Date: 12/12/18 8:50 pm From: Josiah Clark <josiah.clark621...> Subject: [SFBirds] Street trees and cbc’s
Greetings Birder’s, with count season heating up a couple quick notes. I have been observing lots of insectivores on the street trees, including both neighborhoods and busy streets since the weather got cold. Just a friendly nudge to make sure you are seeing what’s in your local trees. I know there are some juicy chips in my neighborhood that have been eluding me.
In other news, I have been the lucky recipient of a new area for the point Reyes CBC. Point Reyes station, area 10 at the heart of the circle. Word is it’s been been run like a field trip for years-that is going to change.
This year it’ll be Divide and conquer, The
vagrant- hound shakedown, reminding me of my early Cbc roots with Rich Stallcup in Olema Marsh....
If by any chance any SF birders are free to pitch in in their keen birding effort’s we would love to have you.
There is a little bit of everything in this area except ocean, and we need independent birders able to cover very birdy neighborhoods, open country and marsh. There are certainly some folks signed up who could use a little company and help.
We are also especially looking for those able to bird independently starting first thing, owls even. I also got special permission to private property.
Please PM me ASAP with any interest.
Looking back on a great run at my old territory of Walker Creek, I feel lucky to leave it in the competent hands of an all SF Birds crew. Mike C, Brian T, Sam F. -so solid!
Good luck everybody and happy counting!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
I do count dead birds on the cumulative list - it is just ironic that the *# 300* species for the City this year would happen to be a dead bird. I guess that we will need to find more species for the year list over the next few weeks.
We still need some gettable birds for the list such as Harlequin Duck, Common Merganser, Northern Saw-whet Owl among others.
Hugh
On Wed, Dec 12, 2018 at 5:19 PM Peter Pyle <ppyle...> wrote:
> The carcass was found on the Ocean Beach bioblitz on December 8th, > photographed by Amber Hasselbring, picked up by Bill Breck on the > 10th, and confirmed by Rudy Wallen and I at CAS yesterday. Not sure > if this is needed or countable for Hugh's SF City Cumulative list. It > was in moderately fresh condition, though some of the head feathers > were beginning to slough off. > > Peter > > > > >
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
The carcass was found on the Ocean Beach bioblitz on December 8th, photographed by Amber Hasselbring, picked up by Bill Breck on the 10th, and confirmed by Rudy Wallen and I at CAS yesterday. Not sure if this is needed or countable for Hugh's SF City Cumulative list. It was in moderately fresh condition, though some of the head feathers were beginning to slough off.
Peter
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/12/18 4:18 pm From: David Assmann via Groups.Io <david_assmann=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [SFBirds] Local Interest - Orchard Oriole, Summer Tanager, Eurasian Wigeon
The young male ORCHARD ORIOLE in the Fort Mason Community Garden is showing more transitional plumage, and was quite vocal this morning, just as the LINCOLN'S SPARROW posed in plain view. The SUMMER TANAGER continues in Lafayette Park, but no sign of the Oriole today. I forgot to mention that last Saturday, I also had a female EURASIAN WIGEON at Heron's Head Park (actually closer to India Basin Park, than Heron's Head).
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Ventured out to Pier 94 early yesterday afternoon and was rewarded with a
couple of treats.
First was watching a *White-tailed Kite* having a rodent lunch perched in a
small bare-limbed tree. About a half hour later I saw the WTKI going back
for seconds—kiting a bit, dropping into the vegetation, and then flying off
and back to the same tree with a second rodent. Glad I had my trail snacks
to curb my appetite.
The second was observing hundreds of *Double-crested Cormorants* flying
south-to-north not too far offshore. I counted by tens and entered 200 into
eBird when it appeared that was it. But then another 100 or so flew by, so
I entered 300 and a flag went up. I didn’t feel like justifying my entry
and thought 200 gave the information that there were many Cormorants, so I
reentered 200. But then more and more flocks flew by. For about 20 minutes,
a least one flock was always visible, and at one point, a line of
cormorants stretched as far as I could see both north and south over the
bay. It was quite a sight! My counting estimate was 600, but I’m sure that
is on low side. I decided this number, which greatly exceeded 200,
warranted a 600 entry into eBird. A few peeled off now and then to land at
Pier 94 (total about 60), but the bulk continued on north closer to shore
or a bit inland starting at the Islais Creek Channel before going out of
sight. I wondered where all these Cormorants might eventually end up.
Along with the usual suspects, I also enjoyed *Black Oystercatchers*
(2), *Western
Meadowlarks* (6), *Brown Pelicans* (2), *American Wigeons* (90), *Least
Sandpiper*s (83), and *Buffleheads* (2).
—Dan Harris
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/11/18 8:48 pm From: David Assmann via Groups.Io <david_assmann=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [SFBirds] Summer Tanager, Bullock's Oriole, Yellow Warbler, Greater White Fronted Geese
Started the morning at the concrete bridge at Lake Merced, where two GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were swimming with CANADA GEESE. At the Boathouse, a YELLOW WARBLER (previously reported as overwintering), was in the Eucalyptus trees north of the entrance way. A fake (i.e. Domestic version) of a Greater White Fronted Goose was honking in the water. Final brief stop (after lunch) was at Lafayette Park, where not only did I see the SUMMER TANAGER but I also spotted a female BULLOCK'S ORIOLE.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/11/18 8:27 am From: Eddie Bartley <eddie...> Subject: [SFBirds] Dec. 10: HHP, Pier 94
Heron's Head Park: the very clean looking BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER that David found earlier was very active just before the marsh overlook. According to Ebird this is a first-sighting of this species at the park. Interesting to see it flycatching below eye level from coyote brush. Also the continuing female American Kestrel and WHITE-TAILED KITE. A walk towards India Basin Park produced one male Common Yellowthroat in the grindelia (gumplant) just before the bridge and two Lincoln Sparrows in the willows near the power sub-station fence.
Pier 94: Perhaps more interesting is that there is a second WHITE-TAILED KITE at Pier 94. Connected up with the GGAS planting team after the HHP visit and their Kite had been at the site for all of three hours while I was simultaneously seeing the HHP Kite.
Eddie Bartley
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/10/18 9:57 am From: Brian Fitch <fogeggs...> Subject: [SFBirds] House First White-throated
I just heard a zonotrichia "seeep" that was slightly thinner sounding than the two species that hang out in my neighbor's yard, and looking out I spotted a White-throated Sparrow.
That's number 115 for my landlocked, yardless, upstairs flat.
Makes up a little for missing the Harris's last week...
Brian Fitch
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/9/18 7:02 pm From: David Assmann via Groups.Io <david_assmann=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [SFBirds] Orchard Oriole at Fort Mason
An ORCHARD ORIOLE continued in the Fort Mason Community Garden this morning. Also observed a WHITE-THROATED and a LINCOLN'S SPARROW in the garden. Lots of activity, despite the fog and cold.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/9/18 1:02 pm From: Brian Fitch <fogeggs...> Subject: [SFBirds] Gull Tennis & Further Gadwall
On Friday morning I was sea-watching at Sutro when a gull flashed through my scope view with something big and green wedged into its gape. I turned the scope and followed the first year Western as it flew in off of the ocean and toward North Rock. As it approached the rock, other gulls, all first years, flew up and began mobbing it until it dropped the object, and upon splashdown, I finally could confirm that it was a tennis ball. Six youngsters all converged on the ball, and a different bird picked it up and flew off with the gang chasing until it also dropped the ball. Over the next twenty minutes, I noted at least five different first year gulls with the ball in their mouths and in flight around the rock; four were Western types and one was a California. At times it looked like play, as they never brought the ball to a spot where they could try to peck it open, and they never dropped it onto the rock where it could break, if they suspected there was food inside. The chase also never seemed as intense as ones I've seen involving definite food items. I lost sight of the ball when it was dropped on the ocean side of the rock, and wasn't retrieved before I left.
I also want to say a little more about last Thursday's surfing Gadwall. I mentioned previous sightings; one was on October 15th, a single female type Gadwall with scoters in flight, and the same sight occurred again on either the 3rd or possibly back on 11/26, when Paul and I both saw the mixed flock. When I spotted the bird on the water Thursday in my binos, my initial thought was female Black Scoter, but it wasn't quite right, so I trained the scope on the bird and quickly ruled out any scoter. It seemed to be a female Gadwall, but then I thought I saw the bird dive like scoters into an oncoming breaker. Gadwalls don't dive, as many of you know well, so I got excited about a possible rarity and kept watching for the bird to reappear. When it did, it still looked like a Gadwall. After a few more moments, a very large breaker hit the flock, and I watched the nearby scoters make their expert dives into and under the wave, but the dabbler got swamped and tumbled head over web toward the rocks, and I thought she had met her demise. Yet I found her again after some searching, well north of where she had gone under, and swimming madly out to sea, where she sat alone for a while. During that time, I could finally see her white secondaries, which had not been obvious before. After scanning other areas, I checked for her again, and found she had rejoined the scoters south of my position, and some later, I again saw a scoter flock in flight out in the channel with a single Gadwall mixed in. Brian Fitch
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/9/18 7:12 am From: Donna Hayes <dhayes362...> Subject: [SFBirds] Heron’s Head
My husband and I stopped at Herons Head this morning at around 11:00. Birds of interest:
1 White-tailed kite
Several male and female bufflehead, swimming singly or in pairs
A raft of ruddy ducks
2 great egrets
3 snowy egrets
A very large flock of sleeping gulls. I think they were mew gulls, based on beak shape, but I am not certain. There were 5 avocets sleeping near the gulls.
Same uncertainty for the id of the hunting and diving tern. It’s always fun to see them hurdle headfirst into the water.
2 Western grebes
4 Black-necked stilts
2 Black Oystercatchers
3 American wigeons
1 whimbrel
1 spotted sandpiper
3 red-tailed hawks
Many white-crowned sparrows, both juvenile and adult
2 harbor seals
Hey, it’s winter!
Good birding.
