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Ecological Investigation of theBreeding Avifauna at Selby Creek

(Napa County), CA

Prepared by On My Mountain, Inc.

Prepared for Bioengineering Associates, Inc.and Ann Baker Landscape Architecture

August 2006

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -3-

STUDY AREA AND METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -3-Survey Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -3-Transect Route Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -4-Description of Census Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -6-

Census Point 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -6-Census Point 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -7-Census Point 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -8-Census Point 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -9-Census Point 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -10-Census Point 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -11-Census Point 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -12-Census Point 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -13-Census Point 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -14-

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -14-Overview of Survey Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -14-Breeding Birds of Selby Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -17-Additional Birds That Are Expected to Breed at Selby Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -19-

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -20-General Observations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -20-The North American Land Bird Conservation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -20-The Riparian Bird Conservation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -21-The Oak Woodland Bird Conservation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -21-Enhancing Riparian and Oak Woodland Habitats in the North Bay Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -22-Specific Management Recommendations for Selby Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -24-

BIRDS, VINEYARDS, AND CROP DAMAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -28-

CONCLUSIONS/SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -29-

LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -30-

Appendix A. Point Count Data Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -33-

Appendix B. Bird Species Found at Each Census Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -34-

Appendix C. Priority Areas for Establishing a Continuous Corridor of Vegetation for Wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -41-

Appendix D. Natural History Accounts of Selected Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -42-

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INTRODUCTION

On My Mountain, Inc., performed an avian ecological investigation of the breeding birds atSelby Creek (Napa County), California during the summer of 2006. The ecological investigationinvolved a survey transect that was established along the approximate 1.5-mile length of SelbyCreek from the junction of Dutch Henry and Biter Creeks to the point where Selby Creek joinsthe Napa River. Nine survey points were established along a single transect paralleling the lengthof the creek. The survey transect was run four times during the breeding season, between 28 Mayand 18 June 2006. Fifty-seven bird species were found along the transect during the surveys, andan additional seven species were observed during opportunistic visits between May and July.

The ultimate objective of this investigation is to provide Bioengineering Associates, Inc. (BAI)and Ann Baker Landscape Architecture, with an accurate and detailed assessment of thebreeding birds documented (or likely to be present) at Selby Creek. Additionally, an assessmentof the current habitat conditions and recommendations for the most appropriate mix of plants (aspart of restoration/re-vegetation efforts) that would optimize development of habitat featuressuitable for riparian birds and other wildlife are provided. All research and recommendationswere performed in conjunction with our strategic partner, PRBO Conservation Science.

Selby Creek represents the intersection of two of California’s more important habitat types: oakwoodland and riparian (stream side) habitats. As explained by CalPIF (2002), the relationshipbetween birds, wildlife, and oaks is profound, diverse, and reciprocal. For example, the food ofsome birds – the mistletoe – is dependent on certain trees, which are commonly oak species.Acorns, the fruit of the oak tree, are taken by birds to other locations and stored for intended useby the birds later; those acorns never subsequently retrieved develop into seedlings and owe theirdispersal to the same bird that originally intended to eat it. These seedlings will later developinto mature trees large enough to support woodpeckers, who drill holes into the tree trunks tonest and raise their young. Overtime, these nest holes are enlarged by larger woodpeckers, andeventually can serve the needs of cavity-dwelling mammals such as raccoons.

Between terrestrial and aquatic environments one encounters the transitional zone oftentimesreferred to as “riparian” habitat or vegetation; this zone effectively links bodies of water withadjacent uplands. Perhaps the most important habitat to land birds in California, riparian areasare critical to “ecosystem integrity and function across landscapes” despite the fact that theymake up less than one percent of the state’s total land mass and have declined in abundance overthe last 150 years (RHJV 2004: 6-7).

STUDY AREA AND METHODS

Survey Methodology

Ralph et al. (1993) describe a compilation of methods that can be used to assay population size,demographics, and status of many species of birds occurring in a wide variety of habitats. Themethod considered to be the standard for bird censussing work is the point count (Ralph et al.1993), and that method was utilized for the Selby Creek project. Point count surveys can providean index to the abundance of the bird species found in a given area, and they can also be used to

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identify habitat relationships.

The surveys conducted at Selby Creek were performed between 15 minutes of sunrise and wereconcluded prior to 9:00 AM, which is considered the best time for doing bird surveys at mosttemperate latitudes of the U.S. during the breeding season. All surveys were conducted betweenlate May and early July – the best period for counting songbirds in North America. Surveys werenot conducted during inclement weather or excessive wind.

The point count methodology involves an observer standing at a single spot and recording all thebirds seen or heard at either a fixed distance, or unlimited distance. For the Selby Creek project,we recorded all birds seen or heard at an unlimited distance, but also noted which birds werewithin 50 m of the observer, greater than 50 m away from the observer, or flying overhead.

Each census point was approached with as little disturbance to the birds as possible; censussingbegan immediately after the observer reached the census point. The amount of time spent at eachcensus point was exactly ten minutes. The data collected at each census point was separated intobirds detected during the first three minutes and those additional individuals found in theremaining seven minutes. This was done to maintain the capability for seamless comparison withthe national Breeding Bird Survey. All ornithological surveys were performed by John C.Robinson.

A standard Point Count Data Form (as described by Ralph et al. (1993) and as shown inAppendix A) was used to record all the data, including the date, observer, visit number, pointnumber, time, species detected, and a full tally of individuals.

The Selby Creek site is located above the Napa River at Latitude 38 Degrees 33' 58", Longitude122 Degrees 31' 11", near Larkmead Lane and Silverado Trail.

Transect Route Design

Census points were established at nine locations along the 8350-ft segment of Selby Creek.Ralph et al. (1993) recommend a minimum distance of 250 m between census points in woodedenvironments and a greater distance in more open habitats. For purposes of this project, weapplied an inter-census point distance of about 300 m or approximately 1000 feet, wherepossible.

Blue survey flagging was used to locate all census points. Survey flagging was removed at theend of the survey season. A Magellan eXplorist 200 GPS Receiver was used to record thelatitude, longitude, and elevation of each census point. A detailed topographic map of the area(Figure 1) shows the location of all census points. Spray paint was not used to mark censuspoints, since the use of spray paint may have upset some of the private landowners.

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Figure 1. Location of the nine avian census points. Red squares mark the location of each point.

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Description of Census Points

Census Point 1

Elevation: approximately 370 feet.

Latitude/Longitude: 38"34'36" N, 122"31'09" W

Census Point 1 is located at the junction of Biter and Dutch Henry Creeks, and it marks thelocation where Selby Creek begins. The public road ends at this location, and an importantforested connecting corridor to the upper watershed can be found along both Biter and DutchHenry Creeks.

This stop features an openwooded environment consistingof oaks and pine fragmented byprivate and public roads,including the Silverado Trail.

Census Point 1 was surveyed on28 May 2006 at 0558 hrs, 4 Juneat 0555 hrs, 11 June at 0602 hrs,and 15 June at 0607 hrs.

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Census Point 2



Census Point 2 is just downstream from the concrete culvert under the Silverado Trail. It isbordered on the west by the 3 Palms vineyard and a private road; and on the east by a grassyyard and brushy areas belonging to one of the private residences. This semi-open locationfeatures a few scattered oaks and pines, and a relatively open understory. Tree of Heaven(Ailanthus altissima), acommon city ornamentalwhich is sometimesconsidered a pest, can befound nearby.

Census Point 2 wassurveyed on 28 May 2006at 0614 hrs, 4 June at0614 hrs, 11 June at 0619hrs, and 15 June at 0622hrs.

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Census Point 3



Census Point 3, located on the east bank of Selby Creek, is accessed by following the fencelineon the C. Johnson property westward through the small stand of oak woodland forest to a smallgrassy opening overlooking Selby Creek.

This is one of the more secluded locations along the northern half of the Selby Creek study area.The census stop isbordered on the east bankby a stand of trees andthick brush; the west bankis open habitat that is partof the 3 Palms property.The adjacent woodedenvironment appears to bea remnant of the kind ofvegetation structure thatwas likely found moreextensively along theentire stretch of SelbyCreek.

Census Point 3 wassurveyed on 28 May 2006at 0707 hrs, 4 June at0657 hrs, 11 June at 0710hrs, and 15 June at 0711 hrs.

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Census Point 4



Census Point 4, located on the east bank of Selby Creek, is just opposite the junction marking thecorners of the 3 Palms and Beaulieu Vineyards (BV) properties.

Between Reach 4 andReach 7, thevegetation along SelbyCreek is quite sparse.This stop, in fact, ismarked by thepresence of just twopines and a relativelack of understory.The Johnson propertyborders the censusstop on the east side ofthe bank.

Census Point 4 wassurveyed on 28 May2006 at 0651 hrs, 4June at 0713 hrs, 11June at 0655 hrs, and15 June at 0656 hrs.

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Census Point 5



Census Point 5,located on the eastbank of Selby Creek,is accessed bywalking to the firstclump of pine treesjust north of theLarkmead Lanebridge.

Between Reach 4and Reach 7, thevegetation alongSelby Creek is quitesparse. Althoughscattered pines arefound at this stop, thesurrounding area istypified by an under-developed understoryand open habitatsextending across the Johnson and BV vineyardproperties. A noticeable berm is present on thewest side of the bank and is used for flood controlpurposes.

Census Point 5 was surveyed on 28 May 2006 at0635 hrs, 4 June at 0636 hrs, 11 June at 0640 hrs,and 15 June at 0642 hrs.

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Census Point 6



Census Point 6, located on the west bank of Selby Creek, is the first of four census points on thesouth side of Larkmead Lane. It is accessed by walking from the Larkmead Lane bridge to asmall pine tree at a bend in the creek.

Between Reach 4 and Reach 7, the vegetation along Selby Creek is quite sparse. Of all ninecensus stops, this is the onemost dominated by openhabitat.

Census Point 6 wassurveyed on 28 May 2006at 0732 hrs, 4 June at 0735hrs, 11 June at 0733 hrs,and 15 June at 0733 hrs.

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Census Point 7



Census Point 7, located on the west bank of Selby Creek, is located at the border of theLarkmead and BV properties. A small stand of oaks marks the return of an increasing amount ofriparian vegetation that will become more prevalent as one approaches the junction of SelbyCreek and the Napa River.

Water was stillpresent in thisstretch of the creekin late May, andprovided importanthabitat for breedingwaterfowl – asevidenced by aMallard adultfemale with fouryoung that werefound nearby on 21May 2006.

Census Point 7 wassurveyed on 28May 2006 at 0748hrs, 4 June at 0751hrs, 11 June at0748 hrs, and 15June at 0748 hrs.

