Date: 10/30/26 12:37 pm From: Forest Chapman via EBB-Sightings <fococh11...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Richmond this morning
Hi all,
This morning I went out to bird Richmond for waterbirds while the windless conditions last. It was very overcast but still plenty of light to work with.
At Miller/Knox there was tons of floating debris offshore which hosted many elegant and forster's terns but no hoped for Cocos boobies. Probably still worth checking while these conditions last though.
Higlights included:
Common Murre-6 A very high count anywhere in the East Bay, especially here. All appeared to be healthy and were well offshore.
Brandt's Cormorant-4 This species is becoming increasingly more expected here outside of herring runs which is a new trend.
Heerman's Gull-5 were following a tug boat into the channel, a good count for this late in the county.
Bonaparte's Gull-7 flew by Ferry point, 1 was seen later at the lagoon.
PARASITIC JAEGER-1 Possibly a continuing bird which came in close off the pier and was seen physically attacking an elegant tern by biting its neck and forcing it underwater! I believe this aggressive behavior is atypical behavior for a Parasitic but I was able to carefully rule out Pomarine. Definitely my best experience with this species so far in the East Bay.
Common Loon-3 Apparently still too early for the usual swarms of RTLO here.
At Brook's Island 6 Snowy Plovers were running around which is becoming a reliable wintering location for this once hard to come by species in the county.
There was no sign of the lone Brant that was here 10/27
Date: 10/28/26 6:36 pm From: ann callaway via groups.io <callaway.mix...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Possible Wilson’s Snipe at Tilden Botanic Garden
Today, around 1:30 pm Richard Mix and I saw what we thought was a Wilson’s
Snipe near the marshy upstream part of the creek running through the
garden. We saw it from a wooden bridge as it flushed below us out of the
marshy greenery in the shallow water. We saw it for maybe two seconds
before it landed again farther under the leaves overhanging the creek. We
were able to make out the vertical striping on its back. Another surprise
was a Hooded Merganser on Lake Anza.
Date: 10/28/26 8:16 am From: Peter Pyle via groups.io <ppyle...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Birding this winter and Kelvin Wave affected Tides Another observation.
Good stuff Al,
Another short-term effect on ocean and bay water levels is barometric pressure, which can cause variation by up to a foot between the lowest and highest pressures we see in California. Higher water occurs with lower pressure which also, unfortunately, accompanies larger storms and wave surges. Hopefully we won't have all of these things combine with the holiday king tides this season.
Daniel Swain/Weather West is a great source of more detailed scientific information on the coming Nino and it's potential impacts. I recommend following his blog and watching the webinar linked at the end of this one.
On 10/28/2026 7:36 AM, Alvaro Jaramillo via groups.io wrote: > > Claude et al. > >    This is really a message that can be ignored as it does not change > the issue of the high tides/flooding at all. But perhaps some will > find the details interesting. The Kelvin waves are an effect of the El > Niño where water that has been in the western Pacific sloshes back > east, and then north and south when it hits the continent. They are > not like a tsunami but are slow moving and create an increase in the > sea level height that can last for quite some time. More Kelvin Waves > are on their way, the El Niño has not peaked yet. BUT, here is the > part that I find fascinating. The main effect of higher water levels > in the ocean in central and southern California is mainly due to the > warmer water making the water expand! There is so much additional heat > in the California coastal waters that the water is taking up a greater > volume solely due to the immense volume that is warmer (much warmer) > than normal. This is unlikely to decrease any time soon. So you have > the KW (Kelvin Waves), the warm water additional volume, first King > tides around Thanksgiving (with two more in winter)…. And possibly > wind and storms that may increase water levels. This could be a > disaster for those in low lying areas, but for birders it is a great > chance to try and find species that are normally hidden in the salt > marshes during those king tides. > >    So it is not all the KW, the water temperature has a massive > effect. Making lemons out of lemonade, I hope folks use the info that > Claude gave to find some neat birds in the next high tide cycle. > > Alvaro > > Alvaro Jaramillo > > <alvaro...> <mailto:<alvaro...> > > www.alvarosadventures.com <http://www.alvarosadventures.com> > > *From:*<EBB-Sightings...> <EBB-Sightings...> *On Behalf Of > *Marcus via groups.io > *Sent:* Wednesday, October 28, 2026 12:32 AM > *To:* EBB Sightings <ebb-sightings...>; <cmlyneis...> > *Subject:* Re: [EBB-Sightings] Birding this winter and Kelvin Wave > affected Tides Another observation. > > The airport Channel by the Oakland Airport was pretty flooded at 1:20 > PM yesterday with water covering part of the watermelon. > > A friend of mine today reported no beach at Dillon Beach during high > tide. > > *Marcus Pun* > Video Editor / Producer/Editor / Camera > C: 510-384-8085 | H: 510-530-2507 > Oakland, CA > > On Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 08:38:02 PM PDT, Claude Lyneis via > groups.io <cmlyneis...> wrote: > > I  went out to the Stege Marsh/Meeker Slough on Monday Oct 26 to see > how high the tides would be affected by the Kelvin Wave now hitting > the West Coast. The predicted height, not including the Kelvin Wave, > was about 6.6 feet at about 12:05. The KW is expected to add at least > 1 ft in the bay and this was seen on the Embarcadero in SF. > > It was as high as the King Tides in December and January in other > years . The tide, which had turned Stege Marsh into a lake, is shown > in a photo included below. > > Most of the usual shorebirds were missing and not visible on the > breakwater rocks off shore. There were some Snowy Egrets and Great > Egrets. A Kestrel flew over and hovered briefly and I got some photos > of that. On the island off the mouth of Meeker Slough, I was able to > photograph 5 Wilson’s Snipes. They were not visible with the naked > eye, but at 600 mm, I found them as has been true on earlier King Tides. > > If the Kelvin Wave continues through the early winter, the tides are > likely to be enormous at Christmas and late January and will be a > factor in birding the shorelines. > > Flickr Album with three photos.--- > > Stege Marsh and Kelvin Wave Tides <https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD8M3p> > > flic.kr <https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD8M3p> > > Claude Lyneis > > <cmlyneis...> > > https://www.youtube.com/bhsvideodad > > Flickr Photos at https://flic.kr/ps/36it5P > > > > > >
Date: 10/28/26 7:59 am From: Peggy Schuerholz via groups.io <keith-peggy...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Birding this winter and Kelvin Wave affected Tides Another observation.
Yes thank you. That's fascinating information.
*
Peggy
________________________________
From: <EBB-Sightings...> <EBB-Sightings...> on behalf of JENNIFER FURY via groups.io <jennyfuzzy...>
Sent: Wednesday, 28 October 2026 07:53:35
To: <chucao...> <chucao...>; <scrod2000...> <scrod2000...>; 'EBB Sightings' <ebb-sightings...>; <cmlyneis...> <cmlyneis...>
Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Birding this winter and Kelvin Wave affected Tides Another observation.
Thank you. Fascinating.
Cheers,
Jennifer Fury
Saltwater is the cure for everything, sweat, tears, or the sea 🌊
-------- Original message --------
From: "Alvaro Jaramillo via groups.io" <chucao...>
Date: 10/28/26 7:36 AM (GMT-08:00)
To: <scrod2000...>, 'EBB Sightings' <ebb-sightings...>, <cmlyneis...>
Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Birding this winter and Kelvin Wave affected Tides Another observation.
