Date: 12/13/25 9:01 am From: <knorris9...> via groups.io <Knorris9...> Subject: [northbaybirds] Learn About the Christmas Bird Count
Sunday, December 14, at 4:00 pm at Buteo Books, 2240 4th Street, Suite A, San Rafael
Presented by Alison Pence of the Marin Audubon Society
The annual Christmas Bird Count in Marin brings together volunteer birders all over the county each December - these community scientists tally every bird they see, and the data they collect helps guide future conservation efforts. Learn more about this annual effort, how you can get involved, and get your questions answered!
This event is free to attend and all are welcome, beginners encouraged.
Thanks so much!!
Kathryn Norris
Date: 12/5/25 4:10 pm From: Lucas Stephenson via groups.io <Navigator44...> Subject: [northbaybirds] Please Help Support Our Cal Poly Humboldt Deepwater Pelagic
Hello all,
Back in September, Sasha Cahill and I, with the help of The Cal Poly Humboldt Birding Club and its surrounding members, scheduled a trip for December 6th, 2025, with hopes to reach distances of 70 miles to the west of Eureka, exploring areas largely unknown to current ornithological knowledge.
Fast forward 2 months, we received notice from the Captain, Kyle, who told us that the previously planned date of the trip, December 6th, would no longer work and that we needed to move the trip back a week to December 13th due to his schedule. This caused further difficulties that we had to adapt to by sending out numerous emails, contacting original participants, and soliciting new, additional customers. In the past 2 weeks, massive changes were brought to our attention. The school was required to consult with the coast guard prior to us running the trip and would have potentially introduced an insurance bill upwards of $5,000 due to the presence of non-CPH members. We were forced to start afresh and start advertising solely to CPH members. Currently, we are attempting to fill the boat, but for many, the price tag of $180 has served as a large obstacle.
We are gratefully accepting donations via The Birding Club Giving Page linked below.
Any contribution, no matter the size, directly supports student participation and helps ensure that this unique ornithological opportunity is accessible to the broader Cal Poly Humboldt community. Funds will be used to subsidize trip costs for students who would otherwise be unable to attend, as well as to offset the imposed donation tax and logistical expenses that have arisen over the past several weeks.
Your support is greatly appreciated,
Lucas Stephenson and the Cal Poly Humboldt Birding Club
Date: 12/4/25 6:22 pm From: corvus8x via groups.io <corvus8x...> Subject: [northbaybirds] Additional Rare birds at Bodega Bay, Sonoma County December 3-4
Tony Briggs found a Rusty Blackbird yesterday and it continued today at Porto Bodega Marina with the local mixed blackbird flock. The blackbirds and Rusty Blackbird were along the extreme King tide water's edge as well on the docks near the New Sea Angler party boat. Also, around 8:15 am I found a first year male Bullock's Oriole west of the marina in the Poro Bodega RV Park. Observed for around ten minutes in campground lots close to water at west side of park. Scott Carey, Sebastopol, California.
Date: 12/3/25 4:32 pm From: David Assmann via groups.io <david_assmann...> Subject: [northbaybirds] Registration for the Monday December 29th San Francisco Christmas Bird Count closes in 10 days, prime spots still available
Join one of the most dynamic Christmas Bird Counts in the country, regularly ranked in the top tier. Last year, we had the first North American CBC record of the Jouanin's Petrel during the Count. We are particularly looking for participants that would like to count in the southern half of the City, and the northern part of San Mateo County. You can register as a Field Observer or Feeder Watcher, and you can also sign-up for the Count Dinner at the links below. Participation is free; the cost of the optional dinner is $35.
