KRV Birds Summer 2003

Goal: To provide a motivating mix of bird species observations with reports of interest to all birders: beginning to expert, Kern County specialists, northern California & southern California, out-of-California (U.S. & International), listers and non-listers,...

Submit observations or make inquiries to: Bob Barnes.

MAJOR TIP: Birding early (starting at dawn) and carefully (spending time) = birds observed...

SPECIFIC REPORTS (Updated as of 8:20am, Saturday, September 6, 2003):

KEY: FOS - First of Spring, KRP-Kern River Preserve, KRV-Kern River Valley, S&D-Status & Distribution

Th, 31 July 03 - During a 6am-10am session this morning attendees at the 5th Biennial HumConference of the Hummingbird Research Group banded 95 hummingbirds at a temporary hummingbird banding station locted just west of the Kern River Preserve Headquarters parking lot. The vast majority in order of number banded were Rufous, Anna's, and Black-chinned. Also banded were four Allen's, one Costa's, and one Calliope.

Mo, 28 July 03 - Several Costa's Hummingbirds were observed on a KRV Hummingbird Celebration field trip to a private residence off Kelso Valley Road about ten miles south of KRP Headquarters. DOMI, LECH, Birdnutz birding tour, et. al.

Mo, 28 July 03 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was heard this morning, but never seen, from the Slough Channel running west from KRP Headquarters. BOBA.

Su, 27 July 03 - Summer Tanagers were observed making visits to the grapes at the grape arbor at KRP Headquarters including one adult male taking a grape to a fledgling and feeding it to it. Reported but not observed by BOBA.

Su, 27 July 03 - A female American Redstart was reported to be in the red willow trees alongside the Slough Channel's Prince Ditch right at the entrance road to Kern River Preserve Headquarters this morning. SHRU.

Su, 27 July 03 - A few Lawrence's Goldfinches were observed this morning feeding on wild sunflowers found along the dirt ranch road leading west from KRP Headquarters. LECH & Birdnutz birding tour.

Su, 27 July 03 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was heard calling several times this morning, but never seen, from the Slough Channel running west from KRP Headquarters. FRGI.

Su, 27 July 03 - A Costa's Hummingbird was caught and banded at Kern River Preserve Headquarters this morning. Another was observed coming to feeders on the slope at c. 6800' at Shirley Meadows Ski Area south of Greenhorn Summit this afternoon along with several Calliope Hummingbirds. Also banded at KRP Headquarters during the morning KRV Hummingbird Celebration banding session were several Black-chinned Hummingbirds and Anna's Hummingbirds along with two Rufous Hummingbirds. DOMI.

Sa, 26 July 03 - Four flyover White-faced Ibis and just-above-ground-level foraging Lesser Nighthawks were observed from along the KRP entrance road. LECH & Birdnutz birding tour.

Sa, 26 July 03 - A Costa's Hummingbird was heard this morning at the feeders at Kern River Preserve Headquarters. Also present were Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, adult male Rufous Hummingbird, and abundant female and immature female & male Selasphorus (Rufous & Allen's) hummingbirds.Based on banding data, the expected ratio of Rufous Hummingbirds to Allen's Hummingbirds during this fall migration period would be 10:1 to 20:1, Rufous over Allen's. DOMI.

Sa, 26 July 03 - 5:40am-5:50am this morning Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Willow Flycatcher, Summer Tanager, and Blue Grosbeak were all heard from the parking lot at Kern River Preserve Headquarters. BOBA.

Fr, 25 July 03 - A Nuttall's Woodpecker at the Kern River Preserve and four LeConte's Thrashers in Inyokern this afternoon between 4:30pm and 8pm were life birds for two Canadian birders from Ontario and one birder from Scotland. MABO, et. al.

Fr, 25 July 03 - Townsend's Solitaire and Green-tailed Towhee were observed on the road to Bald Mountain Lookout. LECH & Birdnutz birding tour.

Fr, 25 July 03 - Anna's Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, and Williamson's Sapsucker were all observed at Blackrock Ranger Station, Sequoia National Forest. LECH & Birdnutz birding tour.

Fr, 25 July 03 - Gray Flycatcher, Pinyon Jay, and Mountain Bluebird were observed along Kennedy Meadows Road in the vicinity of mile 18. LECH & Birdnutz birding tour.

Fr, 25 July 03 - Plumbeous Vireos are still present at Chimney Creek Campground; both at the entrance and at the last campground area (#32, etc.). LECH & Birdnutz birding tour.

Sa, 19 July 03 - A White-tailed Kite was observed at 7:40am this morning as it hunted right off east side of Fay Ranch Road in the field across from Mariposa March and north of the bridge over the South Fork Kern River. JAMC.

NOTE: White-tailed Kite - In the South Fork Valley, the White-tailed Kite appears to be a truly irruptive species. The sighting reported for 19 July 03 is the first 2003 report for the entire Kern River Valley. This species has been present in many years in numbers up to 20-25 individuals. Some years, such as 2003, there are very few or none reported. Nesting pairs over the last twenty-five years have been reported from 0 to 5 per year. No known nesting has taken place in 2003. BOBA.

Th, 17 July 03 - A Long-billed Curlew was observed at Isabella Reservoir's Kissack Cove in Mountain Mesa. JAMC.

Th, 17 July 03 - A male Vermilion Flycatcher was observed this morning in the same location as the one first reported Tu, 20 May 03 and several times since (See 1 June 03 below). Fide BOBA.

Tu, 15 July 03 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was heard from the parking lot at KRP Headquarters at 8pm this evening. BOBA.

