CA [ About that same time a bus driver for Potter Valley Schools reported a white robin in about that same area. I went by once without seeing it. -- George Chaniot]

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 -- Today is the second time a RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW has visited my feeding stations. A male, seems to be traveling alone. I only see him when it is snowing. Fortunately, I am able to view him just outside my slider, about five feet away, a rare pleasure. -- buteosr,Willits

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 -- On Highway 175 within 1/4 mile off Hwy 101 near Hopland I observed Turkey Vulture # 92. About 30 TUVUs were tagged last August and September here at the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center as part of a state-wide research project. All of the captured birds were fitted with large, round white "patagial" tags with bold black numbers stencilled onto them. These numbers are fairly easy to read "top and bottom" so the tag numbers are visible when the bird is perched or in flight (dorsal or ventral view). Please keep an eye out for such tagged birds as many of these may be returning from the wintering grounds in Central and South America. Any sightings provide valuable data to the researchers ... especially helping them figure out if specific birds are resident or migratory. By posting the sightings on Mendobirds one will get the information to the researchers (via myself). Thanks & Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Sun, 22 MAr 2009 -- There's a stunning male HOODED ORIOLE in our back yard, drinking nectar from one of our "oriole" feeders. The earliest arrival to our yard that I have noted in the handful of years I've been keeping track. Good birding, -- David Smith-Ferri

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 -- Alist of birds seen on the Peregrine Audubon trail work day on the Scorpion Trail at Mill Creek County Park and be seen at http://www.peregrineaudubon.org/20090321.html

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 -- To all; March Month Yardbird sightings for the BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK that has stayed around from '08 and maybe same bird as '07 include 3/1, 1/8, 1/13, 3/15, and 3/19/09.
DARK-EYED JUNCOS have decreased in numbers. Still around are two SONG SPARROWS (probably visitors from Standley Creek, AND one WHITE-THOATED SPARROW. The pair of NUTTALS WOODPECKERS that fledged two young-male and female-last year are often at the suet. -- Barbara Dolan

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 -- Well, shiver me timbers! After 3 days of no show, making us SURE he/she had flown the coop, who showed up in full color today but our favorite fryer, Al the LAYSAN ALBATROSS... in one of his usual spots due north off end of the pier... Peace, -- Tom Reid

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 -- Mendocino Co. Started a very long day at Mendocino College in Ukiah a little after dawn. In the pond to the left of the entrance road, I finally saw a SORA. Also in the pond were 16 HOODED MERGANSERS, 2 WOOD DUCKS and 1 COMMON MOORHEN - a very dramatic assemblage. 1 ROCK WREN was sunning itself on a rock just inside the cyclone fence at the dam at Lake Mendocino. Backtracked a bit to the Crofoot property on Hwy 101 between Hopland and Ukiah. 1 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was still associating with the Canada Geese. In Potter Valley, it took a bit of waiting for the BURROWING OWL to emerge from its burrow as seen from the end of Burris Lane.
          Lake Co. With help from Brad Barnwell, walked out toward the mouth of Kelsey Creek at Clear Lake State Park. No luck with the Swamp Sparrow, it didn't help that a boatload of fisherman was parked at the creek mouth. Did see lots of MARSH WRENS and 1 FOX SPARROW. 2 WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS were twinkling with swallows over the cliffs on Mt. Konocti. -- Kathy Parker, Los Gatos

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 -- The LEWIS'S WOODPECKER on Kingfarm between Talmage and Hopland on the Old River Road was again on it's favorite telephone pole at 6:00PM. This is near mm 7.54 ...the sharp turn with a gate and cattle corrals on the north side of the road. The "favorite" telephone pole is the third pole from the road to the north ...the one very near and almost behind a deciduous oak tree. If one walks west along Old River Road from the mentioned sharp turn, then one can look "back" and see the telephone pole without branches in the way. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 -- The past two months have been a bit lackluster for gulls at Clearlake, so Doug Weidemann and I were surprised to tally 8.5 species on Sunday, including a 1st-cycle "NELSON'S" (GLAUCOUS X HERRING) GULL and an adult MEW GULL at Ray's Market (adjacent to Wal-Mart), and a 2nd-cycle WESTERN GULL at Austin Park. Among the several THAYER'S GULLS at Ray's Market was a pale-winged 1st-cycle gull resembling an Iceland Gull, but at this time of the year it was more likely a bleached Thayer's Gull. Although we birded around the lake the only noteworthy bird we saw was a COMMON MOORHEN found by Doug at the county park at Clearlake Oaks. -- Floyd Hayes

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 -- After an absence of 3 - 4 days (we thought he'd flown the coop for the year) Al , the LAYSAN ALBATROSS was waiting for everyone this morning... he was close by the pier earlier, then re-located to a spot so far off the pier binocs were required for positive ID. I managed to get a picture of him using a combination of lens, extender, and crop factor adding up tp 800mm and he was still just a dot; I don't know yet if the pics are going to be usable, but proof that he was still here as of today. - Tom Reid

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 -- Today I went to Lake County to look for a couple of nemesis birds. I found my way to the slopes of Mount Konocti at the Riviera West development. I drove up Riviera West Drive, took a right on Mountain Crest Drive, and followed it to the end. Here I had a view of the cliffs above and only had to wait about five minutes until several WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS appeared among the Violet-green Swallows. I also found a PEREGRINE FALCON sitting at the top of the closest cliff of columnar basalt.
          Next I went to Clear Lake State Park and walked to the mouth of Kelsey Creek. The trail is now flooded where it goes through the reeds, but I was able to make it through with dry feet by stepping on the mats of tules instead of the trail. The mud is covered with water now, but I got a little further out on the matted vegetation and set up my scope. To my surprise I picked up the SWAMP SPARROW almost immediately. It was in the furthest clump of reeds as reported months ago. I probably would not have seen it were it not making flycatching sallies out over the water. Two Song Sparrows were doing the same thing. I probably saw 25 out-and-back flights.
          I checked Adobe Creek Reservoir, Highland Springs Road, and Lyons Creek for signs of Tricolored Blackbirds, but there were none yet. I also did not find the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Lakeside Park today.
          Back in Potter Valley, Mendocino Co. the BURROWING OWL was visible again. I've seen it four-for-four times since I found it on the 7th. From the top of the knoll at the end of Burris Lane point your scope to the SE and look for a rocky outcrop on a grassy hillside. The burrow is directly in front of the rocks. The owl may be sitting totally in the open or partly hidden a depression. -- George Chaniot

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 -- Mendo birders: To add to Bob Keiffer's note from earlier today, on Monday March 9 I saw or heard the following: At the Crofoot Ranch, a single "ALEUTIAN" CACKLING GOOSE, in addition to the GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE that Bob reported On Old River Road, the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER on his (this bright bird MUST be a male) favored power pole near mp 7.54 On the large pond at Mendocino College, two COMMON MOORHENS, one SORA, and one VIRGINIA RAIL. Plus two NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS, and about three VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. Three skittish WOOD DUCKS took off when I appeared; it took a closer approach to flush (didn't mean to!) the last of 11 HOODED MERGANSERS present when I arrived.
          At least one BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON roosted in its favored redwood (look for the whitewash) behind 240 Washo Drive in east Ukiah
          Near mp 17.62 (or is it 17.63??) on Low Gap Road, a SOOTY GROUSE called near dawn.
          In the various vineyard ponds, I saw no Common Goldeneyes or Canvasbacks, and in a brief stop near sunset, I did not see "Al" in Arena Cove. Bummer.
Thanks to everyone who previously reported one or more of these interesting birds. -- Dave Quady, Berkeley, California

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 -- The GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE that has spent the winter period at the Crofoot Ranch along Hwy 101 north of Hopland is still there. All of the 80+ Canada Geese are still present there but all scattered about the field mostly in pairs. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Sun, 08 March 2009 -- This afternoon the BURROWING OWL was still present where George Chaniot described it yesterday. For about five minutes it was totally out in the open, near a squirrel burrow just downhill from the rockpile by 25 feet or so. Then it walked into a depression and all I could see was the head. When I drove back by about an hour later it was again totally out in the open (5:00PM). You need a scope to really see this bird.
          A SAY'S PHOEBE was on the fence to the NE of the gate at the end of Burris Lane. About 100 American Pipits were seen about a mile beyond the gate (private property) but I could not find any other species mixed in like longspurs or red-throated pipits. Good Birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Sun, 08 March 2009 -- This morning was very windy, but having a little time, I saw a 1st cycle GLAUCOUS GULL and a COMMON GOLDENEYE at the mouth of Ten Mile R. A possible hybrid GLAUCOUS x HERRING GULL was also there. It looked much like a hybrid seen in San Luis Obispo County by Brad Schram at Pt. Piedras Blancas on 5 March. This bird had a smudgy, bi-colored bill, and primaries that were partly white with creamy centers. A 1st cycle Glaucous-winged Gull looked a little larger with an all dark bill. The beaches from Ten Mile R. south to Glass Beach in Fort Bragg are all within MacKerricher SP. -- Karen A. Havlena

Sat, 07 March 2009 -- Three LONG-TAILED DUCKS were seen off the north end of Ward Ave, Cleone on Saturday, by Toby Tobkin and Karen Havlena, within 15 minutes of each other, but we did not see each other. -- Karen Havlena

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 -- From 3:30-4:00 this afternoon there was a BURROWING OWL enjoying the sunshine at the mouth of its burrow at the end of Burris Lane in Potter Valley. I have seen one at this same burrow system over a period of years but with no consistency. The burrow is to the SE of the top of the knoll and can best be seen with a scope. Look for a distant grassy hillside with an outcrop of rocks. In front of the rocks are several burrows with a lot of ground squirrel activity. The owl was sitting in the open near one of the burrows. After 4:00 it scrunched down in the mouth of the burrow and was harder to recognize. -- George Chaniot

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 -- Both of the Common Moorhens, the adult and the first year bird, are still at the Mendocino College pond on the south side of the Science Building. Park in the campus parking lot and walk back to the pond. The moorhens were on the north east sid eof the pond ...but were a little scittish as I did not spot the immature bird until the very last bit of searching. 3 Coots are also in the pond. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- Cheryl Watson, Geoff Heinecken, and I birded the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant oxidation plant this morning. There were a few birds out there of local interest. We saw 2 BALD EAGLES (adult and imm) which are probably the same pair that have been seen along the river all winter from Hopland to Lake Mendocino. There was a DUNLIN mixed in with the Wilson's Snipe, Least Sandpiper, and Killdeer on the north pond. A BONAPARTE'S GULL landed briefly on the middle pond. Lots of TREE SWALLOWS are now active along the river and we spotted a single VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW and a very early CLIFF SWALLOW mixed in. -- Chuck Vaughn

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 -- I got out to the lake between rains today. The water level has gone up to an elevation of 721.2' from a low of 711.4' on the 10th, but the water is turbid and there is a fair amount of floating debris. Bird numbers are down except for widgeon, scaup, and gulls. TREE SWALLOWS were cruising about everywhere, and I saw one VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW.
          There was a group of gulls on the mud near the south ramp with birds streaming to and from Ukiah. Among the California and Ring-billed Gulls was a first winter GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL and a 1st winter bird which I take to be a THAYER'S GULL but on the very pale side. [ smaller than Glaucous-winged, larger than California, bill relatively small, bill all black, wing coverts neatly speckled, secondaries slightly darker than coverts in flight, primaries cafe au lait and finely edged with light color.] Others may want to take a look at this bird -- George Chaniot

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 -- This afternoon at 4:45 the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER made an appearance at the King Ranch corral on Old River Road, where it has been seen for weeks. It flew from the trees north of the corral to the top of one of the power poles close to the corral. After about 15 seconds it headed up the hill to the east and landed in one of the oak trees a hundred and fifty or so yards away, and for awhile seemed to be digging grubs or some kind of food out of the branches. The pink on the breast was brilliant. -- Paul Hawks

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 -- Went up to Ukiah and finally saw the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER on Old River Rd. south of Talmadge. He was perched on top of the pole that is almost hidden by an oak tree. What a beauty! He is in high color, with the darkest bright rose front that I have ever seen on a Lewis's. At Lake Mendocino, there were too many people and dogs for the Rock Wren, and there were no interesting gulls, ducks or geese on the lake, but I did manage to add WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH to my county list. -- Kathy Parker, Los Gatos [from Countybirders]

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 -- This morning a black-backed LESSER GOLDFINCH has been coming to my thistle feeder in Potter Valley. Its upperparts are quite black from crown to tail. Seen from above, the center of the back is a little duskier with faint striping and traces of olive. -- George Chaniot

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 -- The off-shore pelagic birding trip for today was cancelled a couple days ago due to rough seas and bad weather forecasts. Unfortunately these forecasts did not hold true ....and the trip would have been very doable with the SE winds laying down the NW swells quite well. A few white caps began to show at about 2:00 PM but were short-lasting as by four is was quite mild again. J.Foxx, M.Curry, K.Havlena,and I did venture out on the Trek II with two other whale watchers between 10 and noon. The water temp was at 50 degrees F. and we only went out about as far as the second buoy and headed south a very short distance. One pod of 4 to 5 Gray Whales were observed spouting fairly near ....but no close views of the whales themselves were observed. Gulls followed the boat as we chummed with popcorn the entire trip. Here's what we saw: Common Goldeneye 1 (in harbor); Bufflehead (in harbor) 4-5; Red-throated Loon 2; Red-necked Grebe 1; Northern Fulmar 1-3; Brandt's Cormorants 8-12; Pelagic Cormorants 12-15; Mew Gull 1; California Gull 4; Thayer's Gull 1; Western Gull 80; Glaucous-winged Gull 10; Western x G-winged Gull 1; Black-legged Kittiwake 40; Common Murre 10; Rhinoceros Auklet 20-25; Sea Lions (Calif?) 15
Upon return to shore Foxx,Curry, & Keiffer went to MacKerricker S.P. at the end of Ward Avenue where we saw: Long-tailed Duck 1m,1f; Harlequin Duck 5; Black Scoter 10-12; Surf Scoter 8; Red-necked Grebe 2
Laguna Point Parking Lot & Laguna Pt.: Thayer's Gull 3+; Western Gull many; Glaucous-winged Gull many; Western x G.w-gull 1; Whimbrel 2
Virgin Creek Beach: Harlequin Duck 2m; mixed gulls with 3 Mew Gulls.
At Todd Point/Pomo parking area on south side of Noyo:Glaucous Gull 2 first winter birds ...one quite "whiter" than the other. Good Birding -- Bob Keiffer

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 -- Saturday noon - I saw the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER again atop the telephone pole by the oak tree on the Kingfarm Ranch on Old River Road south of Talmage. This is WNW of the cattle chutes by about 100 yards or so. Refer to earlier posts for the mile marker. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 -- Went up to Mendocino County to look for that gull but first stopped at Becky Stenberg's house where she had reported a bird so far eluding me for the county. She lives 6-7 miles east of Fort Bragg and I arrived about 8:40 AM to watch her yard. About 15 minutes later, two WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS came through the bushes out of an old orchard next to her property along with Fox Sparrows, Juncos, Steller's Jays, Towhees, etc. Then I headed for the town of Mendocino.
          I went to Mendocino Headlands State Park just on the west edge of town where the reported gull was seen a couple of days before. I drove all the way to the south end to the last parking lot and "hung around". No great white gull. Few Westerns. So I left and came back later. Still no great white gull.
          By 1 PM, I drove south on Hwy 1 just past Mendocino and crossed the bridge over Big River. I could see a hundred gulls on the beach and pulled over about a mile past the bridge where there was access to the bluff overlooking the river mouth and beach. After a few minutes, there it was!. The great white gull. Almost pure white with white primarys and tail. Beautiful.
          But there was one little problem. It was not a Glaucous Gull. Rats. The bill was all black. So I, in my uneducated, mediocre birding ability, with no expertise, labeled it a Glaucous X Glaucous-winged Gull. I missed the reported Glaucous Gull. Oh well, still a good looking bird. -- Jim Lomax [from CountyBirders]

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 -- For the BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK; THE times seen include : 2-13-09 9:30AM about 5 minutes. The bill is looking very light. Throat feathering is improved but still has considerable missing feathers on the collar or nape area. Feeding well for about 5 min and pushing off HOFIs. Then 2-14-09 8:30AM 3 minute stay; then 2-15-09 8:30 to 8:30AM . Head feathers are very scruffy, tertials looking more brownish, Tail feathering looks sparse. I think if the same bird, it looked similarly at this time last year.
          Other species: 2-17-09 After the storm seemed to be passing, 7:30AM I could hear VARIED THRUSH call from Standley Creek.
         2-18-09; 1 WHITE-THROATED SPARROW ; 4 PURPLE FINCH; 1 CALLING PILEATED WOODPECKER; 2 CHESTNUT-BACKED CHIKADEES. Good birding. -- B Dolan.

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 -- There was a single ALEUTIAN CACKLING GOOSE associating (but not too close) with 4 of the local Canada Geese on the Mendocino Headland bluffs just south of the North-west parking area. Time was approx. 11:15 AM. -- Richard Hubacek

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 -- Today I birded the Mendocino Coastline starting at Juan Creek. The Surf was very high but the ocean seemed rather calm with no whitecaps ...just very spreadout swells that really built up as they approached shore. At Juan Creek I had 4 - 5 BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES beyond the breakers ... they were with a feeding group of gulls, grebes, cormorants, and murres. Ward Avenue had 1 BLACK SCOTER and 1 LONG-TAILED DUCK. Lake Cleone/Laguna Point access was closed in the morning but was open this afternoon. Many mixed gulls at the beach, including Thayer's adults, and 1 adult Brown Pelican on the beach with the gulls. 6 Whimbrels with Surfbirds and B.Turnstones were on the rocks north of the Laguna Point platform (no Rock Sandpipers). There were a bunch of mixed gulls at Virgin Creek beach, including Mew Gulls, but nothing of rarity stood out. A SAY's PHOEBE was along the north end of the beach. Just north of the beach on the rocks were clumped oystercatchers, Black Turnstones, Surfbirds, and 3 ROCK SANDPIPERS. At Todd's Point I refound the 1st winter GLAUCOUS GULL. Also, there was at least 1 very nice adult THAYER's GULL and immatures... they seem to be more common than I remember ...or maybe I am just getting better at recognizing them. At Caspar Pond (Fern Road) I refound the ROSS's x SNOW GOOSE. This bird is very small, the right size for a Ross's ...but it has too much of a black "grin-patch" to be pure and it surely has Snow Goose genetics mixed in. I think this is a 2nd winter bird due to the mature white plumage, some black flecking on the upper head, and the smooth base of the mandible. At Van Damme SP Beach there were many mixed gulls, including another immature GLAUCOUS GULL. A couple with two dogs chased away all the gulls before I could really get a good look at them. About 20 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS were getting ready for roost in a fir tree between Hwy 1 and the Navarro River. I mention this ...not that it is unusual ...(as it is a regular hang-out for them along the Navarro) but to make folks aware that Mendocino County still has NO DOCUMENTED NESTING for this species. I am sure that they nest along our coast, especially near the Navarro ...but nobody has documented this as of yet as I recall. Good Birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 -- Karen Havelena and I tried to find the possible Slaty-backed Gull in downtown Fort Bragg, which was reported by Jerry White yesterday, but missed the morning popcorn handout outside the theater. Weather conditions were improved this morning (occasional heavy showers but little wind) and there were few gulls to be found in the downtown area. The first cycle GLAUCOUS GULL was at the northwest corner of Todd's Point again today.
          At Van Damme beach we found a BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE resting on the beach. We were unable to locate an Iceland Gull, although there were many young Glaucous-winged Gulls. Again, the total number of Gulls was lower today. Same story at Navarro, but without the Kittiwake. Less than 75 gulls, mostly Western Gulls, Glaucous-winged, California and Mew. -- David Jensen

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 -- For about five days now I have had a TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD coming to my feeders. This is the first time. I have had Red-winged Blackbirds and Brewer's for years. One interesting thing is I have watched it on occasion be very aggressive and keep all other blackbirds from even landing on the feeders. -- Dave Bengsten

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 -- I went out this afternoon and poked around Potter Valley in the car in the drizzle. The most interesting finds were TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS in mixed blackbird flocks in four different locations. They totaled up to 14 males and a bunch of possible females. These are my first Potter sightings for the month of February. At the end of the last breeding season I estimated that there might be 4500 Mendo/Lake tricolors out there, but these are the first I've seen since they disappeared from the breeding colonies in early July. I also found three MERLINS all of the taiga type. -- George Chaniot

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 -- Karen Havelena and I tried to find the possible Slaty-backed Gull in downtown Fort Bragg, which was reported by Jerry White yesterday, but missed the morning popcorn handout outside the theater. Weather conditions were improved this morning (occasional heavy showers but little wind) and there were few gulls to be found in the downtown area. The first cycle GLAUCOUS GULL was at the northwest corner of Todd's Point again today.
          At Van Damme beach we found a BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE resting on the beach. We were unable to locate an Iceland Gull, although there were many young Glaucous-winged Gulls. Again, the total number of Gulls was lower today. Same story at Navarro, but without the Kittiwake. Less than 75 gulls, mostly Western Gulls, Glaucous-winged, California and Mew. -- avid Jensen

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 -- Heavy rains, strong winds and at times huge waves on the coast this weekend. Large numbers of gulls concentrated at Van Damme and at the Navarro River on Sunday. I was not able to study them in detail (at the Navarro I just had a distant look at maybe 400 or 500 birds) because of the wind and rain but there was a (maybe) Iceland Gull at Van Damme. Needed Floyd H. and or Matthew M. to get photos etc to study in more detail. Also at the theatre parking lot in Ft. Bragg around 9:30 AM or so I got a brief look at an adult gull that had some of the characteristics of a Slaty-backed Gull. This was a definte maybe as the look was very brief .
          The gulls were gathered there when Nikki and I first parked in the Longs Parking lot. I spoke with the lady who was cleaning the theatre. She throws out left over popcorn for them, as she did on this day, and it attracts a pretty good number of gulls.
          On Saturday and Sunday there was a 1st cycle GLAUCOUS GULL on the bluffs at the end of Ocean View Drive near Pomo Bluffs Park. On Sunday there was another 1st cycle GLAUCOUS GULL at the Mendocino Headlands State Park in the monument parking lot. In Mendocino on Sunday was a male Allen's Hummingbird. -- Jerry White

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 -- Two locally unusual sighting to report form my backyard today. A male BULLOCK'S ORIOLE took a quick bath in my small pond but did not stay to feed. Also, seven PURPLE FINCHES were present, up from my usual two, but one of the males had such severe pox on both feet that he appeared to be wearing lamb's wool slippers. -- Dave Jensen, near Pudding Creek in Fort Bragg

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 -- Today I saw the continuing YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER in Lakeside Park near Kelseyville. -- George Chaniot

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 -- There are still two of the three WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS coming to my feeders in Potter Valley. -- George Chaniot

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 -- At noon today there were 4 CANVASBACKS at Mendocino Vineyard's (Beckstoffer) pond on Old River Rd. This is just south of River School and Mill Creek Rd. on the west side of the road. Also present were the usual coots, 3 mallards, 2 buffleheads, and 3 ruddy ducks. - Dave Bengston

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 -- There were 2 inches of snow and 3 RED CROSSBILLS in the parking area at Boggs Mountain State Forest off Hwy 175 in Cobb at 2 pm this afternoon. Other than that, the Forest was quiet. -- Darlene Hecomovich

