Date: 6/27/25 7:01 pm From: Ryan Winkleman via groups.io <rswinkleman...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Orange County RBA: June 27, 2025
* California
* Orange County
* June 27, 2025
* CAOC25.06.27
This is the Orange County, CA weekly Rare Bird Alert (RBA) and local events
summary. California Bird Records Committee (CBRC) review species are
capitalized and marked with asterisks below. All documentation of review
species should be forwarded to the CBRC secretary, Tom Benson, at
<secretary...>
*BIRDS MENTIONED*
*RED-NECKED STINT*
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Neotropic Cormorant
Eastern Kingbird
A *RED-NECKED STINT* was photographed at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in
Huntington Beach on June 23 in the spit sitting out in the water off of the
viewpoint by the PCH walkbridge. This is the first record for Orange
County. If accepted, it would be either #504 or #505 depending on the
Swallow-tailed Kite record from a month or so back.
A SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was photographed off of the viewpoint at the Bolsa
Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach on June 24. What looked to me
like a different bird was photographed on the backside of the reserve that
same morning.
NEOTROPIC CORMORANTS continued on the Upper Santa Ana River through June
23, while another was photographed at Mason Regional Park in Irvine this
week.
An EASTERN KINGBIRD was photographed on the north side of the island at
Huntington Central Park in Huntington Beach on June 21.
LOCAL EVENTS
Note: We will no longer be listing individual trips on this weekly email.
For a complete up-to-date list of current field trips, please visit the
webpage on Sea and Sage’s website:
https://seaandsageaudubon.org/home-sas/field-trip-2/#FallFT.
The Orange County RBA and events summary is produced weekly by Ryan
Winkleman. Sightings of rare birds can be posted to the OrangeCountyBirding
listserv, emailed directly to Ryan Winkleman (<rswinkleman...>),
and/or submitted to eBird (http://ebird.org/content/ebird). Any supporting
details (descriptions, photos, audio recordings, etc.) of rare sightings
that are not already disclosed on the listserv or on eBird should also be
emailed to Ryan Winkleman separately for consideration to be mentioned in
the current quarterly report for North American Birds.
Those sightings that are included in this summary generally include those
that are considered rare (regionally or seasonally) for Orange County based
on "The Birds of Orange County: Status and Distribution" (Hamilton and
Willick), "Birds of Southern California" (Garrett and Dunn), and/or more
contemporary changes in local or regional status and distribution. Rarities
that regularly or seasonally occur at a particular location, such as
annually wintering rarities on Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, may or
may not be included in this digest, but reports of these same species
occurring at other, atypical locations throughout the county may be
included. We don't include hybrids, subspecies, introduced or exotic birds,
or in most cases and for no real reason, geese. All bird reports are vetted
to the extent possible prior to each publication, but in the interest of
sharing information, the accuracy of any given report cannot always be
guaranteed, nor can the presence of any given bird for those who choose to
chase after them.
Information on upcoming local events can be viewed on the Sea and Sage
Audubon website (http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/). Sea and Sage Audubon
is based out of the Audubon House at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in
Irvine. They sponsor a number of public field trips, special birding
events, conservation lectures, and social gatherings throughout the year.
Information regarding upcoming local events should be considered accurate
at the time of this posting. However, for the most current information
please refer to the field trip list on the Sea and Sage Audubon website at
https://seaandsageaudubon.org/home-sas/field-trip-2/#FTSchedule. It is also
recommended that you refer to that website immediately prior to engaging in
any field trip to confirm that trips are still occurring. If you know of
additional upcoming events that are not sponsored directly by Sea and Sage
Audubon, please email Ryan Winkleman for inclusion. #RBA
Date: 6/27/25 3:34 pm From: wagtail1997 via groups.io <orcorba...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Neotropic Cormorant at Mason Regional Park
As a new resident of Irvine and living on the edge of Mason Regional Park, I'm learning what I can expect to see here. I found recently a small Cormorant roost just north of the bridge. Where do those birds disperse to? And the past few days what looks like a juvenile Neotropic Cormorant has been hanging out in the early to late afternoon along the lake edge by that tree.
Joel
Joel Weintraub
Irvine, California
Date: 6/25/25 2:42 pm From: Dawn Hubbard via groups.io <britomart73...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] 6-hour pelagic out of Dana Point on Friday (6/27)
Hi Dave,
For those of us who suffer from seasickness, can you (or anyone else) give
feedback on experiences on past summer trips, and/or the expected sea
conditions this Friday?
Thanks!
Dawn Hubbard
Garden Grove
On Wed, Jun 25, 2025 at 12:08 PM David Pereksta via groups.io <pereksta=
<pacbell.net...> wrote:
> Hi all
>
> There is space available on a 6-hour pelagic trip out of Dana Point this
> Friday. These are small capacity trips that normally fill fast, but we do
> have a few spots available. The trip leaves at 8:00 am and returns at 2:00
> pm. It will focus on Orange County waters and with the time we have, we
> will be able to get out to several of the interesting underwater features
> in the area. I expect we may encounter alcids, storm-petrels, flocks of
> shearwaters, and other pelagic species. It is a good time of year to find
> Craveri's Murrelet and previous summer trips on this boat have turned up
> those as well as Manx Shearwater, Townsend's Storm-Petrel, Nazca Booby, and
> other goodies. A whale watching trip out to the waters around San Clemente
> Island yesterday had hundreds of Cook's Petrels so who knows what we will
> see. Those birds were beyond where we expect to get on Friday, but it is an
> indication of what is cruising around offshore. We will aim to get as far
> offshore as we can and see what we find.
>
> Registration information is available at the following link.
