(August 2 - August 9, 2008) As I walk by the dining room pond after breakfast on

This week’s image, taken Saturday, August 16, 2008, features the juvenile GREEN HERON. Inspired by the Olympic gymnasts on the balance beam, one of North America’s smallest herons steadies itself on a narrow branch in the Brazilian pepper tree above the dining room pond while it waits for a minnow or two to wander into its neighborhood.

Friday morning, a juvenile GREEN HERON poses on the granite slope on the far side of the water. It stands upright with perfect posture and hopes to remain hidden. Following its example, I try to appear motionless by moving at sloth-speed as I slowly extend the legs of the tripod, silently set it on the brick path, calmly attach the camera to the scope and steal a few photos.

 

 

(August 2 - August 9, 2008) My second visit to Southeast Arizona with San Diego Audubon exceeds my expectations. While the group identifies over 160 species, I see most of my target species, I reconnect with several of my favorite birds from 4 years

ago, and I am treated to a few surprises as well.

Besides benefiting from our well-organized leader (Phil Pryde) and a supporting cast of talented and friendly birders, we are at times just plain lucky. On the morning of day seven when we notice a flat tire on our parked SUV, we cram all 11 birders into the van and drive to breakfast. On the return trip, everyone gets to see two elusive MONTEZUMA QUAIL as they casually cross the road in front of us. If we had been in two vehicles when the quail appeared, those of us in the trailing vehicle would have missed what was a life bird for everyone but our leader.

My best photo of the trip is also my last photo of the trip. While the adult BURROWING OWL perches on a nearby fence post, four owlets poke their heads out of their nesting hole and stare at us with their big round eyes. Photo taken while I sit in the driver’s seat of the SUV and aim my handheld Canon PowerShot A570IS camera out the passenger window.

Other highlights include:
Two adult male ELEGANT TROGONS in Madera Canyon during our first full day of birding. Also in Madera Canyon, after failing to find what would have been the rarest species of our trip, we return the next day and finally see and hear that rare beauty, a male FLAME-COLORED TANAGER. Persistence pays off.

My sighting of a SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER occurs at the precise moment it engages in a brief aerial battle with an ACORN WOODPECKER. They perform a spectacular dance, a few feathers fly but no one gets hurt, and I add a life bird to my list.

Although we neither hear nor see owls during two night time walks, during the day we locate two SPOTTED OWLS perched on a low branch a few feet from the trail, and during the drive back to Tucson, we discover BURROWING OWLS next to a dirt road.

Tony, the manager of Cave Creek Ranch where we stay for three nights in the Chiricahua Mountains, fixes our flat tire, refuses to accept a tip, and instead responds, “That’s just part of the service.” Tony is another of the special species found in the area.

OTHER NOTABLE SPECIES [Life Birds denoted by (L)]:
Zoned-tailed Hawk (L)
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
White-eared Hummingbird (L)
Violet-crowned Hummingbird
Blue-throated Hummingbird
Magnificent Hummingbird
Arizona Woodpecker (L)
Gilded Flicker
Buff-breasted Flycatcher
Olive Warbler (L)
Lucy’s Warbler (L)
Red-faced Warbler
Hepatic Tanager
Summer Tanager
Painted Bunting

(July 25 - July 28, 2008)

This week’s photo, taken March 29, 2008, features a HOUSE WREN shaking its thing and getting its groove on as it practices its best dance moves for an upcoming NIA class.

Although our spa guests begin to eat our Ranch grown grapes in August, the birds are already flocking to the vineyards for their annual Grape Festival. Feasting on the tasty fruit are BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, HOODED ORIOLES, HOUSE FINCHES, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS and WESTERN TANAGERS. It may not be a coincidence that mockingbirds and tanagers are arriving now. It may be all about the grapes. Although mockingbirds are seen at the organic garden throughout the year, they tend to take a hiatus from the main area of the Ranch in late spring/early summer. The tanagers are flying in from the north, an indication that fall migration is underway in July.

NOTABLE SPECIES:
White-breasted Nuthatch
Blue Grosbeak
Lawrence’s Goldfinch

(July 18 - July 21, 2008)

I include 2 photos this week. Photo #1, taken July 18 at 8:17am, features the two Black-chinned Hummingbird youngsters a day or two before lift off. Photo #2, taken July 20 at 8:55am, features the empty nest hosting my room key to give perspective on how tiny a hummingbird nest can be.

On an after dinner walk, I hear a WESTERN SCREECH OWL near Kuchumaa Passage. As I approach closer the owl stops calling, then an unidentified bird flies low over my head, appearing in a flash and disappearing just as fast into the darkness.

NOTABLE SPECIES:
Downy Woodpecker
White-breasted Nuthatch
Lawrence’s Goldfinch

On Monday’s Bird Walk we stumble upon three separate families of CALIFORNIA QUAIL as they race across the paths from one safe patch of vegetation to another. The guests appreciate the Quail’s strong family unit. These birds really look out for each other as they go about their daily business, especially this time of year when their children are young and vulnerable.

Speaking of family, the two BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD chicks either fledged Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning. We wish them well.

(July 13 - July 14, 2008)

Thanks to encouragement from several of you, I have developed note cards featuring 5 (so far) of my favorite bird photos, with short stories on the back of each card. To view or purchase, go to: www.zazzle.com/joesweeney* (don’t forget the asterisk) and follow the prompts.

The BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD babies are growing rapidly. Their bodies remain mostly in the nest while their bills poke mostly straight up because there’s nowhere else for them to go. Mom is nearby, and she occasionally chases away another hummingbird, who perhaps is dad. She is not warm to his visits since his colorful throat markings might attract the attention of predators.

This week’s photo, taken July 13, 2008, features the two baby BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDS thrusting their bills out of their increasingly cramped quarters.

Four adult CALIFORNIA QUAIL and nine babies feed in the dirt between the rows of grape vines that line the inside of the track. They are so focused on finding food that they do not mind our close approach. At the hummingbird feeder, an adult male ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD expends way too much energy chasing his competition from the area. He’s so determined to not share the sugar water that he has claimed as his own, that when I remove the feeder to clean and refill it, he continues to keep others out of the area even though the feeder is not there! He needs to relax and learn to share.

NOTABLE SPECIES:
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird

(July 4 - July 7, 2008) When I visit the BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD nest on

Friday, the female is not around. I return Saturday and again, no sign of mom. On Sunday mom is absent again, and I conclude what I had been suspecting – that she has abandoned the nest. I drag a bench over, step up and peek into the nest. To my surprise I see two babies with tiny little white hair-like feathers sticking up from their backs. The backs are rising and lowering, so they are breathing, which proves that there’s life in the hummingbird nest! No, I do not take a photo. While a picture would be nice, two fledgling hummingbirds would be even nicer, so I quickly leave the scene in case mom is nearby giving me the evil eye. Several BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK fledglings follow their parents through the oaks, cottonwoods and sycamores, knowing that food will be their just reward.

Near the wooden bridge, fledgling PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS play the same game, hopping from branch to branch and chattering non stop while waiting to be fed by their elders.

NOTABLE SIGHTINGS:
Lawrence’s Goldfinch
Downy Woodpecker (heard)
White-breasted Nuthatch (heard)

(June 27-June 30, 2008)

We spot a PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER

as it alights on a branch next to a palm tree near the wooden bridge. A moment later it darts into a gap between dead palm fronds and lands on its unfinished nest. While it sits, it shakes its bootie in order to shape the inside of the nest just right. In between those moments of good vibrations, it tugs at palm fibers on the wall of the palm tree and adds the stringy plant material to its nest. Meanwhile, south of the new pool, the female BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD continues a low profile on her nest. No body gyrations here.

A screaming RED-SHOULDERED HAWK fledgling is hanging out in the oaks just south of Kuchumaa Passage, and one of its siblings may be there also. From my observations during the past several years, I believe that these young hawks are now learning to hunt, by example from their parents and by trial and error.

