Walkabout Results

by Betty Groce

May & June, 1996
Thirteen stalwarts braved elevated temperatures of May Day to observe 45species of birds at the Warm Springs Dam area led by Peter Leveque. Avianhighlights of the day were Lewis' Woodpecker, Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, anda pair of Northern Rough-winged Swallows which appeared to be nesting inan exhaust pipe of a generator at the Hatchery buildings. During lunch time, wewere treated to the continuous singing of a California Thrasher.

Fourteen birders joined leader, Laurence Taylor, on a beautiful spring day, May9 on the Salmon Creek Road Walkabout. 51 species were sighted and at least fivenests were spotted in addition to melodious sounds. The highlight was aNorthern Pygmy Owl calling while we were eating lunch.

Facing a forecast of rain, which materialized shortly after lunch, 15 birdersascended Pine Flat Road with leader, Lew Edmondson, on May 15, finding 49species. Brightening the day with their brilliant spring plumage wereNorthern Oriole, Lazuli Bunting, Black-headed Grosbeak and WesternTanager. To cap off the day, a Pileated Woodpecker put in anappearance at the Sulphur Creek Bridge.

Twelve birders joined leaders, Jean and Jim Tonascia, on May 23. At LakeBerryessa (Monticello Dam), it was cold and so windy it nearly blew us away.However, we did get great looks at low-flying White-throated Swifts andfar-away looks at a singing Canyon Wren. At Lake Solano, the temperatureimproved greatly and we enjoyed many great looks at Phainopeplas andNorthern Orioles. (Our Orioles are once again full-fledgedspecies--Bullock's.) On our way home on a back road not far from LakeSolano, we spotted a couple of Yellow-billed Magpies to complete ourtarget species.

On a very comfortable temperature-wise May 29, 16 birders joined leader, BettyGroce, at Sugarloaf State Park. Forty-one species were observed includingPileated Woodpecker, a family of Black Phoebes, a family ofBrown Creepers, a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Western Tanager and aWarbling Vireo with a nest.

Jean and Jim Tonascia led our last trip of the season on June 5 to AnnadelState Park. Nineteen birders attended and observed 48 species. We saw babyCalifornia Quail, Bushtits feeding young in a nest before goingover to Spring Lake to look for the Yellow-breasted Chat. While waitingfor the Chat, we say a family of Nuttall's Woodpeckers. At long last,the Chat treated us to his hilarious vocalizations and a brief appearance.

A great, big thank-you to all the leaders who so graciously assisted with theMidweek Walkabouts this spring.