>
> Cheers
>
> Dave Pereksta
> Ventura, CA
>
> https://danawharf.com/whale-watching/pelagic-bird-watching/ >
>
>
Date: 6/25/25 12:08 pm From: David Pereksta via groups.io <pereksta...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] 6-hour pelagic out of Dana Point on Friday (6/27)
Hi all
There is space available on a 6-hour pelagic trip out of Dana Point this Friday. These are small capacity trips that normally fill fast, but we do have a few spots available. The trip leaves at 8:00 am and returns at 2:00 pm. It will focus on Orange County waters and with the time we have, we will be able to get out to several of the interesting underwater features in the area. I expect we may encounter alcids, storm-petrels, flocks of shearwaters, and other pelagic species. It is a good time of year to find Craveri's Murrelet and previous summer trips on this boat have turned up those as well as Manx Shearwater, Townsend's Storm-Petrel, Nazca Booby, and other goodies. A whale watching trip out to the waters around San Clemente Island yesterday had hundreds of Cook's Petrels so who knows what we will see. Those birds were beyond where we expect to get on Friday, but it is an indication of what is cruising around offshore. We will aim to get as far offshore as we can and see what we find.
Registration information is available at the following link.
Cheers
Dave PerekstaVentura, CA
https://danawharf.com/whale-watching/pelagic-bird-watching/
Date: 6/24/25 12:58 pm From: Sylvia Afable via groups.io <sylvia_afable...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Bolsa Chica TUES 6/24 Car Break-in
Hi all,
Kindly please be aware of your vehicles if you’re parked in the area especially the little lot off PCH.
To the birder that visited today with a brownish Honda (you got to your car at 1152), I spoke to the police and will be submitting a video recorded from my car of a suspect who got access to your vehicle (~1137). Kindly please email me privately for additional information …
<sylvia_afable...>
For all others still in the area, the authorities are aware and will be sending more patrol vehicles in the area for today.
Date: 6/24/25 8:49 am From: Braxton Landsman via groups.io <balbhl...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] Red-necked Stint - Bolsa Chica
Unfortunately I had to leave, nobody has seen the stint yet but others are still looking. The tide is rising though so afternoon may be best.
Earlier this morning,several of us saw what appeared to be a candidate for a semipalmated sandpiper. Upon reviewing my photos, the SESA candidate probably is one, but I’ll see what the real photos do. Several expert opinions favor SESA over a weird western. Also present are 4 red knots, a simmering lesser Scaup, and a red breasted merganser.
Date: 6/23/25 5:53 pm From: Ryan Winkleman via groups.io <rswinkleman...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Red-necked Stint - Bolsa Chica
Photos of a Red-necked Stint at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach were posted to the Birding Discord server a little while ago. This is a first county record. The bird was photographed at 2:50pm today at approximately 33.6985760, -118.0437676.
Date: 6/21/25 9:09 pm From: David Ornellas via groups.io <davidornellas...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Ebird tracks
Good evening all,
I just want to give you a heads up on a new update for the Ebird app. It will now calculate and eliminate backtracking by itself. Also, it is going to retroactively do this to all previous list (supposedly).
Here is a video about it. He is an Ebird reviewer from Maine and has a lot of good tips and tricks for ebird and birding in general. https://youtu.be/CwwGhAesbpA?si=9TORpBi_vl5zGCXi --
David Ornellas,
Costa Mesa, CA
Date: 6/21/25 1:32 pm From: <tgmiko...> via groups.io <tgmiko...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] Possible EAKI HCP East
Has nobody re-found the Eastern Kimgbird? If so please give GPS coordinates.
Thomas Geza Miko
Claremont, LA County
909.241.3300
" ... there's a relationship between attention span and morality. I think
that, if you shorten people's attention span a great deal, you are left
with only the attraction of power."--Marcel Ophuls 1978
On Sat, Jun 21, 2025, 08:01 Jasmine Kay via groups.io <jkay042=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> For anyone in the park or nearby, I had a *POSSIBLE* Eastern Kingbird at
> Huntington Central Park East in Huntington Beach. Very brief views— only a
> few seconds from pretty far— but the black and white contrast seemed pretty
> stark. Perched with a CAKI on north side of island before disappearing
> east. It’s a super gloomy day, so I’m not at all certain but just wanted
> people nearby to keep an eye out..
>
> Jasmine Kay
> Irvine
>
>
>
Date: 6/21/25 8:01 am From: Jasmine Kay via groups.io <jkay042...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Possible EAKI HCP East
For anyone in the park or nearby, I had a *POSSIBLE* Eastern Kingbird at Huntington Central Park East in Huntington Beach. Very brief views— only a few seconds from pretty far— but the black and white contrast seemed pretty stark. Perched with a CAKI on north side of island before disappearing east. It’s a super gloomy day, so I’m not at all certain but just wanted people nearby to keep an eye out..
Date: 6/20/25 12:20 pm From: Cynthia Case via groups.io <case.cynthiak...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Protest in Silverado Canyon
Rep Young Kim got word of the protest and moved her meeting to Zoom. People are gathering anyway, but know that she isn’t here.
Cynthia Case
Laguna Woods
Date: 6/19/25 9:09 pm From: Cynthia Case via groups.io <case.cynthiak...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Protest
https://files.constantcontact.com/c6d7a898701/b58108ac-01e1-4f5b-bdb9-76f3d840c217.jpg?rdr=true I’m not sure if this is allowed to be shared here, so apologies if I’ve broken a rule.
A protest is planned tomorrow, Friday, June 20, regarding the potential sell off of nearly all of the Cleveland National Forest. Meet at the Silverado Community Center, 27641 Silverado Canyon Rd, at 12:30.
