If you go to the old Potter Valley Bridge to watch the American
Dippers feeding 3 or 4 Dipperettes, there is a bonus of a colony of
Cliff Swallows nesting just above the Dipper nest. One species works
the air and the other the water; it is fascinating to watch the
Dippers zooming over the river, then landing on the rocks below the
nest, "dipping" with a morsel in their beaks before being greeted by
the open-mouthed brood at the nest opening.  Two thumbs up.

Yesterday Dave Woodward and I birded the county on a Spring Big Day.Our species
count of 136 was the second highest
total ever (we had 141 species in 2000). Highlights  were a Lesser Yellowlegs, a
Forster's Tern, two Redhead's on Borax Lake, and 5 species of owls.
Jerry



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

Today, Sunday, April 25, 2004, Cindy & I found a Sage Thrasher in
Mendocino County along the south side of 10 Mile River.   After
parking at the south end of the 10 Mile River Bridge (about 4 miles
north of Ft. Bragg on Highway 1) we walked down the narrow trail to
the old roadway and on towards the ocean.   We spotted the bird about
60 yards east of where the sand crosses the old roadway and a sign
advises horses to stay on the trail. The streaks on the bird's breast
were distinct. The wing bars were narrow and didn't coalesce into a
patch.  When it flew across the roadway into a bush, we could see the
white tail corners (not entirely white outer retrices), and no white
wing patches.

Later, talking with Dorothy Tobkin, we learned that this may be only
the third record for Mendocino County. The others were in fall.

Les & Cindy Lieurance
San Francisco

Sunday April 26 - Today at noon at the Hwy 1 overlook north of Juan
Creek I found a loon I identified as a basic ARCTIC LOON.  What caught
my attention was the white flank patch on each side of the bird.  The
patches were large and conspicuous and constantly visible while the bird
was on the surface.  The bird dove frequently during my 30 minute
observation but was always easily refound due to those flank patches.
Even when the bird was facing directly away it was still easy to locate
as it appeared to have two white taillights.

The bird was in close proximity to a basic Pacific Loon for the
entirety of my observation.  Although I couldn't detect a size
difference between their bodies the bill on the arctic was larger and
the head appeared to be larger as well.  The arctic had more white on
the face and neck and did not have a chinstrap.  I could not detect a
difference in nape shading.

The bird was northwest from the overlook in the general area of where
murrelets are often seen.  The bird consistently swam to the northwest
so that it continually moved farther away from me.  I stopped watching
when the bird was too far away to observe any details besides the flank
patches.

I have no prior experience with Arctic Loon so someone who does will
have to comment on how reliable the white flank patches are as a field
mark.  I have never seen a Pacific Loon with markings this distinct
before.

Good Birding.

Matthew Matthiessen
Ukiah, MEN, CA

Sunday April 26 - The COMMON MOORHEN reported last week from Lake Cleone
was still present Sunday morning.  The bird was among the reeds at the
east end of the lake and is most easily seen by scoping from the parking
lot.

Also at Lake Cleone was a RING-BILLED GULL.  There was a RED-NECKED
GREBE north of the Laguna Point observation platform.  Finally, at the
bridge over Jaun Creek there was a PURPLE MARTIN.

Matthew Matthiessen
Ukiah, MEN, CA

At 12:30 today Norm Anderson and I observed two Black Terns in
breeding plumage on the Upper Arm of Clear Lake, about one half mile
offshore from Land's End. We were in a boat, but the terns would
have been visible to the SE from Library Park in Lakeport. Some of
their flights may have taken them nearly as far north as the park.
               Dave Woodward

Fri, 30 Apr 2004 -- This evening I found a large flock of about 150
TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS at the end of Burris Lane in Potter Valley. This
flock was rolling through the short grass pastures beyond the gate and the
vineyards. The regular occurence of Tricolors here is a new phenomenon of
the last several months. I suspect that they are breeding nearby  -
possibly at a pond on private property over the hill beyond the gate and
which cannot be seen from public access. Some of the movement of Tricolors
this evening seemed to be to and from that area. Several years ago I saw
that pond and noted that it was heavily ringed with cattails - unlike the
visible pond.