Donna Hayes
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/8/18 8:33 pm From: Paul Saraceni <paulsaraceni...> Subject: [SFBirds] Black-and White Warbler @ SF Zoo + Battery Godfrey, 12/8/18
This morning Hugh Cotter and I (with a brief visit from Josiah Clark) birded Battery Godfrey for the first few hours during cold, steady NE winds.
Not a big flight but we did observe some species of local interest:
BRANT 5 (in the GG Channel then flew W)
N. Pintail 34 (2 high-flying flocks of 11 & 23)
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER 2 (singles flying over the Channel w/Surf Scoters)
Surf Scoter 40+ (on the water and flying flocks; note that the flock below the bluff which has been present for over a week contains a couple of whitish-faced f./imms. that might be mistaken on quick view for another species)
Cooper's Hawk 1 ad.
Merlin 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
Com. Loon 3
Red-thr. Loon 6
Black Oystercatcher 2
Black Turnstone 2
Heermann's Gull 60+ (flying in the Channel)
Herring Gull 6 (fly-bys)
Iceland ("Thayer's") Gull 2 (fly-bys)
Com. Murre 2
Varied Thrush 4 (fly-overs heading N)
Later in the morning we birded a loop through the SF Zoo (note that there is an admission fee to enter the Zoo). The highlight was a confiding BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, perhaps a 1st-winter male, working small trees near the "Insect Zoo" (NW quadrant of the Zoo). Other observations included a tan-striped White-throated Sparrow (near the Pelican/Bald Eagle pond), a mobile flock of 5 Western Bluebirds, and a high-flyover Great Egret.
Photos of the B-and-W Warbler can be seen in the following list:
Date: 12/8/18 5:10 pm From: Josiah Clark <josiah.clark621...> Subject: [SFBirds] Mt lake ducks
No luck with any kingbird for me but had a nice pass through the lake area in the evening. I was surprised to note 2 hooded mergansers on the lake. These are rare anywhere in the Presidio and this is the first time for this spot I know of. Also present was a pair of ring- necked ducks. Not a first for the lake but also uncommon, especially in recent years.
Several other waterfowl and a kingfisher as well indicating good forage and favorable conditions after the restoration. I suspect the reintroduced native stickleback fish are the main food for many of these birds. Marsh Wren and, yellowthroat there are also welcome sightings for the presidio list coming into the count season.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/8/18 3:35 pm From: David Assmann via Groups.Io <david_assmann=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [SFBirds] Heron's Head Black-Throated Gray Warbler and other sightings
Heron's Head Park was really active this morning, with the most surprising sighting being a BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER just south of the main path, where the main path meets a footpath heading southwest, just before the concrete bench. This was the most cooperative Black-Throated Gray I've ever seen https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidasf/45322789735/in/dateposted-public/ - it foraged three feet in front of me. A SPOTTED TOWHEE was in the same general area as the Black-Throated Gray. The PALM WARBLER continues at the very end of the park. There were 11 species of shorebirds and six duck species. A WHITE-TAILED KITE and an AMERICAN KESTREL were hunting, and I got a very brief glimpse of an accipiter that I wasn't able to identify. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was in India Basin Shoreline Park. Between Heron's Head and India Basin, I was able to identify 64 species.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/8/18 12:14 am From: Oscar Moss <cowmoss...> Subject: [SFBirds] Recent Sightings around SF
Nothing rare to report, but several sightings through the past few days I thought worth sharing.
Large crow movements over my area (Dolores Park), always headed NE toward downtown. The largest group I witnessed was a loose flock of 800+ birds on 11/28 at around 445pm.
On several walks to school, I’ve noted California Gulls in large numbers around Balboa Park. On 11/29 I had over 500, and again on 12/5 there were several hundred. However, unlike my first visit, there was a surprising diversity of gulls this time, with many Mew, a few Glaucous-winged, Herring and Thayer’s. I had more time to do an extensive check of the flock this time, but there did not appear to be anything rare. It certainly seems like there is often a good buildup of gulls here in the early morning, and is definitely worth checking. On both visits, around ~845 all of the gulls headed directly west, I assume to the Lake Merced/Ocean Beach Area.
There were also 2 Greater White-fronted Geese grazing with the local flock of Canadas on the baseball field.
On 12/2, myself and Jonah saw the continuing (?) Palm Warbler in the dune grasses at Ocean Beach, as well as many Savannah Sparrows and 3 Western Meadowlarks.
Oscar Moss
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/7/18 11:59 pm From: Dominik Mosur <dominikmosur...> Subject: [SFBirds] Kingbird at Mountain Lake 12/7/18
Passing on a 2nd hand report from a visiting birder who saw a (Yellow-bellied/probably Tropical) Kingbird from Park Presidio just south of MacArthur Tunnel today.
Dominik Mosur
San Francisco
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/7/18 4:18 pm From: H Cotter <chatwren...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Bald Eagle and other local interest
Additionally this morning an adult Bald Eagle went across at about 8.15 AM to the west - heading over Lincoln Park as seen from Battery Godfrey. I also had a Merlin and a Tree Swallow. I left around 9.15 AM.
Hugh
On Fri, Dec 7, 2018 at 1:06 PM David Assmann via Groups.Io <david_assmann= <yahoo.com...> wrote:
> A juvenile BALD EAGLE was the highlight at Battery Godfrey this morning. > There was also a BLACK SCOTER in with all the SURF SCOTERS in the water, > but no sign of Brian's Gadwall. The upper part of the Battery to Bluffs > trail was active with multiple WRENTITS singing, two BEWICK'S WRENS > squabbling, a SPOTTED TOWHEE and about a dozen BUSHTITS doing some kind of > bathing behavior in vegetation. Yesterday on a shorebird count for Point > Blue along the Northern Waterfront, I had four WILSON'S SNIPE at Crissy > Lagoon, as well as a SURFBIRD and a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER north of the Yacht > Harbor (not common for that location), and the continuing WANDERING TATTLER > in Aquatic Park. > > >
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/7/18 1:06 pm From: David Assmann via Groups.Io <david_assmann=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [SFBirds] Bald Eagle and other local interest
A juvenile BALD EAGLE was the highlight at Battery Godfrey this morning. There was also a BLACK SCOTER in with all the SURF SCOTERS in the water, but no sign of Brian's Gadwall. The upper part of the Battery to Bluffs trail was active with multiple WRENTITS singing, two BEWICK'S WRENS squabbling, a SPOTTED TOWHEE and about a dozen BUSHTITS doing some kind of bathing behavior in vegetation. Yesterday on a shorebird count for Point Blue along the Northern Waterfront, I had four WILSON'S SNIPE at Crissy Lagoon, as well as a SURFBIRD and a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER north of the Yacht Harbor (not common for that location), and the continuing WANDERING TATTLER in Aquatic Park.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/6/18 1:31 pm From: Kevin Liberg <klibe...> Subject: [SFBirds] NO Harris's Sparrow Today at Candlestick Pt
I spent about 90 minutes with the sparrow flock at the north end of the park this morning, but no luck. By 10:00 the bird activity there, quieted down considerably.
Date: 12/6/18 10:39 am From: Brian Fitch <fogeggs...> Subject: [SFBirds] Battery G & F Scott
Two hours in easterly winds at Battery Godfrey turned up only a few birds of unusual interest. There were onesies of Gadwall, Greater Scaup, and Bufflehead mixed in with Surf Scoter flocks, 8 Bonaparte's Gulls in a tight flock, 2 northbound Tree Swallows, American Pipit, Savannah Sparrow, and a non-local Red Crossbill. The female Gadwall was on the water, and was associating with scoters so closely that she was swamped twice by incoming waves. This is the third time in recent weeks that I've seen what I suspect to be the same individual Gadwall, always with a scoter flock.
At Ft Scott, a Red-breasted Sapsucker was in the pines west of the ball field, and a White-throated Sparrow was on the field with fellow Zonotrichias.
Brian Fitch
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/5/18 11:57 am From: Maureen Lahiff via Groups.Io <MLahiff=<aol.com...> Subject: [SFBirds] Christmas Bird Count strategies
Josiah makes a lot of good points in his SF Birds post about the CBC
(I was sorry to be really down with a cold and the smoke when he gave the Nov GGAS Speaker Series talk about censusing,
and so decided not to try to make it over to SF.)
I like to gather my entire team for my Oakland area briefly at a central location
as we start, to increase people's connections with the CBC, to exchange mobile phone numbers, etc.
and so that everyone knows where they are going and where others are going.
It is true that a CBC is a "real census" (to quote the National Audubon site),
and not a field trip, but it is a group activity, and I think there is a lot of payoff in gathering briefly at 7 am,
again for lunch, and at dusk. Lunch check-in is a really good time for uncertain IDs and questions,
and any revision of coverage plans that we need to make.
I pair newer people, or people who haven't birded in the count area much,
with more experienced birders, since they can serve as careful recorders.
I don't like sending anyone out solo, even pretty good birders.
But then, I admit that in Oakland we are blessed with a Sunday,
and with a good number of participants. (We have at least 30 areas,
almost double SFs, but I typically get enough people to have around 4 teams
of 2-3 people each.)
Maueen Lahiff
Oakland
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/5/18 11:31 am From: Joe Morlan <jmorlan...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Xmas count birding tactics
Excellent tips, Josiah!
I would like to add that if you have been covering the same area for multiple years, it is best practice to use the same protocol as used in the past so that trends will not be influenced by changes in the way birds are counted or estimated. After all it's the year-to-year trends that are most important in long-term projects such as Christmas counts.
My opinion, FWIW.
-- Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/5/18 10:33 am From: William Grant <wbgrant...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Xmas count birding tactics - crows
Thanks. Good points.
I am interested in roosting crows.
I plan to go to Rincon Center late afternoon to count the crows arriving to roost.
Saw 535 last time I looked.
Does anyone know of other crow roosting locations?
Dan Murphy mentioned El Polin Springs.
