Date: 2/25/26 5:37 pm From: Hugh McDevitt via groups.io <hdmcdevitt...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Calero Creek Trail
I birded the Calero Creek Trail from Harry Road this morning in preparation for a SCVBA trip this coming Saturday. Winter birds are sticking around for awhile (Ruby-crowned Kinglets, both crowned sparrows). I had a Great Egret in the creek. I had my FOS Tree Swallows with six flying overhead. Hope that we get to see them perched this Saturday to look at the facial pattern.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S303818875 Beautiful morning!
Hugh
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: 2/25/26 4:17 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Coyote Lake (Campground and Dam)
Hi Everyone!
Today I visited Coyote Lake. I first birded the campground area including walking along the shoreline for a bit. An impressive number of *Wild Turkey *were roaming about the campground. Four *Red-breasted Sapsuckers* were in this area too - they like the peppertrees in the campground. The lake had a nice variety of ducks - *Wood Ducks, Gadwalls, Canvasbacks, Buffleheads, Ruddy Ducks, American Wigeons, and Ring-necked Ducks*. One adult and one juvenile *Bald Eagle* were on this end of the lake too. In the hills, but viewable from the campground, are two small *Great Blue Heron* rookeries that are active now.
At the dam, I did not see the Canyon Wren but I did spot a *Rock Wren*. There were at least 5 *White-throated Swifts* too. Plus, a group of 50 *Western Grebes* were at this end of the lake - several of them rushing.
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: 2/25/26 6:55 am From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Spring Singing
Hi Everyone!
It feels like spring is arriving! On Monday, along the Tony Look Trail at Stevens Creek CP, I heard an Orange-crowned Warbler trilling. This morning, while working on the computer, I heard a Hermit Thrush singing. Beautiful!
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: 2/20/26 2:17 pm From: Gregory Luckert via groups.io <Greg.luckert...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Common murre A3W
South Bay Wildlife Rehab and education
Rescuing and Rehabilitating Sick, Injured and Orphaned Birds
If you find a sick or injured bird, or a nestling/young bird that has
fallen to the ground, contact us at (310) 421-1624 for guidance and
assistance
On Fri, Feb 20, 2026 at 2:15 PM Gregory Luckert <greg.luckert...>
wrote:
>
> If you see a wild animal you believe is in distress, please call:
>
> - PHS/SPCA Wildlife Care Center: 1450 Rollins Rd, Burlingame
> (650-340-7022) – click *here* <https://phs-spca.org/wildlife/found> for
> more info)
> - Palo Alto Animal Services: 3281 E. Bayshore Rd, Palo Alto
> (650-329-2413)
> - Veterinary Emergency Group: 725 Ridder Park Dr., San Jose
> (408-834-8180)
> - San Francisco Animal Care & Control: 1200 15th St, San Francisco
> (415-554-6364)
>
>
> https://phs-spca.org/found-a-wild-animal/ >
>
> On Fri, Feb 20, 2026 at 2:10 PM Aidan Sinha via groups.io <aidansinha=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> All,
>>
>> Does anyone know of any rescue centers that could take this bird in? It
>> is still on the trail now and does not appear to be in good condition.
>>
>> Aidan Sinha
>> San Jose
>>
>>
>>
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: 2/20/26 2:15 pm From: Gregory Luckert via groups.io <Greg.luckert...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Common murre A3W
If you see a wild animal you believe is in distress, please call:
- PHS/SPCA Wildlife Care Center: 1450 Rollins Rd, Burlingame
(650-340-7022) – click *here* <https://phs-spca.org/wildlife/found> for
more info)
- Palo Alto Animal Services: 3281 E. Bayshore Rd, Palo Alto
(650-329-2413)
- Veterinary Emergency Group: 725 Ridder Park Dr., San Jose
(408-834-8180)
- San Francisco Animal Care & Control: 1200 15th St, San Francisco
(415-554-6364)
On Fri, Feb 20, 2026 at 2:10 PM Aidan Sinha via groups.io <aidansinha=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> All,
>
> Does anyone know of any rescue centers that could take this bird in? It is
> still on the trail now and does not appear to be in good condition.
