BIRDS OF THE ALMADEN VALLEY  An annotated list

Red-throated Loon—Numerous winter/spring records. Sites include the SCVWD Pond (12-29-88, DLS) and Calero Reservoir, where a high count of 11 was recorded on 3-6-93 (MMR).
Pacific Loon—Rare fall/winter visitor, with occurrences usually storm-related. Recorded at Almaden Lake on 12-3-87, on 11-2-02 (KO), and from 12-13-02 through 12-14-02 (RWR, FVs). Has also been observed at Calero Reservoir, with records for November 1998 (JMa), 2-26-01 (FVs), and 12-17-02 (MJM). All sightings have been of lone individuals.
Common Loon—Spring, fall, and winter records, with high counts of 5 at Calero Reservoir on 1-6-93 (DLS), and 6 there on 2-7-99 (VTi). Other sites include the SCVWD Pond, Almaden Lake, and Almaden and Guadalupe Reservoirs (JMa, AVe). There is a very late spring record of a bird in basic plumage at Calero Reservoir on 5-31-99.
Pied-billed Grebe—Common permanent resident.
Horned Grebe— Uncommon winter visitor. Has been recorded at the Coleman Road ponds (AVe), Calero Reservoir, and Almaden Lake.
Red-necked Grebe— Two records: 1 was at Almaden Lake from 12-25-98 through 2-13-99 (JMa, KLP, NLe, MMR, AVe, et al), and 1 was seen off and on at Calero Reservoir from 12-13-02 to 1-18-03 (JDa, AE, VTi, et al). 
Eared Grebe—Recorded at Almaden Lake and Calero Reservoir (with a high count of 60+ at the latter site on 2-4-99).
Western Grebe—Sightings at Calero Reservoir, Almaden Lake,  and the SCVWD Pond.
Clark's Grebe—Apparently uncommon; recorded at Almaden Lake on 2-13-99 (AVe) and 1-2-00 (JMa), and  at Calero Reservoir on 2-28-94 (MMR), 2-15-99 (JH), 2-21-99 (JMa), 4-24-99 (AVe, JMa), and 4-27-02 (JDa).
American White Pelican—Uncommon and irregular fall/winter visitor. All records are for Calero Reservoir, where there were 2 birds present on 1-22-94 (MMR), 5 on 1-31-98 (AVe), 1 on 9-21-99 (JMa), 16 on 11-24-99 (JMa), 18 on 1-28-00 (JMa), and 20-plus on 12-9-00 (AVe).

Brown Pelican—Has been recorded several times; an immature bird was at the SCVWD Pond on 8-3-87 (JMa), another (or possibly the same bird) was at  Almaden Lake on 12-3-87 (JMa), 1 was at Almaden Lake on 8-10-96 (AVe), an immature bird was seen at Almaden Lake from 7-27-03 (JP) to 9-25-03 (AVe), 1 was at the SCVWD Pond on 12-11-99 (DG), and an immature bird was at Calero Reservoir from 10-6-07 to 10-30-07 (AVe).
Double-crested Cormorant—Almaden Lake and all local reservoirs. There is usually a large mob of them at the SCVWD Pond, where they roost in the sycamores.
American Bittern—Rare; recorded on 2-15-97 along the Guadalupe River near Almaden Expressway and Coleman Road (TGr), on 12-9-98 along the Guadalupe River between the SCVWD Pond and Blossom Hill Road (TRy), at the SCVWD Pond on 1-31-99 (AVe) and from 12-5-03 through at least 1-14-04 (FH, JP), and along the Guadalupe River near the SCVWD Pond on 9-18-05 (AVe). One at a percolation pond between Almaden Expressway and Camden Avenue on 8-1-02 (PB) represents an unusual local summer occurrence.

Great Blue Heron—Common all year. Streams and reservoirs.
Great Egret—Common year-round. Representative sites include Calero Reservoir, Almaden Lake (where nesting has been confirmed), and upstream from Almaden Lake along Alamitos Creek. Infrequently found at Guadalupe or Almaden Reservoirs.
Snowy Egret—Common, especially at Almaden Lake and along Alamitos Creek. Has nested on the island in Almaden Lake.
Little Blue Heron—Single record of an adult present at Almaden Lake Park from 6-9-06 (MJM) to at least 6-17-06 (RWR, multiple observers).

Cattle Egret—There is a single Almaden Valley record;1 in breeding plumage was at the heronry in Almaden Lake Park on 6-8-06 (GB), and continued to be seen there intermittently through 6-15-06 (KH, AVe, MJM).

Green Heron—Almaden Lake Park, Alamitos Creek, Almaden Reservoir, and Calero Reservoir are typical places for this year-round resident. Has nested on the island in Almaden Lake, as evidenced by the presence of unfledged young there on 8-6-00 (MJM). Also listed as a confirmed breeder on the checklist for Almaden Quicksilver County Park.
Black-crowned Night-Heron—Regular roosting sites include the vegetated islands of the SCVWD Pond and Almaden Lake (nesting was observed at the latter site on 4-29-00). A few also roost in trees along Alamitos Creek downstream from Graystone Lane. Sometimes seen along Alamitos Creek farther upstream, and even at Almaden and Calero Reservoirs.
Greater White-fronted Goose—Rare fall visitor, most often found at Calero Reservoir. An immature bird was there from 11-12-99 through 11-17-99 (JMa), 3 were there from 10-14-01 through 10-28-01 (JMa, AVe), 1-2 were seen there off and on from 11-5-03 through 1-9-04 (AVe, WGB), 1 was present there on 11-1-05 (AVe), as many as 5 were there on 11-19-06 (GB), and a high count of 7 was made there on 2-11-07 (AME). Has also been recorded at Almaden Lake (AVe), and a single individual was observed just outside our area, in a field on the east side of Santa Teresa Blvd., on 1-15-99 (MMR).

Snow Goose—Rare; an immature bird at Almaden Lake Park in January, February, and March of 1999 was joined by an adult bird on 1-28-99 (SCR). Another immature bird, or possibly the same individual, was just outside our area, in a field on the east side of Santa Teresa Blvd., on 1-15-99 (MMR). An adult wintered at Calero Reservoir from 11-17-01 through at least 3-10-02 (MJM, AVe). 
Ross' Goose—Rare, but apparently increasing; recorded at Calero Reservoir on 1-12-89 (DLS), on 11-21-05 (AVe),  and from 11-23-02 through 12-1-02 (JMa, AVe, KO), when up to 6 were present there. One was at Almaden Lake Park in January, February, and March of 1999 (JMa, et al), and an immature bird was again seen there from 11-24-99 through 11-25-99 (SCR). A flock of up to 8 birds was just outside our area, in a field on the east side of Santa Teresa Blvd., on 1-15-99 (MMR).
Brant—To the north of our area 1 was found at a percolation pond under Highway 85 near Winfield Blvd. on 2-14-07 (PD). It continued to be seen there through 2-22-07 (JP).

Cackling Goose—Best looked for in large fall/winter flocks of Canada Geese. Calero Reservoir has been the most consistent spot, with a high count of 13 on 11-1-05 (AVe). Both minima and  leucoparia have been recorded on multiple occasions. In January and February of 1999 a bird of the form minima joined the Canada Goose flock at Almaden Lake Park, although it associated mainly with a Snow Goose and a Ross's Goose. 

Canada Goose—Big population increase in recent years. Numbers are now present year-round, and nesting has been confirmed, as evidenced by the presence of goslings at Almaden Lake Park on 4-17-99. Large flocks often gather at the upper end of Calero Reservoir.

Wood Duck—The best spot is the inflow to Almaden Reservoir, with the highest numbers recorded in fall and winter (e.g. 67 on 10-28-00—AVe) and winter (e.g. 125 present on 12-6-98—AVe). Sometimes also found at Guadalupe Reservoir and along Alamitos Creek upstream from Graystone Lane. Has nested at Almaden Reservoir (7-19-00, TRy), and evidently also along the Arroyo Calero (adult and young seen, AVe). Has been recorded at Calero Reservoir in winter (1-2-00, JDa) and spring (4-3-00, JMa).

Green-winged Teal—Ponds and reservoirs, fall and winter. Early arrival date: a few were at Calero Reservoir on 8-21-02 (JMa). 
Mallard—Our most abundant duck, a common permanent resident, breeding locally. Adults trailing ducklings can be seen along Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake in spring.
Northern Pintail—Fall/winter visitor.
Blue-winged Teall—Rare this far from the margins of San Francisco Bay. The first Almaden Valley record was of a male in a marshy area at the east end of Calero Reservoir on 5-3-04 (AVe). A male was again found at Calero Reservoir on 9-24-04, and a male and female were subsequently observed there through 10-12-04 (AVe).

