Archives of past sightings: 1998—1999   2000   2001   2002 

Recent bird sightings:

31 December, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports that 4 WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS and at least 6 NUTMEG MANNIKINS were seen along the Alamitos Creek Trail.

30 December, 2003

    Ann Verdi reports an observation of 2 HOODED MERGANSERS (a male & female) at Almaden Lake.

28 December, 2003

    The Calero-Morgan Hill CBC was held today under excellent weather conditions. A total of 146 species were recorded. Almaden Valley highlights included a lingering AMERICAN BITTERN at the SCVWD Pond, 2 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and the BALD EAGLE at Calero Reservoir, 8 (amazingly early!) VAUX'S SWIFTS at Almaden Reservoir, a ROCK WREN along the Stile Ranch Trail, and an AMERICAN DIPPER at Twin Creeks. 

    Leda Beth Gray and David Drake did some early morning owling along Calero Creek, McKean Rd., and Country View Drive (which goes to the southern end of Santa Teresa County Park). Their efforts were rewarded with 2 BARN OWLS (along Calero Creek near Harry Rd.), 6 GREAT HORNED OWLS, and 5 WESTERN SCREECH OWLS. I also did some pre-dawn birding, and counted 18 WESTERN SCREECH-OWLS, 10 GREAT HORNED OWLS, and a NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL along my main route (Alamitos & Hicks Roads), in addition to a BARN OWL seen earlier near the entrance to Calero County Park. At dawn I heard a WINTER WREN along Guadalupe Creek upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir, and saw several VARIED THRUSHES along Hicks Road—John Mariani.

26 December, 2003

    This afternoon, at Calero Reservoir, I saw 2 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, a flock of 14 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, and a small flock of LEAST SANDPIPERS—John Mariani.

25 December, 2003

    Al Eisner reported the continued presence of a PEREGRINE FALCON at the SCVWD Pond, and at least 51 WOOD DUCKS at the west end of Almaden Reservoir. Mike Mammoser reports that the BALD EAGLE was seen at Calero Reservoir today.

24 December, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports that the AMERICAN BITTERN, PEREGRINE FALCON, and an OSPREY were seen today at the SCVWD Pond.

21 December, 2003

    Ann Verdi found the adult BALD EAGLE at Calero Reservoir at about 8:00 am (early morning is apparently the best time to look for this bird).

13 December, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports the continued presence of an AMERICAN BITTERN and a PEREGRINE FALCON at the SCVWD Pond.

10 December, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports a PEREGRINE FALCON at the SCVWD Pond, and a3 TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park.

7 December, 2003

    Janna Pauser again saw the AMERICAN BITTERN and PEREGRINE FALCON at the SCVWD pond. In addition to the above birds, Kim Blythe reports that an OSPREY and MERLIN were also seen there.

6 December, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports that the AMERICAN BITTERN was again seen at the SCVWD pond. Also seen there were an OSPREY and PEREGRINE FALCON.

    Gordon Barrett reports the continued presence of an adult BALD EAGLE at Calero Reservoir. It was again seen to the west of the dam (looking from the boat ramp).

5 December, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports that a group from Wild Bird Center in Los Gatos, led by Freddie Howell,
found an AMERICAN BITTERN on the main SCVWD pond today. Birds on the river channel near the pond included 2 GREEN HERONS, 3 COMMON MOORHENS, and 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER.

    Mike Mammoser visited Calero Reservoir, and observed 2 adult GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, 6 ROSS'S GEESE (2 adults and 4 immatures), and 2 small form CANADA GEESE in the goose flock there.

29 November, 2003

    Ann Verdi reports that an adult BALD EAGLE was seen perched in a small oak at the southwest end of Calero Reservoir today. Also, in a large flock of geese at the east end of the reservoir, there were 6 ROSS'S GEESE, 2 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, and 2 minima "CACKLING" CANADA GEESE.

    Barbara Harkleroad reports that a MERLIN was seen at about 9:30am atop an oak on the hill above the rock outcroppings (and to the left of the large log staircase) at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park.

