Date: 8/8/26 3:31 pm From: Dominik Mosur via groups.io <dominikmosur...> Subject: [SFBirds] some late breeding notes + recent misc./ Corona Hill Bird walk returns 8/15
The breeding season is winding down but there's still some work to be done. Several species continue to tend 2nd and in some cases 3rd broods including: House Finches, White-crowned Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos and Hooded Orioles. Numerous Brown-headed cowbirds still dependent on surrogate parents have been noted the past week even as a post breeding flock of (300) was noted at McCoppin Square 8/4.
Several notable confirmations from the end of July - early August:
Ruddy Duck - females with (4) and (3) small precocial young were noted on 8/6 in both blocks containing Lake Merced. One group was visible from the Concrete Bridge near the Water Treatment Facility, the other was west of the Law Enforcement Shooting range.
White-throated Swifts - breeding was confirmed by Presidio biologists who located a dead juvenile below a nest site in late July
American Kestrel - big thanks to Paul Saraceni, who's regular visits to Pier 94 resulted in confirmation of American Kestrel. An adult has been noted with at least one recently fledged juvenile through the first days of August. Looking at the eBird distribution map this is the only confirmation of breeding on the entire west side of San Francisco bay down through San Mateo and Santa Clara county. Kestrel has really declined on the Peninsula over the last several decades so it's somewhat surprising that the only known breeding occurred in the City.
Acorn Woodpecker - Richard Bradus confirmed breeding at Lafayette Park with the discovery of an occupied nest cavity on 7/20.
This now leaves only Green Heron and Western Flycatcher unconfirmed of the likely breeders in SF.
a few migrants moving through the first week of August were:
Northern Harrier - Corona Hill 8/6
American Kestrel - Corona Hill 7/31
Western Kingbird - Laguna Honda Reservoir 8/2
Western Flycatcher - Corona Hill 8/1 and 8/4, Mount Sutro 8/2
W. Warbling Vireo - 2 E.Oak Woodland/GGP 8/4
Bullock's Oriole - Corona Hill 8/3 and 8/5 (maybe same bird lingering) and E. Oak Woodland 8/4
Orange-crowned Warbler - Mount Sutro 8/2, E.Oak Woodland 8/4
Western Tanager - Vista Grande Canal 8/2, 6 Corona Hill 8/3, Hoover Middle School 8/4
Black-headed Grosbeak - 8 Mount Sutro 8/2
Finally, Birding the Hill is back from summer hiatus. Join me for a hike around Corona Hill as we look for birds. Beginning observers are encouraged to join but all levels are welcome. There is a bit of elevation gain over some rocky terrain so prepare accordingly. I have loaner binoculars as well. Sign up here:
