Sa, 11 Oct 03 - 1521 Turkey Vultures were tallied at the KRV count site. Reported by TEGA and ALSH.

Fr, 10 Oct 03 - Galileo Hill, an American Redstart remains along with a late MacGillivray's Warbler. A Orange billed Fox Sparrows, an Acorn Woodpecker, and a Lewis's Woodpecker were observed. Edwards Air Force Base (need permit to bird here) had a thousand plus shorebirds including hundreds of Least Sandpipers, a Baird's Sandpiper, a White-faced Ibis, and a Dunlin.  SUST.

Fr, 10 Oct 03 - 144 Turkey Vultures were tallied at the KRV count site. Reported by TEGA and ALSH.

Th, 9 Oct 03 - 1424 Turkey Vultures were tallied at the KRV count site. Reported by TEGA and ALSH.

We, 8 Oct 03 - At China Lake NAWS sewage ponds (pass required): Bobolink. SUST.

We, 8 Oct 03 - 1594 Turkey Vultures were tallied at the KRV count site. Reported by TEGA and ALSH.

Tu, 7 Oct 03 - 2384 Turkey Vultures were tallied at the KRV count site. Reported by TEGA and ALSH.

Mo, 6 Oct 03 - 1021 Turkey Vultures were tallied at the KRV count site. Reported by TEGA and ALSH.

Su, 6 Oct 03 - Visits to eastern Kern County desert oases resulted in the sighting of a Chestnut-sided Warbler plus continuing Red-naped Sapsucker, a male Vermilion Flycatcher at California City, two American Redstarts, and the female Hooded Warbler. MIMC.

Su, 5 Oct 03 - Visits to eastern Kern County desert oases resulted in sightings of numerous species including: a Red-naped Sapsucker, a male Vermilion Flycatcher at California City, three American Redstarts (one adult male and two females including one at California City), and a continuing female Hooded Warbler. MIMC.

Su, 5 Oct 03 - 2711 Turkey Vultures were tallied at the KRV count site. TEGA, ALSH, BOST.

Su, 5 Oct 03 - A visit to the late Yellow-billed Cuckoo active nesting territory came up empty this morning. The last confirmed sighting was made during the last visit on 28 September. ADTE.

Su, 5 Oct 03 - There have been no confirmed observations of Summer Tanager at KRP Headquarters since 28 September. BOBA.

Sa, 4 Oct 03 - 1232 Turkey Vultures were tallied at the KRV count site. Reported by TEGA and ALSH.

Fr, 3 Oct 03 - This afternoon there was a Bay-breasted Warbler at Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest. It was loosely associated with a large flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers and was last seen in the sculpture garden area. SUST.

Fr, 3 Oct 03 - At China Lake NAWS sewage ponds (pass required): Sanderling. Marbled Godwit, Baird's Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper,. SUST.

Fr, 3 Oct 03 - 1047 Turkey Vultures were tallied at the KRV count site. Reported by TEGA and ALSH.

Th, 2 Oct 03 - 2737 Turkey Vultures were tallied at the KRV count site. Reported by TEGA and ALSH.

We, 1 Oct 03 - Eurasian Collared-Dove, White-eyed Vireo, and Hooded Warbler at Galileo Hill. SUST.

We, 1 Oct 03 - 2154 Turkey Vultures were tallied at the KRV count site. Reported by TEGA and ALSH.

Tu, 30 Sep 03 - A Broad-winged Hawk tallied from the KRV Turkey Vulture Watch site was the 9th Kern River Valley record. All records of this species for the Kern River Valley have been obtained from this site. TEGA.

Tu, 30 Sep 03 - 1265 Turkey Vultures were tallied at the KRV count site. Reported by TEGA and ALSH.

Mo, 29 Sep 03 - At China Lake NAWS sewage ponds (pass required): Sabine's Gull. Bobolink. SUST.

Mo, 29 Sep 03 - 1070 Turkey Vultures tallied at the KRV count site. Reported by TEGA and ALSH.

Mo, 29 Sep 03 - An Acorn Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Vesper Sparrow, and Lazuli Bunting were reported from Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest. SUST.