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 -- The reappearance of the S Dora WHITE-THROATED SPARROW lasted only one day and I'm thinking it probably represented a totally different specimen from the one that was in residence in Dec and Jan - the plumage on the longer visitor was incredibly crisp and bright, and this one was much duller. -- Janet Rosen

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 -- Hello - I observed a first cycle GLAUCOUS GULL at the mouth of the Gualala River today at noon. It was in the large gull flock just below Bones restaurant. Good Birding, -- Rich Trissel

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 -- I have two WHITE-THROATED SPAROWS here, I've been sure there were two for about a month now. One is much more boldly marked than the other, I was thinking they must be male and female, but maybe one is the tan striped variety? -- Becky Stenberg

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 -- I still have a visiting WHITE-THROATED SPARROW-tan stripe morph also. I also have a very crisp and darker than usual PURPLE FINCH(male-female?) no reddish coloring. The BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK visited over the 7th and 8th. It is appearing ragged with big white windows in outer tail feathers. I want to say maybe it is an older bird-scruffy cap and nape, and no feathers around the collar-gotta be cold. But it is feeding well and pushing HOFIs away to get to feed. -- Barbara Dolan

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 -- Birders and photographers have recorded river otters working cooperatively to grab, drown, and consume Western Gulls near the mouth of the Gualala One can stand on the Gualala River Trail behind the Surf Supermarket and perhaps observe it, if you’re quiet and patient. (Agree it appears to be a river otter with a Pelagic Cormorant, Ron.) Their diet is primarily fish, but they are known carnivores. There have been postings on NBB (North Bay Birds) of the river otters working together to drown and kill Brown Pelicans in Marin Co., also. Enjoy our wildlife, -- Rich Keuhn

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 -- Hi all, I posted the otter and cormorant picture taken by Peter Bogdahn and sent to me by Tom Reid in the Mendobirds folder named Otter and Cormorant. Mendobirds members click here. I think you will see that it is a river otter, still pretty interesting. Thanks Tom, for passing this along to the group. -- Ron LeValley

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 -- Hi everyone; There has been much speculation around the Arena Cove as to why Al sightings have been so sporadic this winter; he has been away seemingly about as often as he has been here... yesterday and today's events might provide a clue. There have been Sea Otter (not River Otter) sightings of late, and yesterday several people saw Al being attacked by a sea otter; he was able to fight it off... and today our Harbor Master was lucky enough to get a picture of a sea otter attacking a cormorant and ripping it to pieces... I attached a fairly graphic pic to this email, but if I remember correctly there is some reason why that won't work... if anyone wants me to send them the pic so they can post it please do so. The pics that followed in this sequence were pretty gruesome; nature in all its splendor. Also, Peter Bogdahn, the Harbor Master told us that the only other time he has seen a Sea Otter in the Cove was in the 90's when he worked on an urchin boat and the kelp beds were gigantic as they are this year. Also, there has been a family of River Otters living in the creek here for years with nary a problem; as the pic shows, the otter in question is much lighter in color than our local River Otters. Peace, -- Tom Reid

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 -- Doug Weidemann and I birded around Clear Lake on Friday the 6th. Our best birds were an immature ROSS'S GOOSE and an immature SNOW GOOSE on the baseball fields at Lakeside County Park in Kelseyville. We were short on time and didn't have much time to search for rarities, so we missed the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Swamp Sparrow.
          At both Rodman Slough and the mouth of Kelsey Creek we carefully scanned flocks of 100+ TREE SWALLOWS but only found a few VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS among them. It might be a good year for early arrivals of other swallow species.
          At Borax Lake we saw six male "AMERICAN" GREEN-WINGED TEAL but not the male "Eurasian" Green-winged Teal. On Sunday the 1st we saw three male "American" and also missed the male "Eurasian."
          We tallied eight species of gulls on the lake but no rare species. The number of gulls at Clearlake appears to have declined by half during the past month. Nick Shepherd informs me that he last saw the ICELAND GULL on January 28. -- Floyd Hayes

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 -- The WHITE-THROATED SPARROW disappeared for a week (or I missed it's visits) but its been back at our feeder way down S Dora for a couple of days now. -- Janet Rosen

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 -- The lone LEWIS'S WOODPECKER continues along the Old River Road ....it was atop the telephone pole by the tree to the NW of the cattle corral. 5 CANVASBACK were on the Beckstoffer Pond and 5 more Canvasback were on the pond by Gielow Lane (spelling?). Several HOODED MERGANSERS and 20+ RING-NECKED DUCKS continue on the pond across from Fern Canyon Dr. All these sites are along the Old River Road south of Talmage. A RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW was on Low Gap Rd. about a mile west of the cattleguard. Good Birding! -- Bob Keiffer

Sat, 07 Feb 2009 -- This morning Geoff and I watched a CHIPPING SPARROW gleaning high in the eucalyptus tree at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant. The tree is near the beginning of the birdwatching path, not far from the northwest corner of the entrance pond. -- Cheryl Watson

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 -- Brad Barnwell saw the YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER today at Lakeside County Park. -- Jerry White

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 -- I made a quick check of the Mendocino College 'Rail Pond' in the rain this afternoon and found the two COMMON MOORHENS reported by Barbara Dolan on Feb 1. One bird has a dusky bill and has been present since the Christmas Count [ See photo by Rudy Yakzan ], and the other is an adult with a bright red bill first reported Sunday. If these reports are repetitious, it's because moorhens have been very rare in Mendocino Co., and these two are very easy to see. -- George Chaniot

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 -- Today in Lake County I saw a PRAIRIE FALCON in High Valley in the prominent dead tree near the Five Star Fish Farm. CALIFORNIA THRASHERS were singing in the chamise up High Valley Road about where the pavement ends. A lone male RED-BREASTED MERGANSER flew by as I was scoping scaup from Route 20 at about mile 25. -- George Chaniot

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 -- A pair of AMERICAN DIPPERS has been seen consistently at the old bridge on Potter Valley Road since Jan 28. On Feb 1 one of the pair was collecting nesting material and carrying it up under the bridge on the far side. Today the pair was inspecting up under the near side of the bridge. This is the first sign of nesting activity at this location since a previous nest was destroyed in June 2004. -- George Chaniot

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 -- First sighting of ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD of 2009 in my yard. A male has taken up residence on a prominent shrub, having driven off the Anna's formerly occupying the spot. Cheers, -- Tim Bray

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 -- 12:30 PM Monday - The HARLAN'S HAWK (Red-tailed Hawk), assumed the same as discovered by Matt Brady on the Dec. CBC, was seen just north of Burke Hill adjacent to Hwy 101. Again, this is south of Ukiah. The bird was sitting atop the Vichy Springs / Jack London billboard (viewed from the northbound lane) on the east side of Hwy 101. This is a striking bird, especially in flight as the mottled white on the back gives the bird almost appears solid white on a portion of the lower back and wings. The bird flew to a heavy cable telephone line just to the north. There was good safe viewing from the side road on the west side of Hwy 101. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 -- Geoff Heinecken, Cheryl Watson and myself had nice looks at the single LEWIS'S WOODPECKER on Old River Road about mile marker 7.24 going south on the road and at the previously described pull out. It flew across twice from the pole near the Blue Oak across the field to work another Oak on our right up the hill. The last time I saw this species here was 3/1996 and there were 3. Toby Tobkin had come over from the Coast. So nice to see this visitor here again. Geoff had his 3rd look. On the return to Talmage, we viewed the OSPREY nest along the river . Then I stopped for the CANVASBACKS, then continued to Mendocino College ponds for the COMMON MOORHEN. There were two. One with brown bill and maybe the first resider there?, and a second bird with a bright red breeding bill. The latter bird was being dominant and chasing off the other and not allowing nearness to occur. I meandered around for about an hour. I heard VIRGINIA RAIL call as I went to leave but did not view. I had nice looks at SORA with one swimming by-behavior that was new for me to see. Gary Maddox came to photo and was able to see both also. -- Barbara Dolan

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 -- This morning there was a RED-BREASTED MERGANSER in Clear Lake near Hwy 20 mile marker 26.44. That is at the western edge of Clear Lake Oaks. -- Dave Woodward

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 -- This morning between 06:15 and 06:50 I found 2 NORTHERN PYGMY-OWLS, about 4 WESTERN SCREECH-OWLS, and a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL at several stops along Scott's Valley Road. At Rodman Slough there was a good variety of dabbling ducks in the flooded rice fields to the east including a male EURASIAN WIGEON. In the flooded fields along Route 20 at Bachelor Valley Road there was a male REDHEAD among some CANVASBACKS.-- George Chaniot

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 -- at least three NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS were calling at dusk or shortly after at Montgomery Woods S.P. MOUNAIN QUAIL were also calling at dusk. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 -- Dorothy "Toby" Tobkin just called that she saw 5 LONG-TAILED DUCKS just off the north parking area at Ward Ave, Cleone. They were associating with SURF and BLACK SCOTERS. Ward Ave is just north of the Cleone Grocery off Hwy 1, north of Fort Bragg. -- For Toby Tobkin, KAren HAvlena

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 -- Jim and I saw the small, white goose at Caspar pond. It is definitely a ROSS'S GOOSE. It was first thought to be a "possible" hybrid, but virtually all characteristics point to Ross's. So, for any of you keeping count, it is countable. [Actually, I saw that bird and photographed it as well, and I think it is a hybrid Ross's X Snow Goose.. Bruce Deuel agrees that the grin patch and the shape of the bill are not consistent with a pure Ross's Goose and look a lot like other hybrids from this pair of species. -- Ron LeValley. To see a photo of this bird click here. ] Jim also saw the 4 BRANT at Ten Mile River mouth this morning. -- Jim & Karen Havlena

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 -- Chuck Vaughn reports seeing the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER in the same tree mentioned yesterday.

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 -- 11:30-12:00 Geoff Heineken and I found the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER on Old RiverRoad this morning. As seen from the gate, the woodpecker first appeared flying from the group of live oaks on the left, and it landed in the bare oak just to the right of the dam where it spent at least a half hour. -- George Chaniot

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 -- Dorothy "Toby" Tobkin said that 2 LONG-TAILED DUCKS are still at Ward Ave, Cleone, along with several BLACK SCOTERS on 29 Jan 2009.

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 -- To all; the BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK was seen the 8:00AM in my yard. This is the first sighting/and visit since 1-9-09. I figure it has been feasting on the berries around. It only stayed seconds on the feeder nearest the house. It looked less ragged and the orange very bright. I was unable to see if feathers had returned to its nape and collar . It had a previous loss of feathers in the area.
          I also have a returning and/ or another WHITE-THROATED SPARROW - TAN STRIPE MORPH and was surprised to see again. The RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH was seen coming down the tree on 1-24-09. It used to come to the suet but it appears it its feeding more outside the yard. -- Barbara Dolan

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 -- Birded a couple of places for a few hours this afternoon around Ukiah. Was too early for the Lewis's Woodpecker on Old River Rd., but I did come across a small flock of LARK SPARROWs. The CANVASBACKs were at the Beckstoffer Pond on Old River Rd. just south of Talmadge.
          Drove up Low Gap Rd. mostly to see what it is like. By this time, the sun was going down behind the hills, so the bird activity was pretty slow. However, at a pullout 1.1 miles below the first cattleguard, I was trying to pish up a White-breasted Nuthatch I thought I had heard, when out popped a NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL. It was only about 30 feet away, and stayed out in the open for about 5 minutes. What a treat! It is amazing how fierce such a small bird can look. -- Kathy Parker, Los Gatos

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 -- On January 3rd I spotted a FERRUGINOUS HAWK on the ground just north of the town of Elk. I didn't take much notice of this Ferruginous Hawk except to stop along Highway 1 to take a picture of it, but now that there appear to be several postings of sightings I am realizing this sighting may be significant. I have posted a couple pictures of the hawk as it was in the field and as it flew past me under photos of this discussion group. You can find the pictures in the folder Ferruginous Hawk. I hope you will enjoy the pictures. -- Ron Storey, Petaluma, CA

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 -- I also had a FERRUGINOUS HAWK this afternoon along Burris Lane in SE Potter Valley. It was sharing a thermal (such as it was) with a Red-tailed Hawk, but they did not seem to interact as they climbed. Flying hrough the same air space (I think) were two birds in close formation moving speedily due south but with no wing motion, i.e. sort of soaring but really moving. They looked like nothing so much as two fighter planes; they went behind a line of oaks and I could not find them again. Kind of eerie. -- Jim Armstrong

Tue, 27 Jan, 2009 -- This morning, Ron LeValley and I (independent of each other) saw the FERRUGINOUS HAWK along Hwy 1, across from Ocean Meadows Cir, mm 70.32. This hawk has been around on and off again for at least the last four winters. It must have a large range. -- Ron LeValley & Karen Havlena

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 -- Today the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER was again seen along the River Road south of Talmage near mm 7.54 as described a few days ago. This time the bird was atop an oak tree and it was hawking insects and returning to the top of the tree. It is very light-breasted when well lit from the sun as it was as 3:00 PM ...I almost did not stop to look thinking it was just a robin or kestrel. The tree is just on the south side of the pond (you cannot see the water... just the face of the dam). A MERLIN was about 1/2 mile south. Good Birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 -- This morning Jim Havlena spotted 4 BRANT on Ten Mile River near the mouth. I saw the birds about an hour later near the new and old bridges. They were headed east. -- Jim & Karen Havlena

Tue, 27 Ja 2009 -- Today I ventured way up Mid-Mountain Road east of Potter Valley with Beb Ware, and we found that you can drive clear into Mendocino National Forest without encountering any gates. It was not very birdy at this time of year, but we did find a PILEATED WOODPECKER doing loud, territorial drumming on a resonant Ponderosa, and SAY'S PHOEBE in McCleary Glade. We ended up climbing Garrett Peak and getting some very beautiful views of Clear Lake and the Eel drainage. -- George Chaniot

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 -- Yesterday morning Dough Weidemann, Nick Shepherd and I found a male "EURASIAN" GREEN-WINGED TEAL at Borax Lake in Clearlake Park. It was associating with three male "AMERICAN" GREEN-WINGED TEAL and several females out on the obvious island near the south end of the lake. Unfortunately I left my camera at home this morning so I'll try to post some photos of it tomorrow. I counted 670 SCAUP on the lake and there were similar numbers of AMERICAN WIGEON, but unfortunately no Tufted Duck or Eurasian Wigeon among them. We were unable to find any unusual gulls in Clearlake. -- Floyd Hayes

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 -- I did some birding around Ukiah area. From Hopland to Ukiah via the River Road I refound the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER on the King Ranch ...near mm 7.54. There is a sharp sweeping turn with a gate and a temporary metal-pipe cattle corral in rather open grassy area with brush piles on the north side of the road. A line of power poles heads directly NW across the flat area (there is a farm-pond dam face to the east) and the Lewis's flew to the top of one of these poles ... the top of which is almost obscured by a deciduous oak tree (the third pole I think). The bird also flew into the adjacent oak tree and then NE to another oak tree ...however it does not spend much time in the tops of the oaks but rather down in the interior canopy. About 16 HOODED MERGANSERS and RING-NECKED DUCKs were on the pond across from Fern Canyon Road ...also on the River Road. Several CANVASBACK were on the Beckstoffer Pond just south of Talmage. A MERLIN was in this area also ...atop a redwood tree just about 1/8 mile south of the pond ...almost across from Twining Road.
          There was a ROCK WREN near the very beginning of the Coyote Dam ...just below the entrance gate barrier. Two GOLDEN EAGLES flew west to east over the dam ... one bird was missing several primary and secondary feathers on it's right wing but it seemed to fly OK. Single SNOWY EGRET and GREAT EGRET were seen along the base of the newly rip-rapped dam face. The water level in Lake Mendocino is at it's second all-time low for this date, which the 1977 drought year being the only lower year.br />           A quick look up Low Gap Road did not produce the December's Red-naped Sapsucker ...but I only looked and listened for ten minutes or so. -- Good Birding! Bob Keiffer

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 -- This morning Matthew Matthiessen and I found the 12th (my 11th) gull species of the season for Clearlake, a 1st-cycle GLAUCOUS GULL on the first dock south of Redbud Park. While we were photographing it the 1st-cycle ICELAND GULL was briefly seen on the same dock by David Nelson, Stan Snyder and another birder whose name I can't remember, but it flew off before Matt and I got to see it. The gulls apparently decided to boycott Wal Mart--none were on the roof at their usual time. Nick Shepherd saw the ICELAND GULL twice during the past week, at Austin Park on Wednesday morning and at Redbud Park on Thursday morning (if I recall correctly). -- Floyd Hayes

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 --"Toby" Tobkin called to report a small white goose that she feels is a ROSS'SxSNOW GOOSE hybrid. She found it at the Casper Pond (a.k.a. Fern Creek Pond)which is just east of Hwy 1 on Fern Creek Rd. in Casper. -- Richard Hubacek for "Toby"

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 -- Today from a Redwood Valley ridge top I watched two adult GOLDEN EAGLES dive-bomb a hatch-year Golden Eagle several times. One time the juvenile flipped over 360 degrees. I wonder if one of those birds is the one Bob Keiffer later saw that was missing some feathers.The excitement took place in the vicinity of a nest that's in the area. The adults both perched on the nest tree for a while during the half hour or so that I watched the action. I wonder if the young one was the (single) off-spring from last year's nest. The nest itself wasn't visible from my vantage point, which could have been a trick of light. I'll check it out one of these days to make sure nothing happened to it. It's a huge nest that's been used many years in succession. During the same viewing period two WHITE-TAILED KITES helped electrify the sky and a male NORTHERN HARRIER cruised s grassy hillside below me. -- Kate Marianchild

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 -- This morning I saw an immature HARLAN'S RED-TAILED HAWK on the west side of Hwy 101 just south of the Calpella exit sitting on a billboard. This is possibly the same bird that has been seen south of Ukiah. On my return trip I saw it again on a sign on the east side of the freeway. -- George Chaniot

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 -- Chuck Vaughn & I spent the day birding the Mendocino Coast. A dawn drive over Mtn. View Road did NOT turn up any Sooty Grouse ....only many VARIED THRUSH. AL, the winter resident LAYSAN ALBATROSS, was waiting for us at Point Arena Cove as a PEREGRINE FALCON watched from it's favorite ridge-bluff perch to the south. Chuck saw a RHINOCEROS AUKLET just below the pier.
          A drive down Windy Hollow Road did not result in the CBC's Black and White Warbler, but we did have a fly over FERRUGINOUS HAWK. Also a large flock of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS in the riparian was comprised of all Myrtle's variety.
          A visit to Stoneborro and Duxbury Lane found us a pair of RED CROSSBILL in a mixed flock ...just 100 yards west (along Stoneborro) of the first instersection fo the two roads. There were approx. 106 TUNDRA SWANS in Brush Creek and in the pasture just to the NW of Biaggi Diary barns .... no geese could be seen mixed in.
          Another FERRUGINOUS HAWK was along HWY 1 north of Irish Beach. The Navarro River had 15+ COMMON GOLDENEYE.
          A stop at Van Damme Beach found us with several RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, numerous HORNED GREBES, 2 COMMON GOLDENEYE and about 20 MEW GULLS. The small-sized Greater White-fronted Goose that has been there could not be found. And a search of Van Damme campgrounds did not show us any Gray Jays.
          A 15 minute lunch break at Road 500D only resulted in PYGMY NUTHATCHES ....neither Townsend's Warblers nor the Grace's Warbler were seen, but our time was limited.
          There were 3 GADWALL on Lake CLeone. From the Laguna Point platform we saw at least 9 ANCIENT MURRELETS just beyond the kelp line to the WNW. There were BLACK TURNSTONES and a couple WHIMBREL on the rocks. A visit 200 yards south quickly found us looking at the PALM WARBLER down on the small beach with driftwood and washed up kelp.
          Scoping off the old Haul Road at the end of Ward Avenue gave us 1 LONG-TAILED DUCK, several BLACK SCOTERS, 3 female HARLEQUIN DUCKS, 2 SURF SCOTERS, and 6 SURFBIRDS. Good Birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 -- I spent today in Lake County searching for three birds that had been noted in earlier posts. At about 9:00 a.m., I found the presumed ICELAND GULL on the pier at Austin Park in Clearlake. The bird was conveniently standing next to a 1st-cycle GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, allowing for easy comparison. Comparing my mental image against the excellent photographs posted by Floyd Hayes, I am convinced I found the same bird that he initially reported.
          Next I visited Lakeside County Park in search of the reported YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. Though the day was beautiful and the birds abundant, the sapsucker was not cooperative. I suppose the children playing frisbee on the ball field and the maintenance guy circling the grounds with his tractor/mower might possibly have had something to do with it. A trio of WOOD DUCKS on the nearby slough were untypically non-skittish, allowing extended viewing. A large flock (perhaps 30 or more) of CANADA GEESE were floating off-shore in the lake, with perhaps as many as half a dozen CACKLING GEESE in their midst.
          Undaunted by the lack of success, I headed for the mouth of Kelsey Creek in Clear Lake State Park in pursuit of the reported SWAMP SPARROW. I found the little niche in the reeds that seemed to be a smorgasbord for all kinds of ground foragers: a VIRGINIA RAIL, a SORA, a FOX SPARROW, two MARSH WRENS (staying unbelievably long periods out in the open), a YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, and at least half a dozen SONG SPARROWS were alternating scratching around and dashing for cover. Try as I might (and, believe me, I tried hard for over two hours) I was unable to turn any of the variously plumaged Song Sparrows into their Swamp cousin. In addition to the usual cast of AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, RING-BILLED AND HERRING GULLS, COOTS, AND COMMON MERGANSERS, the lake also hosted a small flotilla of SCAUP (I took them to be GREATER, but wouldn't bet more than a few cents on it) and a female GOLDENEYE (all bets are off on which one).
          Not liking the one in three success rate, I went back to Lakeside County Park, spending another fruitless half hour. I decided to make a pit stop before starting the three hour drive back home. As I came out of the restroom, the YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER flew over my head and landed in a Eucalyptus tree about fifty feet away. The time was 4:45 p.m. And, yes, only one other car was in the parking area: a guy silently metal detecting the picnic area. No surprise here, but early morning or late evening appears best, especially in the areas heavily used by other recreationers. Happy Birding, -- Mike Stanley, Grass Valley

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 -- Hey all, 1/18 As Steve G mentioned I was at the Rd 500D site without any luck on the Grace's Warbler. BUT after my 4 hrs there I stopped at the area of dead trees with lots of berries & robins (just past the houses on the way in) to find a very dull HERMIT WARBLER (presumably an imm fem). I also saw a northbound 1st cycle GLAUCOUS GULL just off the point around 1:15 pm. I was able to see the OLDSQUAW + RED-NECKED GREBES & BLACK SCOTERs at Ward Ave & the Laguna Pt PALM WARBLER (sans any disgust inducing human behaviors!) later in the day ~ 300.1 m SE of the platform. -- Al DeMartini [from County Birders]

