Date: 11/9/26 9:57 am From: hacksoncode via southbaybirds <hacksoncode...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] TRKI and VEFL at Southwest A3W
Tropical Kingbird is presently sallying from 37.4251808, -122.0291815.
--
Ray
On Sat, Nov 7, 2026, 9:53 AM m_m_rogers via southbaybirds <m.m.rogers=
<comcast.net...> wrote:
> All,
>
> At the moment, there are both a TROPICAL KINGBIRD and a VERMILION
> FLYCATCHER on the Moffett Field fence opposite the southeast corner of Pond
> A3W.
>
> Mike Rogers
> Sunnyvale, CA
>
>
>
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: 11/8/26 7:12 pm From: Karen via southbaybirds <karush111...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Field Notes: Los Capitancillos Ponds, Nov. 8.
I have to say we had a pretty amazing walk this morning with a total of 58 bird species. The group was enthusiastic and we worked as a team to see all these birds.
We started off from Singletree Way with a hunkered down Turkey Vulture, Western bluebirds, Golden-crowned sparrows, California scrub-jay and a Northern mockingbird at Singletree Way. As we walked along the tree-lines path we had the first of many Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit thrush, Downy woodpecker, Anna's hummingbird, Chestnut-backed chickadee, Lesser goldfinch, California towhee, Acorn woodpeckers, Yellow-rumped warblers and a Townsend's warbler. We heard but never saw the Northern flicker and a Red-shouldered hawk. A lot of the birds vocalized so everyone could start to put the birds' vocalizations together with the visual cues. Considering we couldn't have gone any more than 1/4 mile I already knew we were off to a very good start.
The percolation ponds were very full and at the first of the western ponds we had Mallards, Buffleheads (both male and female), Gadwall, American Coots. We scanned for Wilson's snipe, but no luck. The next pond was full of ducks: more Gadwalls, American Wigeons, Ring-necked ducks, Mallards, American Coots and Pied-billed grebes. Along the trees we had our first of many American goldfinches. As we made our way east we could hear Killdeer and a male Belted kingfisher. As we caught up with them 2 Green herons flew by us and around the pond as 2 Wilson's snipes flew from the other direction. You didn't know where to look first. At the last of the west ponds there was a female Hooded merganser preening close by among the Canada geese about 15 feet from us.
We decided to keep going to the East ponds. This is where we had the Common gallinule, Great blue heron, Hairy woodpecker and the happy surprise, White-throated sparrow, in a flock of White-crowned and Golden-crowned sparrows. Thank you Melody. We had great looks as the bird moved from tree to tree and posed in between. We had several more species on the way back, but no gulls on the ponds! We saw a Red-tailed hawk and to top it all off a Peregrine falcon perched in the electrical pylons near our parked cars when we arrived back.
I would like to thank everyone for helping out with bird ID's, finding birds and helping everyone get on the birds. It's what makes our field trips so enjoyable for everyone.
The list is here https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S409130484
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: 11/8/26 1:08 pm From: Melody Bafetti via southbaybirds <melodyybirds...> Subject: [southbaybirds] White-throated Sparrow @ Los Capitancillos
Hi all,
Today on a trip with SCVBA to Los Capitancillos Ponds (led by Karen Rush), I found a *White-throated Sparrow* foraging in a mixed flock of sparrows (mainly *White-crowned* with some *Golden-crowned* ). I first spotted it foraging under a tree on the side of the trail across from the first pond east of Meridian Ave (around 37.24014, -121.88420). All the sparrows seemed to stay in the area that descends slightly from the main trail, foraging on the secondary path and under the trees.
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.
Walking along the Palo Alto Baylands trail paralleling the airport runway today I got to watch Green-winged Teal courting. Reminded me of Ruddy Duck courtship, only cuter, with a bigger repertoire of dance moves. Some short video clips are in the eBird checklist (and no, I didn't have a tripod). I sadly didn't get a clip of the group that swam together in a tight circle, one behind another, taking turns displaying.
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: 11/7/26 2:13 pm From: Lisa Myers via southbaybirds <lisa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] The morning at McClellan Ranch - Cupertino
Hi all -
This morning I taught a beginning birding workshop. I hold all the
beginning workshops over at McClellan Ranch so the new folks learn about
the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance, let alone the great habitat found
there.
During a workshop there is a lot of time spent answering questions and
talking about birding, but we do look at the birds too. The bird feeders
are a magnet for awesome birds at close range. Here we had both
*GOLDEN-CROWNED* and *WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS*, plus one *SONG SPARROW*
came to the bird bath. Having *PYGMY NUTHATCH* next to a *WHITE-BREASTED
NUTHATCH* made for a great comparison. One of a few *NORTHERN FLICKERS*
observed today did land above the Nature Shop.
As we walked toward the barn we enjoyed *WESTERN BLUEBIRDS*, an
*AMERICAN ROBIN* and a *HERMIT THRUSH*. This is where we also found a
*WHITE-THROATED SPARROW*!
We took the trail along Steven's Creek and added *RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET*,
*RED-SHOULDERED HAWK*, *STELLER'S JAY* and *BUSHTIT *to our morning.
I was surprised we had no warbler activity, and we dipped on seeing
towhees.
P.S. The Environmental Education Center (EEC) also located here is open
on Saturdays from 11 AM - 3 PM so after the workshop we got to go play
with snakes and lizards!
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: 11/7/26 11:27 am From: Peter E Hart via southbaybirds <peterehart...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Two Varied Thrushes at Stevens Creek/Cooley
Hi All,
This morning there were two VATH’s, a male and a female, at Stevens Creek Cooley Picnic area. They were foraging on the asphalt drive opposite the entrance to Camp Via West.
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: 11/7/26 9:53 am From: m_m_rogers via southbaybirds <m.m.rogers...> Subject: [southbaybirds] TRKI and VEFL at Southwest A3W
All, At the moment, there are both a TROPICAL KINGBIRD and a VERMILION FLYCATCHER on the Moffett Field fence opposite the southeast corner of Pond A3W. Mike Rogers Sunnyvale, CA _._,_._,_
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: 11/6/26 11:53 am From: Diane McCoy via southbaybirds <dianemccoy10...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Bonies Back!
Hi. The Bonaparte’s Gulls are back at Palo Alto Baylands. just saw a group of about 30 to 40 out resting on the high tide water opposite the Lucy Evans interpretive center building. Nice to see them back. This is my first of season look at them.
Have a good day. happy Birding, Diane McCoy.
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: 11/6/26 8:49 am From: Carter Gasiorowski via southbaybirds <carter.gasiorowski...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Evening Grosbeaks, SCU
There are currently 15 Evening Grosbeaks moving around between the Chinese pistache trees along Santa Clara and Market streets on the edge of Santa Clara University. (37.3480851, -121.9397919) There is abundant food for them here, so I’m hopeful they will linger in the area.
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: 11/5/26 4:12 pm From: janna pauser via southbaybirds <jannapauser...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Evening Grosbeaks, Greystone Park
Evening Grosbeaks were calling from a Liquidambar tree across from
Greystone Park in Almaden Valley. They flew off to the south at 10 am. A
few other birds of note were several Pygmy Nuthatch, a Red breasted
Nuthatch and Townsend's Warbler. see attachment
Pine Siskins, over a dozen, have been mobbing my backyard seed feeder
for weeks.
