Almaden Valley Bird Sightings, 2001
 For current sightings go to Almaden Valley Bird News

Archives of past sightings: 1998—1999    2000

Recent bird sightings:

31 December, 2001

    The LEWIS'S WOODPECKER found on the Christmas Count was seen again today by Bob Reiling, Barbara Harkleroad, and Hugh and Debbie McDevitt. It was seen in the vicinity of tree #377, a large oak located near a pullout on the south side of Bailey Road about 1/4 mile west of the IBM facility.

    Bill Bousman reported to SBB that the SNOW GOOSE was still at Calero Reservoir, 47 WOOD DUCKS and 2 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were at Almaden Reservoir, and the juvenile YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was seen again at the SCVWD Pond.

29 December, 2001

    Some Almaden Valley highlights from the Calero-Morgan Hill Christmas Bird Count:

    An immature YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was found by Bruce Barrett and Tad Ottman along Alamitos Creek at Royalwood Way. This is appr. 2 miles south of the SCVWD Pond where one was seen up until 2 days before the count (but was not found on count day). Considering the distance this was almost Certainly a different bird. Amazingly, it looks like Bruce's party missed one Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and found another!!! An EASTERN (RED) FOX SPARROW was at Bruce Barrett's house today.
    A LEWIS'S WOODPECKER was found by Toni Koenen, Elaine Gould, and Christine Wolfe, in oak trees along Bailey Road across from IBM, just east of the Santa Teresa Hills.

    There were 2 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS; 1 was seen behind the "Carson House" on Almaden Road by Ann Verdi and Kep Stone, and another was found by Grant Hoyt along Uvas Creek, next to McKean Road, about 2 miles south of Bailey Road.
    A GROSBEAK SP., either Rose-breasted or Black-headed, was seen in the Senator Mines area of Almaden Quicksilver Park by Greg Meisner. Ann Verdi visted this area after the count, and also heard a grosbeak singing there.

    Our party at Calero Reservoir had a SNOW GOOSE, a small form CANADA GOOSE, 2 SURF SCOTERS, a MEW GULL, a pair of GOLDEN EAGLES, and an adult BALD EAGLE (the eagle was seen flying over the hills to the southeast at about 1pm, and was almost certainly the same bird seen in the Coyote Valley minutes later). TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS were in a large blackbird flock near the park office. Later in the afternoon we stopped by Almaden Lake, where there was a female HOODED MERGANSER—John Mariani.

25 December, 2001

    Mike Mammoser reported to SBB that an adult BALD EAGLE was at the north end of Calero Reservoir, and an adult SNOW GOOSE and 2 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS at the south end.

24 December, 2001

    Ann Verdi reports that at Calero Reservoir there was an adult SNOW GOOSE and a small-sized "dusky" CANADA GOOSE (no neck ring). The Bald Eagle was not seen there today. At Almaden Lake she found 4 THAYER'S GULLS, 1 GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, and 1 MEW GULL.  About 12 COMMON MERGANSERS were present, with a female HOODED MERGANSER among them.

23 December, 2001

    Ann Verdi reports that today the immature YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was again seen at the SCVWD Pond, where it was "working among the pepper trees on the northeast side of the pond and the northeast island."

22 December, 2001

    Ann Verdi saw an adult BALD EAGLE at Calero Reservoir today. It was across from the boat ramp, and was feeding on prey.

12 December, 2001

    The COMMON LOON first reported by Mike Mammoser and Ann Verdi was still at Calero Reservoir this morning, and the Aleutian-type CANADA GOOSE (runty, wide white collar at base of neck) was also still there, with a small flock of larger Canadas on the mud beside the boat launch. Other waterfowl there included 24 COMMON MERGANSERS and 25+ COMMON GOLDENEYES. At least 5 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS were in the mixed blackbird/cowbird flocks hanging out at the boat launch—John Mariani.

11 December, 2001

    Linda Sullivan and Bob Reiling both report the continued presence of the immature YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at the SCVWD Pond.

9 December, 2001

    Vivek Tiwari reported to SBB that the immature YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was seen today at the Santa Clara Valley Water Discrict pond on Almaden Expwy., just north of Coleman Av. It was in a pepper tree at the north-eastern corner of the pond. Also reported were 5 COMMON MERGANSERS and a MERLIN at Almaden Lake Park, and an OSPREY, NORTHERN HARRIER, and GOLDEN EAGLE at Calero Reservoir.

    Ann Verdi and Mike Mammoser both report finding a COMMON LOON at Calero Reservoir today. Ann also observed a small Aleutian-type CANADA GOOSE with white neck ring at the east end of the reservoir, and a MERLIN perched across the reservoir, opposite the boat launch.  

4 December, 2001

    Mike Rogers reported a flyover OSPREY, along with the continued presence of the immature YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER and YELLOW WARBLER at the northeast corner of the SCVWD Pond. Bob Reiling, searching in the same area, found both a male YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER and a hybrid flicker that he describes as having "red nape crescent and a red malar stripe (also reddish undertail and lower wing)."

3 December, 2001

    Today, at the SCVWD Ponds, I refound the juvenile YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER first found there on Sunday by Ann Verdi. It was seen in sycamores along the north shore of the large pond behind the district offices, and on a vegetated island in the pond. A very late (or possibly wintering?) YELLOW WARBLER was observed in the same area. Other birds there included BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS, a COMMON MOORHEN (in the adjacent river channel), NORTHERN SHOVELERS, RING-NECKED DUCKS, and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER. A flock of 14 COMMON MERGANSERS and a trio of WESTERN BLUEBIRDS were seen at nearby Almaden Lake Park. 

    From the boat launch at Calero Reservoir I saw a HORNED GREBE, a flock of 23 COMMON MERGANSERS, numerous COMMON GOLDENEYES, a SURF SCOTER, an OSPREY, a SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and a large icterid flock that contained lots of BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS and a scattering of TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS—John Mariani. 

2 December, 2001

    Ann Verdi found an apparent juvenile YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at the SCVWD Ponds (Coleman & Almaden Expwy) this morning. She reports that it was among the pepper trees along the north shore of the large pond. Ann also reported to SBB that a SNOW GOOSE and a small-sized "dusky" Canada Goose (with no neck ring) were seen at Calero Reservoir with 20 other Canada Geese.

28 November, 2001

    A pair of COMMON RAVENS were seen flying over Camden Avenue near Leland High School. Although common in other parts of the county, sightings of this species are unusual in the Almaden Valley.

17 November, 2001

    Mike Mammoser posted the following report to SBB:

    On Saturday, 17 Nov 01, a check of Calero Reservoir produced an adult SNOW GOOSE in with the CANADAS. This was a typical bird and showed no controversial characters, so I assume that it's not the same bird seen previously by John Mariani and Ann Verdi. A flock of hundreds of AMERICAN PIPITS was foraging on the edge of the reservoir, but contained nothing unusual. A SPOTTED SANDPIPER was working the shoreline here as well.