Fr-Mo, 11-14 July 03 - Bird observation list, including heard only birds, from Sequoia Audubon Society (San Mateo County) field trip to the Kern River Valley and southern Sierra Nevada (details follow below under specific dates): Pied-billed Grebe, Western Grebe, Clark's Grebe, American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Turkey Vulture, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, Osprey, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Ring-necked Pheasant, Blue Grouse, California Quail, Mountain Quail, Sora, Virginia Rail, American Coot, Killdeer, California Gull, Caspian Tern, Rock Dove, Band-tailed Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Greater Roadrunner, Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Lesser Nighthawk, White-throated Swift, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Williamson's Sapsucker, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Hammond's Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Plumbeous Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Steller's Jay, Western Scrub-Jay, Pinyon Jay, Clark's Nutcracker, Common Raven, Horned Lark, Tree Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Mountain Chickadee, Oak Titmouse, Verdin, Bushtit, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, American Dipper, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Le Conte's Thrasher, European Starling, Nashville Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Hermit Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Resplendent Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Tricolored Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, Scott's Oriole, Purple Finch, Cassin's Finch, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Lawrence's Goldfinch, House Sparrow ... 135 species. BOBA, et. al.

Mo, 14 July 03 - A remarkable seven Greater Roadrunners were counted in a single location on the bluff overlooking Kelso Creek wash as observed from just under five miles south along Kelso Valley Road from CA Hwy. 178 in Weldon. Also present were several Cactus Wrens.BOBA, et. al.

Mo, 14 July 03 - At least two Le Conte's Thrashers were observed by fourteen participants on a Sequoia Audubon Society field trip visit to a private yard and acreage north of Inyokern this morning. Also present were numerous Costa's Hummingbirds, Verdins, and Hooded Orioles along with a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. BOBA, et. al.

Mo, 14 July 03 - At least three singing Scott's Orioles were heard from separate territories and a family group of four observed at BLM's Bert's Place rest stop near milepost 74 on CA Hwy. 178 east of Canebrake and west of Walker Pass. Also present were Rock Wren and Canyon Wren. BOBA, et. al.

Su, 13 July 03 - At least two Lesser Nighthawks were observed foraging low over cattle and horse pasture flanking Sierra Way just north of CA Hwy. 178 in Weldon. BOBA, et. al.

Su, 13 July 03 - A Peregrine Falcon highlighted a visit to the north side of the South Fork Wildlife Area off of Sierra Way at Hanning Flat. Also present were Western Grebe, Clark's Grebe, 70-80 American White Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorant, Cinnamon Teal, Osprey, Caspian Tern, Tricolored Blackbird, and Yellow-headed Blackbird. BOBA, et. al.

Su, 13 July 03 - Two Osprey, an American Dipper and a Canyon Wren as close as 8' were very well observed just below Isabella Reservoir's Main Dam at Main Dam Campground. BOBA, et. al.

Su, 13 July 03 - Twenty to thirty Tricolored Blackbirds dominated a mixed flock including Red-winged Blackbird and Brewer's Blackbird at Scodie County Park in Onyx. Also present were at least two Acorn Woodpeckers, a Nuttall's Woodpecker, three Cactus Wrens, and Bullock's Oriole. BOBA, et. al.

Su, 13 July 03 - The Osprey pair still had an active nest with three nestlings at Sequoia National Forest's South Fork Wildlife Area. Also present were 40-50 or more Horned Larks each standing individually in the shade cast by 1'-2' shrubs on this very hot, 100+ degree day. BOBA, et. al.

Su, 13 July 03 - A Virginia Rail was well observed from distances of 8' to 20' at KRP's Prince's Pond area by numerous birders'. SUCO, BOBA, et. al.

Su, 13 July 03 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was heard from the parking lot at KRP Headquarters. BOBA, et. al.

Su, 13 July 03 - A male Summer Tanager was very well observed just west of the parking lot at KRP Headquarters. BOBA, et. al.

Su, 13 July 03 - A male Indigo Bunting was still present on the east end of the Kern River Preserve (east of Fay Ranch Road). Also present were several Blue Grosbeaks and Lazuli Buntings. Two flyover Lawrence's Goldfinches were observed.. BOBA, et. al.

Sa, 12 July 03 - A hoped-for Olive-sided Flycatcher and an unexpected Gray Flycatcher were observed on the short trail to 9400' Bald Mountain Lookout this afternoon. Also present were White-throated Switfts, White-headed Woodpecker, Clark's Nutcrackers, and a Green-tailed Towhee. BOBA, et. al.

Sa, 12 July 03 - Four hummingbird species were observed at Blackrock Ranger Station this afternoon: Black-chinned, Anna's, Calliope, and Rufous. BOBA, et. al.

Sa, 12 July 03 - At least three Vesper Sparrows were observed at Troy Meadow this morning. Also present were a pair of Williamson's Sapsuckers, White-headed Woodpecker, a pair of Mountain Bluebirds at the next, and Cassin's Finches. BOBA, et. al.

Sa, 12 July 03 - At least three flocks of Pinyon Jays were observed in the pinyon pine forest along Kennedy Meadows Road this morning. BOBA, et. al.

Sa, 12 July 03 - A flock of 25-30 Band-tailed Pigeons along with a Gray Flycatcher and Plumbeous Vireo highlighted sightings at Chimney Creek Campground this morning.

Fr, 11 July 03 - A Green-tailed Towhee was observed at Redwood Meadow, Sequoia National Forest by members of a Sequoia Audubon Society field trip.

Fr, 11 July 03 - A Blue Grouse was heard booming from Holey Meadow Campground, Sequoia Natuonal Forest. Also present were Hermit Warbler and MacGillivray's Warbler. BOBA, et. al..

