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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 29, 2023 10:15 by David Blue
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155442188 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "A continuing bird on a wire above the Venoco Bridge. It had a light gray head with a darker ear patch, a long heavy black bill, a bright yellow belly with the yellow extending up to the throat, and a long notched tail."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 29, 2023 10:15 by Linda Blue
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155459517 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "A continuing bird on a wire above the Venoco Bridge. It had a light gray head with a darker ear patch, a long heavy black bill, a bright yellow belly with the yellow extending up to the throat, and a long notched tail."
Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) (18) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 29, 2023 11:54 by Jamie Chavez
- VSFB--FamCamp Open Space, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.55173&<ll...>,-120.55173 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155439049 - Comments: "A flock of Red Crossbills flew into a Monterey Pine near the overflow camp area. A mixture of red and some orange males, and females. They were very active in the top of the tree feeding on cones. Some were calling. The count is an estimate when the flock flew in."
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) (30) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 29, 2023 06:41 by Peter Schneekloth
- Sedgwick Reserve (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0405478&<ll...>,-120.0405478 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155440463 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Small sparrow with rufous cap, dark line through eye and gray rump. Flocks on Lisque Mesa and along Figueroa road totaled at least 30 birds. Photos."
Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 25, 2023 07:23 by Linda Blue
- More Mesa, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7963064&<ll...>,-119.7963064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155458450 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "First reported the night before by Hugh Ranson. We first saw the bird today at 8:25 AM foraging with House Finches on a southbound trail here: (34.4192410, -119.7975750). Later, as we were leaving at 9:38 AM, we saw it farther north perched on top of a bush here: (34.4225770, -119.8000850). This was a stocky, large-headed bird with a large silver-blue bill, a thick dark lateral throat-stripe, and buffy edges on the outer wing coverts. It had a bold lateral throat stripe, and was heavily streaked on the flanks and breast."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 29, 2023 09:14 by Jay Bishop
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155432754 - Comments: "Warbler with yellow on chest to belly. Belly off-white. Undertale has white to the tip with dark edges. Dark streaks along sides. Throat slightly less yellow than belly. White wing bar. Continuing bird."
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 29, 2023 07:55 by Max Laubstein
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155445554 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird, probably the brighter of the 2 birds that have been seen recently. First seen with Sterling in the pines in the narrow strip in the parking lot, then it moved to the pines in front of the admin building. Then moved to the lone pine just east of the admin building. Photos"
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 29, 2023 07:55 by Alex Castelein
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155445553 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird, probably the brighter of the 2 birds that have been seen recently. First seen with Sterling in the pines in the narrow strip in the parking lot, then it moved to the pines in front of the admin building. Then moved to the lone pine just east of the admin building. Photos"
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Date: 11/30/23 11:11 am From: Dennis Doordan via groups.io <ddoordan...> Subject: [sbcobirding] More Mesa 11/30/23
This is a follow up to Florence Sanchez’s note about checking More Mesa for
the Lark Bunting. This morning between 7:30 and 9:00 am I birded the
southwest quadrant of the Mesa in the area of previous sightings without
luck: no Lark Buntings. There were plenty of sparrows present: Lincolns,
Savannahs and Song sparrows. Other birds present included Western
Meadowlarks, a Loggerhead Shrike, and a Kestrel.
Date: 11/30/23 10:04 am From: Tom Riederer <bikertom...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Huge number of brown pelicans at the SB Harbor and sand spit.
Yesterday, Wednesday, about noon I paddled my kayak around the SB Harbor area. I saw a huge number of resting pelicans on the bait barge, dredge and its barge, neighboring sand bar on the sand spit, where dog walkers were not able to access. They were mostly resting and calm when I paddled past just a few feet away. They were packed almost shoulder to shoulder. I've never seen so many pelicans. I counted about 500 just on the bait barge, many many more on the dredge and sand bar, about 100 on the roof of the Harbor Restaurant and another couple hundred at the Mission Creek outflow. I estimate 3000 to 5000 total!
I've seen flocks of 200 or so in the past, but never this number. I wonder if there are things happening elsewhere in So Cal that are driving them here. I certainly hope there is no repeat of the starvation issues from last year.
Date: 11/29/23 6:08 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] North County
All,
I birded some spots in N county today with Max and Alex. We started unsurprisingly Alan Hancock College where the much-wanted Cape May showed fairly quickly. The Pine Warblers proved much challenging and we eventually had on and off views of the one with a fair amount of yellow on the throat and breast.
We then hit up the A Street ponds. The small one was best with Wilson's Snipes. Jack O'Connell Park yielded good looks at both adult and juvenile Ferruginous Hawks. We drove down Hwy 1 before turning off into Casmalia. This was productive for raptors with a subadult Golden Eagle, 2 more adult Ferruginous Hawks and a Merlin. The dairy in Casmalia had a female YH Blackbird and numerous Tricolored Blackbirds.
We finished off at Ocean Park. Compared to my last visit a couple of weeks ago, water levels have climbed quite a bit and the road side ponds are beginning to reflood. There has been a big increase in some duck numbers, primarily in Shoveler and Wigeon. The 2 WW Scoters remain along with a record 21 Surf Scoters. A RT Loon on the estuary was unusual. An single Avocet and 21 Western Sandpipers were somewhat noteworthy at this date. I will likely get up here again in 2-3 days and do a thorough count of the whole river.
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
Date: 11/29/23 5:52 pm From: Jamie Chavez via groups.io <almiyi...> Subject: [sbcobirding] VSFB Red Crossbills
On Vandenberg SFB today near the Family Camp (south of main Cantonment area) I had a sizable flock of 18 or so Red Crossbills fly into a couple of Monterey Pines. This was just one flock two trees so who knows how many more might be flying around VSFB.
Date: 11/29/23 5:18 pm From: Mark Holmgren <maholmgren33...> Subject: [sbcobirding] West Camino Cielo, Scouting for the CBC
I birded the east end of West Camino Cielo westward to the edge of the Santa Barbara Christmas Bird Count circle. Three stops along the paved portion did not yield anything very interesting. West of the Winchester Gun Club on unpaved WCC, I birded the half mile up to the circle edge. Here were Mountain Quail (heard only, doing their soft staccato call), Sooty Fox Sparrow, Thick-billed Fox Sparrow, a pair of Rufous-crowned Sparrows, lots of thrashers and thrushes. https://ebird.org/checklist/S155451534
Date: 11/29/23 4:08 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Some notes on rarities
I have checked More Mesa for the past two days to see if the Lark Bunting is still around. Yesterday I was one of four people looking; today I was the only one (this during the morning hours until about 10 a.m.). How long such birds stick around is important to keep track of, not just for the upcoming Christmas count but also for general science and bird records-keeping.
That said, I will report that I made a very thorough search of the area where it was found and quite a ways beyond this morning and did not turn it up. I may have seen it yesterday near where it has been reported, but I was some distance from it and needed either a camera or my scope to be sure, neither of which were available.
It's possible that it may have moved on, but additional checking should be made before that determination is made. An adult Cooper's Hawk was perched well down in the middle of the main Baccharis patch this morning, and I hope it didn't have Lark Bunting for breakfast.
Florence Sanchez
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 28, 2023 13:16 by Josh McLaughlin
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155394531 - Comments: "Continuing in the same pine as reported previously and chasing off any other warblers that came close, here (34.9420110, -120.4185874). Gray face and cap, yellow extension from the throat through the breast and belly with fine dark streaks, white undertail coverts and white corners on the tail. Poor pics"
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 28, 2023 06:38 by Bradley Hacker 🦜
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155368045 - Media: 8 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird originally found by Jamie Chavez; in upper parts of Monterey Pine. Warbler with dark pink bill with darker tip(?); striated(?) gray cap; gray eyeline and triangular gray auricular patch outlined by yellow; gray mantle and primaries; single white wing patch; yellow throat; yellow breast with solid yellow center and dark gray streaks on sides; whitish belly; and yellow to white undertail with gray edges. Poor pictures with colors affected by just-post-sunrise light."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
I had several responses to my question as to whether birders are seeing
fewer yard birds this year. Most have seen a big drop off, especially in
numbers of White-crowned Sparrows, but other birds also seem in short
supply. Linus and I were talking yesterday, and we wonder if part of the
reason could be to do with last season's good rainfall producing a
better-than-normal food supply in inland areas, meaning that birds don't
need to stick to the coastal plain as much. Wim, who lives in Solvang, is
seeing good numbers of birds in his yard.
Perhaps the upcoming CBCs will give us a clearer picture of what's going on.
Below are the comments I received sorted by general location (when I didn't
know where you live, I guessed).
Hugh Ranson
SB
*Carpinteria*
--Over the recent decade(s) fewer kinglets, mourning doves (gone), house
finches.
--We live in Carpinteria along the Carp Creek. We have been feeding birds
for many years, and it is very noticeable this year that we have less House
Finches, Lesser Goldfinches, and White-crowned Sparrows. Our hummingbird
numbers for Anna’s and Allene’s were down in the fall, but seem to be
picking up in the last week or so.
*Montectio*
--A few rather than many house finches
We've seen one or two lesser goldfinches. The Niger feeder is not
attracting anything
one White Crowned sparrow - in the glory days we'd have 17 plus
no Golden Crowned or other sparrows
One, maybe 2 Cal Thrashers
3 or 4 Scrub Jay
A few Towhees, both sp
Hummingbird numbers down a little, mostly selasphorus
We've seen only one Ruby Crowned Kinglet
One or two OC warblers usually 4 or 5
one or two Townsend sightings
Yellow rumped numbers - a few, maybe 3 or 4
One Hermit Thrush comes to the water feature
Oak Titmice - same low numbers
W-Br. Nuthatch, one or two
Am Crows and Acorn Woodpeckers do not seem to have dropped in numbers.
Mourning doves, one or two once in a while
Band tailed - very few
When we walk the neighborhood, it's the same. Very few birds around
*Santa Barbara*
--I have a real paucity of yard birds. A few sparrows occasionally, a few
hummingbirds, a Hermit Thrush last seen a week ago, a couple Scrub Jays
occasionally, a towhee or two. The wren(s), wrentit(s), junco(s), black
phoebe and many more are missing the last month. Overall the Riviera is a
dead as I've ever seen it. A few days ago I had a total of about 40 birds
of 8 species in a one hour walk, that included the Riv. Bus. Park.
--The numbers are scary low for birds in my yard. I have the same situation
that you seem to have, lack of species and individuals. Very few
white-crowns, 1 Gc Sparrow. No Lincoln or song sparrows.
--The numbers are scary low for birds in my yard. I have the same situation
that you seem to have, lack of species and individuals. Very few
white-crowns, 1 Gc Sparrow. No Lincoln or song sparrows.
--I live on the East Mesa and mostly I see birds at my birdbath; and yes
I've noticed a drop in total numbers and in diversity so far this
fall/winter.
*Goleta*
--We’ve had 2 LincolnsSparrows, 3 Red breasted Nuthatches, 2 Purple
Finches, 1 Golden crowned Sparrow, 1hooded oriole, a slightly lower number
of White crowns, 2 OC warblers, 2 Townsends Warblers. Pretty good overall.
Certainly not a big drop off.
--I have a seed feeder in my backyard and usually have a handful of
White-crowned Sparrow visitors, but have not seen one so far this winter,
although I am still getting the year-round house finches and titmice. I
also have seen very few WCSP at Stow Grove Park, which I walk regularly
because it's close to where I live, although they're usually abundant there
by now. Looking back, I've had a high count there this fall (across several
checklists) of 5, compared to many lists with 30 or 40 last fall by this
point.
--My feeding operation has only been up for a couple of weeks but the birds
have clearly noticed it and yet there are very few, and almost no WCSP. A
couple of years ago I had a feeding operation up in the same area and would
regularly get dozens of them, plus other species. Time will tell if more
birds are yet to discover my seeds or if this is not a good year.
--Yes, we've also had a massive downturn in yard birds this winter--from,
e.g., 10+ sparrows to 0-1.
--I'm having much the same experience with a lack of the usual winter yard
birds as you describe
--We have seen far fewer white crowns and mockingbirds around recently, but
a cheerful number of bushtits and Anna's hummers still visit and 1-2
bewicks wrens flit about in our sage bushes
*Santa Maria*
--I am noticing the same thing up here in Santa Maria. I put out food as
well and in past years I had 15-20 white crowned sparrows. This year I have
not seen more than 5. I usually see a Townsend’s warbler cruise through on
a regular basis but have not seen one yet. And the yellow rumps are not as
numerous. No decline in house sparrows or finches.
On a more positive note, while I have had a bewick’s wren on occasion, I
have seen and heard a house wren in my yard for the first time. And it has
continued as a regular visitor.
I started at Bohnett Park where the Black-and-white Warbler and Warbling Vireo continue. No sign of the Yellow Warbler. However, there is a bird at Chase Palm Park in sycamores by the pond. The Mission Creek outfall held good numbers of Royal Terns, along with a single Elegant Tern. Also present were 5 first winter Bonaparte's Gulls. West of the wharf was a second winter Glaucous-winged Gull. There were c.20 Short-billed Gulls at Leadbetter beach.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 27, 2023 16:15 by Ryan Seppala
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155344557 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing in the exact same place as previously reported: in the NE corner of Whittier Pond. Was quite active and moving clumsily through the reeds, creating a ruckus."
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 27, 2023 15:15 by Becky Turley
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155345628 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing in Whittier Pond.
Cryptic brown upperparts, white and golden brown striped underparts, long bill."
Swinhoe's White-eye (Zosterops simplex) (Exotic: Provisional) (3) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 27, 2023 10:28 by Jeremy Cowan
- Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Selva de Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.860063&<ll...>,-119.860063 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155322416 - Comments: "Heard the classic zip call as three dropped into the yard, spent a moment checking out the bougainvillea and then moved on to the east. Dainty greenish yellow birds with gray underparts. The plague has arrived"
Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 27, 2023 12:50 by Ryan Seppala
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155343901 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Just east of Phelps bridge about here: (34.421506, -119.878239). It briefly posed on a rock but was otherwise quite inconspicuous. Large sparrow with bold facial markings and lack of streaking on breast. Eyestripe doesn't extend to the bill. Photo."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 08:55 by Michael I Christie
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155335524 - Comments: "continuing, in large pine, olive dorsally, yellow underside with strong streaking forming bib, etc. It feels rather dumb repeating the same for the 20th time. Will provide photos."
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 08:55 by Michael I Christie
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155335524 - Comments: "continuing, in parking 'island'. Reportedly 2, but I only saw 1 for sure. Lots of birders present. Saw it best on the ground with juncos, Red-breasted Nuthatch and Yellow-rump Warblers. Rather similar to some of the paler Yellow-rumps Will provide photos."
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Date: 11/27/23 9:10 pm From: Paul Keller <496psk...> Subject: [sbcobirding] SBA Cape May Warbler
Saw the Santa Barbara County Cape May Warbler at about 3PM this afternoon at what I’ve been told is its favorite tree, a large scraggly Monterey Pine about 50 paces NNW of entrance #2 of Alan Hancock College in Santa Maria off S Bradley Rd. No problem parking nearby, $2 for day pass.
Date: 11/27/23 6:26 pm From: Ryan Seppala <rjseppala...> Subject: [sbcobirding] NCOS Clay-colored Sparrow, cont. American Bittern
This afternoon I birded NCOS extensively, producing a Clay-colored Sparrow east of Phelps Bridge and the continuing Tropical Kingbird on the south road. Later in the evening, as I was biking home I noticed a couple people photographing the continuing American Bittern on Whittier Pond.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 14:05 by Toby Fowler
- UCSB--Campus Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.845165&<ll...>,-119.845165 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155283606 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Associating with a flock of 11 of the red-breasted mergansers. Noticeably bigger, redder head, with a more demarcated red head vs white neck, thicker bill."
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 11:30 by Pete Wolf
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155282678 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Seen briefly at 34.431250, -119.890069. No red that I could see on throat. The only red I could see was a small "cap" on the top of the head."
Swinhoe's White-eye (Zosterops simplex) (Exotic: Provisional) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 10:56 by Nicolette Flannery
- More Mesa Open Space, Santa Barbara US-CA 34.42229, -119.80011, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.800107&<ll...>,-119.800107 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155267723 - Comments: "Individual spotted flitting in the branches just off the trail where the trees are the most dense. Distinct, unmistakable white eyering"
Swinhoe's White-eye (Zosterops simplex) (Exotic: Provisional) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 10:50 by Ryan Seppala
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155274361 - Comments: "A pair heard then seen flying over Whittier Pond. Making characteristic flight call I’ve become all too familiar with from OC. Also observed bold eyering and yellow-green wash on head."
Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 14:19 by Paul Hughes
- More Mesa, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7963064&<ll...>,-119.7963064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155279898 - Comments: "Observed with a large group of birders many of which took photos. In the expected spot. Appears to be a female. Chunky sparrow like bird. Large bill, noticeable eye ring, tan and black wing bars. White tip on tail."
Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 08:02 by Sophie Cameron
- More Mesa, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7963064&<ll...>,-119.7963064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155284954 - Comments: "Continuing sparrow-like bird with large dark malar mark and obvious white patches on wings. Seen perched on coyotebrush snags in southwestern quadrant and was loosely associating with sparrows. Photos."
Nashville Warbler (Leiothlypis ruficapilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 08:22 by Linda Blue
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155261732 - Comments: "A gray-headed warbler with a distinct white eyering, yellow underparts and throat, and olive upperparts. Seen across the road from the exercise building."
Nashville Warbler (Leiothlypis ruficapilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 08:22 by David Blue
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155261731 - Comments: "A gray-headed warbler with a distinct white eyering, yellow underparts and throat, and olive upperparts. Seen across the road from the exercise building."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 09:47 by Tim Lister
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155266127 - Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "Grayish cap, yellow cheeks and quite bright yellow chest with fine black streaks down breast. Seen in large pine tree near first entrance (#2) to AHC off Bradley Rd with many other birders"
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 09:47 by Rachel Street
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155266128 - Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "Grayish cap, yellow cheeks and quite bright yellow chest with fine black streaks down breast. Seen in large pine tree near first entrance (#2) to AHC off Bradley Rd with many other birders"
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1)
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 08:24 by Sue Cook
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155295432 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing near the top of that same tallest pine tree near the southern entry on the east side of campus. Very easy to spot due to its foraging pattern, often in the same section high on the south side of the tree, and returning quickly after each disappearance."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1)
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 08:24 by Steve Colwell
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155278661 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing near the top of that same tallest pine tree near the southern entry on the east side of campus. Very easy to spot due to its foraging pattern, often in the same section high on the south side of the tree, and returning quickly after each disappearance."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 08:24 by Mark Holmgren
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155288247 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing near the top of that same tallest pine tree near the southern entry on the east side of campus. Very easy to spot due to its foraging pattern, often in the same section high on the south side of the tree, and returning quickly after each disappearance."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 08:22 by Jay Carroll
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155282104 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing high in pine canopy at original location where it was found by Jamie on 11/23; mostly yellow below with streaked breast and sides, white lower belly and undertail coverts, prominent white wing patches, grayish auriculars bordered by yellow that extended up onto the sides of the throat; it aggressively defended it’s foraging patch from a Townsend’s Warbler that occasionally flew into the same canopy area; photos."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 07:57 by Jamie Chavez
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155259697 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "The continuing male Cape May Warbler was easily spotted high in the same pine tree in the knoll area next to the southern entrance into the parking lot from Bradley Rd. Bright yellowish upper breast with fine streaking across the center and extending down along the flanks. The top of the head was gray and the back a dull olive green color. The grayish face contrasted with a bright yellow supercilium and yellow at the sides of the neck behind the ear coverts. It had a thin eye line, a pointed bill, and a short tail. Large, prominent white wing patch. Some views showed a faint yellowish wash to the undertail coverts right below the belly. Some angles also showed a yellow-green rump when the bird would lean forward while feeding. It was actively feeding in the top of the tree rarely coming below the top 1/3. It would often probe into pine needles. It was aggressive toward other warblers at times. Many birders were present watching and photographing the bird."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 25, 2023 08:50 by Rebecca Coulter
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155245012 - Comments: "Continuing here, found 11/23 by Jamie Chavez. Seen mostly high in a pine in same location as previous days. Bright yellow breast, gray-black streaking across throat and upper breast and along flanks. Gray auricular patch. Whitish undertail coverts. Did not see upper side well."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 23, 2023 11:15 by Tom Slater
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155289912 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Yellow face with a gray cheek, dark black streaks on sides and chest, yellow chest and sides (then white further down), white wing-bar, yellow rump, dark line through the eye. Seen with several birders after Jamie put the word out."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 09:45 by Pamela Viale
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4185159&<ll...>,-120.4185159 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155287961 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Tiny, very active warbler with olive green back and bright yellow face and breast. Distinct dark streaks on breast and belly. Grayish colored top of head. White on wings."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 09:45 by Adrian O'Loghlen
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4185159&<ll...>,-120.4185159 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155288254 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Tiny, very active warbler with olive green back and bright yellow face and breast. Distinct dark streaks on breast and belly. Grayish colored top of head. White on wings."
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (2)
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 08:24 by Sue Cook
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155295432 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "A duller one and a brighter one, both in the trees on the grassy strip between parking lots, often coming down to the grass or even the nearby asphalt, then flying up low-to-mid height in the pines. We had to wait out 30-60 minute delays between appearances at times but they kept returning nevertheless."
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 08:24 by Mark Holmgren
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155288247 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "A duller one and a brighter one, both in the trees on the grassy strip between parking lots, often coming down to the grass or even the nearby asphalt, then flying up low-to-mid height in the pines. We had to wait out 30-60 minute delays between appearances at times but they kept returning nevertheless."
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (2)
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 08:24 by Steve Colwell
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155278661 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "A duller one and a brighter one, both in the trees on the grassy strip between parking lots, often coming down to the grass or even the nearby asphalt, then flying up low-to-mid height in the pines. We had to wait out 30-60 minute delays between appearances at times but they kept returning nevertheless."
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 08:22 by Jay Carroll
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155282104 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "At least one a continuing bird; both were seen at the same time; Jamie pointed out these rather dullish, somewhat chunky and comparatively thick-billed warblers that were foraging with several Yellow-rumped Warblers in and under some pine trees; the Pine Warblers had plain underparts, white wing bars, and nearly complete eyerings; one individual was mostly shades of gray above and below except for a slight yellowish wash on sides of the breast, while the other had noticeably more yellow on the breast and head; photos."
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 07:57 by Jamie Chavez
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155259697 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Two birds were present this morning. One continuing yellowish-olive colored Pine Warbler that showed more yellow on the head and paler wing bars (probably the same individual first recorded 11/23/2023), and a second grayish-olive colored Pine Warbler that was more contrasty with a whitish throat and a dark facial pattern, and whiter wing bars. Both were found in the same mixed flock with Yellow-rumped Warblers, House Finches, and Dark-eyed Juncos. The first bird was located feeding low on pine branches. Later both were observed feeding on the ground below one of the large Canary Island Pines in a parking lot island near the PCPA Theater building. Seen and photographed by multiple observers. The first two photos show the lighter yellowish-olive bird and the second two photos show the darker grayish bird with its darker, contrasting head pattern."
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 06:30 by John Callender
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155250278 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "A relatively bright individual (labeled "bird #1" in my photos) seen near the admin building at (34.9440808, -120.4184617). A drabber individual ("bird #2) seen later a short distance away near (34.9426233, -120.4194206)."
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 25, 2023 08:50 by Rebecca Coulter
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155245012 - Comments: "Continuing here, found 11/23 by Jamie Chavez. Foraging in thick pine needle clumps just west of construction area near large parking area (sorry not familiar with building names). Seen a bit later in conifers north of parking lot, near entrance road. Overall dull yellow warbler with yellowish eye ring and white undertail coverts. Light narrow wing bars."
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 09:45 by Pamela Viale
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4185159&<ll...>,-120.4185159 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155287961 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Two warblers, one duller than the other. Light indistinct streaking on sides, with yellow breast. Two whitish wing bars. Face had spectacle like marks. White vent and belly noted. Olive gray back."
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 09:45 by Adrian O'Loghlen
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4185159&<ll...>,-120.4185159 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155288254 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Two warblers, one duller than the other. Light indistinct streaking on sides, with yellow breast. Two whitish wing bars. Face had spectacle like marks. White vent and belly noted. Olive gray back."
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2023 15:00 by Toby Fowler
- UCSB--Manzanita Village, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8527709&<ll...>,-119.8527709 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155284874 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Medium-sized orange bird with a thick bill. Surprised to see it, I was focused on the oriole, but both ended up in the same tree together before I lost them. Clear view with photos."
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Today I did some scouting for my area on the Cachuma CBC, which includes Davy Brown Trail and Willow Spring Trail. I had one Varied Thrush on Willow Springs Trail (34.7411422, -119.9671764) and some fun mixed finch flocks which included Lawrence's Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, and Pine Siskin.
Lots of habitat which feels good for Pacific Wren, which is another one of my target birds here for the CBC, although I didn't have one today.
On the way in, I had a group of Canada Geese along Happy Canyon Rd. which had 8 Greater White-fronted Geese in it (here, today: 34.6173975, -120.022831)
Davy Brown Creek is beautiful this time of year. All the bigleaf maple is golden yellow and most of the sycamores and valley oaks are, too. Definitely worth a visit if you're willing to tolerate a drive and a steep hike!
A couple of birders have already responded to me privately about the
status of yard birds. If you'd like to do the same, I can compile
your observations and report back to the group.
Hugh
On Sun, Nov 26, 2023 at 5:12 PM Hugh Ranson <zonetail1...> wrote:
>
> I've checked the Calle de los Amigos bridge area of Arroyo Burro Creek
> several times in recent weeks in the hope that last year's Winter Wren
> might have returned, but alas, no joy. Today's consolation prize, a
> hundred yards down creek from the bridge, was a group of no fewer than
> FIVE Western Tanagers ( and there could have been more). It's been a
> long time since I've seen that many presumably wintering birds in one
> place. There was another Western Tanager today in a sycamore at the
> south end of Oak Park.
>
> Laguna Blanca has a pretty good assortment of common ducks, and there
> were two male Canvasbacks in the south-east corner.
>
> A Horned Lark was still present at Elings Park yesterday. As far as I
> can tell, we haven't had this species on the SB CBC since 2011, so
> here's hoping this one, or the NCOS bird(s?) will stick around.
>
> As I do every year, I've been putting seed on the ground in my yard
> and keeping an eye on who comes and goes, and occasionally running
> after the neighbor's cat. I've always had a decent flock of
> White-crowned Sparrows that spend a good amount of time in the yard.
> This year the birds are far fewer in number, all are adults, and on
> top of that they spend very little time in the yard. In the last
> decade I've consistently had 1-3 Lincoln's Sparrows winter. This year,
> not a one. Has anyone else noticed a paucity of yard birds? I've
> checked a few downtown parking lot tipus recently, and they also have
> few birds. Townsend's Warblers seem to be in short supply. I'm hoping
> other people are not noticing these low numbers of birds.
>
> Hugh Ranson
> Santa Barbara
I've checked the Calle de los Amigos bridge area of Arroyo Burro Creek several times in recent weeks in the hope that last year's Winter Wren might have returned, but alas, no joy. Today's consolation prize, a hundred yards down creek from the bridge, was a group of no fewer than FIVE Western Tanagers ( and there could have been more). It's been a long time since I've seen that many presumably wintering birds in one place. There was another Western Tanager today in a sycamore at the south end of Oak Park.
Laguna Blanca has a pretty good assortment of common ducks, and there were two male Canvasbacks in the south-east corner.
A Horned Lark was still present at Elings Park yesterday. As far as I can tell, we haven't had this species on the SB CBC since 2011, so here's hoping this one, or the NCOS bird(s?) will stick around.
As I do every year, I've been putting seed on the ground in my yard and keeping an eye on who comes and goes, and occasionally running after the neighbor's cat. I've always had a decent flock of White-crowned Sparrows that spend a good amount of time in the yard. This year the birds are far fewer in number, all are adults, and on top of that they spend very little time in the yard. In the last decade I've consistently had 1-3 Lincoln's Sparrows winter. This year, not a one. Has anyone else noticed a paucity of yard birds? I've checked a few downtown parking lot tipus recently, and they also have few birds. Townsend's Warblers seem to be in short supply. I'm hoping other people are not noticing these low numbers of birds.
Date: 11/26/23 12:40 pm From: Peter Schneekloth via groups.io <peterschneekloth...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Swamp and White-throated Sparrows - Santa Ynez River at Buellton
A relatively quiet walk in the river bed this morning was spiced up by a Swamp Sparrow and a White-throated Sparrow. The Swamp Sparrow may be a first for the Buellton area. I had less than desirable looks at a bird that may have been an American Restart, 45 minutes of searching I could not re-find it, on to the lengthy list of ones that got away it goes..........
Date: 11/26/23 10:55 am From: Jamie Chavez via groups.io <almiyi...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Hancock College Warblers Continue
Many birders present this morning at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria to look at the continuing CAPE MAY WARBLER which was showing well. It continues in the same pine tree next to the south entrance off Bradley Rd. Also present this morning are TWO different PINE WARBLERS which were to the north of the Cape May spot in a parking lot island, and in the pines near the Admin building. Both were photographed so there should be good photos available on eBird later for comparison.
Date: 11/26/23 8:37 am From: Sophie Cameron <smcameron.photography...> Subject: [sbcobirding] More Mesa Lark Bunting Continues 11/26
The lark bunting at at More Mesa continues in the same southwestern quadrant that people have been locating it. I spotted it perched in some coyote brush until a dog ran by and it flushed east. Great bird, hope it sticks around for the CBC!
Date: 11/26/23 2:38 am From: eBird alert <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Red-naped x Red-breasted Sapsucker (hybrid) (1 report)
- Tropical Kingbird (1 report)
- Red Crossbill (1 report)
- Lark Bunting (13 reports)
- Tennessee Warbler (2 reports)
- Cape May Warbler (8 reports)
- Pine Warbler (7 reports)
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Red-naped x Red-breasted Sapsucker (hybrid) (Sphyrapicus nuchalis x ruber) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 25, 2023 10:36 by Mark Holmgren
- Kinevan Rd., Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8225639&<ll...>,-119.8225639 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155201724 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Very difficult photos. This bird may be more Red-naped than any other form, but it's hard to tell. No red in nape as far as I could see. Within 25 meters of the new bridge (at the hairpin) at upstream end of Kinevan Rd."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 25, 2023 12:26 by Justin Graves
- Goleta Sanitary District Plant (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.83231&<ll...>,-119.83231 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155192489 - Comments: "Seen at backside of the treatment plant lagoon #2 next to the creek. Large flycatcher with a yellow belly and breast. Lighter grey back and head with a small white beard and a brownish tail and a large beak. Compared to the cassins just down the ways in another tree, bigger and a much larger bill and more yellow."
Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 25, 2023 09:50 by Barbara Millett
- More Mesa, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7963064&<ll...>,-119.7963064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155201065 - Comments: "Large female or imm. sparrow-like bird with short tail, bright white eyering and heavy bill with upper mandible darker than lower. Dark lateral throat-stripe. White-edged wing coverts. Brown streaking on breast. Solitary, found perched within Baccharis shrub around (34.4203996, -119.7988456). Viewed by several birders and photos were obtained."
Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 25, 2023 07:45 by Eunice Schroeder
- More Mesa, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7963064&<ll...>,-119.7963064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155195058 - Comments: "Continuing female/immature, found yesterday by Hugh Ransom. First re-found today by David Blue and seen at about 8:50 a.m. with a group of birders southeast of the original sighting, here (34.4194798, -119.7976035). Good views of the bird perched on shrubs and dead branches, in good morning light. Later at about 10:20 a.m. re-found by Barb Millett and seen closer to Hugh’s original coordinates, here (34.4203996, -119.7988456), again providing great views, perching on shrubs in good light. Large sparrow with brown head, thin white eye-ring, white lores, thick bluish-gray bill with lower mandible lighter than upper, white malar, dark lateral throat-stripe, white throat, buffy edges on greater coverts, dark streaks on breast and flanks with dark central spot on breast, white-tipped tail."
Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 25, 2023 07:23 by David Blue
- More Mesa, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7963064&<ll...>,-119.7963064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155186484 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "First reported the night before by Hugh Ranson. We first saw the bird today at 8:25 AM foraging with House Finches on a southbound trail here: (34.4192410, -119.7975750). Later, as we were leaving at 9:38 AM, we saw it farther north perched on top of a bush here: (34.4225770, -119.8000850). This was a stocky, large-headed bird with a large silver-blue bill, a thick dark lateral throat-stripe, and buffy edges on the outer wing coverts. It had a bold lateral throat stripe, and was heavily streaked on the flanks and breast."
Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 25, 2023 07:23 by Linda Blue
- More Mesa, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7963064&<ll...>,-119.7963064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155196820 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "First reported the night before by Hugh Ranson. We first saw the bird today at 8:25 AM foraging with House Finches on a southbound trail here: (34.4192410, -119.7975750). Later, as we were leaving at 9:38 AM, we saw it farther north perched on top of a bush here: (34.4225770, -119.8000850). This was a stocky, large-headed bird with a large silver-blue bill, a thick dark lateral throat-stripe, and buffy edges on the outer wing coverts. It had a bold lateral throat stripe, and was heavily streaked on the flanks and breast."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 25, 2023 11:07 by Libby Patten
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155216618 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing in favorite pine. Found two days ago by Jamie Chavez. Dave Levasheff pointed out location of bird. High up in a pine, so photos are marginal and distant views. Yellow on throat and breast, dark streaks on flanks, white undertail, gray cheek patch bordered by yellow, dark eyeline, white slash on outer part of wings. Almost yolk orange area in center of yellow breast."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 25, 2023 10:00 by David Levasheff
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155218415 - Comments: "Bird has been observed by many expert observers. When I arrived, the bird was pointer out to me by one. Bird fit the description and location previously posted. Bird spent the vast amount of time high in the largest pone tree."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 25, 2023 09:15 by Teale Fristoe
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155195271 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing in the same large pine. Seen with several other birders. Bird showed well, very active usually high up in the pine, frequently chasing away other birds. I believe I eventually saw it fly away to the south but not certain. Warbler with yellow head and breast, gray cheeks, fine black streaking and breast and flanks, white belly and undertail, messy white wing patches."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 25, 2023 08:23 by Mike Bush
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155180936 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing rarity from Thanksgiving morning (Jamie Chavez) seen in Monterey pines near the Bradley entrance to Hancock College.
Yellow breast with dark striping, white in wings when perched and gray head."
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 25, 2023 10:00 by David Levasheff
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155218415 - Comments: "Bird has been observed by many expert observers. When I arrived, the most recent location of bird was pointed out to me by several observers. The only other warblers in the area were a Townsand’s and Yellow-rumps so it did mot take long to pick out a different looking warbler. It was easily distinguished when seen on the grass. Definitely a more difficult bird to get good looks at than the Cape May Warbler."
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 25, 2023 09:15 by Teale Fristoe
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155195271 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing bird. I only saw it briefly with a bunch of other birders in a pine. Looking at my poor photo on my camera I thought I might have gotten the bird confused with an Orange-crowned Warbler, but looking at the enlarged photos and comparing them to better photos others have taken over the past couple of days it's clear it's the same bird."
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 25, 2023 08:23 by Mike Bush
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155180936 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Dull yellow brown warbler with a seemingly large bill for a warbler and fine white eyering. Seen in Monterey Pines behind (west) of the Performing Arts Hall and earlier in Monterey Pines in front of Administration Building."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 11/25/23 4:37 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Possible Prairie Falcon, Armour Ranch Road
After finishing birding in Santa Maria, I decided to spend a little time in the Santa Ynez Valley. Shortly after getting on Armour Ranch Road from the traffic Circle, I had a large, lightish brown flacon fly by me over Camp 4, the field the Chumash are now starting to develop. I was going one way and I the other, and it took a few minutes for me to reach a spot where I could turn around and try to refind it. Unfortunately, I was not successful.
Additional impressions in addition to size and color were a strong, powerful and purposeful flight and a single darkish "sideburn" mark on the face that lacked the thickness of a Peregrine's helmet. I ruled out female Kestrel almost immediately because of the nature of the flight (not floaty and buoyant like a Kestrel's). I have never seen a Peregrine that was as light as this bird and after checking various references when I got home, I could find no Peregrines of a color similar to today's bird.
I'll mention that about an hour later when I was walking along the upper portion of Alisos Road, I spotted a distant light Falcon flying very rapidly toward the hills. My iniital view was through a small tree and after moving for a better look, I lost the bird and could not refind it.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 11/25/23 4:26 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Allan Hancock College & De la Guerra Spring Area
I agree with Wim. I suspected to see a lot more SB county birders looking for these birds in Santa Maria this weekend. Cape May is a rare occurrence and Jamie's warning that it's going to be harder to see this bird and the Pine Warbler as well once classes resume should definitely be heeded.
I went yesterday and today to be sure I saw the Cape May Warbler, even though it is not a county bird for me. Thanks to Arroyo Grande Birders Will and Liam, I got on it almost right away this morning, starting out in its usual spot and then moving around a bit. The Pine Warbler dropped down to the ground near the pines closer to the Admin building but almost immediately flew back up into the long needles and was hard to see after that.
And one more caution: If you haven't tried to find the Lark bunting Hugh found late yesterday, you probably should because it's another species that doesn't drop in often.
Florence Sanchez
(PS--the drive for me took only about 80 minutes.)
On Friday, November 24, 2023 at 05:05:32 PM PST, Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam...> wrote:
I was surprised to see how few birders were around when I ticked Jamie's CAPE MAY WARBLER at Allan Hancock College today. If you're a county lister and don't have this species yet: resist the temptation to think that Santa Maria is at the end of the world and that it's easier to wait for "the next one". You might end up regretting that decision for a decade or more. As Eunice's eBird report states, the bird was at (34.9420063, -120.4185167), which is close to the southernmost entrance to AHC along South Bradley Road.
Two days ago (2023-11-22), I had a family walk at De La Guerra Spring Area, where I had a (almost certain) CLAY-COLORED SPARROW at the beginning of the trail.
Let the CBC scouting begin!
Wim
--
Wim van Dam (Solvang, CA)
SBCO #401: Cape May Warbler
I'd like to organize an unofficial CBC in Cuyama Valley. This area is vastly underbirded, not least in winter, so a concerted effort by even just a few teams could not just be fun, but also improve our knowledge of this unique region in our county. There are 23 ebird hotspots in the valley <https://birdinghotspots.org/group/G056491>, and probably more places that could be covered if we have enough people. I propose the weekend of January 6 and 7. Ideally we would all do the surveys on the same day, but since we don't need to follow any official rules of the CBC, we could also spread out the effort over two days.
If you're interested, please email me directly or message me on slack, indicating 1) which day(s) work for you and 2) whether there are any particular areas you'd like to cover.
Date: 11/25/23 11:05 am From: Jamie Chavez via groups.io <almiyi...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Cape May & Pine Warblers Continue
Both the CAPE MAY WARBLER and the PINE WARBLER are being reported to eBird this morning from [Allan Hancock College](https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L617556) in Santa Maria.
Keep in mind that classes will resume on Monday 11/27 and parking passes and associated fees will be enforced. There shouldn't be an issue birding where the warblers are being seen, but it will be busy after the Thanksgiving break.
Date: 11/25/23 10:15 am From: Marc Bierdzinski <Marcpb59...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Red Crossbills - Miramonte Park, Santa Maria
Not around at 10 am.
Marc
Santa Maria
> On Nov 25, 2023, at 7:06 AM, Alex Abela via groups.io <thebuzz90...> wrote:
>
> Flock of 20 moving between pines in the park.
>
> Alex Abela
> San Diego, CA
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1)
- Reported Nov 24, 2023 10:57 by Rachel Street
- UCSB--Campus Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.845165&<ll...>,-119.845165 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155120009 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Kingbird with yellow wash all the way down throat and breast. Possibly bigger bill than Cassins it was with. Flying out and returning to the medium sized bare trees between lagoon path and the water before coming alongside the UCSB tower block. Several hits on Merlin sound ud."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1)
- Reported Nov 24, 2023 10:57 by Tim Lister
- UCSB--Campus Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.845165&<ll...>,-119.845165 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155120007 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Kingbird with yellow wash all the way down throat and breast. Possibly bigger bill than Cassins it was with. Flying out and returning to the medium sized bare trees between lagoon path and the water before coming alongside the UCSB tower block. Several hits on Merlin sound ud."
Swinhoe's White-eye (Zosterops simplex) (Exotic: Provisional) (1)
- Reported Nov 24, 2023 07:59 by Tim Lister
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155105496 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Pale gray white breast, olive green back, yellow head with prominent white thick eye ring becoming less distinct towards the front and bill. In magnolia? tree opposite Moog building"
Swinhoe's White-eye (Zosterops simplex) (Exotic: Provisional) (1)
- Reported Nov 24, 2023 07:59 by Rachel Street
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155105497 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Pale gray white breast, olive green back, yellow head with prominent white thick eye ring becoming less distinct towards the front and bill. In magnolia? tree opposite Moog building"
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1)
- Reported Nov 24, 2023 15:19 by Cedrik von Briel
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155142025 - Comments: "Continuing gem found by Jamie Chavez yesterday morning. Mr Cape May “Been Seen All Day” was a no show until it finally appeared in the sweetgum trees W of the entrance arc (34.9422765, -120.4187822) just across from the usual spot. It buried itself in there a couple times in bad lighting but eventually perched up high and flycaught for a couple secs before ditching to the north. Gorgeous yellow warbler with fine streaking on the breast, black cap and wings, and the classic male orange face"
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 24, 2023 13:48 by John Deacon
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155125696 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Ongoing, In tall pine tree about 50 yds north of entrance to AHC of Bradley. This tree is somewhat barren on the east side. The bird is easier to view from this side. I observed the bird off and on for about 10 minutes. The photos I got, which are comically horrible, do capture identifying features of this bird. The first photo shows the white belly, vent and undertail coverts. The white underside of the tail is visible with dark outer feathers. The second photo shows the bright yellow breast and throat with black streaks along the edges of the breast up to the chin. The darker auriculars are evident,"
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 24, 2023 13:25 by Reef Comer
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155133135 - Comments: "Continuing in pines here: (34.9420261, -120.4185301). Found almost immediately, despite the fairly windy conditions. Smallish, mostly yellow warbler with heavily streaked breast, white greater coverts, greenish back, grayish auriculars showing just the slightest orangish tint when seen in the right light and angle, yellow rump, and white undertail coverts. Heard it give a very high, thin call only once as it flew. Mostly kept pretty high up, but came down almost to eye level a couple times for knockout views! Hope this bird and the PIWA stay the winter. Lifer!"
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 24, 2023 11:53 by Eunice Schroeder
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155128464 - Comments: "Continuing. Seen with other birders around 12:15 pm at exactly the same spot as yesterday, looking west from here (34.9420063, -120.4185167). Foraging in upper part of the tall pine next to the cottonwood, sometimes catching insects like a flycatcher. Open branches provided good views."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1)
- Reported Nov 24, 2023 10:26 by Norman Pillsbury
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155142682 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird - Jamie Chavez (11/23/23) observed feeding high in pines at appx. (34.942149, -120.418533) - Plump, shorter-tailed warbler grayish above with wide, white wing-bar, sharp, pointed bill, light gray auriculars, white eye-arc with dark eye-line extending to bill, yellow below with black spotting and streaking from yellow throat to breast and sides and whitish from vent to undertail with black tail tips,"
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1)
- Reported Nov 24, 2023 10:26 by Pair of Wing-Nuts
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155142044 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird - Jamie Chavez (11/23/23) observed feeding high in pines at appx. (34.942149, -120.418533) - Plump, shorter-tailed warbler grayish above with wide, white wing-bar, sharp, pointed bill, light gray auriculars, white eye-arc with dark eye-line extending to bill, yellow below with black spotting and streaking from yellow throat to breast and sides and whitish from vent to undertail with black tail tips,"
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 24, 2023 08:26 by David Compton
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155119653 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Small, active warbler foraging mostly pretty high in a pine just north of the entrance. Once the bird was found, it was very active and easy to see in exactly the area where it had been observed the previous day, when found by Jamie Chavez. I watched it with other birders, for about 45 minutes, until the last three of us present decided to go home. The bird was short-tailed compared to other warblers in the area (Yellow-rumped, Townsend's) and behaved much like a Yellow-rumped, sitting still for periods, then moving a good distance, sometimes hawking for insects. The under parts were essentially yellow in the upper half and white in the lower half, with dark streaking on the breast and sides, with the streaking on the sides extending well down the flanks. The yellow on the underparts was not at all dull but not bright like in a Wilson's Warbler. I thought that the yellow extended well up the face, but photos seem to suggest the auriculars were grayish. A dark line was through the eye. I could not see the upper parts well, but I could see the wings had a lot of white on the coverts. My impression in the field was that it looked more like it had two white wing bars, but my photos show something closer to a solid white patch including the tips of the median coverts and the visible parts of the greater coverts. The underside of the tail was white with a neat blackish trim around the outside edges that was thicker on the tips of the feathers. Because of the height at which the bird was foraging, I was too far from the bird to make out size, shape, or color of the bill and the color of the legs. The bird was silent."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 24, 2023 07:48 by Herb Elliott
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155113844 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "... underparts bright yellow, becoming whitish on belly and under tail covert, dark streaking across breast, and flanks with white patch on wing; first reported by Jamie Chavez on 23 Nov 2023 and continuing."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 23, 2023 12:14 by Ann Stockert
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155072528 - Media: 9 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing … originally reported by Jamie Chavez. Extremely cooperative bird for photos :) observed in pine at an entrance off Bradley. Female/immature male. This medium sized warbler had a thin, pointed and slightly decurved bill. A yellow face with a grayish ear/cheek patch, along with a yellow collar and breast. On the yellow breast there was extensive thin dark streaking that extended down its sides/flanks, to white undertail coverts. Photos"
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (1)
- Reported Nov 24, 2023 15:19 by Cedrik von Briel
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155142025 - Comments: "Continuing dull bird found also yesterday by JC. Coming in from the north, we checked the pines just south of the admin’s building before I stumbled upon a small flight of juncos at (34.9432615, -120.4192308). Heading over there, they all started moving toward that ancient Ginkgo tree in the parking lot, so I followed, finding three juncos, a TOWA and two YRWA. Eventually, I looked behind me to find a fat warbler coming in from those coord trees heading towards that same Ginkgo at (34.9430232, -120.4190008). Ez PIWA. It spent about a minute foraging in that dinosaur tree at around eye level before following the flock back towards the ring of pines where I eventually lost it, never getting DVB on it unfortunately. Field marks were clear though - Huge yellow-gray warbler with eye arcs, a cigar-shaped slate-gray bill, with white utcs and faint wing bars. Pics"
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 24, 2023 11:53 by Eunice Schroeder
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155128464 - Comments: "Continuing, found yesterday by Jamie Chavez; seen around 11:50 a.m. here (34.9434410, -120.4185026) in the lower branches of the two Canary Island Pines closest to the Admin building. Overall fairly drab colored. Olive-brown above, pale wingbars, broken eye-arcs, yellow throat and breast, faint streaking on flanks, white belly and undertail."
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 24, 2023 08:26 by David Compton
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155119653 - Comments: "Dull warbler seen twice, in pines, in a sycamore, and on the ground in a grassy lawn. Both times was with Yellow-rumped Warblers. Long-tailed warbler, similar in shape to a Yellow-rumped, that was overall pretty dull, but not as dull as some winter Pine Warblers I've seen in California. The bird was dull grayish olive above and dark on the wing with two fairly prominent whitish wing bars. I had seen photos of this bird previously, and noted that the wing bars weren't obvious, even though the photos were sharp. But, in person, the wing bars were pretty obvioius, more as I would expect with this this species. The underparts were whitish in the belly, vent, and under tails covers, and a fairly dull yellow in the breast, throat, and chin, with a few faint, dusky streaks on the breast and sides. Some yellow was on the face, and the bird had two yellow eye arcs--one above and one below the eye. The auriculars were darker, similar or the same as the upper parts, and not yellow as the underparts. The underside of the tail was white in the center with dark on either side, with the width of the dark edge increasing toward the tip."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 11/24/23 8:43 pm From: Scott Orlosky via groups.io <scottorlosky...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Unusual Duck at LLC
Thank you all for the ID on this bird!
Scott
On Friday, November 24, 2023 at 05:20:30 PM PST, Scott Orlosky via groups.io <scottorlosky...> wrote:
Yesterday while birding at LLC in the afternoon we came across this unusual looking duck at the East end. It was all white with dark mottling on its back, orange/red beak with a dark stripe over the eye and slightly larger than a mallard. Given all the normal birding activity at LLC I expect this bird has been highlighted before, but if so - then I missed the explanation. I would dearly love to hear the story of this bird if someone out there knows. Thank you.
