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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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
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: 6/26/25 7:31 am From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Dowicher photos
All,
Since the topic of Dowitcher identification comes up occasionally in casual conversations, posts to the Slack group, etc. I am putting together a couple of blog posts that covers their status in the county and how ro separate them. I am looking for photos of juvenile birds and breeding plumage adults to put in the article.
Nick Lethaby
Date: 6/25/25 11:22 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Common Ground Dove (2 reports)
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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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
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: 6/24/25 6:30 pm From: Jamie Chavez via groups.io <almiyi...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Point Sal Road - Casmalia
You are a brave soul, Rob. I would caution everyone against climbing over the gate. This is private property. It is true that there didn't used to be a gate there years ago and you could walk the road all the way west to the Vandenberg fence, but the gate has been there for a long time now. This is also not the way to get to Point Sal despite the name of the road. The hiking trail out to [Point Sal](https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L16641923) is accessible from the west end of Corralitos Canyon. The turnoff is Highway 1 at Brown Road which is just south of Guadalupe.
Jamie M. Chavez Santa Maria, CA
On Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 at 5:56 PM, Rob Hofberg via groups.io <rhofberg...> wrote:
> Hi All - > > I have never been to Point Sal so I decided to head out there this morning. My Maps took me via Casmalia out on Point Sal road to the destination, but as it turns out that really doesn't work. About 1/4 mile west past the Casmalia post office the Point Sal Road is closed and a big metal gate stands there. > So I climbed over the gate and headed out on the ghost of a road that is still there. It was glorious. Lots of birds. It is open fields and lines of riparian trees and big conifers that had been planted years ago and are now fully mature and some are fading. > There were nesting house wrens, ash-throated flycatchers, blue grosbeaks and Brewer's blackbirds. Just lots of everything. Northern Harrier, Bullock's orioles, lark sparrows, swallows galore. It seems that not many people go out there. > The road goes for about a mile and a half and then stops at the fence of Vandenberg. > It's a really beautiful walk and would probably be good in the fall. > > Rob Hofberg > -- > --- > Rob Hofberg > Santa Barbara >
Date: 6/24/25 5:56 pm From: Rob Hofberg via groups.io <rhofberg...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Point Sal Road - Casmalia
Hi All -
I have never been to Point Sal so I decided to head out there this morning. My Maps took me via Casmalia out on Point Sal road to the destination, but as it turns out that really doesn't work. About 1/4 mile west past the Casmalia post office the Point Sal Road is closed and a big metal gate stands there. So I climbed over the gate and headed out on the ghost of a road that is still there. It was glorious. Lots of birds. It is open fields and lines of riparian trees and big conifers that had been planted years ago and are now fully mature and some are fading. There were nesting house wrens, ash-throated flycatchers, blue grosbeaks and Brewer's blackbirds. Just lots of everything. Northern Harrier, Bullock's orioles, lark sparrows, swallows galore. It seems that not many people go out there. The road goes for about a mile and a half and then stops at the fence of Vandenberg. It's a really beautiful walk and would probably be good in the fall.
Date: 6/24/25 2:32 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Bill Wallace Trail, El Capitan Ranch
I walked the portion of the trail that runs through the large private camping ground, mostly along or near the creek, which is still flowing a little. It was fairly quiet, but by the time I finished, I'd seen or heard most of the typical birds of this habitat.
Probably one of the more interesting things about this canyon is the small population of Violet Green Swallows so close to the immediate coast. I didn't locate any nests, but I believe breeding has been documented here. There are Violet-Green Swallows in Refugio Canyon to the west, but usually found much further up that canyon.
I also noted that planted around some of the cabins are good numbers of Giant Echium ("Pride of Madeira") plants, a hummingbird favorite when in bloom in the spring. Worth checking out next year.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 6/24/25 10:12 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- White-rumped Sandpiper (1 report)
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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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
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: 6/24/25 9:14 am From: Conor McMahon via groups.io <conormcmahon22...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Pino Alto - Birds and Post-fire Observations
Hi all,
On Saturday I birded at Pino Alto, parking at the gate and walking up the road to the peak.
The first part of the road here is mostly on south-facing slopes. In this area most of the canopy was completely top-killed, but almost all the oaks are now resprouting basally (a few resprouting from the branches as well). The understory has started coming back a bit, too. I think most of the conifers in this patch were killed and won't resprout. I saw no sign of conifer seedlings germinating post-fire anywhere on the trip.
After the sharp turn in the road halfway up (about 34.73516, -119.97634), the trail gets back into some mostly unburnt areas on the shadier north slope. Here there's still lots of surviving Douglas-fir and some pines, too.
The Pino Alto Campground area itself is pretty torched. There are a number of places where signs or benches were clearly burned completely (e.g. some concrete pads with only metal feet left that I assume used to anchor a wooden structure). The small loop trail there is very overgrown with Bromus and Avena invasive grasses and there's one large tree across the trail, but otherwise not hard to navigate. In this area several oaks had burnt so severely that nothing was left but holes in the ground, burnt down into the roots.
I think it seems like the conifer woodland overall here is meaningfully reduced, but there's still some. It will be interesting to see how it compares in coming years vs. what people found here previously.
Birds: 5 Western Wood-Pewee 5 Steller's Jay 3 Mountain Chickadee 3 Western Tanager (2 of them singing near picnic area) 0 Pygmy Nuthatch 0 Brown Creeper ? Olive-sided Flycatcher - thought I might have heard some pips (uncertain)
Breeding Evidence for Hairy Woodpecker, California Scrub-Jay, Oak Titmouse, Dark-eyed Junco.
I was a little surprised that I saw lots of Cliff Swallows but no Violet-green Swallows, which from eBird seem like they've been common here in past summers, and which I think of as fire followers. I have seen lots of the latter on recent trips to Sedgwick very nearby. Maybe I just got unlucky, or maybe they need a bit for new cavities to form after old ones burnt? Although that seems at odds with breeding Oak Titmice etc.
I've included lots of habitat photos of burnt areas in the eBird checklists for anyone interested:
Date: 6/23/25 6:01 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Continuing Lazuli Bunting on Farren Rd
There is at least one male Lazuli Bunting that continues to sing conspicuously from a roadside perch along Farren Rd. This morning, he was singing from the same location where I photographed him on 19th May and I’ve seen him at this location on a number of occasions in the meantime (assuming it’s the same bird!). This is at the last roadside utility pole on the left as you approach the Euc grove at the top of the road (34.464206, -119.922559). You can park beside this pole but the bird will probably drop down into the valley if you do. However, he invariably returns.
There was also a Common Ground Dove calling virtually continuously at this location and I had a brief glimpse of it on the wire fence on the east side of the road.
Date: 6/23/25 10:11 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Common Ground Dove (2 reports)
- White-rumped Sandpiper (4 reports)
- California Condor (4 reports)
- Red-breasted Sapsucker (4 reports)
- Dusky Flycatcher (10 reports)
---------------------------------------------
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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 16:00 by Alex Abela
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S253187164 - Comments: "Returned shortly after 7 pm with a large group of Semipalmated Plovers after having been absent for 3+ hours. Closer to the west side shore. Photos."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 14:34 by Mark Holmgren
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S253193569 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "By golly, it has an all white rump! Found 19 June by an inquisitive Lynn Scarlett thinking that 'ho-humm, I'd better count all those Semipalmated Plovers. Hey, what's that Calidris?' The rest is history."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1)
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 09:12 by Marty Freeland
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S253280590 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Cont., found yesterday by Lynn Scarlett. Viewed from stakeout on road east of slough. Fairly cooperative and allowed good studies, though somewhat distant. Poor digiscopes. Details to CBRC."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1)
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 16:42 by Peter Gaede
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252204207 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Found earlier today, seen by multiple observers through the evening. Better lighting was achieved when viewed from the west side of the slough at this time of day, but the bird was still distant. Viewed with a spotting scope. Attenuated body with long wings. The dark streaks/chevrons were visible on white undersides extending from the breast down along the sides of the wing and onto the flanks. The bill was mostly dark, relatively short with a slight drop, and with a fairly obvious orange coloration extending from the base of the lower mandible to about half way to the tip. Long, pale supercilium visible over the eye extending towards the back of the head. Primarily foraging, but white rump visible when preening. No calls heard."
California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) (1)
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 09:15 by Bradley Hacker 🦜
- Big Pine Mountain--Big Pine Summit Trailhead to Alamar Saddle, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6395315&<ll...>,-119.6395315 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S253282730 - Comments: "Bird seen in flight traveling in a northeast direction away from us across the Upper Sisquoc drainage from the Big Pine Mountain summit area. Large size, all dark above. Broad wings with bulging secondaries and long primaries spaced apart and appearing as "fingers" with some of the tips angling upwards. During our observation period, the bird traveled the entire canyon without flapping or banking.
Note: Two adults were seen (and photographed) just prior to this observation soaring over the forested area just west of of the Big Pine Mountain summit by Jenny Slaughter and Craig Murray, who were walking north to south along Buckhorn Road."
California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) (1)
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 09:15 by Peter Gaede
- Big Pine Mountain--Big Pine Summit Trailhead to Alamar Saddle, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6395315&<ll...>,-119.6395315 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S253274886 - Comments: "Bird seen in flight traveling in a northeast direction away from us across the Upper Sisquoc drainage from the Big Pine Mountain summit area. Large size, all dark above. Broad wings with bulging secondaries and long primaries spaced apart and appearing as "fingers" with some of the tips angling upwards. During our observation period, the bird traveled the entire canyon without flapping or banking.
Note: Two adults were seen (and photographed) just prior to this observation soaring over the forested area just west of of the Big Pine Mountain summit by Jenny Slaughter and Craig Murray, who were walking north to south along Buckhorn Road."
