Date: 5/7/25 10:39 am From: Sally M. Walters via groups.io <bajaowl...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Leucistic Anna's hummingbird, Pleasant Hill
Impressive photos. I suspect it is a first cycle (juv). Recent fledglings typically have a delicate feather look and are not aggressive like adults. All assumptions on my part.
Sally M. Walters
Sacramento CA
On May 6, 2025, at 1:49 PM, Alan Bade via groups.io <alanb1491187...> wrote:
We've been having an interesting visitor. A leucistic Anna's hummingbird showed up in our garden on 4/24 and we've seen it off and on since then. It doesn't seem to go to our hummingbird feeders, at least that I have seen. Perhaps it is avoiding the competition and conflict with other birds. It does seem a little timid and delicate than our normal hummers. It goes away for a few days and then shows up again, like a ghost.
Date: 5/6/25 4:44 pm From: Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Yellow-breasted Chat at the Albany Bulb
Most are already aware - but for those who hadn't heard, I found a Yellow-breasted Chat at the Albany Bulb this morning. It was skulking in characteristic fashion, singing quietly for periods from dense brush.
Susan Greef showed up as I was leaving, and it sounds like she and Ed Yong were able to locate it a bit further to the north, with their last reported location being (37.8904908, -122.3242674 <https://maps.app.goo.gl/dFuMbML7hnsYdpUv9>). Hopefully it sticks around for a few days.
The bird is a bit of a ventriloquist. It sometimes had me spinning in circles trying to pinpoint its location (and Ed reported much the same). I would think I heard it softly singing from in front, than behind - and it would also vary its volume, sounding far away, then suddenly much closer.
If you're looking for it, prepared to be patient, and to use your ears mostly to find it. Good luck.
Date: 5/6/25 3:52 pm From: hoggsville via groups.io <jellsworthhayden...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Leucistic Anna's hummingbird, Pleasant Hill
Hey Alan,
Very cool bird!
Just a tip: On eBird you can label your images as that of an "aberrant individual." Go to manage media and select the image. There are lists of tags and behaviors available to select to the right of the image.
Date: 5/6/25 1:49 pm From: Alan Bade via groups.io <alanb1491187...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Leucistic Anna's hummingbird, Pleasant Hill
We've been having an interesting visitor. A leucistic Anna's hummingbird showed up in our garden on 4/24 and we've seen it off and on since then. It doesn't seem to go to our hummingbird feeders, at least that I have seen. Perhaps it is avoiding the competition and conflict with other birds. It does seem a little timid and delicate than our normal hummers. It goes away for a few days and then shows up again, like a ghost.
Date: 5/6/25 10:16 am From: Bruce Mast via groups.io <cathrasher4...> Subject: Status of Black-chinned Sparrows in NorCal. (Was "Re: [EBB-Sightings] Mount Diablo Big Day Hike results")
Forwarding on behalf of Ed Pandolfino, who's not subscribed to EBB.
Bruce
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <erpfromca...> <erpfromca...>
Date: Tue, May 6, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Subject: Re: Status of Black-chinned Sparrows in NorCal. (Was "Re:
[EBB-Sightings] Mount Diablo Big Day Hike results")
To: <jmorlan...> <jmorlan...>, East Bay Bird Sightings <
<ebb-sightings...>, Bruce Mast <cathrasher4...>
Cc: Lily Douglas <ldouglas14...>
Bruce,
Ed Pandolfino here.
I don't disagree that there may be annual breeding in those locations (and
Henry Coe park as well), but I think our finding that the timing of the
large numbers of sightings throughout NorCal are also reflected in the
proposed range of *S. a. caurina* weakens any case for a distinct breeding
range for that taxon. This, along with the tiny number of specimens
examined and the complete overlap of those measurements with *cana, *and
the identical song dialect all weaken any (already very weak) case for *caurina
*being a valid subspecies. Much more likely that, if breeding is regular,
it just reflects a historical extension of the breeding range of *S. a.
cana*. In any case, the main point of the paper was that these irrurptions
appear to coincide with SoCal drought.
Thanks for bringing this up and for giving it a lot of thought. Always
great to know that someone is reading this stuff!
Ed
On Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 08:09:27 AM PDT, Bruce Mast <
<cathrasher4...> wrote:
Interesting if true! I'm cc'ing Ed Pandolfino and Lily Douglas in hopes
they can shed some light on some points that leave me unsettled.
The paper seems to demonstrate that there are irruptions. I find it
plausible to believe that these irruptions account for the vagrant-like
sightings we get in the East Bay, North Bay, Marin, San Mateo Co, etc. I
find it less plausible to believe that ALL NorCal Black-chinned Sparrows
are irruptive. There seem to be pretty stable populations in places like
Loma Prieta / Summit Road (Santa Cruz Mountains in SCL), Tassajara Rd /
Chewy Ridge (MTY), and possibly around the San Benito Mountain Research
Area in San Benito County.
Pandolfino's treatment of the sighting data seems to diminish the
distinction between vagrant birds and core breeding populations. Per the
paper: "We assumed eBird reports or reports from the North American Birds
data from the same location in the same season were from a single
individual unless the reporter specifically noted the number of separate
individuals observed. When multiple individuals were noted by more than one
observer in one location, we used the highest total observed by any single
observer on a single day in that location for the total number of birds.
Because locations of eBird reports are based on where the user chose to
start the checklist, we assumed eBird reports within 5 km of each other in
the same season were of the same individual."
Based on that method, it's hard to see how the analysis could distinguish
between a breeding population in the Santa Cruz mountains versus a lone
bird that shows up at Sibley Regional Park.
There's also a pretty big risk of observer bias with this species. Much of
the best chamise habitat that I'm aware of in NorCal is off limits to
birders, often on private land. In Alameda County, for example, aside from
some remnant chaparral in Strawberry and Claremont Canyons, probably the
best habitat is south of Lake Del Valle on private land. Just last weekend,
I was trying to get into good chamise habitat along Del Puerto Canyon and
it's all either on private land or devoted to the OHV park. Even in public
parks, the chaparral tends to be inaccessible. People generally cut roads
and trails around chaparral rather than through it because it is such a
thicket. My sense is that only a small fraction of the chaparral on Mount
Diablo gets birded regularly. Bear Mountain Trail in Henry Coe SP is
publicly accessible but it's a long hard hike to get to it. In short, I'm
not sure how well we understand the actual breeding status of Black-chinned
Sparrows in NorCal. How many stable breeding populations are completely
undocumented? I suspect the vagrant-like sightings are over-represented.
Then there's the whole issue of synonymizing S. a. caurina and S. a. cana.
I'm still going down the rabbit hole on that one. I'll report back if I
ever find my way back out.
Bruce Mast
Oakland
On Mon, May 5, 2025 at 5:04 PM Joseph Morlan <jmorlan...> wrote:
This is an irruptive species with incursions into Northern California
correlated with drought in Southern California. I recall back in the early
1970's they moved into Tilden Park one year.
More information here...
"Irruptive movements of the Black-chinned Sparrow (Spizella atrogularis) in
response to variations in precipitation: Implications for climate change
resiliency" by Pandolfino, Douglas & Ray. (Western Wildlife 9:24–37, 2022)
On Mon, 5 May 2025 16:30:00 -0700, "Bruce Mast via groups.io"
<cathrasher4...> wrote:
>More generally, it would be gratifying to have breeding Black-chinned
>Sparrows in the East Bay again. I read Grinnell's reports about
>Black-Chinned breeding in places like Claremont Canyon and wonder what it
>would take to bring them back. I suspect a change in fire management
>practices would be required.
--
Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA
Date: 5/6/25 8:09 am From: Bruce Mast via groups.io <cathrasher4...> Subject: Status of Black-chinned Sparrows in NorCal. (Was "Re: [EBB-Sightings] Mount Diablo Big Day Hike results")
Interesting if true! I'm cc'ing Ed Pandolfino and Lily Douglas in hopes
they can shed some light on some points that leave me unsettled.
The paper seems to demonstrate that there are irruptions. I find it
plausible to believe that these irruptions account for the vagrant-like
sightings we get in the East Bay, North Bay, Marin, San Mateo Co, etc. I
find it less plausible to believe that ALL NorCal Black-chinned Sparrows
are irruptive. There seem to be pretty stable populations in places like
Loma Prieta / Summit Road (Santa Cruz Mountains in SCL), Tassajara Rd /
Chewy Ridge (MTY), and possibly around the San Benito Mountain Research
Area in San Benito County.
Pandolfino's treatment of the sighting data seems to diminish the
distinction between vagrant birds and core breeding populations. Per the
paper: "We assumed eBird reports or reports from the North American Birds
data from the same location in the same season were from a single
individual unless the reporter specifically noted the number of separate
individuals observed. When multiple individuals were noted by more than one
observer in one location, we used the highest total observed by any single
observer on a single day in that location for the total number of birds.
