Archive of past sightings

Almaden Valley Bird Sightings, 2002
For current sightings go to Almaden Valley Bird News

Archives of past sightings: 1998—1999 2000 2001

Recent bird sightings:

30 December, 2002

Janna Pauser reports that a female PHAINOPEPLA was seen today at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. The bird was near the fence in the southwest corner of the park.

28 December, 2002

Despite heavy rain in the afternoon, participants in the Calero-Morgan Hill Christmas Bird Count managed to find 139 species today. Almaden Valley highlights included 11 HOODED MERGANSERS at Almaden Lake Park, GREATER SCAUP at Calero Reservoir, 3 BARN OWLS along McKean Rd., a NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL along Hicks Rd. near Guadalupe Reservoir, AMERICAN DIPPER at Twin Creeks, and GOLDEN EAGLES at several locations.

26 December, 2002

Janna Pauser reports that a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS were along Alamitos Creek north of the parking area on Camden Avenue.

25 December, 2002

Al Eisner reports that a BALD EAGLE and 3 SURF SCOTERS were at Calero Reservoir today.

19 December, 2002

This morning I visited Calero Reservoir during a break in the rain. There was an adult BALD EAGLE perched in a tree to the west of the boat launch, and a PRAIRIE FALCON was seen near the east end.of the reservoir. Other birds seen at the east end included 1 AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, large numbers of ducks and coots, 3 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, and a large flock of AMERICAN PIPITS. Blackbird flocks near the stables held a few TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS and at least 1 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD—John Mariani.

18 December, 2002

The storm continues to blow interesting birds our way. Al Eisner found 4 RED PHALAROPES at the east end of Calero Reservoir this morning, and Mike Mammoser counted 6 to the east of the boat launch in the afternoon. In addition, Al reported that the RED-NECKED GREBE was still present near the boat launch, and that there was a PRAIRIE FALCON along the east shore.

17 December, 2002

Mike Mammoser reports that an immature PACIFIC LOON, 2 adult GOLDEN EAGLES, and an adult
BALD EAGLE were seen today at Calero Reservoir.

16 December, 2002

Jim Danzenbaker reports the continued presence of a RED-NECKED GREBE at Calero Reservoir. He also saw a COMMON LOON, a BALD EAGLE, 1 FORSTER'S TERN, and 2 BONAPARTE'S GULLS there.

14 December, 2002

This afternoon the PACIFIC LOON was still on Almaden Lake, and 9 HOODED MERGANSERS were also seen there—John Mariani.

13 December, 2002

The storm has apparently blown some unusual birds into our area. Jim Danzenbaker reported the discovery of a RED-NECKED GREBE at Calero Reservoir this morning. It was later relocated by Bob Reiling and Frank Vanslager, who also found a first-winter PACIFIC LOON at Almaden Lake Park. Roland Kenner reports that in addition to the grebe there was a BALD EAGLE at Calero Reservoir today.

12 December, 2002

Bruce Barrett reports that a an EASTERN FOX SPARROW is back for its third winter in his backyard.

8 December, 2002

"Almaden Reservoir: 100 WOOD DUCKS (highest count for me this season)...also 16 COMMON MERGANSERS including two handsome drakes, 25 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, two CALIF GULLS (unusual at this reservoir). On the upper end mudflats were seven WILSON'S SNIPE, one SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and two LEAST SANDPIPERS (again, unusual for this reservoir)"—Ann Verdi.

2 December, 2002

Janna Pauser reports that a WINTER WREN was seen today along Guadalupe Creek upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir in the Sierra Azul OSP. The area is entered from Hicks Road.

1 December, 2002

Ann Verdi and Kris Olsen reported that there were still up to 6 ROSS'S GEESE at Calero Reservoir. Kris also found a HOODED MERGANSER, 2 WILSON'S SNIPE, and 2 SAY'S PHOEBES there.

30 November, 2002

"At Almaden Lake on Saturday, Nov 30, we saw an OSPREY circling the lake, a SPOTTED SANDPIPER on a boat dock, two WESTERN GREBES in the water, and good numbers of CEDAR WAXINGS, WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, and AMERICAN ROBINS. At the SCVWD ponds we saw 22 RING-NECKED DUCKS, and at Almaden Reservoir we found over 30 WOOD DUCKS"—Ann Verdi.

28 November, 2002

Bill Bousman reports that on a mid-morning visit to Calero Reservoir he saw 6 ROSS'S GEESE (along the eastern edge), 27 COMMON MERGANSERS, and a female HOODED MERGANSER. He also noted that the ROCK WREN continues among rocks along the creek opposite the stables.

26 November, 2002

"Just to report that the four ROSS'S GEESE were still at the upper end of Calero Reservoir as of Tues afternoon, Nov 26. Also present was the small-sized CANADA GOOSE with the dark brown breast. It's "chin-strap" appeared duskier than the white chin-straps of nearby regular Canada Geese - did not note any light band at the base of the neck.

At least 50 AMERICAN PIPITS were seen as well as one HORNED GREBE. One male CANVASBACK was in with the other ducks"—Ann Verdi.

25 November, 2002

Janna Pauser found 3 TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park this afternoon.

Peggy Don reports that the 4 ROSS'S GEESE were still on the east end of Calero Reservoir at about 4 pm today.

24 November, 2002

Ed and Janice Rooks report that an adult GOLDEN EAGLE was seen over the Mine Hill Trail in Almaden Quicksilver Park this morning.

23 November, 2002

This afternoon I visited Calero County Park. Among the geese at the east end of the reservoir there were 4 ROSS'S GEESE and a small form "CACKLING" CANADA GOOSE. Other birds seen there included EARED GREBES, 1 AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, 1 imm. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, COMMON MERGANSERS, COMMON GOLDENEYES, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, 1 MERLIN, 1 BONAPARTE'S GULL, and 50+ AMERICAN PIPITS. Several MARSH WRENS were in the weedy/marshy area between the reservoir and Bailey Road.

Birds at Almaden Lake Park included a flock of about 20 COMMON MERGANSERS and a RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER. There was a COMMON MOORHEN at the SCVWD Pond—John Mariani.

21 November, 2002

Ann Verdi reports that this morning at Almaden Lake Park there was "a WESTERN GREBE on the lake, an adult THAYER'S GULL by the outflow channel, and an OSPREY cruising in from the southeast."

16 November, 2002

Ann Verdi reported the following sightings to SBB:

Almaden Reservoir: 65 WOOD DUCKS, mostly seen in the Larrabee Gulch extension near the lower end of the reservoir.

SCVWD pond (Almaden Expwy & Coleman Rd): one GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL and a pair of CANVASBACK.

10 November, 2002

On Saturday, 10 Nov 02, I stopped at Calero Reservoir to see if any vagrants had come in with the storm. Ann Verdi was there and we scoped the reservoir from the boat launch. The best bird was a PEREGRINE FALCON perched way up at the northwest end of the lake. We then went to the southeast shore to scope, finding the ROCK WREN again along the feeder creek. Nothing much unusual was seen here, but we did have a flyover subadult GOLDEN EAGLE—Mike Mammoser.

In addition to the birds reported by Mike Mammoser, Ann reported 1 WESTERN GREBE, 1 HORNED GREBE, about 8 EARED GREBES, over 50 COMMON MERGANSERS, and many TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS.

9 November, 2002

Al Eisner reported the presence of 6 small form CANADA GEESE in the flock at the east end of Calero Reservoir.

