Date: 3/30/26 4:58 pm From: kuschmanfred via groups.io <makusch...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] First Black-chinned hummer
The first Black-chinned Hummingbird, a male, showed up in my garden today. Very much on time. The first males typically return to my place during the very last days of March and the first week of April. Females arrive a week or so later. Rufous Humminbirds continue to pass through, two males and a female are present today. Anna’s are plentiful. More Barn swallows are checking in. The number of Hooded Orioles, both males and females, is also increasing. One male Bullock’s Oriole visited the jelly bowl 2 days ago. House Finches are exceptionally plentiful, having built or are in the process of building at least 7 nests on the beams of our front and back porches.
Manfred Kusch South bank of Putah Creek 3 miles west of Davis
Date: 3/26/26 9:25 am From: Chuck & Barbara Vaughn via groups.io <cevaughn...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] Noyo Pelagics April 4 and 19
Greetings Central Valley Birders- Forwarding a message from Peter Pyle:
We still have some space available for our full day pelagic trips on
April 4th and 26th out of Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg. We are already
seeing up to 135 Black-footed Albatrosses at once over Noyo Canyon and I
had a Parakeet Auklet just 2-2.5 miles from shore on March 15th. Our
most recent trip reports are here:
Last year in April we had over 600 albatrosses on one trip including
several Laysans and a Short-tailed, and throughout May we had dozens of
Pterodroma petrels of three species plus two more Short-tailed
Albatrosses.
We have also just set up a half-day trip on April 19th. Half the boat
will be filled with college students so if you are interested in this
one I wouldn't wait too long.
You can sign up for these and other trips this year at
Date: 3/21/26 2:16 pm From: kuschmanfred via groups.io <makusch...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] More arrivals
The first pair of Barn Swallows showed up on my front porch on March 16 and by now at least six have returned. They seem familiar with our place and used to our presence, barely showing any reaction as we walk past.
On March 18 the first Swainson’s Hawks appeared above the creek, and a pair has since been perched regularly at the top of a tall eucalyptus snag 100 yards west of our house. Most likely, this is the same pair that has been nesting in a valley oak on the Yolo side of the creek for at least the last three years. More Swainson’s are circling overhead as they pass on.
There are at least 2 male Hooded Orioles in residence in my garden by now, they were joined today by the first female.
Rufous Hummingbirds continue to pass through on most days, mostly males but also the first females.
Just as last year, this seems again to be a banner year for California Quail around here. Many pairs show up at my seed feeder both in early morning and before turning in for the night.
And last, after several years of a butterfly drought it is quite wonderful to witness large numbers of Pipevine Swallowtails fluttering around our lilac bushes and in the garden generally. Not as many as in some earlier years but still a noticeable increase over the past 2 or 3 years.
Manfred Kusch South bank of Putah Creek 3 miles west of Davis
Date: 3/19/26 8:38 pm From: Rodd Kelsey via groups.io <rodd.kelsey...> Subject: Re: [centralvalleybirds] California Bird Atlas--What are you waiting for?
Thanks Chris! I want to second Chris' call to contribute. This is going to
be a significant contribution to our understanding of how well birds are
doing in California and what areas and habitats are providing what they
need for breeding. And, this Atlas is already shaping up to be one of the
most comprehensive and sophisticated Atlas's ever.
That said, the data coming in so far is already demonstrating what is
frequently the case and common to eBird data overall, which is that there
is great coverage in commonly visited areas, and big gaps in others. So, I
encourage us all to look at the effort map HERE
<https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/effortmap> and consider visiting areas
where there are little to no data. This map updates in real time, so you
can see the data gaps and where we are all doing a good job filling in the
survey blocks. And, stay tuned for more updates and webinars from us at the
Atlas.
Rodd
On Thu, Mar 19, 2026 at 8:04 AM Chris Conard via groups.io <conardc=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Hi folks,
>
> It has been wonderful to see the response and participation in the
> California Bird Atlas already. I'm sending this as another gentle nudge to
> birders who may not have gotten around to joining the project or are
> concerned about added hassle. Please know that it isn't much different than
> regular birding, but can be a really enjoyable addition to your time in the
> field and deepen your knowledge in the process.
> This will be one of the most significant contributions to our
> understanding of birds in the state, creating and updating important
> baseline information vital for conservation.
>
> To join, see background info, and to view the information already pouring
> in, see https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/home >
> Also, tonight at 7 there is a virtual California Bird Atlas Town Hall. See
> below to register.
>
> Take care,
>
> Chris
>
> Chris Conard
> Sacramento
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ---------
> From: Van Pierszalowski via groups.io <van=
> <californiabirdatlas.org...>
>
> Hi Birders,
>
> As previously announced, California Bird Atlas (CBA) will host our first
> virtual Town Hall on Zoom tomorrow (March 19) at 7pm PT. Please register
> here <https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vNhcHFrbREKqv1BzWFxcyQ>. If you
> can’t join live, the webinar will be recorded and uploaded to CBA’s YouTube
> channel. We ask all attendees, whether watching live or later, to submit
> questions via this Google Form
> <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnWjR4UApjRAPx0ErxR3y9dqFUNSzZ_KekPtbVGH_6JCrHIA/viewform?usp=dialog> > .