Because locations of eBird reports are based on where the user chose to
start the checklist, we assumed eBird reports within 5 km of each other in
the same season were of the same individual."
Based on that method, it's hard to see how the analysis could distinguish
between a breeding population in the Santa Cruz mountains versus a lone
bird that shows up at Sibley Regional Park.
There's also a pretty big risk of observer bias with this species. Much of
the best chamise habitat that I'm aware of in NorCal is off limits to
birders, often on private land. In Alameda County, for example, aside from
some remnant chaparral in Strawberry and Claremont Canyons, probably the
best habitat is south of Lake Del Valle on private land. Just last weekend,
I was trying to get into good chamise habitat along Del Puerto Canyon and
it's all either on private land or devoted to the OHV park. Even in public
parks, the chaparral tends to be inaccessible. People generally cut roads
and trails around chaparral rather than through it because it is such a
thicket. My sense is that only a small fraction of the chaparral on Mount
Diablo gets birded regularly. Bear Mountain Trail in Henry Coe SP is
publicly accessible but it's a long hard hike to get to it. In short, I'm
not sure how well we understand the actual breeding status of Black-chinned
Sparrows in NorCal. How many stable breeding populations are completely
undocumented? I suspect the vagrant-like sightings are over-represented.
Then there's the whole issue of synonymizing S. a. caurina and S. a. cana.
I'm still going down the rabbit hole on that one. I'll report back if I
ever find my way back out.
Bruce Mast
Oakland
On Mon, May 5, 2025 at 5:04 PM Joseph Morlan <jmorlan...> wrote:
> This is an irruptive species with incursions into Northern California
> correlated with drought in Southern California. I recall back in the early
> 1970's they moved into Tilden Park one year.
>
> More information here...
>
> "Irruptive movements of the Black-chinned Sparrow (Spizella atrogularis) in
> response to variations in precipitation: Implications for climate change
> resiliency" by Pandolfino, Douglas & Ray. (Western Wildlife 9:24–37, 2022)
>
>
> https://wwjournal.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/10/Pandolfino_etal_WW_2022.pdf >
>
>
> On Mon, 5 May 2025 16:30:00 -0700, "Bruce Mast via groups.io"
> <cathrasher4...> wrote:
>
> >More generally, it would be gratifying to have breeding Black-chinned
> >Sparrows in the East Bay again. I read Grinnell's reports about
> >Black-Chinned breeding in places like Claremont Canyon and wonder what it
> >would take to bring them back. I suspect a change in fire management
> >practices would be required.
> --
> Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA
>
Date: 5/5/25 5:04 pm From: Joe Morlan via groups.io <jmorlan...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Mount Diablo Big Day Hike results
This is an irruptive species with incursions into Northern California correlated with drought in Southern California. I recall back in the early 1970's they moved into Tilden Park one year.
More information here...
"Irruptive movements of the Black-chinned Sparrow (Spizella atrogularis) in response to variations in precipitation: Implications for climate change resiliency" by Pandolfino, Douglas & Ray. (Western Wildlife 9:24–37, 2022)
On Mon, 5 May 2025 16:30:00 -0700, "Bruce Mast via groups.io" <cathrasher4...> wrote:
>More generally, it would be gratifying to have breeding Black-chinned >Sparrows in the East Bay again. I read Grinnell's reports about >Black-Chinned breeding in places like Claremont Canyon and wonder what it >would take to bring them back. I suspect a change in fire management >practices would be required. -- Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA
Date: 5/5/25 4:30 pm From: Bruce Mast via groups.io <cathrasher4...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Mount Diablo Big Day Hike results
Thank you Ethan! I appreciate your detailed insights from the data. I
haven't been tracking incidence of unsuccessful sparrow searches since
April 12 so that would certainly be evidence in favor of the one-day-wonder
hypothesis. On the flip side, it strikes me as a remarkable coincidence
that two one-day-wonders would both show up within 3 weeks of each other in
the exact same patch of chamise. It will be interesting to see whether
people continue to detect this bird for any length of time.
More generally, it would be gratifying to have breeding Black-chinned
Sparrows in the East Bay again. I read Grinnell's reports about
Black-Chinned breeding in places like Claremont Canyon and wonder what it
would take to bring them back. I suspect a change in fire management
practices would be required.
Bruce
On Mon, May 5, 2025 at 2:42 PM Ethan Monk <z.querula...> wrote:
> Hi Bruce,
>
> Thanks for the report! The Black-chinned Sparrow is very cool, but I would
> not be so quick to consider it the same bird Sam Talarigo found on April
> 12th. The recent pattern of sightings in the county is that early sightings
> seem to mostly (all?) represent one-day-or-less wonders, with the
> long-staying birds since 2010 (I count four?) all being found in the second
> half of May or June. One day wonders (5-6ish?) all being between April 12
> and May 12th ?
>
> There are several examples just outside of the county of long-staying
> birds that have shown up earlier, but all a roundabout way of saying that
> there is a track record of early season Black-chinned Sparrows disappearing
> quickly, so I wouldn't necessarily consider it a given that this bird is
> continuing. Especially since I gather people looked for Sam's bird after he
> found it.
>
> Ethan Monk
>
> On Mon, May 5, 2025 at 9:48 AM Bruce Mast via groups.io <cathrasher4=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> Good morning birders,
>> Yesterday I completed my second annual Mount Diablo Big Day Hike for
>> Golden Gate Bird Alliance Birdathon. My hike started in Mitchell Canyon at
>> 4 am and ended at the Castle Rock Parking lot at 6 pm. I tallied 78 species
>> total, compared to 72 in 2024. Total hike was 14.6 miles, with a net
>> elevation change: 2150 ft up, 2425 ft down. Special thanks to my wife
>> Juliet, who shuttled me to and from my start and end points.
>>
>> Highlights
>> • 3 owl species (Great-horned, Western Screech, and American Barn), plus
>> Common Poorwill before dawn
>> • Continuing Black-chinned Sparrow, first reported by Sam Talarigo on
>> April 12
>> • At least 1, probably several lingering Calliope Hummingbirds
>> • One Golden Eagle soaring over Eagle Peak
>> • 8 different Cooper’s Hawks throughout the day
>>
>> New additions compared to 2024 results
>> • Wild Turkey—Pine Canyon
>> • Sharp-shinned Hawk
>> • Red-shouldered Hawk—Castle Rocks picnic area
>> • Barn Owl
>> • Western Screech-Owl
>> • Peregrine Falcon—Castle Rocks breeding pair
>> • Western Wood-Pewee—calling from the ravine below Angel Kerley Road. Not
>> where I would have expected it!
>> • American Crow—distant caws at dawn
>> • Phainopepla—Pine Pond. Not where I would have expected it!
>> • Lawrence's Goldfinch—multiple locations
>> • Black-chinned Sparrow—stakeout
>> • Western Meadowlark—grassland pastures above Stage Road
>> • MacGillivray's Warbler
>> • Yellow Warbler
>> • Western Tanager
>>
>> Missed species from 2024
>> • White-tailed Kite—Margot reported it earlier in the morning but I
>> couldn’t refind it
>> • Hammond's Flycatcher
>> • Brown Creeper—surprising bird last year
>> • Northern Mockingbird—surprising bird last year
>> • White-crowned Sparrow—getting late
>> • Golden-crowned Sparrow—getting late
>> • Bullock's Oriole—not at Pine Pond this year
>> • Nashville Warbler
>> • Black-throated Gray Warbler
>>
>> Other birds reported the same day at Mitchell Canyon that I missed:
>> Northern Harrier, Rock Wren, White-tailed Kite, and Rufous Hummingbird. A
>> few people reported some surprising species that could use some
>> documentation: Black-chinned Hummingbird, Chipping Sparrow, and Hermit
>> Thrush.
>>
>> Full trip report with eBird checklists and detailed narrative at
>> https://ebird.org/tripreport/361499 >>
>> Bird on,
>>
>> Bruce Mast
>> Oakland
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
Date: 5/5/25 2:42 pm From: Ethan Monk via groups.io <z.querula...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Mount Diablo Big Day Hike results
Hi Bruce,
Thanks for the report! The Black-chinned Sparrow is very cool, but I would
not be so quick to consider it the same bird Sam Talarigo found on April
12th. The recent pattern of sightings in the county is that early sightings
seem to mostly (all?) represent one-day-or-less wonders, with the
long-staying birds since 2010 (I count four?) all being found in the second
half of May or June. One day wonders (5-6ish?) all being between April 12
and May 12th ?
There are several examples just outside of the county of long-staying birds
that have shown up earlier, but all a roundabout way of saying that there
is a track record of early season Black-chinned Sparrows disappearing
quickly, so I wouldn't necessarily consider it a given that this bird is
continuing. Especially since I gather people looked for Sam's bird after he
found it.
