Date: 10/18/26 4:41 pm From: Mark Holmgren via groups.io <maholmgren33...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Clay-colored Sparrow at Girsh Park
2 Spizella sparrows were seen shortly after noon at Girsh Park. One was a Clay-colored. Details, location, and photos here. https://ebird.org/checklist/S403562166 I did not see any longspur.
Date: 10/18/26 3:14 pm From: Jamie Chavez via groups.io <almiyi...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] American Bittern at Lake Los Carneros
Multiple Western Kingbirds this late in October would be very unusual ([see Lehman](http://sbcobirding.com/lehmanbosbc.html)). Philip Zeng photographed the one at LLC earlier today. Be sure to photograph any suspected Western-type Kingbirds out there.
On Sunday, October 18th, 2026 at 2:46 PM, Steven Gaulin via groups.io <gaulin...> wrote:
> An American Bittern showed briefly at the edge of the reeds along the NE shore (viewable from the wide, paved path on the west side of the lake). Other birds seen included at least one American Kestrel, multiple Western Kingbirds (others mentioned a Tropical but I did not see one), and a Red-breasted Sapsucker near where the path used to lead to the now-defunct boardwalk. > > Steven Gaulin > Santa Barbara >
Date: 10/18/26 2:46 pm From: Steven Gaulin via groups.io <gaulin...> Subject: [sbcobirding] American Bittern at Lake Los Carneros
An American Bittern showed briefly at the edge of the reeds along the NE shore (viewable from the wide, paved path on the west side of the lake). Other birds seen included at least one American Kestrel, multiple Western Kingbirds (others mentioned a Tropical but I did not see one), and a Red-breasted Sapsucker near where the path used to lead to the now-defunct boardwalk.
Date: 10/18/26 12:13 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Lapland Longspur at Girsh Park
I searched this area and surrounding parts of the park this morning starting about 9:15 but did not turn it up. Updates would be appreciated. There were lots of different birds, (sparrows, pipits, Yellow-rumps, Kildeer) foraging in the area where the Longspur was reported.
I did find a Tennessee Warbler in the riparian area today. In fact, this one was easy! I spotted it in a low hanging branch of a cottonwood tree as I pulled into my parking spot in the lot off Santa Felicia Drive. All I had to do was turn off the engine and watch it for several minutes. There was an Orange-crowned Waarbler just above it, making for nice direct comparisons.
Florence Sanchez
On Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 10:15:02 AM PDT, Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> wrote:
The Longspur continued at Girsh on Saturday morning despite nearly all the playing fields being used by kids and the presence of parents watching from the side lines. It was at the location reported previously approx. 34.425769, -119.873056, but flew up into a nearby Sycamore tree when disturbed. It was last reported around 1 pm.
Date: 10/18/26 11:55 am From: Ryan Seppala via groups.io <rjseppala...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Black-throated Green Warbler at Mentor Dr
I had a Black-throated Green Warbler on the north end of the north-central parking lot at Mentor Drive, foraging in a tipu before being chased off by a Yellow-rumped. I doubt it went far.
Date: 10/18/26 10:15 am From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Lapland Longspur at Girsh Park
The Longspur continued at Girsh on Saturday morning despite nearly all the playing fields being used by kids and the presence of parents watching from the side lines. It was at the location reported previously approx. 34.425769, -119.873056, but flew up into a nearby Sycamore tree when disturbed. It was last reported around 1 pm.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) (1)
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 08:34 by Alex Harman
- Isla Vista Beach (between Devereux Beach and Goleta Point), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8624379&<ll...>,-119.8624379 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403096825 - Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "Common? Smaller than adjacent FOTE with shorter legs and bill. More black on the head as well. On rocks at the end of Campus Point. Poor photos to come!
Edit: Based on external feedback, changing this to Arctic based on the short bill, short legs, and rounded head. I believe the lack of a bold, black carpal bar also favors Arctic."
Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) (1)
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 10:37 by RJ Baltierra
- US (34.318, -119.757), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7565764&<ll...>,-119.7565764 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403251354 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Noticed small dark shearwater, where white extended up the sides rear of the wings towards the rump and started snapping some pics. The pics also reveal white extending past the feet and on the vent. Pics."
Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) (1)
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 10:37 by Thomas Czubek
- US (34.318, -119.757), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7565764&<ll...>,-119.7565764 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403410306 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Noticed small dark shearwater, where white extended up the sides rear of the wings towards the rump and started snapping some pics. The pics also reveal white extending past the feet and on the vent. Pics."
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) (1)
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 12:40 by RJ Baltierra
- US (34.323, -119.801), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8013459&<ll...>,-119.8013459 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403251614 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Spotted by Tom, sort of just appeared to check us out from a distance before disappearing. Cool find, but I imagine this species has been quite numerous lately with the ongoing el nino. Adult, black and white sulid with pinkish-orange bill(at least it doesnt look yellow to me but maybe I am wrong). Pics"
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) (1)
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 12:40 by Thomas Czubek
- US (34.323, -119.801), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8013459&<ll...>,-119.8013459 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403410395 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Spotted by Tom, sort of just appeared to check us out from a distance before disappearing. Cool find, but I imagine this species has been quite numerous lately with the ongoing el nino. Adult, black and white sulid with pinkish-orange bill(at least it doesnt look yellow to me but maybe I am wrong). Pics"
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 08:00 by Chase Guida
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403120977 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Got poor photos. Distinctly paler head than Cassin’s kingbird, bill appears relatively long, relative to western kingbird. Pictured with phainopepla"
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 08:15 by Sarang Gopalakrishnan
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403130126 - Comments: "Seen and heard, twittering/trilling sound very unlike Cassin's, also yellow further up than Cassin's. Both my Merlin and another's ID'ed it immediately."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 08:07 by Rachel Street
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403132922 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Large kingbird with large amounts of yellow up the breast to a narrow white throat. Seen fly catching at Whittier Pond"
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 08:07 by Tim Lister
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403132921 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Large kingbird with large amounts of yellow up the breast to a narrow white throat. Seen fly catching at Whittier Pond"
Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) (1)
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 11:51 by John Callender
- Girsh Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.875028&<ll...>,-119.875028 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403243032 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird on the baseball field 100 feet north of (34.425577,-119.873022). Feeding calmly, apparently, despite there being literally hundreds of children and parents throughout the park for youth soccer."
Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) (1)
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 11:22 by Noah Gaines
- Girsh Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8747444&<ll...>,-119.8747444 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403138136 - Comments: "Cont. long primary primaries. Two wing bars. Chestnut edging to wings. Dark full auricular band/patch. Scaly back. Faint chestnut on side of neck. Partial malar stripe. Creamy below and behind auricular spot. Streaking on flanks. Right under wings. Mottled dark gray breast band."
Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) (1)
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 10:05 by Craig Prater
- Girsh Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8747444&<ll...>,-119.8747444 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403124683 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing on eastern most baseball field where Alistair reported this morning. Good looks for several minutes before it got flushed by a soccer ball up into a sycamore tree to the south after which we lost it. Photos."
Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) (1)
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 10:05 by Yvonne Degraw
- Girsh Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8747444&<ll...>,-119.8747444 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403124684 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing on eastern most baseball field where Alistair reported this morning. Good looks for several minutes before it got flushed by a soccer ball up into a sycamore tree to the south after which we lost it. Pbotos to be uploaded."
Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) (1)
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 09:32 by Alistair Skinner
- Girsh Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8747444&<ll...>,-119.8747444 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403236440 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing found by the Hinkles yesterday. Sparrow like with large pale eyebrow, strong face marking, rich rufous wing feather edges. Foraging alone near west baseball diamond despite the rest of the park being very busy with youth soccer."
Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) (1)
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 08:09 by Philip Zeng
- Girsh Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8747444&<ll...>,-119.8747444 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403128040 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing on the easternmost field, refound by Armando in the earlier morning. A long, chunky sparrow-like bird with a dark chocolate auricular patch and pale buffy supercilium. Mottled dark breast band and two white wing bars are distinctive."
Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 11:40 by Noah Gaines
- Cabrillo Business Park (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8606253&<ll...>,-119.8606253 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403143829 - Comments: "Grayish brown spizella. Much smaller than nearby WCSP. Creamy underneath. One white wing bar. Cap and nape are streaky and brown and only slightly darker than eye line and malar stripe which are similar color and darkness. Foraging with other sparrows in S E section of grassy field. Small sharp gray bill. Pinkish legs"
Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 08:20 by George Chapman
- Cabrillo Business Park (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8606253&<ll...>,-119.8606253 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403090072 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Smaller and paler than white crowned sparrows. Light line above and below eye. Gray patch through eye. Unmarked breast. Continuing as found the other day by"
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 10/18/26 8:54 am From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Scorpion birds
All,
I spent Oct 15 to 17 out at Scorpion. I had originally planned to go just go for one night but correctly predicted that Island Packers would cancel the boat on the 16th, so went a day early.
I was hoping that the strong Santa Ana would be really good fir a migrant fallout, especially as it was coming from the NE rather than the the E as they had on my previous visit during a Santa Ana. While there were some migrants around, diversity was not that great and I spent a lot of time sifting through junco and WC Sparrow flocks.
The first day yielded a nice Red Fox Sparrow, a Cooper's Hawk and 6 Purple Finches. A BT Gray was the only non YR or OC warbler of the whole trip. I missed a flock of 6 nutcrackers. I had about 9 Chipping Sparrows.
The next day I hiked to Smugglers but that was not great apart from 2 Lawrence's Goldfinches. I later had one of these at Scorpion along with a Gray-headed Junco. After suspecting Cassin's Finches on day one, I found 2 females as the wind calmed down in the late afternoon.
The third day was less windy than the second and easily the best of the trip. Checking the drinking spot early in the morning by the Pier proved productive with a Vesper Sparrow and 3 Lawrence's Goldfinches. Both Cassin's and Purple Finches were evident and I finally caught up with a nutcracker. A couple of Merlins, a second Gray-headed Junco and a late pewee were the best of the rest.
Regards,
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
Date: 10/17/26 3:07 pm From: John Deacon via groups.io <iseekbirds...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Big Changes Coming to the Santa Maria/Guadalupe Christmas Bird Count-December 28.
All:
We are making two important changes to the referenced CBC.
First, we are changing our count day to Mondays. We believe that this will give us relief from the public festivities that seem to be conflicting with our birding efforts at some prime birding locations on Sundays.
Second, the Audubon CBC has agreed to let us shift our count circle back to its original location established in 1979. While this may not seem that important, it really is. It allows us to include Waller Park and the Santa Maria Country Club in our count circle. At the same time, we are not losing any of the locations so important to our count, e.g. the Santa Maria River Estuary.
Looking forward to seeing you at this count.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 16, 2026 16:03 by Christopher Well
- Isla Vista Beach (between Devereux Beach and Goleta Point), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8624379&<ll...>,-119.8624379 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402915556 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Relocated on the beach below Pelican Park with a small group of MAGO. Overall smaller in size, gray-tan upper with light belly and rump, white supercilium."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1)
- Reported Oct 16, 2026 07:42 by Craig Prater
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402815171 - Comments: "Near the intersection of Dune Swale Pond Trail and Sands Beach. Kingbird with bright yellow breast all the way up the front, no white neck. Not calling, visual ID only."
Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) (1)
- Reported Oct 16, 2026 14:55 by Noah Gaines
- Business Park at Mentor Dr. (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8124367&<ll...>,-119.8124367 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402885944 - Comments: "Perched high on a snag along the nature trail. Calling a repeated mellow tu tu tu tu. Larger and chunkier than house finch. Difficult to see much color or detail as it was backlit. But no wingbars noted. Flew off into ag fields."
Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) (1)
- Reported Oct 16, 2026 11:09 by Ryan Seppala
- Tecolotito Creek, north of Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8583293&<ll...>,-119.8583293 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402845183 - Comments: "A 10 second encounter of a bird circling overhead between Los Carneros and Cortona, calling “kip-kip-kip,” before departing to the SE. I had the bird in my binoculars for a couple seconds and, while it was mostly silhouetted, I could make out that it was a finch-sized passerine with a crossed bill. Calls seemed to match Type 2, though I’m uncertain."
Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 16, 2026 08:37 by Zach Nett
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402835226 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "beautiful nonbreeding longspur with distinct dark frame on auriculars, rufous wing panels with white tips, chest patterning, and white belly. noticed due to larger and longer size relative to associating Savannah Sparrows, kind of like an old Cadillac. initially viewed foraging calmly on bare dirt path, where it gave great views for what felt like five minutes before it was flushed by a dog into nearby fennel. hung around a few more minutes before being flushed again by yet another dog. it gave distinct calls as I watched it disappear over the neighborhood SE of the mesa."
Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) (1)
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 07:11 by Armando Aispuro
- Girsh Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8747444&<ll...>,-119.8747444 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403056580 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing on the easternmost field. A long and rotund sparrow-like songbird. The face has an obvious blackish-chocolate auricular above a white malar with pale buffy supercilium and face. Dark streaky cap and mottled russet nape. Fading but prominent blackish breast band on a dusty white breast, throat, and flanks. Thick streaks throughout the back and wings with russet primary coverts and white wing bars."
Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) (1)
- Reported Oct 16, 2026 18:15 by Pamela Viale
- Girsh Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8747444&<ll...>,-119.8747444 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402906696 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Brown mottling or streaking on upperparts and sides, reddish chestnut color in wings. Pale underparts. Face has creamy throat with dark streaks. Dark streak on crown. Tan above eye."
Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) (1)
- Reported Oct 16, 2026 17:24 by Armando Aispuro
- Girsh Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8747444&<ll...>,-119.8747444 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402905086 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Reported by Adrian and Christopher Hinkle. A long and rotund sparrow-like songbird. The face has an obvious blackish-chocolate auricular above a white malar with pale buffy supercilium and face. Dark streaky cap and mottled russet nape. Fading but prominent blackish breast band on a dusty white breast, throat, and flanks. Thick streaks throughout the back and wings with russet primary coverts and white wing bars. Foraging lazily mostly on its own, seemingly while laying on its belly. Occasionally got up to walk around."
Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) (1)
- Reported Oct 16, 2026 17:19 by Dawn Hovey
- Girsh Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8747444&<ll...>,-119.8747444 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402907083 - Media: 8 Photos
- Comments: "Seen in the grass field near the baseball diamond that is near the playground. It was crouching very still in the grass even when a Cooper’s Hawk flew by. Stout pinkish bill. Dark line behind eye, going into a dark border around the cheek. Dark on top of the head. Distinct white tips on wingbars. See photos."
Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) (1)
- Reported Oct 16, 2026 17:19 by Steve Hovey
- Girsh Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8747444&<ll...>,-119.8747444 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402907114 - Media: 8 Photos
- Comments: "Seen in the grass field near the baseball diamond that is near the playground. It was crouching very still in the grass even when a Cooper’s Hawk flew by. Stout pinkish bill. Dark line behind eye, going into a dark border around the cheek. Dark on top of the head. Distinct white tips on wingbars. See photos."
A sparrow-like bird, stockier than the nearby Savannah Sparrow, and always crouched lower to the ground. It showed buffy ear patches outlined by a bold black border, a wide whitish-buffy eyebrow, and a bright rufous wing panel with white tips. The under parts were light with fine streaking on the throat and breast."
A sparrow-like bird, stockier than the nearby Savannah Sparrow, and always crouched lower to the ground. It showed buffy ear patches outlined by a bold black border, a wide whitish-buffy eyebrow, and a bright rufous wing panel with white tips. The under parts were light with fine streaking on the throat and breast."
Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri) (1)
- Reported Oct 17, 2026 07:07 by Caleb Stam
- Cabrillo Business Park (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8606253&<ll...>,-119.8606253 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S403049316 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "continuing. plain pale sparrow, smaller than the white-crowneds it associates with. black streaks on the crown have that "painted-on" look. photos to come"
Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 16, 2026 14:39 by Armando Aispuro
- Cabrillo Business Park (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8606253&<ll...>,-119.8606253 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402875858 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Found by Zach Nett. A dainty and drab small-billed sparrow. The face pattern is diffusely striped with pale tan supercilium and white malar. The edges of the malar are gray, diffuse and not bold. The nape is grayish with darker streaks. Crown is tan with fine streaking. It was foraging in a shady spot of the lawn with other sparrows."
Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri) (1)
- Reported Oct 16, 2026 13:33 by Zach Nett
- Cabrillo Business Park (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8606253&<ll...>,-119.8606253 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402859324 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "continuing in same area that I found it in yesterday. mixed in with white-crowned sparrow flock, foraging in the shade of the olive tree. dainty, long tailed sparrow, with light chest streaking. 34.4264358, -119.8627761"
Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri) (1)
- Reported Oct 15, 2026 13:32 by Zach Nett
- Cabrillo Business Park (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8606253&<ll...>,-119.8606253 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402628355 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "white eyering, facial patterning, and chest streaking had me choose Vesper over Spizella even though it seemed off, but corrected to Brewer’s by Alex. longer tail, thinner eyering, less distinguished malar, weakly streaked chest."
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) (1)
- Reported Oct 16, 2026 09:45 by Jamie Chavez
- VSFB--B8310, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.537524&<ll...>,-120.537524 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402810620 - Comments: "Heard a dry, thin, chip note coming from the chain link fence behind my car. I then spotted a Palm Warbler sitting in the fence about 24" off the ground. The bird was constantly pumping its tail. I noted the bright yellow undertail coverts, buffy white underparts with faint breast streaking, a brownish back, a white supercilium, and a somewhat pointed bill. The bird was feeding in the weeds growing above the ground. It vocalized frequently."
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 11:10 by Chuhan Li
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401468200 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Seen with many others. Originally found by Chris Henry and Marty Freeland, shared with Dave Compton. Small warblers similar to Townsend's Warbler. Similar face pattern, but with black throat and strips along its side. Dark wing with two bold white wing bars. Can see yellow across its vent.
Very active bird. First been seen at the SW corner of the west parking lot, then refound in the NW corner, then fly along the west edge, finally lost track at the center of the complex."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 10/16/26 2:57 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] What I heard (and didn't hear) at Scorpion Oct. 14
The old thread is now so lengthy that I am clarifying on a new thread.
To repeat: (1) I didn't SEE a Calif. Towhee, only thought I heard one.As I recall, it was somewhat behind me as I was looking at a group of three Fox Sparrows feeding with some other sparrows in a shady spot in the Lower Campground.
(2). I do not believe I saw either a Red Fox Sparrow or a Thick-billed Fox Sparrow. The three sparrows in my group looked like typical Slate-backed to me (Red on the wings and tails, heavily streaked breasts. lighter streaks on a dark gray back). The bills were gray upper mandible, yellow lower mandible. They did not have the larger heavier bills of Thick-billed. I tried very hard to get a photo with my basic camera, but they stayed in the shade and I could not get close enough to take anything that would reproduce without spooking the flock
(3) These birds were part of a mixed flock (White-crowns, Golden-Crowns, Song Sparrows as I recall). The call I heard did not come from the flock but behind me. It could very well have come from a Thick-billed Fox Sparrow. But because I assumed it was a Cal Towhee, I did not check it out.
As for the "Red" Fox Sparrows that were reported from the campground, I will be curious to see the photos, "to be added when I return from my trip." Is it possible that I missed Red on the head? I remember considering Red at the time and ruling it out. I am working only from memory so don't have photos to refer back to. And she said there was a Sooty Fox Sparrow in her group for comparison. It is entirely possible that we found different birds. I did not see another birder in the vicinity when I found these birds. And I believe the time on the checklists reflects when the lists were submitted, not when they were seen?
Sorry for this confusion--As I said, sloppy birding on my part.
Thanks for all your input--it will be a great help to me in the future.
Florence
Date: 10/16/26 11:36 am From: Dave Compton via groups.io <davcompton60...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Scorpion Ranch, Santa Crux Island, October 14
I've been corrected with regard to Red Fox Sparrow calls, which don't sound
like a California Towhee.
Dave C.
SB
On Fri, Oct 16, 2026 at 9:53 AM Dave Compton via groups.io <davcompton60=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Florence, if you saw Thick-billed and Red Fox Sparrow, there are two
> candidates for your towhee call. They sound the same, to me.
>
> Dave Compton
> Santa Barbara
>
> On Fri, Oct 16, 2026 at 7:26 AM Florence Sanchez via groups.io
> <sanchezucsb11...> wrote:
>
>> Dear Joel,
>>
>> Thank you for bringing this up. I think I was guilty of sloppy birding.
>> I am copying the listserve because I think it's important.
>>
>> I don't remember the specific location, but I remember hearing what I
>> thought was the familiar "chink" call of a California Towhee while I was
>> looking at something else (maybe the group of Fox Sparrows in the
>> campground). And my brain registered "California Towhee," but because I
>> did't know their status on the Island, I didn't try to check it out. I
>> didn't hear or see another one so I could very well have been wrong.
>> Other birds could possibly have made this sound. My birding objective
>> for the day was on rarities, especially Spizella Sparrows, of which I found
>> only Chipping Sparrows, and I should have been less-focussed on a single
>> genus.
>>
>> I didn't submit an eBird checklist, so no Island records need to updated
>> on the basis of my report.
>>
>> Florence Sanchez
>>
>>
>> On Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 07:55:26 PM PDT, Joel Barrett <
>> <joelbsalty...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Hi Florence,
>> Did you for sure see a California Towhee out there? That would be an
>> island first I think.
>> Joel
>>
>> On Oct 15, 2026, at 3:51 PM, Florence Sanchez via groups.io
>> <sanchezucsb11...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> I stayed over in Ventura after the Booby trip Oct. 13 and made a day trip
>> to Scorpion yesterday. We had a smooth crossing with excellent looks at a
>> Cocos Booby just before we got to Scorpion.
>>
>> Reports from Scorpion this fall have been spotty so my expectations for
>> rarities was low; however, I did turn up 10 different species of the family
>> Emberizidae:
>> White-crowned Sparrow (abundant!)
>> Golden-crowned Sparrow
>> Song Sparrow
>> FOX Sparrow (all three of the red-winged, slaty-backed subspecies)
>> Rufous-crowned Sparrow
>> Chipping Sparrow
>> Dark-eyed Junco
>> California Towhee
>> Spotted Towhee
>> Green-tailed Towhee
>>
>> The Green-tailed Towhee has been reported as a "dull individual," but
>> that is an understatement. If it weren't for its call and a little green
>> on the underside of the tail, I wouldn't have identified it as that species
>> at all. Something has affected the feathers and it looked like more than a
>> pigmentation issue.
>>
>> Warblers were limited to a very few Yellow-rumps.
>>
>> On the return trip, we spotted the Cocos Booby again and sailed through a
>> HUGE pod of Common Dolphins following a large school of fish. Captain Joel
>> thought the pod extended as far as a mile across the sea, one of the
>> largest he has ever seen.
>>
>> Note that recent eBird reports from the Island have been from the TNC
>> Property and Prisoner's Harbor area to the West of Scorpion.
>>
>> Florence Sanchez
>>
>>
>>
>
>
Date: 10/16/26 9:53 am From: Dave Compton via groups.io <davcompton60...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Scorpion Ranch, Santa Crux Island, October 14
Florence, if you saw Thick-billed and Red Fox Sparrow, there are two
candidates for your towhee call. They sound the same, to me.
Dave Compton
Santa Barbara
On Fri, Oct 16, 2026 at 7:26 AM Florence Sanchez via groups.io
<sanchezucsb11...> wrote:
> Dear Joel,
>
> Thank you for bringing this up. I think I was guilty of sloppy birding.
> I am copying the listserve because I think it's important.
>
> I don't remember the specific location, but I remember hearing what I
> thought was the familiar "chink" call of a California Towhee while I was
> looking at something else (maybe the group of Fox Sparrows in the
> campground). And my brain registered "California Towhee," but because I
> did't know their status on the Island, I didn't try to check it out. I
> didn't hear or see another one so I could very well have been wrong.
> Other birds could possibly have made this sound. My birding objective for
> the day was on rarities, especially Spizella Sparrows, of which I found
> only Chipping Sparrows, and I should have been less-focussed on a single
> genus.
>
> I didn't submit an eBird checklist, so no Island records need to updated
> on the basis of my report.
>
> Florence Sanchez
>
>
> On Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 07:55:26 PM PDT, Joel Barrett <
> <joelbsalty...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi Florence,
> Did you for sure see a California Towhee out there? That would be an
> island first I think.
> Joel
>
> On Oct 15, 2026, at 3:51 PM, Florence Sanchez via groups.io
> <sanchezucsb11...> wrote:
>
>
> I stayed over in Ventura after the Booby trip Oct. 13 and made a day trip
> to Scorpion yesterday. We had a smooth crossing with excellent looks at a
> Cocos Booby just before we got to Scorpion.
>
> Reports from Scorpion this fall have been spotty so my expectations for
> rarities was low; however, I did turn up 10 different species of the family
> Emberizidae:
> White-crowned Sparrow (abundant!)
> Golden-crowned Sparrow
> Song Sparrow
> FOX Sparrow (all three of the red-winged, slaty-backed subspecies)
> Rufous-crowned Sparrow
> Chipping Sparrow
> Dark-eyed Junco
> California Towhee
> Spotted Towhee
> Green-tailed Towhee
>
> The Green-tailed Towhee has been reported as a "dull individual," but that
> is an understatement. If it weren't for its call and a little green on the
> underside of the tail, I wouldn't have identified it as that species at
> all. Something has affected the feathers and it looked like more than a
> pigmentation issue.
>
> Warblers were limited to a very few Yellow-rumps.
>
> On the return trip, we spotted the Cocos Booby again and sailed through a
> HUGE pod of Common Dolphins following a large school of fish. Captain Joel
> thought the pod extended as far as a mile across the sea, one of the
> largest he has ever seen.
>
> Note that recent eBird reports from the Island have been from the TNC
> Property and Prisoner's Harbor area to the West of Scorpion.
>
> Florence Sanchez
>
>
>
>
>
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (6)
- Reported Oct 15, 2026 13:00 by Jesse Pline CWR
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5645389&<ll...>,-119.5645389 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402644424 - Comments: "1x1 count of single group which flew up from the tree at (34.0486090, -119.5640558) and then westward towards Lower Scorpion Campground, lost sight of them quickly and didn't see where they flew to.
Botched the photos as my camera was set to shady settings and pinpoint focus but I did get audio when I first observed them.
Medium-sized pale gray corvids with bright white undertail coverts and black wings. White tails with black central rectrices. Harsh, grating "kraaaaaa" calls.
Likely part of the widespread irruption of montane species this fall including CLNU."
Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) (1)
- Reported Oct 14, 2026 14:53 by Mason Henry 🐦
- Auto selected 34.01376, -119.81936, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.819363&<ll...>,-119.819363 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402605610 - Comments: "Fairly large passerine with uniform gray back and dark streaking on underside. Small straight bill and the streaking pinched into two dark whiskers near throat. Streaking and lack of substantial white in wing rules out NOMO. It was on the ground in the chaparral and did not come back out for photos. Ocellated thrasher also ruled out."
Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) (1)
- Reported Oct 14, 2026 14:53 by Maddie Ybarra
- Auto selected 34.01376, -119.81936, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.819363&<ll...>,-119.819363 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402610824 - Comments: "Fairly large passerine with uniform gray back and dark streaking on underside. Small straight bill and the streaking pinched into two dark whiskers near throat. Streaking and lack of substantial white in wing rules out NOMO. It was on the ground in the chaparral and did not come back out for photos. Ocellated thrasher also ruled out."
Head and back distinctly streaked gray and rufous. Tail bold rufous. Two wing bars. Ventral chevrons rufous in color. Bicolored bill with dusky upper and yellow lower.
Photos will be uploaded to Checklist S402643434 after trip."
Fox Sparrow (Red) (Passerella iliaca iliaca/zaboria) (1)
- Reported Oct 15, 2026 12:00 by Jesse Pline CWR
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5645389&<ll...>,-119.5645389 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402643434 - Comments: "Associating with the Sooty for great comparison. Head and back distinctly streaked gray and rufous. Tail bold rufous. Two wing bars. Ventral chevrons rufous in color. Bicolored bill with dusky upper and yellow lower. Photos to be added in a couple weeks after return from trip.
(34.0490023, -119.5628632)"
Fox Sparrow (Red) (Passerella iliaca iliaca/zaboria) (1)
- Reported Oct 15, 2026 11:06 by Jesse Pline CWR
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5645389&<ll...>,-119.5645389 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402643617 - Comments: "Head and back distinctly streaked gray and rufous. Tail bold rufous. Two wing bars. Ventral chevrons rufous in color. Bicolored bill with dusky upper and yellow lower. Photos will be uploaded to Checklist S402643434.
Bullock's Oriole (Icterus bullockii) (1)
- Reported Oct 15, 2026 16:27 by Sam Eberhard
- Santa Cruz Island--Main Ranch, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7196054&<ll...>,-119.7196054 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402636887 - Comments: "Male oriole with diagnostic dark loral and post ocular line setting off yellow eyebrow. I think it was probably a second year based off its consistent yellow color rather than orange hues."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 10/16/26 7:55 am From: Janice Levasheff via groups.io <jlevasheff...> Subject: [sbcobirding] SB Audubon Programs: Wild Work: Adventures of Women Wildlife Biologists on October 27
Please mark your calendars, plan to attend and alert your friends and contacts about the forthcoming event about Women Wildlife Biologists on Tuesday, October 27 in Fleischmann Auditorium at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. The event will begin at 7:00 PM. Presented in partnership with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
The speaker is Sophie Osborn who will be delivering an illustrated talk based on her recent book, WILD WORK: ADVENTURES OF WOMEN WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS. All of our lecture programs are open to the general public. Text of the full press release is below.
Here’s a link to the event and tickets on the Museum website: https://www.sbnature.org/visit/calendar/9294/wild-work-adventures-of-women-field-biologists
Wildlife biologist and author, Sophie Osborn, will deliver an illustrated public lecture titled “Wild Work: Adventures of Women Wildlife Biologists”, on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 7:00 PM in Fleischmann Auditorium at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. This special event is presented by the Santa Barbara Audubon Society and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Courtesy of Chaucer’s Bookstore, books by Sophie Osborn will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
Osborn will present the often untold stories of intrepid and dedicated women field biologists and conservationists featured in her inspiring new anthology, Wild Work, which she co-edited with freshwater ecologist Susan B. Adams. Her presentation will include readings of exciting and entertaining short first-person accounts by women field biologists studying birds, fish and wildlife across the globe. Osborn will also talk about the demands of scientific fieldwork, the lifelong friendships forged, and the transformative power of connecting deeply with the natural world.
