Birds

Sightings at Hastings

192 Species Recorded From 1937-2006

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.

Bird Name

Species Name

Records

Notes

Gavia stellata

(M. MacRoberts), 28 Mar 1973.

Gavia pacifica

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.”

Gavia immer

1 record

One flying (J. Linsdale), 18 December 1937.

Podilymbus podiceps

Podiceps nigricollis

1 record

Laguna Conejo (W. Koenig), 5 January 1983.

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

1 record

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.

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

1 record

Laguna Conejo (J. Akre), 16 Jan 1997. Live? Dead? Record is missing.

Ardea herodias

11 records

1946-2006. Most recently seen feeding on fish on Finch Creek (M. Stromberg), 20 June 2006.

Butorides striatus

Apr-May (8), Jul-Aug (2), Big Creek/Blomquist Pond. Most recently seen on Blompond (Woods), 12 April 1997.

Nycticorax nycticorax

1 record

In tree (Kraaijeveld-Smit), 23 April 1998. Exact location on HNHR unclear.

Branta canadensis

1946-2006. Most recently seen feeding on fish on Finch Creek (M. Stromberg), 20 June 2006.

Anas platyrhynchos

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.

Anas acuta

Several fall and winter records of flocks overhead. One male on Blomquist pond with Mallards (S. Spon), 14 Jan 1984.

Anas cyanoptera

— records

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.

Anas crecca

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.

Aix sponsa

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.

Mergus merganser

Dried remains found (Q. Tomich), 5 Jan 1951.

Aquila chrysaetos

Known to breed within 2 km of Hastings reservation. Records from every month of the year.

Cathartes aura

Abundant on Carmel Valley road, west; may breed adjacent to reserve, rare in winter.

Gymnogyps californianus

A wing-tagged bird flying over (A. McGowan), 4 July 2003.

Accipiter striatus

Numbers increase in fall and winter.

Anas crecca

Numbers increase in fall and winter.

Circus cyaneus

— records

Recorded in 13 of 14 years 1938-1952. Then, six records 1952-2006. Most recently seen (J. McEntee), Oct 2004.

Elanus leucurus

1938-1980. Bred in at least 5 years. Rare 1980-1996. Pair seen recently near Blomquist Pond (J. Stahl), 21 July 2006.

Pandion haliaetus

6 records

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).

Buteo lineatus

Recorded nearly every year since 1949; breeding most years since 1959.

Buteo jamaicensis

Breeding nearly every year.

Buteo regalis

“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.

Buteo swainsoni

— records

Two adults (Larson), 26 July 1953.

Falco sparverius

Many records, 1937-1950. Usually 2-3 on reservation, apparently fewer 1970-2006.

Falco columbarius

Mostly winter.

Falco peregrinus

All before 1950.

Falco Falco mexicanus

19 records from 1937-1942, 7 records 1951-2006. Most recently 15 Oct 1997 (Carol Church).

Meleagris gallopavo

Introduced by Department of Fish & Game in 1968. Rare from 1969-1991. Abundant 1994-2006.

Callipepla californica

Many records, common and widespread.

Oreortyx pictus

Many records, more common at higher elevations, or in dense riparian brush.

Phasianus colchicus

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.

Porzana carolina

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.

Rallus limicola

Bird in mist net (W. Koenig), 11 Nov 1973.

Fulica americana

Two adults on Laguna Conejo: 28 May 1996 (W. Koenig) and 1 July 2006 (J. Stahl).

Charadrius vociferus

1938-2006. Most recent record of three birds at Blomquist Pond (S. Spon), 14 Feb 1984.

Tringa solitaria

April to May of single individuals on adjacent ponds between 1976-1980.

Actitis macularia

— records

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.

Limnodromus scolopaceus (?)

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.

Gallinago delicata

1938-2006, predominantly winter visitor. Most recent record of bird on Laguna Conejo (C. Church), 26 Nov 1996. Historical records are of “Common Snipe.”

Phalaropus fulicaria

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.

