Arrowhead Marsh
December 15, 2004
Leader(s): Travis Hails (substituting for Courtenay Peddle)
# of participants: 18
# of species: 62
Courtenay Peddle’s Arrowhead Marsh monthly trip ended with the location of the Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow in the same location as previously reported, the eastern corner of the triangular island immediately west of the boardwalk leading into Arrowhead Marsh. The bird allowed lengthly scope views for several people before it flew NW into the marsh as the high tide ended, and the marsh became dryer.
Aquatic Park
San Francisco
December 5, 2004
Leader(s): Carol Kiser
# of participants: 2
# of species: 18
We saw a Red-breasted Sapsucker at the foot of Van Ness Avenue. Also Western Grebe, Brown Pelican, Heermann’s Gull, resident Parrots.
Strybing Arboretum
San Francisco
December 5, 2004
Leader(s): Allan Ridley and Helen McKenna
# of participants: 25
# of species: 43
We had great views of golden-crowned Kinglets bathing in a small pool by the Japanese moon-viewing garden. Also excellent sighting of a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks. Hooded Merganser, California Quail, Mew Gull, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Pygmy Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin.
Grey Lodge, Sacramento Wildlife Refuge Butte
Colusa and Glenn Counties
December 4 and 5, 2004
Leader(s): Rene and Steve Margolin
# of participants: 15
# of species: 79
This trip is outstanding for wintering waterfowl, cranes and raptors. Saw Snow Goose, Ross’s Goose, Tundra Swan, Ring-necked Duck, White-faced Ibis, Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Sandhill Crane, Broad-winged Hawk, Common Moorhen, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler.
Mountain View Bike and Bird Trip
San Mateo County
December 4, 2004
Leader(s): Kathy Jarrett
# of participants: 10
# of species: 48
There were 10 of us, including 2 children. It was a cool beautiful day and we had a sighting of a Golden Eagle and large number of Green-winged Teal at Mt. View Shoreline. The eagle posed for us for a long time. Then Lionel Schour broke his ankle at the lunch break at Shoreline Lake. Patti Roberts and Susan Hampton went on by themselves, Rosalind Meisel and Val Rumya returned with Kathy to Mt. View, and Blair stayed with Lionel while Kathy got his van. David Donnenfield and his two boys Zachary and Jonas had returned earlier. The boys are good spotters and bicyclists. Lionel was able to drive with his good right leg and Blair and Kathy finally passed through part of Palo Alto Baylands and got the train back from Calif. Ave Caltrain Station. Lionel is off his foot for at least 6 weeks and will not get a cast until the swelling goes down. This is a great birding area, and we hope to go there again. Birds seen: Pied-billed Grebe, Horned Grebe, Eared Grebe, Western Grebe, American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Canada Goose, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Canvasback, Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Golden Eagle, American Coot, Killdeer, American Avocet, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Western Sandpiper, Dunlin, California Gull, Western Gull, Elegant Tern, Forster’s Tern, Rock Dove, Anna’s Hummingbird, Black Phoebe, Western Scrub-Jay, American Crow ,Common Raven, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, California Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, House Finch, House Sparrow.
Coyote Hills
Alameda County
November 27, 2004
Leader(s): Anne Hoff
# of participants: 3
# of species: 43
We were treated to a Merlin posing for a good long time. Saw many ducks, California Quail, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Hermit Thrush, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Arrowhead Marsh
Alameda County
November 21, 2004
Leader(s): Pamela Llewellyn and Michael Butler
# of participants: 20
# of species: 62
It was a clear, cold WINDY day but we still saw 62 species including a Glaucous-winged Gull, a first winter Mew Gull, and a female Surf Scoter. We had excellent, long looks at a male columbarius Merlin, both perched and in flight. Ducks and Grebes were numerous; Brown Pelican were still around. The Clapper Rails were viewable. Both Black Phoebe and Say’s Phoebe were seen.
Coyote Hills, Alameda Creek Bicycle Trip
Alameda County
November 21, 2004
Leader(s): Jeffrey Black
# of participants: 7
# of species: 43
Dry conditions and wind reduced populations, but there were still good views of 43 species including Green-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Osprey, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Western Meadowlark.
Redwood Shores Bike and Bird Trip
San Mateo County
November 20, 2004
Leader(s): Kathy Jarrett
# of participants: 4
# of species: 54
Excellent day, but only 4 of us stalwarts showed. We think we should not do the trip the weekend before Thanksgiving. We did not do an entire circuit of Foster City. 54 birds seen: Clark’s Grebe, American White Pelican, Brown Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Canada Goose, Graylag Goose, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Canvasback, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, American Coot, Black-bellied Plover, Killdeer, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Willet, Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Mew Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Western Gull, Forster’s Tern, Rock Dove, Anna’s Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Black Phoebe, American Crow, Marsh Wren, Yellow-rumped Warbler( Audubon’s), Savannah Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow , House Sparrow.
Las Gallinas Sewer Ponds
Marin County
November 20, 2004
Leader(s): Bob Power
# of participants: 13
# of species: 68
This location excels in the diversity of its birds. We had eleven species of ducks including Gadwall, Cinnamon Teal and Green-winged Teal. We also saw an excellent assortment of raptors, White-tailed Kite, Red-shouldered Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine Falcon were among them. Then there were the Virginia Rail, Sora, many shorebirds, Bonaparte’s Gull, plus Belted Kingfisher, Loggerhead Shrike, American Pipit, Lesser Goldfinch and American Goldfinch.
Birding Western San Francisco on Foot
November 14, 2004
Leader(s): David Armstrong
# of participants: 15
# of species:
We found Red-breasted Nuthatches and Wilson’s Warblers at North Lake, walking about 5 miles total.