    The large blackbird flock near the stables contained RED-WINGED, TRICOLORED, and BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS, along with a scattering of BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD. No Rusty Blackbird or such in with them.

14 November, 2001

    Janna Pauser reports that today in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park there was a RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER at a large oak on the trail between the two sets of stairs. Other recent sightings there included RED-SHOULDERED and RED-TAILED HAWKS, AMERICAN KESTREL, and WESTERN BLUEBIRDS.

10 November, 2001

    Ann Verdi reports the following bird sightings: 1 COMMON SNIPE and a flock of 8 NUTMEG MANNIKINS at the SCVWD Pond; 6 EARED GREBES, 32 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, 1 male EURASIAN WIGEON, a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS,  24 COMMON MERGANSERS, 23 WILD TURKEYS, and a SAY'S PHOEBE at Calero County Park; and an immature BALD EAGLE along Uvas Road near the turnoff to Chesbro Reservoir.

6 November, 2001

    A male HOODED MERGANSER was at the SCVWD Pond this afternoon. RING-NECKED DUCKS were also present—John Mariani.

5 November, 2001

    Birds at Calero Reservoir today included 1 EARED GREBE, 7 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, hundreds of CANADA GEESE (1 appeared to be of the diminutive race minima), NORTHERN PINTAILS, NORTHERN SHOVELERS, CINNAMON TEAL, BUFFLEHEAD, 30+ BLACK-NECKED STILTS, 4 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and AMERICAN PIPITS—John Mariani.

3 November, 2001

    The following report was posted to SBB by Mike Mammoser:

    Today, 3 Nov 01, I visited Calero Reservoir and checked the activity at the south end. The large flock of CANADA GEESE still contained a small-form individual. It's most likely the same one that Ann Verdi saw last week. It certainly displays the characteristics of the Aleutian race (leucoparia), with a flat crown, steep forehead, black chin separating the white cheeks, white neck ring that widens at the front, and darker breast that lacks the purplish tones of a Cackler. It surely looked different than the bird I saw a couple weeks ago; I almost certainly would have noticed the white neck ring on that bird, had it been present, as well as the flat crown. I saw no sign of the Greater White-fronted Geese that had been there previously, though the male EURASIAN WIGEON was still present. After a while, an immature PEREGRINE FALCON showed up and made some half-hearted stoops at the assemblage, before moving off towards the north end of the reservoir. A flock of 29 COMMON MERGANSERS was present, with many other species of ducks as well.

31 October, 2001

    Linda Sullivan reports that an OSPREY was eating a fish along the Alamitos Creek Trail just upstream from Almaden Lake, and 9  NUTMEG MANNIKINS were by the Mazzone Lane Bridge. At Almaden Lake there 8 COMMON MERGANSERS, 8 SNOWY EGRETS, and 5 COMMON SNIPE.

29 October, 2001

    Barbara Harkleroad reports that today a 1st winter WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was in her yard.

28 October, 2001

    Ann Verdi reported to SBB that the following birds were found at Calero Reservoir today:  3 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 1 small form CANADA GOOSE, a continuing male EURASIAN WIGEON, 4 BUFFLEHEAD, 10 COMMON MERGANSERS, 1 HERRING GULL, 3-4 FORSTER'S TERNS, and an OSPREY. Also there were 22 WILD TURKEYS in the dry creek bed near the east end of the reservoir. At Almaden Reservoir there were 13 WOOD DUCKS and 13 COMMON SNIPE.

24 October, 2001

    Kathy Parker reported to SBB that at about 9:45 this morning there were 2 AMERICAN DIPPERS in Herbert Creek opposite the stop sign in Twin Creeks; 6 COMMON SNIPE, 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and 8 WOOD DUCKS were at Almaden Reservoir; and 16 WILD TURKEYS were grazing on some irrigated grass in New Almaden.

21 October, 2001

    Ann Verdi and Mike Mammoser both reported the continued presence of 3 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE with a large flock of CANADA GEESE at Calero Reservoir. In addition, Mike Mammoser also found a GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL there, and Ann Verdi counted at least 16 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS with blackbird flocks at the boat ramp and in the horse corral.  

    Birds seen by Ann Verdi in the vicinity of Almaden Reservoir included 8 WOOD DUCKS, 33 WILD TURKEYS (20 in a pasture in New Almaden and 13 at the reservoir itself), 2 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS and 1 COMMON SNIPE. 

14 October, 2001

    Birds seen during a "Big Sit" at the eastern end of Calero Reservoir included a PRAIRIE FALCON, the continuing male EURASIAN WIGEON, 3 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 1 CANVASBACK, a flock of 17 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS,  3 GOLDEN EAGLES, 3 WHITE-TAILED KITES, 6+ GREATER YELLOWLEGS, about 30 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER, 1 COMMON SNIPE, several FORSTER'S TERNS, a pair of COMMON RAVENS (for a first park record?), 1 BARN SWALLOW, and a few AMERICAN PIPITS.   At evening about 60 YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES were seen coming to a communal roost in a hillside oak (they appeared to be flying in from the Coyote Valley - I've seen them come to roost here before, and this is probably a regular daily event). In a field near the park office there were 17 WILD TURKEYS—John Mariani.

    Don Ganton reports the continued presence of NUTMEG MANNIKINS along the Los Alamitos Creek Trail upstream from Almaden Lake, including an adult perched near a nest at Almaden Lake Park, and a flock of 16 (composed of 12 juveniles and 4 adults) just upstream from the bridge on Mazzone Drive. A COMMON MOORHEN, COMMON MERGANSERS, WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, and a LINCOLN'S SPARROW were also along the trail.

8 October, 2001

    Larry Spivak reports the continued presence of up to 4 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS at Calero Reservoir today, plus flocks of WILD TURKEY and CALIFORNIA QUAIL by the stables.

6 October, 2001

    Ann Verdi reports that the male EURASIAN WIGEON was still present at Calero Reservoir. Other birds there included 16 EARED GREBES, 30+ PIED-BILLED GREBES, 148 AMERICAN WIGEON, 28 GADWALL, 2 CINNAMON TEAL, 12 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 6 NORTHERN SHOVELER, 6 NORTHERN PINTAIL, 12 RUDDY DUCK, 2 AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, 3 FORSTER'S TERNS, 1 CASPIAN TERN, and hundreds of VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. Ann also reports that there were 9 WOOD DUCKS at Almaden Reservoir today. 

30 September, 2001

    Winter birds are returning; Ann Verdi found the season's first RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER along Alamitos Rd by the O'Day property, and also observed RING-NECKED DUCK (3) and EARED GREBE (1) at  Calero Reservoir. At the east end of Calero Reservoir I again saw the male EURASIAN WIGEON, and a COMMON YELLOWTHROAT was in brush along the levee there—John Mariani.

