California notables (Birdfinders Sept '08).

First images from the recent, and highly successful, Birdfinders tour of Southern and Central California during September 3rd - 18th. This image set represents some of scarcer birds recorded on the tour, some of which we don't find every year, especially the depicted warblers.



Chestnut-sided Warbler - Images 1 - 3, Butterbredt Spring, Kern Co. September 12th.

Northern Waterthrush - Silver Saddle Resort, Kern Co. September 12th.


American Redstart - Images 5 & 6. One of three birds present at Butterbredt Spring, Kern Co. September 12th.



Semi-palmated Sandpiper - Images 7 & 8. Juvenile, Moonglow Dairy, Monterey Co. September 8th.


Baird's Sandpiper - Juvenile, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo Co. September 6th.


Ruff - Adult, Finney Lake WMA, Imperial Co., September 14th.


Large-billed Savannah Sparrow - Imperial Beach, San Diego Co. September 16th.


White-crowned Sparrow - Adult showing characteristis of Z.i. orianatha, Tuolumne Meadows, Tuolumne Co., September 10th.

Northern Pygmy-owl. Merced River, Mariposa Co., September 9th.

Reddish Egret - One of two present, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Orange Co. September 18th.

More images to follow from this excellent trip.

Best birding,


James.