Cynthia Case
Laguna Woods
Date: 6/16/25 12:30 pm From: Steve Rovell via groups.io <tapaculo...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Bolsa Chica Questions - YCNH and REEG
Hi Everyone - I grew up here in the county, YL to be precise, and now live up in Monterey County. I'm hoping to see the YC Night-Heron and Reddish Egret at Bolsa Chica. Can anyone provide coordinates or general locations or most likely places I might check for decent chances at finding them?
Date: 6/11/25 11:08 am From: Ryan Winkleman via groups.io <rswinkleman...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Crested Caracara
Birders,
My friend Karly Moore sent me a photo of a Crested Caracara taken approximately 0645 this morning while working on the very north end of Camp Pendleton, about 2.5 miles south of the county line. The area of the sighting is not open to the public, but she said the bird was flying in the direction of I-5 and Trestles Beach should anybody want to cruise up and down the freeway to see if it's still hanging around.
Date: 6/10/25 8:56 am From: Jeff Bray via groups.io <jbray3928...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] SW Kite Update
Still not in Orange County either. Lol
Jeff Bray
Irvine, CA
On Tue, Jun 10, 2025 at 8:51 AM <tgmiko...> via groups.io <tgmiko=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Harbor Park is not in Long Beach. It is in Harbor City which does not even
> border Long Beach. If you look up where the Kaiser Medical Center is in
> Harbor City, California you will find the park.
>
> Thomas Geza Miko
> Claremont, LA County
> 909.241.3300
> " ... there's a relationship between attention span and morality. I think
> that, if you shorten people's attention span a great deal, you are left
> with only the attraction of power."--Marcel Ophuls 1978
>
> On Tue, Jun 10, 2025, 07:04 Ed Stonick via groups.io <edstonick=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> The Swallow-tailed Kite is present at the north end of Lake Machado in
>> Ken Malloy Regional Harbor Park in Long Beach.
>>
>> Ed Stonick
>>
>>
>>
>> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
>>
>>
>
>
Date: 6/10/25 8:51 am From: <tgmiko...> via groups.io <tgmiko...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] SW Kite Update
Harbor Park is not in Long Beach. It is in Harbor City which does not even border Long Beach. If you look up where the Kaiser Medical Center is in Harbor City, California you will find the park.
Thomas Geza Miko Claremont, LA County 909.241.3300 " ... there's a relationship between attention span and morality. I think that, if you shorten people's attention span a great deal, you are left with only the attraction of power."--Marcel Ophuls 1978
On Tue, Jun 10, 2025, 07:04 Ed Stonick via groups.io <edstonick= <gmail.com...> wrote:
> Hi all, > > The Swallow-tailed Kite is present at the north end of Lake Machado in Ken > Malloy Regional Harbor Park in Long Beach. > > Ed Stonick > > > > Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone > > > >
Date: 6/10/25 7:04 am From: Ed Stonick via groups.io <edstonick...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] SW Kite Update
Hi all,The Swallow-tailed Kite is present at the north end of Lake Machado in Ken Malloy Regional Harbor Park in Long Beach.Ed StonickSent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Date: 6/8/25 9:50 pm From: <tgmiko...> via groups.io <tgmiko...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] Swallow tailed Kite now
Hi,
I just realized that when I wrote my email to the Los Angeles and
California email lists, my phone assumed that I also wanted to send a copy
to the Orange County list. I did not intend to do that, but it was kind of
a happy accident because probably somebody would have wanted to know.
However, I was confused and wondering about Jeff's and a couple other
people's emails. Now I get it.
Thomas Geza Miko
Claremont, LA County
909.241.3300
" ... there's a relationship between attention span and morality. I think
that, if you shorten people's attention span a great deal, you are left
with only the attraction of power."--Marcel Ophuls 1978
On Sun, Jun 8, 2025, 16:27 Jeff Bray <jbray3928...> wrote:
> For those that were confused like I was about this post, this is in LA
> County, not Orange County. Ken Malloy Harbor Park.
>
> Jeff Bray
> Irvine, CA
>
> On Sun, Jun 8, 2025 at 4:24 PM <tgmiko...> via groups.io <tgmiko=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> 16:23 6/8/2025
>> 33.785859,-118.292780bcurrently the bird is perched on a bear branch of a
>> tree. It has been soaring and hunting all over the entirety of Harbor Park
>> and the wetlands between the park and the Golf course. Now the bird is
>> soaring over us. If you pick a spot like maybe the dam to stand around long
>> enough and the bird should fly over you.
>>
>> Thomas Geza Miko
>> Claremont, LA County
>> 909.241.3300
>> " ... there's a relationship between attention span and morality. I think
>> that, if you shorten people's attention span a great deal, you are left
>> with only the attraction of power."--Marcel Ophuls 1978
>>
>>
>>
Date: 6/8/25 4:51 pm From: <tgmiko...> via groups.io <tgmiko...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] Swallow tailed Kite now
It looks like it is a reasonable assumption that if you drive here to
Harbor Park this afternoon in the next couple of hours for all the less you
will see this bird flying around.
Thomas Geza Miko
Claremont, LA County
909.241.3300
" ... there's a relationship between attention span and morality. I think
that, if you shorten people's attention span a great deal, you are left
with only the attraction of power."--Marcel Ophuls 1978
On Sun, Jun 8, 2025, 16:27 Jeff Bray <jbray3928...> wrote:
> For those that were confused like I was about this post, this is in LA
> County, not Orange County. Ken Malloy Harbor Park.
