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.
I joined the California Bird Atlas project which launched on 1 January, 2026. I've been keeping an ear out for the neighborhood Pygmy Nuthatches and on 26 Feb saw a pair cleaning out a nest cavity. Talk about cute and industrious! A short video is in https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S304119082
This was in the Cupertino NW block of the atlas, and earlier than any date for nesting in the county breeding bird atlas.
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: 3/9/26 10:02 am From: Matthew Dodder via groups.io <mdodder...> Subject: [southbaybirds] A2W - Song Sparrow Spur Trail
Yesterday we took advantage of the beautiful weather and cycled to the Bay along the Stevens Creek Trail. We discovered that at the A2W Song Sparrow Spur Trail is now open. It features about 1.5 miles of level, hard packed gravel and wonderful on bike or foot. This pond has not been accessible in my memory but now provides birders a great opportunity to search for Waterfowl and Shorebirds as the mudflats at the dead end are extensive. It is probably best accessed from the Kite Flying (Parking Lot E) of Shoreline Park, but still requires a long walk to the trail head.
Without a scope it was hard to identify the many thousands of birds that were present, but we did pick out Hudsonian Whimbrel, Long-billed Curlew, Dunlin, Western and Least Sandpipers, Black-bellied Plover, American Avocets, Black-necked Stilts and perhaps others to far to be sure. We also observed both Western and Clark’s Grebes displaying and dancing together as well as Eared Greb, Greater and Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Canvasback, and Ruddy Ducks. We will definitely investigate this area again during fall migration but I’ll bring a scope.
Matthew


Spring Birdathon is just around the corner!
Sign up today
https://scvbirdalliance.org/birdathon
Spring Birdathon — Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance
scvbirdalliance.org
Matthew Dodder (he/him)
Executive Director
Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance
22221 McClellan Rd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
408-252-3748
<director...>
scvbirdalliance.org
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: 3/8/26 3:15 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] McClellan Ranch
Hi Everyone!
Today Peg Albrets, Bill Albrets and I hosted a drop-in birding session at McClellan Ranch. For those of you unfamiliar with a drop-in, SCVBA volunteers are stationed at one location and attendees can drop by anytime during the time that we are there. They can stay for as little or as long as they would like. We were there for 2.5 hours today and spotted and/or heard 34 species while talking birds and enjoying the weather from our seats at the picnic table. The highlight was a flyover *Osprey*. But we also saw a pair of *Red-shouldered Hawks* and a *Cooper's Hawk*. Birds at the feeders included the group of *Dark-eyed Juncos*, *Pygmy Nuthatches, White-breasted Nuthatches, House Finches, Song Sparrows, Golden and White-crowned Sparrows, and a Nuttall's Woodpecker*. See our ebird list for a complete list.
Peg and I are hosting a "Backyard Birds and Coffee <https://scvbirdalliance.org/event-calendar/birdathon-backyard-birds-and-coffee>" Birdathon Team on Sunday, April 12th. Everyone will bird their own "backyards" to see how many birds we can find as a team. Afterwards, for those who are interested, we will meet for coffee (and cookies) most likely at Peet's in east Los Gatos.
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: 3/4/26 6:11 pm From: Vicki Silvas-Young via groups.io <mrnngwrblr...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Today's Field Trip to Sunnyvale WPCP, 3-4-2026
Good afternoon, Birders, On a fairly windy day, Dan Bloch and myself met with 11 experienced birders and 3 birders who have birded for 1-6 months only. Thirty-five species were seen in spite of the fact that most of them were trying to stay out of the wind! The Barn Swallows did not do a "fly by," they did a "blow by." The pair of Bald Eagles seen by Kirsten earlier today probably stayed in Sunnyvale Baylands Park or got blown to Morgan Hill. The nest-building skills of Marsh Wrens were clearly demonstrated; at one point about 7 nests were counted in a small area and we wondered how many were actually occupied as several wrens were seen popping in their side doors. The Northern Shovelers were looking pretty spiffy and a lone handsome Ruddy Duck was beginning to get his blue bill. Ahhh, Spring is here! Seeing two Green Herons gave the new birders a real treat. Snowy and Great Egrets along with a Black-crowned Night Heron were very patient while very obligingly posing along the tules. A Red-shouldered Hawk, looking a little scruffy, secreted itself in a bare tree. A lone Western Gull among a bunch of California Gulls allowed a good size-comparison between the two. And while looking at gulls we spotted a Muskrat swimming diligently in the slough and watched as it snatched a tule leaf and dove underwater. Only to be seen on another special occasion! My thanks to Dan for keeping the eBird list and here it is....... https://ebird.org/checklist/S306024221 Join the Birdathon, Vicki Silvas-Young
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: 3/4/26 9:15 am From: Kirsten Holmquist via groups.io <kirsten.holmquist...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Raptors at Sunnyvale Baylands
It was actually a good morning for raptors generally today. A MERLIN was hanging out at the main playground. An adult COOPER'S HAWK has been hunting around the boardwalk for a few days and is likely a good part of the reason why the WILSON'S SNIPE have been absent for that time. On Monday, I saw a number panic fly away as the hawk hunted over the marsh around the boardwalk.