Arrowhead Marsh
Alameda County
November 10, 2004
Leader(s): Jean-Marie Spoelman and Anna Wilcox
# of participants:
# of species: 59
We started at 9:30 a.m. in rain and ended at noon with cloudy, cool weather; there was a 7 foot tide. We saw a good assortment of Grebes: Horned Grebe, Pied-billed Grebe, Eared Grebe and Western Grebe. Also Cackling Goose, Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Clapper Rail, Mew Gull.
Strybing Arboretum
San Francisco
November 7, 2004
Leader(s): Allan Ridley and Helen McKenna
# of participants: 40
# of species: 39
We had outstanding views of Ruby-crowned Kinglets facing off with ruby crowns fully erect like an explosion of red atop their heads- a circular-red crown of erect feathers. Also California Quail, Mew Gull, Bank-tailed Pigeon, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Chestnut-back Chickadee, Pygmy Nuthatch, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Pine Siskin.
Aquatic Park and Hyde Street Pier
San Francisco
November 7, 2004
Leader(s): Carol Kiser
# of participants: 1
# of species: 20
The day was very cold, with some tule fog, but twenty species were seen, highlighted by a Least Tern, two brilliantly sunlit Townsend’s Warblers and two Ruby-crowned Kinglets with the dazzling ruby crown showing on the male.
Sausalito to Larkspur Bike and Bird Trip
Marin County
November 6, 2004
Leader(s): Kathy Jarrett
# of participants: 7
# of species: 62
The day was cool but not really cold-perfect for cycling-and clear. We saw lots of birds-61 species- and stopped so much that we had to rush a bit toward the end to get to Larkspur Landing. The day was spectacular for birds, with a Clapper Rail at Bothin Marsh spotted by Ruth, and a White-tailed Kite being harassed by Crows over the Corte Madera Marsh. As always, it is nice to have so many eyes. We enjoyed our lunch at Strawberry Point, where we saw a Great Blue Heron, two Brown Pelicans and a gull on the dock of the condominium complex. Birds seen: Pied-billed Grebe, Western Grebe, Clark’s Grebe, Brown Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Canada Goose, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Turkey Vulture, White-tailed Kite, Red-tailed Hawk, Clapper Rail, American Coot, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet,Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Willet, Spotted Sandpiper, (Some thought Wandering Tattler, but I think it wasn’t big enough) Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Least Sandpiper, Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitcher, Heerman’s Gull (in S.F.), Mew Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Western Gull, Forster’s Tern, Rock Dove, Anna’s Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Black Phoebe, Say’s Phoebe, Western Scrub-Jay, American Crow, Common Raven, Bushtit, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, European Starling , Yellow-rumped Warbler, California Towhee, Song Sparrow ,Golden-crowned Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, House Finch
Alameda Creek, Coyote Hills, Quarry Lakes
Alameda County
October 30, 2004
Leader(s): Kathy Jarrett
# of participants: 6
# of species: 66
We had close looks at a Kestrel and a Sharp-shinned Hawk. We were happy to find a new entrance closer to the staging area, which allowed us a closer look at the park. A passerby informed us that another birder was headed away from the staging area in the opposite direction. Blair kindly left to see if he could intercept her. The rest of us enjoyed a nice loop around Rainbow and Horseshoe Lakes, Lago Los Osos and Willow Slough, where we found Black-Crowned Night Herons in their usual perches, and also saw a Say’s Phoebe. Heading back down the trail we finally found Blair again, with Susan, who was very grateful to have been found. We were finding beautiful birds to stop for quite often, but the prize for the day was a bird we had not seen before, the Virginia Rail, spotted at the Beard Staging Area, about a mile east of I-880. We arrived at the Coyote Hills Visitor Center just at noon and enjoyed our picnic lunch and more birds. Heading down the road toward the entrance station we found another Virginia Rail and some Common Moorhens. Red-tailed Hawks, White-tailed Kites and a Loggerhead Shrike were spotted in this area. Despite recent rains we had no trouble on the gravel path and had an excellent close view of a large group of White Pelicans before climbing back up to the Alameda Creek Trail . Blair, Mike and I continued up the trail, crossing over to the unpaved side at Sequoia Bridge. We passed Shinn Pond and Niles Community Park, but agreed that the best birding had been west of the BART tracks. I believe 66 birds is a record for this trip.
Valle Vista
Contra Costa County
October 24, 2004
Leader(s): Michael Butler and Pamela Llewellyn
# of participants: 6
# of species: 52
A great day with a small group, but all very good birders. Hightlights were great looks at Sharp-shinned Hawks, and Red-shouldered Hawk. Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler.
Las Gallinas Sewer Ponds
Marin County
October 23, 2004
Leader(s): Mark Eaton
# of participants:
# of species: 62
Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, White-tailed Kite, American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Clapper Rail, Black Oystercatcher, Greater Yellowlegs, Long-billed Curlew, Mew Gull, Says’s Phoebe, Tree Swallow, American Pipit, Yellow-rumped Warbler, White-throated Sparrow
Aquatic Park, Hyde Street Pier
San Francisco
October 17, 2004
Leader(s): Carol Kiser
# of participants: 2
# of species: 18
We saw large numbers of land birds today, many more than normally seen both in numbers and species. It was cloudy and cool. We had our first rain of the season last night. Brown Pelican, Least Tern, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, White-crowned Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow. Plus Cherry-headed Conures flying!
Lake Merced Bird Walk
San Francisco
October 17, 2004
Leader(s): David Armstrong
# of participants: 12
# of species:
Our best species were Greater White-fronted Goose and Osprey.
Mountain View Shoreline, Stevens Creek Trail
Santa Clara
October 16, 2004
Leader(s): Mark Miller
# of participants: 8
# of species: 66
We got long, leisurely looks at two Soras, one at minimum binocular close focus; lots of ducks; the Ruby-crowned Kinglet showed us his crown. A beautiful day with a great group. Nothing rare, but we heard (and some saw) an endangered Clapper Rail. We had an interesting discussion about neighboring Ames Research Center’s warnings about tests of “environmentally friendly rocket fuel.” It’s friendly, but still loud! Cinnamon Teal, Green-winged Teal, Long-billed Curlew, Bonaparte’s Gull, Forster’s Tern, Belted Kingfisher, Loggerhead Shrike, American Pipit, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Yellowthroat.
