Excellent! Glad you got to see them Casey. Makes me wonder how long those birds have been up there.
> On Aug 18, 2018, at 17:15, Casey Girard <casey.girard...> wrote:
>
> My family and I decided to hike up to Mount Montara from San Pedro Valley Park today. Upon making it to the cave after walking along Alta Vista trail we sat and the Bells Sparrows popped out. They were running around the grass between the two patches of shrubs that are below the cave. We saw them between 2:15- 2:30. We saw 3.
>
> List posted and photos to be added soon.
>
> Thank you for the great directions all and first spotting those Dominik.
>
> Happy Birding!
>
> cheers,
> Casey
>
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My family and I decided to hike up to Mount Montara from San Pedro Valley Park today. Upon making it to the cave after walking along Alta Vista trail we sat and the Bells Sparrows popped out. They were running around the grass between the two patches of shrubs that are below the cave. We saw them between 2:15- 2:30. We saw 3.
List posted and photos to be added soon.
Thank you for the great directions all and first spotting those Dominik.
Happy Birding!
cheers, Casey
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Date: 8/18/18 11:48 am From: Debi Shearwater <debiluv...> Subject: [pen-bird] Pelagic Report: San Mateo & SF Counties
Hello, Birders,
Shearwater Journeys had three successful pelagic trips recently, two trips to the Farallon Islands and one trip departing from Half Moon Bay offshore to the Continental Shelf edge.
Our August 11, 2019 Half Moon Bay trip was filled with non-stop birding, including both San Mateo and San Francisco Counties.
Highlights on August 11th included: 8 species of tubenoses: BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS; NORTHERN FULMAR; SOOTY, PINK-FOOTED, BULLER’S and FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATERS; BLACK and ASHY STORM-PETRELS; NORTHERN GANNET; RED and RED-NECKED PHALAROPES with side by side comparisons; POMARINE and LONG-TAILED JAEGERS; SABINE’S GULLS; seven species of alcids: COMMON MURRE, PIGEON GUILLEMOT, MARBLED and SCRIPPS’S MURRELETS; RHINOCEROS and CASSIN’S AUKLETS; TUFTED PUFFIN.
Best of all, everyone on board had excellent views of the special seabirds of this trip— Northern Gannet, Ashy Storm-Petrels, Buller’s and Flesh-footed Shearwaters, Long-tailed Jaegers, and Scripps’s and Marbled Murrelets.
Cetaceans included about 20 humpback whales, one blue and one fin whale, 25 Pacific white-sided dolphins and 2 Dall’s porpoises.
Many thanks to the participants who hailed from 9 different states in the USA, as well as folks from Germany, Belgium, France, and Canada.
The leaders included: Peter Pyle, Nick Levendosky, Steve Hampton, Mary Gustafson, and Debi Shearwater. I think I saw Peter autographing a few books.
The complete species list, by counties for August 11, 2019 Half Moon Bay, Shearwater Journeys’ trip:
Our Farallon Island trips departing from Sausalito on August 5 and 12 had the expected seabirds, humpback whales, and Black-footed Albatrosses at the edge of the shelf.
One special experience during the August 5 trip was an absolutely amazing Tufted Puffin who repeatedly “inspected” our vessel, never leaving us! Birders were shooting “selfies” with this puffin. It was pure fun! Leaders on this trip included John Garrett, Linda Terrill, Sahas Barve, and Debi Shearwater.
On the August 12th trip, we saw the BROWN BOOBY at Sugarloaf and a SCRIPPS’S MURRELET near the shelf break. Leader Todd McGrath spotted the PARAKEET AUKLET in flight as we were headed out. Leaders on this trip included: Todd McGrath, Mary Gustafson and Debi Shearwater.
Our next trips departing from Half Moon Bay with spaces available are:
SEP 22 with leaders Scott & Linda Terrill, Steve Hampton, Steve Tucker, Debi Shearwater
SEP 23 with leaders Alex Rinkert, Tim Miller, Abe Borker, Debi Shearwater
OCT 7 with leaders Steve Hampton, Christian Schwarz, Jim Holmes, 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 43 Years of Seabirding with Shearwater Journeys
Siberia’s Forgotten Coast & Spoon-billed Sandpiper- 25 June - 9 July 2019
Galapagos Islands: 30 October - 12 November 2019
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Date: 8/18/18 7:44 am From: Bob Reiling <rreiling2...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Pillar Point Harbor Scripps's Murrelet
All,
No sign of the Scripps's Murrelet up till noon on Friday (8/17) at Pillar Pt. Best birds were a COMMON MURRE, a
RED-THROATED LOON and a distant, unidentified Loon.
Take care,
Bob Reiling
> On August 16, 2018 at 11:37 AM Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi all
>
> Captain Dennis Baxter of the New Captain Pete tells me that the Scripps’s Murrelet was looking weak at the end of the pier in Pillar Point harbor this morning. This was just beyond the fuel dock (building with the Texaco logo).
>
>
>
> Regards
>
> Alvaro
>
>
>
> Alvaro Jaramillo
>
> <alvaro...> mailto:<alvaro...> >
> www.alvarosadventures.com
>
>
>
>
>
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This morning, I spent three hours seawatching from Moss Beach. There was high overcast giving good visibility to three-quarters of the way out to the horizon. With no wind, the ocean was very calm.
As expected at this time of the year Pigeon Guillemots are dispersing north to their wintering grounds. What I did not expect, was a BIG push of Pigeon Guillemots in HIGH numbers that I have never noted before during a seawatch in San Mateo County.
Below are just some of the sightings I noted.
Surf Scoter ( 28, first arrivals headed south, all males )
Sooty Shearwater ( 80 foraging around 5-6 Humpback Whales near the horizon )
Pink-footed Shearwater ( 1 north )
NORTHERN FULMAR ( 1 dark-morph, 1 light-morph, I rarely see this species from shore at this time of the year )
Western Sandpiper ( 60 south )
Red-necked Phalarope ( 108 south )
Parasitic Jaeger ( 3 following Elegant Terns south )
Pigeon Guillemot ( 512 north, largest group 23, 14 of the 512 were juveniles )
Rhinoceros Auklet ( 2 )
Marbled Murrelet ( 2 )
Ron Thorn
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Date: 8/17/18 5:14 pm From: maliadances via Groups.Io <maliadances=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Two Baird's Sandpiper Pescadero 8/17
All,
There were (2) Baird's Sandpiper this afternoon around 2:00pm at Pescadero Creek. Chris had found (1) Baird's Sandpiper yesterday and today there were two. He also noted the peep flock had increased substantially from the day before. The location is within the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve. Pescadero Creek runs out to sea passing under the Hwy 1 bridge. One can park in the free parking lot on the south end of the bridge and either cross Hwy 1 or go down on the beach and under the bridge. Follow the shore upstream to the point where the creek narrows. Both days the peep flock containing Baird's Sandpiper had been feeding right at the bend where the creek narrows. Best at a lowish tide.
Hi All,
This morning I found a Juvenile Baird's Sandpiper along the edge of the lagoon at Pescadero Creek mouth. The Baird's was in a flock of Western and Least Sandpiper's near where the lagoon starts to narrow, perhaps 200 yards east of the Hwy. 1 bridge.
Earlier I checked Gazos Creek mouth looking for the Pectoral Sandpiper reported by Ron Thorn yesterday with no luck.
Some photos of the Baird's Sandpiper are on my ebird checklist link below.
https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S47888433
Chris Hayward
Half Moon Bay
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Date: 8/16/18 11:37 am From: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> Subject: [pen-bird] Pillar Point Harbor Scripps's Murrelet
Hi all
Captain Dennis Baxter of the New Captain Pete tells me that the Scripps's Murrelet was looking weak at the end of the pier in Pillar Point harbor this morning. This was just beyond the fuel dock (building with the Texaco logo).
Date: 8/16/18 10:33 am From: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> Subject: [pen-bird] San Mateo pelagic this Saturday - weather looking nice
Hello all,
The San Mateo pelagic is on for this Saturday. We have a few spots left, and wanted to note that the forecast for wind and waves looks relatively calm. Warmer water is offshore as well. These conditions are actually rather good for offshore murrelets, Scripps's has been quite frequent this season, and Craveri's and Guadalupe are always on our radar. Dream wish bird would be Nazca Booby. But more likely are great looks at shearwaters, BF Albatross, and hopefully we find some storm-petrel concentrations as we did this last weekend.
We have some well known birder guests onboard including Richard Crossley, and Brian Sullivan and members of the Cornell eBird team (Director Steve Kelling) onboard. Richard and Brian I am sure would be happy to sign books during or after the trip.
Date: 8/15/18 6:57 pm From: Ronald- Thorn via Groups.Io <Tronthorn=<aol.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Pectoral Sandpiper and Black Swifts
Finally a break in the dense fog. I started the day off with a seawatch from Pigeon Point.
I did not spend too much time seawatching, as it was boring. The only bird of note was a Pomarine Jaeger. The highlight that was unexpected while seawatching was when I spotted ( 2 ) BLACK SWIFTS interacting flying north low overhead along the bluff. I became exited with ( 5 ) more Black Swifts following right behind the first two. I watched all ( 7 ) fly north until out of sight. There was a low ceiling of clouds maybe keeping the Black Swifts down low. These are the first Black Swifts I have ever seen at Pigeon Point. Tricolored Blackbirds have returned with at least ( 10 ) males in a large flock of Brewer's and Red-winged Blackbirds along the road.
At the mouth of Gazos Creek I was scanning through the large number of Western and California Gulls when I spotted an adult PECTORAL SANDPIPER along the lagoon edge. July and August is when an occasional adult will pass through the county. Juvenile Pectoral Sandpipers are more expected later in the fall.
