Date: 7/7/26 1:18 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Shorebirds on the move
This past weekend and the following days, my focus has been on checking local beaches (and other spots) to pick up on early shorebird migration.
Area K is too full to have much in the way of shorebird habitat right now, and Devereux Slough is not full enough for optimum observation. Still, on July 4th, I found a good-sized flock (approx. 70 birds) of Western Sandpipers in Devereux Slough. The flock fed voraciously and stayed together as a cohesive group both when feeding and in flight. My sense was that they were new arrivals from some good distance.
On July 5, the flock was still there and I found additional individuals on the Beach at Coal Oil Point, where they have continued in varying numbers, most commonly with the Semi-Palmated Plover flock east of the Point.
On July 6, I had the first Black-bellied Plover at COP, a molting adult, which was still present today. Also present today were two Short-billed Dowitchers in nice breeding Plumage. I anticipate more arrivals of fall shorebird species in the next couple of weeks.
Florence Sanchez