She’ll share stories from field biologists studying birds in a variety of habitats including White-bearded Manakins and Duianan Cock-of-the-rock in Suriname, songbirds in Belize, raptors in Colorado, Yellow-naped Amazon Parrots in Guatemala, Harpy Eagles in Panama, Ruppell’s Vultures in Kenya and California Condors in Arizona and here in Santa Barbara.
Currently based in Montana, Osborn has worked with endangered birds throughout the Americas. She contributed to reintroduction efforts for several species, including as a field manager for the California Condor Recovery Program in Arizona. Her book, Condors in Canyon Country, won the 2007 National Outdoor Book Award for Nature and the Environment. Osborn’s second book, Feather Trails: A Journey of Discovery Among Endangered Birds, was selected by the American Birding Association as their favorite bird book of 2024.
This lecture is open to everyone. Advance ticket purchase is recommended in order to guarantee admission. General admission tickets are $5 and are available in advance on the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s website and will also be available for purchase at the door the night of the event, if still available. Wild Work: Adventures of Women Field Biologists | Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
| |
Wild Work: Adventures of Women Field Biologists | Santa Barbara Museum o...
SB Museum features exhibit halls focusing on regional natural history (birds, insects, mammals, marine life, pal...
|
|
|
For tickets and more information, please call the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History at 805-682-4711.
This will be a fun evening and I hope you can join us!
Good birding, everyone!
Janice LevasheffPresident, Santa Barbara Audubon Society
Date: 10/16/26 7:26 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Scorpion Ranch, Santa Crux Island, October 14
Dear Joel,
Thank you for bringing this up. I think I was guilty of sloppy birding. I am copying the listserve because I think it's important.
I don't remember the specific location, but I remember hearing what I thought was the familiar "chink" call of a California Towhee while I was looking at something else (maybe the group of Fox Sparrows in the campground). And my brain registered "California Towhee," but because I did't know their status on the Island, I didn't try to check it out. I didn't hear or see another one so I could very well have been wrong. Other birds could possibly have made this sound. My birding objective for the day was on rarities, especially Spizella Sparrows, of which I found only Chipping Sparrows, and I should have been less-focussed on a single genus.
I didn't submit an eBird checklist, so no Island records need to updated on the basis of my report.
Florence Sanchez
On Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 07:55:26 PM PDT, Joel Barrett <joelbsalty...> wrote:
Hi Florence,Did you for sure see a California Towhee out there? That would be an island first I think. Joel
On Oct 15, 2026, at 3:51 PM, Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> wrote:
I stayed over in Ventura after the Booby trip Oct. 13 and made a day trip to Scorpion yesterday. We had a smooth crossing with excellent looks at a Cocos Booby just before we got to Scorpion.
Reports from Scorpion this fall have been spotty so my expectations for rarities was low; however, I did turn up 10 different species of the family Emberizidae:White-crowned Sparrow (abundant!)Golden-crowned SparrowSong SparrowFOX Sparrow (all three of the red-winged, slaty-backed subspecies)Rufous-crowned SparrowChipping SparrowDark-eyed JuncoCalifornia TowheeSpotted TowheeGreen-tailed Towhee
The Green-tailed Towhee has been reported as a "dull individual," but that is an understatement. If it weren't for its call and a little green on the underside of the tail, I wouldn't have identified it as that species at all. Something has affected the feathers and it looked like more than a pigmentation issue.
Warblers were limited to a very few Yellow-rumps.
On the return trip, we spotted the Cocos Booby again and sailed through a HUGE pod of Common Dolphins following a large school of fish. Captain Joel thought the pod extended as far as a mile across the sea, one of the largest he has ever seen.
Note that recent eBird reports from the Island have been from the TNC Property and Prisoner's Harbor area to the West of Scorpion.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 10/15/26 9:54 pm From: Miguel Christie via groups.io <christiemiguel...> Subject: [sbcobirding] N coast Common Murre mortality update
I walked Jalama Beach today to N end, and counted 5+ freshly dead CoMu, so I checked back on all my Jalama, Surf-Ocean and R Guadalupe Beach walks since the 1st report on Sep 01. In 10 visits to these beaches, I've recorded over 30 dying or dead birds, both adults and juveniles, none with oiling. This is the first such outbreak in the 10 or so years I've been walking these beaches. Plus, other birders have reported dead or dying birds, including a few from the South coast. Save for couple of dead gulls (normal), no dead or ill birds of other species showed up, so it seems to me to be some species-specific CoMu desease . Any suggestions? Thanks
Date: 10/15/26 3:51 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Scorpion Ranch, Santa Crux Island, October 14
I stayed over in Ventura after the Booby trip Oct. 13 and made a day trip to Scorpion yesterday. We had a smooth crossing with excellent looks at a Cocos Booby just before we got to Scorpion.
Reports from Scorpion this fall have been spotty so my expectations for rarities was low; however, I did turn up 10 different species of the family Emberizidae:White-crowned Sparrow (abundant!)Golden-crowned SparrowSong SparrowFOX Sparrow (all three of the red-winged, slaty-backed subspecies)Rufous-crowned SparrowChipping SparrowDark-eyed JuncoCalifornia TowheeSpotted TowheeGreen-tailed Towhee
The Green-tailed Towhee has been reported as a "dull individual," but that is an understatement. If it weren't for its call and a little green on the underside of the tail, I wouldn't have identified it as that species at all. Something has affected the feathers and it looked like more than a pigmentation issue.
Warblers were limited to a very few Yellow-rumps.
On the return trip, we spotted the Cocos Booby again and sailed through a HUGE pod of Common Dolphins following a large school of fish. Captain Joel thought the pod extended as far as a mile across the sea, one of the largest he has ever seen.
Note that recent eBird reports from the Island have been from the TNC Property and Prisoner's Harbor area to the West of Scorpion.
Florence Sanchez
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1)
- Reported Oct 14, 2026 10:00 by Caleb Stam
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402316402 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "continuing at whittier pond! initially identified by sound, trilling song. thank you to mark & crew for letting me take use their scope!"
Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) (1)
- Reported Oct 14, 2026 14:53 by Kyleigh Miklos
- Auto selected 34.01376, -119.81936, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.819363&<ll...>,-119.819363 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402513050 - Comments: "Fairly large passerine with uniform gray back and dark streaking on underside. Small straight bill and the streaking pinched into two dark whiskers near throat. Streaking and lack of substantial white in wing rules out NOMO. It was on the ground in the chaparral and did not come back out for photos. Ocellated thrasher also ruled out."
Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) (1)
- Reported Oct 14, 2026 14:53 by Sam Eberhard
- Auto selected 34.01376, -119.81936, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.819363&<ll...>,-119.819363 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402383127 - Comments: "Fairly large passerine with uniform gray back and dark streaking on underside. Small straight bill and the streaking pinched into two dark whiskers near throat. Streaking and lack of substantial white in wing rules out NOMO. It was on the ground in the chaparral and did not come back out for photos. Ocellated thrasher also ruled out."
Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (1)
- Reported Oct 14, 2026 07:56 by Thomas Turner
- San Jose Creek--North of Cathedral Oaks, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8107304&<ll...>,-119.8107304 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402313569 - Media: 1 Audio
- Comments: "Heard first (see recording) then seen well at close range. Adult female or juvenile male, I'm not sure which. Huge pale-yellow bill, with distinctive white throat patch below it. Boldly marked black and white (and a little yellow, I think) on the wings, but drab otherwise."
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) (1)
- Reported Oct 14, 2026 13:45 by Max Merrill
- Santa Cruz Island--Pelican Bay Trail (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6923032&<ll...>,-119.6923032 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402410781 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Amazing!! Beautiful male. Just around the bend from the nature conservancy sign that says 7 in some big oaks with minimal understory. Photos."
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) (1)
- Reported Oct 14, 2026 13:45 by Bennett Baynham
- Santa Cruz Island--Pelican Bay Trail (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6923032&<ll...>,-119.6923032 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402410782 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Amazing!! Beautiful male. Just around the bend from the nature conservancy sign that says 7 in some big oaks with minimal understory. Photos."
Palm Warbler (Western) (Setophaga palmarum palmarum) (1)
- Reported Oct 14, 2026 07:31 by Mark Holmgren
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402335185 - Comments: "Greenish-yellow warbler that wagged its tail in a circular fashion. Also seen were a pale, off-white supercilium and light breast streaking. Not much more than that seen."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 10/14/26 10:40 am From: Thomas Turner via groups.io <habarimbu...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Evening Grosbeak, maybe RE Vireo again, North Goleta
I headed out for my weekly San Jose Creek bird count this morning with 399 county birds, thanks to the amazing birds found by others over the past few weeks. I was therefore quite excited to be greeted by an unfamiliar call right outside my house. It was loud, made me think of a house finch trying to making a flicker call. Turned out to be an Evening Grosbeak. It gave great looks as it tried out a few different trees on the cul-de-sac, but flew to the North after a few minutes. I recorded the call, if you want to hear it, at the link below.
I know there is a bit of a tradition of saying a few words about your birding journey when you hit 400 county birds, so let me mainly say: thanks. Thanks to Rebecca Coulter for showing me how neat it is to be able to listen & learn from all the birds around you. Her ears were what inspired me to get serious about birding. I decided to start keeping a list at the very end of 2014, and have had a lot of fun exploring the county since then. Thanks to everyone who shared their cool finds, especially Nick Lethaby and Hugh Ranson, who have got me on so many cool birds these last years. The most exciting bird I found myself would have to be the time a decided to ride my bike down and check Goleta Beach, only to have a Magnificent Frigatebird <https://ebird.org/checklist/S24425485> come up in my face and nearly cause me to crash. I also enjoyed finding my own Philadelphia, White-eyed, Bell’s, Yellow-throated, and Red-eyed Vireos…I guess you can tell I like to bird the riparian.
Speaking of vireos, I think I had a Red-Eyed Vireo singing on San Jose Creek yet again this morning, North of the Patterson bridge. There is a recording of the song at the ebird list below — feedback very welcome, because I didn’t see the bird. I don’t know if the same bird has been hanging out all year or what, but if he has been, he is quiet most of the time.
Date: 10/14/26 9:49 am From: Craig Prater via groups.io <craig.prater.sb...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Sabines Gull at Devereau
Sophie Cameron also spotted one flying over Goleta Beach at the start of our birding class this morning.Sent from my Galaxy -------- Original message --------From: "Mark Holmgren via groups.io" <maholmgren33...> Date: 10/14/26 8:26 AM (GMT-08:00) To: "sbcobirding.groups.io" <Main...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Sabines Gull at Devereau First scene NCOS it flew up and around and apparently FLEW to Devereau. Not sure where it is now.Mark Holmgren
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) (1)
- Reported Oct 13, 2026 12:30 by Jonathan Dowell
- Sutil Island, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.0473772&<ll...>,-119.0473772 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402125508 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing on the cliff face of Booby colony, overlooking water between Sutil and Santa Barbara Island. Streaked neck, dark wings, light chest and belly, blue-gray feet. Please see photos."
Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) (1)
- Reported Oct 13, 2026 07:50 by Sarang Gopalakrishnan
- UCSB--Campus Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.845165&<ll...>,-119.845165 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402031997 - Comments: "Seen very clearly, perched on a tree by the lagoon, looked like other broad-wings I've seen. Dark face and back, basically black, a bit of a malar stripe, streaky underside with some white, stripes on the underside of tail."
Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 13, 2026 11:31 by Craig Prater
- Mission Creek outflow, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6869361&<ll...>,-119.6869361 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402068515 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Moving around from the mouth of the outflow to just south of the skate park. Saw lots of these in Brazil in July, a treat to see one in SB. Photos to be uploaded."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (127) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 13, 2026 07:37 by Nancy Baron
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402060334 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "8:55 flock of 23 flying high; single bird in dead pine:19 flying over road: 60 flying over lookout at summit; cluster of 9 soon after (11:28)15 more. Hard to know if the same birds are circling around z movement appeared to be east to west."
White-crowned Sparrow (pugetensis) (Zonotrichia leucophrys pugetensis) (25) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 12, 2026 11:39 by Robert Hamilton
- Santa Rosa Island--Historic Ranch Area, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.051646&<ll...>,-120.051646 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402046134 - Media: 11 Photos
- Comments: "RAE: All but one White-crown seen well (and heard singing) seemed to clearly be pugetensis; such a concentration was unreported by Collins et al. (2026)
RAH: Agree that the appearance and songs of nearly all of the WCSP we encountered were consistent with pugetensis. Photos of several of these, plus at least one apparent gambelii. A handful were unidentified to ssp."
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) (1)
- Reported Oct 13, 2026 17:40 by Zach Nett
- Mission Creek outflow, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6869361&<ll...>,-119.6869361 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402142392 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "relocated on the south side of the slough, tail-bobbin around the halophytes. brown warbler with dark eyeline, chest streaking, and yellow patterning. eventually flew off towards the skatepark isocoma and didn’t return."
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) (1)
- Reported Oct 13, 2026 11:31 by Craig Prater
- Mission Creek outflow, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6869361&<ll...>,-119.6869361 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S402068515 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Was right by the bike path bridge over the outflow channel on and around the flood control structure. Foraging near ground level on both side of the channel. Got chased away by at one point by a Black Phoebe but persisted in this area. I got several good looks that were consistent with the Palm Warbler, including tail bobbing, foraging at ground level, dull brown body with yellow on body and tail coverts and the long pale eyebrow. Photos were difficult to get because it was often foraging below and behind the chainlink fence, but I got one (attached) when it briefly perched on the building top."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 17:54 by Kirill Shtengel
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401799127 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird. Notably greyer and a bit smaller than the Marbled Godwits it associated with. A strong white supercelium immediately stood out. Barred tail (duh!) and no white windows in the wing coverts -- see photos.
Seen half-way between the Coal Oil Point and and the beach stairs from Isla Vista in a (relatively) large flock of Marbled Godwits, Long-billed Curlews with a few Whimbrels and a Red Knot + smaller peeps. The flock was very active and quite approachable, until it it suddenly took off in the direction of Santa Barbara and dit not return, at least not until after the sunset."
Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 08:02 by Rachel Street
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401433724 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Seen by multiple people soaring over a residential area where the park is located. Very pale underside except for black wing tips, wings held at a very shallow V."
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 15:13 by John Callender
- Coronado Dr.--south end (Goleta Monarch Grove), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8898008&<ll...>,-119.8898008 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401887938 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Found by Ryan Seppala. Was visiting a backyard bird bath (I think?) then emerging to dry in the trees south of the path. Ryan refound it after I arrived by hearing its high "zeep" call note. Near (34.423498, -119.888878)."
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 12, 2026 10:56 by Susanne Meyer
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401777272 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Actively feeding in Tipus tree in Northern area of the far West parking lot. Yellow face, olive crown and back, black streaks on both sides of chest ."
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 12:03 by Libby Patten
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401796904 - Comments: "Many birders already on the bird when I arrived. Bird in tipu at corner of west parking lot with driveway from the eastern lot. Could clearly see white underside(no yellow as with Townsend’s) black upper breast and throat, bold white wingbars, some yellow on face, olive back, dark tail from above. Constantly moving and went to other trees and then to the east. Too quick for me to photograph."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 10/12/26 2:16 pm From: Dave Compton via groups.io <davcompton60...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Bar-tailed Godwit
I know this is late going out, but I received word that the Bar-tailed Godwit was on the beach about 300 yards east of Coal Oil Pt this morning at 7 or 7:30am.
Date: 10/12/26 1:17 pm From: Miguel Christie via groups.io <christiemiguel...> Subject: [sbcobirding] White-fronted Goose at Vandenberg Village golf course...
Today noon, 1 WfGo amongst 25+ CaGo... unusual here. Flock very tolerant of golfers.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 09:53 by Bradley Hacker 🦜
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400959141 - Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "Godwit with whitish underparts and face; a slightly curved bill; mantle and wing feathers with dark brown centers and pale margins; a prominent white supercilium that extends behind the eye; and dark legs. Lacking the orange-buffy tones and subdued supercilium of Marbled Godwit. Lacking the more simply patterned mantle and wing feathers and shorter supercilium of Black-tailed Godwit."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 17:29 by Chuhan Li
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400426474 - Media: 23 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Original found by Benjamin Byerly at UCSB East Beach yesterday, relocated by Armando Aispuro at COPR this morning. Photos tba."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 18:14 by Bradley Hacker 🦜
- UCSB--East beach (formerly Goleta Bay West beach), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8419678&<ll...>,-119.8419678 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400242747 - Comments: "Seen with stabilized spotting scope feeding in the wrack just north of the sandstone promontory 200m north of the Marine Science parking lot stairs. A familiar bird from Africa, Middle East, Asia, Australia, and Europe: a godwit with dark to pale gray colors; a slightly curved bill; mantle and wing feathers with dark centers and pale margins; a prominent white supercilium that extends behind the eye; and dark legs. Other features I could not make out because of distance, water vapor, and fading light.
Once I dropped down the stairs, waded through the water and walked down the narrow beach a bit, I could no longer find the bird; it was later found by others a bit farther north.
Found by Ben B."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 18:21 by Chuhan Li
- UCSB--Henley Gate Coastal Bluff, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8361826&<ll...>,-119.8361826 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400174390 - Media: 1 Video, 3 Photos
- Comments: "**Rare.** First reported by Benjamin Byerly this evening at around 5:51 PM. We relocated the bird at approximately 6:40 PM, viewing it on UCSB East Beach from the coastal bluff east of Henley Gate.
Overall very pale cf. the warmer brown/cinnamon color of nearby Marbled Godwits. Also noticeably smaller than the Marbled Godwits. Underwing lack cinnamon color, looks barred from the video (maybe Siberian cf. white underwing from the European). Bill base is pink, with black tip. Very contrastive white supercilium. Quite aggressive, chasing away nearby Marbled Godwits and Willets.
This was actually a really fun bird chase! We first ran into Benjamin Byerly at the northeast corner of UCSB Lot 6, then walked along UCSB East Beach toward Goleta Beach with Sophie Cameron and Ryan Seppala. Dave Compton and Phillip Zeng joined us later from Campus Point. Dave mentioned that this was only the third record for Santa Barbara County, very cool! We eventually stopped at the coastal bluff just east of Henley Gate and scanned the beach to the south. Someone kindly helped me set up my scope (I unfortunately forgot who it was, but thank you!), and I was able to get a clear view of the bird and record a video. It was very dark when we relocate the bird.
Huge thanks to everyone who came out and helped search for the bird."
Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 09:27 by David Blue
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401532891 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "This bird was first spotted circling overhead by Chuhan Li. It was appropriate that it was seen from Bella Vista OSP since "bella vista" means "beautiful view" or "beautiful sight", and both of these apply to this sighting. (Coincidentally, our other 3 sightings of Broad-tailed Hawks were from Bella Vista Drive just east of Montecito.) This was a juvenile that was light below with a dark head and streaking on the chest, light underwings with black wingtips and a narrow dark border on the trailing edges, and a light tail with narrow indistinct bands and a wider subterminal band."
Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 09:27 by Linda Blue
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401542710 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "This bird was first spotted circling overhead by Chuhan Li. It was appropriate that it was seen from Bella Vista OSP since "bella vista" means "beautiful view" or "beautiful sight", and both of these apply to this sighting. (Coincidentally, our other 3 sightings of Broad-tailed Hawks were from Bella Vista Drive just east of Montecito.) This was a juvenile that was light below with a dark head and streaking on the chest, light underwings with black wingtips and a narrow dark border on the trailing edges, and a light tail with narrow indistinct bands and a wider subterminal band."
Williamson's Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 06, 2026 07:09 by Chuhan Li
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399761215 - Media: 2 Videos, 5 Photos
- Comments: "Originally found by Ryan S. Yesterday. Tried two times yesterday but failed : / Refound today at 7:30 at the NW confer of the park. Woodpeckers with strips on the back and side. Can see yellow-ish belly through the scope. Photos tba."
White-headed Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus albolarvatus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 08:02 by Rachel Street
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401433724 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Virtually all black woodpecker with prominent white head and red spot at back oh head. Initially seen on North side of OSP then flew north to small group of 4 pines on the other side of the road. Pics to follow."
White-headed Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus albolarvatus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 08:02 by Tim Lister
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401433722 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Virtually all black woodpecker with prominent white head and red spot at back oh head. Initially seen on North side of OSP then flew north to small group of 4 pines on the other side of the road. Pics to follow."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 15:43 by Martina Nordstrand
- Dangermond Preserve (restricted access, parent hotspot), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4560999&<ll...>,-120.4560999 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401566224 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Reporting as a TRKI but happy to change to a slash if photos are insufficient. Yellow-bellied kingbird foraging in the Cojo parking lot at dusk, first caught my eye as it was paler than the CAKIs I've been seeing and had no obvious white in the tail. Unfortunately silent, but referencing Cin-Ty Lee's wonderful kingbird workshop, I believe identifiable to species. Stout bill with relatively straight culmen, olive wash to breast, heavily notched tail, and to my eye, fairly low primary panel contrast with the rest of the wing."
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 07:55 by Martina Nordstrand
- Dangermond Preserve (restricted access, parent hotspot), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4560999&<ll...>,-120.4560999 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401482050 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "*irruption year, lone bird foraging by itself in open oak savannah with a few CASJ in the area. Distinct-looking jay with long, stout, nutcracker-like bill, short tail, overall dusty blue coloration with grayish wash to breast and belly. Poor digibins tba"
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (27) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 06:48 by Alex Castelein
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401563896 - Comments: "Ongoing presence here. Flock of 25 flew by at 840 and headed way west (i lost them a few miles west of us staying high over the fogline). Then two singles within the next 45 minutes"
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (27) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 06:48 by Joachim Gonzalez
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401433946 - Comments: "Ongoing presence here. Flock of 25 flew by at 840 and headed way west (i lost them a few miles west of us staying high over the fogline). Then two singles within the next 45 minutes"
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (27) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 06:48 by logan kahle
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401433944 - Comments: "Ongoing presence here. Flock of 25 flew by at 840 and headed way west (i lost them a few miles west of us staying high over the fogline). Then two singles within the next 45 minutes"
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 09:15 by Liz Muraoka
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401557305 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Seen at approx. 9:45 just south of dam in a sycamore. Small light gray warbler with black mask surrounded by white and a black throat, bright yellow wing patches and bright yellow forecrown. Extensive white seen when viewed from below. Extremely active and acrobatic feeder, gleaning insects from Sycamore and Bay leaves and occasionally oak leaves. While we were there, the bird spent the most time foraging in a California Bay tree that was in the NW corner immediately N of the dam. No vocalizations heard."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 09:15 by Barbara Millett
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401476870 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Seen at approx. 9:45 just south of dam in a sycamore. Small light gray warbler with black mask surrounded by white and a black throat, bright yellow wing patches and bright yellow forecrown. Extensive white seen when viewed from below. Extremely active and acrobatic feeder, gleaning insects from Sycamore and Bay leaves and occasionally oak leaves. While we were there, the bird spent the most time foraging in a California Bay tree that was in the NW corner immediately N of the dam. No vocalizations heard."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 08:44 by Craig Prater
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401437097 - Comments: "Continuing. Saw it in a bay tree right next to the dam on the west side of the creek. First spotted this morning by two othrr birders in a bay tree right at the dam on the west side of the creek. Got several good looks of warbler with bright gold bands on wings before it flew south probably still on west side of the creek. I doubt I got any good photos."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1)
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 12:10 by John Dumlao
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401538316 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing rarity first reported on 10/08 by Jane Orbuch. Warbler with bright yellow crown and yellow wing stripes, overall cool gray above white under. Black face mask bordered with white on face black bib, The bird was seen coming out from dipping in the stream marked by rippling water next to a very large boulder 20 meters downstream from Campbell wooden bridge . 34°27'27.0"N 119°42'39.2"W. Foraging actively from tree to tree never staying still more than 5 seconds at any perch, so keep watching for movement on sycamores trees. Photos tba"
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 09:13 by Joachim Gonzalez
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401568646 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Amazingly titillatingly dazzlingly breathtakingly stupendously stunning adult male!!! Found 10 minutes after our arrival in a sycamore just west of the wooden bridge. Lost for half an hour until it reappeared in the same area. Photos"
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 09:13 by Alex Castelein
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401568645 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Amazingly titillatingly dazzlingly breathtakingly stupendously stunning adult male!!! Found 10 minutes after our arrival in a sycamore just west of the wooden bridge. Lost for half an hour until it reappeared in the same area. Photos"
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 11:20 by Chuhan Li
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400608927 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "First report yesterday, refound this morning. Beautiful small warbler with black throat and mask. Golden crown, large golden patch on wings. Seen with many others, photos tba."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 08:18 by Bradley Hacker 🦜
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400601364 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Warbler feeding in the lower parts of trees; gray, nape, flanks and mantle; yellow wing coverts and cap; black wings, eye stripe,auriculars and throat; white face, belly, and most of undertail."
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 10:33 by Marty Freeland
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401487877 - Comments: "Nuthatch-warbler crawling along tipu branches at BTNW spot. Stocky build, long wings, neat black-and-white striping all over including back and crown, heavy black streaking on sides and flanks, sharp black arrowheads on undertail coverts, black in auriculars, white throat, thin decurved bill. Apparently continuing."
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 10:33 by Alex Castelein
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401563902 - Comments: "Nuthatch-warbler crawling along tipu branches at BTNW spot. Stocky build, long wings, neat black-and-white striping all over including back and crown, heavy black streaking on sides and flanks, sharp black arrowheads on undertail coverts, black in auriculars, white throat, thin decurved bill. Apparently continuing."
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 10:33 by Chris Henry
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401556102 - Comments: "Nuthatch-warbler crawling along tipu branches at BTNW spot. Stocky build, long wings, neat black-and-white striping all over including back and crown, heavy black streaking on sides and flanks, sharp black arrowheads on undertail coverts, black in auriculars, white throat, thin decurved bill. Apparently continuing."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 10:33 by Alex Castelein
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401563902 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Seen well but briefly at (34.4299139, -119.8932651). Small short-tailed warbler with dark eyeline, neat face pattern, bright lime green above, bright yellow-green wash on chest with no chest streaking, white crissum. Photos."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 10:33 by Joachim Gonzalez
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401492932 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Seen well but briefly at (34.4299139, -119.8932651). Small short-tailed warbler with dark eyeline, neat face pattern, bright lime green above, bright yellow-green wash on chest with no chest streaking, white crissum. Photos."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 10:33 by Marty Freeland
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401487877 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Seen well but briefly at (34.4299139, -119.8932651). Small short-tailed warbler with dark eyeline, neat face pattern, bright lime green above, bright yellow-green wash on chest with no chest streaking, white crissum. Photos."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 10:33 by Chris Henry
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401556102 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Seen well but briefly at (34.4299139, -119.8932651). Small short-tailed warbler with dark eyeline, neat face pattern, bright lime green above, bright yellow-green wash on chest with no chest streaking, white crissum. Photos."
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) (1)
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 09:50 by Ryan Seppala
- Business Park at Mentor Dr. (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8124367&<ll...>,-119.8124367 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401451525 - Comments: "Brief stop at the fountain on the north end of Mentor. Looked to be a female, with a very subtle orange necklace. Other field marks included a greenish mantle, yellow breast/throat, broken white eyering, and white belly/undertail coverts. Too quick for photos, unfortunately. Given there have been about 20 days since the last sighting, it’s hard to say if this is a new individual."
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 14:02 by Ryan Seppala
- Coronado Dr.--south end (Goleta Monarch Grove), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8898008&<ll...>,-119.8898008 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401539359 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Initially observed in a bare tree branch along the trail east of Coronado Dr. (34.4234254, -119.8884787). It had obviously just bathed and had ruffled, wet feathers. After a few moments, it flew into a eucalyptus and vanished until John Callendar and I refound it sometime later, while it was visiting some exotic plants in a backyard north of the path. It then stopped in a sycamore before carrying on to the SW. During these encounters, we heard its “zzzt” flight call.
Some distinguishing features included a bold black eyeline, pale white undertail coverts, and bright orange feet. When the bird was wet, the mantle appeared slate gray, and streaking on the flanks was not clearly visible; however, when viewed later under normal conditions, a subtly streaky olive mantle and streaks on the breast/flanks were visible."
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1)
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 12:14 by Eunice Schroeder
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401508283 - Comments: "Seen with many others in mid-levels of tipu in east-central area of western lot. Very active. Yellow face with olive auriculars, two strong wingbars, black streaking on sides, mostly whitish under with some yellow."
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 11:30 by Adrian O'Loghlen
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401508823 - Media: 11 Photos
- Comments: "Small warbler with distinctive black throat; olive green cap, black extending to flanks and white underpants. Face is yellow with black eyestripe."
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 11:30 by Bradley Hacker 🦜
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401479328 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Warbler. Yellow face with medium gray-green auriculars, nape, mantle, and crown; dark bill, eyes, primary feathers, and legs; black feathers with white tips on neck and sides of breast; two white wingbars, breast, belly, and vent; white undertail with dark gray edges; faint yellow wash on breast; and pale-medium yellow spots on flanks behind thighs."
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 11:30 by Pamela Viale
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401480246 - Media: 11 Photos
- Comments: "Small warbler with distinctive black throat; olive green cap, black extending to flanks and white underparts. Face is yellow with black eyestripe."
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1)
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 11:25 by David Blue
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401575575 - Comments: "First found by Chris Henry in the southwest corner of the western parking lot. After perhaps an hour it was relocated by Daniel Farrar who got a lot of people on it when it ended up in a tree at the northwest corner of the southwestern most building at this location: (34.430852, -119.892288).
Olive-green crown, nape, and back, and the wings were dark with two bold white wing bars. A yellow face with an olive auricular. Yellow chin and upper throat. Black lower throat/upper breast was mottled in the central part suggesting this was an immature male. Black tapered off along the sides of the breast creating a long, black, inverted U-shape when viewed from underneath. Tail all white underneath except black along the outer tail feather on each side."
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1)
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 11:25 by Linda Blue
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401573535 - Comments: "First found by Chris Henry in the southwest corner of the western parking lot. After perhaps an hour it was relocated by Daniel Farrar who got a lot of people on it when it ended up in a tree at the northwest corner of the southwestern most building at this location: (34.430852, -119.892288).
Olive-green crown, nape, and back, and the wings were dark with two bold white wing bars. A yellow face with an olive auricular. Yellow chin and upper throat. Black lower throat/upper breast was mottled in the central part suggesting this was an immature male. Black tapered off along the sides of the breast creating a long, black, inverted U-shape when viewed from underneath. Tail all white underneath except black along the outer tail feather on each side."
