Almaden Valley Bird Sightings, 2000
 For current sightings go to Almaden Valley Bird News

Archive of past sightings: 1998—1999

30 December, 2000

    Almaden Valley highlights from today's Calero-Morgan Hill CBC included 2 COMMON LOONS, an adult BALD EAGLE, 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 4 DUNLIN, and TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS at Calero Reservoir (the eagle was later seen in New Almaden); 53 WOOD DUCKS at Almaden Reservoir; numerous WESTERN SCREECH-OWLS, 2 NORTHERN PYGMY-OWLS and 2 NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS along Hicks Road, and the continuing EASTERN ("RED") FOX SPARROW at Bruce Barrett's house. On the other side of the Santa Teresa Hills a FERRUGINOUS HAWK was seen being harassed by a RED-TAILED HAWK. Upon recount the species total for the Calero-Morgan Hill CBC now stands at 145. Worst miss was Barn Owl—John Mariani.

10 December, 2000

    Andy Pedler reports that HORNED GREBES, AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, an OSPREY, and LEAST SANDPIPERS were at Calero Reservoir today.

9 December, 2000

    Calero Reservoir was apparently the place to be this weekend. Mike Mammoser reports finding an adult BALD EAGLE, a SNOW GOOSE, and 4 'MINIMA" CANADA GEESE there today. Jim Danzenbaker contributed the reservoir's first COMMON LOON sighting for this winter. 

    In addition to the SNOW GOOSE and "MINIMA" CANADA GEESE, Ann Verdi noted the presence of over 20 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, and counted over 30 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS in a nearby horse pasture. Among the birds reported by Andy Pedler were 2 CANVASBACKS, NORTHERN HARRIERS, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, and 4 YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES.   

7 December, 2000

    This morning a probable (but unconfirmed) ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen briefly near the boat launch at Calero Reservoir. In the afternoon 8 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS and 1 lingering FORSTER'S TERN were seen there—John Mariani.

28 November, 2000

    The Eastern (or "Red") FOX SPARROW was still at Bruce Barrett's backyard feeder today. It appears to be of the race Zaboria. 

26 November, 2000

    Ann Verdi posted the following sightings to SBB:    
    Water District Ponds (Coleman & Almaden Expwy) (11/26):  The most interesting birds here were land birds - a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER in the riparian willows along the Guadalupe channel, and a seemingly out-of-place CALIFORNIA THRASHER in the brushy undeveloped area just north of the pond; in fact, the thrasher was seen in a small tree bordering the undeveloped area and the back parking lot of Lazy Boy Furniture (Blossom Hill Rd).

25 November, 2000

    The Eastern (or "Red") FOX SPARROW was still at Bruce Barrett's backyard feeder today. Call Bruce at 408-268-7097 if you want to try and see it.

24 November, 2000

    Natasha Dehn reports seeing 7 or 8 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, a possible EURASIAN WIGEON, hundreds of CANADA GEESE, and the usual raptors, waterfowl, and shorebirds at the eastern end of Calero Reservoir. Several TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS were also seen in blackbird flocks near the reservoir.

    The following report was posted to SBB by Ann Verdi:

    Almaden Reservoir (11/24):  The WOOD DUCK count was back up to 32.  Also seen were seven COMMON MERGANSERS, sixteen COMMON SNIPE, and one SPOTTED SANDPIPER.
    Calero Reservoir (11/25):  The male EURASIAN WIGEON was still present.  Also 14 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS and 191 CANADA GEESE at the eastern end.  I scanned the geese flock carefully hoping for an interesting smaller goose, but they were all large "honkers."

23 November, 2000

    Jim Danzenbaker reports the presence of EARED GREBES, a HORNED GREBE and as many as 4 female HOODED MERGANSERS at Calero Reservoir this afternoon.

    Bruce Barrett reports that an Eastern (or "Red") FOX SPARROW was at his backyard feeder today. This race is rare in California, and if you wish to see it you can call Bruce at 408-268-7097.  

19 November, 2000

    Ann Verdi reported the following observations to SBB:

    Almaden Reservoir (Nov 19):  Only 15 WOOD DUCKS were seen this time - a disappointing number as last week (Nov 12) 63 were present; however, an unseen person was shooting off a shotgun scaring most of the waterfowl - very disturbing at this usually tranquil locale.  Four COMMON MERGANSERS were on the reservoir, and on the peripheral mudflats ten COMMON SNIPE and three SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were seen.  There was a lot of passerine activity at one of the pullouts along Alamitos Road and here I found a tan-striped WHITE-THROATED SPARROW in the underbrush with a mixed sparrow/junco flock, and higher up in an oak a HERMIT WARBLER - a little birdy bonanza.

18 November, 2000

    Ann Verdi reports the continued presence of a male EURASIAN WIGEON at Calero Reservoir, where other birds included a female HOODED MERGANSER, 6 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS,  150+ CANADA GEESE, 50+ EARED GREBES,  DUNLIN, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, and an immature PEREGRINE FALCON. 

15 November, 2000

    At noon today I saw an adult GOLDEN EAGLE flying over Santa Teresa Blvd. north of Bailey Avenue. Scoped Calero Reservoir from the boat launch late this afternoon. Shorebirds there included LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, LEAST SANDPIPERS, and BLACK-NECKED STILTS. On the west side of the reservoir there was a PEREGRINE FALCON perched in an oak (very distant even with the scope). About 10 COMMON MERGANSERS were also on the west side of the reservoir. Scanning the water it looks like EARED GREBES and COMMON GOLDENEYES have really increased here. At the east end there were still 5 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, along with about 50 swallows (species?) and the majority of the coots and ducks—John Mariani.

12 November, 2000

    Jim Danzenbaker reports that the male EURASIAN WIGEON was again observed at Calero Reservoir today.

11 November, 2000

    An OSPREY and a GREEN HERON were observed at the SCVWD Pond. Birds at Almaden Lake Park included a COMMON MERGANSER, a COMMON MOORHEN, and a MEW GULL. Upstream from the lake I counted appr. 20 LINCOLN SPARROWS in low vegetation along the creek—John Mariani.

9 November, 2000

    Birds seen at Calero Reservoir this afternoon included EARED GREBES, 5 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, 1 COMMON GOLDENEYE, and several FORSTER'S TERNS—John Mariani. 

5 November, 2000

    Today, at Almaden Lake Park, a GLAUCOUS GULL was observed by Mike Danzenbaker (fide Jim Danzenbaker).

4 November, 2000

    During a class field trip this morning the male EURASIAN WIGEON was refound at Calero Reservoir. Other waterfowl there included MALLARD, GADWALL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, NORTHERN PINTAIL, AMERICAN WIGEON, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, RUDDY DUCK, 1 GREATER SCAUP, RING-NECKED DUCKS, and 50+ BUFFLEHEAD. Shorebirds included 40+ BLACK-NECKED STILTS, 50+ LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 50+ LEAST SANDPIPERS, several GREATER YELLOWLEGS, and bunches of KILLDEER. A few FORSTER'S TERNS were still present. 

