Date: 1/24/26 10:33 am From: Adrian Hinkle via groups.io <adrian.hinkle...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Red-throated Pipit, S. Clairemont Rec Center
Last update, the rtpi stays with a flock of ~25 Americans. They flew in
from the nw at about 9:40 and foraged in the lushest, tallest part of the
lawn on the east end of the park for 45 minutes before flying off again to
the nw. So, attempting between 9-10am tomorrow might be fruitful.
Adrian
On Sat, Jan 24, 2026, 9:40 AM Adrian Hinkle via groups.io <adrian.hinkle=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Rtpi is in the park now.
>
> On Fri, Jan 23, 2026, 11:21 AM Adrian Hinkle via groups.io <adrian.hinkle=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> About an hour ago there was a Red-throated Pipit with ~25 American Pipits
>> at South Clairemont Rec Center, on the lawn at the east end of the park:
>>
>> 32.806010, -117.198343
>>
>> The bird flew off with Americans after about 20 minutes. A number of
>> folks showed up and then split off to search nearby fields. Apparently
>> there are often pipits in this park and a nearby school field, so the bird
>> should hopefully cycle through the park again eventually.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Adrian Hinkle
>>
>
>
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Date: 1/24/26 9:41 am From: Adrian Hinkle via groups.io <adrian.hinkle...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Red-throated Pipit, S. Clairemont Rec Center
Rtpi is in the park now.
On Fri, Jan 23, 2026, 11:21 AM Adrian Hinkle via groups.io <adrian.hinkle=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> About an hour ago there was a Red-throated Pipit with ~25 American Pipits
> at South Clairemont Rec Center, on the lawn at the east end of the park:
>
> 32.806010, -117.198343
>
> The bird flew off with Americans after about 20 minutes. A number of folks
> showed up and then split off to search nearby fields. Apparently there are
> often pipits in this park and a nearby school field, so the bird should
> hopefully cycle through the park again eventually.
>
> Cheers,
> Adrian Hinkle
>
>
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Date: 1/23/26 11:21 am From: Adrian Hinkle via groups.io <adrian.hinkle...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Red-throated Pipit, S. Clairemont Rec Center
About an hour ago there was a Red-throated Pipit with ~25 American Pipits at South Clairemont Rec Center, on the lawn at the east end of the park:
32.806010, -117.198343
The bird flew off with Americans after about 20 minutes. A number of folks showed up and then split off to search nearby fields. Apparently there are often pipits in this park and a nearby school field, so the bird should hopefully cycle through the park again eventually.
Cheers, Adrian Hinkle
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Date: 1/22/26 11:45 am From: John Bruin via groups.io <johnrbruin...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Varied Thrush continues at Western Hills Park
The Varied thrush first reported a few days ago was just spotted here (11:40) in about the same location:
32.7861964, -117.1971287
I didn’t hear any calls but as I was about to leave it flew into a nearby tree and then flew back into the dense hillside on the SW side of the park. Photos later with my checklist
John Bruin
Bay Park
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Date: 1/22/26 11:45 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] second half of winter rarities and rarity searching
We've now entered late January. Still a solid 6 weeks of winter birding remaining. There seems to always be a rush of birding activity with the New Year that lasts a few weeks and then perhaps wanes, which is my impression starting the past week or so. Plenty of folks out chasing rarity-stakeout year birds! But then what, after most of the stakeouts are gotten? Or perhaps folks are checking the same spots time after time after time at this time of year but only finding a very limited number of new birds--which is to be expected in mid- and late winter given the low turnover rates.
I know I sound like a broken record, but I wish to encourage those wondering what to do is that there is simply a massive amount of winter habitat for interesting landbirds to hide. Coastally, where most of the rarities are, there is enough unexplored habitat from around I-15 to the coast that half the birders in San Diego could be out exploring this huge area almost every day and we wouldn't exhaust the supply even by the end of February. Heck, one could almost say the same thing just for the area near I-5 westward to the coast. Now, a bunch of this habitat is found in residential areas, and I know that lots of folks don't like birding those sorts of areas. But there are still plenty of small parks and other open spaces. And it WOULD be worth re-checking good landbird spots that haven't been visited since the Christmas Count season, given that some birds can move around locally during the winter in response to changing flowering/fruiting regimes, etc. All of the above is true for the entire coastal region of San Diego County, from the Orange County line to the Mexican border.
As an example, in addition to looking at some of the winter stakeouts lately, just yesterday I checked some tipu parking lots in Mira Mesa and had a new Nashville Warbler; and today I checked an underbirded stretch of the San Diego River near the Mission and had a White-throated Sparrow, and a totally non-birded drainage flowing into the San Diego River in Mission Valley and had new Tennessee, Nashville, and Yellow Warblers. Just examples from the past two days.
Heck, even WELL inland regions will turn stuff up, although not at the rate of coastal areas. Examples for mid-winter: just in the past few days a new American Redstart was in Escondido and a very rare "Red" Fox Sparrow was near Julian.
The bottom line: explore, explore, explore.
--Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 1/21/26 6:19 pm From: Ruslan Balagansky via groups.io <ruslan...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Hotspots for eBird Bar Charts Jan 22-31
Hello fellow SD birders,
Thanks again for contributing to our efforts to fill out the weekly eBird bar charts! This week the number of hotspots covered was *double* the number from last week!
Highlights include:
* A Summer Tanager at Memorial Park * Cuyamaca Rancho SP Cold Stream Trail - the first double digit species count in 5 years owing to a thorough 5 mile / 3 hour effort! (23 species). Highlights here include a Fox Sparrow and a Purple Finch. * Montevalle Community Park was birded for the first time since July and yielded a pretty good audio recording of a Hutton's Vireo * Phil Unitt birded PQ Carson's Crossing as part of SD Nat's Urban Canyon Study: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/healthy-canyons-initiative-san-diego
For next week, we have a very short list of hotspots nearing completion. Only 2 spots with fewer than 10 weeks remaining, so 2 more are added to the list of the week based on fewest weeks remaining. Although these 4 spots are on the outskirts, we have a few extra days to cover them since this is the last chart week of the month. As usual for this year, we also have a second list with about two dozen hotspots that have pretty good coverage except for the current time of year.
All 4 hotspots on the first list should be comfortably within one California Bird Atlas block, and the Old Coach Rd. riparian hotspot hasn't been atlassed at all yet.
Also a reminder: eBird now allows submission of photos of the hotspot itself (under Experience and/or Habitat). These photos will be featured on the hotspot page itself. This is a great way to document for others what the hotspot itself looks like / what a birder visiting for the first time might expect. No fancy camera necessary - a phone photo will work just fine! Here's the Carson's Crossing page, for example, currently showcasing several photos taken by John Bruin in December: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L4310853.
Laguna Mtns.--Pine Creek Rd. near S1 Cuyamaca Rancho SP--Azalea Glen Trail Appleton Preserve, Fallbrook, CA Old Coach Rd. riparian
Hotspots with 3+ week bar chart gaps:
Agua Hedionda Lagoon--Harbor Dr. Reama Park Laguna Mtns.--Desert View Overlook Sloane Canyon Azalea Community Park Palomar County Park Sunrise Hwy--mile 14.5 pullout San Onofre SB--bluffs Zuniga Jetty Oasis Spring Scripps Ranch Community Park Carmel Creek Neighborhood Park Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve (Restricted Access) Agua Hedionda Lagoon--boat ramp Palomar Mtn.--Doane Valley CG Camp Pendleton--Macs Road Ponds (restricted access) Kwaamii Point Spooners Mesa 32nd St. Canyon Open Space Camp Pendleton--Santa Margarita River mouth (restricted access) Otay River Valley--east of 125 Holy Cross Cemetery Coronado Cays--park & residential South Buena Vista Park Hidden Canyon Park
Cheers,
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Date: 1/20/26 2:04 pm From: Michael Beeve via groups.io <pileatedwoodpecker...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Grace's warbler at Heritage Park
Sonja and I found this bird on the top of the hill in the large stand of pines behind the community center at 10:30 today. We also had a "slate-backed" Dark-eyed junco and a Brown creeper. Sorry for the late post! Note to Paul: Is this a strange place to find the creeper? Usually we find it on cedars in the Laguna or Palomar mountains. Good birding,Michael
Michael Beeve Vista, CA 92081 <pileatedwoodpecker...>
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Date: 1/19/26 9:45 am From: Eve Martin via groups.io <yvemartin...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Winter Wren Continues at El Camino Del Norte
We saw the Winter Wren this morning at the El Camino Del Norte hotspot at about 8:30 a.m. Seen briefly just west of the trail from these coordinates: 33.047411, -117.227779.
Not vocalizing. No playback used.
~Eve
~~~~~~~~~~~
Eve Martin
Del Mar, California
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Date: 1/17/26 11:58 am From: Dean Budd via groups.io <1dabudd...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Greater White-fronted Goose at Rangeland Rd.
With Canada Geese at the secondary/northern pond. Also the Bald Eagle is in the nest.
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If you’re getting a zero species issue, you are not alone, and it is not
unique to you. Thanks to those that notified me, but it is now a Known
Thing.
Thanks
Justyn
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Date: 1/16/26 2:22 pm From: Trent R. Stanley via groups.io <trent...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Pair of Summer Tanagers at the Zoo (M & F)
While scouting for the CBC, keeper Caitlin Morrow and I were doing our best
to keep tabs on three Summer Tanagers at the Zoo: an adult male and female
in the vicinity of the Lower Duck Pond, and a splotchy young male at the
Reptile House. All three failed to appear on the day of the CBC...
Today (1/16), around noon as I was leaving, I heard two SUTA pi‑tucking
calls from the pines just west of the Lower Duck Pond, and I saw the bright
red male and yellow female together. Not exactly a major rarity anymore,
but it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a male and female together in San
Diego. (32.73335, -117.15411 <https://maps.app.goo.gl/ngw7ZmyPofUSbVUa7>)
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Date: 1/16/26 10:24 am From: John Bruin via groups.io <johnrbruin...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Varied Thrush continues Western Hills park
After 45 minutes of searching the bird flew up into a Eucalyptus tree where I was able to get photos. The whole time it was silent.
32.786033,-117.197237
John Bruin
Bay Park
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Date: 1/16/26 8:44 am From: Adrian Hinkle via groups.io <adrian.hinkle...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Varied Thrush, Western Hills Park
Had a VATH with a few Hermit Thrushes along the creek at Western Hills Park this morning. It was hard to see in the thick bushes but there are several thrushes there, so I'm sure it will stick around. Seen where there's a small path that cuts into the creek: 32.786033,-117.197237
Cheers, Adrian
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Date: 1/15/26 6:06 pm From: Stan Walens via groups.io <stan.walens...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Red-footed booby, La Jolla, 1/15
Juvenile showing either some feather wear or some white feathers molting in.
Over the Golf and Tennis Club near Torrey Pines Rd and La Jolla Shores Drive at 4:20, heading westward.
Stan Walens, San Diego
Jan 15, 2026; 6:00 pm
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Date: 1/15/26 5:53 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] the MIA Scissor-tailed Flycatcher ; and miscellanea
As some of you recall, Chris McCreedy saw a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher on 27 Dec along 28th/Maple along the east side of the Balboa Park Golf Course and just immediately north of Switzer Canyon. He has not reported it again. But I just now discovered an eBird report with a perfectly good photo of the bird at exactly the same spot from a week earlier--on 20 Dec--by a Wendy Walker. Sometimes late-submitted eBird reports, even obviously correct ones, end up several pages back in the chronological review queue, so us reviewers don't see them in a timely manner. I mention this report here because it does not seem that almost anyone has gone looking for this bird (I tried once in late Dec). And although it does sort of seem like a needle in a haystack, the bird may have a routine and can be re-found at some point in that area at that same time of day (late morning). And there is a reasonable chance this is a returning bird from a few years earlier at slightly different but relatively nearby locations.