Claude et al.
This is really a message that can be ignored as it does not change the issue of the high tides/flooding at all. But perhaps some will find the details interesting. The Kelvin waves are an effect of the El Niño where water that has been in the western Pacific sloshes back east, and then north and south when it hits the continent. They are not like a tsunami but are slow moving and create an increase in the sea level height that can last for quite some time. More Kelvin Waves are on their way, the El Niño has not peaked yet. BUT, here is the part that I find fascinating. The main effect of higher water levels in the ocean in central and southern California is mainly due to the warmer water making the water expand! There is so much additional heat in the California coastal waters that the water is taking up a greater volume solely due to the immense volume that is warmer (much warmer) than normal. This is unlikely to decrease any time soon. So you have the KW (Kelvin Waves), the warm water additional volume, first King tides around Thanksgiving (with two more in winter)…. And possibly wind and storms that may increase water levels. This could be a disaster for those in low lying areas, but for birders it is a great chance to try and find species that are normally hidden in the salt marshes during those king tides.
So it is not all the KW, the water temperature has a massive effect. Making lemons out of lemonade, I hope folks use the info that Claude gave to find some neat birds in the next high tide cycle.
From: <EBB-Sightings...> <EBB-Sightings...> On Behalf Of Marcus via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2026 12:32 AM
To: EBB Sightings <ebb-sightings...>; <cmlyneis...>
Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Birding this winter and Kelvin Wave affected Tides Another observation.
The airport Channel by the Oakland Airport was pretty flooded at 1:20 PM yesterday with water covering part of the watermelon.
A friend of mine today reported no beach at Dillon Beach during high tide.
Marcus Pun
Video Editor / Producer/Editor / Camera
C: 510-384-8085 | H: 510-530-2507
Oakland, CA
On Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 08:38:02 PM PDT, Claude Lyneis via groups.io <cmlyneis...><mailto:<cmlyneis...>> wrote:
I went out to the Stege Marsh/Meeker Slough on Monday Oct 26 to see how high the tides would be affected by the Kelvin Wave now hitting the West Coast. The predicted height, not including the Kelvin Wave, was about 6.6 feet at about 12:05. The KW is expected to add at least 1 ft in the bay and this was seen on the Embarcadero in SF.
It was as high as the King Tides in December and January in other years . The tide, which had turned Stege Marsh into a lake, is shown in a photo included below.
Most of the usual shorebirds were missing and not visible on the breakwater rocks off shore. There were some Snowy Egrets and Great Egrets. A Kestrel flew over and hovered briefly and I got some photos of that. On the island off the mouth of Meeker Slough, I was able to photograph 5 Wilson’s Snipes. They were not visible with the naked eye, but at 600 mm, I found them as has been true on earlier King Tides.
If the Kelvin Wave continues through the early winter, the tides are likely to be enormous at Christmas and late January and will be a factor in birding the shorelines.
Date: 10/28/26 7:53 am From: JENNIFER FURY via groups.io <jennyfuzzy...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Birding this winter and Kelvin Wave affected Tides Another observation.
Thank you. Fascinating. Cheers,Jennifer Fury Saltwater is the cure for everything, sweat, tears, or the sea 🌊 -------- Original message --------From: "Alvaro Jaramillo via groups.io" <chucao...> Date: 10/28/26 7:36 AM (GMT-08:00) To: <scrod2000...>, 'EBB Sightings' <ebb-sightings...>, <cmlyneis...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Birding this winter and Kelvin Wave affected Tides Another observation. Claude et al.     This is really a message that can be ignored as it does not change the issue of the high tides/flooding at all. But perhaps some will find the details interesting. The Kelvin waves are an effect of the El Niño where water that has been in the western Pacific sloshes back east, and then north and south when it hits the continent. They are not like a tsunami but are slow moving and create an increase in the sea level height that can last for quite some time. More Kelvin Waves are on their way, the El Niño has not peaked yet. BUT, here is the part that I find fascinating. The main effect of higher water levels in the ocean in central and southern California is mainly due to the warmer water making the water expand! There is so much additional heat in the California coastal waters that the water is taking up a greater volume solely due to the immense volume that is warmer (much warmer) than normal. This is unlikely to decrease any time soon. So you have the KW (Kelvin Waves), the warm water additional volume, first King tides around Thanksgiving (with two more in winter)…. And possibly wind and storms that may increase water levels. This could be a disaster for those in low lying areas, but for birders it is a great chance to try and find species that are normally hidden in the salt marshes during those king tides.    So it is not all the KW, the water temperature has a massive effect. Making lemons out of lemonade, I hope folks use the info that Claude gave to find some neat birds in the next high tide cycle.  Alvaro   Alvaro <Jaramilloalvaro...> From: <EBB-Sightings...> <EBB-Sightings...> On Behalf Of Marcus via groups.ioSent: Wednesday, October 28, 2026 12:32 AMTo: EBB Sightings <ebb-sightings...>; <cmlyneis...>: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Birding this winter and Kelvin Wave affected Tides Another observation. The airport Channel by the Oakland Airport was pretty flooded at 1:20 PM yesterday with water covering part of the watermelon. A friend of mine today reported no beach at Dillon Beach during high tide.  Marcus PunVideo Editor / Producer/Editor / CameraC: 510-384-8085 | H: 510-530-2507Oakland, CA  On Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 08:38:02 PM PDT, Claude Lyneis via groups.io <cmlyneis...> wrote:   I  went out to the Stege Marsh/Meeker Slough on Monday Oct 26 to see how high the tides would be affected by the Kelvin Wave now hitting the West Coast. The predicted height, not including the Kelvin Wave, was about 6.6 feet at about 12:05. The KW is expected to add at least 1 ft in the bay and this was seen on the Embarcadero in SF.  It was as high as the King Tides in December and January in other years . The tide, which had turned Stege Marsh into a lake, is shown in a photo included below.Most of the usual shorebirds were missing and not visible on the breakwater rocks off shore. There were some Snowy Egrets and Great Egrets. A Kestrel flew over and hovered briefly and I got some photos of that. On the island off the mouth of Meeker Slough, I was able to photograph 5 Wilson’s Snipes. They were not visible with the naked eye, but at 600 mm, I found them as has been true on earlier King Tides.If the Kelvin Wave continues through the early winter, the tides are likely to be enormous at Christmas and late January and will be a factor in birding the shorelines. Flickr Album with three photos.---Stege Marsh and Kelvin Wave Tidesflic.kr   Claude <Lyneiscmlyneis...>://www.youtube.com/bhsvideodadFlickr Photos at https://flic.kr/ps/36it5P          Â
Date: 10/28/26 7:36 am From: Alvaro Jaramillo via groups.io <chucao...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Birding this winter and Kelvin Wave affected Tides Another observation.
Claude et al.
