Each bird species is designated a status based on sightings gathered over time. Check out the birds we have here! Clicking on a bird name will take you to its detail page on All About Birds or the Audobon Field Guide while clicking on its record detail will take you to its eBird.org detail page.
Birds of Hastings provides direct links to MVZ specimens and media.
Birds fall into four categories:
Casual: Fewer than five records;
Rare Visitor: More than five records, but unlikely to be seen in a given year;
Uncommon Resident: Several records, but unlikely to be seen on a given day. Widely dispersed, often migratory;
Common Resident: Many records, several likely to be seen on reserve on any given day within limits of year-round or seasonal occurance.
* Indicates breeding; pairs are documented for one or more years.
Notes
Carcass found (Q. Tomich), 15 April 1941. Injured bird collected (Tevis) and three birds seen in Blomquist pond (Gray), 16 April 1944. Bird found shot to death in Blomquist Pond (Tomich), 4 January 1951. One seen being eaten by Golden Eagle near Laguna Conejo (R. Mumme), 2 March 1981. Bird seen alive on Blomquist Pond (Spon) later found dead (W. Koenig), 21 November and 6 December 1983. Historical records are of "Arctic Loon."
Flocks overhead 1947-48. Ten flying over (T. Birkhead), 27 March 1990. Two on Blomquist Pond (T. Birkhead), 30 March 1990. Three flying over and later seen on Laguna Conejo (D. Wong), 24 February 1993. Carmel Valley Resident year-round at Rancho Tularcitos.
Laguna Conejo (J. Akre), 16 Jan 1997. Live? Dead? Record is missing.
1946-2006. Most recently seen feeding on fish on Finch Creek (M. Stromberg), 20 June 2006.
Apr-May (8), Jul-Aug (2), Big Creek/Blomquist Pond. Most recently seen on Blompond (Woods), 12 April 1997.
In tree (Kraaijeveld-Smit), 23 April 1998. Exact location on HNHR unclear.
1946-2006. Most recently seen feeding on fish on Finch Creek (M. Stromberg), 20 June 2006.
A pair flew over 22 Mar 1951 (Christman). Bred on Finch Creek, 1994 (B. Elliot, DFG). Regular (but not abundant) breeders on adjacent ponds. Two breeding pairs with ducklings on Laguna Conejo (Stahl), 1 July 2006.
Several fall and winter records of flocks overhead. One male on Blomquist pond with Mallards (S. Spon), 14 Jan 1984.
Small groups on adjacent ranch stockponds and vernal pools 1979-1980. A flock of 15 on Blomquist Pond (S. Spon), 28 Jan 1984. A flock on Laguna Conejo (C. Adams), 6-29 Feb 1988. A flock of 5 on Blomquist Pond (K. Clarkson), 4 Apr 1991.
A pair flew over 22 Mar 1951 (Christman). Bred on Finch Creek, 1994 (B. Elliot, DFG). Regular (but not abundant) breeders on adjacent ponds. Two breeding pairs with ducklings on Laguna Conejo (Stahl), 1 July 2006.
A female on Blomquist Pond (R. Mumme), 28-30 August 1980. A flock of 75 birds (!) flushed out of Soto Springs (C. Adams), 5 February 1988. A female on Blomquist Pond (D. Woods), 16 April 1997.
Known to breed within 2 km of Hastings reservation. Records from every month of the year.
Abundant on Carmel Valley road, west; may breed adjacent to reserve, rare in winter.
A wing-tagged bird flying over (A. McGowan), 4 July 2003.
Recorded in 13 of 14 years 1938-1952. Then, six records 1952-2006. Most recently seen (J. McEntee), Oct 2004.
1938-1980. Bred in at least 5 years. Rare 1980-1996. Pair seen recently near Blomquist Pond (J. Stahl), 21 July 2006.
21 Apr 1938 (Linsdale), 16 Sep 1951 (Miller), 9 Mar 1970 (Verbeek)), 15 May 1977 (Davis), 4 Mar - 12 Apr 1994 (J. Hyman), 2 March 2005 (J. McEntee).
Recorded nearly every year since 1949; breeding most years since 1959.
