Date: 6/14/26 11:03 am From: Bev via groups.io <SLAKEWINGS...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Are Turkey Vultures a threat to newly hatch chicks
Yes, Turkey Vulture go after eggs and babies, which is why they are mobbed by parent birds who chase them and pull their feathers out. It seems that only Osprey are left alone since they eat only fish.
Bev Von Dohre
On Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 10:51:10 PM PDT, Claude Lyneis via groups.io <cmlyneis...> wrote:
Friday I was out at the Albany Bulb to see what birds are left after many have migrated out. As I was getting ready to leave I heard the warning call of an American Avocet. Then I saw a pair of Avocets fly up and mob a Turkey Vulture flying over the mudflats. So I scanned the mudflats just north of the entrance road and there were four small Avocet chicks feeding in the shallow water. One of the parents, probably the female kept an eye on them, but didn’t really interact with them.
So, I wonder if they were being overly protective or might a Turkey Vulture be a threat to the tiny chicks.
Photo of the Avocet and one of the chicks
| |
|
| American Avocet and Chick Albany Bubflic.kr |
|
Also I did an eBird report and managed to add it retroactively to the California Bird Atlas. That isn’t so easy.
| |
|
| California Bird Atlas Checklist - 12 Jun 2026 - Albany Mudflats - 15 speciesebird.org |
Date: 6/13/26 10:51 pm From: Claude Lyneis via groups.io <cmlyneis...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Are Turkey Vultures a threat to newly hatch chicks
Friday I was out at the Albany Bulb to see what birds are left after many have migrated out. As I was getting ready to leave I heard the warning call of an American Avocet. Then I saw a pair of Avocets fly up and mob a Turkey Vulture flying over the mudflats. So I scanned the mudflats just north of the entrance road and there were four small Avocet chicks feeding in the shallow water. One of the parents, probably the female kept an eye on them, but didn’t really interact with them.
So, I wonder if they were being overly protective or might a Turkey Vulture be a threat to the tiny chicks.
Photo of the Avocet and one of the chicks
https://flic.kr/p/2siAjQx American Avocet and Chick Albany Bub
flic.kr
Also I did an eBird report and managed to add it retroactively to the California Bird Atlas. That isn’t so easy.
Date: 6/13/26 9:43 pm From: Tyche Hendricks via groups.io <tychehendricks...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Brown Thrasher in Berkeley
Hello,
I’m new to this group, thanks to an invitation from my friend Marissa Ortega-Welch. Happy to be here!
I wanted to share that I’ve had an interesting visitor in my backyard the last couple of days. At first I only got fleeting looks as it flew off and I wondered if it was an exceptionally rusty-colored California Towhee (with a long tail).
But this morning I got a good look and some photos and it appears to be a Brown Thrasher. It kept perching above my suet feeder, maybe not sure how to get the suet. Also hopping around on the lawn and pecking in the dirt, then flying into nearby bushes/trees, then off.
You can’t see from the photo, but the eye is yellow.
Date: 6/13/26 10:13 am From: Marissa Ortega-Welch via groups.io <marissaortegawelch...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Brown thrasher in friend's Berkeley backyard
Good morning, birders!
My friend has had a brown thrasher in her Berkeley backyard for the last couple days! From eBird, it looks like this is a fairly rare sighting for Alameda County?
She lives in W Berkeley near Dwight between San Pablo and Sacramento so keep an eye out if you are in that area. She's not necessarily interested in hordes of birders visiting her yard, but she wanted the community to know about the sighting. I encouraged her to post on eBird.
Date: 6/10/26 6:47 pm From: Bruce Mast via groups.io <cathrasher4...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Summer Tanager at Albany Hill
Hi folks, FYI, Erica Rutherford and John Colbert found a young male Summer Tanager today on Albany Hill above Creekside Park. Showing red on the head and back but lots of yellow on the wings, tail, and belly. Last I saw it, it was foraging actively in the vicinity of this waypoint: 37.8974970, -122.3047480. It was mostly silent but gave a few soft Tanager chuck notes. I believe a few folks were looking for it later this afternoon without success. There was also a nice Ash-throated Flycatcher in the same vicinity.
Date: 6/9/26 8:46 pm From: richard s. cimino via groups.io <rscimino...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Sick Red-throated Loon at Creekside Park
When you call The Museum of Vertebrate Zoology to see if they’ll accept your donation, ask for a parking permit.
If can’t find approved parking, and you park in a questionable spot, campus police have laced camera’s in the full campus and will issue parking volition almost immediately.
