Hi,

NORTHERN PARULA - A singing male of this species continues to be seen in the
vicinity of the Sierra Way Bridge over the South Fork Kern River in Weldon.
***Fr, 2 Jul 04, from the river bed at the cross fence upstream from the
bridge
(Ashley Sutton).
***Su, 27 Jun 04, from along the west side of Sierra Way in the first 200
meters/yards south from the bridge (Steve Howell, Michael O'Brien, Louise
Zematis).
***Mo, 21 Jun 04, just west of Sierra Way and south of the bridge (Matt
White).
***Th, 10 Jun 04, from along the Migrant Corner Trail just before the cross
fence (Ashley Sutton).

CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER - A singing male of this species was found and observed
on Tu, 22 Jun 04 along the edge of the east side of Fay Ranch Road from just
south of the bridge over the South Fork Kern River to a willow tree growing
midway in the river channel (Tim Shelmerdine). It has not been reported since.
However, the Yellow Warblers present along the South Fork vary tremendously in
their songs. This species might be overlooked as a Yellow Warbler when heard.

GRACE'S WARBLER - Last report from Chimney Creek Campground was Tu, 29 Jun 04.
The bird was in the vicinity of the restroom located west northwest of the
Campground Host's Site and west for about 50 meters/yards. It sang and gave
chip notes very infrequently. All but one tail feather is missing with the
result that this bird might stay put until new tail feathers grow. Bob Barnes,
Jon Dunn, Michael O'Brien.

Other Summer 2004 Bird Sightings
http://www.valleywild.org/summer_2004.htm.

Happy & Productive Birding,

Bob Barnes, Outreach Director
Audubon-California's Kern River Preserve
P.O. Box 953, Weldon, CA 93283
FedEx/UPS: 18747 Hwy. 178, Weldon, CA 93283
E-mail: krpfriends@...
Phone: (760) 378-3044
Web Sites:
http://audubon.org/local/sanctuary/kernriver
http://www.valleywild.org

Today, Thursday 7/8/04, we birded Galileo Hill. We saw one male Western
Tanager in the trees just west of the large lake, one male Black-headed Grosbeak
in
the bungalow area, and one Warbling Vireo in the bungalow area.
                                                       Ken and Brenda Kyle
                                                       Bakersfield, California


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

Today, Friday, 7/9/04, we saw the following birds at Galileo Hill.  We
saw a flock of about 20 Black-headed Grosbeaks fly in from the desert. We saw
approximately 10 Bullock's Orioles and most of them were adult males.  There
were about 8 male Western Tanagers.  There were 60 Horned Larks and a small
group of adult and juvenile
Black-throated Sparrows. We saw a pair of Killdeer with two tiny chicks near
the small pond of water just south of the archery range and about 20 Lark
Sparrows on the soccer field. One Greater Roadrunner was perched on the tree
stump
west of the petting zoo.
                                                       Ken and Brenda Kyle
                                                       Bakersfield, California


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

Along with mad dogs and Englishmen the rest of you might enjoy coming out in
the noon-day sun to witness the magic of migration. Thousands of
hummingbirds fly right through the Kern River Valley in late July and early
August. Don't tell the birds but they think it is autumn. Six species of
hummingbirds are traveling south on their annual migration.
The Kern River Preserve in Weldon celebrates this phenomenon on July 24-25
from 7 am to 8:30 pm on Saturday and 7 am to 5 pm on Sunday.
The entrance to Audubon-California's Kern River Preserve is located at 18747
Hwy 178 in Weldon, alongside the scenic South Fork of the Kern River. It is
fifty-seven miles northeast of Bakersfield, Kern County, California.
The complete schedule for the 6th Annual Hummingbird Celebration is found on
our festival webpage: http://www.valleywild.org/hummer_fest_activities.htm
For directions and maps to the preserve visit our webpage;
http://audubon.org/local/sanctuary/kernriver/visiting_krp.htm
For information call: (760) 378-3044.

This is a free event sponsored by Audubon California's Kern River Preserve,
donations to this 501C3 organization help fund these festivals and other
educational programs.