4 November, 2002

I scoped Calero Reservoir from the boat launch over lunch today 11/4/02. Although there was no sign of any loons, there were lots of birds. An adult GOLDEN EAGLE flew low across the reservoir to land next to its mate on the shore. These birds waddled in the shallows before moving slightly upslope to preen. An immature GOLDEN EAGLE was soaring over the ridge northeast of the reservoir. A single FORSTER'S TERN perched atop one of the buoys. An AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN and 16+ COMMON GOLDENEYES were down near the east end of the reservoir, while 5 LESSER SCAUP and 8 COMMON MERGANSERS were up at the west end. One of the male AMERICAN WIGEONS near the boat launch appeared to have some Eurasian Wigeon genes in it, with a rusty nape and some gray areas in the neck and flanks. The bird did not appear Eurasian enough for a first generation hybrid, however. Shorebirds included a SPOTTED SANDPIPER and a WILSON'S SNIPE and the blackbird flock included 80+ TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS and 50+ BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS—Mike Rogers.

3 November, 2002

"On Sunday, 3 Nov 02, I only had a couple hours for birding, so I went back to Calero Reservoir, where at various times I saw Kathy Parker, Alan Walther, and Linda Sullivan. I watched a PEREGRINE FALCON chase a PRAIRIE FALCON, which had been perched along the shoreline. The Prairie Falcon disappeared at that point, though I saw the Peregrine again later. I had no luck scoping for the Hooded Merganser, and Linda said she had not seen any loons from the boat dock earlier"—Mike Mammoser.

2 November, 2002

Calero Reservoir remains the local hotspot. Kris Olson reports seeing a PACIFIC LOON, a COMMON LOON, and 8 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS there today. The Yellow-headed Blackbird was searched for without success.

Ann Verdi and I walked to the east end of Calero Reservoir in the afternoon. We saw an immature FERRUGINOUS HAWK and the previously reported ROCK WREN from the levee path. Ann spotted a male HOODED MERGANSER and PRAIRIE FALCON at the reservoir. Other birds there included 5 EARED GREBES, 1 imm. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, several COMMON GOLDENEYES, 1 CANVASBACK, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS, WHITE-TAILED KITES, BLACK-NECKED STILTS, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, WILSON'S SNIPE (one flew to a hole in an embankment and went inside the entrance—burrowing snipe?), LEAST SANDPIPERS, 1 DUNLIN, KILLDEER, a small flock of WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, and 50+ AMERICAN PIPITS. In the marshy/weedy area between the reservoir and Bailey Rd. we had glimpses of 1-2 MARSH WRENS and a bunch of LINCOLN'S SPARROWS.

Earlier in the day, during the Watershed Fair, I saw an OSPREY and a flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS at Almaden Lake Park—John Mariani.

29 October, 2002

The east end of Calero Reservoir has been getting a lot of attention from birders lately. Bill Bousman and Mike Rogers were among those who visited the area today, and both reported the continued presence of a 1st winter male (or female?) YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD. It was seen on wires adjacent to the ranger station, and later in a sycamore near the start of the levee path at the end of the road by the stables.

In addition, Bill Bousman noted the continued presence of a ROCK WREN among rocks near the creek inflow, and counted 5 BONAPARTE'S GULLS and 19 COMMON MERGANSERS at the reservoir.

Mike Rogers also found other birds of interest there, including a female/immature LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH, a single high-flying AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, and at least 33 "WILD" TURKEYS.

28 October, 2002

Bob Reiling reports to SBB that he and Frank Vanslager saw the first winter male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD (found the previous day by Mike Mammoser) in the horse corral area of Calero County Park. There were also many TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS there. Mike Rogers was unable to refind the blackbird later in the day, but reports that one of the immature GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE was still on the reservoir, and 15 WILD TURKEYS and a CALIFORNIA THRASHER were on the dike on the way out there.

27 October, 2002

Mike Mammoser posted the following report to SBB:

On Sunday, 27 Oct 02, I headed for Calero Reservoir, going in to the south end of the lake from the horse stables. At the horse stables a large number of blackbirds included a YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD. This bird had a female-like pattern about the head and face, but a sliver of white on the wing made me think it was a first-year male. There were lots of TRICOLOREDS within this flock as well.

Walking up the feeder creek (now dry) to the lake I had a single ROCK WREN and an adult RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. At the end of the feeder creek I found a flock of 17 WILD TURKEYS.

Scanning the CANADA GEESE at the edge of the lake, I spotted a fleck of orange in the crowd and thought it might be the bill of a White-fronted Goose. It turned out to be the bill of a DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT. However, continued scanning produced 2 immature GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE in the area. There were plenty of AMERICAN WIGEON and GADWALL here, with a scattering of NORTHERN PINTAIL and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. A number of BUFFLEHEAD were out on the water, away from shore, as were 23 COMMON MERGANSERS (all female).

Along the edge of the shore I had a single WILSON'S SNIPE, 2 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, 20 AMERICAN PIPITS, a small number of LEAST SANDPIPERS, and a single WESTERN SANDPIPER. DOWITCHERS, KILLDEER, and a few GREATER YELLOWLEGS were also in attendance.

While looking over this array of avifauna, a PRAIRIE FALCON came low overhead from behind me, dropped low to the ground, and zoomed in on a perched WHITE-TAILED KITE, sending it into a looping flush before flying off over the hills to the east.

On the way back to the car, I was unable to refind the YHBL. However, there are a lot of small stables here that these blackbirds can hide between and behind. Fortunately, they also like to sit on the roofs of these buildings. Along the paved entrance road I had an immature COOPER'S HAWK charge into a coyote bush full of crowned sparrows, coming out empty handed.

A stop at the boat launch didn't net much. Some TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS and BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS were hiding in the shade of automobiles in the parking lot, and a single FORSTER'S TERN was over the water. Interesting was a 2 foot long RATTLESNAKE squashed in the parking lot. It had its rattle removed by some trophy hunter.

At the north end of the reservoir, an adult GOLDEN EAGLE was perched on a power tower next to the traditional nest tower.

Don Ganton reports that a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER was seen at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park today. It was "in an oak tree a little way down the path from the parking lot."

Janna Pauser noted that at least 15 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS were feeding on berries near the end of the trail at Bald Mountain.

26 October, 2002

Ann Verdi reports a few birds of interest found in the Almaden area on Saturday:

Almaden Reservoir: 35 WOOD DUCKS and one basic-plumaged COMMON LOON.

Calero Reservoir: fifteen AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, four EARED GREBES, over 20 BUFFLEHEAD, one SPOTTED SANDPIPER. Over 40 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS were in the horse corral by the parking area.

SCVWD Pond (Coleman & Almaden Expwy): 14 RING-NECKED DUCKS and four LESSER SCAUP.

20 October, 2002

Janna Pauser reports that RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER and TOWNSEND'S WARBLER were seen at Guadalupe Oake Grove Park today.

13 October, 2002
Ann Verdi reported that a probable hybrid AMERICAN x EURASIAN WIGEON was seen at Calero Reservoir today. Other birds that Ann found at Calero Reservoir included a pair of BUFFLEHEAD (male & female), a DUNLIN, a SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and a YELLOW WARBLER in an oak along the levee.

