Bird Walk List

Pine Canyon, June 5, 2010

2010-06-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

June 5, 2010
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk
Pine Canyon, Mt. Diablo, Walnut Creek, CA.
Leader: Chuck Groff

The weather was clear and warm, but a little too hot for
comfort. There were just 6 birders in the group and we
were all glad to rest in the shade in the meadows and scan
the rocks for birds. No peregrines were seen this year where
we usually spot them.
--Chuck

[This was the last bird walk of the season.
Walks will resume in the Fall.]

Total Species: 32

Acorn Woodpecker
American Crow
American Robin
Anna's Hummingbird
Bewick's Wren
Black Phoebe
Brewer's Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Bullock's Oriole
Bushtit
California Quail
California Towhee
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Common Raven
Dark-eyed Junco
European Starling
Great Horned Owl
House Finch
House Sparrow
Lesser Goldfinch
Mourning Dove
Northern Mockingbird
Nuttall's Woodpecker
Oak Titmouse
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-winged Blackbird
Say's Phoebe
Tree Swallow
Turkey Vulture
Violet-green Swallow
Western Bluebird
White-throated Swift
--------------------

Nuttall's Woodpecker

Anna's Hummingbird

Mitchell Canyon, May 1, 2010

2010-05-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

May 1, 2010
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk
Mitchell Canyon, Mt. Diablo
Leader: Chuck Groff

There were nine birders and the weather was perfect--so perfect that there were at least 10000 other folks on the trail not counting all the horses and bikes. The only new bird for this location was a hermit warbler.
--Chuck

Total species: 40

Acorn Woodpecker
American Crow
American Goldfinch
American Robin
Anna's Hummingbird
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Bewick's Wren
Black Phoebe
Black-headed Grosbeak
Bushtit
California Quail
California Towhee
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Common Raven
Dark-eyed Junco
European Starling
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Hermit Warbler
House Finch
Lesser Goldfinch
Mourning Dove
Northern Mockingbird
Nuttall's Woodpecker
Oak Titmouse
Orange-crowned Warbler
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-winged Blackbird
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Spotted Towhee
Steller's Jay
Townsend's Warbler
Tree Swallow
Turkey Vulture
Violet-green Swallow
Western Bluebird
Western Meadowlark
Western Scrub-Jay
White-breasted Nuthatch
Wilson's Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
---------------

Western Bluebird

Western Scrub-jay

Briones Regional Park, April 10, 2010

2010-04-12T16:52:00.000-07:00

April 10, 2010
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk.
Briones Regional Park, Western Area.
Leader: Chuck Groff.

The weather was cool with an impending storm threatening
but holding off. A few sprinkles came down later in the trip
and we headed back a little early.

We saw few birds compared to previous trips. In places
where bird songs were common and varied in the past, we
heard only a few now and then. However, there were large
flocks of band-tailed pigeons flitting above the trees, and
jays were never too far away.

Only two Acorn Woodpeckers were flitting about in the
usual acorn tree they've been using for years. A pair of
Red-tailed Hawks flew in low and perched in a Madrone
tree, posing nicely for us. They were quite different in their
plumage, possibly an adult with a juvenile.

As we walked out we saw a Cooper's Hawk circling
in the sky overhead.

The only new bird for this area was a Townsend's Warbler
spotted in the low bushes near the trail. However, we did
see an Australian Emu -- but only after we left the park and
drove past the ranches on the way back to WBU.

Total Species:25

Acorn Woodpecker
American Crow
Anna's Hummingbird
Band-tailed Pigeon
Bushtit
California Quail
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Common Raven
Cooper's Hawk
Dark-eyed Junco
European Starling
Hermit Thrush
Mourning Dove
Oak Titmouse
Orange-crowned Warbler
Red-tailed Hawk
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Spotted Towhee
Steller's Jay
Townsend's Warbler
Turkey Vulture
Western Scrub-Jay
Wild Turkey
Wilson's Warbler
Wrentit
---------------

Townsend's Warbler

Stellar's Jay

Grizzly Island, March 6, 2010

2010-03-11T12:28:00.000-08:00

March 6, 2010
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk
Grizzly Island, SF Bay Delta
Leader: Chuck Groff.

There were 14 birders in seven cars. The weather was
pleasant, somewhat overcast but no precipitation and no
wind. It was not an outstanding day for birds, neither totals
or species.