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 -- Hi all, Today Frances Oliver and I did a bit of a big day in Mendocino, with a great deal of help from Chuck Vaughn.
          Frances and I started owling at 3:30 on Orr Springs Rd., eventually adding a couple of. One was just past the Orr Hot Springs. On Low Gap Rd., also west of Ukiah, we added Barn Owl, Western Screech-Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl and Long-eared Owl. The latter three were all about 1.5 miles past the turnoff for Pine Ridge Rd. A couple Great Horned Owls made it a 6 owl morning.
         Next Chuck took us on a guided tour of the U.C. Hopland property where we added Sage Sparrow and Common Moorhen. The Long-eared Owl was not at the spot where it was noted as recently as yesterday.
         Along East Side Rd. was a flock of 14 Hooded Mergansers and, at the spot mentioned in previous posts, a small flock of Canvasbacks.
         The Black-crowned Night-Herons were in their usual Redwood Tree at the intersection of Yosemite and Washo in east Ukiah.
         The Common Moorhen and Green Heron continued at the pond along the entrance to the Mendocino Community College.
         We saw very few birds, of nothing of much interested, at Lake Mendocino. There was a probable adult Western Gull but I didn't see it long enough to be positive.
         At the end of Ward Ave north of Ft. Bragg we saw at least 7 Red-necked Grebes, 9 Black Scoters and at least one Long-tailed Duck. There was no doubt much more but we had to hurry.
         At Laguna Pt. we missed the Palm Warbler and Rock Sandpipers but the place was wall-to-wall people. Frances did pick out three Ancient Murrelets just off the point near the viewing platform.
         Along with Al DeMartini we spent only about an hour looking for the Grace's Warbler and came up empty-handed.
         Along Hwy One, I think just north of Manchester, there was a Ferruginous Hawk and a flock of Tricolored Blackbirds.
         In Manchester itself came the highlight of the day. A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak flew over the car and obligingly landed on a telephone where it graciously posed for photos for 5 minutes. The address was 19651 Hwy. 1. Look for the ridiculous looking tree that has been pruned in the shape of a hockey puck. I will post a photo tomorrow in the Mendobirds photo section.
         We looked for but did not find the Eurasian Wigeon on the small pond north of the bridge over the Garcia River. The flats at the Garcia R. were pretty much devoid of birds which isn't surprising since the area appears to be dry as a bone. From Stonesboro Rd/ Barnegat Rd. south of Manchester we were able to see about 30 Tundra Swans well to the north.
         I think we ended up with 125 species for the day and the weather was amazing! -- Steve Glover, Dublin, CA

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- The male COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD continues in our back yard. Barbara and I saw it many times today between 11 am and 330 pm, at maybe 30 minute intervals. We were not home yesterday and most of this morning so it may have been around then as well. Since we have seen it for 6 days now, and it is certainly visiting the feeders more regularly, it may be worth a chase. We will not be home tomorrow between about 9 and 4, so come on through the gate on the E side of the driveway. There are lots of chairs you can move anywhere on the patio. We have never seen the bird visit any but the eastern-most feeder, nearest the sliding doors and the Weber kettle. -- Thanks, Chuck

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 -- Hello - I'm not sure if this is 'reportable' or not but there is a TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD in the largish blackbird flock in Gualala that frequents the southern end of town along Highway 1. Sorry if this is not that interesting. I am using the "Checklist of the Birds of Mendocino County, California" as my guide for 'rareness'.
          Also, a group of 4 of us looked for the Grace's Warbler today and did not find it after looking from 11:15 - 12:30. Al, the LAYSAN ALBATROSS, was back this evening. Good Birding -- Rich Trissel

ISat, 17 Jan 2009 -- I spent several hours on Saturday afternoon diligently helping three birders find the Lesser Black-backed Gull and presumed Iceland Gull at Clearlake but neither showed up. One of the birders returned on Sunday morning and again we spent several hours searching in vain. I'm glad that Barbara Dolan and Michael Stanley scored hits on the Iceland Gull over the weekend. I haven't seen the Lesser Black-backed Gull since January 3 (has anybody else?), so perhaps it has finally departed. -- Floyd Hayes

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 -- Mendocino College was my first stop Saturday for COMMON MOORHEN, SORA, and GREEN HERON. Getting to watch a beaver swim about, lifting its flat tail out of the water was a treat. Matthew Matthiessen arrived and he saw the moorhen and heron, at least. We each saw 6+ CANVASBACKS at the Beckstoffer pond .6-mi south of Talmage Rd on Old River Rd.
          Matthew and I met Bob Keiffer at HREC. He enthusiastically took us to see the roosting LONG-EARED OWL, where Matthew got some good photos up close. (Please contact Bob Keiffer by email at rjkeiffer@ucdavis.edu for information).
          Matthew then headed for Lake County and I went to Westside Ukiah. I picked up Pileated Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Lesser Goldfinch and a Bewick's Wren for my 2009 year list. Visiting with my good friend Barbara Dolan into the evening, rounded out the rest of a very, satisfying day! -- Karen A Havlena

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 -- Today I again saw the SWAMP SPARROW at the Kelsey Creek Outlet. On Clark Drive there was a PRAIRIE FALCON. In the afternoon Nikki White and I saw the YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at Lakeside Park. This bird was seen earlier by Barbara Dolan. This morning Barbara saw the ICELAND GULL at Austin Park in Clearlake around 9:00 am. -- Jerry White

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 -- Hello - This afternoon I observed 2 RED CROSSBILLS at the intersection of Duxbury and Stonboro in "Southern Manchester". There were also 2 CACKLING GEESE 300 yards (or so) upriver from the mouth of the Gualala River. This area is about 100 yards upriver from Bones restaurant. Good Birding, -- Rich Trissel

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 -- No luck with the Grace's Warbler despite quite a few hours of searching by me and others. However, did have a great day of birding in Mendocino Co. otherwise. Started out at dawn in Ukiah at Mendocino College. Managed to see the continuing COMMON MOORHEN, female HOODED MERGANSER and 1 VIRGINIA RAIL scurrying from 1 tule clump to another. Also there was one very cold, huddled up GREEN HERON. While searching for the Grace's Warbler, I was able to add GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, TOWNSEND'S WARBLER and HAIRY WOODPECKER to my list. A quick stop at the bridge over Pudding Creek added 4 WILSON'S SNIPE on one of the islands just upstream of the bridge. Where Ward Ave. gets close to the ocean, I had a fabulous experience. There were 2 flocks of BLACK SCOTERS - one with 7 birds, 6 males and 1 female and another flock of 3 birds, 2 males and 1 female. This about tripled the total number of Black Scoters I have ever seen. 3 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were with a small flock of SURF SCOTERS and 3 HARLEQUIN DUCKS were also there. I found the PALM WARBLER at Laguna Point on the beach beneath its bush. I would agree with Jim Lomax that it is closer to 500 yards from the observation platform. The main thing is it is the first large bush along the edge of the cliff going south - it is half bare. On the rocks at Laguna Point were the usual rocky shorebirds and 1 ROCK SANDPIPER. The cove and ocean here had 3 ANCIENT MURRELETS, 2 RED-NECKED GREBES and 1 more male HARLEQUIN DUCK. In the Lake Cleone parking lot, 3 GADWALL were resting on a half-submerged picnic table. A beautiful day at the beach. -- Kathy Parker, Los Gatos [from County Birders]

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 -- At least one of the UC-HREC LONG-EARED OWLS is continuing to roost in the same bushy pepperwood tree as discovered in. This is not near the University Road (county road) so arrangements would have to be made with me to see this bird. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 -- This morning from 06:20-06:25 there was a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL calling at the Glen Eden Trailhead on Scotts Valley Road in Lake County. This is the sixth species of owl that I have heard at this location over the last several years. Western Screech Owl and Great Horned Owl were also vocal this morning. -- George Chaniot

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- Barbara and I have seen a male COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD in our yard on 3 occasions that last 2 days. It has made VERY brief visits to our feeders. I was home and in the yard much of the day yesterday and did not see the bird until it fed once at 4:45. We have not seen it this morning. It is a very aggressive guy, running all of the other birds off before it feeds. Apparently it likes to eat alone. If it becomes a more regular visitor I will post it here. -- Chuck Vaughn

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 -- This afternoon there were three CANVASBACKS on the Beckstoffer Pond along Old River Road just south Talmage. At least two HOODED MERGANSER on the Old River Road pond on west side of the road across from Fern Canyon Road. A FERRUGINOUS HAWK was on the south side of the Morrison Creek "Gravelly Valley" which is also on Old River Road ....this is along the straight section of road just south of the Waddington Ranch sign. Good Birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 -- I too got a look (my 1st) at the ICELAND GULL yesterday in the early afternoon. The bird was on the 1st pier to the south of Redbud Park. With binoculars only at a fair distance it was certainly not the quality look many have had. However, all the field marks indicated Iceland Gull and what striking pale primaries! -- Jerry White

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 -- 's up, Dogs? Arrived at Russian Gulch State Park about 8:30 AM. The drive up from the Bay Area has not improved and a recuperation period has to be alloted for when one returns. For this trip, I took the torturous Hwy 128 to Hwy 1, passed the town of Mendocino, then turned west on Road 500D as advertised. After parking Ruby in the little pull out roughly 200 feet from the end, I set out on the west side of the road and walked out the peninsula. Half and hour later out near the cliffs on the south west end I thought I had a glimpse. Two and a half hours later I finally cornered the maddening little GRACE'S WARBLER in a tree with sparsely needled branches where I got very satisfying views. I left with my neck killing me.
          I proceeded north on Hwy 1 to MacKerricher State Park on north side of Fort Bragg. In the park, I went out to Laguna Point and walked south along the bluffs. Reports from 100 to 250 yards southeast of the platform located at the point (I think it's closer to 500 yards) is a bramble bush on the edge of the bluff and the bird was reported to hanging around there and on the beach below. When I got near the bush to look, I found two unattractive tattooed (a male and a female) blobs of protoplasm laying on the beach exchanging bacteria with their tongues. The bird was no where in sight and I didn't blame it. I was grossed too. So I hiked south along the coast to see if I could relocate it. Roughly another 100 yards down along the bluffs, in other bushes along the slope of the bluffs, was the PALM WARBLER. A real beauty which my eyes sorely needed after the sickening shock a few minutes before.
          The return trip via Hwy 20, then Hwy 101 was just as bad. My neck still isn't right. My head tilts a little to the left. -- Jim Lomax, Concord [from County Birders]

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 -- Today Chuck Vaughn, Jim & Karen Havlena, and I drove to Lake County to look for some of the recently reported rarities, particularly the probable ICELAND GULL. We arrived at Austin Park in Clearlake at about 08:00, quickly found it on our first stop, and had it under observation for over a half hour. It was sitting on a piling of the dock to the east of the park and not on the beach among the hundreds of other gulls. Once it flushed and flew off, but it returned to the dock. We had nice side-by-side comparisons with Thayer's and Glaucous-winged Gulls of the same age.
          After checking out Redbud Park and Wal-Mart without finding the Lesser Black-backed Gull, we took a tip from Nick Shepherd, whom we met in Austin Park, and drove out to Sulfur Point Drive to look for a male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE, and we found it close to shore right beneath the large "Crestview" sign. It disappeared underneath a boathouse, and we could easily have missed it. At the same place we saw a PACIFIC LOON.
          At Clear Lake State Park we looked for the Swamp Sparrow at the mouth of Kelsey Creek, but we were unable to find it. At Lakeside County Park we found the continuing female YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER in an oak near the restrooms by Ball Field A, and it later visited its favored eucalypt near the backstop. The tree has many fresh wells oozing with sap. -- George Chaniot

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 -- Hey Birders, Wanted to let you all know that the GRACE'S WARBLER was still in Mendocino County today near the end of Road 500D just north of the town of Mendocino. Plenty of directions have been given to the spot. I first glimpsed the bird at about 10 AM near the west most point of the peninsula, but wanted better looks. It took almost 2 hours for me to get satisfying looks. This time the flock and Grace's was only about 100 yards from Road 500D where I parked which was about 100 yards from the end of the road. You need to find the flock and examine each bird. Good luck. -- John Luther, Oakland

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 -- Chuck Vaughn & I checked on the LONG-EARED OWLS this morning and only found one bird in the pepperwood roost tree. Why both birds were not there today I cannot explain as they seemed quite settled in yesterday as I left them. The bird today was much more skittish than yesterday and flushed as I attempted to get a good photo. I will try to monitor the tree from a distance in the future. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 -- Greetings Mendobirders- There was a bright female-type WESTERN TANAGER in our yard this afternoon, alternately feeding on apples and hawking out of the oaks. We had a very similar bird for a week last winter, with very similar behavior, and it is interesting to wonder if it might not be the same individual? -- Chuck Vaughn

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 -- Hi Birders. this morning I headed over to the coast to check out some wintering birds. At Laguna Point, MacKerricher State Beach, I met Lisa Hug, Karen Havlena, Toby Tobkin and a few other birders. Although the Rock Sandpipers didn't show up, there was still a nice array of rocky Shorebirds, including 43 SURFBIRDS, 169 BLACK TURNSTONES, 37 BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS and 11 WHIMBRELS. Off the point were several ANCIENT MURRELETS, as well as five RED-NECKED GREBES. The WESTERN PALM WARBLER continues in the same spot, which is about 200 meters southeast of Laguna Point in a bramble patch.
          Next I stopped by Road 500D, just north of the town of Mendocino. I met Jessica, a local birder, and after only about 10 minutes we were treated to nice views of the GRACE'S WARBLER. The looping sallies it performs are quite helpful in locating it. It hung out in the upper canopy of the pines for about five minutes before disappearing. Finding it so quickly was pure luck, as I spent another hour there waiting for it to reappear so I could take some better photos than the marginal ones I was able to manage, but it did not cooperate. I saw the Grace's Warbler this afternoon just after 1PM. So, its definitely not just a morning bird. Other birds there included a number of GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, and a female RED-BREASTED MERGANSER in the cove.
          A quick stop by the Mendocino Headlands yielded a couple THAYER'S GULLS, as did a stop at the mouth of Little River (aka Van Damme State Park). Good birding, -- Matt Brady

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 -- This afternoon I discovered two roosting LONG-EARED OWLS in an isolated pepperwood tree here at the UC-Hopland Research & Extension Center. I suspect they are two of the family group that many of us observed during last summer ...these two birds are not that far away. Good birding! -- Bob Keiffer

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 -- This morning, out at sewer ponds, a couple of us got a wonderful head on, then lateral, then disappearing view of a fully mature BALD EAGLE flying low above the riparian strip at the Russian River, heading north. There was also an enormous hawk, but no matter what I did, couldn't justify it as anything but the goshdarned biggest redtail I've ever seen :-) -- Janet Rosen

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 -- This morning From 8:25-9:20 I observed and took photos of the presumed ICELAND GULL on the dock at Redbud park. -- Nick Shepherd

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 -- I routinely see one or two leucistic (white) EARED GREBES at Clear Lake and Borax Lake, but yesterday we were amazed to see four different birds at Clear Lake Park, where there were no more than a few dozen Eared Grebes. One was pure white, the others were nearly pure white.
          Even more intriguing was a very odd RING-BILLED GULL, an adult with a brown right iris and normal yellow left iris (orbital ring red on both sides), and a yellow right leg and a duller yellow-pink left leg. Photos are posted here: -- Floyd Hayes

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 -- Matthew Matthiessen arrived at 2:45 pm at the Rd 500 D section of Russian Gulch SP, west of Hwy 1. I met him and Darcie, and I walked west with Matthew on the north side of the small peninsula to the pines where the GRACE'S WARBLER was seen by myself, Barbara Dolan, Jim Havlena, George Chaniot, and Chuck Vaughn several times from about 10:30 -12:30 today. Within 5 minutes, Matthew saw the Grace's and was taking photos. I saw one that was reasonably good, but Matthew was determined to get more pics. I left him to coax the bird to pose for a portrait. [ Some photos here. ] We are all glad that the bird is still here, just north of Mendocino. -- Karen A Havlena

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 -- Hello - Fritz Steurer and I observed an adult winter BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE today at 1:30p near the mouth of the Gualala River. We were immediately adjacent to (just south of) Bones restaurant and the bird was directly below us. Good Birding, -- Rich Trissel

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 -- On an Audubon field trip this morning, our group saw an adult BALD EAGLE about one mile east of the mouth of Ten Mile River, near the divergence of the north and south forks of that stream. The bird started low above the fields and then soared high to the north before it disappeared. -- Dave Jensen

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 -- Hi all, I stopped at the north side of the Noyo Harbor this morning on my way into Fort Bragg. I went to the boat launching ramp upstream from the main harbor area. There was a beautiful male HARLEQUIN DUCK swimming with the Bufflehead and I saw my first Pelagic Cormorant of the year with its white rump patches. Spring is coming! -- Ron LeValley

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 -- At approximately 11:00 AM, I saw 2 of 3 ROCK SANDPIPERS at Laguna Point in MacKerricher SP found about 9:45 this morning by Dorothy Tobkin. I was surprised at the large number of Surfbirds and Black Turnstones that were roosting on the large, long "yellowish" rock to the north of the furthest west observation deck (at the point itself). Also, resting there was a good number of Black Oystercatchers; that group was to the west of the smaller shorebirds. It was quite nice today, sunny and calm, when compared to the cold foggy conditions a day or two ago. It should be similar on Saturday. At the parking lot, I could not find the presumed Glaucous Gull that I saw yesterday. -- Karen A Havlena

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 -- 09:30-10:45 Since there was heavy fog this morning in Potter Valley and at the north end of Lake Mendocino, I went a little further afield and birded around the Mendocino College campus. The "Rail Pond" was very pruductive: the COMMON MOORHEN discovered on the CBC is still there, as were the unseasonal GREEN HERON, a HOODED MERGANSER, and a VIRGINIA RAIL. I went to the lower pond to the south and found a SORA sneaking along the margin. (I'll leave the fourth rail to your imagination.) Surprising to me were about 15 Purple Finches deep in the cattails. I don't remember seeing them in this habitat before.
          On the way back to Potter Valley I found an AMERICAN DIPPER at the old bridge on Potter Valley Road. I haven't seen them there for some time. The bird was foraging on the rocks below the bridge and also going to the bank as if looking for nesting material. I thought I could hear a hidden dipper singing above the water noise. It would be nice if they decide to nest under the bridge again. -- George Chaniot

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 -- Dorothy Tobkin just called to say that she saw 3 ROCK SANDPIPERS at Laguna Point this morning. (Where have they been hiding)? She also said that one can drive out Mill Creek Drive to the Laguna Point parking lot with ease. Good birding! -- Karen Havlena For Dorothy "Toby" Tobkin

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 -- This morning about 10:00, the YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was in the small eucalyptus trees behind the northmost backstop on St. Francis at the Lakeside Park north of Kelseyville. The southmost tree is especially full of sapsucker wells. Also at the park was Mr. 16,000, John Luther, adding another bird to his amazing total. In the afternoon, the male EURASIAN WIGEON was still at Detert Reservoir on Butts Canyon Rd. Also, there was a LEWIS'S WOODPECKER at Mp 3.40 on Butts Canyon Rd. I missed the goose flock at Redbud Park in Clear Lake, and never did find them anywhere else. While looking for them at Anderson Marsh State Park, I saw a BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE. -- Kathy Parker

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 -- There was a possible 1st cycle GLAUCOUS GULL just north of the Laguna Point parking lot this morning, but all I could see was the head and bill. The bird was just over a rise in the sand, but the bill was pink with a clean black tip, and the head was very light (but not pure white) and looked larger than the heads of Western gulls. There was also a HERRING GULL and a THAYER'S GULL there.
          Out on Bald Hill Rd off Pudding Creek Rd, there were two GREATER WHITE_FRONTED GEESE and several CACKLING GEESE among the Canadas. Two of the Cackling Geese were definitely minima and one was an Aleutian. I could not tell the race of three others. -- Karen A Havlena

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 -- Nick Shepherd just showed me a bunch of photos he took of the presumed 1st-cycle ICELAND GULL, which was on the docks at Redbud Park at about 8:15 this morning. -- Floyd Hayes

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 -- Twice today, I tried for some birds along the coast in MacKerricher SP. I had NO luck in finding a Rock Sandpiper nor the Palm Warbler at Laguna Point. It became very foggy, so I could not scope offshore for any pelagic birds.
          Later this afternoon, I went to Ward Ave. I did happen to have a light, hazy fog, so I did see one female LONG-TAILED DUCK and two BLACK SCOTERS. (Two LTDU's were here a few days ago). -- Karen A Havlena

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 -- Nick Shepherd saw the LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at Austin Park this morning at about 8:00 am (while dropping off his son at school). He also saw the EURASIAN WIGEON at Detert Reservoir yesterday morning. -- Floyd Hayes

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 -- 08:00-08:15 This morning I easily refound the YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at Lakeside Park. It was in a tree near the backstop of Ball Field A and in other trees near the restrooms and further west along Saint Francis Drive. -- George Chaniot [ The YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER that Darlene Hecomovich found on Monday (I saw it later that day) is only the 3rd county record. As George Chaniot pointed out this is an easy location to search for this bird.
          The first county record (I do not have the exact years available at my office) was a bird found many year ago by Rich Stallcup on Butts Canyon Road.
          The second record was a bird I found at Anderson Marsh State Park (several years later) on Cache Creek. I believe only 3 or 4 other people saw that bird.
          So if this bird sticks around for awhile, it should be easier to locate than the other good birds in the area. The Lesser Black-backed Gull, the probable Iceland Gull and the Mendocino County Grace's Warbler have all been difficult to find. Jerry White ]

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 -- Nick Shepherd saw the LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at Austin Park at 8:05 am this morning. Yesterday he and Michael Stanley were unable to locate the presumed ICELAND GULL at Wal-Mart while searching from 9:15-10:00 am. I have just added a few more photos of the presumed Iceland Gull here And I added three additional photos by Myron Widmer, taken while at Wal-Mart on Saturday, My free website is now out of space, so some photos will be deleted in the near future. -- Floyd Hayes

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 -- I finally relocated the possible 1st-cycle Thayer's X Iceland Gull (first seen briefly at Walmart on 7 December) at Clearlake. After further scrutiny I now think it is a fair candidate for a "KUMLIEN'S" ICELAND GULL, although the CBRC will be the ultimate judge of its identity. You can judge the photos for yourself at: www.geocities.com/floyd_hayes/icelandgull2
          It is hanging out with a group of 1st-cycle gulls, especially GLAUCOUS-WINGED and THAYER'S GULLS. I saw it from from 2:45-3:25 pm on Saturday and again on Sunday from 1:30-3:30 pm on a dock at the south end of Golf Ave., which is just south of Redbud Park. From the stoplight at Highway 53 and Lakeshore Boulevard, drive west toward the lake, turn left (south) at the next light onto Old State Highway 53, turn right on Ball Park Ave., and then turn left on Golf Ave. At the end of Golf Ave. there is a narrow grassy corridor with a long dock visible at the end. The gulls can be viewed from the road. A few of us were previously granted permission by the owner of the Lake Club to walk out toward the dock and Nick Shepherd is trying to obtain permission for all birders; in the meanwhile it is better not to trespass. I also saw the gull briefly today on the roof of Walmart (8:40-8:41 am) and (with Nick) at the landfill (8:55-9:00 am).
          The LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL hangs out with the CALIFORNIA GULLS and has become increasingly difficult to locate. In November I saw it during 4 of 5 days but this month only during 4 of 13 days. On Sunday I saw it on the beach at Austin Park from 12:27-12:50 pm; when flushed by others it flew far to the north and disappeared. I got some very close photos, one of which is posted at: www.geocities.com/floyd_hayes/lesserblack-backedgull
          The LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL is probably easiest to see at Austin Park, where gulls have been consistently congregating at about 7:15 am. By 8:00 am most of the gulls have departed the lake for either the roof of Walmart (viewable from the hillside beside the parking lot) or the landfill (viewable from the paved road on the hill to the left; do NOT enter the landfill!), and they begin trickling back to the lake during late morning. Most sit out on the water off Redbud and Austin Parks, but many congregate on the beach and dock at Austin Park and on a few docks at Redbud Park and south of the park. The afternoon is the best time to look for the presumed ICELAND GULL at Golf Ave.
          During the CBC on Saturday the 20th, three of us had good but brief looks at a presumed adult NORTHERN GOSHAWK on the forested ridge along Crestview Drive near the north tip of Sulphur Bank Point (northwest of Clearlake Park and Borax Lake). It was a very large, pale-gray, long-tailed Accipiter, but it was facing away from us and we didn't see the white eyebrow before it flew. I've been unable to relocate it three times.
          This afternoon I saw a male EURASIAN WIGEON along with several HOODED MERGANSERS and CANVASBACKS on Detert Reservoir (Butts Canyon Road, south of Middletown). -- Floyd Hayes

