Below is a record of bird sightings noted in the ESNERR Sightings Book by our docents and compiled by Linda Jordan.

Mid-November to mid-December 2005

South Marsh Loop: Pied-billed Grebe; Western Grebe; American White Pelican; Brown Pelican; Double-crested Cormorant; Great Blue Heron; Great Egret; Snowy Egret; Black-crowned Night-Heron; Wood Duck; Gadwall; American Wigeon; Mallard; Cinnamon Teal; Northern Pintail; Green-winged Teal; Mandarin Duck(int); Greater Scaup; Bufflehead; Red-breasted Merganser; Ruddy Duck; Turkey Vulture; Osprey; White-tailed Kite; Northern Harrier; Cooper’s Hawk; Red-shouldered Hawk; Red-tailed Hawk; American Kestrel; Peregrine Falcon; Sora; American Coot; Black-bellied Plover; Killdeer; Greater Yellowlegs; Willet; Spotted Sandpiper; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; Least Sandpiper; Dowitcher sps; Bonaparte’s Gull; California Gull; Western Gull; Forster’s Tern; Band-tailed Pigeon; Anna’s Hummingbird; Belted Kingfisher; Acorn Woodpecker; Red-breasted Sapsucker; Hairy Woodpecker; Northern Flicker; Black Phoebe; Say’s Phoebe; Hutton’s Vireo; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bushtit; Brown Creeper; Bewick’s Wren; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Hermit Thrush; American Robin; Varied Thrush; Wrentit; European Starling(int); American Pipit; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Townsend’s Warbler; Spotted Towhee; California Towhee; Fox Sparrow; Song Sparrow; White-crowned Sparrow; Golden-crowned Sparrow; House Finch; Lesser Goldfinch and American Goldfinch.

North Marsh: American White Pelican; Brown Pelican; Great Blue Heron; Great Egret; Snowy Egret; Mallard; Bufflehead; Common Goldeneye; Black-necked Stilt; Greater Yellowlegs; Willet; Marbled Godwit; Least Sandpiper, and Dowitcher ssp.

Kriby Park: Common Loon; Brown Pelican; Great Egret; Snowy Egret; Black-necked Stilt; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; Willet; Black Phoebe; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Common Yellowthroat; Savannah Sparrow, and White-crowned Sparrow.

Mid-October to mid-November 2005

South Marsh Loop:Pied-billed Grebe; American White Pelican; Brown Pelican; Double-crested Cormorant; Great-blue Heron; Great Egret; Snowy Egret; Black-crowned Night-Heron; Canada Goose; Wood Duck; Gadwall; American Wigeon; Mallard; Northern Pintail; Green-winged Teal; Ruddy Duck; Mandarin Duck (exotic); Turkey Vulture; Osprey; White-tailed Kite; Cooper’s Hawk; Red-shouldered Hawk; Red-tailed Hawk; American Kestrel; Merlin; California Quail; Sora (in Cattail Swale); American Coot; Black-bellied Plover; Killdeer; Greater Yellowlegs; Willet; Spotted Sandpiper; Whimbrel; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; Western Sandpiper; Least Sandpiper; Wilson‚s Snipe ( in Rookery Pond); California Gull; Western Gull; Band-tailed Pigeon; Mourning Dove; Anna’s Hummingbird; Belted Kingfisher; Acorn Woodpecker; Northern Flicker; Black Phoebe; Say’s Phoebe; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Bushtit; Bewick's Wren; Marsh Wren; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Hermit Thrush; American Robin; European Starling; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Townsend‚s Warbler; Black-and-white Warbler; Common Yellowthroat; Spotted Towhee; California Towhee; Savannah Sparrow; Fox Sparrow; Song Sparrow; Lincoln’s Sparrow; White-crowned Sparrow; Golden-crowned Sparrow; Red-winged Blackbird; House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

Long Valley: Varied Thrush.

Other critters seen: Garter Snake; Gopher Snake; Jelly Fish; Bat ray; Shark ssp; Red-legged Frogs; Southern Sea Otter; Deer; Squirrels.

