Sunday, May 3, 2009
Jan26th '09
Monday early morning 8:30 am at the Junction it was 36 degrees with greatviews of the back side of Mt. Hamilton with snow.We found one Lewis's Woodpecker near road maker 0020 looking east, severalhundred feet back from the fence line.The Lewis's did a brief Flycatcher exhibit but other wise it was perchedgetting sun.Acorn Woodpeckers, Oak Titmouse, Red-Tailed Hawks made appearances also.The area over all had many small groups of Yellow-billed Magpies.The surprise of the day was Lesser Yellowlegs in one of the stock ponds, Ifailed to note the road marker.The same pond had Bufflehead ducks.Driving up Mines Rd. near a horse coral - Alameda County along the ArroyoMocho there was four Wood Ducks.
Patterson Pass Rd, Alameda County, Cal.
This morning seven intrepid Ohlone Audubon members braved the grey cloud
cover and threatening rain to bird on Patterson Pass Rd.
West of the summit we had :
Wild Turkey
Loggerhead Shrikes
Red-winged Black Bird
Western Scrub Jays
Northern Mockingbirds
Western King Bird
Killdeer
Raven
Brewer's Black Birds
HEADING EAST TO THE FIRST WIND FARM ENTRANCE GATE ;
At this point we walked the road east to Road Marker 6.21.
Steve Huckabone scooping from the gate found Horned Larks, then three
Mallards flew over
Beginning at the very first willows we found Yellow Warbler, female Western
Tanager, House Finches.
A few minutes later we had Wilson Warbler.
Then a Cowbird appeared, Then a Male Western Tanager show himself.
Then a Bullocks Oriole started calling.
Then we heard a Swainson Thrush calling.
Finding the male Bullocks Oriole lead to a Lark Sparrow, then a California
Towhee, then it started to lightly rain.
On our way to road marker 6.21 we found more, - Wilson Warbler, Male and
Female Bullocks Oriole, Female Western Tanager, Western Meadow Lark Lesser
Gold Finches, Bewick Wren, a Pacific Slope Flycatcher and a lot of
Mourning Doves.
Another female Western Tanager or the same one seen earlier ??
White-throated Swifts, White-throated Sparrow, Golden Crown Sparrows and a
possible Black-head Grosbeak all making an appearance.
Just before RM 6.21 another Cal Towhee, along with the confusing chip note
of the Blue Grosbeak, which was it ????
At RM 6.21 we found three Rock Wren's, one a juvenile begging to be fed.
It's a steady drizzle now, not yet rain = fun time birding.
We're focused on BLUE GROSBEAK now, can't leave until we check-off the
annual beauty all blue with those rufous wing-bars, a cool visitor each
year.
A few of us wander over to the yellow arrow sign to look for Burrowing
Owls, none.
Doing a 180 turn around we hear Judy Steenhoven and Steve Huckabone
calling a possible Willow Flycatcher.
A few others got to catch a peak, Jerry Steenhoven discuss's field mark
with Steve and it a "Western Flycatcher type".
Drizzle turns to light rain is there a difference, who cares?
So we're searching for this Flycatcher and Lynn Feindel gently announces
she has a Blue Bird across the gully, where?
In a nano-second we're on it BLUE GROSBEAK, a lifer for Lynn at RM. 6.21
Raining now, we're leaving now, a possible Say's Phoebe on the north facing
hill side.
Then a possible second fly over Blue Grosbeak going over a wind turbine
covered hillside heading toward HY580.
A few more Lark Sparrows and Ravens.
Then Judy locates the Swainson Thrush in clear view for several of us =
nice.
Then another BLUE GROSBEAK fly by, a third or a second sighting all within
a few minutes.
We finished with viewing two Burrowing Owls and another Western Kingbird
near RM 4.72.
Birders: Judy and Jerry Steenhoven, Taniwa and Gail Ryujin, Lynn Feindel,
Steve Huckabone and myself.