    This afternoon I spent several hours at the east end of Calero Reservoir taking part in the New Haven Bird Club's annual "Big Sit." All my observations were from the the metal drain cover where the levee overlooks the reservoir, same spot I chose last fall. I saw most of the birds that Ann reported, although I missed the hybrid wigeon. In the end I managed to get 62 species, barely beating last year's tally of 60 species.
    Upon arriving I was greeted by a troop of 20 WILD TURKEYS. As usual there were thousands of waterfowl concentrated at the east end of the reservoir, including about 500 CANADA GEESE. All the ducks and shorebirds attracted a few raptors, and I had MERLIN fly by three times, once passing low right over my head! Several WHITE-TAILED KITES were in the area, a NORTHERN HARRIER visited at intervals, and an immature COOPER'S HAWK was observed fleeing the scene with a mob of crows in fast pursuit. Only one GOLDEN EAGLE was sighted, soaring at a great distance. A minimum of 9 WILSON'S SNIPE and 75 LEAST SANDPIPERS were relatively high counts. Mixed flocks of blackbirds and starlings came and went, with an unusually large number of TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS (30-40) among them. While sifting through the hundreds of blackbirds I got the day's only Brown-headed Cowbird. Later in the day I tried scoping some impossibly distant oaks on a far ridgeline, and sure enough I spotted 2-3 ACORN WOODPECKERS flying to an oak snag. But the real treat came at evening, when I counted 123 YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES flying by in a continuous stream to roost in the hills behind the reservoir.
    The birds were good, but mammals provided a few highlights as well. While scoping trees I spotted a mother Raccoon and her 3 kids chasing each through the branches of a tall oak. A family of Wild Boar were lurking in the nearby brush, and at evening a herd of Black-tailed Deer came to graze at the edge of the reservoir—John Mariani.

9 October, 2002

From Bill Bousman, via SBB:

This morning, 10/9/2002, I counted five RING-NECKED DUCKS at the Alamitos Groundwater Recharce Facility, aka the SCVWD ponds. An OSPREY came overhead at one point and an adult columbarius MERLIN was active in the area. No vagrant warblers, just two YELLOW WARBLERS marking the end of the fall passage.

7 October, 2002

Brian Acord reports that a BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was at the Santa Clara Valley Water District offices on Almaden Expressway today. It was seen gleaning food from a sycamore/maple sapling near the parking lot. This is a first Almaden Valley record for this eastern warbler. NUTMEG MANNIKINS are also present there.

5 October, 2002

Ann Verdi and I saw a male LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH along the levee path near the east end of Calero Reservoir today. A RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET and an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER were also seen there.

Birds at the east end of the reservoir included EARED GREBE, 4 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, hundreds of CANADA GEESE, AMERICAN WIGEON, a few NORTHERN PINTAIL, NORTHERN SHOVELERS, GADWALL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, RUDDY DUCKS, about 5 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, BLACK-NECKED STILTS, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, LEAST SANDPIPERS, a couple of DUNLIN, FORSTER'S TERNS, an imm. NORTHERN HARRIER, and a flock of WILD TURKEYS—John Mariani.

4 October, 2002

Janna Pauser reports that a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER was seen at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park today.

1 October, 2002

At least 1 BLACKPOLL WARBLER continues to be seen at Almaden Lake Park (at or near the gate just upstream from the lake). In addition, Pat Kenny reports that a BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER and a WILLOW FLYCATCHER were found along the creek just upstream from Almaden Lake, and John Mariani saw a PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER in willows near the Mazzone Lane bridge. Janna Pauser reports that an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was seen at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park today.

30 September, 2002

Janna Pauser reports the continued presence of at least 1 BLACKPOLL WARBLER along Alamitos Creek just upstream from Almaden Lake. A COOPER'S HAWK was also seen there today.

29 September, 2002

Ann Verdi refound the EURASIAN WIGEON at Calero Reservoir today. In addition there were 18 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS and 2 EARED GREBES there.

28 September, 2002

Ann Verdi reports finding a male EURASIAN WIGEON in basic plumage at the east end of Calero Reservoir, and the continued presence of at least 1 BLACKPOLL WARBLER along Alamitos Creek. The warbler was "in a fennel patch along Alamitos Creek Trail about 100 feet south of the chain link fence at the entrance to Almaden Lake Park."

Janna Pauser, Joy and Gary Aspenall, and I also saw the BLACKPOLL WARBLER along Alamitos Creek this morning. We also found it near the gate just upstream from Almaden Lake. Janna Pauser first spotted it foraging down in low vegetation right beside the creek, and we enjoyed some great close views of it in coyote bush, willows, and reeds. We also saw it go to the sycamores on the west side of the creek and eucalyptus on the east side by the gate. Other birds there included 2-3 VAUX'S SWIFTS, many YELLOW WARBLERS, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS (including 1 orestera/celata type), YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS (about 50 in eucalyptus near the park restrooms), COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, 1-2 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, 2+ WESTERN TANAGERS, a WILLOW FLYCACTCHER (upstream, in willows just before Mazzone Lane), bunches of NUTMEG MANNIKINS (including an adult collecting nesting material!), 2 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, 1 imm. COOPER'S HAWK, and the first GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW I've seen this fall.
In the big fennel patch along Alamitos Creek opposite Carrabelle Park (near the Camden Avenue bridge), I saw 10+ YELLOW WARBLERS and a few ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, including another orestera/celata type. This is a little hotspot for migrants. There is usually a large bushtit flock there, but today there was a huge BUSHTIT mega-flock—I'm guessing, but maybe 60+ birds—John Mariani.

27 September, 2002

Following up on Janna Pauser's report of a possible Bay-breasted Warbler at Almaden Lake Park on Wednesday, Scott Terrill and Mike Mammoser searched the park today and found at least 3(!) BLACKPOLL WARBLERS! They were found in eucalyptus and pepper trees near the creek mouth. Peggy Don and Ann Verdi later visited the park and also saw at least 2 Blackpoll Warblers in eucalyptus trees near the gate, just upstream from the lake. This is a first Almaden Valley record for this species, and as noted by Scott Terrill, an unusually high number for any inland locality! Other birds reported by Scott Terrill included 40+ YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS (with one coronata type), YELLOW WARBLERS, and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS (4 lutescens and 1 orestera).

22 September, 2002

At the east end of Calero Reservoir there were 8 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, AMERICAN WIGEON, NORTHERN SHOVELER, NORTHERN HARRIER, CASPIAN and FORSTER'S TERNS, and numerous shorebirds, including about 50 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS and a few COMMON SNIPE. In the new marsh vegetation at Bailey Cove there were 1-2 MARSH WRENS (first park record), 1-2 COMMON YELLOWTHROATS, and 2-3 LINCOLN'S SPARROWS.

Along Alamitos Creek near the Camden Avenue bridge (opposite Carrabelle Park) there were a bunch of YELLOW WARBLERS, 1-2 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, a BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, a LINCOLN'S SPAROW, and 1-2 WESTERN TANAGERS—John Mariani.

21 September, 2002

Ann Verdi reports that 5 WOOD DUCKS were are the upper end of the Almaden Reservoir (males now in full breeding plumage), and TOWNSEND'S WARBLER and RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER were seen along Alamitos Road by the O'Day property. At the east end of Calero Reservoir Ann found NORTHERN PINTAIL and AMERICAN WIGEON among the ducks, 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS associating with the dowitchers, FORSTER'S (several) and CASPIAN (one) TERNS, a male OSPREY, and returning WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS.