Alison Sheehey
P.O. Box 153
Weldon, CA
93283

***********************************************************************
Nature Alley - http://natureali.org
Educating the world about Central California's unique biodiversity.
***********************************************************************

Hi,

Su, 11 Jul 04 - The fourth Kern River Valley record, and FIRST JULY RECORD, of
a LEAST FLYCATCHER was "chebecking away" about 8:30am this morning at the west
end of the Kern River Preserve's Prince field restoration site. This location
is southwest of Prince's Pond along the fence that separates the restoration
site from the east end of the South Fork Wildlife Area. This location is
northeast of the KOA Kampground. Ashley Sutton.

NOTE: This morning's Least Flycatcher observation was made just west of the
location where this species was found last year...20-29 Jun 03 (Mary
Whitfield,
et. al.).This species was also present 30 May-9 Jun 02 at 150-250 m/yds
east of
the end of KRP's Migrant Corner Trail (Mary Whitfield, et. al.).


Summer 2004 bird sightings are to be found at:
http://www.valleywild.org/summer_2004.htm.

Happy & Productive Birding,

Bob Barnes, Outreach Director
Audubon-California's Kern River Preserve
P.O. Box 953, Weldon, CA 93283
FedEx/UPS: 18747 Hwy. 178, Weldon, CA 93283
E-mail: krpfriends@...
Phone: (760) 378-3044
Web Sites:
http://audubon.org/local/sanctuary/kernriver
http://www.valleywild.org

Hi,

This morning three male birders went for the Least Flycatcher on the Kern
River
Preserve that I posted yesterday. I received word that the three birders went
to the location through Federally Endangered Willow Flycatcher nesting
territories.

I reviewed my e-mail and read that I did not write that this was an
inaccessible part of the Preserve. My fault entirely. But, from here on out,
PLEASE DO NOT ACCESS THE LEAST FLYCATCHER VIA PRINCE'S POND.

If you wish to pursue the Least Flycatcher, access it from the west through
the
Forest Service's South Fork Wildlife Area (SFWA) .

Enter the walk through gate just beyond the west end of the KOA Kampground.
Walk along the fence to the end of the KOA Kampground property then proceed
northeast through the SFWA to the fenceline that separates it from KRP's
Prince
Field Forest Restoration site. The Least Flycatcher was first found along this
fenceline.

Please let me/us know the results of your pursuit of the Least Flycatcher. If
the three birders today found the Least Flycatcher, please let me know.

No tapes (We have been having some reports of people using tapes/CDs without
permission and/or for an inordinate amount of time).

Happy & Productive Birding,

Bob Barnes, Outreach Director
Audubon-California's Kern River Preserve
P.O. Box 953, Weldon, CA 93283
FedEx/UPS: 18747 Hwy. 178, Weldon, CA 93283
E-mail: krpfriends@...
Phone: (760) 378-3044
Web Sites:
http://audubon.org/local/sanctuary/kernriver
http://www.valleywild.org

Hi,

Following is the web site link to the schedule for the July 24 & 25, 2004, 6th
Annual Kern River Valley Hummingbird Celebration:
http://www.valleywild.org/hummer_fest_activities.htm

Hummingbird Expert Headliners:
Tom Kaminski, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Don Mitchell, Hudson, Wisconsin
Stacy Peterson, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho

Also:
Ron Bolyard, Onyx, California (Geology)
Charlotte Goodson, Ridgecrest, California (Children's Activities)
"Buz" Lunsford, Mountain Mesa, California (Reptiles)
Ashley Sutton, Weldon, California (Bird Banding)

Best,

Bob

Bob Barnes, Outreach Director
Audubon-California's Kern River Preserve
P.O. Box 953, Weldon, CA 93283
FedEx/UPS: 18747 Hwy. 178, Weldon, CA 93283
E-mail: krpfriends@...
Phone: (760) 378-3044
Web Sites:
http://audubon.org/local/sanctuary/kernriver
http://www.valleywild.org

Hi birders -

They've probably infiltrated most of the county by now, but I want to
report at least two GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES in the gas station/fast food
city at the intersection of Highways 5 and 46.

I don't go by there often, but the last time I went through the
grackles weren't there.  So maybe they are new, maybe not.

Steve Rovell
Marina, CA
Monterey County
tapaculo@...

Birders

Tuesday afternoon while conducting surveys for the forest service, I had an
adult male Black and White Warbler along the drainage below Weldon Meadow.
Also a 1st year Hooded Warbler. There was a flock of Black-throated Gray
Warblers that moved through like bushtits. Also a flock of Sage Sparrows,
adults and juveniles. I also found a nesting Cooper's Hawk nearby.