Cinnamon Teal—Representative sites include Almaden Lake Park (3-6-99, AVe), Calero Reservoir, and the Arroyo Calero (JMa).
Northern Shoveler—Fall/winter visitor. Has been recorded at the Coleman Road Ponds, SCVWD Pond, Almaden Lake, and Calero Reservoir. Far less common here than it is in the wetlands bordering San Francisco Bay.
Gadwall—Common fall and winter visitor to places like the SCVWD Pond and Calero Reservoir.
Eurasian Wigeon—Rare fall/winter visitor. Has been recorded at Guadalupe Reservoir (2 males on 12-21-88, Jma), Almaden Lake (12-29-88, DLS), at the Coleman Road ponds (AVe), and at Calero Reservoir (10-29-00 to 11-18-00, 9-22-01 to 11-10-01, and 9-28-02 to 9-29-02 JMa, AVe).

American Wigeon—Common fall/winter visitor to ponds and reservoirs. Large flocks  have been recorded at Calero and Guadalupe Reservoirs.
Canvasback—Winter visitor. Representative sites include the SCVWD Pond, Almaden Lake, and Guadalupe Reservoir. According to "Birding at the Bottom of the Bay" it has been recorded (or is possibly to be expected?) at Santa Teresa County Park.
Redhead—Rare. Present from 11-15-92 to 11-22-92 at the Los Alamitos Percolation Ponds (AVe). One (a male) was at Calero Reservoir on 11-27-99 (JMa), and another was there on 2-15-00 (TRy). According to "Birding at the Bottom of the Bay" it has been recorded (or is expected?) at Santa Teresa County Park.
Ring-necked Duck—Fairly common fall/winter visitor. Can often be found at the SCVWD Pond and Calero Reservoir.

Greater Scaup—Irregular winter visitor. Has been observed at Almaden Lake (2-23-98, JMa) and Calero Reservoir (e.g. 2-19-99, 1-20-00, JMa).

Lesser Scaup—Winter visitor. Representative sites include the SCVWD Pond and Guadalupe Reservoir.
Surf Scoter—A flock of 21 was at Almaden Lake on 2-12-98 (Jma). Has also been recorded at Calero Reservoir, where representative records include 1 found on 2-20-99 (AME), 3 present on 2-15-00 (TRy), 2 seen on 12-29-01 (JMa)., a flock of 5 observed in early January 2003 (JMa).

White-winged Scoter—One El Nino-related occurrence: a flock of 3 was at the SCVWD Pond on 2-12-98 (Jma).
Common Goldeneye—Regular fall and winter visitor to ponds and reservoirs (e.g. the SCVWD Pond, Almaden Lake, and Almaden and Calero Reservoirs).
Barrow's Goldeneye—Rare winter visitor. Females were at Calero Reservoir on 2-26-94 (MMR), 12-30-95 (JS, DE), 1-4-99 (JMa), 1-20-00 (JMa), and 1-21-01 (JMa). A male and female were at Calero Reservoir on 1-2-00 (JDa), a lone male was again seen there on 1-21-00 and 2-4-00 (RWR, JMa), and a pair was seen there on 2-15-00 (TRy). A male  Barrow's x Common Goldeneye hybrid was at Almaden Lake on 1-13-99 (RWR).

Bufflehead—Regular fall and winter visitor to ponds and reservoirs.
Hooded Merganser—Numerous winter (October—January) records, with high counts of 9 at Almaden Reservoir on 1-6-93 (DLS) and 11 at Almaden Lake Park on 12-28-02 (JMa). Other sites include Alamitos Creek (HMc), the Coleman Road ponds (AVe), the SCVWD Pond (JMa), and Calero Reservoir (SCR, JMa, AVe).
Common Merganser—Year-round resident, with highest numbers to be expected in winter (e.g. 55 at Almaden Reservoir on 2-25-88). They are often quite approachable where they are more habituated to people, such as along Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake and Almaden Reservoir. The presence of young gave confirmation of nesting at the latter site on 4-21-88 (JMa), and more recently a female with 8 ducklings was observed at Twin Creeks on 6-27-99 (AVe). Broods of  young were observed at Almaden Lake and Guadalupe Reservoir on 7-1-00 (JMa). Regular locales include Almaden Lake, Almaden and Calero Reservoirs, and Alamitos Creek (downy young confirmed nesting at the latter site on 4-27-02).

Red-breasted Merganser—Rare; at least 3 were at Almaden Lake on 2-23-98 (JMa). Their arrival was probably El Nino-related. A single bird was again reported there on 1-30-99 (MM), and 1 was at Calero Reservoir on 12-29-07 (JMa, AVe).
Ruddy Duck—Common winter visitor to ponds and reservoirs.
Turkey Vulture—Common year-round.
Osprey—Records are numerous, and span the seasons. Sightings include 1 viewed from Henwood Road on 8-3-96, 1 circling over the intersection of Camden & Meridian on 4-3-97, 1 at Almaden Reservoir on 1-17-98, 1 along the Guadalupe River behind the SCVWD Pond on 9-29-98 (all JMa), and 1 at Guadalupe Reservoir on 7-17-00 (TRy). Occasionally observed at Calero Reservoir.

White-tailed Kite—Regular sites include Calero Reservoir and Almaden Quicksilver County Park. More unexpected was 1 at Bald Mountain in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve on 6-3-97 (JMa).
Bald Eagle—Winter visitor. Most records are for Calero Reservoir, where at least 1 has been present each winter since 1998.
Northern Harrier—Fairly common winter visitor, often observed at Calero Reservoir and in the Santa Teresa Hills. Has been recorded at Almaden Reservoir (11-13-99, HMc), Mt Umunhum (11-14-99, AVe), and appears on the Almaden Quicksilver County Park checklist.
Sharp-shinned Hawk—Fall/winter visitor.
Cooper's Hawk—Fairly common permanent resident, liable to appear anywhere, anytime.
Red-shouldered Hawk—Common permanent resident, most easily found along the Arroyo Calero downstream from Harry Road, and along Alamitos Creek between Camden Avenue and Almaden Lake, but is to be found along streams throughout. Nesting was confirmed in the Santa Teresa Hills along Henwood Road in 1999 (the nest was located high in a eucalyptus, and fledged 2 young), and at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park in 2002..
Swainson’s Hawk—Inclusion on this list is based upon a historical record. In "The Distribution of the Birds of California," published in 1944, Grinnell and Miller refer to Arroyo Calero as a location for this species.
Red-tailed Hawk—Common year-round. Nested at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park in 2002.
Ferruginous Hawk—Recorded "near Calero Reservoir" on 1-6-93 (DLS), and at Calero County Park on 11-2-02 (JMa, AVe). More commonly found in the Coyote Valley, where occurrences include 1 on the east side of the Santa Teresa Hills on 12-30-00 (CH), and 1 just outside our area, on the east side of Santa Teresa Blvd., on 1-15-99 (MMR). 
Rough-legged Hawk—Represented by 2 records: an immature bird was "near Calero Reservoir" on 1-12-89 (DLS), and one was again seen near Calero Reservoir on 11-4-00 (JMa).

Golden Eagle—Permanent resident, often observed near Calero Reservoir and soaring over suburban areas. Representative sites: Santa Teresa Hills, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, and Mount Umunhum. Has nested near Calero Reservoir.
American Kestrel—Common. Places include the Santa Teresa Hills, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, and Hicks Road. A nest with young was observed at Calero Reservoir on 6-2-98 (MMR).
Merlin—Not as common here as it is on the bay margins. Representative records: 1 chasing a White-throated Swift at Almaden Expressway & Winfield on 12-29-88 (DLS), 1 along Camden Avenue at Hicks Road on 1-14-93 (JMa), 1 at Almaden Lake Park on 11-2-96 (SCR), 1 at the SCVWD offices on 12-29-98 (SCR, SBT) and 2-16-99 (JMa), 1 at Twin Creeks on 3-7-99 (AVe), 2 at Almaden Reservoir on 11-4-99 (TRy), 3 in Almaden Quicksilver County Park on 1-2-00 (ER), and 1 at Calero County Park on 4-22-00 (JMa).

Peregrine Falcon—Numerous records. Often observed near the SCVWD Pond and at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park (AVe, JP, et al). An adult was at Calero Reservoir on 12-6-98 (AVe), an imm. bird was there from 1-2-99 through 1-13-99 (JMa, RWR). Additional records for Calero Reservoir: 11-12-99 (JMa), 11-24-99 (JMa), 2-15-00 (TRy), and 8-28-00 (JMa). One was seen feeding atop a lamp pole at the intersection of Blossom Hill Rd. and Almaden Expressway on 3-4-00 (KF).

