[EBB Sightings] Current birdy hotspots

Rich Cimino and I spent a glorious day outdoors at the current birdy hotspots , making a loop from Solano Co. to eastern Alameda Co.

Off of 113 N and Cook Lane, along the railroad tracks and again in the Jepson Prairie, we had wonderful views of a shy Northern Shrike. The Prairie also yielded 2 Dunlin and a Greater Yellowlegs.  Heading back down 113, we caught Robinson Road in search of the Mountain Plovers, who were not available today.  However, along the way, we were able to catch a Ferruginous Hawk being harassed by a Red-tail, a Prairie Falcon, a Rough-Legged Hawk flying away from us, and a close look at a dark-morph Red-Tail on a fence.  The usual things were about: several Logger-headed Shrike, affording good comparisons to the Northern; Say's Phoebes; American Pipits; White Pelicans overhead; and Meadowlarks galore.

Next, we headed east through Rio Vista, then south to Brentwood.  Sherman Island had a flooded field full of Greater White-fronted Geese,  a Ross's Goose, Pintails, Wigeons, Coots, and Mallards.  There was a flock of Long-billed Curlews in a field north of the Byron Highway near the marina.

Finally, at the Byron Airport, near the corner of Armstrong Road and Falcon Road, Rich picked out the Lark Bunting among a flock of Savannah Sparrows.  The thicker bill, long white wing bar, and larger size of the bird were apparent once the bird was found. The Short-Eared Owls were not flying on Byron Hot Springs Road, but  3 White-tailed Kites were feeding, and a  Burrowing Owl was on the hill opposite. 

All told, 46 species in 200 miles and 6 hours.  A great winter day in Northern California.

Patricia Bacchetti
Rich Cimino