George Chaniot
Potter Valley, MEN, CA

Dear Birders,

Some great birds have been around lately.  Newest is the female GARGANY at the
HBNWR (Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge) Loleta off Hookton Road Exit.  Go
to Visitor Center for details.  A Harris' Sparrow has been out at Lanphere Dunes
at the Ralph's residence together with a Hooded Oriole.  A Sage Thrasher was off
the V Street Loop past two days, not yesterday.  (707) 822-5666 is the Arcata,
CA birdbox.

Gone but not forgotten is the Magnificent Hummingbird, Don Wattenberg reports it
last seen on May 2nd, not since.  Godwit Days was great two weeks ago, my
favorite trip was the "Special Magnificent" trip.  What a title... and we
delivered.  At least 60 plus had great and predictable views of what for most
was a statebird.  Other state birds were had with good looks at a drumming
Ruffed Grouse.  Gray Jays and Barred Owls were also around.  The big day bus
record was broken again with 133 seen by Rob Fowler and John Sterling (between
0700am and 1700pm).  Not to mention the second bus in the challenge also broke
the existing standard of 127 with 129 species.  Lewis' Woodpecker, Harlequin and
Long-tailed Duck added interest on these trips.

Next Year..?, mark your calendars.....Third Weekend of April (Thurs-Weds)
14th-21st 2005.

All the best

Rob


Robert W. Hewitt
Director, LBJ Enterprises   www.birdjobs.com
1707 E Street #5, Eureka, CA 95501

(707) 442-0339, fax (707) 260-0632, cell (707) 845-3189
lbjent@...

Godwit Days Steering Committee  www.godwitdays.com
April 15-18, 2004  10th Annual, 236 species cumulative.

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

Upcoming Peregrine Events

Tuesday, May 18, 7:30 pm Peregrine Audubon Society welcomes you to our May
meeting. Helen Menasian will acquaint us with the Redwood Valley Outdoor
Education Project (a program of Ukiah Unified School District) and its exciting
methods of teaching children about birds and ecology. Kate Marianchild will tell
and read extraordinary true stories of wild and domestic animals helping humans
or other animals. Ukiah Methodist Church 270 N. Pine St.

The Redwood Valley Outdoor Education Project teaches 2-3,000 children every year
about soils, forest communities, food chains, birds, river ecology, and more. To
learn about birds, each child "becomes a bird" and then applies for a job as a
bird (such as recycler, seed spreader, or rodent controller), tries to build a
nest, and later goes on migration. In the process of migration, which involves
running and flapping their wings vigorously, the children might discover that
the trees where they usually nest and feed have been cut down for a shopping
mall!

Kate Marianchild will tell the story of the famous wild dolphin Pelorus Jack, as
well as several other short vignettes of extraordinary animal intelligence and
caring.



Saturday May 22: Field Trip to Potter Valley and the Eel River Come see colorful
warblers, chats, grosbeaks, vireos, possibly purple martins, and nesting
dippers. Meet at Long's parking lot at 7:45 a.m. or meet at the old Potter
Valley bridge site along the Russian River (1/2 mile north of Hwy 20) at 8:20
a.m. Bring your lunch, water, binoculars, and a favorite bird ID book. Loaner
binoculars may be available. Please come prepared to carpool. Call 467-1341 for
more information. Sponsored by Peregrine Audubon Society.



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

FYI-

-------------------***-----------------------------



For Release:  May 7, 2004
                                           Contacts:   Nicholas Throckmorton
202/208-5636
                                                       Jennifer      Wheeler
703/358-2318

                            COLONIAL WATERBIRDS:
                    INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD DAY 2004

Visitors to refuges like Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge in northwest
Tennessee are wowed by the thousands of great blue herons living in
rookeries in cypress and water tupelo trees.  To celebrate spectacles like
this, this year's theme for International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD)  is
"Colonial Waterbirds."  IMBD is internationally recognized on May 8, but
events will happen around the country throughout the year.

