KRV Birds Summer 2004

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,...

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 (Updated 17 July 04): This spring, Emily Cohen with the Southern Sierra Research Station started a research project involving a comparative study of Lesser Goldfinch and Lawrence's Goldfinch. The study took place on the Kern River Preserve and involved individual marking of birds with primary color band combinations. During five, four-day banding sessions April 10-June 3, 187 goldfinches were color banded, 73 Lessers (32M, 25F, 16HY) and 114 Lawrence's (78M, 30F, 6HY) plus 14 recaptures (3 LEGO, 11 LAGO). 18 LEGO nests were found in KRP's Slough Channel forest. Of 17 nests completed, 3 fledged young and 14 failed. Now that the color banded goldfinches are out and about, please report any observations of color banded Lesser and Lawrence's Goldfinches anywhere in their range via e-mail to: Bob Barnes. Thank you.

Updated as of Saturday, July 31, 2004

THIS COMING WEEKEND (24-25 July): Kern River Valley Hummingbird Celebration at Audubon-California's Kern River Preserve, 18747 Hwy. 178, Weldon, Kern County, California ... Hummingbird Banding, I.D., & Field Workshops w. Donald Mitchell (Wisconsin) & Stacy Peterson (Idaho). "Hooked On Hummingbirds" video w. videographer Tom Kaminski. Go to http//www.valleywild.org/hummer_fest_activities.htm for complete schedule of activities.

RECENT REPORTS: Clark's Grebe, American White Pelican, Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon, Chukar, Blue Grouse, California Quail, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Flammulated Owl, Calliope Hummingbird, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Nuttall's Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Pinyon Jay, Oak Titmouse, Townsend's Solitaire, Le Conte's Thrasher, Northern Parula, Hermit Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Summer Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, California Towhee, Vesper Sparrow, Fox Sparrow (Large-billed), Lazuli Bunting, Tricolored Blackbird, Hooded Oriole, Cassin's Finch, and Lawrence's Goldfinch.

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

FOS ARRIVALS TO DATE: All nesting species have arrived (Kern River Preserve and South Fork Wildlife Area).

APOLOGIES: Computer down 22 Jul 04 through 1pm, 14 Aug 04.

Fr, 28 Jul 04 - Two Common Loons in non-breeding (basic) plumage were reported for Isabella Reservoir near the Auxiliary Dam. ASSU.

Su, 18 Jul 04 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was consistently heard calling from Noon-12:15pm from the forest just to the west of the KRP Headquarters parking lot. RETO, BOBA.

Su, 18 Jul 04 - Bird species observed 7am-8:15am this morning at Kern River Preserve Headquarters and within a 100 m/yd radius: Great Blue Heron, Red-shouldered Hawk, California Quail, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo (before 7am), Great Horned Owl, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Hairy Woodepcker, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Tree Swallow, Oak Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, Western Bluebird, American Robin, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak (after 8:15am), Brewer's Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch. BOBA.

Sa, 17 Jul 04 - The grapes on the grape arbor bordering the back of the courtyard at Kern River Preserve Headquarters are starting to attract birds. When visiting the Preserve over the next several weeks, it is advised that birders take several minutes to observe the grape arbor to see what bird species are being attracted. This may be done from the picnic tables from where the hummingbird feeders and forest in front of Headquarters may be viewed as well. Species to be looked for coming to the grapes in the arbor include: Western Bluebird, American Robin, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, and House Finch. BOBA.

Mo, 12 Jul 04 - Quaking Aspen Campground & Meadow Complex in Tulare County currently offers the most active birding in the Kern River Valley & Southern Sierra Nevada region. As of this date, the bird song, species diversity, and species numbers present were still high. The butterfly diversity is impressive as well. The rest of the region has gone through an unusually hot and early nesting season with song and numbers of birds detected much lower than in virtually all prior nesting seasons.

To reach Quaking Aspen, take Sierra Way (Mtn. 99) north from Kernville for thirty-three miles to the Western Divide Highway. Turn right at the stop sign, towards Camp nelson and Porterville, and proceed fifteen miles to the campground entrance. Park out on the edge of the road to avoid user fees.

The birding strategy is to bird around the group campground then bird north and west down the edge of the Western Divide Highway and Highway 190 to the trail leading west through the bottom of the lower meadow. The trail will lead up through a wooded draw back to the edge of the upper meadow and main campground. Turn left here and go through the main campground back to the starting point. Allow 2-4 hours for good coverage of this route.

Bird species detected at Quaking Aspen 25, 28, 29 June and 12 July included Cooper's Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Band-tailed Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Calliope Hummingbird, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Hammond's Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Steller's Jay, Common Raven, Mountain Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, House Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet (further up the trail). Western Bluebird, Townsend's Solitaire, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-headed Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch, and Evening Grosbeak. BOBA, JEDU, JODU, STHO, LAAS, MIOB, STSO, LOZE.

Mo, 12 Jul 04 - A/the Northern Parula was observed singing at the northwest end of KRP's Prince's Pond as accessed from Sierra Way. ASSU.

Su, 11 Jul 04 - A "cooing" or "cueing" Yellow-billed Cuckoo was heard and well seen in the yard and forest adjacent to Kern River Preserve Headquarters between 10:30am and 11am this morning. BOBA, STSO, LAAS.

Su, 11 Jul 04 - The fourth Kern River Valley record of a Least Flycatcher was found by ASSU "chebecking away" c. 8:30am this morning at the west end of the Kern River Preserve's Prince field restoration site. ASSU.

This is just west of the location where this species was found by MAWH last year and present...20-29 Jun 03. This species was also found by MAWH and was present 30 May-9 Jun 02 250-250 m/yds east of the end of KRP's Migrant Corner Trail. BOBA.

NOTE: This is an publicly off-limits part of the Kern River Preserve and difficult to reach. If you would like to pursue this bird, please contact Bob Barnes via e-mail. BOBA.

Sa, 10 Jul 04 - A male Vermilion Flycatcher was observed at the FOS location (see 03 Apr 04). ROBU, BOBA, et. al.

Fr, 9 Jul 04 - A female Blue Grouse with three young was observed at very close hand just below the tower at Bald Mountain Lookout, Sequoia National Forest, Tulare County. LAAS, BOBA.

