---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 17, 2025 15:06 by sharon tolby
- Morro Bay Estuary (use more specific location(s) when possible), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8501072&<ll...>,-120.8501072 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210115196 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Reported by the trip before us. We observed it with a group of Bufflehead south of Coleman Park. Small duck, slightly larger than nearby Buffelhead, small dark bill with large white patch around the eye and smudgy dark on the top of the head and neck. On water, darkish back and white along the flanks. In flight, belly was whitish. Top was dark in coloration."
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 14:40 by Pair of Wing-Nuts
- Morro Bay harbor mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8658353&<ll...>,-120.8658353 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210115131 - Comments: "Continuing bird on the sandspit side of the harbor across from the north T-Pier (Coast Guard dock). This small lone duck was backlit when in view and was primarily identified by its shape and size. It was a small duck that rode low in the water, was larger than the nearby Bufflehead and had a small short bill. The crown appeared somewhat flat. Someone may have gotten photos. No idea on the age or sex based on the view."
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 14:40 by Frederic Leist
- Morro Bay harbor mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8658353&<ll...>,-120.8658353 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210111875 - Comments: "Continuing bird on the sandspit side of the harbor across from the north T-Pier (Coast Guard dock). This small lone duck was backlit when in view and was primarily identified by its shape and size. It was a small duck that rode low in the water, was larger than the nearby Bufflehead and had a small short bill. The crown appeared somewhat flat. Someone may have gotten photos. No idea on the age or sex based on the view."
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 14:40 by Josh McLaughlin
- Morro Bay harbor mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8658353&<ll...>,-120.8658353 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210116608 - Comments: "Continuing bird on the sandspit side of the harbor across from the north T-Pier (Coast Guard dock). This small lone duck was backlit when in view and was primarily identified by its shape and size. It was a small duck that rode low in the water, was larger than the nearby Bufflehead and had a small short bill. The crown appeared somewhat flat. Someone may have gotten photos. No idea on the age or sex based on the view."
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 14:40 by Alexander Yan
- Morro Bay harbor mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8658353&<ll...>,-120.8658353 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210117154 - Comments: "Continuing bird on the sandspit side of the harbor across from the north T-Pier (Coast Guard dock). This small lone duck was backlit when in view and was primarily identified by its shape and size. It was a small duck that rode low in the water, was larger than the nearby Bufflehead and had a small short bill. The crown appeared somewhat flat. Someone may have gotten photos. No idea on the age or sex based on the view."
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 14:40 by David Pryor
- Morro Bay harbor mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8658353&<ll...>,-120.8658353 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210106466 - Comments: "Continuing bird on the sandspit side of the harbor across from the north T-Pier (Coast Guard dock). This small lone duck was backlit when in view and was primarily identified by its shape and size. It was a small duck that rode low in the water, was larger than the nearby Bufflehead and had a small short bill. The crown appeared somewhat flat. Someone may have gotten photos. No idea on the age or sex based on the view."
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 14:40 by Tom Edell
- Morro Bay harbor mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8658353&<ll...>,-120.8658353 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S209980809 - Comments: "Continuing bird on the sandspit side of the harbor across from the north T-Pier (Coast Guard dock). This small lone duck was backlit when in view and was primarily identified by its shape and size. It was a small duck that rode low in the water, was larger than the nearby Bufflehead and had a small short bill. The crown appeared somewhat flat. Someone may have gotten photos. No idea on the age or sex based on the view."
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 14:40 by Matthew Schreiner
- Morro Bay harbor mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8658353&<ll...>,-120.8658353 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210105078 - Comments: "Continuing bird on the sandspit side of the harbor across from the north T-Pier (Coast Guard dock). This small lone duck was backlit when in view and was primarily identified by its shape and size. It was a small duck that rode low in the water, was larger than the nearby Bufflehead and had a small short bill. The crown appeared somewhat flat. Someone may have gotten photos. No idea on the age or sex based on the view."
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 14:40 by Morro Bay Bird Festival
- Morro Bay harbor mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8658353&<ll...>,-120.8658353 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210099681 - Comments: "Continuing bird on the sandspit side of the harbor across from the north T-Pier (Coast Guard dock). This small lone duck was backlit when in view and was primarily identified by its shape and size. It was a small duck that rode low in the water, was larger than the nearby Bufflehead and had a small short bill. The crown appeared somewhat flat. Someone may have gotten photos. No idea on the age or sex based on the view."
