Debi Shearwater's Journeys

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING:GLAUCOUS GULL, JANUARY 14, 2012

2012-01-16T21:09:00.000-08:00

Howdy, Birders,

I've been lagging with my San Benito County birding recently, working on other projects. However, last Saturday, I buzzed out for an hour. Found this first cycle (SY) GLAUCOUS GULL amongst a flock of 500+ gulls. This is a rare gull in San Benito County. As far as I know, it is the fourth county record, and the first photographed record. The last reported record was 6 January 1999 at San Felipe Lake by John Sterling and John Luther. Amazingly, I received a report from Peter Colasanti that he found a first year GLAUCOUS GULL at San Felipe Lake on 15 January. Perhaps, it is this individual, or not. The flock that I saw also had at least on THAYER'S GULL and one GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL. Best place to try to find the Glaucous Gull is San Felipe Lake which is on the north end of the county. Birding here, is extremely difficult and dangerous. The only reasonable place to stop is at the highway call box, and I only recommend it from the eastbound direction, otherwise it is necessary to cross traffic. Be aware: many fatal car accidents have occurred near this location. There is a pair of BALD EAGLES nesting here, just over the county line. The nest is in Santa Clara County. I would greatly appreciate any reports of the eagles or gulls.

And, for those of you who are gull lovers, if you have an opinion on the species, below, facing away from the photographer, ring out!

The GLAUCOUS GULL was a new county bird for me!

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

20th ANNUAL MASS AUDUBON BIRDERS MEETING: FEATURED SPEAKER-DEBI SHEARWATER

2012-01-07T12:29:00.000-08:00

Howdy, Birders,

If you should find yourself near Boston, Massachusetts about March 3rd, please stop by and see me at the 20th Mass Aububon Birders Meeting! I will be speaking along with a host of many other top birders, researchers and local folks. My talk will be, "35 Years of California Seabirding." Registration is open at this time.

Hope to see many of my East Coast friends!

Debi Shearwater

News
The latest news from Mass Audubon.

Published: December 22, 2011

20th Annual Mass Audubon Birders Meeting

Saturday, March 3, 2012
The LaCava Center
Bentley University
Waltham, MA

Registration fee (which includes lunch):
$55 Mass Audubon members
($63 after Feb. 20)
$62 non-members
($70 after Feb. 20)
Walk-in registration available

If you enjoy birds and birding, The Birders Meeting is an event not to be missed! It offers something for everyone:

Updates on changes in local bird populations
Vendors galore
Tempting raffle prizes

Schedule

Abstracts and Speaker Bios

This year's speakers include:

Dr. Steven Kress, known for his efforts to re-establish Atlantic Puffins to the Gulf of Maine
Debi Shearwater, founder of the well-known Shearwater Journeys, Inc. tour company
Dr. David Wiley, scientist at Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary and highly acclaimed for his underwater studies of humpback whale foraging behavior
Shawn Carey and Jim Grady of Migration Productions, professional nature photographers and videographers who present stunning slideshows and videos.
Anne-Marie Runfola, Volunteer Coordinator for NOAA/Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, who developed the very successful Stellwagen Sanctuary Seabird Stewards volunteer program.
Dr. Julie C. Ellis, professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, Executive Director of the Seabird Ecological Assessment Network, and an expert on seabirds and their communities.
Brian Harrington, shorebird biologist at the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences who is helping "Untie the Red Knot" and more.
Joan Walsh, Director of Bird Monitoring at Mass Audubon, Coordinator of the Massachusetts Breeding Bird Atlas 2, has been key to the creation of Mass Audubon's State of the Birds.

Check back after January 1 for the complete schedule and to register online.

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: PINNACLES CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

2012-01-02T20:48:00.000-08:00

When dawn breaks as it did this morning, below—

Can the day be anything but spectacular?

So, it was for me, birding in San Benito County on the Pinnacles Christmas Bird Count. Today, January 2, 2012 was one of the most singular outstanding birding days of my life. Stay tuned for the details, because for now, I'm getting ready to do the Panoche Valley Christmas Bird Count, tomorrow.

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: SANTA ANA VALLEY ROAD

2011-12-31T22:20:00.001-08:00

Howdy, Birders,

In San Benito County, today, I made a short spin around Santa Ana Valley Road. The EASTERN PHOEBE continues in the same location as previously described.
Today, the phoebe was foraging right along the road, even on the ground of the road shoulder. It was making a call note. Both BLACK and SAY'S PHOEBES were also in the area.

A flock of 30+ AMERICAN PIPITS were also feeding on the shoulder of the road. Guess there was something good to eat there.

The usual raptors were in the area, including this female AMERICAN KESTREL, below. One immature BALD EAGLE was soaring overhead.
LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES were out. It was a beautiful, warm sunny day.

I'll end the year with my favorite buteo, FERRUGINOUS HAWK, below.

Wishing you Happy Trails filled with lots of birds for 2012!

Hope to see you out there,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito Birding

All images copyright, Debi Shearwater.

Please ask for permission to use.

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: HOLLISTER NAPA SHARP-SHINNED HAWK

2011-12-27T20:52:00.000-08:00

Howdy, Birders,

You know sometimes the birds are wherever you find them! Yesterday, I was driving through downtown Hollister, when I saw this SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (Accipiter striatius) sitting on a street lamp along a side street. Hung a fast right turn around the block, parked and jumped out with my camera.
Crossed the street to get the sun behind me. Meanwhile, cars were zipping by, ump-pah or salsa music blaring in the streets. It seemed to me that the sharpie was unfazed by all of this, although it was paying attention.
However, I've been noticing how much raptors really dislike having a human being looking directly at them. Eye to eye contact is not something they seem to care for.
It wasn't until I got home and downloaded my images that I discovered that this little sweetie was not a happy camper! As one of my friends pointed out, "It looks like there's some foot stomping going on there!"
Arthur C. Bent's "Life Histories of North American Birds of Prey" describes this bird as thus: "This bold and dashing little hawk, the terror of all small birds and the audacious murderer of young chickens, is widely distributed in North America. It has been well called a bushwacker from its habit of beating stealthily about the shrubbery to the fatal surprise of many a little songster."
Well, that's a fairly fierce look in the eyeball of this little gem! The location is shown in the image, below, quite near the NAPA auto parts store at East and Fourth Streets in Hollister. It seems that birds are often quite habitual, especially raptors. So, if you find yourself in Hollister, drive by or stop at the NAPA store.

This was to be just the beginning of an outrageous day for birds of prey. Stay tuned.

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito Birding

All images copyright, Debi Shearwater.

Please ask permission to use.

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: CHRISTMAS PLOVERS

2011-12-26T20:03:00.000-08:00

Howdy, Birders,

Wandering around San Benito County after a late start on a beautiful Christmas Day and late into the evening, I had some great birding. The singular highlight was eight "Christmas" MOUNTAIN PLOVERS at Panoche Valley! A YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (rare in San Benito County) and a stunningly sublime sunset, below, capped the day, while GIANT KANGAROO RATS and a variety of owls filled the night. All images, copyright, Debi Shearwater. Please ask permission to use.

Grabbed some hot chai at Starbucks and headed to Paicines Reservoir. Highlights at this stop included: adult male and female BALD EAGLES sitting in the oak grove; 5 WHITE PELICANS which headed off to the north; a SPOTTED SANDPIPER; 11 HOODED MERGANSERS; 65 COMMON MERGANSERS and a soaring GOLDEN EAGLE. But, the best thing for me was meeting a photographer named John from Daly City. I was having troubles with my camera. It's not the camera, but rather the operator! Many thanks to John for helping me out. I gave him some ideas for where to photograph the raptors on Santa Ana Valley Road. But, for no real reason, I headed out to Panoche Valley, on J1, Panoche Valley Road. Of course, right away, I saw 3 more GOLDEN EAGLES! I stopped, briefly along the oak woodlands of this road where I found a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK and this NUTALL'S WOODPECKER, below.

A HY male YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was a nice surprise. I had seen this individual a couple weeks ago, but had much better views this time around. Still, the bird was in constant motion, flying from tree to tree.
Quite a few sparrows along the road, mostly flocks of WHITE-CROWNS and LARK SPARROWS, along with DARK-EYED JUNCOS, below.
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH is one of the typical species of this habitat, below.
At the pond at Summit Ranch, five HOODED MERGANSERS were sitting on one of the duck houses! BTW, the "white-fronted geese" at this location are not wild geese, but barnyard geese. Eight AMERICAN COOTS were on the pond. Panoche Valley Christmas Bird Count may get a record high count of coots this year.
Just beyond the pond, at mile marker 20.85, I saw the male PHAINOPEPLA, which I had previously reported. If you are looking for this bird, just pull well off the road, and wait. He is likely to be there all winter, guarding a large mistletoe stash.
When the road flattens out, you'll begin to enter the valley floor. Here, I found a GREATER ROADRUNNER, a PRAIRIE FALCON and another PHAINOPEPLA, above. This bird was about a quarter mile off the road. So, it is a very long distance shot. The silhouette is distinctive, though.

Very large flocks of SAVANNAH SPARROWS, below, line the fences of the valley floor. I headed for Shotgun Pass, turning left on Little Panoche Road.

Another PRAIRIE FALCON flew over the pass, while a BURROWING OWL was standing tall. I didn't stop to photograph it because I was heading for Panoche Hills.
Huge sparrow flocks flew up along the roads in the BLM lands. I saw a few SAGE SPARROWS, and the ROCK WREN, below.
Many of the southeast facing hills have large stands of Spanish Dagger, a plant that Costa's Hummingbirds favor. Amazingly, I found no Mountain Bluebirds in the BLM lands.
Returning to Little Panoche Road and heading back to the intersection of Panoche Road, I noticed a BARN OWL stuffed inside of a hole in the hillside— just a portion of the face looking out at me. Passed up two more BURROWING OWLS. Now, I decided to focus on finding more Burrowing Owls, checking old known spots.
On Panoche Road, most birders are familiar with the School. It is the only school in the valley. I took a left at the school on a dirt road. This is Norton Road, but the street sign no longer exists. It is an eBird Birding Hotspot. As the reader can see in the above image, there is a cow-paddy laden, dirt area, bordered by grasses. It was here that I had hoped to find a Burrowing Owl. Instead I saw these sweet little brown, Christmas plovers! There is a MOUNTAIN PLOVER in the image above, but it is more easily seen in the image below. The corral area where the plovers were is located exactly .5 miles from the intersection at the school.
MOUNTAIN PLOVERS are one of the most prized birds of Panoche Valley. Although I've made many trips to the valley this year, this is the first group that I've encountered. I counted them at least half a dozen times, one by one. Only eight plovers! If you report bird sighting on eBird, and I hope you do, please count plovers, one by one, rather than estimating. It is not that difficult. Also, if you have a scope, check for leg bands. I did not find any.
One of the unique things about this location is that the area that the plovers are using is very, very small. This often means that the plovers very close to the road. For photographers this presents an extremely rare opportunity! It was nearly dark when I was there, from 4:45 to 5 pm. The sun was behind me. So, afternoon light will be best, but don't wait this late in the day.
I implore birders and photographers to please, please be respectful of these birds and private property. Please do not slam your car door and keep voices down. We'd like to keep these little gems around for all to enjoy! Below, you will see a more general image of the area.
Looking toward the end of Norton Road, below, you'll see this rather frightening homestead. Signs all around state that "Trespassers Will BE SHOT." Take heed. Do NOT under any circumstances cross any fences or gates.
This corral, below, is directly across from the area where the Mountain Plovers were foraging. A flock of about 225 HORNED LARKS joined the plovers, but flew off at sunset.
I did not see any Burrowing Owls at the corral, but did see a dark morph FERRUGINOUS HAWK near the school when I left the area. Continuing on Panoche Road, I bee-lined to Silver Creek, hoping to find plovers there, too. No luck. I did see on BURROWING OWL in this area, though.
The sunset was quite spectacular this evening. I shot many images, but the one below, over Kim's house is one of my favorites. I saw three GIANT KANGAROO RATS before leaving the Silver Creek area. It was solidly dark on my fairly uneventful drive back to Hollister. However, I did manage one GREAT-HORNED OWL at Paicines Reservoir; 2 BARN OWLS on Quien Sabe Road (lower area); one BARN OWL and one GREAT-HORNED OWL on John Smith Road.

Just loved those "Christmas Plovers!"

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

SAN BENITO COUNTY: RAPTORS, DAY & NIGHT, RAPTOR RODEO

2011-12-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

Howdy, Birders,

San Benito County was a great place to see the TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE this morning from 0500 to sunrise. Several years ago, the county enacted an ordinance which protects the night skies from light pollution. It was easy to find a dark place to watch the eclipse. It will probably come as no surprise to those who read this blog, that I choose Santa Ana Valley Road. Below, is my image of the eclipse. All images in this blog, copyright, Debi Shearwater. Please do not use without permission. The Raptor Rodeo continues!

Morning owls on Santa Ana Valley Road included two BARN OWLS. On John Smith Road, a male and female GREAT-HORNED OWL pair were dueting. It was easy to see both of them. Arriving at Paicines Reservoir well after sunrise, I was surprised to see a caramel-colored BARN OWL actively feeding. It landed just outside of my car window while I was reading the newspaper!
This Barn Owl perched on the fence along the east side of the dike at the reservoir. Other birds present included well over 300 COMMON MERGANSERS, 13 HOODED MERGANSERS and 4 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS.
A few days ago, I shot the long distance image of an adult BALD EAGLE, feeding on a kill at the edge of the reservoir. This eagle spent a good 40 minutes consuming its' prey.

On Quien Sabe Road, near Tres Pinos, I spotted the first GOLDEN EAGLE of the day, perched high on a lookout at the top of one of the grassy ridges. What a view it must have from up there!

This BURROWING OWL was one that I found in the morning. A late evening drive produced at least two Burrowing Owls on Quien Sabe Road between Highway 25 and the intersection of Santa Ana Valley Road.
Hanging a left on Santa Ana Valley Road, I spotted the first of at least 3 FERRUGINOUS HAWKS, below, and another BURROWING OWL. Later, on my evening drive, I saw 7 immature GOLDEN EAGLES harassing a 2nd year BALD EAGLE!

Let's not forget the AMERICAN KESTRELS! Below is a female who had just consumed a rodent.

I've never seen so many ground squirrel holes as I have this winter. Below, upper left, an immature GOLDEN EAGLE is about to land on the ground. There are at least 28 ground squirrel holes in this image. These eagles, along with the Ferruginous Hawks, stand on the ground, waiting for a squirrel to show its' head. Then, it's curtains for the squirrel, I'm afraid!

Below, a GOLDEN EAGLE soars over the grasslands, the fastest disappearing habitat in California.

It is easy to see why the GOLDEN EAGLE is my most favorite bird in the whole world. I photographed this adult, below, early today. Many Golden Eagles nest in San Benito County and can be found year-round, usually quite abundant— lately extremely abundant— and, perhaps the largest concentration in North America is at Santa Ana Valley, right now.

The image below, sure does make one wonder about those power lines. Eagles are sometimes electrocuted by these wires. Just look at the power in that lift off!

On this evening's drive, I spotted a flock of 60 LONG-BILLED CURLEWS. But, the big surprise was a PEREGRINE FALCON at 1709 hrs near mailbox #801 sitting on a telephone pole, near the 1 mile marker on Santa Ana Valley Road. This particular Peregrine Falcon, above, was photographed at the Hollister Sewer Ponds on December 3, 2011 by me.

The evening raptor rodeo was topped off by the sighting of a male and female BALD EAGLE, sitting near their newly rebuilt nest. Although it does not look as though the pair that nested at San Felipe Lake is going to nest again this year, that is not the case with this other pair, elsewhere in San Benito County. It is only a matter of time before the eggs roll out for this pair! Stay tuned for the nesting Bald Eagle updates!

Happy Trails & Enjoy the Raptor Rodeo!

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

PS. Thanks to Robert Trenton Reed

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: EASTERN PHOEBE RETURNS DECEMBER 10, 2011

2011-12-10T20:54:00.000-08:00

Howdy, Birders,

The EASTERN PHOEBE which was present most of this past winter, has returned to the same location at Santa Ana Valley Road, San Benito County. Birding Santa Ana Valley so often for raptors over the past weeks, I've made it a habit to swing by the spot where I last saw the Eastern Phoebe on March 23, 2011.