Two fledgling ACORN WOODPECKERS follow an adult from trunk to trunk in the cottonwood trees by the south vineyard. For the second year in a row, the Ranch’s Acorn Woodpecker population increases by at least two, and that’s exciting news.

As the Monday morning Bird Walk is ending, we spot a LESSER NIGHTHAWK flying an erratic path south of the Women’s Health Center. An uncommon bird most likely seen at dusk or dawn, this individual appears in good lighting two hours after sunrise. It’s my 138th bird species at the Ranch.

(June 20-June 23, 2008)

I return from a 10-day absence and find the RED-SHOULDERED HAWK fledglings hanging around their nest tree, taking short flights in various directions, and screaming almost constantly. Their repetitive yell of “KEEyur, KEEyur, KEEyur. . .” must translate to “feed me, feed me, feed me. . .” because since they are not yet skilled in the art of hunting, they depend on their parents for sustenance. I observe either one or two of the three young hawks at any one time. It’s possible I am seeing all three, but not all at once. It’s difficult to know for sure since they do not wear nametags. I will continue to monitor them as long as they bless us with their presence.

One morning an instructor finds a young WESTERN SCRUB-JAY in Azteca Weight Room. I inform the jay that you must be at least 14 years old to work out in the gym, and then I escort the bird outside.

A Ranch employee tells me about a hummingbird nest in a live oak tree near the new swimming pool. It’s the first one I’ve ever seen at the Ranch. It’s about five feet off the ground, neatly constructed and remarkably small. You would expect a hummingbird nest to be tiny, but until you actually see one up close, you cannot imagine how incredibly tiny they are.

(Central Oregon Bird Report 6/15 – 6/16/08) I was away from the Ranch last week,

but naturally I found time to bird-watch. We hire a woodpecker expert in Sisters, Oregon, and in half a day we spot 9 of the 11 woodpecker species in the area, including two lifers for me, BLACK-BACKED and THREE-TOED WOODPECKERS. The PILEATED, the largest woodpecker in the United States (or second largest if you believe that the Ivory-billed still exists), teases us with a brief and distant appearance. The next day at 5:45am we stand without a guide on a forest service road near the Mount Jefferson Wilderness Area. As we enjoy the silence and marvel at the towering trees that surround us, incredibly loud tapping begins to reverberate throughout the forest. A moment later we spot a female Pileated atop a dead tree trunk. While we stare at the crow-size woodpecker, the male taps a few more times. Although we never see the male, the thunderous sound he produces is as impressive as the sighting of the female. I return to the Ranch this afternoon, and after a 10-day absence I certainly wonder how the 3 Red-shouldered Hawk teenagers are doing. Hopefully, they are not getting into more mischief. I will update you next week.

(June 6-June 9, 2008)

When I return to the Ranch, only one of the 3 young RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS is on the nest. But that is not surprising because they usually start flying after about 6 weeks, and it’s been about 6 weeks. Of course, we wonder where the other 2 fledglings are and how they are doing. On Friday afternoon a guest finds one of the young hawks lying on its back on the lawn outside Pinetree Gym. Someone wraps it in a towel, picks it up, and carries it to the Concierge Office where I am just learning of the situation. We don’t know if it has any injuries. Possibly, it executed a sloppy landing after its maiden flight, performed a cartwheel and became stuck like a turtle in an upside down position. We decide to place the bird in the large pepper tree outside the dining room and near the nest. As we gently set the young hawk in the tree, its legs hang lifelessly, and we are very concerned. But after several seconds its legs come to life, and it props itself upright. It may just be reacting to the stress of being handled by humans.

Two hours later, it’s still in the same place. An hour after that, it’s gone, and we find it perched halfway up in its nest tree. It had to have flown to that spot, so that’s very encouraging news. The next morning I take attendance. One hawk is on the nest, another one is a few feet away in a neighboring palm tree, and the third sibling is perched in a nearby silk oak tree. Yes! Everyone is back in the area.

Meanwhile, up on the mountain BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS and BLACK-CHINNED SPARROWS are singing, a male and a female PHAINOPEPLA take turns sitting on a nest, and fledgling SAGE SPARROWS follow their parents in short flights from bush to bush.

(May 30- June 2, 2008) The 3 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK youngsters continue to

visualize the art of flying in their daily inner journey sessions. As if they were on a trampoline, they bounce up with wings spread and then pump their wings with attitude, the attitude that they can’t wait much longer before leaving the nest. In a eucalyptus tree about 100 feet from the hawk nest is an AMERICAN CROW nest with a brood of at least two young crows. The nesting crows and the nesting hawks appear to live peacefully as neighbors.

OTHER SPECIES OF INTEREST:

Downy Woodpecker (heard)
Northern Mockingbird (first one I’ve seen at the Ranch in months)
Sage Sparrow (singing from sagebrush along the first stretch of the Quail hike)
Lawrence’s Goldfinch

(May 23-26, 2008) The RED-SHOULDERED HAWK youngsters are not driving or dating yet, but they are growing rapidly. Now around 4 weeks old, they may be leaping out of their tree house for their first flights in about 2 weeks. They are getting big and strong by eating home-delivered meals of lizards and squirrels.

They also frequently flap their flimsy wings in the cramp confines of their nest, often smacking their siblings in the face with their non-lethal limbs. They show no interest in using the fly machine in the weight room, even though Azteca Gym would offer them more space than their nest. Of course, they also sleep a lot. No doubt most of their dreams are about flying.

OTHER SPECIES OF INTEREST:

Western Wood-Pewee
Downy Woodpecker (heard but not seen)
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (on a nest)
Phainopepla
Yellow Warbler
Families of House Wrens and Nuttall’s Woodpeckers
Bullock’s Oriole
Blue Grosbeak (singing)
Sage Sparrow (still singing)

(May 16-18, 2008) 11 days ago, the last time I was at the Ranch, I could only detect one fuzzy white head in the RED-SHOULDERED HAWK nest outside the dining room. Now, it’s clear that triplets reside in that palm tree. The parental care is impressive. A dead palm frond leans over the nest, deflecting the sun’s rays and keeping the youngsters cool. Clearly, the parents are responsible for the placement of that palm frond because it was not there before the eggs hatched.

A potential problem develops the next morning when the palm frond is missing, due to strong winds, and the morning sun, on a day that will eventually be one of the warmest of the year, is shining directly on the nest. But mom knows what to do. She creates shade for her family by standing over her brood with her wings spread. The temperature rises and time passes, and surely mom is hot and tired. But she remains steady in her pose. Anything for the kids.

OTHER SIGNS OF SPRING:

A beehive-shaped BUSHTIT nest hangs from an oak tree a short distance from my room. A BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER nest is wedged between branches in a bush along the first part of the mountain hike trail. The parents-to-be take turns with nest-sitting duty. The first fledged WESTERN SCRUB-JAY of the season hops along the lawn by the central pool. Soon there will be many more young jays, sporting their distinctive gray heads.

OTHER NOTABLE SIGHTINGS:

Phainopepla
Warbling Vireo
Townsend’s Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler (on the mountain)
Black-chinned Sparrow (singing on the mountain)
Blue Grosbeak (singing by Kuchumaa Passage)
Lazuli Bunting
Lawrence’s Goldfinch (at the seed feeder)

Point Pelee Bird Report (May 8 - 13, 2008)

Point Pelee National Park in Ontario, Canada is one of the premier spots in North America for bird migration, so I also migrate to Pelee to focus on the colorful gems of the bird world, the warblers. And I am not disappointed. In six days I see 32 warblers, including 7 “Lifers.” To put things in perspective, the most warbler species I’ve ever seen at Rancho La Puerta in one week is 9.