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Census Point 8



Census Point 8, located on the west bank of Selby Creek, is located near a major bend of thecreek as Selby Creekturns on its final approachto the Napa River.

Water appears to bepresent in this stretchyear-round. The presenceof willows along Reach7, which encompassesthis census point, ispromising as it pointstoward the potential forthis part of the creek toharbor important riparianbird species such asYellow Warbler.

Census Point 8 wassurveyed on 28 May 2006at 0804 hrs, 4 June at0808 hrs, 11 June at 0802 hrs, and 15 June at 0802 hrs.

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Census Point 9



Census Point 9 is located at the junction of Selby Creek and the Napa River.

At this location, water appears to flow in both channels year-round and provides importanthabitat for breedingwaterfowl such asWood Ducks andMallards. The thickbrushy understorythat is present atthis site alsobenefits importantriparian speciessuch as the SongSparrow.

Census Point 9 wassurveyed on 28May 2006 at 0820hrs, 4 June at 0825hrs, 11 June at 0819hrs, and 15 June at0818 hrs.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Overview of Survey Results

The surveys resulted in the identification of 57 bird species that were found at the nine censuspoints along the approximately 1.5-mile stretch of Selby Creek (Table 1). Birds which arebreeding (or likely to be breeding) within the immediate Selby Creek channel are indicated byboldface text. A “¶” symbol indicates that direct evidence of breeding was found for the markedspecies. Common names of birds placed in italics identifies species that likely do not currentlynest in the immediate Selby Creek channel but which might choose to do so once plannedrestoration and re-vegetation activities have been completed.

Birds seen within 50 meters of a census point more than 50% of the time based on the number ofsightings are marked by “Yes”; less than 50% of the time, they are marked by “Sometimes”; and

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never is indicated by “No”. Those species observed within 50 meters of the census point are theones most likely to be making direct use of the Selby Creek channel and its habitat.

As noted by many of California’s bird conservation plans, avian species serve as useful tools inthe design of conservation efforts because they occupy a wide diversity of ecological niches(Martin 1995, Askins 2000). Because birds are also relatively easy to monitor, they can serve as“focal species”, whose requirements define different spatial attributes, habitat characteristics,and management regimes representative of a healthy system. Focal species previously identifiedin the two bird conservation plans in California (the oak woodland [CalPIF 2002] and riparian[RHJV 2004] conservation plans) are identified in the table below by the codes “OW” (for oakwoodland) and “RI” (for riparian) to the right of the species name.

Common Name of Species Latin Name of Species Seen Within 50 Meters of Census Point

Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias No

Canada Goose Branta canadensis No

Wood Duck ¶ OW Aix sponsa Yes

Mallard ¶ Anas platyrhynchos Yes

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura No

Red-shouldered Hawk OW Buteo lineatus No

Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis No

Wild Turkey OW Meleagris gallopavo No

California Quail ¶ OW Callipepla californica Sometimes

Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Yes

Rock Dove Columba livia No

Band-tailed Pigeon OW Columba fasciata Yes

Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Sometimes

Barn Owl Tyto alba Yes

Anna's Hummingbird Calypte anna Yes

Acorn Woodpecker OW Melanerpes formicivorus Sometimes

Nuttall's Woodpecker OW Picoides nuttallii Yes

Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus No

Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus No

Western Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidulus No

Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Yes

Ash-throated Flycatcher OW Myiarchus cinerascens Yes

Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis Yes

Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina Sometimes

Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis No

Bewick's Wren OW Thryomanes bewickii Yes

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Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos No

Western Bluebird OW Sialia mexicana Yes

American Robin Turdus migratorius Yes

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher OW Polioptila caerulea Yes

Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus Yes

Chestnut-backed Chickadee Poecile rufescens Yes

Oak Titmouse OW Baeolophus inornatus Yes

White-breasted Nuthatch OW Sitta carolinensis Yes

Steller's Jay Cyanocitta stelleri Sometimes

Western Scrub-Jay OW Aphelocoma californica Sometimes

American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Sometimes

Common Raven Corvus corax Sometimes

European Starling ¶ OW Sturnus vulgaris Sometimes

Cassin's Vireo Vireo cassinii No

Hutton's Vireo OW Vireo huttoni Yes

Warbling Vireo RI Vireo gilvus No

House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus Yes

Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria Yes

Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata Yes

Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana Sometimes

Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculatus Yes

California Towhee OW Pipilo crissalis Yes

Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina Yes

Lark Sparrow OW Chondestes grammacus Yes

Song Sparrow RI Melospiza melodia Yes

Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis Yes

Black-headed Grosbeak RI Pheucticus melanocephalus No

Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus No

Brewer's Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus Sometimes

Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater Sometimes

Bullock's Oriole Icterus bullockii Yes

Table 1. Species found during the Avian Ecological Investigation of Selby Creek.

The most common birds found at Selby Creek include the House Finch, American Crow,Common Raven, Lesser Goldfinch, Bewick’s Wren, Acorn Woodpecker, European Starling,

1 Note that the Rock Dove was only seen twice; in both instances, the sightings were of birds flying overhead at a distance. Although24 individuals of this species were counted, we removed this species from column 2 of Table 2 since its breeding habitat is not found along thecreek.

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Violet-green Swallow, Western Bluebird, Bushtit, and Black Phoebe (Table 2)1. These specieswere considered most common either because of the number of times they were sighted, or thenumber of individuals that were counted. The least common birds are also listed in Table 2. Eachof these species was only seen once; or only one individual was counted.

Ten Most (and Least) Common Birds Based on theNumber of Times They Were Sighted

Ten Most (and Least) Common Birds Based on theNumber of Individuals That Were Counted

House Finch - 52 House Finch - 93

American Crow - 38 American Crow - 53

Common Raven - 28 Common Raven - 38

Lesser Goldfinch - 26 Lesser Goldfinch - 38

Bewick’s Wren - 19 Violet-green Swallow - 27

Acorn Woodpecker - 18 Bushtit - 26

European Starling - 18 European Starling - 26

Violet-green Swallow - 18 Western Bluebird - 23

Western Bluebird - 16 Bewick’s Wren - 20

Black Phoebe - 14 Acorn Woodpecker - 19

(Band-tailed Pigeon - 1) (Cassin’s Vireo - 1)

(Barn Owl - 1) (Dark-eyed Junco - 1)

(Black-headed Grosbeak - 1) (Great Blue Heron - 1)

(Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 1) (Hutton’s Vireo - 1)

(Cassin’s Vireo - 1) (Northern Mockingbird - 1)

(Chestnut-backed Chickadee - 1) (Northern Rough-winged Swallow - 1)

(Dark-eyed Junco - 1) (Orange-crowned Warbler - 1)

(Great Blue Heron - 1) (Warbling Vireo - 1)

(Hutton’s Vireo - 1) (Western Wood-Pewee - 1)

(Northern Mockingbird - 1) & six other species (Wild Turkey - 1) & three other species

Table 2. The ten most common (and least common) birds found at Selby Creek. Two lists are provided, one based onthe number of times a bird was sighted; the other based on the number of individuals of that species that werecounted.

Breeding Birds of Selby Creek

Direct evidence of breeding was recorded for Mallard, Wood Duck, California Quail, andEuropean Starling. A Mallard with four young ducklings was observed between Reaches Six andSeven on 21 May 2006. A female Wood Duck with about five young was also observed at

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Census Point 9 at the confluence of Selby Creek and the Napa River on 28 May 2006. Severalbroods of California Quail were observed along Reaches Seven and Eight during the morning of27 July 2006. Young of European Starling could be heard begging for food from inside a nestinghole cavity on two visits to the site in June.

Based on our experience working with riparian habitats in coastal California, the central valley,and the Sierra Nevada foothills; and also based on the PRBO Conservation Science database ofbird surveys completed in similar habitats, we identified those species that are likely to bebreeding within the immediate Selby Creek channel even though direct evidence of breeding(i.e., eggs, nest, or recently fledged young) was not found during the surveys. These species areidentified in Table 1 by the use of boldface text without the “¶” symbol.

Based on notes that we took while in the field, here are comments on the breeding status forseveral selected species.

Killdeer

The farm roads adjacent to Selby Creek and the exposed gravel in the upper reaches of SelbyCreek provide suitable habitat for this species to lay its eggs.

Barn Owl

Several Barn Owl nest boxes were noted along the length of Selby Creek. One box, at CensusPoint 9 where Selby Creek and the Napa River converge, was occupied by a Barn Owl on the 18June 2006 survey.

Bewick’s Wren

The brushy thickets found on the nearby residences adjacent to Selby Creek in Reaches One toThree; and the similar habitats found along Reaches Seven and Eight, likely support nestingBewick’s Wrens. Bewick’s Wrens were found at Census Points 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9 - a directcorrelation to the available habitat.

Western Scrub-Jay

An old jay nest, most likely of this species, was found in the woodlands surrounding CensusPoint 9 by Thomas Gardali and John C. Robinson on 27 July 2006.

Brown-headed Cowbird

Brown-headed Cowbirds were detected at Census Points 1, 2, 4, and 5. Cowbirds are unique inthat they do not build nests or raise their own young. Instead, they lay their eggs in the nests ofother, unsuspecting species. Upon hatching, the cowbird young usually grow faster than the hostspecies’ young and they more aggressively compete for food that is brought to the nest by thehost parents. This process is called nest parasitism. Both male and female cowbirds were foundduring the surveys and we suspect they are actively parasitizing selected species in the area.

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Additional Birds That Are Expected to Breed at Selby Creek

Seven species were seen during opportunistic visits to the site, although they were not detectedon any of the formal surveys. These include:

! Hairy Woodpecker (near Census Point 9, Reach Eight, on 21 May 2006);! Belted Kingfisher (near Census Point 8, Reach Seven, on 11 June 2006)! Pacific-slope Flycatcher (near Census Point 9, Reach Eight, on 21 May 2006);! Barn Swallow (along Reach Five on 21 May 2006);! Yellow Warbler (along Reaches Seven and Eight; a singing male was present on 21 May

2006; and a singing male was seen between Census Points 7 and 8 on the formal surveyof 28 May 2006; no sightings were made in June); and

! Wilson’s Warbler (along Reach Eight on 21 May 2006); and! Lazuli Bunting (along Reach Seven on 27 July 2006)

Each of these species could possibly be breeding along Selby Creek or (if they do not currentlynest in the immediate Selby Creek channel) may choose to do so once planned restoration andre-vegetation activities have been completed. Optimal habitat for the Belted Kingfisher isrestricted to Reach Eight, near the confluence of Selby Creek and the Napa River.

