Steve Hampton has been compiling monthly Yolo County Notable Sighting reports for the YAS’s Burrowing Owl newsletter since August 2001. This is his last report for us as he is relocating to Washington state. All of us at YAS wish Steve and his family the very best in their new adventure.

January had several stars, the brightest of which was the county’s first Broad-billed Hummingbird, which graced a backyard in central Davis beginning Jan 30 (TC, VC). Thanks to the gracious homeowners, this bird was enjoyed by dozens. 

The other crowd favorites of the month were a Red-necked Grebe, found in the ship canal in the aftermath of the massive storm on Jan 27 (EI), and an Eastern Phoebe near Cache Creek upstream of Wild Wings Park, discovered Jan 24 (BC). Both of these birds remain thru the end of the month. 

Astounding was an estimated 25 Cassin’s Finches in a single group along Rayhouse Rd, first discovered on Jan 23 (KD, LW). 

Noteworthy, at least seven Western Tanagers are wintering in Davis (SH), and a Cassin’s Vireo was found there as well (CD). 

Thanks to the following for their reports: Brent Campos (BC), Thomas Cross (TC), Victoria Cross (VC), Konshau Duman (KD), Chris Dunford (CD), Steve Hampton (SH), Emmett Iverson (EI), Lynette Williamson (LW). 

Checklists with Photos:

Broad-billed Hummingbird: photos: https://ebird.org/checklist/S80197744; audio: https://ebird.org/checklist/S80191511

Cassin’s Finches: https://ebird.org/checklist/S79788988

Red-necked Grebe: https://ebird.org/checklist/S80003203

Eastern Phoebe: https://ebird.org/checklist/S79912356

Compiled by Steve Hampton, Davis, CA