Here’s my warbler list, with Life birds designated by (L):

32 WARBLERS:
Blue-winged (L)
Golden-winged (L)
Tennessee (L)
Orange-crowned
Nashville
Northern Parula
Yellow
Chestnut-sided
Magnolia
Cape May
Black-throated Blue
Yellow-rumped
Black-throated Green
Blackburnian
Pine
Palm
Bay-breasted (L)
Cerulean (L)
Black-and-white
American Redstart
Prothonotary (L)
Worm-eating
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Louisiana Waterthrush
Kentucky
Common Yellowthroat
Hooded (L)
Wilson’s
Canada
Yellow-breasted Chat
Blackpoll

130+ species total

(May 2 - May 5, 2008)

On Friday, May 2 I observe one fuzzy white hawk baby in the

RED-SHOULDERED HAWK nest. It pops its tiny head up for a moment, and then it disappears. I take a few photos and expect to get many more in the next few days. Later that afternoon I think I see a second fuzzy head pop up for a moment.

Yet, I’m not totally certain there are at least two babies because the heads do not pop up at the same time. The rest of the weekend momma hawk blocks our view, and I fail to get any more photos. So, I really appreciate the few I have.

OTHER NOTABLE SPECIES:
Yellow Warbler (heard but not seen)
Wilson’s Warbler
Black-headed Grosbeak (singing)

43 species

(April 25 - April 28, 2008) On a breezy day the palm tree hosting the hawk nest gently sways from side to side. As the tree leans to the left, momma RED-SHOULDERED HAWK leans to the right, and as the palm moves to the right, mom sways to the left. She looks like she’s moving to the music. At one point mom stands up, turns around and takes a couple of delicate steps, as if she’s walking on eggs shells. Hopefully, she is. No sign of baby hawks yet, but we’re checking for developments daily.

The next day momma hawk is standing up in the nest early in the morning, also after breakfast and again at noontime. She keeps looking down at the nest as if she’s staring at something special. From our viewpoint we cannot see any fuzzy white chicks, but we think we detect an expression of pride on mom’s face. It’s now Monday afternoon and I am leaving for my days off, so I cannot check the nest again until Thursday evening. I am anxious to return.

Competition heats up at the hummingbird feeder. It’s getting to the point, as it did last summer, where you can stand within a foot of the feeder, and BLACK-CHINNED, COSTA’S, RUFOUS and ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRDS battle each other for a feeding position while not even noticing your presence. At one point a hummingbird chases a rival and one of them brushes against my elbow. Don’t worry, it’s just a glancing blow, and I suffer no serious injury.

EXTENDING THEIR WINTER STAY:
American Goldfinch (10 days later than ever before)
Golden-crowned Sparrow (9 days later than ever before)

OTHER NOTABLE SPECIES:
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Phainopepla
Warbling Vireo
Hermit Warbler
Western Tanager
Lazuli Bunting

49 species

(April 18 - April 21, 2008) The Ranch guests are not the only ones dining on fish this week. Over three years ago I saw a bird at the Ranch that I never thought I’d see here again. Well, it’s back. Not the same individual bird unless it’s had a sex-change operation since then, but one of the same species.

Friday morning I walk by a swimming pool, and I hear a low rattle call, but my ears are not paying attention since I am not expecting to hear what I’m hearing. So the sound doesn’t register in my brain. Then out of the corner of my eye I see a bird explode out of a tree and fly away while vocalizing again. It’s a female BELTED KINGFISHER, a bird that looks out of place in our low water environment. By the next day the kingfisher concludes that the Ranch swimming pools contain no fish, so she moves over to the dining room pond, a smaller body of water that’s filled with fish. The large fish are safe from our avian visitor; the small fish are at risk.

Co-recipients of the Persistence Award for singing every day from daybreak to noon (at least): SAGE SPARROW and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT.

Notably absent this week are migrating warblers. I hear a few in the treetops, but I do not see any in the four days I’m at the Ranch this week. Maybe they are not traveling this spring because of the high cost of fuel.

NOTABLE SPECIES:
Greater Roadrunner
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Costa’s Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird
Downy Woodpecker (heard)
Western Wood-Pewee
Phainopepla (female)
Golden-crowned Sparrow (3 adult males in breeding plumage)
Lazuli Bunting (2 adult males)

47 species

(Bird Week Recap: April 13 - April 14, 2008) The Bird of the Week, by a large margin, is the COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, and in the Big Day event the team “Charlie’s Angels” identifies the most species (54) in 29 hours. Thanks to Judy Irving, Mark Bittner, Neil Solomon and Phil Pryde for their great contributions to a very successful Bird Week.

Thanks to the wonderful blend of experienced and novice bird-watchers who participated in the weeklong events and walks. Finally, thanks to the birds for showing up and singing their little hearts out.

We tend to take YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS for granted because they are here in such huge numbers for the entire winter. Most have already migrated north, but some individuals that still linger are adult males in full breeding plumage. They are downright gorgeous, and they are singing.

This week’s oddest sight occurs early Monday morning while I’m standing near the Quail Trail, trying to get a decent photo of a SAGE SPARROW. I notice a fairly large bird flying low above the sagebrush, heading north and looking way out of place. It’s a GREEN HERON. Perhaps it visited the dining room pond, got spooked by Homo sapiens and decided to move on.

(Bird Week Report: April 5 – April 8, 2008) Here’s a half-time report from the April 5-12 Bird Week, perhaps the most successful Bird Week we’ve ever had, for several reasons. Good birding weather: not too hot, not too cold, light winds and no rain. The birds are singing and nesting. The featured nest, of course, is the RED-SHOULDERED HAWK nest in the palm tree, easily visible from the tennis courts, the dining room and several pathways.

Resident birds are putting on a show, many wintering birds are still present, and summer breeders, migrating warblers and large numbers of hummingbirds are arriving. But what makes this Bird Week particularly special is the amount of participation by guests. 20+ people are showing up on some of the walks, 70 guests attend the “Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill” movie and Q & A session with the filmmaker and human star of the film. (The parrots were not able to make it to the Ranch; they had a previous engagement). The bird photography workshops are full and overflowing. 31 people attend the Birding by Ear workshop in the gazebo, and when we step out of the gazebo and walk around to hear the sounds, the birds are vocalizing constantly from all directions, even though it’s the middle of the afternoon. In a typical week, the conversation amongst Ranch guests often focuses on exercise. This week, guests are discussing birds seen and heard. Not only is it Bird Week; it FEELS like Bird Week.

NOTABLE SIGHTINGS:
Rufous Hummingbird
Costa’s Hummingbird
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Warbling Vireo
Nashville Warbler
Bullock’s Oriole
Hooded Oriole

LOVELY SINGING PERFORMANCES BY THE FOLLOWING:
Oak Titmouse
Wrentit
House Wren
California Thrasher
Orange-crowned Warbler
Black-throated Gray Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Wilson’s Warbler
California Towhee
Sage Sparrow
Brewer’s Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow

(March 28 - March 31, 2008) As we admire a colorful male BULLOCK’S ORIOLE in a tree, someone asks how’s it different from a Hooded Oriole, and right on cue a male HOODED ORIOLE lands in the same tree. We all view both orioles through our binoculars at the same time, making it easy to see the difference.

Meanwhile, at the sand volleyball court Friday afternoon, my teammate bumps the ball high in the air, and I get under it to make the play. But as I look up at the ball I notice a bird flying fast across the sky. What’s a bird-watcher/volleyball player to do? I make a split-second decision to both identify the bird AND hit the ball successfully. I end up missing the ball, and I fail to ID the bird. But, no problem. We win the match.