The usual pair of AMERICAN KESTRELS were strung out behind the marsh fencing. Meanwhile, a WHITE-TAILED KITE was busy trying to bother a pair of COMMON RAVENS away farther out.
A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK has seemed interested in setting up house behind the Indian Grass area. It has been very vocal in the mornings.
In more ambiguous feeling news, a pair of AMERICAN CROWS was carrying nesting material into a tree in the neighborhood of the Burrowing Owl area.
Enjoy,
Kirsten
> On 03/04/2026 8:25 AM PST KIRSTEN HOLMQUIST <kirsten.holmquist...> wrote:
>
>
> Good morning,
>
> I was walking at Sunnyvale Baylands this morning and saw the ducks fly up and bug out of the seasonal wetlands. I looked around and realized a pair of adult BALD EAGLES was flying overhead!
>
> Enjoy,
>
> Kirsten Holmquist
>
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: 3/4/26 8:25 am From: Kirsten Holmquist via groups.io <kirsten.holmquist...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Bald Eagles at Sunnyvale Baylands
Good morning, I was walking at Sunnyvale Baylands this morning and saw the ducks fly up and bug out of the seasonal wetlands. I looked around and realized a pair of adult BALD EAGLES was flying overhead! Enjoy, Kirsten Holmquist _._,_._,_
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: 3/1/26 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.
We also believe that members of the list should treat each other properly. If a list member is found to be attacking or harassing other list members, or engaging in activities that violate the ethical birding code it may affect their future ability to contribute to or subscribe to our lists.
*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*
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.
We discourage general discussion and questions on South Bay Birds, for that we've created a Facebook group (see below). If you wish to propose a general-purpose announcement for an Advocacy digest post, please send the proposed text to the administrator (below).
Please do not post notices of upcoming events to SBB. There is a sister list, South Bay Birds (Events) [SBB-Events], that should be used for that purpose. If you are interested in knowing what events are being offered by SCVBA and other county bird-oriented organizations, we encourage you to subscribe to this list (see below).
Please do not post carpooling requests for events to SBB. We request that they go to the Facebook discussion group.
*Unsubscribing from South Bay Birds*
If you ever need to unsubscribe from this list, an unsubscribe link is at the bottom of every message, or you can go to https://groups.io/g/southbaybirds/. That's also where you can view the list archives, set up a vacation hold, change your email address, or modify your subscription in any way.
South Bay Birds and Birdwatching in Silicon Valley are affiliated with the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance ( scvbirdalliance.org ( https://scvbirdalliance.org ) ), which offers classes and outings around the county, so if you're interested in learning more about birding in the county or joining other birders in going out birding, they can help you find an outing that matches your interests.