Missing today but seen earlier this week:
Black-throated Grey Warbler, Lazuli Bunting ( Steve Huckabone), Male
Black-headed Grosbeak and Sharp-shinned Hawk ( Rich Cimino).
Regards
Rich Cimino, a.k.a Raven
cover and threatening rain to bird on Patterson Pass Rd.
West of the summit we had :
Wild Turkey
Loggerhead Shrikes
Red-winged Black Bird
Western Scrub Jays
Northern Mockingbirds
Western King Bird
Killdeer
Raven
Brewer's Black Birds
HEADING EAST TO THE FIRST WIND FARM ENTRANCE GATE ;
At this point we walked the road east to Road Marker 6.21.
Steve Huckabone scooping from the gate found Horned Larks, then three
Mallards flew over
Beginning at the very first willows we found Yellow Warbler, female Western
Tanager, House Finches.
A few minutes later we had Wilson Warbler.
Then a Cowbird appeared, Then a Male Western Tanager show himself.
Then a Bullocks Oriole started calling.
Then we heard a Swainson Thrush calling.
Finding the male Bullocks Oriole lead to a Lark Sparrow, then a California
Towhee, then it started to lightly rain.
On our way to road marker 6.21 we found more, - Wilson Warbler, Male and
Female Bullocks Oriole, Female Western Tanager, Western Meadow Lark Lesser
Gold Finches, Bewick Wren, a Pacific Slope Flycatcher and a lot of
Mourning Doves.
Another female Western Tanager or the same one seen earlier ??
White-throated Swifts, White-throated Sparrow, Golden Crown Sparrows and a
possible Black-head Grosbeak all making an appearance.
Just before RM 6.21 another Cal Towhee, along with the confusing chip note
of the Blue Grosbeak, which was it ????
At RM 6.21 we found three Rock Wren's, one a juvenile begging to be fed.
It's a steady drizzle now, not yet rain = fun time birding.
We're focused on BLUE GROSBEAK now, can't leave until we check-off the
annual beauty all blue with those rufous wing-bars, a cool visitor each
year.
A few of us wander over to the yellow arrow sign to look for Burrowing
Owls, none.
Doing a 180 turn around we hear Judy Steenhoven and Steve Huckabone
calling a possible Willow Flycatcher.
A few others got to catch a peak, Jerry Steenhoven discuss's field mark
with Steve and it a "Western Flycatcher type".
Drizzle turns to light rain is there a difference, who cares?
So we're searching for this Flycatcher and Lynn Feindel gently announces
she has a Blue Bird across the gully, where?
In a nano-second we're on it BLUE GROSBEAK, a lifer for Lynn at RM. 6.21
Raining now, we're leaving now, a possible Say's Phoebe on the north facing
hill side.
Then a possible second fly over Blue Grosbeak going over a wind turbine
covered hillside heading toward HY580.
A few more Lark Sparrows and Ravens.
Then Judy locates the Swainson Thrush in clear view for several of us =
nice.
Then another BLUE GROSBEAK fly by, a third or a second sighting all within
a few minutes.
We finished with viewing two Burrowing Owls and another Western Kingbird
near RM 4.72.
Birders: Judy and Jerry Steenhoven, Taniwa and Gail Ryujin, Lynn Feindel,
Steve Huckabone and myself.
Missing today but seen earlier this week:
Black-throated Grey Warbler, Lazuli Bunting ( Steve Huckabone), Male
Black-headed Grosbeak and Sharp-shinned Hawk ( Rich Cimino).
Regards
Rich Cimino, a.k.a Raven
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Patterson Pass Rd , eastern Alameda County
Today while searching for Blue Grosbeaks on Patterson Pass road I spotted my first ever Patterson Pass Rd. Sharp-shinned Hawk at road marker 6.21.
I did not see or hear any Blue Grosbeak.