Sun, 28 Dec, 2008 -- Matthew Matthiessen found a PALM WARBLER about 125 meters S/SE of the main Laguna Point platform about noon. The bird was working an area of brambles/berry bushes. Also, from the platform, Matthew had 5 ANCIENT MURRELETS and 2 MARBLED MURRELETS. At Ward Ave, he saw the 2 LONG-TAILED DUCKS found a few days ago (see previous post by Roger Adamson). Earlier this morning, Matthew saw 2 male EURASIAN WIGEONS at the Garcia River flats. Also, at nearby Brush Creek, there are now 30+ TUNDRA SWANS. Take Stonboro to the end of Bristol, west of Hwy 1, north of the Garcia River. For Matthew Matthiessen (K Havlena)

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 -- Two LONG-TAILED DUCKS were off of Ward Avenue (December 25-26) in Cleone, along with the usual Black Scoters and other divers. Sorry for the latte report--I had no internet and was tied up with holiday duties. -- Roger Adamson, Davis

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 -- Hi Birders. I found a juvenile HARLAN'S HAWK at Burke Hill Road. It was originally north of Highway 101, but then it flew across the freeway. I took some photos of it, three of which are here: . Harlan's Hawk is a very distinctive form of Red-tailed Hawk. Good birding, -- Matt Brady

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 -- Hi Birders. My dad and I visited the end of Burris Lane in Potter Valley this afternoon. Overall it seemed like there were very few birds up there, compared to my previous visits, but there were a few highlights. 35 LARK SPARROWS flocking with 25 or so WESTERN BLUEBIRDS seemed like an unusually large flock for the winter. An adult GOLDEN EAGLE was soaring over the hills to the east. a YELLOW-SHAFTED NORTHERN FLICKER was my first for the location. Interesting mammals included two River Otters in the pond and eight Tule Elk, including six bulls, on the hillside. Good birding, -- Matt Brady

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 -- WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, white spripe form. This bird was in my yard this morning a little after 8:00 AM. -- Barbara Dolan

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 -- Now that the CBC "Count Week" is over we are posting the results. First of all, thanks to all of our dedicated area leaders, counters, and spotters as we tallied 129 species for the Ukiah CBC Count Day of December 20th ...which is a new record high beating last year's 128 species. We left the compilation dinner tied with last year's record ... but Matthew Matthiessen, with his "never give up" approach, headed out to a likely site in his area (after the compilation dinner) and spot-lighted a sleepy CACKLING GOOSE to provide the record breaker and bring the total to 129.
          We had good luck with the owl species, but poor luck with the waterfowl species... but overall many of the "iffy" species like MOUNTAIN QUAIL, RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW, and ROCK WREN were found. The "beginners group" led by Roger Foote had some fantastic looks at SORA, VIRGINIA RAIL, and COMMON MOORHEN.... with the addition of AMERICAN COOT all on the same pond giving them a "four rail pond"!
          Highlights of the day were a GREEN HERON, COMMON MOORHEN, LONG-EARED OWL, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, two AMERICAN DIPPERS, and thirty-four BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS. And although it disappeared for the big day, a MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD was seen by Karen Havlena on Low Gap during Count Week. -- Bob Keiffer

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 -- Hi all, Today, 12/23, there was a flock of at least 5 WESTERN BUEBIRDS along Highway 1 at Spring Ranch (2 miles south of Mendocino). On 12/22 there was a first year GLAUCOUS GULL on the rocks off of Little River Beach. Also, just keep us on track, the gray whales are migrating south. Happy Holidays. -- Ron LeValley

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 -- While driving out of Potter Valley, I saw a large kettle of 40+ TURKEY VULTURES circling over the hills at the south end of the Valley. It seemed like a pretty large concentration of Vultures for late December. Good birding, -- Matt Brady

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 -- On the Clear Lake CBC at around 8:00 AM a group of us saw the LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at Austin Park in Clearlake. I was not able to attend the count dinner so do not have details of what was seen overall on the day. However, birds of local CBC interest that Guy Commeau and I saw were; Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Sage Sparrow, Tree Swallow, Common Loon, and Eurasian Collared-Dove. We also had a teal at Borax Lake the showed some of the characteristics of a "Common Teal". -- Jerry White
To follow up on Jerry White's posting, we ended up with an unoffical count of 146 species. In addition to those species noted by Jerry, we also had 1 each of the following: Northern Goshawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Merlin, Lewis' Woodpecker, and Black-throated Gray Warbler. -- Darlene Hecomovich

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 -- Just looked out my window (12:05 PM)on this first day of Winter and found 7 RED CROSSBILLS on my feeders. Two were obvious males. From Little River -- Richard Hubacek

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 -- On Dec 20, a RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER continues to be seen on Low Gap Road in Ukiah. Head west on Low Gap Road off of North State in Ukiah. Continue on the unpaved road, until a cattle guard. Continue 1.4 miles beyond the cattle guard, there will be an oak with yellow flagging. -- Matthew Brady [from N.Calif Birdbox]

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 -- Fri, 19 Dec 2008 -- Shortly after noon today, I saw the RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER on Low Gap Rd at 1.4 miles uphill from the first cattle guard. I only got a couple of brief views, but I did hear its distinctive tapping (softer and more rapid than Acorn Woodpecker). I could not tell if it is a female or male, as I did not see the chin. The white barring on the back was fairly extensive, which would go along with the thought by George Chaniot that it is probably a female.
          Also, on Low Gap Rd, on two occasions at 1.2 miles uphill from the first cattle guard, there were two very pale, gray with bright, sky blue bluebirds. They were not with any other Western Bluebirds, and they stayed and hovered close to the ground in an open area. One bird in particular had NO rufous or beige/orangey color at all. That one did the most low-to-the-ground hovering. I do think that at least that one, and probably the other bird are MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS. Low Gap Rd. begins at N State St and runs west of Ukiah, MEN County, up into the mountains. -- Karen A. Havlena

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 -- Chuck Vaughn and I did some CBC scouting up Low Gap Road this morning and discovered a RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER about 9:00. It was working some wells in the bark of a live oak on the left side of Low Gap Road 1.4 miles beyond the first cattleguard. Chuck put some yellow flagging on the tree. When we returned at 11:00, we did not see it, but hopefully it will return to the wells in this tree. [This is the 8th MEN record, 6th winter, and first since 2001.-- CEV]
          Lower down on Low Gap we saw a 100% YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER male and , on the grassy hillside with fence, a pair of RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS. -- George Chaniot

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 -- I looked outside and saw that my two feeding areas needed some seed. After I came back inside and looked out of the kitchen window, there were only two birds in sight: a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and the CALIFORNIA TOWHEE. The WTSP is half white and half tan-stripe. I have not seen the Cal Towhee for several weeks (25 October). -- Karen A. Havlena

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 -- I suspect the LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL is gone. I was unable to find it despite a few hours of searching each day on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday. However, there are probably 1500-2000 gulls in the area and it's impossible to view all of the gulls out on the water. After being excused from jury duty on Tuesday I saw a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER at the County Park south of Lakeport and at Clearlake Park I saw a male RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, a pure white EARED GREBE with a gray bill, and three TREE SWALLOWS. On Friday I saw a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE at Anderson Marsh. -- Floyd Hayes

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 -- Today I took an hour for lunch and looked for the Lesser Black-backed Gull in the Clearlake area. No Luck. There were a large number of gulls at Redbud and also at the (Clearlake) Eastlake Landfill. While at the landfill I talked with the landfill supervisor who said that trespassing was an ongoing problem at their property and that in some cases the trespassers were birders (including me today, as I went to a location that I thought would be OK ). I told him I would post a reminder to birders not to enter the property. The bird, if present, can usually be picked out with a scope from the road above. However, much searching on Saturday and Sunday and my quick look today has not turned up the bird. -- Jerry White

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 -- To all; at 2:30PM my feeder was visited by a BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK. We are hoping it stays and / or is visible so it could be included in our CBC. I will keep the black sunflower seeds flowing. -- Barbara Dolan

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 -- Hello all, [the LAYSAN ALBATROSS], Al has been here most every day except yesterday, Saturday, Dec 13, even thought the ocean has been raging quite a bit... today he was bobboing about in his usual location just off the pier to the north west, ranging from 15 - 25 yards to 40 - 50 yards as the current caused him to move around quite a bit. I was a bit surprised to see Al today since the ocean was so gnarly, but perhaps he was a bit lonesome? When Hans, one of the surfers who goes out in these stormy conditions paddled out, Al made a point to get over to him to get his pat on the head; Al is a great lesson for all of us as to how loving nature's creations are... if we don't cause their demise... *sigh* -- Peace, Tom Reid

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 -- I scouted Lake Pennyroyal, in both the morning and the afternoon, also getting ready for the CBC. In the morning I found the first HOODED MERGANSERS I've ever seen there. By afternoon a flock of AMERICAN WIGEONS had flown in, with what I'm quite sure was a EURASIAN WIGEON among them. It was a long view to the end of the lake, even with my scope. I imagine it's the same one Steve Grams and I saw at Lake Mendocino last week, as there's a lot of back and forth between the two lakes. -- Kate Marianchild

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 -- Barbara Dolan and I birded around the south end of Lake Mendocino today doing some scouting for the CBC next Saturday. We got a ride to the spillway, birded there, and walked back across Coyote dam, which is not officially open yet.
          At the spillway we found a cooperative pair of RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS on the pipe and the rockwork on the east side of the cut. There was a SAY'S PHOEBE foraging from the tops of what low weeds it could find after brush and cattails have been cleared. We could not find a Rock Wren there as usual, but on the walk back we found at least three ROCK WRENS at the very south end of Coyote Dam near the last bench (CBC Area #2). They have not been displaced by the recent activity where 50,000 tons of new rip-rap have been added to the dam. At the north end of the dam we also found a Rock Wren on the white barrier just inside the gate. This wren also went underneath the bucket of a huge piece of earthmoving equipment - not intimidated!
          At the south boat ramp the SNOW GOOSE is still present, and a HERRING GULL has joined the other gulls. -- George Chaniot

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 -- Karen Havlena called to say that, after many attempts, she finally found a SOOTY GROUSE on Mountain View Road. It was near some turkeys at milepost 9.25 -- George Chaniot for Karen Havlena

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 -- This morning there was a male REDHEAD along the north shore of Lake Mendocino at Oak Grove and dozens of CACKLING GEESE among the hundreds of Canadas.
          I hiked down to the Russian River from the pullout at mile marker 37.08 on Route 20 this morning and easily found an AMERICAN DIPPER. It probably could have been glimpsed from the pullout itself without making the steep climb down and out. The hike down was worth it though because there was a group of 5 WOOD DUCKS in a pool just upstream. -- George Chaniot

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 -- 12/11/08 there were two LEWIS'S WOODPECKERS along Butz Canyon Rd about 2 miles east of Hwy 29 at Middletown. There is a row of Eucalyptus on the north side of Butz Canyon Rd. and a cyclone fence with a sign that says "Fire Access." The woodpeckers were on the south side of the road in oaks near to the sign. -- Dave Woodward

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 -- A Tagged TURKEY VULTURE with the patagial (wing) white band with # 93 (last seen near Russian River Estate) was observed today on the south end of the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center. This is definitely a resident bird, whereas most of the tagged TUVUs from this summer's UC study are probably soaring the skies or jungles of Central or South America. Everyone needs to really pay attention during this spring's northward migration ...late February & Early March to watch for "returnees". Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 -- At 10:00 this morning I found five AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS at the north end of Lake Mendocino. They were sitting on the edge of the mud and swimming in the water near the north boat ramp. (CBC Area#3) I may have seen them as early as 08:30 but I could not see them well enough to ID. At 10:40 they took off, circled up among the vultures, and headed off toward Clear Lake. Geoff Heinecken and Cheryl Watson arrived just in time to see them in flight before they disappeared across the ridge toward Lake County. Congratulations to Geoff on his 300th Mendocino bird!
          This encounter reinforces my impression that the white pelicans which occasionally appear at Lake Mendocino are day-trippers from Clear Lake and don't hang around very long.
          The SNOW GOOSE is still present among the domestic geese at the south boat ramp (CBC area#2). Two weeks ago there were six species of gulls, but they have dwindled to Ring-billed and California. I was unable to find Kate and Steve's Eurasian Wigeon, but it could still be around. There was an adult BALD EAGLE sitting in the last tree on the Miti campground spit (CBC Area #3). -- George Chaniot

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 -- Yesterday the hit and run flock of tiny birds in the trees behind my house here in Glen Blair included an OAK TITMOUSE. This little flock always sends me running for binoculars, but they are very hard to see and id. I feel like a real klutz trying to focus on the rapidly moving small critters up in the branches in contrasty light.
          Anyway, the Oak Titmouse is new to me, but it seems I can't be confusing it with anything else, I got a good look. How common are they? Also in the flock yesterday were Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Townsend's Warblers, Downy Woodpecker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, before the Juncos took over. -- Becky Stenberg, Glen Blair

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 -- Located between Ukiah and Hopland along Highway 101 (east side) is the CroFoot Ranch. Look for the ranch sign along Highway 101 with a large black crow holding up a large foot painted on it ...and grass pasture usually with cattle and llamas. This has become a regular foraging and daytime use area for the now resident Canada Geese (Great Basin subspecies). It also occasionally gets other geese attracted to the flock. Currently there are about 60+ CANADA GEESE, 15-20 CACKLING GOOSE(Aleutian subspecies), and 1 WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 -- Becky Bowen and I did a shore bird survey today at Virgin Creek Beach and a SAY'S PHOEBE was present on the beach just north of the creek. -- Charlene McAllister

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 -- I was surprised to find an immature GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE late morning today in a very small marsh/pond south of the light-keeper's house at Point Cabrillo. You could just see the white feathers coming in around the bill. -- Richard Hubacek

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 --Just to let everyone know, Al or Alice, our beautiful, faithful albatross has been in the cove every day, all day of late, in his/her favorite location just north of the pier... the last few days Al has been sharing space w/ a few pelicans who seem to have been feasting on schools of baitfish close to shore; quite a wonderful site, Al bobbing about in the background while the pelicans glide around and dive for dinner 'til full, then relax next to Al as their dinner digests... pics will follow when I get my full computer function back... Peace, -- Tom Reid

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 -- Nick Shepherd and I tallied 8 species of gulls this morning at Clearlake, including the adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL on the roof of WalMart from 8:18-8:25. Now that it's been here at least 37 days I'm hopeful it will stick around for the CBC, maybe all winter. We also saw a 1st-cycle gull appearing intermediate between Thayer's and Iceland Gull (strongly speckled tertials, primaries concolorous with wing, faint secondary bar, didn't see tail well; not as good a candidate for Iceland Gull as the 2006 gull).
          At Redbud Park we were surprised to see four species of geese in a single flock: a SNOW GOOSE, a WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, five CACKLING GEESE and 16 CANADA GEESE. At Clearlake Park we saw a female RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. We were unable to find the RED-NECKED GREBE--my bad luck bird for the county--seen twice north of Clearlake Oaks by Jerry White. -- Floyd Hayes

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 -- Steve Grams and I saw a male EURASIAN WIGEON among 6-8 American Wigeons this afternoon around 5 p.m. at Lake Mendocino, near the north boat ramp. We got our shoes all muddy and got great, long looks. Also several GREATER SCAUP and a few RUDDY DUCKS along with the Coots. A SNOWY EGRET was also having great success fishing in an isolated pool. -- Kate Marianchild

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 -- A BLACK SCOTER and a RED-NECKED GREBE were off the north end of Ward Ave in Cleone. (Earlier in the week, 8 Black Scoters were seen here by Toby Tobkin). It was another calm, crystal clear day at Laguna Point, with almost no swell on the ocean. There were two additional RED-NECKED GREBES in the cove. After scoping a few minutes from the point's observation deck, I spotted 5 small alcids at the edge of the kelp. One was a MARBLED MURRELET. The others disappeared below the surface. After 1/2 hour, I finally saw 5 small alcids again. One was a/the MARBLED MURRELET, 3 were ANCIENT MURRELETS (289 for the year), and 1 was a CASSIN'S AUKLET. -- Karen A Havlena

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 -- Floyd Hayes saw the LESSER LACK-BACKED GULL again today between about 8:15 AM & 8:45 AM, this time on the roof of Rays Market which is just to the south of Wal Mart in the City of Clearlake.
          I birded for a couple of hours at Clear Lake State Park. Birds of general interest (for the upcoming CBC) were; 4 Townsend's Warblers, an Orange-crowned Warbler, a number of Golden-crowned Kinglet's, 2 Glaucous-winged Gulls at the outlet and a Common Loon seen from the swim beach. -- Jerry White

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 -- Immediately south of Willow Point in Lakeport (at the end of C Street), a single ROSS'S GOOSE and 2 SNOW GEESE flew in with 9 CACKLING GEESE and were visible from the Lake County Vector Control District office on Esplanade. Likely they could also be seen from the southern side Willow Point. A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE has also been spotted here several times in the last week, but it's a very small individual--barely larger than a mallard. Dave Woodward also saw the geese today, and has seen the GWFG here as well.
          There is a large flock of domestic geese and ducks, and many MALLARDS that are daily visitors (residents), and the wild geese are mixing with this flock (although the feral geese often harass their wild brethren). -- Jamie Scott

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 -- Today, I spent hours in the Covelo & Round Valley area looking for Lewis's Woodpecker and Rough- legged Hawk. I covered almost every accessible road in the valley. Finally, I found a 1st year ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK on East Ln. This is in the NE corner of the valley. On Dobie Land, I could not find any clue of Lewis's Woodpecker being there. Of course, I searched all over the valley, but there were no Lewis's in sight.
          Prior to my arrival in the Round Valley, I came over from the coast on Branscomb Rd and Dos Rios Rd from Laytonville. When I reached Dos Rios bridge, I stopped and looked over the sides with my binoculars. There were at least 55+ King Salmon resting just north of the confluence of the Eel River and the N Fork of the Eel River. Later on, I checked two other places, where I saw about 10+ salmon each time. My unofficial total was 55- to 75 salmon. -- Karen A Havlena

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 -- I just had a SLATE-COLORED D-e JUNCO in my yard in Potter Valley. Second time in 30 years. -- George Chaniot

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 -- This morning there was an adult SNOW GOOSE at the south boat ramp at Lake Mendocino feeding on dry bread among the domestic geese and "soup ducks." It was a nice view at close range if you want to study the details of the black "gums." Across the lake were a few CACKLING GEESE among the many honkers. -- George Chaniot

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 -- I drove south along Hwy 1 to check on a report of a Rough-legged Hawk between Manchester, Irish Beach and Elk. I saw 3 Ferruginous Hawks and numerous Red-tailed Hawks in the area. Since Jim and I were in the same place on Nov 29 & 30, I was interested in finding the Rough-leg (which we did not see on the dates mentioned above). I concentrated on the fields north of Irish Beach, as well as north of Manchester. Unfortunately, I could NOT find a Rough-legged Hawk.
          I witnessed an unusual scrape between a Ferruginous and a Red- tailed Hawk. The Ferruginous was easy to spot, because of its light colors. While I looked at it, a Red-tailed Hawk landed within 2 feet of the FEHA. The FEHA spread its wings, while the RTHA challenged it. The FEHA must have had a mouse in its talons. This fight accelerated with the FEHA "winning" the food prize.
          ALSO --- Further south, I drove Stonboro to the end of Bristol (just north of the Garcia River). Five SNOW GEESE still had one ROSS'S GOOSE with them on Brush Creek. No Tundra Swans have arrived. -- Karen Havlena

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 -- Toby Tobkin called to report an apparent hybrid SNOW X ROSS'S GOOSE at Lk Cleone, MacKerricher SP. I drove down to see it. It was alone when Toby saw it, but it was with an imm GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE and a CACKLING GOOSE (or quite small) Canada Goose when I arrived. The white goose looked mostly like a Ross's, but it was the same size as the other two geese, and it had a narrow black mark on the gape of its bill. -- For Dorothy "Toby" Tobkin (Karen Havlena)

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 -- Beb Ware and I saw a PEREGRINE FALCON from the top of Squaw Rock today. It was sitting in a tree to the east of Highway 101, but it never came close to give us a good view. -- George Chaniot

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 -- Jim and I stayed in Point Arena last night to bird the south MEN county, concentrating on several areas, such as Mountain View Rd, Garcia River flats, Brush and Alder Creeks, and Lake Davis near Alder Creek. Two ROSS'S GEESE were with a small group of SNOW GEESE on Brush Creek. We saw no swans in the area, as yet. We also missed "Al" at Point Arena cove. We looked for Burrowing Owl at Lake Davis, but had no luck. Most of our time was spent driving and walking up and down Mountain View Rd, between mm 6.00 and 10.00, then 15 miles of Fish Rock Rd in another fruitless attempt at seeing a Sooty Grouse - boo hoo. Checking for raptors along Hwy 1, there were 3 FERRUGINOUS HAWKS south of Elk. -- Karen Havlena

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 -- Today the Thayer's Gull was not to be seen - although I have seen it fly to the north end of the lake previously. -- George Chaniot

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 -- The 1st year THAYER'S GULL is still at the south ramp of Lake Mendocino. There were only three gull species today compared to six a week ago. -- George Chaniot

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 -- On the 26th I saw a LEWIS'S WOODPECKER at the end of Burris Lane in Potter Valley. It was in the top of the oaks to the north. A resident of the area also told me she had seen one in the same area recently. I was back on the 29th and did not see one. We did not see any on the Peregrine field trip to Round Valley on the 23rd. It seems to be a low year for Lewis's although the acorn crop appears moderate. -- George Chaniot

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 -- A pair of HOODED MERGANSERS were on the large, manmade pond on Old River Rd, about a mile south of Talmage. -- Karen Havlena

Mon, 25 Nov 2008 -- Several observers reported the arrival of "AL" the assumed same LAYSAN ALBATROSS that has been returning to the Point Arena Cove for the last 16 consecutive winter periods (or more). The bird returned at approximately 10:00 AM on November 22nd (thanks Tom for the sharp lookout). Ironically, I just returned from Kauai where the re-arrival of Laysan Albatross for the nesting season occurred during the week of November 10 - 15th November... about the same time that the Humpback Whales return to Kauai waters. I don't even try to guess if there is any correlation. To update your curiosity, below is a chronological list of arrival and departure dates.
          For those of you for whom this information is new, the bird uses the Point Arena Cove as a resting/loafing area during normal seas. During very rough, intense storms the bird tends to disappear. I always tell folks that they have about a 50% chance of seeing the bird from the Point Arena dock on any one day during the winter period ....but one might have to keep checking every couple hours as you never know when the bird might arrive or depart. If you are travelling from out of the area specifically for this bird ...you might plan on being in the area for at least a couple days to increase your chances. And ...if the bird is sleeping with his head tucked under the wing it can be missed if it is not near any other birds or objects for size reference ( I have seen people mistake is for a Western Gull). Ask the surfers ....they usually know and look after the bird's welfare.
          Here is a revised list of first reported arrival dates and last reported season's dates (assumed near departure) for the subsequent years:

???? to? 28 Feb 1994 (T.Easterla & J.Booker)
30 Nov 1994 to 27 March 1995 (report of two birds in synchronized courtship? flight during the end of this period)
5 Dec 1995 to 14 March 1996
3 Dec 1996 to 26 March 1997
27 Nov 1997 to 8 Mar 1998
12 Dec 1998 to 21 Mar 1999
4 Dec 1999 to 12 Feb 2000 with a "fly by the cove" on 2 April 2000 as observed by George Chaniot (possible same bird?)
26 Nov 2000 to 26 Feb 2001
28 Nov 2001 to 24 Mar 2002
>21 Nov 2002 to 12 Mar 2003
25 Nov 2003 to 28 Feb 2004
28 Nov 2004 to 21 Feb 2005
26-30 Nov 2005 to 19 Mar 2006
25 Nov 2006 to 16 Mar 2007
7 Dec 2007 to 5 Mar 2008
22 Nov 2008 to "time will tell"

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 -- The Peregrine Audubon Society had its annual field trip to Covelo and Round Valley today. The day started out with heavy ground fog in Ukiah and Willits, but along the Covelo Road we managed to find an AMERICAN DIPPER and a BALD EAGLE near Dos Rios, and an adult PEREGRINE FALCON at the sandstone cliffs. Round Valley was fogged in also when we got there and didn't begin clearing up until about 10:30. After that we began seeing things: multiple FERRUGINOUS HAWKS along Fairbanks Road and Dobie Lane, a PRAIRIE FALCON, and quite a few more raptors. A coyote in a field on Dobie Lane flushed up several birds which turned out to be two ravens and a SHORT-EARED OWL. The owl climbed above the ravens and circled in view for a full 15 minutes. photo here At the lunch site at the Eel River Ranger Station we turned up a CANYON WREN just below the picnic tables. photo here For a full trip report click here

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 -- Hi All, Barbara Pratt reported to me that Al was seen this morning, Saturday Nov. 23rd, off the Point Arena Pier. I've attached the picture she sent me. Good news, yes?! -- Jeanne Jackson [For photo by Barbara Pratt on Joe Morlan's Page click here ]

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 -- At approx. 10AM this morning, Saturday, November 22, Al the LAYSAN ALBATROSS glided into the Point Arena cove... Take a look at the attached pic... proof! He's yawning, perhaps tired from his long journey? -- Tom Reid,Point Arena

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 -- This afternoon at about 3:30 the THAYER'S GULL was still present near the south boat ramp at Lake Mendocino with 74 California Gulls. The Bonaparte's, Ring-billed, Herring, and Glaucous-winged Gulls of recent days were not to be found at that time. -- George Chaniot

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 -- The LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen Friday morning (around 8:00 am) by Nick Shepherd from Redbud Park on a dock south of the park. Also there was a ROSS'S GOOSE at the park. -- Jerry White for Nick Shepherd

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 -- Today there were 7 CACKLING GEESE, 1 SNOW GOOSE, and 1 ROSS'S GOOSE in Lakeport just south of Willow Point/ north of the Vector Control District Pier. Dave Woodward saw the snow goose and cackling geese, but the Ross's goose flew off before he arrived. We took a few marginal photos of the Ross's, and several good photos of the snow goose.
          Other birds I've been seeing regularly off Esplanade in Lakeport include SCAUP (usually too far off for me to confidently distinguish Greater or Lesser), COMMON MERGANSERS (usually in flocks of 30-100), BUFFLEHEADS, and RUDDY DUCKS. There have been some extremely large feeding flocks of WHITE PELICANS visible from here over the last few weeks (some over 600 individuals). -- J.J.Scott

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 -- I took a brisk walk around the hospital and medical clinics off Cypress St in Fort Bragg sans binoculars. Hearing many yellow-rumps and robins, I walked to the edge of a property and gave a soft pish, just to make the yellow-rumps jump. Out of an old fruit tree popped a round, very short-tailed warbler with a fairly good amount of yellow from lower breast/belly up to the top of the crown. She was only 10-12 ft away in a tiny, sparse bush. "This is a good bird!" My first impression was PROTHONOTARY WARBLER, but I had only previously seen males, and she was too low in the bush for me to see the undertail coverts. After about 20 seconds, she flew into another tree in the yard. Unable to get David Jensen or Toby Tobkin on the phone, I called Jim and persuaded him to drive down with my Warblers guide, which took almost 1/2 hour. In the meantime, I refound the Prothonotary twice.
          She took a bath in an old apple tree by rubbing through the wet leaves for about 3 minutes, a neat maneuver to observe. During this bath, I was able to see good field marks: long, white spots in the short tail; white undertail coverts; smooth, slate gray wings - no wing bars; greenmantle almost as green as imm Chestnut-sided; round, black eye on a plain yellow face. The yellow wash on belly, breast, face and up onto the crown gave way to greenish tips of the feathers on the back crown and nape.
          After this, she flew to a Douglas-fir and sat near the trunk by some ivy. I lost her when some clinic workers came out for break, and sat right under the fir. Then, Jim arrived. Later Richard, Toby and finally Matthew came. No luck. I am so disappointed that, so far nobody else saw her. I am leaving for Fort Bragg now and will write again, if she shows up.
          Location: South side of Cypress & west of River Rd. Large, open shrubs in the lot between the 4 large cypress trees and Ft Bragg Police Station. This is east of Hwy 1. -- Karen A Havlena

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 -- The first winter THAYER'S GULL is still at the south boat ramp area at Lake Mendocino. Today I walked out onto the lakebed and got scope-filling views in good light at 50 feet. It was the best opportunity I've ever had to study this plumage well. At times I had it side-by-side with 1st winter Ring-billed, California, Herring, and Glaucous-winged Gulls. It also hung out in the parking lot among other gulls, but was run off by cars from time to time. There were about 75 Calfornia Gulls, and they were returning over the dam from the direction of Ukiah. In Ukiah the only concentration of gulls I could find was in the parking lot of Carl's Jr. and on the roof of Dorsey's Body Shop next door - all adult Californias -- George Chaniot

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 -- Approximately 700 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS are roosting near the outlet of Manning Creek in the southwest corner of Clear Lake. In the mornings, they swim and fly northward along the west shore of the lake and feed in the shallows. The Threadfin Shad population in the lake is low this year, but the shallows along the west shore are loaded up with Inland Silversides and young-of-the year Sacramento Suckers. Those species could be providing food for the pelicans. The best places to see the pelicans would be by boat or at the south end of the Esplanade off of S. Main St. in Lakeport where there is a beach area. The beach is private property, but the lake is visible from the public road. Several CACKLING GEESE have been hanging around the beach on the Esplanade the past few days. In the past week there has been a PEREGRINE FALCON working the southwest shore of Clear Lake, seen by Jamie Scott, Terry Sanderson and by me on Nov. 16. -- Dave Woodward

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 -- There was a RED-NECKED GREBE east of Lucerne on Highway 20 near milepost 20.35 today. -- Jerry White

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 -- Karen Havlena just called to report a PROTHONOTARY WARBLER at the corner of River Road and Cypress Avenue in Fort Bragg. This is essentially in front of the Mendocino Coast Hospital. It was in the yard on the southwest corner of River Road and Cypress and spent some of its time bathing in the leaves of the apple tree in the yard. She thinks it is an immature female. Cypress is the third street north of the Noyo Bridge and River Road is two long blocks west of Highway 101. Good luck! -- Ron LeValley

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 -- I found 2 HORNED LARKS today, walking the bluffs just north of the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse at 3:17PM. -- Richard Hubacek

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 -- A few minutes ago, while my binocs were focused on a Red-breasted Sapsucker in my apple tree, something darted in/out of the field of vision at an angle I couldn't follow. The gestalt impression was empid (pale drab grey/olive with a pronounced pale yellow chin or bib area, definite eyering but couldn't tell if full or broken, wing bars); I know they are supposed to be away for the winter so wondered if it was an empid is there a particular species more likely to still be here before heading south? Many thanks! -- Janet Rosen

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 -- This morning there was a single CANVASBACK amid a large group of Ring-necked Ducks at the pond at the end of Burris Lane in Potter Valley. -- George Chaniot

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 -- I spent about 3 hours walking very slowly along Bald Hill Road north of Fort Bragg Saturday morning and saw at least 3 Ferruginous Hawks. At one point there were two on the west side of the road, with one calling in flight, the other in a tree, while a third bird was cruising the sky on the east side of the road. Other raptors included one male and one female Northern Harrier, several Kestrels, and a Red-tailed Hawk. I found one Cackling Goose among hordes of Canada Geese, and had a brief look at a Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker. Also saw Meadowlarks, Red-winged Blackbirds, Savannah Sparrows (I think - couldn't figure out anything else), lots of White-crowned Sparrows, and one Marsh Wren. And one coyote. I watched it trying to catch rodents (I think) and then it lay down next to a stump under a bush.
          Then I went to Glass Beach just in time to see two Harlequin Ducks before they dropped into the water and disappeared from view around the rock. The rock they were on also hosted one Black Oystercatcher, lots of Black Turnstones, a Brandt's Cormorant, and a Western Gull.
          Very nice morning, except that I was sweltering in the wrong type of clothing for what seemed like 80-degree weather on Bald Hill Road. -- Kate Marianchild

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 -- This afternoon there was an adult FERRUGINOUS HAWK along the Hearst-Willits Road east of Willits.
          This morning at the south boat ramp at Lake Mendocino there were six species of gulls continuing: Bonaparte's, Ring-billed, California, Thayer's, Herring, and Glaucous-winged. -- George Chaniot

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 -- Greetings Mendobirders- Cheryl Watson, Geoff Heinecken, Barbara and I went to the dam parking lot at the south end of Lake Mendocino early this morning for some casual birding. We saw a good variety of gulls...well, good for Lake Mendocino, but not so good for Lake County. In the immediate area of the parking lot, among dozens of CALIFORNIA GULLS, we found single adult and first-winter HERRING GULLS, a first-winter THAYER'S GULL (seen on Nov 13 by George Chaniot), and a first-winter GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL. Out over the lake there was an adult BONAPARTE'S GULL. An adult BALD EAGLE was unsuccessfully strafing a large group of Coots. A flock of 36 SNOW GEESE, including a dark morph bird, circled the lake briefly before leaving directly east towards Clear Lake. -- Chuck Vaughn

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 -- I briefly saw the LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL on the roof of Wal-Mart from 9:48-9:50 am, when about 200 gulls were present. I was unable to find it earlier in the morning when about 1000 gulls were present. -- Floyd Hayes

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 -- Mid to late afternoon, I saw two HORNED LARKS just south of the tip of Laguna Point. Both birds were fairly plain, but one of them had yellow lores, superciliums and throat. They were scared over to a large, short grass-covered "island" about 40 meters south of the point. Above the exposed rocks, about 20 MEW GULLS were hawking insects like nighthawks, and offshore many Pacific Loons and Western Grebes flew south. It was a fabulous afternoon, warm, still and crystal clear! A great day to finally get the Horned Larks for my MEN list.
          In the morning at high tide, the two Rock Sandpipers could not be found, according to Toby Tobkin. They still could be there, or maybe a couple more will arrive soon. -- Karen A Havlena

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 - This afternoon, Jim and I could see 2+ BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS in the redwoods at Yosemite & Washo in Oak Manor. Park on Pomo and look into the trees. This is east of Hwy 101, south of Perkins and north of Gobbi. Then, we drove down to Talmage, and continued .6 mile down Old River Rd to the large pond with signs for Beckstoffer & Mendocino Vineyard Co. We had hoped to see returning Hooded Mergansers. But NO, the pond was almost completely drained !! RFI - If anyone sees Hooded Mergansers on other MEN County ponds or at Lake Mendocino, could you please report their location? Thanks very much. -- Karen Havlena

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 -- Rain, a birder who lives up the hill from me (near Ukiah), wrote this.: "I swear I heard an Evening Grosbeak flying over today. Have you ever heard of one being around here? I sure miss them from Oregon. Rain". Can anyone answer this? -- Kate Marianchild

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 -- I just saw _four_ WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and one White-crowned in a brush pile on my property in Fort Bragg. White-throated Sparrows have always been solitary in my previous sightings (which amount to a grand total of two). -- Kate Marianchild

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 -- On Nov 13, (2) ROCK SANDPIPER were seen roosting on the rocks at high tide at the end of the last platform at Laguna Pointin MacKerricher State Park. (Dorothy Tobkin) [from N.Calif.BirdBox]

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 -- Dorothy "Toby" Tobkin called to say that she saw a LONG-TAILED DUCK and a HARLEQUIN DUCK in the ocean just off Pudding Creek. The LTDU was far out, so she could not tell the gender, but the HADU was a male. One will need a spotting scope to bird here. Park just north of the Pudding Creek bridge in the public parking lot between the Surf & Sand and Beachcomber motels, then walk out to the bluffs.
          11 Nov at Ocean Meadows, a/the NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was in the yard, and that Cooper's Hawk just won't go away. -- For Toby Tobkin & Karen A. Havlena

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 -- Today. along with 2 Chico birders, we refound and viewed from 9:00-9:30 am the LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at the Clearlake Landfill. The gull was still present when we left. The road to the landfill was closed because of the Veterans' Day Holiday, but we were able to achieve good viewing by taking the Quackenbush Mountain Road immediately above the landfill road. -- Darlene Hecomovich

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 -- Near dusk, I drove east on Pudding Ck Rd and then north on Bald Hill Rd, hoping for Burrowing Owl in the darkening skies - still no luck. There were about 20 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and hundreds of Canada's mixed with some CACKLING GEESE (minima & Aleutian). -- Karen A. Havlena

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 -- MendoBirders - Along with Rich Stallcup and a bunch of good friends, Les and I enjoyed a rainy Saturday and a sunny Sunday morning mostly along the Mendocino Coast. We did not see Karen, Toby, nor David, but we do have a few other highlights to report. Friday, 07 November 2008 (late afternoon): 1 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE on the beach at Little River; Saturday, 08 November 2008: 2 HARLEQUIN DUCKS at Glass Beach; Sunday, 09 November 2008: From the platform at Laguna Point we saw 1 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, 1 BULLER'S SHEARWATER, 1 BONAPARTE'S GULL, 1 ROCK SANDPIPER - we saw this little beauty around 8:30 AM in great light - it was, as usual, with the BLACK TURNSTONEs & SURFBIRDs, 48 BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS ! And at the Garcia River we saw 1 FERRUGINOUS HAWK. -- Cindy Lieurance

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 -- If any of you happen to be driving south on Highway 1 into Sonoma County during the next couple of days, you may wish to swing into Bodega Bay for a few minutes and attempt to locate an immature Yellow-billed Loon, which was discovered there Saturday by Rusty Scalf. Though the bird apparently dives for extended periods of time when feeding, it has been well seen by others. -- Richard Kuehn

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 -- I have a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW here in Glen Blair also. Glad I read the digest and looked it up so I could quit being baffled by the odd-looking White-crowned Sparrow with the Song Sparrowish face! So I guess I shouldn't pay so much attention to the range maps? ;oP -- Becky Stenberg

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 -- I saw ten GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE on Bald Hill Rd, off Pudding Creek Rd. There were many Canada and a few CACKLING GEESE in the fields also. No Burrowing Owl nor Ferrugious Hawk, as yet here. Also Sunday 11/9 - Toby Tobkin saw a BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE from Laguna Point in MacKerricher SP. No Rock Sandpipers yet. -- Karen Halvena

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 -- Haven't seen any posting on this bird today, so just to let you know the LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen by a number of birders on the roof of the Walmart in Clearlake 8.30 - 9.00 am this morning (and didn't fly off while we were there - Bill Doyle and I left it to go see the Yellow-billed Loon at Spud Point, Bodega Harbor). -- Helen Kochenderfer

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 -- David Jensen found a FERRUGINOUS HAWK south of Elk along Hwy 1. We also saw many Red-tails and Kestrels, Western Bluebirds and Yellow-rumped Warblers. -- Karen Havlena

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 -- Nick Shepherd, Mike Stanley and I saw the LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at Austin Park from 7:25-7:55 this morning. Barbara Dolan joined us later and we relocated it on the roof of WalMart from 9:15-9:45. The landfill will not allow any birders to enter but the gulls can still be viewed from the road above the landfill. Nevertheless, there were only a few hundred gulls and most departed when an employee began firing at them with a paintball gun. To my dismay we could not find a Heerman's Gull. -- Floyd Hayes

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 -- On Nov 8, the LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL continues in the town of Clearlake. It has been seen at Austin Park, on the roof of the Wal-Mart, and at the Clearlake Landfill off of Davis Street. (Jerry White) [from N.Calif.BirdBox]

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 -- Speaking of PEREGRINE FALCONS, I got a shot of one at Virgin Creek today on the rocks I call "Frog Eye" just south of the creek itself and along the headland cliffs. . .the rock with the two 'eye holes' above and just south of where the Harbor Seals lay on the flats there. It was an adult. The photos weren't that good. If anyone wants to see. ..I will e mail them privately. . .just let me know :) -- Feather Forestwalker

Thur, 6 Nov 2008 -- Today seemed liked a good day for birding. Low pressure and cloudy skies beckoned me out to see what was about. ** North Coast- I went north to Hardy Creek and drove south to locations along Hwy 1. Hoping for good alcids, no small alcids were at the usual locations. At Westport STP, there was a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD. Earlier in the week, we had a N Mockingbird in our yard at Ocean Meadows (perhaps the same bird ??). At mm 72.00, I saw about 40-50 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS near a small herd of cattle north of the large turn-outs on Hwy 1. This is the old site of Newport. There has been an imm. PEREGRINE FALCON and a COOPER'S HAWK in the Ocean Meadows neighborhood, as well, for a couple of days. ** Toby Tobkin had a MERLIN at Virgin Creek by the small bridge over the creek. Also, there were 6 SNOWY PLOVERS and 50 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS. -- Karen A Havlena & Toby Tobkin

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 -- Dorothy "Toby" Tobkin ventured out today and saw yet another LAPLAND LONGSPUR at Mendocino Headlands St Park by the sister city plaque. Also, Toby still has a tan-striped WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and a male "SLATE-COLORED" Junco coming to her feeder at her home in Fort Bragg. Jim and I saw both of these birds on Monday. -- For Toby Tobkin, KAren Havlena

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 -- I also had _three_ WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS at my feeders here in Potter Valley today. This is an unusual concentration here. One was white-striped and two were tan-striped. -- George Chaniot

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 -- This morning Cheryl Watson, Larry Petrie, and I observed the LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at Austin Park in the city of Clearlake. It was sitting at the water's edge on the beach with a group of California Gulls and Bonaparte's Gulls - a nice view at good range. We had it under observation from 11:05 to 11:35 at which time it was flushed by a boat and flew off to the east in the direction of Redbud Park.
          Earlier, Cheryl and I searched from 9:00 to 11:00 starting at the landfill at the end of Davis Street. They would not let us in even if we paid, so we walked up Quackenbush Road a short way and scoped from there. Next we went to Wal-Mart where there were several hundred gulls on the roof - no luck. Thirdly we went to Redbud Park where there were many gulls on the water and on the docks. There we found two HEERMANN'S GULLS on the water among California Gulls - maybe the fourth and fifth birds for Lake County. When we arrived at Austin Park the LBBG was an easy find.
          We also stopped at Borax Lake where we saw a wigeon which was probably a hybrid AMERICAN/EURASIAN WIGEON and a distant bird which appeared to be a totally albino EARED GREBE. -- George Chaniot

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 -- This morning a CACKLING GOOSE joined the flock of domestic geese behind the Lake County Vector Control Office at 410 Esplanade in downtown Lakeport. The goose was found by Jamie Scott and appears to be of the Aluetian race. Last week on 10/28/08 I drove onto the Lake County side of Sanhedrin Mtn. There were two SOOTY GROUSE along the road to Tule Lake. One was standing on the road about a mile west of Tule Lake. The other flew out of the top of a Douglas-Fir just west of the lake. There were also two WILD TURKEYS at Towhead Flat, elevation 4030 ft. -- Dave Woodward

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 -- Nick Shepherd saw the LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at Austin Park at 8:00 am this morning. -- Floyd Hayes

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 -- This morning I made a brief trip to the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant dodging rainshowers. There was a first-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL there, unusual for this location. Several of us saw it Sunday, 2 Nov, and it can still be seen at close range. Today it was making flycatching sallies close to the water, and an Eared Grebe was following it wherever it went. (!?) -- George Chaniot

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 -- John Luther just called and said he and John Sterling (and John's daughter) were looking at the LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL in Redbud Park. This is the first time it has been found at that location. As I was writing this I got another call from John Luther. All the gulls flushed including the Lesser Black-backed Gull but some of the gulls were returning so it could be back. In addition a new gull showed up. An adult HEERMANN'S GULL. That happens to be only the 4th county record. I'm waiting in anticipation for the next phone call to see what those guys can turn up. -- Jerry White

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 -- Howdy Birders, Jim Lomax just called me to let me know that the adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL found over the weekend and Monday was present at 10 a.m. at the dump at the town of Clearlake (end of Davis Road). The bird has been seen at nearby Austin Park and other piers in the waterfront in the town of Clear Lake as well as on the roof of Walmart. Good luck! -- John Sterling, Woodland

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 -- I finally founds some time to post four photos of the adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at my website: www.geocities.com/floyd_hayes/lesserblack-backedgull Thanks to Joe Morlan for posting a photo yesterday on his website and for cleaning up the blur on a couple of photos. On Saturday we also saw a male EURASIAN WIGEON at Borax Lake. -- Floyd Hayes

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 -- I had 3 WHITE-THROATED SPAROWS today (late morning) at the Little River Airport. They were in a mixed sparrow flock of mainly Golden-crowned Sparrows. There were 2 white-striped and 1 tan-striped. The most I've ever seen at once has been one. -- Richard Hubacek

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 -- The possibility of this being a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL is looking even better today after seeing the bird in good light and with some additional photos being taken. But of course we hope some other birders will be able to see the bird and share their opinions with us.
          The gull was first seen this morning by three of us at Austin Park in Clearlake (on Lakeshore Dr. across from the City offices and Olympic Dr) where it landed on a piling at about 6:55 AM daylight time, stayed for a few minutes and then flew south.
          Maybe an hour plus later Floyd Hayes refound the bird at a known gull roost site on top of the Wal Mart Store. This is where the bird was studied and photographed. Wal Mart is in the shopping complex east of the intersection (with stop lights) of Highway 53 and Old Highway 53 at the south end of Clearlake. To view the gulls you need to climb the steep hill on the east side of the parking lot so you can view the flat roof.
          As we watched many of the gulls started to fly NE probably towards the landfill mentioned yesterday which is at the end of Davis Ave. Good luck. -- Jerry White

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 -- Floyd Hayes yesterday morning found an adult gull that appears to be a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. The bird was first found at Austin Park on Lakeshore Drive in the city of Clearlake. Then, later in the morning, a group of us saw the bird at the Clearlake Landfill at the end of Davis Avenue. The bird was seen again, after the landfill closed, at Austin Park by Nick Shepherd around 4 pm. -- Jerry White

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 -- A new bird has appeared here at my seed feeder in Glen Blair. It's a little CHIPPING SPARROW, exactly matches the first year photo in the Thayer program. While the literature says it's common, I've never seen one before. It hangs out with the Juncos, and since it's so small it seems very comfortable sitting on the lip of the feeder. Also it camouflages really well in the scratched up brown grass under -- Becky Stenberg