It appears fall migration is underway.

Naturally yours,

Ali

Alison Sheehey
P.O. Box 153
Weldon, CA
93283

***********************************************************************
Nature Alley - http://natureali.org
Educating the world about Central California's unique biodiversity.
***********************************************************************

Hi,

As I have just finished writing hummingbird articles for the two local Kern
River Valley weekly newspapers, I reviewed the program for this coming
weekend's KRV Hummingbird Celebration and decided I would be less than
generous, indeed neglectful, if I did not share with you that past attendees,
even expert birders, have said the "up close and personal" information shared
at the KRV HumFest hummingbird banding sessions has been very valuable for
application in the field.

How else can one study 100-200 individual hummingbirds of all sexes and ages
within a few inches at a banding station and then have hundreds more coming to
twenty to thirty feeders nearby for immediate application in the field? Add on
one of the two banding field trips to the natural flower patches in the
Greenhorn Mountains and six species may be well studied.

This festival is a real treat. I urge you to attend if you have any
interest in
increasing your hummingbird i.d. and natural history knowledge.

Finally, Tom Kaminski's "Hooked On Hummingbirds" video to be presented at the
South Fork Elementary School Saturday evening is considered by experts to be
the finest video on hummingbirds ever produced.

All activities at the Kern River Preserve, including the banding session are
FREE as is Tom Kaminski's Saturday evening video presentation. Donations are
requested to defray the $2000.00 budgeted for this year's Hummingbird
Celebration.

The field trips to the Greenhorn Mountains are $5 for members of the
Friends of
the Kern River Preserve and $30 for non-members (includes one year
membership).
Stacy Peterson will be leading a Greenhorn field trip Saturday afternoon and
Donald Mitchell on Sunday morning.

Following is the web site link to the schedule for the July 24 & 25, 2004, 6th
Annual Kern River Valley Hummingbird Celebration:
http://www.valleywild.org/hummer_fest_activities.htm

Happy & Productive Birding,

Bob

Bob Barnes, Outreach Director
Audubon-California's Kern River Preserve
P.O. Box 953, Weldon, CA 93283
FedEx/UPS: 18747 Hwy. 178, Weldon, CA 93283
E-mail: krpfriends@...
Phone: (760) 378-3044
Web Sites:
http://audubon.org/local/sanctuary/kernriver
http://www.valleywild.org

This morning, Thursday, 7/22/04 we saw a juvenile Cooper's Hawk on the
ground next to the Pavilion by a dead bird which had black bars on the flank
and red legs. We think it was a Chukar.  About 1:00 PM we saw the juvenile
Cooper's Hawks in a Willow tree next to the pond by the main parking lot. Ken
took
slide photos of the hawk. He also successfully used the digibinning technique
to get photos of the hawk. He used a Nikon Coolpix 990 camera and Bausch &
Lomb 8x42 Elite binoculars to take the digibin photos. Other birds seen today
were about 10 male Western Tanagers, male Black Headed Grosbeaks, male Bullock's
Orioles, Warbling Vireo, adult and juvenile Black-throated Sparrows, two
Western Kingbirds, and about 60 Horned Larks.
                                                       Ken and Brenda Kyle
                                                       Bakersfield, California


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

Another chance to see Winged Migration on a large screen.

7:30 PM
Monday, July 26
Maturango Museum
Ridgecrest

Bob Steele

Sorry for the late posting, but I got home late last night and I was
busy
leading a group around Kern and Tulare co. this weekend.

On Sunday, 7/25/04, my group, including Julie Bryson, Joyce Bartlett,
and
Debbi Brusco, refound the GRACE'S WARBLER (GRWA) at Chimney Creek
Campground. We saw it between 8:30 and 9:00a. We were following some
PLUMBEOUS VIREO (PLVI) vocalizations uphill about 75 yards behind the
camp host's trailer when the GRWA popped into view. It foraged at the
same
height as the PLVI. Bob Barnes, in his last reported sighting on
6/29/04, said
that it had only one retrix. On Sunday, my impression was that it had a
fully
grown tail feathers. There were at least two juvenile COOPER'S HAWKS
hanging around this area, apparently fledged from the nest above the
outhouse
near the camp host's site. We also had a GRAY FLYCATCHER working the
road
near the campground.