At 1015 hrs today, there it was, flycatching from the lower limbs of this deciduous tree!

While I was there the Eastern Phoebe was hawking insects in the ditch and disked fields near mailbox numbers 3080 and 3065 on the side of the road opposite the houses. Both Black and Say's Phoebes were also in the neighborhood. Please pull completely off the road and respect private property. There is plenty of space along the roadside for parking.

On my way home, I first spotted this male PHAINOPEPLA on Sunset Street, only a few blocks from my house in Hollister. This was at 1050 hrs. It was mainly working a substantial group of trees loaded with mistletoe on Junniper and Iris Streets and Oak and Iris Streets, all in Hollister, relatively near Hazel Hawkins Hospital.

All images copyright, Debi Shearwater.

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

WHY CAN'T I FIND A CHUKAR?

2011-11-26T22:26:00.000-08:00

Howdy, Birders,

Many birders ask me how to find a CHUKAR. Or, more precisely, "Why can't I find a Chukar?" The best place to look for Chukar in San Benito County is Shotgun Pass on Little Panoche Road in Panoche Valley.

The method that I use is to drive very slowly through the winding road, but be extremely careful to watch and listen for traffic! At the same time, watch for movement on the grassy slopes. I have found that using the car as a blind works better than walking through the pass. It will help if you have one or two other birders in your car, so that at least one person can pay attention to the traffic. Sometimes, Chukars are simply sitting on top of the rocks. Sometimes, I find them by hearing their chucking sounds before seeing them! They are speedy! Those feet are on the move in the image, below!

Chukars are introduced in the United States from Pakistan. The Chukars at Shotgun Pass breed in this area, making them "countable" for one's bird list. I have seen young Chukars in this pass. They are hunted as a game species at the Panoche Hills and Griswold Hills BLM areas at this time of year. Chukars can also be found in those areas, but are more difficult to see than at Shotgun Pass. Timing can be everything— on Thanksgiving Day, my car was the first car through the pass. We saw two ROCK WRENS, driving very slowly. In the process of slowing for the wrens, we did not know that we had very likely alerted Chukars that were out of our sight. The alarmed Chukars ran right into view for the second car! So, it takes a bit of luck with timing.

Remarkably, Chukars can be greatly camouflaged. There is a Chukar in the image above! All images copyright, Sophie Webb. With a little bit of luck, you'll find a "chuk."

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

THANKSGIVING: SEVEN WILD WOMEN GO BIRDING

2011-11-26T20:43:00.000-08:00

THANKSGIVING DAY

NOVEMBER 24, 2011

From Santa Ana Valley to Panoche Valley, a party of Seven Wild Women enjoyed a fabulous day of food, birding and fellowship. Above image, copyright Jennifer Green, Panoche Valley.
The Rhapsody of Raptors continues at Santa Ana Valley. Above, "Chocolate & Vanilla", dark and light morph FERRUGINOUS HAWKS on Santa Ana Valley Road, San Benito County. For the day, we would find 7 Ferruginous Hawks, 3 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 4 WHITE-TAILED KITES and 1 BURROWING OWL. Images above and below copyright, Sophie Webb. Below, a RED-TAILED HAWK takes flight from a gnarly perch. We observed most of the usual grassland species of birds, including many LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES, 5 GOLDEN EAGLES, AMERICAN KESTRELS. Stopping at the Summit Ranch Pond, we found 2 HOODED MERGANSERS.
Upon entering the floor of Panoche Valley, we found 43 LONG-BILLED CURLEWS.

Images, above and below, copyright, Sophie Webb.

SAY'S PHOEBE, below (Sophie Webb), LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES, 2 ROCK WRENS, mixed flocks of WHITE-CROWNED and LARK SPARROWS were peppered throughout the day.

Another dark morph FERRUGINOUS HAWK (Sophie Webb) in Panoche Valley.

Hundreds of MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS were scattered throughout the valley floor, from McCullough Ranch out to Silver Creek Ranch, Jackass Pass, Shotgun Pass and up to Panoche Hills BLM area. A male Mountain Bluebird, below by Sophie Webb.
Mixed flocks of HOUSE FINCHES and MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS lined the fences, everywhere we looked! (Sophie Webb).
By the day's end, we would tally an astounding 8 PRAIRIE FALCONS, from Santa Ana Valley to Panoche Valley, including one at Paicines Reservoir.

This Prairie Falcon, above and below (Sophie Webb) was at Panoche Valley.

Amongst the many SAVANNAH SPARROWS (below, Sophie Webb) popping up on the fences, we were able to pick out 3 VESPER SPARROWS.

SAVANNAH SPARROW above and PRAIRIE FALCON below, copyright Lisa Hug.
En route to the Panoche Hills we passed through Shotgun Pass on Little Panoche Road. Two GREATER ROADRUNNERS, two ROCK WRENS and 20 CHUKARS were in the pass proper. One NORTHERN HARRIER was cruising the other side of the pass. The view from Panoche Hills BLM area, below. (Debi Shearwater). Two SAGE SPARROWS were the highlight in these sparsely vegetated hills.

Six of the THANKSGIVING WILD WOMEN!

We ended our day with a scrumptious dinner at the Tres Pinos Inn, the perfect place!

The day after Thanksgiving, I was out there, again! Just can't stay away from Santa Ana Valley. I ran into many other birders and photographers watching the raptors. Above, a local family out for an after dinner stroll. I was delighted to meet them!

A female PRAIRIE "richardsonii" MERLIN hunting the fields at Santa Ana Valley Road. Last two images, copyright, Siobhan Ruck.

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

IMAGES of the DAY by SOPHIE WEBB: NOVEMBER 22, 2011 HALF MOON BAY

2011-11-26T14:12:00.000-08:00

Howdy, Birders,

Below, please find artist/biologist Sophie Webb's fantastic images of seabirds which she shot on Shearwater Journeys' November 22, 2011 pelagic trip departing from Half Moon Bay. All images copyright, Sophie Webb. Please do not use without permission. Enjoy!

Shearwaters forever,

Debi Shearwater

Shearwater Journeys

IMAGES of the DAY by ABE BORKER: NOVEMBER 22, 2011 HALF MOON BAY

2011-11-26T12:25:00.000-08:00

Howdy, Birders,

Below, please find a sequence of superb images by Shearwater Journeys' leader, Abe Borker which he shot on the November 22, 2011 pelagic trip departing from Half Moon Bay. All images copyright, Abe Borker. Please do not use without permission. Enjoy! Hope to see you in 2012! — Debi Shearwater

TRIP REPORT: NOVEMBER 22, 2011 HALF MOON BAY

2011-11-26T11:57:00.000-08:00

Howdy, Birders,

Shearwater Journeys' last pelagic trip of the fall season took place on November 22, 2011, departing from Half Moon Bay. Swell was from the northwest at 2 to 4 feet while winds were from the southwest. We barely snuck this trip in between storms bookending the day, although our day at sea was quite doable. Highlights were arriving winter seabirds, including flocks of ANCIENT MURRELETS, one BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE, several SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATERS and in the nearshore, huge flocks of migrating PACIFIC and RED-THROATED LOONS. We observed six species of alcids and nine species of gulls. We headed out to the weather buoy and the 200 fathom line beyond that. Remarkably, no albatrosses at all were observed. (This is the time when adults are returning to their breeding islands).

BROWN PELICAN by Debi Shearwater

Many thanks to all of the birders who came from near and far our last, sold out, fall pelagic trip. Several birders reported "life birds," including as many as five new ticks for one person! The leaders on this day included: Jon Dunn, Peter Pyle, Matt Brady, Tristan McKee, Abe Borker and Debi Shearwater.

The complete species list follows, with totals given. We spent a brief time in San Francisco County. Most birds were in San Mateo County.

NOVEMBER 22, 2011 HALF MOON BAY

RED-THROATED LOON- 430

PACIFIC LOON- 355

COMMON LOON- 25

HORNED GREBE- 15

EARED GREBE- 20

WESTERN GREBE- 150

CLARK'S GREBE- 20

NORTHERN FULMAR- 65

PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER- 45

SOOTY SHEARWATER- 165

SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER- 6

BROWN PELICAN- 375

BRANDT'S CORMORANT- 40

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT- 100

PELAGIC CORMORANT- 15

SURF SCOTER- 100

WHITE-WINGED SCOTER- 4

BLACK OYSTERCATCHER- 2

WHIMBREL- 2

MARBLED GODWIT- 15

BLACK TURNSTONE- 8

WILLET- 35

RED PHALAROPE- 42

BONAPARTE'S GULL- 5

HEERMANN'S GULL- 75

MEW GULL- 20

CALIFORNIA GULL- 120

HERRING GULL- 60

THAYER'S GULL- 5

WESTERN GULL- 250

GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL- 45

WESTERN/GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL- 15

BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE- 1

COMMON MURRE- 500

PIGEON GUILLEMOT- 1

MARBLED MURRELET- 4

ANCIENT MURRELET- 30

CASSIN'S AUKLET- 350

RHINOCEROS AUKLET- 250

CALIFORNIA SEA LION- 60

STELLER'S SEA LION- 1

HARBOR SEAL- 1

HUMPBACK WHALE- 2

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHINS- 12

HARBOR PORPOISE- 8

More and more photographers are enjoying our trips. We make every effort possible for folks on board to obtain images. Below, are a few of the photographers who joined this trip.

Stay tuned for our full 2012 schedule!

Shearwaters forever,

Debi Shearwater

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: HOLLISTER SEWER PONDS: NOVEMBER 14, 2011

2011-11-14T20:44:00.000-08:00

Howdy, Birders,

The first bird that I noticed as I was checking in at the office of the Hollister Sewer Ponds, was a beautiful adult PEREGRINE FALCON! This might account for the fact that I found very few shorebirds— not even a single Killdeer! On the far side of the ponds, a nutty Mourning Dove nearly flew into a MERLIN that was sitting on the fence. I swear I heard its wings graze the Merlin. No photographs today, as my camera is busted. No worries, though, as I ordered a new one today. Should have it by Thursday or Friday. Raptors rage on!

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: RAPTOR SHOW: IT'S 24/7

2011-11-13T21:13:00.001-08:00

Howdy, Birders,

Out for a beautiful evening drive to see the raptors on Santa Ana Valley and John Smith Roads, with a short jog on Quien Sabe Road. Highlights included both adult and immature BALD EAGLES; seven FERRUGINOUS HAWKS; five GOLDEN EAGLES; one WHITE-TAILED KITE; one NORTHERN HARRIER, along with an assortment of RED-TAILED HAWKS and AMERICAN KESTRELS, and a few LOGGER HEAD SHRIKES, as below. I missed Prairie Falcon, maybe because I was out much later in the day. Ran into another birder from Monterey who said that he had seen one.

Several Burrowing Owls have been reported to me. I looked for the one reported near mile post 3 on Quien Sabe Road, but did not find it. However, I found one BURROWING OWL on Santa Ana Valley Road, at a location where I have not previously seen one. Decided to try John Smith Road, as one was recently reported there. No luck. However, a GREAT-HORNED OWL was near a ranch house. Then, a SHORT-EARED OWL flew from one side of the road to the other. I stopped and squeaked like a mouse, and a BARN OWL flew in!

So, it is a feast out there, 24/7. If you are around in the evening, it might be worth hanging out to see what happens. You might even encounter a magic sunset, such as this evening, below.

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: PANOCHE VALLEY NOVEMBER 10, 2011

2011-11-11T19:38:00.000-08:00

Howdy, Birders,

Along with my friends, Bob & Bernadette Ramer, we headed out for some San Benito County birding, ultimately ending the day in Panoche Valley. The weather could not have been better— dreary clouds cleared and the sun broke out. It was beautiful and balmy, with not a breath of wind. Below, are the highlights of our day.

While tanking up at Starbucks, we saw 13 commuter CALIFORNIA GULLS flying over the parking lot and heading for the dump. On John Smith Road 6 BUFFLEHEADS were on the pond at the entrance to Guerra Vineyard; a FERRUGINOUS HAWK was in the plowed field along with 2 GOLDEN EAGLES and 25 AMERICAN PIPITS.

At the intersection of Santa Ana Valley Road, the raptor happening hot spot, we saw 10 FERRUGINOUS HAWKS, 3 GOLDEN EAGLES and a married pair of BALD EAGLES. This morning, he was hunting, while she relaxed in one of the leafless trees. Watch the RAVENS, as they are following the raptors, trying to steal food from them. (Hey, JAEGER RAVENS!)

On lower QUIEN SABE ROAD, we saw a NORTHERN HARRIER, 7 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 2 WHITE-TAILED KITES and 1 YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE, along with the usual suspects.

A stop at Paicines Reservoir found most of the recently reported species, best of which included: 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 2 WHITE PELICANS, 25 COMMON MERGANSERS, 2 WESTERN GREBES, 1 COOPER'S HAWK, 7 CANVASBACKS, 2 GADWALL, 4 AMERICAN WIGEON, 2 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 18 WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and 3 AMERICAN PIPITS.

Along Panoche Road, we saw most of the blue oak woodland species, but also a male PRAIRIE FALCON in the first couple of miles. Another PRAIRIE FALCON, female, was near McCullough Ranch. Continuing along this road to the Silver Creek Ranch area, highlights included a GOLDEN EAGLE sitting on a telephone pole; 71 MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, 5 ROCK WRENS and one FERRUGINOUS HAWK.

Below, is a view of Panoche Creek on Panoche Road. We crossed the creek. If it rains a lot, this creek and the dirt road might become impassible. Take care. We heard a MARSH WREN here. A few days ago, I heard a VIRGINIA RAIL, as well.

Along this road, we found a BURROWING OWL, another PRAIRIE FALCON, 38 MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, one MERLIN, see below.

MERLIN, above, by Debi Shearwater. We found this particular merlin on the valley floor. He was particularly confiding, although I was shooting straight into the sun, unfortunately. Near the Douglas Ranch, were 750 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS.

Zipped through Shotgun Pass on Little Panoche Road, heading for the Panoche Hills BLM lands. It was getting late in the day. Nevertheless, I was determined that we would find a sage sparrow. Flushed lots of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS. Sighted a GREATER ROADRUNNER hoofing it along a ridge top. Finally, a SAGE SPARROW! Great views. On our return to the main road, we found a CHIPPING SPARROW, as well. Success! Although, if you are searching for sage sparrows, I'd recommend visiting this site in the early morning, rather than late in the day, as we did.

The sun had set by the time we wound our way through Shotgun Pass a second time. Near the intersection of Panoche and Little Panoche Roads, I noticed a small, brown pile on the road. Backed up the car— it was a fresh, road killed COMMON POORWILL, unfortunately. I retrieved the bird for a special class that will be taught at UCSC this weekend on preserving birds.

I'll likely head out to Panoche Valley this weekend. Stop and chat, if you see me. License plate: IOLAIR, blue Subaru Outback, for driving the outback, naturally.

Above, the merlin's domain.

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: RAPTORS WATCHING RAPTORS

2011-11-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

Raptors are watching raptors! If you've been out to Santa Ana Valley Road in San Benito County to see the feeding raptors, you probably noticed that bulging area below the throat, near the upper neck. Well, that's a bird with a full crop, meaning that it just had a nice, big, tasty meal! Birds of prey also notice that! When a raptor sees another bird with a full crop it indicates that food is nearby. So, raptors have put the word out — there's LOTS of food to be had on Santa Ana Valley Road!

Increasing numbers of eagles, in particular have discovered the hunting fields. The field next door to the main hunting field has now been disked, creating double the amount of food.

Above, is the tractor which was disking, yesterday evening.

Close up of the tractor.

The folks in the image above pulled up while I was watching nine GOLDEN EAGLES and six FERRUGINOUS HAWKS actively feeding and hunting in the fields. The GOLDEN EAGLES were particularly defensive of their prey, often mantling the kill when another eagle showed up. A known pair of BALD EAGLES flew in and joined the hunt. Just down the road, a PRAIRIE FALCON was sitting on a telephone pole. The morning does not seem to be a great time for photography. Afternoon is better. However, I think it will be much better once we get a warm day with some thermals which will put the birds up in the sky. In any case, bring long lenses and spotting scopes. I ran into some 22 birders today, and missed some. Abe Borker was leading a group from UCSC.