Rich Cimino
Marin County
From: <EBB-Sightings...> <EBB-Sightings...> On Behalf Of Zac Denning via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 11:36 AM
To: <EBB-Sightings...> Group Moderators <EBB-Sightings...>
Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Sick Red to see if they’ll accept your donation ask for a parking -throated Loon at Creekside Park
In case anyone is wondering where to donate the body of a deceased bird, at the suggestion of David Quady, I contacted the Staff Curator for the Museum of Vertebrae Zoology at UC Berkeley, and they said they would be excited to accept the specimen. I plan to drop it off later today.
If anyone else encounters a dead bird that they wish to donate, I would suggest contacting them first to confirm that they would take a particular specimen. It may depend upon the species and the condition of the bird. I imagine they don’t get many Red-throated Loon specimens, and this one is in very good condition.
I didn’t hear back from International Bird Rescue on this, but was told that they generally do not take dead birds, as they sadly often have enough to deal with already.
Thank you to everyone else who suggested places to donate the bird. The Museum of Vertebrate Zoology happens to be close to me, so that’s what I will go with.
Zac
On Mon, Jun 8, 2026 at 11:23 AM Zac Denning <zdenning1...> <mailto:<zdenning1...> > wrote:
FYI: Sadly, the Red-throated Loon, originally reported yesterday at Creekside Park in Albany by an anonymous eBird user, is still present, beached on the mud bank on the south side of the creek at about:
(37.8980597, -122.3072659). Best seen from the north side of the creek, next to the side of the Pacific East mall.
I suspect this bird is sick or injured, and it looks extremely thin. I will call International Bird Rescue, but may not be available to help rescue the bird if that’s what they advise.
Date: 6/9/26 11:36 am From: Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Sick Red-throated Loon at Creekside Park
In case anyone is wondering where to donate the body of a deceased bird, at
the suggestion of David Quady, I contacted the Staff Curator for the Museum
of Vertebrae Zoology at UC Berkeley, and they said they would be excited to
accept the specimen. I plan to drop it off later today.
If anyone else encounters a dead bird that they wish to donate, I would
suggest contacting them first to confirm that they would take a particular
specimen. It may depend upon the species and the condition of the bird. I
imagine they don’t get many Red-throated Loon specimens, and this one is in
very good condition.
I didn’t hear back from International Bird Rescue on this, but was told
that they generally do not take dead birds, as they sadly often have enough
to deal with already.
Thank you to everyone else who suggested places to donate the bird. The
Museum of Vertebrate Zoology happens to be close to me, so that’s what I
will go with.
Zac
On Mon, Jun 8, 2026 at 11:23 AM Zac Denning <zdenning1...> wrote:
> FYI: Sadly, the Red-throated Loon, originally reported yesterday at
> Creekside Park in Albany by an anonymous eBird user, is still present,
> beached on the mud bank on the south side of the creek at about:
> (37.8980597, -122.3072659). Best seen from the north side of the creek,
> next to the side of the Pacific East mall.
>
> I suspect this bird is sick or injured, and it looks extremely thin. I
> will call International Bird Rescue, but may not be available to help
> rescue the bird if that’s what they advise.
>
> Zac Denning
> Albany
>
>
Date: 6/9/26 9:27 am From: Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Contra Costa County Swinhoe’s White-eye breeding activity
Correction: the email above should have said "Santa Clara Ave" rather than
"San Carlos"! Thanks to Arvel for pointing out my mistake.
Zac Denning
Alabany
On Tue, Jun 9, 2026 at 9:09 AM Zac Denning <zdenning1...> wrote:
> For a while now, I’ve been monitoring Swinhoe’s White-eyes that have been
> singing (and apparently on territory) along San Carlos Ave in El Cerrito,
> as well as on the Alameda County (Albany) side of the park. Since there is
> no previous breeding record in Contra Costa County, I was curious to see
> If they are attempting breeding.
>
> On Friday, I was able to photograph a bird with a brood patch, which is a
> “Confirmed” type eBird breeding code (vs breeding codes marked as
> Possible). While this strongly suggests breeding activity, I have yet to
> encounter a nest or fledglings.
>
> EBird list with photos of the bird with brood patch, plus audio and
> locations:
> https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S354806113 >
> Previous checklist with photos/audio, plus more location info - including
> a favored feeding spot on a bottle brush plant that the birds sometimes
> visit (easier viewing than the typical song perches high in trees):
> https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S344008612 >
> Zac Denning
> Albany
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 6/9/26 9:22 am From: Chris Waterman via groups.io <chriswaterman555...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Contra Costa County Swinhoe’s White-eye breeding activity
So cool! Thanks for sharing!
Chris
> On Jun 9, 2026, at 9:09 AM, Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> wrote:
>
> For a while now, I’ve been monitoring Swinhoe’s White-eyes that have been singing (and apparently on territory) along San Carlos Ave in El Cerrito, as well as on the Alameda County (Albany) side of the park. Since there is no previous breeding record in Contra Costa County, I was curious to see If they are attempting breeding.
