Date: 2/24/21 8:52 am From: Randy Collignon via groups.io <km6jlp...> Subject: [SFBirds] Orchard Oriole continuing
[Edited Message Follows]
Just saw Nico's juvenile male ORCHARD ORIOLE at the Botanical Garden - by the Children's Garden in the pond area seen from the path on the western side.
Date: 2/23/21 4:36 pm From: David Assmann via groups.io <david_assmann...> Subject: [SFBirds] Orchard Oriole continues in Botanic Gardens in Golden Gate Park
The young male ORCHARD ORIOLE found yesterday by Nico in the Children's Garden in the Botanic Gardens continued there this afternoon.
Date: 2/23/21 8:19 am From: Siobhan Ruck <ms.siobhan.ruck...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] How safe is it to visit Heron’s Head Park
And if you have a bird-friendly yard at your home, be sure to stop at Bay Natives (across the street) for a really great selection of native plants. It’s not too late to get a few more natural hummingbird feeders in your yard this year!
With all the concerns of sick siskins this year, remember that bird-friendly plantings are a good way to bring birds to your yard without clustering them in ways that can lead to disease outbreaks.
Siobhan Ruck
> On Feb 23, 2021, at 1:14 AM, Aimee Goggins via groups.io <aimgoggins...> wrote:
>
> We go regularly at all times of day and there are always other people there—birdwatching, walking, biking, fishing. It feels safe and I frequently see others with binocs, cameras, and scopes.
>
> Practice usual urban awareness and caution, and enjoy!
>
>> On Feb 23, 2021, at 12:58 AM, Joel Perlstein <joelperl...> wrote:
>>
>> I am thinking of visiting Heron’s Head Park later this week, around 4 pm. I will be driving to the parking lot and then traveling by foot. I will be by myself. I am a man in my early 70’s and will have an expensive binoculars and scope with me. Do you think that would be reasonably safe?
>>
>> Thanks for whatever insight you can provide.
>> --
>> Joel Perlstein
>> San Francisco
>
>
Date: 2/23/21 8:12 am From: Elliotte Rusty Harold <elharo...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] How safe is it to visit Heron’s Head Park
Don't leave anything in your car, trunk included. Break-ins occur regularly
here, as they do almost everywhere in San Francisco. Other than that, as
long as you carry your scope with you, it's probably fine.
On Tue, Feb 23, 2021 at 8:58 AM Joel Perlstein <joelperl...>
wrote:
> I am thinking of visiting Heron’s Head Park later this week, around 4 pm.
> I will be driving to the parking lot and then traveling by foot. I will be
> by myself. I am a man in my early 70’s and will have an expensive
> binoculars and scope with me. Do you think that would be reasonably safe?
>
> Thanks for whatever insight you can provide.
> --
> Joel Perlstein
> San Francisco
>
>
>
Date: 2/23/21 1:23 am From: Aimee Goggins via groups.io <aimgoggins...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] How safe is it to visit Heron’s Head Park
We go regularly at all times of day and there are always other people there—birdwatching, walking, biking, fishing. It feels safe and I frequently see others with binocs, cameras, and scopes.
Practice usual urban awareness and caution, and enjoy!
> On Feb 23, 2021, at 12:58 AM, Joel Perlstein <joelperl...> wrote:
>
> I am thinking of visiting Heron’s Head Park later this week, around 4 pm. I will be driving to the parking lot and then traveling by foot. I will be by myself. I am a man in my early 70’s and will have an expensive binoculars and scope with me. Do you think that would be reasonably safe?
>
> Thanks for whatever insight you can provide.
> --
> Joel Perlstein
> San Francisco
>
Date: 2/23/21 12:58 am From: Joel Perlstein <joelperl...> Subject: [SFBirds] How safe is it to visit Heron’s Head Park
I am thinking of visiting Heron’s Head Park later this week, around 4 pm. I will be driving to the parking lot and then traveling by foot. I will be by myself. I am a man in my early 70’s and will have an expensive binoculars and scope with me. Do you think that would be reasonably safe?
Thanks for whatever insight you can provide.
--
Joel Perlstein
San Francisco
Date: 2/22/21 1:39 pm From: David Assmann via groups.io <david_assmann...> Subject: [SFBirds] Baltimore and Bullock's Orioles at Fort Mason
There have been at least two Orioles at Fort Mason since late fall. A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was found and photographed by John Colbert and Erica Rutherford on New Year's Eve. The BULLOCK'S ORIOLE has been photographed many times since the fall. This morning both Orioles were in front of the General's House - at one point chasing each other. Other birds of note - the NORTHERN RED BISHOP has been seen daily since February 3rd at the feeder in the garden. A RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD was near the Battery on Saturday, and yesterday a PACIFIC LOON swam outside of Aquatic Park.
Date: 2/22/21 1:19 pm From: Brian Fitch <fogeggs...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Continuing Oriole(s)? at Ft Mason*** please read
Just a quick note to say that both Bullock’s and Baltimore Orioles were
seen in the eucs in front of the General’s house at Ft Mason earlier
today. Photos and details coming soon from others. Thanks for the heads
up Lucas.
And some of those photo folks found that the White-winged Scoter is a young
male.
Brian Fitch
On Mon, Feb 22, 2021 at 7:59 AM Lucas Stephenson via groups.io <Navigator44=
<icloud.com...> wrote:
> It appears that a Baltimore Oriole has been photographed at the Ft. Mason
> Gardens for the past 3 months or so. The bird has showed features of an
> oranger belly, oranger face, lacking grayish tones anywhere on the body
> looks like a perfect match to me for a Baltimore. I have found a new
> appreciation for reviewers asking for photos every time a rarity has been
> posted. Would be awesome if some more people could gather some more photos
> as the bird has likely been here all winter. The bird has molted into a
> more obvious baltimore “type” plumage. The bird hasn’t been photographed as
> a bullocks since december 6th before the february 7th and 20 images.
> The best,
> Lucas Stephenson
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 2/22/21 7:59 am From: Lucas Stephenson via groups.io <Navigator44...> Subject: [SFBirds] Continuing Oriole(s)? at Ft Mason*** please read
It appears that a Baltimore Oriole has been photographed at the Ft. Mason Gardens for the past 3 months or so. The bird has showed features of an oranger belly, oranger face, lacking grayish tones anywhere on the body looks like a perfect match to me for a Baltimore. I have found a new appreciation for reviewers asking for photos every time a rarity has been posted. Would be awesome if some more people could gather some more photos as the bird has likely been here all winter. The bird has molted into a more obvious baltimore “type” plumage. The bird hasn’t been photographed as a bullocks since december 6th before the february 7th and 20 images.
The best,
Lucas Stephenson
This morning I spent several hours up on Battery Godfrey. There were intermittent, light NE winds, but not enough to produce a movement of waterfowl.
Western Bluebirds were on the move early this morning and I observed at least 15 in groups of 5 / 3 / 3 / 2 + several singles. Some of these birds were high-flying and appeared to continue on their way, either S or N over the Bay.
One group of 3 bluebirds very briefly landed on the utility pole & wires just behind (E of) the Battery and N of the old building adjacent to the parking lot, around 7:40 AM. I managed a photograph of one of them just before they took off and flew E in the general direction of Ft. Scott, not to return again to BG while I was present. On uploading the photo when I returned home, I confirmed my quick impression -- a MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD, showing overall blue plumage, especially on its upperparts, no rusty color, longish primary projection and tail, and a thin, pointy bill. From my quick look at the perched group the other 2 appeared to be Western Bluebirds. Other bluebirds that I managed to photograph in flight early this morning were Westerns. Perhaps this is the individual observed by Hugh Cotter and I as a calling flyover @ BG on 1/23, but not since then, or another in the small coastal movement this winter.
I will post the photo later today in an ebird report.
Other observations at the Battery this morning included a Merlin, 35 Band-tailed Pigeons, and single Tree and Violet-green Swallows.
Date: 2/19/21 10:40 pm From: David Nelson <David...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Possible Female Vermilion Flycatcher
Aaron,
Aaron,
I was driving northbound on Doyle Drive, now called Presido Parkway. Doyle Drive was renamed Presidio Parkway after construction. My boss Michael Painter designed it and worked on it for over 20 years. This is the new constructed road through the Presidio from Lombard St. to GG Bridge.
I was on my way home and driving toward the bridge, against the median going about 3mph. As I approached the sign base for the big sign southbound, I saw a small dark flycatcher sitting on the top of one of the support posts for an orange utility box located just west of the big sign post base. My earlier report was while I was driving and I cut the description short. It looked like a Black Phoebe from a distance, and was facing away from me. All I could see was the dark head, back and tail. As I approached, it was more dark gray than black and I could start to see the hint of pale breast. My reaction was Eastern Phoebe. Then, when I was right next to it I could see the rufous (orangish) color on the flank side facing me, below the dark wing and above and to the rear of the pale whitish breast. I immediately thought female Vermillion Flycatcher. As I entered the tunnel, I thought I wonder if I could get to the far right lane and drive back and see if I could get a photo. I did make it across and exited at the GG Bridge last exit. I made my way to the drive above the big south wall and found a parking spot. I got my camera out and bins. I walked across to the fence above the wall and scanned below. It was gone. I scanned west to the tunnel, across the cypress trees and to the large willows near the Sports Basement parking lot, then along the median and north right of way to the east tunnel. Nothing. I scanned across the roof of the Sports Basement and to the other building/parking/construction area to the west. Nothing. I scanned the shrubs and cypress trees around me on the south side, nothing. Maybe it went to roost? It was getting darker. I drove down to the small parking area near the Sports Basement west parking lot and walked to the south end of the parking lot and pished. I could only find White Crowned Sparrows. I think it would be worth the effort to try again in the morning.
