Upper Bidwell Park (April 14, 2001) - Three Altacalers roamed Upper Park and were rewarded with several spring arrivals. We started off with California Towhees and Golden crowned Sparrows. We hiked a trail to a meadow on the north side of the road where I have had good luck with Passerines. Nuttall's and Acorn Woodpeckers were in evidence. Then the chatter of a Bullock's Oriole alerted us to their presence. We then saw A Black headed Grosbeak. It was obvious Spring had arrived. En route to Salmon Hole we saw White-crowned and Lark Sparrows, and Lesser and American Goldfinches. Our first Warbler besides Yellow-rumped was a Wilson's Warbler. We also had Yellow and Nashville Warblers. The ubiquitous Oak Titmice and Bushtits were ever present as were Turkey Vultures and Red-tailed Hawks.

Red Bluff (April 21, 2001) - Four of our members ventured to Dog Island and the haunts of Tehama County. Oak Titmice and Cedar Waxwings greeted us as we gathered in the Parking lot at Dog Island. A warbler chip alerted us to a Wilson's Warbler working a tangle near us. We then heard Bewick's Wrens and Black Headed Grosbeaks. Golden-crowned Sparrows and White-crowns were along the trail. We soon heard the chatter of a Bullock's Oriole that we never saw. Several Wood Ducks squealed by us toward a hiding place. As we neared the River we came across more Lincoln's Sparrows than I can ever recall seeing. A House Wren's bubbling song alerted us to his presence.

Out on the river we saw Tree, Cliff and Violet Green Swallows. Walking up to the Highway 5 bridge we were treated to Barn Owl who resides under the bridge. A Kingfisher rattled by us and perched on a branch of a tree overhanging the river. Three Common Mergansers flew upstream past a half-dozen Canada Geese feeding in the River, and a great Egret roamed the shallows of an eddy.

We next headed to Ide Adobe where we added Double-crested Cormorant, Wrentit, Ash-throated Flycatcher, and Vaux's Swift. We then turned off on Adobe road and were immediately rewarded with eight Lewis' Woodpeckers. We stopped at a river access where we got another Wilson's Warbler, a MacGillivray's Warbler, and a Phainopepla.

After lunch we went to Cone Grove Park where we added Lawrence's Goldfinch and Black-Chinned Hummingbird to our list. Foothill Road gave us our first Red-winged Blackbirds, Northern Mockingbird and a wandering Osprey.