Fr, 9 Jul 04 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was in the area around Kern River Preserve Headquarters at 5:30am. BOBA, LAAS.

Su, 4 Jul 04 - The apparently summering singing male Northern Parula was observed again 6:15am-6:30am this morning 150-200 m/yds. up the dry streambed of the South Fork Kern River from the Sierra Way Bridge. Also present were a singing Warbling Vireo, abundant singing Yellow Warblers, a singing male Summer Tanager, and a family group of two adult Lawrence's Goldfinches feeding two fledglings. BOBA.

Sa, 3 Jul 04 - Clark's Nutcrackers, Mountain Bluebirds, and Red Crossbills were at Cannell Meadow this afternoon. BOBA, FRHE.

Sa, 3 Jul 04 - Several Band-tailed Pigeons were observed along Sirretta Street in Kernville this morning. BOBA, FRHE.

Sa, 3 Jul 04 - A singing Yellow-breasted Chat, a singing Blue Grosbeak, and several Great-tailed Grackles were in the riparian forest at the mouth of the Kern River by the cemetery in Wofford Heights this morning at 8:45am. BOBA, FRHE.

Sa, 3 Jul 04 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo, several Willow Flycatchers, and a Summer Tanager were in the vicinity of KRP Headquarters this morning at 5:30am. BOBA.

Fr, 2 Jul 04 - Canebrake Ecological Reserve: Red-tailed Hawk, California Quail, Mourning Dove, White-throated Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Tree Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Western Bluebird, American Robin, Wrentit, European Starling, Yellow Warbler, Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, Tricolored Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow. BOBA.

Sa-We, 26-30 Jun 04 - American Birding Association Young Birders Conference, Kern River Valley & Southern Sierra Nevada (Kern River Canyon, South Fork Valley, Wofford Heights, Kernville, Inyokern, Nine Mile Canyon, Kern Plateau, Sherman Pass, Western Divide north to Quaking Aspen): Pied-billed Grebe, Western Grebe, Clark's Grebe, American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Mallard, Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Golden Eagle, American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon, Chukar, Blue Grouse, California Quail, Mountain Quail, American Coot, Killdeer, California Gull, Caspian Tern, Band-tailed Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Greater Roadrunner, Barn Owl, Flammulated Owl, Western Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Black Swift, Vaux's Swift, White-throated Swift, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Acorn Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Williamson's Sapsucker, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Hammond's Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Plumbeous Vireo, Cassin's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Steller's Jay, Western Scrub-Jay, Pinyon Jay, Clark's Nutcracker, American Crow, Common Raven, Tree Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Mountain Chickadee, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, Verdin, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pygmy Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, American Dipper, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, Townsend's Solitaire, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Wrentit, Northern Mockingbird, Le Conte's Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Hermit Warbler, Grace's Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Tricolored Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Brewer's Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, Scott's Oriole, Purple Finch, Cassin's Finch, House Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch, Lawrence's Goldfinch, Evening Grosbeak, and House Sparrow. BOBA, JEDU, JODU, LOFU, STHO, MIOB, LOZE & ABA YBC (Youth Conferees from Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming).

We, 30 Jun 04 - From Hi Ho Lodge parking lot, Kernville: Red-tailed Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Acorn Woodpecker, and Hooded Oriole. ABA YBC, JEDU, JODU, LOFU, STHO, MIOB, LOZE.

We, 30 Jun 04 - Tillie Creek Campground, Wofford Heights (6:30am-8am): Western Grebe, American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, California Quail, American Coot, Killdeer, California Gull, Caspian Tern, Mourning Dove, White-throated Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Tree Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Phainopepla (10-15), Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow. ABA YBC, JODU, BOBA.

Mo &/or Tu, 28 &/or 29 Jun 04 - Prairie Falcon, Chukar, Blue Grouse, Mountain Quail, Band-tailed Pigeon, Black Swift, Vaux's Swift, Costa's Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Williamson's Sapsucker, Nuttall's Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Hammond's Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Cassin's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Pinyon Jay, Clark's Nutcracker, Verdin, Pygmy Nuthatch, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Mountain Bluebird, Townsend's Solitaire, Hermit Thrush, Wrentit, Le Conte's Thrasher, Phainopepla, Northern Parula, Hermit Warbler, Grace's Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Sage Sparrow, Hooded Oriole, Cassin's Finch, Scott's Oriole, Lawrence's Goldfinch, and Evening Grosbeak. ABA YBC, BOBA, JEDU, JODU, LOFU, STHO, MIOB, LOZE.

Su, 27 Jun 04 - A visit to a private home in Wofford Heights yielded several Rufous-crowned Sparrows. JOSC, ABA YBC, BOBA, JEDU, JODU, LOFU, STHO, MIOB, LOZE.

Su, 27 Jun 04 - A visit to Chimney Creek Campground included a report of the continuing Grace's Warbler. EDPA.

Su, 27 Jun 04 - Western Grebe w. young on back (South Fork Wildlife Area), Clark's Grebe w. young on back (South Fork Wildlife Area), Least Bittern (Prince's Pond), Greater Roadrunner (3 at Hanning Flat), Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Prince's Pond), Costa's Hummingbird (2 at KRP feeders), Rufous Hummingbird (adult male at KRP feeders), Rufous/Allen's Hummingbird (several at KRP feeders), Willow Flycatcher (KRP Headquarters), Vermilion Flycatcher (Fay Ranch Road), Brown-crested Flycatcher (two locations), Cactus Wren (Fay Ranch Road), Northern Parula (Sierra Way Bridge), Summer Tanager (many locations), Black-throated Sparrow (Fay Ranch Road), Black-headed Grosbeak (KRP - East), Blue Grosbeak (several at several locations), Lazuli Bunting (several at several locations), Lazuli x Indigo Bunting (Kern River Preserve), Tricolored Blackbird (Scodie Park, Onyx), Great-tailed Grackle (Prince's Pond), and Bullock's Oriole. ABA YBC, BOBA, JEDU, JODU, LOFU, STHO, MIOB, LOZE.

Sa, 26 Jun 04 - Willow Flycatchers are continuing to be heard from the yard at KRP Headquarters and a male Summer Tanager continues to sing off-and-on all day from trees in the yard itself. BOBA

Sa, 26 Jun 04 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was heard on the west side of Fay Ranch Road north of the bridge at dawn this morning. Also found were Lawrence's Goldfinches.TOMC.

