This morning Locke and I visited the ghost town of Electra on the Mokeulmne river to try and snag some more water birds, we did see an unidentified sandpiper, but, during our visit I came to a decision.
Until I have a good camera, which is supposed to happen sometime in the next month, there isn't really a point in having a blog about a big year. After all I could claim that I saw just about anything and without proof, there really is no point.
That said, I will continue to bird and scout out new locations, but until I get my new camera Little Big Year is on hiatus.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Another scorcher. If I ever do another big year, which I will, I will definitely start the year in a different season. After living in Humboldt for seven years I find this heat unbearable.
Locke and I started out extra early today (8:00) after his breakfast to check out the impound dam near Sutter Street and the Middle School. The impound damn was built in the early 1900's in order for the Argonaut mine to store they mine tailings. Before this the mines were allowing the sediments they drudged up from below the earth to run down the various streams that feed the central valley. Naturally, farmers in the valley became upset when the streams that irrigated their crops became clogged with the tailings, hence the impound damn. These days the western end of the dam is clogged with toxic soil (a process using cyanide was used to leach the remaining gold ore out of the tailings was developed in the earlier part of the last century) and the eastern end, at the head of the damn is marsh land. Unfortunately we couldn't manage to get close enough of to the marsh to see any new birds, but we did see a very upset Red-tailed Hawk and some very angry Red-winged Blackbirds. At the middle school we were visited by some Common Ravens, but the main reason we went to the school was to try to get a bird's eye view of the marsh, which it turns out, you can't get from the school.
All is not lost though, during the walk I noticed a spur off one of the cul-de-sacs that seemed to overlook the marsh and a largish pond too. So perhaps tomorrow we'll attempt to check that out.
Locke and I started out extra early today (8:00) after his breakfast to check out the impound dam near Sutter Street and the Middle School. The impound damn was built in the early 1900's in order for the Argonaut mine to store they mine tailings. Before this the mines were allowing the sediments they drudged up from below the earth to run down the various streams that feed the central valley. Naturally, farmers in the valley became upset when the streams that irrigated their crops became clogged with the tailings, hence the impound damn. These days the western end of the dam is clogged with toxic soil (a process using cyanide was used to leach the remaining gold ore out of the tailings was developed in the earlier part of the last century) and the eastern end, at the head of the damn is marsh land. Unfortunately we couldn't manage to get close enough of to the marsh to see any new birds, but we did see a very upset Red-tailed Hawk and some very angry Red-winged Blackbirds. At the middle school we were visited by some Common Ravens, but the main reason we went to the school was to try to get a bird's eye view of the marsh, which it turns out, you can't get from the school.
All is not lost though, during the walk I noticed a spur off one of the cul-de-sacs that seemed to overlook the marsh and a largish pond too. So perhaps tomorrow we'll attempt to check that out.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Phew, what a hot past few days. Over the holiday weekend we were desperate to escape the weather so we drove up the mountain to Silver Lake and Hope Valley. Luckily we saw a few new birds as well as having a wonderful mini-vacation.
At Silver Lake I was anticipating some Mountain Chickadees and Achille swore he heard them whenever he would be off by himself somewhere. He came back from the toilets announcing their presence so I headed up to the toilets and began searching the lodge poles and junipers for some birds. Immediately some movement caught my eye and I spotted a small warbler with a yellow spot on his head and a yellow throat: a Yellow-rumped Warbler which I cannot recall is on my list or not. As we were leaving the lake to walk over to the Kit Carson Lodge we suddenly noticed a Bald Eagle perched above the beach we had just been lounging on. Score! As a small side-trip on the way to the lodge we went down into a small gulley where a very shallow pond is formed by snow run-off. We spotted a female Bufflehead on the pond all by her lonesome.
Later we headed further up the mountain to Hope Valley where I hoped to spot some Willow Flycatchers but alas, again I was left unhappy with zero new birds for that part of the trip. At one point I was certain I was tracking a Mountain Bluebird in a lodgepole but then noticed the cougar tracks near bye and realized that I was a large prey item. Suddenly birding seemed unimportant and I hurried back to the car where my baby was sleeping and my husband was waiting paitently.
The first new bird I spotted that day was actually back in Jackson at Safeway where I realized that the Barn Swallows swarming around the water tower where joined by Bank Swallows.
So 3 new species for that day, not great but we'll head back up the mountain again soon.
Last night I spotted a Barn Owl out back so, four new species in 7 days. Not good at all.