>
> Aidan Sinha
> San Jose
>
>
>
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: 2/20/26 1:56 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Red-necked Grebe Chesbro
Here’s the gps: (37.1180538, -121.6953337)
> On Feb 20, 2026, at 1:20 PM, Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone!
>
> There’s a Red-necked Grebe at Chesbro Reservoir. I spotted it from the boat launch.
>
>
>
> Eve Meier (San Jose)
>
>
>
>
>
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.
Date: 2/18/26 3:34 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Coast-Casey Forebay
Hi Everyone!
The *Lesser Yellowlegs* is continuing in the Coast Casey Forebay (37.434735, -122.099248). There's a *Greater Yellowlegs* in the same area making for a nice comparison. Other birds to note were a singing *House Wren* next to the bathrooms, a *Sora* and a *Common Gallinule* along the edges of the reeds, and a *White-throated Sparrow* (37.43359261860745, -122.09849370419752) on the parking lot side.
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: 2/17/26 8:58 am From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Lone Hill Park Continuing Birds
Hi Everyone!
I took advantage of a break in the rain to walk up to Lone Hill Park in San Jose. Four *Lawrence's Goldfinches* and one *Chipping Sparrow* are still there (on the north side of the park this morning).
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: 2/16/26 10:16 am From: john tsortos via groups.io <jtsortos99...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVBA Raptors of Tres Pinos Field Trip Report
Hello South Bay Birders,
On Valentine's Day, myself, Connor Christensen, and Vicki Silvas-Young led
a group of 12 birders down the rural roads outside of Tres Pinos in search
of raptors. We had a fantastic day, tallying 53 species and witnessing some
really interesting behaviors. I am including our trip report narrative, but
the full trip report can be found here (https://ebird.org/tripreport/476595 ):
Highlights of the trip included four pairs of Loggerhead Shrike--one of
which we observed hunting a vole (although it flew off with its prey before
we witnessed any impaling), seven Ferruginous Hawks, two separate Prairie
Falcons eating their prey right in front of us, several looks at Lark
Sparrows with great lighting, a beautiful male Phainopepla, at least two
Rock Wrens, and--the main highlight of the trip for many--a pair of
gorgeous Mountain Bluebirds which not only posed for photos, but also
demonstrated their kiting behavior while foraging for food.
While some of the passerines might've stolen the show at times, we still
saw two Bald Eagles, several Golden Eagles, over two dozen Red-tailed Hawks
(many of which were paired up and either courting each other or
nest-building), and so many American Kestrels. San Benito County never
fails to deliver! :)
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: 2/14/26 6:00 pm From: Romain Kang via groups.io <romain...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Sunnyvale WPCP Canvasback?
Saturday 2/14 I was walking the Bay Trail opposite Sunnyvale WPCP, and a FWS staffer in a truck paused to tell me he had seen canvasback ducks in the west oxidation pond. I didn't have time to check it out, but perhaps someone else will see them in the near future.
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: 2/14/26 12:52 pm From: Ryan L. via groups.io <ryanbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Field Trip Report: Love is in the Air at Sunnyvale Baylands
Date: 2/13/26 2:20 pm From: Dorothy Johnson via groups.io <dfj6281...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Wild Turkey on Los Gatos Creek
Hi Everyone,
I know turkeys aren't rare, but in the 30 plus years I've lived in this area I've never seen one down here. I heard it a couple of weeks ago briefly. This morning I heard it again, and Merlin picked it up. On the way back from my walk between Bascom Ave and Leigh, it gobbled again further up stream, and then there it was, not a stones throw from the Bascom Ave overcrossing.
I figured it must have taken a wrong turn somewhere? Has anyone seen a turkey in this area before? I'm curious.
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: 2/13/26 1:37 pm From: Brooke Miller via groups.io <brooke.bam...> Subject: [southbaybirds] 2 Phainopeplas at Spring Valley, Ed Levin
Hi all!