22 September, 2001

    Right now the habitat is excellent at the east end of Calero Reservoir, with islands, shallows, and mudflats attracting a lot of birds, the best of which was a molting male EURASIAN WIGEON (russet head and russet mottling on flanks, no central crown stripe). Other ducks there included AMERICAN WIGEON, 1 WOOD DUCK, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, GADWALL, NORTHERN PINTAIL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, 2 LESSER SCAUP, and RUDDY DUCKS. Flocks of CANADA GEESE and AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS (12) were also present.
    Shorebirds there included 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, KILLDEER, 1 COMMON SNIPE, 72+ BLACK-NECKED STILTS,  4 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 25+ LEAST SANDPIPERS, 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER, 6 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, and several GREATER YELOWLEGS. There were 2-3 YELLOW WARBLERS along the levee where it overlooks the reservoir—John Mariani.

    On Saturday (9/22), I birded Almaden Lake Park with Will Valdez and Nils Hultman. The most unusual sighting of the day was a BROWN PELICAN flying around the lake and sitting on the small, reed-covered island. We also saw 4 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, two COMMON MOORHENS, a female COMMON MERGANSER, 4 YELLOW WARBLERS and a SORA. While looking at the Sora, I noticed a small bird gathering grass upstream from the bridge. It turned out to be a NUTMEG MANNIKIN. We watched it make a few trips and were able to discern which tree it was flying to. Will quickly found where the nest was located and we watched as a second bird did the constructing while the first bird went for more building material. To find the nest, park on the Winfield Blvd. side. At the Southeast end of the lot there is an ornamental green post in the sidewalk. The nest is in the first pepper tree on the right, past the green post—Don Ganton.

8 September, 2001

    Birds at the east end of Calero Reservoir included 1 AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, NORTHERN SHOVELERS, NORTHERN PINTAILS, 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER, 50+ BLACK-NECKED STILTS, and a LARK SPARROW. Along the Alamitos Creek Trail I found a a few migrants, including 1 Selasphorus-type hummingbird, 1 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, 1 HOUSE WREN, and YELLOW WARBLER—John Mariani.

5 September, 2001

    Birds seen at Calero Reservoir today included 1 AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN and 3 GOLDEN EAGLES. A WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, 2 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, a CALIFORNIA THRASHER, a WRENTIT, and 5+ YELLOW WARBLERS were along the road and levee leading to the east end of the reservoir—John Mariani.

4 September, 2001

    Birds found along Alamitos Creek upstream from the Almaden Lake included 1 COMMON MERGANSER, 2 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, 1 YELLOW WARBLER, 1 COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, 1 WESTERN TANAGER, and 1 HOODED ORIOLE. There was a COMMON MERGANSER and an immature COMMON MOORHEN at the lake.

    Did a brief check of the riparian along Alamitos Creek opposite Carrabelle Park (on Camden Ave.). Near the large fennel patch across the creek I had 1 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, 4+ YELLOW WARBLERS, and 1 WILSON'S WARBLER—John Mariani.

3 September, 2001

    Walked from the park office to the east end of Calero Reservoir. There was a flock of about 5 WILD TURKEYS along the creek, and ORANGE-CROWNED (1) and YELLOW WARBLERS (5+) were in fennel along the levee. Birds at the east end of the reservoir included 3 WOOD DUCKS at "Bailey Cove," 60+ BLACK-NECKED STILTS, 1 COMMON SNIPE, about 8 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, LEAST SANDPIPERS, AMERICAN WIGEON, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 2 CASPIAN TERNS, and about 8 FORSTER'S TERNS.

    There is some nice riparian with large fennel patches along Alamitos Creek immediately downstream from the Camden Avenue bridge. Stopping there in the evening I found 2 YELLOW WARBLERS, 1 WILSON'S WARBLER, and a WESTERN TANAGER—John Mariani.

2 September, 2001

    Lisa Myers reported to SBB that at 8:00pm she and Kay Partelow saw a COMMON POORWILL in the Senator Mines Area of Almaden Quicksilver Park. They then heard others calling from the hillsides. Also in the area were 2 WESTERN SCREECH-OWLS (in oaks at the park entrance) and a WESTERN TANAGER (heard only).

31 August, 2001

    Visited Calero Reservoir this afternoon. The shorebird habitat at the east end is about as good as it gets. Birds there included 50 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, about 8 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER,  about 35 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 4 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, plenty of KILLDEER, a large flock of CANADA GEESE, lots of MALLARDS, GADWALL, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 4 COMMON MERGANSER, 2 CASPIAN TERNS, 3 FORSTER'S TERNS, and BELTED KINGFISHER—John Mariani.

    Ann Verdi reports that this evening she saw 32 WOOD DUCKS at the marshy upper end of Almaden Reservoir, along the far banks and among the willows. This appears to be a large concentration for so early in the post-breeding season. For anyone who wants to look for them, Ann writes that "the ducks are most visible in the early evening before sundown and gather not only in the quiet backwaters and mudflats, but also in the roots and branches of water-logged willows.  Some of the adult males have achieved full breeding plumage and are quite stunning in their fresh crisp feathering.  This is also a good opportunity to observe and study the plumages on the juvenile male and female Wood Ducks."

    Other birds at Almaden Reservoir included 5 GREEN HERONS (one was a juvenile), 3 SNOWY EGRETS, 2 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS, 1 GREAT EGRET, 1 GREAT BLUE HERON, and 2 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS (both in basic plumage).

28 August, 2001

    Birds at Almaden Lake Park included a GREEN HERON, a flock of 11 COMMON MERGANSERS, an immature COMMON MOORHEN, and 1 BULLOCK'S ORIOLE. An adult NUTMEG MANNIKIN was seen along the Alamitos Creek Trail near the Mazzone Drive Bridge. Warblers seen feeding in fennel patches farther upstream included 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, 5-6 YELLOW WARBLERS, and 2 WILSON'S WARBLERS. A WESTERN TANAGER was near where Graystone Lane crosses the creek—John Mariani.

26 August, 2001

    The duck population at Calero Reservoir is beginning to diversify and this weekend (Aug 25-26) the following ducks were seen among all the many Mallards at the upper end:  (60+) GADWALL; (2) N. SHOVELER; (2) CINNAMON TEAL; (6) GREEN-WINGED TEAL; (2) AMER WIGEON.  Two  were seen at the lower end near the dam.  All ducks were still in basic plumage. Shorebirds: two LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS; one SPOTTED SANDPIPER (still in spotted breeding plumage) and others...Landbirds of interest: WILD TURKEYS with young feeding among the haystacks by the horse corral; two ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS in the fennel along the levee trail; and 5-6 SAVANNAH SPARROWS in the weedy fields at "Bailey's Cove"—Ann Verdi.

23 August, 2001

    "Yesterday evening I visited Almaden Reservoir with my son and found 26 WOOD DUCKS near the upper end.  All the males were still in eclipse plumage. Also seen were two CASPIAN TERNS"—Ann Verdi.

