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Field Trip Reports

Field Trip Reports

2008

2007

January 19, 2008 Taylor Creek /Cove East Snowshoe Trip, SLT

Leaders: Sue Stevenson and Sheryl Ferguson
Thirteen hardy birdwatchers hit the hard, crunchy, SNOWY trails at Taylor Creek on snowshoes and X-country skis in search of winter birds. A Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, and Townsend's Solitaire all posed as each bird watcher skied or snow- shoed up to the scopes. Other winter residents included Pygmy Nuthatch, Clark's Nutcracker, Red-shafted Flicker, Common Raven, and Black-billed Magpie. There was "sign" of American Dipper on the rocks in the Creek under the bridge, but no Dipper appeared. A Greater White-fronted Goose was spotted by Lynn Harriman. It was feeding on a patch of grass at the mouth of Taylor Creek. Mallard, Common Merganser, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Gadwall, Hooded Merganser, Canada Goose, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Ruddy Duck, California, Ring-billed, and Herring Gull, and Red-tailed Hawk brought the list total to twenty-four. For those Reno folks who caucused on 1/19/08, we welcome you to call and arrange to winter bird with us at some other more convenient time.

~ Sue Stevenson 530.577.5394

Saturday, February 9, 2008, Raptors in the Nile Valley/Lovelock Trip

Leaders: Debbie and Randy Pontius
We had a spectacular response to this newly re-offered LAS trip. Thirty people attended, including several first time birders, and we had to turn away another 12! The weather was beautiful and wet everyone's whistle for spring birding. Even though it was a large group, we saw plenty of raptors with great photo opportunities for Rough-legged, Ferruginous and Red-tailed Hawks. We had close-up looks of several Great-horned Owl pairs. Our resident partial albino Red-tailed hawk was obliging and although it took a while to find him, he did give us a look. We finished up the trip with an unexpected treat of a flock of about 15 Bohemian waxwings, probably moved from Rye Patch where they were spotted last month. And for those that attended, Randy and I spotted a Merlin just as we pulled into our own driveway at home after lunch! Below are some pictures from our tour in Lovelock. They are credited to Cabby Bloss and this is the link to her website: www.capturedbycabby.com

Waxwing

Bohemian Waxwing

Waxwing

Bohemian Waxwings

Owl

Great Horned Owl

Photos by Cabby Bloss - www.capturedbycabby.com

Saturday, March 22, 2008, Sierra Valley Field Trip

Leader: Alan Gubanich
Migration was definitely in full swing when 20 of us ventured to Sierra Valley for a great day of birding. The weather was wonderful and so was the viewing -- 37 species for the day, with some great looks at Sandhill Cranes, White Pelicans, Bald Eagles, Tundra Swans, and much more. Some winter residents were still around: 3 Bald Eagles, 3 Rough-legged Hawks and 6 Tundra Swans, but the highlight of the day was over 100 Sandhill Cranes soaring over our heads while we were on Hariot Lane and Marble Hot Springs Road. Several landed in the fields along Marble Hot Springs Road and gave us nice views through the spotting scopes. Unfortunately, for those who left after lunch, but fortunately for the 4 of us who stayed, two separate pairs of Cranes walked within 50 to 60 yards of us as we backtracked along Marble Hot Springs Road -- fantastic close looks! Other migrants included at least 7 White-fronted Geese, 50 or more Tree Swallows, 9 American White Pelicans, 5 Long-billed Curlews, 2 Willets, 3 Greater Yellowlegs and 20 or so American Avocets. Horned Larks were the second highlight of the day for some birders (oh well, whatever), while the rest of us enjoyed the melodious tones of Sage Thrashers, Red-winged Blackbirds, Western Meadowlarks and Horned Larks, all proclaiming the arrival of Spring.