Spring Migrants:
Warbling Vireo (11 days early)
Western Kingbird (flock of 15-20)

Other Notable Species:
COSTA’S HUMMINGBIRD SAGE SPARROW (singing in brush east of the Quail Trail)
BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW (singing on the mountain)
LINCOLN’S SPARROW (feeding on the grass below the seed feeder)

47 species

(March 21 - March 24, 2008) While we bird-watch behind Kuchumaa Gym, a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK glides over our heads with a lizard in its talons. The hawk flies toward the palm tree nest, displaying its familiar flight pattern of flap-flap-flap, glide, flap-flap-flap, glide. It’s probably delivering a snack to its mate. Nest building is complete, and nest sitting has begun.

The first BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK of the year appears at the seed feeder. That’s 5 days earlier than in the past. A pair of PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS is checking out possible nesting sites at the wooden bridge. Two COOPER’S HAWKS continue to hang out in the oak grove, a strong indication that they are or will be building a nest there, as they’ve done for at least the past five years.

OTHER NOTABLE BIRDS:
Rufous Hummingbird (at hummingbird feeder)
White-breasted Nuthatch
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Sage Sparrow (singing its sweet song over and over)
Great-tailed Grackle (flyover by one male)

49 species

(March 14 - March 17, 2008) This week features a few firsts. We hear and see the first HOODED ORIOLE of the season, feeding in an eucalyptus tree along with four male BULLOCK’S ORIOLES and one female Bullock’s. We admire the bright color of the first male AMERICAN GOLDFINCH that I’ve ever seen here in breeding plumage (the goldfinch was in breeding plumage; I was not).

No doubt this handsome guy is extending its stay due to the convenient food source at the thistle feeder. May he linger as long as he wants. We listen to the first House Wren song of the Spring, a sound that will certainly increase in frequency in the coming weeks. For the first time in five years the RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS are not nesting in the eucalyptus tree by the tennis courts, but instead they are building a nest on a ledge above the dead palm fronds high in a palm tree between the dining room and the tennis office. The location appears a bit precarious, but we are blessed with great views of the daily developments and we certainly wish them success.

OTHER SPECIES OF NOTE:
Downy Woodpecker
White-breasted Nuthatch
Lincoln’s Sparrow

(March 7 - March 10, 2008) For two straight days AMERICAN ROBINS and CEDAR WAXWINGS dive repeatedly out of the pine tree by the Central Pool, land in the pyracantha bush behind the towel bin and gorge on the bush’s berries as if that bush is the only fueling station remaining on the planet.

We begin two Bird Walks on two different days by walking the few steps from the gazebo to the pool to observe the feast. On one occasion we all focus our binoculars on a waxwing that has settled onto a branch surrounded by thick clusters of berries. We watch in amazement as the ravenous bird snatches a berry and rapidly tosses it down its throat, and then without pause it grabs and tosses another one, then another and another. I start counting out loud, “five, six, seven. . .” Finally, it clutches berry number eight and flies back to the pine tree. Is it a coincidence that the color of the Cedar Waxwing’s red wingtips perfectly matches the shade of the red berry? Maybe. Or perhaps pyracantha berries are oozing out of the ends of the bird’s wings.

Other Notable Species:
EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE
LINCOLN’S SPARROW
PURPLE FINCH

43 species

(February 29 - March 3, 2008) On Sunday morning as we stride through the oak grove on our way to the Professor’s Trail, two COOPER’S HAWKS flush out of one oak and land in another oak. Normally, when we approach they fly out of the grove and out of sight, but the fact that they are lingering seems to indicate that they have nesting on their minds.

We repeatedly hear a SAGE SPARROW singing in the brush near the Quail Hike, so we give chase with our ears and hope for a sighting. We do not find the elusive sparrow, but in our attempt we stumble upon a male LAWRENCE’S GOLDFINCH.

A male ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD rockets up 100 feet, then dives straight down and then repeats that scenario a few times. I tell the all female group of bird-watchers that he’s doing that to impress a female, and one of the bird-watchers says, “I’m impressed.”

OTHER SPECIES OF INTEREST:
Rufous Hummingbird (an early sign of Spring Migration)
Fox Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow

46 Species

(February 28, 2008) This past week I did not see a single bird at the Ranch, because I wasn’t at the Ranch. I was in the great state of Northern California. Therefore, this week I am sharing an observation from a few weeks ago.

A LINCOLN’S SPARROW can be challenging to find in a sea of sparrows. But when our two Lincoln’s Sparrows feed alongside 10-15 SONG, FOX, WHITE-CROWNED and GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS on the grass below the hanging bird feeders, the Lincoln’s Sparrows always forage farthest to the right side of the lawn. And when a jay sounds an alarm that causes every sparrow to dive for cover, the two Lincoln’s always exit right while the other sparrows always exit left. So after a few days of observation, we discover that the key to identifying a Lincoln’s Sparrow at this popular feeding spot is location, location, location.

(February 15-18, 2008) RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS are hanging out in their nesting tree, the eucalyptus between the tennis court and Pinetree gym.

One morning we hear their loud, repetitive screams coming from the nest tree, and a RED-TAILED HAWK flies out of the tree with a Red-shouldered Hawk in hot pursuit. Clearly, the Red-tail’s presence will not be tolerated in that tree during the next several months.

OTHER SPECIES OF INTEREST:
White-breasted Nuthatch
Rock Wren (new year bird)
Phainopepla 26 Bird-Watchers on the Sunday afternoon Bird Walk (the largest flock so far this year)

Last week we enjoyed the warmest day of the year. This week, on Valentine’s Day, it snowed, only the second time I’ve ever seen snow at the Ranch. The following day the white stuff is still sticking to the ground, so I keep my eyes open for Snow Geese, Snow Buntings and Snowy Owls, but there are none to be seen.

(February 8-9, 2008) While I walk to the front gate on Saturday morning to meet and greet 20 participants from the San Diego Bird Festival (here at the Ranch to bird-watch for 3½ hours), I spot a new Life Bird, an EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE. It’s an introduced species, but nonetheless it’s a new bird for me.

Saturday is the warmest day of 2008 so far, and although the high temps and breezy conditions seem to slow the bird activity a bit, the visiting group identifies 44 species by noon. One guy remarks that’s 43 more species than he finds in his backyard in Ohio this time of year. It’s nice to watch experienced birders get excited about seeing some of our common birds, namely CALIFORNIA THRASHERS, NUTTALL’S WOODPECKERS, BUSHTITS, WRENTITS and OAK TITMICE. Saturday evening I drive to San Diego to attend the Bird Festival on Sunday and Monday, so this week my usual four-day Ranch stay shrinks to two days.

OTHER SPECIES OF INTEREST:
Hutton’s Vireo
Phainopepla
Red-Naped Sapsucker

(February 1-4, 2008) Near the track a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK lands softly on a sycamore tree’s highest branch. Its presence persuades every nearby AMERICAN GOLDFINCH and HOUSE FINCH to go on an inner journey in a nearby bush. All bird chatter ceases, so the birds must be meditating deep in the brush.

Meanwhile, the hawk patiently waits for an unsuspecting little bird to cruise by. And one does. A clueless House Finch casually flies a few feet behind the predator. The “Sharpie” turns around, leaps off its perch and dives at its target. The chase is on. The pursuit lasts only 4-5 seconds, and this time the finch survives, hopefully learning a life-extending lesson in awareness.

Sunday is a fantastic day. Steady rain falls all day long, and the gardeners and plants are grinning with delight. At 3pm I stand in the Gazebo and wait for guests who are willing to bird in the rain. No birdwatchers appear, but despite the wet conditions, the birds are active. In 3 minutes I find 8 species – without leaving the Gazebo. Beyond the main pool a steady stream of AMERICAN ROBINS and CEDAR WAXWINGS descend from a pine tree to a pyracantha bush to feast on its red berries. On the grassy slope by the large swing, 8 to 10 CALIFORNIA QUAIL, a CALIFORNIA TOWHEE and a WESTERN SCRUB-JAY feed and shower at the same time. A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD takes a shower atop a bush, and EUROPEAN STARLINGS and AMERICAN CROWS bathe from high in the eucalyptus trees

Other Birds of Note:
Red-naped Sapsucker
Western Bluebird
Hutton’s Vireo
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Purple Finch

(January 19-26, 2008)

We identify 56 species during our first-ever winter Bird Week. 20 species receive at least one vote for Favorite Bird of the Week; clearly, many different species are making an impression on the guests who watch th)e birds. The Favorite Bird vote ends in a tie between the smallest bird at the Ranch, ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD, and the largest Ranch bird, TURKEY VULTURE.