Thanks
Bill
-----Original Message-----
>From: Josiah Clark <josiah.clark621...>
>Sent: Dec 5, 2018 10:25 AM
>To: Sf Birds <sfbirds...>, Josiah Clark <josiah.clark621...>
>Subject: [SFBirds] Xmas count birding tactics
>
>This Saturday, December 8 I will be leading a Birding Strategy field trip for the Marin Audubon Society at the very nearby Fort Baker just across the bridge.
> We will certainly be looking for the many cool birds that live in this rarely birded area as we discuss ways to raise the bar on citizen science.
> Committed counters from all counts, especially area leaders are encouraged to participate. Bring the map of your area and a checklist it you have one.
>
> Christmas Bird Counts are not field trips! But it would be great to see some of you on Saturday for this one.
>
>A few take away points for counters are listed below:
>1) Avoid or minimize early meetings. Have as many competent counters as possible start in their own areas independently at dawn. This is the most precious time of day, meet at a productive spot for lunch to check in and talk about what you found instead.
>
>2)Make a maximum diversity species count part of your goal. Make sure to hit some of every habitat possible before noon. Have a list of target species but focus on getting good counts of the common birds. Double back on parts of areas you missed earlier in the day if necessary. Laying eyes on as many individuals as possible while counting them is the best way to find a rare bird anyway.
>
>3) recognize that CBCs are not field trips. Running your CBC area like a field trip diminishes the count and lessons coverage. Spreading out and maximizing coverage raises the bar for citizen science and fledges more independent counters.
>
>4)Put beginning and slower Birders in a group together. Match active birders with more difficult to access to terrain. Encourage experience Birder‘s to Bird on their own. Larger groups of birders tend to miss birds as they are talking and do not hear the calls. Break off into pairs when possible.
>
>5) Maintain good counting habits. Keep updating lists regularly. When counting large groups of birds start counting at the edges and work towards the central mass, this often reveals much larger numbers. Make a special efforts for birds like sparrows and Crows, which are seen constantly through the day but often miss being counted.
>
>6) Make efforts to get to the furthest points of interest in your area first and work your way back rather than creep ahead birding slowly. You are unlikely get to these areas if you wait until later in the day.
>
>7) Consider using mountain bikes or kayaks to access new parts of your area as walking time to areas of interest can be prohibitive. If long hikes are necessary and make sure counters are well provisioned so they can stay out there to complete the tasks at hand.
>
>Good luck and happy counting!
> Josiah Clark, your Habitat Potential birding strategist
>
>
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/5/18 10:25 am From: Josiah Clark <josiah.clark621...> Subject: [SFBirds] Xmas count birding tactics
This Saturday, December 8 I will be leading a Birding Strategy field trip for the Marin Audubon Society at the very nearby Fort Baker just across the bridge.
We will certainly be looking for the many cool birds that live in this rarely birded area as we discuss ways to raise the bar on citizen science.
Committed counters from all counts, especially area leaders are encouraged to participate. Bring the map of your area and a checklist it you have one.
Christmas Bird Counts are not field trips! But it would be great to see some of you on Saturday for this one.
A few take away points for counters are listed below:
1) Avoid or minimize early meetings. Have as many competent counters as possible start in their own areas independently at dawn. This is the most precious time of day, meet at a productive spot for lunch to check in and talk about what you found instead.
2)Make a maximum diversity species count part of your goal. Make sure to hit some of every habitat possible before noon. Have a list of target species but focus on getting good counts of the common birds. Double back on parts of areas you missed earlier in the day if necessary. Laying eyes on as many individuals as possible while counting them is the best way to find a rare bird anyway.
3) recognize that CBCs are not field trips. Running your CBC area like a field trip diminishes the count and lessons coverage. Spreading out and maximizing coverage raises the bar for citizen science and fledges more independent counters.
4)Put beginning and slower Birders in a group together. Match active birders with more difficult to access to terrain. Encourage experience Birder‘s to Bird on their own. Larger groups of birders tend to miss birds as they are talking and do not hear the calls. Break off into pairs when possible.
5) Maintain good counting habits. Keep updating lists regularly. When counting large groups of birds start counting at the edges and work towards the central mass, this often reveals much larger numbers. Make a special efforts for birds like sparrows and Crows, which are seen constantly through the day but often miss being counted.
6) Make efforts to get to the furthest points of interest in your area first and work your way back rather than creep ahead birding slowly. You are unlikely get to these areas if you wait until later in the day.
7) Consider using mountain bikes or kayaks to access new parts of your area as walking time to areas of interest can be prohibitive. If long hikes are necessary and make sure counters are well provisioned so they can stay out there to complete the tasks at hand.
Good luck and happy counting!
Josiah Clark, your Habitat Potential birding strategist
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Seeing negative reports on the Harris's Sparrow, I stopped by the site this evening after work and scattered a bit of bird seed around the coordinates I posted last night. Hopefully this will concentrate the flock and give people another opportunity to relocate "the bird."
A few observations I found interesting in the course of the day:
(2) Cackling Geese flying north with (10) Canada Geese low over Sunset Blvd. @ Moraga during the morning commute. Maybe they are roosting at Lake Merced and hanging around the Polo Fields in the day.
(2) Western Bluebirds associating with Yellow-rumped Warblers were feeding on front lawns across the street from Aptos Middle School. Additionally I received off list messages about Western Bluebirds in residential areas recently in Glen Park and Cole Valley/Upper Haight. Western Bluebird just may have the charisma to replace the (apparently extirpated) California Quail as the new City Bird although it may have a tough go of it as the carpetbagger vote is heavily siding with Red-masked Parakeet.
(2) Spotted Towhees were in poison oak at the trail "x" on Mount Davidson. There seem to be more than the expected number of this species around this winter and at sites where they don't regularly occur (e.g. Elk Glen in Golden Gate Park.) A House Wren called once, one of those low detectability wintering birds that tend to get overlooked.
Dominik Mosur
San Francisco
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Yesterday at Battery Godfrey, a young Bald Eagle flew northward from Land's End out over the Golden Gate channel, circled many times near Mile Rock, then flew back to SF, and later launched north again, disappearing behind the lone cypress. Neither Paul nor I picked it up again on either side of the water. Despite good easterly wind, we didn't see much besides many loons and scoters, and a few common duck species.
Today while unsuccessfully searching for the sparrow, there was a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher along the south side of the plateau at Candlestick. And Lincoln's Sparrows were off the chart there; I haven't seen so many anywhere in years.
Brian Fitch
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/3/18 7:04 pm From: Dominik Mosur <dominikmosur...> Subject: [SFBirds] Harris's Sparrow location this evening and other sightings
Several birders converged on Candlestick State Recreation Area this afternoon where the Harris's Sparrow reported by Kevin Liberg was seen on the rise in the northeast corner. This spot is next to two tarp and sandbag covered mounds of dirt and a two minute walk from the main parking lot entrance. The flock of (70+ mostly White-crowned) Sparrows moves around and toward sunset a good portion of them were at the edge of the mostly dry pond. However they appear to gather in the tangles of French broom, acacia and coyote brush for their night roost for those who may try for this bird in upcoming mornings. Great find, Kevin and the first since the early 1990s, I think.
For those who were around this is where the Grasshopper Sparrow was in January 2012, for those who came after
GPS waypoint :
37.7153
-122.3787
Additional sightings --
This morning (12/3) I biked/walked around the periphery of the Zoo, the North Funston Dunes, and the west edge of Lake Merced.
One Palm Warbler continued in the Boathouse parking lot and on the roof (appearing to forage along the rain gutters.) (2) White-throated Swifts were foraging over the lake/Sewage Plant.
A flock of (10+) Townsend's Warblers were approximately half of the morning total in the cypress grove at Lake Merced Blvd and Skyline Drive. Only (2) lutescens Orange-crowned Warblers on the whole loop seemed low compared to some winters. One each were at the Boathouse and Wooden Bridge. A Say's Phoebe and at least (3) Lincoln's Sparrows were in the North Funston Dunes. This area is prime habitat for a pipit, lark or Longspur to touch down for a few moments before being chased off by people/dog activity so get here early if you can. Rainy days seem best.
On Saturday (12/1), there were (2) NASHVILLE Warblers in Laguna Honda Canyon (accessed from a Trailhead at Clarendon.) One was a very bright bird and almost certainly the same individual that was seen here on 11/2. The other bird was more pale/drab yellow below. Both Nashvilles were associating with the bushtit flock along the trail where it takes a 90 degree right turn up hill as you approach the hospital grounds. There blooming yellow Cape Ivy is the attractant here. A "Gambel's"
ssp. White-crowned Sparrow was with the crowned Sparrow flock in the Laguna Honda Hospital garden. This subspecies is very rarely noted in winter away from small flocks on the immediate Bayside (Heron's Head, Candlestick.)
Dominik Mosur
San Francisco
Sent from my iPhone
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/3/18 5:46 pm From: Eddie Bartley <eddie...> Subject: [SFBirds] Palm Warbler at HHP, Pier 94
Before and after some Pier 94 GGAS work party stuff did a quick census at Pier 94 then another low tide walk out to Heron's Head.
Pier 94: 30 bird species, very few ducks or shorebirds during the visit, but a Dunlin flushed out of the pickleweed. A female AMERICAN KESTREL was working the area, presumably the same bird that has been around since late summer. Winter Sparrow numbers are up, two LINCOLN'S SPARROW and several Savannah's were in the mix. The asphalt pond on the Hansen lot was full but completely absent of birds - maybe the increased truck activity or they just have better places to loaf after the rains. Very sad about the complete loss of the backlands.
Heron's Head Park: 36 bird species, only birded from the main path. There was a lot of bird activity at India Basin that I didn't have time to check out. The highlights included a White-tailed Kite hunting throughout the visit right over head at times. On the return from the tip a PALM WARBLER chipped and then landed very close on the Wildlife Protection fence. Same area where one has been a couple in prior seasons. Be a nice bird for the CBC if it sticks around.
Happy Trails!