Hawk Hill Bicycle Trip
Marin County
October 16, 2004
Leader(s): Kathy Jarrett
# of participants: 3
# of species: 43
The day was cool and foggy, but we did see a fair number of birds, just not many on Hawk Hill, where there were more people than birds, I think. We saw Bob Power there counting raptors. We saw birds at the Alameda Ferry dock, including a pair of Western Gulls that seemed to be tending a nest. Crissy Field ponds had a fair number of birds, including both egrets and Marbled Godwits. The Rodeo Lagoon area had a Red-Shouldered Hawk and the American Wigeons had returned to join the Mallards. Bird Rock had Brown Pelicans.
Seabirds of Bodega Canyon The Cordell Bank Marine Sanctuary
October 11, 2004
Leader(s): Alan Hopkins
# of participants: 20
# of species: 54
Weather conditions seemed bleak. Fortunately, overnight the winds died and then switched to easterlies. We were treated to a golden sunrise over glassy water as we headed out to the Bodega Canyon. Debi Shearwater had assembled a stellar groups of leaders for the trip: Luke Cole, Alvaro Jaramillo, John Luther, Peter Pyle, Mike Rogers and Alan Hopkins. We were ready for a great day – and what a day it turned out to be. As we headed out we came into flocks of Pink-footed and Buller’s Shearwaters. We got lucky and had great looks at a Tufted Puffin in basic plumage, so it lacked the tufts. There were numerous sightings of Flesh-footed Shearwater, South Polar Skua and a rather late season Long-tailed Jaeger flew by the boat. One of the highlights was finding a flock of 800 Ashy Storm-Petrels. Within the flock were a few Fork-tailed and Wilson’s Storm-Petrels. The most unusual bird in the flock was a nearly pure white lutistic Ashy Storm-Petrel.During the fall the pelagic mammal populations start to drop off, but we had fine looks at Blue Whale, and Dall’s Porpoise, Humpback Whale was the most numerous whale on the trip, but there were skulkers and most were hard to see. Other mammals included Norther Fur Seal, Elephant Seal, and Steller’s Sea Lion.The most exciting bird of the trip was spotted by Alvaro Jaramillo. This medium sized tube-nose flew up the stern with an arcing flight. The bird looked most like a Flesh-footed Shearwater, but it was too pale and the flight was all wrong. The bill had a dark tip, but the basil part of the bill was not pink and the bird seemed to lack pink feet. Our thought went through a number of options. Some kind of Pterodroma, or a member of what seems most likely at this point a Parkinson’s Petrel. Parkinson’s Petrel is a Procellaria petrel, the Procellarias are a family of large heavy bodied petrels that are primarily birds of the southern oceans. Parkinson’s Petrel ranges north of the equator, but should our bird be accepted by the California Birds Records Committees, it will be the first record for California.
San Mateo Coast
October 10, 2004
Leader(s): Alan Hopkins
# of participants: 16
# of species: 70
The trip yielded an excellent assortment of water birds including Greater White-fronted Goose, Red-throated Loon, Eared Grebe, Pelagic Cormorant, Black-bellied Plover, Black Oystercatcher, Whimbrel, Long-billed Curlew, Surfbird, Black Turnstone. Also five gull species, Elegant Tern, Common Murre. Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Common Yellowthroat.
Presidio Quail Habitat Work Party
San Francisco
October 9, 2004
Leader(s): Alan Hopkins
# of participants: 6
# of species: 39
We had a productive bird walk before the work party, seeing 39 species in about one hour, including California Quail, Red-shouldered Hawk, Downy Woodpecker, Hutton’s Vireo, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pygmy Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler.
Hawk Hill
Marin County
October 9, 2004
Leader(s): Stefanie Arthur
# of participants: 15
# of species:
We had a gorgeous day on Saturday for the Hawk Hill trip, clear and warm with stunning views of the bay and east bay hills. 10-15 people showed up for the trip, plus miscellaneous others who wandered over. There were several other classes/field trips on the hill so it was a bit crowded. Everyone was quite friendly and interested in raptors, and seemed to enjoy the experience. Although it was a beautiful day, there was little breeze and thus, not as many birds as we would have liked! Nevertheless, the group managed to see both adult and juvenile redtails, sharp shinned and coopers hawks (including both species together for comparison), red shoulders, osprey, lots of violet green swallows and vaux swifts, and generally, have a fun time. We also got to see the parade of Navy ships (US and Canadian, as they sailed under the bridge, a variety of airplanes and were able to view of much of the air show activity. Most people attended the GGRO hawktalk at noon and stayed for the banding demo. It was a fine day.
Point Reyes
Marin County
October 3, 2004
Leader(s): Hugh Cotter
# of participants: 16
# of species: 99
Despite an overcast day and heavy fog, we spotted 99 species between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Vagrants included Prairie Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Palm Warbler. Also seen were Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson’s Warbler, Western Tanager.
Strybing Arboretum
San Francisco
October 3, 2004
Leader(s):Allan Ridley and Helen McKenna
# of participants: 33
# of species: 34
We had a foggy, cold morning, but were rewarded by finding that the Golden-crowned Sparrows are back. Warblers and Vireos are in migration. We had excellent looks at a resting Cassin’s Vireo and Red-breasted Nuthatch. We also had a very close view of a Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk. Also Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler.
Bicycle Birding Trip to San Leandro and Hayward Shoreline
October 2, 2004
Leader(s): Kathy Jarrett
# of participants: 7
# of species: 61
Seven people were on the GGBA Oct 2, 2004 Bicycle Birding trip to San Leandro and the Hayward Shoreline. Everyone participated in spotting. That’s why groups are good – small groups. Highlights were the Clapper Rail, never spotted before on this trip, Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, Merlin, a close-up view of a Red-Tailed Hawk, a big group of Common Yellowthroats, and huge numbers of shorebirds. The sun came out and we had lunch at our usual spot, Johnson’s Landing. We got all the way to the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center and were impressed with the state of the marsh.
