Date: 5/23/19 6:05 pm From: Dorian Anderson <thespeckledhatchback...> Subject: [pen-bird] Red Phalaropes at Gazos
While exploring the coast with wife and wife's sister (obviously in car), I spotted into 2 Red Phalaropes in the
standing water/pond on the south side of the creek. Both are molting winter > breeding.
Not sure I can figure out a way to get down there on the bike tomorrow, sadly........
Cheers,
Dorian Anderson
San Mateo
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Date: 5/23/19 10:35 am From: SequoiaAudubon Society via Groups.Io <sequoia_audubon_society=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] SAS: Skyline Ridge/Horseshoe Lake; Wed 5/29; 8:00am - 11:30am
Note that this is one week before - and replaces - the usual "first Wednesday" field trip.
Skyline Open Space Preserve – Horseshoe LakeWednesday, May 29, 8:00 am – 11:30 am
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve attracts an abundance of spring migrants and breeding birds as well as a wonderful variety of resident species. Horseshoe Lake is just one of the many diverse habitats in this park. The hike we will take around the lake will be relatively easy and we will take our time exploring this gorgeous park. Dress in layers. Directions: The main entrance to this 2,143-acre preserve is located .9 miles south of the Alpine Road. and Skyline Blvd. intersection on Skyline Blvd. (Hwy 35). The turnoff is on the west side of the road. We will meet in the equestrian parking lot, the southernmost lot of the three parking lots. Leader: Donna Pomeroy. Contact: <dpom...>
Date: 5/23/19 10:31 am From: Leslie Flint <lflint...> Subject: [pen-bird] Yellow-breasted Chat continues on Water Lane in Pescadero
I saw the bird right as you enter the state park section of the road. There is a large section of bottlebrush. I saw the bird in the willows and it flew back and forth to the bottlebrush. Finally it sat at the top of a willow and “chattered”. Sorry Chris and Chris, it was about 10 minutes after you left
Leslie Flint
San Mateo
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Date: 5/20/19 8:57 pm From: maliadances via Groups.Io <maliadances=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Ash-throated Flycatcher Pilarcitos Creek blufftop 5/20
This evening Chris and I went down to Pilarcitos Creek to check on what was happening there. We found an Ash-throated Flycatcher in low vegetation. Very unusual! This is the first time we have seen this species on the bluff at this location. Also seen was an adult Killdeer with three chicks! Plus a pair of American Goldfinch with the female carrying nesting material.
Earlier in the day I found a Bonaparte's Gull hanging out with Caspian Terns and there was a female Western Tanager in the eucs at Sweetwood Group Camp.
Date: 5/19/19 4:14 pm From: Ronald- Thorn via Groups.Io <Tronthorn=<aol.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Miscellaneous sightings the past week
Some miscellaneous sightings noted in the past week. The unstable weather did not bring in a fallout of migrants along the bay shoreline. The number of migrants was low and there was not much of a variety. There were Cedar Waxwings, Swainson'sThrushes, Wilson's Warblers and Western Tanagers. May 17 the morning after a storm passed through, I headed to Pigeon Point for a seawatch. Therewas a high overcast and a brisk west wind made for very good visibility all the way out to the horizon.There was nothing in particular that was rare. The west wind did bring in Sooty Shearwaters closershore and in higher numbers than previously noted. ( 530 ) Sooty Shearwaters were counted. Therewere also ( 6 ) Pink-footed Shearwaters. Groups of Red-necked Phalaropes were passing by with( 320 ) counted. The first returning Heerman's Gulls I have noted were ( 2 ) first-cycles. May 18, I did a skywatch from Skyline Memorial Park. The highlight were ( 4 ) PURPLE MARTINSflying in from the coast on the south side of Highway 92. All ( 4 ) were headed towards the top of Skyline. I missed an unexpected species by ten minutes that would have been a yard bird near Marlin Parkin Redwood Shores. Leonie was watching Forster's Terns foraging low over the canal, when she heard the distinctive call of an Elegant Tern. She looked up and ( 2 ) Elegant Terns passed over. The Elegant Terns were well away from the bay and headed in the direction of Oracle. I did askywatch from the upper deck. No Elegant Terns! A Vaux's Swift did pass overhead. During theweek I watched from the deck an Osprey in a courtship flight circling high over another nearOracle. A third Osprey at the same time was seen in the direction of the bay. Ospreys are becoming a common sight along the bayside in the county. Ron Thorn and Leonie Batkin
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Date: 5/18/19 5:22 pm From: maliadances via Groups.Io <maliadances=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Cumulative Yearlist for April 2019, San Mateo County
Greetings San Mateo County Birders!
A March sighting of *Western Kingbird* by Leonie Batkin and Ron Thorn at a bayside location missed last month’s publication, which brought the end of March totals to 244. April birders added 17 new birds for the year bringing end of April totals to 261. 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 2019 plus all monthly reports going back to 2009 can be found here: http://www.sequoia-audubon.org/SMCbirds.php ( http://www.sequoia-audubon.org/SMCbirds.php )
Below are the birds, their finders, and locations where they were found for the month of April:
During a seawatch at Pigeon Point, Ron Thorn noted a *Long-tailed Duck (4)*. Ron also had the first *Vaux’s Swift (3)* at a bayside location and a *Calliope Hummingbird (6)* at Coyote Point. Kent Forward and Malia DeFelice, on the same day, observed the first wave of returning *Elegant Terns (2)* at Pillar Point Harbor and Pilarcitos Creek mouth, respectively. Lisa Sheffield Guy heard the first *Olive-sided Flycatcher (3)* near her Pescadero home. The first *Western Wood-Pewee* sighting for April happened on the same day and came from Sheep Camp Trail by Chris O’Connell, and from Filoli by Philip Georgakakos. A *Willow Flycatcher* (5) was observed by Ron Thorn at Tunitas Creek Rd. Same day sightings produced two *Hammond’s Flycatchers (4)* at San Bruno Mountain by Ron Thorn and at Thornewood OSP by Joshua Stacy. Garth Harwood found *Ash-throated Flycatcher (2)* at La Honda Creek OSP. The first *Cassin’s Vireo (2)* for the year was found by Chris O’Connell at Edgewood Park. Malia DeFelice had a *Purple Martin* *(4)* fly over her Half Moon Bay home. David Tomb observed *Red-breasted Nuthatch (2)* at Filoli. Along Pescadero Creek Rd. Joshua Stacy encountered the first of year *Swainson’s Thrush (2).* Martha O’Neal and Sue Cossin’s found a *Yellow Warbler (2)* while birding at Thornewood OSP. Another same day sighting at two different locations in the county resulted in *Hermit Warbler (2)* by Dominik Mosur at Long Ridge OSP and by Adam Dudley at El Corte de Madera OSP. A walk at Coyote Point for Joseph Morlan’s birding class, lead to the first *Western Tanager (2)* for the year. To conclude this report, a *Lazuli Bunting* was found by Garth Harwood at Russian Ridge OSP.
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 ).
When posting to *Pen-bird* , please include the date of your sighting in either the subject line or in the body of your email. When submitting records to *eBird* , if prompted for details for a rare or unusual bird, please add details which describe the bird using a physical description and field marks that helped you confirm the ID. And thank you eBird users for uploading your photos and audio to your checklists. Keep up the Good Work! If you find a bird of note and don’t use eBird or Pen-bird, you can always email me directly. Thank you!
If you have questions or comments regarding this report,
please email: <maliadances...>
Malia DeFelice
Chris Hayward
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Date: 5/18/19 2:20 pm From: George Chrisman via Groups.Io <geodani55=<yahoo.com...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Yellow-breasted Chat Continues, Pescadero 5/16/2019
The YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT is still present and continuously calling near the horse trailer at the end of Water Lane, Pescadero at 1:30 on Saturday 5/18/19.
George Chrisman
Burlingame, CA
> On May 16, 2019, at 2:00 PM, Christopher Hayward <p_t_nymph...> wrote:
>
> Hi All,
> The Yellow-breasted Chat was still present this morning at Water Lane in Pescadero. It was using it's full range of vocalizations, heard mostly about half way down the riparian corridor before you get to the old state park buildings. I did get a couple of short looks when it popped up on to a snag to sing.
> Along Lobitas Creek Cutoff there was a Western Kingbird perched on a fence next to the road.
> At Cowell Ranch there was a large flock of Band-tailed Pigeons in the plowed field, probably close to 300 birds.
>
> Chris Hayward
> Half Moon Bay
>
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Date: 5/17/19 2:23 pm From: susankritzik <sgkritzik...> Subject: [pen-bird] Huge Flock of Band-tailed Pigeons, Half Moon Bay
There is a flock of several hundred Band-tailed Pigeons in the field just west of the Johnson house on Higgins-Purissima Road in Half Moon Bay right now, 2:20 PM.
Susan Kritzik and Susie Hons
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Hi All,
The Yellow-breasted Chat was still present this morning at Water Lane in Pescadero. It was using it's full range of vocalizations, heard mostly about half way down the riparian corridor before you get to the old state park buildings. I did get a couple of short looks when it popped up on to a snag to sing.
Along Lobitas Creek Cutoff there was a Western Kingbird perched on a fence next to the road.
At Cowell Ranch there was a large flock of Band-tailed Pigeons in the plowed field, probably close to 300 birds.
Chris Hayward
Half Moon Bay
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Date: 5/15/19 7:11 pm From: SequoiaAudubon Society via Groups.Io <sequoia_audubon_society=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] SAS: Burleigh Murray Ranch SP; Sunday May 19; 7:30am - 11:30am
Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park
Sunday, May 19, 7:30am – 11:30amHeavy rain cancels
Join us for a leisurely 3-4 hour walk in this bird-rich gem on our coast. The trail is a one-mile former ranch road leading to a historic barn. Plan layers for cool temps, morning fog and sunshine. Directions: We will meet at the lower parking lot to the Johnston House, located on Higgins-Purisima Road in Half Moon Bay. Higgins-Purisima Road begins just off of SR1, going east where Main Street ends. The Johnston House is the big white 1850s farmhouse on the hill. We will caravan to Burleigh Murray, which is 1 ½ miles up Higgins-Purisima Road from here. Leader: Ginny Marshall Contact: <ginnybirder...>
Learn more & join us at:
www.sequoia-audubon.org
www.facebook.com/SequoiaAudubon
Hi All,
Short note, I spent a little time at the harbor this afternoon, before the impending rain comes in. At the large pond near the Maverick's parking lot there was a pair of Blue-winged Teal, and in one of the smaller ponds was a single Red-necked Phalarope.
Chris Hayward
Half Moon Bay
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Date: 5/15/19 11:57 am From: Matthew Dodder <mdodder...> Subject: [pen-bird] SF2
Eric Goodill and I visited SF2 this morning. Conditions were cool and overcast with occasional drizzle. We observed a minimum of 21 ELEGANT TERNS on Island 21, which were best viewed from the southern edge of the pond shortly before the second platform. We also saw at least 150 CASPIAN TERNS and large numbers of FORSTER’S TERNS. Only one BLACK OYSTERCATCHER was in evidence during our short visit.
The BLACK-NECKED STILTS in the marsh near the large water pipe that stretches across the bay had several fledglings with them…. ADORABLE!!
A single female Scaup eluded identification, showing head shape much like a Greater, but a bill tending more toward Lesser. We did not get photos of the bird.
Matthew Dodder
Mountain View
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Date: 5/15/19 9:21 am From: Garth Harwood <gharwood...> Subject: [pen-bird] Another Chat - Alpine Pond 5-14-2019
Hi All, I stopped off for an after-work de-stress walk at Alpine Pond last evening, arriving at about 6:30PM. Almost immediately I began to hear a 'singing' Yellow-breasted Chat from the willows at the SW corner of the pond. Quotes around 'singing' is about the rough squawking, squeaking, and catcalling that YBCH deploys as song. It may not be melodious, but it certainly is distinctive!
This bird was much less cooperative than the Pescadero Marsh bird that I paid a visit to last Friday. I never got eyes on it except as a shadowy blur, although I did get to within 20 feet in distance. It was silent for the last 30 minutes of my pond circuit so I couldn't tell if it had flown away, or not. The pond was socked in with fog and rain this AM.
A Yellow Warbler singing there was my first for SMC this season, and there was also a singing Western Tanager, which may well be nesting nearby.