At Silver Lake I was anticipating some Mountain Chickadees and Achille swore he heard them whenever he would be off by himself somewhere. He came back from the toilets announcing their presence so I headed up to the toilets and began searching the lodge poles and junipers for some birds. Immediately some movement caught my eye and I spotted a small warbler with a yellow spot on his head and a yellow throat: a Yellow-rumped Warbler which I cannot recall is on my list or not. As we were leaving the lake to walk over to the Kit Carson Lodge we suddenly noticed a Bald Eagle perched above the beach we had just been lounging on. Score! As a small side-trip on the way to the lodge we went down into a small gulley where a very shallow pond is formed by snow run-off. We spotted a female Bufflehead on the pond all by her lonesome.
Later we headed further up the mountain to Hope Valley where I hoped to spot some Willow Flycatchers but alas, again I was left unhappy with zero new birds for that part of the trip. At one point I was certain I was tracking a Mountain Bluebird in a lodgepole but then noticed the cougar tracks near bye and realized that I was a large prey item. Suddenly birding seemed unimportant and I hurried back to the car where my baby was sleeping and my husband was waiting paitently.
The first new bird I spotted that day was actually back in Jackson at Safeway where I realized that the Barn Swallows swarming around the water tower where joined by Bank Swallows.
So 3 new species for that day, not great but we'll head back up the mountain again soon.
Last night I spotted a Barn Owl out back so, four new species in 7 days. Not good at all.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
We got up early (for us) this morning and went for a jog out on French Bar road. The road was free of other people and cars and there were plenty of birds out and about, Western King Birds, Western Blue Birds, Phoebes and Orioles, all the usuals were flying around catching up the morning bugs. The only unusual bird I spotted was a pair of Western Wood Pewees, which are newer to me as of a couple of weeks ago but unfortunately no new birds were added to my list this morning.
After Locke's nap and lunch we headed out to Volcano, quickly, as to avoid the bad weather later in the day. We started out behind the St. George hotel but we didn't get lucky until we went over to the Volcano Park in Soldier's Gulch.
Volcano is so named because during the California Gold Rush the major mining conglomerates basically stripped all the top soil out of the valley to collect the gold dust and powder that had settled into the soil during the period when the Mokeulmne River ran through this part of Amador. The resulting landscape, in some place 30 feet lower than originally, resembled a volcanic landscape. The pioneers who settled in the region named it thusly. The original European discoverers of this area were a group of soldiers who had been moving through the valley and found the area rich in gold. They decided to spend the winter but were unable to survive the unusually harsh weather that year. The following spring Mexican miners found the bodies of the soldiers and buried them on a hill over Sutter Creek which still runs through town; hence Soldier Gulch.
But I digress, Locke and I were playing hide and seek around a large rock in the center of the park when I spotted a bright yellow bird flit overhead into a maple tree. There was no doubt what the bird was once I got a good look at it, a Yellow Warbler. The Yellow Warbler is definitely a lifer for me and therefore another bird added to the list.
The bad weather is supposed to continue part way into tomorrow so I'm not sure where we are going to head out to. I'm thinking Pardee Reservoir and a small pond near the Coast to Crest trail to try to rustle up some water birds.
After Locke's nap and lunch we headed out to Volcano, quickly, as to avoid the bad weather later in the day. We started out behind the St. George hotel but we didn't get lucky until we went over to the Volcano Park in Soldier's Gulch.
Volcano is so named because during the California Gold Rush the major mining conglomerates basically stripped all the top soil out of the valley to collect the gold dust and powder that had settled into the soil during the period when the Mokeulmne River ran through this part of Amador. The resulting landscape, in some place 30 feet lower than originally, resembled a volcanic landscape. The pioneers who settled in the region named it thusly. The original European discoverers of this area were a group of soldiers who had been moving through the valley and found the area rich in gold. They decided to spend the winter but were unable to survive the unusually harsh weather that year. The following spring Mexican miners found the bodies of the soldiers and buried them on a hill over Sutter Creek which still runs through town; hence Soldier Gulch.
But I digress, Locke and I were playing hide and seek around a large rock in the center of the park when I spotted a bright yellow bird flit overhead into a maple tree. There was no doubt what the bird was once I got a good look at it, a Yellow Warbler. The Yellow Warbler is definitely a lifer for me and therefore another bird added to the list.