17 August, 2001

    This afternoon there was a juvenile BAIRD'S SANDPIPER feeding with KILLDEER at the east end of Calero Reservoir (along the edge of Bailey Cove). Other birds seen at the east end af Calero today included 1 COMMON SNIPE, about 8 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 30+ BLACK-NECKED STILTS, 20+ LEAST SANDPIPERS, FORSTER'S and CASPIAN TERNS, lots of PIED-BILLED GREBES, lots of returning MALLARDS and AMERICAN COOTS, and a flock of about 20 GADWALL—John Mariani.

11 August, 2001

    Ann Verdi reports that 9 WOOD DUCKS were seen at the marshy upper end of Almaden Reservoir. Also, at Calero Reservoir,  an eclipse/female-type GADWALL seen among many Mallards. Other birds there included about 12 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, 16 FORSTER'S TERNS (including begging juveniles), 6 CASPIAN TERNS, and 20 WILD TURKEYS (crossing the road near the horse corral).

29 July, 2001

    Ann Verdi reports that a CLARK'S GREBE, 12 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, 16 FORSTER'S TERNS (including juveniles), and 2 CASPIAN TERNS were at the upper end of Calero Reservoir. 

22 July, 2001

   Ann Verdi saw 2 WOOD DUCKS among the willows at the upper end of Almaden Reservoir—an adult eclipse-plumaged male and a juvenile. A female was seen the week before in the secluded woodland pond 3/10 mile from the dam (the White-throated Sparrow spot).

21 July, 2001

   Ann Verdi reports that a juvenile GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was seen in the north side of Santa Teresa County Park.  The bird was perched on a fence post along Bernal Road just west of the last pullout before entering the IBM property (about a mile and a half from the entrance at Bernal & Heaton Moor Dr).

9 July, 2001

    Tonight I led an evening owl walk into the Senator Mines Area of Almaden Quicksilver County Park. We waited there until it got dark, and at about 9:15 pm a COMMON POORWILL was heard and seen flying over a hillside near the mine ruins.  After that we saw a WESTERN SCREECH-OWL in oak woodland above the Senator Mines Area, and later saw another on our way back to the trailhead. In addition to the birds, other creatures seen included bats, 3 Coyotes, Black-tailed Deer, a Western Toad, and a Pink Glowworm—John Mariani.  

8 July, 2001

    Karl Fowler reported to SBB that there were newly hatched COMMON MOORHENS at Almaden Lake this morning. Among the other birds he found at the lake and upstream from the lake along Alamitos Creek were GREEN HERONS, CASPIAN and FORSTER'S TERNS, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS (adults feeding fledglings), BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, and HOODED ORIOLES.

7 July, 2001

    Peter LaTourrette reported (via SBB) the discovery of another NUTMEG MANNIKIN nest along the Alamitos Creek Trail. "The second nest is about halfway (~100 yds.) between the gate at the north (Almaden Lake Park) end of the trail and a set of exercise bars. It is in the smaller of two adjacent double-trunked sycamores on the west side of the trail, at the left rear (as you face west) underside of the canopy."

5 July, 2001

    Jerry Towner reports (via SBB) that NUTMEG MANNIKINS are nesting in a small oak along the Alamitos Creek Trail, about 100 yards south of the Mazzone Street bridge. This oak is by a blue plastic PVC pipe sticking out of the ground on the left side of the trail, and there is a large white sign on a pole on the right.

30 June, 2001

    Today, at Almaden Lake Park, Ann Verdi and I observed recently fledged SNOWY EGRETS and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS, 10 COMMON MERGANSERS, 1 COMMON MOORHEN, numerous FORSTER'S TERNS, and VIOLET-GREEN and NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS. Birds along the nearby Guadalupe River included GREEN  HERONS, PIED-BILLED GREBES (with young), COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, and an AMERICAN GOLDFINCH (unusual here in summer)—John Mariani.

10 June, 2001

    Eric Feuss reported that LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES were at the parking area on Mt. Umunhum Road where the trail to Bald Mountain starts (locked gate/end of the road).

    Excerpts from a report posted to SBB: 

    On Sunday, June 10, a morning SCVAS field trip took place at Almaden/Quicksilver County Park.  We covered the "short loop" from the McAbee Rd entrance up Mine Hill Trail to Guadalupe Trail then over to the Senator Mines Trail and back down again - a distance of about a mile and a half.  Within this short loop, however, we saw and heard 46 species - pretty good for an early summer morning covering mainly oak woodland habitat only. 

    We started the morning with an adult male COOPER'S HAWK flying out of the dense foliage near the trailhead with prey in his talons.  Continuing up the hill we saw several WILD TURKEYS in the grassy meadows.  Swallows swooped overhead - mostly Violet-Green, also a few Cliff and Barn with several VAUX'S SWIFTS in the mix.  A few BAND-TAILED PIGEONS flew by overhead, but then we also had good views of one up close and personal as it fed on elderberries near the trail.  WESTERN BLUEBIRDS were seen including several in the rocky oak hillsides along the Senator Mines Trail.  Also along Senator Mines trail, a RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW was seen in the underbrush at a seep area and a N. PYGMY OWL was heard by several participants.  Summer migrants seen and heard included PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.  The highlight of the morning was the discovery of a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER nest in a valley oak at the junction of Senador Mines/New Almaden Trails—Ann Verdi.

3 June, 2001

    Mike Rogers reported the following birds from his breeding bird suvery route through the Almaden Valley: A CLARK'S GREBE on Calero Reservoir (also reported by Ann Verdi), RING-NECKED PHEASANT in New Almaden, a WILD TURKEY (heard) at Calero Reservoir, and a GOLDEN EAGLE nest with two large young near Calero Reservoir.

    Ann Verdi reports that 3 ROCKS WRENS were "near the old stone wall at the top of the first hill (after coming through the switchbacks). One appeared to carrying something (food?) to a location by the stone wall (but I couldn't tell exactly where). It would fly quickly out of my sight to the other side of the wall from where I was standing. Occasionally one would perch on the small oak tree on the hilltop summit."

1 June, 2001

    Bob Reiling reports to SBB that he and Frank Vanslager saw a LEWIS'S WOODPECKER this morning at Loma Prieta. This is is a bit outside our area, but birders visiting Mt. Umunhum and other places in the Sierra Azul may want to watch for this species. 

25 May, 2001

    Frank Vanslager reported to SBB that COMMON POORWILL were again found in the Senator Mines Area of Almaden Quicksilver County Park (access is from the McAbee Road entrance to the park). They were heard calling near the mine ruins from 8:35 pm until after 9 pm.

19 May, 2001

    Barbara Harkleroad reports the presence of a WESTERN TANGER at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park, where it was seen "flitting through the tree tops on the trail near the parking lot off Thorntree Drive."

