Date: 7/13/25 5:06 pm From: Connor Christensen via groups.io <connor.r.christensen...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Summer Birding at Lake Almaden SCVBA Trip 7/13/25
We had a wonderful morning birding at Almaden Lake Park in San Jose. Our trip began from the Winfield Parking lot, where a Tree Swallow was visiting a nestbox to feed its young. Next, we scanned the rookery, which was full of young Snowy and Great Egrets waiting to be fed. The juvenile Black-crowned Night Herons were difficult to spot in the reeds, and there was also a Green Heron and a straggler juvenile Great-blue Heron skulking around the edges of the island.
The unexpected treat of this trip was the Scaly-breasted Munias who we watched flying back and forth carrying nesting material along the east side of the lake. After enjoying that, we made our way back down the Los Alamitos Creek, where we spotted Spotted Towhees, Warbling Vireos, and Ash-throated Flycatchers. With the help of everyone in the group, we put together a very impressive list, ending up with 47 species. Here is a link to the checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S259622422.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 7/12/25 8:14 am From: Brooke Miller via groups.io <brooke.bam...> Subject: [southbaybirds] JUNE Cumulative Bird Report for Santa Clara County
May revision: The Mountain Bluebird found at Smith Creek Fire Station on
2025-05-05 was first seen by Melissa Johnson, and then pointed out to
Melanie Barnett.
In June we added 3 new countable birds, bringing the total to 258 at the
end of the month. The average for June is 3 new birds, and an average of
256 at the end of the month. Thank you to everyone who birded, and took
the time to report birds either on SBB, eBird, or send emails directly to
me.
Here are the birds that were found in June:
1. Willow Flycatcher (4), 2025-06-02, found by TK Birder and Andy N at Ed
Levin County Park—Spring Valley Area
2. Black Swift (4), 2025-06-03, seen by Mike Rogers at Loma Prieta—Lower
Saddle
3. Wilson’s Phalarope (2), 2025-06-17, found by Chris Overington over the
East Pond at Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant
As a reminder, here is what each rarity code means:
**Rarity Codes:
1 = common, always seen in habitat in season.
2 = fairly common, usually in habitat in season, but missed sometimes.
3 = uncommon, always around, but sometimes you can't find.
4 = rare, occurs yearly in the county, but not always in same places.
5 = very rare, does not occur every year.
6 = casual or vagrant, generally fewer than 10 records.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 7/11/25 4:43 pm From: Marion Krause via groups.io <mkrause3...> Subject: [southbaybirds] White Pelicans at Palo Alto Baylands
I led a group of high school students on a field trip today out a the Palo Alto Baylands. In the estuary in front of the Palo Alto Nature Center, there was a group of 5 American White Pelicans that looked like they had just flown in from the north. They were madly scooping up fish and eating like they had just arrived. Fun for all to see.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 7/11/25 1:55 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Vasona
Hi Everyone!
This morning, Patricia and I birded Vasona CP in Los Gatos. We had a good morning with a variety of migrants - *Western Tanagers*, *Black-headed Grosbeaks*, *Western Flycatchers* and one *Black-chinned Hummingbird*. The birdiest areas of the park were the Meadowbrook Group Picnic Area and the boat launch parking lot. Plus, all the very young *American Coots*, *Pied-billed Grebes*, *Ruddy Ducks*, and *Mallards* were super cute!
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 7/6/25 1:10 pm From: Ryan L. via groups.io <ryanbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Field Notes: SCVBA Field Trip | Picchetti Ranch OSP - Zinfandel Trail | July 6, 2025
Today, 14 birders joined the SCVBA Field Trip to Picchetti Ranch OSP. We followed the Zinfandel Trail one mile out then followed it back while walking around the opposite side of the ephemeral pond.
