Date: 10/23/19 8:40 am From: liammsf <liammsf...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] WHITE-WINGED DOVE Pajaro Dunes
8:30 am there is a WHITE-WINGED DOVE associating with a flock of collared-doves at the red-fencing area near the fire station just inside the entrance. Ebird list with photos to follow
Date: 10/22/19 7:17 pm From: 'Gail' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Help with a Sparrow identification
Have you considered a possible Clay-colored Sparrow?
Gail DeLalla
Sent from my iPhone
> On Oct 21, 2019, at 1:19 PM, Ketury Stein <ketury...> wrote:
>
>
> Savannah Sparrow?
>
>> On Sun, Oct 20, 2019 at 3:41 PM Jeff Manker <fireweed8...> wrote:
>> I took these photos while visiting Kirby Park on August 12th. I was there looking for the Black Terns and noticed these guys while walking south on the railroad tracks. None of these shots are good, but I could use some help nailing down the identification. Thanks.
>> --
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Date: 10/22/19 9:14 am From: Larry Corridon <larry961357...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] The Loudest Bird in the World Has a Song Like a Pile Driver - The New York Times
The next time you hear someone complaining about a Mockingbird at night or the endless” teck” of a California Towhee, tell them about the White Bellbird.
>
> https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/21/science/loudest-bird-bellbird.html?te=1&nl=science-times&emc=edit_sc_20191022?campaign_id=34&instance_id=13275&segment_id=18118&user_id=f4a9bf3b91ed991119faacf64100e89e®i_id=59067893 <https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/21/science/loudest-bird-bellbird.html?te=1&nl=science-times&emc=edit_sc_20191022?campaign_id=34&instance_id=13275&segment_id=18118&user_id=f4a9bf3b91ed991119faacf64100e89e®i_id=59067893> >
> The Loudest Bird in the World Has a Song Like a Pile Driver
> By Cara GiaimoSept. 4, 2017
> [Sign up for the Science Times newsletter </newsletters/science-times?action=click&module=intentional-links&version=v1&pgtype=Article> for stories that capture the wonders of nature and the cosmos.]
>
> The pressures of sexual selection <https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/05/opinion/sunday/are-these-birds-too-sexy-to-survive.html?module=inline> have made peacocks gorgeous, wood thrushes sonorous and birds of paradise great dancers. At first glance, the white bellbird doesn’t appear to have benefited similarly. Barrel-chested and big-mouthed, with a long wattle dangling from the top of its beak, this rainforest bird looks more like a Muppet than an avian Casanova.
>
> But everyone’s got their thing. According to a paper published Monday in Current Biology <https://www.cell.com/current-biology/pdf/S0960-9822(19)31190-X.pdf>, this goofball boasts the loudest birdsong ever recorded. And he must be proud of it, because he sings the most piercing note right into potential mates’ faces.
>
> The white bellbird — one of four bellbird species in South and Central America — is a favorite among birders in Brazil. It has a “strange, metallic, kind of alien call,” said Caio Brito, one of the founders of Brazil Birding Experts <http://brazilbirdingexperts.com/>. When several sing at once, they are “deafening,” and sound like “several blacksmiths trying to compete,” said Arthur Gomes, a biology student at São Paulo State University who contributed to the new research.
>
>
> Researchers were surprised by the thickness of the bellbird’s abdominal wall, a feature they suspected it might need to make its piercing calls.Anselmo d’Affonseca
> Mario Cohn-Haft, the curator of birds at the National Institute of Amazonian Research in Brazil and one of the authors of the study, regularly travels to understudied rainforest areas to survey birds and other species. On a 2017 trip to the Serra do Apiaú, a peak in north Brazil, he encountered bellbirds, which tend to live at high altitudes. They are “the soundtrack of the mountain,” he said. “You can hear them from a mile away.”
>
> While examining a bellbird specimen during that trip, Dr. Cohn-Haft was struck by the thickness of its abdominal wall. It had “this really ripped, washboard stomach,” he said. He thought it might have something to do with the loudness of their song — “if they didn’t have that kind of protection,” he said, perhaps “their guts would blow out.”
>
> He sent photos to Jeffrey Podos <https://www.bio.umass.edu/biology/about/directories/faculty/jeffrey-podos>, a professor specializing in bioacoustics at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, who was similarly intrigued. A year later, the two led a team that further studied the bird.
>
> Until a few years ago, assessing the amplitude, or loudness, of birdsong required an unusual amount of devotion and tech-savvy. Only a couple of dozen species have been properly measured, said Dr. Podos.
>
> But new tools are making the pursuit much easier. For their expedition in 2018, Dr. Podos and Dr. Cohn-Haft brought sound level meters more commonly used for industrial-noise monitoring, along with laser range-finders to pinpoint how far away the birds were.
>
> At the top of the mountain, they measured two vocalizations made by the white bellbird: a longer, more elaborate song, and a shorter, more intense one.
>
> The white bellbird’s second song type is louder than a jackhammer, and approaches, “at its peak, the amplitude of a pile driver” — around 125 decibels, said Dr. Podos. That makes it three times more intense than the call of the screaming piha, the previous record-holder for loudness.
>
> The researchers also discovered a trade-off between song length and amplitude — the more intense the song’s peak, the less time it lasted. “If sexual selection keeps pushing the song to be louder and louder, it’s going to become shorter and shorter,” said Dr. Podos.
>
> This, along with the song’s simplicity, is in keeping with “a pattern of evolutionary trade-offs between sound amplitude and song complexity,” said Gonçalo Cardoso, a researcher at the University of Porto who was not involved in this study.
>
>
> Female bellbirds lack a wattle and sing no songs.Anselmo d’Affonseca
> One big mystery remains. The white bellbird sings its pile driver tune when a potential mate is nearby. It starts facing away from her, and then whips around to blast the loudest, record-setting note right into her face. This choreography puzzles experts: Many other birds, including the famously elaborate satin bowerbird <https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/abs/10.1098/rspb.2003.2530>, actually tone down their displays once a female expresses interest, so as not to startle her.
>
> The bellbird’s strategy “goes against expectations,” said Dr. Podos. “They just really seem to be socially awkward.”
>
> “I am surprised that the loudest bird makes loud sounds when the female is so close,” said Nicole Creanza <https://as.vanderbilt.edu/biosci/bio/nicole-creanza>, an assistant professor at Vanderbilt University who was not involved with the study. She said the findings went against her expectations, but called them “a great foundation for future research.”
>
> Dr. Podos hopes to see whether such behavior actually helps male birds get mates.
>
> “We never saw copulation — we never saw what a really good male does,” he said. “The ones we saw might have just been losers.”
>
> More reporting on the sounds birds and other animals make
Date: 10/21/19 2:07 pm From: Vivienne <aviva2...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Is there a way to share a proposed trip to Costa Rica and see if other birders locally are interested?
Here is my announcement, I’m not sure if this is going to just Lisa or to everyone, so apologies if not considered appropriate, is there some other way to contact the group? -
At this point this is just 2 of us looking for another 2-4 people to share the costs and enjoyments of the tour. If lots of people are interested maybe we could expand the plan…We’re thinking Feb. 3 or soon thereafter as a start date...
Best,
Vivienne
---------------
Proposed February 2020 trip to Costa Rica:
Hi, Vivienne and Anita are hoping to find 2-4 compatible, fun, flexible people who’d like to accompany us on this trip, starting around Feb. 3-5 for the planned trip, of course you could do something before or after as well:
Please contact me with questions etc: Vivienne <aviva2...> / 831-345-0494.
• Itinerary:
Day 1: welcome at airport, private transfer to Hotel Bougainvillea (standard mountain view room)
Day 2: transfer to Selva Verde Lodge, en route private tour at Cope (4 hours)
Cope is a great local nature passionate…in his backyard there are some very good fruitfeeders and sugarfeeders for several colorful birds like possibly Collared Aracari, Orange-chinned Parakeet, red-legged and Green Honeycreeper, Gray-necked Woodrail + Cope will take you to look for nocturnal birds at day roosts in a nearby rainforest, where you can expect Spectacled Owl and with some luck Crested Owl and Great Potoo.
Day 3: private early morning birdtour (2,5 hours) in La Selva biological station, Selva Verde Lodge
I am selecting accommodation in Selva Verde Lodge over staying at the La Selva biological station, because the biological station is a bit basic with cafeteria style basic food…Selva Verde offers more comfortable rooms and much better food and is located in the middle of the rainforest, with many birds around, and is only at 15 minutes driving from the biologocal station
Day 4: transfer to Natural Lodge, Caño Negro (standard room), en route private birdtour at Medio Queso (2,5 hour)
I would recommend you visit Caño Negro…January – February is high season and it will be crowded everywhere…except in Caño Negro…it is an authentic small little town where hardy any tourist will visit…and it offers some great birdwatching…and the Medio Queso boattour is a fantastic boat tour where you won’t see any other tourist and that can produce some really good species very hard to see anywhere else in the country like Yellow-breasted Crake, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Black-collared Hawk, Least and Pinneated Bittern, Nicaraguan Grackle,…
Day 5: private boattour on the Rio Frio (2,5 – 3 hours), Natural Lodge Caño Negro
The Rio Frio boattour is also very productive and probably the best of the country where, with some luck will have a chance to see all 6 species of Kingfishers of the Neotropics, including the rare Green-and-rufous Kingfisher…
Day 6: to Arenal Observatory Lodge (standard room)
Day 7: private birdtour at hanging bridges trails, Arenal Observatory Lodge
Day 8: to La Ensenada Lodge (standard room)
Day 9: private half day birdtour at Hacienda Solimar, La Ensenada Lodge
Visiting La Ensenada Lodge and doing the Hacienda Solimar tour will give you the opportunity to get to know the typical avifauna of the tropical dry forest and many aquatic birds…
Day 10: to Hotel Buena Vista (standard deluxe room)
Day 11: transfer to airport
2. What is included ?
• Accommodations in double rooms (always with private bathroom)
• Private transportation in comfortable airconditioned minivan with private driver (with knowledge of basic English but enough to communicate) from airport pickup til airport dropoff, including gasoline, meals + accommodations of driver
• All activities / tours mentioned with English-speaking guides. (Please note that all the selected lodges and hotel offer great birdwatching on their grounds…so besides the scheduled tours you can continue birdwatching on you own if you want…if you would like extra hours of guiding please let me know… )
• All entrance fees
• 3 meals a day from breakfast on day 2 until breakfast on day 11
• Detailed information package
• Unlimited purified drinking water
• Access to English speaking helpdesk of Aratinga Tours during the tour
3. Extra costs:
• International flight
• Not mentioned activities / meals
• Personal expenses (tips, laundry, souvenirs,…)
4. The price for January – February – Match 2020
• With 4 people staying in 2 double rooms: 8700 usd (2175 usd pp)
• With 6 people staying in 3 double rooms: 11250 usd (1875 usd pp)
Date: 10/21/19 11:45 am From: Kellie D. Morgantini <chalonelaw...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Brief Trip Report - Live Oak
Hey, all.
Definitely not a native, but anyone missing a long-tail green parrot -
there's one hanging around our pasture in South County. I've asked the
neighbors, it's not any of theirs....
Kellie D. Morgantini
> liammsf <mailto:<liammsf...> > October 20, 2019 at 19:37
> Good evening again, birders, from the east side,
>
> Around sunset tonight, I observed a good amount of activity from the
> 18th Ave bluff in Live Oak. Most notable was my F.O.S. HERRING GULL.
> Two COMMON LOONS were observed on the water, as well as a small group
> of lingering ELEGANT TERNS, actively hunting. Foraging on the rock
> shelf were large groups of SURFBIRDS (42) and SANDERLINGS (27), joined
> by four BLACK TURNSTONES, three MARBLED GODWITS, one WHIMBREL, and one
> BLACK OYSTERCATCHER (the first observed at this location since early
> April). Some other more regular birds were also present.
>
> It certainly feels more and more wintery every day. As always,
> feeling quite lucky to live in our excitingly bird-y central coast!
>
> Good birding,
> Liam
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Thank you,
Legal Services for Seniors
Kellie D. Morgantini
Executive Director
Legal Services for Seniors
Tel. 831.899.0492
Fax. 831.401.3185
<kellie...>
Date: 10/20/19 7:37 pm From: liammsf <liammsf...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Brief Trip Report - Live Oak
Good evening again, birders, from the east side,
Around sunset tonight, I observed a good amount of activity from the 18th Ave bluff in Live Oak. Most notable was my F.O.S. HERRING GULL. Two COMMON LOONS were observed on the water, as well as a small group of lingering ELEGANT TERNS, actively hunting. Foraging on the rock shelf were large groups of SURFBIRDS (42) and SANDERLINGS (27), joined by four BLACK TURNSTONES, three MARBLED GODWITS, one WHIMBREL, and one BLACK OYSTERCATCHER (the first observed at this location since early April). Some other more regular birds were also present.
It certainly feels more and more wintery every day. As always, feeling quite lucky to live in our excitingly bird-y central coast!
Date: 10/20/19 3:41 pm From: Jeff Manker <fireweed8...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Help with a Sparrow identification
I took these photos while visiting Kirby Park on August 12th. I was there looking for the Black Terns and noticed these guys while walking south on the railroad tracks. None of these shots are good, but I could use some help nailing down the identification. Thanks.
Last weekend I had noted that the two burrowing owls that usually spend Nov - Feb in the East Meadow of UCSC were back. Today I stopped by to retrieve some motion-activated camera equipment I had at one of the burrows they have been occupying (I set up up because that burrow had some badger-like excavation earlier in the summer). I apologized for disturbing the one owl who flushed when I took out the camera, but noted the second owl did not seem to be around. When Frances and I walked to fence line on the way out, we saw a feather pile close to the second burrowing owl burrow. I'm pretty sure these are Burrowing Owl feathers. Other opinions are welcome! I suspect the pair is now a single owl.
Give the location below a fence post, I'd guess a raptor.
Also saw a Golden Eagle high above the East and Great Meadows this morning and the beautiful Harlan's RTH that frequents the East Meadow.
Date: 10/18/19 4:20 pm From: Don Roberson <creagrus...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Re: Monterey County highlights updated thru mid-October
Through some good luck, and the contributions of Ralph Baker, Rita Carratello, Mark Chappell, Bill Hubick, John Mendoza, and Carole Rose, the Monterey County (MTY) bird highlights page for fall 2019 is updated through mid-October.
Date: 10/18/19 11:00 am From: Judy Donaldson <calqua...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] ALEUTIAN GOOSE in Capitola
Thursday 10/17, about 8:15 a.m., a single ALEUTIAN GOOSE (with neck-ring) was paddling around Soquel Creek with the Mallards, just upstream from the Capitola trestle. It was gone an hour later and not there this morning.
Judy DonaldsonCapitola
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Date: 10/18/19 7:53 am From: Pete Sole <pete...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] White-Throated Sparrow in Garden
Hi birders,
I got "distracted" by a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW in our garden this morning, as I prepared to go to work. Perhaps the same bird that visited last year. Hope to take some pictures when I have more time.
Date: 10/17/19 9:34 pm From: Pete Sole <pete...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Lookout for rare Godwits
Hi birders,
This is a heads up, rather than a in-county bird report.
There were reports today at Tunitas Creek Beach, just up the coast in San Mateo county, of both Hudsonian Godwits and Bar-tailed Godwits. For more details with pictures, see this ebird report from Alvaro Jaramillo and others:
Date: 10/17/19 5:50 am From: Lisa Larson <lisafaylarson...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Christmas Count 2019
Saturday,December 14th.
Albatross is coming before Halloween!
- Lisa
On Wed, Oct 16, 2019 at 9:36 PM Lois Goldfrank <loisg...> wrote:
> Does anyone know which Saturday the count is on this year? I couldn’t find
> it anywhere myself, and even Siri doesn’t know...
>
> Thanks,
> Lois Goldfrank
>
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>
Date: 10/16/19 8:52 pm From: Don Roberson <creagrus...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Monterey County 400 Club updated
We are pleased to introduce 3 new members of the Monterey County 400 Club, plus a new honorary member, which brings the membership to 27 MTY observers. We've also updated every member's personal account with their total through 15 Oct 2019, and often with new text or photos. We've even been able to catch up with some who have been away for some time.
The updated page is at
http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/MTY_400.html
Date: 10/14/19 7:41 pm From: Kent Johnson <kentjohnson...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Homeless Garden Clay-colored Sparrow
I found the continuing CLAY-COLORED SPARROW at the Homeless Garden near the duck house with a large flock of other sparrows late this afternoon. The Clay-colored had disappeared behind some low flowers when a Cooper's Hawk swooped in at just that spot and emerged a few seconds later with a little brown victim in its talons. In the explosion of birds that accompanied this I lost track of the Clay-colored, and I feared the worst for the vagrant. A few minutes later though, I spotted it again preening in a nearby bush. For now, it still continues.
Date: 10/14/19 12:23 pm From: Lisa Larson <lisafaylarson...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Blue-gray gnatcatcher at Homeless Garden...
Hi Birders!
I saw one at Anna Jean Cumming Park yesterday. I have been going there often. It is a coffee berry-fest for birds right now - mockers, thrashers, Purple Finches, Cedar Waxwings, Hermit Thrushes and crowned sparrows! There are an astounding number of Hermit Thrushes there! The SCBC bird walkers last Wednesday got to witness Western Tanager(s) eating the berries, too -- I have not seen any the past couple of days, but I did hear one.