There are 2 female-type Phainopeplas now at Spring Valley, at Ed Levin County Park. This morning one was in and around the tree overhanging the pond with all the mistletoe, and it was being incessantly chased around by a Northern Mockingbird. I then ran into Roy Carlson who had seen one in the trees with mistletoe just downhill from where the pond water drains into the creek. I went to check it out, and sure enough, a second female-type.
I was alerted to each birds' presence by their soft rising slow whistle call.
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: 2/12/26 5:49 pm From: Melissa Johnson via groups.io <mitzimelissa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVBA Field Trip to Ed Levin-Spring Valley 2-12-26
Hello SBB-ers It is spring at Spring Valley! 13 birders wandered around the lake and park -- the paved trails were nice and dry after yesterday's rain. Two female PHAINOPEPLAS and a distant FERRUGINOUS HAWK were the highlights. We spotted nearly a full contingent of our most common woodpeckers: ACORN, NUTTALL'S, DOWNY, NORTHERN FLICKER & RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER, with only the Hairy being a no-show. TREE SWALLOWS AND WESTERN BLUEBIRDS were actively visiting nesting boxes. The "Magic Tree" was not particularly active -- but it is in bloom and hopefully soon will be visited by some more hummingbirds.
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: 2/11/26 3:37 pm From: Oliver Zhang via groups.io <BLACKROCKARTSTUDIO...> Subject: [southbaybirds] [Out Of County] Some kind of thrush ?
Hi y'all
I’ve made more than a few ID mistakes over the years, and I suspect this might be another one.
Today I was going through some old photos from 2023, Danville, CA and found this small bird that I originally lumped in with a flock of Cedar Waxwings. It was moving quickly, darting in and out of the trees among them, and I didn’t get a solid look at it at the time.
Looking at the photos now, I’m wondering if this could be some kind of thrush?
Unfortunately, I don’t have notes on vocalizations, and these were quick shots before it disappeared back into the canopy.
I don’t have access to the local Tri-Valley / East Bay birding groups, so I’d really appreciate any thoughts on species, or even what field marks I should be focusing on.
Thanks in advance!
Oliver
Location: Hap Magee Ranch Park
Time: around 12:00 noon, Dec 9, 2023
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: 2/10/26 12:03 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Lawrence’s Goldfinches
Hi Everyone!
I just spotted 2 male Lawrence’s Goldfinches at Lone Hill Park about here: (37.2451336, -121.9105699). I’ve since lost sight of them, hopefully they will come back.
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.
On Mon, Feb 9, 2026 at 10:35 PM Lisa Myers via groups.io <lisa=
<letsgobirding.com...> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> My home's property is adjacent to John D. Morgan Park in Campbell. As I
> locked up our home for the evening I heard a Great-horned Owl calling! I
> grabbed my binoculars and ran outside to hear TWO owls calling. Our back
> gate opens onto John D. Morgan Park so I walked out the gate into the park
> and quickly observed two *GREAT-HORNED OWLS* sitting close together at
> the top of a leafless Sycamore Tree that borders the elementary school
> located on sight. We then observed one owl fly down onto the campus out of
> sight. Soon, the second owl also dropped down onto the campus. I did not
> follow their path to investigate, but I soon heard an owl calling again
> from the park's open space. Sweet!
>
> An unexpected bird nerd moment.
>
> Lisa Myers
> Campbell
>
>
>
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: 2/9/26 10:35 pm From: Lisa Myers via groups.io <lisa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Great Horned Owls - John D. Morgan Park Campbell
Hi all,
My home's property is adjacent to John D. Morgan Park in Campbell. As I
locked up our home for the evening I heard a Great-horned Owl calling! I
grabbed my binoculars and ran outside to hear TWO owls calling. Our back
gate opens onto John D. Morgan Park so I walked out the gate into the
park and quickly observed two *GREAT-HORNED OWLS* sitting close together
at the top of a leafless Sycamore Tree that borders the elementary
school located on sight. We then observed one owl fly down onto the
campus out of sight. Soon, the second owl also dropped down onto the
campus. I did not follow their path to investigate, but I soon heard an
owl calling again from the park's open space. Sweet!