At hundreds of events such as bird walks, open houses, festivals, lectures
and demonstrations, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is joining with
partners to recognize the ways birds have stimulated people to become
involved in conservation and to encourage individuals, corporations, and
organizations to be a part of continuing efforts to protect birds.

"Perhaps more than anything, International Migratory Bird Day  is a
reminder that wildlife does not recognize political or geographic
boundaries," said Service Director Steve Williams.  "Migratory birds offer
a compelling reminder that conservation transcends the borders of human
society. International Migratory Bird Day  is a great way to celebrate the
birds, and the partnerships forged to conserve them."

More than 500 IMBD celebrations will take place at National Wildlife
Refuges, fish hatcheries, field offices and at partnering organizations
such as parks, zoos, and schools.  The Service's IMBD website
<http://birds.fws.gov/IMBD> contains a listing of these events as well as
links to additional information on migratory bird conservation, including
the North American Bird Conservation Initiative.  The IMBD 2004 art and
materials portray ten bird species symbolizing conservation laws, programs,
and organizations that have benefitted birds, the environment and humans
alike.

Colonial birds nest together. One estimate is that 1 in 8 bird species
worldwide nest colonially.  Colony sites take many forms: mud nests
plastered on vertical surfaces; burrows riddling a seaside cliff, a stretch
of depressions in a sandy beach, or bulky stick nests forming a woodland
rookery.  Colonies also vary in size; from a few to sometimes millions of
birds packed together.

International Migratory Bird Day was created in 1993 to focus public
attention on the need to conserve birds and their habitats. This annual
event celebrates one of the most important and spectacular events in the
life of a migratory bird: its journey between summer and winter homes.
Today, International Migratory Bird Day is recognized in Canada, the United
States, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, and Central America.

For more information on IMBD, please see <http://www.birdday.org>.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency
responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and
plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American
people.  The Service manages the 94-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge
System which encompasses more than 530 national wildlife refuges, thousands
of small wetlands and other special management areas.  It also operates 70
national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resource offices and 78 ecological
services field stations.  The agency
enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act,
manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant
fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and
helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts.  It also
oversees the Federal Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of
dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and
wildlife agencies.

                                    -fws-
       For more information about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
                  visit our homepage at http://www.fws.gov

Greetings Mendobirders:  We were treated to very good looks (< 10') at a
male CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD which visited our feeders several times this
morning between 7 and 715.  Unfortunately, we haven't seen it since.  It is
a new yard bird!

Chuck and Barbara

Michael Maltas and I went up Low Gap today hoping to see or hear Blue Grouse.
Michael isn't a birder but he has very sharp eyes for wildlife, having grown up
in the bush in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. We followed Roger Foote's directions to
the place he saw a male blue grouse in full regalia. We didn't hear or see any
grouse. Maybe it's too late. We did see a male lazuli bunting, a first for me
and spotted by Michael, some western bluebirds, and a western tanager. On the
way home we saw one mountain quail on the road, also a first for me!.

Kate


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

Tue, 11 May 2004, 07:30-10:15 -- I did more birding than jogging this
morning along the logging road by the Eel River near Potter Valley. Quite a
morning chorus of duelling grosbeaks, tanagers, and a dozen other species
singing (s). Highlights were a pair of OSPREYS on a nest right over the
county road about 1/2 mile upstream from the Pioneer Bridge, OLIVE-SIDED
FLYCATCHER, MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER, BALD EAGLE, YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS,
YELLOW WARBLER, PILEATED WOODPECKERS, and others - full list below. Things
look good for the Peregrine Audubon field trip here on the 22nd. The
logging road is still closed to most traffic due to a slide, and it is
quiet and dustless for good birding.  Although Purple Martins can be heard
overhead occasionally in Potter Valley, they do not appear to be nesting
under the bridge where they did from 1989-2002.  I heard an unusual quail
call this morning, and I was not certain which species it was. It turned
out to be a male California Quail stepping very gingerly around a large
garter snake.
         TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS can still be found easily at the end of
Burris Lane, and the AMERICAN DIPPERS have fledged one brood and appear to
be refurbishing the nest for a second attempt.