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: 2/28/26 9:57 am From: Kirsten Holmquist via groups.io <kirsten.holmquist...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Rufous Hummingbird at Style Ranch
Good morning, I had a RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD at the Style Ranch entrance to Santa Teresa County Park off Fortini Rd this morning. It was an adult male with rufous all the way down the back. It was about half way up the hillside around 8:30. I did not see it again on the way down. in the same colorway, the RUFOUS CROWNED SPARROWS were singing but not cooperative until the top. Then, one came up a foot from the travel and started warning me off. Ohhh so scary so I had to leave. A handful of HORNED LARKS were at the top but I didn’t get a hint of grasshopper sparrows yet. Enjoy, Kirsten _._,_._,_
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: 2/27/26 12:28 pm From: Lisa Myers via groups.io <lisa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Adult Golden Eagle in Campbell - 11:38 AM
Hi all -
Today at 11:38 AM I was driving south on Winchester Blvd. in Campbell
and I see an adult *GOLDEN EAGLE* circling right over the road. It was
low. I took the on-ramp onto San Thomas Expressway/Camden and watched it
continue to circle to the north.
Lisa Myers
Let's Go Birding/Los Gatos Birdwatcher
P.S. Get ready for the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance Spring Birdathon
- its just around the corner.
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: 2/25/26 5:37 pm From: Hugh McDevitt via groups.io <hdmcdevitt...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Calero Creek Trail
I birded the Calero Creek Trail from Harry Road this morning in preparation for a SCVBA trip this coming Saturday. Winter birds are sticking around for awhile (Ruby-crowned Kinglets, both crowned sparrows). I had a Great Egret in the creek. I had my FOS Tree Swallows with six flying overhead. Hope that we get to see them perched this Saturday to look at the facial pattern.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S303818875 Beautiful morning!
Hugh
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: 2/25/26 4:17 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Coyote Lake (Campground and Dam)
Hi Everyone!
Today I visited Coyote Lake. I first birded the campground area including walking along the shoreline for a bit. An impressive number of *Wild Turkey *were roaming about the campground. Four *Red-breasted Sapsuckers* were in this area too - they like the peppertrees in the campground. The lake had a nice variety of ducks - *Wood Ducks, Gadwalls, Canvasbacks, Buffleheads, Ruddy Ducks, American Wigeons, and Ring-necked Ducks*. One adult and one juvenile *Bald Eagle* were on this end of the lake too. In the hills, but viewable from the campground, are two small *Great Blue Heron* rookeries that are active now.
At the dam, I did not see the Canyon Wren but I did spot a *Rock Wren*. There were at least 5 *White-throated Swifts* too. Plus, a group of 50 *Western Grebes* were at this end of the lake - several of them rushing.
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: 2/25/26 6:55 am From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Spring Singing
Hi Everyone!
It feels like spring is arriving! On Monday, along the Tony Look Trail at Stevens Creek CP, I heard an Orange-crowned Warbler trilling. This morning, while working on the computer, I heard a Hermit Thrush singing. Beautiful!
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: 2/20/26 2:17 pm From: Gregory Luckert via groups.io <Greg.luckert...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Common murre A3W
South Bay Wildlife Rehab and education
Rescuing and Rehabilitating Sick, Injured and Orphaned Birds
If you find a sick or injured bird, or a nestling/young bird that has
fallen to the ground, contact us at (310) 421-1624 for guidance and
assistance
On Fri, Feb 20, 2026 at 2:15 PM Gregory Luckert <greg.luckert...>
wrote:
>
> If you see a wild animal you believe is in distress, please call:
>
> - PHS/SPCA Wildlife Care Center: 1450 Rollins Rd, Burlingame
> (650-340-7022) – click *here* <https://phs-spca.org/wildlife/found> for
> more info)
> - Palo Alto Animal Services: 3281 E. Bayshore Rd, Palo Alto
> (650-329-2413)
> - Veterinary Emergency Group: 725 Ridder Park Dr., San Jose
> (408-834-8180)
> - San Francisco Animal Care & Control: 1200 15th St, San Francisco
> (415-554-6364)
>
>
> https://phs-spca.org/found-a-wild-animal/ >
>
> On Fri, Feb 20, 2026 at 2:10 PM Aidan Sinha via groups.io <aidansinha=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> All,
>>
>> Does anyone know of any rescue centers that could take this bird in? It
>> is still on the trail now and does not appear to be in good condition.