Prairie Falcon—Occasionally recorded in our area. Dates and locations include Almaden Quicksilver County Park on 8-19-90 (TR) and 3-25-06 (MJM), Calero Reservoir on 12-4-93 (DLS), 11-2-99 (TRy), 10-14-01 (JMa), 1-4-03 (RWR), 10-27-02 (MJM), 11-2-02 (AVe, JMa), and 11-23-04 (AVe), and Almaden Reservoir on 3-9-03 (MJM).  
Ring-necked Pheasant—Heard on 4-16-88 in fields south of Harry Road (JMa), and a male (lacking tail feathers) was observed near the beginning of the Mine Hill Trail in Almaden Quicksilver County Park on 1-27-04 and 1-28-04 (JP). Local status of this species is unclear.
Wild Turkey—Introduced, well established, and increasing. May be encountered in the Santa Teresa Hills, in Almaden Quicksilver County Park, along Hicks Road, along Alamitos Road near Almaden Reservoir, and at Calero County Park.
California Quail—Common permanent resident.
Mountain Quail—Status questionable. Was reported as possibly heard along the trail to Bald Mountain on  5-13-04 (RK) and 6-15-04 (AVe). A rare, localized, and seldom seen resident of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Sora—Most often found along the Guadalupe River Channel near the SCVWD Pond. Records there include 12-9-98 (TRy), 9-9-00 (AVe), and from 3-15-03 to 3-29-03 (JP, AVe). A dead bird was found on the Los Alamitos Trail, just south of Almaden Lake, on 10-31-98 (AVe), and a live bird was seen along Alamitos Creek at the inflow to Almaden Lake on 1-2-00 (JLa, JMa). This species appears on the checklist for Calero County Park.
Common Moorhen—Uncommon resident (?). Sites have included the Guadalupe River (adjacent to the SCVWD Pond), Almaden Lake, and Almaden Reservoir (JMa). Has been found in the Coyote Valley part of our area at least once; 1 was northwest of the Santa Teresa Blvd./Bailey Avenue intersection on 4-17-98 (SCR).
American Coot—Common to abundant, especially at the SCVWD Pond, Almaden Lake, and Calero Reservoir.
Black-bellied Plover—Rare this far from the bay. There was 1 at the east end of Calero Reservoir on 10-25-99 (JMa), and 4 were at Calero Reservoir on 9-30-00 (AVe).
Semipalmated Plover—Four records; this species was found on the eastern edge of our area (Coyote Valley), northwest of the intersection of Santa Teresa Blvd. and Bailey Avenue, on 4-24-98 (SCR). At Calero Reservoir a flock of 4 was seen on 9-4-99, a single bird was present on 9-22-01 (JMa), and "at least three" were observed on 8-1-03 (RWR).

Killdeer—Our most common shorebird species. Nesting confirmed at Almaden Reservoir on 4-21-88 (JMa), along Camden Avenue near Leland High School on 6-14-88 (JMa), and along Alamitos Creek near Almaden Lake (JLa).
Black-necked Stilt—Calero Reservoir is the most reliable spot for this species. Breeding was confirmed at an ephemeral body of water northwest of the intersection of Santa Teresa Blvd. and Bailey Ave. in 1998 (SCR). A high count of 72-plus was recorded at Calero Reservoir on 9-22-01 (JMa). A few may linger into January, but they tend to disappear in late winter.
American Avocet—Several records; single individuals were at Calero Reservoir on 10-16-98, 1-6-99 (JMa), and 9-2-03 (AVe). Two were observed there on 10-9-07 and 11/27/07 (AVe). 
Greater Yellowlegs—Recorded in spring, fall, and winter. Sites include Calero Reservoir, Almaden Reservoir, Alamitos Creek, and the Guadalupe River near the SCVWD Pond.
Lesser Yellowlegs—Single individuals were at Calero Reservoir on 10-16-98 (JMa), 10-23-98 (JMa), 8-4-99 (JMa), 8-26-00 (JMa), 9-6-02 (JMa), 9-20-03 (MD), and 9-30-03 (AVe).
Solitary Sandpiper—Rare migrant. There are several local records, all involving single birds. Locations and dates include Calero Reservoir on 4-28-97 (ECu, JG), 7-30-03 (AVe), and 7-27-04 (AVe), and along the Guadalupe River behind the SCVWD Pond on 4-24-99 (AVe, JMa), and from 9-13-05 to 9-20-05 (SBT, et al). Records from outside our area include 1 at Chesbro Reservoir on 4-28-01 (JMa, JDa), and 1 upstream from Chesbro Reservoir along Llagas Creek on 4-22-07 (JP, AVe).

Spotted Sandpiper—Fall/winter visitor. Places include Almaden Lake Park, Almaden Reservoir, Calero Reservoir, and the SCVWD Pond.

Willet—Three records; one was observed at Almaden Lake Park in May 2002 (JDa), and others were seen at Calero Reservoir on 8-21-02 (JMa) and 8-8-03 (AVe).

Marbled Godwit—One seen at Calero Reservoir on 8-21-02 (JMa) is the only known occurrence of this common bayside species in the Almaden Valley. It was seen in the company of a Willet (both were first records for Calero County Park).

Long-billed Curlew—Recorded on the eastern fringe of our area (Coyote Valley), northwest of the intersection of Santa Teresa Blvd. and Bailey Avenue (4-24-98, SCR).
Western Sandpiper—Records include 40 birds in the Coyote Valley, northwest of the intersection of Santa Teresa Blvd. and Bailey Avenue, on 4-17-98 (SCR), 1 at Calero Reservoir on 2-26-94 (MMR), 6 at Calero Reservoir on 7-23-03 (AVe), 3 at Calero Reservoir on 8-16-99 (JMa), 2 at Calero Reservoir on 12-30-00 (TRy), 1 along the Guadalupe River behind the SCVWD Pond on 4-24-99 (AVe, JMa) and 2 there on 4-25-99 (MLF).
Least Sandpiper—Our most common "peep." Records include 30 at Calero Reservoir on 11-26-93 (SCR), 16 there on 2-26-94 (MMR), and about 35 there on 1-6-99 (JMa).  As many as 70 were northwest of the intersection of Santa Teresa Blvd. and Bailey Avenue on 4-17-98 (SCR). On rare occasions has been seen at Almaden Lake and Almaden Reservoir.
Baird's Sandpiper—Two records; juvenile birds were at the east end of Calero Reservoir on 9-21-99 and 8-17-01 (JMa).
Pectoral Sandpiper—Up to 4 were present at Calero Reservoir from 9-9-99 through 10-1-99. Has been found in fall along the Guadalupe River near the SCVWD Pond (JMa).
Dunlin—Late fall/winter visitor. A few (3-plus) were present at Calero Reservoir in November and December 1998 (JMa). There were 5 there on 9-25-99 (JMa), and 4 there on 12-30-00 (TRy).
Short-billed Dowitcher—Rare; our only record is of 3 juvenile birds at Calero Reservoir on 7-23-03, with 2 still present on 7-28-03 (AVe). 
Long-billed Dowitcher—There are fall/winter records for Calero Reservoir, with a high count of 59 there on 12-30-00 (TRy).

Common Snipe—Fall/Winter visitor, with records for Calero Reservoir, Almaden Reservoir, and Almaden Lake. Early records include 1 at Almaden Lake Park on 8-19-00 (GLB), and 1 at Calero Reservoir on 8-22-02 (JMa). Highest count I have was of 21 at Almaden Lake on 1-13-96 (JMa).

Wilson's Phalarope—Rare. there were 3-5 present at Calero Reservoir on 7-27-03 and 7-28-03 (AVe), and 2 were found there on 8-8-04 (MJM).

Red-necked Phalarope—Rare. As many as 3 were at Calero Reservoir from 8-14-03 to 8-19-03 (AVe), and during that same period 2 were observed at the SCVWD Pond on 8-16-03 (JP, FH). The only other records are of 2 at Almaden Reservoir on 8-16-04 (AVe), and of 3 found the next day at Calero Reservoir.

Red Phalarope—As many as 3 were at Almaden Lake from 1-13-01 through 1-16-01 (DG, JMa, AVe, et al), and 1 was at Calero Reservoir on 1-14-01 (MMR). This phalarope invasion followed a winter storm, and it is likely that the foul weather forced them inland. A storm also preceded the discovery of 4 at Calero Reservoir on 12-18-02 (AE).

Bonaparte's Gull—Winter visitor, with most sightings at Calero Reservoir. Representative records include 5 there on 4-15-88 (JMa), 2 there on 3-18-93 (SCR), 1 there on 3-24-93 (SCR), 6 there on 11-26-93 (SCR), 3 there on 11-9-98 (JMa), and 7 there on 2-19-99 (JMa).