Aquatic Park/Hyde Street Pier
San Francisco
September 19, 2004
Leader(s): Carol Kiser
# of participants: 1
# of species: 12
We had a sunny, mild, windless morning. We saw a Red-shouldered Hawk at the top of the hill above Van Ness Avenue, also four terns too distant to identify. Western Grebe, Black-crowned Night Heron, Brown Pelican.
Lincoln Park Bird Walk
San Francisco
September 19, 2004
Leader(s): David Armstrong
# of participants: 15
# of species:
The day started with showers and then turned fair. Highlights were the Parasitic Jaeger, Pacific Slope Flycatcher, Hutton’s Vireo and Red-breasted Nuthatch.
Ano Nuevo
San Mateo County
September 12, 2004
Leader(s): Bruce Mast
# of participants: 9
# of species: 53
The GGBA trip to Ano Nuevo this morning was blessed with clear skies, but cursed with strong winds. Perhaps the two were related. Most noteworthy birds were the handful of Red-necked Phalaropes on the pond and a Say’s Phoebe in the dunes. Most entertaining birds were the Pygmy Nuthatches, who will perform their feverish bark-probing right in your face if you give them a chance. Surf Scoter, Brown Pelican, Brandt’s Cormorant, Osprey, Black Oystercatcher, Whimbrel, Black Turnstone, Sanderling, Heermann’s Gull, Common Murre, Winter Wren, Wrentit, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat.
Hayward Shoreline
September 11, 2004
Leader(s): Bob Lewis
# of participants: 14
# of species: 36
Our first birds were two Lesser Yellowlegs, standing next to a Greater Yellowlegs. Later we had good comparisons of Least and Western Sandpiper; Long-billed Curlew and Marbled Godwit; Greater and Lesser Scaup; Long-billed and Short-billed Dowitchers; and Great and Snowy Egrets. We saw at least 75 Northhern Shoveler, 2 Peregrine Falcons, 10 Black-bellied Plovers and 15 Semipalmated Plovers.
Coyote Hills Regional Park
Fremont
September 12, 2004
Leader(s): Michael Butler and Pamela Llewellyn
# of participants: 10
# of species: 53
We observed 3 or 4 Great Horned Owls, at least 7 White-tailed Kites and several Loggerhead Shrikes. Also Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, California Quail, American White Pelican, Brown Pelican, Common Moorhen, Bewick’s Wren, Common Yellowthroat, White-crowned Sparrow and an excellent assortment of shorebirds.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, Snag Lake
Lassen County
August 27-30, 2004
Leader(s): David Rice and Robin Pulich
# of participants: 8
# of species: 86
We walked a total of about 12 miles in perfect weather. We were rewarded with a wonderful array of raptors including Northern Goshawk, Osprey, Bald Eagle and Prairie Falcon. Also Wilson’s Snipe, Great Horned Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Common Nighthawk, Rufous Hummingbird, Red-breasted Sapsucker, White-headed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Cassin’s Vireo, Mountain Chickadee, Townsend’s Solitaire, Chestuut-sided Warbler plus ten additional warbler species, Cassin’s Finch, Red Crossbill, Evening Grosbeak.
Abbott’s Lagoon at Point Reyes
Marin County
August 21, 2004
Leader(s): Bob Lewis
# of participants: 36
# of species: 49
Kate Peterlein, PRBO biologist, joined 36 GGBA trippers to explain her Snown Plover research. Since PRBO started putting up “exclosures” in 2001 protecting the nests, the plover breeding pairs have increased significantly, but are still fewer than desired, due mostly to daytime predation. Birders are asked to respect the fencing around Abbott’s Lagoon by not entering the protected area. Birds of note: Prairie Falcon, Lesser Yellowlegs, Baird’s Sandpiper, Wilson’s Phalarope, Red-necked Phalarope, Black Skimmer, Snowy Plover. Also Black Turnstone, Elegant Tern, Common Murre.
Tufted Puffins and Farallon Islands Pelagic Trip
August 8, 2004
Leader(s): Alan Hopkins
# of participants: 35
# of species: 30
Our trip will be memorable as one of the best in recent years. We found only a slight swell and overcast skies; the conditions were excellent. Trip leaders Debi Shearwater, Luke Cole and Alan Hopkins kept watch for Harbor Porpoise and were not disappointed as the small cetaceans appeared just beyond Point Bonita. As we headed offshore Red-necked Phalaropes, Sooty and Pink-footed Shearwaters streaked by. Well before we reached the islands the first Tufted Puffin was spotted on the water and Roger bulled the boat right next to the bird providing everyone great views. Another of the day’s hightlights was an eight-foot long Leatherback Turtle. At the southeast Farallon Island the water was peppered with thousands of Cassin’s Auklets. On most boat trips the nine inch auklets are skittish and hard to see; this day they were swimming right next to the boat!As we headed beyond the Island we had great looks at Humpback Whales and a Gray Whale. A short time later we found ourselves surrounded by throusands of Northern Right Whale Dolphins with smaller groups of White-sided Dolphins mixed among them. Once we reached the Continental Shelf the deep water birds began ro appear, Black-footed Albatross were common, other birds were: Norther Fulmar, Buller’s Shearwater, Pomarine Jaeger, Sabine’s Gull and Common Tern. In all, a great day on the Pacific!
Valle Vista Staging Area, Moraga
Contra Costa County
July 11, 2004
Leader(s): Bob Power
# of participants: 18
# of species: 56
An intrepid group of six birders met at 4:30 a.m. to owl in Joaquin Miller Park. We were rewarded with a Great Horned Owl, but other owls proved to be more elusive. Fortunately the day list came to 56 species, not counting the red fox. Wood Duck, Wild Turkey, California Quail, Western Wood-Pewee, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Hutton’s Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Oak Titmouse, Swainson’s Thrush, Wilson’s Warbler and Black-headed Grosbeak are just a few highlights from this trip.
