Yolo Notable Sightings: September 2018

Eastern Kingbird @ Putah Creek, © Erica Rutherford/John Colbert

Yolo Notable Sightings: September 2018

September’s flurry of notable sightings had birders scrambling most of the month. The action started on the evening of Aug 31 when a Buff-breasted Sandpiper was found at the flooded […]

Field Trip Report, Pt. Reyes

Sanderlings, Drakes Beach, Pt. Reyes; Joe Clemons

Field Trip Report, Pt. Reyes

With a record number of 22 participants, we set off to Pt. Reyes on a relatively warm and sunny day.

The Lighthouse was closed, so we spent most of our time at the Fish Docks and Drake’s Beach. At the Fish Docks, almost everyone got good looks at a Northern Waterthrush and an American Redstart. A lucky few caught a quick glimpse of a Clay-colored Sparrow. At Drake’s Beach, we saw the largest aggregation of Sanderlings that I have ever seen, numbering well over 600 birds! We also witnessed a real knock down fight between two Western Gulls. Supplementing the avian highlights were great scope views of Elephant Seals, several sightings of Harbor Porpoise close to shore, and a nice heard of Elk resting on the hillside. It was a great day. Many thanks to all the participants!

For the Birds: Bird Life and Habitat in Yolo County

For the Birds: Bird Life and Habitat in Yolo County

Please stop by The Artery at 207 G St. to see the wonderful art created by Yolo Audubon members, as well as students from several Yolo County high schools. Every piece in the show depicts a Yolo County bird species. It includes 39 photographs, five wood carvings, eight watercolors, and eight ceramic pieces. The show runs from March 30th to April 16th. There’s an artists’ reception on Friday the 13th from 7 to 9 pm. We’re hoping for a big turnout to support our talented members!

How Different Spring Migrants Decide When to Head North

Tree Swallow. Photo credit: Kenn Kaufman

How Different Spring Migrants Decide When to Head North

Will warmer weather bring the birds back earlier? That’s the question on many antsy birders’ minds. Unfortunately, it’s not a simple answer. Species tend to migrate in two different ways, based on either instinct or weather. Find out which type of migrant your favorite species are so that you can be ready to spot them this spring. For more information, view this article from the National Audubon Society.

Wind Turbine Development at Bogle Vineyards

Golden Eagle ; Jim Dunn

Wind Turbine Development at Bogle Vineyards

On 25 April 2014 Yolo Audubon Society filed a lawsuit together with Tuleyome and a group of local landowners against Yolo County and the Board of Supervisors challenging the county’s approval of a wind turbine development on Bogle Vineyards, the county stating that no environmental impact report was needed via using the mechanism of a Mitigated Negative Declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

View the Petition for a Writ of Mandate.