Last Update: Monday, August 13, 2001

June & July, 2001, Nesting Season Report...

KRP - Kern River Preserve
SFWA - South Fork Wildlife Area

June 1 & 2 - DICKCISSEL, KRP northeast, Geoff Keller
June 5 & 6 - NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, KRP Migrant Corner Trail, Bob Barnes
June 10-13 - CASSIN'S SPARROW, KRP north, Bob Barnes
June 13 - LEAST BITTERN, KRP Prince's Pond, John Sterling & Kristie Nelson
June 13 - RED-EYED VIREO, SFWA south, John Sterling
June 13 - RED-EYED VIREO, SFWA north, Bud Widdowson
June 15 & 16 - NORTHERN PARULA, Migrant Corner Trail, Bob Barnes
June 16 - EASTERN KINGBIRD (2 individuals), SFWA south, Mike Feighner
June 24 & 29 - BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, KRP river bottom, Sylvia Schmitt (6/24, singing) & Terri Pope (6/29)
July 7 - SUMMER BIRD COUNT & Results
July 14 - BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER pair (3rd straight nesting season), Kelso Creek Sanctuary, Bob Barnes
July 7 & 15 - PEREGRINE FALCON, SFWA south, Mike Feighner (7/7) & Sue Cossins (7/15)
July 21 - AMERICAN REDSTART (singing adult male), KRP Headquarters, Ron Beck
Through July 31 - YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, 14-17 pairs, Bob Barnes, Steve Laymon, Mary Whitfield
Through July 31 - WILLOW FLYCATCHER, 11 pairs (11 females, 20+ males), Mary Whitfield
Through July 31 - BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, 8-12 pairs along South Fork Kern plus one pair at the Kelso Creek Sanctuary, Bob Barnes & Mary Whitfield

UPDATE: Tuesday July 17, 2001.

RESULTS of South Fork (Kern River Valley) Rapid Assessment Summer Bird Count. Kern County, California.
DATE/TIME: Saturday July 7, 2001. 3rd Annual SF Kern Summer BIRD Count. 5am-11:30am

COUNT AREA DESCRIPTION: 5500 of 10000 acres of the South Fork Valley from the east end of the Cane Brake Ecological Reserve west to a north-south line extending north from Lime Point including the Cane Brake Ecological Reserve (1300 acres), Kern River Preserve (1100 acres), South Fork Wildlife Area (1200 acres), and Isabella Reservoir lake bottom (1500 acres)...

ELEVATION: 2650'-3000' 

HABITAT: Fremont cottonwood/red willow riparian forest, dry & irrigated pasture, freshwater  pond & marsh, reservoir bottom lands & shallow water areas, plus observable adjacent dry sagebrush uplands & rocky hill slopes and adjacent silver cholla & Joshua tree woodland...

OBSERVERS: Thirty-eight observers in 12-15 parties

TOTAL PARTY-HOURS: 67.75

KEY: PIF - National Partners In Flight ranking, CAPITAL LETTERS - CALIFORNIA PARTNERS IN FLIGHT'S RIPARIAN HABITAT JOINT VENTURE BIRD CONSERVATION PLAN TARGET SPECIES, (I)-Introduced Species.