This is really a message that can be ignored as it does not change the issue of the high tides/flooding at all. But perhaps some will find the details interesting. The Kelvin waves are an effect of the El Niño where water that has been in the western Pacific sloshes back east, and then north and south when it hits the continent. They are not like a tsunami but are slow moving and create an increase in the sea level height that can last for quite some time. More Kelvin Waves are on their way, the El Niño has not peaked yet. BUT, here is the part that I find fascinating. The main effect of higher water levels in the ocean in central and southern California is mainly due to the warmer water making the water expand! There is so much additional heat in the California coastal waters that the water is taking up a greater volume solely due to the immense volume that is warmer (much warmer) than normal. This is unlikely to decrease any time soon. So you have the KW (Kelvin Waves), the warm water additional volume, first King tides around Thanksgiving (with two more in winter)…. And possibly wind and storms that may increase water levels. This could be a disaster for those in low lying areas, but for birders it is a great chance to try and find species that are normally hidden in the salt marshes during those king tides.
So it is not all the KW, the water temperature has a massive effect. Making lemons out of lemonade, I hope folks use the info that Claude gave to find some neat birds in the next high tide cycle.
From: <EBB-Sightings...> <EBB-Sightings...> On Behalf Of Marcus via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2026 12:32 AM
To: EBB Sightings <ebb-sightings...>; <cmlyneis...>
Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Birding this winter and Kelvin Wave affected Tides Another observation.
The airport Channel by the Oakland Airport was pretty flooded at 1:20 PM yesterday with water covering part of the watermelon.
A friend of mine today reported no beach at Dillon Beach during high tide.
Marcus Pun
Video Editor / Producer/Editor / Camera
C: 510-384-8085 | H: 510-530-2507
Oakland, CA
On Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 08:38:02 PM PDT, Claude Lyneis via groups.io <cmlyneis...> <mailto:<cmlyneis...> > wrote:
I went out to the Stege Marsh/Meeker Slough on Monday Oct 26 to see how high the tides would be affected by the Kelvin Wave now hitting the West Coast. The predicted height, not including the Kelvin Wave, was about 6.6 feet at about 12:05. The KW is expected to add at least 1 ft in the bay and this was seen on the Embarcadero in SF.
It was as high as the King Tides in December and January in other years . The tide, which had turned Stege Marsh into a lake, is shown in a photo included below.
Most of the usual shorebirds were missing and not visible on the breakwater rocks off shore. There were some Snowy Egrets and Great Egrets. A Kestrel flew over and hovered briefly and I got some photos of that. On the island off the mouth of Meeker Slough, I was able to photograph 5 Wilson’s Snipes. They were not visible with the naked eye, but at 600 mm, I found them as has been true on earlier King Tides.
If the Kelvin Wave continues through the early winter, the tides are likely to be enormous at Christmas and late January and will be a factor in birding the shorelines.
Date: 10/27/26 9:32 pm From: Marcus via groups.io <scrod2000...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Birding this winter and Kelvin Wave affected Tides Another observation.
The airport Channel by the Oakland Airport was pretty flooded at 1:20 PM yesterday with water covering part of the watermelon. A friend of mine today reported no beach at Dillon Beach during high tide.Â
Marcus Pun
Video Editor / Producer/Editor / Camera
C: 510-384-8085 | H: 510-530-2507
Oakland, CA
On Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 08:38:02 PM PDT, Claude Lyneis via groups.io <cmlyneis...> wrote:
I  went out to the Stege Marsh/Meeker Slough on Monday Oct 26 to see how high the tides would be affected by the Kelvin Wave now hitting the West Coast. The predicted height, not including the Kelvin Wave, was about 6.6 feet at about 12:05. The KW is expected to add at least 1 ft in the bay and this was seen on the Embarcadero in SF. Â
It was as high as the King Tides in December and January in other years . The tide, which had turned Stege Marsh into a lake, is shown in a photo included below.
Most of the usual shorebirds were missing and not visible on the breakwater rocks off shore. There were some Snowy Egrets and Great Egrets. A Kestrel flew over and hovered briefly and I got some photos of that. On the island off the mouth of Meeker Slough, I was able to photograph 5 Wilson’s Snipes. They were not visible with the naked eye, but at 600 mm, I found them as has been true on earlier King Tides.
If the Kelvin Wave continues through the early winter, the tides are likely to be enormous at Christmas and late January and will be a factor in birding the shorelines.
Date: 10/27/26 9:21 pm From: William Isaacs via groups.io <waisaacs...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Lapland Longspur
Hi, Second hand but an acquaintance shared a photo from Sunday at Hayward Regional Shoreline (Mount Trashmore) of a Lapland Longspur. He is knowledgeable and a frequent bird photographer, I'll check if he makes his photos available. He said it's uncommon to see here, though more likely this time of year, so I thought I'd pass it along in case it's one worth looking for. Sorry if it's meh. Best, Bill
Date: 10/27/26 8:56 pm From: JENNIFER FURY via groups.io <jennyfuzzy...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Birding this winter and Kelvin Wave affected Tides
To add to your excellent observations, I kayaked around Brooks today as well. The tidal height is massive.Shores are small. Pickleweed marsh areas are now tidal lakes.More inshore birds - were sitting out there, hanging on the rock rap, I presume waiting for the tides to lower... Cheers,Jennifer Fury Saltwater is the cure for everything, sweat, tears, or the sea 🌊 -------- Original message --------From: "Claude Lyneis via groups.io" <cmlyneis...> Date: 10/27/26 8:38 PM (GMT-08:00) To: EBB Sightings <EBB-Sightings...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Birding this winter and Kelvin Wave affected Tides I  went out to the Stege Marsh/Meeker Slough on Monday Oct 26 to see how high the tides would be affected by the Kelvin Wave now hitting the West Coast. The predicted height, not including the Kelvin Wave, was about 6.6 feet at about 12:05. The KW is expected to add at least 1 ft in the bay and this was seen on the Embarcadero in SF.  It was as high as the King Tides in December and January in other years . The tide, which had turned Stege Marsh into a lake, is shown in a photo included below. Most of the usual shorebirds were missing and not visible on the breakwater rocks off shore. There were some Snowy Egrets and Great Egrets. A Kestrel flew over and hovered briefly and I got some photos of that. On the island off the mouth of Meeker Slough, I was able to photograph 5 Wilson’s Snipes. They were not visible with the naked eye, but at 600 mm, I found them as has been true on earlier King Tides. If the Kelvin Wave continues through the early winter, the tides are likely to be enormous at Christmas and late January and will be a factor in birding the shorelines.Flickr Album with three photos.---Stege Marsh and Kelvin Wave Tidesflic.kr Claude <Lyneiscmlyneis...>://www.youtube.com/bhsvideodadFlickr Photos at https://flic.kr/ps/36it5P
Date: 10/27/26 8:44 pm From: judisierra via groups.io <judisierra...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Channel Island orange crowned warbler question
I'm puzzled over a ebird report today of the Channel Island subspecies of Orange crowned warbler with this comment- "Pretty clearcut example of the sordida subspecies, with dark streaky body, and heavily marked undertail. Creekside Park is a known overwintering spot for these birds."
Why would a warbler come north for the winter? The National zoo website says "We do not know exactly where individuals that breed on the Channel Islands go after their February-June breeding season, but most leave the islands to spend their "winters" (July-January) on the coast of southern California and northern Baja."