>>
>> Aidan Sinha
>> San Jose
>>
>>
>>
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: 2/20/26 2:15 pm From: Gregory Luckert via groups.io <Greg.luckert...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Common murre A3W
If you see a wild animal you believe is in distress, please call:
- PHS/SPCA Wildlife Care Center: 1450 Rollins Rd, Burlingame
(650-340-7022) – click *here* <https://phs-spca.org/wildlife/found> for
more info)
- Palo Alto Animal Services: 3281 E. Bayshore Rd, Palo Alto
(650-329-2413)
- Veterinary Emergency Group: 725 Ridder Park Dr., San Jose
(408-834-8180)
- San Francisco Animal Care & Control: 1200 15th St, San Francisco
(415-554-6364)
On Fri, Feb 20, 2026 at 2:10 PM Aidan Sinha via groups.io <aidansinha=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> All,
>
> Does anyone know of any rescue centers that could take this bird in? It is
> still on the trail now and does not appear to be in good condition.
>
> Aidan Sinha
> San Jose
>
>
>
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: 2/20/26 1:56 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Red-necked Grebe Chesbro
Here’s the gps: (37.1180538, -121.6953337)
> On Feb 20, 2026, at 1:20 PM, Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone!
>
> There’s a Red-necked Grebe at Chesbro Reservoir. I spotted it from the boat launch.
>
>
>
> Eve Meier (San Jose)
>
>
>
>
>
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: 2/18/26 3:34 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Coast-Casey Forebay
Hi Everyone!
The *Lesser Yellowlegs* is continuing in the Coast Casey Forebay (37.434735, -122.099248). There's a *Greater Yellowlegs* in the same area making for a nice comparison. Other birds to note were a singing *House Wren* next to the bathrooms, a *Sora* and a *Common Gallinule* along the edges of the reeds, and a *White-throated Sparrow* (37.43359261860745, -122.09849370419752) on the parking lot side.
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: 2/17/26 8:58 am From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Lone Hill Park Continuing Birds
Hi Everyone!
I took advantage of a break in the rain to walk up to Lone Hill Park in San Jose. Four *Lawrence's Goldfinches* and one *Chipping Sparrow* are still there (on the north side of the park this morning).
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: 2/16/26 10:16 am From: john tsortos via groups.io <jtsortos99...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVBA Raptors of Tres Pinos Field Trip Report
Hello South Bay Birders,
On Valentine's Day, myself, Connor Christensen, and Vicki Silvas-Young led
a group of 12 birders down the rural roads outside of Tres Pinos in search
of raptors. We had a fantastic day, tallying 53 species and witnessing some
really interesting behaviors. I am including our trip report narrative, but
the full trip report can be found here (https://ebird.org/tripreport/476595 ):
Highlights of the trip included four pairs of Loggerhead Shrike--one of
which we observed hunting a vole (although it flew off with its prey before
we witnessed any impaling), seven Ferruginous Hawks, two separate Prairie
Falcons eating their prey right in front of us, several looks at Lark
Sparrows with great lighting, a beautiful male Phainopepla, at least two
Rock Wrens, and--the main highlight of the trip for many--a pair of
gorgeous Mountain Bluebirds which not only posed for photos, but also
demonstrated their kiting behavior while foraging for food.
While some of the passerines might've stolen the show at times, we still
saw two Bald Eagles, several Golden Eagles, over two dozen Red-tailed Hawks
(many of which were paired up and either courting each other or
nest-building), and so many American Kestrels. San Benito County never
fails to deliver! :)
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: 2/14/26 6:00 pm From: Romain Kang via groups.io <romain...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Sunnyvale WPCP Canvasback?
Saturday 2/14 I was walking the Bay Trail opposite Sunnyvale WPCP, and a FWS staffer in a truck paused to tell me he had seen canvasback ducks in the west oxidation pond. I didn't have time to check it out, but perhaps someone else will see them in the near future.
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: 2/14/26 12:52 pm From: Ryan L. via groups.io <ryanbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Field Trip Report: Love is in the Air at Sunnyvale Baylands
Date: 2/13/26 2:20 pm From: Dorothy Johnson via groups.io <dfj6281...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Wild Turkey on Los Gatos Creek
Hi Everyone,
I know turkeys aren't rare, but in the 30 plus years I've lived in this area I've never seen one down here. I heard it a couple of weeks ago briefly. This morning I heard it again, and Merlin picked it up. On the way back from my walk between Bascom Ave and Leigh, it gobbled again further up stream, and then there it was, not a stones throw from the Bascom Ave overcrossing.