Ethan Monk
On Mon, May 5, 2025 at 9:48 AM Bruce Mast via groups.io <cathrasher4=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Good morning birders,
> Yesterday I completed my second annual Mount Diablo Big Day Hike for
> Golden Gate Bird Alliance Birdathon. My hike started in Mitchell Canyon at
> 4 am and ended at the Castle Rock Parking lot at 6 pm. I tallied 78 species
> total, compared to 72 in 2024. Total hike was 14.6 miles, with a net
> elevation change: 2150 ft up, 2425 ft down. Special thanks to my wife
> Juliet, who shuttled me to and from my start and end points.
>
> Highlights
> • 3 owl species (Great-horned, Western Screech, and American Barn), plus
> Common Poorwill before dawn
> • Continuing Black-chinned Sparrow, first reported by Sam Talarigo on
> April 12
> • At least 1, probably several lingering Calliope Hummingbirds
> • One Golden Eagle soaring over Eagle Peak
> • 8 different Cooper’s Hawks throughout the day
>
> New additions compared to 2024 results
> • Wild Turkey—Pine Canyon
> • Sharp-shinned Hawk
> • Red-shouldered Hawk—Castle Rocks picnic area
> • Barn Owl
> • Western Screech-Owl
> • Peregrine Falcon—Castle Rocks breeding pair
> • Western Wood-Pewee—calling from the ravine below Angel Kerley Road. Not
> where I would have expected it!
> • American Crow—distant caws at dawn
> • Phainopepla—Pine Pond. Not where I would have expected it!
> • Lawrence's Goldfinch—multiple locations
> • Black-chinned Sparrow—stakeout
> • Western Meadowlark—grassland pastures above Stage Road
> • MacGillivray's Warbler
> • Yellow Warbler
> • Western Tanager
>
> Missed species from 2024
> • White-tailed Kite—Margot reported it earlier in the morning but I
> couldn’t refind it
> • Hammond's Flycatcher
> • Brown Creeper—surprising bird last year
> • Northern Mockingbird—surprising bird last year
> • White-crowned Sparrow—getting late
> • Golden-crowned Sparrow—getting late
> • Bullock's Oriole—not at Pine Pond this year
> • Nashville Warbler
> • Black-throated Gray Warbler
>
> Other birds reported the same day at Mitchell Canyon that I missed:
> Northern Harrier, Rock Wren, White-tailed Kite, and Rufous Hummingbird. A
> few people reported some surprising species that could use some
> documentation: Black-chinned Hummingbird, Chipping Sparrow, and Hermit
> Thrush.
>
> Full trip report with eBird checklists and detailed narrative at
> https://ebird.org/tripreport/361499 >
> Bird on,
>
> Bruce Mast
> Oakland
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 5/5/25 11:32 am From: richard s. cimino via groups.io <rscimino...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Acorn Woodpecker -- Adult male feeding juvenile male.
Hi David,
Thanks for sharing your eastern Alameda County birding experience.
I did take time to review your eBird submission.
You list doesn’t show Yellowbilled Magpie, a nesting resident of the Sycamore Grove Park.
Another species I was hoping to see on your list was the Lawerence Goldfinch which is appearing and being reported in many locations in the bay area.
I’m curious if you may have heard either species, but you don’t report heard species to eBird.
With Appreciation,
Rich Cimino
Yellowbilledtours.com
From: <EBB-Sightings...> <EBB-Sightings...> On Behalf Of David Yeamans via groups.io
Sent: Friday, May 2, 2025 3:03 PM
To: <EBB-Sightings...>
Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Acorn Woodpecker -- Adult male feeding juvenile male.
Several of us went to Sycamore Grove (Arroyo entrance) and then to Arroyo del Valle where we observed two acorn woodpeckers at one nest cavity. One was outside and the other was poking its head out from inside. I didn't think much of it but grabbed a couple of photos anyway.
When I was driving home I saw an acorn woodpecker in the road near Wente pond. As I approached, I saw it was two woodpeckers, one dead and one checking up on it. Unfortunately I was unable to avoid a collision and now there are two dead woodpeckers. I stopped and did some analysis and photographic documentation of the two birds. One adult male and one juvenile male. This got me to thinking about the two birds at the nest cavity so I studied the photo and found that the adult male at the tree cavity nest was feeding the juvenile male.
I didn't make a checklist for the dead birds but I have a lot of photos if anyone wants to study them. Among the things I noticed were "baby belly" on the juvenile, fade lines and feather wear on the adult, and a surprise about growth bars. The adult showed aligned growth bars on two adjacent secondaries but no growth bars were visible in the next two, older, secondary feathers. Maybe the bars had faded on the older feathers. Whatever the case it indicates symmetric molt. Oddly I didn't observe growth bars on the juvenile flight feathers or retrices, but it was only me looking. Maybe sharper eyes would see them.
Date: 5/5/25 9:48 am From: Bruce Mast via groups.io <cathrasher4...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Mount Diablo Big Day Hike results
Good morning birders,
Yesterday I completed my second annual Mount Diablo Big Day Hike for Golden
Gate Bird Alliance Birdathon. My hike started in Mitchell Canyon at 4 am
and ended at the Castle Rock Parking lot at 6 pm. I tallied 78 species
total, compared to 72 in 2024. Total hike was 14.6 miles, with a net
elevation change: 2150 ft up, 2425 ft down. Special thanks to my wife
Juliet, who shuttled me to and from my start and end points.
Highlights
• 3 owl species (Great-horned, Western Screech, and American Barn), plus
Common Poorwill before dawn
• Continuing Black-chinned Sparrow, first reported by Sam Talarigo on April
12
• At least 1, probably several lingering Calliope Hummingbirds
• One Golden Eagle soaring over Eagle Peak
• 8 different Cooper’s Hawks throughout the day
New additions compared to 2024 results
• Wild Turkey—Pine Canyon
• Sharp-shinned Hawk
• Red-shouldered Hawk—Castle Rocks picnic area
• Barn Owl
• Western Screech-Owl
• Peregrine Falcon—Castle Rocks breeding pair
• Western Wood-Pewee—calling from the ravine below Angel Kerley Road. Not
where I would have expected it!
• American Crow—distant caws at dawn
• Phainopepla—Pine Pond. Not where I would have expected it!
• Lawrence's Goldfinch—multiple locations
• Black-chinned Sparrow—stakeout
• Western Meadowlark—grassland pastures above Stage Road
• MacGillivray's Warbler
• Yellow Warbler
• Western Tanager
Missed species from 2024
• White-tailed Kite—Margot reported it earlier in the morning but I
couldn’t refind it
• Hammond's Flycatcher
• Brown Creeper—surprising bird last year
• Northern Mockingbird—surprising bird last year
• White-crowned Sparrow—getting late
• Golden-crowned Sparrow—getting late
• Bullock's Oriole—not at Pine Pond this year
• Nashville Warbler
• Black-throated Gray Warbler
Other birds reported the same day at Mitchell Canyon that I missed:
Northern Harrier, Rock Wren, White-tailed Kite, and Rufous Hummingbird. A
few people reported some surprising species that could use some
documentation: Black-chinned Hummingbird, Chipping Sparrow, and Hermit
Thrush.
Date: 5/4/25 9:01 pm From: David Yeamans via groups.io <davidralphyeamans...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Acorn Woodpecker -- Adult male feeding juvenile male.
Several of us went to Sycamore Grove (Arroyo entrance) and then to Arroyo del Valle where we observed two acorn woodpeckers at one nest cavity. One was outside and the other was poking its head out from inside. I didn't think much of it but grabbed a couple of photos anyway.
When I was driving home I saw an acorn woodpecker in the road near Wente pond. As I approached, I saw it was two woodpeckers, one dead and one checking up on it. Unfortunately I was unable to avoid a collision and now there are two dead woodpeckers. I stopped and did some analysis and photographic documentation of the two birds. One adult male and one juvenile male. This got me to thinking about the two birds at the nest cavity so I studied the photo and found that the adult male at the tree cavity nest was feeding the juvenile male.
I didn't make a checklist for the dead birds but I have a lot of photos if anyone wants to study them. Among the things I noticed were "baby belly" on the juvenile, fade lines and feather wear on the adult, and a surprise about growth bars. The adult showed aligned growth bars on two adjacent secondaries but no growth bars were visible in the next two, older, secondary feathers. Maybe the bars had faded on the older feathers. Whatever the case it indicates symmetric molt. Oddly I didn't observe growth bars on the juvenile flight feathers or retrices, but it was only me looking. Maybe sharper eyes would see them.
Reading Cathy's post I too was wondering today about it being too early for the Cliff swallows in this case, to be nesting near the base of Briones dam. There were about 40 flying about close by but none in or near the nests. Also a few of the nests appeared to have fallen.