Judi Sierra, Oakland
Date: 10/27/26 8:38 pm From: Claude Lyneis via groups.io <cmlyneis...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Birding this winter and Kelvin Wave affected Tides
I went out to the Stege Marsh/Meeker Slough on Monday Oct 26 to see how high the tides would be affected by the Kelvin Wave now hitting the West Coast. The predicted height, not including the Kelvin Wave, was about 6.6 feet at about 12:05. The KW is expected to add at least 1 ft in the bay and this was seen on the Embarcadero in SF.
It was as high as the King Tides in December and January in other years . The tide, which had turned Stege Marsh into a lake, is shown in a photo included below.
Most of the usual shorebirds were missing and not visible on the breakwater rocks off shore. There were some Snowy Egrets and Great Egrets. A Kestrel flew over and hovered briefly and I got some photos of that. On the island off the mouth of Meeker Slough, I was able to photograph 5 Wilson’s Snipes. They were not visible with the naked eye, but at 600 mm, I found them as has been true on earlier King Tides.
If the Kelvin Wave continues through the early winter, the tides are likely to be enormous at Christmas and late January and will be a factor in birding the shorelines.
Date: 10/27/26 4:37 pm From: Kathy Robertson via groups.io <KatBirdCA...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Evening Grosbeaks at Markham Nature Area, Concord
Following up on eBird reports from Joel Herr and Michael Strom, I visited the Markham Nature Area in Concord today, where several Evening Grosbeaks continue. I heard my first one call as soon as I got out of the car. It was a while before I got eyes on a bird, but eventually saw several, including a few bathing just downstream of the bridge by the science center (the end of the park nearest Cowell Ave.).Cheers, Kathy Robertson HaywardSent from my Galaxy
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last year (October 5 2025 1am El Cerrito) and couldn't figure out what it
was, and Merlin didn't ID it. I eventually learned female Great Horned
Owl, and now Merlin has a section in the calls list for female, and makes
the proper ID live. (I didn't submit this, not trying to take credit!
Just saying the apps get better with more reference audio to compare to.)
The GHO pair still hang out, I'm listening to them now.
Best,
Bill
On Wed, Oct 21, 2026, 6:00 PM William Isaacs via groups.io <waisaacs=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Thanks Jenn. I got another direct message seconding the Curlew idea. And
> your comment about variations in the flight vocalizations would explain my
> questions about not really matching the spectrograms, and why the apps
> didn't find a match: this particular call isn't in the databases. If I
> remember how to think like a scientist I can also come up with arguments
> about phone microphone sensitivity etc for getting a different looking
> sound fingerprint. I guess we'll see if anyone else jumps in and has other
> ideas.
>
> Thanks everyone, happy to be plugged in here.
>
> Bill
>
>
> On Wed, Oct 21, 2026, 5:32 PM jennyfuzzy <jennyfuzzy...> wrote:
>
>> Lol, you're right! I didn't see the 2nd half, on phone.
>>
>> Curlew very likely. They definitely relocate around here, at dusk,
>> [evening] for the night.
>>
>> They also have a lot of variety to their flight trill.
>>
>>
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>> Jennifer Fury
>>
>> Saltwater is the cure for everything, sweat, tears, or the sea 🌊
>>
>>
>> -------- Original message --------
>> From: William Isaacs <waisaacs...>
>> Date: 10/21/26 4:36 PM (GMT-08:00)
>> To: jennyfuzzy <jennyfuzzy...>
>> Cc: <chriswaterman555...>, <ebb-sightings...>
>> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] ID help from audio
>>
>> Hi Chris, Jenn,
>>
>> (And Ann, I got a direct response that looks like it wasn't copied to the
>> group)
>>
>> Jenn, all those details are in my note but I hid them under my sign off,
>> sorry.
>>
>> Chris, the curlew would fit the size for sure - our first thought was
>> migrating waterbirds. My ear for matching calls to reference recordings is
>> not great. Practice I guess. But I mentioned signal processing software,
>> and I love spectrograms, which I see as vocalization fingerprints. I can't
>> get a great zoomed image but I uploaded a screenshot
>>
>>
>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PoY3q0eNNpNdMczlBGWKfRfmH1ZHI1oV/view?usp=drivesdk >>
>> Lots of background noise but the call is repeated several times and
>> always looks like it does in this clip.
>>
>> I didn't find a great match to this visually when I looked at the Curlew
>> or anything else I could think of. I'm not trying to argue that it's
>> definitely not a local, just that this particular call doesn't seem to be
>> in the databases. (Or maybe I need to clean up the audio first and try the
>> BirdNet Live match again?)
>>
>> I appreciate getting feedback so quickly, glad I found this group through
>> the GG Bird Alliance.
>>
>> Best,
>> Bill
>>
>>
>> On Wed, Oct 21, 2026, 4:25 PM jennyfuzzy <jennyfuzzy...> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Bill,
>>>
>>> Welcome. Jenn here, also from El Cerrito.
>>> Could you please describe more detail about where , when, the recording
>>> was done? That would be of interest
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>>
>>> Jennifer Fury
>>>
>>> Saltwater is the cure for everything, sweat, tears, or the sea 🌊
>>>
>>>
>>> -------- Original message --------
>>> From: "Chris Waterman via groups.io" <chriswaterman555=
>>> <gmail.com...>
>>> Date: 10/21/26 3:38 PM (GMT-08:00)
>>> To: <waisaacs...>
>>> Cc: <ebb-sightings...>
>>> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] ID help from audio
>>>
>>> Hi Bill! Nice to meet you! I’m not super familiar with Long-billed
>>> Curlew vocals but something was telling me to check their calls. It does
>>> sound like a good match for the 5th recording on the Merlin app for the
>>> species. I’m interested to see what other birders think.
>>>
>>> Thanks for the posting!
>>>
>>> Chris Waterman
>>> Alameda, CA
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Oct 21, 2026, at 12:18 PM, William Isaacs via groups.io <waisaacs=
>>> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>>>
>>> 
>>>
>>> Hi East Bay Bird fans,
>>>
>>> Just joined this group, I am hoping for help from someone to make an ID
>>> from some audio and notes.
>>>
>>> I understand I should not attach anything here, so here's a link to the
>>> unprocessed audio file
>>>
>>>
>>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1urQElJZrQmF2A8pWEXwOAqf-ynJKkqRw/view?usp=drivesdk >>>
>>> Apologies if I've misunderstood any of the group protocols, please let
>>> me know if so.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Bill Isaacs
>>> El Cerrito
>>>
>>>
>>> Sat Oct 17 2026 8:45pm
>>>
>>> Warm evening with the windows open, sitting in the house. My wife
>>> alerted me to a sound outside and we went to our deck facing south. The
>>> house is adjacent to the Hillside Natural space behind Ganges Ave in El
>>> Cerrito. I opened Merlin and started recording. She saw the silhouette
>>> outline of two large birds heading in the direction of San Francisco so
>>> SSW. They were gliding not much higher than roof height, so below the
>>> adjacent hillside tree levels. It was dark already so no features visible,
>>> but size at least in the vulture or large owl or large waterbird category.
>>> We suspected some migratory flyover, but we also think they must have
>>> perched nearby, because we heard them for a solid minute on the deck plus
>>> the time it took to get out there. (Don't know but it feels like a plain
>>> fly by would have gone faster.) Merlin did not make any identification
>>> suggestions.
