North Davis Ponds Bird Count
2020-02-15 08:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Tandem Properties, 3500 Anderson Road, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
As part of the Great Backyard Bird Count weekend, Ed Whisler will lead us on a special North Davis Ponds Bird Count on Saturday, February 15th. This is a great opportunity to be part of a long-standing international bird count sponsored by the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society.
Meet at the Tandem Properties parking lot (3500 Anderson Road) in Davis. Restroom and water nearby. Bring binoculars. Leaders will bring spotting scopes. All ages welcome.

Cosumnes Reserve
2020-02-16 07:00 - 15:00
This is a great time of year at Cosumnes. We will see an abundance of cranes, geese, ducks, and shorebirds. It’s one of the few local places where Ring-necked Ducks are reliable. In the morning, we will spend time along the sloughs and riparian corridors of the Mokelumne River where we can see the many wintering songbirds and other inhabitants of the area. We will also explore the wetlands near the visitor’s center. After lunch on the deck at the visitor’s center, we will discover what can be seen in the marshes and flooded farm fields along Desmond and Bruceville Roads, keeping an eye out for wintering raptors and the occasional Peregrine Falcon. If weather allows and it can be arranged, we will then travel into more inaccessible parts of the Preserve where The Nature Conservancy has implemented a large floodplain restoration project. There you’ll see the evolution of the floodplain with more riparian and open habitat birds.
Meet at 7:00 a.m. for carpooling in the Park-N-Ride lot on the south side of Highway 80 in West Sacramento on Enterprise Blvd (https://goo.gl/maps/a9qpUqUjqe3vr9tb7), just across the Causeway. Bring your lunch, binoculars and spotting scope if you have one. Dress appropriately for the weather that day which could range from warm and sunny to cool and foggy. We expect to finish by mid-afternoon.
If you have any questions, contact your leader, Rodd Kelsey at (916) 662-4085 or roddk@outlook.com.
Please help us welcome Rodd Kelsey as a new trip leader. Rodd is a professional biologist, and works for The Nature Conservancy. He did his graduate work at UC-Davis, working in ornithology and bird ecology. Thanks for volunteering, Rodd!
Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to the public. Car-pooling is encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between driver and riders.
Heavy rain or high winds may cancel any trip

Napa River at American Canyon
2020-02-25 08:00 | Marketplace Shopping Center (Meeting Place), 1301 West Covell, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Adjacent to the Napa River is a restored shoreline walking trail, where tidal fluctuations can be observed. All along the walkway we’ll be enjoying the open vistas looking west toward the wetlands and over the river. We will first walk along a large tidal lagoon looking for resting birds. After a short level walk out to the Napa River, the rising tide will bring foraging shorebirds closer to us.
This time of year, migration of north-bound shorebirds is beginning; routinely seen are sandpipers, godwits, and willets along with ducks, herons and egrets. We will also be on the lookout for surprises.
Plan to meet at 8:00 am at Marketplace Shopping Center, near Big 5 Sporting Goods, at W. Covell & Highway 113 in Davis. Bring binoculars, scopes and snacks/lunch, beverages. After returning to cars, the group will have a lunch in the picnic area before returning to Davis.
Contact co-leaders:
Sami LaRocca [530-908-0288; sami182@wavecable.com]
John Mott-Smith [530-400-7622; johnmottsmith@comcast.net]
Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to the public. Some trips may be limited by number of participants. Car-pooling is encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between driver and riders.
Heavy rain or high winds may cancel any trip.

Sutter Buttes, Colusa and Sutter National Wildlife Refuges
2020-03-14 08:00 - 17:00
On this trip we will visit the Colusa and Sutter National Wildlife Refuges, grasslands around the Sutter Buttes, and, time permitting, the Bobelaine Preserve. We will visit a variety of habitats, including agricultural fields, mudflats, and riparian areas and we will be looking for remaining waterfowl, arriving shorebirds, migrating neotropicals, a variety of sparrows, and owls and raptors. While there will be some walking, viewing will be primarily from different stopping spots on the trip.
Meet at 8 am (Daylight Savings time) at the Woodland Jack-in-the Box parking lot (southeast corner of the intersection of County road 102 and Main Street in Woodland; Google map here). We will carpool from there. This is an all-day trip so bring a lunch, water and snacks. Be aware of the predicted weather on the day of the trip and dress accordingly. Rain or high winds will cancel the trip.
The trip leader is noted bird expert John Sterling. An RSVP is requested but not required. Please provide an email address to johnmottsmith@comcast.net in order that you may be contacted in the event of trip cancellation or other change.
Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to the public. Some trips may be limited by number of participants. Car-pooling is encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between driver and riders.
Heavy rain or high winds may cancel any trip.

Yolo Farmlands
2020-03-29 07:30 - 13:00 | Park-N-Ride (Meeting Place), 26295 Mace Boulevard, Davis, CA, 95618, United States
***THIS FIELD TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELLED***
Mary suggests that you call/text her if you would like ideas of where to bird on your own.

This trip will focus on birds found in Yolo farmlands. It will be primarily a driving tour along the rural roads of Yolo County with frequent stops. The group will look for raptors, waterfowl, birds of open fields, fences and hedges, as well as riparian birds, depending on the route and the weather. Up to 80 species have been seen on previous trips.
The trip will leave from the Davis Park-N-Ride off of Mace Blvd. just east of Ikeda’s. Participants will meet at 7:30 am. Expect to be back by 1 PM. Please bring binoculars, snacks and water. Heavy rain will cancel the trip. For more information contact Mary Schiedt at maryolo1@netscape.net or 530-400-7094.
Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to the public. Some trips may be limited by number of participants if stated in the description. Car-pooling is encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between driver and riders.
Heavy rain or high winds may cancel any trip.