I checked Gazos Creek Road for any migrants in the riparian. A Hermit Warbler was with a small flock made up of Western Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo and Wlison's Warblers.
Along Lobitos Creek Cut-off Road, there was an adult and juvenile American Kestrel. Adults were noted in this area during the spring and early summer. Great, another confirmation of breeding this season in the county!
Ron Thorn
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Date: 8/15/18 3:30 pm From: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> Subject: [pen-bird] Scripps's Murrelet in Pillar Point Harbor
Hello Birders
During the SFBBO shorebird workshop today, we (about 16 folks) had a the great surprise of finding a Scripps's Murrelet in the outer harbor. It was roughly in the same area as the Ancient Murrelet found earlier in the year there. To the right (Northwest) of where the boats are tied up, and well out in distance. The bird was visible from the trail towards mavericks in the harbor. We could see a small black and white alcid with a dark face, no extension of white on to the nape. As well the flanks were white, and there was no white on scapulars or on the wings. Fortunately while we were there, the bird flapped and showed white underwings, confirming it was not a Craveri's Murrelet. This is the first time I have seen a Scripps's from land in the county, and Malia (who was there) did not recall any others. So if it sticks around, this is a unique situation. But be patient it took a while to re-find the bird after we first located it, and it can go under for long periods and seemingly disappears.
Nice flock of Western and Least sandpipers out there, a Long-billed Curlew (juvenile) was nice, and a total of 5 Wandering Tattlers together was the highest number I can remember at one time there.
Date: 8/14/18 5:06 pm From: Kent Forward via Groups.Io <kforward=<yahoo.com...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Marbled Murrelet at Pillar Point Harbor 8/14/2018
Oh man, tripped up by a juvenile! Thanks Alvaro, adjusting the list.
On Tuesday, August 14, 2018, 5:01:32 PM PDT, Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> wrote:
HI Kent
Note, this is a juvenile Pigeon Guillemot. The bill is long, and white is on the wings rather than the scapulars.
Take care,
Alvaro
Alvaro Jaramillo
<alvaro...>
www.alvarosadventures.com
From: <peninsula-birding...> <peninsula-birding...> On Behalf Of Kent Forward via Groups.Io
Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2018 4:58 PM
To: Peninsula Birding <peninsula-birding...>
Subject: [pen-bird] Marbled Murrelet at Pillar Point Harbor 8/14/2018
Good Afternoon Birders,
Today while birding the end of West Trail at Pillar Point Harbor there was a lone MARBLED MURRELET drifting in the ocean just outside the jetty, great views could be had from atop the jetty and from Maverick's Beach. Photos here: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S47848247
Also, on Pillar Point pond I noted a a lone RED-NECKED PHALAROPE.
Bountiful Birding,
Kent Forward
El Granada
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From: <peninsula-birding...> <peninsula-birding...> On Behalf Of Kent Forward via Groups.Io
Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2018 4:58 PM
To: Peninsula Birding <peninsula-birding...>
Subject: [pen-bird] Marbled Murrelet at Pillar Point Harbor 8/14/2018
Good Afternoon Birders,
Today while birding the end of West Trail at Pillar Point Harbor there was a lone MARBLED MURRELET drifting in the ocean just outside the jetty, great views could be had from atop the jetty and from Maverick's Beach. Photos here: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S47848247
Also, on Pillar Point pond I noted a a lone RED-NECKED PHALAROPE.
Bountiful Birding,
Kent Forward
El Granada
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Date: 8/14/18 4:57 pm From: Kent Forward via Groups.Io <kforward=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Marbled Murrelet at Pillar Point Harbor 8/14/2018
Good Afternoon Birders,
Today while birding the end of West Trail at Pillar Point Harbor there was a lone MARBLED MURRELET drifting in the ocean just outside the jetty, great views could be had from atop the jetty and from Maverick's Beach. Photos here: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S47848247 Also, on Pillar Point pond I noted a a lone RED-NECKED PHALAROPE.
Bountiful Birding,Kent ForwardEl Granada
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Walking out the very West side of the harbor we saw a WANDERING TATTLER on the rocks near the portage to Whaler's cove. There was also a RED THROATED LOON swimming a ways off. Photos of the Tattler are at https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/15404326 Ross Millikan
San Mateo
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Date: 8/13/18 10:26 am From: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Brown Booby, South Farallon Islands
Gerry
If you were on the island on Saturday, I hope you got to see the Horned Puffin that happened by our boat while we were out there. Quite a stunning creature. We had another trip yesterday, and looked hard but it was too foggy, we may have missed it.
From: <peninsula-birding...> <peninsula-birding...> On Behalf Of Gerry McChesney
Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2018 12:52 PM
To: Peninsula Birding <peninsula-birding...>
Subject: [pen-bird] Brown Booby, South Farallon Islands
A brown booby is on Sugarloaf today (Fisherman's Bay). First booby sighting here in quite a while.
--
Gerry McChesney
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Date: 8/13/18 9:34 am From: Jane Tatchell <Jane...> Subject: [pen-bird] Bell's Sparrows on Montara Mountain Sunday 8/12
Yesterday, Peter Headland and I had adequate views of the Bell's Sparrows originally found by Dominik Mosur. It's a long, steep hike up towards the North Peak of Montara Mountain. Almost at the top, there's a multi-way junction off to the right with a trail that leads to the small cave. We turned off there and first went to the location that Adam Dudley provided coordinates for, at GPS location 37.562906, -122.484258, arriving at noon. No luck after 30 minutes so we moved up to the cave area, where half a dozen or so people had been picnicking. After another 40 minutes, we were about to go back to the area where Adam saw them when Peter spotted a couple of sparrow-sized birds actively hunting something (insects?) in the grassy bowl directly below the cave. Too far away to see more than long tails flicking regularly, gray backs and heads, as they flapped and jumped around. We went back round to the main trail and approached the grassy area from the opposite direction. After a few minutes and a Bewick's Wren that tried to confuse us, first two Bell's Sparrows came into view, briefly on the top of a small bush, before flying in short bursts up the hill and away from us, foraging in the grass and hopping up onto bushes and boulders. As we watched, they were joined by two others. A satisfactory sighting of what was not just a county bird, but a life bird, for us! Worth the lengthy hike! -- Jane Tatchell, Redwood City
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Date: 8/12/18 5:01 pm From: Adam Dudley via Groups.Io <adam.dudley=<icloud.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Good sea watching Pigeon Point & Pescadero Sun 12th Aug
Hi everyone, Jane and I headed to the coast today to bird Pigeon Point and Pescadero. We arrived at Pigeon Pt at about 9am and saw Ginny and Ann who were already there. The ocean was extremely calm, with fog near the horizon. Rafts of common murres were on the sea, along with many young birds. After a while, the wind increased slightly and birds started to move. SOOTY SHEARWATERS were moving at the edge of the fog, while closer in the first of many flocks of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES flew past. They were very hard to pick up on the ocean surface, but eventually some came close enough and landed so we could see their black eye-masks. While there were likely more, we managed to see 2 larger, brick-red RED PHALAROPES in the flocks of red-necked.
Excitingly, while scanning the shearwaters I picked out a storm-petrel flying at about 2/3 distance to the fog bank. Its much smaller size than the shearwaters, overall dark coloration, distinctive flight action, and pale-ish underwings identified it as an ASHY STORM-PETREL, my first record of this species from land! Just afterwards, a CASSIN'S AUKLET flew past fast and low; we saw 2 others a few minutes later.
While at Pigeon Pt it was interesting watching the courtship behavior of the harbor seals who were in the water near the rocks below the lighthouse - chasing each other, tail slapping, nuzzling, rolling around, etc. We also saw a few harbor porpoise, sea-lion sp, and a lone hump-backed whale.
After we'd had our fill, we headed North to Pescadero and started a sea watch from the creek mouth. Here there was a feeding frenzy quite close in to shore - pelicans, cormorants, sooty shearwarters and various gulls were voraciously feeding on baitfish. Even more phalaropes were here - one large flock held at least 10 red and 60 red-necked! 5 WANDERING TATTLER were joined on the rocks by LONG-BILLED CURLEWS, SURFBIRDS and BLACK-TURNSTONES.
By now the tourist throngs had arrived so we headed across the road to explore Pescadero Marsh. Jane saw and photographed a long-tailed weasel here, but the birding was quiet - the highlight was an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER in the willows along the North Pond Trail. A few western and least sandpipers were joined by semi-palmated plovers on the main pond, but otherwise it was pretty quiet.
A fantastic morning to be out along the coast!
Good birding,
Adam
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Date: 8/12/18 4:11 pm From: Ronald- Thorn via Groups.Io <Tronthorn=<aol.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Miscellaneous sightings the last several days
Below are some miscellaneous sightings from the last several days.
I have been trying to get out for a seawatch, but the persistent dense fog has been the worst I have ever seen. There was one morning, there was a higher ceiling of fog and I was able to do just over two hours of seawatching at Pigeon Point. There were ( 7,200 ) Sooty Shearwaters flying south. A dark-morph Northern Fulmar was close to shore sitting on the water and could barely get up and fly a short distance. I usually note ( 1 ) Northern Fulmar during the summer period from shore. Unexpected at this time of the year close to shore was a molting RED PHALAROPE on the water. Bird activity on the ocean was still slow, so I checked for land birds along the coast. The only migrant I noted was a Western Kingbird near Tunitas Creek Road.
On the bayside the first Northern Shovelers and Green-winged Teal have arrived. Juvenile peeps were not noted arriving until August 3 with ( 40 ) Western Sandpipers and ( 15 ) Least Sandpipers. I still have not noted arriving juvenile Short-billed Dowitchers and Greater Yellowlegs. An adult Wilson's Phalarope was on the salt ponds along Highway 84 near the Dumbarton Bridge. Also at the salt ponds were ( 56 ) Black Skimmers. ( 6 ) Of the skimmers were youngsters. An adult Osprey flew over headed east across San Francisco Bay. A pond near Seaport in Redwood City had ( 94 ) Greater Yellowlegs. None of the Greater Yellowlegs were juveniles.