19 September, 2002

Les Chibana reported to SBB the continued presence of WESTERN SCREECH-OWLS and 5-7 COMMON POORWILLS in the Senator Mines Area of Almaden Quicksilver Park.

18 September, 2002

Janna Pauser reports that a NASHVILLE WARBLER was again seen along Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake.

16 September, 2002

Monday afternoon I walked the path upstream from Almaden Lake along Alamitos Creek. Best find was a very cooperative NASHVILLE WARBLER near the Mazzone Lane bridge. I also had about 20 YELLOW WARBLERS along the creek (mostly associated with fennel patches), an adult COOPER'S HAWK that swooped low over my head to perch in front of me, and loads of NUTMEG MANNIKINS (they definitely seem to be increasing).

Janna Pauser also checked Alamitos Creek today, and had a WESTERN TANAGER and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW in addition to the migrants I found.
At the east end of Calero Reservoir there were the usual shorebirds—BLACK-NECKED STILTS, 6+ GREATER YELLOWLEGS, KILLDEER, a few LEAST SANDPIPERS, a few LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, and several COMMON SNIPE. Both CASPIAN and FORSTER'S TERNS were still present, and waterfowl numbers have grown, with plenty of AMERICAN WIGEON and GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Several WHITE-TAILED KITES were in the area, and a NORTHERN HARRIER came by and scared up some of birds—John Mariani.

13 September, 2002

Janna Pauser reports that birds observed today along Alamitos Creek where it flows into Almaden Lake included 1 BELTED KINGFISHER, 1 WILLOW FLYCATCHER, 1 WARBLING VIREO, 2 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, many YELLOW WARBLERS, 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, 1 WESTERN TANAGER, 1 LINCOLN'S SPARROW, and 2 NUTMEG MANNIKINS.

Les Chibana led a group of people into Almaden-Quicksilver County Park this evening (from the McAbee Road entrance), and found COMMON POORWILL and WESTERN SCREECH-OWL there after dark.

12 SEPTEMBER, 2002

Janna Pauser reports that a WILLOW FLYCATCHER, many YELLOW WARBLERS, a few NUTMEG MANNIKINS, and a female WESTERN TANAGER were among the birds found today at Almaden Lake and along Alamitos Creek where it flows into the lake. Also a possible SUMMER TANAGER (unconfirmed?) was seen by Janna at Almaden Lake the day before.

8 September, 2002

Don Ganton reports that several YELLOW WARBLERS and a WESTERN TANAGER were along Alamitos Creek just upstream from Almaden Lake Park, and that 17 NUTMEG MANNIKINS were found in three locations, including 2 adults building a nest in a tree in the Winfield parking lot.

7 September, 2002

Karl Fowler reports that this morning a male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was seen at his seed feeders (located near Santa Teresa High School, about 1/4 mile north of the Santa Teresa Hills). It was last seen flying away to the southwest.

6 September, 2002

Today there was a LESSER YELLOWLEGS at the east end of Calero Reservoir. Other birds there included a few AMERICAN WIGEON, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, about 20 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, 2 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, about a dozen LEAST SANDPIPERS, 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, KILLDEER (hordes of them), CASPIAN and FORSTER'S TERNS, a couple of BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS, several WHITE-TAILED KITES, and a LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE—John Mariani.

1 September, 2002

Calero Reservoir—"The water is beginning to recede exposing more marshy mudflats at the upper end. This weekend over 20 BLACK-NECKED STILTS were seen as well as a SPOTTED SANDPIPER and a GREATER YELLOWLEGS. Fall and wintering ducks and coots are beginning to arrive, and good numbers of GADWALL and N. SHOVELERS were seen as well as several GREEN-WINGED TEAL and one AMERICAN WIGEON pair. Also over 300 CANADA GEESE were roosting on the mudflats"—Ann Verdi.

31 August, 2002

Ann Verdi reports that 2 SELASPHORUS HUMMINGBIRDS were seen at the SCVWD Pond, feeding at California fuchsia flowers along with several ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, and 12 WOOD DUCKS were seen at the upper end of Almaden Reservoir in the early evening. "Only two were seen during the daytime. From past experience I've noticed that more can be seen during the early twilight hours at this time of year"—Ann Verdi.

22 August. 2002

Birds at the east end of Calero Reservoir this afternoon included BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, about 170 CANADA GEESE, GADWALL, 1 COMMON SNIPE, 2 LEAST SANDPIPERS, several GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 15+ BLACK-NECKED STILTS, an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, and LESSER and AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES. A lone WESTERN GREBE was seen at Almaden Lake Park—John Mariani.

Bob Reiling and Frank Vanslager had one (and possibly two) COMMON POORWILL calling in the Senator Mine area of Almaden Quicksilver County Park.

21 August, 2002

This afternoon a MARBLED GODWIT was observed wading in the shallows at the east end of Calero Reservoir, and was subsequently seen flying away in the company of a WILLET; both are rare visitors to the Almaden Valley (although common around San Francisco Bay), and these are first records for Calero County Park. Other birds seen at the reservoir today included numerous WHITE-TAILED KITES, 17+ BLACK-NECKED STILTS, 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, a few GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and 1 CASPIAN TERN. Between the office parking area and the east end of the reservoir I saw a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, a flock of 8 WILD TURKEYS, 3 flocks of CALIFORNIA QUAIL, and a few DARK-EYED JUNCOS (one was a streaky juvenile bird). In addition a BOBCAT and 3 YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES were seen along McKean Road near the reservoir—John Mariani.

17 August, 2002

Arnel Guanlao reports that at Almaden Lake Park a pair of NUTMEG MANNIKINS were found in their usual spot around the Quicksilver Picnic Area, a CASPIAN TERN and a BELTED KINGFISHER were working the lake, and a GREEN HERON was skulking in the willows near the bridge over Alamitos Creek.

Ann Verdi found 2 BLACK-NECKED STILTS and a male GADWALL at Calero Reservoir, and 1 male OSPREY, 2 COMMON MERGANSERS, 4 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, and a LARK SPARROW at Chesbro Reservoir.

15 August, 2002

At Almaden Lake Park a very worn looking male GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE was feeding on the gravel bars at the creek inflow. An alternate plumage SPOTTED SANDPIPER and female COMMON MERGANSER were also on the gravel bars. I watched a PIED-BILLED GREBE passing fresh sushi to its baby in the stream below the footbridge. A bit farther upstream, by the park gate, there were NUTMEG MANNIKINS and I heard a WESTERN TANAGER calling.
At Calero Reservoir the water level is still pretty high (poor conditions for shorebirds). At the east end there were more ducks than on my last visit, including at least 1 CINNAMON TEAL and bunches of MALLARDS. The only shorebirds I saw there were 5 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, 4 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 2 LEAST SANDPIPERS, and the usual KILLDEER. In the flooded vegetation at Bailey Cove I briefly heard a possible Sora call—no confirmation. There were lots of egrets and herons feeding there, and at least 8 WHITE-TAILED KITES were in view at one point. I also saw an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, 2 flocks of WILD TURKEYS, and a few WILD BOAR between the east end of the reservoir and the park office. A GOLDEN EAGLE was perched atop a pole along McKean Rd. near the boat launch parking area—John Mariani.

11 August, 2002

Ann Verdi saw a MARSH WREN in the Guadalupe River Channel near the SCVWD Ponds, and found 3 adult male NUTMEG MANNIKINS in cattails at the smaller pond behind the new SCVWD office.