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: 2/8/26 1:51 pm From: Ryan L. via groups.io <ryanbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Coyote Lake - Harvey Bear Ranch CP - 2/8/26
Today, I visited Coyote Lake and evidence of springs arrival is abundant. Waterfowl included Ruddy Duck, Common Merganser, Ring-necked Duck, Double-crested Cormorant. I saw two American White Pelicans on the lake.There were dozens of Western and Clarks Grebes with several rushing pairs.
At Mendoza Ranch, I saw several birds investigating nest cavities. The highlight of the day was an adult Bald Eagle perched next to the parking lot for several minutes.
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: 2/8/26 11:59 am From: Subha Mohan via groups.io <scuba_diver_4009...> Subject: [southbaybirds] [SCVBA Trip Report] 2.8.26 Drop-In Event at McClellan Ranch (Cupertino)
Peg and I were joined by 26 bird enthusiast adults and children over the course of this delightfully sunny, 2.5 hour stationary drop-in event at the SCVBA headquarters McClellan Ranch bird feeders. Noisy from child wonder at the up-close bird views, combined with the seemingly endless choruses of bird song, we had a joy-filled Super Bowl morning as we witnessed:
- an Acorn Woodpecker chasing off a Steller’s Jay to then sing its heart out perched atop the feeder- flocks of House Finches descending onto the feeders with some interspersed Lesser Goldfinches- visits from both the White-Breasted and Pygmy Nuthatches- multiple Spotted Towhees spotted simultaneously- a squirrel trying to sneak its way into the feeder seed debris - children excitedly figuring out how use the loaner binoculars while IDing neighborhood favorites such as the Anna’s Hummingbird on its go-to perch and the deceptively simple-appearing California Towhees
Full eBird list with the 26 species here! https://ebird.org/checklist/S298973556 Until next time,Subha and PegSanta Clara Valley Bird Alliance
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: 2/7/26 3:06 pm From: Lisa Myers via groups.io <lisa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] A morning at Coyote Lake County Park
Hi all -
I led a walk today over at Coyote Lake / Harvey Bear County Park. We
started our birding at the boat ramp after entering from the Roop Road
entrance. Here are some hi-lights.
We walked down the boat ramp to the waters edge and started observing
the *WESTERN & CLARK'S GREBES*. An adult *BALD EAGLE* flew into view
from the north and landed on the ground as if it was hunting. After it
flew off the grebes started swimming our direction. We watched several
pairs rushing and they were easy to count at over 200. South of us and
along the shore a *SNOW GOOSE *was a scope view away in the midst of a
flock of *CANADA GEESE. *We watched a crow was harassing a *WHITE-TAILED
KITE.
*
The dam was our next stop where we found 2 adult *BALD EAGLES*, *WESTERN
BLUEBIRDS*, a single *RUFOUS CROWNED SPARROW*, and both *SAY'S & BLACK
PHOEBES*. A *WRENTIT* could be heard from the east side of the lake. We
observed two *WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS *that appeared to emerge from the
cliff located on the north/west side of the rocky dam. THAT was cool.
We ended our morning amongst a meet-up of Airstream campers at the
Lakeview Campground. (If you are thinking about buying an Airstream -
that's the place to go this weekend.) Here we had a pair of
*RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS*. A male *NORTHERN FLICKER* was preening and a
*RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER* was in the pepper tree located at the entrance
of the amphitheater.
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: 2/7/26 1:40 pm From: Lisa Myers via groups.io <lisa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Adult Golden Eagle over Los Gatos Blvd. 1:23 PM
Hi all -
Sitting at a red light along Los Gatos Blvd. and Los Gatos Almaden Road
in Los Gatos I watched an adult *GOLDEN EAGLE* approach from the
south/east and fly directly overhead. It continued to circle over the
road as I continued on. This was at 1:23 PM.
