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Field Trip Report: Tule Springs/Floyd Lamb (09/22/11)

October 2, 2011 By RRAS Info

September 22, 2100

Another great field trip completed.  Tule Springs — Floyd Lamb City Park –  always has surprises and this morning was no exception.  We spent a lot of time at picnic table #40 where we were busy sorting out warblers, hummingbirds, and sparrows.  We ended the  morning with 8 different species of warblers, plus one mystery warbler, 6 species of sparrows, and 4 species of hummingbirds.  The Cooper’s Hawk, Roadrunner, and Gambel’s Quail were out in back.   All too soon it was noon and time to go home.  A big THANK YOU to all 8 people who came to join me birding Tule Springs. Pied Bill Grebe

Rita Schlageter
Trip Leader

48 species of birds seen:  Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Canada Goose, Mallard, Ruddy Duck, Cooper’s Hawk, Amer Kestrel, Gambel’s Quail, Amer Coot, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-dove, Mourning Dove, (3) Gr. Roadrunner, Black-chinned, Anna’s, Broad-tailed, and Rufous Hummingbirds, Belted Kingfisher, Western Wood-Pewee, Say’s Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Com Raven, N. Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, N. Mockingbird, Euro Starling, Orange-crowned,Yellow, Yellow-rumped, N. Parula, Amer Redstart, Black-throated Gray, Com Yellowthroat, and Wilson’s Warblers, Western Tanager, Abert’s Towhee, Chipping, Brewer’s, Lark, Savannah, Lincoln’s and White-crowned Sparrows, Lazuli Bunting, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

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Field Trip Report: Mt. Charleston (09/10/11)

October 2, 2011 By RRAS Info

Mt. Charleston Field Trip
Saturday 9-10-11, Christiana Manville

Despite the overcast weather and cooler temperatures, seven participants travelled with me to Mt. Charleston. Marilyn Mackett had the newly updated Birds of Mt. Charleston brochure to hand out to folks. We had one participant from as far away as Victoria, British Columbia. Our first stop was Harris Spring Road at about 5,000 feet in elevation. Bird activity was slow here but we saw a flock of Pinyon Jays. The only other birds at this location were some Black-throated Sparrows. Mt. Chas Field Trip

Our next stop was the visitor’s center where Joy from Mt. Charleston joined us. On the drive to this stop and at this stop we saw a Northern Flicker, Western Scrub Jay, and Dark-eyed Junco (gray-headed race). Next we traveled to Joy’s house where we got to see the following birds bathing in her yard water feature: American Robin, a flock of migrating Lark Sparrows, and a Western Tanager. We got awesome views of Steller’s Jays and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds.

Near the library we spotted the following species: Rufus Hummingbird , Common Raven, Orange-crowned Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak and Lesser Goldfinch. Our final mountain stop was the Deer Creek Picnic Area. We saw the following species and could have seen more but the rain finally started at 11:30 am and everyone was chilled: Clark’s Nutcracker, Mountain Chickadee, Pygmy Nuthatch, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Cassin’s Finch, and Pine Siskin.

We finished the field trip at Gilcrease Orchard where we saw two burrowing owls in the new artificial burrows. The owls were standing with their wings extended in the rain. At the Orchard we also saw Mourning Doves, Western Kingbirds, and a Northern Mockingbird. We finished the day with a total of 27 species.

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Field Trip Report: Pahranagat NWR (05/14/11)

August 7, 2011 By RRAS Info

Submitted by: Je Anne Branca, Field Trip Chair

Verdin © Colin Wooley May 14th, Saturday we met at the Silver Nugget in North Las Vegas for our drive to Pahranagat for International Bird Migratory Day.  We met other birders at the Upper Lake. and split into 3 groups.  Bob Wilkins lead the camera group, who were able to get some great shots of some of the birds and wildlife.  Rita Schlageter and I split up the rest of the group and off we went.  The new Visitor Service Coordinator, Sierra Willoughby joined us on our birding trip.  We were very glad to meet him and look forward to working with him on other projects. Probably our best bird was the Yellow-billed Loon seen as we were driving out.  We had 6 species of flycatchers.  We ended the trip 64 species for the day and had a good time.

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Field Trip Report: S.E. Arizona (03/22/11)

August 7, 2011 By RRAS Info

Submitted by: Je Anne Branca, Field Trip Chair

On Tuesday, March 22nd, we met at 6:00 am for the drive to Tucson.  Our group included Cecilia Pinkal, Taner Pinkal (Rita’s sister and nephew from Oregon), Mary Hirsch, Carol Sweet, Rita Schlageter, and Je Anne Branca.  The first stop was the Hassayampa River Rest Area where we heard and saw our first Gray Hawk (who had not read the book as it was way too far north). The next one we saw was in Patagonia area.  We also had a Harris Hawk our first day.  We birded Catalina State Park, ended the day with 57 species. Vermilion Flycatcher

Wednesday we were off to Sweetwater Wetlands and Mount Lemon for the Yellow-eyed Junco, which several were seen and we ended our day with 45 species.  Thursday we visited Madera Canyon, Lake Pena Blanca to see the 2 Least Grebes, and Lake Patagonia, then stayed in Patagonia at the old hotel (that was different).  After birding Patton’s (birding was great but the cats roaming the yard were not good) we drove to Sierra Vista.

