(June 26–29, 2009)

This week’s photo, taken June 27, 2009, features daddy NUTTALL’S WOODPECKER and child, the latter extending its wide-open bill out of the nest cavity as it begs for food. Click here for an enlarged view.

The Season of Young Birds continues. When I arrive at Montana Gym to teach Friday’s Restorative Yoga class, a guest is staring out the north window at 4 tiny and adorable baby CALIFORNIA QUAIL as they unsuccessfully attempt to jump up from the patio to a ledge. The parents stand nearby and demonstrate great patience, knowing that while their little ones are struggling, they are learning at the same time.

An adult male LAWRENCE’S GOLDFINCH feeds a fledgling on the forest floor of the oak grove north of the labyrinth. Nearby a fledgling COOPER’S HAWK perches in a sycamore tree and preens. Later that day one of the 2 fledgling RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS loiters in the eucalyptus tree outside the laundry room and screams repeatedly, as Red-shouldered Hawks tend to do. In a willow tree next to the Main Lounge, a NUTTALL’S WOODPECKER chick, sporting the red cap of a male, pokes its head out of the cavity hole.

Other Birds of Note:
NIGHTHAWK
ROCK WREN
WESTERN BLUEBIRD
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (heard)
BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK
BLUE GROSBEAK

(June 19–22, 2009)

This week’s photo, taken May 23, 2009, features a BEWICK’S WREN, the most common wren at the Ranch. Click here for an enlarged view.

Behind Kuchumaa Gym, an adult male CALIFORNIA QUAIL sprints across the brick path, followed closely by 10 baby quail that must run even faster to keep up with Dad since they suffer from Short Leg Syndrome. After a 5-second pause, an 11th baby darts across the path with Momma Quail right behind it.

Two mornings in a row near Kuchumaa Passage, two fledgling COOPER’S HAWKS perch high in a sycamore tree and realign their feathers as we stride past during the start of the hikes. Later in the week we find 4 fledgling Coopers hanging out in the oak grove. Most likely the 2 we saw earlier are part of this gang of 4.

Speaking of babies, the male and female NUTTALL’S WOODPECKERS continue to deliver insects to their tree cavity nest outside the Main Lounge. We can hear the young woodpeckers beg for food. Soon, they will crawl out of the hole and begin to explore their new world. Hopefully we’ll be there to witness the event.

Because of my work schedule I seldom get to visit our Organic Garden, but on Saturday morning I make the 4-mile round trip trek. At the garden or along the way we find NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, a LARK SPARROW, a BLUE GROSBEAK, a WHITE-THROATED SWIFT and 2 GREATER ROADRUNNERS, my first Roadrunners of the year.

Other Birds of Note:
BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD
ROCK WREN
YELLOW WARBLER (heard)
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (heard)
BULLOCK’S ORIOLE
LAWRENCE’S GOLDFINCH

(June 18, 2009)

This week’s photo, taken April 24, 2009, features our most common year round bird, the WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, as it confidently poses for the camera. Click here for an enlarged view.

This time of year LESSER NIGHTHAWKS are seen occasionally at dusk flying low over the Ranch. Recently, while I am taking a post-dinner stroll just beyond the oak grove, a nighthawk pops up and flies right by me. Because of its silent flight and tendency to be active in faint light conditions, a nighthawk is as special and mysterious to me as an owl. A RED-TAILED HAWK, with a squirrel in its talons, soars high above Alex’s Oak Tree. Maybe the rodent is a meal for a brood of Red-tails. I often wonder where our Red-tails nest each year. The fact that the Red-shouldered Hawks always nest in the center of the Ranch may be one reason that the Red-tailed Hawks choose to raise their young elsewhere.

The trumpet vine atop the dining room is beginning to flower, and it’s no coincidence that the hummingbird traffic is increasing significantly at the dining hall. Our smallest birds like to hang out where we humans like to hang out, and for the same reason. It’s all about the food.

(June 5–June 8, 2009)

This week’s photo, taken June 5, 2009, features a male CALIFORNIA QUAIL, as he dutifully stands guard atop a sign behind Kuchumaa Gym. Click here for an enlarged view.

The 2 fledgling RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS are doing well. The older one is already displaying the flying skills of an adult. The younger hawk also looks impressive in the air; however, it doesn’t yet project the confidence of its more mature sibling. Now, as I think back to last year’s batch of 3 Red-shouldered Hawks, I conclude that their living space was quite crowded and the scene was often chaotic. This year’s brood of 2 fits better in that modest-sized nest. Two is company; three’s a crowd.

More Nesting News:

It’s exciting for us when birds decide to raise their young right in front of us. A female NUTTALL’S WOODPECKER, with an insect in its bill, flies into a cavity in a willow tree just outside the back door of the Main Lounge. Meanwhile, a pair of PHAINOPEPLAS is nesting deep in a bush outside the entrance of Pine Tree Gym. We often hear their soft, single-note call when we walk by.