Fr, 11 July 03 - A male and a female/immature Vermilion Flycatcher were present at the location off Fay Ranch Road where they were first observed Tu, 20 May 03 and last reported Su, 8 June 03 when a pair was observed copulating. This was the first detection in over a month despite several site visits made to try and relocate them. JOLE, BOBA, et. al.

Th, 10 July 03 - A Lawrence's Goldfinch was observed in the open in brilliant sunshine by two birders from Maine. This common nesting species is becoming increasingly scarce as the summer passes. This follows the pattern of the last three years when this species went from common to abundant status the first of April through the first half of June to no records in the month of August. Fide BOBA.

We, 9 July 03 - About a dozen field biologists from the Institute for Bird Populations birded the Kern River Preserve this morning. They walked a portion of the South Fork Kern River riverbed downstream from the Nature Trail where they encountered several Lawrence's Goldfinches at pools of above surface water. IBPO.

Tu, 8 July 03 - A Bell's Vireo was seen and heard singing on the north side of the South Fork Kern River riparian forest of the Kern River Preserve halfway between Fay Ranch Road and Sierra Way. A return to this location to attempt a tape-playback relocation by researchers failed to turn-up this species. RETO.

Th, 3 July 03 - Blue Grouse were heard booming in far northern Kern County from along the trail to Sunday Peak in the Greenhorn Mountains. SCTE, LITE, RYTE.

We, 2 July 03 - Hummingbird activity is picking up at the feeders in the yard at KRP Headquarters as Black-chinned Hummingbird and Anna's Hummingbird young of the year fledge and as the first Rufous Hummingbirds and Allen's Hummingbirds arrive on southbound "fall" migration. Numerous Bullock's Orioles are using the feeders as well. On 30 June and 1 July two hundred eight ounces per day of sugar water solution were consumed by hundreds of individuals from among the above listed species. The peak of consumption the last several years has been during the August 15th-25th window of time. BOBA.

Fr-Mo, 27-30 June 03 - Bird observation list from Los Angeles Audubon Society field trip to the Kern River Valley and southern Sierra Nevada (details follow below under specific dates): Pied-billed Grebe, Western Grebe, Clark's Grebe, American White Pelican, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Turkey Vulture, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Osprey, Bald Eagle (immature - 1st year), Northern Goshawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Ring-necked Pheasant, Blue Grouse, California Quail, Mountain Quail, Sora, American Coot, Killdeer, Black-necked Stilt, Ring-billed Gull, Caspian Tern, Band-tailed Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Greater Roadrunner, Barn Owl, Flammulated Owl, Great Horned Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Common Poorwill, Black Swift, White-throated Swift, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Selasphorus (Rufous/Allen's) hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Williamson's Sapsucker, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Hammond's Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Plumbeous Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Steller's Jay, Western Scrub-Jay, Pinyon Jay, Clark's Nutcracker, Common Raven, Horned Lark, Tree Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Mountain Chickadee, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pygmy Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, American Dipper, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, Townsend's Solitaire, American Robin, Wrentit, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Phainopepla, Nashville Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Resplendent Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Tricolored Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, Scott's Oriole, Purple Finch, Cassin's Finch, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Lawrence's Goldfinch, House Sparrow ... 145 species. BOBA, STSO, et. al.

Mo, 30 June 03 - A singing Scott's Oriole was observed just off Hwy. 178 above the rest stop at Milepost 74. BOBA.

Mo, 30 June 03 - A pair of nesting Hooded Orioles along with 50+ Tricolored Blackbirds were present at Scodie County Park in Onyx. Also present were Red-winged Blackbird and Brewer's Blackbird. BPBA.

Mo, 30 June 03 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was well seen at the west end of Prince's Pond this morning between 8:30am and 9:30am. STSO, JIAB.

Mo, 30 June 03 - Three to five Black Swifts were well seen this morning from 6:57am-7:10am, 1.5 miles above the bridge over the North Fork Kern River on the way to R-Ranch/Johnsondale. BOBA, STSO, et. al.

Su, 29 June 03 - The Least Flycatcher (see 20 June) was still present this morning. MUHA.

Su, 29 June 03 - The first Willow Flycatcher nest at Mariposa Marsh since 1996 was found today. JAMC.

Su, 29 June 03 - Two Canyon Wrens were observed along the Kern River from the Keyesville Raft Launch Site accessed off the Keyesville Road immediately across Hwy. 155 from the entrance to Main Dam Campground. BOBA, et. al.

Su, 29 June 03 - A nesting pair of American Dippers were observed along the Kern River immediately below Isabella Reservoir's main dam. STSO, et. al.

Su, 29 June 03 - At least three small groups of Pinyon Jays were well-observed by fourteen observers from along the Piute Mountain Road where it parallels Landers Meadow. Also present were Mountain Quail, Olive-sided Flycatcher (calling loudly), Western Wood-Pewee, Gray Flycatcher, Steller's Jay, Violet-green Swallow, Mountain Chickadee, Pygmy Nuthatch, Green-tailed Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow, and House Finch. BOBA, MAFR, et. al.

Su, 29 June 03 - A Willow Flycatcher, an adult male Summer Tanager, and Lawrence's Goldfinches were observed from along the forested portion of the entrance driveway to the Kern River Preserve in Weldon. BOBA, et. al.

Su, 29 June 03 - Observed in the southwest portion of the South Fork Wildlife Area at the east end of Isabella Reservoir as accessed at Patterson Lane were, among others, Western Grebe, Clark's Grebe, American White Pelican, Great Egret, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Osprey (nest with two adults and two young), Bald Eagle (immature), Sora, Black-necked Stilt, Caspian Tern, Greater Roadrunner, Say's Phoebe, Loggerhead Shrike (pair), Horned Lark, Northern Mockingbird, Lark Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Tricolored Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, and Bullock's Oriole. BOBA, ROBU, MAFR, NIFR, STSO, et. al.

