On Tuesday, March 20th Al flew in at 3:10 pm.  A western gull harrassed him for
a bit, he only stayed until 3:30 and hasn't been back since (that we know
of).  Jeff is on his way to the cove now to see if he's put in another
appearance.  One of our crab guys said he's seen him off of Elk  a few times. 
We'll report again later.

Good Birding,
Beth and Jeff
Point Arena

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

HI

I've had my first really bright Rufous hummer at my feeders since Monday.
I'm located in the Anderson Valley between Cloverdale and Boonville.

Brad Goodhart
Orchard House Farm


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Greetings Mendobirders-  Today there was a BLACK-NECKED STILT on the south
pond at the Ukiah Wastewater Treatment Plant.  It was feeding there with 3
Dunlin and at least 6 Greater Yellowlegs.

Chuck


--
Chuck and Barbara Vaughn
Ukiah, CA

3/22/12 Today I saw a female Cooper's hawk (by size and white tail band) twice
dive-bomb ring-neck ducks at Lake Pennyroyal. The ducks disappeared underwater
each time with much fountaining of water.

Also saw a couple of kites acting pretty domestic near some big healthy
mistletoe clumps. I hope to find a nest near the top of one of them one of these
days.

Kate

Friday March 23, 2012

Geoff spotted a male BULLOCK'S ORIOLE on the hummingbird feeder this morning in
our south of Talmage yard.

Cheryl Watson
Ukiah, CA

Greetings Mendobirders-  A group of local birders (Gordon Stearns, Geoff
Heinecken, Cheryl Watson, Dave Bengston, George and Geo Gibbs, and me) met
at the Ukiah Wastewater Treatment Plant this morning to see if the storm
had blown in anything new.  There were some new birds out there, most
noteworthy locally being a LONG-BILLED CURLEW.  The Dunlin and
Black-necked Stilt had moved on.  Two groups of Aleutian Cackling Geese
landed on the south pond, about 65 birds total.  A small flock of about 24
Greater White-fronted Geese also circled the ponds, but did not land.
Obviously, birds are moving north.

Chuck


--
Chuck and Barbara Vaughn
Ukiah, CA

Got a good picture of the "teeth" on a red-breasted merganser yesterday on Lake
Cleone. The bird was threatening a group of coots and mallards who immediately
left the area pronto. I never realized it, but these ocean going birds are quite
formadible and the local fresh-water dabblers wanted nothing to do with her.
Picture below:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mendobirds/photos/album/169685695/pic/526443195/vi\
ew?picmode=&mode=tn&order=ordinal&start=1&count=20&dir=asc

Mon Mar 26 2012--I could not get any information from the Bird Banding Lab on
the adult banded WESTERN GULL I found at Van Damme on March 15th because of the
incomplete band number. I then forwarded the information to PRBO thinking it was
one of their birds banded on the Farallon's. I got a reply from them tonight
stating that it was indeed one of the Farallon's Western Gulls. It was banded as
a chick during the Summer of 2007.

Richard Hubacek
Little River

There were 8 Great-tailed Grackles in a flooded field on Reclamation Road
yesterday. Also yesterday a Common Loon in breeding plumage was on the lake seen
from Nice.  Jerry White

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 -- This morning at the Ukiah Wastewater Treatment Plant
there was a RED-NECKED GREBE on the middle pond.  This is the first
occurence that I am aware of.  The list can be found here
<http://www.pacificsites.com/~chaniot/USTP_listv1.html>
      At home in Potter Valley I have had brief views (March 22 and 27) of a
SLATE-COLORED JUNCO around the yard - but not coming to the feeders.

George Chaniot
Potter Valley, MEN, CA

In Fort Bragg Proper:

Location: Corner of East Laurel and Cory Streets, SW Corner

Sighted Female Bobolink

Distance from Subject: 5 Feet

Duration of Sighting: 15 Minutes

On Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:40:21 -0000, "Stewart K" <stewartk@...> wrote:

>In Fort Bragg Proper:
>
>Location: Corner of East Laurel and Cory Streets, SW Corner
>
>Sighted Female Bobolink
>
>Distance from Subject: 5 Feet
>
>Duration of Sighting: 15 Minutes


This is exceptional.  According to BNA, "Males arrive in breeding areas in
first week in May in New York (TAG) and s. Wisconsin (Martin 1971); in
mid-May in Oregon (Wittenberger 1976) and n. Michigan (Pettingill 1983).
Females begin arriving about 1 wk after first males appear."

