(March-May)

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,...

Universal Access, Current Reliable Locations, Sample Birding Itineraries, and Spring Early Arrival Dates History (1998-2004) on  "Spring Birding Notes" web page!

Numerous links to other bird sightings pages are found below.

Submit observations or make inquiries to: Bob Barnes.

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

Research Help Request: This spring, Emily Cohen with the Southern Sierra Research Station has started a research project involving a comparative study of Lesser Goldfinch and Lawrence's Goldfinch. The study is taking place on the Kern River Preserve and involves individual marking of birds with primary color band combinations. Over 170 goldfinches have already been color-banded this spring, 70+ Lessers and 100+ Lawrence's. Please report any observations of color banded Lesser and Lawrence's Goldfinches via e-mail to: Bob Barnes. Thank you.

NOTE: June 1 - July 31, 2004 bird reports may be found on the Summer 2004 page.

Updated as of 6:40pm, Tuesday, June 1, 2004

SPECIFIC REPORTS: Grace's Warbler (see Su, 30 May 2004)

KEY: FOS - First of Spring, KRP-Kern River Preserve, KRV-Kern River Valley

FOS ARRIVALS TO DATE: All nesting species have arrived except Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Kern River Preserve and South Fork Wildlife Area) and Common Nighthawk (mountains).

Mo, 31 May 04 - A private yard in Inyokern yielded Greater Roadrunner, Costa's Hummingbird, Verdin, and Le Conte's Thrasher late this morning. BOBA, TEMI, et. al.

Mo, 31 May 04 - The singing male Grace's Warbler was still present at Chimney Creek Campground (see 30 May 04). JEBI, AUBO, MABR, TOEA, ROFO, JOFR, TOHI, CILI, LELI, JOLU, MKMI, CHPA, JESE, STSO, LITE, RYTE, SCTE, and  DAVP.

Mo, 31 May 04 - A singing male Northern Parula was observed c. 10am at the goldfinch (Lesser and Lawrence's) banding station located 400 meters/yards west down the dirt ranch road from the KRP Headquarters parking lot. EMCO.

Mo, 31 May 04 - Butterbredt Spring this morning had Yellow-throated Vireo (singing male), Northern Parula 2 (male & female), Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 (female) Blackpoll Warbler 1 (KELE), American Redstart 2 (females), plus California Quail, Mountain Quail, Mourning Dove, Great Horned Owl, White-throated Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Warbling Vireo, Bushtit, Rock Wren, Bewick's Wren, Swainson's Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Le Conte's Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch. Many observers including BOBA, TOEA, LELI, JOLU, MKMI, JESE, STSO, LITE, RYTE, SCTE.

Su, 30 May 2004 - A singing male Grace's Warbler was observed by BOBA and twelve Sea & Sage Audubon Society (Orange County) birders from 10:45am-11:30am in the vicinity of the Campground Host, Chuck Pappe, campsite at Chimney Peak Campground in far southeastern Tulare County. This location is just north of the Kern County line and at the northwest corner of the Owens Peak Wilderness. It is a forty-five minute drive east and north from the Kern River Preserve in Weldon.

The specific Grace's Warbler site at Chimney Creek Campground is right up the hill a few yards from the campground entrance. It was flying around in a forest of single-leafed Pinyon Pine and Jeffrey Pine. A recognizable digital photo was made by STME and the song was recorded by DOWA. This is believed to be a first record for Tulare County and possibly the entire Sierra Nevada. Also present, at least three Calliope Hummingbirds (with one coming to feeders dominated by Anna's Hummingbirds), numerous Plumbeous Vireos, Black-throated Gray Warblers, and abundant Western Tanagers. BOBA.

ACCESS: From the northwest, west, and southwest - take the Chimney Peak National Scenic By-way north off of Hwy. 178 about eight miles EAST of Onyx. Proceed north to the Campground entrance. From the east - take Nine Mile Canyon Road/Kennedy Meadows Road (well-marked - a few miles south of Little Lake and a few miles north of Pearsonville) west off of Hwy. 395 and proceed to left on the Chimney Peak Road (across from the BLM Fire Station) and drop down a few miles to the campground entrance on your left. The Chimney Peak Road is after one crosses the Inyo County/Tulare County line at the top of Nine Mile Canyon Road.

Upon first reaching the campground entrance, the campground host, Chuck Pappe, came down and said he had a warbler he wanted identified which he said was a Blackburnian Warbler  as best he could tell. He said it had been around for about three weeks. That was not absorbed upon arrival by the birding group at 8:30am. Later BOMI said she had an unusual warbler with yellow in the throat and sides of the face. After birding for two hours, Chuck said, "I sure hope you can help me identify that warbler." I said, "Which one?" He said, "That one singing there." I listened and said it sounded something like either a Yellow-rumped Warbler or a Dark-eyed Junco. Chuck said, "As far as I can figure out it is a Blackburnian Warbler" I went over and looked and said (yelled?), "I can see underneath this bird. It is either a Yellow-throated or Grace's Warbler. But, this habitat is perfect for a Grace's Warbler." Eventually we got looks at it from the side and top to see the field marks of a Grace's Warbler ... lack of black and white on face, presence of thin black eyeline and yellow eyebrow stripe, bright yellow throat, white belly and undertail coverts, two white wingbars, light gray back, etc. It was continuously flying around from perch to perch in a circle around two-three campground sites including the Host's. It was very vocal. Since it has been present for three weeks, perhaps it will linger long enough for Tulare County birders to add it to their county lists and for others who are interested in observing this bird. WABO helped considerably with relocating the bird for further looks. BOBA, ELBO, WABO, CHBY, NOBY, GUDA, JOHZ, MAHZ, LOME, STME, BOMI, CHPA, JIRO, DOWA, et. al. and, in the afternoon, ROFI, JOMO.

CONTINUING: Western Grebe, Clark's Grebe, American White Pelican, Wood Duck, Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon, Mountain Quail, Band-tailed Pigeon, Greater Roadrunner, Flammulated Owl, Western Screech-Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Burrowing Owl, Spotted Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Lesser Nighthawk, Common Poorwill, White-throated Swift, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Williamson's Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Nuttall's Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Empidonax flycatchers (Willow, Hammond's, Dusky, Gray, Pacific-slope), Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Plumbeous Vireo, Cassin's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Steller's Jay, Western Scrub-Jay, Pinyon Jay, Clark's Nutcracker, Violet-green Swallow, Mountain Chickadee, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, Pygmy Nuthatch, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Winter Wren, American Dipper, Western Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, Townsend's Solitaire, Wrentit, California Thrasher, Le Conte's Thrasher, Phainopepla, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Hermit Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Summer Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow, Black-chinned Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Fox Sparrow (Gray-headed, Thick-billed), Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Tricolored Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, Scott's Oriole, Cassin's Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and Lawrence's Goldfinch. BOBA.

Su, 30 May 04 - A pair of Pileated Woodpeckers was located at the Trail of 100 Giants parking lot in the Giant Sequoia National Monument thirty-three miles north of Kernville. The pair was observed until the observers walked away. STSO, TOHI, JOFR.

Sa, 29 May 04 - Two hours of birding Piute Mountain Road alongside Landers Meadow in the Piute Mountains yielded American Kestrel, Mourning Dove, Western Wood-Pewee, Steller's Jay, Pinyon Jay, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Mountain Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, and House Finch. BOBA, STSO, et. al.

Sa, 29 May 04 - A very late, adult male, American Goldfinch was observed coming to the thistle seed feeder next to the drinking fountain and restrooms at KRP Headquarters. This species is unexpected in the Kern River Valley after early May through the first winter season arrivals in the fall. BOBA, et. al.

Sa, 29 May 04 - A Yellow-throated Vireo highlighted a morning visit to Butterbredt Spring. Also present were a Lewis's Woodpecker, abundant Swainson's Thrushes, a Hermit Thrush, a Northern Parula, a female American Redstart, a Yellow-breasted Chat, a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and a Purple Finch. STSO, TOHI, JOFR.

Fr, 28 May 04 - A Northern Parula was reported from Butterbredt Spring. JIRO.

Th, 27 May 04 - Northern Parula, Chestnut-sided Warbler, and American Redstart were reported from Butterbredt Spring. Also, Mountain Quail, Willow Flycatchers, Pacific-slope Flycatchers, Hooded Oriole, and Bullock's Orioles. TOMC, BRKY, KEKY.

Tu, 25 May 04 - Bakersfield's Tuesday Morning Birders visited KRP this morning. They caught the tail-end of spring migration at Migrant Corner with a single Wilson's Warbler, a few Black-headed Grosbeaks, and numerous Western Tanagers. A visit to Fay Ranch Road resulted in the adult male Vermilion Flycatcher, Oak Titmouse, an adult male Summer Tanager, Western Tanager (migrant), and Lazuli Bunting. DABA, ANET, MAGR, IRHE, BRKY, KEKY, EDLY, MAMI, et. al.

Tu, 25 May 04 - Black-chinned Sparrows were heard and seen 20+ miles north of Kernville at Milepost 2.0 on the road between Johnsondale and the Johnsondale Bridge over the North Fork Kern River, Tulare County. After the 4th day of trying NO Black Swifts were detected at this location. BOBA, JOZA.

Mo, 24 May 04 - A visit to Quaking Aspen Meadow & Campground (13 miles north of the Trail of 100 Giants), was highlighted by a pair of Evening Grosbeaks plus Red-breasted Sapsucker, White-headed Woodpecker, MacGillivray's Warbler, Thick-billed/Gray-headed Fox Sparrow, and Green-tailed Towhee. JOZA.