California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) (2)
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 10:05 by Jenny Slaughter
- Big Pine Mountain--Ceanothus patch, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6576845&<ll...>,-119.6576845 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S253321384 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Two massive vultures soaring in from the west and circling directly overhead. On Buckhorn Road on northwest flank of Big Pine Mountain. Both birds with single wing tag. Photos."
California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) (2)
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 10:05 by Craig Murray
- Big Pine Mountain--Ceanothus patch, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6576845&<ll...>,-119.6576845 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S253318765 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Two massive vultures soaring in from the west and circling directly overhead. On Buckhorn Road on northwest flank of Big Pine Mountain. Both birds with single wing tag. Photos."
Dusky Flycatcher (Empidonax oberholseri) (2)
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 07:09 by Peter Gaede
- Big Pine Mountain--Ceanothus patch, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6576845&<ll...>,-119.6576845 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S253284304 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Singing on territories in this area. Understory extensive, tall and uniform with limited edges and few openings which are probably less suitable for this species than in previous years."
Dusky Flycatcher (Empidonax oberholseri) (2)
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 07:09 by Bradley Hacker 🦜
- Big Pine Mountain--Ceanothus patch, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6576845&<ll...>,-119.6576845 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S253286129 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Singing on territories in this area. Understory extensive, tall and uniform with limited edges and few openings which are probably less suitable for this species than in previous years."
Dusky Flycatcher (Empidonax oberholseri) (2)
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 07:09 by Craig Murray
- Big Pine Mountain--Ceanothus patch, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6576845&<ll...>,-119.6576845 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S253287637 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Singing on territories in this area. Understory extensive, tall and uniform with limited edges and few openings which are probably less suitable for this species than in previous years."
Dusky Flycatcher (Empidonax oberholseri) (2)
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 07:09 by Jenny Slaughter
- Big Pine Mountain--Ceanothus patch, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6576845&<ll...>,-119.6576845 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S253321390 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Singing on territories in this area. Understory extensive, tall and uniform with limited edges and few openings which are probably less suitable for this species than in previous years."
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: 6/22/25 2:23 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Aug 7 Pelagic
All,
Island Packers has a pelagic trip out to Santa Barbara Island on Aug 7. This will be a similar format to last year's trip where we bird the edge of the Santa Cruz Basin between Santa Cruz Island and Santa Barbara Island before stopping at the booby colony on Sutil Rock. Assuming reasonable sea conditions, we will likely be able to spend some time in the deepwater section of the basin W of Santa Barbara Island, where Townsend's and Leach's Storm-Petrels occur. We are likely to see Ashy and Black Storm-Petrels as well as well various other seabirds, including Craveri's Murrelets. There will be four leaders, including me on the boat. You can book the pelagic trip under birding trips on the Island Packers website or call them.
Regards,
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
---------------------------------------------
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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1)
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 18:44 by Toby Fowler
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252940634 - Comments: "Looking back through photos of the Semipalm flock that flew in, I noticed the WRSA at the front of the pack. I had wondered if it would be in there, but they landed too far away for me to confirm. I believe others noted this bird in the flock and it was seen in its normal place thereafter. White rump visible in photos, contrasting against the semipalms brown rump.
I'm loathe normally to include a bird based on this given that it's not technically "sensed by a person" since I didn't actually see it in the field, but given that I had a gut feeling it'd be in the flock, and this is sighting number 2 for me, I feel okay including it. I'll upload the pic, too."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 14:45 by Steve Colwell
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252918789 - Media: 12 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird found by Lynn Scarlett on Jun 19. Foraging assiduously along the water just north of the Cormorant basking area. Much closer and much better viewing at this time of day from the west side. The peregrine flew over at 3:30 and the sandpipers/plovers flew off to the north."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 14:45 by Sue Cook
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252947114 - Media: 12 Photos
- Comments: "Foraging assiduously along the water just north of the Cormorant basking area. Much closer and much better viewing at this time of day from the west side. The peregrine flew over at 3:30 and the sandpipers/plovers flew off to the north."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 14:43 by Russell Campbell
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252888435 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing peep with wings extending past tail, dark streaked breast, and moderately length and drooped bill. Distant views throughout visit but structure eliminated most other peeps and plumage eliminated Baird’s. Some terrible pics tba."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 14:43 by Jodhan Fine
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252888433 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing peep with wings extending past tail, dark streaked breast, and moderately length and drooped bill. Distant views throughout visit but structure eliminated most other peeps and plumage eliminated Baird’s. Some terrible pics tba that reveal white rump (somewhat)."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 14:43 by Omar Alui
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252888436 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing peep with wings extending past tail, dark streaked breast, and moderately length and drooped bill. Distant views throughout visit but structure eliminated most other peeps and plumage eliminated Baird’s. Some terrible pics tba."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 13:30 by Libby Patten
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252924300 - Comments: "Continuing. Sandpiper with long wings (past tail), white eyebrow, slightly down curved dark bill, brown scaled upperparts, dark streaks on breast, white underparts. Often near semipalmated sandpipers and Wilson’s Phalaropes. Found originally by Lynn Scarlett. Seen in same area as yesterday near the cormorant hangout as viewed from the area near the half bridge."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 12:26 by Linda Blue
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252906024 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing rarity, first discovered here two days ago on June 19, 2025, by Lynn Scarlett. Observed at 12:26 PM from the two benches on the west side of the slough along the Dune Pond trail near here: (34.4136909, -119.8776301). This bird was larger than nearby Semipalmated Plovers. It had a prominent white eyebrow, finely streaked flanks, and long wings projecting beyond the tail. The bill was slightly decurved."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 12:26 by David Blue
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252906023 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing rarity, first discovered here two days ago on June 19, 2025, by Lynn Scarlett. Observed at 12:26 PM from the two benches on the west side of the slough along the Dune Pond trail near here: (34.4136909, -119.8776301). This bird was larger than nearby Semipalmated Plovers. It had a prominent white eyebrow, finely streaked flanks, and long wings projecting beyond the tail. The bill was slightly decurved."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 10:28 by Luke Hallberg
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252835028 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing, many other birders present. Moving along the mud flats near the middle of the slough with a small group of semipalmated plovers."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 09:23 by Kevin Lapp
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252790101 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Finally spotted at 9:30 near some Wilson's phalaropes and DC cormorants on snags in middle of slough. Viewed from west side trail, so while I was closer than those at the half bridge, it was terrible light. Scope views (thank you Lori!) showed the reddish color at the base of the lower bill. Shaped and sized like a Baird's, elongated, with pale-ish eyebrow. The bird later moved into slightly better light, but still couldn't get good photos. It flushed once for 20 yards, and the white rump was visible."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 09:04 by Yvette MacDonald
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252899536 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird found by Lynn Scarlet. Long primary projection, white supercilium, White rump visible when it flew. Poor digiscope photos attached."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 08:34 by Rick Boyer
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252801394 - Comments: "Sole sandpiper amongst the Semipalmated Plovers. White belly; white with brown streaks on neck and upper breast. Red lower mandible backlit by sun. Prominent white eyebrow. Long wings projecting beyond tail."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 08:34 by Lori Gaskin
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252794367 - Comments: "Sole sandpiper amongst the Semipalmated Plovers. White belly; white with brown streaks on neck and upper breast. Red lower mandible backlit by sun. Prominent white eyebrow. Long wings projecting beyond tail."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 07:00 by Caleb P.
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252826763 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing sandpiper found by Lynn Scarlett. Viewed from Slough Rd as it was foraging, mostly horizontally, near semi-palmated and snowy plovers and phalaropes. Long wings and white “eyebrow” seen well while viewed through Brian Daniels’s scope. White rump obvious in flight and also partially visible on its right side from how its wing was folded. Because of the distance, I wasn’t able to see the red on its lower mandible, but others with better angles and lighting confirmed the color on its base. Viewed with Steve, John, Kevin L. and others. Poor heat hazy photo."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 21, 2025 14:15 by Lynn Scarlett
- 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/S252932449 - Comments: "continuing on Devereux mudflats mixed in with semipalmated plovers; long wings extending beyond tail, tapered shape, white eyebrow, slight streaking along flanks, small bit of reddish at base of bill"
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 6/21/25 8:27 pm From: Larry Ballard via groups.io <larryincarp...> Subject: [sbcobirding] White-rumped Sandpiper late today
From Tom and Liga:
"WRSA flew in with a group of SEPL at 7:10. Poor views from the east side so we hustled to west side. Great views for 10+ minutes before they all took flight, circled high and disappeared to the north at 7:45."
Larry BallardCarpinteria CA
Date: 6/21/25 11:52 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Continuing White-rumped Sandpiper
Still present and in good view at Devereux Slough at 11:15 a.m. this morning. When I left, it was foraging on the wet mud very near the cormorant roosting logs. For a time, it stopped to preen vigorously and showed the white rump quite well.
Bonus sighting: Five Wilson's Phalaropes swimming in the mucky water nearby. Two of the birds were in beautiful plumage.
For reasons stated by Wes Fritz and others, please keep the updates coming as there are those not currently present who would still like to see the bird..
Florence Sanchez
Date: 6/21/25 10:15 am From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] White-rumped Sandpiper
Wes,
I'd like to chase this too. Any tips on a way I can get over from the UK in a couple of hours ....!
Regards,
Nick Lethaby
Goleta, CA
<nlethaby...>
+1 805 284 6200
Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
On Saturday, June 21st, 2025 at 9:11 AM, Wes Fritz via groups.io <wes-fritz...> wrote:
> Hi all,
> Many birders are wanting to chase this bird. Please add any updates, negitive or positive.
>
> Thank you and good birding!