Eddie Bartley
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/3/18 3:19 pm From: Lee Guichan <guichan.lee...> Subject: [SFBirds] Lloyd Lake - Swamp Sparrow, Lincoln's & White-throated Sparrows
Hello, Yesterday about 10am the Swamp Sparrow, White-throated, Sparrow & Lincoln Sparrow were across the pump house, north side in the bramble bushes and where bird seed has been thrown on ground. The sparrows were with Dark-eyed Juncos, White-crowned Sparrows, Golden-crowned Sparrows, Song Sparrows, 3 Fox Ssparrows & two Ca. Towhees.
Today about 11am the Swamp Sparrow, White-throated, Sparrow & Lincoln Sparrow and other sparrows continued.
Seven Hooded Mergansers (6f & 1m), one female Ring-necked Duck, three Am. Coots, about 30 Mallards,were in the lake. One Copper's Hawk was a fly over, one Red Shouldered Hawk was in the eucs, 2 Black Phoebes, two Stellar's Jays, two Hermit Thrush, 5 Anna's Hummingbirds, one Hutton's Vireo, one Ruby Crowned Kinglet & three Townsend's Warblers, one Nuttall's Woodpecker.
Lee Guichan San Francisco
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/3/18 1:38 pm From: Kevin Liberg <klibe...> Subject: [SFBirds] Harris's Sparrow at Candlestick Point SRA this morning
At Candlestick Pt SRA, I was in the NE corner of the abandoned parking area at the north end of the park. A Harris's Sparrow flew into the patch just east of the parking area. A large sparrow with black on the face and a pink bill. It landed nearby and was unmistakable. There was a large flock of mostly White-crowned Sparrows there at the time.
Date: 12/3/18 1:03 pm From: David Assmann via Groups.Io <david_assmann=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [SFBirds] Northern Pintails, Orchard Oriole, Summer Tanager
On Saturday I joined the twice monthly winter bird count on Alcatraz run by the Alcatraz biologist, Tori Seher, where the highlight was a flock of 26 NORTHERN PINTAILS flying over the island. On Sunday, the ORCHARD ORIOLE and the LINCOLN'S SPARROW continued in the Fort Mason Community Garden. This morning the SUMMER TANAGER perched in plain sight near the tennis courts at Lafayette Park. Other birds at Lafayette included a NASHVILLE WARBLER, a VARIED THRUSH and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
A bioblitz is an intensive, short study of biodiversity in a specific location. We’ll look for birds, mammals, sand dollars, jellyfish, wildflowers, butterflies, insects, anything! People of all ages and skill levels are welcome! Just bring your curiosity, a smartphone with the iNaturalist app downloaded (or digital camera), and tons of enthusiasm.
The Early Bird Group will meet at 7:30 am at Stairway #17, across from the Beach Chalet
The Regular Biolitz Group will meet at 9:00 am at the Great Highway Parking Lot near the SF Zoo at 2801 Great Highway, where Sloat runs into Great Highway.
The Fort Funston Group will meet at 9:00 am at the southern Fort Funston parking lot.
Partners: Golden Gate Audubon Society, the San Francisco Zoo, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the Golden Gate Parks Conservancy, Surfrider, the California Native Plant Society, Nature in the City, and California Academy of Sciences.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/2/18 4:22 pm From: Alan Hopkins <alanhopkins...> Subject: [SFBirds] Lloyd Lake
The Swamp Sparrow was seen eating birdseed at the north end of the lake. Also eating seed were the White-throated Sparrow and Lincoln's Sparrow. There was a female Bullocks Oriole along the edge of the lawn and the lake had two Herring Gulls and two "Thayer's Gulls". Alan S. HopkinsSan Francisco, CALink to art website
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 12/2/18 3:07 pm From: Paul Saraceni <paulsaraceni...> Subject: [SFBirds] Lapland Longspur over Ocean Beach, 12/2/18
This morning around 8:30 while scanning gulls at Ocean Beach from the seawall walk between Ortega & Pacheco Sts., I heard the flight rattle call of a LAPLAND LONGSPUR and quickly picked-up on the bird as it flew overhead and N over the beach until out of view. I did not observe it land. From the same location I also observed a group of 4 calling AMERICAN PIPITS flying SE overhead.
From this location I scoped a small flock of 4 (3 m./1 f.) RING-NECKED DUCKS flying NW over the ocean. While readily findable on City lakes, those of us who sea-watch rarely observe this species over the ocean in SF.
A Killdeer briefly touched down along the edge of the surf S of Sloat, a behavior that I have not previously observed from this species at Ocean Beach.
The number of gulls on the beach was way down from the frenzy of Thanksgiving week, and those gulls that were assembling on the beach at this location were constantly flushed by walkers and dogs until they gave up and flew off. Prior to that among 100+ gulls there was a nice selection of plumages of Herring, "Thayer's" (Iceland), and Mew Gulls among the other regulars (Californias, Westerns, Glaucous-wingeds, and a few Herring x Glaucous-winged candidates).
A later stop at Battery Godfrey produced just a few observations of local interest, including: a flock of 15 Greater Scaup flying E high over the GG Channel, 40+ Surf Scoters on the water below the bluff, 7 Common Murres flying through the GG Channel, 2 continuing House Wrens around the Battery, and 3 Turkey Vultures that briefly landed atop the cypresses S of the parking lot.
Paul Saraceni
San Francisco
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Max Benningfield just found a SWAMP SPARROW at loyd Lake. It is in the same spot the white throated sparrow was at. Posting for Max Benningfield. Joachim Gonzalez
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/30/18 8:25 pm From: David Assmann via Groups.Io <david_assmann=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [SFBirds] Orchard Oriole and other sightings at Fort Mason
A first year male ORCHARD ORIOLE was in the Fort Mason Community Garden this morning, showing a little bit of orange, and missing its tail. This is not the Orchard Oriole that I have been seeing in the garden for the past few weeks. Also had a MERLIN fly by at eye level (reason for missing tail?). Otherwise the main highlights were sparrows - a continuing WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and LINCOLN'S SPARROW in the garden, and a SAVANNAH SPARROW (uncommon this time of year at Fort Mason) near the Chapel. A gray-headed ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was near the steps leading down to Aquatic Park, a HOUSE WREN was in the garden and an intergrade NORTHERN FLICKER also continues in the garden.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/30/18 8:18 pm From: William Grant <wbgrant...> Subject: [SFBirds] Tanagers at Lafaytte Park in November
The different tanagers have been in the park this November by Richard Bradus, Lori Lee, and myself.along with White-throated Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Lincoln Sparrow, and Spotted Towhee, Merlin, Acorn Woodpeckers, etc.The best birding seems to be near the NE corner of the tennis courts. Summer Tanater Nov. 26 https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S50246758
This morning (11/29/18) I attempted a mid-morning seawatch from behind the Cliff House restaurant (9:30-10a.m.) but conditions were tough with big swells and scope rattling winds so not much was seen out on the water. Most interesting was watching a massive wave slam into the back side of Seal Rock causing a mini landslide of soil on the side facing shore. I never realized how much soil had accumulated on the rock previously. There were (24) Black Turnstones and (3) Surfbirds on the rocks below the Cliff House.
Yesterday I had two separate instances of Western Bluebirds flying over mid-town hills with (5) over the Randall Museum at noon and (3) over the Reservoir below Sutro Radio Tower off Marview Street about an hour later. These are only my 3rd and 2nd times recording bluebirds from these respective locations but I suspect these will only increase as they continue expanding their range in the City. Additionally there was an after hatch year (or older) tan-stripe White-throated Sparrow with the crowned Sparrow flock on the trail right off Marview Street, right behind the "This trail not maintained for public use" sign.
On 11/22 I stopped at 39th and Ortega across the street from the public library and adjacent to the West Sunset Ballfields to look through the blackbird/starling flock gathered on the wires above the intersection and noted (43m and 2f) TRICOLORED Blackbirds so it appears the winter flock is back and once again using this site.
On 11/26 there was a single male TRIKE along with 2 possible females (reported in eBird as Tricolored/Red-winged) in the parking lot next to the Boathouse at Lake Merced. Trikes seem to get pretty scarce away from the winter flock by this time so perhaps these individuals might be settling in to winter here and should be checked for on the CBC. "The" wintering YELLOW Warbler first reported early in November by Kevin McKereghan continued in the same two Metrosideros trees next to Harding Park Drive.
While on the topic of blackbirds I thought it worthwhile to note that locally breeding Red-winged (California Bicolored) Blackbirds took a massive hit to nesting/foraging sites in just the last few months with development taking place on the former weedy lot east of Amador/Pier 94, Hunter's Point Shipyard and tule removal at North Lake in Golden Gate Park. We'll see this upcoming spring what effect this has on their population.
Also, I am beginning work on the fall report for San Francisco sightings of note for the period August - November for North American Birds. If you have any notable sightings that were not reported to this list please let me know.
Last is a reminder that it is not too early to register for the Christmas Bird Count and if you know where you will be counting to start scouting and getting early numbers on birds in your area.
Good luck out there. Questions welcome.
Dominik Mosur
San Francisco
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/26/18 10:30 pm From: Paul Saraceni <paulsaraceni...> Subject: [SFBirds] Ancient Murrelet, 11/24/18, etc.
A few recent observations of local interest.
During Saturday (11/24) morning gull-studying and photographing by a number of of us at Ocean Beach, I observed an ANCIENT MURRELET flying N just offshore. We also observed 7 Brant, a flock of 15 Am. Wigeon, and 1 Red Phalarope flying over the ocean, the latter 3 species initially spotted by Hugh Cotter.
This morning (11/26) during a brief session at Battery Godfrey I observed a single Greater White-fronted Goose flying solo NE (not sure whether it was the individual that has been moving around the City), and with Brian Fitch also observed hundreds of loons (including the 3 regular species) flying E high over the GG Channel and Marin Headlands, several big flocks of Am. Robins, small numbers of W. Bluebirds, Varied Thrushes, and Cedar Waxwings, and 2 Red Crossbills.