At PAICINES RESERVOIR the highlights were: 16 WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 10 BUFFLEHEADS, 38 CANVASBACKS, 2 COOPER'S HAWKS and another adult BALD EAGLE.

I birded along PANOCHE ROAD, mostly looking for sapsuckers. I found 4 RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS. I'm looking for the other sapsuckers, though. I also found 4 BARN OWLS in two different roosts. I saw all of the usual birds along the drive to the valley. Looked hard for Lewis's Woodpecker, but found none. Just as one enters the valley floor, but before reaching the Panoche Inn, I found 24 LONG-BILLED CURLEWS, below.

Spotted another PRAIRIE FALCON and an adult GOLDEN EAGLE was sitting on a telephone pole. Birding out to SILVER CREEK RANCH area, I saw lots and lots of MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS. You just cannot miss them, although photographing them is tough. Near PANOCHE CREEK, a GREATER ROADRUNNER was spotted by some folks I met. No Mountain Plovers— yet. I kept searching for woodpeckers on the return drive to Hollister. Instead, I spotted a male PHAINOPEPLA fiercely guarding a major supply of mistletoe berries. He was at Mile Post Marke #20.85. I suspect that he will stay there for the winter. Listen for his soft whistle, as he spends most of the time inside of the giant mistletoe balls.
Those are the highlights. The raptor show continues. Sunset at Santa Ana Valley, last night, above. Enjoy the show!

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

IMAGES of the DAY by TODD MCGRATH: OCTOBER 29, 2011 BODEGA BAY

2011-11-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

Leader, Todd McGrath's stunning images of the Shearwater Journeys' October 29 2011 pelagic trip departing from Bodega Bay are below. All images copyright, Todd McGrath. Please do not use without permission. Enjoy! Read the full trip report here.

Bodega Rock, above, is usually covered with CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS.

A Gull, obviously, of undetermined species— possibly a HERRING X GLAUCOUS.

Bodega Headlands, often a spot to check the day prior to the pelagic trip.

WILLET, above. On the long ride into the harbor, the tide was as low as I have ever seen it, exposing large bodies of mudflats, covered with thousands of shorebirds.

A HABOR SEAL, on the exposing mud flats, inside of the harbor.

COMMON MURRE, above.

LAYSAN ALBATROSS, incoming!

RHINOCEROS AUKLET, above.

FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER, a Life Bird for some folks on board. Flesh-footed Shearwaters were found on every Shearwater Journeys' October boat trips, 2011.

BULLER'S SHEARWATER, above. Getting late for this species.

BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS. We were surprised that we did not see very many.

NORTHERN FULMAR, above. Numbers of fulmars should build throughout the winter months.

PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, above. Some individuals remain throughout the winter, but most have departed for nesting in the Southern Hemisphere.

THAYER'S GULL, (HY) above, generated a lot of interest. Jon Dunn tried his best to teach me more about gulls. I admit to the, "I don't do gulls" stand. Hybrids are just too tough for me, and tedious.

SOUTH POLAR SKUA, above. Again, it was quite the skua show!

NORTHERN FULMAR, above.

PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, above.

TUFTED PUFFIN. Well, as Linda Terrill said, "It is a great Halloween bird!"

Shearwaters Forever,

Debi Shearwater

PELAGIC TRIP REPORT: OCTOBER 29, 2011 BODEGA BAY

2011-11-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

This is a trip report for Shearwater Journeys' "emergency" October 29, 2011 pelagic trip departing from Bodega Bay, California. Because of the sighting of a WHITE-CHINNED PETREL on October 16th at this location. Although we had a great day at sea, we did not find the hoped for "mega" rarity, White-chinned Petrel. We headed offshore to Bodega Canyon and the Cordell Bank, maximizing our time in these areas, see below. You can enjoy Todd McGrath's stunning images of this day, where we had full sunshine all day long, here.

Highlights included: 1 LAYSAN ALBATROSS, 76 BULLER'S SHEARWATERS, 2 FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 14 SOUTH POLAR SKUAS, studies of several THAYER'S GULLS, first of the fall season BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE, excellent views of TUFTED PUFFIN, and for some, good views of a GREAT WHITE SHARK! One lucky soul on board was able to tick 14 Life Birds!

On the return to the harbor, I spotted a fin near the boat which I first thought might have been a species of "beaked whale." After the second glimpse, I shouted for the captain to slow the boat, and turn around which he quickly did. The fin reappeared at the 10 o'clock position on the boat, where I had two more views. These views were much better, and I realized that it was a shark! The lead gray colored shark turned very rapidly, showing a white throat and underside. I believe it was a GREAT WHITE SHARK, about 7 feet long. Linda Terrill also had great views of this rare creature. One an October Bodega Bay trip several years ago, I saw what was almost certainly a Great White Shark killing a California Sea Lion. There was so much thrashing in the water, and it was so quick, that I could not get a good view of the shark. It was in the same area as this sighting, not too far from shore.

We thank the many folks who traveled from long distances, flying in for this "emergency" pelagic trip! The leaders on this day were lead by Todd McGrath and included, Jon Dunn, Scott Terrill, Linda Terrill, Dave Pereksta, David Wimpfheimer and Debi Shearwater.

The complete species list for OCTOBER 29, 2011 BODEGA BAY & CORDELL BANK follows. We covered both Sonoma and Marin Counties. Numbers are for outside of the harbor and jetty, only.

MARIN/SONOMA/TOTAL

COMMON LOON- 4/0/4

RED-NECKED GREBE- 1/0/1

LAYSAN ALBATROSS- 0/1/1

BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS- 0/7/7

NORTHERN FULMAR- 5/145/150

PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER- 5/115/120

FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER- 0/2/2

BULLER'S SHEARWATER- 1/75-76

SOOTY SHEARWATER- 60/75/135

BROWN PELICAN- 9/0/9

BRANDT'S CORMORANT- 125/0/125

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT- 6/0/6

PELAGIC CORMORANT- 4/0/4

BLACK OYSTERCATCHER- 2/0/2

DUNLIN- 2/0/2

RED PHALAROPE- 0/8/8

SOUTH POLAR SKUA- 0/14/14

POMARINE JAEGER- 1/3/4

BONAPARTE'S GULL- 13/0/13

HEERMANN'S GULL- 15/0/15

MEW GULL- 3/0/3

RING-BILLED GULL- 1/0/1

CALIFORNIA GULL- 25/1000/1025

HERRING GULL- 7/25/32

THAYER'S GULL- 2/6/8

WESTERN GULL- 90/100/190

GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL- 4/15/19

BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE- 0/1/1

COMMON MURRE- 100/0/100

PIGEON GUILLEMOT- 1/0/1

CASSIN'S AUKLET- 7/11/18

RHINOCEROS AUKLET- 30/14/44

TUFTED PUFFIN- 1/0/1

CALIFORNIA SEA LION- +

HARBOR SEAL- 10

HUMPBACK WHALE- 1

NORTHERN RIGHT WHALE DOLPHIN- 12

RISSO'S DOLPHIN- 28

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHIN- 75

DALL'S PORPOISE- 5

OCEAN SUNFISH- 2

*GREAT WHITE SHARK- 1

Our last pelagic trip of the fall season is Tuesday, November 22, departing from Half Moon Bay at 7 am. This trip may return anywhere from 4 to 6 pm. Scheduled leaders include: Jon Dunn, Peter Pyle, Tristan McKee, Matt Brady and Debi Shearwater. Spaces are available, and the trip is well subscribed. It is a "GO!" This is a great time to look for arriving winter seabirds, including Ancient Murrelet, Short-tailed Shearwater, Black-legged Kittiwake. Like any pelagic trip, rare seabirds are always possible. Join us!

Shearwaters & Auklets Forever,

Debi Shearwater

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: NOVEMBER 2, 2011 RAPTOR ROUNDUP!

2011-11-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

The San Benito County, California Raptor Show continues on Santa Ana Valley Road, as previously reported on this blog. Yesterday's Raptor Roundup included 14 species of raptors! Beginning with a COOPER'S HAWK that is hunting birds at the feeders in my yard, I headed north to San Felipe Lake which borders San Benito and Santa Clara Counties. "Best" birds at this location included a PEREGRINE FALCON, a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, a late male WILSON'S WARBLER, two BURROWING OWLS and a small flock of CANVASBACKS. I did not see the Bald Eagle pair that nested last year near the county line, in Santa Clara County. However, the nest looks to be fully rebuilt and ready for action. A field near the intersection of Lake and Shore Roads was actively being disced. And, surprise, surprise, two FERRUGINOUS HAWKS were on the ground. This is not a safe road to stop and view raptors. Best to travel on to Santa Ana Valley Road.

GOLDEN EAGLE, above and PRAIRIE FALCON, below.

As reported by Nelson Samuels: On Quien Sabe Rd there were more sparrows and two mature Golden Eagles sitting in a valley oak also three more shrikes. At the intersection of Quien Sabe and Santa Ana was a Road Runner that came right up to the Car with the door open... for a minute I thought it might jump in. On Santa Ana Valley Rd there was a large number of birders from as far away as Sonoma Co. Giant lenses and scopes. Thanks Debi. Saw six more Goldens, two immature Balds, three ferruginous one prairie and a red-shoulder. What a Raptor Gala! On the way back to Fairview Road, I spotted another ferruginous and at 2575 Mail box a Merlin. Again thanks really to Debi or is it Annie. Nelson Samuels reporting from Aromas, CA.

I ended up on Santa Ana Valley Road very late in the afternoon, bumping into my good friends, Bob and Bernadette. We enjoyed the raptors which included an adult BALD EAGLE consuming its' prey. Later, we headed to the valley where Bald Eagles nest. Sure enough, both adults were there, each one sitting on a cattle water trough, drinking and cleaning their beaks. They have completely refurbished their nest of 2004. It looks like another breeding season is well underway for them!

The list of SAN BENITO RAPTORS for NOVEMBER 2, 2011:

TURKEY VULTURE - inclusion is debatable

WHITE-TAILED KITE

BALD EAGLE

NORTHERN HARRIER

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK

COOPER'S HAWK

RED-SHOULDERED HAWK

RED-TAILED HAWK

FERRUGINOUS HAWK

GOLDEN EAGLE

AMERICAN KESTREL

MERLIN

PEREGRINE FALCON

PRAIRIE FALCON

OSPREY was observed at Hernandez Reservoir which is at the south end of the county on October 29, 2011.

Now, if I could just find a NORTHERN GOSHAWK this Sunday!

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: PANOCHE VALLEY, CALIFORNIA & eBird

2011-11-03T09:47:00.001-07:00

Hello, Folks,

Below, please find additional information for integrating and merging your previously published Panoche Valley eBird checklists from Brian Sullivan:

Birders

As an addendum to this note, if you have birded Panoche Valley in the past, and have plotted your own personal locations that duplicate some of the newly established hotspots, you can merge your locations (and your data) with the existing hotspots. Here's how:

Go to "My eBird" and then to "Manage my locations". Click 'edit' next to the location you wish to merge. You'll get a map showing your personal location. Click 'Merge', and you'll get a map with the personal location and the existing hotspots. Click on the hotspot that you wish to merge into, click 'merge' and check the box that says 'delete after merging' (this will remove your personal location when the merge is complete). Only perform this operation if your locations are duplicates of these hotspots. eBird always encourages data submissions from precise locations, so in my case, I have a string of point count locations scattered around the valley that are not duplicates of nearby hotspots, and should thus not be merged.

The biggest problem for conducting analysis (and for your lists) is when you combine a single day's worth of birding into one eBird checklist. Then the Long-eared Owls at Mercey Hot Springs are plotted in the wrong place, Lewis's Woodpeckers up on the pass end up on the valley floor etc. So it's always best to be cognizant of where you are, and to try to keep your eBird checklists to more refined geographic areas. I know this is more data entry (lord I know!), but it really adds value to the data you provide to eBird.

Thanks

Brian

San Benito County Birding

Debi Shearwater

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: Heading to Panoche Valley, California?

2011-11-02T22:27:00.000-07:00

Hello, Birders,

Fall and winter are the months when many birders head to Panoche Valley, California to find the specialty birds of the grasslands, including Mountain Plover, Mountain Bluebird, Prairie Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, Greater Roadrunner, Chukar, Sage Sparrow and more.

If you are birder who uses eBird, and I hope you are, please note that a number of new public locations have been added for reporting your bird records. This is an important update.

Previously, birders, especially those on long field trips, simply dumped all of the records under one location for San Benito (SBT) County, "Panoche Valley." However, upon review, it was found that this dumping included birds seen at Paicines Reservoir, Mercy Hot Springs, etc.

When you enter a checklist in eBird, you are encouraged to be as precise as possible when you plot your location. This has now been made easier with the new public locations, covering the entire Panoche Valley. Precise locations allow eBird to accurately link the location with datasets.

Some special considerations:

COUNTY LINES: Please enter data for the correct county! On Little Panoche Road the Fresno (FRE) County sign is posted, beyond Shotgun Pass. There is no San Benito County sign! Mercy Hot Springs (and therefore, all Long-eared Owl records), is in Fresno County. Panoche Hills BLM lands are mostly in Fresno County. There is a new sign at the kiosk with county lines on it. On Panoche Road, beyond Silver Creek Ranch, the road turns to dirt, or mud, if wet. Panoche Road leads to I-5. At the top of the pass, Jackass Pass, there is a Fresno County sign, but no San Benito County sign. Please pay attention to the county lines when entering data.

MOUNTAIN PLOVERS: Due to the serious conservation status of this species, exact counts should be made. Estimates should not be made.

NEW PUBLIC LOCATIONS are numerous. Please use the location that is most accurate. It might be helpful to look at the map beforehand. Some of the new locations include:

Panoche Hills-BLM-Public Lands- the actual BLM lands. This list should include any birds inside of the entrance to the BLM area.

Panoche Hills -overlook- this is the new kiosk area where you will find a map, toilet & picnic table. This list should include the birds seen along the road up to the kiosk, after turning off Little Panoche Road.

Panoche Road- Jackass Pass-FRE County

Panoche Road- Jackass Pass-SBT County

Panoche Road- Red Rock- this is the area where many birders stop at the large red rock, before entering the valley.

Panoche Road- Summit Pond- the small pond near the Summit, and Summit Ranch.

Panoche Road- MP 6.71- where many birders stop to look for Rufous-crowned Sparrow

Panoche Valley-Griswold Hills - marked by the BLM sign, new kiosk, toilet & picnic table.

Panoche Valley & Little Panoche Road south of Shotgun Pass- this is the Panoche Inn store area.

Panoche Valley-New Idria- the area along New Idria Road, beyond the Griswold Hills

Panoche Valley- Recalde Road- this is the unmarked dirt road. Formerly it had a road sign.

Panoche Valley-Shotgun Pass- the pass itself, where chukar is frequently seen.

Panoche Valley- Silver Creek- the area where mountain plovers have most consistently been found.

This does make for a quite a few checklists! If you have any questions, please contact me off the list. I hope to see you in Panoche Valley! It is one heck of a birding place, as well as a recognized IBA, Important Bird Area of global significance. As such, it deserves all of the detailed attention it can garner. Thank you for your assistance and eBird input!

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: NOVEMBER 1, 2011 AN EVENING WITH RAPTORS

2011-11-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

This evening, November 1, the San Benito Raptor Show was incredible! From 4:25 pm until 5:16 pm, I birded along SANTA ANA VALLEY ROAD. Highlights were the continued presence of a great number and variety of raptors as reported in my October 31 blog post. This evening, though 10 FERRUGINOUS HAWKS and 4 GOLDEN EAGLES were in one single field, alone! Also, an adult female PRAIRIE FALCON was hunting and perched on a telephone pole. See eBird reports, below.