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: 2/5/26 3:15 pm From: hacksoncode via groups.io <hacksoncode...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Ed R. Levin Chipping Sparrows et al
I had a rather interesting trip to Ed R. Levin this morning.
In the Elm area, I found 2 Chipping Sparrows on the fence around
37°27'15.5"N 121°51'27.7"W.
Then at Spring Valley, 3 Golden Eagles were soaring at the same time over
the mountain.
Finally, an interesting interaction between the resident female Phainopepla
and a Northern Mockingbird.
The Mockingbird would try to chase the Phainopepla off of "its" oak with
mistletoe, and the Phainopepla would fly a circle around the tree calling
its head off continuously then land -- repeating over and over for at least
15 minutes.
I thought this was odd, but later read that they compete for mistletoe in
winter, and this exact behavior is pretty common.
--
Ray
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: 2/5/26 10:49 am From: Vicki Silvas-Young via groups.io <mrnngwrblr...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Field Trip to Sunnyvale WPCP, Wednesday, 2-4-2026
Good morning, South Bay Birders,
Yesterday at noon time eleven binocular-wielding people met Dan Bloch and
myself to explore the nooks and crannies of Sunnyvale WPCP for avian life.
Twenty-six species were seen and heard. Marsh Wrens, heard and (amazingly)
seen, were still tuning up for Spring from last month. We observed that
they sing even while flying, no mean feat considering how wide they open
their mouths while singing! Green Herons, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and
White-crowned Sparrows were very evident to please our eyes and sharpen ID
skills. Ruddy Ducks, Lesser Scaups (where are all the Greater Scaups?),
Northern Shovelers, Gadwalls, American Coots, Pied-billed Grebes, and, of
course, Mallards represented the waterfowl An American Kestrel,
Turkey Vultures, immature Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks showed up to
represent the raptors. At the beginning of the trip we met two ladies out
for a stroll in the fresh warm air with their umbrellas for shade who asked
us if we were "bird watchers." Discussion ensued. Later we met them on
the trail as they were returning from their walk. They quizzed us on the
identification of a "big black bird with a white tail and head." We
determined that they saw an adult Bald Eagle. We did not see that bird.
:( Such are the vagarities of birding.
Here is the eBird list thankfully kept by Dan during the trip. eBird
Checklist - 4 Feb 2026 - Sunnyvale WPCP (please use a more specific hotspot
where possible) - 26 species (+1 other taxa)
<https://ebird.org/checklist/S298157698>
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.
This afternoon an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was on Pond A13 in Alviso in a roost of c. 3,000 gulls. Additionally, a Sanderling was in high-tide shorebird roosts on A12, a Swamp Sparrow was in the marsh with the boardwalk by the parking lot, a Yellow Warbler was in shrubs by the gate at the entrance to the parking lot, and two female Barrow's Goldeneye were in Alviso Slough. Thousands of scaup were on A11 and nearly a thousand dabblers, including at least two male Eurasian Wigeon, were on A14.
The Lesser Black-backed Gull was slightly on the pale side for that species and showed distinctly pinkish-tinged feet, and had not yet finished growing in p10, which make it seem at least plausible that it might be the individual found at this location two years ago by Dessi Sieburth and Cameron Tescher: that bird showed these characteristics and also a primary pattern suggestive of ssp. taimyrensis. If this individual can be relocated and good spread-wing photos obtained, that would be really awesome. Alviso is a truly amazing setup for rare gulls in winter, and in addition to today's various other low-level rarities it feels excellent for things like Tufted Duck as well. It receives far less coverage than it deserves!
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: 2/4/26 3:24 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVBA Field Trip to Calero Reservoir
Hi Everyone!
Edward Rooks, Amanda Newlove and I led a field trip to Calero Reservoir this morning. We had beautiful weather and the highlight was the rushing *Western and Clark's Grebes*. We were also lucky that the *Rock Wren* popped out. Other fun birds were the *Spotted Sandpiper* and the *Bald Eagle*.
