SAN BENITO COUNTY BIRDING

HOWDY, BIRDERS

The recent "Pineapple Express" has brought some much need rain to San Benito County, California. Not nearly enough to end the ongoing 500 year drought, but better than no rain at all! Along with the rains, birds have been on the move in San Benito County. 

This morning, February 8, 2014, Steve Rottenborn discovered the first record of LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at San Felipe Lake at the northern border of the county. Here is a full report:

Steve Rottenborn found the first San Benito County record of a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL this morning, February 8, 2014, at San Felipe Lake. He emailed me about the find and I ran out there immediately. Steve also emailed the MBB list serve, but it did not initially go up. 

I spent about an hour birding with Steve from the Highway 152 call box pullout. Additional outstanding highlights included: 44 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE (not easy to find in San Benito County this winter), 60 CACKLING GEESE, 1 male EURASIAN WIGEON, 1 male EURASIAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 1 WESTERN GULL, 1 GLAUCOUS GULL, and some probable high counts of: 150 HERRING GULLS, 75 THAYER'S GULLS and 250 GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS. CAUTION: one very white gull with an all black bill is present, identity unknown, easily mistaken for ?

ABOUT SAN FELIPE LAKE: The only public viewing location for this lake, locally known as "Soap Lake" is from the extremely dangerous Highway 152. Many fatalities have occurred along this particular stretch of highway. I strongly recommend attempting to pull over to the pull outs in the direction of traffic and not trying to cross traffic. For the most part, Highway 152 is the border for Santa Clara and San Benito Counties, but not everywhere! Beware of county lines, especially if you are submitting an eBird checklist. If you submit an eBird checklist, and I hope you do so, please give your best estimate of birds, or count one-by-one, if smaller numbers and note this on the checklist. 

A large flock of gulls, estimated greater than 1000, and as many as 2000,  has been frequenting this lake. There is a dump on the other side (Santa Clara County) of Highway 152. I thought that the dump was closed on weekends, and consequently, no or few, gulls would be there on weekends. However, it seems that at least some gulls are using the dump on weekend, but not nearly as many. 

Leaving the lake, I turned on Lover's Lane (first 150 yards of this road are in Santa Clara County) where I found one FERRUGINOUS HAWK sitting in the top of a tall evergreen tree at a residence! 

Been a long time since I've ticked a new San Benito County bird. Many thanks to Steve Rottenborn! 

Below is the complete eBird checklist which I entered, below, subject to changes by Steve.

San Felipe Lake / Soap Lake, San Benito, US-CA
Feb 8, 2014 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments:     Steve Rottenborn + Debi Shearwater checklist compilers. Steve arrived at the Highway 152 call box pullout about 9 am and notified me by email that he had found a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, FIRST RECORD FOR SAN BENITO COUNTY. There is a dump on the other side of the freeway which I believe is closed on weekends. During the week, as many as 2000 gulls have been present at the lake. Far fewer gulls were present today, but still a good selection. This location is best visited in the morning hours, rather than pm hours when one is looking straight into the sun. Conditions today: Overcast, about 58F. Recent rains from a "Pineapple Express" system that is forecast to bring more rain to the drought-stricken region Steve found a number of additional rare birds, in the checklist. He tried to photograph the Lesser Black-backed gull through his scope. A good quality spotting scope is necessary. CAUTION: EXTREME CARE NEEDS TO BE TAKEN IN PULLING OVER TO THIS CALLBOX AREA AS TRAFFIC IS HEAVY ON THIS VERY DANGEROUS ROAD WHERE MANY DEATHS HAVE OCCURRED.
37 species (+2 other taxa)

Greater White-fronted Goose  44
Cackling Goose  60     Probably Aleutian; This could represent a record high count for SBT County of this species. Careful estimate.
Canada Goose  15
Gadwall  60
Eurasian Wigeon  1
American Wigeon  60
Mallard  250
Cinnamon Teal  10
Northern Shoveler  15
Northern Pintail  90
Green-winged Teal (Eurasian)  1     Bold, horizontal, white stripe.
Green-winged Teal (American)  150     This could represent a record high count for SBT County of this species. Careful estimate.
Bufflehead  40
Ruddy Duck  80
Pied-billed Grebe  2
Eared Grebe  5
Great Blue Heron  1
Snowy Egret  10     This could represent a record high count for SBT County of this species. Careful estimate.
Turkey Vulture  3
Golden Eagle  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  3
American Coot  120
Long-billed Curlew  3
Western Gull  1     Found by Steve Rottenborn. Few records for San Benito County. Steve can describe it.
California Gull  50
Herring Gull  150
Thayer's Gull  75     This could represent a record high count for SBT County of this species. Careful estimate.
Lesser Black-backed Gull  1     A first San Benito County record, found by Steve Rottenborn. 2nd cycle. He might have some images.
Glaucous-winged Gull  250     This could represent a record high count for SBT County of this species. Careful estimate.
Glaucous Gull  1     At least one glaucous gull has been present for several weeks. Second winter with the pale-based, dark-tipped bill.
gull sp.  1     One very white gull with an all dark bill. Not a Glaucous gull. This gull has been present for several weeks. Steve was not sure about the identity of this individual.
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Black Phoebe  1
Say's Phoebe  1
American Crow  6
American Pipit  1
Song Sparrow  3
Red-winged Blackbird  60

