chris runk
02-01-2007, 09:24 AM
Horned Grebes and Forster’s Terns can be present this month in the lake center and sometimes near the shore. Diving duck species are often just a few in winter at White Rock and gulls are always unpredictable on the lake. Throughout February it may still be possible to find 5 species of gulls- Ring-billed (>1000), Bonaparte's, Herring and two rarer with some regularity, California and Lesser Black-backed. Wintering White Pelicans are always present along with the cormorants, either fishing or resting in Sunset Bay on the eastern shore.
Birds seen in the hatchery are dependent on the food available and to some extent the water levels in the old ponds. When these are full, good habitat is provided for water-loving species. Mallards and Wood Ducks are present along with Swamp, Lincoln ’s and Song Sparrows (lots!). Winter Wrens are still quite common, and February is often the best month for the few Rusty Blackbirds that pass through. The resident Barred Owls have begun nesting and are now easier to find (crows are GOOD at this). Sparrow species found in the drier northwestern fields of the hatchery area (near the water company bldg.) include Harris’s, Field and an occasional White-crowned. Both towhee species are present but are usually very difficult to find in their favorite dense brush. White-throated Sparrows are, along with the Yellow-rumped Warblers, abundant throughout the hatchery. Many of the permanent residents become more active and noisy during February. Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers drum and call loudly, Belted Kingfishers rattle as they fly up and down the stream, the pair of Red-shouldered Hawks is very visible and audible, and Carolina Wrens, titmice and cardinals are already acting like winter is almost over.
Birds seen in the hatchery are dependent on the food available and to some extent the water levels in the old ponds. When these are full, good habitat is provided for water-loving species. Mallards and Wood Ducks are present along with Swamp, Lincoln ’s and Song Sparrows (lots!). Winter Wrens are still quite common, and February is often the best month for the few Rusty Blackbirds that pass through. The resident Barred Owls have begun nesting and are now easier to find (crows are GOOD at this). Sparrow species found in the drier northwestern fields of the hatchery area (near the water company bldg.) include Harris’s, Field and an occasional White-crowned. Both towhee species are present but are usually very difficult to find in their favorite dense brush. White-throated Sparrows are, along with the Yellow-rumped Warblers, abundant throughout the hatchery. Many of the permanent residents become more active and noisy during February. Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers drum and call loudly, Belted Kingfishers rattle as they fly up and down the stream, the pair of Red-shouldered Hawks is very visible and audible, and Carolina Wrens, titmice and cardinals are already acting like winter is almost over.