--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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Date: 5/14/19 8:50 pm From: Kent Forward via Groups.Io <kforward=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Recent Sightings
Good Evening Birders,
A few interesting notes and photos from recent days of birding in the county:
May 4th - Horseshoe Lake (Skyline Ridge OSP):While circling the lake I had an adult CALIFORNIA THRASHER cross the trail in front of me, shortly followed by a juvenile (I've never managed to see one before), was able to get photos of both, interesting to see the juvenile's bill hasn't fully grown out/decurved yet, and tail is still quite shorthttps://ebird.org/view/checklist/S55821111
May 9th - Rancho Corral de Tierra (Moss Beach):Found no less than four WESTERN KINGBIRDS perched neatly in a small tree just off Etheldore Road as I returned to my carhttps://ebird.org/view/checklist/S56069402
May 11th - Coyote Point (Marsh and Harbor):There were two BONAPARTE'S GULLS working the bay shore mud flats just opposite the marsh. Also a huge treat was coming upon a MARSH WREN and its active nest (these photos are heavily zoomed, quite a distance from the nest so as not to disturb), what a lovely creation it is! Also, later on when birding near the museum, had a flyover OSPREY:https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S56147748
May 12th - Alpine Pond (Skyline Ridge OSP):Flyover OSPREY:https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S56198013
Today - McNee Ranch SP:The OSPREY sightings continued, as I returned to small parking lot on Hwy 1, an OSPREY with fish freshly plucked from the ocean rose up over the highway continuing northwards with its catch!https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S56292350
Bountiful Birding,Kent ForwardEl Granada
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Very early this morning, I read the forecast for Half Moon Bay. There was a high overcast and ten milevisibility. I was out the door for a seawatch at Pigeon Point! Arriving at Pigeon Point, it was crystalclear all the way out to the horizon. So clear, I was able to read letters off a fishing boat at thehorizon. There were ( 10 ) large fishing boats spread out at or near the horizon. Lots of feedingactivity with Brown Pelicans, Western Gulls and tubenoses coming into the boats. HumpbackWhales also near the boats were followed by large groups of California Sea Lions. Always niceto see a Black-footed Albatross from shore where there was ( 1 ). The icing on the cake wasLAYSAN ALBATROSS coming into one boat. Only the second one I have ever seen from shore atPigeon Point. Other tubenoses were ( 8 ) Pink-footed Shearwaters and ( 104 ) Sooty Shearwaters.The number of northbound birds are decreasing, but can continue moving into early June. Notedwere ( 8 ) Surf Scoters, Red-throated loon ( 12 alternate plumage, 14 basic plumage ) CommonLoon ( 43 alternate plumage, 22 basic plumage ) and Pacific Loon ( 800, most in alternateplumage ). Checking the gull flock at the mouth of Gazos Creek, I was surprised to see a late adult HerringGull. The Herring Gull may be the latest of an adult I have ever noted in the county. Also in with the flock was a first cycle Glaucous-winged Gull. Heading back north along Highway 1, at the Cowell-Purisima Trail parking lot across from Bob Marsh's Produce Stand, there was an EASTERN KINGBIRD flying along field on the north side of the parking lot. I stopped the car and watched the Eastern Kingbird fly northwest towards the ocean.I lost sight of it, as it disappeared over a rise. At the direction it was flying, it may be moving upthe coast towards Half Moon Bay. Along Highway 92, east of Half Moon Bay near the Half Moon Bay Nursery, there was a GoldenEagle overhead that appeared to be a basic 1. Ron Thorn
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Date: 5/14/19 7:36 am From: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> Subject: [pen-bird] 2019 Palo Alto Summer Bird Count
Folks:
The Palo Alto Summer Bird Count is roughly half in Santa Clara Count and half in San Mateo County. The count this year (the 39th year) will be held on Saturday, June 1st. The count is divided into eight regions, each with their own coordinator. The eight regions include two Bayside regions, two urban regions, two foothill regions, and two Santa Cruz Mountain regions. If you have counted before and wish to count in the same area, you should count your region coordinator.
A brief description of the eight regions and a contact email are:
Region 1. Bayside habitats mostly east of Hwy 101 in San Mateo County. Coordinator is Al Eisner <eisner...>.
Region 2. Bayside habitats, mostly east of Hwy 101 in Santa Clara County. Coordinator is Mike Rogers <Michael.M.Rogers...>
Region 3. Urban habitats in San Mateo County. Coordinator is Chris O'Connell <chrisoco...>
Region 4. Urban habitats in Santa Clara County. Coordinator is Ann Hepenstal (new) <annhep...>
Region 5. Foothill habitats in San Mateo County. Coordinator is Richard Jeffers <jeffers_richard...>
Region 6. Foothill habitats in Santa Clara County. Coordinator is Charles Coston (new) <costoncj...>
Region 7. Montane habitats in San Mateo County. Coordinator is Malia DeFelice <maliakai...>
Region 8. Montane habitats in Santa Clara County. Coordinator is Garth Harwood <gharwood...>
If you would like to participate, contact any of the coordinators above or me.
Bill Bousman Menlo Park
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Date: 5/13/19 8:14 pm From: maliadances via Groups.Io <maliadances=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Continuing Semipalmated Sandpiper and Red Knot Pilarcitos Creek Mouth 5/13
Just to add to my previous post, and in case folks missed Chris's post from last night (5/12)
These birds were seen at Pilarcitos Creek mouth - Half Moon Bay
Malia
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Date: 5/13/19 8:07 pm From: maliadances via Groups.Io <maliadances=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Continuing Semipalmated Sandpiper and Red Knot
This evening, around 6:30pm, we walked down to the beach. The Semipalmated Sandpiper and the alternate plumaged Red Knot were still present. They seem to be hanging around together and were in the same area that they were yesterday. This is approx. 70 yards downstream from where the creek flows out onto the beach. Best viewed from the beach.
An immature Heermann's Gull was in the gull flock.
Malia DeFelice and Chris Hayward
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Date: 5/13/19 9:55 am From: Dave Weber <dwbirdster...> Subject: [pen-bird] SF2 Black Oystercatchers and Skimmers.
May 13, two Black Oystercatchers on the weediest island at SF2. One was very aggressive toward a Killdeer, chasing it a long distance through the weeds, then flying after it. Suggests possible nesting. Also two Black Skimmers flew among the islands and disappeared. Saw no Elegant Terns. Dave Weber,MilpitasBy phone
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Date: 5/13/19 9:23 am From: Donna Pomeroy <dpom...> Subject: [pen-bird] Continuing Chat in Pescadero
The Yellow-breasted Chat at the entrance to the riparian belt at Water Lane is continuing this morning at 8:00 am. It is actively moving around the entire riparian area on both sides of the road. It is frequently vocalizing.
Donna Pomeroy
Donna
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Date: 5/13/19 7:55 am From: Dominik Mosur <dominikmosur...> Subject: [pen-bird] Montara 5/12/19- SWAINSON'S Hawk et al.
Some notable sighting from Mother's Day in Montara:
Swainson's Hawk - light morph flying north along HWY 1 ~2:15p.m. , seen from the North Access Road above McNee Ranch.
Cassin's Vireo - in riparian stretch north side of Martinoni Creek across from the abandoned corral with a mixed flock
House Wren - singing in same area as Cassin's Vireo , this would be a very coastal location for a breeding territory, perhaps a late migrant? Or a colonist? This species was noted nesting in San Francisco for the first time just last year.
Red Crossbill - singing and calling in first stand of cypress/pine past ranger's residence.
Dominik Mosur
San Francisco
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Date: 5/12/19 9:12 pm From: Christopher Hayward <p_t_nymph...> Subject: [pen-bird] Semipalmated Sandpiper and Red Knot, Pilarcitos Creek mouth 5-12-19
Hi All,
This evening Malia and I headed down to check the gull flock at Pilarcitos Creek Mouth, many people, no gulls. So I decided to walk along the creek itself just down from where it enters the beach. Here I noticed a Dunlin foraging with a peep next to it. The Peep just looked different so I called Malia over and we started getting photos. At this point a larger shorebird flew in, WOW! a breeding plumaged Red Knot, a stunning bird just fifteen feet away.
The peep , I'm confident is a Semipalmated Sandpiper, always a tricky ID, but we took good photos in the failing light. We believe the Red Knot is the first we have seen at what is pretty much our home patch.
Quite the trio of shorebirds. Have photos on our ebird checklist link below. Opinions on the Sandpiper welcome.
Date: 5/12/19 2:58 pm From: Chris M. <chrismac...> Subject: [pen-bird] Chat continues Waterlane
at 1.30 -2pm today, May 12, John E and I heard but did not see the yellow-breasted chat. To begin with, it may have been in bottlebrush just before entrance , before going deeper into woodland. Then it moved to left (west) side of road and moved further away. Lots of other nice birds. Wilson’s warbler seen and heard singing. Small flock of cedar waxwings landed briefly in a snag. Bird seen at nest - perhaps pacific-slope flycatcher. Thanks to another Chris for finding the chat.
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Date: 5/12/19 12:04 pm From: Ronald- Thorn via Groups.Io <Tronthorn=<aol.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Bay shoreline sightings May 6-12
May 6-12, I noted migrants passing along the bay shoreline . There was an obvious push ofCedar Waxwings that is still going on today. Below are the migrants that were noted. Vaux's Swift ( 55, largest group 40 ) Olive-sided Flycatcher ( 2 ) Western Wood-Pewee ( 1 ) Western Kingbird ( 12, largest group 8 ) Warbling Vireo ( 2 ) Rough-winged Swallow ( 1 ) Violet-green Swallow ( 234, largest group 200 ) Cliff Swallow ( 3 ) Ruby-crowned Kinglet ( 1 today, late migrant ) Swainson's Thrush ( 1 ) Cedar Waxwing ( 2,065, 640 in two hours one morning ) Yellow Warbler ( 1 on May 11, first arrival I have noted ) Yellow-rumped Warbler ( 3 Myrtles ) Townsend's Warbler ( 1 ) Wilson's Warbler ( 12 ) Western Tanager ( 40 ) Bullock's oriole ( 1 ) Hooded Oriole ( 1 ) On San Francisco Bay at Coyote Point, the first arrival I have noted was a LEAST TERNwith Forster's Terns on the concrete slabs on May 9. On May 10, there was a high number of( 6 ) Common Goldeneyes for this time of the year. It is getting late for the Common Goldeneyes, and may stay for the summer. The Common Goldeneyes were with the Harlequin Duck anda Surf Scoter on the slabs. ( 15 ) Brown Pelicans were the first returning ones on the bay off of Coyote Point I have noted. Up to ( 40 ) Black Skimmers have relocated from Radio Road to the pond behind the NobHill Market in Redwood Shores. The skimmers are among the nesting Forster's Terns. I have not noted any evidence of the skimmers nesting at this time. Ron Thorn
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Date: 5/12/19 10:02 am From: Dave Weber <dwbirdster...> Subject: [pen-bird] Coyote Pt Least and Elegant Terns, Aleutian Goose, Grackle
May 12 Coyote Pt, one Least and two Elegant Terns on slabs east of marina. Aleutian Goose in marina along path. GT Grackle near fresh water pond/marsh. Two leopard sharks, one dead and one live.Dave Weber,MilpitasBy phone
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Date: 5/11/19 10:24 pm From: maliadances via Groups.Io <maliadances=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Great-tailed Grackle and misc. coastal sightings
Today Chris and I visited Ano Nuevo State Park with the intention of checking in with the Bank Swallow nesting site at this location. While parking, I spotted a Great-tailed Grackle moving about in the parking lot. It hung out for a bit by the visitor's center then flew off to the west.
We counted approx. (15) Bank Swallows while we were there.
Also today at Lower La Honda Creek OSP we saw a male American Kestrel. The last few times we visited this area, we saw an American Kestrel male. Additionally there was a juvenile Golden eagle being harassed by a Red-tailed Hawk. Chipping Sparrows were present and singing by the old homestead. At the very least we heard and saw (7) Chipping Sparrows. A White-tailed Kite was seen as well.
Yesterday, May 10, I was a co-leader for a nature walk at Pillar Point Harbor. We observed (2) Red-necked Phalaropes at the ponds by Mavericks parking lot. (2) Western Kingbirds up on the fence-line surrounding the military station and (1) Western Tanager (female) in the conifers by the trail out to the point.
Also yesterday 5/10 I was able to catch up with the Yellow-breasted Chat that Chris found at Water Lane in Pescadero. Thank you everyone for all the great photos of this bird you have been putting on eBird and also for all the great audio recordings capturing the full repertoire of vocalizations this bird has been presenting!
Malia DeFelice
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On Sat, May 11, 2019 at 2:56 PM Gerry McChesney <gerry.mcchesney...> wrote:
> There's a photo of the Elegant Tern nesting area on the San Francisco Bay > NWRC Facebook page here > https://www.facebook.com/SanFranciscoBayNWRComplex/ > > I checked out the colony today from the interpretive trail. Viewing of > the tern nesting island is best from the viewing platforms, but the > Elegants were a little hard to see from the first platform. There is a > clearer view of the Elegants from the second platform, at the end of the > trail. The Elegant Terns were right by the '21' sign on the nesting > island. I counted 32 Elegants that I was able to pick out among the > Caspians on the island, with at least a couple more flying around. I did > not see the oystercatchers or any Black Skimmers. > > Gerry McChesney >
-- Gerry
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I checked out the colony today from the interpretive trail. Viewing of the tern nesting island is best from the viewing platforms, but the Elegants were a little hard to see from the first platform. There is a clearer view of the Elegants from the second platform, at the end of the trail. The Elegant Terns were right by the '21' sign on the nesting island. I counted 32 Elegants that I was able to pick out among the Caspians on the island, with at least a couple more flying around. I did not see the oystercatchers or any Black Skimmers.
Gerry McChesney
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Date: 5/11/19 1:09 pm From: Ronald- Thorn via Groups.Io <Tronthorn=<aol.com...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Elegant Tern nests at SF-2!
Ben Leonie Batkin and I had a single Black Oystercatcher near SF2 on April 16, 2018. We also hadthe pair still present on November 22. Ron Thorn -----Original Message-----
From: Ben Pearl <bpearl...>
To: Peter Metropulos <pjmetrop...>
Cc: peninsula-birding <peninsula-birding...>
Sent: Sat, May 11, 2019 9:44 am
Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Elegant Tern nests at SF-2!