    While scanning the sky near the reservoir I was surprised to spot a distant ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, which then flew off to the north and disappeared. The only other local record of this species that I am aware of was one seen by David Suddjian on 1-12-89. Other raptors at Calero County Park included 1-2 OSPREY and several RED-TAILED HAWKS, one of which was a dark-morph adult. 

    A lone swallow flying southward was probably Violet-green, but I didn't get a good enough look at it. In riparian along the creek upstream from the reservoir we had nice looks at a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, somewhat unusual for this location. We also had a chance to compare HUTTON'S VIREO and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, with both simultaneously in view. Wild Boar were seen several times.
    After birding at Calero County Park, a few of us (Tom Cochrane, Bidut Sen, April Dutta, and myself) hiked the Fortini/Stile Ranch Trail loop in the Santa Teresa Hills. Highlights there included a pair of adult GOLDEN EAGLES, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, an adult dark-morph RED-TAILED HAWK (same one we saw at the reservoir?), a SAY'S PHOEBE, and a ROCK WREN that cooperatively perched atop one of the old stone fences—John Mariani.

29 October, 2000

    Today, at the east end of Calero Reservoir, there was a male EURASIAN WIGEON. It was seen in the company of AMERICAN WIGEON. Other birds there included 8 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, BUFFLEHEAD, 1 adult male NORTHERN HARRIER, thousands of AMERICAN COOTS, 30+ BLACK-NECKED STILTS, several GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 60+ LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 6 DUNLIN, 70+ LEAST SANDPIPERS, 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER, 2 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, and several FORSTER'S TERNS. In addition, about 10 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS were seen in a large mixed icterid/starling flock across the road from the Calero CP office, and a PEREGRINE FALCON was perched in an oak on the west side of the reservoir—John Mariani.

28 October, 2000

    Ann Verdi reports that 67 WOOD DUCKS and 9 COMMON SNIPE were seen today at Almaden Reservoir (most of the ducks and all of the snipe were at the shallow upper end).  She also noted that 5 VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS were foraging over the reservoir, and another 15-20 were seen during a stop at the Mockingbird Hill entrance to Almaden Quicksilver CP. Among the birds at Calero Reservoir were 8 CANVASBACKS and 1 COMMON SNIPE.

15 October, 2000

    Ann Verdi reports that approximately 30 WOOD DUCKS and 100+ BAND-TAILED PIGEONS were at Almaden Reservoir. She noted that the coot population is increasing by the hundreds at the east end of Calero Reservoir, and that 12 EARED GREBES, 25+ RING-NECKED DUCKS, 8 COMMON MERGANSERS, BLACK-NECKED STILT, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, LEAST and SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, and 8 FORSTER'S TERNS were also present there.

13 October, 2000

    Both Barbara Harkleroad and Don Ganton independently reported OSPREY sightings along Alamitos Creek near Almaden Lake this morning.

8 October, 2000

    This morning LOTS of waterfowl were at the east end of Calero Reservoir, with MALLARD, GADWALL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, CINNAMON & GREEN-WINGED TEAL, AMERICAN WIGEON, NORTHERN PINTAIL, RUDDY DUCK, 1 male BUFFLEHEAD, and at least 18 RING-NECKED DUCKS. Shorebirds there included 55 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, about 30 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 7 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, and about 5 GREATER YELLOWLEGS. Also had a couple of AMERICAN PIPITS fly by—John Mariani.

7 October, 2000

    "Saturday morning (Oct. 7), I counted 30 WOOD DUCKS from where the stream enters Almaden Reservoir to the first cove on the right. Also sighted was an OSPREY in a dead tree about 100 yards up the slope from the stream. Other birds seen between the reservoir and the O'Day property include: ACORN WOODPECKER, AMERICAN ROBIN, ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD, BAND-TAILED PIGEON, BELTED KINGFISHER, BUSHTIT, CALIFORNIA QUAIL, CALIFORNIA TOWHEE, CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE, GREAT BLUE HERON, KILLDEER, LESSER GOLDFINCH, MALLARD, NORTHERN FLICKER, NUTTALL'S WOODPECKER, STELLER'S JAY, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY and several very large flocks of DARK-EYED JUNCO, GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW"—Grant Webb.

1 October, 2000

    Ann Verdi posted the following report to SBB. At Almaden Reservoir "the number of WOOD DUCKS has increased to 35.  One SPOTTED SANDPIPER was seen among 15-20 Killdeer.  A male OSPREY swooping in to scatter the Killdeer was pursued first by an Amer Kestrel and then by a Red-shouldered Hawk.  Such excitement, but the Wood Ducks seemed unperturbed by it all.  Along Alamitos Road by the O'Day property wintering Golden-crowned Sparrows, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Townsend's Warblers have arrived.  Also seen were some lingering passerines - YELLOW WARBLER, WARBLING VIREO and W. WOOD-PEWEE (one of each).  Also about 10 Western Bluebirds (some juveniles) were seen flying around the mudflat vegetation (always a nice sight)." At Almaden Lake Park she noted the presence of 1 CLARK'S GREBE, 8 COMMON MERGANSERS, 2 COMMON MOORHENS, and a single female NUTMEG MANIKIN (in the reeds by the outflow).

30 September, 2000

    The following sightings were posted to SBB: "This morning over at Lake Almaden off Almaden Expressway, we spotted two NUTMEG MANIKINS in the bushes in the creek down below near the chain link gate. We also saw two WESTERN BLUEBIRDS in the trees near the parking lot. In the lake, we saw two NORTHERN SHOVELERS with the GADWALLS—Pat Curtis. 

    Ann Verdi reports that 4 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS were at the eastern end of Calero Reservoir (only the second Almaden Valley sighting?).

24 September, 2000

    Ann Verdi reports that 15 WOOD DUCKS were at Almaden Reservoir today.

23 September, 2000

    Ann Verdi posted the following report to SBB: "Calero Reservoir (eastern end), Sat, 9/23: 

    Along with the increasing numbers of coots and MALLARDS, here are some birds of interest: KILLDEER (20+); BLACK-NECKED STILT (16+); GREATER YELLOWLEGS (1); LESSER YELLOWLEGS (2); LEAST SANDPIPER (12); LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER (7); FORSTER'S TERN (16+); PIED-BILLED GREBE (20+); EARED GREBE (1); GREAT BLUE HERON (1); GREAT EGRET (10...8 of which were seen perched in a tree); SNOWY EGRET (2); GREEN-WINGED TEAL (61); N. PINTAIL (4); CINNAMON TEAL (1); N. SHOVELER (5); GADWALL (86); AMERICAN WIGEON (116); RING-NECKED DUCK (1); RUDDY DUCK (10) - also seen were one NORTHERN HARRIER, one VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW, and three WILD TURKEYS." 