Ann also reports that at the upper end of Almaden Reservoir there were 3 WOOD DUCKS and 2 GREEN HERONS. Farther upstream, near the O'Day property, birds found included WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK (juv.), BULLOCK'S ORIOLE (juv.), adult male YELLOW WARBLER, a lone WILD TURKEY, over 30 CALIFORNIA QUAIL, and many LESSER GOLDFINCHES ("no Lawrence's Goldfinch in the mix this time").

4 August, 2002

Ann Verdi found 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS in chaparral along the trail to Bald Mountain this morning; from her description of them they were probably recently fledged.

At Calero Reservoir, at around 3:30pm, Ann saw an OSPREY fly in from the southeast to perch on a bare snag opposite the boat ramp. She reports that water is still gushing into the reservoir, and that "an AMERICAN COOT nest with four very young chicks was seen on one of the last vestiges of vegetation above water."

2 August, 2002

Kris Olsen, on a visit to Almaden Lake/Alamitos Creek, found NUTMEG MANNIKINS in the marsh area just south of the bridge over Mazonne Drive, 7 COMMON MERGANSERS in the creek, a SPOTTED SANDPIPER on a sandbar in the lake, and several BULLOCK'S ORIOLES feeding in blackberries (reported to SBB).

1 August, 2002

Paul Burnett reports that an AMERICAN BITTERN was seen at a percolation pond off Camden Avenue upstream (towards Los Gatos) from Almaden Expressway. There are previous winter records for the SCVWD Pond and Guadalupe River, but this would represent a first summer occurrence in our area..

27 July, 2002

Al Eisner reports to SBB that he did not see any grackles at Almaden Lake Park today, but did find 7 COMMON MERGANSERS, 2 adult GREEN HERONS, 1 CASPIAN TERN, at least 4 BULLOCK'S ORIOLES (including a gray fledgling being fed), and 1 male WESTERN TANAGER.

Ann Verdi reports that "on Saturday, July 27, five half-grown juvenile WOOD DUCKS (both male & female) were seen at the upper end of Almaden Reservoir. Two GREEN HERONS were seen as well."

24 July, 2002

A pair of GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES continues to be seen at Almaden Lake Park—Ann Verdi found them feeding on the gravel bar where the creek flows into the lake. Ann also reports a that the WESTERN KINGBIRDS with 2 newly fledged young were on the hillside there.

23 July, 2002

Today I saw 2 GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES at Almaden Lake Park (they were on the gravel bar at the creek inflow and on the vegetated island in the middle of the lake). WESTERN KINGBIRDS were at the east parking area (adults birds with 2 fledglings). A short distance upstream from the footbridge there are lerp-infested eucalyptus beside the path, and across the creek there is a patch of fruiting blackberries. Birds there included CALIFORNIA THRASHER, 2-4 WESTERN TANAGERS, many BULLOCK'S & HOODED ORIOLES, and NUTMEG MANNIKINS—John Mariani.

17 July, 2002

A male COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD has been present for at least 2 weeks at a private residence near the intersection of Redmond and Meridian Avenue (reported to me by Janna Pauser). This is a second record (and first sight record!) for the Almaden Valley.

14 July, 2002

Ann Verdi reports that 2 female LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES were seen with a LESSER GOLDFINCH flock on the weedy hillside along Alamitos Road near the O'Day property.

4 July, 2002

Janna Pauser reports seeing a pair of WESTERN TANAGERS near the restroom at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. RED-TAILED HAWKS and RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS are nesting in the park, with juveniles of both species still present. ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS are usually near the first set of stairs.

Ann Verdi reports that two LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES were seen along Alamitos Rd near the O'Day property (between Almaden Reservoir and Twin Creeks). Other birds there included HOUSE WREN, WESTERN TANAGER, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, HAIRY WOODPECKER, and two eclipsed-plumaged male WOOD DUCKS.

11 June, 2002

A male PHAINOPEPLA was seen this evening at 20701 Henwood Road. This is the first Almaden Valley sighting since 1994 (when last seen in this same area)—John Mariani.

3 June, 2002

Today a BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW was singing near the beginning of the trail to Bald Mountain in the Sierra Azul O.S.P. A singing RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW and flock of 4 LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES were in the vicinity of Bald Mountain. Nearby, a BAND-TAILED PIGEON, a SELASPHORUS HUMMINGBIRD and another LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH were seen along Mt. Umunhum Road above the gate. ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, and PURPLE FINCH were were also found in this area. Birds along Guadalupe Creek upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir included WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, WARBLING VIREO, YELLOW and WILSON'S WARBLERS, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE—John Mariani.

2 June, 2002

Janna Pauser reported (via SBB) nesting activity observed at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park today. Among the species found nesting there were RED-TAILED HAWK, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW, and AMERICAN ROBIN. Some birds have already left their nests, and recently fledged birds seen in the park today included RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, ACORN and NUTTALL'S WOODPECKERS, and WESTERN BLUEBIRD.

27 May, 2002

Alan Walther reports that at Guadalupe Oak GrovePark an active RED-TAILED HAWK nest can be viewed with the aid of a scope by walking to the highest part of the ridge and looking roughly SSW. The hawk nest contained 4 almost grown nestlings. Adult and recently fledged WESTERN BLUEBIRDS were seen at the parking lots.

26 May, 2002

Almaden Valley highlights from Mike Roger's Breeding Bird Survey on Sunday included an AMERICAN GOLDFINCH along Bailey Road at the entrance to IBM (possibly nesting locally?); an OSPREY, a pair of CANADA GEESE, and a FORSTER'S TERN at Calero Reseroir; nesting GOLDEN EAGLES and a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW along McKean Road opposite Schillingburg Road; 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, 1 WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, and 3 HOODED ORIOLES in New Almaden; a GREEN HERON, a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, and a COMMON MERGANSER at Almaden Reservoir; and a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER at the summit of Hicks Road. A GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE was found outside our area at the Parkway Lakes in Coyote Valley (nesting later confirmed by Mike Mammoser).

25 May, 2002

Frank Vanslager reports that a GREAT HORNED OWL and 3 COMMON POORWILLS were heard in the Senator Mines Area of Almaden Quicksilver Park this evening. The Senator Mines Area is an easy hike from the McAbee Road trailhead.

23 May, 2002

At Almaden Lake Park there was plenty of breeding activity today. BULLOCK'S ORIOLES were feeding nestlings in a eucalyptus near the restrooms, and I heard a YELLOW WARBLER there. Down at the lake there was a female COMMON MERGANSER with a brood of half-grown ducklings, and an adult PIED-BILLED GREBE followed by a couple of very vocal babies. Joella Gray reports that WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES are also nesting there, using one of the bluebird boxes.
In oaks near the footbridge there were ASH-THROATED and PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS. Farther upstream along the Alamitos Creek Trail I saw a silent OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER atop an oak—John Mariani.

5 May, 2002

Arnel Guanlao reports that a YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE was seen carrying nesting material to a pine in a yard along San Vincente Avenue. LARK SPARROWS, RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS, and LAZULI BUNTINGS were seen along the nearby Stile Ranch Trail, and a lingering GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW was along the Fortini Trail.