Mid-September to mid-October 2005

South Marsh Loop: Pied-billed Grebe; American White Pelican; Brown Pelican; Double-crested Cormorant; Great Blue Heron; Great Egret; Snowy Egret; Black-crowned Night-Heron; Wood Duck; Gadwall; Mallard; Northern Pintail; Bufflehead; Ruddy Duck; Turkey Vulture; Osprey; White-tailed Kite; Northern Harrier; Sharp-shinned Hawk; Red-shouldered Hawk; Red-tailed Hawk; American Kestrel; California Quail; Sora; American Coot; Black-bellied Plover; Killdeer; Greater Yellowlegs; Willet; Spotted Sandpiper; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; Sanderling; Least Sandpiper; Heermann’s Gull; Ring-billed Gull; California Gull; Western Gull; Caspian Tern; Forster’s Tern; Mourning Dove; Great Horned Owl; Anna’s Hummingbird; Belted Kingfisher; Acorn Woodpecker; Nuttall’s Woodpecker; Northern Flicker; Black Phoebe; Say’s Phoebe; Hutton’s Vireo; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bushtit; Brown Creeper; Bewick’s Wren; Marsh Wren; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; American Robin; Cedar Waxwing; Orange-crowned Warbler; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Townsend’s Warbler; Common Yellowthroat; Wilson’s Warbler; Western Tanager; Spotted Towhee; California Towhee; Savannah Sparrow; Fox Sparrow; Song Sparrow; White-crowned Sparrow; Golden-crowned Sparrow; Red-winged Blackbird; House Finch; Lesser Goldfinch; and House Sparrow.

Long Valley/Five Fingers: Great Blue Heron; Great Egret; Snowy Egret; Mallard; Northern Harrier; Cooper’s Hawk; Red-tailed Hawk; Merlin; Peregrine Falcon; Willet; Marbled Godwit; Forster’s Tern; Belted Kingfisher; Western Scrub-jay; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bushtit; California Towhee; Song Sparrow; and American Goldfinch.

Kirby Park: American White Pelican; Brown Pelican; Double-crested Cormorant; Great Egret; Snowy Egret; Mallard; Black-necked Stilt; Greater Yellowlegs; Willet; Whimbrel; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; Red-necked Phalarope; Ring-billed Gull; Western Gull; Black Phoebe; Western Scrub-Jay; Savannah Sparrow; and Song Sparrow.

Mid-August to mid-September 2005

South Marsh Loop: Pied-billed Grebes; Brown and American White Pelicans; Double-crested Cormorants; Great Blue Heron; Great and Snowy egrets; Black-crowned Night Herons; Canada Goose; Turkey Vulture; Mallards; Cinnamon Teal; White-tailed Kite; California Quail; American Coot; Killdeer; American Avocets; Red-tailed Hawk; Red-shouldered Hawk; Black-bellied Plovers; Willets; Greater Yellowlegs; Spotted Sandpiper; Marbled Godwit; Whimbrel; Long-billed Curlews; Least & Western sandpipers; Ring-billed Gull; Western Gulls; Caspian Tern; Mourning Doves; Great Horned Owls; Belted Kingfisher; Dowitchers; Anna’s Hummingbird; Acorn and Downy Woodpeckers; Pacific Slope Flycatcher; Black Phoebe; Wrentit; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Tree, Barn, and Cliff Swallows; Bewick’s Wren; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bushtits; Black-headed Grosbeak; Swainson’s Thrush; Common Yellowthroat; Wilson’s Warbler; Red-winged and Brewer’s Blackbird; California and Spotted Towhees; Song Sparrows; White-crowned Sparrows; House Finch; American and Lesser Goldfinch

North Marsh: Brown Pelicans; Willets; Marbled Godwits; Great Blue Herons; Great and Snowy Egrets; Caspian Tern; Red-necked Phalaropes; Song Sparrow; Double-crested Cormorants.

Mid-July to mid-August 2005

No data.

Mid-June to mid-July 2005

South Marsh Loop: Pied-billed Grebe; Brown Pelican; Double-crested Cormorant; Great Blue Heron; Great Egret; Snowy Egret; Black-crowned Night-Heron; Turkey Vulture; Canada Goose; Mallard; Green-winged Teal; White-tailed Kite; Red-shouldered Hawk; Red-tailed Hawk; American Kestrel; Peregrine Falcon; California Quail; American Coot; Killdeer; Yellowlegs species; Willet; Whimbrel; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; Western Gull; Caspian Tern; Mourning Dove; Belted Kingfisher; Acorn Woodpecker; Nuttall’s Woodpecker; Downy Woodpecker; Pacific-slope Flycatcher; Black Phoebe; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Tree Swallow; Cliff Swallow; Barn Swallow; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bushtit; Brown Creeper; Swainson’s Thrush; American Robin; Wrentit; European Starling; Orange-crowned Warbler; Common Yellowthroat; Wilson’s Warbler; Spotted Towhee; California Towhee; Song Sparrow; Black-headed Grosbeak; Red-winged Blackbird; Brewer’s Blackbird; Purple Finch; House Finch; American Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

Five Fingers: American White Pelican; Brown Pelican; Double-crested Cormorant; Great Blue Heron; Great Egret; Black-crowned Night-Heron; Mallard; Red-tailed Hawk; American Kestrel; Great Horned Owl; Anna’s Hummingbird; Belted Kingfisher; Acorn Woodpecker; Steller’s’ Jay; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Common Yellowthroat and House Finch.

Long Valley: Brown Pelican ; Double-crested Cormorant; White-tailed Kite; Red-tailed Hawk; Pacific-slope Flycatcher; Western Scrub-Jay; Tree Swallow; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bushtit; Common Yellowthroat and Song Sparrow.