At Redwood Shores, Forster's Terns are having a good breeding success at the pond behind the Nob Hill Market with ( 64 ) youngsters noted at this time. The Loggerhead Shrike has returned to the area near the historical radio station off of Radio Road. Western Bluebirds were confirmed breeding for the first time in Redwood Shores and one of the few places along the bayshore in San Mateo County. A couple of migrants are starting to move through Redwood Shores, where the last two days, Leonie and I had a Wilson's Warbler and a hatch-year Lark Sparrow. Hatch-year Hooded Orioles are dispersing through-out Redwood Shores.
Ron Thorn and Leonie Batkin
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Cutting to the chase, Jonah Benningfield spotted a gorgeous adult Horned Puffin flying around Sugarloaf on the Farallon Islands. What a fantastic find, and this was after heading north out of Half Moon Bay looking around Pedro Point for the Horned Puffin that Josiah saw some days ago and not finding it! One wonders, is it the same bird, or is it part of a small "invasion" into the area? In any case, we were pretty happy to see the bird, which eventually we saw on the water, near two Tufted Puffins. A two puffin day south of Alaska is not bad at all. This was minutes after seeing Brown Booby, sitting on Sugarloaf. Has Horned Puffin and Brown Booby ever occurred on the same eBird list I wonder? And I mean, ever?
Other highlights included multiple lunge feeding Humpback Whales on our way out to the islands. One group was of over 20 individuals, with synchronized heads popping up out of the water of at least a dozen individuals at one time. It was really quite amazing to see, while hundreds of sealions fished with the whales, and many Sooty and Pink-footed Shearwaters were about. Densities of shearwaters were really good out there. We found a few Ashy Storm Petrels, Black-footed Albatross, 7 species of alcids including great Marbled Murrelets near Half Moon Bay, both ocean going phalaropes, several Pomarine Jaegers, and many Northern Fulmar throughout the day. Add to this that we spotted the Northern Gannet flying in from the ocean, and eventually landing on Egg Rock at the Devil's Slide.
Just a fantastic trip!
We are doing the San Mateo County trip, which has been a good one in the past next Saturday. Activity is high out there with a ton to see right now. We are hoping for a great trip next Saturday, if you wish to join us, you can sign up here:
Date: 8/11/18 5:52 pm From: Sandy Greenberg <sandygreenberg...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Bell's Sparrows still on Montara Mountain
Very Nice!
From: <peninsula-birding...> on behalf of "Adam Dudley via Groups.Io" <adam.dudley=<icloud.com...> Reply-To: <peninsula-birding...> Date: Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 5:16 PM To: <peninsula-birding...> Subject: [pen-bird] Bell's Sparrows still on Montara Mountain
Hi everyone, Jane and I decided to trek up Montara mountain this morning to search for the previously-reported Bell's Sparrows. I'm delighted to report that they were still there up until at least 1pm! We counted 3 birds in view at the same time. As Dominic, Kent and Malia and Chris have already reported, it's a long hike since the birds are very near the summit. Our total round trip from San Pedro Valley CP, including looking for the birds and hitting the summit, was just over 9 miles. But the view is tremendous! If you are considering it on a weekend day, I would recommend heading out early. The trail became extremely popular with hikers and mountain bikers by 10:30am and then the birds tended to move around much more and were harder to see.
The birds were in almost exactly the same location described very well by Kent Forward last week. Today they were at GPS location 37.562906, -122.484258, viewable from the Alta Vista trail.
Good birding!
Adam
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Date: 8/11/18 5:16 pm From: Adam Dudley via Groups.Io <adam.dudley=<icloud.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Bell's Sparrows still on Montara Mountain
Hi everyone, Jane and I decided to trek up Montara mountain this morning to search for the previously-reported Bell's Sparrows. I'm delighted to report that they were still there up until at least 1pm! We counted 3 birds in view at the same time. As Dominic, Kent and Malia and Chris have already reported, it's a long hike since the birds are very near the summit. Our total round trip from San Pedro Valley CP, including looking for the birds and hitting the summit, was just over 9 miles. But the view is tremendous! If you are considering it on a weekend day, I would recommend heading out early. The trail became extremely popular with hikers and mountain bikers by 10:30am and then the birds tended to move around much more and were harder to see.
The birds were in almost exactly the same location described very well by Kent Forward last week. Today they were at GPS location 37.562906, -122.484258, viewable from the Alta Vista trail.
Good birding!
Adam
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Date: 8/10/18 4:29 pm From: maliadances via Groups.Io <maliadances=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Cassin's Vireo Old Woman's Creek Rd. - 8/10
Today Chris and I birded with our friend Bobbi who is out here visiting from NY. Bobbi was interested in finding a Warbling Vireo which would have been a San Mateo County bird. We decided to start at the Gazos Creek Rd./Cloverdale Rd . junction and started our birding venture by walking up the first part of Old Woman's Creek Rd. Maybe 100 yards from Gazos Creek Rd, as we walked up OWCR, we encountered a birdy section which included chickadees, Song Sparrows, Wilson's Warblers, MacGillivray's Warbler and our target bird, Warbling Vireo. A bonus CASSIN'S VIREO was also in the area and well seen by all 3 of us. The bird was first seen, then heard vocalizing. We all were able to get photos and audio.
To get to this location, here is a snippet from the Sequoia Audubon Birding guide: Just past the junction of Gazos Creek and Cloverdale Rds., there is a dirt road to your right: Old Woman Creek Road. This road can be walked a fair distance; it parallels its eponymous creek for about 1.5 miles. There are residences along this road in its higher reaches, so respect private property. However, Old Woman Creek Road is legitimately part of Año Nuevo State Park. There is a metal bridge across Gazos Creek just a few yards from Gazos Creek Road.
Date: 8/10/18 4:27 pm From: Eric S <ericbs1975...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Waterdog 10 August
Thanks for the affirmation! I was wondering if it was holding something. Saw that in the photo, but only saw it long enough to get off those two shots.
-Eric
On Fri, Aug 10, 2018 at 3:27 PM Bob Reiling <rreiling2...> wrote:
> Eric, > > I agree, a SSHA (several features match it) and it's carrying lunch. > > Take care, > > Bob Reiling > > > > On August 10, 2018 at 1:56 PM Eric S <ericbs1975...> wrote: > > Not having had visited this park in a while I decided to check in and > see if anything new had shown up. Not much yet. Mostly CHESTNUT-BACKED > CHICKADEES, ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, and CALIFORNIA SCRUB JAYS. However, there > were a few species of note. Upon entering the park there was a small hawk > circling overhead. To me, it looked like a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK based upon > the smallish head. I'm usually wrong, so I posted a few poor pictures on my > checklist (linked below). :-) Two HUTTON'S VIREOS were nice finds, each on > an opposite end of the park. Lastly, i found a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER there > for the first time. The habitat seemed amenable for them, so I was glad to > finally have seen one here. Didn't see the thrashers, but they were there > calling. > > https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S47762782 > > Happy birding! > Eric Storms > San Carlos > > > >
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Date: 8/10/18 3:27 pm From: Bob Reiling <rreiling2...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Waterdog 10 August
Eric,
I agree, a SSHA (several features match it) and it's carrying lunch.
Take care,
Bob Reiling
> On August 10, 2018 at 1:56 PM Eric S <ericbs1975...> wrote: > > Not having had visited this park in a while I decided to check in and see if anything new had shown up. Not much yet. Mostly CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES, ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, and CALIFORNIA SCRUB JAYS. However, there were a few species of note. Upon entering the park there was a small hawk circling overhead. To me, it looked like a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK based upon the smallish head. I'm usually wrong, so I posted a few poor pictures on my checklist (linked below). :-) Two HUTTON'S VIREOS were nice finds, each on an opposite end of the park. Lastly, i found a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER there for the first time. The habitat seemed amenable for them, so I was glad to finally have seen one here. Didn't see the thrashers, but they were there calling. > > https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S47762782 > > Happy birding! > Eric Storms > San Carlos > >
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Date: 8/10/18 1:56 pm From: Eric S <ericbs1975...> Subject: [pen-bird] Waterdog 10 August
Not having had visited this park in a while I decided to check in and see if anything new had shown up. Not much yet. Mostly CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEES, ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, and CALIFORNIA SCRUB JAYS. However, there were a few species of note. Upon entering the park there was a small hawk circling overhead. To me, it looked like a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK based upon the smallish head. I'm usually wrong, so I posted a few poor pictures on my checklist (linked below). :-) Two HUTTON'S VIREOS were nice finds, each on an opposite end of the park. Lastly, i found a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER there for the first time. The habitat seemed amenable for them, so I was glad to finally have seen one here. Didn't see the thrashers, but they were there calling.
Date: 8/10/18 9:51 am From: SequoiaAudubon Society via Groups.Io <sequoia_audubon_society=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] SAS: Two coastal field trips Sat 8/11; one bilingual
Hello all, we have two fantastic field trips scheduled for tomorrow - Saturday August 11 - on our coast. Due to a recent schedule change we wanted to be sure we get the word out and clear up any confusion. Here are the two trips for you to choose from, with something for everyone!