David W. Nelson
-----Original Message-----
From: Aaron Maizlish [mailto:<amm.birdlists...>]
Sent: Friday, February 19, 2021 5:27 PM
To: David Nelson
Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Possible Female Vermilion Flycatcher
Hi where did you view this from? I’ll go check it out, I’m sure others are too.
> On Feb 19, 2021, at 5:24 PM, David Nelson <David...> wrote:
>
> There is a possible female Vermillon Flycather perched on a light pole in the median of Doyle Drive south of Sports bldg. pale breast with rufous flanks, dark back tail wings head. Constantly flicking tail. Smaller than Say's Phoebe or Black Phoebe.
>
> I hope someone finds it.
>
> David W. Nelson
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 2/19/21 5:24 pm From: David Nelson <David...> Subject: [SFBirds] Possible Female Vermilion Flycatcher
There is a possible female Vermillon Flycather perched on a light pole in the median of Doyle Drive south of Sports bldg. pale breast with rufous flanks, dark back tail wings head. Constantly flicking tail. Smaller than Say's Phoebe or Black Phoebe.
Date: 2/18/21 10:14 pm From: keith_in_eg via groups.io <keith_ineg...> Subject: [SFBirds] Leucistic White-crowned Sparrow at Heron's Head 18Feb2021
Hello,
I came across what I believe to be a leucistic White-crowned Sparrow at Heron's Head Park in San Francisco this afternoon, 18Feb2021. It was associating with a small group of standard WCSPs in the marsh grasses just off the South side of the main path and maybe half way out to the point. I was taking a photo of the standard variety when this very faded looking bird poked its head above the tops of the grasses nearby. It was initially facing away from me, but I managed to get a few descent images. They're attached to this eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S81903200
And yes, the Rock Sandpiper was present. It's always fun to go out there and see if I can find it without any assistance or clues - like a Where's Waldo!
This morning we visited Fort Mason where the Red-breasted Sapsucker showing characters suggesting nominate S. r. ruber (or maybe an intergrade) was still present.
This bird seems to have garnered considerable interest despite being an escaped cage bird.
Northern Red Bishop is native to northern tropical Africa, but has introduced populations in southern California, Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and a few smaller Caribbean islands. In California they are resident in coastal Los Angeles and Orange Counties mostly along the Los Angeles, San Gabriel and Santa Ana Rivers and along San Diego Creek. Elsewhere in California occasional escapes have been noted. Closer to home, small numbers have occurred irregularly in Santa Clara County where they have nested occasionally but no self-sustaining population has become established there. In San Francisco there have been occasional sightings in the past. Over the years I've seen single birds at Land's End and Lake Merced
Despite these sightings, this species is not currently accepted on the California bird checklist because it does not meet the criteria for a successful established introduction. Nonetheless it is on the "Watch List" of species which might be added in the future if their numbers increase and more self-sustaining populations are documented.
Date: 2/15/21 3:26 pm From: Dan Murphy via groups.io <murphsf...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Asking SF bird experts: Salmonellosis outbreak?
This is an ongoing problem for finches and sparrows. I've had ill birds at my feeder or feeders over the years. Birds in the wild carry the infection so getting alarmed at the first sight of a sick or dead bird might be an over reaction. Of course removing feeders and water sources will help if there is an actual outbreak. In the past I usually removed feeders from 3 weeks to a month, then went back to feeding. I don't recall seeing infected birds subsequently, so those outbreaks were probably local and cleaning up my feeding area reduced the problem to the point I didn't see sick birds for the rest of the season. The article you attached omitted one major thing. Feeders and bird baths should be cleaned thoroughly -- like you might for Covid. Rub them down with soapy water and bleach. Don't be shy with the bleach. You want to kill all the bacteria and residue that might harbor it. Be sure to wear disposable gloves and wash your hands after the job.
You know, there are a lot of things that kill birds. If you didn't see swollen tissue around one or both eyes, by the gape of the mouth and perhaps on the legs and feet it's hard to guess what killed your bird.
Good luck and I hope you'll put out feeders in August and September to attract birds for next winter. Keep an eye out for Salmonelloisis and stop feeding for 3 or 4 weeks if you spot infected birds. Of course you want to be totally safe don't feed birds at all, an option I don't like.
Happy birding,Dan Murphy
On Sunday, February 14, 2021, 8:12:53 PM PST, Taylor Lapeyre via groups.io <taylorlapeyre...> wrote:
It seems like the CA department of fish and wildlife has asked residents to take down bird feeders / baths until spring to prevent this outbreak from spreading. This is pretty interesting to me, since I actually did find a very small Pine Siskin in my backyard recently that had passed away. I was a little confused about its death, since we always have stocked bird feeders and there didn't seem to be any injuries. It was nowhere near windows, either. I suspect that this may be the cause.
I am preemptively taking down my feeders, but I wanted to ask any bird experts here on the SF birds list: is this a reasonable precaution, and is this outbreak something serious?
It seems like the CA department of fish and wildlife has asked residents to take down bird feeders / baths until spring to prevent this outbreak from spreading. This is pretty interesting to me, since I actually did find a very small Pine Siskin in my backyard recently that had passed away. I was a little confused about its death, since we always have stocked bird feeders and there didn't seem to be any injuries. It was nowhere near windows, either. I suspect that this may be the cause.
I am preemptively taking down my feeders, but I wanted to ask any bird experts here on the SF birds list: is this a reasonable precaution, and is this outbreak something serious?
Date: 2/14/21 7:01 pm From: H Cotter <chatwren...> Subject: [SFBirds] Feb. 14, 2021: Lake Merced; American Bittern; Surf Scoter
This morning around 10.30AM I flushed an American Bittern from the reeds in the southwest end of the concrete bridge; there is a cut area through the reeds into the southern impoundment; the bird flushed from there and flew east. I do not know where it went and was unable to locate it. I assume that this might be the same bird from November last year ? Birding with Paul Saraceni near the Boat House a little later, we had a young male Surf Scoter up on one of the boat piers ( same one as the Kittiwake last week). Not sure if it was sick or not but did not move much. Also had one of the continuing Yellow Warblers in the Albizia in the same area.
Date: 2/13/21 11:20 am From: Bob Hall <bilgepump100...> Subject: [SFBirds] Hybrid model flicker
I saw this flicker in my backyard (1946 Grove St.) a month ago and it's here again today. It has yellow under the wings and tail but has a tan face with a Buffy-gray neck. No mustache or red on the nape.
--
Bob Hall
San Francisco, CA
"There is no better high than discovery." - E.O. Wilson
Date: 2/12/21 5:13 pm From: Eddie Bartley <eddie...> Subject: [SFBirds] Pier 94: GLAUCOUS GULL and other goodies
2/12/2021: bird break this afternoon to Pier 94 was eventful. Breezy in the open areas, low tide. Very large Gull roost with good diversity, no peeps for second visit in a row
GLAUCOUS GULL: juvenile, very large, very pale, bright pink bill with black tip, floated right over us; Also Herring Gull and a couple of Iceland Gulls mixed in with the usual suspects and lots of them.
EURASIAN WIGEON, male in south pond, first one we've spotted here in a while.
RED-NECKED GREBE, presumably continuing individual seen last Saturday, this time quite close in
Lot's more Aechmophorus Grebes than we've been seeing out there, 25 minimum.
Brown Pelicans, 4: most adults have left for SoCal and Mexico, these were all juveniles.
COOPER'S HAWK: flushed one in south upland, which might explain why songbirds were skittish, we've seen very few accipiters in SF this winter.
PEREGRINE FALCON, carrying Pigeon Prey and calling, carried prey to second bird waiting on light standard south side of Islais Creek
https://ebird.org/checklist/S81028067
Cetaceans: 2, fairly sure they were Dolphins, not porpoises. Surfaced only a couple of times in a line of roiled water about 1/3 of way to east shore, dorsal fins looked too small for Bottle-nosed.
Date: 2/10/21 11:35 pm From: Aaron Maizlish <amm.birdlists...> Subject: [SFBirds] Iconic Palace of Fine Arts swans temporarily relocated after one falls ill
There is an article on SFGate tonight about the two Mute Swans that live in the lagoon at the Palace of Fine Arts. One has fallen ill and they have been relocated to SF Zoo. So sorry San Francisco birders, if you wanted these non-countable Mute Swans for your year-list, it’s too late.
Anyway I had no idea that these are celebrity birds with names “Blanche” and “Blue Boy” and hordes of fans. I guess I should have figured. The article provides some nice back story.