Heermann's Gull - There is a single record of  one present at Almaden Lake Park from 12-8-07 (FVs) to 12-9-07 (LS).
Mew Gull—Locally uncommon-to-rare winter visitor. Can sometimes be found at Almaden Lake (AVe, JMa), but a more reliable spot is the McDonald's parking lot at the intersection of Blossom Hill Rd. and Kooser. Recorded at Calero Reservoir on 12-29-01 (JMa).
Ring-billed Gull—Common fall/winter visitor.
California Gull—Common fall/winter visitor.
Herring Gull—Fall/winter visitor. Almaden Lake gets the largest numbers, with high counts of 150-200 in the winter of 1997-98, and 268 there on 2-13-99 (AVe). Numbers in excess of 800 were recorded there during the winter of 1999-00 (JMa). Small numbers can often be found at Calero Reservoir in winter. 
Thayer's Gull—Winter visitor, to be expected in modest numbers. Representative sightings include 3-4 at Almaden Lake on 1-13-98 (JMa), at least 9  there on 2-8-98 (AVe), 30+ there on 1-21-01 (JMa), 15-plus there on 1-10-99 (MMR), and an adult at the SCVWD Pond on 10-24-98 (AVe).
Western Gull—Quite rare this far from the bay. On 2-8-98 there were 3 at Almaden Lake (AVe). Their arrival was almost certainly related to the El Nino storms, which delivered a variety of saltwater species to the Almaden Valley. An adult bird was at Almaden Lake on 1-5-99 (JMa), and a first year bird was at Calero Reservoir on 9-27-99 (JMa).
Glaucous-winged Gull—Small numbers are regularly observed at Almaden Lake and the SCVWD Pond in winter.
Glaucous Gull—Rare winter visitor. All records are for Almaden Lake Park, and include a second-year bird on 12-25-98 (JMa), a first-year bird on 2-16-99 and 2-17-99 (JMa), 2 second-year birds on 12-26-99 (JMa), 1 on 2-21-00 (AVe), 1 first-year bird on 3-19-00 (JMa), 1 on 11-5-00 (MDa), a second-year bird on 1-21-01 (JMa) and 2-19-01 (AME), and a second or third-year bird on 3-10-02 (EFe). An adult was present there from 2-5-04 (AVe) to 2-15-04 (RWR, PK, KO).
Caspian Tern—Common in spring and summer, to be looked for at Calero Reservoir and Almaden Lake. Latest known fall record: 2 on 10-23-98 at Calero Reservoir (JMa).
Forster's Tern—Common in spring and summer, with a few lingering into late fall (to mid-November or even early December). Usual places include Almaden Lake and Calero Reservoir. Like the Caspian Tern this species can often be seen flying north over the Santa Teresa Hills (back to the bay?) in the late afternoon and early evening. There is a winter/early spring record of 1 at Calero Reservoir on 2-19-99 (JMa). 
Rock Pigeon—Common.
Band-tailed Pigeon—Common in the hills and mountains of the Sierra Azul, and can often be seen near Mount Umunhum. There is a regular downslope movement in summer, when they are more often seen on the valley floor.
Eurasian Collared-Dove—A couple seen at Almaden Lake Park on 9-4-07 (JP) represent a first record for the Almaden Valley.

Mourning Dove—Abundant.
Greater Roadrunner—Rare, with status uncertain. Has occasionally been recorded in the vicinity of Via Santa Teresa and Henwood Road in the Santa Teresa Hills, with individuals seen there on 7-22-81 (JMa), 4-12-99 (JMa),  4-24-99 (JMa, AVe, MBM), and 1-18-00 (MBM, JMa). There are other undated reports from this same area circa 1998 (MBM). A roadrunner photographed in a small suburban yard near Oakridge Mall on 12-31-99 was in a most unusual location, far from its proper habitat. Subsequent to that sighting one was found trapped in a building near Almaden Lake Park on 2-21-00. In addition, there is a report of one seen near Almaden Reservoir sometime during the 1990s (LYg), and the species appears on the checklist for Almaden Quicksilver County Park.
Barn Owl—Fairly common, with sightings near Calero Reservoir, in New Almaden, and along Camden Avenue. Has nested in palms along Harry and Henwood Roads (JMa). Seems to be in decline, retreating in the face of urban encroachment.
Western Screech-Owl—Common in riparian and canyon woodlands. Representative sites include Alamitos Creek downstream from Almaden Reservoir, Jacque’s Gulch, Guadalupe Creek both upstream and downstream from Guadalupe Reservoir, and Henwood Road. Nesting confirmed in Almaden Quicksilver County Park (juvenile birds present on 7-23-01).

Great Horned Owl—Common. Has nested at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park (6-4-00, JP), in the Santa Teresa Hills near Henwood Road (JMa), and is listed  as a confirmed breeder on the checklist for Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Often heard along Hicks Road.

Northern Pygmy-Owl—Has been found in riparian woods near Twin Creeks and along Guadalupe Creek, both upstream and downstream from Guadalupe Reservoir (AVe, JMa). Records for Almaden Quicksilver County Park include one heard in the Senator Mines Area on 6-15-00 (FVs), a newly fledged bird near the trailhead parking area in New Almaden on 6-12-00 (JMa), and a pair in that same area on 3-10-01 (AVe).

Long-eared Owl—Has been heard along Hicks Road, in Jacque’s Gulch and near Guadalupe Reservoir (JMa, dates unrecorded). The only Almaden Valley sight record is of 1 found roosting at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park on 11-21-04 (JP, photographed by Charlie Rettner).

Northern Saw-whet Owl—Numerous winter records along Hicks Road, where the usual places have been Jacque’s Gulch and along Guadalupe Creek upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir (JMa).
Common Poorwill—There are spring, summer, and fall records for the Santa Teresa Hills. Other sites where this species has been heard include Almaden Reservoir, Guadalupe Reservoir, Jacque’s Gulch, and the Senator Mines Area of Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Winter/early spring records: 2 in the Senator Mines area of Almaden-Quicksilver County Park on 2-8-06 (JR), 1 in the Santa Teresa Hills near Henwood Road on 2-24-02, and 1 at Guadalupe Reservoir on 3-7-93. Evidence of fall migration includes 3 calling in the Santa Teresa Hills on 9-26-85 (JMa).
Black Swift—Appears on the checklist for Calero County Park. This species is a rare visitor to Santa Clara County, and details of any local sightings are welcomed.
Chimney Swift—This rare aerialist has been recorded once, with Vaux’s Swifts at the Coleman Road ponds on 10-1-97 (AVe).
Vaux's Swift—The Largest numbers are seen in spring  (April—May) and fall (September—October) migration, frequently in association with Violet-green Swallows. A count of 150+ at the Coleman Road ponds on 9-10-97 (AVe) was exceptional. Some apparently breed locally, resulting in summer sightings (in summer look for them along Coleman Road near Meridian, and along Alamitos Creek between Graystone Lane and Almaden Lake). An Unusual CBC record of 8 at Almaden Reservoir on 12-28-03 probably involved northbound migrants.
White-throated Swift—Several spring and summer records near Mount Umunhum in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Also sometimes observed on the valley floor and in the Santa Teresa Hills. Recorded in winter at Almaden Expressway & Winfield (12-29-88, DLS), at Almaden Reservoir (1-30-99, VTi), and at the SCVWD Pond on 2-27-07 (JP)..

Anna's Hummingbird—Our commonest hummer, widespread year-round resident.
Black-chinned Hummingbird—The only records I have are of a single male coming to feeders at my home on Henwood Road (foot of the Santa Teresa Hills) on 7-23-87 and 7-27-87 (JMa), a male found in Almaden Quicksilver County Park on 4-14-99 (RWR), and a female at Almaden Lake Park on 4-17-99 (FVs, JMa).

Costa's Hummingbird—Three records. An unseen bird was heard displaying along the Alamitos Creek Trail just north of the Camden Avenue parking area on 2-15-01 (JDa). A male was photographed at a feeder near the intersection of Redmond & Meridian Avenues in July 2002 (JP; dates uncertain, but it was present for at least 2 weeks prior to being reported on 7-17-02). A male was observed at the beginning of the levee trail near the horse corrals in Calero County Park on 4-25-04 (JP, AVe). 
Calliope Hummingbird—Rare migrant. Although there are no records for the Almaden Valley, there have been two separate occurrences at a private residence just north of our area, with males seen on 4-9-02  and 5-7-03 (JDa).