Date: 5/4/25 6:25 pm From: Cathy Bleier via groups.io <csbleier...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Lawrence’s Goldfinches et al at Briones
Lawrence’s Goldfinches w/pics (oak trees on Abrigo trail around the bend from Maud Whalen campground), Lazuli Bunting, Bullock's Oriole and Vireos. No Western Kingbirds or Lark Sparrows (tho Merlin reported one). Only 2 nests and 6 Barn Swallows at Maud Whalen. Early or are numbers down?
https://ebird.org/checklist/S233254873 Cathy Bleier
El Cerrito
Date: 5/4/25 11:09 am From: Randy Prunty via groups.io <randy.prunty...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Binoculars rental?
Hi all
I’m hosting a small, casual birding event from my home in Pinole. I’d like
to rent about 5 pairs of binoculars for a couple hours.
Any ideas?
Randy
Date: 5/2/25 5:38 pm From: Bruce Mast via groups.io <cathrasher4...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] peregrines at Castle Rock Regional Reserve (Walnut Creek)
Hello East Bay Birders, I hiked up Pine Canyon this morning from the Castle Rock trailhead to check on the Peregrine Falcons and a few other birds. For those of you who haven't birded that area, a falcon pair has been hanging out for the last month in the cliffs where falcons traditionally nest. Talking to Fred Lindeman, who's part of the Peregrine monitoring team, he tells me that this year's female is a young inexperienced bird. She hasn't shown any sign of egg laying or incubation so far this season. Birds are best observed from the second meadow (37.878478663919665, -121.9866937511811), where a nice bench at the top of the slope offers a relaxing vantage point.
In other news, I birded up Pine Canyon as far as Pine Pond, looking for migrants, etc. I detected Lawrence's Goldfinches at multiple spots, mostly by flight call, but I also had a pair coming down to the creek for water right where I was preparing to cross. Lesser Goldfinches are numerous so sorting them out can be tricky. Summer breeding birds all seem to be on territory, but not much in the way of passage migrant activity. I heard one Empid, one Western Tanager, and a handful of Townsend's Warblers, but not much else in the migrant category. Birdcast reports for the last few days had shown high migrant action but apparently they were flying over without stopping. Breeding birds were quite active, with a number of Lazuli Buntings keeping it lively.
My ulterior motive for hiking Castle Rock this morning was to scout for a Mount Diablo Hiking Big Day I'm doing on Sunday as part of GGBA's annual Birdathon fundraiser. Maria K is planning to join me. We'll start pre-dawn at Mitchell Canyon listening for owls and poorwills, then after birding Mitchell in the morning, we'll hike up to Deer Flat and Moses Rock Ridge, then down to Pine Canyon in the afternoon. An anonymous donor has offered to match every per-species pledge, dollar for dollar, up to a combined total of $400. If I hit my 72 species goal, then I need pledges totaling $5.55 per species to max out the match. I'm currently at $4.25 so I still need pledges totaling $1.30 to max out the match. If you would like to support GGBA and double your donation, then please make a pledge at https://charity.pledgeit.org/Birdathon2025/@Bruce-Mast.
And with that, I'll stop testing the moderator's patience!
Date: 4/30/25 7:58 am From: Margo Watson via groups.io <mbwatson...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Misc. notes from Alameda/Contra Costa 4/27-28/25
> On Apr 29, 2025, at 3:15 PM, Dominik Mosur via groups.io <dominikmosur...> wrote:
>
>
> Spent the past couple of days birding around Livermore (Alameda) and San Ramon (Contra Costa) with some observations I found worthwhile to share.
>
> On Sunday, 4/27, the aseasonal cold front and wet weather looked good for possibly downing some migrants so I checked out Dyer Rd. (off Altamont Pass Rd.) Brushy Peak (lower section only including the two large ponds) and finished up birding around Springtown. Some observations of interest to me were:
>
> Cinnamon Teal - male and female pair at Marlin Pound Neighborhood Park in what looks like good breeding habitat
>
> Gadwall - male and female pair/Marlin Pound in breeding habitat
>
> Ring-necked Duck - 2m and a female in the treeless pond not far from the parking lot at Brushy Peak, getting slightly late with few records in the county after April
>
> Vaux's Swift - low flying migrant over Marlin Pound briefly joining the local swallow flock
>
> Black-necked Stilt - ongoing pair in the seasonal pond near the parking lot for Brushy Peak first reported here a couple of weeks ago. An interesting location if they stay to nest.
>
> Herring/Glaucous-winged Gulls - getting a bit late 1st spring birds flying with the usual procession of California Gulls over Dyer Rd.
>
> Chipping Sparrow - migrant on Dyer Rd.
>
> Gambel's White-crowns - migrants/or lingering wintering birds on Dyer Rd. and at the Willow Pond at Brushy Peak
>
> Lincoln's Sparrows - migrants (1) on Dyer and (2) at Brushy Peak Willow Pond
>
> TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS - fly-over flock of (~30) on Dyer Rd. and (~120) at Willow Pond/Brushy Peak. The latter flock was foraging in the weedy hillsides and several birds were observed taking off to the west carrying food confirming breeding in the area. I suspect there may be a colony somewhere in the direction of the Vasco Landfill.
>
> Yellow Warbler - singing migrant at Willow Pond/Brushy Peak was the first I've noted this spring
>
> Additional migrants at Brushy Peak were - Hermit Warbler, Myrtle Warbler, Western Tanager and Lazuli Bunting. A couple of Savannah Sparrows were interesting ,around the seasonal wetland. This species isn't really known to nest in the Bay Area away from tidal wetlands; perhaps these are wintering birds lingering but worth checking in upcoming weeks.
> For the herpetology dabblers Marlin Pound Neighborhood Park is a good place to see the State listed Threatened Western Pond Turtles.
>
> On Monday I did a ittle hike around Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. Starting from the Remington Street trailhead in Danville, I climbed up above the fog to Trampas Ridge, down to the main staging area, up a bit toward Rocky Ridge to check in with the Rufous-crowned sparrows and then back out to San Ramon via Bollinger Canyon Rd. All told I spent 9 hours walking ~ 20 kilometers, with a nice assortment of migrants and resident species.
>
> Vaux's Swifts - 2 migrating along Trampas Ridge
>
> Rufous Hummingbird - ridge migrant
>
> Turkey Vulture - pair at cave nest site on an inaccessible ridge above Alamo/Danville
>
> Golden Eagle - occupied nest along Bollinger Canyon Rd.
>
> Olive-sided Flycatcher - ridge migrant
>
> Western Wood-pewee - first I've noted locally this spring, vocal at the staging area where they summer
>
> Ash-throated Flycatcher - a healthy count of 13 along the route
>
> Western Kingbird - I have not noted this species nesting at Las Trampas in regular visits the past two summers but a pair continues near the Little Hills camp on Bollinger Canyon Rd where first noted at the end of March. An additional (7) more birds along BC Rd. could be migrants or perhaps they will (re?)colonize the valley this year
>
> Cassin's Vireo - one singing at the staging area was likely a migrant but they have been known to nest in Last Trampas some years
>
> Common Raven - an active cliff side nest on Las Trampas Ridge containing small young was being provisioned by a parent with a chicken egg, apparently pilfered from the chicken farm on Bollinger Canyon Rd. near the jct with Paulanella Pl.
>
> Ruby-crowned Kinglet - a slightly on the late side singing migrant on the ridge
>
> Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - a healthy count of 14 , multiple pairs, one was doing an amazing rendition of pacific-slope flycatcher incorporated into its song
>
> Hermit Thrush, 2 migrants on Trampas Ridge
>
> LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH - as mentioned in Ethan Monk's post earlier today, this spring has been a good one for Larry's showing up in sites where they are not encountered so while not surprised I was nonetheless pleased to encounter (11+) Lawrence's Goldfinches along Trampas ridge, including an apparent closely associating pair. Lawrence's goldfinch has nested here before but not in quite a few years. For anyone looking for late spring/early summer projects try to document breeding of this species at your local patch
>
> Grasshopper Sparrow - only one noted on the entire hike, singing above the seasonal ponds on Trampas Ridge. None detected on the Rocky Ridge Fire Rd/Cuesta Trail where they nested last year, but perhaps I just missed them
>
> Golden-crowned Sparrow - 3 with a Gambel's White-crown on Trampas Ridge
>
> Rufous-crowned Sparrow - three pairs around the Cuesta Trail/Rocky Ridge where reliable year round
>
> Hooded Oriole - an apparent diurnal migrant on the ridge, flying in from the south landing briefly and continuing on
>
> Warblers - several mixed flocks of migrants on Trampas ridge including multiple Hermit, Townsend's, Wilson's, Myrtle and Audubon's.