Phalaropus lobatus

Single birds on Blomquist Pond: 28 Aug 1982 (S. Albano) and 9 Apr 2005 (R. Hill).

Phalaropus tricolor

— records

A female seen on Blomquist pond (J. Conley) was later relocated on Laguna Conejo (W. Koenig and R. Mumme), 16 June 1981.

Calidris alpina

Bird on Blomquist Pond (M. Stapleton and J. Kranz), 25 Apr 1994.

Larus delawarensis

One immature collected on Cahoon trout pond (Tomich), 28 May 1952, had appeared occasionally for several weeks prior.

Larus philadelphia

Flyover (N. Verbeek), 26 Dec 1968.

Hydroprogne caspia

Three birds flying over (J. Davis), 21 Jul 1957.

Columba livia

8 records: 1949-50, 1973-77, and most recently, 2005 (J. McEntee & A. Tuccillo). All but most recent record were lost racing birds.

Columba fasciata

Common in some years, winter records predominate, breeds nearer coast.

Zenaida macroura

Irregular in winter.

Geococcyx californianus

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.

Tyto alba

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.

Otus kennicottii

Common 1938-2006, but heard more often than seen.

Bubo virginianus

Common 1938-2006.

Glaucidium gnoma

Regularly observed, 1938-2006. A nest in an old Acorn Woodpecker cavity along Carmel Valley Road fledged young in 2006.

Asio otus

At least 11 records: 1938-40, 1948, 1951-2, 1975, 1980-1, and 1990. Bred at least in 1980 and possibly in 1975.

Aegolius acadicus

Widespread, unknown abundance.

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

Many records. More common in winter?

Cypseloides niger

2 records, each 3 individuals flying over (J. Davis), 31 Aug 1954 and 7 Jul 1956.

Chaetura vauxi

10 records

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.

Aeronautes saxatalis

18 records, all flyovers. Breeding within 2-3 km of reserve.

Glaucidium gnoma

— records

Several records, primarily summer: 2 Apr to 29 Sep.

Calypte anna

Many records. Abundant in summer, fewer in winter.

Stellula calliope

3 records

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.

Selasphorus rufus

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).

Selasphorus sasin

Several records, 22 Feb to 13 Aug. Never abundant.

Ceryle alcyon

Several observations on Finch Creek, none breeding. A bird was seen on Blomquist Pond (W. Koenig), 7 Apr 1994.

Melanerpes lewis

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).

Melanerpes formicivorus

Common 1938-2006.

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

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).

Sphyrapicus ruber

Several records, all 18 Sep to 16 Apr. Winter Resident.

Picoides nuttallii

Common 1938-2006.

Picoides pubescens

Common 1938-2006.

Picoides villosus

Many records. Nests in fallen valley oaks and riparian areas. Abundance varies.

Colaptes auratus

Estimated 2-5 nests/yr. on reserve. Occasional flocks December – February. Yellow-shafted X red-shafted intergrades seen on occasion.

Contopus borealis

Several records, summer only.

Contopus sordidulus

Several records, summer predominate.

Empidonax traillii

1937-2006: Sep (4), Mar (1), Apr (1), May (2).

Empidonax hammondii

Recorded in several years since 1978 when noted as common (N. Johnson). One “probable” record (K. Clarkson), April 1990.

Empidonax difficilis

Many records, summer predominate.

Sayornis nigricans

Common 1938-2006. Surprisingly, on 28 Oct 2006 (Koenig) a female flushed from a nest with 3 eggs, a very late nesting record!

Sayornis saya

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.

Myiarchus cinerascens

Many records, summer predominate.

Tyrannus verticalis

Many records, summer records predominate. Generally 1-2 observed each year.

Tyrannus vociferans

6 Nov 1944 (Weston) on boundary fence between HNHR and Blomquist.

Lanius ludovicianus

Several records, 1938-2006, from all months except April.

Vireo casinii

Summer records predominate. Historical records are of “Solitary Vireo.”