Hi Peter and Bill,
There was a Black Oystercatcher pair that nested unsuccessfully on the same island in SF2 in 2018. I observed a Black Oystercatcher pair at SF2 in January 2019, so thinking it may be same pair. I have been doing most of the Snowy Plover monitoring at SF2 since 2013 and had never seen an oystercatcher at SF2 before 2018.
Thanks,
Ben PearlPlover Program DirectorSan Francisco Bay Bird Observatory
On May 11, 2019, at 7:03 AM, Peter Metropulos <pjmetrop...> wrote:
Yes,I believe this is the first bay-side nesting record of a Black Oystercatcher for San Mateo County.
Peter J.Metropulos
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Date: 5/11/19 10:34 am From: Ronald- Thorn via Groups.Io <Tronthorn=<aol.com...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Elegant Tern nests at SF-2!
Hey all A pair of Black Oystercatchers were confirmed nesting at the broken down pier on the baysideat Oyster Point in South San Francisco in 2005. There have been pairs noted during the breedingseason on the bay at Coyote Point, but there is no confirmation of breeding. I doubt if there will be,as the high tides would inundate any nesting site. Ron Thorn -----Original Message-----
From: Peter Metropulos <pjmetrop...>
To: peninsula-birding <peninsula-birding...>
Sent: Sat, May 11, 2019 7:03 am
Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Elegant Tern nests at SF-2!
Yes,I believe this is the first bay-side nesting record of a Black Oystercatcher for San Mateo County.
Peter J.Metropulos
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Date: 5/11/19 9:44 am From: Ben Pearl <bpearl...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Elegant Tern nests at SF-2!
Hi Peter and Bill,
There was a Black Oystercatcher pair that nested unsuccessfully on the same island in SF2 in 2018. I observed a Black Oystercatcher pair at SF2 in January 2019, so thinking it may be same pair. I have been doing most of the Snowy Plover monitoring at SF2 since 2013 and had never seen an oystercatcher at SF2 before 2018.
Thanks,
Ben Pearl
Plover Program Director
San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory
> On May 11, 2019, at 7:03 AM, Peter Metropulos <pjmetrop...> wrote:
>
> Yes,I believe this is the first bay-side nesting record of a Black Oystercatcher for San Mateo County.
>
> Peter J.Metropulos
>
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Date: 5/10/19 7:23 pm From: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Elegant Tern nests at SF-2!
Peter,
Is the record of the nesting Black Oystercatcher there also a first Bayside record for the county?
Bill Bousman Menlo Park
On 5/10/2019 7:08 PM, Peter Metropulos wrote: > This is most significant ! Not only the first nesting record for San > Mateo County but also the first nesting for Northern California. > Historically Elegant Tern was a post-breeding disperser from nesting > grounds in Baja & Southern Cal. during late summer & fall,but in > recent years a few have appeared in spring. I have suspected for years > these spring birds are looking to colonize SF Bay the way Black > Skimmers did here in the early 1990's. > Now it appears my suspicions were justified. Great news ! > > Peter J.Metropulos > San Carlos,CA >
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Date: 5/10/19 7:16 pm From: Christopher Hayward <p_t_nymph...> Subject: [pen-bird] Yellow-breasted Chat , Photos Water Lane, Pescadero 5/10/19.
Hi All,
Wanted to give more details on the Yellow-breasted Chat I found at Water Lane in Pescadero this morning. As soon as I got out of my car at the small parking lot near the old county buildings I could hear the Chat singing and calling from the riparian area. The bird was making an amazing array of harsh clucks, chatters, rattles, squawks and clear whistles. Easy to hear from some distance. I was able to get great looks as it sometimes sang from a high perch. It favored the bare trees with Lichen / Moss about halfway down the riparian corridor. This bird was very co-operative, totally different from the Chat at Burleigh Murray SP yesterday. I spent about an hour just listening to it's incredible sounds, lot's of fun! I returned to meet Malia at lunchtime and the Chat was still singing away. Have put some photos on my ebird checklist link below. Will add audio recordings later.
Date: 5/10/19 7:08 pm From: Peter Metropulos <pjmetrop...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Elegant Tern nests at SF-2!
This is most significant ! Not only the first nesting record for San Mateo County but also the first nesting for Northern California.Historically Elegant Tern was a post-breeding disperser from nesting grounds in Baja & Southern Cal. during late summer & fall,but in recent years a few have appeared in spring. I have suspected for years these spring birds are looking to colonize SF Bay the way Black Skimmers did here in the early 1990's.Now it appears my suspicions were justified. Great news ! Peter J.MetropulosSan Carlos,CA
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Date: 5/10/19 3:47 pm From: Kent Forward via Groups.Io <kforward=<yahoo.com...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Y B Chat Water Lane Pescadero 5/10/19
Chat continuing at 3:00PM, as Chris said, very vocal! It moved around a lot in willows along dirt entrance road, this is before you get to small parking area with old buildings. Great find Chris! Exciting to finally SEE, not just hear a YB Chat in the county!
Cheers,Kent ForwardEl Granada
On Friday, May 10, 2019, 10:04 AM, Christopher Hayward <p_t_nymph...> wrote:
Hi All,Wanted to put word out there is a very vocal easily seen Y B Chat at the entrance to Water Lane in Pescadero as of 10.00 amChris Hayward
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Date: 5/10/19 11:41 am From: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Elegant Tern nests at SF-2!
Gerry and Penbirds
Awesome! I have been predicting that this would happen ever since we started to get this odd April-May pulse of Elegants in the area, the last 3 – 4 years or so. I don’t know if this is great news or bad news? I guess they are expanding to areas farther north as the ocean keeps warming, and they are a bit more adaptable than Heermann’s Gulls. The great part is we get to enjoy Elegant Terns for a greater portion of the year, and that is super. The bad is that they may be telling us that the ocean environment is changing quickly. I assume that success in year one of a colony like this is pretty likely going to be low, but fortunately they have the Caspian Terns there as buffer against predators. We shall see. Change happening right in front of our eyes.
From: <peninsula-birding...> <peninsula-birding...> On Behalf Of Gerry McChesney
Sent: Friday, May 10, 2019 11:14 AM
To: Peninsula Birding <peninsula-birding...>
Subject: [pen-bird] Elegant Tern nests at SF-2!
We just received a report from San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory that they discovered about 15 Elegant Tern nests among the Caspian Tern colony at the Ravenswood Pond SF2 restoration site in Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. SFBBO monitors most of the waterbird colonies around the South Bay. They also found a Black Oystercatcher nest there.
SF2 is at the west end of the Dumbarton Bridge, on the south side of Hwy 84. The colony is on a small artificial island in the pond, where decoys and other social attraction equipment have been used to establish the Caspian Tern colony. To view the colony, park along the frontage road just west of the bridge. There is an interpretive trail that provides good viewing.
Gerry McChesney
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Date: 5/10/19 11:14 am From: Gerry McChesney <gerry.mcchesney...> Subject: [pen-bird] Elegant Tern nests at SF-2!
We just received a report from San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory that they discovered about 15 Elegant Tern nests among the Caspian Tern colony at the Ravenswood Pond SF2 restoration site in Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. SFBBO monitors most of the waterbird colonies around the South Bay. They also found a Black Oystercatcher nest there.
SF2 is at the west end of the Dumbarton Bridge, on the south side of Hwy 84. The colony is on a small artificial island in the pond, where decoys and other social attraction equipment have been used to establish the Caspian Tern colony. To view the colony, park along the frontage road just west of the bridge. There is an interpretive trail that provides good viewing.
Gerry McChesney U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex
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Date: 5/10/19 10:04 am From: Christopher Hayward <p_t_nymph...> Subject: [pen-bird] Y B Chat Water Lane Pescadero 5/10/19
Hi All, Wanted to put word out there is a very vocal easily seen Y B Chat at the entrance to Water Lane in Pescadero as of 10.00 am Chris Hayward On May 9, 2019, at 4:00 PM, Garth Harwood <gharwood...><mailto:<gharwood...>> wrote:
Hi All,
I was interested in your note, Ron, about the large group of Lazuli Buntings and how most or all of them seemed to be males. On a recent early-AM visit to Russian Ridge OSP I had a group of 9 males fly in and was also struck by the gender uniformity. Maybe like with Red-winged Blackbirds, it's the adult males who arrive first and set up territories before female arrivals.
Garth Harwood Pescadero
-- *Garth Harwood *Director of Education, The Trust for Hidden Villa 26870 Moody Rd., Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 *(650) 949-8643*
I was interested in your note, Ron, about the large group of Lazuli Buntings and how most or all of them seemed to be males. On a recent early-AM visit to Russian Ridge OSP I had a group of 9 males fly in and was also struck by the gender uniformity. Maybe like with Red-winged Blackbirds, it's the adult males who arrive first and set up territories before female arrivals.
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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Hi All,
This morning I ventured all the way to the water tank about a mile past the barn at Burleigh Murray SP. The highlight was a Yellow-breasted Chat seen briefly several times and also heard vocalizing. The Chat was at the same location where Andrew Rush found a Yellow-breasted Chat last year in early July. This is well past the barn, GPS co-ordinates are 37.4609678 - 122.3827758. The Chat was very skulky, it did sing a few times and also call, but then would go silent for ten minutes or more. At the location there is a small patch of pampas grass on the up-hill side of the trail, the Chat was moving around low in the bare bushes on the hillside just before this patch. A word of caution the trail beyond the barn has not been mown like last year and is quite overgrown.
Many singing birds noted along the trail including multiple MacGillivray's Warblers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Western Wood-Pewee, Olive-sided and Pacific-slope Flycatchers. Some big flocks of Cedar Waxwings were seen and a small group of Red Crossbills were in the flowering Eucalyptus near the second bridge. Wild Turkey's were heard on the hillside near the parking lot.
Chris Hayward
Half Moon Bay
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-----Original Message-----
From: Ronald- Thorn <tronthorn...>
To: peninsula-birding <peninsula-birding...>
Sent: Wed, May 8, 2019 6:22 pm
Subject: Coastal sightings today
Leonie and I had just come back in town from a recent reposition cruise, and I decided to headto Pigeon Point for a seawatch, as there was ten mile visibility in Half Moon Bay. Arriving atPigeon Point, there was high overcast, and with a light south wind, there was clear visibilityall the way out to the horizon. The sea was calm enough to get a high count of RhinocerosAuklets. Many Pacific Loons are still moving through. Tubenoses are still scarce with onlyone noted today. Mammals were putting on a show. There was Risso's Dolphins, Grayand Humpback Whales. The sea was boiling with a group of ( 60-80 ) California Sea Lionsright behind a Humpback Whale. Below is a partial list of birds noted in the two hour seawatch. Red-throated Loon ( 15 ) Common Loon ( 37 ) Pacific Loon ( 12,000 ) Sooty Shearwater ( 1 ) Red-necked Phalarope ( 12 ) Pomarine Jaeger ( 1 ) Glaucous-winged Gull ( 1 first-cycle ) Marbled Murrelet ( 8 ) CASSIN'S AUKLET ( 9 ) Rhinoceros Auklet ( 106 ) After the seawatch, I birded along Gazos Creek Road. There was a late Ruby-crowned Kingletat the junction with Cloverdale Road. I may have only seen a few late migrant Ruby-crownedKinglets before in the county during May. Next destination of note was Pomponio Creek Road. I was amazed to count ( 14 ) Lazuli Buntingsalong the first half mile off of Stage Road. I flushed a group of ( 10 ) from the side of the roadthat flew into a willow thicket. Most were males. There was chorus of songs at the location onboth sides of the road. I assume the group of ( 10 ) were migrants, as I have never comeacross any group of that number in the county. Ron Thorn
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Leonie and I had just come back in town from a recent reposition cruise, and I decided to headto Pigeon Point for a seawatch, as there was ten mile visibility in Half Moon Bay. Arriving atPigeon Point, there was high overcast, and with a light south wind, there was clear visibilityall the way out to the horizon. The sea was calm enough to get a high count of RhinocerosAuklets. Many Pacific Loons are still moving through. Tubenoses are still scarce with onlyone noted today. Mammals were putting on a show. There was Risso's Dolphins, Grayand Humpback Whales. The sea was boiling with a group of ( 60-80 ) California Sea Lionsright behind a Humpback Whale. Below is a partial list of birds noted in the two hour seawatch. Red-throated Loon ( 15 ) Common Loon ( 37 ) Pacific Loon ( 12,000 ) Sooty Shearwater ( 1 ) Red-necked Phalarope ( 12 ) Pomarine Jaeger ( 1 ) Glaucous-winged Gull ( 1 first-cycle ) Marbled Murrelet ( 8 ) CASSIN'S AUKLET ( 9 ) Rhinoceros Auklet ( 106 ) After the seawatch, I birded along Gazos Creek Road. There was a late Ruby-crowned Kingletat the junction with Cloverdale Road. I may have only seen a few late migrant Ruby-crownedKinglets before in the county during May. Next destination of note was Pomponio Creek Road. I was amazed to count ( 14 ) Lazuli Buntingsalong the first half mile off of Stage Road. I flushed a group of ( 10 ) from the side of the roadthat flew into a willow thicket. Most were males. There was chorus of songs at the location onboth sides of the road. I assume the group of ( 10 ) were migrants, as I have never comeacross any group of that number in the county. Ron Thorn
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Unexpected on today's run was a Greater White-fronted Goose at the Pilarcitos Creek mouth, upstream from the cattails. With a few Canada Geese. Brown Pelican seem to have increased their northbound push today! Also, tons of painted lady butterflies around on the coast today.