Thurs, 30 Oct 2008 -- With storms approaching, I thought the low would make favorable conditions to look for birds. A flock of 7 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were grazing in a green field opposite Matson Bldg Materials on Hwy 1, just north of the parking area for Virgin Creek access.
          Late this afternoon, I was still charged to keep looking for another "year bird." So, driving north from Ten Mile Rvr, aiming for Hardy Creek at mm 83.50 (and thinking of Jerry White all the way), I stopped everywhere. I thought that the Westport STP would be a good spot for Tropical Kingbird. I did find a TROPICAL KINGBIRD -- it was at Juan Creek, below and east of the Hwy 1 bridge at mm 83.00. I would not have seen it, except for a Belted Kingfisher, saving the day!
          As I was scanning the creek from the dirt road on the south side of the creek, a kingfisher calling loudly, flew from under the bridge right along the edge of the willows lining the creek. It startled the Tropical Kingbird, which flew a few feet to the west. It landed, facing directly toward me, so that I could see its bright yellow belly and the slightly, lime green sides of the breast! This was 280 for my 2008 year list.
          Number 280 for my MEN County list was a Common Tern, just over a year ago on 9/2/07, thanks to Chuck Vaughn (PS- welcome home,Chuck!!). -- Karen A. Havlena

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 -- Hi Birders, we have had a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers around our place for a few days. Didn't get a good look at them until yesterday afternoon, when they settled in to eat some Winter Banana apples on the tree! They were quite vocal as they flew around. I've added a couple of photos to the "Albion Birds" folder. -- Tim on Middle Ridge, Albion

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 -- Is this an Ash-throated Flycatcher? It was much larger than any of the smaller empidonax (sp?) flycatchers, such as Pacific-Slope, etc., and seems to fit the description of the Ash-throated. click here Thanks in advance. The photo was taken Oct 20 at MacKerricher State Park. - Feather Forestwalker [consensus is that it is a late Ash-throated Flycatcher]

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 -- The darker rufous coloring in the wings caught my eye on a bird in my brush pile located in my chicken pen. Alas, a bit of "pishing" resulted in a better look at the first fall arrival (in my yard) of a nice adult WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at my home in Hopland. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 -- Yesterday all three of the LAPLAND LONGSPURS were still in the same location (2:25 PM) that Karen found them on Sunday. Today I could find just one, again in the same location (1:30 PM). I've posted a picture of the remaining Longspur. -- Richard Hubacek

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 --While on my way home in the waning light of Friday the 17th, I was shocked to see a dark-billed swan in Detert Reseroir, along Butts Canyon Road south of Middletown. I returned on Saturday the 18th and confirmed its identity as an adult TUNDRA SWAN. A male EURASIAN WIGEON and a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE were also present. I did not see the swan either yesterday morning or this morning, but the light was poor and I didn't stop to look carefully (needed to get a few kids to get to school on time). -- Floyd Hayes

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 -- Yesterday and today, up to eight EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were in the front yard of 3810 Eastside Calpella Road. Viewing is permissible from the driveway. Yesterday, a ROCK WREN was on the lake side of the dam at Lake Mendocino, to the left of the trail that goes down to the peninsula that would be an island if the water were higher. -- Ken Burton, Arcata

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 -- This morning at about 9:30, at Virgin Creek Beach, there was a PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER with a group of Black-bellied Plover, near the road. Seen by myself, David Jensen, Scott Huber, Garry George, and others. -- Art Morley

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 - This morning I found three LAPLAND LONGSPURS on the Mendocino Headlands in the area by the sister city plaque. Two of them were first year birds, identical in appearance. The third bird was quite buffy ochre, so I studied it carefully. While it had an narrow eye ring, just a few, very fine streaks on the sides, and a light wash of beige on breast,sides & most of the belly, and the greater coverts were not russet, other key field marks pointed to Lapland. The only other longspur possibility was Smith's, but I finally could see the second retrice of which only had the lower, out side of the feather was white. Also, the primary extension was long, with all of the white-edged primaries equidistant from each other, with no wide spacing by thethird rect. The facial pattern was identical to the other two Lapland's.I also threw out Snow Bunting, Rustic Bunting, and McCown's and Chestnut-collared Longspur. I would have thought that the greater coverts would have been more colorful (like the two HY birds), but they were smudgy. I still think that it is simply another Lapland. -- Karen Havlena

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 -- At 4:30 this afternoon, 2 SORA were actively feeding near the Lake Cleone boat ramp. Along with an embarrassment of American Coots, there were also what looked like 2 pair of GADWALL at the East end of the lake, and 4 possible HORNED GREBE (I welcome corroboration and/or dispute about this call-the light was dimming!), perhaps 2 juv and 2 adult? - Jessica Morton

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 -- Toby Tobkin phoned this afternoon that a pair of GADWALL and a SORA were at Lake Cleone in MacKerricher SP, north of Fort Bragg a few miles At 5-pm, I ventured over to the lake. It was nice and calm and quiet. The Sora was in full view at the boat launch (NE side of parking lot). It was tiptoeing around the short vegetation and easy to see. The Gadwall pair was out in the middle of the lake near a group of coots. -- For Dorothy "Toby" Tobkin, K Havlena

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 -- Jim and I had no luck trying to find his Black-throated Blue Warbler from yesterday. Also, none of the many Townsend's Warblers were still around - only a couple of Yellow's, Hutton's Vireos, creepers, kinglets, etc, were at Chadbourne Gulch. -- Karen & Jim Havlena

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 -- Marisela de Santa Ana and I have both recently seen CALIFORNIA THRASHERS in places we hadn't seen them before. Both sightings were soon after the last rain. She saw one on Baechtel Creek in the Willits area and I saw one on York Creek near Parducci Winery. Has anyone else noticed unusual Thrasher activity? - Kate Marianchild

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 - An adult male BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER was found by Jim Havlena about 11:30 am at Chadbourne Gulch, on the EAST side of Hwy 1. The bird was with a flock working just west of the small grove of redwoods. Jim followed the flock and refound the bird two more times as the flock moved west down the creek. He last saw the bird about 12:15 pm. Chadbourne Gulch is at mile post 75.43 along Hwy 1. There is plenty of parking space on the west side of the road. This is south of Westport. -- For Jim Havlena, Karen Havlena

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 -- Andy & I saw a Black-throated Blue warbler this morning eating berries in our Honeysuckle tree (Andy took a photo). Has anyone else seen one? I read that they are rare visitors here in the fall. - Virginia MacIntosh

Wed, 9 Oct 2008 -- There were a few new developments at the lake on Wednesday. A single BONAPARTE'S GULL was flying around the south half, a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE and two CACKLING GEESE were among the Canada Geese on the spit by the boat-in campground, and there was a small group of GREATER SCAUP near Deer Camp. Coyote Dam was still open to the public, but it is supposed to be closed imminently. There was a ROCK WREN on the barriers right by the parking lot. -- George Chaniot

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 -- At 1:55 PM I observed a PECTORAL SANDPIPER at Glass Beach. It was actully on the beach ( a rare occurance according to the literature)that is located where the path curves North. I was able to see the alert posture because of a dog on the beach. -- Richard Hubacek

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 -- Hello -First, thank you to all of those that responded so generously to my query regarding south county hot spots. I took your advice and started birding the mouth of the Gualala River and this morning it paid off. I had a PRAIRIE WARBLER first at 8:15 and then again at around 9:00. The bird was very actively foraging low in the willows adjacent to the main path about 100 yards west from Highway 1. It was easy to locate each time since it was continuously pumping its tail (as is typical of this species). I'm not sure what the area is commonly referred to but it is just north of the bridge over the Gualala River on the west side of Highway 1 and it's where the local kayak place launches their boats. Good Birding, -- Rich Trissel

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 -- On Friday morning at Usal I was able to find a NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL, a Bobcat and a BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER before the rain chased me out. On Saturday, Oct 4, at Lake Cleone there were 2 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and an AMERICAN REDSTART. -- Jerry White

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 -- Steller's Jays first appeared in my backyard in southwest Ukiah about 3 years ago - one to four at a time and irregularly, mainly in the spring and have turf wars/coexist uneasily with the scrub jays and the mockingbirds. -- Janet Rosen

Thu, 02 Oct 2008-- Dorothy "Toby" Tobkin phoned with her find of a VESPER SPARROW just north of Virgin Creek and east of the Haul Rd. She met me at the spot. I saw the bird east of the road just south of the east extension of MacKerricher SP out to meet Hwy 1. There is a trail from a parking area west to the Haul Rd. The best landmark for finding the trail head is Three Rivers Learning Ctr Charter School. -- For Toby Tobkin, Karen A Havlena

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 -- Tue, 30 Sep 2008 -- John Sterling & John Luther joined local birders Ron LeValley, Toby Tobkin, Art Morley, Richard Hubecek, Trudy Jensen, Jim Griswold, Jim Havlena & Karen Havlena birding at various locations today. Highlights: ***Chadbourne Gulch: John S, John L and Ron refound the VIRGINIA'S WARBLER and a NASHVILLE WBLR in the ravine, west end of the dirt road. Karen and Toby each found their own CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER on the east side of Hwy 1. ***Ten Mile River (south side): John L, John S & Ron saw the MAGNOLIA WARBLER found 9/29 by John Sterling. *** Usal: John S, John L and Ron saw 2 ARCTIC TERNS & 50 ELEGANT TERNS on the beach. A female AMER REDSTART was in the Usal creekbed. Also, they saw a N MOCKINGBIRD there. ***Westport STP: Jim & Karen Havlena saw 3 PALM WARBLERS and a SAY's PHOEBE on the east fence. Toby found a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW and a female LAZULI BUNTING near Hwy 1. ***Lk Cleone- MacKerricher SP: John S and John L refound the BLACK & WHITE WARBLER from 9/28 on the S/SE side of the boardwalk, where the repair work was recently done. -- Karen Havlena

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 -- Hi All, For the first time ever ,I saw (and Heard) a STELLER'S JAY at my house on Road D in Redwood Valley. Scrub calif blue Jays have been common, but no Stellars Jay thus far! Ive been here 8 years, and never saw this common bird here before. He is calling a lot. But not getting any answer. -- Lynne Kary

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 -- John Sterling found a MAGNOLIA WARBLER on the south side of Ten Mile River this afternoon. The bird was along the old Haul Road east of the new bridge construction zone. (Take care birding in this area during the business week). He and John Luther unfortunately missed the CSWA found on Sunday. -- For John Sterling ,Karen Havlena

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 - Chuck Vaughn & I searched for the Virginia's Warbler and Black-throated Blue Warbler at Chadbourne Gulch this afternoon. No luck! One the east side of Hwy 1, quite a ways up the "ATV trail" we found a mixed flock of 3-4 Townsend's, 2 Yellow's, 1 Black-throated Gray, 1 Hutton Vireo, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and a "Yellow"start Warbler (AMERICAN REDSTART). Also seen were a flock of Cedar Waxwings and a Red-shouldered Hawk. Interestingly, the warblers were totally silent ... but they did respond to pishing. 1 Willow Flycatcher was seen near the bottom end of riparian zone near the beach parking lot. With this storm front moving in, there is a wind out of the south which is helping to drop the migrating birds to land ....this will probably change once the rain hits. A "gray-headed" Orange-crowned Warbler was seen in the next willow draw north of Chadbourne Gulch. Various parties are birding Usal and the coast over the next two days and it will not surprise me if more notable vagrants are found. Good Birding! -- Bob Keiffer

Mon, 29 September 2008 -- Thanks to Karen for posting and notifying everyone about the birds she and I found the past few days. I had a brief glimpse of what I thought was a possible VIRGINIA'S WARBLER yesterday on the trail on the east side of Highway 1 at Chadbourne Gulch. So as Karen mentioned in her post these birds could well move up and down the creek if they stay for more than a day. On Sunday morning at about 7:25 AM a Fox ran across Highway 1 from the town of Westport to the Westport Headlands. -- Jerry White

Mon, 29 September 2008 -- Two male EURASIAN WIGEONS were among the hordes of ducks at Borax Lake on Sunday the 28th. -- Floyd Hayes

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 -- At about 9:15 am, Jerry White found a VIRGINIA's WARBLER, and I spotted a HY female BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER at Chadbourne Gulch about 9:45 to 10 am. Both birds were at the far west end of the parking area in a ravine of smallish willows that comes down from the north. The birds could move back up the regular stream (with water) during the day. Chadbourne Gulch is located on Hwy 1 south of Westport at milepost 75.43. -- Karen A Havlena & Jerry White

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 -- This morning Barbara Dolan saw an AMERICAN AVOCET at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant. It picked up off of the middle pond with flooded weeds and flew off to the west. It was not seen again for the next several hours. -- George Chaniot for Barbara Dolan

Sun, 28 Sep 2008-- This morning I found an imm CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER and an imm female NASHVILLE WARBLER on the south side of the Ten Mile River on Hawthorne Lumber Rd. The birds were in a good-sized flock just east of the speed bump with the large piece of orange painted cement. Jim arrived a few minutes later and got to see the CSWA. -- Karen A Havlena

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 -- Jerry White found several good birds on the north coast along Hwy 1 this morning. ***Hardy Creek-- There were 2 AMER DIPPERS just a few yards from where the creek meets the ocean. ***Wages Creek-- A large flock held a BLACK & WHITE WARBLER, a CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER. On the wooden fence by the curve in the road, a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW landed right next to Jerry. ***Westport STP-- There were 2 PALM WARBLERS on the east fence and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER on the pond.
Correction to Usal's Green-tailed Towhee on 9/27. The bird was on the road that goes out to the beach, but it wsa only about 30+ yards west of the memorial at Usal Rd. -- For Jerry White, Karen Havlena

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 -- At about 2 p.m., Holly and I saw 15-20 RED CROSSBILLS flying between the cone ladened crowns of the Sitka Spruces along the path (road) to the Caspar cementery. -- Roger Foote

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 -- Jerry White phoned that he found a GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE at Usal this morning. GTTO is rarely seen away from the mountains in MEN County. I believe that the bird was in the grassy area or hillside between the western campsites and the beach. Apologies if I did not get the location correct. We went on to talk about other places just after that. He checked other locations, such as Chadbourne Gulch without any luck. Usal camp is located north of Hwy 1, north of Rockport. Turn onto the dirt road at milepost 90.88, then drive 6 miles north to the campground. -- For Jerry White, Karen A. Havlena

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 -- Also on the birdathon Chuck Vaughn, Karen Havlena, and I found a COMMON MOORHEN on the sag ponds at the Hopland Field Station. Chuck informs me that this is the 8th fall record ever for Mendocino - the Blackpoll was the 18th. -- George Chaniot

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 -- During our Mendocino County birdathon effort, Karen Havlena and I found a BLACKPOLL WARBLER at Chadbourne Gulch north of Fort Bragg. It was about 150 yards upstream on the east side of Route 1 foraging at midlevel in the trees. It was not in the company of any other birds. -- George Chaniot

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 -- Dorothy "Toby" Tobkin reports that she found an immature female CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER this morning about 9:30 am. It was in one of three good-sized flocks of birds, near the first bathrooms in the campground area. She also noted large numbers of Warbling Vireos and about a dozen Townsend's Warblers. -- Trudy Jensen (for Toby)

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 -- BROWN THRASHER; seen as I was looking down from Highway 1 at the Hardy Creek willows. The bird came up to the top of the willows and then dove back in. Best bird of the trip. CLAY-COLORED SPARROW at the Wesport Headlands. RED CROSSBILL, Caspar Cemetary. 20-30 birds? Making a whole lotta noise. -- Jerry White

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 -- At Borax Lake this morning Mike Stanley and I saw a male EURASIAN WIGEON, a possible female BLUE-WINGED TEAL (head in water most of the time; I would like a better look) with five CINNAMON TEAL, a PEREGRINE FALCON (Mike saw one earlier in the week) and a juvenile PECTORAL SANDPIPER (definitely not the Ruff suggestive of Mike's photos on the 15th; Jerry White and Mike relocated it and confirmed its identity on the 16th). We also saw a white EARED GREBE with a dark black crown; earlier this summer there was a different one with a white crown (or perhaps it is the same bird which has subsequently molted black crown feathers?).
          In Clearlake I saw five species of gulls including an adult WESTERN GULL and at Anderson Marsh I saw two VAUX'S SWIFTS. I also saw a lot of warblers, vireos and flycatchers (especially at Austin Park), but nothing unexpected.
          The most unexpected bird of the morning was a COCKATIEL feeding with MALLARDS on the lawn at Redbud Park. -- Floyd Hayes

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 -- VESPER SPARROW, Usal, in the grasslands near the beach. New bird for Usal. SONG SPARROW, Westport Headlands, a Song Sparrow on steroids. Very large compared to our regular Song Sparrows and a very dark bird. Upperparts and head dark chocolate-brown. Underparts heavily streaked and mottled with chocolate-brown. Was probably M. m. morphna found from central Oregon to SW British Colombia (breeding range). CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, found on the east side of Highway 1 at Chadbourne Gulch. MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER at the same location. Same bird Karen Havlena found the day before. BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, on the west side of Highway 1at Chadbourne Gulch. Immature bird. -- Jerry White

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 -- I spotted a FERRUGINOUS HAWK from the living room window on a cypress just east of Hwy 1 this afternoon. This is pretty early for FEHA. I took my scope up to Hwy 1 to get a better look at it. While at the side of the road, Jerry White drove by and stopped. He got good looks at the hawk, also. We talked about all of the latest blitz of sightings. It has been a great week and 1/2. -- Karen A Havlena

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 -- CA TOWHEE has returned our yard at Ocean Mdws Circle, Ten Mile area. After an absence of almost 2 1/2 months, "Cal" Towhee appeared at the brick post by the lone pine, at the north side of our yard this morning! I am sure that this is the same CA Towhee that visited the neighborhood for many months. -- Karen Havlena

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 -- Jerry White reports from the coast that he saw a SOOTY GROUSE at 07:15 a.m. on Mountain View Road east of milepost 8.13. On Duxbury Road he saw a CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER in the morning - possibly the same one as before.

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 -- While performing the California Coastal National Monument Stewardship Task Force Non-breeding Seabird Survey at Gualala Point Island, George and Michele Marshall, Dean Schuler and I watched humpback whales feeding on clumps of krill and/or schools of small fish. Through our spotting scopes, we were able to see 90 – 100 SOOTY SHEARWATERS and 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, many COMMON MURRES, immature and adult WESTERN GULLS, BROWN PELICANSs and some unidentified Alcids feeding in the same area. Enjoy our coastal wildlife! -- Rich Kuehn

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 -- There were good numbers of western migrants including a MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER along Miner Hole Road. There was also a yellow AMERICAN REDSTART. Toby and I birded Chadborne Gulch this morning and had migrants but none of the goodies reported from there yesterday. Also, I checked the Fort Bragg Cemetery over the last few days with not much to report. -- John E. Hunter

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 -- This morning, Dorothy "Toby" Tobkin found an imm. LARK SPARROW at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. The bird was at the western bluffs with a couple of Savannah Sparrows.

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 -- Late afternoon, I found a RED-EYED VIREO at Chadbourne Gulch, about 3 miles south of Westport on Hwy 1. Jim and I walked along the trail east of Hwy 1, to the 3 stream crossings. The vireo was (very) loosely associated with a flock of Wilson's, Yellows, Warbling Vireos & chickadees just before and after a small grove of Western Hemlocks. The bird was a 1st year bird, and was fairly drab, but the key ingredients were there. Jim got less-than-good looks at it. It lagged behind the flock, and I was able to study it more, while Jim moved ahead. Also at Chadbourne were an ad. female McGILLIVRAY'S WBLR, and a HAMMOND'S and a WILLOW FLYCATCHERs.
Earlier in the day, I birded Wages Ck and Howard Ck. Only Western migrants could be found at those spots. At 10 o'clock in the morning, I could not bird the east side of Chadbourne Gulch, because a guy was drinking beer and smoking, with his pick-up backed into the entrance to the trail. He also threw a couple of empty beer bottles into the willows there. So, I went on up to Wages Creek at that point. -- Karen A Havlena

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 -- 12:30 - 1:30 PM - Chuck Vaughn & I discovered a NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH on the north edge of the north pond here at the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center. As we and waited for Cheryl WAtson & Geoff Heinecken to show up a BLACKPOLL WARBLER ventured into the same binocular view as the waterthrush ... probably the same bird as Chuck found yesterday. Also present at the ponds were Willow Flycatcher (2), Wilson's Warbler (1), Yellow-rumped Warblers (4-5), Orange-crowned Warbler (1), and Yellow Warblers (2). The Northern Waterthrush was still there when we left and may hang around for a while.
          As Jerry White mentioned, as long as this south wind is blowing we should all be out searching willow patches and thickets for vagrants as the conditions are holding them to the ground. Good Birding -- Bob Keiffer - 744-1424 wk

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 -- Came home from work and there was a GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW, foraging in my compost. Welcome to fall. -- Janet Rosen

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 -- There was a BLACKPOLL WARBLER on Reclamation Road this morning. The turnoff is between Upper Lake and Nice (off Highway 20). Go about 1 to 2 tenths of a mile to a dirt pullout. The bird was moving through the riparian area with a mixed flock. This is a somewhat overdue first record for Lake County as there are several records for nearby inland Mendocino County. -- Jerry White

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 -- Greetings Mendobirders- Earlier this afternoon there was a first-fall BLACKPOLL WARBLER along the edge of one of the ponds near the HREC office area. This is only the second record for the Center. -- Chuck Vaughn

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 -- Because of ideal weather conditions the last four days - high overcast and light southerly winds - birding on the coast was very good. I recorded 14 species of warblers. Highlights were: MacGillvray's Warbler 9/15/08 (today) at Hardy Creek, Yellow-breasted Chat 9/15 at Chadbourne Gulch (on the east side of the highway), 3 American Redstarts 9/12 on the south side of the Garcia River 9/13 at Usal 9/15 at Hardy Creek, Chestnut-sided Warbler 9/12 on Stonboro Rd, Magnolia Warbler 9/15 (thanks to Jim Havlena) on the train tracks in Ft Bragg with a group of other birders, Canada Warbler 9/13 at Usal.
          On 9/14 a goup of us were on a very successful Pelagic Trip with Ron LeValley and Rob Fowler and organized by Karen Havlena. road out to Usal he instead discovers another Canada Warbler at a much more convenient location. Congratulations. -- Jerry White

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 -- Very early yesterday morning I was unable to find a SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER at Borax Lake but I photographed a juvenile BAIRD'S SANDPIPER with the flock of peeps on the small island.
          Michael Stanley just e-mailed to me a very blurry photo of a much larger shorebird with pale legs and a short, pale bill, tentatively identified as a PECTORAL SANDPIPER. It towers above the peeps and to me it looks too large for a Pectoral Sandpiper--I think it could well be a RUFF! It would be nice if somebody could check out this bird soon... -- Floyd Hayes

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 -- This morning at about 8:30 Nick Shepherd and I saw a PECTORAL SANDPIPER at Borax Lake in Lake County. The bird was in a flock of peeps that included about ten LEAST SANDPIPERS and about fifty WESTERN SANDPIPERS. The birds were on the extreme northwesterly end of the exposed mudflats about a third of the way up the southwesterly side of the lake. Low quality digiscoped photographs that reasonably show the bird relatively to the peeps are available on request. -- Mike Stanley

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 -- Rob Fowler found a 2nd CANADA WARBLER along the Skunk Train tracks the mid-late afternoon of 14 Sep '08. I went along with him to bird the tracks, located off Franklin and Bush Streets, east of Rose Memorial Cemetery in Fort Bragg. Rob found the immature bird at about 3:30 PM not far east from where the tracks leave the large eucalypus trees. I got great looks at this bird. -- For Rob Fowler, Karen Havlena

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 -- At 11:30 am, Jim Havlena saw a 1st-yr male MAGNOLIA WARBLER along the Skunk Train tracks in Fort Bragg. It was in a large flock that included Golden-crowned Kinglets, Townsend's, Wilson's and Yellow Warblers. The Canada Warbler was not present at this time (found at 3:30 - see other post). The Skunk Train tracks are east of the cemetery at Franklin and Bush Streets in Fort Bragg. -- Jim Havlena

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 -- Fort Bragg Pelagic; Mendocino Audubon sponsored pelagic. Leaders: Ron LeValley and Rob Fowler. Due to the calm seas Ron decided to steer the trip south to Navarro Canyon.
Other wildlife: Blue Shark-6, Orca-at least 2 individuals seen but more probably present, of course- very distant views, Harbor Seal-1 Elephant Seal-3. No other cetaceans seen.
Number of species: 40; Surf Scoter - 3;Red-throated Loon - 1; Pacific Loon - 3 (2);Pied-billed Grebe - 1; Western Grebe - 5; Black-footed Albatross - 20; Northern Fulmar - 6; Pink-footed Shearwater - 530; Flesh-footed Shearwater - 1; Buller's Shearwater - 45; Sooty Shearwater - 200; Short-tailed Shearwater - 2 Early. ; Brown Pelican - 20; Brandt's Cormorant - 41; Double-crested Cormorant - 4; Pelagic Cormorant - 25; Great Blue Heron - 1; Great Egret - 2; Turkey Vulture - 1; Peregrine Falcon - 1 juvenile bird approx. 8 miles offshore from the nearest point of land that took a couple of swipes at the hy male cowbird! ; Black Turnstone - 6 Noyo Harbor. ; Sanderling - 20; Red-necked Phalarope - 25; Heermann's Gull - 45; California Gull - 330; Western Gull - 130; Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) - -1; Common Tern - 2; Common/Arctic Tern - 7; Elegant Tern - 2; South Polar Skua - 3; Pomarine Jaeger - 6 (4) ; Parasitic Jaeger - 2 (4) ; Common Murre - 45; Pigeon Guillemot - 1; Cassin's Auklet - 4; Rhinoceros Auklet - 12; Belted Kingfisher - 3; warbler sp. - Parulinae sp. 1 long-tailed yellow under-sided warb. ; sp that flew away. ; Brown-headed Cowbird - 1 (approx. 8.2 miles offshore fromthe nearest point of land)--Ron LeValley

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 -- Jerry White called from the coast to report that he found a CANADA WARBLER at Usal Creek this morning. It was in a mixed flock on the east side of the road about 0.2 miles beyond the first campground you come to. He saw it about four times.