    In addition I observed an adult PEREGRINE FALCON and 1 juvenile WESTERN SANDPIPER in that same area—John Mariani.

17 September, 2000

    Ann Verdi reported the following sightings from the vicinity of the Water District Ponds (Almaden Expwy/Coleman Rd) on Sunday, Sept 17:
    The SORA was seen again in the marshy vegetation along the Guadalupe Channel.  It was seen in approximately the same location as last week - near a chain-linked fence structure with a cement bench directly to the north of the fenced-off area and a red trash container on the other side of the path.
    Six COMMON YELLOWTHROATS were seen in the channel vegetation and in the vegetation bordering the pond - most were immature.  Also two GREEN HERONS were seen.

10 September, 2000

    Today, at the eastern end of Calero Reservoir, Ann Verdi saw 4 LEAST SANDPIPERS, at least 22 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, a GREATER YELLOWLEGS, several FORSTER'S TERNS, and 1 CASPIAN TERN. She further noted that "migrant waterfowl included AMERICAN WIGEON, GADWALL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL along with increasing number of coots, Mallards, and at least 25 PIED-BILLED GREBES.  Also several ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS and YELLOW WARBLERS were foraging in the fennel." 

9 September, 2000

    Ann Verdi reports that a SORA was seen in the reeds of the Guadalupe River Channel behind the Water District Ponds (Almaden Expwy & Coleman Rd). 

30 August, 2000

    Birds at the east end of Calero Reservoir near Bailey Road this afternoon included a concentration of at least 40 PIED-BILLED GREBES; lots of ducks,among which there were AMERICAN WIGEON, NORTHERN SHOVELER, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL; the adult PEREGRINE FALCON, still perched in the lone oak at the mouth of Bailey Cove; 6 GREATER YELLOWLEGS; 1 CASPIAN TERN;  a TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD in a small flock of  RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS; and a LARK SPARROW near the gate where you enter from Bailey Rd.—John Mariani.

28 August, 2000

    At Calero Reservoir, near the junction of McKean and Bailey Road, birds today included an adult  PEREGRINE FALCON, 8 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, 2-3 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 20 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, CASPIAN and FORSTER'S TERNS, NORTHERN SHOVELER, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL—John Mariani.

26 August, 2000

    Shorebird habitat at the east end of Calero Reservoir near Bailey Road is presently about as good as it gets—in the shallows at "Bailey Cove" I counted 16 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, 13 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and 2 COMMON SNIPE, along with the usual bunches of KILLDEER. This spot is also popular with herons and egrets, and as I walked along the water's edge I discovered why—there were frogs everywhere! This is definitely a place to keep an eye on. Ducks are also increasing at the sheltered east end of the reservoir, with MALLARDS and NORTHERN PINTAILS predominating—John Mariani.

22 August, 2000

    Tom Ryan posted the following report to SBB: "COMMON POORWILL (1+) was heard calling near Calero Reservoir on 8/22/00 by SCVWD biologist Bill Henry."

20 August, 2000

    "This afternoon while walking in the IBM research facility above Harry Rd in the Almaden Valley, Debbie and I saw several WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, a pair of LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES, and a large group of TURKEYS.  We don't see shrikes up there very often, so it was odd to see a pair very close together on a barbed wire fence.   We also saw two different groups of wild boar, which was also a first for us on this side of the valley"—Hugh McDevitt.

19 August, 2000

    "Saturday at Almaden Lake with Freddie Howell's little group, we saw 12 female COMMON MERGANSER like seals on 2 rocks. Nary a male to be seen. Also had a COMMON SNIPE on the grass. SPOTTED SANDPIPER with  CASPIAN & FORSTER TERN sitting together"—Gloria LeBlanc.

6 August, 2000

    Mike Mammoser reports to SBB the continued presence of a pair of GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES at Almaden Lake Park. In addition he noted that there were "at least 2 unfledged SNOWY EGRETS and 2 unfledged GREEN HERONS on the large island. There were 2 CASPIAN TERNS here as well. Up to 8 female-like COMMON MERGANSERS may be full-sized immatures."

23 July, 2000

    Hugh McDevitt reports to SBB that "Debbie I were out for an evening walk around 9:30 and had a BARN OWL fly overhead near the corner of Harry and McKean in the Almaden Valley.  We also heard 2-3 other owls calling (screeching) from the oak trees by the creek.  From our back window, we can often hear them screeching in the evening."

19 July, 2000

    This evening a WESTERN SCREECH-OWL was seen along a trail in the Senator Mines Area of Almaden Quicksilver County Park. A young GREAT HORNED OWL and a COMMON POORWILL were also heard calling there. At about 10 pm another Western Screech-Owl was heard calling and subsequently seen at a private residence along Henwood Road, at the base of the Santa Teresa Hills—John Mariani.

    Today WOOD DUCKS with young were seen at Almaden Reservoir—Tom Ryan.

17 July, 2000

    Tom Ryan reports that an adult female OSPREY was observed at Guadalupe Reservoir.

16 July, 2000

    Mike Mammoser reported to SBB that the pair of GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES at Almaden Lake Park are evidently feeding young in the nest (which is located on the small island of bullrushes in the middle of the lake).

    Regarding other species there, he noted the following breeding observations: "An adult GREEN HERON feeding an unfledged youngster in the reeds of the large island. A GREAT EGRET feeding another that was equal to it in size is indicative of young almost ready to leave the nesting area. A SNOWY EGRET was carrying nesting material into the reeds of the large island. Stripe-headed young PIED-BILLED GREBES following an adult and giving their incessant begging calls."

7 July, 2000

    Linda Sullivan reports that she followed Janna Pauser's directions (reprinted below) to the family of  GREAT HORNED OWLS at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park, and saw both adult and juvenile owls. While at the park she also observed ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD, RED-SHAFTED FLICKER (adult feeding juvenile), ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (adult feeding juvenile), and nesting VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS.

    Small numbers of VAUX'S SWIFTS are still being seen regularly along Coleman near its intersection with Meridian Avenue in the early morning—John Mariani.

4 July, 2000

    Janna Pauser posted the following report to South-bay-birds:  "A family of GREAT HORNED OWLS are back in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park with two owlets this year. They can usually be found with one parent on the upper trail, west of the bathrooms, between the two sets of stairs, or just past the second set of stairs near the top of the hill. Tonight we saw the female, but could not spot the owlets, usually together in the grass, not far from the parent."

3 July, 2000

    Mike Mammoser posted the following report to South-bay-birds: On Monday, 3 Jul 00, I stopped at Almaden Lake Park, where I found the pair of GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES. The male spent the entire time I was there sitting in the top of the bulrushes on the little island, occasionally singing. The female came out of the bulrushes at one point and began foraging around one end of the big island and along the edge of the lake itself near the picnic tables. I saw her carrying some items as she foraged, but by the time she returned to the little island, she was not carrying anything. If she has a nest, she is probably incubating at this time.