3pm, Fr, 26 Sep through 10am, M, 29 Sep - 10th Annual Kern River Valley Turkey Vulture Festival Official Bird Sightings List: Pied-billed Grebe, Western Grebe, Clark's Grebe, American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, 3083 Turkey Vultures, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Swainson's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle, American Kestrel, Merlin, Prairie Falcon, peep species, Wild Turkey, California Quail, Virginia Rail, Sora, Common Moorhen, American Coot, Killdeer, California Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Greater Roadrunner, Barn Owl, Western Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Lesser Nighthawk, Vaux's Swift, White-throated Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Lewis's Woodpecker, Acorn Woodpecker, WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, "Western" Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Loggerhead Shrike, Cassin's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Steller's Jay, Western Scrub-Jay, Pinyon Jay, Clark's Nutcracker, Common Raven, Horned Lark, Tree Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, Oak Titmouse, Verdin, Bushtit, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, California Thrasher, LE CONTE'S THRASHER, European Starling, ***RED-THROATED PIPIT***, American Pipit, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Hermit Warbler, BLACKPOLL WARBLER, AMERICAN REDSTART, PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (MIMC), MacGillivray's Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, HOODED WARBLER, Wilson's Warbler, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, 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, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow... 128 species. Many Observers. Areas of coverage: four east Kern County desert oases, Kern River Valley floor, Shirley Meadows (Greenhorn Mountains).

Su, 28 Sep 03 - 903 Turkey Vultures tallied at the KRV count site. Reported by TEGA and ALSH.

Su, 28 Sep 03 - An adult Yellow-billed Cuckoo with a fledgling continues in the South Fork Wildlife Area (See Sa, 30 August) far surpassing the previous late date of 12 September. ADTE.

Su, 28 Sep 03 - Summer Tanagers are still present at Kern River Preserve Headquarters. The Say's Phoebe remains at Headquarters. BOBA.

Sa, 27 Sep 03 - 1993 Turkey Vultures tallied at the KRV count site. Reported by TEGA and ALSH.

Fr, 26 Sep 03 - 782 Turkey Vultures tallied at the KRV count site. Reported by TEGA and ALSH.

Fr, 26 Sep 03 - A Ferruginous Hawk was observed along Fay Ranch Road. JAKE.

Th, 25 Sep 03 - 1066 Turkey Vultures tallied at the KRV count site. Reported by TEGA and ALSH.

Th, 25 Sep 03 - The Red-naped Sapsucker continued at the Cerro Coso College campus in Ridgecrest. SUST.

Tu, 23 Sep 03- A Say's Phoebe showed up at KRP Headquarters. BOBA, IGDC, RETO.

Tu, 23 Sep 03 - The first White-crowned Sparrow of the fall was observed at Kern River Preserve Headquarters. BOBA.

Mo, 22 Sep 03 - At least three Acorn Woodpeckers, a Red-naped Sapsucker, and a Townsend's Warbler were present at the Cerro Coso College campus in Ridgecrest. SUST.

Su, 21 Sep 03 - Today's visit to the site of a very late nesting pair of Yellow-billed Cuckoos (See Sa, 30 August) resulted in the continued presence of fledglings. The fledglings were found approximately 100 meters from the actual nest location. If the cuckoo fledglings survive, they are predicted to depart for the neotropics sometime between September 28th and October 11th. This is well past the September 12th late record for Kern County. ADTE.

Th, 18 Sep 03 - 761 Turkey Vultures were tallied today at the KRV Vulture Watch count site. TEGA.

We, 17 Sep 03 - At China Lake NAWS sewage ponds (pass required): Sanderling, Red Knot, Marbled Godwit, Baird's Sandpiper, three Sabine's Gulls.. SUST.

Tu, 16 Sep 03 -  -A visit to to the site of a very late nesting pair of Yellow-billed Cuckoos (See Sa, 30 August) this morning resulted in the presence of two adults and two fledglings. Based on the fact that on Sa, 13 September 03 the two young birds were still nestlings and based on the distance this morning of the fledglings from the nest and their size, it is estimated that they left the nest sometime Sunday or Monday. ADTE.