Birding Walk at West Pond
2020-04-01 09:00 - 11:00 | Isle Royale Lane, Isle Royale Lane, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
***THE APRIL WALK HAS BEEN CANCELLED***
Closer to the date, we will reassess whether the May walk will be held.
Join us on the first Wednesday of every month. Meet fellow birders at the WEST end of Isle Royale Lane (by the gazebo on the greenbelt). We’ll walk and stand for a couple of hours or longer to spot birds all along the pond.
Bring your binoculars. We’ll share a spotting scope, field guides, and checklists.
Restrooms are open M-F at the UCD Med. Clinic near the north end of the Pond.
Walks begin at 8:00am May-September, and 9:00am October-April.

Springtime at Willowbank Ditch in South Davis
2020-04-04 07:30 - 10:30
***THIS FIELD TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELLED***
This walking trip focuses on the wintering and migrating songbirds of Davis. Willowbank Ditch in South Davis has a fantastic mix of mature trees, dense understory, and diverse fruiting and flowering plants. We will watch the lingering sparrow flocks, hope for foraging groups of warblers and flycatchers, and practice learning the songs and calls of an array of local songbirds. Some targets will include specialty winterers like White-throated Sparrow and Red-breasted Nuthatch, as well as freshly arrived migrant warblers. We will also practice thinking from a birds-eye view, discussing habitat, food sources, and tips and tricks for predicting the best spots to find migrating songbirds.

The trip will leave from the junction of Almond Lane and Rosario Street in Davis. There is street parking on streets by this junction, and this intersection has a walking path that leads to the footbridge over the Willowbank Ditch. We will meet at 7:30am and the trip will end around 9:30 or 10am. Expect ~1 mile of walking, although we will never be more than 1/3 of a mile from the meeting spot. Please bring binoculars as well as any desired snacks and water. Heavy rain will cancel the trip. For more information contact Rob Furrow at robertfurrow@gmail.com or 610-715-9123.

Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to the public. Some trips may be limited by number of participants if stated in the description. Car-pooling is encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between driver and riders.
Heavy rain or high winds may cancel any trip.

Mitchell Canyon
2020-04-18 08:00 - 13:00
***THIS FIELD TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELLED***
Join us on Saturday April 18 for a walk in Mitchell Canyon at Mount Diablo, one of the premier sites for spring migrant birding in the East Bay. The canyon bottom contains riparian habitat bordered by dramatic chaparral-covered slopes. A nice collection of warblers, tanagers, grosbeaks, vireos, and flycatchers are expected at this time of year, and there’s a chance we will see Calliope Hummingbirds migrating through. A variety of wildflowers should also be present.
We will meet at 8:00 AM at the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center ($6.00 entrance fee). Please wear sturdy shoes for the unpaved trail and bring binoculars, water, and snacks. We will mostly stay along the relatively flat trail that follows the creek, but there is some elevation change. The trip will last until around noon.
The trip leader is Michael Strom (408-505-0328) or masam321 (at) yahoo (dot) com.
Please note this trip leaves from Mitchell Canyon Visitor’s Center, Clayton, CA
Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to the public. Some trips may be limited by number of participants if stated in the description. Car-pooling is encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between driver and riders.
Heavy rain or high winds may cancel any trip.

Putah Creek and Gardens at Manfred Kusch’s Home
2020-04-25 07:30 - 13:00 | Marketplace Shopping Center (Meeting Place), 1301 West Covell, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
***THIS FIELD TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELLED***
Tour Manfred Kusch’s birding gardens between Davis and Winters. He has cultivated his home garden and surrounding area, which border on Putah Creek, into a true birding extravaganza. He attracts a wide variety of birds in the gardens and habitat around the house, especially hummingbirds and orioles. The multi-layered vegetation on either side of the creek hosts spring migrants and residents such as grosbeaks, tanagers and a variety of warblers and vireos.
We’ll meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Marketplace Shopping Center (near Big 5 Sporting Goods, 1301 W. Covell, just east of Hwy 113). Bring binoculars, scopes, cameras, snacks and beverages. High winds or a significant rainstorm cancel this trip.
Space is limited; RSVP early. More info: Joe Clemens, jclemens211@yahoo.com (e-mail preferred; phone is 281-900-0808)

Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to the public. Some trips may be limited by number of participants. Car-pooling is encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between driver and riders.
Heavy rain or high winds may cancel any trip.

Napa River at American Canyon
2021-08-05 07:00 - 14:00
Now is the time in the life of migratory birds when breeding is over; it’s time to go south to winter range. This trip is designed to take you to a place where we can look for some of those shorebirds as they move down the Pacific Flyway looking for a stopover for rest and food. The Napa River at the town of American Canyon provides such a place. We will be timing our fieldtrip to coincide with tidal movements to observe as many shorebirds as possible.

Black-bellied Plover; © Sami LaRocca

Adjacent to the Napa River is a restored shoreline-walking trail, where tidal fluctuations can be observed. First we will walk along a large tidal lagoon looking for resting birds. Following, we will proceed to Green Island via a level-walking trail to the Napa River to observe the rising tide looking for foraging birds as they come closer to us. We will be on the lookout for the expected sandpipers, godwits, willets, and Black-bellied Plovers, some still in breeding plumage. As often happens there may a surprise of a rarity such as seen before … Red Knots still in traces of breeding plumage.

All along the approximate 1-mile level path, we’ll be enjoying the open vistas looking west toward the Green Island wetlands and over Napa River.

Plan to meet at 7:00 am at Edgewater Parking lot in American Canyon; map and directions will be provided to participants who RSVP via email by August 3. [It’s approximately a one-hour drive from Davis.] If you have questions, please use the mobile phone number below to text or email Sami LaRocca. Unless you request otherwise, we will send a email to all who have RSVPd so you will know who else is attending if you wish to coordinate transportation, and for us to facilitate cancellation of the trip if necessary.

Bring binoculars, scopes and snacks/lunch. After returning to the parking lot the group is invited have a lunch in the picnic area before returning to Davis at approximately 2 pm.