16 November, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports that birds found today along the Alamitos Creek Trail included about a dozen NUTMEG MANNIKINS (south of the Mazzone bridge), a YELLOW-SHAFTED NORTHERN  FLICKER, 2 very late-in-season WESTERN TANAGERS (east side of the trail where the equestrian trail starts), a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS and 3 WOOD DUCKS (on the creek close to the last house on Pheiffer Ranch Rd.), and a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER.

11 November, 2003

    Ann Verdi revisited Calero Reservoir, and reports that both the GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE & "CACKLING" CANADA GOOSE were there. A single BONAPARTE'S GULL was also present.

9 November, 2003

    Ann Verdi noted the presence of a small-sized "CACKLING" CANADA GOOSE with the goose flock at Calero Reservoir. The Greater White-fronted Goose was not seen today.

5 November, 2003

    Ann Verdi was at Calero Reservoir today and found 20 EARED GREBES, a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (with a flock of over 240 CANADA GEESE), COMMON GOLDENEYE, BUFFLEHEAD, a MEW GULL, and 12 AMERICAN PIPITS. She also reports that on Nov. 3 an almost pure flock of over 100 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS was in the horse corral near the reservoir.

4 November, 2003

    Ann Verdi reports that 20 WOOD DUCKS were seen at the upper end of Almaden Reservoir today. Other birds found there included 4 COMMON MERGANSERS, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, LEAST SANDPIPER, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, and WILSON'S SNIPE. Back by the O'Day property along Alamitos Road there were at least 5-6 TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS.

26 October, 2003

    Gordon Barrett reports that an OSPREY was seen circling over Almaden Lake today.

2 October, 2003

    Bill Bousman reports that at Calero Reservoir a single OSPREY was seen flying from north to south, a ROCK WREN was beside the levee at the creek inlet (same place as last winter), and there were at least 25 male TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS in the flocks at the stables. Gordon Barrett also reported the presence of the Rock Wren, and shorebirds that included  GREATER YELLOWLEGS, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, WESTERN SANDPIPER, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, and WILSON'S SNIPE.

3 October, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports that a BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, a YELLOW WARBLER, and a WILSON'S WARBLER were among the birds found in Guadalupe Oak Grove Park today.

30 September, 2003

    Ann Verdi visited Calero Reservoir today, where birds included 10 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, 6 NORTHERN PINTAIL, 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and 35 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS. 

25 September, 2003

    Ann Verdi reports that the BROWN PELICAN continues to be seen at Calero Reservoir.

20 September, 2003

    Matthew Dodder reports to SBB that birds found on a trip to Calero Reservoir today included a BROWN PELICAN, OSPREY, NORTHERN HARRIER, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and SPOTTED SANDPIPER. Passerine migrants included YELLOW and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS and returning GOLDEN-CROWNED and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS.

10 September, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports that along Alamitos Creek, between the Almaden Lake and the Mazzone bridge, she found 1 WILLOW FLYCATCHER, 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, 1 female WESTERN TANAGER, and 2 adult NUTMEG MANNIKINS.

2 September, 2003

    Today Ann Verdi found an AMERICAN AVOCET at the upper end of Calero Reservoir (a 3rd park record). New fall arrivals there included 3 AMERICAN WIGEON and 3 NORTHERN SHOVELERS. Also the juvenile BROWN PELICAN continues to be seen at Almaden Lake. 

19 August, 2003

    Ann Verdi reports that there were 3 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES and 2 almost fully grown WOOD DUCKS at Calero Reservoir today, and that the BROWN PELICAN was still at Almaden Lake.

18 August,m 2003

    Ann Verdi found 2 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES at the upper end of Calero Reservoir today.

16 August, 2003

     Janna Pauser reports that Freddie Howell saw two RED-NECKED PHALAROPES flying back and forth across the SCVWD Pond this morning. 

14 August, 2003

    Ann Verdi reports that a juvenile RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was found at Calero Reservoir this morning—now all 3 phalarope species have been recorded there! In addition, 2 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, several LEAST SANDPIPERS, and 2 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS were also seen there today.

8 August, 2003

    Ann Verdi found a juvenile WILLET on the mudflats at the upper end of Calero Reservoir today..

7 August, 2003

    Ann Verdi reports that the BROWN PELICAN was again seen at Almaden Lake today.