2 Humpback Whales were relatively close to shore in the Channel.
Paul Saraceni
San Francisco
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/26/18 8:41 pm From: Brian Fitch <fogeggs...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Another Orchard Oriole
David's post reminded me that I saw a 1st year male Orchard Oriole last
Tuesday, 11/20 at Middle Lake, above the small meadow on the SW side of the
lake. Could be the same bird that Sarah Burton and I found in Sept. molted
into the current plumage, or a new one.
Brian Fitch
On Mon, Nov 26, 2018 at 4:59 PM David Assmann via Groups.Io <david_assmann=
<yahoo.com...> wrote:
> An ORCHARD ORIOLE was on the east side of the Fort Mason Community Garden
> this morning, vocalizing after landing in a Bottlebrush. Also had an Oriole
> at Fort Mason on Saturday, but it was silent and I couldn’t determine
> whether it was a Hooded or an Orchard Oriole. The LINCOLN’S SPARROW and the
> WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were also in the garden this morning.
>
>
>
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/26/18 5:35 pm From: Oscar Moss <cowmoss...> Subject: [SFBirds] Recent sightings around SF
Hi All,
Some recent sightings from around SF:
Monday, Nov 19 - A HY Bald Eagle flew past myself and Lucas Corn. on Battery Godfrey, heading south toward the Sea Cliff/Outer Richmond area.
Tuesday, Nov 20 - Searched for the Lesser Black-backed Gull found by Jonah B and Dominik M around Ocean Beach, Sutro Baths, and Lake Merced. While I didn’t find it, I was able to observe 4 different Palm Warblers (1 in the concrete path at the intersection of Fulton and the Great Hwy, a second continuing in the dunes at Ocean Beach, 2 together in a cypress near the Boathouse at Lake Merced).
Thursday, Nov 22 - following up on the morning’s reports of the LBBG, I decided to give it my own shot. I arrived Ocean Beach from Ortega around 1100am. I walked north until I saw a large group of California Gulls - and in them was what appeared to be the Lesser Black-backed. Unfortunately a dog aggressively charged through the flock before I could take out my camera and get photos. But the bird flew my way and came right overhead, before the entire flock went north toward the Sutro Baths area.
Friday, Nov 23 - I joined Dominik M, Lee G, David T, Josiah C, Rob C, Adam W, Matt Z, Joachim G, Russ B, and many others in search of the adult Lesser Black-backed Gull found that morning by Brian Fitch. While nobody refound the gull, we got to see 30+ Red Phalaropes wrecked on the beach following the storm that occurred the night before.
Oscar Moss
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/26/18 4:59 pm From: David Assmann via Groups.Io <david_assmann=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [SFBirds] Fort Mason Orchard Oriole
An ORCHARD ORIOLE was on the east side of the Fort Mason Community Garden this morning, vocalizing after landing in a Bottlebrush. Also had an Oriole at Fort Mason on Saturday, but it was silent and I couldn’t determine whether it was a Hooded or an Orchard Oriole. The LINCOLN’S SPARROW and the WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were also in the garden this morning.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/25/18 6:30 pm From: Rudyard Wallen <arelist12...> Subject: [SFBirds] Tuesday night 7pm - Preventing birds from flying into glass buildings is aim of Alameda’ proposed law
Hey Folks if you're free Tuesday night the more the merrier, please pass it
on to folks that might have an interest.
"Existing homes, historic buildings and business storefronts would be
exempt from the proposed ordinance, as recommended by the city’s planning
board.
Along with building standards, the council will consider regulations
Tuesday aimed at reducing light pollution, including requiring most outdoor
lighting be fully shielded and face downward, as well as automatic timers
and other standards for upward facing lights, such as those used in
landscaping, for security or as a building accent.
Alameda’s historic decorative lights in the city’s business districts would
be exempt under the regulations, which were drafted with input from the
Alameda Unified School District and others to meet requirements for night
sports games."
*The council will meet 7 p.m. Nov. 27 at City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Ave.,
Alameda.*
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/24/18 7:01 pm From: Lee Guichan <guichan.lee...> Subject: [SFBirds] Elk Glen Lake, Palm Warbler, G.G.P. Green Winged Teal
Hello, This morning at *Elk Glen Lake* there was* one Palm Warbler* on the South side of the lake, one female* Bufflehead* flew into the lake, two American Coots, one Pied-billed Grebe, on the north side, one* Lincoln's Sparrow *was with a small flock of White-crowns, Song Sparrows, & Golden-crowned Sparrows, two Yellow-rumped Warblers, one Hutton's Vireo, one California Towhee, two Ruby Crowned Kinglets, 11 Bushtits, two Stellar's Jays,one Red-tailed Hawk, one Coopers Hawk, & heard one Northern Flicker.
*Lloyd Lake*, in the afternoon there were* nine* (6 females, 3 males)* Hooded Mergansers* were active, one *Green-winged Teal*, one *White-throated Sparrow*, two Fox Sparrows, 6 Dark-eyed Juncos, 5 White-crowned Sparrows,two Townsend's Warblers, one Orange-crowned Warbler, one Nuttall's Woodpecker, & two Brown Creepers.
*Mallard Lake*, One Belted Kingfisher, one Great Blue Heron, & one Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Good Birding!
Lee Guichan San Francisco
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/24/18 6:41 pm From: Josiah Clark <josiah.clark621...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Cassins auklet - Local wildlife centers
Dominick and Larreta, In the moment I just wanted to get this bird away from the dogs and masses of gulls. The waves were big and relentless and there was no way it was getting back out on its own today.
Releasing a stranded bird from the ocean into calmer body of water is a way to give it a fighting chance. I’ve known people who’ve done it successfully with grebes and loons for example.
I do not subscribe to the practice of intensive rehab for wild animals succumbing to their natural environment.
In fact nursing these unfit animals back to health so they can breed weakens the gene pool.
The sad fact is naturally stranding birds and marine mammals are meant to die.
Interestingly, there is a lot of food (small anchovies) right there off shore. It’s possible it was lured inshore by abundant food and then was overwhelmed by the surf.
Make no mistake though, I really hope this particular Cassin’s Auklet does go on to survive and breed.
> On Nov 24, 2018, at 5:17 PM, Loretta <lchen89...> wrote:
>
> Hi Josiah,
>
> Sorry I'm just seeing this now, but FYI, the Wildlife Center w/the Peninsula Humane Society would happily take in any orphaned, sick, or injured wildlife that you find. I volunteer there and can tell you that if they can do anything to help an animal, they will.
>
> If they aren't set up to care for that particular animal, they'll transfer it elsewhere, e.g. International Bird Rescue or the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley.
>
> If you are in the city and you can't bring the animal to the facility, you can call Animal Control, who will do their best to capture/transport the animal to a center.
>
> Some numbers and addresses (from their webpage above):
>
> PHS/SPCA Wildlife Care Center: 1450 Rollins Rd, Burlingame (650-340-7022)
> Palo Alto Animal Services: 3281 E. Bayshore Rd, Palo Alto (650-329-2413)
> Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley: 3027 Penitencia Creek Rd, San Jose (408-929-9453)
> San Francisco Animal Care & Control: 1200 15th St, San Francisco (415-554-6364)
>
> Thanks and happy birding!
>
> Lorētta Chen
>
>
> On Saturday, November 24, 2018, 12:44:32 PM PST, Josiah Clark <josiah.clark621...> wrote:
>
>
> Just picked up an exhausted Cassins auklet at Pacheco Street. It’s with me in the car now, I’m about to release it at Sutro baths so long as there aren’t too many gulls. Otherwise thinking over by Crissy Field. If any burgers are around and want to see it come by or p.m. me. I am about to meet Cedric at Lawton Street right now.
>
>
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/24/18 5:19 pm From: Loretta via Groups.Io <lchen89=<yahoo.com...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Cassins auklet - Local wildlife centers
Hi Josiah,
Sorry I'm just seeing this now, but FYI, the Wildlife Center w/the Peninsula Humane Society would happily take in any orphaned, sick, or injured wildlife that you find. I volunteer there and can tell you that if they can do anything to help an animal, they will.
If they aren't set up to care for that particular animal, they'll transfer it elsewhere, e.g. International Bird Rescue or the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley.
If you are in the city and you can't bring the animal to the facility, you can call Animal Control, who will do their best to capture/transport the animal to a center.
Some numbers and addresses (from their webpage above):
PHS/SPCA Wildlife Care Center: 1450 Rollins Rd, Burlingame (650-340-7022)Palo Alto Animal Services: 3281 E. Bayshore Rd, Palo Alto (650-329-2413)Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley: 3027 Penitencia Creek Rd, San Jose (408-929-9453)San Francisco Animal Care & Control: 1200 15th St, San Francisco (415-554-6364)
Thanks and happy birding!
Lorētta Chen
On Saturday, November 24, 2018, 12:44:32 PM PST, Josiah Clark <josiah.clark621...> wrote:
Just picked up an exhausted Cassins auklet at Pacheco Street. It’s with me in the car now, I’m about to release it at Sutro baths so long as there aren’t too many gulls. Otherwise thinking over by Crissy Field. If any burgers are around and want to see it come by or p.m. me. I am about to meet Cedric at Lawton Street right now.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/24/18 5:10 pm From: H Cotter <chatwren...> Subject: [SFBirds] SF City Cumulative List for 2018
With the addition of Cassin's Auklet today from Ocean Beach, the addition of Lesser black-backed Gull to the City list this week, the cumulative year list for the City hit 296; one ahead of the previous highest total for a year. There are still a couple of species under consideration for addition but with five or so weeks left in the year it might be possible to hit 300 for the first time.
Date: 11/24/18 12:44 pm From: Josiah Clark <josiah.clark621...> Subject: [SFBirds] Cassins auklet, about to release it at Sutro baths.