Other Birds of Note:
BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD
WESTERN KINGBIRD
CASSIN’S KINGBIRD
CLIFF SWALLOW
BULLOCK’S ORIOLE
BLUE GROSBEAK

(May 29–June 1, 2009)

This week’s photo, taken May 24, 2009, features a young COSTA’S HUMMINGBIRD feasting on the flowers that it vigorously defends against all competitors, most of which are larger hummingbirds. Click here for an enlarged view.

At the exact moment that 28 yoga students assume the position in Tree Pose in Montana Gym, a CALIFORNIA TOWHEE appears outside the northern window and begins to repeatedly jump up and tap its bill against the glass. The towhee must be attracted to the forest of trees in the room.

The young RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS continue to explore the palm trees that surround their nest tree, but I suspect they have yet to venture beyond their immediate neighborhood. They spend most of their time in the nest, which makes perfect sense since that’s where mom and dad deliver their meals. Species that have left their nest but are still being fed by their parents include HOUSE WRENS, OAK TITMICE, WESTERN BLUEBIRDS and ROCK WRENS.

Random Observations of Avian Activity:

A NIGHTHAWK (probably Lesser) teeters and turns as it flies low by my room one evening at dusk. PHAINOPEPLAS are very visible and vocal this week, and their soft, single note call is heard from many areas of the Ranch. Behind Kuchumaa Gym a BLUE GROSBEAK lands in a leafless tree, briefly sings a few renditions of its song and then departs. Possibly it’s the same young male we saw a month ago. If it is, it is bluer and less brown than before.

Other Birds of Note:
COOPER’S HAWK
DOWNY WOODPECKER (heard)
ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (heard)
YELLOW WARBLER
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (heard)
BULLOCK’S ORIOLE
LAWRENCE’S GOLDFINCH

(May 22–May 25, 2009)

The RED-SHOULDERED HAWK babies are now big and brown. At least one of them is testing its boundaries by hopping from branch to branch in the neighboring palm trees. They will be flying soon, which means exciting times are ahead for the bird watchers of Rancho La Puerta, and exciting times are ahead for the hawks as well.

Assorted Avian Activities:

A pair of PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS is nesting at the stone bridge next to the bird feeding area. Near Oaktree Pavilion, a young male COSTA’S HUMMINGBIRD chases the larger hummingbirds out of his self-proclaimed feeding area. 12 CEDAR WAXWINGS fly over our heads in the late afternoon on May 22. That is 9 days later in the spring than I have ever before seen waxwings at the Ranch. Our newest hike is providing some new bird sightings. Naturally, the latest route is called the Dove Hike. Toward the end of the trail, 2 HUTTON’S VIREOS, a RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW (my first of the year), HOUSE FINCHES, BEWICK’S WRENS and a few ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRDS move about in a small grove of trees, while nearby a ROCK WREN bounces from rock to rock.

Other Birds of Note:
PHAINOPEPLA
SAGE SPARROW
LAWRENCE’S GOLDFINCH

(New York Bird Report May 14–May 18, 2009)

The warbler activity is impressive in Central Park, featuring CANADA, BAY-BREASTED, BLACKBURNIAN, and even a CAPE MAY WARBLER, a species we did not find in Cape May. Perhaps they should change its name to Central Park Warbler.

During spring migration in Central Park, you witness not only huge quantities of birds, but generous numbers of birders as well. One of my favorite sightings early one morning is a man wearing a dark suit and tie who is also equipped with a laptop computer-type bag slung over his shoulder. Most importantly, he has binoculars, and they are glued to his eyes and aimed upwards as he partakes in some pre-work birding. Some people catch up on television news before marching off to their workplace. This man chooses to check the bird news in the park. Clearly, he has his priorities in order.

Other Central Park Birds of Note:
WOOD THRUSH
VEERY
SWAINSON’S THRUSH

For a change of pace, one day I drive north an easy and scenic 50 miles to Bear Mountain State Park, where HOODED, BLUE-WINGED and CERULEAN WARBLERS, and PILEATED WOODPECKER (at its nesting cavity) bless me with their presence.

Next week’s report will originate from one of my favorite birding sites: Rancho La Puerta.

(May 8–May 13, 2009)

After seeing or hearing a total of 157 species in 6 days of birding, I now know why Cape May, New Jersey is considered one of the premier bird migration routes in North America. During the time our San Diego Audubon group is in New Jersey, the 26th annual World Series of Birding takes place. The winning 4-person team identifies 229 species in 24 hours.

Unlike the 77 competitive teams, we decide to sleep at night. Rested and alert on the morning of day 4, we discover a YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO feasting on tent caterpillars in a cherry tree in the front yard of a private residence. We then notice a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO in the same tree. Cuckoos are difficult to find anywhere in North America. To see both of these cuckoo species in the same tree is amazing.

Even with our binoculars we struggle to make out detail as we stare along the beach at a distant pair of endangered PIPING PLOVERS. But as all 15 of us stand perfectly still with binoculars pressed against our faces, the male chases the female towards us. At one point I slowly lower my binoculars and lift my camera as they continue to run straight at us and reward us with great looks. Sometimes, when we stand still and quiet, the birds come to us.