Strybing Arboretum
San Francisco
July 5, 2004
Leader(s): Allan Ridley and Helen McKenna
# of participants: 28
# of species: 32
We had a most interesting observation of a Song Sparrow feeding a very demanding cowbird chick close at hand. The sparrow was too busy to notice us and the chick was too hungry to care. The sparrow defended the chick against squirrels. We also had excellent close views of a Brown Creeper family group. We saw both adult and juvenile Red-tailed Hawks, Anna’s Hummingbird, Allen’s Hummingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Purple Finch.
Sunol Regional Park
June 20, 2004
Leader(s): Bruce Mast
# of participants: 12
# of species: 42
About a dozen of us gathered for a day of beautiful early summer weather and fair birding. The picnic area was remarkably quiet, due in part to the fact that Yellow-billed Magpies have apparently abandoned the area. We only heard a distant Magpie call far up a side canyon. The most conspicuous birds there were Starlings, Crows, and Acorn Woodpeckers. The Starlings have taken over some nesting cavities that Acorn Woodpeckers used to use. I fear they may be squeezing other cavity nesters out of the park. The woods were also quiet because breeding season is winding down and many males have stopped singing. In compensation, we got great looks at a number of chicks and fledglings, including young California Quail, Wild Turkey, American Crows, and juvenile Nuttall’s Woodpecker. Green Heron showed up right on cue, just downstream from the picnic area bridge. We also got long lingering looks at Warbling Vireo and Hutton’s Vireo and found a Black-Throated Gray Warbler. One of our target birds, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, stuck to the high rocks and provided totally unsatisfactory views. We also missed White-tailed Kites, which the week before had been seen harassing a Golden Eagle. Kites and Red-shouldered Hawks both nested in the park this spring.
Aquatic Park
San Francisco
June 13, 2004
Leader(s): Carol Kiser
# of participants: 10
# of species:14
A participant discovered a Pygmy Nuthatch nest in a crevass in a tree in back of the Fort Mason Hostel. It was a real treat to watch the busy parents flying back and forth.
Strybing Arboretum
San Francisco
June 6, 2004
Leader(s): Allan Ridley and Hellen Mckenna
# of participants: 30
# of species: 31
We saw many individuals, both parents and offspring; it is such a busy time with parents dashing to and fro feeding the cheeping, wing-fluttering juveniles. Everyone had great views of our resident species in the abundance of Spring, including 14 tiny, fuzzy Quail chicks in the California Native Plant section. Other juveniles included Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bushtit, Pygmy Nuthatch, Black Phoebe.
Yosemite National Park
June 4-6, 2004
Leader(s): Bob Lewis and Dave Quady
# of participants: 28
# of species: 64
Nearly 30 people enjoyed glorious weather and a nice selection of birds on Golden Gate Bird Alliance’s annual birding trip to the west side of Yosemite National Park, 64 species were identified and seen by at least one leader and one participant. These included seven woodpeckers, four flycatchers, and five warblers. Hummingbirds were seen in two locations but could not be identified to species; also, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Pine Siskin were recorded by either a leader or a participant, but not by both. Lawrence’s Goldfinches again delighted all, and were a life bird for some. While we were disappointed to miss Great Gray Owl this year, a pair of Northern Pygmy-Owls seen well were a nice consolation prize. A sow and two cub black bears in a mountain meadow at dusk provided a thrill for many, as did a very fat, very fit rattlesnake seen along along the roadside. Mountain Quail, Black Swift, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Dusky Flycatcher, Cassin’s Vireo, Mountain Chickadee, American Dipper, Orange-crowned Warbler, Hermit Warbler, Chipping Sparrow.
Aquatic Park
San Francisco
May 30, 2004
Leader(s): Carol Kiser
# of participants: 4
# of species: 10
We saw one male Surf Scoter, which is not normally seen here in May. We found six Western Gull nests and spotted two sea lions in the lagoon.
Spenceville Wildlife Area
Yuba and Nevada Counties
May 23, 3004
Leader(s): Bob Lewis
# of participants: 16
# of species: 65
We birded mostly in Yuba County. Highlights included a pair of Wood Ducks in a tree, apparently prospecting for nest sites. A Blue Grosbeak was spotted in willows across the Yuba River. At Waldo Bridge we were treated to a singing Yellow-breasted Chat and good looks at a Willow Flycatcher. Also: Common Merganser, California Quail (20!), Lark Sparrow, Golden Eagle.
Iron Horse Trail Bicycle Birding Trip
Contra Costa County
May 22, 2004
Leader(s): Kathy Jarrett
# of participants: 5
# of species: 34
The day was cold and windy. We decided to go to Tassajara Creek EBRP to try for a look at the White-eyed Vireo which had been posted on EBB. We found Art Edwards, George Banks and Joe Morlan hoping to see the bird. We got a snatch of the song and decided to leave since we had miles to go. We battled our way against the wind to the Iron Horse Trail and South San Ramon Creek. We stopped at Village Green Park and the Intermodal Transit Facility in San Ramon for rest stops. We did not see many birds, especially no Kestrels. We arrived in Danville around noon and ate lunch. We pedaled on to Hap Magee Ranch Park in Alamo where we normally have lots of birds and saw almost none, and no Red-tailed Hawks. At least the sun was coming out. We had to bike on Danville Blvd’s bike lane from Hillgrade to the trail crossing at Rudgear Rd. because EBMUD is still working on the pipeline. In Walnut Creek we stopped at Civic Park for a minute or so. Three of us biked along Ygnacio (never again) to Heather Farms Park. At least we picked up quite a few birds there. We returned on the flat Canal Trail. 28 miles, 34 birds (42 last yr.) The only birds in abundance were Crows, Mourning Doves and Pigeons!
