Oroville Wildlife Area - April 9, 2005. We enjoyed good weather for this springtime hike along the Feather River in Oroville.  At the rookery we saw Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, and Green Heron flying back and forth into their nests.   Also seen on the trip were Osprey, Phainopepla, Forster's Tern, Western Bluebird, Bullock's Oriole, Kestrel, Bufflehead, and many other species.  Many butterflies were flying about including Pipevine Swallowtail and Painted Lady.  We also saw Western Pond Turtles in the backwaters. 

Upper Bidwell Park – April 10, 2005. Half-a-dozen birders met for a beautiful spring walk in Upper Bidwell Park. The spring migrants had started to arrive, so we didn't know what might show up or just be passing through. Along with all the "usual suspects" (the normal Upper Park residents) there were still a few Golden- and White-crowned Sparrows and a Lincoln's Sparrow. Several Orange-crowned Warblers were singing along the creek, and we got great looks at a Black-throated Gray Warbler as well. Both Cassin's and Warbling Vireos were briefly seen as well (unfortunately, not by most of the group). We also got to hear the Ruby-crowned Kinglet's song, which we usually don't hear in the valley (normally we just hear their "raspy" call). Ash-throated Flycatcher was heard, and we had to leave one Empidonax sp. unidentified (although based on one of the calls it might have been a Pacific-slope Flycatcher). All told, it was a pleasant and rewarding morning.