Our trip started with great views from the parking lot of a young Red-shouldered Hawk on the utility pole who called repeatedly. At the winery, we saw one Indian Peafowl, a Black Phoebe, and an Acorn Woodpecker. Near the bathrooms were a flock of Wild Turkeys. As we continued to the ephemeral pond (dry except for a small puddle), we found one lone Mallard. Then a little further, we found a pair of Hutton’s Vireo moving quickly around an oak. A California Scrub-jay caused confusion because it wasn’t very blue, but all other field marks pointed to its identification. We got a great view of a male Nuttall’s Woodpecker. An Oak Titmouse was visible on the trail with the general consensus this was the cutest bird of the trip. We saw a few species of sparrow (without “sparrow” in the name!). We compared the differences between Dark-eyed Junco adults and juveniles, which don’t look similar. We also saw the county’s largest sparrows, Spotted Towhee and California Towhee. We heard a Purple Finch but didn’t see it. Then we ended with a White-breasted Nuthatch foraging on a trunk back at the winery.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 7/4/25 10:00 pm From: Carter Gasiorowski via groups.io <carter.gasiorowski...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Alviso Today
Today, 7-4-25, my dad and I arrived outside the gates of Alviso Marina County Park around 7:30 am. After packing the scope onto our bikes and setting off, we were pleasantly surprised by the condition of the levees. The deep ruts from past winters have been smoothed out, making for an easy ride.
We rode straight to the north end of A9 (pond map attached) to avoid heat waves that interfere with scoping the shallow islands at the center of the pond. Once we set up the scope, we were excited to see a large number of returning shorebirds, mostly DOWITCHERS and AMERICAN AVOCETS. While scanning the flocks, I saw an odd looking log sticking out of the pond bottom. I zoomed in with the scope, and thought I was seeing the outline of feathers, but wasn't sure. Then, slowly, the bird turned its heart-shaped face towards me- it was a BARN OWL! We rode closer for a better look, and unfortunately, the bird was soaking wet and looked quite ill. The bird didn't move again for the next hour, so I fear nature may have been taking its course.
Nearby, several groups of WILSON'S PHALAROPES were sporting their gorgeous breeding plumage while spinning vigorously. Scanning the drier center of the pond revealed a few SNOWY PLOVERS doing their distinctive run-and-stop foraging pattern. These plovers were over 1/4 mile away and barely visible even at 72x magnification, so I'd recommend instead searching on A12 or A13 if you wish to see them (we didn't have time to check these ponds today). Turning towards the high-tension lines north of A9, an adult PEREGRINE FALCON flew powerfully through a dense flock of CLIFF SWALLOWS.
Just as we were packing up our bike to head back, I heard a sharp, squeaky, two-part call overhead. I looked up and saw a tern- it was a LEAST TERN! Though Least Terns are an annual post-breeding visitor to Alviso, I believe this the first sighting of the year for the county.
On our way back, we stopped to observe a large group of cormorants foraging in A10. One cormorant was vocalizing quite loudly, which isn't something I've observed before in the county. All individuals were DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, but this may be an area worth keeping an eye on, especially with recent records of Neotropic Cormorant in Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties. We also observed at least 136 Double-crested Cormorants roosting on the degraded A14/A11 levee.
For non-bird sightings, we saw a roughly 4-foot long Leopard Shark and a Bat Ray with an almost 3-foot wingspan in A11.
In terms of closures, the construction around the east side of A12, A13 and A15 is ongoing and planned to be completed this summer. The west levee of A13 and the north levee of A12 are also closed due to Snowy Plovers breeding there. I believe it is still possible to view A15 and the north end of A13 by riding the long way (5.5 miles) around A9, but we didn't make it that far to verify.
To wrap things up, today was a beautiful, cool day that's getting me excited for the coming fall migration! My full species list for A9 is below:
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 7/4/25 10:43 am From: Juliana Manoliu via groups.io <manojuli...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Coast Casey Mountain View
Happy 4th of July!
The parking area for Charleston Slough is closed all day so I parked in
a private parking lot nearby- only dared because of the holiday.
Only birded the pond near the dirt trail. Ebird told me that my bird of
the day was */Common gallinule /*and saw 2 right away when I got there.
There was a yellowlegs as well but it flew away before i could ID it. It
came back about half hour later and it was a */Lesser yellowlegs/*.
Still sporting some breeding plumage. The best bird was a very drab
looking */Virginial rail-/*was happy to see it so early in the season.
No Sora materialized.
Other birds of interest: several */Marsh wren /*and a pair of */Cinnamon
teal/*- the male molting into winter plumage.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 7/2/25 5:48 pm From: Vicki Silvas-Young via groups.io <mrnngwrblr...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Field Trip to Sunnyvale WPCP, 7-2-2025
Ooops.....an addendum that will probably get me in trouble!