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: 11/4/26 6:29 pm From: Vicki Silvas-Young via southbaybirds <mrnngwrblr...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Today's SCVBA Field Trip to Sunnyvale WPCP, 11-4-2026
Good afternoon, South Bay Birders,
Today after a bit of a rough start due to Google employees taking up the parking spaces designated for trail users, 12 not-so-beginnerish birders gathered with Dan and myself to see what was shaking at the local sewage treatment plant. And there was plenty shakin', 28 bird species. Yellow-rumped Warblers greeted us as we sauntered up the trail to see a Snowy Egret flying by along with an American Coot paddling in the slough. A slow start. Thinking that we heard some Green Herons vocalizing we scurried further up the trail. As we were exclaiming about how many American Crows were overhead, from a tree out pops a Cooper's Hawk with a meal in its beak, maybe a juicy, fat Jerusalem Cricket, with a bunch of American Crows in hot pursuit. Even after taking a couple of direct hits from the American Crows, the Cooper's Hawk did not let go of its meal, but finally found another perch down the trail to rest and dine in peace only to be chased by a Red-tailed Hawk! Later we saw the poor harassed Cooper's Hawk patiently sitting in a half bare tree, looking at the ground, presumably looking for another meal. Then it suddenly dove for the ground and came up with a tasty tidbit, flew to a nearby perch so we could watch it stuff its face. In the slough pairs of Mallards with a Snowy Egret here and there accompanied by a Common Gallinule swimming with a couple more American Coots were seen by us and a couple of stoic Black-crowned Night Herons on the shore. White-crowned Sparrows, House Finches, tiny Lesser Goldfinches, Yellow-rumped Warblers, (only one!) California Towhee, Red-winged Blackbirds, Brewer's Blackbirds, and European Sparrows gathered here and there along the trail. On the two pipes that go across West Pond, a bunch of American White Pelicans were preening with a sprinkling of snoozing Black-necked Stilts among them. Pied-billed Grebes hung out in the background as a lone Forster's Tern surveyed the gull species gathered below. Many European Starlings prompted a discussion of molt along with the iridescence of their plumage as a Double-crested Cormorant ushered a Brown Pelican into our view. It was a lovely fall day! My "thank yous" to Dan, the other leader, for keeping the eBird list. Here it is........ https://ebird.org/checklist/S408055032 Sign up for a Christmas Count! Vicki
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: 11/4/26 3:01 pm From: Marion Farber via southbaybirds <marion_farber...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Pine Siskins
I have been seeing up to 5 Pine Siskins at my sunflower seed feeder for several days now. And I have been hearing a Red-breasted Nuthatch for weeks now. Then there was the Evening Grosbeak a couple of weeks ago and today Red Crossbills! Definitely an irruption winter!
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: 11/4/26 2:56 pm From: Marion Farber via southbaybirds <marion_farber...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Red Crossbills in Almaden Valley
Several times today I have had up to 4 Red Crossbills at my sunflower seed feeders and at my birdbath. One is for sure a male, another looks to be a female, and the other 2 look more grey than yellow (but yellow on the rump), like the female/immature photo in allaboutbirds.org. New yard bird! I was able to get about 8 feet away from the feeder with my binoculars and could clearly see the crossed bill! Darkish wings with no wingbars. I am near the Los Capitancillos perc ponds.
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: 11/4/26 12:02 pm From: Juliana Manoliu via southbaybirds <manojuli...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Bubb pond redux and McClellan Ranch Cupertino
The Bubb pond had 2-3 male */Common mergansers/* today in addition to
the females reported last week.
There were 3 */Hooded mergansers/* (1 M, 2F) which were new for this week.
The highlight of my outing was a */Wilson's snipe/* in the McClellan
Ranch Community garden on the ground. After a few seconds it flew up in
a leafy tree and I lost it.
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: 11/3/26 3:54 pm From: Eve Meier via southbaybirds <eve.m.meier...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Pine Siskins
Me too! I’ve been watching my feeders and today was the first day of this season (and year) to have a Pine Siskin.
Eve Meier (San Jose)
> On Nov 3, 2026, at 3:22 PM, Joe Parker via southbaybirds <jandkparker...> wrote:
>
> I have at least 2 PINE SISKINS, one of them a very highly colored male, in with a small flock of Lesser Goldfinches in my yard in the flats of Los Gatos. I almost never have them even when they are fairly common up in the hills behind town.
>
>
> Kathy Parker
> Los Gatos
>
>
>
>
>
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: 11/3/26 3:22 pm From: Joe Parker via southbaybirds <jandkparker...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Pine Siskins
I have at least 2 PINE SISKINS, one of them a very highly colored male, in with a small flock of Lesser Goldfinches in my yard in the flats of Los Gatos. I almost never have them even when they are fairly common up in the hills behind town.
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: 11/1/26 11:33 am From: Connor Christensen via southbaybirds <connor.r.christensen...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Lapland Longspur at Byxbee
My last coordinates were mistakenly on the wrong side of the trail. The bird has been hunkered down feeding on the ridge just off the side of the trail for at least a half hour at 37.446592,-122.105414.
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: 11/1/26 10:50 am From: Connor Christensen via southbaybirds <connor.r.christensen...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Lapland Longspur at Byxbee
After hearing Lapland Longspur this morning with some other birders Liz Frith and I stuck around and finally found the bird. We heard it in a few different places but finally spotted it at 37.446799,-122.105279.
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: 11/1/26 5:31 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...>
The home site for this list is https://scvbirdalliance.org/siliconvalleybirding and you can find out more about us there. To start sending messages to members of this group, send email to <southbaybirds...>
The birds we watch should be our primary concern. As birders we need to be sensitive to their needs and not do things that put the birds or their habitat at risk.
We believe all birders should act as ethical birders. Your personal year list or that special photograph could put the bird at risk or cause its nest to fail. Because we expect all birders to act ethically around the birds that bring them joy, we expect that of the birders who are on our list as well. We have written up some ideas of what it means to be an ethical birder, and list links to other resources on ethical birding as well. Please read them and act to put the bird’s needs ahead of your own. If we find out that members of the list are putting birds or their habitat at risk, those members may lose access to the mailing list and its resources.
We also believe that members of the list should treat each other properly. If a list member is found to be attacking or harassing other list members, or engaging in activities that violate the ethical birding code it may affect their future ability to contribute to or subscribe to our lists.
*Acceptable Content*
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.
Occasionally the administrator will post an Advocacy digest -- no more than once a week, and more typically much less often. This digest contains topics that are not typically posted to the list but we feel are of interest to the readers of SBB and are important enough to warrant posting to the wider audience. These messages will be tagged with the word "Advocacy" in the subject so members who aren't interested can delete or filter them if they choose. Topics posted as Advocacy messages typically include updates on important Advocacy activities by Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance (SCVBA) and SCVBA volunteer activities.
*Unacceptable Content*
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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: 10/31/26 11:34 am From: Eve Meier via southbaybirds <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Calero Reservoir
Hi Everyone,
I briefly checked out Calero Reservoir this morning. There were plenty of *Western Grebes* plus many *Clark's Grebes* but no breeding behaviors. A pair of *Bald Eagles* was bathing on the opposite side of the reservoir from the boat launch and a pair of *White-tailed Kites* was present. The water level is a little low so there's plenty of bank - I counted about 32 *Wilson's Snipe* (need a scope). *Sora* and *Virginia Rail* were heard 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: 10/31/26 10:17 am From: John Harshman via southbaybirds <john.harshman...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Charleston Slough Ridgway's rail, 10/31
[Edited Message Follows]
OK, Virginia rail, upon a better look. From the second (edit: it's the third) bench on the trail looking toward the creek is an isolated patch of cattail. The bird flushed as I approached, flew across the creek, and walked into the vegetation.
Other birds of note: 3 semipalmated plovers, one long-billed curlew, a common yellow throat, two American wigeons. And hundreds of the usual suspects.
