Sightings for August 2007
The wetlands of Yolo County once again stole the show. A Glossy Ibis was found among the White-faced Ibis at the Yolo Wildlife Area on 8/25. This bird was seen by several observers and photographed. If accepted by the California Bird Records Committee, it would be a first for Yolo County. The Glossy Ibis was reported again on 8/28. While watching the ibis on 8/25, several birders saw a jaeger flying over. It was later found at the Davis Wastewater Treatment Plant and identified as a Long-tailed Jaeger. The Franklin's Gull found at the Davis Wetlands (DW) on 7/1 continued into September.
A molting adult Sanderling was found at DW on 8/5. The rest of the notable shorebird action came from the newly reopened Woodland Wastewater Treatment Plant. On 8/6 a Sanderling and a Red Knot were reported. The latter continued until 8/8. Several Semipalmated Sandpipers were found through the first half of the month.
Good numbers of migrant songbirds were reported, but there were only a few rarities to spice things up (check back next month!). A total of four Indigo Buntings were seen. A singing Indigo Bunting found at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 7/7 was last seen on 8/12 with two fledglings. The female of the pair was never seen. On 8/5, a female and a male were found in different portions of CRP, with that male also continuing until 8/12. An additional male Indigo Bunting was found at the Capay Bridge at Cache Creek on 8/7. A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was found on the Solano side of Putah Creek near Winters on 8/24. Two Brewer's Sparrows were reported this month: one at Lower Sunrise on the American River Parkway (ARP) on 8/20 and another at the UC Davis Picnic Grounds on 8/24. There were two very early fall/winter sparrows: a Lincoln's Sparrow at CRP on 8/12 and a White-crowned Sparrow from Upper Sunrise (ARP) on 8/31.
Many of these reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserv. Visit www.cvbirds.org and click "Listserv" for details. With over 150 reports, it is impossible to list everyone. However, I want to thank Steve Hampton for his summary of Yolo County birds, and the following for reports on the above species and for providing me with additional information: Roger Adamson, Dan Brown, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Maureen Geiger, Ed Harper, Joan Humphrey, David Johnson, Rodd Kelsey, Jeri Langham, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Terry Ronneberg, Mary Schiedt, John Sterling, Fritz Steurer, Craig Swolgaard, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports. Without them, this column would not be possible.
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