Date: 10/21/25 8:54 pm From: Tim Bray via groups.io <tbray...> Subject: Re: [centralvalleybirds] Mendocino Pelagics
Change in plans: The Friday October 31 trip will be a half-day (5 hours) trip, as we didn't have enough signups for an all-day. We still expect to find pretty much all the same birds, as Noyo Canyon puts deepwater marine conditions less than an hour from the harbor - as Peter Pyle notes, we spend as much time in deepwater on a half-day as most other trips do on an all-day. Our half-day trips so far this year have produced Short-tailed Albatross, Manx Shearwater, Cocos Booby, Murphy's Petrel, Hawaiian Petrel, and the candidate Herald Petrel (still under review), for example, so they can definitely pay off.
Recreational crab season opens the following day so you could go back out on the same boat and get limits of rockfish and crab!
noyopelagics.com
Anchor Charter Boats (707) 964-4550
Date: 10/19/25 7:03 pm From: Glennah Trochet via groups.io <trochetj...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] highlights from today's Tall Forest bird survey
Dear Birders,
With the assistance of Chris Conard, this morning I led the October 2025 iteration of the Tall Forest bird survey at the Cosumnes River Preserve in southern Sacramento County. I was pleased to have with me some of the Sacramento Audubon young birders group. It's encouraging to see young people with talent and enthusiasm for birding. Not wanting to kill their enthusiasm by keeping them out all hours, I let them out at the gate just after noon and finished the route alone. I am sorry that we didn't run into some of the things I found late when the group was entire.
First and foremost among the late finds was a female-plumaged common poorwill, my first behind the Farm Center gate in many, many years.
None of the fields behind the gate has any water yet, so shorebird and waterfowl diversity was poor. But I think the day was otherwise quite good. Finds of modest to moderate interest included these: acorn woodpecker- 6 red-breasted sapsucker- 1 yellow-billed magpie- 28 golden-crowned kinglet- 10 lark sparrow- 1 orange-crowned warbler- 18 black-throated gray warbler- 1 Townsend's warbler- 12 western tanager- 1
There was a nice mix of butterflies, too, with a great purple hairstreak leading the way among the leps.
I last posted with mention of an intergeneric jay hybrid from Texas. Steve Hampton, former Yolo County birder extraordinaire now living in Washington state, sent me notice of another intergeneric jay hybrid from the Pacific Northwest. As I did, you, too, may find this of interest: https://ebird.org/species/x00964
Date: 10/18/25 4:58 pm From: Tim Jackson via groups.io <eldoradobirds...> Subject: Re: [centralvalleybirds] [SNMountainBirds] White-Crowned Sparrow Return Dates
FYI, here is a interesting and different perspective on White-crowned
Sparrows in our yard (audio detections over the last two years). I have
a microphone hooked up to a small stationary computer (rasberry-pi
based) running Birdnet (cousin to Merlin). The lower chart shows the
daily detects from October 2023 to October 2025, and you can see the
empty months (early May to late September). The upper chart shows
relative percentage of detects by the hour of the day over this period.
On 9/22/2025 3:18 PM, Timothy Jackson wrote:
> Keep in mind the slight push back could be human error. After all I
> can only check so many times a day. It could be that the first bird
> returned a few days before but it wasn't out in the open during the
> amount of time I spent looking for it that day.
>
> Here is a histogram. The 19th is the most common. Perhaps in another
> 20 years it will resemble more of a bell curve?
>
>
>
> Timothy Jackson
> Shingle Springs, CA
>
> On 9/22/2025 11:49 AM, Sammy Cowell wrote:
>> Very cool data Tim! I went ahead and did a quick plot of your numbers
>> in Excel; ended up with a nice-looking graph! I didn't fit a line to
>> it, but it seems that return dates are being pushed back ever so
>> slightly. Would be interesting to see how/if these numbers change and
>> what that could potentially indicate about the impacts of climate
>> change on migration. Either way, thanks for sharing!
>>
>> image.png
>> Sammy Cowell
>> Valley Springs, CA
>>
>> On Sun, Sep 21, 2025 at 7:52 AM Tim Jackson via groups.io
>> <http://groups.io> <eldoradobirds...> wrote:
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> We saw White-crowned Sparrows in our yard (Shingle Springs) this
>> morning.