Date: 5/8/19 10:47 am From: SequoiaAudubon Society via Groups.Io <sequoia_audubon_society=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] SAS: Sunday May 12 Family walk at Burleigh Murray Ranch SP: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park
Sunday, May 12, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Join a bird walk that is aimed at families with help for young birders. We will spend 2 to 3 hours walking a tucked away spot, filled with birds, along the coast. The trail is a one-mile former ranch road leading to a historic barn. The trip may start chilly but should end warm as the sun comes up, there are open sky sections along with tree cover, sunscreen suggested. Parking lot is small so carpool if coming with friends. Please bring binoculars as you have them, we will try to have some loaner pairs. Directions: Meet at the Burleigh H. Murray parking lot 305 Higgins Canyon Rd, Half Moon Bay. Heavy rain cancels or Air Quality Index over 100 cancels. Leader: Casey Girard Contact: <casey.girard...>
Date: 5/7/19 7:50 pm From: Donald Pendleton via Groups.Io <pen55ton=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Elegant terns SF2
Folks,
On the south side of the Dumbaton bridge, SF2, I had 6 elegant terns on the Caspian tern nesting islets. Birds were seen near market 21 south side.
Don Pendleton East Palo Alto
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Date: 5/7/19 5:40 pm From: Jennifer Rycenga <gyrrlfalcon...> Subject: [pen-bird] Community Engagement Through Urban Wildlife: Sequoia Audubon Meeting, Thursday May 9
Two remarkable women will share the spotlight at Sequoia’s April meeting - Deb Kramer of Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful, and Sara Witt of Grassroots Ecology. These two local organizations have both worked wonders in attracting the energies and interest of young people in our area. Both groups have organized habitat restoration and Citizen-Science projects. At the Sequoia Audubon Monthly meeting, we will also explore how these two organizations have partnered with other conservation groups (including Sequoia), and local schools and colleges. If you’ve been searching for a way to make a difference amidst a spate of discouraging news about the environment, there’s no better way to work out of that funk than with these two encouraging, courageous leaders.
As always, our meetings start at 7:00, with snacks and meet-and-greet beginning at 6:30. Meetings are held at the San Mateo Garden Club, 605 Parkside Way in San Mateo, just off of Alameda de las Pulgas. Free and open to all; accessible.
Jennifer Rycenga
San Mateo, CA
visit http://birding.sequoia-audubon.org/ The San Mateo County Birding Guide
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Date: 5/7/19 7:46 am From: Peter Metropulos <pjmetrop...> Subject: [pen-bird] BEDWELL BAYFRONT PARK: Spring migrants
I have been working near Bedwell Park recently so I've checked the park on several mornings to monitor the passage of migrants.The highlights are as follows:
April 27: LESSER YELLOWLEGS: 1 with Greater at old sewage ponds.April 29: LARK SPARROW.May 1: LARK SPARROW, Common Yellowthroat.May 2: GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE: 3 males flying southeast overhead,chased away by territorial redwinged blackbirds. One fly-over Whimbrel, 4 red-necked phalaropes on sewage ponds, a singing Western Tanager.May 4: YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT: one singing persistently on hill southeast of sewage plant; yellow-rumped warbler:2, black-headed grosbeak:1, cedar waxwing:15.May 5: Western Kingbird:10, Warbling Vireo:3, Cassin's Vireo:1, yellow-rumped warbler:4, wilson's warbler:2, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT:2(singing bird at same spot as yesterday,plus ANOTHER Chat popped up from ground in same area !), another LARK SPARROW, and a tardy Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Golden-crowned Sparrow.May 6: Vaux's Swift:2, Bullock's Oriole:1, Northern Harrier:1.
Also I saw our resident adult BALD EAGLE at the Highway 92 causeway at Crystal Springs Reservoir on May 6.
Peter J. Metropulos San Carlos,CA
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The weather was outstanding as was forecast, but what I did not expect was the level of activity out there. It was non-stop birds and whales for the entire trip. On Monday Dennis Baxter our captain had mentioned to me that a big influx of shearwaters had come in, with small gulls with black heads and albatross close to shore. The bait (mainly anchovy) has been thick between Half Moon Bay and Monterey, even though we have not had that much of the winds that power upwelling. Right now, there is a ton of food out there. Humpback Whales were plentiful, and we saw them lunge feeding. Two different large pods of Risso's Dolphins were good, along with a smattering of Pacific White-sided Dolphins. We found fur seals, in larger numbers than the norm and several appeared to be Guadalupe Fur Seals. Something is going on right now with this species, they are stranding on shore in larger numbers than usual. It may be a leading indicator of "too warm" a situation to our south or offshore? I don't know.
But on to the birds! We found our highest (that I recall) number of Tufted Puffins away from the Farallon Islands, 8-9 birds in full, and I mean full breeding splendor. They were scattered throughout the trip. Rhinoceros Auklets started to show up just a few miles from shore and were common we found several hundred and many gave great views. Several thousand murres showed, along with over a hundred Cassin's Auklets. These species were particularly easy to see, and to photograph yesterday. Sooty Shearwaters were thick, and Pink-footed was common - lots of molting adults, and a fair share of juveniles. The Black-footed Albatross show was nice, with about 50 birds through the day, but unfortunately we did not find a Laysan. Perhaps the most fun aspect was that we got into the migration corridor of jaegers and Sabine's Gulls, with nice densities of both. But the adult breeding, full spoons, Pomarine Jaegers stole the show. A parade of them, and many of them close up and personal! One nice breeding plumaged Parasitic went by as well. A smattering of offshore Bonaparte's Gulls was a staple of spring trips, and a few offshore Elegant Terns were unexpected. We hit the push of Red-necked Phalaropes, which seemed to be mostly females in breeding plumage. Well over a 1000 birds, and a smattering of breeding Red Phalaropes farther offshore. At one point the phalaropes got up high over the water, in dense flocks. Odd behavior! Then we saw a juvenile Peregrine Falcon out there hunting seabirds, that was awesome. Some Peregrines do this, but it seems that it only happens when the sea is flat and visibility is very good. We did not see it go for anything, but from the reaction of the phalaropes, it seemed that he was looking for them. Closer to shore the migration of Pacific Loons, as well as a few Red-throated and Common gave us great views of these guys. Two Common Terns were offshore as well.
But really, it was the great views and non-stop action that made it a fantastic trip. Great photos were taken by many participants, in great light. I setup a gallery on Facebook of some of the birds we saw (hopefully this is visible to all):
Spring pelagics can be fantastic, and this was one of them. But the real message here is that if this is a prelude to our pelagic season this year. We are in for a treat! Of course things change, and in a couple of months it could be different. But being optimistic, I am hoping that the masses of food, whales and birds stick around and we can enjoy some more great birding offshore later on in the year.
Date: 5/5/19 6:23 pm From: Kent Forward via Groups.Io <kforward=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Western Kingbirds - Pigeon Point 5/5/2019
Good Afternoon Birders,
Just a quick note, adding to some of the recent reports of Western Kingbirds in the county, today while birding the road at Pigeon Point, I came upon two WESTERN KINGBIRDS working from the fence above the beach at the far north end of Pigeon Point road. Photos in my checklist:
https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S55879877 Also a strong push of LOONS offshore heading northwards continues. On the sheer enjoyment front, a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW along the roadside bravely collected nesting materials in spite of the passing cars etc. (photo in the list) and wound up being a highlight. Also, native wildflowers are going crazy right now at the point (as are invasive blooming plants such as ice plant), making for a lovely time strolling about that area. Can't help but thinking how lucky we all are to live and bird here!
Good Birding,Kent ForwardEl Granada
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Stopped by Ocean Colony this afternoon; met Gary Deghi by the pond just inside the entrance. The Pacific Loon and the Cackling Goose are still present. My eBird list with a few photos:
>I guess there are lots of new birders out there who are not familiar with the “code” for how to bird within Ocean Colony. If you want to come into Ocean Colony to see the breeding-plumaged loon, tell the folks at the entry kiosk that you are going to visit Gary Deghi at 8 Pinehurst Lane. You will be let in as my guest. Act accordingly. I have notified the front gate that some of my friends would like to see a rare bird at the pond just inside the gate and they are OK with that. > >Gary Deghi > >From: Adam Winer <awiner...> >Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2019 10:16 AM >To: Tony Gentilcore <tonygentilcore...> >Cc: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...>; Gary Deghi <gdeghi...>; <peninsula-birding...> >Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Ocean Colony pond- Cackling Goose, breeding-plumaged Pacific Loon > >Gary meant the latter one - inside the private community. > >On Sun, Apr 28, 2019, 10:15 Tony Gentilcore <tonygentilcore...><mailto:<tonygentilcore...>> wrote: >I went to check it out this morning. > >If he meant this pond, there was nothing there except a single coot: >https://maps.app.goo.gl/MRvT6rsvKhXG2LPw8 > >If he meant this pond, the gate he mentioned is to a private community that I couldn't access: >https://maps.app.goo.gl/quW1yogLgrj3nFYU7 > >-Tony >San Francisco > >On Sun, Apr 28, 2019, 7:59 AM Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...><mailto:<chucao...>> wrote: >Gary > Is the loon still there? I need photos for a guide I am working on. It may not be able to get out of there on its own, that pond is awfully small for a Pac loon to get up in the air. >Alvaro > >Alvaro Jaramillo ><alvaro...><mailto:<alvaro...> >www.alvarosadventures.com<http://www.alvarosadventures.com> > >From: <peninsula-birding...><mailto:<peninsula-birding...> <peninsula-birding...><mailto:<peninsula-birding...>> On Behalf Of Gary Deghi >Sent: Saturday, April 27, 2019 6:32 PM >To: <peninsula-birding...><mailto:<peninsula-birding...> >Subject: [pen-bird] Ocean Colony pond- Cackling Goose, breeding-plumaged Pacific Loon > >There has been an Aleutian Cackling Goose hanging out with Coots and Buffleheads in the pond just inside the front gate at Ocean Colony in Half Moon Bay for about two weeks now. Today though it was joined by a beautiful breeding-plumaged Pacific Loon swimming around in the pond. Usually we get to see these guys up close only during the winter. Very photogenic. > >Gary Deghi > >________________________________ >[AVG logo]<https://www.avg.com/internet-security> > > >This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software. >www.avg.com<https://www.avg.com/internet-security> > > > > > > -- Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA
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Date: 5/3/19 5:08 pm From: Kent Forward via Groups.Io <kforward=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Higgins Canyon Road - 5/3/2019
Good Afternoon Birders,
I was going to bird Burleigh Murray SP at lunch today but was instead seduced from the parking lot down Higgins Canyon Road by many singing birds (you gotta love springtime!). Within the first 1/4 mile or so downstream from the parking lot along the road there were multiple singing MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLERS, WILSON'S WARBLERS, and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS. Also in the area several adult male BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS were noted. A huge treat was an absolutely stunning adult male LAZULI BUNTING that was flying back and forth across the road very close to where I was standing, seemingly oblivious to my nearby admiration! This probably occurred because I did not have my good camera with me today? SWAINSON'S THRUSH are also beginning to make themselves known. It was very birdy! All in all I was surprised to realize I had tallied 37 species of birds along the short stretch of road. Later, during a brief stop at the red barn opposite the Johnston House, I observed BARN SWALLOWS and CLIFF SWALLOWS foraging and returning to nesting areas inside the barn and up in the eaves.
A few other notable recent sightings (coastside):
A highlight during a stroll this morning before work at Pillar Point Harbor was seeing our NORTHERN GANNET fly overhead while I was looking at a few BROWN PELICANS that have begun trickling back into the area of late.
And finally, a belated report, last Wednesday near sunset I was visiting the flooded agricultural field in Pescadero (just east of the intersection of Bean Hollow Road and Pescadero Creek Road) - swallows were putting on a great aerial show in the good but fading light, among the multitudes of CLIFF SWALLOW, TREE SWALLOW, BARN SWALLOW, and NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW was a BANK SWALLOW. There may have been more than one, but I was only able to definitely get a good view of one.
Bountiful Birding,Kent ForwardEl Granada
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Date: 5/3/19 2:54 pm From: Ben Pearl <bpearl...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Western Kingbird
Just a quick note that yesterday morning (May 2) I saw two Pacific Golden Plovers in full breeding plumage at pond R4 yesterday while conducting a Snowy Plover breeding survey. They were located close to the Bedwell Bayfront Park trail, in front of an old round hunting blind near where a large channel branches off from the borrow ditch adjacent to the trail.
On Fri, May 3, 2019 at 2:21 PM Al Eisner via Groups.Io <eisner= <SLAC.Stanford.EDU...> wrote:
> I spent some time in western portions of Bedwell-Bayfront Park this > morning (May 3). Birding was generally slow, with the highlight species > being WESTERN KINGBIRD. I learned later that Rich Ferrick had > reported a group of 5 to eBird the previous day. I found 1 or (more > likely) 2 late morning in the trees just south of the wastewater plant. > That same row of trees also featured two heard-only birds, both briefly > singing: a BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK and an unidentified Oriole (I lean > toward Hooded). Waterbirds were surprisingly scarce, but near the > park entrance were two pair of CANADA GEESE, each with several small > goslings. > > Al Eisner > > > >
Look at the records along Lake Ontario, well, well south of where they should be. One of these is the Toronto record of a bird that showed up in 2017. Another a bit to the east of there is from 2011. Maine record from 2000, and Upstate New York in 2014. The number of southern records of Willow Ptarmigan seem to have increased in the recent decade. Willow Ptarmigan were once considered irruptive to the south, at least in Ontario. And there are various historical records of birds well south of the norm (Mass, Ontario etc.).