Rufous Hummingbird—Numerous spring records indicate a regular passage in low numbers: Males were at my feeders (at the base of the Santa Teresa Hills) on 3-25-85 and 3-27-85, at Almaden Quicksilver County Park on 4-17-83 and 4-19-85, and at the intersection of Alamitos and Hicks Roads on 4-29-88 (JMa). Has also been found along the trail to Bald Mountain (5-19-04, AVe), and in fall migration along the Alamitos Creek Trail (8-1-04, JP).  
Allen's Hummingbird—Records include a male at my home on Henwood Road on 3-25-85 (Jma), 1 at Almaden Reservoir on 3-18-93 (SCR), a male at Santa Teresa County Park on 3-16-00 (JMa), and a male along Capitancillos Creek upstream from Almaden Reservoir on 6-23-03 (AVe). Unusually high numbers were found along the Stile Ranch Trail (Santa Teresa Hills) in March and April of 2003 (JP, JDa, AVe).

Belted Kingfisher—Common. Sites include the SCVWD Pond, Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake, and Almaden Reservoir. Is listed as a confirmed breeder on the checklist for Almaden Quicksilver County Park.
Lewis's Woodpecker—One winter record. A bird was found in oaks along Bailey Road near the IBM facility on 12-29-01 (TK, ELd, CW), and continued to be seen at this site through 3-21-02 (WGB).

Acorn Woodpecker—Fairly common, but has noticeably declined due to habitat loss and competition with starlings. Easy to find at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker—Rare, with two winter records. An immature female was present near the SCVWD Pond from 12-2-01 to 3-30-02 (AVe), and another was along Alamitos Creek near Royalwood Way on 12-29-01 (BB).

Red-naped Sapsucker—One record. A male was found along Alamitos Rd. near Almaden Reservoir on 1-18-06 (AVe), and continued to be seen there through 1-23-06 (RWR, FVs). 

Red-breasted Sapsucker—Fairly common winter visitor. Sites include Henwood Road, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alamitos Creek, Almaden Lake Park, and Twin Creeks. Early fall arrival: 9-28-99 along Alamitos Creek (JMa).

Nuttall's Woodpecker—Common permanent resident in riparian and oak woodlands.
Downy Woodpecker—Common in riparian woods. Nesting confirmed during the breeding bird atlas along Hicks Road in May of 1992 (JMa).
Hairy Woodpecker—Fairly common permanent resident. Sites include Herbert Creek upstream from Twin Creeks, Jacque’s Gulch, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, and Henwood Road on the west side of the Santa Teresa Hills.
Northern Flicker—The western race ("Red-shafted Flicker") is a common permanent resident. Nesting was confirmed along Hicks Road during the breeding bird atlas period, in May 1992 (JMa). Birds of the eastern race ("Yellow-shafted Flicker") were in the vicinity of the Coleman Road ponds on 12-6-98 (AVe) and at the SCVWD Pond on 11-22-99 (TRy). Hybrid birds were along Alamitos Creek upstream from Leland High School on 1-12-99 and 1-14-99(JMa).
Pileated Woodpecker—There is a single Almaden Valley record - 1 observed at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park on 4-27-06 (JP). In recent years the population in the Santa Cruz Mountains has been increasing and expanding its range. An eventual occurrence was to be expected, but the suburban valley floor location of this sighting was a surprise.

Olive-sided Flycatcher—Regular in spring at Twin Creeks and along Guadalupe Creek upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir. Has also been recorded downstream from Almaden Reservoir, at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park (5-16-99, AVe), and at least once in the Santa Teresa Hills (JMa). Earliest spring record: 4-11-88 at Twin Creeks.
Western Wood-Pewee—Summer resident. Regular sites include the area between Almaden Reservoir and Twin Creeks, and Arroyo Calero downstream from Harry Road. The earliest spring records I have are near Almaden Reservoir on 4-12-85 and 4-12-88 (JMa). Nesting was confirmed at Twin Creeks on 5-30-99 (JMa).

Willow Flycatcher—Uncommon migrant. Representative records: Golden Oak Park on 5-19-91 (BB), along Alamitos Creek on 9-17-99, 9-4-01, and 9-28-02 (JMa), at Calero County Park on 9-5-01 (JMa), and along the Guadalupe River near the SCVWD Pond on 9-12-05 (JP).
Hammond's Flycatcher—1 was along Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake Park on 4-30-98 (SCR).
Pacific-slope Flycatcher—Common summer resident, mainly in riparian and shady canyon woodlands. Nesting confirmed at Twin Creeks on 4-11-88, in New Almaden on 4-30-92, and at my home on Henwood Road, at the foot of the Santa Teresa Hills (date?).  Earliest spring record: 3-13-02 in Almaden Quicksilver County Park (JDa). 
Black Phoebe—Common permanent resident near water.
Say's Phoebe—Uncommon winter visitor. Santa Teresa Hills.
Ash-throated Flycatcher—Fairly common summer resident. Sites include Almaden Quicksilver County Park, the trail to Bald Mountain, Hicks Road, Almaden Reservoir, and the Santa Teresa Hills. Nested at the trailhead parking area in New Almaden in June of  1988 (JMa).
Western Kingbird—Fairly common summer resident. Can often be found in spring and summer near the beginning of the Stile Ranch Trail and along Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake Park (nesting confirmed at the latter site (AVe). Also to be watched for along McKean Road and at Calero County Park. Occasionally recorded in spring (May) at Twin Creeks. Newly-fledged young confirmed nesting near the junction of Fortini and San Vicente Roads on 6-27-99 (AVe) and at Almaden Lake Park on 7-23-02 (JMa).

Horned Lark—Uncommon. Has been found along the Stile Ranch Trail in spring (AVe, JMa), and occasionally at Calero County Park (e.g. 3-3-01, MJM).

Purple Martin—Rare. Regularly present in spring/summer as close as Loma Prieta, but seldom wanders to our area. A male, possibly from the tiny Loma Prieta colony, was seen along Mt. Umunhum Rd. on 6-18-05 (RWR, FVs). There are spring records of single birds at Almaden Reservoir on 4-23-97 (FVs) and 4-18-07 (AVe). A male was observed at Calero Reservoir on 4-6-06 (AVe)..
Tree Swallow—Generally a scarce migrant in spring and fall, with a few possibly breeding near the east end of Calero Reservoir. Representative records: 12 at Calero Reservoir on 2-25-95 (MMR); 2-3 at the Coleman Road ponds on 9-24-97 (MMR), with 2 there on 10-1-97 (AVe), and 1 there on 10-2-97 (MMR); 1 at the SCVWD facility on 2-15-97 (TGr), with subsequent sightings there on  2-22-97 (AME) and 2-16-99 (JMa). An unusually large concentration, numbering several hundred, was recorded at Calero Reservoir on 4-11-99 (JMa). Several were observed courting and entering potential nesting cavities near Calero Reservoir on 3-13-99 (AVe). This species has also been observed on rare occasions at Almaden Reservoir (e.g. 4-27-02, JDa).

Violet-green Swallow—Common summer resident, arriving in February and March. Early records include 5-6 at Calero Reservoir on 2-19-99 (HMc). Hundreds are sometimes seen over Almaden Reservoir,  Calero Reservoir, and other bodies of water in spring and fall.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow—Common summer resident, to be looked for at Almaden Reservoir and along Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake. Early spring record: 1 flying north along the Santa Teresa Hills on 2-21-99 (JMa).
Cliff Swallow—Common summer resident. Some sites are Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, and Bald Mountain in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve.
Barn Swallow—Fairly common summer resident. A pair fledged 3 young at my home on Henwood Road (west side of the Santa Teresa Hills) on  8-1-87.
Steller's Jay—Common permanent resident in the hills and mountains west of the valley floor. Usual sites include Twin Creeks, Jacque’s Gulch, Guadalupe Creek upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir. An out-of-place individual was at the foot of the Santa Teresa Hills along Henwood Road on 10-19-99 (JMa).
Western Scrub-Jay—Common permanent resident.
Yellow-billed Magpie—The Almaden Valley population formerly consisted of at least 2  large colonies; one  near Calero Reservoir, and another on the east side of Almaden Quicksilver County Park. The Calero Reservoir colony possibly no longer exists, and the local increase in human housing threatens to render the latter colony homeless. In recent years they have resorted to the suburbs, foraging on school grounds and in parks. Birds of this isolated population have been observed as recently as 12-30-00 (AVe). There have also been recent sightings along Fortini and San Vicente Roads (at the base of the Santa Teresa Hills), and a nest was found in a redwood along the Fortini Trail on 3-16-00 (JMa). On 11-12-99 a communal roost in the hills near Calero Reservoir held at least 53 birds (JMa).

