Purple martin sightings 20188/31/2023 ![]() ![]() A well-described Red-naped Sapsucker was found at the Gristmill access to ARP on 3/31. Other interesting reports include single Merlins from the upper ARP on 3/26 and 3/31, a Band-tailed Pigeon visiting a Rancho Cordova yard on 3/1 and about 20 band-tails at the Bobcat Ranch on 3/6. ![]() Unfortunately, much of this habitat literally evaporated (or drained) prior to the most dynamic period of the spring shorebird migration in April and early May, when rarities are most likely to be found among the usual suspects. An adult Western Gull at the Ancil Hoffman access to the American River Parkway (ARP) was reported on 3/17 and 3/26.Īn amazing 11,300 Dunlin along with 2,800 Long-billed Dowitchers were at CRP on 3/26. The numbers and late occurrence of the species that was only recently considered very rare are obviously unprecedented. It was stated last month that up to four Glaucous Gulls were found on a single day, but it should be noted that based on plumage characteristics at least seven different individuals were present in February and March. At least two Glaucous Gulls continued well into April. Documentation of the three species above should be submitted to the California Bird Records Committee (). A second-winter Lesser Black-backed Gull was found on 3/23. There was some debate whether this was a different bird than the one found last month, or just farther advanced into its molt. The putative first-winter Iceland Gull (possibly of the nominate race glaucoides) was found again on 3/23 and 3/28 (see the February sightings for photos of these birds). The adult Slaty-backed Gull found on 2/27 continued through 3/7. First-of-season reports of Cassin’s Vireo (3/29), Nashville Warbler (3/29), and Wilson’s Warbler (3/25) were slightly early at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP).Īs noted in last month’s column, some of the marquee gulls at the Davis Wastewater Treatment Plant continued well into March. A few migrants beat the turning of the calendar with March arrivals. In reference to our earlier post about Tejon Ranch, that property is home to a lively population of Purple Martins.Western Kingbirds and Bullock’s Orioles added a splash of color from the south by the last week of March. ![]() In California, however, Purple Martins nest mainly in natural cavities in trees (the notable exception being the population in theSacramentoarea, which uses holes in highway overpasses.). The bird’s unique relationship with people is illustrated by the fact that in the east, the bird nests almost exclusively in man-made boxes. ![]() Historical declines and the small population size led the California Department of Fish and Game to designate the Purple Martin a Species of Special Concern. But while the Purple Martin is common and widespread in the east, it is relatively rare and sparsely distributed in California. The Purple Martin, the largest of the swallows on our continent, is one of America’s favorite birds. Both of those birds likely came from as far away as Brazil– more than 5,000 miles. Coincidentally, Maggie Smith of Arroyo Grande also spotted a Purple Martin down in her neck of the woods, as well. Dan Airola today reports the first sighting of a Purple Martin in the Sacramento area, and his is the only record of the bird in eBird. ![]()
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