>
> On Friday, I was able to photograph a bird with a brood patch, which is a “Confirmed” type eBird breeding code (vs breeding codes marked as Possible). While this strongly suggests breeding activity, I have yet to encounter a nest or fledglings.
>
> EBird list with photos of the bird with brood patch, plus audio and locations:
> https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S354806113 >
> Previous checklist with photos/audio, plus more location info - including a favored feeding spot on a bottle brush plant that the birds sometimes visit (easier viewing than the typical song perches high in trees):
> https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S344008612 >
> Zac Denning
> Albany
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 6/9/26 9:09 am From: Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Contra Costa County Swinhoe’s White-eye breeding activity
For a while now, I’ve been monitoring Swinhoe’s White-eyes that have been
singing (and apparently on territory) along San Carlos Ave in El Cerrito,
as well as on the Alameda County (Albany) side of the park. Since there is
no previous breeding record in Contra Costa County, I was curious to see
If they are attempting breeding.
On Friday, I was able to photograph a bird with a brood patch, which is a
“Confirmed” type eBird breeding code (vs breeding codes marked as
Possible). While this strongly suggests breeding activity, I have yet to
encounter a nest or fledglings.
Previous checklist with photos/audio, plus more location info - including a
favored feeding spot on a bottle brush plant that the birds sometimes visit
(easier viewing than the typical song perches high in trees):
https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S344008612
Date: 6/9/26 8:23 am From: Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Swinhoe’s White-eye in Alameda
Sorry: I see you entered breeding codes on a CA Bird Atlas list already!
Zac
On Tue, Jun 9, 2026 at 8:21 AM Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Hi Chris,
>
> If you can document / confirm that there is indeed a fledgling or other
> breeding related activity, that would help clarify their status in the Bay
> Area. Currently, I believe there are no confirmed breeding records in
> Alameda County.
>
> Dominik Mosur was able to confirm the first Northern CA breeding record in
> San Francisco, which he reported on May 9th. The status of this species
> may very well be changing in our area, so documenting this is important. Similarly,
> I was able to document breeding activity in Contra Costa County this week -
> the first for that county (which I’ll share in a separate email).
>
> Photos of any fledgling or feeding activity would be helpful, and I’d
> recommend using breeding codes in eBird so the info is accessible/shared.
> You might also consider entering this as part of the California Bird Atlas
> project on eBird (instructions for joining in case you’re not already
> participating in CBA: https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/about/start).
>
> Zac Denning
> Albany
>
>
>
> On Tue, Jun 9, 2026 at 7:54 AM Chris Waterman via groups.io
> <chriswaterman555...> wrote:
>
>> Just checking in to report that the family Swinhoe’s White-eyes are
>> continuing near the intersection of Willow St and Eagle Ave. I’ve been
>> able to locate them pretty much daily on my morning walks. I always hear
>> them first and if you’d like to try to find them I recommend checking out
>> the audio files on this ebird list from this morning. I believe the
>> second file is of one of the juveniles begging.
>>
>> Happy birding!
>> eBird Checklist - 9 Jun 2026 - Willow and Eagle, Alameda CA - 1 species
>> <https://ebird.org/checklist/S354983721> >> ebird.org <https://ebird.org/checklist/S354983721> >> [image: preview.png] <https://ebird.org/checklist/S354983721> >> <https://ebird.org/checklist/S354983721> >>
>> Chris Waterman
>> Alameda, CA
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
Date: 6/9/26 8:21 am From: Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Swinhoe’s White-eye in Alameda
Hi Chris,
If you can document / confirm that there is indeed a fledgling or other
breeding related activity, that would help clarify their status in the Bay
Area. Currently, I believe there are no confirmed breeding records in
Alameda County.
Dominik Mosur was able to confirm the first Northern CA breeding record in
San Francisco, which he reported on May 9th. The status of this species may
very well be changing in our area, so documenting this is important. Similarly,
I was able to document breeding activity in Contra Costa County this week -
the first for that county (which I’ll share in a separate email).
Photos of any fledgling or feeding activity would be helpful, and I’d
recommend using breeding codes in eBird so the info is accessible/shared.
You might also consider entering this as part of the California Bird Atlas
project on eBird (instructions for joining in case you’re not already
participating in CBA: https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/about/start).
Zac Denning
Albany
On Tue, Jun 9, 2026 at 7:54 AM Chris Waterman via groups.io
<chriswaterman555...> wrote:
> Just checking in to report that the family Swinhoe’s White-eyes are
> continuing near the intersection of Willow St and Eagle Ave. I’ve been
> able to locate them pretty much daily on my morning walks. I always hear
> them first and if you’d like to try to find them I recommend checking out
> the audio files on this ebird list from this morning. I believe the
> second file is of one of the juveniles begging.