Pillar Point Harbor Saturday, August 11, 8:00am -11:00amPillar Point is a hot spot for birding year-round. We should find an interesting variety of birds. Most of the walking will be on a fairly level dirt trail, but if time permits, we may hike up onto the bluff top for a better view out to sea. Scopes will be useful here, so if you have one, bring it along. A primitive restroom is available at the parking lot. Directions: The harbor is located just west of Coast Highway One, 18 miles south of San Francisco and 4 miles north of Half Moon Bay. From Coast Highway One, turn west at the stoplight at Capistrano Road and continue along the north side of the harbor to Prospect Way. Turn left onto Prospect, then a brief jog right on Broadway, to an immediate left on Harvard Avenue. Proceed through the boatyards to the end of Harvard Avenue, then turn right onto West Point Avenue, which curves around a marshy area and heads uphill to an Air Force Radar Facility. Meet at the "West Shoreline Access" parking lot, popularly known as the parking lot to Mavericks, just below the radar station. Leader: Donna Pomeroy Contact: <dpom...>
“Bilingual” Pillar Point Bluffs
Saturday, August 11, 8:00am - 11:00am Join us for our inaugural bilingual/Spanish birding trip, led by State Park interpreter Alan Mata! The Bluffs at Pillar Point are an excellent place to get to know local common birds as well as look for early migrants. Resident sparrows, thrashers, finches and hummingbirds are joined by terns, cormorants, shorebirds and murres on the ocean. Sooty shearwaters could be numerous, returning elegant terns and Heerman’s gulls could put in an appearance, and the chance of humpback whales close in to shore make for a potentially exciting morning! This trip is especially suitable for beginner birders and naturalists. Binoculars are useful, and bring a camera and a scope if you have them. Don’t forget water and a sun hat! Directions: We will meet at Pillar Point Bluff parking lot, along Airport Street in Half Moon Bay, directly opposite the Half Moon Bay airport. Leader: Alan Mata. RSVP: <hmbinterpreter...> Please let Alan know if you need loaner binoculars when RSVP-ing.
View these events on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pg/SequoiaAudubon/events/?ref=page_internalLearn more & join us at:
www.sequoia-audubon.org
www.facebook.com/SequoiaAudubon
Date: 8/9/18 10:36 am From: SequoiaAudubon Society via Groups.Io <sequoia_audubon_society=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] SAS: Pillar Point Harbor; Sat Aug 11; 8:00am - 11:00am
Pillar Point Harbor Saturday, August 11, 8:00am -11:00amPillar Point is a hot spot for birding year-round. We should find an interesting variety of birds. Most of the walking will be on a fairly level dirt trail, but if time permits, we may hike up onto the bluff top for a better view out to sea. Scopes will be useful here, so if you have one, bring it along. A primitive restroom is available at the parking lot. Directions: The harbor is located just west of Coast Highway One, 18 miles south of San Francisco and 4 miles north of Half Moon Bay. From Coast Highway One, turn west at the stoplight at Capistrano Road and continue along the north side of the harbor to Prospect Way. Turn left onto Prospect, then a brief jog right on Broadway, to an immediate left on Harvard Avenue. Proceed through the boatyards to the end of Harvard Avenue, then turn right onto West Point Avenue, which curves around a marshy area and heads uphill to an Air Force Radar Facility. Meet at the "West Shoreline Access" parking lot, popularly known as the parking lot to Mavericks, just below the radar station. Leader: Donna Pomeroy Contact: <dpom...>
View this event on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/204452123739715/ Learn more & join us at:
www.sequoia-audubon.org
www.facebook.com/SequoiaAudubon
Date: 8/9/18 10:36 am From: SequoiaAudubon Society via Groups.Io <sequoia_audubon_society=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] SAS: Edgewood Count Park; Sunday Aug 12; 8am - Noon
Edgewood County Park from Clarkia TrailheadSunday, August 12, 8:00am – 12:00pmExplore this gem of a park while hiking 3-6 miles through oak woodlands, some hills and natural meadows. Look for California Thrasher, Wrentit, Oak Titmouse and Western Bluebird year round. Directions: Take 280 to Edgewood Rd. in Woodside. Go west down Edgewood; turn south on Cañada Road to the Clarkia Trailhead (see map at http://parks.smcgov.org/edgewood-park-trails) Leader: Susie Hons Contact: <susieturtlewings...> View this event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/2069067720080871/ Learn more & join us at:
www.sequoia-audubon.org
www.facebook.com/SequoiaAudubon
Date: 8/8/18 9:22 pm From: Christopher Hayward <p_t_nymph...> Subject: [pen-bird] American Avocet Pilarcitos Creek Mouth 8/8/2018
Hi All,
A short note to say that during our evening walk, there was an American Avocet on the beach near Pilarcitos Creek mouth. This species is quite unusual along our coastline . We have only noted a few along the immediate coast here.
Chris Hayward and Malia Defelice
Half Moon Bay
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Date: 8/8/18 1:19 pm From: Al Eisner <eisner...> Subject: [pen-bird] Wandering Tattler at Coyote POint
This morning (August 8) there was a WANDERING TATTLER at the rocks near the base of the north spit; it seemed to be hanging around. A SURFBIRD was with 21 BLACK TURNSTONEs at the innermost concrete clabs. I didn't find any Baird's. At the freshwater marsh there was a male BELTED KINGFISHER (maybe a new arrival?). I'll post a list to eBird this evening.
Al Eisner
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Date: 8/7/18 10:38 am From: maliadances via Groups.Io <maliadances=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] San Mateo County cumulative year report for July 2018
Greetings San Mateo County Birders!
8 new birds were found in July. A June observation is added to this report and the details on that find are below. The eight July birds plus the one June report brings our end of July total to 299.
The following is about a sparrow that is rare in San Mateo County and how a series of observations documented its presence. Black-chinned Sparrow is a bird of arid brushland, found in dry sagebrush or chaparral often in rocky areas. Going beyond eBird records, I spent some time researching the occurrence of this species in our county. After consulting with long-time birders in our county, and as of this writing, I came up with fewer than 10 records for all time. On June 6 th Garth Harwood reported hearing a Black-chinned Sparrow at Burleigh Murray SP. In his Pen-bird post he linked to a Xeno-Canto recording of what the bird sounded like in order to help others who may try to locate it. From Garth’s Pen-bird and eBird report he hoped it would stick around and perhaps others would get an audio recording of the bird. By the end of June, no other reports from that location came forth despite numerous visits and the efforts of others to relocate that species. At the time of publishing, we just didn’t feel we had enough information to include the Black-chinned Sparrow in the June report. But then on July 10, Dominik Mosur reported seeing (2) Black-chinned Sparrows further upstream from where Garth had heard his bird. On July 13, Chris Hayward was on his 3 rd trip to Burleigh Murray to look for the sparrows. While talking with Eric and Riley Storms, who had come to look for the Yellow-breasted Chat, suddenly a male Black-chinned Sparrow popped up on a bush in front of Chris. Chris quickly pointed the bird out to Riley. Riley’s quick reflexes with the camera, enabled him to get photos. These are the only photos so far as I can tell, on eBird, for this species in San Mateo County! Kudos go out to all. To Garth’s initial report, Dominik’s sighting and Chris, Riley and Eric’s teamwork in capturing a photo of the bird. And it is especially exciting that Riley, who is a young birder, could be a part of documenting this very rare sparrow!
July birds, where they were observed, and their finders are as follows:
As you read through the list of birds below, please note, the number in parenthesis next to the bird name, is the rarity code assigned for San Mateo County. The definitions for the rarity codes can be found below the current month's list at the link below. From the link, you can also download a checklist which shows seasonality, frequency, and county breeding information. A full list of the birds observed so far in 2018 and their finders plus the rarity code definitions can be found here as well: http://www.sequoia-audubon.org/SMCbirds.php
Two July Pelagic trips out of Half Moon Bay with Alvaro’s Adventures produced BLACK TERN (5),
SOUTH POLAR SKUA (3), BULLER’S SHEARWATER (2), WILSON’S STORM-PETREL (5), SCRIPPS’S MURRELET (4) and PARASITIC JAEGER (2). Ron Thorn and Leonie Batkin found a WILSON’S PHALAROPE (5) at Nob Hill Pond. While doing bird banding work at TomKat Ranch, Chad Cremer heard, then photographed an adult male INDIGO BUNTING (4).
Pelagic Season is in full swing! Getting out on the ocean is a fantastic way to see birds and sea life up close and in their domain. Both Alvaro Jaramillo and Debi Shearwater have trips running August – October out of Half Moon Bay and other ports along the central coast. For more information about Alvaro’s Adventures pelagic trips, go to http://alvarosadventures.com or email <alvaro...> For more information about Shearwater Journeys pelagic trips go to http://www.shearwaterjourneys.com/
I put this report together monthly as a volunteer for Sequoia Audubon Society (SAS). San Mateo is a diverse and bird rich county and SAS hopes to inspire you to get out there and explore. Want to know where to bird in San Mateo County? Check out SAS’s online San Mateo County Birding Guide http://birding.sequoia-audubon.org/. Want to join a field trip? All field trips are free and welcome birders of all skill levels. For a schedule of upcoming field trips offered by SAS look here http://www.sequoia-audubon.org/fieldtrips.html.Want to become a member of Sequoia Audubon Society? Join here http://www.sequoia-audubon.org/membership.html
Please post all your bird sightings to <peninsula-birding...>
and/or www.eBird.org ( http://www.ebird.org/ ). As always, when posting to Pen-bird, please include the date of your sighting in either the subject line or in the body of your email. Also, if anyone hears of a bird sighting, not yet noted for the year, on any other social media source, please let me know.
Thank you! If you have questions or comments regarding this report, please email:
<maliadances...>
Good birding all!
Malia DeFelice
Chris Hayward
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Date: 8/6/18 2:29 pm From: Jake Kirkland <kirklandj...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Western Bluebirds breeding in EPA
Hi Bill,
The attachment came through to me. Thanks for sharing. It looks like they are doing very well in the Palo Alto area. This is only my third Summer in EPA, but this was the first year that I had seen them. I have done the SBC at Stanford and not in my neighborhood, but maybe next year i'll have to join the EPA group. Hopefully even more bluebird breeding next year.