    There were also up to 4 juvenile GREEN HERONS on the big island being attended and fed by adults.

    At least 2 broods of nearly-grown young COMMON MERGANSERS were on the lake as well.

1 July, 2000

    Birds near the trailhead parking area in New Almaden included  COOPER'S HAWKS, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, WESTERN TANAGER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE.

    GREAT and SNOWY EGRETS were at the swampy upper end of Almaden Reservoir, where they have (until recently) been unusual. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was singing upstream at Twin Creeks. 

    Broods of young COMMON MERGANSERS were at Guadalupe Reservoir and Almaden Lake Park. Other birds at Almaden Lake Park included 1 COMMON MOORHEN, 80+ FORSTER'S TERNS, 1-2 CASPIAN TERNS, and a pair of GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES (look for them on the little island of reeds in the middle of the lake). A WILD TURKEY was seen upstream along the Alamitos Creek Trail—John Mariani.

29 June, 2000

    Bob Reiling and Nick Lethaby report the continued presence of a pair of GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES at Almaden Lake Park. They may be nesting on the little island of reeds in the middle of the lake. At least 3 broods of young COMMON MERGANSERS are being seen at the lake, as well as large numbers of FORSTER'S TERNS and a few CASPIAN TERNS. There are nestling SNOWY EGRETS on the larger island in the lake, and several other species of  wading birds are roosting there (young BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS are particularly numerous). VAUX'S SWIFTS are being seen in the early morning along Coleman near its intersection with Meridian Avenue—John Mariani.

    Keith Casey contributed the following report of sightings along Guadalupe Creek between Almaden Expressway and Camden Avenue: "On June 29th while I was at the creek I observed a few WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS with the VAUX'S SWIFTS cruising the percolation ponds above  Meridian Ave.  That day there was also a flock of BAND-TAILED PIGEONS flying from sycamore to sycamore.  I've also seen HOODED and BULLOCK'S ORIOLES on a regular basis out there."

4 June, 2000

    Janna Pauser posted the following report to South-bay-birds: A family of GREAT HORNED OWLS are back in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park with two owlets this year. They can usually be found with one parent on the upper trail, west of the bathrooms, between the two sets of stairs, or just past the second set of stairs near the top of the hill. Tonight we saw the female, but could not spot the owlets, usually together in the grass, not far from the parent.

22 June, 2000

    Today (6/22/00) we observed a male and female GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE on private property near the corner of Almaden Expressway and Coleman Ave. in San Jose.  They may show up at Almaden Lake Park or the SCVWD headquarters pond—Tom Ryan.

    Subsequent to Tom Ryan's sighting, and following his advice, the grackles were again observed this evening on a little island of reeds in the middle of Almaden Lake—John Mariani.

15 June, 2000

    Frank Vanslager posted the following report to South-bay-birds:

    In order to beat the heat last night, June 15, I decided to see if the COMMON POORWILLS were singing again at dusk in Almaden Quicksilver Park, at the end of McAbee Road.  (Where Alan Thomas led his trip from on 5/27.)  After walking in the half mile, or so, to the open area just below the ruins of the Senator Mine, right on schedule at 8:50 PM, I heard the first scattered "Poor Will" calls.  And then at 9PM, the concert started in earnest.  However, this time, unlike last year, I couldn't get any definite binocular views of them flying in the gloom.  There were at least 3 singing birds, and they moved around considerably as I stalked them in the dark for an hour or more.  I got close enough so that at times the call was definitely 3 syllables, "Poor-Will-Ik", or like Poor Will with the hiccups.  But the only bird that I saw was a GREAT HORNED OWL that silently flew directly over my head.
    There were also a few calls of a PYGMY OWL, and another loud owl screech that I didn't identify.  There were also deer, sounding like large, grizzly bears in the bushes, a Coyote's short song, and what I think was an angry squirrel moaning at me from the dark leaves of an Oak tree over-arching the trail. Altogether, a wild and melodious outing, considering that I was in the city.

12 June, 2000

    This evening, at Almaden Reservoir, there was a single WESTERN GREBE (unusual for both the locality and time of year). WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES were calling upstream from the reservoir. At about 7 p.m. I walked the trail from Mt. Umunhum Road to Bald Mountain. A male BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER was near the start of the path, and there was a lot of singing going on—CALIFORNIA THRASHERS, WRENTITS, PURPLE FINCHES, and SPOTTED TOWHEES were all sounding off. A bunch of recently fledged DARK-EYED JUNCOS were on the path, but I couldn't turn any into Sage Sparrows. Other birds there included ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS. Flowers were blooming everywhere, especially orange monkey flower, and ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS were unusually numerous.
    I made a very fortunate stop at the New Almaden entrance to Almaden Quicksilver County Park, where a hiker told me he had just seen a "little owl." I followed his directions a short distance up the trail, and turned onto the second narrow unofficial trail on the left, which leads into a wooded gully. Sure enough, within 50 feet I found a newly fledged NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL sitting in the middle of the path! It allowed me to get within a few feet of it, snapping its bill, fluttering its wings, and twittering when I got too close. It didn't appear to be hurt, and I figure it must have just fledged—John Mariani.

7 June, 2000

    Report from Alan Walther:

    This morning (6/7/00) around 7:15 I stopped by Almaden Lake at Coleman and Almaden Expressway in San Jose to check the heron/egret colony. The SNOWY EGRETS and GREAT EGRETS were all very busy feeding young, as well as the BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS. There is also at least one pair of GREEN HERONS feeding young on the island there. There were 2 family groups of CANADA GEESE, one group with young still in yellow plumage, and one group with young in almost complete "adult" plumage, but about half-size.
    There was also an adult female COMMON MERGANSER with 6 tiny young in tow. The young mergansers were swimming behind mom, copying her with there heads under water, seemingly being trained to forage. A recently fledged group of BULLOCK'S ORIOLES were hanging around the trees near the restrooms on the east side of the lake.

25 May, 2000 

    Mike Rogers reported the following sightings from his Breeding Bird Survey route:

    "A real surprise along Bailey Road was a gobbling male WILD TURKEY within half a mile of Santa Teresa Blvd - a male RING-NECKED PHEASANT heard across the road was also interesting.  Calero Reservoir had 4 CASPIAN TERNS, 2 courting FORSTER'S TERNS and a few EGRETS besides a single AECHMOPHORUS GREBE that was too distant to positively identify (no scope with me). A GOLDEN EAGLE was perched one tower west of the nest west of the reservoir.  A total of six WHITE-TAILED KITES between Parkway Lakes and Harry Road seemed like a good number.  The New Almaden/Hick's Road area added an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 2 CASSIN'S VIREOS, 2 to 3 WESTERN TANAGERS, and a pair of BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS (near the turnoff to Mt Umunhum).  Four female COMMON MERGANSERS at Almaden Reservoir (near the dam) were supplemented by at least 3 precocial young, whereas a pair of AMERICAN COOT escorted a downy young bird at the upper end."