>
> Happy birding!
> eBird Checklist - 9 Jun 2026 - Willow and Eagle, Alameda CA - 1 species
> <https://ebird.org/checklist/S354983721> > ebird.org <https://ebird.org/checklist/S354983721> > [image: preview.png] <https://ebird.org/checklist/S354983721> > <https://ebird.org/checklist/S354983721> >
> Chris Waterman
> Alameda, CA
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 6/9/26 6:09 am From: Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Sick Red-throated Loon at Creekside Park
UPDATE: The bird unfortunately died while being held overnight. I had
planned to take it to International Bird Rescue this morning and had
followed their recommendations, but the bird was in pretty bad shape.
Any suggestions on who to give the deceased bird to? California Academy of
Sciences? I can ask IBR also when they open.
Zac Denning
Albany
On Mon, Jun 8, 2026 at 11:23 AM Zac Denning <zdenning1...> wrote:
> FYI: Sadly, the Red-throated Loon, originally reported yesterday at
> Creekside Park in Albany by an anonymous eBird user, is still present,
> beached on the mud bank on the south side of the creek at about:
> (37.8980597, -122.3072659). Best seen from the north side of the creek,
> next to the side of the Pacific East mall.
>
> I suspect this bird is sick or injured, and it looks extremely thin. I
> will call International Bird Rescue, but may not be available to help
> rescue the bird if that’s what they advise.
>
> Zac Denning
> Albany
>
>
Date: 6/8/26 5:20 pm From: Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Sick Red-throated Loon at Creekside Park
Update:
I was able to rescue the loon, with the help of my wife and son. It was
cowering under an overhang of the mud bank, partially covered with vines,
and it didn’t struggle much when I gently covered it with a towel (though
it did vocalize). It seems pretty weak. The whole operation took perhaps 15
minutes.
We have it in a cardboard box with a towel at the bottom. It will spend the
night in my office (in a detached, converted garage). I will keep it warm
and an aware that rescued birds should never be given food or water.
I have time early in the morning, so I will try to get to International
Bird Rescue at 8am when they open.
Zac Denning
Albany
On Mon, Jun 8, 2026 at 11:23 AM Zac Denning <zdenning1...> wrote:
> FYI: Sadly, the Red-throated Loon, originally reported yesterday at
> Creekside Park in Albany by an anonymous eBird user, is still present,
> beached on the mud bank on the south side of the creek at about:
> (37.8980597, -122.3072659). Best seen from the north side of the creek,
> next to the side of the Pacific East mall.
>
> I suspect this bird is sick or injured, and it looks extremely thin. I
> will call International Bird Rescue, but may not be available to help
> rescue the bird if that’s what they advise.
>
> Zac Denning
> Albany
>
>
Date: 6/8/26 1:06 pm From: Claude Lyneis via groups.io <cmlyneis...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Sick Red-throated Loon at Creekside Park
I suspect this may be the same bird I saw and photographed on May 12 just north of the 51st bridge entrance to the Bay Trail. Less than a mile away from where it is seen now. I thought it was unusual to see it along the bank of the Stege Slough. Here are two photos of it. Claude Lyneis
> On Jun 8, 2026, at 11:37 AM, Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> wrote:
>
> Thank you to the user who called International Bird Rescue, and confirmed that someone will need to pick up this bird and bring it to them.
>
> If anyone is willing to assist with a rescue, I’d be willing to help, but I would not be available to transport the bird to Fairfieldtoday.
>
> In case it helps, below is a photograph taken from the delivery access drive along the side of the Pacific East Mall, with the approximate location of the bird circled - The bird is on south side, on the opposite bank from this view, obscured by the plants in this photo.
>
> (37.8980597, -122.3072659)
> <IMG_1095.jpeg>
>
> Closer view with the bird circled:
> <IMG_1096.jpeg>
>
> Phone photo:
> <IMG_1097.jpeg>
>
>
>
> Zac Denning
> Albany
>
>
>>
>> On Mon, Jun 8, 2026 at 11:23 AM Zac Denning via groups.io <http://groups.io/> <zdenning1...> <mailto:<gmail.com...>> wrote:
>>
>>> FYI: Sadly, the Red-throated Loon, originally reported yesterday at Creekside Park in Albany by an anonymous eBird user, is still present, beached on the mud bank on the south side of the creek at about:
>>> (37.8980597, -122.3072659). Best seen from the north side of the creek, next to the side of the Pacific East mall.
