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Water Ouzel Feeding Nestlings at Lassen Volcanic National Park

By on September 2, 2015 in Trip Reports, Wildlife Areas
American Dipper

Water Ouzel or American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus)

One of the best things about our annual Lassen Park campout is that we get to see several species of mountain birds that we don’t normally see in the valley. I know for a certainty that I will be able to see one of my favorites, the American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus), whenever I visit Lassen Volcanic National Park.

I call this bird the Water Ouzel because I like saying it – Water Ouzel. Click on photos for full sized images.

American Dipper

The American Dipper is North America’s only truly aquatic passerine, feeding on stream insects, insect larvae and sometimes other invertebrates, small fish, fish eggs, and flying insects. How many birds do you know that can fly underwater?

On the last day of our campout I wanted to see both the Mountain Bluebird and Cassin’s Finch before heading home, so I headed up to Bumpass Hell where both of these species can usually be spotted. I wasn’t disappointed. Not only did I find both species at the parking lot, I found my friend Frank Kratofil photographing some Marmots.

Marmot

Marmot at Bumpass Hell

I mention this because Frank is the one who told me about the Dipper nest on Kings Creek. So, after photographing the Mountain Bluebirds, Cassin’s Finches, Marmots and Picas, I stopped at Kings Creek and found this beautiful Water Ouzel nest atop a log in the creek…

American Dipper

with four hungry nestlings.

American Dipper

I knew they had to be close to fledging the way they were sticking their heads out of the nest.

American Dipper

Plus the adults were feeding them every few minutes.

American Dipper

They were begging so loud when the parents came with food that you could hear them above the sound of the rushing creek!

American Dipper

More food!

American Dipper

We’re hungry!

American Dipper

I’m on the way!

American Dipper

 Here I come!

American Dipper

Are you kids ever satisfied?

American Dipper

I shot this video of the adults feeding the nestlings at King’s Creek. Near the end of the video (2:05) you might catch one of the nestlings defecating out of the nest between two of its siblings.

Wintu Audubon Annual Picnic

By on April 27, 2015 in

As has been our custom, the last general meeting before our summer meeting hiatus will be a bring-your-own picnic at the Camden House (Tower House) at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. We will enjoy good birding and good fellowship in this lovely setting. A major attraction of birding is the unexpected, for example in recent years we have spotted an Indigo Bunting and a Laurence’s Goldfinch. The parking lot for the Camden House is on the left side of Hwy. 299W just before the turnoff to French Gulch. Some members may wish to carpool or ride with others who have a seasonal or permanent pass for Whiskeytown by assembling in the parking lot of Tops Market on Eureka Way in Redding at 6:00 pm.

Lake McCumber and Manzanita Lake Outing

By on April 27, 2015 in

Lake McCumber formed by a dam on North Battle Creek offers a variety of habitats. Besides open water for ducks and geese, the north side borders on dense mixed-conifer forest where Pileated Woodpeckers are often seen. The west side supports willow thickets—good warbler habitat—and an open field for Western Bluebirds, among others. Wear sturdy shoes to access all these habitats via a rough unpaved trail. The road to Lake McCumber is 8 miles beyond Shingletown off Hwy. 44. We will probably have time to visit Manzanita Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park in the afternoon. The willow thickets are always productive for migrating warblers and the stands of large trees are attractive to woodpeckers and other cavity nesters. Bring a lunch, water and layered clothing and meet at the parking lot on the south side of the Redding Civic Auditorium at 8:00 am to meet your leader, Chad Scott.

Local Weekday Bird Walk at Lower Clear Creek on the Gold Dredge Trail

By on April 25, 2015 in

Much of the riparian zone along lower Clear Creek, destroyed by placer mining, has been re-contoured and re-vegetated. Now after a decade or more birds are returning. Frank and Darless Sanderson will lead us along the Gold Dredge Trail to Honeybee (and back) about 4.25 miles r/t. Frank says pit toilets are at the parking area only, no water available. Bug spray and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. The walking surfaces include improved trails, some creek cobble and elevation changes of about 150-200 ft. Franks rates the walk “easy to moderate”. Meet at the Gold Dredge Trail Parking Area, on Clear Creek Road, 3.5 miles from State Route 273. Watch for the BLM sign on the left just beyond Sunrise Landscaping Supplies.

Second Saturday Bird Walk at Shasta College

By on April 25, 2015 in

The campus and farmlands of Shasta College offer a wide variety of habitats to explore for migrating and summer resident passerines. These habitats include oak studded lawns, a wastewater treatment pond, riparian woodlands along Stillwater Creek, and agricultural fields. Meet in Shasta College’s north parking lot for this ½ day trip that is open to the public. Pablo Herrera and Alicia Young will lead.