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: 10/31/26 10:00 am From: John Harshman via southbaybirds <john.harshman...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Charleston Slough Ridgway's rail, 10/31
From the second bench on the trail looking toward the creek is an isolated patch of cattail. The bird flushed as I approached, flew across the creek, and walked into the vegetation.
Other birds of note: 3 semipalmated plovers, one long-billed curlew, a common yellow throat, two American wigeons. And hundreds of the usual suspects.
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: 10/31/26 6:25 am From: Eve Meier via southbaybirds <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Parkway Lakes and Máyyan 'Ooyákma- Coyote Ridge
Hi Everyone!
I made a quick stop at Parkway Lakes yesterday morning. Coyote Creek is no
longer dry at this location, the water has been turned on in the past week
or so! I didn't see any Wilson's Snipe but I did see *Common Mergansers*,
*Buffleheads*, *Ring-necked Ducks* and a couple of *Gadwalls*. ebird:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S406607139.
Next stop was Máyyan 'Ooyákma- Coyote Ridge. For some reason, I decided to
do the whole loop which is very hard on my feet! But the weather was
perfect. *Horned Larks* were abundant and mostly along the Tule Elk Trail.
A surprise was 4 *Varied Thrush* flying over! I also spotted one *Ferruginous
Hawk* up there and another over Hwy 101.
https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S406650976.
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.
Dominik Mosur has suggested that some of the common mergansers may be
males in eclipse plumage
Juliana Manoliu
-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: [southbaybirds] Bubb pond
Resent-Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2026 13:34:59 -0700
Resent-From: <manojuli...>
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2026 13:34:46 -0700
From: Juliana Manoliu via groups.io <manojuli...>
Reply-To: <manojuli...>
To: <southbaybirds...> <southbaybirds...>
In Cupertino on 10-28-26 there were a dozen */Common mergansers /*all
female. Also mixed M,F */Ring-necked ducks/* around a dozen as
well-Ring-necks were reported a few days ago.
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.
In Cupertino on 10-28-26 there were a dozen */Common mergansers /*all
female. Also mixed M,F */Ring-necked ducks/* around a dozen as
well-Ring-necks were reported a few days ago.
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: 10/26/26 5:47 pm From: Caitlin Dempsey Morais via groups.io <cdgeog...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Bittern at its channel -photos attached
These coordinates 37.433449, -122.096425
On Mon, Oct 26, 2026, 17:39 Caoimhín Perkins via groups.io <ksperkins59=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Hi folks, new to the bay area — where is this bridge? At Casey Forebay now
> and not really sure where to go
>
> On Mon, Oct 26, 2026 at 3:01 PM vivek madasu via groups.io <vivek.madasu=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> Bittern came back at 2:20, same location as Chris!
>>
>> -Vivek
>>
>> On Mon, Oct 26, 2026, 1:30 PM Chris Overington via groups.io
>> <chris.overington...> wrote:
>>
>>> Bittern continuing in same location at 1:30pm - excellent views from
>>> bridge over channel. Currently on East side of channel - enjoy! 🙂
>>>
>>> On Mon, Oct 26, 2026 at 1:08 PM Juliana Manoliu via groups.io <manojuli=
>>> <comcast.net...> wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -------- Forwarded Message --------
>>>> Subject: [southbaybirds] Bittern at its channel
>>>> Resent-Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:42:09 -0700
>>>> Resent-From: <manojuli...>
>>>> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:41:52 -0700
>>>> From: Juliana Manoliu via groups.io <manojuli...>
>>>> <manojuli...>
>>>> Reply-To: <manojuli...>
>>>> To: <southbaybirds...> <southbaybirds...>
>>>> <southbaybirds...>
>>>>
>>>> Around 10 AM 10-26-26 I met yesterday's poster of the *American
>>>> bittern*, but neither of us could find it at the time.
>>>>
>>>> I returned around 11:30 AM and was ready to leave when it was seen from
>>>> the bridge/culvert at the far end of the parking lot at Coast Casey.
>>>>
>>>> First it was preening on the West side of the channel, then it swam
>>>> across to the East side and disappeared in the reeds.
>>>>
>>>> Watched it with Caroline.
>>>>
>>>> Juliana Manoliu
>>>>
>>>>
>
>
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: 10/26/26 5:44 pm From: Vicki Silvas-Young via groups.io <mrnngwrblr...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Bittern at its channel -photos attached
Go to the end of the parking lot, opposite the bathrooms. After leaving
the parking lot you will be on the bridge.
Good Luck,
Vick S-Y
On Mon, Oct 26, 2026 at 5:39 PM Caoimhín Perkins via groups.io <ksperkins59=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Hi folks, new to the bay area — where is this bridge? At Casey Forebay now
> and not really sure where to go
>
> On Mon, Oct 26, 2026 at 3:01 PM vivek madasu via groups.io <vivek.madasu=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> Bittern came back at 2:20, same location as Chris!
>>
>> -Vivek
>>
>> On Mon, Oct 26, 2026, 1:30 PM Chris Overington via groups.io
>> <chris.overington...> wrote:
>>
>>> Bittern continuing in same location at 1:30pm - excellent views from
>>> bridge over channel. Currently on East side of channel - enjoy! 🙂
>>>
>>> On Mon, Oct 26, 2026 at 1:08 PM Juliana Manoliu via groups.io <manojuli=
>>> <comcast.net...> wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -------- Forwarded Message --------
>>>> Subject: [southbaybirds] Bittern at its channel
>>>> Resent-Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:42:09 -0700
>>>> Resent-From: <manojuli...>
>>>> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:41:52 -0700
>>>> From: Juliana Manoliu via groups.io <manojuli...>
>>>> <manojuli...>
>>>> Reply-To: <manojuli...>
>>>> To: <southbaybirds...> <southbaybirds...>
>>>> <southbaybirds...>
>>>>
>>>> Around 10 AM 10-26-26 I met yesterday's poster of the *American
>>>> bittern*, but neither of us could find it at the time.
>>>>
>>>> I returned around 11:30 AM and was ready to leave when it was seen from
>>>> the bridge/culvert at the far end of the parking lot at Coast Casey.
>>>>
>>>> First it was preening on the West side of the channel, then it swam
>>>> across to the East side and disappeared in the reeds.
>>>>
>>>> Watched it with Caroline.
>>>>
>>>> Juliana Manoliu
>>>>
>>>>
>
>
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: 10/26/26 5:39 pm From: Caoimhín Perkins via groups.io <ksperkins59...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Bittern at its channel -photos attached
Hi folks, new to the bay area — where is this bridge? At Casey Forebay now
and not really sure where to go
On Mon, Oct 26, 2026 at 3:01 PM vivek madasu via groups.io <vivek.madasu=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Bittern came back at 2:20, same location as Chris!
>
> -Vivek
>
> On Mon, Oct 26, 2026, 1:30 PM Chris Overington via groups.io
> <chris.overington...> wrote:
>
>> Bittern continuing in same location at 1:30pm - excellent views from
>> bridge over channel. Currently on East side of channel - enjoy! 🙂
>>
>> On Mon, Oct 26, 2026 at 1:08 PM Juliana Manoliu via groups.io <manojuli=
>> <comcast.net...> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -------- Forwarded Message --------
>>> Subject: [southbaybirds] Bittern at its channel
>>> Resent-Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:42:09 -0700
>>> Resent-From: <manojuli...>
>>> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:41:52 -0700
>>> From: Juliana Manoliu via groups.io <manojuli...>
>>> <manojuli...>
>>> Reply-To: <manojuli...>
>>> To: <southbaybirds...> <southbaybirds...>
>>> <southbaybirds...>
>>>
>>> Around 10 AM 10-26-26 I met yesterday's poster of the *American
>>> bittern*, but neither of us could find it at the time.