Other Birds of Note:
NORTHERN GANNET
LEAST BITTERN
TRICOLORED HERON
GLOSSY IBIS
CLAPPER RAIL
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER
PURPLE SANDPIPER
GULL-BILLED TERN
CHUCK-WILL’S-WIDOW (heard only)
WHIP-POOR-WILL (heard only)
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
BLUE-WINGED WARBLER
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER
BLACKPOLL WARBLER
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER
WORM-EATING WARBLER
SUMMER TANAGER
SALTMARSH SHARP-TAILED SPARROW
ORCHARD ORIOLE

(May 1–May 4, 2009)

A frequent sight outside the dining room entrance this week: guests observing and discussing the RED-SHOULDERED HAWK nest in the nearby palm tree. While the guests stand and wait for their next meal, they watch the baby hawks, which are waiting for their next meal.

Guests returning from the Organic Garden Hike on Thursday morning report exciting news: 2 WHITE-TAILED KITES soaring above the northern part of the Quail Hike trail. That means that since the fire of October 2007, all of our resident bird species have now returned to the Ranch.

Species of Note:
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE BROWN THRASHER (seen May 1,2 & 3)
HUTTON’S VIREO
WILSON’S WARBLER
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (heard)
SAGE SPARROW
LAZULI BUNTING
LAWRENCE’S GOLDFINCH

I will be away from the Ranch for the next two weeks, on a weeklong bird trip with San Diego Audubon to Cape May, NJ; then I will spend 5 days in NYC where, of course, I will do some birding in Central Park. I will send 1 or 2 East Coast Bird Reports when I get the chance to put my binoculars down.

RLP Bird Week Report (Part II April 23–27, 2009)

Bird Week is a big success, with over 60 species spotted by enthusiastic bird-watchers. Thanks to Judy Irving, Mark Bittner, Phil Pryde and Neil Solomon for their expert contributions, and thanks to all the guests and birds that participated. The next RLP Bird Week will be April 10-17, 2010.

Results of the Bird of the Week voting:

• 1st Place: BLUE GROSBEAK
• 2nd Place: BROWN THRASHER
• 3rd Place Tie: WESTERN TANAGER and the nesting RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS

Congratulations to the Oregon Scrub J’s, who identified 38 species in one day during the Big Day event.

As Bird Week 2009 ends, the good birding gets even better. On Saturday the bottlebrush tree at the Central Pool hosts a bird convention, featuring 2 kinds of orioles (HOODED and BULLOCK’S), 4 species of hummingbirds (ANNA’S, BLACK-CHINNED, COSTA’S and RUFOUS/ALLEN’S), WESTERN TANAGERS, WESTERN SCRUB JAYS and a NUTTALL’S WOODPECKER.

On Sunday, April 26, while the 4pm Bird Walk group stands at the stone bridge to observe the action at the bird feeders, we notice beyond the far end of the lawn that the elusive and rare BROWN THRASHER is calmly tossing leaves as it forages in the dirt. Everybody gets a decent look at the shy bird through the spotting scope.

RLP Bird Week Report (Part I April 18–21, 2009)

4 1/2 Weeks after microdiskectomy surgery, I have returned to work at the Ranch, just in time for Bird Week. I feel good, I’m getting stronger each day, and I’m walking well. Also, I am bird-watching again without pain. Speaking of birds, Bird Week 2009 is off to a great start. Here’s a recap of the first few days.

The dawn chorus is a daily delight. BLUE GROSBEAKS sing from the sycamore trees along the creek bed near Kuchumaa Passage. Also rehearsing for their “American Idol” tryouts are LAWRENCE’S GOLDFINCHES, CHIPPING SPARROWS, WARBLING VIREOS, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, NASHVILLE WARBLERS and WESTERN TANAGERS. HOUSE WRENS are nesting in the sycamore tree near the Activity Pool. NORTHERN FLICKERS are nesting in a tree cavity south of the sand volleyball court. The best nesting news of all: on April 19 we watch for the first time as a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK feeds its babies in the palm tree nest outside the dining room. Although we detect movement in the nest, we don’t yet know how many baby hawks have hatched this year.

Another exciting event is the reappearance of the BROWN THRASHER, the rare bird that visited the Ranch last November/December and became the 500th species identified in Baja California. We had assumed it left the Ranch in late 2008, but instead it probably just relocated to another area of the Ranch. It was rediscovered April 17 in a bush north of the wooden bridge, and it has been hanging out in that area during the past few days.

Other Species of Note:
LAZULI BUNTING
BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD
HOODED ORIOLE
BULLOCK’S ORIOLE

(March 6, 2009)

While Cedar Waxwings have certainly mastered the basics of air travel, their group flying skills are legendary. They often roam around the Ranch in a very tight flock, and although their meandering path gives the impression that they don’t have a clue where they are going, it’s amazing how they all seem to change direction at the same instant.

It’s as if they all had hands-free (or would that be wings-free?) phones attached to their heads, and when the leader calls out a command to bank right, everyone turns to the right together. The largest flock of waxwings I’ve seen at the Ranch this winter contained about 40 birds. A few years ago I once observed 3 large waxwing groups at the same time, each flock wandering independently of the other two. Suddenly, the 3 groups came together and formed a single flock of more than 200 birds.