The bad weather is supposed to continue part way into tomorrow so I'm not sure where we are going to head out to. I'm thinking Pardee Reservoir and a small pond near the Coast to Crest trail to try to rustle up some water birds.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Today was another strange and unproductive day. Locke woke late and then took a 3 hour nap after lunch which derailed our plans to head out to Volcano for some birding. After dinner though we headed down to Howard Park for the last few minutes of day light and then over to the Sutter Hill transit station, where there is a small pond, for the sunset.
No new species for the day and rain in the forecast for tomorrow and Wednesday. My plan is to head out extra early for a jog down French Bar and then too drive up to Volcano before lunch.
No new species for the day and rain in the forecast for tomorrow and Wednesday. My plan is to head out extra early for a jog down French Bar and then too drive up to Volcano before lunch.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
We didn't spot any new birds today, more of that "responsibility" stuff I mentioned.
We spent the day fixing up the house and garden, at least we finally have the Swamp Cooler set up and a weed-free front walk.
This evening we did make it to Volcano to enjoy the summer weather but we didn't rack up any new birds.
We spent the day fixing up the house and garden, at least we finally have the Swamp Cooler set up and a weed-free front walk.
This evening we did make it to Volcano to enjoy the summer weather but we didn't rack up any new birds.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
We set out on Middle Bar Road this afternoon, a beautiful day with only mild heat, but unfortunately also only a couple of new birds to add to the list.
The Bridge was really busy today with loads of fishermen taking advantage of the nice weather and swollen river. They all complimented us on our "beautiful little girl", Achille says it was because I dressed the baby in a white jumper with blue sandals. We didn't correct them. Right away we saw a flock (a gaggle?) of Canada Geese swimming against the current towards us. Not an uncommon bird certainly, but one of our personal favorites. In college I helped with Achille's wildlife project on the Aleutian Cackling Goose so this particular species is in our hearts.
The usuals were all there, the ever-present Lesser Goldfinch and Black Phoebes and quite a few Acorn Woodpeckers as well, nothing in the trees was too interesting to note. However we stopped in a shady spot overlooking the river where we noticed a pair of small waterbirds calling to eachother and diving. A quick peek through the binocs revealed them as Pied-billed Grebes. A species I was very surprised to see as I did not know that they lived around here. We also saw a Western Pond Turtle basking nearby and a mamma Mallard leading her 5 young ducklings downstream where they attempted a water take-off unsuccessfully.
Our goal was to make it all the way up to the gold mine near Paloma but we turned around after a couple of hours so we could pursue our other duties for the day which included trying to persuade the boy to eat and sleep. He got his 18 month shots yesterday and he's been extra crabby today.
Tomorrow I plan on heading out to Volcano to do a little geocaching and of course, birding.
The Bridge was really busy today with loads of fishermen taking advantage of the nice weather and swollen river. They all complimented us on our "beautiful little girl", Achille says it was because I dressed the baby in a white jumper with blue sandals. We didn't correct them. Right away we saw a flock (a gaggle?) of Canada Geese swimming against the current towards us. Not an uncommon bird certainly, but one of our personal favorites. In college I helped with Achille's wildlife project on the Aleutian Cackling Goose so this particular species is in our hearts.
The usuals were all there, the ever-present Lesser Goldfinch and Black Phoebes and quite a few Acorn Woodpeckers as well, nothing in the trees was too interesting to note. However we stopped in a shady spot overlooking the river where we noticed a pair of small waterbirds calling to eachother and diving. A quick peek through the binocs revealed them as Pied-billed Grebes. A species I was very surprised to see as I did not know that they lived around here. We also saw a Western Pond Turtle basking nearby and a mamma Mallard leading her 5 young ducklings downstream where they attempted a water take-off unsuccessfully.
Our goal was to make it all the way up to the gold mine near Paloma but we turned around after a couple of hours so we could pursue our other duties for the day which included trying to persuade the boy to eat and sleep. He got his 18 month shots yesterday and he's been extra crabby today.
Tomorrow I plan on heading out to Volcano to do a little geocaching and of course, birding.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Today we headed up to the forest above Pioneer to seek out a pair of Northern Spotted Owls that Achille has studied in the past. Not only was I able to add this wonderful bird to the year list but we were rewarded with four other species that aren't commonly seen, especially near our home in the foothills.