>
> Wes Fritz
> 805 895 0685
> <wes-fritz...>
> Solvang CA
>
>
>
Date: 6/21/25 10:08 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Common Ground Dove (2 reports)
- White-rumped Sandpiper (21 reports)
- Least Sandpiper (1 report)
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1 report)
---------------------------------------------
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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 15:45 by Paul Hughes
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252506640 - Comments: "Long wings. Distinctive white breast, dark legs, mottled / streaked chocolate brown flanks Distinctive gray eye brow streak. Observed from a point on the west side of the Slough in the company of Wes Fritz. Good and consistent views from 3.30 to 5.00. Many thanks to Mark H for his help in accessing the trail from the beach."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 13:28 by Greg Schechter
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252470002 - Comments: "Continuing. See roughly at 34.413726,-119.876919 scope required from Slough Rd. Broad white eyebrow, long bill, medium size hanging with the semipalmated sandpipers."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 12:32 by Marc Better
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252499704 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing bird found yesterday. Slightly larger and more elongated than nearby Snowy and Semipalmated Plovers. Long wings extending past tail with white rump visible when bird was preening. Long, dark, slightly drooping bill, lighter and reddish at base. Back feathers with dark centers and pale edges. Distance and heat haze made photography challenging."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 11:23 by Chris Dean
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252497216 - Comments: "Continuing sandpiper found by Lynn Scarlett yesterday. Seen in a similar area, standing on road with scope at (34.4130194, -119.8752654) looking west. Later observed from west side trail, looking east for an extended period. Alternate plumaged adult with black centered scapulars edged in cinnamon buff, rufous tinged crown, whitish supercilums, white chin, dark thin streaks across chest, white underparts, white undertail coverts, small dark chevrons on flanks, dark wing tips extend beyond tail (bird has elongated shape), white rump exposed when grooming and flying, also right side of rump visible because the wing was slightly held up, brown tail, mostly straight, medium-sized bill with orange base of lower mandible, darker tip (not sure if from foraging in dirt), dark legs."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 10:52 by Zach Nett
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252431049 - Comments: "Continuing county first bird. Viewed by spotting scope with other birders. Larger sandpiper, with distinctive white rump, feeding in the mudflats with some Semipalmated Plovers."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 09:58 by Jamie Chavez
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252415488 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Multiple observers when I arrived. The sandpiper was actively feeding in the center of the slough in the shallow water with Semipalmated and Snowy Plovers. It was roughly the same size as Semipalmated Plover but kept a more horizontal profile. It was larger (or longer) than Snowy Plover. Essentially it looked like a larger version of Western Sandpiper. The bill was relatively long and straight for a peep. While viewing through the scope the reddish base of the lower mandible could be seen. The wings were long and tapered and appeared to extend beyond the end of the tail. The upper parts were mottled with dark spots and it showed a strong rusty edge to the scapulars. The crown was rusty, and it showed dark and rusty ear coverts contrasting with a white face and a bold white supercillium. The underparts were white except for fine streaking across the breast. The birds flushed at one point and the white rump was clearly visible while it was in flight. Photos are poor due to distance and heat shimmer."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 09:17 by Conor McMahon
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252400453 - Comments: "Continuing where found by Lynn Scarlett yesterday. During my visit the bird was foraging on the west bank of the wet mud on the Slough, approx halfway along the north-south axis of the COPR portion (34.414319, -119.877365)
There was a crowd looking at it from Slough Road just south of the cutoff for West Campus area (~34.413938, -119.873856). Lighting was pretty bad and a heat haze was developing so not great photos opportunities but good looks and a cooperative bird.
Folks were saying that lighting was much better in the evening yesterday from the opposite side, along the trail between Veneco Bridge Dune Pond (maybe about here 34.41386, -119.87771).
The bird was actively foraging in the mud surrounded by Semipalmated Plovers and a few Snowy Plovers."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 09:03 by Libby Patten
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252494433 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Found yesterday by Lynn Scarlett and refound today by several others. Seen from area near half bridge. Best views were just north of standard cormorant hangout. Sandpiper was feeding in shallow mucky water. Poor digiscope pics. White eyebrow, wing tips extend beyond tip of tail, dark down curved bill, streaking on white chest, brown streaked back and wings."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 08:50 by Barbara Millett
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252425718 - Comments: "Continuing rarity. From the half-bridge pull-out, seen well with scope views along with several other birders including Jim Hodgson and Libby Patton. Calidris sandpiper actively foraging in company with Semi-palmated Plovers. Elongated body, wing tips extend beyond tail. Pale eyebrow, dark longish bill. Legs dark, although usually hidden by water. Occasionally bird would preen, during which white rump was clearly seen."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 08:43 by Mario Ramos
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252516508 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing: Observed from the road just down from the half bridge, along with a group of birders. The bird was actively foraging among a group of Semipalmated Plovers, allowing for close comparison. It stood out as slightly larger and more slender, with noticeably longer wings. Notably, the white rump was clearly visible while the bird was preening seen well through a spotting scope."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 08:11 by Laurel S Luby
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252415971 - Comments: "Continuing. Seen from the road down from half bridge with many other birders. Saw white rump through scope when bird was preening. A little larger and more slender with longer wings than the Semipalmated Plovers it was foraging with."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 08:11 by Tom Beland
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252447580 - Comments: "Continuing. Seen from the road down from half bridge with many other birders. Saw white rump through scope when bird was preening. A little larger and more slender with longer wings than the Semipalmated Plovers it was foraging with."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 07:15 by Sue Cook
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252514829 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing bird Lynn Scarlett found recently. Distant viewing as bird was more than halfway across the Slough from our viewpoint on the road along the East side."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 07:15 by Steve Colwell
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252494597 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing bird Lynn Scarlett found recently. Distant viewing as bird was more than halfway across the Slough from our viewpoint on the road along the East side."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 06:53 by David Blue
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252401041 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing rarity, first discovered here yesterday by Lynn Scarlett. Observed from 6:53 to 7:43 AM with many other birders including Brad Hacker and Glenn Kincaid. This bird was larger than nearby Semipalmated Plovers. It had a prominent white eyebrow, finely streaked flanks, and long wings projecting beyond the tail. The bill appeared slightly decurved and all dark except for reddish orange at the base. Observed from 50 yards north up Slough Road from the "half bridge" pullout."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 06:53 by Linda Blue
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252401091 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing rarity, first discovered here yesterday by Lynn Scarlett. Observed from 6:53 to 7:43 AM with many other birders including Brad Hacker and Glenn Kincaid. This bird was larger than nearby Semipalmated Plovers. It had a prominent white eyebrow, finely streaked flanks, and long wings projecting beyond the tail. The bill appeared slightly decurved and all dark except for reddish orange at the base. Observed from 50 yards north up Slough Road from the "half bridge" pullout."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 06:40 by Armando Aispuro
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252541285 - Comments: "Continuing bird found by Lynn Scarlet. A big sandpiper, close to the size of the semipalmated plovers near it, and larger than western and least. It seemed to prefer foraging in shallow water over dry mudflats. Wings and tail extended far off the rump. Face was pale overall, partly due to its light-gray supercilium and forehead. I could also see the faint spotting along its pale flanks."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 17:30 by Steve Hovey
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252488149 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Feeding in the shallow water of the slough. First seen by Lynn Scarlett. Associating with a small flock of Semipalmated Plovers. Mottled back with streaking along the sides to the legs, white underparts. The bill has a distinct reddish tint at its base, transitioning to black at the tip. Pronounced white eyebrow with a darker cap. White rump seen when flapping wings, above a dark tipped tail."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 17:30 by Dawn Hovey
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252485665 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Feeding in the shallow water of the slough. First seen by Lynn Scarlett. Associating with a small flock of Semipalmated Plovers. Mottled back with streaking along the sides to the legs, white underparts. The bill has a distinct reddish tint at its base, transitioning to black at the tip. Pronounced white eyebrow with a darker cap. White rump seen when flapping wings, above a dark tipped tail."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 17:05 by Daniel Farrar
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252406700 - Comments: "Continuing bird found this AM by Lynne Scarlet. Great bird! Thanks Dave Compton and Linda Blue for getting me on it quickly. Long winged calidris with attenuated appearance. Distant but pale reddish base to lower mandible apparent. Bird preened several times revealing the white rump (which you could also see the edge of as it foraged). Streaked down flanks."
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: 6/21/25 9:26 am From: Wes Fritz via groups.io <wes-fritz...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] White-rumped Sandpiper
Hi all,
We have to love “AI”, I was not posting to Allen, I was posting to all of you.
Good birding.
Wes Fritz
805 895 0685
<wes-fritz...>
Solvang CA
> On Jun 21, 2025, at 9:23 AM, Wesley Fritz <wes-fritz...> wrote:
>
> Hi Allen,
>
> The WRSA just showed up in its normal area. It’s best viewed in the mornings from the east side or the pavement by the half bridge/kiosk. Than after 2:00pm the trail out to Dune pond. Check out “Hot Spots” for more information.
>
> Good luck and good birding!
>
> Wes Fritz
> 805 895 0685
> <wes-fritz...>
> Solvang CA
Date: 6/21/25 9:23 am From: Wes Fritz via groups.io <wes-fritz...> Subject: [sbcobirding] White-rumped Sandpiper
Hi Allen,
The WRSA just showed up in its normal area. It’s best viewed in the mornings from the east side or the pavement by the half bridge/kiosk. Than after 2:00pm the trail out to Dune pond. Check out “Hot Spots” for more information.
Date: 6/21/25 9:23 am From: Dave Compton via groups.io <davcompton60...> Subject: [sbcobirding] White-rumped Sandpiper
This should've gone to the group and not just to Wes. The White-rumped
Sandpiper is present, after being absent for a time this morning, per Brian
Daniels.
Dave Compton
Santa Barbara
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Dave Compton <davcompton60...>
Date: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] White-rumped Sandpiper
To: <wes-fritz...>
Wes, the bird was absent early, but Brian Daniels just called to say it
appeared in the usual part of the slough, near the roosting cormorants,
after he had waited for an hour.