For those of you who don’t know, Mute Swans are native to Eurasia and are an introduced species in North America. They have successfully established themselves across much of the Eastern U.S. where they are generally accepted as a permanent “countable” introduced species. There has been a growing population of Mute Swans for the past few decades in the North Bay marshes - but these are not considered to be “countable” partly because there have been plans in the past to reduce or remove the population, though that has not come to pass.
It sounds from the article that the Palace of Fine Arts birds are not from any wild population, but have been brought here and managed by SF Parks and Rec over the years.
I received an email asking about a Great Horned Owl observation at Stow Lake in connection to light pollution caused by the Ferris Wheel. I somehow mysteriously managed to completely loose that email, hence, if you send it, please send again!
I may be wrong, but my impression is that Great Horned Owls in my neighborhood are doing quite well, with a breeding pair in Glen Park (although I hope the bird found on the field there survived), presumably a breeding pair at Mnt. Davidson, and I suspect another pair in the neighborhood.
Date: 2/10/21 3:52 pm From: Standley, William (Bill) G via groups.io <wstandley...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] 4 snowy plovers + dogs
As many others on this list, I am concerned about the impacts of dogs and other human-related disturbance to coastal wildlife, and through my job, I have been privileged to be part of a state-wide collaboration of individuals representing state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local businesses, called the Respect Wildlife Campaign (https://respect-wildlife.org/). Our goals are to:
- Raise awareness of the impact disturbance can have on wildlife; - Positively influence human behavior near wildlife; - Encourage and spread the word; - Engage existing and foster new partnerships, and - Unify existing wildlife protection communication and education.
This past year the Respect Wildlife Campaign has been successful in obtaining startup funding through the California Marine Protected Area Outreach and Education Small Grants Program to develop a social media campaign designed to inform and change human behavior in coastal environments, resulting in reduced human disturbance, and there are plans for a state-wide rollout. If anyone would like to get involved, please check out the web site and join the team!
Bill
Bill Standley Natural Resource Specialist California Coastal National Monument USDI Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office 940 2nd Avenue Marina, California 93933-6009 831-582-2220; <wstandley...> CCNM Website: www.blm.gov/ccnm
________________________________________ From: <SFBirds...> <SFBirds...> on behalf of Alan Hopkins via groups.io <alanhopkins...> Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2021 11:10 AM To: Siobhan Ruck; Andrew R Cc: <greylag64...>; Chrisand Lorelei; Pat Greene; SF Birds; Joel Perlstein; Dominik Mosur; Dario Taraborelli; <margstan...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] 4 snowy plovers + dogs
Okay my two cents: I have been dealing with this issue since the 90s. To be quite frank the officials don't want to deal with the issue because they are terrified of a very strong pet lobby. This was escalated when Richard Avenzino was president of the SF SPCA, think of Trump and you will get a very good comparison to Avenzino. At one of many meetings I went to Avenzino spoke to a group of mostly off leash folks and I guess he felt like he could speak his mind. What he said was full of the lexicon of the Wise Use Movement, he implied that big government was taking over and sounded as though black helicopters were about to swoop down on dog owners and their rights were being stolen. He is gone but a lot of his thoughts are still adhered to by dog walkers. "This is a City and threatened and endangered species don't belong here" is a common theme. Next time you are out look at all the dog walkers as voters and and people who will raise a stink against any government person who wishes to enforce the leash law you'll see what the problem is.
BTW, The other day my friend Peter, a long time dog owner, said that he no longer lets his dog run wild on the beach after I explained the issue a few years ago.
On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 10:04:03 AM PST, Andrew R <reckersandrew...> wrote:
We could definitely use more signs and fencing. The fencing, apart from the small chain link gate, is symbolic cable. In many places it simply rests on the sand.
One issue I have with the signs is comprehensibility. The sign on the fence itself, pictured below, says "Pets must be leashed all year except May 15 to July 1." The other, larger interpretive sign about 10 ft away (not pictured, behind me when I took the photo) explains the snowy plover situation, but then says something along the lines of "Snowy Plover season is from July 1 to May 15, and pets must be leashed during this time"
Perhaps it is my own denseness, but I found it tricky to immediately grasp which dates were allowed and which were not, due to the two different phrasings the signs use. If we must give dog owners 6 weeks of leash free time, it seems best to make it abundantly clear with the same phrasing repeated multiple times.
Of course, MUCH more clear would be signs simply saying dogs must be on leash in this area. Then you don't have to read the sentences thrice to determine if you happen to be in the 6 week grace period or not.
On Wed, Feb 10, 2021 at 9:34 AM Siobhan Ruck <ms.siobhan.ruck...><mailto:<ms.siobhan.ruck...>> wrote: During a previous debate over dogs in the parks, I wrote a Letter to the Editor (which the Chronicle published) saying simply: Wild animals are not dog toys.
I agree with Chrisand Lorelei. I have a friend who complained on her blog about the birds on Ocean Beach not allowing her dogs to have any fun for 9 months of the year. She thought the birds should just go elsewhere. After I explained things to her, she said "I didn't know". So the answer is education, one on one. We have to be willing to engage. It is hard to do when the reaction is negative. I haven't been to Crissy Field in a while. Are there signs? Many places use signs painted by children. Is the fencing just that symbolic cable? Maybe we need to give Jackie Speier a hands-on.
Laurie Graham South San Francisco
On Tue, Feb 9, 2021, 18:57 Chrisand Lorelei <chrisandlorelei...><mailto:<chrisandlorelei...>> wrote: I've had bad experiences with dog people, and think the most successful attempts have been to say that THESE birds are migrating birds, and if they get chased, they'll starve. Dog people don't mean to be cruel: they just know it's natural for dogs to chase birds. And they don't know more, and don't like to get scolded and threatened with not being able to take their dogs out for necessary excercise. Some, when they hear about birds trying to migrate and survive, do get a clue, and understand that letting their dogs run should not include letting them chase birds. Rules only work when people understand that the rules make sense. Best wishes for explaining, maybe one person at a time.
The dog lobby is so well organized and well funded (including Jackie Speier who was able to threaten GGNRA funding) that they are able to drive the ‘rules’, —and then break whatever very weak rules exist. Pat Greene
Date: 2/10/21 11:10 am From: Alan Hopkins <alanhopkins...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] 4 snowy plovers + dogs
Okay my two cents: I have been dealing with this issue since the 90s. To be quite frank the officials don't want to deal with the issue because they are terrified of a very strong pet lobby. This was escalated when Richard Avenzino was president of the SF SPCA, think of Trump and you will get a very good comparison to Avenzino. At one of many meetings I went to Avenzino spoke to a group of mostly off leash folks and I guess he felt like he could speak his mind. What he said was full of the lexicon of the Wise Use Movement, he implied that big government was taking over and sounded as though black helicopters were about to swoop down on dog owners and their rights were being stolen. He is gone but a lot of his thoughts are still adhered to by dog walkers. "This is a City and threatened and endangered species don't belong here" is a common theme. Next time you are out look at all the dog walkers as voters and and people who will raise a stink against any government person who wishes to enforce the leash law you'll see what the problem is.
BTW, The other day my friend Peter, a long time dog owner, said that he no longer lets his dog run wild on the beach after I explained the issue a few years ago.
Alan S. HopkinsSan Francisco, CALink to art website
On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 10:04:03 AM PST, Andrew R <reckersandrew...> wrote:
We could definitely use more signs and fencing. The fencing, apart from the small chain link gate, is symbolic cable. In many places it simply rests on the sand.
One issue I have with the signs is comprehensibility. The sign on the fence itself, pictured below, says "Pets must be leashed all year except May 15 to July 1." The other, larger interpretive sign about 10 ft away (not pictured, behind me when I took the photo) explains the snowy plover situation, but then says something along the lines of "Snowy Plover season is from July 1 to May 15, and pets must be leashed during this time"
Perhaps it is my own denseness, but I found it tricky to immediately grasp which dates were allowed and which were not, due to the two different phrasings the signs use. If we must give dog owners 6 weeks of leash free time, it seems best to make it abundantly clear with the same phrasing repeated multiple times.
Of course, MUCH more clear would be signs simply saying dogs must be on leash in this area. Then you don't have to read the sentences thrice to determine if you happen to be in the 6 week grace period or not.
On Wed, Feb 10, 2021 at 9:34 AM Siobhan Ruck <ms.siobhan.ruck...> wrote:
During a previous debate over dogs in the parks, I wrote a Letter to the Editor (which the Chronicle published) saying simply: Wild animals are not dog toys.
That’s the message we need to convey.
Siobhan Ruck
On Feb 10, 2021, at 8:52 AM, <greylag64...> wrote:
I agree with Chrisand Lorelei. I have a friend who complained on her blog about the birds on Ocean Beach not allowing her dogs to have any fun for 9 months of the year. She thought the birds should just go elsewhere.After I explained things to her, she said "I didn't know".So the answer is education, one on one. We have to be willing to engage. It is hard to do when the reaction is negative.I haven't been to Crissy Field in a while. Are there signs? Many places use signs painted by children. Is the fencing just that symbolic cable? Maybe we need to give Jackie Speier a hands-on.
