Reports to the Northern California BirdBox, transcribed for BirdWest by Adam Winer.
ALAMEDA COUNTY
30 April Southeast of Livermore, a male Phainopepla was at milepost 14.15 along Mines Rd. Florence Bennett27 April Southeast of Livermore, a number of Rufous-crowned Sparrows were between mileposts 5 and 10 along Mines Rd, and a Nashville Warbler was at milepost 13.83. Kaynor Weishaupt
21 April In Hayward, 4 Red Crossbills were in Monterey pines at the highest point of East Avenue Park. What may have been the same 4 crossbills were seen at nearby Dario Ter & Camino Vista. Kevin Hintsa
20 April Southeast of Livermore, a Greater Roadrunner was at mile 4.0 along Mines Rd. Alan Hopkins
8 April In the northeastern corner of Alameda County, many Swainson's Hawks were around Mountain House Rd. Steve Glover
6 April East of Livermore, 2 Burrowing Owls were at milepost 5.45 along Patterson Pass Rd. Tom Leskew
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
28 April South of Clayton, a Gray Flycatcher was along Mitchell Canyon Trail in Mount Diablo State Park, in chaparral near the third pine tree on the right beyond the number 9 trail marker, about 0.25 mile beyond the turnoff to White Canyon. A Hammond's Flycatcher, a Willow Flycatcher, and a Vaux's Swift also were along the trail. Florence Bennett27 April In Richmond, a Black Skimmer was on the beach at Brooks Island, and an Oldsquaw was near the mouth of the inner harbor [Richmond Marina Bay]. From the end of Marina Way, park at the harbormaster's office and walk to the bay. Bring a scope, and come in the morning when the light is best. A light-phase adult Swainson's Hawk was over Richmond, and another light-phase adult was at White Canyon in Mount Diablo State Park. Steve Glover
26 April In eastern Contra Costa County at Piper Slough [north end of Bethel Island Rd], a Townsend's Solitaire was just beyond the first bend in the levee to the left from the road, about 30 yards past the old telephone pole, and a Palm Warbler was in a small tree on the right side of the levee opposite the derelict boat. Merry Haveman
21 April In eastern Contra Costa County, 2 male Black-chinned Hummingbirds were in the bare trees next to the house at the end of Bethel Island Rd, and a Hooded Oriole was in the nearby palm trees. Two singing Yellow-breasted Chats and a male Blue Grosbeak were along Piper Slough. Also in the area were 3 Swainson's Hawks. Steve Glover
21 April South of Clayton, 2 Lawrence's Goldfinches, a Rufous Hummingbird, a Yellow-breasted Chat, and a Solitary Vireo were the sole highlights at Mitchell Canyon in Mount Diablo State Park. Gene Gerlach
16 to 18 April Near Dublin, a male Painted Bunting of questionable origin was seen several times and photographed at a feeder. ?? fide Dennis Wolff
9 April On Bethel Island, a displaying male Black-chinned Hummingbird was at the end of Bethel Island Rd. Florence Bennett
9 April South of Clayton, a Hammond's Flycatcher was in Mitchell Canyon in Mount Diablo State Park. Steve Glover
8 April In eastern Contra Costa County, a male Black-chinned Hummingbird was at the end of Bethel Island Rd. One Black Rail was still calling from the marsh along Piper Slough to the west of there. Steve Glover
6 April In Walnut Creek, a Hammond's Flycatcher was along Pine Creek at Diablo Foothills Regional Park, at the intersection of Stage Road & Buckeye Ravine Trail. Kevin Hintsa