The flooded Yolo Bypass prevented access thru the month, but one enterprising birder still picked out a Ruff from the levee on Apr 21 (AH). It or another one was found eight days later at North Regional Pond in Woodland (KB). The latter bird, seen at closer range, was identified as a non-breeding plumage male. A pair of Solitary Sandpipers were near the Bypass levee also on Apr 21 (AH).
Passerine migration got underway with a large push of expected warblers and flycatchers. An Olive-sided Flycatcher in north Davis on Apr 14 (SH) is among the earliest records. Also noteworthy were a Gray Flycatcher on Apr 25 (FF, JR) and a Yellow-breasted Chat on Apr 28 (SH), both at the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve. A few Lawrence’s Goldfinches also frequented the fiddleneck there, but did not remain through the month.
Two species were found at new locations: a Greater Roadrunner at Capay Open Space Park on Apr 20 (HC, EI) and a Grasshopper Sparrow, apparently singing on territory, just southeast of Winters Wastewater Treatment Plant on Apr 30 (KB). Another roadrunner was reported along Rd 79 on Apr 7 (MB).
The two Common Loons found in March at Lake Solano were last seen Apr 3. Finally, a Slate-colored Junco in east Davis on Apr 10 (MP) is on the late side for this form.
Thanks to the following for their reports: Mary Blackard (MB), Holly Coates (HC), Adrian Hinkle (AH), Keith Bailey (KB), Frank Fogarty (FF), Steve Hampton (SH), Emmett Iverson (EI), Michael Perrone (MP), Jason Riggio (JR).
Checklist with Photos:
Ruff: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S55573177
Compiled by Steve Hampton, Davis, CA