At the Bald Mountain fire tower, there were BLUE GROUSE near the picnic
tables; they looked like a young male and female. The firewatch person
said
that a female and 4 young had been in the area. A CLARK'S NUTCRACKER
and several HERMIT WARBLERS were also in the area.

Yesterday, in the Greenhorn Mtns. at Tiger Flat[s?], we saw an Oporornis
warbler that looked like a MacGillivray's at first glance. But as we
studied the
bird, we saw no bold eye crescents. I thought I saw a thin lower eye
crescent,
but this looked like it could have been a reflection off the lower
eyelid edge
because it wasn't always visible. It had a complete gray hood,
indicative
of an adult male, with black lores. The hood seemed on the darkish side.
The back was olive and the undersides a bright yellow. I didn't make
note of
what the lower breast looked like. I heard some "tsip" notes as it
foraged, but
I couldn't be sure if it came from this bird or another species. The
bird foraged
low in conifer saplings in the slightly soggy meadow area just uphill
from the
roadway with the puddles. We had about a minute of viewing time. I don't
know if either species is more likely to look like this bird. It may be
a good one
to look for.

We also had a great time at the Kern River Preserve Hummingbird
Celebration.

Les
---
Les Chibana
BirdNUTZ(tm) - Ornigasmic Birding
em <les@...>
web <http://www.birdnutz.com>
ph 650-949-4335
fx 650-949-4137
snailmail: SR2 Box 335, La Honda CA 94020

I neglected to mention in the message body that I thought that there
was a possibility that this might have been a Mourning Warbler, a
good rarity. Maybe it was obvious from the subject line. I have little
experience with Mourning W. (n = 1, winter in Costa Rica) and I am
aware that there may not be a CA record for July. I don't know if
some MacGillivray's W. are known to lack eye crescents.

Les


On Jul 27, 2004, at 1:38 PM, Les Chibana wrote:

> Yesterday, in the Greenhorn Mtns. at Tiger Flat[s?], we saw an
> Oporornis
> warbler that looked like a MacGillivray's at first glance. But as we
> studied the
> bird, we saw no bold eye crescents. I thought I saw a thin lower eye
> crescent,
> but this looked like it could have been a reflection off the lower
> eyelid edge
> because it wasn't always visible. It had a complete gray hood,
> indicative
> of an adult male, with black lores. The hood seemed on the darkish
> side.
> The back was olive and the undersides a bright yellow. I didn't make
> note of
> what the lower breast looked like. I heard some "tsip" notes as it
> foraged, but
> I couldn't be sure if it came from this bird or another species. The
> bird foraged
> low in conifer saplings in the slightly soggy meadow area just uphill
> from the
> roadway with the puddles. We had about a minute of viewing time. I
> don't
> know if either species is more likely to look like this bird. It may be
> a good one
> to look for.

Yesterday, Tuesday 7/27/04, we saw the following birds at Galileo Hill
Park. We saw one male Lazuli Bunting on the ground near the bungalows, three
Warbling Vireos, one Hummingbird species-Selasphorus, two Western Tanagers,
three Black-headed Grosbeaks, Bullock's Oriole, one Great Egret, one Green
Heron,
juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron, juvenile Red-tailed Hawk, and a male
Ladder-backed Woodpecker. There was a Nuthatch calling, but we never got a look
at
the bird. We thought the call sounded like "yank yank yank yank." The call
seemed to be from near the tennis court area.
                                                    Ken and Brenda Kyle
                                                    Bakersfield, California



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

Today, 7/30/04, in the north pond of the petting zoo at Galileo Hill
Park, we saw two  phalaropes that we believe are adult Red-necked Phalaropes
that are going into non-breeding plumage. We took digiscope photos of the
phalaropes. We also saw one Yellow Warbler, four male Western Tanagers, one
Warbling
Vireo, one Greater Roadrunner, one juvenile Cooper's Hawk, and one juvenile
Red-shouldered Hawk.
                                                   Ken and Brenda Kyle
                                                   Bakersfield, California


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

On Fri, 30 Jul 2004: Joseph Morlan wrote:

> The official California list as of June 2004 is at:
> http://www.wfo-cbrc.org/cbrc/ca_list.html