Ducks were very sparse on all the ponds. However, there
were quite a few new folks who had never been to Grizzly
before and, of course, they thought it was great.

The highlight of the day was a great, long look at a sitting
Ferruginous Hawk not more than 100 feet from the road.
We saw this very soon after going over the one lane bridge
at our meeting point.
-- Chuck

Total Species: 35

American Avocet
American Coot
American Kestrel
American Wigeon
Belted Kingfisher
Black Phoebe
Brewer's Blackbird
Canada Goose
Common Raven
Double-crested Cormorant
European Starling
Ferruginous Hawk
Forster's Tern
Great Egret
Greater Scaup
House Finch
Killdeer
Mallard
Marsh Wren
Mourning Dove
Northern Flicker
Northern Harrier
Northern Mockingbird
Northern Pintail
Northern Shoveler
Pied-billed Grebe
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-winged Blackbird
Ring-billed Gull
Snowy Egret
Song Sparrow
Turkey Vulture
Western Meadowlark
White-crowned Sparrow
Yellow-rumped Warbler
---------------------

American Coot

Northern Harrier

Ellis Creek Water Recycling Area

2010-02-10T16:06:00.000-08:00

February 6, 2010
Ellis Creek Water Recycling and Wildlife Sanctuary
Petaluma, California
Leader: Chuck Groff

This is a new location for us. It's a water recycling facility
in Petaluma that supports an excellent wildlife sanctuary.
There's a large parking lot, bathrooms, gravelled trails, and
a well planned layout with ponds, marshes, trees, and
woodland, and it borders an urban area so the birding is
excellent. Our group was small, only five people, and the
rain was heavy as we drove to the site. But once there it
cleared up for half an hour and we had a great walk with
lots of birds.

Two Mute Swans paddled around one large pond
accompanied by Cinnamon Teal and our trip highlight, a
pair of Blue-winged Teal. The rain started up again so we
headed back to the car, otherwise there was enough there to
keep us much longer. There were lots of birds, no mud on
the trails, and the visibility was excellent in the marsh and
woodlands. All in all, we thought it was a great trip even
with the rain. We had only a half-hour or so for birding, but
still identified a good number of birds.

You can read more about this location at:
http://petalumawetlands.org/HTML/elliscreek.html

Total Species: 24

American Coot
American Crow
American Goldfinch
Black Phoebe
Blue-winged Teal
Bufflehead
Canada Goose
Cinnamon Teal
Gadwall
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Great Egret
Killdeer
Lesser Scaup
Mallard
Marsh Wren
Mute Swan
Northern Shoveler
Pied-billed Grebe
Red-winged Blackbird
Song Sparrow
Turkey Vulture
Violet-green Swallow
White-crowned Sparrow
Yellow-rumped Warbler
----------------------

Cinnamon Teal

Mute Swan and Blue-winged Teal

Thornton Delta Area, January 9, 2010

2010-01-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

January 9, 2010
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk
Thornton Delta Area, CA Central Valley
Leader: Chuck Groff

We had a nice outing. There were 14 folks in 7 vehicles.
Weather was foggy and chilly but it didn't interfere with our
activities.

We saw several small groups (20-50) of cranes along
Guard road, then we went on to Woodridge road. The first
half of W. road , up to the turnoff, was very
disappointing----not one crane ! At the turnoff,where we
parked, we saw much stuff, including a large flock of
cranes come in for a close landing. We also saw 5 Snipes
which is unusual. It's been years since I have seen one.

The back half of W road was loaded with cranes on both
sides of the road. Also swans an geese and several
kingfishers. Another new bird was the Horned Lark.

When we got back to the turnoff it was after 1130 so we
ended the trip.

Overall, I would say the large birds were abundant and the
smaller birds were less than normal.

-- C. Groff

Total species: 41

American Coot
American Crow
American Kestrel
American Wigeon
Belted Kingfisher
Black Phoebe
Black-necked Stilt
Brewer's Blackbird
Canada Goose
Common Raven
Double-crested Cormorant
Eurasian Wigeon
European Starling
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Greater White-fronted Goose
Green-winged Teal
House Finch
Horned Lark
Killdeer
Lesser Goldfinch
Lesser Yellowlegs
Mallard
Mourning Dove
Northern Harrier
Northern Mockingbird
Northern Pintail
Northern Shoveler
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-winged Blackbird
Rock Dove
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Ruddy Duck
Sandhill Crane
Snowy Egret
Song Sparrow
Tundra Swan
Turkey Vulture
Western Meadowlark
White-crowned Sparrow
Wilson's Snipe
----------------------

Sandhill Cranes and ducks

Sandhill Cranes in flight

Arrowhead Marsh, December 5, 2009

2009-12-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

December 5, 2009
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk
Arrowhead Marsh, Oakland
Leader: Chuck Groff

It was overcast and cool, in the low 50s and the day started
with a chilly breeze. But the sun came out a bit later and it
warmed up nicely so the Turkey Vultures eventually found
thermals and took to the wing.