>> Here are the historical return dates for our yard:
>>
>> 2001 - 9/15
>> 2002 - 9/19
>> 2003 - 9/22
>> 2005 - 9/17
>> 2006 - 9/18
>> 2007 - 9/19
>> 2008 - 9/15
>> 2009 - 9/19
>> 2010 - 9/13
>> 2011 - 9/18
>> 2012 - 9/12
>> 2013 - 9/14
>> 2014 - 9/15
>> 2015 - 9/20
>> 2016 - 9/17
>> 2017 - 9/19
>> 2018 - 9/20
>> 2019 - 9/26
>> 2020 - 9/20
>> 2021 - 9/19
>> 2022 - 9/17
>> 2023 - 9/21
>> 2024 - 9/19
>> 2025 - 9/21
>>
>> Tim & Angela Jackson
>> Shingle Springs
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
Date: 10/17/25 4:52 pm From: Chris Conard via groups.io <conardc...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] UPDATE: Bufferlands Open Trail Day on Saturday, October 18th
Hi folks,
Flooding from rain early in the week has left standing water on several
portions of the trail.
You are welcome to come and enjoy a beautiful (and dry) one-mile loop
through huge valley oaks, with lots of colorful leaves from grape and
poison oak (cut well back from the trail) without any problems from
flooding.
If you are the adventurous sort and don’t mind walking in rubber boots
(wellies) or wading ankle/shin-deep water for about 100 feet, miles more of
trails will be open to you.
As recently as yesterday, we thought we could offer a dry route, but by
this morning it was evident that the water was continually backing up.
If you didn’t already know this, the Bufferlands has a strange hydrology.
Portions of the property are below sea level. Water from Morrison and
Laguna Creeks must be pumped into the Sacramento River to get over the
levee. This takes time and energy and often leads to flooding. It can be
difficult and it can be frustrating. But if this portion of the Bufferlands
didn’t flood so often, it would not be the great nature and wildlife area
that it is.
The site is beautiful and we’ve been working over the past two weeks to
prepare the trails for you to enjoy. And now, we know, most people won’t
want to wade through a section of flood water. But the first mile is dry!
See below for directions and other details.
You’re welcome to join us!
-------------------
Bufferlands Open Trail Day
October 18, 2025 | 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Open Trail Day is a great opportunity to explore a large portion of the
Bufferlands. We will have up to 8 miles of trails open for you to hike at
your own pace. Our biologists and docents will be out on the trails to help
you find your way and to answer any nature-related questions. This is a
great time to see fall colors as our forests begin to change from green to
gold. The trails will pass through riparian forests with trees over 300
years old, oak woodlands, and seasonal wetlands. Many species of
songbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds can be seen this time of year.
The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. and close at 3:30 p.m. Event and parking
are free. Please sign in at the check-in table once you arrive and get your
trail map. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. There will be
no food vendors on-site, but feel free to pack a picnic or trail snacks.
*No pets please*--for the safety and comfort of other visitors and the
wildlife at the Bufferlands.
Directions:
From I-5 or Highway 99, south of Sacramento, exit at Cosumnes River Blvd.
Take Cosumnes River Blvd west to Freeport Blvd.
Take Freeport Blvd south, past the golf course and the small town of
Freeport.
Turn left at signs opposite Cliff’s Marina (8651 River Rd, Sacramento, CA
95832). Follow signs to the parking area.
Date: 10/17/25 10:08 am From: Tim Bray via groups.io <tbray...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] Mendocino Pelagics
Noyo Pelagics has only three more trips on the schedule. Jump on as many of these as you can, we have had some fantastic trips in October-November. Sign up for any and all at noyopelagics.com
Friday October 31 - All-day offshore seabirding - only a few people have signed up so far and this one is at risk of cancellation if there aren't enough people signed up to go. That would be a shame, as this is near peak migration for many seabirds, and a lot of birds will be moving south out of the Arctic and the Gulf of Alaska. Gull numbers and diversity will be increasing, Jaegers and Skuas may be abundant, Flesh-footed Shearwater is likely, and chances of a rarity like Parakeet Auklet, Horned Puffin, or Mottled Petrel are increasing. We've seen Cocos Booby twice this fall, and with the recent sighting of Waved Albatross at Cordell Bank (less than a day's flight from here, as the Albatross soars) we will be on high alert for another rarity. Whales, dolphins, fur seals, and ocean sunfish are all likely to be encountered as well.
Monday November 3 - Half-day Noyo Canyon mammals and birds - We will be looking for whales (Humpback, Fin, and Blue are all possible) as well as the seabirds that often congregate above them. Several species of Dolphins are also likely, especially if the sea conditions allow us to maintain enough speed to attract the bow-riding Pacific White-sided and Northern Right-whale Dolphins. These half-day trips to the upper Noyo Canyon area have also been extremely productive for seabirds this year, with Petrels, Storm-petrels, Short-tailed Albatross, Cocos Booby, Manx Shearwater, etc. all seen just a few miles out.