I tune into the monthly Condor Chat that is sponsored by Ventana Wildlife
Society, https://www.ventanaws.org/ It appears that the federal funding
that was thought to continue to the end of 2026 is no longer true. So, you
see the dilemma here. Please consider socking a bit of cash to them to
keep a good thing going, i.e. the Condor Recovery program.
Thanks,
Vicki
On Wed, Jul 2, 2025 at 5:25 PM Vicki Silvas-Young via groups.io <mrnngwrblr=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Good afternoon, Birders,
>
> On a very pleasant summer day, Dan Bloch and I took 10 birders along the
> trail near the Sunnyvale WPCP to view 26 bird species in this
> "end-of-breeding" season. At the very beginning of the trip, with
> persistent Marsh Wrens singing in the background, a very young "teen-aged"
> Black-crowned Night Heron with a green bill, practicing its hunting skills,
> greeted us. Along the slough there was a flock of Red-winged Blackbirds,
> an assortment of male, female, and "teenagers," providing us with a
> challenge of who was who. Small "gangs" of young Mallards regarded us with
> suspicion and paddled away as quickly as their orange legs could take
> them. Caspian and Forster's Terns put in an appearance to let us know that
> the season is beginning to change. Lucky us, we saw all four herons,
> Green, Great-blue, (plain) Great, and Snowy and the same was true for
> identifying and discussing four swallows, Cliff, Tree, Northern
> Rough-winged, and Barn.
> I am indebted to Dan for being the keeper of the eBird list.......my
> thanks to you, Dan. And, here it is!
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S256336274 > Go Birding!
> Vicki
>
>
>
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 7/2/25 5:25 pm From: Vicki Silvas-Young via groups.io <mrnngwrblr...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Field Trip to Sunnyvale WPCP, 7-2-2025
Good afternoon, Birders,
On a very pleasant summer day, Dan Bloch and I took 10 birders along the trail near the Sunnyvale WPCP to view 26 bird species in this "end-of-breeding" season. At the very beginning of the trip, with persistent Marsh Wrens singing in the background, a very young "teen-aged" Black-crowned Night Heron with a green bill, practicing its hunting skills, greeted us. Along the slough there was a flock of Red-winged Blackbirds, an assortment of male, female, and "teenagers," providing us with a challenge of who was who. Small "gangs" of young Mallards regarded us with suspicion and paddled away as quickly as their orange legs could take them. Caspian and Forster's Terns put in an appearance to let us know that the season is beginning to change. Lucky us, we saw all four herons, Green, Great-blue, (plain) Great, and Snowy and the same was true for identifying and discussing four swallows, Cliff, Tree, Northern Rough-winged, and Barn. I am indebted to Dan for being the keeper of the eBird list.......my thanks to you, Dan. And, here it is! https://ebird.org/checklist/S256336274 Go Birding! Vicki
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 7/2/25 2:33 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Calero Reservoir
Hi Everyone!
This morning Ally R and I birded Calero Reservoir. We had a nice morning despite not seeing any grebes on nests, juvenile grebes or the Least Bittern. We did see an adult *Bald Eagle,* a family of *White-tailed Kites* (one adult, 3 juveniles with the rusty wash across their breasts), and an *American Kestrel*. On the water, we spotted *Western Grebes *and one *Clark's Grebe* but they weren't very active. Along the informal trails, we spotted several pairs of *Ash-throated Flycatchers* and *Western Kingbirds* (at one point an adult fed a young bird). A *Wild Turkey* with 6 poults was across the water and *Tree Swallows* were still using the nest boxes in the picnic area. A female *Purple Martin* at one point collected gravel/shell very close to the boat launch.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 7/1/25 9:17 am From: David Zittin via groups.io <dzittin...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Two behavioral first for our backyard
Hi Birders,
I was late getting seed out this morning when a female Black-headed Grosbeak arrived and landed on our empty seed feeder. Instead of leaving, she jumped onto the oriole's jelly feeder and spend the better part of a minute eating grape jelly. A first for us.
A few minutes later, I noticed what I thought was a female Black-headed Grosbeak on a feeder support. But its feathers were fresh and bright compared to the adult female we have been observing over the past several weeks. A few moments later, the adult male, who was gorging on seeds, flew over and fed what turned out to be a juvenile, which explained the bright feathers.
The adults have been visiting our seed feeder over the past several weeks.