12 Sept 2008 -- we just found out about this two-week old sighting - Evan Johnson photographed 7 to 8 American White Pelicans on Lake Mendocino, just south of the Blue Shay campground peninsula on the NE side of the lake. This is the area where they have shown up in prior years ...but I think it has been since 2003 since we have had this species in the county. I saw one at this spot in the 1990s ...also in the early fall ...which was my 300th species for the county. Anyway, I am posting this because in years past a similar flock returned to Lake Mendocino daily for about a two weeks period ....so all of you Lake Mendocino birders please check that NE shoreline of the lake for pelicans and post ASAP if you find any. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer.

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 -- Jerry White reports that he saw an AMERICAN REDSTART on the south side of the Garcia River in willows way out near the mouth. He also saw a CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER on Stoneboro Road near Duxbury, and he saw two BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS at the mouth of Caspar Creek.

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 -- Combining some volunteer driving of a CRC client to the Point Arena clinic with some birding, I spent ~30 minutes at Arena Cove this morning. There were 5 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, juveniles and adults, surface feeding in the foam near the shore on the right side of the pier. Several BLACK TURNSTONES were inspecting the bull kelp that had washed ashore recently nearby. There were also 2 WANDERING TATLERS, many juvenile and adult WESTERN GULLS, a juvenile and adult HEERMANN'S GULL and 2 BLACK OYSTERCATCHER on the shore. Perched in the snag above was a watchful OSPREY. Good Birding --Richard Kuehn

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 --On Monday there was an AMERICAN PIPIT (first of the fall) at the Kelsey Creek Outlet. On Tuesday around the Lake there was a first of the fall SAY'S PHOEBE. A VAUX'S SWIFT was seen which is a rare migrant in Lake County. Also there were 15 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS seen on the day.On Wednesday evening at the outlet there was a MARBLED ODWIT, a SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, a BAIRD'S SANDPIPER and 3 BLUE-WINGED TEAL. -- Jerry White

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 -- For the second day in a row, hundreds of SOOTY SHEARWATERS are passing by the Little River Headlands close to shore. Among them I've picked out a few PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS and BULLER'S SHEARWATERS. -- Ron LeValley

Tue, 09 Sept 2008 --Toby Tobkin and I traveled to the Usal Beach and campground today. The best bird of the day was a NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH found in a small spring fed(?) pool near the beach. From the beach parking we walked up the dry creek bed around the bend where there were camping sites and benches on the north side. The small pool (you can hear the sound of water)is on the south side of the creek bed. There were plenty of other migrants in the area but they weren't of the eastern variety. -- Richard Hubacek

Mon, 08 Sept 2008 -- Recently researchers were trapping Turkey Vultures and Common Ravens at the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center. They captured 34 TUVUs and 40 CORAs. The Turkey vultures were marked with white patagial (wing) tags with black numbers- #s 63- 96. the Common Ravens were marked with metal leg bands of the number sequence #s 1687-31562 through 1687-31599. Please report to me or the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center if you sight any of these birds. I anticipate little movement with the ravens ....but The turkey Vultures will most likely be heading south for the winter ...although we do assume to have some resident birds. Thanks and good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 -- Yesterday in the morning, birds seen at the outlet by various observers were; a MARBLED GODWIT, the continuing 2 SANDERLINGS and a BAIRD'S SANDPIPER. Early evening additonal sightings were; a SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, and a FORSTER'S TERN that was hanging out with 10 COMMON TERNS. -- Jerry White

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 -- Scarse on the MEN coast was a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER. AMERICAN DIPPER & WILLOW FLYCATCHER were the other best birds we could find this day. PG&E held a planned power outage, so Jim and I went birding at Miner Hole Rd, Windy Hollow Rd, Garcia River & Mountain View Rd. Hoping to find Sooty Grouse, we drove from Hwy 1, back and forth just after dawn, along Mountain View Rd. The Dipper was seen at the bridge over Rancheria Creek. (It was on the same rock that I got my MEN County Dipper 5 or 6 years ago). Alas, we did not see a Sooty Grouse. The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was along Miner Hole Rd. (Apparently, the BGGN is only seen about once a year, or less, on the MEN coast). The Willow Flycatcher was at the Garcia R. beyond the west end of Miner Hole Rd. Otherwise, only saw the usual migrants could be located in this area. We walked the Garcia River in the Windy Hollow Rd area, but nothing out of the ordinary was seen here, either. The high pressure was just beginning to give way, with some patchy fog. So, I wish we could have done this trip in a few days from today. Oh well-- next time. -- Karen Havlena

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 -- I checked Borax Lake this evening. The peep flock had been persistently hanging out on the island near the south end during the past two weekends, but this time they were on the shoreline at the end of 12th Street (south end of lake). Unfortunately they scattered shortly after I arrived. About half of the flock flew to the island, but I failed to relocate the SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS among them (sunlight quickly faded), although they could still be present. It appeared to be the same flock, accompanied by an adult LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER and a GREATER YELLOWLEGS, that had been present since the previous weekend. Strange how shorebird turnover is so high at Kelsey Creek but not at Borax Lake (with the exception of phalaropes). I also saw a HORNED GREBE (my first for Borax Lake) and at least five CINNAMON TEAL.
Incidentally, I think it's okay to walk down the dirt road to the shoreline near the island. A year or two ago I was birding there when the owner drove up to check me out. As soon as he realized I was birding he assured me it was okay; he told me there were other activities going on there that he couldn't tolerate, which is why the fence and cable were put up.
          I hoped the southward-bound jaeger or some of the terns would be loitering with the CALIFORNIA and RING-BILLED GULLS (I counted 155) off Austin and Redbud Parks in Clearlake, but there was nothing unusual among them. -- Floyd Hayes

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 -- Three WHIMBRELS flew onto the island at the Kelsey Creek outlet about 3:45pm this afternoon. John Luther had the birds in view when I left about a half hour later. I believe this is the fourth record for Lake County. -- Dave Woodward

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 -- Lots of birders out and about this morning in the county. At the Kelsey Creek Outlet, BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS were seen, there were the continuing 2 SANDERLINGS, and I heard a calling LEAST BITTERN. At Borax Lake Floyd Hayes found 2 (or 3) SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, seen later by George Chaniot and John Luther. Also George and John had 7 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES on Borax Lake.
The bird of the day; actually the best bird of the Fall (after the Cattle Egrets) ; was seen at the outlet by George Chaniot, Dave Woodward and myself. George first found a flyby Jaeger which we decided was most likely a LONG-TAILED JAEGER. This is the 4th county record. What's Next? -- Jerry White

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 -- Borax Lake, Friday, September 5, 2008, 6:30 p.m.: 15 peeps, at least five (and probably all) were SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS. -- Mike Stanley, Clearlake, CA

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 -- Brad Barnwell found and photographed a LEAST BITTERN at the outlet this morning. -- Jerry White

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 -- Dave Woodward and I were at the outlet for about an hour. Still present were 2 SANDERLINGS and the two AMERICAN AVOCETS. New arrival; 2 BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS. -- Jerry White

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 -- Dave Woodward and I were at the outlet in the late afternoon, early evening yesterday. There was a group of small terns (11 at one point) roosting on the mudflats. They all appeared to be COMMON TERNS. There was an amazing 6 SANDERLNGS, a new high count for Lake County. This morning Brad Barnwell and I saw 2 AMERICAN AVOCETS. There were 2 SANDERLINGS still there and 1 MARBLED GODWIT. No terns were seen. -- Jerry White

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 -- Greetings Mendobirders- I went out to the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant this morning and saw a juv BROWN PELICAN on the south pond. This is only the second one I remember seeing in Ukiah. The other was the injured bird on Lake Mendocino several years ago. This bird appeared fine, but it going to have to eat an awful lot of Gambusia to make a living out there! The water on the north pond has pulled back into very small puddles on the east and west ends. However, there is pretty good habitat on the middle pond presently although it is pretty weedy. I saw the usual shorebirds as well as a juv PECTORAL SANDPIPER, a WILSON'S SNIPE, and a single RED-NECKED PHALAROPE. Lots of passerines are moving along the Russian River now. I counted at least 6 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS and lots of warblers, including a "celata"-type ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER. -- Chuck Vaughn

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 -- A SOLITARY SANDPIPER just visited our little backyard pond (about 20 feet across) on Middle Ridge, Albion. Bobbed his head a few hundred times, hopped around on the rocks, grabbed a few bugs, fluttered a bit, then flew off toward the southeast. -- Tim

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 -- I made a survey of Lake Mendocino this morning. There were a few migrant waterfowl beginning to return: 2 AMERICAN WIGEON, 3 GADWALLS, 1 NORTHERN PINTAIL, 7 AMERICAN COOTS. There were four small terns flying around the north end. They were too distant for me to be certain of the species, but I am entertaining the possibility that they might not be Forster's. -- George Chaniot

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 -- I was at the Kelsey Creek outlet from about 1:00 to 1:30 pm. All the birds Todd Easterla saw were still there; 2 MARBLED GODWITS, a SANDERLING, and a WILSON'S PHALAROPE. I too, saw a distant flock of small terns. Also landbirds are on the move in Lake County. In the riparian woodlands Todd had a NASHVILLE WARBLER and a BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER. Yesterday at Anderson Marsh (northern section) at lunchtime I found a HERMIT WARBLER and a MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER. -- Jerry White

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 -- Just received a phone call from Todd Easterla who found two SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS at Borax Lake, then a SANDERLING and MARBLED GODWITS at the Kelsey Creek mouth on the south shore of Clear Lake. He also saw a flock of small terns that were either Common/Arctic. He is waiting for the flock to return as he thought that some of those could have been Arctics. -- John Sterling

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 -- A smallish flock of EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES has been seen feeding at bird feeders on West Street in Fort Bragg. The residents are private folk, but I witnessed several flying east and circling back west from and to that direction yesterday morning. -- Feather Forestwalker

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 -- This morning was calm on the coast after the blustery conditions yesterday. Westport Vol Fire Dept has done a great job of removing trash at Chadbourne Gulch (south of Westport), so I was able to easily walk inland on a trail from the east side of Hwy 1 (at the hairpin curve). There was a large flock of western migrants back there: 2 MacGillivray's, 1 Townsend's, 1 Yellow, 1 Orange-crowned and at least 18-20 Wilson's Warblers. Also present was a Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, and local resident birds. In the sky above an assortment of swallows flew about, accompanied by several Vaux's Swifts.
This scene was repeated at Wages Creek to a lesser extent and without the MacGillivray's and Townsend's Warblers. Vaux's Swifts were also above the Westport STP & Recycling Center, as well as Wages Creek. -- Karen A. Havlena

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 -- Floyd Hayes called to say he also found another SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER at Borax Lake . The two birds found on the day are the 6th and 7th record for Lake County. Floyd also saw a Red-necked Phalarope. -- Jerry White for Floyd Hayes

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 -- This morning there was a SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER hanging out with single Western Sandpiper at the Kelsey Creek outlet. -- Jerry White

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 -- This morning I spied a WILLOW FLYCATCHER land in the lone pine tree at the north edge of our property on Ocean Meadows Circle, Ten Mile area. Jim got to see it, too. It is a new yard bird. -- Karen Havlena

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 -- Another WILLOW FLYCATCHER and a WARBLING VIREO were seen by Dorothy "Toby" Tobkin at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, located on Hwy 1, south of Hwy 20. -- Karen A. Havlena

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 -- Sorry if this posting, which was originally sent to local nonbirding listservs, is a bit off topic, but Ronnie James faithfully serves the coastal birding community with her valuable rehab efforts and certainly deserves our support: "Woodlands Wildlife near the village of Mendocino has a young (but full size) pelican who needs a ride to the International Bird Rescue and Rehab Center in Fairfield. It's on the way to Sacramento, about 20 miles this side of Vacaville just off Hwy 80. We need to get him there sometime within the next 4-5 days, he will come in a secure pet crate, and will smell strongly of fish. He needs the back of a station wagon or medium-sized car, no pickup trucks. Email me, include your phone number: ronnie@mcn.org if you are going to Sacramento and would like a passenger. Hopefully you will be returning to this area so we can get our pet crate back. We can help a little with gas. They have a great web site: www.ibrrc.org " Dave Jensen.

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 -- Dorothy "Toby" Tobkin found a fresh, juvenile SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER at Virgin Ck beach. I also saw the same bird after her call to me. It ranged from the closed-off creek to the farthest north sandy beach. It was with a single, juv. Western and several Least Sandpipers. Also, Virgin Creek held 2 MARBLED GODWITS and a BOBCAT !
          At Ten Mile beach, I had 2 LONG-BILLED CURLEWS at the tiny lagoon formed at Inglenook Creek mouth. Seven SNOWY PLOVERS were behind their renovated fence south of Ten Mile River Two additional MARBLED GODWITS rounded out the better birds. -- Karen A. Havlena

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 -- At Lake Mendocino there was a sizable flock, 50+, of CASPIAN TERNS. Still in breeding plumage and quite squawky when flying, the birds were on the southern end of the lake and resting on some of the new sandbars to the south of the boat launch area and just east of the dam. Also of dramatic interest. for a minute, was a PEREGRINE FALCON* in full attack mode in mid lake pursuing with several stoops and fly- overs some small bird on the water.*
My eyes said this was a Prairie Falcon as it seemed brown colored but I didn't have binoculars with me in the boat and I was wearing brown polaroid glasses so my brain has decided to call it a Peregrine. I would be interested to hear if anyone thinks a Prairie Falcon might also perform such a pursuit of a bird resting on the water and far from shore. -- Vishnu

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 -- Ten Mile beach: I saw 5 BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS at three far apart locations from Inglenook Creek to just north of the Ward Ave. ramp. One of the birds appeared to be an adult, with the other 4 in fresh juvenile plumage. Two of the juvs. were seen by me on Tues, 19 Aug. near Inglenook Ck. Also, I had 5 MARBLED GODWITS on the 19th near Ward Ave.
At Virgin Creek, both Wed & Thurs, 20-21 Aug, a sub-adult GREEN HERON has been feeding right out in the open by the edge of the creek, west of the Haul Rd bridge. I saw it on 8/20 and Toby Tobkin also had it on 8/21. SURFBIRDS, BLACK TURNSTONES, BLACK BELLIED PLOVERS & SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS on the beaches. Several people (except me) have seen RUDDY TURNSTONES, too. -- Karen A. Havlena

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 -- Borax Lake is low enough to have some exposed mud flats. They are visible from Sulphur Bank Drive. Yesterday there was a LESSER YELLOWLEGS and a flock of "peeps". On Wednesday August 13th there was at least 8 WILSON'S PHALAROPES, 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, WESTERN SANDPIPERS and LEAST SANDPIPERS, and 2 dowitchers. A scope would be very helpful at this location.
          Congratulations to Dave Woodward on his discovery of Cattle Egret (and thanks for the call!). -- Jerry White

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 -- Near 10 am this morning there were three CATTLE EGRETS in the harvested rice fields on Reclamation Rd. near Upper Lake. The rice check where they were landed was nearly dry, just some isolated puddles in the harvester tracks. Also landed in the same check near the center of the fields were several Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets and one White-faced Ibis. I had a five minute view of the Cattle Egrets, both landed and in flight. Jerry White was able to relocate the Cattle Egrets later and he also had views of the birds landed and in flight. He informed me that this is the third record for the species in Lake County. All three records have been in the Reclamation area east of Upper Lake.
          To get to the location from downtown Upper Lake, drive east on Hwy 20 several miles to Reclamation Rd., or the next road which is Recalamation Cutoff, and turn right into the Reclamation area. Follow either road to the rice fields. The only public roads are along the eastern and northern edges of the fields. Scan the rice fields for the egrets or watch for them in flight. -- Dave Woodward

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 -- Hi Birders. After seeing Chuck Vaughn's report on the Ukiah Sewage Ponds yesterday, I decided to pay a visit today. I was impressed by the numbers of Shorebirds: I think there were more there today than I have ever seen there before. The continuing juvenile BAIRD'S SANDPIPER and a juvenile LESSER YELLOWLEGS among six adult Greater Yellowlegs were highlites. I was also struck by the number of migrant Passerines. There were quite a few Yellow Warblers along the river, as well as a couple of Black-throated Gray Warblers, the continuing WILLOW FLYCATCHER (a new county bird for me), a Cedar Waxwing, several Lazuli Buntings, a Cassin's Vireo and a Warbling Vireo.
          The best bird was one that got away: I heard what I'm pretty sure was a Red-eyed Vireo singing along the river, but I was never able to glimpse it to confirm. It sang a weaker variant of the typical "here-I-am...over-here...look-up...in-the-tree" song but that's about what I'd expect for a migrant in mid-August. It was along the river between the southern and middle ponds, next to a locked gate. I also had very distant views of a bird that may have been the American Bittern that was seen earlier this summer. I couldn't refind it to confirm, though. Good birding, -- Matt Brady

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 -- Clear Lake is now at 2.75 ft. on the Rumsey scale, low enough to expose mud at the outlet of Kelsey Creek into Clear Lake. To get to the outlet park at the north end of the Visitor Center parking lot in Clear Lake State Park (day use fee required) and look for the unmarked trail leading into the willows north of the parking lot. Follow the deer trails about 75 yards north to the tules, then turn east and look for the trail through the tules to the outlet of the creek. Watch for aerial yellowjacket nests in the willows along the way. It is not an easy walk as downed willow logs must be stepped over or ducked under at several points along the way. The island is visible with no rubber boots needed, however to see to the east or west of the island hip waders would be useful.
          Near noon today there were five WILLETS and one MARBLED GODWIT on the island at the outlet. There were also a few WESTERN and LEAST SANDPIPERS, one SPOTTED SANDPIPER and one AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN. I also saw four WESTERN KINGBIRDS which is unusual for this location. -- Dave Woodward

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 -- Greetings Mendobirders- Barbara and I birded the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant are this morning with Cheryl Watson. The north pond is being drained and there has been lots of mud exposed. There were ~100 peeps, about 3:1 LEAST to WESTERN SANDPIPERS. There were also 6-8 each of GREATER YELLOWLEGS and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS. There was a single BAIRD'S SANDPIPER and also a single SEMIPALMATED PLOVER. Along the river was a WILLOW FLYCATCHER, the first I have seen this fall. It is feast or famine out there right now, and it is unlikely this will last long. The north pond is being drained and dried so they can plow it up. -- Chuck Vaughn

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 -- Hello - At 10:30 this morning I had a WHITE-WINGED DOVE fly over. I was standing at the Farmer's Market in Gualala (held adjacent to the Community Center) and the bird flew from the ocean-side of Highway 1 towards the center of town. -- Rich Trissel

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 -- This is a report of Shearwater Journey's pelagic trip from FORT BRAGG : A different day— a different ocean! Sea conditions changed substantially between August 8th, the Lucky Eight Day of Hawaiian Petrels, to the morning of August 10th. Leaving the harbor, conditions were pretty good, and we really could not detect much change from the Lucky Eight Day. However, the marine forecast already stated that northwest winds were blowing 18 knots at the Point Arena Buoy. This made heading south out of the question. So, we headed north for most of the day, returning along the coastline, hunting for small alcids (which we did not find). Another difference between the two days, was the sea surface temperature. Throughout the day, it remained about 52F, with very little change. We did not experience those finger-like streams of warm water of the Lucky Eight Day.
          Off we went to the north and NOYO CANYON. Only 4 miles out of the harbor, a LAYSAN ALBATROSS flew up the wake. Oddly enough, this four mile zone is often very productive! I'm not sure that I had even seen one shearwater for the day when this albatross flew in. In fact, overall, there are very few shearwaters off Fort Bragg. This presents quite an advantage in that we do not have to sift through thousands and thousands of shearwaters to find something unusual. The unusual birds stand out quite well. Other highlights of the day included the first of the fall season, BULLER'S SHEARWATER over the middle of Noyo Canyon; all three jaegers- POMARINE, PARASITIC, and LONG-TAILED JAEGERS; one SOUTH POLAR SKUA, and a very surprising juvenile GRAY WHALE in 30-50 feet of water along the kelp line off Usal River. The much hoped for Hawaiian Petrels, seen on the August 8th trip, were not observed. Keep in mind that all of our previous records for Hawaiian Petrels have been found near Noyo Canyon. Although we experienced some swells, our skipper handled the boat expertly, taking us on a great route which made the ride comfortable, and more importantly, made seabirding possible at all times. Thumbs up all the way around for our great boat crew and leaders!
          After the LAYSAN ALBATROSS showed up, we were naturally, hoping to find a Short-tailed Albatross. It was not to be. However, a research vessel with Steve Howell on board did find a Laysan Albatross near Cordell Bank within the past couple of days. Perhaps, we shall be lucky tomorrow!! -- Debi Shearwater

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 -- Hi Birders. After a very nice day on the ocean off Ft Bragg, Mendocino County with Shearwater Journeys, I stopped by Virgin Creek Beach, just north of Ft Bragg. The most uncommon shorebird I found was an adult RED KNOT. Also present were six juvenile Least Sandpipers, one juvenile Western Sandpiper, five adult Semipalmated Plovers, one Snowy Plover, twenty six adult Black-bellied Plovers in various stages of molt, twelve Sanderlings mostly in basic plumage, four adult Whimbrels and three adult Marbled Godwits. No sign of the Semipalmated Sandpiper found there yesterday afternoon by Jerry White. I also ran into Mike and Sally Parmeter, who independently found the Knot. Good birding, -- Matt Brady

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 -- This morning at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant Barbara Dolan, Cheryl Watson, and I saw a female RUDDY DUCK with a brood of six very tiny downies on the S. pond. This is one of the small handful of nesting records for Mendocino County. There were two other females and two males both of which were displaying. -- George Chaniot

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 -- This morning on Burris Lane, Potter Valley I saw an unusual concentration of 19 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS. They were only together for a few minutes before sunup, and then they dispersed into the vineyards. -- George Chaniot

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 -- On Aug 8, a pelagic trip from Fort Bragg reported three sightings of HAWAIIAN PETREL at Navarro Canyon off of Pt Arena in Mendocino. The three sighting many be of the same individual or different birds. Photographs were obtained for the first and second sightings. Also (2) XANTUS' MURRLETS were seen. -- Debi Shearwater [from N.Calif.BirdBox] For a full account of the day check the Mendobirds archives.