Mo, 24 May 04 - Another excellent morning at Butterbredt Spring including: Band-tailed Pigeon, Acorn Woodpecker, Red-eyed Vireo 1, male Northern Parula, 1st summer male Chestnut-sided Warbler, Hermit Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Green-tailed Towhee 2, adult male Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Lincoln's Sparrow 1, Golden-crowned Sparrow 4, and White-crowned Sparrow 3. Also, California City - Ovenbird 1, Jawbone Canyon - female Hooded Warbler, Galileo Hill - male Hooded Warbler. CUMA, TOMC, MIRO, MISA.

Su, 23 May 04 - An excellent morning at Butterbredt Spring was reported with "well over 1000 migrants in three hours" and several "eastern" vagrant species: Mountain Quail (with young), Virginia Rail, Band-tailed Pigeon, Acorn Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Empidonax flycatchers (abundant Willow and Pacific-slope), Ash-throated Flycatcher, Swainson's Thrush (abundant), Le Conte's Thrasher, Orange-crowned Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsend's Warbler (abundant), Blackburnian Warbler (NIFR, et. al.), American Redstart, Ovenbird, Kentucky Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Green-tailed Towhee, and Scott's Oriole. LIAU, NIFR, MIMC, TOWU, et. al.

Su, 23 May 04 - A pair of Long-eared Owls with two juveniles and a Black-and-white Warbler were among thirty-two species observed while birding the eastern Sierran slope Indian Wells Canyon located east of Inyokern. The Black-and-White Warbler was the 130th species recorded for Indian Wells Canyon. SUST.

Sa, 22 May 04 - A banner morning for "eastern" vagrants at Butterbredt Spring was reported by two birders during a drop-in visit to KRP this afternoon. The species and numbers reported are listed with those specifically also observed by the two birders reporting listed in parentheses: Northern Parula 2 (0), Hooded Warbler 5 (2), Black-and-white Warbler 4 (2), Kentucky Warbler 1 (1), Ovenbird 1 (1), American Redstart 2 (2), White-throated Sparrow 1 (1), and Dark-eyed "Slate-colored" Junco 1 (1). Also present were several "western" species of note including Green-tailed Towhee. MABR, RYTE, DAVP, TOWU, ANHO, VEHO, MJNE, TONE.

Sa, 22 May 04 - The adult male Vermilion Flycatcher along Fay Ranch Road chased off a second adult male Vermilion Flycatcher this morning. Also observed: Brown-crested Flycatcher, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Lazuli X Indigo Bunting hybrid, Lawrence's Goldfinch.BOBA, et. al. (a field trip group of fifteen).

Fr, 21 May 04 - A female Black-and-white Warbler and a female Hooded Warbler were reported from Cerro Coso College in Ridgecrest. MABR, RYTE, DAVP.

Fr, 21 May 04 - A Northern Waterthrush and an adult male Hooded Warbler were reported from Galileo Hill. MABR, RYTE, DAVP.

Fr, 21 May 04 - A female Rose-breasted Grosbeak and a Summer Tanager were reported from Mojave. MABR, RYTE, DAVP.

Fr, 21 May 04 - Northern Parula 2, Black-and-white Warbler 4, American Redstart 2, Ovenbird 1, Hooded Warbler 6, White-throated Sparrow 1, and Slate-colored Junco 1 female were reproted from Butterbredt Spring. Also present, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Swainson's Thrush (abundant). Green-tailed Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, and Golden-crowned Sparrow. MABR, RYTE, DAVP.

Fr, 21 May 04 - A singing male Black-and-white Warbler was observed at KRP's Mariposa Marsh off Fay Ranch Road across the road from the gated entrance to the east unit of the Kern River Preserve. ASSU.

Fr, 21 May 04 - A Michigan birder was treated to a late afternoon Le Conte's Thrasher at a private yard in Inyokern. Also present were Costa's Hummingbird and Verdin. BISW.

Fr, 21 May 04 - Two Australian birders had a very good half-morning of birding with the following partial list of species observed 6:15am-9:15am: California Quail (several), White-throated Swift (numerous locations), Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Black Phoebe, Willow Flycatcher, male Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Western Scrub-Jay, Cactus Wren (Kelso Valley Road), Rock Wren (Hwy. 178, Milepost 74), Canyon Wren (Hwy. 178, Milepost 74), Western Bluebird, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow 6 (Kelso Valley Road), Savannah Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow 3, Blue Grosbeak 4, Lazuli Bunting 6, Lazuli x Indigo Bunting, Tricolored Blackbird (KRP entrance at Hwy. 178, Scodie Park in Onyx), Western Meadowlark, Hooded Oriole (just down the street from Scodie Park, Onyx), Bullock's Oriole (omnipresent), singing adult male Scott's Oriole (Hwy. 178 Milepost 74), Lesser Goldfinch, and Lawrence's Goldfinch (+/- 45 individuals). BOBA, STBL, TEBL.

Th, 20 May 04 - An alternate (breeding) plumaged Common Loon was found by an Oregon birder on Isabella Reservoir from one of the two wide pull-outs off of Sierra Way in the area of Robinson Cove and Stine Cove. This may be the same individual that was in the company of an alternate plumaged Pacific Loon late last month (see 24 Apr 04). ALMC.

Th, 20 May 04 - A visit to southeastern Tulare County (located just northeast of KRP) yielded Plumbeous Vireo at Chimney Creek Campground and Mountain Bluebird at Troy Meadows. JOZA.

Th, 20 May 04 - A private yard north of Inyokern hosted Costa's Hummingbirds, Verdins, and a Le Conte's Thrasher for a Pennsylvania birder. JOZA.

Th, 20 May 04 - Two Virginia birders were treated to a continuing Vermilion Flycatcher pair (see 03 Apr 04), a Brown-crested Flycatcher pair (KRP's east unit), and dozens of Lawrence's Goldfinch (KRP's east unit) along with a migrant Olive-sided Flycatcher (Fay Ranch Road). BOBA, JOSA, MASA.

Th, 20 May 04 - A 3pm-6pm visit to Butterbredt Spring produced a female Northern Parula, a female Black-and-white Warbler, a female American Redstart, and a male and female Hooded Warbler. "Despite a stiff breeze, the place was crawling with birds. Every bush seemed to have birds in it." Also present were a Virginia Rail, Green-tailed Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, and Golden-crowned Sparrow. Particularly abundant species included Costa's Hummingbird, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, MacGillivray's Warbler, and Wilson's Warbler. Outside a private oasis in Jawbone Canyon a female Kentucky Warbler was found. JOGR.

Th, 20 May 04 - Although migration has slowed considerably, birds acting clearly like migrants that were encountered along the Migrant Corner Trail this morning were: Olive-sided Flycatcher 1, Western Wood-Pewee 1, Willow Flycatcher 2, Wilson's Warbler 15, Western Tanager 25, Black-headed Grosbeak 4, and Bullock's Oriole 1. In and around Kern River Preserve Headquarters were migrant "Solitary" Vireo 1, Swainson's Thrush 4, Phainopepla 12 (in one flock), Western Tanager 2, and White-crowned Sparrow (black-lored) 1. BOBA, BIHA, JEHA.

We & Th, 19 & 20 May 04 - A male Indigo Bunting was observed in a private yard in Inyokern. BOST.

We, 19 May 04 - A Kentucky Warbler was reported to be at Butterbredt Spring. The observation was made this afternoon at 2pm. KEAX.

We, 19 May 04 - The Black-and-white Warbler and Hooded Warbler first found at Cerro Coso College in Ridgecrest on May 17th were last seen this day. JOSE, BOST.

We, 19 May 04 - A singing male Orchard Oriole was observed in a private yard in Inyokern. Based on M.T. Heindel's Bird of East Kern book, this is the first spring record for Kern County. SUST.

We, 19 May 04 - An adult male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was seen visiting a thistle feeder at a private residence off Fay Ranch Road in Fay Creek Canyon at Noon (See Su, 16 May 04). EMCO, PHHE.

We, 19 May 04 - A visit to Landers Meadow in the Piute Mountains produced several Pinyon Jays for a Pennsylvania birder. Heard and seen on the eastward descent of Piute Mountain Road was a singing male Scott's Oriole. JOZA.

We, 19 May 04 - An 8am-9am visit to KRP's East Unit among other species yielded Nuttall's Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher (a migrant), Western Wood-Pewee, Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Western Scrub-Jay, Western Bluebird, Lark Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Western Meadowlark, Bullock's Oriole, Lesser Goldfinch, and Lawrence's Goldfinch (dozens). BOBA, JOZA.

We, 19 May 04 - 5:30am-7:30am at along Migrant Corner Trail: Great Blue Heron 2, California Quail, Anna's Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher (rare), Rock Wren 2, Lazuli Bunting 2, Bullock's Oriole 5, and migrant Olive-sided Flycatcher 1, Western Wood-Pewee 4, Willow Flycatcher 2, Pacific-slope Flycatcher 2, Wilson's Warbler 15, Western Tanager 20, Black-headed Grosbeak 7, ... BOBA, JOZA.

We, 19 May 04 - Common Poorwill, Calliope Hummingbird, White-headed Woodpecker, Dusky Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, and Brewer's Sparrow, among several other species, have returned to Chimney Creek Campground and vicinity for the nesting season. Chimney Creek Campground is in extreme southeastern Tulare County in the valley just north of the west slope of Walker Pass. It is accessed via Chimney Peak National Back Country By-Way which starts off the north side of Hwy. 178 just east of the community of Canebrake and ten miles west of Walker Pass. BOST, BOBA.