Sa, 26 Jun 04 - 4-6 Barn Owls were heard and seen this morning (4:40am-4:50am) from along Fay Ranch Road. BOBA.

Fr., 25 Jun 04 - The male Vermilion Flycatcher was observed at the FOS location from Fay Ranch Road (see 03 Apr 04). JODU, STHO.

Fr, 25 Jun 04 - Three Common Mergansers were observed on the North Fork Kern River between Kernville and the Johnsondale Bridge. BOBA, JEDU, JODU, STHO, BWWI.

Fr, 25 Jun 04 - A visit to the Trail of 100 Giants produced excellent looks at Hermit Warblers. BOBA, JEDU, JODU, STHO, BWWI.

Fr, 25 Jun 04 - A visit to Quaking Aspen Meadow & Campground produced Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Hammond's Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Steller's Jay, Mountain Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, and Evening Grosbeak. BOBA, JEDU, JODU, STHO, BWWI.

Fr, 25 Jun 04 - Six to eight Mountain Quail were observed along the road between Johnsondale/R-Ranch and the Western Divide Highway. Also found along this stretch of road were White-headed Woodpecker, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, several Cassin's Vireos, and several Lawrence's Goldfinches. BOBA, JEDU, JODU, STHO, BWWI.

Fr, 24 Jun 04 - A short visit to the Whiskey Flat Trail at the end of Burlando Road in Kernville produced Great Blue Heron, Band-tailed Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Western Scrub-Jay, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, Wrentit, Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Sage Sparrow, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch. BOBA, JEDU, JODU, STHO, BWWI.

Th, 24 Jun 04 - A visit to Chimney Creek Campground included a report of the continuing Grace's Warbler. However, the observer reports that it never sang during the extended morning visit it took to locate it above the restrooms near the campground host's site. EDPA.

Th, 24 Jun 04 - South Fork Wildlife Area: Western Grebe, Clark's Grebe, American White Pelican, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Mallard, Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Greater Roadrunner, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Common Raven, Horned Lark, Tree Swallow, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, European Starling, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Lark Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Tricolored Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch. BOBA.

Th, 24 Jun 04 - Fay Ranch Road: Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, California Quail, Mourning Dove, White-throated Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Tree Swallow, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Western Bluebird, American Robin, European Starling, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Lazuli x Indigo Bunting hybrid, Red-winged Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Brewer's Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow. BOBA.

We, 23 Jun 04 - A flock of four Evening Grosbeaks were observed flying past at Brown Meadow in the Piute Mountains. ALSH.

NOTE: The observer believes the grosbeak flock represented a family group and possible breeding in the Piute Mountains. Further evidence was a pair of this species observed by ALSH at this same location on 18 May 04 (see below for web page link "Spring 2004").

We, 23 Jun 04 - Three small groups (2-4 individuals) of Lawrence's Goldfinches were observed along the Slough Channel this morning. This species appears to be leaving the South Fork Valley area several weeks early this year. Also present in the Slough Channel just east of the KRP entrance driveway was a singing Yellow-breasted Chat and several Willow Flycatchers. BOBA.

Tu, 22 Jun 04 - Summer Tanagers continue to be singing off and on throughout the day in the vicinity of KRP Headquarters. BOBA , TISH, RETO, et. al.

Tu, 22 Jun 04 - A singing, adult male Chestnut-sided Warbler, a "kalping" Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and a Willow Flycatcher highlighted a 9am-10am visit to the area on both sides of the Fay Ranch Road bridge over the South Fork Kern River in Weldon. This is PRIVATE PROPERTY. Bird from the edges of the road to the fencelines ONLY. Thank you. Thank you. Also observed during the same visit, Great Blue Heron (small rookery), Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Mourning Dove, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Common Raven, Tree Swallow, Bushtit, Oak Titmouse, Western Bluebird, Yellow Warbler 6, Common Yellowthroat 2, Song Sparrow 3, Lazuli Bunting (pair), Red-winged Blackbird, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch. TISH.

NOTE: The Chestnut-sided Warbler was found and observed along the edge of the east side of Fay Ranch Road from just south of the bridge over the South Fork Kern River to a willow tree growing midway in the river channel. TISH.

Tu, 22 Jun 04 - A camping/birding visit to Chimney Creek Campground included a report of several Common Poorwills, several Plumbeous Vireos, and the continuing Grace's Warbler. TISH.

Tu, 22 Jun 04 - Results of a 7am-8:30am visit to the shores of Isabella Reservoir from both the south access (off Hwy. 178 just west of the sand & gravel company) and north access (off of Sierra Way at Hanning Flat) into the South Fork Wildlife Area: Western Grebe & Clark's Grebe 50, American White Pelican 45, Great Blue Heron 18, Great Egret 1, Turkey Vulture 1, Mallard 6, Osprey (adult at nest w. young), California Quail 40, Killdeer 3, Mourning Dove 2, Greater Roadrunner 3, Black Phoebe 1, Western Kingbird 1, Loggerhead Shrike 1, Common Raven 15, Horned Lark 35, Tree Swallow 20, Northern Mockingbird 2, European Starling 15, Yellow Warbler 4, Common Yellowthroat 8, Yellow-breasted Chat 1, Song Sparrow 1, Blue Grosbeak 4, Red-winged Blackbird 40, Tricolored Blackbird 10, Western Meadowlark 1, and House Finch 4. BOBA.

Mo, 21 Jun 04 - A quick flyover look and calling grosbeak was though to be a probable male Rose-breasted Grosbeak just off KRP's nature trail just a few yards east of the Visitor Center at KRP Headquarters. MIOB, LOZE.

NOTE: Rose-breasted Grosbeak has summered several times in the South Fork Kern Fremont cottonwood/red willow forest Be on special lookout for Rose-breasted Grosbeaks over the next one to two weeks before Black-headed Grosbeaks become common southbound migrants through the area.

Mo, 21 Jun 04 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was observed by two Cape May Bird Observatory birders flying over Hwy. 178 and into a large Fremont cottonwood between the entrance to KRP on the west and the Fay Ranch Road to the east by two birders associated with Cape May Bird Observatory and the American Birding Association Young Birders Conference.. MIOB, LOZE.

Mo, 21 Jun 04 - A new location report was made that Grasshopper Sparrows are also present in the fields flanking Sierra Way just north of Hwy. 178. MIOB, LOZE.