Date: 12/3/25 8:57 am From: corvus8x via groups.io <corvus8x...> Subject: [northbaybirds] Summer Tanager and Tennessee Warbler Bodega Bay, California 12/02/2025
Yesterday, below the Diekmann's store about 12:15 pm there was an adult male Tennessee Warbler associating with two Orange-crowned Warblers, actively feeding on the flowering Abutilon. Ten minutes later, a Summer Tanager popped up in the willows below the store. This female (I believe) was a mustard ochre over all with a red tail and hints of red on the head and crown. Wing bars with hints of red and orange. Striking bird. The tanager was super active and flycatching for Yellow Jackets in the warmest part of the day but was harder to locate as it became overcast past 1:30pm. There was also a late migrant / wintering Northern House Wren below the store. I suspect the Tennessee Warbler will over winter here, possibly the Summer Tanager as well. Interesting side note: I found a sub adult Tennessee Warbler here two years ago in late November. Could this be the returning bird in adult plumage now? Things to ponder. Also- Be aware that there is noisy construction next store to Diekmann's. Its super obnoxious, but the birds seem unaffected by all the noise. Lots of activity with hummers too. Scott Carey, Sebastopol, California.
Date: 12/1/25 11:14 am From: ceruleanswift via groups.io <ceruleanswift...> Subject: [northbaybirds] Point Reyes Christmas Bird Count - Saturday, December 20th
The Point Reyes Christmas Bird Count(CBC) will be on Saturday, December 20th.
Since 1970 The Point Reyes Christmas Bird Count has been a detailed census of wintering bird populations in parts of Point Reyes National Seashore and other areas in West Marin.
In most years between 190 and 200 species are found in the count circle. Only about a dozen out of the more than two thousand counts across the continent exceed our tally. Totals of some individual species have been the highest of all the counts in the country in certain years. By those standards, the Point Reyes CBC is one of the best in the country.
Finding uncommon or rare birds is somewhat the “icing on the cake” for our count. The main focus and objective of the count is to have an accurate census of all the birds, including the common species, in our area.
Birders of any level are welcome to participate in the count, but should be prepared for a fast paced day in the field, not ideal for beginners. The count is conducted in any weather, except an extremely rainy day with high winds. Registered participants should expect to count even in some rain and cold conditions. To register go to https://www.pointreyescbc.com
Date: 11/19/25 5:25 pm From: Denise Hamilton via groups.io <2napabirders...> Subject: [northbaybirds] Flannery Rd Mt. Plovers, Solano Co. & Drama in Backyard in Napa
Hi all,
First off, David and I went out to Flannery Rd. yesterday to look for Mountain Plovers before heading over to Staten Island to see Sandhill Cranes and others. Saw Nathan Dubrow's report from 11.7, where he gave these coordinates: (38.2112533, -121.7812489) started searching the plowed field closer to the house across the road, but found the birds pretty much right at those coordinates (not far from where the plowed field ends at the fence line) Was surprised to find them down the hill so close! Counted 39 birds! Other birds: Horned Larks, abundant Savannah & White-crowned Sparrows & W. Meadowlarks, among a few others. Also drove down Robinson Rd. - hardly a thing! (Still hard to believe that CA Forever wants to build a new town in this great birding area!)
Backyard Drama today: After weeks of an adult Cooper's Hawk traumatizing the neighborhood and my backyard birds for hours each day, an immature bird shows up today. I became aware of it by the constant chattering of the House Sparrows that stay put in the Cotoneaster instead of flying away like all the other birds. I admit that we don't chase the Coop away if it is going after one of the MANY House Sparrows we have, so I got some pics of the bird and then left while it hunted in the bushes. A few minutes later I heard the alarm call of the N. Mockingbird that has been a bully at our persimmon tree and nearby ornamental pear chasing away all the fruit eaters. Went back to the window and saw that the Coop had grabbed it and was dragging it under the tree!! David & I were pretty shocked to see that! It will be interesting to see if the other N. Mocker in the neighborhood who was defending mistletoe will now take over on our persimmon tree! eBird Checklist - 19 Nov 2025 - Backyard in Browns Valley, Napa - 3 species <https://ebird.org/checklist/S285242061>
Other birds of note: A SONG SPARROW joining the usual WC & GC Sparrows for seed, along with one FOX and one WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. Neighborhood is full of Robins, Cedar Waxwings and Western Bluebirds - counted over 60 of them at one time sitting in the neighborhood redwoods. They have been flocking like that this time of year for the past few years now. All the nest boxes Napa-Solano Audubon have put up are paying off!
One of our most unlikely birds the past few weeks is a SAY'S PHOEBE. We are in a neighborhood not close to any open land, so it surprises me to see it staying put. Can be found on the w electric wires between two houses, up on the neighbor's roof and eating pistache berries. Have seen a bird in the same exact spot on the wires over the past few falls, but it stays a day or 2 and leaves, so it is fun to have this one stay put, along with BLACK PHOEBES.
Date: 11/19/25 5:16 pm From: Lisa Hug via groups.io <lisahug...> Subject: [northbaybirds] Abbott's Lagoon
Hi All,
The College of Marin class had a wonderful time at Abbott's Lagoon this
morning. Highlights included lots of Bonaparte's Gulls, Burrowing Owl,
Ferruginous Hawk and a handsome bobcat.
One of the most educational sightings was of 3 Red Phalaropes and one
Red-necked Phalarope swimming together on the first large lake before
the actual lagoon. I included 3 photos of the birds in our checklist and
it even thought the photos are blurry, it is possible to distinguish the
red-necked from the reds by the smaller size, smaller bill and more
complicated back pattern, with more dark markings. There should also be
some white stripes in the Red-necked Phalarope, but that is hard to see
in the blurry photo.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S285241832
Date: 11/14/25 9:38 pm From: Dennis Olson via groups.io <eyeper...> Subject: [northbaybirds] Leucistic Turkey Vulture
This guy was on a power pole along Highway One, Tomales Bay, by Marconi today at about 3:30.
Maybe not that unusual, but the first one I've seen.
- Dennis Olson
"It's not rocket surgery."
Date: 11/13/25 1:10 pm From: larry nigro via groups.io <larrymtb...> Subject: [northbaybirds] Birds
Hi,
Yesterday at Las Gallinas we saw a lot of song birds. Among them was this bird that stood out immediately for its organey whiteness like those vanilla inside popsicles. . We at first thought a leucistic bird but then considered Clay Colored and the much rarer Field Sparrow. Eye ring issues for Field Sparrow, far from range and could be a brighter pink bill. Clay colored lack of any dark stripes near the eye and on the crown.
Ebird said Clay Colored with their rare bird photo filter but we thought we would share it and get other ideas on this rainy day before posting:
[image: 6J0A5902.JPG] [image: 6J0A5909.JPG] [image: 6J0A5910.JPG] We also saw this bird below which unfortunately did not get a great photo. The bird struck as smaller and Spizella-like compared to nearby Zono sparrows. Unfortunately, it stayed behind the blackberry. Overall. it seemed even more Clay-colored than the bird above with the stronger contrasting malar..
Thanks for any help.
Larry and Natalie Clark. [image: CBCE07D8-351D-4C52-9F98-F91BB67BFFCC6J0A5784.jpeg]
Date: 11/13/25 8:43 am From: Michael Mecham via groups.io <mikemecham46...> Subject: Re: [northbaybirds] Outer Point Reyes 11/10/25 - ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS et al.
Jeff,
I see. Wasn’t thinking in that direction.
—Mike
> On Nov 13, 2025, at 8:35 AM, Jeff Miller <jmiller...> wrote:
>
> Dairying especially but also beef cattle grazing attracts and supports unnatural concentrations of ravens, which then predate on snowy plovers. This is a huge problem with the plover population at Point Reyes.
>
> Jeff
>
> Jeff Miller
> Senior Conservation Advocate
> Center for Biological Diversity
> (510) 499-9185
> www.biologicaldiversity.org <http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/> >
> From: Mike Mecham <mikemecham46...> <mailto:<mikemecham46...>> > Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2025 8:34 AM
> To: Jeff Miller <jmiller...> <mailto:<jmiller...>> > Cc: <dominikmosur...> <mailto:<dominikmosur...>; North Bay Birds <northbaybirds...> <mailto:<northbaybirds...>> > Subject: Re: [northbaybirds] Outer Point Reyes 11/10/25 - ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS et al.
>
> Jeff,
> How did overgrazing affect snowy plovers? They don’t want to be in vegetation, especially any that is more than about 2 inches high.
> —Mike Mecham
>
>
> On Nov 12, 2025, at 11:07 AM, Jeff Miller via groups.io <http://groups.io/> <jmiller...> <mailto:<jmiller...>> wrote:
>
> Thanks for the rare birds report, Dominik.
>
> I want to point out that winter foraging tricolored blackbirds are not necessarily dependent upon cattle ranches, though grain and silage at ranches is now the easiest food source for tricoloreds. Obviously tricoloreds did not evolve with cattle ranching since
> ranching didn't begin in California until the late 1700s, 250 years ago, while tricolored blackbirds are thought to have diverged from red-winged blackbirds about 10,000 years ago. Yes, due to the loss of most of their natural foraging habitats in California (native wetlands and upland habitats which have been destroyed or altered), tricoloreds are now highly dependent for foraging on semi-natural grasslands and artificial habitats like agricultural fields and croplands, as well as dairies and feedlots. Ideal foraging conditions for this species is not necessarily cattle ranches, but rather short grasslands. Yes, that habitat condition is currently is created at Point Reyes by overgrazing, but it can also be produced by burning or seasonal mowing.
>
> With the cessation of commercial ranching at Point Reyes, there will continue to be limited seasonal non-commercial grazing through a new restoration lease with The Nature Conservancy. TNC will be managing for native habitats and sensitive wildlife, likely using a variety of disturbance regimes, which will include some restricted cattle grazing, and could include burning and maybe seasonal mowing. There will be a public management plan for the former commercial ranch lease areas. The Park Service will also be co-managing with the Graton Rancheria, which wants to bring back cultural/ecological burning to Point Reyes. All of the conservation groups involved in the Point Reyes settlement and ranch retirements, TNC, the Park Service, and Graton are going to want to manage for sensitive species that like short grasslands, such as tricoloreds and burrowing owls. Birders should weigh in when the new management plan is being discussed.
>
> Also important to note that the commercial (over)grazing that is being retired has had strongly negative impacts on other native rare birds like snowy plovers.
>
> Jeff
>
> Jeff Miller
> Senior Conservation Advocate
> Center for Biological Diversity
> (510) 499-9185
> www.biologicaldiversity.org <http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/> >
> From: <northbaybirds...> <mailto:<northbaybirds...> <northbaybirds...> <mailto:<northbaybirds...>> On Behalf Of Dominik Mosur via groups.io <http://groups.io/> > Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 10:27 AM
> To: North Bay Birds <northbaybirds...> <mailto:<northbaybirds...>> > Subject: [northbaybirds] Outer Point Reyes 11/10/25 - ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS et al.
>
> Taking advantage of the great weather I spent Monday, 11/10, hiking the pastures around the ranches on Outer Point Reyes.
>
> Some bird species of note observed:
>
> Snow Goose - lone bird flew in calling from Drakes Bay over the visitor centerin the morning, perhaps the continuing individual that has been seen with some regularity around the various ranches starting in early October this year
>
> Lesser Scaup - a flock of 17 on the shallow Mendoza Ranch pond
>
> Ring-necked Ducks - 7 on Spaletta and 3 on Mendoza ranch ponds
>
> Long-billed Dowitcher - a juvenile was on the cattle pond near Drake's Corner. This bird flushed and flew off in the direction of the outer ranches and may have been the same individual noted on the Mendoza pond a few hours later
>
> Bonaparte's Gull - Mendoza pond
>
> Bald Eagle - adult flew in off Drake's Bay over the visitor center in the morning
>
> ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS - while walking the pastures of the Spaletta Ranch in the direction of Drake's Corner two juvenile Rough-legs flew over in quick succession heading toward the Lighthouse. About an hour later a juvenile Rough-legged hawk flew over the Hall Ranch/Drake's Corner heading north. Later a juvenile Rough-leg was observed over the pastures of the Nunes Ranch. I suspect the later two observations were of the first two birds moving around. It has been a good fall so far for this species in the Bay Area with multiple sightings in San Francisco and San Mateo counties.
>
> Burrowing Owls - noted in traditional spots in pastures of the Spalleta and Nunes Ranch.
>
> BARN SWALLOW - a late migrant flew over the Drake's Beach visitor center in the morning
>
> Golden-crowned Kinglets - two were in the cypresses above the Mendoza Ranch pond in the afternoon
>
> TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS - only ~380 noted on the day, with the largest flock of ~300 observed in the pastures above Nunes. While numbers of Tricolored blackbirds typically begin to decline by November one has to wonder what the effect of cessation of ranching activities on the Outer Point will have in the long term on this STATE LISTED species. Tricolored Blackbirds have been studied heavily in recent decades and found to be almost completely dependent on cattle ranches for foraging areas.
>
> Unusual for the date was a near complete absence of American Goldfinches (1!) and low numbers of American Pipits (~40, with the largest flock of 25 flying over Nunes in the afternoon, the rest small groups and singles flying over throughout the day.)
>
> Complete trip report and checklists can be viewed here:
>
> https://ebird.org/tripreport/431453 >
> Happy fall birding to all,
>
> Dominik Mosur
> San Francisco
>
>
>
Date: 11/13/25 8:35 am From: Jeff Miller via groups.io <jmiller...> Subject: Re: [northbaybirds] Outer Point Reyes 11/10/25 - ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS et al.
Dairying especially but also beef cattle grazing attracts and supports unnatural concentrations of ravens, which then predate on snowy plovers. This is a huge problem with the plover population at Point Reyes.
Jeff
Jeff Miller
Senior Conservation Advocate
Center for Biological Diversity
(510) 499-9185
www.biologicaldiversity.org<http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/>
From: Mike Mecham <mikemecham46...>
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2025 8:34 AM
To: Jeff Miller <jmiller...>
Cc: <dominikmosur...>; North Bay Birds <northbaybirds...>
Subject: Re: [northbaybirds] Outer Point Reyes 11/10/25 - ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS et al.
Jeff,
How did overgrazing affect snowy plovers? They don’t want to be in vegetation, especially any that is more than about 2 inches high.
—Mike Mecham
On Nov 12, 2025, at 11:07 AM, Jeff Miller via groups.io <jmiller...><mailto:<jmiller...>> wrote:
Thanks for the rare birds report, Dominik.
I want to point out that winter foraging tricolored blackbirds are not necessarily dependent upon cattle ranches, though grain and silage at ranches is now the easiest food source for tricoloreds. Obviously tricoloreds did not evolve with cattle ranching since
ranching didn't begin in California until the late 1700s, 250 years ago, while tricolored blackbirds are thought to have diverged from red-winged blackbirds about 10,000 years ago. Yes, due to the loss of most of their natural foraging habitats in California (native wetlands and upland habitats which have been destroyed or altered), tricoloreds are now highly dependent for foraging on semi-natural grasslands and artificial habitats like agricultural fields and croplands, as well as dairies and feedlots. Ideal foraging conditions for this species is not necessarily cattle ranches, but rather short grasslands. Yes, that habitat condition is currently is created at Point Reyes by overgrazing, but it can also be produced by burning or seasonal mowing.
With the cessation of commercial ranching at Point Reyes, there will continue to be limited seasonal non-commercial grazing through a new restoration lease with The Nature Conservancy. TNC will be managing for native habitats and sensitive wildlife, likely using a variety of disturbance regimes, which will include some restricted cattle grazing, and could include burning and maybe seasonal mowing. There will be a public management plan for the former commercial ranch lease areas. The Park Service will also be co-managing with the Graton Rancheria, which wants to bring back cultural/ecological burning to Point Reyes. All of the conservation groups involved in the Point Reyes settlement and ranch retirements, TNC, the Park Service, and Graton are going to want to manage for sensitive species that like short grasslands, such as tricoloreds and burrowing owls. Birders should weigh in when the new management plan is being discussed.
Also important to note that the commercial (over)grazing that is being retired has had strongly negative impacts on other native rare birds like snowy plovers.
Jeff
Jeff Miller
Senior Conservation Advocate
Center for Biological Diversity
(510) 499-9185
www.biologicaldiversity.org<http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/>
Taking advantage of the great weather I spent Monday, 11/10, hiking the pastures around the ranches on Outer Point Reyes.
Some bird species of note observed:
Snow Goose - lone bird flew in calling from Drakes Bay over the visitor centerin the morning, perhaps the continuing individual that has been seen with some regularity around the various ranches starting in early October this year
Lesser Scaup - a flock of 17 on the shallow Mendoza Ranch pond
Ring-necked Ducks - 7 on Spaletta and 3 on Mendoza ranch ponds
Long-billed Dowitcher - a juvenile was on the cattle pond near Drake's Corner. This bird flushed and flew off in the direction of the outer ranches and may have been the same individual noted on the Mendoza pond a few hours later
Bonaparte's Gull - Mendoza pond
Bald Eagle - adult flew in off Drake's Bay over the visitor center in the morning
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS - while walking the pastures of the Spaletta Ranch in the direction of Drake's Corner two juvenile Rough-legs flew over in quick succession heading toward the Lighthouse. About an hour later a juvenile Rough-legged hawk flew over the Hall Ranch/Drake's Corner heading north. Later a juvenile Rough-leg was observed over the pastures of the Nunes Ranch. I suspect the later two observations were of the first two birds moving around. It has been a good fall so far for this species in the Bay Area with multiple sightings in San Francisco and San Mateo counties.
Burrowing Owls - noted in traditional spots in pastures of the Spalleta and Nunes Ranch.
BARN SWALLOW - a late migrant flew over the Drake's Beach visitor center in the morning
Golden-crowned Kinglets - two were in the cypresses above the Mendoza Ranch pond in the afternoon
TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS - only ~380 noted on the day, with the largest flock of ~300 observed in the pastures above Nunes. While numbers of Tricolored blackbirds typically begin to decline by November one has to wonder what the effect of cessation of ranching activities on the Outer Point will have in the long term on this STATE LISTED species. Tricolored Blackbirds have been studied heavily in recent decades and found to be almost completely dependent on cattle ranches for foraging areas.
Unusual for the date was a near complete absence of American Goldfinches (1!) and low numbers of American Pipits (~40, with the largest flock of 25 flying over Nunes in the afternoon, the rest small groups and singles flying over throughout the day.)
Complete trip report and checklists can be viewed here:
Date: 11/13/25 8:34 am From: Michael Mecham via groups.io <mikemecham46...> Subject: Re: [northbaybirds] Outer Point Reyes 11/10/25 - ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS et al.
Jeff,
How did overgrazing affect snowy plovers? They don’t want to be in vegetation, especially any that is more than about 2 inches high.
—Mike Mecham
> On Nov 12, 2025, at 11:07 AM, Jeff Miller via groups.io <jmiller...> wrote:
>
> Thanks for the rare birds report, Dominik.
>
> I want to point out that winter foraging tricolored blackbirds are not necessarily dependent upon cattle ranches, though grain and silage at ranches is now the easiest food source for tricoloreds. Obviously tricoloreds did not evolve with cattle ranching since
> ranching didn't begin in California until the late 1700s, 250 years ago, while tricolored blackbirds are thought to have diverged from red-winged blackbirds about 10,000 years ago. Yes, due to the loss of most of their natural foraging habitats in California (native wetlands and upland habitats which have been destroyed or altered), tricoloreds are now highly dependent for foraging on semi-natural grasslands and artificial habitats like agricultural fields and croplands, as well as dairies and feedlots. Ideal foraging conditions for this species is not necessarily cattle ranches, but rather short grasslands. Yes, that habitat condition is currently is created at Point Reyes by overgrazing, but it can also be produced by burning or seasonal mowing.
>
> With the cessation of commercial ranching at Point Reyes, there will continue to be limited seasonal non-commercial grazing through a new restoration lease with The Nature Conservancy. TNC will be managing for native habitats and sensitive wildlife, likely using a variety of disturbance regimes, which will include some restricted cattle grazing, and could include burning and maybe seasonal mowing. There will be a public management plan for the former commercial ranch lease areas. The Park Service will also be co-managing with the Graton Rancheria, which wants to bring back cultural/ecological burning to Point Reyes. All of the conservation groups involved in the Point Reyes settlement and ranch retirements, TNC, the Park Service, and Graton are going to want to manage for sensitive species that like short grasslands, such as tricoloreds and burrowing owls. Birders should weigh in when the new management plan is being discussed.
>
> Also important to note that the commercial (over)grazing that is being retired has had strongly negative impacts on other native rare birds like snowy plovers.
>
> Jeff
>
> Jeff Miller
> Senior Conservation Advocate
> Center for Biological Diversity
> (510) 499-9185
> www.biologicaldiversity.org <http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/> >
> From: <northbaybirds...> <mailto:<northbaybirds...> <northbaybirds...> <mailto:<northbaybirds...>> On Behalf Of Dominik Mosur via groups.io <http://groups.io/> > Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 10:27 AM
> To: North Bay Birds <northbaybirds...> <mailto:<northbaybirds...>> > Subject: [northbaybirds] Outer Point Reyes 11/10/25 - ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS et al.
>
> Taking advantage of the great weather I spent Monday, 11/10, hiking the pastures around the ranches on Outer Point Reyes.
>
> Some bird species of note observed:
>
> Snow Goose - lone bird flew in calling from Drakes Bay over the visitor centerin the morning, perhaps the continuing individual that has been seen with some regularity around the various ranches starting in early October this year
>
> Lesser Scaup - a flock of 17 on the shallow Mendoza Ranch pond
>
> Ring-necked Ducks - 7 on Spaletta and 3 on Mendoza ranch ponds
>
> Long-billed Dowitcher - a juvenile was on the cattle pond near Drake's Corner. This bird flushed and flew off in the direction of the outer ranches and may have been the same individual noted on the Mendoza pond a few hours later
>
> Bonaparte's Gull - Mendoza pond
>
> Bald Eagle - adult flew in off Drake's Bay over the visitor center in the morning
>
> ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS - while walking the pastures of the Spaletta Ranch in the direction of Drake's Corner two juvenile Rough-legs flew over in quick succession heading toward the Lighthouse. About an hour later a juvenile Rough-legged hawk flew over the Hall Ranch/Drake's Corner heading north. Later a juvenile Rough-leg was observed over the pastures of the Nunes Ranch. I suspect the later two observations were of the first two birds moving around. It has been a good fall so far for this species in the Bay Area with multiple sightings in San Francisco and San Mateo counties.
>
> Burrowing Owls - noted in traditional spots in pastures of the Spalleta and Nunes Ranch.
>
> BARN SWALLOW - a late migrant flew over the Drake's Beach visitor center in the morning
>
> Golden-crowned Kinglets - two were in the cypresses above the Mendoza Ranch pond in the afternoon
>
> TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS - only ~380 noted on the day, with the largest flock of ~300 observed in the pastures above Nunes. While numbers of Tricolored blackbirds typically begin to decline by November one has to wonder what the effect of cessation of ranching activities on the Outer Point will have in the long term on this STATE LISTED species. Tricolored Blackbirds have been studied heavily in recent decades and found to be almost completely dependent on cattle ranches for foraging areas.
>
> Unusual for the date was a near complete absence of American Goldfinches (1!) and low numbers of American Pipits (~40, with the largest flock of 25 flying over Nunes in the afternoon, the rest small groups and singles flying over throughout the day.)
>
> Complete trip report and checklists can be viewed here:
>
> https://ebird.org/tripreport/431453 >
> Happy fall birding to all,
>
> Dominik Mosur
> San Francisco
>
>
>