>
> Jeff Bray
> Irvine, CA
>
> On Sun, Jun 8, 2025 at 4:24 PM <tgmiko...> via groups.io <tgmiko=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> 16:23 6/8/2025
>> 33.785859,-118.292780bcurrently the bird is perched on a bear branch of a
>> tree. It has been soaring and hunting all over the entirety of Harbor Park
>> and the wetlands between the park and the Golf course. Now the bird is
>> soaring over us. If you pick a spot like maybe the dam to stand around long
>> enough and the bird should fly over you.
>>
>> Thomas Geza Miko
>> Claremont, LA County
>> 909.241.3300
>> " ... there's a relationship between attention span and morality. I think
>> that, if you shorten people's attention span a great deal, you are left
>> with only the attraction of power."--Marcel Ophuls 1978
>>
>>
>>
Date: 6/8/25 4:27 pm From: Jeff Bray via groups.io <jbray3928...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] Swallow tailed Kite now
For those that were confused like I was about this post, this is in LA
County, not Orange County. Ken Malloy Harbor Park.
Jeff Bray
Irvine, CA
On Sun, Jun 8, 2025 at 4:24 PM <tgmiko...> via groups.io <tgmiko=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> 16:23 6/8/2025
> 33.785859,-118.292780bcurrently the bird is perched on a bear branch of a
> tree. It has been soaring and hunting all over the entirety of Harbor Park
> and the wetlands between the park and the Golf course. Now the bird is
> soaring over us. If you pick a spot like maybe the dam to stand around long
> enough and the bird should fly over you.
>
> Thomas Geza Miko
> Claremont, LA County
> 909.241.3300
> " ... there's a relationship between attention span and morality. I think
> that, if you shorten people's attention span a great deal, you are left
> with only the attraction of power."--Marcel Ophuls 1978
>
>
>
Date: 6/8/25 4:24 pm From: <tgmiko...> via groups.io <tgmiko...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Swallow tailed Kite now
16:23 6/8/2025 33.785859,-118.292780bcurrently the bird is perched on a bear branch of a tree. It has been soaring and hunting all over the entirety of Harbor Park and the wetlands between the park and the Golf course. Now the bird is soaring over us. If you pick a spot like maybe the dam to stand around long enough and the bird should fly over you.
Thomas Geza Miko Claremont, LA County 909.241.3300 " ... there's a relationship between attention span and morality. I think that, if you shorten people's attention span a great deal, you are left with only the attraction of power."--Marcel Ophuls 1978
Date: 6/7/25 12:36 am From: Ryan Winkleman via groups.io <rswinkleman...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Orange County RBA: June 7, 2025
* California
* Orange County
* June 7, 2025
* CAOC25.06.07
This is the Orange County, CA weekly Rare Bird Alert (RBA). California Bird
Records Committee (CBRC) review species are capitalized and marked with
asterisks below. All documentation of review species should be forwarded to
the CBRC secretary, Tom Benson, at <secretary...>
A PIGEON GUILLEMOT was photographed flying offshore from the Newport Pier
on June 5.
A NEOTROPIC CORMORANT continued at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in
Irvine through June 6, while another was on the Upper Santa Ana River on
the same day.
A RED-EYED VIREO continued at Huntington Central Park in Huntington Beach
through June 2.
A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was at Huntington Central Park in Huntington Beach on
May 31 and June 1, east of the island.
An INDIGO BUNTING was at Canyon Park in Costa Mesa on May 31 and June 1.
LOCAL EVENTS
Note: We will no longer be listing individual trips on this weekly email.
For a complete up-to-date list of current field trips, please visit the
webpage on Sea and Sage’s website:
https://seaandsageaudubon.org/home-sas/field-trip-2/#FallFT.
The Orange County RBA and events summary is produced weekly by Ryan
Winkleman. Sightings of rare birds can be posted to the OrangeCountyBirding
listserv, emailed directly to Ryan Winkleman (<rswinkleman...>),
and/or submitted to eBird (http://ebird.org/content/ebird). Any supporting
details (descriptions, photos, audio recordings, etc.) of rare sightings
that are not already disclosed on the listserv or on eBird should also be
emailed to Ryan Winkleman separately for consideration to be mentioned in
the current quarterly report for North American Birds.
Those sightings that are included in this summary generally include those
that are considered rare (regionally or seasonally) for Orange County based
on "The Birds of Orange County: Status and Distribution" (Hamilton and
Willick), "Birds of Southern California" (Garrett and Dunn), and/or more
contemporary changes in local or regional status and distribution. Rarities
that regularly or seasonally occur at a particular location, such as
annually wintering rarities on Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, may or
may not be included in this digest, but reports of these same species
occurring at other, atypical locations throughout the county may be
included. We don't include hybrids, subspecies, introduced or exotic birds,
or in most cases and for no real reason, geese. All bird reports are vetted
to the extent possible prior to each publication, but in the interest of
sharing information, the accuracy of any given report cannot always be
guaranteed, nor can the presence of any given bird for those who choose to
chase after them.
Information on upcoming local events can be viewed on the Sea and Sage
Audubon website (http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/). Sea and Sage Audubon
is based out of the Audubon House at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in
Irvine. They sponsor a number of public field trips, special birding
events, conservation lectures, and social gatherings throughout the year.