-Jake
On Mon, Aug 6, 2018 at 2:01 PM Bill Bousman <barlowi...> wrote:
> Dear Jake and others, > > I don't know if the attached .png image will come through with the new > group, if not I'll send it to Jake and anyone else who would like to see > it. It is a plot of "Birds/Party-Hour" as a function of the year of the > Palo Alto SBC from 1981 to 2017 (37 years) for Western Bluebird. East Palo > Alto is in the count circle. Western Bluebirds have increased by a factor > of 5 over these 37 years. > > Bill Bousman > Menlo Park > > > On 8/6/2018 11:51 AM, Jake Kirkland wrote: > > I don't own a copy of the San Mateo County bird breeding atlas so I don' > know if this is of interest or not, but briefly there are Western Bluebirds > that just fledged young in the University Village area of EPA. I had never > seen bluebirds in this area until last week so I obviously didn't do a good > job of looking. > > On Thursday evening my neighbor called me over to say he found a "hurt" > bird in the road that he had moved to some bushes. It turned out not to be > hurt but almost fledged Western Bluebird that could not fly yet, but still > flapped its not quite working wings. It hopped around so quickly, deep into > the bushes that we decided to let it be and hope it would survive because > catching it was not going to happen. I was confused as to how a fledgling > bluebird was in the neighborhood when I had never noticed its parents. > > Then this morning I observed 2 adult bluebirds across the street flitting > about with two fledglings and feeding them bugs while looking out my > kitchen window. > > This seems very late in the year to be fledging young. Second clutch? > > Now I need to get a bluebird box up in the yard before next Spring! > > Jake Kirkland > East Palo Alto, SMC, CA > > > >
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Date: 8/6/18 2:27 pm From: Pixie couch <pixiec...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Western Bluebirds breeding in EPA
The Western Bluebirds are definitely heading north/east from their previous residence areas. They nested this year at Peninsula School in Menlo Park and Flood Park. Now it seems they have made the trek across hwy 101.
they also are living full time at Menlo Park Library grounds. I may have that wrong; I haven’t kept track of every calendar month.
Pixie Couch
> On Aug 6, 2018, at 11:51 AM, Jake Kirkland <kirklandj...> wrote:
>
> I don't own a copy of the San Mateo County bird breeding atlas so I don' know if this is of interest or not, but briefly there are Western Bluebirds that just fledged young in the University Village area of EPA. I had never seen bluebirds in this area until last week so I obviously didn't do a good job of looking.
>
> On Thursday evening my neighbor called me over to say he found a "hurt" bird in the road that he had moved to some bushes. It turned out not to be hurt but almost fledged Western Bluebird that could not fly yet, but still flapped its not quite working wings. It hopped around so quickly, deep into the bushes that we decided to let it be and hope it would survive because catching it was not going to happen. I was confused as to how a fledgling bluebird was in the neighborhood when I had never noticed its parents.
>
> Then this morning I observed 2 adult bluebirds across the street flitting about with two fledglings and feeding them bugs while looking out my kitchen window.
>
> This seems very late in the year to be fledging young. Second clutch?
>
> Now I need to get a bluebird box up in the yard before next Spring!
>
> Jake Kirkland
> East Palo Alto, SMC, CA
>
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Date: 8/6/18 2:01 pm From: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Western Bluebirds breeding in EPA
Dear Jake and others,
I don't know if the attached .png image will come through with the new group, if not I'll send it to Jake and anyone else who would like to see it. It is a plot of "Birds/Party-Hour" as a function of the year of the Palo Alto SBC from 1981 to 2017 (37 years) for Western Bluebird. East Palo Alto is in the count circle. Western Bluebirds have increased by a factor of 5 over these 37 years.
Bill Bousman Menlo Park
On 8/6/2018 11:51 AM, Jake Kirkland wrote: > I don't own a copy of the San Mateo County bird breeding atlas so I > don' know if this is of interest or not, but briefly there are Western > Bluebirds that just fledged young in the University Village area of > EPA. I had never seen bluebirds in this area until last week so I > obviously didn't do a good job of looking. > > On Thursday evening my neighbor called me over to say he found a > "hurt" bird in the road that he had moved to some bushes. It turned > out not to be hurt but almost fledged Western Bluebird that could not > fly yet, but still flapped its not quite working wings. It hopped > around so quickly, deep into the bushes that we decided to let it be > and hope it would survive because catching it was not going to happen. > I was confused as to how a fledgling bluebird was in the neighborhood > when I had never noticed its parents. > > Then this morning I observed 2 adult bluebirds across the street > flitting about with two fledglings and feeding them bugs while looking > out my kitchen window. > > This seems very late in the year to be fledging young. Second clutch? > > Now I need to get a bluebird box up in the yard before next Spring! > > Jake Kirkland > East Palo Alto, SMC, CA >
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Date: 8/6/18 1:24 pm From: Jake Kirkland <kirklandj...> Subject: [pen-bird] Western Bluebirds breeding in EPA
I don't own a copy of the San Mateo County bird breeding atlas so I don' know if this is of interest or not, but briefly there are Western Bluebirds that just fledged young in the University Village area of EPA. I had never seen bluebirds in this area until last week so I obviously didn't do a good job of looking.
On Thursday evening my neighbor called me over to say he found a "hurt" bird in the road that he had moved to some bushes. It turned out not to be hurt but almost fledged Western Bluebird that could not fly yet, but still flapped its not quite working wings. It hopped around so quickly, deep into the bushes that we decided to let it be and hope it would survive because catching it was not going to happen. I was confused as to how a fledgling bluebird was in the neighborhood when I had never noticed its parents.
Then this morning I observed 2 adult bluebirds across the street flitting about with two fledglings and feeding them bugs while looking out my kitchen window.
This seems very late in the year to be fledging young. Second clutch?
Now I need to get a bluebird box up in the yard before next Spring!
Jake Kirkland East Palo Alto, SMC, CA
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Your description of the back the bird seems to suggest that may be what you saw.
Dominik Mosur
San Francisco
> On Aug 6, 2018, at 12:00, keith_in_eg via Groups.Io <keith_ineg=<yahoo.com...> wrote:
>
> I was cycling North on Stage Road from Pescadero yesterday when a Flycatcher about the size of a California Towhee flew off a fence and downslope to the South over the field. I saw the bird from above and behind for a second or two. It made two clear "whip" calls; one as it took flight, and another a second or two later as it flew off. The tail was rufous and the back and head appeared sandy gray-brown. The wings were a shade or two darker than the back and head, and the wingtips did show some of the rufous color. The bird was more slender in build than a Cal Towhee. The only reason I gave it a look was because it looked very out of place and kinda like a Great Crested Flycatcher - a bird I have experience with from back east and in generally wooded habitats.
>
> I'm not in the habit of posting sketchy sightings with incomplete (no ventral view of this bird) descriptions and without photos. But stranger things have turned up along Stage Road. And flycatchers do tend to linger if they've got a nice spot. So I'm throwing it out there. I wouldn't make a special trip of it, but if you're in the area, you may want to stop and take a look.
>
> Here is the location 37.286338,-122.376849
>
> Keith Gress
> El Granada
>
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Date: 8/6/18 12:00 pm From: keith_in_eg via Groups.Io <keith_ineg=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Interesting Flycatcher, 16:46 Sunday evening Aug. 5th, Stage Road
I was cycling North on Stage Road from Pescadero yesterday when a Flycatcher about the size of a California Towhee flew off a fence and downslope to the South over the field. I saw the bird from above and behind for a second or two. It made two clear "whip" calls; one as it took flight, and another a second or two later as it flew off. The tail was rufous and the back and head appeared sandy gray-brown. The wings were a shade or two darker than the back and head, and the wingtips did show some of the rufous color. The bird was more slender in build than a Cal Towhee. The only reason I gave it a look was because it looked very out of place and kinda like a Great Crested Flycatcher - a bird I have experience with from back east and in generally wooded habitats.
I'm not in the habit of posting sketchy sightings with incomplete (no ventral view of this bird) descriptions and without photos. But stranger things have turned up along Stage Road. And flycatchers do tend to linger if they've got a nice spot. So I'm throwing it out there. I wouldn't make a special trip of it, but if you're in the area, you may want to stop and take a look.
Here is the location 37.286338,-122.376849
Keith Gress
El Granada
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Date: 8/6/18 10:49 am From: maliadances via Groups.Io <maliadances=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] American Kestrel and Red-necked Phalaropes - Half Moon Bay
For the last week or so there has been an American Kestrel hanging out on Hwy 1 just north of the traffic light at Main Street. It has been seen almost daily on the utility wires.
Also Yesterday evening, 8/5, there were (2) Red-necked Phalaropes in the lagoon at Pilarcitos Creek.
Malia DeFelice
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Date: 8/5/18 8:44 pm From: Ralph via Groups.Io <sharks_hockey_maniac=<yahoo.com...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Horned Puffin (fide Josiah Clark), Linda Mar, 8/3/18
Dale Swanberg and I spent an hour-and-a-half scanning for the puffin from the top of the staircase overlooking Shelter Cove this afternoon with no luck. Our consolation prize was a Wandering Tattler on Shelter Cove Beach.
Ralph Baker, Riverbank
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> On Aug 5, 2018, at 5:04 PM, Adam Dudley via Groups.Io <adam.dudley=<icloud.com...> wrote:
>
> Hi folks, just a quick note that there’s a BAIRD’S SANDPIPER on the shell bar at Coyote Point. It’s among a group of black-bellied plover; present at 4:50pm.