Dave Compton
Santa Barbara
On Sat, Jun 21, 2025 at 9:11 AM Wes Fritz via groups.io <wes-fritz=
<verizon.net...> wrote:
> Hi all,
> Many birders are wanting to chase this bird. Please add any updates,
> negitive or positive.
>
> Thank you and good birding!
>
> Wes Fritz
> 805 895 0685
> <wes-fritz...>
> Solvang CA
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 6/20/25 3:32 pm From: Mark Holmgren via groups.io <maholmgren33...> Subject: [sbcobirding] White-rumped Sandpiper
Seen nicely from the southmost Eucalyptus on the west side of Devereux Slough. The light is pretty good at 3:15pm and the bird came as close as 30 meters.
Please don’t walk into the Pickleweed as Belding’s Savannah Sparrows may be nesting in it.
Mark Holmgren
San Marcos Pass
Date: 6/20/25 10:07 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Common Ground Dove (1 report)
- Black Turnstone (1 report)
- White-rumped Sandpiper (22 reports)
- Least Sandpiper (3 reports)
---------------------------------------------
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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1)
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 07:17 by Thomas Turner
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252344363 - Comments: "Continuing bird, seen alongside many long lenses. About the size of the Semipalmated Plovers it was with, but much slimmer with long wings. Streaky flanks."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1)
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 06:16 by Glenn Kincaid
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252381892 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing, found yesterday by Lynn Scarlett. When I arrived John Callender was on the bird, also seen by a number of birders. Sandpiper, horizontal posture, wings project beyond tail. Finely streaked flanks. White supercilium. Longer slightly droopy bill, dark with reddish tone near the head. White rump seen during short flights."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1)
- Reported Jun 20, 2025 05:55 by John Callender
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252370451 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird found by Lynn Scarlett yesterday. Associating with a group of Semipalmated Plovers. Seen from the half-bridge, then from a few hundred feet north along Slough Road when the bird moved closer to that location. At one point it flew and I was able to observe the white rump through binoculars, but I didn't get a photo of that."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 18:37 by Bob Fields
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252208867 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "continuing find by Lynn Scarlett this morning. sandpiper with wings extended past tail, pronounced white eyebrow, breast streaks. at 34.41268, -119.87688."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 18:37 by Michael Moss
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252220564 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "continuing find by Lynn Scarlett this morning. sandpiper with wings extended past tail, pronounced white eyebrow, breast streaks. photos tba"
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 18:37 by Alistair Skinner
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252214311 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "continuing find by Lynn Scarlett this morning. sandpiper with wings extended past tail, pronounced white eyebrow, breast streaks. photos tba"
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 18:37 by Lynn Oldt
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252208868 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "continuing find by Lynn Scarlett this morning. sandpiper with wings extended past tail, pronounced white eyebrow, breast streaks. photos tba"
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 17:45 by Diego Perez
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252194269 - Comments: "Found this am by Lynn. Sandpiper with long primary projection foraging in the slough. Through Hugh’s scope, we could see an orange base to the bill, streaks on the flanks and a white-ish eyebrow. didn’t have the rufous the rufous-tinged cap of a breeding adult, though. seen well from the west side of the slough just off the dune pond trail."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 17:37 by Tim Lister
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252200198 - Comments: "First reported by Lynn Scarlett. Seen with many other birders. White rump visible while bird flapped it's wings, extended tail. Size somewhat larger than common sandpiper species in the area. Prominent eyebrow."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 17:37 by Rachel Street
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252200199 - Comments: "First reported by Lynn Scarlett. Seen with many other birders. White rump visible while bird flapped it's wings, extended tail. Size somewhat larger than common sandpiper species in the area. Prominent eyebrow."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1)
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 17:35 by Wim van Dam
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252187237 - Comments: "Well reported and photographed bird. See from half bridge through scope. Large sandpiper that at some points fluffed its tail and wings, conveniently showing its white rump."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 17:30 by David Compton
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252215638 - Comments: "In the center of the lower portion of the slough, about 100 meters out, with lighting coming from the side and some heat shimmer when looking through the scope. The bird was in view the entire time, foraging in the open, and occasionally stopping to preen a bit. This was a small sandpiper, larger than a Western or a Least, long-winged, and maybe a little plumper than some other peeps. The under parts were white, with lines of spots on the breast and down the sides. The shape of the spots were not easily distinguished, given the distance. The face was paler than the crown, and it had a dark line through the eye. The nape appeared to have some dark streaking. The wing coverts seems dark, and at some angles there appeared to be some whitish scalloping there. The scapulars were dark centered and had bold pale edges. When the bird preened, it lifted its wings, and otherwise exposed varying amounts of the rump and tail. The tail was brown and the rump had an obvious contrasting band of white that wasn't particularly wide. The axillaries were white, and the underside of the flight feathers were grayish. The legs were dark. The bill was thin compared to that of a Baird's, slightly downturned at the tip, similar in length, and pale at the base of the bill."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 17:06 by Pamela Viale
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252210817 - Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "First seen and reported by Lynn Scarlett. Medium sized shorebird with distinct broad white eyebrow. Streaky dark brown back. Dark legs. Medium sized dark bill with pinkish base. Somewhat blunt tail. Neck and breast pale white with light brown streaks."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 17:06 by Adrian O'Loghlen
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252212059 - Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "Medium sized shorebird with distinct broad white eyebrow. Streaky dark brown back. Dark legs. Medium sized dark bill with pinkish base. Somewhat blunt tail. Neck and breast pale white with light brown streaks."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 17:05 by Noah Gaines
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252179806 - Comments: "Medium sandpiper (larger than small peeps. Similar in size to bairds). with streaking down the flanks. Light flesh colored at the base of the bill and white notes in rump when preening. Medium length slightly decurved bill. Attenuated body with long primaries. Slight pale eyebrow."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 16:53 by Toby Fowler
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252211041 - Comments: "Amazing continuing bird first found by Lynn Scarlett this morning. Seen with Diego, Adrian, Pam, Steve, Dawn, Hugh, and two people I didn't catch the name of, sorry!
Big-ish Calidris, long wings (for long distance migration!) gave a tapered look to the body. Fine streaking on chest, pale eyebrow, and a red base to the bill.
Spent most of its time either feeding or preening in the middle of the slough, surrounded by plovers in this strange new land. Near the logs the cormorants like to perch on, (34.413460,-119.876963).
Viewed from here (34.413698,-119.877611), but it is possible to see it from across the road (34.411875,-119.876726), which is more accessible but further from the bird. If it sticks around another night it'll probably be worth scanning from the east in the morning and the west in the afternoon. The east is accessible by car, and the western path requires walking."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 16:21 by David Blue
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252225922 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Discovered here by Lynn Scarlett earlier this morning, this is a first White-rumped Sandpiper record for Santa Barbara County. Observed with over a dozen other birders including Hugh Ranson, Brad Hacker, Dave Compton, and Wes Fritz. This bird was larger than nearby Semipalmated Plovers. It had a prominent white eyebrow, finely streaked flanks, and the long wings that extended beyond the tail. The bill appeared slightly decurved and all dark (but photos taken by other viewers with better cameras showed that it was reddish orange at the base). When preening, the rump appeared white. Observed from the pullout at the half bridge."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 16:21 by Linda Blue
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252225958 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Discovered here by Lynn Scarlett earlier this morning, this is a first White-rumped Sandpiper record for Santa Barbara County. Observed with over a dozen other birders including Hugh Ranson, Brad Hacker, Dave Compton, and Wes Fritz. This bird was larger than nearby Semipalmated Plovers. It had a prominent white eyebrow, finely streaked flanks, and the long wings that extended beyond the tail. The bill appeared slightly decurved and all dark (but photos taken by other viewers with better cameras showed that it was reddish orange at the base). When preening, the rump appeared white. Observed from the pullout at the half bridge."
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 15:44 by Bradley Hacker 🦜
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S252194265 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Sandpiper similar in size and structure to Baird's Sandpiper. Primaries extend beyond tail. Prominent white supercilium. Bill same length as width of head and slightly decurved; lower mandible pale orange at base and dark at tip. Underparts pale with fine dark streaks on breast and chevrons on flanks. Not seen in flight. Found by Lynn Scarlett"
White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 19, 2025 09:15 by Lynn Scarlett
- 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/S252148658 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Seen among a group of semipalmated plovers in Devereux Slough, mudflats as seen from Pond Trail. Wings extend beyond tail, bird streamlined, tapered look, streaks along flanks, white eyebrow, tiny bit of reddish at base of bill. Including poor 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: 6/20/25 7:14 am From: Hugh Ranson via groups.io <zonetail1...> Subject: [sbcobirding] White-rumped Sandpiper continues
There have been reports on Slack that the White-rumped Sandpiper at Devereux Slough continues this morning, seen from the second pullout (half-bridge).
Date: 6/19/25 9:27 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Update on White-rumped Sandpiper
I was not home all afternoon so got a late start. Sandpiper was still present late this evening, seen on the mudflats to the west as viewed from the half bridge, generally in the company of Semi-palmated Plovers. My thanks to Lynn for reporting the great find, and all those who took the trouble to call me about it. And a special thanks to Paul Keller who stuck around until I could get there.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 6/19/25 5:53 pm From: Wim van Dam via groups.io <wim.van.dam...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] white-rumped sandpiper
Go to the half bridge, which is on the east side of the slough.
Sent from a phone
On Thu, Jun 19, 2025 at 16:30 Lynn Scarlett via groups.io <Lynnscarlett= <comcast.net...> wrote:
> This sandpiper was seen today at around 11 am along the western side of > Devereux Slough from the trail overlooking the mudflats that goes from NCOS > to the Dune pond and beach. It was on the trail where two small wooden > benches overlook the mudflats next to a Eucalyptus. It was among some > semipalmated plovers. Streamlined, tapered shape with wings extending > beyond the tail, streaks along flanks, small bit of red at base of bill > just discernible in the attached photos. > > -- > --- > Lynn Scarlett > Santa Barbara > > >
This sandpiper was seen today at around 11 am along the western side of Devereux Slough from the trail overlooking the mudflats that goes from NCOS to the Dune pond and beach. It was on the trail where two small wooden benches overlook the mudflats next to a Eucalyptus. It was among some semipalmated plovers. Streamlined, tapered shape with wings extending beyond the tail, streaks along flanks, small bit of red at base of bill just discernible in the attached photos.