There were a few large rafts of birds in the water, and
several areas on shore with sizeable flocks of birds standing
and resting. And we saw a nice variety of species, including
the California Clapper Rail.

Brown Pelicans performed amazing dives nearby to the
great appreciation of the group.

Total species: 45

American Avocet
American Coot
American Crow
American Robin
Anna's Hummingbird
Black Phoebe
Black-necked Stilt
Brown Pelican
Bufflehead
Cackling Goose
California Towhee
Canada Goose
Clapper Rail
Clark's Grebe
Common Goldeneye
Common Raven
Common Yellowthroat
Double-crested Cormorant
Eared Grebe
Forster's Tern
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Great Blue Heron
Greater Yellowlegs
Herring Gull
Horned Grebe
Lesser Scaup
Marbled Godwit
Marsh Wren
Mourning Dove
Northern Flicker
Northern Harrier
Northern Mockingbird
Northern Shoveler
Pied-billed Grebe
Red-winged Blackbird
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Dove
Ruddy Duck
Snowy Egret
Song Sparrow
Surf Scoter
Turkey Vulture
Western Grebe
White-crowned Sparrow
Willet
-----------------

Brown Pelican

Double-crested Cormorant

Lafayette Reservoir, November 7, 2009

2009-11-10T01:27:00.000-08:00

November 7, 2009
WBU Bird Walk
Lafayette Reservoir
Leader: Chuck Groff

The weather was sunny and mild. We were a small group of
six people, complete with beginners and experts, and
everyone enjoyed the walk. The usual large flocks of
cormorants, doves, and ducks were not present and the
total number of birds was only a fraction of what we've
seen in previous years. Even though we didn't see usually
common birds such as Robins, Juncos, Killdeer and
Mallards, we still saw a good number of species. So the
variety was good even if the numbers were not.

One highlight was a Cooper's Hawk who took exception to
a Red-tailed Hawk flying through it's territory. It dove and
harrassed the Red-tail not far above our heads and both
birds added their cries and screeches to the action.

New for this location for our bird walks were the Hairy
Woodpecker, Hermit Thrush, Cackling Goose, and the
Lesser Goldfinch.

By request, I'll order my lists from now on using the
complete common names.

Total species: 36

American Coot
American Crow
Anna's Hummingbird
Black Phoebe
Bufflehead
Bushtit
Cackling Goose
California Towhee
Canada Goose
Cedar Waxwing
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Common Raven
Cooper's Hawk
Double-crested Cormorant
Gadwall
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Great Blue Heron
Hairy Woodpecker
Hermit Thrush
Lesser Goldfinch
Northern Flicker
Nuttall's Woodpecker
Oak Titmouse
Pied-billed Grebe
Red-tailed Hawk
Rock Dove
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Ruddy Duck
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Steller's Jay
Turkey Vulture
Western Scrub-Jay
White-breasted Nuthatch
White-crowned Sparrow
Wrentit
Yellow-rumped Warbler
------------

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

McNabney Marsh, October 3, 2009

2009-10-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

October 3, 2009
WBU Birdwalk
McNabney Marsh and Mt. View Sanitation Ponds
Leader: Chuck Groff

The weather started out cool and breezy, but warmed up
quickly and was nice and comfortable the rest of the walk.

Like last year, the large flocks of waterfowl we saw in
earlier years were absent and those we did see were in small
groups scattered here and there. Also like last year, we were
treated to a Red-shouldered Hawk who perched 10-15 feet
above the trail in front of us for quite a while. As we
approached, he moved until we passed, then returned to his
perch.

We also had good views of a Green Heron hunting along
the water line, a Black-crowned Night-Heron that we
surprised into a short flight, and a single American Pelican
that came in and landed in the reeds.