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S16843660

San Benito County Birding,

Debi Shearwater

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

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

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

PELAGIC TRIP REPORT: OCTOBER 29, 2011 BODEGA BAY

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: OCTOBER 26, 2011 PANOCHE VALLEY

Howdy, Birders,

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: Fall Migration

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

Paicines Ranch Reservoir Today

Howdy, Birders,

Felt like a sunset drive, late this afternoon, so I headed to my favorite "patch," Paicines Ranch Reservoir in San Benito County. The last 4 or 5 times I've been there, a two year old, female BALD EAGLE has been actively and successfully hunting waterfowl. It has been disappointing to see the numbers of ducks in steady decline. This afternoon, however, the picture had changed. One of the first birds I spotted was an adult, male BALD EAGLE sitting in the oak grove on the west side of the reservoir. A nice raft of COMMON MERGANSERS and CANVASBACKS had returned. LEAST SANDPIPERS were feeding on the nearest shoreline to the parking lot. I scoped around and enjoyed my chai. For the first time this year, I spotted a male NUTTALL'S WOODPECKER in the small oak at the pullout. Then, I noticed that the bald eagle was not in the oaks. Shortly, I spotted him on the ground at the little patch of a mud bar on the east side. He was just standing there with his feet in the water. Maybe he needed to wash them? I looked around a bit more. Saw a WHITE-TAILED KITE hovering over the fields. A MERLIN zipped by. Suddenly, I noticed that the eagle was no longer alone! Twentyfive LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS had landed across from the eagle on the mud bar. Well, I felt for certain that he would snatch one of those dowitchers, especially after watching the female from the previous visits hunting so voraciously. Heck, I had even seen a prairie falcon kill and eat a coot one morning, recently. So, I didn't want to take my eyes off the eagle. But, I had to switch from sunglasses to regular glasses as it was getting darker. Next time I looked at the eagle, the dowitchers were filing right past him, one by one! I mean, come on. What were they thinking— plastic eagle! I guess he tilted his head because they suddenly realized he was the real deal, and flew off, lickety split! Whew!

Just about that time, Rick Whelen from Manteca drove up. We chatted for a few minutes. He was just coming from Panoche Valley where he had found all of the usual suspects. However, he reported that he also found a SAGE SPARROW and a SAGE THRASHER up at the Panoche BLM lands. It sounded like these birds were not too far from the new toilet facility. Both of these species were missed on the Panoche Valley CBC.

As it was getting darker, I left Paicines for Quien Sabe Road. Just at the junction of Quien Sabe and Airline Highway, I saw and heard a male GREAT-HORNED OWL in the big eucalyptus tree.

And, tomorrow? Why it's off to my patch, again, hopefully for latte with the bald eagle and friends,

Happy dowitchers,

Debi Shearwater

The eBird list for Paicines Ranch Reservoir is below:

Location: Paicines Reservoir

Observation date: 1/28/11

Notes: 59F. Clear. Nice sunset.

Number of species: 24

Gadwall 28

Mallard 7

Northern Shoveler 6

Northern Pintail 5

Green-winged Teal 8

Canvasback 200

Common Merganser 150

Ruddy Duck 8

Double-crested Cormorant 1

Great Egret 1

Snowy Egret 1

White-tailed Kite 1 Hunting in the field on the west side of the reservoir.

Bald Eagle 1

Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Flew into the solitary willow tree, just at dusk.

Red-tailed Hawk 1

Merlin 1 Flying, overhead. Did not stop.

American Coot 12

Killdeer 3

Greater Yellowlegs 3

Least Sandpiper 8

Long-billed Dowitcher 25

Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 In the tree near the parking lot.

Black Phoebe 2

blackbird sp. 450 Going to roost on the high tension wires on the west side of the reservoir.

House Finch 2