Just picked up an exhausted Cassins auklet at Pacheco Street. It’s with me in the car now, I’m about to release it at Sutro baths so long as there aren’t too many gulls. Otherwise thinking over by Crissy Field. If any burgers are around and want to see it come by or p.m. me. I am about to meet Cedric at Lawton Street right now.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
From: <SFBirds...> <SFBirds...> On Behalf Of Brian Fitch
Sent: Friday, November 23, 2018 9:58 AM
To: SF Birds <SFBirds...>
Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Lbbg
I went out to search for Jonah's LBBG today, and instead of re-finding his bird, I found an adult in the flock on Ocean Beach at the foot of Lawton. White head with fine streaks on crown and nape, a dark smudge in front of the white eye, an unusual red, yellow and pale bill pattern, the mantle a shade darker than the darkest nearby western, 3-4 small white spots at the folded primary tips which I could not see when the bird opened its wings, longer attenuated wings than any nearby California, short yellowish legs, and two healthy looking feet, so not the Farallons bird, which I don't think was an adult anyway. The bird stayed on the safety of the beach berm, which was being cut off by the rising tide's forming small lagoons between us and the flock.
I tried a few cell photos, but was saved from that sad attempt by Calvin Lou's arrival, so he obtained photos, and Jim Lomax also joined us after a while. The rain and wind then increased, and I came home to dry off.
Brian Fitch
On Fri, Nov 23, 2018 at 8:54 AM Brian Fitch <fogeggs...> <mailto:<fogeggs...> > wrote:
Adult lesser black backed gull at Lawton on beach
Brian fitch
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/23/18 9:58 am From: Brian Fitch <fogeggs...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Lbbg
I went out to search for Jonah's LBBG today, and instead of re-finding his bird, I found an adult in the flock on Ocean Beach at the foot of Lawton. White head with fine streaks on crown and nape, a dark smudge in front of the white eye, an unusual red, yellow and pale bill pattern, the mantle a shade darker than the darkest nearby western, 3-4 small white spots at the folded primary tips which I could not see when the bird opened its wings, longer attenuated wings than any nearby California, short yellowish legs, and two healthy looking feet, so not the Farallons bird, which I don't think was an adult anyway. The bird stayed on the safety of the beach berm, which was being cut off by the rising tide's forming small lagoons between us and the flock.
I tried a few cell photos, but was saved from that sad attempt by Calvin Lou's arrival, so he obtained photos, and Jim Lomax also joined us after a while. The rain and wind then increased, and I came home to dry off.
Brian Fitch
On Fri, Nov 23, 2018 at 8:54 AM Brian Fitch <fogeggs...> wrote:
> Adult lesser black backed gull at Lawton on beach > > Brian fitch > >
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/23/18 9:12 am From: David Assmann via Groups.Io <david_assmann=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [SFBirds] Orioles at Fort Mason yesterday - Orchard and Bullock's
The number of Oriole species at Fort Mason this week has climbed to three - yesterday morning I had a very co-operative BULLOCK'S ORIOLE behind building 36W (south of MacArthur) - https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidasf/45291814734/in/dateposted-public/ and what turned out to be an ORCHARD ORIOLE in the garden when I was looking for the Hooded Oriole - https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidasf/31077095877/in/dateposted-public/ Other highlights at Fort Mason included a WESTERN MEADOWLARK flying south over the garden, a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and a LINCOLN'S SPARROW in the garden, a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH at the entrance to the garden, and a WANDERING TATTLER on the abandoned pier.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/22/18 9:48 pm From: Paul Saraceni <paulsaraceni...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Palace of Fine Arts, Four geese species, but departed shortly after 2:00 pm Thursday, Nov. 22
Another location for the goose flock is Spreckels Lake in Golden Gate Park -- on Monday (11/19) @ 8:45 AM I observed the 1 Snow Goose, 1 Greater White-fronted Goose, and 9 Cackling Geese there together among many Canada Geese (and American Coots).
A few other species of less-common waterfowl I've observed in SF this week: Green-winged Teal 3 -- group flying S over the ocean from sea watch on 11/20 Northern Pintail 11 -- group flying SE over north Lake Merced on 11/20 Common Goldeneye 9 -- group flying E past Battery Godfrey on 11/19
Paul Saraceni San Francisco
> On November 22, 2018 at 3:04 PM William Grant <wbgrant...> wrote: > > > Cackling Goose - 8; Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose > > Jesse Ellis, arrived at 10:08 am > https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S50137263 > > I arrived at 1:42 > https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S50130987 > > Around 2:05 they flew away. > > May be at the Crissy Field Lagoon or elsewhere nearby. > > Happy birding, > > Bill
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/22/18 3:04 pm From: William Grant <wbgrant...> Subject: [SFBirds] Palace of Fine Arts, Four geese species, but departed shortly after 2:00 pm Thursday, Nov. 22
Date: 11/20/18 1:07 pm From: David Assmann via Groups.Io <david_assmann=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [SFBirds] Fort Mason Hooded Oriole and Palm Warbler
A PALM WARBLER was on the hillside west of the Fort Mason Community Garden this morning. The HOODED ORIOLE was present in the garden for the entire morning, mostly on the west side. A LINCOLN'S SPARROW popped up a few times, and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was foraging in the middle of the garden. There were WESTERN BLUEBIRDS near the Chapel and at the end of the cul-de-sac. On the hillside north of the Battery, a SPOTTED TOWHEE and a VARIED THRUSH added some variety. One of the NORTHERN FLICKERS in the garden was an intergrade.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/20/18 1:29 am From: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] photos of Lesser Black-backed Gull and other notes 11/19/2018
I gather that the Farallons bird has been hypothesized to be the same bird that was in San Mateo last spring. They both have a missing foot and from what I have been told the age matches. I have not checked it out directly. Alvaro
-----Original Message----- From: <SFBirds...> <SFBirds...> On Behalf Of Peter Pyle Sent: Monday, November 19, 2018 9:53 PM To: Dominik Mosur <dominikmosur...> Cc: <sfbirds...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] photos of Lesser Black-backed Gull and other notes 11/19/2018
Interestingly the first record of LBBG for SF County (I believe) was recorded just a week ago on the Farallones: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49905257 The Ocean Beach bird is a year younger then the Farallon bird, so not the same. Great find Jonah and Dominik,
Peter
At 05:05 PM 11/19/2018, Dominik Mosur wrote: >Here's a link to the checklist with the photos: > ><https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S50057251>https://ebird.org/view/chec >klist/S50057251 > > >Additional sightings of note today included : > >Snowy Plovers - 27 roosting on Ocean Beach > >Say's Phoebes - 2 at Polo Fields, singles at Beach Chalet and Ocean >Beach north dunes > >American Pipits - 15+ on Ocean Beach plus 1 over Beach Chalet, 4 at >Polo fields > >Golden-crowned Kinglets - continue with flock in cypresses south side >of polo fields > >PALM WARBLER - in dunes above Ocean Beach at Kirkham > >Western Meadowlarks - 3 in dunes on Ocean Beach > >For what it's worth, I went back out this afternoon checking Ocean >Beach and Lake Merced at the Boathouse. No gulls roosting at the beach >but hundreds were circling overhead and settling to roost at Lake Merced. > >Good luck, > >Dominik Mosur >San Francisco > >
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/19/18 9:52 pm From: Peter Pyle <ppyle...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] photos of Lesser Black-backed Gull and other notes 11/19/2018
Interestingly the first record of LBBG for SF County (I believe) was recorded just a week ago on the Farallones: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49905257 The Ocean Beach bird is a year younger then the Farallon bird, so not the same. Great find Jonah and Dominik,
Peter
At 05:05 PM 11/19/2018, Dominik Mosur wrote: >Here's a link to the checklist with the photos: > ><https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S50057251>https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S50057251 > > >Additional sightings of note today included : > >Snowy Plovers - 27 roosting on Ocean Beach > >Say's Phoebes - 2 at Polo Fields, singles at Beach Chalet and Ocean >Beach north dunes > >American Pipits - 15+ on Ocean Beach plus 1 over Beach Chalet, 4 at >Polo fields > >Golden-crowned Kinglets - continue with flock in cypresses south >side of polo fields > >PALM WARBLER - in dunes above Ocean Beach at Kirkham > >Western Meadowlarks - 3 in dunes on Ocean Beach > >For what it's worth, I went back out this afternoon checking Ocean >Beach and Lake Merced at the Boathouse. No gulls roosting at the >beach but hundreds were circling overhead and settling to roost at Lake Merced. > >Good luck, > >Dominik Mosur >San Francisco > >
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Say's Phoebes - 2 at Polo Fields, singles at Beach Chalet and Ocean Beach north dunes
American Pipits - 15+ on Ocean Beach plus 1 over Beach Chalet, 4 at Polo fields
Golden-crowned Kinglets - continue with flock in cypresses south side of polo fields
PALM WARBLER - in dunes above Ocean Beach at Kirkham
Western Meadowlarks - 3 in dunes on Ocean Beach
For what it's worth, I went back out this afternoon checking Ocean Beach and Lake Merced at the Boathouse. No gulls roosting at the beach but hundreds were circling overhead and settling to roost at Lake Merced.
Good luck,
Dominik Mosur
San Francisco
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
This morning birding with Jonah Benningfield we covered the west end of Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach.
While walking the dunes above Lawton, Jonah picked out a distant 2nd cycle Gull that appeared to be a Lesser Black-backed.
A checklist with images will be posted shortly.
Unfortunately the bird flushed and wasn't relocated but it may be worthwhile for SF birders to check the Ocean Beach /Lake Merced and other west side Gull roosts today and in upcoming days.