Scott Orlosky
Date: 11/24/23 8:06 pm From: Barbara Millett <millett12...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Horned Larks at North Campus Open Space
Yesterday while birding the Mesa Trail at NCOS, I came across 3 Horned Larks. They were loosely associating with a group of American Pipits in an area that was recently burned. This was the first time I’ve observed Horned Larks at NCOS.
Late this afternoon at 5pm, 10 minutes after sunset, while walking across More Mesa, a largish sparrow-like bird hopped along the trail in front of me. I was quite surprised to see that it was a female/immature-type Lark Bunting. After a while it moved off to the flattened grass just to the side of the trail. It's tricky to give locations on the mesa (sorry to let you down, Larry), so here are approximate coordinates:
34.420476, -119.799400
Fortunately my camera does quite well in dim light so I managed a couple of okay shots. You can actually make out more detail than I could with my binoculars. One photo here:
Date: 11/24/23 5:57 pm From: Libby Patten via groups.io <libby_patten...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Unusual Duck at LLC
This is a Saxony duck - a domestic duck, related to Mallard :
Saxony Duck Breed – Everything You Need to Know
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Saxony Duck Breed – Everything You Need to Know
All about the Saxony Duck, Information, Characteristics, Temperament, Eggs, Health , Care, Feeding, Raising, Breeding, Breed Associations,Where to Buy and Much More
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Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
On Friday, November 24, 2023, 5:20 PM, Scott Orlosky via groups.io <scottorlosky...> wrote:
Yesterday while birding at LLC in the afternoon we came across this unusual looking duck at the East end. It was all white with dark mottling on its back, orange/red beak with a dark stripe over the eye and slightly larger than a mallard. Given all the normal birding activity at LLC I expect this bird has been highlighted before, but if so - then I missed the explanation. I would dearly love to hear the story of this bird if someone out there knows. Thank you.
Scott Orlosky
Date: 11/24/23 5:20 pm From: Scott Orlosky via groups.io <scottorlosky...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Unusual Duck at LLC
Yesterday while birding at LLC in the afternoon we came across this unusual looking duck at the East end. It was all white with dark mottling on its back, orange/red beak with a dark stripe over the eye and slightly larger than a mallard. Given all the normal birding activity at LLC I expect this bird has been highlighted before, but if so - then I missed the explanation. I would dearly love to hear the story of this bird if someone out there knows. Thank you.
Scott Orlosky
Date: 11/24/23 5:05 pm From: Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Allan Hancock College & De la Guerra Spring Area
I was surprised to see how few birders were around when I ticked Jamie's CAPE MAY WARBLER at Allan Hancock College today. If you're a county lister and don't have this species yet: resist the temptation to think that Santa Maria is at the end of the world and that it's easier to wait for "the next one". You might end up regretting that decision for a decade or more. As Eunice's eBird report states, the bird was at (34.9420063, -120.4185167), which is close to the *southernmost* entrance to AHC along South Bradley Road.
Two days ago (2023-11-22), I had a family walk at De La Guerra Spring Area, where I had a (almost certain) CLAY-COLORED SPARROW at the beginning of the trail.
Date: 11/24/23 2:50 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Additional notes from Nov. 24
On the way home, I checked out the ponds on Santa Barbara Mesa Road, but did not find anything particularly noteworthy on any of them. The first pond (driving from Santa Maria toward Buellton) is almost dry. The shallow water and slimy conditions are great for shorebirds but none were present. Only a few Mallards hugged the far bank.
The second pond had plenty of water but only 4 ducks: a pair of Mallards, a female Bufflehead, and a duck I saw briefly in silhouette that was probably a Ringed-neck Duck. There also was a sole American Coot present.
The water level was fairly low in the third pond, but there were a fair amount of ducks here. I counted about 30 Ringed-necks, 10 Buffleheads, and a pair of American Wigeon. The fourth pond is too hard to view right now because it is well down the hill and the lingering leaves on the grape vines obscure looks at the surface. I could make out the shapes of some water fowl on it.
I continued heading home via Foxen Canyon Road, which was very quiet. For Hawk activity, I had only 3 Red-tails and 2 Ravens. The fall color of the grape vines, poison oaks, and cottonwoods in the streambeds made up for the lack of birds.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 11/24/23 2:40 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Birding at Alan Hancock College, Nov. 24
Though neither bird is a county bird for me, I figured two uncommon warblers were worth a trip to Santa Maria this morning, especially since I had other business to do there. I got there after the 8 a.m. sighting of the Cape May Warbler and left an hour before its 11:45 a.m. re-appearance, but I did pick up the Pine warbler on the ground with a mixed group under the Canary Island pines in the grassy strip between the two sections of the parking lot. The flock included at various times: Yellow-rumped Warblers, House Finches, Dark-eyed Juncos, Western Bluebirds, American Robins, and even a Red-breasted Nuthatch.
Elsewhere, the Chinese Pistache on the strip between the parking lot and Bradley Road were pulling in more Yellow-rumps, Townsend's Warbler, American Robins, Western Bluebirds, and Cedar Waxwings. I found a couple of American Pipits on the grass near the administration building. All-in-all, the place was very birdy and apart from the roar of the near-by freeway, a great place to bird.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 11/24/23 12:57 pm From: Dave Compton <davcompton60...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Cape May and Pine Warblers
An update, after going awol since 8am, the Cape May Warbler showed up at
around 11:45, possibly a little earlier, and was easy to see, in the same
area just north of the entrance, until everyone left at 12:45. I recommend
that you find the tall, more open pine tree next to a poplar, and just wait
there for it to show up.
It mostly stays pretty high up, but isn’t hard to spot because it’s pretty
active, sometimes hawking insects like a flycatcher.
Dave Compton
Santa Barbara
On Fri, Nov 24, 2023 at 10:02 AM Dave Compton <davcompton60...>
wrote:
> Both have been seen this morning.
>
> Dave Compton
> Santa Barbara
>
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eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (2)
- Reported Nov 23, 2023 09:44 by Teale Fristoe
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155054600 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "With cassin's kingbirds at the pond. Yellow breasts, large bills, brown forked tails. One was vocalizing. Seen at the same time but not close enough together for a photo with both."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1)
- Reported Nov 23, 2023 10:45 by Eunice Schroeder
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155068318 - Comments: "Continuing, found by Jamie Chavez earlier in the morning, pointed out to me by Linda Blue. Seen for about 15 minutes at (34.9420063, -120.4185167) in upper part of tall pine just to the west. Light-brownish cheek patch with yellow collar visible, black streaking on breast and flanks, prominent white wing patch, underparts bright yellow, lower belly and undertail coverts white."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1)
- Reported Nov 23, 2023 09:53 by Linda Blue
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155069426 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "First discovered earlier by Jamie Chavez who was still in the area when we arrived. He walked us over to the large pine tree where he had found it, and quickly pointed out the bird to us (34.9420286, -120.4185824). It was yellow below with black streaks down the sides and across the upper breast, a white patch on wing, and a dull yellowish rump. It had a dull gray cheek patch and a dark eyeline."
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) (1)
- Reported Nov 23, 2023 09:53 by David Blue
- Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4205418&<ll...>,-120.4205418 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S155069425 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "First discovered earlier by Jamie Chavez who was still in the area when we arrived. He walked us over to the large pine tree where he had found it, and quickly pointed out the bird to us (34.9420286, -120.4185824). It was yellow below with black streaks down the sides and across the upper breast, a white patch on wing, and a dull yellowish rump. It had a dull gray cheek patch and a dark eyeline."
A robust yellowish warbler with a long tail, olive back, and two faint white wingbars. The throat was yellow as was the breast. The belly, undertail coverts, and the underside of the tail were white."
A robust yellowish warbler with a long tail, olive back, and two faint white wingbars. The throat was yellow as was the breast. The belly, undertail coverts, and the underside of the tail were white."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
I suspect others might have better pics of the Cape May later. It was being watched by others when I left. The Pine Warbler was also relocated a little to the north closer to the Admin building right before I left.
Jamie M. Chavez Santa Maria, CA
On Thursday, November 23rd, 2023 at 10:14 AM, Jamie Chavez via groups.io <almiyi...> wrote:
> This morning at Allan Hancock College in SM I located a Cape May Warbler and a short time later a Pine Warbler. Both were in pines near the Bradley Rd. entrance into the eastern parking lots. Photos later in my eBird list. > > Jamie Chavez > Santa Maria, CA > > Sent from ProtonMail mobile > > -- > Jamie Chavez > Santa Maria, CA >
Date: 11/23/23 10:15 am From: Jamie Chavez via groups.io <almiyi...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Cape May and Pine Warbler, Santa Maria
This morning at Allan Hancock College in SM I located a Cape May Warbler and a short time later a Pine Warbler. Both were in pines near the Bradley Rd. entrance into the eastern parking lots. Photos later in my eBird list.
Date: 11/22/23 7:41 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Santa Barbara botanic Garden, Nov. 22
Steve Colwell and I spent a few hours at the Garden this morning. We were hoping for a Green-tailed Towhee or a Varied thrush; we got 2 Fox Sparrows and lots of Hermit Thrushes instead. There was a fair amount of activity in general throughout the Garden, with Ruby-crowned Kinglets being perhaps the most active at almost every location.
Our best find was an immature female Black-throated Gray Warbler in a small mixed flock foraging in an oak tree. This was right at the point where the main trail along the creek meets the entrance to the Labyrinth and children's Nature activities area. We also had a noisy Canyon Wren on the steep bank a couple of hundred feet upstream of the dam.
We had multiple sightings of White-breasted Nuthatches, but no Red-breasted Nuthatches were seen or heard.
Florence Sanchez
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) (5) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 22, 2023 06:34 by Peter Schneekloth
- Sedgwick Reserve (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0405478&<ll...>,-120.0405478 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154991187 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Well seen along Lisque Mesa road there may have been as many as 15 but they were mixed with Junco’s and Lark Sparrow as they flushed so reporting confirmed number only. Photos."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
This afternoon there was a female Black Scoter among many Surf Scoters by the ferry landing at Santa Rosa Island. As far as I know, the first this winter.
Date: 11/22/23 10:41 am From: Benjamin Byerly <benbyerly...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Coronado Seep
Birdy Friends,
Some patience at Coronado Drive Seep finally paid off. After some waiting a pretty large mixed flock came and stuck around for about fifteen minutes. Nothing rare but good numbers of the usual suspects.
As I was leaving I heard a western tanager just south of the mobile home park.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) (1)
- Reported Nov 20, 2023 12:11 by Libby Patten
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154886334 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Found earlier today by Adrian O’Loghlen. In northeast corner of Whittier pond. Seen preening, moving around but didn’t move out of sight for more than an hour."
Red-naped x Red-breasted Sapsucker (hybrid) (Sphyrapicus nuchalis x ruber) (1)
- Reported Nov 21, 2023 08:36 by Tom Beland
- Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.4986129&<ll...>,-119.4986129 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154921898 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Woodpecker with red on head and throat extending down onto its breast. Had white line running above bill and extending down its cheek. Upper and under parts black and white checkered with large white patches on wing. Not really clear photos attached."
Red-naped x Red-breasted Sapsucker (hybrid) (Sphyrapicus nuchalis x ruber) (1)
- Reported Nov 21, 2023 08:36 by Laurel S Luby
- Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.4986129&<ll...>,-119.4986129 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154924496 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Woodpecker with red on head and throat extending down onto its breast. Had white line running above bill and extending down its cheek. Upper and under parts black and white checkered with large white patches on wing. Not really clear photos attached."
Nashville Warbler (Leiothlypis ruficapilla) (1)
- Reported Nov 21, 2023 08:52 by Eric Culbertson
- 7031–7065 Cathedral Oaks Rd, Goleta US-CA 34.44105, -119.87552, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.875521&<ll...>,-119.875521 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154937025 - Comments: "Small warbler with straight pointed bill. Green back and yellow underparts with contrasting gray hood and well defined white eye ring. I didn’t get a look at the under tail. Came down to stream with other warbler and finch."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Yesterday I returned to La Cumbre Peak and explored the length of the pine forest there. There was a fair amount of bird activity (especially from Juncos), but not from montane birds. In fact, I didn't even hear a Red-breasted Nuthatch sound off until 10 a.m., when I was preparing to leave. Best bird at the peak was a single Fox Sparrow.
At the communications center about 1/2 mile east, I found 4 Robins and a Purple Finch as well as more juncos, but no mountain birds here either. There was a Merlin circling around the towers.
Beautiful day, soul enriching views, still plenty of flies in spots!
This morning, I checked for the Orchard Oriole along Santa Monica Creek but it didn't show for me. Female Hooded Oriole was very active. After that, I walked Kinevan Road where I had a lot of Ruby-crowned Kinglets but not too much else. I ran into Pam and Adrian near the house with feeders but just missed the flock of Golden-crowned Kinglets they'd been watching. This is the same general area where I had them a few weeks ago. I did not see or hear a Varied Thrush. Big-leaf Maples were stunning in the canyon light.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 11/21/23 5:41 am From: Barbara Millett <millett12...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] American Bittern at NCOS
Adrian’s sighting is almost exactly a year since Gage Ricard and I had an American Bittern in the same location on Nov. 22, 2022. Our last sighting of it was March 30th, 2023. Hopefully the bird seen yesterday will also stay through the winter.
Barb Millett
Santa Barbara
> On Nov 20, 2023, at 7:06 PM, Adrian O'Loghlen <aologhlen...> wrote:
>
> There was an Am. Bittern at the Whittier Pond this morning. It was well hidden in the reeds but visible from the bridge in the north-east corner of the pond.
>
> https://flic.kr/p/2pgZjaG >
> Adrian O'Loghlen
> Goleta
>
Date: 11/20/23 7:06 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] American Bittern at NCOS
There was an Am. Bittern at the Whittier Pond this morning. It was well hidden in the reeds but visible from the bridge in the north-east corner of the pond.
Hi all,
I did my annual autumn loop of Figueroa Mountain Rd returning via Happy Canyon today, stopping here are there for short walks and deep breaths in the solitude (looking at you, dinner for 20!). The most surprising find was stopping to look at a little flock of something that flew into a tall pine near the Davy Brown trailhead. They flew off, but in the oaks nearby was a little flock of 8 Chipping Sparrows foraging on the huge emergence of termites from the ground. They were joined by Western Bluebirds, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Oak Titmice, all popping around on the ground picking off the insects as they emerged. Very fun to watch.
At the Ranger Peak parking area, it was dead quiet until I met Eunice coming from the closed road, where she said she had seen a pretty good mixed flock just down the trail. Together we watched more termite-feasting birds around our cars. After we parted, I wandered back down the road to see if I could pick up any of her earlier flock, but I only found one Mountain Chickadee, many Red-breasted Nuthatches, and many more Ruby-crowned Kinglets. However, I did hear a loud Jip-Jip-Jip call of a Red Crossbill overhead, though I was unable to find it before it faded toward the southwest.
Down below on Happy Canyon, it was very quiet but very beautiful having lunch along Cachuma Creek, where there is still some water flowing over the road here and there, and a surprising number of butterflies and dragon/damselflies.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) (1)
- Reported Nov 20, 2023 11:20 by Rebecca Coulter
- Ranger Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.9495915&<ll...>,-119.9495915 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154865375 - Comments: "Heard loud distinctive JIP JIP JIP calls from what sounded like a single bird flying over as I walked north along the closed road. I tried to find it, but couldn’t see it as it headed south west toward Figueroa Mountain."
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) (8)
- Reported Nov 20, 2023 10:23 by Rebecca Coulter
- 10064–10276 Figueroa Mountain Rd, Los Olivos US-CA 34.72150, -119.96272, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.962723&<ll...>,-119.962723 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154862306 - Comments: "Unexpected small flock feeding with Western bluebirds and a couple of yellow rumped warblers on an abundant termite emergence."
Seen well at close range for several seconds when flushed up out of roadside bushes onto fence. Long-tailed greenish sparrow, larger than nearby Vespers, gray face with rufous cap. I believe Linus has a recording of whining call which might be diagnostic."
Seen well at close range for several seconds when flushed up out of roadside bushes onto fence. Long-tailed greenish sparrow, larger than nearby Vespers, rufous cap. I believe Linus has a recording of whining call which might be diagnostic."
Scott's Oriole (Icterus parisorum) (1)
- Reported Nov 19, 2023 07:15 by Teale Fristoe
- Farren Road, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.9237752&<ll...>,-119.9237752 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154796525 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing female with house finches and bluebirds around 34.461669,-119.922680. Relatively large, all yellow, black wings with bold white wingbars, faint barring on the back. Only saw it on the way up, not back down around 8."