George Chaniot
Potter Valley, MEN, CA

Turkey Vulture
Common Merganser
Osprey                      nest, 2 adults
Bald Eagle                         2
Red-tailed Hawk
Golden Eagle
California Quail                    s
Anna's Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Acorn Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker           2
Western Wood-Pewee           s
Olive-sided Flycatcher           s
Black Phoebe
Ash-throated Flycatcher       s
Cassin's Vireo                     s
Warbling Vireo                    s
Steller's Jay
Western Scrub-Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Violet-green Swallow
N. Rough-winged Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Barn Swallow
American Robin                  s
Wrentit                             s
European Starling
Orange-crowned Warbler     s
Yellow Warbler                   s
MacGillivray's Warbler          s  (same place, Joanne)
Wilson's Warbler                 s
Yellow-breasted Chat          s
Western Tanager                s
Spotted Towhee                 s
Song Sparrow                    s
Black-headed Grosbeak        s
Brewer's Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird        s
Purple Finch                        s
Lesser Goldfinch

Common Kingsnake
Western Garter Snake
Sonoma Chipmunk

Hello Mendobirders,
I was able to approach to within 30 feet of  a singing California Thrasher
around 8:00 this evening on South Cow Mt. That was a good thing to be so
close because I had neglected to bring my binoculars. Beautiful clear
song(s) and they DO go on and on.

Out of our area but interesting current article below on the first known
Peregrine Falcon pair to raise a brood in the city of San Francisco in 70
years (& perhaps, ever).
Vishnu

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/05/11/MNGLC6JEOO1.DTL

Last fall I spotted an Osprey nest on Highway 20 where Marina Drive
turns down to Lake Mendocino.  PG&E took down the nest this winter
and installed some angle irons to prevent its reconstruction.  It is
possible that one or both of that pair has found an even better spot
about a quarter mile to the northwest.  Easily seen going either way
on Hwy 20 is the tallest high tension tower featuring a blob at the
top.  I found the best vantage by going up Road A to Road B then
east to Riccetti Lane (where Road B turns north).  This point is
about 2-300 yards due north of the tower and the nest is quite
active with at least one chick and frequent visits from the adults
bearing fish dinners.

Thu, 13 May 2004 -- This morning I found another Osprey nest on the Eel
River about halfway between Trout Creek and the Lake County line. It is on
the north side of the county road in the broken top of a fir and at an
angle of view not likely to be noticed from a vehicle. This second nest is
only about 1.5 miles upstream from the nest I reported on Tuesday. I don't
know the status of either of these nests other than that they have adults
sitting in them. One Osprey has a broken primary near the tip of the left
wing which may help in individual recognition.

George Chaniot
Potter Valley


At 21:56 2004 05 13, Jim Armstrong wrote:
>Last fall I spotted an Osprey nest on Highway 20 where Marina Drive
>turns down to Lake Mendocino.  PG&E took down the nest this winter
>and installed some angle irons to prevent its reconstruction.  It is
>possible that one or both of that pair has found an even better spot
>about a quarter mile to the northwest.  Easily seen going either way
>on Hwy 20 is the tallest high tension tower featuring a blob at the
>top.  I found the best vantage by going up Road A to Road B then
>east to Riccetti Lane (where Road B turns north).  This point is
>about 2-300 yards due north of the tower and the nest is quite
>active with at least one chick and frequent visits from the adults
>bearing fish dinners.

On May 3rd or so Amy Leist and I saw an acorn woodpecker fly into a tree.
Squawking and fluttering promptly ensued, and two entangled birds then spiraled
and squawked their way 20 feet or so to the ground. 18" grass surrounded them
but I was able to tiptoe to where I could watch them. They remained there, one
bird on top, with occasional fluttering and squawking and regular rhythmic
movement for FOUR OR FIVE minutes! Then they flew back up into the tree.

Has anyone else ever observed such a thing?