Date: 6/19/25 11:01 am From: Hugh Ranson via groups.io <zonetail1...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Summer Tanager
This morning a Summer Tanager was calling from a mulberry tree at Alpha Resource Center along Cathedral Oaks in SB. This is close to the intersection with Camino del Remedio.
Date: 6/19/25 10:06 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Lesser Scaup (1 report)
- Common Ground Dove (1 report)
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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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Common Ground Dove (Columbina passerina) (2)
- Reported Jun 18, 2025 17:16 by Patty Enger
- Farren Road, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.9237752&<ll...>,-119.9237752 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S251895791 - Comments: "Great look at a pair sitting on a barbed wire fence .25 mile from end of Farren road. They were small with short tails and scaly pattern on head and neck. Also saw a pair fly across the road earlier, not sure if it was the same pair."
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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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
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: 6/17/25 9:17 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Osprey Nest at Lake Cachuma
Pam and I checked out the Osprey nest on the intake tower at Lake Cachuma this morning from a boat. Initially, there were no birds on or near the nest but as we headed east two Osprey flew over us with one carrying a fish. The bird with the fish flew to the tower bridge and consumed the fish while the other flew to the nest. The latter bird didn't show any behaviors that would suggest there were eggs/chicks in the nest. The nest looked in very good condition and it had some fresh-looking greenery on it. Other than a 100 or so Western Grebes, none of which had young, there was very little bird activity.
Date: 6/17/25 3:24 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Refugio Canyon June 17
Steve Colwell and I hiked the canyon today, where birding was probably greatly diminished by the strong winds. Nevertheless less, we found a couple of good birds, including a male Phainopepla just as the S curve starts up the hill (at the end of the housing). About halfway down, we found a Western Wood-Pewee on a nest in a sycamore tree opposite the new avocado orchard.
when we finished the main part of the canyon we decided to bird the riparian area around the stream crossings at the beginning of the road. It was much cooler there with a sea breeze and the riparian area was full of bird activity. Our best find there was a pair of LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES that came down to the stream to drink. UInfortuantely, the flew back into the brush before Steve could get a photo. This is an unusual location for that species.
After leaving Refugio, I made a scan of Devereux Slough looking for the CAttle Egrets seen yesterday, but could not turn any up there. I didn't have time to check NCOS.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 6/17/25 10:03 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Common Ground Dove (1 report)
- Wilson's Snipe (1 report)
- Western Cattle-Egret (4 reports)
---------------------------------------------
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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Common Ground Dove (Columbina passerina) (1)
- Reported Jun 15, 2025 11:36 by Mario Ramos
- Farren Road, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.9237752&<ll...>,-119.9237752 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S250795698 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing- Spotted a Common Ground Dove. The photo isn’t of the best quality, but you can still make out key field marks: the bird is small and compact, with a short tail and a scaly pattern on its neck and breast. The overall coloration is warm brown, and the bill appears to have a pale base. Although the image is a bit blurry, these features are consistent with Common Ground Dove."
Western Cattle-Egret (Ardea ibis) (2)
- Reported Jun 16, 2025 20:00 by Mario Ramos
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S251268050 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing: Western Cattle Egret
First scene by Libby Patten and later by Zack Nett. I Initially seen pair foraging together near a small island, walking slowly through the grass and shallow edges. Shortly after, both birds flew to perch on low branches in the middle of the water. I have a photo documenting the sighting while not perfect, it shows the key field marks."
Western Cattle-Egret (Ardea ibis) (2)
- Reported Jun 16, 2025 12:14 by Libby Patten
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S251214936 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Perched on log near typical spot where Double-crested Cormorants rest. Seen from half bridge. White egret of similar size to Snowy Egret but with heavy orange bill and orange feather patches."
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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: 6/16/25 11:14 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Coal Oil Point and Sands Beach, June 16
I walked the beach this morning at low tide and found a good number of shorebirds for this time of year, though nothing as rare as the American Golden Plover found last week.
Large shorebirds dominated the scene. My count included:Long-billed Curlew--56Whimbrel--23Marbled Godwit--4Willet--3Black-bellied Plover--7
I also counted 16 California Gulls in various stages of worn plumage on the beach. The only terns seen were 3 Royal Terns. A pair of White-throated Swifts was working the bluffs at the western edge of the beach.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 6/16/25 10:01 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Ring-necked Duck (1 report)
- Lesser Scaup (1 report)
- Common Ground Dove (2 reports)
---------------------------------------------
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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
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: 6/15/25 1:59 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Kinevan Road, June 15
There is still a lot of bird activity in the canyon and it's well worth a visit. Birds are more easily heard than seen because of the height of the canopy. I got a full-fledged chorus of Western Flycatcher, Hutton's and Warbling Vireos, House Wren, Purple Finches, Juncos, and Yellow Warblers right next to the car pullout below the upper bridge. That pretty much continued the entire walk. Species seen or heard today that aren't too common at this location were Hooded Orioles (pair) and Ash-throated Flycatcher. A Canyon Wren was working along the rocky-banked area of the creek east of the lower bridge.
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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
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: 6/13/25 2:26 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] NO sign of American Golden Plover
I was out of town yesterday so didn't get to look for this bird then. I went down to Coal Oil Point Beach this morning and spent almost two hours searching the beach and estuary area for the American golden Plover first seen and reported Wednesday. Unfortunately, I did not find it, and it may have moved on.
The Least Tern reported by Adrian and Pam did show up for a very brief time. It flew in and landed with the major Gull flock on the beach; then flew off up the beach and I did not see it again.
If anyone should refind this bird, please post or else reply to me. The last time I saw an American Golden Plover in breeding plumage was in Alaska.
Florence Sanchez
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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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 12, 2025 10:15 by Lynn Scarlett
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, 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/S249661065 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "continuing--breeding plumage adult with black belly and undertail coverts, distinct gold flecks on back, white stripe across forehead and down neck (but not to flanks like Pacific GP),"
American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 12, 2025 14:30 by Adrian O'Loghlen
- 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/S249690682 - Media: 9 Photos
- Comments: "Medium sized shorebird, with dark back and crown, with golden colored flecks of color. Dark throat, with dark belly and chest. White curved stripe along flank and throat. Short dark bill. Dark legs."
American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 12, 2025 14:30 by Pamela Viale
- 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/S249688727 - Media: 9 Photos
- Comments: "Medium sized shorebird, with dark back and crown, with golden colored flecks of color. Dark throat, with dark belly and chest. White curved stripe along flank and throat. Short dark bill. Dark legs."
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 12, 2025 15:18 by Laurel S Luby
- 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/S249692695 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing bird found by John Callender. Fly catching out on the mudflats. Black upper parts, white underparts and white on top of tale. Photos from far away"
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 12, 2025 15:18 by Tom Beland
- 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/S249683311 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing bird found by John Callender. Fly catching out on the mudflats. Black upper parts, white underparts and white on top of tale. Photos from far away"
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Date: 6/12/25 9:33 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Least Tern at COPR
While Pam and I were looking for the American Golden-Plover this afternoon we had a brief view of a Least Tern in breeding plumage on the beach. Pam got some nice photos of it - https://ebird.org/checklist/S249690682 ( https://ebird.org/checklist/S249690682 ) It flew north over the slough mouth and we could not refind it. Normally we don't see Least Terns at this location until early/mid-July and they are often accompanied by juveniles (Lehman). This bird appeared to be on its own.
Date: 6/12/25 9:15 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] American Golden-Plover at COPR
The American Golden-Plover first reported by Armando yesterday (Wed) morning at Sands Beach, COPR, continued this afternoon at approx. 34.410814, -119.881360. There was also a similar looking Black-bellied Plover in full breeding plumage at this location. It can be distinguished from the Golden Plover by its white undertail covert feathers.
Date: 6/12/25 9:49 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Ring-necked Duck (3 reports)
- Common Ground Dove (1 report)
- American Golden-Plover (2 reports)
- Eastern Kingbird (6 reports)
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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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 11, 2025 09:40 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/S249243417 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Breeding plumage male. Solid black belly, sides and flanks. Back and crown black with distinctive golden edging to the feathers. Broad white shoulder patch and side of nape, forehead patch also relatively large and white. Plain gray underwing coverts seen during flight. Slightly smaller than the Black-bellied Plovers with which it was flocking. It was foraging on the beach and then flew with other plovers to the south shore of Devereux Slough where it was roosting with its bill tucked into its feathers, seemingly resting from migration."
American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 11, 2025 09:40 by Samson Grunwald
- 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/S249317943 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Breeding plumage male. Very dark belly, sides and flanks. Back and crown black with distinctive golden edging, slightly smaller than Black-bellied Plover."
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 11, 2025 07:36 by David Blue
- 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/S249274902 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird first found here by John Callender two days ago. Seen from the south end of Pear Street. (34.4017293, -119.5307414). Dark gray above, all white below, with a blacker head, and a white tail tip."
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 11, 2025 07:36 by Linda Blue
- 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/S249274903 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird first found here by John Callender two days ago. Seen from the south end of Pear Street. (34.4017293, -119.5307414). Dark gray above, all white below, with a blacker head, and a white tail tip."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> 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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 10, 2025 06:57 by Steve Colwell
- Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5283666&<ll...>,-119.5283666 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S248978898 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing bird found by John Callender yesterday. Refound today by Lynn Scarlett and Adrian O'Loghlen at about 34.401517,-119.530981. Foraging from the bushes at the fence near the railroad track, out into the flat mud/marsh area to the south, then back. Often chased by a Mockingbird. Wasn't visible much of the time."