Mo, 21 Jun 04 - During formal Yellow-billed Cuckoo surveys early this morning a Yellow-billed Cuckoo was detected and seen west of ("behind"") KRP's Prince's Pond, a Brown-crested Flycatcher pair was re-sighted (see 3 Jun 04 for detailed directions), and a singing Northern Parula was observed in the trees bordering the northern edge of the first meadow just beyond the entrance to Prince's Pond. MABR, ADTE.

Mo, 21 Jun 04 - Yellow-billed Cuckoos were observed by Willow Flycatcher researchers on both the north and south sides of the 1300-acre South Fork Wildlife Area. ASSU, MAWH.

Su, 20 Jun 04 - Four Black Swifts were observed c. 8pm foraging over the Kern River at Fairview Campground, Tulare County, a 20-25 minute drive north of Kernville. MIOB, LOZE.

Su, 20 Jun 04 - During two birding excursions to Fay Ranch Road and vicinity a male Vermilion Flycatcher was observed at the FOS location (see 03 Apr 04), Grasshopper Sparrows were still present (see 26 & 27 Apr 04), and the hybrid Lazuli x Indigo Bunting was seen. MABR.

Su, 20 Jun 04 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was detected during formal survey work along the dry South Fork Kern River dry bed between Fay Ranch Road and Sierra Way this morning. ADTE.

Su, 20 Jun 04 - A 7:30am-9am scouting trip along Mtn. 99 between Johnsondale/R-Ranch and the Western Divide Hwy., Tulare County, resulted in Pacific-slope Flycatcher 1, Cassin's Vireo 3, Hutton's Vireo 1, Warbling Vireo 4, Steller's Jay 2, Mountain Chickadee 2, Brown Creeper 2, Golden-crowned Kinglet 3, Wrentit 1, Nashville Warbler 7, MacGillivray's Warbler 1, Western Tanager 5, Fox Sparrow 4, Dark-eyed Junco 3, Black-headed Grosbeak 2, Purple Finch 2, and Lesser Goldfinch 1. BOBA.

Su, 20 Jun 04 - A 4:45am-6am scouting trip along a short stretch of the Whiskey Flat Trail at the end of Burlando Road in Kernville yielded California Quail 5, Mourning Dove 3, Black-chinned Hummingbird 1, Northern Flicker 1, Ash-throated Flycatcher 3, Western Kingbird 2, Western Scrub-Jay 3, Common Raven 2, Oak Titmouse 2, Bewick's Wren 3, Wrentit 12, California Thrasher 2, Spotted Towhee 4, California Towhee 4, Sage Sparrow 4, Black-headed Grosbeak 1, and House Finch 1. BOBA.

Su, 20 Jun 04 - The Brown-crested Flycatcher pair (see 3 Jun 04) was observed and likely the Least Bittern (see 19 Jun 04) was heard early this morning (early dawn). MABR.

Sa, 19 Jun 04 - A 5:55am-6:15am calling Least Bittern highlighted a morning visit to KRP's Prince's Pond. Also present, ... Pied-billed Grebe 1, Great Blue Heron 4, Mallard 2, Ring-necked Pheasant 2, Mourning Dove 5, Nuttall's Woodpecker 1, Downy Woodpecker 1, Northern Flicker 1, Western Wood-Pewee 1, Willow Flycatcher 2, Western Scrub-Jay 1, Common Raven 2, Tree Swallow 20, Bewick's Wren 2, House Wren 2, European Starling 3, Yellow Warbler 3, Common Yellowthroat 5, Yellow-breasted Chat 1, Summer Tanager 2, Savannah Sparrow 1, Song Sparrow 7, Black-headed Grosbeak 5 (early fall migrants?), Blue Grosbeak 1, Red-winged Blackbird 10, Great-tailed Grackle 6, Brown-headed Cowbird 2, House Finch 2. The entrance to Prince's Pond is through a locked, pipe vehicle gate on the west side of Sierra Way, 0.8 mile north of Hwy. 178. Prince's Pond is a nearly annual location for this species during nesting season. BOBA.

Sa, 19 June 04 - In addition to the Grace's Warbler, Plumbeous Vireos and Lawrence's Goldfinches were found at Chimney Creek Campground. TEGA, ROBO.

Sa, 19 June 04 - A camping/birding visit to Chimney Creek Campground included a report of the continuing Grace's Warbler and Chukar (Chimney Peak recreation Area Road at the Kern County/Tulare County line) Mountain Quail w. young, Band-tailed Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Western Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Common Poorwill, Black-chinned hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Dusky Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Steller's Jay, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Mountain Chickadee, Bushtit, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Western Bluebird, American Robin, Orange-crowned Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Brown-headed Cowbird, Lesser Goldfinch, and Lawrence's Goldfinch. JIWH.

Fr, 18 Jun 04 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was found in and around the yard at KRP Headquarters. ASSU. The same individual or another was found in the Slough Channel west of KRP Headquarters. ASSU, MAWH.

Th, 17 Jun 04 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was found in and around the yard at KRP Headquarters. DARA.

We, 16 Jun 04 - Two separate FOS Yellow-billed Cuckoos were detected in the South Fork Wildlife Area during formal Willow Flycatcher survey work. One individual (BUWI) was considerably east of the other (TEBE). TEBE, BUWI.

Tu, 15 Jun 04 - A morning of birding along the twenty mile, paved portion of Kelso Valley Road was rewarded with several species of note including Prairie Falcon, Chukar (with young), Mountain Quail (with young), Greater Roadrunner, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Brown-crested Flycatcher (pair), Horned Lark, Cactus Wren (& nest), Black-throated Sparrow, and Sage Sparrow. MIPA, ALWI.

Tu, 15 Jun 04 - A brief visit to Bald Mountain Lookout, Tulare Co., yielded Blue Grouse, White-headed Woodpecker, Dusky Flycatcher, Townsend's Solitaire,, and Clark's Nutcracker. BOBA, JODU.

Tu, 15 Jun 04 - A brief visit to Troy Meadow Campground, Tulare Co., resulted in observations of Calliope Hummingbird, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Clark's Nutcracker, Violet-green Swallow, and Cassin's Finch. JODU.

