Date: 5/25/26 1:58 pm From: Al Eisner via groups.io <eisner...> Subject: [pen-bird] Bayside area on Palo Alto Summer Bird Count
The June 6 Palo Alto Summer Bird Coubt is held each year in the same circle as the Palo Alto CBC. We are looking for an experienced birder to participate in sector 1, Bayside San Mateo County. If you are interested, please contact me off-list.
Date: 5/25/26 10:57 am From: Barbara Kossy via groups.io <bkossy...> Subject: [pen-bird] Kayaking Pillar Pt. Harbor
Yesterday I was kayaking in the harbor on a lowish tide.
It was fun seeing three species of loon:
1 Pacifc Loon male
about 6 Red-throated loons in various parts of the harbor, including near the mouth
and about 6 Common loons also throughout the harbor.
I noticed two Brandt’s cormorant nests on the island breakwater, and another carrying nesting material. This was is the center part of the breakwater. I saw these from the West side of the breakwater. In the 25 years I’ve been kayaking the harbor, I’ve never before seen nesting cormorants.
Barbara Kossy
Moss Beach
Date: 5/23/26 10:28 pm From: Marty Freeland via groups.io <martinf3...> Subject: [pen-bird] Black-and-white Warbler and Hammond's Flycatcher
Hi all,
Today Mei Li Palmeri and I birded the south coast from San Gregorio Creek to Green Oaks Creek. A cooperative male Black-and-white Warbler was along Whitehouse Ck at Costanoa. Black-and-white is less than annual in spring in the county, with only about three other records that appear to pertain to spring migrants from the past decade (5/13/16 at Frenchman's Ck, 5/30/19 on Gazos Ck, and 6/29/25 also on Whitehouse Ck). By contrast, last fall the county had c. 910 individuals, roughly half of which evidently attempted to winter (at central Stage Rd, Honsinger Ck, Madonna Ck, Pilarcitos Ck, and Frenchman's Ck), but of these apparently only the Frenchman's Ck bird made it into this calendar year. Also at Whitehouse Ck was a Swainson's Thrush singing a bizarre aberrant song.
Later in the day we birded the Sandy Pt burn zone accessed from upper Gazos Ck Rd. We were very surprised to hear a singing Hammond's Flycatcher along Gazos Ck Rd a short distance above the gate that marks the upper end of the portion of the road accessible to vehicles. Hammond's is annual in the county in spring, but most records are from Coyote Pt (or Sem Ln or similar bayshore traps) and are from earlier in the season. This spring there have already been two, 4/13 at Sem Ln (R. Thorn) and 4/264/27 at Long Ridge OSP (J. Toivanen et al.). Three is an above-average number for the county and May 23 is quite a late date; there is a single record from early June at Coyote Pt, but other than that I think the latest date recorded for a bayside migrant in the county may be May 19 (?). Although this bird was clearly and repeatedly audible giving two Hammond's song elements (the two with quick upswung introductory notes; it did not give the burry song element), it was not very close to the road and we were not able to locate it, and it was not singing on our return. The burn zone in general had numbers of House Wren and Western Flycatcher, much as it did two years ago, and while it still seems worth checking for things like Bell's Sparrow, it does not really have much good Black-chinned Sparrow habitat, at least in the areas within a couple hours' walk of Gazos Ck.
The Indigo Bunting found yesterday by Elliot Schoenig along Cloverdale Rd was not present in a short stop in the morning.
Regionally this spring has been very good for southeastern vagrants so far (above-average numbers of Hooded Warbler and Northern Parula plus several each of Prothonotary, Kentucky, and Yellow-throated warblers and Yellow-throated and White-eyed vireos) and we should be on the lookout for all of these in San Mateo Co.!
Date: 5/21/26 11:46 am From: maliadances via groups.io <maliadances...> Subject: [pen-bird] San Mateo County Cumulative Year-list Report for --- April 2026
*Greetings Pen-birders,*
San Mateo County birders found a total of 28 species that were new for the year by the end of April. This brings the total species observed by the end of the fourth month to 272. 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.*
*Here are the new birds for April, their finders and locations where found:*
Michael Long found a GARGANEY (6) at Nob Hill Pond. A county first! The addition of the Garganey brings a total of 482 recorded species in San Mateo County and its offshore waters. Excellent find Michael! VAUX’S SWIFT (3) were reported by Michael Rogers and Richard Jeffers at Miramontes Point. A San Francisco County focused pelagic trip out of Half Moon Bay on the Outer Limits went offshore and recorded RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (2), POMARINE JAEGER (3), SABINE’S GULL (2), LAYSAN ALBATROSS (4), and BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS (3) in San Mateo County waters. Even further offshore several repositioning cruises reported LONG-TAILED JAEGER (3), PARASITIC JAEGER (2), LEACH’S STORM-PETREL (4), MURPHY’S PETREL (6), HAWAIIAN PETREL (6), and COOK’S PETREL (6). From a seawatch at Pigeon Point, Ron Thorn reported PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER (2). OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (3) was found by Ryan Mense along Whitehouse Canyon Rd. Alane Gray and Richard Hopf had WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (3) at 2 different locations on the same day, Seaside School Rd. in San Gregorio and Windy Hill Open Space. HAMMOND’S FLYCATCHER (4) was encountered at Sem Lane in Belmont by Ron Thorn. Multiple Observer’s reported ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (2) in expected habitat at different locations on the same day. A set of reports for CASSIN’S VIREO (2) were provided by Multiple Observers at different locations. Caitlin Chock found the first BANK SWALLOW (2) for the year at Bedwell Bayfront in Menlo Park. While biking Sawyer Camp Trail, Dorian Anderson observed PURPLE MARTIN (4) investigating probable nesting sites in a utility pole used by martins in the previous year. Multiple Observers reported SWAINSON’S THRUSH (2) at various riparian locations on the same date. GRASSHOPPER SPARROW (2) was recorded by Multiple Observers at La Honda Creek Opens Space. Ryan Mense found the first YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (4) of the year at Año Nuevo. Aaron Maizlish and Richard Bradus discovered a YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD (4) at Nob Hill Pond. A trip to Burleigh Murray State Park presented Alex Rinkert with a BULLOCK’S ORIOLE (2). Naomi Goodman observed a WESTERN TANAGER (2) in the San Francisquito Creek area. LAZULI BUNTING (2) caught Kent Forward’s attention during a visit to La Honda Creek OSP.
*2026 has been a pretty epic year so far* in terms of numbers of species reported. Our end of April total of 272 is the 2 nd highest end of April total since this report began being produced in 2009. Only one other end of April total beats our current 2026 total with 2015 reporting 273 species by the end of the 4 th month! Keep up the good work and let’s see how the year pans out!
*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,
Date: 5/19/26 1:59 pm From: Ronald- Thorn via groups.io <Tronthorn...> Subject: [pen-bird] ( 81 ) Black Swifts over the Santa Cruz Mts.
I headed up to Skylawn Memorial Park this morning to note any Black Swifts moving through after the high numbers from yesterday in San Francisco. In the month of May, I have notedBlack Swifts looking west from the park. The Black Swifts move along the ridgeline from Ox Hill to Scarper Peak. This morning, there was a high number of 81 Black Swifts. 46 at 7:15and 35 at 7:30. Always a sight to note were 3 Common Loons in alternate plumage together coming over the crest from the coast and headed towards the bay. There were low numbers of Cedar Waxwings, Western Tanagers and Lazuli Buntings moving through. Red Crossbills among 18 included the first juveniles I have noted this year.
Ron Thorn
Date: 5/19/26 11:16 am From: BJ Wishinsky via groups.io <wishin...> Subject: [pen-bird] Western Tanager - El Granada
A male western tanager in breeding plumage stopped to drink and splash in a puddle in front of our place. Yellow breast and belly, red head, black back, tail, and wings with bars. Just gorgeous (new life list addition!). The wife and I both got good looks in our binoculars but couldn’t get a photo before it moved up the block.
Location was north side of The Alameda at Isabella. First seen on wire, then puddle, then in one of the eucalyptus along Isabella, then it flew north up The Alameda. Last seen heading into a tree by Susan the herbalist’s house, for those familiar with her native plant garden or classes.
Date: 5/15/26 5:48 pm From: Leonie Batkin via groups.io <leonie.batkin23...> Subject: [pen-bird] Redwood Shores Great-tailed Grackle and YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD
Today I was running errands and meeting up with a friend. On my way out of Redwood Shores while driving along Redwood Shores Parkway, stopped at the Electronic Arts intersection, I observed a large blackbird flying overhead. It had the distinctive long wings and rowing flight pattern and long tail. The light turned green and I had to move forward, slowly to see where the blackbird was going. As I approached Twin Dolphin Drive it did a dramatic nose dive down towards Phelps Slough, confirming my suspicion that it was the Great-tailed Grackle seen in this area since March 14, 2026.
On the way home I just got off the ramp at Holly Street heading East, once again waiting at a light at Airport Way when a flock of Red-winged Blackbirds flew across the road heading towards the airport. With them was a male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD! Wow-what a shock. As Yellow-headed Blackbirds do not typically hang around during migration I assume it is not the one seen in April.
Date: 5/15/26 11:22 am From: Ronald- Thorn via groups.io <Tronthorn...> Subject: [pen-bird] Pigeon Pt. seawatch May 13
May 13, I did a three hour seawatch from Pigeon Point. Overcast sky, northwest 6-10 mph, good visibility out to the horizon. Surf Scoter 209, Red-breasted Merganser 1, Whimbrel 112,largest number in a group 48, Parasitic Jaeger, 2 light morph adults together, Rhinoceros Auklet 52, Cassin's Auklet 2, Pigeon Guillemot 7, Common Murre 3,700, Heerman's Gull ,1second cycle, Western Gull 78, California Gull 115, Elegant Tern 9, Red-throated Loon 28, Pacific Loon 6,120, Common Loon 133, Pink-footed Shearwater 16, Sooty Shearwater 570,a number passing close behind the rock off of the lighthouse, Brandt's Cormorant 88, Brown Pelican 40, Osprey, 1 foraging over the water.
Ron Thorn
This afternoon, I was scanning for migrating raptors from the upper deck of home in Redwood Shores. There were the usually local Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawk andCooper's Hawk. I spotted a compact hawk being harassed by an American Crow high over Oracle. Slightly smaller than the crow. With my scope, I had good views of a light morphimmature Broad-winged Hawk. There are a number of spring records in San Mateo County beginning in late April, as the migrant Broad-winged Hawks move up the peninsula.Earlier at Coyote Point County Park, there was a female Summer Tanager in the grove of Eucalyptus Trees between the Captain's House and the shooting range. The only othermigrants at Coyote Pt. were a Swainson's Thrush, ( 30 ) Cedar Waxwings and ( 2 ) Western Tanagers. The number of migrants have been low at Coyote Pt. this spring. Yesterday,Leonie and I noted our fourth spring migrant of a Orange-crowned Warbler ( gray-headed ) in Redwood Shores. I do not often note ( gray-headed ) during spring migration.
Ron Thorn, Leonie Batkin
Date: 5/12/26 4:05 pm From: San Mateo County Bird Alliance via groups.io <office...> Subject: [pen-bird] Thurs. May 14 - The most overlooked birds in North America!
*May 14 – 7:00 pm Zoom*
*The most overlooked birds in North America: Females, Joanna Wu*
Female birds often hide in plain sight. Typically drabber and more inconspicuous than males, female birds face an unconscious bias in birdwatching, photography, and even in our scientific knowledge of birds. This talk explores the history of the focus on male birds, why it’s important to focus on females, and offers tips for identifying female birds. Joanna challenges the audience to confront their own biases towards a more equalized birding experience.
Joanna Wu is a PhD student studying female birds in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA. She previously worked at the National Audubon Society and is a member of the Galbatross Project, a group of birders, scientists, writers, and conservationists who are passionate about spreading awareness about female birds.
Date: 5/11/26 11:40 am From: Chris M. via groups.io <chrismac...> Subject: [pen-bird] Goose trackers?
Hi Penbirders,
On NextDoor, someone posted a photo of a goose which appears to have a tracking device around its neck. Seen in Redwood Shores.
If this is what the thing is, do you know who or why is tracking geese? Is the Foster City goose deterrent project tracking them perhaps?
Thanks.
Date: 5/10/26 3:53 pm From: maliadances via groups.io <maliadances...> Subject: [pen-bird] Spring MIgration - Documenting your rare/unusual sightings on eBIrd
Hi Pen-birders,
We are in the thick of Spring Migration! And here are a few reminders for best practices when using eBird at any time, but certainly at this exciting time of the year.
Our review team has been seeing a higher volume of reports this Spring where reports of rare/unusual birds have been lacking adequate documentation. So hopefully the following will be helpful to mention how and why it is important to know how to document rare and unusual birds.
Everyone who has used eBird to report a *rare bird, or birds that are unusual for the time of year, or location* , is familiar with the automated prompt requesting more documentation. Just a few reminders about documenting your rare/unusual *birds on* eBird:
*Documenting birds flagged as rare :* When you are prompted to provide documentation for a sighting of an unusual or rare bird, *identifiable photos and audio are best!* If you are lacking good supporting media, *please write a description of the bird* with the #1 comment to add being *a description of the bird.* *A description of the bird should contain* field marks and defining physical or audible characteristics that helped you separate it from similar species. *This is* t *he most important element you can add to your checklist record.* The bird’s behavior, what the bird was doing, where it was seen etc. can add depth to the record, but a description of what the *bird looked/sounded like is the most important component*. Remember, the rarer the bird, the more important thorough documentation becomes.
*Ultimately It is up to the observer to provide their documentation and details of the bird*. Comments like “continuing bird” or “seen with so-and-so” are OK where applied within reason, but can only go so far. *It is a good practice to learn how to write descriptions.* Here is an eBird help file link for those new to writing descriptions:
Remember the effort and care you take to document your sightings is your eBird/Birding legacy! And also maintains data quality for our San Mateo County eBird database.
*“Details to be added” “Photos/Audio to be added”.* When compiling checklists in the field using a smart device, it can be difficult to type detailed notes. For birds flagged for more details, please use comments like *“* *Details to be added”* or *“Photos/Audio to be added* ”. But use that wording *only as a temporary placeholder in your checklist comments*. *Avoid making those “to be added” comments permanent*. *Try to write your descriptions of the birds and field marks/notes etc. as soon as you can while the details are still fresh in your mind. Don’t wait until a time too far in the future when details are fuzzy at best. Upload your supporting photos and audio as soon as it is convenient , especially if it is an early arrival or a rarity you are documenting.*
*Merlin Users: Merlin does not provide an absolute ID. Merlin provides an ID Suggestion.* If you are using Merlin to identify a bird that gets flagged for more details, please upload your audio recording to your checklist as soon as it is convenient *. Leaving a comment “ID”d by Merlin” is not sufficient documentation.* Merlin can be accurate, but Merlin can also be very wrong and still needs the human element to review *suggested Identifications*. *It is always best to try to see a vocalizing bird in order to get visual confirmation of the ID when possible.*
*A Big Thank You* *to All* , for your media contributions, documentation and note-taking efforts to support rare bird sightings, or birds that are unusual for the time of year or location in San Mateo County. Your efforts to set a high standard for data quality for eBird San Mateo County is greatly appreciated by all!
Date: 5/10/26 3:49 pm From: maliadances via groups.io <maliadances...> Subject: [pen-bird] EBIRD FILTERS in San Mateo County
Hi All,
I’ve been meaning to write this for a while as I often get questions/comments about our eBIrd filters. I often get asked “Why is this filter set this way, the bird is expected” and conversely when questioning a bird that is reported outside of its’ known range/distribution within the county I get asked “If this bird is rare, why isn’t there a filter?”
**
First I want to say that eBird filters or the way they are set should not be feared or disliked. They have a beneficial purpose and they play a very important role in assuring data quality for San Mateo County. And know that, the filters are in a constant state of review, analysis, editing and refining.
eBird filters are extremely complicated and I could write more words of explanation than anyone will ever want to read. Some filters can be set a certain way, others cannot. So I’m going to try to keep this post as uncomplicated as possible.
*San Mateo County eBird Filters are set to flag and suggest to observers that caution should be taken, and documentation should be gathered before making a report.*
*They are set to:*
· -Reflect the overall rarity of a rare species countywide i.e. Slaty-backed Gull
· ---- Address timing and seasonality i.e. early or late arrival and departure dates
· ---- Flag the record where there are identification issues for some “common”or “expected” species that can have a very restricted range during a particular time of year.
· ---- Where there are ID issues for some “common”or “expected” species that have confusion species challenges.
*AAnd know that there are some filters that cannot be set to help ensure data quality in eBird*
· San Mateo County has ONE FILTER SET for each species for the entire county which is basically pretty inadequate. San Mateo needs more geographically refined filters. But eBird is
n not prepared to give them to us. So there are likely many birds in our database that have been reported erroneously out of their known range/distribution that the filters did not catch at the time of the observation. The review team has to search for those potential erroneous records manually, on a weekly basis, and then contact observers for more details after the fact.
So I want to start by talking about each of those categories above:
*Reflecting the overall rarity of a species countywide* i.e. rarity status birds like Slaty-backed Gull, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Emperor Goose, Bar-tailed Godwit etc.
I would think this category is probably a no-brainer and it requests details for some of the rarest birds ever reported in San Mateo County.
*Address timing and seasonality i.e. arrival and departure dates*
Addresses reports which are reported outside of expected arrival and departure dates. I believe this concept should also a no-brainer. And we do know that each year we can have birds arriving slightly earlier or later than the set filter date. Over time, however, we may see changes and different trends in migration timing so we try our best to evaluate these sort of filter settings. Observers who upload media (identifiable audio and photos) have helped us immensely in being able to re-evaluate and refine this sort of filter setting scenario.
*Where on-going identification issues for some “common” or “expected” species have become apparent based on what the review team has experienced and continue to experience.*
Here are just a few examples:
*Rufous Hummingbird –* are pass through migrants. Only adult males can confidently be ID’d and only with a solid look at the complete orange back or with a look at the open tail feathers. We are routinely presented with photos of female/immature types claiming to be RUHU with no explanation why. Also we often get reports indicating simply “ID’d by Merlin”. Merlin cannot reliably differentiate between Allen’s and Rufous sounds. So by setting the filter to zero year-round, this suggests that the observer should take caution before submitting the report.
*Hermit Thrush (summertime) -* Hermit Thrush in San Mateo County is complicated. It is true that the bar chart shows Hermit Thrush year-round. If you filter the results of the bar chart to show only map markers Dec-Feb, you will see observations of Hermit Thrush is pretty widespread through-out the county. However, if you set the date filter to Jun-Jul, you will see that the range shrinks significantly to restricted areas along the Santa Cruz Mts.The problem lies in the fact that the wintering sub-species of Hermit Thrush are present throughout the entire county during the winter. Those wintering thrushes leave in the Spring and are NOT the same sub-species that arrive in Spring/Summer to breed here. *Our breeding sub-species of Hermit Thrush occupy a very small range along the Santa Cruz Mts.* The Hermit Thrush filter is set to “zero” because folks are used to seeing them all winter and some ebirders think they are here year-round AND are also confusing Swainson’s Thrush, thinking they are Hermit Thrushes. eBird users have proven with both photos and audio as well as descriptions that separating our summer Hermit Thrushes and Swainson’s Thrushes is quite challenging.
*Cassin’s Vireo -* Similarly, CAVI arrive to breed in *a very small range along the Santa Cruz Mts.* eBird users have proven with photos, audio and descriptions that Hutton’s Vireo and Warbling Vireo are a confusion species. As well as reporting CAVI way outside their known summer distribution during breeding season.
*Bank Swallow –* Once again, migrates here to breed. Has a very restricted breeding range in San Mateo County in the Año Nuevo area. ID issues have been identified with countywide reports of Bank Swallow where they are not expected. Also confusing Northern Rough-winged Swallow. Also eBird mobile app users type BASW trying to report Barn Swallow then click on Bank Swallow and don’t double check their checklists before submitting. Filter set to zero to suggest observer take caution.
*Northern Pygmy and Saw-whet Owl –* year round species – but heard only issues, where they are reported in unlikely parts of the county, where there are reported with time of day issues, where “ID’d by Merlin” has not proven to be the reported species.
Those are just some examples.
*If you’ve gotten this far,* there are many examples of species the review team cannot set filters for *as they are common in part of the county, but rare in another part of the county.* And *Many newer eBird users have no idea about regional distribution.*
· ---- There are species that only rarely occur on the bayside. Like Brant or Brandt’s Cormorant and get reported all the time.
· ---- There are species that only rarely occur on the coastside. Like Ring-billed Gull especially in large numbers, Oak Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, American White Pelican and get reported all the time.
· ---- There are species that may never occur in the Santa Cruz Mountains like Northern Mockingbird, Horned and Eared Grebe, Swamp Sparrow, Red-breasted Merganser, Greater Scaup and are reported often.
There are many more species, that often get reported out of range. Sightings such as these, where we cannot set a filter for, require weekly manual search by the review team. There are about 45 species, depending on time of year where we need to search for species reported out of their known range. We will periodically try to write to observers who have reported out of range birds, but we often get the comment, “If this was flagged as rare I would have paid more attention and gotten photos” and the observers often don’t remember the observation.
Hope this all makes sense and please feel free to share with anyone who may find this useful.
If you have a question about a filter, please do not make a comment on your ebird record. Instead, please write to me personally <maliadances...>
Date: 5/4/26 7:42 pm From: Peter Metropulos via groups.io <pjmetrop...> Subject: [pen-bird] FRANKLIN'S GULLS(3) and Migrant Seabirds,May 2
Despite unfavorable conditions for s seawatch, I found myself last Saturday(May 2) at 8:45AM peering through my spotting scope at an angry-looking ocean: ominous ashen clouds and persistent drizzle. Visibility was terrible but I had my mind set on looking at migrating seabirds from my favorite perch at BEAN HOLLOW STATE BEACH. Lacking favorable westerly winds to nudge them close to shore,the bulk of birds were far too distant to enjoy,muchless,identify. By about 10:00 conditions improved,the drizzle halting and the clouds parting to reveal patches of blue sky. I spotted an unusual gull flying in from offshore toward the beach and swung my scope into high gear. It was a breeding-plumaged FRANKLIN'S GULL ! Seconds later another one appeared close behind. Then a THIRD one joined them and the trio headed up the coast. (Note: The month of May is when one is most likely to find a FRANKLIN'S GULL on the SM County coast.)Later a breeze picked up stimulating a push of SOOTY SHEARWATERS(16). Then a smaller shearwater appeared, with quick wingbeats,luckily flying toward shore. A scope study revealed its identity: a BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER. I was not expecting to see this species but it's not surprising considering the unusually-warm ocean temperatures lately and lack of prey in ocean waters to the south. A pair of uncommon COMMON TERNS was winging north along the beach as well.OTHER INTERESTING BIRDS included: BRANT(218), SURF SCOTER(1190), HEERMANN'S GULL(9 immatures), ELEGANT TERN(29), PIGEON GUILLEMOT(28), RHINO AUKLET(2), MARBLED MURRELET(2), and an OSPREY flying south low over the ocean a half-mile offshore.And a SEA OTTER was a welcome addition to my non-bird list.
Date: 5/4/26 12:22 pm From: Christopher Hayward via groups.io <p_t_nymph...> Subject: [pen-bird] Alvaro's Adventures Pelagic Trip, May 3, preliminary report.
Hello All,
The pelagic trip yesterday on the New Captain Pete that was rescheduled due to weather from Saturday was a truly special boat.
The wind laid down Sunday morning allowing us to get off shore quite quickly. Once out of Pillar Point Harbor we were treated to a great show of migrating birds, hundreds of Pacific Loons, some high flying groups of Brant and large numbers of Red-necked Phalaropes and farther out lines of Sabine's Gulls.
While still not too far out we encountered a pair of Scripp's Murrelet and a bit later two Tufted Puffins close to the boat providing great looks.
Two Common Terns were seen on floating debris along with good numbers of Rhinoceros Auklet.
It soon became apparent that we were getting offshore at a good pace, once we got to the Pioneer Canyon we decided to just keep going to get as deep as possible in search of deep water species.
On the journey out we started to see more Sooty and Pink-footed Shearwater, then Red Phalaropes, Northern Fulmars, good numbers of Black-footed Albatross and then the first of 3 or 4 Laysan Albatross. Later we encountered several Pomarine Jaegers.
We managed to get about 40 nautical miles out where we stopped and put out a chum block and slick.
Literally inside a minute we hit the jackpot as a MURPHY'S PETREL came in right along side the boat, about twenty minutes later what we believe to be a different Murphy's came in to the chum block giving great looks, we need to check photos to confirm two different birds.
Truly a special moment and the first time on one of Alvaro's boats out of Pillar Point Harbor to encounter this species.
The Petrels were both seen in San Francisco County.
We are still putting eBird lists together but a lot of the species mentioned were in both San Mateo and San Francisco County's.
Big thanks to all my fellow spotters, Caitlin Chock, Eli Gross, Dorian Anderson, Liam Murphy and John Tsortos.
Alvaro's Adventures has a boat scheduled for Sunday May 10 with spaces still available I believe for those interested at www.alvarosadventures.com ( http://www.alvarosadventures.com )
Date: 5/1/26 10:45 am From: Alvaro Jaramillo via groups.io <chucao...> Subject: [pen-bird] Pelagic - Sunday May 3.
Hello all
Our Saturday trip has had to be rescheduled due to weather to Sunday May 3. The Sunday weather is quite good, and the blow and waves from Saturday might mean that some of the offshore birds will be pushed closer to shore by Sunday. We shall see if that is the case. Water offshore is 57-58 F, which is exceedingly warm for this time of year, highly unusual. As noted the other day, this is good water for petrels at this time of year. The hope is that Murphy's Petrel will show up, or Hawaiian and or Cook's. The warmer water is particularly good habitat for Cook's and Murphy's. Also, early Scripps's Murrelets are a possibility. It is a great time for Laysan to be in amongst the Black-footed Albatross. Arriving migrants, such as jaegers, Sabine's Gulls, shearwaters should be out there and the residents such as Rhinoceros Auklet, and Cassin's. Tufted Puffin is a good shot as well. There are few spring pelagic options, and this one looks to be in good weather. Whales and dolphins are out there as well, including migrating Grey Whales close to shore. Lots to see offshore!
Date: 4/29/26 9:22 am From: Ronald- Thorn via groups.io <Tronthorn...> Subject: [pen-bird] Palm Warbler and other migrants
A Palm Warbler was along the public access trail at the end of Sem Lane in Belmont. There was also a Western Kingbird and a Ash-throated Flycatcher. Among western migrantsalong the bayside, Western Kingbird numbers have been slightly higher, where as Orange-crowned and Wilson's Warblers have been very high in numbers.
Ron Thorn
Date: 4/28/26 8:30 pm From: Alvaro Jaramillo via groups.io <chucao...> Subject: [pen-bird] Ocean conditions - May pelagic trips from Half Moon Bay
Hello all
I hope the spring migration is treating you well. Offshore, conditions are warm. The new normal perhaps, although there is a slightly different spin to what is going on right now. Since 2014 our section of the Pacific has had multiple notable "marine heat waves" what was originally termed "the Blob." These are becoming more regular, and some previously unusual birds, fish and mammals are now more regular. For example, Bluefin Tuna is now expected in our region in summer and into fall. Similarly, boobies have become regularly occurring since the heat waves began. What is unusual about this year is that spring upwelling season has been late to start, or weak. As such the warmest spring ocean temperatures since recording has happened, have been seen this spring. Pacific Bonito, a fish from the southern warmer waters has been caught, and the salmon are very deep in the cold water this year. Odd water temperatures are frightening overall, but at the same time they can be good for unusual birds. Cook's and Murphy's Petrels were seen recently offshore; Nazca Booby is in Monterey and surely there are a few others about. These conditions are also good for early Scripps's Murrelets, and eventually for sightings of the rarer Craveri's and Guadalupe murrelets later in the season. Laysan Albatross continue to become more and more regular, and multiples have already been found on offshore boats, and repositioning cruises.
We have a trip this Saturday from Half Moon Bay (Pillar Point) May 2. Conditions right now show typical NW winds and NW swells, which can be good for Pterodroma petrels once one gets out to the offshore waters. We also are offering a May 10 trip from Pillar Point Harbor. Both currently have multiple spots available. Spring is THE time to look for the uncommon Murphy's Petrel, and if water is warm, Cook's Petrel might also be found, Hawaiian Petrel begins to show up at this time of year. Migrant Sabine's Gulls, jaegers, and arriving southern breeding shearwaters will be out there. This is also a great time for numbers of Black-footed Albatross and possibilities for Laysan Albatross. Assuming conditions do not deteriorate, this could be a good short this Saturday for Murphy's.
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Date: 4/27/26 12:31 pm From: Ryan Mense via groups.io <hello...> Subject: [pen-bird] Marty Freeland on ABA podcast
Hey all,
I was excited to see last week that Marty Freeland was a guest on the American Birding Association podcast and listened to it immediately! Great episode filled with much to consider while out spending time with our feathered friends. I know we all love reading his reports about his outings submitted through penbird, or running into him in the field, so I’m passing this along for everyone here to enjoy:
Show description: “ Pishing, mob tapes, and playback are tools that birders use to supplement their birding experience, be it to show other birders a great bird or to bring birds close for photographs. They have typically been seen in the community as benign, but the ease of their use raises questions about how they affect the birds we enjoy. Marty Freeland is a Stanford University undergraduate ( https://dirzolab.stanford.edu/people/ ) who has not only been thinking about these questions, but who also has attempted to answer them in a scientific manner. His work helped inform an essay by Peter Pyle ( https://www.aba.org/the-devil-wears-parula/ ) that was published both in the March 2026 issue of Birding magazine and on the ABA website. He joins host Nate Swick to talk about his work, his thoughts on the use of “electronic pishing,” and the amazing pishing behavior of lyrebirds ( https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(21)00210-4 ).”
Date: 4/25/26 7:07 pm From: Scott Kaiser via groups.io <scott.kaiser...> Subject: [pen-bird] Garganey - Nob Hill Pond
As of 6pm, Garganey was tucked in and sleeping along the shore of the northwest corner. It was visible, though distant, from the levee; a scope would be useful. Kai-Ting* re-found it just after 5:30pm after most had left.
It was also visible, and closer, from parts of the parking lot behind Nob Hill, although from the west side, but not the northwest side.
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.