I figured it must have taken a wrong turn somewhere? Has anyone seen a turkey in this area before? I'm curious.
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: 2/13/26 1:37 pm From: Brooke Miller via groups.io <brooke.bam...> Subject: [southbaybirds] 2 Phainopeplas at Spring Valley, Ed Levin
Hi all!
There are 2 female-type Phainopeplas now at Spring Valley, at Ed Levin County Park. This morning one was in and around the tree overhanging the pond with all the mistletoe, and it was being incessantly chased around by a Northern Mockingbird. I then ran into Roy Carlson who had seen one in the trees with mistletoe just downhill from where the pond water drains into the creek. I went to check it out, and sure enough, a second female-type.
I was alerted to each birds' presence by their soft rising slow whistle call.
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: 2/12/26 5:49 pm From: Melissa Johnson via groups.io <mitzimelissa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVBA Field Trip to Ed Levin-Spring Valley 2-12-26
Hello SBB-ers It is spring at Spring Valley! 13 birders wandered around the lake and park -- the paved trails were nice and dry after yesterday's rain. Two female PHAINOPEPLAS and a distant FERRUGINOUS HAWK were the highlights. We spotted nearly a full contingent of our most common woodpeckers: ACORN, NUTTALL'S, DOWNY, NORTHERN FLICKER & RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER, with only the Hairy being a no-show. TREE SWALLOWS AND WESTERN BLUEBIRDS were actively visiting nesting boxes. The "Magic Tree" was not particularly active -- but it is in bloom and hopefully soon will be visited by some more 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: 2/11/26 3:37 pm From: Oliver Zhang via groups.io <BLACKROCKARTSTUDIO...> Subject: [southbaybirds] [Out Of County] Some kind of thrush ?
Hi y'all
I’ve made more than a few ID mistakes over the years, and I suspect this might be another one.
Today I was going through some old photos from 2023, Danville, CA and found this small bird that I originally lumped in with a flock of Cedar Waxwings. It was moving quickly, darting in and out of the trees among them, and I didn’t get a solid look at it at the time.
Looking at the photos now, I’m wondering if this could be some kind of thrush?
Unfortunately, I don’t have notes on vocalizations, and these were quick shots before it disappeared back into the canopy.
I don’t have access to the local Tri-Valley / East Bay birding groups, so I’d really appreciate any thoughts on species, or even what field marks I should be focusing on.
Thanks in advance!
Oliver
Location: Hap Magee Ranch Park
Time: around 12:00 noon, Dec 9, 2023
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: 2/10/26 12:03 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Lawrence’s Goldfinches
Hi Everyone!
I just spotted 2 male Lawrence’s Goldfinches at Lone Hill Park about here: (37.2451336, -121.9105699). I’ve since lost sight of them, hopefully they will come back.
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.
On Mon, Feb 9, 2026 at 10:35 PM Lisa Myers via groups.io <lisa=
<letsgobirding.com...> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> My home's property is adjacent to John D. Morgan Park in Campbell. As I
> locked up our home for the evening I heard a Great-horned Owl calling! I
> grabbed my binoculars and ran outside to hear TWO owls calling. Our back
> gate opens onto John D. Morgan Park so I walked out the gate into the park
> and quickly observed two *GREAT-HORNED OWLS* sitting close together at
> the top of a leafless Sycamore Tree that borders the elementary school
> located on sight. We then observed one owl fly down onto the campus out of
> sight. Soon, the second owl also dropped down onto the campus. I did not
> follow their path to investigate, but I soon heard an owl calling again
> from the park's open space. Sweet!
>
> An unexpected bird nerd moment.
>
> Lisa Myers
> Campbell
>
>
>
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: 2/9/26 10:35 pm From: Lisa Myers via groups.io <lisa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Great Horned Owls - John D. Morgan Park Campbell
Hi all,
My home's property is adjacent to John D. Morgan Park in Campbell. As I
locked up our home for the evening I heard a Great-horned Owl calling! I
grabbed my binoculars and ran outside to hear TWO owls calling. Our back
gate opens onto John D. Morgan Park so I walked out the gate into the
park and quickly observed two *GREAT-HORNED OWLS* sitting close together
at the top of a leafless Sycamore Tree that borders the elementary
school located on sight. We then observed one owl fly down onto the
campus out of sight. Soon, the second owl also dropped down onto the
campus. I did not follow their path to investigate, but I soon heard an
owl calling again from the park's open space. Sweet!