American Crow—Common permanent resident, abundant at the landfill.
Common Raven—Rare, although fairly common in other parts of the county, and local sightings have increased in frequency. Has been recorded near Mount Umunhum (4-27-02 JDa, JMa), in the vicinity of Golden Oak Park (BB), along Santa Teresa Blvd. (2-10-99, JMa), in Almaden Quicksilver County Park (1-2-00, ER, MM), and at Calero County Park (10-14-01, JMa).
Chestnut-backed Chickadee—Common permanent resident.
Oak Titmouse—Common permanent resident.
Bushtit—Common permanent resident.
Red-breasted Nuthatch—Has been recorded at least 3 times: at Mount Umunhum (AVe, date unrecorded), along Alamitos Creek (4-12-99, JMa), and at a private residence off Camden Ave. (9-6-05, BH).
White-breasted Nuthatch—Common permanent resident.
Brown Creeper—Fairly common permanent resident of shady canyon woodlands. Nesting was confirmed at Twin Creeks on 4-11-88 and at the junction of Bertram and Alamitos Roads in New Almaden on 4-2-03. Other sites include Jacque’s Gulch, Guadalupe Creek upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir, and Woods Road in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve.
Rock Wren—Permanent resident in the Santa Teresa Hills. Has been recorded at Calero County Park.
Bewick's Wren—Common permanent resident.
House Wren—Common summer resident, arriving as early as mid-March. Sites include New Almaden, Twin Creeks, Jacque’s Gulch, Henwood Road, and Alamitos Creek near Graystone Lane. Winter records include 1 in chaparral along the edge of the Santa Teresa Hills on 2-21-99 (JMa), and 1 along the Guadalupe River Channel near the SCVWD Pond on 12-30-00 (EG).
Winter Wren—Recorded upstream from Twin Creeks on 1-2-00 (AVe) and along Guadalupe Creek upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir on 12-2-02 (JP) and 12-28-03 (JMa). Apparently rare locally, or at least rarely reported.

Marsh Wren—Has been recorded at Almaden Lake Park (JMa), at Calero County Park (JMa), and at the SCVWD Pond (AVe, JMa).

American Dipper—Permanent resident along Herbert Creek, upstream from Almaden Reservoir. Has nested under the bridges at Twin Creeks. Harder to find in winter.
Golden-crowned Kinglet—One record; 2 were at Almaden Lake on 1-8-99 (SCR).
Ruby-crowned Kinglet—Common winter visitor.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher—Common summer resident. Can be found in Almaden Quicksilver County Park and the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve (especially near Mount Umunhum and along the trail to Bald Mountain). Has been recorded along Henwood Road on the west side of the Santa Teresa Hills. Winter records for the Almaden Valley include 1 on a chaparral-covered hillside along Alamitos Creek on 2-9-02 (JMa), 1 along the base of the Santa Teresa Hills near the Stile Ranch Trailhead on 12-12-04 and 12-16-04 (JP), and 1 along the Calero Creek Trail on 12-29-05 (JP). Nested at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park (an unusual valley floor location) in 2003 (JP).

Western Bluebird—Fairly common. Nesting confirmed along Henwood Road and near Almaden Reservoir. Representative sites include Calero County Park, Almaden Reservoir, and Almaden Lake Park
Townsend's Solitaire—Rare winter visitor. Records include 1 seen along Paso Los Cerritos on 1-7-02 and 1-14-02 (BH), 1 in a yard near the parking area for the Stile Ranch Trail on 12-30-06 (GH), and 1 near the dam at Almaden Reservoir from 2-10-07 through 2-13-07 (PBr, AVe, MMR).

Swainson's Thrush—Spring records include 3 along Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake Park on 4-30-98 (SCR), 7 along Alamitos Creek on 5-5-98 (SCR), 1 along Mt. Umunhum Road on 4-29-00 (JMa), 1 in New Almaden on 4-28-01 (JDa), and 1 in Almaden Quicksilver County Park on 5-17-06 (JP). Summer records include 1 singing near my home on Henwood Road on 7-4-85 (JMa), 1 again singing near my home on 6-15-88 (JMa), and 1 heard just upstream from Almaden Reservoir on 6-13-97 (JMa). Has also been heard along the Arroyo Calero (AVe).
Hermit Thrush—Common in fall & winter.
American Robin—Common breeder, winter visitor.
Varied Thrush—A fairly common winter visitor to the Sierra Azul. Several were seen along Hicks Road near Guadalupe Reservoir on 12-28-03 (JMa), 3 were at Twin Creeks on 3-2-85, and 1 was along Alamitos Creek on 2-13-90. Records for Almaden Quicksilver County Park include 2 in the Guadalupe Creek drainage on 1-21-99 (JMa), and 1 in a wooded gulch at the base of the Hacienda Trail on 3-7-99 (AVe).

Wrentit—Common in Almaden Quicksilver County Park and the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Less so in the Santa Teresa Hills.
Northern Mockingbird—Surprisingly rare away from the valley floor & suburbs, thus 1 in Almaden Quicksilver County Park on 5-4-85 (JMa) is worth noting.
California Thrasher—Common permanent resident. Representative sites include the Santa Teresa Hills, Henwood Road, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, and the trail to Bald Mountain.
American Pipit—According to "Birding at the Bottom of the Bay" this species is to be found in the upper part of Santa Teresa County Park (Santa Teresa Hills) in winter. It is also listed on the checklist for Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Calero Reservoir has good pipit habitat, and modest flocks have been observed there in fall and winter.
Cedar Waxwing—Fairly common winter visitor, irregularly present from September through May. Representative sites: Henwood Road, Arroyo Calero downstream from Harry Road, the Alamitos Creek Trail, and Almaden Quicksilver County Park.
Phainopepla—Intermittently present along Henwood Road (west side of the Santa Teresa Hills) from 8-23-84, when as many as 4 birds were observed, to 9-6-94, when a lone male was seen for the last time. A nest containing young was discovered in an oak there on 7-8-85, and a juvenile bird was seen on 8-12-85 (JMa). Also recorded once along the Hacienda Trail in Almaden Quicksilver County Park, on 5-2-93 (AVe). A female was seen off and on at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park from 12-30-02 to 2-2-03 (JP, AVe, BH). 
Loggerhead Shrike—Scarce (resident ?) . Has been observed at Calero County Park, near Almaden Reservoir, along the base of the Santa Teresa Hills, and at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park (8-25-99, BH). Sightings have declined over the years.
European Starling—Abundant permanent resident, with large numbers breeding in sycamores along Alamitos Creek.
Cassin's Vireo—Fairly common summer resident of shady canyon woodlands. Some of the better spots are Jacque’s Gulch, Guadalupe Creek upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir, and Twin Creeks. Nesting confirmed in Jacque’s Gulch on 4-16-88 (JMa).
Hutton's Vireo—Common permanent resident of canyon and riparian woodlands. Good areas include Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Hicks Road, and Mount Umunhum. Unusual was 1 along Henwood Road (foot of the Santa Teresa Hills) on 7-14-85 (JMa).
Warbling Vireo—Common summer resident of riparian and oak woodlands, with the first birds arriving in mid-March. Sites include Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Twin Creeks, Jacque’s Gulch, Guadalupe Creek upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir, and Alamitos Creek downstream Graystone Lane.
Tennessee Warbler—Locally represented by a single record; 1 was found along the Guadalupe River Trail just north of Blossom Hill Rd. on 10-1-06 (MJM), and continued to be seen there through 10-3-06 (RWR). 

Orange-crowned Warbler—Common summer resident of riparian and oak woodlands, arriving in early March. Some places where this species is to be expected are Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alamitos Road near Almaden Reservoir, Jacque’s Gulch, and near Mount Umunhum in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. A bird seen along Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake on 9-24-98 was probably of the eastern race orestera or celata (JMa). Orestera-type birds were also seen along Alamitos Creek on 9-27-02 (SBT) and 9-28-02 (JMa). Early arrival date: 2-23-03 at Almaden Quicksilver County Park (MJM).
Nashville Warbler—Rare migrant represented by numerous records: 1 in Jacque’s Gulch (Hicks Road) on 4-16-88 (JMa), 1 singing near the summit of Hicks Road on 5-8-99 (JMa), 2 along Alamitos Creek near Graystone Lane on 10-5-98 (BH), 1 singing along Guadalupe Creek upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir on 4-28-01 (JDa), 1 singing in New Almaden on 4-27-02 (JMa), 2 at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park on 4-29-02 (JP), and 1 along Alamitos Creek near Mazzone Lane 9-16-02 to 9-18-02 (JMa, JP).

Northern Parula - Single record. A fall migrant was along the Guadalupe River Trail just north of Coleman Rd. on 10-7-05 (AVe).