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 14:40 by Nick & Jane
- Morro Bay harbor mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8658353&<ll...>,-120.8658353 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210102435 - Comments: "Continuing bird on the sandspit side of the harbor across from the north T-Pier (Coast Guard dock). This small lone duck was backlit when in view and was primarily identified by its shape and size. It was a small duck that rode low in the water, was larger than the nearby Bufflehead and had a small short bill. The crown appeared somewhat flat. Someone may have gotten photos. No idea on the age or sex based on the view."
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 18, 2025 11:41 by Nolan Bollinger
- Morro Bay harbor mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8658353&<ll...>,-120.8658353 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210113791 - Comments: "Continuing bird first reported on yesterday's afternoon bay cruise. Poorly seen because of lighting, but it was a small duck that rode low in the water with a rounded head and small bill. Sex not determined. Poor photo will be added to the checklist."
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 18, 2025 11:41 by Jan Bugge
- Morro Bay harbor mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8658353&<ll...>,-120.8658353 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210096849 - Comments: "Continuing bird first reported on yesterday's afternoon bay cruise. Poorly seen because of lighting, but it was a small duck that rode low in the water with a rounded head and small bill. Sex not determined. Poor photo will be added to the checklist."
Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 16, 2025 07:10 by Ed Harper
- San Luis Obispo Creek Lagoon, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.7364416&<ll...>,-120.7364416 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210040260 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing female…steeper forehead and a puffy nape, along with a shorter bill that is mostly yellow/orange. Observed associating with 5 common down stream from the golf cart bridge close to the creek mouth."
Ancient Murrelet (Synthliboramphus antiquus) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 09:41 by Chris Henry
- The Gully to Point Piedras Blancas and back, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.2284087&<ll...>,-121.2284087 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210111362 - Comments: "small murrelet only seen well by Chris H. initial field marks noticed was the size, very small, white sides, and the most noticeable feature being the black on the head and face that went slightly below the eye, like a cap."
Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) (1)
- Reported Jan 20, 2025 09:46 by Gary Clayton
- Santa Rosa Creek mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.1102353&<ll...>,-121.1102353 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210065378 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Found him on the beach with a big group of Sanderlings. He would fly out over the ocean circle back and land with the Sanderings. Very dark orange and black bill. Photos to follow."
Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) (1)
- Reported Jan 20, 2025 09:46 by Janine Choi
- Santa Rosa Creek mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.1102353&<ll...>,-121.1102353 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210065377 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Found him on the beach with a big group of Sanderlings. He would fly out over the ocean circle back and land with the Sanderings. Very dark orange and black bill. Photos to follow."
Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 09:41 by Alexander Yan
- The Gully to Point Piedras Blancas and back, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.2284087&<ll...>,-121.2284087 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210116960 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "briefly seen on the water and then flying away. This was a small shearwater that was very dark above and white below. The white below wrapped up onto the rear flanks, the undertail coverts were white, and the white underwing appeared unmarked other than outlined in black and with black in the primaries. A few poor photos were taken and at least one will be added to the checklist."
Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 09:41 by Morro Bay Bird Festival
- The Gully to Point Piedras Blancas and back, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.2284087&<ll...>,-121.2284087 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210099373 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "briefly seen on the water and then flying away. This was a small shearwater that was very dark above and white below. The white below wrapped up onto the rear flanks, the undertail coverts were white, and the white underwing appeared unmarked other than outlined in black and with black in the primaries. A few poor photos were taken and at least one will be added to the checklist."
Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 09:41 by Nick & Jane
- The Gully to Point Piedras Blancas and back, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.2284087&<ll...>,-121.2284087 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210102134 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "briefly seen on the water and then flying away. This was a small shearwater that was very dark above and white below. The white below wrapped up onto the rear flanks, the undertail coverts were white, and the white underwing appeared unmarked other than outlined in black and with black in the primaries. A few poor photos were taken and at least one will be added to the checklist.