Su, 29 June 03 - An adult male Vermilion Flycatcher (NIFR, JIAB, et. al.), at least two Brown-crested Flycatchers (BOBA, STSO, et. al.), and an adult male Indigo Bunting (BOBA, STSO, et. al.) were observed along the north edge of the Kern River Preserve east of Fay Ranch Road 6am-7am this morning. Also present were several Blue Grosbeak (several), Lazuli Bunting (several), and Lawrence's Goldfinch (several).

Sa, 28 June 03 - The first migrant Selasphorus (Rufous/Allen's) hummingbird of the fall was found at the feeders at Kern River Preserve Headquarters. SABL.

Sa, 28 June 03 - A Flammulated Owl was heard at Holey Meadow (STSO, MAFR, et. al.), a Northern Pygmy- Owl was heard at Redwood Meadow (STSO), a Northern Saw-whet Owl was heard at (STSO, MAFR, et. al.) Horse Meadow, and a Common Poorwill was heard at the Trail of 100 Giants (STSO, et. al.)

Sa, 28 June 03 - One or two Pileated Woodpeckers were observed at Redwood Meadow and the Trail of 100 Giants off of the Western Divide Highway, Giant Sequoia National Monument, Tulare County, 33 miles north, northwest of Kernville. Also present in this location were: White-headed Woodpecker, Hammond's Flycatcher and a very large Black Bear. BOBA, STSO, et. al.

Sa, 28 June 03 - A visit to Doublebunk Meadow in the Giant Sequoia National Monument to escape 104 degree Kern River Valley heat and find 82 degree temperatures turned up among others: Red-breasted Sapsucker, White-headed Woodpecker, Mountain Chickadee, MacGillivray's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, and Purple Finch. BOBA, STSO, et. al.

Sa, 28 June 03 - A 5:45am-7:30am south to north and back walk along the first mile of Fay Ranch Road in Weldon yielded about fifty species including: Great Blue Herons at the nest, four woodpecker species (Nuttall's, Downy, Hairy, and Northern Flicker), Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Western Scrub-Jay, Oak Titmouse, Western Bluebird, 7-10 Yellow Warblers, Summer Tanager, Lark Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, 6-7 male Blue Grosbeaks, 6 Lazuli Buntings, Western Meadowlark, Bullock's Oriole, Lesser Goldfinch, Lawrence's Goldfinch and a Long-tailed Weasel. BOBA, STSO, et. al.

Fr, 27 June 03 - An adult Northern Goshawk and a Black Bear were observed at Paloma Meadow, just off the Sherman Pass Road, Kern Plateau, Sequoia National Forest, Tulare County. STSO, BOBA, et. al.

Fr., 27 June 2003 - A Blue Grouse and a pair of Peregrine Falcons were present just below 9400' Bald Mountain Lookout, located off the Sherman Pass Road, Tulare County. Of additional interest was a pair of Purple Finches at the nest at 9300'. Also present were: numerous White-throated Swifts, Clark's Nutcrackers, and Green-tailed Towhee. STSO, BOBA, et. al.

Fr., 27 June 03 - About an adult male Williamson's Sapsucker and about a score of hatching year and female Calliope Hummingbirds were observed in the vicinity of the hummingbird feeders at Blackrock Ranger Station, just off the Sherman Pass Road 2-3 miles west of Troy Meadow, Tulare County. BOBA, STSO, et. al.

Fr, 27 June 03 - An adult male Green-winged Teal, Red-breasted Sapsucker, an adult male Williamson's Sapsucker, a Hairy Woodpecker, an adult male White-headed Woodpecker, a nesting pair of Mountain Bluebirds, Brewer's Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows, Cassin's Finches, and 2-3 Yellow-bellied Marmots were observed during a three hour visit to Troy Meadow, Sequoia National Forest, Tulare County. BOBA, STSO, et. al.

Fr, 27 June 03 - A flock of Pinyon Jays was found at the east entrance of Kennedy Meadows, Tulare County. BOBA, STSO, et. al.

Fr, 27 June 03 - A pair of Gray Flycatchers, a Pacific-slope Flycatcher, a Plumbeous Vireo, Black-throated Gray Warblers, and several Lawrence's Goldfinches were found at the entrance to Chimney Creek Campground, far southeastern Tulare County. BOBA, STSO, et. al.

Fr, 27 June 03 - Several Willow Flycatchers and an adult male Summer Tanager were found at Kern River Preserve Headquarters, Weldon, Kern County.

We, 25 June 03 - The Least Flycatcher (see 20 June 03 first report) was still present. It was calling incessantly until at least 12:30pm. ASSU, SCBA.

We, 25 June 03 - A Lesser Nighthawk was observed this evening foraging over Fay Ranch Road north of the bridge (ASSU, SCBA). This species has gone from common to scarce in the Kern River Valley over the last few years. Another Lesser Nighthawk was observed foraging over the community of Inyokern, where it is more common, this evening. TOPO, JAPO.

We, 25 June 03 - A Brown-crested Flycatcher was observed at the Canebrake Ecological Reserve. This is the first report of this species from the CER this year. BUWI.

We, 25 June 03 - Two birders from Princeton, New Jersey added Black Swift to their life lists this morning at the consistent location for observing this species at the large roadside pull-out located 20 miles north of Kernville in Tulare County at 1.5 miles above the Johnsondale Bridge over the North Fork Kern River. Three individuals were observed overhead from 6:55am through 7:05am. BOBA, TOPO, JAPO.