>
> I’ll be joined by CBA Science Director Sam Safran to share updates and
> answer questions. The level of engagement statewide has been incredible. As
> of yesterday, we’ve surpassed *50,000 Atlas checklists* across more than *4,300
> blocks* from over *2,700 birders*. And we're just getting started.
>
> If you haven't joined the eBird Atlas project, you can do so here
> <https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/home>.
>
> Looking forward to sharing more and answering questions tomorrow night.
>
> *Register*: HERE
> <https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vNhcHFrbREKqv1BzWFxcyQ> > *Submit questions*: HERE
> <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnWjR4UApjRAPx0ErxR3y9dqFUNSzZ_KekPtbVGH_6JCrHIA/viewform?usp=dialog> >
> Happy Atlasing,
> Van Pierszalowski
> Executive Director, California Bird Atlas
> <https://www.californiabirdatlas.org/> > -------------
> Los Angeles, CA
>
>
>
>
Date: 3/19/26 9:54 am From: Georgia Coleman via groups.io <gwc083...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] Northern Harriers in the Sacramento Valley/Delta-Yolo Region
Hi everyone,
With all the buzz about the California Bird Atlas I figured it was time for me to chime in. My name is Georgia and I'm a master's student at the University of Missouri. I'm about to begin my second season of Northern Harrier fieldwork in the Sacramento Valley/Delta-Yolo region. I'll be surveying for and monitoring harrier nests for my project with CDFW to assess the breeding population in the region. My team and I have many properties lined up for our searching, but if anyone comes across any harriers acting suspicious in the next couple of months (sky-dancing, alarm calling, prey passing/delivering, carrying nesting material, etc.), please let me know. Our study area spans from approximately Sac NWR and Upper Butte Basin WA down to Galt. Feel free to contact me via email or cell. Thanks and happy birding!
Date: 3/19/26 8:04 am From: Chris Conard via groups.io <conardc...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] California Bird Atlas--What are you waiting for?
Hi folks,
It has been wonderful to see the response and participation in the
California Bird Atlas already. I'm sending this as another gentle nudge to
birders who may not have gotten around to joining the project or are
concerned about added hassle. Please know that it isn't much different than
regular birding, but can be a really enjoyable addition to your time in the
field and deepen your knowledge in the process.
This will be one of the most significant contributions to our understanding
of birds in the state, creating and updating important baseline information
vital for conservation.
I’ll be joined by CBA Science Director Sam Safran to share updates and
answer questions. The level of engagement statewide has been incredible. As
of yesterday, we’ve surpassed *50,000 Atlas checklists* across more than *4,300
blocks* from over *2,700 birders*. And we're just getting started.
Date: 3/13/26 9:18 am From: kuschmanfred via groups.io <makusch...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] Arrivals
The first Hooded Oriole showed up this morning, a male, hopping reproachfully around one of my hummingbird feeders looking for that one opening without one of those yellow plastic flowers that allows them access. That has now been corrected. Next up, Barn Swallows, Bullock’s Orioles, and Black-chinned Hummingbird birds. Both Eurasian Collared Doves and Mourning Doves have begun building nests.
Manfred Kusch South bank of Putah Creek 3 miles west of Davis
Date: 3/12/26 11:11 am From: Kate Brennan via groups.io <kbrennan6699...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] FOS Calliope Hummingbird
I spotted my first Calliope Hummer passing through today - landed in a persimmon tree just beginning to bud out. Clearly visible dark magenta streaks on throat and looking ever so tiny compared to Anna's. Nevada County, 1200' elev. Kate Brennan
The first Rufous Hummingbirds, 2 males, showed up in my garden yesterday: South bank of Putah Creek, 3 miles west of Davis. Red-shouldered Hawks are back at their nest from last year in a cottonwood tree on the bank of the creek directly behind our house. A second pair is building a nest a third of a mile further upstream where a pair of Red-tailed Hawks is refurbishing their nest from last year a bit further downstream. White-breasted Nuthatches, always among the early breeders around here, have reoccuppied a nest box from last year and are already sitting on eggs. Black Phoebes are finishing a nest on the north side of our house (their usual spot) and the first House Finch nest is near completion on the beam of our back porch. House Wrens are singing vigorously, Northern Mockingbirds are chasing each other and are beginning to sing, California Scrub-jays have paired up and are tentatively picking up some nesting material, but so far with little urgency. Quite wonderful to witness all this activity in the environment of unfolding spring.
Date: 3/11/26 12:22 pm From: Chris Spurgeon via groups.io <chris...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] Pasadena Audubon now accepting 2026 grant applications
Pasadena Audubon is pleased to announce that we are now accepting Spring 2026 applications for our Research and Educational Grants program. We’re offering grants up to $5,000 to help fund both scientific research and community-based programs. We’re particularly interested in avian research that’s relevant to Southern California or the Pacific Flyway.