15 May, 2000 

    "The nesting Egrets were busy this morning at Almaden Lake in San Jose. I was monitoring (for SFBBO) the colony of mostly SNOWY EGRETS and GREAT EGRETS  in the thick reeds on the small island  there. One individual GREAT EGRET made repeated trips to the shore near me, east of the nesting island, to gather sticks (usually about 2 feet long) and carry them back to its mate on the nest. Some BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS are active flying in and out of the reeds on the island. CASPIAN TERNS and FORSTERS TERNS were present. There were also lots of CEDAR WAXWINGS apparently eating the small fruit of Pepper Trees (?)  near the restrooms here. A pair of BULLOCK'S ORIOLES have a nest in a eucalyptus tree, and an ORANGE CROWNED WARBLER was foraging in a tree near the lake edge.  Hundreds of CLIFF SWALLOWS were gathering mud for the many nests under the eaves of the condo's east of the lake"—Alan Walther.

11 May, 2000

    "A mid-afternoon check of the Stile Ranch Trail at the western edge of Santa Teresa County Park today (5/11/2000) yielded several singing RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS. A minimum of 3 individuals were seen, two of which were attending vocal young about 1/4 mile from the trailhead in sage-dominated chaparral. A single WESTERN KINGBIRD was near the trailhead, as were at least 3 YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES (the latter may be of interest due to this rather westerly location for YBMA). A surprise find was a single, very pale HORNED LARK with very worn plumage sitting in the trail about 1/2 mile from the trailhead in true grassland. One GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was heard singing faintly nearby. Butterflies included Acmon Blue and California Ringlet (1 each) and plenty of Buckeyes"—Garth Harwood.

    Barbara Harkleroad reports a WARBLING VIREO and WESTERN TANAGERS were at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park today.

29 April, 2000

    The birdathon team of Ann Verdi, John Mariani, Jim Danzenbaker, and Amy Hajduk tallied 114 species today. Started owling at about 4 a.m. A BARN OWL was heard near the post office in New Almaden, and WESTERN SCREECH-OWL, NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL, and COMMON POORWILL were along Hicks Road near Guadalupe Reservoir. Other highlights:

    Mt. Umunhum Road: 1 VAUX'S SWIFT, HERMIT and SWAINSON'S THRUSHES (both heard only), 1 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, WESTERN TANAGER, LAZULI BUNTINGS, and PURPLE FINCHES.

    Almaden Reservoir & Twin Creeks: WOOD DUCKS, 1 COMMON MERGANSER, 1 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, CASSIN'S VIREO, 1 AMERICAN DIPPER,  and YELLOW and WILSON'S WARBLERS. 

    Calero Reservoir: 1 CLARK'S GREBE, 2 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, and TREE SWALLOW. An OSPREY and a small flock of TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS were along McKean Road.

    Almaden Lake Park: A PIED-BILLED GREBE with young, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS collecting nesting material in the eucalyptus trees, and 1 COMMON MOORHEN. 

    Alamitos Creek Trail: 1GREEN HERON, several COMMON MERGANSERS, 1 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 2 WESTERN KINGBIRDS, 1 YELLOW WARBLER, and 3 HOODED ORIOLES.

    SCVWD Pond: 1 RUDDY DUCK, 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and a pair of COMMON YELLOWTHROATS (the female was seen carrying nesting material).

    Stile Ranch Trail: 11 WILD TURKEYS, WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS, 1 TREE SWALLOW, 1 ROCK WREN, HORNED LARKS, and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW (carrying food).

    A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was in riparian habitat near Chesbro Reservoir—John Mariani.

26 April, 2000

    Barbara Harkleroad reports that today she and Janna Pauser saw a WESTERN TANAGER while looking for that weird brown Nuttall's Woodpecker at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park.

23 April, 2000

    Birds seen at Twin Creeks today included OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, and YELLOW WARBLER. There was still a GREAT EGRET at Almaden Reservoir. Along Hicks Road in Jacques Gulch a WESTERN TANAGER was heard. Other birds there included WHITE-THROATED SWIFT, HAIRY and DOWNY WOODPECKERS, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK—John Mariani.

    The following report is from Ann Verdi:

    Calero Reservoir:  several VAUX'S SWIFTS were seen with mixed swallow flocks over the reservoir - at least 15 W. GREBES  and 4-5 breeding-plumaged EARED GREBES were seen -  a pair of COMMON MERGANSERS were present, but most all of the wintering waterfowl appears to have departed - several FORSTER'S TERNS and one CASPIAN TERN seen - TREE SWALLOWS were flying about the dead sycamores upstream of the reservoir.

    Almaden Reservoir:  two male WOOD DUCKS seen in the Larabee Gulch extension. Birds seen and heard along Alamitos Rd (Twin Creeks) included HOUSE WREN, YELLOW WARBLER, WARBLING VIREO, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE.

    Hicks Road (near confluence of Guadalupe & Rincon Creeks):  WILSON'S WARBLER, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and a heard-only calling N. PYGMY-OWL - a female Black-headed Grosbeak was seen gathering nesting material by the pullout about 500 yards west of the stream confluence.

    Water District Ponds (Almaden Expwy & Coleman Rd):  just a nesting record to report here - a female BULLOCK'S ORIOLE was seen constructing a nest in a low overhang on the north side of the pond - also CANADA GEESE with young were seen.

22 April, 2000

    A MERLIN was seen in flight near the headquarters at Calero County Park. WESTERN GREBES, CASPIAN and FORSTER'S TERNS, and CLIFF, BARN, VIOLET-GREEN, and TREE SWALLOWS were at the reservoir. A pair of adult GOLDEN EAGLES were near last year's nest site along McKean Road—John Mariani.

21 April, 2000

    The "brown mystery woodpecker" was refound today at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park in south San Jose. It is a NUTTALL'S WOODPECKER, but has leusistic (partially faded) plumage. The areas that are normally black on the crown, back, wings, and sides of the breast are a tan color on this bird. 

    It was in the same area as Barbara Harkleroad's original sighting. From the parking area off Thorntree Drive (which is off McAbee) follow the path into the woods (not toward the restroom). The weird woodpecker was past the sign for "San Jose's Oaks, " near a trash container on the right. 

    Note that there are LOTS of Nuttall's and ACORN WOODPECKERS in the park. Acorn Woodpeckers were busy destroying the roof of the restroom, and have been storing acorns between the shingles. Other birds at the park included RED-TAILED and RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, AMERICAN KESTREL, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, lots of VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, and all the usual oak woodland species.