Vireo huttoni

Common 1938-2006.

Vireo gilvus

Summer records predominate.

Cyanocitta stelleri

Common 1938-2006.

Aphelocoma californica

Abundant and widespread.

Nucifraga columbiana

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.

Pica nuttalli

Many records. Has not bred on HNHR since 1990, but breeds nearby.

Corvus brachyrhynchos

Increased abundance after 1980. Flocks of 10-30 common on and around reservation.

Nucifraga columbiana

All flyovers: 30 Sep 1953, 18 Feb 1956, 9 May 1957 (J. Davis), 4 Apr 1991 (T. Birkhead).

Eremophila alpestris

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.

Progne subis

Formerly Uncommon breeder. Nested 1942, 1948, and 1951. Seen every year 1938-1955. Last recorded 30 Jun 1958.

Tachycineta bicolor

Flyovers: 21 Feb 1974 (N. Verbeek), 15 Apr 1981 (R. Mumme). Occasionally nests in Western Bluebird boxes (1-2 nests per 300 boxes).

Tachycineta thalassina

Many records, summer records predominate.

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

12 Apr 1943 (J. Linsdale), 4-5 May 1974 (W. Koenig), 29 Jun to 1 Jul 1978 (P. Williams).

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

Nested regularly 1938-1941, and in 1955, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1987. Formerly Uncommon, but now Rare?

Hirundo rustica

10 May 1938 and 1 Jul 1979. Breeding documented (R. Mumme), 8 May 1980 and then continued through 2006.

Poecile gambeli

Larson – 21 July and 29 August 1952

Poecile rufescens

Many records. Prefers dense forest, Finch Creek, Robertson Creek.

Baeolophus inornatus

Common 1938-2006. Historical records are of “Plain Titmouse.”

Psaltriparus minimus

Common and abundant

Sitta canadensis

Single records Apr-May 1976. Other records between 15 Jul -27 Nov, 9 Sep 1979 (R. Mumme)

Sitta carolinensis

Common 1938-2006

Certhia americana

Scattered, occasional observations. Never consistent or predictable.

Thryomanes bewickii

Common 1980-2006

Troglodytes aedon

Common 1980-2006

Salpinctes obsoletus

12 Sep 1951 (Q. Tomich), 31 May 1970 (N. Verbeek), and 28 Aug 1970 (J. Davis)

Catherpes mexicanus

Several records, all but one between Jul and Aug (1938-1954). Several records from 1980s.

Cinclus mexicanus

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.

Cinclus mexicanus

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.

Regulus satrapa

Winter records predominate.

Regulus calendula

Winter records predominate.

Polioptila caerulea

Common 1938-2006.

Sialia mexicana

Common 1938-2006.

Myadestes townsendi

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.

Ixoreus naevius

Winter records predominate, abundant in some years.

Turdus migratorius

Winter residents until breeding established in 1979 (W. Koenig, P. Williams). Now year-round.

Catharus ustulatus

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.

Catharus guttatus

Winter records predominate.

Mimus polyglottos

Several records, 2 in Mar, all others between 7 Aug and 8 Jan.

Toxostoma rufum

(J. Davis), 3 Nov 1966.

Toxostoma redivivum

More abundant in chamise-riparian areas, Finch Creek, Robertson Creek.

Sturnus vulgaris

First seen Nov 1964, breeding in 1968, subsequently common. Often evicts Acorn Woodpeckers from cavities

Anthus rubescens

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.”

Phainopepla nitens

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).

Bombycilla cedrorum

Many records, most in winter, but at least one in each month except July.

Vermivora celata

Summer records predominate.

Vermivora ruficapilla

Spring migrant.

NORTHERN PARULA

Parula americana

22 Jul 1979 (R. Mumme), 15 May 1994 (K. Ellison).

Setophaga petechia

Summer records predominate.

YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER

Setophaga coronata

Winter records common, few summer records. Breeding within 3 km of reserve.

Setophaga nigrescens

Common 1938-2006.