>
> lists in trip report here:
>
> https://ebird.org/tripreport/358748 >
>
> That's all for now, Happy spring birding to all,
>
> Dominik Mosur
> San Francisco
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 4/29/25 3:15 pm From: Dominik Mosur via groups.io <dominikmosur...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Misc. notes from Alameda/Contra Costa 4/27-28/25
Spent the past couple of days birding around Livermore (Alameda) and San Ramon (Contra Costa) with some observations I found worthwhile to share.
On Sunday, 4/27, the aseasonal cold front and wet weather looked good for possibly downing some migrants so I checked out Dyer Rd. (off Altamont Pass Rd.) Brushy Peak (lower section only including the two large ponds) and finished up birding around Springtown. Some observations of interest to me were:
Cinnamon Teal - male and female pair at Marlin Pound Neighborhood Park in what looks like good breeding habitat
Gadwall - male and female pair/Marlin Pound in breeding habitat
Ring-necked Duck - 2m and a female in the treeless pond not far from the parking lot at Brushy Peak, getting slightly late with few records in the county after April
Vaux's Swift - low flying migrant over Marlin Pound briefly joining the local swallow flock
Black-necked Stilt - ongoing pair in the seasonal pond near the parking lot for Brushy Peak first reported here a couple of weeks ago. An interesting location if they stay to nest.
Herring/Glaucous-winged Gulls - getting a bit late 1st spring birds flying with the usual procession of California Gulls over Dyer Rd.
Chipping Sparrow - migrant on Dyer Rd.
Gambel's White-crowns - migrants/or lingering wintering birds on Dyer Rd. and at the Willow Pond at Brushy Peak
Lincoln's Sparrows - migrants (1) on Dyer and (2) at Brushy Peak Willow Pond
TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS - fly-over flock of (~30) on Dyer Rd. and (~120) at Willow Pond/Brushy Peak. The latter flock was foraging in the weedy hillsides and several birds were observed taking off to the west carrying food confirming breeding in the area. I suspect there may be a colony somewhere in the direction of the Vasco Landfill.
Yellow Warbler - singing migrant at Willow Pond/Brushy Peak was the first I've noted this spring
Additional migrants at Brushy Peak were - Hermit Warbler, Myrtle Warbler, Western Tanager and Lazuli Bunting. A couple of Savannah Sparrows were interesting ,around the seasonal wetland. This species isn't really known to nest in the Bay Area away from tidal wetlands; perhaps these are wintering birds lingering but worth checking in upcoming weeks. For the herpetology dabblers Marlin Pound Neighborhood Park is a good place to see the State listed Threatened Western Pond Turtles.
On Monday I did a ittle hike around Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. Starting from the Remington Street trailhead in Danville, I climbed up above the fog to Trampas Ridge, down to the main staging area, up a bit toward Rocky Ridge to check in with the Rufous-crowned sparrows and then back out to San Ramon via Bollinger Canyon Rd. All told I spent 9 hours walking ~ 20 kilometers, with a nice assortment of migrants and resident species.
Vaux's Swifts - 2 migrating along Trampas Ridge
Rufous Hummingbird - ridge migrant
Turkey Vulture - pair at cave nest site on an inaccessible ridge above Alamo/Danville
Golden Eagle - occupied nest along Bollinger Canyon Rd.
Olive-sided Flycatcher - ridge migrant
Western Wood-pewee - first I've noted locally this spring, vocal at the staging area where they summer
Ash-throated Flycatcher - a healthy count of 13 along the route
Western Kingbird - I have not noted this species nesting at Las Trampas in regular visits the past two summers but a pair continues near the Little Hills camp on Bollinger Canyon Rd where first noted at the end of March. An additional (7) more birds along BC Rd. could be migrants or perhaps they will (re?)colonize the valley this year
Cassin's Vireo - one singing at the staging area was likely a migrant but they have been known to nest in Last Trampas some years
Common Raven - an active cliff side nest on Las Trampas Ridge containing small young was being provisioned by a parent with a chicken egg, apparently pilfered from the chicken farm on Bollinger Canyon Rd. near the jct with Paulanella Pl.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - a slightly on the late side singing migrant on the ridge
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - a healthy count of 14 , multiple pairs, one was doing an amazing rendition of pacific-slope flycatcher incorporated into its song
Hermit Thrush, 2 migrants on Trampas Ridge
LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH - as mentioned in Ethan Monk's post earlier today, this spring has been a good one for Larry's showing up in sites where they are not encountered so while not surprised I was nonetheless pleased to encounter (11+) Lawrence's Goldfinches along Trampas ridge, including an apparent closely associating pair. Lawrence's goldfinch has nested here before but not in quite a few years. For anyone looking for late spring/early summer projects try to document breeding of this species at your local patch
Grasshopper Sparrow - only one noted on the entire hike, singing above the seasonal ponds on Trampas Ridge. None detected on the Rocky Ridge Fire Rd/Cuesta Trail where they nested last year, but perhaps I just missed them
Golden-crowned Sparrow - 3 with a Gambel's White-crown on Trampas Ridge
Rufous-crowned Sparrow - three pairs around the Cuesta Trail/Rocky Ridge where reliable year round
Hooded Oriole - an apparent diurnal migrant on the ridge, flying in from the south landing briefly and continuing on
Warblers - several mixed flocks of migrants on Trampas ridge including multiple Hermit, Townsend's, Wilson's, Myrtle and Audubon's.
Date: 4/29/25 9:17 am From: Peter Pyle via groups.io <ppyle...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Aechmophorus, etc.
Thanks Ethan, always enjoy your posts!
Your reflections on the Aechmophorus caused me to dredge up something I wrote a few years ago on this for my Marine Sanctuaries Beach Watch column.
Happy spring birding to all, Peter
How often do you see Western or Clark's grebes (WCGRs) flying? Sometimes, for short low flights, but not much. Their short and rounded wings seem to barely keep their heavy bodies aloft. Well, what I consider one of the great underappreciated occurrences in our local bird world goes on each spring in late April through mid May. Perhaps you've noticed large rafts of WCGRs off some of our beaches; I've seen them off Naples (Half Moon Bay), Funston, Stinson, and Drakes beaches and suspect they occur elsewhere off sandy shores in semi-protected waters. What are they doing? Sometimes I'll count several thousand one day and then, after a calm clear evening, they'll all be gone the next day. So they are staging for migration, and I presume all take off together to fly high in the night-time sky to inland breeding locations, maybe as far as the great Basin and Prairie provinces of Canada, which means they are flying over the Sierra Nevada! Really? WCGRs? What do we know about this? I just checked the Birds of the World account and it is mentioned that they move these directions and distances but there is practically nothing else about these flights. Seems like a good project for someone with Automatic Recording Units (or ACUs) to figure out what pathways they may be taking.
On 4/29/2025 8:50 AM, Ethan Monk via groups.io wrote: > Over the weekend I took advantage of a windless Richmond to stare out > at the bay from Pt. Isabel. Notable were 6 Common Loons (5/6 in full > alternate) and 1 basic-plumaged Red-throated Loon, and about 20 each > Forster's and Elegant Terns. But interestingly were Aechmophorus > grebes. I counted shy of 500 total, and among those close enough to > identify to species, I counted 150 Western:40 Clark's, with most rafts > being predominantly Western, spare a small monotypic group of Clark's. > Typically on the open bay in Richmond, Clark's Grebes dominate, e.g. > in November here I had 35 Western to 100 Clark's, and as recently as > February here I was counting 30 Western to 70-80 Clark's. Hell, Oct. > 27th of last fall I counted 151 Clark's and 18 Western! So this > inversion of the typical ratio is notable, but apparently not unusual > and the increase in Western Grebes is something I have noticed in > previous years, typically in late March and April. It seems to me to > be most likely migrating Western Grebes are inflating the local > numbers as they move into the bay from the ocean. If something to this > effect happens in fall, I have not yet been a knowing witness! > > In other news, on Brooks Island as has now been well reported, there > are good numbers of Elegant Terns, with a hundred plus engaged in some > form of courtship. Courtship doesn't necessarily entail breeding, but > it seems promising. Otherwise, about 140-150 or more Caspian Terns are > breeding here at the traditional colony, as are ~300 (rough count!) > California Gulls. Also of note were 3 Snowy Plovers sporting full > alternate, chasing each other around a high spot on the island below > the copse of dead pine trees. Successful nesting here seems unusual > with the number of gulls, but something to keep an eye on! > > It has been a good year for Lawrence's Goldfinch as many have noticed. > On April 19th I found a handful of singing males in Curry Canyon at > the state park boundary, but more notable was a singing male > Lawrence's Goldfinch at the house with the big eucalyptus on Byron > Hotsprings Rd on the 20th. By the airport. Since February, there has > been a White-fronted x Cackling Goose hybrid on Bethel Island. I last > saw him on April 20th with 80 White-fronts. On April 24th most of the > geese, and the hybrid, were gone. > > Ethan Monk > > > > >
Date: 4/29/25 8:50 am From: Ethan Monk via groups.io <z.querula...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Aechmophorus, etc.