    Upstream from Almaden Lake, where the stream rejoins the trail just past the dry gravel bed, I saw a WESTERN SCRUB-JAY fly to a palm across the creek, and immediately come under attack by a pair of HOODED ORIOLES. A WESTERN KINGBIRD helped them drive off the jay. Looks like the orioles are probably nesting among the palm fronds. A WESTERN BLUEBIRD was also seen a short distance upstream from the lake—John Mariani.

16 April, 2000

    A strange reddish-brown woodpecker, previously reported by Barbara Harkleroad, was again seen today at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park, this time by Jana Pauser. Aside from color the bird is described as looking very much like a Nuttall's Woodpecker. 

    Barbara Harkleroad provides the following directions to birders who would like to check out this unusual bird:  "From the parking area [on Thorntree Dr.], walk straight ahead into the wooded area, NOT toward the restroom and the hills.  I'm not a good judge of distance, but would guess between 25 and 50 yards along the trail which  parallels the fence, Nutall's are usually heard and seen."

15 April, 2000

    Highlights from a class field trip that started in New Almaden and ended in the Santa Teresa Hills:

    Trailhead parking area in New Almaden - HAIRY WOODPECKER, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, HOUSE WREN, ORANGE-CROWNED, YELLOW, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE.
    Almaden Reservoir - 1 GREAT EGRET and 1 male COMMON MERGANSER.
    Road from Almaden Reservoir to Twin Creeks -  7 WILD TURKEYS, PACIFIC-SLOPE and ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS, YELLOW, ORANGE-CROWNED, and WILSON'S WARBLERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE. The Ash-throated Flycatchers must have just arrived--I didn't see or hear them the previous day. Orange-crowned Warblers were carrying nesting material. Upstream from Twin Creeks we saw an AMERICAN DIPPER near the second bridge.
    Santa Teresa Hills - There were 2 WESTERN KINGBIRDS at the beginning of the Stile Ranch Trail. Up the trail we had great close looks at a pair of GOLDEN EAGLES, and when we reached the hilltop grassland we saw NORTHERN HARRIER, HORNED LARK (singing high overhead), and a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW. It sounded as if there might be 2 Grasshopper Sparrows singing on either side of the path, but we only saw one. Other birds found along the loop formed by the Stile Ranch Trail and Fortini Trail: SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, WHITE-THROATED SWIFT, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, WESTERN BLUEBIRD, and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW. We
watched a RED-TAILED HAWK and  a YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE visit  their nests in the crowns of redwoods along the Fortini Trail. The hawk was carrying in material for the nest—John Mariani.

    In addition, Jim Danzenbaker reported that an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was still at Twin Creeks, and Hugh McDevitt noted the presence of a pair of COMMON MERGANSERS on Alamitos Creek.

14 April, 2000

    At Twin Creeks a silent OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was perched in one of its typical spots, at the tip-top of a bare eucalyptus. This species can be expected to arrive at about this time each year. Other birds there included PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, CASSIN'S VIREO, ORANGE-CROWNED and YELLOW WARBLERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, PURPLE FINCH, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES.
    Birds around the parking area at the New Almaden entrance to Almaden Quicksilver County Park: PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, WESTERN BLUEBIRD, and singing YELLOW-RUMPED and YELLOW WARBLERS. Along McKean Road there were a pair of GOLDEN EAGLES circling near last year's nest site. There is still a pile of sticks atop the tower platform, but whether they are again nesting there I don't know—John Mariani.

11 April, 2000

    This afternoon the first YELLOW WARBLER of the season was heard singing between Almaden Reservoir and Twin Creeks (a usual locality for this species). Other birds found in that area included SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, WILD TURKEY, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, VIOLET-GREEN and NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS, HOUSE WREN, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, 1 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (singing), BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLES.

    A pair of CASSIN'S VIREOS were along Hicks Road where it crosses Guadalupe Creek, just upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir. HUTTON'S VIREO, HOUSE WREN, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK were along the creek nearby.

    WESTERN KINGBIRDS have returned to their usual spot along the Alamitos Creek Trail upstream from Almaden Lake (just past the end of the long dry gravel bed). I thought I heard a Cassin's Kingbird there, but my search only produced 3 Westerns. Other birds along the path included lots of VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, HOUSE WREN, CALIFORNIA THRASHER, CEDAR WAXWINGS, and more BULLOCK'S ORIOLES. I was surprised to see a very scrawny looking COYOTE come to the creek to drink. At Almaden Lake there were a few lingering HERRING GULLS among the CALIFORNIA and RING-BILLED GULLS at the stream inflow, also 1 FORSTER'S and 2 CASPIAN TERNS. A pair of CANADA GEESE along the lakeshore had a brood of 6 goslings in tow—John Mariani.

9 April, 2000

    Ann Verdi reports the following birds from Woods Road in the Sierra Azul OSP: PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, a singing BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, lots of ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, and a pair of GOLDEN EAGLES overhead. Along the Stiles Ranch Trail in Santa Teresa County Park she found a ROCK WREN and singing RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS.

8 April, 2000

    Ann Verdi reports that a RED-THROATED LOON was at Calero Reservoir today. Also there: a WESTERN GREBE, a CLARK'S GREBE, several LESSER SCAUP, TREE SWALLOWS (around the dead cottonwood upstream from the reservoir), and CLIFF SWALLOWS.

    Ann also visited the Twin Creeks area, along Alamitos Rd, where she found WOOD DUCK, COMMON MERGANSER, HOUSE WREN, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, and displaying WILD TURKEYS. At Almaden Quicksilver County Park, in the Mockingbird Hill area, she notes that BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS have "arrived in force with chasing/courting activity," and a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was seen "bringing nesting material to a residential palm along Mockingbird Hill Lane."

7 April, 2000

    Birds found late this afternoon on a walk from the Hicks Road turnoff to Twin Creeks included WOOD DUCKS (3), COOPER'S HAWK, WILD TURKEYS, BAND-TAILED PIGEON, WARBLING VIREO, HOUSE WREN, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE. A male RED JUNGLE FOWL (a.k.a. chicken, KFC original recipe) was out-of-place near the dam at Almaden Reservoir. Along Hicks Road it was unusually quiet, with few birds singing. There were 2 more HOUSE WRENS upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir—John Mariani.

    Hugh McDevitt also reports seeing a WARBLING VIREO and unidentified accipiter today at the Mockingbird Hill entrance to Almaden Quicksilver County Park.

3 April, 2000

    Along Hicks Road, near the stream confluence just upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir, there was a CASSIN'S VIREO singing this afternoon (first local spring report this year). A pair of WILD TURKEYS were along Hicks Rd. near the Alamitos Rd. junction, and there were at least two more in the cabin area at Twin Creeks, with a male gobbling right in the middle of the road. Saw a pair of WOOD DUCKS in the "swamp" between Almaden Reservoir and Twin Creeks, and a pair of COMMON MERGANSERS in the creek at O'Day's. A HOUSE WREN singing near the trailhead parking area in New Almaden was the only one I heard today. 
    At Calero County Park, between the park office and east end of Calero Reservoir, I saw a male WOOD DUCK flying upstream, and heard a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE chattering. Another WILD TURKEY was gobbling in the hills nearby. There were at least 3 COMMON GOLDENEYES and at least 16 Aechmophorus grebes on the reservoir (roughly a 50/50 split of CLARK'S and WESTERN GREBES). VIOLET-GREEN, BARN, and CLIFF SWALLOWS were flying over the water.