Tu, 24 June 03 - Four Greater Roadrunners, a male Ladder-backed Woodpecker, a Rock Wren, two Cactus Wrens, and a California Towhee were observed along Kelso Valley Road at a point five miles south of Hwy. 178 in Weldon. BOBA, TOPO, JAPO.

Tu, 24 June 03 - A Brown-crested Flycatcher was observed this morning by two New Jersey birders on an escort-only portion of the Kern River Preserve located east of Fay Ranch Road. Among other birds present were: Nuttall's Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Oak Titmouse, Western Bluebird, Spotted Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Western Meadowlark, Bullock's Oriole, and Lesser Goldfinch.. BOBA, TOPO, JAPO.

Su, 22 June 03 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was seen on the Kern River Preserve by over a half dozen observers this morning during a south to north transect of Fay Ranch Road in Weldon. This bird was in the last tree on the west (left) before the large agricultural fields found a half mile north of the bridge over the South Fork Kern River. BREL, KUPO.

Su, 22 June 03 - Bird species observed by a field trip group walk along the flat portion of Fay Ranch Road from 5:45am-8am: Great Blue Heron (rookery), Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Anna's Hummingbird, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Common Raven, Tree Swallow, White-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Western Bluebird, American Robin, European Starling, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, California Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Brewer's Blackbird, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Lawrence's Goldfinch, and House Sparrow. BOBA, et. al.

Sa, 21 June 03 - A Pacific-slope Flycatcher was observed singing in the Kern River Preserve's "Slough Channel" this morning. BOBA.

S&D NOTE: The Pacific-slope Flycatcher is a rare nesting species in the South Fork Valley with 0-2 nesting pairs per summer detected. BOBA.

Sa, 21 June 03 - At 6:15am a Northern Parula was observed singing in the top of a 50' tall tree in the Kern River Preserve's "Slough Channel" c. 50 yards west of the parking lot at Headquarters. ASSU.

S&D NOTE: The Northern Parula has been found summering several different years along the lower 14 miles of the South Fork Kern River including a remarkable five individuals during the summer of 2000. No proof of nesting has ever been found. BOBA.

Sa, 21 June 03 - Bird observations of fifty-nine species from a trip from Chimney Peak Backcountry By-way to the Johnsondale Bridge with stops at the lower portion of Chimney Peak Backcountry By-way, Chimney Creek Campground, Big Pine Meadow, Kennedy Meadow, Troy Meadow, Blackrock Ranger Station, and Paloma Meadow: California Quail, Mountain Quail, Mourning Dove, White-throated Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Hairy Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Plumbeous Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Steller's Jay, Western Scrub-Jay, Clark's Nutcracker, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Mountain Chickadee, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Western Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, Townsend's Solitaire, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-headed Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, Purple Finch, Cassin's Finch, House Finch, Red Crossbill, Pine Siskin, and House Sparrow. GAFI, MIMC, BOPA.

Fr, 20 June 03 - The third Kern River Valley record of Least Flycatcher was reported this morning from the Kern River Preserve's Prince Field Restoration Site located along the south edge of the South Fork Kern River mature riparian forest west of Sierra Way and Prince's Pond. This individual was incessantly calling "che-bek, che-bek, che-bek" from about thirty feet in from the edge. This location is not easily accessible and is quite difficult to reach. MAWH.

S&D NOTE: All three Kern River Valley Least Flycatchers have been first found by the same observer (MAWH). The first two were found within 100 m/yds. of each other in different years at the edge of the mature riparian forest on the north side of the South Fork Kern River east of Sierra Way and the end of the Migrant Corner Trail. The 2002 bird was seen and heard by numerous observers from 30 May through 9 June. BOBA.

Fr, 20 June 03 - A birder from Alabama and one from Oakland recorded several life birds 5:30am-12:30pm while birding the Kern River Preserve and the Landers' Meadow Area of the Piute Mountains. Highlights included: Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Nuttall's Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Pinyon Jay, Pygmy Nuthatch, Summer Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Brewer's Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Indigo Bunting, Cassin's Finch, and Lawrence's Goldfinch.

Details:

5:30am-9am, Kern River Preserve East Unit (escort only) and Kern River Preserve Headquarters - Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Ring-necked Pheasant, California Quail, Mourning Dove, Barn Owl, White-throated Swift, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Common Raven, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Western Bluebird, European Starling, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, Lark Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Brewer's Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and Lawrence's Goldfinch. BOBA, REBA, BOPO.

9am-10am, 11:30am-12:30am - En route via Kelso Valley Road and Piute Mountain Road - Mountain Quail, Mourning Dove, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Say's Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Steller's Jay, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Mountain Chickadee, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, Cactus Wren, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Western Tanager, Lark Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, House Finch, and House Sparrow. BOBA, REBA, BOPO.

10am-11:30am, Lander's Meadow, Piute Mountains - Mountain Quail, Mourning Dove, Hairy Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Steller's Jay, Western Scrub-Jay, Pinyon Jay, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Mountain Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, American Robin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee (at least four), Spotted Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow (3-5), Lark Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Brown-headed Cowbird, and Cassin's Finch. BOBA, REBA, BOPO.

Th, 19 June 03 - An adult male Vermilion Flycatcher was observed on private land 300 yards west of the Fay Ranch Road bridge over the South Fork Kern River. MUHA.

We, 18 June 03 - Four Williamson's Sapsuckers were reported from the area of the parking lot at 9200' Sherman Pass. Another was observed at Troy Meadow Campground. GEMA, LAMA.