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1)
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 11:22 by Dawn Hovey
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401547209 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Yellow face, olive crown and cheeks, dark throat, 2 white wing bars. Seen with many other people after Daniel Farrar spotted it in the northwestern corner of the western parking lot. Photos."
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 11:10 by Chuhan Li
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401468200 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Seen with many others. Originally found by Chris Henry and Marty Freeland, shared with Dave Compton. Small warblers similar to Townsend's Warbler. Similar face pattern, but with black throat and strips along its side. Dark wing with two bold white wing bars. Can see yellow across its vent.
Very active bird. First been seen at the SW corner of the west parking lot, then refound in the NW corner, then fly along the west edge, finally lost track at the center of the complex."
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 11:00 by Lynn Scarlett
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401475699 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "White wing bars, specks black on throat (not all black line adult male), yellow face with marking on face. Seen along with over a dozen others."
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1)
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 10:33 by Alex Castelein
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401563902 - Media: 2 Videos, 8 Photos
- Comments: "ELECTRIC!! Spotted by Chris at (34.4301307, -119.8928544) and later refound by Sophie elsewhere in the western tech park. Male with wide black scarf extending from sides of upper chest to merge with black throat patch, otherwise white on chest and belly with no yellow, narrow yellowish vent strap, face pattern reminiscent of Townsend’s but with washed-out eyeline/cheek patch. Photos and further details tba."
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1)
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 10:33 by Marty Freeland
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401487877 - Media: 2 Videos, 8 Photos
- Comments: "ELECTRIC!! Spotted by Chris at (34.4301307, -119.8928544) and later refound by Sophie elsewhere in the western tech park. Male with wide black scarf extending from sides of upper chest to merge with black throat patch, otherwise white on chest and belly with no yellow, narrow yellowish vent strap, face pattern reminiscent of Townsend’s but with washed-out eyeline/cheek patch. Photos and further details tba."
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1)
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 10:33 by Chris Henry
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401556102 - Media: 2 Videos, 8 Photos
- Comments: "ELECTRIC!! Spotted by Chris at (34.4301307, -119.8928544) and later refound by Sophie elsewhere in the western tech park. Male with wide black scarf extending from sides of upper chest to merge with black throat patch, otherwise white on chest and belly with no yellow, narrow yellowish vent strap, face pattern reminiscent of Townsend’s but with washed-out eyeline/cheek patch. Photos and further details tba."
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1)
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 10:33 by Joachim Gonzalez
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401492932 - Media: 2 Videos, 8 Photos
- Comments: "ELECTRIC!! Spotted by Chris at (34.4301307, -119.8928544) and later refound by Sophie elsewhere in the western tech park. Male with wide black scarf extending from sides of upper chest to merge with black throat patch, otherwise white on chest and belly with no yellow, narrow yellowish vent strap, face pattern reminiscent of Townsend’s but with washed-out eyeline/cheek patch. Photos and further details tba."
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 09:32 by David Compton
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401470861 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Found by Chris Henry and Marty Freeland in the southwest corner of the complex, but lost before anyone else could see it. Later refound by Daniel Farrar in the northwest corner of the complex, and then tracked east, then well south, then northwest, before it ended up on the south side of the main driveway, where it entered the western parking lot. People finally got decent looks there, but after several minutes, the bird flew out of the tree and was lost as it flew long distance eastward, down the driveway, toward the center of the complex.
This was a small warbler that was similar to a Townsend's, with a similar pattern of yellow and darker areas on the face, with the darker areas strictly olive and not black. Brighter green back than a Townsend's female, more like the color of a Tennessee Warbler's mantle. Dark wings with bold white wing bars. Yellow throat and chin bordered below by a sort of scalloped black area on the throat--not solid black and extensive as I assume you would see on an adult male [but see note on age below]. The blackish area consisted of two blobs of blackish on the sides of the throat connected in the middle by a relatively narrow band of blackish. The rest of the underparts were white with some heavy streaking down the sides. The underside of the folded tail was mostly white, with dark outer edges.
Age: I wrote the above description before looking at my photos, and one photo suggests the blackish area may be more extensive than I thought, extensive farther up on the throat toward the chin. But I believe my other photo in this checklist shows the pointed rectories of a juvenile. So, I think this is a young male, but I'm open to hearing that the black on the throat is more indicative of an adult, and that I'm reading the shapes of the retrices tips wrong."
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 11, 2026 09:15 by Steve Hovey
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401490802 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Found by two visiting birders in the southwest-most tree in the western lot, and refound later by Daniel Farrar in the northwest-most tree in that lot. Moved quickly from tree to tree. Bright yellow face, with olive markings, black stripes against a white body with a visible yellow wash at the vent and white wing bars. Throat was dark though not solid black."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Continues, as of 5:50 pm today (10/11). Seen half-way between the Coal Oil Point and and the beach stairs from Isla Vista in a (relatively) large flock of Marbled Godwits, Long-billed Curlews with a few Whimbrels and a Red Knot mixed in for a good measure. The flock was very active and quite approachable, until it it suddenly took off in the direction of Santa Barbara and dit not return, at least not until after the sunset.
Continues, as of 5:50 pm today (10/11). Seen half-way between the Coal Oil Point and and the beach stairs from Isla Vista in a (relatively) large flock of Marbled Godwits, Long-billed Curlews with a few Whimbrels and a Red Knot mixed in for a good measure. The flock was very active and quite approachable, until it it suddenly took off in the direction of Santa Barbara and dit not return, at least not until after the sunset.
Date: 10/11/26 6:52 pm From: Libby Patten via groups.io <libby_patten...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Golden-winged Warbler appears to have left the Botanic Garden!
My friend, Cathy Peterson, who lives just north of Cathedral Oaks (south of Lauro Canyon Reservoir), just called me to report the astounding news that a Golden-winged Warbler landed in her shallow bird bath and bathed at about 6 pm tonight for a few minutes. She was looking out her kitchen window at a shallow dish with water she had just scrubbed and filled. She described the major field marks perfectly. In fact, she spent several hours yesterday unsuccessfully trying to see the warbler at the Garden. So unbelievable. The bird came to her!!
So, it appears quite doubtful that anyone will find this bird at the Garden after today. Cathy lives about 2 miles west and slightly south of the Botanic Garden.
Date: 10/11/26 4:42 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Black-throated Green Warbler at Hollister tech park
The Black-throated Green Warbler was refound around 11:45 am moving quickly from tree to tree around the west parking lot and eventually heading east towards the central parking area. I don't think it was seen subsequently.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 17:31 by Vladimir H-T
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401153559 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing, together with many marbled godwits. A little smaller than others, noticeably lighter. Light underside, white eyeline. Multiple sights at this spot over the last 72 hrs."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 12:58 by Alex Castelein
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401150808 - Comments: "Continuing amazing find by Ben Byerly on 10/7!!! Shoutout to Michael “Murrelet” Moss for refinding. Beautiful pale godwit with strong supercilium, no rufous tones, and barred tail and rump. Photos"
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 12:57 by Luke Jensen
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401129741 - Comments: "Continuing, Seen east of the point down a surfer's trail with other godwits. Lighter than other godwits with a white supercilium. LIFER and COUNTY BIRD! PICS TBA."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 16:40 by Libby Patten
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401142322 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Seen from COP. Waited awhile to see any godwits. Probably flushed out from nearer the base of the cliff by a dog. Low tide so lots of people walking where the godwits might naturally want to forage. Bar-tailed mixed in with large Marbled flock. Was whiter overall and a little smaller. Black and white bar pattern on tail. Will post marginal photo."
Williamson's Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 08:42 by Luke Jensen
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401129665 - Comments: "Continuing female type bird seen in line of pine trees behind playground, coopertive bird. seen about 10-15 feet up in a pine on the right side of the line of pines. COUNTY BIRD! PICS TBA."
Red-naped x Red-breasted Sapsucker (hybrid) (Sphyrapicus nuchalis x ruber) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 09:30 by Peter Schneekloth
- Refugio Rd--first creek crossing, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0689661&<ll...>,-120.0689661 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400987860 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Marginal looks and photos show red cap and throat of Red-naped Sapsucker but with extensive red showing below black breast shield which would indicate Red-breasted influence, photos"
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 09:50 by John Deacon
- Jim May Park (formerly River Oaks Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4258633&<ll...>,-120.4258633 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401032590 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "In the field, I thought it might be a TRKI but I didn't get great looks. I put it in eBird as CAKI just as a place holder. Definitely TRKI. Slightly notched tail, no malar stripe, heavier beak and nice yellow coloration of breast."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (3)
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 09:19 by Jamie Chavez
- Figueroa Mtn. summit, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.985&<ll...>,-119.985 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400992122 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Three flew into the pines around the lookout. Grayish, small, crow-sized corvids with a gray head and face, black wings, and a black, pointed bill"
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (2)
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 09:19 by Jamie Chavez
- Figueroa Mtn. summit, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.985&<ll...>,-119.985 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400992122 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Two male finches were some distance away on top of a burned pine. I only realized these were Cassin's Finches after reviewing photos. This was not apparent in the field due to the distance. The birds were silent"
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1)
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 14:47 by Timothy Whitfield
- Historic mission dam/creek, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.71067&<ll...>,-119.71067 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401084013 - Comments: "Golden winged warbler seen moving from perch on western sycamore to western red bud among other warblers. Very active, didn’t stay in place for long, didn’t hear calls. Black eye mask and black breast spot and golden head/wing marks, male. No photo taken by me but many by others."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 12:28 by Libby Patten
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401131045 - Comments: "Continuing. Seen both south and northeast of Campbell bridge. Beautiful male. Underparts appeared white, black throat and black mask on white face. Yellow crown and distinctive yellow wing patches. Gray upperparts. Foraging vigorously on many branches and many trees. Quick movements tended to deflect branches, making bird easier to refind as it bounced around. Sometimes feeding by holding on to leaf from the underside."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 12:04 by Armando Aispuro
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401122827 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing rarity found by Jane Orbuch on 10/8. Striking warbler with yellow crown, black mask, white below and above the mask and a thick black beard. Most striking were its bright yellow epaulets contrasting with the cool gray back and flanks. Foraging very rapidly, trap-lining among various trees. Seemed to favor dead and drying sycamore leaves, especially the undersides where it sometimes foraged upside down. Seen sporadically at Campbell Bridge. Also seen bathing in the creek from the bridge."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 12:03 by David Compton
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401063206 - Comments: "The bird was present when I arrived at Campbell Bridge, and I got several brief but clear looks at relatively close range over the next few minutes, before it disappeared for the remainder of my visit. I was not able to get photos, and the details I observed were pretty basic. The bird was a relatively small, active warbler feeding near the ground up to mid-canopy. I DID see that it was basically white below (including the underside of the tail) except for the solidly black throat, had a broad black band though the eye, had an obvious golden patch on the wing, and had a gold crown. The upper parts and wings (other than the golden patch on the wing and the golden crown) were dark."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 10:54 by Kenneth Gluck
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401048044 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Distinct yellow crown, black eye and chin markings. Yellow spot on wings. Very active in low Sycamore leaves feeding on insects. Spotted at several spots on Mission Creek."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 10:54 by Kim Stackpole
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401049669 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Distinct yellow crown, black eye and chin markings. Yellow spot on wings. Very active in low Sycamore leaves feeding on insects. Spotted at several spots on Mission Creek."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 10:14 by Mario Ramos
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401047652 - Comments: "Continuing, observed by multiple birders. The bird was identified by its distinctive bright yellow wing patches, which contrasted with its otherwise grayish plumage."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 10:07 by Cathy Jain
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400983496 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Foraging on the bottom of sycamore leaves. Active over creek near wooden bridge at 10:20. Unmistakable striking golden wing and face. Photos TBA."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 10:07 by Chris Jain
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400983495 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Foraging on the bottom of sycamore leaves. Active over creek near wooden bridge at 10:20. Unmistakable striking golden wing and face. Photos."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 09:25 by Rebecca Coulter
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400997707 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing rarity found here a couple of days ago. Seen around the vicinity of the Campbell Bridge over Mission Creek. Mostly foraging mid-level in the sycamores, hanging from undersides of leaves, occasionally hovering. Male. Photo to be added by Chris Coulter."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 09:22 by Noah Gaines
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401153251 - Comments: "Found two days ago. Refound this morning at 9:30. Seen again in same area from 10-10:30. Color scheme was gray, black, gold, and white. Gray with with contrasting black cheek patch and throat. Bright golden yellow on top of head and in broad wing panel. Wings yellow greenish. Tail with white in the outer retrices. Seen from bridge downstream from dam. Foraging mostly in sycamore by probing dead leaves upside down. From eye level to high overhead. Excellent looks."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 08:45 by Lynn Scarlett
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400995192 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing south of dam in sycamores and oaks. Yellow on wing, black throat and mask, yellow on top of head, gray back. Photos to come. Seen along with over a dozen other people"
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 17:01 by Zach Nett
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401093810 - Comments: "was seen five minutes before I arrived, but it popped back up at 5:50pm in the sycamore NE of the dam. beautiful bird with light grey unders, black throat and auriculars, yellow crown, and golden yellow wing panels on darker grey wings. actively foraging on sycamore leaves and branches. good views for a few minutes, well lit with the golden hour setting sun."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 10:00 by Anonymous eBirder
- Santa Barbara Botanical Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7096303&<ll...>,-119.7096303 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401154146 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing rarity, seen with several birders. A huge shout out to Larry who spotted it and pointed to it just as I happened to join them.
Small, very active warbler, darting around feeding. Saw it gleaning from the undersides of leaves while hanging upside down multiple times. Vivid contrast with yellow crown, black bib and ear patches against white stripes on face. Bright yellow wing bars."
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 10, 2026 12:04 by Armando Aispuro
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401122827 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Small black and white streaked warbler with a slightly curved bill. Alternating pied streaking throughout its back and flanks. Thick white median stripe on the crown, supraorbital stripe and eye ring. Foraging slowly like a nuthatch, inspecting bark and regularly hanging upside down. Found east and upslope from Campbell Bridge in oak trees."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 10/10/26 8:32 pm From: Betsy Mooney via groups.io <wingblossoms...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Saw my first Hermit Thrush of the fall season today in Honda Valley. Anyone else seen these fellows yet?
Yes! A Hermit Thrush was observed on the More Mesa Trail this morning.
Betsy Mooney
Santa Barbara/Goleta
On Sat, Oct 10, 2026 at 7:22 PM Craig Prater via groups.io <craig.prater.sb=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> We saw one at the Museum of Natural History a couple weeks ago. At an
> Audubon event no less!
>
> Craig
>
>
>
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: "Lynn Scarlett via groups.io" <Lynnscarlett...>
> Date: 10/10/26 6:01 PM (GMT-08:00)
> To: <bjgreen07...>
> Cc: <main...>
> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Saw my first Hermit Thrush of the fall season
> today in Honda Valley. Anyone else seen these fellows yet?
>
> Saw one today at the SB Botanic Garden and last week at Lake Los Carneros
>
>
>
> --
> ---
> Lynn Scarlett
> Santa Barbara
>
>
> On Oct 10, 2026, at 5:50 PM, Betsy Green via groups.io <bjgreen07=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>
>
> --
> ---
> Betsy Green
> Santa Barbara
>
>
>
>
Date: 10/10/26 7:22 pm From: Craig Prater via groups.io <craig.prater.sb...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Saw my first Hermit Thrush of the fall season today in Honda Valley. Anyone else seen these fellows yet?
We saw one at the Museum of Natural History a couple weeks ago. At an Audubon event no less!CraigSent from my Galaxy -------- Original message --------From: "Lynn Scarlett via groups.io" <Lynnscarlett...> Date: 10/10/26 6:01 PM (GMT-08:00) To: <bjgreen07...> Cc: <main...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Saw my first Hermit Thrush of the fall season today in Honda Valley. Anyone else seen these fellows yet? Saw one today at the SB Botanic Garden and last week at Lake Los Carneros-- ---Lynn ScarlettSanta BarbaraOn Oct 10, 2026, at 5:50 PM, Betsy Green via groups.io <bjgreen07...> wrote: -- --- Betsy Green Santa Barbara
Date: 10/10/26 6:01 pm From: Lynn Scarlett via groups.io <Lynnscarlett...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Saw my first Hermit Thrush of the fall season today in Honda Valley. Anyone else seen these fellows yet?
Date: 10/10/26 5:50 pm From: Betsy Green via groups.io <bjgreen07...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Saw my first Hermit Thrush of the fall season today in Honda Valley. Anyone else seen these fellows yet?
Date: 10/10/26 12:30 pm From: Hugh Ranson via groups.io <zonetail1...> Subject: [sbcobirding] More on Golden-winged Warbler
The bird remained around the wooden bridge at the SB Botanic Garden (coordinates in previous post), off and on, for much of the morning. It was seen at the bridge, as well as 30 yards downstream. Note that it isn't always in sycamores. We watched it foraging in bay trees, and it spent some time at ground level at the base of a tree.
Apparently the Bar-tailed Godwit is being seen at Coal Oil Point again today.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 15:52 by Cathy Jain
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400657750 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Much lighter and slightly smaller than associated MAGO. Obvious supercilium and white tail in flight. On beach close to water off East side of point. Getting spooked every once in a while by people with dogs. Photos. TBA."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 15:52 by Chris Jain
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400657751 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Much lighter and slightly smaller than associated MAGO. Obvious supercilium and white tail in flight. On beach close to water off East side of point. Getting spooked every once in a while by people with dogs. Photos."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 15:35 by Philip Zeng
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400681943 - Media: 9 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing, photos. It has grayish-brown plumage, a white belly, and a very prominent white eyebrow. It is also smaller than the Marbled Godwit. I’m so happy to see this rare shorebird here, especially because it is a species more commonly found in Asia, including my hometown in China. Seeing it here makes the encounter feel even more special!"
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 14:20 by Craig Prater
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400649902 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing at Coal Oil Point. This observation was just east of the point with one Bar-tailed associated with 20+ Marbled. Observed both working the surf and foraging in the sand close to the cliff. Bar-tailed is the lighter, smaller bird with the strong white eyebrow. Some photos include nearby Marbled for comparison."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 13:42 by Matt Brady
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400678053 - Comments: "Continuing bird, extremely confiding on the beach just to the east of the point (<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Vd1uqkd8YBajCKj6">34.4073616, -119.8776610</a>), closely associating with the flock of ~30 Marbled Godwits. In comparison to the MAGOs this was a slightly smaller and more compact bird, lacking any of the peachy tones typical of that species. The distinct white supercilium was the easiest way to pick the bird out, but the shorter, thicker legs, rather streaky upper parts, white underwings barred with gray, and barred tail also differed from the MAGOs. Many, many photos of the bird, which was in view for the duration of my observation, at times down to <3m from me."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 12:31 by Kim Stackpole
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400633325 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Mixed in with marbled godwits. Underside noticeably lighter than Marbled Godwit. Sharply contrasting light eyebrow extends firmly back past eye. slightly shorter/smaller than the MAGO. No rufous/cinnamon coloration on breast, belly or rump. Pix to follow"
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 12:09 by Rebecca Coulter
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400619214 - Comments: "Continuing rarity at this location with a flock of about 25 marbled godwit. Viewed from the cliff directly below the point on the east side. About 12:30 PM. Seen from above, it appeared slightly lighter with a few more obvious white frosty patches. But the most definite field mark that set it apart from the marbled was its face pattern, much lighter with a bright white eyebrow. Although the marbled were a little variable in plumage, none showed this face pattern and were overall much buffier in color. As this is a lifer for me, I have no experience otherwise, but it would seem that this is an adult in non-breeding plumage, or better yet a juvenile with that much strong patterning on the back?"
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 10:57 by Dennis Doordan
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400646820 - Comments: "Spotted at 11:05 am on Coal Oil Point. First seen in flight in a group of 15+ Marbled Godwits; the Bar-tailed was smaller with lighter coloration and no cinnamon color. The difference was easy to identify with the birds in flight. The Godwits were feeding on the shore immediately to the east of COP."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 14:03 by Barbara Millett
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400570902 - Comments: "Continuing rarity found Oct. 7 by Benjamin Byerly. The bird was foraging with a flock of Marbled Godwits. It was smaller and had shorter legs compared to Marbled Godwits. Overall the plumage had a pale gray appearance without buffy tones. The bicolored bill was pink at base and black toward tip. Bill was long and straight with slight upturn on end. There was a prominent white superciliam. In flight the tail showed black and white barring."
Williamson's Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 09:55 by Zach Nett
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400615170 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "continuing in the NWern most pine. silent and tough to pick out, luckily another birder pointed me in the right direction. female with black and white barring with nice yellow bellow."
Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) (1)
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 06:49 by Dawn Garcia
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Anchorage and Beach Area, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5555481&<ll...>,-119.5555481 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400586740 - Comments: "Little flycatcher hanging out in the same area as yesterday. On the tractor wheel and over the wet marsh. Light under parts with peachy flanks and under tail coverts
Brownish gray upper parts smaller than say's phoebe, that displaces it."
Swinhoe's White-eye (Zosterops simplex) (Exotic: Naturalized) (1)
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 13:56 by Ann Stockert
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400637655 - Comments: "*Rare but expanding in SBA county. One bird h/o call somewhere relatively close by on the west/main side here: (34.431271, -119.892983). Call was a descending ringing tzew which I recognized immediately as this species, having heard countless white-eyes from all over Southern California."
Swinhoe's White-eye (Zosterops simplex) (Exotic: Naturalized) (1)
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 13:56 by Kilian Hampl
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400622570 - Comments: "*Rare but expanding in SBA county. One bird h/o call somewhere relatively close by on the west/main side here: (34.431271, -119.892983). Call was a descending ringing tzew which I recognized immediately as this species, having heard countless white-eyes from all over Southern California."
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 07:39 by Mason Henry 🐦
- Auto selected 34.00025, -119.73607, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.736071&<ll...>,-119.736071 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400684478 - Comments: "Calling with diagnostic till’ip call. Landed on an oak, the side-on view honestly wasn’t enough to eliminate purple (fem type), but the call was heard well and of course very different from a purple."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 15:30 by Steve Hovey
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400677909 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Small warbler with black neck, black and white face with a yellow crown and bright yellow patch on the wings. Seen in sycamore trees just south of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Dam."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 15:25 by Yixin L
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400679898 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "finally saw it at around 6. warbler with a clear black throat and white around it, yellow forehead. white underparts with no streaking. thank you to Zach Nett for spotting it."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 11:28 by Chris Jain
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400614701 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing. Being very difficult. Giving fantastic clear view for about half a second at a time before disappearing into the foliage. Otherwise consistent, possibly working a circuit and coming around to be visible for a short period of time off the West side of the dam in oaks and sycamores. Appears for a short period at a time about every 45 minutes or so. Face and golden wing obvious at a glance. Photos."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 11:20 by Chang Huan
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400608929 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "First report yesterday, refound this morning. Beautiful small warbler with black throat and mask. Golden crown, large golden patch on wings. Seen with many others, photos tba."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 11:20 by Caroline Chen
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400609045 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "First report yesterday, refound this morning. Beautiful small warbler with black throat and mask. Golden crown, large golden patch on wings. Seen with many others, photos tba."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 11:12 by Eunice Schroeder
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400697067 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing male found yesterday by Jane Orbuch and seen today with many other birders. Beautiful, distinctive warbler foraging actively in the sycamores on the northwest side of the dam. Mostly gray overall with bold black-and-white face pattern consisting of black throat and mask outlined by white; bright golden crown and wing patch. Photos."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 08:54 by Laurel S Luby
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400598140 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Saw with many other birders at the stone bridge. Small warbler with gray uppers and light underparts. Black mask, yellow crown and yellow wing patches. Photos."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 08:54 by David Blue
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400658369 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "First discovered here yesterday by Jane Orbuch. This is only the sixth record for Santa Barbara County, with the last record being 25 years ago in 2001. This bird was found today by Nick Lethaby while standing on the dam over Mission Creek. It foraged mostly in sycamores immediately northwest of the dam at approximately: 34.458803, -119.710027
Despite being grayish overall this was a striking bird with a white face set off with a black throat and mask, and highlighted by a bright yellow forecrown and wing-panel."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 08:54 by Linda Blue
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400664379 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "First discovered here yesterday by Jane Orbuch. This is only the sixth record for Santa Barbara County, with the last record being 25 years ago in 2001. This bird was found today by Nick Lethaby while standing on the dam over Mission Creek. It foraged mostly in sycamores immediately northwest of the dam at approximately: 34.458803, -119.710027
Despite being grayish overall this was a striking bird with a white face set off with a black throat and mask, and highlighted by a bright yellow forecrown and wing-panel."
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 08:54 by Tom Beland
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.710266&<ll...>,-119.710266 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400612002 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Saw with many other birders at the stone bridge. Small warbler with gray uppers and light underparts. Black mask, yellow crown and yellow wing patches. Photos."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 07:35 by Zach Nett
- Refugio State Beach, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0694835&<ll...>,-120.0694835 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400615501 - Comments: "smaller warbler with green-leaning yellow uppers, eyeline, unstreaked breast, and distinct white undertail coverts. visited the seep on multiple occasions and associating OCWA offered great comparisons."
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 09:45 by Ryan Seppala
- Maria Ygnacio Creek--north of US 101, including Calle Barquero OS and Patterson OS, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8033118&<ll...>,-119.8033118 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400615289 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Inside of a mixed flock on the east end of the open space, in the riparian woodland bordering the creek."
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) (1)
- Reported Oct 09, 2026 16:08 by Daniel Kolbach
- Refugio State Beach, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0694835&<ll...>,-120.0694835 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400689188 - Comments: "Foraging low in the eucalyptus trees, then came down to take a bath. Gray underparts, yellow-green upperparts, and bold white eyering. Will post photos on Monday. Seen a little down the road where the Tennessee Warbler was seen."
Townsend's x Hermit Warbler (hybrid) (Setophaga townsendi x occidentalis) (1)
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 13:56 by Kilian Hampl
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400622570 - Comments: "*Rare. HY male (partially black throat and median covert wingbar with dark centers) here: (34.431444, -119.892914). This individual looked mostly like Hermit but with an olive cap extending farther into forehead than expected on pure Hermit, mostly olive back, stronger olive cheek patch than expected in pure Hermit, and diffuse streaking on sides of breast extending down through the flanks nearly reaching the vent. Decent identifiable views initially then moved deeper into the foliage and eventually flew off when we tried to get photos."
Townsend's x Hermit Warbler (hybrid) (Setophaga townsendi x occidentalis) (1)
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 13:56 by Ann Stockert
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400637655 - Comments: "*Rare. HY male (partially black throat and median covert wingbar with dark centers) here: (34.431444, -119.892914). This individual looked mostly like Hermit but with an olive cap extending farther into forehead than expected on pure Hermit, mostly olive back, stronger olive cheek patch than expected in pure Hermit, and diffuse streaking on sides of breast extending down through the flanks nearly reaching the vent. Decent identifiable views initially then moved deeper into the foliage and eventually flew off when we tried to get photos."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
This is approximately where it was this morning. Great that it has stuck around.
Florence Sanchez
On Friday, October 9, 2026 at 05:49:20 PM PDT, Steve Hovey via groups.io <shovey34...> wrote:
Thanks to Peggy’s sharp eyes, the Golden-winged Warbler was refound just before park closing time at SB Botanic Gardens. It was in a sycamore just south of the dam. Several birders got ok views from the dam.
Date: 10/9/26 5:49 pm From: Steve Hovey via groups.io <shovey34...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Golden-winged Warbler
Thanks to Peggy’s sharp eyes, the Golden-winged Warbler was refound just before park closing time at SB Botanic Gardens. It was in a sycamore just south of the dam. Several birders got ok views from the dam.
Date: 10/9/26 4:15 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Golden-winged Warbler Location
A group of birders had a brief but good look at the continuing Golden-winged Warbler at the Botanic Gardens this morning. It came in to a Sycamore tree located at the north-west corner of the dam (approx. 34.458805, -119.710052) in response to playback of birds mobbing an owl. From the reports, this is the approximate location where it has been seen on other occasions.
Date: 10/9/26 9:15 am From: Jim Long via groups.io <tagdesjim...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Botanic GArden Access
Also you have to have a reservation for which ends at 4 pm and admission is
$23 or $18 for seniors.
Jim Long
Santa Barbara
On Fri, Oct 9, 2026 at 7:29 AM Lynn Scarlett via groups.io <Lynnscarlett=
<comcast.net...> wrote:
> I’m on the Board at the garden. Let me check to see if I can get
> permission for birders to arrive earlier.
>
>
>
> --
> ---
> Lynn Scarlett
> Santa Barbara
>
>
> On Oct 9, 2026, at 6:50 AM, Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11=
> <yahoo.com...> wrote:
>
>
> I've had a lot of questions about access and sent off a couple of e-mails
> to a staff member about exceptions but so far, no reply. As it stands:
>
> Non-member admission starts at 10 a.m. Members can enter at 9:00 a.m.
> Non-members will be charged an admissions fee. (The Garden is a private
> institution, not a tax-supported public park.)
>
> The area indicated on the map is the sycamores along the creek near and
> below the dam. To access this spot from the entrance, you can take the
> Campbell Trail that starts at the Desert section, goes down to the creek
> and crosses the bridge, and then walk right (upstream) until you get to the
> dam. OR, you can walk to the head of the Meadow, take either the Indian
> steps or the Indian trail down to the creek, turn left through the
> Redwoods, until you get to the dam.
>
> The sycamores in this spot have been good for warblers such as Townsend's
> in most years, so it's probably still the best spot for the golden-winged
> if it's still around.
>
> Florence Sanchez
>
>
>
>
Date: 10/9/26 9:11 am From: Jamie Chavez via groups.io <almiyi...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Botanic GArden Access
Sadly, the Botanic Garden doesn't have a description in the eBird Hotspot. This is where local knowledge is very helpful to visiting birders describing the entrance fee, visiting hours, best places to bird, etc.- all useful information for out-of-towners. If folks are out chasing the warbler it would be great if we can add a little content to the Hotspot page, including a few more habitat photos. In the About page you can suggest content.