Information regarding upcoming local events should be considered accurate
at the time of this posting. However, for the most current information
please refer to the field trip list on the Sea and Sage Audubon website at
https://seaandsageaudubon.org/home-sas/field-trip-2/#FTSchedule. It is also
recommended that you refer to that website immediately prior to engaging in
any field trip to confirm that trips are still occurring. If you know of
additional upcoming events that are not sponsored directly by Sea and Sage
Audubon, please email Ryan Winkleman for inclusion. #RBA
On Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 02:17:20 PM PDT, Sue Jorgenson via groups.io <lilithm...> wrote:
Excellent tip, Bob. I keep both in a stiff folding holder, one side for each card. Kind of like a miniature folder. Easy to put in purse or backpack, available on Amazon.
Regarding Crystal Cove, where did the break ins happen? Los Trancos lot, Reef Point lot or…? I always park at Reef Point and I’ve been lucky. Kept an eye out when I arrived at 8:30 and the rangers were patrolling while removing overnight trash. Left at 10:30.
Sue Jorgenson
Fullerton
---------- Original Message ----------
From: "bugbob via groups.io" <bugbob...>
To: Orange County Birding <orangecountybirding...>
Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] Bolsa Chica Car Break-ins
Date: Sun, 1 Jun 2025 06:20:09 -0700
Awful, awful, awful!
I’ll add a tip I learned from law enforcement. Not only take your wallet, purse, identification items, etc. But also take your car’s registration and insurance documents. Thieves can falsify your insurance to be “theirs” and get your home address (they needn’t follow you if they have the address).
Empty your car of all belongings. Even though we did that, the car was still broken into (smashed a window, leaving broken glass on the nearby seat). We had left the glove box closed with only the owner’s manual inside and that is what they stole! So also empty the glove box and leave it open so it can be seen from outside the car.
Cheers,
Bob AllenMission Viejo
On May 31, 2025, at 5:42 PM, Ellen Tipping via groups.io <ellen.tipping88...> wrote:Exactly what Sandrine describes happened to me last year at HCP-West. But I started getting text-fraud alerts from my bank and credit companies within 15 minutes of starting my birding there. The culprits attempted charges on each card to an alleged merchant in Santiago Chile and I responded right away to the fraud alerts from my banks to confirm the charges were fraudulent. However, I found my purse and wallet were still in the car and had no idea the thieves had just removed the cards from my wallet until I was home contacting the companies for new cards. I had assumed some online data breach. The lesson learned was that these are highly-organized teams, they do lie in wait watching for folks who leave something in their trunk (women who bird are good targets as we have purses) and they can move very fast once we leave our cars. Since then I always carry my wallet on me when birding and will not be observed leaving something in the trunk.
Ellen TippingIrvine
On May 31, 2025, at 4:43 PM, Sandrine Biziaux via groups.io <sbiziaux...> wrote:
Thanks Trude. I will add be careful when you go to Crystal Cove too. I was there in january with 2 friends and our cars were broken into, all our credit/debit cards stolen (not the purses or the wallets though) just the cards and within minutes they spent worth of $30K with all our cards at dpt stores in South Coast Plaza. I suspect the RV parked there was the culprit, the guy was at the wheel doing nothing but looking at people parking and putting their purses inside their cars trunks. We were stupid enough to do it in plain sight. Fortunately we were reimbursed by our banks. The rangers at CC were informed and I was told they had a meeting to talk about the incident but no measure was taken that I know of. My car was broken into twice at CC and once at Bolsa Chica (nothing to steal in my car that time but 500$ to change the car's lock everytime).It's really a pity that we can't go to these places anymore and that authorities are so slow to intervene when this has been going on for years.
SandrineIrvine
-----------Sandrine Biziaux-SchersonFind me here:
https://www.instagram.com/sandrine.biziaux.scherson/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100048666553793
On Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 09:38:48 AM PDT, Trude Hurd via groups.io <trudehurd...> wrote:
Good advice for a sad situation. I would add one more warning for wildlife photographers: be aware of cars following you as you leave as you may be followed. We made a stop in Huntington Beach after leaving Bolsa Chica, and our car trunk was broken into and we lost over $12K in camera gear. We were targeted and followed, but glad it did not turn into a home invasion. We're now alert especially to single men talking on their cell phone on the footbridge and anyone asking us about our camera gear (if asked how much it cost; we'll say "it's a really old model and not worth much"). Trude HurdLake Forest
--
Trude Hurd
Lake Forest
Date: 6/1/25 2:17 pm From: Sue Jorgenson via groups.io <lilithm...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] Bolsa Chica Car Break-ins
Excellent tip, Bob. I keep both in a stiff folding holder, one side for each card. Kind of like a miniature folder. Easy to put in purse or backpack, available on Amazon.
Regarding Crystal Cove, where did the break ins happen? Los Trancos lot, Reef Point lot or…? I always park at Reef Point and I’ve been lucky. Kept an eye out when I arrived at 8:30 and the rangers were patrolling while removing overnight trash. Left at 10:30.
Sue Jorgenson
Fullerton
---------- Original Message ----------
From: "bugbob via groups.io" <bugbob...>
To: Orange County Birding <orangecountybirding...>
Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] Bolsa Chica Car Break-ins
Date: Sun, 1 Jun 2025 06:20:09 -0700
Awful, awful, awful!
I’ll add a tip I learned from law enforcement. Not only take your wallet, purse, identification items, etc. But also take your car’s registration and insurance documents. Thieves can falsify your insurance to be “theirs” and get your home address (they needn’t follow you if they have the address).
Empty your car of all belongings. Even though we did that, the car was still broken into (smashed a window, leaving broken glass on the nearby seat). We had left the glove box closed with only the owner’s manual inside and that is what they stole! So also empty the glove box and leave it open so it can be seen from outside the car.