We, 18 June 03 - Three Indigo Buntings were observed this morning in the Sequoia National Forest's 1200-acre South Fork Wildfire Area (SFWA) located at the east end of Isabella Reservoir. A solid, adult male was found on the south side of the forest as accessed off of Hwy. 178 just west of the sand and gravel plant in Weldon (JOST). A pair (male with white lower belly and female), as well as a Peregrine Falcon, was found on the north side of the main forest in the new growth area found c. 1 km/1000yds. west of the SFWA parking lot as accessed off of Sierra Way (BUWI). JOST, BUWI.

Tu, 17 June 03 - Eight nesting warbler species were found on a 7:30am-11:30am birding stay in the area along the southern part (Holey Meadow, Redwood Meadow) of the Western Divide Highway, Tulare County, 30-33 road miles north of Kernville: Orange-crowned, Nashville, Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Gray, Hermit, MacGillivray's, and Wilson's. MIMC.

Tu, 17 June 03 - Two Yellow-billed Cuckoos were observed this morning on both sides of the forested portion of the entrance road to Kern River Preserve Headquarters. This brings the total for the season to eight individuals; four in the South Fork Wildlife Area and four on the Kern River Preserve. Individuals of this species are expected to arrive through June in the South Fork Valley for this year's nesting season. MUHA, ADTE, ANTE.

Mo, 16 June 03 - A Vermilion Flycatcher was heard singing on private ranch land adjacent to the east end of the Kern River Preserve by a researcher from southeast Arizona familiar with the species. Due to its location on inaccessible private land, this bird could not be visually verified. JAMC.

Mo, 16 June 03 - Results of an 8am-11:30am trip to Holey Meadow and the Trail of 100 Giants: Mountain Quail, Hairy Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Hammond's Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Steller's Jay, Common Raven, Mountain Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, House Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Nashville Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Hermit Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Lazuli Bunting, and Purple Finch. BOBA, PAGA.

Mo, 16 June 03 - MacGillivray's Warblers were common at Holey Meadow with (10 individuals detected) and Hermit Warblers abundant (with 10-15 detected) along the Trail of 100 Giants. BOBA.

Mo, 16 June 03 - Two singing male Black-throated Gray Warblers were found in oak and young mixed conifer habitat alongside Mtn. 99, 0.1 miles above the Lloyd Meadows Road. BOBA, PAGA.

Mo, 16 June 03 - A Utah birder added Black Swift to his California list by watching a flock of six individuals of this species as they foraged overhead from 6:45am-6:55am at the traditional viewing spot located in Tulare County, twenty miles north of Kernville and 1.5 miles above (west of) the "Johnsondale Bridge" over the North Fork Kern River (or coming from the west, 2.6 miles below the Lloyd Meadows Road and two miles below Johnsondale/R-Ranch in the Sequoias). Look for the large pull-out on the deep canyon/south side of the road. BOBA, PAGA.

Mo, 16 June 03 - Ten male Summer Tanagers were detected signing full songs between 4:45am and 5:15am during a species specific survey of the 0.7 mile long ranch road leading west from Kern River Preserve Headquarters and the 1.25 mile long Nature Trail leading east from KRP Hdqtrs. All singing ceased well before sunrise making it difficult to find and SEE this species during daylight hours. BOBA.

Su, 15 June 03 - A Brown-crested Flycatcher was heard and observed at the escort only territory at the east end of the Kern River Preserve. BOBA, PAGA.

Su, 15 June 03 - The nest of the Pileated Woodpecker pair was found on a hillslope above the Evans Flat Campground this afternoon (See Su, 1 June 03 below). TOWU, LIAU.

We, 11 June 03 - "Birders: Spent the morning with Gary File, exploring the Trail of 100 Giants, in Tulare County. This area is about 2 hours northeast of Bakersfield, 1 hour north of Kernville (Lake Isabella). The feature bird is probably the Pileated Woodpecker, which can be heard drumming and calling much more easily than it can be seen. It is also one of the rare spots in the US where the Hermit Warbler is a 'trash bird.' Other warbler species seen this morning were Yellow, Yellow-rumped, and MacGillivray's Warbler. White-headed Woodpeckers and Red-breasted Sapsuckers were common. A single Townsend's Solitaire popped up in one of the meadows along the road. 'Large-billed' Fox Sparrows greeted us at most stops and Golden-crowned Kinglets were the 'most common bird you'll never see' (quote MOC). We saw two and heard many. It is an intriguing area, well worth a trip by kerncobirders. Michael McQuerrey, moderator, kerncobirding." GAFI, MIMC.

Tu, 10 June 03 - An adult male Williamson's Sapsucker was found and well observed by two Illinois birders walking along the dirt road to Round Meadow west of Sherman Pass off of the paved Sherman Pass Road. DOJA, ALGR.

Tu, 10 June 03 - A male Mountain Quail was well observed along Jawbone Canyon Road just east of Kelso Valley Road and a Greater Roadrunner was observed along Kelso Valley Road between Weldon and Jawbone Canyon Road. BOBA, DOJA, ALGR

Tu, 10 June 03 - The pair of Pileated Woodpeckers was still present at Evans Flat Campground, six miles south of Greenhorn Summit in the Greenhorn Mountains. BOST, BRSM. (See Su, 1 June 03).