Halfway out to the site we stopped by a little meadow that Achille knew there was, back in the 1960's a small corral and home site. The day was gorgeous and the meadow was sprinkled with bright yellow monkeyflowers and dominated by a stone foundation and forgotten food tins and beer cans. It was really lovely, but the hallmark of the stop was the Western Tanager that dropped in to see what we were up to. We love tanagers, their bright colors are reminiscent of parrots almost in the way that their vivid oranges and yellows grade into each other with a distinct delicateness. We also saw a few Stellar's Jays and Red Tails not to mention the Black-headed Grosbeak.
Eventually we made our way out to the nest site of the Spotted Owls and immediately Achille, in his very talented way called out the typical call of the bird. I swear that man is 1/4 owl. After a few moments of scanning the forest for flight movement we heard the response call about 300 yards to the left of us and so we hiked out into the woods, the baby on my hip. As we neared the site the spots of white-wash and owl pellets full of rodent bones showed us that were getting close. Finally, about 10 feet up an Incense Cedar, a large male Spotted Owl peered down at us as if to say, "Hoo Hoo Who the hell are you?" He took off and then quickly alit about ten yards away in another tree, looking towards his female, a bird about 3/4 size of the male with large dark eyes and the appropriate spotted back. We sat with them for about 20 minutes and watched as the female regurgitated and the promptly flew over to her mate where they called to each other, he with his his typical Spotted Owl Call: "Hoooouuu Hoo Hoo Hooooouuuu" and her with her response call, a soft ascending "sawwweeeeee" We sat and watched them while Locke played on the ground and looked up at the birds.
As we were driving away from the site we spotted a flycatcher perched about 50 feet up a tree. It's dark back and obvious white splotch on its back gave it away as an Olive-sided Flycatcher, a bird that we've seen before but new to the year list.
About 20 minutes later we were zeroing in on the nest sites of several Northern Goshawks. Achille headed out on foot to the nests which were close to the road, asking me to give him a warning if the aggressive bird came down to defend its nest from the 6 foot primate. Fortunately/unfortunately the nest sites were inactive. However we were granted the presence of a Band-tailed Pigeon, a bird that I find rather lovely and graceful, no matter what their city-living cousins may represent.
As we were leaving the Goshawk location, after many sightings of mystery birds that remain unidentified (CURSE YOU PILEATED WOODPECKER!) I spotted a woodpecker swoop across the sky and land in a tall tree to the South, with a quick flick of the binocs I evaluated its solid black body and crisp white head, a small dark line behind the nape of its neck, and added the White-headed Woodpecker to my year list, booyah!
David Sibley describes the White-headed Woodpecker as a bird with a coloration like no other bird in North America, I have to say that as excited and pleased I was with the Spotted Owl sighting today, the White-headed Woodpecker really made a wonderful finish to a lovely day.
On a side note, I would like to add that I realize that I have not added very many photos to this blog. There are a few reasons for this
Halfway out to the site we stopped by a little meadow that Achille knew there was, back in the 1960's a small corral and home site. The day was gorgeous and the meadow was sprinkled with bright yellow monkeyflowers and dominated by a stone foundation and forgotten food tins and beer cans. It was really lovely, but the hallmark of the stop was the Western Tanager that dropped in to see what we were up to. We love tanagers, their bright colors are reminiscent of parrots almost in the way that their vivid oranges and yellows grade into each other with a distinct delicateness. We also saw a few Stellar's Jays and Red Tails not to mention the Black-headed Grosbeak.
Eventually we made our way out to the nest site of the Spotted Owls and immediately Achille, in his very talented way called out the typical call of the bird. I swear that man is 1/4 owl. After a few moments of scanning the forest for flight movement we heard the response call about 300 yards to the left of us and so we hiked out into the woods, the baby on my hip. As we neared the site the spots of white-wash and owl pellets full of rodent bones showed us that were getting close. Finally, about 10 feet up an Incense Cedar, a large male Spotted Owl peered down at us as if to say, "Hoo Hoo Who the hell are you?" He took off and then quickly alit about ten yards away in another tree, looking towards his female, a bird about 3/4 size of the male with large dark eyes and the appropriate spotted back. We sat with them for about 20 minutes and watched as the female regurgitated and the promptly flew over to her mate where they called to each other, he with his his typical Spotted Owl Call: "Hoooouuu Hoo Hoo Hooooouuuu" and her with her response call, a soft ascending "sawwweeeeee" We sat and watched them while Locke played on the ground and looked up at the birds.