Also see this paper on over water dispersal in Willow Ptarmigan. http://www.avibirds.com/pdf/M/Moerassneeuwhoen10.pdf So I was less skeptical and thought it would be worth having someone confirm the record was real. It is more likely that one will land in coastal Washington State, but I think we underestimate the dispersal and perhaps migratory ability of Willow Ptarmigan. They are not the same the much more sedentary Rock and White-tailed ptarmigans.
Alvaro
-----Original Message-----
From: <peninsula-birding...> <peninsula-birding...> On Behalf Of Joe Morlan
Sent: Friday, May 3, 2019 1:32 PM
To: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...>
Cc: <ericgmac...>; 'pen-bird' <peninsula-birding...>
Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto
I'm skeptical.
Checked the BNA account. Maximum movement I could find: "In winter, Willow Ptarmigan in Manitoba were reported 800 km south of tundra breeding sites."
Most reported movement far shorter. Outside of Alaska, the only US records
are: "Occurs occasionally farther south to Montana, N. Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Maine."
The section on breeding mentions behavior in captivity. Also cites the following article: Allen, H. M. (1977). Abnormal parental behaviour of captive male Willow Grouse Lagopus l. lagopus. Ibis 119:199-200.
On Fri, 3 May 2019 13:10:21 -0700, "Alvaro Jaramillo"
<chucao...> wrote:
>All,
>
> While this may seem crazy, there are many records of Willow Ptarmigan well south of their regular range, often in summer!! The plumage actually looks ok for this time of year. If the bird really is there, I suggest it be treated as a wild bird unless other info comes forward. First of all, find out if it is the real deal or not.
>
>Alvaro
>
>
>
>Alvaro Jaramillo
>
> <mailto:<alvaro...> <alvaro...>
>
>www.alvarosadventures.com
>
>
>
>From: <peninsula-birding...> <peninsula-birding...> On
>Behalf Of Eric Goodill via Groups.Io
>Sent: Friday, May 3, 2019 12:55 PM
>To: pen-bird <peninsula-birding...>
>Cc: <peninsula-birding...>
>Subject: [pen-bird] Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto
>
>
>
>Hi,
>
>
>
>I was reviewing bird IDs on iNaturalist.org <http://iNaturalist.org> , and I came across what looks to be a Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto reported at 7:19 AM today.
>
>
>
>I’m no expert in this species, but it seems to match up well with my research. Here’s the iNaturalist.org <http://iNaturalist.org> observation page with good photos.
>
>
>
>https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/24441049 >
>
>
>The location given is
>
>121 Mission Dr, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
>
>
>
>Lat: 37.455958
>Lon: -122.135544
>
>
>
>Here’s a Google Maps link:
>
>https://goo.gl/maps/2GNPSsdPk4opRLv79 >
>
>
>The address and the lat/lon lead to slightly different locations by
>about 100 feet or so. It looks to be in a town home complex. Based on
>Google street view, it might be gated. However, the photos of the bird
>seem to show it’s in an open gravel area, perhaps a construction area,
>so perhaps the location isn’t exactly right. There
does seem to be an open lot right near the reported location.
>
>
>
>Thought I’d get the word out. I’m going over there myself. I’ll report if I see anything.
>
>
>
>Good birding, Eric Goodill
>
>Menlo Park
>
>
>
>
>
>---
>This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
>https://www.avg.com >
>
--
Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA
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Date: 5/3/19 2:21 pm From: Al Eisner via Groups.Io <eisner=<SLAC.Stanford.EDU...> Subject: [pen-bird] Western Kingbird
I spent some time in western portions of Bedwell-Bayfront Park this morning (May 3). Birding was generally slow, with the highlight species being WESTERN KINGBIRD. I learned later that Rich Ferrick had reported a group of 5 to eBird the previous day. I found 1 or (more likely) 2 late morning in the trees just south of the wastewater plant. That same row of trees also featured two heard-only birds, both briefly singing: a BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK and an unidentified Oriole (I lean toward Hooded). Waterbirds were surprisingly scarce, but near the park entrance were two pair of CANADA GEESE, each with several small goslings.
Al Eisner
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Date: 5/3/19 2:02 pm From: Eric Goodill via Groups.Io <ericgmac=<mac.com...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto
I went by and couldn’t find anything that looked like where the photo was taken. And the iNaturalist.org sighting has been updated as stated below.
So, sorry to anybody that jumped into their car.
-Eric
> On May 3, 2019, at 1:41 PM, <dominikmosur...> wrote:
>
> I would contact the observer and make sure they didn't accidentally misplot the location.
>
> Simple data entry errors like this crop up all the time in eBird. The substrate and background in that image don't remind of anything
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On May 3, 2019, at 13:32, Joe Morlan <jmorlan...> wrote:
>>
>> I'm skeptical.
>>
>> Checked the BNA account. Maximum movement I could find: "In winter, Willow
>> Ptarmigan in Manitoba were reported 800 km south of tundra breeding sites."
>> Most reported movement far shorter. Outside of Alaska, the only US records
>> are: "Occurs occasionally farther south to Montana, N. Dakota, Minnesota,
>> Wisconsin, and Maine."
>>
>> The section on breeding mentions behavior in captivity. Also cites the
>> following article: Allen, H. M. (1977). Abnormal parental behaviour of
>> captive male Willow Grouse Lagopus l. lagopus. Ibis 119:199-200.
>>
>> An article in "Game Breeders Gazette" also indicates that Ptarmigan may be
>> bred in captivity. https://eurekamag.com/research/023/456/023456377.php >>
>>
>>
>> On Fri, 3 May 2019 13:10:21 -0700, "Alvaro Jaramillo"
>> <chucao...> wrote:
>>
>>> All,
>>>
>>> While this may seem crazy, there are many records of Willow Ptarmigan well south of their regular range, often in summer!! The plumage actually looks ok for this time of year. If the bird really is there, I suggest it be treated as a wild bird unless other info comes forward. First of all, find out if it is the real deal or not.
>>>
>>> Alvaro
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Alvaro Jaramillo
>>>
>>> <mailto:<alvaro...> <alvaro...>
>>>
>>> www.alvarosadventures.com
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> From: <peninsula-birding...> <peninsula-birding...> On Behalf Of Eric Goodill via Groups.Io
>>> Sent: Friday, May 3, 2019 12:55 PM
>>> To: pen-bird <peninsula-birding...>
>>> Cc: <peninsula-birding...>
>>> Subject: [pen-bird] Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I was reviewing bird IDs on iNaturalist.org <http://iNaturalist.org> , and I came across what looks to be a Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto reported at 7:19 AM today.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I’m no expert in this species, but it seems to match up well with my research. Here’s the iNaturalist.org <http://iNaturalist.org> observation page with good photos.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/24441049 >>>
>>>
>>>
>>> The location given is
>>>
>>> 121 Mission Dr, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Lat: 37.455958
>>> Lon: -122.135544
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Here’s a Google Maps link:
>>>
>>> https://goo.gl/maps/2GNPSsdPk4opRLv79 >>>
>>>
>>>
>>> The address and the lat/lon lead to slightly different locations by about 100 feet or so. It looks to be in a town home complex. Based on Google street view, it might be gated. However, the photos of the bird seem to show it’s in an open gravel area, perhaps a construction area, so perhaps the location isn’t exactly right. There
>> does seem to be an open lot right near the reported location.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Thought I’d get the word out. I’m going over there myself. I’ll report if I see anything.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Good birding, Eric Goodill
>>>
>>> Menlo Park
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ---
>>> This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
>>> https://www.avg.com >>>
>>>
>> --
>> Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA
>>
>>
>>
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Date: 5/3/19 1:44 pm From: Jeff Cislini <jcislini...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto
It looks like it was just an error in the initial iNaturalist posting - the
link and photo details now show location at "Golovin, AK." In case people
are racing to East Palo Alto...
Best,
Jeff Cislini
On Fri, May 3, 2019 at 1:32 PM Joe Morlan <jmorlan...> wrote:
> I'm skeptical.
>
> Checked the BNA account. Maximum movement I could find: "In winter, Willow
> Ptarmigan in Manitoba were reported 800 km south of tundra breeding sites."
> Most reported movement far shorter. Outside of Alaska, the only US records
> are: "Occurs occasionally farther south to Montana, N. Dakota, Minnesota,
> Wisconsin, and Maine."
>
> The section on breeding mentions behavior in captivity. Also cites the
> following article: Allen, H. M. (1977). Abnormal parental behaviour of
> captive male Willow Grouse Lagopus l. lagopus. Ibis 119:199-200.
>
> An article in "Game Breeders Gazette" also indicates that Ptarmigan may be
> bred in captivity. https://eurekamag.com/research/023/456/023456377.php >
>
>
> On Fri, 3 May 2019 13:10:21 -0700, "Alvaro Jaramillo"
> <chucao...> wrote:
>
> >All,
> >
> > While this may seem crazy, there are many records of Willow Ptarmigan
> well south of their regular range, often in summer!! The plumage actually
> looks ok for this time of year. If the bird really is there, I suggest it
> be treated as a wild bird unless other info comes forward. First of all,
> find out if it is the real deal or not.
> >
> >Alvaro
> >
> >
> >
> >Alvaro Jaramillo
> >
> > <mailto:<alvaro...> <alvaro...>
> >
> >www.alvarosadventures.com
> >
> >
> >
> >From: <peninsula-birding...> <peninsula-birding...> On
> Behalf Of Eric Goodill via Groups.Io
> >Sent: Friday, May 3, 2019 12:55 PM
> >To: pen-bird <peninsula-birding...>
> >Cc: <peninsula-birding...>
> >Subject: [pen-bird] Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto
> >
> >
> >
> >Hi,
> >
> >
> >
> >I was reviewing bird IDs on iNaturalist.org <http://iNaturalist.org> ,
> and I came across what looks to be a Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto
> reported at 7:19 AM today.
> >
> >
> >
> >I’m no expert in this species, but it seems to match up well with my
> research. Here’s the iNaturalist.org <http://iNaturalist.org> > observation page with good photos.
> >
> >
> >
> >https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/24441049 > >
> >
> >
> >The location given is
> >
> >121 Mission Dr, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
> >
> >
> >
> >Lat: 37.455958
> >Lon: -122.135544
> >
> >
> >
> >Here’s a Google Maps link:
> >
> >https://goo.gl/maps/2GNPSsdPk4opRLv79 > >
> >
> >
> >The address and the lat/lon lead to slightly different locations by about
> 100 feet or so. It looks to be in a town home complex. Based on Google
> street view, it might be gated. However, the photos of the bird seem to
> show it’s in an open gravel area, perhaps a construction area, so perhaps
> the location isn’t exactly right. There
> does seem to be an open lot right near the reported location.
> >
> >
> >
> >Thought I’d get the word out. I’m going over there myself. I’ll report if
> I see anything.
> >
> >
> >
> >Good birding, Eric Goodill
> >
> >Menlo Park
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >---
> >This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
> >https://www.avg.com > >
> >
> --
> Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA
>
>
>
>
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Date: 5/3/19 1:43 pm From: Steven Tucker via Groups.Io <talkingtrees80=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] erroneous ptarmigan report
In inat, the location of the report has now been corrected to Alaska. Stand down. Willow Ptarmigan have made some impressive unassisted forays south of their range, but I don't expect one ever to make it to East Palo Alto from British Columbia, or anywhere in California for that matter. Steve TuckerSan Jose
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Date: 5/3/19 1:41 pm From: Dominik Mosur <dominikmosur...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto
I would contact the observer and make sure they didn't accidentally misplot the location.
Simple data entry errors like this crop up all the time in eBird. The substrate and background in that image don't remind of anything
> On May 3, 2019, at 13:32, Joe Morlan <jmorlan...> wrote:
>
> I'm skeptical.
>
> Checked the BNA account. Maximum movement I could find: "In winter, Willow
> Ptarmigan in Manitoba were reported 800 km south of tundra breeding sites."
> Most reported movement far shorter. Outside of Alaska, the only US records
> are: "Occurs occasionally farther south to Montana, N. Dakota, Minnesota,
> Wisconsin, and Maine."
>
> The section on breeding mentions behavior in captivity. Also cites the
> following article: Allen, H. M. (1977). Abnormal parental behaviour of
> captive male Willow Grouse Lagopus l. lagopus. Ibis 119:199-200.
>
> An article in "Game Breeders Gazette" also indicates that Ptarmigan may be
> bred in captivity. https://eurekamag.com/research/023/456/023456377.php >
>
>
> On Fri, 3 May 2019 13:10:21 -0700, "Alvaro Jaramillo"
> <chucao...> wrote:
>
>> All,
>>
>> While this may seem crazy, there are many records of Willow Ptarmigan well south of their regular range, often in summer!! The plumage actually looks ok for this time of year. If the bird really is there, I suggest it be treated as a wild bird unless other info comes forward. First of all, find out if it is the real deal or not.