- Lisa
On Mon, Oct 14, 2019 at 12:06 PM David Apgar <D_Apgar...> wrote:
A large group of WHITE-FRONTED GEESE flew northbound over our house on Lower Fern Flat Road about 09:35 this morning. Estimated 75-85 birds, vocalizing.
Date: 10/12/19 9:46 pm From: Matthew Dodder <mdodder...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Pacific Golden-Plover at Moss Landing SB
I led my Palo Alto Adult School birding class to Jetty Road and Moon Glow Dairy today. The weather and birding were wonderful, and highlights were numerous.
The morning at Jetty Road was productive with abundant Shorebirds, but nothing unusual. The Gull roost produced two Glaucous-winged Gulls and a juvenile Heermann’s Gull we enjoyed seeing. The Long-tailed Duck male was still present and beautiful. The beach was most exciting with a fleeting look at a Parasitic Jaeger, several Snowy Plovers. But Mary Ann Allan found the best bird of the day, a PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER. Our group admired it for quite some time, but only distant photos were acquired.
At Moon Glow, the highlights were several Yellow-headed Blackbirds, a Blue-winged Teal and a couple of Golden-crowned Kinglets.
Long-tailed Duck — (1) male in harbor
Parasitic Jaeger — (1) far off the beach, chasing Terns
Pacific Golden-Plover — (1) on Moss Landing State Beach about 200 yards north of harbor mouth
Snowy Plover — (6) on Moss Landing State Beach
Snowy Plover — (3) afternoon back on Jetty Road after lunch
Surfbird — (1) on rock jetty
Blue-winged Teal — (1f) at main Moon Glow pond
Herring Gull — (1) FOS at main Moon Glow pond
Golden-crowned Kinglet — (2) in eucalyptus grove at Moon Glow Dairy
Yellow-headed Blackbird — (8) in cattle pens near main pond at Moon Glow
Some of my lame digiscope images of the Pacific Golden-Plover are posted now on our class eBird list. More (and better) from the class to follow soon.
Matthew Dodder
Executive Director
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
22221 McClellan Rd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
408-252-3748
<director...> <mailto:<director...> scvas.org <http://scvas.org/>
Date: 10/10/19 11:07 am From: Nicholas Levendosky <n.levendosky...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Tennessee Warbler -- Antonelli Pond
This late morning there was a TENNESSEE WARBLER in the very southwest corner of the pond moving between the willows, oaks, and Cypress behind the site host trailer. Accompanying it was a likely celata/orestera Orange-crowned Warbler.
Date: 10/9/19 1:57 pm From: David Styer <david.styer...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Re: Townsend's vs Townsend's
Don,
Fabulous photo! That is also just the second Townsend's Solitaire record I'm aware of for Fort Ord. The photo was taken on the 7th, is that correct?
All the best,David Styer
On Monday, October 7, 2019, 11:05:19 AM PDT, liammsf <liammsf...> wrote:
Awesome shot!
On Monday, October 7, 2019 at 9:32:30 AM UTC-7, Donald Glasco wrote:
I doubt there many photos of Townsend’s Solitaire and Townsend’s Warbler watching one another.Fort Ord California Central Coast Veteran’s Cemetery.
Don Glasco
Seaside, CA
<don.......>
831.277.5042
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Shearwater Journeys’ October 5, 2019 pelagic trip had several highlights, including a NAZCA BOOBY (photos), spotted by out-of-state birders, Dave and Tammy McQuade. This booby was in Santa Cruz County! It didn’t stick around at all, just flying up the side of the boat, and straight on to wherever it was headed!
We saw most of the regular fall seabirds: Black-footed Albatross; Northern Fulmar; Pink-footed, Buller’s, and Sooty Shearwaters; South Polar Skua and Pomarine Jaeger; Sabine’s Gull; Common Murre; Pigeon Guillemot; Cassin’s and Rhinoceros Auklets and the Peregrine Falcon on the radio tower along Cannery Row.
A BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE and TUFTED PUFFIN were surprises, both in Santa Cruz County. No storm-petrels at all were found.
Marine mammals were pretty exciting with an albino Risso’s dolphin just outside of the harbor; one blue whale, and about a dozen humpback whales were found. Northern right whale dolphins and Pacific white-sided dolphins rounded out the cetaceans for the day.
Many thanks to the birders who from near and far who joined us on this pelagic trip. The leaders on this date were: Jim Holmes, Alex Rinkert, Marcel Holyoak, and Debi Shearwater.
We still have a couple spaces open on our next Monterey trip, Friday, October 11. Also, two birders have had an emergency and had to cancel the last trip of the season, Sunday, October 20. If you are interested in either trip, please email me: <debi...> <mailto:<debi...>.
Living the Salt Life,
Debi Shearwater
DEBRA SHEARWATER
Shearwater Journeys, Inc.
PO Box 190
Hollister, CA 95024
831.637.8527
<debi...>
www.shearwaterjourneys.com
www.shearwaterjourneys.blogspot.com
Celebrating 44 Years of Seabirding with Shearwater Journeys
Siberia’s Forgotten Coast & Spoon-billed Sandpiper- 23 June - 6 July 2020
Northeast Passage: Northern Sea Route 27 July - 22 August 2020
Date: 10/8/19 1:51 pm From: Blake Matheson <gypaetusbarbatus1...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] MAS Program tonight, 10/8, on the Whales of Guerrero
*TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, PG MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY at 730PM: Whales of
Guerrero with Katherina Audley*
Barra de Potosí in SW Mexico is a little known jewel, and it’s at a tipping
point. Humpback whales breed there every winter, and resident dolphins
delight visitors, but before Katherina Audley arrived, fishing was almost
the only local industry. For the past 6 years, she has been working to
change that through cooperative research, ecotourism, and community-driven
conservation.
Her organization, the Whales of Guerrero, has been conducting collaborative
whale and dolphin research in Barra de Potosí since 2013. With local
fisheries on the verge of collapse, they have supported newly formed
ecotourism coops to provide a new way for local people to make a living,
and trained 75 boat owners from across the region in whale safe boating.
Their environmental education programs have reached 3500+ kids in 25
schools.
Over the past six years, Whales of Guerrero has worked to transform the
relationship between people and nature in this special part of the world.
The seeds of stewardship have taken root in Barra de Potosí, and now they
are beginning to bear fruit.
Learn about the 16 species of marine mammals identified so far in this
region, how a community of fishermen became committed whale protectors and
a special village in Mexico where all the resident kids know their local
whales by name. Katherina will also share her top tips on how to empower
and inspire communities to become marine conservationists and lessons
learned along the way.
We hope to see you there,
--
*Blake T. Matheson*
Monterey Peninsula
http://www.birdsandbeasts.org * "If you save the living environment, the biodiversity that we have left,
you will also automatically save the physical environment, too... If you
only save the physical environment, you will ultimately lose both." E.O.
Wilson. *
Exciting about the orioles! I think there’s a distinct chance I saw multiple PAWA this morning so I’m not surprised on those. Just didn’t see them at the same time so went conservative on my ebird list.
> On Oct 7, 2019, at 4:52 PM, Jonathan Wahl <jonny_wahl...> wrote:
>
> Also a pair of Palm Warblers in the Spanish moss-covered pine near the railroad tracks. Hope I’m not just seeing double.
>
>
>
> On Oct 7, 2019, at 4:31 PM, 'Jonathan Wahl' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> <mailto:<mbbirds...>> wrote:
>
>> 4:30. There are now two yellow orioles. They seem small but I don’t want to mislead anyone. In the grasses west and south of Homeless Garden.
>>
>> -Jonny
>>
>> On Oct 7, 2019, at 11:04 AM, liammsf <liammsf...> <mailto:<liammsf...>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> I spent close to 2 hours in and around the Homeless Garden this morning. White- and Golden-Crowned Sparrows were very prevalent; spizella sparrows were not. I thought I saw one but a really quick look that told me very little. I have some photos to review still but I'm not expecting much.
>>>
>>> Some other more exciting news though: Gary and Simon's ORCHARD ORIOLE continues. I found it on the east side of the fenced-in strawberry patch in the tall, dry grass/bramble/hemlock patch, next to the first lone cypress. I will submit a full eBird description and some photos later today. I also saw at least one PALM WARBLER in the area. I thought I saw one early on in the north part of the garden, but didn't get a great look. I was later able to get a much closer look and confirm the diagnostic features, also over on the east side of the strawberry patch. It flew back towards the garden, so I don't know if there are multiple individuals or if I saw the same bird twice.
>>>
>>> Good luck out there, and enjoy the birds!
>>>
>>> --
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>>
>> --
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Also a pair of Palm Warblers in the Spanish moss-covered pine near the railroad tracks. Hope I’m not just seeing double.
> On Oct 7, 2019, at 4:31 PM, 'Jonathan Wahl' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> wrote:
>
> 4:30. There are now two yellow orioles. They seem small but I don’t want to mislead anyone. In the grasses west and south of Homeless Garden.
>
> -Jonny
>
>> On Oct 7, 2019, at 11:04 AM, liammsf <liammsf...> wrote:
>>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> I spent close to 2 hours in and around the Homeless Garden this morning. White- and Golden-Crowned Sparrows were very prevalent; spizella sparrows were not. I thought I saw one but a really quick look that told me very little. I have some photos to review still but I'm not expecting much.
>>
>> Some other more exciting news though: Gary and Simon's ORCHARD ORIOLE continues. I found it on the east side of the fenced-in strawberry patch in the tall, dry grass/bramble/hemlock patch, next to the first lone cypress. I will submit a full eBird description and some photos later today. I also saw at least one PALM WARBLER in the area. I thought I saw one early on in the north part of the garden, but didn't get a great look. I was later able to get a much closer look and confirm the diagnostic features, also over on the east side of the strawberry patch. It flew back towards the garden, so I don't know if there are multiple individuals or if I saw the same bird twice.
>>
>> Good luck out there, and enjoy the birds!
>> --
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4:30. There are now two yellow orioles. They seem small but I don’t want to mislead anyone. In the grasses west and south of Homeless Garden.
-Jonny
> On Oct 7, 2019, at 11:04 AM, liammsf <liammsf...> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> I spent close to 2 hours in and around the Homeless Garden this morning. White- and Golden-Crowned Sparrows were very prevalent; spizella sparrows were not. I thought I saw one but a really quick look that told me very little. I have some photos to review still but I'm not expecting much.
>
> Some other more exciting news though: Gary and Simon's ORCHARD ORIOLE continues. I found it on the east side of the fenced-in strawberry patch in the tall, dry grass/bramble/hemlock patch, next to the first lone cypress. I will submit a full eBird description and some photos later today. I also saw at least one PALM WARBLER in the area. I thought I saw one early on in the north part of the garden, but didn't get a great look. I was later able to get a much closer look and confirm the diagnostic features, also over on the east side of the strawberry patch. It flew back towards the garden, so I don't know if there are multiple individuals or if I saw the same bird twice.
>
> Good luck out there, and enjoy the birds!
> --
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On Monday, October 7, 2019 at 11:04:45 AM UTC-7, liammsf wrote: > > Hi all, > > I spent close to 2 hours in and around the Homeless Garden this morning. > White- and Golden-Crowned Sparrows were very prevalent; spizella sparrows > were not. I thought I saw one but a really quick look that told me very > little. I have some photos to review still but I'm not expecting much. > > Some other more exciting news though: Gary and Simon's ORCHARD ORIOLE > continues. I found it on the east side of the fenced-in strawberry patch > in the tall, dry grass/bramble/hemlock patch, next to the first lone > cypress. I will submit a full eBird description and some photos later > today. I also saw at least one PALM WARBLER in the area. I thought I saw > one early on in the north part of the garden, but didn't get a great look. > I was later able to get a much closer look and confirm the diagnostic > features, also over on the east side of the strawberry patch. It flew back > towards the garden, so I don't know if there are multiple individuals or if > I saw the same bird twice. > > Good luck out there, and enjoy the birds! >
Date: 10/7/19 11:05 am From: liammsf <liammsf...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Re: Townsend's vs Townsend's
Awesome shot!
On Monday, October 7, 2019 at 9:32:30 AM UTC-7, Donald Glasco wrote:
>
>
>
> I doubt there many photos of Townsend’s Solitaire and Townsend’s Warbler
> watching one another.
> Fort Ord California Central Coast Veteran’s Cemetery.
>
> Don Glasco
> Seaside, CA
> <don.......> <javascript:>
> 831.277.5042
>
>
I spent close to 2 hours in and around the Homeless Garden this morning. White- and Golden-Crowned Sparrows were very prevalent; spizella sparrows were not. I thought I saw one but a really quick look that told me very little. I have some photos to review still but I'm not expecting much.
Some other more exciting news though: Gary and Simon's ORCHARD ORIOLE continues. I found it on the east side of the fenced-in strawberry patch in the tall, dry grass/bramble/hemlock patch, next to the first lone cypress. I will submit a full eBird description and some photos later today. I also saw at least one PALM WARBLER in the area. I thought I saw one early on in the north part of the garden, but didn't get a great look. I was later able to get a much closer look and confirm the diagnostic features, also over on the east side of the strawberry patch. It flew back towards the garden, so I don't know if there are multiple individuals or if I saw the same bird twice.
Date: 10/7/19 10:06 am From: 'Lisa Sheridan' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Townsend's vs Townsend's
Nice one!Lisa
On Monday, October 7, 2019, 'Donald Glasco' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> wrote:
I doubt there many photos of Townsend’s Solitaire and Townsend’s Warbler watching one another.Fort Ord California Central Coast Veteran’s Cemetery.
Don Glasco
Seaside, CA
<don.glasco...>
831.277.5042
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Date: 10/7/19 6:21 am From: Kellie D. Morgantini <chalonelaw...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] October Birding email for Santa Cruz County
Thanks, Randy. Always interested in what's going on in Santa Cruz!
Sent from my iPhone
> On Oct 6, 2019, at 20:47, Randy Wardle <wrwardle...> wrote:
>
>
> For those interested, here is the birding email for Santa Cruz County for the month of October. I hope many of you find it useful.
>
> OCTOBER
>
> It's October and the fall migration is in full swing as many species are continuing to move through or into the county. Gone for the summer now are the Hooded Orioles and most of the Black-headed Grosbeaks. The last Swainson's Thrushes are passing through, but be on the watch as Hermit Thrushes are returning.
>
> Many warblers are still on the move. September saw a number of Yellow Warblers in most of the coastal hotspots. Watch for more returning Townsend's and Yellow-rumped Warblers, and for Palm Warblers on the coastal bluffs of the north coast. Continue to be on the lookout this month for rare warblers along the coast in places like Antonelli's Pond, Natural Bridges, Bethany Curve, Schwan Lake, Neary Lagoon and Pajaro Dunes. Chestnut-sided, Blackpoll, Tennessee, Virginia and American Redstart have already been seen, but more surprises are still likely to be found.
>
> The “crowned sparrows” have arrived and look for their numbers to grow this month as they make their way into your yards to gobble up all your seed. Be on the watch for unusual sparrows migrating through the area this month at places like the Homeless Garden, Antonelli's Pond, and weedy fields on the north coast.
>
> Cedar Waxwing and Western Meadowlark flocks are becoming more frequent as are Ruby-crowned Kinglets, so don't be too quick to call that little green and yellow bird a Hutton's Vireo. Watch for Tropical Kingbirds at Struve and Watsonville Sloughs where small numbers overwinter.
>
> In the county’s waterbodies watch for the return of more duck species. Shovelers, teal, wigeon, and pintail have started to arrive, and Hooded Mergansers are not too far behind. Also look for Pectoral Sandpipers and other rare shorebirds as the high water in the Watsonville sloughs hopefully recedes this month.
>
> Hawk migration continues this month over the hills. You may still be able to see numbers of them from places like Moore Creek and upper Wilder Ranch Trails on warm afternoons.
>
> Finally, along the coast, watch for an increase in wintering gull species: Mew, Glaucous-winged, Herring, and Iceland to name a few.
>
> If you haven't yet had a chance to go on a Pelagic Trip to look for offshore species that can't be seen from land, October is still a great month to get on board. High shearwater diversity and potential for Short-tailed, Manx, Black-vented, and maybe something rarer is still a good possibility. This has been a good season for Tufted Puffins as well.
>
> October looks to be a very good birding month in the county, so get out with your binos to as many of the area hotspots as you can. Good luck and good birding!
>
>
> Randy Wardle
> Aptos
> --
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Date: 10/6/19 9:43 pm From: Pete Sole <pete...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Brewers, Clay-colored, Chipping Photos
Hi birders,
This morning I briefly got poor views of the Spizella Sparrows at the Homeless Garden Project in Santa Cruz. I went back around 4:30pm and was lucky enough to see and take photo studies of BREWER'S SPARROW , CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, and CHIPPING SPARROWS.
I was particularly happy with the BREWER'S SPARROW since this was a county bird. Sorting these guys out in the field was not easy for me. Even at home studying still images, I went back and forth on the above id's. Subtle lighting differences make for some interesting comparisons. That being said, the BREWER's was noticeably overall paler than the other two species, or so it seemed in the field.
Also at the Homeless Garden, an unexpected find were 2 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS. But, as the sun began to set behind a cloud bank, a COOPER'S HAWK came in an quickly put an end to the show.