6 August, 2003

    Ann Verdi reports that an adult female OSPREY and 6 GADWALL (possibly the first of the fall ducks?) were at Calero Reservoir today. TREE, VIOLET-GREEN, CLIFF, and BARN SWALLOWS were seen over the Bailey Cove marsh. 

31 July, 2003

    Bob Reiling reports that he and Frank Vanslager were unable to refind the Solitary Sandpiper at Calero Reservoir this morning, but did find several species of shorebirds, including at least 3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS.

30 July, 2003

    Ann Verdi found a SOLITARY SANDPIPER at the east end of Calero Reservoir this morning. It was in the marshy cove near the junction of McKean and Bailey Road ("Bailey Cove"). Other birds there today included 2 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 3 WILSON'S PHALAROPES, a GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, and 6 LEAST SANDPIPERS.

28 July, 2003

    Ann Verdi reports that the number of WILSON"S PHALAROPES at Calero Reservoir has risen to 5, and 2 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS also continue to be seen there. At Almaden Lake Park the juvenile BROWN PELICAN was again seen today; Ann noted that it flew in from the north at noontime.

27 July, 2003

    More shorebird migration going on at Calero Reservoir...Today Ann Verdi reports finding 1 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, and 3 juvenile WILSON'S PHALAROPES at Bailey Cove. The phalaropes are an overdue first record for Calero County Park. Janna Pauser reports that an immature BROWN PELICAN was on the island in Almaden Lake today, and that numerous BULLOCK'S and HOODED ORIOLES have been feeding on blackberries along the Alamitos Creek Trail.

23 July, 2003

    Ann Verdi found the following shorebirds at the "Bailey's Cove" extension of Calero Reservoir: 3 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS (with rufous-barred tertials), 6 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 10 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS (in alternate plumage), 20+ BLACK-NECKED STILTS, and 20+ KILLDEER (at Bailey's Cove & elsewhere at Calero Reservoir).

26 June, 2003

    Ann Verdi reported the following observations from Hicks Rd at the confluence of Guadalupe & Rincon Creeks: PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS were seen bringing food to a nest located under the Guadalupe Creek bridge. Recently fledged birds included a begging STELLER'S JAY, an immature BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and immature VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS. Other birds found there included WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, WESTERN TANAGER, and a singing male WILSON'S WARBLER.

23 June, 2003

    Ann Verdi reports that a male ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD, a female or first year YELLOW WARBLER, and fledgling birds of several species were found along Capitancillos Creek just upstream from Almaden Reservoir. Birds at the confluence of Guadalupe & Rincon Creeks along Hicks Road included WESTERN TANAGER. 

12 June, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports that birds nesting at Almaden Lake Park include WESTERN KINGBIRD, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, WESTERN BLUEBIRD, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, and LESSER GOLDFINCH.. A WESTERN TANAGER was also seen along the lakeshore. BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS and ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS are nesting at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park.

3 June, 2003

    Frank Vanslager heard 3 COMMON POORWILLS calling this evening from about 9:00 to 9:15 in the Senator Mines Area of Almaden Quicksilver County Park.

1 June, 2003

    Mike Rogers reports that highlights from his Breeding Bird Survey included WESTERN and CLARK'S GREBES on Calero Reservoir, a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW upslope across from the Calero Reservoir boat launch, and a female WOOD DUCK with 4 young and 2 female-plumaged COMMON MERGANSERS at Almaden Reservoir.

11 May, 2003

    Barbara Harkleroad found a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON roosting at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. 

9 May, 2003

    Ann Verdi reports that the GOLDEN EAGLES continue to raise their 2 young at their transmission tower nest along McKean Rd. In addition, an OSPREY was at Calero Reservoir, 5 VAUX'S SWIFTS were seen flying overhead with VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS at Mockingbird Hill in Almaden Quicksilver County Park, and birds in the vicinity of Mt Umunhum/Bald Mountain Trail included  a female SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, a male LAZULI BUNTING, and a pair of BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS.

    Bob Reiling reports that he and Frank Vanslager found VAUX'S SWIFT, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, WESTERN BLUEBIRD, and 3 WESTERN TANAGERS at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park , and they had several more WESTERN TANAGERS at Santa Teresa County Park. 

