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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) (1)
- Reported Apr 29, 2026 09:59 by Jeff Miller
- Carrizo Plain NM--Traver Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6088356&<ll...>,-119.6088356 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S329492516 - Comments: "Grayish empid with round head, faint yellow wash on underside, narrow complete eye ring, two white wing bars. Bill with yellow lower mandible. Short primary projection. Wagging tail downward. Will add photos."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 4/29/26 8:43 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [slocobirding] [eBird Alert] San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- King Eider (1 report)
- Black Scoter (1 report)
- Common Merganser (1 report)
- Black Skimmer (3 reports)
- Elegant Tern (1 report)
- Gray Flycatcher (3 reports)
- Orange-crowned Warbler (Gray-headed) (1 report)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) (1)
- Reported Apr 28, 2026 11:00 by The Spotting Twohees
- Pasadena Park Beach, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8440733&<ll...>,-120.8440733 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S329075802 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Seen on platform in the oyster farm. Pelican flew in and it walked behind the structure on the barge. Brown duck preening with sloped bill. Pale line coming off eye to rear also visible."
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (1)
- Reported Apr 28, 2026 06:30 by Kevin Zimmer
- KJZ yard, Garcia Rd, Atascadero, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.7064838&<ll...>,-120.7064838 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S329239786 - Comments: "One female that flew past me as I was sitting on our bench overlooking the creek at Duck Cove. Large, gray-bodied duck with a long, thin bill; white belly; rufous head and throat contrasting with white chin; and a rectangular white patch on the inner secondaries along the trailing edge of the wing. The bird was flying north along the creek, and caught me by surprise as it shot by and then disappeared from sight before reemerging in the distance, still going away. I did manage a couple of distant, blurry flight shots, which may at least confirm the identity. I've seen pairs or singles of Common Mergansers flying over the house on different occasions, but not in the last several years."
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) (1)
- Reported Apr 28, 2026 13:45 by Isaiah Woodard
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S329124590 - Comments: "All pale-gray empid with orange lower mandible. Belly and breast whitish, no yellow-green shades at all. Characteristic slow downward tail bobbing. Foraging between a stone pine and maple near the apartments (south of the community garden). No vocalizations. Photos to be added."
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) (1)
- Reported Apr 28, 2026 11:38 by Jeff Miller
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S329069233 - Comments: "Continuing near oak grove. Pale gray empid with round head, complete narrow eye-ring, pale yellow wash underneath, narrow bill with yellow lower mandible, tw white wing bars. Short primary projection. Wagged tail down when perched."
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) (1)
- Reported Apr 28, 2026 07:53 by The Spotting Twohees
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328985380 - Media: 1 Video
- Comments: "Continuing in the oak Grove. Seen perched flicking tail down and up quickly. Gray head and back. Paler breast and belly. Two white wing bars. Shorter primaries than Hammonds."
Orange-crowned Warbler (Gray-headed) (Leiothlypis celata celata/orestera) (2)
- Reported Apr 28, 2026 07:57 by Ann Stockert
- Pismo SB--Oceano Campground, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6265268&<ll...>,-120.6265268 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S329147651 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Scarce but regular spring migrant. Ann, Jeff, and I were able to locate two to three widely-spaced individuals that appeared to both be one of the “Gray-headed” subspecies with one at the base of the peninsula and another in the muddy area between the maintenance yard and the main Norswing Drive trail entrance.
The first individual moved around a wide area at the aforementioned first location and stayed high and relatively deep in pepper trees and oaks. It is possible that there were two individuals here as the warblers moved around frequently, but I am not certain of this. This was a mostly uniform pale green warbler with a medium length tail, dark eye, thin mostly dark bill, and dark legs. The eye-arcs (orbital feathers) were contrastingly paler and brighter than expected in the other two subspecies of Orange-crowned. The head had a grayish cast to it creating a faint gray “helmet” - unlike the other two Orange-crowned subspecies. The vent area was also slightly paler than the surrounding underparts.
The second individual was seen well (albeit briefly) in the aforementioned second location midheight in willows. This was also a paler green warbler that was a similar in color to the first individual but slightly paler and more uniform than that bird. It had a medium length tail, dark eye, a thin bill than was short and dark, and dark legs and feet. The eye-arcs (orbital feathers) were contrastingly pale similar to the first individual.
Both birds were silent. Ann and I attempted to photograph both individuals but only had success doing so with the first bird. We’ll see if the photos turn out; they will be added if so."
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You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) (1)
- Reported Apr 27, 2026 19:45 by Michael Moss
- Turri Road Tidal Ponds, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8218378&<ll...>,-120.8218378 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328763089 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing found by Ann Stockert earlier today mid size to smaller than a yellow leg bobbing and swooshing movement complete white eye ring off yellow olive legs dark brown shoulders with white spots breeding plumage see pic"
Seen in a small,, narrow pond adjacent to the road, immediately west of the large easternmost pond."
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) (1)
- Reported Apr 27, 2026 12:37 by Ann Stockert
- Turri Road Tidal Ponds, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8218378&<ll...>,-120.8218378 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328629242 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Observed in first pond. Originally miss ID’d as a Yellowlegs in the field. After downloading photos fine pale speckling on dark wings and eyering became noticeable. Photos"
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 27, 2026 11:38 by The Spotting Twohees
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328628383 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing in same oak Grove by stream crossing. Top of head and nape gray. Two white wing bars. Tail bobbing when perched.
Photo from Brian's Big Book of Blurry Birds"
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 27, 2026 07:15 by Ann Stockert
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328602561 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Rare but probably regular. Ann and I were able to easily relocate this continuing bird in the same oaks and bottlebrush near “Casa Diablo” as found and seen previously. During our observation this individual spent its time flycatching both along the outer edge and within the oaks, swooping down frequently to catch low-flying insects. It was being rather active and moving around a wide area foraging mostly low but also to a lesser extent higher in the oaks, yet It did not allow close approach. However, this bird was not particularly skulky, and occasionally even perched in the open. This was a rather pale gray Empidonax flycatcher that exhibited a relatively rounded head and overall chunky shape. The bill was short and the lower mandible was almost if not entirely a pale yellow-orange color, while the upper mandible was darker. The throat, breast, and lores were pale while the belly, vent, and undertail coverts were similar in color but washed a pale yellow. Its mantle, nape, crown feathers, and rectricies were a pale brownish gray color. The wing coverts were primarily dark, however the median and greater secondary coverts were tipped pale creating double wingbars and the tertails and secondaries were also edged pale. The primary extension was relatively short compared to other Empids. This bird had a pale eyering that was evenly rounded and not almond-shaped, while the eye itself was dark. The tail was proportionately long for an Empid and was frequently dipped down unlike other species in this genus and more like the tail wag of Phoebes. The legs and feet appeared dark. This individual was rather vocal, and called frequently giving the typical sweet “whit” or “pwit” calls of this species. Our views were not prolonged, but were reasonable and we were able to spend an extended amount of time with this bird. Photos and (eventually) audio tba."
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) (1)
- Reported Apr 26, 2026 16:05 by Terri Osborn
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328832275 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird found by Nick Belardes on 4/24/2026. The bird was brownish gray above, had dark wings with double white wing bars, bicolored bill that was dark above and yellow below with a dark tip, pale eye ring and whitish below with pale yellow wash on its belly. It was perched up high in a bottle brush tree and frequently flicked its tail down as it foraged in the tree."
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) (1)
- Reported Apr 27, 2026 07:15 by Ann Stockert
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328602561 - Comments: "Rare but regular. KH was able to briefly see the continuing SY female foraging mid-height in the bottlebrush bordering the edge of the cluster of oaks just northwest of “Casa Diablo”. My views were brief, but I was able to note most features of this bird including the thin pale bill, dark legs with dull yellow foot soles, white central crown stripe, supercillium, eye ring, and throat, black median crown stripes and postocular stripe, grayish lores and cheek, and evenly black and white streaked back. In addition, the breast and belly were white and the sides and flanks had blurry black streaking and the flanks in particular had a slight buffy wash. The undertail coverts were white with extensive black streaking. The eye was dark. The rectrices and wing coverts were largely black, though the median and greater secondary coverts were pale-tipped, creating double white wingbars and the secondaries and primaries were edged white. The outer visible tertials were boldly edged white as well. It exhibited the typical foraging behavior of this species, crawling and switching back and forth across the trunk of the trees like a nuthatch. I did not hear this bird vocalize. I was also focused mostly on the Flycatcher, so did not attempt photos."
Orange-crowned Warbler (celata) (Leiothlypis celata celata) (1)
- Reported Apr 27, 2026 07:15 by Ann Stockert
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328602561 - Comments: "Rare but probably regular. We were able to relocate a continuing celata first seen yesterday when there was also a second bird present (KH). This individual was in the same place it was yesterday near the King court entrance. It spent most of its time foraging high and deep in Bottlebrush and eventually moved on with other warblers. Overall, this was a very dull Orange-crowned. The entire bird was a dull gray color, with the only color being confined to a pale yellow wash to the upper belly and breast. The bill was long and thin, the eye arcs were bright and pale, and the undertail was plain and not streaked. The legs, feet, bill, and eye were dark. This bird was silent to the best of my knowledge. Our views were prolonged and at a reasonable distance but were largely obscured. KH was able to get a few bad photos."
Orange-crowned Warbler (Gray-headed) (Leiothlypis celata celata/orestera) (4)
- Reported Apr 27, 2026 07:15 by Ann Stockert
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328602561 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Scarce in spring but underreported. E/c x1s of “gray-headed” individuals seen in different sections of Bottlebrush in the middle of the park. Yesterday there was an apparent “fallout” of Orange-crowned Warblers here, with 100+ individuals present. At least 6 of those were “Gray-headed” individuals (KH). These birds were similar to the numerous lutescens Orange-crowned, but were smaller and duller paler green overall with paler and brighter more contrasting eye arcs and noticeable streaking on sides of the breast. Some individuals with paler vent than lutescens and at least partial gray hoods. Some birds undertails plain lime greenish and some similar but lightly and incompletely streaked olive. Several of these birds were vocal, giving chip calls higher pitched and sharper than the numerous lutescens. Overall good comparison between these birds and lutescens together. KH was able to get photos of a few individuals."
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's) (Setophaga coronata coronata x auduboni) (1)
- Reported Apr 27, 2026 09:30 by Ann Stockert
- Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6903817&<ll...>,-120.6903817 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328602430 - Comments: "Uncommon (and vastly underreported!). This alternate-plumaged male was seen foraging in the pine grove here: (35.265310, -120.684630). It appeared superficially similar to an Audubon’s, but showed a faint mask and supercillium, a more lightly-streaked (as opposed to mostly black) upper breast, and a reduced white secondary covert wing patch. Also, the throat was almost entirely yellow, but was completely bordered by a thin layer of white which extended slightly around the auriculars. It did not vocalize. KH was able to get a few bad photos."
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You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Harris's Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) (1)
- Reported Apr 24, 2026 15:00 by Michelle Locke
- Alta Colina, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.7449389&<ll...>,-120.7449389 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S327832650 - Comments: "Saw a Harris Hawk on a power line. It appeared that something was attached, hanging from its leg. At first glance, I thought it was a snake, however after seeing it the next day as well, I realized it was not a snake. I confirmed all the markings, beak, legs, white rail markings and I’m fairly certain it’s a Harris Hawk"
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) (1)
- Reported Apr 25, 2026 08:16 by Marielle Oetjen
- Santa Rita Ranch (restricted access), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8427921&<ll...>,-120.8427921 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328073727 - Comments: "An empid. with two white wingbars, very inconspicuous eyering, olive brown back, white throat, white underparts with a faint vest and short primary projection. Didn’t hear a call. It was actively flycatching and sitting on various posts and barbed wire in the same area."
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) (1)
- Reported Apr 25, 2026 08:16 by Robbie & Bob Revel
- Santa Rita Ranch (restricted access), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8427921&<ll...>,-120.8427921 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328225380 - Comments: "An empid. with two white wingbars, very inconspicuous eyering, olive brown back, white throat, white underparts with a faint vest and short primary projection. Didn’t hear a call. It was actively flycatching and sitting on various posts and barbed wire in the same area."
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) (1)
- Reported Apr 25, 2026 08:16 by Lisa Ankenbrandt
- Santa Rita Ranch (restricted access), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8427921&<ll...>,-120.8427921 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S327829859 - Comments: "An empid. with two white wingbars, very inconspicuous eyering, olive brown back, white throat, white underparts with a faint vest and short primary projection. Didn’t hear a call. It was actively flycatching and sitting on various posts and barbed wire in the same area."
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) (1)
- Reported Apr 25, 2026 08:16 by Karen Zappone
- Santa Rita Ranch (restricted access), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8427921&<ll...>,-120.8427921 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328153478 - Comments: "An empid. with two white wingbars, very inconspicuous eyering, olive brown back, white throat, white underparts with a faint vest and short primary projection. Didn’t hear a call. It was actively flycatching and sitting on various posts and barbed wire in the same area."
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) (1)
- Reported Apr 25, 2026 08:16 by Nancy Vimla
- Santa Rita Ranch (restricted access), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8427921&<ll...>,-120.8427921 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S327863117 - Comments: "An empid. with two white wingbars, very inconspicuous eyering, olive brown back, white throat, white underparts with a faint vest and short primary projection. Didn’t hear a call. It was actively flycatching and sitting on various posts and barbed wire in the same area."
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) (1)
- Reported Apr 25, 2026 08:16 by Debbie Jo Bird
- Santa Rita Ranch (restricted access), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8427921&<ll...>,-120.8427921 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328113503 - Comments: "An empid. with two white wingbars, very inconspicuous eyering, olive brown back, white throat, white underparts with a faint vest and short primary projection. Didn’t hear a call. It was actively flycatching and sitting on various posts and barbed wire in the same area."
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) (1)
- Reported Apr 25, 2026 08:16 by Haley Garrow
- Santa Rita Ranch (restricted access), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8427921&<ll...>,-120.8427921 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S327907639 - Comments: "An empid. with two white wingbars, very inconspicuous eyering, olive brown back, white throat, white underparts with a faint vest and short primary projection. Didn’t hear a call. It was actively flycatching and sitting on various posts and barbed wire in the same area."
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) (1)
- Reported Apr 25, 2026 08:16 by Joe Flynn
- Santa Rita Ranch (restricted access), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8427921&<ll...>,-120.8427921 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328005425 - Comments: "An empid. with two white wingbars, very inconspicuous eyering, olive brown back, white throat, white underparts with a faint vest and short primary projection. Didn’t hear a call. It was actively flycatching and sitting on various posts and barbed wire in the same area."
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) (1)
- Reported Apr 26, 2026 11:40 by Luke Jensen
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328227688 - Comments: "continuing small plump gray Empid calling off and on, very active bird seen in the usual spot along a line of oaks and occasionally going into bottlebrush trees. Liked low to mid branches in trees. Pics to follow..."
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) (1)
- Reported Apr 26, 2026 08:52 by Gregory Smith
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328240458 - Comments: "All gray empid with two whitish wing bars. Belly was just a little bit lighter than body and wings. Faint eye ring, pumped its tail down when giving "whit" call. Seen along fence line at east end of the park."
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) (1)
- Reported Apr 26, 2026 08:25 by The Spotting Twohees
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S327945481 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Empid flycatcher seen briefly in area east of El Diablo feeders. Perched on fence and in adjacent trees. Very active moving around to different tree groups."
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) (1)
- Reported Apr 26, 2026 08:14 by Kelley Boland
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328020169 - Comments: "Huge thanks to KH for help getting on the bird! Continuing empid, heard whit calls and brief look east side of park near fence line. Looped the park and came back to better views, tail pumping like a phoebe. Pale gray with a hint of yellow wash. Photos tba"
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) (1)
- Reported Apr 26, 2026 07:18 by Reef Comer
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S328098571 - Comments: "Continuing in coast live oaks near drainage crossing. Easily found by its sharp whit call. Largish, pale gray empid with long, black-tipped, black and yellowish bill, short primary projection, and long tail, which it regularly wagged gently downwards in characteristic fashion for this species."
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's) (Setophaga coronata coronata x auduboni) (2)
- Reported Apr 25, 2026 08:06 by ovenbirds are real
- Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6903817&<ll...>,-120.6903817 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S327473610 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Intergrades with black masks, myrtle-wide throats—yellow surrounded by white onto sides of neck, white superciliums. The one in the photo has a weak mask but otherwise looks good to me, though I’m not a moderator so what would I know?"
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You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) (1)
- Reported Apr 25, 2026 08:16 by Denise Taylor
- Santa Rita Ranch (restricted access), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8427921&<ll...>,-120.8427921 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S327536325 - Comments: "An empid. with two white wingbars, very inconspicuous eyering, olive brown back, white throat, white underparts with a faint vest and short primary projection. Didn’t hear a call. It was actively flycatching and sitting on various posts and barbed wire in the same area."
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) (1)
- Reported Apr 25, 2026 08:16 by Jim Royer
- Santa Rita Ranch (restricted access), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8427921&<ll...>,-120.8427921 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S327486683 - Comments: "An empid. with two white wingbars, very inconspicuous eyering, olive brown back, white throat, white underparts with a faint vest and short primary projection. Didn’t hear a call. It was actively flycatching and sitting on various posts and barbed wire in the same area."
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) (1)
- Reported Apr 25, 2026 08:16 by Robbie & Bob Revel
- Santa Rita Ranch (restricted access), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8427921&<ll...>,-120.8427921 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S327489477 - Comments: "An empid. with two white wingbars, very inconspicuous eyering, olive brown back, white throat, white underparts with a faint vest and short primary projection. Didn’t hear a call. It was actively flycatching and sitting on various posts and barbed wire in the same area."
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) (1)
- Reported Apr 25, 2026 08:16 by Haley Garrow
- Santa Rita Ranch (restricted access), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8427921&<ll...>,-120.8427921 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S327494450 - Comments: "An empid. with two white wingbars, very inconspicuous eyering, olive brown back, white throat, white underparts with a faint vest and short primary projection. Didn’t hear a call. It was actively flycatching and sitting on various posts and barbed wire in the same area."
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) (1)
- Reported Apr 25, 2026 08:16 by Grace Ferguson
- Santa Rita Ranch (restricted access), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8427921&<ll...>,-120.8427921 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S327506682 - Comments: "An empid. with two white wingbars, very inconspicuous eyering, olive brown back, white throat, white underparts with a faint vest and short primary projection. Didn’t hear a call. It was actively flycatching and sitting on various posts and barbed wire in the same area."
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 25, 2026 13:13 by Michael Moss
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S327397919 - Media: 1 Photo, 1 Audio
- Comments: "Continuing empid found by Nick heard right away was hopping around in the trees, wagging its tail down, overall grey, bicolored bill dark tip on lower mandible lack of crest on crown picture and recording tba"
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 25, 2026 11:26 by Ann Stockert
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S327406225 - Media: 5 Photos, 4 Audio
- Comments: "Continuing… originally found by Nick B. on 4/24. Today this somewhat large long-tailed empid was vocalizing a dry “whit” call regularly. It was pale overall, with a pale band across the forehead, a thin white eyering, and had a yellowish lower mandible with a dark tip. Also this empid had short primary projection and I noticed it would wag its tail downward like a Phoebe. Photos"
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 25, 2026 11:26 by Alexander Yan
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S327425796 - Media: 5 Photos, 4 Audio
- Comments: "Continuing… originally found by Nick B. on 4/24. Today this somewhat large long-tailed empid was vocalizing a dry “whit” call regularly. It was pale overall, with a pale band across the forehead, a thin white eyering, and had a yellowish lower mandible with a dark tip. Also this empid had short primary projection and I noticed it would wag its tail downward like a Phoebe. Photos"
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) (1)
- Reported Apr 25, 2026 09:53 by Ben Kolstad
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S327305641 - Comments: "Very unsatisfactory looks at a small gray empid. Heard vocalizing as well. Later, Ann Stockert (not part of our expedition) got pictures. Alexander Yan got recordings of it calling."
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You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 4/25/26 3:48 pm From: Kaaren Perry via groups.io <surfbird1...> Subject: [slocobirding] Morro Bay yard birds again...
Hi Birders,
I'm joining in on the recent fun posts for FOS yard visitors. A FOS Swainson's Thrush visited the yard this morning. While not considered rare for this time of year it was a FOS for this location. Hermit Thrush had been a frequent visitor throughout the winter but has been missing from here for a few weeks
On April 3 I noticed a Dark-eyed Junco in the yard with an interesting molt pattern. I have been admiring juncos since I was a kid and do not recall ever seeing one in this transitional plumage. I did some research on DEJU molt, BOW, Google etc that left me with a few questions which I have now passed on to a few birder friends. I have come to the conclusion that this plumage represents a DEJU in pre-alternate molt 1. I have been unable to find any photos showing this molt pattern. Thoughts anyone ?
Just saw my first of season grosbeak. It was a beautiful male looking around and wondering where the seed was - poor guy. I hadn't put any fresh out. Will do later today.
Cliff swallows are busy with young and some are still rebuilding (or adding on).
Rufous hummer males are being extremely aggressive these days!
Date: 4/25/26 2:35 pm From: njmann90 via groups.io <njmann50...> Subject: [slocobirding] Black headed Grosbeak
Just saw my FOS FEMALE Black headed Grosbeak in the yard today.
NJM/SLO
--
Nancy Jean Mann (It/It's)
San Luis Obispo
“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But
that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with
the time that is given us.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring…
See more
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 24, 2026 08:17 by Nick & Jane
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S326762087 - Media: 12 Photos
- Comments: "This empid’s large size first struck me when I spotted the bird perched three-quarters up in an oak. Clearly was too big for a western! Right away I noticed its large rounded (and only slightly peaked) head, which was also flat and wide in a side profile. It had a thin and even eyering (no teardrop), and overall pale grey tones, and long, thin and even bill. Its chest was very pale with a wash of a drab vest, and between and below that was a light belly wash of yellow. The dark wings had a medium contrast with its pale wingbars. The tail, which it preened, appeared medium-long, and its primary projections appeared medium as well. The throat was pale as were its lores. The cheek itself had a light olive wash and the crown was dingy grey. The back, what little I could see, was pale grey. The lengthy bill (though on the short end for a gray), had an upper mandible that was dark and a lower that was yellow-orange tapering to dark. The face had a sweet, innocent expression, as opposed to a peeved dusky look like a kid about to embark on some mischief. The tail didn’t pump that I could see but then the bird was partially obstructed and there was tail preening going on. The bird quicky disappeared into the oak and couldn’t refind."
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 23, 2026 11:25 by Petra Clayton
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S326244124 - Media: 1 Video, 4 Photos
- Comments: "Regularly eBird-reported species since 9/21/25.
Boldly streaked black and white pattern; black upperparts with white streaks; grayish-white face; white eyering; eyeline starting behind the eye; black crown with broad white center stripe; broad white supercilium; white throat and underparts; black streaks on the flanks; black spots on the undertail; two white wingbars; sharply pointed bill.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 22, 2026 11:11 by Brenda Linfield
- 1143 Pasadena Drive, Baywood-Los Osos, California, US (35.331, -120.843), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8431758&<ll...>,-120.8431758 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S325938256 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Lightly colored chest, brown otherwise. Heavy duck with a black bill, perched on sandbar at a very low tide."
Hammond's Flycatcher (Empidonax hammondii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 22, 2026 09:20 by Petra Clayton
- Cerro Alto Campground, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.7491446&<ll...>,-120.7491446 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S325742324 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "This flycatcher was overall smaller, duller, and grayer than a “Pacific-slope” Western Flycatcher; gray on breast and down the sides creating a "vest." It had a "big-headed" look with a small, mostly all-dark bill and a white, somewhat oval eye ring. The primary feathers were longer than expected for a Pacific-slope Flycatcher. It had two pale wingbars.--- Observed along the upper third of the paved road in an oak tree off the road."
Palm Warbler (Western) (Setophaga palmarum palmarum) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 23, 2026 08:01 by Nick & Jane
- Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6903817&<ll...>,-120.6903817 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S326149466 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Adult breeding. Yellow into face, throat, chest, undertail. Some rufous streaks on upper chest flanks, streaks mostly brown, green tones to otherwise brown primaries, whitish belly. Calling from large mixed warbler flock, then seen. Didn’t see tail bob, but may have simply missed it."
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You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 22, 2026 11:11 by Robbie & Bob Revel
- 1143 Pasadena Drive, Baywood-Los Osos, California, US (35.331, -120.843), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8431758&<ll...>,-120.8431758 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S325635188 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Lightly colored chest, brown otherwise. Heavy duck with a black bill, perched on sandbar at a very low tide."
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 22, 2026 11:11 by Lisa Ankenbrandt
- 1143 Pasadena Drive, Baywood-Los Osos, California, US (35.331, -120.843), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8431758&<ll...>,-120.8431758 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S325696358 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Lightly colored chest, brown otherwise. Heavy duck with a black bill, perched on sandbar at a very low tide."
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 22, 2026 11:11 by Mike Bush
- 1143 Pasadena Drive, Baywood-Los Osos, California, US (35.331, -120.843), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8431758&<ll...>,-120.8431758 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S325623984 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Lightly colored chest, brown otherwise. Heavy duck with a black bill, perched on sandbar at a very low tide."
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 22, 2026 11:11 by Mark Mushkat
- 1143 Pasadena Drive, Baywood-Los Osos, California, US (35.331, -120.843), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8431758&<ll...>,-120.8431758 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S325681720 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Lightly colored chest, brown otherwise. Heavy duck with a black bill, perched on sandbar at a very low tide."
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 22, 2026 11:11 by Debra Cherry
- 1143 Pasadena Drive, Baywood-Los Osos, California, US (35.331, -120.843), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8431758&<ll...>,-120.8431758 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S325664107 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Lightly colored chest, brown otherwise. Heavy duck with a black bill, perched on sandbar at a very low tide."
Hammond's Flycatcher (Empidonax hammondii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 22, 2026 07:51 by Tom Edell
- Cerro Alto Campground, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.7491446&<ll...>,-120.7491446 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S325624593 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "This distant bird was perched in the leafless upper branches of a Coast Live Oak. The pale underparts, small bill, peaked gray head, thin white eyering, and long primary extension all pointed to Hammond's Flycatcher. The photos show a gray throat and vest with a streak of yellow continuing up from the belly that separated at least the lower portion of the vest. No calls were heard."
Hammond's Flycatcher (Empidonax hammondii) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 21, 2026 18:00 by Ann Stockert
- Cerro Alto Campground, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.7491446&<ll...>,-120.7491446 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S325317639 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Small gray Empidonax with long primary projection, bold white eye ring, flat topped head, and shortish tail. Gave frequent pip calls. Very poor photo’s due to weather conditions, and lighting. Will also try and upload an audio clip."
Hammond's Flycatcher (Empidonax hammondii) (2)
- Reported Apr 21, 2026 17:27 by Reef Comer
- Cerro Alto Campground, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.7491446&<ll...>,-120.7491446 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S325328612 - Comments: "One heard calling almost immediately upon entering campground and quickly got on it. Flew into pine, where a second individual was already perched, but chased it off. The second bird continued to call, but much further back in campground. Thankfully one bird stuck around closer for awhile after.
Both small, gray empids with flat-topped head with peak on back, short bill with very limited pale base, bold white eyering, vest like appearance on breast, and relatively long primary projection. Both birds giving sharp, abrupt peep/peek calls. Think Ann got decent recordings. Rare, but expected in spring migration here."
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 22, 2026 07:32 by Ann Stockert
- W. Ormande Road at Pismo Creek, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.620181&<ll...>,-120.620181 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S325530570 - Comments: "Slightly late. I briefly heard the “typewriter” call of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet coming from the oaks closer to Price Canyon Road while trying to listen for the wintering Ovenbird. The call was a fast-paced short series of “jid-di-dit” calls. I briefly mentioned the bird, but I do not know if Ann was able to hear the bird. Regardless, I did not pay much more attention to this bird as again I was mainly focused on the Ovenbird. I did not see the bird and no audio was attempted."
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) (1)
- Reported Apr 22, 2026 07:32 by Ann Stockert
- W. Ormande Road at Pismo Creek, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.620181&<ll...>,-120.620181 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S325530570 - Comments: "Very rare. Ann and I were able to hear but not see the continuing Ovenbird singing from dense riparian this morning. We heard this bird almost immediately upon arrival singing from deep in the riparian from the south side of the bridge. It sounded as though the bird was singing from the upper understory, though I am not certain. This presumably wintering individual continued to sing a slightly shorter and somewhat hesitant version of the classic Ovenbird 8-12 note (~6 notes in this bird) “tea-cheer tea-cheer tea-cheer” song that became louder after the first few notes and ended abruptly. Singing a more hesitant and/or shorter song is more typical of a lingering wintering bird. Unlike yesterday, it did not sing any more typical longer phrases. I (KH) briefly saw this bird several times yesterday as well, but we did not see it today (see my (KH) eventual checklist for yesterday describing plumage details). Overall it seemed less active this morning compared to yesterday, but like yesterday it was singing consistently and was relatively easy to hear although the song wasn’t particularly loud (I attribute this to the bird being farther back in the willows). I believe Ann was able to get several recordings, but I do not know how useful they will be. I expect this bird to depart any day now…"
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You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Hammond's Flycatcher (Empidonax hammondii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 21, 2026 07:45 by Michael Moss
- Cerro Alto Campground, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.7491446&<ll...>,-120.7491446 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S325179113 - Media: 1 Photo, 1 Audio
- Comments: "Smallish grey green empid small bill with pale lower base longer wings heard at first high pitched peek calls photos and recording observed on the left side of the road just before the split to campground 4 in a bay laurel tree briefly"
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You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) (1)
- Reported Apr 19, 2026 08:42 by Michelle Cortes
- Islay Creek Campground--Montana de Oro SP, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8838502&<ll...>,-120.8838502 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S324524425 - Comments: "Brief looks in good light of a small, greenish oriole, wing bar, and a small black throat patch. First alerted by its rattling call. Small slightly curved, thinner bill compared to hooded and bullock’s also seen today. Probably a first year young male type bird. Last seen approximately 35.27382° N, 120.88662° W . Didn’t get any usable photos before it flushed towards the campground and not refound later."
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) (1)
- Reported Apr 19, 2026 08:42 by Charli Fallon
- Islay Creek Campground--Montana de Oro SP, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8838502&<ll...>,-120.8838502 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S324727133 - Comments: "Brief looks in good light of a small, greenish oriole, wing bar, and a small black throat patch. First alerted by its rattling call. Small slightly curved, thinner bill compared to hooded and bullock’s also seen today. Probably a first year young male type bird. Last seen approximately 35.27382° N, 120.88662° W . Didn’t get any usable photos before it flushed towards the campground and not refound later."
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) (1)
- Reported Apr 19, 2026 08:42 by Brooklyn George
- Islay Creek Campground--Montana de Oro SP, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8838502&<ll...>,-120.8838502 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S324786358 - Comments: "Brief looks in good light of a small, greenish oriole, wing bar, and a small black throat patch. First alerted by its rattling call. Small slightly curved, thinner bill compared to hooded and bullock’s also seen today. Probably a first year young male type bird. Last seen approximately 35.27382° N, 120.88662° W . Didn’t get any usable photos before it flushed towards the campground and not refound later."
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You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1)
- Reported Apr 17, 2026 11:05 by Corey Walsh
- Bluff Trail--Montana de Oro SP, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8948396&<ll...>,-120.8948396 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S323864555 - Comments: "In large feeding frenzy off shore with gulls, pelicans, cormorants, and guillemots. Extensive white on back, undertail, crown, chest, neck. Lower chest dark. Dark cheek patch and bill."
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 18, 2026 14:02 by Refugio Garcia
- Morro Bay SP--Marina/Boardwalk Trail, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8418006&<ll...>,-120.8418006 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S323785138 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Seen flying over kayak shack, heading north toward Morro Rock. Wingtip pattern lacks the white spots expected on Franklin’s Gull. First record for me. Photo attached."
Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans) (30)
- Reported Apr 19, 2026 14:22 by Ming Samuel
- Pier Ave beach entrance, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6313097&<ll...>,-120.6313097 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S324381261 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "See photo, several flocks mixed with Caspian terns on beach and a couple fly-overs. Shaggy black crest in breeding plumage. Orange thin bill and slightly smaller than Caspian."
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) (1)
- Reported Apr 18, 2026 07:45 by Nick & Jane
- Morro Bay harbor mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8658353&<ll...>,-120.8658353 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S324400204 - Comments: "Continuing. While the boat slowly made its way back into the mouth at about 1:30 p.m., I photographed distant birds in the waters off of the sandspit. One of my photos revealed a large grebe with a red neck, blocky dark cap descending below the eyes, and white cheeks. Nearby western/clarks grebes, still from a distance, had easily viewable long white necks. A red-necked grebe has previously been in this area. I won’t trouble you with my distant photos."
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) (1)
- Reported Apr 19, 2026 08:42 by Evan Wong
- Islay Creek Campground--Montana de Oro SP, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8838502&<ll...>,-120.8838502 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S324366183 - Comments: "Brief looks in good light of a small, greenish oriole, wing bar, and a small black throat patch. Small slightly curved, thinner bill compared to hooded and bullock’s also seen today. Probably a first year young male type bird. Last seen approximately 35.27382° N, 120.88662° W"
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) (1)
- Reported Apr 19, 2026 08:42 by Alexander Yan
- Islay Creek Campground--Montana de Oro SP, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8838502&<ll...>,-120.8838502 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S324263093 - Comments: "Brief looks in good light of a small, greenish oriole, wing bar, and a small black throat patch. First alerted by its rattling call. Small slightly curved, thinner bill compared to hooded and bullock’s also seen today. Probably a first year young male type bird. Last seen approximately 35.27382° N, 120.88662° W . Didn’t get any usable photos before it flushed towards the campground and not refound later."
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You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 4/19/26 11:10 am From: Barry Langdon-Lassagne via groups.io <wilmot...> Subject: Re: [slocobirding] Birds on the Moon
Bill,
Your post reminded me of an article I read that was written in 1952—back then of course there was no BirdCast, so scientists had to rely on the technique you describe, watching birds cross the full Moon during migration, for estimating the size of migrating flocks!
“The procedure is simple. The full moon is watched through a telescope by an
observer who notes the passage of birds crossing the face of the moon. A second
person records the time and direction of flight.”
—Charles Sibley, the Bulletin of the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, July-August 1952
Such a cool and ingenious way to get scientific data. And I’m so glad we have BirdCast now!
Barry Langdon-Lassagne
~
> On Apr 18, 2026, at 11:32 AM, ChicoBill via groups.io <w.e.haas2...> wrote:
>
> Some of you may already be attuned to this; however, the recent high-intensity bird migration alert for the night of 17 Apr 2026 suggested this opportunity to share another of the many wonders of the Cornell Ornithology Lab (whose former director was my college roommate - who endlessly lectured me about the beauty of Empidonax flycatchers - and who was instrumental in bringing to fruition many of the lab's technologically advanced projects including one that may also be familiar to some of you, eBird - OK, most of you). This one - BirdCast:
>
> (https://birdcast.org/migration-tools/)
>
> One can subscribe to BirdCast alerts to discover and to explore patterns of nocturnal bird migration in the contiguous United States - I use it to study West Coast bat migrations, which it is equally good at deciphering. During migration events, especially high-intensity events, one can typically hear flight calls of migrating birds, especially from along shorelines, riparian corridors, and ridgelines. However, viewing is typically difficult. On that note, in the coming weeks, the Central Coast will experience two full moons: the Flower Moon on Friday, May 1 and a Blue Moon on Sunday, May 31. When conditions are right - that is, with the combination of a full moon AND a major nocturnal migration - it is possible to see silhouettes of migrants as they pass between us and our favorite cheesy satellite. Often, a scope or bins are not necessary.
> --
> Bill Haas
> Paso Robles
>
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 17, 2026 08:44 by Judy G
- Morro Bay Estuary (use more specific location(s) when possible), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8501072&<ll...>,-120.8501072 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S323170265 - Comments: "This plump duck was preening on a sand bar with a group of cormorants near the mouth of the main estuary channel as the tide was coming up. It appeared to be a female we had seen here a few weeks ago. Dark bill, very short tail, Buffy brown plumage. When the sand bar disappeared at high tide, she swam/floated away on her own."
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 15, 2026 08:59 by Tom Edell
- Pasadena Drive (35.331, -120.843), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8428043&<ll...>,-120.8428043 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S322156067 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "continuing female. Diving north of south oyster farm when first seen. It swam toward small storage dock and then stood on small wood framed structure with Double-crested Cormorants and Brown Pelican. Brown duck primarily identified by bulky brown shape and head and bill (black) shape. Viewed through scope I caught glimpses of the pale line extending back from the eye and down the neck and the white axillaries and underwing median coverts. This bird was first seen on the bay in Aug 2025 and is at least a third year female. Photos taken from 0.25 mile distant and cropped."
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1)
- Reported Apr 17, 2026 11:05 by Mark Mushkat
- Bluff Trail--Montana de Oro SP, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8948396&<ll...>,-120.8948396 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S323159179 - Comments: "In large feeding frenzy off shore with gulls, pelicans, cormorants, and guillemots. Extensive white on back, undertail, crown, chest, neck. Lower chest dark. Dark cheek patch and bill."
Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) (2)
- Reported Apr 17, 2026 11:35 by Jake Hager
- Morro Bay Estuary (use more specific location(s) when possible), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8501072&<ll...>,-120.8501072 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S323118979 - Comments: "Pair seen flying together from our oyster farm barge, from the estuary area south toward Los Osos. Seen well thru binoculars, overall black tern-like bird with white undersides and unmistakable large red bills."
Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 17, 2026 08:44 by Judy G
- Morro Bay Estuary (use more specific location(s) when possible), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8501072&<ll...>,-120.8501072 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S323170265 - Comments: "Could not determine if they were a pair, but as we were kayaking along the shore of the estuary, these two skimmers went back and forth along the shoreline from the marina to the main channel near the sea lions. Back and forth, occasionally resting within a group of terns in the dry pickleweed next to the water. The skimmers were mostly black on top, white on bottom with bodies similar in size to a royal or elegant tern. Wingspan is quite wide and they fly with their heads down lower than their bodies as they get nearer the water. Bill is quite long, dark orange, and we witnessed them coming right to us as they skimmed their bills in the water."
Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans) (3) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 15, 2026 08:59 by Tom Edell
- Pasadena Drive (35.331, -120.843), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8428043&<ll...>,-120.8428043 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S322156067 - Comments: "Calling. Seen resting on oyster farm floats with Royal and Forester's Terns. They were smaller than the Royal Terns with a thinner and slightly down curved yellow-orange bill, a full black crown and had a shaggy rear crest."
California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 17, 2026 11:04 by Steve Schubert
- 7185–7677 San Simeon Creek Rd, Cambria US-CA 35.65389, -121.04404, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.044036&<ll...>,-121.044036 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S323096741 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "2 soaring at Rocky Butte and high over ridgeline to the south. Near area of VWS release site. White-wing panels and steady flight in contrast to nearby smaller Turkey vultures with dihedral profile and wobbly soaring."
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) (1)
- Reported Apr 18, 2026 12:02 by Derek Lee
- Morro Bay SP--Marina/Boardwalk Trail, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8418006&<ll...>,-120.8418006 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S323728954 - Comments: "Yellow female with a thick, long bill. Wings slightly darker than body. No apparent wingbars. Perching on top of a tree for a few seconds. Flew south across the marine reserve before I had a chance to get a photo."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 4/18/26 12:52 pm From: sayers68 via groups.io <sayers68...> Subject: [slocobirding] Morro Bay fake bird sounds
Is anyone else in MB annoyed with the fake bird sounds coming from on top of Albertson's. Sounds like a gull, the a falcon, then an owl, then a kookaburra. It really echos into the evening and is driving me nuts.
Date: 4/18/26 11:32 am From: ChicoBill via groups.io <w.e.haas2...> Subject: [slocobirding] Birds on the Moon
Some of you may already be attuned to this; however, the recent high-intensity bird migration alert for the night of 17 Apr 2026 suggested this opportunity to share another of the many wonders of the Cornell Ornithology Lab (whose former director was my college roommate - who endlessly lectured me about the beauty of Empidonax flycatchers - and who was instrumental in bringing to fruition many of the lab's technologically advanced projects including one that may also be familiar to some of you, eBird - OK, most of you). This one - BirdCast:
One can subscribe to BirdCast alerts to discover and to explore patterns of nocturnal bird migration in the contiguous United States - I use it to study West Coast bat migrations, which it is equally good at deciphering. During migration events, especially high-intensity events, one can typically hear flight calls of migrating birds, especially from along shorelines, riparian corridors, and ridgelines. However, viewing is typically difficult. On that note, in the coming weeks, the Central Coast will experience two full moons: the Flower Moon on Friday, May 1 and a Blue Moon on Sunday, May 31. When conditions are right - that is, with the combination of a full moon AND a major nocturnal migration - it is possible to see silhouettes of migrants as they pass between us and our favorite cheesy satellite. Often, a scope or bins are not necessary.
--
Bill Haas
Paso Robles
Date: 4/18/26 10:04 am From: Kaaren Perry via groups.io <surfbird1...> Subject: [slocobirding] Spring Bird Yard Musing... Morro Bay
Hello Birders,
As the Spring season advances our migrant wintering visitors have basically moved on. No longer do the 20+ White-crown and Golden-crowns vie for the tossed seeds and bathing opportunities provided. A very few still linger. Harris’s Sparrow was last seen on April 6.
For now the arriving orioles have attracted my attention with various plumaged Hooded being the most frequent and even the much rarer Orchard making an appearance.
As the breeding season continues the most numerous species in our yard have once again become the House Sparrows. Glancing out the window yesterday I was privy to a glimpse of interesting breeding display. A female HOSP was intently involved in seed eating as a male approached. The male then changed his posture, standing up “straight and tall”, puffed out his chest, drooping his wings and proceeding to strut stiffly in a small, tight circle around the female. The female seeming oblivious. He circled at least 5 times before the pair flew off into the brush. I don’t recall observing this House Sparrow display in the past.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 16, 2026 08:31 by Nick & Jane
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S322643425 - Comments: "Female/imm male. High-pitched call notes, tiny in stature, paler overall than an imm/fem rufous/allen’s, but with a paler green back and brighter-toned but still pale orange wash on flanks. Also, a short straight bill and short tail. This bird was not associating with other hummers and was flitting in a tree in the northwest area of the park. Close to where the water crosses the path—maybe twenty yards to the east. The bird landed twice while I was trying to get the sun to my back for a better photo angle. No luck. Bird darted eastward. This was at the end of my walk—wasn’t up to the chase—my dogs were barkin’."
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) (1)
- Reported Apr 16, 2026 10:00 by Kaaren Perry
- Morro Bay yard, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.844846&<ll...>,-120.844846 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S322584590 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Small bright yellow female oriole, short tail and short bill. Last reported at this location April 6, 2026. Noticed foraging deep in Catalina Cherry before pausing for a brief perch on fence. Later seen drinking at water feature and perched wire."
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 16, 2026 08:31 by Nick & Jane
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S322643425 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing lady bird. Pale throat, black and white patterned, branch and trunk crawling behavior, black spots on white undertail coverts. Near Casa Diablo. Photo"
Nashville Warbler (ridgwayi) (Leiothlypis ruficapilla ridgwayi) (1)
- Reported Apr 16, 2026 08:31 by Nick & Jane
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S322643425 - Comments: "Nashville with gray wash deep onto mantle. I was thinking about this western subspecies today in particular since a Canada Warbler was reported yesterday. I asked myself while wandering to the park, could a Rigwayi easily be mistaken for a Canada Warbler? I had a sneaky suspicion that the answer could be an unexpected, Yes! But what field marks might get confused between the two, especially on a breezy day like today? It was while examining my second Nashville of the morning where I was really able to answer my own questions. Similar to a Canada, I did first see a yellow throat, followed by a dark grey head and bright white eyering. Then I noted a dark grey upper back. And since the bird wasn’t fully revealing itself in the oak where I spotted it, I noted how one could think, possible Canada, especially if one forgets about the prominent yellow lores of a Canada. Either way, I wouldn’t convince myself just yet, especially if not recalling the lore fieldmark. I would want two things: one, to eliminate the expected Nashy migrant, and two, to find more Canada field marks. So I asked myself what about the reported light streaks on the neck? What might I see? I did note that even though the chest and neck were bright yellow, one could easily mistake the layering of feathers and shadows between them as light streaking. It was a sort of illusion of the incantador, and in this case, a bird magician fooling me for possibly peering too long at that neck area perhaps. An easy duping of the birder, really, especially since the bird wasn’t in the open or available via crystal ball or scrying mirror. I see what I think I see, but also should be aware of the tricksy nature of bird identification. So I asked myself what else could and should be noted to separate the two species? For me, if I see a yellow underside (or any color really) I want to immediately note whether or not the bird has white undertail coverts. Even if I never note a Nashville’s green wings and green lower back (I can see how a mind can easily be tricked yet again by the elusive avian muse into thinking grey upperparts), especially in late afternoon light, which on a windy day would also cause a bird’s plumage to possibly be filled with shadows, I could still hopefully uncover the ID mystery, especially one that requires a burden of proof beyond a holistic approach—because eventually specifics are required. The Ridgwayi has a bright yellow underside, yes, but also a white patch on the belly (not always instantly observable, okay) but also has bright yellow undertail coverts. So while shadows can trick one about neck streaking, wing coloration, and even lower back coloration, those bright white undertail coverts should be a required viewing when one is possibly being duped by shadowy neck streaks. And in the case of the Rigwayi I was viewing: yellow undertail coverts. And so, yeah, while part of my mind wished there could be a Canada Warbler (and yet there could be, right?) I was more in the mind of exploring how a birder could be fooled by the western Nashville subspecies into thinking, Canada. No photo."
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's) (Setophaga coronata coronata x auduboni) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 16, 2026 08:31 by Nick & Jane
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S322643425 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Expected intergrade. Expanding my birding horizons into now searching for these commonish hybrids. The mystery birder a few days ago related field marks I should be on the hunt for, and in this case included a wide yellow throat, where white on the sides of the throat stretched into a myrtlish smile onto neck sides, a pale supercilium, and black mask from lores extending back onto entire cheek. Brighter wingbars than an audubon’s, less messy than a myrtle. Thanks, mystery birder, this is my first ID! Photo."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 4/16/26 5:29 pm From: Rubba Johanna via groups.io <jer72701...> Subject: [slocobirding] Help with sparrow ID
Hi, all! I saw a sparrow at Sweet Springs that I didn't recognize. It seemed relatively large. The color was uniform over the bird: its body was white or off-white, and all other markings were a light beige. The throat, breast, and belly were streaked with this light beige. The crown had stripes similar to the White-crowned sparrow, but in the same beige color as the breast. The bill was light grey; the legs looked pink. I didn't get a good read on the back and wings, but I think there was streaking in the same beige as the other parts. The lightness of the color was striking. The bird was in shade, at the bank of the creek near the bridge. I have not found a matching bird in the Nat Geo guide.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 14, 2026 09:40 by Petra Clayton
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S322262482 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Regularly eBird-reported species since 9/21/25.
Boldly streaked black and white pattern; black upperparts with white streaks; grayish-white face; white eyering; eyeline starting behind the eye; black crown with broad white center stripe; broad white supercilium; white throat and underparts; black streaks on the flanks; black spots on the undertail; two white wingbars; sharply pointed bill."
Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis) (1)
- Reported Apr 15, 2026 16:37 by Alexander Yan
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S322270326 - Comments: "Possible candidate, seen briefly in the trees at the coordinates 35.26771° N, 120.66039° W ; wind picking up and didn’t manage to get a photo. Also silent and did not respond to playback. Gray back, yellow underneath, yellow throat, bold eye ring going through the gray cap, and faint ring of streaking across the chest. Not very bold streaking so probably a female / immature. Seen these before in Maine."
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Date: 4/15/26 7:41 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [slocobirding] [eBird Alert] San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- King Eider (1 report)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Finally, I’d like to commend all of you for your AMAZING submissions to the Bird Atlas effort, and to remind everyone that MORE information is ALWAYS a good thing. If the bird is carrying nesting materiel, then what is it? Grass? Sticks? Lichen? Did you notice what sort of tree the American Crow used for its sticks? Is the Oak Titmouse carrying food that happens to be Oak Moth Caterpillars? These details can be enormous in advancing the science we’re collecting. Take a moment, especially when finding nesting behavior, to describe the other plants and animals involved in the ecosystem.
Date: 4/13/26 2:44 pm From: njmann90 via groups.io <njmann50...> Subject: [slocobirding] Male Black-headed Grosbeak
FOS for my yard near SLO Vet's Hall Male Black-headed Grosbeak today.
NJM
--
Nancy Jean Mann (It/It's)
San Luis Obispo
“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But
that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with
the time that is given us.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring…
See more
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 12, 2026 15:58 by Grace Hayes
- Cuesta Inlet, Los Osos US-CA (35.3201,-120.8505), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.850531&<ll...>,-120.850531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S320943639 - Comments: "Slender relatively small gull with small dark bill. Gray mantle with back wing tips extending over tail. Winter plumage without hooded head. Eye looks large and dark with black smudging near eye. Seen in location where it has been previously reported."
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 12, 2026 09:38 by Jay Carroll
- 495 Ramona Ave, Los Osos US-CA 35.32021, -120.84518, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.845178&<ll...>,-120.845178 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S320802440 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Found earlier by Jeff Davis, the bird was mostly sheltering in a bushy Wax Myrtle tree, occasionally vocalizing a varied jumble of squeaky song phrases; plain appearance with overall unmarked gray plumage, black cap, darker tail, and chestnut undertail coverts; photos."
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) (1)
- Reported Apr 12, 2026 10:05 by Petra Clayton
- Los Osos: Ramona Ave/Pine Ave, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8448963&<ll...>,-120.8448963 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S320933585 - Media: 1 Video, 5 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing since this morning (Jeff Davis).
Overall gray, black crown, black eye. Unable to see the color of the undertail as the bird was deep in dense shrubbery."
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 12, 2026 09:03 by Connie Moss
- Ramona and Pine GRCA Stakeout, Baywood-Los Osos, California, US (35.32, -120.845), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8446649&<ll...>,-120.8446649 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S320801842 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing found by Jeff Davis overall, a grey bird with black cap and black tail was singing unfortunately I closed merlin without saving the recording ugh! Pics tba"
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 12, 2026 09:03 by Michael Moss
- Ramona and Pine GRCA Stakeout, Baywood-Los Osos, California, US (35.32, -120.845), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8446649&<ll...>,-120.8446649 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S320801841 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing found by Jeff Davis overall, a grey bird with black cap and black tail was singing unfortunately I closed merlin without saving the recording ugh! Pics tba"
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 12, 2026 09:16 by Doug Drynan
- Sweet Springs Nature Preserve, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8422726&<ll...>,-120.8422726 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S320804358 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "continuing bird first observed by Jeff Davis this AM at the corner of Pine and Ramona. when I arrived, Mike Moss had just seen and photographed the bird on the electrical wire above the clump of shrubs where it has been seen. After about 20 minutes of watching the bird came out into the open briefly. It was also occasionally singing deep within the shrubs. When it popped out, I could see the all grey bird with a black cap, and rusty undertail coverts."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) (1)
- Reported Apr 11, 2026 11:14 by Michael Moss
- Cuesta Inlet (previously Doris Ave Marsh), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8493236&<ll...>,-120.8493236 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S320268882 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing found by Jim Royer this morning black bill, partial eye ring forming, patch grey mottling on back of neck and head, black wing terminals pic tba"
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) (1)
- Reported Apr 11, 2026 11:11 by Mark Mushkat
- Cuesta Inlet (previously Doris Ave Marsh), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8493236&<ll...>,-120.8493236 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S320255930 - Comments: "Reported by Jim R. Small immature gull, solid black bill, straight lower mandible, broken eye ring, dark legs, smudge behind eye, white crown, gray nape. Prominent white rump with wide black terminal band."
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) (1)
- Reported Apr 11, 2026 10:08 by Jim Royer
- Cuesta Inlet (previously Doris Ave Marsh), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8493236&<ll...>,-120.8493236 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S320425576 - Comments: "This gull was with a noticeably larger Western Gull on the exposed shore along the edge of the bay at Cuesta Inlet Mouth. It was superficially like a large Bonaparte’s or Franklins gull, but it had a larger black bill, mottled dark gray underwings, a wide black terminal tail band across the entire tail, a blackish smudge behind the dark eye, with gray back of neck and breast. Several other birders confirmed the sighting."
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) (1)
- Reported Apr 11, 2026 16:15 by Jim Royer
- My House, 337 Henrietta Ave., Los Osos US-CA (35.3172,-120.8507), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8507143&<ll...>,-120.8507143 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S320425819 - Comments: "First spring male. Large tanager with no obvious wingbars on olive wings, redial in chest, and head, and upper back. Pinkish wash below chest. Olive nape and undertail."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 10, 2026 07:57 by Nick & Jane
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S319720646 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing wintering female (since last fall). In park’s easternmost bottlebrush tree and then in diff tree adjacent to fence. Pale throat, black spots on white undertail coverts. Black-and-white streaky pattern. Photo"
Orange-crowned Warbler (Gray-headed) (Leiothlypis celata celata/orestera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 10, 2026 07:57 by Nick & Jane
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S319720646 - Comments: "Continuing. Found by mystery birder yesterday (yesterday I didn’t get a good look). Re-found in same area today. Greyish head. No photo."
Nashville Warbler (ridgwayi) (Leiothlypis ruficapilla ridgwayi) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 10, 2026 07:57 by Nick & Jane
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S319720646 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "I’m curious why ridgewayi is coming up as rare. Isn’t this the western subspecies that migrates along the California coast to the Sierras, western Canada, etc.? Male bird. Photo."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) (1)
- Reported Apr 09, 2026 07:02 by The Spotting Twohees
- Ormonde Road, San Luis Obispo, California, US (35.178, -120.62), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6202201&<ll...>,-120.6202201 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S319312775 - Media: 2 Audio
- Comments: "Came back today to try and get a recording. After 1.5 hours it sang twice about 2 minutes apart. Bird was upstream from the bridge an unknown distance.
My recording is similar to the one in this checklist (researched by Nick Belardes) https://ebird.org/checklist/S70504737"
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) (1)
- Reported Apr 09, 2026 09:12 by Nick & Jane
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S319320950 - Comments: "Continuing wintering female refound by mystery birder! This individual hasn’t been seen for about a month. She was in a bottlebrush near Casa Diablo, then in an oak eating a bug. Photos."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 4/9/26 12:31 pm From: shawnabw via groups.io <shawnabw...> Subject: [slocobirding] Pelagic Trip April 18 from Morro Bay
Hi all!
I wanted to give an update for the upcoming Pelagic trip out of Morro Bay on April 18...
We will have on board Reef Comer, local resident of MB. He has been on 60+ pelagic trips and will be guiding, chumming, and identifying birds!
Things to note:
* We are limiting the capacity of the boat so as to not have it too crowded on board.
* We are limited to a 20 mile radius from the harbor per the certificate of our vessel.
* We have 17 spots left as of this post.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Redhead (Aythya americana) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 04, 2026 07:56 by Paul Neuwald
- Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6207848&<ll...>,-120.6207848 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S318843057 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Medium-sized diving duck with rusty-red head, black breast, and gray back, and a steep, blocky forehead. Found in the smaller lake on northside of trail at entrance to boardwalk. Ironically, another pair of Redheads were seen in the same place last year around the same time. Photos by Luke Jensen."
Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 08, 2026 07:46 by Nick & Jane
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S318925435 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Adult male. Tiny hummer with lovely streaked rosy gorget. Short, squarish tail. Bright white around base of bill/gape. White chest. Green and buffy belly and vent. White patch behind eyes. Seen fly past into mid-park bottlebrush while I was very patiently examining the various waves of the hummingbird swarm. Seen a little while after spotting Black-chinneds. Location of calliope: 35.2678838,-120.6618018 photo"
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) (1)
- Reported Apr 08, 2026 11:24 by Nick & Jane
- Ovenbird Party, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.62009&<ll...>,-120.62009 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S318928086 - Comments: "Continuing bird singing “teacher teacher teacher teacher teacher.” The song progressively got louder and ended abruptly. Heard sing 2-3 times while facing east on bridge overlooking creek. The finder (mystery birder) was around and noted that was the bird. Mystery birder also mentioned the warbler also called when originally found, though it didn’t call for us later. Bird was not seen. No recording."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 4/8/26 10:14 am From: Kaaren Perry via groups.io <surfbird1...> Subject: [slocobirding] Another Oriole for the Spring list...
Following up my post of 4/5 regarding the Hooded and Bullock's orioles visiting our yard. We can now add another species of oriole to that list. On Sunday morning 4/5 I took 2 photos of an oriole perched on the electric wires over our yard. I initially identified it as a Hooded Oriole, the expected species this season. I later spent some time reviewing my photos, additional references and comments shared with me by others familiar with both species and now it is confirmed as adult female Orchard Oriole. A much rarer species to this county. Last county ebird report of the Orchard Oriole was at this location on February 15, 2026.
Separating female Hooded and Orchard orioles is known to be very tricky and I am posting the 2 photos on flickr of the confirmed female Orchard Oriole seen on Sunday, April 5. Maybe it will help sort out the 2 species the next time you see a female oriole?? 🤞.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 05, 2026 09:30 by Kaaren Perry
- Morro Bay yard, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.844846&<ll...>,-120.844846 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S317545324 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Small female oriole with rounded head, short bill and short tail, . Retrices appear brownish olive. Originally reported as Hooded Oriole but on further study, review of photos and comments by others it is being reported now as adult female Orchard.
The bird appeared small but size was difficult to assess when seen from below perched on overhead wires with no other birds present for comparison."
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 07, 2026 11:10 by Nick & Jane
- Damon-Garcia Sports Field, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6476746&<ll...>,-120.6476746 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S318461709 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "First-year/adult male. Striking, gorgeous bird with high contrast black-and-white streaking, which shone especially thick with black streaks on upper chest and flanks. Overall, the bird was far more striking, bolder, less dull than the recent wintering female at Meadow Park, which itself was a fun, beautiful continuing bird. This male warbler had a stark black chin and mottled black-and-white throat, black auriculars, white malars, a white eyering, and thick black spots on its undertail coverts—the spots were thicker by base of tail. Even its double white wingbars popped (as did its bold head and back streaking). Its white undertail had a black base and black edges. Definitely the coolest and most impressive black-and-white specimen I’ve seen. It was crawling on trunks near the bridge between soccer fields (35.2510955,-120.6474989). At times it was with the orange-crowned warbler. Photos—though I wish they were as interesting as the experience."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 4/7/26 9:10 am From: Ginger Langdon-Lassagne via groups.io <binzer...> Subject: [slocobirding] Bird Atlas Update and tips for better breeding codes
Hey folks! Bird Atlas Update!
Thank you again to everyone contributing to the California Bird Atlas. The latest edition of The Atlas Dispatch 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 some truly incredible photos. One of the aspects of working towards the goals of the Atlas is the way it gives my birding new excitement & purpose. In this edition of The Atlas Dispatch, we have a few “mini-missions” for you to check out: 1) “tell someone new about the Atlas”; 2) “Atlas somewhere unexpected”; and 3) “Note how species are interconnected.”
I’d like to thank everyone for the effort in using the breeding codes correctly. One of the toughest things to determine is which code to use, when you see an actual nest. The guidance on this page is key: https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/about/breeding-codes
A word to the wise: woodpeckers and wrens are weird! ALL of our Woodpeckers, most of our Wrens (more data needed on Rock & Canyon Wrens), and also Scaly-breasted Munia & Verdin, build “decoy nests” that can be used for overnight roosting but never end up being used for eggs or nestlings! The code to use for Wrens seen carrying nesting material or Woodpeckers excavating a cavityis B — do not use the code CN for these species.
Another difficulty happens when we find a nest and an adjacent adult bird, but cannot see into the nest or hear any nestlings cheeping. Never jump to conclusions! It is only an Occupied Nest (ON) if it is an “...adult sitting in nest in incubating position, adult entering nest site and remaining, or exchange of incubation duties by the pair. This code is useful for nests high in trees, on cliffs, and in chimneys where the contents of the nest and incubating or brooding adult cannot be seen.” We have a lot of Cliff Swallows passing through the county on their way to points northward, and many of them are excitedly visiting nesting sites from past years’ breeding by other individuals - these should be coded “N” because no incubation of eggs is happening this early. Having said that, if you see behavior that you think could be indicating a case of super-early egg-laying or nestlings? Put those behaviors into documentation on your checklist: words, photos, audio or video are vital for this!
Thanks for all of your efforts! If you have any questions about the Atlas or the breeding codes, or just want to chat about a fun breeding behavior you observed, feel free to email me, anytime.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Redhead (Aythya americana) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 04, 2026 07:56 by TEDDY LLOVET
- Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6207848&<ll...>,-120.6207848 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S317610766 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Medium-sized diving duck with rusty-red head, black breast, and gray back, and a steep, blocky forehead. Found in the smaller lake on northside of trail at entrance to boardwalk. Ironically, another pair of Redheads were seen in the same place last year around the same time. Photos by Luke Jensen."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Redhead (Aythya americana) (2)
- Reported Apr 05, 2026 06:47 by Maggie Smith
- Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6207848&<ll...>,-120.6207848 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S317551439 - Comments: "Seen in small opening onto small lake directly across from entrance to bridge. Male with rounded red head, gray back, black breast, yellow eye and black tipped blue gray bill; female all brown with gray bill."
Redhead (Aythya americana) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 04, 2026 07:56 by Debra Cherry
- Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6207848&<ll...>,-120.6207848 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S317515594 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Medium-sized diving duck with rusty-red head, black breast, and gray back, and a steep, blocky forehead. Found in the smaller lake on northside of trail at entrance to boardwalk. Ironically, another pair of Redheads were seen in the same place last year around the same time. Photos by Luke Jensen."
Redhead (Aythya americana) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 04, 2026 07:56 by di dickey
- Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6207848&<ll...>,-120.6207848 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S317071892 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Medium-sized diving duck with rusty-red head, black breast, and gray back, and a steep, blocky forehead. Found in the smaller lake on northside of trail at entrance to boardwalk. Ironically, another pair of Redheads were seen in the same place last year around the same time. Photos by Luke Jensen."
Redhead (Aythya americana) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 04, 2026 07:56 by Cameron Ward
- Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6207848&<ll...>,-120.6207848 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S317096919 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Medium-sized diving duck with rusty-red head, black breast, and gray back, and a steep, blocky forehead. Found in the smaller lake on northside of trail at entrance to boardwalk. Ironically, another pair of Redheads were seen in the same place last year around the same time. Photos by Luke Jensen."
Redhead (Aythya americana) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 04, 2026 07:56 by Jaimie Bruzenak
- Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6207848&<ll...>,-120.6207848 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S317104256 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Medium-sized diving duck with rusty-red head, black breast, and gray back, and a steep, blocky forehead. Found in the smaller lake on northside of trail at entrance to boardwalk. Ironically, another pair of Redheads were seen in the same place last year around the same time. Photos by Luke Jensen."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 4/5/26 3:38 pm From: Kaaren Perry via groups.io <surfbird1...> Subject: [slocobirding] Morro Bay checking in.... April has kicked off!!
More than likely I am not the only one that has been eagerly awaiting April's Spring arrivals.
To date the most noticeable number of migrants here in our Morro Bay yard has been the growing number of Oriole's. Two species have arrived in good numbers with at least 8 Hooded Orioles briefly perching on a leafless maple before moving on in a flock. 2 HOOR, adult male and female had been seen during March and continue.
A small group of Bullock's Orioles were seen while perching on the wires. The BUOR group had 2 young male and 1 female type, always fun to sort out age and sex at this time.
The Harris's Sparrow returned to our yard after last being seeing here on March 10. When it hadn't returned in March I had believed and posted that it had more than likely moved on. Very surprised and pleased to witness it's return on April 2. It was still visiting our yard today, Thursday April 5.
As expected White-crowned and Golden-crowned numbers continue to decline .
Hummmm .... Wonder who will be next to pass through? 😎
Date: 4/5/26 11:50 am From: Judy Neuhauser via groups.io <picaloki...> Subject: [slocobirding] Spring migration
Spring migration seems to be happening in Los Osos. This morning I had a flock of 12 Cedar Wax-wings, a pair of Black-headed Grosbeaks, and a single Brown-headed Cowbird (new to my yard). I checked birdcast.info <http://birdcast.info/>, which shows a lot of movement along the west coast this year at this time, compared to the same date for the previous 3 years.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Redhead (Aythya americana) (2)
- Reported Apr 04, 2026 07:56 by Robbie & Bob Revel
- Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6207848&<ll...>,-120.6207848 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S316954376 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Medium-sized diving duck with rusty-red head, black breast, and gray back, and a steep, blocky forehead. Found in the smaller lake on northside of trail at entrance to boardwalk. Ironically, another pair of Redheads were seen in the same place last year around the same time. Photos by Luke Jensen."
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 01, 2026 11:40 by Petra Clayton
- San Simeon Creek Mouth/Beach, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.1267052&<ll...>,-121.1267052 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S315769137 - Media: 1 Video, 9 Photos
- Comments: "Female continuing since 12/1/2025 (Reef Comer). Not reported at this location from 1/1/26 to 2/5/26.
Round head; white face and neck; dark crown stripe continuing to nape; dark cheek patch that extends from the nape to the chin; bluish bill with dark nail.
Today observed preening in the creek west of the Highway one bridge."
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) (1)
- Reported Apr 03, 2026 13:26 by Alex Pellegrini
- Morro Rock, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8670566&<ll...>,-120.8670566 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S316498470 - Comments: "Medium grebe, basic plumage, sharp and heavy predominantly yellow bill with a dusky wash on the upper mandible, white flanks and cheek wrapping underneath the chin, dark back. (35.3634384, -120.8631901) Photos tba"
Harris's Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 03, 2026 14:00 by Kaaren Perry
- Morro Bay yard, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.844846&<ll...>,-120.844846 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S316517381 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing at this location. Seen perched on utility wires before dropping to feed on seeds and weeds in the lower garden. Drinking from water feature on a few occasions during the visit. It disappeared and reappeared in the garden several times during the afternoon"
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You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Redhead (Aythya americana) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 02, 2026 09:11 by Ann Stockert
- Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6207848&<ll...>,-120.6207848 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S316098238 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Rare and irregular spring migrant/dispersal here.
One female-plumaged bird was seen diving with Scaups on the southeast side of the beginning of the east boardwalk entrance here: (35.030360, -120.620503). Not sure if this is a continuing bird originally found here on Saturday 3/28 (when a pair was photographed) or whether this is a new bird. Regardless, this was a uniformly light brown Aythya duck with slightly darker brown scapulars and wing coverts, a broken pale eyering, and a faint pale postocular streak. The bill was a mostly veiled dark gray color with a paler band near the bill tip, and the bill tip itself was a darker black color. The bird’s legs and feet were a pale grayish color, though this was only seen for short periods of time as this bird was actively diving. Between dives the head shape was rounded and the forehead was steep. Before diving it compressed its plumage (presumably to squeeze out any excess air) before jumping slightly out of the water and forward to dive. This gave the head a slightly “blockier” appearance just prior to diving. Compared to nearby Scaup, this duck was larger with a proportionately longer neck. We were able to study and successfully attempt to photograph this bird for ~5 minutes at a reasonable distance before moving on."
Harris's Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 02, 2026 11:20 by Kaaren Perry
- Morro Bay yard, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.844846&<ll...>,-120.844846 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S316058822 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Arrived with a small mixed flock. Seen feeding from scattered seeds and various small weeds before moving to the grassy area to forage. A few drinks from the water features. The bird revisited the area throughout the day. Last seen at this location March 10. Upon review of past submitted photos plumage changes from juvenile, immature and heading to adult breeding were apparent."
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You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 4/2/26 12:29 pm From: Ginger Langdon-Lassagne via groups.io <binzer...> Subject: [slocobirding] California Bird Atlas: news and pointers for better data
Happy April to all birders! Spring has sprung here, and we are seeing and hearing more and more of the birds who call SLO County their home for the breeding season!
I’d like to update you all on the latest local news from the California Breeding Bird Atlas Project. San Luis Obispo County is CRUSHING IT. As of this past weekend, less than 3 months into the project, we hit 50% of our total atlas blocks visited, within our county!!!

[Image of SLO County’s atlas blocks, from here: https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/effortmap ]
This is is an absolutely phenomenal result for a county that’s this rural, and contains so much land that’s military/private ranch/Diablo Canyon Power Plant inaccessible to the public. We are working to gain access to many of those blocks, and I’ll eventually be reaching out to volunteers to go into those spaces. Let me know if you would like to be on that short list!
Additionally, the quality of the data that you all are producing is truly excellent. The vast majority of the breeding codes that we are seeing used in this county are accurate and well-documented. You are all doing so much for SCIENCE! If you haven’t joined the project yet, for whatever reason, please know that we’re open to people joining whenever it makes sense for you, and sooner is always better! If you want to look into more on what we’ve been doing, here’s the California Bird Atlas YouTube Channel with more information: https://www.youtube.com/@CaliforniaBirdAtlas
For those that have already joined, I’d like to pass on a couple pointers that might help us be even more fabulous in the data collection effort. When you are in the field, and you hear a bird making a sound, it can be challenging to determine if this is a time when you should use the “S” code for “singing bird.” Wrentits are known for “singing” year-round, for one example. Here’s a good rule of thumb to keep in mind: if the sound is described as “song” in the Sibley app or in Cornell’s Merlin app, then it’s a singing bird. Often, we encounter birds singing here that typically migrate away to other places to breed. It’s appropriate to us the “S” code for a Yellow-rumped Warbler singing at Morro Bay Marina, or a White-crowned Sparrow in Paso Robles, even though they’re unlikely to breed there. If you detect some indication that the bird is actively defending a nesting area with the song, you can mention that in the comments. So… don’t be afraid to use “S” for birds that are going to migrate. Additionally, I’d encourage you to familiarize yourself with what *IS* the song of the more common birds. The Spotted Towhee was a surprise for me!
Comments in the checklist, and other documentation such as photo or audio or video, are truly VITAL in the bird atlas efforts. Sometimes, I find myself in the grocery store parking lot without a camera, when a bird is exhibiting breeding behavior. If you’re not able to take a video, then a narrative description of EXACTLY what you observed is crucial to the final analysis of the data. If it’s carrying food, what was the food? Going from where? To where? Don’t try to get inside what the bird is thinking. Just report how you saw it behave. A funny example of this — I recently thought I saw courtship behavior between two California Towhees in my garden. They approached each other, fluttered their wings like fledglings do, and proceeded to pick up a stick and a blade of grass, respectively. I thought, “Awwww, they are gathering nesting material! How sweet!” After dancing around each other for about 30 seconds, one of them attacked the other with its stick! I looked up the behavior of California Towhees in Birds of the World, and discovered I wasn’t witnessing courtship — it was a “knife fight” of territorial defense! Your best tools for this task are Cornell’s Birds of the World and Merlin bird ID’s audio database.
Thanks for reading along if you’ve made it this far into the message. :-) I hope to make these a regular feature here on Fridays, with weekly tips for using the codes, and requests for specific locations to round out our coverage of the county. For now, just know that you all are doing so much more than we expected when his project began! THANK YOU!
Loving this Community Where I Live & Bird,
Ginger Langdon-Lassagne
Regional Co-Coordinator, California Bird Atlas
<binzer...>
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) (1)
- Reported Apr 01, 2026 11:00 by Jamie Woolf
- Pismo SB--Oceano Campground, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6265268&<ll...>,-120.6265268 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S315668541 - Comments: "Likely the same bird reported by Ann Stockert on March 30. Greenish body, orangish head with flecks of red. It was silent. It flew into a tree in the native garden area where we had good looks at it."
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You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Mar 30, 2026 11:00 by Robbie & Bob Revel
- San Simeon Creek Mouth/Beach, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.1267052&<ll...>,-121.1267052 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S315259405 - Comments: "White belly, dark back, small bill, smallish head. Distinctive White face. Dark on lower cheek.LTDU was swimming and diving in the creek underneath the bridge over highway 1."
Western x Clark's Grebe (hybrid) (Aechmophorus occidentalis x clarkii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Mar 27, 2026 08:44 by Robbie & Bob Revel
- Santa Margarita Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4874811&<ll...>,-120.4874811 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S315259622 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Photos and Notes by KH
*Rare. Seen while sorting through a raft of grebes here: (35.323208, -120.453683). There may have been a 1-2 more hybrids in the same raft as this one but they quickly dove when the raft was flushed by a passing boat (not us). It is also worth noting that we did see ~4 mixed grebe species pairs on the lake today.
This Aechmophorus grebe was mostly like Clark’s (having the orangey bill and paler flanks of that species), but also had somewhat of a thicker hind neck stripe that is more typical of Western. Most striking, however, was that the dark hood extended down below and completely encompassed the eye, extending into a point nearly connecting to the bill gape.
This bird did not appear to be paired up like most grebes were/are at this point. We studied this bird for about a minute at a reasonably close distance before a passing boat flushed the raft. MB and I were able to get photos."
Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (2)
- Reported Mar 31, 2026 07:49 by Will Knowlton
- 10827–10891 CA-46 E, Paso Robles US-CA (35.6586,-120.4893), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.489259&<ll...>,-120.489259 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S315369260 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Pair observed nest building. One adult was doing most of the nest building, while the other adult perched nearby and sometimes made short flights to the nest. The nest is located about a half mile from this location. A scope is needed for viewing. Distant scope photos included that show the dark bib and white chin of one of the adults. Both were observed flying and showed long, pointed wings with white underwing coverts in flight."
Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) (1)
- Reported Mar 31, 2026 09:33 by Ann Stockert
- Cerro Alto Campground, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.7491446&<ll...>,-120.7491446 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S315410272 - Comments: "Early but not unexpected as it has thus far been a good early spring for this and some other species. This unseen bird was heard briefly from the upper part of the road giving several typical burry “ka-breer” calls. It sounded far off on a nearby hill but still close enough to clearly identify. No photos or audio recordings were attempted."
Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Mar 27, 2026 08:44 by Robbie & Bob Revel
- Santa Margarita Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4874811&<ll...>,-120.4874811 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S315259622 - Comments: "Notes by KH
*Early, but not that unexpected as it has thus far been a good early spring for this and some other species. This unseen bird was heard briefly from the boat giving several typical burry “ka-brick” calls from here: (35.322242, -120.446106). I am not sure whether or not others were able to hear this bird; a nearby thrasher singing at the same time did not help. No photos or audio recordings were attempted."
Black-throated Gray Warbler (Setophaga nigrescens) (3)
- Reported Mar 31, 2026 09:33 by Ann Stockert
- Cerro Alto Campground, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.7491446&<ll...>,-120.7491446 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S315410272 - Comments: "Slightly early, and a rather high count for March. One ASY male was seen initially feeding in the oak canopy ~20 yards along the Boy Scout Trail from the first parking lot, and then later two more ASY males were seen in a warbler flock ~100 yards up the road from the first parking lot. The first bird was mostly seen from below, and we were able to note the mostly white underparts with dark blobby streaked down the sides and onto the flanks and the pale undertail with dark edges. We were able to see the head more clearly as it foraged, noting the entirely black throat, auriculars, and crown that contrasted with the bright white malar and supercillium. Also visible was the small yellow supraloral spot of this species, a small dark bill, and dark legs and feet. This individual caught a fly or winged insect of some sort and was last seen flying towards the lower parking lot. The other two ASY males were seen much closer and at eye level in willows and small oaks and showed all characteristics mentioned in the first individual in addition to dark-streaked backs bluish-gray backs, wing coverts, and tail, as well as double white wingbars. All birds were vocal giving flat “chup” calls and at least one singing a typical buzzy “zeedle zeedle zeedle zeet-chee” song. I (KH) was able to get photos of the first bird and Ann was able to get photos of at least one if not both of the later birds."
Hermit Warbler (Setophaga occidentalis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Mar 27, 2026 08:44 by Robbie & Bob Revel
- Santa Margarita Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4874811&<ll...>,-120.4874811 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S315259622 - Comments: "Early, though not overly surprising given what has thus far been an early spring for this and several other species.
I (KH) first noticed this bird upon hearing an interesting song emanating from a small stand of pines from the boat as we were slowly moving along the lake edge around here: (35.325050, -120.456180). The song was similar to Townsend’s to my ear, but clearly less buzzy with more of a ringing quality, etc.
My view of this bird was brief and not very good, but I was able to see what appeared to be a small grayish warbler with wing bars and what appeared to probably be a yellow face lacking a dark cheek patch (not seen overly well), a definite pale breast lacking any yellow color below the throat, pale flanks lacking any sort of streaking, and white outer tail feathers. This bird did appear to have a good amount of black in the throat (and was singing) indicating a male, but I was unable to see the extent of black in the throat and whether or not there were dark centers or molt limits in the median secondary wing coverts so I am not sure whether it was a SY or ASY bird.
Almost immediately upon locating the bird in the small stand of pines it flew to an adjacent Oak before flying back and out of sight. I believe one or two people may have heard the bird singing but I believe I was the only person to see the bird, unfortunately. No photos were attempted and we did not linger."
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