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) (2)
- Reported Nov 19, 2023 11:16 by John Callender
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154795294 - Comments: "In the northwestern part of the complex. Photos. What I’m confident is a second immature/female-type bird, not photographed, in the north end of the parking lot north of the eucalyptus grove in the center of the complex. Black spots in the vent area, bold striping above, nuthatch-like creeping."
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) (1)
- Reported Nov 19, 2023 07:32 by Linda Blue
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154793791 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird, an immature male with a long, hefty bill, and reddish plumage dappled with yellow blotches. When walking north along the west side of the lake, it was on the left side just north of the "Y" intersection. (34.442681,-119.850379)"
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) (1)
- Reported Nov 19, 2023 07:32 by David Blue
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154793428 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird, an immature male with a long, hefty bill, and reddish plumage dappled with yellow blotches. When walking north along the west side of the lake, it was on the left side just north of the "Y" intersection. (34.442681,-119.850379)"
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 11/19/23 2:41 pm From: Conor McMahon <conormcmahon22...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Cuyama - Green-tailed Towhee and Ag Fields
Hi all,
Today Linus and I birded Santa Barbara Canyon and the ag fields along Bell and Foothill Rd in the Cuyama Valley. The most surprising bird was a Green-tailed Towhee which flushed up onto a roadside fence for a few seconds in SB Cyn (approx. 34.8412403, -119.5412278). We spent some time trying to get back on the bird but only got some cell phone recordings of the mewing call from within a bush.
The ag fields had a lot of activity, including totals of 458 horned larks, 160 Mountain Bluebirds, and a smattering of pipits. We tried hard to dig up a Longspur, but no dice! The activity was pretty patchy, with some fields completely empty and some with hundreds of birds. Lots of blackbirds as well at the dairy.
Other nice birds included 13 Vesper Sparrows, 2 Ferruginous Hawks, a Prairie Falcon, a Golden Eagle, and a Merlin.
Cuyama is such an incredible area, and so different from most of the places people bird regularly in Santa Barbara County. I really encourage folks to get out there if you get a chance, there's so much wonderful habitat which gets birded infrequently. If you haven't been before, check out the excellent writeups Linus produced on the Birding Hotspots.org website - examples from our stops today:
Date: 11/19/23 2:36 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Nashville Warbler at Tech Park
There was a Nashville and a Black & white Warbler at Tech Park this morning. They were at the north end of the central parking lot (near the Euc grove). Lots of Yellow -rumped and a few Townsend’s Warblers also. No sign of the White-headed Woodpecker at the eastern entrance to the Park.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
White-headed Woodpecker (Dryobates albolarvatus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 18, 2023 12:27 by David Blue
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154713362 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "First found this morning by Kate Culhane. This is likely the same male bird found in this exact location last year by Rebecca Coulter on October 8, 2022. This was a striking woodpecker with an entirely black body and a white head with a small red patch on the back of crown. It also showed a white streak along the folded wing. Seen on the east side in the three pines in the corner where Entrance Road turns left into the parking lot. (34.430681 -119.886151)"
White-headed Woodpecker (Dryobates albolarvatus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 18, 2023 12:27 by Linda Blue
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154731979 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "First found this morning by Kate Culhane. This is likely the same male bird found in this exact location last year by Rebecca Coulter on October 8, 2022. This was a striking woodpecker with an entirely black body and a white head with a small red patch on the back of crown. It also showed a white streak along the folded wing. Seen on the east side in the three pines in the corner where Entrance Road turns left into the parking lot. (34.430681 -119.886151)"
White-headed Woodpecker (Dryobates albolarvatus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 18, 2023 08:19 by Kate Culhane
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154695858 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Male woodpecker with white head and a red crown bordering the black neck. At east end of parking lot, hanging out in the pines."
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) (1)
- Reported Nov 19, 2023 08:34 by Eunice Schroeder
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154784055 - Comments: "Continuing female/immature, seen in the central lot north of the eucalyptus grove (34.4313619, -119.8900649), foraging along trunks and branches nuthatch-style. Black-and-white striped overall, white throat."
Nashville Warbler (Leiothlypis ruficapilla) (1)
- Reported Nov 18, 2023 07:29 by David Blue
- 7402 - 7418 Hollister Ave (Tech Park), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8908561&<ll...>,-119.8908561 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154693002 - Comments: "A gray-headed warbler with a distinct white eyering, yellow underparts and throat, and olive upperparts. Seen in the SE section of the middle parking lot (across from the eucalyptus grove)."
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 18, 2023 14:18 by Teale Fristoe
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154726098 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing near the mansion area. Initially found when it was calling for about thirty seconds, but mostly silent. All orange tanager with a large bill and no wingbars."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 11/18/23 11:25 am From: Linda Blue <lalindablue...> Subject: [sbcobirding] White-headed Woodpecker at Tech Park
White-headed Woodpecker continues at Tech Park in the pines on the east side. Last seen in the corner pine where Entrance Road turns left. Above Cottage Health sign.
Linda Blue
Goleta
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 17, 2023 13:34 by Ryan Seppala
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154651986 - Comments: "Still here, same spot as before by the entrance to the burn area. Today it was moving between some ragweeds. It’s still super wary and I only had it in view for a few seconds. Yellow on the cheek and base of supercilium, lack of a malar stripe, and rather distinct eyering gave it away."
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 17, 2023 07:58 by Eunice Schroeder
- Santa Monica Creek, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5278168&<ll...>,-119.5278168 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154638061 - Comments: "Continuing adult male, seen at 10:30am from about here (34.4056837, -119.5283244) (further down the creek from the most recent sightings), in upper part of the small bottlebrush tree about 50 ft to the south of the coordinates, on the east side of the creek. Seen perching for about 8 minutes, then it flew east over the fence and out of sight. I continued down the creek, and when I came back to the same spot (10:49am) it was again in the same tree for a few seconds, then flew north to the next small bottlebrush (east side of creek), and I got views for another minute or two before it flew westward across the creek and out of sight. Pointed, slightly decurved black bill, black hood, dark burnt-orange-colored body, black wings with pale edges."
Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus) (1)
- Reported Nov 17, 2023 15:07 by Toby Fowler
- UCSB--Manzanita Village, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8527709&<ll...>,-119.8527709 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154656314 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Believe it is a female / immature Hooded, not an Orchard, based on the more-curved and relatively long bill. All-yellow oriole with gray wings. Was in a tree but flew into the bushes by Zaca. I could not find it later in the day. Will upload photos."
Scott's Oriole (Icterus parisorum) (1)
- Reported Nov 17, 2023 08:40 by margeNdon thornton
- Farren Road, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.9237752&<ll...>,-119.9237752 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154638242 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "A smallish oriole, a pale greenish yellow, dark wings with white wing bars, Longer than the House Finches , slimmer than the Western Bluebirds. Seen on the wire above the termite nest just up the road from the Oak grove."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 11/17/23 5:10 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Red-naped Sapsucker at LLC
This is an interesting question. However, the "barring" on the back seems to be arranged in two vertical columns, which is more consistent with Red-naped. In the few juvenile YB I've seen, the pattern is random and "scumbled" across the back.
Florence Sanchez
On Friday, November 17, 2023 at 03:04:46 PM PST, Conor Scotland <scotland.conor...> wrote:
I think it seems like it would be hard to say for sure that this is not a yellow-bellied sapsucker. The barring on the back seems fine for YBSA, but more importantly it also seems to have a decent amount of remaining juvenile plumage, which makes sense for YBSA in mid-November and not so much for RNSA.
Conor ScotlandOregon
On Tue, Nov 14, 2023 at 6:17 PM Adrian O'Loghlen <aologhlen...> wrote:
Gayle and I found what we thought was a juvenile Red-naped Sapsucker at LLC this morning. This ID was later confirmed by Wes based on a photo of the bird. It was located in the 'Sapsucker Pepper Tree' (approx. 34.443598, -119.850955). This is the first Pepper tree on the LHS of the road going from Stow House to the dam. It's the tree that regularly has overwintering Sapsuckers in it. Last week there was a Red-breasted Sapsucker seen in it on a number of occasions.
I think it seems like it would be hard to say for sure that this is not a
yellow-bellied sapsucker. The barring on the back seems fine for YBSA, but
more importantly it also seems to have a decent amount of remaining
juvenile plumage, which makes sense for YBSA in mid-November and not so
much for RNSA.
Conor Scotland
Oregon
On Tue, Nov 14, 2023 at 6:17 PM Adrian O'Loghlen <aologhlen...>
wrote:
> Gayle and I found what we thought was a juvenile Red-naped Sapsucker at
> LLC this morning. This ID was later confirmed by Wes based on a photo of
> the bird. It was located in the 'Sapsucker Pepper Tree' (approx. 34.443598,
> -119.850955). This is the first Pepper tree on the LHS of the road going
> from Stow House to the dam. It's the tree that regularly has overwintering
> Sapsuckers in it. Last week there was a Red-breasted Sapsucker seen in it
> on a number of occasions.
>
> https://flic.kr/p/2pfQ9X7 >
> Adrian O'Loghlen
> Goleta
>
>
>
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 16, 2023 08:24 by John Callender
- Santa Monica Creek, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5278168&<ll...>,-119.5278168 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154566987 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing in the cape honeysuckle hedge south of the footbridge near (34.4066151, -119.5281038). Appears to be the same bird that’s been photographed here recently. I previously entered it as Hooded/Orchard, but a number of knowledgeable birders who have looked at the photos think the large beak rules out Orchard Oriole."
Nashville Warbler (Leiothlypis ruficapilla) (1)
- Reported Nov 16, 2023 13:40 by Eunice Schroeder
- Santa Monica Creek, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5278168&<ll...>,-119.5278168 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154586785 - Comments: "Seen in cape honeysuckle south of bridge, here (34.4067611, -119.5279445). Complete white eye ring, gray hood, yellow throat and breast, white belly, yellow undertail, olive-green back and no wingbars."
***********
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 11/16/23 7:40 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Apparent Hooded Warbler
No worries.
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
Sent from Proton Mail mobile
-------- Original Message -------- On Nov 16, 2023, 6:08 PM, Eunice Schroeder wrote:
> This was my mistake (I.e. typo) on my list for Santa Monica Creek from late this afternoon. The bird was the continuing Hooded Oriole and the list is corrected: > > https://ebird.org/checklist/S154586785 > > Sorry for the error. > > Eunice Schroeder > Santa Barbara > > On Thu, Nov 16, 2023, at 5:41 PM, Nick Lethaby via groups.io wrote: > >> I saw an ebird rba stating there was a "contining" Hooded Warbler at Santa Monica Creek at the Orchard Oriole spot. If anyone knows anything more about the original report, please post it here. >> >> Nick Lethaby >> Goleta, CA >> <nlethaby...> >> +1 805 284 6200 >> >> Sent from Proton Mail mobile >> >> -- >> >> Nick Lethaby >> Goleta,CA >>
This was my mistake (I.e. typo) on my list for Santa Monica Creek from late this afternoon. The bird was the continuing Hooded Oriole and the list is corrected:
On Thu, Nov 16, 2023, at 5:41 PM, Nick Lethaby via groups.io wrote: > I saw an ebird rba stating there was a "contining" Hooded Warbler at Santa Monica Creek at the Orchard Oriole spot. If anyone knows anything more about the original report, please post it here. > > > Nick Lethaby > Goleta, CA > <nlethaby...> > +1 805 284 6200 > > > Sent from Proton Mail mobile > > > > -- > > Nick Lethaby > Goleta,CA >
Date: 11/16/23 5:55 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Farren Road Nov. 16th
Sophie,
Thanks for the clarification. Given the number of Scott's Orioles hanging along Farren Rd the last few years, I am wondering if anyone knows of other locations that have similar-sized areas of prickly pear cacti.
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
On Thursday, November 16th, 2023 at 5:49 PM, Sophie Cameron <smcameron.photography...> wrote:
> Nick, > > Yesterday when Alex and I were up there we had a mature male Scott's oriole that looked significantly different than the immature one reported earlier that day. While trying to get a look at the male I had what I thought could have been a female-type oriole fly over but immediately lost it. I wonder if this was the female Scotts you found today. This would sum up to three different Scotts orioles on Farren road currently. > > Also as for the "hooded warbler" rba I believe it was a simple mix up of the continuing Hooded Oriole at Santa Monica Creek. > > Best Birding, > Sophie Cameron > Goleta > > On Thu, Nov 16, 2023, 5:39 PM Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> wrote: > >> Florence, >> >> I had a female Scott's yesterday so there are at least 2 birds in that area. Alex and Jeremy suspect there might be multiple males. >> >> There were 4 Bonaparte's Gulls at Devereux. >> >> Nick Lethaby >> Goleta, CA >> <nlethaby...> >> +1 805 284 6200 >> >> Sent from Proton Mail mobile >> >> -------- Original Message -------- >> On Nov 16, 2023, 3:04 PM, Florence Sanchez via groups.io < <sanchezucsb11...> wrote: >> >>> I got a late start hiking the road this morning, but still found a fair amount of bird activity. Best finds were a White-THROATED Sparrow in with the White-crown flock that was feeding at roadside and an immature male Scott's Oriole in an oak tree at the start of the "oak woodland" stretch of the road. I believe this was the same Scott's Oriole that was reported yesterday. A big hatch of termites was providing welcome food for Says' Phoebes and lots of Western Bluebirds. I did not see or hear any Common Ground Doves today but the gorgeous views made the hike well worthwhile. >>> >>> In other birding I've done this week, I have been trying for Red Crossbills at the Ortega Ridge Pines for the past three mornings without success, although I may have caught the flock that Eunice reported on Tuesday as it left the area. This morning I had an unexpected singing Lincoln's Sparrow on the hillside below Ortega Ridge Lane. Red-breasted Nuthatches continue in abundance in all the pine groves. I have been listening for Pygmy Nuts here as well (found occasionally in the past) but so far no luck. >>> >>> Florence Sanchez >>> >>> -- >>> >>> Nick Lethaby >>> Goleta,CA >>>
Yesterday when Alex and I were up there we had a mature male Scott's oriole
that looked significantly different than the immature one reported earlier
that day. While trying to get a look at the male I had what I thought could
have been a female-type oriole fly over but immediately lost it. I wonder
if this was the female Scotts you found today. This would sum up to three
different Scotts orioles on Farren road currently.
Also as for the "hooded warbler" rba I believe it was a simple mix up of
the continuing Hooded Oriole at Santa Monica Creek.
Best Birding,
Sophie Cameron
Goleta
On Thu, Nov 16, 2023, 5:39 PM Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby=
<proton.me...> wrote:
> Florence,
>
> I had a female Scott's yesterday so there are at least 2 birds in that
> area. Alex and Jeremy suspect there might be multiple males.
>
> There were 4 Bonaparte's Gulls at Devereux.
>
>
> Nick Lethaby
> Goleta, CA
> <nlethaby...>
> +1 805 284 6200
>
>
> Sent from Proton Mail mobile
>
>
>
> -------- Original Message --------
> On Nov 16, 2023, 3:04 PM, Florence Sanchez via groups.io < sanchezucsb11=
> <yahoo.com...> wrote:
>
>
> I got a late start hiking the road this morning, but still found a fair
> amount of bird activity. Best finds were a White-THROATED Sparrow in with
> the White-crown flock that was feeding at roadside and an immature male
> Scott's Oriole in an oak tree at the start of the "oak woodland" stretch of
> the road. I believe this was the same Scott's Oriole that was reported
> yesterday. A big hatch of termites was providing welcome food for Says'
> Phoebes and lots of Western Bluebirds. I did not see or hear any Common
> Ground Doves today but the gorgeous views made the hike well worthwhile.
>
> In other birding I've done this week, I have been trying for Red
> Crossbills at the Ortega Ridge Pines for the past three mornings without
> success, although I may have caught the flock that Eunice reported on
> Tuesday as it left the area. This morning I had an unexpected singing
> Lincoln's Sparrow on the hillside below Ortega Ridge Lane. Red-breasted
> Nuthatches continue in abundance in all the pine groves. I have been
> listening for Pygmy Nuts here as well (found occasionally in the past) but
> so far no luck.
>
> Florence Sanchez
>
>
> --
>
> Nick Lethaby
> Goleta,CA
>
>
>
Date: 11/16/23 5:42 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Apparent Hooded Warbler
I saw an ebird rba stating there was a "contining" Hooded Warbler at Santa Monica Creek at the Orchard Oriole spot. If anyone knows anything more about the original report, please post it here.