Total species: 33

Red-winged Blackbird
Brewer's Blackbird
Bushtit
American Coot
Double-crested Cormorant
American Crow
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Canada Goose
Great-tailed Grackle
Pied-billed Grebe
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Green Heron
Anna's Hummingbird
Killdeer
Mallard
Black-crowned Night-Heron
American White Pelican
Black Phoebe
Common Raven
Western Scrub-Jay
Northern Shoveler
Song Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
European Starling
Black-necked Stilt
Turkey Vulture
Yellow-rumped Warbler
----------------------

Snowy Egret and Great Egret

Pine Canyon, June 6, 2009

2009-06-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

June 6, 2009
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk
Pine Canyon, Mt. Diablo, Walnut Creek, CA.
Leader: Chuck Groff

We had a beautiful day for birding, cool in the morning,
and not too hot later, just in the mid-seventies, with breezes
and clear, sunny skies.

An abundance of birds just beyond the trailhead held our
attention and stopped our forward progress for quite a
while. Small groups of Western Kingbirds squawked and
scooted through the trees. At one point five of them
crowded into one small area on a single branch and sat for
awhile.

A group of Bullock's Orioles chased each other around in
what seemed to be a territorial battle. Across the field a
Red-tailed Hawk perched near it's nest, where a large chick
milled about and flapped its wings.

A Peregrine Falcon sat atop Castle Rock in the distance,
and in a nest hole high up on the rock a Great-horned Owl
in its nest preened two chicks.

Violet-green Swallows entered and left a nest box across
the field, sometimes perching on a wire, and small flocks of
White-throated Swifts frequently buzzed noisily overhead.

Small groups of Phainopeplas flitted among the trees in the
field, and a few showed up nearer to us further down the
trail, though they never sat still long enough to suit us.

This is the last WBU walk of the season.
Walks resume on October 3, 2009.

Total Species: 36

Red-winged Blackbird
Brewer's Blackbird
Western Bluebird
Bushtit
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Brown-headed Cowbird
American Crow
Mourning Dove
Peregrine Falcon
House Finch
Red-tailed Hawk
Steller's Jay
Dark-eyed Junco
Western Kingbird
Northern Mockingbird
Bullock's Oriole
Great Horned Owl
Phainopepla
Black Phoebe
Band-tailed Pigeon
California Quail
American Robin
Western Scrub-Jay
House Sparrow
European Starling
Tree Swallow
Violet-green Swallow
White-throated Swift
Oak Titmouse
Spotted Towhee
California Towhee
Turkey Vulture
Acorn Woodpecker
Nuttall's Woodpecker
Bewick's Wren
Wrentit
------------

Great Horned Owls in Nest

Red-tailed Hawk in Flight

Mitchell Canyon, May 2, 2009

2009-05-08T02:42:00.000-07:00

May 2, 2009
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk
Mitchell Canyon, Mt. Diablo
Leader: Chuck Groff

The morning started out overcast and by the time we
arrived it was drizzling off and on very lightly. The group
was small, only seven people. As we started down the trail,
we began to see bird activity. Acorn Woodpeckers were
calling and visible, doves, finches, towhees were moving all
around us, and there was a cacophony of bird calls to hear.
There was so much activity that we stayed at the trailhead
for nearly an hour. Then as we started down the trail the
rain picked up and we decided to call it quits. We ended up
with a short list, but it makes up in variety for what it lacks
in quantity.

Total species: 21

Red-winged Blackbird
Western Bluebird
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
American Crow
Mourning Dove
House Finch
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Lesser Goldfinch
Black-headed Grosbeak
Anna's Hummingbird
White-breasted Nuthatch
Bullock's Oriole
California Quail
Common Raven
American Robin
Western Scrub-Jay
White-throated Swift
Western Tanager
California Towhee
Acorn Woodpecker
Nuttall's Woodpecker

The rare ones we looked for but missed:

Western Fox Cardinal

Wolf-faced Bluebird

Briones Regional Park, April 4, 2009

2009-04-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

April 4, 2009
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk.
Briones Regional Park, Western Area.
Leader: Chuck Groff.

It was a beautiful sunny day with mild temperatures. Last
year we saw no Acorn Woodpeckers but they've
fortunately returned. The Western Screech Owl was not in
his hole and was not seen. We did see both Wilson's and
Orange-crowned Warblers.