Mo, 15 Sep 03 - An all day transect of Kern County and one location in Tulare County yielded some excellent birding for two Georgia birders. Inyokern - California Quail, Greater Roadrunner, Costa's Hummingbird, Verdin, Le Conte's Thrasher, Black-throated Sparrow, Sage Sparrow. Scodie Park in Onyx - Tricolored Blackbird. Landers' Meadow in the Piute Mountains - White-headed Woodpecker, Pinyon Jay, Pygmy Nuthatch, California Towhee. Tillie Creek Campground in Wofford Heights - Acorn Woodpecker, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Oak Titmouse, Phainopepla. Alpaugh in Tulare County - roosting Lesser Nighthawks. Kern National Wildlife Refuge - Burrowing Owls, Yellow-headed Blackbirds. BOBA, BILO, DAVI.

Su, 14 Sep 03 - An early, sunrise morning visit to a private yard in Inyokern yielded excellent views of Costa's Hummingbird, Verdins, and Le Conte's Thrasher. BOBA, GAFI, MIMC.

Sa, 13 September 03 -Visits repeated every two to three days to the site of a very late nesting pair of Yellow-billed Cuckoos (See Sa, 30 August) resulted in the continued presence of nestlings this morning. ADTE.

Th, 11 Sep 03 - A 9am-10:15am birding outing, plus two dawn sightings, immediately around KRP Headquarters and out the KRP entrance driveway to the cattle pasture yielded the following species: Turkey Vulture, Mallard (at dawn), Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Great Horned Owl (at dawn), Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, American Robin, European Starling, Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Summer Tanager (female & male), Western Tanager (female), Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch. BOBA, et. al.

We, 10 Sep 03 - A Northern Waterthrush was found and observed by three birders from the United Kingdom for several minutes this morning at a water tank and seep below the spring on the hill overlooking the Kern River Valley Turkey Vulture Watch site 5 miles south on Kelso Valley Road from Hwy. 178 in Weldon. This is the fourth Kern River Valley record for this species and the second record for fall. There is one spring (late May) and one nesting season (early-June) record . Also present at this location were a flock of 80-100 California Quail, three Greater Roadrunners, California Towhee, Lark Sparrows, and Black-throated Sparrow. ROHO, DASM, DATA.

We, 10 Sep 03 - An early, sunrise morning visit to a private yard in Inyokern yielded excellent views of Costa's Hummingbird, Verdins, and Le Conte's Thrasher; three target species for three visiting British birders. Also present were Rufous Hummingbirds, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Western Tanagers.  BOBA, ROHO, DASM, DATA.

Tu, 9 Sep 03 - A Virginia's Warbler was observed at Cerro Coso College in Ridgecrest. SUST.

Tu, 9 Sep 03 - A Yellow-headed Blackbird was picked out of the whirling flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds at Prince's Pond on the Kern River Preserve. ROHO, DASM, DATA.

Tu, 9 Sep 03 - A Blue Grosbeak (rich, warm brown individual) was observed perched on a fence line during  very high winds in the east end of the Kern River Preserve where this species nests in high numbers. Also present were  White-tailed Kite, White-throated Swifts, Say's Phoebe, 10-15 Western Bluebirds, and a Loggerhead Shrike. BOBA, ROHO, DASM, DATA.

Tu, 9 Sep 03 - Several small flocks of Pinyon Jays were observed from along Piute Mountain Road between Kelso Valley Road and Landers Meadow. Also found were Mountain Chickadee and Pygmy Nuthatch. ROHO, DASM, DATA.

Tu, 9 Sep 03 - Twenty-five to thirty Tricolored Blackbirds continued on the lawn at Scodie Park in Onyx. BOBA, ROHO, DASM, DATA.

Tu, 9 Sep 03 - A migrant Green-tailed Towhee was found along the Kern River Preserve's Nature Trail. Also present were Nuttall's Woodpecker, Oak Titmouse, three migrant MacGillivray's Warblers (one in the low willows bordering the KRP parking lot), and Summer Tanager. ROHO, DASM, DATA.