Cheers,
Bob AllenMission Viejo
On May 31, 2025, at 5:42 PM, Ellen Tipping via groups.io <ellen.tipping88...> wrote:Exactly what Sandrine describes happened to me last year at HCP-West. But I started getting text-fraud alerts from my bank and credit companies within 15 minutes of starting my birding there. The culprits attempted charges on each card to an alleged merchant in Santiago Chile and I responded right away to the fraud alerts from my banks to confirm the charges were fraudulent. However, I found my purse and wallet were still in the car and had no idea the thieves had just removed the cards from my wallet until I was home contacting the companies for new cards. I had assumed some online data breach. The lesson learned was that these are highly-organized teams, they do lie in wait watching for folks who leave something in their trunk (women who bird are good targets as we have purses) and they can move very fast once we leave our cars. Since then I always carry my wallet on me when birding and will not be observed leaving something in the trunk.
Ellen TippingIrvine
On May 31, 2025, at 4:43 PM, Sandrine Biziaux via groups.io <sbiziaux...> wrote:
Thanks Trude. I will add be careful when you go to Crystal Cove too. I was there in january with 2 friends and our cars were broken into, all our credit/debit cards stolen (not the purses or the wallets though) just the cards and within minutes they spent worth of $30K with all our cards at dpt stores in South Coast Plaza. I suspect the RV parked there was the culprit, the guy was at the wheel doing nothing but looking at people parking and putting their purses inside their cars trunks. We were stupid enough to do it in plain sight. Fortunately we were reimbursed by our banks. The rangers at CC were informed and I was told they had a meeting to talk about the incident but no measure was taken that I know of. My car was broken into twice at CC and once at Bolsa Chica (nothing to steal in my car that time but 500$ to change the car's lock everytime).It's really a pity that we can't go to these places anymore and that authorities are so slow to intervene when this has been going on for years.
SandrineIrvine
-----------Sandrine Biziaux-SchersonFind me here:
https://www.instagram.com/sandrine.biziaux.scherson/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100048666553793
On Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 09:38:48 AM PDT, Trude Hurd via groups.io <trudehurd...> wrote:
Good advice for a sad situation. I would add one more warning for wildlife photographers: be aware of cars following you as you leave as you may be followed. We made a stop in Huntington Beach after leaving Bolsa Chica, and our car trunk was broken into and we lost over $12K in camera gear. We were targeted and followed, but glad it did not turn into a home invasion. We're now alert especially to single men talking on their cell phone on the footbridge and anyone asking us about our camera gear (if asked how much it cost; we'll say "it's a really old model and not worth much"). Trude HurdLake Forest
--
Trude Hurd
Lake Forest
Date: 6/1/25 11:57 am From: carol maxwell via groups.io <carolstott43...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Steve Turley
To Becky, An unimaginable loss; my deepest sympathies to you. I remember seeing you and Steve together so many times, a kind and gentle man. May his love always be with you, Carol Maxwell
Date: 6/1/25 8:57 am From: Trish G via groups.io <trishrg62...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] Red-eyed Vireo continues at Huntington Central Park east
Bird continues this morning in carrotwood trees.
On Fri, May 30, 2025, 10:37 AM Edana Salisbury via groups.io <edanasal=
<aol.com...> wrote:
> The vireo that Lam-Son Vinh reported yesterday continues in the same area.
> It was first spotted in the same carrotwood tree where Lam-Son had it.
> Then it flew around for a few brief sightings, with several sightings in
> the group of carrotwood trees where it was seen last year. Around here.
> (33.7061767, -118.0031379)
> Initially seen with David Ornellas, Jill Dale, Steve Neely and Shirley
> Reynolds. More joined us as the morning progressed.
>
> Edana Salisbury
> Buena Park
> Sent from my iPhone and possibly autocorrected incorrectly ....
>
>
> --
> Edana Salisbury
> Buena Park
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 6/1/25 6:20 am From: bugbob via groups.io <bugbob...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] Bolsa Chica Car Break-ins
Awful, awful, awful!
I’ll add a tip I learned from law enforcement. Not only take your wallet, purse, identification items, etc. But also take your car’s registration and insurance documents. Thieves can falsify your insurance to be “theirs” and get your home address (they needn’t follow you if they have the address).
Empty your car of all belongings. Even though we did that, the car was still broken into (smashed a window, leaving broken glass on the nearby seat). We had left the glove box closed with only the owner’s manual inside and that is what they stole! So also empty the glove box and leave it open so it can be seen from outside the car.
Cheers,
Bob Allen
Mission Viejo
> On May 31, 2025, at 5:42 PM, Ellen Tipping via groups.io <ellen.tipping88...> wrote:
>
> Exactly what Sandrine describes happened to me last year at HCP-West. But I started getting text-fraud alerts from my bank and credit companies within 15 minutes of starting my birding there. The culprits attempted charges on each card to an alleged merchant in Santiago Chile and I responded right away to the fraud alerts from my banks to confirm the charges were fraudulent. However, I found my purse and wallet were still in the car and had no idea the thieves had just removed the cards from my wallet until I was home contacting the companies for new cards. I had assumed some online data breach. The lesson learned was that these are highly-organized teams, they do lie in wait watching for folks who leave something in their trunk (women who bird are good targets as we have purses) and they can move very fast once we leave our cars. Since then I always carry my wallet on me when birding and will not be observed leaving something in the trunk.