Laurie Graham South San Francisco
On Tue, Feb 9, 2021, 18:57 Chrisand Lorelei <chrisandlorelei...> wrote:
I've had bad experiences with dog people, and think the most successful attempts have been to say that THESE birds are migrating birds, and if they get chased, they'll starve. Dog people don't mean to be cruel: they just know it's natural for dogs to chase birds. And they don't know more, and don't like to get scolded and threatened with not being able to take their dogs out for necessary excercise. Some, when they hear about birds trying to migrate and survive, do get a clue, and understand that letting their dogs run should not include letting them chase birds. Rules only work when people understand that the rules make sense. Best wishes for explaining, maybe one person at a time.
From: <SFBirds...> <SFBirds...> on behalf of Pat Greene <pjgreene...>
Sent: Saturday, February 6, 2021 12:59 PM
To: SF Birds <SFBirds...>
Cc: Joel Perlstein <joelperl...>; Dominik Mosur <polskatata...>; Dario Taraborelli <dario.taraborelli...>; <margstan...> <margstan...>
Subject: Re: [SFBirds] 4 snowy plovers The dog lobby is so well organized and well funded (including Jackie Speier who was able to threaten GGNRA funding) that they are able to drive the ‘rules’, —and then break whatever very weak rules exist.
Pat Greene
> On Feb 6, 2021, at 9:11 AM, Dominik Mosur via groups.io <polskatata...> wrote:
>
> SFBirders have been wondering the same for a couple of decades now.
>
>
>> On Feb 6, 2021, at 08:57, Dario Taraborelli <dario.taraborelli...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> I’d love to know too. Every time I walk through the protected area on a sunny day I see 4-5 unleashed dogs on average. I politely tell their owners, and most reluctantly comply, but that lasts 15 minutes max.
>>
>>> On Feb 5, 2021, at 21:55, Joel Perlstein <joelperl...> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks for the info. I went on Thursday and saw two snowy plovers and many unleashed dogs.
>>>
>>> I asked one of the dog owners to leash their dog, but they did not do so.
>>>
>>>
>>> Is there anything we can do to get the National Park Service to enforce its dog rules in the snowy plover protection areas, or to get them to just prohibit dogs in those areas?
>>> --
>>> Joel Perlstein
>>> San Francisco
>>>
>
Date: 2/10/21 10:04 am From: Andrew R <reckersandrew...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] 4 snowy plovers + dogs
We could definitely use more signs and fencing. The fencing, apart from the
small chain link gate, is symbolic cable. In many places it simply rests on
the sand.
One issue I have with the signs is comprehensibility. The sign on the fence
itself, pictured below, says "Pets must be leashed all year except May 15
to July 1." The other, larger interpretive sign about 10 ft away (not
pictured, behind me when I took the photo) explains the snowy plover
situation, but then says something along the lines of "Snowy Plover season
is from July 1 to May 15, and pets must be leashed during this time"
Perhaps it is my own denseness, but I found it tricky to immediately grasp
which dates were allowed and which were not, due to the two different
phrasings the signs use. If we must give dog owners 6 weeks of leash free
time, it seems best to make it abundantly clear with the same phrasing
repeated multiple times.
Of course, MUCH more clear would be signs simply saying dogs must be on
leash in this area. Then you don't have to read the sentences thrice to
determine if you happen to be in the 6 week grace period or not.
On Wed, Feb 10, 2021 at 9:34 AM Siobhan Ruck <ms.siobhan.ruck...>
wrote:
> During a previous debate over dogs in the parks, I wrote a Letter to the
> Editor (which the Chronicle published) saying simply: *Wild animals are
> not dog toys. *
>
> That’s the message we need to convey.
>
> Siobhan Ruck
>
> On Feb 10, 2021, at 8:52 AM, <greylag64...> wrote:
>
> I agree with Chrisand Lorelei. I have a friend who complained on her blog
> about the birds on Ocean Beach not allowing her dogs to have any fun for 9
> months of the year. She thought the birds should just go elsewhere.
> After I explained things to her, she said "I didn't know".
> So the answer is education, one on one. We have to be willing to engage.
> It is hard to do when the reaction is negative.
> I haven't been to Crissy Field in a while. Are there signs? Many places
> use signs painted by children. Is the fencing just that symbolic cable?
> Maybe we need to give Jackie Speier a hands-on.
>
> Laurie Graham
> South San Francisco
>
> On Tue, Feb 9, 2021, 18:57 Chrisand Lorelei <chrisandlorelei...>
> wrote:
>
>> I've had bad experiences with dog people, and think the most successful
>> attempts have been to say that THESE birds are migrating birds, and if they
>> get chased, they'll starve. Dog people don't mean to be cruel: they just
>> know it's natural for dogs to chase birds. And they don't know more, and
>> don't like to get scolded and threatened with not being able to take their
>> dogs out for necessary excercise. Some, when they hear about birds trying
>> to migrate and survive, do get a clue, and understand that letting their
>> dogs run should not include letting them chase birds. Rules only work when
>> people understand that the rules make sense. Best wishes for explaining,
>> maybe one person at a time.
>>
>> ------------------------------
>> *From:* <SFBirds...> <SFBirds...> on behalf of Pat Greene <
>> <pjgreene...>
>> *Sent:* Saturday, February 6, 2021 12:59 PM
>> *To:* SF Birds <SFBirds...>
>> *Cc:* Joel Perlstein <joelperl...>; Dominik Mosur <
>> <polskatata...>; Dario Taraborelli <dario.taraborelli...>;
>> <margstan...> <margstan...>
>> *Subject:* Re: [SFBirds] 4 snowy plovers
>>
>> The dog lobby is so well organized and well funded (including Jackie
>> Speier who was able to threaten GGNRA funding) that they are able to drive
>> the ‘rules’, —and then break whatever very weak rules exist.
>> Pat Greene
>>
>>
>> > On Feb 6, 2021, at 9:11 AM, Dominik Mosur via groups.io <polskatata=
>> <yahoo.com...> wrote:
>> >
>> > SFBirders have been wondering the same for a couple of decades now.
>> >
>> >
>> >> On Feb 6, 2021, at 08:57, Dario Taraborelli <
>> <dario.taraborelli...> wrote:
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> I’d love to know too. Every time I walk through the protected area on
>> a sunny day I see 4-5 unleashed dogs on average. I politely tell their
>> owners, and most reluctantly comply, but that lasts 15 minutes max.
>> >>
>> >>> On Feb 5, 2021, at 21:55, Joel Perlstein <joelperl...>
>> wrote:
>> >>>
>> >>>
>> >>> Thanks for the info. I went on Thursday and saw two snowy plovers and
>> many unleashed dogs.
>> >>>
>> >>> I asked one of the dog owners to leash their dog, but they did not do
>> so.
>> >>>
>> >>>
>> >>> Is there anything we can do to get the National Park Service to
>> enforce its dog rules in the snowy plover protection areas, or to get them
>> to just prohibit dogs in those areas?
>> >>> --
>> >>> Joel Perlstein
>> >>> San Francisco
>> >>>
>> >
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
During a previous debate over dogs in the parks, I wrote a Letter to the Editor (which the Chronicle published) saying simply: Wild animals are not dog toys.
That’s the message we need to convey.
Siobhan Ruck
> On Feb 10, 2021, at 8:52 AM, <greylag64...> wrote:
>
> I agree with Chrisand Lorelei. I have a friend who complained on her blog about the birds on Ocean Beach not allowing her dogs to have any fun for 9 months of the year. She thought the birds should just go elsewhere.
> After I explained things to her, she said "I didn't know".
> So the answer is education, one on one. We have to be willing to engage. It is hard to do when the reaction is negative.
> I haven't been to Crissy Field in a while. Are there signs? Many places use signs painted by children. Is the fencing just that symbolic cable?
> Maybe we need to give Jackie Speier a hands-on.
>
> Laurie Graham
> South San Francisco
>
> On Tue, Feb 9, 2021, 18:57 Chrisand Lorelei <chrisandlorelei...> <mailto:<chrisandlorelei...>> wrote:
> I've had bad experiences with dog people, and think the most successful attempts have been to say that THESE birds are migrating birds, and if they get chased, they'll starve. Dog people don't mean to be cruel: they just know it's natural for dogs to chase birds. And they don't know more, and don't like to get scolded and threatened with not being able to take their dogs out for necessary excercise. Some, when they hear about birds trying to migrate and survive, do get a clue, and understand that letting their dogs run should not include letting them chase birds. Rules only work when people understand that the rules make sense. Best wishes for explaining, maybe one person at a time.
>
> From: <SFBirds...> <mailto:<SFBirds...> <SFBirds...> <mailto:<SFBirds...>> on behalf of Pat Greene <pjgreene...> <mailto:<pjgreene...>> > Sent: Saturday, February 6, 2021 12:59 PM
> To: SF Birds <SFBirds...> <mailto:<SFBirds...>> > Cc: Joel Perlstein <joelperl...> <mailto:<joelperl...>>; Dominik Mosur <polskatata...> <mailto:<polskatata...>>; Dario Taraborelli <dario.taraborelli...> <mailto:<dario.taraborelli...>>; <margstan...> <mailto:<margstan...> <margstan...> <mailto:<margstan...>> > Subject: Re: [SFBirds] 4 snowy plovers
>
> The dog lobby is so well organized and well funded (including Jackie Speier who was able to threaten GGNRA funding) that they are able to drive the ‘rules’, —and then break whatever very weak rules exist.