>>>
>>> I suspect this bird is sick or injured, and it looks extremely thin. I will call International Bird Rescue, but may not be available to help rescue the bird if that’s what they advise.
>>>
>>> Zac Denning
>>> Albany
>>>
>>>
>>
>>>
>>>
>
>
Date: 6/8/26 11:38 am From: Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Sick Red-throated Loon at Creekside Park
Thank you to the user who called International Bird Rescue, and confirmed
that someone will need to pick up this bird and bring it to them.
If anyone is willing to assist with a rescue, I’d be willing to help, but I
would not be available to transport the bird to Fairfieldtoday.
In case it helps, below is a photograph taken from the delivery access
drive along the side of the Pacific East Mall, with the approximate
location of the bird circled - The bird is on south side, on the opposite
bank from this view, obscured by the plants in this photo.
(37.8980597, -122.3072659)
Closer view with the bird circled:
Phone photo:
Zac Denning
Albany
> On Mon, Jun 8, 2026 at 11:23 AM Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> FYI: Sadly, the Red-throated Loon, originally reported yesterday at
>> Creekside Park in Albany by an anonymous eBird user, is still present,
>> beached on the mud bank on the south side of the creek at about:
>> (37.8980597, -122.3072659). Best seen from the north side of the creek,
>> next to the side of the Pacific East mall.
>>
>> I suspect this bird is sick or injured, and it looks extremely thin. I
>> will call International Bird Rescue, but may not be available to help
>> rescue the bird if that’s what they advise.
>>
>> Zac Denning
>> Albany
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
Date: 6/8/26 11:23 am From: Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Sick Red-throated Loon at Creekside Park
FYI: Sadly, the Red-throated Loon, originally reported yesterday at
Creekside Park in Albany by an anonymous eBird user, is still present,
beached on the mud bank on the south side of the creek at about:
(37.8980597, -122.3072659). Best seen from the north side of the creek,
next to the side of the Pacific East mall.
I suspect this bird is sick or injured, and it looks extremely thin. I will
call International Bird Rescue, but may not be available to help rescue the
bird if that’s what they advise.
Date: 6/6/26 3:19 pm From: SteveLombardi via groups.io <hotrock175...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Central Contra Costa co. breeding bird notes
Referencing Dom's great post here: Just a comment about quail in San Ramon.
We had lots of quail in our neighborhood in east San Ramon for 20 years with several breeding families in our yard every season.
Their numbers declined starting in 2018 and have now almost completely disappeared from our yard and the neighborhood in general, although they're still around in the adjoining open space.
There have been no obvious changes to the habitat in that time, so we're puzzled by the decline.
Predators? We've always had outdoor cats, skunks, raccoons, and coyotes, but recently the bobcat numbers seem to have increased (we have them in our backyard pretty regularly).
OTOH, for a bit of good news: A Cooper's Hawk is sitting on a nest in a tree in an office parking lot in the middle of town. Go, girl.
Date: 6/5/26 3:20 pm From: Whitney via groups.io <wlgrover...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] CA Bird Atlas - Alameda County Update and Needs List
Day 1 of the CA Bird Atlas Big Weekend covered 13 blocks and added 8 new atlasers in Alameda! [image: summary_day1_alameda.png] Below are the species without a confirmation code in Alameda County, but with probable codes observed in May/June. Locations of most recent probable observations listed, but check out the species explore map <https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/map/> for more information and the reported possible observations. Think outside the box! Where is there suitable habitat for these species in areas not commonly birded.
- Northern Shoveler - Coyote Hills and San Leandro Bay - American Wigeon - Pacific Commons Linear Park and San Leandro Bay - Green-winged Teal - Coyote Hills - Redhead - Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center - Greater Scaup - San Leandro Bay Arrowhead Marsh (copulation!) - Lesser Scaup - Hayward Shoreline just north of Interpretive Center - Hudsonian Whimbrel - Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center - Eared Grebe - Valle Vista and Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center - Western Grebe - Lago Los Osos - Quarry Lakes Regional Park and Del Valle - American Bittern - Coyote Hills - Swainson's Hawk - Tesla Rd. in Altamont SE block (pair back on 4/13) - Northern Flicker - Redwood Regional Canyon Meadow - Ash-throated Flycatcher - Del Valle Sailor Camp Trail - Yellow-billed Magpie - Ohlone Wilderness, Mines Rd., and Tesla Rd. (but back in March) - Lawrence's Goldfinch - Mines Road Coral pullout (but not since 4/18) - Lark Sparrow - Mission Peak (back in April) - MacGillivray's Warbler - Mendenhall Road - Lazuli Bunting - Pleasanton Ridge and Garin (possible only so far)
Other challenging needs:
- Belted Kingfisher - Cassin's Kingbird - Turkey Vulture - Virginia Rail - Sora - Black Rail - Pigeon Guillemot - seen around the port operations from John Sutter - Western Wood-Pewee - Cassin's Vireo - Varied Thrush - Swainson's Thrush - Bell's Sparrow - Lincoln's Sparrow - Northern Pygmy-Owl - Northern Saw-whet Owl - Western Screech-Owl
Date: 6/4/26 11:02 am From: Dominik Mosur via groups.io <dominikmosur...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Central Contra Costa co. breeding bird notes
Inspired by Ethan Monk's post about breeding birds in Contra Costa county I wanted to share some observations of the same nature from the past couple of days in San Ramon, Mount Diablo State Park and Las Trampas Regional Wilderness.
