Date: 9/20/26 8:59 pm From: Connor Christensen via groups.io <connor.r.christensen...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVBA Trip Report: Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge
It was a fantastic morning birding at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge. Fall migration was in full swing, with a large flock of Violet-green Swallows and Vaux's Swifts swarming our welcome circle. A large flock of hundreds of Forster's Terns was seen on the move, and at one point the distant horizon was blackened by enormous flocks of migrating gulls. In smaller numbers , but even more excitin g, we saw several small groups of White-faced Ibis fly down into the New Chicago Marsh.
As we walked down the boardwalks of New Chicago Marsh, we got some close views of our most popular shorebirds. We had a very shy Greater Yellowlegs who spooked quickly, along with a very brave flock of Long-billed Dowitchers which let us walk within a few feet of their methodical foraging. We also got great views of pairs of American Avocets and Black-necked Stilts along wth some peeping Least Sandpipers. Raptors were also out and about, with a Peregrine Falcon standing watch on a powerline tower right next to the entrance gate as well as a distant Bald Eagle and Red-tailed Hawk guarding their own towers.
The ponds were beginning to fill with wintering ducks, including a flock of Northern Pintails and scattered Green-winged Teals. Saltpond A16 was full of hundreds of American White Pelicans and dozens of Brown Pelicans roosting on the Islands. As we began our way up the Mallard Slough Trail, we got some of the best looks at a male Common Yellowthroat I've ever seen as it hopped between reeds and slid down them. Along the trail, we kept our ears peeled and were serenaded by Marsh Wrens, Song Sparrows, and a few Virginia Rails.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