> Pat Greene
>
>
> > On Feb 6, 2021, at 9:11 AM, Dominik Mosur via groups.io <http://groups.io/> <polskatata...> <mailto:<yahoo.com...>> wrote:
> >
> > SFBirders have been wondering the same for a couple of decades now.
> >
> >
> >> On Feb 6, 2021, at 08:57, Dario Taraborelli <dario.taraborelli...> <mailto:<dario.taraborelli...>> wrote:
> >>
> >>
> >> I’d love to know too. Every time I walk through the protected area on a sunny day I see 4-5 unleashed dogs on average. I politely tell their owners, and most reluctantly comply, but that lasts 15 minutes max.
> >>
> >>> On Feb 5, 2021, at 21:55, Joel Perlstein <joelperl...> <mailto:<joelperl...>> wrote:
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Thanks for the info. I went on Thursday and saw two snowy plovers and many unleashed dogs.
> >>>
> >>> I asked one of the dog owners to leash their dog, but they did not do so.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Is there anything we can do to get the National Park Service to enforce its dog rules in the snowy plover protection areas, or to get them to just prohibit dogs in those areas?
> >>> --
> >>> Joel Perlstein
> >>> San Francisco
> >>>
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
I agree with Chrisand Lorelei. I have a friend who complained on her blog
about the birds on Ocean Beach not allowing her dogs to have any fun for 9
months of the year. She thought the birds should just go elsewhere.
After I explained things to her, she said "I didn't know".
So the answer is education, one on one. We have to be willing to engage. It
is hard to do when the reaction is negative.
I haven't been to Crissy Field in a while. Are there signs? Many places use
signs painted by children. Is the fencing just that symbolic cable?
Maybe we need to give Jackie Speier a hands-on.
Laurie Graham
South San Francisco
On Tue, Feb 9, 2021, 18:57 Chrisand Lorelei <chrisandlorelei...>
wrote:
> I've had bad experiences with dog people, and think the most successful
> attempts have been to say that THESE birds are migrating birds, and if they
> get chased, they'll starve. Dog people don't mean to be cruel: they just
> know it's natural for dogs to chase birds. And they don't know more, and
> don't like to get scolded and threatened with not being able to take their
> dogs out for necessary excercise. Some, when they hear about birds trying
> to migrate and survive, do get a clue, and understand that letting their
> dogs run should not include letting them chase birds. Rules only work when
> people understand that the rules make sense. Best wishes for explaining,
> maybe one person at a time.
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* <SFBirds...> <SFBirds...> on behalf of Pat Greene <
> <pjgreene...>
> *Sent:* Saturday, February 6, 2021 12:59 PM
> *To:* SF Birds <SFBirds...>
> *Cc:* Joel Perlstein <joelperl...>; Dominik Mosur <
> <polskatata...>; Dario Taraborelli <dario.taraborelli...>;
> <margstan...> <margstan...>
> *Subject:* Re: [SFBirds] 4 snowy plovers
>
> The dog lobby is so well organized and well funded (including Jackie
> Speier who was able to threaten GGNRA funding) that they are able to drive
> the ‘rules’, —and then break whatever very weak rules exist.
> Pat Greene
>
>
> > On Feb 6, 2021, at 9:11 AM, Dominik Mosur via groups.io <polskatata=
> <yahoo.com...> wrote:
> >
> > SFBirders have been wondering the same for a couple of decades now.
> >
> >
> >> On Feb 6, 2021, at 08:57, Dario Taraborelli <
> <dario.taraborelli...> wrote:
> >>
> >>
> >> I’d love to know too. Every time I walk through the protected area on a
> sunny day I see 4-5 unleashed dogs on average. I politely tell their
> owners, and most reluctantly comply, but that lasts 15 minutes max.
> >>
> >>> On Feb 5, 2021, at 21:55, Joel Perlstein <joelperl...>
> wrote:
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Thanks for the info. I went on Thursday and saw two snowy plovers and
> many unleashed dogs.
> >>>
> >>> I asked one of the dog owners to leash their dog, but they did not do
> so.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Is there anything we can do to get the National Park Service to
> enforce its dog rules in the snowy plover protection areas, or to get them
> to just prohibit dogs in those areas?
> >>> --
> >>> Joel Perlstein
> >>> San Francisco
> >>>
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
I've had bad experiences with dog people, and think the most successful attempts have been to say that THESE birds are migrating birds, and if they get chased, they'll starve. Dog people don't mean to be cruel: they just know it's natural for dogs to chase birds. And they don't know more, and don't like to get scolded and threatened with not being able to take their dogs out for necessary excercise. Some, when they hear about birds trying to migrate and survive, do get a clue, and understand that letting their dogs run should not include letting them chase birds. Rules only work when people understand that the rules make sense. Best wishes for explaining, maybe one person at a time.
________________________________
From: <SFBirds...> <SFBirds...> on behalf of Pat Greene <pjgreene...>
Sent: Saturday, February 6, 2021 12:59 PM
To: SF Birds <SFBirds...>
Cc: Joel Perlstein <joelperl...>; Dominik Mosur <polskatata...>; Dario Taraborelli <dario.taraborelli...>; <margstan...> <margstan...>
Subject: Re: [SFBirds] 4 snowy plovers
The dog lobby is so well organized and well funded (including Jackie Speier who was able to threaten GGNRA funding) that they are able to drive the ‘rules’, —and then break whatever very weak rules exist.
Pat Greene
> On Feb 6, 2021, at 9:11 AM, Dominik Mosur via groups.io <polskatata...> wrote:
>
> SFBirders have been wondering the same for a couple of decades now.
>
>
>> On Feb 6, 2021, at 08:57, Dario Taraborelli <dario.taraborelli...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> I’d love to know too. Every time I walk through the protected area on a sunny day I see 4-5 unleashed dogs on average. I politely tell their owners, and most reluctantly comply, but that lasts 15 minutes max.
>>
>>> On Feb 5, 2021, at 21:55, Joel Perlstein <joelperl...> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks for the info. I went on Thursday and saw two snowy plovers and many unleashed dogs.
>>>
>>> I asked one of the dog owners to leash their dog, but they did not do so.
>>>
>>>
>>> Is there anything we can do to get the National Park Service to enforce its dog rules in the snowy plover protection areas, or to get them to just prohibit dogs in those areas?
>>> --
>>> Joel Perlstein
>>> San Francisco
>>>
>
This month's Monthly Meeting program combines human history and natural history: The Remarkable Story of Sam McDonald with Katherine Wright, San Mateo County Parks Ranger. In honor of Black History Month, Ranger Wright will share the story of Sam McDonald, the child of parents freed from enslavement, who rose to prominence at Stanford, then left his large estate for the betterment of San Mateo County youth. Join us to learn more about McDonald's remarkable achievements!
*Thurs. Feb 11* , register here: http://www.sequoia-audubon.org/meetings.html ( http://www.sequoia-audubon.org/meetings.html?fbclid=IwAR3BwCVEkZ1YtfcMTiX0Xldp-FAkp9SlMkzaVbrKBad4OAwiSkIlVTnEEiA )
After an 0-4 rarity search at Lake Merced, I went to the Sutro Baths, where the surf had finally returned to normal after weeks of monster waves. The species count continued to be less varied than usual, still no murrelets at all, but there was a flock of about 10 Brant on the water way out toward the northwest, and a female White-winged Scoter flew from the south quite close and into the mouth of the Gate. It's fascinating that we've lost our traditional wintering flock of White-wingeds, but have gained many more flybyes than used to occur. Brian Fitch
Kittiwake returned to its spot at the end of the dock right next to the boat house, Lake Merced.
On February 7, 2021 2:50:27 PM PST, Nico Stuurman <nico...> wrote:
>Animal control person just tried to safe the injured Kittiwake, but was
>healthy enoght to fly away, and landed with the gull flock in the
>middle of the lake.
>
>Happy birding!
>
>Nico
>
>On February 7, 2021 11:52:24 AM PST, Dominik Mosur
><dominikmosur...> wrote:
>>Forwarding for John Perry,
>>Begin forwarded
>>>>>
>>>>> I’m looking at a black footed kittiwake on the dock near the
>>boathouse on Lake Merced. Can you get word out to the local burgers in
>>the city? It looks like the bird is wounded and it’s breast. I’m right
>>here now best viewed from the fishing dock.
>>>>> John
>>>>>
>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>
>>
>
>--
>Nico Stuurman
>
>
>
Animal control person just tried to safe the injured Kittiwake, but was healthy enoght to fly away, and landed with the gull flock in the middle of the lake.
Happy birding!
Nico
On February 7, 2021 11:52:24 AM PST, Dominik Mosur <dominikmosur...> wrote:
>Forwarding for John Perry,
>Begin forwarded
>>>>
>>>> I’m looking at a black footed kittiwake on the dock near the
>boathouse on Lake Merced. Can you get word out to the local burgers in
>the city? It looks like the bird is wounded and it’s breast. I’m right
>here now best viewed from the fishing dock.