Contact for co-leaders:

Sami LaRocca [530-908-0288; sami.larocca@outlook.com]John Mott-Smith [530-400-7622; johnmottsmith@comcast.net]

Bodega Bay
2021-08-21 00:00 - 23:59
All-day trip limited to 12 participants – priority given to those with some birding experience but unfamiliar with common late-summer birds of the Pacific coast and/or with birding at Bodega Bay, a world-class birding location. Harbor mudflats, ocean beach, and rocky headland for pelicans, three species of cormorant, Heermann’s Gulls, Elegant Terns, and shorebirds in one compact area – Bodega Bay, Harbor and Head, and Doran Beach.

Be prepared for cool temperatures, wind, and maybe fog, but can also be surprisingly warm in late summer. Easy walks and good bird photo opportunities around the harbor.

All participants should be vaccinated.

Contact leader Chris Dunford [530 753-9073; christopher.j.dunford at gmail.com] to reserve a seat and for details of lunch, transport options and meeting time/location. From Davis, a two-hour drive each way; you should be back by 6 pm.

Point Reyes Birding
2021-09-18 00:00 - 23:59
Magnolia Warbler (Fall); © Kevin Gusé

Chestnut-sided Warbler (Fall); © Kevin Gusé

This is the annual Terry Colborn Memorial trip to Pt. Reyes. This is an all-day trip limited to 3 vehicles and no more than 12 participants. Fall migration at Pt. Reyes can be spectacular and makes this area a well-deserved birding hot spot. Depending on the weather, the numbers and diversity of songbirds passing through the “Outer Point” can be impressive. In addition to the passerines there are usually plenty of raptors, other migrants, and several species of mammals to enjoy.

All participants are expected to be vaccinated. Masks are not required while out of doors but may be required in vehicles depending on preferences of the driver and passengers. Federal, state, and local health guidelines will be followed.

Please bring a lunch, plenty of fluids and dress in layers. Be prepared for cool temperatures, wind and maybe fog, though Pt. Reyes can also be warm at this time of year. There will be easy walks and good bird photo opportunities on the trip. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation.

Trip Leader: Kevin Guse.

For reservations contact John Mott-Smith: (530) 400 7622 or johnmottsmith@comcast.net

Bodega Bay
2021-09-19 00:00 - 23:59
Brown Pelican; © JoAnne Fillatti

All-day trip limited to 12 participants – priority given to those with some birding experience but unfamiliar with common late-summer birds of the Pacific coast and/or with birding at Bodega Bay, a world-class birding location. Harbor mudflats, ocean beach, and rocky headland for pelicans, three species of cormorant, Heermann’s Gulls, Elegant Terns, and shorebirds in one compact area – Bodega Bay, Harbor and Head, and Doran Beach.

Be prepared for cool temperatures, wind, and maybe fog, but can also be surprisingly warm in late summer. Easy walks and good bird photo opportunities around the harbor.

All participants should be vaccinated.

Contact leader Chris Dunford [530 753-9073; christopher.j.dunford at gmail.com] to reserve a seat and for details of lunch, transport options and meeting time/location. From Davis, a two-hour drive each way; you should be back by 6 pm.

Sparrow Bingo
2021-10-10 07:30 - 15:00
Fox Sparrow; © Zane Pickus

Fall migration is largely over and the winter birds are settling in. Join Bart Wickel and Zane Pickus for a local jaunt around Yolo County. The challenge: to find as many species of sparrows as possible. To further the fun of this trip, participants will be able to check sparrows off of a bingo card! As believers in the rule that when you search for one bird, you discover another, expect anything on this trip– the sparrows are just the excuse to get out and about. This will also be a good trip to practice birding by ear. Route to be determined as conditions warrant.

The trip is limited to 4 cars. All participants are expected to be vaccinated. Drivers and their passengers will decide whether masks are required while in the vehicles.

Bring binoculars, scopes, cameras, snacks, lunch, and beverages. High winds or a significant rainstorm cancel this trip. The trip will begin at 7:30 am and we will return by 3:00pm.

Contact John Mott-Smith (johnmottsmith@comcast.net) for more details and to reserve a spot.

Lake Solano and Putah Creek
2021-10-30 08:00 - 14:00
Phainopepla; © JoAnne Fillatti

On this trip we will visit Lake Solano County Park where Putah Creek runs between Yolo and Solano Counties. We will be looking for resident species as well as those that come to spend the winter in the area. The oak woodland, riparian habitat and creek can result in bird sightings that include Osprey, Phainopepla, Wood Duck and hopefully several species of woodpeckers. There could be some surprises like Pileated Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker and Bald Eagle.

Meet at 8:00 AM at Lake Solano County Park day use parking lot, on Pleasants Valley Road. There is a $8 fee per vehicle that parks there.

All trip participants should be vaccinated. Federal, state, and local health guidelines will be followed. Trip will conclude early afternoon. Bring water, binoculars and spotting scopes if you have one. We will not be stopping for a designated lunch break. There is some walking on uneven terrain but for the most part it is flat. Beginning birders are welcome. Rain and strong wind cancels trip.

Trip Leader: Sharon Kirkpatrick (530) 220-3735 (cell) or sckirkpa@gmail.com

Davis Cemetery
2021-10-31 08:00 - 11:00
Red-breasted Sapsucker; © JoAnne Fillatti

Come look for birds and friendly goblins at the Davis Cemetery on this Halloween weekend. The 28-acre cemetery is a National Wildlife Federation certified wildlife habitat. Many species of birds are attracted to this suburban woodland and the historic swale; the cemetery is well known for a large flock of Wild Turkeys. Several species of raptors are regular at the cemetery, including the White-tailed Kite, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Barn Owl. Western Bluebirds, Nuttall’s Woodpeckers, Red-breasted Sapsuckers, Dark-eyed Juncos, and Yellow-rumped Warblers also winter at the cemetery.

Birders at all skill levels are welcome. Participants are expected to be vaccinated. This will be a morning walk. Since it can be wet, sturdy shoes or boots are recommended. We will meet in the Davis Cemetery at 820 Pole Line Road, Davis (the corner of Pole Line Rd and East 8th St.) at 8:00 AM (we should be done by 11:00AM).