Luckily, I decided to shoot up JOHN SMITH ROAD. Good thing I did, as I encountered a tractor actively discing the field nearest to the intersection with Santa Ana Valley Road. Below, is an image of the tractor towing the disc-like devise. I'm sure this has a name in the farming business, but I do not know it. Actually, in this image, you can see two Ferruginous Hawks, in flight, just above the cab of the tractor.
Below, is a view of the field from John Smith Road. The small white dots on the ground are Ferruginous Hawks. Many Ravens were following the tractor, too.
Below, white dots blown up a little. My regular camera, an old Canon 20D with a 100-400 image stabilizing lens wasn't working. (Operator error, I'm sure). So, I used my little Lumix camera. Bring a spotting scope for closer views of the raptors, although they do fly around, and it is possible to get some outstanding views and images!

A gorgeous rufous/dark morph Ferruginous Hawk, below.

Ferruginous Hawks are my most favorite hawks in the world. Ravens are another favorite. And, my absolute most favorite BIRD in the world is the GOLDEN EAGLE! (Yes, it is not a seabird). These three birds were the first three birds on my yard list when I moved to Hollister nearly 18 years ago!

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito Birding

Below, are my eBird lists:

Santa Ana Valley Road, San Benito, US-CA
Nov 1, 2011 4:25 PM - 5:16 PM
Protocol: Traveling
5.0 mile(s)
Comments: This area has a concentration of raptors due to discing by the farmers which is disturbing the ground squirrels. Many of the raptors can be found in one single field near the intersection of Santa Ana Valley and John Smith Roads. For instance, in that field alone, I saw 10 Ferruginous Hawks and 4 Golden Eagles. However, I birded the other areas along a 5 mile stretch of Santa Ana Valley Road. Most of the White-tailed Kites are along the section closest to Fairview Road. It was sunny, light breeze, 73F. I also saw: 1 feral cat, 9 feral/wild pigs, all full grown. 6 native black-tailed deer.
19 species

Turkey Vulture 1 On the ground, in the road, consuming roadkill.
White-tailed Kite 2
Northern Harrier 3 Mostly hunting on the far hillsides, not in the fields.
Red-tailed Hawk 8
Ferruginous Hawk 10 Absolutely spectacular to see this large, gray headed, white breasted, regal raptors sitting on the ground, waiting to snag a ground squirrel. All 10 were in one single field. One adult was close enough to age due to its rufous legs, feathered to the toes.
Golden Eagle 7 Most individuals were on the ground, and I could not age or sex, as they were too far away.
American Kestrel 9
Prairie Falcon 1 Hunting and sitting on a telephone pole near mailbox #5250/5238. Look on the line that runs perpendicular to Santa Ana Valley Road.
Mourning Dove 24
Say's Phoebe 1
Loggerhead Shrike 5
Common Raven 107
Western Bluebird 3
White-crowned Sparrow 24
Red-winged Blackbird (California Bicolored) 320
Western Meadowlark 37
Brewer's Blackbird 456
House Finch 12

John Smith Road, San Benito, US-CA
Nov 1, 2011 5:30 PM - 5:44 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments: A farmer was actively discing the field closest to the intersection with Santa Ana Valley Road. The Ferruginous Hawks and Ravens were actively following the discing operation. This is a tractor that pulls a device with round disc-shaped plow-like thingys on it. I'm sure it has a name, but not being a farmer, I do not know the name of it. This is an area that was formerly a wet land. It was drained, illegally, I'm told. Short-eared Owl should be looked for in this area, as they occurred during winters when the wetland was present.
7 species (+1 other taxa)

White-tailed Kite 1
Red-tailed Hawk (Western) 5
Ferruginous Hawk 3 One incredible rufous/dark morph. The other two were light morphs.
American Kestrel 1
Loggerhead Shrike 1
Savannah Sparrow 8
White-crowned Sparrow 30
blackbird sp. 1400 These two flocks (about 700 each) could have been composed of a lot of starlings. They were swirling, high in the sky a long way off. I have not ever seen these large flocks in this area before, although I have not birded here in the late evening for some years.

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: OCTOBER 31, 2011 RAPTOR TRAFFIC JAM!

2011-11-01T11:59:00.001-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

There has been an ongoing raptor "traffic jam" in San Benito County that is quite spectacular. This large concentration of raptors can be found along a seven mile stretch on Santa Ana Valley Road. The single best spot is where Santa Ana Valley and John Smith Roads meet. For avid raptor fans and professional photographers this is a great opportunity. Possibly, the best light is in the late afternoon, for photography, as the sun will be behind the observer. I was out there, both yesterday at 8:30 am and from 4 to 6:30 pm.

In the morning, Brian Sullivan and I found 13 FERRUGINOUS HAWKS, including two dark morphs, along with 3 GOLDEN EAGLES. The field near the above intersection was being disced while we were standing there. Most of the raptors are on the ground, hunting ground squirrels.

FERRUGINOUS HAWK, above and below.

FERRUGINOUS HAWK soaring, above.

FERRUGINOUS HAWK, soaring, above, and below.

This FERRUGINOUS HAWK was on the ground, late last night, hunting ground squirrels. Yesterday, evening I saw 10 FERRUGINOUS HAWKS, 10 GOLDEN EAGLES (almost all of them on the ground), 6 WHITE-TAILED KITES (many perched on fence lines), 13 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 11 AMERICAN KESTRELS and 5 LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES, along Santa Ana Valley Road. A young fellow who lives on a ranch at the key location, stopped to ask me what I was doing. He was very interested in the hawks. He said that his ranch was planning to disc their field the next day. So, there is a good chance that the ground squirrel feast will continue. I let him know that he may see folks out there with cameras and spotting scopes. If locals stop to chat, be sure to let them know that the raptors are eating the squirrels! They will like to hear that.

A GOLDEN EAGLE hunts at a ground squirrel hole. Shot from a long distance.

Above, a GOLDEN EAGLE soaring. If you arrive at the magic hour when the thermals are just right, you may see them lifting skyward.

This field was covered with 59 feasting TURKEY VULTURES a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, these vultures, along with other raptors, were feeding on ground squirrels that had been shot. One can only hope that lead bullets were not used.

A TURKEY VULTURE and FERRUGINOUS HAWK, soaring, above.

This young GOLDEN EAGLE, above, was also feasting on ground squirrels.

Follow Santa Ana Valley Road to the intersection of Quien Sabe Road, then follow Quien Sabe to Highway 25, head south to Paicines Reservoir, one of the best birding spots in San Benito County. There is a large, dirt pullout where one can park. Use your spotting scope to check out the birds. The dike on the east side has a small oak tree where the BALD EAGLES often perch. Both the male (on the right), and female, were there, yesterday.

A couple of days ago, a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was in the vineyard at Paicines Reservoir.

This HY RED-TAILED HAWK killed a rabbit. Hunting is good in San Benito County!

PRAIRIE FALCONS have been around, off and on, in this area, too.

PRAIRIE FALCON, above, carrying prey.

Sunset last night in the grasslands of San Benito County.

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

All images, copyright, Debi Shearwater

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: OCTOBER 26, 2011 PANOCHE VALLEY

2011-10-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

Shortening days, crispy mornings and the arrival of 174 MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS in Panoche Valley indicates to me that we are on the downside cusp of fall with winter approaching. It was a fabulously beautiful day in the valley. Panoche Valley is a designated Important Bird Area (IBA) by National Audubon Society of Global significance. It is a spectacular grasslands, visited by over 500 birders during the winter months. Because I live locally and am a keen birder of San Benito County, I visit this area much more frequently.

In addition to the MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, I found many of the icon species of this area, including: 2 PRAIRIE FALCONS, one on Panoche Road, just entering the valley, and one on the valley floor; 1 MERLIN at Shotgun Pass; 1 NORTHERN HARRIER at Shotgun Pass; 6 VESPER SPARROWS, most on Panoche Road near Silver Creek Ranch area; 15 SAGE SPRROWS, most in Panoche Hills area, but one surprise at Jackass Pass; 3 ROADRUNNERS, one in Panoche Hills, one in Tumey Hills, one near Silver Creek Ranch; 16 CHUKARS, 11 at Shotgun Pass and 5 in Panoche Hills; 2 BURROWING OWLS at Shotgun Pass; and one CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR female on the valley floor. From Highway 25 south of Hollister, turn east on Panoche Road. This road winds around blue oak and grassland savannah with some steep hills where the road narrows to one lane. Stopping well off the road in these areas will usually yield Rufous-crowned Sparrows. I did not stop, but continued out to the valley. A brief pause at the pond along the roadside at Panoche Pass Summit was made. A male PHAINOPEPLA flew over.

Above, is a shack along the road where large flocks of sparrows are usually encountered, including White-crowned and Golden-crowned and Lark Sparrows.

That's him, above, the first of fall/winter MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD that I saw! I was quite surprised. He was on Little Panoche Road, as I was heading for Shotgun Pass. The valley floor is well stocked with good sized flocks of SAVANNAH SPARROWS and HORNED LARKS. I found a CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR in these grasslands which was not only a San Benito County Big Year tick for me, but a county tick, as well!
A female MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD which I found just on the other side of Shotgun Pass. On the west side of the pass, I noticed a very quick ROADRUNNER ducking out of sight behind a large ephedra shrub. A NORTHERN HARRIER, rare on the Christmas Bird Count for this area, was hunting along the pass hillsides.
Along the rocks, inside of the pass, this ROCK WREN, above, was quite active. I like to bird public areas during the weekdays to avoid traffic and crowds. If you decide to stop in the pass, be sure to pay attention for oncoming vehicles!
Soon, I heard a lot of "chucking" noise, and noticed a group of CHUKARS scrambling along the steep, rocky hillsides of the pass. This is one of the best places to find Chukars.
Two BURROWING OWLS were on the east side of Shotgun Pass near the corral where there is a good pullout. Just a little way down the road, you'll notice the FRESNO COUNTY line sign. Being a poor county, there is no sign for San Benito County. Birders beware— when entering eBird data, you have just entered a new county.
The view, above, leaving Shotgun Pass. Most birders continue from Shotgun Pass to Mercy Hot Springs and/or to Panoche Hills BLM area. I did not go to Mercy Hot Springs, but I did spend an hour or more at Panoche Hills BLM area. NOTE: It is Chukar hunting season. Weekends are going to be packed with hunters and target practicing folks. I only encountered two very nice fellows who came out on the weekday to avoid the noisy gunfire, just like me. I showed them where I was going on the BLM map. Somehow, they avoided the area where I was completely. I never heard them. It is important to keep in mind that this BLM area is closed for part of the year. This is a good time to visit the area. Keep an eye out for Sage Thrasher.
This area has been "improved" by our government. There is now a pit toilet at the entrance to the BLM area and a portion of the lead road, P1, into the area is now very firm with a gravel top. However, as soon as it rains, most of the roads into the area will be impassible except by 4WD, and maybe not ever with it! Take great care here, or get up there before it rains. The first portion of the road leading up to BLM is private property. Almost all of this area is in FRESNO COUNTY, not SAN BENITO COUNTY. It is possible to get to San Benito County, though. I found SAGE SPARROWS to be very showy on this day! Sometimes, they can be difficult to find. However, many individuals were out on the dirt road. If you see a sparrow on the road, and it runs with its' tail flipping and cocked, it is probably a Sage Sparrow! It reminds me of a mini-roadrunner. One flock of six was along the road! Notice, in the above image, how well it blends in with the local backdrop!
The SAGE SPARROW of Panoche Hills is the interior race, Amphispiza nevadensis canescens. This species is just about at its' northern limit, here.
This image, above, shows the pale, streaked, buffy flanks. This individual was feeding right along the road cut. To feed, it repeatedly jumped up on the shrubs, presumably to get seeds, as in the image below.

LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES were present along most of the valley roads. I was recently reminded by a friend that I've seen Loggerhead Shrikes in some stage of nesting from mid-February though mid-October! That is quite a season of shrikes!

This VESPER SPARROW, below, was on Panoche Road near the Silver Creek Ranch area. It was one of four VESPER SPARROWS in this area. If one follows Panoche Road, it turns to dirt just a bit beyond the intersection with New Idria Road. It is this stretch of Panoche Road where Mountain Plovers have been found in recent years. I looked and found none — yet. However, this stretch of road was some of the best birding in the valley. I followed it all the way to Jackass Pass where the FRESNO and SAN BENITO COUNTY lines meet. Flocks of MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS were along this road.
This ROCK WREN, below was maddeningly defending its' small pile of rocks along the side of the road from another Rock Wren. Although sparrow flocks were good along the road, they have never been as numerous since the county began ridding the edges of the roads of vegetation that the sparrows depend upon. This is a pity.
Flocks of more than twenty MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS were along this section. Look for mixed flocks of bluebirds with HOUSE FINCHES. The two species are flocking up together.
Crossing Panoche Creek, one travels up to Jackass Pass. This creek runs all year and can be a magnet for migrants. Indeed, a NORTHERN FLICKER flew overhead. This stretch of road is a good place to look for Sage Thrasher and Lark Bunting. Earlier in the fall, I found a winter male Lark Bunting here, but have been unsuccessful in relocating it.
Topping Jackass Pass, I made a brief tour near the Tumey Hills BLM area, FRESNO COUNTY. The distinct silhouette of a ROADRUNNER is outlined, above.
Finally, I headed back to the intersection with New Idria Road, passing the Griswold Hills BLM area. This is a great place to see Rock and Canyon Wrens. I found more MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS and a few YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES along the road. Many AMERICAN KESTRELS and one PRAIRIE FALCON were hunting in the area. Near this sign there is also a new pit toilet and a picnic table where I had my dinner.
Panoche Valley is under threat, not only from the FERAL WILD PIGS, above, but also from development of a solar industry which would cover most of the valley floor, forever changing the character and nature of this unique and special portion of California. You can help by learning more about this through SAVE PANOCHE VALLEY and the SANTA CLARA AUDUBON SOCIETY. If you are one of the more than 500 birders I counted visiting this awesome valley during the winter of 2011, I urge you to educate yourself on these issues. We need your help!

Other mammals for the day included: Coyote, Skunk, Raccoon, Giant Kangaroo Rat. on the drive home, I saw 2 Burrowing Owls, 7 Barn Owls and 2 Great-horned Owls.

All images by Debi Shearwater, copyright. Please do not use without permission.

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

AKA "Annie Auklet" as played by Angelica Huston in the movie, "The Big Year" playing at a theater near you NOW!

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: OCTOBER 21, 2011 VARIOUS

2011-10-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

This is a brief report of various birds in San Benito County, today, October 21, 2011.

PAICINES RESERVOIR still has good mudflats for shorebirds, although there is never a large number: DUNLIN (1), WESTERN SANDPIPER (1), LEAST SANDPIPER (7); various species of waterfowl have been passing through (COMMON MERGANSERS, etc.), but today RUDDY DUCK (8) and WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (8) were present; AMERICAN PIPIT (8) were at the water's edge; VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS (8) made a brief pass; and an immature BALD EAGLE was in the oaks at the northwest corner. I've seen ADULT BALD EAGLES and PRAIRIE FALCON at the reservoir, lately. The Hollister Sewer Ponds are fairly hopeless at the moment.

LOWER QUIEN SABE ROAD (I define this area as the part of Quien Sabe Road between Highway 25 and the intersection of Santa Ana Valley Road): one PRAIRIE FALCON was present. It usually can be found sitting on a telephone pole. This individual will likely hang in this area for at least several weeks. It was pushed away from its' previously special place on Santa Ana Valley Road by a Ferruginous Hawk.

SANTA ANA VALLEY ROAD: A FERRUGINOUS HAWK has taken up its' winter residence not far from the intersection with Quien Sabe Road, near mile marke 7 (I think). See above. Continuing on Santa Ana Valley Road, you will find the favored hunting grounds of the raptors near the intersection with John Smith Road. Here, I found a second FERRUGINOUS HAWK and an immature GOLDEN EAGLE. On recent past drives, I have seen many raptors on along this stretch of the road. Finally, at mailbox #4451, I found a CASSIN'S KINGBIRD, below, which I photographed.

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater, inland Annie Auklet

San Benito County Birding

IMAGES OF THE DAY by TODD MCGRATH: OCTOBER 14, 2011 BODEGA BAY

2011-10-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

Below, you will find a few of Todd McGrath's images taken on Shearwater Journeys' October 14, 2011 pelagic trip at Bodega Bay. The full trip report, including species list can be found here. All images copyright, Todd McGrath. Please do not use without permission. Enjoy!