We, 19 May 04 - There is a fine example of a natural White-throated Swift colony high in the cliffs above Hwy. 178 and just to the east of Cottage Grove Cemetery (1862). The cliffs and cemetery are located just around the corner east of Onyx in the South Fork Valley. Nesting species on the steep hillside below the cliffs and cliffs themselves include Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, and Black-chinned Sparrow. BOBA.

We, 19 May 04 - Nesting species reported from the Greenhorn Mountains in May include: Northern Goshawk, Golden Eagle, Mountain Quail, Band-tailed Pigeon, Flammulated Owl, Western Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Spotted Owl, Long-eared Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Common Poorwill, Calliope Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Nuttall's Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Hammond's Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Steller's Jay, Violet-green Swallow, Mountain Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Townsend's Solitaire, Wrentit, California Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Hermit Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Purple Finch, Cassin's Finch, Red Crossbill, Lesser Goldfinch, and Lawrence's Goldfinch. BRWE, ALSH, JOSC, GAPO. BOBA, et. al.

We, 19 May 04 - An impressive suite of nesting bird species, including many colorful ones, are present to be sought during a two mile walk along Fay Ranch Road from the intersection with Hwy. 178 at the South Fork Elementary School to the desert habitat where the straightaway of the road turns left to work its way up Fay Creek Canyon. There is a nice habitat transition from "schoolyard" agricultural land wet meadow to riparian forest to pasture to native grasslands in a relatively short distance. Among sixty+ nesting species that have been seen from this stretch of Fay Ranch Road, most in the first mile, are: Great Blue Heron (small rookery in first trees encountered on the right), Mallard, Turkey Vulture, White-tailed Kite (nests some years)  Northern Harrier (nests some years), Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Golden Eagle, American Kestrel, Prairie Falcon, Wild Turkey, California Quail, Wilson's Snipe, Mourning Dove, Greater Roadrunner, Barn Owl, Western Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Long- eared Owl, Lesser Nighthawk, White-throated Swift, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's 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, Common Raven, Horned Lark, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Western Bluebird, American Robin, European Starling, Yellow Warbler, Common (AKA Resplendent) Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Tricolored Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Brewer's Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Lawrence's Goldfinch, and House Sparrow. The shaded area just before the bridge has remained active all day long in recent days. BOBA, GAFI, BRKY, KEKY.

Tu, 18 May 04 - A 4pm-5pm visit to Butterbredt Spring yielded the following: Willow Flycatcher 8, Hammond's Flycatcher 25, Gray Flycatcher 15, Pacific-slope Flycatcher 20, Warbling Vireo, Swainson's Thrush 20, Townsend's Warbler 1, Black-and-white Warbler 1, American Redstart 1 female, Hooded Warbler 1 male, Yellow-breasted Chat 2, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee 1, Golden-crowned Sparrow 1, Dark-eyed Junco 1, and Black-headed Grosbeak. JOST.

Tu, 18 May 04 - A Lewis's Woodpecker located off of the Sherman Pass Road a few miles from Blackrock Ranger Station was an unexpected, yet welcome, find for a Pennsylvania birder. JOZA.

Tu, 18 May 04 - A pair of Evening Grosbeaks was reported from Brown Meadow in the Piute Mountains at 9:30am this morning. ALSH.

NOTE: This sighting is significant in that the September 2001 "A Checklist of Breeding Birds of the Piute Mountains, Kern County, California" does not list Evening Grosbeak. I do not know of any previous breeding season records, or any records for that matter, for the Piute Mountains. BOBA.

Tu, 18 May 04 - A visit to Troy Meadow resulted in Williamson's Sapsucker, White-headed Woodpecker, Clark's Nutcracker, and MacGillivray's Warbler. A Calliope Hummingbird was in the willows at the bridge over the South Fork Kern River at Kennedy Meadows. JOZA.

Tu, 18 May 04 - The second early Red-eyed Vireo report of this spring comes from the 2500+ acre Canebrake Ecological Reserve which straddles the South Fork of the Kern River between the communities of Canebrake on the east and Onyx on the west. The observation was made from the edge of the first meadow to the north of the stone building found alongside the Public Access Trail. Unfortunately, the specific area of the sighting is open only to Willow Flycatcher researchers and other authorized personnel. BUWI.

Tu, 18 May 04 - A Summer Tanager was observed in the open grove of trees immediately west of the parking lot and in the yard at Kern River Preserve Headquarters. In the first part of the large field just to the west of the grove of trees was a flock of 35+ Lawrence's Goldfinches. The hummingbird feeders in the yard at Kern River Preserve Headquarters continue to be actively visited by hundreds of Black-chinned Hummingbirds and Anna's Hummingbirds. Three Southwestern Willow Flycatchers are in the willow forest alongside the KRP entrance road. BOBA.

Tu, 18 May 04 - A very quiet morning along KRP's Nature Trail with very few migrants: Pacific-slope Flycatcher 1, Swainson's Thrush 1, Wilson's Warbler 3, Western Tanager 2, and Black-headed Grosbeak 2. A Belted Kingfisher, rare along the lower South Fork Kern River, was a surprise. No Summer Tanagers were detected. BOBA.

Tu, 18 May 04 - A quiet morning along Migrant Corner Trail with a few migrants: Hammond's Flycatcher 1, Pacific-slope Flycatcher 2, Swainson's Thrush 3,  Western Tanager 21, Wilson's Warbler 6, and Black-headed Grosbeak 9. Kern Red-winged Blackbirds and Tricolored Blackbirds continue to be present along the agricultural water ditch at the Hwy. 178 entrance to KRP Headquarters. Although not observed this morning, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, usually females, have been seen infrequently at this location. BOBA.

Mo, 17 May 04 - Black-chinned Sparrows were found from Mile Marker 2.0 downhill from Johnsondale. JOZA.

Mo, 17 May 04 - The male Kentucky Warbler continued for a third morning through evening at Cerro Coso College in Ridgecrest. JOSE, BOST. This morning a Black-and-white Warbler was also found at Cerro Coso College. JOSE. This evening a female Hooded Warbler was found in the same area of the Sculpture Garden at Cerro Coso College as the continuing Kentucky Warbler. BOST.

Su, 16 May 04 - White-headed Woodpecker, Nashville Warbler, Hermit Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, and Fox Sparrow (Large-billed) were found along Rancheria Road from Greenhorn Summit south to Shirley Meadows Ski Area. JOZA.

Su, 16 May 04 - Three Black-and-white Warblers, a female American Redstart, a singing Ovenbird, and a male Hooded Warbler provided a highlight morning of "eastern" warblers at Butterbredt Spring for a Colorado birder. Also present were Le Conte's Thrasher, numerous Swainson's Thrush, and seven species of "western" warblers. MIMC, BUTO.

Su, 16 May 04 - The male Kentucky Warbler was refound c. 11am this morning at Cerro Coso College in Ridgecrest. It had moved across the street from the gym to the ground under the pine trees at the Sculpture Garden. It was also observed singing on a low branch just off the driveway near the adjacent building. JOSE.

Su, 16 May 04 - A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was observed this morning coming to a thistle seed feeder at a private residence off Fay Ranch Road in Fay Creek Canyon, Weldon. EMCO, PHHE.

Su, 16 May 04 - A "whitting" and rolling calling Brown-crested Flycatcher was heard and seen this morning on KRP's east unit east of Fay Ranch Road and north of the South Fork Kern River. This location has served as a nesting site for the last several years. Also present ... Ash-throated Flycatcher, Oak Titmouse, Western Bluebird, Lark Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Bullock's Oriole, Lawrence's Goldfinch. BOBA. 

Su, 16 May 04 - The adult male Vermilion Flycatcher was still present in the meadow southwest of the Fay Ranch Road bridge over the South Fork Kern River (See 3 Apr 04). PRIVATE PROPERTY. Do not go over or through the fences or gates by the pile of tires. View from the roadside only. BOBA.

Su, 16 May 04 - A flying, then perched, then flying adult Peregrine Falcon highlighted a 5:47am-7:17am morning walk along the Migrant Corner Trail from Sierra Way eastward to the edge of the large meadow and back. Migrants: Western Wood-Pewee 1, Willow Flycatcher 2, Dusky Flycatcher 3, Pacific-slope Flycatcher 1, Western Kingbird 1, Warbling Vireo 5, Swainson's Thrush 7,  Yellow Warbler 2, MacGillivray's Warbler 3, Wilson's Warbler 51, Western Tanager 31, and Black-headed Grosbeak 7. Also present: Sora 1, Ash-throated Flycatcher 5, Yellow Warbler 6, Common Yellowthroat 3, Summer Tanager 1, Spotted Towhee 2, California Towhee 2, Bullock's Oriole 6, Lawrence's Goldfinch 5. BOBA, BUTO.

Sa, 15 May 04 - Summer Tanagers are now widespread along the lower fourteen miles of the South Fork Kern River in the South Fork Valley. Locations where this species has been reported since the first arrival on 22 April are: Kern River Preserve Headquarters, KRP Nature Trail (several pairs), in the trees just west of the KRP parking lot, Sierra Way in the vicinity of the bridge over the South Fork Kern River, Fay Ranch Road just north of the bridge over the South Fork Kern River, the eastern unit of the Kern River Preserve north of the South Fork Kern River and east of Fay Ranch Road, and the Canebrake Ecological Reserve in the first 400 m/yds. beyond the footbridge over Canebrake Creek. BOBA.

Sa, 15 May 04 - A report of a Kentucky Warbler between the west side of the gym and the tennis courts at Cerro Coso College in Ridgecrest this morning is within the 10 May-9 June range of occurrence for seventeen spring records in M. T. Heindel's East Kern bird book. BOST, SUST.