On Friday, October 9th, 2026 at 7:29 AM, Lynn Scarlett via groups.io <Lynnscarlett...> wrote:
> I’m on the Board at the garden. Let me check to see if I can get permission for birders to arrive earlier. > > -- > --- > Lynn Scarlett > Santa Barbara > >> On Oct 9, 2026, at 6:50 AM, Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> wrote: > >> >> I've had a lot of questions about access and sent off a couple of e-mails to a staff member about exceptions but so far, no reply. As it stands: >> >> Non-member admission starts at 10 a.m. Members can enter at 9:00 a.m. >> Non-members will be charged an admissions fee. (The Garden is a private institution, not a tax-supported public park.) >> >> The area indicated on the map is the sycamores along the creek near and below the dam. To access this spot from the entrance, you can take the Campbell Trail that starts at the Desert section, goes down to the creek and crosses the bridge, and then walk right (upstream) until you get to the dam. OR, you can walk to the head of the Meadow, take either the Indian steps or the Indian trail down to the creek, turn left through the Redwoods, until you get to the dam. >> >> The sycamores in this spot have been good for warblers such as Townsend's in most years, so it's probably still the best spot for the golden-winged if it's still around. >> >> Florence Sanchez > >
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 13:30 by Lynn Scarlett
- Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve--Devereux Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8756027&<ll...>,-119.8756027 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400400019 - Media: 11 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing with a large group of marbled godwits. Slightly small, clean white underneath, white eyebrow, dark brown and white pattern on back. Photos to come"
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 11:35 by Adrian O'Loghlen
- Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve--Devereux Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8756027&<ll...>,-119.8756027 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400410100 - Media: 9 Photos
- Comments: "Medium sized shorebird, noticeably lighter than accompanying marbled godwits. Bicolored straight bill with slight up curve, streaked white eyeline."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 11:35 by Pamela Viale
- Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve--Devereux Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8756027&<ll...>,-119.8756027 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400394007 - Media: 9 Photos
- Comments: "Medium sized shorebird, noticeably lighter than accompanying marbled godwits. Bicolored straight bill with slight up curve, streaked white eyeline."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 17:29 by Chang Huan
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400426472 - Media: 21 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Original found by Benjamin Byerly at UCSB East Beach yesterday, relocated by Armando Aispuro at COPR this morning. Photos tba."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 17:29 by Caroline Chen
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400426470 - Media: 21 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Original found by Benjamin Byerly at UCSB East Beach yesterday, relocated by Armando Aispuro at COPR this morning. Photos tba."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 17:29 by Chuhan Li
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400426474 - Media: 21 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Original found by Benjamin Byerly at UCSB East Beach yesterday, relocated by Armando Aispuro at COPR this morning. Photos tba."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 16:47 by Steve Hovey
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400429303 - Media: 14 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Hanging out with a group of around 25 Marbled Godwits. Lighter colored than the Marbled Godwits, with a white eyebrow. See photos."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 16:47 by Dawn Hovey
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400429156 - Media: 14 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Hanging out with a group of around 25 Marbled Godwits. Lighter colored than the Marbled Godwits, with a white eyebrow. See photos."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 15:48 by David Compton
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400403282 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "This bird had been found the previous afternoon at Goleta Beach, about two miles to the east, and was rebound earlier in the day near Coal Oil Point, where Curtis Marantz and I watched it at length. I can't add much to these photos in terms of plumage details. Things that were noticeable in the field were that the bird had shorter legs and was overall shorter than adjacent Marbled Godwits; the belly, vent, and under tail coverts were essentially white; the wing coverts had dark centers but were had broad, bold, and whitish edges; the tertials were broadly dark (brown) in the center with pale marks around the outside (as opposed to having complete bars across the feathers); the tail appeared barred white and blackish; the face had an obvious and broad white supercilium; the primary tips were black, with some showing some fine pale edges; and a pale crescent was at the base of the primaries; and wing linings were white with some gray barring. Curtis and I were pretty close to the flocks, which was essentially a bunch of Marbleds with the one Bar-tailed Godwit, and maybe the occasional Willet or Long-billed Curlew as the fringes of the group. Lighting conditions were excellent."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 15:08 by Nicholas Shao
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400393220 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Seen in flock with marbled godwits on the shore, a bit towards Devereux beach side near the beach entrance with graffiti. Distinct white eyebrow and white coloration compared to marbled."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 14:46 by Lori Gaskin
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400409721 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "What a great find by Benjamin Byerly on October 7, 2026. Distinct in its smaller size as compared to the MAGO with which it was associating as well as its overall paler/lighter whitish hue (not cinnamon) and dark eyeline and white supercillium. Scaly brown/white back. Barred tail (visible in some of the photos). The last photo included in this checklist (taken through my scope) is meant to show the size/color difference as compared to MAGO."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 13:56 by Mario Ramos
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400403467 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing; foraging along with other shorebirds. The bird showed a long, straight-to-slightly upturned pinkish bill with a dark tip, long dark gray legs, a pale face and underparts.The overall structure, bill shape, leg length. Photos taken for documentation I will post later this afternoon."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 13:05 by Guy Tingos
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400382833 - Comments: "Similar to adjoining Marbled Godwits, but paler overall with no strong cinnamon tones, straighter bill, and obvious whitish supercillium."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 12:58 by George Chapman
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400382926 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing rarity. Godwit grayer than the marbled godwits it was associating with. Light sides, strong white line above the eye. Seemed smaller than marbled godwits. Tail strongly barred with alternating black and white bands. MOB on it."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 12:54 by Yixin L
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400380892 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "amazing!!! pale godwit, originally found by Ben Byerly, and refound by Armando Aispuro. I had seen it yesterday, but in seriously awful conditions, so the great looks today were very exciting! seen with mob of just about everyone in the county. bird was seen directly at the point with a flock of about twenty other godwits and very obviously stood out for lacking any rufous tones. still aggressive like it was yesterday, snapping at the other godwits. pretty entertaining to watch. photos tba"
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 12:45 by Peter Gaede
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400376201 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing; photos. Foraging almost constantly near the surf as well as at the high tide line with marbled godwits, which it occasionally had direct interactions with. Slightly smaller, paler overall with dark line through eye and long, pale and relatively wide supercilium. Barred tail and rump. Barring also just visible below the wings at the flanks when feeding. Gray legs same as marbled, but shorter. No vocalizations heard."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 12:42 by Mark Holmgren
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400385778 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird just east of Coal Oil Point, associating with a large group of Marbled Godwits. Photos. BtGo on the left, 2 MaGo on the right"
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 12:37 by Eunice Schroeder
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400406830 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Found yesterday by Benjamin Byerly on the beach east of Campus Point; refound today by Armando Aispuro on Devereux Beach just east of Coal Oil Point. Relatively thick, pale supercilium and brownish, smudgy eyeline; bicolored bill, pinkish with black toward the tip, slightly upturned; pale whitish underneath, in contrast with buffy cinnamon coloration of Marbled Godwits that were also present; black-and-white barred tail; strongly patterned back. Slightly smaller than Marbled Godwits. Photos."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 12:27 by Chris Jain
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400376019 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Initially found yesterday by Ben Byerly and refound today by Armando Aispuro. Lighter godwit. Striking white supercilium separating itself from nearby MAGOs. Far better view today than yesterday. Photos."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 12:15 by David Blue
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400417824 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "First discovered yesterday (October 7) by Benjamin Byerly east of Campus Point (2 miles east of here). Today it was found on the beach below the point here at Coal Oil Point by Armando Aispuro. This bird was slightly smaller than the many Marbled Godwits it associated with, and there were occasional conflicts with the Bar-tailed Godwit being quite aggressive. It differed from the Marbled Godwits by having white underparts, lacking in overall buffy tones, having a black and white barred tail, a white rump, and whitish underwings. Also a key differentiator was the brighter and slightly broader white supercilium."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 12:15 by Linda Blue
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400418466 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "First discovered yesterday (October 7) by Benjamin Byerly east of Campus Point (2 miles east of here). Today it was found on the beach below the point here at Coal Oil Point by Armando Aispuro. This bird was slightly smaller than the many Marbled Godwits it associated with, and there were occasional conflicts with the Bar-tailed Godwit being quite aggressive. It differed from the Marbled Godwits by having white underparts, lacking in overall buffy tones, having a black and white barred tail, a white rump, and whitish underwings. Also a key differentiator was the brighter and slightly broader white supercilium."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Siberian) (Limosa lapponica [baueri Group]) (1)
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 12:14 by Ann Stockert
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400437322 - Media: 9 Photos
- Comments: "***Continuing third SBA county record seen with MOB. Gorgeous cooperative juvenile feeding with Marbled Godwits on the beach at the point. Many photos tba"
Bar-tailed Godwit (Siberian) (Limosa lapponica [baueri Group]) (1)
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 12:14 by Kilian Hampl
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400437221 - Media: 9 Photos
- Comments: "***Continuing third SBA county record seen with MOB. Gorgeous cooperative juvenile feeding with Marbled Godwits on the beach at the point. Many photos tba"
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 12:09 by Zach Nett
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400386664 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "continuing bird, just west of the point. all white underside apparent when side by side with Marbled Godwits. dark eyeline and white supercillium that is not present on MAGOs."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 11:22 by Armando Aispuro
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400376656 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Originally found by Benjamin Byerly the evening of 10/7 on the beach east of Campus Point and re-found today at Coal Oil Point Reserve, just east of the point. It had an overall pale appearance to it, most obvious was the white supercilium and cheek with a smudgy brown line going through the eye, and a capped look to the crown giving the head a strongly contrasting appearance. The bill was long and slightly upturned, pink with black tip. The neck was also very pale with no buffy wash but rather occasional gray-brown scales. The back appeared striated (rather than speckled as in Marbled Godwits). The primary and secondary coverts had extensive white edging with small brown centers, further giving the bird a pale look. The tail had an alternating black and white 'barring' pattern blending into a rump with bright white feathers intermixed with chocolatey brown feathers, finally blending into the striated upper back pattern. The legs were comparatively slightly shorter, and the entire bird was slightly smaller than the Marbled Godwits with which it was congregating. Behaviorally, it seemed to favor the dry sand for foraging, and on a few occasions I saw it bullying other godwits for foraging space."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 08:37 by Yvonne Degraw
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400333017 - Media: 1 Audio
- Comments: "Saw and heard two Tropicals by Dilling's Link bridge, solid yellow breast, no white in throat and distinctive call vs. Cassin's. Also heard only, east side of Devereaux Lagoon in NCOS near the new housing."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 08:37 by Craig Prater
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400333016 - Media: 1 Audio
- Comments: "Saw and heard two Tropicals by Dilling's Link bridge, solid yellow breast, no white in throat and distinctive call vs. Cassin's. Also heard only, east side of Devereaux Lagoon in NCOS near the new housing."
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (3) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 09:22 by Peter Gaede
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400328655 - Comments: "From upper Elings Park looking north towards the ball fields. First heard their distinctive nasal calls, then saw three flying west over the ridge in single file. Medium sized jays, relatively short tails, overall blue in color."
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 07:39 by Maddie Ybarra
- Auto selected 34.00025, -119.73607, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.736071&<ll...>,-119.736071 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400336740 - Comments: "Calling with diagnostic till’ip call. Landed on an oak, the side-on view honestly wasn’t enough to eliminate purple (fem type), but the call was heard well and of course very different from a purple."
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 07:39 by Kyleigh Miklos
- Auto selected 34.00025, -119.73607, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.736071&<ll...>,-119.736071 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400363140 - Comments: "Calling with diagnostic till’ip call. Landed on an oak, the side-on view honestly wasn’t enough to eliminate purple (fem type), but the call was heard well and of course very different from a purple."
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 07:39 by Sam Eberhard
- Auto selected 34.00025, -119.73607, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.736071&<ll...>,-119.736071 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400336633 - Comments: "Calling with diagnostic till’ip call. Landed on an oak, the side-on view honestly wasn’t enough to eliminate purple (fem type), but the call was heard well and of course very different from a purple."
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 08, 2026 18:43 by Kim Stackpole
- Bates Rd. bridge (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.4752696&<ll...>,-119.4752696 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400423006 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Brilliant red male with thick bill. Saw flash of red in creek bed as it got dark out. Saw on both sides o the bridge, but pic (blurry from low light) is from vta side in the overhanging brush."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 10/9/26 6:50 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Botanic GArden Access
I've had a lot of questions about access and sent off a couple of e-mails to a staff member about exceptions but so far, no reply. As it stands:
Non-member admission starts at 10 a.m. Members can enter at 9:00 a.m.Non-members will be charged an admissions fee. (The Garden is a private institution, not a tax-supported public park.)
The area indicated on the map is the sycamores along the creek near and below the dam. To access this spot from the entrance, you can take the Campbell Trail that starts at the Desert section, goes down to the creek and crosses the bridge, and then walk right (upstream) until you get to the dam. OR, you can walk to the head of the Meadow, take either the Indian steps or the Indian trail down to the creek, turn left through the Redwoods, until you get to the dam.
The sycamores in this spot have been good for warblers such as Townsend's in most years, so it's probably still the best spot for the golden-winged if it's still around.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 10/9/26 5:45 am From: Jamie Chavez via groups.io <almiyi...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Golden-winged Warbler Location
The person who spotted the Golden-winged Warbler at SB Botanic Garden sent me some details on the approximate location where the bird was found. Her message is below, and the attachment shows her eBird track and the section of the trail where the bird most likely was (circled in yellow). Good luck if you are chasing, and keep the group posted if it is seen again.
Jamie M. Chavez Santa Maria, CA
--------------
It was in upper Mission canyon. Near creek and rock pools. Definitely in Sycamores. On East side of trail-canyon trail I believe. Below is the Ebird track and circled where I think I saw it. I hung out in one area off the trail near the creek and pished —had Townsend warblers too. Sorry I didn’t have location data in my pic.
I was looking at my track further and it could have been a bit south of where I marked in yellow. Hard to tell.
Date: 10/8/26 7:40 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Mega rarities
All,
For those not on Slack, I wanted to alert you to a Bar-tailed Godwit was was on the beach at Coal Oil Point today and a Golden-winged warbler at the Botanic Gardens today as well. We don't know where in the Gardens it was.
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
Date: 10/8/26 2:25 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Bar-tailed Godwit being reported
Excellent views of a Bar-tailed Godwit at Coal Oil Point Reserve late this morning. It was foraging with a group of Marbled Godwits on both the east and west sides of the point (34.407080, -119.878346).
Date: 10/8/26 12:29 pm From: Alex Castelein via groups.io <alex.castelein...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Bar-tailed Godwit being reported
According two Armando there are now TWO barwits at COPR:
“Make that 2 Bar-tailed Godwits! They're with a group of Marbled Godwits,
they regularly get flushed but so far haven't flown very far. One of the
bar-tailed is bullying the marbled godwits for foraging space.”
Alex
On Thu, Oct 8, 2026 at 12:26 PM Florence Sanchez via groups.io
<sanchezucsb11...> wrote:
> I am on my way. Please post or call if location changes.
> Florence Sanchez
>
>
> On Oct 8, 2026, at 11:50 AM, Benjamin Byerly via groups.io <benbyerly=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>
> Armando just shared that it was refound at COPR
>
> Armando Aispuro [11:46 AM]
> Bar-tailed Godwit at Coal Oil Point Reserve, on the Devereux side just off
> the point now (34.4072341, -119.8777995)
>
> On Wed, Oct 7, 2026 at 8:51 PM Benjamin Byerly via groups.io <benbyerly=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> Thanks to all that helped spread the word and those that helped with ID.
>>
>> I first saw it about 200m north of the steps that go down from UCSB Lot
>> 6. It was loosely with other shorebirds picking through the Wrack. Some
>> nearby Marbled Godwits provided a great compare/contrast. It flew in the
>> direction of campus point but was later refound with acceptable looks
>> closer to Goleta Beach.
>>
>> I've been checking the stretch of beach between Goleta Beach and Campus
>> Point the past few mornings and it has been pretty birdy. So my uneducated
>> guess would be that if it could be refound tomorrow the overlook just south
>> of Henley Gate is a good starting point. The rising tide seems to push the
>> shorebirds away from campus point towards Goleta beach because of how the
>> sand is currently distributed. Maybe between sunrise and high-tide would be
>> a good time to look for it.
>>
>> Be careful if you do go on the beach, it is possible to get trapped by
>> the rising tide on that stretch without a way to get out.
>>
>>
>> Happy Birding,
>> Ben
>>
>> On Wed, Oct 7, 2026 at 6:22 PM Wim van Dam via groups.io <wim.van.dam=
>> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>>
>>> A Bar-tailed Godwit is being reported "along the beach between campus
>>> point and Goleta beach". Brad H is on it. Ben B has photos. Dave C
>>> ID-ed it. That's all I know.
>>>
>>> Wim
>>>
>>> --
>>> Wim van Dam (Solvang, CA)
>>> SBCO #412: Philadelphia Vireo
>>>
>>>
>>
>> --
>> Benjamin L. Byerly
>>
>>
>
> --
> Benjamin L. Byerly
>
>
>
>
Date: 10/8/26 12:26 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Bar-tailed Godwit being reported
I am on my way. Please post or call if location changes.
Florence Sanchez
> On Oct 8, 2026, at 11:50 AM, Benjamin Byerly via groups.io <benbyerly...> wrote:
>
>
> Armando just shared that it was refound at COPR
>
> Armando Aispuro [11:46 AM]
> Bar-tailed Godwit at Coal Oil Point Reserve, on the Devereux side just off the point now (34.4072341, -119.8777995)
>
>> On Wed, Oct 7, 2026 at 8:51 PM Benjamin Byerly via groups.io <benbyerly...> wrote:
>> Thanks to all that helped spread the word and those that helped with ID.
>>
>> I first saw it about 200m north of the steps that go down from UCSB Lot 6. It was loosely with other shorebirds picking through the Wrack. Some nearby Marbled Godwits provided a great compare/contrast. It flew in the direction of campus point but was later refound with acceptable looks closer to Goleta Beach.
>>
>> I've been checking the stretch of beach between Goleta Beach and Campus Point the past few mornings and it has been pretty birdy. So my uneducated guess would be that if it could be refound tomorrow the overlook just south of Henley Gate is a good starting point. The rising tide seems to push the shorebirds away from campus point towards Goleta beach because of how the sand is currently distributed. Maybe between sunrise and high-tide would be a good time to look for it.
>>
>> Be careful if you do go on the beach, it is possible to get trapped by the rising tide on that stretch without a way to get out.
>>
>>
>> Happy Birding,
>> Ben
>>
>>> On Wed, Oct 7, 2026 at 6:22 PM Wim van Dam via groups.io <wim.van.dam...> wrote:
>>> A Bar-tailed Godwit is being reported "along the beach between campus point and Goleta beach". Brad H is on it. Ben B has photos. Dave C ID-ed it. That's all I know.
>>>
>>> Wim
>>>
>>> --
>>> Wim van Dam (Solvang, CA)
>>> SBCO #412: Philadelphia Vireo
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Benjamin L. Byerly
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Benjamin L. Byerly
>
>
Date: 10/8/26 11:50 am From: Benjamin Byerly via groups.io <benbyerly...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Bar-tailed Godwit being reported
Armando just shared that it was refound at COPR
Armando Aispuro [11:46 AM]
Bar-tailed Godwit at Coal Oil Point Reserve, on the Devereux side just off
the point now (34.4072341, -119.8777995)
On Wed, Oct 7, 2026 at 8:51 PM Benjamin Byerly via groups.io <benbyerly=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Thanks to all that helped spread the word and those that helped with ID.
>
> I first saw it about 200m north of the steps that go down from UCSB Lot 6.
> It was loosely with other shorebirds picking through the Wrack. Some nearby
> Marbled Godwits provided a great compare/contrast. It flew in the direction
> of campus point but was later refound with acceptable looks closer to
> Goleta Beach.
>
> I've been checking the stretch of beach between Goleta Beach and Campus
> Point the past few mornings and it has been pretty birdy. So my uneducated
> guess would be that if it could be refound tomorrow the overlook just south
> of Henley Gate is a good starting point. The rising tide seems to push the
> shorebirds away from campus point towards Goleta beach because of how the
> sand is currently distributed. Maybe between sunrise and high-tide would be
> a good time to look for it.
>
> Be careful if you do go on the beach, it is possible to get trapped by the
> rising tide on that stretch without a way to get out.
>
>
> Happy Birding,
> Ben
>
> On Wed, Oct 7, 2026 at 6:22 PM Wim van Dam via groups.io <wim.van.dam=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> A Bar-tailed Godwit is being reported "along the beach between campus
>> point and Goleta beach". Brad H is on it. Ben B has photos. Dave C ID-ed
>> it. That's all I know.
>>
>> Wim
>>
>> --
>> Wim van Dam (Solvang, CA)
>> SBCO #412: Philadelphia Vireo
>>
>>
>
> --
> Benjamin L. Byerly
>
>
>
>
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 18:49 by Yixin L
- UCSB Main Campus trails, Santa Barbara US-CA 34.41515, -119.83724, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.837239&<ll...>,-119.837239 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400163671 - Comments: "Found by Ben Byerly. Seen through scope in waning light with other birders. Lighter godwit with reddish looking bill. No photos, others probably have some media."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 18:49 by Chris Jain
- UCSB Main Campus trails, Santa Barbara US-CA 34.41515, -119.83724, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.837239&<ll...>,-119.837239 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400163670 - Comments: "Found by Ben Byerly. Seen through scope in waning light with other birders. Lighter godwit with reddish looking bill. No photos, others probably have some media."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 18:48 by Noah Gaines
- UCSB--East beach (formerly Goleta Bay West beach), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8419678&<ll...>,-119.8419678 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400174303 - Comments: "This bird was found today by Ben Byerly. I’ve learned about the bird and drove like a maniac down to UCSB. I parked near the beach between campus point and Goleta Beach and was disappointed to see the tide was real high, and there was no way to walk on the beach. Furthermore, the sun had already set and it was getting dark quickly. I considered getting wet and saw that there was a bunch of other birders walking along the Bluffs towards Goleta Beach they were scoping a large flock of short birds from near Henley Gate. They had had the bird recently, but it was lost by the time I got there. I borrowed someone’s scope and was able to find it quickly view it for a minute and then had to takeoff. The bird was foraging in the wet sand and was immediately identified due to its pale eyebrow. The eye brow was wide and flared and immediately obvious. It was also noticeably smaller and less chunky and less peachy than the nearby marbled godwits. The bill was straighter and less upcurved and was pinkish at the base and dark at the tip. The underparts were pale gray and the wing panel was contrasty dark brown and gray. The legs were black. I never saw the bird in flight so did not note the underwings or tail."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 17:40 by Benjamin Byerly
- UCSB--East beach (formerly Goleta Bay West beach), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8419678&<ll...>,-119.8419678 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400165229 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Loosely associating with a few other Marbled Godwits. First impression was a very pale godwit lacking the cinnamon tones of the MAGO and a contrasting white supercillium. Bill was pink at the base and black at the tip. Slightly smaller than nearby MAGO. In flight the absence of cinnamon tones was readily apparent and the bird could be easily picked out from the flock.
First seen about 200 meters North of the stairs that go down from Lot 6 (e.g. towards Goleta Beach if starting from Campus Point. Flushed once and settled closer to the stairs. Then flew in direction of Campus Point and was unable to relocate for about 1 hour. Eventually re-found on the beach just south of Henley Gate where it was seen in flight and others (I think) got acceptable views and maybe photographs."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 18:21 by Yixin L
- UCSB--Henley Gate Coastal Bluff, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8361826&<ll...>,-119.8361826 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400177738 - Media: 1 Video, 3 Photos
- Comments: "**Rare.** First reported by Benjamin Byerly this evening at around 5:51 PM. We relocated the bird at approximately 6:40 PM, viewing it on UCSB East Beach from the coastal bluff east of Henley Gate.
Overall very pale cf. the warmer brown/cinnamon color of nearby Marbled Godwits. Also noticeably smaller than the Marbled Godwits. Underwing lack cinnamon color, looks barred from the video (maybe Siberian cf. white underwing from the European). Bill base is pink, with black tip. Very contrastive white supercilium. Quite aggressive, chasing away nearby Marbled Godwits and Willets.
This was actually a really fun bird chase! We first ran into Benjamin Byerly at the northeast corner of UCSB Lot 6, then walked along UCSB East Beach toward Goleta Beach with Sophie Cameron and Ryan Seppala. Dave Compton and Phillip Zeng joined us later from Campus Point. Dave mentioned that this was only the third record for Santa Barbara County, very cool! We eventually stopped at the coastal bluff just east of Henley Gate and scanned the beach to the south. Someone kindly helped me set up my scope (I unfortunately forgot who it was, but thank you!), and I was able to get a clear view of the bird and record a video. It was very dark when we relocate the bird.
Huge thanks to everyone who came out and helped search for the bird."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 18:21 by Caroline Chen
- UCSB--Henley Gate Coastal Bluff, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8361826&<ll...>,-119.8361826 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400174871 - Media: 1 Video, 3 Photos
- Comments: "**Rare.** First reported by Benjamin Byerly this evening at around 5:51 PM. We relocated the bird at approximately 6:40 PM, viewing it on UCSB East Beach from the coastal bluff east of Henley Gate.
Overall very pale cf. the warmer brown/cinnamon color of nearby Marbled Godwits. Also noticeably smaller than the Marbled Godwits. Underwing lack cinnamon color, looks barred from the video (maybe Siberian cf. white underwing from the European). Bill base is pink, with black tip. Very contrastive white supercilium. Quite aggressive, chasing away nearby Marbled Godwits and Willets.
This was actually a really fun bird chase! We first ran into Benjamin Byerly at the northeast corner of UCSB Lot 6, then walked along UCSB East Beach toward Goleta Beach with Sophie Cameron and Ryan Seppala. Dave Compton and Phillip Zeng joined us later from Campus Point. Dave mentioned that this was only the third record for Santa Barbara County, very cool! We eventually stopped at the coastal bluff just east of Henley Gate and scanned the beach to the south. Someone kindly helped me set up my scope (I unfortunately forgot who it was, but thank you!), and I was able to get a clear view of the bird and record a video. It was very dark when we relocate the bird.
Huge thanks to everyone who came out and helped search for the bird."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 18:21 by Chuhan Li
- UCSB--Henley Gate Coastal Bluff, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8361826&<ll...>,-119.8361826 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400174390 - Media: 1 Video, 3 Photos
- Comments: "**Rare.** First reported by Benjamin Byerly this evening at around 5:51 PM. We relocated the bird at approximately 6:40 PM, viewing it on UCSB East Beach from the coastal bluff east of Henley Gate.
Overall very pale cf. the warmer brown/cinnamon color of nearby Marbled Godwits. Also noticeably smaller than the Marbled Godwits. Underwing lack cinnamon color, looks barred from the video (maybe Siberian cf. white underwing from the European). Bill base is pink, with black tip. Very contrastive white supercilium. Quite aggressive, chasing away nearby Marbled Godwits and Willets.
This was actually a really fun bird chase! We first ran into Benjamin Byerly at the northeast corner of UCSB Lot 6, then walked along UCSB East Beach toward Goleta Beach with Sophie Cameron and Ryan Seppala. Dave Compton and Phillip Zeng joined us later from Campus Point. Dave mentioned that this was only the third record for Santa Barbara County, very cool! We eventually stopped at the coastal bluff just east of Henley Gate and scanned the beach to the south. Someone kindly helped me set up my scope (I unfortunately forgot who it was, but thank you!), and I was able to get a clear view of the bird and record a video. It was very dark when we relocate the bird.
Huge thanks to everyone who came out and helped search for the bird."
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) (1)
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 18:21 by Philip Zeng
- UCSB--Henley Gate Coastal Bluff, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8361826&<ll...>,-119.8361826 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400179269 - Media: 1 Video, 3 Photos
- Comments: "**Rare.** First reported by Benjamin Byerly this evening at around 5:51 PM. We relocated the bird at approximately 6:40 PM, viewing it on UCSB East Beach from the coastal bluff east of Henley Gate.
Overall very pale cf. the warmer brown/cinnamon color of nearby Marbled Godwits. Also noticeably smaller than the Marbled Godwits. Underwing lack cinnamon color, looks barred from the video (maybe Siberian cf. white underwing from the European). Bill base is pink, with black tip. Very contrastive white supercilium. Quite aggressive, chasing away nearby Marbled Godwits and Willets.
This was actually a really fun bird chase! We first ran into Benjamin Byerly at the northeast corner of UCSB Lot 6, then walked along UCSB East Beach toward Goleta Beach with Sophie Cameron and Ryan Seppala. Dave Compton and Phillip Zeng joined us later from Campus Point. Dave mentioned that this was only the third record for Santa Barbara County, very cool! We eventually stopped at the coastal bluff just east of Henley Gate and scanned the beach to the south. Someone kindly helped me set up my scope (I unfortunately forgot who it was, but thank you!), and I was able to get a clear view of the bird and record a video. It was very dark when we relocate the bird.
Huge thanks to everyone who came out and helped search for the bird."
Wilson's Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor) (1)
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 11:28 by Thomas Turner
- UCSB--Campus Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.845165&<ll...>,-119.845165 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400091842 - Comments: "Long legged shorebird standing on land. Roughly half the size of the Greater Yellowlegs next to it. Very thin bill. White face and throat, but otherwise gray. There was a pretty sharp demarcation between white and gray on the sizes of the neck. Couldn’t tell what color the legs were."
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) (1)
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 09:10 by Armando Aispuro
- Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve--Devereux Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8756027&<ll...>,-119.8756027 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400063093 - Comments: "Smallish tern with velvety black cap covering the eye, small red bill with black tip, and dark carpal bars on shoulder area. Seen flying around the Devereux Slough canal in front of the half-bridge. This and other individuals are regularly seen on the beach as well."
Cocos Booby (Sula brewsteri) (8)
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 11:14 by John Amoroso
- Auto selected 34.06827, -119.52152, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.52152&<ll...>,-119.52152 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400096567 - Comments: "Photos TBA. Between Anacapa and Sant Cruz Islands, on Santa Barbara side: (34.0886601, -119.4910913). Group of boobies on fish. Will check photos, at least 5 in air at once and three on the water."
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) (1)
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 07:46 by Pete Wolf
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400102205 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing. Brown & cream colored "heron" like bird. Standing on the edge of bulrush near West Point (34.4417158420466, -119.84949700167687) hunting dragonflies."
White-headed Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus albolarvatus) (1)
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 16:22 by Zach Nett
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400180394 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "male with red patch on back of head. spooky ghost-lookin bird for October. seen when I first arrived in dead pine in SW corner of park. as I was leaving, it was flushed by a Cooper’s hawk that landed in the same tree. it vocally flew SW into the neighborhood and did not return."
Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) (1)
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 09:55 by Peter Gaede
- Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5353699&<ll...>,-119.5353699 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400160924 - Comments: "Male. Small flycatcher overall red with dark brown wings, tail and mask. Seen briefly moving through saltbush near the CSMR entrance gate, inside the marsh proper."
Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) (1)
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 12:25 by Dawn Garcia
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Anchorage and Beach Area, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5555481&<ll...>,-119.5555481 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400260829 - Comments: "There she (or male imm. was!). Petite flycatcher with brown upperparts, white underparts and peach-colored flanks and undertail covs. Pics. Sweet. Sitting near larger WCSP on an antique tractor steering wheel."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1)
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 09:55 by Peter Gaede
- Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5353699&<ll...>,-119.5353699 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400160924 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "First seen foraging out from along the fenceline adjacent to the railroad tracks just east of the entrance. Foraged out into the marsh several times. Photos."
Townsend's Solitaire (Myadestes townsendi) (1)
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 12:26 by Sangeet Khalsa
- Santa Rosa Island / Wi'ma (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.108001&<ll...>,-120.108001 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400153476 - Comments: "Seen well at large Island Oak on side of the road just before turnoff to Johnson’s Lee. Unmistakable gray thrush with bold white eyering and buffy wing patch."
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) (1)
- Reported Oct 07, 2026 12:15 by Jordan Downs
- Casa de la Guerra, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6992228&<ll...>,-119.6992228 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S400109999 - Comments: "Female in drab olive with signature white wing patch, actively predating insects in the quercus agrifolia in the courtyard. Active for more than an hour spanning from 12:15 to 1:40."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 10/7/26 8:51 pm From: Benjamin Byerly via groups.io <benbyerly...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Bar-tailed Godwit being reported
Thanks to all that helped spread the word and those that helped with ID.
I first saw it about 200m north of the steps that go down from UCSB Lot 6.
It was loosely with other shorebirds picking through the Wrack. Some nearby
Marbled Godwits provided a great compare/contrast. It flew in the direction
of campus point but was later refound with acceptable looks closer to
Goleta Beach.
I've been checking the stretch of beach between Goleta Beach and Campus
Point the past few mornings and it has been pretty birdy. So my uneducated
guess would be that if it could be refound tomorrow the overlook just south
of Henley Gate is a good starting point. The rising tide seems to push the
shorebirds away from campus point towards Goleta beach because of how the
sand is currently distributed. Maybe between sunrise and high-tide would be
a good time to look for it.
Be careful if you do go on the beach, it is possible to get trapped by the
rising tide on that stretch without a way to get out.
Happy Birding,
Ben
On Wed, Oct 7, 2026 at 6:22 PM Wim van Dam via groups.io <wim.van.dam=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> A Bar-tailed Godwit is being reported "along the beach between campus
> point and Goleta beach". Brad H is on it. Ben B has photos. Dave C ID-ed
> it. That's all I know.
>
> Wim
>
> --
> Wim van Dam (Solvang, CA)
> SBCO #412: Philadelphia Vireo
>
>
>
Date: 10/7/26 6:22 pm From: Wim van Dam via groups.io <wim.van.dam...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Bar-tailed Godwit being reported
A Bar-tailed Godwit is being reported "along the beach between campus point and Goleta beach". Brad H is on it. Ben B has photos. Dave C ID-ed it. That's all I know.
Date: 10/7/26 11:38 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Santa Barara Birding Oct. 7.
Today I checked locations in the vicinity of the Beach. First stop was East Beach outfall. Resting gull flock was mostly Western Gulls, with a few California Gulls and one Heerman's Gull thrown in. About 66 Black Skimmers were also resting on the beach and with them a few terns (Royal and Elegant). The blocked creek pond had an abundance of Mallards and a few Black-bellied Plovers and Willets worked the Beach.
I moved on to Chase Palm Park, which had disappointingly few birds. From there I birded the Bird Refuge, where I found a lot of ducks at the Western end of the Lake. Species included Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal, and Ruddy Ducks. The two White-fronted Geese reported previously were still there and there were a few shorebirds, including Kildeer, Least Sandpipers, 2 Dunlins, and Black-necked Stilts.
Final stop was the Santa Barbara Cemetery. Unfortunately, landscape services were pruning and chipping in the oak grove area where a Chestnut-sided Warbler has been reported previously and I could only bird that area on the periphery. Rest of the facility was pretty quiet, but I had an unexpected flyer-over of two Merlins together.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 10/7/26 11:26 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Goleta Birding Oct. 6
Yesterday I checked several locations in Goleta, starting with Lake Los Carneros at sunrise. Still the best time of day to visit this park and enjoy the lake waking up. I only birded the road along the dam. I got great views of the continuing American Bittern and a brief look at the Marsh Wren I found at the west end of the dam yesterday.
My next stop was Bella Vista Open space where birders already had the female Williamson's Sapsucker (found by Ryan Seppala on Oct. 5) in good view. After thatI birded Evergreen open space, which was surprisingly dull. There is still some water in the draw below and north of the main path, but no birds were using it even though it was quickly getting hot. My final stop was Winchester One which had a lot of activity, but most of it by yellow-rumps.
Florence Sanchez
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 06, 2026 12:41 by Mark Holmgren
- Ocean Beach Park and Santa Ynez River Estuary, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6003785&<ll...>,-120.6003785 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399866934 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "California Gull in front of the American Herring Gull, which is larger bodied, larger billed, paler gray mantle, and with yellow iris."
Williamson's Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 06, 2026 08:04 by David Blue
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399898615 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Discovered here yesterday (October 5) by Ryan Seppala. This morning it was refound by Philip Zeng and Chuhan Li in a different tree: the southern-most (leftmost) tree in the row of 11 conifers along the west side of the playground. Later it flew to the smaller tree near the sign at the park entrance.
This bird was a female with a brown head and black and white barring on the upperparts, tail, and underparts. The belly was yellow."
Williamson's Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 06, 2026 08:04 by Linda Blue
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399899191 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Discovered here yesterday (October 5) by Ryan Seppala. This morning it was refound by Philip Zeng and Chuhan Li in a different tree: the southern-most (leftmost) tree in the row of 11 conifers along the west side of the playground. Later it flew to the smaller tree near the sign at the park entrance.
This bird was a female with a brown head and black and white barring on the upperparts, tail, and underparts. The belly was yellow."
Williamson's Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 06, 2026 07:26 by Craig Prater
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399772799 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing pine tree near playground where Ryan reported yesterday. Photos to be uploaded. Thanks to Phillip and Chuhan for alerting us this morning when they found it again."
Williamson's Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 06, 2026 07:09 by Philip Zeng
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399770277 - Media: 2 Videos, 5 Photos
- Comments: "Originally found by Ryan S. Yesterday. Tried two times yesterday but failed : / Refound today at 7:30 at the NW confer of the park. Woodpeckers with strips on the back and side. Can see yellow-ish belly through the scope. Photos tba."
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (10)
- Reported Oct 06, 2026 08:35 by Ry A
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden--Pritzlaff Conservation Center grounds, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7086717&<ll...>,-119.7086717 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399894599 - Comments: "A small flock flew north overhead the Pritzlaff Conservation Center at the Botanic Garden. Medium sized bodies, wings in shadow generally looked darker than light grey bellies in the sun, tails looked very rounded and about a third of the body size, maybe slightly less. Not fully confident on the ID as they flew by pretty quickly."
Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo chlorurus) (1)
- Reported Oct 04, 2026 10:22 by Patrick Sysiong
- Santa Cruz Island--Prisoners Harbor, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6821404&<ll...>,-119.6821404 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399924080 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Rufous crowned, gray bodied, green-winged and tailed sparrow. Heard mewing from above the eucalyptus by the picnic tables. Then got great looks by the ranch"
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 10/6/26 12:58 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Williamson’s Sapsucker at Bella Vista OS
The Williamson’s Sapsucker, first reported by Ryan yesterday afternoon, continued at Bella Vista Park this morning. It spent most of its time working on sap wells in a conifer near the northwest corner of the park next to the playground (at approx. 34.438529, -119.884108). It made a brief visit to a tree at approx. 34.438817, -119.883777 (just west of the footpath from Mirano Dr), where it gave much better views, perching lower in the tree and in full light.
Date: 10/6/26 11:47 am From: Ron Hirst via groups.io <ronhirst...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Greater White-fronted geese at Bird Refuge
2 with ducks at far corner mudflat near zoo. Also a continuing? Chestnut-sided Warbler at the Cemetery. in oaks along sloping road up from entrance. it’s a solitary bird staying separate from large mixed flock down the road.
Ron Hirst
Santa Barbara
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 05, 2026 09:30 by Adrian O'Loghlen
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399576212 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing. In reeds. Brown and white striped long neck. Slash of black along neck. Seen opposite the overflow channel at the eastern end of the Lake."
Williamson's Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) (1)
- Reported Oct 06, 2026 07:09 by Chuhan Li
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399761215 - Comments: "Originally found by Ryan S. Yesterday. Tried two times yesterday but failed : / Refound today at 7:30 at the NW confer of the park. Woodpeckers with strips on the back and side. Can see yellow-ish belly through the scope. Photos tba."
Williamson's Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 05, 2026 11:02 by Ryan Seppala
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399562801 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Female in the pine immediately left of the bench and trash can in the NW corner, by the playground. Initially easy to track, it eventually rounded the pine and vanished for the rest of my visit."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 05, 2026 08:18 by Rebecca Coulter
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399538377 - Comments: "I’m about 90% sure of the ID on this silent bird. Viewing through the scope, the bright yellow breast did appear to go right up to the throat rather fading into a gray upper breast as in Cassin’s. Slightly forked tail appeared to be brownish, no white outer tail feathers as in Western. The only thing really hanging me up here is that the bill appeared to be not as robust as I have seen before in Tropical. But because it was some distance away, and there was some heat shimmer through the scope, I am fairly comfortable calling this a Tropical."
Swinhoe's White-eye (Zosterops simplex) (Exotic: Naturalized) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 05, 2026 12:08 by Libby Patten
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399597482 - Comments: "Seen foraging in the willows with a flock of bushtit. Bold white eyering, bright yellow throat and UTC. Bright white chest and belly which made this bird stand out as different from the bushtits. Olive back. Others saw up to three of this species. In the willows in the north east section by the creek."
Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo chlorurus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 04, 2026 13:06 by Natalie Barbour
- Santa Cruz Island--Prisoners Harbor, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6821404&<ll...>,-119.6821404 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399521371 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Towhee with greenish back and tail. Gray body, rufous crown. Distinctive face pattern with white throat. ID Photos. Around the fenced in area between picnic tables and buildings"
Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo chlorurus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 04, 2026 13:06 by WS Barbour
- Santa Cruz Island--Prisoners Harbor, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6821404&<ll...>,-119.6821404 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399521370 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Towhee with greenish back and tail. Gray body, rufous crown. Distinctive face pattern with white throat. ID Photos. Around the fenced in area between picnic tables and buildings"
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (10) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 29, 2026 14:15 by Maddie Ybarra
- Santa Cruz Island--Prisoners Harbor, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6821404&<ll...>,-119.6821404 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399299354 - Comments: "small flock sitting in a eucalyptus grove, then flew over the hillside. unmistakeable call. 2nd flock seen on the island today. dusty blue jays, very unlike the resident ISSJs"
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (45) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 29, 2026 10:23 by Maddie Ybarra
- Santa Cruz Island--TNC Cabins, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.73428&<ll...>,-119.73428 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399299364 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Took longer to summon than the CLNU, but a flock of 45-60 flew right over. Not the greatest photos, but we (the island jay crew) are pretty sure they weren’t a huge flock of Island scrub jays making PIJA calls."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (12) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 04, 2026 07:38 by John Lewis
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399220372 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "One seen perched alone in a dead pine tree. About 10 seen from the east side of the summit flying west at 8:40. One seen perched among Evening Grosbeak. Photos available."
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (12) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 04, 2026 07:02 by John Callender
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399262343 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "[07:28] Seen briefly and poor photos but mainly identified by call.----[08:24] Seen flying past briefly and identified by call.----[08:56] Later got better photos."
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 04, 2026 08:42 by Alex Harman
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S399180860 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing at north end of the central parking lot. 2 bold white wing bars, streaks around the neck, some faint yellowish coloring around the head. Poor photos."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
I checked out Lake Los Carneros at sunrise, hoping to see the American Bittern but it did not show today. Waterfowl are returning to the Lake, including one male Ringed-neck Duck. Best find was a Marsh Wren taking a dustbath on the dirt path that runs along the dam fence. It was doing so just in front of the green trash can at the most westerly end of that path.
I moved on to the Tech Park where I found the continuing Blackpoll Warbler in the northwest corner tipus of the central parking lot. There was a lot of activity in the tipus in the western lot, but nothing especially rare--hermit and continuing female Black-and-white Warblers were the best of the lot.
Yellow-rumps have returned with a vengeance.
Florence Sanchez
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) (12)
- Reported Oct 03, 2026 09:08 by Armando Aispuro
- Dangermond Preserve (restricted access, parent hotspot), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4560999&<ll...>,-120.4560999 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398877505 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Small grebes that are black above and white below with relatively short neck and short blackish bill. The clean white cheeks are extensive, wrapping around the back of the neck. The back is black and flanks are silvery gray to dirty white. Eyes are red. Seen with a scope just south of Government Point."
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (10) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 29, 2026 14:15 by Mason Henry 🐦
- Santa Cruz Island--Prisoners Harbor, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6821404&<ll...>,-119.6821404 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398870373 - Comments: "small flock sitting in a eucalyptus grove, then flew over the hillside. unmistakeable call. 2nd flock seen on the island today. dusty blue jays, very unlike the resident ISSJs"
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 02, 2026 07:37 by Mason Henry 🐦
- Channel Islands National Park US-CA (34.0119,-119.7998), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.799779&<ll...>,-119.799779 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398870377 - Media: 1 Photo, 3 Audio
- Comments: "Male and female type heard and seen. Photo and audio. Male was very lightly washed with pink unlike our western purples, we were viewing it from below so did not see more saturated crown. Kyleigh has recording of him."
Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 03, 2026 09:08 by Armando Aispuro
- Dangermond Preserve (restricted access, parent hotspot), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4560999&<ll...>,-120.4560999 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398877505 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Spizella with an overall buffy back with black streaking. Solid and unmarked gray nape/ back of neck, and clean white malar that is lined above and below with thin black mustache. Eye line ends at eye and does not meet with the bill (like in Chipping Sparrow). Wing bars are buffy colored (not white like in Chipping). Bill is pinkish blending into blackish at tip. The underside appeared plain dusty white-gray with buffy breast. Seen under the shaded farm roof and on the hillside opposite of the Dangermond Willow Corridor."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1)
- Reported Oct 03, 2026 11:12 by Chuhan Li
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398782378 - Comments: "Maybe continuing? First glance looks like a white-eye cuz the olive-green upper parts and white under parts are quite contrastive. But the I didn’t see the white-eye. The head is grayish. Throat and breast are greenish-yellow, white upper parts."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1)
- Reported Oct 03, 2026 11:12 by Philip Zeng
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398782505 - Comments: "Maybe continuing? First glance looks like a white-eye cuz the olive-green upper parts and white under parts are quite contrastive. But the I didn’t see the white-eye. The head is grayish. Throat and breast are greenish-yellow, white upper parts."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1)
- Reported Oct 03, 2026 08:19 by Ryan Seppala
- Business Park at Mentor Dr. (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8124367&<ll...>,-119.8124367 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398771255 - Comments: "North lot. White undertail coverts, green wings with very slight pale wingbar, prominent dark eyeline and pale supercilium. Yellow-green head and breast. Photos later."
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) (1)
- Reported Oct 02, 2026 12:23 by Zach Nett
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398404651 - Comments: "when I saw this bird yesterday I was leaning towards chestnut-sided because of grey underparts, bold white eyering, and black wings with wingbars (lighting and its movements made it difficult to note the lime leaning bar color). however, the eye seemed very large for a warbler and I never got looks of the topside, so I left it off my list. this morning (8/3) Steve Hovey posted photos of the same bird from the same place and the consensus was chestnut-sided. his photos show slight chestnut streaking on the sides as well. SW corner of the lot."
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 03, 2026 09:10 by Eunice Schroeder
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398796509 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Found by Nick Lethaby at north end of central lot. Pale yellow-greenish wash on head, throat, and breast; back streaking; blurry streaks on flanks; two bold white wingbars. Photos."
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 03, 2026 08:25 by David Blue
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398878036 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Found this morning by Nick Lethaby in the northwest corner of the center parking lot (north of the eucalyptus grove). Nonbreeding female or immature. Head olive on top, face paler with a dark eye line separating a white eye ring. Throat and breast yellow with diffuse streaks (which extended along the flanks). Belly and undertail coverts white. Tail short and white from below with dark sides. Orange feet."
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 03, 2026 08:25 by Linda Blue
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398878805 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Found this morning by Nick Lethaby in the northwest corner of the center parking lot (north of the eucalyptus grove). Nonbreeding female or immature. Head olive on top, face paler with a dark eye line separating a white eye ring. Throat and breast yellow with diffuse streaks (which extended along the flanks). Belly and undertail coverts white. Tail short and white from below with dark sides. Orange feet."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 10/3/26 1:41 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Blackpoll at tech Park
Very ‘birdy’ at Tech Park this morning. Lots of Townsend’s and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Nick found a Blackpoll Warbler in the north west corner of the central parking area and there was a Hermit Warbler in the Tipu trees just north of the Euc Grove.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Cocos Booby (Sula brewsteri) (1)
- Reported Oct 01, 2026 15:45 by Arnold Skei
- 2026- Nieuw Amsterdam Cruise- southbound, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.2451&<ll...>,-121.2451 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398361068 - Comments: "Adult type bird flying up to front of ship and then moving on and ahead of ship before I got a photo. Very similar to the one I photographed 4 hours earlier, brown back and white belly below bib"
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) (1)
- Reported Oct 01, 2026 16:45 by Arnold Skei
- 2026- Nieuw Amsterdam Cruise - southbound, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.1751&<ll...>,-121.1751 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398364051 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Adding photos of what looks like 2 phase bird, hung around briefly but moved on. No flying fish were seen all day as cabin is near front of ship."
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (10) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 29, 2026 14:15 by Kyleigh Miklos
- Santa Cruz Island--Prisoners Harbor, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6821404&<ll...>,-119.6821404 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398459950 - Comments: "small flock sitting in a eucalyptus grove, then flew over the hillside. unmistakeable call. 2nd flock seen on the island today. dusty blue jays, very unlike the resident ISSJs"
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (39) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 02, 2026 07:23 by Chris Jain
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398361029 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "2 at 8:43 flying east to west. 26 more flew in from the east at 8:58. 3 more showed up and got chased off by the sharpies at 10:04. 8 flying east to west at 10:20."
Swinhoe's White-eye (Zosterops simplex) (Exotic: Naturalized) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 02, 2026 09:01 by Lynda Nahra
- Lake Los Carneros County Park and Preserve, Goleta US-CA (34.4422,-119.8480), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.847952&<ll...>,-119.847952 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398365032 - Comments: "This small almost pudgy bird was foraging towards the top of a tree with berries on it. The obvious white eye ring and olive underneath helped me identify it."
Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (36) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 02, 2026 07:23 by Chris Jain
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398361029 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Flock of 3 showed up at 8:24. Landed in dead conifer off eastern side. Called for a few minutes and flew east. Separate flock of 11 on eastern side at 8:36. Additional flock of 22 at 9:12 off south end."
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 02, 2026 07:37 by Sam Eberhard
- Channel Islands National Park US-CA (34.0119,-119.7998), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.799779&<ll...>,-119.799779 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398370746 - Media: 1 Photo, 3 Audio
- Comments: "Male and female type heard and seen. Photo and audio. Male was very lightly washed with pink unlike our western purples, we were viewing it from below so did not see more saturated crown. Kyleigh has recording of him."
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 02, 2026 07:37 by Kyleigh Miklos
- Channel Islands National Park US-CA (34.0119,-119.7998), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.799779&<ll...>,-119.799779 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398418527 - Media: 1 Photo, 3 Audio
- Comments: "Male and female type heard and seen. Photo and audio. Male was very lightly washed with pink unlike our western purples, we were viewing it from below so did not see more saturated crown. Kyleigh has recording of him."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 02, 2026 09:01 by Lynda Nahra
- Lake Los Carneros County Park and Preserve, Goleta US-CA (34.4422,-119.8480), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.847952&<ll...>,-119.847952 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398365032 - Comments: "I saw one of these birds yesterday about 5 miles from this location. I find these birds to be rather dainty. It had a grayish head with a white stripe by the eye and was greenish/olive underneath. There was the telltale white under the tail."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1)
- Reported Oct 02, 2026 07:42 by Caleb Stam
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398336112 - Comments: "no photos. warbler with gray head, black eyestripe and clearly demarcated underside coloration: yellow belly (l say more saturated than typical OCWA, duller than YEWA or WIWA), 100% bright white undertail feathers. seen in eucalyptus/toyon around east side of the lake (34.4424439, -119.8478469) around 8:45am."
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 02, 2026 09:47 by Alex Castelein
- Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden and Alameda Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7060287&<ll...>,-119.7060287 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398356109 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "dirty yellowish warbler with white vent area, two wing bars, blurry streaks on breast, and orange feet (34.4292259, -119.7066034)"
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 10/2/26 4:46 pm From: Mark Holmgren via groups.io <maholmgren33...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Mission Creek outflow and Andree Clark BR
At Mission Creek outflow onto the beach, the Red Knot seen earlier by Alex Castelein was still present. Also, at least 47 Black Skimmers.
At Andree Clark Bird Refuge, most birds, and all the ducks, were at the spit near the western viewing platform. Here there were 3 Dunlin and 4 Spotted Sandpipers. The birds near the western platform are best seen from the middle platform by scope. Has there been an exodus of Mallards recently?
Date: 10/2/26 3:51 pm From: Bradley Hacker via groups.io <bradley.r.hacker...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Big Pine
For personal reasons I had to wedge in a trip to Big Pine this week in
spite of the absurd temperatures in Santa Barbara Canyon/Cox Flat and
the presence of plentiful flies.
To avoid death from dehydration, my visit was a quick--rather than
thorough--check to see whether this year's irruptive Evening Grosbeaks,
Clarks Nuts, and Pinyon Jays are present. Indeed they are, although not
in abundance commensurate or in excess of that observed elsewhere from
similar habitats and elevations (e.g., San Rafael Peak). Whether this is
an apparent dilution resulting from the enhanced size of the habitat or
the briefness of my visit, I cannot say.
I saw 2 Grosbeaks and I and Merlin thought we heard a couple more (again
Type 1). Purple and Cassin's Finches also seemed scarce.
Clark's Nutcrackers were present in 2 of the 4 places I looked, but I'll
bet I could have heard distant calls everywhere I visited. A total of 10
were either seen or inferred from calls.
Pinyon Jays--at least 6--were seen only in the pine+grass area a few
hundred meters along the West Big Pine trail west of the main dirt road.
Compared to my other visits, Juncos, Fox Sparrows, and Hermit Thrushes
seemed anomalously abundant.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S398374465 https://ebird.org/checklist/S398374685 https://ebird.org/checklist/S398373833 https://ebird.org/checklist/S398373049
My return trip to Cox Flat was made more memorable by first bending the
rear valve stem enough for it to leak rapidly, and then getting a pinch
flat on the tube I put in. Fun times. 95F by 11AM at Cox Flat.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) (1)
- Reported Oct 01, 2026 07:38 by Laura Lyon
- 3056 Braemar Dr, Santa Barbara US-CA 34.40712, -119.74336, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.743361&<ll...>,-119.743361 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398042814 - Comments: "I saw a White-winged Dove about 7:15 this morning 9/30. It was eating the birdseed I put on our patio wall, along with 10 Mourning Doves. I sent a photo to Merlin, and they said it was a White-winged Dove. We are located in Santa Barbara, CA."
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 01, 2026 17:06 by Craig Prater
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398165639 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing. Flew in from west at 6:08 pm and landed in the SE corner of lake. Easily visible from road near southern outflow. More photos to be uploaded."
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 01, 2026 17:06 by Yvonne Degraw
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398165640 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing Flew in from west at 6:08 pm and landed in the SE corner or lake. Easily visible from road near southern outflow. Photos to be uploaded."
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 01, 2026 07:29 by Pete Wolf
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398129096 - Comments: "Continuing. Brown & cream colored medium sized "heron". Streaked breast. Flew in from the South (dam area) and landed in the bulrush in Old Road Cove (34.4429815949221, -119.84831516250561). Did not vocalize."
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (45)
- Reported Sep 29, 2026 10:23 by Mason Henry 🐦
- Santa Cruz Island--TNC Cabins, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.73428&<ll...>,-119.73428 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398175409 - Comments: "Took longer to summon than the CLNU, but a flock of 45-60 flew right over. Not the greatest photos, but we (the island jay crew) are pretty sure they weren’t a huge flock of Island scrub jays making PIJA calls."
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (1)
- Reported Oct 01, 2026 07:46 by Laurel S Luby
- LuBeeland, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.507798&<ll...>,-119.507798 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398113500 - Comments: "Birding in my upstairs and saw Redstart on top of avocado tree at eye level. Gray black uppers, white underparts, orange yellow patches on sides of tail, chest and wings. Flitting around with tail fanned and wings open a bit."
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Oct 01, 2026 07:22 by John Callender
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S398146603 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Not great photos. One does a decent job of showing the eye ring, with the plain underparts and a hint of the wingbars; the other shows the tail pattern."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) (1)
- Reported Sep 30, 2026 07:00 by Peter Schneekloth
- Dangermond Preserve (restricted access, parent hotspot), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4560999&<ll...>,-120.4560999 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397871864 - Media: 2 Photos, 1 Audio
- Comments: "Initially detected by its 'whit' call, but we were unsure whether it was just a Willow or not. Eventually we obtained very good looks when the bird flew out of the willows and fed in a weedy field. An obvious empid with a relatively small bill that was at least mostly orange below. The upperparts were a uniform grayish olive with very black wings and contrasting white wingbars. There was a narrow pale eyering, not as thick as on a Western Flycatcher. The throat and underside were whitish with a olive wash on the breast sides. Primary projection beyond the tertials was fairly short to medium."
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (2)
- Reported Sep 30, 2026 07:48 by Bradley Hacker 🦜
- Mission Pine Trail: San Rafael Mtn To Mission Pine Spring Camp, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8023921&<ll...>,-119.8023921 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397869317 - Media: 1 Audio
- Comments: "In the Ceanothus-dominated section about halfway down the trail to the spring. Feeding at low levels and flushed up into lower part of conifer."
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (45)
- Reported Sep 29, 2026 10:23 by Kyleigh Miklos
- Santa Cruz Island--TNC Cabins, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.73428&<ll...>,-119.73428 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397838347 - Comments: "Took longer to summon than the CLNU, but a flock of 45-60 flew right over. Not the greatest photos, but we (the island jay crew) are pretty sure they weren’t a huge flock of Island scrub jays making PIJA calls."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (20)
- Reported Sep 30, 2026 07:48 by Bradley Hacker 🦜
- Mission Pine Trail: San Rafael Mtn To Mission Pine Spring Camp, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8023921&<ll...>,-119.8023921 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397869317 - Media: 1 Audio
- Comments: "Distributed throughout the forest—grubbing on the ground and gleaning chiefly from Pinus lambertiana cones—and flying randomly above the forest; actual number of birds uncertain, but 20 is likely an undercount"
Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (8)
- Reported Sep 28, 2026 07:45 by Steve Colwell
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397277574 - Comments: "Heard flock approaching from the East with twee call then they flew directly overhead -- too fast for a pic. Size looked good and Saul was able to clearly see yellow bodies with white sections on the wings while the rest of us dipped with binos and cameras."
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) (1)
- Reported Sep 30, 2026 07:00 by Peter Schneekloth
- Dangermond Preserve (restricted access, parent hotspot), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4560999&<ll...>,-120.4560999 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397871864 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Medium-sized oriole that was mostly bright orange below, slightly paler on the belly. Lack obvious dark eyeline and head and back were that orangy-olive toned brown that is characteristic of fall Baltimore. There was some dark mottling on the mantle."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1)
- Reported Sep 30, 2026 10:28 by Lynda Nahra
- Calle Albatros, Santa Barbara US-CA 34.44690, -119.76618, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.76618&<ll...>,-119.76618 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397831169 - Comments: "I watched this bird for a few minutes trying to determine what it was . Then it moved on the Holly Berry Tree it was in and I saw the dark eye stripe and telltale under tail white."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 9/30/26 5:11 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Buggy day at La Cumbre Peak, Sept. 30
Flies were everywhere, temperatures were warm growing to hot. I birded with my bug net on.
It was very slow birding. Once again, I missed the Evening Grosbeaks--no sight or sound of them.
Cassin's Finches were still present--a flock of about 25 landed in the dead pine below the Peak, then flew west and were not seen again. I heard a Pine Siskin for the first time.
I had 3 sightings of an individual Clark's Nutcracker that may all have been of the same bird. The first sighting was below the Peak, a single individual flying up the ridge. It flew past me on the north side of the mountain. About 20 minutes later, I had a single individual perched in the top of one of the most westernmost pines in the main grove on top. It eventually took off but didn't fly west; it flew over the road and then east along the north side of the ridge. About 20 minutes after that, I had one flying at tree level on the south side of the ridge. I was in the pines at that point so don't know if it kept on going or what.
I had no other Nutcrackers today so I wonder if a single bird might be staying over at this location.
I gave up at 10 and drove west on East Camino Cielo, keeping an eye out for any possible Pinyon Jays. No luck there. I did eventually spot two circling hawks close in at eye level south of the road. When I got close enough, I found they were a Cooper's Hawk and a very nice Broad-winged Hawk.
Florence Sanchez
PS--I visited the Bella Vista Road Hawk-watching site one afternoon last week and the place was DEAD. Not even the resident Red-tails, Turkey Vultures or Cooper's Hawks were out.
Date: 9/30/26 4:15 pm From: Peter Schneekloth via groups.io <peterschneekloth...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Dangermond Preserve (restricted access) - Least Flycatcher
With Nick Lethaby at Dangermond Preserve a Least Flycatcher gave excellent looks. Nick first detected whit calls and after some effort, including some bushwacking, we managed excellent looks. Only other land migrant of note a Baltimore Oriole. Only a handful of other landbird migrants were detected. If of interest links to photos below.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) (1)
- Reported Sep 29, 2026 08:48 by Matt Brady
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397614431 - Comments: "Very nice looks at a juvenile that flew at low altitude right over the summit area at about 12:40.this was a smallish <i>Buteo</i> lacking dark patagials of a Red-tail. Dark tips to the outer primaries, dark malar contrasting with white throat, streaks extending from the neck down the flanks, barred tail, etc. Photos."