This week the RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS have become frequent flyers, and they also are very vocal. Perhaps they are announcing that they plan to nest in the eucalyptus tree by the tennis court for at least the 6th year in a row. Stay tuned for further developments.

Congratulations to the Rat Patrol Team for identifying 33 species in 26 hours during the Big Day event. Thanks to Neil Solomon for his presentations on Ecuador and Texas, and for his bird photography workshops. Thanks to Phil Pryde for co-leading the Bird Walks and for his presentation on Antartica. No thanks to Phil for finding two new Ranch birds, Eurasian Collared Dove and Eastern Phoebe, because he did not re-find them so I could see them as well.

Other Birds of Note:
Greater Roadrunner
Downy Woodpecker
Red-naped Sapsucker
Say's Phoebe
White-breasted Nuthatch
Sage Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Bullock’s Oriole
Purple Finch

Here are all 56 Species identified during Bird Week:

Turkey Vulture Sharp-shinned Hawk Red-shouldered Hawk Red-tailed Hawk California Quail Rock pigeon Mourning Dove Eurasian Collared Dove * (new RLP bird) Greater Roadrunner Anna's Hummingbird Acorn Woodpecker Nuttall's Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Red-naped Sapsucker Northern Flicker Black Phoebe Say's Phoebe Eastern Phoebe * (new RLP bird) Cassin’s Kingbird Scrub Jay American Crow Common Raven Oak Titmouse Bushtit Wrentit Bewick's Wren House Wren

White-breasted Nuthatch European Starling American Robin Hermit Thrush Western Bluebird Northern Mockingbird California Thrasher Cedar Waxwing Orange-crowned Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Common Yellowthroat California Towhee Spotted Towhee Song Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Golden-crowned Sparrow Fox Sparrow Sage Sparrow Lincoln Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Blackbird, Brewer’s Meadowlark, Western Bullock’s Oriole House Finch Purple Finch American Goldfinch Lesser Goldfinch House Sparrow Ruby-crowned Kinglet

(January 18-22, 2008) It’s Bird Week, and here’s a halftime report. The week starts well on Sunday morning when I spot CALIFORNIA QUAIL for the first time on our lovely new hike, which is called the Quail Trail. I knew the Quail would eventually realize that they are expected to show up along “their” route.

Later that morning gorgeous weather greets us on our first Bird Walk of the week, and over 30 species are seen, including 6 sparrow species, highlighted by FOX, GOLDEN-CROWNED and LINCOLN’S.

Despite rain at the start of Monday’s Bird Walk, we find 4 woodpecker species: ACORN, NUTTALL’S, NORTHERN FLICKER and RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER.

Full report to follow next week.

(January 11-14, 2008) The big birds make their presence known this week. One morning 4-5 TURKEY VULTURES preen, stretch and sunbathe in eucalyptus trees in the Sol Villas area. Later that morning behind Kuchumaa gym a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK plays the aggressor in a wild chase, zigging and zagging and banking and weaving while in hot pursuit of a fast flying small bird. The unidentified speedster maneuvers better and turns tighter and eventually loses the Sharpie. Somewhere, deep inside a bush, a small bird utters a soft call, “Whew.”

During another morning a RED-TAILED HAWK relaxes on a branch in the sycamore tree behind Kuchumaa Gym. Soon an AMERICAN CROW discovers the hawk and spreads the word, and within a short time 30 noisy Crows gather in the sycamore and take turns diving at the intruder. Then a very vocal RED-SHOULDERED HAWK joins the Crows in harassing the Red-tail. Normally, Crows and Red-shouldered Hawks do not get along. This time, however, since they are working together to remove a perceived threat from their neighborhood, they are surprisingly supportive of each other’s efforts.

Other Birds of Note:
GREATER ROADRUNNER (2)
SAY’S PHOEBE (1)
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (3)
PURPLE FINCH (2-3)
LAWRENCE’S GOLDFINCH (2)

(January 4-7, 2008) Looking out the window of the fitness office I notice a small bird as it hurriedly hops into a bush. An instant later a larger bird sloppily lands sideways on the exact spot where the smaller bird had been. The SHARP-SHINNED HAWK has arrived too late to snag its prey. Nevertheless, the small hawk is not ready to give up; e hawk but fortunately for the other bird, the Sharpie cannot maneuver as easily inside the bush as can the object of its desire. Soon the hawk reappears, climbs out and flies away.

A steady rain falls when the Sunday afternoon Bird Walk begins. Three adventurous birdwatchers show up anyway, and the four of us, armed with binoculars, umbrellas and low expectations, confront the unfavorable conditions in search of birds. During our 45-minute tour, we tally a grand total of 4 species, one species for each of us. The highlight, a RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, seems startled to see us as we pass by the eucalyptus tree it’s using as shelter from the downpour.

Other Birds of Note:
GREATER ROADRUNNER (2)
SAY’S PHOEBE
PURPLE FINCH

(December 28 - 31, 2007) The dome-shaped bush between Kuchumaa and Montana gyms hosts five species: a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, CALIFORNIA THRASHER, SPOTTED TOWHEE, HERMIT THRUSH and a YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER. Then a few fly out and more fly in, specifically
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY and HOUSE FINCH. In a span of one to two minutes, we count nine species in that one bush, a popular hangout for the birds.

Other Birds of Note:
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH
BULLOCK’S ORIOLE
PURPLE FINCH

My Big Year goal for 2007 was 110 species at the Ranch. It’s December 31 at 10:30pm; I’m walking to my room after our New Year’s Party (we toasted the new year at midnight, Chicago time), and my total is 109 (one more than my 2006 count). As I approach my room, I am reflecting on the fact that I haven’t seen or heard an owl the entire year. During the short walk to my room, I hear and see. . . nothing. My total remains 109, and I’m ok with that. I’ll add an owl in 2008, for sure.

(December 21-24, 2007)  We toss our heads back and aim our binoculars at a pair of COMMON RAVENS as they execute their synchronized soaring routine high in the sky. As I watch the avian acrobats through my binoculars, I notice Swifts flying higher than the Ravens, and the flashes of white on their bodies tell me they are the first WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS I’ve ever seen at the Ranch in the winter. They are flying so high that when I search for them without my binoculars, I can’t see them at all. Perhaps they often are here this time of year, but simply too high for anyone to notice.

At 10 a.m. we observe WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS eating tiny blades of grass sprouting up on the inside of the track. I return to the same area about 3 p.m. and the Sparrows are at it again, working at an alarmingly pace, furiously trying to snatch every sliver of new growth coming out of the ground. The expression “Eat like a bird” is commonly used to describe a person who eats very little, yet someone who eats like most birds actually chows down nearly all day long, and when they aren’t eating, they are frantically scouring the earth for their next meal.

Other Birds of Note:
CANYON WREN
WESTERN MEADOWLARK
GREATER ROADRUNNER
RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER
LINCOLN’S SPARROW
PURPLE FINCH

(December 13, 2007) Although I wasn’t at the Ranch this week, I have a Ranch bird report for you. Here are the 20 species (so far) that have arrived for the Fall/Winter season, including the date I first noticed the species, and a comment about their abundance. Most species will be with us all winter, leaving in the spring.