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
Date: 11/16/23 5:39 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Farren Road Nov. 16th
Florence,
I had a female Scott's yesterday so there are at least 2 birds in that area. Alex and Jeremy suspect there might be multiple males.
There were 4 Bonaparte's Gulls at Devereux.
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
Sent from Proton Mail mobile
-------- Original Message -------- On Nov 16, 2023, 3:04 PM, Florence Sanchez via groups.io wrote:
> I got a late start hiking the road this morning, but still found a fair amount of bird activity. Best finds were a White-THROATED Sparrow in with the White-crown flock that was feeding at roadside and an immature male Scott's Oriole in an oak tree at the start of the "oak woodland" stretch of the road. I believe this was the same Scott's Oriole that was reported yesterday. A big hatch of termites was providing welcome food for Says' Phoebes and lots of Western Bluebirds. I did not see or hear any Common Ground Doves today but the gorgeous views made the hike well worthwhile. > > In other birding I've done this week, I have been trying for Red Crossbills at the Ortega Ridge Pines for the past three mornings without success, although I may have caught the flock that Eunice reported on Tuesday as it left the area. This morning I had an unexpected singing Lincoln's Sparrow on the hillside below Ortega Ridge Lane. Red-breasted Nuthatches continue in abundance in all the pine groves. I have been listening for Pygmy Nuts here as well (found occasionally in the past) but so far no luck. > > Florence Sanchez > >
I got a late start hiking the road this morning, but still found a fair amount of bird activity. Best finds were a White-THROATED Sparrow in with the White-crown flock that was feeding at roadside and an immature male Scott's Oriole in an oak tree at the start of the "oak woodland" stretch of the road. I believe this was the same Scott's Oriole that was reported yesterday. A big hatch of termites was providing welcome food for Says' Phoebes and lots of Western Bluebirds. I did not see or hear any Common Ground Doves today but the gorgeous views made the hike well worthwhile.
In other birding I've done this week, I have been trying for Red Crossbills at the Ortega Ridge Pines for the past three mornings without success, although I may have caught the flock that Eunice reported on Tuesday as it left the area. This morning I had an unexpected singing Lincoln's Sparrow on the hillside below Ortega Ridge Lane. Red-breasted Nuthatches continue in abundance in all the pine groves. I have been listening for Pygmy Nuts here as well (found occasionally in the past) but so far no luck.
Florence Sanchez
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1)
- Reported Nov 15, 2023 08:25 by David Blue
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154513322 - Comments: "Continuing in the top of the willows on the west side of the lake. A kingbird having a light gray head with a darker ear patch, a long heavy black bill, a bright yellow belly with the yellow extending up to the throat, and a long notched tail."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1)
- Reported Nov 15, 2023 08:25 by Linda Blue
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154515313 - Comments: "Continuing in the top of the willows on the west side of the lake. A kingbird having a light gray head with a darker ear patch, a long heavy black bill, a bright yellow belly with the yellow extending up to the throat, and a long notched tail."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) (5)
- Reported Nov 14, 2023 07:16 by Eunice Schroeder
- Ortega Ridge pines, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.600994&<ll...>,-119.600994 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154451772 - Media: 2 Audio
- Comments: "Heard "jip" calls and got good views of two males and one female, seen toward top of pines looking southeast from (34.4261421, -119.6015574), starting at 08:05 and continuing for about 15 minutes. Flock of about 5-6 flew northwest from the pines at about 08:20. Audio."
Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) (1)
- Reported Nov 14, 2023 15:05 by Ryan Seppala
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154476722 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Found about 3:30 pm by the burn area approximately here: (34.417820, -119.878976). Very cautious bird, silent and stayed in the grass and out of sight for the vast majority of ~15 minutes of observation."
Scott's Oriole (Icterus parisorum) (1)
- Reported Nov 14, 2023 13:52 by Alex Castelein
- Farren Road, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.9237752&<ll...>,-119.9237752 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154469793 - Media: 4 Photos, 1 Audio
- Comments: "Seems like a different bird than the one reported earlier, perhaps more mature. Yellow oriole with black hood seen in flight, moving between oak canopies. Responded to playback with both calls and song, poor recording of calls obtained. Sophie got a couple photos"
Scott's Oriole (Icterus parisorum) (1)
- Reported Nov 14, 2023 13:52 by Sophie Cameron
- Farren Road, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.9237752&<ll...>,-119.9237752 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154469795 - Media: 4 Photos, 1 Audio
- Comments: "Seems like a different bird than the one reported earlier, perhaps more mature. Yellow oriole with black hood seen in flight, moving between oak canopies. Responded to playback with both calls and song, poor recording of calls obtained. Sophie got a couple photos"
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
I happened upon a Grasshopper Sparrow around 3:30 this afternoon by the burn scar of NCOS, approx here: (34.417820, -119.878976). Locally quite scarce in the late fall.
Date: 11/14/23 6:17 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Red-naped Sapsucker at LLC
Gayle and I found what we thought was a juvenile Red-naped Sapsucker at LLC this morning. This ID was later confirmed by Wes based on a photo of the bird. It was located in the 'Sapsucker Pepper Tree' (approx. 34.443598, -119.850955). This is the first Pepper tree on the LHS of the road going from Stow House to the dam. It's the tree that regularly has overwintering Sapsuckers in it. Last week there was a Red-breasted Sapsucker seen in it on a number of occasions.
Date: 11/14/23 4:51 pm From: Mark Holmgren <maholmgren33...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Caspian Tern at Cachuma
There are very few fall and fewer winter records of *Caspian Tern* for District Interior. eBird shows a couple, Lehman, in the Birds of Santa Barbara County, mentions one in winter on 11 Dec 1988. So one today was unusual. Other birds seen were a pair of Wood Ducks. Both Western and Clark's Grebes were tending white-bodied fledglings. Several smaller-than-Canada gooses were difficult to ID from a distance. Some Least Sandpipers and an immature Bald Eagle. https://ebird.org/checklist/S154467280
Date: 11/14/23 1:50 pm From: Lisa D. Walker, (Feather Forestwalker) <feather...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Sapsucker, likely hybrid - Riverview Park Buellton
Nice find, Peter! I would say "yes" to hybrid - reminds me a lot of the
hybrid Red-breasted/Red-naped I have photographed in the past (see
attached photos)
Date: 11/14/23 9:29 am From: Peter Schneekloth via groups.io <peterschneekloth...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Sapsucker, likely hybrid - Riverview Park Buellton
Out on the morning dog walk and I bring camera just in case. This morning a Sapsucker which at first quick glance had me thinking Red-naped then I noticed red in nape connected to red in crown and red well down the breast and more. Fun study, any comments please share with group!!
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1)
- Reported Nov 13, 2023 12:32 by Ryan Seppala
- Coal Oil Point Reserve--Devereux Slough, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8756027&<ll...>,-119.8756027 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154402983 - Comments: "On the lines above the road bordering NCOS. Forked tail, long bill, yellow belly extending to breast, etc. Golf cart man mentioned it’s probably a continuing individual seen the last ~3 years."
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 12, 2023 10:14 by Alex Castelein
- Mission Pine Trail: San Rafael Mtn To Mission Pine Spring Camp, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8023921&<ll...>,-119.8023921 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154420198 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Both male Haemorhous finches, with thinner, straighter bills than purple, streaky UTCs, pale red streaky backs, distinctly peaked crowns. Did not hear them call, but they came in to cassin’s finch playback. Photos"
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 12, 2023 10:14 by Max Laubstein
- Mission Pine Trail: San Rafael Mtn To Mission Pine Spring Camp, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8023921&<ll...>,-119.8023921 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154420199 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Both male Haemorhous finches, with thinner, straighter bills than purple, streaky UTCs, pale red streaky backs, distinctly peaked crowns. Did not hear them call. Photos"
Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) (4) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 13, 2023 06:47 by John Callender
- Ortega Ridge pines, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.600994&<ll...>,-119.600994 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154381597 - Media: 5 Photos, 2 Audio
- Comments: "Brief views of a single bird, and later a group of four birds, flying overhead giving flight calls. I was interested to notice when processing the (very poor) photos I managed to get of the group of four, that two of the four birds had noticeable white patches in the wings. Sonograms of the flight calls (which were recorded when single birds flew over, not the group of four shown in all the photos) look like type 2, maybe."
Bullock's Oriole (Icterus bullockii) (1)
- Reported Nov 11, 2023 06:35 by Simon Westley
- Santa Cruz Island--main ranch, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7196054&<ll...>,-119.7196054 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154385956 - Media: 1 Audio
- Comments: "Oriole (slender passerine with relatively long tail and bill) with pale belly, dark facial markings, orangey wash to face and tail. Harsh chatter call, should be audible around 7 second mark"
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 11/13/23 10:39 pm From: Kris Mainland White <mainlandwhite...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Wednesday Audubon Program Reminder- Costa Rica
The Santa Barbara Audubon Society invites the public to a program on Costa Rica's exceptional bird world this Wednesday, November 15 at Farrand Hall, Museum of Natural History. Time is 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
This illustrated presentation will visit a variety of ecosystems including the cloud forest, the Caribbean lowlands, and the Pacific tropical dry forest, illustrating the ecological factors that have made Costa Rica an international birding mecca.
Presenter Benny Isaac Jacobs-Schwartz owns and operates a bird-guiding business and lifestyle brand called BIRDS by BIJS (pronounced Bee-jus). Working professionally for more than 10 years as a naturalist guide, expedition trip leader, and international bird guide, Jacob-Schwartz is a passionate educator and bird photographer.
Date: 11/13/23 6:16 pm From: Miguel Christie <christiemiguel...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] River Park Lompoc
Quick visit for Snow Geese seen earlier by John Deacon, ad +imm, prest till about 16 hs, when spooked by dog, both flew due west so might show up at Ocean Beach. Also continuing GWF Goose.
Date: 11/13/23 5:48 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Ocean Park
All,
An afternoon visit turned up a female Eurasian Wigeon and a GWF Goose in addition to the continuing male Merlin, 2 WW Scoters and 3 Common Loons. The Reddish Egret has clearly been gone for a few days.
Gulls included a single Mew and 2 each of Herring and Bonaparte's.
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
Date: 11/13/23 12:49 pm From: John Deacon via groups.io <iseekbirds...> Subject: [sbcobirding] East Lompoc
All:
With wife in tow, I birded Sweeney Road, River Park and Miguelito Cyn Park this morning. Highlights were a couple of very tame Snow Geese at River Park, Rufous Crowned Sparrows at Sweeney Road and a nice White Throated Sparrow at Miguelito Park. Trip report is here:
https://ebird.org/tripreport/171618
Date: 11/12/23 9:44 pm From: eBird alert <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Common Poorwill (1 report)
- Tropical Kingbird (2 reports)
- Swinhoe's White-eye (3 reports)
- Red Crossbill (5 reports)
- Red Crossbill (Douglas-fir or type 4) (4 reports)
- Chipping Sparrow (1 report)
- Hooded Oriole (1 report)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) (6) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 12, 2023 07:20 by Steve Hovey
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154303745 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing birds. Seen in pine trees on the east edge of the park, northeast corner of the park. They were quiet and stayed in the trees for quite a while. Then we saw some drinking water from the stream below. After that we didn't see them anymore. See photos."
Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) (6) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 12, 2023 07:20 by Dawn Hovey
- Bella Vista OSP, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8836064&<ll...>,-119.8836064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154303419 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing birds. Seen in pine trees on the east edge of the park, northeast corner of the park. They were quiet and stayed in the trees for quite a while. Then we saw some drinking water from the stream below. After that we didn't see them anymore. See photos."
Red Crossbill (Douglas-fir or type 4) (Loxia curvirostra (type 4)) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 11, 2023 07:05 by Sue Cook
- Ortega Ridge pines, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.600994&<ll...>,-119.600994 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154266913 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Heard calling loudly from the top of the canyon, then located along with a flock of Red-breasted Nuthatches in the pines near 34.4268738,-119.6015745. Foraging in the pines for a little more than an hour, occasionally calling."
Red Crossbill (Douglas-fir or type 4) (Loxia curvirostra (type 4)) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 11, 2023 07:05 by Linda Blue
- Ortega Ridge pines, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.600994&<ll...>,-119.600994 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154308680 - Media: 6 Photos, 1 Audio
- Comments: "Heard calling loudly from the top of the canyon, then located along with a flock of Red-breasted Nuthatches in the pines near 34.4268738,-119.6015745. Foraging in the pines for a little more than an hour, occasionally calling."
Red Crossbill (Douglas-fir or type 4) (Loxia curvirostra (type 4)) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 11, 2023 07:05 by Steve Colwell
- Ortega Ridge pines, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.600994&<ll...>,-119.600994 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154241426 - Media: 6 Photos, 1 Audio
- Comments: "Heard calling loudly from the top of the canyon, then located along with a flock of Red-breasted Nuthatches in the pines near 34.4268738,-119.6015745. Foraging in the pines for a little more than an hour, occasionally calling."
Red Crossbill (Douglas-fir or type 4) (Loxia curvirostra (type 4)) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 11, 2023 07:05 by David Blue
- Ortega Ridge pines, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.600994&<ll...>,-119.600994 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154309720 - Media: 6 Photos, 1 Audio
- Comments: "Heard calling loudly from the top of the canyon, then located along with a flock of Red-breasted Nuthatches in the pines near 34.4268738,-119.6015745. Foraging in the pines for a little more than an hour, occasionally calling."
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 11, 2023 15:57 by Michael I Christie
- Vandenberg Village--Moonglow Rd. Basin, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.47616&<ll...>,-120.47616 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154263773 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "2+ foraging near footpath along S limit, about 50 yds east of Moonglow St. Similar to a Zonotrichia, but smaller, plain grayish underside, rufus crown stipes. fs"
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 11/12/23 8:42 am From: Dawn Hovey via groups.io <dawno93117...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Red Crossbills at Bella Vista OSP
Steve and I weren't seeing them anymore when we left at 8:20, so I don't know if they're still there.
I didn't see it, but others saw a Swinhoe's White-eye on the east edge of the park.--Dawn
On Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 07:47:28 AM PST, Dawn Hovey via groups.io <dawno93117...> wrote:
Currently observing them in pine tree on east edge of park. 7:45 am
Date: 11/11/23 7:39 pm From: Benjamin Byerly <benbyerly...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Romero Saddle to Big Caliente
Birdy Folks,
Today I biked from Romero Saddle to Big Caliente Hot Springs back to Romero Saddle. Birding was not my primary purpose but kept my eyes and ears alert. Nothing too exciting for much of the day just the usual fare. Late in the day I was delighted to see a pair of Lewis's Woodpeckers not far downstream from Juncal Gate. On my drive home I was very surprised when I flushed a Common Poorwill that was in the middle of E Camino Cielo between Romero Saddle and Cold Spring Saddle.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)
- Reported Nov 11, 2023 08:00 by Dennis Doordan
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154230711 - Comments: "solitary bird, feeding in the mud flats at the southeast corner of the lake. ID based on the single color straight bill instead of the two-toned slightly decurved bill of the greater yellowlegs."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (2)
- Reported Nov 11, 2023 15:26 by Aaron Maizlish
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154262448 - Comments: "Seen in oak over parking spot, flew to lagoon and joined a second which were quarreling with the CAKI. Large billed kingbirds with grey throats and gray (not green) backs."
Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 10, 2023 11:25 by Sophie Cameron
- Ortega Ridge pines, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.600994&<ll...>,-119.600994 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154179124 - Media: 2 Photos, 1 Audio
- Comments: "Single bird initially heard responding to Ponderosa type calls, then seen high in pine trees. Medium sized finch-like bird with distinct crossed bill and yellow body. Poor audio captured due to landscaping sounds nearby"
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 11/11/23 2:44 pm From: Steven Gaulin <gaulin...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Lincoln's Sparrows scarce this year?
Perhaps it's because folks don't find them very exciting, but I haven't seen many reports of this species and just saw my first yard-bird Lincoln's Sparrow of the Fall season.
I birded a bit in Goleta today. Results as follows:
Bella Vista Open Space RED CROSSBILL: maybe 6 flew east out of pines in the northwest corner of the park, after calling loudly from the tops of the trees. Maybe a couple could still be heard in the pines after the birds flew. And maybe a couple (the same birds?) were later calling from some pines a little farther south. SUMMER TANAGER: a female type bird was calling near the center of the park and flew to the northeast corner. It was later in a tree in the southwest corner of the open space just to the north.