Friday November 21 - All day Seabirding - Our November trip last year was amazing, with three Flesh-footed Shearwaters, and a surprising number of Fork-tailed and Leach's Storm-petrels, the latter rarely seen on these trips. We also had a stream of migrating Pomarine Jaegers, probably 40-50 different birds. Best bird was a Horned Puffin (possibly two). We also had Fin Whales.
Hope to see you on the boat - remember to sign up ASAP so the trips aren't canceled.
Date: 10/15/25 12:05 pm From: Sally M. Walters via groups.io <bajaowl...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] Philippines birding
I’m looking for birding information and contacts in the Philippines. I’ll be there on a scuba trip, primarily on Negroes Island, Dumaguete, and then on a boat. One day in Manila. November 1-15 in 15 days.
Is there a digital guide? I have a hard copy of Kennedy et al, A Guide to Birds of the Philippines. I have an eBird list.
I can discuss by phone if you email me back.
I really appreciate any help you can provide.
Woodland Wastewater Treatment Plant has been on fire lately and today was
the best day yet. Bart Wickel and I arrived around 9:20am this morning and
immediately spotted a juvenile SABINE’S GULL on the south shore of the
North Regional Pond. It picked up quickly and was joined in flight over the
pond by a COMMON TERN. The Sabine’s broke off and flew south, where it was
briefly seen again on the southern WTP ponds by myself, Julian Johnson, and
Kirk Swenson. It then picked up and drifted south and out of sight.
Upon returning to the North Regional Pond, we joined a growing group of
birders watching the tern as well as the RUFF (continuing since 9/28), 2
PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVERS (one continuing since 10/4 was joined by a second
bird yesterday), and at least 17 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS. These birds all
remained present until our departure at 11:45am.
There was no sign of the long-continuing LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL today,
but it was reported yesterday. Others have reported late WHIMBRELS amongst
the masses of curlew, which were absent today and likely in the alfalfa
fields to the east.
This spot has thousands of birds right now and is definitely worth a visit!
Photos and specific locations of the mentioned rarities are on eBird.
Date: 10/6/25 11:09 am From: Chris Ortega via groups.io <chrisorte9a...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] Possible Hudsonian Godwit Sacramento County
This report just came from Drake on the Superior California Discord. Based
on his description, I think the location was roughly 38.204484,-121.528623
which is a little south of Walnut Grove. As he notes, chasing in that area
is tricky with many spots off-limits or without legal/convenient parking
areas, so take care!
"I’m pretty sure we got a HUDSONIAN GODWIT (definitely not a MAGO) on Tyler
Island on Tyler Island Rd and Race Track . It was on private property but
you may be able to pull off the side of the road to check it out. The bird
did flush (which allowed me to see the dark underwing) and go east but it
could’ve easily circled back. Please respect property lines and follow
rules on pulling off on a roadside. There is an RC airplane tarmac just
north of the spot, but that road is private, and please respect the people
there.
I haven’t submitted it on eBird yet as I am actively working but thought
I’d spread the good word. Lmk if you need other pics but I can’t download
them just yet."
Date: 9/28/25 6:43 am From: Chris Conard via groups.io <conardc...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] SAC Shorebird habitat and Stilt Sandpiper Report
Hi folks,
Yesterday (9/27/2025) a Stilt Sandpiper was found along Desmond Rd at
Cosumnes River Preserve.
This is a species that can go many years between reports in the county.
See below.
Date: 9/25/25 1:44 pm From: Chris Conard via groups.io <conardc...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] [eBird Alert] Sacramento County RBA: Clay-colored Sparrow
Hi folks,
Lyann Comrack and Mark Martucci found a Clay-colored Sparrow at Folsom Pt, Folsom Lake SRA. See below for details. A couple others have followed up and refound it.
Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) (1) - Reported Sep 25, 2025 06:55 by Lyann Comrack - Folsom Lake SRA--Folsom Pt., Sacramento, California - Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.1273575&<ll...>,-121.1273575 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S275442476 - Comments: "We found the bird SW of the rest room building at the boat ramp parking area. Coordinates: 38.695350, -121.130047. Initially seen on low fallen branch. Moved to the largest willow then an oak where we lost view of it. Noted Spizella sparrow with bright, strongly patterned face (strong lateral throat stripe, strong moustachial, buffy supercilium, gray nape.) Below whitish but buffy on the sides. Mark's photos to follow."
Date: 9/22/25 3:22 pm From: Tim Jackson via groups.io <eldoradobirds...> Subject: Re: [centralvalleybirds] [SNMountainBirds] White-Crowned Sparrow Return Dates
Keep in mind the slight push back could be human error. After all I can
only check so many times a day. It could be that the first bird
returned a few days before but it wasn't out in the open during the
amount of time I spent looking for it that day.