Total species: 24

Western Bluebird
Bushtit
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
American Crow
Lesser Goldfinch
Red-tailed Hawk
Anna's Hummingbird
Steller's Jay
Dark-eyed Junco
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Black Phoebe
American Robin
Western Scrub-Jay
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Oak Titmouse
Spotted Towhee
California Towhee
Turkey Vulture
Orange-crowned Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
Cedar Waxwing
Acorn Woodpecker
Nuttall's Woodpecker
--------------------

Dark-eyed Junco male

Acorn Woodpecker

Big Break Trail, February 7, 2009

2009-02-20T16:28:00.000-08:00

February 7, 2009
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk
Big Break Trail, Oakley, CA
Leader: Chuck Groff

The weather was overcast and a bit chilly but no rain,
making for a pleasant trip. There were ten in the group and
we saw 36 species, 4 of which were new for this location

Total species: 36

Bufflehead
American Coot
Double-crested Cormorant
American Crow
Rock Dove
Ruddy Duck
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Common Goldeneye
Cackling Goose
Canada Goose
Bonaparte's Gull
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Great Blue Heron
Anna's Hummingbird
Killdeer
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Mallard
Northern Mockingbird
Black Phoebe
Say's Phoebe
Northern Pintail
Lesser Scaup
Western Scrub-Jay
Savannah Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
House Sparrow
European Starling
Spotted Towhee
Turkey Vulture
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Cedar Waxwing
-------------

Black Phoebe

Turkey Vulture

Thornton Delta Area, January 3, 2009

2009-01-06T14:35:00.000-08:00

January 3, 2009
Wild Bird Unlimited Bird Walk
Near Thornton: Sacramento River Delta
Leader: Chuck Groff.

We had 23 birders and there were 8 cars meeting at
Westgate county park. It was a very beautiful day, sunny
and clear. But it was COLD. Generally, the birding was
poor. At the park we saw almost nothing. On Guard road
there were several fields each with many cranes.
Woodbridge road was very disappointing, a few cranes, a
few swans, a few kingfishers and all the waterfowl visible at
the major stopping place were so far away you could hardly
make an ID. Peltier road did have a few fields with more
cranes, but that was it.

Total species: 33

Brewer's Blackbird
American Coot
Sandhill Crane
American Crow
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Great Blue Heron
American Kestrel
Killdeer
Belted Kingfisher
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Mallard
Western Meadowlark
Northern Mockingbird
Black Phoebe
Northern Pintail
American Robin
Northern Shoveler
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
House Sparrow
European Starling
Tundra Swan
Turkey Vulture
Yellow-rumped Warbler
American Wigeon
---------------

Sandhill Cranes in Flight

Sandhill Cranes Near Thornton

Arrowhead Marsh, December 6, 2008

2008-12-07T16:53:00.000-08:00

Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk
Arrowhead Marsh, Oakland
Leader: Chuck Groff

It was a beautiful day for birding, It was sunny, the
temperature was 50 degrees at 8:30 and warmed up nicely.
There were lots of birds on the water and in the marshes,
though we've seen more in the past. There were also lots of
species present but some of the common species like
sparrows, jays, crows, and hawks were noticeably absent.

Several Pelicans were in breeding plumage and gifted us with
spectacular dives just off shore. We saw a surprising number
of Horned Grebes swimming and diving with the other shore
birds.

A clapper rail was quite cooperative and posed nicely for us
for quite a while. An immature Red-tailed Hawk declared the
area his own and sat vigil for a long time, at one point driving
away a Northern Flicker that had dared to perch in the
top of a tree.

A local birder befriended us and walked with us most of the
morning. Just as we turned back towards the car, he spotted a
Burrowing Owl and called us back. It was at a distance, but
clear enough to be one of the day's highlights.

Total Species: 47

Bufflehead
American Coot
Double-crested Cormorant
Dowitcher sp.
Ruddy Duck
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Northern Flicker
Marbled Godwit
Common Goldeneye
Canada Goose
Pied-billed Grebe
Horned Grebe
Western Grebe
Clark's Grebe
Glaucous-winged Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Western Gull
Red-tailed Hawk
Anna's Hummingbird
Killdeer
Mallard
Burrowing Owl
Brown Pelican
Black Phoebe
Northern Pintail
Black-bellied Plover
Clapper Rail
Common Raven
Spotted Sandpiper
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Surf Scoter
Northern Shoveler
Song Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Black-necked Stilt
Green-winged Teal
Turkey Vulture
Yellow-rumped Warbler
American Wigeon
Willet
Marsh Wren
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Common Yellowthroat
__________________

Clapper Rail

Northern Pintail
__________________

Lafayette Reservoir, November 1, 2008

2008-11-18T23:05:00.000-08:00

This month's bird walk was cancelled due to rain. It was the first one to be cancelled in roughly the last ten years.