>>>
>>> I returned around 11:30 AM and was ready to leave when it was seen from
>>> the bridge/culvert at the far end of the parking lot at Coast Casey.
>>>
>>> First it was preening on the West side of the channel, then it swam
>>> across to the East side and disappeared in the reeds.
>>>
>>> Watched it with Caroline.
>>>
>>> Juliana Manoliu
>>>
>>>
>
>
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: 10/26/26 5:38 pm From: Kalpesh Krishna via groups.io <kalpeshk2011...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Bittern at its channel -photos attached
Continuing at 37.433642,-122.096655 at 3:30pm.
Best,
Kalpesh Krishna
On Mon, Oct 26, 2026, 3:01 PM vivek madasu via groups.io <vivek.madasu=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Bittern came back at 2:20, same location as Chris!
>
> -Vivek
>
> On Mon, Oct 26, 2026, 1:30 PM Chris Overington via groups.io
> <chris.overington...> wrote:
>
>> Bittern continuing in same location at 1:30pm - excellent views from
>> bridge over channel. Currently on East side of channel - enjoy! 🙂
>>
>> On Mon, Oct 26, 2026 at 1:08 PM Juliana Manoliu via groups.io <manojuli=
>> <comcast.net...> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -------- Forwarded Message --------
>>> Subject: [southbaybirds] Bittern at its channel
>>> Resent-Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:42:09 -0700
>>> Resent-From: <manojuli...>
>>> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:41:52 -0700
>>> From: Juliana Manoliu via groups.io <manojuli...>
>>> <manojuli...>
>>> Reply-To: <manojuli...>
>>> To: <southbaybirds...> <southbaybirds...>
>>> <southbaybirds...>
>>>
>>> Around 10 AM 10-26-26 I met yesterday's poster of the *American
>>> bittern*, but neither of us could find it at the time.
>>>
>>> I returned around 11:30 AM and was ready to leave when it was seen from
>>> the bridge/culvert at the far end of the parking lot at Coast Casey.
>>>
>>> First it was preening on the West side of the channel, then it swam
>>> across to the East side and disappeared in the reeds.
>>>
>>> Watched it with Caroline.
>>>
>>> Juliana Manoliu
>>>
>>>
>
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: 10/26/26 5:03 pm From: Caitlin Dempsey Morais via groups.io <cdgeog...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Bittern at its channel -photos attached
The bittern is still here. On the west side of the bridge standing among
the reeds off the left bank by the water.
Caitlin
On Mon, Oct 26, 2026, 15:01 vivek madasu via groups.io <vivek.madasu=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Bittern came back at 2:20, same location as Chris!
>
> -Vivek
>
> On Mon, Oct 26, 2026, 1:30 PM Chris Overington via groups.io
> <chris.overington...> wrote:
>
>> Bittern continuing in same location at 1:30pm - excellent views from
>> bridge over channel. Currently on East side of channel - enjoy! 🙂
>>
>> On Mon, Oct 26, 2026 at 1:08 PM Juliana Manoliu via groups.io <manojuli=
>> <comcast.net...> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -------- Forwarded Message --------
>>> Subject: [southbaybirds] Bittern at its channel
>>> Resent-Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:42:09 -0700
>>> Resent-From: <manojuli...>
>>> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:41:52 -0700
>>> From: Juliana Manoliu via groups.io <manojuli...>
>>> <manojuli...>
>>> Reply-To: <manojuli...>
>>> To: <southbaybirds...> <southbaybirds...>
>>> <southbaybirds...>
>>>
>>> Around 10 AM 10-26-26 I met yesterday's poster of the *American
>>> bittern*, but neither of us could find it at the time.
>>>
>>> I returned around 11:30 AM and was ready to leave when it was seen from
>>> the bridge/culvert at the far end of the parking lot at Coast Casey.
>>>
>>> First it was preening on the West side of the channel, then it swam
>>> across to the East side and disappeared in the reeds.
>>>
>>> Watched it with Caroline.
>>>
>>> Juliana Manoliu
>>>
>>>
>
>
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: 10/26/26 3:01 pm From: vivek madasu via groups.io <vivek.madasu...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Bittern at its channel -photos attached
Bittern came back at 2:20, same location as Chris!
-Vivek
On Mon, Oct 26, 2026, 1:30 PM Chris Overington via groups.io
<chris.overington...> wrote:
> Bittern continuing in same location at 1:30pm - excellent views from
> bridge over channel. Currently on East side of channel - enjoy! 🙂
>
> On Mon, Oct 26, 2026 at 1:08 PM Juliana Manoliu via groups.io <manojuli=
> <comcast.net...> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>>
>> -------- Forwarded Message --------
>> Subject: [southbaybirds] Bittern at its channel
>> Resent-Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:42:09 -0700
>> Resent-From: <manojuli...>
>> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:41:52 -0700
>> From: Juliana Manoliu via groups.io <manojuli...>
>> <manojuli...>
>> Reply-To: <manojuli...>
>> To: <southbaybirds...> <southbaybirds...>
>> <southbaybirds...>
>>
>> Around 10 AM 10-26-26 I met yesterday's poster of the *American bittern*,
>> but neither of us could find it at the time.
>>
>> I returned around 11:30 AM and was ready to leave when it was seen from
>> the bridge/culvert at the far end of the parking lot at Coast Casey.
>>
>> First it was preening on the West side of the channel, then it swam
>> across to the East side and disappeared in the reeds.
>>
>> Watched it with Caroline.
>>
>> Juliana Manoliu
>>
>>
>
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: 10/26/26 1:31 pm From: Chris Overington via groups.io <chris.overington...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Bittern at its channel -photos attached
Bittern continuing in same location at 1:30pm - excellent views from bridge
over channel. Currently on East side of channel - enjoy! 🙂
On Mon, Oct 26, 2026 at 1:08 PM Juliana Manoliu via groups.io <manojuli=
<comcast.net...> wrote:
>
>
>
> -------- Forwarded Message --------
> Subject: [southbaybirds] Bittern at its channel
> Resent-Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:42:09 -0700
> Resent-From: <manojuli...>
> Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:41:52 -0700
> From: Juliana Manoliu via groups.io <manojuli...>
> <manojuli...>
> Reply-To: <manojuli...>
> To: <southbaybirds...> <southbaybirds...>
> <southbaybirds...>
>
> Around 10 AM 10-26-26 I met yesterday's poster of the *American bittern*,
> but neither of us could find it at the time.
>
> I returned around 11:30 AM and was ready to leave when it was seen from
> the bridge/culvert at the far end of the parking lot at Coast Casey.
>
> First it was preening on the West side of the channel, then it swam across
> to the East side and disappeared in the reeds.
>
> Watched it with Caroline.
>
> Juliana Manoliu
>
>
>
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: 10/26/26 10:23 am From: rabwiebe via groups.io <rabwiebe...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Swinhoe’s White-eyes Coast Casey Forebay
This morning I had a couple of white-eyes in the trees at the east end of the parking lot at the Coast Casey Forebay (37.4335145, -122.0971926), calling frequently. No Brewer’s Sparrow or Western Cattle-Egret seen 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: 10/24/26 7:05 pm From: janna pauser via groups.io <jannapauser...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Hellyer and backyard birds
I stopped along Hellyer Ave. as I have for twelve years to check on the resident Say's Phoebe pair that has nested in an out house. The first bird I saw was a Say's Phoebe on the roof. About a dozen Lark Sparrow were nearby on the ground or fence.