I posted a couple of photos at https://ebird.org/checklist/S255933407. These were taken through our not-so-clean kitchen window with bird protector strings outside the window, so they aren't the greatest quality.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 7/1/25 5:32 am From: Group Notification <noreply...> Subject: [southbaybirds] South Bay Birds Monthly Reminder #guidelines-notice
Thank you for being a member of South Bay Birds [SBB]. This is our monthly reminder sent to the list with information about the group.
South Bay Birds [SBB] is a list intended for reporting the interesting birds you find in Santa Clara county, in order to help your fellow birders see them as well. We encourage everyone to share where they bird and what they see. Please include the general location (e.g., an eBird hotspot) and, if appropriate, the bird(s) of interest in the subject line, with any additional detail needed in the message body. If you use eBird, we encourage you to include a link to the eBird trip report that you filed.
This list is maintained by the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance ( scvbirdalliance.org) ( https://scvbirdalliance.org ). Their volunteers and funding keep the list running so please consider joining or donating to them. SBB's Lead Admin is Jim Dehnert. Chuq Von Rospach, Brooke Miller, Matthew Dodder and Barry Langdon-Lassagne assist Jim. You can contact the administration team with your questions and concerns at southbaybirds+<owner...>
The home site for this list is https://scvbirdalliance.org/siliconvalleybirding and you can find out more about us there. To start sending messages to members of this group, send email to <southbaybirds...>
The birds we watch should be our primary concern. As birders we need to be sensitive to their needs and not do things that put the birds or their habitat at risk.
We believe all birders should act as ethical birders. Your personal year list or that special photograph could put the bird at risk or cause its nest to fail. Because we expect all birders to act ethically around the birds that bring them joy, we expect that of the birders who are on our list as well. We have written up some ideas of what it means to be an ethical birder, and list links to other resources on ethical birding as well. Please read them and act to put the bird’s needs ahead of your own. If we find out that members of the list are putting birds or their habitat at risk, those members may lose access to the mailing list and its resources.
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*Acceptable Content*
The primary content for SBB is reports of interesting birds you saw and where you saw them ( https://groups.io/g/southbaybirds/message/24065 ). The objective ( https://groups.io/g/southbaybirds/message/25078 ) is to help other birders interested in the birds you saw to find them themselves. Please include the general location (e.g., an eBird hotspot) and, if appropriate, the bird(s) of interest in the subject line, with any additional detail needed in the message body. Please report only Santa Clara County locations -- other counties have their own mailing lists for trip reports.
Occasionally the administrator will post an Advocacy digest -- no more than once a week, and more typically much less often. This digest contains topics that are not typically posted to the list but we feel are of interest to the readers of SBB and are important enough to warrant posting to the wider audience. These messages will be tagged with the word "Advocacy" in the subject so members who aren't interested can delete or filter them if they choose. Topics posted as Advocacy messages typically include updates on important Advocacy activities by Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance (SCVBA) and SCVBA volunteer activities.
*Unacceptable Content*
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Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 6/30/25 8:34 pm From: <dottycala...> via groups.io <DOTTYCALA...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Black Oystercatchers at Shoreline
Today at about 1:30 in the afternoon, I walked the trail along the south side of Shoreline Lake in Mountain View. When I was at the closest point to observe the island in the lake, I noted one Canada Goose, four Double-crested Cormorants, and two Black Oystercatchers visible on the island. The Oystercatchers were a surprise to me.
Dotty Calabrese
Mountain View
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 6/29/25 6:34 am From: Ryan L. via groups.io <ryanbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Field Notes: Grant CP - Ranch House Area, June 28, 2025
Yesterday, fourteen birders braved the heat at Joseph D. Grant county park on a Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance field trip led by me with Eve Meier. We started at the Green Barn parking lot and followed the road to Stockman’s Picnic area. A flock of female Wild Turkeys with poults crossed our path. A White-tailed Kite perched at the top of a sycamore for good looks. We observed two Blue-gray Gnatcatchers harassing a California Scrub-jay until it left. We suspected they were defending a next. We found one Lesser Goldfinch pair building a nest and copulating. Grant Loop and Hotel Trail were quite silent in the mid-morning. We couldn’t identify one bird in the field but after reviewing photos we believe it’s a juvenile Lazuli Bunting. The rose garden fountain was not running and we didn’t observe any birds there. Along the creek we heard Warbling Vireo, Western Flycatcher, and saw one Cassin’s Vireo. We ended with 40 species by 11:15am.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 6/28/25 3:54 pm From: Andrew Melnick via groups.io <andrew.melnick...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Loma Prieta (informal) SBC
Today Sheila Raymond, Liz Frith, Karen Rush, and I conducted the second annual (informal) Summer Bird Count at Loma Prieta. This is the (approximately) six-month offset count from the formal Christmas Bird Count for the Calero-Morgan Hill circle.
