Date: 8/4/26 10:40 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] More on COPR shorebirding Aug.4; Neotropic Cormorant at Devereux
I already sent out a quick note about the highlights of the day. Because the low tide is not particularly low, beach walkers were inevitably getting too close to bird flocks and there was a lot of movement as a result, making counting difficult.
As mentioned, I had a molting adult RED KNOT Slightly west of the Point itself this morning, feeding actively in the surf edge. I spotted Lynn Scarlett and got her on the bird, so we should have some nice photos in the eBird report.
Previously, I found a gorgeous adult RUDDY TURNSTONE on the Ellwood portion of the beach. It was first seen foraging well up on the shore among the kelp clumps, but it soon moved back to join the Black-bellied Plover flock on the beach. That flock was soon spooked by a runner and after flying around offshore for several minutes, the flock finally landed much further east on the beach. The Ruddy was still with them and I was just approaching close enough for a photo when the whole flock spooked again due to some on-coming oblivious-to-everything walkers. The flock headed back up the coast toward Ellwood and I quit chasing at that point.
Earlier, I had a Black Turnstone on the reef along with a Spotted Sandpiper (first Spotty I've seen at that location so far this year). I also had a fly-by of another Black Turnstone well off-shore.
Other species routinely seen continue in approximately the same numbers as previous visits. The same 2 Forester's Terns continue and this morning, they foraged over the estuary channel behind the roped-off area for a while.
After I left,I checked for the Neotropic Cormorant that had been found roosting in the bare branches of the trees behind the Nature Center earlier. By the time I arrived, there were no cormorants in those trees. However, a scan of the row of Cormorants resting on the playa of Devereux turned up the desired bird. Definitely smaller to the naked eye; sharp triangular gular pouch clearly visible through the scope.
So who knows what tomorrow will bring? Unfortunately, I won't be able to check the morning beach due to an appointment, but I hope someone else will be out there looking.
Florence Sanchez
