Date: 1/25/26 1:25 am From: Karen DeMello via groups.io <karen.demello...> Subject: [southbaybirds] American Robins on the Move
This evening at Bear Creek Redwoods OSP above Los Gatos while we witnessed thousands of American Robins flying over the former Alma College at dusk. Around 5:10 PM Melissa Hero noticed them above, then we all looked up and saw them flying southwest overhead (roughly from the Bear Creek Stables towards Green Mountain Retreat).
Unlike Sooty Shearwaters that we see on the coast in summer that look like clouds moving and swirling over the ocean, these robins were all flying straight in the same direction in a wide, fairly dense "ribbon" (maybe 25-birds wide?) that seemed to go forever. More robins continued in that "ribbon" for at least 15-20 minutes. We debated whether there were 3000 or 5000 - it's hard to count that many flying birds.
I'd never seen anything like this before and am curious if anyone has any insight into how often and what time(s) of year this occurs. It was quite the sight!
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