Sa, 15 May 04 - A report of a very early Red-eyed Vireo observed and photographed at Migrant Corner this morning was eight days earlier than the eight spring records (23 May0-10 June) mentioned in M. T. Heindel's East Kern birds book. Also present was a Cassin's Vireo. ALSH, BUTO, FRFA.

Sa, 15 May 04 - A male and a female Black-and-white Warbler, an Ovenbird, and a male and female Hooded Warbler were reported by an experienced Pennsylvania birder to be at Butterbredt Spring this morning. JOZA.

Sa, 15 May 04 - A small migration movement northwestward was observed 5:30am-7:30am this morning from along Migrant Corner Trail. Observed and counted were: Pacific-slope Flycatcher 1, Western Kingbird 5, Swainson's Thrush 6, Cedar Waxwing 40, Nashville Warbler 1 (ALSH), Yellow Warbler 10, Wilson's Warbler 70, Western Tanager 25, Black-headed Grosbeak 10. Heard were Virginia Rail and Sora. BOBA, ALSH, BUTO, FRFA.

Fr, 14 May 04 - The adult male and adult female Vermilion Flycatcher pair was seen from Fay Ranch Road (see Sa, 3 Apr 04 - JOHA, LOHA)). They are evidently re-nesting closer to Fay Ranch Road as they are being seen in the trees at the edge of the meadow about 100 ft. to the right of pile of tires. PRIVATE PROPERTY - view the birds of the meadow from the road side of the fence. BOBA, JOZA.

Th, 13 May 04 - A late afternoon  visit to the east end of Isabella Reservoir at Hanning Flat off Sierra Way yielded the following species: Western Grebe, Clark's Grebe, American White Pelican 90, Green-winged Teal 1 male, Cinnamon Teal 2 males, Northern Shoveler 1 male, Gadwall 1 pair, Osprey 1, Spotted Sandpiper 2, Caspian Tern 7, Loggerhead Shrike 3, Horned Lark 20. BOBA, KAKI.

Tu, 11 May 04 - 5:25am-7:55am, today along the Kern River Preserve's Sierra Way and Migrant Corner Trail property overall singing was up, fly-out migrant diversity and numbers (700+) were way up, and three Black Swifts made an appearance at the end of this birding session as they casually soared over 15-20 frenetic Vaux's Swifts and an equal number of Violet-green Swallows that were nearly constantly flying close by at ear level and even lower.

220 Wilson's Warblers and 300 Western Tanagers highlighted this morning's "fly-out" along the Migrant Corner Trail. The species mix went beyond the usual Migrant Corner spring migration species suite of Vaux's Swifts (19 counted), Western Kingbirds (15), swallows, Swainson's Thrushes (27), Phainopeplas (1), Western Tanagers (300), Black-headed Grosbeaks (40), and Lazuli Buntings (10) to include Olive-sided Flycatchers (2), Western Wood-Pewees (48), Ash-throated Flycatchers (9), Yellow Warblers (35), MacGillivray's Warblers 5, Wilson's Warblers (220), Bullock's Orioles (15), and lots and lots of birds on the wing that went unidentified against the backdrop of a bright blue sky.

Complete list of species & numbers including nesting species: Wood Duck 5, Mallard 9, Ring-necked Pheasant 2, California Quail 6, Pied-billed Grebe 3, Turkey Vulture 6, Red-tailed Hawk 1, Sora 1, Greater Yellowlegs 1, Mourning Dove 7, Barn Owl 2, Black Swift 3, Vaux's Swift 19, Anna's Hummingbird 2, Nuttall's Woodpecker 1, Downy Woodpecker 2, Hairy Woodpecker 1, Northern Flicker 6, Olive-sided Flycatcher 2, Western Wood-Pewee 48, Hammond's Flycatcher 1, Willow Flycatcher 5, Pacific-slope Flycatcher 2, Black Phoebe 5, Ash-throated Flycatcher 9, Western Kingbird 15, "Solitary" Vireo 1, Warbling Vireo 3, Western Scrub-Jay 1, Common Raven 4, Tree Swallow 19, Violet-green Swallow 15, Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2, Cliff Swallow 1, Bushtit 4, Rock Wren 2, Bewick's Wren 3, House Wren 25, Western Bluebird 2, Swainson's Thrush 27, American Robin 1, European Starling 32, Cedar Waxwing 22, Phainopepla 1, Yellow Warbler 35, MacGillivray's Warbler 5, Common Yellowthroat 18, Wilson's Warbler 220, Summer Tanager 1, Western Tanager 300, Spotted Towhee 1, California Towhee 2, Savannah Sparrow 2, Song Sparrow 42, White-crowned Sparrow (dark-lored) 2, Black-headed Grosbeak 40, Blue Grosbeak 5, Lazuli Bunting 10, Red-winged Blackbird 35, Tricolored Blackbird 57, Western Meadowlark 3, Brown-headed Cowbird 10, Bullock's Oriole 15, House Finch 20, Lesser Goldfinch 8, Lawrence;s Goldfinch 15, plus Mule Deer 7. BOBA.

Mo, 10 May 04 - A bit of migration movement this morning highlighted by 104 Western Tanagers passing through Migrant Corner from 645am to 745am. No extrapolation is possible as NW winds stopped at 745am and did not resume until just before the 9am conclusion of observations. About fifteen minutes after the winds began again, a flock of six Western Tanagers passed over.

There was a small, but clear, migration of a few other species that was highly disproportionate to the usual movement with Western Tanagers: Vaux's Swift 2, Western Wood-Pewee 2, Hammond's/Dusky Flycatcher 1, Dusky Flycatcher 3, Pacific-slope Flycatcher 2. Ash-throated Flycatcher 2, Western Kingbird 6, "Solitary" Vireo 1, Warbling Vireo 3, Barn Swallow 1, Swainson's Thrush 4, Phainopepla 1, Wilson's Warbler 21, Western Tanager 118 (flocks of 5, 5, 5, 6, 8, 8, 8, 13, 15 plus singles and pairs totalling 45 individuals), Green-tailed Towhee 3, Black-headed Grosbeak 10, and Lazuli Bunting 8.

Species not observed on 11 May 04 along the same route: Great Blue Heron 4, Red-shouldered Hawk 2, Killdeer 1, White-throated Swift 6, Dusky Flycatcher 3, Barn Swallow 1, Oak Titmouse 2, and Lark Sparrow 2. Mule Deer 11. BOBA, DARA

Su, 9 May 04 - Two more Grasshopper Sparrows were found 200-300 meters/yards west of the 8 May 04 report. TOWU, LIAU.

Sa, 8 May 04 - A Grasshopper Sparrow was photogrpahed near the east entrance to the far eastern unit of the Kern Rvier Preserve in Weldon. The eastern unit is east off Fay Ranch Road. BOST.

Th, 6 May 04 - An FOS Southwestern Willow Flycatcher returned to the willow forest bordering the entrance driveway into Kern River Preserve Headquarters. Subsequent checking of its color leg bands revealed that this individual was a seven year old male. May 6th is a new early arrival date by four days for this Federally Endangered subspecies. All prior arrival dates since 1998 have been from 10 through 16 May. BOBA.

Tu, 4 May 04 - A Pileated Woodpecker was observed from along Rancheria Road between Greenhorn Summit and Shirley Meadows Ski Area in the mature forest just south of the overlook down on Isabella Reservoir. The overlook is a relatively open area dominated by deciduous trees. JOSC.

Mo, 3 May 04 - An afternoon post-BioFest field trip walk along Piute Mountain Road next to Landers Meadow (6400') included the following species: Pinyon Jay, Mountain Chickadee, Pygmy Nuthatch, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow, Cassin's Finch, and Lawrence's Goldfinch. BOBA, et. al.

Mo, 3 May 04 - An early morning visit to a private yard in Inyokern by a post-BioFest field trip was rewarded with sightings of nesting season Greater Roadrunner, Costa's Hummingbird, Verdin, Le Conte's Thrasher, Hooded Oriole, and several species of western migrants. BOBA, et. al.

Fr, 30 Apr-Su, 2 May 04 - 225 species were reported for the 10th Annual Kern River Valley Bioregions Festival "weekend" plus Vaux's Swifts observed at Holey Meadow during the last post-BioFest field trip held Th, 6 May 04 leads to a grand 2004 BioFest total of 226 species.

Su, 2 May 04 - The Kern County results for the America's Birdiest Inland County competition resulted in 232 species being reported and accepted. With 226 species in 2003, Cochise County AZ was that year's winner. Any number of birders may bird a county for 24 continous hours within the forty-eight hour time period allowed per competition. The Kern County ABC effort was conducted from 2:15am, Friday, April 30th through 2:15am, Sunday May 2nd. The competition ends May 31st with the winner being announced in June. BOBA.

Sa, 1 May 04 - A magical night (6:30pm Sa, 1 May through 2am, Su, 2 May) of owling in the Greenhorn Mountains left five owlers very happy as they heard and saw all at distances ranging from eight to twenty feet five of what can be the most difficult owl species to see: Flammulated Owl, Western Screech-Owl, Northern Pygmy Owl, Spotted Owl, and Northern Saw-whet Owl. DALO, GEBR, DACH, IRHO, et. al.

Sa & Su, 1-2 May 04 - A Pileated Woodpecker was observed from along the first half mile of the dirt Forest Service road running west off Rancheria Road just south of the ranger station at Greenhorn Summit. JOSC, BOBA, et. al.

Sa, 1 May 04 - An FOS Brown-crested Flycatcher was heard and seen at Audubon-California's 156-acre Kelso Creek Sanctuary located fifteen miles south on Kelso Valley Road from Hwy. 178 in Weldon. This is one of two known nesting locations in Kern County. The other nesting location is the South Fork Valley where 15-20 pairs of this species nest along the South Fork Kern River at the extreme northwestern limit of this species' range.. JOWI, GAPO, JAGU.