The weather was excellent: sunny, unlimited visibility, warm (and hot), and calm with gentle breeze here and there.
We birded the Loma Prieta Upper Saddle (restricted access (Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD))), and the section of Loma Chiquita Road from the intersection with Loma Prieta Road to just beyond the Casa Loma Volunteer Fire Station building.
Highlights of the trip included a significant number of Purple Martins, Olive-sided and Ash-throated Flycatchers, Western Wood-Pewee, a pair of Western Kingbirds, Cassin’s and Warbling Vireo, a large flock of Cliff Swallows, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Lazuli Bunting. We also had an unexpected flyover of an Osprey, transiting the quite dry habitat on its way towards, we expect, wetter habitat.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 6/28/25 1:25 pm From: Lisa Myers via groups.io <lisa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Los Capitancios Ponds east of Meridian
Hi all -
Janna's recent post inspired us to go bird the Los Capitancios ponds
this morning. At the start of our walk on the east side of Meridian Ave.
we found an active *WESTERN BLUEBIRD *nest in a Sycamore along the
creek. Our walk had us running into various fledglings from Starlings to
House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and Red-Winged Blackbirds. We never did
find the Wood Ducks, but had great views of an *ASH-THROATED
FLYCATCHER*. The *WARBLING VIREO* was a heard only. We thought we had a
Belted Kingfisher only to realize it was one of the many singing
*NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS* found today. An adult *COOPER'S HAWK *hiding in
a tree was a great spot. An adult *RED-TAILED HAWK* was circling high
above in the company of swifts.
Baby *AMERICAN COOTS* were with the adults and one *COMMON GALLINULE*
even FLEW across the pond.
*SONG SPARROWS*, *SPOTTED TOWHEES* and *CALIFORNIA TOWHEES* were all
here and singing.
*GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES* were in several places along with *HOODED ORIOLES*.
And there were hummingbirds everywhere. We watched many females pulling
gnats out of the air, but sadly could not distinctly say we were seeing
any Black-Chinned Hummingbirds.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 6/27/25 3:08 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Swainson's Hawk continues at Casa de Fruta
Hi Everyone!
Today I need to be off my feet so my son and I drove down to Casa de Fruta in hopes of the Swainson's Hawk that had been reported earlier. After birding around the buildings and gardens and keeping an eye out for raptors from the road, we finally were rewarded at about 10:40 with one *Swainson's Hawk *flying over the freeway. Other birds of interest were a couple of *Western Kingbirds* at the east end of the road, I think one was a juvenile. On the way home, we stopped at San Felipe Rd to see the pair of *Cassin's Kingbirds*.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 6/26/25 3:32 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Snowy Plovers on Spreckles
Hi Everyone!
I just wanted to let you all know that there were about 4-5 Snowy Plovers at State and Spreckles. I think you'd probably want to have a scope though. The Wilson's Phalaropes continue but they were pretty far out.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 6/26/25 1:41 pm From: Dori via groups.io <Dorienne777...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Today at Spring Valley
We had a great time at Spring Valley at Ed Levin County Park today with 48+ species. Immediately, from the parking lot, we spotted White-tailed Kites catching an updraft. Then, we got really good looks at an Ash-throated Flycatcher going in and out of a nesting box, at one point carrying a dragonfly! Other highlights were three Foster’s terns and (very surprising) two Caspian Terns flying above the small pond. One of our sharp young birders caught sight of a bright Bullock’s Oriole high in a eucalyptus tree giving us some good looks. There were many pairs to admire including Red-tailed Hawks completely synced in their flight, two Great Blue Herons, Western Bluebirds and many Lesser Goldfinches chasing each other. We enjoyed seeing many young birds as well including two juvenile Red-shouldered hawks, Wild Turkey chicks, juvenile Dark-eyed Juncos and an occupied GB Heron nest (Thank you, Dave Weber!) Other highlights include a Western Flycatcher, a Lazuli Bunting singing from the top of a tree and a variable cloud of Bushtits! We heard and Merlin picked up Lawrence‘s Goldfinches and I may have had a brief glimpse of one but alas not good enough for a positive ID on this elusive but very much a park regular this year.