For a full list of what I saw this evening at the homeless garden project, see this ebird list:
Date: 10/6/19 8:47 pm From: Randy Wardle <wrwardle...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] October Birding email for Santa Cruz County
For those interested, here is the birding email for Santa Cruz County for the month of October. I hope many of you find it useful.
OCTOBER
It's October and the fall migration is in full swing as many species are continuing to move through or into the county. Gone for the summer now are the Hooded Orioles and most of the Black-headed Grosbeaks. The last Swainson's Thrushes are passing through, but be on the watch as Hermit Thrushes are returning.
Many warblers are still on the move. September saw a number of Yellow Warblers in most of the coastal hotspots. Watch for more returning Townsend's and Yellow-rumped Warblers, and for Palm Warblers on the coastal bluffs of the north coast. Continue to be on the lookout this month for rare warblers along the coast in places like Antonelli's Pond, Natural Bridges, Bethany Curve, Schwan Lake, Neary Lagoon and Pajaro Dunes. Chestnut-sided, Blackpoll, Tennessee, Virginia and American Redstart have already been seen, but more surprises are still likely to be found.
The “crowned sparrows” have arrived and look for their numbers to grow this month as they make their way into your yards to gobble up all your seed. Be on the watch for unusual sparrows migrating through the area this month at places like the Homeless Garden, Antonelli's Pond, and weedy fields on the north coast.
Cedar Waxwing and Western Meadowlark flocks are becoming more frequent as are Ruby-crowned Kinglets, so don't be too quick to call that little green and yellow bird a Hutton's Vireo. Watch for Tropical Kingbirds at Struve and Watsonville Sloughs where small numbers overwinter.
In the county’s waterbodies watch for the return of more duck species. Shovelers, teal, wigeon, and pintail have started to arrive, and Hooded Mergansers are not too far behind. Also look for Pectoral Sandpipers and other rare shorebirds as the high water in the Watsonville sloughs hopefully recedes this month.
Hawk migration continues this month over the hills. You may still be able to see numbers of them from places like Moore Creek and upper Wilder Ranch Trails on warm afternoons.
Finally, along the coast, watch for an increase in wintering gull species: Mew, Glaucous-winged, Herring, and Iceland to name a few.
If you haven't yet had a chance to go on a Pelagic Trip to look for offshore species that can't be seen from land, October is still a great month to get on board. High shearwater diversity and potential for Short-tailed, Manx, Black-vented, and maybe something rarer is still a good possibility. This has been a good season for Tufted Puffins as well.
October looks to be a very good birding month in the county, so get out with your binos to as many of the area hotspots as you can. Good luck and good birding!
Date: 10/6/19 9:57 am From: dwbirdster <dwbirdster...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Brewer's Sparrow Oct 6
Brewer's Sparrow seen poorly in Santa Cruz homeless garden at 9 am, much better at 9:40 in flower plot west side of worker's break area and rosemary patch. Clay-colored and Chipping Sparrows earlier.Dave Weber,MilpitasBy phone
Date: 10/5/19 6:15 pm From: M Levy <levysantacruz...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Red-breasted nutchatches Chalk Mntn
Numerous Red-breasted Nuthatches heard while hiking today from Whitehouse
Creek Canyon to Chalk Mountain. (San Mateo County, just inland from Año
Nuevo Point and Franklin Point.) Not many other birds: Steller's Jays,
Turkey Vultures, Fox Sparrow, Wrentit, Bewick's Wren, Hairy Woodpecker,
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, Chickadees, that's about it.
Just had a large flock of Vaux’s Swift over the house on west side Santa Cruz at Arroyo Seco and Escalona and around the neighborhood over the last five minutes. Amazing low passes right over us. We estimate the flock to be at least 100 birds! Managed to grab some shots and could hear them twittering as they passed over. What a surprise for late evening birding.
Kumaran Arul
Date: 10/4/19 9:52 am From: Kent Johnson <kentjohnson...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Re: We're not the only ones who get confused
My guess, at least for the woodpeckers, would be a dominant bird hoping to snatch an easy meal from a smaller one.
Kent Johnson
Boulder Creek
________________________________
From: <mbbirds...> <mbbirds...> on behalf of David Apgar <D_Apgar...>
Sent: Thursday, October 3, 2019 5:57 PM
To: MBB <mbbirds...>
Subject: [MBBIRDS] We're not the only ones who get confused
Two behavioral notes from Natural Bridges State Park around 11 am this morning. First, the five-minute-long effort of a HUTTON'S VIREO trying to keep up with a pair of excited, vocal, crest-flashing RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET around the eucalyptus near the bed of the creek crossing the loop trail near the park's Delaware Ave entrance. The difference in speed was even more evident than the differences in bill size and wing pattern.
And earlier, in the trees along the entrance road above the creek, a HAIRY WOODPECKER faithfully following an apparently (anthropomorphism alert) mildly irritated DOWNY WOODPECKER from branch to branch -- again, for a good five minutes before both birds flew out of sight. Instructive to see the enormous disparity in size -- I had no idea.
My guess would be an immature in each case following adults on a first migration.
Date: 10/3/19 7:07 pm From: Don Roberson <creagrus...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Monterey County highlights updated
The web page on recent Monterey County bird highlights has now been updated through the end of September 2019. Again, many thanks to all the photographers for use of their great shots. Page is at http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/MTY_2019b.html
Date: 10/3/19 5:57 pm From: David Apgar <D_Apgar...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] We're not the only ones who get confused
Two behavioral notes from Natural Bridges State Park around 11 am this morning. First, the five-minute-long effort of a HUTTON'S VIREO trying to keep up with a pair of excited, vocal, crest-flashing RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET around the eucalyptus near the bed of the creek crossing the loop trail near the park's Delaware Ave entrance. The difference in speed was even more evident than the differences in bill size and wing pattern.
And earlier, in the trees along the entrance road above the creek, a HAIRY WOODPECKER faithfully following an apparently (anthropomorphism alert) mildly irritated DOWNY WOODPECKER from branch to branch -- again, for a good five minutes before both birds flew out of sight. Instructive to see the enormous disparity in size -- I had no idea.
My guess would be an immature in each case following adults on a first migration.
So, if hybridization blurs differences in tail feather width and fundamental frequency of the dive sound, and also blurs differences in mating display patterns, what's left? Are we seeing the disappearance of separate species as the hybrids disperse from the contact zone?
On Thu, Oct 3, 2019 at 8:34 AM Phil Brown <pdpbrown...> wrote:
Date: 10/3/19 2:31 pm From: Don Roberson <creagrus...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Yellow-throated Warbler in Pacific Grove
Yesterday at midday, Teale Fristoe, visiting from Berkeley, photographed a Yellow-throated Warbler in El Carmelo Cemetery in Pacific Grove [the cemetery is on Asilomar Blvd not far from Pt. Pinos and Crespi Pond). Alas, the warbler disappeared almost immediately, and was last seen in flight heading towards Pt. Pinos, but was never refound despite multiple searches of the Pt. Pinos area that day.
Today I also searched Pt. Pinos for 1.5 hours, but at 9 a.m., I stopped by the cemetery and checked the 'original spot' in El Carmelo Cemetery, and was shocked that the Yellow-throated Warbler was present in the same bush it had been yesterday. That tree-sized bush is at the extreme NE corner of "the thicket", a dense patch of willows, pines, ornamentals, and oaks often used by resting deer, adjacent to a mausoleum in the northeast corner of the entire cemetery. The spot I saw the warbler is next to a tee on the adjacent P.G. Golf Course, so one must use care here and must move when golfers are teeing off [as they started to do as I tried to take photos]. In the midst of that hubbub, the warbler flew, by itself, to a nearby pine and then into the northernmost cypress in a line of cypresses that stretches south, and separates the east side of the cemetery from the golf course. I lost the warbler then, and am told that many locals searched the cemetery for the next 2 hours without success.
For anyone who doesn’t know about the Yellow-Throated Warbler in Monterey
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
> From: <ebird-alert...>
> Date: October 3, 2019 at 1:55:50 PM CDT
> Subject: [eBird Alert] Monterey County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
>
> *** Species Summary:
>
> - Tropical Kingbird (3 reports)
> - Yellow-throated Warbler (albilora) (1 report)
>
> ---------------------------------------------
> Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Monterey County Rare Bird Alert.The report below shows observations of rare birds in Monterey County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35539 > NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
>
> Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1)
> - Reported Oct 03, 2019 09:50 by Don Roberson
> - Monterey--El Estero lake and/or San Carlos cemetery, Monterey, California
> - Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=36.5972737,-121.8844593&ll=36.5972737,-121.8844593 > - Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S60313751 > - Comments: "flew out of top of huge magnolia tree in north-central part of cemetery, tousling in flight with a BLPH. Both BLS and I took photos. This is a continuing bird."
>
> Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1)
> - Reported Oct 03, 2019 09:26 by Bill Hubick
> - Monterey--El Estero lake and/or San Carlos cemetery, Monterey, California
> - Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=36.5972737,-121.8844593&ll=36.5972737,-121.8844593 > - Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S60313547 > - Comments: "** Rare. Continuing near northeastern corner of cemetery. Tyrannus kingbird with long and heavy bill, yellow underparts to throat. Vocalized before two rallies, a diagnostic twittering series of notes. Presumably feeding on abundant California Oak Moths. Photos to be added. "
>
> Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1)
> - Reported Oct 03, 2019 09:00 by Terence Degan
> - Monterey--El Estero lake and/or San Carlos cemetery, Monterey, California
> - Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=36.5972737,-121.8844593&ll=36.5972737,-121.8844593 > - Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S60314357 > - Comments: "Continuing. Photos "
>
> Yellow-throated Warbler (albilora) (Setophaga dominica albilora) (1)
> - Reported Oct 03, 2019 08:55 by Don Roberson
> - Pacific Grove--El Carmelo Cemetery, Monterey, California
> - Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=36.632002,-121.931607&ll=36.632002,-121.931607 > - Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S60313525 > - Comments: "very fresh-plumaged individual, in the sun with a TOWA in extreme NE corner of 'the thicket,' where I had great views and took a series of photos. This is presumed to be the same YTWA found at this same spot yesterday by Teale Fristoe (and also seen by Don Glasco). Alas, a pack of golfers teeing off waved me off the best viewing spot as I took photos, and then the warbler flew into an adjacent cypress (more photos). I had to turn away to text, and when I tried to refind it, it was gone from that tree. May have gone south along the line of cypresses (or could return to thicket?). It did give a very soft 'chip' note, like a very soft and non-emphatic YEWA, but really quite different from YEWA. In the field the entire supercilium appeared white; photos should show this also, I think. [Photos to be added]"
>
> ***********
>
> You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Monterey County Rare Bird Alert
>
> Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
> https://ebird.org/alerts
Date: 10/3/19 9:19 am From: Lisa Larson <lisafaylarson...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Anna Jean Cummings Park yesterday morning
Hello Birders!
I explored AJC yesterday and found my FOS *Fox Sparrows, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, *and* Hermit Thrushes*. I am happy to see and hear them again! A flock of close to 40 *Cedar Waxwings* were also present. There are some coffee berry bushes (and trees!) that are offering these birds delicious treats. There was one *Western Tanager* and only a couple of *American Robins* partaking as well. Two *California Thrashers* *chirr-uped* and I did see one of them. *Bewicks Wrens* came close to me and *Wrentits* were at my feet at times. The *Lesser Goldfinches* were numerous, enjoying the fall seeds in the grasses. The resident male *Downy Woodpecker* was pecking away and a * Northern Flicker* called in the distance, as did some *Acorn Woodpeckers* on the southwestern hill. I did not see gnatcatchers, but I felt their presence. I always check bushtit flocks because the gnatcatchers will sometimes follow them. One Cooper's Hawk *kek-ke-keked* a few times in a few locations quite close to me, and I finally spotted it as it flew to the next nearby location. It won't get lunch announcing itself like that! I heard some *Western Bluebirds* and both *California and Spotted Towhees* were present in several areas. Only one *Red-tailed Hawk* was seen - that was it for the morning's raptors, unless.
Hopefully, next Wednesday will be even more productive for the birds! Come join the SCBC bird walk and see!
Shearwater Journeys had a spectacular pelagic trip on Friday, September 27, 2019 on Monterey Bay. Seas were so calm and glassy that they were almost “greasy.” It was one of our very best marine weather days of the entire season.
Things kicked off to an amazing start when ace leader, Alex Rinkert, spotted a SABINE’S GULL, quickly followed by an ASHY STORM-PETREL before we reached the bell buoy at Point Pinos! This was an omen of seabirds to come and a prelude to the amazing seabird counts which followed from shore at Point Pinos during the next two days. The first two BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATERS of the season were found in this area. They were closely scrutinized for Manx, but are confirmed Black-vented. By the day’s end, we had tallied nearly 600 ASHY STORM-PETRELS.
A very strong south wind and northbound current had preceded our trip on Thursday, bringing warm water and most importantly, FOOD, to our area. Scattered flocks of SABINE’S GULLS, ARCTIC TERNS, RHINOCEROS AUKLETS, and PARASITIC JAEGERS, and BLACK STORM-PETRELS were found in abundance. They appeared to be feeding on baby sardines or baby anchovies. At one point, I remember thinking that we must be looking at nearly the entire population of Rhinoceros Auklets in California— there were so many of them. Scattered CASSIN’S AUKLETS were showing well, too.
Two TUFTED PUFFINS, both in Santa Cruz County showed very nicely. This is not an easy bird to tick in SCZ County. We’ve found them on at least 50% of our trips this season.
BULLER’S SHEARWATER numbers increased which is always exciting. Fishermen say that they associate with tuna! By golly, later in the day, I spotted a large group of very large BLUEFIN TUNA, also feeding! The sea surface temperature remained at 60-61 F throughout the day.
We had a grand slam on the jaegers: PARASITIC, LONG-TAILED, and POMARINE, as well as 10 SOUTH POLAR SKUAS!
It was a wonderful day at sea! Many thanks to all of the folks who joined this sold out trip, and to the leaders: Nick Levendosky, Alex Rinkert, and Dave Pereksta.
Our OCTOBER 11 MONTEREY BAY trip still has spaces open. Email me, if you would like to join us: <debi...> <mailto:<debi...>.
For those who might be interested, I attach the county lists below.
P.S. On Sunday, September 29, 2019 I saw a light morph WEDGE-TAILED SHEARWATER on our pelagic trip departing from Half Moon Bay. This will be reported on other list serves, but I wanted to mention it here.
DEBRA SHEARWATER
Shearwater Journeys, Inc.
PO Box 190
Hollister, CA 95024
831.637.8527
<debi...>
www.shearwaterjourneys.com
www.shearwaterjourneys.blogspot.com
Celebrating 44 Years of Seabirding with Shearwater Journeys
Siberia’s Forgotten Coast & Spoon-billed Sandpiper- 23 June - 6 July 2020
Northeast Passage: Northern Sea Route 27 July - 22 August 2020
Tropical Kingbird continues at 4:30, seen from the bench halfway down the monarch boardwalk, in the ivy covered eucalyptus near the pond. There is also at least 1 WESTERN TANAGER still here and my F.O.S. RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET and FOX SPARROW.
Date: 10/1/19 11:59 am From: 'Lisa Sheridan' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] SCBC Silent Auction/ social and fundraiser for BBA
Dear Friends of SCBC,
October 24th is our third annual Silent auction. It's been a fun event and great way for club members to meet one another, share appetizers, drinks and without bins in hand. It's also a critical fundraiser for the Breeding Bird Atlas Project.
We are looking for donations in the way of:- Gift certificates for services, stores, restaurants or merchandise- Event tickets to concerts, games or plays.Yoga or dance class instruction- Trips such as a Pelagic outing.- If you are an artist, we'd love to auction your jewelry, sculptures, paintings or photography. - Perhaps you have a great idea of something to contribute?U
For drop offs in Soquel area email Kitty, ketury@cruzio For West Santa Cruz area email Stephanie, <singersa...>
Thanks for supporting Santa Cruz Bird Club and the BBA!
To join the club or contribute to BBA directly visit our recently updated web sitehttps://santacruzbirdclub.org
Thanks for everyone's continued support of the SCBC.
Lisa Sheridan(President Santa Cruz Bird Club)831-332-3785
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Date: 10/1/19 10:06 am From: liammsf <liammsf...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Lighthouse Park (west side)
Green-tailed Towhee and Virginia's Warbler continue this AM as of 9:30. Poor looks at warbler though; it's being pretty secretive along the east fence line (near the hops).
Date: 9/30/19 7:35 pm From: liammsf <liammsf...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Live Oak Trip Report
Hi all,
I don't see many posts about the east side of Santa Cruz, so hopefully I can fill in an MBB gap with some periodic trip reports.
This evening I birded Corcoran Lagoon and Live Oak Beach for the first time since 9/14 after being in Tennessee (slow birding there by their standards - it's still very hot and they've not had any significant rain for weeks now - still a fun time for a west coast birder).
There were a few straggler RED-NECKED PHALAROPES, mostly in the lagoon outlet on the beach. Our resident SPOTTED SANDPIPER and BELTED KINGFISHER were seen around the lagoon, as well as a runty juvenile GREEN HERON, seen for the second time skulking in the inlet creek across Portola. Wintering birds seem to be arriving on the east side: saw the first WHITE-CROWNED and GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWs of this fall for this location; my SCZ first-of-fall BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS (2 juveniles) were foraging in the lagoon outlet on the beach; my first-of-fall EARED GREBE was present in the lagoon outlet as well. Resident birds as well as many of the shorebirds I've written about previously continue in both locations. Male MALLARDS have noticeably completed their fall molt for the most part - lots of shiny new green heads compared to 2 weeks ago.