Species which were neither seen during the formal surveys nor on opportunistic visits to the area,but which may be expected to breed along Selby Creek (especially after planned restoration andre-vegetation activities have been completed) include:

Green Heron (Butorides virescens), Western Screech-Owl(Otus kennicottii), Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus),Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), House Wren(Troglodytes aedon), and Common Yellowthroat(Geothlypis trichas).

Note that the bird point count survey method is not likely to detect breeding birds which aremostly nocturnal in nature, such as owls. However, suitable habitat exists for both the GreatHorned Owl and Western Screech-Owls along the extreme upper and lower reaches of SelbyCreek.

2 Partners in Flight is a cooperative effort involving partnerships among federal, state and local government agencies, philanthropicfoundations, professional organizations, conservation groups, industry, the academic community, and private individuals.

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT

General ObservationsThe watershed drained by Biter and Dutch Henry Creeks feeds into Selby Creek at the SilveradoTrail. From there, Selby Creek extends for approximately 1.5 miles before it joins with the NapaRiver. The greatest potential we see for Selby Creek, from a wildlife/bird standpoint, is its valueas a connecting corridor between the Napa River and the forested woodlands found in the upperSelby Creek watershed (i.e., the woodlands surrounding Biter and Dutch Henry Creeks). Inaddition to establishing Selby Creek as a wildlife travel corridor, the understory could beenhanced to favor native vegetation that would be of benefit to a number of bird and wildlifespecies. These two objectives (travel corridor and enhancement of the native understory) couldbe accomplished simultaneously with little additional effort spent.

The remnant oak woodland stand along the east bank of Selby Creek at Reach Three likelyrepresents the kind of habitat that was once found along much of the length of Selby Creek inpre-European settlement times. This habitat - oak woodlands, grassy terraces, scattered pines,and dense undergrowth - is an ideal mixture of vegetation that would support the necessaryhabitat for a healthy riparian corridor running the length of Selby Creek and providing birds andother wildlife with the means to move between the Napa River and the upper Selby Creekwatershed. From a wildlife standpoint, we feel the greatest value that the planned restorationactivities could bring to Selby Creek would be the establishment of a wildlife corridor with anenhanced understory, as described above.

Our visits to the area have documented the presence of native plant species such as Oregon ash(Fraxinus latifolia), big-leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), manzanita spp. (Arctostaphylos sp.),coyote brush (Baccaris pilularis), mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), gray pine (Pinussabiniana), poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), Ceanothus sp., black willow, willow spp.(Salix sp.), blue elderberry (Sambucus mexicanai), cottonwood (Populus sp.), valley oak(Quercus lobata), and live oak (Quercus sp.). In contrast, several non-native plant species werefound, including yellow-star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis L.), Acacia sp., Periwinkle (Vinca),Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor), tree of heaven, and several species of annual grasses.We also noted the presence of bunch grass and redbud (Cercis occidentalis) at selected locationswhich appear to be of cultivated origin; we considered the presence of these species attributableto initial, ongoing stages of restoration along the stream channel.

The North American Land Bird Conservation PlanThe North American Land Bird Conservation Plan (Rich et al. 2004) provides a continentalsynthesis of priorities and objectives that are intended to help guide land bird conservationactions at national and international scales. Approved by Partners In Flight2, the North AmericanLand Bird Conservation Plan highlights conservation issues and recommendations for thedifferent regions found in North America. In particular, the Plan acknowledges the importance ofriparian and oak woodland habitats in western regions of the United States and the conservationissues arising from the recent historical loss of riparian habitats.

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For example, oak woodlands often occur where people also want to live. As a result, oakwoodlands have become highly fragmented, degraded, or lost due to human development.Riparian woodlands and associated shrub habitats are arguably some of the most critical habitatsfor wildlife and birds, primarily because of the diversity of species they support and theirimportance to migrating birds.

The North American Bird Conservation Plan provides at least two recommendations which areapplicable to the Selby Creek area:

! Conduct restoration and management of riparian [and oak] habitats to support nativeconditions, processes, and species; and

! Work with local and regional planners in designing [fish- and] bird-friendly humancommunities.

We believe these recommendations fully represent the intent of the proposed restorationactivities along Selby Creek.

The Riparian Bird Conservation PlanThe Riparian Bird Conservation Plan (RHJV 2004) is a collaborative effort of the RiparianHabitat Joint Venture and California Partners in Flight, and was developed to help guideconservation policy and action on behalf of California’s riparian habitats and wildlife. Asexplained in the plan, California’s riparian habitats support more than 225 species of birds,mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Because riparian habitats are important to ecosystemintegrity and function across landscapes, some have concluded that riparian areas may be themost important habitat for land bird species in California (Manley and Davidson 1993).

The Riparian Bird Conservation Plan identifies 17 focal bird species which are representative ofriparian habitats in California. The conservation needs of these 17 focal species inform theconservation recommendations contained in the plan. Some of the focal species identified in theplan which may help identify possible management recommendations for the Selby Creek areaare: Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Song Sparrow, and Black-headedGrosbeak. The Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, and Black-headed Grosbeak respond quickly torestoration efforts (RHJV 2004: 46-47).

The Riparian Bird Conservation Plan provides at least three conservation objectives which areapplicable to the Selby Creek area:

! Prioritize riparian sites for protection and restoration;! Promote riparian ecosystem health (i.e., a self-sustaining, functioning system); and! Increase the value of ongoing restoration projects for bird species.

The Oak Woodland Bird Conservation PlanThe Oak Woodland Bird Conservation Plan (CalPIF 2002) is a collaborative effort of CaliforniaPartners in Flight, and was developed to guide conservation policy and action on behalf of oakwoodland habitats. In terms of bird species diversity, oak woodlands of California may beamong the top three habitat types in North America (Wilson, et al. 1991); and, with the life

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cycles of more than 330 species of vertebrates dependent on them, oak woodlands arguably havethe richest wildlife species abundance of any habitat in California (Verner 1980; Barret 1980;Block and Morrison 1998).

As with the Riparian plan, focal species are used to help inform the conservationrecommendations found in the Oak Woodland Bird Conservation Plan. Twenty-two focal birdspecies representative of oak woodland habitat were identified by the Oak Woodland BirdConservation Plan. Some of the species most likely to influence possible managementrecommendations for the Selby Creek area are: Acorn Woodpecker, Oak Titmouse, WesternBluebird, Lark Sparrow, Wood Duck, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, and Ash-throated Flycatcher.

The Oak Woodland Bird Conservation Plan provides at least three managementrecommendations that are applicable to the Selby Creek area:

! Protect, enhance, or recreate natural oak woodland processes and characteristics! In private commercially managed oak woodland habitats (i.e., vineyards, agricultural

fields, and housing developments), maintain habitat characteristics sufficient to supportnative bird populations. Work cooperatively with agricultural researchers to encouragevineyards and orchards adjacent to existing oak woodlands to be more “bird friendly.”

! Inform private landowners of the imminent decline of oak woodlands due to habitat lossand lack of regeneration, and of the subsequent effect on land bird populations

Enhancing Riparian and Oak Woodland Habitats in the North Bay RegionIn 2006, California Partners in Flight and PRBO Conservation Science collaborated to produce aguide to habitat enhancement in riparian and oak woodlands for the North Bay Region ofCalifornia (CalPIF 2006). This guide, which is focused on the North Bay Region of the SanFrancisco Bay Area (including Napa County), identifies practical steps that landowners and landmanagers can take to improve bird habitat on their lands.

The guide provides the following definitions and descriptions for riparian and oak woodlandhabitats:

Riparian HabitatsRiparian habitats are vegetated areas that border the banks of rivers, streams, lakes, or other bodies of water.Riparian areas are transitional between upland and aquatic habitats and can support plants and animals fromboth. The presence of water promotes a diversity of native trees, shrubs, and grasses.

Healthy riparian habitats contain a mixture of plant species, sizes, shapes, and ages, which is maintained byperiodic disturbance. A mature riparian forest has a low layer of groundcover (understory), an intermediatelayer of shrubs and small trees (midstory), and a high canopy of trees and vines. This “layering effect”provides an assortment of feeding and nesting locations for a variety of birds and other wildlife. Thus, ahealthy riparian habitat should have high wildlife diversity and abundance.

Oak Woodland HabitatsOak woodlands are those forests or woodlands where oaks are common or predominate. Acorns are theprimary reason oak woodlands support many wildlife species. Acorns are perhaps the most important foodfor wildlife produced in California’s many diverse habitats.

Healthy oak woodlands have a range of tree ages. Large, old oak trees provide decaying limbs necessary forcavity-nesting birds and are excellent producers of acorns. Seedlings and saplings are vital for replacingolder trees as they die. Birds and other wildlife often aid in oak regeneration by storing acorns that later

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germinate into oak seedlings. An understory of native shrubs and native perennial grasses is also importantto the health of oak woodlands and the wildlife that depends on them.

The reasons for enhancing riparian and oak woodland habitats include the improvement ofwildlife ecosystems, and a number of economic values such as bank stabilization, theimprovement of water and air quality, and resultant increases in property values (CalPIF 2006).Management options identified in the guide which are applicable to the Selby Creek areainclude:

! Connect habitat patches with corridors;! Retain snags (dead trees) and woody material;! Manage non-native animal species;! Restore riparian corridor widths;! Plant native plants;! Promote diverse vegetation structure;! Remove non-native vegetation; and! Promote oak regeneration.

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Specific Management Recommendations for Selby Creek

The recommendations below address at least three categories of birds: A) Species whosepopulations or habitats are declining and need our help (e.g., Yellow Warbler, and WarblingVireo); B) Species that perform important ecosystem services such as eating insects and pests ordistributing acorns which later generate into seedlings (e.g., Ash-throated Flycatcher, Barn Owl,and Acorn Woodpecker); and C) Species that are just fun to see because of their beauty (e.g.,Northern Oriole, Red-shouldered Hawk).

1. Recognizing the constraints of current private roads, flood control structures, and privateresidences, use the planned restoration of Selby Creek to establish a wildlife travelcorridor running the length of Selby Creek and providing birds and other wildlifewith the means to move between the Napa River and the upper Selby Creekwatershed. In many places, the corridor could consist of oak woodlands, grassy terraces,scattered pines, and dense undergrowth along one or both banks of the creek. PriorityAreas for establishing the wildlife corridor described here are highlighted in Appendix Cand include:a. Yellow Highlight – Areas of quality riparian habitat that should at least be

maintained, although opportunities for further enhancement exist.b. Blue Highlight – Areas where enhancement opportunities are limited by private

residence areas that abut the Selby Creek stream channel. Stream bank vegetationalong Reaches One and Two are notable for the abundance of oak and pine treesthat currently occur here; residents should be encouraged to retain these trees andthe associated understory vegetation where possible.

c. Green Highlight – Areas of highest priority for restoration work that couldbenefit birds and other wildlife.

d. Red Highlight – Areas where restoration opportunities are limited due to floodcontrol structures or existing private farm roads.