4 May, 2002

Birds found on a hike in Almaden Quicksilver Park (Mine Hill and Hacienda Trails) included COOPER'S HAWK, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, ORANGE-CROWNED & WILSON'S WARBLERS, and LAZULI BUNTING. A CASSIN'S VIREO was singing near the trailhead parking area in New Almaden—John Mariani.

29 April, 2002

Janna Pauser reported a small fallout of migrants at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. Birds found in the park today included PACIFIC-SLOPE and ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS, 1 YELLOW WARBLER, 2 BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, 1 HERMIT WARBLER, 2 NASHVILLE WARBLERS, and 2 WILSON'S WARBLERS.

A pair of RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS are nesting near the parking area, and park visitors are warned that they may attack anyone who gets too close to the nest.

27 April, 2002

    Ann Verdi, Jim Danzenbaker, Amy Monbourquette, and I got together for our annual birdathon today. As usual we only covered sites in and around the Almaden Valley, from Chesbro Reservoir north to Blossom Hill Road. Our final tally was 115 species (Nutmeg Mannikin gave us an unoffical bonus point of 116). It was rainy off and on through the day, and the weather probably accounted for a small fallout of migrants that helped raise our species total.
    We started at about 4:30 am in New Almaden, where we got WESTERN SCREECH-OWL near the beginning of the Mine Hill Trail.
    After that we did more owling along Hicks Road. Near the upper end of Guadalupe Reservoir we heard COMMON POORWILLS, a pair of GREAT HORNED OWLS, a couple more WESTERN SCREECH-OWLS, and 1-2 NORTHERN PYGMY-OWLS. We continued birding there at dawn, and picked up many species, including PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, WARBLING and CASSIN'S VIREOS, HOUSE WREN, BROWN CREEPER, ORANGE-CROWNED and WILSON'S WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGER, LAZULI BUNTING, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, and GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW.
    At Guadalupe Reservoir we added COMMON MERGANSER, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, WILD TURKEY, and our only RED-SHOULDERED HAWK of the day (with the cold and rainy weather it was not the best day for raptors). In a flowering eucalyptus near the dam at Guadalupe Reservoir we had the day's only YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, and heard a RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW singing across the water.
    At Twin Creeks we picked up ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, YELLOW WARBLER, and
a couple more WESTERN TANAGERS. Stopping beside Almaden Reservoir we saw a pair of WOOD DUCKS, GREEN HERONS, and 5 species of swallows. Jim spotted a TREE SWALLOW perched on a wire (unusual for this location).

    From there we went back into New Almaden, and checked the area near La Foret and the New Almaden Community Center. This turned out to be one of our most productive stops. Jim found a BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER in trees along the creek, and we all got to see a singing NASHVILLE WARBLER (there may have been 2). In this area we also added a SELASPHORUS SP., HAIRY WOODPECKER, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, and HOODED ORIOLE.
    A short walk along Mount Umunhum Road gave us our two target birds, BAND-TAILED PIGEON and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, plus COMMON RAVEN and LARK SPARROW. Our next stop was upstream from Twin Creeks, where we quickly located a pair AMERICAN DIPPERS, one of which was carrying nesting material.
    On our way to Calero Reservoir we stopped along McKean Road to have a look at the nesting GOLDEN EAGLES. An adult and 2 downy white baby eagles were on the nest platform, with another adult eagle soaring nearby. While stopped for the eagles I heard a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW sing across the road, and we had some distant scope view of it. We also heard a HORNED LARK'S flight song there.
    There were very few waterfowl on Calero Reservoir, but we did get 2 CLARK'S GREBES, a pair of GADWALL, a couple of LEAST SANDPIPERS, another SPOTTED SANDPIPER, CASPIAN and FORSTER'S TERNS, and an OSPREY. Near the park office we added VAUX'S SWIFT and WESTERN BLUEBIRD.
    Chesbro Reservoir was a bit of a disappointment, although Jim added PEREGRINE FALCON and WESTERN KINGBIRD to our list, and we had our only GREATER YELLOWLEGS of the day there.
    On our way back we made a quick stop at Bailey Road and walked down by Calero Reservoir to pick up SAVANNAH SPARROW.
    Near the beginning of the Stile Ranch Trail we enjoyed close up looks at a friendly pair of WESTERN KINGBIRDS, and saw about 20 VAUX'S SWIFTS flying over the hills. A LAZULI BUNTING and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW were both singing above the trailhead.
    At Almaden Lake we found a lingering HERRING GULL, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS on the island, a couple of LEAST SANDPIPERS, another SPOTTED SANDPIPER, a large flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS, and NUTMEG MANNIKINS. A female COMMON MERGANSER came down the creek with 10 downy ducklings following her. One duckling was riding on its mother's back, and as we watched this poor mother merganser go downstream it looked like all of her babies were simultaneously trying to get on board for a piggy-back ride!
    Our last stop was at the Santa Clara Valley Water District Pond, where RUDDY DUCK and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT were species #114 and #115—John Mariani.

11 April, 2002

Janna Pauser reports that birds found along the creek near La Foret in New Almaden today included a PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS, a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, a pair of BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, a pair of HOUSE WRENS building a nest, and a pair of HAIRY WOODPECKERS. A pair of WILD TURKEYS were courting in nearby Almaden Quicksilver County Park.

9 April, 2002

Jim Danzenbaker reported to SBB that a male CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD visited his backyard today. He writes: "It perched on a tree behind my back fence and then came in to feed on the grapefruit tree blossoms, then attempted to feed at the as-yet unblossoming bottlebrush and then tried to feed on a purple potato bush. This is the second I've had in my yard although the last one was at least five years ago and not an adult male."

7 April, 2002

Ann Verdi saw a NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL along Hicks Road, near the confluence of Rincon & Guadalupe Creeks. It was in the large over-arching oak near the pullout (on the Mt. Umunhum side of the road). There was also a female HAIRY WOODPECKER there. Ann noted that 6 WOOD DUCKS (4 males & 2 females) were seen at Almaden Reservoir over the weekend.

Alan Walther reported the following bird observations from a visit to Guadalupe Oak Grove Park,:

"Sparrows included LINCOLNS SPARROW, GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW, and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. There were many YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, many in full alternate plumage. ACORN WOODPECKERS were abundant, as usual, and RED-SHAFTED FLICKERS were also present. A first (at least for me) at this park was a pair of WESTERN BLUEBIRDS near the small parking lot. Maybe they will use one of the bluebird boxes this year instead of the swallows and others!"

6 April, 2002

Ann Verdi had 6 WESTERN SANDPIPERS and about 4 LEAST SANDPIPERS at Calero Reservoir.

1 April, 2002

Among the returning migrants at Calero Reservoir were 3 CASPIAN TERNS. Shorebirds at the east end of the reservoir included 2 BLACK-NECKED STILTS (the first to be seen there since last fall?), a SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and 11 LEAST SANDPIPERS. A lingering flock of 20+ AMERICAN PIPITS was also seen there—John Mariani.

31 March, 2002

Ann Verdi found PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, HOUSE WREN, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE behind the New Almaden Community Center on Bertram Road. In addition, there were 2 female WOOD DUCKS in the upper backwaters of Almaden Reservoir; another PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER was at the O'Day property along Alamitos Road; and a RED-SHAFTED X YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK were along Hicks Road by the confluence of Rincon and Guadalupe Creeks.

30 March, 2002

Ann Verdi reports that the female YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was still present at the northeast corner of the SCVWD pond (on Almaden Expressway near Coleman Rd), and that BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS were seen at Capehorn Pass in Almaden Quicksilver County Park.