17 May, 2001

    From a report posted the to SBB, regarding the active GOLDEN EAGLE nest that can be seen from McKean Road: 

    There seemed to be 3 young chicks of staggered ages on the nest platform on the 4th power tower west of McKean Road, just north of the Calero Reservoir. With their light heads and dark, new wing feathers, they looked quite a bit like Ospreys.  But then an adult Golden Eagle flew in and landed on the adjacent tower—Frank Vanslager.

14 May, 2001

    From a report posted to SBB:

    Early this morning, 5/14/01, I spent some time observing the Egret/Heron colony at Almaden Lake in San Jose. The SNOWY EGRETS and GREAT EGRETS were busy incubating (no real evidence of any feeding of nestlings) as well as BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS. Two almost grown GREEN HERONS were out of the nest being fed by a parent bird. A PIED-BILLED GREBE was near the island along with 2 chicks . All this on the reed island of the lake. No less than 3 COMMON GALLINULES were foraging on the low gravel bar near the south end of the lake, where there was also a pair of COMMON MERGANSERS; three FORSTERS TERNS, and a KILLDEER.
    I also discovered an active BULLOCK'S ORIOLE  nest at the parking lot near the restoooms at the east side of the lake—Alan Walther.

13 May, 2001

From Ann Verdi:

    On Sunday, May 13, I observed a calling COMMON RAVEN carrying prey as it circled low over Mt Umunhum and then flew toward the south.  I was unable to see its destination, but it stayed low above the horizon and seemed to be heading south following the canyon.  It did not head over Loma Prieta, but stayed on this side of the hill.

6 May, 2001

    The following report was posted on SBB by Ann Verdi:

    On Sunday, May 6, I hiked the Stile Ranch/Fortini Trail Loop in Santa Teresa CP and saw the following:
A pair of VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS bringing food to Nest Box #32 on IBM property.  The nest box is located near the old stone wall on the south-facing grassy slope (after the switch-back portion of the trail through the chaparral growth).

    A pair of ROCK WRENS going in and out of crevice in a boulder about a mile farther along the trail on the north-facing slope. The exact location is a bit hard to describe, but it's in a rocky area about half a mile from the buildings of the IBM Research Facility which could be seen from this spot. The Rock Wrens and their boulder were inside the boundary of Santa Teresa CP, although quite near the fence dividing Santa Teresa CP and the IBM property. A pair of ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS were seen perched on a fence post at this location. And RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS were seen and heard singing throughout my hike.

    Also of interest on May 6 was a singing male LAZULI BUNTING seen along the Barlow Rd Trail on Mt. Umunhum. Others were heard but I was unable to pinpoint the singers.

28 April, 2001

    On Sat., April 28th, the "Almaden Eagles" team (Ann Verdi, Jim Danzenbaker, Amy Monborquette, Grant Webb, and myself) did a birdathon in the South County (only covering areas on the west side of the Santa Teresa Hills from Chesbro Reservoir north to Blossom Hill Road). We started at 4:30am, and birded until the last of us succumbed to exhaustion in the late afternoon. Our total was 107 species, which is a lower count than we got the last two years (our record high was 118 in 1999). Migrants and lingering winter birds were especially scarce, some of the resident birds were also AWOL, and weather (windy, cool, foggy, etc.) probably played a role. 

    Our best bird was a SOLITARY SANDPIPER that was seen from a pullout at the upper end of Chesbro Reservoir. It flushed from the stream just above where it flows into the reservoir, and we only got to see it in flight. It circled but didn't return, and may have flown to a small stock pond, creek, or other body of water across the road from the reservoir. We checked likely places, but didn't relocate it (not surprising, as there are shores there with emergent vegetation where it could easily have hidden). Our other best bird was an early SWAINSON'S THRUSH that Jim found in New Almaden, in the riparian near La Foret Restaurant.

      In the early morning hours GREAT HORNED OWL and WESTERN SCREECH-OWL was heard near the post office in New Almaden, and COMMON POORWILL was heard along Hicks Road near Guadalupe Reservoir. Raptors seen today included a GOLDEN EAGLE along McKean Road, and 2 OSPREY at Chesbro Reservoir.

    Most of the regular breeding migrants were found in decent numbers. A VAUX'S SWIFT was seen flying north along Alamitos Creek. OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS and WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES were in New Almaden and at Twin Creeks. A NASHVILLE WARBLER was heard along Guadalupe Creek above Guadalupe Reservoir, a BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER was seen along Mt. Umunhum Road, YELLOW WARBLERS were in New Almaden, at Twin Creeks (3-4 singing males), and at the SCVWD Pond (1 singing male), and a COMMON YELLOWTHROAT was singing at the SCVWD Pond.

    Evidence of breeding included a WOOD DUCK with 7 young along LLagas Creek near Chesbro Reservoir, a CANADA GOOSE on a nest at Almaden Lake Park, a BLACK PHOEBE nest at the Community Center in New Almaden, and a WESTERN BLUEBIRD going to a nest hole at Calero County Park—John Mariani.

    Last weekend Ann Verdi did some local birding. Her best find was a female BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER at the confluence of Rincon and Guadalupe Creeks, upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir along Hicks Road. She also heard an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER near the New Almaden Community Center.

    Hugh McDevitt reports that WESTERN BLUEBIRDS and LARK SPARROWS were at the IBM Research Facility.

19 April, 2001

    Today a female MALLARD with a brood of ducklings was seen along a small drainage at the foot of the Santa Teresa Hills (along Henwood Road). A Coyote was later seen in the same area—John Mariani.

18 April, 2001 

     Linda Sullivan reported the following bird sightings:

    Guadalupe Oak Grove Park: ACORN and NUTTALL'S WOODPECKERS, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH (5), RED-TAILED HAWK, and a pair of CANADA GEESE flying overhead.

    Near La Foret in New Almaden: HOUSE WREN, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, CEDAR WAXWINGS, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, and AMERICAN and LESSER GOLDFINCHES.

    Lake Almaden Park: COMMON MERGANSER, CASPIAN and FORSTER'S TERNS. 

    SCVWD Pond: RUDDY DUCK, GREEN HERON, FORSTER'S TERN, CANADA GEESE with young, aand BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON.

14 April, 2001

    Ann Verdi had the first local WESTERN KINGBIRD sighting for the season near a ranch house on San Vicente Road. Other birds Ann found in the hills along the Stile Ranch/Fortini Trail included NORTHERN HARRIER, LARK SPARROW, and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW. 

    Ann also reports that at the SCVWD Ponds (Almaden Expwy/Coleman Rd) a SORA was seen in the marshy vegetation of the Guadalupe River channel.  It was near a small fenced off enclosure and a cement bench with the a sign that says "Discover Water." Other birds there included a CASPIAN TERN cruising up and down the channel, and a singing YELLOW WARBLER in the sycamores and pepper trees by the main pond.  A pair of CANADA GEESE with five goslings was seen at the pond edge.