As we were driving away from the site we spotted a flycatcher perched about 50 feet up a tree. It's dark back and obvious white splotch on its back gave it away as an Olive-sided Flycatcher, a bird that we've seen before but new to the year list.
About 20 minutes later we were zeroing in on the nest sites of several Northern Goshawks. Achille headed out on foot to the nests which were close to the road, asking me to give him a warning if the aggressive bird came down to defend its nest from the 6 foot primate. Fortunately/unfortunately the nest sites were inactive. However we were granted the presence of a Band-tailed Pigeon, a bird that I find rather lovely and graceful, no matter what their city-living cousins may represent.
As we were leaving the Goshawk location, after many sightings of mystery birds that remain unidentified (CURSE YOU PILEATED WOODPECKER!) I spotted a woodpecker swoop across the sky and land in a tall tree to the South, with a quick flick of the binocs I evaluated its solid black body and crisp white head, a small dark line behind the nape of its neck, and added the White-headed Woodpecker to my year list, booyah!
David Sibley describes the White-headed Woodpecker as a bird with a coloration like no other bird in North America, I have to say that as excited and pleased I was with the Spotted Owl sighting today, the White-headed Woodpecker really made a wonderful finish to a lovely day.
On a side note, I would like to add that I realize that I have not added very many photos to this blog. There are a few reasons for this
- I am an avid photographer and have many photographs of my adventures in birding, however I often update this blog from my Toshiba Notebook which I have no photos on
- The camera I currently own is not of a high enough quality to take good photos of the birds I see. I am in the shopping process for an awesome camera so please bear with me. I will go back and post photos of birds that I have seen once I take a picture of them
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Locke and I took advantage of the cooler (thank God) weather to take an early walk out on French Bar Road. We really didn't see anything that we haven't seen before, the usual Kingbirds, Phoebes, and Goldfinches. But we did spot a couple of birds that we hadn't seen since the list began, at least on French Bar Road. After finally spotting a Lazuli Bunting on Middle Bar Road yesterday we saw at least five this morning on French Bar.
We were lucky enough to add the Lark Sparrow, a beautiful painted bird with delicate white fringes on its tail, to the list. This is another bird we usually spot on French Bar, but only today we were able to add it to the list.
Down by the creek about a mile later we were able to spot a pair of House Wrens, which surprisingly enough, is a lifer for me. They were perched on the barbed wire fence and once they saw us they darted into a blackberry bush.
It's Thursday tonight and the beginning of our weekend so I'll cut this post short. Goodnight
We were lucky enough to add the Lark Sparrow, a beautiful painted bird with delicate white fringes on its tail, to the list. This is another bird we usually spot on French Bar, but only today we were able to add it to the list.
Down by the creek about a mile later we were able to spot a pair of House Wrens, which surprisingly enough, is a lifer for me. They were perched on the barbed wire fence and once they saw us they darted into a blackberry bush.
It's Thursday tonight and the beginning of our weekend so I'll cut this post short. Goodnight
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
This afternoon, after his nap, Locke and I set out to explore Middle Bar Road just south of Jackson. The last time I had been out there the bumpy road was extremely uncomfortable as I was 8 months pregnant at the time, this time, however, the 3 mile drive out to the Middle Bar bridge was much more comfortable and probably won't result in a baby in 3 weeks.
It was hot, again, but not nearly as it has been the past few days, and the shaded road and many dales made the 2 hour walk quite pleasant.
Immediately, as we crossed the bridge into Calaveras County, we spotted a heron springing up from the Amador shore side, what I thought to be a bittern at first was actually a Green Heron, a lifer for me so it was quite thrilling to see. The heron was exactly where we had seen an American Dipper almost 2 years ago, but the water level was much higher this time making the habitat unsuitable for the Dipper but ideal for this heron. Score!
About an hour in we had spotted plenty of Lesser Goldfinches and Black Phoebes, neither of which are new to the year list but we were soon rewarded with the presence of an Ash-throated Flycatcher.
Near the end of our walk I noticed an entrance to the Coast to Crest trail, a permitted hiking trail along the Mokeulmne that I am very interested in trying. My curiosity was well worth it as we saw a small, familiar blue colored bird lilting across the trail. I pulled out my binocs and was easily able to identify the petite and lovely Lazuli Bunting: a bird that I had seen out on French Bar road several times but only now have been able to add to my year list.
So one lifer and two other new birds to add to the list. A good day, I can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring!