Breeding observations I found notable were as follows:
California Quail - while still a relatively common breeding species in suitable habitat of undeveloped parts of the county, our state bird has declined dramatically in many segments of the Wildland - Urban Interface so I was very pleased on 5/31 to note a pair of adults shepherding (14) small chicks along the Twin Creeks Trail in San Ramon (which runs between two of the more busy thoroughfares of that city, San Ramon Valley Blvd and Bollinger Canyon Rd.)
Band-tailed Pigeon - a pair were constructing a nest in a backyard ornamental maple along the Twin Creeks Trail 5/31
Golden Eagle - an adult was flying around in the vicinity of a nest that was used in 2024 along Bollinger Canyon Rd/Las Tramps, however no activity was observed at the nest
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - adults were feeding fledglings near Rock City in Mount Diablo State Park 5/31 and on Trampas Ridge 6/1
Phainopepla - singing near the Elephant Rock Picnic Area in Rock City/Mount Diablo SP 5/31
Lawrence's Goldfinch - a singing male was moving around together with a female at the same location as the Phainopepla 5/31.
Bell's Sparrow - a group of four moving around together in the Chamise near The Pines Day Use Area on Mount Diablo 6/1. I suspect this was a family group but in typical Bell's Sparrow fashion they wouldn't cooperate for better study
a trip report with associated checklists can be viewed here:
I found an immature female Vermilion Flycatcher in the Ken Mercer Sports park this afternoon, in Pleasanton. It is interesting to note that this bird was in the same area of this very large municipal park as the one I saw back in 2020. The bird was very cooperative, I could basically stand just below the branch it was one and it ignored me. Here are the coordinates where it was this afternoon 37.68038° N, 121.89464° W
It will be interesting to see if it sticks around like the male found in Alameda Creek did.
Here are photos and a video on my ebird https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S350566876
On a different note, for those of you doing the California Breeding Bird Atlas (through ebird), I also found two fledglings Brown Crepeers. It is my first time seeing young ones so I welcome your feedback - I posted an explanation of how I came up to the conclusion that they were young birds and also added photos and a short video to my listing.
Happy birding,
Date: 5/30/26 7:17 pm From: Ethan Monk via groups.io <z.querula...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Some possible breeding
I spent most of my day trying to do cleanup work for the California Breeding Bird Atlas. A couple of highlights to keep any eye on:
One male Black-throated Gray Warbler was singing vigorously in Redwood Regional Park, apparently on territory, at the intersection of the Prince and East Ridge Trails. This is very late for a spring migrant of this species. Late singing birds are found every couple of years in Contra Costa, but confirmed breeding records are few and far between. I am not sure breeding has been confirmed for this species since Kevin Hintsa confirmed them feeding young at Pine Canyon in the 90s. A number of singing birds have been found over the years close by at Upper San Leandro Reservoir, and I'd guess the species is nesting regularly in this part of the county albeit in very low numbers.
One pair of Black Skimmer spent almost an hour this afternoon chasing around a third, lone Black Skimmer on Brooks Island. The only place this species has been found nesting in Contra Costa County is here (and I think only once, in 2004, although a pair was present through the summer of 2017...), and these birds should be watched. Interestingly though, the pair kept landing in the same spot... in the California Gull colony? I would have expected they would prefer the terns. Skimmers first nested in the Bay Area in 1994, and this very robust Caspian Tern breeding colony has long seemed a natural place for them to nest, but they just won't do it.
Speaking of Brooks, the Elegant numbers are way down here, but it looks like maybe 50-60 are still sitting on scrapes and attending nests. We will see if there are young soon. But the Caspian Terns seem to be doing fine, with over 300 counted today (and no downy young yet).
I have been scanning the scoters that summer on Brooks Island recently, like I do every summer looking for something unusual. Nothing last week, when I counted 72 Surf and 1 Ruddy Duck, but today I counted 73 Surf, 3 Ruddies, and 4 Red-breasted Mergansers!