7 May, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports that an adult BALD EAGLE was seen in flight near the junction of McKean and Schillingsburg, and that the GOLDEN EAGLES continue to nest on the power tower there. Birds along the Stile Ranch/Fortini Trail loop included 2 RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS, WESTERN KINGBIRDS, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, ROCK WRENS, WESTERN BLUEBIRD, GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS. Janna also noted that BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS are nesting at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park.

    Jim Danzenbaker reports to SBB that a male CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD visited the bottlebrush in his yard, which is located off Branham in San Jose, just north of the Almaden Valley.  Other migrants noted there today included a RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD, 5 WESTERN TANAGERS, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK. 

5 May, 2003

    "This afternoon at Guadalupe Oak Grove, I saw two WILSON'S WARBLERS and a BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER in the same oak tree. Some other notables on our walk were BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, VAUX'S SWIFT, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER and WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH"—Don Ganton.

3 May, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports that 5 (!) CHIPPING SPARROWS were seen today at Guadalupe Oak Park, with one seen collecting nesting material. Other birds there included ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, a WILSON'S WARBLER, and several HOODED ORIOLES. Janna also noted that a FOX SPARROW has been singing in her backyard for several mornings now.

30 April, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports that an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and a pair of BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS were observed at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park today, and that a fledgling COMMON YELLOWTHROAT provided evidence of local breeding at the SCVWD Pond. 

19 April, 2003

    This morning, along Bertram Road in New Almaden, Janna Pauser found a variety of birds, including PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, HOUSE WREN, BROWN CREEPER, CEDAR WAXWINGS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, YELLOW WARBLER, and several BULLOCK'S ORIOLES.

17 April, 2003

    The Stile Ranch Trail continues to be a hotspot. Ann Verdi reports that a singing GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was again seen in the grassland past the switchbacks. Other birds seen included WESTERN KINGBIRD, a pair of YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES, ROCK WREN, HORNED LARK,  RUFOUS-CROWNED and SAVANNAH SPARROWS, WESTERN BLUEBIRD, a couple of selasphorus-type hummingbirds, and a HERMIT THRUSH.

15 April, 2003

    Donna Heim found at least one singing GRASSHOPPER SPARROW along the Stile Ranch Trail about 70 to 100 yards past the switchbacks and chaparral. WESTERN KINGBIRDS, HORNED LARKS, YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE, and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS were also seen along the trail.

13 April, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports that GREAT EGRETS are nesting on the island in Almaden Lake, and that the CANADA GEESE now have goslings. Other birds there included a GREEN HERON, FORSTER'S TERNS, a kingbird (sp.?), and BULLOCK'S ORIOLES.

12 April, 2003

    The "Almaden Eagles" birdathon team (Ann Verdi & Grant Webb) tallied 72 species today, hampered by dismal weather.  At the McAbee entrance to Quicksilver CP they had WARBLING VIREO, HUTTON'S VIREO, and WESTERN BLUEBIRD. Two CANADA GEESE were at Guadalupe Reservoir (unusual for this location).  At the Stile Ranch Trailhead off Fortini Road they found WESTERN KINGBIRD, ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD, and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW. Birds at Calero Reservoir included CASPIAN TERN, FORSTER'S TERN, COMMON MERGANSER, and one EARED GREBE. A GOLDEN EAGLE was on its nest atop a transmission tower near the reservoir protecting the two baby eaglets.

    Janna Pauser reports that a WESTERN TANAGER and flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS were in her yard today. 

11 April, 2003

    Janna Pauser found an aberrant brown-and-white NUTTALL'S WOODPECKER at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park today. A similarly leucistic bird was seen in this area a couple of years ago, and the same or a related individual may be involved.

10 April, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports that a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was heard atop the ridge near the stone wall along the Stile Ranch Trail, and several ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRDS continue to be seen there. Janna  also passed,on the news that Joan Brauch saw an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER this morning at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. Two baby WESTERN BLUEBIRDS will fledge soon from their nest box on on the west side of the park.

8 April, 2003

    From Ann Verdi: 

    "An adult GOLDEN EAGLE and two fuzzy white baby eaglets were seen today at the nest along McKean Road.