All that said, birding on the east side remains comparatively slow. I can only assume part of this is due to the seasonally high water level in the lagoon. Out of curiosity, I went back to my 2018 checklists for Corcoran Lagoon. On August 7th of last year I observed 1200 Elegant Terns and 25 Caspian Terns on the "sand bar" beach of the lagoon. This beach remains underwater today on 9/30/2019. I still have seen many of the same species this year, but in lower numbers. The shorebirds in particular have been pushed out to the lagoon outlet on the beach and are routinely chased by dogs there. This is my 2nd year living here full time, but periodic visits for many years previously lead me to (anecdotally) consider 2019 as the water-level anomaly as opposed to 2018. It's interesting to me that through birding, the importance of the beach/lagoon interface management is put into sharp focus. The county generally moves sand on the beach to allow the lagoon to drain and keep from flooding East Cliff; this year there was a late rain after they closed the outlet, and on top of the wet winter, I think this has resulted in the seasonally high water.
Anyway, happy birding!
Best, Liam Murphy
PS. Loved reading through everyone's thoughts & expertise on Monterey Co. vs SCZ migrants and vagrants. Very interesting stuff! Keep it coming!
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Date: 9/30/19 10:10 am From: Lisa Larson <lisafaylarson...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Pajaro Dunes and Watsonville Slough - yesterday
Hi Birders,
Yesterday I spent hours at Pajaro Dunes and Watsonville Slough along Boca Road.
There were over a thousand *Sanderlings *with some *Western Sandpipers *in the mix. It was interesting to compare them. The Snderlings looked like pale, big bruisers compared to the Western Sandpipers! There was about 25 Snowy Plovers mostly keeping to themselves.
It was impressive to see those numbers. They were relatively absent during the Monterey Bay Birding Festival. I watched and watched the peeps as they rested, preened, stretched and jockeyed around a bit within the huge group. It was rather like watching an Amoeboid cell, extending and retracting its Pseudopodsand, with the largest group changing shape and smaller groups moved away then came back. Interesting motility!
So, at times, a *Brown Pelican* or* Double-crested Cormorant* would fly over them - quite close - but that didn't bother then in the least! But if a *Turkey Vulture* came too close, the peeps would erupt into the sky and fly off to a different spot down the beach to settle once again.
It was fun.
The usual suspects were in and along the Watsonville Slough along Boca Road. I wonder if it was the same pair of *Ruddy Ducks* that I have seen a couple of times? All other ducks were *Mallards*. *Killdeer *were present, calling in their typical hysterical-sounding vocalizations. There were a couple *Great Blue Heron* and both *Great and Snowy Egrets*. It was fun to watch a trio of Snowy Egrets for a while. One became very aggressive toward another and went on the attack numerous times - as poofed-out as it could be. An *Osprey* and a *Norther Harrier* made appearances as they hunted the area and there was the usual female *American Kestrel*, and one *Red-tailed Hawk*. The mature female *Belted Kingfisher* was on her favorite perch on the wire near the gate, but I didn't see the male.
Of interest were the yellowlegs. *Greater Yellowlegs* were numerous - at least 30 - but there were also a couple of *Lesser Yellowlegs* associating with one group. It was cool to make side-by-side comparisons. There was only one *Marbled Godwit* on the beach, but I counted 23 in one area of the slough. No peeps.
I finally (finally!) saw the *Brant *swimming, bathing and preening on shore near the confluence of the slough and Pajaro River. I had not seen one there since April 2013. I thought maybe I had a county bird, but no. I sure enjoyed watching it at length.
Date: 9/29/19 10:42 pm From: Glen Tepke <g.tepke...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Never mind -- Re: CARE Park Nashville Warbler?
Lee - I think the reason for this discrepancy is that eBird alerts include all reports of species that have been flagged as rare for the location/date of the sighting, regardless of whether the report has been reviewed and confirmed by the regional eBird reviewer. But the records are added to the checklist for the hotspot only after it has been reviewed and confirmed. Same, I think, for the species maps - if you looked at the species map for Nashville Warbler, Norman's record would not appear until after it had been reviewed. I think Cornell treats the records this way because the purpose of the alerts is to get word about rarities out as quickly as possible, even if some bogus records are included, but accurate data is more important than speed for the hotspot lists and species maps.
If I'm wrong about this, I hope someone more familiar with the mechanics of eBird will correct me.
Good birding,
Glen Tepke Oakland/Santa Cruz
On 9/26/2019 8:23 AM, Lee Jaffe wrote:
This morning's eBird alert clarified the sighting described below. I was confused by how eBird displays lists, with no mention of the Nashville Warbler if you "explore hotspots." But looking at Norman's list via the link in the alert includes the sighting. So, why would they leave out sightings when you are reviewing a list from a hotspot? It certainly left me flatfooted. Sorry for my confusion. Lee On Thu, Sep 26, 2019 at 12:07 AM Lee Jaffe <leejaffe54...> wrote:
After seeing the MBBirds posting Wednesday morning that a Nashville Warbler had been spotted at CARE Park, I stopped by to see if I could spot it. And I thought I did and got some so-so photos. But checking the ebird list posted for that location today, I don't see a Nashville included. I wondered if the Nashville mentioned in MBB was "corrected" to something else, such as a Yellow-rumped. On the other hand, the photos I got, noisy as they are, look pretty good for a Nashville (note the eye-ring). Please take a look and let me know what you think. https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/33415563
Date: 9/29/19 9:01 pm From: M Levy <levysantacruz...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Tropical Kingbird? at Neary Lagoon
Kingbird Saturday at Neary's Lagoon, making forays from the top of a large snag easily viewed from the boardwalk extension that reaches towards the apartments and dead-ends. Judging by the yellow all the way up the breast, I am thinking a Tropical rather than a Western.
Steve and all, perhaps this suggests a best practice for mbb reports: the
bird and location stated in the gmail Subject line. This way both will
follow the thread. If we use also add the location in the text that will
further reduce ambiguity.
On Sun, Sep 29, 2019 at 12:22 PM Steven Rovell <tapaculo...> wrote:
> Michael -
>
> However in this case, the thread was not visible in the email. The
> subject header also didn’t specify location. I figured it was the
> Lighthouse bird, as I didn’t recognize Christa as a Monterey birder, but I
> raised this point because sometimes people may not know.
>
> Steve
>
> On Sep 29, 2019, at 12:15 PM, Michael Bolte <mjbolte...> wrote:
>
> I guess I always assume that the emails in a specific thread refer to the
> initial post that started the thread. For example, all of these are in
> response to Alex's original email that states bird and spot. Of course
> added clarity can never hurt!
>
> It is fun that in this small garden this morning nearly 1/2 of the species
> seen were rare birds for the area.
>
> On Sun, Sep 29, 2019 at 10:47 AM Christa Seidl <seidlcm...> wrote:
>
>> Steve and MMBIRDs,
>>
>> Total of: 1 Virginia’s Warbler, 1 Green-tailed Towhee, 1 Clay-colored
>> sparrow at Lighthouse Community Garden.
>>
>> VIWA AND CCSP same as those reported by Alex. GTTO new bird
>>
>> --
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>>
>
> --
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> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<CAHHT3Y9oOpsf2oyRCd101Kk6PJRyXnABhcgTPVuBaTFRWPJaUg...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<CAHHT3Y9oOpsf2oyRCd101Kk6PJRyXnABhcgTPVuBaTFRWPJaUg...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
>
>
Date: 9/29/19 4:06 pm From: Jeff Manker <fireweed8...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] No Impending Bird Apocalypse?
If, despite all our conservation efforts, we still lost ~3 billion birds in the last 50 years, then I think it is time for a little sensationalism.
As mentioned in the article the “insect apocalypse” was a bit overhyped, the fires in the Amazon may have been overdone too, we aren’t feeling the full effect of a climate emergency yet either, but why wait until it is too late?
Silent Spring, rivers catching on fire, disappearing whales and people dying from smog in the big cities of the USA spurred big action in the 1970’s. It is way past time for another “Ecology” movement. Young people are getting it after a several decade decline in conservation group memberships.
There is plenty of noise over the 6th great extinction and climate change, but it is past time for real action. Maybe the announcement of so many slow-motion disasters near together will light a new spark that may slow down or stop what we have failed to put the brakes on.
On Sun, Sep 29, 2019, 3:18 PM Lee Jaffe <leejaffe54...> wrote:
> There doesn't appear to be a1205 Lighthouse in SC. And Google doesn't
> find a Lighthouse Community Garden. Can anyone provide more info? Thanks.
>
> Lee Jaffe
>
> On Sun, Sep 29, 2019, 12:27 PM 'William Tyler' via mbbirds <
> <mbbirds...> wrote:
>
>> Virginia’s Warbler seen in Lighthouse garden at 1205. Kale plants below
>> hops.
>>
>> Breck Tyler
>>
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> > On Sep 29, 2019, at 10:47 AM, Christa Seidl <seidlcm...> wrote:
>> >
>> > Steve and MMBIRDs,
>> >
>> > Total of: 1 Virginia’s Warbler, 1 Green-tailed Towhee, 1 Clay-colored
>> sparrow at Lighthouse Community Garden.
>> >
>> > VIWA AND CCSP same as those reported by Alex. GTTO new bird
>> >
>> > --
>> > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>> Groups "mbbirds" group.
>> > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
>> an email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> > To view this discussion on the web visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<5e108534-d546-479e-b66e-09c6ea377030...> >> .
>>
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "mbbirds" group.
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>> email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<B5CA274B-A5CF-462B-9284-2504E47F0FCB...> >> .
>>
>
There doesn't appear to be a1205 Lighthouse in SC. And Google doesn't find
a Lighthouse Community Garden. Can anyone provide more info? Thanks.
Lee Jaffe
On Sun, Sep 29, 2019, 12:27 PM 'William Tyler' via mbbirds <
<mbbirds...> wrote:
> Virginia’s Warbler seen in Lighthouse garden at 1205. Kale plants below
> hops.
>
> Breck Tyler
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Sep 29, 2019, at 10:47 AM, Christa Seidl <seidlcm...> wrote:
> >
> > Steve and MMBIRDs,
> >
> > Total of: 1 Virginia’s Warbler, 1 Green-tailed Towhee, 1 Clay-colored
> sparrow at Lighthouse Community Garden.
> >
> > VIWA AND CCSP same as those reported by Alex. GTTO new bird
> >
> > --
> > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "mbbirds" group.
> > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
> an email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
> > To view this discussion on the web visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<5e108534-d546-479e-b66e-09c6ea377030...> > .
>
> --
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>
Virginia’s Warbler seen in Lighthouse garden at 1205. Kale plants below hops.
Breck Tyler
Sent from my iPhone
> On Sep 29, 2019, at 10:47 AM, Christa Seidl <seidlcm...> wrote:
>
> Steve and MMBIRDs,
>
> Total of: 1 Virginia’s Warbler, 1 Green-tailed Towhee, 1 Clay-colored sparrow at Lighthouse Community Garden.
>
> VIWA AND CCSP same as those reported by Alex. GTTO new bird
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "mbbirds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<5e108534-d546-479e-b66e-09c6ea377030...>
However in this case, the thread was not visible in the email. The subject header also didn’t specify location. I figured it was the Lighthouse bird, as I didn’t recognize Christa as a Monterey birder, but I raised this point because sometimes people may not know.
I guess I always assume that the emails in a specific thread refer to the
initial post that started the thread. For example, all of these are in
response to Alex's original email that states bird and spot. Of course
added clarity can never hurt!
It is fun that in this small garden this morning nearly 1/2 of the species
seen were rare birds for the area.
On Sun, Sep 29, 2019 at 10:47 AM Christa Seidl <seidlcm...> wrote:
> Steve and MMBIRDs,
>
> Total of: 1 Virginia’s Warbler, 1 Green-tailed Towhee, 1 Clay-colored
> sparrow at Lighthouse Community Garden.
>
> VIWA AND CCSP same as those reported by Alex. GTTO new bird
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "mbbirds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion on the web visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<5e108534-d546-479e-b66e-09c6ea377030...> > .
>
Date: 9/29/19 12:11 pm From: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> Subject: RE: [MBBIRDS] Monterey County vs. Santa Cruz County fall migration mystery
Lee
I just wrote a note that pointed to this, but I should clarify with an answer to your question. The reality is that rarities (vagrants) are NOT following the same migration pattern as our regular western migrants. They are behaving in very different ways, and likely reacting to the environment in different ways as well but that needs to be studied. I do not think that coastal willow thickets are great habitat for migratory birds, but they appeal to vagrants. Our Western migrants are more likely to be inland, some are actually migrating south using montane meadows at this time of year as there is an abundance of food there. Many of the western migrants we have on the coast are inexperienced youngsters, based on banding data.
From: <mbbirds...> <mbbirds...> On Behalf Of Lee Jaffe
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2019 10:04 AM
To: Lisa Larson <lisafaylarson...>
Cc: Randy Wardle <wrwardle...>; Monterey Bay Birdlist <mbbirds...>
Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Monterey County vs. Santa Cruz County fall migration mystery
I'm assuming that the rarities are traveling with, or at least following the same migration pattern as, less-rare birds. In other words, the rarities might be seen as a "marker" highlighting a more general pattern. Are there more birds showing up in Monterey than Santa Cruz overall? If so that might support Randy's and Lisa's theory about Monterey being the shortest route.
Date: 9/29/19 12:01 pm From: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> Subject: RE: [MBBIRDS] Monterey County vs. Santa Cruz County fall migration mystery
All
Migratory passerines do not need updrafts to migrate, good wind direction yes, but the updraft issue is not a factor. Also keep in mind that we have precious few migrant passerines on the coast itself. The volume of migrants here is very low compared to the volume one finds out east (head out at night to listen to nocturnal migration, nearly nil in many coastal sites). Also the Western migration system is quite different, with birds using shorter flights, and having a generally shorter distance from breeding to wintering areas compared to the East. Finally, it is key to separate what is a good vagrant trap as opposed to a migrant trap. The two can sometimes be the same place, and often are in the East, but in the west they can be different. The behavior of mirror image disoriented eastern vagrants is not going to be the same as that of a Western migrant that is a bit too far west of its regular route.
I bet there are very few western migrants crossing Monterey Bay because they are migrating inland, not on the coast. Vagrants on the other hand, they will be over the water or hugging the coast. It is the reason why I have seen multiple Tennessee Warblers in my yard, but no Hermit Warbler.
From: <mbbirds...> <mbbirds...> On Behalf Of Larry Corridon
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2019 11:14 AM
To: Lee Jaffe <leejaffe54...>
Cc: Lisa Larson <lisafaylarson...>; Randy Wardle <wrwardle...>; MBB <mbbirds...>
Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Monterey County vs. Santa Cruz County fall migration mystery
At Cape May, the migrating birds do choose for the most part to to fly across the bay rather than fly around Chesapeake Bay as crossing the Bay is roughly 30 miles, about the same as Monterey Bay. However, to fly around Chesapeake Bay is close to 200 miles while flying around Monterey Bay is perhaps 45 miles (my guesstimate.) A highflying bird in Santa Cruz should, on a clear day, see that it can follow the coastline rather than fly 30 miles over cold water, which most birds would avoid as there are no updrafts to assist their flight.
Another factor at Cape May is that many birds choose to fly across the Bay after stopping to feed and rest before attempting the flight. Then, when a cold front from the Northwest brings favorable winds to help the birds, they choose to fly, which accounts for their extremely high bird counts on certain fall days. (In fact, birders around Cape May pay close attention the weather and “flock” there in great numbers when a Northwesterly cold front arrives.)
(Having just returned from birding at Cape May I can attest to the above, both from a class I attended by Clay and Pat Sutton, authors of “Birds and Birding at Cape May”, and from having the opposite of a Northwestern cold front. We had mild sunny days and although the birding was good, it was not spectacular with no large numbers of birds flying south.)
I really don’t know the fall wind patterns for our area, but they might play a part in when and where the birds choose to follow a migration route south.
Finally, I’ve not heard any reports of great numbers of birds spotted by pelagic boat trips flying over the water that would confirm most birds flying across the Bay during the fall migration.
That being said, Why would they stop on the south end of the Bay? From there, if they continue to follow the coast, it becomes very mountainous. Even turning inland would require flying over the coastal mountain range. Would a bird following the coast see the coming mountain range choose to stop in Monterey and Pacific Grove to rest and feed before tackling flying over mountainous territory?
I'm assuming that the rarities are traveling with, or at least following the same migration pattern as, less-rare birds. In other words, the rarities might be seen as a "marker" highlighting a more general pattern. Are there more birds showing up in Monterey than Santa Cruz overall? If so that might support Randy's and Lisa's theory about Monterey being the shortest route.
