March is a time of transition in Yolo County, as the cold of winter gives way to warmer weather and leaves on the trees. This March saw more rain than in recent years, enough to flood the Yolo Bypass and fill ponds county-wide. Temperatures stayed low and by the end of the month it seemed like winter was hanging on. But the birds are still attuned to the changing of the seasons. Resident birds have been engaged in courtship and nesting behavior for weeks, and the first migrants are on the move. Swallows have returned in numbers, and the first Western Kingbirds and Bullock’s Orioles have arrived in the past week. Warblers, vireos, and other neotropical migrants will be back any day now!
As is typical for this time of year, March was a slow month in the way of rare birds. Yet a handful of notable birds were discovered in March, and some of the rarities observed earlier this winter continued to be seen. This winter has been fantastic for TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRES in lower-than-usual elevations, which are normally restricted to montane habitats throughout the year. Two additional birds were found in Yolo County this month, the first discovered at Putah Creek Fishing Access #3 on 3/7 (CT). This individual frequented a fruiting madrone bush and was well photographed over a couple of days. A second Solitaire was photographed in the hills of the Capay Valley on County Road 53 on 3/20 (MS).
Most of the wintering insectivores from the previous months seem to have moved on, but a HAMMOND’S FLYCATCHER continued from last month at Streng Park in Woodland. A second Hammond’s was discovered this month at Babel Slough on 3/6, and has since been seen by others (MP, SS, JH). The SWAMP SPARROW at North Area Drainage Pond continued into March, though it has not been reported for a few weeks. Finally, a sapsucker wintering at Willowbank Ditch in south Davis was initially thought to be a pure Yellow-bellied, but additional photos suggest it may actually be a hybrid YELLOW-BELLIED x RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER. Further study of photos may or may not lead to a conclusive identification.
The weather is warming, the birds are singing, and shorebirds and neotropical migrants are on the way. I hope everyone is able to get out and enjoy spring!
Thanks to the following for their reports:
Cameron Tescher (CT), John Hansen (JH), Mark Sawyer (MS), Michael Perrone (MP), Sonjia Shelly (SS)
Photos and Audio Recordings:
Townsend’s Solitaire (Putah Creek): https://ebird.org/checklist/S130495079
Townsend’s Solitaire (CR 53): https://ebird.org/checklist/S131428369
Hammond’s Flycatcher: https://ebird.org/checklist/S131892034
Townsend’s Solitaire at Putah Creek
Photo by Jim Holmes
–Zane Pickus