Date: 5/18/26 5:21 pm From: Keith Maley via groups.io <keith.maley...> Subject: [SFBirds] Battery Godfrey flight: Black Swifts, Purple Martins and more
Blasting north and northeast winds overnight and unusually warm
temperatures (65 at dawn!) led to a spectacular flight at Battery Godfrey
this morning of Black Swifts and Purple Martins, among other migrants. A
small group of observers recorded close to 200 Black Swifts moving
northeast in groups of 4-49, with excellent views. Other observers from
different locations around the city also observed this flight, and numbers
certainly will show SF County high counts for this species. Also coming in
with a county high count were Purple Martins, with at least 18.
Other highlights from the Battery were a flock of 11 White-faced Ibis
spotted by Brian Fitch at dawn that came in low over the water in the
channel, then circled up high and were not seen coming in the Gate. Cédric
observed these birds from the Sunset a short time later, heading south.
Dozens of Western Kingbirds were seen flying northeast, as well as small
numbers of Western Tanagers, Lazuli Buntings, and Townsend's Warblers.
Passerines were difficult to pick up in the howling winds which made it
difficult to stand at times.
Hugh Cotter spotted one more goodie after I and the others had departed.
Also of note: the Red Knot found by Nancy Palmer on 5/10 continues among
Sanderlings on Ocean Beach off of Pacheco, in a huge flock flushed
constantly by off-leash dogs to the delight and for the social media
accounts of their owners. Many thanks to Paul S. and Rajan R. for keeping
tabs on its whereabouts earlier today.