11 April, 2001

    Roland Kenner reports another NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL sighting in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. The bird was found by Shirley Gordon "in a tall sycamore at the first big, right-hand, nearly hairpin turn 1/4 mile up Mine Hill Trail from the New Almaden/Hacienda parking area." This is the same area in which Ann Verdi found a pair on March 10.

7 April, 2001

    The first ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER of the season was found at the junction of Alamitos Road and Hicks Road this morning. Other birds found along Alamitos Creek between Hicks Road and Twin Creeks included WILD TURKEYS, CASSIN'S VIREO, YELLOW WARBLER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE. Ann Verdi saw several WOOD DUCKS at Almaden Reservoir, and we later saw a SPOTTED SANDPIPER there. 

    Birds along the creek near the trailhead parking area in New Almaden included HAIRY WOODPECKER, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, HERMIT THRUSH, YELLOW WARBLER, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, and PURPLE FINCH—John Mariani. 

5 April, 2001

    More returning migrants were found today. At O'Day's Lovely Dell, along the road into Twin Creeks, I was buzzed by a Selasphorus hummingbird and had my first YELLOW WARBLER for the season. Other birds there included HOUSE WREN, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, etc. There was a SNOWY EGRET and bunches of Western Pond Turtles at the upper end of Almaden Reservoir. 

    Ann Verdi also visited Almaden Reservoir and Twin Creeks this afternoon, and found 14 WOOD DUCKS, 6 COMMON MERGANSERS, 6 WILD TURKEYS, and a mixed flock of NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED and  VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS.
    Across the road from the New Almaden entrance to Almaden Quicksilver Park there were 2 PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS holding down territories along the creek.
    In the Santa Teresa Hills I walked part of the Fortini Trail from the trailhead at the end of Fortini Road. Best bird was an unseen CASSIN'S VIREO singing from oak woodland beside the trail. Other birds here: nesting RED-TAILED HAWK, YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, HOUSE WREN, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, CALIFORNIA THRASHERS, and 2 singing RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS—John Mariani.

4 April, 2001

    Birds at Almaden Lake Park this morning included COMMON MERGANSER,  PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, and NUTMEG MANNIKIN. Farther upstream along the Alamitos Creek Trail I saw more COMMON MERGANSERS, more NUTMEG MANNIKINS, and a HOODED ORIOLE—John Mariani.

3 April, 2001

    BULLOCK'S ORIOLES and both WILSON'S and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS were singing today near the footbridge at Almaden Lake Park. At the inflow to the lake there was an odd hybrid goose (Canada x domestic?) and the usual stuff—1 COMMON MERGANSER, the resident COMMON MOORHEN, and the regular gull flock (mostly CALIFORNIA GULLS—the Herring Gulls appear to have departed).
    Farther upstream, along the Alamitos Creek Trail, there were singing WILSON'S, ORANGE-CROWNED, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS. Other birds seen along the creek included RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, BELTED KINGFISHER, CLIFF and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, WESTERN BLUEBIRD, CALIFORNIA THRASHER, HOODED ORIOLE, more BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, and LINCOLN'S SPARROW.
    This afternoon an adult GOLDEN EAGLE was seen soaring over Calero Reservoir—John Mariani.

1 April, 2001

    Karl Fowler reports to SBB that a RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD was seen today in his neighborhood, south of Santa Teresa Boulevard. HOODED ORIOLES have also been seen there lately.

    A COMMON POORWILL was heard this evening in the Santa Teresa Hills along Henwood Road—John Mariani. 

31 March, 2001

    Ann Verdi posted the following report to SBB:

    On Saturday, Mar 31, I found another N. PYGMY-OWL—this one was perched on a sycamore branch over Herbert Creek along Alamitos Road by the O'Day property near Hicks/Alamitos Rds.  By the way, all my recent N. Pygmy-Owl sightings have been early in the morning before 8:00 am.

    Not much else to report.  Six WOOD DUCKS were seen in Almaden Reservoir with two males engaging in some sort of squabble with much splashing and flapping about; a female was nearby.  Over 100 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS flew about the blue oaks hillside near the reservoir.  Many VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS skimmed over and about the reservoir, with lesser numbers of N. ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS seen farther down Alamitos Rd near the Twin Creek area.  A displaying male WILD TURKEY was near the junction of Hicks/Alamitos Roads with more heard in the surrounding hillsides.  Near the confluence of Guadalupe and Rincon Creeks along Hicks Road, a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER was seen with a mixed flock of chickadees, juncos, and Yellow-rumped Warblers.  An AMERICAN ROBIN was building a nest with bits of lichen in a forked limb overhanging the road at the Rincon Creek bridge.

    And finally, pairs of RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS were seen along the Stile Ranch/Fortini Trail in the Santa Teresa Hills—a good time to visit this area not only for birds, but also for special serpentine flowers which are beginning to make their appearance.

25 March, 2001

    Birds seen on today's SCVAS field trip to Almaden Quicksilver County Park included COOPER'S and SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, 2 COMMON RAVENS, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS, and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS. 

24 March, 2001

    BULLOCK'S ORIOLES were among the returning migrants seen on a SCVAS field trip to Almaden Lake Park. Other birds at Almaden Lake included a HORNED GREBE, a COMMON GOLDENEYE, a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, a COMMON MOORHEN, and NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS. Farther upstream, along the Alamitos Creek Trail, birds included COMMON MERGANSERS, WILD TURKEYS, a COOPER'S HAWK, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, and a few NUTMEG MANNIKINS. 

    Report to SBB from Mike Mammoser: "On Saturday, 24 Mar 01, I returned to Almaden Quicksilver Park to check on the raptor nest I had seen the previous weekend. It was still unoccupied, but nearby I found a pair of adult COOPER'S HAWKS, quite furtive and quiet. They moved off into a denser area at my presence. Other recently reported birds were seen as well; WARBLING VIREO, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, and WILSON'S WARBLER. PINE SISKINS are still in the area as well."

22 March, 2001

    Scott Werner reports that 2 RED-THROATED LOONS and a male SURF SCOTER were at Calero Reservoir today.

19 March, 2001

    Jack Cole reports that 3 RED-THROATED LOONS and 2 GOLDEN EAGLES were at Calero Reservoir today.

17 March, 2001

    Don Ganton reports that NUTMEG MANNIKINS continue to be found along Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake, and a SORA was also along the creek just upstream from the bridge where it flows into the lake..

    Mike Mammoser  reports that there was still a RED-THROATED LOON at Calero Reservoir, a GOLDEN EAGLE was over the boat launch there, and another eagle was sitting on a power tower nest just northwest of the reservoir, probably with eggs incubating. He also noted that ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS are again singing in Almaden Quicksilver Park, and COOPER'S HAWKS may be nesting in a bay tree visible from the Mockingbird Hill parking area.