Many thanks to the great group we had. All of your eyes and ears helped us find all 48+ species! A special thank you to Melanie Barnett, our wonderful trip co-leader and Susan Tenney who were blessed to have with us!
Dori
Our EBird list:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S254328094
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 6/26/25 12:41 pm From: janna pauser via groups.io <jannapauser...> Subject: [southbaybirds] 5MR surprises in Almaden Valley
Los Capitancillos Ponds are in my 5MR. Within the last few days I birded
the east and west ponds. Birds of interest were five WOOD DUCKS on the
bank of the second house on the east ponds. A YELLOW WARBLER sang from
the creek. The COMMON RAVEN pair that nested at Valley Water were here.
HOODED ORIOLE, twelve GREAT TAILED GRACKLE, three GREEN HERON and a few
VAUX'S SWIFTS were seen. RED WINGED BLACKBIRDS were in the willows. An
ASH THROATED FLYCATCHER family were active near Meridian.
Yesterday, the west ponds had 20+VAUX'S SWIFTS, WHITE THROATED SWIFTS
and an assortment of swallows. BAND TAILED PIGEONS were feasting on
elderberries along the creek. GREAT TAILED GRACKLES were in the cattails
and two GREEN HERON were seen. WESTERN BLUEBIRDS included fledged young.
WARBLING VIREO were singing in three locations, one male WOOD DUCK and
three male RUDDY DUCKS were seen.
Capitancillos Drive is on the south side of the Guadalupe Creek. I went
there to look for the NORTHERN FLICKERS heard the previous day. Today I
saw a family of four together and another heard only. VAUX'S SWIFTS and
swallows were seen near Coleman. I walked along a footpath at the south
end of the drive and found male BLACK CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDS displaying in
two locations but never saw a female. Another surprise was PYGMY
NUTHATCH'S that few from a tall Redwood tree to the trail. A single
WARBLING VIREO and WESTERN FLYCATCHER were heard only near Camden.
A Coyote was seen near the pollinator garden.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 6/23/25 10:34 pm From: john tsortos via groups.io <jtsortos99...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Interesting vocalization - opinions welcome
Hello everyone,
I was on a walk in Bel Gatos park this evening when I heard an interesting
vocalization that I’m unfamiliar with. It sounds like individual portions
of some yellow-breasted chat calls I’ve found online, but I know chat songs
usually feature a variety of different sounds rather than repeating the
same type of call. I’m curious what others think.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 6/22/25 4:53 pm From: Vicki Silvas-Young via groups.io <mrnngwrblr...> Subject: [southbaybirds] First of Day of Summer Field Trip to Lake Cunningham, 6-22-2025
To all Summer birders, Well, what a turnout we had today! Thirty-one attendees showed up to explore the area in and around Lake Cunningham. Sarah Chan from SCVBird Alliance and Ashok Jethanandani from California Native Plants and Open Space Authority along with myself were on hand to guide everyone to see the amazing birds of Lake Cunningham. This is the season of tired-looking adult birds and fluffy, bright-eyed juvenile birds. American Coots with their squawking teen-agers, Ruddy Ducks with their tiny, serious little ones following and diving with the female adult, Green Herons showing their offspring how to stand stately, and juvenile Pied-billed Grebes showing off their independence demonstrated the season. Thirty-five species were seen with some delightful surprises, i.e. Western Kingbird and Bullock's Oriole. We watched while juvenile Tree Swallows hung out in a tree to be fed by the adults. And we all learned a lot about native plants and how they maintain biodiversity by providing shelter and food for birds. Here is the eBird list graciously kept by Sarah Chan. https://ebird.org/checklist/S253238470 It was a gorgeous beginning of the summer day, Vicki
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 6/22/25 1:42 pm From: Jon Dart via groups.io <jdart...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Smith Creek Fire Station
I went to the Smith Creek Fire Station this a.m., which I had not visited before. Lots of bird activity. There were several species Merlin detected, but which I did not record, because I didn't hear or see them myself to confirm. One such species was a MacGillivray's Warbler. My checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S253191866.