They continued to twist and turn through the air without a destination in mind, yet they performed their aerial ballet with perfect precision. Clearly, they were all wearing their headphones.

(February 20–February 23, 2009)

This week’s photo, taken January 2, 2009, features 7 CEDAR WAXWINGS blending in well with the few remaining leaves on a sycamore tree behind Kuchumaa Gym. These silky flycatchers use the tree as a platform from which they leap off and dive down to a nearby toyon bush to consume its tasty berries. Cedar Waxwings, one of our many wintering species, arrive at the Ranch in late September and depart by early May. Their presence is quite erratic. Sometimes they are not seen for several days or even a few weeks at a time, and then all of a sudden we find 30 or 40 waxwings sitting motionless in a tree. The type of tree they congregate in varies, but often close by there is a toyon or pyracantha bush filled with red berries.

(February 13–February 16, 2009)

I was not at the Ranch this past week, so this week’s report will focus on a common Ranch bird. The YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, probably the most abundant bird at the Ranch during the winter months, begins to arrive in late September, and some individuals linger until early May. Perhaps some of them delay their departure so they can fit in a few more Ranch massages before heading north to breed. They show varying amounts of yellow on their throats, flanks and crown, but they all have bright yellow rumps, hence the nickname “Butter-butt.” Sometimes when you watch one fly by, you can see their yellow rump patch with your naked eye. Most of our Yellow-rumps are the “Audubon’s” form with yellow throats. The “Myrtle” form, common in eastern North America, has a white throat.

(February 6–February 9, 2009)

On Friday morning 5 hardy guests show up for a Bird Walk in the rain, and despite the moisture, no one complains and we find some nice birds. That night a steady rain falls, and by Saturday morning the stream under the wooden bridge is flowing more like a river. When the Bird Walk starts, the sun is out and the birds are all around us. A gorgeous COMMON YELLOWTHROAT pops in and out of bushes by the dining room pond, providing everyone with stunning looks at the bright yellow throat and black facial mask of this sun-drenched warbler. Birds always shine brighter after a rain. On Sunday the AMERICAN ROBINS and the CEDAR WAXWINGS decide that the pyracantha berries by the Central Pool are now ripe to eat, and the feasting begins. The two species with a common food interest congregate in the large pine tree by the pool. Mixed flocks of 10-15 birds at a time dive down to the bushes where each bird quickly tosses down multiple berries before flying back up to the pine tree to digest their snacks. This feeding cycle repeats for hours, and I tell the guests that standing under that pine tree is not advised at this time.

(January 30-February 2, 2009)

On Friday morning’s Bird Walk we begin by taking the path toward the administration building. Shortly after we pass the Mercado, we stop by the tennis courts to survey the avian activity, but we neither see nor hear a single bird. So, to keep the bird-watchers from dwelling on the complete lack of bird life at that moment, I aim the spotting scope at the palm tree where the Red-shouldered Hawks raised three chicks last year, and I begin to share the hawks’ story. As I casually peer through the scope, I notice that fresh pine needles and eucalyptus branches have been placed on the old nest ledge. That’s exciting news because it means one of the most remarkable bird events of last year may be repeated in 2009.

Sunday afternoon we watch 2 PHAINOPEPLAS and several CEDAR WAXWINGS feed on the mistletoe berries in the large sycamore trees next to Arroyo Gym. These beautiful white-barked trees have finally lost all their leaves, so the thick green clusters of mistletoe that cling to those trees are as obvious as ever, and the birds that visit the trees are easier to see as well.

Species of Interest:
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER
HUTTON’S VIREO
FOX SPARROW
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW
EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE

(2008 Brief Recap)

Although I spent this past week in San Diego, I still have a Ranch Bird Report for you. But instead of reviewing one week, I will briefly recap bird happenings during the past year.

Highlights of 2008:

RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS nesting (and producing 3 young hawks) in a palm tree by the dining room.

A BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD raising two babies in her nest.

PHAINOPEPLAS and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS tending to their nests along the lower part of the mountain trail.

Of the 103 bird species I identified at the Ranch in 2008, 5 were new Ranch birds for me:
LESSER NIGHTHAWK
BROWN THRASHER*
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER
CHIPPING SPARROW
BREWER’S SPARROW (I heard it singing several times, but never saw it)

*Rancho La Puerta’s Brown Thrasher, observed from Nov 24 to Dec 22, represents the first of that species in the state of Baja and also the 500th (and most recent) species sighted by anyone in Baja.

(January 16–January 17, 2009)

This week’s windy days provide good soaring for the big birds of the Ranch. We stand behind Kuchumaa Gym and watch a RED-TAILED HAWK hover in the strong breeze that flows up the mountain. As a TURKEY VULTURE slowly glides east, it shrinks its 6-foot wingspan to 4 feet, in order to penetrate the formidable headwind. A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK circles directly above us, forcing us to tilt our heads way back and aim our binoculars straight up. When the hawk decides to move on, I tell everyone to be careful they don’t fall over backwards while watching the hawk cruise behind us.

AMERICAN ROBINS visit a toyon bush behind Montana Gym and feast on the red berries with great enthusiasm. I read on the internet (therefore, it must be true) that birds do not get tipsy on toyon, but they might have an “intoxicating” experience on pyracantha berries. That’s why after the robins dine at a pyracantha plant, for the rest of the day we do not permit them to operate heavy machinery.