9/28/07
1) WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW (abundant)
2) YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (abundant)
3) RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET (common)
10/5
4) DARK-EYED JUNCO (abundant)
10/7
5) GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (surprisingly common)
10/8
6) FOX SPARROW (uncommon)
10/12
7) SUMMER TANAGER (one female; stayed one week)
8) RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER (uncommon)
10/13
9) LINCOLN’S SPARROW (only one sighting so far)
10/14
10) CEDAR WAXWING (sporadic, flocks of 10-30)
10/20
11) PINE SISKIN (uncommon)
10/27
12) AMERICAN ROBIN (common)
13) SAY’S PHOEBE (uncommon)
10/28
14) RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER (uncommon)
11/8
15) WESTERN MEADOWLARK (one flock of 7-10 birds)
16) SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (uncommon)
11/9
17) MERLIN (only seen one)
11/17
18) CASSIN’S KINGBIRD (uncommon)
11/25
19) PURPLE FINCH (uncommon)
12/1
20) GREAT EGRET (one; it departed after only a few minutes, and the fish in the pond breathed a sign of relief)

 

(November 30 - December 3, 2007) Rain reduces the bird activity on Friday, but we’re not complaining. We need the moisture, and the skies bless the Ranch with a significant soaking. The creek starts flowing at dusk and runs all night. Saturday morning finds the birds quite content. Pockets of water remain in the creek bed Sunday morning, and bathing birds merrily splash about, including AMERICAN ROBIN, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, HERMIT THRUSH, and SPOTTED TOWHEE.

Behind Kuchumaa Gym an immature SHARP-SHINNED HAWK quietly lingers in a sycamore tree. After several seconds it leans forward and dives out of the tree with wings tucked and intentions set on surprising its prey. The hawk disappears behind thick foliage. Later in the day a flock of AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES explode out of a tree, and an instant later the Sharpie zooms by. Coincidence? I think not.

Birds of note:
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER
OAK TITMOUSE
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH
WESTERN BLUEBIRD
FOX SPARROW
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW

(November 23-26, 2007) Just east of the Pilates Studio a tall eucalyptus tree hosts a dozen or more hummingbirds, probably ANNA’S, which look like bees buzzing around the top of the tree. Each day 8-10 GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS search for seeds on the lawn along the west side of Montana Gym. During the Monday morning Bird Walk, a MERLIN lands atop the eucalyptus tree by the Ranch Museum, and an AMERICAN CROW immediately drops by to harass it. The Merlin soon leaves, flying directly over our heads during its exit.

A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD stands on the track, then leans forward and runs a short distance, imitating (or mocking?) the running style of a thrasher. When the mockingbird stops, it spreads its wings and exposes its white wing markings. It repeats this behavior several more times. I have read that no one knows why it flashes its wings, but it’s clear to me that it does it to entertain the Ranch guests on the Bird Walk.

New winter arrival: PURPLE FINCH (my 109th species of 2007)

(Nov. 16-19, 2007) A RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER and a RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER forage for snacks in the California Pepper Tree next to my room. Good birding right outside my door.

We notice an ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD and a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW with something in common: neither bird has a tail. They seem to fly and function fine; they just look funny. The formerly tail-less WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, which we have observed for a few weeks, is growing a new tail. Its tail is only about 1/3 its normal length so far.

New winter arrival:
CASSIN’S KINGBIRD

Other birds of note, and all with tails:
DOWNY WOODPECKER
SAY’S PHOEBE
ROCK WREN
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT
PINE SISKIN

48 species

(Nov. 3-10, 2007) The Ranch’s first ever Fall Bird Week features the losing of a vote, the saving of a life and a bird without a tail. With birds and birdwatchers enjoying mostly sunny skies, pleasant temperatures and light winds, 62 species of birds show up, and during the Big Day Contest the Dos Amigas team identifies 43 species in 26 hours.

The birdwatchers select the NUTTALL’S WOODPECKER as the Bird of the Week and the RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER as Runner Up. A WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH loses my vote when it poops on my jacket. I plead guilty, however, to breaking a basic rule of birding: Do NOT stand directly underneath a bird.

HERMIT THRUSHES are plentiful this week, as are DARK-EYED JUNCOS and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS. Surprisingly, the usually uncommon GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW is easy to find as well.

Just before 4pm on Monday afternoon an instructor approaches me to report that a bird is sitting outside Tolteca gym, and it doesn’t look well. I rush over to find a HERMIT THRUSH sitting by the door. It looks as if it’s waiting to greet guests arriving for class, but there is not a class scheduled in Tolteca at 4pm, so I conclude that the thrush is dazed from flying into a window. I carefully pick it up with a towel and set it on a branch in a tree. When I check on it an hour later, it’s looking slightly more alert. I return another hour later and it’s gone. It hopefully regained its senses, noticed it has wings and flew away.

Thanks to Neil Solomon for his bird photography workshops and evening presentations, and thanks to Phil Pryde for co-leading the Bird Walks. And thanks to the birds and the birdwatchers.

New winter arrivals:
MERLIN
WESTERN MEADOWLARK

Three new Ranch species for me:
NORTHERN HARRIER
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE
CASSIN’S FINCH

Other birds of note:
A tailless WESTERN SCRUB-JAY
DOWNY WOODPECKER
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER
CANYON WREN
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER
TOWNSEND’S WARBLER
SAGE SPARROW
BULLOCK’S ORIOLE
PURPLE FINCH
PINE SISKIN

Here are all 62 Species identified during Bird Week:

NORTHERN HARRIER
TURKEY VULTURE
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK
RED-TAILED HAWK
MERLIN
CALIFORNIA QUAIL
MOURNING DOVE
ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD
ACORN WOODPECKER

NUTTALL’S WOODPECKER
DOWNY WOODPECKER
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER
RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER
NORTHERN FLICKER
BLACK PHOEBE
SAY’S PHOEBE
WESTERN SCRUB-JAY
AMERICAN CROW
COMMON RAVEN

OAK TITMOUSE
BUSHTIT
WRENTIT
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH
HOUSE WREN
BEWICK’S WREN
ROCK WREN
CANYON WREN
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET
AMERICAN ROBIN

HERMIT THRUSH
WESTERN BLUEBIRD
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD
CALIFORNIA THRASHER
CEDAR WAXWING
HUTTON’S VIREO
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER
TOWNSEND’S WARBLER

TANAGER sp
CALIFORNIA TOWHEE
SPOTTED TOWHEE
SAGE SPARROW
FOX SPARROW
SONG SPARROW
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW
DARK-EYED JUNCO
BREWER’S BLACKBIRD

WESTERN MEADOWLARK
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE
BULLOCK’S ORIOLE
HOUSE FINCH
PURPLE FINCH
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH
LESSER GOLDFINCH
PINE SISKIN
CASSIN’S FINCH
ROCK PIGEON

EUROPEAN STARLING
HOUSE SPARROW

 

(October 26-29, 2007) The Ranch birds are alive and well. I identify 52 species, which is well above my average count for a four-day stay. The HERMIT THRUSH population has increased significantly compared to last week. Several ROCK WRENS are seen

doing their leg squat exercises on boulders on the mountain. It’s good to hear the whinny call of the AMERICAN ROBIN and to admire the high speed flying style of the RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER. Our two winter sapsuckers, the Red-breasted and the Red-naped, fly much faster than our resident woodpeckers.

Winter Arrivals:
AMERICAN ROBIN
SAY’S PHOEBE
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER

Other Notable Species:
WHITE-THROATED SWIFT
RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER
ROCK WREN
PHAINOPEPLA
HUTTON’S VIREO
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER
TOWNSEND’S WARBLER
SAGE SPARROW
LARK SPARROW
FOX SPARROW
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW
LAWRENCE’S GOLDFINCH
PINE SISKIN

(October 19-22, 2007) In the past two years I haven’t seen a single PINE SISKIN at the Ranch. Until now, that is. A dozen Pine Siskins cling to the thistle feeder and pull out the tiny black seeds as fast as they can. For this week at least, the Siskin has replaced the LESSER GOLDFINCH as the most common species at the thistle feeder.