Hudson’s Landing: Red Shouldered Hawk.

Mid-May to mid-June 2005

South Marsh Loop:Pacific Loon; American White Pelican; Brown Pelican; Double-crested Cormorant; Great Blue Heron; Great Egret; Snowy Egret; Black-crowned Night-Heron; Canada Goose; Gadwall; American Wigeon; Mallard; Cinnamon Teal; Turkey Vulture; Osprey; White-tailed Kite; Northern Harrier; Sharp-shinned Hawk; Red-shouldered Hawk; Red-tailed Hawk; California Quail; American Coot; Willet; Whimbrel; Marbled Godwit; Western Gull; Mourning Dove; Anna’s Hummingbird; Belted Kingfisher; Acorn Woodpecker; Downy Woodpecker; Pacific-slope Flycatcher; Black Phoebe; Hutton’s Vireo; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Tree Swallow; Cliff Swallow; Barn Swallow; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bushtit; Bewick’s Wren; Swainson’s Thrush; American Robin; Wrentit; European Starling; Orange-crowned Warbler; Common Yellowthroat; Wilson’s Warbler; Spotted Towhee; California Towhee; Song Sparrow; Black-headed Grosbeak; Red-winged Blackbird; Brewer’s Blackbird; Purple Finch; House Finch; American Goldfinch; and House Sparrow.

Long Valley Loop: Brown Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant; White-tailed Kite; Western Scrub-Jay; Bushtit; Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Mid-April to mid-May 2005

South Marsh Loop: Pied-billed Grebe; Eared Grebe; Western Grebe; American White Pelican; Double-crested Cormorant; Great Blue Heron; Great Egret; Snowy Egret; Black-crowned Night-Heron; Canada Goose; Gadwall; American Wigeon; Mallard; Cinnamon Teal; Northern Pintail; Green-winged Teal; Surf Scoter; Black Scoter; Bufflehead; Common Goldeneye; Red-breasted Merganser; Ruddy Duck; Turkey Vulture; White-tailed Kite; Red-tailed Hawk; American Kestrel; Wild Turkey; Black-bellied Plover; Killdeer; Greater Yellowlegs; Willet; Spotted Sandpiper; Whimbrel; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; Western Sandpiper; Least Sandpiper; Dowitcher species; Western Gull; Caspian Tern; Forster’s Tern; Mourning Dove; Barn Owl; Great Horned Owl; Anna’s Hummingbird; Belted Kingfisher; Acorn Woodpecker; Northern "red-shafted" Flicker; Pacific-slope Flycatcher; Black Phoebe; Steller’s Jay; American Crow; Tree Swallow; Cliff Swallow; Barn Swallow; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bewick’s Wren; House Wren; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; American Robin; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Common Yellowthroat; Spotted Towhee; California Towhee; Fox Sparrow; Song Sparrow; White-crowned Sparrow; Red-winged Blackbird; and House Finch.

Long Valley: White Pelican; Willet; Snowy Egret; Great Egret; and Spotted Towhee.

Kirby Park; Common Loon; Pelagic Cormorant; Canada Goose; Surf Scoter; Willet; Whimbrel; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; Sandpiper sp.; Western Gull; Forster’s Tern; Anna’s Hummingbird; Western Scrub-Jay; and Song Sparrow.

Other Sightings: Baby Barn Owls in big barn; bunnies, and a Long-tailed Weasel at the Overlook.

Mid-March to mid-April 2005

South Marsh Loop: American White Pelican; Double-crested Cormorant; Great Blue Heron; Great Egret; Snowy Egret; Green Heron; Black-crowned Night-Heron; Canada Goose; Gadwall; American Wigeon; Mallard; Scaup species; Red-breasted Merganser; Turkey Vulture; Osprey; White-tailed Kite; Sharp-shinned Hawk; Red-tailed Hawk; American Kestrel; California Quail; American Coot; Black-bellied Plover; Semipalmated Plover; Lesser Yellowlegs; Willet; Spotted Sandpiper; Whimbrel; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; Western Sandpiper; Western Gull; Caspian Tern; Forster's Tern; Band-tailed Pigeon; Mourning Dove; Barn Owl; Anna's Hummingbird; Belted Kingfisher; Acorn Woodpecker; Pacific-slope Flycatcher; Black Phoebe; Hutton‚s Vireo; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Tree Swallow; Cliff Swallow; Barn Swallow; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bushtit; Brown Creeper; Bewick's Wren; Marsh Wren; American Robin; Wrentit; European Starling; Common Yellowthroat; Western Tanager; Wilson's Warbler; Spotted Towhee; California Towhee; Song Sparrow; Dark-eyed Junco; Black-headed Grosbeak; Red-winged Blackbird; House Finch and American Goldfinch.

Long Valley: Rufous Hummingbird; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Tree Swallow; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse and Spotted Towhee.