Restoration work that benefits wildlife should be focused primarily on the Green andYellow highlight areas (see Appendix C). The objective would be to create a strip ofcontinuous vegetation along the entire study area corridor, connecting the Yellow andGreen highlighted areas in the lower reaches with the Blue highlighted area alongReaches One and Two.

2. Maintain or expand riparian corridor width where possible. As explained by CalPIF(2006), there is no generic or predefined “riparian corridor width that will keep waterclean, stabilize stream banks, protect fish and wildlife, and satisfy human demands on theland.” The basic trend, however, is that larger widths are better for wildlife habitat. Interms of corridor width, Warbling Vireos are perhaps the most limiting of the focalspecies in the Riparian Bird Conservation Plan. In Marin County, this species is mostlyabsent from stream widths less than 200 feet but their abundance increases greatly oncestream widths approach 400 feet or more (CalPIF 2006: 10)

Wider corridor widths may also benefit species other than birds. Hilty and Merenlender(2004), for example, studied occurrence of mammalian predators in riparian corridors andadjacent vineyards of Sonoma County, California. They found more total species and

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more native species were detected in wide riparian corridors than in corridors whosewidth had been diminished to an average of about 19.7 m (65 ft) or less on each side ofthe creek. Native species in this case included striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), raccoon(Procyon lotor), bobcat (Lynx rufus), coyote (Canis latrans), gray fox (Urocyoncinereoargenteus), and mountain lion (Felis concolor). These mammals were 11 timesmore likely to be found in the creek corridor than in the vineyards themselves, suggestingavoidance of vineyard habitats by (and underscoring the importance of riparianvegetation for) these species.

One possible negative side effect on birds resulting from establishing a travel corridoralong riparian zones is a potential elevation in the rates of nest predation resulting frompredators such as snakes being able to locate bird nests more readily because of anincrease in the edge per unit area of habitat patches connected by a corridor (Weldon2006). These effects may be ameliorated by the use of gradual vegetated transitionsbetween habitat types rather than the abrupt transitions typical of many current forestmanagement practices. Again, the wider corridor widths will be better able to support theestablishment of a transition zone of vegetation such as the one described by Weldon(2006).

3. Emphasize the removal of non-native plant species with the exception of Himalayanblackberry and the annual grasses. a. Although non-native plant species currently do not dominate the study area, these

species are still found along the entire length of Selby Creek. Thus, there is agood opportunity for removal (i.e., before the expense of eradication makes itimpractical to do so). Non-native plants, if left unchecked, could diminishabundance and distribution of native plant species and homogenize the habitat. Adiverse bird community needs a diverse plant community.

b. Himalayan blackberry has wildlife value and should be retained or at leastconsidered low priority for removal. When it is removed, consideration should begiven to replacing it with the native California blackberry (Rubus ursinus).

4. Retain all snags (i.e., dead trees). Snags are used by cavity-nesting species such aswoodpeckers, swallows, chickadees, titmice, bluebirds, and wrens. In areas with anabundance of trees, snags may be “created” simply by allowing dead limbs to remain onliving trees.

5. Create structural diversity among the vegetation, especially emphasizing theunderstory. This may be accomplished by planting a diverse array of shrubs, forbs, andtrees. Some good candidates include:

a. coyote brush (Baccaris pilularis)b. Blue elderberry (Sambucus mexicanai) – but only if this does not foster the spread

of Pierce’s diseasec. mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana)d. California blackberry (Rubus ursinus)e. buckbrush (Ceanothos cuneatus)f. toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)g. California wild rose (Rosa californica)h. various sedges (Carex sp.)

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i. Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia)j. California bay (Umbellularia californica)k. California buckeye (Aesculus californica)l. bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum)m. coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia)n. valley oak (Quercus lobata)o. willow (Salix sp.)

A simplified schematic of a planting design strategy that considers the entire plantcommunity is described by Figure 5 in CalPIF (2006: 13).

6. Retain legacy trees along the stream bank, with priority given to species such as ash(Fraxinus sp.), California bay (Umbellularia californica), California buckeye (Aesculuscalifornica), bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), oaks (Quercus sp.), and willow (Salixsp.).

7. Retain existing Barn Owl and Wood Duck nesting boxes, and consider installingbluebird nest boxes. Bluebird nest boxes may be used by not only bluebirds, but also byother native species such as titmice or swallows. Nest boxes may be purchased throughlocal Audubon Society chapters, local wild bird supply stores, or other sources. Note thatall nest boxes should be monitored and cleaned annually and thus require some work onthe part of the landowner(s)/project managers.

8. Residents are encouraged to use native landscaping thereby adding wildlife value tothe enhancement project.

9. When possible, avoid land-disturbing activities during the nesting season. Mid-March through late July is the bird nesting season in California’s North Bay RegionHabitat enhancement and management activities such as grazing, disking, herbicideapplication, and mowing during this time has the potential to decrease nesting success ofbreeding birds.

Table 3, below, further elaborates on these management recommendations and organizes therecommendations by stream reach.

3 Note: the following recommendations apply to all stream reaches: Recommendation #1: prioritize establishment or maintenance of atravel corridor/improved understory at locations indicated by yellow, green, and blue highlight in Appendix C; Recommendation #3: removal ofnon-native species; Recommendation #4: retention of Himalayan blackberry (or replacing it with California blackberry); and Recommendation#10: minimize or avoid land-disturbing activities during the nesting season

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Stream Reach Management Recommendation3

One (includes the 500-600 ft Transition Reach)

West side of creek: Plant shrubs and forbs to increase vegetational structural diversity; retain legacy trees;retain all snags; install bluebird boxesEast side of creek: Maintain riparian corridor width on private land; retain snags where human safety is notthreatened; plant shrubs and forbs to increase vegetational structural diversity; retain legacy trees; use nativelandscaping on private properties

Two (includes the 1200-1450 ft Transition Reach)

West side of creek: Plant shrubs and forbs to increase vegetational structural diversity; retain legacy trees;retain all snags; install bluebird boxesEast side of creek: Maintain riparian corridor width on private land; retain snags where human safety is notthreatened; plant shrubs and forbs to increase vegetational structural diversity; retain legacy trees; use nativelandscaping on private properties

Three (includes the2030-2200 ft TransitionReach)

West side of creek: Plant shrubs, forbs, and trees to increase vegetational structural diversity; retain legacytrees; retain all snags; install bluebird boxes. Between about 1740-2030 ft, the private road moves awayfrom the stream bank creating an opportunity for expanding the riparian corridor by planting shrubs, forbs,and trees in a strategic arrayEast side of creek: Maintain riparian corridor width on private land; retain snags where human safety is notthreatened; plant shrubs and forbs to increase vegetational structural diversity; retain legacy trees; use nativelandscaping on private properties. Between about 1740-2200 ft, a remnant oak woodland habitat patchoccurs and is a priority area for protection

Four (includes the 2600-2800 ft Transition Reach)

West side of creek: Plant shrubs and forbs to increase vegetational structural diversity; plant trees where it isfeasible to do so; retain legacy trees; retain all snags.East side of creek: Maintain or expand riparian corridor width where possible by planting shrubs, forbs, andtrees in a strategic array - focusing on improving the understory beneath legacy trees; retain legacy trees;retain snags where human safety is not threatened; install bluebird houses

Five West side of creek: Plant shrubs and forbs to increase vegetational structural diversity; plant trees where it isfeasible to do so; retain legacy trees; retain all snags.East side of creek: Maintain or expand riparian corridor width where possible by planting shrubs, forbs, andtrees in a strategic array - focusing on improving the understory beneath legacy trees; retain legacy trees;retain snags where human safety is not threatened; install bluebird houses

Six West side of creek: Maintain or expand riparian corridor width where possible by planting shrubs, forbs, andtrees in a strategic array - focusing on improving the understory beneath legacy trees; retain legacy trees;retain snags where human safety is not threatened; install bluebird housesEast side of creek: Plant shrubs and forbs to increase vegetational structural diversity; plant trees where it isfeasible to do so; retain legacy trees; retain all snags.

Seven West side of creek: Maintain or expand riparian corridor width where possible by planting shrubs, forbs, andtrees in a strategic array - focusing on improving the understory beneath legacy trees; retain legacy treesincluding willow sp.; retain snags where human safety is not threatened; provide maintenance to WoodDuck and Barn Owl nest boxesEast side of creek: Maintain riparian corridor width on private land; retain snags where human safety is notthreatened; plant shrubs and forbs to increase vegetational structural diversity; retain legacy trees; use nativelandscaping on private properties

Eight Both sides of creek: Maintain or expand riparian corridor width where possible by planting shrubs, forbs,and trees in a strategic array - focusing on improving the understory beneath legacy trees; retain legacy treesincluding willow sp.; retain snags where human safety is not threatened; provide maintenance to WoodDuck and Barn Owl nest boxes

Table 3. Recommendations by stream reach

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BIRDS, VINEYARDS, AND CROP DAMAGE

Vineyard owners remain concerned about crop damage caused by birds. European Starling,American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula), Common Grackle(Quiscalus quiscula), House Finch, Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), Cedar Waxwing(Bombycilla cedrorum), Gray Catbird (Dumetalla carolinensis), and American Goldfinch(Carduelis tristis) are among the birds that are commonly observed in Midwestern vineyards,especially when the grape berries near veraison (Dami et al. 2006). Wild Turkeys are alsothought to be a source of bird depredation in vineyards.

Heaton (2005) provides a summary of findings in the scientific literature with regards to birddamage in crops. Birds that tend to flock near harvest time and are also attracted to fruits andberries are the species that usually cause the most damage. Gray Catbirds, for example, do notoccur in large flocks and are not as likely to cause damage compared to “flock-prone” speciessuch as European Starlings, American Robins, House Finches, and Cedar Waxwings.

Heaton (2005) reports that the amount of damage to vineyards by birds can change from year toyear and between vineyards. Damage is usually concentrated along the edge of vineyards, withless damage closer to the center. Landscape features that provide perches or cover (e.g., trees orbushes) are thought to also contribute to bird depredation in vineyards.

In California, European Starlings, American Robins, House Finches, and Cedar Waxwingsappear to be the species most likely to occur in flocks, and this behavior will usually not occuruntil sometime in the fall (late August to mid-September); the birds will remain in loose flocksthroughout the winter. In my experience, birds such as these have the capability to occur inflocks in areas with similar conditions such as those currently found along Selby Creek. Localvineyard owners may have some informal records of crop damage caused by birds in past years.As creek restoration proceeds, it is recommended that vineyard owners monitor crop damage bybirds; eventually, and as needed, adaptive management can be used to respond to anyundesirable conditions that are noted.

