One of the most intriguing reports of the month was of three adult Emperor Geese seen over Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 2/15. They were with a least 4,000 other geese—mostly Snow Geese, with at least 11 'blue” Snow Geese. With rare waterfowl, there are always lingering doubts regarding their wild status, since many exotic species are kept in captivity. At the Davis Wetlands, two Eurasian Green-winged Teal were reported on 2/16, though one showed some characteristics of North American Greenwinged Teal. Another interesting duck was a male “Brewer’s Duck,” which is a hybrid between a Mallard and a Gadwall, seen and photographed at CRP on 2/17. It showed an interesting mix of characteristics from its parental species.
Yolo gull watchers struck again with some interesting finds. Two apparent Vega Gulls were reported from the Yolo County Landfill. One of these first winter birds was reported on 1/29, with probably the same individual found on 2/3, and a different bird found on 2/13. Vega Gulls were long considered a Siberian race of Herring Gull, but are now considered by many to be a separate species. Identifying these birds is at the frontier of gull ID, and they must be carefully documented. An immature Glaucous Gull was reported from the landfill on 2/16, and another was reported from Beal’s Point at Folsom Lake on the same day. Rounding out the gull reports was an adult Western Gull from the Gristmill Access along the American River Parkway continuing from 1/16 through at least 2/23; an adult Western Gull was also reported from Ancil Hoffman Park on 2/15.
This has been a great season for finding Northern Saw-Whet Owls. Up to three were reported from Ryer Island in Solano County, beginning on 2/16 and continuing into March, and were seen by many. Another was reported from private property in Fair Oaks on 2/24. The Snowy Owl near Grizzly Island was refound on 2/22.
Rounding out the excellent reports for the month were a male Costa’s Hummingbird in a Rancho Cordova yard from 2/17 through at least 3/4 and a male Common Grackle from Sherman Island on 2/11. Other interesting reports include a Sage Thrasher along Payen Rd (2/12-13), the continuing Ovenbird at the Mace Ave bridge over Putah Creek, the Larchmont Park Red-naped Sapsucker through 2/2, and at least four McCown’s Longspurs and two Lapland Longspurs along County Line Rd in northern Yolo on 2/4. A Dusky Flycatcher was reported from the Solano Park Gardens at UCD on 2/4. Eurasian Collared-Doves were reported in southern Sacramento County as well as from Natomas.
Many of these birds were first reported on the Central Valley Bird Club Listserv. Visit www.cvbirds.org and click “Listserv” for details. Thanks to all for their reports.