Setophaga townsendi

Winter records common, present all months but Jun, Jul.

HERMIT WARBLER

Setophaga occidentalis

Spring and fall migrant.

Setophaga palmarum

One record of bird on School Hill (T. McKenzie), “late January 2000.”

Mniotilta varia

(Breck Yler), 24 April 2001.

Geothlypis tolmiei

Breeding 1937-1950’s, recorded infrequently since 1954. Uncommon spring migrant.

Geothlypis trichas

Several records, Mar to Jul, Oct.

Cardellina pusilla

Several records Mar to Oct, breeding within 3 km of reserve.

Icteria virens

Several records Apr-May, few Aug-Sep only. Uncommon migrant in spring and rare in fall.

Piranga ludoviciana

Breeds in vicinity, migrant, records all months but Jun.

Piranga rubra

One record of a male in full plumage (N. Johnson with ornithology class), 3 May 1981.

Pheucticus melanocephalus

Many records, summer observations predominate.

Guiraca caerulea

(J. Linsdale), 31 Aug 1938.

Passerina amoena

Many records, summer records predominate.

GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE

Pipilo chlorurus

Four between Sep 1954 and Oct 1964 (J. Davis); one in Oct 1947 (who?).

Pipilo maculatus

Common 1938-2006. Historical records are of “Rufous-sided Towhee”.

Pipilo crissalis

Common 1938-2006

Aimophila ruficeps

Many records. Estimate 2-5 pairs/year. Grassy habitat with rock outcrops. Red Hill.

Spizella passerina

Summer records predominate

Spizella atrogularis

8 Jun 1938 (Sibley), 30 Aug 1939 (Linsdale), and circa 1970 (Pitelka).

Pooecetes gramineus

26 Jan 1946 (Finley), 24 Mar 1954 (J. Davis), and 13 Oct 1969 (J. Davis).

Chondestes grammacus

Many records, 1938-1958. Presently not abundant, but widespread.

Amphispiza bilineata

One record of juvenile that was netted and photographed (W. Koenig), 13 Sep 1989.

Artemisiospiza nevadensis

Many records, 1937-1960. Prefers dense chamise. Often seen after burns.

Passerculus sandwichensis

Many records, 1937-1960. Winter only, Sep-Apr. Widespread, never abundant.

Junco hyemalis

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.

Zonotrichia atricapilla

Many winter records. One summer record (J. Davis), 25 July 1961.

Zonotrichia albicollis

Irregular

Zonotrichia leucophrys

Abundant in winter. A single tailless bird seen 17, 25, 27 Jul 1957 appeared to be of the coastal race nuttalli (J. Davis).

Zonotrichia querula

One record of a trapped and banded bird 18 Nov 1944 (Weston).

Ammodramus savannarum

Oct (2), Nov (2), Jan (1), Jun (2). First record in 1964. Six records since 1976.

Melospiza lincolnii

Passerella iliaca

Irregular, but common in some years

Calcarius lapponicus

(D. O’Daniel), 21 Sep 1989.

Sturnella neglecta

Many records. Large flocks in winter.

Molothrus ater

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.

Agelaius phoeniceus

Breeds adjacent to Reserve

Agelaius tricolor

Breeds near reserve, possibly on Laguna Conejo.

Euphagus cyanocephalus

Breeds adjacent to Reserve.

Icterus bullockii

Abundant

Icterus cucullatus

27 Apr 1968 (Hubert); 12, 15 May 1980 (P. Williams).

Icterus parisorum

26 Nov 1955 (Miller) – specimen MVZ.

Carpodacus purpureus

Many records

Carpodacus mexicanus

Marked reduction in numbers in winter.

Carduelis pinus

Record in every month but Jun, Jul.

Carduelis lawrenci

Uncommon in winter.

Carduelis psaltria

Abundant

Carduelis tristis

Can occasionally be found in mixed goldfinch flocks.

Passer domesticus

1939, 1962, and in seven years 1967-1979.