     At about 10:30 pm, At my parent's house in the Santa Teresa Hills (along Henwood Rd.), I heard a COMMON POORWILL calling from a nearby hillside. This is another first for this spring. I later saw it in fluttering over the brush like a big bat. Using my flashlight I was able to follow its bright red eyeshine, which looked like a pair of fireflies (or laser pointer beams) darting back and forth over the chaparral—John Mariani.

1 April, 2000

    Saw our first BULLOCK'S ORIOLES of the season in Almaden near the bridge where Camden avenue crosses Los Alamitos creek—Hugh McDevitt.

26 March, 2000

    Today Ann Verdi led a SCVAS field trip to Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Returning migrants and spring wildflowers highlighted the hike from New Almaden to Capehorn Pass and English Town. Birds included WOOD DUCK (seen in flight near the trailhead), PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER (also near the trailhead), COOPER'S HAWK, BAND-TAILED PIGEON,  WESTERN BLUEBIRD, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, and ORANGE-CROWNED, YELLOW-RUMPED (MYRTLE), and TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS. More unusual was an escaped RED-EYED BULBUL (normally a resident of sub-Saharan Africa) found along the creek near the trailhead parking area after the hike. There is a photograph of this species at http://www.photobirder.com/Bird_Photos/red_eyed_bulbul.jpg.

    In addition, Ann Verdi and I saw VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, a RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER, and a singing HOUSE WREN along the road at Twin Creeks this afternoon—John Mariani.

    Don Ganton reports that this weekend NUTMEG MANNIKINS (another exotic species) continued their nest-building activities at Almaden Lake Park. He suggests that you look for them in the reeds down by the lake, directly behind the picnic area. This is where they have repeatedly been seen gathering nesting material.

19 March, 2000

    At about 2 pm today a first-year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen in the gull flock on the bar at the inflow to Almaden Lake. It was entirely chalk white, with just a few brown flecks on its wing coverts. Other birds seen in the park included a GREEN HERON, THAYER'S GULLS, GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, a COOPER'S HAWK, RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW, and both Myrtle and Audubon's type YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS. From the numbers that were flying over it looks like TURKEY VULTURES are on the move—John Mariani.

    Mike Mammoser reports that "on Sunday, 19 Mar 00, I took a little hike in Santa Teresa Park. An adult SHARP-SHINNED HAWK soaring over the parking area had to run a gauntlet of RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS. Many RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS were singing from the rocky hillsides, as was a single ROCK WREN. I also had 3 to 4 STELLER'S JAYS in a live oak/bay tree closed-canopy canyon. I can't speak to the historical presence of this species in the park, but this certainly looked like the typical microhabitat that these birds occupy in the Diablo Range."

16 March, 2000

    Birds found today on a hike through the Santa Teresa Hills included WHITE-TAILED KITE, NORTHERN HARRIER, WILD TURKEYS (Stile Ranch Trail), ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD (a male near the parking area at the end of the road in Santa Teresa County Park), WHITE-THROATED SWIFT, BARN SWALLOWS, STELLER'S JAY (odd location; one was heard in a wooded gully along the Stile Ranch Trail), nesting YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES (Fortini Trail), a FOX SPARROW (Stile Ranch Trail), and 5-6 singing RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS. A male TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD was in a mixed icterid flock at the Calero Reservoir boat ramp—John Mariani.

11 March, 2000

    Spring has arrived in the Almaden Valley! Today's SCVAS field trip to Almaden Lake/Alamitos Creek was highlighted by observation of nesting activity and returning migrants. NUTMEG MANNIKINS were collecting nesting material near the bridge at Almaden Lake, BUSHTITS had a nest under construction in the same area, and CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES were excavating material from an old woodpecker hole at the picnic area upstream. RED-TAILED HAWKS were actually seen copulating. Returning migrants included NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.

    Other birds seen along the Alamitos Creek Trail included GREEN HERON, COMMON MERGANSER, SHARP-SHINNED and RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, CALIFORNIA THRASHER, and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW. At Almaden Lake there were six species of gulls, including 1 MEW GULL, a deformed CALIFORNIA GULL with an unusually long beak, and numerous THAYER'S GULLS of all ages. A CLARK'S GREBE, YELLOW-SHAFTED (NORTHERN) FLICKER (reported by Frank Vanslager), and a RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER were also seen at the lake. The most interesting mammal sighting was of a pair of MUSKRATS in the creek just upstream from the lake—John Mariani.           

8 March, 2000

    Bob Reiling reports that a MERLIN, a FOX SPARROW, and NUTMEG MANNIKINS were among the birds observed today along the Alamitos Creek Trail during a SCVAS field trip.

7 March, 2000

    An early returning FORSTER'S TERN was at Calero Reservoir today—John Mariani.

6 March, 2000

    Karl Fowler today counted 43 COMMON MERGANSERS at Almaden Lake.

5 March, 2000

    An adult male OSPREY was seen flying along Alamitos Creek headed toward Almaden Lake—Ann Verdi.

4 March, 2000

    A PEREGRINE FALCON was seen feeding on a lamp pole over the intersection of Blossom Hill Rd. and Almaden Exp. at about 4:00 pm. It was last seen flying north over the Almaden Plaza Shopping Center—Karl Fowler.

21 February, 2000

    Ann Verdi reports that this past weekend she observed a MERLIN and GLAUCOUS GULL at Almaden Lake Park. Karen Hoyt reported to SBB that a wildlife rehabilitator recently received a GREATER ROADRUNNER that had been found trapped in a building near Almaden Lake Park. Interestingly she noted that a pair had been observed in the area prior.

    An adult RED-THROATED LOON at Calero Reservoir this afternoon was not the same one seen there on 2-19-00; that bird was in first winter plumage—John Mariani.

19 February, 2000

    Today, at Calero Reservoir, birds seen included 1 RED-THROATED LOON, 1 HORNED GREBE, 2 SURF SCOTERS, at least 26 COMMON GOLDENEYES, and an adult GOLDEN EAGLE (under attack by RED-TAILED HAWKS and gulls near the parking area). As usual waterfowl were concentrated near the east end of the reservoir—John Mariani. Jim Danzenbaker reports that the BALD EAGLE was observed at the west end of Calero Reservoir at about 3:45 pm. Ann Verdi noted the presence of GREATER SCAUP at the east end of the reservoir, and saw 2 TREE SWALLOWS inspecting potential nesting holes in a dead tree upstream.