So we stayed home and wondered what we may have missed....

Great Egret

Great Blue Heron

McNabney Marsh, October 4, 2008

2008-10-05T17:33:00.000-07:00

October 4, 2008
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk
McNabney Marsh and Mt. View Sanitation Ponds
Leader: Chuck Groff

The sun came out early, but a few clouds and tiny
sprinkles joined us a few short times during the morning.
In all, the weather was good for birding. The only problem
was that there were not many birds around compared to
previous years. We saw no Red-tailed Hawks and no
Crows, and the usual juvenile Night-Herons were nowhere
to be seen either.

On the other hand, we did get a beautiful view of an adult
Red-shouldered Hawk, perched near the ground at a good
viewing distance, and American White Pelicans gave an
amazing aerial performance as they came in low, entered
an updraft, and spiraled upward into tiny specks with nary
a wing flap.

Total Species: 34

American Avocet
Red-winged Blackbird
American Coot
Double-crested Cormorant
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Dowitcher (sp.)
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
House Finch
Gadwall
Canada Goose
Great-tailed Grackle
Pied-billed Grebe
Ring-billed Gull
California Gull
Red-shouldered Hawk
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
Anna's Hummingbird
American Kestrel
Killdeer
Belted Kingfisher
Mallard
Northern Mockingbird
American White Pelican
Black Phoebe
Common Raven
Northern Shoveler
Song Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Black-necked Stilt
California Towhee
Turkey Vulture
-------------------

Great Blue Heron

Pine Canyon, June 7, 2008

2008-06-10T16:18:00.000-07:00

June 7, 2008
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk
Pine Canyon, Mt. Diablo
Leader: Chuck Groff

It was a beautiful day though not as many birds were around as we've seen before. There were 16 of us and we didn't keep a list this time but we saw about 35 species in total.

The noteworthy birds were Bullock's Oriole, Purple Finch, Lark Sparrow, Western Kingbird, Western Bluebird, Turkey Vulture, and, of course, the Peregrine Falcon.

There were a few "serious" falcon watchers in the meadow who told us where the nest had been and that there were two young falcons this year, and that they had just fledged on the previous Monday and Tuesday. We did not see they young ones but we heard them begging. We got some good looks at one of the adults.

While driving back to the store we saw about 12 White Pelicans soaring over Walnut Creek.
---------

Peregrine Falcons at Castle Rocks, 2005:

Mitchell Canyon, May 3, 2008

2008-05-08T00:49:00.001-07:00

May 3, 2008
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk
Mitchell Canyon, Mt. Diablo
Leader: Chuck Groff

The day started cool, about 59 degrees and calm. It took a while before the temperature rose a bit and started a few thermals that brought in some raptors. Eventually it warmed up to the low 70's, making it a very comfortable day with good visibility.

The highlights included seeing both Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, and the Ash-throated and Olive-sided Flycatchers that posed together and separately for as long as we cared to watch.

Total species:31

Western Bluebird
Bushtit
Mourning Dove
House Finch
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Lesser Goldfinch
Black-headed Grosbeak
Red-tailed Hawk
Anna's Hummingbird
Dark-eyed Junco
White-breasted Nuthatch
California Quail
Common Raven
Western Scrub-Jay
Violet-green Swallow
Western Tanager
Oak Titmouse
Spotted Towhee
California Towhee
Wild Turkey
Cassin's Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Turkey Vulture
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Townsend's Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
Acorn Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Wrentit
-----------

Wild Turkey Female

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Briones Regional Park, April 5, 2008

2008-04-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

April 5, 2008
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk
Briones Regional Park
Leader: Chuck Groff

It was 43 degrees and sunny when we arrived but it warmed
up to 59 by noon. It was good birding weather. We saw a
variety of birds, but our usual Acorn Woodpeckers were
missing. It looks like they may have abandoned their old
acorn tree.

The highlight of the walk was a Western Screech-owl sitting
in a tree-trunk hole with his head in plain view. He didn't
bother to even open his eyes, though I'm sure he heard us
talking and taking his picture. A couple we met on the trail
told us he's been living there for a couple of years and
they come by regularly to see him.