"Ferruginous Hawk sighting by Laguna Conejo - perched - totally pure white breast/belly, tail pattern like Ferruginous or Krider's Hawk" (D. Wong), 14 November 1992.
Many records, 1937-1950. Usually 2-3 on reservation, apparently fewer 1970-2006.
19 records from 1937-1942, 7 records 1951-2006. Most recently 15 Oct 1997 (Carol Church).
Introduced by Department of Fish & Game in 1968. Rare from 1969-1991. Abundant 1994-2006.
Many records, more common at higher elevations, or in dense riparian brush.
Male in headquarters (W. Koenig), 10 May 1990. Male seen near Lower Barn had been heard calling most of spring (J. Stahl), 16 June 2006. Both records most likely of escapees.
Two adults on Laguna Conejo (P. Hooge), 2 May 1983. Two nests later found, one depredated, one intact with 9 eggs (P. Hooge), 21 May 1983. One bird seen going from Blomquist Pond to Big Creek (C. Adams), 17 Apr 1992.
Two adults on Laguna Conejo: 28 May 1996 (W. Koenig) and 1 July 2006 (J. Stahl).
1938-2006. Most recent record of three birds at Blomquist Pond (S. Spon), 14 Feb 1984.
April to May of single individuals on adjacent ponds between 1976-1980.
One bird seen near the gate to the Bell's Ranch (W. Koenig), 21 May 1978. One bird on Blomquist Pond (R. Mumme), 22 May 1981.
Bird hit by car near Prairie Home Field (P. Hooge), 20 Aug 1989. An earlier version of this checklist included the following note :"Short-billed?" Record missing.
1938-2006, predominantly winter visitor. Most recent record of bird on Laguna Conejo (C. Church), 26 Nov 1996. Historical records are of "Common Snipe."
First record was a mummified carcass (J. Linsdale), 7 Apr 1947. Then 3 records from 1982 all by W. Koenig: two found dead in Blomquist Pond, 12 November; one found dead in CV canyon, 9 December; one found headless in First Canyon, 31 Dec. One found on road Dec 2009.
Single birds on Blomquist Pond: 28 Aug 1982 (S. Albano) and 9 Apr 2005 (R. Hill).
A female seen on Blomquist pond (J. Conley) was later relocated on Laguna Conejo (W. Koenig and R. Mumme), 16 June 1981.
One immature collected on Cahoon trout pond (Tomich), 28 May 1952, had appeared occasionally for several weeks prior.
8 records: 1949-50, 1973-77, and most recently, 2005 (J. McEntee & A. Tuccillo). All but most recent record were lost racing birds.
Common in some years, winter records predominate, breeds nearer coast.
Formerly common resident, 142 records 1938-1957. 10 records, 1957-1996. Only a few anecdotal records from 1996-2006, including one from summer of 2006.
Often found roosting in Upper Barn (nested in Lower Barn prior to reconstruction in 1991). Birds flushed from large cavities often reveal active nests in early summer.
Regularly observed, 1938-2006. A nest in an old Acorn Woodpecker cavity along Carmel Valley Road fledged young in 2006.
At least 11 records: 1938-40, 1948, 1951-2, 1975, 1980-1, and 1990. Bred at least in 1980 and possibly in 1975.
2 records, each 3 individuals flying over (J. Davis), 31 Aug 1954 and 7 Jul 1956.
10 records 1938-2006, all flyovers seen Apr to May except a pair in hollow tree (M. Stanback), 28 Apr to 22 May 1994. There was no mention of a nest found in the 1994 record.
18 records, all flyovers. Breeding within 2-3 km of reserve.
Several records, primarily summer: 2 Apr to 29 Sep.
3 records: 25-26 Apr 1951 (Q. Tomich), 2 May 1955 (J. Davis), and 8 Apr 1969 (N. Verbeek). The records from 1951 and 1955 are both of adult males. No sex is giving for the 1969 record.
At least 13 records including "multiple males and females" on 8 Mar 1990 (M. Stanback). Most recently seen in July 2004 (J. McEntee & L. Benedict).
Several records, 22 Feb to 13 Aug. Never abundant.