>>>> John
>>>>
>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>
>
>
Forwarding for John Perry,
Begin forwarded
>>>
>>> I’m looking at a black footed kittiwake on the dock near the boathouse on Lake Merced. Can you get word out to the local burgers in the city? It looks like the bird is wounded and it’s breast. I’m right here now best viewed from the fishing dock.
>>> John
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2/7/21 9:16 am From: Brandy Deminna Ford <brandydford...> Subject: [SFBirds] 50 Cedar Waxwing
I just saw about 50 Cedar Waxwing at Lake and 23rd feeding on toyon berries and preening on a nearby pine. I have never seen so many here before and wonder if Lake being closed to cars has anything to do with it. A nice morning treat.
Has anyone looked into litigation to enforce the Endangered Species Act? You might find a law firm willing to take this on pro bono, or one of the conservation organizations.
San Franciscans are, generally speaking, backers of environmentally responsible behavior and policy. But when dogs get put into the mix, all that goes out the door. Whiners and hypocrites.
Tracy FarringtonWalnut Creek
On Saturday, February 6, 2021, 04:58:33 PM PST, mbzlat via groups.io <mbzlat...> wrote:
In San Francisco, domestic dog privilege supersedes National Park values. Environmental advocates have been trying to eradicate this bias for many years. It's a systemic problem...very frustrating.
I agree , very frustrating. Once, while at Crissy Field birding, a lady’s
dog jumped inside my car. The dog was not a leash. The lady’s response
was “ Don’t worry, he’s a good dog” Arrrgh!
On Sat, Feb 6, 2021 at 4:58 PM mbzlat via groups.io <mbzlat=
<yahoo.com...> wrote:
> In San Francisco, domestic dog privilege supersedes National Park values.
> Environmental advocates have been trying to eradicate this bias for many
> years. It's a systemic problem...very frustrating.
>
> Matt Zlatunich
>
>
>
In San Francisco, domestic dog privilege supersedes National Park values. Environmental advocates have been trying to eradicate this bias for many years. It's a systemic problem...very frustrating.
Post planting party we birded Pier 94 in sunny, beautiful weather and were rewarded with some good birds.
AMERICAN PIPIT was strutting, foraging south side of the quite full Hansen pond. Likely the same bird as has been wintering at Heron's Head.
RED-NECKED GREBE was diving at the mouth of Islais Creek.
LINCOLN SPARROW, first we've seen in a while at this location.
There were a high number of Pelagic Cormorants moving about, showing full to partial white patches in their flanks now.
Anna's Humming birds are displaying, more than in recent visits.
Nuttall's White-crowned sparrows are singing it up too.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S80543852
The dog lobby is so well organized and well funded (including Jackie Speier who was able to threaten GGNRA funding) that they are able to drive the ‘rules’, —and then break whatever very weak rules exist.
Pat Greene
> On Feb 6, 2021, at 9:11 AM, Dominik Mosur via groups.io <polskatata...> wrote:
>
> SFBirders have been wondering the same for a couple of decades now.
>
>
>> On Feb 6, 2021, at 08:57, Dario Taraborelli <dario.taraborelli...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> I’d love to know too. Every time I walk through the protected area on a sunny day I see 4-5 unleashed dogs on average. I politely tell their owners, and most reluctantly comply, but that lasts 15 minutes max.
>>
>>> On Feb 5, 2021, at 21:55, Joel Perlstein <joelperl...> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks for the info. I went on Thursday and saw two snowy plovers and many unleashed dogs.
>>>
>>> I asked one of the dog owners to leash their dog, but they did not do so.
>>>
>>>
>>> Is there anything we can do to get the National Park Service to enforce its dog rules in the snowy plover protection areas, or to get them to just prohibit dogs in those areas?
>>> --
>>> Joel Perlstein
>>> San Francisco
>>>
>
Date: 2/6/21 11:23 am From: Stan Zeavin <margstan...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] 4 snowy plovers
To All SF who care about snpl -
Just like you, we in Pacifica have been begging for years for the leash law to be enforced. Under an old agreement with the state parks, Pacifica manages Pacifica State Beach. With the approval of the CCC for Pacifica to collect parking fees we had hoped that the money collected would be used exclusively for rangers on the beach as promised. Rangers were discouraged from issuing citations for off-leash violations. As volunteers we were supposed to telephone the police who might show up if nothing else more important was happening, but usually long after the offending owner had left the beach. Hired as "Rangers" ours are ranger in name only, being used by DPW for all sorts of maintenance all over town including emptying garbage cans on San Franicsco's golf berm. Plovers are seen as an inconvenience to the city which is counting on tourist income to fund us. In fact, the tourists are reasonably compliant with signage. It's the locals who disregard the law. It's the old system of no consequences leading to more violations.
Meanwhile we count and report off-leash owners to the city without effect.
Our sympathy,
Margaret Goodale
On Friday, February 5, 2021, 09:55:50 PM PST, Joel Perlstein <joelperl...> wrote:
Thanks for the info. I went on Thursday and saw two snowy plovers and many unleashed dogs.
I asked one of the dog owners to leash their dog, but they did not do so.
Is there anything we can do to get the National Park Service to enforce its dog rules in the snowy plover protection areas, or to get them to just prohibit dogs in those areas?
--
Joel Perlstein
San Francisco
Date: 2/6/21 9:11 am From: Dominik Mosur via groups.io <polskatata...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] 4 snowy plovers
SFBirders have been wondering the same for a couple of decades now.
> On Feb 6, 2021, at 08:57, Dario Taraborelli <dario.taraborelli...> wrote:
>
>
> I’d love to know too. Every time I walk through the protected area on a sunny day I see 4-5 unleashed dogs on average. I politely tell their owners, and most reluctantly comply, but that lasts 15 minutes max.
>
>>> On Feb 5, 2021, at 21:55, Joel Perlstein <joelperl...> wrote:
>>>
>>
>> Thanks for the info. I went on Thursday and saw two snowy plovers and many unleashed dogs.
>>
>> I asked one of the dog owners to leash their dog, but they did not do so.
>>
>>
>> Is there anything we can do to get the National Park Service to enforce its dog rules in the snowy plover protection areas, or to get them to just prohibit dogs in those areas?
>> --
>> Joel Perlstein
>> San Francisco
>>
>
I’d love to know too. Every time I walk through the protected area on a sunny day I see 4-5 unleashed dogs on average. I politely tell their owners, and most reluctantly comply, but that lasts 15 minutes max.
> On Feb 5, 2021, at 21:55, Joel Perlstein <joelperl...> wrote:
>
>
> Thanks for the info. I went on Thursday and saw two snowy plovers and many unleashed dogs.
>
> I asked one of the dog owners to leash their dog, but they did not do so.
>
>
> Is there anything we can do to get the National Park Service to enforce its dog rules in the snowy plover protection areas, or to get them to just prohibit dogs in those areas?
> --
> Joel Perlstein
> San Francisco
>
>
Thanks for the info. I went on Thursday and saw two snowy plovers and many unleashed dogs.
I asked one of the dog owners to leash their dog, but they did not do so.
Is there anything we can do to get the National Park Service to enforce its dog rules in the snowy plover protection areas, or to get them to just prohibit dogs in those areas?
--
Joel Perlstein
San Francisco
Date: 2/5/21 6:58 pm From: Rachel Lawrence <Rachelalawrence...> Subject: [SFBirds] Least bittern Lake Merced
I was at concrete bridge just now watching ducks and Ardeids at sunset. At 6pm in the half light a tiny Ardeid flew from the south of the concrete bridge to the south west shore of the south pond and was lost in the gloom. The striking thing was the very rapid wing beats, very small size, dark back with a light lateral stripe each side and bright buffy wing coverts contrasting with darker flight feathers. It had yellow legs and feet extending behind the tail. The overall impression was a very patterned upper body and wings in flight compared to the overall dark green heron. It also appeared smaller than a green heron and faster wing beat. Hoping someone else will catch it ! Rachel
This morning at about 9:30 there was a White-tailed Kite perched in a Cypress behind the buildings at Fort Funston. Alan S. HopkinsSan Francisco, CALink to art website
Date: 2/3/21 4:18 pm From: Emily Furnival <emilybethfurnival...> Subject: [SFBirds] What kind of hawk?
Hi! I was leading my elementary school class in GGP today (by Lloyd Lake) when a large hawk landed on the hill a few feet away from a gardner. He had a dark grey face and exceptionally puffy leg feathers (on of my kids said "I like your pants Mr. Hawk"). He's probably a common hawk, but I'd love to know what type!
Date: 2/3/21 3:26 pm From: Alvaro Jaramillo <chucao...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Fort Mason this morning - Northern Red Bishop, Bullock's Oriole, etc.
David
I was first going to say that likely in that plumage one cannot separate from other similar bishops. But those really long uppertail coverts extending past the tail should seal the deal as a Northern Red Bishop. That is in addition to incoming black bits, and “orange” bits. The bird looks a bit more orange than is typical, that may be due to poor food sources not allowing it to gather enough carotenoid pigments? In any case, a good learning experience for me regarding the usefulness of uppertail covert length in the ID.