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) partnered with state wildlife agencies inCalifornia, New York, and Connecticut in 2002-2004 to study causes of damage in vineyards(NWTF 2006). Wild Turkeys made up 45% of the total wildlife seen in California; however,only seven percent of Wild Turkeys were observed eating grapes. Ironically, in most instancesthe turkeys were seen feeding on insects that are harmful to grape crops. Moreover, most cropdamage occurred at night, when turkeys are usually at roost.

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CONCLUSIONS/SUMMARY

On My Mountain, Inc., performed an avian ecological investigation of the breeding birds atSelby Creek (Napa County), California during the summer of 2006. Nine survey points wereestablished along a single transect paralleling the length of the creek. The survey transect wasrun four times during the breeding season, between 28 May and 18 June 2006. Fifty-seven birdspecies were found along the transect during the surveys, and an additional seven species wereobserved during opportunistic visits to the site between May and July.

The most common birds found at Selby Creek include the House Finch, American Crow,Common Raven, Lesser Goldfinch, Bewick’s Wren, Acorn Woodpecker, European Starling,Violet-green Swallow, Western Bluebird, Bushtit, and Black Phoebe (Table 2).

Direct evidence of breeding was recorded for Mallard, Wood Duck, California Quail, andEuropean Starling. We also identified those species that are likely to be breeding within theimmediate Selby Creek channel even though direct evidence of breeding (i.e., eggs, nest, orrecently fledged young) was not found during the surveys. These species are identified in Table1 by the use of boldface text without the “¶” symbol. Finally, we suggested a list of species thatmay use the study area once planned restoration work is completed even though they were notdetected during the formal surveys in 2006.

The North American Bird Conservation Plan, the Riparian and Oak Woodland BirdConservation Plans, and the guide to habitat enhancement in riparian and oak woodlands of theNorth Bay region were used to inform management recommendations. Ten specific managementrecommendations were made, and a set of priority areas for management were identified basedon extant limitations and uses of the land.

A brief discussion was provided regarding birds, vineyards, and crop damage. It is suggested thatadaptive management be used to respond to any significant increases in crop damage caused bybirds following creek restoration work.

We plan to make several dozen copies of the riparian/oak woodland habitat enhancement guideavailable to BAI and Ann Baker Landscape Architecture at the completion of the project. Werecommend that the guide be given to participating land owners and project managers for useduring creek restoration work.

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LITERATURE CITED

Askins, R. 2000. Restoring North America’s birds: lessons from landscape ecology. Yale University Press.

Barret, R.H. 1980. Mammals of California oak habitats – management implications. Pp 275-291 in Proceedings ofthe Symposium on the Ecology, Management, and Utilization of California Oaks. June 26-28. 1979. USDAForest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-44.

Block, W.M., and M.L. Morrison 1998. Habitat relationships of amphibians and reptiles in California oakwoodlands. Journal of Herpetology 32:51-60.

CalPIF (California Partners in Flight). 2002. Version 2.0. The oak woodland bird conservation plan: a strategy forprotecting and managing oak woodland habitats and associated birds in California (S. Zack, lead author).Point Reyes Bird Observatory, Stinson Beach, CA. Http://www.prboorg/calpif/plans.html

CalPif (California Partners in Flight). 2006. Bringing the birds back: a guide to habitat enhancement in riparian andoak woodlands for the North Bay Region (K. Kreitinger and T. Gardali, lead authors). California Partners inFlight Regional Bird Conservation Plan No. 1, http://www.prbo.org/calpif.

Dami, I.; Bordelon, B.; Ferree, D.C.; Brown, M.; Ellis, M.A.; Williams, R.N.; and Doohan, D. 2006. Midwest grapeproduction guide. Ohio State University Extension, Columbus, OH. http://ohioline.osu.edu/b919/0012.html Last accessed 27 August 2006

Heaton, E. 2005. Patterns of bird damage in vineyards. http://www.nswg.org/april05birds.htm Last accessed 27August 2006

Manley, P., and C. Davidson. 1993. A risk analysis of Neotropical migrant birds in California. USDA Forest Servicereport, Region 5. San Francisco, CA.

Martin, T.E. 1995. Summary: model organisms for advancing and understanding of ecology and land management,pp. 477-484, in Martin, T.E. and D.M. Finch (Eds.), Ecology and management of Neotropical migratorybirds: a synthesis and review of critical issues. Oxford University Press.

NWTF 2006. Studies suggest Wild Turkeys are good neighbors. Press Release, National Wild Turkey Federation,dated 11 April 2006. http://www.wheelinsportsmen.org/nwtf_newsroom/press_releases.php?id=11825 Last accessed 27 August 2006.

Ralph, C.J.; Geupel, G.R.; Pyle, P.; Martin, T.E.; DeSante, D.F. 1993. Handbook of field methods for monitoringlandbirds Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station.Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-144. 41 p.

RHJV (Riparian Habitat Joint Venture). 2004. Version 2.0. The riparian bird conservation plan: a strategy forreversing the decline of riparian associated birds in California. California Partners in Flight. PRBOConservation Science, Petaluma, CA.

Rich, T.D.; Beardmore, C.J.; Berlanga, H.; Blancher, P.J.; Bradstreet, M.S.W.; Butcher, G.S.; Demarest, D.W.;Dunn, E.H.; Hunter, W.C.; Inigo-Elias, E.E.; Kennedy, J.A.; Martell, A.M.; Panjabi, A.O.; Pashley, D.N.;Rosenberg, K.V.; Rustay, C.M.; Wendt, J.S.; Will, T.C. 2004. Partners in Flight North American LandbirdConservation Plan. Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Ithaca, NY.

Verner, J. 1980. Birds of California oak habitats – management implications. Pp 246-264 in Proceedings of theSymposium on the Ecology, Management, and Utilization of California Oaks. June 26-28. 1979. USDAForest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-44.

Wilson, R.A.; P.A. Manley; and B.R. Noon. 1991. Covariance patterns among birds and vegetation in a California

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oak woodland. Pp 126-135 in Proceedings of the Symposium on Oak Woodlands and Hardwood RangelandManagement. October 31 - November 2, 1990. Berkeley, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, ForestService, Pacific Southwest Research Station. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-126

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APPENDICES

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Appendix A. Point Count Data Form

Name of Observer: State: CA Date: Visit #:

0-3 Minutes 3-5 (10) Minutes

Pt. Number Time Species < 50 m > 50 m fly overs < 50 m > 50 m fly overs

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Appendix B. Bird Species Found at Each Census Point.

Name of Species Latin Name of Species Point Count It Was Found On

Canada Goose Branta canadensis 1

Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus 1

Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo 1

California Quail Callipepla californica 1

Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura 1

Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus 1

Nuttall's Woodpecker Picoides nuttallii 1

Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus 1

Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans 1

Ash-throated Flycatcher Myiarchus cinerascens 1

Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina 1

Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis 1

Bewick's Wren Thryomanes bewickii 1

Western Bluebird Sialia mexicana 1

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea 1

Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus 1

Oak Titmouse Baeolophus inornatus 1

White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis 1

Steller's Jay Cyanocitta stelleri 1

American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos 1

Common Raven Corvus corax 1

European Starling Sturnus vulgaris 1

House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus 1

Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria 1

Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculatus 1

California Towhee Pipilo crissalis 1

Brewer's Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus 1

Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater 1



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Anna's Hummingbird Calypte anna 2



Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus 2




Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos 2









Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina 2

Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus 2


Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura 3













Western Scrub-Jay Aphelocoma californica 3

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Hutton's Vireo Vireo huttoni 3






Killdeer Charadrius vociferus 4





















Bullock's Oriole Icterus bullockii 4



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Killdeer Charadrius vociferus 5



Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis 5


American Robin Turdus migratorius 5






Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana 5


Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus 5

Black-headed Grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus 5






Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis 6

Rock Dove Columba livia 6






American Robin Turdus migratorius 6





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Cassin's Vireo Vireo cassinii 6



Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata 6



Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus 6









Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus 7
















Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus 7


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Canada Goose Branta canadensis 8


Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis 8


Rock Dove Columba livia 8

Band-tailed Pigeon Columba fasciata 8





Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus 8

Western Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidulus 8


Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis 8















Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia 8

Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis 8


Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias 9

Wood Duck Aix sponsa 9

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Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 9

Barn Owl Tyto alba 9






Chestnut-backed Chickadee Poecile rufescens 9






Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus 9



Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculatus 9

Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia 9



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Appendix C. Priority Areas for Establishing a Continuous Corridor of Vegetation for Wildlife

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Appendix D. Natural History Accounts of Selected Species

The following natural history accounts were taken from On My Mountain’s North AmericanBird Reference Book multimedia software. All literature citations provided below may be foundin the documentation that accompanies the software. This information is Copyright © LANIUSSoftware 1997 - 2003, All Rights Reserved, and may not be reproduced in any manner withoutthe expressed written consent of the owner.

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)Habitat: Found in fresh-water lakes, ponds, marshes, flooded forests, and woodland swamps, usually where there isemergent cover.

Field Marks: Green and white colors of the male's head and crest are unmistakable; teardrop-shaped eye ring offemale is diagnostic.

Nest Habits: Nests in cavities, but also readily utilizes artificial nest boxes that have been specifically built for it;usually near water.

Eggs: 6-15 or more, usually 10-15; 51 mm.; dull white in color.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and cares for the young. Incubation usually lasts about 28-37 days, andyoung are able to fly when they are approximately 56-70 days old.

Feeds On: Diet is quite broad and omnivorous, and includes seeds, fruits, and aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates(Hepp, G.R., and F.C. Bellrose. 1995. BNA #169).

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)Habitat: Found in shallow lakes, ponds, marshes, and flooded agricultural fields.

Field Marks: Green head and yellow bill of male is easily recognized; note the female's orange bill splotched withdark gray or black.

Nest Habits: Nest is placed on the ground, usually near water, and is built from dead grasses, cattails, and downfeathers. Some nests may be placed on the ground in nearby woody or brushy areas when other suitable nestinghabitat is lacking.

Eggs: 5-15, usually 7-10; 58 mm.; greenish- or grayish-white in color.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and cares for the young. Incubation usually lasts about 26-30 days, andyoung are able to fly when they are approximately 42-60 days old.

Feeds On: An opportunistically omnivorous diet includes insects, crustaceans, mollusks, worms, seeds, grain fromagricultural crops, and human food scraps (Drilling, N., R. Titman, and F. McKinney. 2002. BNA #658).

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)Habitat: Occurs in a wide variety of habitats, ranging from open woodlands to grasslands and agricultural fields withscattered trees.

Field Marks: Highly variable in plumage; colors range from mostly white (in rare albinistic form that is occasionallyseen) and in the Krider's race of the Great Plains, to mostly dark in the dark phase birds of western North America. In most plumages, clearly defined belly band and dark bar on leading edge of wing are good field marks; the red tailin adult birds is also diagnostic, but is absent from dark phase birds of the Harlan's race. Call is often hear beforebirds are seen and is easily recognized; in fact, call is often heard in the background audio of many Hollywoodmovies.

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Nest Habits: Nest is built from sticks and twigs, and is lined with bark and leaves. Nest is placed in a tree up to 70feet or higher above the ground.

Eggs: 1-5, usually 2-3; 60 mm.; white or bluish-white in color, sometimes with brown markings.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs (however, mostly by female) and care for the young. Incubation usuallylasts about 30-35 days, and young are able to fly when they are approximately 45-46 days old.

Feeds On: Reptiles, birds, and mammals of small to medium size (Preston, C.R., and R.D. Beane. 1993. BNA #52).

California Quail (Callipepla californica)Habitat: Found in brushy and grassy habitats, including riparian woodlands, oak woodlands, chaparral/sagebrush,second-growth areas, and agricultural lands.

Field Marks: Brown wings, teardrop-shaped head plume. Body color generally grayish-brown, but varies in colorthroughout species' range. Male has black throat outlined with white. Underparts have a scaly appearance (comparewith Gambel's Quail).

Nest Habits: Nest is placed on the ground and consists of a simple scrape or depression that is lined with leaves andgrasses.

Eggs: 12-16; 31 mm.; white to cream in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 18-23days; young are capable of flight when they are about 10 days old.

Feeds On: Mostly vegetable matter, including seeds, leaves, flowers, berries, waste grain, catkins, and plant galls;also some insects and spiders (Calkins, J.D., J.C. Hagelin, and D.F. Lott. 1999. BNA #473).

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)Habitat: Found in a wide diversity of open habitats, including agricultural fields, pastures, mudflats, meadows, andeven urban areas; usually, but not always, near water (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Reddish-orange rump and the presence of two breast bands separate this species from all other plovers. Call, 'kill-deer', is also easily recognized, even by the novice birder.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, sometimes on gravel of railroad bed, parking lot, or other similar areas; nest is asimple scrape or depression.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4; 37 mm.; gray-buff in color, with spots, scrawls, or blotches of black or brown markings.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 24-28 days; youngare capable of flight when they are about 25 days old.

Feeds On: Terrestrial invertebrates (particularly earthworms, grasshoppers, beetles, and snails); less frequently, alsoingests small vertebrates (e.g., small fish or frogs) and seeds (Jackson, B.J.S., and J.A. Jackson. 2000. BNA #517).

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)Habitat: Widespread; found in open woodlands, agricultural areas, suburban areas, and open habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Note brownish-gray upperparts, with black spots; pale gray underparts, with pink hue. Brownish-graytail, the outer tail feathers of which are blackish-gray with white tips. In flight, tail narrows to a point, and wings arefalcon-like, with pointed tips. When flushed, note the distinctive whistling sound that its wings make.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees (sometimes on the ground), usually up to 40 or more feet above the ground. Nest is aflimsy platform built from sticks or twigs.

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Eggs: 1-4, usually 2; 28 mm.; white.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 13-14 days; youngare capable of flight when they are about 12-14 days old.

Feeds On: Seeds comprise about 99% of the diet; may also ingest snails (Mirarchi, R.E., and T.S. Baskett. 1994.BNA # 117).

Western Wood-Pewee (Contopus sordidulus)Habitat: Found in coniferous or mixed coniferous-deciduous forests; and in woodlands in riparian areas (A.O.U.1998).

Field Marks: The Western and Eastern Wood-Pewees are told from other flycatchers by the general lack of an eyering (compare to Empidonax flycatchers) and presence of obvious wing bars (compare to Eastern and BlackPhoebes); they generally do not wag their tails as phoebes do. However, separating these two species ofWood-Pewees from one another is best accomplished by using distributional range and voice.

Nest Habits: Nests in tree, generally up to 15-35 or more feet above the ground. Nest is a cup-shaped structure builtfrom grasses, leaves, bark, and spider's silk.

Eggs: 2-4, usually 3; 18 mm.; cream-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 12-13days; young are capable of flight when they are about 14-18 days old.

Feeds On: Insects (e.g., flies, ants, bees, wasps, beetles, moths, and bugs) caught in flight; on rare occasions, mayalso ingest spiders, fruit, or other vegetable matter (Bemis, C., and J.D. Rising. 1999. BNA #451).

Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)Habitat: Typically found near water (e.g., river, stream, or lake), in open, semi-wooded, or wooded habitats.

Field Marks: Easily recognized by its tail-pumping habitats, mostly black plumage, and white belly and undertailcoverts.

Nest Habits: Nest is usually placed on wall of cliff, or in sheltered area of man-made structure (e.g., under bridges oron side of buildings). Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from mud, plant materials, and animal hair. Nest is linedwith animal hair, small roots, grasses, and bark.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4; 19 mm.; white in color, sometimes with red or brown markings.


Feeds On: Insects such as wild bees and wasps, beetles, damselflies, and dragonflies; may occasionally eat berries oreven small fish (Wolf, B.O. 1997. BNA #268).

Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens)Habitat: Found in oak woodlands, chaparral or scrubby habitats, riparian woodlands, and in pinyon-juniper stands(A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Grayish head and breast, pale yellow belly, rufous coloration in tail. Brown-crested Flycatcher, whichpartially overlaps it in range, has brighter yellow coloration on belly and a larger bill. Compare also with GreatCrested Flycatcher.

Nest Habits: Nests in natural tree cavities, generally up to 20 feet above the ground. Nest is built from animal hairs,small roots, grasses, and other materials.

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Eggs: 3-7, usually 4-5; 22 mm.; yellowish-white or pinkish-white in color, with brown and purple markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 15 days;young are capable of flight when they are about 14-16 days old.

Feeds On: Arthropods (e.g., insects and spiders) and fruits; rarely small reptiles or mammals (Cardiff, S.W., andD.L. Dittman. 2002. BNA #664).

Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis)Habitat: Found in open areas (usually with scattered trees), including savanna-like habitats and agricultural lands(A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Typical plumage includes pale gray breast and head, yellowish underparts, short, black bill, a black tailwith white outer tail feathers, and pale gray back. In flight, white outer tail feathers are easily seen. Song is a seriesof harsh, twittering notes, rapidly given.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, shrubs, or sometimes on a variety of man-made structures (e.g., utility poles). Nest isgenerally placed up to 8-40 feet above the ground, and is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, small roots, andplant down; and lined with sheep's wool, animal hair, and other materials.

Eggs: 3-7, usually 3-4; 24 mm.; white, pink, or buff in color, with brown markings.


Feeds On: Insects primarily; less commonly fruits (Gamble, L.R., and T.M. Bergin. 1996. BNA #227).

Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina)Habitat: Found in open areas, open woodlands, in highlands, in mountain canyons, and in deserts; often seen furtherfrom water than Tree Swallow; however, favors areas near water in the winter.

Field Marks: Dark, purplish- or violet-green on upperparts; note completely white underparts. White on side ofcheek extends above eye (compare with Tree Swallow). Also note that outer edges of rump are white (visible fromabove on flying birds).

Nest Habits: May breed in small colonies. Nests in natural or man-made cavities, including tree cavities, nest boxes,rock crevices, and abandoned woodpecker holes. Nest is generally placed 5 feet or higher above the ground, and isconstructed with grasses and weed stems; and lined with feathers.

Eggs: 4-7, usually 4-5; 19 mm.; white.


Feeds On: Insects taken on the wing, such as leafhoppers or beetles (Brown, C.R., Knott, A.M., and E.J. Damrose.1992. BNA #14).

Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)Habitat: Usually found near rivers or streams with steep banks, in open or partly open habitats; in migration, alsofrequents open country and more extensive wetlands (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Upperparts are brown; undersides are white, but note grayish smudge on upper breast and throat, not tobe confused with breast band of Sand Martin (i.e., Bank Swallow).

Nest Habits: May breed in loose colonies, but usually a solitary nester. Nests in burrows which it builds itself; alsoin burrows abandoned by other birds or mammals. Nest locations are usually on stream bank, but it may also use

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gravel pits, sides of buildings, or sewer pipes. Nest is generally placed 4 or more feet above the ground. Nestmaterials include grasses, leaves, small roots, and bark chips.


Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 12 days;young are capable of flight when they are about 19-21 days old.

Feeds On: Insects taken in flight (DeJong, M.J. 1996. BNA #234).

Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii)Habitat: Found in brushy areas, dense thickets, and scrubby habitats in open country; also frequents riparianwoodlands and chaparral (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Upperparts are brown or grayish-brown; note dull white underparts and distinctive eyebrow. Tail islong and edged with white spots; tail is often held upright, typical of wrens, but is also often swished and swayedback and forth in an elaborate fashion, unlike other wrens.

Nest Habits: Nests in natural cavities, but also in crevices, brush piles, and other natural or man-made shelteredareas, generally up to 20 feet above the ground. Nest is constructed with mosses, twigs, leaves, cotton, animal hair,and wool; and is lined with feathers and grass.

Eggs: 4-11, usually 5-7; 17 mm.; white in color, with brown, purple, lavender, or gray markings.


Feeds On: Larvae and adult arthropods such as bugs, beetles, bees, wasps, caterpillars, butterflies, moths,grasshoppers, crickets, flies, and spiders; may also ingest seeds or other plant matter (Kennedy, E.D., and D.W.White. 1997. BNA #315).

Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)Habitat: Found in a variety of open or semi-open habitats with scattered trees or shrubs, along forest edge, and inurban or suburban areas with scrubby thickets.

Field Marks: Grayish-white plumage overall, with darker wings and tail. Note white wing patches and white outertail feathers, both of which are flashed in flight. Tail is swished and swayed in various directions as bird perches,displays, or flies from one perch to another. Song is given throughout the summer, even on the hottest of days, andfrequently at night (often to the annoyance of nearby residents).

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or trees, generally up to 1-50 feet above the ground. Nest is a cup-shaped structurebuilt from twigs, leaves, paper, and other materials; and lined with grasses and small roots.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 3-5; 24 mm.; bluish or greenish in color, with brown markings.


Feeds On: Omnivorous - a diversity of arthropods and fruits are represented in the diet, as well as earthworms and,on occasion, even small lizards (Derrickson, K.C. and R. Breitwisch. 1992. BNA #7).

Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)Habitat: Found in open woodlands, in savanna-like habitats or agricultural areas with scattered trees, in riparianwoodlands, and in park-like habitats.