BIRD SPECIES & NUMBERS: Pied-billed Grebe 2; Western Grebe 1; Clark's Grebe 5; Western/Clark's Grebe 105; American White Pelican 18; Double-crested Cormorant 20; American Bittern 1; Great Blue Heron 27; Great Egret 2; Black-crowned Night-Heron 1; Turkey Vulture 63; Wood Duck 7; Mallard 51; Cinnamon Teal 2; Northern Shoveler 2; duck sp. 2; Osprey 4; Cooper's Hawk 1; Red-shouldered Hawk 19; Red-tailed Hawk 26; American Kestrel 9; Prairie Falcon 1; Ring-necked Pheasant (I) 4; California Quail 51 (PIF 20); Virginia Rail 1; American Coot 8; Killdeer 7; Greater Yellowlegs 1; Least Sandpiper 30; gull sp. 30; Caspian Tern 3; Rock Dove (I) 2; Mourning Dove 258; YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO 34; Barn Owl
3; Great Horned Owl 12; Black Swift 1; White-throated Swift 20; Black-chinned Hummingbird 153; Anna's Hummingbird 169; Costa's Hummingbird 1; Rufous Hummingbird 2; Selasphorus sp.hummingbird 2; hummingbird sp. 8; Acorn Woodpecker 2; Nuttall's Woodpecker 84 (PIF 20); Downy Woodpecker 43; Hairy Woodpecker 18; Northern Flicker 100; Western Wood-Pewee 177; WILLOW FLYCATCHER
(Extimus) 11, Empidonax sp. 2; Black Phoebe 92; Say's Phoebe 2; Ash-throated Flycatcher 113; Brown-crested Flycatcher 15; Western Kingbird 86; Eastern Kingbird 1; Loggerhead Shrike 2; WARBLING VIREO 1; Western Scrub-Jay 19; Common Raven 150; Horned Lark 26; Tree Swallow 228; Violet-green Swallow 25; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 31; Cliff Swallow 11; swallow sp. 2; Oak Titmouse 44 (PIF 22); Bushtit 281; White-breasted Nuthatch 20; Cactus Wren 1; Rock Wren 4; Canyon Wren 1; Bewick's Wren 167; House Wren 163; Marsh Wren 3; Western Bluebird 66; American Robin 106; Northern Mockingbird 12; European Starling (I) 423; Orange-crowned Warbler 3; YELLOW WARBLER 227; COMMON YELLOWTHROAT 678; YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT 37; Summer Tanager 26; Western Tanager
3; Spotted Towhee 18; California Towhee 18 (PIF 18), Rufous-crowned Sparrow 2 (PIF 18); Chipping Sparrow 96; Lark Sparrow 238; Savannah Sparrow 76; SONG SPARROW 1136; BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK 10; BLUE GROSBEAK 97; Lazuli Bunting 167; Indigo Bunting 7; Red-winged Blackbird 1280; Tricolored Blackbird 195 (PIF 19); Western Meadowlark 21; Brewer's Blackbird 713; blackbird species 23;
Great-tailed Grackle 38; Brown-headed Cowbird 95; Hooded Oriole 1; Bullock's Oriole 139; House Finch 293; Lesser Goldfinch 214; Lawrence's Goldfinch 42 (PIF 24); House Sparrow (I) 52...

TOTAL BIRD SPECIES: 104

TOTAL INDIVIDUAL BIRDS: 9646

OBSERVERS: R. J. Adams, Dana Armstrong, Bob Barnes, Lance Benner, Thea Benson, Gordon Black, Bill Bouton, Alan Brown, Bill Davis, Monika Davis, Tom Edell, Kathi Ellsworth, Mary Carmona-Freeman, Mike Feighner, Nick Freeman, Al Frohlich, Dave Gaylor, Joe Hart, Lois Hart, Joan Humphrey, Mark Jacobsen, Esther Kalinay, Howard King, Sandy Koonce, Kelli Levinson, Janet Lynn, Barbara Maxwell, Clark Moore, Roger Moyer, Eleanor Osgood, Molly Pollock, Laura Quattrini, Jeff Seay, Susan Steele, Mike Stiles, Reed Tollefson, John Trochet, Richard Waters...

NOTE: A Peregrine Falcon was observed in the South Fork Wildlife Area on Saturday afternoon, a few hours after the end of the Summer Bird Count.

COMPILER: Bob Barnes

September 28-October 4...7th Annual Kern River Valley Turkey Vulture & Fall Migration Festival...

Highlights - 

Major Tip: Birding early (starting at dawn) and carefully (spending time) = birds seen...

June 16th...Eastern Kingbird (2), Northern Parula , Red Crossbills...Details Below...

June 15th...Northern Parula  & KRP (north side) census...

June 14th...Cassin's Sparrow (NOT FOUND TODAY!!!!!)......Details Below...