Date: 9/29/19 11:48 am From: 'Steven Rovell' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Monterey County vs. Santa Cruz County fall migration mystery
Hi Birders -
I might point out that there generally ARE updrafts over the ocean at night as opposed to during the day. In general, you get sea breezes during the day and land breezes at night. These are the result of convection currents that move air between the land and sea. See the diagram…
Date: 9/29/19 11:29 am From: Earl Lebow <hawkowl...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Monterey County vs. Santa Cruz County fall migration mystery
Suggest you all read Joe Morlans post. If I recall Dave DeSante proposed this theory 40 some odd years ago and based on this predicted the Carmel River as a major rarity hotspot at that time. Bird “dyslexia” makes the most sense to me as well nearest point of land when over the ocean.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Sep 29, 2019, at 11:08 AM, Joseph Morlan <jmorlan...> wrote:
>
> Vagrants, rather that regular migrants are largely mirror-image misoriented
> flying SW instead of SE. Songbird migration is largely at night and
> misoriented birds finding themselves over the ocean at dawn will reverse
> migrate, heading NE until they find the closest visible land.
>
> The Monterey Peninsula is more isolated than SCZ (surrounded by water on
> three sides) and is thus may concentrate arriving vagrants similar to Point
> Reyes and the Farallons. Birds coming back from overshooting over the ocean
> may hit Monterey first as the closest visible point of land. Those that
> hit SCZ may be more dispersed along the broader SCZ coast and harder to
> find.
>
>
>> On Sun, 29 Sep 2019 09:40:49 -0700, Lisa Larson <lisafaylarson...>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Hi birders!
>>
>> I think Randy is right . . . the birds are indeed flying directly south
>> across the bay. Why follow the land inland and use more time and energy
>> when a direct flight will get them south sooner? They do have a long way
>> to go.
>>
>> I read that the majority of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds fly directly across
>> the Gulf of Mexico rather than taking a longer route across land, even at
>> the peril of exhaustion and a watery death.
>>
>> The birds seem to have a choice, but perhaps they are magnetically "wired"
>> to go as directly as possible, which is supported by the fact that most
>> migrating happens at night. Our bay is just a little blip when compared to
>> a body of water like the Gulf of Mexico!
>>
>> Topography must also play a factor in this. North Santa Cruz County has
>> mountains, whereas the Monterey Peninsula is low,-lying and an inviting
>> place to rest.
>>
>> Just some thoughts.
>>
>> - Lisa
>>
>>> On Sat, Sep 28, 2019, 8:23 PM Randy Wardle <wrwardle...> wrote:
>>>
>>> Looking at the Monterey County rarities that have been found the past
>>> several days, we see species such as Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo,
>>> Plumbeous Vireo, Painted Bunting, and warblers such as, Black and White,
>>> Virginia, Blackpoll, Chestnut-sided, Tennessee, and Prairie, along with
>>> today's find of a Great-crested Flycatcher. Meanwhile, in Santa Cruz County
>>> we have the continuing Red-footed Booby that has been here for almost a
>>> year and one White-throated Sparrow in my back yard. I cannot figure out
>>> why there are not more fall migration rarities spotted in Santa Cruz
>>> County. With over 10,000 eBird reports so far this year, it's not like
>>> there aren't enough birders out searching for rarities. For some reason,
>>> which escapes me, Santa Cruz County seems to get bypassed by many of the
>>> rare species during their fall southern migration. I have heard that many
>>> warblers and other land species have been seen landing on boats out in the
>>> bay during this time of year to rest. This begs the question...Do most
>>> migrating species fly south directly over Monterey Bay waters from
>>> somewhere up the coast to the area around the Monterey Peninsula where they
>>> stop to rest? Why is it that every year so many more rare species are found
>>> during migration in the Monterey/Carmel/Pacific Grove area than in Santa
>>> Cruz County. Does anyone know the answer to this question? I would be very
>>> interested in hearing from other birders as to why they think this
>>> migration phenomena happens year after year.
>>>
>>> Randy Wardle
>>> Aptos
>>>
>>> --
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>>> "mbbirds" group.
>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>>> email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
>>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<CY4PR2201MB1304BB691EDAE7ED477ED408C3830...> >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<CY4PR2201MB1304BB691EDAE7ED477ED408C3830...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> .
>>>
> --
> Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA
>
> --
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Date: 9/29/19 11:22 am From: 'Donald Glasco' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Great crested FC
It has been seen in numerous spots, and occasionally heard, in area between English Ave (block south of Virgin) and Chili’s, In-Out Burger and volleyball court.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Sep 29, 2019, at 11:04 AM, dwbirdster <dwbirdster...> wrote:
>
>
> Great Crested Flycatcher continues 11 am at Laguba Grande along trail 150 ft from in n out burgers wall.
>
> Dave Weber,
> Milpitas
> By phone
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Date: 9/29/19 11:14 am From: Larry Corridon <larry961357...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Monterey County vs. Santa Cruz County fall migration mystery
At Cape May, the migrating birds do choose for the most part to to fly across the bay rather than fly around Chesapeake Bay as crossing the Bay is roughly 30 miles, about the same as Monterey Bay. However, to fly around Chesapeake Bay is close to 200 miles while flying around Monterey Bay is perhaps 45 miles (my guesstimate.) A highflying bird in Santa Cruz should, on a clear day, see that it can follow the coastline rather than fly 30 miles over cold water, which most birds would avoid as there are no updrafts to assist their flight.
Another factor at Cape May is that many birds choose to fly across the Bay after stopping to feed and rest before attempting the flight. Then, when a cold front from the Northwest brings favorable winds to help the birds, they choose to fly, which accounts for their extremely high bird counts on certain fall days. (In fact, birders around Cape May pay close attention the weather and “flock” there in great numbers when a Northwesterly cold front arrives.)
(Having just returned from birding at Cape May I can attest to the above, both from a class I attended by Clay and Pat Sutton, authors of “Birds and Birding at Cape May”, and from having the opposite of a Northwestern cold front. We had mild sunny days and although the birding was good, it was not spectacular with no large numbers of birds flying south.)
I really don’t know the fall wind patterns for our area, but they might play a part in when and where the birds choose to follow a migration route south.
Finally, I’ve not heard any reports of great numbers of birds spotted by pelagic boat trips flying over the water that would confirm most birds flying across the Bay during the fall migration.
That being said, Why would they stop on the south end of the Bay? From there, if they continue to follow the coast, it becomes very mountainous. Even turning inland would require flying over the coastal mountain range. Would a bird following the coast see the coming mountain range choose to stop in Monterey and Pacific Grove to rest and feed before tackling flying over mountainous territory?
Date: 9/29/19 11:08 am From: Joseph Morlan <jmorlan...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Monterey County vs. Santa Cruz County fall migration mystery
Vagrants, rather that regular migrants are largely mirror-image misoriented flying SW instead of SE. Songbird migration is largely at night and misoriented birds finding themselves over the ocean at dawn will reverse migrate, heading NE until they find the closest visible land.
The Monterey Peninsula is more isolated than SCZ (surrounded by water on three sides) and is thus may concentrate arriving vagrants similar to Point Reyes and the Farallons. Birds coming back from overshooting over the ocean may hit Monterey first as the closest visible point of land. Those that hit SCZ may be more dispersed along the broader SCZ coast and harder to find.
On Sun, 29 Sep 2019 09:40:49 -0700, Lisa Larson <lisafaylarson...> wrote:
>Hi birders! > >I think Randy is right . . . the birds are indeed flying directly south >across the bay. Why follow the land inland and use more time and energy >when a direct flight will get them south sooner? They do have a long way >to go. > >I read that the majority of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds fly directly across >the Gulf of Mexico rather than taking a longer route across land, even at >the peril of exhaustion and a watery death. > >The birds seem to have a choice, but perhaps they are magnetically "wired" >to go as directly as possible, which is supported by the fact that most >migrating happens at night. Our bay is just a little blip when compared to >a body of water like the Gulf of Mexico! > >Topography must also play a factor in this. North Santa Cruz County has >mountains, whereas the Monterey Peninsula is low,-lying and an inviting >place to rest. > >Just some thoughts. > >- Lisa > >On Sat, Sep 28, 2019, 8:23 PM Randy Wardle <wrwardle...> wrote: > >> Looking at the Monterey County rarities that have been found the past >> several days, we see species such as Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, >> Plumbeous Vireo, Painted Bunting, and warblers such as, Black and White, >> Virginia, Blackpoll, Chestnut-sided, Tennessee, and Prairie, along with >> today's find of a Great-crested Flycatcher. Meanwhile, in Santa Cruz County >> we have the continuing Red-footed Booby that has been here for almost a >> year and one White-throated Sparrow in my back yard. I cannot figure out >> why there are not more fall migration rarities spotted in Santa Cruz >> County. With over 10,000 eBird reports so far this year, it's not like >> there aren't enough birders out searching for rarities. For some reason, >> which escapes me, Santa Cruz County seems to get bypassed by many of the >> rare species during their fall southern migration. I have heard that many >> warblers and other land species have been seen landing on boats out in the >> bay during this time of year to rest. This begs the question...Do most >> migrating species fly south directly over Monterey Bay waters from >> somewhere up the coast to the area around the Monterey Peninsula where they >> stop to rest? Why is it that every year so many more rare species are found >> during migration in the Monterey/Carmel/Pacific Grove area than in Santa >> Cruz County. Does anyone know the answer to this question? I would be very >> interested in hearing from other birders as to why they think this >> migration phenomena happens year after year. >> >> Randy Wardle >> Aptos >> >> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "mbbirds" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >> email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...> >> To view this discussion on the web visit >> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<CY4PR2201MB1304BB691EDAE7ED477ED408C3830...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<CY4PR2201MB1304BB691EDAE7ED477ED408C3830...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> . >> -- Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA
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Date: 9/29/19 10:42 am From: 'Steven Rovell' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Virginia's Warbler
Christa and all MBBers -
We need to make sure that we state where the bird is. There are two Virginia’s Warblers around, and the addition of a Green-tailed Towhee could be at either one. Which is it?
Steve Rovell
Marina
> On Sep 29, 2019, at 10:18 AM, Christa Seidl <seidlcm...> wrote:
>
> Plus Green-tailed Towhee
>
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Date: 9/29/19 10:16 am From: Lisa Larson <lisafaylarson...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Monterey County vs. Santa Cruz County fall migration mystery
Another thought . . . the whales will also go directly across the bay at the peril of falling prey to orcas, who need the deep water for their method of hunting. Whales and calves would be much safer from these predators if they stay closer to shore. Entirely different species, but also on a migratory pattern.
Lisa
On Sat, Sep 28, 2019, 8:23 PM Randy Wardle <wrwardle...> wrote:
> Looking at the Monterey County rarities that have been found the past > several days, we see species such as Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, > Plumbeous Vireo, Painted Bunting, and warblers such as, Black and White, > Virginia, Blackpoll, Chestnut-sided, Tennessee, and Prairie, along with > today's find of a Great-crested Flycatcher. Meanwhile, in Santa Cruz County > we have the continuing Red-footed Booby that has been here for almost a > year and one White-throated Sparrow in my back yard. I cannot figure out > why there are not more fall migration rarities spotted in Santa Cruz > County. With over 10,000 eBird reports so far this year, it's not like > there aren't enough birders out searching for rarities. For some reason, > which escapes me, Santa Cruz County seems to get bypassed by many of the > rare species during their fall southern migration. I have heard that many > warblers and other land species have been seen landing on boats out in the > bay during this time of year to rest. This begs the question...Do most > migrating species fly south directly over Monterey Bay waters from > somewhere up the coast to the area around the Monterey Peninsula where they > stop to rest? Why is it that every year so many more rare species are found > during migration in the Monterey/Carmel/Pacific Grove area than in Santa > Cruz County. Does anyone know the answer to this question? I would be very > interested in hearing from other birders as to why they think this > migration phenomena happens year after year. > > Randy Wardle > Aptos > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "mbbirds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<CY4PR2201MB1304BB691EDAE7ED477ED408C3830...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<CY4PR2201MB1304BB691EDAE7ED477ED408C3830...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . >
The original research report did not say anything about "an impending bird apocalypse." It is the Slate article that used that term, as a pejorative for the Cornell Bird report.
It is Slate's interpretation of Brian McGill's Dynamic Ecology blog that "While that loss in biomass is concerning, he argues, it does not necessarily suggest a looming extinction event." The Cornell paper in Science did not suggest "a looming extinction event."
Most importantly, human biomass in the U.S. has increased from 205 million to 330 million in the same period. More humans (and their domesticated food animals and pets), less wildlife. Fact.
Date: 9/29/19 10:04 am From: Lee Jaffe <leejaffe54...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Monterey County vs. Santa Cruz County fall migration mystery
I'm assuming that the rarities are traveling with, or at least following the same migration pattern as, less-rare birds. In other words, the rarities might be seen as a "marker" highlighting a more general pattern. Are there more birds showing up in Monterey than Santa Cruz overall? If so that might support Randy's and Lisa's theory about Monterey being the shortest route.
Date: 9/29/19 9:40 am From: Lisa Larson <lisafaylarson...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Monterey County vs. Santa Cruz County fall migration mystery
Hi birders!
I think Randy is right . . . the birds are indeed flying directly south across the bay. Why follow the land inland and use more time and energy when a direct flight will get them south sooner? They do have a long way to go.
I read that the majority of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds fly directly across the Gulf of Mexico rather than taking a longer route across land, even at the peril of exhaustion and a watery death.
The birds seem to have a choice, but perhaps they are magnetically "wired" to go as directly as possible, which is supported by the fact that most migrating happens at night. Our bay is just a little blip when compared to a body of water like the Gulf of Mexico!
Topography must also play a factor in this. North Santa Cruz County has mountains, whereas the Monterey Peninsula is low,-lying and an inviting place to rest.
Just some thoughts.
- Lisa
On Sat, Sep 28, 2019, 8:23 PM Randy Wardle <wrwardle...> wrote:
> Looking at the Monterey County rarities that have been found the past > several days, we see species such as Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, > Plumbeous Vireo, Painted Bunting, and warblers such as, Black and White, > Virginia, Blackpoll, Chestnut-sided, Tennessee, and Prairie, along with > today's find of a Great-crested Flycatcher. Meanwhile, in Santa Cruz County > we have the continuing Red-footed Booby that has been here for almost a > year and one White-throated Sparrow in my back yard. I cannot figure out > why there are not more fall migration rarities spotted in Santa Cruz > County. With over 10,000 eBird reports so far this year, it's not like > there aren't enough birders out searching for rarities. For some reason, > which escapes me, Santa Cruz County seems to get bypassed by many of the > rare species during their fall southern migration. I have heard that many > warblers and other land species have been seen landing on boats out in the > bay during this time of year to rest. This begs the question...Do most > migrating species fly south directly over Monterey Bay waters from > somewhere up the coast to the area around the Monterey Peninsula where they > stop to rest? Why is it that every year so many more rare species are found > during migration in the Monterey/Carmel/Pacific Grove area than in Santa > Cruz County. Does anyone know the answer to this question? I would be very > interested in hearing from other birders as to why they think this > migration phenomena happens year after year. > > Randy Wardle > Aptos > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "mbbirds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<CY4PR2201MB1304BB691EDAE7ED477ED408C3830...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<CY4PR2201MB1304BB691EDAE7ED477ED408C3830...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . >
Date: 9/29/19 9:31 am From: Michael Bolte <mjbolte...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] No Impending Bird Apocalypse?
The is a good piece. I would not call it a "rebuttal' to the original
article, but it does full out the story in an interesting way. Anyone
reading the original article could have noted the same things (for example,
a significant part of the decline was in invasive species). The linked
article above also addresses (in part) a different topic than the health of
bird populations in North America. Anytime you mix science study results
and the popular press there is a level of sensationalization that seems
inevitable. The question posed (but not answered) is "does the benefit of
bringing wide coverage to a topic outweigh the downside of the hyperbole
and possible loss of credibility that goes with selling stories?".
On Sun, Sep 29, 2019 at 8:38 AM Jane Orbuch <jorbuch...> wrote:
Interesting rebuttal to the Science article on North American Bird population reductions. Does anyone know the scientists involved? Thoughts?
Also, my two cents on being a relatively new member to MBB—I am not super into rarities, but I am interested in hearing about them and following general bird issues, patterns and observations to better understand our bioregion. Thanks to moderators.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW is here as well.Alex
-------- Original message --------From: arinkert12 <arinkert12...> Date: 9/29/19 8:31 AM (GMT-08:00) To: <mbbirds...> Subject: Virginia's Warbler Now, foraging in hops at Lighthouse Community Garden on Lighthouse Ave.Alex RinkertSanta Cruz
Date: 9/29/19 8:32 am From: David Apgar <d_apgar...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Re: Monterey County vs. Santa Cruz County fall migration mystery
A good question, not least because the opposite occurs in Cape May, where rarities pile up in spring and especially autumn migration on the northern side of the water gap created by the widening Delaware River that separates Cape May hot spots like Higbee Beach from the Delaware shoreline.