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: 2/8/26 1:51 pm From: Ryan L. via groups.io <ryanbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Coyote Lake - Harvey Bear Ranch CP - 2/8/26
Today, I visited Coyote Lake and evidence of springs arrival is abundant. Waterfowl included Ruddy Duck, Common Merganser, Ring-necked Duck, Double-crested Cormorant. I saw two American White Pelicans on the lake.There were dozens of Western and Clarks Grebes with several rushing pairs.
At Mendoza Ranch, I saw several birds investigating nest cavities. The highlight of the day was an adult Bald Eagle perched next to the parking lot for several minutes.
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: 2/8/26 11:59 am From: Subha Mohan via groups.io <scuba_diver_4009...> Subject: [southbaybirds] [SCVBA Trip Report] 2.8.26 Drop-In Event at McClellan Ranch (Cupertino)
Peg and I were joined by 26 bird enthusiast adults and children over the course of this delightfully sunny, 2.5 hour stationary drop-in event at the SCVBA headquarters McClellan Ranch bird feeders. Noisy from child wonder at the up-close bird views, combined with the seemingly endless choruses of bird song, we had a joy-filled Super Bowl morning as we witnessed:
- an Acorn Woodpecker chasing off a Steller’s Jay to then sing its heart out perched atop the feeder- flocks of House Finches descending onto the feeders with some interspersed Lesser Goldfinches- visits from both the White-Breasted and Pygmy Nuthatches- multiple Spotted Towhees spotted simultaneously- a squirrel trying to sneak its way into the feeder seed debris - children excitedly figuring out how use the loaner binoculars while IDing neighborhood favorites such as the Anna’s Hummingbird on its go-to perch and the deceptively simple-appearing California Towhees
Full eBird list with the 26 species here! https://ebird.org/checklist/S298973556 Until next time,Subha and PegSanta Clara Valley Bird Alliance
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: 2/7/26 3:06 pm From: Lisa Myers via groups.io <lisa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] A morning at Coyote Lake County Park
Hi all -
I led a walk today over at Coyote Lake / Harvey Bear County Park. We
started our birding at the boat ramp after entering from the Roop Road
entrance. Here are some hi-lights.
We walked down the boat ramp to the waters edge and started observing
the *WESTERN & CLARK'S GREBES*. An adult *BALD EAGLE* flew into view
from the north and landed on the ground as if it was hunting. After it
flew off the grebes started swimming our direction. We watched several
pairs rushing and they were easy to count at over 200. South of us and
along the shore a *SNOW GOOSE *was a scope view away in the midst of a
flock of *CANADA GEESE. *We watched a crow was harassing a *WHITE-TAILED
KITE.
*
The dam was our next stop where we found 2 adult *BALD EAGLES*, *WESTERN
BLUEBIRDS*, a single *RUFOUS CROWNED SPARROW*, and both *SAY'S & BLACK
PHOEBES*. A *WRENTIT* could be heard from the east side of the lake. We
observed two *WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS *that appeared to emerge from the
cliff located on the north/west side of the rocky dam. THAT was cool.
We ended our morning amongst a meet-up of Airstream campers at the
Lakeview Campground. (If you are thinking about buying an Airstream -
that's the place to go this weekend.) Here we had a pair of
*RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS*. A male *NORTHERN FLICKER* was preening and a
*RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER* was in the pepper tree located at the entrance
of the amphitheater.
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: 2/7/26 1:40 pm From: Lisa Myers via groups.io <lisa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Adult Golden Eagle over Los Gatos Blvd. 1:23 PM
Hi all -
Sitting at a red light along Los Gatos Blvd. and Los Gatos Almaden Road
in Los Gatos I watched an adult *GOLDEN EAGLE* approach from the
south/east and fly directly overhead. It continued to circle over the
road as I continued on. This was at 1:23 PM.
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.