FYI: I have incorporated the 45th supplement to the AOU checklist to the
Kern County bird checklists. http://natureali.org/kernbirdchecklist.htm In
addition several new thumbnail photos have been added on the photo checklist
page. http://natureali.org/KC_BIRDS.htm

With the split of the Cackling and Canada Goose and adding Matt Heindel's
Whip-poor-will (don't know why I left it off in the first place). The only
other change was the masculinization of the specific epithet for the Spotted
Sandpiper. That makes the Kern list 420 non-introduced birds with 11
introduced bringing the county total to 431. Of course on my official Kern
list the Rose-ringed Parakeet as well as a few others are there.

As for birding, the Piute Mountain Meadow surveys I have been conducting for
the forest service have provided me with some really nice views of juvenile
and migrant birds. Many warbler species are now on the move. Hermit,
Black-throated Gray, Nashville, Wilson's and gobs of Orange-crowned.
Juvenile Northern Goshawks are also taking to the sky. The other day at
inspiration point in the Piutes, I found a tree full of Pygmy Nuthatches
with Red-breasted and White-breasted there as well. Nice nuthatch sweep.
Family groups of Sage Sparrows and a few juvenile Brewer's Sparrows have
been moving through the sagebrush on the eastside of the Piutes.

I have 2 more meadows to survey if anyone would like to join the fun. I'll
be up there Monday and Tuesday from 5:30 - 10:00 a.m.

Your's in nature,

Ali

Alison Sheehey
P.O. Box 153
Weldon, CA
93283

***********************************************************************
Nature Alley - http://natureali.org
Educating the world about Central California's unique biodiversity.
***********************************************************************

This morning, Wednesday, 8/4/04 at Lake Ming in Bakersfield, we saw
approximately 25 Ruddy Ducks and 1 Caspian Tern.
     After checking Lake Ming we went to Galileo Hill Park, and we saw the
following birds. We saw one MacGillivray's Warbler and one Wilson's Warbler in
the bamboo section east of the large lake. We saw two Belted Kingfishers and two
Northern Rough-winged Swallows fly across the larger lake. We also saw one
Lesser Nighthawk foraging over the same lake. We saw one Cinnamon Teal, Horned
Larks, Lark Sparrow, Western Tanagers, and Black-headed Grosbeaks.
                                                        Ken and Brenda Kyle
                                                        Bakersfield, California


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

A banner day for warblers and vireos was had this morning at Woolstaff
Meadow and Mack Meadow in the Piutes.

As part of a forest service project, I have been birding the Piute Mountain
meadows. This morning was pretty exceptional and I saw briefly what looked
like a Blackpoll Warbler, but it moved so quickly I couldn't get another
look to confirm.

I saw 8 species of warbler, Orange-crowned, Wilson's, Hermit, Yellow-rumped,
MacGillivray's, Nashville, Townsend's, and Black-throated Gray. Four species
of vireo, Cassin's, Hutton's, Warbling, and RED-EYED.

All told I had 43 species at Woolstaff Meadow alone, not bad for a quiet
sagebrush meadow. Most of the activity was along the creek just below the
meadow.

Ali

Birders:  The following is a very interesting analysis of shorebird
nesting problems in the north country.  Thank you to Ron Pittaway
for his thoroughness.
Michael McQuerrey
Bakersfield, California

---> Texbird help file http://www.texbirds.org <---
Very few southbound juvenile shorebirds from the arctic are currently
migrating through southern Ontario indicating a failed nesting
season for many northern species. For example, at Townsend Sewage
Lagoons near Lake Erie on 8 August, Kevin McLaughlin saw 400-500
adult Semipalmated Sandpipers and only one juvenile. He saw only  5-
6 juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs among 200-300 adults and had few
juvenile Least Sandpipers.  Juveniles of all these species should be
common by now. This spring and  summer have been exceptionally cold,
wet and windy in much of northern Canada from James Bay to the High
Arctic Islands. Here are reports from six biologists and birders,
five of whom were in the north this summer.

1. Ken Ross, waterfowl and shorebird biologist, Canadian Wildlife
Service:
"It looks to me that there has been a general failure of breeding
shorebirds from the Hudson Bay Lowlands north. Certainly goose
productivity
was well down along the Hudson Bay coast where it was still winter
in late
May. And I have heard that the Arctic was even worse. Ken Abraham was
telling me that shorebirds appeared to be migrating earlier than
usual in
the James Bay area, probably reflecting a large proportion of failed
breeders."