David Apgar
________________________________
From: <mbbirds...> <mbbirds...> on behalf of Randy Wardle <wrwardle...>
Sent: Saturday, September 28, 2019 8:23 PM
To: Monterey Bay Birdlist <mbbirds...>
Subject: [MBBIRDS] Monterey County vs. Santa Cruz County fall migration mystery
Looking at the Monterey County rarities that have been found the past several days, we see species such as Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Painted Bunting, and warblers such as, Black and White, Virginia, Blackpoll, Chestnut-sided, Tennessee, and Prairie, along with today's find of a Great-crested Flycatcher. Meanwhile, in Santa Cruz County we have the continuing Red-footed Booby that has been here for almost a year and one White-throated Sparrow in my back yard. I cannot figure out why there are not more fall migration rarities spotted in Santa Cruz County. With over 10,000 eBird reports so far this year, it's not like there aren't enough birders out searching for rarities. For some reason, which escapes me, Santa Cruz County seems to get bypassed by many of the rare species during their fall southern migration. I have heard that many warblers and other land species have been seen landing on boats out in the bay during this time of year to rest. This begs the question...Do most migrating species fly south directly over Monterey Bay waters from somewhere up the coast to the area around the Monterey Peninsula where they stop to rest? Why is it that every year so many more rare species are found during migration in the Monterey/Carmel/Pacific Grove area than in Santa Cruz County. Does anyone know the answer to this question? I would be very interested in hearing from other birders as to why they think this migration phenomena happens year after year.
Date: 9/28/19 9:42 pm From: Jean Harrison <seajean...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Fwd: golden-crowned sparrow
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Fwd: golden-crowned sparrow Date: 2019-09-28 9:39 pm From: Jean Harrison <seajean...> To: <mbb...>
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Fwd: golden-crowned sparrow Date: 2019-09-28 9:36 pm From: Jean Harrison <seajean...> To: Monterey Bay Birders <mbb...>
first of season in my Santa Cruz yard
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Date: 9/28/19 8:47 pm From: James Maughn <jamaughn...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] ARCTIC TERN on Moss Landing State Beach
Hi All,
While getting blown haplessly across Moss Landing State Beach this afternoon, I spotted what I'm pretty sure is an ARCTIC TERN sitting on the beach, about one hundred yards north of the Jetty.
Date: 9/28/19 8:23 pm From: Randy Wardle <wrwardle...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Monterey County vs. Santa Cruz County fall migration mystery
Looking at the Monterey County rarities that have been found the past several days, we see species such as Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Painted Bunting, and warblers such as, Black and White, Virginia, Blackpoll, Chestnut-sided, Tennessee, and Prairie, along with today's find of a Great-crested Flycatcher. Meanwhile, in Santa Cruz County we have the continuing Red-footed Booby that has been here for almost a year and one White-throated Sparrow in my back yard. I cannot figure out why there are not more fall migration rarities spotted in Santa Cruz County. With over 10,000 eBird reports so far this year, it's not like there aren't enough birders out searching for rarities. For some reason, which escapes me, Santa Cruz County seems to get bypassed by many of the rare species during their fall southern migration. I have heard that many warblers and other land species have been seen landing on boats out in the bay during this time of year to rest. This begs the question...Do most migrating species fly south directly over Monterey Bay waters from somewhere up the coast to the area around the Monterey Peninsula where they stop to rest? Why is it that every year so many more rare species are found during migration in the Monterey/Carmel/Pacific Grove area than in Santa Cruz County. Does anyone know the answer to this question? I would be very interested in hearing from other birders as to why they think this migration phenomena happens year after year.
And check inland ponds and other bodies of water for pelagics. Always fun to find them out of their element.
Go Sharks!
> On Sep 28, 2019, at 3:24 PM, Earl Lebow <hawkowl...> wrote:
>
> Another tip. Winds are mostly out if the West and Monterey/Pt Pinos is reporting good numbers of Pelagius close to shore, including Sabines Gulls, Artic Terns, and South Polar Skua. Manx and Buller’s Shearwater’s are also being reported. Might be worth seawatching from Santa Cruz to see if we are equally lucky.
>
> Earl
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
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Another tip. Winds are mostly out if the West and Monterey/Pt Pinos is reporting good numbers of Pelagius close to shore, including Sabines Gulls, Artic Terns, and South Polar Skua. Manx and Buller’s Shearwater’s are also being reported. Might be worth seawatching from Santa Cruz to see if we are equally lucky.
All, The great crested flycatcher was seen at Laguna grande within the hour in the willow thicket on the virgin ave side. As I left it was refound on main trail by the lake on that side. ThE PAINTED BUNTING continues at laguna grande on the trail that follows the small creek (opposite side of lake as in n out). It was on both side of trail and in the tule patch that is 50 meters upstream of the lake. I saw a Chestnut sided warbler in the same area yesterday. A Nashville warbler is also working the willows on the Virgin ave. side. Good birding, Mark Kudrav Pacific grove
On Saturday, September 28, 2019, Earl Lebow <hawkowl...> wrote:
> HI, > > Probable Great-Crested Flycatcher reported this morning from Laguna Grande > Park in Seaside. Virgin Avenue entrance mentioned as a possible location. > Photos look good for this bird. > > > Earl > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "mbbirds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/ > msgid/mbbirds/<327644000.468239.1569692225409...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<327644000.468239.1569692225409...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . >
Date: 9/28/19 11:47 am From: Pete Sole <pete...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Of grapes, birds, and MBB...
Hi birders,
In what feels like another installment of the "grape that keeps on
giving" a.k.a. "Roger's Red", we saw our FOS FOX SPARROW (sooty) and FOS
YELLOW-RUMPED WARLBER (audubons) in the garden among the grapes today.
There was also a YELLOW WARBLER, both towhees, a SONG SPARROW, a few
GOLDEN CROWNED SPARROWS, 3+ WESTERN TANAGERS, and more. For images, and
full list of the birds of the morning see the ebird list:
Granted, not all species were among the grapes, but a rough count is
that we had about 10 species sampling "Roger's Red" today. (Have to
wonder is some grapes are just a little fermented... ;)"
On a different note, I caught up with the thread about Rare Birds on MBB
today. Some thoughts:
1. Sad to hear Todd is no longer active, but many many thanks to Todd
for setting up and maintaining the list for many years.
2. Glad to see Phil step up and maintain the list. Thanks a lot Phil!
3. Many of us use mbb for many purposes, including reporting rare birds,
sharing bird photos (look forward to Norman's posts), chasing "used"
rare and not so rare birds, and just all around enjoyment of the local
avifauna. I hope we can continue to keep the varied uses of mbb going
for some time.
4. And sure, let's add the ebird rare bird reports. A few of us may
chase that "used" bird that is unconfirmed and perhaps erroneous. So be
it. Todd passed on some great wisdom to me many years ago. Went
something like this: "When you go birding, you can't predict what your
"Audubon's Moment" may be. But if you don't go out, and are not open to
the experience, you won't have that special moment." So I chase "used
birds". But if I don't see them, I may still can have a completely
different, unexpected, but terrific experience. There is no such thing
as a bad day birding in my book...
Date: 9/28/19 11:08 am From: Barbara Monahan <monahan...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Late Grosbeak
Grosbeak at our birdbath this am. Quick view suggested Black-headed.
Red-breasted nuthatches continue to be heard in the area. Pileated woodpecker now being heard more frequently.
HI, Probable Great-Crested Flycatcher reported this morning from Laguna Grande Park in Seaside. Virgin Avenue entrance mentioned as a possible location. Photos look good for this bird.
Earl
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Date: 9/27/19 7:19 pm From: Kent Johnson <kentjohnson...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Carmel River
I birded upstream from the Highway 1 bridge this morning. It was quite birdy, and I managed to find a some of the rarities that have been reported there lately. About 1/4 mile up I found a RED-EYED VIREO. Coming back down I found the same, or perhaps another, about 100 yards above the bridge. A little less than a 1/2 mile up a CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER appeared. It seems to have been working its way upstream as I encountered it again twice in the next 150 yards. At just about a 1/2 mile up, near where a tall orange pole rises above the north bank, a dull bedraggled finch was feeding in the stream bed. Going over my photos, it proves to be the young PAINTED BUNTING.
While kayaking this afternoon, I got great looks at a LONG_TAILED DUCK in the North Harbor. It was on the beach under the viewing area at the end of Jetty Road. It appeared to be a juvenile male as the breast and head were mottled and dirty looking. I also saw a lone juvenile SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER mixed in with the flocks of MARBELED GODWITS.
Date: 9/27/19 2:04 pm From: Cliff Bixler <clifford.bixler50...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Letter to the Sentinel
In today's Sentinel there is a letter claiming to debunk the numbers of birds killed annually by feral cats. They cite a "study" of course to rationalize their activites neutering and releasing feral cats back into the wild. Being as I am a very frequent letter writer it would be good for someone else from MBB to write a rebutal letter hopefully citing real studies of the massive numbers of wild birds killed by all cats and the need to keep domesticated cats indoors and to exterpate feral cats. Anyone? CliffBixler
Date: 9/26/19 8:15 pm From: Larry Corridon <larry961357...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Re: Never mind -- Re: CARE Park Nashville Warbler?
I believe everyone that checks MBB will be happy to see your posts whenever you get them out, Norman. You find great birds and document them beautifully with your photos.
Larry Corridon
> On Sep 26, 2019, at 20:04, Norman Uyeda <nsuyeda...> wrote:
>
> Hi all
>
> This is my very first post on MBB after technical help from Randy and Phil.
>
> I do not have a smart phone so I will not be posting in the field to either eBird or MBB. By the time I process my pics and post on eBird it is usually afternoon or early evening. In the past I have gotten the word out on important finds by texting someone else to relay the message. In the case of the NAWA, the MBB post by Earl was probably 8 hours before my eBird post.
>
> Norman
>
> On Thursday, September 26, 2019 at 8:23:59 AM UTC-7, Lee Jaffe wrote:
> This morning's eBird alert clarified the sighting described below. I was confused by how eBird displays lists, with no mention of the Nashville Warbler if you "explore hotspots." But looking at Norman's list via the link in the alert includes the sighting. So, why would they leave out sightings when you are reviewing a list from a hotspot? It certainly left me flatfooted. Sorry for my confusion.
>
> Lee
>
> On Thu, Sep 26, 2019 at 12:07 AM Lee Jaffe <leeja......> <>> wrote:
> After seeing the MBBirds posting Wednesday morning that a Nashville Warbler had been spotted at CARE Park, I stopped by to see if I could spot it. And I thought I did and got some so-so photos. But checking the ebird list posted for that location today, I don't see a Nashville included. I wondered if the Nashville mentioned in MBB was "corrected" to something else, such as a Yellow-rumped. On the other hand, the photos I got, noisy as they are, look pretty good for a Nashville (note the eye-ring). Please take a look and let me know what you think.
>
> https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/33415563 <https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/33415563> >
> Lee Jaffe
>
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Date: 9/26/19 8:04 pm From: Norman Uyeda <nsuyeda...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Re: Never mind -- Re: CARE Park Nashville Warbler?
Hi all
This is my very first post on MBB after technical help from Randy and Phil.
I do not have a smart phone so I will not be posting in the field to either eBird or MBB. By the time I process my pics and post on eBird it is usually afternoon or early evening. In the past I have gotten the word out on important finds by texting someone else to relay the message. In the case of the NAWA, the MBB post by Earl was probably 8 hours before my eBird post.
Norman
On Thursday, September 26, 2019 at 8:23:59 AM UTC-7, Lee Jaffe wrote: > > This morning's eBird alert clarified the sighting described below. I was > confused by how eBird displays lists, with no mention of the Nashville > Warbler if you "explore hotspots." But looking at Norman's list via the > link in the alert includes the sighting. So, why would they leave out > sightings when you are reviewing a list from a hotspot? It certainly left > me flatfooted. Sorry for my confusion. > > Lee > > On Thu, Sep 26, 2019 at 12:07 AM Lee Jaffe <leeja......> > <javascript:>> wrote: > >> After seeing the MBBirds posting Wednesday morning that a Nashville >> Warbler had been spotted at CARE Park, I stopped by to see if I could spot >> it. And I thought I did and got some so-so photos. But checking the ebird >> list posted for that location today, I don't see a Nashville included. I >> wondered if the Nashville mentioned in MBB was "corrected" to something >> else, such as a Yellow-rumped. On the other hand, the photos I got, noisy >> as they are, look pretty good for a Nashville (note the eye-ring). Please >> take a look and let me know what you think. >> >> https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/33415563 >> >> Lee Jaffe >> >
Date: 9/26/19 4:36 pm From: 'Roy Carlson' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] San Benito County
At Paicenes Reservoir today, the White-faced Ibis first reported September 23 was still there. It was foraging in the marshy area closest to the gate. There were many Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and Double-crested Cormorants. There were several Snowy Egrets, American White Pelicans, Black-necked Stilts and Greater Yellowlegs. A scope is needed.
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Bill Hill <billhill45...>To: Earl Lebow <hawkowl...>Sent: Thursday, September 26, 2019, 04:19:15 PM PDTSubject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Carmel and Monterey Birds
Vireo is way upstream above the shopping center. Knee boots are fine.
On Sep 26, 2019, at 4:17 PM, Earl Lebow <hawkowl...> wrote:
Virginia's Warbler continues at Frog Pond in Monterey and a Yellow-Throated Vireo was reported from the Carmel River. Unclear as to the location so be sure to bring your chest waders. :-)>
Earl
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Virginia's Warbler continues at Frog Pond in Monterey and a Yellow-Throated Vireo was reported from the Carmel River. Unclear as to the location so be sure to bring your chest waders. :-)>
Earl
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Date: 9/26/19 8:24 am From: Lee Jaffe <leejaffe54...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Never mind -- Re: CARE Park Nashville Warbler?
This morning's eBird alert clarified the sighting described below. I was confused by how eBird displays lists, with no mention of the Nashville Warbler if you "explore hotspots." But looking at Norman's list via the link in the alert includes the sighting. So, why would they leave out sightings when you are reviewing a list from a hotspot? It certainly left me flatfooted. Sorry for my confusion.
Lee
On Thu, Sep 26, 2019 at 12:07 AM Lee Jaffe <leejaffe54...> wrote:
> After seeing the MBBirds posting Wednesday morning that a Nashville > Warbler had been spotted at CARE Park, I stopped by to see if I could spot > it. And I thought I did and got some so-so photos. But checking the ebird > list posted for that location today, I don't see a Nashville included. I > wondered if the Nashville mentioned in MBB was "corrected" to something > else, such as a Yellow-rumped. On the other hand, the photos I got, noisy > as they are, look pretty good for a Nashville (note the eye-ring). Please > take a look and let me know what you think. > > https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/33415563 > > Lee Jaffe >
Date: 9/26/19 12:07 am From: Lee Jaffe <leejaffe54...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] CARE Park Nashville Warbler?
After seeing the MBBirds posting Wednesday morning that a Nashville Warbler had been spotted at CARE Park, I stopped by to see if I could spot it. And I thought I did and got some so-so photos. But checking the ebird list posted for that location today, I don't see a Nashville included. I wondered if the Nashville mentioned in MBB was "corrected" to something else, such as a Yellow-rumped. On the other hand, the photos I got, noisy as they are, look pretty good for a Nashville (note the eye-ring). Please take a look and let me know what you think.
I agree with Kent, though I think eBird has a higher proportion of erroneous reports (before reviewers clean up the mess) than MBB does. Chaser beware! And I also want to add my thanks to Phil and Todd.
Glen Tepke
Oakland/Santa Cruz
On 9/25/2019 4:43 PM, Kent Johnson wrote:
I think putting the daily ebird reports from Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties on MBB is an excellent idea. Some of the southern California listserves already include ebird reports for their areas. People can act on what they think of the likelihood of any particular observation being accurate the same as for any other reports on MBB. Thanks to Phil for keeping MBB going, and many, many thanks to Todd for doing so for so many years.
From: <mbbirds...> <mbbirds...> on behalf of L.T. Jaeger <ltjaeger...> Sent: Wednesday, September 25, 2019 1:16 PM To: MBB <mbbirds...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Rare Birds on MBB Happy to see these thoughtful responses.
Totally agree that MBB is about more than rarities; always has been; always should be.
All options have pros and cons and limitations. The goal is to embrace available technologies and keep MBB relevant. Hopefully some good will come of this discussion.