>
> Ellen Tipping
> Irvine
>
>
>> On May 31, 2025, at 4:43 PM, Sandrine Biziaux via groups.io <sbiziaux...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Thanks Trude. I will add be careful when you go to Crystal Cove too. I was there in january with 2 friends and our cars were broken into, all our credit/debit cards stolen (not the purses or the wallets though) just the cards and within minutes they spent worth of $30K with all our cards at dpt stores in South Coast Plaza. I suspect the RV parked there was the culprit, the guy was at the wheel doing nothing but looking at people parking and putting their purses inside their cars trunks. We were stupid enough to do it in plain sight. Fortunately we were reimbursed by our banks. The rangers at CC were informed and I was told they had a meeting to talk about the incident but no measure was taken that I know of.
>> My car was broken into twice at CC and once at Bolsa Chica (nothing to steal in my car that time but 500$ to change the car's lock everytime).
>> It's really a pity that we can't go to these places anymore and that authorities are so slow to intervene when this has been going on for years.
>>
>> Sandrine
>> Irvine
>>
>> -----------
>> Sandrine Biziaux-Scherson
>> Find me here:
>>
>> https://www.instagram.com/sandrine.biziaux.scherson/ >>
>> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100048666553793 >>
>> http://www.scherson.com <https://www.facebook.com/Sandrine-Biziaux-Scherson-Photography-164661373642891/timeline/> >>
>>
>>
>> On Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 09:38:48 AM PDT, Trude Hurd via groups.io <trudehurd...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Good advice for a sad situation. I would add one more warning for wildlife photographers: be aware of cars following you as you leave as you may be followed. We made a stop in Huntington Beach after leaving Bolsa Chica, and our car trunk was broken into and we lost over $12K in camera gear. We were targeted and followed, but glad it did not turn into a home invasion. We're now alert especially to single men talking on their cell phone on the footbridge and anyone asking us about our camera gear (if asked how much it cost; we'll say "it's a really old model and not worth much").
>> Trude Hurd
>> Lake Forest
>>
>> --
>> Trude Hurd
>> Lake Forest
>
> --
> Ellen Tipping
>
Date: 5/31/25 8:50 pm From: Jacksnipe via groups.io <wahooking...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] Steve Turley.
My deepest condolences to Becky and the Turley family. Steve was a great bird spotter and a fantastic person. I am going to miss him greatly.
We had a lot of common interests outside of birding: golfing, fishing and international travelling/birding, so we always had a lot to chat about. I will miss his delicious brownies that he made for the OC pelagic trips!
I hope we can all keep our thoughts and prayers with Becky during this terribly sad time.
Date: 5/31/25 4:43 pm From: Sandrine Biziaux via groups.io <sbiziaux...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] Bolsa Chica Car Break-ins
Thanks Trude. I will add be careful when you go to Crystal Cove too. I was there in january with 2 friends and our cars were broken into, all our credit/debit cards stolen (not the purses or the wallets though) just the cards and within minutes they spent worth of $30K with all our cards at dpt stores in South Coast Plaza. I suspect the RV parked there was the culprit, the guy was at the wheel doing nothing but looking at people parking and putting their purses inside their cars trunks. We were stupid enough to do it in plain sight. Fortunately we were reimbursed by our banks. The rangers at CC were informed and I was told they had a meeting to talk about the incident but no measure was taken that I know of. My car was broken into twice at CC and once at Bolsa Chica (nothing to steal in my car that time but 500$ to change the car's lock everytime).It's really a pity that we can't go to these places anymore and that authorities are so slow to intervene when this has been going on for years.
SandrineIrvine
-----------Sandrine Biziaux-SchersonFind me here:
https://www.instagram.com/sandrine.biziaux.scherson/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100048666553793
On Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 09:38:48 AM PDT, Trude Hurd via groups.io <trudehurd...> wrote:
Good advice for a sad situation. I would add one more warning for wildlife photographers: be aware of cars following you as you leave as you may be followed. We made a stop in Huntington Beach after leaving Bolsa Chica, and our car trunk was broken into and we lost over $12K in camera gear. We were targeted and followed, but glad it did not turn into a home invasion. We're now alert especially to single men talking on their cell phone on the footbridge and anyone asking us about our camera gear (if asked how much it cost; we'll say "it's a really old model and not worth much"). Trude HurdLake Forest
--
Trude Hurd
Lake Forest
Date: 5/31/25 4:17 pm From: <tgmiko...> via groups.io <tgmiko...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] [LACoBirds] Steve Turley.
Wow. Ouch. This is so shocking. Steve was one of those gigantic men who are
calm, gentle bears.
And super smart: knowledgeable about quite a variety of topics.
I'm going to miss him.
Thomas Geza Miko
Claremont, LA County
909.241.3300
On Sat, May 31, 2025, 12:41 Jim Moore via groups.io <moorebirder=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> It brings great sadness to announce the death of our friend Steve
> Turley. Becky asked me to post this message as she is grieving and needing
> privacy. Steve died of a stroke last Monday while hospitalized and treated
> for blood clots.
> Steve was well known in our birding community and valued due to his sharp
> wit, large size, friendly smile and extraordinary birding skills. His
> Superman eyes always were the first to get on the bird. I was always
> amazed at his ability spot a bird 200 yards away without the aid of
> binoculars and tell us its location and species.
> Steve was taken much too soon. Born February 12, 1950. He was the second
> of four brothers. His entire life was a succession of exciting jobs. He
> started as a young man in the Air Force assigned to a weather
> reconnaissance crew who flew into hurricanes. From there he served over 20
> years as a Los Angeles police sergeant. When he retired, he became a golf
> pro. He often told stories about the many young people he taught and what
> good golfers they became. Added to this, Steve was also an avid bass
> fisherman competing in several tournaments often winning big prize money.