Garin Regional Park North Entrance
Alameda County
May 9, 2004
Leader(s): Anne Hoff
# of participants: 10
# of species: 47
We saw many Bullock’s Orioles. The creek was dry upstream from the barn, which is unusual for this time of year. It was odd to neither see nor hear Meadowlarks. Many species were seen with their young: Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Barn Swallow. We also saw a White-tailed Kite on a nest. Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Orange-crowned Warbler, Lazuli Bunting.
Wildcat Canyon
Contra Costa County
May 8, 2004
Leader(s): Malcolm Sproul
# of participants: 10
# of species: 56
Grasshopper Sparrows were common. Wild Turkey (one male) seen for the first time in 25 years! Caspian Tern, Great Horned Owl, Swainson’s Thrush, California Thrasher, Lark Sparrow, Lazuli Bunting, Western Meadowlark.
Mitchell Canyon
Contra Costa County
May 2, 2004
Leader(s): Pamela Llewellyn and Michael Butler
# of participants: 6
# of species:45
The Spring hillsides were filled with singing and nesting birds. We had great, long looks at a pair of Golden Eagles. Also excellent looks at ash-throated Flycatcher and Olive-sided Flycatcher. Lots of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and Oak Titmouse. Cassin’s Vireo, Hutton’s Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Bewick’s Wren, House Wren, Wrentit, Orange-crowned Warbler, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli bunting.
Strybing Arboretum
San Francisco
May 2, 2004
Leader(s): Allan Ridley and Helen McKenna
# of participants: 50
# of species: 31
It was a great Spring day: warm, cloudless, no wind. We found a Black Phoebe nest under a bridge. Also saw Olive-sided Flycatcher, Pygmy Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Cedar Waxwing, Black-headed Grosbeak, Hooded Oriole, Purple Finch.
Tilden Regional Park
Alameda County
May 2, 2004
Leader(s): Lewis Cooper
# of participants: 12
# of species: 40
Three Wren species were singing (Bewick’s, House, Winter). Maybe the Winter Wren is nesting? We had vocal Black-headed Grosbeak, Wilson’s Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Lazuli Bunting, Yellow Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler and others. We encountered one black-tailed deer that was gasping/coughing, but it ran away and seemed to be O.K. Western Tanagers were present in the crowns of Eucalyptus but they were silent except for a few calls. We managed to get good views of them.
San Bruno Mountain
San Mateo County
May 1, 2004
Leader(s): Herb Brandt and Doug Allshouse
# of participants: 18
# of species: 51
We had a clear, warm morning which was just perfect for raptors: Turkey Vulture, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel. We also sighted California Quail, Band-tailed Pigeon, Northern Flicker, Cassin’s Vireo, Hutton’s Vireo, three species of Swallows, Pygmy Nuthatch, Bewick’s Wren, Winter Wren, Wrentit, six species of Warblers including Black-throated Gray Warbler.
Palm Springs, Morengo Valley, Joshua Tree National Park
April 29-May 1, 2004
Leader(s): Rusty Scalf
# of participants: 12
# of species: 70
We birded three scenic areas in southern California, and totalled 70 species of birds, ten species of lizards and two species of rattlesnakes. The most exciting bird of the trip was a soaring Zone-tailed Hawk (very rare in California) and the Bell’s Vireo (endangered species in California) was also special. Gambel’s Quail were seen with chicks; a Costa’s Hummingbird had a nest with young; a Ladder-backed Woodpecker was seen at a nest. We also saw nesting Vermillion Flycatchers, Ash-throated Flycatchers, Verdin and Cactus Wren. A Black-throated Sparrow was building a nest. We also got superb looks at Brown-crested Flycatcher, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Phainopepla, Yellow-breasted Chat, Western Tanager, Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Scott’s Oriole, Lesser Goldfinch, Lawrence’s Goldfinch.
Mitchell Canyon
Contra Costa County
April 25, 2004
Leader(s): Bruce Mast
# of participants: 15
# of species: 43
S
unday’s trip to Mitchell Canyon, on the north side of Mount Diablo, produced a satisfying mix of nesting residents, arriving migrants, flowers, and butterflies, all under warm sunny skies. Western Tanagers started the day off right, attracting admirers before we ever left the parking lot. Just a short way up the trail, we were treated to leisurely looks at a Western Screech Owl peering out of his hole in a creekside snag. The most surprising bird of the day was a Hammond’s Flycatcher giving its “chip-chewy” call and showing its long primary extensions. The most beautiful bird, at least in my book, was the cooperative male Hermit’s Warbler. We had a 3 vireo day: Warbling, Hutton’s, and Cassin’s, the latter heard only. Lazuli Buntings apparently arrived just the night before because I didn’t find any on a Saturday scouting trip. We got a couple fleeting looks at Accipiters powering through, including a possible Sharp-shinned Hawk. We also got clear views of 2 soaring Cooper’s Hawks. Ash-throated and Pacific-slope Flycatchers were reasonably common but we didn’t turn up any Olive-sided Flycatchers. Two California Quail coveys were remarkably tame. We didn’t see any quail chicks. We ended back at the parking lot with a perched Band-tailed Pigeon. We dipped on several species that had been present the day before: Townsend’s Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, and Golden-crowned Sparrow.
Pt. Reyes National Seashore
Marin County
April 25, 2004
Leader(s): Bob Power
# of participants: 17
# of species: 75
It was a warm, calm, sunny day. We saw 75 species, including Long-tailed Duck, Black Scoter, Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, Warbling Vireo, Wilson’s Warbler. A Red-shouldered Hawk nest had three hungry chicks.