Clay
> On Sep 25, 2019, at 11:49 AM, Earl Lebow <hawkowl...> wrote: > > Hi, > > I am thrilled that Clay has initiated this conversation and that Don and Phil are weighing in on this. I agree with Phil that MBB is for more than Rare Bird reports but there have been fewer and fewer of those over the years and Monterey is not the only omission. I have noticed eBird reports from Santa Cruz that do not make it to MBB. The plus of MBB in this regard is that reports can be in real time so that those interested in rarities can know immediately if something has appeared and can also receive real time updates. Right now Monterey Birders use a Whats App messaging program to inform each other of local rarities. According to Brian Sullivan at his talk Saturday night that is open to anyone who wants to join. Santa Cruz birders could also have their own Whats App program(open to anyone) to report rarities immediately. Of course that could mean the death knell for MBB. > I hope everyone weighs in on these options and I hope whatever ultimate decisions are made they are ones with the greatest buy-in from county birders in both counties so that rarities at least are communicated to every one as close in real time as possible. > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On Sep 25, 2019, at 11:18 AM, Don Roberson <creagrus...> wrote: >> >> Clay et al. -- this might be a good idea, but MBB readers would need to understand that eBird alerts are "unfiltered" and can often include mistaken identications and protocol mistakes made by newbies or out-of-towners. >> >> Monterey County has 5 separate eBird filters, four on land and one for pelagics. The way the GIS works for the pelagic filter is that anything reported on salt water (of what the GIS reads as salt water, and that can include beaches), pulls up the pelagic filter that is meant for boat trips more than 2 miles offshore, and those excludes landbirds and inshore pelagic birds. We've created Hot Spots that usually avoid these problems, but whenever an eBirder, often a visitor, creates a "personal location" that the GIS layer reads as salt water, suddenly a whole bunch of common birds are on the eBird Alerts. It is easy to tell when that happens when suddenly Pelagic Cormorant, Pigeon Guillemot, Barn Swallow, Rock Dove, or Brewer's Blackbird is listed a new "rarities" on the Alert. Someone out of town this week created a "personal location" at Bird Rock in Pebble Beach -- instead of using the Hot Spot readily available -- and the GIS read his spot as "ocean" and Cal Scrub-Jay, American Crow, Brewer's Blackbird, and Black Phoebe were found on that day's "rarity alert." >> >> Double-crested Cormorants and Common Mergansers often get caught in the filter, because the Monterey Peninsula filter includes Seaside and Carmel as well as Monterey and Pacific Grove. DC Cormorant has big roosts at Laguna Grande, Del Monte Lake. and Roberts Lake, but the filter is set at 12 because, from years of experience now as an editor, I know that many out-of-towners will claim all the cormorants at Pt. Pinos as Double-crests because it is the one they "expect" to see where they live in the East or South. Unless constrained by the filter, we'd have to spend hours weeking out mistaken huge counts for Double-crests at Pt. Pinos or Pebble Beach. So the local eBirders just have to live with the fact that counts of 30 Double-crests are not rare in Seaside, but will be posted as a rarity on the eBird alert. Same problem for Common Merganser and Common Raven -- both regular at Carmel River lagoon -- but rare elsewhere on the Peninsula. Out-of-towners routinely report female Red-breasted Mergansers in Monterey harbor or Pt. Pinos as "Common Merganser" [ as will claim crows in P.G. or Monterey as ravens] -- and the only way to avoid a lot of mis-identifications being shown on the maps is to set the Peninsula filter for Common Merganser and Raven filters at zero. >> >> On top of all this, any eBird user -- particularly beginning users -- can be prone to typos or mistakes. One person on Rick Fournier's tour who got to see the great Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher at Pt. Lobos was so unfamiliar with rarities that she reported it as "Yellow-bellied Flycatcher" on her list, and that got on the alerts. We've had new eBirders use the name of a bird from Asia, by mistake or ignorance of common birds, and those get on the alerts. Every eBird alert should come with the warning: "BEWARE. These are unverified reports. Use at your own risk." >> >> These are chronic and continuing problems, and this is just a partial list. The reader of eBird alerts needs to understand these idiosyncrasies, but non eBird users are likely to be very confused by these sorts of problems. >> >> This is something to think about when considering your propositions. Of course, any active birder can get a free eBird account -- and subscribe to the Monterey County alerts -- without having to do anything more. They don't even need to use eBird to get the alerts. Such folks would need how to read eBird alerts, with the problems outlined above -- but that might be easier than automatic provision of sometimes very-confusing alerts to the general public. >> >> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "mbbirds" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...> >> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<1e8a15ab-0c42-e32b-50fc-7aee4dad7584...> > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "mbbirds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<7B7A5A44-BC92-4BD7-8F44-160CFE13CCD8...>
Date: 9/25/19 4:43 pm From: Kent Johnson <kentjohnson...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Rare Birds on MBB
I think putting the daily ebird reports from Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties on MBB is an excellent idea. Some of the southern California listserves already include ebird reports for their areas. People can act on what they think of the likelihood of any particular observation being accurate the same as for any other reports on MBB.
Thanks to Phil for keeping MBB going, and many, many thanks to Todd for doing so for so many years.
Kent Johnson
Boulder Creek
________________________________
From: <mbbirds...> <mbbirds...> on behalf of L.T. Jaeger <ltjaeger...>
Sent: Wednesday, September 25, 2019 1:16 PM
To: MBB <mbbirds...>
Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Rare Birds on MBB
Happy to see these thoughtful responses.
Totally agree that MBB is about more than rarities; always has been; always should be.
All options have pros and cons and limitations. The goal is to embrace available technologies and keep MBB relevant. Hopefully some good will come of this discussion.
Clay
> On Sep 25, 2019, at 11:49 AM, Earl Lebow <hawkowl...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I am thrilled that Clay has initiated this conversation and that Don and Phil are weighing in on this. I agree with Phil that MBB is for more than Rare Bird reports but there have been fewer and fewer of those over the years and Monterey is not the only omission. I have noticed eBird reports from Santa Cruz that do not make it to MBB. The plus of MBB in this regard is that reports can be in real time so that those interested in rarities can know immediately if something has appeared and can also receive real time updates. Right now Monterey Birders use a Whats App messaging program to inform each other of local rarities. According to Brian Sullivan at his talk Saturday night that is open to anyone who wants to join. Santa Cruz birders could also have their own Whats App program(open to anyone) to report rarities immediately. Of course that could mean the death knell for MBB.
> I hope everyone weighs in on these options and I hope whatever ultimate decisions are made they are ones with the greatest buy-in from county birders in both counties so that rarities at least are communicated to every one as close in real time as possible.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Sep 25, 2019, at 11:18 AM, Don Roberson <creagrus...> wrote:
>>
>> Clay et al. -- this might be a good idea, but MBB readers would need to understand that eBird alerts are "unfiltered" and can often include mistaken identications and protocol mistakes made by newbies or out-of-towners.
>>
>> Monterey County has 5 separate eBird filters, four on land and one for pelagics. The way the GIS works for the pelagic filter is that anything reported on salt water (of what the GIS reads as salt water, and that can include beaches), pulls up the pelagic filter that is meant for boat trips more than 2 miles offshore, and those excludes landbirds and inshore pelagic birds. We've created Hot Spots that usually avoid these problems, but whenever an eBirder, often a visitor, creates a "personal location" that the GIS layer reads as salt water, suddenly a whole bunch of common birds are on the eBird Alerts. It is easy to tell when that happens when suddenly Pelagic Cormorant, Pigeon Guillemot, Barn Swallow, Rock Dove, or Brewer's Blackbird is listed a new "rarities" on the Alert. Someone out of town this week created a "personal location" at Bird Rock in Pebble Beach -- instead of using the Hot Spot readily available -- and the GIS read his spot as "ocean" and Cal Scrub-Jay, American Crow, Brewer's Blackbird, and Black Phoebe were found on that day's "rarity alert."
>>
>> Double-crested Cormorants and Common Mergansers often get caught in the filter, because the Monterey Peninsula filter includes Seaside and Carmel as well as Monterey and Pacific Grove. DC Cormorant has big roosts at Laguna Grande, Del Monte Lake. and Roberts Lake, but the filter is set at 12 because, from years of experience now as an editor, I know that many out-of-towners will claim all the cormorants at Pt. Pinos as Double-crests because it is the one they "expect" to see where they live in the East or South. Unless constrained by the filter, we'd have to spend hours weeking out mistaken huge counts for Double-crests at Pt. Pinos or Pebble Beach. So the local eBirders just have to live with the fact that counts of 30 Double-crests are not rare in Seaside, but will be posted as a rarity on the eBird alert. Same problem for Common Merganser and Common Raven -- both regular at Carmel River lagoon -- but rare elsewhere on the Peninsula. Out-of-towners routinely report female Red-breasted Mergansers in Monterey harbor or Pt. Pinos as "Common Merganser" [ as will claim crows in P.G. or Monterey as ravens] -- and the only way to avoid a lot of mis-identifications being shown on the maps is to set the Peninsula filter for Common Merganser and Raven filters at zero.
>>
>> On top of all this, any eBird user -- particularly beginning users -- can be prone to typos or mistakes. One person on Rick Fournier's tour who got to see the great Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher at Pt. Lobos was so unfamiliar with rarities that she reported it as "Yellow-bellied Flycatcher" on her list, and that got on the alerts. We've had new eBirders use the name of a bird from Asia, by mistake or ignorance of common birds, and those get on the alerts. Every eBird alert should come with the warning: "BEWARE. These are unverified reports. Use at your own risk."
>>
>> These are chronic and continuing problems, and this is just a partial list. The reader of eBird alerts needs to understand these idiosyncrasies, but non eBird users are likely to be very confused by these sorts of problems.
>>
>> This is something to think about when considering your propositions. Of course, any active birder can get a free eBird account -- and subscribe to the Monterey County alerts -- without having to do anything more. They don't even need to use eBird to get the alerts. Such folks would need how to read eBird alerts, with the problems outlined above -- but that might be easier than automatic provision of sometimes very-confusing alerts to the general public.
>>
>> --
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>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<1e8a15ab-0c42-e32b-50fc-7aee4dad7584...> >
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Date: 9/25/19 2:32 pm From: Lisa Larson <lisafaylarson...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] West Branch Struve Slough this morning
Hello Birders,
I feared the sun would sear us out at West Branch Struve Slough, but it turned out to be a great morning! We were blessed with a bit of cloud cover for a while.
An *American Bittern* was spotted as soon as we arrived at part of the trail near the benches where you can see the most water. It was right at water's edge below us standing on some tules. I had never seen one there before, so I was excited. I felt like it was a young bird.
We walked toward the freeway where you can see into that arm of the slough and watched a bunch of *Bustits* working the foliage. Associated with those bushtits, which I have seen happen in a number of locations, was a *Blue-gray Gnatcatcher*. There may have been more than one.
To our awe and delight, *FOUR American Bitterns* flew out of that area and toward the arm on the west side past where the first bittern was spotted. A family of bitterns! Fabulous!
A mature female *Harrier* glided past eyeing the ground for prey and a *White-tailed Kite* "kited" - hovering like a kestrel as it searched the ground for prey. I had seen two yesterday.
Ducks included *Mallards*, *Ruddy Ducks*, and *Northern Shovelers*. (I saw a pair of shy Cinnamon Teal yesterday.) Numerous *Pied-billed Grebes* were there, and three chicks were noted. One family with two chicks caught our attention because of the begging from the babies. Other usual suspects included *Great Blue Herons*, *Great Egrets,* and *Double-crested Cormorants*. A flew *American White Pelicans* were flying around as were were leaving. (See P.S. about the "pellies".)
Sparrows were mostly *White-crowned* and there were some *Song Sparrows* as well. There were a couple of *Bewick's Wrens* and quite a few Marsh Wrens. Predominant finches were House and I did see one Lesser Goldfinch. (I had seen American Goldfinches the day before.)
We went over to that arm of the slough and a *Sora *was spotted. I said I thought it was an immature *Common Gallinule*, then changed my mind to Sora as I got better looks. Upon inspecting my photos, I see we had BOTH!
For those wishing to know more about the difference, Both are types of rail, but Sora is more coot-like in beak shape and behavior. Both immature birds can have yellowish-looking beaks, but mature Sora's is VERY yellow. Both Sora and Common Gallinule have similar looking tails, but Sora does lots of bobbing-flicking of its tail. The white markings on the sides are quite different. The immature gallinule has the wider, blurry pale streaks and the Sora has a pretty zig-zaggy barred pattern. The Sora was mature and kept skulking at water's edge and around foliage, but the gallinule often swam to the next place it could walk rather than skulk behind foliage. Coloration of both can be brown and gray, depending on age, but Sora typically has a richer color. It is the more complex white barring v.s. wide blurry streaks on the sides of the birds that is a great tell in immature birds.
I hope this description helps and that the experts are not laughing at me.
Happy birding! - Lisa
P.S. I staked out the area the day before and had quite a show of American White Pelicans in a tight group silently appear and work the area for food. It was a wonder to see them appear to work as a unit, with an entourage of some Double-crested Cormorants flanking and in the lead. The back-lit orange/yellowish bills almost appeared to row and then as they submerged their heads and the wings were raided a bit on their sides I felt as though I was witnessing a mass ballet. They left as suddenly and silently as they appeared. Wonderful!
On another note a Virginia's Warbler was reported on e-bird by Blake Matheson this morning at Frog Pond Wetlands Preserve in Monterey.
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Totally agree that MBB is about more than rarities; always has been; always should be.
All options have pros and cons and limitations. The goal is to embrace available technologies and keep MBB relevant. Hopefully some good will come of this discussion.
Clay
> On Sep 25, 2019, at 11:49 AM, Earl Lebow <hawkowl...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I am thrilled that Clay has initiated this conversation and that Don and Phil are weighing in on this. I agree with Phil that MBB is for more than Rare Bird reports but there have been fewer and fewer of those over the years and Monterey is not the only omission. I have noticed eBird reports from Santa Cruz that do not make it to MBB. The plus of MBB in this regard is that reports can be in real time so that those interested in rarities can know immediately if something has appeared and can also receive real time updates. Right now Monterey Birders use a Whats App messaging program to inform each other of local rarities. According to Brian Sullivan at his talk Saturday night that is open to anyone who wants to join. Santa Cruz birders could also have their own Whats App program(open to anyone) to report rarities immediately. Of course that could mean the death knell for MBB.
> I hope everyone weighs in on these options and I hope whatever ultimate decisions are made they are ones with the greatest buy-in from county birders in both counties so that rarities at least are communicated to every one as close in real time as possible.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Sep 25, 2019, at 11:18 AM, Don Roberson <creagrus...> wrote:
>>
>> Clay et al. -- this might be a good idea, but MBB readers would need to understand that eBird alerts are "unfiltered" and can often include mistaken identications and protocol mistakes made by newbies or out-of-towners.
>>
>> Monterey County has 5 separate eBird filters, four on land and one for pelagics. The way the GIS works for the pelagic filter is that anything reported on salt water (of what the GIS reads as salt water, and that can include beaches), pulls up the pelagic filter that is meant for boat trips more than 2 miles offshore, and those excludes landbirds and inshore pelagic birds. We've created Hot Spots that usually avoid these problems, but whenever an eBirder, often a visitor, creates a "personal location" that the GIS layer reads as salt water, suddenly a whole bunch of common birds are on the eBird Alerts. It is easy to tell when that happens when suddenly Pelagic Cormorant, Pigeon Guillemot, Barn Swallow, Rock Dove, or Brewer's Blackbird is listed a new "rarities" on the Alert. Someone out of town this week created a "personal location" at Bird Rock in Pebble Beach -- instead of using the Hot Spot readily available -- and the GIS read his spot as "ocean" and Cal Scrub-Jay, American Crow, Brewer's Blackbird, and Black Phoebe were found on that day's "rarity alert."
>>
>> Double-crested Cormorants and Common Mergansers often get caught in the filter, because the Monterey Peninsula filter includes Seaside and Carmel as well as Monterey and Pacific Grove. DC Cormorant has big roosts at Laguna Grande, Del Monte Lake. and Roberts Lake, but the filter is set at 12 because, from years of experience now as an editor, I know that many out-of-towners will claim all the cormorants at Pt. Pinos as Double-crests because it is the one they "expect" to see where they live in the East or South. Unless constrained by the filter, we'd have to spend hours weeking out mistaken huge counts for Double-crests at Pt. Pinos or Pebble Beach. So the local eBirders just have to live with the fact that counts of 30 Double-crests are not rare in Seaside, but will be posted as a rarity on the eBird alert. Same problem for Common Merganser and Common Raven -- both regular at Carmel River lagoon -- but rare elsewhere on the Peninsula. Out-of-towners routinely report female Red-breasted Mergansers in Monterey harbor or Pt. Pinos as "Common Merganser" [ as will claim crows in P.G. or Monterey as ravens] -- and the only way to avoid a lot of mis-identifications being shown on the maps is to set the Peninsula filter for Common Merganser and Raven filters at zero.
>>
>> On top of all this, any eBird user -- particularly beginning users -- can be prone to typos or mistakes. One person on Rick Fournier's tour who got to see the great Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher at Pt. Lobos was so unfamiliar with rarities that she reported it as "Yellow-bellied Flycatcher" on her list, and that got on the alerts. We've had new eBirders use the name of a bird from Asia, by mistake or ignorance of common birds, and those get on the alerts. Every eBird alert should come with the warning: "BEWARE. These are unverified reports. Use at your own risk."
>>
>> These are chronic and continuing problems, and this is just a partial list. The reader of eBird alerts needs to understand these idiosyncrasies, but non eBird users are likely to be very confused by these sorts of problems.
>>
>> This is something to think about when considering your propositions. Of course, any active birder can get a free eBird account -- and subscribe to the Monterey County alerts -- without having to do anything more. They don't even need to use eBird to get the alerts. Such folks would need how to read eBird alerts, with the problems outlined above -- but that might be easier than automatic provision of sometimes very-confusing alerts to the general public.
>>
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "mbbirds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
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> --
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Date: 9/25/19 11:49 am From: Earl Lebow <hawkowl...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Rare Birds on MBB
Hi,
I am thrilled that Clay has initiated this conversation and that Don and Phil are weighing in on this. I agree with Phil that MBB is for more than Rare Bird reports but there have been fewer and fewer of those over the years and Monterey is not the only omission. I have noticed eBird reports from Santa Cruz that do not make it to MBB. The plus of MBB in this regard is that reports can be in real time so that those interested in rarities can know immediately if something has appeared and can also receive real time updates. Right now Monterey Birders use a Whats App messaging program to inform each other of local rarities. According to Brian Sullivan at his talk Saturday night that is open to anyone who wants to join. Santa Cruz birders could also have their own Whats App program(open to anyone) to report rarities immediately. Of course that could mean the death knell for MBB.