>>>
>>> I got the latest BirdNet Live app, which will run the ID algorithms on
>>> audio files as well as listening live. It also didn't make a suggestion
>>> with the default settings. I completely removed the location filter, and it
>>> made one suggestion: a 59% match to a Black Kite. I went through the audio
>>> clips within Merlin for that species and it wasn't obvious to me that any
>>> was a good comparison to what we heard (plus they were all from Africa, but
>>> I recognize this may be a stray which explains why I didn't get an ID from
>>> Merlin). I reduced the probability filter to the minimum, but BirdNet Live
>>> didn't make any other suggestions. It's my first time using this app, so I
>>> don't know if I missed turning any knobs that would have helped.
>>>
>>> I'm a retired computer physicist, and have programmed my share of signal
>>> processing software, so I know very well how the audio ID works, its
>>> limitations, etc. Whenever I get a surprise match I try to find comparison
>>> audio to learn from. But here is a great case for human expertise, so I'm
>>> happy to consult a real person for this!
>>>
>>> I didn't know how to usefully navigate eBird to see if anyone reported
>>> something that aligns with the above. I did ask one of the AIs if there
>>> were any rare bird reports on eBird or Facebook near our area from that
>>> timeframe, and it couldn't find any.
>>>
>>> We're excited to learn what we heard, even if it somehow turns out to be
>>> something common. I haven't tried cleaning up the audio and running it
>>> again. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> Bill
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>
>
>
Date: 10/21/26 6:00 pm From: William Isaacs via groups.io <waisaacs...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] ID help from audio
Thanks Jenn. I got another direct message seconding the Curlew idea. And
your comment about variations in the flight vocalizations would explain my
questions about not really matching the spectrograms, and why the apps
didn't find a match: this particular call isn't in the databases. If I
remember how to think like a scientist I can also come up with arguments
about phone microphone sensitivity etc for getting a different looking
sound fingerprint. I guess we'll see if anyone else jumps in and has other
ideas.
Thanks everyone, happy to be plugged in here.
Bill
On Wed, Oct 21, 2026, 5:32 PM jennyfuzzy <jennyfuzzy...> wrote:
> Lol, you're right! I didn't see the 2nd half, on phone.
>
> Curlew very likely. They definitely relocate around here, at dusk,
> [evening] for the night.
>
> They also have a lot of variety to their flight trill.
>
>
>
> Cheers,
>
> Jennifer Fury
>
> Saltwater is the cure for everything, sweat, tears, or the sea 🌊
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: William Isaacs <waisaacs...>
> Date: 10/21/26 4:36 PM (GMT-08:00)
> To: jennyfuzzy <jennyfuzzy...>
> Cc: <chriswaterman555...>, <ebb-sightings...>
> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] ID help from audio
>
> Hi Chris, Jenn,
>
> (And Ann, I got a direct response that looks like it wasn't copied to the
> group)
>
> Jenn, all those details are in my note but I hid them under my sign off,
> sorry.
>
> Chris, the curlew would fit the size for sure - our first thought was
> migrating waterbirds. My ear for matching calls to reference recordings is
> not great. Practice I guess. But I mentioned signal processing software,
> and I love spectrograms, which I see as vocalization fingerprints. I can't
> get a great zoomed image but I uploaded a screenshot
>
>
> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PoY3q0eNNpNdMczlBGWKfRfmH1ZHI1oV/view?usp=drivesdk >
> Lots of background noise but the call is repeated several times and always
> looks like it does in this clip.
>
> I didn't find a great match to this visually when I looked at the Curlew
> or anything else I could think of. I'm not trying to argue that it's
> definitely not a local, just that this particular call doesn't seem to be
> in the databases. (Or maybe I need to clean up the audio first and try the
> BirdNet Live match again?)
>
> I appreciate getting feedback so quickly, glad I found this group through
> the GG Bird Alliance.
>
> Best,
> Bill
>
>
> On Wed, Oct 21, 2026, 4:25 PM jennyfuzzy <jennyfuzzy...> wrote:
>
>> Hi Bill,
>>
>> Welcome. Jenn here, also from El Cerrito.
>> Could you please describe more detail about where , when, the recording
>> was done? That would be of interest
>>
>>
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>> Jennifer Fury
>>
>> Saltwater is the cure for everything, sweat, tears, or the sea 🌊
>>
>>
>> -------- Original message --------
>> From: "Chris Waterman via groups.io" <chriswaterman555=
>> <gmail.com...>
>> Date: 10/21/26 3:38 PM (GMT-08:00)
>> To: <waisaacs...>
>> Cc: <ebb-sightings...>
>> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] ID help from audio
>>
>> Hi Bill! Nice to meet you! I’m not super familiar with Long-billed
>> Curlew vocals but something was telling me to check their calls. It does
>> sound like a good match for the 5th recording on the Merlin app for the
>> species. I’m interested to see what other birders think.
>>
>> Thanks for the posting!
>>
>> Chris Waterman
>> Alameda, CA
>>
>>
>>
>> On Oct 21, 2026, at 12:18 PM, William Isaacs via groups.io <waisaacs=
>> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>>
>> 
>>
>> Hi East Bay Bird fans,
>>
>> Just joined this group, I am hoping for help from someone to make an ID
>> from some audio and notes.
>>
>> I understand I should not attach anything here, so here's a link to the
>> unprocessed audio file
>>
>>
>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1urQElJZrQmF2A8pWEXwOAqf-ynJKkqRw/view?usp=drivesdk >>
>> Apologies if I've misunderstood any of the group protocols, please let me
>> know if so.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Bill Isaacs
>> El Cerrito
>>
>>
>> Sat Oct 17 2026 8:45pm
>>
>> Warm evening with the windows open, sitting in the house. My wife alerted
>> me to a sound outside and we went to our deck facing south. The house is
>> adjacent to the Hillside Natural space behind Ganges Ave in El Cerrito. I
>> opened Merlin and started recording. She saw the silhouette outline of two
>> large birds heading in the direction of San Francisco so SSW. They were
>> gliding not much higher than roof height, so below the adjacent hillside
>> tree levels. It was dark already so no features visible, but size at least
>> in the vulture or large owl or large waterbird category. We suspected some
>> migratory flyover, but we also think they must have perched nearby, because
>> we heard them for a solid minute on the deck plus the time it took to get
>> out there. (Don't know but it feels like a plain fly by would have gone
>> faster.) Merlin did not make any identification suggestions.
>>
>> I got the latest BirdNet Live app, which will run the ID algorithms on
>> audio files as well as listening live. It also didn't make a suggestion
>> with the default settings. I completely removed the location filter, and it
>> made one suggestion: a 59% match to a Black Kite. I went through the audio
>> clips within Merlin for that species and it wasn't obvious to me that any
>> was a good comparison to what we heard (plus they were all from Africa, but
>> I recognize this may be a stray which explains why I didn't get an ID from
>> Merlin). I reduced the probability filter to the minimum, but BirdNet Live
>> didn't make any other suggestions. It's my first time using this app, so I
>> don't know if I missed turning any knobs that would have helped.