>>
>> Alvaro
>>
>>
>>
>> Alvaro Jaramillo
>>
>> <mailto:<alvaro...> <alvaro...>
>>
>> www.alvarosadventures.com
>>
>>
>>
>> From: <peninsula-birding...> <peninsula-birding...> On Behalf Of Eric Goodill via Groups.Io
>> Sent: Friday, May 3, 2019 12:55 PM
>> To: pen-bird <peninsula-birding...>
>> Cc: <peninsula-birding...>
>> Subject: [pen-bird] Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto
>>
>>
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>>
>>
>> I was reviewing bird IDs on iNaturalist.org <http://iNaturalist.org> , and I came across what looks to be a Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto reported at 7:19 AM today.
>>
>>
>>
>> I’m no expert in this species, but it seems to match up well with my research. Here’s the iNaturalist.org <http://iNaturalist.org> observation page with good photos.
>>
>>
>>
>> https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/24441049 >>
>>
>>
>> The location given is
>>
>> 121 Mission Dr, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
>>
>>
>>
>> Lat: 37.455958
>> Lon: -122.135544
>>
>>
>>
>> Here’s a Google Maps link:
>>
>> https://goo.gl/maps/2GNPSsdPk4opRLv79 >>
>>
>>
>> The address and the lat/lon lead to slightly different locations by about 100 feet or so. It looks to be in a town home complex. Based on Google street view, it might be gated. However, the photos of the bird seem to show it’s in an open gravel area, perhaps a construction area, so perhaps the location isn’t exactly right. There
> does seem to be an open lot right near the reported location.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thought I’d get the word out. I’m going over there myself. I’ll report if I see anything.
>>
>>
>>
>> Good birding, Eric Goodill
>>
>> Menlo Park
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ---
>> This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
>> https://www.avg.com >>
>>
> --
> Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA
>
>
>
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Date: 5/3/19 1:40 pm From: Bob Toleno <bob...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto
It appears that the iNaturalist user has edited the location of the
sighting, which now shows Golovin, Alaska instead of East Palo Alto.
Bob Toleno
Hayward
On Fri, May 3, 2019 at 1:32 PM Joe Morlan <jmorlan...> wrote:
> I'm skeptical.
>
> Checked the BNA account. Maximum movement I could find: "In winter, Willow
> Ptarmigan in Manitoba were reported 800 km south of tundra breeding sites."
> Most reported movement far shorter. Outside of Alaska, the only US records
> are: "Occurs occasionally farther south to Montana, N. Dakota, Minnesota,
> Wisconsin, and Maine."
>
> The section on breeding mentions behavior in captivity. Also cites the
> following article: Allen, H. M. (1977). Abnormal parental behaviour of
> captive male Willow Grouse Lagopus l. lagopus. Ibis 119:199-200.
>
> An article in "Game Breeders Gazette" also indicates that Ptarmigan may be
> bred in captivity. https://eurekamag.com/research/023/456/023456377.php >
>
>
> On Fri, 3 May 2019 13:10:21 -0700, "Alvaro Jaramillo"
> <chucao...> wrote:
>
> >All,
> >
> > While this may seem crazy, there are many records of Willow Ptarmigan
> well south of their regular range, often in summer!! The plumage actually
> looks ok for this time of year. If the bird really is there, I suggest it
> be treated as a wild bird unless other info comes forward. First of all,
> find out if it is the real deal or not.
> >
> >Alvaro
> >
> >
> >
> >Alvaro Jaramillo
> >
> > <mailto:<alvaro...> <alvaro...>
> >
> >www.alvarosadventures.com
> >
> >
> >
> >From: <peninsula-birding...> <peninsula-birding...> On
> Behalf Of Eric Goodill via Groups.Io
> >Sent: Friday, May 3, 2019 12:55 PM
> >To: pen-bird <peninsula-birding...>
> >Cc: <peninsula-birding...>
> >Subject: [pen-bird] Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto
> >
> >
> >
> >Hi,
> >
> >
> >
> >I was reviewing bird IDs on iNaturalist.org <http://iNaturalist.org> ,
> and I came across what looks to be a Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto
> reported at 7:19 AM today.
> >
> >
> >
> >I’m no expert in this species, but it seems to match up well with my
> research. Here’s the iNaturalist.org <http://iNaturalist.org> > observation page with good photos.
> >
> >
> >
> >https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/24441049 > >
> >
> >
> >The location given is
> >
> >121 Mission Dr, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
> >
> >
> >
> >Lat: 37.455958
> >Lon: -122.135544
> >
> >
> >
> >Here’s a Google Maps link:
> >
> >https://goo.gl/maps/2GNPSsdPk4opRLv79 > >
> >
> >
> >The address and the lat/lon lead to slightly different locations by about
> 100 feet or so. It looks to be in a town home complex. Based on Google
> street view, it might be gated. However, the photos of the bird seem to
> show it’s in an open gravel area, perhaps a construction area, so perhaps
> the location isn’t exactly right. There
> does seem to be an open lot right near the reported location.
> >
> >
> >
> >Thought I’d get the word out. I’m going over there myself. I’ll report if
> I see anything.
> >
> >
> >
> >Good birding, Eric Goodill
> >
> >Menlo Park
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >---
> >This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
> >https://www.avg.com > >
> >
> --
> Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA
>
>
>
>
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Date: 5/3/19 1:32 pm From: Joe Morlan <jmorlan...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto
I'm skeptical.
Checked the BNA account. Maximum movement I could find: "In winter, Willow Ptarmigan in Manitoba were reported 800 km south of tundra breeding sites." Most reported movement far shorter. Outside of Alaska, the only US records are: "Occurs occasionally farther south to Montana, N. Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Maine."
The section on breeding mentions behavior in captivity. Also cites the following article: Allen, H. M. (1977). Abnormal parental behaviour of captive male Willow Grouse Lagopus l. lagopus. Ibis 119:199-200.
On Fri, 3 May 2019 13:10:21 -0700, "Alvaro Jaramillo" <chucao...> wrote:
>All, > > While this may seem crazy, there are many records of Willow Ptarmigan well south of their regular range, often in summer!! The plumage actually looks ok for this time of year. If the bird really is there, I suggest it be treated as a wild bird unless other info comes forward. First of all, find out if it is the real deal or not. > >Alvaro > > > >Alvaro Jaramillo > > <mailto:<alvaro...> <alvaro...> > >www.alvarosadventures.com > > > >From: <peninsula-birding...> <peninsula-birding...> On Behalf Of Eric Goodill via Groups.Io >Sent: Friday, May 3, 2019 12:55 PM >To: pen-bird <peninsula-birding...> >Cc: <peninsula-birding...> >Subject: [pen-bird] Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto > > > >Hi, > > > >I was reviewing bird IDs on iNaturalist.org <http://iNaturalist.org> , and I came across what looks to be a Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto reported at 7:19 AM today. > > > >I’m no expert in this species, but it seems to match up well with my research. Here’s the iNaturalist.org <http://iNaturalist.org> observation page with good photos. > > > >https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/24441049 > > > >The location given is > >121 Mission Dr, East Palo Alto, CA 94303 > > > >Lat: 37.455958 >Lon: -122.135544 > > > >Here’s a Google Maps link: > >https://goo.gl/maps/2GNPSsdPk4opRLv79 > > > >The address and the lat/lon lead to slightly different locations by about 100 feet or so. It looks to be in a town home complex. Based on Google street view, it might be gated. However, the photos of the bird seem to show it’s in an open gravel area, perhaps a construction area, so perhaps the location isn’t exactly right. There does seem to be an open lot right near the reported location. > > > >Thought I’d get the word out. I’m going over there myself. I’ll report if I see anything. > > > >Good birding, Eric Goodill > >Menlo Park > > > > > >--- >This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. >https://www.avg.com > > -- Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA
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Date: 5/3/19 1:29 pm From: Aaron Maizlish <aaron.maizlish...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto
That is a crazy thought.
The iNat submission also says that the photo was taken at 7:10am this morning, but in the photo the sun looks to be overhead. At the very least, the time stamp (and therefore date) is wrong.
I’d go see it if I thought it was still there. Please post to the list if this mystery is resolved.
Aaron Maizlish
San Francisco
> On May 3, 2019, at 1:10 PM, Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> wrote:
>
> All,
> While this may seem crazy, there are many records of Willow Ptarmigan well south of their regular range, often in summer!! The plumage actually looks ok for this time of year. If the bird really is there, I suggest it be treated as a wild bird unless other info comes forward. First of all, find out if it is the real deal or not.
> Alvaro
>
> Alvaro Jaramillo
> <alvaro...>
> www.alvarosadventures.com
>
> From: <peninsula-birding...> <peninsula-birding...> On Behalf Of Eric Goodill via Groups.Io
> Sent: Friday, May 3, 2019 12:55 PM
> To: pen-bird <peninsula-birding...>
> Cc: <peninsula-birding...>
> Subject: [pen-bird] Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto
>
> Hi,
>
> I was reviewing bird IDs on iNaturalist.org, and I came across what looks to be a Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto reported at 7:19 AM today.
>
> I’m no expert in this species, but it seems to match up well with my research. Here’s the iNaturalist.org observation page with good photos.
>
> https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/24441049 >
> The location given is
> 121 Mission Dr, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
>
> Lat: 37.455958
> Lon: -122.135544
>
> Here’s a Google Maps link:
> https://goo.gl/maps/2GNPSsdPk4opRLv79 >
> The address and the lat/lon lead to slightly different locations by about 100 feet or so. It looks to be in a town home complex. Based on Google street view, it might be gated. However, the photos of the bird seem to show it’s in an open gravel area, perhaps a construction area, so perhaps the location isn’t exactly right. There does seem to be an open lot right near the reported location.
>
> Thought I’d get the word out. I’m going over there myself. I’ll report if I see anything.
>
> Good birding, Eric Goodill
> Menlo Park
>
> Virus-free. www.avg.com
>
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Date: 5/3/19 1:10 pm From: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto
All,
While this may seem crazy, there are many records of Willow Ptarmigan well south of their regular range, often in summer!! The plumage actually looks ok for this time of year. If the bird really is there, I suggest it be treated as a wild bird unless other info comes forward. First of all, find out if it is the real deal or not.
From: <peninsula-birding...> <peninsula-birding...> On Behalf Of Eric Goodill via Groups.Io
Sent: Friday, May 3, 2019 12:55 PM
To: pen-bird <peninsula-birding...>
Cc: <peninsula-birding...>
Subject: [pen-bird] Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto
Hi,
I was reviewing bird IDs on iNaturalist.org <http://iNaturalist.org> , and I came across what looks to be a Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto reported at 7:19 AM today.
I’m no expert in this species, but it seems to match up well with my research. Here’s the iNaturalist.org <http://iNaturalist.org> observation page with good photos.
The address and the lat/lon lead to slightly different locations by about 100 feet or so. It looks to be in a town home complex. Based on Google street view, it might be gated. However, the photos of the bird seem to show it’s in an open gravel area, perhaps a construction area, so perhaps the location isn’t exactly right. There does seem to be an open lot right near the reported location.
Thought I’d get the word out. I’m going over there myself. I’ll report if I see anything.
Date: 5/3/19 12:55 pm From: Eric Goodill via Groups.Io <ericgmac=<mac.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto
Hi,
I was reviewing bird IDs on iNaturalist.org <http://inaturalist.org/>, and I came across what looks to be a Willow Ptarmigan in East Palo Alto reported at 7:19 AM today.
I’m no expert in this species, but it seems to match up well with my research. Here’s the iNaturalist.org <http://inaturalist.org/> observation page with good photos.
The address and the lat/lon lead to slightly different locations by about 100 feet or so. It looks to be in a town home complex. Based on Google street view, it might be gated. However, the photos of the bird seem to show it’s in an open gravel area, perhaps a construction area, so perhaps the location isn’t exactly right. There does seem to be an open lot right near the reported location.
Thought I’d get the word out. I’m going over there myself. I’ll report if I see anything.
Good birding, Eric Goodill
Menlo Park
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Date: 5/2/19 10:24 am From: Bill Bousman <barlowi...> Subject: [pen-bird] Palo Alto Summer Bird Count
Folks:
If you participated in the 2018 Palo Alto Summer Bird Count, then I have sent out a summary of that count to all of the participants who included their email address on the count forms. Unfortunately, I'm not very good at deciphering hand writing, so you may not receive the summary. Contact me off list if you wish a copy.
If you were not a participant and would like to see last year's summary, then contact me off list and I will send you a copy.
The 2019 Palo Summer Bird Count will be on 1 Jun 2019. If you would like to participate, contact your Regional Coordinator or send me a note.
Bill Bousman Menlo Park
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Date: 5/2/19 7:37 am From: Dominik Mosur <dominikmosur...> Subject: [pen-bird] Central coast--crossbills, grasshopper Sparrow 4.30.2019
Spent some time birding around the central county on the coast side 4/30:
At Burleigh Murray:
(6) Macgillivray's Warbler territories from start of trail to water tank
(3) RED CROSSBILS were in the grove at the
Barn/Ranger's Residence driveway.
A Grasshopper Sparrow has a territory staked out at (North) Stage Road above San Gregorio. Pull out at the green gate/across from the eucalyptus stand about midway up to HWY 1 and listen for it in the field to your right. It sang numerous times unprompted from about 17:30 to 18:30.