June 13th..Least Bittern, Red-eyed Vireo (2), Kentucky Warbler,  Indigo Bunting (4)

June 10th-13th...Cassin's Sparrow (Kern County's first!)

June 5th & 6th...Northern Waterthrush...

June 1st & 2nd...Dickcissel...

Plumbeous Vireos have returned to nest at Chimney Creek Campground in extreme southeastern Tulare County about 11 miles north of Hwy. 178. BB.

Bioregions Festival...Friday, April 27...196 species; Friday through Sunday, April 27-29...220 species; Friday through Thursday, May 2-May 3...227 species.  BB.

Specific Dates and Sightings:

Major Tip: Birding early (starting at dawn) and carefully (spending time) = birds seen...

Sa, Jun 16 - Two Eastern Kingbirds were reported to be at the Sequoia National Forest's South Fork Wildlife Area (SFWA) south side during an observation from 11:30am-11:50am this morning. To access this area take the SFWA signed (and brown "Wildlife Viewing Area" sign) access road off the north side of Hwy. 178 just west of the gravel plant (c. 2.5-3 miles west of the entrance to the Kern River Preserve). Go down the dirt road c. 0.5 miles to a point where you make a right at a "NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING" sign and drive down that dirt road to the South Fork Kern River ("creek"). The two Eastern Kingbirds were between here & 500 yards to the west. MF.

UPDATE: TG and BB spent two hours (3:55pm-5:55pm) unsuccessfully looking for the two Eastern Kingbirds reported to be in the South Fork Wildlife Area (southeast area of Isabella Reservoir high water zone). A check will take place again tomorrow. But, these birds did move west an estimated 500 yards in 20 minutes...not a good sign! A Dan Cooper sighting here in the Kern River Valley in a prior year was not seen by several birders who arrived within an hour of the sighting. BB.

According to Matt Heindel's East Kern book, the four spring records for the east Kern desert include a one-day bird, two two-day birds, and a three-day bird...all records occurring during the period 27 May - 12 June.

Sa, Jun 16 - The singing male Northern Parula was reported for the second day this morning during a 5:40am-5:55am observation (See Fr, Jun 15). It was first heard just east of the Sierra Way Bridge and worked its way east to the area where it was first detected yesterday. BB, MF, TG.

Sa, Jun 16 - The  Red Crossbills continue at the campus of Cerro Coso College in Ridgecrest with an adult male and two juveniles found. SS.

Fr, Jun 15 - Cassin's Sparrow...WAS NOT FOUND FOR THE SECOND STRAIGHT DAY TODAY!!!!! 

Fr, Jun 15 - A singing male Northern Parula was reported to be on the Kern River Preserve  along the trail to Migrant Corner (trailhead on the northeast side of the Sierra Way Bridge over the South Fork Kern River). It was singing from the trees over the standing backwater in the 100' section of trail just west of the fence line found halfway to Migrant Corner or 200-300 yd/m east of Sierra Way. Observation was from 9:25am-10:15am. BB.