Friday we birded Fort Huachuca, where a Northern Pygmy-Owl called and flew by so fast most of us did not get to see it.  San Pedro House gave us some nice close up looks at some of the birds.  Just before dusk, we started looking for the Scaled Quail, finally found a covey of about 30 after driving for almost an hour.  We ended the day with 72 species.

Saturday it was time to drive back to Vegas, we ended the trip with 125 species.  Carol saw the most lifer’s 49, followed by Cecilia and Taner seeing 28 lifer’s, Mary saw 7 lifer’s and of course Rita and I saw none, but had a great time just birding.  We could almost call this the Red Bird trip as we saw more Pyrrhuloxia,  Northern Cardinals, and Vermilion Flycatchers on this trip than we have ever seen before.

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Field Trip Report: Shoshone (03/19/11)

April 5, 2011 By RRAS Info

Submitted by: Len Warren

Shoshone Village would like to thank those Red Rock Audubon members who came out to Shoshone for the March 19th field trip.

Despite quite windy conditions, we managed to find a few  birds.  Our Itinerary was Grimshaw Lake – Tecopa Marsh, Willow Creek Wash, out of the wind a bit, then China Ranch.  After lunch,  at The Crowbar, we walked the blue trail in Shoshone, and then looked for Long-eared Owls and found a great looking pair right in town, which have now been incubating for at least 10 days!

We’d love to have you back in nice weather.

Thanks again,
Len Warren
Shoshone Village, CA

American BitternVerdin
Greater White-fronted GooseMarsh Wren
Ross's GooseRock Wren
MallardBlack-tailed Gnatcatcher
Northern ShovelerRuby-crowned Kinglet
Northern HarrierNorthern Mockingbird
Gambel's QuailAmerican Robin
Virginia RailCrissal Thrasher
Wilson's SnipePhainopepla
unidentified Larus GullEuropean Starling
Eurasian Collared DoveAudubon's Warbler
Long-eared OwlBlack-throated Sparrow
White-throated SwiftWhite-crowned Sparrow
Northern FlickerHouse Finch
Black PhoebeLesser Goldfinch
Say's PhoebeAmerican Goldfinch
Common RavenHouse Sparrow
Horned Lark
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Field Trip Report: Tule Springs/Floyd Lamb (03/31/11)

March 31, 2011 By RRAS Info

Submitted by: Rita Schlageter  rednapedsapsucker

March 31, 2011
Tule Springs — Floyd Lamb City Park

14 wonderful people joined me for the annual spring field trip.  There is much change around the park and lots of heavy equipment working.  The bird numbers are way down — 1 Phainopepla, 1 Verdin, no Abert Towhees — you get the idea.

However, we still had a good morning.   A show in flight by a beautiful Red-tailed Hawk, a Great Blue Heron on the nest, an exciting female Williamson’s Sapsucker, and best of all, a Barn Owl.  Several Lucy’s Warblers were singing, but as usual very hard to see.

At the end of the morning, we had seen 44 species.  Come join me again at Tule Springs.

Rita Schlageter
Field Trip Leader

Pied-billed GrebeAnna's Hummingbird
Double-crested CormorantWilliamson's Sapsucker
Great Blue HeronRed-shafted Flicker
Black-crowned Night-heronBlack Phoebe
Greater White-fronted GooseSay's Phoebe
Canada GeeseWestern Kingbird
American WidgeonN. Rough-winged Swallow
MallardVerdin
Cinnamon TealRuby-crowned Kinglet
N. ShovelerN. Mockingbird
Green-winged TealEuro Starling
BuffleheadPhainopepla
Ruddy DuckLucy's Warbler
Red-tailed HawkYellow-rumped Warbler
American KestrelWhite-crowned Sparrow
Gambel's QuailRed-winged Blackbird
American CootsYellow-headed Blackbird
Rock PigeonsGreat-tailed Grackle
Eurasian Collared-DoveBrown-headed Cowbird
Mourning DoveHouse Finch
Greater RoadrunnerLesser Goldfinch
Barn OwlHouse Sparrow

Photos © Norma Biggars

Barn Owl © Norma Biggars Northern Flicker © Norma Biggars
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Field Trips Schedule

March 25, 2011 By RRAS Info

Submitted by: by Je Anne Branca, Field Trip Chairperson birdgirl

Saturday, March 19th:  Shoshone & Tecopa Springs  9:00 am – til?
Leader: Len Warren 760-852-1001  (birdman88.com@gmail.com)

