This very successful count features much public land with ample opportunities for walking. Meet at the amphitheater parking lot in Anderson River Park for assignments from the Compiler, Brooke McDonald, bmm11@humboldt.edu. Compilation dinner will be at Humble Joe’s, 2631 Balls Ferry Road, Anderson at 5 pm..
Tag Archives | birds
First Snow Bunting Sighting for Shasta County
Snow Bunting in Shasta County
The Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) is a widespread breeder in rocky habitats on high arctic tundra across northern North America. In addition to their breeding grounds in North America (see map below), they also breed in rocky regions of the Palearctic:1 Iceland, higher mountains of northern Scotland, Svalbard (Norway), and most Russian arctic islands; on the mainland they breed in tundra regions of Norway east through northern Finland to Kola Peninsula (Russia), then east through Siberia to Chukchi and Kamchatka peninsulas and Komandorskiye (Commander) Islands.
The Snow Bunting’s winter diet is mainly weed seeds of ragweed, goosefoot, aster, goldenrod, grasses and grains like wheat, oats and barley. They forage on the ground, pecking at food. Again, according to Birds of North America Online, they winter in open weedy and grassy fields, grain stubbles, and shores; after heavy snowfall, they are conspicuous on roadsides and in farmyards. “They are also attracted to winter fields where farm manure has been recently spread; they appear to feed on undigested seeds in manure.”
Like most birds this lone Bunting stopped briefly for a little stretch, showing its outstretched wing.
Following a bit more foraging, I finally saw the bird fly. It flew up to roost on a nearby pile of old wooden posts. As is the habit of many birds after foraging and/or bathing, this Snow Bunting did some preening and posing for yet more photos.
What a treat to see this first Snow Bunting on record in Shasta County and a lifer for me! Thanks to conscientious birders and our local list serve, Shasta Birders! Here is a Google Map to the location: https://goo.gl/9fqaPA
Snow Bunting video from Cornwall, England. Thanks to Paul Dinning.
References: 1Birds of North America Online
Second Saturday Bird Walk at Turtle Bay and Kutras Lake
Turtle Bay and Kutras Lake are full of migrant waterfowl, raptors and passerines during wintertime. Come join Sally NeSmith 831-535- 2888 for this event. Meet at the Sundial Bridge parking lot.
Discover Birding at Turtle Bay
Our youth/beginner bird walks are conducted on the first Saturday of every month throughout the year. Wintu Audubon can provide binoculars and field guides. Call Roberta Winchell at 945-8342, with questions or for more information. Meet at the Venture Properties parking lot, the first left before the Redding Civic Auditorium.
Wintu Audubon Fall River Valley Outing
Always a high species number destination, the Valley is a great place to see wintering raptors, various waterbirds and Sandhill Cranes. Meet your leader Larry Jordan at the Redding Convention Center at 7:30 sharp to carpool. Be ready for a full day with a lunch and water. Dress for changing weather. East-county participants can join the group at either the Park and Ride at the intersection of Hwy. 299 and 89 at 9 am or the Fall River Vista at 9:30 am. Rarities are possible! Contact Larry for more information at 949-5266.