Fr, Jun 15 - 5:10am to 12:30pm (4.5 miles) census report from route from Fay Ranch Road Bridge along road north to north side of Mariposa Marsh, west along north side of forest to Fay Creek, north along east edge of Fay Creek forest and back south along west edge, west along north side of forest to Sierra Way, east up the South Fork Kern River riverbed to north-south fence extending from the northeast corner of Nature Trail. The first number is the total number of individuals of each species encountered. In parentheses are two numbers. The first number represents the number of individuals counted 5:10am-10am (3 miles) from the Fay Ranch Road bridge west to Sierra Way. The second number represents the number of individuals counted 10am-12:30am (1.5 miles) from Sierra Way east to the north-south fence mentioned above. The intention is to separate the forest edge census and the interior forest census.  Species: Pied-billed Grebe 1 (1,0), Great Blue Heron 2 (1,1), Turkey Vulture 3 (2,1), Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (1,1), Red-tailed Hawk 4 (4,0), American Kestrel 4 (4,0), California Quail 2 (2,0), Mourning Dove 37 (22,15), Anna's Hummingbird 1 (1,0), Nuttall's Woodpecker 34 (22,12), Downy Woodpecker 22 (14,8), Hairy Woodpecker 2 (0,2), Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker 20 (13,7), Western Wood-Pewee 54 (32,22), Willow Flycatcher 3 (0,3), Pacific-slope Flycatcher 1 (1,0), Black Phoebe 8 (2,6), Say's Phoebe 2 (2,0), Ash-throated Flycatcher 12 (9,3), Brown-crested Flycatcher 1 (0,1), Western Kingbird 15 (14,1), Warbling Vireo 1 (0,1), Western Scrub-Jay 3 (3,0), Common Raven 14 (11,3), Horned Lark 5 (5,0), Tree Swallow 21 (13, 8), Oak Titmouse 10 (7,3), Bushtit 26 (18,8), White-breasted Nuthatch 5 (1,4), Bewick's Wren 27 (22,5), House Wren 114 (81,33), Western Bluebird 17 (15,2), American Robin 22 (11,11), Northern Mockingbird 1 (1,0), European Starling 239 (235,4), Phainopepla 1 (1,0), Northern Parula 1 (1,0), Yellow Warbler 83 (29,54), Common Yellowthroat 12 (7,5), Yellow-breasted Chat 5 (1,4), Summer Tanager 6 (2,4), Spotted Towhee 9 (7,2), California Towhee 1 (1,0), Lark Sparrow 50 (50,0), Savannah Sparrow 47 (47,0), Song Sparrow 132 (44,88), Blue Grosbeak 24 (24,0), Lazuli Bunting 74 (51,23), Red-winged Blackbird 41 (37,4), Western Meadowlark 15 (15,0), Brewer's Blackbird 10 (5,5), Brown-headed Cowbird 15 (10,5), Bullock's Oriole 84 (68,16), House Finch 11 (6,5), Lesser Goldfinch 18 (8,10), Lawrence's Goldfinch 58 (9,49),...

Th, Jun 14 - Cassin's Sparrow...NOT FOUND TODAY!!!!! Despite 90 minutes of observation during the best time of the day (540am-710am) by five of us spread out over the available habitat, the Cassin's Sparrow was not seen, nor heard singing or calling, nor seen skylarking this morning.

During the last 30 minutes of observation I used a tape player in the long-shot that for some unknown reason the bird would pop up or respond with the chattering it had the first day when we used the tape to get the bird out later in the morning. EVERY single time we played the tape last Sunday, the bird responded with a chattering from wherever it was hidden at the time. No such luck today.

I strongly suspect the bird has moved on out of the Kern River Valley or has taken up residence somewhere else in the Valley. BB.

We, Jun 13 - A singing male Kentucky Warbler was reported to be at Butterbredt Spring this morning. It was found walking and singing the entire length of the spring area that runs below the rocks. TG, BiB.

We, Jun 13 - A report of a late male Western Tanager comes from the east end of the Kern River Preserve. BB, JSc. 

We, Jun 13 - A Least Bittern was reported from the Kern River Preserve's Prince's Pond, a traditional location, this morning at 5:15am. JSt, KN.

We, Jun 13 - The Cassin's Sparrow was present for the fourth straight morning (BB, JA, DN, JSc). However, all may not be well with the future for seeing this bird. Yesterday, a "Grim Reaper" started harvesting the field of 3' tall chickery and 2' high grass hosting the sparrow. Half the field is now cleared. The rest of the field, the part with the Cassin's Sparrow, had not been touched today through 5pm. BB.

We, Jun 13 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported to be "kalping" from 5:40pm-6pm in the Fremont cottonwoods of the restoration field right behind Kern River Preserve Headquarters. MW, BB.

We, Jun 13 - This morning during coordinated surveys conducted by three biologist birders, a singing Red-eyed Vireo and a male Indigo Bunting were reported from the south (Hwy. 178) side of Sequoia National Forest's South Fork Wildlife Area (JSt) found adjacent to the Kern River Preserve on the west, a singing Red-eyed Vireo and a pure visual pair of adult  Indigo Buntings were reported from the north (Sierra Way) side of the South Fork Wildlife Area (SFWA) in the vicinity of Milepost 1.75 (both could be detected from the road) (BW), and a male Indigo Bunting was reported from the north side of the SFWA to the west of the entrance/parking lot (KN). All of these reports come from areas where individuals of these species have been known to summer, and nest,  in recent years. KN, JSt, BW.