Several observations on Finch Creek, none breeding. A bird was seen on Blomquist Pond (W. Koenig), 7 Apr 1994.
Seen in 11 years between 1936-7 and 1958-59, with 7 of the years from the first decade. Next seen in Sep and Oct 1972 (MacRoberts), 29 Oct 1981 (R.Mumme), 29 Sep 1982 - 30 Mar 1983 (W. Koenig), and the most recent record is from 8 Oct 1989 (W. Koenig).
Eight records: 19-21 May 1958 (J. Davis), 15 Oct 1972 (M. MacRoberts), 15 Oct 1973 (N. Verbeek), 24 November 1973 (M. MacRoberts), 15 Mar 1976 and 1 Apr 1987 (W. Koenig), 29 Sep 1987 (M. Stanback), and most recently, 9 Jun 1989 (W. Koenig).
Several records, all 18 Sep to 16 Apr. Winter Resident.
Many records. Nests in fallen valley oaks and riparian areas. Abundance varies.
Estimated 2-5 nests/yr. on reserve. Occasional flocks December - February. Yellow-shafted X red-shafted intergrades seen on occasion.
Recorded in several years since 1978 when noted as common (N. Johnson). One "probable" record (K. Clarkson), April 1990.
Common 1938-2006. Surprisingly, on 28 Oct 2006 (Koenig) a female flushed from a nest with 3 eggs, a very late nesting record!
2 summer records (W. Koenig), 17 Jun and 4 Jul 1976. Other records include: 3 Mar 1994 (J. Hyman) and 9 Sep 1979 (R. Mumme). Regular in winter.
Many records, summer records predominate. Generally 1-2 observed each year.
6 Nov 1944 (Weston) on boundary fence between HNHR and Blomquist.
Several records, 1938-2006, from all months except April.
Summer records predominate. Historical records are of "Solitary Vireo."
Single birds seen: 4-8 Nov 1950 (Q. Tomich), 26 Oct 1955 and 15 Oct 1972 (J. Davis), 20 Oct 1972 (M. MacRoberts). Widespread invasions in California in 1950, 1955, and 1972.
Many records. Has not bred on HNHR since 1990, but breeds nearby.
Increased abundance after 1980. Flocks of 10-30 common on and around reservation.
All flyovers: 30 Sep 1953, 18 Feb 1956, 9 May 1957 (J. Davis), 4 Apr 1991 (T. Birkhead).
Flocks with up to 35 individuals (J. Linsdale), between 6 Nov and 12 Jan 1937-8. "About 60" seen (Q. Tomich) 12 Jan 1948 but not seen two days later. Not recorded since. Breeds on nearby Rana Creek Ranch.
Formerly Uncommon breeder. Nested 1942, 1948, and 1951. Seen every year 1938-1955. Last recorded 30 Jun 1958.
Flyovers: 21 Feb 1974 (N. Verbeek), 15 Apr 1981 (R. Mumme). Occasionally nests in Western Bluebird boxes (1-2 nests per 300 boxes).
12 Apr 1943 (J. Linsdale), 4-5 May 1974 (W. Koenig), 29 Jun to 1 Jul 1978 (P. Williams).
Nested regularly 1938-1941, and in 1955, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1987. Formerly Uncommon, but now Rare?
10 May 1938 and 1 Jul 1979. Breeding documented (R. Mumme), 8 May 1980 and then continued through 2006.
Many records. Prefers dense forest, Finch Creek, Robertson Creek.
Common 1938-2006. Historical records are of "Plain Titmouse."
Single records Apr-May 1976. Other records between 15 Jul -27 Nov, 9 Sep 1979 (R. Mumme)
Scattered, occasional observations. Never consistent or predictable.
12 Sep 1951 (Q. Tomich), 31 May 1970 (N. Verbeek), and 28 Aug 1970 (J. Davis)
Several records, all but one between Jul and Aug (1938-1954). Several records from 1980s.
Nesting pairs in 1942-44 and 1946 in Finch Creek. Single birds recorded 1938, 1948, 1952. Few records from 1953-2006. A nest under Finch Creek bridge with 4 eggs ultimately fledged 3 young (W. Koenig, P. Hooge), first egg found 14 April 1983.