    At Calero Reservoir things were quiet.  One CASPIAN TERN and six FORSTER'S TERNS were seen.  One WESTERN SANDPIPER and one GREATER YELLOWLEGS were on the mudflats.  Most ducks have cleared out and the only ducks seen were Mallard, Gadwall, Common Merganser, and one female Bufflehead.  A pair of TREE SWALLOWS was at the large dead snag upstream of the reservoir, but Acorn Woodpeckers were guarding their nest sites there."

3 April, 2003

    From a report posted to SBB by Ann Verdi: 

    "Today (Thurs, 4/3) I did a little early morning birding in some of my "patch" areas and have a few birds to report:

    Hicks Road (at the confluence of Guadalupe & Rincon Creeks):  Spring migrants seen included BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, CASSIN'S VIREO, HOUSE WREN, and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.

    Calero Reservoir (eastern end):  Of note were one CASPIAN TERN, one FORSTER'S TERN, one EARED GREBE.  Not many ducks, but those seen included Gadwall, Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Greater Scaup, and Common Merganser.  Swallows swooping over the eastern end of the reservoir were TREE, CLIFF, and BARN.  A GOLDEN EAGLE was being harassed by a crow; later I saw the eagle near the nest platform along McKean Road.

    And finally, WESTERN KINGBIRDS are now being seen at the end of Fortini Road at the start of Stile Ranch Trail (Santa Teresa CP)."

2 April, 2003

    From Ann Verdi:

    "The BROWN CREEPER pair by St. Anthony's church at the intersection of Bertram and Alamitos Roads appear to be really nesting.  One Brown Creeper was seen bringing food to the bark shingle in the eucalyptus in front of the church.  A second Brown Creeper then appeared from behind the shingle.  The two stayed together and definitely seemed to be a pair."

31 March, 2003

    From Ann Verdi: 

    "I just got back from an early morning hike on Stile Ranch/Fortini Trails at Santa Teresa County Park where I saw a few birds of note - WESTERN KINGBIRD (first of the season for me); several ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRDS in the flowering sage; HORNED LARK on the rocky IBM property; RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW (several); LARK SPARROW (several including some first winter); a male WESTERN BLUEBIRD defending Nest Box 32 from a pair of VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS and one N. ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW; one SAVANNAH SPARROW; one WILD TURKEY; one COMMON RAVEN; and an immature male N. HARRIER whose low swooping successfully scattered any other interesting birds I was trying to locate."

30 March, 2003

    Jim Danzenbaker reports that a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, many ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRDS, at least 4 vocal CALIFORNIA THRASHERS, and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS were at the beginning of the Stile Ranch Trail this morning. 

29 March, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports that the SORA is still present along the Guadalupe River near the SCVWD Pond, and that WESTERN BLUEBIRD and PLAIN TITMOUSE are already nesting at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park.

26 March, 2003

    Ann Verdi refound the SORA today along the Guadalupe River near the SCVWD Pond.Also seen there were 4 WILSON'S SNIPE, a SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and a LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER.

25 March, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports that several ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRDS and a ROCK WREN were seen along the Stile Ranch Trail this morning.

24 March. 2003

    Janna Pauser found the SORA again at its original location near the SCVWD Pond, and also reports WOOD DUCKS along Alamitos Creek and RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER in pepper trees near Almaden Lake.

23 March, 2003

Mike Mamosser found an early returning WARBLING VIREO and singing TOWNSEND'S WARBLER at the Mockingbird Hill entrance to Almaden Quicksilver County Park. A GOLDEN EAGLE was sitting on the power tower nest north of Calero

21 March, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports that the WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was singing today at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park, and that some of the early migrants are already back—PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and WARBLING VIREO were along Bertram Road in New Almaden, and a pair of BROWN CREEPERS were at a possible nest site in a eucalyptus in front of the little brown church near La Foret.

20 March, 2003

    Linda Sullivan reported that a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was seen today in the oak grove at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park.

19 March, 2003

    Ann Verdi reports the continued presence of the SORA along the Guadalupe River Channel near the SCVWD Pond.