16 March, 2001

    At Calero Reservoir today there were 2 RED-THROATED LOONS, WESTERN and CLARK'S GREBES,  an OSPREY, and a MERLIN (perched in a hillside oak on the other side of McKean Road). An adult SHARP-SHINNED HAWK and singing RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW were along Henwood Road—John Mariani.

11 March, 2001

    Ann Verdi posted the following report to SBB: "The wintering WOOD DUCK population has decreased as the ducks disperse, but ten were seen on Sunday with several perched on tree branches.  Last week (Mar 3) I saw a pair perched on a dead stump at the shallow upper end of the reservoir.  Two male COMMON MERGANSERS were seen as well as the OSPREY back at its perch on the dead tree near the dam.  VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS have returned to this wooded area and 15-20 were seen perched on the wires by the reservoir with several more seen by the O'Day property.  Also seven WILD TURKEYS were seen along Alamitos Road before the dam (six females and one displaying male)."

    Mike Rogers reports to SBB: "On Sunday afternoon 3/11/01, Alma Kali and I spent a couple hours birding in the Almaden area. We started at  Calero Reservoir, where a 35-minute watch from the boat launch failed to produce any eagles. Just as we were leaving, however, an adult BALD EAGLE flew in overhead and, after soaring for five minutes, disappeared up one of the southwest arms of the reservoir just after 4pm. Other good birds here, among the many jet skiers, included the continuing RED-THROATED LOON and a female-plumaged HOODED MERGANSER among the SCAUP flock.

    Almaden Reservoir had 21 WOOD DUCKS flying around over the hills and a single female COMMON MERGANSER, but no White-throated Sparrow.

    Almaden Lake had relatively few gulls, although a steady stream kept arriving to bathe, then headed off north along the creek towards the bay. Among them were many bleached THAYER'S GULLS... Also at the lake were 11 COMMON MERGANSERS, including 3 adult males and 8 females, the females vying for the males' attention (and indeed we did see one act of copulation). Other birds here included 1 COMMON MOORHEN, 1 male LESSER SCAUP, 1 male CINNAMON TEAL, a PEREGRINE FALCON, and 2 NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS."

10 March, 2001

    John Meyer posted the following report to SBB: "The NUTMEG MANNIKINS noted by Frank Vanslager near Almaden Lake are carrying nesting material into a small oak tree. It's the third tree south of the Mazzone Drive bridge on the east side of the Alamitos Creek trail."

    Ann Verdi posted the following in a report to SBB: "A pair of N. PYGMY OWLS was seen in an oak about 1/4 mile up Mine Hill Trail from the New Almaden/Hacienda parking area right after you come around the first big curve in the trail.  I watched the owls for several minutes and then they took off flying uphill into the oak woodlands.I did not see them again when I came down the trail later in the morning.  For anyone wishing to check out this area, watch for agitated behavior among the smaller passerines (chickadees, titmice, juncos, etc) indicating that the owl(s) may be nearby."

8 March, 2001

    While owling in the late evening along Hicks Road near Guadalupe Reservoir, GREAT HORNED OWL and WESTERN SCREECH-OWL were seen, and a COMMON POORWILL was heard—John Mariani.

7 March, 2001

    Al Eisner reports the continued presence of a BALD EAGLE and a COMMON LOON at Calero Reservoir. 

6 March, 2001

    Stopped at the Calero Reservoir boat launch at this afternoon. The BALD EAGLE was again seen in a distant oak to the southwest (a scope is often necessary to get a decent look at this bird). Other birds there included an OSPREY, a few GREATER SCAUP, and 3 lingering BLACK-NECKED STILTS. 

    At the east end of the reservoir there was a flock of CANADA GEESE, among which there were 4 smaller birds. One was of the diminutive Cackling race, with a darker breast and no white neckband. The other 3 runty geese were Aleutians, with lighter breasts and white bands at the bases of their necks—John Mariani. 

3 March, 2001    

    Mike Mammoser posted this report to SBB:    

    I stopped by Calero Reservoir today, 3 Mar 01. I found both the COMMON and RED-THROATED LOON, the adult BALD EAGLE, 12 COMMON MERGANSERS, and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER. A number of aechmophorus grebes included at least 4 CLARK'S. The grassy edges to the reservoir had numbers of WESTERN MEADOWLARKS and a handful of HORNED LARKS.

1 March, 2001

    Thursday afternoon at about 4:30 pm I saw an adult BALD EAGLE from the boat launch at Calero Reservoir. It flew up the far west end of the reservoir and perched in a distant oak. Other birds viewed from the boat launch included a COMMON LOON, HORNED and EARED GREBES, about 20 Aechmophorus grebes, an OSPREY, 1 BLACK-NECKED STILT, and lots of diving ducks. A SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was perched along nearby McKean Rd. 

    A flock of CANADA GEESE at the east end of the reservoir contained 4 geese of a smaller type. They were far away, but at least 2 had prominent white collars, and I assume them to be Aleutians; another appeared to lack the white collar and have a darker breast, so I would assume at least one to be of the Cackling race—John Mariani. 

26 February, 2001

    Frank Vanslager reports that a PACIFIC LOON was seen today at Calero Reservoir. 

25 February, 2001

    Al Eisner observed the following birds from the boat launch at Calero Reservoir: 22 Aechmophorus Grebes, 2 apparent ALEUTIAN CANADA GEESE, 1 female BARROW'S GOLDENEYE, 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and a bunch of unidentified Tree/Violet-Green Swallows. Jim Danzenbaker reports that a RED-THROATED LOON and HORNED GREBE were also seen there today, and a flock of 25 AMERICAN PIPITS flew overhead at the boat launch. 

    Linda Sullivan reports that about 20 WOOD DUCKS were seen at Almaden Reservoir today.

24 February, 2001

    "I took a little tour around the south county today, 24 Feb 01. First stop was Almaden Lake Park, where a goodly number of gulls were mostly HERRINGS. Thrown in were a handful of THAYER'S, and one each of CALIFORNIA and GLAUCOUS-WINGED. A single COMMON MERGANSER was on the lake and 3 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS were working the picnic area. At Calero Reservoir I refound John Mariani's RED-THROATED LOON. A single FORSTER'S TERN looked out of place, but 14 COMMON MERGANSERS seemed typical."—Mike Mammoser (from SBB).

    Mike Rogers reports that there was still a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at the pullout 0.3 mile from the dam at Almaden Reservoir. Other birds at Almaden Reservoir included about 60 WOOD DUCKS, a COMMON MERGANSER,  3 VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, and a flock of 16 PINE SISKIN. At O'Day's Lovely Glen (past Hick's Road) he found 6 WILD TURKEYS and a pair of HUTTON'S VIREOS.

22 February, 2001

    A RED-THROATED LOON was seen at Calero Reservoir this afternoon. It was west of the boat launch. Other birds there included WESTERN, CLARK'S, HORNED, EARED, and PIED-BILLED GREBES; numerous GREATER and LESSER SCAUP; COMMON MERGANSERS; and 4 BLACK-NECKED STILTS. A MARSH WREN was heard singing from cattails near the boat launch—John Mariani.