I was anxious to get to Hellyer Park after seeing SCVBA's photos of the River Otter in Cottonwood Lake. It was difficult to concentrate with all the birds! There must have been a hundred Yellow-rumped Warblers in the immediate vicinity. I was thrilled to find the otter by following its long wake. Birds of interest here were Northern Flickers, White-tailed Kite, 2 Red breasted Sapsuckers, Hermit Thrush, Western Bluebirds, a Say's Phoebe and a Ruby crowned Kinglet flashing its red crown.
My backyard is very birdy after hanging a feeder with sunflower chips yesterday. Pine Siskins, Am. Goldfinch, Oak Titmice, Chickadees, White and Red breasted Nuthatch, Pygmy Nuthatch and a Western Tanager mobbed the feeder today. I've also had quite a few Yellow-rumped Warblers and Western Bluebirds in the yard the last few weeks. A Hermit Thrush is getting braver each day and shows itself often now. Other birds at the suet feeder are Nuttall's Woodpecker, Bewicks Wren, Golden crowned Sparrow, Juncos and Cal. Scrub Jays.
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: 10/24/26 6:24 pm From: Ryan L. via groups.io <ryanbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Field Notes: SCVBA trip to Hayward Regional Shoreline
This morning nine birders left the South Bay and Santa Clara County to go birding at the Hayward Regional Shoreline with the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance. We saw three other large birding groups at this location. Everyone we met asked if we saw any longspurs. We didn’t. Neither did they. We still had a great time.
We started at the Winton Avenue entrance. Along Shoreline Trail a juvenile White-tailed Kite perched close to the trail, presumably waiting for it to warm up a bit, giving us an auspicious start to the trip. Along the trail to the Bay the group was able to practice sparrows and finches: White-crowned Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
As we approached the bay we found a Merlin flying past. On the edge of the bay we practiced our shorebirds. We observed Black Turnstone (rarity code 6 in SCC!), Black-bellied Plover, Willet, Marbled Godwit, Least Sandpiper, and one Dunlin. On the island the Willets were most abundant but we counted four Black Oystercatchers. A Black Skimmer flew north along the shore. Overhead we spotted a large bird flying south with a long neck. It flew between us and the sun so we couldn’t get great views at the time. Another group of birders identified it as a Tundra Swan and it appears the photos support that observation.
We continued south between the bay and the marsh. Out in the bay we observed Forster’s Terns diving, a number of Double-crested Cormorants, and at least two Clark’s Grebes further out.
We climbed the hill to the southwest corner of the landfill. We diligently scanned the fields for anything unexpected. We found Western Meadowlarks and American Pipits in high numbers. In addition, our party identified three Horned Larks in the group. Also on the landfill was a flock of Canada Geese and Wild Turkeys. We saw one Northern Flicker in the southeast corner.
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: 10/24/26 3:39 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] TJ Martin Park
Hi Everyone!
I spent about an hour at TJ Martin Park for some very relaxing afternoon birding. The *Chipping Sparrows* are continuing there along with a *Say's Phoebe*, a *Lark Sparrow* or two, a *Savannah's Sparrow* and 2 *Western Meadowlarks*. Complete list here: https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S405138247.
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: 10/21/26 4:03 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVBA field trip to Hellyer CP
Hi Everyone!
Today Edward Rooks and I led a SCVBA field trip to Hellyer CP covering the Velodrome picnic area and the Cottonwood Lake area. We had a little over 50 species, nothing unusual (besides the *River Otter* in the lake!) but a nice variety of birds. *Yellow-rumped Warblers* were throughout the park, I logged about 40 but there were probably more. I stopped counting at some point. In the Velodrome picnic area, at least 8 *Northern Flickers *were spotted and at one point 6 of them were grouped in a single tree. *Nuttall's, Acorn Woodpeckers* and a *Red-breasted Sapsucker* were also in this area. The Red-breasted Sapsucker wells seemed to attract a variety of other birds too like *Ruby-crowned Kinglets*, *Anna's hummingbirds*, *Acorn Woodpeckers* and *Yellow-rumped Warblers*. A *Cooper's Hawk* flew by at one point with a trail of about 8 small birds trailing it. My first thought was *Bushtits *but they may have been *Anna's Hummingbirds*. *Fox Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Song Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows *and *Golden-crowned Sparrows *were all seen on the lawn. Towards the end of the trip, when we were returning to the picnic area, two female *Purple Finches* were spotted high in a couple of leafless trees.
Around and on the lake, were a dense congregation of about 30 *Great Egrets* and 10 *Snowy Egrets* with a couple of *Double-crested Cormorants*. A single *Greater Yellowlegs *flew away as we approached the lake. *Killdeer *were in the large lawn area and a flock of about 30 *Cedar Waxwings* arrived in the willows along the lake. No winter ducks yet - just the *Mallards* and only 1 *California Gull*. Lots of small birds were here too - *Townsend's and Yellow-rumped Warblers*, *Oak Titmice*, *Ruby-crowned Kinglets*, *Dark-eyed Juncos,* etc.
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: 10/21/26 2:54 pm From: Dorothy Johnson via groups.io <dfj6281...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Hooded Mergansers at Edith Morley Park, Campbell
Hi Everyone,
I visited Edith Morley Park in Campbell this afternoon, and saw 2 FOS HOODED MERGANSERS in the middle perc pond. Other birds seen included a KINGFISHER, GREAT and SNOWY EGRETS, GREEN HERON, BLACK CROWNED NIGHT HERON, KILLDEER and KINGLETS, BEWICK'S WREN, and of course YELLOW RUMPED WARBLERS.
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: 10/21/26 7:58 am From: Brooke Miller via groups.io <brooke.bam...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SEPTEMBER 2026 Cumulative Bird Report for Santa Clara County
South Bay Birders:
In September we added 10 new countable birds, bringing the total to 283 at
the end of the month. The average for September is 10 new birds, with an
average of 267 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 birds that were found in September:
1. Eastern Kingbird (6), 2026-09-01, found by Chris Johnson at Penitencia
Creek Trail
2. Sabine's Gull (5), 2026-09-04, seen by Alex Wiebe at Sunnyvale
WPCP--West Pond
3. Common Nighthawk (6), 2026-09-08, found by Enya Cordoba at Shoreline Lake
4. Northern Waterthrush (5), 2026-09-14, found by Kai Mills along the
Stevens Creek Trail--El Camino Real to US-101
5. Clark's Nutcracker (6), 2026-09-19, seen by Chris Henry flying along the
Upper Saddle at Loma Prieta
6. American Redstart (5), 2026-09-20, found by Carter Gasiorowski at Santa
Clara University
7. Evening Grosbeak (5), 2026-09-20, seen by Multiple Observers at Upper
Mt. Madonna Rd at Loma Prieta
8. Cassin's Finch (6), 2026-09-24, found by Multiple Observers at Upper Mt.
Madonna Rd at Loma Prieta
9. Yellow-throated Vireo (6), 2026-09-27, found by Carter Gasiorowski and
Iris Yuh at the Rengstorff House at Shoreline Park
10. Blackpoll Warbler (5), 2026-09-29, found by Garrett Lau at Vasona Lake
County Park.
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.
Date: 10/20/26 7:54 pm From: Connor Christensen via groups.io <connor.r.christensen...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVBA Field Trip Report: Don Edwards 10/18/26
Hello everyone,
We had a wonderful morning of birding on Sunday at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge. Our morning began with a Northern Harrier hunting over New Chicago Marsh. We followed the Harrier down into the marsh to get some close looks at American Avocets, Black-necked Stilts, and a Greater Yellowlegs, which were wading through the high tide, with Killdeer and Least Sandpipers foraging along the shores. As we made our way up onto the levee, we had a great view of Pond A16, which was beginning to fill up with wintering ducks and gulls. A surprisingly large flock of Redheads swam in the back part of the pond. An adorable family of Black Skimmers also rested on the first island. Two adults dutifully guarded their juvenile, chasing off a Snow Egret and American Crow that crept too close for their liking. As we made our way up Mallard Slough Trail, we were serenaded by Marsh Wrens while listening carefully for rails. Eventually, we were rewarded with Soras singing and a Virginia Rail that called from the reeds right in front of us. Our trip was bookended by another raptor, as an American Kestrel made for an exciting final bird. In total, we observed 52 different species. Here is a copy of our checklist ( https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S403497415 ).