>>
>> I'm a retired computer physicist, and have programmed my share of signal
>> processing software, so I know very well how the audio ID works, its
>> limitations, etc. Whenever I get a surprise match I try to find comparison
>> audio to learn from. But here is a great case for human expertise, so I'm
>> happy to consult a real person for this!
>>
>> I didn't know how to usefully navigate eBird to see if anyone reported
>> something that aligns with the above. I did ask one of the AIs if there
>> were any rare bird reports on eBird or Facebook near our area from that
>> timeframe, and it couldn't find any.
>>
>> We're excited to learn what we heard, even if it somehow turns out to be
>> something common. I haven't tried cleaning up the audio and running it
>> again. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Bill
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
Date: 10/21/26 5:32 pm From: JENNIFER FURY via groups.io <jennyfuzzy...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] ID help from audio
Lol, you're right! I didn't see the 2nd half, on phone.Curlew very likely. They definitely relocate around here, at dusk, [evening] for the night.They also have a lot of variety to their flight trill. Cheers,Jennifer Fury Saltwater is the cure for everything, sweat, tears, or the sea 🌊 -------- Original message --------From: William Isaacs <waisaacs...> Date: 10/21/26 4:36 PM (GMT-08:00) To: jennyfuzzy <jennyfuzzy...> Cc: <chriswaterman555...>, <ebb-sightings...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] ID help from audio Hi Chris, Jenn,(And Ann, I got a direct response that looks like it wasn't copied to the group)Jenn, all those details are in my note but I hid them under my sign off, sorry.Chris, the curlew would fit the size for sure - our first thought was migrating waterbirds. My ear for matching calls to reference recordings is not great. Practice I guess. But I mentioned signal processing software, and I love spectrograms, which I see as vocalization fingerprints. I can't get a great zoomed image but I uploaded a screenshot https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PoY3q0eNNpNdMczlBGWKfRfmH1ZHI1oV/view?usp=drivesdkLots of background noise but the call is repeated several times and always looks like it does in this clip.I didn't find a great match to this visually when I looked at the Curlew or anything else I could think of. I'm not trying to argue that it's definitely not a local, just that this particular call doesn't seem to be in the databases. (Or maybe I need to clean up the audio first and try the BirdNet Live match again?)I appreciate getting feedback so quickly, glad I found this group through the GG Bird Alliance.Best,BillOn Wed, Oct 21, 2026, 4:25 PM jennyfuzzy <jennyfuzzy...> wrote:Hi Bill,Welcome. Jenn here, also from El Cerrito. Could you please describe more detail about where , when, the recording was done? That would be of interest Cheers,Jennifer Fury Saltwater is the cure for everything, sweat, tears, or the sea 🌊 -------- Original message --------From: "Chris Waterman via groups.io" <chriswaterman555...> Date: 10/21/26 3:38 PM (GMT-08:00) To: <waisaacs...> Cc: <ebb-sightings...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] ID help from audio Hi Bill! Nice to meet you! I’m not super familiar with Long-billed Curlew vocals but something was telling me to check their calls. It does sound like a good match for the 5th recording on the Merlin app for the species. I’m interested to see what other birders think. Thanks for the posting!Chris WatermanAlameda, CAOn Oct 21, 2026, at 12:18 PM, William Isaacs via groups.io <waisaacs...> wrote:Hi East Bay Bird fans,Just joined this group, I am hoping for help from someone to make an ID from some audio and notes. I understand I should not attach anything here, so here's a link to the unprocessed audio file https://drive.google.com/file/d/1urQElJZrQmF2A8pWEXwOAqf-ynJKkqRw/view?usp=drivesdkApologies if I've misunderstood any of the group protocols, please let me know if so.Thanks,Bill IsaacsEl CerritoSat Oct 17 2026 8:45pmWarm evening with the windows open, sitting in the house. My wife alerted me to a sound outside and we went to our deck facing south. The house is adjacent to the Hillside Natural space behind Ganges Ave in El Cerrito. I opened Merlin and started recording. She saw the silhouette outline of two large birds heading in the direction of San Francisco so SSW. They were gliding not much higher than roof height, so below the adjacent hillside tree levels. It was dark already so no features visible, but size at least in the vulture or large owl or large waterbird category. We suspected some migratory flyover, but we also think they must have perched nearby, because we heard them for a solid minute on the deck plus the time it took to get out there. (Don't know but it feels like a plain fly by would have gone faster.) Merlin did not make any identification suggestions. I got the latest BirdNet Live app, which will run the ID algorithms on audio files as well as listening live. It also didn't make a suggestion with the default settings. I completely removed the location filter, and it made one suggestion: a 59% match to a Black Kite. I went through the audio clips within Merlin for that species and it wasn't obvious to me that any was a good comparison to what we heard (plus they were all from Africa, but I recognize this may be a stray which explains why I didn't get an ID from Merlin). I reduced the probability filter to the minimum, but BirdNet Live didn't make any other suggestions. It's my first time using this app, so I don't know if I missed turning any knobs that would have helped.I'm a retired computer physicist, and have programmed my share of signal processing software, so I know very well how the audio ID works, its limitations, etc. Whenever I get a surprise match I try to find comparison audio to learn from. But here is a great case for human expertise, so I'm happy to consult a real person for this!I didn't know how to usefully navigate eBird to see if anyone reported something that aligns with the above. I did ask one of the AIs if there were any rare bird reports on eBird or Facebook near our area from that timeframe, and it couldn't find any.We're excited to learn what we heard, even if it somehow turns out to be something common. I haven't tried cleaning up the audio and running it again. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.Thanks,BillÂ
Date: 10/21/26 4:37 pm From: William Isaacs via groups.io <waisaacs...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] ID help from audio
Hi Chris, Jenn,
(And Ann, I got a direct response that looks like it wasn't copied to the
group)
Jenn, all those details are in my note but I hid them under my sign off,
sorry.
Chris, the curlew would fit the size for sure - our first thought was
migrating waterbirds. My ear for matching calls to reference recordings is
not great. Practice I guess. But I mentioned signal processing software,
and I love spectrograms, which I see as vocalization fingerprints. I can't
get a great zoomed image but I uploaded a screenshot
Lots of background noise but the call is repeated several times and always
looks like it does in this clip.
I didn't find a great match to this visually when I looked at the Curlew or
anything else I could think of. I'm not trying to argue that it's
definitely not a local, just that this particular call doesn't seem to be
in the databases. (Or maybe I need to clean up the audio first and try the
BirdNet Live match again?)
I appreciate getting feedback so quickly, glad I found this group through
the GG Bird Alliance.
Best,
Bill
On Wed, Oct 21, 2026, 4:25 PM jennyfuzzy <jennyfuzzy...> wrote:
> Hi Bill,
>
> Welcome. Jenn here, also from El Cerrito.
> Could you please describe more detail about where , when, the recording
> was done? That would be of interest
>
>
>
> Cheers,
>
> Jennifer Fury
>
> Saltwater is the cure for everything, sweat, tears, or the sea 🌊
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: "Chris Waterman via groups.io" <chriswaterman555...>
>
> Date: 10/21/26 3:38 PM (GMT-08:00)
> To: <waisaacs...>
> Cc: <ebb-sightings...>
> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] ID help from audio
>
> Hi Bill! Nice to meet you! I’m not super familiar with Long-billed
> Curlew vocals but something was telling me to check their calls. It does
> sound like a good match for the 5th recording on the Merlin app for the
> species. I’m interested to see what other birders think.