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (45)
- Reported Sep 29, 2026 10:23 by Sam Eberhard
- Santa Cruz Island--TNC Cabins, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.73428&<ll...>,-119.73428 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397530582 - Comments: "Took longer to summon than the CLNU, but a flock of 45-60 flew right over. Not the greatest photos, but we (the island jay crew) are pretty sure they weren’t a huge flock of Island scrub jays making PIJA calls."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (208)
- Reported Sep 29, 2026 08:48 by Matt Brady
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397614431 - Comments: "Continuing phenomenon. Exact count of birds flying West. 50 exactly, at 9:06; 73+ at 9:10; 1 at 9:11; 1 at 9:24; 7 at 9:25; 38 at 9:28; 1 foraging in pines at 9:50; 11 at 9:59; 4 at 10:07; 1 eastbound at 10:45. 13 flying EAST at 12:18 were followed by 21 flying west at 12:24, like the same birds plus a few extra."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 9/29/26 9:39 am From: Betsy Green via groups.io <bjgreen07...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Ravens circling around the Mesa?
[Edited Message Follows]
Yesterday (9-28) and today, I noticed two large black birds circling around each other in the sky while emitting long low throaty calls. Sounds more like Ravens than Crows. Odd behavior too.
Anyone else notice them?
--
---
Betsy Green
Santa Barbara
Date: 9/29/26 9:37 am From: Betsy Green via groups.io <bjgreen07...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Ravens circling around the Mesa?
Yesterday (9-29) and today, I noticed two large black birds circling around each other in the sky while emitting long low throaty calls. Sounds more like Ravens than Crows. Odd behavior too.
Anyone else notice them?
--
---
Betsy Green
Santa Barbara
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis) (1)
- Reported Sep 28, 2026 16:05 by Pete Wolf
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397355590 - Comments: "Long wings with distinct white wing bars, brown & gray. Fluttering over lake just after dusk (6:55 to 7:06). Good views through binos. Possibly 2 - the other one was too far away but acting similarly to the one I saw."
Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 28, 2026 08:34 by Noah Gaines
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397253707 - Comments: "9:40Followed some TUVUs to the top of the thermal and found this small hawk. It was very high and then took off E parallel to the mountains. Very distant looks but the shape was wrong for RTHA. No bulging secondaries. But had a short tail and relatively short wings like a RSHA and BWHA. RSHA was ruled out by lack of light crescent in wings. 9:50. Another with TUVUS. This time I was able to see the relatively pale undersides with dark wing tips and trailing edge to wing. No barring noted in tail faint terminal band on tail."
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 27, 2026 07:12 by William Rockey
- Refugio Rd--first creek crossing, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0689661&<ll...>,-120.0689661 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397318856 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing since 22 Sept 2026.
I first saw the bird around 7:30 foraging by itself in one of the two tall willow trees. An hour later at 8:30 it was closely associating with a Warbling Vireo in a pepper tree. A few minutes later it came down low to an elderberry at the edge of the road."
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (50)
- Reported Sep 28, 2026 10:52 by Dawn Hovey
- Hovey Home, Goleta, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8954336&<ll...>,-119.8954336 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397348237 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Approximately 50 birds flying northward over our house and calling. (Near Salisbury Avenue and Evergreen Drive in Goleta.) Probably the same ones others reported flying over UCSB/Isla Vista. See photos."
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (50)
- Reported Sep 28, 2026 10:52 by Steve Hovey
- Hovey Home, Goleta, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8954336&<ll...>,-119.8954336 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397348273 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Approximately 50 birds flying northward over our house and calling. (Near Salisbury Avenue and Evergreen Drive in Goleta.) Probably the same ones others reported flying over UCSB/Isla Vista. See photos."
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (5) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 28, 2026 08:34 by Noah Gaines
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397253707 - Comments: "9:57 Flock of five corvids flying together. NW of lake above avocado groves. Faint blue and subtly different shape from American crow wirh longer thinner wings and quicker wingbeats."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 28, 2026 08:25 by Lori Gaskin
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397250588 - Comments: "At 9:16AM lone CLNU flying S/SE over Eling’s Park (South Park). Did not stop or pause. What caught my eye initially was the approach of a large gray bird. Gray head, breast, back. Prominent bill. Black wings with white edge."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (65) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 28, 2026 08:08 by Rebecca Coulter
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397285764 - Comments: "Continuing phenomenal passage of birds from east to west, along the ridge line, in flocks of 10 to 20. Unmistakable shape and pattern, gray, black, and white, very short tail and strong black bill. One small flock of 15 or so perched in the conifers west of the tower and called to each other repeatedly."
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (15) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 28, 2026 08:08 by Rebecca Coulter
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397285764 - Comments: "Continuing at this location, two small flocks moving around the peak and perching occasionally to provide good views. Brown streaky females with strongly forked tail, males mostly unstreaked on the flanks, but with rosy head and breast and slightly peaked bright pink/red crown. Called occasionally when moving, “Chee-dlip”"
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 28, 2026 09:22 by Eunice Schroeder
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397296503 - Comments: "One female type (white throat) and one male (black throat), foraging on branches nuthatch-style on the south side of the western lot. Black-and-white striped overall."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 28, 2026 09:22 by Eunice Schroeder
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397296503 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "In back center of western lot, seen again at southern end of lot. Dark eyeline, pale supercilium, whitish belly and UTC, sharp bill. Photos."
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 25, 2026 10:02 by Rujin Yu
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5645389&<ll...>,-119.5645389 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397256841 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "In willow at bend of creek downstream of lower campground. Small active warbler, pale body with yellow tail and wing “starts”. Photos"
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 9/28/26 3:09 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] COPR Beach and Dune Pond, Sept. 28
Hard to do a good beach walk at this time of year with the low tides occurring in the wee small hours of the morning or late PM when the beaches are full of people, but I gave it a shot this morning. I had a few terns feeding off-shore but there were no Gull and Tern flocks on the beach while I was there.
Long-billed Curlew numbers have dropped; Marbled Godwits have increased, and finally, here are the Sanderlings in abundance--I counted 164 this morning! Also 105 Black-bellied Plovers. I picked up a single Dunlin here this morning.
I made the hike to the Dune Pond, where there was plenty of activity but I could pull out nothing rare. A Scope is really needed to do justice to the group of small Sandpipers, but they all appeared to be Western Sandpipers. There was a nice flock of Dowitchers, mostly or all Long-billed based on the "keek" calls I heard while they were feeding. A Bonaparte's Gull flew overhead. And there still were a good number of Red-necked Phalaropes on the pond.
Walking across along the bluffs toward Isla Vista, I found a Loggerhead Shrike perched on the utility wire at the edge of the large meadow.
Florence Sanchez
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Cocos Booby (Sula brewsteri) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 27, 2026 09:12 by Samuel Bressler
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Anchorage and Beach Area, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5555481&<ll...>,-119.5555481 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396934467 - Comments: "Associating with pelican flock off the pier. Smaller, with long, pointed wings, no “hunched” flight posture. Uniform chocolate brown back. After a while it flew back towards Anacapa. Photos"
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 27, 2026 14:54 by Mario Ramos
- Refugio Rd--first creek crossing, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0689661&<ll...>,-120.0689661 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397036700 - Comments: "Showed a yellowish wash to the underparts, olive-green upperparts, a pale eyebrow, and a relatively plain face with a subtle darker line through the eye. The bill appeared fairly short and slightly hooked. It awas actively foraging in the foliage, making short movements between branches and leaves. Good view through binoculars, but was unable to get a sharp focus photo."
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 27, 2026 10:00 by James Rounds
- Refugio Rd--first creek crossing, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0689661&<ll...>,-120.0689661 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396935950 - Comments: "Continuing bird. Seen in comparison with a western warbling vireo in the same tree. Much brighter yellow in the throat and undertail. More clearly defined mask."
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 27, 2026 07:57 by Dawn Hovey
- Refugio Rd--first creek crossing, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0689661&<ll...>,-120.0689661 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396938630 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Associating with a Western Warbling Vireo. Thanks to Rocky from Bakersfield for first locating the bird in a road-side Pepper tree. Best views when the bird foraged in a small Elderberry bush right along the road at 34.472132, -120.068334. See photos."
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 27, 2026 07:57 by Steve Hovey
- Refugio Rd--first creek crossing, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0689661&<ll...>,-120.0689661 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396939157 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Associating with a Western Warbling Vireo. Thanks to Rocky from Bakersfield for first locating the bird in a road-side Pepper tree. Best views when the bird foraged in a small Elderberry bush right along the road at 34.472132, -120.068334. See photos."
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (10) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 27, 2026 09:50 by Jenny Slaughter
- 2100–2252 Gibraltar Rd, Santa Barbara US-CA 34.45317, -119.68901, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.689005&<ll...>,-119.689005 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396908519 - Comments: "Incidental flyover observation at the intersection of Gibraltar and el cielito, flock of approx 10 flewover to the west."
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (25) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 27, 2026 08:50 by Chuhan Li
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396918717 - Comments: "[9:36] ~ 25 birds flew behind the pine trees and then flew down into the canyon. Appeared uniformly dull bluish-gray in my bins. I did not see the white trailing edges on the wings or white outer tail feathers expected on Clark’s Nutcrackers."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (6) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 27, 2026 10:13 by Elena Oey
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397034537 - Comments: "Continuing rarity. Gray corvid with black wings with white secondaries. White in tail with dark above on central rectrices. Saw 3 west of the peak in some pines and 3 more east of peak in pines. At least a couple flew over the peak that were probably the 3 from the east."
Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 27, 2026 09:11 by Zach Nett
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396968834 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "very vocal individual hung around for about half an hour. initially flew into dead tree around 10, then kept flying to and from pine next to the com tower. great views through alex’s scope. could see chunked out beak, black wings with white patches, yellow chest, drab back. hung around until 10:24. very cool."
Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 27, 2026 08:41 by Eunice Schroeder
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396965383 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Seen from the lookout at the peak with group of birders. Perched on the large dead tree east of the lookout; flew back and forth from that tree to a large pine at the top of the peak behind the lookout, giving clear “teew” calls. Hung around the peak for about 45 minutes. Large and stocky; overall grayish with huge pale bill and white on wings. White patch at base of primaries clearly visible in flight. Photos."
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 27, 2026 09:11 by Zach Nett
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396968834 - Comments: "male and female. vocally flew up and over us. male rosy red headed with some chest streaking, coloration not extending as far down as Purple Finch. female drab, heavily brown streaked."
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (15) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 27, 2026 08:03 by Alex Harman
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396945921 - Media: 1 Photo, 1 Audio
- Comments: "Flock of 15-20 seen early but not well. Other individuals seen closer throughout the day. Males were paler overall than PUFI, lacked streaking on the side as in HOFI. Will add a poor photo and recordings."
Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri) (1)
- Reported Sep 22, 2026 11:34 by Wim van Dam
- Ranger Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.9495915&<ll...>,-119.9495915 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395328980 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "At very top of Ranger Peak. Overall gray and dull Spizella sparrow with eye-ring, finely streaked crown, brownish gray auricular with weak edge, faint mustache, and no lores. Chipping or Clay-colored Sparrow would have bolder markings and lores (in case of Chipping)."
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) (1)
- Reported Sep 27, 2026 09:12 by Samuel Bressler
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Anchorage and Beach Area, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5555481&<ll...>,-119.5555481 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396934467 - Comments: "Wow! Stumbled i to this bird in the bare footpath area in front of visitor center. Warm, honey colored upper chest, thickly streaked back. Short, conical pink bill. Busy eating saltbush berries, after a few minutes it made friends with a grosbeak that joined it. At one point they flushed back around the cliff, but returned for another twenty minutes or so. Then they flew back towards campground, where I lost them."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1)
- Reported Sep 27, 2026 17:23 by Luke Jensen
- Oak ridge park community, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.407188&<ll...>,-120.407188 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397038849 - Comments: "Continuing individual seen at east pool a couple times giving fleating looks. White supercillium and white undertail coverts. Once seen in bottlebrush and once seen at birdbath, no pics."
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 27, 2026 17:20 by Caroline Chen
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397035774 - Media: 8 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing at the west side of the parking lot. Warbler with grayish face and light yellow-green cap. White eye-ring. Somehow can see the yellow edge on the secondary. Chestnut-side can be very briefly seen on the left side of the bird."
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 27, 2026 17:20 by Philip Zeng
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397035704 - Media: 8 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing at the west side of the parking lot. Warbler with grayish face and light yellow-green cap. White eye-ring. Somehow can see the yellow edge on the secondary. Chestnut-side can be very briefly seen on the left side of the bird."
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 27, 2026 17:20 by Chuhan Li
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S397034052 - Media: 8 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing at the west side of the parking lot. Warbler with grayish face and light yellow-green cap. White eye-ring. Two wing bars. Chestnut-side can be very briefly seen on the left side of the bird."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 9/27/26 6:59 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Hollister Tech Park
All, I made a couple of checks of the Tech Park today. Linda Blue found a Chestnut-sided Warbler that hung around all day. I had the Black-and-white and a Tennessee in the morning and a adult male Redstart in the evening.
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
Date: 9/27/26 5:34 pm From: Wim van Dam via groups.io <wim.van.dam...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Ranger Peak and East Pinery, 2026-09-22
Last Tuesday I birded Ranger Peak and East Pinery in San Rafael Mountains. Best bird was a Brewer's Sparrow at the peak. Next best were 1 or 2, heard only, Clark's Nutcracker. Alas, no Pinyon Jay, so I was stuck at 6 corvids for the day. Other birds that caught my attention were White-throated Swift, Western Wood-Pewee, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Golden Eagle, Pacific White-breasted Nuthatch, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Western Tanager. Additionally, Merlin claimed to have heard Cassin's Finch, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Black-necked Stilt.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis) (3)
- Reported Sep 26, 2026 18:45 by Weiyu Shi
- Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve--Dune Pond, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.881839&<ll...>,-119.881839 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396656842 - Comments: "Continuing at the dune pond, medium-sized, white wing patch closer to the wingtip, butterfly-like flight. At 7:05 PM, three flew from north to south, then were flying together above the pond, inhaling insects. Lost them around 7:15 PM"
Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis) (3)
- Reported Sep 26, 2026 18:45 by Philip Zeng
- Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve--Dune Pond, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.881839&<ll...>,-119.881839 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396652041 - Comments: "Continuing at the dune pond, medium-sized, white wing patch closer to the wingtip, butterfly-like flight. At 7:05 PM, three flew from north to south, then were flying together above the pond, inhaling insects. Lost them around 7:15 PM"
Craveri's Murrelet (Synthliboramphus craveri) (1)
- Reported Sep 26, 2026 09:45 by graichen & recer
- Santa Barbara Channel--east channel (Santa Barbara County only), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5149421&<ll...>,-119.5149421 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396662201 - Comments: "small alcid, low buzzy flight over the water close to the boat. face and underwings dark, showed black spur from the nape onto side of neck like a small partial collar. not unexpected here post breeding"
Least Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates microsoma) (3) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 24, 2026 11:22 by Corinne Folk
- Santa Barbara Channel--central channel (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.9613146&<ll...>,-119.9613146 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396653227 - Comments: "Tiny storm petrel directly compared to Ashy & Blacks. Comparatively long wings for tiny body and head, with very short tails held tightly in a blunted point. Very bat-like flight. Possible pics to be added later. Flushed out of a resting flock of stormies."
Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) (3)
- Reported Sep 26, 2026 11:26 by Ryan Seppala
- Maria Ygnacio Creek--north of US 101, including Calle Barquero OS and Patterson OS, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8033118&<ll...>,-119.8033118 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396594783 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Circling overhead before departing to the SE. Dark trailing edge to wings, lack of dark patagial bars, 4 extended primary feathers."
Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) (1)
- Reported Sep 26, 2026 11:25 by Luke Jensen
- Jack O'Connell Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.5904007&<ll...>,-120.5904007 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396659480 - Comments: "Adult male first seen on fence of water treatment plant, stayed on the right side of the park in pine trees and perching on fences and small trees. FOS, expected but always fun. First seen hear at this location this fall and first seen anywhere in Santa Barbara county this fall that I know of. PICS tba"
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1)
- Reported Sep 26, 2026 08:49 by Craig Prater
- Refugio Rd--first creek crossing, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0689661&<ll...>,-120.0689661 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396543169 - Comments: "Several good looks today with Steve and Colette. Steve spotted first in trees on west side of road right at first creek crossing and then it flew around a series of locations within a ~30' area including in trees directly along the road. This is about 0.1 mile downhill from some of the other recent reports. No vocalizations. Will upload photos if I got any clear ones."
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (57)
- Reported Sep 26, 2026 08:49 by Armando Aispuro
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396544930 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "First heard an abundance of loud nasal calls high above the Stow House and immediately saw large faintly pale blue jays with very long wings and short tails flying in a scattering but cohesive flock. The overall plumage was drab and uniform. The wings were very long and accentuated by their strong and stiff flapping style. It appeared as if they were considering landing in the ornamental trees surrounding the house but decided to continue moving Northwest towards the foothills. I blasted some photos and made the count from those but there are likely tens more."
Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri) (1)
- Reported Sep 26, 2026 10:45 by graichen & recer
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5645389&<ll...>,-119.5645389 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396661447 - Comments: "initially heard strong somewhat musical chips. Spizella with brown line behind eye unlike black line on chipping, but much more muted face pattern than ccsp. too quick for photos or audio"
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) (1)
- Reported Sep 26, 2026 12:28 by Mario Ramos
- Andree Clark Bird Refuge, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6572856&<ll...>,-119.6572856 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396610588 - Comments: "With the assistance of two other birders. The bird displayed a dull greenish-yellow head and back, pale underparts. It actively foraged in dense vegetation. Photographs will follow (34.4212159, -119.6568760)"
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) (1)
- Reported Sep 26, 2026 12:28 by Mario Ramos
- Andree Clark Bird Refuge, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6572856&<ll...>,-119.6572856 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396610588 - Comments: "Observed with the help of two other birders who initially spotted and alerted me to the bird. They helped me get eyes on it, allowing for good views and confirmation of the identification. Showing a streaked brownish back, pale underparts with fine streaking, two pale wingbars, and a distinct pale eyebrow. It was actively moving through the vegetation and foraging before disappearing from view. Photos will be posted later. (34.4212159, -119.6568760)"
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) (1)
- Reported Sep 26, 2026 09:45 by Rebecca Coulter
- Angel Hill, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.740635&<ll...>,-119.740635 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396519258 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Photos. Seems to be non-breeding female. Heavy dark streaking right across buffy breast. Right after it landed on the birdbath, a female Black-headed landed next to it, then left immediately. RBGR Stayed for 10 or so minutes, very wary of bathing, but finally got into it."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 9/26/26 5:55 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Ortega Ridge Pines September 26
I birded the pines agin this morning before doing my shopping. It was even quieter than my last visit, but I did find the Mountain Chickadee I'd seen previously. It is still hanging out in the pines and adjacent cypress grove along Ortega Ridge Lane. Red-breasted Nuthatches continue in several places.
An unexpected sighting was an Osprey flying up from below and over the ridge toward the mountains.
Florence Sanchez
Has anyone any idea if these Goleta birds are the same flock that has been reported previously? Has anyone tried following them to see where they go? I'm wondering if each flock is a new one or if they are the same birds staying around the same area in some place we have not yet discovered.
After getting the report about the flock at Mentor, then at LLC, I left the Tech Park where I was birding this morning and drove around the North Goleta area for some time, but failed to pick up the Jays.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 9/26/26 5:32 pm From: Ryan Seppala via groups.io <rjseppala...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Goleta birding 09/26
Today I stopped at a couple locations in Goleta, the first being the Mentor Drive parking lots where I had a minimum of 61 Pinyon Jays flying W/NW overhead. Migrant numbers in the tipus were relatively strong, though the best species I had was a Black-throated Gray Warbler.
I then visited Patterson Open Space, which yielded a male Northern Parula foraging mid-canopy in a tall sycamore on the east end, as well as 3 Broad-winged Hawks, which circled for a couple minutes before heading SE. A final stop at Tabano Hollow Open Space was largely unproductive.
Date: 9/26/26 2:30 pm From: Steven Gaulin via groups.io <gaulin...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Philadelphia Vireo (continuing)
From about 10:30 - 11:00 this morning, this previously reported bird (thanks, Nick Lethaby!) was reasonably cooperative, foraging from eye level to mid-storey, mostly in vines, about 10-15m off the road at the first stream crossing along Refugio Road. Other birds present (in addition to the most common) were Black-and-white Warbler, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, and both Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers. Another eBirder may have gotten photos. The bird is distinguishable from Warbling Vireos by a yellower throat and undertail, a more strongly marked facial pattern, and a shorter bill.
There is/ was a juve Sabine’s Gull at the bird refuge. The last I saw of
it, it was heading towards the channel by the ocean. It might have come
down there.
Date: 9/26/26 12:51 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] La Cumbre peak
All,
I was there from. 7.30 to 9.30 this morning. There was a steady movement of Cassin's Finches with some Nutcrackers later on. Single Mountain Chickadee and Pygmy Nuthatch still around. On the drive back to the 154, I had 2 Pinyon Jays, one of which even perched up in a Pine tree.
Regards,
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
Date: 9/26/26 11:18 am From: Ron Hirst via groups.io <ronhirst...> Subject: [sbcobirding] SB Bird Refuge warblers
Warblers in a lerpy euc near willow to left of parking lot. A blackpoll and probably? a Bl throated green with bright green back and wing bars and whitish underneath. be prepared for warbler neck.
--
Ron Hirst
Santa Barbara
Date: 9/26/26 9:44 am From: Rebecca Coulter via groups.io <rfcphoebe...> Subject: [sbcobirding] RB Grosbeak
Birders,
I just had a female Rose-breasted Grosbeak at my birdbath, and then a female Black-headed Grosbeak flew in, and then Warbling Vireo. I think there has been some migration overnight… I never get these birds in my yard (near the municipal golf course). And finally… My first White-crowned Sparrow of the season, what a relief.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Least Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates microsoma) (3)
- Reported Sep 24, 2026 11:22 by Irby Lovette
- Santa Barbara Channel--central channel (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.9613146&<ll...>,-119.9613146 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396065106 - Comments: "Tiny storm petrel directly compared to Ashy & Blacks. Comparatively long wings for tiny body and head, with very short tails held tightly in a blunted point. Very bat-like flight. Possible pics to be added later. Flushed out of a resting flock of stormies."
Cocos Booby (Sula brewsteri) (1)
- Reported Sep 25, 2026 17:58 by Samuel Bressler
- Santa Cruz Island--Potato Harbor Trail, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5843309&<ll...>,-119.5843309 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396245232 - Comments: "Tentative, based on examination of photo taken of seabird raft. Mixed with pelicans (which were larger), cormorants (which had shorter, thinner bills). I think Incan just make out the white on the belly in the photo. Will post when I’m back home."
Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) (1)
- Reported Sep 25, 2026 11:38 by Mark Holmgren
- Evergreen Open Space, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8909131&<ll...>,-119.8909131 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396208442 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Small Buteo when compared to the turkey vultures it was with. Black subterminal tail band. Black margin along the distal primaries and secondaries. Heavy markings on throat and upper breast."
Lewis's Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) (5)
- Reported Sep 25, 2026 08:50 by John Lewis
- Foxen Canyon Rd (private residence), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.12417&<ll...>,-120.12417 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396125965 - Comments: "A group of about five, seen perched briefly on an oak tree before flying off. Large, dark green woodpecker with reddish spots on its breast and head and a whitish collar."
Lewis's Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) (2)
- Reported Sep 25, 2026 09:58 by Ron Hirst
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396162234 - Comments: "black woodpeckers, crow like flight. one perched nearby and rose underpart visible, then went away and was fly catching with a second lewis. probably one of them was seen again later near the peak."
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1)
- Reported Sep 25, 2026 08:08 by Rebecca Coulter
- Refugio Rd--first creek crossing, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0689661&<ll...>,-120.0689661 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396210306 - Comments: "Continuing bird first found by Nick Lethaby and refound this morning by Jim Hodgson. Difficult lighting today. Overcast but lots of glare and not a lot of detail visible. A few warbling vireos also present. But this bird stood out from them with mostly pale plumage, olive gray back, strong, dark line through eye with white supercilium. Dark contrasting cap. The brightest yellow on the bird was at the throat, and the undertail coverts were pale yellow also. Moved vireo-like through the trees, occasionally hovering to glean from leaf clumps."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (1)
- Reported Sep 25, 2026 12:43 by Peter Gaede
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396218856 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "1324 hrs. First heard calls then saw the bird perched on top of a pine down the road east of the peak almost to the end of the line. Seemed to be the only CLNU around, down from 85 recorded earlier this morning."
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) (1)
- Reported Sep 25, 2026 13:40 by Zach Nett
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396207692 - Comments: "continuing bird at the west entrance. was driving out when I saw it fly up into the tree it’s been frequenting the last week. pulled over and relocated high in the tree, nuthatching around. distinct patterning and behavior relative to Black-throated Gray. someone mentioned they had seen one in the middle section while I was there just before, so likely multiple birds on the property."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1)
- Reported Sep 25, 2026 15:40 by Luke Jensen
- Oak ridge park community, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.407188&<ll...>,-120.407188 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396246227 - Comments: "Continuing individual first seen in the late afternoon around 4:30 PM then later seen in the evening around 5:30 PM. Smaller but chunkier bird than nearby orange crowned warblers with white supercilium, white rump and olive green back. Great comparison photos between the Tennessee will be posted at some point."
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) (1)
- Reported Sep 25, 2026 08:08 by Rebecca Coulter
- Refugio Rd--first creek crossing, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0689661&<ll...>,-120.0689661 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396210306 - Comments: "First heard the squeaky single “chink” note, then a female type grosbeak came down to eye level where we could see detail on the plumage. Strong warm buffy wash across the throat and breast, with extensive dark streaking. Foraging on elderberries next to the road."
Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) (1)
- Reported Sep 25, 2026 12:17 by Spencer Seale
- Lake Jocelyn, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.4772805&<ll...>,-119.4772805 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S396192942 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Immature/green-type bunting perched in bulrushes at NW corner of lake. Uniform greenish upperparts, most noticeable on mantle and rump/base of tail. Underparts plain and pale yellowish-green. Wings dark with greenish covert edging; lacked distinct dual wing bars of Lazuli Bunting. Plain faced with conical Passerina bill. Viewed at distance; photos attached."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 9/25/26 6:14 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] American Redstarts at Tech Park
Two American Redstarts made at brief appearance at Tech Park this morning. They were in the Tipu trees in the southwest parking lot. Also seen were the ongoing Chestnut-sided and Blackpoll Warblers.
I wandered around the highest peaks of South Vandenberg SFB today, hoping to see a stray nutcracker or a wandering flock of Pinyon Jays because I really want to understand where these birds are going, but I struck out. I had this thought that some of these birds might move as far west as Vandenberg, and possibly end up in the Bishop Pine forest on the higher elevations of south base. Bishop Pine is a closed-cone pine, so this wouldn't have been a reason to stick around IF any moved that far west (and I still think some are). There was a flock of about a dozen Band-tailed Pigeons near SLC-3 closer to the coast in the scrub habitat, which I thought was odd. Red-breasted Nuthatches were at a few places. Tranquillon Mountain had a couple of Western Tanagers and a Swainson's Thrush in the tanbark trees that grow on the north face. The most interesting observation was watching a begging juvenile Turkey Vulture being fed by an adult. This seems pretty late for a nesting bird, assuming this was hatched on south base somewhere in recent weeks. There is good habitat on south VSFB for breeding TVs.
Date: 9/25/26 3:17 pm From: Mark Holmgren via groups.io <maholmgren33...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Broad-winged Hawk among migrating Vultures
At Evergreen OS, I took a bunch of Hail Mary photos hoping to catch one of
the two smaller hawks circling high with the vultures and moving eastward.
The photo in the checklist is good enough to show it as a Broad-winged Hawk.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S396208442 BirdView shows that this is the week of the year (and next week) in SB
County when most BwHa have been sighted in years past. The data below are
the absolute number and the percent of all checklists submitted in that
week of the year that include BwHa.
11 different
Weeks of the year
All Out of %
Jan-1-7
Jan-8-14
Jan-15-21
Jan-22-28
Jan-29-Feb-4
Feb-5-11
Feb-12-18
Feb-19-25
Feb-26-Mar-4
Mar-5-11 1 4133 0.0%
Mar-12-18
Mar-19-25
Mar-26-Apr-1
Apr-2-8
Apr-9-15
Apr-16-22 3 5702 0.1%
Apr-23-29
Apr-30-May-6
May-7-13
May-14-20 1 4702 0.0%
May-21-27
May-28-Jun-3
Jun-4-10
Jun-11-17
Jun-18-24
Jun-25-Jul-1
Jul-2-8
Jul-9-15
Jul-16-22
Jul-23-29
Jul-30-Aug-5
Aug-6-12
Aug-13-19
Aug-20-26
Aug-27-Sep-2
Sep-3-9
Sep-10-16
Sep-17-23 7 5175 0.1%
Sep-24-30 33 4786 *0.7%*
Oct-1-7 25 4237 0.6%
Oct-8-14 10 4563 0.2%
Oct-15-21 4 4210 0.1%
Oct-22-28
Oct-29-Nov-4 2 3816 0.1%
Nov-5-11 1 4092 0.0%
Nov-12-18
Nov-19-25
Nov-26-Dec-2
Dec-3-9 1 3718 0.0%
Dec-10-16
Dec-17-23
Dec-24-31 Or, see this setting
<https://birdview.info/BirdView.html?v=5&county=Santa%20Barbara%2C%20Central%20Coast%2C%20California%2C%20United%20States%20(US)%2C%20North%20America&source=eBird&species=BwHa%25&photosOnly=0&otherTaxa=0&latin=0&loc=&hotspotsOnly=0&nearby=0&date=&birder=&groupMode=checklists&listby=weekofyear&<lat...>&<lon...>&<zoom...> in BirdView.
Date: 9/25/26 11:41 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] UCSB Beach, September 25
I checked out the east-facing beach starting from the steps at the north end of Lot 6. The tide was coming in but there still was plenty of room for a lot of shorebirds. Once again, the highest tides have removed most of the Kelp wrack but it didn't seem to matter. Beach joggers were a bit of a problem but the birds always seemed to return in spite of being flushed.
Again, the dominant large shorebird species was Marbled Godwit. with individuals more than double the number of all other large shorebirds combined. Least Sandpipers are still the most numerous small shorebird, but Western Sandpipers and Sanderling numbers have increased a lot since the last time I birded at this location. New species at this spot was Dunlin, of which I think there were two. One appeared to be darker than the other.