Tu, 15 Jun 04 - A brief visit to Chimney Creek Campground (southeastern Tulare County) turned up Mountain Quail, Calliope Hummingbird, Gray Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Cassin's Finch, and Lawrence's Goldfinch. JODU, BOBA.

Tu, 15 Jun 04 - The Grace's Warbler continued at Chimney Creek Campground this morning (See 30 May 04 and 3 Jun 04 directions below). BOBA, JODU, CHPA..

Tu, 15 Jun 04 - A White-winged Dove (JODU) was heard calling then seen at a "Birders' Welcome" private property north of Inyokern, Kern Co.. Also present were Costa's Hummingbird, Verdin, Le Conte's Thrasher, and Hooded Oriole. In the neighborhood was a Prairie Falcon. JODU, BOBA, TEMI.

Tu, 15 Jun 04 - A brief visit to the eastern unit of the Kern River Preserve early this morning resulted in Lark Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, a hybrid male Lazuli x Indigo Bunting, Western Meadowlark, and Bullock's Oriole. BOBA, JODU.

Tu, 15 Jun 04 - A brief visit to Kern River Preserve Headquarters this morning yielded Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Willow Flycatcher, Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, and Lesser Goldfinch. BOBA, JODU.

Mo, 14 Jun 04 - Quaking Aspen Campground and Meadow complex was alive with birds this morning during a 9am-11am visit. Calliope Hummingbird 1 female, Red-breasted Sapsucker 4, Hairy Woodpecker 2, White-headed Woodpecker 4, Northern Flicker 1, Western Wood-Pewee 2, Hammond's Flycatcher 3, Cassin's Vireo 1, Warbling Vireo 5, Steller's Jay 3, Common Raven 1, Mountain Chickadee 4, Red-breasted Nuthatch 4, Brown Creeper 1, House Wren 2, Golden-crowned Kinglet 3, Hermit Thrush 4, American Robin 3, Orange-crowned Warbler 5, Yellow Warbler 6, Yellow-rumped Warbler 5, MacGillivray's Warbler 9, Wilson's Warbler 6, Western Tanager 4, Green-tailed Towhee 7, Chipping Sparrow 2, Fox Sparrow 15, Song Sparrow 2, Lincoln's Sparrow 12, Dark-eyed Junco 7, Red-winged Blackbird 5, Brewer's Blackbird 5, Purple Finch 2, Cassin's Finch 4, Evening Grosbeak 2-5. BOBA, MIPA, ALWI, RROS.

Mo, 14 Jun 04 - Several Black Swifts were foraging with White-throated Swifts and Cliff Swallows between mile markers 4.5 and 3.5 on Mountain 99 north of Kernville (Brush Creek uphill over the Johnsondale Bridge to South Fork Falls). BOBA, MIPA, ALWI, RROS.

Su, 13 Jun 04 - The Grace's Warbler continued at Chimney Creek Campground this morning (See 30 May 04 and 3 Jun 04 directions below). SAKO, LASA.

Su, 13 Jun 04 - A Peregrine Falcon was observed from Hwy. 155 between Wofford Heights and the community of Lake Isabella. ALWI.

Su, 13 Jun 04 - A 3:30pm-5:30pm walk from Portuguese Pass down to Portuguese Meadow proved to be very birdy for BOBA and a RROS field trip group. Mountain Quail 1, Red-breasted Sapsucker 2, Hairy Woodpecker (pair attending a nest), White-headed Woodpecker 3, Western Wood-Pewee 3, Ducky Flycatcher 3, Warbling Vireo 1, Steller's Jay 2, Mountain Chickadee 3, Red-breasted Nuthatch 2, House Wren 1, Hermit Thrush 1, American Robin 1, Orange-crowned Warbler 4, Nashville Warbler 2, Yellow Warbler 11, Yellow-rumped Warbler 7, MacGillivray's Warbler 7, Wilson's Warbler 1, Western Tanager 3, Green-tailed Towhee 1, Chipping Sparrow 1, Fox Sparrow 12, Lincoln's Sparrow 1, Dark-eyed Junco 5, Black-headed Grosbeak 1, Purple Finch 4, and Cassin's Finch 3. BOBA, RROS.

Su, 13 Jun 04 - A singing male Northern Parula was observed during a walk along the ranch road at the north edge of KRP's eastern unit c. 11am.. LASA.

Su, 13 Jun 04 - A pair of Brown-crested Flycatchers were observed in the South Fork Wildlife Area (see 3 Jun 04 for detailed directions). BOBA, RROS.

Su, 13 Jun 04 - About twenty Tricolored Blackbirds were observed foraging on the lawn at Scodie Park in Onyx this morning. Also present was an adult male Hooded Oriole. Uncharacteristically, Lawrence's Goldfinches continue to be absent from the park this year. BOBA, RROS.

Su, 13 Jun 04 - BOBA & nine members of a Redwood Region Omithological Society field trip observed all of their target species at a private property open to birders in Inyokern. Costa's Hummingbird, Verdin, Le Conte's Thrasher, and Hooded Oriole were all seen. A bonus was an adult Prairie Falcon with prey sitting on a telephone pole a half mile away just off the south side of Leliter Road. BOBA, MIPA, ALWR, et. al.

Sa, 12 Jun 04 - A 7:30pm-8:30pm walk along the dirt road leading west from Kern River Preserve Headquarters resulted in the following species: Great Blue Heron, California Quail, Mourning Dove, Lesser Nighthawk 3, Downy Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Bushtit, Western Bluebird, American Robin, European Starling, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager - adult male, Lark Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and Lawrence's Goldfinch 15. BOBA, ALWI, et. al.

Sa, 12 Jun 04 - A return drive from the Piute Mountains along Kelso Valley Road turned up 4 Greater Roadrunners at a single stop on a bluff overlooking dry Kelso Creek bed located 4.5 miles south off Hwy. 178 in Weldon. Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Cactus Wren, and Black-throated Sparrow were found along Kelso Valley Road, too. BOBA, ALWI, et. al.

Sa, 12 Jun 04 - A Mountain Quail parent with two young gave extensive viewing opportunities as it "froze" under a tree alongside Jawbone Canyon Road about a mile south of its junction with Piute Mountain Road. BOBA, MIPA, ALWI, et. al.