Other Notable Sightings:
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH
PHAINOPEPLA

(January 9–January 12, 2009)

2 PRAIRIE FALCONS fly high overhead in a westerly direction, circling a few times and then disappearing behind the mountain. As I take a few pictures I am not certain which falcon species they represent, but when I transfer the photos to my computer, I notice that the images match perfectly with the illustrations in my guide books. The last time I saw Prairie Falcons at the Ranch was 15-20 years ago when we discovered a nesting pair and three chicks on a cliff-side nest above the old Mountain Breakfast Hike route. During her third Bird Walk of the week, an experienced birder comments that she has yet to see a woodpecker during this trip to the Ranch. I respond that she’ll probably see one soon. A minute or two later she not only finds a woodpecker, she has found the least common of the Ranch's six woodpeckers.

For a few minutes we enjoy a close and eye-level sighting of a female DOWNY WOODPECKER as it busily works the thin branches of a fruit tree behind Kuchumaa Gym. It’s the best view I’ve ever had of a Downy at the Ranch, so it’s a shame I do not have my camera with me.

Other Notable Species:
WESTERN BLUEBIRDS (the usual gang of 5)
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW
LINCOLN’S SPARROW
BULLOCK’S ORIOLE

(January 2–January 5, 2009)

During Monday morning’s Bird Walk 7-8 humans are standing on the brick road behind and south of Kuchumaa Gym. As we stand perfectly still to admire a small flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS perched high in a sycamore tree, behind us a few YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS start chipping and flitting in and out of a leafless tree.

A CALIFORNIA THRASHER begins to sing from the same tree. A couple of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS feed in the dirt surprisingly close to us, and then two CALIFORNIA TOWHEES join the White-crowns. A flock of 5 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS drop out of the sky and alight upon a red berry bush in front of the sycamore tree. A HOUSE FINCH and a squawking WESTERN SCRUB-JAY also appear in the same bush. Sometimes, if you are still and quiet, the birds will come to you.

Other Notable Species:
CASSIN’S KINGBIRD
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH
FOX SPARROW
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW
BULLOCK’S ORIOLE (young female, I think)

I see no sign of the Brown Thrasher this week, although one bird-watcher thinks he caught a glimpse of it grabbing an olive on the lawn before running back into the bushes (note: the thrasher grabbed the olive and ran back into the brush, NOT the bird-watcher). I will certainly try again next week to re-find our rare bird.

(December 24–December 29, 2008)

Central Florida offers enjoyable birding in late December. There are plenty of wintering species (in addition to the human kind), the days are sunny and warm, humidity is low and mosquitoes are few.

If ever you are in the Titusville, Florida area, birding sites worth visiting include:
1) Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Black Point Wildlife Drive)
2) City of Titusville Water Reclamation Facility (great birding from your vehicle)
3) Enchanted Forest Sanctuary
4) My brother’s residential neighborhood (where I find my two Life Birds)

Two birds I never tire of watching are ANHINGAS and PILEATED WOODPECKERS. They both seem so prehistoric, and it’s easy to imagine them co-existing with the dinosaurs.

Other Notable Species:
WHITE IBIS
GLOSSY IBIS
WOOD STORK
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER
FISH CROW (Life Bird) (identified by sound)
LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE
BLUE-HEADED VIREO
WHITE-EYED VIREO
OVENBIRD
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER
PALM WARBLER
PINE WARBLER
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Life Bird)

(December 19–December 22, 2008)

I will not be at the Ranch next week because I am in Florida visiting my brother and his family for the holidays. Naturally, I will find a way to squeeze in some birding in the Sunshine State, and I will send you a Central Florida Bird Report when I return.

On Monday, my last morning at the Ranch this week, I lead 8 guests from the Gazebo to the north side of the Central Pool, from where I instruct them to look for our rare visitor, the BROWN THRASHER. Almost immediately we spot it in oleander about 60 feet away, but he’s buried deep in the shrub and barely visible. A moment later he pops out and, to everyone’s surprise and delight, he flies towards us and lands atop pyracantha a mere 15 feet away. For about 10 seconds he poses at eye level, and everyone gets a fabulous look before the thrasher dives into the vegetation and disappears. We are only 5 minutes into our Bird Walk, so I jokingly announce,

“Ok, that’s all for today. Thanks for coming!”

Even though we can’t top what we’ve just seen, we bird-watch for another 40 minutes, and everybody has a good time.

Other interesting sightings this week include two RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS chasing each other around a California pepper tree near the new Activity Pool; an AMERICAN CROW eating an acorn that it has pinned under its feet; and 4 well-dressed CEDAR WAXWINGS sunning themselves in a leafless tree, providing us with wonderful views of that elegant species.

Other notable birds:
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH
FOX SPARROWS (2-3)
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS (3-4)

(December 12–December 15, 2008)

I have learned that not only is our BROWN THRASHER the first ever seen in the entire Baja Peninsula, but it is also the 500th bird species (and most recent) recorded in Baja. We clearly have a V.I.P. (Very Important Pajaro) in our presence, so we just may have to organize a parade in its honor. The Brown Thrasher is not the only bird that hangs out in the thick bushes by the grassy slope north of the Central Pool.