STOWE GROVE PARK: Tons of Yellow-rumpeds Warblers were in the park, mostly in the eucalyptus trees along the western boundary. But I couldn't find anything more unusual than a single Pine Siskin here.
LAKE LOS CARNEROS: Although I heard what was likely the Tropical Kingbird near the southwest corner of the lake, I failed to see this bird or other rarities reported here recently. I did find a singing WHITE-THROATED SPARROW where the olive-lined path meets the paved path around the lake. Nice to hear one singing in California.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) (1)
- Reported Nov 09, 2023 14:15 by Toby Fowler
- UCSB--campus, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8450041&<ll...>,-119.8450041 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154098647 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Associating with a flock of Western Bluebirds outside of Ellison Hall in the area between Ellison, Buchanan, and the Library. There was a second bird it was chasing around with, but I was unable what it was. First noticed the orange coloring compared to the bluebirds, and then noticed the large beak. Ruled out Western Tanager because of the patchy red-yellow-orange as well as darker wings. Lost track of the bird in the large trees, and an attempt to find it again was unsuccessful."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
At Ennisbrook this morning, George and I spotted a *Nashville warbler* actively feeding in an oak tree next to the creek in a mixed flock that included Townsend's and Orange-crowned warblers.
Date: 11/10/23 9:29 am From: Hugh Ranson <zonetail1...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Bohnett Park trifecta
This morning in the park were the continuing ancient Warbling Vireo and adult male Yellow Warbler. There's an adult female Black-and-white Warbler, presumably the returning female from last winter.
Date: 11/10/23 8:51 am From: Cruz Phillips via groups.io <cruzitas...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Fall birds this morning at Las Cruzitas
A group of photographers were here this morning at a blind we set up on the bird feeders. They had a female Evening Grosbeak, a Clay-colored Sparrow, and a small flock of Lawrences Goldfinches (which have been here for about a week). This is the first Evening Grosbeak we have seen on the Ranch since I was in high school (decades ago).
Cruz PhillipsLas Cruzitas RanchSanta Ynez
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 08, 2023 09:30 by Adrian O'Loghlen
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154043732 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "The bittern was first seen in flight at the north end of the dam, landing in the reeds, extending its long striped neck. It then disappeared into the tall reeds."
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 08, 2023 09:30 by Pamela Viale
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154041877 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "The bittern was first seen in flight at the north end of the dam, landing in the reeds, extending its long striped neck. It then disappeared into the tall reeds."
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 05, 2023 13:04 by Rob Farber
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154094494 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing rarity, a tanager with a large pale swollen bill, blotchy orange, yellow and greenish-gray coloring and no wing bars. Perching in the very large Eugenia tree between the Norfolk Pine and palm tree behind/east of the Stow House about 1:30 p.m. No vocalizations."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 11/9/23 3:17 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Quiota Creek Nov. 9
After enjoying a short visit to this spot with Steve Cowell last week, I decided to go back there this morning, I hiked along a substantial portion of the road along the creek today and found a fair amount of bird activity, though nothing rare. I paid particular attention to the spot where Steve and I had a late Black-throated Gray Warbler but could not refind it today. However, in that vicinity, there was a good-sized flock of Townsend's Warblers working a valley oak tree--at least 8 and maybe 10 of them. Could not find any other species with them.
It was beautiful crisp fall weather in the canyon and fall color was coming on strong. The most color came from the red poison oak, but cottonwoods are getting gold and sycamores in some spots were also turning color. Along the creek about 1/4 mile before the road's closure, there were some beautiful gold colors in a stand of Big-leaf Maples.
Back on the Valley floor, grapes and non-native trees such as Lombardy Poplar are also providing color. I had a nice flock of White-throated Swifts flying at eye level when I crossed the San Ynez River. I spent a little time in Happy Canyon area, mainly checking it out for a future visit. I drove up Alisos Road to its end at a winery gate, and on the way back I spotted an unexpected Chipping Sparrow at the edge of the driveway of the last house on the road. NO sign of Lewis's Woodpeckers during the short time I was there.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 11/9/23 9:14 am From: Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Armour Ranch Road, 2023-11-08
Yesterday evening I walked along Armour Ranch Rd to see for myself the habitat loss that we're going to have due to the Chumash Camp 4 development there. It's indeed pretty depressing and I'm not expecting any future longspurs there. Best bird was a PRAIRIE FALCON.
Date: 11/8/23 4:45 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Continuing American Bittern at LLC
Pam, Susie, and I saw what we presumed was the continuing Am. Bittern at LLC this morning. It was at a different location than in previous reports. It was on the eastern bank of the channel that runs north towards the wooden bridge (approx. 34.443577, -119.849887) and was viewed from the road that runs from Stow House to the dam. We also had great views of the continuing Summer Tanager and Red-breasted Sapsucker in the Pepper Tree ‘traditionally’ used by overwintering Sapsuckers (approx. 34.443586, -119.850950) and brief views of a Western Tanager in the same tree.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1)
- Reported Nov 08, 2023 09:30 by Sue Cook
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S154028705 - Comments: "Large bill, more white below the eye than a Cassin's. Very different call than the Cassin's, also identified by Merlin. Sitting on the electrical wire near Veneco bridge."
Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) (1)
- Reported Nov 06, 2023 11:13 by Allen Burke
- Santa Cruz Island--Smugglers Road, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.557187&<ll...>,-119.557187 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153984116 - Comments: "Streaky breasted thrasher like bird in the sage next to trail. Short bill, distinctive white corners of the tail as it flew, and then landed and ran across the trail."
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 07, 2023 09:18 by margeNdon thornton
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153980197 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "In the NorfolkPine just south of the Stowe House.. Seen from almost directly below. Color was red with faint yellow undertones. Head and wings appeared to be a darker red."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 11/7/23 6:48 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Apparent Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in trees along Creek
This morning I checked out the short walk along San Roque Creek off Hitchcock Way, where there were some interesting birds last winter. (This is the creek that runs behind Chick-a-fila.). Among them was an interesting Sapsucker that eventually was judged to be a Red-naped X Yellow-bellied hybrid. It hung out behind the Rose Garden Motel in a favored gangly pittosporum tree until said tree blew down in the spring storms.
Today I spotted a Sapsucker further down the creek and had some good looks, though fairly brief. At first I thought it was last year's bird but showed that was not the case. Today's bird had a roughly striped back, evident yellow belly, a red-throat fully outlined in heavy black, and a red cap thinly outlined in black. I got good looks but it quickly moved downstream and I could not refind it even after an hour of looking. I did a lot of research after I got home, including looking at Eunice's good photos of last year's hybrid, and they are quite different from the bird I saw today.
If anyone wants to try for this bird, I spotted it in a cottonwood approximately opposite the upper end of the condo complex's lawn. The cottonwood is turning gold and is easy to spot.
There was a lot of Yellow-rump activity (for a change!) along this creek as well as Townsend's and Orange-crowned Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and 2 Red-breasted Nuthatches.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 11/6/23 4:05 pm From: Mark Holmgren <maholmgren33...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Horned Grebe, Wood Ducks on Cachuma
Isaac Scheinfeld, Nicola Kubzdela, and I had a great boat trip on Cachuma this morning. In 17 miles, we saw *9 Wood Ducks* flying out of Little Cachuma Bay. Near Bradbury Dam we saw a* Horned Grebe*. Other highlights include an outrageous number of Eared Grebes. The Cachuma Naturalist, Kristin, found several geese this week that she thought were small enough to be Cackling Geese. We saw only 8 geese in one flock and these were all smaller than the typical Western Canada Goose that breeds in the county. But they showed none of the features that would indicate the Aleutian form or the minima form of Cackling Goose. Those are the two types of Cackling Goose most likely to show up in SB Co. I suspect these 8 geese may have been Lesser Canada Goose, Branta canadensis parvipes. Without known moffitti or Cackling Gooses for comparison, their identity is a guessing game. Also interesting were our misses: no shorebirds except Killdeer, no pelicans, eagles, or Mallards. Many Western Grebes were still accompanied by begging and beseeching, Basic-plumaged fledglings. We saw only a single Western Grebe with a small fledgling riding on its back. And one Clark's Grebe was accompanied by a white-headed, begging fledgling. These two grebe species pumped out lots of young this summer and fall. Our checklist with photos is here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153911912
Date: 11/6/23 11:15 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Elings Park Nov. 6
I visited there this morning in the hope of turning up a Vesper Sparrow, but did not have success. Apart from a flock of White-crowns, the only Sparrow I found was a Lark Sparrow. A flock of up to 30 Western Meadowlarks was very active in the barer patches on top of the hill. A major path-building project is taking place from the entrance at Calle Montilla.
I went to LLC briefly but bird activity was quite low and I did not turn up Brown Creeper or Summer Tanager while I was there. A Tropical Kingbird is still working the area from trees on the west side of the Lake.
Florence Sanchez
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) (2)
- Reported Nov 05, 2023 14:34 by Toby Fowler
- UCSB--Campus Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.845165&<ll...>,-119.845165 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153856574 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "2 by the lot near DLG / Chi-5, in the bushes/plants where the hummingbirds & juncos normally are. Immature males, with a black throat patch, grey wings, and uniformly yellow elsewhere. Only got pictures of one at a time, but I saw two chasing each other around."
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) (1)
- Reported Nov 05, 2023 13:04 by Eve Martin
- Lake Los Carneros Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84975&<ll...>,-119.84975 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153854846 - Comments: "Continuing rarity, a tanager with a large swollen bill, blotchy orange, yellow and greenish-gray coloring and no wing bars. Perching in the very large Eugenia tree behind the Stow House about 1:30 p.m. No vocalizations."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 11/5/23 8:27 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Ocean Park, Sunday afternoon
All,
I spend just over hours scoping the birds out in the Santa Ynez River Estuary from Ocean Park late afternoon. The two WW Scoters and Reddish Egret are still around. There are now 3 Common Loons in the river mouth. A male Merlin appears to be hanging around on the sandbar upriver but is difficult to see. There are plenty of coots and ducks and I saw my FOS Red-breasted Merganser. West of the train tracks, a small intertidal area attracted a good range of the expected shorebirds.
Although the river has broken out again, the tide range is minimal and it will likely block again soon. The large gull and tern aggregration at the mouth has gone now the river is mostly blocked.
There are now 4 Aleutian Cackling Geese and a White-fronted Goose at Sandpiper,
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
Date: 11/5/23 8:17 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Nov 4 Ventura Pelagic Report
All,
We set out from Ventura Harbor at 9.00 AM on Nov 4. Although the first leg of the journey was the regular Island Packers shuttle to Scorpion Ancorage on Santa Cruz Island, Captain Joel took a short detour through a feeding mass of thousands of Black-vented Shearwaters just offshore of the harbor. Some of the lucky birders at the front of the boat we are to see and photograph a Manx Shearwater. There were also at least two Parasitic Jaegers harrasing the terns there.
The rest of the channel crossing proved uneventful and the large number of birds present a few weeks ago appeared to have dispersed. After dropping off the day-trippers at Scorpion, the real pelagic started and we headed into the Anacapa Passage and a few miles further south. This proved a productive area with good looks at 3 Scripps's Murrelets, a single Common Murre and the first of many Rhinocerous Auklets. Scattered groups of Pink-footed, Sooty and Black-vented Shearwaters attracted one or two Pomarine Jaegers and included a very odd-looking shearwater that is perhaps a Sooty with a pale whitish belly.
We then then turned west and head roughly parallel with the south coast of Santa Cruz Island. This section was relatively birdless but we were able to obtain good looks and photos of a pair of Craveri's Murrlets, possibly the first to be well-documented in November in the state.
After finding the Santa Cruz Passage (between Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands) birdless we turned south and followed the 500 fathom line along the W edge of the Santa Cruz Basin before cutting back NE over the Santa Cruz Basin towards the Anacapa Passage. This turned out to be fairly productive area with over 150 Bonaparte's Gulls scattered through the area. Checking the Bonaparte's carefully turned up a couple of Sabine's Gulls and a Common Tern. The small gulls also attracted the attention of a couple of Long-tailed Jaegers.
Tubenoses were fewer in this area and consisted primarily of Pink-footed Shearwaters. Careful checking of their flocks finally turned up one of our target birds - Flesh-footed Shearwater, which is commonest from mid-Oct through mid November. We also saw one or two Northern Fulmars. The final bird of interest was a Red Phalarope.
The Anacapa Passage proved far less birdy on the return and much of the return crossing from Scorpion to Ventura was foggy. We were blessed with calm seas the whole voyage that made for a very comfortable ride. Non-bird llife included a flying fish, a Blue Shark, numerous mola molas and both Common and Bottlenosed Dolphins. Thanks to Island Packers and Captain Joel Barrett for helping make the trip happen.
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
Date: 11/5/23 3:11 pm From: Peter Schneekloth via groups.io <peterschneekloth...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Sat Nov 4 pelagic
Thanks to Nick for all the effort in setting up the pelagic, it was a beautiful day on the water.
The Manx Shearwater was a Ventura Co. bird but there were so many SB Birders though it would be OK to share my lucky photo for those interested:
Manx Shearwater | peterschneekloth | Flickr
Date: 11/5/23 8:20 am From: Jamie Chavez via groups.io <almiyi...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Newest 400 Club Member - Wim van Dam
It didn't occur to me at the time Wim sent his message that spotting Clark's Nutcracker on 10/30 catapulted him into the ranks of the 400 Club ( http://www.sbcobirding.com/countylisters.html ) ! Congratulations to Wim for reaching this milestone. This also gives me the opportunity to thank Wim for his willingness to co-moderate sbcobirding over these many years and for his countless contributions to county birding including being an eBird Hotspot editor.
If anyone reading this would like to participate in the Listing Game and 400 Club please send me your details (or updates) in the format you see on the webpage. 375 is a starting point to be listed.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) (4)
- Reported Nov 04, 2023 07:41 by John Deacon
- Barka Slough, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4755592&<ll...>,-120.4755592 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153727244 - Comments: "When I arrived at the corner of Hwy 135 and San Antonio Road, I stopped to begin my eBird Checklist. I've seen Lewis's Woodpecker at this location before. While focusing on a NOFL on a power pole, I noticed four large birds flying at high altitude in the background. They appeared uniformly gray, extremely longed necked and feet trailing behind. Their formation was not organized but basically a loosely formed group. I couldn't hear any vocalizations that would help zero in on the species. Extended neck eliminates herons. No discernable markings on the underside of the birds eliminates geese and AWPE. I was reluctant to post until I checked Lehman's BOSC. From his document I determined that this is definitely a possibility this time of year. I tried to get pix but couldn't get the birds in the viewfinder before they were out of sight."
Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 01, 2023 11:46 by David Ekdahl
- Ocean Beach County Park and Santa Ynez River Estuary, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6003785&<ll...>,-120.6003785 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153751415 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing, overall pale gray, very active when feeding and commonly with wings out. This bird was not visible from the park platform, we spotted it from West Ocean Drive as John Deacon suggested, which is just past Ocean Park Road."
Swinhoe's White-eye (Zosterops simplex) (Exotic: Provisional) (2)
- Reported Nov 04, 2023 13:52 by Noah Arthur
- 409 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara US-CA 34.41691, -119.69316, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.693155&<ll...>,-119.693155 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153748905 - Comments: "Was able to get 2 birds to come to playback, and got photos of one. The rest of the flock had vanished into a huge backyard ficus teee."
Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) (1)
- Reported Nov 04, 2023 08:25 by Jamie Chavez
- Preisker Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4376006&<ll...>,-120.4376006 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153729865 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "While looking at Yellow-rumped Warblers in a holly oak on the north side of the park I identified a Blackburnian Warbler by its yellowish throat with a centralized brighter orange-yellow color in the middle of the throat and upper breast. It showed a broad buffy supercilium and had a blackish face mask that wrapped to a point behind the ear coverts, and a pale median crown stripe was visible. The bird showed thin blackish upper breast streaks around the neck that turned smudgy and mostly confined to the sides. The underparts were mostly white with a slight yellowish wash to the flanks. The bird was difficult to see from above but eventually showed two pale whitish braces on the grayish mantle. Two prominent white wing bars. The bill was bicolored with about 1/3 of the tip dusky or dark. The bird called once and gave thin chip notes. Not as sharp as Townsend's warbler. Photographed in two separate oak trees."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 11/4/23 2:52 pm From: Jamie Chavez via groups.io <almiyi...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Santa Maria Blackburnian Warbler
Correction- the Blackburnian was found on the NORTH side of the park opposite the maintenance building in case anyone tries looking for it.