Field Marks: Key field marks are the dark bluish upperparts, reddish breast contrasting with blue throat (grayish in

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females), and grayish-white belly. Compare with Eastern Bluebird, which has a chestnut-colored throat (may also bewhite in some females).

Nest Habits: Nests in natural or man-made cavities, generally up to about 2-50 feet above the ground. Nest is builtfrom twigs, grass, pine needles, animal hair, and feathers.

Eggs: 3-8, usually 4-6; 21 mm.; light blue.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young.

Feeds On: Diet changes with the season, with small fruits, berrries, and seeds predominant in the winter, and mostlyinsects (e.g., grasshoppers, caterpillars, beetles, ants, and spiders) eaten in the summer (Guinan, J.A., P.A. Gowaty,and E.K. Eltzroth. 2000. BNA #510).

American Robin (Turdus migratorius)Habitat: Found in woodlands and along woodland edge, in park-like situations, and in urban or suburban areas; inwinter, frequents an even wider diversity of habitats, including areas where fruit-bearing trees or shrubs are present(A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Red to reddish-orange breast, white lower belly and undertail coverts, brownish-gray upperparts; male'shead is darker than female. Also note the yellowish bill.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to 5-20 or more feet above the ground; may also nest in shrubs, on theground, or even on man-made structures (e.g., roof gutter). Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, grass,and mud, and lined with fine grasses.

Eggs: 3-7, usually 4; 28 mm.; light blue, sometimes with brown markings.


Feeds On: Invertebrates representing over 100 families; and fruits representing over 50 different species (Sallabanks,R., and F.C. James. 1999. BNA #462).

Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus)Habitat: Found in oak scrub, pinyon-juniper, and pine-oak woodlands; also frequents chaparral and woodedsuburban areas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: These tiny, short-billed, grayish birds are identified by the lack of yellow on the face (compare withVerdin), their energetic behavior, and the sharp, twittering 'tsit' calls that they give.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees or shrubs, generally up to 4-25 or more feet above the ground. Nest is a pendulous,gourd-shaped structure built from twigs, mosses, small roots, lichens, leaves, and spider's silk; and lined with plantdown, animal hair, and feathers.


Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 12 days; young arecapable of flight when they are about 14-15 days old.

Feeds On: Small insects and spiders; also some plant matter, including willow seeds and olives (Sloane, S.A. 2001.BNA #598).

Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens)Habitat: Found in coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous woodlands; also frequents oak and riparian woodlands(A.O.U. 1998).

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Field Marks: Chestnut back is unique among chickadees; also note chestnut sides and flanks, which are present onmost individuals except for birds on the central California coast.

Nest Habits: May breed in loose colonies. Nests in natural cavities, or in cavity which it excavates itself, generallyup to 20 or more feet above the ground. Nest materials include mosses, animal hair, and feathers.

Eggs: 5-9, usually 6-7; 16 mm.; white in color, with reddish-brown markings.

Incubation: Little information is known.

Feeds On: Insects, spiders, and other arthropods; also, seeds and other vegetable matter (Dahlsten, D.L., L.A.Brennan, D.A. McCallum, and S.L.L. Gaunt. 2002. BNA #689).

Oak Titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus)Habitat: Found in oak and pine-oak woodlands; also frequents chaparral interspersed with trees or tall shrubs(A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Drab, grayish-brown titmouse; note crest.

Nest Habits: Nests in natural cavities, generally up to 3-35 feet above the ground. Nest materials include mosses,grasses, and other plant vegetation; and is lined with feathers, animal hair, and fur.

Eggs: 3-9, usually 6-8; 17 mm.; white in color, sometimes with reddish-brown markings.


Feeds On: Vegetable portion of diet is mostly seeds, but also catkins, leaf buds, galls, and berries; animal portion ofdiet includes terrestrial invertebrates such as leafhoppers, aphids, caterpillars, ants, spiders, and wasps (Cicero, C.2000. BNA #485).

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)Habitat: Found in woodlands and forests, usually mature deciduous forests, but also in mixed forests, and inPonderosa pine or pinyon-juniper woodlands (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Black cap, white cheek, white underparts, and comparatively larger size identify this nuthatch. Maleshave darker caps, and thus show greater contrast between cap/nape of neck and bluish-gray back than females.

Nest Habits: Nests in natural cavities, generally up to 10-60 feet above the ground; but may also use nest boxes. Nest is lined with bark strips, fur, animal hair, and feathers.

Eggs: 3-10, usually 5-8; 19 mm.; white in color, with brown, red, purple, or gray markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 12 days;young are capable of flight when they are about 14 days old.

Feeds On: Insects and plant matter, such as seeds (Pravosudov, V.V., and T.C. Grubb, Jr. 1993. BNA #54).

Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)Habitat: Found in coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests; typically inhabits more densely forested areasthan the open woodlands and scrub-like habitats of the Western Scrub-Jay.

Field Marks: A stunning, deep blue over most of plumage, darkest on head and face. Like its closely related relative,the Blue Jay, the Steller's Jay also sports a distinctive crest. Listen for its loud, repetitive cries in woodlands andforests; somewhat inquisitive, they often approach humans closely, especially in highly visited travel locations,campgrounds, and rest stops where jays have been fed by human visitors.

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Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to 8-25 or more feet above the ground. Nest is a bulky, cup-shapedstructure built from twigs, leaves, and mud; and lined with fine rootlets, grass, or pine needles.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 4; 30 mm.; light blue or light greenish-blue in color, and lightly marked with brown.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 16 days.

Feeds On: An omnivorous feeder, with arthropods, nuts, seeds, berries, fruits, small vertebrates, and eggs and/oryoung of smaller birds having been documented in its diet (Greene, E., W. Davison, and V.R. Muehter. 1998. BNA#343).

Western Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica)Habitat: Found in brushy or scrubby habitats; also frequents chaparral, pine-oak woodlands, park-like settings, andurban or suburban residential areas; typically in less densely forested areas than habitats preferred by the Steller'sJay.

Field Marks: Basic plumage pattern for 'Scrub' Jays include blue head, blue wings, blue tail, a variable amount ofwhite above the eye, grayish underparts with white-streaked throat and bluish breast band, and variably coloredgrayish or brownish patch on back. Coastal form has a darker, richer blue color than the duller interior form.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees or shrubs, generally up to 2-30 feet above the ground. Nest is a bulky, cup-shapedstructure built from twigs and moss and lined with small rootlets and animal hair.

Eggs: 2-7, usually 3-6; 28 mm.; light green with reddish-brown or reddish-green markings.


Feeds On: Opportunistically omnivorous, with a diet featuring arthropod insects, fruit, and mast seeds (especiallyoaks and pines). May also take small vertebrates (Curry, R.L., A.T. Peterson, and T.A. Langen. 2002. BNA #712).

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)Habitat: Found in or near places of human habitation, including agricultural areas, cities, and towns; less common orabsent in more pristine (i.e., less disturbed) environments (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: In the breeding season, note iridescent black/purple colors on head and underparts, dark brownishwings, and yellowish bill. In the winter, acquires a speckled appearance, and bill is duller. Young starlings arebrowner, and may be confused with blackbirds. Starlings differ from blackbirds by having a comparatively shortertail. These birds may mimic vocalizations of other species, but they are not as accomplished in this behavior as theNorthern Mockingbird.

Note: the introduction of starlings (and House Sparrows, for that matter) have adversely affected many species ofnative North American species which nest in cavities, including woodpeckers and bluebirds.

Nest Habits: Nests in natural cavities, but may also use nest boxes intended for other, native species if the hole islarge enough; also may nest in cavities on side of buildings. Nest is generally placed up to 2-60 feet above theground and is constructed with twigs, straw, grasses, and other materials.

Eggs: 2-8, usually 4-6; 30 mm.; greenish-white, light blue, or white in color.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs (however, mostly by female) and care for the young. Incubation lastsapproximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 18-21 days old.

Feeds On: Diet varies by geographic location of the birds, as well as by age and season, with invertebrates, fruits andberries, grains, and seeds typically being ingested; will also consume human garbage (Cabe, P.R. 1993. BNA #48).

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Hutton's Vireo (Vireo huttoni)Habitat: Found in pine-oak, oak, and riparian woodlands (A.O.U. 1998), often not far from water.

Field Marks: Compare with Ruby-crowned Kinglet; note that Hutton's Vireo lacks the kinglet's black patch belowthe second wing bar. Also note the thicker bill; lores and eye ring are whitish in color, but eye ring is broken abovethe eye. Overall color is grayer in southwestern birds, more green in west coast populations.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees or shrubs, generally up to 6-35 feet above the ground. Nest is a cup-shaped structurebuilt from moss and spider's silk and lined with fine grasses.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4; 18 mm.; white in color and lightly marked with brown.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 14 days; young arecapable of flight when they are about 14 days old.

Feeds On: Insects and spiders; also some small fruits (Davis, J.N. 1995. BNA #189).

Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus)Habitat: Found in open deciduous or mixed deciduous-coniferous woodlands, in riparian forests and thickets, and ina variety of more open, park-like situations (A.O.U. 1998); usually near water.

Field Marks: This drab vireo is best identified on the basis of its dullness: gray or olive gray upperparts and whiteunderparts, lack of wing bars, white eyebrow, and dark eye line (mostly in back of eye; compare with PhiladelphiaVireo). In the fall, compare also with Tennessee Warbler, especially since yellowish wash may appear on the sidesand flanks of Warbling Vireos at this time of year.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees or shrubs, generally up to 4-60 or more feet above the ground. Nest is a cup-shapedstructure built from bark, leaves, grasses, and other vegetation.

Eggs: 3-5, usually 4; 19 mm.; white in color, with brown and black markings.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 12 days; young arecapable of flight when they are about 16 days old.

Feeds On: Insects (e.g., butterflies, moths, caterpillars, and beetles) and spiders; diet is supplemented with some fruitin the winter (Gardali, T., and G. Ballard. 2000. BNA #551).

House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)Habitat: Found in a variety of open habitats, including arid scrub and brush, chaparral, and savanna; also frequents oak-juniper and pine-oak associations, open woodlands, urban areas, and cultivated lands (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Eyebrow, forehead, and throat are reddish or orangish in color; note brown streaks on sides and flanks(compare with Purple Finch). Female is plain brown in color, streaked below, and has no eyebrow (compare withPine Siskin, and with females of Purple and Cassin's Finches). Song is long and warbling, usually ending with anascending or upslurred note; call note, heard often in flight, is a melodic 'queet'.