2. Ken Abraham, biologist and research scientist with the Ontario
Ministry
of Natural Resources (OMNR), studies waterfowl and shorebirds around
James
Bay and Hudson Bay: He reports, "Strong indications that the
extremely late
year spring (May/June) and cold/wet summer (June-July) was indeed a
poor
year for breeding shorebirds. My student Linh Nguyen had a fair
number of
Semipalmated Plover nests this year, but a ragged nesting season
with very
high egg predation, really asynchronous timing and changes in nest
density
among areas, compared to his two previous summers. While banding 12-
23 July
we witnessed increasing numbers of Pectoral Sandpipers, a few Ruddy
Turnstones, hundreds of both species of yellowlegs and a very early
massing
of Marbled Godwits (in my experience). We had Marbled Godwits in
flocks
alone and mixed with Hudsonian Godwits at several locations from the
extreme south end of James Bay (Hannah Bay) up to Lake River and
including
Akimiski Island (largest island in James Bay). I suspect that Marbled
Godwit, in particular, had a poor year, but possibly so did Hudsonian
Godwit."

Note: isolated James Bay population of Marbled Godwits is probably
about
3000 birds.

3. Don Sutherland, zoologist with the Natural Heritage Information
Centre
of the OMNR, reported: "My guess is that there was widespread nest
failure
of shorebirds and many other arctic-subarctic bird species in eastern
Canada. When we arrived at the Pen Islands (Ontario/Manitoba border
of
Hudson Bay) on June 23rd, things really hadn't started yet. There
was still
substantial ice on many of the larger lakes, large snowdrifts in the
lee of
ridges and spruce copses, hardly a hint of plant growth anywhere, and
several inches of water on the wet tundra. Many of the local species
including the common shorebird species (Stilt Sandpiper, Dunlin,
Least
Sandpiper, Wilson's Snipe, Short-billed Dowitcher, Hudsonian Godwit,
Whimbrel, Red-necked Phalarope, American Golden-Plover) were
displaying,
but weren't behaving as though they had initiated nests. After a few
days
we started flushing more birds from scrapes and partial clutches and
by the
time we departed on July 7th there were even some clutches starting
to
hatch (e.g., Least Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpiper). More telling though
were
the large flocks of shorebirds present throughout the period. These
were
either failed breeders or birds which had just opted not to try.
Among
these were substantial mixed flocks of Hudsonian Godwits and Short-
billed
Dowitchers (which breed more commonly in the taiga-tundra
transition) and
large mixed species aggregations including large numbers of Stilt
Sandpipers (150 in one flock). Many of these flocks were
concentrated in
ponds along the coast, but were also present six or more kilometres
inland.
Also of interest was the near absence of both Semipalmated Plover and
Semipalmated Sandpiper. These should have been present and not
uncommon (as
they have been in other years) on the gravel ridges bordering wet
tundra
near the coast, but we saw very few of either and found no nests.
Other
species which typically breed further inland (e.g., both yellowlegs
and
Bonaparte's Gulls) were also loafing in ponds near the coast.
Waterfowl
also had a poor time of it. Large numbers of scaup of both species
just
hanging around and no evidence of breeding even by Long-tailed Ducks
which
were just sitting in pairs on ponds. There was a total failure of
the Snow
Goose colony and near total failure of locally breeding Canada
Geese. This
phenomenon wasn't restricted to the Ontario coast as Churchill
apparently
was a bust as were other places in the eastern Canadian Arctic. Just
one of
those years!"

4. Farther north, Jim Richards of Orono, Ontario, spent 27 June - 13
July
at Cambridge Bay on Victoria Island in Nunavut Territory. He
reported,
"That overall numbers of birds present at the end of June was down
by at
least 60%. Of those there only a small percentage were actually
nesting. In
past years species such as Semipalmated Sandpipers were usually
found at a
rate of 4-6 nests per day with normal walking. This year I found one
nest
in 16 days! Needless to say, it was very cold, very wet and very
windy."