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: 10/20/26 4:23 pm From: Max Liske via groups.io <max.liske89...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Don Edwards, Grand Ave.
Hi All,
I drove past on Monday to go to the trailhead and asked the crew and they
said it should be done by Monday 10/26.
On Tue, Oct 20, 2026 at 1:56 PM Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> It’s my understanding that they are paving Grand Blvd and that the work is
> supposed to be done on Friday.
>
> Eve Meier
>
> > On Oct 20, 2026, at 1:48 PM, Kim Blythe via groups.io <blythekim.ca=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
> >
> > Now this???
> >
> >
> > Does anyone know if this is permanent? 😢
> > Perhaps they’re just paving the road along my favorite little patch?
> > —Kim
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > <image0.jpeg>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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: 10/20/26 1:56 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Don Edwards, Grand Ave.
Hi All,
It’s my understanding that they are paving Grand Blvd and that the work is supposed to be done on Friday.
Eve Meier
> On Oct 20, 2026, at 1:48 PM, Kim Blythe via groups.io <blythekim.ca...> wrote:
>
> Now this???
>
>
> Does anyone know if this is permanent? 😢
> Perhaps they’re just paving the road along my favorite little patch?
> —Kim
>
>
>
>
>
>
> <image0.jpeg>
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: 10/18/26 3:17 pm From: David Zittin via groups.io <dzittin...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Horned Larks at Sierra Vista
Hi Birders,
We have never encountered so many Horned Larks that seemed indifferent to people. Another birder directed me to the corral area below SV parking. There were 4 Horned Larks within 30 feet of the fence. Later we walked the Aquila Loop and saw two more at the entrance. These let me get within 15 feet for photos. All were busy feeding.
We also had a nice close fly-by of a mature Golden 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.
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: 10/18/26 1:07 am From: Melody Bafetti via groups.io <melodyybirds...> Subject: [southbaybirds] TJ Martin Park - Chipping Sparrows and More!
Hi all,
Kaden Oh and I took a quick visit to TJ Martin this Saturday afternoon, and found it exceptionally birdy! I’m happy to report the *Chipping Sparrows* are back! We saw 3 foraging on the side of the concrete walking path, just east of the playground around 37.23353, -121.88899. They were joined by a pair of *Savannah* *Sparrows* , which we saw foraging with the Chipping Sparrows before flying off into a nearby tree. We also had some other interesting finds in the large field, including 6 *Killdeer* , 2 *Western Meadowlarks* and an *American Pipit* ! I’ve attached some photos of the Chipping Sparrows, as well as the link to our eBird checklist here ( https://ebird.org/checklist/S403279221?continue ). Hopefully the Chipping Sparrows stick around, and perhaps someone can find a Clay-Colored Sparrow hidden in the mix!
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: 10/17/26 9:50 am From: Lisa Myers via groups.io <lisa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Northern Pygmy Owl at Bear Creek Redwoods.
Hi all,
Julie Rose and I got to Bear Creek redwoods open space this morning before the parking lot filled. Our goal was to find Varied Thrush. We took the trail up the hill across the road and about a half a mile up we stopped for a group of mobbing birds. Our patience paid off and at 9:30 am we eventually found a NORTHERN PYGMY OWL sitting high above. The attached cell phone photo shows the “baked potato” sitting on the branch to the right of the truck.
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: 10/16/26 11:10 pm From: Howard Friedman via groups.io <howardnfriedman...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Flat tires, heroes, and amazing peope-Birding Arrowhead Marsh
Adventure, I like to think of our birding trips as adventures. We never know what we will see or hear and sometimes there are experiences that are not what we expect at all. The trip started with me heading north on Interstate 880 with the intention of being an hour early to scout the area and have some ideas about where we’d begin the walk. Well, I am in the number two lane with cars and trucks zipping by at super high rates of speed. All of a sudden the car starts shuddering and shaking really hard. I pulled over knowing I had a flat. Getting to the shoulder was intense to say the least. My front left tire popped from the sidewall. I had no spare tire! That is how many newer cars are designed. I called CSAA for a tow. Well that worked out. I got the tow home without me having to be present.
I then thought about the trip, which I had to lead in 40 minutes. I called Linda Pors to see if she had Dan Bloch’s phone number. Thanks for doing your best Linda. Time was of the essence. Dan was my co-lead (and future super hero) for the trip to Arrowhead Marsh. I had to get in touch with him immediately. Calling Linda was a good intention, but a dead end. Hmmm, I thought to call Carolyn Knight (My Knight in shining armor) who texted me Dan’s phone number in seconds. Unbelievably enough he was minutes behind me. Dan picked me up where the tow truck driver dropped me off at the next exit at a gas station. Needless to say, we were pretty much right on time to begin the trip.
Our group was down a few members, but the group was excited and really positive about our prospects. Prior to our arrival, everyone had already identified a Western Willet and a Black-billed Plover right away, both being very close to us. Off in the distance on the sound were three Western Grebes and a Clark’s Grebe floating on the calmest water. Several Western Gull were out on the sound as well, just chillin’.
**
**
Not too soon after that, we began moving along the western channel, then some Rigway’s Rails began calling in unfamiliar numbers. My guess was no fewer than 7 were cackling. From the Chordgrass on the opposite side another half dozen or more were calling back! A few squadrons of California Brown Pelicans cruised by on the search for food. Although there weren’t as many birds on the channel, the few species that were present put on quite a show. The nice surprises in the sound were a solo Common Murre and a Caspian Tern diving for its meal.
**
**
What I find interesting about Arrowhead Marsh is the proximity to so much industrialization, with the Oakland Airport nearby, the Coliseum Complex and industrial warehouses all around the Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline Regional Park. Somehow, nature, assisted by human science has allowed this oasis to flourish. One of our team had an amazing handheld monocular that assisted us in finding many of the birds on the far shore. There among the Canada Geese was a Cackling Goose and a Brant! A pair of Black Oystercatchers flew by. Also, along the shore were a small omniscience of Marbled Godwits and flock of Western Willets. On our side of the channel we discovered a Spotted Sandpiper bobbing about while feeding. Walking south we spotted a Black Turnstone on the shoreline picking at the riprap. Scanning the trees in the grassy picnic areas, we spied a Cooper’s Hawk hunting for the morning meal.
**
**
In the grassy picnic areas, White-crowned Sparrows, Black Phoebes, Say’s Phoebes were busy feeding, scattering as we approached them. Heading east across the drier uplands were a Song Sparrow, some Golden and White-crowned Sparrows, a Black Phoebe, and the one Northern Mockingbird seen on this trip. When we got to the east channel, we found ten Blue-winged Teal in their breeding plumage. Nine were male and only one female/juvenile were present. As we neared the end of our trip the Rigway’s Rails began calling again. There had to be more than ten calling close by! Amazingly enough, we saw two of them lift off. They quickly hid again in the Chordgrass. Once we came to the end of the journey ,finishing up where we started, we found three Eared Grebes in the calm water close by.