Sa, 12 Jun 04 - An afternoon visit to the Piute Mountains at Landers Meadow was highlighted by the following species: Pinyon Jay, Pygmy Nuthatch, Brewer's Sparrow, and Green-tailed Towhee. BOBA, ALWI, et. al.

Sa, 12 Jun 04 - An adult male Summer Tanager was observed from along the KRP Nature Trail. MIPA, BOBA.

Sa, 12 Jun 04 - The Grace's Warbler continued at Chimney Creek Campground this morning (See 30 May 04 and 3 Jun 04 directions below). GALU, MAME.

Sa, 12 Jun 04 - The Fay Ranch Road Vermilion Flycatcher pair gave "look at us" views including the female landing on a telephone wire overhead during a brief morning visit by members of the Redwood Region Ornithological Society (Sonoma County). BOBA, MIPA, ALWI, et. al.

Sa, 12 Jun 04 - A winnowing Wilson's Snipe, 3 White-throated Swifts, Western Kingbirds, Western Bluebirds, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Lark Sparrows, Blue Grosbeaks, Lazuli Buntings, Lazuli x Indigo Bunting hybrid, Kern Red-winged Blackbirds, Tricolored Blackbird, Western Meadowlarks, Bullock's Orioles, Lesser Goldfinches, and Lawrence's Goldfinches highlighted a walk along the ranch road at the north edge of KRP's eastern unit. BOBA, MIPA, ALWI, et. al.

Fr, 11 Jun 04 - An adult male Vermilion Flycatcher was found at a new location for the 2004 nesting season. It was flycatching from the fenceline located at the southeast corner of KRP's Bartolas Field restoration site. BOBA, ALWI, et. al.

Fr, 11 Jun 04 - A 7pm-8:15pm walk along Fay Ranch Road on both sides of the bridge over the South Fork Kern River resulted in the following species: Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Mallard, Red-tailed Hawk, California Quail, Mourning Dove, Lesser Nighthawk, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Tree Swallow, Bushtit, House Wren, Western Bluebird, American Robin, European Starling, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager - adult female, California Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Brewer's Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch. BOBA, ALWI, et. al.

Fr, 11 Jun 04 - Several American White Pelicans were present on Isabella Reservoir along with Western Grebes and Clark's Grebe's. BOBA, et. al.

Fr, 11 Jun 04 - A short visit to a burn area about two miles west of Sherman Pass yielded a surprising number of species in the blackened forest: Calliope Hummingbird, Hairy Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Dusky Flycatcher, Steller's Jay, Common Raven, Mountain Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Townsend's Solitaire, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Fox Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Purple Finch, and Cassin's Finch. A Blue Grouse was heard booming from the burn area. BOBA, MIMC, MIPA, ALWI, et. al.

Fr, 11 Jun 04 - A female Williamson's Sapsucker and a Green-tailed Towhee wer observed at 8100'+ Blackrock Ranger Station west of Troy Meadow. BOBA, ALWI, et. al.

Fr, 11 Jun 04 - A 10am-12:30pm visit to 7000'+ Troy Meadows was highlighted by a female Williamson's Sapsucker and a total surprise Northern Mockingbird plus Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, White-throated Swift, Calliope Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, "Solitary" Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Steller's Jay, Clark's Nutcracker, Violet-green Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Mountain Chickadee, three nuthatch species (Red-breasted, White-breasted, & Pygmy Nuthatch), Townsend's Solitaire, American Robin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, Cassin's Finch, Red Crossbill (heard only), and Lawrence's Goldfinch. BOBA, MIMC, MIPA, ALWI, et. al.

Fr, 11 Jun 04 - An Osprey was a bit of a surprise as it perched in pinyon pine woodland west of the South Fork of the Kern River at Kennedy Meadows. BOBA, MIMC, et. al.

Fr, 11 Jun 04 - A Common Nighthawk was observed at 9:30am foraging for and eating insects over a meadow adjacent to the Kennedy Meadows Road, Tulare County. Also present was a Mountain Bluebird. The meadow is the first large meadow on the north side of the road and west of the Chimney Peak Road. BOBA, MIMC, MIPA, ALWI, et. al.

Fr, 11 Jun 04 - The Grace's Warbler continued at Chimney Creek Campground this morning (See 30 May 04 and 3 Jun 04 directions below). Also present at the campground were Cooper's Hawk, Anna's Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird (male & female), Hairy Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Gray Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Steller's Jay, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Mountain Chickadee, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-headed Grosbeak, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, and Lesser Goldfinch. BOBA, MIMC, CHPA, MIPA, ALWI, et. al.

Fr, 11 Jun 04 - A pair of Mountain Quail with two precocial fledglings was observed crossing the road to the Chimney Peak Recreation Area off Hwy. 178 east of Canebrake this morning. BOBA, MIMC.

Th, 10 Jun 04 - A singing male Northern Parula was heard and seen this morning 200 m/yds. up the dry riverbed of the South Fork Kern River and about 200 m/yds along KRP's Migrant Corner Trail east of the Sierra Way bridge 1 mile north of Hwy. 178 in Weldon. Also observed was a migrant Western Tanager. ASSU.

Th, 10 Jun 04 - A female Northern Parula was reported from Cerro Coso College in Ridgecrest this morning. It was first seen along the walkway parallel to the exit road of the main college area. The second sighting was on the east side of the gym area. Also present were lots of flycatchers, a Warbling Vireo, and a Wilson's Warbler. JOSE.

We, 9 Jun 04 - An Evening Grosbeak was observed at 4:45pm at the corner where the Western Divide Highway and Hwy. 190 meet adjacent to Quaking Aspen Meadow and Campground. DINO.

NOTE: This location, just heading down the hill west on Hwy. 190 and across from the road to the Golden Trout Pack Station, has resulted in three reports out of four visits of Evening Grosbeak in the last few weeks. Quaking Aspen is about an hour and fifteen minute drive north from Kernville and fifteen minutes north from the Trail of 100 Giants. BOBA.

We, 9 Jun 04 - The Grace's Warbler continued at Chimney Creek Campground this morning (JIAB, DINO) and this afternoon c. 2pm (ASSU)...(See 30 May 04 and 3 Jun 04 directions below). JIAB, DINO, ASSU.

NOTE: The Grace's Warbler appears to be singing less and less frequently each day.