Earliest previously known arrival dates are 28 March in Cuba and the
Bahamas.  There do not appear any mainland North American spring records
before 3 April (Georgia).
--
Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA     jmorlan (at) ccsf.edu
Birding Classes start Apr 3     http://fog.ccsf.edu/jmorlan/

Thur, 29 March 2012 -- This morning, a LONG-BILLED CURLEW was at
Seaside Beach, just north of Ten Mile River mouth.  Not many shorebirds
frequent Seaside Beach because of the dogs brought here.  Two days ago,
a Blk-bellied Plover and a dozen Sanderlings were on the beach here.

Up at Ocean Meadows, a PEREGRINE FALCON hurled into a group of 4 Eur.
Collared-Doves, but unfortunately missed them all.  The Steller's Jay and
N Mockingbird are still coming to the yard.

Karen & Jim Havlena
North of Fort Bragg, MEN, California

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Driving from Potter Valley west on Highway 20 Wednesday morning, glanced to my
right and saw a pair of Bald Eagles flying together along the river.  Always a
treat to see them.  I also had a Varied Thrush pass through my feeder area. 
They are probably fairly common, but that's the first one I've seen here since
I've been in Potter Valley.

On behalf of Mendocino Coast Audubon, Audubon CA, & California State
Parks, you are cordially invited to the first Black Oystercatcher
workshop along the Mendocino Coast.

Anna Weinstein, of Audubon California, will share the results of last
year's first-ever statewide survey, with a focus on the invaluable
information many of you collected in Mendocino and northern Sonoma
counties.

Together we will discuss plans for evaluating the breeding success of
your local birds and how you can become a citizen scientist to help
conserve these amazing birds this coming summer.

Short field trip with mini-training included.

When: Saturday, May 5th 9am - 2pm

Where: Russian Gulch Recreation Hall

Provided:  Continental Breakfast

Bring:  Binoculars (and scope if available), appropriate dress for
weather, and sack lunch

RSVP and questions by May 1st please:  Joleen Ossello, 707-962-0142,
j_ossello@... <mailto:j_ossello@...>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

What appeared to be a female Rufous Hummingbird showed up at my feeders this
evening. A resident Anna's male, his mate and a single youngster all chased her
off, but not before I saw the tell-tale flash of rufous on the tail - with the
three white spots on the outers... and sides.... :)




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Sun, 1 April, 2012 -- Dorothy Tobkin called to say that the female
BALTIMORE ORIOLE is still at Rose Memorial Cemetery in Fort
Bragg.  She watched the bird at close range for quite a while, getting
great looks.  The bird was in the Banksia tree next to the "Non-endowment"
wooden sign (this is near the "sapsucker" Banksia).

Rose Memorial Park is located at E Spruce and N Franklin in the
NE part of Fort Bragg (Pudding Creek runs just to the north).

For Dorothy Tobkin

K Havlena
Fort Bragg, MEN, California

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On behalf of Michael Stewart, Fort Bragg
Saturday, 3/24/12 Two of us went up the Albion river in my White Hull row boat
using an electric motor.  As we traveled up river, flocks of coots kept flying
ahead of us.  When we rounded a bend, about one mile up river, we saw a Bald
Eagle swooping down going back and forth left to right trying to catchm a Coot. 
Each time the Coot would duck under water and avoid being caught.  After several
attempts, the Eagle changed its approach and came in from behind the Coot and
snagged it. It rose from the water and flew up river slowly gaining in altitude.