>
> Good birding,
>
> Adam
>
>
>
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Date: 8/5/18 5:04 pm From: Adam Dudley via Groups.Io <adam.dudley=<icloud.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Baird’s Sandpiper Coyote Point
Hi folks, just a quick note that there’s a BAIRD’S SANDPIPER on the shell bar at Coyote Point. It’s among a group of black-bellied plover; present at 4:50pm.
Good birding,
Adam
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Date: 8/4/18 10:28 pm From: maliadances via Groups.Io <maliadances=<yahoo.com...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] BELL'S SPARROWS on Montara Mountain 8/4/18
Today 8/4/18 Chris and I had an opportunity to follow-up on Dominik Mosur’s finding of Bell’s Sparrow on Montara Mountain. Parking was sparse on the McNee Ranch side so we followed Kent Forward’s route, starting from San Pedro Valley County Park. We arrived at the little cave mentioned in Dominik’s Pen-bird report around 1:30pm. It was quite windy. Within the hour of being there, we saw several BELL’S SPARROWS. For us, the birds were keeping to the chaparral or feeding just barely on the edges of the open areas in the “bowl” just to the left of the little cave. We are not sure how many Bell’s Sparrow’s there were. They pop up, then down, then move along the ground, then appear in a different location. But at one point we saw 3 together. We spent about an hour and a half observing the birds and trying to photograph each individual bird we saw. We are still going through all our photos. Here is our eBird checklist with a few photos.
As Dominik and Kent mentioned, this is a long and somewhat strenuous hike. But well worth the effort. A hike like this on a sparkling day like today, takes one’s breath away!
Malia DeFelice and Chris Hayward
Half Moon Bay-Calif.
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Date: 8/4/18 1:08 pm From: Sue Cossins <susancossins...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] BELL'S SPARROWS on Montara Mountain 7/31/18
Thanks so much, Kent, for the wonderful photos of the quail and Bell's Sparrows. Either they are all quite tame or you have a great long lens.
Sue Cossins Burlingame
On Sat, Aug 4, 2018 at 12:37 AM, Kent Forward via Groups.Io < kforward=<yahoo.com...> wrote:
> Good Evening Birders, > > I've been chomping at the bit to go look for the Bell's Sparrows on > Montara Mountain after reading Dominik's report of the birds he found on > 7/31/18, and finally had a chance to do so after work today (8/3/18). I'm > pleased to report they are continuing in exactly the same location as > described by Dominik! I included details and a few photos in my eBird > checklist (link below). Thanks Dominik for this report, a lifer for me! > Lovely birds! And if you go for them, it's worth pressing on to the summit > just a 1/4 mile beyond this site, lovely 360 views of the Bay Area. Please > note, as Dominik mentioned, it's a strenuous hike (7 miles round trip), > temps range from cool to almost hot depending on elevation, and it is > mostly out in the open, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen, hat etc. > > https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S47635352 > > Bountiful Birding, > Kent Forward > El Granada > > On Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 11:42:29 PM PDT, Dominik Mosur < > <dominikmosur...> wrote: > > > This afternoon/evening I hiked up to near the top of Montara Mountain from > the McNee Ranch parking lot just north of Montara State Beach. Before you > go rushing up there do note it's about a 7 mile hike round trip with an > elevation gain of 1500 feet. > > About 1 mile past the junction of the North Access Rd. with the trail > coming up from San Pedro Valley County Park, I got good looks at (2) BELL's > Sparrows and brief looks at a likely 3rd Bell's Sparrow. > > There is a little cave above the open area just off the main trail where > the Sparrows were around 19:45. > > Bell's Sparrow was last documented breeding in San Mateo County in the > 1950s according to Peter Metropulos. > > Dominik Mosur. > San Francisco > > > > >
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Date: 8/4/18 12:37 am From: Kent Forward via Groups.Io <kforward=<yahoo.com...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] BELL'S SPARROWS on Montara Mountain 7/31/18
Good Evening Birders,
I've been chomping at the bit to go look for the Bell's Sparrows on Montara Mountain after reading Dominik's report of the birds he found on 7/31/18, and finally had a chance to do so after work today (8/3/18). I'm pleased to report they are continuing in exactly the same location as described by Dominik! I included details and a few photos in my eBird checklist (link below). Thanks Dominik for this report, a lifer for me! Lovely birds! And if you go for them, it's worth pressing on to the summit just a 1/4 mile beyond this site, lovely 360 views of the Bay Area. Please note, as Dominik mentioned, it's a strenuous hike (7 miles round trip), temps range from cool to almost hot depending on elevation, and it is mostly out in the open, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen, hat etc.
https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S47635352
Bountiful Birding,Kent ForwardEl Granada
On Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 11:42:29 PM PDT, Dominik Mosur <dominikmosur...> wrote:
This afternoon/evening I hiked up to near the top of Montara Mountain from the McNee Ranch parking lot just north of Montara State Beach. Before you go rushing up there do note it's about a 7 mile hike round trip with an elevation gain of 1500 feet.
About 1 mile past the junction of the North Access Rd. with the trail coming up from San Pedro Valley County Park, I got good looks at (2) BELL's Sparrows and brief looks at a likely 3rd Bell's Sparrow.
There is a little cave above the open area just off the main trail where the Sparrows were around 19:45.
Bell's Sparrow was last documented breeding in San Mateo County in the 1950s according to Peter Metropulos.
Dominik Mosur.
San Francisco
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Date: 8/3/18 3:48 pm From: Sarah Burton <burtosarah...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Horned Puffin (fide Josiah Clark), Linda Mar, 8/3/18
Thanks to Josiah and Robert, as well as Kent and Chris, for your help navigating the area and directing us to the best location for the Horned Puffin. Though we watched carefully from the end of Shelter Cove (/Shoreside Dr.), we were not able to relocate the bird. Still, it was great to see high numbers of Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemot, and Heermann's Gull.
My best, Sarah Burton San Francisco | 8/3/18
On Fri, Aug 3, 2018 at 11:30 AM, Robert Furrow <robertfurrow...> wrote:
> Josiah suggests looking out from the Shelter Cove neighborhood, or looking > down and north from the hiking trails at the point. It was with a pigeon > guillemot in between the two points. > > On Fri, Aug 3, 2018, 10:30 AM Robert Furrow <robertfurrow...> > wrote: > >> For anyone looking for the bird, I suspect that Josiah was out in a >> kayak, so viewing from the beach might be tricky. Perhaps there's a spot >> further south to scan from? >> >> On Fri, Aug 3, 2018 at 9:08 AM, Robert Furrow <robertfurrow...> >> wrote: >> >>> Josiah Clark just informed me that he's watching a Horned Puffin of >>> Linda Mar beach (Pacific), hanging around the north side of Pedro Point. >>> It's on the water around the big rock. >>> >>> 9am, 8/3/18 >>> >>> Happy birding, >>> Rob Furrow >>> >>> -- >>> Robert Furrow >>> Davis, CA 95618 >>> <robertfurrow...> >>> <rfurrow...> >>> >> >> >> >> -- >> Robert Furrow >> Davis, CA 95618 >> <robertfurrow...> >> <rfurrow...> >> > > >
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Date: 8/3/18 11:30 am From: Robert Furrow <robertfurrow...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Horned Puffin (fide Josiah Clark), Linda Mar, 8/3/18
Josiah suggests looking out from the Shelter Cove neighborhood, or looking down and north from the hiking trails at the point. It was with a pigeon guillemot in between the two points.
On Fri, Aug 3, 2018, 10:30 AM Robert Furrow <robertfurrow...> wrote:
> For anyone looking for the bird, I suspect that Josiah was out in a kayak, > so viewing from the beach might be tricky. Perhaps there's a spot further > south to scan from? > > On Fri, Aug 3, 2018 at 9:08 AM, Robert Furrow <robertfurrow...> > wrote: > >> Josiah Clark just informed me that he's watching a Horned Puffin of Linda >> Mar beach (Pacific), hanging around the north side of Pedro Point. It's on >> the water around the big rock. >> >> 9am, 8/3/18 >> >> Happy birding, >> Rob Furrow >> >> -- >> Robert Furrow >> Davis, CA 95618 >> <robertfurrow...> >> <rfurrow...> >> > > > > -- > Robert Furrow > Davis, CA 95618 > <robertfurrow...> > <rfurrow...> >
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Date: 8/3/18 10:30 am From: Sarah Burton <burtosarah...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Horned Puffin (fide Josiah Clark), Linda Mar, 8/3/18
Robert, Josiah,
What is your viewing location? Tom Scott and I are at the south end of the beach (near stores) with scope looking at north side of Pedro Point right now, would be grateful for directions.
Sarah Burton San Francisco August 3, 2018
On Fri, Aug 3, 2018 at 09:08 Robert Furrow <robertfurrow...> wrote:
> Josiah Clark just informed me that he's watching a Horned Puffin of Linda > Mar beach (Pacific), hanging around the north side of Pedro Point. It's on > the water around the big rock. > > 9am, 8/3/18 > > Happy birding, > Rob Furrow > > -- > Robert Furrow > Davis, CA 95618 > <robertfurrow...> > <rfurrow...> > > >
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Date: 8/3/18 10:30 am From: Robert Furrow <robertfurrow...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Horned Puffin (fide Josiah Clark), Linda Mar, 8/3/18
For anyone looking for the bird, I suspect that Josiah was out in a kayak, so viewing from the beach might be tricky. Perhaps there's a spot further south to scan from?