15 March, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports that on a recent trip to the SCVWD Pond a SORA was observed in cattails along the adjacent Guadalupe River (a possible nest was found, but the apparent nest site has since flooded out). Other birds there included CINNAMON TEAL, OSPREY, COMMON MOORHEN, and up to 7 GREEN HERONS.

14 March, 2003

    Ann Verdi checked Almaden Reservoir and found 14 WOOD DUCKS there. Displaying male WILD TURKEYS were at the upper end mudflats. PINE SISKINS were in the hillside oaks at the Denham property along Alamitos Road, and NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS and a vociferous HOUSE WREN were back in the Twin Creeks area.

13 March, 2003

    Barbara Harkleroad had 2 NUTMEG MANNIKINS visit her bird feeder today (indicating there may be some dispersal away from their regular haunts along Alamitos Creek).

10 March, 2003

    Spring has come early for some of our resident breeders. Janna Pauser reports that WESTERN BLUEBIRDS are already nesting at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park, with four eggs found in one of the bluebird boxes there. RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS were also observed carrying nesting material.

9 March, 2003

    From Ann Verdi:

    This morning (Sun, 3/9) a CASPIAN TERN was at Calero Reservoir (first of the season for me).  The water level is receding at the reservoir exposing more mudflats with the result that some shorebirds are beginning to show up again - six LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS and eight LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen today as well as a number of KILLDEER.

    Six WESTERN GREBES and one EARED GREBE were seen.  Ducks on the reservoir included thirty COMMON MERGANSERS - also MALLARD, GADWALL, BUFFLEHEAD, COMMON GOLDENEYE, a pair of LESSER SCAUP, and one N. SHOVELER.

    CLIFF SWALLOWS have returned and are busily establishing nesting sites under the eaves of the farmhouse.  VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS are returning to the hillside oaks.

    TREE SWALLOWS continue to fly about, mainly near the hills east of the reservoir. They have not been seen inspecting the dead snags in the creek leading to the upper end of the reservoir as they have in previous years.  Instead ACORN WOODPECKERS seem to have adopted the largest snag as a granary and nesting area.  In the coming weeks I'll be checking some wooded stock ponds deeper in the hills around Calero to see if they're nesting there.

    From Mike Mammoser:

    On Sunday, 9 Mar 03, I took a little walk in Almaden Quicksilver Park. Spring breeding activity is certainly picking up, with lots of singing ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS and PURPLE FINCHES, among others. I couldn't find any siskins among the LESSER GOLDFINCHES, though. An adult COOPER'S HAWK was soaring overhead at one point. An interesting find was a pair of HUTTON'S VIREOS building a nest about 6 feet above the ground in a toyon bush that was about 20 feet off the trail. I'm more used to seeing these birds build higher up in oak trees.

    I then drove to Almaden Reservoir, where the first bird I saw was a flyby PRAIRIE FALCON at the Hicks Road intersection. This may be the same bird that has been hanging out around nearby Calero Reservoir (it looked to be headed in that direction). Down at the dam end of the reservoir I had a pair of COMMON MERGANSERS, a single female COMMON GOLDENEYE, and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER.

    Going by Calero Reservoir, I had the GOLDEN EAGLE sitting on the power tower nest. The only tern over the reservoir was a FORSTER'S.

26 February, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports that a YELLOW-SHAFTED (NORTHERN) FLICKER was seen near Guadalupe Reservoir in Almaden Quicksilver County Park.

23 February, 2003

    Mike Mammoser found an unusually early ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER singing on territory in Almaden Quicksilver County Park (entry from McAbee Road). 

21 February, 2003

A COMMON MOORHEN was among the birds seen by Janna Pauser at the SCVWD Ponds today.

17 February, 2003

    Ann Verdi reports that at Almaden Lake Park a juvenile THAYER'S GULL was among the gulls present, a female WOOD DUCK was on the roosting island, an OSPREY flew by, and a pair of NUTMEG MANNIKINS were seen carrying nesting material and flying into a pepper tree on the west side of the lake.

16 February, 2003

    Ann Verdi reports that 27 WOOD DUCKS and 12 COMMON MERGANSERS were at Almaden Reservoir today.

