Avian Findings for April 2006

Two day walking transect survey was conducted April 8th and 9th, 2006. Northern Pintail numbers were way down from this time last year. Alot of Scaup out on the slough, along with the many American Coots. Savannah Sparrows are very active calling. No sign at all of Black-necked Stilts, should be on the property very soon, since they are being seen throughout the valley. Only 3 American Avocets. Large groups of Red-winged Blackbirds seen throughout the area. Seem to be more prevalent this spring than last. Water levels are down from last spring, but expect to see that rise with warmer weather soon. Marsh Wrens calling, Ruddy Ducks and Cinnamon Teal exhibiting territorial and coupling behavior. Overall, waterfowl numbers seemed low as compared to last year. I will be going out aga

A single Western Kingbird was the only new species to report for the year in the area. The usual birds were there, including many Marsh Wrens, that were observed and heard on the southwest corner of the sanctuary. I was able to locate 2 marsh wren nests in this area, which I was able to get some good pics of. Savannah Sparrows remain prevalent throughout the sanctuary, chasing each other and perching on tall grasses giving their high, thin buzzy call. A single Forster's Tern was seen repeatedly, flying above the slough. I observed a couple of Black-necked Stilts feigning a broken wing as I approached. Other stilts would fly around me, giving an incessant chirping alarm call, alerting others to my presence. Three other stilts were observed crouching low to the ground, within the reeds, keeping as still as can be. I would assume that there must be at least three black-necked stilt nests in this area, based off of their behavior.

Wilson's Phalaropes were still in the area, counting fifteen individual birds. Number of American Coots were down, but I observed six young coots, keeping close to two adult birds, swimming away from me when I approached the area they were in. Canada Geese were absent and numbers of American Avocets were down.
- Stephen Peterson 6/22/05

(Refer to June 2005 survey data for complete species list)

Marsh Wren nest on southwest corner -- ------Wilson's Phalarope in northwest corner