Nest Habits: May nest in trees, shrubs, bird boxes, in cavities, on buildings, and in a variety of other places;generally up to about 5-35 feet above the ground. Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from grasses, plant stems,leaves, small roots, twigs, animal hair, string, and other materials.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 4-5; 19 mm.; bluish-white in color, speckled in appearance.


Feeds On: Primarily vegetable matter such as seeds, buds, or fruits (Hill, G.E. 1993. BNA #46).

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Lesser Goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria)Habitat: Found in semi-open areas with scattered trees, along woodland edge, and in second-growth habitats; alsofrequents open or brushy fields, pastures, and areas of human habitation (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Adult males have black cap; back color varies from black (eastern birds) to greenish (western birds). Females are yellow below and olive-yellow above, and do not have black cap. Can be confused with AmericanGoldfinch; however, always note the yellow undertail coverts and white wing patch at the base of the primaryfeathers.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 2-30 feet above the ground. Nest is a cup-shapedstructure built from plant fibers, mosses, and grass and lined with plant down and feathers.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 15 mm.; light bluish-green or light bluish-white in color.

Incubation: It is thought that female incubates the eggs and that both sexes care for the young. Incubation lastsapproximately 12 days.

Feeds On: Seeds, flowers, buds, fruits; less frequently, insects such as plant lice (Watt, D.J., and E.J. Willoughby.1999. BNA #392).

Orange-crowned Warbler (Vermivora celata)Habitat: Found in open, brushy deciduous or mixed deciduous-coniferous woodlands and second-growth habitats;also frequents dense chaparral, riparian thickets, and aspen groves; during migration and winter, can be found alongwoodland edge, in willow or riparian thickets, and in dense scrub and brushy or weedy fields.

Field Marks: A grayish-green or olive-green warbler with faint, dusky streaking on breast, dark eye line, no wingbars, and yellowish undertail coverts; in the fall, compare with Tennessee Warbler, which has white undertailcoverts. Orange-crowned Warblers are more common in the west than they are in the east.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, sometimes in shrubs, up to about 2-4 feet above the ground. Nest is a cup-shapedstructure built from grasses, leaves, bark strips, and plant down; and lined with fine grasses, animal hair, andfeathers.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 16 mm.; white in color, with dark red and brown markings.

Incubation: It is thought that the female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young. Incubation lastsapproximately 12-14 days; young are capable of flight when they are about 8-10 days old.

Feeds On: Mostly insectivorous; however, berries and fruits may also be included in the diet (Sogge, M.K., W.M.Gilbert, and C.v. Riper III. 1994. BNA #101).

Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus)Habitat: Found in open woodland, chaparral, scrub-oak habitats, and riparian thickets (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Male is like Eastern Towhee, but with white spots on upperparts; female is duller, but not brown as infemales of Eastern Towhees.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, but also in shrubs, generally up to about 5 or more feet above the ground. Nest isa cup-shaped structure built from bark shreds, grasses, small roots, twigs, and leaves; and lined with grasses andanimal hair.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 3-4; 24 mm.; gray, cream-white, or greenish-white in color, with brown markings.


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Feeds On: Insects (including beetles, crickets, and grasshoppers), spiders and millipedes, seeds, acorns, and fruits(Greenlaw, J.S. 1996. BNA #263).

California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis)Habitat: Found in brushy areas and riparian thickets, and in chaparral habitats; also frequents suburban andresidential areas (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: This brownish bird has rufous undertail coverts, grayish-buff underparts, and a necklace of brownmarks on throat. Note brown crown; compare with Canyon Towhee.

Nest Habits: Nests in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 3-12 or more feet above the ground. Nest is a bulky,cup-shaped structure built from twigs, grasses, and plant stems; and lined with bark strips, leaves, and animal hair.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 3-4; 25 mm.; light blue or light green in color, with black and dark brown markings.

Incubation: Female incubates the eggs and both sexes care for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 11 days;young are capable of flight when they are about 8 days old.

Feeds On: Seeds, cultivated and wild grains, fruits, and other plant matter; some insects, spiders, and mollusks arealso taken (Kunzmann, M.R., K. Ellison, K.L. Purcell, R.R. Johnson, and L.T. Haight. 2002. BNA #632).

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)Habitat: Found in open woodlands and along forest edge, in park-like situations, and in suburban areas; alsofrequents brushy and shrubby habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: In breeding plumage, combination of dark bill, reddish crown, black eye line, white eyebrow, andunstreaked breast identify this sparrow. Acquires a brown auricular patch and streaked brownish crown in thewinter. Compare with Clay-colored Sparrow.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 60 feet above the ground. Nest is a cup-shaped structure built fromgrasses, weed stems, and small roots; and lined with animal hair and fine grasses.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 4; 18 mm.; light bluish-green in color, with brown, dark blue, and black markings.


Feeds On: Plant seeds; occasionally ingests small fruits; insects and other invertebrates supplement diet duringbreeding season (Middleton, A.L. 1998. BNA #334).

Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus)Habitat: Found in orchards, cultivated areas, prairies, savanna, and in other types of open habitats with scatteredtrees or shrubs (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: White-and-black tail pattern, central stick-pin on otherwise unstreaked breast, and boldly marked headmake this sparrow easy to identify.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground, sometimes in shrubs, generally up to about 30 feet above the ground. Nest is acup-shaped structure built from grasses, weed stems, and twigs, and lined with small roots.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 20 mm.; cream-white or grayish-white in color, with black or dark brown markings.


Feeds On: Seeds and insects; may also ingest mollusks (Martin, J.W., and J.R. Parrish. 2000. BNA #488).

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Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)Habitat: Found in brushy, shrubby, or grassy areas; along woodland edge; and in bogs, marshes, and hedgerows. Also frequents forests with dense undergrowth, riparian corridors, and urban and suburban areas.

Field Marks: This brownish sparrow has a rounded tail and streaked breast, with streaks often forming a centralconcentration of markings called a 'stick-pin'. Side of face typically shows more brown than Lincoln's Sparrow. Call note, 'chimp' is different from House Sparrow's oft-repeated 'cheep' note.

Nest Habits: Nests on the ground or in weeds or shrubs, generally up to about 3-12 feet above the ground. Nest is acup-shaped structure built from grass, leaves, and bark strips.

Eggs: 2-6, usually 3-4; 20 mm.; light green to greenish-white in color, with reddish-brown markings.


Feeds On: Insects and other invertebrates, seeds, fruits, and other plant matter (Arcese, P., M.K. Sogge, A.B. Marr,and M.A. Patten. 2002. BNA #704).

Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus)Habitat: Found in deciduous, riparian, and pine-oak forests and woodlands; also frequents oak scrub habitats andpinyon-juniper woodlands; during migration and winter, frequents a wider variety of wooded habitats (A.O.U.1998).

Field Marks: Combination of black and cinnamon-orange colors on male are distinctive; note black wings with whitemarkings, which are often flashed in flight. Females are generally buffier below than in Rose-breasted Grosbeak andhave finer streaking on underparts; note striped head pattern and lemon-yellow wing linings. Listen for the sharp,'eek' call note, which is slightly lower in pitch than the similar call note of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees or shrubs, generally up to about 4-25 feet above the ground. Nest is a cup-shapedstructure built from small roots, twigs, and other vegetation.

Eggs: 2-5, usually 3-4; 25 mm.; bluish-white or greenish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 12-13 days; youngare capable of flight when they are about 11-12 days old.

Feeds On: Insects, spiders, fruit, and weed seeds (Hill, G.E. 1995. BNA #143).

Brewer's Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus)Habitat: Found in riparian woodlands, pastures and grassy fields; in or near places of human habitation; agriculturalareas; marshes; and park-like habitats. Also frequents shrubby areas, often near water (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: In male, note greenish tint to body; purplish sheen to head. Female has dark eye (compare with RustyBlackbird).

Nest Habits: Breeds in loose colonies. Nests on the ground, but also in shrubs or trees, generally up to about 150feet above the ground. Nest is a cup-shaped structure built from twigs, pine needles, grasses, and mud; and linedwith small roots and animal hair.

Eggs: 3-7, usually 4-6; 25 mm.; light gray or light greenish-gray in color, with brown or grayish-brown markings.


Feeds On: Insects and other invertebrates, grains and weed seeds, and fruits; relative proportion of these items

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fluctuate with season (Martin, S.G. 2002. BNA #616).

Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)Habitat: Found in woodlands and along woodland edge; during migration, also frequents open areas, includingagricultural grain fields, pastures, grassy fields, and scrubby habitats; often associated with presence of livestock.

Field Marks: Relatively short bill appears almost conical; male's brown head is diagnostic. Female is plaingrayish-brown, paler below, with grayish-white throat. Song is a silky whistling sound, often preceded by a gurglingnoise; also gives a dry, sputtering, trill. In the winter, often joins other blackbirds in large, mixed species roosts.

Nest Habits: Unfortunately, this bird does not build its own nest. It is a brood parasite; female lays its eggs in thenests of other birds. Females may be able to lay up to 40 or more eggs in a single breeding season. While eggs arebeing laid, the host bird's eggs may be evicted. Because cowbird eggs and young go through an accelerateddevelopment (the eggs hatch earlier than many host eggs, and the young grow faster), the host species oftentimeswinds up spending most of its reproductive resources raising the young cowbird than their own nestlings. The rangeof the Brown-headed Cowbird has expanded substantially over the past 100 years, in response to deforestationpractices and other human activities.

Eggs: Variable number laid each season; 21 mm.; white to grayish-white in color, with brown markings.

Incubation: Host species incubates the eggs and cares for the young. Incubation lasts approximately 10-13 days;young are capable of flight when they are about 10-11 days old.

Feeds On: Arthropods (e.g., grasshoppers and beetles) and seeds (Lowther, P.E. 1993. BNA #47).

Bullock's Oriole (Icterus bullockii)Habitat: Found in open or dispersed woodlands, including riparian areas, but also near fields, grasslands, andsavanna habitats (A.O.U. 1998).

Field Marks: Compare with Baltimore Oriole: in Bullock's Oriole, note male's black crown, throat, and eye line,which contrast with orange face; broad white wing patch. Female's yellow colors are most apparent on head, upperbreast, and undertail coverts; note pale gray back and dull white or grayish-white belly and flanks.

Nest Habits: Nests in trees, generally up to about 6-50 feet above the ground. Nest is a pendulous-shaped structurebuilt from plant fibers and bark; and lined with wool, mosses, animal hair, and plant down.

Eggs: 3-6, usually 4-5; 23 mm.; light gray or light blue in color, with brown, gray, or black markings.


Feeds On: Insects (e.g., butterflies, moths, crickets, beetles, and ants) and spiders; also nectar and fruit (Rising, J.D.,and P.L. Williams. 1999. BNA #416).

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