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Sierra Valley Birders

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Sierra Valley Birders

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Sandhill Cranes

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Sandhill Cranes

Photos by Alan Gubanich

Saturday, April 12, 2008 - Damonte Ranch Wetlands

Leader: Kathy Oakes
The great weather that we ordered brought out a lot of birders-29 people showed up for a half-day visit to the Damonte Ranch wetlands! We had shirtsleeves weather as early as 8:00 A.M. and no wind. We saw a total of 40 species. Highlights of the trip were great views of an American Bittern and a Wilson's Snipe, as well as very cooperative Marsh Wrens, who stayed visible at the top of cattails singing, allowing everyone a close look. Usually these little guys stay hidden or just pop up for a maddening few seconds. Maybe the wrens were appreciating the sunshine as much as the birders. Following is a list of species observed: Eared Grebe, American Bittern, Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Widgeon, Mallard, Cinnamon Teal, Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Turkey Vulture, California Quail, American Coot, Killdeer, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Willet, Wilson's Snipe, Ring-billed Gull, California Gull, Mourning Dove, Say's Phoebe, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Marsh Wren, European Starling, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, House Sparrow.

Saturday, May 17, 2008 - McCarran Ranch

Leader: Elizabeth Ammon
We had a couple of great trips to McCarran Ranch, approximately 10 miles east of Sparks, on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18. Participants of the Lahontan Audubon trip on Saturday were Pey-Yi Lee, Nlin Chae Kim, John Ide, Kenn and Georgia Rohrs, Karol McClellan, Mar Siddall, Norma Eldridge, and Joya Hamblin. Sunday's McCarran Ranch open house event included many fun folks whose name I didn't write down :-( The weather was hot both days (mid-90s), and spirits were great. It was very birdy, but the birds seemed as caught by surprise by the heat wave as we were. Following is the combined list for both days in alphabetical order: American Kestrel, American Robin, Bank Swallow, Barn Swallow, Bewick's Wren, Black-billed Magpie, Black-headed Grosbeak, Brewer's Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird Bullock's Oriole, California Gull, California Quail, Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Cliff Swallow, Common Merganser, Double-crested Cormorant, Downy Woodpecker, European Starling, Great Blue Heron, House Finch, House Sparrow, House Wren, Killdeer, Lazuli Bunting, Lesser Goldfinch, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Red-tailed Hawk (nest with two chicks), Red-winged Blackbird, Ring-billed Gull, Snowy Egret, Song Sparrow, Turkey Vulture, Warbling Vireo, Western Kingbird, Western Wood-Pewee, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-headed Blackbird.

June 14, 2008 - Thomas Creek, east side of the Carson Range

Leader: Alan de Queiroz
Twelve of us spent the morning birding the trail along Thomas Creek upstream from Timberline Drive and then back down on the road that parallels the creek. This is a nice riparian area of aspen, cottonwood, alder, and willow with Jeffrey pine and mountain mahogany on the slopes above. The group was Meg Andrews, Jim and Meg Wallace, Al and Judy Frederick, Helaine Greenberg and Larry Hardy, Don Lauer, Karol McClellan, Mar Siddall, Mary Jo Elpers, and I. It was a warm, sunny morning and the birds were in the full swing of breeding. A highlight was seeing a Red-breasted Sapsucker at close range repeatedly flycatching and collecting the insects in its beak, presumably to feed to its mate or young. We also saw a female Western Tanager on a nest in a Jeffrey pine, a chubby Lesser Goldfinch fledgling begging for food from its mother, a Chipping Sparrow very nonchalantly gathering nesting material on the trail, and a Mountain Chickadee taking food to a nest cavity. We had brief views of a MacGillivray's Warbler and a Townsend's Solitaire and terrible backlit looks at a Plumbeous or Cassin's Vireo. The numbers of Red-breasted Sapsuckers and Western Tanagers were extraordinary - about 4 or 5 sapsuckers and at least a dozen tanagers. Western Wood-Pewees, Cassin's Finches, and Warbling Vireos were almost everywhere. There were also quite a few Black-headed Grosbeaks although we only had a long look at one. We saw 23 species in all and enjoyed a nice walk along the creek.