Above, one of three WILSON'S STORM-PETRELS, found mixed with the flocks of FORK-TAILED, ASHY and BLACK STORM-PETRELS.
Unfortunate passerines often show up offshore, especially on pelagic trips. This PALM WARBLER, above, was flying toward the stern of the boat. Immediately, I stopped the boat, and shouted for folks to stand still, hoping that the warbler would land on the vessel. Just as it tried to do this, the boat lurched in the swell. The warbler hit the boat, falling into the water. probably still alive at this point.

It was immediately snatched up by a gull who subsequently consumed the warbler.

BULLER'S SHEARWATER

SOUTH POLAR SKUA

This SOUTH POLAR SKUA chased a flock of BULLER'S SHEARWATERS off the water!

The BULLER'S SHEARWATER flight is like a ballet.

BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS

NORTHERN FULMAR

HUMPBACK WHALE TAIL FLUKES

It was a fabulous day!

Shearwaters & Auklets Forever,

Debi Shearwater

TRIP REPORT: OCTOBER 14, 2011 BODEGA BAY

2011-10-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

It was a beautiful day at sea on Shearwater Journeys' October 14, 2011 pelagic trip at Bodega Bay. Great sea conditions and thousands of ocean birds, along with a fabulous group of folks on board made it all the more memorable. We traveled some 32 miles offshore to the 1200 fathom line. Red tide, or as one person described it, "root beer-colored tide," was found in patches, even offshore. Precious few seabirds were observed in those areas. Outside of the red tide, though, thousands of storm-petrels were rafted up in flocks, sitting on the water. We love that! Highlights of the day included over 100 NORTHERN FULMARS, 1 FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER, 260 BULLER'S SHEARWATERS, 3 WILSON'S STORM-PETRELS, 1875 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS, 1500 ASHY STORM-PETRLS and 15 BLACK STORM-PETRELS, 11 SOUTH POLAR SKUAS, 2 SABINE'S GULLS and 1 PALM WARBLER which was about 30 miles offshore in Marin County. Most of the day, however, was spent in Sonoma County.

All images, below by Debi Shearwater, copyright. Please do not use without permission. Enjoy more images by Todd McGrath of this day, here.

As we move toward the winter months, we anticipate higher counts of NORTHERN FULMARS, above. Groups of fulmars were sitting on the water at the stern of the vessel, often vying with each other for the best spot, making their gutteral calls. Fun to hear!
BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS numbers should also increase over the coming months. These albatrosses mixed it up with the fulmars at the stern, also giving their high-pitched calls. Recently, fishermen at Bodega Bay have sighted a SHORT-TAILED ALBATROSS. Fingers crossed, we may find this ocean wanderer on our October 29th trip!Although the masses of storm-petrels put on quite a display, the SOUTH POLAR SKUAS stole the show! These kleptoparasites of the seas kept us very entertained by continuously flying and circling overhead.Sometimes, skuas are the pursuers, as when they flushed a flock of more than 200 BULLER'S SHEARWATERS, sitting on the water, and sometimes the skuas themselves are pursued, as is the case, below!Each time a new skua would fly toward the vessel, the leaders would loudly shout out, "SKUAAAA!" After a couple of bouts of this, I mentioned to the friendly folks on board that this presents an opportunity to shout one's lungs out! Soon, we had most of the folks on board, yelling at the top of their lungs, "SKUAAA" in unison! Maybe it was the end of the season silliness and relief, but it sure was fun! As one friend recently remarked to me, regarding Angelica Huston, playing me in the movie, "The Big Year"— "You are a lot more entertaining!"

Apparently, all (?) of the South Polar Skuas at this time of year are sub-adults, as the adults are, well, near the South Pole, beginning their nesting season! These sub-adult skuas seem far more interested in checking out the vessel than adults do, earlier in the season, at least in my opinion.

Above is Chris Taylor's image of a SOUTH POLAR SKUA in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica, on the Shearwater Journeys' charter voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Chris has a gorgeous photo gallery!

Well, those fulmars had a buddy hanging around with them that we did not see on this day— a WHITE-CHINNED PETREL which was found by Todd McGrath two day's later at Cordell Bank on October 16th. We'll be looking that buddy on October 29th!

Many thanks to all of the fun birders who joined us on this day. The leaders were: Lisa Hug, Jennifer Green, Todd McGrath, Steve Howell, Wes Fritz and Debi Shearwater.

We are operating an "emergency" pelagic trip, departing from Bodega Bay on Saturday, October 29th to search for mega-rare seabirds, including the White-chinned Petrel and Short-tailed Albatross. Spaces are still available. For details, click here.

The complete species list for October 14, 2011

BODEGA CANYON & CORDELL BANK follows:

RED-THROATED LOON- 1

PACIFIC LOON- 10

COMMON LOON- 9

RED-NECKED GREBE- 3

EARED GREBE- 2

WESTERN GREBE- 3

BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS- 14

NORTHERN FULMAR- 107

PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER- 51

FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER- 1

BULLER'S SHEARWATER- 260

SOOTY SHEARWATER- 31

WILSON'S STORM-PETREL- 3

FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL- 1875

ASHY STORM-PETREL- 1500

BLACK STORM-PETREL- 15

BROWN PELICAN- +

BRANDT'S CORMORANT- +

PELAGIC CORMORANT- 6

SURF SCOTER- 24

GREATER SCAUP- 13

BRANT GOOSE- 8

BLACK OYSTERCATCHER- 1

BLACK TURNSTONE- 2

SURFBIRD- 1

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE- 17

RED-NECKED/RED PHALAROPE- 30

RED PHALAROPE- 12

SOUTH POLAR SKUA- 8 to 11

POMARINE JAEGER- 7

PARASITIC JAEGER- 1

JAEGER SP.- 3

HEERMANN'S GULL- 1, offshore

MEW GULL- 1, adult

CALIFORNIA GULL- +

HERRING GULL- 2

GLAUCOUS-WINGED/HERRING GULL- 1

WESTERN GULL- +

GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL- 3

WESTERN/GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL- 3

SABINE'S GULL- 2

ELEGANT TERN- 4

COMMON MURRE- 68

PIGEON GUILLEMOT- 2

CASSIN'S AUKLET- 94

RHINOCEROS AUKLET- 29

PALM WARBLER- 1, about 30 miles offshore, Marin County, consumed by a gull

CALIFORNIA SEA LION- 120

HUMPBACK WHALE- 25

DALL'S PORPOISE- 12

OCEAN SUNFISH- 1

EGG YOLK JELLIES- +

Shearwaters & Auklets Forever,

Debi Shearwater

AKA: "Annie Auklet" as played by Angelica Huston in the movie, "The Big Year" playing at the theater near you now!

PROCELLARIA PETRELS: "IT'S NOT IN MY FIELD GUIDE!"

2011-10-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

WHOOAA, BIRDERS,

What the heck are these "procellaria petrels?" They are not in my North American bird field guides! Procellaria petrels are generally considered intermediate between the Calonectris shearwaters (Cory's and Streaked) and Pterodroma petrels (Cook's and Great-winged as examples), having features of both groups.

Recent reports of WHITE-CHINNED PETRELS (Procellaria aequinoctialis) off the coast of California have exploded in the news. Below, is Todd McGrath's image of the October 16, 2011 White-chinned Petrel taking flight near the Cordell Bank on a pelagic trip at Bodega Bay. Image copyright, Todd McGrath. Please do not use without permission.
Nope, these seabirds can not be found in the two most frequently used North American field guides: The Sibley Guide to Birds and National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America. Most of the records for these seabird are relatively new to North America. Field guides will catch up, one day. Meanwhile, the serious seabirder will need to consult a more specialized tome for more detailed information. At the moment, I'd recommend Albatrosses, Petrels & Shearwaters Of The World by Onley & Scofield. While this book has serious faults, especially with regard to west coast seabird records, it does provide the basic information for range, field identification and some natural history of these seabirds.

Procellaria petrels comprise five species that are generally dark in coloration. Only the Grey Petrel has white underparts. The others, White-chinned, Parkinson's, Spectacled and Westland are overall dark. Sometimes, these seabirds are mistaken for Flesh-footed Shearwater, which is also a dark seabird, especially at a distance. The White-chinned Petrel is circumpolar throughout the Southern Ocean. White-chinned Petrels are the largest all-dark petrel. It breeds on the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, among other islands. It was known as the "shoemaker" at South Georgia by whalers because of the sounds it makes, much like a sewing machine. On a recent trip to South Georgia, I was able to hear these sounds! White-chinned petrels are known to be gregarious and follow fishing boats. Their diet includes krill, squid and fish. It is classified as a Vulnerable species by BirdLife International because of suspected rapid declines. Very high rates of incidental mortality in longline fisheries are suspected in recent years. This petrel has been tracked and data can be viewed at The Global Procellariiform Tracking Database.

Your own research will undoubtedly turn up additional information on these fascinating seabirds. Definitely worth learning about!

Hope to see you out there!

Shearwaters & Auklets & Procellaria Petrels Forever,

Debi Shearwater

"EMERGENCY" PELAGIC TRIP: OCTOBER 29, 2011 BODEGA BAY WHITE-CHINNED PETREL

2011-10-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

Howdy Birders,

For the second time in just a few months, Todd McGrath found a WHITE-CHINNED PETREL (Procellaria aequinoctialis) on October 16, 2011 near the Cordell Bank on a pelagic trip from Bodega Bay. This petrel was sitting on the water, as below, with a flock of NORTHERN FULMARS. Images copyright, Todd McGrath. Please do not use without permission.

This individual petrel is not the same bird as the WHITE-CHINNED PETREL that Todd found on the September 6, 2011 southern California pelagic trip aboard the Searcher. Given these two White-chinned Petrel records, and the two sightings of GREAT-WINGED PETREL (found by Abe Borker August 26, 2011 at Monterey Bay and September 17, at Half Moon Bay, both Shearwater Journeys' trips), and reports of SHORT-TAILED ALABTROSS, I've determined that an "emergency" pelagic trip at Bodega Bay is in order. In addition, other seabirds were abundant at Bodega Canyon and Cordell Bank on October 14, 15 and 16. Late October and November are really great times to get out on the ocean. Most of the southern hemisphere breeders have departed, making the unusual or rare seabirds stand out more readily. For instance, every one of Shearwater Journeys' October pelagic trips, from every port, found at least one FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER. Our Half Moon Bay trip on October 16th found four Flesh-footed Shearwaters and a LAYSAN ALBATROSS.

You will need a reservation for the "Emergency" pelagic trip. The trip is guaranteed to run no matter how many people sign up. If the trip sells out, I will post a notice on this blog and on the list serves. The trip will only be canceled if the weather/seas do not allow us to proceed. I will try to call you on your cell phone, if that happens.

EMERGENCY PELAGIC TRIP INFO:

DATE: SAT, OCT 29

PLACE OF DEPARTURE: PORT O'BODEGA, BODEGA BAY

MEETING TIME: 6:30 AM, SHARP

PARKING: FREE

RETURN TIME: APPROX. 5 PM, DO NOT BOOK AN EVENING FLIGHT

BOAT FEE: $230 PER PERSON

RESERVATIONS: Email your name, home address, cell phone to debi@shearwaterjourneys.com and put your check in the mail immediately. After October 25th, do not send checks. You will need to pay at the dock, cash only, if space is still available. You will need to have a reply from Debi for a firm reservation.

PREPARATION: Dress very warmly with waterproof outer layer, if possible. You must wear CLOSE-TOED SHOES. Bring gloves, hats. Bring all food & drink for the day. Take a seasick pill. As with all Shearwater Journeys trip, this is a non-smoking trip. Check in with Debi prior to boarding the boat.

BODEGA BAY MOTELS: Bodega Harbor Inn is usually the least expensive, but not my personal favorite. Inn at the Tides is very nice and seems like it might have a special rate going on at the moment. There's a few others, but not many. Motel rates can be cheaper on Highway 101 in Petaluma. However, if you elect to stay along Highway 101, be sure to allow yourself at least an hour to drive to the boat because you can get lost, get slowed down by dense fog or a small truck pulling a trailer with a boat. For the person who has never been to Bodega Bay before, this option is not the best idea. If you miss the boat, and I will leave on time, you will not receive any refund or credit.

RESTAURANTS: No restaurants are open early enough in the morning for the boat trip. None of the motels serves breakfast early enough, either. Be sure to plan for your breakfast. Some motel rooms have refrigerators and/or microwaves. The Pelican Plaza Deli and gourmet grocery store can make you a good sandwich for the boat trip, but you'll need to arrive before they close on Friday night. My favorite restaurant for dinner is the Sandpiper.

Keep in mind that Shearwater Journeys' two November trips have spaces available: November 22 departing from Half Moon Bay and November 27 departing from Monterey Bay.

Shearwaters & Auklets & Procellaria Petrels Forever,

Debi Shearwater

AKA: Annie Auklet as played by Angelica Huston in the 20th Century Fox movie, "The Big Year" now playing at theater near you!

IMAGES of the DAY by TODD MCGRATH: OCTOBER 8, 2011 MONTEREY BAY

2011-10-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

Leader, Todd McGrath's images of the Shearwater Journeys' October 8, 2011 Monterey Bay trip are below. He has not yet worked through the many images of the Killer Whales. I'll post these, later. All images copyright, Todd McGrath. Please do not use without permission. Enjoy!

Leaving the harbor, we could tell it would be a beautiful day!

Just outside of the harbor, we spotted two PIGEON GUILLEMOTS, calling back and forth to each other. The lighting was beautiful.

The majority of Pigeon Guillemots depart during winter. It was only recently discovered that they spend the winter at the Queen Charlotte Islands.

The piercing scream of a SEA OTTER pup calling for its' mother attracted our attention.

The mother appeared at the surface with a crab. Nearly all of our Monterey Bay trips observe Sea Otters.

Cannery Row, above, does not bear any resemblance to what it once was— home of the largest sardine cannery in the world— until the sardines disappeared. Sardines are making a comeback and there is now a fishery for them, once again.

The beautiful BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS, above.

Prize seabird of the day: LAYSAN ALBATROSS, above.

SOOTY SHEARWATER, above.

BULLER'S SHEARWATER, above and below. We saw good numbers of these.

This LAYSAN ALBATROSS hung around for quite some time. Photographers had a field day! And, it was a Life Bird for more than a few folks on board!

Shearwaters & Auklets Forever,

Debi Shearwater

AKA: "Annie Auklet" as played by Angelica Huston in the movie, "The Big Year" opening on October 14th at a theater near you!

IMAGES of the DAY by ABE BORKER: OCTOBER 8, 2011 MONTEREY BAY

2011-10-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

I hope you will enjoy Shearwater Journeys' leader, Abe Borker's images of the October 8, 2011 Monterey Bay trip. All images copyright, Abe Borker. Please do not use without permission. Read the full Trip Report for this day.

Yes, the KILLER WHALES stole the show at the end of the day!

Look at all of the seabirds going for the scraps from the kill!

It was incredible how the BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES followed the KILLER WHALES.

Always a magnificent sight— LAYSAN ALBATROSS, above.

BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS, above.

SOUTH POLAR SKUA puts on a show!

LAYSAN ALBATROSS, up close.

PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, above.

And, just where do you think all of your garbage goes? Avoid plastic!

Arguably the most beautiful shearwater, BULLER'S SHEARWATER.

PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, above.

A SOUTHERN SEA OTTER calls to its' mother!

HEERMANN'S GULL

HOPE TO SEE YOU OUT THERE! FALL SEASON IS NEARLY OVER. JUMP ON BOARD!

Debi Shearwater

TRIP REPORT: OCTOBER 8, 2011 MONTEREY BAY

2011-10-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

Good sea conditions and lots of seabirds greeted the participants of Shearwater Journeys' October 8, 2011 pelagic trip at Monterey Bay. Highlights of this day included: one extremely co-operative LAYSAN ALBATROSS, one distant FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER, 45 BULLER'S SHEARWATERS (more than on recent trips), 4 SOUTH POLAR SKUAS, showing well for the photographers, the first of fall BONAPARTE'S GULL, and at least five KILLER WHALES FEEDING ON A KILL— the frosting on the cake at the end of the day. Birding was great, immediately upon leaving the harbor, with two PIGEON GUILLEMOTS near the Coast Guard jetty. The RISSO'S DOLPHINS were still present, but most of the seabirds feeding on squid had dispersed. Things change! We headed south along the 110 fathom line because we kept encountering flocks of feeding shearwaters. However, after several miles, I decided to head offshore, hoping for a skua. Sure enough, as soon as we stopped to look at and photograph the BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES near the boat, the first of several SOUTH POLAR SKUAS circled overhead! We were already having a great day when the call came over the radio that some KILLER WHALES were feeding on an animal they had killed only 6 miles away. So, the frosting on the cake was watching these killer whales at the end of the day! More posts will be forthcoming about this. Stay tuned!