Five Fingers: Nuttall's Woodpecker; Olive-sided Flycatcher; Pacific-slope Flycatcher; Tree Swallow; Bewick's Wren; Common Yellowthroat and Spotted Towhee.

Kirby Park: Red-throated Loon; Common Loon; Pelagic Cormorant; Willet; Marbled Godwit; Whimbrel; Song Sparrow and Red-winged Blackbird.

Other Spottings: Pond Turtles; otters; Leopard Shark and bunnies.

Mid-February to mid-March 2005

South Marsh Loop: South Marsh Loop: Pied-billed and Eared Grebes; Brown and American White Pelicans; Double-crested Cormorants; Great Blue Heron; Great and Snowy Egrets; Red-breasted Mergansers; Mallards; Northern Pintails; American Wigeon; Buffleheads; Surf Scoters; Turkey Vulture; White-tailed Kite; Osprey; American Kestrels; Red-tailed Hawk; Sharp-shinned Hawk; Black-bellied Plovers; Willets; Greater Yellowlegs; Spotted Sandpiper; Marbled Godwit; Long-billed Curlews; Least and Western Sandpipers; Western and Ring-billed Gulls; Forster’s Tern; Mourning Doves; Anna’s Hummingbird; Belted Kingfishers; Acorn Woodpeckers; Black and Say’s Phoebe; Hutton’s Vireo; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bushtits; Bewick’s Wren; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Wrentit; European Starlings; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Common Yellowthroat; Townsend’s Warbler; California and Spotted Towhees; Song Sparrows; Savannah Sparrow; Golden and White-crowned Sparrows; House Finch; House Sparrows.

Long Valley/Five Fingers: Snowy Egret; Double-crested Cormorant; Canada Geese; Gadwall; American Wigeon; Northern Pintail; Green-winged Teal; Bufflehead; Goldeneye; Red-breasted Merganser; Turkey Vulture; White-tailed Kites; Red-tailed Hawk; Anna’s Hummingbird; Belted Kingfisher; Black and Say’s Phoebes; Acorn Woodpecker; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Chestnut-backed Chickadees; Oak Titmouse; Bushtits; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; American and Spotted Towhees; Song and Golden-crowned Sparrow; House Finch Kirby Park: Pied-billed Grebes; Double-crested Cormorants; Buffleheads; Goldeneyes; Marbled Godwits; Long-billed Curlews; Willets; Western and Ring-billed Gulls; Forster’s Tern; Anna’s Hummingbirds; Black Phoebe; Common Yellowthroat; Song Sparrow; Brewer’s Blackbird.

North Marsh: American Avocets; Great and Snowy Egrets; Great Blue Heron; Black-necked Stilts; Marbled Godwits; Forster’s Terns.

Mid-January to mid-February 2005

South Marsh Loop: South Marsh Loop: Red-breasted Merganser; Pied-billed and Western Grebe; Double-crested Cormorant; Pelagic Cormorant; Great Blue Heron; Great and Snowy Egret; Turkey Vulture; Mallard; Northern Pintail; American Wigeon; Cinnamon and Green-winged Teal; Gadwall; Northern Shoveler; Canada Goose; White-tailed kite; Bufflehead; Ruddy Duck; American Kestrel; Red-tailed Hawk; Black-bellied Plover; Willet; Greater Yellowlegs; Spotted Sandpiper; Whimbrel; Marbled Godwit; Black Scoter; Long-billed Curlew; Least and Western Sandpiper; Dowitcher; Belted Kingfisher; Western and Ring-billed Gull; Forster’s Tern; Mourning Dove; Barn Owl; Anna’s Hummingbird; Acorn Woodpecker; Northern Flicker; Pacific Slope Flycatcher; Northern Rough-winged Swallow; Tree Swallow; Black and Say’s Phoebe; Western Scrub-Jay; American crow; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bushtit; American Robin; Western Bluebird; Bewick’s Wren; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; European Starling; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Common Yellow-throat; California and Spotted Towhee; House Sparrow; Song Sparrow; Golden and White-crowned sparrow; Red-winged Blackbird; House Finch.

Long Valley/Five Fingers: White-tailed Kite; Red-tailed Hawk; Anna’s Hummingbird; Pacific Slope Flycatcher; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bushtit; Bewick’s Wren; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; American and Spotted Towhee; Song and Golden-crowned Sparrow; House Finch; Belted Kingfisher.