It was hot, again, but not nearly as it has been the past few days, and the shaded road and many dales made the 2 hour walk quite pleasant.
Immediately, as we crossed the bridge into Calaveras County, we spotted a heron springing up from the Amador shore side, what I thought to be a bittern at first was actually a Green Heron, a lifer for me so it was quite thrilling to see. The heron was exactly where we had seen an American Dipper almost 2 years ago, but the water level was much higher this time making the habitat unsuitable for the Dipper but ideal for this heron. Score!
About an hour in we had spotted plenty of Lesser Goldfinches and Black Phoebes, neither of which are new to the year list but we were soon rewarded with the presence of an Ash-throated Flycatcher.
Near the end of our walk I noticed an entrance to the Coast to Crest trail, a permitted hiking trail along the Mokeulmne that I am very interested in trying. My curiosity was well worth it as we saw a small, familiar blue colored bird lilting across the trail. I pulled out my binocs and was easily able to identify the petite and lovely Lazuli Bunting: a bird that I had seen out on French Bar road several times but only now have been able to add to my year list.
So one lifer and two other new birds to add to the list. A good day, I can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Mother of God, today was even hotter than yesterday at 107°. After living in Humboldt for six years this weather is really starting to get to me. Locke and I didn't make out to Middle Bar today due to his napping schedule and a WIC appointment in the afternoon, but we were able to squeeze in Howard Park between those times.
We spotted a bird that I see all the time, but until today hadn't made it onto the year list. The White-crowned Sparrow, one of the larger sparrows if not the largest in this region is a very blustery little bad-ass of a bird. In Humboldt we called them the "Regina Spektor" bird after a part in her song "On the Radio" that sounds a lot like the WCS's dialect for that region. We spotted them near the horse arena dancing around in the shady oaks.
We also spotted something that may have been a Yellow-rumped Warbler, but without certainty I won't include it yet.
We spotted a bird that I see all the time, but until today hadn't made it onto the year list. The White-crowned Sparrow, one of the larger sparrows if not the largest in this region is a very blustery little bad-ass of a bird. In Humboldt we called them the "Regina Spektor" bird after a part in her song "On the Radio" that sounds a lot like the WCS's dialect for that region. We spotted them near the horse arena dancing around in the shady oaks.
We also spotted something that may have been a Yellow-rumped Warbler, but without certainty I won't include it yet.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Today was by far the hottest day of the year so far but that didn't keep me and Locke from hiking out on French Bar Road. We headed out at about 3:15 with plenty of water and sunscreen and were rewarded for braving the heat by snagging two new birds for the year list.
The first bird was a bit of a surprise as I had seen it's female counterpart a few times in Howard Park near the stables, and to spot this male Black-headed Grosbeak was certainly serendipitous. We had paused under some shady oaks for a while to rest and also to try and spot those notorious Lazuli Buntings Achille and I had spotted before in the same spot. Turning my head a little to the left, I spotted a bird sitting in a small opening of the branches and was able to quickly zero in on the bird with my binocs. No doubting it, this was definitely a Black-headed Grosbeak. Score!
After a while we headed out into the sun again where we quickly spotted a bird, just for a moment, that I was unable to ID, it was about the size of a robin with a black and white streaked face. I really have no clue what bird it was as I was unable to see the rest of it before it ducked down under some tall grass.
Going back up the hill to the car we were granted the presence of an American Kestrel calling out from its perch on a power pole. A common bird, yes, but still one to add to the year list.
Tomorrow we're going down Middle Bar road where I know there is at least one American Dipper that hangs out near the bridge Ideally I would like to up my finds per day to more than just 2 or 3. Of course this means waking early or going out late, both which are difficult when I have the baby with me.
The first bird was a bit of a surprise as I had seen it's female counterpart a few times in Howard Park near the stables, and to spot this male Black-headed Grosbeak was certainly serendipitous. We had paused under some shady oaks for a while to rest and also to try and spot those notorious Lazuli Buntings Achille and I had spotted before in the same spot. Turning my head a little to the left, I spotted a bird sitting in a small opening of the branches and was able to quickly zero in on the bird with my binocs. No doubting it, this was definitely a Black-headed Grosbeak. Score!
After a while we headed out into the sun again where we quickly spotted a bird, just for a moment, that I was unable to ID, it was about the size of a robin with a black and white streaked face. I really have no clue what bird it was as I was unable to see the rest of it before it ducked down under some tall grass.