Yesterday, the 14th, additional species of interest I saw in the Imperial Beach and South San Diego Bay area included an adult dark-lored (oriantha-type) White-crowned Sparrow, 3 Golden-crowned Sparrows, and continuing Green-tailed Towhee bordering Camp Surf, the continuing female White-winged Scoter at the IB Pier, and the usual Pacific Golden-Plover at high tide roosting with the hundreds of Black-bellieds on "Stint Island" at the Salt Works, along with a pretty good count of 70+ Herring Gulls and a first-cycle "Thayer's" on the nearby dikes. Also, three Black Scoters continue on South San Diego Bay--two drakes and a female--as viewed with a good scope looking west in the AM from Chula Vista Bayfront Park (J Street) toward the north section of Coronado Cays. Requires long periods of patience sifting through the masses of Surf Scoters. Can also try looking from Chula Vista Bayside Park just to the north, or from the opposite direction from the end of Grand Caribe in Coronado Cays. Also a reminder that the medium sized tight flock(s) of scaup out in the middle of the bottom bay are often Greaters.
--Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 1/14/26 6:08 pm From: Ruslan Balagansky via groups.io <ruslan...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Hotspots for eBird Bar Charts January 15-21
Greetings,
Thanks for keeping the momentum going on these weekly hotspots! The same number of listed hotspots were visited the second week as in the first week. Perhaps we can increase that number next week?
As a reminder, or if you're just tuning in: this weekly project is about plugging calendar week coverage gaps in eBird hotspot "bar charts" - which species were observed during a given week of the year (each calendar month is separated into exactly 4 "weeks" of 7 days each except for the 4th, which may be shorter or longer). This project was started by John Bruin in 2024, and I'm taking it over in 2026.
Every week I'm sending out two lists of eBird hotspots. The first list contains hotspots missing 10 bar chart weeks or fewer. Since most of these were completed last year thanks to our efforts, these lists are quite small in 2026, so in 2026 I'm adding a second list of "gap" hotspots - these are hotspots that have bigger coverage gaps (3+ weeks) including the current week, prioritized by number of weeks already covered.
The past week's list got Beverly and I to visit hotspots we hadn't visited before. San Onofre SB was a long drive to get to, but well worth it. Quite a unique beach and it was less busy than usual due to the lower parking lot being closed (I believe it's reopened now). While we noted no rarities here, it was fun to walk by the SONGS plant, see Brown Pelicans interspersed with surfers, and Great-tailed Grackles trying to figure out how to use somebody's propane stove and foraging closer than we've ever seen them to the surf.
Next week we have a bigger list of hotspots nearing 100% bar chart completion - with 9 total, one of which only needs this upcoming week to be complete!
Carmel Mission Park Cuyamaca Rancho SP--Azalea Glen Trail *Encinitas Ranch GC--Paseo de las Flores and pond - 1* Encinitas Ranch GC--parking lot and vicinity Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve--Carson's Crossing area Rancho La Costa Preserve--Denk Mountain and Copper Canyon San Luis Rey River--Foussat to Douglas Sunset Drive Area--eucs & riparian Tijuana River Valley--campground
Hotspots with 3+ week bar chart gaps:
Reama Park Palomar Mtn.--Observatory Trail/S-6 Loop Sloane Canyon Memorial Park (SD Co.) Azalea Community Park Montevalle Community Park & Salt Creek San Onofre SB--bluffs Oasis Spring Cuyamaca Rancho SP--Cold Stream Trail Glen Park (Cardiff) Harmony Grove Village Community Park Swan Canyon Jackson Park Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve (Restricted Access) Palomar Mtn.--Doane Valley CG J Street Viewpoint (Encinitas) Kwaamii Point Spooners Mesa Camp Pendleton--Santa Margarita River mouth (restricted access) Bonsall--Old River Rd. Otay River Valley--east of 125
Cheers,
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Date: 1/14/26 7:47 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Continuing Swainson's Thrush and Northern Parula, TRV duo of white-throated sparrows and Palm warbler
The 4th winter county record of Swainson's Thrush continued yesterday since late December at Encinitas Community Park and the male Northern Parula continued along Carmel Mountain Road where it was mostly frequenting the mistletoe clumps in the now leafless sycamore trees. This morning, Weds, in the TRV, the White-throated Sparrow continues near the west end of the Bird & Butterfly Garden with the White crowned flock, and the brighter White-throated Sparrow that was present all fall is still present at the northwest section of the Community Gardens next door. Also at the extreme northwest corner of the community gardens, in the plot that has a bunch of potted plants and then also in the willows that form the very northwest border of the gardens, is a continuing Palm Warbler found just a couple days ago.
Paul Lehman, San Diego
Sent from AOL on Android
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Date: 1/12/26 12:15 pm From: Nathan French via groups.io <nathanfrenchphotography...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Western Cattle Egret at Robb Field 1/12
Not rare but fairly uncommon here.
(32.7572162, -117.2383579)
Nathan French
Hillcrest
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Date: 1/12/26 6:43 am From: Justyn Stahl via groups.io <justyn.stahl...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] [CALBIRDS] California Bird Atlas: First Week Report
San Diego is heavily featured in the week one highlights of the California
Bird Atlas (see below). Be sure to check out the story posted on eBird.org
as it includes a helpful overview of common pitfalls with breeding code
usage: https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/news/atlas-dispatch-jan-1-7-2026
Special shout-out to my 'blockmate', Chris McCreedy, who's already
confirmed breeding activity for at least 6 of our local species!
A few minutes outside each night in your own backyard will really help
build out our nocturnal effort hours. Duetting Great Horned Owls should be
coded "C" for courtship as they begin egg-laying. Even if nothing is heard,
these checklists are valuable, so please submit them. And of course those
backyard nesting hummingbirds are great contributions!
Justyn Stahl
North Park (Block 'Point Loma NE')
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Van Pierszalowski via groups.io <van...>
>
Date: Sat, Jan 10, 2026 at 5:25 PM
Subject: [CALBIRDS] California Bird Atlas: First Week Report
To: <CALBIRDS...>
Hi Birders,
As previously announced, California’s first statewide Bird Atlas officially
launched on January 1, 2026 and will run through December 31, 2030. If you
haven’t joined yet, this short *Quick Start video
<https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8Z3kbqiO9rw>* walks through how to
participate and submit checklists via the *California Bird Atlas eBird
project* <https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/home>. As a reminder, we
encourage all California eBirders to submit *all* checklists through the
Atlas project, whether or not breeding behavior is observed.
We’re excited to share that the Atlas is off to an incredible start. The
level of enthusiasm and engagement in just the first week has exceeded all
expectations.
*In the first seven days of 2026 alone:*
- *445* atlasers submitted *2,656* checklists
- Coverage spanned *831* atlas blocks across *51* counties
- *2,865* observations were assigned breeding codes
- Confirmed breeding codes were reported for at least *15* species.
- Atlasers recorded *628,723* individual birds
Thank you to everyone contributing, and to those who have supported the
project through the *Donate link
<https://donorbox.org/california-bird-atlas>*. We’re just getting started.
We won’t spam this listserv with weekly updates *every* week, but we’ll
continue to share periodic updates as appropriate.
With sincere appreciation,
*Van Pierszalowski*
Executive Director, California Bird Atlas
<van...>
Los Angeles, CA
P.S. We’re assembling a team of Regional Coordinators across the state. If
you’re interested in learning more, email me directly.
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Date: 1/11/26 12:20 pm From: Lisa Ruby via groups.io <lbruby1...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Black-throated Green Warbler continues at Lindo Lake
The Black-throated Green Warbler first reported by a Palomar Audubon group at Lindo Lake on Jan 3 is still there. Looks like it had been missed for the last few days. Michelle and I refound it around 11:30 today where Roger had it on the 8th, in a pepper tree here:
32.85790,-116.91795
It also went into 2 other pepper trees across the grass to the south. A royal pain to try to photograph. It was chipping on and off.
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Date: 1/10/26 1:42 pm From: Paul Mulholland via groups.io <pmulhol...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Watch out for Mountain Plover at Robb Field
The Mountain Plover is on the western edge of the mud flat with the
roosting herons, so roughly here:
(32.7562110, -117.2401406)
On Sat, Jan 10, 2026 at 8:25 AM Nathan French via groups.io
<nathanfrenchphotography...> wrote:
> Just had the MOPL briefly at Robb. All the plovers flushed though and I’m
> trying to relocate it now.
>
> (32.7559829, -117.2380981)
>
> Nathan French
> Hillcrest
>
> On Jan 10, 2026, at 7:51 AM, Nick Thorpe via groups.io <nick.thorpe49=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>
> Visiting birders had a Mountain Plover yesterday at Robb Field at low
> tide, with other plover species. This morning, it was on South Mission
> Beach with Snowy Plovers, and the flock has just now flushed towards Robb
> Field.
> --
> Nick Thorpe
> University Heights
>
>
>
>
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Date: 1/10/26 1:10 pm From: Trent R. Stanley via groups.io <trent...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Cactus Wrens (5) at Sandrock Canyon, Serra Mesa
Barbara Carlson and I birded some of the finger canyons of Serra Mesa this
morning (1/10) and came across a concentration of five Cactus Wrens at
Sandrock Canyon. We began at the northern end (32.7997826, -117.1371667
<https://maps.app.goo.gl/4We94H27L8f7yqHU8>), where one was singing from
the top of a tree and another was skulking nearby. About half a mile down,
we encountered another pair together, followed by a lone individual a
little farther along.
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Date: 1/10/26 10:43 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Mountain Plover MIA again
After being present for maybe 45 minutes or so on the eastern mud flat before the Sunset bridge, the Mountain Plover then just vanished while nobody was looking and so we don't know where it went. One recommendation for anybody going on tomorrow's pelagic trip is that Given you'll be in the area anyway, is Right after dawn to check the Mission Beach site where Nick had it first thing this morning with the snowy plovers.
I should add that when I showed up, five different people offered to show me the bird in their scope and every time I looked they were looking at a Black-bellied plover. So be aware of the potential for misidentifications.
Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 1/10/26 9:32 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Continuing Mountain Plover.
For the last while the mountain plover has been feeding on the largest mud flat which has most of the black bellies and semi plovers off of Rob Field straight out from the very end of the parking lot and just short of the Sunset Cliffs bridge.
Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 1/10/26 9:18 am From: Nick Thorpe via groups.io <nick.thorpe49...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Watch out for Mountain Plover at Robb Field
MOPL is hanging out on the eastern mudflats at Robb now
(32.7570642, -117.2385631)
--
Nick Thorpe
University Heights
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Date: 1/10/26 8:25 am From: Nathan French via groups.io <nathanfrenchphotography...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Watch out for Mountain Plover at Robb Field
Date: 1/10/26 7:51 am From: Nick Thorpe via groups.io <nick.thorpe49...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Watch out for Mountain Plover at Robb Field
Visiting birders had a Mountain Plover yesterday at Robb Field at low tide, with other plover species. This morning, it was on South Mission Beach with Snowy Plovers, and the flock has just now flushed towards Robb Field.
--
Nick Thorpe
University Heights
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Date: 1/9/26 1:22 pm From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] (southern) South County orioles and tanagers
As many folks know well (especially those living farther north in San Diego Co.), the numbers of over-wintering orioles, tanagers, and rare warblers is almost always highest in (southern) South County, north to about Mission Bay and La Jolla, and then declines farther to north in the county. Certainly plenty of pleasing exceptions to this rule of thumb, but in general it holds almost every year. As an example, here's a few hours of January birding at several parks in the southern South County:
Also, a Vermilion Flycatcher and the continuing Costco Black-thr Green Warbler.
Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 1/9/26 9:42 am From: Nick Thorpe via groups.io <nick.thorpe49...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Entry passes - state parks, county parks
For non-seniors, the state parks pass is quite a bit more expensive. There are multiple tiers, and the one that covers the most parks is $195:
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1049
However, you can also check out a state parks pass for two weeks from your local library!
https://www.parks.ca.gov/30806
--
Nick Thorpe
University Heights
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Date: 1/9/26 8:06 am From: Nancy Christensen via groups.io <nancy.r.christensen...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Entry passes - state parks, county parks
At the beginning of each year I usually post a reminder about passes to
various locations. I strongly encourage everyone to support our local parks
by paying the appropriate fees. I did not look up the actual fees just now,
so there may be some changes since I posted this last year!
*Senior Golden Bear Pass - State Parks/Forests*
- $20
-age 62 and older
- good for one calendar year (2026 is up next)
- free entry for off-season state parks/forests (so state
beaches, mountains free during winter)
- purchase in person in Carlsbad or on Pacific Highway
- The following passes apply to Day-Use only. Passes do not apply to
camping/extra vehicles.
- Family Pass to all County parks – $40/year for San Diego County
residents
- Family Pass to an individual park - $25/year for San Diego County
residents
- Senior (62+) – FREE for San Diego County residents (Perpetual Parking
Pass – good for lifetime use)
- Disabled – FREE for San Diego County (a current California Disabled
placard will be honored in lieu of a pass at all regional day-use parks)
- Purchased in person at the County Parks and Rec Dept at 5510 Overland
Dr suite 207 (Go up the elevator and turn left)
- Good for National Parks, Monuments and Forests – this includes
parking in the Laguna Mountains, day use at Observatory Campground, Fry
Creek Campground, etc.
*National Forest Adventure Pass*
National Forest pass – $30 per year - sold at sporting goods
stores and the Laguna Store. In the
past, if you purchased one at the Laguna Store, you could buy a second one
at a deep discount,
so bring a friend! This pass is good at all National Forests in Southern
California.
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Date: 1/8/26 4:19 pm From: Roee Astor via groups.io <roeeastor...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Eurasian Wigeon at San Diego River mouth
At 4pm among large flock of American Wigeons, swimming in the channel adjacent to the Skate Park at Robb Field. I am not sure if this is a continuing bird or not.
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Date: 1/8/26 3:01 pm From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] La Jolla seawatch interesting results
Thursday morning, after a calm start, the W/NW winds picked up at La Jolla, as forecast, producing some interesting results. I was there for 4-1/4 hours, with Paul Mulholland for 2/3 of that time, and Charley Herzfeld for a short while at the end. The one true rarity was a pure-white-rumped storm-petrel quite close in that was very likely a Leach's. And likely a nominate (northern) Leach's based on seasonality and the pure white rump. It did not have the more extensive white of a classic Townsend's, and who knows about Ainley's.... In winter, our most "likely" storm-petrels (all very rare), in descending order, are probably Ashy then Leach's then Fork-tailed. The other big surprise were the numbers of southbound birds of several species, all clearly migrating. We had 2400 southbound Pacific Loons, a species we have had in similar numbers several times before this late in the season during the first half of January, as well as 640 southbound Surf Scoters. Also 59 southbound Common Murres, which is by far the high count there during the past year, perhaps partly the result of how few days we've had with a good W/NW blow. Lastly, there were at least 440 southbound adult Heermann's Gulls, presumably birds from up and down the West Coast now beginning to return to the breeding grounds in Mexico. A few jaegers and a just a single Red Phalarope. Also still some other waterfowl on the move southbound, including American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, and Bufflehead.
--Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 1/8/26 8:19 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] La Jolla Leach's Storm-Petrel and plenty of Murres
At dawn this morning there was no wind at La Jolla but within 45 minutes it picked up And now it is moderate from the west or Northwest. We had a fairly close Leach's-type Storm petrel with a nice white rump fly by. I suppose one can't eliminate Ainleys....... We are now also up to 30 Common Murres, all southbound. And speaking of southbound, a notable movement of loons and scoters still happening southbound on the 8th of January. Also a notable movement of adult Heermann's Gulls back to the south.
Paul Lehman, Paul Mulholland, San Diego
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Date: 1/8/26 5:46 am From: Justyn Stahl via groups.io <justyn.stahl...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Californian Bird Atlas and weekly hotspots
Thanks Ruslan. I’ll send a more detailed message about the CBA soon, but
two major points to reiterate here with regard to hotspots are:
(1) If you’re submitting a CBA checklist, the location you choose (whether
that’s a hotspot or a personal location) should be one for the block you
are in, and the effort on that checklist should be wholly contained within
that block. If you cross an atlas block boundary, you need to stop the
first list and start a new one, choosing/creating a location in that new
block.
(2) If you detect breeding behavior in an adjacent block (an Osprey Nest
Building in an adjacent block), you’ll need to create an incidental
checklist for the block the behavior occurred in, despite the fact that you
saw it from a different block. If it flies through with nesting material,
use your best judgement as to where it was headed. And if you don’t know
you can just use CN (Carrying Nesting Material) for the last block you saw
it in.
Of course, there will be gray areas in a lot of the atlasing process and
you’ll need to use your best judgement based on available knowledge. That
knowledge can be enhanced by:
2. Cross-checking any early (anything in January especially) breeding
activity with the San Diego County Bird Atlas. Realize there are not
filters in place for breeding codes as there are for the birds themselves,
so you won’t be alerted in the app for outliers, but they are reviewed. If
you encounter breeding activity (above singing), it is very helpful in
assessing the record if you ***add notes and photos***.
Please note that few if any species (e.g., owls) should be Carrying Food
(as defined by the breeding codes, e.g., to a nest) at this time of year.
Species-specific accounts here:
https://sdplantatlas.org/BirdAtlas/BirdPages.aspx
3. Ask questions! Feel free to email me offline.
More to follow.
Thanks for contributing and Happy Atlasing!
Justyn Stahl
North Park
On Wed, Jan 7, 2026 at 11:10 PM Ruslan Balagansky <ruslan...>
wrote:
> I was just alerted that some of the "classic" 6 hotspots for next week
> will fall on California Bird Atlas block boundaries (I didn't check
> the "gap" hotspots, but probably some of those will also fall on block
> boundaries).
>
> If you are atlassing for CBA, please be aware of this. I believe you have
> a few options for the hotspots in question (San Onofre SB, Delta Beach, and
> a small slice of Torrey Hills Mesa):
>
> 1. Create a *non-project *checklist as usual, ignoring the CBA (but
> please consider the alternatives below instead!)
> 2. Create a CBA project checklist for the hotspot and limit your birding
> to the CBA project block the hotspot pin is in (when you select the hotspot
> in the app, you'll see the project grid and block boundaries). Afterward,
> if desired, create a checklist in a personal location for neighboring
> block(s). Optionally, name the personal location after the main hotspot and
> append "(atlas only)", then suggest it as a hotspot.
> 3. Create a *non-project* checklist, taking note of Breeding Codes *and
> the block they occur in*. Afterward, for any breeding codes above H and S,
> create an Incidental checklist(s), duplicating the entries from your main
> checklist. As above, consider naming locations for non-hotspot adjacent
> blocks after the hotspot, appending (atlas only) and suggesting it as a
> hotspot.
>
> Perhaps @Justyn Stahl <justyn.stahl...> would like to chime in to
> confirm or amend this guidance when he has time. I believe he's a bit
> swamped at the moment, but I wanted to get something out now to give folks
> a heads up.
>
> Cheers,
>
> On Wed, Jan 7, 2026 at 8:36 PM Ruslan Balagansky <ruslan...>
> wrote:
>
>> Greetings SD birders and fellow eBird bar chart enthusiasts,
>>
>> I'm very pleased to report that we started 2026 off strong! *All*
>> hotspots in the "classic" category were covered!
>>
>> This is particularly impressive as they were spread quite wide around the
>> county! Big thanks to those of you who helped make this happen!
>>
>> Fun fact: almost all of the checklists for these hotspots this past week
>> were submitted under the new *California Bird Atlas* project, with lots
>> of Breeding Codes marked! Nice to see that CBA is off to a good start!
>>
>> Highlights include:
>>
>> * Summer Tanager in Poway's Hilleary Park
>> * A Neotropic Cormorant, 35 Common Mergansers, a juvenile Bald Eagle, and
>> a breeding plumaged Golden-crowned Sparrow at Lake Sutherland
>> * Slate-colored Junco at Mt Hope
>> * Possible Cassin's Finches at Upper Kitchen Creek Rd
>> * Oak Titmice defending a hollow from a Bewick's Wren in PQ Canyon
>> * 4 species with Probable Breeding Codes in Torrey Hills Mesa
>> * A very high 6.88 feet tide at Agua Hedionda provided a much birdier
>> experience than usual
>>
>> Let's keep the momentum going next week! Again, we have 6 "classic"
>> hotspots, with one needing only this one week to be 100% complete!
>>
>> Map for next week:
>> https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1blFPrINIVkNg1q9L06MtxpyZ_76VXmE&usp=sharing >>
>> Hotspots nearing bar chart completion:
>>
>> Delta Beach--north overlook
>> Raptor Ridge Trail
>> San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area--north
>> San Onofre SB
>> Torrey Hills Mesa
>> *Veterans Memorial Park (planned) - 1*
>>
>>
>> Hotspots with 3+ week bar chart gaps:
>>
>> Laguna Mtns.--Morris Ranch Rd.
>> Banner
>> Potrero County Park
>> Anza-Borrego Desert SP--Old Vallecito Ranch
>> Azalea Community Park
>> Palomar County Park
>> City Heights Community Park
>> Oasis Spring
>> Lusardi Creek Loop Trail
>> Swan Canyon
>> La Costa Glen Trail--La Costa Ave. to Levante St., Carlsbad
>> Campo
>> Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve (Restricted Access)
>> Palomar Mtn.--Doane Valley CG
>> Spooners Mesa
>> Agua Hedionda Lagoon--boat ramp
>> Grape Day Park
>> Camp Pendleton--Santa Margarita River mouth (restricted access)
>> Bonsall--Old River Rd.
>> Sweetwater Community Gardens
>> Otay River Valley--east of 125
>> Holy Cross Cemetery
>> Coronado Cays--park & residential
>> Jess Martin Park
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>
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Date: 1/7/26 11:11 pm From: Ruslan Balagansky via groups.io <ruslan...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Hotspots for eBird Bar Charts January 8-14
I was just alerted that some of the "classic" 6 hotspots for next week will
fall on California Bird Atlas block boundaries (I didn't check the "gap"
hotspots, but probably some of those will also fall on block boundaries).
If you are atlassing for CBA, please be aware of this. I believe you have a
few options for the hotspots in question (San Onofre SB, Delta Beach, and a
small slice of Torrey Hills Mesa):
1. Create a *non-project *checklist as usual, ignoring the CBA (but please
consider the alternatives below instead!)
2. Create a CBA project checklist for the hotspot and limit your birding to
the CBA project block the hotspot pin is in (when you select the hotspot in
the app, you'll see the project grid and block boundaries). Afterward, if
desired, create a checklist in a personal location for neighboring
block(s). Optionally, name the personal location after the main hotspot and
append "(atlas only)", then suggest it as a hotspot.
3. Create a *non-project* checklist, taking note of Breeding Codes *and the
block they occur in*. Afterward, for any breeding codes above H and S,
create an Incidental checklist(s), duplicating the entries from your main
checklist. As above, consider naming locations for non-hotspot adjacent
blocks after the hotspot, appending (atlas only) and suggesting it as a
hotspot.
Perhaps @Justyn Stahl <justyn.stahl...> would like to chime in to
confirm or amend this guidance when he has time. I believe he's a bit
swamped at the moment, but I wanted to get something out now to give folks
a heads up.
Cheers,
On Wed, Jan 7, 2026 at 8:36 PM Ruslan Balagansky <ruslan...>
wrote:
> Greetings SD birders and fellow eBird bar chart enthusiasts,
>
> I'm very pleased to report that we started 2026 off strong! *All*
> hotspots in the "classic" category were covered!
>
> This is particularly impressive as they were spread quite wide around the
> county! Big thanks to those of you who helped make this happen!