Mid-December 2004 to mid-January 2005

South Marsh Loop: Pied-billed Grebe; Horned Grebe; Western Grebe; Brown Pelican; Double-crested Cormorant; Great Blue Heron; Great and Snowy Egrets; Canada Goose; Gadwall, American Wigeon; Mallard; Northern Pintail; Bufflehead; Common Goldeneye; Red-breasted Merganser; White-tailed Kite; Northern Harrier; Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks; American Kestrel; Killdeer; Greater Yellowlegs; Willet; Spotted Sandpiper; Whimbrel; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; Long-billed Dowitcher; California and Western Gulls; Forster’s Tern; Mourning Dove; Anna’s Hummingbird; Belted Kingfisher; Acorn and Downy Woodpeckers; Northern (red-shafted) Flicker; Black and Say’s Phoebes; Loggerhead Shrike; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bushtit; Bewick’s Wren; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Western Bluebird; American Robin; European Starling; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Spotted and California Towhees; Song Sparrow; White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows; and House Finch.

North Marsh: Black-necked Stilt; American Avocet and Western Sandpipers.

Mid-November to mid-December 2004

South Marsh Loop: Pied-billed and Western Grebes; Brown and American White Pelicans; Double-crested Cormorant; Great Blue Heron; Great and Snowy Egrets; American Wigeon; Mallard; Northern Pintail; Green-winged Teal; Ring-necked Duck; Bufflehead; Common Goldeneye; Red-breasted Merganser; Turkey Vulture; White-tailed Kite; Northern Harrier; Cooper’s Hawk; Red-tailed Hawk; American Kestrel; Peregrine Falcon; California Quail; Black-bellied Plover; Killdeer; Black-necked Stilt; American Avocet; Greater Yellowlegs; Willet; Spotted Sandpiper; Whimbrel; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; Sanderling; Western and Least Sandpipers; Dunlin; Dowitcher species; California and Western Gulls; Forster’s Tern; Mourning Dove; Anna’s Hummingbird; Belted Kingfisher; Acorn Woodpecker; Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker; Black and Say’s Phoebes; Loggerhead Shrike; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bushtit; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Hermit Thrush; Wrentit; European Starling; Yellow-rumped and Townsend’s Warblers; Spotted and California Towhees; Savannah and Song Sparrows; White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows; Western Meadowlark; House Finch; Lesser Goldfinch; and House Sparrow.

North Marsh: Great and Snowy Egrets; Great Blue Heron; American White Pelicans; Forster’s Tern; Dowitcher species; Bufflehead; Black-necked Stilt; and American Avocet.

Five Fingers: Great Blue Heron; Great and Snowy Egrets; Northern Pintail; Red-tailed Hawk; American Kestrel; Long-billed Curlew; Willet; Marbled Godwit; Western Gull; Black Phoebe; Western Scrub-Jay; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; and Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

VC Parking Lot: 5 Western Bluebirds

Long Valley: Mallard; Red-shouldered Hawk; Willet; Sandpiper species; Marbled Godwit; Black Phoebe; Western Scrub-Jay; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; and Oak Titmouse.

Mid-October to mid-November 2004

South Marsh Loop: Pied-billed Grebe; American Pelican and Brown Pelican; Brandt’s and Double-crested Cormorants; Great Blue Heron; Great and Snowy Egrets; Black-crowned Night-Heron; Gadwall; American Wigeon; Mallard; Blue-winged, Cinnamon and Green-winged Teals; Northern Shoveler; Northern Pintail; Bufflehead; Ruddy Duck; Turkey Vulture; Osprey; White-tailed Kite; Northern Harrier; Cooper’s Hawk; Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks; American Kestrel; Peregrine Falcon; California Quail; Black-bellied Plover; Killdeer; Black-necked Stilt; American Avocet; Greater Yellowlegs; Willet; Spotted Sandpiper; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; Sanderling; Western and Least Sandpipers; Dunlin; Dowitcher species; Ring-billed , California and Western Gulls; Forster’s Tern; Mourning Dove; Anna’s Hummingbird; Belted Kingfisher; Acorn, Nuttall’s and Downy Woodpeckers; Northern Flicker; Black and Say’s Phoebes; Hutton’s Vireo; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Tree and Violet-green Swallows; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bushtit; Brown Creeper; Bewick’s and Marsh Wrens; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Hermit Thrush; American Robin; European Starling; Yellow-rumped and Townsend’s Warblers; Common Yellowthroat; Spotted and California Towhees; Savannah, Fox and Song Sparrows; Golden-crowned and White-crowned Sparrows; Western Meadowlark; Brewer’s Blackbird; House Finch; Lesser Goldfinch; and House Sparrow.

North Marsh: American White and California Brown Pelicans; Great and Snowy Egrets; Mallard; Killdeer; Black-necked Stilt; American Avocet; Dunlin; and Dowitchers.

Main Channel off Hummingbird Island: Pied-billed and Western Grebes; American White Pelicans and Brown Pelicans; Double-crested Cormorant; Great and Snowy Egrets; Black-bellied Plover; American Avocet; Willet; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; Western and Least Sandpipers; Forster’s Tern and Glaucous-winged Gull.