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: 2/4/26 10:23 am From: Chris Overington via groups.io <chris.overington...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] American Bittern at Terminal Blvd/Shoreline, Mtn View
American Bittern continues just below vehicular bridge on Terminal Avenue
at 10:15.
On Wed, Feb 4, 2026 at 6:21 AM Juliana Manoliu via groups.io <manojuli=
<comcast.net...> wrote:
> The bittern was there on 2/2 as well very close to the bridge
>
> Juliana Manoliu
> On 2/3/2026 9:11 PM, Dorothy Johnson via groups.io wrote:
>
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> Sorry for the late report.
>
> Earlier today I was birding the Terminal Blvd, Shoreline Lake area, at the
> end of San Antonio Rd. I saw an AMERICAN BITTERN in the channel next to
> Terminal Blvd parking. I was standing on the car bridge looking east. The
> bird was in the reeds at the back of the channel. I saw it 1st around
> 11:35am and again in the same place around 12:40pm.
>
> Happy birding
> Dorothy Johnson
> San Jose
>
>
>
>
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: 2/4/26 8:00 am From: Brooke Miller via groups.io <brooke.bam...> Subject: [southbaybirds] January 2026 Cumulative Bird Report for Santa Clara County
Greetings South Bay Birders:
We started off 2026 with 169 countable birds seen on January 1, and a total
of 206 countable birds for the month of January. The average for January
1st is 158, and the average for the month of January is 202. There were 2
birds that were not ABA-countable in January (see below). Thank you to
everyone that birded, and took the time to report birds either on SBB,
eBird, or send emails directly to me.
Of the countable 206 birds that were recorded for January, there were 2
birds rated as rarity (6), and 8 birds rated as rarity (5). 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.
Rarity Code 6’s for January 2026:
1. Black Oystercatcher (6), 2026-01-01, continuing from 2025, at Shoreline
Lake, seen by multiple observers
2. Pelagic Cormorant (6), 2026-01-01, continuing from 2025, in Salt Pond A8
but seen from Alviso Slough Trail, seen by multiple observers
Rarity Code 5’s for January 2026:
1. Black Rail (5), hidden date, location, and observer – ‘sensitive species’
2. Pacific Golden-Plover (5), 2026-01-01, continuing from 2025, along the
entrance road to Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge in Alviso, seen by multiple
observers
3. Red-naped Sapsucker (5), 2026-01-01, continuing from 2025, at Joseph D
Grant County Park, seen by Brooke Miller
4. Brewer’s Sparrow (5), 2026-01-01, continuing from 2025, in Ann Verdi’s
backyard
5. Vesper Sparrow (5), 2026-01-01, continuing from 2025, at the Calera
Creek Trail gate at Ed Levin County Park, seen by Garrett Lau and Dave Weber
6. Clay-colored Sparrow (5), 2026-01-07, at TJ Martin Park, found by
Garrett Lau
7. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (5), 2026-01-20, at Vasona Lake County Park,
found by Dave Weber
8. Townsend’s Solitaire (5), 2026-01-28, at Mt Umunhum, found by Dani
Christensen.
The 2 ABA non-countable bird for January were:
1. Mute Swan, 2026-01-02, continuing from 2025, in Salt Pond A18, by
Garrett Lau
2. Scaly-breasted Munia, 2026-01-04, seen by Heba A, at Almaden Lake Park
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: 2/4/26 6:21 am From: Juliana Manoliu via groups.io <manojuli...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] American Bittern at Terminal Blvd/Shoreline, Mtn View
The bittern was there on 2/2 as well very close to the bridge
Juliana Manoliu
On 2/3/2026 9:11 PM, Dorothy Johnson via groups.io wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> Sorry for the late report.
>
> Earlier today I was birding the Terminal Blvd, Shoreline Lake area, at
> the end of San Antonio Rd. I saw an AMERICAN BITTERN in the channel
> next to Terminal Blvd parking. I was standing on the car bridge
> looking east. The bird was in the reeds at the back of the channel. I
> saw it 1st around 11:35am and again in the same place around 12:40pm.