We, 9 Jun 04 - A Western Scrub-Jay was observed taking and flying off with a fledgling Plumbeous Vireo with its parents present at the far end of the Chimney Creek Campground. JIAB.

Tu, 8 Jun 04 - Two Western Tanagers observed along KRP's Nature Trail were late spring migrants. ALKN, HEKN.

Su, 6 Jun 04 - A report of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo calling south of the Fay Ranch Road bridge is the first report in the South Fork Valley this year. "Best of all, heard a cuckoo calling within the dense vegetation south of the bridge. They're here!" KAJO.

Su, 6 Jun 04 - A pair of Lawrence's Goldfinches observed from along the ranch road leading west from the KRP Headquarters parking lot represented a life bird species for a Denver, Colorado couple. EDHO, LIHO.

NOTE: Lawrence's Goldfinch numbers locally seem to be plummeting in the last week. I suspect it is due to the very dry conditions. The river and other water areas are drying up very quickly this spring. When the water is gone, the Lawrence's Goldfinches could go too. BOBA.

Su, 6 Jun 04 - The Vermilion Flycatcher pair was still present off Fay Ranch Road (see Spring 2004 web page - 3 Apr 04). WACO, ELEN.

Su, 6 Jun 04 - "Several" Red-breasted Sapsuckers were observed in and around Quaking Aspen Campground in the Giant Sequoia National Monument of the Sequoia National Forest north of Kernville. JIMA, MAMO.

Su, 6 Jun 04 - A Northern Parula was reported to be in California City and an Ovenbird at Galileo Hill. TOWU, LIAU.

Su, 6 Jun 04 - Many observers report the 4th day of presence of the Black-throated Blue Warbler at Butterbredt Spring. Also reported was a Red-eyed Vireo. TOWU.

Sa, 5 Jun 04 - An Evening Grosbeak was observed by two Massachusetts birders in the large trees at the junction of the Western Divide Highway and Hwy. 190 opposite the road to the Golden Trout Pack Station. This spot is just north and west around the corner from the entrance to Quaking Aspen Campground in the Giant Sequoia National Monument of the Sequoia National Forest north of Kernville. JIMA, MAMO.

Sa, 5 Jun 04 - A Pileated Woodpecker was present in the parking lot area of the Trail of 100 Giants in the Giant Sequoia National Monument north of Kernville. JIMA, MAMO.

Sa, 5 Jun 04 - A Black-chinned Sparrow was observed across from the dirt helicopter pad 0.4 mile past mile marker 2.0 on the road leading to Johnsondale from the bridge over the North Fork of the Kern River. JIMA. MAMO.

Sa, 5 Jun 04 - A Black-backed Woodpecker was reported to be "...on the west side of Sherman Pass. As you are switchbacking down (heading west) there is a dirt road on the left which leads to a large slash pile where they are working on cleaning out some dead, burned wood. The Black-backed Woodpecker was in the remaining dead trees around the slash pile." ROHO.

Sa, 5 Jun 04 - A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was reported to be in a private yard in Ridgecrest. LESU.

Sa, 5 Jun 04 - A flock of 20 American Crows in Havilah is the highest total ever reported in the Kern River Valley area. SUST.

S & D NOTE: Less than five years ago a report of even a single individual of this species was significant. In the last year or two multiple reports of multiple individuals (usually two or three) have been made. BOBA

Sa, 5 Jun 04 - Two Denver area birders and five from southern California observed the continuing Grace's Warbler at Chimney Creek Campground mid-day. LIAU, EDHO, LIHO, ROHO, ANHO, VEHO, TOWU.

Sa, 5 Jun 04 - The male Black-throated Blue Warbler continued at Butterbredt Spring. Also present was a male Indigo Bunting. LASA.

Fr, 4 Jun 04 - A flock of 30-40 Lawrence's Goldfinches and an adult male Summer Tanager were observed 200 m/yds down the dirt ranch road leading from the southwest corner of the KRP Headquarters parking lot. BOBA, JIMA, MAMO.

Fr, 4 Jun 04 - A Black Swift was observed by two Massachusetts birders this afternoon over Sierra Way in the vicinity of the turn-off to the waste transfer site south of Kernville. JIMA, MAMO.

Fr, 4 Jun 04 - The adult male Black-throated Blue Warbler was still present at Butterbredt Spring along with a MacGillivray's Warbler. Also present were Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Rock Wren, Swainson's Thrush, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, California Towhee, and Sage Sparrow.

Fr, 4 Jun 04 - The Grace's Warbler was still present at Chimney Creek Campground (BLM) in far southeastern Tulare County as of 8am this morning (BOST, SUST, JIMA, MAMO). At the far end of the campground between spot 30 and 29, in the first willow area past the spot 30 marker, there was an adult male Rose-breasted Grosbeak. He was perched on a dead pine snag and then flew into the willows (BOST, SUST). Also present was an adult male Calliope Hummingbird coming to the feeders at the Campground Host's trailer and Lawrence's Goldfinches (JIMA, MAMO).

Th, 3 Jun 04 - A male Summer Tanager was seen in the trees by the hummingbird feeders at KRP Headquarters at 3pm. BRKY, KEKY.

Th, 3 Jun 04 - Two American Dippers were observed between the Isabella Reservoir Main Dam and the Hwy. 155 bridge over the Kern River. Also present were Nuttall's Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Western Scrub-Jay, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Cliff Swallow, and Oak Titmouse. BOBA, JIMA, MAMO.

Th, 3 Jun 04 - A new location this year for a publicly accessible pair of Brown-crested Flycatchers was found this morning along the north side of the South Fork Wildlife Area off Sierra Way. Take Sierra Way north off of Hwy. 178 in Weldon for 2 miles to the signed South Fork Wildlife Area entrance on the left. Enter and go down the short hill to park. A river channel is located along the south edge of the very grassy parking lot. Follow the channel to the west (right) for a few hundred meters/yards to where it makes a nearly right angle turn to the left. Proceed south for another 150-250 meters/yards to the mature trees where the pair of Brown-crested Flycatchers was detected. MAWH.