28 March, 2002

Janna Pauser reports that a large flock of NUTMEG MANNIKINS was seen at Almaden Lake Park today. Other birds there included BULLOCK'S ORIOLES and a pair of WESTERN BLUEBIRDS.

24 march, 2002

Highlights from Ann Verdi's SCVAS field trip to Almaden Quicksilver Park included a PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER along Alamitos Creek by La Foret Restaurant; WILD TURKEYS, WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS, VIOLET-GREEN and NORTHERN. ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS, WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, and an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER at the New Almaden trailhead; and 4 WOOD DUCKS in the backwaters of the upper end of the Almaden Reservoir.

Afterward Ann made a stop at the SCVWD Pond, where the female YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was still working the pepper trees at the northeast corner of the pond.

23 March, 2002

Kirsten Holmquist posted to SBB a report of sightings from today's SCVAS field trip to Almaden Lake and the Alamitos Creek Trail. In addition to the continued presence of the HORNED GREBE and NUTMEG MANNIKINS, birds seen included a pair of COMMON RAVENS, NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, a WILSON'S WARBLER, BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES.

21 March, 2002

Jim Danzenbaker reports to SBB that BULLOCK'S ORIOLES (2 singing males) have returned to Almaden Lake Park. Other birds there included the HORNED GREBE, a female NUTMEG MANNIKIN feeding 4 young in the reeds at the southeast corner of the lake, and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS.

Joy and Gary Aspenall report the continued presence of the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER along Bailey Road near IBM.

19 March, 2002

Janna Pauser reports that today a SAY'S PHOEBE was across from the bathrooms at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. Other birds there included nesting RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS near the parking area, and a pair of WESTERN BLUEBIRDS near a nest box at the top of the hill.

18 March, 2002

Today, at the upper end of Almaden Reservoir, there were at least 12 WOOD DUCKS. Upstream from the reservoir, at "O'Day's Lovely Dell," there was a flock of 20 WILD TURKEYS, and a WHITE-THROATED SWIFT was heard. RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS were singing, otherwise it was pretty quiet there.
The HORNED GREBE was still at Almaden Lake Park. Other birds there included 4 COMMON MERGANSERS, a couple of lingering first-winter THAYER'S GULLS, a WESTERN BLUEBIRD, and FOX SPARROW. Farther upstream, near the Mazzone bridge, there were NUTMEG MANNIKINS in oaks beside the trail—John Mariani.

17 March, 2002

Ann Verdi reports the continued presence of a female YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER on the northeast side of the SCVWD Pond. It was seen in a pepper tree and sycamores near the pond, from which it flew to trees in the Guadalupe River Channel. She noted that the bird is becoming more adult-like in plumage. A WOOD DUCK and NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS were also at the SCVWD Pond.

Birds seen from the boat launch at Calero Reservoir today included an OSPREY, a GOLDEN EAGLE (perched on a telephone pole along McKean near the boat launch), a pair of WHITE-TAILED KITES, 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, lots of VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, and a flock of AMERICAN PIPITS—John Mariani.

13 March, 2002

Bob Reiling reports that a male WESTERN TANAGER (unusually early) was seen along the Alamitos Creek Trail upstream from Almaden Lake.

Jim Danzenbaker reported that the season's first PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and WARBLING VIREO were found today in Almaden Quicksilver County Park (both represent early spring records). He also counted 12 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS and 75 PINE SISKINS.

10 March, 2002

Ann Verdi reports that the adult SNOW GOOSE was still with the Canada Goose flock at the upper end of Calero Reservoir, and that a HUTTON'S VIREO was observed gathering and carrying nesting material (spider silk, lichen) back and forth to a nest site in a live oak near the Mockingbird Hill entrance to Almaden Quicksilver County Park.

10 March, 2002

Highlights of a Santa Cruz Bird Club field trip to Santa Clara County (reported to SBB by Eric Feuss) included a GLAUCOUS GULL at Almaden Lake, and the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER still present along Bailey Road.

9 March, 2002

Ann Verdi reports that a BROWN CREEPER was seen gathering nesting material (spider silk) along Hicks Road near the Rincon Creek Bridge.

8 March, 2002

Ann Verdi reports that a pair of COMMON RAVENS were seen just west of Calero Reservoir.

4 March, 2002

Birds seen along the Stile Ranch Trail/Fortini Trail loop included a pair of YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS. A Selasphorus hummingbird (sp.?) and 2 PURPLE FINCHES were seen near the trailhead parking area in Santa Teresa County Park—John Mariani.

3 March, 2002

Barbara Harkleroad reports that at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park there were 2 RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS in large oaks along the path by the playground area.

2 March, 2002

Ann Verdi reports that the female YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was still at the SCVWD Pond. It was seen in trees on the northeast side of the pond, then flew into the vegetation in the Guadalupe Channel.

Ann Verdi also noted that the adult SNOW GOOSE was still at Calero Reservoir, and TREE SWALLOWS were seen inspecting possible nesting sites in the snags along the creek leading to the reservoir at the upper end.

Linda Sullivan reports finding numerous NUTMEG MANNIKIN nests in oaks along Alamitos Creek in the vicinity of Crossview Circle and the bridge on Mazzone Drive.

27 February, 2002

Bob and Sharon Lutman report to SBB the continued presence of the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER along Bailey Road near IBM.

26 February, 2002

The SNOW GOOSE was again seen at the east end of Calero Reservoir today. A single TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD was found in a large mixed icterid flock at the boat launch.

Birds seen/heard on an afternoon hike in Almaden Quicksilver County Park (starting from the McAbee Road trailhead) included HUTTON'S VIREO, CALIFORNIA THRASHER, PINE SISKIN, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, PURPLE FINCH, and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW—John Mariani.

Janna Pauser reports that today there were 6 PURPLE FINCHES at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park, and that last Sunday a BROWN CREEPER was seen there, on the first oak tree along the trail that leads from the parking lot.

24 February, 2002

A COMMON POORWILL heard calling from the Santa Teresa Hills along Henwood Road at about 10:45 pm this evening could be a locally wintering bird or early returning migrant. Prior to this occurrence the earliest Almaden Valley records were in March—John Mariani.

19 February, 2002

Today a distant COMMON LOON, a pair of GOLDEN EAGLES, and a COMMON RAVEN were seen from the boat launch at Calero Reservoir—John Mariani.

16 February, 2002

Ann Verdi reported the following sightings to SBB:

Almaden Reservoir: 36 WOOD DUCKS with another 10 seen upstream by the O'Day property bringing the total to 46; 28 COMMON MERGANSERS; 45 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS (the most I've ever seen at this reservoir); one SPOTTED SANDPIPER; and one CALIFORNIA GULL. Also 15 WILD TURKEYS were lined up along the banks of Herbert Creek by the O'Day property taking sips from the creek.
Calero Reservoir (upper end): The adult SNOW GOOSE was seen again with a flock of 38 CANADA GEESE. Also seen at the upper end was a juvenile PEREGRINE FALCON.

SCVWD Pond: The female YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was seen again in the pepper trees in the northeast edge of the pond. An odd-looking RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER was also there.

10 February, 2002

Ann Verdi reports the following observations:

A WESTERN SCRUB-JAY was carrying nesting material near intersection of Wooded Lake Dr & Leyland Park Dr.