Over the weekend I took advantage of a windless Richmond to stare out at the bay from Pt. Isabel. Notable were 6 Common Loons (5/6 in full alternate) and 1 basic-plumaged Red-throated Loon, and about 20 each Forster's and Elegant Terns. But interestingly were Aechmophorus grebes. I counted shy of 500 total, and among those close enough to identify to species, I counted 150 Western:40 Clark's, with most rafts being predominantly Western, spare a small monotypic group of Clark's. Typically on the open bay in Richmond, Clark's Grebes dominate, e.g. in November here I had 35 Western to 100 Clark's, and as recently as February here I was counting 30 Western to 70-80 Clark's. Hell, Oct. 27th of last fall I counted 151 Clark's and 18 Western! So this inversion of the typical ratio is notable, but apparently not unusual and the increase in Western Grebes is something I have noticed in previous years, typically in late March and April. It seems to me to be most likely migrating Western Grebes are inflating the local numbers as they move into the bay from the ocean. If something to this effect happens in fall, I have not yet been a knowing witness!
In other news, on Brooks Island as has now been well reported, there are good numbers of Elegant Terns, with a hundred plus engaged in some form of courtship. Courtship doesn't necessarily entail breeding, but it seems promising. Otherwise, about 140-150 or more Caspian Terns are breeding here at the traditional colony, as are ~300 (rough count!) California Gulls. Also of note were 3 Snowy Plovers sporting full alternate, chasing each other around a high spot on the island below the copse of dead pine trees. Successful nesting here seems unusual with the number of gulls, but something to keep an eye on!
It has been a good year for Lawrence's Goldfinch as many have noticed. On April 19th I found a handful of singing males in Curry Canyon at the state park boundary, but more notable was a singing male Lawrence's Goldfinch at the house with the big eucalyptus on Byron Hotsprings Rd on the 20th. By the airport. Since February, there has been a White-fronted x Cackling Goose hybrid on Bethel Island. I last saw him on April 20th with 80 White-fronts. On April 24th most of the geese, and the hybrid, were gone.
Date: 4/28/25 9:11 pm From: Derek via groups.io <dlheins...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] GGBA Birdathon Bay Challenge report for Tactical Shrike Force
I'll let the extensive write-up in the eBIrd Trip Report speak for itself, but I'll note in summary that our team consisting of Viviana Wolinsky, Steve Hunter, Zac Denning, Marjorie Powell, Alex Henry, Wendy Beers, Jeff Manker and me tallied 164 species birding the East Bay from 5am to 8pm, with all stops except one in Alameda County. We didn't have any off the chart sightings, but felt fortunate to find what we did considering the dismal spring migration this year.
Date: 4/23/25 8:36 am From: RON & MARILYN MODAFFERI via groups.io <tahoemod...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Hanging Basket Nest Site
We have a massive hanging flower basket on our back porch. The last 2 weeks I've noticed juncos hopping on the railing and then diving into the flower mass. I thought they were feeding on insects that were in there.
Yesterday, the juncos were hopping on the railing and diving into the flower mass but they had what looked like nesting material (strands of grass, small twigs) in their beaks. They must be building a nest in the hanging flower basket.. A late nest or re-nest??
1/2 mile north Alamo Safeway, East side Danville Blvd.
The titmouse appear to be carrying food into their nest box.
I took a walk around the basin between Cesar Chavez Park and McLaughlin Eastshore State Park this evening and saw a breathtakingly large number of Scaups (I believe Greater). It seemed like there were well over 1000 of them. I don't know if this is typical this time of year, but it was quite a sight to see.
Date: 4/22/25 5:17 pm From: Dominik Mosur via groups.io <dominikmosur...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Landfill Loop- Gull ID help?
Hi Alan,
I think this bird is a candidate for a Glaucous-winged x Glaucous gull
hybrid. Pure Glaucous gulls typically show a very cleanly
delineated bi-colored bill whereas this bird appears to have a significant
amount of dark pigment in the bill.
Dominik
On Tue, Apr 22, 2025 at 5:08 PM Alan Krakauer via groups.io <Alan.krakauer=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> I walked the south part of Landfill Loop in Richmond this morning. In the
> first large pond below the landfill I noticed a distant gull on the water
> that I tentatively ID'ed as Glaucous Gull. Very pale overall with white
> primaries and slightly but noticeably smaller than nearby Western Gull. A
> few minutes later I got photos of a pale gull flying nearby which may or
> may not have been this same gull, and I was able to see pink legs and a
> pale iris. I'm definitely not a gull expert and I know the gulls in this
> area get a lot of attention so I'd appreciate any comments on this ID. I've
> got photos under Glaucous Gull (for the gull on the water) and Larus sp.
> (for the flying gull) on this checklist.
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S228319300 >
> Other cool observations from the trail included an adult Bald Eagle flying
> over with something oddly-shaped in its talons that I realized was a snowy
> egret after I was able to download photos. There were also a decent mix of
> shorebirds, many nice non-winter plumage including dunlin and black-bellied
> plover.
>
> Thanks and good birding.
>
> Alan Krakauer
> Alan Krakauer Photography
> Richmond CA
>
> GGBA Birdathon Fundraising Page:
> https://charity.pledgeit.org/Birdathon2025/@AlanKrakauer >
> Judge, MDBA Photo Contest:
> https://mtdiablobirds.org/photo-contest-2025-rules/ >
>
>
>
Date: 4/22/25 5:08 pm From: Alan Krakauer via groups.io <Alan.krakauer...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Landfill Loop- Gull ID help?
I walked the south part of Landfill Loop in Richmond this morning. In the first large pond below the landfill I noticed a distant gull on the water that I tentatively ID'ed as Glaucous Gull. Very pale overall with white primaries and slightly but noticeably smaller than nearby Western Gull. A few minutes later I got photos of a pale gull flying nearby which may or may not have been this same gull, and I was able to see pink legs and a pale iris. I'm definitely not a gull expert and I know the gulls in this area get a lot of attention so I'd appreciate any comments on this ID. I've got photos under Glaucous Gull (for the gull on the water) and Larus sp. (for the flying gull) on this checklist.
Other cool observations from the trail included an adult Bald Eagle flying over with something oddly-shaped in its talons that I realized was a snowy egret after I was able to download photos. There were also a decent mix of shorebirds, many nice non-winter plumage including dunlin and black-bellied plover.
Thanks and good birding.
Alan Krakauer Alan Krakauer Photography Richmond CA
Date: 4/19/25 12:35 pm From: Bev via groups.io <SLAKEWINGS...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Burrowing Owls in Chavez Park - Season Wrapup
Hi Sally,
I think Martin meant the two Owls together hadn't been seen before. When I visited, an off-leash dog ran right through the fence and one of the Owls flew to stand next to her friend. We'd seen them together on another day.
Bev
On Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 12:18:52 PM PDT, Sally M. Walters via groups.io <bajaowl...> wrote:
Dear Martin, I am pleased that someone is regularly surveying the area. I’m unsure what you mean by "never seen here before.” There have been burrowing owls in that area for as long as I have been birding in the Bay Area, and before it was restored and recreated as a park. Ground squirrels and rock slope protection have made this location ideal for ground squirrels and burrowing owls. Coutenay Peddle (deceased in the early 2000s) led trips in the area for Golden Gate Audubon for a long time. You can check old newsletters for his reports. This was well before eBird.
I’m glad you mentioned a Ground Squirrel eating a vole, as burrowing owls depend on them, and I suspect it’s not off topic.
Sally M. WaltersSacramento <bajaowl...>
On Apr 19, 2025, at 11:12 AM, Martin Nicolaus via groups.io <manicolaus...> wrote:
The last Burrowing Owl sighted in Cesar Chavez Park was March 21. I've posted a detailed wrapup of the season at this link. It was an extraordinary season: earliest arrival and also latest arrival ever, latest departure, possibly six or seven owls coming through, days when visitors could see three owls in a short walk, on one occasion two owls together -- never seen before here. Also saw Ground Squirrel eating vole, but that's off topic.
Martin <Nicolausmanicolaus...>
Date: 4/19/25 12:18 pm From: Sally M. Walters via groups.io <bajaowl...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Burrowing Owls in Chavez Park - Season Wrapup
Dear Martin, I am pleased that someone is regularly surveying the area.
I’m unsure what you mean by "never seen here before.” There have been burrowing owls in that area for as long as I have been birding in the Bay Area, and before it was restored and recreated as a park. Ground squirrels and rock slope protection have made this location ideal for ground squirrels and burrowing owls. Coutenay Peddle (deceased in the early 2000s) led trips in the area for Golden Gate Audubon for a long time. You can check old newsletters for his reports. This was well before eBird.