Sun, 1 Apr, 2012 --  This morning, a Cooper's Hawk captured a Eur. Collared-Dove
and flew over to the bluff with it.  There was a trail of grayish-white feathers
scattered
about.  Hooray!
Also, there were Pine Siskins, a Dark-eyed "Oregon" Junco, the Steller's Jay,
and
the usual crowd waiting for seed.
Two Black-bellied Plovers, a/the Long-billed Curlew, and a dozen Sanderlings on
Seaside Beach.  The surf was very high, even though the high tide was only 4.9
ft.

Karen & Jim Havlena
North of Fort Bragg, MEN, Cal

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Saw a female Bullocks Oriole hogging the hummingbird feeder yesterday. Haven't
seen any males yet. Last 2 years they nested in the trees in my front yard. Hope
this year is a "threepeat". Time to build up the sugar supply!

I've been birding mornings since Tuesday (4/3)between McKerricher S.P and Elk. 
I haven't seen anything outstanding, but here are a few notes of species of some
interest to some perhaps:
    - Brant - One bird exited water at Whiteboro Cove, south of Albion on Hwy 1
    - Black-crowned Night Heron - Two roosting in early evening with Snowy Egret
along Noyo River across from the main boat harbor
    - Black Scoter/Harlequin Duck - 4 scoters (1 Ad M, 1 Imm M, 2 F) still at
usual spot at end of Ward Ave.
    - Caspian Terns - Two groups of 5 and 8 moving north past Mendocino Headlands
on two different days.
    -Common Murre - Est 2,100 at Bird Rock (?)at Mendocino Headlands

I dipped on the orioles at East Rose Cemetery and Nashville Warbler during two
visits here.  Many Rufous and Allen's Hummers at Banksia trees.

I didn't try for the reported Bobolink.  Has anyone else tried or seen it?

Migrant action has been very slow, other than Orange-crowned and Wilson's
Warblers.  No other warblers, no migrant vireos, grosbeak, etc. I checked know
Purple Martin nesting sites along Hwy 1 north of Mckerricher, Hwy 1 bridge over
Noyo Harbor, and Greenwood Creek bridge.

Sorry forgot to sign previous message.

P.S. If anyone has something good to suggest (recent Gray Jays?), feel free to
call.  I will be here a few more days.
  Dan Airola
916/494-1283
d.airola@...




________________________________
From: dan_airola <d.airola@...>
To: Mendobirds@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Fri, April 6, 2012 4:18:05 PM
Subject: [Mendobirds] Scattered sightings of moderate interest


I've been birding mornings since Tuesday (4/3)between McKerricher S.P and Elk.
I haven't seen anything outstanding, but here are a few notes of species of some
interest to some perhaps:
- Brant - One bird exited water at Whiteboro Cove, south of Albion on Hwy 1
- Black-crowned Night Heron - Two roosting in early evening with Snowy Egret
along Noyo River across from the main boat harbor
- Black Scoter/Harlequin Duck - 4 scoters (1 Ad M, 1 Imm M, 2 F) still at usual
spot at end of Ward Ave.
- Caspian Terns - Two groups of 5 and 8 moving north past Mendocino Headlands on
two different days.
-Common Murre - Est 2,100 at Bird Rock (?)at Mendocino Headlands

I dipped on the orioles at East Rose Cemetery and Nashville Warbler during two
visits here.  Many Rufous and Allen's Hummers at Banksia trees.

I didn't try for the reported Bobolink.  Has anyone else tried or seen it?

Migrant action has been very slow, other than Orange-crowned and Wilson's
Warblers.  No other warblers, no migrant vireos, grosbeak, etc. I checked know
Purple Martin nesting sites along Hwy 1 north of Mckerricher, Hwy 1 bridge over
Noyo Harbor, and Greenwood Creek bridge.





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Friday, April 6, 2012 - Stopped for lunch at Little River today and
noticed flocks of Pacific Loons on their northbound migration.
Thousands of them streaming by, mostly in flocks of 20 to 40
individuals, all within the same narrow path about a mile offshore.
  From the air it must look like a dotted black line!