Going back up the hill to the car we were granted the presence of an American Kestrel calling out from its perch on a power pole. A common bird, yes, but still one to add to the year list.
Tomorrow we're going down Middle Bar road where I know there is at least one American Dipper that hangs out near the bridge Ideally I would like to up my finds per day to more than just 2 or 3. Of course this means waking early or going out late, both which are difficult when I have the baby with me.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Achille, Locke and I headed up to Tiger Creek Reservoir in Pine Grove today to see if we couldn't spot some Northern Spotted Owls and other mountain species. Unfortunately the day was pretty much bust except for the Dusky Flycatcher I spotted as we were headed back down the mountain. I'm incline to believe that the reason we saw so few animals today was due to a shooting event located less than a mile from where we were looking.
This evening I was taking a short walk and was able to snag some House Sparrows, a very common species but a new one for the year list none the less.
I'm in a unique position to get some Spotted Owls and Northern Goshawks on my list this year as Achille's project focuses on those species in particular and he is aware of several locations where there are active nest sites. Next weekend we're hoping to head up the mountain again as a family and spot these birds.
I'm not sure what tomorrow will entail in terms of birding but I am certain that at some point in the day Locke and I will be outside. Perhaps we'll head out to French Bar road to spot some more birds that I know for certain live out there. Wish me luck
This evening I was taking a short walk and was able to snag some House Sparrows, a very common species but a new one for the year list none the less.
I'm in a unique position to get some Spotted Owls and Northern Goshawks on my list this year as Achille's project focuses on those species in particular and he is aware of several locations where there are active nest sites. Next weekend we're hoping to head up the mountain again as a family and spot these birds.
I'm not sure what tomorrow will entail in terms of birding but I am certain that at some point in the day Locke and I will be outside. Perhaps we'll head out to French Bar road to spot some more birds that I know for certain live out there. Wish me luck
Saturday, June 18, 2011
I didn't spot a single bird today that I haven't already listed. Maybe that's because I hardly left the house only to drive to Folsom in the afternoon to take care of some serious business aka celebrating Father's Day with Achille a day early. On the drive out I kept a eye open for the usual raptors and shore birds that we see along the way, but nothing.
Hopefully tomorrow will be different.
Hopefully tomorrow will be different.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Locke and I set out early-ish this morning to avoid the heat on French Bar Road in Jackson. The road is a 1.3 mile barely maintained road that starts out in oak savannah and dips down into a dale along a small stream. Usually several species of sparrows and flycatchers are common here but today we only saw a few birds, only a few not on my year list.
One bird I haven't seen much of despite past experiences is also one of my favorites of the region, the phainopepla, a unique bird that frequents mesquite scrub. This bird has a a solid black body with a small, raggedy crest and a vivid red eye. When the phainopepla takes off its bright-white wing patches are a dead give away as is it's quiet questioning call. Luckily I was able to strike this bird off my list as I saw possibly the last one of the season this morning lilting across the sky.
The Western Wood Pewee, a bird I'm just getting to know, greeted us on our walk and the Western Meadowlark, presented itself at the top of the hill before we made our descent into the dale.
One particular bird that I was surprised to mark so late on my list, the Scrub Jay showed its face early on in the walk.
Another species that I expected to spot today was the Lazuli Bunting that Achille and I had spotted in the past, but it was nowhere to be seen today.
Later on in the day we all went down to Howard Park for our daily play-time and on the drive down I was able to snag a peek at a Wild Turkey off the 88 near Blue Sky Drive. Unfortunately that marked the end of the new birds to my list for the day.
Tomorrow we are exploring the suburban areas of Jackson in the hopes of spotting some sparrows (finally) and perhaps a Cedar Waxwing up in Argonaut Heights.
One bird I haven't seen much of despite past experiences is also one of my favorites of the region, the phainopepla, a unique bird that frequents mesquite scrub. This bird has a a solid black body with a small, raggedy crest and a vivid red eye. When the phainopepla takes off its bright-white wing patches are a dead give away as is it's quiet questioning call. Luckily I was able to strike this bird off my list as I saw possibly the last one of the season this morning lilting across the sky.
The Western Wood Pewee, a bird I'm just getting to know, greeted us on our walk and the Western Meadowlark, presented itself at the top of the hill before we made our descent into the dale.
One particular bird that I was surprised to mark so late on my list, the Scrub Jay showed its face early on in the walk.
Another species that I expected to spot today was the Lazuli Bunting that Achille and I had spotted in the past, but it was nowhere to be seen today.