On Fri, Aug 3, 2018 at 9:08 AM, Robert Furrow <robertfurrow...> wrote:
> Josiah Clark just informed me that he's watching a Horned Puffin of Linda > Mar beach (Pacific), hanging around the north side of Pedro Point. It's on > the water around the big rock. > > 9am, 8/3/18 > > Happy birding, > Rob Furrow > > -- > Robert Furrow > Davis, CA 95618 > <robertfurrow...> > <rfurrow...> >
-- Robert Furrow Davis, CA 95618 <robertfurrow...> <rfurrow...>
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Date: 8/3/18 9:08 am From: Robert Furrow <robertfurrow...> Subject: [pen-bird] Horned Puffin (fide Josiah Clark), Linda Mar, 8/3/18
Josiah Clark just informed me that he's watching a Horned Puffin of Linda Mar beach (Pacific), hanging around the north side of Pedro Point. It's on the water around the big rock.
9am, 8/3/18
Happy birding, Rob Furrow
-- Robert Furrow Davis, CA 95618 <robertfurrow...> <rfurrow...>
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We went out again this evening and we are up to an estimated 300 Elegant Terns on Ravenswood Salt Pond. I spent time to count each head double checked.
This afternoon/evening I hiked up to near the top of Montara Mountain from the McNee Ranch parking lot just north of Montara State Beach. Before you go rushing up there do note it's about a 7 mile hike round trip with an elevation gain of 1500 feet.
About 1 mile past the junction of the North Access Rd. with the trail coming up from San Pedro Valley County Park, I got good looks at (2) BELL's Sparrows and brief looks at a likely 3rd Bell's Sparrow.
There is a little cave above the open area just off the main trail where the Sparrows were around 19:45.
Bell's Sparrow was last documented breeding in San Mateo County in the 1950s according to Peter Metropulos.
Dominik Mosur.
San Francisco
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Hope it is ok to hop onto this thread. I took my mom over to see the terns tonight, July 31st, and we are up to 95 Elegant Terns on the Salt Pond. They were all together on island 14.
I have not posted in a while, with Leonie and I away in South America and have arrived recently back in town. Below are some miscellaneous sightings for the end of July.
Yesterday, despite the fog and drizzle weather on the coast I was able to do a short seawatch from Moss Beach. There were ( 35 ) Sooty Shearwaters flying north. A second or third summer Pomarine Jaeger was moving north. Soon the Parasitic Jaegers will be arriving. Several adult Pigeon Guillemots flying north well at a distance out could be the first early departures.
Also yesterday, Leonie and I checked out the pond behind the Nob Hill Market in Redwood Shores. It was nice to see an adult Wilson's Phalarope foraging on the middle of the pond. With the draining of the ponds at the water treatment plant along Radio Road in Redwood Shores, where Wilson's Phalaropes were dependable every fall, it will now be an occasional migrant passing through any other location in the county. Also at the pond there is an over summering American Wigeon and Canvasback.
July 28, I was surprised to note a high count of Elegant Terns in the south part of San Mateo County. There were ( 40 ) Elegant Terns at the Caspian Tern colony along Highway 84 at the Dumbarton Bridge. Later in the day with a message from Al Eisner he had noted ( 70-80 ) Elegant Terns! Although there were a few juvenile Elegant Terns, Al and I have kept a careful eye on the Caspian Tern colony where NO Elegant Terns have bred. The only previous sighting of of a Elegant Tern was a single individual back on June 30. Perhaps, this location may become a new breeding site for Elegant Terns in the near future.
There are Black Skimmers nesting on the salt pond. A juvenile may have been fledged from this location, if it had not come in from another location along San Francisco Bay. Odd, is the Common Merganser summering on the salt pond. From previous sightings the Common Merganser may be spending it's third summer on the salt pond. There have been American White Pelicans on the salt pond. On June 30, I noted the arrival of a high count of ( 260 ) American White Pelicans.
Today, I was happy to see the Ospreys were once again successful in breeding along Belmont Slough. ( 3 ) Fledglings were observed standing on the nest which is on one of the P.G.E. towers along the slough.
Alright, the beginning of August tomorrow! Bring on the migrants!
Ron Thorn and Leonie Batkin
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Date: 7/29/18 7:49 am From: Garth Harwood <gharwood...> Subject: [pen-bird] Lower La Honda OSP 7-28-2018: Osprey, Shrike etc.
Hi All,
Conditions were ideal at Lower La Honda yesterday AM after the fog burned off. I spent four hours slow-walking the first 1.7 miles to the Harrington Creek bridge and back.
The biggest surprises of the day were an Osprey circling low over the grassy hills for several minutes (while being mobbed by Kestrels and other raptors) and an early-returning Loggerhead Shrike on the telephone wires along the trails (both photographed.) A Lawrence's Goldfinch flyover was thrilling even if all I got to see was its silhouette and its little feathered butt receding into the distance.
But my greatest satisfaction derived from AT LAST getting a breeding confirmation on the Lark Sparrows that have lingered on at LH-OSP all summer. When I arrived at 8AM the lot was fogbound and even a tad drizzly, but there were lots of birds of several species on the wires close by. Some of them were issuing unfamiliar sweet-toned begging calls so I zeroed in on those, eventually witnessing adult Lark Sparrows stuffing insects into them, a process just as glamorous as it sounds. It took a lot of stuffing to get a full-sized grasshopper down the hatch!
Post-breeders and fledglings were in evidence everywhere, including Kestrels and Great Blue Herons (4 of these in view at one time by the ponds, probably from the Pescadero Marsh heronry.)
Speaking of fledged young, I've driven along Alpine Road west from Skyline Blvd several times recently and lately, there are often large congregations of Violet-green Swallows massed on the overhead wires that parallel the road. On Friday 7/27, there were at least 1,100 near the Big Dipper Ranch cattle chute about 2.5 miles west of Skyline. On July 18 at 7PM, there were at least 1,700 of them in several separate clusters along the road! Generally these aggregations are very close to pure VGSW in composition, even though the new fledges can be indistinctly marked and tough to identify. But its a great place to scan for Purple Martins and Swifts, since these sometimes adhere to such massing events (even though the Swifts never seem to land, they hang out nearby as their associates rest.)
And speaking of misidentified young VGSWs, there have been several reports of larger groups of Tree Swallows from La Honda OSP lately. Some of these reports have not mentioned any Violet-greens at all, which is a bit of a red flag. As gently as possible, I want to say that I believe some or all of these may actually have been vaguely marked Violet-greens. I am a regular visitor and have yet to see more than a couple of TRSW there, and then, only in migration last spring. In general, Tree Swallows are far less common on the immediate coast than are Violet-greens. Where field marks fail, voice can be very helpful in distinguishing them.
Good birding, Garth Harwood, Pescadero
-- *Garth Harwood *Director of Education, The Trust for Hidden Villa 26870 Moody Rd., Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 *(650) 949-8643*
<gharwood...>
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We are well into the sizzling days of summer and it’s a good time to think about lining up your pelagic trips.
The year 2018 marks 43 years of offering pelagic trips by Shearwater Journeys! It has been an amazing journey, to be sure. Beginning August and running until October 21, we have a full line up of seabird and offshore trips ahead. Trips depart from Monterey Bay, Half Moon Bay, and Sausalito to the Farallon Islands. Presently, all trips on our program have spaces available except the August 11, Half Moon Bay trip which is sold out. A few trips are nearly sold out.
MONTEREY BAY: AUG. 3, 24, 31; SEP. 7, 8, 14, 16, 28, 29, 30; OCT. 6, 13, 21.
For four decades we have offered seabird trips at Monterey Bay, recording some of the most amazing records not only for California, but also first records for North America. August is a great time to get out for the early fall migrants, especially Arctic Tern and Sabine’s Gull. It is also one of the best months for HAWAIIAN PETREL which we found on our August 25, 2017 Monterey trip. I have seen at least 10 Hawaiian Petrels during August.
DEPARTURE: 7:00 am from Chris’ Fishing Shop, Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. Return about 3 pm.
There is almost no finer place than Monterey Bay to see the best variety of seabirds and marine mammals during the fall season.
MONTEREY BAY: OFFSHORE ALBACORE: SEP. 9 & 15.
We invented the albacore trip nearly thirty years ago. Always a sell out, this is the single hottest selling trip on our program— and with good reason. We have scored a number of “first records” including JOUANIN’S PETREL, STREAKED SHEARWATER, RED-TAILED and RED-BILLED TROPICBIRDS. This is the best trip to search for GUADALUPE and CRAVERI’S MURRELETS, all three jaeger species, SOUTH POLAR SKUA, and blue whales. Please note: There was a misprint on my postcard mailer for the SEPTEMBER 9 DATE— it is an albacore trip, not a bay trip. Spaces are available on September 9, but only 2spaces are available for September 15.
HALF MOON BAY: AUG. 11 (SOLD OUT); SEP. 22, 23; OCT. 13.
We have a long history of being the first to offer pelagic trips departing from HMB. Expect the regular fall migrants with a chance to see Marbled Murrelet and possibly, the Northern Gannet. Rarities we have seen include: SALVIN’S ALBATROSS, WHITE-CHINNED PETREL, and several times, HAWAIIAN PETREL.
COUNTY BIRDING: Usually, we cover at least two counties on each trip. So, for county birders, that’s a good thing. Some of our Monterey trips have a special focus in Santa Cruz County— a very difficult county for ticking seabirds.
RESERVATIONS: To make a reservation on a trip that is close to sold out (which includes: Aug. 12; Sep. 7, 15), please email Debi: <debi...> <mailto:<debi...>.
CHUMMING: Shearwater Journeys has been collecting data on seabirds in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary for over 40 years. This unique data set provides information on potentially substantial changes in seabird populations over time, in this area. To ensure continued collection of data on seabirds in the sanctuary using consistent methodology, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has reissued a research permit to use fish and squid-based seabird attractants (chum) within the sanctuary boundaries. This year, the permit was expanded to include our departures from Half Moon Bay. The Sanctuary recognizes the potential research importance of data collected by researchers on birder-based pelagic trips. We shall be chumming on all Monterey Bay and Half Moon Bay trips this season and in 2019. You, as a participant, will be actively engaged in collection of data. Thank you, in advance.