>
> Thanks for the posting!
>
> Chris Waterman
> Alameda, CA
>
>
>
> On Oct 21, 2026, at 12:18 PM, William Isaacs via groups.io <waisaacs=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
> 
>
> Hi East Bay Bird fans,
>
> Just joined this group, I am hoping for help from someone to make an ID
> from some audio and notes.
>
> I understand I should not attach anything here, so here's a link to the
> unprocessed audio file
>
>
> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1urQElJZrQmF2A8pWEXwOAqf-ynJKkqRw/view?usp=drivesdk >
> Apologies if I've misunderstood any of the group protocols, please let me
> know if so.
>
> Thanks,
> Bill Isaacs
> El Cerrito
>
>
> Sat Oct 17 2026 8:45pm
>
> Warm evening with the windows open, sitting in the house. My wife alerted
> me to a sound outside and we went to our deck facing south. The house is
> adjacent to the Hillside Natural space behind Ganges Ave in El Cerrito. I
> opened Merlin and started recording. She saw the silhouette outline of two
> large birds heading in the direction of San Francisco so SSW. They were
> gliding not much higher than roof height, so below the adjacent hillside
> tree levels. It was dark already so no features visible, but size at least
> in the vulture or large owl or large waterbird category. We suspected some
> migratory flyover, but we also think they must have perched nearby, because
> we heard them for a solid minute on the deck plus the time it took to get
> out there. (Don't know but it feels like a plain fly by would have gone
> faster.) Merlin did not make any identification suggestions.
>
> I got the latest BirdNet Live app, which will run the ID algorithms on
> audio files as well as listening live. It also didn't make a suggestion
> with the default settings. I completely removed the location filter, and it
> made one suggestion: a 59% match to a Black Kite. I went through the audio
> clips within Merlin for that species and it wasn't obvious to me that any
> was a good comparison to what we heard (plus they were all from Africa, but
> I recognize this may be a stray which explains why I didn't get an ID from
> Merlin). I reduced the probability filter to the minimum, but BirdNet Live
> didn't make any other suggestions. It's my first time using this app, so I
> don't know if I missed turning any knobs that would have helped.
>
> I'm a retired computer physicist, and have programmed my share of signal
> processing software, so I know very well how the audio ID works, its
> limitations, etc. Whenever I get a surprise match I try to find comparison
> audio to learn from. But here is a great case for human expertise, so I'm
> happy to consult a real person for this!
>
> I didn't know how to usefully navigate eBird to see if anyone reported
> something that aligns with the above. I did ask one of the AIs if there
> were any rare bird reports on eBird or Facebook near our area from that
> timeframe, and it couldn't find any.
>
> We're excited to learn what we heard, even if it somehow turns out to be
> something common. I haven't tried cleaning up the audio and running it
> again. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 10/21/26 4:25 pm From: JENNIFER FURY via groups.io <jennyfuzzy...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] ID help from audio
Hi Bill,Welcome. Jenn here, also from El Cerrito. Could you please describe more detail about where , when, the recording was done? That would be of interest Cheers,Jennifer Fury Saltwater is the cure for everything, sweat, tears, or the sea 🌊 -------- Original message --------From: "Chris Waterman via groups.io" <chriswaterman555...> Date: 10/21/26 3:38 PM (GMT-08:00) To: <waisaacs...> Cc: <ebb-sightings...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] ID help from audio Hi Bill!  Nice to meet you!  I’m not super familiar with Long-billed Curlew vocals but something was telling me to check their calls.  It does sound like a good match for the 5th recording on the Merlin app for the species. I’m interested to see what other birders think. Thanks for the posting!Chris WatermanAlameda, CAOn Oct 21, 2026, at 12:18 PM, William Isaacs via groups.io <waisaacs...> wrote:Hi East Bay Bird fans,Just joined this group, I am hoping for help from someone to make an ID from some audio and notes. I understand I should not attach anything here, so here's a link to the unprocessed audio file https://drive.google.com/file/d/1urQElJZrQmF2A8pWEXwOAqf-ynJKkqRw/view?usp=drivesdkApologies if I've misunderstood any of the group protocols, please let me know if so.Thanks,Bill IsaacsEl CerritoSat Oct 17 2026 8:45pmWarm evening with the windows open, sitting in the house. My wife alerted me to a sound outside and we went to our deck facing south. The house is adjacent to the Hillside Natural space behind Ganges Ave in El Cerrito. I opened Merlin and started recording. She saw the silhouette outline of two large birds heading in the direction of San Francisco so SSW. They were gliding not much higher than roof height, so below the adjacent hillside tree levels. It was dark already so no features visible, but size at least in the vulture or large owl or large waterbird category. We suspected some migratory flyover, but we also think they must have perched nearby, because we heard them for a solid minute on the deck plus the time it took to get out there. (Don't know but it feels like a plain fly by would have gone faster.) Merlin did not make any identification suggestions. I got the latest BirdNet Live app, which will run the ID algorithms on audio files as well as listening live. It also didn't make a suggestion with the default settings. I completely removed the location filter, and it made one suggestion: a 59% match to a Black Kite. I went through the audio clips within Merlin for that species and it wasn't obvious to me that any was a good comparison to what we heard (plus they were all from Africa, but I recognize this may be a stray which explains why I didn't get an ID from Merlin). I reduced the probability filter to the minimum, but BirdNet Live didn't make any other suggestions. It's my first time using this app, so I don't know if I missed turning any knobs that would have helped.I'm a retired computer physicist, and have programmed my share of signal processing software, so I know very well how the audio ID works, its limitations, etc. Whenever I get a surprise match I try to find comparison audio to learn from. But here is a great case for human expertise, so I'm happy to consult a real person for this!I didn't know how to usefully navigate eBird to see if anyone reported something that aligns with the above. I did ask one of the AIs if there were any rare bird reports on eBird or Facebook near our area from that timeframe, and it couldn't find any.We're excited to learn what we heard, even if it somehow turns out to be something common. I haven't tried cleaning up the audio and running it again. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.Thanks,BillÂ
Date: 10/21/26 3:38 pm From: Chris Waterman via groups.io <chriswaterman555...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] ID help from audio
Hi Bill! Nice to meet you! I’m not super familiar with Long-billed Curlew vocals but something was telling me to check their calls. It does sound like a good match for the 5th recording on the Merlin app for the species. I’m interested to see what other birders think.
Thanks for the posting!
Chris Waterman
Alameda, CA
> On Oct 21, 2026, at 12:18 PM, William Isaacs via groups.io <waisaacs...> wrote:
>
> 
>
> Hi East Bay Bird fans,
>
> Just joined this group, I am hoping for help from someone to make an ID from some audio and notes.
>
> I understand I should not attach anything here, so here's a link to the unprocessed audio file
>
> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1urQElJZrQmF2A8pWEXwOAqf-ynJKkqRw/view?usp=drivesdk >
> Apologies if I've misunderstood any of the group protocols, please let me know if so.