Cheers,
Tim Bray
Albion

Fri Apr 6, 2012--There was a major bird movement North today as observed from
Point Cabrillo. This movement consisted of continuous lines of LOONS (both
PACIFIC and RED-THROATED with Pacific being more numerous). There were also
CACKLING GEESE and BRANT. One large flock of geese (over 300) were flying low
over the water. Parts of the flock were trying to form a "V" and the rest were
irregular. I reviewed the picture and it was a mixed flock of Cackling and
Brant. I have not observed this before. SURF SCOTERS were a part of the movement
with many flocks going by. There were even numbers of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS
flying in "V's" going by. CASPIAN TERNS continued to move North although I saw
more of them last Thursday. Even all the gulls(mostly CALIFORNIA) were moving
North.

There was one bird that should have gone North already. That was a ROCK
SANDPIPER that was with a small group of SURFBIRDS and BLACK TURNSTONES just
West of the lighthouse. It might be the latest Rock Sandpiper for Mendocino
County. It is showing some rufous in the feathers on it's back.

Richard Hubacek
Little River

Hi Richard - Just as you directed, I found 1-2 gray jays w steller's at L
River Inn by little pond. Many thanks!!!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello all. Today a Black-headed Grosbeak breezed through my parent's yard in
Potter Valley, singing a bit before moving on. Two male Bullock's Orioles were
also new arrivals. Three Purple Finches were somewhat expected new additions to
the yard list.

Matt Brady
Potter Valley

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Sun, 8 April 2012 -- While making coffee to power our morning, a Western
Kingbird
landed briefly in the yard.  Cedar Waxwings, the N Mockingbird, a Rufous Hummer,
a 'Sooty' Fox Sparrow, and Pine Siskins are still here in the neighborhood.

Yesterday, 4/7, we saw the Steller's Jay and an Orange-crowned Warbler in the
yard.

Karen and Jim Havlena
North of Fort Bragg, MEN, California

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Bay area (extended) birders:

Late September in northern California is the peak of pelagic birding, ideal for
finding rare  songbirds, and a great time to see an excellent variety of
shorebirds. The conference will have field trips focusing on all these and more.
Shearwater Journeys offers four pelagic trips at discounted rates for conference
registrants, including an  exclusive Photographer's Pelagic for only six
participants.

The conference also offers a rich combination of science sessions and workshops
to  improve your field skills. We offer ID workshops on shorebirds with Al 
Jaramillo, pelagic birds with Jim Danzenbaker and Scott Terrill, and raptors 
with Homer Hansen and Allen Fish. Peter Pyle will show how understanding molt 
can enhance your time in the field, Keith Hansen will teach new ways of looking 
birds as you learn to make field sketches, and Richard Vacha will help you 
identify tracks of birds and other wildlife.

To register and see full details go  to
<http://www.westernfieldornithologists.org/>  and click on the  'Annual
Conference' banner in the middle of the page.

You will probably want to  download the Conference Details and Conference
Planner documents to review  before you begin registration.

Some of the most popular events have already filled, a reminder that EARLY
REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL to get the field trips and workshops you want.

I hope to see you in Petaluma; meanwhile, please forgive cross-postings.

Dave Quady
Berkeley, California
davequady@...

Tue, 10 April 2012 -- Mid-late afternoon, there was a GREEN HERON standing
out in the middle of Ten Mile R. on one of the old stumps east of the bridge.  A
HORNED GREBE, almost in full breeding plumage, was diving next to the bridge.

I didn't see any swallows or martins, but it was getting cold and windy, just
after
a passing rain shower.

Karen Havlena
North of Fort Bragg, MEN, California

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thu Apr 12, 2012--Sara Grimes call this evening to report (she was having
problems with Mendobirds) that she heard PURPLE MARTINS over her house this
morning. She lives 4 miles up Little River Airport Rd. She then went down to Elk
and found that there were 2 males and a female near the Greenwood Bridge. Sara,
in addition to her duties as a marine mammal rescuer, is now the "backup
biological monitor" for the Greenwood Bridge replacement project that should be
starting up soon. I noted the Purple Martin "Houses" put up along the road on a
recent trip to Point Arena. It will be interesting to see if they work during
the project.

Richard Hubacek
Little River

Reporting for Sara Grimes, also of Little River.