19 February, 2001

    Al Eisner reported to SBB that a second-year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Almaden Lake this afternoon.

    Mike Mammoser reports that "a stop at Almaden Reservoir revealed 89 WOOD DUCKS, a SPOTTED SANDPIPER, a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, and the WHITE-THROATED SPARROW."

15 February, 2001

    Jim Danzenbaker reports to SBB that a COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD was heard displaying along the Alamitos Creek Trail north of the Camden Avenue trailhead. This is a first Almaden Valley record. To get to the spot where the hummingbird was heard, cross the wooden bridge, and look between the trail and the newly constructed play area.  Jim also reports that there was a MERLIN where Winfield crosses the trail, and an OSPREY and GLAUCOUS GULL were at Almaden Lake.

11 February, 2001

    Frank Vanslager reported to SBB that a tan-striped WHITE-THROATED SPARROW continues to be seen at a pullout 0.3 mile from the dam at Almaden Reservoir.

10 February, 2001

    Les Chibana posted the following in a report to SBB: "We started at Almaden Reservoir with the WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at the turnout .3 mi. beyond the dam. From this location we saw 2 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS along the shore of the reservoir. Then we started looking for ducks. We counted 83 WOOD DUCKS along the far side. We drove further up the road and counted another 35 WOOD DUCKS in a different location. So, we had a total of 118."

4 February, 2001

    Ann Verdi reports that at Almaden Reservoir "good numbers of WOOD DUCKS are still present with 55 seen on Sunday. The tan-striped WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was seen again at its usual spot, the pull-out 3/10 mile from the dam. This bird seems to favor the underbrush in the gully next to the large oak."

29 January, 2001

    A COMMON LOON was still present at Calero Reservoir this afternoon. Several GREATER SCAUP were also seen there—John Mariani.

28 January, 2001

    Mike Mammoser reports the continued presence of a COMMON LOON at Calero Reservoir. 

21 January, 2001

    A female BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was seen at Calero Reservoir today. This is probably the same bird first reported by  Tom Ryan and his party on the Calero-Morgan Hill Christmas Bird Count (but not conclusively identified until now). There was also a HORNED GREBE at the reservoir today.

    A second-winter GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Almaden Lake at noon today. Another large gull on the lake may have been a hybrid Glaucous x Glaucous-winged or Herring Gull. Other birds there included 30+ THAYER'S GULL, 1 MEW GULL, and 1 COMMON MOORHEN—John Mariani.

    Ann Verdi counted 66 WOOD DUCKS at Almaden Reservoir today, the highest number yet recorded this season.

16 January, 2001

    Alan Walther,  Ruth Troetschler, and Ann Verdi all reported the continued presence of 1-2 RED PHALAROPES at Almaden Lake (east shore between the restrooms and Coleman).

15 January, 2001

    Karl Fowler reports that at sunset there was still one RED PHALAROPE at Almaden Lake.

14 January, 2001

    The RED PHALAROPES continue at Almaden Lake Park. At noon there were 2 feeding along the east shore of the lake, and the number increased to 3 later in the afternoon. Observers included myself, Don and Will Ganton, and Jolene Lange. These phalaropes are very approachable and make good photography subjects. A GLAUCOUS GULL was also seen in the early afternoon with the large gull flock on the lake. Among the gulls unusually high numbers of GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS were noted—like the phalaropes their presence is most likely storm-related. Other birds observed at the lake today included COMMON MERGANSERS, a SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and THAYER'S GULL—John Mariani.

    Ann Verdi reports that WOOD DUCKS, an OSPREY, and 30+ BAND-TAILED PIGEONS were at Almaden Reservoir today. A flock of 8 WILD TURKEYS was observed in the middle of Alamitos Road leading into Twin Creeks.  

    Mike Rogers reported the following sightings to SBB: "I stopped at the Calero Reservoir boat launch, hoping for eagles and loons.  Instead I soon located a distant pale shorebird, which further investigation confirmed to be a basic-plumaged RED PHALAROPE.  The bird was feeding on the mud flat in the cove of the reservoir about a half-mile east of the boat launch.  With it were a DUNLIN, 5 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, and a single AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN. The blackbird flock near the kiosk had several TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS and BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS, as Al Eisner has already noted."

13 January, 2001

    Don Ganton reports that he and his son Will today found 2 RED PHALAROPES at Almaden Lake Park (a first Almaden Valley record). Their presence is undoubtedly due to the stormy weather we have had in recent days. Don also reported that they refound the WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at Almaden Reservoir, and that there may actually be 2 present there. 

5 January, 2001

    Bob Reiling posted the following report to SBB:

    "This morning Frank Vanslager and I saw the tan striped WHITE-THROATED SPARROW previously found by Ann Verdi at Almaden Reservoir.  The bird appeared to be an adult with a nice tan supercilium with a fairly bright yellow supraloral, clean white throat and fairly clean underparts. The bird was first found with a mixed flock of crowned sparrows half way between the original site (0.3 mile from the dam) and a driveway located on the right side of the road (perhaps 0.3 of a mile further).  It was then refound in a bush on the edge of the driveway following which it flew across the road and back toward the original (Ann's) location where it was once again refound.  Some other birds in the reservoir included eight to ten Common Snipe (feeding in the water like dowitchers), at least two Spotted Sandpipers, a Greater Yellowlegs, Least Sandpipers, many Wood Ducks and at least six Common Mergansers...
    We then went to Calero Reservoir where, thanks to Frank, we saw the COMMON LOON (at a great distance) and a GOLDEN EAGLE.  Yes, there were other birds. Couldn't help but notice an adult male Brown-headed Cowbird with the Brewer's Blackbirds on one of the docks.  I didn't bother to look for more cowbirds." 

1 January, 2001

        At about 4:40 a.m. I found a BARN OWL perched on a wire near Calero Reservoir (too late for the Calero-Morgan Hill CBC but still within count-week)—John Mariani.

    Ann Verdi reports the following sightings: 

    "The best find was a tan-morphed WHITE-THROATED SPARROW along Alamitos Rd at the pull-out 3/10 mile from the dam.  I think this may have been the same White-throated Sparrow seen on Nov 18 because it was seen in exactly the same location.  The pull-out is marked by a large oak, brushy undergrowth of willow & coyote brush, and mounds of dirt piled to the side.  The bird was with a flock of Golden-crowned Sparrows.  A count-week bird for the Calero-Morgan Hill CBC - sorry my team and I missed it on count day.
    Other birds to report were 50+ WOOD DUCKS at Almaden Reservoir and the continuing presence of the COMMON LOON at Calero Reservoir plus TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS with the mixed blackbird flock near the boat launch (Red-winged, Brewer's, Brown-headed Cowbird, and starling)."

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