After leaving the beach, I went to NCOS to see if I could turn up the Brewer's Sparrow reported there. Lots of bird activity in the area from which it was reported, but I could not find it this morning.
Kingbirds were putting on quite a show in the trees behind Whittier Pond. AS they flew back and forth, I counted 4 Cassin's Kingbirds and 1 Western Kingbird. Then those numbers doubled as suddenly the entire flock took off from those trees to a large distant Eucalyptus by the new housing development.
As they flew by, I could see that one had a forked tail and another birder who was using Merlin said that the software picked up a Tropical in the flock as well as the other species.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 9/25/26 11:33 am From: Ron Hirst via groups.io <ronhirst...> Subject: [sbcobirding] 90 Pinyon Jays LaCumbre Peak
around 930 a flock flew by in the valley below, seen with Nick Lethaby. also 85 clark’s in various spots and flybys. and 2 mountain chickadees and 2 lewis woodpeckers. nick also had 2 pygmy nuthatches.
Ron Hirst
Santa Barbara
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Least Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates microsoma) (3)
- Reported Sep 24, 2026 11:22 by Skye Haas
- Santa Barbara Channel--central channel (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.9613146&<ll...>,-119.9613146 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395956830 - Comments: "Tiny storm petrel directly compared to Ashy & Blacks. Comparatively long wings for tiny body and head, with very short tails held tightly in a blunted point. Very bat-like flight. Possible pics to be added later. Flushed out of a resting flock of stormies."
Cocos Booby (Sula brewsteri) (3) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 23, 2026 08:57 by Suzanne Picard
- Santa Barbara Channel--east channel (Santa Barbara County only), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5149421&<ll...>,-119.5149421 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395878559 - Comments: "Photos to follow in a few days. This unusual sighting was confirmed by the Island Packer naturalist en route to Channel Islands National Park. The seas are very warm right now & they have been seeing this species."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 24, 2026 08:21 by Craig Prater
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395837365 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "At least two, possibly more by Whittier Pond by Mary Oliver Boardwalk. One was calling loudly from bushes on south side of the pond and photographed two on north side of the pond. Several Cassin's were nearby so unsure of total count for Tropical vs. Cassin's. Earlier there were several Cassin's mobbing crows by the parking lot. Call from Tropical distinctly different. Have multiple audio recordings + photos. Note yellow continuing up breast (instead of gray on Cassin's) and heavier beak than Cassin's."
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 21, 2026 18:22 by Lucas Gaede
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395816708 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing; day 2 of 2, seen at upper Elings in the same general area when found 9/20. Actively foraging on the ground, almost constantly in motion walking slowly through sparsely vegetated areas with some bare dirt areas and dry grasses. Plumage coloration and pattern blended in perfectly with the surrounding habitat it preferred to hang out in. Most of the time only found when it was spotted on the move. Not seen the following day (9/22). Curtis M. and others present this evening were probably the last ones to see it."
Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 23, 2026 17:21 by Zach Nett
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395688403 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "continuing bird found by Ryan. bouncing between the ground and weeds. complete white eye ring, lacking streaks on breast. two throat stripes. tail seemed noticeably long and showed a distinct white undertail, which I haven’t noticed on others I’ve come across."
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 24, 2026 08:32 by Dennis Doordan
- Tecolotito Creek & Cathedral Oaks, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8750239&<ll...>,-119.8750239 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395870524 - Comments: "Black and white striped including the head, observed creeping along a tree branch in a wooded patch along Tecolotito Creek on the SW corner of the intersection of Cathedral Oaks and Glenn Annie"
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 24, 2026 15:41 by Luke Jensen
- Oak ridge park community, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.407188&<ll...>,-120.407188 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395929319 - Comments: "Continuing individual here with with white supercillium and white undertail coverts. seen at east pool first in eucs then in bottlebusha dn then flew to trees near the entrance of the east pool disappeared and then reappeared lowing eucs in same spot where I first saw it. Again taking a liking bottlebrush, non native trees and now eucs. Poor but identifiable photos tba at some point."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 21, 2026 16:37 by Luke Jensen
- Oak ridge park community, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.407188&<ll...>,-120.407188 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395245907 - Comments: "Digging through pictures and saw one with a warbler with a white rump about the same size as an orange crowned warbler. I still wasn't going to put this but since I found a Tennessee warbler the next day it would make since from the pretty diagnostic photo. photo will be posted at some point. Better details about the bird on the 22nd and better photos."
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (1)
- Reported Sep 24, 2026 17:35 by Kim Stackpole
- Lake Jocelyn, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.4772805&<ll...>,-119.4772805 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395941616 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Female, very active, gray uppers white breast, yellow sides, partial eyering. Caught a glimpse of the tail flash in a tree on the south side of road /west end of lake . Lots of construction on hwy 192 during day so lake is inaccessible until late afternoon."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 9/24/26 3:58 pm From: Peter Schneekloth via groups.io <peterschneekloth...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Refugio Birds - Sharing photos of todays birds, adding presumed Rose-breasted Grosbeak
For those interested I'm sharing photo's of Clay-colored Sparrow, Painted Bunting and additionally a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I've gotten some feedback on the Grosbeak and given the degree of streaking across the breast seems to fit Rose-breasted.
Date: 9/24/26 3:10 pm From: Jim Hodgson via groups.io <jimhodgson...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Common Ravens
Hi all,
At 1:30 this afternoon I had 18 Common Ravens over my house in lower Mission Canyon just north of the Museum of Natural History. They were coming over from the south and headed north. I probably wouldn’t have posted this (also posted to Slack) if it wasn’t for the unusual movement of the other Corvids, Clark’s Nutcrackers and Pinyon Jays. I don’t know if it’s related to their movement or not, just curious to see if anyone else has had a similar experience. I've never seen more than 1 or 2 of them at a time from here in 30 years.
Good birding,
Jim Hodgson
Santa Barbara
Date: 9/24/26 1:40 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Goleta Birding September 24
I took a break from hot buggy conditions and fruitless searches at La Cumbre Peak to check out some of the Goleta Hot spots. At Winchester One, it was easy to spot warblers in the heavily pruned eucs, but hard to identify them against the gray sky. I ended up seeing 7 species or Warbler, the rarest of them a Hermit Warbler.
The Hollister Tech Park was fairly slow until the marine layer started to break up. Then all of a sudden the trees in the southwestern corner came alive and I couldn't keep up with the activity. All I could pull out were common warblers, but it would have been easy to miss something uncommon. Needed more than one pair of eyes!
Nothing of note happening at the Mento complex Parking lot. The place to watch at mid-morning was the water feature in front of the northmost building. Again , I didn't for sure get anything unexpected; the exception was a possible Tennessee Warbler that came in and was immediately chased off by an Orange-crowned.
Florence Sanchez
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Ruff (Calidris pugnax) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 23, 2026 10:24 by Linda Blue
- Black Road pasture, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4899069&<ll...>,-120.4899069 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395634965 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing juvenile found yesterday by Peter Gaede. Larger than surrounding Pectoral Sandpipers. Unmarked buffy neck and breast, scaly pattern on uppers, pale around base of bill. Legs looked dull yellowish. Photos."
Ruff (Calidris pugnax) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 23, 2026 10:24 by David Blue
- Black Road pasture, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4899069&<ll...>,-120.4899069 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395664440 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing juvenile found yesterday by Peter Gaede. Larger than surrounding Pectoral Sandpipers. Unmarked buffy neck and breast, scaly pattern on uppers, pale around base of bill. Legs looked dull yellowish. Photos."
Ruff (Calidris pugnax) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 23, 2026 10:24 by Eunice Schroeder
- Black Road pasture, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4899069&<ll...>,-120.4899069 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395625641 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing juvenile found yesterday by Peter Gaede. Larger than surrounding Pectoral Sandpipers. Unmarked buffy neck and breast, scaly pattern on uppers, pale around base of bill. Legs looked dull yellowish. Photos."
Ruff (Calidris pugnax) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 23, 2026 09:24 by John Deacon
- Black Road pasture, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4899069&<ll...>,-120.4899069 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395577111 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Please note that this bird is on private property but can be easily seen from outside the fence. Found by Peter G. yesterday. Seen by MOB this morning. Hopefully others got better photos. Found it foraging in the mud about 50 yards east of the gate. Taller and more slim appearing than nearby PESAs. Neck and upper breast more of a ruddy color vs the brown streaky breast of the PESAs. Legs were more of a dull yellowish green than the clear yellow legs of the PESAs. All the birds flushed and flew off to the east. In flight, the size difference was noticeable. We lost track of them but it's possible they will return to this spot."
Ruff (Calidris pugnax) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 22, 2026 11:45 by Peter Gaede
- Black Road pasture, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4899069&<ll...>,-120.4899069 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395650337 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "First seen in flight, flying with a group of pectoral sandpipers. The ruff was visibly larger in size, with all white underwings and thin white wing bar on upperwing. The tail appeared mostly white above. Dark bill observed with a slight droop towards the tip. The group then landed briefly in a muddy area opposite the fence not far from where I was parked before taking flight again. On the ground, the bird showed a buffy, unstreaked breast, scaled appearance to back, wing and covert feathers. A few flight photos were taken, one in direct comparison with a pectoral sandpiper it was flying with (showing size difference)."
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) (2)
- Reported Sep 21, 2026 15:42 by Vladimir H-T
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395671607 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Smaller in size than surrounding royal terns. Distinctive black caps and black bills. Multiple sightings of several common terns among royal and elegant terns at Coal Oil Point this week."
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 23, 2026 12:21 by David Compton
- Refugio Rd--first creek crossing, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0689661&<ll...>,-120.0689661 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395606888 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Small vireo with blunt bill, olive above, pale yellow below that was most intense on the lower throat, but washed the entire underparts, dark line through eye (including lores), shorter tail than nearby Western warbling Vireos."
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 23, 2026 06:52 by Linda Blue
- Refugio Rd--first creek crossing, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0689661&<ll...>,-120.0689661 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395634955 - Comments: "Continuing vireo found yesterday by Nick Lethaby and pointed out to us today by Daniel Farrar. Lemon-yellow throat and undertail. Moving actively in willows and sycamores about 150 yards above the second creek crossing, just before the sharp left turn; (34.4718595, -120.0684133)."
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 23, 2026 06:52 by David Blue
- Refugio Rd--first creek crossing, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0689661&<ll...>,-120.0689661 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395664877 - Comments: "Continuing vireo found yesterday by Nick Lethaby and pointed out to us today by Daniel Farrar. Bright-yellow throat, yellow underparts. Good views of preening for a few minutes after bathing; later moving actively in willows and sycamores. About 150 yards above the second creek crossing, just before the sharp left turn; (34.4718595, -120.0684133)."
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 23, 2026 06:52 by Eunice Schroeder
- Refugio Rd--first creek crossing, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0689661&<ll...>,-120.0689661 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395545218 - Comments: "Continuing vireo found yesterday by Nick Lethaby and pointed out to us today by Daniel Farrar. Bright-yellow throat, yellow underparts. Good views of preening for a few minutes after bathing; later moving actively in willows and sycamores. About 150 yards above the second creek crossing, just before the sharp left turn; (34.4718595, -120.0684133)."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (5)
- Reported Sep 22, 2026 16:30 by Luke Jensen
- Oak ridge park community, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.407188&<ll...>,-120.407188 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395400633 - Comments: "What in the world! I thought they weren't even on Lu Cumbrere peak now! Large gray corvids with black and white underwings. Sadly no photos as they quickly flew over and I was trying to balance on a small slope. Flew over at around 5:40 PM going southwest bound."
Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 23, 2026 18:29 by Jeremy Carberry
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Anchorage and Beach Area, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5555481&<ll...>,-119.5555481 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395666019 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Lighter colored small thrasher with streaky spotty chest foraging along the road near the ranch house and then perched on the ranch house. See photo"
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1)
- Reported Sep 21, 2026 18:22 by Peter Gaede
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395659438 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing; day 2 of 2, seen at upper Elings in the same general area when found 9/20. Actively foraging on the ground, almost constantly in motion walking slowly through sparsely vegetated areas with some bare dirt areas and dry grasses. Plumage coloration and pattern blended in perfectly with the surrounding habitat it preferred to hang out in. Most of the time only found when it was spotted on the move. Not seen the following day (9/22). Curtis M. and others present this evening were probably the last ones to see it."
Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 23, 2026 17:27 by David Blue
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395662790 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Found by Ryan Seppala, who was there when we arrived. Seen foraging on the ground and the low bushes around the area where the trail begins at the south end of the Whittier parking lot."
Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 23, 2026 17:27 by Linda Blue
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395662791 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Found by Ryan Seppala, who was there when we arrived. Seen foraging on the ground and the low bushes around the area where the trail begins at the south end of the Whittier parking lot."
Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 23, 2026 15:53 by Ryan Seppala
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395653762 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "At the parking lot trailhead, loosely associated with a White-crowned Sparrow flock. I heard its "seep" call a couple times upon initial discovery. For a while it was hopping on the ground in dramatic fashion, springing much further than the other nearby sparrows."
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 06:34 by Tristan Yoo
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5645389&<ll...>,-119.5645389 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394815180 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "I am writing this two days after seeing this bird in the field. Photos of this oriole showed a relatively short and straight bill. The amount of yellow on the upperparts and the slightly darker cap seem like features of Orchard Oriole. In the field, I recall hearing some unusual chattering, but my memory of this morning is already fading."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1)
- Reported Sep 22, 2026 16:30 by Luke Jensen
- Oak ridge park community, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.407188&<ll...>,-120.407188 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395400633 - Media: 1 Video, 17 Photos
- Comments: "White rump, with white supercillium, olive green back and slightly chunkier than orange crowned warblers that were associating. Finally a rare warbler here, pics will be posted soon in a couple of days. Found at around 5:13 PM lost at 5:30 PM and refound in bottle brush in the front yard of someones house. please do not go on their front lawn! Bird mostly liked bottlebrush and non native trees at the EAST pool. The pool has a gate around because it is underconstuction so if you don't see a gate around it then you are at the wrong pool meaning the west pool."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 08:12 by Tristan Yoo
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5645389&<ll...>,-119.5645389 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394816606 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Whoops! I got so caught up with the other rare warblers that I only caught this one in my photos. Yellowish warbler with a sharp bill, dark line going through the eye, lighter breast and belly, and white undertail coverts. Seen at around 9:30 AM in the trees in the west side of the ranch."
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 22, 2026 12:08 by Kelly Krechmer
- Carpinteria Valley Memorial Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.525857&<ll...>,-119.525857 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395399886 - Media: 1 Video
- Comments: "Came back and got some photos later on same day and I have a video from this visit. I’ll try to upload it. It’s not very good but you can see it."
Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 07:39 by David Blue
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395666986 - Comments: "Highly active warbler with yellow underparts, pale undertail coverts, and long all-white tail; dark neck spots and side streaking; and distinctive dark semicircle under the eyes."
Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 07:39 by Linda Blue
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395667280 - Comments: "Highly active warbler with yellow underparts, pale undertail coverts, and long all-white tail; dark neck spots and side streaking; and distinctive dark semicircle under the eyes."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 9/23/26 8:25 pm From: Ryan Seppala via groups.io <rjseppala...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Brewer's Sparrow at NCOS
This evening, there was a Brewer's Sparrow at North Campus Open Space right at the parking lot trailhead. It was loosely associating with a White-crowned Sparrow flock.
Date: 9/23/26 7:49 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Philadelphia Vireo
Lynn and I found the Philadelphia Vireo this afternoon at approximately 5:15 PM on Refugio Road at the same location first reported by Nick yesterday. That is about 150 yards north of the 'Arizona crossing' at coordinates 34.472148, -120.068326. It seems to favor a 'lerpy' roadside Eucalyptus at that location.
Date: 9/23/26 7:16 pm From: Rob Hofberg via groups.io <rhofberg...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] White-crowned Sparrow
I saw a couple at Elings yesterday morning.
When I started birding, I was about 8. It was almost the rule that white-crowned sparrows appeared on my birthday or a day before (Sept.13th). Over the years it has crept closer to the end of September. It is interesting to see things change like that.
In Goleta at this time of the year back then we would see line after line of American robins migrating over, but you don't see that either.
I heard one singing at the Tech Park in Goleta today. FOS for me too. Right on time!
Libby
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 5:50 PM, Betsy Green via groups.io <bjgreen07...> wrote:
Just saw my first White-crowned Sparrow of the winter season today on my balcony in Honda Valley Park on the Mesa. Just in time for fall. Has anyone else seen any yet?-----Betsy GreenSanta Barbara
Date: 9/23/26 5:50 pm From: Betsy Green via groups.io <bjgreen07...> Subject: [sbcobirding] White-crowned Sparrow
Just saw my first White-crowned Sparrow of the winter season today on my balcony in Honda Valley Park on the Mesa. Just in time for fall. Has anyone else seen any yet?
--
---
Betsy Green
Santa Barbara
Date: 9/23/26 1:28 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Slow birding at La Cumbre Peak, September 23
I returned to the Peak this morning to find it was over 70 degrees at 7 a.m., very buggy, and pretty quiet bird-wise. Even Red-breasted Nuthatches were quieter than usual.
No sign of Evening Grosbeaks or Pinyon Jays in the areas I birded. I wasn't in the best position to observe Clark's Nutcrackers today, but I only saw a group of 4. They landed in th dead pine below the Peak for a few minutes, then moved on.
That famous dead pine was pretty quiet. There was one small flock of Cassin's Finches that alighted briefly, then flew on. A Cooper's Hawk landed in the tree near the trunk and then started walking (as opposed to side-stepping) up the branch until it reached the end. After a few minutes, it made a beeline for the grove below (where I was sitting) and flew through the trees, apparently after something.
There weren't many birds in the trees of that grove, but I did see a small brown bat fly through an open area. I don't know anything about our local bat species, but thought it was odd to see one out in broad daylight on a hot day.
The bugs and heat finally drove me away before 10 a.m.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 9/23/26 12:09 pm From: Daniel Farrar via groups.io <jdanielfarrar...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] [slocobirding] Ruff at Black Road Flooded Pasture
Yesterday afternoon we waited about an hour and a half, maybe two, until it
finally returned from wherever it is going. It appeared to come from the
north or northeast. Any shorebird spots in that direction?
Daniel Farrar
Lompoc, CA
<jdanielfarrar...>
On Wed, Sep 23, 2026, 11:39 AM <iseekbirds...> via groups.io
<iseekbirds...> wrote:
> Peter G found a Ruff among the Pectoral Sandpipers at the referenced
> hotspot yesterday. It was there again this morning. It flushed with the
> Pectorals, flew off to the east and we lost track of it. They appeared to
> be circling when we lost sight of it. It very well could return. It was
> in the muddy area by the gate about 50 yards east of the fence.
>
> John Deacon
> <iseekbirds...>
>
>
Date: 9/23/26 11:39 am From: John Deacon via groups.io <iseekbirds...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Ruff at Black Road Flooded Pasture
Peter G found a Ruff among the Pectoral Sandpipers at the referenced hotspot yesterday. It was there again this morning. It flushed with the Pectorals, flew off to the east and we lost track of it. They appeared to be circling when we lost sight of it. It very well could return. It was in the muddy area by the gate about 50 yards east of the fence.
John <Deaconiseekbirds...>
Date: 9/23/26 11:27 am From: Marc Bierdzinski via groups.io <Marcpb59...> Subject: [sbcobirding] FOS Black and White Warbler in Solvang
Just happened upon a black and white warbler foraging on the ground in Solvang. It was on the lawn area on the street behind New Frontiers Market. It was very friendly as we were within 3 feet and it kept foraging and ignored us. Picture in eBird submittal.
--
---
Marc Bierdzinski
Santa Maria
Date: 9/23/26 4:37 am From: Lynn Scarlett via groups.io <Lynnscarlett...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Nutcrackers
Here is what Ken Rosenberg (retired from Cornell Lab of Ornithology) sent me re: the nutcracker phenomenon.
“It is now a westwide phenomenon, with nutcrackers along the coast, in the deserts, and already east to Kansas. Also pinyon jays, nuthatches, evening grosbeaks, and other high-elevation conifer species. Most likely massive cone crop failure.”
My side note: I wonder if the massive cone crop failure is linked to the extreme drought in much of the Rockies and elsewhere.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Cocos Booby (Sula brewsteri) (16)
- Reported Sep 21, 2026 10:35 by Mario Ramos
- Santa Barbara Channel--east channel (Santa Barbara County only), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5149421&<ll...>,-119.5149421 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395136583 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "A flock of approximately 12 individuals was seen together, with additional birds observed singly throughout the trip. Birds were seen flying over the water, showing dark upperparts, a contrasting white belly, and long pointed wings. Photographs were taken of several individuals to document and confirm the identification."
Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1)
- Reported Sep 22, 2026 16:57 by Ryan Seppala
- Refugio Rd--first creek crossing, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0689661&<ll...>,-120.0689661 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395393118 - Comments: "My ABA #500. Continuing bird found by Nick Lethaby ~150 yds up the road from the first creek crossing. First noted around 5:30pm in a flock of 3-4 Western Warbling Vireos. This bird had rich yellow underparts concentrated most heavily on the breast. This feature was easy to compare with the nearby Warbling Vireos, which all had comparably minimal yellow coloration that was most heavily concentrated on the flanks and undertail coverts. A slate gray/white facial pattern distinguished it from OCWA. Sophie Cameron captured a handful of diagnostic photos."
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 21, 2026 19:31 by Ben Scott
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395101476 - Comments: "This was seeing moving through the bushes and confirmed by multiple individuals. Was unable to stop moving with classic banding. This is likely a duplicate of other eBird sightings of the same pipit"
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1)
- Reported Sep 21, 2026 16:24 by Armando Aispuro
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395099564 - Media: 9 Photos
- Comments: "Found yesterday by Peter Gaede. Small and often cryptic pipit with long neck and slow exploratory foraging style. The front is pale off white with light buffy breast overlaid by diffuse dark streaking, becoming darker on the sides, and plain white throat. Face is overall pale with buffy cheek leading to a ‘big eye’ look. Crown, back and flight feathers are dark brown/ black with contrasting buffy edges giving the back an ornate scaly look. Bill is black above, yellowish below. Legs are pale pink. It was actively foraging, often getting lost in the grass but not very flighty. It did not vocalize during my observation."
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 21, 2026 12:38 by Herb Elliott
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395090437 - Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird, very skulking in the grass. Pipit with long pinkish legs, heavily streaked upperparts, pale face with dark eye, and whitish eyering. Underparts buffy with darker streaks. It didn't pump its tail like an American Pipit."
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 21, 2026 12:10 by Marc Better
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395104465 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing bird found yesterday. Slowly creeping through low lying weeds. Boldly patterned in brown, black and white with bright pink legs and yellow-tinged bill, easily blending into landscape. Photo. (34.4089107, -119.7326430)"
Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) (1)
- Reported Sep 22, 2026 10:15 by Lynn Scarlett
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395355789 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "very bright yellowy-orangey throat, white underneath with some black streaks, very white wing slash, white undertail coverts and tail with black edges at the sides of the tip, triangular cheek, seen and photographed by 3 people"
Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) (1)
- Reported Sep 22, 2026 09:43 by David Compton
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395329343 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Warbler with shortish tail, orangey throat blending to yellow breast, black streaking on sides, white belly and under tail coverts, mostly white underside of tail, blackish wings with white wing bars, dark olive patch on face offset by orangey supercilium and orangey area to rear, and dark olive back with two pale olive or gray stripes."
Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) (1)
- Reported Sep 22, 2026 09:43 by Adrian O'Loghlen
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395379534 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Warbler with shortish tail, orangey throat blending to yellow breast, black streaking on sides, white belly and under tail coverts, mostly white underside of tail, blackish wings with white wing bars, dark olive patch on face offset by orangey supercilium and orangey area to rear, and dark olive back with two pale olive or gray stripes."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 9/22/26 2:34 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] La Cumbre Peak Septemer 22
A much better day for viewing than foggy yesterday. Steve Colwell and I birded the Peak area first, then went down to the grove below the peak for a while.
Lots of bird activity, including fly-overs of Clarks' Nutcracker, not in the astounding numbers of earlier in the month but still quite visible. One flock of about 30 birds circled round the peak and many of them landed in the pines, providing excellent opportunities for photos and hearing the grating calls. Other species found at the Peak included Western Wood-Pewee, both White-breasted and Red-breasted Nuthatches, a Mountain Chickadee, Western Tanagers, and chaparral species like Wrentit and Spotted Towhee.
We ran into Nick Lethaby at the Peak. He indicated he may have had a couple of early flocks of Evening Grosbeaks well below the Peak but they were very distant. While we were watching, we had Cassin's Finches fly into the dead pine below. Steve, a birder from Michigan, and I decided to bird from that location, so we drove down, parked near the faint trail that leads up through the grove, and hiked to the edge of the forest near to the dead pine tree. We stayed there for about an hour, saw lots of Cassin's Finches fly into the dead pine as well as 2 Olive-sided Flycatchers, but did not see any Grosbeaks during the time we spent.
Florence Sanchez (PS--We went to Elings Park afterwards but as reported from other birders, we did not turn up the Sprague's Pipit seen earlier in the week.)
Florence Sanchez
Date: 9/22/26 2:03 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Blackburnian Warbler at Tech Park
Lynn, David, and I found a spectacular-looking male Blackburnian Warbler at Tech Park this morning. It was foraging low in a tipu tree in the central parking lot north of the eucalyptus grove. In general, the birding had been quiet when there was a sudden burst of activity in one of the tipu trees that included the Blackburnian, a Tennessee, and a Nashville Warbler.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) (6) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 21, 2026 07:44 by Armando Aispuro
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395061513 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing small tern flock. Black caps, some still in breeding plumage, most not, most showing diagnostic black carpal bar. Orange to black bills and legs. Legs similar size to Forster’s."
Least Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates microsoma) (1)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 09:45 by Leisyka Parrott
- North Pacific Ocean (34.6302,-121.8055), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.805455&<ll...>,-121.805455 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395003391 - Comments: "Whoa! Very small dark storm-petrel that was almost phalarope-sized with a short, rounded tail. Flying next to Red Phalarope and Black Storm-Petrel for direct comparison. Watched for about 50 seconds before it disappeared."
Cocos Booby (Sula brewsteri) (6)
- Reported Sep 18, 2026 09:45 by Tristan Yoo
- Santa Barbara Channel--east channel (Santa Barbara County only), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5149421&<ll...>,-119.5149421 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394808717 - Comments: "Large, torpedo shaped birds with all brown backs and white bellies. Four seen together forging and plunge diving like rockets. Two more seen briefly after as they tailed the boat momentarily. One had a whitish head. Seen within 10 minutes of reaching Scorpion Anchorage. Identification of non-white headed individuals is based on range."
Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra) (1)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 09:45 by Russ Namitz
- North Pacific Ocean (34.6302,-121.8055), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.805455&<ll...>,-121.805455 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394311017 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "This bird appears to be in its second prebasic molt based on the single generation of primary feathers with p1-p4 replaced and molting. Bill appeared to be greenish-blue at the base and yellow at the tip, lacking any orange or pink. The brown "shawl" of this bird seems better for Nazca, but it also appeared to lack white central retrices which is better for Masked. Better photos can be seen from the other birding group on the ship. https://ebird.org/checklist/S394310317"
Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra) (1)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 09:45 by Leisyka Parrott
- North Pacific Ocean (34.6302,-121.8055), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.805455&<ll...>,-121.805455 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395003391 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "This bird appears to be in its second prebasic molt based on the single generation of primary feathers with p1-p4 replaced and molting. Bill appeared to be greenish-blue at the base and yellow at the tip, lacking any orange or pink. The brown "shawl" of this bird seems better for Nazca, but it also appeared to lack white central retrices which is better for Masked. Better photos can be seen from the other birding group on the ship. https://ebird.org/checklist/S394310317"
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) (1)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 16:00 by Chris Dellith
- Baron Ranch Trailhead, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.1176544&<ll...>,-120.1176544 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395017493 - Media: 9 Photos
- Comments: "The Eastern kingbird was moving a with a Cassin's or western kingbird. The subject bird behaved and was the same size as the other kingbird (sp. unknown). I observed the birds with binoculars for a couple of minutes before I got the camera out. Unable to get better photos because they flew off suddenly."
Yellow-green Vireo (Vireo flavoviridis) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 13:00 by Mario Ramos
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394806759 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing. Perched in bush near the street The bird showed olive-green upperparts, a grayish head, a reddish-brown eye, large bill. The wings and back showed subtle darker feather edging. The bird was actively foraging among the foliage and berries 34.4300331,-119.8922616"
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (8)
- Reported Sep 18, 2026 14:28 by Tristan Yoo
- Santa Cruz Island--Smugglers Road, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.557187&<ll...>,-119.557187 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394809488 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Lifer. There were a few flocks with a couple dozen House Finches along the hike. They would all flush up together and fly from bush to bush. In one of these movements, at around 6:15 PM, I saw a few larger birds fly into a bush at 34.0375955, -119.5615395 with the House Finches. I initially thought well-lit Blackbirds because of their size, but as I took a closer look, I realized they were blue. I snapped a couple of photos and was puzzled with what I saw: large and lanky unpatterned blue birds with sharp black bills and dark eyes. The blue was more concentrated on the head and smoothly transitioned to gray on the belly. Some individuals were more blue than others. As they flushed only a few seconds later, I head them make some "ree ree" calls. Photos.
First Santa Cruz island record on eBird, and first record on the Chanel Islands since September 13, 1976. This seems to be part of a recent irruption of Great Basin birds. Higher numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatch have been present, and Pinyon Jays have been spotted in a few places in Santa Barbara and Ventura recently."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (30)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 11:15 by Bernadette and Amante Mangaser
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394807660 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing for over a week now, the first flock seen around 11 am was about 25 birds, and then a smaller flock that landed on pine branches - crow-sized birds with gray heads and bodies, black wings with white patches."
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 21, 2026 11:15 by Rebecca Coulter
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395037921 - Comments: "Continuing rarity at this location, this is its second day here after Peter Gaede found it yesterday morning. Very pale pipit, walking in the weedy dry grasses among the stalks of fennel. Face very pale and unmarked with a dark eye. Crisp dark streaking across the back, otherwise pale white to buff overall. Bright yellow orange legs were remarkable! It moved quickly through the grasses, almost running at times. It did not fly except very briefly. No vocalizations. Seen roughly in this location: 34.40971, -119.73309."