And... I naively bought a house for western bluebirds that is difficult to
attach to a post, as the sides are not plumb and the roof overhangs the sides.
It can be done - I just thought of how - but I'm wondering if anyone knows if
bluebirds will nest in a house that is suspended from hooks and therefore
swings. Since they are cavity nesters, and cavities usually don't swing and sway
in the breeze, or in response to bird movements, I am wondering if they would
reject such a house. I know it's sort of late to put one up, but you never know
about second broods or late first broods.

Kate








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

I wonder why they don't just erect special Osprey platforms for them
like they do on the east coast, rather than just risking their building
in another dangerous location?

Just a thought,

Feather

Jim Armstrong wrote:

>Last fall I spotted an Osprey nest on Highway 20 where Marina Drive
>turns down to Lake Mendocino.  PG&E took down the nest this winter
>and installed some angle irons to prevent its reconstruction.  It is
>possible that one or both of that pair has found an even better spot
>about a quarter mile to the northwest.  Easily seen going either way
>on Hwy 20 is the tallest high tension tower featuring a blob at the
>top.  I found the best vantage by going up Road A to Road B then
>east to Riccetti Lane (where Road B turns north).  This point is
>about 2-300 yards due north of the tower and the nest is quite
>active with at least one chick and frequent visits from the adults
>bearing fish dinners.
>
>
>
>
>Unsubscribe: mailto:MENDOBIRDS-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MENDOBIRDS
>Listowners: mailto:MENDOBIRDS-owner@yahoogroups.com
>For vacation suspension of mail go to the website. Click on Edit My Membership
and set your mail option to No Email. Or, send a blank email to these addresses:
>Turn off email delivery: mailto:MENDOBIRDS-nomail@yahoogroups.com
>Resume email delivery: mailto:MENDOBIRDS-normal@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

NATURE #2113 PALE MALE

5/16 8pm, 5/18 4am, 5/23 11am (56:36) (CC) (DVI)

This program tells the remarkable story of the bold and daring red-
tailed hawk that took up residence in the heart of Manhattan - on the
ledge of a Fifth Avenue high-rise at the edge of Central Park - in the
early 1990s. Defying the odds, he mated and established a family of
hawks whose presence remains one of the modern-day wonders of the Big
Apple.

Sorry, wrong station! Channel Nine, KQED, (PBS).

Feather Forestwalker wrote:

>NATURE #2113 PALE MALE
>
>5/16 8pm, 5/18 4am, 5/23 11am (56:36) (CC) (DVI)
>
>This program tells the remarkable story of the bold and daring red-
>tailed hawk that took up residence in the heart of Manhattan - on the
>ledge of a Fifth Avenue high-rise at the edge of Central Park - in the
>early 1990s. Defying the odds, he mated and established a family of
>hawks whose presence remains one of the modern-day wonders of the Big
>Apple.
>
>
>
>
>
>Unsubscribe: mailto:MENDOBIRDS-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MENDOBIRDS
>Listowners: mailto:MENDOBIRDS-owner@yahoogroups.com
>For vacation suspension of mail go to the website. Click on Edit My Membership
and set your mail option to No Email. Or, send a blank email to these addresses:
>Turn off email delivery: mailto:MENDOBIRDS-nomail@yahoogroups.com
>Resume email delivery: mailto:MENDOBIRDS-normal@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Sunday - May 16, 2004 - The Mendocino Coast Audubon Chapter once again ventured
out of the Noyo Harbor at Fort Bragg to look for bird and mammal life off shore.
Relatively clear skies and medium seas resulted in a rather pleasant day of bird
and whale watching.   A few northward bound flocks of Pacific Loons were
migrating north totalling about 100 birds.   * Common Loons were seen.  No
Laysan Albatross showed, but about 25 Black-footed Albatross showed around the
boat.  5 Northern Fulmars, 12 Pink-footed Shearwaters, and an impressive 2500
Sooty Shearwaters graced the waters.