One morning four species compete in a fly catching contest. Not surprisingly, the WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, being a life member of the flycatcher family, dominates the field, but the YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER impresses as well. The DARK-EYED JUNCO also displays able aerial dining skills. On the other hand, the WESTERN SCRUB-JAY finishes a distant fourth and definitely should not quit its day job. The jay should go back to what it does best: chasing acorns.

Winter Arrivals:
PINE SISKIN (my 105th species of 2007)

Other Notable Species:
GREAT BLUE HERON
RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE
SUMMER TANAGER
BULLOCK’S ORIOLE (adult male)
LAWRENCE’S GOLDFINCH

This week’s photo, taken June 8, 2007, features a WHITE-TAILED KITE relaxing in the early morning light atop an eucalyptus tree at the west end of the Rolling Hills Hike.

(Oct. 12 - 15, 2007) An unfamiliar bird sound echoes from the treetops by the wooden bridge. It's the call of a female SUMMER TANAGER. Last winter's Summer Tanager committed to a vow of silence during its Ranch stay, but this one has a lot to say. Each morning its strong, clicking "Pik-tuk" call helps us locate the mustard yellow colored tanager in the trees.

Saturday morning the birdwatching conditions are less than favorable due to a light rain, but hooray for the moisture we desperately need. With my binoculars slung over my shoulder and an umbrella above my head, I walk by the dining room pond on my way to breakfast. A small sparrow-like bird darts out of the reeds, lands on the brick path, and quickly hops across the path and into a bush before I can identify it. Then it sprints back to the pond side of the path, then to the other side again. It's apparently flustered either by my presence, the rain, or both. While it wanders back and forth in a state of confusion, it eventually turns and faces me, and I notice the thin streaks on the buffy breast of a LINCOLN'S SPARROW, the first one of the season.

Winter Arrivals:
RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER
CEDAR WAXWING
SUMMER TANAGER
LINCOLN'S SPARROW

Other notable species:
LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE

This week's photo, taken July 7, 2007, features a PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER enjoying a snack.

(October 5-8, 2007) I arrive at the Ranch at sunset, step out of my car and hear dozens of HOUSE FINCHES chatting while they settle down for the evening in a thick foliaged eucalyptus tree in the parking lot. Every few seconds a few more finches fly into the tree from all directions, and the volume of conversation grows louder. It seems that every House Finch at the Ranch plans to spend the night in that tree, and for that reason I’m grateful that I did not park under the eucalyptus because after my four-day stay, my car would need a serious washing.

One morning after filling the seed feeder, I grasp it by the center column and pick it up with the intention of hanging it from the oak tree. As I lift it to eye level a LESSER GOLDFINCH lands on the feeder, placing one of its tiny feet on a little bar that protrudes from the feeder, and the bold bird rests its other foot on my thumb. I stand still and stare as the hungry bird begins to feed. A pretty cool moment. First the hummingbirds got comfortable with my presence at the feeders, and now at least one goldfinch is developing some trust as well.

Winter Arrivals:
DARK-EYED JUNCO
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW
FOX SPARROW

Other notable species:
GREEN HERON
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE
HUTTON’S VIREO
BULLOCK’S ORIOLE
LAWRENCE’S GOLDFINCH

This week’s photo, taken August 3, 2007, features a Western Tanager (male) posing for the camera.

NOTE: All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are created by digiscoping, which connects a digital camera (Canon PowerShot A570IS) to a spotting scope (Kowa TSN-660 with 20x Eyepiece).

(Sept. 28 - Oct. 07, 2007) A Western Wood-Pewee repeatedly leaps off a branch of the sycamore tree in the south vineyard, chases after a flying insect and returns to the same spot on the same branch. The boomerang bird keeps it up for 20 minutes. All

the time, it says nothing, but each time it makes an attempt at an in-flight meal, you can hear a clapping sound from its bill snapping shut, a sound similar to that created when you quickly press your thumb against your extended fingers. (It's not as loud as snapping your fingers. Extend your thumb and fingers and quickly press them together.)

 

Species Migrating south:
WARBLING VIREO
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER
WILSON’S WARBLER
NASHVILLE WARBLER
TOWNSEND’S WARBLER
SWAINSON’S THRUSH
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE

Winter Arrivals:
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, already in large numbers.
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, only a few so far.
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET

Other notable species:
DOWNY WOODPECKER
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT

NOTE: All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are created by digiscoping, which connects a digital camera (Canon PowerShot A570IS) to a spotting scope (Kowa TSN-660 with 20x Eyepiece). Last week’s hummingbird image, of course, is one of the exceptions. That was a handheld photo of a handheld bird.

(Sept. 14-17, 2007) It's challenging for humans to identify birds, and I sometimes wonder if birds occasionally have difficulty with their own identity. While we watch WESTERN TANAGERS, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS, HOUSE FINCHES and WESTERN SCRUB-JAYS fly into a cherry tree near the dining room pond to feast on the red fruit, a NUTTALL'S WOODPECKER joins the mixed flock. This particular Nuttall's behaves less like a woodpecker and more like a perching bird. Instead of clinging to a vertical trunk, it balances delicately on a thin horizontal branch in the tree, then it hops to another horizontal branch. Maybe it doesn't know it's a woodpecker. Please, someone hand this bird a field guide.

Migrating Species:
WARBLING VIREO
WILSON'S WARBLER
RUFOUS/ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE

Other Birds of Interest:
LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH
HUTTON'S VIREO
BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER

An orb weaver spider (Black and Yellow Argiope) has been hanging around, literally, in the reeds at the dining room pond for at least three weeks. It's apparently a female because the female ranges from 3/4" - 1 1/8" in size and this very large spider definitely fits within that range. Everything I've learned about orb weavers, I've learned on the Internet. Therefore, it all must be true. Did you know that an orb weaver can snag a hummingbird in its web? Not sure if I believe that, but as a precaution I am checking its web regularly in case I need to rescue one of my favorite bird species.

During the last two weeks of August at the Ranch the hummingbirds were feeding (and fighting) constantly at the feeder. So out of curiosity, on Sept 2 I tried a little experiment. I set the feeder on the ground and covered it with a towel so the hummers couldn't get to it. Then I poured a small amount of sugar water into the palm of my hand, I extended my arm out in front of me and stood still to see what would happen. Within 1-2 minutes 3-4 hummingbirds were buzzing around my hand. The RUFOUS/ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRDS were the only ones brave enough or hungry enough to actually eat out of my hand. With the camera in my right hand, I took the photo of my left hand and my new friend.

(Sept. 7 - 10, 2007) While I'm having breakfast inside the dining room, someone from outside excitedly yells, "Joe, there's a heron flying over our heads! He's landing in a tree!" I rush out onto the west patio to see a GREAT BLUE HERON perched in a distant eucalyptus tree. Luckily, I have the scope and camera with me, so I focus the scope on the heron, attach the camera and special fittings to the scope and prepare to take a photo of my 104th Ranch species of 2007. Before I take the photo I first activate the 2-second delay to eliminate any camera vibration that might occur when I hit the shutter. Finally, I hit the shutter, two seconds go by and I get a photo of the branch where the heron had been perched. The heron had flown one second before the camera took the picture. Oh well, I got a nice crisp image of the branch, and without any camera vibration.

Migrating species:
WILSON'S WARBLER
RUFOUS/ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, which captures a large butterfly and finally wrestles it into submission before swallowing it.