Later on we got good views of a Hermit Thrush murmuring
to itself in a trailside tree, and when we finally saw a few
Titmice, they were actively displaying to one another and
loudly singing a surprising variety of sounds.

Total species: 37

Red-winged Blackbird
Western Bluebird
Bushtit
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
American Crow
Mourning Dove
House Finch
Northern Flicker
Lesser Goldfinch
Northern Harrier
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Great Blue Heron
Anna's Hummingbird
Steller's Jay
Dark-eyed Junco
Black Phoebe
California Quail
Common Raven
American Robin
Western Screech-Owl
Western Scrub-Jay
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
European Starling
Violet-green Swallow
Hermit Thrush
Oak Titmouse
Spotted Towhee
California Towhee
Wild Turkey
Turkey Vulture
Orange-crowned Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
Wrentit
-----------------

Western Bluebird and Prey

Western Screech-owl in Tree

Big Break Trail, March 1, 2008

2008-03-03T18:44:00.000-08:00

March 1, 2008
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk
Big Break Trail, Oakley, CA
Leader: Chuck Groff

The day started overcast about 52 degrees with a cold wind
greeting us as we arrived. The sun came out later and
temperatures climbed to 63. The area has many habitats:
marsh, river, pond, and plowed fields. The treatment ponds
were full of gulls, almost all Bonapart's and a few
Ring-billed. At first we only saw the females of some birds
such as the Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye and Ruddy
Duck. But the males showed up and were appropriately
complimented on their attire. We never did see the male
Red-winged Blackbirds, adding a little mystery to the
identification process.

Total species: 41

American Bittern
Red-winged Blackbird
Bufflehead
American Coot
American Crow
Rock Dove
Ruddy Duck
Great Egret
Northern Flicker
Common Goldeneye
Cackling Goose
Canada Goose
Horned Grebe
Bonaparte's Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Northern Harrier
Red-shouldered Hawk
Great Blue Heron
Anna's Hummingbird
Dark-eyed Junco
White-tailed Kite
Mallard
Northern Mockingbird
Common Moorhen
Black-crowned Night-Heron
American White Pelican
Black Phoebe
American Pipit
Common Raven
Lesser Scaup
Western Scrub-Jay
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
House Sparrow
Black-necked Stilt
Tree Swallow
Spotted Towhee
Turkey Vulture
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Marsh Wren
------------------

Common Goldeneye

Grizzly Island, February 2, 2008

2008-02-13T15:05:00.001-08:00

February 2, 2008
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk
Grizzly Island, SF Bay Delta
Leader: Chuck Groff

The morning weather was dreary and drizzly, so we only
had 8 folks total in 5 cars. The rain held off for our walk
and it only rained hard on our way back. Unfortunately, we
couldn't go beyond the visitor center because hunting
season was extended and still open for 2 more days. But
we got a few short walks near the visitor center in and still
came up with an impressive species list.

Total Species: 48

American Avocet
American Bittern
Red-winged Blackbird
Brewer's Blackbird
Bufflehead
Canvasback
American Coot
Double-crested Cormorant
Mourning Dove
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
House Finch
Northern Flicker
Common Goldeneye
Canada Goose
Pied-billed Grebe
Eared Grebe
Ring-billed Gull
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Great Blue Heron
Dark-eyed Junco
American Kestrel
Killdeer
White-tailed Kite
Mallard
Western Meadowlark
Northern Mockingbird
Black Phoebe
Say's Phoebe
Northern Pintail
Common Raven
American Robin
Least Sandpiper
Lesser Scaup
Western Scrub-Jay
Northern Shoveler
Loggerhead Shrike
Song Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
European Starling
Forster's Tern
Spotted Towhee
California Towhee
Turkey Vulture
American Wigeon
Marsh Wren
----------

Bufflehead

Thornton Delta Area, January 12, 2008

2008-01-19T13:15:00.000-08:00

January 12, 2008
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk
Thornton Delta Area, CA Central Valley
Leader: Chick Chickering

The weather was cool but comfortable at 50 degrees when
we arrived at our first stop. Shortly after leaving the cars
and walking to the observation area, we were greeted with
Sandhill Crane calls as they flew overhead.

There were lots of birds and the cranes were out in good
numbers, though not as in past years. It had been foggy the
night before and the sun was hiding behind clouds a lot, so
the raptors were mostly just sitting and drying off. We
didn't see vultures at all, and even though Red-tailed Hawks
were very numerous, they seemed to fly only short
distances between perches. We saw only one Northern
Harrier later in the trip, and he was way in the distance.