15 February, 2003

    While doing an impromptu Big Day, Mike Mammoser saw the BALD EAGLE and a PRAIRIE FALCON at Calero Reservoir, and a GOLDEN EAGLE on its nest atop a nearby power tower.

2 February, 2003

    Barbara Harkleroad reports that the female PHAINOPEPLA was seen today in the southwest corner of Guadalupe Oak Grove Park.

28 January, 2003

    Rita Colwell reports that a PRAIRIE FALCON was seen cruising the open fields along McKean Rd. between Harry Rd. and Calero Reservoir.

25 January, 2003

    Looks like it was an all-raptor day in the Almaden Valley. Grant Webb reports that the BALD EAGLE was again seen at Calero Reservoir, where it was found by walking across the dam to a high spot overlooking the southwest part of the lake (its perch was above a cove that is hidden from view if you are searching from the boat launch). A couple of GOLDEN EAGLES were seen atop the usual power tower, also visible from the dam area. The Phainopepla and Red-breasted Sapsucker were not seen at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park today, but Grant did observe a MERLIN where one had previously been seen by Don Ganton, "in an oak tree on the hill in the northern part of the park" (just northwest of the rest rooms).

23 January, 2003

    Ann Verdi reports that the adult BALD EAGLE was again seen at one of its favored posts - the small oak at the west end of Calero Reservoir - visible from the boat ramp parking lot.

18 January, 2003

    Vivek Tiwari reports that the RED-NECKED GREBE was again seen at Calero Reservoir today. It was along the opposite shore and just west of the boat-ramp. In addition it was noted that there was a mega-flock of 32 WILD TURKEYS at the stables opposite the parking area at Calero County Park. Also today, while on a mushroom hunt, Janna Pauser saw a pair of WINTER WRENS along Hicks Road near the Rincon Creek bridge.

17 January, 2003

    Janna Pauser reports the presence of RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. 

14 January, 2003

    Bob Reiling and Frank Vanslager were at Calero Reservoir today, where the RED-NECKED GREBE and BALD EAGLE continue to be seen. As many as 3 GOLDEN EAGLES were also in the area.

12 January, 2003

    From Ann Verdi:

    Guadalupe Oak Grove Park:  A female PHAINOPEPLA (presumably the same one first discovered by Janna Pauser on Dec 29) was seen in a bare oak in the southwest portion of the park near the Villas condominiums.
    Calero Reservoir:  The RED-NECKED GREBE was seen on the west side of the reservoir half way between the dam and the marker buoys.  This is a tricky bird to spot as it dives a lot and then you don't know where or when it will pop up again.  I've made several attempts to see this bird since the first of the year and finally got lucky.

10 January, 2003

    Mike Rogers and Bill Bousman noted the continued presence of the RED-NECKED GREBE at Calero Reservoir. Other birds they saw there today included the adult BALD EAGLE, an OSPREY, a SURF SCOTER, an AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, 20 WILD TURKEYS, an adult PEREGRINE FALCON, and an adult GOLDEN EAGLE.

9 January, 2003 

    Mike Mammoser reports the continued presence of RED-NECKED GREBE and BALD EAGLE at Calero Reservoir.

8 January, 2003

    Al Eisner reports that a RED-NECKED GREBE, an adult BALD EAGLE, and an OSPREY were seen from the boat launch at Calero Reservoir, and that the ROCK WREN was still along the entrance creek at the east end. 

6 January, 2003

    Today there were still 5 SURF SCOTERS at Calero Reservoir—John Mariani.

5 January, 2003 

    Mike Rogers reports that a BALD EAGLE, 40 WOOD DUCKS,  a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, a female COMMON MERGANSER, and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER were observed on an afternoon hike around the  west end of Calero Reservoir.

4 January, 2003

     Bob Reiling reports that BALD & GOLDEN EAGLES, PRAIRIE FALCON, and ROCK WREN were seen at Calero Reservoir today.

1 January, 2003

    Don Ganton, Bill Bousman, Mike Rogers, and Mike Mammoser all reported birds from Calero Reservoir today. Species found there included both CLARK'S & WESTERN GREBES, BALD & GOLDEN EAGLES, many GREATER SCAUP, at least 5 SURF SCOTERS, and ROCK WREN.

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