As Mӧtley Crüe once said, “gulls, gulls, gulls”. Oh, that’s not what they said? Close enough.
The story of February was the gull action from the Davis Landfill and the County Road 104 ponds. Amongst the thousands of California, Herring, Cook Inlet and Thayers Gulls, a few goodies were picked out. At least one first cycle Glaucous Gull (KD) has been present at the landfill for the last few weeks, but the real treat was an adult Glaucous Gull. Adults seem to be much less common in California, and it was quite the surprise when this arctic beast was spotted on February 25th at the County Road 104 ponds (KD). A second cycle Lesser-black Backed Gull (JL, KD, LW) and an adult (EM) were also found in the last two weeks of February.
A wintering Cassin’s Vireo was photographed at Northstar Park on February 19th (JG, KE, KO). This species is a regular migrant through the county in spring and fall but to find one in winter is always special.
An interesting but unverified report of a Stilt Sandpiper from the Yolo Bypass (RF) on February 20th got a few birders moving. Unfortunately, it was not refound and the description couldn’t conclusively rule out a Long-billed Dowitcher. Nonetheless, shorebird habitat at the Yolo Bypass is shaping up and could be prime for spring migration. Areas to check include Lot A, the autotour loop and out by Lot G. With fields constantly drying up and being flooded, your best bet may just be to drive around and check.
Many thanks to the following for their reports: Konshau Duman (KD), Jasen Liu (JL), Lynette Williams (LW), Ethan Monk (EM), Josh Greenfield (JG), Ken Ealy (KE), Kelli O’Neill (KO), Rob Floerke (RF).
eBird checklists with photos:
First cycle Glaucous Gull: https://ebird.org/checklist/S103944556
Adult Glaucous Gull: https://ebird.org/checklist/S103721009
Adult Lesser-black Backed Gull: https://ebird.org/checklist/S103724872
Second cycle Lesser-black Backed Gull: https://ebird.org/checklist/S103857397
Cassin’s Vireo: https://ebird.org/gbbc/checklist/S103139891
Stilt Sandpiper: https://ebird.org/checklist/S103301048