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 10, 2025 16:09 by Ann Stockert
- 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/S249026067 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "**Very rare spring migrant. Continuing bird on fence line and marsh in same location others had it earlier. Gave buzzy calls when chased by the mocker pair. Pics."
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 10, 2025 15:07 by Lynn Oldt
- 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/S249022243 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Dark grey above, white below, white tipped tail. Inside the fenced area, visible from the railroad tracks, roughly between Plum and Pear Streets."
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 10, 2025 15:07 by Alistair Skinner
- 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/S249023183 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Dark grey above, white below, white tipped tail. Inside the fenced area, visible from the railroad tracks, roughly between Plum and Pear Streets."
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 10, 2025 08:45 by Lynn Scarlett
- Salt Marsh Restricted Area from railroad, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5305955&<ll...>,-119.5305955 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S248970594 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "continuing from previous day--first seen on shrub near fence by railroad tracks, then catching insects further out in the marsh and from the mudflat areas; blackish back with white belly; very distinct white band at tip of tail--see photos"
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 10, 2025 08:45 by Adrian O'Loghlen
- Salt Marsh Restricted Area from railroad, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5305955&<ll...>,-119.5305955 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S248973737 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "continuing from previous day--first seen on shrub near fence by railroad tracks, then catching insects further out in the marsh and from the mudflat areas; blackish back with white belly; very distinct white band at tip of tail--see photos"
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 6/11/25 7:14 am From: Hugh Ranson via groups.io <zonetail1...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Another Eastern Kingbird?
Posting on behalf of Zach Phillips. Yesterday evening Zach found an (the?) Eastern Kingbird at NCOS, "perched on the fence along the new trail on the 'mesa', not far from the easternmost overlook area."
Date: 6/10/25 5:14 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Rincon Creek at Bates Road, June 10
After making two trips to the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Preserve to find the Eastern Kingbird, Steve Colwell and I ended our morning by birding Bates Road. It was a great day for it as there was lots of activity from many singing birds, like Orange-crowned and Yellow Warblers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, American Robins, Western Flycatchers, Canyon Wren, and many other common birds.
Our best find was hearing a singing Swainson's Thrush downcreek from the bridge. While we could not get a visual on the bird, it sang almost continually once it started about 11 a.m. This was exciting as I don't think we've had reports of this species in early summer from this location in several years.
Anyway, it's a great place to visit right now, so I recommend putting it on your list.
Florence Sanchez
Present this morning in the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Preserve near the location where John Callender reported it (near Santa Monica Creek). We missed it earlier but got the word it had been refound around 9:00 a.m. by Adrian O'Laughlin and Lynn Scarlett. The bird spent a fair amount of time feeding out on the marsh and came to the fence only for short visits, as it was pursued each time by the resident Mockingbird. Bird this area VERY CAREFULLY due to the proximity of the railroad tracks.
There was also a very vociferous Yellow-breasted Chat singing near the restrooms at the end of Ash Avenue.
Florence Sanchez
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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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Black Turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala) (2)
- Reported Jun 09, 2025 14:00 by charlotte sedlak
- Coal Oil Point 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/S248661811 - Comments: "two by the shoreline. one by the beginning of sands beach, other by beginning on the pond trail. bold black and white identifying pattern shown in flight. small and stocky with typical coloring."
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 09, 2025 06:55 by John Callender
- 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/S248622046 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Along the fenced border of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve near (34.401263,-119.529830). During the time I watched it the bird moved steadily westward until I lost sight of it near Estero Way."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 6/9/25 7:43 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] More on June birding
I've birded several places over the past few days and am still finding lots of activity worth observing. Last week I walked Refugio Road at Quiota Creek and saw and heard plenty of species singing. Had some really great looks at Yellow Warbler, Bullock's Oriole, and Lazuli Bunting. I also saw the rare event of a Turkey in full flight (wings flapping, not just gliding).
Sunday I walked along Atascadero Creek between Patterson and Ward Drive and again saw and heard lots of species. The Myoporum bushes on the north side of the path are still full of berries, which was attracting several species including Black-headed Grosbeaks and Robins. Near the west end of the riparian area, I found a singing Wilson's Warbler, late for the species on the south coast.
Today I crossed county lines and birded Oso Flacco and I recommend it highly. The bird activity walking down the willow-lined service road to the ponds was almost overwhelming, with singing Swainson's Thrushes, Yellow and Wilson's Warblers, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Warbling Vireo, and many more. The tules in the ponds had several Marsh Wrens singing their loud, buzzy songs with yellow beaks wide open. There was a hatch of some sort of gnat over the ponds and the coastal scrub beyond, which brought in a huge number of Swallows (mostly Cliff and Tree, followed by Barn Swallows). I could not begin to estimate the total, but at one point I counted 50 Cliff Swallows that stopped to rest on a fence. I had excellent looks at a male Northern Harrier and at the edge of a small estuary down on the beach, I found a Red-necked Phalarope. In the gull flock, I spotted a first-year Glaucous-winged Gull. All in all, a great morning. The only hoped-for species I didn't turn up today was Cinnamon Teal, which has nested here most years.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 6/9/25 12:20 pm From: John Callender via groups.io <callender.john...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Eastern Kingbird in Carpinteria
I had nice views of an Eastern Kingbird along the border of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Natural Reserve this morning. The bird was near the corner of the restricted-access portion of the marsh by the Santa Monica Creek channel (where I was hanging out trying unsuccessfully to find a mate of the continuing Yellow-breasted Chat at that location), near (34.401263,-119.529830). The kingbird moved steadily west along the line of the railroad tracks and the fence that runs along the northern edge of the salt marsh; when last seen it was heading in the direction of Estero Way. Later I walked to Estero Way and hung around there with David and Linda Blue for a while to see if the bird would show up, but we didn't see it.
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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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> 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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 07, 2025 08:00 by Lynn Scarlett
- 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/S247819260 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "two male blue-winged teal amid the mallards on northern end of estuary; dark face with very distinct white crescent on face--photos to come"
Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 05, 2025 10:22 by Daniel Farrar
- Vandenburg SFB--San Antonio Beach (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6237909&<ll...>,-120.6237909 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S247741038 - Comments: "Dark morph immature bird with short pointed central recs flew directly over heading south down beach. Oddly dangling both legs in flight."
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: 6/7/25 9:22 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Sora (4 reports)
- Lesser Yellowlegs (1 report)
- White-faced Ibis (4 reports)
- Yellow-crowned Night Heron (1 report)
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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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) (3)
- Reported Jun 06, 2025 09:57 by Toby Fowler
- Goleta Slough Ecological Reserve--Los Carneros Rd. at Mesa Rd., Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8586941&<ll...>,-119.8586941 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S247507559 - Comments: "Back for round two. Continuing from like an hour ago. They flew out, circled around a few times, and then all shot into the back portion, hidden well. Not sure what is making them fly in and out, but they're super skittish. Weird."
Dark chunky birds, long curved bill. They flew out of Mesa x Carneros NE and headed vaguely east. They returned at 8:56, and then headed southwest at 8:58. They returned back at some point, as they were present for the remaining 3 surveys I had left this morning. Unsure what was making them so flighty, but this pattern continued.
I think they're just a bit late on migration, but I believe the species is increasing in California during the summer in the last few decades after being extirpated breeding here, so it would be nice if we get some sticking around."
White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) (3)
- Reported Jun 06, 2025 10:12 by Toby Fowler
- Mesa Rd. at Los Carneros Rd.--NW, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.86057&<ll...>,-119.86057 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S247507854 - Comments: "Still continuing, making sure I add them to every checklist of the survey this morning I guess. Still circling around, doing as Ibis do. They flew over briefly but still returned to the NE corner.
Sincerest apologies to everyone receiving the rare bird alert again."
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 morning at Ranger Peak I had a nice variety of birds that made it worth the drive. And I had the whole place to myself. While the large burn area next to the road is not in good shape at all, I found plenty of activity in the remaining green conifers and oaks at the west and east ends. Most notably I had a tooting NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL which attracted a mob of birds that included at least three MOUNTAIN CHICKADEES. I was also a bit surprised to hear three singing WESTERN TANAGERS. It seems a bit late for spring migrants but maybe not. MOUNTAIN QUAIL were heard around the area fairly close to the road, and Lawrence's Goldfinch is common in pairs and small feeding flocks. Olive-sided Flycatchers are also in the area.
A word of caution for Merlin users- Merlin stupidly thinks Lazuli Bunting is Yellow Warbler. This happened to me a few times this morning. There are no Yellow Warblers up there in the burned and brushy hillsides.
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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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Franklin's Gull (Leucophaeus pipixcan) (1)
- Reported Jun 05, 2025 08:04 by Sue Cook
- Goleta Beach County Park (including east end of Goleta Slough), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.829812&<ll...>,-119.829812 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S247099253 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "First spotted by Sue Cook flying east towards the pier. Rediscovered a half hour later on the west beach standing with many California Gulls. After a few minutes it cawed loudly and again flew east over the pier."
Franklin's Gull (Leucophaeus pipixcan) (1)
- Reported Jun 05, 2025 08:04 by Steve Colwell
- Goleta Beach County Park (including east end of Goleta Slough), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.829812&<ll...>,-119.829812 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S247095843 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "First spotted by Sue Cook flying east towards the pier. Rediscovered a half hour later on the west beach standing with many California Gulls. After a few minutes it cawed loudly and again flew east over the pier."
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) (1)
- Reported May 31, 2025 10:58 by Norman Graf
- 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/S247114774 - Comments: "First heard calling and then briefly seen. Higher-pitched “chink” than BHGR. Female with pinkish bill. Was able to get some recordings of the call."