>
> Fun fact: almost all of the checklists for these hotspots this past week
> were submitted under the new *California Bird Atlas* project, with lots
> of Breeding Codes marked! Nice to see that CBA is off to a good start!
>
> Highlights include:
>
> * Summer Tanager in Poway's Hilleary Park
> * A Neotropic Cormorant, 35 Common Mergansers, a juvenile Bald Eagle, and
> a breeding plumaged Golden-crowned Sparrow at Lake Sutherland
> * Slate-colored Junco at Mt Hope
> * Possible Cassin's Finches at Upper Kitchen Creek Rd
> * Oak Titmice defending a hollow from a Bewick's Wren in PQ Canyon
> * 4 species with Probable Breeding Codes in Torrey Hills Mesa
> * A very high 6.88 feet tide at Agua Hedionda provided a much birdier
> experience than usual
>
> Let's keep the momentum going next week! Again, we have 6 "classic"
> hotspots, with one needing only this one week to be 100% complete!
>
> Map for next week:
> https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1blFPrINIVkNg1q9L06MtxpyZ_76VXmE&usp=sharing >
> Hotspots nearing bar chart completion:
>
> Delta Beach--north overlook
> Raptor Ridge Trail
> San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area--north
> San Onofre SB
> Torrey Hills Mesa
> *Veterans Memorial Park (planned) - 1*
>
>
> Hotspots with 3+ week bar chart gaps:
>
> Laguna Mtns.--Morris Ranch Rd.
> Banner
> Potrero County Park
> Anza-Borrego Desert SP--Old Vallecito Ranch
> Azalea Community Park
> Palomar County Park
> City Heights Community Park
> Oasis Spring
> Lusardi Creek Loop Trail
> Swan Canyon
> La Costa Glen Trail--La Costa Ave. to Levante St., Carlsbad
> Campo
> Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve (Restricted Access)
> Palomar Mtn.--Doane Valley CG
> Spooners Mesa
> Agua Hedionda Lagoon--boat ramp
> Grape Day Park
> Camp Pendleton--Santa Margarita River mouth (restricted access)
> Bonsall--Old River Rd.
> Sweetwater Community Gardens
> Otay River Valley--east of 125
> Holy Cross Cemetery
> Coronado Cays--park & residential
> Jess Martin Park
>
> Cheers,
>
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Date: 1/7/26 8:36 pm From: Ruslan Balagansky via groups.io <ruslan...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Hotspots for eBird Bar Charts January 8-14
Greetings SD birders and fellow eBird bar chart enthusiasts,
I'm very pleased to report that we started 2026 off strong! *All* hotspots in the "classic" category were covered!
This is particularly impressive as they were spread quite wide around the county! Big thanks to those of you who helped make this happen!
Fun fact: almost all of the checklists for these hotspots this past week were submitted under the new *California Bird Atlas* project, with lots of Breeding Codes marked! Nice to see that CBA is off to a good start!
Highlights include:
* Summer Tanager in Poway's Hilleary Park * A Neotropic Cormorant, 35 Common Mergansers, a juvenile Bald Eagle, and a breeding plumaged Golden-crowned Sparrow at Lake Sutherland * Slate-colored Junco at Mt Hope * Possible Cassin's Finches at Upper Kitchen Creek Rd * Oak Titmice defending a hollow from a Bewick's Wren in PQ Canyon * 4 species with Probable Breeding Codes in Torrey Hills Mesa * A very high 6.88 feet tide at Agua Hedionda provided a much birdier experience than usual
Let's keep the momentum going next week! Again, we have 6 "classic" hotspots, with one needing only this one week to be 100% complete!
Delta Beach--north overlook Raptor Ridge Trail San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area--north San Onofre SB Torrey Hills Mesa *Veterans Memorial Park (planned) - 1*
Hotspots with 3+ week bar chart gaps:
Laguna Mtns.--Morris Ranch Rd. Banner Potrero County Park Anza-Borrego Desert SP--Old Vallecito Ranch Azalea Community Park Palomar County Park City Heights Community Park Oasis Spring Lusardi Creek Loop Trail Swan Canyon La Costa Glen Trail--La Costa Ave. to Levante St., Carlsbad Campo Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve (Restricted Access) Palomar Mtn.--Doane Valley CG Spooners Mesa Agua Hedionda Lagoon--boat ramp Grape Day Park Camp Pendleton--Santa Margarita River mouth (restricted access) Bonsall--Old River Rd. Sweetwater Community Gardens Otay River Valley--east of 125 Holy Cross Cemetery Coronado Cays--park & residential Jess Martin Park
Cheers,
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Date: 1/7/26 9:38 am From: Mike Wittmer via groups.io <bumper1369...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] White-winged scoter
The ongoing female white-winged scoter is present on the south side of the IB Pier. It’s amongst a small group of surf scoters
Mike Wittmer
Escondido
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Date: 1/7/26 8:25 am From: Mike Wittmer via groups.io <bumper1369...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Orchard Oriole
The previously reported male Orchard Oriole is currently present in the vicinity of Leon-Berry hot spot
Mike Wittmer
Escondido
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Date: 1/6/26 12:57 pm From: Lisa Ruby via groups.io <lbruby1...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Balboa Park parking
Hi,
I imagine everyone is aware that the City of San Diego is now charging
for parking at Balboa Park. This was supposed to have started after the
first of the year. In it's usual fashion in recent years the city
created a mess of the whole thing, so they are holding off on
enforcement for now. Maybe for a few weeks. Here is some info on how
things are supposed to work:
- If you are a resident of the City of San Diego (not the county, has to
be the city) you can get discounted parking rates.
- As of right now residents can purchase parking permits online for
various time frames ranging from 1/2 day to 1 year.
- Non-residents only seem to be able to purchase permits online for 1
month, 3 months, or 1 year. Maybe they will change that at some point.
- Everything else is handled via machines at lots, or meters in some areas.
- Street parking along the edges of the park, and I think inside the
park near Marston House is metered.
- There is a lot called Lower Inspiration Point where parking is free
for the first 3 hours for everyone. Some of those spaces are reserved
for the nearby High School. It's first come first serve. I believe they
have trams that run from that lot to the park.
- The Zoo is also charging for parking now (forced by the city). If you
have a Membership you get free parking. Not sure if that applies to all
Membership levels. The Zoo has been sending out emails to members on and
off for a number of months about the parking situation.
In order to purchase a permit online (resident or non-resident), or get
the parking discount for being a resident, you have to register/create
an account.
If you are a non-resident and don't plan on purchasing any long term
permits, there is probably no reason to register.
This is the web site where you register, buy permits, and manage your
account:
sandiego.thepermitportal.com
At the top of the page click Register and fill out the form. You will be
charged a $5 one time registration fee.
You will get an email with a verification link to click and then you can
log in.
Log in and click the Permits option. Then click Edit Profile. Scroll
down and click Add Vehicle to add your vehicle information.
I don't know if you're required to keep a credit card on file. I have
not added one yet.
If you want to buy a permit, click Buy Permit and select the correct
Location (currently just Balboa Park resident, or Balboa Park
non-resident). Depending on the location of parking lots the rates vary.
There is a map to help figure that out when purchasing a permit.
This is all I know right now. I haven't tested out actually buying a
single or half day permit (I don't go enough to warrant buying longer
term permits). I haven't gone to the park and tried to get a resident
discount via one of the parking lot machines. Apparently that was the
part they screwed up the worst. Nobody could figure out how to get the
discount, and there was no info anywhere saying people had to register
and that it takes a few days to get the registration fully in place.
I tried calling the city parking admin department today to get
additional questions answered and it was hopeless. Sat on hold for a
half hour and gave up. I am sure they are getting bombarded with calls
about all of this. I'll wait a number of days and try again.
If anyone goes and gets first hand experience maybe you can post and let
us all know how it went.
Lisa Ruby
Sabre Springs
--
Lisa Ruby
Sabre Springs
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Date: 1/5/26 11:11 am From: Susan Smith via groups.io <seiurus...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Recent paper on the origin of 'vagrant' birds--or are they really pioneers?
Dear San Diego region birders, I ran across an interesting paper on vagrancy in birds, which may have already changed the way we use the tern "vagrant bird." They also used a fascinating method to determine the origin of 'vagrant' birds found on the Farallon Islands, which is described.
A shortened summary of the paper is at Lost or leading the way? Rare birds may signal shifting migration routes | College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences | Illinois
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Lost or leading the way? Rare birds may signal shifting migration routes...
On a 2009 hike in the Huachuca Mountains of southeastern Arizona, a group of birders heard an otherworldly, ethe...
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May the pioneer birds flock to your bins in 2026, Sue
Susan Smith Seiurus Biological Consulting
Del Mar, CA
<seiurus...>
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Date: 1/4/26 7:38 pm From: Lisa Ruby via groups.io <lbruby1...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Winter Wren late this afternoon
Hi,
I went to try for the Winter Wren late this afternoon. Here is my experience
I arrived at the trailhead off El Camino Del Norte a little before 3:15
pm. I was the only one there. I used these coordinates to get to the
general location, but did not walk this far down the trail before I had
my first encounter:
33.047370, -117.227719
When I got just a little bit down the trail I heard the bird chipping.
(My description of locations is all relative to facing the creek.) I
managed a quick, partially blocked glimpse of it in a narrowish
bush/small tree with dark green leaves. Saw enough of it to know what it
was. It then flew low into the eucs to the right of the bush where I saw
it and I lost it. The dark green bush was between the very large pepper
tree with red pepper berries on it and the stand of eucs to the right of
the bush. It was pretty close to the eucs. I heard the bird again
briefly not long after my first sighting, but didn't see it. Then around
4:00 it made a bunch of rapid sounds and I found it in a small
dead/dormant bush that was below and to the right of the large pepper tree.
I normally wouldn't post this part, but since it's been publicized that
playback has been used I will. I'm guessing that anyone who sees my
photos that I was insanely lucky to get is going to assume I used
playback. I did not, but I did end up pishing. I originally wasn't going
to do anything other than watch and listen. Anyone in the local
community who knows me very well knows I don't do playback and I almost
never even pish. I gave in this time and pished. I did so when I could
already partially see the bird in the dead/dormant bush by the pepper
tree. The bird popped out into the open on that bush, bounced up and
down a couple of times, stretched a wing, and disappeared again. So full
on playback seems to not be needed, at least if the bird is already
close by. A quick, loud pish (ending with an sh sound not sss sound) was
enough, and hopefully was less harassment than playback.
An FYI - I ran into a couple of people on the trail who live in the
area. They said when it rains the creek floods up over the trail. I
didn't think to ask how much rain it takes before that happens. It had
clearly happened recently. They said it recedes pretty quickly when the
rain stops. It's supposed to rain tonight, but not a huge amount.
Most of this info is also in my eBird list.
Lisa Ruby
Sabre Springs
--
Lisa Ruby
Sabre Springs
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Date: 1/4/26 1:55 pm From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] new Painted Redstart in town
The third Painted Redstart known to be in the county this season was just found today in the "Talmadge" neighborhood of San Diego, which is just southwest of San Diego State University. I inquired of the observer about the possibility of public access, and here is what they had to say:
You can see this bird from the road/walkway near the Jean Drive and Miracle Drive intersection in Talmadge. The canyon is fenced off but there is a public area at the end of Miracle Drive where you can look down into the canyon. The bird could be seen flying between residential trees and around the canyon rim on Miracle Drive. Hopefully this helps and I hope more people are able to see!! --Kelsey
--Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 1/4/26 1:29 pm From: Robert Patton via groups.io <rpatton...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] preliminary results rancho santa fe area christmas bird count 3 jan 2026
Thanks so much to all who participated in yesterday’s Rancho Santa Fe area Christmas Bird Count!