June 20-22, 2008 - Unionville Birding and B&B

Leader: Alan Gubanich
Alan Gubanich led a delightful weekend trip for LAS to Unionville over the June 20 weekend. We stayed at the Old Pioneer Gardens Bed and Breakfast; a great place to sleep, eat, and bird. A few folks stayed at the tree-filled campground up the road. We had over twenty fun folks and our 52 species bird list includes sightings seen by people off on their own in the area surrounding Unionville, and by the group as a whole. The Calliope Hummingbird was seen at feeders east of Lovelock at a lush desert oasis home belonging to friends of Randy and Debbie Pontius. Debbie organized an informational packet for everyone in the group that included interesting Unionville/Lovelock history, ideas of places to visit and things to do in Northern Nevada, as well as a few maps. Some highlights of the trip are as follows:

  • Three juvenile Golden Eagles soaring over the cliffs of Straight Canyonproviding everyone with long lasting incredible views. Straight Canyon is one of two canyon trails leading off from the end of Unionville's only road.
  • More gorgeous Lazuli Buntings posing for photo ops than anyone would believe.
  • A female Black-chinned Hummingbird sitting on her nest outside one of the B&B houses
  • An educational tour of Safe Haven Rescue Zoo, a nonprofit 160 acre sanctuary providing lifelong care for animals who can no longer live in the wild. Heartbreaking and heartwarming stories were told and we had theexciting privilege of sharing dinnertime with a tiger. (We're all still here.) They are located just north of Unionville at the entrance to Star Canyon.
  • Flowers galore, great rock formations and colors, trees and more along good canyon trails
  • One glorious evening storm replete with a drenching downpour and reminiscent of a southwestern monsoon

Unionville is a great "new" birding spot and getaway. It is located in the Humbolt Range off State HWY 400. The exit for State HWY 400 is about 30 miles west of Winnemucca off I80 at the Mill City exit #149. Many thanks to Alan for leading a whole weekend of great birding and "photoing" trip.

~ Christiane Omer

52 species
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
California Quail (Callipepla californica)
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus)
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus)
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor)
Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)
Calliope Hummingbird (Stellula calliope)
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii)
Say's Phoebe (Sayornis saya)
Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis)
Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)
Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus)
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Common Raven (Corvus corax)
Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris)
Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina)
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Rock Wren (Salpinctes obsoletus)
Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii)
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)
Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris)
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia)
Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana)
Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus)
Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus)
Sage Sparrow (Amphispiza belli)
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus)
Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena)
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
Brewer's Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus)
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)
Bullock's Oriole (Icterus bullockii)
Cassin's Finch (Carpodacus cassinii)
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)
Pine Siskin (Carduelis pinus)
Lesser Goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

June 28, 2008 - Birding and Wildflower Trip, Tahoe City, CA

Leader: Richard Carlson
In spite of the smoke, 12 people showed up for the trip at 7:30 a.m. in Tahoe City. In this unusual year, both birds and flowers were in mid-summer mode, great for the flowers, but a bit quiet for the birds. We started at Blackwood Canyon's first meadow, where Wilson's, Nashville & MacGillivray's warblers sang lustily but mostly hid successfully. A lovely Willow Flycatcher, two Golden-crowned Kinglets and a male Calliope hummer posed for the group. Flowers were in full bloom, including Rein Orchids. A cooperative Red-breasted Sapsucker came by and also posed. We then went to Baker Pass, where a huge Sierra Club Group scared off the birds, but we still found Cassin's Finches and many Skyrocket Gilia. Farther down Blackwood we hiked into Ellis Canyon where only the earliest flowers -- Shooting Stars-- were out but we did finally see a lovely but characteristically silent Pine Grosbeak. Thanks to Don Harriman for spotting him. The Grosbeak initially hid in the branches with only part of his head showing, but after we griped enough the bird finally came out to give us full views. We then went to Ward Canyon where we ate amidst fields of Mules ears, Paintbrush and Mariposa Lilies while Lazuli Buntings serenaded us. We had ideal views of a male Mountain Bluebird. Finally, the last few unexhausted souls went up the Squaw tram where a male Gray-crowned Rosy Finch showed up on cue at Silverado chairlift. The smoke stayed down at lake level leaving the high country beautiful all day.