Sa, 1 May 04 - A Black-and-white Warbler was found at Cerro Coso College in Ridgecrest. ANHO, VEHO.

Fr, 30 Apr 04 - The Kern River Valley Bioregions Festival Cooperative Big Day resulted in 214 species reported.

Fr, 30 Apr 04 - Red Crossbills were found off Rancheria Road near Shirley Meadows Ski Area in the Greenhorn Mountains. BRWE, et. al.

Fr, 30 Apr 04 - A Pileated Woodpecker was observed in the vicinity of Greenhorn Summit. This observation was made at the southern end of this species range limit in the western United States. DALO, et. al..

Fr, 30 Apr 04 - A Northern Goshawk was observed flying over Greenhorn Summit this afternoon. GAPO..

Tu, 27 Apr 04 - A second singing Grasshopper Sparrow was found over 0.5 mile east of the 26 Apr individual. BOBA.

Mo, 26 Apr 04 - A singing FOS Grasshopper Sparrow was reported right off Fay Ranch Road across from Mariposa Marsh. ALSH.

Sa, 24 Apr 04 - Two FOS Western Wood-Pewee were found along KRP's Migrant Corner Trail and one at Fay Ranch Road near the bridge. BOBA, BUTO.

Sa, 24 Apr 04 - An FOS South Fork Valley Pacific-slope Flycatcher was seen and heard calling just beyond the end of the Migrant Corner Trail. BOBA, BUTO.

Sa, 24 Apr 04 - An FOS Townsend's Warbler was seen and heard singing just before the end of the KRP's Migrant corner Trail. BOBA, BUTO.

Sa, 24 Apr 04 - KRP's Migrant corner Trail and Sierra Way bridge highlights: Sora 2, Western Wood-Pewee 2, Ducky Flycatcher 1, Gray Flycatcher 1, Pacific-slope Flycatcher 1, Cactus Wren 1, Yellow Warlber 23, Nashville Warbler 1, MacGillivray's Warbler 1, Common Yellowthroat 16, Black-throated Sparrow 2, Great-tailed Grackle 7, Lawrence's Goldfinch 14. BOBA, BUTO.

Sa, 24 Apr 04 - A Pacific Loon and Common Loon, both in breeding plumage, were observed side-by-side on Isabella Reservoir between the Main Dam and French Gulch Marina. ALSH, BRWE.

Sa, 24 Apr 04 - Birding in the Greenhorn Mountains yielded an impressive list of bird species including White-headed Woodpeckers at multiple locations, a Winter Wren at its southern range limit along Old State Road, Green-tailed Towhee and Red Crossbill at Shirley Meadows Ski area, and Purple Finches and Cassin's Finches along Rancheria Road between Greenhorn Summit and Shirley Meadows Ski Area. Complete list of species observed during this Big Day in the Kern River Valley were: Wood Duck, Mallard, Mountain Quail, California Quail, Pacific Loon, Common Loon, Western Grebe, Clark's Grebe, American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, California Gull, Band-tailed Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, White-throated Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Hammond's Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Cassin's Vireo, Steller's Jay, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Horned Lark, Tree Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Mountain Chickadee, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Rock Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird, Townsend's Solitaire, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Wrentit, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Califrnia Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Tricolored Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, Purple Finch, Cassin's Finch, House Finch, Red Crossbill, Lesser Goldfinch, Lawrence's Goldfinch, and House Sparrow...91 species. BRWE, ALSH.

Fr, 23 Apr 04 - An FOS singing male Black-chinned Sparrow was observed on the south side of Hwy, 178 at milepost 74 across from Bert's Park roadside rest stop. BOST.

Fr, 23 Apr 04 - A singing adult male Summer Tanager was observed down KRP's Nature Trail about 300,/yds. in the second of two large Fremont cottonwoods jsut beyond trail marker #7 and above the first sitting bench. BOBA.

Th, 22 Apr 04 - An early FOS Summer Tanager (heard only) was detected in the yard at KRP Headquarters. This record is four days earlier than the prior early arrival record of 26 April (two years).

Th, 22 Apr 04 - Nine species of warblers highlighted a 6:25am-9:05am morning walk from the Sierra Way bridge over the South Fork Kern River south along Sierra Way to the end of the trees on the right (past the Mosquito Abatement District enclosure on the left) and from the Sierra Way bridge east along Migrant Corner Trail to halfway out the large meadow at the end of the trail.

NOTE: A very good half morning. The first morning with several migrants in multiple numbers. Species diversity was way up, too with forty species in the first twenty minutes along Sierra Way! Sixty-eight species in all. 

Species and Numbers: Pied-billed Grebe 2, Double-crested Cormorant 1, Great Blue Heron 2, Turkey Vulture 1, Wood Duck 5, Mallard 9, Cooper's Hawk 1, Ring-necked Pheasant 1, Wild Turkey 2, California Quail 10, Sora 1, American Coot 1, Mourning Dove 8, Vaux's Swift 4, Anna's Hummingbird 3, Nuttall's Woodpecker 5, Downy Woodpecker 3, Hairy Woodpecker 2, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker 5, Hammond's Flycatcher 1, FOS Dusky Flycatcher 2, Gray Flycatcher 4, Empidonax species 2, Black Phoebe 2, Ash-throated Flycatcher 6, Western Kingbird 2, FOS South Fork Valley Cassin's Vireo 4, Common Raven 7, Tree Swallow 26, Violet-green Swallow 5, Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2, Barn Swallow 2, Cliff Swallow 2, Oak Titmouse 2, Bushtit 1, Rock Wren 4, Bewick's Wren 1, House Wren 25, Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3, Western Bluebird 5, American Robin 4, Northern Mockingbird 1, European Starling 13, Orange-crowned Warbler 5, Nashville Warbler 4, Yellow Warbler 16, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler 42, Black-throated Gray Warbler 1, FOS Hermit Warbler 1, FOS MacGillivray's Warbler 1, Common Yellowthroat 24, Wilson's Warbler 8, Spotted Towhee 1, Lark Sparrow 3, Savannah Sparrow 2, Song Sparrow 17, White-crowned Sparrow 1, Black-headed Grosbeak 11, Blue Grosbeak 5, Lazuli Bunting 8, Red-winged Blackbird 73, Tricolored Blackbird 35, Western Meadowlark 8, Brown-headed Cowbird 8, Bullock's Oriole 20, House Finch 10. Lesser Goldfinch 9, Lawrence's Goldfinch 8, American Goldfinch 4...68 species. BOBA.

Tu, 20 Apr 04 - The adult male and adult female Vermilion Flycatcher pair was seen from Fay Ranch Road (see Sa, 3 Apr 04 - JOHA, LOHA)). BOBA.

Tu, 20 Apr 04 - Highlights of a 7am-8:30am walk along KRP's Migrant Corner Trail included: Sharp-shinned Hawk 1, Hammond's Flycatcher 1, FOS Dusky Flycatcher 1, Gray Flycatcher 2, Western Kingbird 15 migrants, Ruby-crowned Kinglet 9 migrants, Orange-crowned Warbler 3 migrants, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler 35 migrants, Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 singing male, Common Yellowthroat 3, Black-headed Grosbeak 3 migrants, Lazuli Bunting 1 migrant, and Lawrence's Goldfinch. BOBA.

Mo, 19 Apr 04 - A visit to the two mile, paved portion of the Keyesville Road (and the short, paved spur road to the Keyesville raft launch site) yielded multiple Hutton's Vireos, Oak Titmouse, and an American Dipper. PATN, PAUN.

Mo, 19 Apr 04 - A visit to the Greenhorn Mountains (Alta Sierra, Greenhorn Summit, and Rancheria Road south to Shirley Meadows Ski Area) was highlighted by: Mountain Quail, Band-tailed Pigeon, Acorn Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Steller's Jay, Mountain Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Fox Sparrow (large billed), and Cassin's Finch. PATN, PAUN.

Su, 18 Apr 04 - Fifty Western Grebes and Clark's Grebes in about equal numbers along with numerous American White Pelicans and a Prairie Falcon highlighted a visit to Isabella Reservoir's South Fork Wildlife Area. PATN, PAUN.

Su, 18 Apr 04 - Highlights of a short birding trip along Fay Ranch Road in Weldon included: Vermilion Flycatcher, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, and Lawrence's Goldfinch. BOBA, PATN, PAUN.

Su, 18 Apr 04 - Highlights of a 6:30am-9am walk along Sierra Way and the Migrant Corner Trail in the vicinity of the Sierra Way Bridge included: Greater Yellowlegs 1, FOS Solitary Sandpiper 1, Whimbrel 1, Vaux's Swift 1, White-throated Swift 2, FOS Warbling Vireo 1, FOS Western Tanager 2, Lark Sparrow 1, Golden-crowned Sparrow 3, Blue Grosbeak 3, Tricolored Blackbird 200+, and Lawrence's Goldfinch. BOBA, PATN, PAUN.

Sa, 17 Apr 04 - Two-three dozen Lesser Goldfinch and Lawrence's Goldfinch were observed by a two Maryland birders    along the fist 100 m/yds. of the ranch road leading west from the corner of the Kern River Preserve Headquarters parking lot. BOBA, PATN, PAUN.

Sa, 17 Apr 04 - Two Costa's Hummingbirds, several Verdins, two Le Conte's Thrashers, a female Phainopepla, three Western Tanagers, and two Hooded Orioles were the highlights of a visit to a private yard north of Inyokern. BOBA, PATN, PAUN.