Typically the Blue Grosbeak arrives along Patterson Pass Rd. on or near April 16th.
Lark Sparrows, Logger Head Shrikes, Western Kingbirds, and a single Bullock,s Oriole.
I did not see or hear any Blue Grosbeak.
Typically the Blue Grosbeak arrives along Patterson Pass Rd. on or near April 16th.
Lark Sparrows, Logger Head Shrikes, Western Kingbirds, and a single Bullock,s Oriole.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Ed Levin Trip
This morning near 10AM in the Spring Valley unit of Ed Levin park in the
equestrian staging area.
Theresa McGovern and I had 4 Bullocks Orioles in the flowering red bud
eucalyptus tree feeding.
This tree was very poplar through the morning.
It appears to be a major food source for many Yellow-rumped Warblers,
Red-shafted Flickers up to 3 at a time.
Red-winged Blackbirds, Nuttall Woodpeckers, Acorn Wood peckers, Anna's and
a single Rufous Humming birds.
Near 11 AM a Sharp-shinned Hawk took over the tree for what seemed like a
minute, allowing for a good study period.
Barn, Tree, Northern Rough-winged Swallows were all present along with
Western Blue Birds + Song and White-crowned Sparrows.
Looking up slope southwest from the equestrian area past the Blue Bird nest
boxes a fly by Lazuli Bunting made an appearance.
Looking up we had six Red-tailed Hawks and a single Golden Eagle.
On the way out we stopped by the Flag Pole and parked.
Across from the parking area we watched and listened to a Pacific-slope
Flycatcher for maybe an half hour.
Near the wooden fence and iron gate road side there were two Bewick's Wrens
carrying nest materials and being very quiet.
Another two Bullocks Orioles appeared also.
Richard Cimino
Pleasanton, Alameda County
equestrian staging area.
Theresa McGovern and I had 4 Bullocks Orioles in the flowering red bud
eucalyptus tree feeding.
This tree was very poplar through the morning.
It appears to be a major food source for many Yellow-rumped Warblers,
Red-shafted Flickers up to 3 at a time.
Red-winged Blackbirds, Nuttall Woodpeckers, Acorn Wood peckers, Anna's and
a single Rufous Humming birds.
Near 11 AM a Sharp-shinned Hawk took over the tree for what seemed like a
minute, allowing for a good study period.
Barn, Tree, Northern Rough-winged Swallows were all present along with
Western Blue Birds + Song and White-crowned Sparrows.
Looking up slope southwest from the equestrian area past the Blue Bird nest
boxes a fly by Lazuli Bunting made an appearance.
Looking up we had six Red-tailed Hawks and a single Golden Eagle.
On the way out we stopped by the Flag Pole and parked.
Across from the parking area we watched and listened to a Pacific-slope
Flycatcher for maybe an half hour.
Near the wooden fence and iron gate road side there were two Bewick's Wrens
carrying nest materials and being very quiet.
Another two Bullocks Orioles appeared also.
Richard Cimino
Pleasanton, Alameda County
Callippe Golf Course trip Pleasanton April 1'09
This morning I lead a birding walk along the mitigated hills sided of The
City of Pleasanton Callippe Golf Course in Alameda County.
There are several pair of Western Kingbird along the two mile fence line
that were gorging themselves with Painted Ladies and i think California
Tortoiseshell Butterflies.
The golf course is named after the Callippe Fritillary Butterfly, which
lives on the mitigated lands.
Also seen, Golden Eagle, several Red Tailed Hawks, nine (!) White-breasted
Nuthatch's, six Bullocks Orioles ( two females already), one Yellow-billed
Magpie.
City of Pleasanton Callippe Golf Course in Alameda County.
There are several pair of Western Kingbird along the two mile fence line
that were gorging themselves with Painted Ladies and i think California
Tortoiseshell Butterflies.
The golf course is named after the Callippe Fritillary Butterfly, which
lives on the mitigated lands.