5. Glenn Coady of Toronto, Ontario, was atlassing in the Hudson Bay
Lowlands and was in contact with other groups in the north: He
summarized,
"Discussing shorebird nesting success with all the Ontario Hudson
Bay atlas
groups, Mark Peck's experience on Southampton Island in Nunavut, Jim
Richards' experience at Cambridge Bay in Nunavut, as well as one of
my
birding friends who was at Churchill this summer, it would appear
very few
shorebirds were able to successfully breed in the frigid conditions
across
the arctic this summer. Many didn't even attempt to nest, and a lot
of
those that did likely failed in the horrific windstorms. Jim
Richards told
me that areas he covered at Cambridge Bay that normally would have
resulted
in sightings of 70 Semipalmated Sandpipers and 30 Baird's Sandpipers
per
day, proved this summer to be lucky to find more than one or two
birds. He
found only one Semipalmated Sandpiper nest the entire trip, and it
only had
a clutch of two eggs. The fact that it also was a poor year for small
mammals (and Canada Geese and Snow Geese failed en masse too) in
much of
the arctic meant what few shorebirds that were going to nest
successfully
probably encountered heavier than normal predation from foxes,
jaegers,
gulls and owls."

6. Alvaro Jaramillo of California on 6 August reported: "Juvenile
shorebirds are down here already, but not the main push. It seems
like a
lot of the north was suffering from very bad weather. Alaska was
very cold
and rainy this season, I hope I am wrong and you begin to see a ton
of
juvenile shorebirds, but my guess is that it will be a weak year for
them."

*I hope that birders will report the numbers and age ratios of
southbound
arctic shorebirds during August, September and October. This will
give us
better information on the nesting success of northern shorebirds in
2004.

Acknowledgements: The following biologists/birders were very helpful
with
information: Ken Abraham, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources;
Glenn
Coady, Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas; Bill Crins, Ontario Ministry of
Natural
Resources; Michel Gosselin, Canadian Museum of Nature; Jean Iron,
Toronto,
Ontario; Andrew Jano, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources; Alvaro
Jaramillo, Half Moon Bay, California; Kevin McLaughlin, Hamilton,
Ontario;
Mark Peck, Royal Ontario Museum; Jim Richards, Orono, Ontario; Mike
Runtz,
Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas; Ken Ross, Canadian Wildlife Service; Don
Sutherland, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources; and Ron Tozer,
Dwight,
Ontario.

Happy shorebirding,

Ron Pittaway
Ontario Field Ornithologists
Minden and Toronto ON
E-mail: jeaniron@...

Today, Wednesday, 8/11/04, at Galileo Hill Park at 11:45 we saw one
Long-billed Curlew at the edge of the desert next to the trees north of the
trailer park area. Photos were taken of the very cooperative Long-billed Curlew.
We
also saw one Yellow Warbler, two Warbling Vireos, approximately 15
Black-headed Grosbeaks, four Western Tanagers, Cinnamon Teals, and a Greater
Roadrunner.
                                                          Ken and Brenda Kyle
                                                          Bakersfield



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Hi,

Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - Two COMMON LOONS in non-breeding plumage were
reported to be on Isabella Reservoir right below Auxiliary Dam. Ashley Sutton.

Friday, August 13, 2004 - One COMMON LOON was reported to be on Isabella
Reservoir in the vicinity of French Gulch Marina and A SECOND was reported
from
the middle of the reservoir. Ashley Sutton, Reed Tollefson, et. al.

Ashley Sutton reports hearing YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOOS as recently as two-three
days ago in the South Fork Wildlife Area as accessed via the walking dirt road
and trail that starts on the outside, west edge of the KOA Kampground at Hwy.
178 in Weldon.

Grapes still on the arbor at KRP Headquarters are still attracting SUMMER
TANAGERS as of today. BOBA.

Happy & Productive Birding,

Bob Barnes, Outreach Director
Audubon-California's Kern River Preserve
P.O. Box 953, Weldon, CA 93283
FedEx/UPS: 18747 Hwy. 178, Weldon, CA 93283
E-mail: krpfriends@...
Phone: (760) 378-3044
Web Sites:
http://audubon.org/local/sanctuary/kernriver
http://www.valleywild.org

Hi,

Does anyone know of any prior July or August Kern County records for loons (of
any species)?