The main entrance is on the East 8th Street side of the cemetery. There is limited parking in the cemetery; therefore, bike or otherwise plan your transportation accordingly. We will meet at the mini-parking area on the east driveway (on the right as you enter the cemetery).

Contact the trip leader, Ed Whisler (916) 204-0471 [cell phone] or edwhisler@yahoo.com [email]) for more information.

Cosumnes River Preserve
2021-11-13 07:00 - 13:30
Sandhill Crane; © JoAnne Fillatti

The Cosumnes River Preserve has an array of important valley floor bird habitats including wetlands, floodplains, agricultural land, and rare valley oak riparian. Birding at the interface of these habitats provides a unique opportunity to view a diverse list of species with relative ease. We will follow the flat and well-maintained walking trails through these habitats to view woodpeckers, raptors, wetland birds, wintering sparrows, ducks, geese, and shorebirds. We will also bird the agricultural fields along Desmond Road which is renowned for Sandhill Cranes.

Expect two to three hours of walking in the preserve plus standing for shorebird viewing. This trip welcomes all levels of birding experience, especially beginners. Please bring binoculars, plenty of fluids, and dress in layers for cooler temperatures expected at this time of year, especially in the morning. We expect to finish in the early afternoon. We will not have a planned lunch break, but if you want to enjoy your lunch at the preserve, there are picnic tables at the visitor center good birding-while-eating opportunities. Bathrooms available at the visitor center.

We will depart at 7:00am from the Park & Ride behind Ikeda’s in Davis. Please arrive beforehand and carpool when possible. All participants are expected to be vaccinated. Masks are not required while out of doors but may be required in vehicles depending on preferences of the driver and passengers. Federal, state, and local health guidelines will be followed.

Trip Leaders: Ryan Janke (rhjanke29@gmail.com), Sonjia Shelly, and Zane Pickus.

Sacramento & Colusa Wildlife Refuges
2021-11-27 00:00 - 23:59
Sacramento NWR; © Diane Colborn

This post-Thanksgiving trip will feature iconic Central Valley wintering birds at two national wildlife refuges. Depending on water conditions, in late November the Sacramento and Colusa National Wildlife Refuges typically host hundreds of thousands of wintering geese and ducks, as well as many other birds. We will also have good chances of seeing bald eagles and other raptors. We will bird the auto loops at both refuges, stopping at the observation tower in Sacramento NWR and the observation deck at Colusa. Depending on weather, we may take a short trail walk. We will also make a side stop in Maxwell to see if the Vermillion Flycatcher has returned to the cemetery this year.

All participants are expected to be vaccinated. Masks may be required in vehicles depending on preferences of drivers and passengers. Current health guidelines will be followed.

Please bring a lunch and water and dress in layers. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation. Driving time from Davis is approximately one hour each way.

Please contact Diane Colborn at tlcgdc@gmail.com, or 916-764-5796, to register and for details regarding meeting time and location.

Field Trip Report

by Diane Colborn

We identified 58 species. I just submitted the list to ebird and “shared” it with yoloaudubon. Below is a simple summary of the trip.

The Yolo Audubon Society post-Thanksgiving field trip to Sacramento and Colusa National Wildlife Refuges on November 27, 2021 had 17 participants who enjoyed clear sunny weather and collectively identified 58 species of birds. Highlights included close up spectacular views of an estimated 100,000 snow geese both on the water and flying overhead. Smaller numbers of Ross’s Geese, White-fronted Geese and Cackling Geese were also seen. Other highlights included drive away views of a Peregrine Falcon, who perched on a telephone pole for photos, and good looks at an immature Bald Eagle who circled overhead. We also saw eight Wilson’s Snipe and had good looks at a Sora, who are more often heard than seen. All in all a beautiful Central Valley Fall day.

Here is the list:

Snow GooseRoss’s GooseGreater White-fronted GooseCackling GooseNorthern ShovelerGadwallAmerican WigeonMallardNorthern PintailGreen-winged TealRing-necked DuckBuffleheadRuddy DuckRing-necked PheasantPied-billed GrebeEurasian Collared DoveAnna’s Hummingbird SoraAmerican CootBlack-necked StiltKilldeerWestern SandpiperLong-billed DowitcherWilson’s SnipeGreater YellowlegsCalifornia GullGreat Blue HeronGreat EgretSnowy Egret Turkey VultureBald Eagle (immature)Northern HarrierCooper’s HawkRed-shouldered HawkRed-tailed HawkGreat-horned OwlBelted KingfisherNuttall’s WoodpeckerNorthern FlickerAmerican KestrelMerlinPeregrine FalconBlack PhoebeSays PhoebeCalifornia Scrub-JayCommon RavenGolden-crowned KingletRuby-crowned KingletNorthern MockingbirdAmerican PipitHouse FinchGoldfinch sp.White-crowned SparrowWestern MeadowlarkRed-winged BlackbirdBrewer’s BlackbirdCommon YellowthroatYellow-rumped Warbler

Bobcat Ranch
2021-12-04 08:30 - 13:00
Bobcat Ranch; © Stan Hunter

Join us for a morning of hiking at Audubon California’s Bobcat Ranch, located in the foothills of the Coast Range just west of Winters. Our moderately easy hike will be roughly two miles round-trip, following ranch roads through the Blue Oak grasslands. The final route for the hike has not been set, but no matter where we go, it will be a treat to wander around this working ranch that is not normally open to the public.

Space is limited to 12 people. May be muddy – come prepared to possibly get dirty if it has been raining. Significant rain on the day, or heavy rain prior to the day of the hike will cancel. Participants are expected to be vaccinated.

Please contact Stan Hunter for more details and to sign up for this hike at stanton.hunter@gmail.com

Bobcat Ranch Field Trip Report

Text by Stanton HunterPhotos by JoAnne Fillatti

On Saturday, December 4, a group of hikers and birders was able to take a tour of Audubon California’s Bobcat Ranch, in the foothills of the Coast range, just west of Winters, CA. The hike was sponsored by Yolo Audubon Society, and was led by Joe Zinkl, Sonjia Shelly and Stan Hunter.