Tundra Swans were numerous and as visible as the cranes.
One highlight of the trip was coming across a recently
plowed field covered with Tundra Swans, Sandhill Cranes,
and Greater White-fronted Geese. The geese were nearly
invisible among the others as they blended in so closely,
but nearly every square foot of the field had one kind of
bird or another on it.

Trip List (40 species):

Red-winged Blackbird
Brewer's Blackbird
American Coot
Double-crested Cormorant
Sandhill Crane
American Crow
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Greater White-fronted Goose
Snow Goose
Pied-billed Grebe
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Great Blue Heron
American Kestrel
Killdeer
Belted Kingfisher
White-tailed Kite
Mallard
Western Meadowlark
Merlin
Northern Mockingbird
Black Phoebe
Northern Pintail
Common Raven
Western Scrub-Jay
Northern Shoveler
Loggerhead Shrike
Savannah Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
House Sparrow
European Starling
Black-necked Stilt
Tundra Swan
Green-winged Teal
Yellow-rumped Warbler
American Wigeon
Lesser Yellowlegs

The overcast made it difficult to take photos, but Judy
caught the mood with a couple below. I counted only nine
Tundra Swans but at least 30 Greater White-fronted Geese
blending into the background of the first picture. The
Red-tailed Hawk in the second picture is drying his wings
as he perches.

Arrowhead Marsh, December 1, 2007

2007-12-02T17:23:00.000-08:00

December 1, 2007
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk
Arrowhead Marsh, Oakland
Leader: Chuck Groff

The marsh was well-populated with birds and numerous
species were present. For example, we saw all five local
species of grebes. The day started cold, 45 degrees, but
clear and calm. Even though it warmed up later, a breeze
started up and made it a bit chilly. But by then we had seen
a lot of birds.

One of the highlights was a Raven mobbing a Red-tailed
Hawk high overhead. We were surprised to see how similar
in size the birds were. I've since checked Sibley's guide and
it shows the Raven is actually bigger than the Red-tailed
Hawk.

We heard Clapper Rails all over the marsh but couldn't get
a good glimpse of them. Same for the Marsh Wrens, they
were definitely there but stayed out of sight.

While we were on the board walk we got a good long look
at a Peregrine Falcon, soaring overhead and scouting the
area.

The two pictures below the trip list were taken near the
bridge by Judy during the trip.

Trip list (47 species):

Bufflehead
Canvasback
American Coot
Double-crested Cormorant
American Crow
Long-billed Dowitcher
Ruddy Duck
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Peregrine Falcon
Northern Flicker
Marbled Godwit
Common Goldeneye
Canada Goose
Pied-billed Grebe
Horned Grebe
Eared Grebe
Western Grebe
Clark's Grebe
Ring-billed Gull
Western Gull
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Great Blue Heron
Mallard
Western Meadowlark
Brown Pelican
Black Phoebe
Northern Pintail
Clapper Rail
Common Raven
Western Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Surf Scoter
Song Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Black-necked Stilt
Forster's Tern
Black Turnstone
Turkey Vulture
American Wigeon
Willet
Downy Woodpecker
Marsh Wren
Greater Yellowlegs
____________________

Ring-billed Gull

Surf Scoter

Lafayette Reservoir, November 3, 2007

2007-11-10T16:07:00.000-08:00

November 3, 2007
Wild Birds Unlimited Bird Walk
Lafayette Reservoir, Lafayette, CA
Leader: Chuck Groff

The weather was clear, sunny, and warm enough for T-shirts.
The usual large number of Cormorants and Coots were there,
but birds were generally in surprisingly short supply. We
managed to find 31 species, only about two-thirds of what we
expected. We saw few common species, only one sparrow,
one California Towhee, etc.

Trip List (31 species):

Bushtit
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
American Coot
Double-crested Cormorant
American Crow
Rock Dove
Ruddy Duck
Northern Flicker
Gadwall
Canada Goose
Pied-billed Grebe
Ring-billed Gull
Red-tailed Hawk
Great Blue Heron
Anna's Hummingbird
Steller's Jay
Killdeer
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Mallard
Hooded Merganser
Black Phoebe
Western Scrub-Jay
Chipping Sparrow
Oak Titmouse
California Towhee
Turkey Vulture
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Cedar Waxwing
Nuttall's Woodpecker
Bewick's Wren
Wrentit