Th, 3 Jun 04 - The Vermilion Flycatcher pair was still present off Fay Ranch Road (see Spring 2004 web page - 3 Apr 04)

Th, 3 Jun 04 - The Grace's Warbler was still present at Chimney Creek Campground (BLM) in far southeastern Tulare County as of 2pm this afternoon. Nesting species present include: Cooper's Hawk, California Quail, Mountain Quail, Common Poorwill (numerous), Anna's Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Hairy Woodpecker, White-headed Woodpecker, western Wood-Pewee, Dusky Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Steller's Jay, Western Scrub Jay, Mountain Chickadee, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Western Tanager (abundant), Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Lawrence's Goldfinch. BOBA (9am), BRKY, KEKY (2pm).

DIRECTIONS:From the Hwy. 178 entrance to Kern River Preserve Headquarters in Weldon, Kern County, take Hwy. 178 east for 13.8 miles. Then turn left onto the two lane dirt road to the Chimney Peak/Chimney Creek Recreation Area. Drive 11 miles to the Chimney Creek Campground entrance on the right. The Grace's Warbler was still singing consistently while working the area around the Campground Host's campsite which is just a few yards/meters uphill from the campground entrance.

DRIVING TIME: Very fast drivers - 30-40 minutes, Fast drivers - 40-50 minutes, Slow drivers - 50-75 minutes.

NOTE: Please report with latest sightings of the Grace's Warbler. Thank you. BOBA.

Th, 3 Jun 04 - Cedar Waxwings are still present at KRP Headquarters. BOBA.

Th, 3 Jun 04 - An adult male Black-throated Blue Warbler and a young male American Redstart highlighted a visit to Butterbredt Spring this morning. Also present were Willow Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Le Conte's Thrasher, Phainopepla (male), and Yellow Warbler. BRKY, KEKY, JIMA, MAMO.

We, 2 Jun 04 - Two Massachusetts birders picked up Le Conte's Thrasher at a private yard in Inyokern. JIMA, MAMO.

Tu, 1 Jun 04 - The Grace's Warbler was observed at 1:40pm this afternoon and the Vermilion Flycatcher along Fay Ranch Road at 3pm. DAWE.

Tu, 1 Jun 04 - Canebrake Ecological Reserve yielded Wild Turkey, Virginia Rail (heard and seen), Sora, Barn Owl, White-throated Swift, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Say's Phoebe, Viloet-green Swallow, Oak Titmouse, Western Bluebird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Tricolored Blackbird (pairs feeding numerous fledglings), Bullock's Oriole, Lawrence's Goldfinch. BOBA.

Mo, 31 May 04 - A Black-backed Woodpecker was reported as being "two-three miles west of Sherman Pass." ROFI, JOMO.

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, JESE, STSO, LITE, RYTE, and 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.

Grace's Warbler: First record for Tulare County and the entire Sierra Nevada for that matter and third record for Northern California including prior Mono County (Glass Mountain) and Monterey County (Jack's Peak) records. BOBA.

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, Cuck 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 the group had birded 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. He 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. This habitat is perfect for a Grace's Warbler." Eventually we all 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, KARO.

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 walking away. STSO, TOHI, JOFR.

SPECIFIC REPORTS

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

OBSERVERS: JIAB-Jim Abernathy, ABA YBC-American Birding Associaiton Young Birders Conference, LIAU-Liga Auzins, BOBA-Bob Barnes, DABA-Darrell Barnes, TEBE-Ted Beedy, JEBI-Jeremy Bird, ROBO-Ron Bolyard, AUBO-Austin Booth, ELBO-Elizabeth Bowman, WABO-Walt Bowman, MABR-Matt Brady, ROBU-Ron Burns, CHBY-Chris Byrd, NOBY-Norm Byrd, EMCO-Emily Cohen, WACO-Warren Cotton, GUDA-Gunilla Davidson, JEDU-Jennie Duberstein, JODU-Jon Dunn, TOEA-Todd Easterla, ELEN-Elaine Endres, GAFI-Gary File, ROFI-Robbie Fisher, JOFR-Joan Franco, NIFR-Nick Freeman, TEGA-Terri Gallion, JOHA-Joe Hart, LOHA-Lois Hart, JOHZ-Joe Hazlett, MAHZ-Mary Ann Hazlett, FRHE-Fred Heath, PHHE-Phil Heavin, TOHI-Tommye Hite, ROHO-Ron Holland, EDHO-Ed Holub, LIHo-Linda Holub, ANHO-Andrew Howe, VEHO-Vernon Howe, STHO-Steve Howell, ALKN-Al Knoll, HEKN-Heather Knoll, SAKO-Sandy Koonce, BRKY-Brenda Kyle, KEKY-Ken Kyle, CILI-Cindy Lieurance, LELI-Les Lieurance, KELE-Kelli Levinson, LAAS-Los Angeles Audubon Society, GALU-Gary Lundquist, JOLU-John Luther, JIMA-Jim Marcus, MAME-Mary Merryman, TOMC-Todd McGrath, MIMC-Michael McQuerrey, LOME-Lorelei Metildi, STME-Steve Metildi, TEMI-Terri Middlemiss, BOMI-Bobbie Miller, MAMI-Marya Miller, JOMO-Joe Morlan, MAMO-Mark Mount, DINO-Dick Norton, MIOB-Michael O'Brien, EDPA-Ed Pandolfino, CHPA-Chuck Pappe, MIPA-Mike Parmeter, DARA-Dan Ramos, RROS-Redwood Region Ornithological Society, KARO-Kathy Robinson, JIRO-Jim Roe, MISA-Mike San Miguel, JOSC-John Schmitt, LASA-Larry Sansone, PASE-Pat Seamount, JESE-Jeff Seay, JOSE-Joyce Seibold, ALSH-Alison Sheehey, TISH-Tim Shelmerdine, STSO-Steve Sosensky, BOST-Bob Steele, JOST-John Sterling, ASSU-Ashley Sutton, LESU-Lee Sutton, LITE-Linda Terrill, RYTE-Ryan Terrill, SCTE-Scott Terrill, ADTE-Adolph Tetsekoua, RETO-Reed Tollefson, DAVP-David Vander Pluym, DOWA-Donelda Warhurst, BRWE-Bruce Webb, DAWE-Dave Weber, JIWH-Jim White, MAWH-Mary Whitfield, BUWI-Bud Widdowson, ALWI-Alan Wight, JOWI-John Wilson, BEWI-Ben Winger, TOWU-Tom Wurster, LOZE-Louise Zemaitis.

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

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