Dominik Mosur
San Francisco
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/19/18 11:30 am From: David Assmann via Groups.Io <david_assmann=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [SFBirds] Fort Mason Local Interest - Hooded Oriole
A HOODED ORIOLE has now been in the Fort Mason Community Garden for five days, mostly in the southwest corner. A WHITE-THROATED and a LINCOLN'S SPARROW have been fairly easy to find in the garden as well the last two days. A HOUSE WREN continues in the garden as well. I was struck by the number of FOX SPARROWS in the garden this morning - at one point there were eight foraging within 10 feet of me, with a total of at least 15 in and around the garden. There were more Fox Sparrows than GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS! A Coyote was walking around the garden as well.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/18/18 6:45 pm From: Paul Saraceni <paulsaraceni...> Subject: [SFBirds] Seawatch -- Horned Lark et al., 11/18/18
With just a bit of clearer air and swing-around of winds (light SW) for a few hours, I did a midday seawatch (12-1:30 PM) from the south end of the Great Highway.
The highlight was not a seabird -- around 1 PM a calling HORNED LARK flew past me heading N over the beach. For a moment it looked like it would land on the sand but it kept flying N until out of view.
Hundreds of gulls were on the move N and on the ocean, mostly California Gulls, as well as good numbers of Mew Gulls, and small numbers of Western, Glaucous-winged (3), Herring (2), and Heermann's (4) Gulls. There were also several big pulses of loons flying N.
Other observations of local interest:
N. SHOVELER 8 (single flock landed on the ocean for a bit, then flew N)
Greater Scaup 12 (single flock flying S)
Surf Scoter 38
Common Loon 8
Pacific Loon 120+ (most flying N)
Red-thr. Loon 350+ (most flying N)
Sanderling 250+
Common Murre 1
Paul Saraceni
San Francisco
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/18/18 6:31 pm From: Eddie Bartley <eddie...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Smoke effects on birds
Please do keep on the lookout for unusual or unexpected sightings.
A friend sent a photo of an uninjured looking Common Poorwill that ended up in a private garden in El Sobrante two days ago. No way to know if that occurrence is wildfire related but an unusual sighting for sure. Birds that did flee the wildfire areas will be needing to find new winter territories late in the season for some of them at least.
Eddie Bartley
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/18/18 12:44 pm From: bitanangan <birdbright...> Subject: [SFBirds] Evening Grosbeaks over Noe Valley...yesterday.
Hi Birders,
Sorry for belated report, but I needed time and caution for this to slowly sink in. Yesterday, about 2:35, while in our back yard at 23/Castro I heard a loud, once-familiar sound of chattering birds, then after a few seconds of searching the sky I briefly saw ~10 Evening Grosbeaks speeding north, but not long or clear enough to see any fine plumage details other than noting sounds and size. I actually heard the birds for 2-3 seconds before I saw them. After listening to a number of recorded calls, I found those sounds to closely match the sharp chortles of these chubby robin-sized birds flying over Noe Valley. They were almost certainly not anything else. Something to consider if watching a seed feeder (Some hosts call them evening “grocery-beaks” for their voracious appetites!) or birding places places with mature conifers like just up-the-road Buena Vista Park.
It’s possible that we may see some mountain birds (finches?) pushed to wandering because of the tragic fires.
Also: 2 Palm Warblers Friday, one found by Oscar Moss, continuing at the Yosemite Slough garden and a continuing Bewick’s Wren at Hillpoint Park above the HP shipyard.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Russ Bright
SF
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/17/18 11:23 am From: noreen_weeden via Groups.Io <noreen_weeden=<yahoo.com...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Smoke effects on birds
Still hearing and seeing the expected species in the east side of the City neighborhood (American Robin, Yellow-rumped Warblers, American Crow)
Golden Gate Audubon has been conducting bird monitoring in San Francisco. The monitoring will be conducted through November just like the Lights Out for Birds During Migration program.
There is an app which can be used by anyone to record data and take a photo of an injured or dead bird. You can use this if you observe something that appears to be a result of fire or smoke as there is a comment section.
Below is information to install the app. There are paper forms for people that prefer not to add something to their mobile phone.
Download Survey123 on your mobile phoneThen open this version called GGAS. The link to the survey is: https://arcg.is/zDGvu.Allow access to location and photos (this is for GPS location and bird photos)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/16/18 7:58 pm From: Roberta Guise <roberta...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Smoke effects on birds
Could mean they’re preserving energy, easier to see carrion, and (my final nutcase guess) thermals too erratic to ride.
-Roberta
415-420-6276
Roberta Guise
Sent from mobile so excuse
typos and errant autofills
> On Nov 16, 2018, at 18:06, Daniel Harper <dharperino...> wrote:
>
> We were at Colusa NWR yesterday and were noticing that many turkey vultures were on the ground and few were soaring in the air. Probably means nothing but it caught our interest.
>
>> On Fri, Nov 16, 2018, 5:21 PM Roberta Guise <roberta...> wrote:
>> All,
>>
>> Could the smoke be affecting birds? We’ve been blanketed with smoke for a week now. What kinds of cumulative effects could there be in birds’ lungs?
>>
>> Curiously birding,
>> Roberta
>>
>> Roberta Guise
>> 415-420-6276
>>
>> **********************************************************************
>>
>> Guise Marketing + PR
>> Executive branding to be visible, add value, and change
>> the way people think
>>
>> http://www.guisemarketing.com @robertaguise
>>
>> linkedin.com/in/robertaguise
>>
>> President, IMC USA NorCal Chapter
>> Institute of Management Consultants USA
>> http://www.imcusa.org/ >>
>> Delegate representing San Francisco and speaker at the
>> UN Commission on the Status of Women
>>
>> **********************************************************************
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>> On Nov 16, 2018, at 4:41 PM, Dominik Mosur <dominikmosur...> wrote:
>>>
>>> This afternoon (11/16/18) the BLACK&WHITE Warbler, first reported on 10/31 by Dave Weber, continued in myoporums, acacias, and Eucalyptus along the main trail from the parking lot at Middle Lake in Golden Gate Park. On 11/8 there was a Nashville Warbler here, and I think I heard it call a few times today as well but never got a look. Earlier , a Spotted Towhee at Elk Glen was a very rare sighting for Golden Gate Park and maybe the first one I've ever observed in the park. On 11/9 the Elk Glen Sparrow flock included (2) White-throated and (2-3) Lincoln's Sparrows. The Lincs were still here today but no sign of the White-throats.
>>>
>>> On 11/12, there were good counts of (102) Killdeer and (27) Black-bellied Plovers on Sunset Reservoir as well as at least one continuing Western Meadowlark.
>>>
>>> Be sure to wear a N95 respirator or similar protective equipment if you get outside for extended periods the next couple of days especially if you suffer from asthma or similar breathing issues. Better yet, stay inside.
>>>
>>> Rain and onshore winds are supposed to come in later next week and hopefully will improve air quality.
>>>
>>> Dominik Mosur
>>> San Francisco
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
> On Nov 16, 2018, at 4:41 PM, Dominik Mosur <dominikmosur...> wrote:
>
> This afternoon (11/16/18) the BLACK&WHITE Warbler, first reported on 10/31 by Dave Weber, continued in myoporums, acacias, and Eucalyptus along the main trail from the parking lot at Middle Lake in Golden Gate Park. On 11/8 there was a Nashville Warbler here, and I think I heard it call a few times today as well but never got a look. Earlier , a Spotted Towhee at Elk Glen was a very rare sighting for Golden Gate Park and maybe the first one I've ever observed in the park. On 11/9 the Elk Glen Sparrow flock included (2) White-throated and (2-3) Lincoln's Sparrows. The Lincs were still here today but no sign of the White-throats.
>
> On 11/12, there were good counts of (102) Killdeer and (27) Black-bellied Plovers on Sunset Reservoir as well as at least one continuing Western Meadowlark.
>
> Be sure to wear a N95 respirator or similar protective equipment if you get outside for extended periods the next couple of days especially if you suffer from asthma or similar breathing issues. Better yet, stay inside.
>
> Rain and onshore winds are supposed to come in later next week and hopefully will improve air quality.
>
> Dominik Mosur
> San Francisco
>
>
>
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
This afternoon (11/16/18) the BLACK&WHITE Warbler, first reported on 10/31 by Dave Weber, continued in myoporums, acacias, and Eucalyptus along the main trail from the parking lot at Middle Lake in Golden Gate Park. On 11/8 there was a Nashville Warbler here, and I think I heard it call a few times today as well but never got a look. Earlier , a Spotted Towhee at Elk Glen was a very rare sighting for Golden Gate Park and maybe the first one I've ever observed in the park. On 11/9 the Elk Glen Sparrow flock included (2) White-throated and (2-3) Lincoln's Sparrows. The Lincs were still here today but no sign of the White-throats.
On 11/12, there were good counts of (102) Killdeer and (27) Black-bellied Plovers on Sunset Reservoir as well as at least one continuing Western Meadowlark.
Be sure to wear a N95 respirator or similar protective equipment if you get outside for extended periods the next couple of days especially if you suffer from asthma or similar breathing issues. Better yet, stay inside.
Rain and onshore winds are supposed to come in later next week and hopefully will improve air quality.
Dominik Mosur
San Francisco
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/15/18 5:33 pm From: William Grant <wbgrant...> Subject: [SFBirds] Air pollution map for SF
Just found this URL showing PM2.5 pollution (particles less than 2.5 microns), the most dangerous particulate matter since they are most likely to lodge in the lungs.
Date: 11/15/18 5:25 pm From: David Assmann via Groups.Io <david_assmann=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [SFBirds] Ross's Goose, Greater White-Fronted Goose, Cackling Goose and Hooded Oriole
Four species of geese at Crissy Field this morning. A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was on the lawn with nine CACKLING GOOSE. CANADA GEESE were in the Lagoon, and a ROSS'S GOOSE was near the bridge along with many BROWN PELICANS (there were at least 400 in the Lagoon). A HOODED ORIOLE and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were in the Community Garden at Fort Mason.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/15/18 11:59 am From: ben <benjamin...> Subject: [SFBirds] barn owls
I hear a barn owl scream most nights roughly 1 hour past dark in the lower haight around pierce / page
> Thankx for the sighting info. I have never seen a Barn Owl, where on > 17th? Thinking of palms, Lake st? What time if evening are you > seeing them? >
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/15/18 10:45 am From: kim <leo811sf...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Thursday presentation and west side barn owls
Thankx for the sighting info. I have never seen a Barn Owl, where on 17th? Thinking of palms, Lake st? What time if evening are you seeing them?