Mo, 9 June 03 - Two Illinois birders spent an intensive, all-day, 6am-7:15pm birding trip to looking for life birds or bird species that they have rarely seen. They were very successful in seeing: Black Swift (between the bridge over the Kern River and Johnsondale from 6:55am-7:15am), Calliope Hummingbird (15-20 females at feeders at Blackrock Ranger Station), Red-breasted Sapsucker (Holey Meadow), White-headed Woodpecker (Holey Meadow, Bald Mountain, Troy Meadow), Dusky Flycatcher (Troy Meadow), Clark's Nutcracker (Fish Creek Campground), Pygmy Nuthatch (Fish Creek Campground), Townsend's Solitaire (Bald Mountain, Troy Meadow), Hermit Warbler (Holey Meadow and abundantly at the Trail of 100 Giants where 10-15 were heard and three seen), MacGillivray's Warbler (Doublebunk Meadow, Holey Meadow, Redwood Meadow), Blue Grosbeak (Kern River Preserve), Lazuli Bunting (Kern River Preserve), Cassin's Finch (Bald Mountain, Troy Meadow), and Lawrence's Goldfinch (Kern River Preserve). Also well observed was a female Pileated Woodpecker foraging for several minutes at close range on a downed log in Holey Meadow. BOBA, ALGR, DOJA.

Su, 8 June 03 - Northern Goshawk, Blue Grouse, Mountain Quail, Calliope Hummingbird, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Williamson's Sapsucker, White-headed Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Gray Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Cassin's Vireo, Townsend's Solitaire, Hermit Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, and Green-tailed Towhee continue in the mountains surrounding the Kern River Valley. BOBA.

Su, 8 June 03 - Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Willow Flycatchers, Vermilion Flycatchers, Brown-crested Flycatchers, Summer Tanagers, Blue Grosbeaks, Tricolored Blackbirds, and Lawrence's Goldfinches continue in the South Fork Valley (See specific reports following). BOBA.

Su, 8 June 03 - Three Brown-crested Flycatchers were observed and some photographed on the north side of the Kern River Preserve east of Fay Ranch Road this afternoon. "Blue Grosbeaks were all over the place, several Lazuli Buntings were present, and Lawrence's Goldfinch numbers are building as a flock of 60 were feeding on fiddleneck in the field." This is an escort only area of the Preserve. BOST, BRSM.

Su, 8 June 03 - A report came in today that 17,000 White-faced Ibis have been surveyed as being present at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge located 18 miles west of Delano. "Lots of ducks" including Blue-winged Teal, Redheads, and Lesser Scaups are reported. GALU.

Su, 8 June 03 - A Wood Thrush, first found by JOSE this morning, was found again this afternoon in the vicinity of the sculpture garden on the campus of Cerro Coso College in Ridgecrest. This species is one of the rarest of the eastern vagrant species that have reached Kern County. JOSE.

Su, 8 June 03 - The pair of Vermilion Flycatchers on Fay Ranch Road (See Su, 1 June 03) was observed copulating this morning at 9:30am. If conditions remain stable for this pair, they should remain in the South Fork Valley well into July at least. BOBA, CHCO, JOBR.

Sa, 7 June 03 - The pair of Pileated Woodpeckers was still present at Evans Flat Campground, six miles south of Greenhorn Summit in the Greenhorn Mountains (See Su, 1 June 03). ANHO, VEHO.

Sa, 7 June 03 - An adult Le Conte's Thrasher and a hatching year young were observed exceedingly well at a private residence in Inyokern by a pair of Montana birders who had set up an appointment earlier. RAJO, BAJO.

Fr, 6 June 03 - A pair of Lawrence's Goldfinch was observed foraging in grass and picking at bare dirt areas on the front lawn at Kern River Preserve Headquarters this afternoon. GEMA, LAMA.

Fr, 6 June 03 - A Red-breasted Sapsucker, a few White-headed Woodpeckers, and several Hermit Warblers were reported from along the first few miles of Rancheria Road leading north from 6104' Greenhorn Summit. RAJO, BAJO.

Fr, 6 June 03 - A visit this morning to the chaparral and scrub habitat along the first 200 meters/yards of the Whiskey Flat Trail at the end of Burlando Road in Kernville yielded a nice suite of species observed in less than thirty minutes for two visiting Montana birders: California Quail, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, Wrentit, California Thrasher, Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Black-headed Grosbeak, Brewer's Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch. BOBA, BAJO, RAJO.

Fr, 6 June 03 - The adult male Vermilion Flycatcher was observed again this morning (See 1 June 03). SAPH, MIWI.

Th, 5 June 03 - Six Pileated Woodpeckers were observed at three locations along the Western Divide Hwy. north of Kernville this morning: three along the Trail of 100 Giants, one at Redwood Meadow, and two at Holey Meadow. GOBL. BOBA NOTE: This species has been remarkably reliable this spring and summer season with all but a few birders visiting these areas reporting this species.

Th, 5 June 03 - A Plumbeous Vireo was observed at the entrance to Chimney Creek Campground. SAPH, MIWI.

Th, 5 June 03 - The adult male Vermilion Flycatcher was observed again this morning. SAPH, MIWI, BOBA, RAJO, BAJO.

Th, 5 June 03 - Two-three small flocks of Lawrence's Goldfinch totaling 20-30 individuals was observed from along the ranch road leading west from Kern River Preserve Headquarters. BOBA, RAJO, SAPH, MIWI, BAJO.

We, 4 June 03 - A large colony of Tricolored Blackbirds (several hundred to a few thousand pairs) has been established in low willow trees in the South Fork Wildlife Area at the edge of the current high water level of Isabella Reservoir as accessed of Sierra Way at Hanning Flat day use area.. A Peregrine Flacon was observed hunting the edge of the reservoir at the same location. And, a male Blue-winged Teal was observed. Also present were: Western Grebe, Clark's Grebe, American White Pelican, Wood Duck, Mallard, Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, California Quail, Loggerhead Shrike, Horned Lark, and Blue Grosbeak. BOBA, RAJO, BAJO.