A large family of CALIFORNIA QUAIL, at least three FOX SPARROWS, 1-2 HERMIT THRUSHES, a few CALIFORNIA THRASHERS, several WESTERN SCRUB-JAYS, 2-3 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS, 5 -10 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS and a chatty COMMON YELLOWTHROAT hop through the branches of those bushes and along the ground, foraging for food. Occasionally, a few brave (or foolish) birds leave the security of the shrubs and venture out onto the lawn. The mockingbirds and jays boldly pose on top of the bushes for long periods of time. They fear no one.

Other Notable Birds:
DOWNY WOODPECKER (female)
SAY’S PHOEBE
AMERICAN ROBINS (4)
CEDAR WAXWINGS (3)
AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES (6-8)

(December 05–December 08, 2008)

It’s Friday morning and my first day back at the Ranch. As I approach the seed-feeders to replenish the supplies, a towhee-size bird is feeding in the dish at the bottom of the mixed-seed feeder. I walk closer, and it continues to feed. It’s a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK; I believe it’s a first winter male. Anyway, it’s a species I haven’t seen at the Ranch in over 2 years, and it’s my 103rd Ranch species of 2008.

This week the BROWN THRASHER is playing hard to get. He does not sit still for a photo shoot, but I still manage a few quick sightings on 3 of 4 days. I tell the guests about the Brown Thrasher, and although we do not see it during the Bird Walks, when I return from my days off a guest tells me that she saw the rare thrasher one morning while I was away. She caught a brief glimpse as it dove into a bush, and then she stood on the lawn for 45 minutes hoping for another look. But the thrasher did not come out. Nevertheless, the woman was quite content because she saw the bird. By the way, that determined and patient woman is 85 years young.

Other Birds of Note:
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT
FOX SPARROW
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW

(November 28–December 01, 2008)

At the beginning of the Friday Bird Walk I show the group a picture of a Brown Thrasher in Sibley’s Field Guide and tell them that their assignment is to help me find that bird. We search the area just north of the Central Pool, but find nothing. So we move on to our usual stops and when we run out of time, we return to the Central Pool to end the walk.

While I collect the binoculars from everybody, someone points across the pool and says, “Is that your bird?” The BROWN THRASHER is calmly posing on top of a pyracantha bush. I redistribute the binoculars, and we all get great looks. For three consecutive days we sight it on our group outings, and on Saturday morning, while it perches for a few minutes in a century plant, it even sings for us.

On Monday morning we miss the Brown Thrasher, but while searching for it we spot a male PHAINOPEPLA, a discovery that thoroughly excites the group of bird-watchers.

Other Birds of Note:
RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER
CASSIN’S KINGBIRD
SAY’S PHOEBE
FOX SPARROW
LARK SPARROWS (4-6)
CHIPPING SPARROWS (3-5)

(November 14–November 17, 2008)

While I walk to lunch on Monday I notice a rufous-colored bird as it flies into an oleander bush along the service road near the Central Pool. After a few seconds it pops out and sprints across the brick road with its long tail raised in the air. It looks like a thrasher, it runs like a thrasher, and it is a thrasher. But it’s not our resident California Thrasher. It’s the first BROWN THRASHER I’ve ever seen at the Ranch, an eastern species that’s rare out west, and it’s my 102nd species of the year. Fortunately, I have my binoculars with me; unfortunately, I do not have my camera. So, you can bet that when I return to the Ranch on Thursday I will comb the area for that beautiful bird, with camera in hand.

Two GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS feed behind Kuchumaa Gym. Considering it’s late November, the adult still has a surprising amount of gold on its head.

Other Birds of Note:
AMERICAN KESTREL (1)
PHAINOPEPLA (1)
LARK SPARROW (5-6)
SAVANNAH SPARROW (2-3)
CHIPPING SPARROW (5-8)

(November 7–November 10, 2008)

Near the front steps of the dining room the Bird Walk group gets a great look at an ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD with a flashy red throat and head. A few minutes later on the west patio of the dining room, we spot a COMMON YELLOWTHROAT that’s out in the open, which for a Common Yellowthroat is not very common. In front of us a guest sits at a table reading a book. Without moving, she lifts her eyes from her book and admires the Yellowthroat as it shows off its brilliant colors from just a few feet away. The woman doesn’t have binoculars, but her sighting of the usually secretive warbler is even better than ours.

One morning 4 ACORN WOODPECKERS fly back and forth from an oak tree to a cottonwood tree, stashing acorns in holes in the dead cottonwoods. A RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET displays its ruby crown, which is a rare event. The bright red feathers on its head are so visible and extensive that the tiny kinglet resembles a miniature woodpecker.

Birds of Note:
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH (heard)
SAVANNAH SPARROW (2)
FOX SPARROW
BULLOCK’S ORIOLE (adult male)

(October 31–November 3, 2008)

A CALIFORNIA THRASHER whistles its lovely song next to a path near the Administration Building. I want a photo, but the lighting is poor. Unfortunately, I have to walk right by the bird to get into a better position, so I slowly pass without making eye contact, and although he stops singing, he does not fly away.

