(Let’s try this.  If you have any interesting sightings in October, you can send them to the Newsletter Editor at tim.ruckle@sbcglobal.net by October 25 for possible inclusion in the November newsletter.)

September 6 - Bill Haas viewed a Gray Flycatcher at his residence above Stilson Canyon.  September 12-18, Kathryn Hood saw an Osprey on top of a telephone pole on Bell Road as she drove to Hamilton City that week.  She also saw Bushtits on the fruitless pear tree in her back yard on September 18. She noted that these were common sights around the Valley. 

September 20 – Phil Johnson saw an American Pipit on the Sacramento River and Lewis's Woodpeckers in the Oak Valley Development. 

September 21 – Kathryn Hood saw a flock of 50 or so Canada Geese on a rice field just before Gridley – the first flock she had seen this year.

September 25 - Jay Bogiatto and Shelly Kirn, driving the loop of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge at 10:30 a.m. saw the following at the very end of the visitor's driving loop, the pond north of the last west-bound stretch of the loop:  an adult Emperor Goose grazing on the pond levee and four hybrid Branta X Anser Geese (probable parental stock: Branta hutchinsii X Anser albifrons).  They were mixed in with about 100+/- Greater White-fronted Geese.

September  28  - Phil Johnson saw Sandhill Cranes flying over Forest Ranch and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet in Forest Ranch.