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I had a go at Madulce Peak today to try to get a decent June survey;
having only been there briefly in March & April some years ago. eBird
data for this area are pretty scarce and there are not many mentions in
Lentz (1993)--other than that it is a good spot for Olive-Sided Flys,
which is certainly true. I found a few new local birds (for me),
including Bell's Sparrow, which like every other Bell's Sparrow I've
seen this year was doing its best not to be easily seen.
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Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) (1)
- Reported Jun 03, 2025 18:13 by Michael I Christie
- Ocean Beach County 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/S246812824 - Comments: "One individual at E end of island, near the Canada Geese. Much smaller (half the size) and very short neck, 1 photo (unfortunately I didn't recognize it till later when I checked the 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/
On Saturday I biked up to Farren Road to do some birding. The best part of the trip was the number of birds clearly breeding - some combination of feeding young, carrying food, nesting materials, or fledglings out of the nest among Downy Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Cassin's Kingbird, Oak Titmouse, House Wren, American Robin, Phainopepla, Song Sparrow, and California Towhee. I saw most of these in the Eucalyptus and orchard at the end of the road (probably in part because I stopped and spent a lot of time there).
There were at least two Blue Grosbeaks singing just above the first big hill, and three different singing Grasshopper Sparrows. I briefly saw a Common Ground-dove flying by the edge of the orchards.
Two Lawrence's Goldfinches were interesting to see. Lehman's book notes: "They are rare on the coastal plain after the beginning of May (e.g., 17 May 1999 Carpinteria). A few birds are found irregularly along the South Coast in summer, usually in the foothills." I wonder if these are breeding somewhere nearby? It would be neat if folks could keep an eye and ear out. It looks like there's one record of a fledgling seen at Farren Rd. in the SB Breeding Bird Study from 2021.
Likewise, I briefly saw a Lark Sparrow near the top of the first hill. There's one record of mating in the Breeding Bird Study at Farren Rd. but no confirmed nesting, so this would be another fun one to keep an eye out for. Lark sparrow is a scarce breeder on the South Coast but we know they definitely breed nearby at Ellwood.
Date: 6/4/25 1:53 pm From: Conor McMahon via groups.io <conormcmahon22...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Big Pine Birding - May 17-19
Hi all,
Catching up on some reports now that I'm back from a lot of travel /
hecticness in the last few weeks. I wrote a little blog post on my Big Pine
trip last month on my iNaturalist 'journal' page that you can see here for
more detailed info and a handy map of routes/water. I tried to include a
lot of information that might be helpful to others interested in making a
similar trip:
I camped on Friday night (5/16) at Cox Flat, then hiked/birded up through
SB Cyn and across Madulce Trail on Saturday to set up base camp at Alamar
Saddle. On Sunday I hiked out to Big Pine, birded the north-facing
woodland, summit, Big Pine Camp, and a bit of West Big Pine Trail. Then on
Monday I returned home by Forest Road 9N11. I had a great time and lots of
the expected bird species (partial list below, here
<https://ebird.org/tripreport/377502> is the eBird trip report; lots of
notes and habitat photos within individual checklists).
Weather was generally good, 40-75°, but at times quite windy, especially in
the later afternoon and at night, which made owling nearly impossible. I
did try for Flammulated Owl on the road between Alamar and Big Pine, but
without success. I might have heard one bird once, but not well enough to
list it.
There was generally lots of water in most typical places. I got most of my
water from Upper Bear Camp at the headwaters of the Sisquoc, which is a
short hike out of the way from Alamar (about 1.5 mi round trip). There was
also water (with varying degrees of stagnancy): throughout Santa Barbara
Canyon; at Madulce Camp; at Big Pine Camp; at Chokecherry Spring; and in
the creek which parallels the lowest-elevation segment of 9N11.
The trail is mostly in very good condition, with two main exceptions: about
a collective mile or two of Madulce Trail where the chaparral has densely
grown over the path and the trail is still easy to see but physically
painful to follow; and the very last scramble up to the peak of Big Pine
itself, which is also unmaintained and requires fighting Ceanothus and
scrambling over some logs. Based on the dramatic improvements which Los
Padres Forest Alliance wrought on Heartbreak Hill (at the top of SB Cyn)
since my visit in January, I'm cautiously hopeful that the difficult
Madulce Trail sections might be improved at some point soon, too! Time will
tell.
Partial Bird List (after removing duplicates from trip report)
*In the Big Pine area:*
5 White-headed Woodpecker - from Alamar Camp to Big Pine Camp
5 Olive-sided Flycatcher - singing in various spots
39 Western Wood-Pewees
2 Dusky Flycatchers - maybe a nesting pair
3 Cassin's Vireo - singing along Madulce Trail
37 Mountain Chickadees
4 Pygmy Nuthatch - from Alamar Camp to Big Pine Camp
5 Red-breasted Nuthatch
22 Brown Creeper
7 Black-chinned Sparrow
3 Fox Sparrow - singing in "Ceanothus Patch" and thereabouts
28 Black-throated Gray Warbler
*Other nice birds:*
1 Black Swift - soaring over ridgeline a bit before Madulce Camp
4 Common Poorwill - singing at Cox Flat and Alamar Camp
13 Lawrence's Goldfinch - numbers seem very modest given what we
experienced on the South Coast this spring
2 Hermit Warbler - in SB Cyn
15 Wilson's Warblers - I was surprised to find most of these singing on
plausible breeding territory in SB Cyn the first morning
*Misses*
0 Golden-crowned Kinglet
0 Red-breasted Sapsucker
0 Cassin's Finch
I know Brad Hacker has been in the area within the last month and seen at
least the sapsucker. These three species are found irregularly on summer
surveys at Big Pine, and seem like they might be declining alongside the
pine forest.
Other trip highlights for me:
5 Blainville's Horned Lizards between SB Cyn and Forest Rd. 9N11
1 Western Pond Turtle on Forest Rd. 9N11
My first time seeing *Abies concolor* or *Arctostaphylos parryana* in SB
County
Three new-to-me species of *Astragalus *(one of my favorite plant genera,
along with *Arctostaphylos*!)
I think the conifer woodland here is probably not long for this world -
maybe another few decades? It's already much reduced from what it
apparently was like decades ago from drought and the Zaca Fire in 2007.
It's obvious hiking around that many patches which were previously conifer
woodland (still with many standing snags or downed logs) are now
regenerating as chaparral. Actually, my now-graduated labmate Chris Kibler
wrote his Masters thesis <https://doi.org/10.3390/rs11242963> on this
post-fire recovery or habitat conversion process at Big Pine, if anyone is
interested in reading more deeply.
Anyway, I'm really glad I finally made the trip up there to see the
woodland while some of it is still around. I think it's a worthwhile trip
and (despite ongoing long-term summer monitoring efforts) I think it's
still really undersurveyed and could use more coverage - particularly in
this current period of ongoing change and degredation. I encourage others
who are able to make the trek and go visit, too!
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eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) (1)
- Reported May 31, 2025 10:58 by Azure Kurth
- 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/S246308818 - Comments: "First heard calling and then briefly seen. Higher-pitched “chink” than BHGR. Female with pinkish bill. Was able to get some recordings of the call."
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Date: 6/3/25 4:51 pm From: Jamie Chavez via groups.io <almiyi...> Subject: [sbcobirding] SBCOBIRDING Posting Rules - A Friendly Reminder
It has been maybe a decade since this topic has even surfaced but it seems like an appropriate time to send the link to the posting rules for Sbcobiording. This link is found on the group [Home Page](https://sbcobirding.groups.io/g/main) at the Groups.io website under the Membership & Rules for Posting paragraph near the top. I would also like to state that a Thread Closed message is not an admonishment, but a way to redirect the focus of the group on the subject of birds and birding in the county. It doesn't take much to deviate from the intended purpose of the group, but as I stated, deviations can be worked into a birding related message and no one will really complain as hundreds of previous posts have demonstrated over time. When messages cover subjects not related to birds and birding this is when we moderators receive complaints and so the need to close the thread and redirect the focus back to birds. It's just that simple.
Date: 6/3/25 2:39 pm From: Bradley Hacker via groups.io <bradley.r.hacker...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Mono area of the Upper Santa Ynez River
One of my first "back-country" bird trips in SBCo was with Jim Greaves
to the Mono area of the upper Santa Ynez River to see Bells Vireo. I
returned there this morning, but did not spend enough effort to find the
vireo (and the last record--Jim's--is from 2004). I did some birding
there, at P-Bar Flats, and at the Santa Ynez River xing below Jamieson.
The only new birds I recorded were a GB Heron at Mono, NRW Swallow,
Nuthatch, Gnatcatcher, Purple Finch, and Lazuli Bunting at P-Bar.
For those interested in that area, here's an update. The road out there
is gated at the Divide Peak turnoff a couple of miles past Romero
Saddle; that road has been closed so many years now (10?), that I assume
it will remain closed--altho it is perfectly driveable down to Jamieson
Lake. The road is significantly damaged by erosion west of Pendola
Station/P-bar Flats--and locally missing entirely due to erosion by the
SY River; almost assuredly this section has been abandoned. Also
abandoned and overgrown is the road that used to go from Pendola past
Monte Nido and Monte Arido to Hwy 33. I remember the old Mono campground
area as a meadow(?); it's all head-high bushes now. The trail that used
to make it possible to explore the pretty-large-for-SBCo bosque around
there is completely overgrown (a few plastic-tape flags remain).
Date: 6/3/25 12:25 pm From: David P. Barash via groups.io <dpbarash...> Subject: Re: >>THREAD CLOSED<< Re: [sbcobirding] Weasel at Lake Los Carneros
Jamie, I don't believe there is a single birder who isn't also interested
in observations of other critters ... especially if they happen in favored
birding spots such as LLC. In short, I urge you to keep such slap-downs to
a minimum—and ideally, to refrain altogether! And thank you, Adrian, for
the heads-up!