Typical of feeding KILLER WHALES, many seabirds will feed on the scraps that reach the surface. In my image, below, you can see a BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS and a PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, following the two killer whales.

After watching and photographing these Killer Whales for a solid hour, we had to head back to the harbor. They also appeared to be finished feeding, as they formed a "chorus line" and headed away from us.

See Abe Borker's images of this trip. Many thanks to all of the great folks who joined us on this trip. The leaders on this trip were: Todd McGrath, Abe Borker, Wes Fritz, Ben Thompson, John Sorensen and Debi Shearwater.

The complete species list for OCTOBER 8, 2011 MONTEREY BAY follows:

All birds in Monterey County.

PACIFIC LOON- 5

COMMON LOON- 1

LAYSAN ALBATROSS- 1

BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS- 20

NORTHERN FULMAR- 30

PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER- 110

FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER- 1

BULLER'S SHEARWATER- 45

SOOTY SHEARWATER- 110

ASHY STORM-PETREL- 5

BROWN PELICAN- 6

BRANDT'S CORMORANT- 4

PELAGIC CORMORANT- 2

SURF SCOTER- 17

BLACK TURNSTONE- 12

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE- 75

RED PHALAROPE- 15

SOUTH POLAR SKUA- 4

POMARINE JAEGER- 7

PARASITIC JAEGER- 5

BONAPARTE'S GULL- 1

HEERMANN'S GULL- +

CALIFORNIA GULL- +

WESTERN GULL- +

COMMON TERN- 12

COMMON MURRE- 400

PIGEON GUILLEMOT- 2

CASSIN'S AUKLET- 200

RHINOCEROS AUKLET- 60

SEA OTTER- 2, mother with pup

CALIFORNIA SEA LION- 250

HARBOR SEAL- 1

KILLER WHALE- 5 or 6 (2 males, 1 young)

RISSO'S DOLPHIN- 30

OCEAN SUNFISH- 3

Join us on our OCTOBER 14th trip departing from BODEGA BAY and our OCTOBER 15th trip departing from HALF MOON BAY. Please reserve no later than 8 am on October 13th by calling Debi at: 831-637-8527; debi@shearwaterjourneys.com.

Shearwaters and Auklets forever,

Debi Shearwater

AKA: "Annie Auklet" as played by Angelica Huston in the movie, "The Big Year" opening on October 14th at a theater near you!

SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING: PANOCHE VALLEY

2011-10-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

Panoche Valley is well known to birders during the winter months. However, birding can be interesting at any time of the year. Panoche Valley is recognized as a Globally significant Important Bird Area (IBA) by National Audubon. Fall can be a great time to spot unusual birds in the valley, as well as enjoy some great scenery. On September 30 and October 5, I birded Panoche Valley. Each time, I ran into a local valley person and spent a hour, pulled up along the roadside, talking to these folks. This is the "PV Way," chatting about the "nature of the valley." A lot is at stake. I plan to visit the valley at least once a week throughout the fall season, into winter. So, stay tuned, if you are interested in this area. For more details on location of the valley, click here.

One enters the valley through the oak dotted and towering gray pine foothills. I couldn't help but notice the newborn calves. The local rancher told me that this is late in the season for calving. He counts his calves, every single day. Meanwhile, I counted YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES! San Benito County seems to have been spared the harsh impacts of the West Nile Virus that has killed off local yellow-billed magpies in many other counties, including some that have been entirely wiped out. I counted some 85 magpies on Highway 25 where it runs through the McCullough Ranch! These images, above and below, are of HY magpies.
It is the time of year for TARANTULAS to be on the road. I generally try to get them to cross the road to avoid being smashed by oncoming vehicles. LARK SPARROWS are forming flocks in the foothills and on the valley floor.
Below, is Shotgun Pass on October 5th. The great grasslands are laid out beneath the cover of threatening thunderstorms. It did rain on this day!
A great many of the grassland birds are shades of brown. One does not need to describe this as "dull," but rather, one can learn to appreciate the many shades of brown that allow these birds to live an inconspicuous well adapted life amongst the grasses. Below, is a HORNED LARK, a breeder in the valley. GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS and SHORT-EARED OWLS were also confirmed breeding this year in the valley.
The beautiful valley floor on Little Panoche Road is lit up with sunlight amidst the rain showers. This will be one place to search for Mountain Plovers and Burrowing Owls once winter arrives.

The biting northwest wind on October 5th, made me feel as though winter had arrived. The CASSIN'S KINGBIRD, below, says that fall is still here. This was one of three individuals I observed on September 30th. Two kingbirds were near the school.

This ROCK WREN was on the road to New Idria in the Griswold Hills. Another bird exhibiting shades of brown.

It was gratifying to see good numbers of LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES all across the valley. About 12 years ago, I found a shrike in the road, with pin-feathers meaning that it was still a hatchling— in mid-October!
An adult GOLDEN EAGLE and three RAVENS flying away, as they were feeding on the ground. Shortly after this, I saw a Raven carrying a WESTERN MEADOWLARK in its' feet! And, I wonder why meadowlarks never sit on the fences long enough for a photograph!
SAVANNAH SPARROWS, below, will soon line the fence rows, although only a handful are present at the moment.

The first of fall VESPER SPARROW, below, was found on September 30th. Search for them on the valley floor amongst the many Savannah Sparrows. Vesper Sparrows are not nearly as numerous. A LINCOLN'S SPARROW was also present on September 30th.

PRAIRIE FALCONS, icons of the grasslands, can be found anywhere along the valley floor. This one, below, was on Panoche Road, near Silver Creek Ranch. I also found an adult, male LARK BUNTING in basic plumage in this area, along with a ROADRUNNER. It has been a number of years since Lark Buntings were seen in PV. Perhaps, this will be a "good" year for them. On Panoche Road, near the ranch homes, large flocks of blackbirds can be found. On October 5th, I saw 110 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS amongst these flocks.

New to the area— an oil rigging that is actively being worked. This is on the road that goes to New Idria. A small encampment, complete with workers living in trailers, has sprung up as well. The oil well is very close to the location where I photographed a SAN JOAQUIN KIT FOX. Who knows what the future will hold for Panoche Valley? It is under threat from solar development at this time. If you love this place, now is the time to visit. Hope to see you out there!

All images by Debi Shearwater, copyright. Please do not use without permission.

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

San Benito County Birding

IMAGES of the DAY by ABE BORKER: OCTOBER 2, 2011 HALF MOON BAY

2011-10-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Birders,

Photographic opportunities on Shearwater Journeys' October 2, 2011 Half Moon Bay departure was extremely high. I hope you will enjoy Abe Borker's images below. Abe was the Grand Prize winner of the photography contest at the Monterey Bay Birding Festival. All images copyright, Abe Borker. Please do not use without permission. Enjoy!

Common Murre on glassy seas in the morning light.

Over 2000 Common Murres were close to shore, feeding on squid.

Sooty Shearwater

Buller's Shearwater, possibly the most beautiful of the shearwaters.

Northern Fur Seal with long, blonde whiskers, long digits.

Northern Fur Seal in the "jug handle" position.

Common Tern

One of two Flesh-footed Shearwaters.

Common Tern on a kelp patty.

California Sea Lions near the weather buoy.

Steller's Sea Lion with the California Sea Lions.

California Sea Lions.

One of two Tufted Puffins this day. This bird still retaining some of the face feathers.

Join us on one of our three remaining fall trips!

Debi Shearwater

AKA "Annie Auklet" played by Angelica Huston in the movie, "The Big Year" opening at a theater near you on October 14th.

TRIP REPORT: OCTOBER 2, 2011 HALF MOON BAY

2011-10-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

Fantastic seas and weather conditions continued, as reported on Shearwater Journeys' October 1 pelagic trip. This is a report for our 12 hour October 2, 2011 Half Moon Bay departure. Highlights included, greasy-glassy smooth seas, BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS, NORTHERN FULMAR, PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER, BULLER'S SHEARWATER, SOOTY SHEARWATER, SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, ASHY STORM-PETREL, BLACK STORM-PETREL, SURFBIRD, RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, RED PHALAROPE, SOUTH POLAR SKUA, POMARINE JAEGER, PARASITIC JAEGER, LONG-TAILED JAEGER SABINE'S GULL, ARCTIC TERN, COMMON TERN, COMMON MURRE, PIGEON GUILLEMOT, XANTUS'S MURRELET, MARBLED MURRELET, CASSIN'S AUKLET, RHINOCEROS AUKLET, TUFTED PUFFIN, HARBOR PORPOISE, NORTHERN FUR SEAL and NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL.
Once again, we encountered squid at the 50 fathom line, where some SOOTY SHEARWATERS, and nearly 2000 COMMON MURRES were feeding. We enjoyed one of the most beautiful days, ever, offshore from Half Moon Bay.
We headed to the Pioneer Canyon, traveling some 38 miles offshore, covering both San Mateo and San Francisco Counties. A WILSON'S WARBLER was over 30 miles offshore in San Francisco County. It was simply a lovely day.
"Young Birder" highlights continued. Above, Jon & Kendall Watkins and below, Cassidy Ruge (left) and Whitney Mortimer. It is so much fun to have youth seabirders — and those young eyes are so sharp! That's leader, Peter Pyle, below, looking through his bins.

Returning to the harbor, I was captured by the mirror-like reflections!

Many thanks to all who came from near and far (England) to join our spectacular day. The leaders on this day were: Peter Pyle, Tristan McKee, Clay Kempf, Abe Borker and Debi Shearwater.

The complete species list for OCTOBER 2, 2011 HALF MOON BAY follows:

SAN MATEO/SAN FRANCISCO/TOTAL

PACIFIC LOON- 6/0/6

COMMON LOON- 1/0/1

WESTERN GREBE- 4/0/4

CLARK'S GREBE- 1/0/1

BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS- 3/10/13

NORTHERN FULMAR- 9/38/47

PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER- 8/42/50

FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER- 0/2/2

BULLER'S SHEARWATER- 1/9/10

SOOTY SHEARWATER- 60/28/88

SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER- 3/0/3

ASHY STORM-PETREL- 0/100/100

BLACK STORM-PETREL- 0/1/1

BROWN PELICAN- 20/0/20

BRANDT'S CORMORANT- 17/0/17

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT- 40/0/40

SURF SCOTER- 7/0/7

BLACK OYSTERCATCHER- 3/0/3

BLACK TURNSTONE- 16/0/16

SURFBIRD- 12/01/12

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE- 10/15/25

RED PHALAROPE- 10/5/15

SOUTH POLAR SKUA- 0/6/6

POMARINE JAEGER- 0/6/6

POMARINE/PARASITIC- 5/10/15

PARASITIC JAEGER- 4/2/6

LONG-TAILED JAEGER- 5/15/20

JAEGER SP.- 5/15/20

HEERMANN'S GULL- 20/0/20

CALIFORNIA GULL- 35/40/75

WESTERN GULL- 30/30/60

GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL- 1/0/1

SABINE'S GULL- 0/14/14

ELEGANT TERN- 15/0/15

COMMON TERN- 0/3/3

ARCTIC TERN- 0/2/2

COMMON MURRE- 2950/50/3000

PIGEON GUILLEMOT- 1/0/1

MARBLED MURRELET- 4/0/4

XANTUS'S MURRELET- 1/0/1

CASSIN'S AUKLET- 10/240/250

RHINOCEROS AUKLET- 30/70/100

TUFTED PUFFIN- 0/2/2

NORTHERN PINTAIL- 0/5/5

SNOWY EGRET- 2/0/2

WILSON'S WARBLER- 0/1/1, more than 30 miles offshore

CALIFORNIA SEA LION- 100

STELLER'S SEA LION- 1

NORTHERN FUR SEAL- 6

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL- 1

HARBOR SEAL- 1

HARBOR PORPOISE- 2

OCEAN SUNFISH- 15

BLUE SHARK- 4

What a great day— nine species of tubenoses, five species of shearwaters, seven species of alcids and five species of pinnipeds. Many folks on board did the October 1 Monterey trip. This day very nicely compliments that day, adding numerous species of seabirds and marine mammals. In total, those folks ticked a tremendous list of marine life!

Join us on one of our upcoming trips:

OCTOBER 8 departing from MONTEREY

OCTOBER 14 departing from BODEGA BAY

OCTOBER 15 departing from HALF MOON BAY

Shearwaters and auklets forever,

Debi Shearwater

TRIP REPORT: OCTOBER 1, 2011 MONTEREY BAY

2011-10-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

Whooaa! We had a fabulous day of seabirds and marine mammals on Shearwater Journeys' Saturday, October 1, 2011 pelagic trip. Highlights of the day included: beautiful sea conditions with outstanding views of BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS, NORTHERN FULMAR, FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER, PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER, BULLER'S SHEARWATER, SOOTY SHEARWATER, SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER, ASHY STORM-PETREL, SOUTH POLAR SKUA, SABINE'S GULL, 27 BAIRD'S BEAKED WHALES, HUMPBACK WHALE, RISSO'S DOLPHINS, PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHINS, DALL'S PORPOISE and one adult male, KILLER WHALE.

As has been the case for the last several weeks, SOOTY SHEARWATERS and COMMON MURRES were feeding on a very large aggregation of market squid, Loligo loligo, just outside of the harbor. Below, is the image of squid on the boat's fishfinder.
As on previous trips, a number of RISSO'S DOLPHINS were also feeding on the squid. Above is the tall, scarred fin of a Risso's Dolphin, kayakers who seem to be fishing and Hopkins Marine Station at China Point in the background. Hopkins Marine Station, part of Stanford University, is the oldest marine station on the west coast. The image below, shows a breaching Risso's Dolphin. These large, up to 13 feet in length, dolphins, have round, bulbous heads, tall dorsal fins (often mistaken for killer whales at a distance), and much scarring on the body. They only have teeth in the lower jaw, and feed almost exclusively on squid.

A juvenile Sabine's Gull, above, put on quite a show for the photographers!

We headed north to the canyons off Davenport to look for some ASHY STORM-PETRELS. We did find some scattered storm-petrels, but no large concentrations of flocks. We spotted some confusing whale blows— many of them! After sorting it out and getting closer to the whales, I determined that there was one HUMPBACK WHALE and two pods of BAIRD'S BEAKED WHALES, in very close proximity to each other. The humpback whale began tail-lobbing which it carried on for quite some time. The Baird's Beaked Whales sounded. However, we were able to follow them for several dives. These large, up to 40 feet, toothed whales probably feed on squid. These whales are rarely seen and very little is known about them. The images below show the typical "army" brown coloration of the scarred body and triangular-shaped dorsal fins.

The above image shows the low, bushy blow characteristic of Baird's Beaked Whales.

South Polar Skuas made passes at the stern, where leader Jennifer Green was offering chopped up sardines to them and other diners. A group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins cruised the bow, and later, Dall's Porpoises did the same. This was turning out to be a great day for cetaceans! Then, I spotted a tall, black dorsal fin — an adult male, KILLER WHALE! We were on our return to the harbor, but watched this fellow for several dives, while trying to obtain photo-ID images for the Killer Whale ID Catalogue. Although we did not see any other Killer Whales in the area, I was certain that others of his pod were not far away. Before heading to the harbor, we alerted the whale watching fleet. One of the boats found this male, and following him for several miles, he brought them to his pod of 7-8 others.

In addition to all of the special seabirds and marine mammals, we also had some special guests on board this day. Above, is CAPTAIN SPURGEON STOWE with his friend, owner/operator of the "Miss Hatteras." Born at Hatteras, North Carolina, many birders have traveled with Captain Stowe on his vessel, including both Jennifer and I. Spurgeon had never before seen a Killer Whale until this day! And, he was happy with the Black-footed Albatrosses! Captain Stowe described the trip as, "a world class operation."