Tu, 9 Sep 03 - The nesting season, 2003, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher field research season is over. The last fledglings observed prior to departure from the last nesting territory was on Friday, September 5th. Fledglings were not observed on Saturday despite a full period of observation. Nor were fledglings observed on Sunday or Monday. The procedure of fledgling observation without any being detected for three consecutive days was followed. MAWH.

Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Nesting Season Results Audubon California's Kern River Preserve and Sequoia National Forest's adjacent South Fork Wildlife Area, May 10, 2003 - September 5, 2003: ***KEY: (numbers in parentheses are results from the 2002 nesting season for comparison). ***Sa, 10 May 03 - First of Spring arrival for a local nesting population individual. ***Fr., 5 September 03 - Last sighting of local nesting population followed by three days of no sightings of fledglings at latest nest location. ***Females 15 (11), Males 19-21 (17-19), Fledglings 42 (16), Fledglings per Female 2.8 (1.23), Nest Predation Rate 20% (56%). ***The 2.8 young produced per female is the highest ever recorded for the South Fork Kern River population. ***Reported by Mary Whitfield.

Mo, 8 Sep 03 - Two American Dippers were observed along the Kern River immediately below Isabella Reservoir's Main Dam. ROHO, DASM, DATA.

Mo, 8 Sep 03 - Hummingbird numbers, although significantly less than in August, remain quite high with an average of 166 ounces of sugar water solution consumed per day on 7 and 8 September. This compares to an August high average of 276 ounces per day 18-20 August. The numbers composition is overwhelming dominated by Anna's Hummingbirds and Rufous Hummingbirds, with a very few Black-chinned Hummingbirds. BOBA.

Su, 7 Sep 03 - The Least Flycatcher was refound at Cerro Coso College. It was both calling and singing. JOSE.

Sa, 6 Sep 03 - A female Black-and-white Warbler was observed in California City. BOST.

Fr, 5 Sep 03 - A Ladder-backed Woodpecker and Pinyon Jays were observed at the Kern River Valley Turkey Vulture Watch count site located just off the west side of Kelso Valley Road, five miles south of its northern end at Hwy. 178 in Weldon. Pinyon Jays were also found by the same observer in the community of Onyx, off  Hwy. 178 five miles east of the entrance to the Kern River Preserve in Weldon. TEGA.

Fr, 5 Sep 03 - A calling first fall Least Flycatcher (in the desert natural area behind the fence), an Acorn Woodpecker, and a flock of about thirty Pinyon Jays were observed on the campus of Cerro Coso Community College at the south edge of Ridgecrest. SUST.

Fr, 5 Sep 03 - At least two Pileated Woodpeckers were observed this morning actively calling, pounding, and flying from along the Trail of 100 Giants, Giant Sequoia National Monument, Sequoia National Forest, Tulare County. Among other species present were: Mountain Quail (several sightings), Acorn Woodpecker (multiple individuals in trees at Redwood Meadow Campground - up-mountain dispersal - no reports here during spring and nesting season months), White-headed Woodpecker, Mountain Chickadee, Brown Creeper, and Winter Wren. This location is reached by driving thirty-three miles north from Kernville to the the parking lot near Redwood Meadow Campground on the Western Divide Highway. BOBA, ALJA.

Fr, 5 Sep 03 - An adult female Vermilion Flycatcher was observed this morning from the entrance road to KRP Headquarters at the interface of the north edge of the irrigated pasture and south edge of the Slough Channel riparian forest. JAMC.

NOTE: This new location for Vermilion Flycatcher for this year is about one mile southwest of the Fay Ranch Road nesting location. Is this an individual dispersing from the very small population within the South Fork Valley or is it one dispersing west/northwest from deeper in the heart of this species range to the east/southeast?   Whichever, this has been a banner year, actually the best year, for Vermilion Flycatcher in the South Fork Valley. BOBA.