Mid-September to mid-October 2004

All sightings reported this period came from the South Marsh Loop area. We encourage all to check out other areas such as Parson’s Slough, Five Fingers, Long Valley (especially during outgoing tides) on your walks - you will find them surprisingly birdy.

South Marsh Loop: Pied-billed Grebe; Brown Pelican; Double-crested Cormorant; Great Blue Heron; Great Egret; Snowy Egret; Black-crowned Night-Heron; Turkey Vulture; Mallard; Northern Shoveler; White-tailed Kite; Northern Harrier: Red-shouldered Hawk; Red-tailed Hawk; American Kestrel; California Quail; Black-bellied Plover; Killdeer; Black-necked Stilt; Greater Yellowlegs; Willet; Spotted Sandpiper; Whimbrel; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; Sanderling; Western and Least Sandpipers; Ring-billed Gull; California Gull; Western Gull; Forster’s Tern; Mourning Dove; Great Horned Owl; Anna’s Hummingbird; Belted Kingfisher; Acorn Woodpecker; Nuttall’s Woodpecker; Northern Flicker; Black Phoebe; Say’s Phoebe; Loggerhead Shrike; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Tree Swallow; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bushtit; Bewick’s Wren; Marsh Wren; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Hermit Thrush; Wrentit; European Starling; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Townsend’s Warbler; Common Yellowthroat; Spotted Towhee; California Towhee; Savannah Sparrow; Song Sparrow; White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows; House Finch; Lesser and American Goldfinches.

And by the Vistors Center; A flock of Western Bluebirds.

Mid-August to mid-September 2004

Fall is that pause before the sleep of winter when the memory of summer is still fresh, and the birds of the southward migration arrive in dizzying quantity.

South Marsh Loop: Pied-billed Grebe; Sooty Shearwater; Brown and American White Pelicans; Double-crested Cormorant; Great Blue Heron; Great and Snowy Egrets; Black-crowned Night-Heron; Turkey Vulture; Canada Goose; Mallard; Northern Pintail; Red-breasted Merganser; White-tailed Kite; Golden Eagle; Northern Harrier; Cooper's, Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks; American Kestrel; Peregrine Falcon; California Quail; Black-bellied Plover; Semipalmated Plover; Killdeer; American Avocet; Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs; Willet; Spotted Sandpiper; Whimbrel; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; Sanderling; Western and Least Sandpipers; Dowitchers; Gull sps; Western Gull; Caspian and Forster's Tern; Mourning Dove; Great Horned Owl; Anna's Hummingbird; Belted Kingfisher; Acorn, Nuttall's and Downy Woodpeckers; Pacific-slope Flycatcher; Black Phoebe; Loggerhead Shrike; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Tree, Cliff, Barn and Northern Rough-winged Swallows; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bushtit; Brown Creeper; Marsh and Bewick's Wrens; Wrentit; European Starling; Orange-crowned Warbler; Common Yellowthroat; Spotted and California Towhees; Song Sparrow; House Finch; Lesser and American Goldfinches; and House Sparrow.

Long Valley and Five Fingers: Brown and American White Pelicans; Great BlueHeron; Great and Snowy Egrets; Turkey Vulture; Mallard; White-tailed Kite; Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks; American Kestrel; Wild Turkey; California Quail; Willet; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; Western Gull; Belted Kingfisher; Acorn and Hairy Woodpeckers; Pacific-slope Flycatcher; Black Phoebe; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Wrentit; Common Yellowthroat; Spotted and California Towhees; Song and White-crowned Sparrows; House Finch; and Lesser Goldfinch.

North Marsh and Strawberry Pond: Brown and American White Pelicans; Great and Snowy Egrets; Great Blue Heron; Black-necked Stilt; Marbled Godwit; Least and Western Sandpipers; and Red-necked Phalarope.

Mid-July to mid-August 2004

Flocks of peeps, spinning phalaropes, and sitting ducks are once again gracing the mudflats.

South Marsh Loop: Pied-billed Grebes; Brown and White Pelicans; Double-crested Cormorants; Great Blue Heron; Great and Snowy Egrets; Black-crowned Night Herons; Green Heron; Turkey Vulture; Mallards; White-tailed Kite; American Kestrel; California Quail; Red-tailed Hawk; Red-shouldered Hawk; Cooper’s Hawk; Black-bellied Plovers; Willets; Greater Yellowlegs; Spotted Sandpiper; Marbled Godwit; Whimbrel; Long-billed Curlews; Least and Western Sandpipers; Heermann’s Gull; Western Gulls; Forster’s Tern; Caspian Tern; Mourning Doves; three Great Horned Owls; Barn Owl; Belted Kingfisher; Dowitchers; Anna’s Hummingbird; Acorn Woodpeckers; Pacific -Slope Flycatcher; Black Phoebe; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Tree, Barn, And Cliff Swallows; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bushtits; American Robin; European Starlings; Blackbirds; Common Yellowthroat; California and Spotted Towhees; House Sparrows; Song Sparrows; Savannah Sparrow; White-crowned Sparrows; Purple and House Finch; American Goldfinch; Lesser Goldfinch

Long Valley and Five Fingers: Snowy Egret; Double-crested Cormorant; White-tailed Kites; Red-shouldered Hawk; Black-bellied Plovers; Killdeers; Willets; Marbled Godwit; Least and Western Sandpipers; California Gull; Pacific- Slope Flycatcher; California and Spotted Towhee; Golden Eagle

Hummingbird Island:
Ring-billed Gull; Red-necked Phalaropes; Black-bellied Plovers; Long-billed Curlews; Black-crowned Night Herons; Anna’s Hummingbird; White-tailed Kite.

