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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
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Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 17:31 by Vladimir H-T
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401153559 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing, together with many marbled godwits. A little smaller than others, noticeably lighter. Light underside, white eyeline. Multiple sights at this spot over the last 72 hrs."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 12:58 by Alex Castelein
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401150808 - Comments: "Continuing amazing find by Ben Byerly on 10/7!!! Shoutout to Michael “Murrelet” Moss for refinding. Beautiful pale godwit with strong supercilium, no rufous tones, and barred tail and rump. Photos"
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 12:57 by Luke Jensen
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401129741 - Comments: "Continuing, Seen east of the point down a surfer's trail with other godwits. Lighter than other godwits with a white supercilium. LIFER and COUNTY BIRD! PICS TBA."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 16:40 by Libby Patten
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401142322 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Seen from COP. Waited awhile to see any godwits. Probably flushed out from nearer the base of the cliff by a dog. Low tide so lots of people walking where the godwits might naturally want to forage. Bar-tailed mixed in with large Marbled flock. Was whiter overall and a little smaller. Black and white bar pattern on tail. Will post marginal photo."
Williamson's Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 08:42 by Luke Jensen
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401129665 - Comments: "Continuing female type bird seen in line of pine trees behind playground, coopertive bird. seen about 10-15 feet up in a pine on the right side of the line of pines. COUNTY BIRD! PICS TBA."
Red-naped x Red-breasted Sapsucker (hybrid) (Sphyrapicus nuchalis x ruber) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 09:30 by Peter Schneekloth
- Refugio Rd--first creek crossing, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0689661&<ll...>,-120.0689661 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400987860 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Marginal looks and photos show red cap and throat of Red-naped Sapsucker but with extensive red showing below black breast shield which would indicate Red-breasted influence, photos"
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 09:50 by John Deacon
- Jim May Park (formerly River Oaks Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4258633&<ll...>,-120.4258633 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401032590 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "In the field, I thought it might be a TRKI but I didn't get great looks. I put it in eBird as CAKI just as a place holder. Definitely TRKI. Slightly notched tail, no malar stripe, heavier beak and nice yellow coloration of breast."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (3)
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 09:19 by Jamie Chavez
- Figueroa Mtn. summit, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.985&<ll...>,-119.985 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400992122 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Three flew into the pines around the lookout. Grayish, small, crow-sized corvids with a gray head and face, black wings, and a black, pointed bill"
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (2)
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 09:19 by Jamie Chavez
- Figueroa Mtn. summit, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.985&<ll...>,-119.985 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400992122 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Two male finches were some distance away on top of a burned pine. I only realized these were Cassin's Finches after reviewing photos. This was not apparent in the field due to the distance. The birds were silent"
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1)
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 14:47 by Timothy Whitfield
- Historic mission dam/creek, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.71067&<ll...>,-119.71067 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401084013 - Comments: "Golden winged warbler seen moving from perch on western sycamore to western red bud among other warblers. Very active, didn’t stay in place for long, didn’t hear calls. Black eye mask and black breast spot and golden head/wing marks, male. No photo taken by me but many by others."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 12:28 by Libby Patten
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401131045 - Comments: "Continuing. Seen both south and northeast of Campbell bridge. Beautiful male. Underparts appeared white, black throat and black mask on white face. Yellow crown and distinctive yellow wing patches. Gray upperparts. Foraging vigorously on many branches and many trees. Quick movements tended to deflect branches, making bird easier to refind as it bounced around. Sometimes feeding by holding on to leaf from the underside."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 12:04 by Armando Aispuro
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401122827 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing rarity found by Jane Orbuch on 10/8. Striking warbler with yellow crown, black mask, white below and above the mask and a thick black beard. Most striking were its bright yellow epaulets contrasting with the cool gray back and flanks. Foraging very rapidly, trap-lining among various trees. Seemed to favor dead and drying sycamore leaves, especially the undersides where it sometimes foraged upside down. Seen sporadically at Campbell Bridge. Also seen bathing in the creek from the bridge."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 12:03 by David Compton