Tu, Jun 12 - A singing Red-eyed Vireo was reported to be at the Cerro Coso College campus in Ridgecrest at mid-day today. KN (w. visual and sound confirmation by JSt & BW).

Tu, Jun 12 - A singing Chestnut-sided Warbler was reported to be at the Cerro Coso College campus in Ridgecrest this morning (JSe) and later found independently at mid-day (KN w. visual and sound confirmation by JSt & BW).

Tu, Jun 12 - The adult male and adult female Red Crossbills feeding two juveniles were again reported to be at the Cerro Coso College campus in Ridgecrest this morning. JSe.

Tu, Jun 12 - The Cassin's Sparrow was present for the third morning and put on a show. It was observed singing while "skylarking" over forty times (hand tally count) in twenty minutes from 5:50am-6:10am by BB, BiB, SI, GL, WM, KN, JSt, & BW! Also present at the same location were Savannah Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird (Kern),  Tricolored Blackbird, and Bullock's Oriole. V

Tu, Jun 12 - BB, BiB, SI, GL, & WM continued on an escorted tour of the east end of the Kern River Preserve and observed Brown-crested Flycatcher, Summer Tanager, Indigo Bunting, and Lawrence's Goldfinch. BB.

Su, Jun 10 - Kern County's first Cassin's Sparrow (BB, et. al.)...An 8 hour planned census of the north side of the Kern River Preserve was interrupted 1.25 hours into the plan at 6:20 this morning by a singing and "skylarking" Cassin's Sparrow found on private land adjacent to the Kern River Preserve. This is a first record for Kern County (BB...verified by thirteen additional  observers including CBRC's John Wilson) for this species often associated with Southeastern  Arizona by birders. This is an escort-only bird. Unlike Arizona's Cassin's Sparrows, which often sing and "skylark" all day, this bird stopped singing and  "skylarking" sometime between 6:45am and 7:30am and stayed hidden out of sight the rest of the day (through last observation attempt c. 5:45pm). If you are interested e-mail Bob Barnes. BB (verified by: GF, TG, JHa, JHu, EK, MK, DL, KL, BM, BS, SS, DW, JW)

Su, Jun 10 - After the "crowd" viewed the Cassin's Sparrow, they were escorted to the east end of the Kern River Preserve to observe a Brown-crested Flycatcher (JW) and two singing male Indigo Buntings (BB, JW). JW's Indigo Bunting brings to the number to two on territory this year for this location. BB, JW, et. al.

Su, Jun 10 - A Northern Parula and Red Crossbills (including an adult male) were reported to be at the Cerro Coso College campus in Ridgecrest. SS, JSe.

Su, Jun 10 - A Summer Tanager and a pair of  Lawrence's Goldfinches were reported to be in the yard at Kern River Preserve Headquarters. BB.

Sa, Jun 9 - A Common Nighthawk was photographed at rest and reported perched in the large elm to the left of the entrance of the cemetery (the rose garden area) at the east edge of  Ridgecrest. SS.

Sa, Jun 9 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported from near signpost #5 of the Kern River Preserve's Nature Trail c. 9am this morning. A Willow Flycatcher was reported calling from near signpost 17. A Yellow-breasted Chat was reported near signpost 19. An adult male Summer Tanager was reported between signposts 10 & 11 with a second between signposts 20 & 21, BB & CA Assoc. of Outdoor Writers members.

Sa, Jun 9 - A pair of  Lawrence's Goldfinches were foraging on the road in front of the Kern River Preserve Birders' Board this morning. BB.

Sa, Jun 9 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo this morning was reported from Sand Canyon which is  located west of Hwy. 395 just south of the Kern and Inyo County line (DL). Fourteen Willow Flycatchers were censused this morning at this same location (DL, JL). DL, JL.

Sa, Jun 9 - Nesting season Red Crossbills continue at Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest. A male feeding a juvenile was reported today. JSe.

Fr, Jun 8 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported to give a combined "kalp" then "coo" near the Fay Ranch Road Bridge late this morning. JHu.

Fr, Jun 8 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported to be fully "kalping" west of Prince's Pond this morning. MW.

Th, Jun 7 - An adult Mountain Lion and her spotted cub were observed lounging 10'-15' up in a large red willow tree in a remote part of the Kern River Preserve this morning. SSc.

Th, Jun 7 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo and two Yellow-breasted Chats were reported late this morning (11am-Noon) between signposts 4 and 10 along the Kern River Preserve Nature Trail. JLo.

Th, Jun 7 - A pair of Brown-crested Flycatchers and a singing male Indigo Bunting were reported from the east end of the Kern River Preserve. BB, JLo.

Th, Jun 7 - Two adult male Summer Tanagers were reported to be sitting side-by-side (within 6" of each other) between signposts 10 and 11 along the Kern River Preserve Nature Trail. BB, AF.

Th, Jun 7 - Several Willow Flycatchers and a Summer Tanager were reported from the parking lot at the Kern River Preserve. BB, AF.

Th, Jun 7 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported from the "Slough Channel" west of Kern River Preserve Headquarters from along the ranch road leading from the southwest corner of the parking lot. SSc. Another was reported from the main forest c. 0.4 mile northwest of Kern River Preserve Headquarters. MW. Another was reported this evening in the "Slough Channel" immediately southwest of the parking lot at KRP Headquarters. JHu. So far this year, there are now reports from five distinct locations: South Fork Wildlife Area just east of Isabella Reservoir, main forest northwest of Headquarters, Slough Channel, Nature Trail, and the east end of the Kern River Preserve. BB.

Th, Jun 7 - 5:30am-7am bird species list from the portion of the Kern River Preserve east of Fay Ranch Road: Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Common Merganser (1 female), Red-tailed Hawk, California Quail, Mourning Dove, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Common Raven, Tree Swallow, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Western Bluebird, American Robin, European Starling, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird (Kern), Tricolored Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Lawrence's Goldfinch. BB, AF.

We, Jun 6 - A Plumbeous Vireo was observed near a nest site on Chimney Peak Road just below Chimney Creek Campground in extreme southeastern Tulare County about 11 miles north of Hwy. 178. Also present were breeding location Orange-crowned Warblers and Black-throated Gray Warbler. This location for several pairs of Plumbeous Vireos is a 40-50 minute drive from Kern River Preserve Headquarters. AF.

We, Jun 6 - The loudly singing Northern Waterthrush was reported to be heard by BB 6am-6:05am, 6:35am-6:50am, and 8:30am-8:55am from the Kern River Preserve's trail to Migrant Corner. It was heard singing from near the top of 50 foot tall red willows, but was never seen. The location of this bird was between 100 and 300 yards along the trail east of the Sierra Way Bridge. Also present were a calling Wood Duck, a singing Willow Flycatcher, several singing Yellow Warblers, and a late migrant male Townsend's Warbler.  BB.

We, Jun 6 - Two American White Pelicans and an Osprey were reported from the South Fork Wildlife Area (east end of Isabella Reservoir). JLo.

Tu, Jun 5 - A Rose-breasted Grosbeak has been reported from a birder's private yard in Inyokern. SS.

Tu, Jun 5 - A loudly singing Northern Waterthrush (not a Louisiana!!!!!) was reported by BB from 815am-840am from the Kern River Preserve's trail to Migrant Corner. It was in the willows over the backwater section of the South Fork Kern River 300-500 yd/m east of the northeast side of the Sierra Way Bridge; staying at 15'-20' over "ground" level, always over the water, always 40'-60' from the trail, never calling, seemingly never nearing the "ground." Unfortunately, no females seemed to be about...SOME DAY!!!!!

As far as I know, and amazingly (east Kern desert alone has c. 100 records...ref. Matt Heindel), this is only the second Kern River Valley record (the other being BB's Fall, 1981 record) and the first spring record.