We, 4 June 03 - Brown-crested Flycatchers have arrived in good numbers. They have been most consistently heard and seen from a traditional location at the far east end of the Kern River Preserve and at a new location along the first 500 meters/yards of the fence running east from the end of the Migrant Corner Trail. BOBA.

We, 4 June 03 - Summer Tanagers are present in large numbers and are being reported from all traditional locations - Audubon California's Kern River Preserve Headquarters and Nature Trail, Fay Ranch Road in the vicinity of the bridge over the South Fork Kern River, Prince's Pond/Sierra Way Bridge area, California Department of Fish & Game's Canebrake Ecological Reserve, all along the South Fork Kern River channel, and the Sequoia National Forest's South Fork Wildlife Area. BOBA, MAWH, et. al.

We, 4 June 03 - A small Tricolored Blackbird colony appears to be being reestablished in a small patch of Himalayan blackberry 100 meters/yards off the north side of Hwy. 178 0.2 miles east of Sierra Way in Weldon. BOBA.

Tu, 3 June 03 - Two Yellow-billed Cuckoos were detected along the south side of the Sequoia National Forest's South Fork Wildlife Area. MAWH.

Tu, 3 June 03 - Four Pileated Woodpeckers were observed along the Trail of 100 Giants across from Redwood Meadow Campground, Western Divide Highway, Giant Sequoia National Monument, Tulare County, thirty-three miles north from Kernville. Also present were: Mountain Quail, White-headed Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Steller's Jay, Common Raven, Mountain Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Hermit Warbler, Western Tanager, Fox Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, and Brewer's Blackbird. GAFI.

Mo, 2 June 03 - At least three Long-eared Owls, including two hatching year individuals, were observed at the Kern River Preserve (see Sa, 31 May account below). ASSU, BOBA, SCBA.

Su, 1 June 03 - A pair of Pileated Woodpeckers observed at Evans Flat Campground was six miles south of recent known southern range limit for this species at Greenhorn Summit in the Greenhorn Mountains. Historically this species occurred south to Breckenridge Mountain twelve miles farther south from Evans Flat. BOST, SUST.

Su, 1 June 03 - A FOS Yellow-billed Cuckoo was heard calling from the Slough Channel leading west from the Kern River Preserve Headquarters parking lot by members of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo research team. ADTE, ANTE.

Su, 1 June 03 - The adult male Vermilion Flycatcher, first found May 20th, was still present in and around the large meadow located on the southwest side of the Fay Ranch Road bridge. It was observed day perched in trees and on the telephone/electric heading west and perpendicular to Fay Ranch Road. All land behind the fence is private. Bird from the road edge near the pile of 20+ tires. JOHA.

Sa, 31 May 03 - At least three Long-eared Owls, including two hatching year individuals, were observed in a thicket of young (30'-40') willow trees on Kern River Preserve acreage east of Fay Ranch Road and north of the South Fork Kern River. ASSU.

Th, 29 May 03 - An adult male and "female" plumaged Vermilion Flycatcher were observed at the 20 May location. BOBA.

Tu, 27 May 03 - A family group of three Vermilion Flycatchers were observed in the territory where an adult male of this species was first detected a week before (See Tu, 20 May 03). This is the first support for nesting in the South Fork Valley in nearly a decade. JOHA, LOHA.

Mo, 26 May 03 - FOS. Nine Black Swifts were observed among fifteen White-throated Swifts flying remarkably low at 7:30am this morning in the vicinity of the area between the Kern Valley Golf Course and the community of Wofford Heights. ROBE, JACU.

Observers: JIAB-Jim Abernathy, IAU-Liga Auzins, REBA-Reed Bailey, BOBA-Bob Barnes, SCBA-Scot Barnes, ROBE-Ron Beck, GOBL-Gordon Black, MABO-Martin Bowman, JOBR-John Brollini, ROBU-Ron Burns, LECH-Les Chibana, SUCO-Sue Cossins, CHCO-Christine Couroux, JACU-Janet Cunningham, BREL-Brian Elliot, GAFI-Gary File, MAFR-Mary Freeman, NIFR-Nick Freeman, PAGA-Parker Gay, FRGI-Frank Gibson, ALGR-Alice Gregory, MUHA-Murrelet Halterman, JOHA-Joe Hart, LOHA-Lois Hart, ANHO-Andrew Howe, VEHO-Vernon Howe, IBPO-Institute for Bird Populations, DOJA-Dorothy Jackson, BAJO-Barbara Johnson, RAJO-Ray Johnson, JOLE-John Lewis, GALU-Gary Lundquist, GEMA-Gerald Maisel, LAMA-Laurette Maisel, JAMC-Janine McCabe, MIMC-Michael McQuerrey, DOMI-Donald Mitchell, MIPH-Mike Phillips, KUPO-Kurt Pohlman, JAPO-Jane Poole, TOPO-Tom Poole, BOPO-Bob Power, SHRU-Sharon Ruport, JOSE-Joyce Seibold, BRSM-Brian Small, STSO-Steve Sosensky, BOST-Bob Steele, SUST-Susan Steele, JOST-John Sterling, ASSU-Ashley Sutton, LITE-Linday Terrill, RYTE-Ryan Terrill, SCTE-Scott Terrill ADTE-Adolph Tetsekoua, ANTE-Ann Tetsekoua, MAWH-Mary Whitfield, BUWI-Bud Widdowson, MIWI-Mike Witzel, TOWU-Tom Wurster...

Bob Barnes & Associates • PO Box 953, Weldon, CA 93283 • E-mail: Bob Barnes

Hit Counter

Valley Wild

Return to the previous web page

This page was last updated on Saturday, August 25, 2007