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From: phz@cadence.com (Pete Zakel)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: ID this bird  AND  Where is Everyone?
Message-ID: <9007130537.AA14995@cds709.noble.com>
Date: 13 Jul 90 05:37:12 GMT
Sender: daemon@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU
Lines: 29

Well, I can't help with the female bunting (or whatever it is) and I'm fairly
new to birding (and this group) but one of my favorite sightings this year
in Sillycon Valley is a brace of male ring-necked pheasants that have taken
up residence in a field adjacent to a moto-cross track near where I work.

I've managed to spot at least one of them (usually standing on one of the
many hillocks in the field) almost every time I've driven past (about twice
a month) since early spring.  These are the first ring-necks I've seen since
leaving Ohio 13 years ago and they are the most magnificent looking birds.
Especially when the light hits 'em just right.

The only other birds I have to report are the Anna's hummingbirds that visit
my backyard feeder, the house finches that visit my girlfriend's feeder, and
one fleet sighting of a brilliant yellow (or yellowish orange) and black bird
that I couldn't get a positive ID on, but figure is some type of Oriole.

Of course, there are also the numerous common egrets, snowy egrets, etc.
Also red-tails, turkey vultures, golden eagles, one kite (I'm pretty sure),
various jays, sparrows, blackbirds, etc., etc.

Last spring I spotted at least one junco (couldn't positively ID what type),
what may have been female goldfinches (but I'm not sure) and a few titmice.

I know, lots of boring everyday birds, but when you've just barely started
on your life-list, everything counts (and it's frustrating not being able
to get positive IDs on a lot of 'em...).

-Pete Zakel
 (phz@cadence.com or ..!{hpda,versatc,apollo,ucbcad,uunet}!cadence!phz)