This was truly an amazing trip. I have to thank Dan Bloch for his kindness, timing, generosity, and skills for helping with the trip, especially carrying my scope. Thank you to Hemant and Hemali for the ride back to San Jose. You were instrumental, compassionate, and kind for helping me out. Thank you to all the participants for your company and good humor. I look forward to seeing you all again in the field or on a trip.
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: 10/13/26 9:33 am From: Matthew O'Brien via groups.io <matthewobrien...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Pinyon Jay at SCU
Carter -
Exciting. I'm an SCU grad (BSEE 1973), but can assure you I never saw a Pinyon Jay at SCU while I was there!
Pinyon Jays are an irruptive species, and have come in numbers to the Bay Area at times. I was lucky one such time.
In 2003, I saw a single individual on San Antonio Valley Road, just as the road down from Lick flattens out into the valley. At that time, Bill Bousman was the "keeper of the list and reporter" for Santa Clara County for South Bay Birds. He gathered multiple record sources.
As Pinyon Jay was significant, I reported the sighting in my trip list and sent it in.
He then replied, and told me that according to all his records, that was the first sighting in Santa Clara County. I had been at the south end of San Antonio Valley Road, which is in Santa Clara County. Proceeding north, it becomes Alameda County.
As an aside, my wife and I just spent a week in and near Santa Fe, New Mexico. We've done that maybe 8 times. This year is an irruption year there, with montane species coming down to much lower elevations. At Santa Fe level, there were ample Pinyon Jays, Clark's Nutcrackers, all three nuthatch species (usually only White-breasted), Goshawks.
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: 10/13/26 9:28 am From: Garrett Lau via groups.io <Garrett.Lau...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
Since someone on the MBB thread asked about the address: The shooter was at
(37.090528, -121.835868). We were at (37.091760, -121.837386). This is by
two snags where I had seen a Cassin's Finch on September 27.
Garrett Lau
On Tue, Oct 13, 2026 at 9:16 AM Ryan Phillips via groups.io <norcalbirding=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Important info for SBB also going up to Loma Prieta.
> Be cautious and careful. It is another world up there and reason some of
> those folks are way up there.
> Ryan
>
> *Ryan Phillips* ǀ Owner and Guide
>
> Personal and Group Birding Excursions in Northern California and Beyond
>
>
>
> Phone ǀ (831) 234-7324
>
> Email ǀ <norcalbirding...>
>
> Website ǀ *www.norcalbirding.com <http://www.norcalbirding.com/>* >
> Facebook ǀ www.facebook.com/norcalbirding
>
> "Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes
> and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"
>
> - Sir David Attenborough
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ---------
> From: Cliff Bixler <clifford.bixler50...>
> Date: Mon, Oct 12, 2026, 9:31 PM
> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
> To: Lola Ross <lolabones...>
> Cc: David Apgar <d_apgar...>, Kent Johnson <kentjohnson...>,
> MBBirds <mbbirds...>
>
>
> It would be good to know his address so I don't stop in front of his house.
>
> On Mon, Oct 12, 2026, 9:28 PM Lola Ross <lolabones...> wrote:
>
>> Hi folks,
>>
>> Just wanted to update you. One of the birders who was threatened spoke
>> with a deputy and explained everything that happened. The Santa Cruz
>> Sheriffs Department determined that this incident doesn’t warrant any
>> further action on their part. They told the birder that a person living in
>> that locale is allowed to shoot a gun on their own property. And based on
>> the conversation with the birders, the Sheriffs Department determined that
>> the birders were far enough away when the man pointed the gun at them that
>> he wasn’t an actual threat to them.
>>
>> That being said, please do use caution and common sense when birding Loma
>> Prieta or anywhere else, especially when it’s in a residential community.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>> Lola
>>
>> On Mon, Oct 12, 2026 at 8:04 PM David Apgar <d_apgar...> wrote:
>>
>>> Maybe Audubon had the right idea about bird identification, after all.
>>>
>>> David
>>>
>>> On Oct 12, 2026 4:55 PM, Kent Johnson <kentjohnson...> wrote:
>>>
>>> This is not the first time this has happened. I had an unpleasant
>>> encounter with a man at that same location several years ago. No gun was
>>> involved, but the man did claim that he owned the road and could prohibit
>>> anyone from using it, which is clearly untrue. At least one other birder
>>> had a similar experience in the area. If he is becoming more aggressive it
>>> certainly needs the attention of law enforcement. His home is on the Santa
>>> Cruz side of the road, so the incident should be reported to the Santa Cruz
>>> County Sheriff.
>>> Kent Johnson
>>> ------------------------------
>>> *From:* <mbbirds...> <mbbirds...> on behalf
>>> of Lola Ross <lolabones...>
>>> *Sent:* Monday, October 12, 2026 2:39 PM
>>> *To:* MBBirds <mbbirds...>
>>> *Subject:* [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
>>>
>>> Hey all,
>>>
>>> This morning I went up to Loma Prieta and ran into several birders up
>>> there when I was at the Wiliamson’s Sapsucker stakeout pine (never saw it,
>>> but I did get nice photos of a RBS).
>>> Three birders from Santa Clara Co said a Loma Prieta resident threatened
>>> them with a rifle, fired two shots in the air, motioned them violently to
>>> go away, flipped them off, and pointed his rifle at them (not necessarily
>>> in that order). The birders were on the public county road. One of the
>>> three birders shared the location where it occurred (see link below). She
>>> took photos of the man and the location and was planning to file a report
>>> with the SC County Sheriff’s Office, but at Kim’s suggestion, I’m posting
>>> the info here so you can all be aware.
>>>
>>> Brian Spence also returned from that direction a little later on, and
>>> had not encountered anything untoward, but I chose not to walk up that way
>>> anyway. Two drivers also sped past us at various times, purposefully
>>> revving through the softer dirt to try to coat us with dust (once by the
>>> sapsucker tree and once at the parking area). Most drivers were courteous,
>>> but not those two.
>>>
>>> Stay safe out there. Here’s the location that was shared with me of the
>>> guy with the rifle:
>>>
>>> https://maps.app.goo.gl/diiWnzvfDEUGjFfR7?g_st=ig >>>
>>> --
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>> Groups "mbbirds" group.
>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
>>> an email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
>>> To view this discussion visit
>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...> >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> .
>>>
>>> --
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>>> an email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
>>> To view this discussion visit
>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<BL1PPFCDE88AB4399A9209CECA42E5A8C5CAA9F2...> >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<BL1PPFCDE88AB4399A9209CECA42E5A8C5CAA9F2...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> .
>>>
>>>
>>> --
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>>> To view this discussion visit
>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<DM6PR12MB34036BD721B4ED921512BFAF9B9E2...> >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<DM6PR12MB34036BD721B4ED921512BFAF9B9E2...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> .
>>>
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "mbbirds" group.
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>> email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<CAFCCGgneqn88ftRfGO09_AbPTfUre-jdEKtqUGgVO_dGH8nUMw...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<CAFCCGgneqn88ftRfGO09_AbPTfUre-jdEKtqUGgVO_dGH8nUMw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
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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: 10/13/26 9:16 am From: Ryan Phillips via groups.io <norcalbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
Important info for SBB also going up to Loma Prieta.
Be cautious and careful. It is another world up there and reason some of
those folks are way up there.
Ryan
*Ryan Phillips* ǀ Owner and Guide
Personal and Group Birding Excursions in Northern California and Beyond
"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes
and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"
- Sir David Attenborough
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Cliff Bixler <clifford.bixler50...>
Date: Mon, Oct 12, 2026, 9:31 PM
Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
To: Lola Ross <lolabones...>
Cc: David Apgar <d_apgar...>, Kent Johnson <kentjohnson...>,
MBBirds <mbbirds...>
It would be good to know his address so I don't stop in front of his house.