Also seen, Golden Eagle, several Red Tailed Hawks, nine (!) White-breasted
Nuthatch's, six Bullocks Orioles ( two females already), one Yellow-billed
Magpie.
Koopmann Ranch Tour -Sunol Alameda County April4th '09
Tim Koopmann owner and fourth generation rancher in eastern Alameda County
open his ranch to Ohlone Audubon today.
The ranch is 900 acres of rolling hills - oak savanna habitat along HY680
between Sunol and Pleasanton.
Within the tucks and folds of the hills are mature oak and sycamore forests.
With no wind to speak of the birding conditions were good, even on the
ridge tops.
Ohlone member Irv Thiessen has placed 80+ Bluebird nest boxes on Tim's
ranch over several years .
Irv lead us to a number of the boxes were he has nesting Bluebirds, Tree
Swallows and American Kestrels.
Also we viewed a family of Golden Eagles and their nest which Tim Koopmann
told us has been active for eight years.
44 Species were recorded:
Western Bluebirds 24+
House Finches 20
Horned Larks 11
MeadowLarks 10
Mourning Doves 2
American Wigeon 2
Greater Yellowlegs 1
American Ravens 8
White-throated Swift 1
Tree Swallows 60
Barn Swallow 1
Violet-green Swallow 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallows 11
Gull spices in flight 25
Western Scrub Jay 7
Sterling 30
Anna's Humming bird 1
Allen's Humming bird 1
Acorn Woodpeckers 1
Nuttall Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Loggerhead Shrike 1
Lesser Goldfinch 2
Great Blue Heron 1
Coot 1
Mallards 4
Killdeer 2
Redwing Birds 6
Black Phoebe 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Oak Titmouse 1
Harrier 1
American Kestrels 4
Red-tailed Hawks 6
Turkey Vultures 9
Bullocks Oriole 1
Western Kingbird 1
Savanna Sparrows 4
Golden-crown Sparrows 7
White-crown Sparrow 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Wrentit 1
Golden Eagles 3 (2 adults, 1 juvenile)
Yellow-billed Magpies 10
open his ranch to Ohlone Audubon today.
The ranch is 900 acres of rolling hills - oak savanna habitat along HY680
between Sunol and Pleasanton.
Within the tucks and folds of the hills are mature oak and sycamore forests.
With no wind to speak of the birding conditions were good, even on the
ridge tops.
Ohlone member Irv Thiessen has placed 80+ Bluebird nest boxes on Tim's
ranch over several years .
Irv lead us to a number of the boxes were he has nesting Bluebirds, Tree
Swallows and American Kestrels.
Also we viewed a family of Golden Eagles and their nest which Tim Koopmann
told us has been active for eight years.
44 Species were recorded:
Western Bluebirds 24+
House Finches 20
Horned Larks 11
MeadowLarks 10
Mourning Doves 2
American Wigeon 2
Greater Yellowlegs 1
American Ravens 8
White-throated Swift 1
Tree Swallows 60
Barn Swallow 1
Violet-green Swallow 1
Northern Rough-winged Swallows 11
Gull spices in flight 25
Western Scrub Jay 7
Sterling 30
Anna's Humming bird 1
Allen's Humming bird 1
Acorn Woodpeckers 1
Nuttall Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Loggerhead Shrike 1
Lesser Goldfinch 2
Great Blue Heron 1
Coot 1
Mallards 4
Killdeer 2
Redwing Birds 6
Black Phoebe 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Oak Titmouse 1
Harrier 1
American Kestrels 4
Red-tailed Hawks 6
Turkey Vultures 9
Bullocks Oriole 1
Western Kingbird 1
Savanna Sparrows 4
Golden-crown Sparrows 7
White-crown Sparrow 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Wrentit 1
Golden Eagles 3 (2 adults, 1 juvenile)
Yellow-billed Magpies 10
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