It is just too easy for birds to stay hidden in the extensive forest of the South Fork. I would not have seen this individual if it had not been singing virtually continuously for twenty-five minutes; finally affording me visual ID looks through a constant tangle of branches and leaves as it moved 150 yd/m to the east over the course of twenty-five minutes. This bird was still singing as it worked its way to the east out of sight, hearing, and "convenient" tracking range. BB.

Brown-crested Flycatchers were also "fussing" nearby (back along the trail towards the bridge). BB.

Tu, Jun 5 NOTES: Lawrence's Goldfinch numbers are already rapidly dwindling with none detected along the Migrant Corner Trail this morning and 11 found west of Headquarters yesterday vs. 258 just a week ago. BB.

Tricolored Blackbirds seem to be finished nesting, but numbers into the several hundred are still around. If form holds, their numbers will rapidly dwindle throughout June and early July. BB.

There appears to be a grasshopper population explosion this first week of June in the dry fields bordering the Preserve's riparian forest on the north. These are small grasshoppers (0.5"-1") kicked up in clouds and swarms of individuals by people while walking and driving along the Preserve's north side ranch roads. To see a Western Meadowlark with its bill jammed full of 4-6 grasshoppers lined up in a row, protruding from both sides of the beak, extending beyond the front of the bill, and greedily looking to pick up more before returning to feed young, is very impressive and comical to me. Happy & productive birding. BB

Mo, Jun 4 - A female American Redstart was reported from Cerro Coso College in Ridgecrest. JSe.

Mo, Jun 4 - A pair of Summer Tanagers are being reported daily at Kern River Preserve Headquarters. They pass through the yard 3-6 times a day up until as early as 5am and as late as 8:30pm. BB.

Mo, Jun 4 - A singing male Summer Tanager, a singing male Indigo Bunting, and a score of Lawrence's Goldfinches were reported from the east portion of the Kern River Preserve. BB.

Mo, Jun 4 - A singing male Indigo Bunting was reported from alongside Fay Ranch Road 100-200 yd./m north of the bridge over the South Fork Kern River. BB.

Mo, Jun 4 - A flock of several hundred loudly calling Tricolored Blackbirds were reported roosting in red willow trees off the west side of Fay Ranch Road 300-400 yd./m north of the bridge over the South Fork Kern River. BB.

Mo, Jun 4 - 7am to 8:05am census report from west along the ranch road for 0.7 mile from Kern River Preserve Headquarters: Great Blue Heron 1, Red-shouldered Hawk 1, California Quail 2, Mourning Dove 13, Anna's Hummingbird 1, Nuttall's Woodpecker 7, Downy Woodpecker 1, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker 3, Western Wood-Pewee 7, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (extimus) 5, Black Phoebe 2, Ash-throated Flycatcher 3, Western Kingbird  1, Common Raven 2, Tree Swallow 30, Oak Titmouse 3, Bushtit 11, Bewick's Wren 5, House Wren 11, Western Bluebird 4, American Robin 2, European Starling  5, Yellow Warbler 13, Common Yellowthroat 7, Summer Tanager 2, Savannah Sparrow (Nevadensis) 1, Song Sparrow 39, Blue Grosbeak 2, Lazuli Bunting 7, Kern Red-winged Blackbird 15, Western Meadowlark 1, Brewer's Blackbird 1, Brown-headed Cowbird 4, Bullock's Oriole 3, House Finch 19, Lesser Goldfinch 7, Lawrence's Goldfinch 11. BB.

Su, Jun 3 - A Chestnut-sided Warbler and Red Crossbills feeding young were reported to be at Cerro Coso College in Ridgecrest this morning. SS. 