(August 31 - Sept. 3, 2007) While we watch a covey of 25 CALIFORNIA QUAIL feeding on the ground, a WESTERN SCRUB-JAY squawks, and they all nervously disperse for a moment before regrouping. Behind the dining room pond a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, with the wings of an insect sticking out of its mouth, pops out of a bush and into the open. The shy and elusive Chat is visible only for a few seconds before hopping into another bush. A few months ago the Chat was a real chatterbox, but now it has nothing to say.

Migrating birds:
WILSON'S WARBLER (2)
NASHVILLE WARBLER (1)
WESTERN TANAGER (many)

As seven of us birdwatchers view the hummingbird feeder, we have our backs to the seed feeders. For a moment I glance over my shoulder at the large gathering of LESSER GOLDFINCHES clinging to the seed feeder, and I notice one of them has a black face. So I announce "LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH on the seed feeder."

Everyone spins around quickly, and unfortunately, our sudden movements startle the goldfinches and they all explode off the feeder in different directions.

Luckily, the adult male Lawrence's decides to linger for a few seconds on a nearby branch, so half of us catch a glimpse of the uncommon gem before it flies away. The lesson I learn is: before announcing the special species behind us, first instruct the birdwatchers to SLOWLY turn around, then there's a better chance the bird will still be there to be seen.

(August 24-27, 2007) During the past two weeks when my reports were all about hummingbirds, other avian activity was taking place as well. On August 10th I spotted the earliest (by two weeks) fall BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, a female, and last week a male WILSON'S WARBLER bounced around from leaf to leaf in an oak tree. A HUTTON'S VIREO has been seen and heard recently, repeatedly singing its rising and descending two-syllable song: "ZEE-zoo."

While hiking up the Professor's Trail on the first day of this week, several of us in the lead pack enjoy distant views of a GREATER ROADRUNNER as it hops from boulder to boulder. 15 minutes later as we begin our descent, another Roadrunner poses for us on a rock a short distance from the trail. That's the first time I've ever seen two Roadrunners on the mountain on the same day.

You didn't think I was done talking about hummingbirds, did you? One afternoon seven of us form a semi-circle at the feeder and watch 10 to 12 hummers fight over the sweet taste of sugar water. When a few of us notice a soft spray on our arms, someone declares that we've just been pooped on by a hummingbird. So I announce that being pooped on by a hummingbird is considered good luck. One of the guests asks, "Why is that good luck?"

I respond, "Because we're lucky we weren't pooped on by a bigger bird."

(August 17-20, 2007) The excitement at the hummingbird feeder continues. I am standing one foot from the feeder and holding my digital camera with both hands out in front of me at eye level. I aim the camera beyond the feeder, hoping to capture images of hummingbirds hovering a few inches away. At one point six to eight birds buzz around the feeder and although my camera is only 12 or 14 inches from my face, one of the hummers hovers for a few seconds between my camera and my face. I don’t know how you cool off on a warm afternoon, but I prefer a steady breeze on my face generated from a hummingbird’s wing beats.

All week I encourage guests and Ranch staff to approach the hummingbird feeder, stand very close and very still and enjoy one of nature’s amazing thrill rides. Surprisingly, some people worry that a hummingbird might poke them in their eye with its bill. I assure them that these tiny aerial artists are so skilled that they fly without fault and without ever making contact with an observer of the human type. I tell them that during the numerous times that I’ve placed myself in the middle of the action, not one hummingbird has ever touched me.

But that’s not entirely true. Although they’ve never made physical contact with me, every one of them has touched me in a significant way.

(August 10 - 13, 2007)  I’ve always been impressed by hummingbirds, but after what I witnessed this week I may elevate them to most-incredible-creature-on-the-planet status.

I approach our hummingbird feeder, the one that hangs from the large live oak tree near the mountain hike stretch bars. I step up close and stand perfectly still. The feeding stations are only 2 feet from my face. Initially the birds scatter and the scene is quiet. Then, 1-2 minutes later, a lone hummingbird musters the courage to return. It cautiously flies by a few times while checking me out, and then it settles onto one of the feeding perches and proceeds to lap up some tasty sugar water with its tongue. Then things get really exciting because the other hummingbirds competing for this food source hate to see one of their competitors eating while they are not. Within a few seconds 1 hummingbird, then 2, then 3, then 4 or 5 others swoop down from the tree branches and jockey for position. Each bird gets in the face of another and sometimes they chase each other off, and sometimes they declare a brief truce and jointly land for a few seconds to dine. Most often only one bird perches and feeds at a time, but occasionally 2 or 3 perch at the same time, and on one rare occurrence, for about 2-3 seconds, each of the 6 feeding stations is occupied by a hummingbird. Then someone gets irritable, everyone leaps up and they all begin to battle each other again. At least for a moment everyone was getting along.

They are totally focused on maximizing their own fuel intake and minimizing the fuel intake of other hummingbirds that I become invisible to them. Of course, if I were to join the food feast, then I’d probably be chased off by a hummingbird as well. But I stay out of it. It’s not only that I’m trying to cut down on sugar, my tongue simply won’t fit into the tiny holes.

The aerial skills of these hyperactive flying machines are amazing, and their maneuvers are lightning quick. Literally, if you blink, you suddenly see a hummingbird hovering in front of your face and you have no idea where it came from. Blink again and a hummer you were looking at disappears and you have no idea which way it went. Most impressive of all are the sounds. The wing whir of a tiny hummingbird is remarkably loud when the sound is only inches from your ear. And it’s easier to distinguish the different wing noise and vocal sounds of ANNA’S, BLACK-CHINNED and RUFOUS/ALLEN’S HUMMINGBIRDS when you hear it all up close.

(August 3 - 6, 2007) Despite our frequent pleas to everyone not to run on the mountain, I catch a GREATER ROADRUNNER doing just that. And it isn’t even wearing the proper shoes. It sees me and ducks into a bush. Obviously, it’s avoiding me so it won’t get a lecture.

This week in the South Vineyard the grapes are ripening and the bird watching is happening, in vivid color. WESTERN SCRUB-JAYS, HOODED ORIOLES, WESTERN TANAGERS, WESTERN BLUEBIRDS and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS perch in the sycamore tree and take turns diving down to the vines for a grape snack. NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS, back at the Ranch after being away for the summer to raise their kids, also partake in the grape festival. The species of the week has no feathers.

A GRAY FOX sprints across the path outside the art studio. Later it leaps across the dirt road behind Kuchumaa Gym. The next morning it darts in front of us as we leave the lounge on our way to the 6:30 a.m. Mountain Hike. At dusk it curls up in a ball on a rock in the Arboles area and takes a snooze.

40 species (with feathers)

(July 27-30, 2007) I experience two firsts this week, and they both involve ACORN WOODPECKERS. I observe an adult male with a silver band on its right leg. It’s the first banded bird I’ve ever seen at the Ranch. It is excavating acorn bits from stash holes in an oak tree and feeding them to his son, who represents my other first. I discover that you can distinguish a juvenile Acorn Woodpecker by the color of its eyes. The adult has a white iris, and the juvenile has a dark iris.

RUFOUS/ALLEN’S HUMMINGBIRDS compete for nectar at the hummingbird feeders and at the trumpet vines above the dining room. Their aggressive style is fun for us humans to watch, but probably not so entertaining for the other hummingbirds.

As I stand and chat with 2 guests at the end of a Bird Walk, a juvenile WESTERN SCRUB-JAY calmly hops to within 3 feet of us. It may think we are talking plants. Perhaps its parents are observing the encounter from afar, shaking their heads and knowing that its offspring has much to learn about the safe distance to keep from the talking plants.

Someone from the Ranch has reported male and female hooded “oreos” at their house in San Diego County. That’s a sweet bird.

(July 13-16, 2007) The three young COOPER’S HAWKS continue to hang out in the oaks near their nest. They occasionally take 20 to 40-foot flights from one branch to another, but like many teenagers, they spend most of their time grooming and wondering when someone is going to feed them.