Sa, 17 Apr 04 - Highlights of a 6:30am-8:30am visit to Butterbredt Spring included: Prairie Falcon, Mountain Quail, Costa's Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Hammond's Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Blue Grosbeak. BOBA, PATN, PAUN.

Sa, 17 Apr 04 - Two Vaux's Swifts were observed over the Canebrake Ecological Reserve at the east end of the South Fork Valley. SUST.

Fr, 16 Apr 04 - A Whimbrel was observed in the flooded pasture next to the entrance road to Kern River Preserve Headquarters. BOBA.

Fr, 16 Apr 04 - An FOS Blue Grosbeak was observed this afternoon from along the Migrant Corner Trail by two Palo Alto birders. AMLA, WHMO.

Fr, 16 Apr 04 - A Tricolored Blackbird was in the yard at KRP Headquarters this morning. Several have also been frequenting the marsh-lined ditch just off Hwy. 178 at the side of the Kern River Preserve entrance road. BOBA.

Fr, 16 Apr 04 - The adult male and adult female Vermilion Flycatcher pair was seen from Fay Ranch Road (see Sa, 3 Apr 04 - JOHA, LOHA)). BOBA, an Irish birder, a Fresno birder, and two Palo Alto birders (AMLA, WHMO).

Fr, 16 Apr 04 - "Dozens and dozens" of Lesser Goldfinch and Lawrence's Goldfinch were observed by a Folsom birder during a walk along the ranch road leading west from the corner of the Kern River Preserve Headquarters parking lot. THHA.

We, 14 Apr 04 - An early FOS Vaux's Swift was conducting aerial foraging among fifty+ Tree Swallows and Violet-green Swallows above the Kern River Preserve's Migrant Corner Trail this morning. Vaux's Swifts usually arrive around April 25th. BOBA, THHA.

We, 14 Apr 04 - Two Gray Flycatchers were observed along Migrant Corner Trail this morning. BOBA.

We, 14 Apr 04 - 7am-9:25am, Migrant Corner Trail (see Fr, 2 Apr 04) : Turkey Vulture 3, Wood Duck 1, Mallard 1, Red-shouldered Hawk 1, American Kestrel 1, California Quail 16, Killdeer 2, Mourning Dove 3, Vaux's Swift 1, White-throated Swift 1, Anna's Hummingbird 4, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker 3, Gray Flycatcher 2, Black Phoebe 5, Ash-throated Flycatcher 1, Western Kingbird 10, Loggerhead Shrike 1, Western Scrub-Jay 3, Common Raven 3, Tree Swallow 25, Violet-green Swallow 25, Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2, Oak Titmouse 1, Bushtit 1, Rock Wren 6, Bewick's Wren 3, House Wren 16, Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2, Western Bluebird 1, Northern Mockingbird 1, European Starling 4, Yellow Warbler 6, Yellow-rumped Warbler 36, Common Yellowthroat 8, Spotted Towhee 3, California Towhee 1, Rufous-crowned Sparrow 1, Lark Sparrow 2, Savannah Sparrow 1, Song Sparrow 5, White-crowned Sparrow 5, Lazuli Bunting 1, Red-winged Blackbird 5, Western Meadowlark 7, Brown-headed Cowbird 7, Bullock's Oriole 2, House Finch 5, Lesser Goldfinch 3, Lawrence's Goldfinch 3. BOBA.

Tu, 13 Apr 04 - 100+ Lesser Goldfinches and Lawrence's Goldfinches were observed from the ranch road (walking trail and authorized vehicles only) leading west from the Kern River Preserve Headquarters parking lot. Forty individual goldfinches have been banded at this location over the last four mornings (10-13 April). This location is currently the best one for seeing these two species in abundance. Other locations where Lawrence's Goldfinches have been seen this spring are Fay Ranch Road south from the bridge over the South Fork Kern River, Kern River Preserve Headquarters, Migrant Corner Trail (Kern River Preserve) accessed from the northeast side of the Sierra Way bridge over the South Fork Kern River, and Scodie Park (Kern County) in Onyx. BOBA.

Tu, 13 Apr 04 - An FOS Nashville Warbler, 2 South Fork Valley FOS Black-headed Grosbeaks, and the 2nd Lazuli Bunting of the spring, a singing male,  were observed this morning during a brief, 6:30am-7:35am walk along Migrant Corner Trail. Among the rest of the thirty-seven species recorded were: Wood Duck 1, California Quail 2, Sora 2, Black Phoebe 3, Western Kingbird 1, Rock Wren 1, Yellow Warbler 3, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler 16, Common Yellowthroat 5, Spotted Towhee 2, California Towhee 1, Western Meadowlark 2, Bullock's Oriole 2, Lesser Goldfinch 3, Lawrence's Goldfinch 4. BOBA.

Mo, 12 Apr 04 - Two Kelso Creek Sanctuary FOS Ash-throated Flycatchers were observed during a 1pm-4:30pm non-birding visit this afternoon. Audubon's 156-acre Kelso Creek Sanctuary straddles Kelso Valley Road 15 miles south of Hwy, 178 in Weldon. Also observed during casual observations were: Mountain Quail (heard), California Quail, Red-shouldered Hawk, Accipiter species, American Kestrel, Greater Roadrunner (3 en route along Kelso Valley Road), Mourning Dove, Costa's Hummingbird, Great Horned Owl, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker, Western Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike (4+ en route along Kelso Valley Road), Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Tree Swallow, Oak Titmouse, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Western Bluebird, European Starling, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Brewer's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird,  Western Meadowlark, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch. ALSH.

Su, 11 Apr 04 - The Vermilion Flycatcher male was seen from Fay Ranch Road (see Sa, 3 Apr 04). BOBA, DAGA.

Su, 11 Apr 04 - A FOS Ash-throated Flycatcher was observed this morning on the Kern River Preserve east of Fay Ranch Road. BOBA. Also present at this location were: Mourning Dove 4, Anna's Hummingbird 1, Nuttall's Woodpecker 1, Downy Woodpecker 1, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker 1, Black Phoebe 2, Western Kingbird 3, Common Raven 4, Tree Swallow 6, Oak Titmouse 1, Bewick's Wren 1, House Wren 10, Western Bluebird 4, European Starling 4, Yellow Warbler 4, Yellow-rumped Warbler 1, Spotted Towhee 3, Lark Sparrow 4, Savannah Sparrow 10, Song Sparrow 2, Red-winged Blackbird 4, Western Meadowlark 10, Bullock's Oriole 10, House Finch 4, Lesser Goldfinch 4, Lawrence's Goldfinch 2. BOBA, JIBO, JOCA.

Su, 11 Apr 04 - A colony of an estimated 500+ pairs of very noisy Tricolored Blackbirds was observed on PRIVATE PROPERTY from Sierra Way at the long curve south of the bridge over the South Fork Kern River in Weldon. Small flocks of Tricoloreds may be observed flying in and out of the colony from the east edge of Sierra Way. Park on the north side of the bridge and walk south along Sierra Way to the edge of the colony site. BE CAREFUL OF FAST MOVING VEHICLES ALONG SIERRA WAY! BOBA, JIBO, JOCA.

Su, 11 Apr 04 - Migrant Corner Trail (see Fr, 2 Apr 04) and Sierra Way from South Fork bridge south to edge of forest: Wood Duck 1, Mallard 15, Pied-billed Grebe 2, Sora 1, American Coot 1, Mourning Dove 2, Anna's Hummingbird 2, Nuttall's Woodpecker 1, Downy Woodpecker 4, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker 1, Black Phoebe 3, Common Raven 2, Tree Swallow 20, Bushtit 2, Cactus Wren 1, Rock Wren 3, Bewick's Wren 2, House Wren 20, Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1, Western Bluebird 6, American Robin 2, European Starling 2, Cedar Waxwing 7, Orange-crowned Warbler 1, Yellow Warbler 4, Yellow-rumped Warbler 15, Black-throated Gray Warbler 1, Common Yellowthroat 2, Spotted Towhee 1, Song Sparrow 5, White-crowned Sparrow 6, Red-winged Blackbird 10, Tricolored Blackbird 500+ pairs, Western Meadowlark 2, Brown-headed Cowbird 1, Bullock's Oriole 4, House Finch 4, Lesser Goldfinch 2, Lawrence's Goldfinch 8. BOBA, JIBO, JOCA.

Su, 11 Apr 04 - Kelso Valley Road at the Kelso Creek wash, five miles south from Hwy. 178 in Weldon: Red-tailed Hawk 2, American Kestrel (en route), California Quail 2, Mourning Dove 2, Greater Roadrunner 2 (1 en route), Ladder-backed Woodpecker 2, Western Kingbird 3, Common Raven 1, Cactus Wren 6, Rock Wren 4, Bewick's Wren 2, Yellow-rumped Warbler 1, Spotted Towhee 1, Brewer's Sparrow 5, Vesper Sparrow 1 (en route), Lark Sparrow 6 (en route), Black-throated Sparrow 6, White-crowned Sparrow 30, Red-winged Blackbird 5 (en route), Brewer's Blackbird 75 (en route), House Finch 8. BOBA, JIBO, JOCA.

Sa, 10 Apr 04 - Two American Dippers were observed this afternoon by two Rhode Island birders along the Kern River between Isabella Reservoir's Main Dam and the Hwy. 155 bridge. JIBO, JOCA.

Sa, 10 Apr 04 - American Goldfinch, Lesser Goldfinch, and Lawrence's Goldfinch are all being found in the yard at Kern River Preserve Headquarters. BOBA.