We’re also offering grants up to $1,000 to young birders and students (undergraduate and graduate) to help defray the rising costs of scientific conferences and related events.
The deadline for applications is fast approaching, April 3rd, 2026, and applicants will be notified of acceptance by April 20, 2026. Full details are online at www.pasadenaaudubon.org/grants ( http://www.pasadenaaudubon.org/grants ).
Questions? Contact <grants...>
Please feel free to widely redistribute this notice!
Date: 3/10/26 2:48 pm From: Chuck & Barbara Vaughn via groups.io <cevaughn...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] Noyo Pelagics 2026 dates - buttons now working + N Cal Pelagic Trips]
Greetings Central Valley Birders- Forwarding a message from Peter Pyle:
Our buttons for full-day Noyo Pelagics trips are now ready for sign-ups
for the previously mentioned dates:
We had a fine half-day trip on March 1st including an unexpected
Scripps's Murrelet and early Humpback Whales (see report at the link
above). We will be offering more half-day trips on a short-notice (7-10
day) basis as good-weather windows approach; if you may be interested in
these you can monitor Mendobirds or sign up for the Mendo-Pelagics io
group serve (<https://groups.io/g/Mendocino-Pelagics>). See
https://noyopelagics.com/about-our-trips/ for more on our half-day,
full-day, and educational trips.
We have attempted this year to organize some back-to-back trips along
the NorCal coast, or with a day or two in between. Unfortunately at this
time there are no trips planned to Cordell Bank since the Bodega Bay
skipper sold his boat this winter. Hopefully something will work out
there soon. For now, we have some back-to-back or even week-long
opportunities for multiple trips from Sausalito, Fort Bragg, and Eureka.
I have listed these below (with sign-up information below the dates); if
you know of ABA folks or others around the country that may be
interested, please pass this along. Logan has also set up a Google
calendar which he will finalize tonight at:
Hope to see you up here for a trip, or two, or more!
Good birding, Peter
Northern California Pelagic Trip dates:
Fort Bragg (Noyo Pelagics) - April 4th (Saturday)
Sausalito - SF waters trip April 18th (Saturday) - currently full but
see below*
Fort Bragg (Noyo Pelagics) - April 26th (Sunday)
Eureka Rob Fowler - May 2nd (Saturday)
Fort Bragg (Noyo Pelagics) - May 9th (Saturday) -
Eureka RRAS - May 10th (Sunday)
Fort Bragg (Noyo Pelagics) - May 30th (Saturday)
Eureka Rob Fowler - June 13th (Saturday)
Sausalito Al's Adventures - Farallon Islands trips weekly June 13 - August 8
Fort Bragg (Noyo Pelagics) - June 14th (Sunday)
Eureka RRAS - June 20th (Saturday)
Fort Bragg (Noyo Pelagics) - June 26th (Friday)
Eureka RRAS - July 18th (Saturday)
Fort Bragg (Noyo Pelagics) - July 20th (Monday)
Eureka Rob Fowler - July 25th (Saturday)
Fort Bragg (Noyo Pelagics) - August 3rd (Monday)
Eureka RRAS - August 15th (Saturday)
Eureka Rob Fowler - August 29th (Saturday)
Fort Bragg (Noyo Pelagics) - August 30th (Sunday)
Eureka RRAS - September 5th (Saturday)
Sausalito Al's Adventures - SF trip September 13th (Sunday)
Eureka Rob Fowler - September 19th (Saturday)
Eureka Rob Fowler - October 3rd (Saturday)
Eureka RRAS - October 10th (Saturday)
Fort Bragg (Noyo Pelagics) - October 17th (Saturday)
Eureka Rob Fowler - October 24th (Saturday)
Fort Bragg (Noyo Pelagics) - November 1st (Sunday)
Eureka Rob Fowler - November 14th (Saturday)
Eureka RRAS - November 21st (Saturday)
Eureka Rob Fowler - December 5th (Saturday)
*The 4/18 trip from Sausalito is full but there are still spaces left on
the back-up date (4/21). Contact Logan Kahle <logan...> if
interested in this back-up trip.
Date: 3/7/26 7:22 pm From: Glennah Trochet via groups.io <trochetj...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] Cosumnes birds this morning
Dear Birders,
Today I did the monthly survey of the Lost Slough route west of Franklin Blvd. I ran into a birder on the boardwalk who had seen the ruff earlier this morning (I missed it). But I had some fun finds nonetheless, heavy on the hybrid waterfowl. Better passerines included one northern rough-winged swallow and one Townsend's warbler.
The better ducks included these: blue-winged teal- 6 Brewer's duck (gadwall x mallard)- 1 American wigeon x Eurasian wigeon- 1 common teal- 1 green-winged teal x common teal- 1 hooded merganser- 3