Yellow Warbler—Summer resident of riparian woodland, especially along Alamitos Creek. Singing males can usually be found between Almaden Reservoir and Twin Creeks. A female carrying nesting material confirmed breeding near the La Foret Restaurant in New Almaden on 4-30-92. A high fall count was 20-plus along Alamitos Creek between Graystone Lane and Almaden Lake on 9-24-98 (JMa). Has also been found in spring at Calero County Park and along the Guadalupe River Channel near Almaden Lake.

Chestnut-sided warbler—Single record. One was observed at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park on 9/20/07 (JP).

Blackpoll Warbler—Two fall records involving multiple individuals. A minimum of 3 were at Almaden Lake Park on 9-27-02 (SBT, MJM, AVe), with at least 1 lingering there through 1-10-02 (JMa, JP). Farther upstream, 1 was found along Alamitos Creek below the Camden Ave. parking area on 9-14-06 (JP). 

Magnolia Warbler—Single record. A tailless individual was present along Alamitos Creek downstream from Graystone Lane from 1-8-99 through at least 1-16-99 (JMa, NLe, MMR, RWR, BB, TGr, et al).

Black-and-White Warbler—One at the Santa Clara Valley Water District offices on the east side of Almaden Expressway on 10-7-02 (BA) is our only local record. 
Yellow-rumped Warbler—Common winter visitor, September—April. Myrtle Warbler has been recorded in fall, winter, and spring.
Black-throated Gray Warbler—Uncommon summer resident of live oak woodlands at higher elevations in the Sierra Azul. Sites include Hicks Road, Woods Road in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, and Mount Umunhum Road. Spring records away from breeding areas include 1 in New Almaden on 4-27-01 (JDa) and 2 at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park on 4-29-02 (JP). Fall records include 1 along Alamitos Creek near Graystone Lane on 10-17-98 (JMa), 1 along Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake on 10-1-02 (PK), and 1 at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park on 10-3-03 (JP). The single winter record is of a male along Alamitos Creek on 12-30-05 (BB).
Townsend's Warbler—Uncommon winter visitor and spring/fall migrant, to be looked for in canyon live oak and riparian woodlands. Representative sites include Almaden Quicksilver Park, Jacque’s Gulch, Woods Road, and Alamitos Creek. Recorded at Calero County Park on 11-4-00 (JMa) and at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park on 1-21-02 (BH).

Palm Warbler—The only Almaden Valley record is of 1 present along the Guadalupe River north of Coleman Rd. from 10-6-04 (JP, GB) to 10-7-04 (RWR).  

Hermit Warbler—Rare. There are a few spring records, including a May sighting near Mt. Umunhum (AVe), one at Twin Creeks on 4-25-02 (JDa), and one at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park on 4-29-02 (JP). One was near Almaden Reservoir on 11-19-00 (AVe), and there is a winter record for Graystone Park on 1-3-04 (JP).
MacGillivray's Warbler—Uncommon-to-rare spring and fall migrant. Representative records include 1 along Guadalupe Creek above Camden Avenue on 9-20-94 (SCR), 1 along Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake Park on 5-5-98 (SCR), 1 along Alamitos Creek downstream from Graystone Lane on 9-17-99 (JMa), and 1 near the SCVWD Pond on 8-19-06 (JP).
Common Yellowthroat—Recorded in winter at Almaden Lake Park and the SCVWD Pond, in fall along Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake, and in summer along Hicks Road near the confluence of Guadalupe and Rincon Creeks (1 singing male on 6-10-97, JMa). May breed near the SCVWD Pond.
Wilson's Warbler—Regular spring migrant, possibly breeding. Records include 2 in Almaden Quicksilver County Park on 5-4-85 (JMa), 1 singing male along Alamitos Creek downstream from Graystone on  5-11-98, at least 4 singing along Alamitos Creek downstream from the Camden Avenue bridge on 5-1-99, 3 singing males along Guadalupe Creek upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir on 4-17-97, and 2 singing males at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park on 4-29-02. Fall migrants were along Alamitos Creek on 9-11-99 (JC), 9-17-99 (JMa), and 9-4-01 (JMa).
Summer Tanager—A male was along Alamitos Creek opposite Leland High School on 9-17-98 (JMa).
Western Tanager—Summer resident, arriving in April. Listed as a confirmed breeder on the checklist for Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Singing birds have been observed in spring along Hicks Road, especially in Jacque’s Gulch and upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir. Fall migrants have been recorded along Alamitos Creek (JMa). Considering the early date, one at Almaden Lake Park on 3-13-02 (RWR, FVs) probably wintered locally.
Black-headed Grosbeak—Common summer resident. Nesting confirmed along the Arroyo Calero (AVe) and near Almaden Reservoir (JMa). Early arrival date: 3-27-99 (JMa).

Rose-breasted Grosbeak—A male visited seed feeders at a private residence near Santa Teresa High School, about 1/4 mile north of the Santa Teresa Hills, on 9-7-02 (KF).
Lazuli Bunting—Regular in spring, with records for the Santa Teresa Hills, Almaden Reservoir, Guadalupe Creek upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, and Mount Umunhum.
Green-tailed Towhee—Single fall record; 1 was at Barbara Harkleroad’s feeder along Paso Los Cerritos in Almaden, from 10-5-97 through 10-7-97 (MMR).
Spotted Towhee—Common permanent resident.
California Towhee—Common permanent resident.
Rufous-crowned Sparrow—Common permanent resident in the Santa Teresa Hills. Also to be found in proper habitat in Almaden Quicksilver County Park (Hacienda Trail, Senator Mines Area) and sometimes on Bald Mountain.
Chipping Sparrow—Rare. Has been noted at the junction of Hicks Road and Alamitos Road, near Almaden Reservoir (AVe). Occasionally found in spring at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park, where as many as 5(!) were reported on 5-3-03 (JP), and single birds were present on 4-8-06 (JP) and 4-23-06 (AVe, JP). Fall migrants have been reported along the Guadalupe River Trail north of Blossom Hill Rd (MJM, JP). An unprecedented flock of as many as 13(!) was present at Jeffrey Fontana Park in the winter of 2007-2008.

Clay-colored Sparrow—There is a single record of one present at Jeffrey Fontana Park on 11-29-07 (AD) and 11-30-07 (JP). It was associated with a flock of Chipping Sparrows. 

Brewer's Sparrow—Two Records: 1 was along the Guadalupe River Trail just north of Blossom Hill Rd. on 9-30-05 (JP), and 1 was near the SCVWD Pond from 9-10-06 to 9-11-06 (JD, AVe, RWR). 
Black-chinned Sparrow—Rare and irregular summer resident. First local record was at Mount Umunhum on 6-5-92 (MLF). Since then singing males have occasionally been found along the trail to Bald Mountain in the Sierra Azul O.S.P. (especially near the trailhead parking area on Mt. Umunhum Rd.). Representative records: 5-15-97 (JMa), 6-3-97 (JMa), 5-22-99 (JMa),  6-3-02 (JMa), 5-13-04 (RK), 5-18-04 (RWR), and 5-28-07 (AVe). A singing male was present from 5-8-97 to 5-15-97 on a steep slope above Jacque’s Gulch (JMa).

Lark Sparrow—Apparently uncommon. Representative localities include the Santa Teresa Hills, Almaden Reservoir, and Bald Mountain. Over 50 in a yard along Fortini Rd. on 12-26-04 was a high count for the Almaden Valley. 
Sage Sparrow—Nesting confirmed (bird carrying food) on the trail to Bald Mountain, in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve (AVe). There has only been one other record, also in the Sierra Azul O.S.P., on 4-6-97 (JDa).
Savannah Sparrow—Common in the hills around Calero Reservoir.
Grasshopper Sparrow—Local spring/summer visitor, most often found in grassland along the Stile Ranch Trail (JMa, AVe). A juvenile was along Bernal Road on the north side of Santa Teresa County Park on 7-21-01 (AVe). Away from the Santa Teresa Hills, a singing male was observed in pastureland along McKean Road on 4-27-02 (JMa) and 5-26-02 (MMR). One was upslope from the boat launch at Calero Reservoir on 6-1-03 (MMR). There is a single winter record from the Stile Ranch Trail on 1-4-05 (GH).

Fox Sparrow—"Sooty" Fox Sparrows are fairly common fall/winter visitors. "Red" Fox Sparrows have been recorded a few times—at Guadalupe Reservoir (3-7-80, WGB), at Almaden Lake Park (1-11-99, JMa), and at a backyard feeder near Guadalupe Oak Grove Park (BB). This latter bird was present from 11-23-00 to at least 12-30-00, and returned to spend the following winter (it was again recorded on the Calero-Morgan Hill CBC on 12-29-01). Earliest local fall arrival: Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, 9-28-99 (JMa).
Song Sparrow—Common permanent resident of riparian areas.
Lincoln's Sparrow—Common fall/winter visitor. Sighting locales include Almaden Reservoir, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake, and Henwood Road. Early fall arrival date: 9-17-99.
Swamp Sparrow—Single record; 1 was at the SCVWD Pond on 11-29-04 (JP).