Sa, 10 Apr 04 - Several Tricolored Blackbirds were found by two Rhode Island birders in the marsh vegetation along the agricultural water ditch just inside the Hwy. 178 entrance to Kern River Preserve Headquarters. JIBO, JOCA.

Sa, 10 Apr 04 - The adult male Vermilion Flycatcher was observed again mid-morning (see 3 Apr 04) along with a half-dozen or more Lawrence's Goldfinches. Species observed at this location were: Mallard, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Wild Turkey, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Common Raven, Tree Swallow, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Western Bluebird, American Robin, European Starling, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and Lawrence's Goldfinch. BOBA, JIBO, JOCA, GAFI.

Sa, 10 Apr 04 - A record-early FOS Lazuli Bunting was a male singing from atop a large boulder at the end of the Kern River Preserve's Migrant Corner Trail at 8:15am this morning (BOBA). The prior earliest spring arrival date for the Kern River Valley was 13 April 2001 (BOBA) and the earliest date mentioned in Matt Heindel's on-line Birds of East Kern County book is 14 April. BOBA.

Sa, 10 Apr 04 - A 6:35am-8:30am walk starting at the junction of Sierra Way and proceeding east along the Migrant Corner Trail (see Fr, 2 Apr 04)...Wood Duck 4, Mallard 1, Pied-billed Grebe 1, Ring-necked Pheasant 1, California Quail 11, Mourning Dove 7, Anna's Hummingbird 4, Downy Woodpecker 3, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker 2, Black Phoebe 3, Western Kingbird 3, Common Raven 4, Tree Swallow 2, Violet-green Swallow 5, Bushtit 1, Cactus Wren 1, Rock Wren 7, Bewick's Wren 4, House Wren 19, Western Bluebird 2, American Robin 4, Northern Mockingbird 1, European Starling 8, Yellow Warbler 5, Yellow-rumped Warbler 8, Common Yellowthroat 3, California Towhee 3, Spotted Towhee 1, Rufous-crowned Sparrow 1, Black-throated Sparrow 4, Savannah Sparrow 10, Song Sparrow 11, White-crowned Sparrow 11, Golden-crowned Sparrow 1, Red-winged Blackbird 116, Western Meadowlark 10, Brown-headed Cowbird 1, Great-tailed Grackle 1, Bullock's Oriole 2, House Finch 11, Lesser Goldfinch 1, and Lawrence's Goldfinch 2. Also present were: Black-tailed Jackrabbit 1 and Desert Cottontail 1. BOBA.

Th, 8 Apr 04 - A stunning adult male South Fork Valley FOS Costa's Hummingbird, along with abundant Anna's Hummingbirds and common Black-chinned Hummingbirds, entertained a Maryland family at the hummingbird feeders in the front yard of KRP Headquarters. BOBA, et. al.

Th, 8 Apr 04 - The Vermilion Flycatcher pair continued along the east-west fence line along the south edge of the large, wet meadow found just southwest of the Fay Ranch Road bridge over the South Fork Kern River in Weldon. This is PRIVATE PROPERTY! Bird from the edge of the road. DO NOT cross the barbed wire fence or go through the gate into the field. THANK YOU! BOBA, MIMC.

Th, 8 Apr 04 - A South Fork Valley FOS Gray Flycatcher highlighted a 6:30am-8:45am walk starting at the junction of Sierra Way and the Migrant Corner Trail (see Fr, 2 Apr 04)...Wood Duck 2, Mallard 5, Turkey Vulture 1, Sharp-shinned Hawk 2, Red-tailed Hawk 1, Ring-necked Pheasant 1, California Quail 8, Mourning Dove 7, Greater Roadrunner 1, Anna's Hummingbird 3, Downy Woodpecker 3, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker 1, Gray Flycatcher 1, Black Phoebe 4, Western Kingbird 1, Common Raven 3, Tree Swallow 2, Violet-green Swallow 2, Bushtit 3, Rock Wren 9, Bewick's Wren 4, House Wren 20, Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3, Western Bluebird 1, Hermit Thrush 1, American Robin 4, Northern Mockingbird 1, European Starling 3, Cedar Waxwing 7, Orange-crowned Warbler 2, Yellow Warbler 2, Yellow-rumped Warbler 33, Common Yellowthroat 6, Wilson's Warbler 1, Spotted Towhee 2, Rufous-crowned Sparrow 1, Brewer's Sparrow 2, Black-throated Sparrow 3, Savannah Sparrow 9, Song Sparrow 6, White-crowned Sparrow 3, Red-winged Blackbird 5, Western Meadowlark 7, Brown-headed Cowbird 1, Bullock's Oriole 3, House Finch 7, Lesser Goldfinch 2, and Lawrence's Goldfinch 1. Also present were: Mule Deer 6, Black-tailed Jackrabbit 1 and Desert Cottontail 1. BOBA.

Th, 8 Apr 04 - An early a.m. owling trip along the first five miles of the Keyesville Road yielded Western Screech Owl 4,  Great Horned Owl 20, and Common Poorwill 10 (3 visual). The Porwills were calling bewtween 3am and 4:30am. The Keyesville Road starts right across Hwy. 155 from the entrance to Isabella Reservoir's Main Dam Campground. MIMC.

Tu, 6 Apr 04 - An adult female Vermilion Flycatcher joined the adult male of the same species along the east-west fence line along the south edge of the large, wet meadow found just southwest of the Fay Ranch Road bridge over the South Fork Kern River in Weldon. This is PRIVATE PROPERTY! Bird from the edge of the road and DO NOT cross the barbed wire fence or go through the gateway into the field. THANK YOU! JOHA, BOBA, et. al.

Tu, 6 Apr 04 - An FOS Pacific-slope Flycatcher was found c. 6 miles up Hwy. 155 (Evans Road) in Wofford Heights. JOSC.

Su, 4 Apr 04 - Wofford Heights area FOS species for this day included an FOS Gray Flycatcher at the junction of Hwy. 155 and Sawmill Road, a Black-headed Grosbeak in Wofford Heights (see 1 Apr 04), and a Hooded Oriole in Wofford Heights (see 1 Apr 04). JOSC

Su, 4 Apr 04 - An FOS Brewer's Sparrow was observed singing in the desert wash alongside the wet meadow at the end of the Kern River Preserve's  Migrant Corner Trail. BOBA.

Su, 4 Apr 04 - Eight species of sparrows highlighted a 6:45am-8:20am walk starting at the junction of Sierra Way and the Migrant Corner Trail (see Fr, 2 Apr 04)...Wood Duck 2, Mallard 2, Great Blue Heron 2, Turkey Vulture 1, American Kestrel 1, Ring-necked Pheasant 1, California Quail 11, Mourning Dove 3, Greater Roadrunner 1, Anna's Hummingbird 1, Downy Woodpecker 1, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker 1, Black Phoebe 3, Western Kingbird 7, Common Raven 5, Tree Swallow 1, Bushtit 2, Cactus Wren 2, Rock Wren 10, Bewick's Wren 3, House Wren 26, Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1, Western Bluebird 1, American Robin 1, Northern Mockingbird 3, European Starling 8, Yellow Warbler 1, Yellow-rumped Warbler 5, Common Yellowthroat 6, Spotted Towhee 3, California Towhee 6, Rufous-crowned Sparrow 1, Lark Sparrow 3, Black-throated Sparrow 3, Savannah Sparrow 1, Song Sparrow 5, White-crowned Sparrow 12, Golden-crowned Sparrow 1, Red-winged Blackbird 3, Western Meadowlark 5, Bullock's Oriole 3, House Finch 6, Lesser Goldfinch 4, and Lawrence's Goldfinch 1. Also present were: Black-tailed Jackrabbit 1 and Desert Cottontail 1. BOBA.

Sa, 3 Apr 04 - An FOS adult male Vermilion Flycatcher was observed from Fay Ranch Road around 9:30am this morning. It was seen in the field west of the road about 3/4 mile north of Hwy. 178 in Weldon. It was 125-150 yards away. It then flew to a telephone wire and perched briefly before flying off. This is in the same area where a pair nested and fledged young in 2003. It is in the field closest to the bridge - off the southwest (near) side of the bridge as you approach from Hwy. 178. Look for the pile of 20-25 tires. This is PRIVATE PROPERTY! Bird from the edge of the road and DO NOT cross the barbed wire fence or go through the gateway into the field. THANK YOU! JOHA, LOHA.

Sa, 3 Apr 04 - Bird species observed along Fay Ranch Road this morning: Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Northern Flicker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bushtit, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Western Bluebird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-winged Blackbird, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and Lawrence's Goldfinch. JOHA, LOHA.

Fr, 2 Apr 04 - An FOS Black-chinned Hummingbird were observed by a Chicago birder at the hummingbird feeder in the front yard at KRP Headquarters. GRPO. NOTE: Several Black-chinned Hummingbirds were subsequently observed at the same feeder by many observers on Sa, 3 Apr 04.

Fr, 2 Apr 04 - 100+ Cedar Waxwings were observed in a private yard in Weldon. ALSH.

Fr, 2 Apr 04 - A South Fork Valley FOS Black throated Gray Warbler (see 30 March 04) and an FOS Wilson's Warbler were observed along KRP's Migrant Corner Trail this morning. BOBA.

Fr, 2 Apr 04 - Two American Crows observed flying and calling over the wet meadow at the end of the Migrant Corner Trail this morning were a first for that location. BOBA.