On Mon, Oct 12, 2026, 9:28 PM Lola Ross <lolabones...> wrote:
> Hi folks,
>
> Just wanted to update you. One of the birders who was threatened spoke
> with a deputy and explained everything that happened. The Santa Cruz
> Sheriffs Department determined that this incident doesn’t warrant any
> further action on their part. They told the birder that a person living in
> that locale is allowed to shoot a gun on their own property. And based on
> the conversation with the birders, the Sheriffs Department determined that
> the birders were far enough away when the man pointed the gun at them that
> he wasn’t an actual threat to them.
>
> That being said, please do use caution and common sense when birding Loma
> Prieta or anywhere else, especially when it’s in a residential community.
>
> Sincerely,
> Lola
>
> On Mon, Oct 12, 2026 at 8:04 PM David Apgar <d_apgar...> wrote:
>
>> Maybe Audubon had the right idea about bird identification, after all.
>>
>> David
>>
>> On Oct 12, 2026 4:55 PM, Kent Johnson <kentjohnson...> wrote:
>>
>> This is not the first time this has happened. I had an unpleasant
>> encounter with a man at that same location several years ago. No gun was
>> involved, but the man did claim that he owned the road and could prohibit
>> anyone from using it, which is clearly untrue. At least one other birder
>> had a similar experience in the area. If he is becoming more aggressive it
>> certainly needs the attention of law enforcement. His home is on the Santa
>> Cruz side of the road, so the incident should be reported to the Santa Cruz
>> County Sheriff.
>> Kent Johnson
>> ------------------------------
>> *From:* <mbbirds...> <mbbirds...> on behalf of
>> Lola Ross <lolabones...>
>> *Sent:* Monday, October 12, 2026 2:39 PM
>> *To:* MBBirds <mbbirds...>
>> *Subject:* [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
>>
>> Hey all,
>>
>> This morning I went up to Loma Prieta and ran into several birders up
>> there when I was at the Wiliamson’s Sapsucker stakeout pine (never saw it,
>> but I did get nice photos of a RBS).
>> Three birders from Santa Clara Co said a Loma Prieta resident threatened
>> them with a rifle, fired two shots in the air, motioned them violently to
>> go away, flipped them off, and pointed his rifle at them (not necessarily
>> in that order). The birders were on the public county road. One of the
>> three birders shared the location where it occurred (see link below). She
>> took photos of the man and the location and was planning to file a report
>> with the SC County Sheriff’s Office, but at Kim’s suggestion, I’m posting
>> the info here so you can all be aware.
>>
>> Brian Spence also returned from that direction a little later on, and had
>> not encountered anything untoward, but I chose not to walk up that way
>> anyway. Two drivers also sped past us at various times, purposefully
>> revving through the softer dirt to try to coat us with dust (once by the
>> sapsucker tree and once at the parking area). Most drivers were courteous,
>> but not those two.
>>
>> Stay safe out there. Here’s the location that was shared with me of the
>> guy with the rifle:
>>
>> https://maps.app.goo.gl/diiWnzvfDEUGjFfR7?g_st=ig >>
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "mbbirds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "mbbirds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<BL1PPFCDE88AB4399A9209CECA42E5A8C5CAA9F2...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<BL1PPFCDE88AB4399A9209CECA42E5A8C5CAA9F2...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>>
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "mbbirds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<DM6PR12MB34036BD721B4ED921512BFAF9B9E2...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<DM6PR12MB34036BD721B4ED921512BFAF9B9E2...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
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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: 10/13/26 9:02 am From: Elinor Gates via groups.io <egates...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Possible Pinyon Jay
I had a possible sighting of a Pinyon Jay on Mt. Hamilton, but not a good enough view to call it for sure and it moved on too quickly for me to get a photo.
Elinor
> On Oct 13, 2026, at 8:47 AM, Carter Gasiorowski via groups.io <carter.gasiorowski...> wrote:
>
> While birding at Santa Clara University just now I heard the very loud, nasal call of a PINYON JAY. Unfortunately I did not have a clear view of the sky and when I ran out to the open the bird was nowhere to be seen. I also did not get a recording. The bird must’ve been flying just above treetop level based on how loud the call was. I’m not going to claim this sighting for any of my lists but hopefully others can encounter pinyon jays if their irruption has finally reached Santa Clara county.
>
>
>
>
>
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: 10/13/26 8:47 am From: Carter Gasiorowski via groups.io <carter.gasiorowski...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Possible Pinyon Jay
While birding at Santa Clara University just now I heard the very loud, nasal call of a PINYON JAY. Unfortunately I did not have a clear view of the sky and when I ran out to the open the bird was nowhere to be seen. I also did not get a recording. The bird must’ve been flying just above treetop level based on how loud the call was. I’m not going to claim this sighting for any of my lists but hopefully others can encounter pinyon jays if their irruption has finally reached Santa Clara county.
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: 10/12/26 9:27 am From: Karen via groups.io <karush111...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Field Notes: Moss Landing Beach and Jetty Road
Our rescheduled trip to Moss Landing Beach, Jetty Road was a great trip for the October Big Day. It was a pretty impressive trip from our sheer numbers and the number of birds (We had 60!) we were able to see with the help of Matthew Dodder and his scopes. Thank you Matthew and Cricket, and Linda. Unfortunately there were also quite a few dead sea lions and common murres on the beach, possibly larger numbers than expected from the effects of El Nino. We introduced ourselves at the parking lot while having some close looks at Common Murres, Common Loons, Elegant Terns, Eared Grebes and lots of Brown Pelicans on the rocky breaks. The slough and harbor were active with sea lions.
We proceeded to the beach where we could see Marbled Godwits in groups all down the beach with a few Willets, Long Billed Curlews and Sanderlings mixed in. We watched the waves and the skies for more birds. We had more Common Loons, Elegant Terns, Common Murres and a Parasitic Jaeger flying in the distance. As we headed north on the beach we almost stumbled on some Sanderlings, Semipalmated Plovers and Snowy Plovers. We had seen the Black-Bellied Plovers just minutes before so it gave a great demonstration of the size differences seen in Plovers. This would not be our last encounter and the total number of Snowy Plovers was higher than I normally encounter at 32! (Hoping all the conservation work is paying off.) We had a large group of gulls, primarily Heermann's Gulls with a few Western Gulls, and one Ring-billed Gull. Matthew also spotted an American Herring Gull which disappeared quickly. We headed back over to the Jetty Road and made our way over to the wetlands. Along the way we saw a Say's Phoebe (First of Season for me), White-Crowned Sparrows, Lincoln Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow and a couple of Bewick Wrens singing. Near the water were Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Least Sandpipers and Black-necked Stilts. By the time we got up to the wetland area the tide was pretty high and the Willets and Marbled Godwits were pushed into the pickleweed.
The raptors saved themselves for near the end with a pair of posing White-tailed Kites on snags, Turkey Vultures, and a Northern Harrier. We headed back to the beach to have a second look at many of the birds. We saw the beach covered with what looked to be very small piles of seaweed everywhere we looked. They turned out to be hundreds of resting Least Sandpipers, Western Sandpipers and a few larger Dunlins mixed in.
During the trip we also had Brewer's Blackbirds, American Crows, Snowy Egrets, Western Grebes, Pied-billed Grebes, Brandt's and Double-crested Cormorants with a "no show" for Pelagic Cormorants. There were a few birds only seen by a few such as Pigeon Guillemot, Clark's Grebe. We also saw California Sea Lions, Humpback Whales, dolphins/porpoises (I couldn't ID), and California Sea Otters.
I'd like to thank everyone for participating and helping their fellow birder and especially Matthew.
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.