A personal highlight of the day for me was the meeting the two fine young men, below. The taller fellow, Robert Walsh, is a Ph.D. candidate at UC Davis, Avian Conservation and Ecology Lab. Bobby is with his younger cousin, Ben Thompson, smiling because he saw 18 new Life Birds.

Debi & Ben, above.

Many thanks to all the fun folks on board who came from near and far for this trip. The leaders on this day were Jennifer Green and Debi Shearwater.

The complete species list, MONTEREY/SANTA CRUZ/TOTAL, for OCTOBER 1, 2011 follows:

PACIFIC LOON- 4/0/4

BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS- 3/28/31

NORTHERN FULMAR- 6/5/11

PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER- 140/30/170

FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER- 1/0/1

BULLER'S SHEARWATER- 6/3/9

SOOTY SHEARWATER- 70/50/120

SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER- 0/1/1

ASHY STORM-PETREL- 0/46/46

BROWN PELICAN- +

GREEN-WINGED TEAL- 1

CANADA GEESE- 16

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE- 50/5/55

RED PHALAROPE- 3/15/18

SOUTH POLAR SKUA- 0/4/4

POMARINE JAEGER- 4/4/8

POMARINE/PARASITIC - 1

HEERMANN'S GULL- +

CALIFORNIA GULL- 20

WESTERN GULL- +

SABINE'S GULL- 0/3/3

ELEGANT TERN- 12/0/12

COMMON MURRE- 125/50/175

CASSIN'S AUKLET- 27/0/27

RHINOCEROS AUKLET- 70/20/90

SEA OTTER- 4

CALIFORNIA SEA LION- 400

NORTHERN FUR SEAL- 2

HUMPBACK WHALE- 1

BAIRD'S BEAKED WHALE- 27

KILLER WHALE- 1, adult male

RISSO'S DOLPHIN- 120

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHIN- 30

DALL'S PORPOISE- 8

OCEAN SUNFISH- 3

BLUE SHARK- 1

MANY CHRYSOARA JELLIES + other jellies

A warm water plume had pushed north along the coast. This could lead to mixing of the various sea surface temperatures. The Shearwater Journeys' trip at Half Moon Bay on October 2 confirmed this! It could be a very, very interesting time to get offshore.

Spaces are available on the following trips:

OCTOBER 8 departing from Monterey

OCTOBER 14 departing from Bodega Bay

OCTOBER 15 departing from Half Moon Bay

Shearwaters forever,

Debi Shearwater

AKA: "Annie Auklet" as played by Angelica Huston in the movie, "The Big Year" opening October 14th at a theater near you!

FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER: SEP 9, 2011

2011-09-29T21:05:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

I forgot to include the FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER (Puffinus carneipes) in my recap of the September trips. This bird was seen on the September 9, 2011 Monterey Bay trip. The image below was made by John Schwarz, copyright. It is a difficult shearwater to photograph, as they are often flying by. Flesh-footed Shearwaters breed on the Chicken Islands, Mercury Island and other New Zealand islands. They eat squid and fish. This species is not common. In fact, we call it a "one in 10 trip shearwater," meaning that one generally needs to do at least 10 trips to observe this shearwater. Peter LaTourette has some nice images of this species, here.

Shearwaters forever,

Debi Shearwater

AKA "Annie Auklet" as played by Angelica Huston, in the 20th Century Fox movie, "The Big Year" opening October 14th in a theater near you!

SEPTEMBER SHEARWATER JOURNEYS RECAP OF TRIPS

2011-09-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

Between September 8 and 26 Shearwater Journeys offered fifteen successful pelagic trips from three ports: Monterey, Half Moon Bay and Bodega Bay. Some 552 birders participated in these trips, including the trips for the Monterey Bay Birding Festival, held this past weekend. Leaders on these trips included: Clay Kempf, Jennifer Green, Rick Fournier, Scott Terrill, Linda Terrill, Morten Joergensen, Kate Goldberg, Wes Fritz, Dena Spatz, Lisa Hug, Steve Howell, Peter Pyle, David Wimpfheimer, Tristan McKee, Abe Borker, Russell Bradley, Annie Schmidt, Joe Morlan, Dave Pereksta, Melinda Conners, Adam Fox, Adam Searcy and Debi Shearwater. Participants hailed from Canada, Belgium, The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, England and 32 states.

Highlights were many, with all of the usual fall seabirds observed during the period. The GREAT-WINGED PETREL was observed by a lucky few birders only 7 miles offshore on the September 17th Half Moon Bay trip. This may well be the same individual Great-winged Petrel as seen on our August 26th Monterey Bay trip. A beautiful adult BROWN BOOBY flew into the wake on the September 9th Monterey Bay trip. A MANX SHEARWATER was spotted, sitting amongst a raft of Sooty Shearwaters on the September 11th Monterey Bay trip. Two LAYSAN ALBATROSSES were found on the September 14th Bodega Bay trip, along with 6 Wilson's, 150 Fork-tailed, 200 Ashy and 12 Black Storm-Petrels. Another LAYSAN ALBATROSS was observed on the September 16th Half Moon Bay trip. "Bonus" TUFTED PUFFINS were spotted on several trips from Monterey and Half Moon Bay and the September 14th Bodega Bay trip. It was an incredible month for seabirds. Many of the Half Moon Bay departures enjoyed excellent views of MARBLED MURRELETS as well as close-up views of the rocky shorebirds: SURFBIRD, WANDERING TATTLER, BLACK OYSTERCATCHER.

Fall migration continues throughout October which could shape up to be a very good month. Winter seabirds should be arriving by mid-October through November. Spaces are available on the following trips:

MONTEREY: OCT 1, 8, 16; NOV 27

HALF MOON BAY: OCT 2, 15; NOV 22

BODEGA BAY: OCT 14

For reservations, please contact Debi Shearwater at: debi@shearwaterjourneys.com

Shearwaters forever,

Debi

AKA "Annie Auklet" as played by Angelica Huston in the 20th Century Fox movie, "The Big Year" opening at a theater near you on October 14th!

I hope you will enjoy John Schwarz's images from Shearwater Journeys' September 10, 11, 14 and 18 trips. All images copyright, John Schwarz. Please do not use without permission.

Parasitic Jaeger

Sabine's Gull

Red Phalarope

Pink-footed Shearwater

South Polar Skua

Manx Shearwater

Cassin's Auklet

Long-tailed Jaeger

Laysan Albatross

Black-footed Albatross

Buller's Shearwater

Black Storm-Petrel

Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel

Ashy Storm-Petrel

THE BIG YEAR: MONTEREY BAY BIRDING FESTIVAL

2011-09-23T17:25:00.000-07:00

Hello, Birders,

At 7 p.m. I will be presenting a program, titled, The Big Year: How Did We Get Here?" at the Monterey Bay Birding Festival. If you are in the area, please join me.

For more information about Angelica Huston who will play the part of me, in this 20th Century Fox movie, please click here. The movie is scheduled to be released on October 14th. I hope that you will enjoy it!

Auklets forever,

Annie Auklet

SAN BENITO COUNTY: Fall Migration

2011-09-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

Hello, Birders,

A few recent miscellaneous birds in SAN BENITO COUNTY:

At Paicines Reservoir: for 20 September: 2 COMMON TERNS (fourth county record) were present at 4:45 pm; a single PRAIRIE FALCON landed on the far side fence, then popped down to the water's edge to drink; for 21 September: 9 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, 6 RUDDY DUCKS, 3 CINNAMON TEAL, 2 WHITE PELICANS, 2 YELLOW WARBLERS were present. Shorebird habitat continues to be present and has increased in size at the reservoir— LEAST SANDPIPERS and one BLACK-NECKED STILT, along with Greater Yellowlegs present.

On Quien Sabe Road between Highway 25 and the intersection of Santa Ana Valley Road: 1 PRAIRIE FALCON was present and 1 YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE on 21 September. Look for this falcon in this area, and closer to the intersection with Santa Ana Valley Road. It has been there for several weeks.

On Highway 25 a ROADRUNNER was carrying prey across the road near mile marker 8.58 south of Bolado Park on 21 September.

On Santa Ana Valley Road: an immature GOLDEN EAGLE was present both 20 & 21 September. Two CASSIN'S KINGBIRDS were near the mailbox #1048 near Lightning Tree Ranch on 20 September. They usually hang out in this area.

At Maple and Chappell Streets, near the post office, 2 YELLOW WARBLERS were high in the trees, 21 September.

At Vista Hill Park in downtown Hollister, an adult CALIFORNIA GULL was flying southeast.

Happy fall migration,

Debi Shearwater

AKA: Annie Auklet in the movie, "The Big Year" See it October 14th in a theater near you!

Debra Shearwater

Shearwater Journeys, Inc.

PO Box 190

Hollister, CA 95024

831.637.8527

debi@shearwaterjourneys.com

www.shearwaterjourneys.com

www.shearwaterjourneys.blogspot.com

SVALBARD: High Arctic Seabirds & Polar Bears, Walrus: 28 June-8 July, 2013

GREAT-WINGED PETREL, AGAIN! TRIP REPORT: SEPTEMBER 17, 2011 HALF MOON BAY

2011-09-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

Shearwater Journeys' pelagic trip from Half Moon Bay today was a loads of fun! Ace seabirder, Phil Hansbro who hails from Newcastle, Australia, shouted out, "GREAT-WINGED PETREL" at 0940 as the pterodroma was zipping along from the stern to the bow, only 7 miles off the San Mateo County coast. Wow! Few shearwaters or other tubenoses were in sight. This represents the fifth sighting of Great-winged Petrel (Pterodroma macroptera gouldi) for North America and the Northern Hemisphere. Most folks on board missed the petrel, although a few did see it. Leader and San Mateo County birder, Tristan McKee did see the petrel. In a matter of seconds it was gone. Although we laid out a slick, it did not return. Such is seabirding!

Other highlights of the day included great views and photo ops of a CASSIN'S AUKLET near the harbor, MARBLED MURRELETS and TUFTED PUFFINS!

Phil Hansbro, above. Check out his web site, here.

The day began a lot better than yesterday, with much improved sea conditions. Above is the weather buoy and a heard of California Sea Lions nearby, trying to figure out how to jump on the buoy!

One Steller's Sea Lion, above, was with this gang!

That's Doug Koch, above. And, yes, that's two cameras in his hands! He did see the Great-winged Petrel!

Chris Hitt, above, completed a Big Year in the lower 48 states in 2010, setting the record at 704.

Folks had a lazy, sunny afternoon.

We thank the folks who came from near and far (Australia & the UK) to join us. Many folks have joined us on multiple trips, including several trips from Half Moon Bay and our Bodega Bay trip, September 14th. The leaders on this day were: Scott Terrill, Linda Terrill, Tristan McKee and Debi Shearwater.

The complete species list of the September 17, 2011 Shearwater Journeys' pelagic trip from Half Moon Bay follows. All birds are for San Mateo County.

RED-THROATED LOON- 1

PACIFIC LOON- 3

COMMON LOON- 4

WESTERN GREBE- 46

BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS- 11

NORTHERN FULMAR- 85

*GREAT-WINGED PETREL- 1

PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER- 95

BULLER'S SHEARWATER- 26

SOOTY SHEARWATER- 180

FORK-TAILED SHEARWATER- 1

ASHY STORM-PETREL- 3

BROWN PELICAN- 45

BRANDT'S CORMORANT- 230

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT- 75

PELAGIC CORMORANT- 4

SANDERLING- 60, on the jetty

BLACK OYSTERCATCHER- 2, on the jetty

BLACK TURNSTONE- 18, on the jetty

SURFBIRD- 16, on the jetty

WILLET- 12, on the jetty

RED PHALAROPE- 9

SOUTH POLAR SKUA- 4

POMARINE JAEGER- 5

PARASITIC JAEGER- 9

LONG-TAILED JAEGER- 2

HEERMANN'S GULL- 80

CALIFORNIA GULL- 35

WESTERN GULL- 250

SABINE'S GULL- 32

ELEGANT TERN- 4

COMMON TERN- 1, just outside the harbor

COMMON MURRE- 76

PIGEON GUILLEMOT- 1

MARBLED MURRELET- 4

CASSIN'S AUKLET- 8 (1 gave terrific photo-ops, just inside the harbor)

RHINOCEROS AUKLET- 12

TUFTED PUFFIN- 2

GREAT BLUE HERON- 1

CALIFORNIA SEA LION- 50, most at the weather buoy

STELLER'S SEA LION- 1, at the weather buoy

NORTHERN FUR SEAL- 1

HARBOR SEAL- 6

HUMPBACK WHALE- 3

NORTHERN RIGHT WHALE DOLPHIN- 200

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHIN- 75

HARBOR PORPOISE- 13

OCEAN SUNFISH- 12

Above, Phil Hansbro meets up with three SoCal birding friends! Phil was hoping to see Ashy Storm-Petrel for a life bird, which he did do. Tomorrow, we hope to find hoards of storm-petrels, as the sea conditions are forecast for continued improvement. Images of the seabirds of the day will follow later. No images of the Great-winged Petrel were obtained.

Pterodromas forever,

Debi Shearwater

AKA: Annie Auklet, played by Angelica Huston, in the 20th Century Fox movie, "The Big Year" opening 14 October!

IMAGES OF THE DAY by Brian Sullivan: SEPTEMBER 11, 2011 INCLUDING MANX SHEARWATER

2011-09-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

Monterey Bay's seabirds put on quite the show, September 11, 2011 on the Shearwater Journeys' pelagic trip. Immediately upon departure from the dock, it was apparent that there had been a dramatic change, overnight. The first Northern Fulmar was sighted, sitting on the water at the Coast Guard Jetty! I hope you will enjoy Brian Sullivan's images of this spectacular day, below. All images copyright, Brian Sullivan. Please do not use without permission.

Just outside of the harbor, massive flocks of feeding Sooty Shearwaters swirled.

Generally, we use the Sooty Shearwater as the "standard" shearwater and an aid to identifying other shearwaters. The dark belly and pale grayish wing-linings distinguish a Sooty Shearwater.

In my experience, most of these swirling flocks are quite homogenous containing only Sooty Shearwaters. However, it is not long before the first Pink-footed Shearwater, below, makes an appearance.

Just outside of Point Pinos, the first of many Black-footed Albatrosses, below, shows up. Typically, this demands that we stop the boat for birders and photographers to enjoy these great seabirds.

Stopping the boat is akin to stopping on a trail, when birding on land. Often times when one does this, one notices other birds! And, so it is, on the ocean as well. A gorgeous Sabine's Gull flies into the wake, below.

Sabine's Gulls are often quickly followed by any number of jaegers. Below, is a Long-tailed Jaeger.

Many Pomarine Jaegers, below, come to investigate the activity.

We enjoyed a great time heading north, finding 1000+ Ashy Storm-Petrels, two Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels and one Wilson's Storm-Petrel. Soon, it was time to return to the harbor. Flocks of Sooty Shearwaters were on the water. Brian spotted a Manx Shearwater, below, in one of these flocks. Manx Shearwater is a rarely seen bird at Monterey Bay and off California.

At the very end of the day, we saw a partial albino Sooty Shearwater. These birds are quite common, but rarely photographed. It requires a combination of a highly skilled seabirder and photographer. Some of these partial albino shearwaters are quite startling! This one is the "pied" shearwater, above and below. Other species of shearwaters can also appear as partial albinos. So, it is best not to simply assume that they are all Sooty Shearwaters!

This was a fabulous day of seabirds, Humpback Whales and Risso's Dolphins. You can enjoy more of Brian's images at his flickr web site, here.

Happy Trails,

Debi Shearwater

AKA Annie Auklet

Pelagic trips: Brief Highlights

2011-09-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hello, Birders,

Some brief highlights from our recent trips:

SEPTEMBER 10TH: Shearwater Journeys' albacore trip went to Sur Canyon where we found 60.1 F sea surface temperatures! Highlights were 7 SOUTH POLAR SKUAS and all three species of jaegers, including 35 LONG-TAILED JAEGERS.