Later on in the day we all went down to Howard Park for our daily play-time and on the drive down I was able to snag a peek at a Wild Turkey off the 88 near Blue Sky Drive. Unfortunately that marked the end of the new birds to my list for the day.
Tomorrow we are exploring the suburban areas of Jackson in the hopes of spotting some sparrows (finally) and perhaps a Cedar Waxwing up in Argonaut Heights.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Today was only slightly more fruitful than yesterday in my quest to rack up the species count. Locke and I headed down to Howard Park in Ione for a walk and birding adventure. In the past week or so I spotted a female Black-headed Grosbeak near the stables but she was nowhere to be seen today, nor were the usual Towhees, Pewees and Phainopepla.
At least we saw some more common residents that we missed on our last visit.
At least we saw some more common residents that we missed on our last visit.
- Mourning Dove- a pair
- Barn Swallows
- Killdeer
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Unfortunately, I don't have much to report today as we didn't get a chance to go out and bird. I only saw to new species for the year list, neither of which are particularly exciting.
Driving through Jackson I spotted a Rock Dove aka rat with wings aka pigeon. Not too thrilling, I know, but still it's a bird I don't have on my very young list. Further along on the drive, heading up to Pioneer for a barbecue a largish bird skipped above the roadway, its red wings and flight pattern marking it as a Northern Flicker.
When I was younger I thought that pigeons were beautiful and misunderstood, their iridescence and sweet voice made feel protective of them and I disliked city counsel members who enacted laws that forbade the feeding of pigeons and I held disdain for property owners who installed pigeon spikes. Now I realize that they carry a load of diseases and I these days I find disgust with people who feed them in parks. That lady in Mary Poppins who feeds the birds in the square? D-I-S-G-U-S-T-I-N-G!
Driving through Jackson I spotted a Rock Dove aka rat with wings aka pigeon. Not too thrilling, I know, but still it's a bird I don't have on my very young list. Further along on the drive, heading up to Pioneer for a barbecue a largish bird skipped above the roadway, its red wings and flight pattern marking it as a Northern Flicker.
When I was younger I thought that pigeons were beautiful and misunderstood, their iridescence and sweet voice made feel protective of them and I disliked city counsel members who enacted laws that forbade the feeding of pigeons and I held disdain for property owners who installed pigeon spikes. Now I realize that they carry a load of diseases and I these days I find disgust with people who feed them in parks. That lady in Mary Poppins who feeds the birds in the square? D-I-S-G-U-S-T-I-N-G!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
- David Sibley's Birds of Western North America,
- Collins Birds of New Zealand by Chloë Talbot Kelly
- National Geographic Complete Bird of North America
- Grzimek's Animal Encyclopedia: Birds
- I'm married to a wildlife biologist
There are some things that prevent us from engaging a full on Big Year:
- We're a relatively young couple with an 18 month old son, so mobility and responsibilities limit travel.
- We're poor. Not living-living-in-a-box poor, but close enough
Today, June 14th 2011, is the start of my little big year. Starting at beautiful Lake Tabeud in Pine Grove. Locke, my son, and I started out early to try to avoid the heat of the day, but it was already 85° at 10 a.m. Luckily most of the trail around the lake is shady and exposed areas are open to breezes . We didn't spot anything new to us but did catch sight of a Bewick's wren that Achille and I had spotted for the first time on a previous trip to the lake. The usual suspects were all out and we racked up a decent start to the year.
- Bewick's Wren
- Lesser Goldfinch
- California Towhee
- Spotted Towhee
- Acorn Woodpecker
- Osprey
- Mallard
- American Robin
- Common Raven
- Stellar's Jay
- Anna's Hummingbird
- Brown-headed cowbird
- European Starling
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Turkey Vulture
- Oak Titmouse
- Tree Swallow
- Yellow-billed Magpie
- Dark-eyed Junco
- Black Phoebe
- White-bellied Nuthatch
- Brewer's Blackbird
- Western King Bird
- Western Bluebird
- Northern Mockingbird
- Bullock's Oriole
Now we're off to Howard Park to boost the list and to get the sillies out.
Howard Park was hot but quite busy so birding was difficult as it looked like I was staring at people through binoculars.
Howard Park was hot but quite busy so birding was difficult as it looked like I was staring at people through binoculars.
- House Finch
- Red-winged Blackbird
So over all a good day with 28 species down.