Sorry for the delay, but results have not been received from all groups yet. The preliminary count is a very respectable 191 species (last year saw 189 species). Rarities included male Eurasian wigeon at San Elijo Lagoon, greater scaup off Del Mar, white-winged scoter off Cardiff, common goldeneye at Lake Miramar, common poorwill near Torrey Pines HS, marbled murrelet off Del Mar, reddish egret at San Elijo, yellow-crowned night-heron at Del Mar Public Works, adult bald eagles at San Elijo and Lake Hodges, vermilion flycatchers in Encinitas/Las Verdes Park, Solana Beach/Sun Valley, and San Dieguito River Valley, plumbeous vireo at Carroll Creek/Sorrento Valley, winter wren in Olivenhain/Escondido Cr, Swainson’s thrush at Encinitas Community Park, Lawrence’s goldfinch in San Elijo Hills, Louisiana waterthrush in Solana Beach/Stevens Creek, northern waterthrush at San Elijo, black-and-white warblers at San Elijo and Stevens Creek, Tennessee warblers at Ashley Falls Park and Sun Valley/Solana Beach, northern parula at Torrey Hills Park, Grace’s warbler on Crest Dr/Encinitas, summer tanagers at Rancho Santa Fe/Richardson Field and Carroll Creek/Sorrento Valley, western tanagers at Encinitas/Botanic Garden, Olivenhain/Escondido Creek, and Felicita Park, and rose-breasted grosbeak at private feeder in Rancho Bernardo.
Rarities reported count week but missed on the day of the count included greater pewee, white-throated sparrow, and swamp sparrow.
Thanks again to all and congrats on a successful count!
Happy birding in the new year,
Robert Patton
San Diego, CA
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Date: 1/4/26 10:16 am From: John Bruin via groups.io <johnrbruin...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Follow up to Justyn’s note- I’m willing to do a group list
So if you were at the Winter Wren location this morning I can do a basic list and then everyone can edit.
All I need is your email or eBird login name. If you do this and already submitted a list just remember to delete
John Bruin
Bay Park
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Date: 1/4/26 10:07 am From: Justyn Stahl via groups.io <justyn.stahl...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Sunday Winter Wren success, but different
And a request that if you join these field trips, where you’re clearly
birding as an organized group, you consider organizing a single shared
checklist!
Justyn Stahl
North Park
On Sun, Jan 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM <lehman.paul...> via groups.io
<lehman.paul...> wrote:
> The Sunday morning Winter Wren viewing event along Escondido Creek was
> attended by over 40 birders, which combined with the almost 40 yesterday
> will hopefully take care of most of the interested parties! Just to be
> clear, one's chances of seeing the bird at all well without the use of
> playback is very unlikely given the large amount of thick vegetation it can
> hide in and which you cannot directly access. You have to have the bird
> come out to near the edge of the path. Today, in response to playback, the
> bird would vocalize a bit more from time to time, but it only started out
> making very quick darting flights in and then would immediately fly back
> away and bury itself, unlike yesterday when it was spotted mousing around
> in the vegetation near the speaker. However, today after fits and starts of
> the bird doing that, it finally decided to sit in the open for two long
> periods of time on some low palm fronds at moderate distance and constantly
> call back. So people got reasonably good views and plenty of photos. From
> this point on, unless someone else wants to organize a group, which I'd
> recommend at this point giving the bird several days off And schedule such
> for next weekend, then otherwise you're on your own! There is no reason to
> think the bird won't stay at this area all winter and remain into February
> or March. But it's responsiveness to recordings already is perhaps slightly
> less today, Or at least one can say it is certainly different, than it was
> yesterday, and we got lucky that it kept picking these open perches to sit
> on in the low palm.
>
>
> Paul Lehman +43, San Diego
>
>
> Sent from AOL on Android
> <https://aolapp.onelink.me/eG2g?pid=NativePlacement&c=US_Acquisition_YMktg_320_EmailSignature_AttributionDL&af_sub1=Acquisition&af_sub2=US_YMktg&af_sub3=&af_sub4=100002473&af_sub5=SentFromNewAOLApp__Interstitial_&af_ios_store_cpp=ce85ce34-ad0f-4811-a92b-a172743b064e&af_android_url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?<id...>&listing=email_signature_attribution> >
>
>
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Date: 1/4/26 10:00 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Sunday Winter Wren success, but different
The Sunday morning Winter Wren viewing event along Escondido Creek was attended by over 40 birders, which combined with the almost 40 yesterday will hopefully take care of most of the interested parties! Just to be clear, one's chances of seeing the bird at all well without the use of playback is very unlikely given the large amount of thick vegetation it can hide in and which you cannot directly access. You have to have the bird come out to near the edge of the path. Today, in response to playback, the bird would vocalize a bit more from time to time, but it only started out making very quick darting flights in and then would immediately fly back away and bury itself, unlike yesterday when it was spotted mousing around in the vegetation near the speaker. However, today after fits and starts of the bird doing that, it finally decided to sit in the open for two long periods of time on some low palm fronds at moderate distance and constantly call back. So people got reasonably good views and plenty of photos. From this point on, unless someone else wants to organize a group, which I'd recommend at this point giving the bird several days off And schedule such for next weekend, then otherwise you're on your own! There is no reason to think the bird won't stay at this area all winter and remain into February or March. But it's responsiveness to recordings already is perhaps slightly less today, Or at least one can say it is certainly different, than it was yesterday, and we got lucky that it kept picking these open perches to sit on in the low palm.
Paul Lehman +43, San Diego
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You can park along Windmill Ranch Road
<https://maps.app.goo.gl/bP9Skc5sbqN1wr4K9> and then walk back out to El
Camino Del Norte and head east on the sidewalk until you hit the trail.
Google maps tries to send you through someone's private driveway.
On Sat, Jan 3, 2026 at 3:42 PM Justyn Stahl <justyn.stahl...> wrote:
> Intermittent calls, finally reasonable views at 325pm for the 30 or so
> folks assembled.
>
> Nice find, Gjon!
>
> Justyn Stahl et al.
>
> On Sat, Jan 3, 2026 at 2:24 PM Gjon Hazard via groups.io <gjon_hazard=
> <hotmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> El Camino del Norte at Escondido Creek. Along the trail on the west side
>> of the creek. Seemed to prefer the large Brazilian Pepper tree.
>>
>> 33.047939 -117.227589
>>
>> Limited parking on El Camino del Norte
>>
>> -Gjon
>>
>> --
>> - - -
>> Gjon Hazard
>> Encinitas
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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For those who were unable to attend the Winter Wren showings this afternoon, a number of us will attempt to see it tomorrow, Sunday, morning. Will arrive around 7:00 a.m. and we will play a recording if needed at approximately 7:30, no earlier. Be there or be square!
Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 1/3/26 5:58 pm From: Susan Smith via groups.io <seiurus...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Encinitas Adult male Grace's Warbler Reappears!!
We all thought this bird had probably lived out its life span when it did not return to Crest Drive for its 8th winter (many of us have been looking since early November). But it showed it face to Char Glacy and I today on the RSFCBC, in a small pine near the corner of Crest Dr and Torrey Rd about 0845 am today, before flying off in a WSW direction and disappearing. It may have left its usual haunts after extensive pruning of its favorite pines, and now spends most of the time elsewhere, maybe southwest of its usual location. Sue SmithDel Mar, CASent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
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Date: 1/3/26 4:38 pm From: Mark Stratton via groups.io <zostropz...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Snow Geese in San Pasqual
Are you gonna try for the winter Wren?
On Sat, Jan 3, 2026, 4:20 PM Christine Rideout via groups.io <starfleetmom=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Two snow geese hanging with the Canadas at the sod farm on Old Milky Way
> today.
>
>
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Date: 1/3/26 4:22 pm From: Christine Rideout via groups.io <starfleetmom...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Vermillion Flycatcher at Lindo Lake
I joined the Palomar Audubon field trip to Lindo Lake today where we got a female Vermillion Flycatcher.
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Date: 1/3/26 4:20 pm From: Christine Rideout via groups.io <starfleetmom...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Snow Geese in San Pasqual
Two snow geese hanging with the Canadas at the sod farm on Old Milky Way today.
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A message to the masses suggesting that because playing recordings at the wren is only going to work so many times, that people try to practice self-restraint and only do it when there are groups assembled and everybody is ready to respond. Rather than having every individual who shows up at the site play their own recordings at it. In that situation, things will probably not work anymore in all likelihood Sooner rather than later. So a suggestion would be that after this afternoon's success to let it be For the rest of today, and then do it again early tomorrow morning when the next assembled group of appreciable size presumably will be there.
Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Intermittent calls, finally reasonable views at 325pm for the 30 or so
folks assembled.
Nice find, Gjon!
Justyn Stahl et al.
On Sat, Jan 3, 2026 at 2:24 PM Gjon Hazard via groups.io <gjon_hazard=
<hotmail.com...> wrote:
> El Camino del Norte at Escondido Creek. Along the trail on the west side
> of the creek. Seemed to prefer the large Brazilian Pepper tree.
>
> 33.047939 -117.227589
>
> Limited parking on El Camino del Norte
>
> -Gjon
>
> --
> - - -
> Gjon Hazard
> Encinitas
>
>
>
>
>
>
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El Camino del Norte at Escondido Creek. Along the trail on the west side of the creek. Seemed to prefer the large Brazilian Pepper tree.
33.047939 -117.227589
Limited parking on El Camino del Norte
-Gjon
--
- - -
Gjon Hazard
Encinitas
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On Sat, Jan 3, 2026 at 1:25 PM Josiah Verbrugge via groups.io <jverbrugge25=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> This morning I found a noticeably darker marked pipit with a flock of
> Americans at the southern softball fields at Kit Carson Park, Escondido.
> I'm not confident enough to call anything without further input, and id
> tips on separating American from Siberian would be appreciated. The most
> obvious field mark was a much darker malar triangle than usual
> with extensive black streaking and a lighter belly resulting in a stronger
> contrast between underparts and upperparts than the other pipits. The flock
> consisted of approximately 10 birds and moved between the two fields
> closest to the parking lot. I'm attaching photos which have been minimally
> lightened in post due to the sun direction and were taken through a chain
> fence as the fields were not open today.
>
> Josiah Verbrugge
> Escondido
>
>
>
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Date: 1/3/26 1:27 pm From: Josiah Verbrugge via groups.io <jverbrugge25...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Interesting pipit at Kit Carson Park
This morning I found a noticeably darker marked pipit with a flock of Americans at the southern softball fields at Kit Carson Park, Escondido. I'm not confident enough to call anything without further input, and id tips on separating American from Siberian would be appreciated. The most obvious field mark was a much darker malar triangle than usual with extensive black streaking and a lighter belly resulting in a stronger contrast between underparts and upperparts than the other pipits. The flock consisted of approximately 10 birds and moved between the two fields closest to the parking lot. Photos on my eBird list which have been minimally lightened in post due to the sun direction and were taken through a chain fence as the fields were not open today. https://ebird.org/checklist/S292209101
Josiah Verbrugge Escondido
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Date: 1/3/26 1:25 pm From: Josiah Verbrugge via groups.io <jverbrugge25...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Interesting pipit at Kit Carson Park
This morning I found a noticeably darker marked pipit with a flock of Americans at the southern softball fields at Kit Carson Park, Escondido. I'm not confident enough to call anything without further input, and id tips on separating American from Siberian would be appreciated. The most obvious field mark was a much darker malar triangle than usual with extensive black streaking and a lighter belly resulting in a stronger contrast between underparts and upperparts than the other pipits. The flock consisted of approximately 10 birds and moved between the two fields closest to the parking lot. I'm attaching photos which have been minimally lightened in post due to the sun direction and were taken through a chain fence as the fields were not open today.
Josiah Verbrugge Escondido
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Date: 1/3/26 12:13 pm From: Nathan French via groups.io <nathanfrenchphotography...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] White-winged Scoter - Vacation Island 1/3
Kayaker came through and the bird flushed NE past Crown Point.
Nathan French
Hillcrest
> On Jan 3, 2026, at 11:36 AM, Nathan French via groups.io <nathanfrenchphotography...> wrote:
>
> I’m watching the White-winged Scoter diving in the same general area it was originally located last year on north shore of island.