SEPTEMBER 11TH: A particularly beautiful day which was great for photography. Overnight, thousands of shearwaters and other seabirds moved into the inner reaches of Monterey Bay, including flocks of feeding SOOTY SHEARWATERS just outside of the harbor and many PARASITIC JAEGERS. Highlights included a MANX SHEARWATER sighted by Brian Sullivan, sitting on the water with a flock of Sooty Shearwaters, including one partial albino Sooty. It was well photographed and seen by all on board. Other highlights included 1 SOUTH POLAR SKUA and all three species of jaegers; 1 WILSON'S STORM-PETREL, 2 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS and 1225 ASHY STORM-PETRELS, including one partial albino.

Spaces are available on tomorrow's trip departing from Monterey! Spaces are also available on Wednesday's trip departing from Bodega Bay and on Monday, September 19th, departing from Half Moon Bay. The September 16, 17 and 18 Half Moon Bay trips are SOLD OUT.

Spaces are available on all of the pelagic trips for the Monterey Bay Birding Festival, September 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. For reservations, please email me.

Shearwaters forever,

Debi Shearwater

AKA Annie Auklet, in the movie, "The Big Year", opening October 14th.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011: IMAGES OF THE BROWN BOOBY, MONTEREY BAY

2011-09-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

A beautiful adult BROWN BOOBY was spotted by ace chummer, Wes Fritz, flying into the wake of our boat on Shearwater Journeys' Monterey Bay pelagic trip, today, September 9, 2011. This booby flew in briefly, landed on the water and then took off. It was a stunning show! We were in Santa Cruz County. Please enjoy professional Rick Fournier's images, below.
Rick was leading our trip today, along with Jennifer Green, Wes Fritz and Debi Shearwater. Rick is a professional bird guide. Please contact him at Monterey Birding Adventures. All images copyright, Rick Fournier. Please do not use without permission.
Long-time fellow traveler, Ann Dewart spotted a FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER, also in Santa Cruz County, sitting amongst a flock of PINK-FOOTED and SOOTY SHEARWATERS. We saw all of the usual suspects. A full report might come later. Spaces are still available on many of our trips. Please see our schedule on the Shearwater Journeys' web site.

Shearwaters forever,

Debi Shearwater

AKA: Annie Auklet, in the movie, "The Big Year", opening 14 October 2011.

SAN BENITO COUNTY: FALL MIGRATION

2011-09-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

Community Gardens near Vista Hill Park, Downtown Hollister

Hello, Birders,

After several "false starts" about exactly where to go birding this morning, I finally hit the jackpot on San Juan Canyon Road. Best bird of the day was a BLACKPOLL WARBLER, (first fall female) which I believe is a first record for San Benito County. It was in the lower third of the canyon, not at the top of the road, about 4 miles in from the junction with Old Stage and Mission Vineyard Roads. It was with a mixed flock that included two singing ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS. San Juan Canyon Road is the road that leads up to Fremont Peak State Park. I was birding from the road between 0945 and 1145 this morning (not the best time of day- I'd recommend starting earlier). This is an excellent birding road during both fall and spring migration.

Other migrants on this road today included: WILSON'S WARBLER (2), MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER (1), HUTTON'S VIREO (13), YELLOW WARBLER (1), NASHVILLE WARBLER (1), TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (1), BLACK-THROATED-GRAY WARBLER (2), WESTERN TANAGER (1), and the above mentioned Orange-crowns. Missed HERMIT WARBLER, but saw two on 30 August. Also, on August 30, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER (1), WESTERN WOOD PEWEE (1). The "usual suspect" birds which are resident. At the top, in Valley View Campground, I saw a BOBCAT (HY). On the return drive, downhill, I caught the hind end of a MOUNTAIN LION! It was a most unsatisfactory view. Stopped the car. Pished for it (works for bobcats!). But, I could only hear it crunching leaves and snap one twig. This past week, a mountain lion on this road took someone's dog, I am told. I see bobcats, on average, one time for every ten birding days.

American White Pelicans on Paicines Reservoir

Elsewhere in the county: mudflats are appearing at the south end of Paicines Reservoir, finally! Least and Western Sandpipers, Greater Yellowlegs, etc. have been showing up, with one RED KNOT on 3 September. BALD EAGLES, and the occasional Golden Eagle continue at the reservoir. along with off and on WHITE PELICANS (2-3), and a PEREGRINE flyover on 3 September. Both HOODED and BULLOCK'S ORIOLES have showed up in the solitary willow, easily seen from the pullout. The first Northern Shovelers appeared on the reservoir 3 September, although the first shovelers arrived at the sewer ponds several weeks ago. They now number over 200. A female BUFFLEHEAD spent the summer going between the sewer ponds and San Justo Reservoir (closed to the public). At the sewer ponds, both BAIRD'S and PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, WILSON'S PHALAROPES and SEMIPALMATED PLOVER have been around, off and on. A STILT SANDPIPER on 15 AuguOverall, shorebird habitat is exceedingly slim. The Sewer Ponds are open to birders. It is required to sign in and out. Please do so! Very easy, and no hassles.

DO NOT TRESPASS at Paicines Reservoir! You WILL be ticketed. The sheriffs pulled up while I was there recently to ticket some fishermen.

On private properties: a WILLOW FLYCATCHER was along the riparian of San Benito River 5 Sep; a communal roost of 21 White-tailed Kites was in a wetland 5 Sep; nine WHITE-FACED IBIS established a new high count for the county; confirmed nesting Ruddy Ducks for the first time in the county, earlier this summer.

Cassin's Kingbird, Santa Ana Valley Road

Santa Ana Valley Road is just loaded with raptors. There is a large rodent outbreak, along with an explosion of small grasshoppers (smaller species of grasshoppers than the type that exploded in Panoche Valley over the summer). Kestrels, shrikes and CASSIN'S KINGBIRDS are feeding on the grasshoppers. This road will be well worth watching throughout the fall and winter months. The PRAIRIE FALCON is well stationed near the intersection of Santa Ana Valley and Quien Sabe Roads. It will likely remain there until the first wintering Ferruginous Hawk shows up and steals that spot. On 15 August, I saw four Prairie Falcons on Santa Ana Valley Road. Up to three CASSIN'S KINGBIRDS are on this road. Locations have been: mailbox #4500, mailbox #1275, at Samarkand Ranch. Both BALD (HYs and adults) and GOLDEN (HYs and adults) have been hunting Santa Ana Valley and Quien Sabe Roads.

Where to go birding during fall migration in San Benito County? For passerines: Vista Hill Park off Hill Street in downtown Hollister is a great place. I was there this morning, but could not tolerate the leaf blowers. BE AWARE: there is a homeless people's camp set up, complete with yappy dogs. All harmless, but take car. Just slightly downhill from the park is the Community Garden. I recommend it for birding as well. Fall migrants I have seen in this location in the past: Willow Flycatcher, American Redstart, Magnolia Warbler. This park represents the highest elevation in the surrounding area. It is planted with numerous exotics. It is extremely attractive to migrants, and being such a small area, tends to concentrate them well. San Juan Canyon Road is obviously one of the best places for regularly migrating passerines, as well as for the chance of a rarity. I have seen Northern Parula Warbler at the top of the road, several years ago. For shorebirds, try the sewer ponds, but be prepared to be disappointed. Paicines Reservoir could be good. The lighting is best in the early morning.

Trying to catch up, but not getting there fast enough!

Cats forever,

Debi Shearwater

AKA Annie Auklet in the movie, "The Big Year"

TRIP REPORT: AUGUST 26, 2011: MONTEREY BAY

2011-08-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

Abe Borker's image of a GREAT-WINGED PETREL, copyright.

Hello, Birders,

This is a trip report for Shearwater Journeys' pelagic trip departing from Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, August 26, 2011. The singular highlight of a fine day of Monterey seabirding was a GREAT-WINGED PETREL (Pterodroma macroptera gouldi), spotted simultaneously by Abe Borker and Jeri Langham. This represents the fourth record for North America and the northern hemisphere of Great-winged Petrel. This is the second record for Santa Cruz County. Three of the four records are from Monterey Bay and one record, the first-ever, 1996, is from Bodega Bay. Three of the four records have been recorded on Shearwater Journeys' trips. All of these three individuals were observed by Debi Shearwater. It seems unlikely, to me, that this represents only one individual bird. Many seabird authorities split the Great-winged Petrel subspecies. All of the North American subspecies are of the gouldi subspecies which nests on many islands and stacks around North Island, New Zealand. The total population of this subspecies/species is estimated to at 200,000 to 300,000 breeding pairs. Chicks are said to be harvested by New Zealand Maoris, who call it "oi. This petrel nests in burrows. It is said that Little Penguins or one of the shearwater species may move into the burrows, after the petrel is finished nesting. Abe Borker spent time on their breeding islands and is very familiar with the species. Debi Shearwater has seen both subspecies, by the thousands, in her world ocean travels.

Other highlights of the day included BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS, BULLER'S SHEARWATERS, ASHY and FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS, SABINE'S GULLS, ARCTIC TERNS, a fly-by TUFTED PUFFIN, three KILLER WHALES pursuing a California Sea Lion and celebrating a "great" birthday with two ladies on board— Pirjo Karvonen and Jackie Bain. What a day! At one point, one of the killer whales surfaced with the sea lion in its' mouth, vigorously shaking it! Additional images can be found on the previous blog posts: Breaking News and August 26, 2011, Images of the Day.

After viewing the inshore marine life, including the PEREGRINE FALCON on the radio tower, we headed offshore toward the northwest of Monterey Bay. Compared with recent pelagic trips from other ports, i.e. Fort Bragg and Bodega Bay, it seemed to me that fewer tubenoses were around on Monterey Bay. This may have been a favorable factor, as it meant that each, individual seabird stood out all the more prominently. About half of the birders on board were making their first, ever pelagic trip! Several longtime, local birders were on board, just out of a nice day at sea. These included Lois Goldfrank, Rick Fournier, Earl LeBow and Bob Ramer. (Bob and Debi organized the some of the very first pelagic trips for the Santa Cruz Bird Club in 1976!) Consequently, leaders were working hard at calling out every single individual bird! No "target" species were on the drawing board. No rare seabirds were sought. Just a fine day at sea. And, so it was!

At 10:38 a.m., I was on the bow, and heard Abe calling quite loudly, "Look at this bird! Look at this bird!" Just at that moment, a large-bodied, dark petrel flew up from the stern. I locked on to it once it hit the 10 o'clock position, and yelled, "GREAT-WINGED PETREL!" while Clay was still stuttering, "It's that bird, that bird!" Frantically, I motioned to photographers on the stern to get to the bow, ducked in the cabin to get the skipper on the bird, recorded lat/long/time/SST, and continued trying to make sure that everyone on board was "on the bird." We managed to follow the petrel for six minutes before we could no longer keep up with it. So, we stopped the boat and Wes Fritz laid out a mega-slick, Jennifer Green tore up pieces of sardines and photographers had a hey-day shooting images of the species coming in on the slick. After a 45 minute "no-show" on the petrel's part, we got underway again. Whew! It was a very, very exciting hour. Time to relax.

Knowing that one lady was celebrating a special birthday, I lit a candle on a slice of carrot cake and we all sang, "Happy Birthday." Later, I discovered that another lady on board, from Finland, was also celebrating her birthday. Riding "downhill" on the way home, everyone was chatting and relaxing, when Abe yelled, "KILLER WHALES!" Just about as soon as the words were out of his mouth, the killer whales were nowhere in sight. In the end, they were not the easiest killer whales to see or track. It appeared that they were chasing a California Sea Lion (or, maybe two). The sea lion tried hiding under our vessel at one point. And, at one point one of the killer whales surfaced with the sea lion in its' mouth, shaking its' head! The sea lion swam off. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to stick around for the final, inevitable kill. This appeared to be a group of three killer whales: one small calf, one female, and one, either young male, or female. What an ending to a completely fabulous day on Monterey Bay.

Many thanks to all of the birders who came from near and far (Finland) for this day at sea. We hope to see you, again, on the bounding main. The leaders were: Abe Borker, Jennifer Green, Clay Kempf, Wes Fritz, Dena Spatz and Debi Shearwater. Special thanks to Jeri Langham of Victor Emanuel Nature Tours.

The complete species list follows:

26 AUGUST 2011, MONTEREY BAY with SHEARWATER JOURNEYS covering both Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties:

Monterey/Santa Cruz/Total number:

BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS- 11/17/28

NORTHERN FULMAR- 17/12/29

**GREAT-WINGED PETREL- 0/1/1

PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER- 18/9/27

BULLER'S SHEARWATER- 2/2/4

SOOTY SHEARWATER- 240/35/275

FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL- 0/2/2

ASHY STORM-PETREL- 16/1045/1061

BROWN PELICAN- 18/3/21

BRANDT'S CORMORANT- 200/3/203

PELAGIC CORMORANT- 2/0/2

BLACK OYSTERCATCHER- 2/0/2

BLACK TURNSTONE- 6/0/6

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE- 90/55/145

RED-NECKED/RED PHALAROPE- 100

RED PHALAROPE- 27/25/52

SOUTH POLAR SKUA- 1/0/1

POMARINE JAEGER- 5/3/8

PARASITIC JAEGER- 1/2/3

PARASITIC/LONG-TAILED JAEGER- 1

HEERMANN'S GULL- 200

CALIFORNIA GULL- 43

WESTERN GULL- 185

SABINE'S GULL- 12/14/26

ELEGANT TERN- 6/0/6

COMMON TERN- 9/1/10

ARCTIC TERN- 3/3/6

COMMON/ARCTIC TERN- 14

COMMON MURRE- 123/30/153

PIGEON GUILLEMOT- 21/0/21

CASSIN'S AUKLET- 13/0/13

RHINOCEROS AUKLET- 24/12/36

TUFTED PUFFIN- 0/1/1

PEREGRINE FALCON- 1/0/1, on the radio tower along Cannery Row.

SEA OTTER- 14

CALIFORNIA SEA LION- 300

HARBOR SEAL- 2

HUMPBACK WHALE- 1

KILLER WHALE- 3

RISSO'S DOLPHIN- 4

DALL'S PORPOISE- 2

OCEAN SUNFISH- 1, gigantic-sized

EGG YOLK JELLIES- many

Petrels forever,

Debi Shearwater

AKA: Annie Auklet, in the 20th Century Fox movie, "The Big Year" coming to a theater near you, 14 October 2011!

Shearwater Journeys

AUGUST 26, 2011: IMAGES OF THE DAY BY VARIOUS PHOTOGRAPHERS

2011-08-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

Hello, Seabirders & Nature Photographers,

Thought you might enjoy images of the August 26, 2011 Shearwater Journeys' pelagic trip on Monterey Bay. All images are copyrighted by the individual photographers. Please do not use without permission.

Above, SABINE'S GULL by Greg Lavaty.

Above, RHINOCEROS AUKLET by Greg Lavaty.

Above, PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER by Greg Lavaty.

Above, ASHY STORM-PETRELS and FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL by Greg Lavaty.

Above, ASHY STORM-PETREL by Greg Lavaty.

Above, POMARINE JAEGER by Greg Lavaty.

Above, Debi Shearwater prepares a birthday celebration.

Above, Tom and Jackie Bain.

Above, Jackie Bain celebrates a "Great" Birthday!

Above, two of three KILLER WHALES by Abe Borker.

Above, two of three KILLER WHALES by Clay Kempf.

Above, the hit of a great day, GREAT-WINGED PETREL by Abe Borker.

Abe Borker and Jeri Langham celebrate a GRRREAT day of Monterey seabirding!

Enjoy,

Debi Shearwater

Shearwater Journeys

GREAT-WINGED PETREL: ADDITIONAL IMAGES FROM AUGUST 26, 2011

2011-08-27T12:19:00.001-07:00

Howdy, Birders,

Additional images of the GREAT-WINGED PETREL (Pterodroma macroptera gouldi) observed on Shearwater Journeys' Monterey Bay pelagic trip, August 26, 2011 can be found below.
Images above and below, by Joel Karvonen of Finland. Copyright, Joel Karvonen. Please do not use without permission.
Below, images by Greg Lavaty of the Great-winged Petrel. All images copyright, Greg Lavaty. Please do not use without permission. Greg's photo gallery has 1155 galleries and 24115 images! To see additional images from this day at sea, click here.
Pterodromas forever,

Debi Shearwater

Shearwater Journeys