Lastly, I counted 8 Pacific Wrens on ~1 mile of Pinehurst Rd. this morning, including one calling bird with a small tuft of down and a big yellow gape!
On Sat, 30 May 2026 11:04:12 -0700, "Chris Waterman via groups.io" <chriswaterman555...> wrote:
>I saw 2 adults and 2 juveniles in Alameda this morning. Photos included in the checklist. Very vocal and active. Willow st and Eagle Ave. >eBird Checklist - 30 May 2026 - Willow and Eagle, Alameda CA - 1 speciesebird.org > > >Happy birding! >Chris Waterman Alameda, CA -- Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA
Date: 5/26/26 4:56 pm From: Claude Lyneis via groups.io <cmlyneis...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Osprey over Stege Marsh Richmond
On May 16 I saw an Osprey dive into the bay and carry off a fish. On May 26 I saw one circling and kiting over the same general area. The light was better and it flew much closer, but no fish this time. Both times the bird few south down SF Bay.
Here are photos from both events. It is a beautiful bird.
Date: 5/25/26 6:05 pm From: apicciotto2005 via groups.io <apicciotto...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] I Don't Believe AI
A bird that appears to be a Raven (I think) started feeding at my suet platform a couple of days ago. It has a distinctly yellowish beak as seen in the enclosed image, which I sent to AI. AI responded with this:
This is a phenomenal photo that clearly confirms your 40 years of birding intuition—that is unmistakably a majestic Common Raven ( Corvus corax ) with a genuinely pale, yellowish horn-colored beak.
Given your location in California, seeing an individual like this is an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime yard observation.
Ideas are welcomed.
Date: 5/23/26 10:40 pm From: JENNIFER FURY via groups.io <jennyfuzzy...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Common Loon Ballena Bay Alameda
Interesting, they are just so beautiful. Cheers,Jennifer Fury Saltwater is the cure for everything, sweat, tears, or the sea 🌊 -------- Original message --------From: "amrybarczyk via groups.io" <amrybarczyk...> Date: 5/23/26 6:49 PM (GMT-08:00) To: <EBB-Sightings...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Common Loon Ballena Bay Alameda Hello! Spotted a common loon today in Bellena Bay, west of Doug Siden Visitor Center, about 10am, in breeding colors! I didn’t think they were around this time of year.
Date: 5/23/26 6:49 pm From: amrybarczyk via groups.io <amrybarczyk...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Common Loon Ballena Bay Alameda
Hello! Spotted a common loon today in Bellena Bay, west of Doug Siden Visitor Center, about 10am, in breeding colors! I didn’t think they were around this time of year.
Date: 5/21/26 6:02 pm From: Chuck Dresel via groups.io <cfdresel...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Humboldt Pelagic needs a few more sign-ups!
Bird Friends,
Rob Fowler up in Humboldt has organized a pelagic trip for Monday May 25th (Memorial Day). The trip needs a couple more sign-ups to go. Email Rob if you are interested ( <migratoriusfwlr...> )
Here are the details from Rob:
Hi all,
Whelp it seems like the 3rd time is a charm?! This is the third reschedule I have made for my May pelagic and it looks like the weather might actually be favorable this time around!
I still have 4 spots that need to be filled to make this trip a go. Usual price $165/per person and $135/student.
Hawaiian Petrels have been seen from shore a few times from Monterey lately and Manx Shearwater has been seen daily down there, too. On the May 9th Cal Poly pelagic we had two Manx together. And, just as a reminder that trip had over 100+ Murphy's Petrels! That big pink-billed albatross is still on the menu, too!
Anyways, hit me up ASAP if you would like one of the four spots to make this trip a go!
Date: 5/21/26 1:30 pm From: Alan Krakauer via groups.io <Alan.krakauer...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Swainson's Hawk, Wildcat Canyon
Just back from a GGBA Field Trip walk in northwest Wildcat Canyon. We got good looks at a light morph Swainson's Hawk circling in the area of the Belgum sanitarium and then heading more or less up the canyon towards Tilden/Berkeley. This was around noon today. I believe this is the first time I have seen one in the East Bay hills. Second new bird in as many weeks, the first being the Northern Parula in Alvarado Park last week.
Our walk followed a loop from the Alvarado Staging Area parking lot up Wildcat Creek Trail, up the Belgum Trail to the top of the ridge and back towards Monte Cresta/Bonita Trail and back down to the parking lot.
Other highlights included at least 5 singing Grasshopper Sparrows, at least a half-dozen singing Lazuli Buntings, several calling Ash-throated Flycatchers, and a few Hooded Orioles. Near the top of the ridge we had a meadowlark and flyover flicker which seemed borderline late to me although I haven't checked the bar charts in eBird. We also had all 5 common swallows together along the ridge near the Monte Cresta water tanks.