The day started out with fairly heavy valley fog in Winters. The group began the hike in the parking lot at the ranch, watching a group of White-crowned, Golden-crowned Sparrows and Spotted Towhees flitting about in piles of brush, and Acorn Woodpeckers flying from tree to tree around the ranch house. We then headed west along a fire road, with our destination an area known as Black Rock Basin (for the large clusters of dark rock that are found in the area), a distance of about a mile and a half away. Along the way, we saw a Say’s Phoebe, several Western Meadowlarks, and ranch regulars Oak Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, Yellow-rumped Warblers (Audubon’s variety), Dark-eyed Juncos (Oregon variety), Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Lesser Goldfinches. The fog was starting to burn off, and small patches of blue were showing through the clouds.

But the real starts of the show on that hike were the numerous Lewis’s Woodpeckers that were flying around, landing in trees, and calling to one another. As has been experienced recently at Bobcat Ranch, we saw more Lewis’s Woodpeckers than Acorn Woodpeckers in the Blue Oak trees along the fire road, which is normally an unusual occurrence. In the past, it would be normal to occasionally see a Lewis’s fly over, but to see so many of them feeding and congregating in the trees was an unusual and pleasant surprise.

At the top of the road, we were able to find several Savannah Sparrows, an American Kestrel and several Common Ravens. By this time, the fog had burned off and it was clear and sunny, but it was not to last long; after we had been in Black Rock Basin for around 20 minutes, the fog started blowing in and it once again got cold and damp. We thought we may have seen a Loggerhead Shrike on a barbed wire fence, but as the fog blew in, and visibility diminished, our view of the bird went away before we could confirm its identification.

We decided it was time to start back, slowly walking back the fire road to the parking lot. By the time we returned to our cars, we had covered over two and a half miles in about three hours of walking, and had seen 21 species of birds. It may not have been the most spectacular day at Bobcat Ranch, but it was certainly very pleasant to take a relaxed hike through the grass-covered hills studded with Blue Oaks, and take in the quiet beauty that is Bobcat Ranch.

Bobcat Ranch is a 6800-acre working ranch in the Coast Range west of Winters. The ranch is normally closed to the public, for preservation purposes, but the ranch occasionally allows public hikes, along with a variety of scientific studies, wildlife surveys, and other nature-based research. Thanks to Audubon California, and Dash Weidhofer, the ranch manager, for their help in putting this hike together.

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Savannah Sparrow

Spotted Towhee

Lewis’s Woodpecker

Savannah Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrow

Cache Creek Nature Preserve
2021-12-11 07:15 - 10:00
Wood Duck: © Joanne Fillatti

Great Horned Owl; © Joanne Fillatti

On this trip we will visit Cache Creek Nature Preserve, a private/non-profit outdoor preserve that has gone through more than 25 years of habitat restoration work located just off the Cache Creek Watershed in Woodland, CA. We will be looking for resident species and those that winter here in the area.

A combination of wetland, riparian forest, creek, and grassland habitats will provide an opportunity to see a variety of birds such as Wood Ducks, Great-Horned Owls, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Northern Flickers, and many sparrows. There are also occasional sightings of Ospreys, American White Pelicans, American Bitterns, and Soras.

Meet at 7:15 AM at the parking lot of Cache Creek Nature Preserve, 34199 Co Rd 20, Woodland, CA. All levels of birders are welcome. Trip will conclude at around 10:00 AM. Bring water, binoculars and spotting scopes if you have one. We will also provide additional binoculars, but it’s STRONGLY RECOMMENNDED to bring your own.

There won’t be much walking on uneven terrain. Much of the walk will be on established trails that are mostly flat. Rain and strong wind will cancel trip.

Call or email for directions or more info: Harnawaz Boparai (916)-871-9093 (cell) or hsboparai@ucdavis.edu

Cache Creek Nature Preserve Yolo Audubon Field Trip Summary

by Harnawaz Boparai

The field trip occurred on December 11, 2021 at the Cache Creek Nature Preserve starting at 7:15 AM and ending at 10:00 AM roughly, however some attendees stayed until 11:00 AM. There were a total of 17 field trip attendees (not including the field trip leader and two other staff from the Cache Creek Conservancy/Nature Preserve). We started at the parking lot of the nature preserve and walked parallel with the wetland going through the tending gathering garden; before taking a slope up to the levee and continued walking adjacent to the wetland. After the wetland, we took a turn into the riparian forest area that runs parallel with the Cache Creek watershed. We hiked along that for a good duration of time (almost an hour) before coming up to a dried up slough. We crossed over that slough to reach the grasslands region of the nature preserve. From the grasslands, we hiked through the oak woodland trail heading back to the front entrance of the nature preserve. By the time we reached the front of the Cache Creek Nature Preserve it was slightly past 10:00 AM. Some people already decided to leave at that point, while others chose to stay and look over the wetland for some more time.

There was a diversity of birds observed over the course of the entire field trip. Each habitat type featured a different plethora of birds. The wetland habitat was spotlighted by a flock of over two dozen American White Pelicans foraging for aquatic prey throughout our time in the wetland. Other wetland species observed were Common Mergansers, Northern Mockingbirds, and even a Hermit Thrush (observed towards the end of the field trip). The riparian habitat also hosted a wide variety of species such as California Towhees, Golden-crowned Sparrows, and a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. The grassland habitat witnessed our first Black Phoebe sighting of the field trip. The woodland habitat hosted Downy and Nuttall’s Woodpeckers, as well as a Rufous-crowned Sparrow. Shortly before finishing up the woodland area of the preserve, we found a large collection of Great Horned Owl feathers near the entrance of the nature preserve. We’re not quite sure what the cause of it was, but looked to be it most likely was caused by predation. But of what remains unclear.