>
> (32.7773764, -117.2412530)
>
> No sign of Kentucky or Magnolia warblers so far.
>
> Nathan French
> Hillcrest
>
>
>
>
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Date: 1/3/26 11:46 am From: Stan Walens via groups.io <stan.walens...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Marbled murrelet
Just had one flying south just offshore from 4th St in Del
Mar. By now it has passed my bench in La Jolla.
Stan Walens, San Diego
Jan 3, 2026; 11:20 am
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Date: 1/3/26 11:36 am From: Nathan French via groups.io <nathanfrenchphotography...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] White-winged Scoter - Vacation Island 1/3
I’m watching the White-winged Scoter diving in the same general area it was originally located last year on north shore of island.
(32.7773764, -117.2412530)
No sign of Kentucky or Magnolia warblers so far.
Nathan French
Hillcrest
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Date: 1/3/26 9:14 am From: Mike Wittmer via groups.io <bumper1369...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Snow & Ross Geese
Both geese are at De Anza Cove, as previously reported yesterday, feeding on the grass with gulls
Mike Wittmer
Escondido
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Date: 1/3/26 8:57 am From: Paul Mulholland via groups.io <pmulhol...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Northern Parula near Torrey Hills Park
There’s a bright one in a tipu on the median of Carmel Mountain Rd, here:
(32.9200532, -117.2223150)
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Date: 1/2/26 6:34 pm From: Eve Martin via groups.io <yvemartin...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Time to Renew SDFO Memberships!
Happy New Year, Birders!
If you have not yet renewed your membership with the San Diego Field Ornithologists, we are now accepting dues for the calendar year 2026! Dues are still only $25 for a single membership or $35 per household per calendar year. You may pay online or get more info about SDFO on our website here: https://sandiegofieldornithologists.org/membership/
New this year are Lifetime Memberships! Options are either $250 for a single membership or $350 per household.
Let me know if you’d like to check your current standing (to avoid duplicate payments) or pay by check or have any other questions.
If you’re not currently a member of SDFO but you enjoy perusing this forum or would like to join us for our monthly presentations (as well as receiving our monthly newsletter with Paul Lehman's fascinating review of San Diego's current rarities), please consider supporting SDFO and joining us now!
~Eve
~~~~~~~~~~~
Eve Martin
Membership Chair, San Diego Field Ornithologists (SDFO)
SDFO Website: https://sandiegofieldornithologists.org/membership/ Email: membership @ sandiegofieldornithologists.org [remove the spaces!]
Del Mar, California
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Date: 1/2/26 2:38 pm From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Leon Ave./Berry Park birds ; those pesky Heritage Park "Solitary" Vireos
For those planning a future trip to the Berry Park area on Leon Avenue in Nestor to look for the Bay-breasted Warbler, be aware that an adult male Orchard Oriole returning for its second winter is also in the area, and after starting out in Berry Park in late Nov it now mostly frequents the east end of Leon where there are a couple blooming blue gums and especially two or three soon-to-pop coral trees which it loved to frequent last year as well. It often travels around with a female Bullock's. Also in the Berry Park/Leon area currently are Summer and Western Tanagers, Wilson's and Yellow Warblers, and Vermilion Flycatcher.
Another plea for folks visiting Heritage Park in Chula Vista to pay close attention to the identity of the "bright" Cassin's Vireo being seen there, in addition to a more typical Cassin's and a Plumbeous. Whether there are in fact two or three total "Solitary" Vireos present is still uncertain (that is, how many birds versus how many quasi-birds due to different lighting and angles of photos). This brighter bird is sort of in that tweener no man's land overlap of Cassin's/Blue-headed. People's eBird reports of "Cassin's Vireo" will require some level of documentation to be validated.
--Paul Lehman, San Diego
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A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.
Chinese Proverb
> On Jan 2, 2026, at 2:23 PM, Nancy Christensen via groups.io <nancy.r.christensen...> wrote:
>
> At DeAnza Cove with the Ross’s goose and Snow Goose.
> Nancy Christensen
> Ramona
>
>
> A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.
> Chinese Proverb
>
>
>
>
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At DeAnza Cove with the Ross’s goose and Snow Goose.
Nancy Christensen
Ramona
A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.
Chinese Proverb
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Date: 1/2/26 10:44 am From: David Holway via groups.io <dholway...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Gray Catbird continues, 2 Jan
Hi all,
After 90 minutes of not seeing the catbird this morning, I was relieved to hear it calling at 845 about here: 33.127175, -117.328838. It fed on toyon berries and offered nice views for several minutes before being chased off by a Hermit Thrush.
David Holway
University City
<dholway...>
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Date: 1/2/26 10:19 am From: Sean Buchanan via groups.io <buchanan.sean...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Greater Pewee, Rancho Santa Fe
On and off for last 20 minutes I’ve been looking at a
Greater Pewee in Rancho Santa Fe. First encountered in the Sycamores at the
end of the ball field parking lot here: 33.01819° N, 117.23043° W. Note
restrictions on the adjacent hiking trails which are posted for association
members only. Parking lot currently closed and nearest street parking may
not be allowed that close unfortunately.
Sean B.
Solana Beach
Sean G. Buchanan
+1-858-945-0595
<buchanan.sean...>
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Date: 1/2/26 9:44 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Blue-headed Vireo and Swainson's Thrush continue
The Blue-headed vireo at Eternal Hills Cemetery in Oceanside continues Friday morning, since being found on the Oceanside CBC back on the 14th of December. It was just slightly north of where it had been initially. The previous reports were largely from the Peacehaven section and immediately around the little rose garden also referred to as the Memory Garden, all of which are just inside the entrance. Today, the bird was in trees slightly to the north of the Rose garden/ Memory garden at around 7:50 a.m. By the way, the cemetery does not officially open until 8:00 a.m.,but today they opened the front gate at 7:30.
Also, present this morning is the continuing casual-in-winter Swainson's Thrush at Encinitas Community Park, which hopefully will still be alive and well at dawn tomorrow morning when I check on it for the Rancho Santa Fe CBC. Exact directions, for anyone interested, will be given after the count.
Paul Lehman, San Diego
Sent from AOL on Android
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Date: 1/1/26 11:47 am From: Adrian Hinkle via groups.io <adrian.hinkle...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Bay-breasted Warbler, Nestor
Seen in Berry Park with Ted & Sasha Keyel.
32.567750,-117.088566
Happy new year, Adrian
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Date: 12/31/25 9:23 pm From: Justyn Stahl via groups.io <justyn.stahl...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] [CALBIRDS] California’s First Statewide Breeding Bird Atlas Launches Tomorrow, January 1, 2026
Hi Birders,
Tomorrow marks the launch of California’s first statewide Breeding Bird
Atlas, a community-powered initiative to document breeding birds across the
state and generate the science needed to guide habitat protection,
restoration, and long-term conservation planning for decades to come.
This landmark effort is being led by *California Bird Atlas*
<https://www.californiabirdatlas.org/> (CBA), an independent nonprofit, in
collaboration with state agencies, thousands of volunteers, and dozens of
partner organizations.
All birders are now officially invited to join the project by visiting the
new *California Bird Atlas eBird website
<https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/home>*. Simply click “*Join Project*”
(or “Log In to Join Project”) and you will automatically be able to
contribute checklists to the Atlas project.
The Atlas is fully integrated with the eBird mobile app. If you submit
checklists on mobile, this *Quick Start Tutorial video
<https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8Z3kbqiO9rw>* provides a brief overview.
Please visit the *About <https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/about>* page for
resources, basic guidance, and everything you need to begin contributing to
this statewide initiative.
We encourage *all checklists submitted year-round to be entered through the
Atlas project*, even if they don’t include breeding behavior. While we are
still a few months from peak breeding season, you can learn more about
species with a history of breeding in January in California by reading *this
article <https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/news/early-breeders-jan>*.
We will be growing our team, expanding resources, and continuing to build
this grassroots movement in the coming months. As we launch, early
donations are especially impactful — supporting training, field tools, and
outreach in the first critical months. We’re a nonprofit, and every
contribution is tax-deductible and genuinely appreciated. If you have the
means, please consider making a gift today to help the Atlas start strong —
your support right now truly matters. *Donate
<https://donorbox.org/california-bird-atlas> here
<https://donorbox.org/california-bird-atlas>*.
With gratitude and excitement for what we’ll build together,
*Van Pierszalowski*
Executive Director,
California Bird Atlas (CBA)
email: <van...>
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Date: 12/31/25 10:52 am From: thisisanikab via groups.io <thisisanikab...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Bald Eagle - San Elijo
Bald eagle just seen a 1040 in the pine tree at 33.00357° N, 117.26781° W and flew east, past I5 freeway. I’m g oing around the corner to see if I can find it again, but it could’ve continued flying further.
Anika Balint
Carlsbad California
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Date: 12/31/25 9:48 am From: Jeremiah Stock via groups.io <jscls...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Black-and-white Warbler at Mast Park Santee
About 8:50 AM on Wednesday the 31st, there was a black-and-white warbler g leaning trunks and large branches of a lazy willow along the main path here west of the dog run complex here: 32.844579/-116.994746.
Jeremiah Stock
Santee, CA
<jeremiahstock278...>
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Date: 12/30/25 10:02 pm From: Lisa Ruby via groups.io <lbruby1...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] New Year, New Weekly Hotspots! (Jan 1 through Jan 7, 2026)
The Old Survey Road 97 situation is changing going forward. The trail access as it has been will no longer exist. Parts of the original trail will be permanently closed. They are re-routing the trail to keep people further away from the Golden Eagle nest site, and to allow for year round access. This is from the San Diego Parks website page for the road/trail:
The new trail will be open year-round for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. It’s the first step in a larger plan to connect the Ramona Grasslands Preserve to San Pasqual Valley through a regional trail system.
Previously, the trail has had to close each year during raptor nesting season to protect nearby golden eagles. The new route will move the trail farther away from an off-site golden eagle nest in Bandy Canyon, helping to protect their habitat and other sensitive natural and cultural resources.
The first phase of trail construction is expected to begin in Fall 2025 and will include a 0.6-mile trail reroute which is expected to be completed in Spring 2026. During this time the western-most 1.1 miles of the existing Old Survey Road 97 trail will be permanently closed to allow for passive restoration.