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1)
- Reported Sep 21, 2026 10:39 by Alistair Skinner
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395086723 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing found yesterday by Peter. Streaked brown back, lighter front with dark streaks. Yellowish wash on face and wings, large dark eye, crazy orange/pink legs. Busily foraging on the ground, well camouflaged, hard to see until it moves. Occasionally flushing then flying a short distance maybe 15 ft high but staying in the same general area. 34.409567,-119.733036"
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 21, 2026 07:22 by Lori Gaskin
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394983550 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Found at 8:17am at approximately 34.409440, -119.732941.Streaky dark brown/tan/buff back that allows for great camouflage. White outer tail feathers. White throat, streaked breast. White/buffy underpart . Pinkish legs"
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 21, 2026 07:22 by Rick Boyer
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395018072 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Found at 8:17am at approximately 34.409440, -119.732941.Streaky dark brown/tan/buff back that allows for great camouflage. White outer tail feathers. White throat, streaked breast. White/buffy underpart . Pinkish legs"
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 17:36 by Ryan Burnett
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394810560 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "short tailed stocky pipit - white below with dark streaks on sides of breast, auricular buffy almost yellowish smudge, with darker malar stripes, lower mandible yellow, upperparts heavily streaked dark with buffer base than underparts, crown with same dark streaks, median and greater coverts edged white forming in distinct wing bars, central recs dark but outer white seen only in flight, bubble gum pink legs,walking continuously with long strides no tail bobbing- silent, allowed approach within 30 feet- poor digiscoped photos"
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 17:35 by Spencer Seale
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394806164 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird found by Peter this morning. Short-tailed, pale/buffy pipit that blended in surprisingly well with the native vegetation. Juvenile with heavily scaled backside, pinkish legs, and fine streaking on buffy breast."
Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (1)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 08:11 by Sophie Cameron
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395048087 - Comments: "Female 9:39 in dead pine east of peak. Descending teew flight calls heard clearly before it was in view, then perched nicely for a few minutes in the dead tree. Photographed and recorded, will try to determine type"
Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (1)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 08:11 by Alex Castelein
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S395048084 - Comments: "Female 9:39 in dead pine east of peak. Descending teew flight calls heard clearly before it was in view, then perched nicely for a few minutes in the dead tree. Photographed and recorded, will try to determine type"
Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) (1)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 08:51 by Tristan Yoo
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5645389&<ll...>,-119.5645389 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394809687 - Comments: "Spizella sparrow with brown crown, pale lores, brown stripe behind the eye, tan supercilium, brown rump, and bright white malar stripes. Seen the ranch house at 10:30 AM. Initially foraging on the ground with a Spotted Towhee at the side of the building. Seen a couple more times over 30 minutes in the various trees around the house."
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 13:00 by Mario Ramos
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394806759 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing. Actively foraging among the trees and branches. Distinctive black-and-white plumage was clearly visible, including bold black-and-white streaking on the head, back, and underparts, with the characteristic white wing bars. 34.4301094,-119.8924805"
Virginia's Warbler (Leiothlypis virginiae) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 10:09 by Ryan Seppala
- Business Park at Mentor Dr. (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8124367&<ll...>,-119.8124367 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394814317 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "First observed in a tipu at the southeast corner of Seymour Duncan (34.4308871, -119.8127281). Classic VIWA with a gray body and wings, white eyering, and lemon undertail coverts. Some photos hint at yellow on the breast, which was not conspicuous in the field. Tail pumping behavior was noted. Later observed in a tipu on the west end of the Seymour Duncan complex."
Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 08:12 by Tristan Yoo
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5645389&<ll...>,-119.5645389 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394816606 - Comments: "Mostly gray warbler with black wings and white wingbars. Head showed orange hues and the distinct triangle shaped gray patch. Seen at 8:56 AM at the Cypress tress by the kayak rental. I first heard it chipping directly above me so I stopped to look. I was shocked and I couldn't believe my eyes...perhaps an exceptionally dull Townsend's? Just a minute later there was a Townsend's in the same tree giving perfect comparisons of both appearance and calls. Chips were similar but a bit softer than that of Townsend's. After a minute, it and the Townsend's flew into a lower Cypress."
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 08:12 by Tristan Yoo
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5645389&<ll...>,-119.5645389 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394816606 - Comments: "At roughly 9:45 AM, I sat down at one of the benches in front of the visitor center to get my dose of National Park free wifi. While on my phone, I heard a nice chip coming from one of the fig trees. I sifted through the House Finches with my binoculars until I saw a muted yellow warbler with white undertail coverts and white wingbars. Still gleeful from the Blackburnian from earlier, I stood up quite quickly and whipped up my camera. My sudden motion caused the finches and the warbler to flush to the trees behind. Luckily, I was able to quickly re-find it and got good looks. I saw a large drab warbler with a slightly darker head, fine black streaking on the upper breast and flanks, a faint dark line running through the eye, white wingbars, and very yellow feet. It was giving audible chips as it foraged in a tree in the edge of the ranch. A Northern Yellow Warbler came in to forage right next to it for a good comparison."
Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) (1)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 07:00 by Tristan Yoo
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5645389&<ll...>,-119.5645389 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394809592 - Comments: "Chunky bunting with a greenish back and pale undersides. Seems very juvenile as it had a fleshy gape. Seen at 7:54 AM just off the trail between the Lower and Upper campgrounds (34.0485734, -119.5641684). It was feeding in some tall grasses and was relatively unafraid. I got about 12 feet away from it and it didn't move much. After about five minutes of me staring at it, some campers walked by and flushed it and a couple of other juvenile buntings. A couole minutes later, I saw both of them in some short grasses together for some nice comparisons. Pictures coming."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 9/21/26 3:58 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Spragues Pipit at Eling’s park
There were excellent views of the Sprague’s Pipit at Elings Park this afternoon (approx. 1:50 pm) as it seemed to be less skittish than yesterday. It was in much the same location as reported previously, approx. 34.409396, -119.733399, and although it did fly off a short distance, it had returned near to its original location when I left at approx. 2:15 pm.
Date: 9/21/26 2:59 pm From: Betsy Green via groups.io <bjgreen07...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Red-breasted Nuthatches seen & heard
There have been a couple of Red-breasted Nuthatches near me in the Mesa's Honda Valley Park in recent days. I don't see/hear them every year, so this is special. They're cuter than the White-breasted Nuthatches, and they always sound like they are in a hurry.
--
---
Betsy Green
Santa Barbara
Date: 9/21/26 1:52 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] La Cumbre Peak this morning
Bad decision to bird there this morning as it ended up being wreathed in fog and cloud with much cooler temperatures. As a result, bird activity was almost nil. Visibility was such that looking for flocks flying by was pretty much impossible.
I picked up 2 Fox Sparrows in the scrub area between the lone picnic area and the road to the lookout. Both were gray-backed "slatey" types. I could not see the head on one of the birds, the other was definitely not a "Thick-billed." A Rock Wren found by a birder yesterday was still hopping around in the same area. The only other birder there told me he'd picked up the continuing flock of Cassin's Finches.
I went down to the large communications station to see if things were any better, and they weren't. Bird activity was almost nil, but I did find 3 Cassin's Finches and a Northern Pygmy Owl sounded off repeatedly.
I finally gave up and went down to the tech park in Goleta. However, either the good stuff found yesterday departed during the night or it was just too late in the morning. I found only a few common Warblers; Orange-crowned, Wilson's, Townsend's and Black-throated Gray.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 9/21/26 12:42 pm From: Peter Schneekloth via groups.io <peterschneekloth...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Figueroa Summit - Presumed Hermit X Townsends Warbler hybrid
In addition to the previously reported goodies I had what I'm calling a Hermit Warbler X Townsend's Warbler Hybrid. Any other thoughts on the bird please feel free to share with all. Looks here: Hermit Warbler X Townsend's Warbler 2 | peterschneekloth | Flickr ( https://www.flickr.com/photos/55934026@N05/55542787119/in/dateposted-public/ )
A funny note on a Northern Pygmy Owl which I had suspected was present after a few very well-spaced toots. I wasn't certain on the owl but when the large flock of Pinyon Jays came well within hearing range it gave a bit of a panicked chatter and some loud toots.......that was the last I heard from it.
Date: 9/21/26 12:09 pm From: Hugh Ranson via groups.io <zonetail1...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Bohnett Park
Not a great variety in the park this morning, but I did see a Black-throated Gray Warbler, a Swinhoe's White-eye, and .... a Warbling Vireo. Whether this is the returning Ancient Bird or not, time will tell.
There's a Vesper Sparrow at Elings Park, so if you see a bird with white outer tail feathers, don't assume it's the pipit!
Date: 9/21/26 9:11 am From: John Lewis via groups.io <jwlew...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Figueroa Mountain, Pino Alto Road now open
I noticed yesterday that the gate to the dirt and gravel road from Figueroa Mountain Road to the Pino Alto peak (sometimes referred to as Lookout Road) is now open. The road is very drivable with a 4WD truck or SUV with good ground clearance. This makes birding in the area far easier, and yesterday morning I found Mountain Chickadees, Red Breasted Nuthatch, Black Throated Gray Warblers and possibly a Western Tanager. I did not see Clark's Nutcrackers, though I noticed others reported them in this area several days earlier.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) (9)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 17:53 by Christopher Well
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394430752 - Comments: "Medium-sized tern mixed with ROYT, FOTE. A few still in breeding plumage with complete black cap, orange bill with blackish tip. Others in non-breeding plumage with obvious black carpalbar and partial black cap."
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) (6) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 15, 2026 10:36 by Daniel Farrar
- Ocean Beach Park and Santa Ynez River Estuary, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6003785&<ll...>,-120.6003785 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394401145 - Comments: "Adults and juvs. Seems like a good year for them. Juv with black carpal bar and dark bill. Adults with red-orange bill with darkish tip and full black cap that fits not extend to gape."
Yellow-green Vireo (Vireo flavoviridis) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 07:53 by Eunice Schroeder
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394745468 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing; seen from the central area of the west parking lot, looking west into the condos. Moving around in a low tree, more deliberately than warblers. Pale supercilium, yellow sides and flanks, greenish uppers. Thanks to Dave Compton for help with ID."
Yellow-green Vireo (Vireo flavoviridis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 08:39 by Daniel Farrar
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394400405 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird found the previous day by Nick Lethaby. At the extreme west edge along the border with the apartments. Sometimes came low not mostly in canopy. Initially spotted by Jim Hodgson. Large vireo with extensive yellow down the flanks and onto UTC. Grey cap. Photos."
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (10)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 10:46 by Thomas Turner
- Dirt road with pines by water tower, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.725324&<ll...>,-119.725324 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394745957 - Media: 1 Photo, 1 Audio
- Comments: "A small flock landed, made distinctive calls, then flew towards La Cumbre Peak (E). Delicate looking for a jay. Will upload call recording."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (137)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 07:27 by Dominick Burnham
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394739804 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "continuing. flock of 40 flying W at 0821 hrs. flock of 47 flying W at 0854 hrs. flock of 9 flying W at 1000 hrs. flock of 9 flying E at 1102 hrs. flock of 30 flying W at 1105 hrs."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (4) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 18, 2026 12:48 by Morgan Bing
- Los Padres NF--Pino Alto Picnic Area, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.98165&<ll...>,-119.98165 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394770510 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Large gray jay with black wings, white vent, and white outer tail feathers. Digi-binned photos of one. All observed together."
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 14:59 by Betsy Moles
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394776745 - Comments: "Continuing; found this am. Seen with small group of birders. Plain-faced and plain-fronted pipit with visible necklace of streaks on upper breast. White outer tail feathers seen when it flushed briefly. Mostly walking and foraging through dry grasses."
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 13:53 by Craig Prater
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394755769 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing, spotted with several other birders. Good look through binos of the bird foraging through the brush. Astonishingly easy to lose due to superior camo for this location. Attaching admittedly poor quality images."
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 13:53 by Yvonne Degraw
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394755770 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing, spotted with several other birders. Good look through binos of the bird foraging through the brush. Astonishingly easy to lose due to superior camo for this location. Will upload my (probably poor) photos later."
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 12:17 by Thomas Turner
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394733628 - Comments: "Pipit shaped, walking like a pipit. Pink legs. But much more boldly marked than American. Clear white throat and mostly blank face but heavily (for a pipit) marked with white and beige checkering/striping on the wings. Seen with Dave Compton and other birders."
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 12:15 by Barbara Millett
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394771055 - Comments: "Large black eyes in a plain face. Back feathers had very bright white edges, white outer tail feathers seen. Legs pinkish. The bird was mostly running or walking fast, hidden by vegetation, but would occasionally hop up to catch insects or walk into a bare patch to provide good views. Also seen taking a long semi-circular flight and then taking a steep fast dive to land. Photographed by many observers."
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 12:00 by Pamela Viale
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394784822 - Media: 9 Photos
- Comments: "Medium sized bird, dark brown streaked upperparts, cream colored breast and throat with brown streaking in upper breast. Orange-pink legs. Seen with multiple birders; first found by Peter Gaede."
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 12:00 by Adrian O'Loghlen
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394787266 - Media: 9 Photos
- Comments: "Medium sized bird, dark brown streaked upperparts, cream colored breast and throat with brown streaking in upper breast. Orange-pink legs. Seen with multiple birders; first found by Peter Gaede."
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 10:13 by Daniel Farrar
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394782910 - Comments: "Nice find by Peter Gaede. At the top west side of park in short grass. Very active, walking through the grass a lot and easy to lose track of. Streaky backed pipit with pale legs and bill. White outer tail feathers in flight. Photo."
Based on its scaly back and bold white wingbars, this was a juvenile bird. It had a plain face, white underparts, a streaked breast, pink legs and bill, and broad white edges to the tail.
This bird was observed with more than a dozen other birders from along the center trails (running from above Calle Andalucia up to the stone bench at the top) while looking east from this location: (34.4090267, -119.7333983)"
Based on its scaly back and bold white wingbars, this was a juvenile bird. It had a plain face, white underparts, a streaked breast, pink legs and bill, and broad white edges to the tail.
This bird was observed with more than a dozen other birders from along the center trails (running from above Calle Andalucia up to the stone bench at the top) while looking east from this location: (34.4090267, -119.7333983)"
Sprague's Pipit (Anthus spragueii) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 08:30 by Peter Gaede
- Elings Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7349691&<ll...>,-119.7349691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394680224 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "First found at 34.409454, -119.732799 in low growing sparsely vegetated area with grasses and open dirt areas. Spent much of the time moving relatively quickly on the ground through the vegetation. First detected when the bird was inadvertently flushed while walking along the trail after which it flew approximately 15-feet away. Then landed and continued foraging, seen well on the ground. White outer tail feathers were visible in flight, and tail not long (much shorter than American pipit). Overall very pale, mostly straw-colored, with darker streaking around the upper breast, on the top of the head, and down the back. White bracing on the back observed between the dark back streaks. White wing bars with dark centers to flight feathers and wing coverts. The dark eye stood out on a pale face. In flight, repeated "sqweet" calls were heard."
Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (25)
- Reported Sep 20, 2026 08:03 by Noah Gaines
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394700645 - Comments: "Single large flock flyover on N side of peak while walking the road. Calling. A high pitched and loud pick. Makes and female. Males with dostinctivr black and yellow and large white patches in secondaries."
Seen with other birders this mid-afternoon. Stayed low in the grasses. It was apparently warm enough for the bird to feel the heat, so it was panting. The bright yellow mouth linings helped locating it in the weeds.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 9/20/26 2:50 pm From: Thomas Turner via groups.io <habarimbu...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Grace's Warbler at La Cumbre Peak
I was exploring up around La Cumbre today also, and it was very nice up there. I ran into a Grace’s Warbler, presumably the same one seen earlier at the peak. This was something like 90 minutes later, in some pine trees about 1 mile to the west of the peak. I was walking up a gated dirt road (location at the link below), and heard a soft, sweet chip (only one). I got on the bird and it was a male Grace’s.
While I was there, a group of 10 Pinyon Jays landed in a pine, chattered a bit, and took off flying East (towards the peak). Later, I saw a single Clark’s Nutcracker flying past La Cumbre peak, also flying East. So at least a few of our new visitors are looking around up there, and not just flying by (that was probably known already, but when I was up there a week ago, everything was going west). No sign of Evening Grosbeaks while I was there.
There was also a very birdy cluster of pines between that location and the peak, at the location below. I think there was a termite emergence or something there, because there were Pewees, an olive-sided flycatcher, bluebirds, and more all feeding on something around a living but brownish pine.
I made it down to Eling’s Park in time to get on the Sprague’s Pipit with some other birders later, so it was an excellent day.
Thomas Turner
P.S. I told some people I saw a Willow Flycatcher up at the peak, but when reviewing photos, it looks like it was just a Wood-Pewee.
> On Sep 20, 2026, at 12:29 PM, Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> wrote:
>
> Thank you Jamie. I found this warbler with Jim and Mark Bright in the pines next to the lookout. There was another warbler in the same pines that we just could not get a bead on.
>
> We had modest groups of nutcrackers flying by and a few flocks of Pinyon jays were reported flying low and west as viewed from the peak and a grove of pines below and east of the peak. A large flock of Evening Grosbeaks was reported from birders down in that grove. I had a flock of about a dozen Cassin’s Finches in a tall pine west of the parking area.
> Florence Sanchez
>
>
>
>
>> On Sep 20, 2026, at 12:14 PM, Jamie Chavez via groups.io <almiyi...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Passing along Slack RBA info to the group...
>>
>> --------------------
>>
>> From Jim Hodgson:
>>
>> "Grace's Warbler at the top of La Cumbre peak."
>>
>> From Thomas Turner:
>>
>> "Pinyon Jays and Grace’s Warbler just seen in pines well to the west of the peak" Google map link <https://www.google.com/maps?<q...>,-119.7234725&entry=gps&shh=CAE&lucs=,94297699,94231188,94280568,100821559,47071704,94218641,94282134,94286869,100820247,100822504&g_st=ic> >>
>> -------------------
>>
>> Jamie M. Chavez
>> Santa Maria, CA
>>
>> --
>> Jamie Chavez
>> Santa Maria, CA
>
>
Date: 9/20/26 12:47 pm From: Hugh Ranson via groups.io <zonetail1...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Birder behaviour at Elings
First off, many thanks and congrats to Peter Gaede for finding the Elings Sprague's Pipit. It's only the third mainland SBA county record, and the first since 1987. And the flyover Pinyon Jays were a fantastic bonus.
Birders, especially those with big cameras, often get a bad rap for their behaviour at rarity sites. The birders assembled at Elings today, at least whilst I was there, demonstrated impeccable behaviour. The bird was not pushed, folks kept a respectful distance, and at no time was the bird flushed. Well done, SBA birders!
Date: 9/20/26 12:30 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Grace's Warbler at La Cumbre Peak
Thank you Jamie. I found this warbler with Jim and Mark Bright in the pines next to the lookout. There was another warbler in the same pines that we just could not get a bead on.
We had modest groups of nutcrackers flying by and a few flocks of Pinyon jays were reported flying low and west as viewed from the peak and a grove of pines below and east of the peak. A large flock of Evening Grosbeaks was reported from birders down in that grove. I had a flock of about a dozen Cassin’s Finches in a tall pine west of the parking area.
Florence Sanchez
> On Sep 20, 2026, at 12:14 PM, Jamie Chavez via groups.io <almiyi...> wrote:
>
>
> Passing along Slack RBA info to the group...
>
> --------------------
>
> From Jim Hodgson:
>
> "Grace's Warbler at the top of La Cumbre peak."
>
> From Thomas Turner:
>
> "Pinyon Jays and Grace’s Warbler just seen in pines well to the west of the peak" Google map link
>
> -------------------
>
> Jamie M. Chavez
> Santa Maria, CA
>
> --
> Jamie Chavez
> Santa Maria, CA
>
Date: 9/20/26 10:17 am From: Hugh Ranson via groups.io <zonetail1...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Sprague’s pipit at upper Elings
Now 14 Pinyon Jays over Elings!
Hugh
On Sun, Sep 20, 2026 at 10:02 AM Hugh Ranson <zonetail1...> wrote:
> Still present, same area.
>
> Hugh
>
> On Sun, Sep 20, 2026 at 9:21 AM Hugh Ranson <zonetail1...> wrote:
>
>> Still present c 300 m to the east of stone bench.
>>
>> Hugh
>>
>> On Sun, Sep 20, 2026 at 8:55 AM Wim van Dam via groups.io <wim.van.dam=
>> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>>
>>> Peter Gaede just reported a Sprague’s pipit at upper Elings:
>>> > Just had a Sprague’s pipit at upper Elings. A biker flushed to the
>>> sky and I’m trying to re-find. Not sure if it landed in the area yet.
>>>
>>> Wim
>>>
>>> --
>>> Wim van Dam (Solvang, CA)
>>> SBCO #410: Pinyon Jay
>>>
>>>
>>>
Date: 9/20/26 8:55 am From: Wim van Dam via groups.io <wim.van.dam...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Sprague’s pipit at upper Elings
Peter Gaede just reported a Sprague’s pipit at upper Elings:
> Just had a Sprague’s pipit at upper Elings. A biker flushed to the sky
and I’m trying to re-find. Not sure if it landed in the area yet.
Date: 9/19/26 8:27 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Prairie Warbler at Tech Park Today
Very birdy at Tech Park (Hollister Ave) today. Pam had a Prairie Warbler (see photos at https://ebird.org/checklist/S394410482 ) and there were further sightings of the Yellow-green Vireo. Both these birds were seen in the south section of the west parking lot. Other birds in that area included Nashville, Lucy’s, Black & White, Tennessee, and Black-throated Gray Warblers.
Date: 9/19/26 7:01 pm From: Dave Compton via groups.io <davcompton60...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Evening Grosbeak
This was supposed to go to this list, but just went to Jim.
Dave Compton
Santa Barbara
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Dave Compton <davcompton60...>
Date: Sat, Sep 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Evening Grosbeak
To: <tagdesjim...>
Hi folks, besides the female Evening Grosbeak, we also had several hundred
more Clark’s Nutcrackers, about a dozen Cassin’s Finches, one Lewis’s
Woodpecker, a Mountain Chickadee, and a handful of Red-breasted Nuthatches.
The only White-breasted Nuthatch was the standard Pacific variety. Other
migrants included a handful of Audubon’s Warblers, more than a dozen Vaux’s
Swifts, my first of the fall Ruby-crowned Kinglet, one each Wilson’s
Warbler, Warbling Vireo, Western Wood-Pewee, and Olive-sided Flycatcher.
Many birders were present, most of whom were probably hoping to see Pinyon
Jay. I haven’t heard that any were seen. ☹️
Dave Compton
Santa Barbara
On Sat, Sep 19, 2026 at 4:21 PM Jim Long via groups.io <tagdesjim=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> For those that missed it yesterday several of us got good looks in a dead
> pine tree just east and downslope from the LaCumbre Peak lookout at
> 34.494819,-119.711275 this morning.
>
> Jim Long
>
> Santa Barbara
> SBCo # 416 Evening Grosbeak
>
>
>
Date: 9/19/26 4:21 pm From: Jim Long via groups.io <tagdesjim...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Evening Grosbeak
For those that missed it yesterday several of us got good looks in a dead pine tree just east and downslope from the LaCumbre Peak lookout at 34.494819,-119.711275 this morning.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Lewis's Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) (2)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 06:30 by Mario Ramos
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394338279 - Comments: "observed flying at a distance. Despite being far away, the bird’s distinctive dark greenish-black back, gray collar, and salmon-colored belly were visible and allowed for confident identification."
Yellow-green Vireo (Vireo flavoviridis) (1)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 10:28 by Mark Holmgren
- Glen Annie X Cathedral Oaks, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.875438&<ll...>,-119.875438 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394374605 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Vireo feet! Pale yellow ventral midline with bright yellow sides and flanks. Back and wings yellow-green. Crown gray with dark line bordering a white supercilium. Forecrown at bill slightly yellow-gray. Dark line through the eye. Seen while standing at 34.44113, -119.87535"
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (8)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 12:37 by Ryan Seppala
- E Camino Cielo, Santa Barbara US-CA 34.50157, -119.72351, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.723507&<ll...>,-119.723507 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394361865 - Comments: "Eight is the max count I’m comfortable with, though there could have been several more. I heard a jumble of shaky, nasal “yaah” calls from down the slope south of the road. I ran down to E Camino Cielo and tried to get visuals but unfortunately the birds were either obstructed by the slope or too distant. The vocals seemed to be diminishing in a W/SW direction, so I drove that way and pulled over several times to listen, but without luck."
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) (38) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 18, 2026 07:57 by Pete Wolf
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394025757 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Flying from NE side of park to the West - over Stow House at 9:46 am. "Jay" sized - gray w/slight blue "highlights". 34.44430540360319, -119.85057088279743"
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (120)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 06:30 by Mario Ramos
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394338279 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Over 100 observed in multiple flocks flying in from the east and moving westward through the area. Some landed in nearby trees, providing good looks. Large gray-bodied, contrasting white wing patches, and long, pointed bills. Tail showed black-and-white patterning. Several individuals were heard giving calls while in flight and after landing."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (183) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 18, 2026 09:18 by Ryan Seppala
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394019055 - Comments: "Slightly conservative count. The bulk were viewed before 10:30 am, after which numbers dwindled. The last sighting was of 12 birds at 1:25 pm. Counting birds viewed before I arrived, the day’s total up until ~1:45 pm was about 400."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (350) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 18, 2026 07:19 by Philip Zeng
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394023776 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "gray birds with black and wing wings. flew by 8:15. huge flock of 97 at 8:36. 11 more landed in tree around 8:40. 79 at 8:50. 70 at 9:00. 50 at 9:05. 3 in valley 9:07. 35 9:16. 4 landed in tree 9:25."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (4) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 18, 2026 12:48 by Will Knowlton
- Los Padres NF--Pino Alto Picnic Area, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.98165&<ll...>,-119.98165 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394082791 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Large gray jay with black wings, white vent, and white outer tail feathers. Digi-binned photos of one. All observed together."
Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (1)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 08:55 by Ryan Seppala
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394371778 - Comments: "One bird appeared around 9:42 am and visited a snag seen from the overlook. Repeatedly made soft “teww” calls. Physical characteristics included black wings with white wing patches, a gray rump/mantle, pale belly, white undertail coverts, and a largely nondescript gray face with a thick, lightly colored bill. The tail was rather short. Features suggest this was a female bird."
Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (1)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 06:30 by Mario Ramos
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394338279 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Observed perched in a distant tree and identified by multiple birders present. The bird showed the large, thick, pale conical bill, bright yellow body, black head, and bold white patches in the wings and tail characteristic of Evening Grosbeak. The massive bill and overall stocky structure helped distinguish it from Black-headed Grosbeak, which has a smaller, more slender bill and lacks the Evening Grosbeak’s bold white wing patches. Photos were taken but are heavily cropped due to the distance."
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (16)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 08:55 by Ryan Seppala
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394371778 - Comments: "Up to 17 including those seen by others. There was an initial flock of 3, another heard near the peak proper, and then a flock of 12 around 11:30 am that was also noted by the likes of Nick Lethaby and Dave Compton. Birds photographed feature faint eyerings, straight bills, and generally high contrast. Calls were jumbled, stunted series of warbles."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 11:10 by Paul Hughes
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394335837 - Comments: "Active warbler, distinguished from orange crowned by pale yellow almost whitish breast and underparts contrasting with the yellow green back. Noticeable line through the eye."
Tennessee Warbler (Leiothlypis peregrina) (1)
- Reported Sep 15, 2026 17:07 by Yixin L
- Evergreen Open Space, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8909131&<ll...>,-119.8909131 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S393280739 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Yellow warbler with white tail coverts, faint white eye ring, vaguely greenish back. Identified by Dave on iNaturalist from my photo uploaded as New World Warblers, thanks Dave."
Lucy's Warbler (Leiothlypis luciae) (1)
- Reported Sep 19, 2026 12:03 by Eunice Schroeder
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394357578 - Comments: "Seen with other birders in central rear area of western lot. Small plain warbler, all whitish below with faintly buffy-tinged underparts, gray uppers, plain face with faint white eyeing."
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (1)
- Reported Sep 18, 2026 09:49 by Dan Fontaine
- Arroyo Burro Creek, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7503543&<ll...>,-119.7503543 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394040873 - Comments: "Adult male at 34.42904, -119.75157. This is far upcreek north of the Calle de los Amigos bridge over the creek. Both Dan and I saw the bird for more than 5 min. Orange spots on black tail often spread with the enthusiasm and frequency of a display. Orange bar on black wing. Head black."
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (1)
- Reported Sep 18, 2026 09:49 by Mark Holmgren
- Arroyo Burro Creek, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7503543&<ll...>,-119.7503543 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394031708 - Comments: "Adult male at 34.42904, -119.75157. This is far upcreek north of the Calle de los Amigos bridge over the creek. Both Dan and I saw the bird for more than 5 min. Orange spots on black tail often spread with the enthusiasm and frequency of a display. Orange bar on black wing. Head black."
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 18, 2026 17:19 by David Blue
- Business Park at Mentor Dr. (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8124367&<ll...>,-119.8124367 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394091191 - Comments: "Continuing bird. Foraging in the trees north of 5383 Hollister. Female/immature-type bird. Gray above, white below, yellow patches on wings and base of tail. Very active; frequently fanning its tail."
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 18, 2026 17:19 by Linda Blue
- Business Park at Mentor Dr. (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8124367&<ll...>,-119.8124367 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394091192 - Comments: "Continuing bird. Foraging in the trees north of 5383 Hollister. Female/immature-type bird. Gray above, white below, yellow patches on wings and base of tail. Very active; frequently fanning its tail."
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 18, 2026 15:35 by Noah Gaines
- Business Park at Mentor Dr. (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8124367&<ll...>,-119.8124367 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S394048778 - Comments: "Cont young bird from earlier. Seen twice near the middle of the lot. Gray head. Yellow wash in breast. Yellow at base of tail. Flicking tail and wings constantly. Easy to find and refund."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 9/19/26 11:21 am From: Robert Lindsay via groups.io <thisisroblindsay...> Subject: [sbcobirding] COP Saturday morning
Tuesday, 9/19/26, 8:00-10:00 am
Led a trip at COP for SB Audubon this morning. Shorebirds were abundant and varied. Best birds of the day were an Osprey fly-over, a Common Murre just a few yards offshore at the point, a large number of Red-necked Phalarope at the dune pond along with a single Solitary Sandpiper. The tern flock in the Plover Reserve included Royal and Elegant (a great opportunity to study and distinguish these species) and several Forster's Tern. Couldn't find any less common terns in the group. Last bird of interest was a Loggerhead Shrike in the grassy fields 100 yards out from Isla Vista. South coast birding is definitely picking up.