July, 19, 2008 - Washoe Lake

Leader: Steve Ting
We had a very nice morning trip to the Washoe Lake Wetlands area on the South end of the Lake. Water levels are down from previous years which limited the number of species and individuals seen, but we still had a good variety to observe. Highlights included a Osprey fly over, American White Pelicans displaying their feeding behavior and a great look at a pair of Virginia Rail chicks that appeared to have just fledged. Species list below.
~Steve Ting

Canada Goose
Gadwall
Mallard
Cinnamon Teal
Northern Shoveler
Ruddy Duck
California Quail
Clark's Grebe
American White Pelican
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Black-crowned Night-Heron
White-faced Ibis
Osprey
Northern Harrier
Virginia Rail
American Coot
Killdeer
Black-necked Stilt
Spotted Sandpiper
Wilson's Snipe
Ring-billed Gull
Violet-green Swallow
Barn Swallow
Marsh Wren
European Starling
Spotted Towhee
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Western Meadowlark
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Brewer's Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird

September 15, 2007 - Oxbow

Leader: Dave Jickling
About 20 people showed up for a leisurely two hour stroll along the Truckee River at the Oxbow Nature Study Area. The morning started a little cool but soon heated up as we watched a Northern Flicker, Hairy Woodpecker and Downy Woodpecker all in the same cottonwood trees. A large flock of migrating swallows flew high over our heads as we got wonderful looks at a pair of immature Cooper's Hawks that were "playing" with each other, chasing about through the tress. Later one of the pair perched just 30 feet off the trail and posed patiently for us, giving plenty of viewing time and lots of picture taking opportunities. All in all a fine day for a bird walk with 26 species seen or heard.
~Dave Jickling

September 16, 2007 - Markleeville

Leader: Jim Woods
Jim Woods led a wonderful trip at Markleeville and Grover Hot Springs! It was a beautiful day with deep blue skies and temperatures in the 70's. The seven of us had a great time trekking through forest and meadow with some very dramatic mountain views. Mike Goddard came in from Fallon to join us and share his expertise. Highlights were White Headed Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, American Dipper, Clark's Nutcracker, Black Phoebe, Williamson's Sapsucker, and a Warbling Vireo. Moving on to Pleasant Valley, we birded along the river. Highlights were a Hammond's Flycatcher, and a Sharp Shinned Hawk. There were also some good-sized Rainbow Trout moseying along the river. We wrapped up the day and went back to Markleeville where we indulged in good food, drinks, and great conversation. Thanks to you all for making it a special trip.
~Janet Hudson

October 13, 2007 - Taylor Creek, CA

Leaders: Sue Stevenson and Sheryl Ferguson Sheryl Ferguson, Sue Stevenson, and Don and Lynn Harriman of South Lake Tahoe shared two of their favorite birding areas with twelve Lahontan Audubon members who came great distances to enjoy the breathtaking views of autumn color and distant snow covered peaks, the spawning Kokanee Salmon at Taylor Creek, and forty-seven species of migrating and fall Tahoe birds. Temperatures were near freezing in the morning as the group looked out over the marsh at several Great Blue Heron perched in the dead trees, as well as a Black-crowned Heron, and Red-tail Hawk. Special Tahoe birds included the White-headed Woodpecker, Pygmy Nuthatches, Clark's Nutcrackers, Mountain Chicadees, both Kinglets, a flock of Cedar Waxwings, and a Kingfisher flyby. We were entertained at the creek by a very talkative Raven, and the antics of the Mallards and Common Mergansers feeding on salmon eggs. At Cove East we had several duck species, the Eared, Pied-billed, and Western Grebes. In the grassy areas and among the lodgepoles there were White-crowned and Chipping Sparrows, Scrub Jays, Western Meadowlarks, Dark-eyed Juncos, Cassin's Finches, and other more common species, all on guard as the Northern Harriers and a Sharp-shinned Hawk passed by. The highlight of the day was the sighting of a "vagrant" Burrowing Owl that flushed out of some rocks and willows along the Cove East trail.
~ Sue Stevenson