Mines Road-Del Puerto Canyon
Alameda/Santa Clara/Stanislaus Counties
April 24, 2004
Leader(s): George Bing
# of participants: 18
# of species:70
It was a beautiful day. The collective (not seen by all) list was 70 species. We saw most of the target species, but no Roadrunners, Golden Eagles or Costa’s Humminbird. Two new species were Prairie Falcon and Downy Woodpecker. Other species seen includes Wood Duck, Wild Turkey, California Quail, Barn Owl (saw three!), Ash-throated Flycatcher, Cassin’s Kingbird, Western Kingbird, Horned Lark, Yellow-billed Magpie, California Thrasher, Phainopepla, Loggerhead Shrike, Tri-colored Blackbird, Lawrence’s Goldfinch.
Arrowhead Marsh
April 21, 2004
Leader(s): Courtenay Peddle
# of participants: 10
# of species: 59
Of particular note on a drizzly morning were a single Black Skimmer and, at noon, a Merlin that perched on a snag for us to enjoy. Many ducks were still around, including Ruddy Duck, Gadwall, Cinnamon Teal, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup. Semi-palmated Plover, Clapper Rail, Whimbrel, White-throated Swift.
Bay Trail/Richmond Service Trip
April 10, 2004
Leader(s): Jeffrey Black
# of participants: 4
# of species: 6
This was a service trip. We had a disappointing response and will re-schedule in the Autumn.
Bay Trail Bicycle Trip/Friday Afternoon Special
April 9, 2004
Leader(s): Jeffrey Black
# of participants: 4
# of species: 32
We got good looks at birds in breeding plumage: Ruddy Duck, Red Knot, Dunlin, Horned Grebe, American Avocet. A Common Loon was at the Richmond Marina. The Common Snipe were at the far end of the pond by the UC Richmond Field Station. Green-winged Teal, Long-billed Curlew, Caspian Tern were also seen.
Strybing Arboretum
April 4, 2004
Leader(s): Allan Ridley and Helen McKenna
# of participants: 30
# of species: 37
Daylight savings plus threat of rain kept the group to 30. Early highlight was 3 dozen Cedar Waxwings filling the treetops. Everyone got telescope views. Allen’s Hummingbird, Townsend’s Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Purple Finch, Lesser Goldfinch.
Tennessee Cove, Golden Gate National Recreation Area
April 4, 2004
Leader(s): Bob Hogan
# of participants: 10
# of species: 33
Wind was a factor in our observations (e.g., no Kestrel). Wild Turkey, California Quail, Virginia Rail, Allen’s Hummingbird, Northern Flicker, Bewick’s Wren.
Bike and Bird, Foster City and Redwood Shores
April 4, 2004
Leader(s): Kathy Jarrett
# of participants: 4
# of species: 58
Many birds were in breeding plumage: Black-bellied Plovers, Willets, Dowitchers and more. Ten species of ducks, White-tailed Kite, Elegant Tern, Forster’s Tern, Belted Kingfisher.
Briones Reservoir, Bear Creek Entrance
April 3, 2004
Leader(s): Travis Hails
# of participants: 18
# of species: 42
Wood Duck, Osprey, Allen’s Hummingbird, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Hutton’s Vireo, four species of Swallow (Tree, Northern Rough-winged, Cliff and Barn).
Presidio Bird Walk San Francisco
March 28, 2004
Leader(s): David Armstrong
# of participants: 20
# of species: not recorded
This trip goes through a variety of habitats in the Presidio, covering up to 6 miles on foot, with approximately 1000 feet of total elevation gain.
Coyote Hills
March 27, 2004
Leader(s): Anne Hoff
# of participants: 4
# of species: 52
We saw 52 species (and missed some common ones!). 8 species of ducks, Ring-necked Pheasant, California Quail, Common Moorhen, Great Horned Owl, Orange-crowned Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Bullock’s Oriole.
Arrowhead Marsh
March 21, 2004
Leader(s): Bruce Mast
# of participants:14
# of species: 63
The day was cloudy and cool; the tide was high. Over 25 species of ducks and shorebirds were seen including Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, Bufflehead, Clapper Rail, Black-bellied Plover. Also Caspian Tern, Northern Flicker, Violet-green Swallow, Barn Swallow and Cedar Waxwing.
San Francisco Bird Blitz
March 20, 2004
Leader(s): Alan Hopkins
# of participants: 12
# of species: 116
Starting at 7 a.m. at Aquatic Park, an enthusiastic dozen observers tallied 116 species, 2 more than last year. Highlights included Nuttall’s Woodpecker, a first of the year Pigeon Guillemot just off Alcatraz, Red-necked Grebe, Black Turnstone, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Red Crossbill, White-throated Sparrow, Sora, Hermit Warbler, Bullock’s Orioles, Bonaparte’s Gull, Eurasian Wigeon, Red-breasted Merganser and Blue-winged Teal.
Lassen County
March 13, 14, 2004
Leader(s): Dave Quady
# of participants: 19
# of species: 47
Nineteen participants enjoyed wonderful weather on our weekend trip. Early Sunday morning we were entertained by more than forty Greater Sage Grouse on their lek and a herd of pronghorns. Other highlights included eighteen species of waterfowl, Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, plus six other raptors, five species of woodpeckers.
Strybing Arboretum
March 7, 2004
Leader(s): Allan Ridley & Helen McKenna
# of participants: 65
# of species: 47
Hooded Merganser, Red-shouldered Hawk, California Quail, Pygmy Nuthatch, both races of Yellow-rumped Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, male Fox Sparrow singing.
Bay Trail Bike Trip Aquatic Park to Richmond Marina Bay
March 7, 2004
Leader(s): Kathy Jarrett
# of participants: 11
# of species: 66
The day began with Hooded Mergansers at the Berkeley Aquatic Park. Eastshore Park had a Northern Harrier at Berkeley meadow. Surf Scoters were on the bay at Golden Gate Fields. There was a great array of shorebirds at Albany bulb. Clark’s Grebe, Western Grebe, Green Heron, Green-winged Teal, Black Oystercatcher, Sanderling, Mew Gull, American Goldfinch, Lesser Goldfinch and Common Loon at Richmond old ferry.