>
> Happy birding
> Dorothy Johnson
> San Jose
>
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: 2/3/26 9:45 pm From: Dorothy Johnson via groups.io <dfj6281...> Subject: Re: Mosquito treatments in Palo Alto baylands area tomorrow - Re: [southbaybirds] American Bittern at Terminal Blvd/Shoreline, Mtn View
Hi All,
I was at Emily Renzel this morning as well. There was a sign indicating
that area would be closed tomorrow.
Thanks for the reminder, Melanie
Dorothy
On Tue, Feb 3, 2026, 9:32 PM Melanie Barnett via groups.io <mjb2024=
<proton.me...> wrote:
> Hello all,
> Reading Dorothy's email (thank you, Dorothy!) reminded me that there will
> be helicopters spraying for mosquitoes tomorrow. And some roads/trails will
> be closed temporarily.
>
> Charleston Slough and Forebay areas won't be sprayed; it looks like the
> planned boundary is just west of Adobe Creek
> More info at:
> https://www.paloalto.gov/News-Articles/City-Manager/Mosquito-Treatment-Planned-on-Wednesday-February-4 >
> Best,
> Melanie
>
> On Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 at 9:11 PM, Dorothy Johnson via groups.io
> <dfj6281...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> Sorry for the late report.
>
> Earlier today I was birding the Terminal Blvd, Shoreline Lake area, at the
> end of San Antonio Rd. I saw an AMERICAN BITTERN in the channel next to
> Terminal Blvd parking. I was standing on the car bridge looking east. The
> bird was in the reeds at the back of the channel. I saw it 1st around
> 11:35am and again in the same place around 12:40pm.
>
> Happy birding
> Dorothy Johnson
> San Jose
>
>
>
>
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: 2/3/26 9:32 pm From: Melanie Barnett via groups.io <mjb2024...> Subject: Mosquito treatments in Palo Alto baylands area tomorrow - Re: [southbaybirds] American Bittern at Terminal Blvd/Shoreline, Mtn View
Hello all, Reading Dorothy's email (thank you, Dorothy!) reminded me that there will be helicopters spraying for mosquitoes tomorrow. And some roads/trails will be closed temporarily.
On Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 at 9:11 PM, Dorothy Johnson via groups.io <dfj6281...> wrote:
> Hi Everyone, > > Sorry for the late report. > > Earlier today I was birding the Terminal Blvd, Shoreline Lake area, at the end of San Antonio Rd. I saw an AMERICAN BITTERN in the channel next to Terminal Blvd parking. I was standing on the car bridge looking east. The bird was in the reeds at the back of the channel. I saw it 1st around 11:35am and again in the same place around 12:40pm. > > Happy birding > Dorothy Johnson > San Jose >
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: 2/3/26 9:11 pm From: Dorothy Johnson via groups.io <dfj6281...> Subject: [southbaybirds] American Bittern at Terminal Blvd/Shoreline, Mtn View
Hi Everyone,
Sorry for the late report.
Earlier today I was birding the Terminal Blvd, Shoreline Lake area, at the end of San Antonio Rd. I saw an AMERICAN BITTERN in the channel next to Terminal Blvd parking. I was standing on the car bridge looking east. The bird was in the reeds at the back of the channel. I saw it 1st around 11:35am and again in the same place around 12:40pm.
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: 2/1/26 9:03 pm From: Jim Yurchenco via groups.io <bird.jry...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Pileated Woodpecker at Coe Park
Yesterday, 1/31, we had a flyover Pileated at the Hunting Hollow parking area at around 4:30PM. Yet another indication they are now resident in the park. Perhaps someone will be able to confirm them during the California Breeding 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.
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: 2/1/26 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.
South Bay Birds [SBB] is a list intended for reporting the interesting birds you find in Santa Clara county, in order to help your fellow birders see them as well. We encourage everyone to share where they bird and what they see. Please include the general location (e.g., an eBird hotspot) and, if appropriate, the bird(s) of interest in the subject line, with any additional detail needed in the message body. If you use eBird, we encourage you to include a link to the eBird trip report that you filed.