The overall diversity of birders present during the field trip was interesting. About half to two-thirds of the attendees had high-definition cameras to take good quality photographs of the birds and other wildlife present throughout the entire field trip. This actually was quite helpful on several occasions over the field trip; particularly with birds that even the most experienced birders were having a hard time confirming what species was being observed. Two examples of this were the Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher from the riparian forest and the Rufous-crowned Sparrow from the woodland. Both species when viewed with binoculars, most of us were still unsure if it was the selected species, but then the photographers took photographs and shared it with us; which helped confirm our guesses. Also, about half the attendees were well-rounded birders with years of birding experience. While the other half had recently gotten into birding in the last couple of years and wanted to start coming out on these field trips to become better birders and seek advice from experienced birders that were attending these field trips.

Raptor Ramble
2022-01-15 08:00 - 17:00
Ferruginous Hawk; © Ann Brice

Please come join us to try and find as many raptor species as possible. We will focus on Yolo County, but we may visit adjacent counties as well in our quest. In addition to the more common species, our targets will include Bald Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon and Rough-legged Hawk.

The trip leader is Kevin Guse. Bring binoculars, lunch, plenty of liquids and dress in layers. If you have one, a spotting scope would be really helpful. The trip will begin at 8 AM. Please be prepared for a full day of birding. Very high winds or significant storms may cancel the trip.

The trip is limited to 4 cars. All participants are expected to be vaccinated. Drivers and their passengers will decide whether masks are required while in vehicles. To reserve a spot contact John Mott-Smith at johnmottsmith@comcast.net or (530) 400-7622.

Trip Report provided by leader Kevin Guse:

12 persons in 4 vehicles were on the trip, a very comfortable number.

73 species were seen, including 13 raptors: Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed HawkRed-shouldered Hawk, American Kestrel, Cooper’s Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Pygmy-Owl, Burrowing Owl, Osprey, and Turkey Vulture.

Other key bird sightings included Loggerhead Shrike, California Thrasher, Red-breasted Sapsucker, and a flock of Mountain Bluebirds.

Robinson Road: Raptors & Mountain Plovers
2022-01-22 08:00 - 14:00
Burrowing Owl; © JoAnne Fillatti

Join us for a trip to the pastures of southeastern Solano County to search for resident and overwintering raptors & Mountain Plovers. We will search fields, perches and farm equipment. Prior trips have spotted Prairie Falcon, Merlin, Golden Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk, Rough- legged Hawk, Burrowing Owl and Mountain Plovers. We hope to see these and many more species during this trip. Little walking is anticipated. Wear appropriate winter wear, the area is generally windy. Bring water, snacks and/or lunch on the go. Bring binoculars and a spotting scope, if you have one. STRONG winds or heavy rain cancels the trip. All levels of birders are welcome.

Due to parking issues on narrow roads, and to respect private property, this trip is limited to 4 vehicles. The trip will begin at 8:00 AM, returning by early to mid-afternoon. The leader is Sharon Kirkpatrick.

To reserve a spot contact John Mott-Smith at johnmottsmith@comcast.net or (530) 400-7622.

Trip Report: This field trip had to be cancelled due to high wind conditions.

Cosumnes River Preserve
2022-01-29 07:00 - 14:00 | Park-N-Ride (Meeting Place), 26295 Mace Boulevard, Davis, CA, 95618, United States
Sandhill Cranes; © Joanne Fillatti

Cranes, geese, swans, ducks, shorebirds and of course … lots of sparrows. In the morning we will leisurely bird the trails through the riparian forest near the visitor center and in the adjacent marsh. After lunch on the deck of the visitor’s center, we will be roadside birding by marshes and fields along Desmond and Bruceville Roads watching for the Peregrine Falcon that frequents a nearby microwave tower.

Meet at 7:00 a.m. in the Park-and-Ride lot off Mace Boulevard (northeast of Highway 80 and just down from Ikeda’s Market). Bring your lunch, binoculars, and spotting scope if you have one. Dress appropriately for the weather that day which could range from warm and sunny to cool and foggy. Let’s hope for no rain. We expect to finish by midafternoon.

If you have any questions, contact your leader, Sid England at (530) 756-7882 or asenglnd@pacbell.net.

Yolo Audubon Society field trips are free and open to the public. Car-pooling is encouraged, but all rides are private arrangements between driver and riders. Heavy rain or high winds may cancel any trip.

COSUMNES RIVER PRESERVE FIELD TRIP REPORTby Sid England and Randy Beaton

To paraphrase the singer-songwriter, Johnny Nash, it was a bright, bright sun-shiny day with nothing but blue sky when about 15 birders convened at the Cosumnes River Preserve for a spectacular morning of birding. We first walked the Boardwalk trail out to the observation deck and back then completed the milelong Wetlands Walk Trail before having lunch and finished up at the ponds along Desmond and Bruceville Roads.

Just being out on such a wonderful day was the highlight of the trip, but there were many notable birds. Perhaps the best was an extremely cooperative Prairie Falcon that flew right in front of us and over our heads at low elevation not once, but twice. What a treat! Another favorite of the group was a flock of Tundra Swans that flew low very near us. And of course, the many thousands of waterfowl especially clouds of Snow Geese were crowd pleasers, too.

Following is a list of species and estimated numbers seen before lunch. After lunch along Desmond and Bruceville Roads, we added many thousands of waterfowl along with Ruddy Duck, Red-shouldered Hawk, and American Kestrel for a day total of 55 species.