I hope everyone weighs in on these options and I hope whatever ultimate decisions are made they are ones with the greatest buy-in from county birders in both counties so that rarities at least are communicated to every one as close in real time as possible.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Sep 25, 2019, at 11:18 AM, Don Roberson <creagrus...> wrote:
>
> Clay et al. -- this might be a good idea, but MBB readers would need to understand that eBird alerts are "unfiltered" and can often include mistaken identications and protocol mistakes made by newbies or out-of-towners.
>
> Monterey County has 5 separate eBird filters, four on land and one for pelagics. The way the GIS works for the pelagic filter is that anything reported on salt water (of what the GIS reads as salt water, and that can include beaches), pulls up the pelagic filter that is meant for boat trips more than 2 miles offshore, and those excludes landbirds and inshore pelagic birds. We've created Hot Spots that usually avoid these problems, but whenever an eBirder, often a visitor, creates a "personal location" that the GIS layer reads as salt water, suddenly a whole bunch of common birds are on the eBird Alerts. It is easy to tell when that happens when suddenly Pelagic Cormorant, Pigeon Guillemot, Barn Swallow, Rock Dove, or Brewer's Blackbird is listed a new "rarities" on the Alert. Someone out of town this week created a "personal location" at Bird Rock in Pebble Beach -- instead of using the Hot Spot readily available -- and the GIS read his spot as "ocean" and Cal Scrub-Jay, American Crow, Brewer's Blackbird, and Black Phoebe were found on that day's "rarity alert."
>
> Double-crested Cormorants and Common Mergansers often get caught in the filter, because the Monterey Peninsula filter includes Seaside and Carmel as well as Monterey and Pacific Grove. DC Cormorant has big roosts at Laguna Grande, Del Monte Lake. and Roberts Lake, but the filter is set at 12 because, from years of experience now as an editor, I know that many out-of-towners will claim all the cormorants at Pt. Pinos as Double-crests because it is the one they "expect" to see where they live in the East or South. Unless constrained by the filter, we'd have to spend hours weeking out mistaken huge counts for Double-crests at Pt. Pinos or Pebble Beach. So the local eBirders just have to live with the fact that counts of 30 Double-crests are not rare in Seaside, but will be posted as a rarity on the eBird alert. Same problem for Common Merganser and Common Raven -- both regular at Carmel River lagoon -- but rare elsewhere on the Peninsula. Out-of-towners routinely report female Red-breasted Mergansers in Monterey harbor or Pt. Pinos as "Common Merganser" [ as will claim crows in P.G. or Monterey as ravens] -- and the only way to avoid a lot of mis-identifications being shown on the maps is to set the Peninsula filter for Common Merganser and Raven filters at zero.
>
> On top of all this, any eBird user -- particularly beginning users -- can be prone to typos or mistakes. One person on Rick Fournier's tour who got to see the great Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher at Pt. Lobos was so unfamiliar with rarities that she reported it as "Yellow-bellied Flycatcher" on her list, and that got on the alerts. We've had new eBirders use the name of a bird from Asia, by mistake or ignorance of common birds, and those get on the alerts. Every eBird alert should come with the warning: "BEWARE. These are unverified reports. Use at your own risk."
>
> These are chronic and continuing problems, and this is just a partial list. The reader of eBird alerts needs to understand these idiosyncrasies, but non eBird users are likely to be very confused by these sorts of problems.
>
> This is something to think about when considering your propositions. Of course, any active birder can get a free eBird account -- and subscribe to the Monterey County alerts -- without having to do anything more. They don't even need to use eBird to get the alerts. Such folks would need how to read eBird alerts, with the problems outlined above -- but that might be easier than automatic provision of sometimes very-confusing alerts to the general public.
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "mbbirds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<1e8a15ab-0c42-e32b-50fc-7aee4dad7584...>
Date: 9/25/19 11:21 am From: Phil Brown <pdpbrown...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Rare Birds on MBB
Hi Clay,
I recently took over admin duties for MBBIRDS, mostly because Todd is not
active any more. It is NOT my intention to be responsible for MBBIRDS in
perpetuity, this job will be the responsibility of an officer of the Bird
Club.
That being said I have the following responses.
a) MBBIRDS does not exist solely for reporting rarities. In the past a lot
of contributions were of a more general nature - reporting FOS arrivals,
reporting local interesting (but not necessarily rarity) sightings, trip
reports etc. etc. This kind of post has declined a lot sadly, I would
encourage all local birders to contribute to the group in this way whenever
they wish to.
b) It is true that the level of reporting from Monterey is lower than other
counties, which is very disappointing. In the past there was a disparity
between Monterey and Santa Cruz where Monterey birders used the telephone
based reporting system more than MBBIRDS and Santa Cruz birders did the
opposite. With the closure of the phone reporting system all that is left
for Monterey is this listserve and ebird.
I would ask Central Coast birders these questions:
a) do they want to see a copy of the ebird reports on MBBIRDS?
b) If so, for which counties, and at what intervals?
Bear in mind that any individual may sign up for these reports themselves.
These reports can be hourly or daily. Note also that these reports from
ebird can often be erroneous unless they are flagged as "CONFIRMED".
Regards,
Phil Brown
On Wed, Sep 25, 2019 at 10:40 AM L.T. Jaeger <ltjaeger...> wrote:
> Since MBB is only receiving a small percentage of rare bird reports from
> Monterey County (unless Earl Lebow graciously forwards reports from
> others), I’d like to suggest that the list serve subscribe to the daily
> e-bird rarity reports from Monterey County.
>
> Santa Cruz & San Benito birders are still doing a pretty good job of
> reporting rarities from those counties, but MBB may as well subscribe to
> the e-bird reports from there as well.
>
> These e-bird reports are sent a day after the sightings, (and are only one
> of several options), but it seems like a good way to get the word out about
> more rarities without clogging the list serve with tons of messages.
>
> Any thoughts from the list serve managers?
>
> Clay Kempf
> Elkhorn
>
>
>
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "mbbirds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion on the web visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<CDB3E495-C0A2-4066-9AAC-3B678DCB930D...> > .
>
Date: 9/25/19 11:18 am From: Don Roberson <creagrus...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Rare Birds on MBB
Clay et al. -- this might be a good idea, but MBB readers would need to
understand that eBird alerts are "unfiltered" and can often include
mistaken identications and protocol mistakes made by newbies or
out-of-towners.
Monterey County has 5 separate eBird filters, four on land and one for
pelagics. The way the GIS works for the pelagic filter is that anything
reported on salt water (of what the GIS reads as salt water, and that
can include beaches), pulls up the pelagic filter that is meant for boat
trips more than 2 miles offshore, and those excludes landbirds and
inshore pelagic birds. We've created Hot Spots that usually avoid these
problems, but whenever an eBirder, often a visitor, creates a "personal
location" that the GIS layer reads as salt water, suddenly a whole bunch
of common birds are on the eBird Alerts. It is easy to tell when that
happens when suddenly Pelagic Cormorant, Pigeon Guillemot, Barn Swallow,
Rock Dove, or Brewer's Blackbird is listed a new "rarities" on the
Alert. Someone out of town this week created a "personal location" at
Bird Rock in Pebble Beach -- instead of using the Hot Spot readily
available -- and the GIS read his spot as "ocean" and Cal Scrub-Jay,
American Crow, Brewer's Blackbird, and Black Phoebe were found on that
day's "rarity alert."
Double-crested Cormorants and Common Mergansers often get caught in the
filter, because the Monterey Peninsula filter includes Seaside and
Carmel as well as Monterey and Pacific Grove. DC Cormorant has big
roosts at Laguna Grande, Del Monte Lake. and Roberts Lake, but the
filter is set at 12 because, from years of experience now as an editor,
I know that many out-of-towners will claim all the cormorants at Pt.
Pinos as Double-crests because it is the one they "expect" to see where
they live in the East or South. Unless constrained by the filter, we'd
have to spend hours weeking out mistaken huge counts for Double-crests
at Pt. Pinos or Pebble Beach. So the local eBirders just have to live
with the fact that counts of 30 Double-crests are not rare in Seaside,
but will be posted as a rarity on the eBird alert. Same problem for
Common Merganser and Common Raven -- both regular at Carmel River lagoon
-- but rare elsewhere on the Peninsula. Out-of-towners routinely report
female Red-breasted Mergansers in Monterey harbor or Pt. Pinos as
"Common Merganser" [ as will claim crows in P.G. or Monterey as ravens]
-- and the only way to avoid a lot of mis-identifications being shown on
the maps is to set the Peninsula filter for Common Merganser and Raven
filters at zero.
On top of all this, any eBird user -- particularly beginning users --
can be prone to typos or mistakes. One person on Rick Fournier's tour
who got to see the great Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher at Pt. Lobos was so
unfamiliar with rarities that she reported it as "Yellow-bellied
Flycatcher" on her list, and that got on the alerts. We've had new
eBirders use the name of a bird from Asia, by mistake or ignorance of
common birds, and those get on the alerts. Every eBird alert should
come with the warning: "BEWARE. These are unverified reports. Use at
your own risk."
These are chronic and continuing problems, and this is just a partial
list. The reader of eBird alerts needs to understand these
idiosyncrasies, but non eBird users are likely to be very confused by
these sorts of problems.
This is something to think about when considering your propositions. Of
course, any active birder can get a free eBird account -- and subscribe
to the Monterey County alerts -- without having to do anything more.
They don't even need to use eBird to get the alerts. Such folks would
need how to read eBird alerts, with the problems outlined above -- but
that might be easier than automatic provision of sometimes
very-confusing alerts to the general public.
Date: 9/25/19 11:16 am From: 'Donald Glasco' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Leucistic Ruddy Duck at Laguna Grande
I spotted this unusual duck amongst a half dozen Ruddy Ducks at Laguna Grande this morning. I found about a score examples of leucistic Ruddy’s on Google, of which only two had this pattern of all white head but normal otherwise (there were 4 all white Ruddys)
Don Glasco
Seaside, CA
<don.glasco...>
831.277.5042
Date: 9/25/19 10:40 am From: L.T. Jaeger <ltjaeger...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Rare Birds on MBB
Since MBB is only receiving a small percentage of rare bird reports from Monterey County (unless Earl Lebow graciously forwards reports from others), I’d like to suggest that the list serve subscribe to the daily e-bird rarity reports from Monterey County.
Santa Cruz & San Benito birders are still doing a pretty good job of reporting rarities from those counties, but MBB may as well subscribe to the e-bird reports from there as well.
These e-bird reports are sent a day after the sightings, (and are only one of several options), but it seems like a good way to get the word out about more rarities without clogging the list serve with tons of messages.
There’s been quite a bit of birding around San Benito County lately, what with the bird festival and pelagic trips.
A WHITE-FACED IBIS was found at Paicines Reservoir and was still present as of yesterday, September 23 when I was there. Ibis can be a tough bird to find in San Benito County. About 40 Great Egrets, as well as a number of Great Blue Herons and a few Snowy Egrets are also present. I’m guessing that they could be gorging on the thousands of Western toads that showed up earlier this summer. WHITE PELICANS are also present.
On September 21, Mike Parr, President of the American Bird Conservancy, found an EASTERN KINGBIRD at Paicines Reservoir. This represents only the second county record for this species. It did not stick around— even until the end of the day.
Daniel George and I looked for the Eastern Kingbird on Sunday, September 22, after the pelagic trip, but failed to find it. We did find a couple of CASSIN’S KINGBIRDS, and a WILLOW FLYCATCHER.
The Paicines Reservoir sits on private property, Paicines Ranch. Birding can be done from the Highway 25 pullout. Do not cross any fences as doing so would be trespassing on the ranch. The ranch manager is aware of the kingbird.
Along Santa Ana Valley Road, the CASSIN’S KINGBIRDS continue. Three FERRUGINOUS HAWKS have arrived for the winter. The BALD EAGLE pair, Bob & Bernadette, are at their usual winter station, as are the GOLDEN EAGLE pair, Iolair & Aileen.
The usual fall migrants and winter arrivals are taking place throughout the county.
Happy Trails,
Debi Shearwater
DEBRA SHEARWATER
Shearwater Journeys, Inc.
PO Box 190
Hollister, CA 95024
831.637.8527
<debi...>
www.shearwaterjourneys.com
www.shearwaterjourneys.blogspot.com
Celebrating 44 Years of Seabirding with Shearwater Journeys
Siberia’s Forgotten Coast & Spoon-billed Sandpiper- 23 June - 6 July 2020
Northeast Passage: Northern Sea Route 27 July - 22 August 2020
Date: 9/23/19 12:35 pm From: 'Lisa Sheridan' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Fwd: Breaking News: There are 2.9 billion fewer birds in the U.S. and Canada now than 50 years ago, a new study found, a steep decline that stunned the researchers.
Love this we can send info to add! Thank you Lisa
On Monday, September 23, 2019, Phil Brown <pdpbrown...> wrote:
I can create a page on the site for this if the board thinks that is a good idea. If I do, please let me know what content you would like.Phil
On Mon, Sep 23, 2019 at 11:53 AM Hannah Nevins <hnevins...> wrote:
On this same topic of the “Bird Crisis” - Here are resources for what you can do to protect birds:
From: <mbbirds...> [mailto:<mbbirds...>]On Behalf Of Lee Jaffe
Sent: Thursday, September 19, 2019 12:32 PM
To: Monterey Bay Birdlist <mbbirds...>
Subject: [MBBIRDS] Fwd: Breaking News: There are 2.9 billion fewer birds in the U.S. and Canada now than 50 years ago, a new study found, a steep decline that stunned the researchers.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: The New York Times <nytdirect...>
Date: Thu, Sep 19, 2019, 11:09 AM
Subject: Breaking News: There are 2.9 billion fewer birds in the U.S. and Canada now than 50 years ago, a new study found, a steep decline that stunned the researchers.
To: <leejaffe54...>
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Breaking News Alert
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September 19, 2019
NYTimes.com »
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BREAKING NEWS
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There are 2.9 billion fewer birds in the U.S. and Canada now than 50 years ago, a new study found, a steep decline that stunned the researchers.
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Thursday, September 19, 2019 2:04 PM EST
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The analysis, published in the journal Science, is the most exhaustive and ambitious attempt yet to learn what is happening to avian populations. The results have shocked researchers and conservation organizations.
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Date: 9/23/19 11:56 am From: Phil Brown <pdpbrown...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Fwd: Breaking News: There are 2.9 billion fewer birds in the U.S. and Canada now than 50 years ago, a new study found, a steep decline that stunned the researchers.
I can create a page on the site for this if the board thinks that is a good
idea. If I do, please let me know what content you would like.
Phil
On Mon, Sep 23, 2019 at 11:53 AM Hannah Nevins <hnevins...> wrote:
Date: 9/23/19 11:53 am From: Hannah Nevins <hnevins...> Subject: RE: [MBBIRDS] Fwd: Breaking News: There are 2.9 billion fewer birds in the U.S. and Canada now than 50 years ago, a new study found, a steep decline that stunned the researchers.
There is also a slate of bird-friendly bills moving through – we need to strengthen our legal protections.
American Bird Conservancy has this action alert:
https://abcbirds.org/action/petition-bird-crisis
~Hannah
From: <mbbirds...> [mailto:<mbbirds...>] On Behalf Of Lee Jaffe
Sent: Thursday, September 19, 2019 12:32 PM
To: Monterey Bay Birdlist <mbbirds...>
Subject: [MBBIRDS] Fwd: Breaking News: There are 2.9 billion fewer birds in the U.S. and Canada now than 50 years ago, a new study found, a steep decline that stunned the researchers.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: The New York Times <nytdirect...><mailto:<nytdirect...>> Date: Thu, Sep 19, 2019, 11:09 AM
Subject: Breaking News: There are 2.9 billion fewer birds in the U.S. and Canada now than 50 years ago, a new study found, a steep decline that stunned the researchers.
To: <leejaffe54...><mailto:<leejaffe54...>>
The analysis, published in the journal Science, is the most exhaustive and ambitious attempt yet to learn what is happening to avian populations. The results have shocked researchers and conservation organizations.
--
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To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<6160945268bf4d3894937f8f3fd25d7a...>
Date: 9/23/19 11:45 am From: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Sabine's Gull close to shore
Hi all,
A choppy and foggy pelagic yesterday, but with nice views of a lot of the regularly occurring species. Arctic Tern numbers were high as they have been this season, and many Sabine's Gulls. Two Scripp's Murrelets flew off but we did not have the weather to try and chase them down. Many Parasitic Jaegers were offshore chasing the terns, with a few Pomarines out there as well. Friendly Black-footed Albatross were a hit. Shearwaters near shore were absent, all were out in the canyon, with a few Buller's in the mix. No Black-vented yet, although we did have the arrival for them on Saturday out of Morro Bay so they may head north still.
Of particular interest was this juvenile Sabine's Gull very close to shore (would be visible with scope) as we approached the jetty. It appears to be eating a California Tortoiseshell butterfly!! Maybe a once in a lifetime photo.
Date: 9/23/19 11:09 am From: Alexander Gaguine <gaguine...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Natural Bridges
This morning Natural Bridges had at least 6 Western Tanagers on the Delaware Avenue side.
I also saw my first ever Rattlesnake in that park, a baby, joining only two others I’ve ever seen in coastal Santa Cruz. The other two were together, also babies, years ago in Wilder. Never an adult.
Back to birds, NB also had a Western Wood-Pewee, Yellow Warbler, seventy-five Red-necked Phalaropes, and a Long-billed Curlew.
Alexander