Happy & Productive Birding,

Bob Barnes, Outreach Director
Audubon-California's Kern River Preserve
P.O. Box 953, Weldon, CA 93283
FedEx/UPS: 18747 Hwy. 178, Weldon, CA 93283
E-mail: krpfriends@...
Phone: (760) 378-3044
Web Sites:
http://audubon.org/local/sanctuary/kernriver
http://www.valleywild.org

Birders,

I am working on updating the list of California Christmas Bird Counts. I
have contacted all of the compilers I know. If you are a compiler and were
not contacted or just know of dates and contact information, please let me
know.

The information I have to date can be found on:
http://natureali.org/cbcs.htm
When complete I will cross post on the Audubon California website, although
NatureAli should always have the most current information.

Until, the chill of winter arrives, enjoy a great fall migration.

Ali

Alison Sheehey
P.O. Box 153
Weldon, CA
93283

***********************************************************************
Nature Alley - http://natureali.org
Educating the world about Central California's unique biodiversity.
***********************************************************************

Birders:  Out today with Eagle-eye Gary File.  Several of both
WILSON'S AND RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were joined by 29 WHITE PELICANS
at the Bakersfield Waste Water Treatment Plant, today.  9 CASPIAN
TERNS squawked overhead.  LESSER YELLOWLEGS, LEAST SANPIPERS, 1
WESTERN SANDPIPER, BLACK-NECKED STILTS, AMERICAN AVOCETS, and
CALIFORNIA GULLS loafed along the banks as the temperature rose.  We
counted at least 6 BURROWING OWLS along the banks and in the fields
near the ponds.  I would guess a careful monitoring of the owls
would reveal an impressive number resident in a relatively small
area.  At Lake Ming, there was no sign of the Cassin's Kingbirds.
Michael McQuerrey
Bakersfield, California

Patience is a vulture.

Vulture migration has already begun in Kern County and the West. For the
11th season, we will be counting this migration and associated raptor
movement. The Kern Valley Vulture Watch is an all volunteer project lasting
one month, 7 days a week, 6 hours a day. We average 28,000 Turkey Vultures
and about 250 raptors of 18 species. This it the largest recorded Turkey
Vulture migration from a singe point north of Mexico.

Volunteers are needed. Please consider coming out to help and learn about
this spectacular migration. Dates are 14 Sept-14 Oct., 9AM-3PM each day.
Location is Kelso Valley Road in Weldon (please email or call for specific
directions to the site).

If you have questions or would like to help, contact me with dates you
would like to come so I can add you to the schedule. All you will need is
hat, water, snacks/lunch, binoculars and patience. Come join us this year
for a not to be missed migration event!

Vultures rock!

Terri Gallion
Director, Kern Valley Vulture Watch
PO Box 335
Onyx, CA 93255
FedEx/UPS: 8055 Easy Street, Onyx, CA 93255
Email: sanddragon@...
Phone: (760) 378-4173
Web Sites: http://audubon.org/local/sanctuary/kernriver
                    http://www.valleywild.org/TVcount.htm




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A very cooperative VIWA spent part of the afternoon around the bird bath in
my back yard here in Pinon Pines (Cuddy Valley) today.  I have not seen any
during the summer and don't think it is a breeder here.
John

Although there wasn't a huge number of migrants in east Kern today, there was a
lot of variety with California City being the most "birdy".  Highlights for
Kelli Levinson and me include nine out of ten species of warbler (missed
Yellow-rumped) as well as a Virginia's Warbler.  Additionally we had a Sage
Thrasher.  Susan Steele reported a fly-by White-winged Dove.  Also, Scott and
Linda Terrill phoned me with a sighting of a White-headed Woodpecker at Cerro
Coso College in Ridgecrest.
Good Birding,
John Wilson

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Birders: A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was the highlight of a birding trip to
the eastern Kern County desert today.  The bird was in the small
pond east of the main lake in Galileo Hill Park, between the archery
range and the soccer field.
Michael McQuerrey
Bakersfield, California

Today, 9/8/04, at Galileo Hill Park, we saw the Solitary Sandpiper that
was reported on 9/6 by Michael McQuerrey. It was seen at the pond next to the
Archery Range. Even though we checked the pond area several times in the
morning, we did not see the bird until
2:30PM. Also, we saw one female Vermilion Flycatcher just west of the Archery
Range.
                                                     Ken and Brenda Kyle
                                                     Bakersfield, California


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