From: <SFBirds...> <SFBirds...> On Behalf Of David Assmann via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, February 3, 2021 1:32 PM
To: <SFBirds...>
Subject: [SFBirds] Fort Mason this morning - Northern Red Bishop, Bullock's Oriole, etc.
The Community Garden at Fort Mason was quite active this morning. I got good looks at the continuing BULLOCK'S ORIOLE. A NASHVILLE WARBLER showed itself on the west side several times. Six BAND-TAILED PIGEONS flew low over the garden. The big surprise, however, was a male NORTHERN RED BISHOP at the feeder in the middle of the garden.
Date: 2/3/21 1:32 pm From: David Assmann via groups.io <david_assmann...> Subject: [SFBirds] Fort Mason this morning - Northern Red Bishop, Bullock's Oriole, etc.
The Community Garden at Fort Mason was quite active this morning. I got good looks at the continuing BULLOCK'S ORIOLE. A NASHVILLE WARBLER showed itself on the west side several times. Six BAND-TAILED PIGEONS flew low over the garden. The big surprise, however, was a male NORTHERN RED BISHOP at the feeder in the middle of the garden.
Date: 2/2/21 5:15 pm From: bob stevenson <bobbytartan...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Birds at waterfall
Very awesome!
On Mon, Feb 01, 2021 at 6:50 PM, spw49 < <spw49...> > wrote:
>
>
>
> That is the most fantastic video I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing!
> Sally Whitehead
>
>
>
>
> On Monday, February 1, 2021 Mila Zinkova < Milazinkova@ gmail. com (
> <Milazinkova...> ) > wrote:
>
> Today at the waterfall at Stow Lake
> https:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=2_Qr9TFqoGM (
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_Qr9TFqoGM )
>
>
>
>
While enjoying the Tropical Kingbird at South Lake this morning, Stephen (sp?) and I spotted a Yellow Rumped Warbler with a highly enlarged upper mandible that made it look like a finch bill. I am not sure whether this was external material stuck on the bill (the bird was sooty as well), or that it is a genetic variation (in which case it would be quite interesting that this bird made it almost into the next season already). Curious to learn mode. One photo attached, more in my ebird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S80320577
Date: 2/2/21 12:35 am From: Mila Zinkova <Milazinkova...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Birds at waterfall
Thank you!
> On Feb 1, 2021, at 6:50 PM, <spw49...> wrote:
>
>
> That is the most fantastic video I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing!
> Sally Whitehead
>
>
>
> On Monday, February 1, 2021 Mila Zinkova <Milazinkova...> wrote:
>
> Today at the waterfall at Stow Lake
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_Qr9TFqoGM >
>
Date: 2/1/21 6:50 pm From: spw49 via groups.io <spw49...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Birds at waterfall
That is the most fantastic video I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing! Sally Whitehead On Monday, February 1, 2021 Mila Zinkova <Milazinkova...> wrote: Today at the waterfall at Stow Lake https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_Qr9TFqoGM
Date: 2/1/21 3:00 pm From: Brian Fitch <fogeggs...> Subject: [SFBirds] R-n Grebe & T Kingbird
I spent quality time with a Red-necked Grebe at the Sutro Baths this morning. It was fishing not far from the terrace north of the baths for more than an hour of the time I spent seawatching.
At South Lake in GG Park, I ran into Bob Gunderson and we tried to find the Tropical Kingbird discovered recently by Danial Scali, but we weren't able to locate it. After moving on to North Lake, we met Randy Wardle (sp?), who had seen the bird earlier and cued us in on to where it had been lethargically hanging out while he watched it. We all went back to South Lake and immediately found the kingbird out flycatching along the south shore in good view.
Last week, on a neighborhood walk with my wife, we heard and then spotted a Bewick's Wren along Buena Vista Ave East, at the condo complex and then across the street in BV Park. I can't recall seeing the species in this park before. Last year's Yellow-bellied Sapsucker remains missing from any of his previous haunts. Brian Fitch
Date: 1/31/21 8:14 am From: Ralph McKinnon via groups.io <mckinnon_ralph...> Subject: [SFBirds] Collapse of insect populations
All,
I’m looking for recent surveys of entomological research related to the global decline of species favored by insectivorous birds. Any references you could suggest?
Thanks
Ralph McKinnon
Date: 1/30/21 6:14 pm From: David Armstrong via groups.io <darmstrong99...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] January miscellanea 2021
Hi Dom, SF Birders
Definitely great to see Western Bluebirds expand their range citywide. I remember how excited I was to get my city lifer during our 2005 Big Year, in the Presidio - and now they are all over the place. In fact I had my first ever in Glen Canyon Park this morning (2M, 2F on the ball field just adjacent to the trail at the top of the canyon).
Earlier this morning I stopped at the wooden bridge, N. Lake Merced, where I had great looks at a Sora, and calling Virginia Rail. The waterthrush was vocalizing at the fishing pier but didn't show itself.
I also briefly scoped the ocean from just south of the end of Sloat. There was a distant, odd-looking duck in the company of a raft of Black Scoters. It was overall blotchy brown with some white, riding lower in the water than the scoters, and slightly smaller in size with a more petite bill, and a short, pointed tail. First winter male Long-Tailed Duck? The face pattern wasn't really a match but I can't figure out what else it might have been. The light and the distance didn't allow a very clear look.
Date: 1/30/21 4:55 pm From: Alan Hopkins <alanhopkins...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] January miscellanea 2021
Meadowlarks have been regular in those places on CBCs for years.
Alan S. HopkinsSan Francisco, CALink to art website
On Saturday, January 30, 2021, 12:02:55 PM PST, Dominik Mosur <dominikmosur...> wrote:
A displaying ALLEN’S Hummingbird at Lake Merced on 1/19, was the first I’ve detected in the county this year.
This morning (1/29) two Great Blue Herons were busy building at the Lake Merced Mesa rookery. A peaceful spot to observe their activities can be accessed via paved (but steep) paths on the Northeast side of Lake Merced, at the junction of Lake Merced Blvd. and Winston Dr. (aka THE INTERSECTION)
Of great interest to me has been the presence of Western Meadowlarks wintering in West. golden Gate Park/bison paddock and along the dunes at Great Highway. This had not been the case in years past and I strongly suspect closure of great highway and “quieting” of certain streets in this part of the city may be playing a part in this.
Other good news is the continued expansion of Western Bluebird in San Francisco. Bluebirds were extirpated as a nesting species sometime in the mid 20th century development of the West side of the city. They returned to nest in the Presidio in the early 2000s as a response to restoration and subsequently have recolonized the city. In recent years bluebirds have fledged young in every corner of San Francisco: from Land’s end and the Presidio to Lake Merced, mCLaren Park, in golden Gate park and even small urban parks like Alta Plaza and similar. Of all these , the most interesting to me have been the Western Bluebirds nesting along busy Sunset Blvd for the past 3-4 years.
Get out there and find a pair in your neighborhood.
A displaying ALLEN’S Hummingbird at Lake Merced on 1/19, was the first I’ve detected in the county this year.
This morning (1/29) two Great Blue Herons were busy building at the Lake Merced Mesa rookery. A peaceful spot to observe their activities can be accessed via paved (but steep) paths on the Northeast side of Lake Merced, at the junction of Lake Merced Blvd. and Winston Dr. (aka THE INTERSECTION)
Of great interest to me has been the presence of Western Meadowlarks wintering in West. golden Gate Park/bison paddock and along the dunes at Great Highway. This had not been the case in years past and I strongly suspect closure of great highway and “quieting” of certain streets in this part of the city may be playing a part in this.
Other good news is the continued expansion of Western Bluebird in San Francisco. Bluebirds were extirpated as a nesting species sometime in the mid 20th century development of the West side of the city. They returned to nest in the Presidio in the early 2000s as a response to restoration and subsequently have recolonized the city. In recent years bluebirds have fledged young in every corner of San Francisco: from Land’s end and the Presidio to Lake Merced, mCLaren Park, in golden Gate park and even small urban parks like Alta Plaza and similar. Of all these , the most interesting to me have been the Western Bluebirds nesting along busy Sunset Blvd for the past 3-4 years.
Get out there and find a pair in your neighborhood.
Date: 1/29/21 9:34 pm From: Keith Dabney <Iralvn3...> Subject: [SFBirds] Male Surf Scoter Herons Head Park
Saw male out at tip of HH Park peninsula a few weeks ago, and twice since over near India Basin. Bright colors, easy to spot, but I can't ID the female yet. Yellowlegs at HH
Date: 1/29/21 11:21 am From: km6jlp via groups.io <km6jlp...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Union Square White-throated Sparrows
I had a chance to see one of the White Throated Sparrows in the trees on the Post St. side of the NE area of Union Square around 9:30 this morning. Thanks Russ for that report, that was cool bird to catch.
Date: 1/29/21 7:20 am From: World Shorebirds Day <shorebirdsday...> Subject: [SFBirds] Society for the protection of shorebirds
Hello All,
I hope it is fine to post this here.