Note the trail appears to be closed about 0.4 mile from the trailhead. Also there is a branch blocking it at one point, and you need to cross the small creek.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 6/22/25 11:08 am From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Sunnyvale WPCP
Hi Everyone!
This morning I rode my bike around the east and west ponds of Sunnyvale WPCP. My favorite bird moments were watching Common Gallinules sitting on their nests, Cliff and Barn Swallows gathering mud for their nests, Ruddy Ducks in full breeding plumage doing their silly courtship display, and seeing the Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal.
Most of the vegetation has been removed along the two big ponds; that was sad to see.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 6/21/25 12:42 pm From: Vicki Silvas-Young via groups.io <mrnngwrblr...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Scouting for Lake Cunningham field trip on Sunday, June 22, 2025
To all, Just want to share that Lake Cunningham never fails to amaze me. Recently, while I birded there, I was greeted with barely any of the regulars, but then on Friday, I was pleasantly surprised. Green Herons could not pose enough, many swallow species abounded even at eye level, a Sora could not stop calling, a Western Tanager with his mate bounced from tree to tree, a Western Bluebird family group of all ages, and recently fledged birds were out and about acting very adult-like. Here is the ebird list. https://ebird.org/checklist/S252820623 Sunday looks like it will be a good day, Vicki
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 6/20/25 2:37 pm From: Dorothy Johnson via groups.io <dfj6281...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Birding Vasona
Hi Everyone,
I birded Vasona lake this morning, rather late, but it turned out to be a good day. Highlights were, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, and AMERICAN COOTS feeding young, a lone BROWN PELICAN circling over the lake, and best of all, a family of RUDDY DUCKS, with 4 young. I've never seen baby Ruddy's before, so that made my day.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
On 6-20-25 I saw a */great tailed grackle/* fly over Coast Casey- it's
been many years since they were common at that location. Nowadays
they're common at Ed Levin park in Milpitas. There were also 2 very
young */Black-necked stilts/*, probably no more than a couple of days old.
I met Frank Vanslanger in the parking area and he asked me to convey to
the group that he is almost 92 years old and still birding.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 6/16/25 6:09 am From: Brooke Miller via groups.io <brooke.bam...> Subject: [southbaybirds] May 2025 Cumulative Bird Report
Greetings South Bay Birders:
On 28-April 2025 the first-of-the-year Yellow-breasted Chat was found by
Ollie Brown at Ulistac Natural Area. That sighting increased April’s
number from 17 to 18, and year-to-date from 247 to 248.
In May we added 7 new countable birds, bringing the total to 255 at the end
of the month. The average for May is 9 new birds, and an average of 253 at
the end of the month. We also added 1 uncountable bird, a Yellow-crowned
Amazon Parrot, seen by Ray Trent at Los Gatos Creek County Park. Thank you
to everyone who birded, and took the time to report birds either on SBB,
eBird, or send emails directly to me.
Here are the birds that were found in May:
1. Blue Grosbeak (4), 2025-05-01, found by Mike Rogers along the Calera
Creek Trail at Ed Levin County Park
2. Black-chinned Sparrow (4), 2025-05-03, found by Alex Henry, Philip
Georgakakos, Sharon J, and Teale Fristoe along the Bear Mountain Trail in
Henry Coe State Park
3. Least Bittern (6), 2025-05-03, found by Matthew Dodder, Andrew Melnick
Jim Dehnert, and Liz Frith at Calero Reservoir
4. Black Tern (5), 2025-05-03, found at Shoreline Lake by Vivek Tiwari
5. Mountain Bluebird (6), 2025-05-05, seen by Melanie Barnett at Smith
Creek Fire Station
6. Lesser Nighthawk (6), 05-10-2025, found by Steve Rottenborn along Llagas
Creek
7. Indigo Bunting (5), 2025-05-28, seen by Sam Rawlins on Upper Mt Madonna
Rd at Loma Prieta.
As a reminder, here is what each rarity code means:
**Rarity Codes:
1 = common, always seen in habitat in season.
2 = fairly common, usually in habitat in season, but missed sometimes.
3 = uncommon, always around, but sometimes you can't find.
4 = rare, occurs yearly in the county, but not always in same places.
5 = very rare, does not occur every year.
6 = casual or vagrant, generally fewer than 10 records.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