>
> Thanks,
> Bill Isaacs
> El Cerrito
>
>
> Sat Oct 17 2026 8:45pm
>
> Warm evening with the windows open, sitting in the house. My wife alerted me to a sound outside and we went to our deck facing south. The house is adjacent to the Hillside Natural space behind Ganges Ave in El Cerrito. I opened Merlin and started recording. She saw the silhouette outline of two large birds heading in the direction of San Francisco so SSW. They were gliding not much higher than roof height, so below the adjacent hillside tree levels. It was dark already so no features visible, but size at least in the vulture or large owl or large waterbird category. We suspected some migratory flyover, but we also think they must have perched nearby, because we heard them for a solid minute on the deck plus the time it took to get out there. (Don't know but it feels like a plain fly by would have gone faster.) Merlin did not make any identification suggestions.
>
> I got the latest BirdNet Live app, which will run the ID algorithms on audio files as well as listening live. It also didn't make a suggestion with the default settings. I completely removed the location filter, and it made one suggestion: a 59% match to a Black Kite. I went through the audio clips within Merlin for that species and it wasn't obvious to me that any was a good comparison to what we heard (plus they were all from Africa, but I recognize this may be a stray which explains why I didn't get an ID from Merlin). I reduced the probability filter to the minimum, but BirdNet Live didn't make any other suggestions. It's my first time using this app, so I don't know if I missed turning any knobs that would have helped.
>
> I'm a retired computer physicist, and have programmed my share of signal processing software, so I know very well how the audio ID works, its limitations, etc. Whenever I get a surprise match I try to find comparison audio to learn from. But here is a great case for human expertise, so I'm happy to consult a real person for this!
>
> I didn't know how to usefully navigate eBird to see if anyone reported something that aligns with the above. I did ask one of the AIs if there were any rare bird reports on eBird or Facebook near our area from that timeframe, and it couldn't find any.
>
> We're excited to learn what we heard, even if it somehow turns out to be something common. I haven't tried cleaning up the audio and running it again. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.
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> Thanks,
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> Bill
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Apologies if I've misunderstood any of the group protocols, please let me know if so.
Thanks, Bill Isaacs El Cerrito
Sat Oct 17 2026 8:45pm
Warm evening with the windows open, sitting in the house. My wife alerted me to a sound outside and we went to our deck facing south. The house is adjacent to the Hillside Natural space behind Ganges Ave in El Cerrito. I opened Merlin and started recording. She saw the silhouette outline of two large birds heading in the direction of San Francisco so SSW. They were gliding not much higher than roof height, so below the adjacent hillside tree levels. It was dark already so no features visible, but size at least in the vulture or large owl or large waterbird category. We suspected some migratory flyover, but we also think they must have perched nearby, because we heard them for a solid minute on the deck plus the time it took to get out there. (Don't know but it feels like a plain fly by would have gone faster.) Merlin did not make any identification suggestions.
I got the latest BirdNet Live app, which will run the ID algorithms on audio files as well as listening live. It also didn't make a suggestion with the default settings. I completely removed the location filter, and it made one suggestion: a 59% match to a Black Kite. I went through the audio clips within Merlin for that species and it wasn't obvious to me that any was a good comparison to what we heard (plus they were all from Africa, but I recognize this may be a stray which explains why I didn't get an ID from Merlin). I reduced the probability filter to the minimum, but BirdNet Live didn't make any other suggestions. It's my first time using this app, so I don't know if I missed turning any knobs that would have helped.
I'm a retired computer physicist, and have programmed my share of signal processing software, so I know very well how the audio ID works, its limitations, etc. Whenever I get a surprise match I try to find comparison audio to learn from. But here is a great case for human expertise, so I'm happy to consult a real person for this!
I didn't know how to usefully navigate eBird to see if anyone reported something that aligns with the above. I did ask one of the AIs if there were any rare bird reports on eBird or Facebook near our area from that timeframe, and it couldn't find any.
We're excited to learn what we heard, even if it somehow turns out to be something common. I haven't tried cleaning up the audio and running it again. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.
It has been a second since any reports of these in Contra Costa County, but someone reported another (?) nutcracker on Mt. Diablo yesterday, on iNat: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/408375634
Date: 10/14/26 1:40 pm From: JENNIFER FURY via groups.io <jennyfuzzy...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] 10/14, RE: Still there. Red Cross-bills at the Tilden Botanical Garden
Good sized flock , 15 or so, still there this morning, inside the BG fence boundary. South end.Also a good pile O' Townsends and Kinglets at the very north end... With a coyote to boot.Cheers,Jennifer Fury Saltwater is the cure for everything, sweat, tears, or the sea 🌊 -------- Original message --------From: "Claude Lyneis via groups.io" <cmlyneis...> Date: 10/13/26 5:39 PM (GMT-08:00) To: EBB Sightings <EBB-Sightings...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Red Cross-bills at the Tilden Botanical Garden I walked from the Lake Anza Swimming Area to the Botanical Garden hoping to see an Evening Grosbeak, as recently reported.  But when I got to the Botanical Garden, several birders were watching for a small flock of Red Crossbills.After about 1/2 hour at least 20 flew into the trees.  It was the first time I have seen them in the Bay Area and as has been reported they may be part of a montane irruption.The lighting was challenging but the photos leave now doubt they were Red Crossbills.Red-Crossbill Botanical Gardenflic.kr Claude <Lyneiscmlyneis...>://www.youtube.com/bhsvideodadFlickr Photos at https://flic.kr/ps/36it5P
Date: 10/13/26 5:39 pm From: Claude Lyneis via groups.io <cmlyneis...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Red Cross-bills at the Tilden Botanical Garden
I walked from the Lake Anza Swimming Area to the Botanical Garden hoping to see an Evening Grosbeak, as recently reported. But when I got to the Botanical Garden, several birders were watching for a small flock of Red Crossbills.
After about 1/2 hour at least 20 flew into the trees. It was the first time I have seen them in the Bay Area and as has been reported they may be part of a montane irruption.
The lighting was challenging but the photos leave now doubt they were Red Crossbills.
Date: 10/12/26 2:36 pm From: lswaim via groups.io <lswaim...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Common Murre, Arrowhead Marsh
Greetings,
This morning I observed a Common Murre land in the marsh channel near the observation platform/boardwalk at Arrowhead Marsh. It swam slowly out toward the bay. It was a first sighting for me at this location.
I spent yet another fruitless morning looking for Pinyon Jays, this time along Morgan Territory Road. The only sign of the montane irruption was a Cassin’s Finch at the Diablo Bowmen archery range, otherwise all normal. I then spent the afternoon in the delta. At Clifton the winds were 30+ mph, but two Sabines Gulls were acrobatically foraging in them. Afterwards, Holland Tract was completely windless. I turned up 3 Gray-headed Orange-crowns and 3 Cranes, and watched a drone (that makes peregrine falcon sounds) chase a flock of a few thousand blackbirds around the rice fields. Most were Red-winged but I estimated that about 300 were Yellow-headed.
Yesterday, a quick afternoon trip to Landfill Loop produced a Loggerhead Shrike on the landfill’s northern edge. This species is quite rare in Richmond and this was my first sighting. This is presumably the same bird found by Susana de Trapaga here in early September.