Dominik Mosur
San Francisco
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Date: 5/1/19 1:06 pm From: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> Subject: [pen-bird] Saturday pelagic - Rare good weather forecast for May!
Penbirds and SFBirds,
As spring is often our windiest time of year on the coast, it can be rare to have a relatively flat day offshore in May. But the forecasts are calling for low waves, and clear skies for this Saturday. Photo opportunities might be good, perhaps great! Captain Dennis Baxter started to see a big influx of shearwaters on Monday, and there were Black-footed Albatross within 10 miles from shore, so closer than they usually are. Small offshore migrant gulls he reported may be Sabine's or Bonaparte's. This is a great date to see breeding plumaged alcids, and Red and Red-necked phalaropes in full splendor arriving shearwaters and perhaps some lingering winter birds (kittiwake, fulmars, Ancient Murrelet). It is also a great time for finding Laysan Albatross if we find a concentration of albatrosses out there. Grey Whales are still going through, and Humpbacks are back. We hope that we can find some great wildlife in addition to the birds.
Saturday May 4, from Half Moon Bay. We may hit parts of SF and San Mateo counties during our time out there. Spring is always interesting, we do not get out there enough at this time of year. A surprise is always a possibility.
Contact me, or have a look at the schedule and book here:
Date: 5/1/19 12:07 pm From: Dan Singer <dsg2...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] San Mateo pelagic and May 4 trip.
Hi Alvaro,
Do you have room for another spotter on this trip?
Dan
On Monday, April 22, 2019, 10:43:57 PM EDT, Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> wrote:
Hello folks
Our next trip out offshore is on May 4th, we still have spots left. As well, note that for some reason multiple folks from Europe have signed up for the San Mateo trip (Aug 24). So if you are keen on that trip, you may want to pencil your name in use PayPal to pay for a spot.
May 4th should be good for migrant phalaropes in breeding plumage, alcids in breeding plumage arriving shearwaters and we have a shot at Laysan Albatross if we find a number of Black-footed Albatross.
Date: 4/29/19 11:23 am From: SequoiaAudubon Society via Groups.Io <sequoia_audubon_society=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] SAS: Wednesday May 1; Burleigh Murray State Park; 8am - 12pm
Burleigh Murray State Park
Wednesday, May 1, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Burleigh Murray State Park is a hidden treasure on the coast. It has very low visitor usage and a very high density of breeding birds. The only trail is the mile-long, old ranch road that leads up to an historic and picturesque barn. The high number of singing birds will keep this walk at a slow pace. This is a great location to learn and practice birding by ear. Morning fog is common here, but it usually burns off and it can be warm and sunny. Directions: We will meet at the lower parking lot to the Johnston House, located on Higgins-Purisima Road in Half Moon Bay. Higgins-Purisima Road begins just off of SR1, going east where Main Street ends. The Johnston House is the big white 1850s farmhouse on the hill. We will caravan to Burleigh Murray, which is 1 ½ miles up Higgins-Purisima Road from here. Special Guest Leader: Ginny Marshall Contact: <ginnybirder...>
Date: 4/29/19 6:34 am From: Leslie Flint <lflint...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Coyote Point 4/28 - LTDU - NOT
Hi all, wiser minds than mine have pointed out that my photo was of a an eclipse plumaged Bufflehead! I know many of us make this mistake - see something at a distance that looks uncommon and work really hard to NOT see the common in it! Apologies to all who may have gotten up early this morning to check it out before work!
Leslie Flint
San Mateo
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Late this afternoon, Jennifer Rycenga and I went to Coyote Point to see if we could pick up a few species for the City Nature Challenge happening this weekend. We were happy to find ELEGANT TERNS and a surprise BONAPARTE’S GULL along with lots of Forster’s and a few Caspian Terns. Few shorebirds, but a small flock of Semi-palmated plovers and Western Sandpipers were there also. We walked to the end of the path toward the jetty and Jennifer spotted a duck out toward the breakwater. It was diving constantly and we had difficulty getting good photos, not helped by the heat waves in the late afternoon.. We tried for at least 30 minutes and determined it was a female LONG-TAILED DUCK. There are some records for April and into May for the County so not an impossible find. Jennifer has photos to add but one I took is in the eBird checklist. https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S55538351 <https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S55538351>
Good birding,
Leslie Flint
San Mateo
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Date: 4/28/19 6:35 pm From: Ronald- Thorn via Groups.Io <Tronthorn=<aol.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Recent sightings coastal and bay sides
Migration of landbirds has slowed down during the past week. Some of the common specieshave been arriving, as expected. Along Tunitas Creek Road just east of the junction withLobitos Creek Cutoff Road was a WILLOW FLYCATCHER perched out in the open on aRed Alder. The Willow Flycatcher was an early migrant, but did not break a record for theearliest arrival in coastal central California. Other flycatchers near by were a Olive-sidedFlycatcher and Pacific-slope Flycatcher. No Western Wood-Pewee returning alongTunitas Creek Road at this time. On the bayside, what may be the highest number noted in the county of Black Skimmerswere ( 32 ) on the salt ponds along Highway 84 at the west side of the Dumbarton Bridgeand ( 56 ) on the drying rain pond behind the dog park off of Radio Road in RedwoodShores. Starting to get late was a female Common Goldeneye on a salt pond, and ( 2 )Elegant Terns were present, but not on the nesting island of Caspian Terns alongHighway 84. Ron Thorn
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Date: 4/28/19 4:48 pm From: Al Eisner via Groups.Io <eisner=<SLAC.Stanford.EDU...> Subject: [pen-bird] Ravenswood (Dumbarton Bridge) salt ponds
Getting a late start this morning (April 18), I spent a pleasant couple of hours in light-wind conditions at salt pond SF2. While the species variety other than shorebirds was not great, there were some interesing sightings on my walk (from the parking area to the first observation platform). There were 10 BLACK SKIMMERs on the main CASPIAN TERN breeding island. (Skimmers have bred here the past couple of years.) I found 9 RED KNOTs (well on the way into breeding plumage) feeding along the front edge of a large dense Dowitcher flock. (I may well have missed some, or even other species, hiding in that flock.) A RUDDY TURNSTONE was on a few rocks along a line of posts, and 4 more were along the pond shorelihe near the observation platform.
Two sightings on my way back: A flock of over 200 motorcycles was moving along the frontage road just before noon (fortunately, slowly, and guided by police). More interesting, at 12:05 there were 2 BLACK OYSTERCATCHERs on island 29. (Ten minutes later they were gone from that island; I didn't do a thorough search elsewhere.) This is pretty far south in bayside San Mateo Co. for this species, but there have been a few other SF2 reports on eBird (one recently), and there are even a few records of Oystercatcher from the south end of the Bay (Alviso).
Some shorebirds started leaving the pond at about 11:00, when mudflats started to open up at the edge of the Bay. This time corresponed to a nominal local tide of 4.8 feet. I'll post an eBird list (search for "SF2") when I get a chance.
After this, I paid a brief visit to the ponds on the northwest side of the bridge. There were many DUNLIN and WESTERN SANDPIPERs. With water levels apparently coming down, most of these birds were feeding well out in the ponds, confusing (along with heat waves) a search for Phalaropes, none of which I found.
Al Eisner
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Date: 4/28/19 10:29 am From: Gary Deghi <gdeghi...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Ocean Colony pond- Cackling Goose, breeding-plumaged Pacific Loon
I guess there are lots of new birders out there who are not familiar with the “code” for how to bird within Ocean Colony. If you want to come into Ocean Colony to see the breeding-plumaged loon, tell the folks at the entry kiosk that you are going to visit Gary Deghi at 8 Pinehurst Lane. You will be let in as my guest. Act accordingly. I have notified the front gate that some of my friends would like to see a rare bird at the pond just inside the gate and they are OK with that.
Gary Deghi
From: Adam Winer <awiner...>
Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2019 10:16 AM
To: Tony Gentilcore <tonygentilcore...>
Cc: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...>; Gary Deghi <gdeghi...>; <peninsula-birding...>
Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Ocean Colony pond- Cackling Goose, breeding-plumaged Pacific Loon
Gary meant the latter one - inside the private community.
On Sun, Apr 28, 2019, 10:15 Tony Gentilcore <tonygentilcore...><mailto:<tonygentilcore...>> wrote:
I went to check it out this morning.
On Sun, Apr 28, 2019, 7:59 AM Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...><mailto:<chucao...>> wrote:
Gary
Is the loon still there? I need photos for a guide I am working on. It may not be able to get out of there on its own, that pond is awfully small for a Pac loon to get up in the air.
Alvaro
There has been an Aleutian Cackling Goose hanging out with Coots and Buffleheads in the pond just inside the front gate at Ocean Colony in Half Moon Bay for about two weeks now. Today though it was joined by a beautiful breeding-plumaged Pacific Loon swimming around in the pond. Usually we get to see these guys up close only during the winter. Very photogenic.
Date: 4/28/19 10:16 am From: Adam Winer <awiner...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Ocean Colony pond- Cackling Goose, breeding-plumaged Pacific Loon
Gary meant the latter one - inside the private community.
On Sun, Apr 28, 2019, 10:15 Tony Gentilcore <tonygentilcore...> wrote:
> I went to check it out this morning. > > If he meant this pond, there was nothing there except a single coot: > https://maps.app.goo.gl/MRvT6rsvKhXG2LPw8 > > If he meant this pond, the gate he mentioned is to a private community > that I couldn't access: > https://maps.app.goo.gl/quW1yogLgrj3nFYU7 > > -Tony > San Francisco > > On Sun, Apr 28, 2019, 7:59 AM Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> > wrote: > >> Gary >> >> Is the loon still there? I need photos for a guide I am working on. It >> may not be able to get out of there on its own, that pond is awfully small >> for a Pac loon to get up in the air. >> >> Alvaro >> >> >> >> Alvaro Jaramillo >> >> <alvaro...> >> >> www.alvarosadventures.com >> >> >> >> *From:* <peninsula-birding...> <peninsula-birding...> *On >> Behalf Of *Gary Deghi >> *Sent:* Saturday, April 27, 2019 6:32 PM >> *To:* <peninsula-birding...> >> *Subject:* [pen-bird] Ocean Colony pond- Cackling Goose, >> breeding-plumaged Pacific Loon >> >> >> >> There has been an Aleutian Cackling Goose hanging out with Coots and >> Buffleheads in the pond just inside the front gate at Ocean Colony in Half >> Moon Bay for about two weeks now. Today though it was joined by a beautiful >> breeding-plumaged Pacific Loon swimming around in the pond. Usually we get >> to see these guys up close only during the winter. Very photogenic. >> >> >> >> Gary Deghi >> >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> [image: AVG logo] <https://www.avg.com/internet-security> >> >> This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software. >> www.avg.com <https://www.avg.com/internet-security> >> >> >> <#m_-7683148637613223822_m_5144069736917859972_m_-2361610406503947625_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> >> > >
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On Sun, Apr 28, 2019, 7:59 AM Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> wrote:
> Gary > > Is the loon still there? I need photos for a guide I am working on. It > may not be able to get out of there on its own, that pond is awfully small > for a Pac loon to get up in the air. > > Alvaro > > > > Alvaro Jaramillo > > <alvaro...> > > www.alvarosadventures.com > > > > *From:* <peninsula-birding...> <peninsula-birding...> *On > Behalf Of *Gary Deghi > *Sent:* Saturday, April 27, 2019 6:32 PM > *To:* <peninsula-birding...> > *Subject:* [pen-bird] Ocean Colony pond- Cackling Goose, > breeding-plumaged Pacific Loon > > > > There has been an Aleutian Cackling Goose hanging out with Coots and > Buffleheads in the pond just inside the front gate at Ocean Colony in Half > Moon Bay for about two weeks now. Today though it was joined by a beautiful > breeding-plumaged Pacific Loon swimming around in the pond. Usually we get > to see these guys up close only during the winter. Very photogenic. > > > > Gary Deghi > > > > ------------------------------ > [image: AVG logo] <https://www.avg.com/internet-security> > > This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software. > www.avg.com <https://www.avg.com/internet-security> > > > <#m_5144069736917859972_m_-2361610406503947625_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> > >
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Date: 4/28/19 9:36 am From: Rich Ferrick <richferrick...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Northern Gannet at Devil’s Slide
Hi Pen Birders
A quick follow up to Gerry's message. By about 8:45AM, the Gannet had made its way to the jetty at Pillar Point Harbor. Have a few photos of it for eventual ebird checklist. I had stopped at Denniston Creek mouth and scanned the jetty area from there.
Earlier, a Western Kingbird was along the road / fence line that parallels the HMB airport and there were several dark shearwaters (likely Sooty) moving north at Moss Beach from 7am to about 745am about 2/3 of the way out to horizon.
Rich Ferrick
Menlo Park
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Date: 4/28/19 8:15 am From: Gerry McChesney <gerry.mcchesney...> Subject: [pen-bird] Northern Gannet at Devil’s Slide
At 07:50 this morning, the Northern Gannet was flying around the cliffs at the north base of the Bunker Hill, between the mainland and Devil’s Slide (Egg) Rock. It did not head out to the rock and may have landed on the mainland cliffs somewhere. My biologists report that the gannet has been here most days over the last week.
Devil’s Slide Rock is packed with probably about 2,000 Common Murres this morning. Peak counts usually occur just before egg-laying starts.