Tu, 2 Sep 03 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was present at least through this morning in the Slough Channel about 300 meters/yards west of the KRP Headquarters parking lot. The last individual of this species' South Fork Kern River nesting season population will soon depart to the south for the winter. MAWH.

Su, 31 Aug 03 - A female American Redstart was the highlight of a visit to California City. Also present were a Red-necked Phalarope, Willow Flycatchers, "Western" Flycatchers, Warbling Vireos (including five in one tree), Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat , Western Tanagers, and Black-headed Grosbeaks. MIMC, GAFI..

Sa, 30 Aug 03 - While conducting vegetation plot measurements in the South Fork Wildlife Area for a Yellow-billed Cuckoo nest site from earlier in this nesting season, researcher Adolph Tetsekoua found an active nest of this species with an adult on the nest incubating. This observation establishes a new late record for incubation by this species in its South Fork Kern River nesting range. ADTE.

NOTE: If the Yellow-billed Cuckoo eggs hatch, the hatchlings fledge, and the fledglings survive through departure for the south, it will likely be sometime during the last third of September (21st-30th). To my knowledge, the latest fall record for this watershed (and Kern County? and?) for this species is a sighting and photograph made some years ago on a September 12th by Phil Unitt along Kelso Creek about fifteen road miles south of Hwy. 178/the Kern River Preserve entrance in Weldon. BOBA.

Sa, 30 Aug 03 - Hummingbird numbers are still quite high at the three KRP Headquarters feeding stations. 200-250 ounces of sugar water solution a day are still being consumed. Anna's Hummingbird and Rufous Hummingbird are the dominant species. BOBA.

Sa, 30 Aug 03 - Bird species observed in and around KRP Headquarters this date included: White-tailed Kite, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, California Quail, Mourning Dove, Barn Owl, Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, Western Bluebird, European Starling, Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Song Sparrow, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch. MAOBs.

Th, 28 Aug 03 - A daylight visual observation of a Northern Pygmy-Owl was made on the trail to Remington Hot Springs off of the old Kern Canyon Road 3.5 miles below the Borel turn-off from Hwy. 178. This bird was also heard calling and observed being confronted ("mobbed") by hummingbirds. ASSU.

Su, 24 Aug 03 - Bird species of interest found in and immediately around KRP Headquarters this morning included: Red-shouldered Hawk, California Quail, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Great Horned Owl, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Nashville Warbler, Yellow Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Lesser Goldfinch. BOBA, ANBR, ERBR, ASSU.

Sa, 23 Aug 03 - The peak of hummingbird numbers for this year has been reached this week with 260-275 ounces of sugar water per day being consumed. Numbers will make several dramatic drops over the next three to four weeks. By the first week of October, ounces per day consumed will likely drop below twenty-five. BOBA.

Sa, 23 Aug 03 - A male Vermilion Flycatcher was observed late this morning at the Fay Ranch Road location where one was first observed on 20 May 03 and last observed 17 July 03. A big surprise at this same location was a small flock of four Clark's Nutcrackers passing over the South Fork Valley at treetop level heading north, northwest. ANBR, ERBR.

Sa, 23 Aug 03 - An Acorn Woodpecker was observed in a large Fremont cottonwood tree on the east end of the Kern River Preserve east of Fay Ranch Road this morning. Even though this species is fairly common in oak woodland within two-three miles of this tree, this morning's sighting is one of the very few ever for the KRP. ANBR, ERBR.

Sa, 23 Aug 03 - A fresh MacGillivray's Warbler (a hatching year male) specimen in excellent condition was found on the ramp entrance to the Visitor Center at the Kern River Preserve. ANBR, ERBR

Sa, 23 Aug 03 - Among live birds present at the Kern River Preserve through this date are: Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Mallard, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Harrier, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Prairie Falcon, Wild Turkey, California Quail, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, White-throated Swift, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Ann's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Warbling Vireo, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Tree Swallow, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Marsh Wren, Western Bluebird, American Robin, European Starling, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler (migrants), MacGillivray's Warbler (migrants),  Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager (migrants), Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak (migrants), Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Brewer's Blackbird, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.