Su, Jun 3 - Reports from a 5:45am-8:45am period of birding Fay Ranch Road and the Kern River Preserve from the bridge over the South Fork Kern River north for 0.5 miles, east for one mile, and west for 0.25 miles: Common Snipe, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Indigo Bunting, Kern Red-winged Blackbird (Kern), Tricolored Blackbird, and 20-30 Lawrence's Goldfinches. Also reported during this period at this location this morning were: Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Mallard, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel,  California Quail, Killdeer, Mourning Dove, White-throated Swift, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird,  Common Raven, Horned Lark, Tree Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Bushtit, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Western Bluebird, American Robin, European Starling, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Lark Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow (Nevadensis), Song Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch ...BB, JSc.

Sa, Jun 2 - The Dickcissel (see Jun 1) was reported to be present and singing between 11:30am and 12pm on the Kern River Preserve. MH.

Sa, Jun 2 - The Dickcissel (see Jun 1) was recorded at close range early this morning. GK.

Sa, Jun 2 - A female Magnolia Warbler was reported to be at Butterbredt Spring (TW), a singing male American Redstart at California City (JW), and a female American Redstart at Galileo Hill Park/Silver Saddle Resort (many observers).

Sa, Jun 2 - A male Indigo Bunting was reported to be on a Kern River Preserve east-west fence line on the northeast side of the Fay Ranch Road bridge over the South Fork Kern River. Also, reported from this stretch of Fay Ranch Road were two adult male Summer Tanagers and a male Blue Grosbeak. JHa, LHa.

Sa, Jun 2 - A male Indigo Bunting and a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak were banded in the San Bernardino County portion of China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS). BG, RH, DL, TM. 

Fr, Jun 1 - Two American Redstarts, two Ovenbirds, and a male Hooded Warbler were reported from Galileo Hill Park/Silver Saddle Resort. KN, DN.

Fr, Jun 1 (6am-10:45am) - A singing male Dickcissel (first record for the Kern River Valley) was heard, identified, and recorded by GK this morning on the east end of the Kern River Preserve east of Fay Ranch Road. TG reported visual confirmation during the recording session. BB was present two minutes later and heard and saw the Dickcissel. All of the initialed observers listed below got excellent zoom scope views. Reported to be present within 300 yards/meters of the Dickcissel were: Yellow-billed Cuckoo (First of Spring sighting of this nesting species), Brown-crested Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Indigo Bunting, Kern Red-winged Blackbird (Kern), Tricolored Blackbird, and Lawrence's Goldfinch. Also present at this location this morning were: Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Wild Turkey, California Quail, Killdeer, Mourning Dove, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Northern (Red-shafted Flicker), Western Wood-Pewee, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Tree Swallow, Common Raven, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Western Bluebird, European Starling, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Spotted Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow (Nevadensis), Song Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch...BB. GK, TG, BB, JHu, JHa, MW.

FIRST SUMMER/FALL ARRIVALS/MIGRANTS:

Kern River Preserve...

Th, Jun 1 - Yellow-billed Cuckoo. TG, MW.

Kern River Valley 2001 (vs. 2000, 1999, 1998)...

Th, Jun 1 - Yellow-billed Cuckoo. TG, MW.

Observers: JA-Jim Abernahty, BB-Bob Barnes, BiB-Bill Barclay, TB-Ted Beedy, MF-Mike Feighner, GF-Gary File, AF-Al Frohlich, BG-Bruce Garlinger, TG-Terri Gallion, KG-Karen Gilbert, RH-Rick Hallowell, MH-Murrelet Halterman, JHa-Joe Hart, LHa-Lois Hart, JHu-Joan Humphrey, SI-Santiago Imberti, EK-Esther Kalinay, MK- MK-Michael Kalinay, GK-Geoff Keller, DL-Denise La Berteaux, KL-Kelli Levinson, GL-Gary Lindquist, JLo-Jim Lomax, JL-Janet Lynn, TM-Terri Middlemiss, WM-Whitney Mortimer, KN-Kristie Nelson, DN-Dick Norton, LQ-Laura Quattrini,  BS-Bob Steele, SS-Susan Steele, SSc-Sylvia Schmidt,  JSc-John Schmitt, JSe-Joyce Seibold, JSt-John Sterling, MW-Mary Whitfield, BW-Bud Widdowson, DW-Deb Wilson, JW-John Wilson, TW-Tom Wurster...