> And, he had time to become an outstanding birder. Debbie and I first met
> Becky in 2007 while chasing after a Greater Peewee in Griffith Park. She
> introduced us to Steve a few weeks later and this led to a friendship of
> many years, starting with a year end trip to Bosque del Apache, then
> twitching throughout the state or taking road trips to remote locations
> throughout the world. Most notable was 5 weeks together birding Australian
> top to bottom. And, there were many trips to Piute Ponds which would
> usually end at the 19th hole where we would stop on the way home at Maria
> Bonita’s for tacos, salsa, Blue Moon and a lot of laughs.
> He will be more than missed.
> Jim Moore
> Santa Clarita
>
>
>
>
Date: 5/31/25 3:24 pm From: Pete Gordon via groups.io <peterandmiko...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] Steve Turley.
I had just seen them this past Sunday at HCP-E looking for the RBGB. This is a shock. They were always a pleasure to be around, and Steve was one of those people who was easy to know and talk to.
My prayers are with Becky and the family.
Pete Gordon
________________________________
From: <OrangeCountyBirding...> <OrangeCountyBirding...> on behalf of moorebirder via groups.io <moorebirder...>
Sent: Saturday, May 31, 2025 12:41 PM
To: SWBSC <swbsc...>; <LACoBirds...> <LACoBirds...>; Orange County Birding <OrangeCountyBirding...>; CALBIRDS <calbirds...>
Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Steve Turley.
It brings great sadness to announce the death of our friend Steve Turley. Becky asked me to post this message as she is grieving and needing privacy. Steve died of a stroke last Monday while hospitalized and treated for blood clots.
Steve was well known in our birding community and valued due to his sharp wit, large size, friendly smile and extraordinary birding skills. His Superman eyes always were the first to get on the bird. I was always amazed at his ability spot a bird 200 yards away without the aid of binoculars and tell us its location and species.
Steve was taken much too soon. Born February 12, 1950. He was the second of four brothers. His entire life was a succession of exciting jobs. He started as a young man in the Air Force assigned to a weather reconnaissance crew who flew into hurricanes. From there he served over 20 years as a Los Angeles police sergeant. When he retired, he became a golf pro. He often told stories about the many young people he taught and what good golfers they became. Added to this, Steve was also an avid bass fisherman competing in several tournaments often winning big prize money.
And, he had time to become an outstanding birder. Debbie and I first met Becky in 2007 while chasing after a Greater Peewee in Griffith Park. She introduced us to Steve a few weeks later and this led to a friendship of many years, starting with a year end trip to Bosque del Apache, then twitching throughout the state or taking road trips to remote locations throughout the world. Most notable was 5 weeks together birding Australian top to bottom. And, there were many trips to Piute Ponds which would usually end at the 19th hole where we would stop on the way home at Maria Bonitas for tacos, salsa, Blue Moon and a lot of laughs.
He will be more than missed.
Jim Moore
Santa Clarita
Date: 5/31/25 1:26 pm From: Lori Conrad via groups.io <lconrad6853...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] [LACoBirds] Steve Turley.
We are also sad to hear this news. Our hearts go out to Becky in this time
of grief.
The last time we saw Steve and Becky, since we moved to Portal, AZ was in
2018, at the great Howard King’s memorial service. I remember we were
birding before the ceremony and looking at Lawrence’s Goldfinches together.
Now whenever I see one, I’ll think of Steve. And Howard, of course.
Lori and Mark Conrad
On Sat, May 31, 2025 at 12:41 PM Jim Moore via groups.io <moorebirder=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> It brings great sadness to announce the death of our friend Steve
> Turley. Becky asked me to post this message as she is grieving and needing
> privacy. Steve died of a stroke last Monday while hospitalized and treated
> for blood clots.
> Steve was well known in our birding community and valued due to his sharp
> wit, large size, friendly smile and extraordinary birding skills. His
> Superman eyes always were the first to get on the bird. I was always
> amazed at his ability spot a bird 200 yards away without the aid of
> binoculars and tell us its location and species.
> Steve was taken much too soon. Born February 12, 1950. He was the second
> of four brothers. His entire life was a succession of exciting jobs. He
> started as a young man in the Air Force assigned to a weather
> reconnaissance crew who flew into hurricanes. From there he served over 20
> years as a Los Angeles police sergeant. When he retired, he became a golf
> pro. He often told stories about the many young people he taught and what
> good golfers they became. Added to this, Steve was also an avid bass
> fisherman competing in several tournaments often winning big prize money.
> And, he had time to become an outstanding birder. Debbie and I first met
> Becky in 2007 while chasing after a Greater Peewee in Griffith Park. She
> introduced us to Steve a few weeks later and this led to a friendship of
> many years, starting with a year end trip to Bosque del Apache, then
> twitching throughout the state or taking road trips to remote locations
> throughout the world. Most notable was 5 weeks together birding Australian
> top to bottom. And, there were many trips to Piute Ponds which would
> usually end at the 19th hole where we would stop on the way home at Maria
> Bonita’s for tacos, salsa, Blue Moon and a lot of laughs.
> He will be more than missed.
> Jim Moore
> Santa Clarita
>
>
>
>
Date: 5/31/25 9:38 am From: Trude Hurd via groups.io <trudehurd...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] Bolsa Chica Car Break-ins
Good advice for a sad situation. I would add one more warning for wildlife photographers: be aware of cars following you as you leave as you may be followed. We made a stop in Huntington Beach after leaving Bolsa Chica, and our car trunk was broken into and we lost over $12K in camera gear. We were targeted and followed, but glad it did not turn into a home invasion. We're now alert especially to single men talking on their cell phone on the footbridge and anyone asking us about our camera gear (if asked how much it cost; we'll say "it's a really old model and not worth much"). Trude Hurd Lake Forest