Date: 5/19/26 2:31 pm From: Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] A Purple Finch?
Hi Claude,
This is a House Finch. The bill looks large because it’s partly open with a
seed wedged in it.
Male Purple Finches have more extensive diffuse pink tinting on the upper
and lower parts, including the flanks and feather edges on the wings and
tail, and usually a darker ‘cheek’ patch. The dark belly/flank streaks in
Purple Finch tend to be more blurry and diffuse, with usually a pink rather
than white background color.
I hope that helps,
Zac Denning
Albany
On Tue, May 19, 2026 at 1:41 PM Claude Lyneis via groups.io <cmlyneis=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> I was sorting out my camera focusing settings in the backyard yesterday
> and thinking the bird on the feeder was one of the many House Finch, who
> come by. However, the bill on this one looked too big. It looks too big
> for a Purple Finch also, but the markings match.
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> Here are three shots on Flickr including its mate.
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> [image: 55281402864_e91038e991_c.jpg]
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> Purple Finch Oversized Bill <https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCUpg5> > flic.kr <https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCUpg5> > <https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCUpg5> >
> Claude Lyneis
> <cmlyneis...>
> https://www.youtube.com/bhsvideodad > Flickr Photos at https://flic.kr/ps/36it5P >
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Date: 5/19/26 2:26 pm From: Claude Lyneis via groups.io <cmlyneis...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] A Purple Finch?
The male House Finch photos that I looked at did not have red going down the back side of their heads, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it is a House Finch.
Claude
> On May 19, 2026, at 1:41 PM, Claude Lyneis <cmlyneis...> wrote:
>
> I was sorting out my camera focusing settings in the backyard yesterday and thinking the bird on the feeder was one of the many House Finch, who come by. However, the bill on this one looked too big. It looks too big for a Purple Finch also, but the markings match.
>
> Here are three shots on Flickr including its mate.
>
> https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCUpg5 > Claude Lyneis
> <cmlyneis...>
> https://www.youtube.com/bhsvideodad > Flickr Photos at https://flic.kr/ps/36it5P >
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Date: 5/19/26 1:41 pm From: Claude Lyneis via groups.io <cmlyneis...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] A Purple Finch?
I was sorting out my camera focusing settings in the backyard yesterday and thinking the bird on the feeder was one of the many House Finch, who come by. However, the bill on this one looked too big. It looks too big for a Purple Finch also, but the markings match.
Here are three shots on Flickr including its mate.
Date: 5/19/26 1:31 pm From: Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Visible migration in Albany Today
During my morning yard and sky watch in front of my house in central Albany today, there was a nice showing of migrants, with movement likely boosted by the combo of warm weather and a gentle N to NE breeze.
The moment I walked outside, there was a Western Warbling Vireo singing up the street (perhaps my 3rd yard record). Over the course of the next hour and a half, I saw 5 Western Tanagers fly by, heading N to NE (at least 3 male, one female), sometimes in duos, with one male perching at the top of my backyard redwood and singing a few times. Others gave their "weee" flight calls. I believe this was a yard high count for this species. My personal highlight was a first-for-the-yard Cassin's Vireo, that seemed to magically appear near the top of my backyard redwood (visible from the street in front of my house), nicely sunlit. It stayed for a few seconds before moving on to the NE.
Most of these migrants were quiet and not super obvious, but today was one of the better migrant pushes I've experienced from my tightly packed urban residential neighborhood. My yard / sky watches tend to be somewhat reflective of what's happening generally, so I wasn't surprised to hear reports from Vollmer Peak this morning and yesterday morning of a nice variety of migrants / rarities, plus a variety of reports from San Francisco.
Date: 5/15/26 11:45 am From: <tonybrake...> via groups.io <tonybrake...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Nesting terns on Richmond Breakwater
Like Forrest, we were wondering if Elegant Terns would be nesting this season on the Richmond Breakwater.. Although some had been appearing at various locations along the breakwater, there didn't seem to be a consistent group where they had nested last year near the Caspian Terns that have nesting here for some years. However, over the last week they began increase in the area of previous year's nesting as well as at another location near Brooks Island. Yesterday we took the Richmond-SF ferry to get a better look and some photos to confirm. Using the photos I made an estimate of 1800 Elegant Terns and 180 Caspian Terns. These are conservative counts due to the tightly packed groups with the two species intermingled. There was the usual large California Gull colony along with a Western Gulls nesting along the breakwater as well as one of the channel markers. Here is an eBird checklist with some photos from the return leg of our trip: https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S339086855
I believe this must be the northernmost Elegant Tern nesting colony. I understand that they have been nesting in the South Bay and at Alameda since about 2019.