*In addition, I think I was the first to spot this low-flying bird while I was standing in the middle, port side. I saw it flying just above the waves, maybe having even just taken flight, and was at about our ten o'clock (in relation to the boat with the bow being twelve). I instantly thought alcid because of its rapid wingbeats, black upperparts and white lowerparts--there had been so many dozens and dozens of rhinos with similar flight behavior. I quickly realized its wings were far too long for an alcid, and its body, while moving in the same direction as us, was narrower than I thought. It was then I yelled out "Shearwater!" Photographers at the bow snapped some blurry pics that were never shown to me. In fact, no one actually asked what I'd seen as the experts debated among themselves. I also noted its bright undertail and belly, and white up its rear flank area. I never got a good look at its head. The bird was clearly smaller than a Black-vented Shearwater, had faster wingbeats than one, and rapidly cut across the bow, though was distant."
Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 09:41 by Matthew Schreiner
- The Gully to Point Piedras Blancas and back, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.2284087&<ll...>,-121.2284087 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210105138 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "briefly seen on the water and then flying away. This was a small shearwater that was very dark above and white below. The white below wrapped up onto the rear flanks, the undertail coverts were white, and the white underwing appeared unmarked other than outlined in black and with black in the primaries. A few poor photos were taken and at least one will be added to the checklist."
Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 09:41 by David Pryor
- The Gully to Point Piedras Blancas and back, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.2284087&<ll...>,-121.2284087 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210106348 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "briefly seen on the water and then flying away. This was a small shearwater that was very dark above and white below. The white below wrapped up onto the rear flanks, the undertail coverts were white, and the white underwing appeared unmarked other than outlined in black and with black in the primaries. A few poor photos were taken and at least one will be added to the checklist."
Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 09:41 by Tom Edell
- The Gully to Point Piedras Blancas and back, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.2284087&<ll...>,-121.2284087 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S209981352 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "briefly seen on the water and then flying away. This was a small shearwater that was very dark above and white below. The white below wrapped up onto the rear flanks, the undertail coverts were white, and the white underwing appeared unmarked other than outlined in black and with black in the primaries. A few poor photos were taken and at least one will be added to the checklist."
Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 09:41 by Chris Henry
- The Gully to Point Piedras Blancas and back, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.2284087&<ll...>,-121.2284087 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210111362 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "briefly seen on the water and then flying away. This was a small shearwater that was very dark above and white below. The white below wrapped up onto the rear flanks, the undertail coverts were white, and the white underwing appeared unmarked other than outlined in black and with black in the primaries. A few poor photos were taken and at least one will be added to the checklist."
Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 09:41 by Frederic Leist
- The Gully to Point Piedras Blancas and back, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.2284087&<ll...>,-121.2284087 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210111657 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "briefly seen on the water and then flying away. This was a small shearwater that was very dark above and white below. The white below wrapped up onto the rear flanks, the undertail coverts were white, and the white underwing appeared unmarked other than outlined in black and with black in the primaries. A few poor photos were taken and at least one will be added to the checklist."
Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 09:41 by Pair of Wing-Nuts
- The Gully to Point Piedras Blancas and back, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.2284087&<ll...>,-121.2284087 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210115134 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Small shearwater briefly seen on water before flying off was all dark above and nearly all white below except for thin, dark wing edges, deep, black wingtips and tail. This bird showed distinctive inverted white saddle that wrapped from the belly up the near flanks behind long, narrow, sharply-pointed wings."
Cocos Booby (Sula brewsteri) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 17, 2025 08:37 by Alison Hazel
- West of Pt Buchon (35.259, -120.998), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.9976402&<ll...>,-120.9976402 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210039521 - Media: 9 Photos
- Comments: "Adult female first seen in flight. Bird landed on a kelp pad, flew, and then landed on another kelp pad where it remained for close views. This is a recent split from Brown Booby. (photos, hopefully including flight shots to be added)"
Cocos Booby (Sula brewsteri) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 17, 2025 08:37 by William Koole
- West of Pt Buchon (35.259, -120.998), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.9976402&<ll...>,-120.9976402 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210039626 - Media: 9 Photos
- Comments: "Adult female first seen in flight. Bird landed on a kelp pad, flew, and then landed on another kelp pad where it remained for close views. This is a recent split from Brown Booby. (photos, hopefully including flight shots to be added)"
Cocos Booby (Sula brewsteri) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 17, 2025 08:37 by Kim Kattari
- West of Pt Buchon (35.259, -120.998), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.9976402&<ll...>,-120.9976402 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210043373 - Media: 9 Photos
- Comments: "Adult female first seen in flight. Bird landed on a kelp pad, flew, and then landed on another kelp pad where it remained for close views. This is a recent split from Brown Booby. (photos, hopefully including flight shots to be added)"
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 20, 2025 08:30 by Morro Bay Bird Festival
- Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6207848&<ll...>,-120.6207848 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210114249 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Adult/immature. Pale coloring. Large bittern. Striped neck and stomach. Long strong bill. Flew past us and then perched in open for 5 minutes. Glorious! See photo."