If you do plan to come out here today, be forewarned that the Pacific Coast Dream Machines event is at Half Moon Bay Airport today from 10:00-4:00. Will be lots of traffic especially near the start and end of the event.
Gerry McChesney
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Is the loon still there? I need photos for a guide I am working on. It may not be able to get out of there on its own, that pond is awfully small for a Pac loon to get up in the air.
From: <peninsula-birding...> <peninsula-birding...> On Behalf Of Gary Deghi Sent: Saturday, April 27, 2019 6:32 PM To: <peninsula-birding...> Subject: [pen-bird] Ocean Colony pond- Cackling Goose, breeding-plumaged Pacific Loon
There has been an Aleutian Cackling Goose hanging out with Coots and Buffleheads in the pond just inside the front gate at Ocean Colony in Half Moon Bay for about two weeks now. Today though it was joined by a beautiful breeding-plumaged Pacific Loon swimming around in the pond. Usually we get to see these guys up close only during the winter. Very photogenic.
Date: 4/28/19 7:52 am From: Allan Wofchuck <ajmtwof...> Subject: [pen-bird] wandering tattler
we saw a wandering tattler at pillar point lighthouse it was foraging on the rocks below the observation deck i was with Tom VandenBosch
Allan Wofchuck Redwood city , California 94062
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There has been an Aleutian Cackling Goose hanging out with Coots and Buffleheads in the pond just inside the front gate at Ocean Colony in Half Moon Bay for about two weeks now. Today though it was joined by a beautiful breeding-plumaged Pacific Loon swimming around in the pond. Usually we get to see these guys up close only during the winter. Very photogenic.
Gary Deghi
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Date: 4/25/19 9:32 pm From: Jennifer Rycenga <gyrrlfalcon...> Subject: [pen-bird] City Nature Challenge starts tomorrow: BioBlitzes at Stulsaft Park on Friday and Huddart County Park on Saturday
Hey birders and naturalists! The Fourth Annual City Nature Challenge starts tomorrow, April 26, and runs through 11:59 pm on Monday April 29. This year’s event includes over 100 municipalities and regions world-wide. The San Francisco Bay Area, including San Mateo county, will be defending the crown, having led the world in observations, participants and species last year.
Sequoia Audubon will be co-sponsoring two BioBlitzes to encourage observations during the City Nature Challenge.
Friday, April 26 - 10:00 am - Stulsaft Park, 3700 Farm Hill Road, Redwood City. This small park is actually a multi-habitat gem: don’t be fooled by its small footprint by the road! Jennifer Rycenga and Leslie Flint will be leading the contingent from Sequoia Audubon; this event is co-sponsored with Grassroots Ecology.
Saturday, April 27 - 8:45 am to 2:00 pm (optional activities in the afternoon, too) - Huddart County Park - meet at the Zwerlein Picnic Area. This event is co-sponsored with California Academy of Sciences, California Lichen Society, and San Mateo County Parks. We’ll be concentrating on the varied habitats of the eastern side of the park this time.
Hope to see many of you at these events, and even if you can’t make them, its a great weekend to download iNaturalist (if you haven’t already) and start documenting!
Date: 4/25/19 4:21 pm From: Sandy Greenberg <sandygreenberg...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Parrots in Menlo Park
1st saw Mitreds in San Bruno, by Skyline College 20 years ago. Have seen them in Palo Alto many times.
From: <peninsula-birding...> on behalf of Adam Winer <awiner...> Date: Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 3:05 PM To: Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam...> Cc: Jake Kirkland <kirklandj...>, <peninsula-birding...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Parrots in Menlo Park
Agreed that seems likely. Red-masked Parakeets have made it from SF down into Brisbane and even South San Francisco, while Mitreds are perhaps working their way up from the south.
Will be interesting to see what happens if they ever meet. Has anyone recorded a Psittacara parakeet in the San Mateo/Belmont area?
On Thu, Apr 25, 2019 at 2:51 PM Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam...> wrote:
I'm going to guess that these were Mitred Parakeets, which match your description and which are commonly heard and seen in Palo Alto.
Wim van Dam
Solvang, CA
On Thu, Apr 25, 2019 at 1:18 PM Jake Kirkland <kirklandj...> wrote:
Dear all,
While sitting in terrible Menlo Park traffic trying to get to Stanford, I had my window down on a nice morning (930am) and heard a terrible racket of bird noises and looked up over Willow Oaks School and saw 2 parrots flying in circles and then heading South.
The parrots were solid green with long tails, but I could not ID them any further. Seemed consistent with conures of some sort in size and overall coloration. I have not seen parrot species in this part of the bay area before, but maybe there is a known population from southern San Mateo County.
Jake Kirkland
East Palo Alto
--
Jake Kirkland Ph.D
Gerald Crabtree Lab
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Stanford University
-- --- Wim van Dam Solvang, CA
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Date: 4/25/19 3:45 pm From: maliadances via Groups.Io <maliadances=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Red-necked Phalaropes! 4/25 Pigeon Pt.
This morning I had to take my car in for tires. Plans to spend our wait time doing a seawatch were dashed when we woke up to dense foggy conditions. But dropped the car off and decided to spend time in the south coast land birding, at least, anyway. As the morning progressed the fog started to burn back and by the time we got to Pigeon Pt. we were actually able to do a short seawatch. The first birds we saw were Red-necked Phalaropes. A group of approx. 100 Red-necked Phalaropes were sitting on the water, straight out from us, spinning and picking at the surface of the water about 300 yds. offshore. We then noticed there were even more phalaropes on the water. Scoping north and south we saw that they were roughly in a dense line that stretched from about 200 yards south and about 600 yards north of the big rocks that are just offshore from the lighthouse. In addition to the birds sitting on the water, there were more phalaropes seen flying in small to large groups further out. We calculated we may have seen 1, 000 Red-necked Phalaropes or more. An amazing sight and we’ve never seen anything like it! Visibility was not all the way to the horizon. There were many Pacific Loons passing by just beyond the rocks and further out as far as we could see. Single and small groups of fly-by Bonaparte’s Gulls were also seen fairly close in, with the largest group of Bonaparte’s Gulls being (11).
Malia DeFelice and Chris Hayward
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Date: 4/25/19 3:22 pm From: Jane Tatchell <Jane...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Lark Sparrow - Edgewood Park 4/25
Peter Headland and I ran into Chris on his way out of the park but didn't have enough time to go to find the Lark Sparrow.
We did, however, hear and then see a Grasshopper Sparrow near the southernmost corner on Sunset Trail where Clarkia Trail joins it. Another GRSP was heard, but didn't show itself. Near the Clarkia Trail trailhead, we heard an Ash-throated Flycatcher in the trees beyond the downhill grassy slope. Maybe the same bird that Don Pendleton spotted last week.
Jane Tatchell, Redwood City
---- On Thu, 25 Apr 2019 10:44:11 -0700 chrisoco=<yahoo.com...> wrote ----
Birders, I got out to Edgewood Park early this morning and was rewarded with great views of a Lark Sparrow on Old Stage Road between Junctions 6 and 10. There may have been more than one. I've been looking out for these guys as they were seen in the park in April of 2016 and 2017, but they eluded detection last year. This is also a good spot for singing Grasshopper Sparrows.
Chris O'Connell Redwood City
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Date: 4/25/19 3:05 pm From: Adam Winer <awiner...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Parrots in Menlo Park
Agreed that seems likely. Red-masked Parakeets have made it from SF down into Brisbane and even South San Francisco, while Mitreds are perhaps working their way up from the south.
Will be interesting to see what happens if they ever meet. Has anyone recorded a Psittacara parakeet in the San Mateo/Belmont area?
On Thu, Apr 25, 2019 at 2:51 PM Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam...> wrote:
> I'm going to guess that these were Mitred Parakeets, which match your > description and which are commonly heard and seen in Palo Alto. > > Wim van Dam > Solvang, CA > > > On Thu, Apr 25, 2019 at 1:18 PM Jake Kirkland <kirklandj...> wrote: > >> Dear all, >> >> While sitting in terrible Menlo Park traffic trying to get to Stanford, I >> had my window down on a nice morning (930am) and heard a terrible racket of >> bird noises and looked up over Willow Oaks School and saw 2 parrots flying >> in circles and then heading South. >> >> The parrots were solid green with long tails, but I could not ID them any >> further. Seemed consistent with conures of some sort in size and overall >> coloration. I have not seen parrot species in this part of the bay area >> before, but maybe there is a known population from southern San Mateo >> County. >> >> Jake Kirkland >> East Palo Alto >> >> -- >> Jake Kirkland Ph.D >> Gerald Crabtree Lab >> Howard Hughes Medical Institute >> Stanford University >> >> > -- > --- > Wim van Dam > Solvang, CA > > >
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Date: 4/25/19 2:51 pm From: Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Parrots in Menlo Park
I'm going to guess that these were Mitred Parakeets, which match your description and which are commonly heard and seen in Palo Alto.
Wim van Dam Solvang, CA
On Thu, Apr 25, 2019 at 1:18 PM Jake Kirkland <kirklandj...> wrote:
> Dear all, > > While sitting in terrible Menlo Park traffic trying to get to Stanford, I > had my window down on a nice morning (930am) and heard a terrible racket of > bird noises and looked up over Willow Oaks School and saw 2 parrots flying > in circles and then heading South. > > The parrots were solid green with long tails, but I could not ID them any > further. Seemed consistent with conures of some sort in size and overall > coloration. I have not seen parrot species in this part of the bay area > before, but maybe there is a known population from southern San Mateo > County. > > Jake Kirkland > East Palo Alto > > -- > Jake Kirkland Ph.D > Gerald Crabtree Lab > Howard Hughes Medical Institute > Stanford University > > >
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Date: 4/25/19 1:18 pm From: Jake Kirkland <kirklandj...> Subject: [pen-bird] Parrots in Menlo Park
Dear all,
While sitting in terrible Menlo Park traffic trying to get to Stanford, I had my window down on a nice morning (930am) and heard a terrible racket of bird noises and looked up over Willow Oaks School and saw 2 parrots flying in circles and then heading South.
The parrots were solid green with long tails, but I could not ID them any further. Seemed consistent with conures of some sort in size and overall coloration. I have not seen parrot species in this part of the bay area before, but maybe there is a known population from southern San Mateo County.
Jake Kirkland East Palo Alto
-- Jake Kirkland Ph.D Gerald Crabtree Lab Howard Hughes Medical Institute Stanford University
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Date: 4/25/19 10:44 am From: chrisoco via Groups.Io <chrisoco=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] Lark Sparrow - Edgewood Park 4/25
Birders,
I got out to Edgewood Park early this morning and was rewarded with great views of a Lark Sparrow on Old Stage Road between Junctions 6 and 10. There may have been more than one. I've been looking out for these guys as they were seen in the park in April of 2016 and 2017, but they eluded detection last year. This is also a good spot for singing Grasshopper Sparrows.
Chris O'Connell
Redwood City
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Date: 4/24/19 8:44 pm From: Christopher Hayward <p_t_nymph...> Subject: [pen-bird] Red-necked Phalaropes and Bonaparte's Gulls Half Moon Bay 4-24-19
Hi All,
With the great weather on the coast today Malia and I decided to do some bike birding . First stop was Pilarcitos Creek Mouth where we found a group of 5 Red-necked Phalaropes sitting on the ocean just beyond the wave break.
From there we headed north to Pillar Pt. Harbor, the highlight here was a flock of about 30 Bonaparte Gulls sitting on the water out from Denniston Creek Mouth. We also noted 7 Elegant Terns foraging. At the outer breakwater we had a fly over second cycle Heerman's Gull, first we have seen in a while.
As we were biking around the large pond we heard a Virginia Rail making some grunt calls.
There also were large numbers of Loons flying north, with no scopes tough to identify to species, but a big move seemed underway even though it was late afternoon.
Chris Hayward and Malia Defelice
Half Moon Bay
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Date: 4/24/19 9:58 am From: SequoiaAudubon Society via Groups.Io <sequoia_audubon_society=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [pen-bird] SAS: Filoli; for Audubon members only; RSVP req'd; Sat 4/27; 8:30am - 12:00pm
(Please do not reply to this message - contact info for inquiries & to RSVP is below)
There are still a few spaces open for this special opportunity!
Filoli Estate (for Bay Area Audubon members only; RSVP required) Saturday, April 27, 8:30am to 12:00pm
Filoli Estate is the property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Bay Area Audubon members have been invited for a morning of birding at this beautiful site on the edge of the San Francisco Watershed. The grounds of Filoli have a beautiful formal garden surrounded by large oaks and trails leading to riparian, redwood and farm habitats. Over 96 species of birds have been found here. Filoli has limited this invitation to Audubon members from the Bay Area Audubon chapters. Reservations are required and there is a limit of 20 people maximum (sorry, no children under 14.) Participants may remain after the bird walk to enjoy the house and /or formal gardens at no charge. Picnic tables are available near the Visitor Education Center if you wish to enjoy your own lunch, or you can purchase a wide variety of food items and beverages at the Quail's Nest Cafe. The gift shop will also be open. Directions: Take Hwy 280 to the Edgewood Road exit; go west. Turn right/north on Cañada Road and drive approx. one mile to the entrance of Filoli. We will meet in front of the Visitors Center. Heavy Rain Cancels. To reserve your spot: Call Sue James at 650-348-0315. Leaders: Sue James and Tricia Jordan
