Upper Bidwell Park – May 14. Three newer birders joined leader Skip Augur for the "Friends of Bidwell Park" bird walk on a warm and sunny Saturday. As the normal parking lot was closed, we chose to begin the walk from the Observatory lot, where we observed Black Phoebe, Great Blue Heron, and Tree and Barn Swallows. Many Western Meadowlarks were heard singing, but not one was seen throughout the day. On the way up to North Rim Trail, two Vaux's Swifts flew overhead. When we got to North Rim, things got really busy - from one spot viewing different trees we saw Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bullock's Oriole, Phainopepla, House Finch, Oak Titmouse, Lark Sparrow, Bewick's Wren and Northern Mockingbird. Much nesting activity was in evidence, with several birds carrying nesting material and Oak Titmouse observed feeding young. Also seen were Western Bluebird, Wilson’s Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak, Yellow-breasted Chat, and many of the other park “regulars”.

Butte Meadows - May 21. Twelve birders enjoyed a day of perfect weather in the mountainous region of Butte County.  We were able to get great looks at White-headed Woodpeckers, Chipping Sparrows, Western Tanager, Western Wood Pewee, and Hermit Warblers. Also seen were Warbling Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-tailed Hawk, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Hairy Woodpecker, Sharp-shinned Hawk, American Robin (pulling worms out of the swampy meadows), Juncos (with nesting material in beak) and Cassin’s and Warbling Vireos. One fleeting glimpse of a raptor that may have been a Goshawk (but we will never know).  Calls of a Pileated Woodpecker accompanied a quick flash of a bird of that size flying through the woods (Ivory-billed Woodpecker was ruled out).  Many other common mountain species were seen as well.  Patches of snow were still on the ground in places.