I turn around and face him, and now the sun is illuminating the thrasher quite nicely. He resumes his singing, and while I photograph the beautiful bird with the long curved bill, I am also singing since I’m very pleased with the improved conditions. But I sing silently because I wouldn’t want to scare the thrasher away.

Birds of Note:

DOWNY WOODPECKER
SAY’S PHOEBE
PHAINOPEPLA
HUTTON’S VIREO
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW
BULLOCK’S ORIOLE (female)

October 24–October 27, 2008)

On a Bird Walk we discover an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, a species known for its drab appearance, and this individual certainly fits the mold. I tell the group not to expect to see the orange crown because it rarely is visible. Then the grayish, olive-green bird with dull yellow undersides hops to a small pond and begins to bathe. As it dips its body into the water, it disappears from view for a few seconds, but when it raises its head again its tiny orange crown feathers are sticking straight up and brilliantly lit by the morning sun, making it appear that its head is on fire. This plain-looking bird has transformed itself into a real beauty, and the guests are quite impressed.

One morning at the Villa Pool we surprise a ROCK WREN, and the wren surprises us as well. The startled bird pops out from behind a low wall and for a few moments it stands on the brick deck, starring at us as we stare back. Then it leaps onto its namesake platform, aka a rock, where it begins to calm down. I have never before stood only a few feet from a Rock Wren, and that wren is probably thinking similar thoughts about humans.

New Winter Arrivals:
RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW

Other Birds of Note:
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER
CEDAR WAXWING
PHAINOPEPLA
TOWNSEND’S WARBLER
BULLOCK’S ORIOLE (adult male).

(October 17–October 20, 2008) After 17 months of digiscoping the birds of

Rancho La Puerta, I have purchased a Canon 40D camera body and a Canon 400mm f5.6 lens, so I can photograph birds in flight and capture images of fidgety birds like warblers. I look forward to the possibilities and the challenge.

Friday morning a SWAINSON’S HAWK flies above the track toward the mountain slope just west of the Ranch. A strong wind from the northeast blows up the slope, and for 20 minutes the migrating hawk soars back and forth along the ridge, gaining altitude to help it with its long journey ahead. Finally, it leaves the ridge and glides south in search of more updrafts. Considered the most well traveled raptor of North America, its destination may be as far away as Argentina.

It is Couple’s Week at the Ranch, so it is fitting that during a Bird Walk we observe a pair of RED-TAILED HAWKS in an aerial pair bonding display, followed a few minutes later by another “Couples Only” sky dance performed by two COMMON RAVENS.

New Winter Arrivals:
FOX SPARROW
DARK-EYED JUNCO
WESTERN MEADOWLARK

Other Birds of Note:
ROCK WREN
CEDAR WAXWING
WESTERN BLUEBIRD
TOWNSEND’S WARBLER
WESTERN TANAGER (female)
LINCOLN’S SPARROW

(October 10–October 13, 2008) At the Gazebo at the beginning of the Bird Walk,

after I show the rookie Bird Watchers how to use the binoculars, we notice a RED-TAILED HAWK circling directly above us. Above the Red-tail is a soaring SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, and above the Sharp-shinned is another Sharpie. It’s important to grab the group’s attention at the start, and that Bird Walk does just that. Despite a strong breeze, there’s plenty of bird activity at the grassy knoll by the Villa Pool.

Several CASSIN’S KINGBIRDS, who seem to enjoy windy conditions, leap off the tops of trees, grab some lift and playfully hover for a split second before skillfully banking, zooming downwind, turning back around into the wind and penetrating the headwind to a soft landing on another tree top perch. I see 2 First of the Season LINCOLN’S SPARROWS.

I also spot my First of the Season AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, 19 days earlier than ever before.

(October 03–October 06, 2008) On a sunny and windless morning in a sycamore tree

behind Kuchumaa Gym, several small birds flit from branch to branch in search of insects. The group feeding session includes 2 HUTTON’S VIREOS, 2 WILSON’S WARBLERS, a YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, a COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER and another warbler, which at first glance I suspect is a Black-throated Gray. But this bird is crawling around the tree trunk and large branches like a nuthatch. It’s a BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, a bird that’s common in the east but rare in the west. It’s the first Black-and-White Warbler I have ever seen at the Ranch, and it’s my 97th species of the year.

Half an hour later number 98 appears, a RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER, in an oak tree near my room. The next day on an overcast morning a low-flying VAUX’S SWIFT becomes my 99th species of 2008.

Other Birds of Note:

DOWNY WOODPECKER (heard)
SWAINSON’S THRUSH (2)
WARBLING VIREO
WESTERN TANAGER (5-7 females)

(September 26–September 29, 2008) CEDAR WAXWINGS arrive early for their

annual winter visit to the Ranch. We spot a small group of 4, including at least one juvenile. It's the first time I've seen them here in September. I also sight a SAY'S PHOEBE, which is here 2 weeks early, according to my records.