Mid-June to mid-July 2004

Every year around this time, Great Horned Owl sightings increase. Just about every tour reports seeing one or more, and one MBB posting mentioned seeing three on a recent visit! Why is this? A recent article in the spring 2004 issue of Living Bird magazine solved the riddle. After fledging, young owls stay in their parents’ territories all summer, usually until September when they depart to find their own territories. So what we are seeing are the young of the year, hanging around until persuaded to leave by their parents.

South Marsh Loop: American White and Brown Pelicans; Double-crested Cormorant; Great Blue and Green Herons; Great and Snowy Egrets; Black-crowned Night-Heron; Turkey Vulture; Canada Goose; Gadwall; Mallard; Northern Shoveler; White-tailed Kite; Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks; American Kestrel; Wild Turkey; California Quail; Greater Yellowlegs; Willet; Whimbrel; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; Dunlin; California and Western Gulls; Caspian and Forster’s Terns; Mourning Dove; Great Horned Owl; Vaux’s Swift; Anna’s Hummingbird; Belted Kingfisher; Acorn, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers; Pacific-slope and Ash-throated Flycatchers; Black Phoebe; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Tree, Violet-green, Cliff and Barn Swallows; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Oak Titmouse; Bushtit; Bewick’s and Marsh Wrens; Swainson’s Thrush; American Robin; European Starling; Common Yellowthroat; Wilson’s Warbler; Spotted and California Towhees; Savannah and Song Sparrows; Black-headed Grosbeak; Red-winged and Brewer’s Blackbirds Brown-headed Cowbird; House Finch, American Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

Cattail Swale: Black-crowned Night-Heron; Green Heron; Mallard; Belted Kingfisher; Pacific-slope Flycatcher; Black Phoebe; Western Scrub-Jay; Tree Swallow; Orange-crowned Warbler; and California Towhee.

Five Fingers: Pelagic Cormorant.

Hummingbird Island: Great Egret; Willet; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit.

Hudson’s Landing: White-tailed Kite; Red-tailed Hawk; Ruddy Duck; Black-necked Stilt; Willet; Whimbrel; Long-billed Curlew; Least Sandpiper; Dunlin.

North Marsh: American White Pelican ( 45+); Caspian Tern.

Mid-April to mid-May 2004

Why do birds deviate from their normal path of migration? For example, what happened to the Yellow-billed Loon that's been seen here at Elkhorn Slough? Birds use orientation and navigation to reach their migratory destinations. Orientation is achieved through internal compasses based on the sun's location, the stars, and the earth's magnetic field. The earth's magnetic field may be used in navigation as well. Navigation is not as well understood as orientation in birds, but it is thought that birds use geographical features such as coastlines, mountain ranges, and major river systems as navigational landmarks.

Some possible reasons for rare sightings are mis-oriented migration – the longer the migratory path, the greater chance for vagrancy, spring overshooting, post-breeding dispersal, and extreme environmental change. However, no rare sighting should be classified as accidental; there is always a reason.

Kirby Park: Yellow-billed Loon; Snowy and Great Egret; Semipalmated Plover; American Avocets; Dunlin; Western Sandpiper; Forster's Tern.

North Marsh: Brown and White Pelicans; Mallards; Gadwalls; Black-necked Stilts; Great and Snowy Egrets; Great Blue Heron; Black-crowned Night Heron.

Hummingbird Island: Peregrine Falcon eating bird prey.