Thank you Kim in SF
On November 14, 2018, at 11:39 PM, Josiah Clark <josiah.clark621...> wrote:
As I am putting the finishing touches on a presentation for Golden Gate Audubon tomorrow night, I keep hearing a barn out the window. I have been observing them often of late, with one night up to three individuals around the 17th ave palm trees. I also saw one along Park Presidio going through the park diving down on a rat last night. Tonight just one along with the local pair of great horned owls. A decade ago this species was considerably rarer in the city. Very cool that these days they are breeding in the city. I suspect many of the ones around my neighborhood are migrants.
The presentation is called Habitat Potential Birding Tactics. I am including a little bit of everything including birding adventure photos and videos, strategies to maximize Christmas Bird and Big Day Counts and some local bird natural history videos and knowledge.
Doors at 6:30, presentation 7 PM first Unitarian church 1187 Franklin St.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/14/18 11:39 pm From: Josiah Clark <josiah.clark621...> Subject: [SFBirds] Thursday presentation and west side barn owls
As I am putting the finishing touches on a presentation for Golden Gate Audubon tomorrow night, I keep hearing a barn out the window. I have been observing them often of late, with one night up to three individuals around the 17th ave palm trees. I also saw one along Park Presidio going through the park diving down on a rat last night. Tonight just one along with the local pair of great horned owls. A decade ago this species was considerably rarer in the city. Very cool that these days they are breeding in the city. I suspect many of the ones around my neighborhood are migrants.
The presentation is called Habitat Potential Birding Tactics. I am including a little bit of everything including birding adventure photos and videos, strategies to maximize Christmas Bird and Big Day Counts and some local bird natural history videos and knowledge.
Doors at 6:30, presentation 7 PM first Unitarian church 1187 Franklin St.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/14/18 4:43 pm From: bitanangan <birdbright...> Subject: [SFBirds] Shipyard Burrowing Owl as seen from Yosemite Slough Restoration.
Hi Birders,
Bulldozers were bullying a Burrowing Owl on the shipyard landfill today as seen from the garden at Yosemite Slough. The owl was near the large yellow barrel-looking vent (?) and repetitively flying off a very short distance when a bulldozer came too near. Couldn’t relocate the Palm Warbler just photographed here by Oscar Moss or the White-throated Sparrow seen by David Tomb and myself last week. One American Pipit flushed from the mudflat to dive somewhere near the garden pond. At least 70 Semi-palmated Sandpipers, 75 Meadowlarks and 150 Least Sandpipers—all ebird filter-busting tallies for the location. 6 Black Turnstones.
Also saw a large all-white solitary pigeon fly towards La Raza Park across Caesar Chavez at 101 this morning.
Russ Bright
SF
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/14/18 2:33 pm From: Chris Okon <chrisokon...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Release Doves at Lake Merced Wooden bridge parking lot
yes, palomacy.org deals w dove and pigeon rescue
On Wed, Nov 14, 2018 at 12:53 PM Lee Rudin <leewaysf...> wrote:
> > 4 Doves (white pigeons) seen in lot and on way to wooden bridge. Can't > fly well and getting mobbed by crows. Surprised they haven't been picked > off yet. Left message with SF Animal Care. Perhaps someone knows a source > to call? > > Lee Rudin > > Sent from my Sprint Phone. > > > --
Christine Okon 630 Mangels Ave. San Francisco, CA 94127 415-860-5102
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/14/18 2:08 pm From: Siobhan Ruck <ms.siobhan.ruck...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] 535 American Crows at Rincon Center Nov. 13, 5:20 pm, gone at 7:15
I often see good sized flocks during my drive home along Sagamore Street (connector between Alemany and Brotherhood). Often 50+ birds, sometimes more than 100. The flocks sometimes turn up on the eastern end of Brotherhood as well.
I was thinking it was a winter thing, but realized that’s the only time of year that it’s getting dark as I drive that stretch. So possible year round roost site.
Siobhan Ruck SF
> On Nov 14, 2018, at 7:14 AM, William Grant <wbgrant...> wrote:
>
> Greetings,
>
> I reported at ebird: Roosting in trees, on roof, counted by 2s; passed by the same area around 7:10 pm and the crows were gone. Evidently they arrive there, communicate loudly with other crows, then go elsewhere for the night, perhaps on roofs where they can be warmed by air from the air-handling systems.
> https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49922109 >
> I plan to return some late afternoon and watch them arrive, then depart.
>
> If this part of SF is their preferred area to overnight, counting them there could give an estimate of the SF crow population. Does anyone know other places they spend the night?
>
> I often see 50 crows on Pacific Ave. between Van Ness and Franklin arrive around 8:00 am, then depart for the day's activities. Sometimes I also see them flying by on their way east in the morning.
>
> Bill
>
>
>
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/14/18 12:53 pm From: Lee Rudin <leewaysf...> Subject: [SFBirds] Release Doves at Lake Merced Wooden bridge parking lot
4 Doves (white pigeons) seen in lot and on way to wooden bridge. Can't fly well and getting mobbed by crows. Surprised they haven't been picked off yet. Left message with SF Animal Care. Perhaps someone knows a source to call? Lee Rudin Sent from my Sprint Phone.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/14/18 7:15 am From: William Grant <wbgrant...> Subject: [SFBirds] 535 American Crows at Rincon Center Nov. 13, 5:20 pm, gone at 7:15
Greetings,
I reported at ebird: Roosting in trees, on roof, counted by 2s; passed by the same area around 7:10 pm and the crows were gone. Evidently they arrive there, communicate loudly with other crows, then go elsewhere for the night, perhaps on roofs where they can be warmed by air from the air-handling systems. https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49922109
I plan to return some late afternoon and watch them arrive, then depart.
If this part of SF is their preferred area to overnight, counting them there could give an estimate of the SF crow population. Does anyone know other places they spend the night?
I often see 50 crows on Pacific Ave. between Van Ness and Franklin arrive around 8:00 am, then depart for the day's activities. Sometimes I also see them flying by on their way east in the morning.
Bill
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/14/18 12:00 am From: Richard Bradus via Groups.Io <grizzledjay=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [SFBirds] Continuing Summer Tanager; Common birds in uncommon locations
Hi all
Probably spent too much time outdoors today given the smoke, but there were some interesting moments.
On a quick walk-through of Alta Plaza Park I spotted three Meadowlarks, not on the lawns but rather perched atop the evergreens near the northeast corner. What they were doing way up there I have no idea.
Spent the noon hour and a bit more at Lafayette Park, joined for much of the time by Cliff Yap. I was able to re-locate the female Summer Tanager, now perching in and flycatching from the eucs on the east side across from the condo building. There were also some interesting mixed groups of sparrows; at one point a White-throated, White-crowned and Fox sparrow were all foraging together. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet somewhat incongruously explored a cavity in a tree, perhaps foraging for spiders. And there was also an Oriole, probably a female (or immature) Hooded, though its extensive full yellow coloration and small, straight beak raise the possibility that it may have been an Orchard Oriole - too bad it quickly went into hiding and we were unable to get photos. Complete list and my photos at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49925696 This fall continues to yield surprises - let's hope the weather favors the firefighters and there are no more disasters.
Richard BradusSan Francisco
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/13/18 8:55 pm From: David Assmann via Groups.Io <david_assmann=<yahoo.com...> Subject: [SFBirds] Fort Mason Local Interest
Lots of activity, but not much unexpected. 4 KILLDEER on the Great Meadow, which is fairly unusual, a WHITE-THROATED SWIFT flew over, and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was in the garden. There are two continuing HOUSE WRENS - one in the garden and one above Aquatic Park.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
I visited several sites this morning, starting with a walk in the grass at Crissey, which actually left me with dry feet. Stirred up four Savannahs, and six Am. Pipits, but the odd highlight was a bird briefly with the starling flock. It was mostly black with a brown tinge, except for a panel in the secondaries of lighter brown feathers, and the eyes were black. It was about the size of the starlings, but it's posture was more upright than local blackbirds. It seemed more like a cowbird in shape, except that the beak, though broad based, curved down and out to a fine point. It then took flight, and headed to the lagoon, but eventually swerved back over me and landed rather distantly, where it was briefly joined by a smaller brown bird that looked like a female/juv cowbird. Then both birds flew toward and over me with the female bird showing a forked tail, as well as some stripes on the body. Later the male returned alone and flew all over Crissey without ever landing again within my view; I lost it well off toward the Coast Guard Pier.
Many years ago, Keith Hansen in Marin reported a Chopi Blackbird in his area. I looked the species up, and the following day recognized the same bird when it appeared at S Lake Merced with the icterid flock there. After checking photos today of Shiny Cowbird and seeing the wrong beak, I once again reviewed Chopi, and it looks fine for what I saw this morning, though I did not try to review the entire blackbird family. Keep your eyes peeled for it around Crissey, even though it's a likely escapee.
The only other unusuals were an Acorn Woodpecker flying by the East Wash, and a Turkey Vulture perched at Middle Lake, one of the few I've ever seen sitting around the city. I suspect that both were smoke or east wind affected, and wonder what other oddities are out there.
Brian Fitch
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group.
Date: 11/13/18 3:37 pm From: Jack Hayden <jellsworthhayden...> Subject: [SFBirds] Ferry Park - Palm and Black-Throated Grey Warblers, White-Throated Sparrow 11-13-2018
Today, around 1pm I had views of a couple each Palm Warbler, Black-Throated Grey Warbler and White-Throated Sparrow at Ferry / Sue Bierman Park. The park was very active with lots of yellow-rumps chupping and flitting about, as well as a good helping of White-crowned Sparrows. While not seen at the same time, I concluded there were two Palm Warblers present when one showed distinct small streaks on the breast compared to the other with more indistinct smudgy streaks.