Have you heard about the new community formed to work for the protection of shorebirds on a global scale? We are nothing short of ambition and passion when it comes to shorebird conservation and more study. The society is open for everyone from individuals to organisations. Please be invited to learn more about this community and join us ( https://www.shorebirdconservation.org/membership ). No membership fee yet. Please visit our website at https://www.shorebirdconservation.org ( https://www.shorebirdconservation.org%20 )
Date: 1/29/21 6:49 am From: Ken Moy <ken.moy62...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Sora in Stow Lake
I have not seen 2 soras but last week saw a single sora in the same location gathering nesting materials and hauling it towards the shoreline.
On Thu, Jan 28, 2021 at 9:04 PM Dario Taraborelli < <dario.taraborelli...> wrote:
> Despite the fact that all eBird checklists mention a single Sora at Stow > Lake, there are definitely two distinct birds in the NE corner of the lake > at the exact location mentioned by Kay, see another report here: > https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/68576994 > > I was lucky to see one of these birds in perfect light a couple of times: > https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/297786811 > https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/298433401 > > On Thu, Jan 28, 2021 at 7:04 PM Rick Prelinger <footage...> wrote: > >> >> We saw a Sora nearby there last week. I think there have been other >> sightings as well. >> >> Rick >> >> >> Rick Prelinger >> Prelinger Library & Archives, San Francisco >> <footage...> >> >> Professor, Film & Digital Media >> UC Santa Cruz >> <rick...> >> >> On Thu, Jan 28, 2021, 17:39 Kay Voyvodich <voyvodichkay...> wrote: >> >>> Walking around Stow Lake at approximately 4pm today and noticed an >>> unusual bird (for me). I believe it was a Sora. Location: The bird was in >>> the northeastern corner of the lake (above the Japanese Tea Garden) in and >>> around a large bush/tree whose branches hang into the water. This is a >>> screenshot from Google Maps to show you the exact location. Can someone >>> more expert than me confirm this sighting? Thank you. >>> >>> in and around a large bush/tree whose branches hang into the water. >> >> > >
Date: 1/28/21 9:04 pm From: Dario Taraborelli <dario.taraborelli...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Sora in Stow Lake
Despite the fact that all eBird checklists mention a single Sora at Stow Lake, there are definitely two distinct birds in the NE corner of the lake at the exact location mentioned by Kay, see another report here: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/68576994
On Thu, Jan 28, 2021 at 7:04 PM Rick Prelinger <footage...> wrote:
> > We saw a Sora nearby there last week. I think there have been other > sightings as well. > > Rick > > > Rick Prelinger > Prelinger Library & Archives, San Francisco > <footage...> > > Professor, Film & Digital Media > UC Santa Cruz > <rick...> > > On Thu, Jan 28, 2021, 17:39 Kay Voyvodich <voyvodichkay...> wrote: > >> Walking around Stow Lake at approximately 4pm today and noticed an >> unusual bird (for me). I believe it was a Sora. Location: The bird was in >> the northeastern corner of the lake (above the Japanese Tea Garden) in and >> around a large bush/tree whose branches hang into the water. This is a >> screenshot from Google Maps to show you the exact location. Can someone >> more expert than me confirm this sighting? Thank you. >> >> in and around a large bush/tree whose branches hang into the water. > > > >
Date: 1/28/21 7:04 pm From: Rick Prelinger <footage...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Sora in Stow Lake
We saw a Sora nearby there last week. I think there have been other sightings as well.
Rick
Rick Prelinger Prelinger Library & Archives, San Francisco <footage...>
Professor, Film & Digital Media UC Santa Cruz <rick...>
On Thu, Jan 28, 2021, 17:39 Kay Voyvodich <voyvodichkay...> wrote:
> Walking around Stow Lake at approximately 4pm today and noticed an unusual > bird (for me). I believe it was a Sora. Location: The bird was in the > northeastern corner of the lake (above the Japanese Tea Garden) in and > around a large bush/tree whose branches hang into the water. This is a > screenshot from Google Maps to show you the exact location. Can someone > more expert than me confirm this sighting? Thank you. > > in and around a large bush/tree whose branches hang into the water. > >
Date: 1/28/21 6:21 pm From: Joel Perlstein <joelperl...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Sora in Stow Lake
A few days ago I ran into the woman who is the head docent for the great blue herons that nest at Stow Lake.
She told me that she regularly sees 2 sora at the location you mentioned.
Date: 1/28/21 5:39 pm From: Kay Voyvodich <voyvodichkay...> Subject: [SFBirds] Sora in Stow Lake
Walking around Stow Lake at approximately 4pm today and noticed an unusual bird (for me). I believe it was a Sora. Location: The bird was in the northeastern corner of the lake (above the Japanese Tea Garden) in and around a large bush/tree whose branches hang into the water. This is a screenshot from Google Maps to show you the exact location. Can someone more expert than me confirm this sighting? Thank you.
in and around a large bush/tree whose branches hang into the water.
Over the past several months, Western Bluebirds have colonized this neighborhood in Bernal Heights around Coso Square (Coso and Precita). I was reminded of this just now when a male Western Bluebird peered directly into my office window (3rd floor), about five feet from me.
Aaron Maizlish
> On Jan 24, 2021, at 9:19 PM, Mike Carozza <mike.carozza...> wrote:
>
> I visited friends who live under Bernal Hill yesterday and had 3 great “Street Birds.”
>
> I had a WESTERN BLUEBIRD eating on a telephone pole over 24th and South Van Ness.
>
> A male AMERICAN KESTREL at Bernal Hill which seems pretty common in winter there. Presiding over a very small patch of steep unmowed grass.
>
> A SAY’S PHOEBE flycatching from a street tree on Precita St near Shotwell right in front of somebody’s bay window.
>
> Seeing these open space birds working within the city grid was just plain cool. Also, two pairs of RAVENS seemed to be bonding on the hill.
>
> Up north in the town of Sonoma today there was a huge female COOPER’S HAWK flying between giant Valley Oaks, boldly ca-ca-ca-ca’ing, and flaring the white flaps on her tail in flight and while landing. What an Animal!
>
> -MC
>
>
> --
> Mike Carozza
> 914-475-9355
>
Date: 1/26/21 9:54 am From: Dominik Mosur via groups.io <polskatata...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Fall Migration, late?
Daniel,
The cormorants are probably moving to follow the herring spawn that’s occurring in the bay. A group of 11 just flew over corona Hill about 20 minutes ago.
Dom
> On Jan 26, 2021, at 09:10, Daniel Scali <daniel.s.scali...> wrote:
>
> Hello hello,
>
> Amazing! At 8am about 100 double crested Cormorants flew in a few formations SE bound over our house near 25th and Geary. I’ve never seen large flocks over land before. About 10 minutes later had a lifer yard bird, American Goldfinch (actually 2 landed in our bare tree). It was the bold contrasting wing bar pattern that caught my attention and flight calls that confirmed it. Those calls, by the way, came from the 2 birds communicating in unison with other AMGOs also heading SE. There were about 20 Spinus sp. in 2 flocks, maybe all Americans but I would guess others might have interloped.
>
> So yeah, why are they all flying the wrong way??? Is winter finally here?
>
> Kidding about fall migration but wondering if the behavior is linked to approaching storms and or the freezing temps.
>
> Miss y’all,
> Dan Scali, sf
>
Date: 1/26/21 9:10 am From: Daniel Scali <daniel.s.scali...> Subject: [SFBirds] Fall Migration, late?
Hello hello,
Amazing! At 8am about 100 double crested Cormorants flew in a few
formations SE bound over our house near 25th and Geary. I’ve never seen
large flocks over land before. About 10 minutes later had a lifer yard
bird, American Goldfinch (actually 2 landed in our bare tree). It was the
bold contrasting wing bar pattern that caught my attention and flight calls
that confirmed it. Those calls, by the way, came from the 2 birds
communicating in unison with other AMGOs also heading SE. There were about
20 Spinus sp. in 2 flocks, maybe all Americans but I would guess others
might have interloped.
So yeah, why are they all flying the wrong way??? Is winter finally here?
Kidding about fall migration but wondering if the behavior is linked to
approaching storms and or the freezing temps.
Date: 1/25/21 1:43 am From: Mike Carozza <mike.carozza...> Subject: [SFBirds] City Birds: Kestrel, Bluebird, Say’s Phoebe
I visited friends who live under Bernal Hill yesterday and had 3 great
“Street Birds.”
I had a WESTERN BLUEBIRD eating on a telephone pole over 24th and South Van
Ness.
A male AMERICAN KESTREL at Bernal Hill which seems pretty common in winter
there. Presiding over a very small patch of steep unmowed grass.
A SAY’S PHOEBE flycatching from a street tree on Precita St near Shotwell
right in front of somebody’s bay window.
Seeing these open space birds working within the city grid was just plain
cool. Also, two pairs of RAVENS seemed to be bonding on the hill.
Up north in the town of Sonoma today there was a huge female COOPER’S HAWK
flying between giant Valley Oaks, boldly ca-ca-ca-ca’ing, and flaring the
white flaps on her tail in flight and while landing. What an Animal!