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 20, 2025 08:30 by Susanne Ferrull
- Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6207848&<ll...>,-120.6207848 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210122111 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Adult/immature. Pale coloring. Large bittern. Striped neck and stomach. Long strong bill. Flew past us and then perched in open for 5 minutes. Glorious! See photo."
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 20, 2025 08:30 by owen slater
- Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6207848&<ll...>,-120.6207848 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210113475 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Adult/immature. Pale coloring. Large bittern. Striped neck and stomach. Long strong bill. Flew past us and then perched in open for 5 minutes. Glorious! See photo."
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 20, 2025 08:30 by Tom Slater
- Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6207848&<ll...>,-120.6207848 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210113096 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Adult/immature. Pale coloring. Large bittern. Striped neck and stomach. Long strong bill. Flew past us and then perched in open for 5 minutes. Glorious! See photo."
Least Bittern (Botaurus exilis) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 08:02 by AJ Almeda
- Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6903817&<ll...>,-120.6903817 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210086135 - Comments: "Leader saw the Bittern fly about 1.5 ft over the water across from one bullrush clump to another disappearing into the vegetation on the other side. It was a smaller (than green heron or night heron ) brownish bird with black primaries and reddish brown just in from the primaries. Also visible was the black on the crown of its head."
Least Bittern (Botaurus exilis) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 08:02 by Jordan Almeda
- Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6903817&<ll...>,-120.6903817 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210044789 - Comments: "Leader saw the Bittern fly about 1.5 ft over the water across from one bullrush clump to another disappearing into the vegetation on the other side. It was a smaller (than green heron or night heron ) brownish bird with black primaries and reddish brown just in from the primaries. Also visible was the black on the crown of its head."
Least Bittern (Botaurus exilis) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 08:02 by Morro Bay Bird Festival
- Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6903817&<ll...>,-120.6903817 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210024979 - Comments: "Leader saw the Bittern fly about 1.5 ft over the water across from one bullrush clump to another disappearing into the vegetation on the other side. It was a smaller (than green heron or night heron ) brownish bird with black primaries and reddish brown just in from the primaries. Also visible was the black on the crown of its head."
Least Bittern (Botaurus exilis) (1)
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 08:02 by JP Almeda
- Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6903817&<ll...>,-120.6903817 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210044707 - Comments: "Leader saw the Bittern fly about 1.5 ft over the water across from one bullrush clump to another disappearing into the vegetation on the other side. It was a smaller (than green heron or night heron ) brownish bird with black primaries and reddish brown just in from the primaries. Also visible was the black on the crown of its head."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 08:02 by Jordan Almeda
- Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6903817&<ll...>,-120.6903817 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210044789 - Comments: "We saw the greenish back, large bill, bright lemon yellow belly and forked tail. Additionally, we heard the bird make the “treeip” call several times when a Say’s Phoebe approached. Photos will be added to the checklist."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 08:02 by Morro Bay Bird Festival
- Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6903817&<ll...>,-120.6903817 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210024979 - Comments: "We saw the greenish back, large bill, bright lemon yellow belly and forked tail. Additionally, we heard the bird make the “treeip” call several times when a Say’s Phoebe approached. Photos will be added to the checklist."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 08:02 by JP Almeda
- Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6903817&<ll...>,-120.6903817 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210044707 - Comments: "We saw the greenish back, large bill, bright lemon yellow belly and forked tail. Additionally, we heard the bird make the “treeip” call several times when a Say’s Phoebe approached. Photos will be added to the checklist."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 19, 2025 08:02 by AJ Almeda
- Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6903817&<ll...>,-120.6903817 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210086135 - Comments: "We saw the greenish back, large bill, bright lemon yellow belly and forked tail. Additionally, we heard the bird make the “treeip” call several times when a Say’s Phoebe approached. Photos will be added to the checklist."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 17, 2025 08:30 by Cheryl Jordan
- Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6903817&<ll...>,-120.6903817 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210090026 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing by first dock (35.2646755, -120.6857133). Long bill, green back, dark mask. Light grey above, green turning into lemon yellow below. Seen well by all."
Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) (2)
- Reported Jan 20, 2025 07:30 by Nick & Jane
- Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6903817&<ll...>,-120.6903817 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210106926 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Short-tailed, bright-colored Ammodramus. A nice surprise while looking at Rufous-crowned Sparrows. Two popped out of grass below a rocky hillside, calling. This was west of the dog park along Laguna Lake Upper Loop trail looking northward. Took photos of one on a rock and studied that bird and not the other. Buffy to yellow throat, cheeks, chest, flanks, and undertail. Also flanks had some rufousy streaking, which was interesting. And its upper flanks seemed to have few brown spots compared to others in my eBird archive. The flank streak patterns and white belly remind me more of the Florida subspecies rather than the more general adult Northern (not saying it is the Florida subspecies—just having fun here writing about this bird’s fieldmarks), though its back patterns seem different altogether with more brown and less rufous. My archives show much variability in flank streaking. A.s perpallidus appears to be the expected subspecies, which means these birds perhaps should be wintering somewhere else, or else maybe it is common for this species to have most of its flock winter elsewhere while some stragglers stay behind because of a fixed home range (I usually find one in nearby South Hills Open Space this time of year). Or maybe some are merely nomadic. Either way, most here at Laguna are gone in winter, and I do wonder to where they migrate—Mexico or Texas or elsewhere. Some other notable fieldmarks: bright yellow patch above pale supercilium/lore area. Pale eyering. Brown crown bisected by pale stripe. Also, brown eyeline leading back from eye into brown auricular patch. And brown, rufous and gray-patterned back. Pink legs. Large pink-tinged bill. Photos of one specimen."
Sagebrush Sparrow (Artemisiospiza nevadensis) (2)
- Reported Jan 20, 2025 11:10 by Petra Clayton
- stakeout Sagebrush Sparrow -- Elkhorn/Simmler Rd Intersection (2025), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8400327&<ll...>,-119.8400327 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210114934 - Media: 14 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing species since 1/2/25 (Tom Edell, Roger Zachary)
Foraging at the intersection of Simmler and Elkhorn Road.
Gray head and nape; white throat wrapping around with faint dark malar stripe; conspicuous white eyering; white spot over black lores; thin black line extending past the eye with a dark spot on the back of the white eyering; thin white line in the center of the forehead; white breast, belly and undertail with faint streaking on the flanks and a dark spot in the center of the breast; medium brown back with dark streaks; brown mantle and dark brown tail; upper mandible gun-metal gray, lower mandible blue. --- Hopping and scratching the ground with both feet simultaneously while foraging.
Sagebrush Sparrow (Artemisiospiza nevadensis) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 17, 2025 13:35 by Ally Romanow
- stakeout Sagebrush Sparrow -- Elkhorn/Simmler Rd Intersection (2025), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8400327&<ll...>,-119.8400327 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210117349 - Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing; photos. Pale gray head and nape, thin dark malar. Dark streaking on a pale gray back, with streaks extending across the center. Both actively feeding on the ground together."
Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) (2)
- Reported Jan 20, 2025 12:50 by Reef Comer
- Cal Poly--Mt Bishop Road, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6777764&<ll...>,-120.6777764 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210123219 - Comments: "Continuing in massive starling/cowbird/blackbird flock in and around cow corrals. One adult male with gorgeous, almost orange-tinged yellow head and breast, black around eye, all black body, and white primary coverts. The second individual was smaller, had considerable less yellow on the face and breast, and appeared browner overall, possibly indicating either female or immature male. Don’t recall seeing much if any white on wings."
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 16, 2025 14:00 by Judith Newton
- San Simeon SP, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.1235286&<ll...>,-121.1235286 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S210074405 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Warbler behaving similarly to a nuthatch, foraging methodically along the trunks of several Arroyo Willow trees. Striking black and white plumage with a boldly striped head and a solid black cheek, identifying it as a male. Mostly white undertail was accented by black-spotted undertail coverts. Observed along the west side of Van Gordon Creek Road, just north of the creek, approximately here: (35.5950398, -121.1219937)."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