    Ann Verdi found only 12 WOOD DUCKS during a check of Almaden Reservoir.

    At Almaden Lake Park the possible first-winter KUMLIEN'S (Iceland) GULL was again seen early this afternoon on the gravel bar at the stream inflow. The I.D. of this bird, as is the case with other possible Iceland Gulls in California, remains questionable. Although it's wings and tail are snowy white, it's large size (comparable to, or even larger than, a standard Herring Gull), husky build, and bill features (large with prominent gonydeal angle) raise some doubts. WESTERN and CLARK'S GREBES, 3 CANVASBACKS, 1 COMMON MERGANSER, and numerous THAYER'S GULLS were also seen at Almaden Lake today—John Mariani.

18 February, 2000

    Today Steve Rottenborn reports that an apparent KUMLIEN'S (Iceland) GULL was at Almaden Lake Park. He writes that it was "fairly large, being as large as some of the Herring Gulls present and having a moderately large bill with a prominent gonydeal angle," and that "there will be no mistaking this bird if you see it—the primaries and tail look virtually pure white except when seen well through a scope." 

15 February, 2000

    Today, at Calero Reservoir, Tom Ryan reports observing a REDHEAD, CANVASBACK, 2 BARROW'S GOLDENEYES, 3 SURF SCOTERS, PEREGRINE FALCON, GOLDEN EAGLE, and OSPREY.

13 February, 2000

    Birds seen at Calero Reservoir this morning included a HORNED GREBE, COMMON GOLDENEYES, an adult GOLDEN EAGLE, and an adult THAYER'S GULL. Several WOOD DUCKS, a SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and a WHITE-TAILED KITE were at the upper end of Almaden Reservoir—John Mariani.    

12 February, 2000

    Mike Mammoser reported that the adult BALD EAGLE was again seen at Calero Reservoir.

4 February, 2000

    A male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was at the east end of Calero Reservoir today. Other birds seen there included many COMMON GOLDENEYES, RING-NECKED DUCKS, and both LESSER and GREATER SCAUP (at least a dozen of the latter)—John Mariani.

30 January, 2000

    Ann Verdi reports that the AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS were still at Calero Reservoir, and that no Bald Eagle or Barrow's Goldeneyes were seen. There were also 48 WOOD DUCKS at Almaden Reservoir.

28 January, 2000

    Today, at Calero Reservoir, there were 18 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS. Other birds there included a HORNED GREBE, many COMMON GOLDENEYES, 1 adult GOLDEN EAGLE, and 2 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS—John Mariani.

21 January, 2000

    Today both Kathy Parker and Bob Reiling report seeing a male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE at Calero Reservoir. Bob Reiling also reports seeing 2 GOLDEN EAGLES and a COOPER'S HAWK there (but no Bald Eagle). Birds he noted at Almaden Lake Park included another GOLDEN EAGLE, a SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and an apparent immature GLAUCOUS GULL.   

20 January, 2000

    Today there was a female BARROW'S GOLDENEYE off the boat ramp at Calero Reservoir. There were also numerous COMMON GOLDENEYES, 25 COMMON MERGANSERS, several BLACK-NECKED STILTS, 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, and 30 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS there—John Mariani.

19 January, 2000

    Jim Danzenbaker reports that the BALD EAGLE was still at Calero Reservoir today. He also noted the continuing presence of LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS there, and that there has been a sizable increase in the number of gulls (mostly HERRING and CALIFORNIA, but there was also at least 1 BONAPARTE'S).

18 January, 2000

    Today a GREATER ROADRUNNER was again seen along Henwood Road, which is off Harry Road, at the base of the Santa Teresa Hills. I wonder if this might be the same bird that was wandering through the suburbs near Oakridge Shopping Center on Dec. 31st? If so, it was a lucky bird to make it back to the hills in one piece. One has been seen off and on along Henwood Road for over a year, with long gaps between sightings. It was last seen there in early December—John Mariani.

15 January, 2000

    At Calero Reservoir the adult BALD EAGLE was still present, and was seen in a tree opposite the boat ramp—Ann Verdi.

12 January, 2000

    Tom Ryan reports the following observations:

    Guadalupe Reservoir: BELTED KINGFISHER, AMERICAN WIGEON, WOOD DUCK, RING-NECKED DUCK, and COMMON MERGANSER.

    Almaden Reservoir: WOOD DUCK, BELTED KINGFISHER, COMMON SNIPE, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, WESTERN BLUEBIRD, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL.

    Calero Reservoir: RED-THROATED LOON (2), HORNED GREBE, BONAPARTE'S GULL, MEW GULL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, RING-NECKED DUCK, GREATER SCAUP, COMMON GOLDENEYE, OSPREY, BALD EAGLE (1 Adult), SPOTTED SANDPIPER, COMMON SNIPE, WESTERN BLUEBIRD.

    Today at Almaden Lake Park there were the usual gulls—mostly HERRING GULLS, but I also counted 30-40 THAYER'S of various ages resting on the gravel bar at the stream inflow. A few COMMON MERGANSERS and a single COMMON MOORHEN were also there—John Mariani.

    A GREATER ROADRUNNER was reportedly seen in the backyard of a home near Oakridge Mall in south San Jose on Dec. 31, 1999. The bird was photographed by the home owner as it perched on a gardening structure in his small yard, and the photograph does indeed prove it to be a roadrunner. What is most unusual about this sighting is the location, which is entirely suburban—to get to this site from the nearest proper roadrunner habitat (in the Santa Teresa Hills) it would have had to cross a wide expanse of busy streets and suburbs. I wonder what would cause it to venture into such hostile territory—hunger perhaps?

5 January, 2000

    This evening a BARN OWL was seen along McKean Road near Calero Reservoir at about 10pm—John Mariani.

3 January, 2000

    Mike Rogers reports that the BALD EAGLE was still present at Calero Reservoir, and that there are now 2 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS there (missed on yesterday's count). A HORNED GREBE was also seen at the reservoir today (John Mariani).

2 January, 2000

    The first annual Calero-Morgan Hill Christmas Bird Count was a grand success, tallying 139 species in spite of drought conditions. Almaden Valley highlights from the count included a gorgeous pair of BARROW'S GOLDENEYES and an adult BALD EAGLE at Calero Reservoir; a surprising 3 MERLINS in Almaden-Quicksilver County Park; a WINTER WREN upstream from Twin Creeks (a long overdue Almaden Valley first!), a SORA at the inflow to Almaden Lake; HORNED LARKS and ROCK WRENS in the Santa Teresa Hills; 19 WESTERN SCREECH-OWLS along Hicks and Woods Roads; and a NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir. Unusual for the location were 2 WOOD DUCKS at Calero Reservoir. Thanks to all those who took part and made it such a great day!

Birding in the Almaden Valley
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