Lisa Ruby Sabre Springs
On 12/30/2025 9:41 PM, Ruslan Balagansky wrote:
> Thanks to those of you who pointed out that Ramona Grasslands--Old Survey Road 97 is only open a few weeks of the year (fall season). I have added it to the exclusion list and updated the map. > > Cheers, > > On Tue, Dec 30, 2025 at 9:11 PM Ruslan Balagansky <ruslan...> wrote: > >> Season's greetings, fellow SD birders! >> >> As John Bruin indicated in his last hotspot missive of 2025, I will be taking over weekly hotspot duties for 2026. >> >> First, I'd like to thank John for launching this project and his tireless effort in keeping it going for well over a year! >> >> Thanks to John and all of you who went out to these hotspots, together we greatly increased calendar week coverage of San Diego's most popular hotspots! >> >> I just reran stats and we now have 30 hotspots needing only 1 week to complete the bar charts, and 70 more that need 2-9 weeks. That works out to roughly 5-10 hotspots most weeks. >> >> Since that's not very many compared to what we've been doing in 2025, I'm modifying the hotspot selection process so that we have 30 hotspots suggested for any given week. >> >> Since the goal here is to improve coverage of hotspots throughout the year, I'm filling the remainder of the 30 hotspot quota each week by including additional "gap" hotspots in the weekly list that have not been birded in any of the three weeks including and immediately surrounding the current week. So, for example, for the first week of January, I am including 25 hotspots that have been birded neither in the last week of December nor the first two weeks of January (of any year). These "gap" hotspots are prioritized by fewest missing weeks (this metric will be noted as "gap" in the maps going forward - if you click/tap on hotspot pins on the linked map, you can see this and more). These hotspots will be in a separate layer in the map - you can toggle each layer on and off as you prefer. >> >> Here's to a birdy 2026! >> >> Map for the week starting January 1, 2026: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1dyWn6PG8EkRGydzCluA-hlfUOVvzzOo&usp=sharing >> >> Hotspots nearing bar chart completion: >> >> Agua Hedionda Lagoon--east end >> Hilleary Park >> Laguna Mtns.--Upper Kitchen Creek Rd. >> Lake Sutherland >> Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve--Carson's Crossing area >> Torrey Hills Mesa >> >> Hotspots with 3+ week bar chart gaps: >> >> Mt. Hope Cemetery >> Anza-Borrego Desert SP--Old Vallecito Ranch >> City Heights Community Park >> Loveland Reservoir >> Oasis Spring >> Discovery Creek Trail >> Otay Mountain Wilderness >> Swan Canyon >> Pacific Crest Trail--east of Kitchen Creek Rd. >> Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve (Restricted Access) >> Palomar Mtn.--Doane Valley CG >> Spooners Mesa >> Bonsall--Old River Rd. >> Poway--Budwin Lane riparian >> Sweetwater Community Gardens >> Otay River Valley--east of 125 >> Old Highway 80--west of Wildwood Glen >> Coronado Cays--park & residential >> Cactus County Park >> Jess Martin Park >> Anza-Borrego Desert SP--Box Canyon >> Ramona Grasslands--Old Survey Road 97 >> Poway--Sycamore Cyn Rd at Garden Rd >> Ramona Oaks Park >> >> P.S. If you don't see a message here from me before each bar chart week begins (1st, 8th, 15th of each month), please prod me! I'll try to be consistent, but I might occasionally become distracted and forget! > > -- > Ruslan Balagansky > San Diego (Mira Mesa), CA >
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Date: 12/30/25 9:41 pm From: Ruslan Balagansky via groups.io <ruslan...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] New Year, New Weekly Hotspots! (Jan 1 through Jan 7, 2026)
Thanks to those of you who pointed out that Ramona Grasslands--Old Survey
Road 97 is only open a few weeks of the year (fall season). I have added it
to the exclusion list and updated the map.
Cheers,
On Tue, Dec 30, 2025 at 9:11 PM Ruslan Balagansky <ruslan...>
wrote:
> Season's greetings, fellow SD birders!
>
> As John Bruin indicated in his last hotspot missive of 2025, I will be
> taking over weekly hotspot duties for 2026.
>
> First, I'd like to thank John for launching this project and his tireless
> effort in keeping it going for well over a year!
>
> Thanks to John and all of you who went out to these hotspots, together we
> greatly increased calendar week coverage of San Diego's most popular
> hotspots!
>
> I just reran stats and we now have 30 hotspots needing only 1 week to
> complete the bar charts, and 70 more that need 2-9 weeks. That works out to
> roughly 5-10 hotspots most weeks.
>
> Since that's not very many compared to what we've been doing in 2025, I'm
> modifying the hotspot selection process so that we have 30 hotspots
> suggested for any given week.
>
> Since the goal here is to improve coverage of hotspots throughout the
> year, I'm filling the remainder of the 30 hotspot quota each week by *including
> additional "gap" hotspots in the weekly list that have not been birded in
> any of the three weeks including and immediately surrounding the current
> week*. So, for example, for the first week of January, I am including 25
> hotspots that have been birded neither in the last week of December nor the
> first two weeks of January (of any year). These "gap" hotspots are
> prioritized by fewest missing weeks (this metric will be noted as "gap" in
> the maps going forward - if you click/tap on hotspot pins on the linked
> map, you can see this and more). These hotspots will be in a separate layer
> in the map - you can toggle each layer on and off as you prefer.
>
> Here's to a birdy 2026!
>
>
> Map for the week starting January 1, 2026:
> https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1dyWn6PG8EkRGydzCluA-hlfUOVvzzOo&usp=sharing >
>
> Hotspots nearing bar chart completion:
>
> Agua Hedionda Lagoon--east end
> Hilleary Park
> Laguna Mtns.--Upper Kitchen Creek Rd.
> Lake Sutherland
> Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve--Carson's Crossing area
> Torrey Hills Mesa
>
>
> Hotspots with 3+ week bar chart gaps:
>
> Mt. Hope Cemetery
> Anza-Borrego Desert SP--Old Vallecito Ranch
> City Heights Community Park
> Loveland Reservoir
> Oasis Spring
> Discovery Creek Trail
> Otay Mountain Wilderness
> Swan Canyon
> Pacific Crest Trail--east of Kitchen Creek Rd.
> Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve (Restricted Access)
> Palomar Mtn.--Doane Valley CG
> Spooners Mesa
> Bonsall--Old River Rd.
> Poway--Budwin Lane riparian
> Sweetwater Community Gardens
> Otay River Valley--east of 125
> Old Highway 80--west of Wildwood Glen
> Coronado Cays--park & residential
> Cactus County Park
> Jess Martin Park
> Anza-Borrego Desert SP--Box Canyon
> Ramona Grasslands--Old Survey Road 97
> Poway--Sycamore Cyn Rd at Garden Rd
> Ramona Oaks Park
>
> P.S. If you don't see a message here from me before each bar chart week
> begins (1st, 8th, 15th of each month), please prod me! I'll try to be
> consistent, but I might occasionally become distracted and forget!
>
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Date: 12/30/25 9:12 pm From: Ruslan Balagansky via groups.io <ruslan...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] New Year, New Weekly Hotspots! (Jan 1 through Jan 7, 2026)
Season's greetings, fellow SD birders!
As John Bruin indicated in his last hotspot missive of 2025, I will be taking over weekly hotspot duties for 2026.
First, I'd like to thank John for launching this project and his tireless effort in keeping it going for well over a year!
Thanks to John and all of you who went out to these hotspots, together we greatly increased calendar week coverage of San Diego's most popular hotspots!
I just reran stats and we now have 30 hotspots needing only 1 week to complete the bar charts, and 70 more that need 2-9 weeks. That works out to roughly 5-10 hotspots most weeks.
Since that's not very many compared to what we've been doing in 2025, I'm modifying the hotspot selection process so that we have 30 hotspots suggested for any given week.
Since the goal here is to improve coverage of hotspots throughout the year, I'm filling the remainder of the 30 hotspot quota each week by *including additional "gap" hotspots in the weekly list that have not been birded in any of the three weeks including and immediately surrounding the current week*. So, for example, for the first week of January, I am including 25 hotspots that have been birded neither in the last week of December nor the first two weeks of January (of any year). These "gap" hotspots are prioritized by fewest missing weeks (this metric will be noted as "gap" in the maps going forward - if you click/tap on hotspot pins on the linked map, you can see this and more). These hotspots will be in a separate layer in the map - you can toggle each layer on and off as you prefer.
Agua Hedionda Lagoon--east end Hilleary Park Laguna Mtns.--Upper Kitchen Creek Rd. Lake Sutherland Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve--Carson's Crossing area Torrey Hills Mesa
Hotspots with 3+ week bar chart gaps:
Mt. Hope Cemetery Anza-Borrego Desert SP--Old Vallecito Ranch City Heights Community Park Loveland Reservoir Oasis Spring Discovery Creek Trail Otay Mountain Wilderness Swan Canyon Pacific Crest Trail--east of Kitchen Creek Rd. Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve (Restricted Access) Palomar Mtn.--Doane Valley CG Spooners Mesa Bonsall--Old River Rd. Poway--Budwin Lane riparian Sweetwater Community Gardens Otay River Valley--east of 125 Old Highway 80--west of Wildwood Glen Coronado Cays--park & residential Cactus County Park Jess Martin Park Anza-Borrego Desert SP--Box Canyon Ramona Grasslands--Old Survey Road 97 Poway--Sycamore Cyn Rd at Garden Rd Ramona Oaks Park
P.S. If you don't see a message here from me before each bar chart week begins (1st, 8th, 15th of each month), please prod me! I'll try to be consistent, but I might occasionally become distracted and forget!
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Date: 12/30/25 10:22 am From: Chris McCreedy via groups.io <cmccreedy...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] 2025 South End Salton Sea Christmas Bird Count summary
Adding the graph did not appear to translate through the listserv's machinery this year, I am happy to send you the image if anyone is interested.
Chris
From: <SanDiegoRegionBirding...> <SanDiegoRegionBirding...> On Behalf Of Chris McCreedy via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2025 10:15 AM
To: <SanDiegoRegionBirding...>
Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] 2025 South End Salton Sea Christmas Bird Count summary
The 2025 South End of the Salton Sea Christmas Bird Count took place on Tuesday, December 16. I am grateful to Raz Shafique-Sabir and the staff of the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge fo
[cid:<image001.png...>]
The 2025 South End of the Salton Sea Christmas Bird Count took place on Tuesday, December 16. I am grateful to Raz Shafique-Sabir and the staff of the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for hosting our count and for helping us to cover sections of the Refuge. I also want to thank Clarissa Diaz at Kiewit for escorting me through the Species Conservation Habitat (SCH) Project at the mouth of the New River. This is a restoration area that is off limits to the public - I was saddened to hear of previous instances of birders trespassing into the project area, and I wish to underscore that this area is currently completely off limits to the public.
We counted under ideal conditions, clear and calm, with temperatures ranging from the mid 40s at daybreak to the mid to upper 70s by the afternoon. We had 35 participants, the most since 2013, and I want to specifically thank Lesley Handa for coordinating the participation of nearly a dozen counters that covered Sections 7 and 8.
We tallied 131,748 birds representing 156 species, with 149 species on count day. This is the most species observed since 2015, correlating with Salton Sea's ongoing receding/decline. I once plotted count totals since 2000 back in 2023, drawing a regression line through the scatterplot at that point in time. The plot below puts our showing against other years in nice perspective:
[cid:<image001.png...>]
The SCH Project is working - Samuel Bressler and Clarissa and I counted nearly 23,000 birds there, adding a number of species to our total. The project seems to be catalyzing bird activity in other parts of the count circle as well, with Raz amassing an excellent gull count at the Red Hill Area/Alamo River delta, including 2 Western Gulls, 200 American Herring Gulls, over 1,000 California Gulls, over 2,000 Ring-billed Gulls, 100 Bonaparte's Gulls, and 3,000 gulls left unidentified.
Al DeMartini and Terry Brauner found the birds of the count - 2 Cave Swallows at the Calipatria Algae Farm in Section 3. Many of us twitched these in the afternoon, following our CBC lunch and species countdown. Two Cave Swallows soon became three, and then in following days, as other California birders twitched the swallows, three became 11, and then 11 eventually became 24 Cave Swallows by December 21, a magical event. Then Loren Wright, Dessi Sieburth, Logan Kahle, and Chris Dean reported count week Bank Swallow, Lapland Longspur, and Thick-billed Longspur from the site on December 17, species that we miss far more often than we make.
Christian Schwartz and Grigory Heaton had an excellent day covering Niland, with Christian finding a Summer Tanager, Tropical Kingbird, and Cassin's Kingbird, and Grigory finding an Indigo Bunting - all species that have only appeared in a handful of previous counts each. Grigory and Matt Brady (covering Calipatria) each found a Northern Parula, only our 4th count with the species and the first they have been reported on a count since 1989. Finally, Guy McCaskie and Chris Dean found a Laughing Gull in Section 5, the first time the species has been encountered on a count since 2011.
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Date: 12/30/25 10:15 am From: Chris McCreedy via groups.io <cmccreedy...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] 2025 South End Salton Sea Christmas Bird Count summary
The 2025 South End of the Salton Sea Christmas Bird Count took place on Tuesday, December 16. I am grateful to Raz Shafique-Sabir and the staff of the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for hosting our count and for helping us to cover sections of the Refuge. I also want to thank Clarissa Diaz at Kiewit for escorting me through the Species Conservation Habitat (SCH) Project at the mouth of the New River. This is a restoration area that is off limits to the public - I was saddened to hear of previous instances of birders trespassing into the project area, and I wish to underscore that this area is currently completely off limits to the public.