Date: 6/3/25 12:05 pm From: Jamie Chavez via groups.io <almiyi...> Subject: >>THREAD CLOSED<< Re: [sbcobirding] Weasel at Lake Los Carneros
It's OK to throw in a random critter sighting into a message (or flowers, trees, butterflies or whatever), but please keep the focus on birds and birding in SBA County. There is a Natural History group available for other observations in the county.
Thank you,
Jamie M. Chavez Moderator
Sent from Proton Mail Android
-------- Original Message -------- On 6/3/25 11:38 AM, Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io wrote:
> There was a Long-tailed Weasel at the west end of the LLC dam this morning.Lynn and I had some great views of it but it was difficult to photograph as it kept literally bouncing around!This is the same location where I saw a weasel in 2022. > > https://flic.kr/ps/2A7WDv > > Adrian O'Loghlen > > Goleta > >
Date: 6/3/25 11:38 am From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Weasel at Lake Los Carneros
There was a Long-tailed Weasel at the west end of the LLC dam this morning. Lynn and I had some great views of it but it was difficult to photograph as it kept literally bouncing around! This is the same location where I saw a weasel in 2022.
Date: 6/3/25 7:36 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Tepuis Trail
Yesterday morning, Steve Colwell and I hiked a portion of the Tepuis Trail on the inland slope of the Santa Ynez Mountains. This is a beautiful in a nicely wooded canyon with a stream flowing through it, still with some water at this time. Bird activity was high, with House Wrens, Purple Finches, and Spotted Towhees in especially good numbers.. Our best birds that morning were Western Wood-Pewees (2), Warbling Vireos (4, including what appeared to be a pair), and a Western Tanager, in addition to several Western Flycatchers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Yellow Warblers, Hutton's Vireos, 2 singing Robins, and a single Bullock's Oriole. As we got higher on the trail, we also had a Steller's Jay.
Time constraints and other issues meant we had to head back after a mile or so, but the trail continues on beyond the wooded area and up a series of switchbacks to West Camino Cielo for a total of 4 miles.
Florence Sanchez(PS: I walked Kinevan Raod on Sunday and found it too has plent
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Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) (1)
- Reported May 31, 2025 10:58 by Nathan Coonen
- 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/S246164934 - Comments: "First heard calling and then briefly seen. Higher-pitched “chink” than BHGR. Female with pinkish bill. Was able to get some recordings of the call."
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I had a nice trio of local sparrows today on the front range Cold Spring Trail: Rufous-Crowned in abundance, several Black-Chinned above 925m, and 2 Bell's at 680m elevation SSW of Montecito Peak.
The Bell's Sparrows are the first front range ebird record since 2018 and within the SBCO CBC circle. Lehman (The Birds of Santa Barbara County, California; 2024) notes "A smaller number of birds of the nominate subspecies A. b. belli...have been found along East Camino Cielo in the Santa Ynez Mountains, at least formerly, eastward to at least Montecito Peak. Santa Barbara CBCs recorded as many as 5 individuals (30 December 1989) there, but most counts found only 1–3 birds and many have missed the species entirely (including almost all counts since 2000). Nesting season highs were of up to 5 birds (2 June 1980); the only post-2000 summer sighting there, however, is of 1 on 15 June 2011." -- Bradley Hacker Goleta CA 93117 USA flickr bird photos <https://www.flickr.com/photos/bradley_hacker/> eBird photos <https://media.ebird.org/catalog?sort=rating_rank_desc&userId=USER413715&mediaType=photo> eBird data <https://ebird.org/profile/NDEzNzE1/world> iNaturalist <https://www.inaturalist.org/people/brhacker> <https://hacker.faculty.geol.ucsb.edu/>
Date: 6/2/25 2:26 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Ring-necked Duck (1 report)
- Common Ground Dove (1 report)
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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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> 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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Common Ground Dove (Columbina passerina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported May 31, 2025 07:28 by Conor McMahon
- Farren Road, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.9237752&<ll...>,-119.9237752 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S245096434 - Comments: "Expected here. Seen flying 20 m to east from (34.455693,-119.923980) - tiny, very short-tailed dove with relatively short, rounded wings. Backlit so couldn't make out any red (or any other color). Near edge between prickly pear, avocados, and weedy grassland."
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) (1)
- Reported May 31, 2025 10:58 by Jonathan Urbina
- 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/S245284885 - Comments: "First heard calling and then briefly seen. Higher-pitched “chink” than BHGR. Female with pinkish bill. Was able to get some recordings of the call."
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) (1)
- Reported May 31, 2025 10:58 by Sammy Cowell
- 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/S245282071 - Comments: "First heard calling and then briefly seen. Higher-pitched “chink” than BHGR. Female with pinkish bill. Was able to get some recordings of the call."
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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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> 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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Not even 10 minutes after talking about Conor wanting to see a White-Eye, I picked up calling on one among a flock of bushtits. Repetitive call, and eventually I think Jeremiah located the first one in some baccharis. Lime green above, huge white ring around the eye, and grey-white below.
I only ever saw one, but as people had eyes on one, I was hearing a second bird calling to the left. As we all watched, it seemed we were looking at two distinct birds and it would've been hard for one bird to be moving around so much. The two seemed to be moving between the toyon and the baccharis, and I saw at least one go into the trees (a cottonwood?).
We were able to get all 6 of us (Me, Conor, Lynn, Lisa, Darwin, and Jeremiah) onto the bird, thankfully. I have some poor photos, and I think Conor got audio for Merlin (which now picks it up, which I think it didn't last year!)"
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: 5/29/25 6:23 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Tree Swallow Nesting in a Tree at LLC!
There is only one previous report in the BBS of a Tree Swallow using a natural tree cavity for breeding at LLC and that was by Joan Lentz in 2005. However, this afternoon Lynn spotted some Tree Swallow chicks begging at the mouth of a cavity in a snag north of the path running from the dam to Stow House (approx. 34.441345, -119.850380). Initially it looked like there were 3 chicks but later we saw a fourth.
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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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
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: 5/28/25 1:22 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Silky Oaks at LLC
There are a couple of Silky Oaks in flower at the Railroad Depot at LLC that have been attracting Western Tanagers (for the bees), Hooded and Bullock’s Orioles, Yellow Warblers, Black-headed Grosbeak and a few other assorted species. The trees are located near N. Los Carneros rd. at approx. 34.441845, -119.852715.
Date: 5/28/25 9:43 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Recent late spring birding
I've been doing quite a lot of birding over the past couple of weeks and have nothing remarkable to report; however, there is still a lot of bird activity in our area and some locations are worth checking frequently, for a pleasant morning's birding if nothing else.
Last week, I tried to hike Farren Road but found the avocado orchards were being sprayed from a helicopter. I wanted no part of breathing whatever was contaminating the atmosphere so left before I got to the reservoir. However, I found a pretty obvious pair (male and female) of Blue Grosbeaks foraging together, and also a pair of Lazuli Buntings hanging together under the eucalyptus tree at the top of the first hill. It would be nice if we could confirm nesting at this location. A nice male Phainopepla still continues to forage around the entrance to 500 Farren Road.
As I reported last week, Atascadero Creek between Patterson and Ward Drive has a lot of birds, including singing Robins, Black-headed Grosbeaks, and Yellow Warblers. Though the Cedar Waxwing show I reported on seems to be over, other birds are feeding on the abundant berries in the myoporum bushes on the north side of the path.
On Monday, Steve Cowell, Sue Cook and I birded along the creek at the end of Coronado Drive, heading west until we reached the main path up to Ellwood Mesa, where we walked the western portion and back to the Creek. WE had rally good birding along the creek, with lots of Yellow Warblers singing, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, both Bullocks and Hooded Orioles, evidence of nesting for several species, and a nice selection of Swallows up on the Mesa. Our best find was perhaps a pair of Warbling Vireos at the end of Coronado Drive, which didn't appear until we had returned there at the end of the walk.
Today I walked around the mitigation ponds ("More Mesa Natural Area C-3") east of Patterson Avenue. Here too there was a lot of bird activity, most from birds one would expect at this time of year, including Common Yellowthroats, Orange-crowned Warblers, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, etc. I also turned up a Warbling Vireo in addition to the expected Hutton's.
So my point is, as we work our way through the June doldrums along the coast, waiting until the shorebirds start to return, there are good places nearby that are worth re-checking where there's lots of bird activity and lots of nesting records to report to the Breeding Bird Database.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 5/27/25 7:44 pm From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Northern Pintail (1 report)
- Ring-necked Duck (1 report)
- Lesser Scaup (1 report)
- Common Ground Dove (1 report)
- Yellow-crowned Night Heron (1 report)
- American Redstart (1 report)
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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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
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: 5/27/25 6:28 pm From: John Deacon via groups.io <iseekbirds...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Colson Canyon Access
All:
I stopped by the USFS office on Donovan Rd in Santa Maria today to see what, if any, progress is being made towards opening Colson Canyon Road. The person at the front desk was nice enough but didn't really offer any encouragement. He said the USFS was negotiating with SBC and the Colson Canyon Road residents to get the road open to the public. In other words, the 3 parties negotiating the opening of the road really don't have any interest in reopening it. So, it's unlikely this hotspot will be open anytime soon.
John Deacon
<iseekbirds...>
Date: 5/27/25 6:22 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Pied-billed Grebe Chicks at LLC
There were four very cute recently hatched Pied-billed Grebe chicks at the west end of the LLC dam this afternoon. In general, there doesn’t seem to be as much breeding activity at the Lake this year as in previous years.
Date: 5/27/25 5:47 pm From: Marc Bierdzinski via groups.io <Marcpb59...> Subject: [sbcobirding] American Redstart at Nojoqui Falls
I think I recorded the call of an American Redstart at Nojoqui Falls. I could not observe the bird but the initial chip note sounds like the restart. The link is to my checklist and the audio. It occurs about 20 seconds in and then a few times after. I was about 1/4 mile up around the first fire circle. If anyone goes there and observes it please let me know!