I’m glad you mentioned a Ground Squirrel eating a vole, as burrowing owls depend on them, and I suspect it’s not off topic.
Sally M. Walters
Sacramento
<bajaowl...>
> On Apr 19, 2025, at 11:12 AM, Martin Nicolaus via groups.io <manicolaus...> wrote:
>
> The last Burrowing Owl sighted in Cesar Chavez Park was March 21. I've posted a detailed wrapup of the season at this link <https://chavezpark.org/review-of-the-2024-2025-burrowing-owl-winter-season/>. It was an extraordinary season: earliest arrival and also latest arrival ever, latest departure, possibly six or seven owls coming through, days when visitors could see three owls in a short walk, on one occasion two owls together -- never seen before here. Also saw Ground Squirrel eating vole, but that's off topic.
>
> Martin Nicolaus
> <manicolaus...> <mailto:<manicolaus...> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 4/19/25 11:12 am From: Martin Nicolaus via groups.io <manicolaus...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Burrowing Owls in Chavez Park - Season Wrapup
The last Burrowing Owl sighted in Cesar Chavez Park was March 21. I've posted a detailed wrapup of the season at this link <https://chavezpark.org/review-of-the-2024-2025-burrowing-owl-winter-season/>. It was an extraordinary season: earliest arrival and also latest arrival ever, latest departure, possibly six or seven owls coming through, days when visitors could see three owls in a short walk, on one occasion two owls together -- never seen before here. Also saw Ground Squirrel eating vole, but that's off topic.
Date: 4/18/25 9:10 pm From: Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Allen's or a Rufous
Hi Claude,
The reviewers could give a more authoritative answer, but here’s how I
understand it:
Allen’s vs Rufous Hummingbird is one of the toughest species pairs in our
area (or the US for that matter) to differentiate. Unfortunately, the white
tail spots aren’t useful at all. Welcome to the confusing world of
Selasphorus hummingbird ID!
In most cases, a female like this bird is best left as an Allen’s/Rufous
Hummingbird (aka a ‘slash’) along the near-coastal areas of California, and
at times of year (like now), when either could be present.
If you see a male with an all orange back - that’s easy: you know it’s a
Rufous.
The differences in the tail feather shapes of females are much more subtle,
so you’d need a super clear tail shot and perhaps some expert input - if an
ID is even possible (See image:
https://images.app.goo.gl/wD2UwtepPDPigV6t6). In Fall, juveniles should be
almost always left as slashes.
In June in our area (at least the first 3 weeks), I think it’s relatively
safe to assume that this type of Selasphorus sp hummer is Allen’s (when
Rufous are presumably breeding from very northernmost California through
Alaska). But outside of that, most birders are using a lot of slashes.
Corrections welcome if I misrepresented any details, but that’s my
understanding at least. I’m sure you had hoped this would be easier!
I hope this helps at least a little …
Zac Denning
Albany
On Fri, Apr 18, 2025 at 8:18 PM Claude Lyneis via groups.io <cmlyneis=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> I was out at Meeker Slough next to some Pride of Madeira blossoms which
> attract Hummingbirds at this time of the year. Most are Anna’s, but there
> was at least one that was definitely not an Anna’s. It was not completely
> cooperative with my camera, but two of the shots together show the bird
> quite well. In the photo attached the right shot shows some white tips of
> on some of its tail feathers, so I am guessing it is a Rufous. Thoughts?
>
>
>
> [image: 54461506610_965826e446_z.jpg]
>
> Claude Lyneis <https://flic.kr/ps/36it5P> > flic.kr <https://flic.kr/ps/36it5P> > <https://flic.kr/ps/36it5P> >
>
> Claude Lyneis
> <cmlyneis...>
> https://www.youtube.com/bhsvideodad > Flickr Photos at https://flic.kr/ps/36it5P >
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Date: 4/18/25 8:18 pm From: Claude Lyneis via groups.io <cmlyneis...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Allen's or a Rufous
I was out at Meeker Slough next to some Pride of Madeira blossoms which attract Hummingbirds at this time of the year. Most are Anna’s, but there was at least one that was definitely not an Anna’s. It was not completely cooperative with my camera, but two of the shots together show the bird quite well. In the photo attached the right shot shows some white tips of on some of its tail feathers, so I am guessing it is a Rufous. Thoughts?
Date: 4/17/25 8:01 am From: Brian Fitch via groups.io <fogeggs...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] [CALBIRDS] April migration: Late and Slow! , Some annual early questionable reports
Good Morning Birders,
I've just returned from a week of camping at a notable migration passage
area, and because of the synchronicity with the above forwarded message,
I'll chime in.
I was in the desert of eastern San Diego County, at a well known site, a
site that has been consistently productive in spring since I first started
camping there in 1991. The species mix this year was certainly odd, with
early, normal, and late arrivals, as well as late stayers all represented.
There were unprecedented numbers (for this site and time) of Bullock's
Orioles and Brewer's Sparrows, and high numbers of Ash-throats, western
warblers, grosbeaks, and buntings. Empids and vireos seemed to be just
arriving. There was an impressive movement on the 12th and 13th, with many
mesquites and ocotillos having multiple birds hanging from them, either
taking nectar or gleaning tiny green worms. Most of the migrants were gone
by the 14th, so that mob will be showing up soon somewhere further north.
There were other mountain or basin species staying late besides the
Brewer's, and good numbers of resident desert species despite the earlier
extreme drought conditions.
The single most striking and sad issue was not running into another birder
for the first time since 1991, not at this site, at other local known
sites, or at the Salton Sea. In every previous spring, I've met and shared
news with more than one birder, or groups of birders. I think it's quite
possible that migration is moving oddly but at a good pace, but birders are
either not out in the field in decent numbers, or are clustering at "top
ten hotspots." The behavior of birders might be a bigger part of
phenomenology than we take into account.
Brian Fitch
On Wed, Apr 16, 2025 at 1:09 PM Dominik Mosur via groups.io <dominikmosur=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> A very informative post from Paul Lehman regarding this year's spring
> migration and related matters. It's from Southern California but highly
> applicable here as well.
>
> Dominik Mosur
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ---------
> From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul=
> <verizon.net...>
> Date: Wed, Apr 16, 2025 at 12:06 PM
> Subject: [CALBIRDS] April migration: Late and Slow! , Some annual early
> questionable reports
> To: <calbirds...> <calbirds...>
>
>
> I think almost everyone in California would agree that the passerine
> migration so far this April is notably LATE and SLOW. Down here in parts of
> southern California, a number of folks (including myself) have commented on
> it being a good migration earlier in the season for Violet-green Swallow,
> and since then OK for Western Kingbird and Chipping Sparrow. But almost
> everything else.....late and slow! One very common refrain virtually
> statewide has been, "Where are all the Hooded Orioles?" Here in San Diego
> County, where common and widespread, they were remarkably scarce until just
> a little over a week ago. Still below average, but at least they have
> filled in a fair bit of their widespread range locally--but this is almost
> A FULL MONTH LATE. Bullock's Orioles and Black-headed Grosbeaks have also
> finally begun to increase, but still below normal and running 2-3 weeks
> late. And where are all the many Ash-throated Flycatchers that normally
> start appearing by late March? Anyway, the list goes on and on. So, what's
> happening? Major population declines? Inappropriate local weather
> conditions locally for migration? Or something odd going on farther to the
> south(east), either en route or closer to the wintering grounds? In support
> of the latter factor are reports that a fair chunk of southern Arizona had
> it driest winter on record, EVER, and--perhaps more important--one friend
> of mine reported that parts of Mexico had a cooler or colder than usual
> (relatively speaking) winter and early spring--which could well translate
> into a lot of stuff running late. We will certainly know a lot more once
> the next month plays out!
>
>
> It's another first half of April, and yet another year of multiple reports
> of the following species that are way early and which in most cases likely
> reflect misidentifications. (And all of which could really use photo
> documentation.) Western Wood-Pewees are not expected to start arriving
> until after about 15 April, so any reports before that need to come with
> strong documentation, and need to be flagged by eBird filters. (For
> example, the all-time early arrival in San Diego County is around 8 April.)
> Most such early reports involve either heard-only birds (think vocalizing
> starlings or a number of other mimics) or are poorly documented and have no
> photos. Often these reports are from observers who do not at all appreciate
> how unusually early their bird would be. And a problem that I bet many
> birders don't realize is that the first Olive-sided Flycatchers actually
> arrive before wood-pewees do--and probably get misidentified. This month,
> there were several poorly documented early reports, but also one well
> photographed bird in Orange County on 10 April. The next species is
> Swainson's Thrush, which already has a bunch of reports in California
> during the first half of the month. This species is not reliable until
> around late the third week in the month, with a just a few documented
> records as early as the 12th-15th. A fair number of the earliest records
> are of birds at breeding sites, arriving even earlier than through-migrants
> do farther to the SOUTH, but such local breeders need to be heard SINGING.
> Unfortunately, almost all of the early reports this month have involved
> birds not seen and only heard calling, or heard calling and seen rather
> poorly, again mostly by folks who don't appreciate the true status of this
> species so early--and who report the bird giving the "wink" or "wheet" call
> only, but some other species (e.g., Song Sparrow) can give similar calls.
> Last but not least comes Black Swift. There are a small number of legit
> records for the last week or perhaps ten days of April in California (some
> associated with southern or lowland nesting areas), but of course this
> species is a notorious late arriver and typically doesn't show until into
> May. The problem here is the usual one of an observer not appreciating the
> true status and seasonal timing, and either seeing a White-throated or
> Vaux's Swift at a distance or in mediocre light and not properly assessing
> size and/or color. And the other recurring problem is misidentifying male
> Purple Martins. Heck, some especially early reports of Black Swift, if
> indeed of a large all-dark swift, might need to also consider either Common
> Swift or White-collared Swift. So far this year, there have already been
> one or two Black Swift reports. From previous years, there is an especially
> "egregious" report with very limited details coming from Butte County on 30
> March 2021 and apparently being validated by eBird.....
>
>
> Anyway, I'd recommend all county ebird filters be tightened for these and
> several other migrants that are notoriously reported "too early" almost
> every spring (e.g., add Willow and Dusky Flycatchers to the list), and set
> to 0 until these species are truly known to occur REGULARLY in at least
> small numbers.
>
>
> Exceptional arrival and departure dates certainly DO exist. But such
> exceptional occurrences need to be appreciated by the observer AT THE TIME
> OF THE OBSERVATION and need to be exceptionally well documented.
>
>
> --Paul Lehman, San Diego
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 4/16/25 2:36 pm From: Claude Lyneis via groups.io <cmlyneis...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Costa's vs Anna's Hummingbird discussion
I saw an active discussion on <eBird-alert...> concerning a reported sighting of a Costa’s Hummingbird in Alameda.
Back a week ago go took a photo at Meeker Slough next to some Pride of Medeira of a humming bird shown below. After looking at a lot of photos and consulting Sibley I can to the conclusion it was probably an Anna’s although in the photo, the gorget is somewhat unusual. Not dark purple though. Anyway, I am now curious what the expert view of this is. One thing is the Costa’s seem to have more white below the gorget.
Date: 4/15/25 9:29 pm From: Anne Kelley via groups.io <akell04...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Seen this morning at Valle Vista, about 100 yards down the main trail to the left of the sign-in kiosk. He was singing too.
Yes, a Cal Thrasher. I hear them there quite frequently but have never seen
this guy before today. Lots of white but dark eyes.
Anne
On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Aaron Maizlish <amm.birdlists...> wrote:
> Hi Anne,
>
> That’s really cool. Looks like a partially-leucistic California
> Thrasher.
>
> Aaron Maizlish
> San Francisco, CA
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Apr 15, 2025, at 8:29 PM, Anne Kelley via groups.io <akell04=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > <DSC00046.JPG>
> >
> >
> >
>
Date: 4/15/25 9:01 pm From: Aaron Maizlish via groups.io <amm.birdlists...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Seen this morning at Valle Vista, about 100 yards down the main trail to the left of the sign-in kiosk. He was singing too.
Hi Anne,
That’s really cool. Looks like a partially-leucistic California Thrasher.
Aaron Maizlish
San Francisco, CA
> On Apr 15, 2025, at 8:29 PM, Anne Kelley via groups.io <akell04...> wrote:
>
>
> <DSC00046.JPG>
>
>
>
Date: 4/15/25 8:29 pm From: Anne Kelley via groups.io <akell04...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Seen this morning at Valle Vista, about 100 yards down the main trail to the left of the sign-in kiosk. He was singing too.
Date: 4/14/25 3:50 pm From: Jeff Manker via groups.io <fireweed8...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Hooded Orioles
I was playing disc golf this morning at Oyster Bay Regional Park in San Leandro. Before I left I thought I would check the palm trees at the end of Neptune Street (37.7099900, -122.1926630) for Orioles. I got lucky and saw a male and female pair on the palms and around the general area.
Date: 4/11/25 12:17 pm From: Lee Friedman via groups.io <lfried6...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Amorous Red-Tails, One Banded, at Vollmer Peak
I have learned that it is the larger middle row numerals on the band that are needed to ID this bird, and that they have a nine digit format 1234-56789. Of course it's difficult to see all 9 digits, but often the bird can be identified by a partial sequence.
Date: 4/11/25 7:40 am From: Peter Pyle via groups.io <ppyle...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Noyo Pelagic Trips April 26th and 27th
Greetings again Bay Area -
Our two April trips (see below) are filling but there are still opportunities to sign up. The website is still under construction but we have set up a method in order to sign up. The prices are $125 for the half-day trip on April 26th and $185 for the full day trip on the 27th.
To sign up go to https://noyopelagics.com/times-directions-and-parking/. Scroll down to the bottom of that page and in the small calendar for April click on the 26th for the half-day trip and the 27th for the full day trip.
Once you have made a reservation, it will ask if you want to add any more trips before paying. So if you want to do both days, you can add the second trip and pay all at once.
The Home Page at the above site has the full calendar and the "About our Trips" page is also complete except the list of birds and mammals at the bottom. We hope to have the website fully completed in the next week or so.
Hope to see you that weekend!
Peter
On 4/4/2025 10:34 AM, Peter Pyle wrote: > Greetings Bay Area - > > Mendocino Coast Audubon Society and Noyo Center for Marine Science > Center will be running a number of pelagic trips out of Fort Bragg > this year. There will be a website with the complete schedule of > full-day trips, half-day trips, and 2-hour trips to do marine science > including deploying ROVs when conditions are good. Pending the > website's launch (hopefully soon) you can call Anchor Charters at > 707-964-4550 to reserve a spot. > > The first two trips of the season will be on April 26th (half day, > five hours ) and April 27th (full day, 10 hours). We will aim for the > Noyo Canyon on both trips and and over the continental shelf on the > full-day trip. This was the weekend where, many years ago, we went out > to deep water and had 100+ Murphy's Petrels (confirming them for the > state) and 130+ Horned Puffins out in these waters. Laysan Albatrosses > have been regular over Noyo Canyon this year and a Short-tailed > Albatross was spotted by fisherman there in early March. > > Future full-day trips this year will be on May 9th and 11th, June > 15th, July 15th, August 15th, September 7th, October 31st, and > November 22nd. Most of these will have half-day trips scheduled within > a day or so, such that those coming up to enjoy the Mendocino coast > can make a long weekend of it and include two pelagic trips. > > We'll announce when the website is up with full details. Hope to see > you up here this April or later in the year. > > Good birding! > > Peter
Date: 4/10/25 1:45 pm From: joel.herr via groups.io <emupilot...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Lawrence's Goldfinches + abundant RCSP, Walnut Creek Open Space
It's looking like an up year for Lawrence's Goldfinches locally as I have found them every day this week at Shell Ridge Open Space (pair in same location 4/7 and 4/8), Sugarloaf Open Space (pair on 4/9) and at Lime Ridge Open Space (at least 1 calling flyover, probably multiple birds). Specific locations are in the eBird lists below.
I have noted for a couple years how Rufous-crowned Sparrows are unusually abundant at Shell Ridge, especially where there is more or less complete oak canopy with grass understory and downed logs / large branches. This week, I walked a 5.5 mile route through much of their favorite habitat and found 39 of them (and it's not even fledgling season yet). Specific locations are in the eBird list below.
Date: 4/9/25 1:14 pm From: Lee Friedman via groups.io <lfried6...> Subject: [EBB-Sightings] Amorous Red-Tails, One Banded, at Vollmer Peak
My primary reason for posting is in case this will help to identify the banded Red-tailed Hawk at Vollmer Peak. Since it is one of an amorous pair busy now with nest construction (and, well, with being amorous), they are also of course simply interesting to watch. They are also likely to continue in that area for several months, barring any nesting failure. The nest is somewhere just north of the parking lot, and I observed them multiple times yesterday generally near the peak and on its west side. Sometimes they were carrying nesting material. They also engage in elaborate courtship displays while soaring, and I observed them copulating in a tree just below the peak on the southwest side.
One of the hawks has a silver band on its right leg. I could not read the markings with any clarity (three rows, with small numerals top and bottom and larger numerals in the middle). I have reported the sighting to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory (reference ID 477779). In case anyone can get a better read on the band markings than I did, please report it as well.
The link below is to five photos of the pair: carrying nesting materials, two of their courtship display, copulation, and one showing the silver lock-on band on the right leg of one of them.
