Chico Oxidation Ponds - February 27, 2000. A drizzly day didn't deter 6 Altacalers from showing up at the Chico Oxidation Ponds, although only 4 completed the trip. The walk started with a flock of Least Sandpipers and a group of American Pipits on the mud flats adjacent to the Parking lot. The first pond appeared to be full of Coots and Shovelers; on closer inspection a number of Green-winged Teal, Mallards, Pintails, Ruddy Ducks, Gadwall and American Wigeon were also scattered among their more numerous cousins.

A few Buffleheads and Lesser Scaup added to our waterfowl numbers on the first pond. The fields and brambles on the east side of the ponds yielded White-tailed Kite, California Towhee, Savannah, Golden-crowned, White-crowned and Song Sparrow In the trees at the south end of the ponds Red-tailed Hawks appeared to be preparing to nest. As we meandered down the east side, mixed flocks of Snow, Ross's and Greater White-fronted Geese circled above us. These flocks were periodically replaced by flight of Tundra Swans. Sandhill Cranes were heard and then seen over on the M & T Ranch. While viewing the cranes the first of three adult Bald Eagles was sighted sitting in the field. A Belted Kingfisher patrolled the canal on the west edge of the Ponds.

The second pond had Northern Harriers whisking low over the water and added Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser and Cinnamon Teal to our waterfowl list. Great Egrets and Killdeer were also in evidence at the "Poo Ponds".

As the day progressed the weather improved and five of us headed for Scotty's and some riparian birding. A Loggerhead Shrike menaced unsuspecting critters from his phone line perch along River Road. Indian Fisheries provided us with Wood Ducks, Great Blue Heron, Bushtits, White-breasted Nuthatches, House and Bewick's Wrens, Yellow-rumped and Orange-crowned Warblers. Tree Swallows were present in good numbers as were Nuttall's, Acorn and Downy woodpeckers. We saw 71 species total on what started out as a dismal day.