Date: 3/25/25 4:17 pm From: richard s. cimino via groups.io <rscimino...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] [CALBIRDS] Potential SHORT-TAIlLED HAWK over San Francisco - 3/24/25
Dominik,
Thanks for the follow up on this topic.
Rich Cimino
From: <SFBirds...> <SFBirds...> On Behalf Of Dominik Mosur via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2025 2:11 PM
To: <dominikmosur...>
Cc: Birds SF <sfbirds...>; <calbirds...>
Subject: Re: [SFBirds] [CALBIRDS] Potential SHORT-TAIlLED HAWK over San Francisco - 3/24/25
Some follow up to the report of the Short-tailed Hawk.
I've received direct and second hand feedback regarding this bird.
Some are convinced this bird looks good for Short-tailed- HOWEVER - some equally experienced observers think the photos are better for a Red-tailed.
From Brian Sullivan : "I don't think it's a Short-tailed Hawk. Dark morph harlani, and its intergrades, are much more likely, and from what I can see in the photo, this bird checks all those boxes. The biggest key field mark for harlani, and its intergrades, is the 'dipped in mud' tail tip, with a smudgy, messy appearance that goes all the way to the tip of the tail. That kind of tail pattern is wrong for STHA, which has a much neater black subterminal band. Additionally, the wingtip pattern and formula are wrong for STHA, being more typical of RTHA, with slightly banded outer primaries and P9 being just shorter than P8. On STHA, P10 is very short, and P9 is much shorter than P8, creating a more pointed winged look in this posture."
any additional input is welcome and please don't hesitate to post publicly on the listserv for all to read.
Yesterday, a group of 7 birders gathered on hallowed Battery Godfrey at the south side of the Golden Gate Bridge to observe diurnal migration .
At approximately 11:30 a small/compact looking Dark Morph buteo flew over our position heading north in the direction of Marin County.
Many photos were taken and a lively discussion ensued. Some thought the bird looked good for an exceptionally early Broad-winged. Others were stymied as study of photos revealed marks inconsistent with that species and Brian Fitch half jokingly mentioned maybe it was a Short-tailed.
Since then a number of observers with experience in Latin American hawkwatch have opined privately that this bird appears to be Short-tailed Hawk. This would be a first state record and will be submitted to the CBRC shortly.
Date: 3/25/25 7:21 am From: Dominik Mosur via groups.io <dominikmosur...> Subject: [CALBIRDS] Potential SHORT-TAIlLED HAWK over San Francisco - 3/24/25
Date: 3/22/25 3:50 pm From: Aidan Sinha via groups.io <aidansinha...> Subject: [CALBIRDS] Winter Wren candidate in San Francisco
All,
Rajan Rao and Frances Park found a potential Winter Wren in Golden Gate Heights Park yesterday (3/21). Several birders chased the bird today and were able to refind the bird at roughly these coordinates: 37°44'58.8"N 122°28'10.4"W. As Dominik Mosur noted on the SFBirds list, this is a CBRC review species, so please submit any documentation or media you have to the CBRC website here ( https://californiabirds.org/report_sighting.html ). Based on eBird reports today, the bird was easier to observe very early in the morning, although it was seen occasionally after. Be aware that there is a Pacific Wren at the same park as well, however. Good luck to everyone who chases this bird, and congrats to Rajan and Frances on this amazing find!
Date: 3/12/25 3:02 pm From: Robert Keiffer via groups.io <rjkeiffer...> Subject: [CALBIRDS] Black Skimmer Bay Area
7:00 PM. Bob Keiffer here from Mendocino County. I just received a phone call from a wildlife biologist friend who watched a Black Skimmer for ten minutes through his binoculars in San Francisco Bay near Oyster Point. Here is the info that he sent to me after our phone conversation:
“Black Skimmer
Cove, immediately south of the Oyster Point Marina fishing pier. South San Francisco.
Bird predominately “skimming” in the western portion of the cove 50-100 yards off shore.
6:45-7:00 pm
Overcast, virtually no wind, no wave action. Incoming tide, though still extensive mud exposed.
Lone adult bird with obvious field identification traits; extended lower mandible, red bill with black tip. Black back and wings.”
I don’t know if anyone else has reported this bird. Good birding! <rjkeiffer...>
Date: 3/12/25 3:02 pm From: Mark Wilson via groups.io <marklyonwilson...> Subject: [CALBIRDS] Overnight Spring Pelagic
Birders,
We’re excited to announce an overnight pelagic birding trip to far offshore Southern California waters in May 2025.
*Trip Overview:*
* *Departure:* Friday, May 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM from Seaforth Landing, San Diego, CA
* *Return:* Sunday, May 4, 2025, ~6:00 AM
* *Synopsis:* After departing San Diego Friday evening, we'll wake up at dawn Saturday to spend the entire day birding about 100 miles offshore near Bell Bank and/or the Continental Shelf (specific locations dependent on conditions). As the sun sets Saturday evening, we'll begin our journey back, arriving at port early Sunday morning. Note: Most, if not all, birding will take place in Los Angeles County waters.
* *Vessel:* Outer Limits (22 bunks, 22 birders)
*Details:*
* Location of Departure/Arrival: Seaforth Landing, 1717 Quivira Rd, San Diego, CA 92109 (overnight parking is available - details provided prior to departure).