All three cormorants were observed... 12 Brandt's, 6 double-crested, and 25
Pelagics.   75 Red-necked Phalaropes were in scattered flocks heading north, but
no Red Phalaropes were seen.  Only 1 jaeger, a Pomarine, was observed.  Gulls
included 15 California Gulls (nearshore), 300+ Western Gulls, 2 Glaucous-winged
Gulls,   8 Sabine's Gulls, 1 Ring-billed Gull, and an unusual Franklin's Gull
were out there.   The Franklin's Gull was approached by the boat for grand looks
of the bird... and was a Mendocino County first for many of the participants.  2
Common Terns and 7 Arctic Terns flew by.

50 Common Murres, 40 Pigeon Guillemots, 3 Cassin's Auklets, and 10 Rhinoceros
Auklets made up the alcid list.

Also seen near the harbor were 5 Osprey, 1 Mallard, a Great-Blue Heron, 2 Turkey
vultures,and an occasional Common Raven.

Mammals included a couple California Sea Lion, 20 Northern fur Seals, 6 to 8
Gray whales, and 4 Pacific White-sided Dolphins.

Once again the Trek II was skippered by Rick Thornton who always does an
admirable job.   The water temps ranged from 50 - 52 degrees F.   The route
crossed the Noyo Canyon and ventured 18 miles offshore.

Thanks to all the organizers and leaders and participants .... a good time was
had by (almost) all.

Bob Keiffer


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

This afternoon about 4:15PM I watched a Brandt land on Clear Lake about 200
yards off shore from the 5th Street boat ramp in Library Park, Lakeport. It
stayed for a short time until a boat scared it. The bird then flew to the north
along the lakeshore.
This is the first county record.                 Jerry


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

So far the Brant(correct spelling) has not been refound in Lake
County.               Jerry White

Mon, 24 May 2004 -- Last Wednesday Jim Armstrong and I confirmed the
nesting of several hundred TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS at a pond on private
property in SE Potter Valley. This morning I saw several small parties of
Tricolors in the hayfields west of West Road about 2.5 miles from that
colony. Following up on their movements I discovered a second nesting
colony near a vineyard pond 1/4 mile N of the cemetery. The birds were
clustered in a hedge of Himayalan blackberries on the south edge of the
pond which is right along West Road. I would guess a minimum number of 200
birds here.  Tricolors were drinking and gathering nesting material along
the edges of the pond and foraging in the vineyards to the west and north.
Males were noisily displaying in the blackberries and along the power cable
right above.  I saw at least a dozen females carrying nesting material into
the blackberries.  This colony appears to be in an earlier stage of nesting
than the first colony, which is now busy feeding many juveniles.  There may
have been several independent juveniles at the second colony, suggesting
that this group may have bred elsewhere this year. I pass this area several
times a week, including last Wed, Thu, Sat, and Sun, and I don't think I
would have missed them that many times.
         These Tricolors are easily seen from West Road, but there is no
convenient parking place close by.  I suggest parking at the cemetery and
walking north on West Road about 1/4 mile to the pond. Be very careful with
the traffic. I have previously been asked not to park near the vineyard
gate to the north of the pond as it interferes with vineyard activities.
All of the nest building activity I saw was in the first 50 yards of the
blackberry hedge.  There are some photo opportunities here, but I have read
that Tricolor colonies may be vulnerable to disturbance at this stage.  Be
careful.

George Chaniot
Potter Valley, MEN, CA

From Route 20 about 6 miles east of 101 turn north on Potter Valley Road.
After about 2.25 miles turn left onto West(side) Road. The cemetery is
about 2.5 miles further.

Calendar Announcement

Saturday, June 5, 8 a.m. Long's Parking Lot in Ukiah (next to Farmer's Market)

Are You For The Birds? Please come to a benefit rummage sale for Peregrine
Audubon Society. Help support our free programs and conservation efforts! For
pick-up of tax-deductible donations before Saturday, June 5, please call
463-0839 or 462-3567. Quality, sellable items only, please.



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

I just returned to Charlene’s after a day in the field at Big River. I
flushed a bright rusty bird from the feeders and jokingly said that it
looked like a Brown Thrasher. Imagine my surprise and delight when a Brown
Thrasher showed up a few minutes later!



It’s at 45601 Headlands Drive, Little River CA Call us at 937-4463 for
detailed directions and an update if you want to come to see it.