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401063206 - Comments: "The bird was present when I arrived at Campbell Bridge, and I got several brief but clear looks at relatively close range over the next few minutes, before it disappeared for the remainder of my visit. I was not able to get photos, and the details I observed were pretty basic. The bird was a relatively small, active warbler feeding near the ground up to mid-canopy. I DID see that it was basically white below (including the underside of the tail) except for the solidly black throat, had a broad black band though the eye, had an obvious golden patch on the wing, and had a gold crown. The upper parts and wings (other than the golden patch on the wing and the golden crown) were dark."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 10:54 by Kenneth Gluck
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401048044 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Distinct yellow crown, black eye and chin markings. Yellow spot on wings. Very active in low Sycamore leaves feeding on insects. Spotted at several spots on Mission Creek."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 10:54 by Kim Stackpole
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401049669 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Distinct yellow crown, black eye and chin markings. Yellow spot on wings. Very active in low Sycamore leaves feeding on insects. Spotted at several spots on Mission Creek."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 10:14 by Mario Ramos
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401047652 - Comments: "Continuing, observed by multiple birders. The bird was identified by its distinctive bright yellow wing patches, which contrasted with its otherwise grayish plumage."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 10:07 by Cathy Jain
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400983496 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Foraging on the bottom of sycamore leaves. Active over creek near wooden bridge at 10:20. Unmistakable striking golden wing and face. Photos TBA."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 10:07 by Chris Jain
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400983495 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Foraging on the bottom of sycamore leaves. Active over creek near wooden bridge at 10:20. Unmistakable striking golden wing and face. Photos."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 09:25 by Rebecca Coulter
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400997707 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing rarity found here a couple of days ago. Seen around the vicinity of the Campbell Bridge over Mission Creek. Mostly foraging mid-level in the sycamores, hanging from undersides of leaves, occasionally hovering. Male. Photo to be added by Chris Coulter."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 09:22 by Noah Gaines
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401153251 - Comments: "Found two days ago. Refound this morning at 9:30. Seen again in same area from 10-10:30. Color scheme was gray, black, gold, and white. Gray with with contrasting black cheek patch and throat. Bright golden yellow on top of head and in broad wing panel. Wings yellow greenish. Tail with white in the outer retrices. Seen from bridge downstream from dam. Foraging mostly in sycamore by probing dead leaves upside down. From eye level to high overhead. Excellent looks."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 08:45 by Lynn Scarlett
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400995192 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing south of dam in sycamores and oaks. Yellow on wing, black throat and mask, yellow on top of head, gray back. Photos to come. Seen along with over a dozen other people"
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 17:01 by Zach Nett
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401093810 - Comments: "was seen five minutes before I arrived, but it popped back up at 5:50pm in the sycamore NE of the dam. beautiful bird with light grey unders, black throat and auriculars, yellow crown, and golden yellow wing panels on darker grey wings. actively foraging on sycamore leaves and branches. good views for a few minutes, well lit with the golden hour setting sun."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 10:00 by Anonymous eBirder
- Santa Barbara Botanical Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7096303&<ll...>,-119.7096303 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401154146 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing rarity, seen with several birders. A huge shout out to Larry who spotted it and pointed to it just as I happened to join them.
Small, very active warbler, darting around feeding. Saw it gleaning from the undersides of leaves while hanging upside down multiple times. Vivid contrast with yellow crown, black bib and ear patches against white stripes on face. Bright yellow wing bars."
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 12:04 by Armando Aispuro
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401122827 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Small black and white streaked warbler with a slightly curved bill. Alternating pied streaking throughout its back and flanks. Thick white median stripe on the crown, supraorbital stripe and eye ring. Foraging slowly like a nuthatch, inspecting bark and regularly hanging upside down. Found east and upslope from Campbell Bridge in oak trees."
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