Nesting pairs in 1942-44 and 1946 in Finch Creek. Single birds recorded 1938, 1948, 1952. Few records from 1953-2006. A nest under Finch Creek bridge with 4 eggs ultimately fledged 3 young (W. Koenig, P. Hooge), first egg found 14 April 1983.
10 Oct 1951 (Q. Tomich), 21 Nov 1990 (M. Stanback), seven days between 4 Feb to 29 Mar 1992 (C. Adams), 24-25 Mar 2002 (W. Koenig). An additional record by Heck from the 1980's has been lost.
Winter residents until breeding established in 1979 (W. Koenig, P. Williams). Now year-round.
Several records of spring migrants in May, recorded Apr-Aug. A singing male suggested occasional breeding but no evidence (A. Miller, B. Davis), 18 Jun 1944.
Several records, 2 in Mar, all others between 7 Aug and 8 Jan.
More abundant in chamise-riparian areas, Finch Creek, Robertson Creek.
First seen Nov 1964, breeding in 1968, subsequently common. Often evicts Acorn Woodpeckers from cavities
Flocks 12 Nov to 10 Dec 1937, 1 Dec 1939 to 12 Jan 1940, single bird 14 Feb 1940. Historical records are of "Water Pipit."
1938-2006, mostly Oct-Nov. No records in Dec, Jan, or Jul. Most recently recorded 20 April 2004 in Home Field on Carmel Valley Road (W. Koenig and J. Stahl).
Many records, most in winter, but at least one in each month except July.
Winter records common, few summer records. Breeding within 3 km of reserve.
Winter records common, present all months but Jun, Jul.
One record of bird on School Hill (T. McKenzie), "late January 2000."
Breeding 1937-1950's, recorded infrequently since 1954. Uncommon spring migrant.
Several records Mar to Oct, breeding within 3 km of reserve.
Several records Apr-May, few Aug-Sep only. Uncommon migrant in spring and rare in fall.
Breeds in vicinity, migrant, records all months but Jun.
One record of a male in full plumage (N. Johnson with ornithology class), 3 May 1981.
Many records, summer observations predominate.
Four between Sep 1954 and Oct 1964 (J. Davis); one in Oct 1947 (who?).
Common 1938-2006. Historical records are of "Rufous-sided Towhee".
Many records. Estimate 2-5 pairs/year. Grassy habitat with rock outcrops. Red Hill.
8 Jun 1938 (Sibley), 30 Aug 1939 (Linsdale), and circa 1970 (Pitelka).
26 Jan 1946 (Finley), 24 Mar 1954 (J. Davis), and 13 Oct 1969 (J. Davis).
Many records, 1938-1958. Presently not abundant, but widespread.
One record of juvenile that was netted and photographed (W. Koenig), 13 Sep 1989.
Many records, 1937-1960. Prefers dense chamise. Often seen after burns.
Many records, 1937-1960. Winter only, Sep-Apr. Widespread, never abundant.
Abundant. Numbers increase in fall as wintering residents arrive, decrease in spring as they leave. One record of "Gray-headed Junco" (J. Davis), 5 Jan 1967.
Many winter records. One summer record (J. Davis), 25 July 1961.
Abundant in winter. A single tailless bird seen 17, 25, 27 Jul 1957 appeared to be of the coastal race nuttalli (J. Davis).
One record of a trapped and banded bird 18 Nov 1944 (Weston).
Oct (2), Nov (2), Jan (1), Jun (2). First record in 1964. Six records since 1976.
First recorded in 1952, and subsequently recorded five times before 1960. Repeated observations in the spring of 1959 culminated in the discovery of two Blue-gray Gnatcatchers seen feeding a fledgling on 4 July 1959 (Root). The next record is of a male and female seen together (Williams), 31 May 1979.
Can occasionally be found in mixed goldfinch flocks.
Great resources exist for anybody who wants to learn about birds. Check out All About Birds, NatureServe Explorer, the Audobon Field Guide or to find out more about the species we have here at Hastings. Birds of Hastings provides direct links to MVZ specimens and media.