This list is maintained by the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance ( scvbirdalliance.org) ( https://scvbirdalliance.org ). Their volunteers and funding keep the list running so please consider joining or donating to them. SBB's Lead Admin is Jim Dehnert. Chuq Von Rospach, Brooke Miller, Matthew Dodder and Barry Langdon-Lassagne assist Jim. You can contact the administration team with your questions and concerns at southbaybirds+<owner...>
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The primary content for SBB is reports of interesting birds you saw and where you saw them ( https://groups.io/g/southbaybirds/message/24065 ). The objective ( https://groups.io/g/southbaybirds/message/25078 ) is to help other birders interested in the birds you saw to find them themselves. Please include the general location (e.g., an eBird hotspot) and, if appropriate, the bird(s) of interest in the subject line, with any additional detail needed in the message body. Please report only Santa Clara County locations -- other counties have their own mailing lists for trip reports.
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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.
A great addition to the backyard list today - a female RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER! Yard list now at 74. I was tracking a flock of feeding CEDAR WAXWINGs when a sapsucker popped into view on a bare tree along a small creek behind the fence on the neighboring property. I have only seen a sapsucker once in the yard (a Red-breasted) so this was exciting but even more so when it turned out to be "non-Red-breasted". Managed to get a few shots before the bird moved further downstream into a thick clump of Live Oaks where it was impossible to refind.
Thanks to Mike Rogers who confirmed that the bird looks good for a female Red-Naped. Clear white chin, clean red nape should suffice to say that its (mostly) Red-naped vs. Yellow-bellied (white bars on the back also appear to be in two distinct "columns') and no red below the black crescent on the chest should suffice to say that it doesn't have much (if any) of Red-breasted elements. Photos here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S297332781
A very bird afternoon with a lot of activity and 25 species.
There is no public access to this spot, so I won't post the exact location. If I see the bird again tomorrow and someone is really interested in trying to see it, please contact me directly.
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: 1/31/26 12:45 pm From: Ryan L. via groups.io <ryanbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Field Trip Report: Hellyer CP 1/31/26
Fifteen birders joined Amanda Newlove and me for a fun beginner SCVBA field trip to Hellyer County Park on a winter day with perfect weather. We saw 37 species.
We saw many signs of the transition to spring starting even though it’s still January. Yellow-rumped Warblers have started to transition to breeding plumage. Tree Swallows and Western Bluebirds were investigating a cavity in a sycamore. The lake was fairly quiet, though the usual Mallards, American Coots, and Canada Geese were present. We identified one Ring-billed Gull on the lake (many more flew overhead), a Pied-billed Grebe, and 5 Ruddy Ducks. The raptors seen and heard were: White-tailed Kite, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Turkey Vulture. The group had good views of a female Nuttall’s Woodpecker and White-breasted Nuthatch. At the end, we found Killdeer with one excavating some mulch for a possible nest. One additional non-bird highlight was a herd of Tule Elk on the hillside across US-101.
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: 1/30/26 8:43 am From: Chris Overington via groups.io <chris.overington...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Geese!
The Snow Goose, and a small group of White-fronted Geese (12), continue with the larger flock of Canada Geese in the Kite Flying area at Shoreline Park in Mountain View this morning, Chris Overington.
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.
Earlier today around 1155 I had a TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE about 3/4ths of a
mile down from the summit on the Mt Umunhum Trail at Sierra Azul OSP,
approximately here: 37.1562160, -121.8964001. I heard it again in the same
general area at about 1330 on the descent. Not too much cell service up
there so my apologies for the delayed report.
I first heard it much earlier in my hike from a mile or so down the trail
but couldn’t see it yet. It was calling as I approached and was feeding in
the canopy on madrone berries between bouts of calls. Couldn’t get a photo
through my binoculars but a recording is attached.
You can access the trail either from the Mt Umunhum summit and hike down to
this location, or enjoy a longer hike up from the Bald Mountain lot like I
did. Couple VARIED THRUSH along the way so that’s a nice prize, 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.