Seabirding for Science,
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 43 Years of Seabirding with Shearwater Journeys
Siberia’s Forgotten Coast & Spoon-billed Sandpiper- 25 June - 9 July 2019
Galapagos Islands: 30 October - 12 November 2019
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Yesterday we ran a pelagic trip to the Farallon Is., out of Pillar Point Harbor. We had our first good bird right outside the harbor, with a juvenile BLACK TERN flying around not all that far off the beach. This is a very rare bird in San Mateo county! A poor photo here: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S47401824 . We decided to head north along the coast before cutting out to the islands, and it was a nice decision as the Northern Gannet was sitting on Egg Rock as we went by in with the Common Murres. The Islands were wonderful, thousands of Common Murres, great views of Cassin's Auklets, Rhinoceros Auklets, Pigeon Guillemots, and Tufted Puffin of course. Masses of pinnipeds, and the weather was good enough that we were able to see the NW side of the island which we often cannot do. Steller's Sea Lions were in evidence in with the California Sea Lions, and the Northern Fur Seal colony now even looks bigger than in years gone by, their numbers are increasing.
Offshore we had a great time, with nearly 30 albatross around our boat at one time, hoping we were a troller or with something to offer as they came right in beside the boat. Once again Northern Fulmars were common, but Sooty and Pink-footed shearwater numbers were higher than last week. We had luck finding 6 murrelets, 3 of which we could identify as Scripps's and assume all of them were. This was our 7th species of alcid for the day as we saw Marbled Murrelet close to Half Moon Bay as well. It seems that Scripps's Murrelets are pretty thick out there right now. Another surprise was just crossing back into San Mateo, we found a MANX SHEARWATER foraging with other birds by feeding Humpback Whales. Here are photos of the bird https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S47415331
A great day out on the water, with great weather and great birds and marine mammals.
Note that we will be doing the SF pelagic on Aug 26, and the San Mateo county pelagic on Aug 18. The schedule is here:
Date: 7/22/18 10:24 am From: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> Subject: [pen-bird] Wonderful day out at sea yesterday
Hello all,
We had a really enjoyable pelagic yesterday, with birds in view all day, not a doldrum during the entire time! There were tens of thousands of Sooty Shearwater, with smaller number or Pink-foots and two early Buller's Shearwaters. Highlights included 7 species of alcid, three storm petrels. We saw a Brown Booby early on in the day behind the boat. The alcids included 7 individual Scripps's Murrelets, as well as Marbled Murrelet, Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, Cassin's Auklet, Rhinoceros Auklet and two gorgeous Tufted Puffins. We had two South Polar Skuas, Parasitic Jaeger, many Red-necked Phalaropes and way offshore a nice group of Sabine's Gulls including the first juvenile of the season. The storm petrels included a single Fork-tailed, two or three Wilson's and a small flock of Ashy. Red-necked Phalaropes were scattered about, but no Red yesterday. Approximately 20 Black-footed Albatross was not a big number, and 30 Northern Fulmar was less than what we saw last week.
We had great weather and were able to head to the SW to deep offshore waters within San Mateo County. The water got to 60F, but we did not find the warmer bluer water we were hoping for. It was an amazingly fun day out there, little chop, tons of birds, great photo ops! It seemed to go by in a flash. There is a lot of food out there, krill, anchovy, and lots of Humpback Whales. I was surprised to see so much activity early in the season like this. It may be a sign that this is going to be a gangbusters pelagic season in central California!
The two sparrows are juveniles. The first looks like a Dark-eyed Junco, and the second is a Song Sparrow. These plumages are not well illustrated in guides!
From: <peninsula-birding...> <peninsula-birding...> On Behalf Of dvdovalina via Groups.Io
Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2018 3:46 PM
To: <peninsula-birding...>
Subject: [pen-bird] Burleigh Murray Sparrows subspecies
Burleigh Murray was very birdy this a.m. Within the first few hundred feet I was confronted with two puzzles to me, but I'm guessing someone has the easy answers. The first photo looks like a Fox Sparrow to me but lacking the thicker streaking I'm used to. The second looks has the facial markings of a Song Sparrow but again lacking some characteristics I'm used to (no breast spot, slightly different coloring). I'm guessing both are subspecies I'm not familiar with or it could be I'm way off. Anybody have good input?
Other than these, there were several sightings or audible ID's (>5 of each) of Olive-sided and Pacific-slope Flycatchers, Brown-headed Grosbeaks, Pygmy Nuthatches among other regulars. No Black-chinned Sparrow or Yellow-breasted Chat from me.
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Burleigh Murray was very birdy this a.m. Within the first few hundred feet I was confronted with two puzzles to me, but I'm guessing someone has the easy answers. The first photo looks like a Fox Sparrow to me but lacking the thicker streaking I'm used to. The second looks has the facial markings of a Song Sparrow but again lacking some characteristics I'm used to (no breast spot, slightly different coloring). I'm guessing both are subspecies I'm not familiar with or it could be I'm way off. Anybody have good input?
Other than these, there were several sightings or audible ID's (>5 of each) of Olive-sided and Pacific-slope Flycatchers, Brown-headed Grosbeaks, Pygmy Nuthatches among other regulars. No Black-chinned Sparrow or Yellow-breasted Chat from me.
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Date: 7/21/18 7:50 am From: Peter Metropulos <pjmetrop...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Young Kites.
I live at the south end of Laurel St. in San Carlos and I see the kites from my apartment window every day. What a treat !
Peter Metropulos
On Sunday, July 15, 2018 7:28 PM, susan hons via Groups.Io <susieturtlewings=<me.com...> wrote:
Have 2 juvi kites driving their parents crazy here in San Carlos. Don’t know that they nested right here, but they arefeeding the chicks and trying to escape them all day. Quite entertaining.
Susie Hons
If at night the crow does fly,Does one see feathers or the sky?
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Date: 7/20/18 4:35 pm From: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> Subject: [pen-bird] skimmers in Half Moon Bay
Hi
The two Black Skimmers were still in with the gulls at the Pilarcitos Creek Mouth, thousands of gulls there. Yesterday an adult Northern Harrier was a dispersing bird, seen near Poplar Beach in Half Moon Bay.
Date: 7/20/18 11:51 am From: Casey Girard <casey.girard...> Subject: [pen-bird] Don Edwards
I went out to Don Edwards midday yesterday, July 19th. There were folks checking on the Forster's Tern islands. It was busy with birds, WHITE PELICANs we're present, there were 80 yesterday. (just drove by, a portion of that number are still there) CASPIAN TERNs are around 160 with young As well as some BLACK SKIMMERs with young. Many shorebirds are back, WILLETs, MARBLED GODWITs, a few LONG BiLLED CURLEW. There were undermined peeps. Chris O'Connell was there Tuesday evening and saw more species. He also had Snowy Plover and then Red Necked Phalarope on the R1 & R2 salt flat. Many birds were out to the Bay since I was there at low tide.
There was a baby Forster Tern on the parking side of the fence. The parents were dive bombing to protect it.
Happy Birding, Casey
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Date: 7/20/18 10:36 am From: Dominik Mosur <dominikmosur...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Quail Chicks at San Bruno Mt. Park
Thank you for this report, Lee.
These are the northernmost breeding Quail on the entire San Francisco Penisula as far as I know.
Dominik Mosur
San Francisco
> On Jul 20, 2018, at 10:07, Lee Rudin <leewaysf...> wrote:
>
> Greetings,
>
> Today, 7/20, on the Saddle Trail, near 1.0/1.5 mile marker. Best to observe from the top of the hill, they forage on the path and sides of the trail. Chicks were mostly in the weeds, but would sometimes run across the path and one fluttered over it to the other side. Have not seen chicks for many years here. Hope they make it.
>
> This mile marker is closer to the Crocker Gate. Take the first left uphill to the Saddle Trail then continue to hills scanning at the top of the hills to try to see the quails on the path, about 1/4 mile or more. Mile marker is on the left, just as the trail goes up the next hill. You can reach it from the main parking lot on Guadalupe Canyon, just a longer walk, about 1 1/4 mile.
>
> Lee Rudin
> Daly City
>
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Date: 7/20/18 10:07 am From: Lee Rudin <leewaysf...> Subject: [pen-bird] Quail Chicks at San Bruno Mt. Park
Greetings,
Today, 7/20, on the Saddle Trail, near 1.0/1.5 mile marker. Best to observe from the top of the hill, they forage on the path and sides of the trail. Chicks were mostly in the weeds, but would sometimes run across the path and one fluttered over it to the other side. Have not seen chicks for many years here. Hope they make it.
This mile marker is closer to the Crocker Gate. Take the first left uphill to the Saddle Trail then continue to hills scanning at the top of the hills to try to see the quails on the path, about 1/4 mile or more. Mile marker is on the left, just as the trail goes up the next hill. You can reach it from the main parking lot on Guadalupe Canyon, just a longer walk, about 1 1/4 mile.
Lee Rudin
Daly City
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Date: 7/20/18 9:52 am From: Jennifer Rycenga <gyrrlfalcon...> Subject: [pen-bird] Pileated and Hermit Thrush at Huddart
Yesterday I hiked the Campground Road at Huddart Park, that goes from the Miwok Picnic Area and AIDS Memorial Grove, north to the Toyon Group Camp area, over 1.5 miles. Along this route I heard two HERMIT THRUSH, and observed a very active pair of PILEATED WOODPECKERS. The Pileated Woodpeckers were using the area above the junction with the Canyon Trail, in and around the PG&E powerline cut. There was a lot of calling, drumming, and the occasional flight. HAIRY and ACORN WOODPECKERS were also in the neighborhood. Good birding!
