December featured a sprinkling of rarities. A Common Loon was in the Ship Canal on Dec 5 (SL). A Eurasian Green-winged Teal was photographed at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on Dec 15 (SH). An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was found at the landfill on Dec 7 (CT) and remains.

A Sage Thrasher discovered Dec 21 outside of Clarksburg was confiding for a few days (BH). A pair of Cassin’s Finches graced a yard in east Davis for a few days beginning Dec 3 (SS). Finally, the year ended much as it began, with a Lark Bunting. One was photographed at YBWA on Dec 30 (JE). 

In the hills above Winters, one Black-throated Sparrow continues on private property. North of Knights Landing, the Mountain Plover flock grew to 92 birds.

Finally, last March’s well-photographed and recorded Dusky Flycatcher in north Davis has been the subject of discussion and debate, with many believing the bird was actually a Least Flycatcher.

Thanks to the following for their reports: Jonathan Eisen (JE), Steve Hampton (SH), Brad Holtz (BH), Sean Smith (SS), Cameron Tescher (CT)

Checklists with Photos:

Lark Bunting: https://ebird.org/checklist/S78277895

Cassin’s Finch: https://ebird.org/checklist/S77035297

Sage Thrasher: https://ebird.org/checklist/S77850397

Eurasian Green-winged Teal: https://ebird.org/checklist/S77529283

Compiled by Steve Hampton, Davis, CA