October 20, 2007 - Wetlands Trip, Fallon

Leader: Mike Goddard
I had nine people on the tour. We went to S-line reservoir, Harmon Reservoir, Foxtail Lake (refuge), and Indian Lakes. We saw many waterfowl including Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, Ruddy Duck, Northern Pintail, and a lot of Canvasback at Foxtail Lake. The new wetlands at the refuge entrance, just east of Stillwater Townsite, had a lot of waterfowl feeding in the flooded alkali weeds. We didn't see them until we drove by, then they came up out of the weeds like a huge cloud of giant mosquitoes. Thank God they didn't attack us! American Coot outnumbered everything else. We also saw Black-crowned Night Heron, Clark's, Eared, and Pied-billed Grebe, Common Moorhen, Great Blue Heron, Common Egret, and American White Pelican. There was a Barn Owl at Stillwater Townsite and a Great Horned Owl at the refuge and Indian Lakes, but the Long-eared Owls were not yet at Indian lakes. There were lots of White-crowned Sparrow and Northern Shrike, and one Sage Sparrow. Northern Harriers, Red-tailed Hawks, and American Kestrel were abundant, but it was too early for Tundra Swans and Rough-legged Hawks. Despite the wind, it was a fun trip.
~ Michael Goddard

November 3, 2007 - Damonte Ranch Wetlands, Reno

Trip Leader: Kathy Oakes
Seventeen hardy souls showed up for a half-day look at the Damonte Ranch wetlands. The morning started darn cold, but warmed up by mid-morning, with plenty of sun and no wind. This was the first LAS trip to the Damonte Ranch wetlands, which were created along Steamboat Creek by the developers of Damonte Ranch homes. The wetlands consist of about 172 acres of mixed open water and marsh habitat surrounded by paved walking paths. Highlights of the trip were great views of several waterfowl including Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, Ring-necked Duck, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Redhead, Common Merganser, Horned Grebe, Eared Grebe, and American Coot (they're common but cute!). The Northern Harriers put on a great show flying over the marsh and perching on submerged fence posts. An adult and juvenile Red-tailed Hawk also added to the show by perching on adjacent roofs. A Great Blue Heron obligingly posed in the marsh. The puzzler of the day was a small group of birds with striped heads feeding in the grass. We were almost convinced they were snipe until they finally raised their heads for a better view and turned out to be Western Meadowlarks! We also had some long looks in bad light at what (by group consensus) were determined to be dowitchers, likely long-billed, but there were still some holdouts for Willets. Maybe they were Dowillets? All told, it was a fine day and a great introduction to a new Reno birding area that is very accessible and not well known. We saw 31 species.
~ Kathy Oakes

November 10, 2007 - Sierra Valley, CA

Trip Leader: Alan Gubanich
Fourteen hardy souls enjoyed a wonderful fall day in Sierra Valley searching for wintering raptors and any other feathered creatures in the area. The highlight of the day was finding at least four Ferruginous Hawks in one field, followed by two more before the day was over. Just as exciting was a very cooperative Great Horned Owl peering down at us from a cottonwood tree right along the south side of Dyson Lane. Although the total number of raptors was not large (23), the diversity was good -- 2 Northern Harriers, 2 Rough-legged Hawks, 10 Red-tailed Hawks (including 2 dark morphs), 6 Ferruginous Hawks, 2 American Kestrels and 1 Prairie Falcon (plus the Great Horned Owl, of course). Other species included numerous Common Ravens and European Starlings, a flock of at least 20 American Crows, several Black-billed Magpies, 3 Western Meadowlarks and 2 Mourning Doves. In addition, there were five Tundra Swans in a distant pond west of Harriet Lane along with numerous waterfowl that were difficult to identify due to heat waves obscuring our view. Several were Mallards and later, along Marble Hot Springs Road, there was a group of 40 to 50 Northern Shovelers. A Flock of Canada Geese was spotted farther south on the way to Sierraville. Total species for the day was 18. The weather was beautiful and the lunch at Los Dos Hermanos in Sierraville was delicious. Rain started right after lunch so, with the weather degenerating, the group headed for home. All in all, a great morning of birding -- wish you could have joined us!

See the photos from this trip.

~ Alan Gubanich

November 17, 2007 - Wingfield Springs, Sparks

Leaders: Christiane Omer and Quentin Browne
What a wonderful warm fall day to bird. We had seventeen people and plenty of scopes and enthusiasm. The day started with male and female American Kestrels and a Prairie Falcon posing for photo ops near the parking lot of Red Hawk Golf Course. We went on to see thirty-seven species, and to have lots of laughs and a tasty lunch at David's Grill. Our sincere thanks to a great group of folks; our Wingfield Springs species count is now up to 108!

See the photos from this trip.

~Christiane Omer