Yuba Pass / Sierra Valley

The Pass

The group assembled at Yuba Pass at 3 PM, and before we even got started, Debbie Viess had shown some of us a Black-backed Woodpecker nest. It was in the meadow, in a pine only about 3’ above the ground. But most of the group was already enraptured by a pair of Red-breasted Sapsuckers at a nest in an aspen, perhaps 20’ above the ground right alongside the parking area. They were being disturbed by their Nuthatch namesake who was apparently also trying to construct a nest in a hole immediately above their chosen site. Rusty’s group also found a nest of Williamson’s Sapsucker while they were watching the Black-backed!

After admiring the woodpeckers, we split into two groups, and wandered along the trail across the road. We were rewarded by Mountain Quail, a nesting White-headed Woodpecker, nesting Hairy Woodpecker, and views of Chipping Sparrow and Hammond’s Flycatcher. It was a spectacular beginning to the week-end. Dinner was at the Sierra Valley Lodge, a BBQ on their new deck.

The Valley

Friday we went to Sierra Valley, again in two groups. Interesting birds included Brewer’s Sparrow along Marble Hot Springs road and also at the Feather River Land Trust area; Sage Thrasher at the latter site; Horned Larks in several places, and a dark Swainson’s Hawk nesting on Herriot Lane. A Bald Eagle sat on a post for Rusty’s group, and hovered overhead for Bob’s bunch.  Sandhill Cranes nest in the Valley, and it was wonderful to see one or two fly by. The most spectacular sighting of the morning, however, was an American Bittern near the steel bridge, eating Bullfrog tadpoles. What a show it put on, not shy at all! Of course, the Yellow-headed Blackbirds were much admired by the group, and Marsh Wrens sang lustily.