Date: 9/13/25 2:03 pm From: Pete Sole <pete...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Re: possible Snow Bunting at Sunset Beach campground
Hi Janna,
Thanks for reaching out. This looks like a very intriguing bird. I might be able to go check it out today. I think it is quite likely a Snow bunting, an adult male molting out of it's breeding plumage into non-breeding plumage. Another possibility I can't discount quite yet, is a partially Leucistic (white/missing pigment) junco. But my sense is that it IS a bunting.
Tell your friend that it's quite a find! (Even it if turns out to be some common Leucistic bird.)
If he can send or post to "mbb Monterey Bay Birds <mbbirds...>" as a possible find, the local birding community will be able to weigh in.
Very nice bird!
Pete
On 9/13/25 1:49 PM, Janna Pauser wrote: > A friend sent me a photo of a possible Snow Bunting while camping at > Sunset State Beach campground 9-10 and 11. > > I gave him your email and told him to send you the photo. Sorry I am > not tec. savvy but I took a photo with my camera and attached it. > > Look for text from Doug, but he is shy and may not contact you. > > Janna Pauser > San Jose