Sixteen CANVASBACKS were still at Echo Lake (a small reservoir) on Wooded Lake Dr.

A female ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD was seen building a nest in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. A PURPLE FINCH was also seen there.

A VARIED THRUSH was along the Mine Hill Trail in Almaden Quicksilver County Park near Bull Run Summit.

A YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE was seen in a suburban neighborhood off Rajkovich Road (possibly part of a relict population of magpies in the vicinity).

9 February, 2002

Today a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER was found along the Alamitos Creek Trail. It was in chaparral on the hillside beside the trail just north of the last house on Pfeiffer Ranch Road. Also along the Alamitos Creek Trail, near the bridge on Mazzone Drive, an immature PEREGRINE FALCON was seen flying south, and there were 8-10 NUTMEG MANNIKINS in vegetation along the creek—John Mariani.

7 February, 2002

Bob Reiling reported to SBB that the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER was still at the site on Bailey Road, and the SNOW GOOSE remains with CANADA GEESE on the east side of Calero Reservoir.

28 January, 2002

This afternoon the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER was still at the site across from IBM on Bailey Road, and a COMMON LOON, SNOW GOOSE, and adult BALD EAGLE were again seen at Calero Reservoir. Birds at Almaden Lake Park included a GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, several THAYER'S GULLS, and a pair of RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS—John Mariani.

27 January, 2002

Linda Sullivan reported to SBB that NUTMEG MANNIKINS are nesting in an oak near the footbridge at Almaden Lake Park. Other birds there included 2 COMMON GOLDENEYES.

Al Eisner reported to SBB that the YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was seen today on the north side of the SCVWD Pond, 2 COMMON LOONS and a SNOW GOOSE were at Calero Reservoir, and the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER remains at the "usual" spot on Bailey Road.

23 January, 2002

Jonathan Hays reports that the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER was seen today in the driveway off Bailey Avenue, just west of Santa Teresa Boulevard. He observed it in the the nearest oak tree on the west side of the driveway for about 20 minutes.

22 January, 2002

Brian Acord reports finding the YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER back at its "usual" spot, in pepper trees on the north side of the SCVWD Pond.

21 January, 2002

Barbara Harkleroad reports a male TOWNSEND'S WARBLER at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. It has been seen in the oak trees a short distance up the trail from the little parking lot off Thorntree.

Jennifer Rycenga reports finding the YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER "a bit further to the north than in the directions below, and in heavy foliage." She adds that "I found her, by following the sound of drilling, in a willow-like tree, about 150 feet to the north of the dam, on the west side of the Guadalupe."

20 January, 2002

Al Eisner reports that the SNOW GOOSE and 2 small CANADA GEESE were in a goose flock near the boat launch at Calero Reservoir. A GOLDEN EAGLE was also in the area.

19 January, 2002

Ted Gross and Ann Verdi both report that the YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was seen again at the SCVWD Pond today. Ann notes that it was in a different spot, this time near the overlook to the dam at the Guadalupe Channel. She writes that "there are two spindly valley oaks festooned with oak galls and she was working the larger of the two oaks. She would fly from there to the dense cover of a large laurel in the Guadalupe channel below the dam, fly to a nearby sycamore, and then back to the little oak again. From the dam overlook I had excellent view of the bird from only a few feet away almost at eye-level unobstructed by shadowy foliage."

Peter LaTourrette reported to to SBB that "Saturday afternoon, while I was watching the Bailey Avenue LEWIS'S WOODPECKER, two ranch hands drove through the gate with a load of hay for the cattle. A few moments later I saw an adult BALD EAGLE ascending from that area, so I assume that they flushed it. This may well be the same bird that has been seen at Calero Reservoir."

18 January, 2002

Bill Bousman reported to SBB that an adult SNOW GOOSE and 2 COMMON LOONS were at Calero Reservoir; 43 WOOD DUCKS, 5 COMMON MERGANSERS, and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER were at Almaden Reservoir; and the immature YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was in a pepper tree at the northeast end of the SCVWD Pond.

17 January, 2002

Jennifer Rycenga reported to SBB that the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER continues to be seen in oaks along Bailey Road. Other birds there included a YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE and at least 6 WILD TURKEYS.

14 January, 2002

The TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was again seen at Barbara Harkleroad's house on Paso Los Cerritos.

12 January, 20002

Don Ganton reports that a MERLIN was seen atop a tree near the ranger station at Almaden Lake.

9 January, 2002

Bob Reiling reported to SBB the continued presence of the immature YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at the SCVWD Pond; the 2 COMMON LOONS, SNOW GOOSE, and small CANADA GOOSE at Calero Reservoir; and the LEWIS'S WOODPECKER in Oak tree #377, near the pullout on the south side of Bailey Rd., across the road from the IBM facility.

8 January, 2002

Mike Rogers visited Calero Reservoir today, where he found 2 COMMON LOONS, the previously reported adult SNOW GOOSE, 14 COMMON MERGANSERS, and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER. Among the blackbirds at the boat launch he was able to find 1 male TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD and 65+ BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS.

7 January, 2002

Barbara Harkleroad had a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE perched atop her backyard birch tree today. She wrote that "there was no mistaking the slim, gray, long tailed bird with the small head and obvious white eye ring. A flock of ROBINS had been feeding in a large Hollywood Juniper near my patio and the Solitaire must have arrived with the flock. Suddenly, the Robins were all gone, and the only bird left was this statuesque gray bird with a rather bewildered look about it."

5 January, 2002

Hugh and Debbie McDevitt saw the immature YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at the SCVWD Pond today. The sapsucker was also observed by Mike Mammoser and Kathy Parker, who additionally noted that there were 5 NUTMEG MANNIKINS in the same area.

Mike Mammoser found GOLDEN EAGLE, BALD EAGLE, and SNOW GOOSE at Calero Reservoir today.

2 January, 2002

From Mike Rogers, as reported to SBB:

"The vocal LEWIS'S WOODPECKER was an easy find right by the gate with the "No Trespassing" sign along Bailey Road. The adult SNOW GOOSE was with the goose flock at the east end of Calero Reservoir, but a stop at the boat launch was hopeless for finding a Bald Eagle, as the rain and fog were too thick to see the oak trees across the way. A single SPOTTED SANDPIPER teetered along the shore here.

Driving up Almaden Expressway, I noted an adult PEREGRINE FALCON perched on the row of high tension towers south of McAbee/Winfield. A stop at the SCVWD pond north of Coleman Road turned up 14 RING-NECKED DUCKS and the immature YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. All-in-all a very successful round-up of several stakeout rarities"

1 January, 2002

Kathy Parker, Barbara Harkleroad, and Karl Fowler reported to SBB the continued presence of a LEWIS'S WOODPECKER in the oak trees along Bailey Rd. across from the IBM facility. Other birds there included 31 WILD TURKEYS and 6 YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES.

James Yurchenco reported to SBB that the juvenile YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was still at the SCVWD facility on Almaden Expressway. It was in the pepper trees on the north side of the pond.

The adult BALD EAGLE and SNOW GOOSE were again seen from the boat launch at Calero Reservoir this morning (the eagle was perched in an oak on the west side of the reservoir, and the goose was at the east end). In addition there were about 20 COMMON MERGANSERS on the water—John Mariani.

Return to Birding in the Almaden Valley
Return to Birds West Home Page