We counted under ideal conditions, clear and calm, with temperatures ranging from the mid 40s at daybreak to the mid to upper 70s by the afternoon. We had 35 participants, the most since 2013, and I want to specifically thank Lesley Handa for coordinating the participation of nearly a dozen counters that covered Sections 7 and 8.
We tallied 131,748 birds representing 156 species, with 149 species on count day. This is the most species observed since 2015, correlating with Salton Sea's ongoing receding/decline. I once plotted count totals since 2000 back in 2023, drawing a regression line through the scatterplot at that point in time. The plot below puts our showing against other years in nice perspective:
[cid:<image001.png...>]
The SCH Project is working - Samuel Bressler and Clarissa and I counted nearly 23,000 birds there, adding a number of species to our total. The project seems to be catalyzing bird activity in other parts of the count circle as well, with Raz amassing an excellent gull count at the Red Hill Area/Alamo River delta, including 2 Western Gulls, 200 American Herring Gulls, over 1,000 California Gulls, over 2,000 Ring-billed Gulls, 100 Bonaparte's Gulls, and 3,000 gulls left unidentified.
Al DeMartini and Terry Brauner found the birds of the count - 2 Cave Swallows at the Calipatria Algae Farm in Section 3. Many of us twitched these in the afternoon, following our CBC lunch and species countdown. Two Cave Swallows soon became three, and then in following days, as other California birders twitched the swallows, three became 11, and then 11 eventually became 24 Cave Swallows by December 21, a magical event. Then Loren Wright, Dessi Sieburth, Logan Kahle, and Chris Dean reported count week Bank Swallow, Lapland Longspur, and Thick-billed Longspur from the site on December 17, species that we miss far more often than we make.
Christian Schwartz and Grigory Heaton had an excellent day covering Niland, with Christian finding a Summer Tanager, Tropical Kingbird, and Cassin's Kingbird, and Grigory finding an Indigo Bunting - all species that have only appeared in a handful of previous counts each. Grigory and Matt Brady (covering Calipatria) each found a Northern Parula, only our 4th count with the species and the first they have been reported on a count since 1989. Finally, Guy McCaskie and Chris Dean found a Laughing Gull in Section 5, the first time the species has been encountered on a count since 2011.
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Date: 12/30/25 9:57 am From: Jeremiah Stock via groups.io <jscls...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] White-winged Dove, north end Santee Lakes Campground
About 8:25 AM Tuesday morning December 30, 2025, there was a White-winged Dove on the wire north of the dog run in the northwestern corner of the San
tee Lakes Campground. Coordinates are 32.874721, -117.004193.
Jeremiah Stock
Santee, CA
<jeremiahstock278...>
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Date: 12/30/25 9:42 am From: Rick Grove via groups.io <rpgrove...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] SDFO New Year's Pelagic Postponed
Unfortunately, the weather forecast for New Year's morning is not cooperating, with rising seas and rain, and we have rescheduled our charter to Sunday, January 11.
If you were registered to attend, please check your email for further details.
Happy New Year,
Rick Grove Oceanside, CA
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Date: 12/30/25 5:18 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Swainson's Thrush in Encinitas
Yesterday, the 29th, I had a Swainson's Thrush along the back edge of Encinitas Community Park. Photos in my eBird report. This is the fourth winter record of Swainson's in the county, with previous records from Coronado, Chula Vista, and Carlsbad. This bird looks unsteady when it landed on low branches on multiple occasions, which suggests it may be slightly injured in some way or otherwise not well, which would help explain why it is still here in late December. It was finding food OK both in the leaf litter and eating a few toyon berries. A Hermit Thrush is present nearby as well. Hopefully it can make it to the Rancho Santa Fe CBC this coming Saturday.
Elsewhere in Encinitas, there was a Green-tailed Towhee bordering a private HOA park. Green-taileds are much rarer in North County than in southern South County.
--Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 12/29/25 9:10 am From: Sylvia Afable via groups.io <sylvia_afable...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Least Flycatcher in Chula Vista
Hi SD,
Least FC continues along Naples St. Seen earlier this morning prior to my arrival by Naples x First St. I was able to catch up to it and left it by Naples x Dixon (32.6163648, -117.0601396), 3/4 up the canopy in the tall clusters of Euc by the golf course/maintenance gate. Calling.
Happy Birding,
Sylvia Afable :))
Huntington Beach
> On Dec 28, 2025, at 7:16 AM, Alison Hiers via groups.io <lahiers...> wrote:
>
> The Least ids ptesent and cslling this morning at 7:15 am
>
> Alison Hiers
> Carlsbad
>
>
>
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Date: 12/28/25 3:58 pm From: Susan Smith via groups.io <seiurus...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Plumbeous Vireo, Summer Tanager continue in the Carroll Creek Area, Sorrento Valley, 12/28.
The subject birds continue in the Carroll Creek Area near the intersection of 805 and Sorrento Valley Rd, and there were at least two Wilson's Warblers among the willows here t0o. I think it was Paul Lehman who first reported the SUTA here last fall, and I have been tracking the Vireo and Wilson's since I think late October. The vireo was kind of puzzling at first, as the cheek area was not discreet, and I could not track the more telling details before, but I finally got some photos this time. The stream is running nicely. If you go there, please keep to the parking lot area south of the stream. Details in the checklist at https://ebird.org/checklist/S290827494 Sue
Susan Smith Seiurus Biological Consulting
Del Mar, CA
<seiurus...>
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Date: 12/28/25 12:24 pm From: Ruslan Balagansky via groups.io <ruslan...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] three rare warblers in same chula vista costco tipu
currently looking at the continuing bt green, nashville, and now a Tennessee.
Sent ftom my pjone.
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Date: 12/28/25 9:45 am From: Tito Gonzalez via groups.io <txsandpiper...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Clay-colored Sparrow: Carlsbad 28DEC 2025
Just had apparent Clay-colored Sparrow at NW corner if Chase Field in Carlsbad.https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vqb88yx8jDe2HLbs7Not too far from Catbird location.Tito Gonzalez Carlsbad Ca
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Date: 12/28/25 7:16 am From: Alison Hiers via groups.io <lahiers...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Least Flycatcher in Chula Vista
The Least ids ptesent and cslling this morning at 7:15 am
Alison Hiers
Carlsbad
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Date: 12/28/25 4:24 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Rufous Hummingbird; problematic geese and vireos ; the Scissor-tailed
On the Escondido CBC yesterday, 27 Dec, I had a young male Rufous Hummingbird at Kit Carson Park. Almost full rufous upperparts but still a gorget just growing in some adult feathering. By my calculation this is only the third documented record of a recognizable Rufous Hummer in the county during the past 20+ years between early November and latter January. Of course the operable word here is "recognizable," as who knows how many female and female-looking young male Rufous might be out there all these years, escaping detection, and drowned out by the ubiquitous Allen's. It probably isn't many, but likely more than zero!
There have been two sets of two white geese in the general Ramona area this month. Two Snow Geese in the Ramona Grasslands/Rangeland Road area, followed by two Ross's Geese at Ramona Pond. That distinction has become somewhat muddied as of late. The two Ross's at Ramona Pond have not been seen there since the 24th, but then two Ross's were reported at Rangeland/Grasslands, where the Snows had been, on the 26th. Also, a photo from Rangeland on the 10th MIGHT show the Ross's rather than the Snows. Anyway, if you see two white geese anywhere in the Ramona area at this point, best to not assume what species they are and one should start the ID process from scratch.
Heritage Park in Chula Vista has very recently become a somewhat popular birding destination, given the recent discovery there of a Grace's Warbler and Brown Creeper. There are also multiple "Solitary" Vireos in the park, with the high likelihood of causing ID issues. There is a returning Plumbeous Vireo that does have a bit of yellow-olive wash on the sides, which when I saw it a few days ago was at the east end of the park. There is also a Cassin's Vireo found on the CBC on the 20th which continues to be reported in the crescent of pines where the Grace's and creeper are hanging out. But a couple of the photos of that bird make it look more like the Plumbeous, although photos of Solitary Vireos are infamous for being variable from photo to photo due to lighting, pose, angle, veg, etc., and those photos had poor lighting. And one or two of the photos of the Cassin's even make it look much brighter, with the potential of it being a Blue-headed (!). Although a large majority of the photos look like a reasonable Cassin's. So, in sum, the vireo situation there can easily become muddy, so take care with one's IDs and try to get series of photographs.
Lastly, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher found yesterday by Chris McCreedy in North Park/South Park bordering Switzer Canyon is "only" about 7/10 of a mile as the Scissor-tailed flies from where there was a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher on a single date in December 2021, a bit farther southeast in a very similar setting of a residential area bordering a canyon (in this case, Juniper Canyon). That bird was seen from the north flank of Juniper Canyon from vic. Felton Street. Given that the same Scissor-tailed can return for many winters and can range fairly widely, it is at least possible that this is the same individual having escaped detection all these years, and it also gives one an idea how far it could conceivably range and where else one might look for it.
--Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 12/27/25 6:51 pm From: Philip Unitt via groups.io <unitt...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] San Diego Christmas bird count final results
Dear friends,
Here now are the final results of last Saturday's San Diego Christmas bird count: 218 species, not counting five exotics not (yet) considered established. If you see any data-entry errors, please alert me. We're now working on the final report to include the documentation of rare birds for the reviewers and historical context, parallel to last year's, which you can see at https://www.sdnhm.org/files/1317/3811/0760/San_Diego_CBC_FinalReport_2024.pdf. We will get this year's report posted similarly as soon as it's done. Thanks very much to my fellow committee members Jen Hajj, Lesley Handa, Olivia Poulos, Lindsay Willrick, Shannon MIndeman, Sandy McCann, and Thais Thomazini. Thank you to the many managers and who authorized access to various restricted areas for us--they will all be acknowledged in the final report. And thank you to all participants who made a successful count possible. Maybe not last year's record-smashing 230 species, but a very strong result nonetheless.
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Date: 12/27/25 3:59 pm From: thisisanikab via groups.io <thisisanikab...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] White-throated Sparrow - San Elijo Lagoon
Thought I’d mention it since it showed at rare on eBird, apologies for not posting sooner. Seen yesterday (12/26) at 1pm before the rain came in. Located on the northwest trail just outside the discovery center by the water. (33.01347° N, 117.27470° W)
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Date: 12/27/25 8:08 am From: Patti Langen via groups.io <patti.langenzoo...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Gray Catbird in Carlsbad
Seen at the Manzano & El Arbol riparian hotspot, near fruiting toyon here: (33.1271857, -117.3288057) at 7:50.
Patti Langen Carlsbad
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Date: 12/25/25 10:54 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Colina del Sol MacGillivray's Warbler & Plumbeous Vireo ; miscellanea
On Christmas morning, a visit to Colina del Sol Park (home of the November Prothonotary Warbler) produced a casual-in-winter MacGillivray's Warbler in the north-central section of the park. Location:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/i4GXmmABHiuXGnfE6?g_st=a This area has just scattered brush and hedges, so not exactly scrumptious MacGillivray's habitat, and the bird on a couple occasions actually flew well up into the two pepper trees located at that location. Otherwise, it did stay low, as expected, in various directions from those two peppers. In the more southern section of the park there was a Plumbeous Vireo, very likely a bird that has returned multiple winters here.
In other news, 7 Snow Geese and 6 Gr. White-fronted Geese continue at Sweetwater Reservoir, where there was also an adult "Thayer's" Iceland Gull, continuing Prairie Falcon, and up to 45 Barn Swallows. Bald Eagles have a nest there again this year. At Heritage Park in Chula Vista, where Grace's Warbler and Cassin's Vireo were found on the recent CBC, I had a Plumbeous Vireo (likely returning now for multiple years) on Monday, so be careful identifying "Solitary" Vireos at this site.
Paul Lehman, San Diego
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