South Marsh Loop: Western Grebe; White Pelicans; Double-crested Cormorants; Great Blue Heron; Great and Snowy Egrets; Black-crowned Night Heron; Green Heron; Turkey Vulture; Canada Goose; Mallards; Gadwall; Green-winged Teal; White-tailed Kite; Northern Harrier; Osprey; American Kestrel; California Quail; Red-tailed Hawk; Red-shouldered Hawk; Cooper's Hawk; Willets; Whimbrels; Greater Yellowlegs; Spotted Sandpiper; Black-bellied Plover; Killdeer; Dowitchers; Long-billed Curlew; Marbled Godwit; California and Western Gulls; Caspian Tern; Mourning Doves; Rock Pigeons; Barn Owl; Anna's and Rufous Hummingbird; Acorn Woodpeckers; Northern Flicker; Pacific-slope Flycatcher; Black Phoebe; Western Scrub Jay; American Crow; Tree, Barn, and Cliff Swallows; Chestnut-backed chickadee; Marsh Wren; Oak Titmouse; Bushtits; Bewick's Wren; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Wrentit; European Starlings; American Robins; Black-headed Grosbeak; Orange-crowned Warbler; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Wilson's Warbler; Common Yellow-throat; Red-winged Blackbirds; Cedar Waxwings; Brown-headed Cowbirds; Brewer's Blackbirds; California and Spotted Towhees; Song Sparrows; White-crowned Sparrows; House Finch; Lesser Goldfinch; American Goldfinch; Lawrence's Goldfinch; plus Western Pond Turtles, Brush Rabbits, Western Fence Llizards, and a Long -tailed Weasel.

Long Valley Loop: Snowy Egret; Mallard; Red-shouldered Hawk; Western Scrub Jay; California Towhee; Song Sparrow; House Finch; American Goldfinch

Mid-March to mid-April 2004

Spring is a wonderful time of year to witness the romance and courtship rituals of our feathered friends: the sweet songs of males trying to entice a mate and the locking of talons and spinning in skies above from our raptors. The ultimate goal: a nest full of eggs, then hatchlings that fledge and new life begins. Here at the slough, some nests have eggs; others have nestlings that are well on their way to independence.

Kirby Park: Common Loon; Eared Grebes; Double-crested Cormorants; Great Blue Heron; Snowy and Great Egret; Turkey Vulture; Gadwall; Wigeon; Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teals; Mallards; Bufflehead; Goldeneye; White-tailed Kite; Red-tailed Hawk; Black-bellied Plovers; Black-necked Stilt; American Avocets; Marbled Godwits; Yellowlegs; Willets; Whimbrel; Western Gull; Forster's Tern; Long-billed Curlew; Dowitchers; Western Scrub-Jay; Red-winged and Brewer's Blackbirds; American Crow; White-crowned and Song Sparrows

North Marsh: hundreds of Great and Snowy Egrets; Great Blue Heron at low tide

South Marsh Loop: Pied-billed Grebe; White Pelicans; Double-crested Cormorants; Great Blue Heron; Great and Snowy Egrets; Black-crowned Night Heron; Green Heron; Turkey Vulture; Canada Goose; Mallards; Gadwall; American Wigeon; Cinnamon and Green-winged Teal; Northern Shoveler; Northern Pintails; Bufflehead; American Coot; Red-breasted Merganser; Goldeneye; Red-tailed Hawk, White-tailed Kite; Northern Harrier; Kestrel; California Quail; Red-shouldered Hawk; Black-bellied Plover; Greater Yellowlegs; Willets; Spotted Sandpiper; Marbled Godwits; Long-billed Curlew; Dowitchers; Western Gulls; Caspian and Forster's Tern; Mourning Doves; Barn Owl; Anna's and Allen's Hummingbird; Rock Pigeons; Belted Kingfisher; Acorn and Nuttall's Woodpecker; Northern Flicker; Pacific-sloped Flycatcher; Black Phoebe; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Tree and Barn Swallows; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Marsh Wren; Oak Titmouse; Bushtit; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Wrentit; Bewick's Wren; American Robins; European Starlings; Cedar Waxwings; Orange-crowned Warbler; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Wilson's Warbler; Red-winged Blackbirds; Western Bluebird; Common Yellowthroat; California and Spotted Towhees; Savannah and Song Sparrows; White-crowned Sparrows; House Sparrow; House Finch; American Goldfinch

South Marsh Loop to Hummingbird Island: Eared Grebe; Western Grebe; Great and Snowy Egrets; Canada Goose; Cinnamon Teals; Northern Pintails; Lesser Scaup; Bufflehead; Red-breasted Merganser; White-tailed Kite; Red-tailed Hawk; Black-bellied Plover; American Avocet; Willet; Spotted Sandpipers; Marbled Godwits; Dowitchers; Western Gulls; Forster's Tern; Western Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Tree Swallow; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Bushtits; Spotted Towhee; Song Sparrow; White and Golden-crowned Sparrows

Long Valley Loop and Five Fingers: Great Blue Heron; Great and Snowy Egrets; Double-crested Cormorants; Canada Goose; Caspian Terns; White-tailed Kites; Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks; American Kestrel; Anna's Hummingbird; Acorn Woodpeckers; Downy Woodpeckers; Nuttall's Woodpecker; Pacific-sloped Flycatcher; American Crow; Tree Swallow; Hutton's Vireo; Western Scrub-Jay; Chestnut-backed Chickadee; Bewick's Wren; Oak Titmouse; Common Yellowthroat; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Song and Golden-crowned Sparrows; California and Spotted Towhee; Dark-eyed Junco