Ron LeValley, Senior Biologist

ron@...

707/839-0900

Fax 839-0867

www.madriverbio.com <http://www.madriverbio.com/>

Mad River Biologists

1497 Central Avenue

McKinleyville, CA 95519





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

An unexpected day off turned into a Hull Mt./Lake Pillsbury trip. Just north of
Hull one of the remaining snow fields blocked the road. I ended up walking to
and beyond Windy Gap (keeping a wary eye out for the animals that left the
distinctive bear tracks along the road).
Many of the usual suspects were recorded ; Dusky Flycatchers (common),
Red-breasted Sapsuckers, Green-tailed Towhees (Lake only), and White-headed
Woodpeckers Cassins Finch and Townsend's Solitaire in Mendocino County only.
Bonus birds were; a Rock Wren below Hull Mt summit in Lake and a calling
Northern Goshawk in the Hull Creek drainage (Mendocino).

Near Lake Pillsbury  while sitting in my vehicle at the southeast corner of the
runway and having just decided there was nothing left to see in this area a male
and female Lawrence's Goldfinch's flew up and started feeding about 10 feet from
me.
They stayed so long I was the one that finally had to leave.

On the way back I checked out the established Blue Grouse location for Lake
(about 2 miles from Soda Creek right next to
"The Slides" road 301) and they were still calling despite the windy conditions,
the afternoon time and the late date.
                                                                                                                            
Jerry




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

Wednesday, May 26, 2004,  Once again Lawrence's Goldfinches are coming to
the salt feeders here at the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center.   I
saw 3 on Friday mid-day and 2 males today at mid-afternoon.    Easily seen
from University Road, drive up the University Road from East side road just
north of the little community of "Old Hopland" (Highway 175 runs through
this town).   Go about two miles east on University Road, climbing a steep
grade along the way.   Within about a half-mile past the top of the grade
you will pass a green meadow on your right and as you approach a sharp turn
to the left you will see a bright red feeder next to a sign that says
"Vasser Corner".    Park on the right at the pullout leading to the
aluminum gate and watch the fenceline for birds.   they have been coming to
a rubber tub salt feeder next to the bright red feeder.    They may also
come to the other two modern-looking salt feeders near the bath tub
drinking trough.

There has also been a male Lazuli Bunting in this area.

Good Luck.   Bob Keiffer

Robert J. Keiffer
Principal Supt. of Agriculture
UC Hopland Research & Extension Center
4070 University Road
Hopland, CA  95449
(707) 744-1424   FAX (707) 744-1040
HREC website:   http://danrrec.ucdavis.edu/hopland/home_page.html

"It is not the critic who counts... not the one who points out how the
strong person stumbles... or where the doer of deeds could have done
better. The credit belongs to the person who is actually in the arena."
Theodore Roosevelt

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

I have been in touch with Bob Keiffer regarding Blue grouse sightings
and sites for mid-June. I would appreciate receiving site
observations in the area, so that I can connect.
Thanks
Mike Flieg

Over Memorial Day weekend Larry Siemens and I spent some time birding on
the northern Mendo coast.  Birds of note were the BROWN THRASHER at
Little River (seen on Fri 5/28 and Sat 5/29) and a male NORTHERN PARULA
along the Big River on Mon 5/31 (the same bird found by Toby Tobkin the
previous day).

Birds of interest were a single COMMON NIGHTHAWK displaying over the
pygmy forest on Road K just off of Albion Ridge Rd on Fri 5/28.  Four
LONG-BILLED CURLEWS were at Virgin Creek Beach on Sat 5/29.  Two
WANDERING TATTLERS, one at Little River and one at Glass Beach, were
still hanging around on Sat 5/29.  GRAY JAYS were at the upper
campground at Van Damme on Sat 5/29 and Sun 5/30.

On Sun afternoon (5/30) during a two hour pelagic we saw approximately
200 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 20 BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS, 100 CASSIN'S AUKLETS,
and 2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS.

Matthew Matthiessen
Ukiah, MEN, CA