March 22nd – 26th:  Southeast Arizona
Leader: Je Anne Branca  TRIP IS FULL

Thursday, March 31st: Tule Springs/Floyd Lamb  8 – noon
Leader: Rita Schlageter  Phone: 702-382-3327 for reservations and meeting place

Saturday, May 14th: Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge
Leader:  We need one, would you like to lead this trip, please call Je Anne at 702-524-5645

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Field Trip Report: San Diego (01/18-21/11)

March 6, 2011 By RRAS Info

Submitted by: Je Anne Branca

January 18th, Ken & Patti Ward, Steven Zitzer, Mary Hirsh, and I met, then off to California.  First birding stop was Bolsa Chica, where for the second year in a row the American Bittern was in plain sight, what great looks we all had.  We also had the Reddish Egret, Brant (they were everywhere) and Belding’s Sparrow.  Then it was off to Upper Newport Bay and San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, more great shore birds: Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Ruddy Turnstone, and Sanderling.  We checked into our San Diego hotel for our 3-night stay.

Marbled Godwit Wednesday morning we were off to Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, we arrived at high tide and heard at least 20 Light-footed Clapper Rails calling (they were probably saying how cold it was and windy), but the good news is we saw 9 Rails, with 3 of them swimming (ever seen a rail trying to swim again an out going tide?).  Ken & Patti found the Yellow-crowned Night Heron for us, we also saw Black-crowned Night Herons in the trees.  We then birded the San Diego Bay area from the south end to the north end.  We ended our day with a nice dinner at Anthony’s on the water.

Thursday morning we birded Famosa Slough, Fiesta Island, San Diego River, stopped to see all 3 Cormorants, before going to Cabrillo National Monument to eat our lunch with California (at our feet) and Spotted Towhees and a Hermit Thrush.

Friday morning after checking out, it was on to Lake Murray where we had great looks at the California Thrasher, then off to Santee Lakes.  Then it was time to head home, we ended the trip with 125 species.  We were glad to get back to a little bit warmer weather, this was the coldest trip in all the years (over 10) I have been leading it.

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Field Trip Report: Springs Preserve (10/02/10)

October 17, 2010 By RRAS Info

Submitted by: Christiana Manville

Springs Preserve, Saturday October 2, 2010 Springs Preserve Field Trip

Three participants accompanied me on this walk on a beautiful fall morning. Two participants were on vacation from Chicago, while the third had just moved here from the nation’s capital. All had a desire to see western birds. We went to the gardens first and then headed to the created wetlands. Unfortunately quail and roadrunner eluded us, but we saw the following 15 species:

American KestrelAmerican Robin
KilldeerNorthern Mockingbird
Rock DoveYellow-rumped Warbler
Mourning DoveBrewer’s Sparrow
Black-chinned HummingbirdRed-winged Blackbird
Western KingbirdHouse Finch
Loggerhead ShrikeLesser Goldfinch
Verdin
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Field Trip Report: Tule Springs/Floyd Lamb (09/29/10)

September 30, 2010 By RRAS Info

Submitted by: Rita Schlageter

Great Horned Owl Another very good field trip completed at Tule Springs on Septenber 29th, 2010.  The weather was a little too warm, but the birds were co-operative.  A total of 49 species seen.  There were still a number of hummingbirds, but all young and busy feeding, so hard to name other than one very scruffy male Anna’s.

A Green Heron was on the first pond and also Ring-necked Ducks and American Wigeon. There were also 76 Canada Geese — the most that I have ever counted at Tule Springs.

We also saw a Red-breasted Sapsucker, about 6 Red-naped Sapsuckers, and 6/8 Red-shafted Flickers.  However, I think all will agree the the bird that drew the most ohs and ahs was the “in your face” Great Horned Owl.  Those big yellow eyes, those furry talons, so close binos weren’t needed.  The poor guy was panting because of the heat.

Thanks to all 13 people who joined me to make this such a very special day.

Rita Schlageter
Field Trip Leader

Photo © Hope Lardiere

Pied-billed GrebeCom Raven
Green HeronBarn Swallow
Canada GeeseVerdin
American WigeonRed-breasted Nuthatch
MallardRuby-crowned Kinglet
Ring-necked DuckHermit Thrush
Ruddy DuckNorthern Mockingbird
OspreyEuro Starling
Cooper's HawkPhainopepla
Red-tailed HawkOrange-crowned Warbler
MerlinYellow Warbler
Gambel's QuailYellow-rumped Warbler
Am CootsTownsend's Warbler
Rock PigeonWestern Tanager
Mourning DoveAbert's Towhee
Great Horned OwlChipping Sparrow
Anna's HummingbirdSong Sparrow
Belted KingfisherWhite-crowned Sparrow
Red-naped SapsuckerLazuli Bunting
Red-breasted SapsuckerBrewer's Blackbird
Red-shafted FlickerGreat-tailed Grackle
Western Wood-peweeHooded Oriole
Black PhoebeHouse Finch
Say's PhoebeLesser Goldfinch
Plumbeous Vireo
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