White-throated Sparrow—Numerous winter records. Sites and dates include 12-8-96 at Almaden Quicksilver County Park (BL), 11-2-96 along Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake Park (SCR, HLR), 11-16-98 in the Almaden Foothills (BH), 2-21-99 along the Arroyo Calero near Harry Road (JMa), 12-29-01 at New Almaden (AVe, KS), from 11-19-00 to at least 2-24-01 near Almaden Reservoir (AVe, DG, MMR), 3-20-03 to 3-21-03 at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park (LS, JP), and 11-18-06 at Calero County Park (MD).

Golden-crowned Sparrow—Common winter visitor.
White-crowned Sparrow—Common winter visitor, departing in April and returning in September.
Dark-eyed Junco—Common year-round, with confirmed past breeding on the west side of the Santa Teresa Hills (JMa) and at Almaden Quicksilver County Park (4-30-92, JMa). A "Slate-colored" Junco was observed in an Almaden Valley backyard from 1-26-07 through 2-21-07 (BH, JP), and 1 was observed south of our area along Casa Loma Rd. on 2-24-07 (JP).
Red-winged Blackbird—Common year-round. Areas include the Santa Teresa Hills, Calero Reservoir, and Almaden Reservoir, where nesting was confirmed on 4-29-88.
Tricolored Blackbird—Reported to have nested in the cattail marsh below Calero Reservoir (SCR). A few (high count of 80+ on 11-4-02, MMR) can often be found in the large blackbird/cowbird/starling flocks near Calero Reservoir. A small flock was in a field along McKean Road on 4-29-00 (JMa).
Western Meadowlark—Sites include the Santa Teresa Hills, Calero Reservoir, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Harry Road, and even Bald Mountain in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve (5-28-97, JMa).
Yellow-headed Blackbird—A male was found in a large blackbird flock at Calero Reservoir on 8-7-99 (JMa), and a female or first-year male was at the stables near the east end of Calero Reservoir from 10-27-02 (MJM) through 10-29-02 (MMR, WGB, MMR).
Brewer's Blackbird—Common permanent resident.
Great-tailed Grackle—One in a yard along Ostenberg Drive on 7-14-89 was the first local record (BB). In recent years there have been sightings at Almaden Lake Park, where 1 was present on 4-17-99 (FVs, JMa, et al), a pair was suspected of nesting in the summer of 2000 (TRy, MJM), and a pair was again present on 7-24-02 (JMa). 

Brown-headed Cowbird—Fairly common year-round; wintering birds can be found by searching large blackbird flocks. Easiest to find at the Calero Reservoir boat ramp and nearby stables.
Hooded Oriole—Summer resident. Sites include Calero Reservoir (AVe), Henwood Road at the base of the Santa Teresa Hills, and Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake. On 6-2-98 an "apparently occupied nest" was noted in a fan palm along Almaden Road during a breeding bird survey (MMR). A female seen along Guadalupe Creek n the vicinity of the Coleman Road ponds on 2-21-99 (AVe) may have wintered locally.
Bullock's Oriole—Common summer resident, arriving in late March. Good places include Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake, Henwood Road, New Almaden, and Alamitos Road between Almaden Reservoir and Twin Creeks.
Purple Finch—Common permanent resident. Sites include Alamitos Creek near Graystone Lane, Almaden Reservoir, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Guadalupe Creek upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir, and Mt. Umunhum Road.
House Finch—Common-to-abundant permanent resident.
Pine Siskin—Irregular winter visitor, apparently absent in some years. Representative sites include Almaden Quicksilver County Park and Henwood Road.
Lesser Goldfinch—The common (to abundant) Almaden Valley goldfinch.
Lawrence's Goldfinch—Rare and unpredictable (except during periodic invasions, such as occurred during the summer of 2002). A male was in the Santa Teresa Hills near Henwood Road on 4-24-85, and 2-4 birds were there on 4-25-85 (JMa). At least 4, including a singing male, were at Almaden Reservoir on 6-13-97 (JMa), and a few were found along Alamitos Road near the O'Day property on 7-4-02 and 7-14-02 (AVe). Also recorded near the gate on Mt. Umunhum Road on 6-10-01 (EFe), and at Bald Mountain in the Sierra Azul O.S.P. on 6-3-02 (JMa). A male was at Calero County Park on 10-5-02 (Jma, Ave), and 2 pairs were observed at IBM's Bailey Rd. facility on 4-16-07 (RH). Two males were at Almaden Lake Park on 10-9-07 (JP).
American Goldfinch—Uncommon winter/spring visitor to riparian areas, sometimes present in large numbers. Has been recorded at least once in summer along the Guadalupe River Channel near Almaden Lake (6-30-01, JMa). One along Bailey Road at the entrance to IBM on 5-26-02 (MMR) could be evidence of local nesting. 

House Sparrow—Common in urban areas and around stables.

Additional Exotics:
Red Junglefowl (wild chicken)—1 was loose at Almaden Reservoir on 1-31-99 (VTi), and again on 4-7-00 (JMa).
Peafowl—Can be seen loose around the stables at the east end of Calero Reservoir.
Chukar—An obviously escaped bird was seen along Fortini Road on 5-13-99 (GH).
Ringed Turtle-Dove—1 visited a feeder near Bernal Road & Santa Teresa Blvd. on 2-21-99 (BLt).
Senegal Parrot—1 was at Calero Reservoir on 11-9-98 (JMa).
Red-eyed Bulbul—1 was at the trailhead parking area in New Almaden on 3-26-00 (JMa, AVe). Place of origin for this escapee is sub-Saharan Africa.

Orange Bishop—This species has been observed along the Guadalupe River near the SCVWD Pond (AVe) and near the stables at the east end of Calero Reservoir (2-26-94, MMR). 
Nutmeg Mannikin—A flock first appeared at the SCVWD Pond on 11-9-98, and a second (or possibly the same) flock was subsequently observed along Alamitos Creek (JMa). A pair was reported to be nesting at Almaden Lake Park on 3-10-99 (WEk), and birds were  collecting nesting material there on 3-11-00 (JMa). Since then there have been frequent reports of nesting activity, and the population appears to have remained stable or slightly increased. Flocks can often be found along Alamitos Creek near the Mazzone Lane bridge, at Almaden Lake Park, and around the SCVWD Pond.

Observers: AD (Al DeMartini) AME (Al Eisner), AVe (Ann Verdi), BA (Brian Acord), BB (Bruce Barrett), BH (Barbara Harkleroad), BL (Bill Lundgren), BLt (Bob Lutman), CH (Chuck Hignite), (CW) Christine Wolfe, DE (Dick Erickson), DG (Don Ganton), DLS (David Suddjian), ECu  (Emelie Curtis), Eric Feuss (EFe), EG (Ed Gustafson), EGd (Elaine Gould), ER (Edward Rooks), FH (Freddie Howell), FVs (Frank Vanslager), GB (Gordon Barrett), GH (Garth Harwood), GLB (Gloria LeBlanc), HLR (Heather Rottenborn), HMc (Hugh McDevitt), JC (Jack Cole), JDa (Jim Danzenbaker), JG (Jane Glass), JH (Jan Hintermeister), JLa (Jolene Lange), JMa (John Mariani), JP (Janna Pauser), JR (Jennifer Rycenga), JS (John Sterling), KF (Karl Fowler), KH (Kirsten Holmquist), KO (Kris Olsen), KS (Kep Stone), KLP (Kathy Parker), LCh (Les Chibana), LS (Linda Sullivan), LYg (Lou Young), MBM (Margaret Mariani), MD (Matthew Dodder), MDa (Mike Danzenbaker), MJM (Mike Mammoser), MLF (Mike Feighner), MM (Mark Miller), MMR (Mike Rogers), NLe (Nick Lethaby), PB (Paul Burnett), PBr (Patty Brown), PD (Peggy Don), PK (Pat Kenny), RH (Rick Herder), RK (Roland Kenner), RWR (Bob Reiling), SBT (Scott Terrill), SCR (Steve Rottenborn), TGr (Tom Grey), TK (Toni Koenen), TR (Tom Roach), TRy (Tom Ryan), VTi (Vivek Tiwari), WEk (William Eklund), WGB (Bill Bousman).

The information on this list is derived from a host of sources: my personal field notes, communication with many of the above-mentioned Santa Clara County birders, the archives of South-bay-birds, The Avocet (a publication of Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society), etc.

Return to Birds West Home Page
 
  This page was last updated on January 6, 2008