Other winter arrivals include the always reliable YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS. It's nice to once again hear the White-crowns' lovely song, which they often sing, even though they are now on their winter grounds. A SWAINSON'S THRUSH, my 96th Ranch species of 2008, is hanging out in the trees atop the grassy hill near the Villa Pool. The shy migrant frequently drops by the Villa pond for a drink. Monday morning we are blessed with 5 minutes of rain.

Although it's way too brief, it's lovely nonetheless. A short time later, the sun comes out and the Bird Walk begins. The birds love to get active after a rain, and we are treated to nice looks at a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, an inseparable pair of WARBLING VIREOS, a WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, and several of the usual suspects.

(September 19–September 22, 2008) An AMERICAN KESTREL dive bombs a

TURKEY VULTURE; perhaps the same kestrel that was chasing a Cooper's Hawk last week. A RED-TAILED HAWK circles above the track, providing us with great looks at its brick-red tail. The RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS seem to be hanging out in the center of the Ranch more often this week than they have been for months. Maybe the adults are done teaching their offspring how to hunt and fend for themselves, and therefore mom and dad are now free to enjoy a more relaxed existence at the Ranch.

Birds of Note:
CASSIN'S KINGBIRD
HUTTON'S VIREO
WARBLING VIREO
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER
WILSON'S WARBLER

(September 12–September 15, 2008) As we approach the dining room pond, two

sparrow-like birds leap up from the brick path and fly towards Pinetree Gym. Then they circle back, land at the same spot on the path, jump into the water channel and take a drink. Apparently, the SAVANNAH SPARROWS, the 95th species I've seen at the Ranch this year, heard us tell everyone to stay hydrated, and they are doing their part.

Birds of Note:
PHAINOPEPLA
HUTTON'S VIREO
WARBLING VIREO
NASHVILLE WARBLER
WILSON'S WARBLER
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (common)
WESTERN TANAGER (common)
LAZULI BUNTING (female)

Sunday afternoon we watch a low-flying RED-TAILED HAWK weave its way between trees while being chased by two loud and relentless AMERICAN CROWS. Monday morning we observe an AMERICAN KESTREL harassing a COOPER'S HAWK as they soar near Alex's Oak Tree on the mountain.

(September 5, 2008 – September 8, 2008) A few BUSHTITS pose, for the first time,

for a photo shoot. Actually, they are not capable of sitting still, but when 20 of them linger in a nearby bush, I quickly fire off dozens of shots and capture one or two acceptable images of the Ranch's second smallest bird (the hummingbird, of course, is the smallest).

Birds of Interest:
BELTED KINGFISHER
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE
TOWNSEND'S WARBLER
WILSON'S WARBLER
HUTTON'S VIREO

At 9:30 Saturday morning a female HOUSE FINCH perches on the water tube above the birdbath and grabs a few zzzz's. As her eyes get droopy, she turns her head and buries her bill into the feathers on her back, as a duck does when it takes a siesta. Rarely do I see a small bird be so inattentive to its surroundings. When she hears a sound, her eyes explode open, but then a few moments later she returns to her power nap. I'm not sure why she's so tired, but rumor has it that she was spotted late Friday night on the dance floor by the Central Pool.

(August 29, 2008 – September 1, 2008) It's 1:28pm on a warm and breezy August day, usually a lousy time and poor conditions for bird watching. But things are

happening at the wooden bridge. On the south side of the bridge 20 to 30 BUSHTITS are working a willow tree. A female NORTHERN FLICKER flies in and clings to the trunk of the cottonwood. 2 NUTTALL'S WOODPECKERS chase each other in the underside of an oak tree, while some OAK TITMICE sing their nasal song from deep within that same oak. A few LESSER GOLDFINCHES broadcast their high pitch whiny songs from a nearby bush, juvenile HOODED ORIOLES fly in and out of a sycamore tree, and 2 WESTERN SCRUB-JAYS squawk loudly while jockeying for position in a palm tree.

Birds of Interest:
BEWICK'S WREN
HOUSE WREN
WILSON'S WARBLER
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT

At the end of my Introduction to Yoga class on Monday morning in Montana Gym, I have 21 guests lying on their backs with their eyes closed. While they journey toward a state of bliss, outside on the lawn 31 CALIFORNIA QUAIL feed and fuss with each other. The quail are as entertaining as ever, but I decide not to wake the guests.

(August 22–August 25, 2008) Large numbers of young WESTERN SCRUB-JAYS,

HOODED ORIOLES, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS and CALIFORNIA QUAIL abound at the Ranch. In fact, shortly after I spot a covey of 20 quail on the track, I encounter two guests who tell me they just saw 15 quail by the bird feeders. As we discuss the bountiful crop of quail at the Ranch, a few adult quail appear a few feet away, and then 3 tiny baby quail scurry behind the adults and into a bush. Clearly, the quail have us outnumbered and if they wanted to take over the Ranch, they probably could.

Signs of Fall Migration:
WARBLING VIREO
WILSON'S WARBLER
YELLOW WARBLER
WESTERN TANAGER

Other Birds of Interest:
PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH
HUTTON'S VIREO

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

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.

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)

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)

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.

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 3 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