Date: 4/25/26 9:52 am From: Leonie Batkin via groups.io <leonie.batkin23...> Subject: [pen-bird] GARGANEY at the Nob Hill Pond in Redwood Shores
Hello everyone-
The GARGANEY that Michael Long found on Thursday afternoon is at the Nob Hill Pond in Redwood Shores. Today it is in the middle of the pond, tucking in its head, hanging near a group of Northern Shovelers. The GARGANEY is a first County record for San Mateo County. Congratulations goes to Michael Long! Joshua Stacey refound the GARGANEY this morning.
As I am writing this it was just reported that it flew over to Bair Island, which is south of the Nob Hill Pond.
Date: 4/22/26 10:15 am From: lavin_fara via groups.io <pdunten...> Subject: [pen-bird] Palo Alto Summer Bird Count, Saturday 6 June, 2026
The 46th annual Palo Alto Summer Bird C ount will be on Saturday, 6 June. The count circle is the same as that used for the Palo Alto Christmas Bird Count, spanning both Santa Clara and San Mateo counties from the bayside to the Santa Cruz Mountains. (See the map of the Palo Alto Count Circle at https://scvbirdalliance.org/capa-sector-map ( https://scvbirdalliance.org/capa-sector-map ) , to better understand the territories.)
The Summer Bird Count uses the same methodology as the Christmas Bird Count, setting a single day in which volunteers count all the individual birds and species that they spot within their assigned territories. However, the Summer Bird Count consistently gets better weather! and many of the bird species are in the middle of their breeding activities. The counters will also track breeding bird behaviors such as courtship, nesting, and carrying food. Those using eBird are encouraged to join the California Bird Atlas project at https://www.californiabirdatlas.org/. ( https://www.californiabirdatlas.org/ )
For the 2026 count, we're looking for volunteers
1) to join the count! Experienced birders are excitedly welcomed, but we can match beginning birders with a team of more skilled birders
2) to coordinate a Sector (a territory which will be covered by multiple groups of birders)
We will host a "Countdown Dinner" the evening of June 6th, where you can meet the other birders, hear about the great sightings of the day, and review the initial data coming back from the count.
Date: 4/19/26 11:02 am From: maliadances via groups.io <maliadances...> Subject: [pen-bird] San Mateo County Cumulative Year-list Report for --- March 2026
*Greetings Pen-birders,*
San Mateo County birders found a total of 14 species that were new for the year by the end of March. This brings the total species observed by the end of the third month to 244. In reading the following, please note, the number in parenthesis next to the bird name is the rarity code assigned for San Mateo County birds. *From the link below* , you can *see definitions for the rarity codes,* *download a checklist* which shows seasonality, frequency, and county breeding information, *find a full list of the birds* observed so far in 2025 *, plus* *all monthly reports going back to 2009.* http://www.sequoia-audubon.org/SMCbirds.php ( http://www.sequoia-audubon.org/SMCbirds.php )
*Here are the new birds for March, their finders and locations where found:*
RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD (2) was first noted by Leo O’Neill at Burleigh Murray State Park. During a seawatch at Pigeon Pt. Ron Thorn had RED PHALAROPE (2) and NORHTERN FULMAR (1). Once again this year, ELEGANT TERNS (2) arrived early and were first observed at Coyote Pt. by Joshua Mitchell. Ryan Mense spotted a SOOTY SHEARWATER (1) during a seawatch at Bean Hollow. Ryan also found a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (4) along Pescadero Creek Rd. and reported the first WILSON’S WARBLER (1) at Frenchman’s Creek. WESTERN FLYCATCHER (1) was observed by Melissa Hero in Belmont. Alex Eisengart located a WESTERN WARBLING VIREO (2) in Huddart Park. CLIFF SWALLOW (1) was seen by Snigdha Sharma at Bedwell Bayfront in Menlo Park. Haoning Gong discovered a TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE (4) along Skyline Hwy 35. Chris Hayward and Malia DeFelice encountered a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (4) near the Historic Johnston House in Half Moon Bay. Leonie Batkin and Ron Thorn came across a HOODED ORIOLE (2) at an office building complex along Twin Dolphin Dr. in Redwood Shores. Richard Hopf reported first one, then three MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLERS (3), the following day, at Windy Hill OSP.
*Birding San Mateo County:* There are plenty of ways to see birds. Did you know *The San Mateo County Bird Alliance leads birding Field Trips* on a regular basis? To join a field trip, check out their schedule here: http://www.sequoia-audubon.org/fieldtrips.html
*Alvaro’s Adventures runs offshore pelagic trips* starting in May, with many seabird, whale and sea-life finding trips out of Half Moon Bay and other ports. Alvaro’s pelagic schedule here: https://www.alvarosadventures.com/pelagic-dates-2026.html
**California’s First Statewide Breeding Bird Atlas* -* This landmark effort is being led by *California Bird Atlas* ( https://www.californiabirdatlas.org/ ) ( CBA), an independent nonprofit, in collaboration with state agencies, thousands of volunteers, and dozens of partner organizations. All birders are now officially invited to join the project by visiting the new *California Bird Atlas eBird website* ( https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/home ). Simply click “ *Join Project* ” ( or “Log in to Join Project”) and you will automatically be able to contribute checklists to the Atlas project. The Atlas is fully integrated with the eBird mobile app. If you submit checklists on mobile, this *Quick Start Tutorial video* ( https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8Z3kbqiO9rw ) provides a brief overview.
*To stay informed of the latest local bird news, consider creating an account with both Peninsula Birding (Pen-bird) and eBird.* To join eBird, simply go to https://ebird.org/home and create an account. To join the Peninsula Birding group, join here: https://groups.io/g/peninsula-birding You can post your sightings there and be kept informed of sightings throughout the county including discussions about birds, population trends, where-can-I-find topics, events, field trips, webinars, pelagic trips and conservation issues. You can engage with other members of the birding community and can connect with online/offline discussions.
*This Report:* As a volunteer for the San Mateo County Bird Alliance I gather content for this report, each month, by primarily using eBird and Pen-bird. When posting to Pen-bird, please include the location and date of your sighting in either the subject line or in the body of your email. If you don’t use eBird or Pen-bird, you can always email me directly. Thank you! *If you have questions or comments regarding this report, or if I missed something, please email:* <maliadances...>
Date: 4/17/26 1:11 pm From: Ronald- Thorn via groups.io <Tronthorn...> Subject: [pen-bird] Pigeon Pt. seawatch 4/14
I did a seawatch from Pigeon Point on the 14th. Conditions were good for viewing with a high overcast and a wind at WNW 8-12 mph. Here is a list of what was noted in just under a four hour seawatch. A number of fishing boats were just under the horizon drawing in ( 8 ) Sooty Shearwaters and the first I have noted this spring ( 3 ) Pink-footed Shearwaters.Northbound were ( 112 ) Red-throated Loons, ( 263 ) Common Loons, ( 232 ) Pacific Loons, ( 776 ) Brown Pelicans, ( 870 ) Brandt's Cormorants, ( 6 ) Western Sandpipers, ( 10 )Bonaparte's Gulls, ( 1 ) Short-billed Gull, ( 46 ) California Gulls, ( 1 ) Herring Gull, ( 94 ) Western Gulls, ( 19 ) Elegant Terns, ( 8 ) Pigeon Guillemots and ( 17 ) Rhinoceros Auklets.Putting on the show was very large number of Common Murres. A large raft of Common Murres were close to shore north of the lighthouse. There was a steady pulse of CommonMurres pasting behind the rock off of the lighthouse. Many were joining the ones on the water. Other Common Murres in groups heading south that were further out. The CommonMurre activity had slowed down very little at the time when I had departed. A rough estimate of ( 20,300 ) Common Murres were noted. The plowed field behind me had a large group of Band-tailed Pigeons coming in. I was surprised when most of the group flew over the lighthouse and out over the ocean. There were about ( 400 ) in the group. Flushed by a Peregrine Falcon. A first on my Pigeon Point seawatch list of Band-tailed Pigeons over the ocean!
Ron Thorn
Date: 4/15/26 7:39 am From: Barbara Dye via groups.io <blkdye...> Subject: [pen-bird] Corvids at Wavecrest
Coastside Land Trust is finalizing a stewardship plan for the Wavecrest area. One of the major recommendations is to try to reduce the number of crows in the area because they harass kites and other birds that have in the past nested on the properties. CLT will be working with the City of Half Moon Bay to replace the open dumpsters with closed trash containers. It would be very helpful if birders would visit Wavecrest now, particularly the area around Smith Field, and submit detailed ebird lists, so that there is a record of current numbers of crows before any changes are made. Thanks!!
Date: 4/13/26 5:43 pm From: Ronald- Thorn via groups.io <Tronthorn...> Subject: [pen-bird] Passerine migrants along the bayside
Migration along the bayside has been pretty slow and not much in the way of variety. Orange-crowned Warblers in the last week have increased in numbers. Saturday the first Wilson'sWarblers were arriving. This morning looked good for a drop-in of migrants, as during the night there were showers. At Coyote Point County Park along the Bay Trail, there were aWestern Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Cassin's Vireo, ( 3 ) Orange-crowned Warblers, ( 14 ) Yellow-rumped Warblers and ( 3 ) Wilson's Warblers. At Sem Lane in Belmont, there wasa Hammond's Flycatcher along the public access trail, long primary extension making tail appear short, gray head, olive-gray back, light gray underparts, white eye-ring, short andnarrow bill, flicking tail and wings, giving "peek" call notes. A Chipping Sparrow was with Golden and White-crowned Sparrows.
Ron Thorn
Date: 4/9/26 4:54 pm From: maliadances via groups.io <maliadances...> Subject: [pen-bird] California Breeding Bird Atlas statistics for San Mateo County and joining the project
Dear San Mateo County Birders,
As of yesterday, 4/8/26 these are some of the latest San Mateo County statistics reflecting the efforts of those participating in the California Bird Atlas Project.
230 Atlasers are participating in San Mateo County
2,211 checklists have been submitted to the project so far in our county
58 out of 66 Atlas blocks have received some coverage
47 species have been assigned “confirmed” breeding codes
*Very important!* I have been seeing checklists which are full of breeding codes. However, many of those checklists are not included in the Breeding Bird Atlas Project because the creator of the checklist has not joined California Bird Atlas Project. *If your intention is to have your coded checklists count, you must join the project in order for your checklists to be included in the project.* *If you have not yet joined the project,* you can do so *here* ( https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/home ). Also be sure to read and become familiar with the correct use of the Breeding Codes https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/about/breeding-codes
I’m very much enjoying and observing the birds during this delightful time of year!
Date: 4/9/26 3:40 pm From: maliadances via groups.io <maliadances...> Subject: [pen-bird] Fw: [CALBIRDS] California Bird Atlas Newsletter + April 16 Town Hall
[Edited Message Follows]
Hi San Mateo County Birders,
Here is the latest California BIrd Atlas Newsletter and info for the next Town Hall on April 16th
Malia
----- Forwarded Message -----
*From:* Van Pierszalowski via groups.io <van...>
*To:* "<calbirds...>" <calbirds...>
*Sent:* Monday, April 6, 2026 at 09:14:44 AM PDT
*Subject:* [CALBIRDS] California Bird Atlas Newsletter + April 16 Town Hall
Birders,
Thank you to everyone contributing to the California Bird Atlas. The latest edition of *The Atlas Dispatc h* is now live. Click *here ( https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/news/atlas-dispatch-march-2026 )* for a full update, including Atlas-first breeding records, field highlights from across the state, and incredible photos.
We continue to be blown away by the level of engagement statewide. As of today, 66,642 Atlas checklists have been submitted across 5,131 blocks, spanning all 58 counties. 3,196 atlasers have contributed to the project, and we’re still in the first spring of a five-year Atlas period!
California Bird Atlas is an independent 501(c)(3), and donations can be made *here ( https://donorbox.org/california-bird-atlas )*. Your support helps us grow the team, expand coverage, and continue building this incredible momentum statewide. We are deeply grateful :)
Date: 4/9/26 3:37 pm From: maliadances via groups.io <maliadances...> Subject: [pen-bird] Fw: [CALBIRDS] California Bird Atlas Newsletter + April 16 Town Hall
Hi San Mateo County Birders,Here is the latest California BIrd Atlas Newsletter and info for the next Town Hall on April 18thMalia
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Van Pierszalowski via groups.io <van...>To: "<calbirds...>" <calbirds...>Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 at 09:14:44 AM PDTSubject: [CALBIRDS] California Bird Atlas Newsletter + April 16 Town Hall
Birders, Thank you to everyone contributing to the California Bird Atlas. The latest edition of The Atlas Dispatch is now live. Click here for a full update, including Atlas-first breeding records, field highlights from across the state, and incredible photos. We continue to be blown away by the level of engagement statewide. As of today, 66,642 Atlas checklists have been submitted across 5,131 blocks, spanning all 58 counties. 3,196 atlasers have contributed to the project, and we’re still in the first spring of a five-year Atlas period! If you haven’t joined the eBird Atlas project yet, you can do so here. We also hosted our first CBA Town Hall on March 19. A recording is available on our YouTube channel here. Our next Town Hall is April 16. We’ll share project updates, take questions, and feature Megan Jankowski (CBA Review Coordinator) presenting on how to find breeding birds. Register for the Zoom here. Submit questions here. California Bird Atlas is an independent 501(c)(3), and donations can be made here. Your support helps us grow the team, expand coverage, and continue building this incredible momentum statewide. We are deeply grateful :) Thanks, all - we’re just getting started! Happy Atlasing,Van Pierszalowski
Executive DirectorCalifornia Bird Atlas <van...> Angeles, CA
Date: 4/7/26 6:00 pm From: Barbara Kossy via groups.io <bkossy...> Subject: [pen-bird] Fitzgerald Marine Reserve near the parking lot
During a low to middling low tide the reef was a great spot for a bit of birding. There were about 100 elegant terns on the reef, resting and occasionally taking to the sky. At least 10 Caspian terns were on the edges of the group, two were seen mating. I counted 7 Black Oystercatchers, 1 female Red-breasted Merganser, lots of Western Gulls, and Short-billed gull. (I think. Gray legs, black band on bill.) Brow Pelicans cruised overhead. A few Ravens walked the reef and occasionally harassed the terns. Nearby the harbor seals were hauling out and the tide came up. A few were pregnant, there were a couple of young pups, and some seals were cavorting in the protected waters. As the tide came up the terns moved onto the sand.
A Moss Beach note: Red -shouldered hawks are in the area carrying prey, I assume to a nest. I don't know where the nest is, but it's probably not far from the old nest that was near the bridge over the creek.
Date: 4/7/26 4:50 pm From: San Mateo County Bird Alliance via groups.io <office...> Subject: [pen-bird] Thurs. April 9 - CA Condors
*Thursday, April 9 Monthly Meeting– Zoom*
*Northern California Condor Restoration Program, Chris West*
Chris West is the Northern California Condor Program Manager and Yurok Wildlife Department Senior Biologist. He began working with California condor as an intern at Ventana Wildlife Society in 1999 after graduating from the University of California at Santa Cruz. His passion for condors led to his master’s research at Humboldt State University investigating condor vigilance behavior while feeding. He began employment with the Yurok Tribe in 2008, working to set up the first reintroduction site in the Pacific Northwest, and is now the Manager of the Northern California Condor Restoration Program, a joint Program between the Yurok Tribe and the National Park Service.
Date: 4/3/26 12:34 pm From: Ronald- Thorn via groups.io <Tronthorn...> Subject: [pen-bird] Pigeon Point seawatch 4/2
Yesterday, I did a seawatch from Pigeon Point. Conditions for viewing was mostly clear out to the horizon and a brisk northwest at 10-15 mph. Here is a list of what was noted in thetwo hour seawatch. Low number of ( 54 ) Surf Scoters. ( 5 ) Whimbrels, ( 18 ) Surfbirds, constant movement of Common Murres with ( 7,100 ) and still coming by when I departed, ( 3 ) Pigeon Guillemots, ( 5 ) Rhinoceros Auklets, ( 3 ) Elegant Terns. I was surprised in the number of ( 56 ) 1st cycle Heerman's Gulls moving north, as I may only note one or twoat this time of the year, ( 68 ) Western Gulls, ( 120 ) California Gulls, ( 1 ) Glaucous-winged Gull, ( 123 ) Common Loons, all in alternate plumage were on the move, the numberof Red-throated and Pacific Loons very low for this time of the year, ( 28 ) Red-throated Loons, ( 9 ) were in alternate plumage, ( 1 ) Pacific Loon, the first I have noted in alternateplumage, ( 6 ) Western Grebes. Sooty Shearwaters have arrived, ( 204 ) were headed south three-quarters the way out to the horizon, arrivals off of Pt. Pinos, Monterey Countywere ( 500 ) Sooty Shearwaters on Mar. 31. ( 160 ) Brown Pelicans, ( 70 ) Brandt's Cormorants, ( 2 ) Pelagic Cormorants and a Great Blue Heron flying over the water.
Ron Thorn
Date: 4/2/26 12:11 pm From: Christopher Hayward via groups.io <p_t_nymph...> Subject: [pen-bird] Bald Eagle and Rufous Hummingbird, Half Moon Bay Yard, 4/2/26
Hi All,
This morning while checking Hummingbirds in our yard it was exciting to have a Bald Eagle soaring high overhead, only the second one I've seen from the yard and a first for Malia.
On 3/28 I had a good but brief look at an all reddish backed Hummingbird feeding in our Bottlebrush, it was chased off before I could grab my camera. This morning I had what appears to be a different Male Rufous Hummingbird perched with it's back to me before again being chased off by our very territorial male Anna's, but I did manage a couple of photos this time. It looks to be a different bird from a few days ago, this individual has some green flecks on the head and back, the Hummer a few days ago was completely red backed, worth watching for Male Rufous Hummingbirds along the coast right now, we have had numerous sightings over the years in the yard here from late March into April.
Some photos on our checklist, link below.
Date: 3/31/26 5:33 pm From: Ronald- Thorn via groups.io <Tronthorn...> Subject: [pen-bird] Palm Warbler in Belmont
I checked Redwood Shores to see if any passerine migrants had come in after the rain passed through. No shortage of Yellow-rumped Warblers! The public access trail at the endof Sem Lane in Belmont, there was a Palm Warbler. It flew out of the area of the basketball court over to the other side of the creek. It perched in a dried clump of Sweet Fennel. Ithas pretty much come along in it's prealternate molt showing a chestnut crown and light streaking on the underparts. A tinge of yellow on the throat and breast. Yes, constant movingof the tail up and down! There were ( 157 ) Black Skimmers in Redwood Shores. Radio Road ( 130 ) and ( 27 ) at Preserve Park during high tide.
Ron Thorn
Date: 3/30/26 12:56 am From: Barbara Kossy via groups.io <bkossy...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Bald eagle
That's great!
Barbara Kossy
Moss Beach, California
Mobile: 650-430-1094
On Mon, Mar 30, 2026, 7:44 AM Katherine Raspet <walkmonkey...> wrote:
> There’s been quite a few sightings over the last few weeks, particularly
> around Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.
>
> -Cricket
>
> On Mar 29, 2026, at 10:37 PM, Barbara Kossy via groups.io <bkossy=
> <coastside.net...> wrote:
>
>
> My husband said he saw a bald eagle over southern Moss Beach.
> Did anyone see it.
> He's seen many, so i trust his identification.
> He included this photo in his message to me.
> Barbara Kossy
>
> <1000054315.jpg>
>
>
>
> Barbara Kossy
> Moss Beach, California
> Mobile: 650-430-1094
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 3/29/26 10:37 pm From: Barbara Kossy via groups.io <bkossy...> Subject: [pen-bird] Bald eagle
My husband said he saw a bald eagle over southern Moss Beach. Did anyone see it. He's seen many, so i trust his identification. He included this photo in his message to me. Barbara Kossy
Barbara Kossy Moss Beach, California Mobile: 650-430-1094
Date: 3/29/26 6:26 pm From: Ronald- Thorn via groups.io <Tronthorn...> Subject: [pen-bird] Sightings the past week
An adult male Eurasian Wigeon was with American Wigeon on the Ravenswood Salt Pond R1/R 2, 3/21-24. There were also ( 11 ) Lesser Yellowlegs among Greater Yellowlegs at the P.G.E. boardwalk. ( 14 ) Savannah Sparrows in a weed patch were most likely made up of migrants. Access is from the frontage road. In Redwood Shores, an immature male Eurasian x American Wigeon hybrid I noted on 1/5 at the end of Canvasback Way was in the marsh behind the dog park along Radio Road 3/22-25. There has not been much ofpasserine migration along the bayside. An early Nashville Warbler was at the Redwood Shores Library on 3/24. There has been a number of Orange-crowned Warblers passingthrough Redwood Shores. On 3/27, Leonie and I had a gray-headed one along Radio Road.
Ron Thorn, Leonie Batkin
Date: 3/26/26 12:42 pm From: Ronald- Thorn via groups.io <Tronthorn...> Subject: [pen-bird] Pigeon Point seawatch 3/25
Yesterday morning, I did a seawatch from Pigeon Point. Chris Hayward arriving at the end of the seawach contributed adding more Brant to the count. Although the conditions weregood with a brisk northwest wind and clear visibility out to the horizon, no tubenoses were noted. Sooty Shearwaters should be arriving soon. Noted during the three hour seawatch.Brant were passing behind the rock off of the lighthouse, numbers that I have not noted in quite awhile were ( 1,013 ) Brant. Other northbound birds were ( 956 ) Surf Scoters,( 4 ) Black Scoters, ( 13 ) Red-breasted Mergansers, ( 102 ) Red-throated Loons, the first I have noted in alternate plumage were ( 14 ) Common Loons, ( 1 ) Pacific Loon, ( 27 )Whimbrels, ( 1 ) Long-billed Curlew, ( 1 ) Semipalmated Plover. I had already noted ( 107 ) Sanderlings, when a steady stream passed behind the rock, it was difficult get a good count. There were between ( 550-600 ) Sanderlings, I have never had that experience before from years seawatching at the point! The first Bonaparte's Gulls noted were ( 24 ), ( 6 ) Short-billed Gulls, casual visitor on the coast ( 2 ) Ring-billed Gulls, ( 82 ) California Gulls, ( 2 ) Herring Gulls, ( 1 ) Iceland ( Thayer's ) Gull, ( 73 ) Western Gulls, ( 1 ) Heerman'sGull, ( 5 ) Caspian Terns, ( 21 ) Elegant Terns, ( 1,600 ) Common Murres, ( 18 ) Pigeon Guillemots and ( 4 ) Rhinoceros Auklets.
Ron Thorn