Fr, 2 Apr 04 - Although no significant migration took place this morning, a 5:45am-7:35am walk along KRP's Migrant Corner Trail from Sierra Way east to the lone, large cottonwood at the edge of the wet meadow and 300 yards east of the end of the trail, then north to the hillside, then west/southwest along the hillside/desert slope interface, yielded the following array of species and numbers: Great Blue Heron 1, Wood Duck 4, Mallard 6, Red-tailed Hawk 1, large falcon 1, California Quail 18, Greater Roadrunner 1, Anna's Hummingbird 1, Nuttall's Woodpecker 1, Downy Woodpecker 1, Black Phoebe 7, Western Kingbird 9, American Crow 2, Common Raven 4, Violet-green Swallow 2, Bushtit 4, Cactus Wren 1, Rock Wren 9, Bewick's Wren 3, House Wren 21, Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4, Western Bluebird 4, American Robin 4, Northern Mockingbird 1, European Starling 37, Yellow Warbler 1, Yellow-rumped Warbler 7, Black-throated Gray Warbler (FOS) 1, Common Yellowthroat 2, Wilson's Warbler (FOS) 1, California Towhee 2, Rufous-crowned Sparrow 1, Lark Sparrow 1, Black-throated Sparrow 2, Savannah Sparrow 3, Song Sparrow 10, White-crowned Sparrow 12, Red-winged Blackbird 4, Western Meadowlark 6, Bullock's Oriole 3, House Finch 5, Lesser Goldfinch 4, and Lawrence's Goldfinch 6. Also present were: Mule Deer 7, Black-tailed Jackrabbit 1, Desert Cottontail 2, and California Ground Squirrel 1. BOBA.

Th, 1 Apr 04 - An FOS Black-headed Grosbeak was observed in a private yard in Bodfish Canyon. PASE.

Th, 1 Apr 04 - An FOS Hooded Oriole was observed at the hummingbird feeder in the front yard of KRP Headquarters. BOBA. 

Tu, 30 Mar 04 - An FOS Hammond's Flycatcher, an FOS Cassin's Vireo, and two-three Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, and an FOS Black-throated Gray Warbler were observed in the vicinity of Keyesville. Keyesville is at the end of the paved section of the road heading down canyon directly across from Isabella Reservoir's Main Dam Campground entrance. JOSC.

Tu, 30 Mar 04 - The following are being observed in and around Kern River Preserve Headquarters: Wood Duck, Mallard, Great Blue Heron, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Anna's Hummingbird, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern (Red-shafted Flicker), Black Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Common Raven, Tree Swallow, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird, American Robin, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Lark Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Tricolored Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Lawrence's Goldfinch, and American Goldfinch. BOBA.

Tu, 30 Mar 04 - At least four FOS Yellow Warblers were singing from trees bordering the Kern River Preserve's entrance road and nature trail this morning. FOS arrival dates for the last four years have been 31 March 01, 2 April 02, 30 March 03, and 30 March 04. BOBA, MAWH.

Tu, 30 Mar 04 - Lawrence's Goldfinches are now being reported from numerous locations by numerous birders in and around the Kern River Valley. They are being most readily seen at Kern County's Scodie Park in Onyx. There are several being observed at Kern River Preserve Headquarters among the numerous American Goldfinches and Lesser Goldfinches.

Sa, 27 Mar 04 - Several  FOS Common Yellowthroats were detected along the Kern River Preserve Nature Trail. MAWH.

Fr, 26 Mar 04 - A Long-billed Curlew and 4 Whimbrels were observed in the Onyx ranch field between the Weldon Methodist Church and Fay Ranch Road. BIOL, GE?.

Fr, 26 Mar 04 - A Red-breasted Sapsucker was observed in the Kern River Preserve headquarters yard. ALSH.

Th, 25 Mar 04 - An American Dipper was observed feeding two chicks along the Kern River near Lake Isabella. ALSH.

Mo, 22 Mar 04 - A FOS Bullock's Oriole was observed in the Kern River Preserve headquarters yard. MAWH.

Su, 21 Mar 04 - A Great Horned Owl nestling was observed in a nest with its parents along Sierra Way. ALSH.

Su, 21 Mar 04 - The Northern Shrike was still present near Tillie Creek Campground in Wofford Heights (See 13 Mar 04). JOSC.

Tu, 16 Mar 04 - A FOS Western Kingbird was observed perching on some wire outside the kitchen window of a private residence in Squirrel Valley today at Noon. JOHA, LOHA.

Tu, 16 Mar 04 - FOS Lawrence's Goldfinches were seen at Scodie Park in Onyx. BOBA.

Mo, 15 Mar 04 - A FOS Rufous Hummingbird was observed at a private residence in Weldon. TEGA, ALSH.

Su, 14 Mar 04 - FOS Lawrence's Goldfinches were observed along the Kern River Preserve's Migrant Corner Trail. BOBA.

Sa, 13 Mar 04 - The Northern Shrike, first reported 20 Jan 04, was still present in Wofford Heights as of this morning. It was observed for thirty minutes This individual started at its usual early morning perch near Tillie Creek Campground and moved down to the large patch of willows below Wofford Heights Park. JOSC (As reported by ALSH).

Sa, 13 Mar 04 - FOS: Western Kingbird and Scott's Oriole (a male) were observed at Butterbredt Spring this morning. Also present were two singing Le Conte's Thrashers found outside the fence near the road. TEGA, ALSH, ROBO.

Sa, 13 Mar 04 - A wintering Red-breasted Sapsucker and a wintering Steller's Jay were still present at Scodie Park in Onyx this morning. BOBA.

We, 10 Mar 04 - FOS Lawrence's Goldfinches arrived at Kern River Preserve Headquarters. BOBA, MAWH.

We, 3 Mar 04 - A heavily mottled, immature Bald Eagle was observed coming up off the ground bordering the entrance road to Kern River Preserve Headquarters. BOBA.

Mo, 1 Mar 04 - 9:15am-10am, Scodie Park in Onyx: Anna's Hummingbird 1, Red-breasted Sapsucker 1, Hairy Woodpecker 1, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker 1, Steller's Jay 2, Common Raven 1, Oak Titmouse 2, Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2, Western Bluebird 2, American Robin 6, Northern Mockingbird 3, European Starling 2, Yellow-rumped Warbler 3, Chipping Sparrow 1, White-crowned Sparrow 2, Dark-eyed Junco 20, Red-winged Blackbird 1, House Finch 3, and House Sparrow 5. BOBA.

OBSERVERS: LIAU-Liga Auzins, KEAX-Keith Axelson, BOBA-Bob Barnes, DABA-Darrell Barnes, JEBI-Jeremy Bird, STBL-Steve Blaber, TEBL-Tessa Blaber, ROBO-Ron Bolyard, AUBO-Austin Booth, JIBO-Jim Borstein, ELBO-Elizabeth Bowman, WABO-Walt Bowman, MABR-Matt Brady, GEBR-Geri Brown, CHBY-Chris Byrd, NOBY-Norm Byrd, JOCA-John Carroll, DACH-David Chilton, EMCO-Emily Cohen, GUDA-Gunilla Davidson, TOEA-Todd Easterla, ANET-Ann Etue, FRFA-Fran Farley, GAFI-Gary File, ROFI-Robbie Fisher, JOFR-Joan Franco, NIFR-Nick Freeman, TEGA-Terri Gallion, DAGA-Dave Gaylor, JOGR-John Green, MAGR-Mary Griffin,  JAGU-Jack Guffey, BIHA-Bill Halford, JEHA-Jean Halford, JOHA-Joe Hart, LOHA-Lois Hart, THHA-Theo Haugen, JOHZ-Joe Hazlett, MAHZ-Mary Ann Hazlett, IRHE-Irene Heath, PHHE-Phil Heavin, TOHI-Tommye Hite, IRHO-Irene Horiuchi, ANHO-Andrew Howe, VEHO-Vernon Howe, KAKI-Kathy Kim, BRKY-Brenda Kyle, KEKY-Ken Kyle, AMLA-Amy Lauterbach, CILI-Cindy Lieurance, LELI-Les Lieurance, KELE-Kelli Levinson, DALO-Dan Lockshaw, JOLU-John Luther, EDLY-Ed Lynch, CUMA-Curtis Marantz, TOMC-Todd McGrath, ALMC-Alan McKie, MIMC-Michael McQuerrey, LOME-Lorelei Metildi, STME-Steve Metildi, TEMI-Terri Middlemiss, BOMI-Bobbie Miller, MKMI-Mark Miller, IMAMI-Marya Miller, JOMO-Joe Morlan, WHMO-Whitney Mortimer, MJNE-Mary Jo Newhouse, TONE-Tom Newhouse, PATN-Pat Nistico, PAUN-Paul Nistico, BIOL-Bill Oliver, CHPA-Chuck Pappe, GRPO-Greg Popek, GAPO-Gary Potter, DARA-Dan Ramos, JIRO-Jim Roe, MIRO-Mikael Rosen, MISA-Mike San Miguel, JOSA-Joe Sasfy, MASA-Marianne Sasfy, JOSC-John Schmitt, PASE-Pat Seamount, JESE-Jeff Seay, JOSE-Joyce Seibold, ALSH-Alison Sheehey, BOST-Bob Steele, JOST-John Sterling, ASSU-Ashley Sutton, BISW-Bill Sweetman, LITE-Linda Terrill, RYTE-Ryan Terrill, SCTE-Scott Terrill, RETO-Reed Tollefson, BUTO-Burr Toohey, DAVP-David Vander Pluym, DOWA-Donelda Warhurst, BRWE-Bruce Webb, MAWH-Mary Whitfield, BUWI-Bud Widdowson, JOWI-John Wilson, TOWU-Tom Wurster, JOZA-Joe Zajacek, GE?-George (last name unknown).