Here is a histogram. The 19th is the most common. Perhaps in another
20 years it will resemble more of a bell curve?
Timothy Jackson
Shingle Springs, CA
On 9/22/2025 11:49 AM, Sammy Cowell wrote:
> Very cool data Tim! I went ahead and did a quick plot of your numbers
> in Excel; ended up with a nice-looking graph! I didn't fit a line to
> it, but it seems that return dates are being pushed back ever so
> slightly. Would be interesting to see how/if these numbers change and
> what that could potentially indicate about the impacts of climate
> change on migration. Either way, thanks for sharing!
>
> image.png
> Sammy Cowell
> Valley Springs, CA
>
> On Sun, Sep 21, 2025 at 7:52 AM Tim Jackson via groups.io
> <http://groups.io> <eldoradobirds...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> We saw White-crowned Sparrows in our yard (Shingle Springs) this
> morning.
> Here are the historical return dates for our yard:
>
> 2001 - 9/15
> 2002 - 9/19
> 2003 - 9/22
> 2005 - 9/17
> 2006 - 9/18
> 2007 - 9/19
> 2008 - 9/15
> 2009 - 9/19
> 2010 - 9/13
> 2011 - 9/18
> 2012 - 9/12
> 2013 - 9/14
> 2014 - 9/15
> 2015 - 9/20
> 2016 - 9/17
> 2017 - 9/19
> 2018 - 9/20
> 2019 - 9/26
> 2020 - 9/20
> 2021 - 9/19
> 2022 - 9/17
> 2023 - 9/21
> 2024 - 9/19
> 2025 - 9/21
>
> Tim & Angela Jackson
> Shingle Springs
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 9/22/25 5:33 am From: szafrica77 via groups.io <slmayhew77...> Subject: Re: [centralvalleybirds] Warblers, sparrows, hummers
Thanks for the update Manfred. Interesting about the hummingbird migration routes. I’ll be rooting for that Anna’s!
I have had a male Western tanager visiting my fountain to take a bath for 7 days now! Surprised how long it has hung around. A first for me in West Davis.
Sarah Mayhew
> On Sep 21, 2025, at 9:23 PM, kuschmanfred via groups.io <makusch...> wrote:
>
> The first White-crowned and Golden-crowned sparrows showed up in my garden today, quite late, as so many arrivals, nest building starts and departures this year. They were preceded in the last week by a Fox Sparrow and two days ago by a Lincoln’s Sparrow.
>
> As others have also reported, passerine migration around here has so far been quite a bit below average especially during the earlier weeks from August into early September. Mostly a few Wilson’s, one Nashville, a couple of Orange-crowned, and then more recently an influx of Yellow Warblers, as is typical in September, one Black-throated Gray Warbler a few days ago and only low numbers of Western Tanagers so far. Late September would typically be the time I would see Townsend’s Warblers but no luck so far. No Warbling vireos either.
>
> Adult male Black-chinned Hummingbirds had left by the end of August followed by the few remaining females and by last weekend the hatch-year birds that persisted in my garden the longest had also left, marked by a noticeable drop in sugar water consumption.
>
> Rufous Hummingbirds have been passing through since late July. The UCD researchers who have been trapping hummingbirds in my garden for the last 4 weekends after some longer hiatus typically catch and tag 1-3 Rufous early in the morning, all hatch-year birds, both male and female. Interestingly, at this time of year. I rarely see a Rufous during the day time but again in late afternoon and evening. I wonder if these birds arrive in my garden late in the day to refuel, spend the night, fuel up again and continue their migration southward.
>
> Since (at least some) hatch-year Rufous appear to migrate south along the path that the adults follow during their spring migration north, i.e., Western California, and then switch to the eastern migration route the next fall as all the adult Rufous do, it raises the question what triggers this switch in migration behavior.In all the years I have observed hummingbirds in my garden, I have only once confirmed an adult male Rufous hummer during fall migration. How do these birds know where to go after they have successfully migrated on a different route in their youth, so to speak. Have researchers theorized about this?
>
> And a last hummer note. This morning, Lisa Tell, the lead researcher for the UCD hummingbird study, trapped a male Anna’s Hummingbird that she had banded as a hatch-year bird in Nov. 2018 long before the study team switched from banding to radio tagging. Quite amazing that such a small bird could survive and thrive for so long, apparently still about 1 year short of the longevity record of 8.5 years for an Anna’s . So if our friend makes it through the winter into next summer he may break the record.
>
> Manfred Kusch
> 3 miles west of Davis
> South bank of Putah Creek
>
>
>
>
>
>