SPECIES and COUNT

Snow Goose 5,000

Greater White-fronted Goose 1,500

Canada Goose 30

Tundra Swan 12

Northern Shoveler 150

Gadwall 8

American Wigeon 80

Mallard 2

Northern Pintail 300

Green-winged Teal 200

Ring-necked Duck 24

Bufflehead 12

Common Goldeneye 4

Anna’s Hummingbird 1

American Coot 120

Sandhill Crane 15

Black-necked Stilt 18

Killdeer 6

Dunlin 40

Least Sandpiper 24

Long-billed Dowitcher 20

Wilson’s Snipe 1

Greater Yellowlegs 8

Ring-billed Gull 4

Herring Gull 8

American White Pelican 1

SPECIES and COUNT

Great Egret 1

Turkey Vulture 5

Northern Harrier 3

Red-tailed Hawk 2

Downy Woodpecker 1

Prairie Falcon 1

Black Phoebe 6

Say’s Phoebe 1

California Scrub-Jay 4

American Crow 2

Common Raven 2

Tree Swallow 45

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 6

Marsh Wren 50

European Starling 5

Western Bluebird 2

House Sparrow 8

White-crowned Sparrow 40

Golden-crowned Sparrow 30

Savannah Sparrow 2

Lincoln’s Sparrow 3

Western Meadowlark 3

Red-winged Blackbird 100

Brewer’s Blackbird 30

Common Yellowthroat 2

Yellow-rumped Warbler 30

Bodega Bay
2022-02-19 07:00 - 18:00
Common Loon; © Ann Brice

All-day trip limited to 12 participants – priority given to those with some birding experience but unfamiliar with common winter birds of the Pacific coast and/or with birding at Bodega Bay, a world-class birding location. Harbor mudflats, ocean beach, and rocky headland for ducks, grebes, loons, gulls and shorebirds in one compact area – Bodega Bay, Harbor and Head, and Doran Beach.

Winter weather can be surprisingly good, but be prepared for cold and wet with layers, hat and gloves. Only major wind or rainstorm will cancel the trip. Easy walks and good bird photo opportunities around the harbor. All participants should be vaccinated.

Contact leader Chris Dunford [530-753-9073; christopher.j.dunford at gmail.com] to reserve a seat and for details of lunch, transport options and meeting time/location. From Davis, a two-hour drive each way; you should be back by 6 pm.

North Davis Ponds
2022-03-12 09:00 - 12:00 | 3500 Anderson Road, 3500 Anderson Road, Davis, California, 95616
Greater Yellowlegs; © Josh Greenfield

Sora; © Ann Brice

The pond at Northstar Park and the Julie Partansky Pond (North Area Drainage Basin) attract a variety of land birds as well as water birds year-round, especially after runoff from surrounding neighborhoods has filled the Partansky Pond.

Meet at 9 am in the 3500 Anderson Road parking lot for a slow-moving stroll around the ponds to see what’s there, catering to beginners as well as intermediate-level birders. Bring your binoculars. Will finish no later than 12 noon.

Contact Chris Dunford with any questions (christopher.j.dunford@gmail.com).

Chris Dunford’s Field Trip Report

North Area Drainage Pond, Yolo, California, USMar 12, 2022 8:45 AM – 12:20 PMProtocol: Traveling1.2 mile(s)

Chris Dunford and Josh Greenfield led a Yolo Audubon Society field trip to the North Davis Ponds. Clear sky, moderate wind, temps in 50s and 60s F. This is the combined checklist for the two subgroups, covering the ponds, the Upland Habitat Area, the nature trail, and the soccer fields. 43 species (+2 other taxa). 24 participants.

This checklist is also available online at: https://ebird.org/checklist/S104700148

Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima) 9American Wigeon 4Mallard 6Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 1Mourning Dove 2Anna’s Hummingbird 6Sora 2Common Gallinule 1American Coot 2American Coot (Red-shielded) 1Killdeer 2Larus sp. 3Great Egret 1White-tailed Kite 1Sharp-shinned Hawk 1Cooper’s Hawk 1Swainson’s Hawk 1Red-tailed Hawk 1Red-breasted Sapsucker 1Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2Northern Flicker (Red-shafted) 2Black Phoebe 6Say’s Phoebe 1California Scrub-Jay 4American Crow 5Tree Swallow 12Barn Swallow 1Bushtit 5Ruby-crowned Kinglet 6Northern Mockingbird 6Western Bluebird 4American Robin 10Cedar Waxwing 45House Finch 6Purple Finch 1Pine Siskin 3Lesser Goldfinch 30American Goldfinch 5Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 5White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel’s) 8Golden-crowned Sparrow 9Savannah Sparrow 3Spotted Towhee 1Red-winged Blackbird (California Bicolored) 8Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s) 17

eBirding the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area
2022-03-19 07:00 - 12:00 | Park-N-Ride (Meeting Place), 26295 Mace Boulevard, Davis, CA, 95618, United States
Northern Harrier; © Zane Pickus

This trip will focus on the ins and outs of the eBird app. Since its inception in 2002, eBird has become the largest citizen science project in the world. It has tremendous value to birders of all levels, and the app makes it easy to create checklists and log bird sightings wherever you go. Leaders Emmett Iverson and Zane Pickus will be gearing the trip towards those with little eBird experience, specifically the benefits of using the eBird app.

As for birds, spring is just arriving and the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is a wonderful place to witness the changing season. Ducks will be be lingering, shorebirds will be arriving, and there should be plenty of raptors and songbirds to enjoy.

We will meet at the Davis park-and-ride at 7:00am, and the trip should conclude by 12pm. Please bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and dress appropriately.

Trip leaders ask that participants have created an eBird account and download the eBird app for iOS or Android prior to the trip. Information on how to do this will be presented at Emmett and Zane’s eBird presentation, on Wednesday, January 16.

eBird app on iPhone

eBirding the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Trip Reportby Zane Pickus & Emmett Iverson

On Saturday, March 19, 2022, nine birders joined Emmett Iverson and Zane Pickus to visit the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. The trip focused on helping participants become more familiar with the eBird app. Those who attended were able to practice creating and submitting eBird checklists of the birds they observed, as well as gain experience with counting and estimating flocks of birds. Despite some intermittent rain and an overcast morning, the group powered on to see a total of 61 species.

The indisputable highlight was the incredible flocks of Yellow-headed Blackbirds, staging at the Bypass before they continue on to their breeding grounds. An estimated 235 Yellow-headeds were seen throughout the morning. The group was able to pick out 6 Ross’s Geese among flocks of flyover Snow Geese, and a few were able to get views of a distant Bald Eagle. The eagle, an apparent first- or second-year bird, is a very unusual species at the Bypass. Everyone had great looks at Blue-winged Teal, of which 9 were observed. This is a regular but difficult to detect species at the Bypass. Shorebirds were beginning to arrive, and Dunlin, Long-billed Dowitchers, and Greater Yellowlegs were all seen well in good numbers. Finally, a female Great Horned Owl sitting on a nest was a treat.