Rush Creek
March 6, 2004
Leader(s): Bob Lewis
# of participants: 15
# of species: 42
Eared Grebe, ten Green-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, twenty Gadwall, Bufflehead, Greater yellowlegs, Tree Swallow, Western Bluebird. Hutton’s Vireo heard.
Alameda Creek, Coyote Hills, Quarry Lake Bicycle Trip
February 29, 2004
Leader(s): Kathy Jarrett
# of participants: 5
# of species: 61
Great Horned Owl nest and two Red-tailed Hawks making a nest. American White Pelican, White-tailed Kite, Belted Kingfisher, Tree Swallow, Cedar Waxwing.
Grizzly Island and Beyond
February 29, 2004
Leader(s): Robin Leong
# of participants: 21
# of species: 68
Nine species of ducks including Cinnamon Teal. Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle, American Kestrel, Merlin, Ring-necked Pheasant, Common Moorhen, Common Snipe, Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Burrowing Owl, Loggerhead Shrike, Common Yellowthroat.
Lake Chabot Park
February 28, 2004
Leader(s): Emily Serkin
# of participants: 10
# of species: 42
We had a good showing of raptors: Osprey, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk. also Allen’s Hummingbird, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Brown Creeper, Hutton’s Vireo.
Aquatic Park,Hyde Street Pier
February 15, 2004
Leader(s): Carol Kiser
# of participants: 2
# of species: 17
Red-breasted Merganser, Heerman’s Gull, Mew Gull, Ring-billed Gull.
Berkeley Aquatic Park, Albany Crescent
February 14, 2004
Leader(s): Rusty Scalf
# of participants: 19
# of species: 49
Mew Gull doing a Snowy Egret-like dance, moving its feet up and down quite rapidly, stirring up the mud and then quickly picking small prey from the stirred water. Male Red-breasted Merganser with large fish, Hooded Merganser pair.
Coyote Hills
February 8, 2004
Leader(s): Anne Hoff
# of participants: 13
# of species: 48
Cinnamon Teal, an excellent assortment of raptors: Turkey Vulture, White-tailed Kite, Northern Harrier, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin. California Quail, Virginia Rail, Common Moorhen, Great Horned Owl, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Say’s Phoebe, Hermit Thrush, Common Yellowthroat.
Las Gallinas Ponds
February 7, 2004
Leader(s): Hugh Cotter
# of participants: 6
# of species: 87
Green-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Eurasian Wigeon, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Duck, Common Goldeneye, great raptors including American Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine Falcon. Clapper Rail, Virginia Rail, Common Snipe, Bonaparte’s Gull, White-throated Swift, Hermit Thrush, American Pipit, Loggerhead Shrike, six species of sparrow.
Upper San Leandro Reservoir
February 1, 2004
Leader(s): Bob Lewis
# of participants: 15
# of species: 37
Ring-necked Duck, Red-shouldered Hawk, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Oak Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Bewick’s Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Wrentit, Loggerhead Shrike.
Hayward Regional Shoreline
February 1, 2004
Leader(s): Pamela Llewellyn
# of participants: 8
# of species: 62
Early breeding displays from Clark’s Grebes. White-fronted Goose, Ross’s Goose, many species of ducks including Bufflehead. Good showing of raptors including Osprey, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon. Excellent assortment of shorebirds. Say’s Phoebe, Hermit Thrush.
Cosumnes Preserve, Woodbridge Road, Staten Island
January 31, 2004
Leader(s): Rusty Scalf
# of participants: large!
# of species: 74
Three River Otters at Cosumnes; one caught a fish! American Bittern, Tundra Swan, Prairie Falcon, Ring-necked Pheasant, Sandhill Crane, Bonaparte’s Gull, Horned Lark, Vermillion Flycatcher.
San Leandro Marina to Hayward Shoreline Regional Park Bike Trip
January 25, 2004
Leader(s): Kathy Jarrett
# of participants: 9
# of species: 50
More yellowlegs than ever (Greater and lesser). Snow Goose, Surf Scoter, Northern Shoveler, Common Goldeneye, Lincoln’s Sparrow.
Bodega Bay
January 24, 2004
Leader(s): Bob Lewis
# of participants: 20
# of species: 71
Common Loon, Brandt’s Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, 300 Brant, Cinnamon Teal, Eurasian Wigeon, Ring-necked Duck, White-winged Scopter, Red-breasted Merganser, seven Black Oystercatchers, Ruddy Turnstone, twenty five Black Turnstones, Surfbird, Red Knot.
Candlestick Point
January 11, 2004
Leader(s): David Armstrong
# of participants: 12
# of species: 22
Red-breasted Merganser, Common Goldeneye, Black Oystercatcher, fifty Dunlin, Whimbrel, Spotted Sandpiper, Black-bellied Plover, Say’s Phoebe, Lincoln’s Sparrow.
Las Gallinas Sewer Ponds
January 11, 2004
Leader(s):Mark Eaton
# of participants: 12
# of species: 73
American White Pelican; an excellent assortment of ducks including Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, American Wigeon, Hooded Merganser. Sharp-shinned Hawk, Black-bellied Plover, Whimbrel, Common Snipe, Bonaparte’s Gull, Mew Gull, Say’s Phoebe, Loggerhead Shrike, Tri-colored Blackbird.
Birding and Biking the Bay Trail: Albany to Richmond
January 10, 2004
Leader(s): Jeffrey Black
# of participants: 15
# of species: 49
Four species of Grebe: Pied-billed, Horned, Eared and Western. A fine assortment of ducks and shorebirds including Black-bellied Plover, Black Turnstone, Common Snipe.
Strybing Arboretum
January 4, 2004
Leader(s): Allan Ridley, Helen McKenna and Leslie Sternbridge
# of participants: 40
# of species: 39
A White-throated Sparrow clearly displayed. Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Mew Gull, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Pygmy Nuthatch, Winter Wren, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin.