Date: 1/9/26 4:22 pm From: Vicki Silvas-Young via groups.io <mrnngwrblr...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Greater Roadrunner sighted on San Antonio Valley Road 2 days after the Mt. Hamilton CBC
This is the photo more easily viewed.
Vicki
On Fri, Jan 9, 2026 at 4:18 PM Vicki Silvas-Young via groups.io <mrnngwrblr=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 1/9/26 4:18 pm From: Vicki Silvas-Young via groups.io <mrnngwrblr...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Greater Roadrunner sighted on San Antonio Valley Road 2 days after the Mt. Hamilton CBC
I am posting this sighting to correct some misconceptions and as recommended by Bob Hirt, compiler for the Mt. Hamilton CBC. On Sunday, January 4, 2026, I drove San Antonio Valley Road to get a more accurate mileage for this section. At 37.329793, -121.490292, right after a cattle guard, a Greater Roadrunner ran across the road in front of my car, traveling from the right to the left side of the road. I managed to get some photos of it, the best of which is attached in the weirdest spot ever in this email.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 1/8/26 2:28 pm From: janna pauser via groups.io <jannapauser...> Subject: [southbaybirds] recent Almaden Valley 5MR birds
Yesterday 1-7, I birded Los Capitancillos Ponds west. A BALD EAGLE flew
in and perched on top of a Cedar and started chirping. Perhaps this is a
reason for fewer ducks here this year. Other birds of interest were two
male COMMON GOLDENEYE, 2 female HOODED MERGANSER, RUDDY DUCKS,
BUFFLEHEAD and just one RING NECKED DUCK. A SPOTTED SANDPIPER, FOX
SPARROW, BELTED KINGFISHER, 2 NO. FLICKER, 5 W. BLUEBIRDS, 4 AM.
GOLDFINCH and a single TREE SWALLOW were seen.
Mid morning today I birded the Randol Creek trail. It was very windy and
birds were sparse. GOLDEN and WHITE CROWNED SPARROWS were concentrated
in a few area's. One of my first birds was a WHITE THROATED SPARROW not
far from the north entrance. I heard 2 NORTHERN FLICKER, PURPLE FINCH,
WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, CAL. QUAIL and best of all a WRENTIT that has
remained in this unusual location for many years.
Just moments ago I spotted a WHITE THROATED SPARROW in my backyard.
photos attached.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 1/8/26 2:23 pm From: Vicki Silvas-Young via groups.io <mrnngwrblr...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Yesterday's Field Trip to Sunnyvale WPCP, 1-7-2026
Good morning, Birders of the South Bay,
Yesterday after some good rain, Dan Bloch and I joined 15 wind-proofed birders to explore the environs of the Sunnyvale WPCP. Our 35 species list started off with theTree Swallows that greeted us overhead as a Green Heron waited patiently in the Sunnyvale West Channel for us to spot it. Walking toward the bay we looked high and low on the slope for a Burrowing Owl. but the grass is getting taller making it difficult to see them and maybe difficult for them to use the ground squirrel burrows there. White-crowned Sparrows escorted us along the trail to another Green Heron hanging out in the channel. A male Anna's Hummingbird and Yellow-rumped Warblers "sang" to us as we observed a HUGE flock of American Crows up the trail. A few pairs of Green-winged Teal prompted a discussion of the characteristics of Green-winged Teal and Eurasian Teal as did the European Starlings prompted a discussion of their plumage. One attendee stated that the speckled plumage of the juveniles looked like they had a string of Christmas lights hung on them! Can't disagree with that. Then we saw not one, but two Bald Eagles in the distance which made it easier to see the Forster's Tern flitting in the foreground. There were lots of gull species sitting on the two pipes with their heads tucked under their wings that had some male and female Lesser Scaup swimming behind them. There was a lot of discussion about which scaup! But maybe we learned something. All along this part of the channel were the Common Gallinules of the day, a most curious spot for them to be found on this trip. The Marsh Wrens were singing as were the Red-winged Blackbirds, tuning up for Spring. At the very end, along with the Black-necked Stilts and Greater Yellowlegs, very neatly lined up were a Great Egret, Snowy Egret, and a Great-blue Heron making a nice comparison as a Clark's Grebe lounged on land gazing in the distance. On the way back we were surprised by an escort of White-throated Swifts who flew low along the channel so we got some good views of the top of the birds as they flew by us.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 1/6/26 7:58 pm From: Rick Herder via groups.io <rick.herder...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Quick summary of the 2025 Calero-Morgan Hill CBC
Saturday, December 27 began with light rain but cleared around 10am, making a cool but pleasant count day. A record number of counters (103) recorded 148 species, the highest number of species in 9 years. However, numbers of birds were below average for most species. Exceptions were Golden Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, and Common Raven, whose numbers are all trending up. Santa Clara’s south valley showed that it is a fine spot for viewing eagles. On count day a probable 7 Bald Eagles were seen in 5 different sectors, and up to 27 Golden Eagles in 8 sectors (still being reviewed).
The most surprising rare bird of the day was a Cassin’s Kingbird in Coyote Valley, although that species seems to be moving northward. Also in Coyote Valley were Greater White-fronted, Ross’s, and Cackling Goose. Forty-nine Tree Swallows were counted, and single Violet-green and Barn Swallows. A Townsend’s Solitare was found on the slopes of Mt. Umunhum, and both Grasshopper and Chipping Sparrows made return appearances.
Our 14 sector leaders did a great job of organizing coverage of their areas, especially with so many new birders, and we received enthusiastic comments from volunteers. Coyote Valley clearly has become locally famous, many newcomers specifically asked to count in Coyote Valley.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 1/3/26 3:00 pm From: Kirsten Holmquist via groups.io <kirsten.holmquist...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Sandpiper Murmuration at Alviso Marina, Pacific Golden Plover near EEC
I headed over to Alviso Marina today in time to catch a murmuration of sandpipers under a lovely rainbow.
In other news, the golden plover continues near the dirt parking lot just prior to the gate for the EEC.
Enjoy, Kirsten Holmquist
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Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
I had a nice walk around the Shoreline Lake area during a break in the rain. Notables include: 1) male BLUE-WINGED TEAL along the A1 infill shoreline near the trail. 2) ROSS’S GOOSE overflying A1 with a group of CANADA GEESE flying from the direction of the golf course towards the slough. 3) BLACK BELLIED PLOVER on the lake island. 4) male NORTHERN PINTAIL between A1 and the golf course 5) 20+ BONAPARTE’S GULLS mixed in the gull flock in the marsh area Enjoy, Kirsten Holmquist _._,_._,_
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 1/1/26 10:36 am From: hacksoncode via groups.io <hacksoncode...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Snow Goose at Sunnyvale Baylands
The Greater White-fronted area back this morning, though no sign of the
Snow. Not sure how long that will last though, as an RC person is buzzing
the lawn with a helicopter.
Lots of snipe and meadowlarks and water birds at the boardwalk.
A couple of kestrels, two kites, a very wet Cooper's, etc. as well.
Happy New Year birding!
--
Ray
On Wed, Dec 31, 2025, 2:39 PM Garrett Lau via groups.io <Garrett.Lau=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> In addition to the adult Snow Goose, there are five Greater White-fronted
> Geese on the lawn.
>
> Garrett Lau
>
> On Wed, Dec 31, 2025 at 11:07 AM Kirsten Holmquist via groups.io
> <kirsten.holmquist...> wrote:
>
>> Confirmed SNOW. It move onto the great lawn with a number of the
>> CANADAs.
>>
>> Enjoy, Kirsten
>>
>> On 12/31/2025 10:09 AM PST Kirsten Holmquist via groups.io
>> <kirsten.holmquist...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> It is a little distant to see a grin patch but based on size, I
>> suspect.it is a SNOW GOOSE. It is out in the marsh area with 170+
>> CANADA GREE, a GREAT EGRET, two WHITE-TAILED KITES, and two AMERICAN
>> KESTRELS.
>>
>> The seasonal ponds are finally filling up sufficiently to be of interest
>> to ducks.
>>
>> Enjoy, Kirsten Holmquist
>>
>>
>
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 1/1/26 5:30 am From: Group Notification <noreply...> Subject: [southbaybirds] South Bay Birds Monthly Reminder #guidelines-notice
Thank you for being a member of South Bay Birds [SBB]. This is our monthly reminder sent to the list with information about the group.
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Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/31/25 2:39 pm From: Garrett Lau via groups.io <Garrett.Lau...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Snow Goose at Sunnyvale Baylands
In addition to the adult Snow Goose, there are five Greater White-fronted
Geese on the lawn.
Garrett Lau
On Wed, Dec 31, 2025 at 11:07 AM Kirsten Holmquist via groups.io
<kirsten.holmquist...> wrote:
> Confirmed SNOW. It move onto the great lawn with a number of the CANADAs.
>
> Enjoy, Kirsten
>
> On 12/31/2025 10:09 AM PST Kirsten Holmquist via groups.io
> <kirsten.holmquist...> wrote:
>
>
> It is a little distant to see a grin patch but based on size, I suspect.it
> is a SNOW GOOSE. It is out in the marsh area with 170+ CANADA GREE, a
> GREAT EGRET, two WHITE-TAILED KITES, and two AMERICAN KESTRELS.
>
> The seasonal ponds are finally filling up sufficiently to be of interest
> to ducks.
>
> Enjoy, Kirsten Holmquist
>
>
>
>
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/31/25 11:07 am From: Kirsten Holmquist via groups.io <kirsten.holmquist...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Snow Goose at Sunnyvale Baylands
Confirmed SNOW. It move onto the great lawn with a number of the CANADAs. Enjoy, Kirsten
On 12/31/2025 10:09 AM PST Kirsten Holmquist via groups.io <kirsten.holmquist...> wrote: It is a little distant to see a grin patch but based on size, I suspect.it is a SNOW GOOSE. It is out in the marsh area with 170+ CANADA GREE, a GREAT EGRET, two WHITE-TAILED KITES, and two AMERICAN KESTRELS.
The seasonal ponds are finally filling up sufficiently to be of interest to ducks. Enjoy, Kirsten Holmquist
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/31/25 10:09 am From: Kirsten Holmquist via groups.io <kirsten.holmquist...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Snow/Ross’s at Sunnyvale Baylands
It is a little distant to see a grin patch but based on size, I suspect.it is a SNOW GOOSE. It is out in the marsh area with 170+ CANADA GREE, a GREAT EGRET, two WHITE-TAILED KITES, and two AMERICAN KESTRELS.
The seasonal ponds are finally filling up sufficiently to be of interest to ducks. Enjoy, Kirsten Holmquist _._,_._,_
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/30/25 1:28 pm From: Sergey Pavlov via groups.io <spavlov2000...> Subject: [southbaybirds] MacGillivray’s Warbler South San Jose
Female/immature MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLER working the hedgerow by the corner
of Foxborough Dr at (37.2565848, -121.8271783). In the hedge, on the
ground, and sometimes in the fruiting trees above the hedge. Chipping
frequently. An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER is also in the area, and lots of
birds in general!
To access, park on nearby public streets like Tradewinds Dr or Judith St
and walk in along Foxborough Dr (parking on Foxborough
is for Tradewinds residents and guests only).
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/28/25 5:17 pm From: Amy Yee via groups.io <amyrandallyee...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Costa's hummingbird at Almaden Lake Park
Dear Birders, This morning, Sunday, Dec. 28th, there was a male Costa's hummingbird at Almaden Lake Park. The bird was in a small tree next to the water, on the north side of the lake, in the North Shoreline Picnic Area. It was facing the sun (and me) and the flared purple throat feathers, purple head, and gray breast and were clearly visible. The bird flew off to the north, over the trellis covering a picnic table, before I could get a photograph.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/27/25 9:54 am From: Terry Rowe via groups.io <terrarowe...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Looking for storm waifs
I was at Shoreline yesterday afternoon and there were 9 white-fronted geese on the grass by the lake.
Buffleheads, eared grebes, black-necked stilts, avocets, shovelers, and golden eyes, including what appeared to be hybrids.
Terry Rowe
On 12/26/2025 12:27 PM, lavin_fara via groups.io wrote: > I went to Shoreline Lake this morning to see what the storms might > have brought in. Answer, a Pelagic Cormorant on the platform next to > the kayak polo goals. I then got distracted counting Coots, to avoid > entering an unsavory X for the count in eBird. And, of course, to > keep tabs on the local population numbers (they seem to be doing just > fine). All that is by way of saying, when next I looked, the > Cormorant was gone, whether in the lake or heading back to the coast I > couldn't say. The other sighting of interest were the two Black > Oystercatchers, copulating on the little island in the lake. If they > do it again on or after January 1st, they'll be an item in the > California statewide Bird Atlas project. > Good luck on your next adventure, Pete > https://ebird.org/checklist/S290392833 >
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/26/25 12:27 pm From: lavin_fara via groups.io <pdunten...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Looking for storm waifs
I went to Shoreline Lake this morning to see what the storms might have brought in. Answer, a Pelagic Cormorant on the platform next to the kayak polo goals. I then got distracted counting Coots, to avoid entering an unsavory X for the count in eBird. And, of course, to keep tabs on the local population numbers (they seem to be doing just fine). All that is by way of saying, when next I looked, the Cormorant was gone, whether in the lake or heading back to the coast I couldn't say. The other sighting of interest were the two Black Oystercatchers, copulating on the little island in the lake. If they do it again on or after January 1st, they'll be an item in the California statewide Bird Atlas project.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
I was exploring Hellyer Pond in San Jose, and I found lots of mallards mingling with white ducks and mallards that looked like crossbreeds. What is the natural history with mallards and the many variants that exist? I've included a couple of photos as examples.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/24/25 2:54 pm From: Jim Yurchenco via groups.io <bird.jry...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Shoreline Lake
This afternoon there were two Black Oystercatchers on the island in Shoreline Lake. The was also a male possible Barrow’s Goldeneye. Perhaps there was a bit too much white in the wing feathering to not be a hybrid, but I am not an expert on making that call.
Two White-tailed Kites were perched in the bare trees south of the lake in the area where they have nested in previous years. We have been coming across this irruptive species in many places in the Bay Area a lot more frequently of late than in the past couple of years.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/23/25 12:45 pm From: Kirsten Holmquist via groups.io <kirsten.holmquist...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Bonaparte's Gulls at Palo Alto Baylands
I went to the Palo Alto Baylands this morning. The most exciting part of the visit was 120+ BONAPARTE'S GULLS. This is the largest aggregation of this species I have witnessed.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/22/25 2:24 pm From: Al Eisner via groups.io <eisner...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Preliminary results from Palo Alto CBC
The Palo Alto CBC, overlapping Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, was held on Monday December 15. After two years with rain, we had a relatively dry day, with sunny conditions high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, but morning low clouds or fog in some areas lower down. We have a preliminary total of 164 species, as compared to an average of 166 over the previous 15 years.
There were no super-rarities, but some unusual birds, most notably a Lewis's Woodpecker at the Monte Bello OSP, a single Black Skimmer at Mountain View Shoreline Lake (the species has been scarce in winter in the circle for the past decade, despite large numbers in nearby areas) and a Black Rail. Other less-than-regular species: a Snow Goose at Bedwell-Bayfront Park, 2 Black Oystercatchers near the Dumbarton Bridge (they are becoming regular), Snowy Plovers, 2 red Knots near Adobe Creek, 2 Lesser Yellowlegs (in separate locations), 2 pairs of Northern Pygmy-Owls up near Skyline, Northern House Wrens, and an Evening Grosbeak reported from downtown Los Altos. All are subject to our local review, as are numbers of Tree and Violet-green Swllows.
An impressive count of Snowy Plovers totalled 60 birdw (53 of them at NWR areas near the Dumbarton Bridge). This is an encouraging new record for the CBC, and the first of more than 20 birds since a couple of countw in the 1960s.
As for Northern House Wren, this regular winterer in Southern California has been showing up singly on our CBC for the majority of the past 20 years. There were a few years with more than 1, includingn 5 accepted in 2019. This year looks to exceed that number. The species might be echoing a trend set by Orange-crowned Warbeler.
We apparently missed 8 species we have usually found over the past 15 years: Barrow's Goldeneye, Commony Merganser, Ridgway's Rail, Ruddy Turnstone, Loggerhead Shrike (this may be a real trend), Swamp Spsrrow, Brown-headed Cowbird and Great-tailed Grackle. (The railnand cowbird were observed during count-week.) More about variations and trends awaits compilation.
Thanks to Ann Hepenstal for organizing our counting effort, to our sector coordinators, and to all those who participated.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/21/25 7:50 pm From: Vicki Silvas-Young via groups.io <mrnngwrblr...> Subject: [southbaybirds] First Day of Winter at Lake Cunningham, 12-21-2025
Good evening, SBBers,
Such a nice day today! Not cold, not rainy, not foggy, just right for birding. John Harshman and I met with about 21 birders at Lake Cunningham in San Jose this morning to do some exploring. Raucous Great-tailed Grackles greeted us, looking for food and left disappointed. Pied-billed and Eared Grebes dove and popped up to the water's surface, except for the snoozing Western Grebe. A Bald Eagle swiftly flew southeast without a look back! A small raft of Ring-necked Ducks secreted an Eared Grebe, Northern Shoveler, and a lone female Bufflehead. Always closely check out those small flocks of birds! Some Snowy Egrets and a Great Egret hung out on the rocks among the American White Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants with a lone Great Blue Heron holding its own. Only one Green Heron was seen, but heard a lot near the Native Garden. Yellow-rumped warblers chipped all day long. In the Native Garden a Hermit Thrush was heard a long with a Northern Flicker and Nuttall's Woodpecker. A large family of Bushtits cruised around the garden with a couple of Ruby-crowned Kinglets and some Chestnut-backed Chickadees. After the Native Garden we ended up near "Wood Duck" cove, to exclaim and marvel at the feet of the American Coots and the tails of Ruddy Ducks. And out on the lake was a w h o l e b i g bunch of Ring-billed Gulls digesting their breakfast. A good finish to a very nice day at the lake.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/20/25 10:44 pm From: Karen via groups.io <karush111...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVOSA/SCVBA North Coyote Valley-Laguna Seca Field trip
Today we had a joint field trip sponsored by SCVOSA and SCVBA. We had a great day today with the wet weather holding off and the temperatures in the balmy 60's with nice views of the sun breaking through onto the hills in the distance. Laguna Seca was pretty dry, but Fisher Creek and the drainage ditch had water flowing through them which helped bring in a Wilson's Snipe, a Great Blue Heron and a Great Egret although the Red-winged Blackbirds never showed up.
It was a day for raptors with several pairs of Red-tail Hawks exhibiting mating behaviors, American Kestrels around every corner and mixing it up with a Sharp-shinned Hawk, a couple of White-tailed Kites, a Red-shouldered Hawk and a Ferruginous Hawk. As I was leaving a Golden Eagle flew over looking for a meal. We had great looks at a Loggerhead Shrike and a late season Red-breasted Sapsucker. Many of the expected birds showed up in good numbers such as the Yellow-Billed Magpie, Meadowlarks, Wild Turkeys, Common Ravens, California Scrub Jays and White-crowned Sparrows. We also had several coyote sitings. It was a welcome walk away from the holiday rush and a day I thoroughly enjoyed!
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/20/25 2:11 pm From: Dave Weber via groups.io <dwbirdster...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Phainopepla at Ed Levin CP Dec 20
There was a Phainopepla at Spring Valley pond in Ed Levin CP this morning, approx here: 37.446844, -121.850227. Perhaps a returning bird. A Cinnamon Teal found on the recent San Jose CBC was still present on the golf course pond. While not rare for the count circle, it is uncommon in the park with the last Ebird record from Feb 2022. Dave Weber,Milpitasby phone
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/19/25 8:07 pm From: Dorothy Johnson via groups.io <dfj6281...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Birding the Water District
Hi Everyone,
I birded the Water District this morning after seeing Janna's report on the Redheads and other ducks yesterday. I didn't see the Redheads, but the NORTHERN SHOVELER pair and some female BUFFLEHEADS were there, as well as many GADWALL and of course MALLARDS and geese. The CANADA GEESE were quite vocal.
My highlights were a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW on the pathway from the parking lot leading to the main building. The biggest surprise was a GREAT HORNED OWL passing the daylight hours further along the pathway.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/19/25 3:02 pm From: Brooke Miller via groups.io <brooke.bam...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Lewis' Woodpecker Montebello 12/15
The Lewis's Woodpecker continued around 11:30 today at the same spot
(37°19'18.9"N 122°10'08.3"W) as Naomi reported it yesterday, It was quite
active flying between branches, and at one point eating some grubs. This
is on the Bella Vista Trail just past its intersection with the Canyon
Trail in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve.
Brooke Miller
On Thu, Dec 18, 2025 at 3:41 PM Naomi Goodman via groups.io <nlgoodman=
<hotmail.com...> wrote:
> Lewis's Woodpecker seen at same spot (37°19'18.9"N 122°10'08.3"W) at noon
> today, flying among bare upper branches of oaks.
>
>
>
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/18/25 6:10 pm From: janna pauser via groups.io <jannapauser...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Redheads at Valley Water
I birded the water district on Almaden Exp. mid afternoon. The pond is
full and some new ducks have arrived. I found two REDHEAD pair close to
the island. A pair of NO. SHOVELERS and a few BUFFLEHEAD may have also
been new. photos attached
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Sorry for the late posting here. On Monday 12/15 I did the Montebello OSP portion for the Palo Alto CBC. For a change it was a sunny and lovely day (last two years were bit of washouts up there) while the entire valley could be seen blanketed in dense cloud/fog.
The highlight was a LEWIS' WOODPECKER. It was at the first draw (forested gully) after you start climbing the Bella Vista Trail to Black Mountain summit. It flew from this draw to the next one up the trail but then came back to the same draw. First spotted it sitting on an exposed stump. It was silent and bit of luck that I spotted a bird-like shape on a exposed stump when I turned to look back at the tree-line of this draw. ebird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S288781880
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/17/25 3:34 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Parkway Lakes
Hi Everyone!
Today, Edward, Amanda and I led a SCVBA field trip to Parkway Lakes. We had a good show of ducks (11 species) including *Common Mergansers*, *Mallards*, *Northern Shovelers, Gadwalls,* *Buffleheads*, *Ring-necked Ducks*, 1 *Cinnamon Teal*, 2 *Northern Pintails*, 2 *Green-winged Teals*, 1 *Canvasback* and 2 *Common Goldeneyes*. But our favorite sightings were a 3rd year *Bald Eagle *and 22 *Wilson's Snipes*, all in one spot, easy to see because they were out in the open feeding in the shallow waters. Here's our complete list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S288991914.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/15/25 8:25 am From: Diane McCoy via groups.io <dianemccoy10...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Cackling Geese at Kite area/Shoreline Lake
HiThank you everyone who helped identify the Cackling Geese yesterday, Sunday.I ended up seeing 5 and several at least had the white neck ring, so Aleutian.Hope these photos help.Diane
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/14/25 7:31 pm From: m_m_rogers via groups.io <m.m.rogers...> Subject: [southbaybirds] San Jose CBC - Alviso - Brewer's Sparrow, waterfowl, and others
All,
Steve Rottenborn and I birded Alviso ponds A9 through A15 today for the San Jose Christmas Bird Count. We started out from the EEC at 6:45am to search for Short-eared Owls along Pond A16 and Triangle Marsh north of Pond A15. We had no luck with any owls, but Steve picked out an AMERICAN BITTERN flying low over the marsh opposite southwest Pond A17 at 6:57am. We continued to work our way out to Pond A9, where we saw 7 BROWN PELICANS, 5 SNOW GEESE (2 adults and three juveniles, 7:30am to 7:52am), and later heard SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS - but all were outside the count circle. We did see an adult GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (8:22am to 8:29am) on Pond A14 inside the count circle, though, along with an impressive tally of 10 male EURASIAN WIGEONS. A near-adult BALD EAGLE was later joined by an adult BALD EAGLE and seen on several occasions.
The most surprising bird of the day was a BREWER'S SPARROW that Steve picked out from the car at the northeast corner of Pond A15, not far south of the railroad track crossing. This is very late for a Brewer's Sparrow in the county (first December record, I believe) and is presumably a count first. It was a bit skulky and foraged around on the ground before flying up into a bush right in front of us, but too close to get the cameras to focus quickly. It then flew north along the road and landed in another bush (where Steve did get photos), before crossing the railroad tracks towards Pond A17. It was seen from 9:39am to 9:42am but could not be refound on a later visit to the same location just after 4pm.
Continuing between ponds A13 and A15, we added 10 SNOWY PLOVERS and a PEREGRINE FALCON on Pond A13. Searching thousands of scaup on ponds A10 and A11 failed to add any rarities other than an out-of-place male RING-NECKED DUCK. Also notable was a CLARK'S GREBE feeding a begging young bird (fully grown). The gull flock on Pond A12 was confined to the southern part of the pond and only numbered about 750 birds with no surprises. Gull numbers elsewhere were small, except for a couple thousand birds on Pond A17 after 4pm (not our area but nothing unusual among them either). Birding the Alviso Marina failed to turn up the Swamp Sparrow reported last week but did provide us nice photos of a cooperative WRENTIT. Two WHIMBREL were in the slough with curlews and godwits. We finally started seeing TREE SWALLOWS at 3:17pm and managed ten by 3:40pm. Driving back out to the Brewer's Sparrow spot we took advantage of the sun being behind us to scope Pond A16 (not our area). Steve estimated 500 REDHEADS and we digiscoped another EURASIAN WIGEON. We worked our way out towards Coyote Slough along Pond A17 to check for Short-eared Owls again and lucked into a vocal SWAMP SPARROW opposite southwest Pond A17 from 4:24pm to 4:28pm. Our owling effort again failed to locate a Short-eared Owl, but Steve found a GREAT HORNED OWL perched on a Drawbridge building across the slough (Alameda County) at 5:03pm (which followed seeing a MERLIN flying to Alameda County at 4:40pm).
Brewer's Sparrow location: 37.452406, -121.975501
Swamp Sparrow location: 37.454122, -121.974874 (the bittern landed near here too!)
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
There were 3 Hooded Mergansers, 1 male and 2 females, in Los Gatos Creek at Los Gatos Creek Park in Campbell. They were in the section of the creek near the intersection of the Los Gatos Creek Trail and the path that leads into the park from Dell Ave. Approximate coordinates of where I was standing on Los Gatos Creek trail when I saw them: 37.26770 N 121.94966W
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Hi still here at Shoreline kite flying area and amongst the Canada geese I’m pretty sure I see three cackling geese. They’re distinctly smaller than the Canada geese. They’re sticking together. Didn’t want to get too close to freak them out so picture is not real great thank you Diane.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/14/25 7:07 am From: Brooke Miller via groups.io <brooke.bam...> Subject: [southbaybirds] November Cumulative Bird Report for Santa Clara County
Good morning South Bay Birders:
In November we added 6 new (ABA) countable birds, bringing the total to 288
at the end of the month. The average for November is 3 new birds, with an
average of 284 at the end of the month. Thank you to everyone who birded,
and took the time to report birds either on SBB, eBird, or send emails
directly to me.
Here are the (ABA) countable birds that were found in November:
1. Chestnut-sided Warbler (6), 2025-11-01, found by an anonymous birder in
a neighborhood in San Jose
2. Townsend’s Solitaire (5), 2025-11-06, seen by Mike Rogers at Henry Coe
State Park
3. Western Cattle-Egret (5), 2025-11-08, found by Tiffany Wright along
Laguna Avenue in Coyote Valley
4. Bay-breasted Warbler (6), 2025-11-15, photographed by Al Chase at the
Santa Clara Valley Water District Headquarters
5. Red-naped Sapsucker (5), 2025-11-15, discovered by Brooke Miller at Ed
Levin County Park, along the no-name road that goes past the back of the
golf course
6. Brewer’s Sparrow (5), 2025-11-29, observed in Ann Verdi’s backyard in
the Cambrian neighborhood of San Jose
As a reminder, here is what each rarity code means:
**Rarity Codes:
1 = common, always seen in habitat in season.
2 = fairly common, usually in habitat in season, but missed sometimes.
3 = uncommon, always around, but sometimes you can't find.
4 = rare, occurs yearly in the county, but not always in same places.
5 = very rare, does not occur every year.
6 = casual or vagrant, generally fewer than 10 records.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Also, I reported this bird from Arrowhead Marsh in Oakland in 2017 as a
hybrid, but the eBird reviewer said it was a pure Ross's Goose:
https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/79289881
Garrett Lau
On Thu, Dec 11, 2025 at 4:04 PM Dave Weber via groups.io <dwbirdster=
<sbcglobal.net...> wrote:
> I'm not sure about these birds yet. I doubt they are Snow, unless lessers.
> Bill color, extent of grin patch, nearly straight border with face all seem
> OK for Ross's. Length I'm not sure of. I think there is some variation in
> length based on what I've seen online and in the field. Length, in my pic,
> is much less than head length or neck width. Opinions wanted!
>
> Excellent that the Vesper Sparrow was refound today by Garrett. That makes
> it a count-week bird for the SJCBC!
>
> Dave Weber,
> Milpitas
> by phone
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Garrett Lau <garrett.lau...>
> Date: 12/11/25 2:07 PM (GMT-08:00)
> To: <dwbirdster...>
> Cc: <southbaybirds...>
> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Snow-type Geese at Ed Levin CP Dec 11
>
> Thanks for the report. I believe they are immature Ross’s Geese. They were
> still there when I left ten minutes ago.
>
> I also re-found the Vesper Sparrow. Actually, it found me. It ran up to me
> while I was standing by the gate to the Calera Creek Trail.
>
> Garrett Lau
>
> On Thu, Dec 11, 2025 at 11:11 AM Dave Weber via groups.io <dwbirdster=
> <sbcglobal.net...> wrote:
>
>> Two white geese on Sandy Wool lawn. May be Snow, Ross's, or hybrid. Small
>> with 'grin patches'. See pic.
>>
>>
>> Dave Weber,
>> Milpitas
>> by phone
>>
>>
>
>
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/11/25 4:04 pm From: Dave Weber via groups.io <dwbirdster...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Snow-type Geese at Ed Levin CP Dec 11
I'm not sure about these birds yet. I doubt they are Snow, unless lessers. Bill color, extent of grin patch, nearly straight border with face all seem OK for Ross's. Length I'm not sure of. I think there is some variation in length based on what I've seen online and in the field. Length, in my pic, is much less than head length or neck width. Opinions wanted!Excellent that the Vesper Sparrow was refound today by Garrett. That makes it a count-week bird for the SJCBC!Dave Weber,Milpitasby phone -------- Original message --------From: Garrett Lau <garrett.lau...> Date: 12/11/25 2:07 PM (GMT-08:00) To: <dwbirdster...> Cc: <southbaybirds...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Snow-type Geese at Ed Levin CP Dec 11 Thanks for the report. I believe they are immature Ross’s Geese. They were still there when I left ten minutes ago. I also re-found the Vesper Sparrow. Actually, it found me. It ran up to me while I was standing by the gate to the Calera Creek Trail. Garrett LauOn Thu, Dec 11, 2025 at 11:11 AM Dave Weber via groups.io <dwbirdster...> wrote:Two white geese on Sandy Wool lawn. May be Snow, Ross's, or hybrid. Small with 'grin patches'. See pic.Dave Weber,Milpitasby phone
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/11/25 3:43 pm From: m_m_rogers via groups.io <m.m.rogers...> Subject: [southbaybirds] CCLO along Coyote Ridge; ROGO along Bailey
All,
Today 12/11/2025, from 12:24pm to 12:36pm, I saw a female/immature CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR at about milepost 0.75 along the Tule Elk Trail at the Mayan Ooyakma Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve east of Highway 101 in Morgan Hill. I had just studied a flock of 26 HORNED LARKS southwest of the trail and was heading northwest when a single bird flew towards me from ahead of me. It gave the distinctive "kid-dle" calls of a CCLO and I could see white in the tail. It dropped down about where the HOLA flock was, so I ran back to the flock and found the CCLO on the ground foraging with the flock. Digi-binned photos will be posted on eBird. This bird is almost 2 miles from the parking lot and almost a thousand feet of elevation above the parking lot, so not a trivial hike.
I did the 5-mile loop in the counterclockwise direction and found 118 HORNED LARKS throughout the loop and 53 AMERICAN PIPITS, all but one in one big flock on the opposite side of the trail not far from the longspur. I also saw an immature FERRUGINOUS HAWK and a MERLIN. The reserve is open from 10am to 4pm Wednesday through Sunday in winter and a free, annual Butterfly Pass is required year-round to access the trails inside the Habitat Protection Area (basically everything more than 0.2 miles from the parking lot) and can be obtained online.
Earlier, I spent some time along Laguna Ave. It was foggy and raptors were few, but I did see a chase between three PEREGRINE FALCONS. Between 9:50am and 9:53am, flocks of geese flew in, including 235 CANADA GEESE, 7 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, and two white geese. There have been several reports of two Snow Geese at this location over the past week, but these birds seemed smaller than that to me. I checked from Bailey Avenue but the geese were all hidden down in the canal/river and I could not see them. On my return from Coyote Ridge, just before 2pm, I did find the two white geese along Bailey Avenue with CANADA GEESE and three GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and they were indeed ROSS'S GEESE (digiscoped photos obtained of the birds next to a MALLARD). Also, a pair of adult BALD EAGLES was perched on the ground in the field north of the Bailey Ave / Santa Teresa Blvd intersection.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/11/25 2:07 pm From: Garrett Lau via groups.io <Garrett.Lau...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Snow-type Geese at Ed Levin CP Dec 11
Thanks for the report. I believe they are immature Ross’s Geese. They were
still there when I left ten minutes ago.
I also re-found the Vesper Sparrow. Actually, it found me. It ran up to me
while I was standing by the gate to the Calera Creek Trail.
Garrett Lau
On Thu, Dec 11, 2025 at 11:11 AM Dave Weber via groups.io <dwbirdster=
<sbcglobal.net...> wrote:
> Two white geese on Sandy Wool lawn. May be Snow, Ross's, or hybrid. Small
> with 'grin patches'. See pic.
>
>
> Dave Weber,
> Milpitas
> by phone
>
>
>
>
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 12/10/25 4:33 pm From: Dorothy Johnson via groups.io <dfj6281...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Bald Eagles at Vasona
Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to share that a BALD EAGLE has been hanging around the Vasona area for a couple of weeks now. A friend just emailed a pic showing two Eagles perched near the island at the lake this afternoon.
The trail to that portion of the park is closed, but they have be seen from other areas around the lake.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