* Spring offshore weather is highly variable. Previous boat and pelagic birding experience is strongly recommended.
* Sleeping arrangements: Bunks are small but adequate for sleeping.
* Dietary Restrictions? Let us know ASAP by responding via email to Mark or Van (emails below).
*Cost & Payment:*
* *Cost:* $460 (includes tip, meals, and bottled water; snacks & sodas available for purchase)
* *Payment:*
* Zelle preferred
* Other options: If need be, please reach out directly to arrange payment via physical check.
* Full payment required to secure your spot - *no payment, no reservation.*
* Once you've paid, your spot is locked in - so ask any and all questions upfront!
*Cancellation Policy:*
* If canceled due to weather, we aim to reschedule for May 9-11 (subject to captain availability).
* If you can’t make the new date, you’ll be refunded.
* If the trip is cancelled entirely for any reason, you'll be refunded.
*Interested?*
* Reach out directly to Mark and/or Van to coordinate payment and reservation ( Please *DO NOT* "Reply All" to this post)
Looking forward to exploring with you!
Happy birding,
Mark Wilson & Van Pierszalowski
Los Angeles, CA
Mark Wilson: <whisks.ospreys.18...>
Van Pierszalowski: <vanpierszalowski...>
Date: 3/8/25 10:46 pm From: Aidan Sinha via groups.io <aidansinha...> Subject: [CALBIRDS] Thick-billed Kingbird in Santa Cruz County
All,
Today (3/8), Max Ferrero discovered a Thick-billed Kingbird on Peckham Road in Santa Cruz County (near Watsonville). I believe this is a first county record and one of very few records for Northern California. Based on eBird checklist comments, the bird was initially found towards the end of the road, around 36°57'06.9"N 121°42'14.6"W, although it was refound later in the vicinity of 36°56'47.8"N 121°42'41.1"W (closer to the start of the road). Good luck to everyone who searches for this bird, and congrats to Max on this find!
Join us for an insightful webinar with the illustrator of the recent
flycatcher volumes, Andy Birch as he delves into the nuances of
distinguishing *Contopus* flycatchers. This webinar will focus on the
identification of Olive-sided Flycatcher, Greater Pewee, Western Wood
Pewee, and Eastern Wood Pewee. Whether you’re a beginner birder or have
years of experience, this webinar will enhance your understanding of these
often-challenging species.
Through detailed comparisons of plumage, vocalizations, and behaviors, Andy
will provide practical tips for identifying these flycatchers in the field.
We will learn how to distinguish subtle differences between species and
improve our skills in recognizing their unique traits.
This webinar is a must for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of
flycatchers and refine their birding expertise.
This webinar will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel
<https://tinyurl.com/2y6efp3f> and will also be recorded for later viewing.
Please use the YouTube link above (alternatively:
https://tinyurl.com/2y6efp3f) which will take you directly to LAB’s main
page, where the live webinar should be visible once it begins at 7pm.
Are you interested in learning about bird identification in a class and
field trips, in a safe and fun environment? Birding 101 is the beginning
birding class that’s been so successful for over a decade. Birding 101 was
designed to give birders the structure, knowledge, and tools to get more
out of Birding! Birding 101 is also perfect for partners or children of
birders.
This course is made up of three online classroom sessions in the evenings
(6:30pm-9pm) on March 27, April 3, and April 10, 2025. There will also be
two in-person field trips in the mornings of March 30 and April 6, 2025 at
Los-Angeles-area locations to be determined. You will learn the tools,
resources, and skills needed for birding in an entertaining format.
Participants are expected to attend all three classes and both field trips.
To sign up, fill out the form on our website
<https://www.losangelesbirders.org/event_signups/birding101mar2025das.html>.
Registration is $100 for non-LAB members (this includes LAB membership for
1 year), and $80 for LAB members. Registration is only $10 for LAB-S
student members ages 12-17. For students, a parent/guardian must sign up
and take the course as well; please sign up the student and parent/guardian
separately.
Become a LAB Member! Though our webinars will always remain free and
available to all, members of Los Angeles Birders have access to live
webinars via Zoom, invitations to special LAB-only field trips, priority
sign-up on LAB field trips & events, and discounts on paid LAB programs. To
learn more about membership, please see our website
<https://www.labirders.org/>!
Looking for a past webinar? Don’t forget that a list of all of our
previously recorded webinars <https://www.labirders.org/webinars.html> is
available on our website – which might come in handy if you want to study
up before a field trip, or if you're looking to build your birding skills
from home! Just scroll all the way down, past our upcoming and most recent
online programs and you'll find a list of webinars sorted by category.
These recordings are all viewable via our YouTube
<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHbAhQTFVaeowMCl-sD2e0g> page.
Upcoming Programs
3/11 Mastering *Contopus* Flycatchers with Andy Birch (webinar)
3/25 Song Recording Updated with Lance Benner (webinar)
4/6 First Sundays at the Huntington with Katy Mann (member-only field trip)
4/8 Unlocking the Secrets of Wilson’s Warbler Migration—What Museum
Specimens and DNA Reveal About New World Migration with John McCormick
(webinar)
4/12 Bonelli Park with Keith Condon (field trip, member priority sign-up
coming next month)
4/22 Rethinking Field Guides for Better Bird Identification with Tom
Stephenson (webinar)
