Date: 5/15/26 5:48 pm From: Leonie Batkin via groups.io <leonie.batkin23...> Subject: [pen-bird] Redwood Shores Great-tailed Grackle and YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD
Today I was running errands and meeting up with a friend. On my way out of Redwood Shores while driving along Redwood Shores Parkway, stopped at the Electronic Arts intersection, I observed a large blackbird flying overhead. It had the distinctive long wings and rowing flight pattern and long tail. The light turned green and I had to move forward, slowly to see where the blackbird was going. As I approached Twin Dolphin Drive it did a dramatic nose dive down towards Phelps Slough, confirming my suspicion that it was the Great-tailed Grackle seen in this area since March 14, 2026.
On the way home I just got off the ramp at Holly Street heading East, once again waiting at a light at Airport Way when a flock of Red-winged Blackbirds flew across the road heading towards the airport. With them was a male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD! Wow-what a shock. As Yellow-headed Blackbirds do not typically hang around during migration I assume it is not the one seen in April.