It was a fun morning at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Thanks to all who attended. A full eBird checklist of species is here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S105223561

Spring Migration at Willowbank Ditch
2022-05-07 07:00 - 09:30
This walking trip focuses on the migrating songbirds passing through Davis. Willowbank Ditch in South Davis has a fantastic mix of mature trees, dense understory, and diverse fruiting and flowering plants. Early May is at the tail end of sparrow migration, but still in the heart of warbler and flycatcher migration through the area. We will hope for foraging groups of warblers and flycatchers as we practice learning the songs and calls of an array of local songbirds. Some targets will include Wilson’s, Yellow, and MacGillivray’s Warblers, Western Wood-pewee, Western Tanager, and Lazuli Bunting. We will also practice thinking from a birds-eye view, discussing habitat, food sources, and tips and tricks for predicting the best spots to find migrating songbirds.

The trip will leave from the junction of Almond Lane and Rosario Street in Davis. There is street parking on streets by this junction, and this intersection has a walking path that leads to the footbridge over the Willowbank Ditch.

We will meet at 7am and the trip will end around 9 or 9:30am. Expect ~1 mile of walking, although we will never be more than 1/2 of a mile from the meeting spot. Please bring binoculars as well as any desired snacks and water. Heavy rain will cancel the trip. For more information contact Rob Furrow at robertfurrow@gmail.com or 610-715-9123.

Rob’s Writeup from the Fieldtrip

We had 25 participants on our Willowbank Ditch trip, and things started off strong with a flock of White-faced Ibis passing over the neighborhood. Within the park we focused our efforts on native plants like valley oaks and blue elderberries. We enjoyed great looks at several Black-headed Grosbeaks and had a neck-aching encounter with two Great Horned Owls perched high in a tall eucalyptus tree.

The trip was somewhat focused on flycatchers, so a cooperatively perched Western Wood-pewee was a highlight. We also managed brief encounters with some of the hard-to-ID small flycatchers in the genus Empidonax, including a Dusky Flycatcher making its characteristic “whit” call and a cagey Hammond’s Flycatcher. A final treat was encountering a family of Dark-eyed Juncos — this species is common in Davis in Winter, but is a rare breeder anywhere in the Central Valley.

Checklist (with photos) from the day: https://ebird.org/checklist/S109283120

Bobcat Ranch
2022-05-08 08:00 - 13:00
Join us for a Mother’s Day morning of hiking at Audubon California’s Bobcat Ranch, located in the foothills of the Coast Range just west of Winters. Our moderately easy hike will be roughly two miles round-trip, following ranch roads through the Blue Oak grasslands. The final route for the hike has not been set, but no matter where we go, it will be a treat to wander around this working ranch that is not normally open to the public.

We will meet in Winters at Steady Eddy’s Coffeehouse in Winters at 8:00 am on Sunday, May 8, 2022. We should be done hiking by 1:00 pm, and there are lots of great lunch options in Winters for that after-hike snack. Space is limited to 12 people. May be muddy – come prepared to possibly get dirty if it has been raining. Significant rain on the day, or heavy rain prior to the day of the hike will cancel.

Please contact Stan Hunter for more details and to sign up for this hike at stanton.hunter@gmail.com

Cache Creek Nature Preserve
2022-05-28 07:00 - 10:00 | Cache Creek Nature Preserve, 34199 County Rd 20, Woodland, California, United States
Wood Duck; © JoAnne Fillatti

Western Kingbird; © Deb Ford

On this trip we will visit Cache Creek Nature Preserve, a private/non-profit outdoor preserve that has gone through more than 25 years of habitat restoration work located just off the Cache Creek Watershed in Woodland, CA. We will be looking for resident species and those that breed here in the area. A combination of wetland, riparian forest, creek, and grassland habitats will provide an opportunity to see a variety of birds such as Wood Ducks, Tree Swallows, Western Kingbirds, Pied-billed Grebes, and lots of Red-winged Blackbirds. There are also occasional sightings of Ash-throated Flycatchers, American White Pelicans, White-faced Ibises, and Common Gallinules.

Meet at 7:00 AM at the parking lot of Cache Creek Nature Preserve, 34199 Co Rd 20, Woodland, CA. All levels of birders are welcome. Trip will conclude at around 10:00 AM.

Bring water, binoculars and spotting scopes if you have one. We will also provide additional binoculars, but it’s STRONGLY RECOMMENNDED to bring your own. There won’t be much walking on uneven terrain. Much of the walk will be on established trails that are mostly flat. Rain and strong winds will cancel trip.

More info: Harnawaz Boparai (916) 871-9093 (cell) or hsboparai@ucdavis.edu

Sierra Valley
2022-06-04 06:00 - 20:00
Yellow-headed Blackbird; © Deb Ford

Please note: This trip was initially planned as an overnight, two-day trip but due to changed circumstances it has been rescheduled for one day only, Saturday June 4th.

Please join us on this one-day trip to the Sierra Valley. We will be looking for special mountain birds including Williamson’s Sapsucker, White-headed Woodpecker, and Calliope Hummingbird. In Sierra Valley, we will be treated to the spectacle of dozens of displaying Yellow-headed Blackbirds as well as Great Basin nesting species such as Sage Thrasher, Vesper Sparrow and Brewer’s Sparrow.

Please bring several layers of clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, plenty of water and food enough at least for breakfast and lunch.

This trip will be limited to 12 participants and spaces will be filled on a first come/first served basis, so please sign up early. You can make a reservation by contacting johnmottsmith@comcast.net.

Trip leaders are Kevin Guse and Mary Scheidt. We will meet at the Ikeda Market Park-N-Ride Lot in South Davis (off of Mace Blvd) at 6:00 AM on Saturday, June 4th.