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 -- This afternoon just before 5 pm I made my way to the Rodman Slough area where Rob Fowler spotted the Least Bittern last Sunday that was subsequently seen by Nick Shepherd, Michael Stanley and George Chaniot. I watched from the mound of large rocks for a half hour before the LEAST BITTERN emerged from the tules across the channel pretty much just opposite the rocks. It stayed along the tule edge for 15 minutes and then melted back into the tules.
          As Rob Fowler indicated, Rodman Slough is along the Nice-Lucerne Cutoff at the nortern end of Clear Lake. Take the main path from the parking area at Rodman Slough, walk south to the first picnic bench, then turn left to take the path to the water's edge. -- Darlene Hecomovich

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 -- Dorothy "Toby" Tobkin reports that 4 HARLEQUIN DUCKS are north of Virgin Creek beach in MacKerricher SP. They are males in eclipse plumage. Look just offshore from the bluff that separates Virgin Creek beach from the next large beach to the north.
          Also, this morning I looked for the male Rose-breasted Grosbeak that I found on Tues, 5 Aug '08, but could not refind it. It had probably just landed at that location, almost under the "old" Ten Mile bridge. The willows are fairly thick there, and as usual, I didn't have much time to look for him.
          There were 7 SNOWY PLOVERS this morning on Ten Mile beach, all unbanded. Six of them were behaving themselves (actually inside their enclosure), north of Inglenook Creek mouth. The 7th was alone near Fen Creek mouth. -- Karen A. Havlena

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 -- This morning I saw an ad. male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK just west of Ten Mile River bridge in the willows. He initially perched at the edge of a large willow, then he flew to the interior. I could not get him to make another appearance right away, since I had to get going on my SOS shorebird survey.
          The shorebird walk had a lot of variety, but nothing unusual was noted. No Snowy Plovers were in evidence this time. I have seen only 4 SNPL's at one time, then only one SNPL last week (the day I had the Pac Golden- Plover). Wandering Tattler, Caspian Tern, Semi-palm Plover, Blk-bellied Plover, Black Oystercatcher, Least & Western Sandpipers, Com Merganser, Sanderlings, Brn Pelicans, Brandt's Cormorants, Surf Scoters, and Surfbird were along the way. -- Karen A. Havlena

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 -- An adult BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER still in two-thirds breeding plumage was present at the southwest corner of Borax Lake on Saturday the 2nd. The only other shorebirds present were five LEAST SANDPIPERS and the usual KILLDEER.
          On Friday the 1st, two EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES briefly alighted on a powerline along Honey Hill Drive in Hidden Valley Lake. -- Floyd Hayes

Mon, 04 Aug 2008, 07:43-08:43 -- The shank o'the morning. I decided to move on the Least Bittern report quickly since I have missed seeing them at Kelsey Creek in the past. I walked out from the parking lot to the picnic tables, down to the rocks, and across the planks where I stationed myself to watch the tules to the south. At 08:06 I saw a LEAST BITTERN fly into the tules just about where they disappear from sight. A few minutes later a Green Heron flew the same path giving a nice comparison of size and pattern. Ten minutes later the Least Bittern flew back east across the mouth of the slough and into the tip of the tules on the east side. About ten minutes later it flew back west across the water and landed in sight for about 30 seconds. Finally about ten minutes later again it flew east into the tip of the tules. This habit of flying back and forth across the water made it a pretty easy find. The harsh E-SE light made it hard for me to resolve the age question. This would be a nice place to prowl around in a canoe. Thanks Rob and Mike.
          On the return trip I stopped by Reclamation Road where there was an American Bittern (Great Bittern) sitting in the open in a damp field - making it a six-heron morning. -- George Chaniot

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 -- Nick Shepherd and I followed up on Rob Fowler's report of a LEAST BITTERN at Rodman Slough. In a hour and a half of watching, starting at about 6:30 pm on Sunday, August 3, we were able to briefly view the bird three separate times, twice when it was flushed by a passing fishing boat. We endured the constant whining of an Osprey from the nest near the parking lot while we were able to watch a Green Heron working the shallows on the far side of the slough. Since neither of us was familiar with the bittern, I was somewhat concerned about distinguishing it from the similarly colored, but much larger, Green Heron. But with the heron fresh in our minds, the diminutive size and orange-brown sides made the identification relatively easy. In the slanting evening sun, the bird appeared to flash gold as it flew away from us across the water. Thanks, Rob, for posting your find and for your excellent directions. -- Mike Stanley

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 -- Hi all, On my way to the Central Valley, I stopped at Rodman Slough along the Nice-Lucerne Cutoff at the northern end of Clear Lake. My highlight was surprisingly a juvenile LEAST BITTERN seen flying from a very small patch of tules to a larger patch of tules. To get to the spot where I saw this bird take the main path from the parking area at Rodman Slough and walk south to the first picnic bench and then walk the path to the waters edge.There's a bunch of large rocks right here to scope from. I went back to my truck to get my scope, went back to the spot, and got KILLER looks at the bird as it briefly came out into the open to forage. Of course, there's no guarantee on refinding this bird!           I know Least Bitterns have been reported from Clear Lake in the past (it's been quite awhile) but I don't remember hearing about them at Rodman Slough; nor have I heard of them being confirmed as breeders in the county. What does Jerry White say? -- Rob Fowler
[Congratulations to Rob Fowler on his sighting of Least Bittern at Rodman Slough. That is the 9th (official) record for the county, the 6th Fall record. There are records of other juvenile birds. I suspect breeding occurs every year? Just very difficult to detect these rather secretive birds. They at one time were probably more regular in the county as oldtime local fisherman mention seeing these "small bitterns". I found an adult bird up the (Rodman) slough along a levee exactly 20 years before Rob's sighting, on August 2nd 1988. Mendocino County awaits its first record. -- Jerry White]

Thu, 31 July 2008 -- PURPLE MARTINS continue to be present along University Rd near the large telephone pole, as described in an earlier post by Bob Keiffer. I saw 2 individuals (females, subadults, or juveniles; not adult males) at ~12:45pm and again at 8:00pm on Thursday, July 31. They were flying over the vineyard south of the road and also hanging out on the telephone wire. This was the first time I've seen a Purple Martin. I had no idea how large they are. They dwarfed a Barn Swallow that was flying in the area. Very cool.
          The LONG-EARED OWLS that have been hanging out in the canyon along University Rd since early July seem to have moved on. I have made three visits to the area since July 24 (the last time they were reported) and have not detected them.
          On Thursday July 25, I visited the turnout on University Rd from 10:05 to 10:15pm. I heard no begging juveniles and saw no owls. In previous weeks, the young could pretty reliably be heard begging from the canyon at this time of night.
          On Tuesday July 29, I stayed at the turnout between 8:43 and 9:25pm. I saw no owls emerge from the side canyon where they have been roosting, heard no begging juveniles, and saw no owls flying over the main canyon. I did hear some activity in the trees in the side canyon, but I also heard a screech-owl calling from that area. The sun had set by the time I arrived, but it seemed that it wasn't quite dark enough for the owls to have emerged already.
          On Wednesday July 30, I visited the turnout between 8:45 and 8:55pm. exclosure plot", a grassy expanse ~100-200m away - this is where Bob Keiffer guessed they might be hunting. I was there for about 15 minutes but saw no owls.
          Finally, Bob and I have discussed the possibility that the Long-eared Owl family that I found on the Hopland Reservation on June 21 may have been a different family than the one that we've been tracking on University Rd. We think it is somewhat unlikely that a family would move 1km from the reservation to the canyon on University Rd, then stay put for 3 weeks. It seems like a big move for owls that didn't venture more than a couple hundred meters from their roost while they were using the canyon. It's possible that the owls were prompted to move due to excessive disturbance during our June 21st survey. During that survey, two observers followed the juveniles for 1 to 1.5 hours in an effort to identify them, but at the time, we felt that they didn't seem to be bothered by our presence.
          After the owls were found on June 21, several visits were made to that area within the next week. Neither Bob nor myself heard any juveniles begging during those visits, though Bob saw a possible juvenile. After the owls were discovered on University Rd on July 3, we focused all attention on the new location. Finally, on Thursday July 25th, I went back to the original location (i.e. on the reservation) between 8:20 and 9:50pm. At one point, a large bird flew out of a nearby tree, and I thought I heard it bark once as it left. Could have been a Long-eared Owl. However, I heard no begging juveniles and saw no definite owls. After I'd been there about 45 minutes, I hooted and tried to imitate the juvenile begging call, but got no response. So now we're just left to guess whether we found 1 or 2 families. It would be good to monitor both locations next year during the breeding season. -- Emily Heaton. Healdsburg

Tue, 29 Jul 2008, 11:15 AM -- Once again I refound the female GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE and begging but fully fledged juvenile. Unfortunately this location along University Road is private property and not really viewable from the road. The birds foraged along the edge of the pond for about ten minutes and then flushed with a mixed group of blackbirds and starlings. I could not refind them afterwards. The juvenile makes a begging single note call that sounds like a loud, raspy song sparrow call note. If anyone is truly interested in seeing these birds then let me know your contact information. Then If I refind the birds I will call you and try to keep track of them until you arrive (reasonable travel distance of course). Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Tue, 29 July 2008 -- This morning I saw a PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER, still in partial alternate plumage. It was about 1/4 mile north of Inglenook Creek mouth with several Semi-palmated Plovers, Westerns, Leasts and Whimbrels.
          SNOWY PLOVERS were at two locations: 3 north of Inglenook Creek and 2 by the small lagoon at Inglenook Creek mouth. None of them were banded. -- Karen Havlena

Fri, 25 Jul 2008,1:00 PM -- Today I refound (after searching several times) the female GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE and single begging fledged young as found a few days ago off of University Road, Hopland.. They were on the same private pond as found before ...but about 100 yards away from the original sighting. If anyone really needs to chase this bird, call me to organize a search as this is private property. The weekend will probably have human activity on the pond...thus reducing the chances of finding them. Chances of seeing these birds from the University Road are poor.
          Purple Martins (6+) are still hanging around the thick-diameter power pole near the end of the long straight stretch on University road ....this pole is just east of the double gray metal gate posts on the south side of the road. The birds seem to go to roost early, or are away foraging and return quickly to enter the roost cavities in the pole, as we have zero luck finding these birds in the late afternoon/early evening. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 -- [Today] for about 15 minutes I had our first EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE at the feeder here on the Little River Headlands. Cheers -- Ron LeValley

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 -- This morning was the first time for SNOWY PLOVERS on Ten Mile beach; I had three unbanded SNPL's. Yesterday, there were two, unbanded SNPL's found by Becky Bowen at Virgin Creek beach. Other shorebird species have begun their southward move, such as Surfbird, Black Turnstone, and Ruddy Turnstone.
     I wanted to see Gray Jays this year, so a short trip to Van Damme SP was in order. In the upper campground, there were three GRAY JAYS (two ad. and one juv). They were near campsite 53 and the north restrooms. -- Karen Havlena

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 -- Chuck Vaughn found a PECTORAL SANDPIPER at The Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant today on the north side of the sout pond. It appeared to be an adult female, and it is probably the first July record locally. The previous earliest record in the Mendobirds database is 24 Aug 2007.

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 -- HOODED ORIOLES have been nesting this summer in at least two locations in south Ukiah. One in a fan palm in the backyard of a home near the south end of Rose Avenue (on the west side of the street, about 3 houses from Beacon Lane). The other nest is in a fan palm in the front yard of the home on the corner of Helen and Doolan Canyon. I think that Hooded Orioles are fairly well established now in Ukiah. -- Paul Hawks

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 -- Roger Foote & I visited the LONG_EARED OWL site on University Road in hopes of photos. At 8:50 PM what appeared to be four owls began to move around the "roost pocket". A minimal amount of begging calls were heard ...no where near how they vocalized a week ago. I watched two of them perched for a short while, but by about 9:00 they were all in the air over the canyon twisting and turning and interacting with each other in the air. They have definitely become masters of the air as compared to their clumsy flying a week ago. Soon they were flying over the road and over the small chaparral pocket above the road. Occasionally they would disappear over the ridge to the NE and then reappear over the brush patch. By 9:15 they had disappeared, I suspect going over the hill to an area that has been fenced from grazing for 50+ years ...it is loaded with meadow mice. The young are definitely foraging on their own now. Roger & I each positively saw four birds at one time ...and I thought that I heard a fifth. I think they will continue to come back to the wooded draw for roosting... at least for a while more. At least two Western Screech Owls also called. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 - I was able to locate the roosting LONG_EARED OWLS along University Road this morning. However, they are extremely flighty and provided NO chance of photographs despite my attempt to be extremely quiet and stealthy in my search. I saw three birds but could not tell if they were adults or immatures. I recommend that folks do NOT pursue them at their roosts. I abandoned the effort as I did not want to spook them from the area or subject them to harassment by jays, etc. I can tell you this ..... they are still VERY near the normal large pullout that folks have been using (the one with the posted No Trespassing sign) ... and future listening and viewing from this pullout site, or from the short little grassy ridge to the west (careful, as there is an abrupt drop off) should be excellent. I suspect the evening show will again happen around the 9:00 PM range ....arrive a little earlier if you hope to view these guys in the few minutes of daylight as they just leave their roosts.
     Along the entrance straight stretch of University Road, just east of the big overhanging Walnut tree, look for a very thick power pole on the right hand side (south) of the road. there were 8 Purple Martins there checking out holes and the top of the pole ....I am assuming for roosting purposes. Several of these were immatures. There is also one cavity being used by acorn woodpeckers.
NEGATIVE report for the Great-tailed Grackles, the female and begging immature, found nearby two days ago. I have not been able to relocate these birds.
     Lots of birds are migrating south (assumed) right now as I see constant turnover of birds in this area.... so keep an eye out for rarities like Eastern Kingbirds, Stilt Sandpipers, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Bank Swallows, etc. Good birding. -- Bob Keiffer.

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 -- Today there was a lot of HOODED ORIOLE activity along Leslie Street in Ukiah. They appeared to be a pair of adults and several juveniles. Most of the activity was centered around the two fan palms in the 600 block of Leslie, but they ranged wider through the neighborhood. During the heat of the day they spent most of their time in the deep shade of the lower palm leaves.
     Both a EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE and a RINGED TURTLE-DOVE were singing in the same neighborhood. -- George Chaniot

Mon, 21 Jul 2008, 2:30 PM - I just saw a female GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE feeding a begging fledged young near a private pond along University Road, Hopland. This is the first breeding record for Mendocino County. I was able to take a few photos to document this. Other birds seen: 2 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 2 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 6 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS. Good Birding. -- Bob Keiffer

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 -- The LONG-EARED OWLS continue along University Road east of Hopland. Refer to earlier posts for directions.
     My husband and I arrived at 8:45 PM. We joined Chris Dunlap, from the Sacramento area. I'm not sure how long he had been there, but he hadn't yet detected any evidence of the owls. I suggested that we go over to the northwest end of the turnout (the downhill end) to look down into a small side canyon. This is where I had seen owls several days ago at dusk (July 16 post). Looking downslope across grassland, I saw a Long-eared Owl sitting on a log at the bottom of the draw/side canyon, about 100ft away. It had orange facial disks and long ear tufts – beautiful! We were immediately joined by Vishnu and 2 others. We first thought that the owl was an adult, due to the orange facial disks. However, we could also hear the begging call of a juvenile coming from the same area. Soon, a second owl jumped onto the log (it seemed to have jumped up from behind the log). This individual also had orange facial disks and ear tufts. The owls started making freaky head movements while staring at us – moving their heads around in circles or bobbing them back and forth. It seemed that their backs were slightly fluffy, and we decided these were almost certainly juveniles. Within 5 minutes, a third owl emerged. It seemed to fly down from a nearby tree (live oak?) or perhaps from the slope on the opposite side of the draw/side canyon. It landed on the log displacing one of the other owls. At this point, the owls started becoming more active, making short flights between trees and the log. The begging calls became more frequent. Since all 3 owls were exhibiting similar behavior and looked similar, we assumed they were all juveniles.
     Within 10 minutes of the initial sighting, the owls moved down into the main canyon, still begging. They spread out, with ~100m separating some individuals. From my experience (this was my third or fourth visit to this turnout), the juveniles hang out in the main canyon after darkness sets in. I have only seen them in that side canyon at dusk, and both times that I've seen them there, they were close together and fairly active. This leads me to believe that they are roosting in that side canyon, near the log.
     Within an hour of our arrival, we heard something calling, moving up the canyon along the opposite ridge. (By this time, there were only 4 observers). I can't remember the call very well, but it was different enough that Vishnu was prompted to pull out his recorder. I believe the call was a low-pitched barking, with about 1 second in between barks, but I could be wrong. As Vishnu was trying to get the recorder working, I saw a medium-sized owl fly up the canyon and disappear into the trees. Within a few minutes, we could tell that it was flying back down the canyon to the opposite ridge. I believe it was vocalizing, but we didn't get a recording. A few times, I thought the calls of one of the juveniles became more excited (higher pitched and slightly faster). It was calling from the same location that the adult seemed to have gone to. My interpretation was that an adult had brought food in to one of the young. However, I think only myself and Chris noticed any excitement in the begging. Vishnu said he had heard obvious, prolonged excitement in a begging juvenile (lasting about 6 seconds or more) on a previous visit. We certainly didn't hear that.
     As I recall, the adult slipped off into surrounding lands without detection after that. We stayed until 11:20 PM and were unable to detect an obvious adult again. However, we did hear low-pitched barking (kind of like `wruf' or `wruck') ~200m away on several occasions; the direction varied. We kept looking around, expecting something to fly in, but nothing ever did, and then the barking would stop for prolonged periods. We noted that the young didn't seem to respond to these far-off calls by becoming more excited. There were several screech-owls in the area. They did some barking, although the quality of the far-off barks seemed to be different. We also heard dogs barking in the distance on occasion. However, there were some barks that seemed neither to be screech-owls or dogs. So maybe a Long-eared adult, maybe not. At any rate, visits by the parents seem to be very infrequent. We were there for almost 2 1/2 hours and only saw a likely adult once.
     For most of our visit, we were only able to pick out 3 distinct individuals at any one time. However, my husband and I definitely heard 4 individuals begging at one point. One up canyon, one down canyon, two in front of us – one near, one far. We heard calls coming from these different locations at least 3 times, so we were sure that we were hearing 4 juveniles (presumably juveniles, I don't think adults make that begging call), not 3 juveniles that were moving around.
The screech-owls were exciting in their own right. We heard `squirrel-barks' on several occasions, like a demented laugh, sometimes trailing into the typical bouncing ball call. No barn owl -- Emily Heaton (& Jacob Newell), Healdsburg

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 -- OK, it's my turn. I went to see the LONG-EARED OWLS this evening, arriving at 8:45 pm. Juveniles began calling at 8:59. At 9:03 a Long-eared Owl flew from the trees in the ravine on the left and landed in the trees on the western skyline. At 9:08 another flew from the same area and lit in the trees on the southern skyline. I did not see or hear any Long-eared Owls after 9:13. A BARN OWL flew over at 9:15. At least three WESTERN SCREECH OWLS were active constantly from 9:01 to 9:50 when I left. -- George Chaniot

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 -- Don Rowe & I observed 3 juvenile LONG-EARED OWLS at the same location and under similar circumstances as has been previously posted. We arrived at 8:30pm, hoping to catch some evidence, or view, of where these owls are roosting. Very little success in that regard; the owls just "manifest", flitting about in the trees and chaparral in the little canyon below the road just before 9:00pm. Whence they come is still their own secret although one, and possibly two, were heard giving weak calls on the opposite side of the road for about 3 minutes prior to the appearance of any of them. Our vantage point should have allowed us to see them cross the road but we did not see that. With a strong light and patience we gained excellent views of perched Long-eared Owls until about 9:20pm when they flew south across the little canyon where, too dark to see them now, they vocalized regularly, moving about the area until we left, about 10:30pm.
       During the evening 2 BARN OWLS were heard, as well as a good many WESTERN SCREECH-OWLS vocalizing in a variety of interesting ways; some in the distance and some quite close-by.
      On Tuesday 7/15 I made several recordings of these juvenile owls and have posted a one minute version in the "Files" section of this MendoBirds forum. After about 20 seconds you can hear a single adult owl "bark".
     The begging call tends to become very monotonous but on that same night I did hear one of the vocalizing juveniles suddenly become "more excited, as though food was being delivered", (to use Emily Heaton's description of a similar experience). Unfortunately the recorder, which had been performing flawlessly, had a cyber moment and crashed just when these new and different vocalizations occurred. -- Vishnu

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 -- The LONG-EARED OWLS continue along University Road east of were already active, begging and making short flights between trees and sometimes landing on the ground. This was happening just downslope of the large turnout described by Bob Keiffer, not more than 50m from me. Within 5 minutes there wasn't enough light to use binoculars. If you make the trip, I suggest arriving a little earlier - maybe 8:40 or 8:45. You may have to wait a few minutes before the owls wake up, but if you're lucky, you'll be able to find them while there's still plenty of light.
      I stayed for 45 minutes, and only once saw a possible adult circling overhead, silent. Apparently, these juveniles have to wait quite a while between feedings, unless the adults are sneaking in and silently feeding them; but I've been around these juveniles 3 times now (for at least 45 minutes at a time) and only once heard the juveniles become more excited, as though food was being delivered. On July 3, an adult circled overhead repeatedly, barking "wruck wruck wruck wruck wruck wruck wruck, wruck". That's the only time I've heard an adult vocalizing.
      There were also at least 3 screech-owls in the area, if not several more. I heard a Barn Owl on July 3, but not this time. At any rate, this canyon is a very happening place.
      And in case anyone is keeping track, I first discovered begging Long-eared Owl juveniles with the help of Mike Holley (wildlife biologist with Mendocino Redwood Company) on June 21 on the Hopland Reservation, about 1km from the current hangout. We're assuming it's the same family. -- Emily Heaton

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 -- The shorebird habitat at the Ukiah Sewage Treatment Plant ponds is not very good now, but some migrants are hugging the narrow margins under the overhanging knotweed. There was a group of 45 LEAST SANDPIPERS and among them two different birds: one bird with extensive white in the secondaries and upper wing coverts - apparently an aberrant Least Sandpiper, and a