Jamie M. Chavez Santa Maria, CA
------- Original Message ------- On Saturday, November 4th, 2023 at 2:47 PM, Jamie Chavez via groups.io <almiyi...> wrote:
> In Santa Maria this morning at [Preisker Park](https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L169751) I found a HY BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER in a small grove of holly oaks on the east side of the park. There were several YR Warblers in the tree when the bird made an appearance. There were three Red-breasted Sapsuckers in various pepper trees, and gobs of Red-breasted Nuthatches. > > https://ebird.org/checklist/S153729865 > > Jamie M. Chavez > Santa Maria, CA > > -- > Jamie Chavez > Santa Maria, CA >
Date: 11/4/23 2:47 pm From: Jamie Chavez via groups.io <almiyi...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Santa Maria Blackburnian Warbler
In Santa Maria this morning at [Preisker Park](https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L169751) I found a HY BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER in a small grove of holly oaks on the east side of the park. There were several YR Warblers in the tree when the bird made an appearance. There were three Red-breasted Sapsuckers in various pepper trees, and gobs of Red-breasted Nuthatches.
A first-of-season Ruddy Duck was in the Carp Creek lagoon this morning. Also saw several fly-over night heron sp. as well as a loosely associated flock of perhaps 100 crows flying west over the State Beach.
Date: 11/4/23 8:02 am From: Phila Rogers <philajane...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] New yard bird for me
yes, I think most of us are having or seeing Red-breasted Nuthatches now.
They appear to have moved their range south. Can we call them irruptive?
I love hearing them because they remind me of home -- the Berkeley Hils.
Phila Rogers
On Fri, Nov 3, 2023 at 4:58 PM David Levasheff via groups.io <dcl5277=
<proton.me...> wrote:
> Just had a unexpected visit to my water feature by a wary Red-breasted
> Nuthatch!
>
> David Levasheff
> Santa Barbara
>
> Sent with Proton Mail <https://proton.me/> secure email.
>
> --
> David Levasheff
> Santa Barbara
>
>
>
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) (30)
- Reported Oct 28, 2023 09:40 by Kyle Te Poel
- PCH—south of Guadalupe (general), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.5238692&<ll...>,-120.5238692 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153683952 - Comments: "Was content to ID as dowitcher sp., but many of them called shortly before, and during, flight. Compared the sounds of both species and they were definitely short-billed. May have obtained video—will check soon!"
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) (1)
- Reported Oct 28, 2023 07:20 by Kyle Te Poel
- Ocean Beach County Park and Santa Ynez River Estuary, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6003785&<ll...>,-120.6003785 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153673198 - Comments: "Rich red-orange bill (vs. more orange of forster’s and vs the orange-yellow tones of elegant and royal) but thin—not anywhere as thick as a caspian. Most helpful was the notable gray-black on the outer edge of its wings."
Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) (1)
- Reported Oct 30, 2023 16:59 by Sir Laughalot
- Upper Scorpion Loop, Ventura, California, US (34.047, -119.567), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5669178&<ll...>,-119.5669178 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153628758 - Comments: "Found two days in a row in the upper loop Scorpion campground around the water spigot and wood pile near the restrooms. Greyish-brown wings and head, white breast and underside with brown spots and small vertical streaks more-densely packed near the throat. Slightly curved black beak, black eye, brown legs. White wing bars. Photos to come"
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (6)
- Reported Nov 03, 2023 08:13 by Sophie Cameron
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153656771 - Comments: "Seen and heard well around 8:30 before they flew away to the southwest. First heard the characteristic “tlee dip” calls behind me, then saw a female type bird similar to purple finch but with a pointy triangular bill with straighter culmen. It and a second previously obscured bird flew away together as I lifted my camera. Later at 9:28 we had a flock of 4 come in from the east, land in a tree, call a few times, and then leave. Sophie got a photo of one"
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (6)
- Reported Nov 03, 2023 08:13 by Alex Castelein
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153656770 - Comments: "Seen and heard well around 8:30 before they flew away to the southwest. First heard the characteristic “tlee dip” calls behind me, then saw a female type bird similar to purple finch but with a pointy triangular bill with straighter culmen. It and a second previously obscured bird flew away together as I lifted my camera. Later at 9:28 we had a flock of 4 come in from the east, land in a tree, call a few times, and then leave. Sophie got a photo of one"
Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) (1)
- Reported Nov 02, 2023 11:18 by Brendan McKay
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Campgrounds to Scorpion Anchorage (no seawatch), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.558174&<ll...>,-119.558174 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153647889 - Comments: "Spizella shape and size. Overall tan and brown, bold facial pattern and distinct white malar. Brewers is more likely here but color suggested Clay. Photos to be added later this week."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 11/3/23 5:42 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Santa Ynex area birding NOv. 3
Steve Cowell and I birded Nojoqui Park this morning. Temps were very chilly at7:45 as we birded the western portion of the park first, waiting for the sun to hit the grass. While we waited, we had a star show by the Wild Turkeys that continued on in the rest of the park and in the field up Alisal Road for some time. Once the sun finally warmed things up a bit, the Junco flock came down to feed in the grass. We scanned it pretty thoroughly and failed to turn up anything besides (Oregon) Dark-eyed Juncos and a single White-crowned sparrow.
While White-breasted Nuthatches were plentiful, we did not see or hear a Red-breasted Nuthatch at this location. We were also hopeful that we might turn up a Varied Thrush, but had no luck, though other Thrushes were around: Western Bluebirds, Hermit Thrushes, and a lone American Robin. A Steller's Jay was actively calling in the Eastern half of the park and we planned to spend some time there; however, my inevitable jinx with mechanical equipment kicked in as the workers started up the wood chipper to demolish a large amount of trimmings. After considering our options, we decided to leave.
Alisal Road is now open to vehicles, so we drove it into Solvang. Major changes occurred about a mile up the road from the park where the washout was repaired. Much habitat was removed in the process of making an entirely new stream crossing and I think it will be several years before that area recovers.
We ended up going to Quiota Creek, where we birded a section near the first creek crossing. Our expectations were modest as it was mid-morning by then. but it was surprisingly birdy. Our best find was a very late Black-throated Gray Warbler that Steve spotted. We also had Magpies, Kinglets, a singing Hutton's Vireo, and other resident birds in good numbers on this stretch of creek.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 11/3/23 1:45 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Wagtail and Nutcracker photos
All.
Larry Sansone, the photographic editor for North American Birds, is looking for high quality photos of the White Wagtail and Clark's Nutcrackers seen recently in the county. He has received a few photos but none of them are sharply in focus enough to be of use. Please let Larry know if you have some.
Thanks,
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
Date: 11/3/23 10:08 am From: Hugh Ranson <zonetail1...> Subject: [sbcobirding] 3 Vesper Sparrows at Elings
3 Vesper Sparrows were together at Elings Park this morning, feeding on the ground roughly halfway between the Calle Andalusia entrance and the stone (Moser) bench.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) (1)
- Reported Nov 02, 2023 11:18 by Ian Carlsen
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Campgrounds to Scorpion Anchorage (no seawatch), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.558174&<ll...>,-119.558174 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153622519 - Comments: "Spizella shape and size. Overall tan and brown, bold facial pattern and distinct white malar. Brewers is more likely here but color suggested Clay. Photos to be added later this week."
Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) (1)
- Reported Nov 02, 2023 11:18 by Nick Lund
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Campgrounds to Scorpion Anchorage (no seawatch), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.558174&<ll...>,-119.558174 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153622520 - Comments: "Spizella shape and size. Overall tan and brown, bold facial pattern and distinct white malar. Brewers is more likely here but color suggested Clay. Photos to be added later this week."
Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) (1)
- Reported Nov 02, 2023 11:18 by Doug Hitchcox
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Campgrounds to Scorpion Anchorage (no seawatch), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.558174&<ll...>,-119.558174 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153622521 - Comments: "Spizella shape and size. Overall tan and brown, bold facial pattern and distinct white malar. Brewers is more likely here but color suggested Clay. Photos to be added later this week."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 11/2/23 4:53 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] White-winged Scoters x 2 at Ocean Beach Co Pk
This fall is an incredible parallel to a few years back when the river was also tidal for most of the year before blocking in late Oct. I recall visiting then on Nov 1 and finding 10 Surf and 2 WW Scoters and 2 Common Loons in the river mouth. I also had a RN Grebe and 3 White Pelicans that day, the only time I have seen either at Ocean Park.
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
Sent from Proton Mail mobile
-------- Original Message -------- On Nov 2, 2023, 4:00 PM, Miguel Christie wrote:
> Hi, lots more waterbirds, most interest the 2 W-w SC and a few Surf SC, plua loon and lots of duck, etc > -- > > Michael Christie > Lompoc > >
Date: 11/2/23 4:49 pm From: Miguel Christie <christiemiguel...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] White-winged Scoters x 2 at Ocean Beach Co Pk
The W-w SC are just E of the trestle. Also a Common Loon, and the Reddish Egret is still here, at the E end of the island, plus 10 sp of ducks, etc. Cheers
This morning at Lake Los Carneros there was a Brown Creeper in an oak on the main lake trail close to Stow House. A heard-only Summer Tanager was also nearby. There were a variety of ducks on the lake including Ring-necked, Bufflehead, Pintail ( a female), and American Wigeon.
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Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) (1)
- Reported Oct 31, 2023 12:40 by Spencer Seale
- Carpinteria Creek, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5140259&<ll...>,-119.5140259 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153520473 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Initially seen in the fallen Willows just upstream of the 6th Street entrance. It moved around the fallen willows close to the ground for a short time and then flew up into the taller deciduous trees and made a few sallies onto various branches. All gray empid with rounded blocky head, bold complete eyering, and contrasting white wing bars. I observed the bird for a little over a minute and it never once dipped it’s tail, like a Gray. The throat and underside were very light and the backside appeared darker gray/olive. The wing extension appeared to be short/medium length. Photos also reveal a pale yellow/orange lower mandible with no dark/dusky tip, and a slight vested appearance. The bill also appears wider-based than Dusky or Hammonds."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (1)
- Reported Nov 01, 2023 08:30 by Barbara Millett
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153559828 - Comments: "Longer, heavier bill compared to nearby Cassin's Kingbird. Light gray head w/ dark gray mask. Bright yellow belly & breast, with yellow extending up toward throat. Green back. Vocalized its twittering call repeatedly, interacting with two Cassin's Kingbirds."
Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) (1)
- Reported Oct 30, 2023 17:28 by Mark Holmgren
- Richardson Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6853054&<ll...>,-119.6853054 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153507627 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Face boldly marked. Seems to have a central crown stripe. Bold and well-defined gray collar interrupted with streaks only along the mid dorsal line. Strong malar stripe."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 11/1/23 5:05 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] East Pinery Road (AKA Cloud Flies' NWR) Nov.1
Thinking that the cold nights inland would have knocked down the flies, I went to East Pinery this morning. The temperature there at 7:45 was 20 degrees higher than the valley below, so I quickly learned that assumption was false! In fact, it was one of my worst experiences with flies and it definitely affected my birding concentration. Consequently I'm sure I missed a lot of stuff.
That said, I started on a high note with a nice mixed group of montane birds a short distance from the parking area. In the flock were 3 Mountain Chickadees, 2 Red-breasted Nuthatches, a White-breasted Nuthatch, another bird that looked like a Pygmy Nuthatch but was hard to see well, and a couple of Ruby-crowned Kinglets. After that, activity dropped significantly and I had trouble getting on birds flicking around in the bushes. About half-way down, I had two CASSIN'S FINCHES fly across the trail and perch in a tree long enough to present pretty good views. They made their characteristic "chu-LIP" call as they flew across the road.
A sparrow-type bird flying away from me in some Ceanothus was most likely a Sooty Fox Sparrow. At the end of the Keyhole, I had 3 Purple Finches, which was a nice opportunity to compare them with the Cassin's Finches seen earlier. I also had the only Yellow-rump of the day at this spot.
Otherwise, I had a few Juncos and chaparral birds but nothing of note. The only Jays that showed themselves were Scrub Jays, and I had only 3 Woodpeckers: 2 Flickers and 1 Hairy Woodpecker. Temperature was great for hiking, but I couldn't wait to get out of there because of the flies. Not going back until we've had some rain (or snow) up there!
Florence Sanchez
Date: 10/31/23 8:01 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Santa Maria area birding Oct. 31
Wes Fritz and I checked out various spots from Buellton through Los Alamos this morning, ending up in the Santa Maria area. We were looking for fields with good prospects for Pipits and Longspurs, but we pretty much struck out. We had a couple of small flocks of American Pipits and a few Horned Larks, but no Longspurs or unusual sparrows.
We found a Merlin Harassing birds along a ditch in the company of an American Kestrel, which made for some good comparison. The wet field near the Los Alamos Sewage treatment pond had at least 6 Wilson's Snipe along with a lone White-faced Ibis. In the Santa Maria area, we turned up both Tri-colored and Yellow-headed Blackbirds in a large mixed flock. Best bird was a (returning?) male Vermillion Flycatcher at Jack O'Connell Park in Guadalupe.
Florence Sanchez
It was a good day to be out. Mark Bright and I started at Kinevan Road where we met Eunice. As a youth, she didn't attend rock concerts and so was able to hear Golden-crowned Kinglets along the road. We eventually saw 3 together, but there were undoubtedly more. The Blues were at the western bridge where Florence reported the Pacific Wren yesterday, and we soon got looks at the bird. A little later Eunice and the Blues had a Pacific Wren several hundred yards downcreek, and Mark and I saw it later in the afternoon. It seems likely to me that this is a second bird.
Mark and I then went up to La Cumbre Peak where, as luck would have it, Lynn and Steve were looking at a Clark's Nutcracker as we pulled up. We watched the bird in the top of a pine, then another appeared close by, apparently flycatching. A Brown Creeper gave good looks, as did 3 more Golden-crowned Kinglets a little east of the summit. A Merlin and a Kestrel cruised over.
In late afternoon I went by Elings Park where off-leash dogs scattered most of the sparrows, so I don't know if yesterday's Brewers are still around. A Vesper Sparrow was new.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (5)
- Reported Oct 31, 2023 07:30 by Steve Colwell
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153484051 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "3 seen in quick flyovers, flying west just over or amongst the pines. Just as we were leaving saw 2 more that landed in the pines just west of the gate and south of the parking area there, then flew off to the southwest. Seems like they were kind of hanging around the area though -- maybe because they are the last few pines before it opens up to the west, so they were taking a break? Dunno."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (5)
- Reported Oct 31, 2023 07:30 by Lynn Scarlett
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153501600 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "3 seen in quick flyovers, flying west just over or amongst the pines. Just as we were leaving saw 2 more that landed in the pines just west of the gate and south of the parking area there, then flew off to the southwest. Seems like they were kind of hanging around the area though -- maybe because they are the last few pines before it opens up to the west, so they were taking a break? Dunno."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (3)
- Reported Oct 30, 2023 10:50 by Wim van Dam
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153451347 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Initially heard and then spotted by Linda Blue. Three, small crow-sized birds flying east-to-west over La Cumbre Peak. Clearly seen were dark, wide wings with white edges, white tail and vent. and gray body. Seen also by David Blue; photo included."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (3)
- Reported Oct 30, 2023 08:42 by Linda Blue
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153450317 - Comments: "We were at the car and just getting ready to leave when Linda suddenly spotted 3 Clark's Nutcrackers flying west just south of us. Large, striking pale gray birds with black and white wings, and short black tails with white outer tail feathers."
Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) (3)
- Reported Oct 30, 2023 08:42 by David Blue
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153450316 - Comments: "We were at the car and just getting ready to leave when Linda suddenly spotted 3 Clark's Nutcrackers flying west just south of us. Large, striking pale gray birds with black and white wings, and short black tails with white outer tail feathers."
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (3)
- Reported Oct 30, 2023 09:05 by Wim van Dam
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153404544 - Media: 2 Photos, 1 Audio
- Comments: "Group of 4 finches. Call of one recorded and three photographed. Flight call was typical TIDILIP call. Photos shows straight bills, forked tails, and white eye-rings. The fourth finch was not photographed and remains a finch sp."
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (3)
- Reported Oct 30, 2023 08:42 by David Blue
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153450316 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "First identified when an individual bird flew in, giving multiple, distinctive "clee-yip" (or "tulip") calls. It eventually ended up in a pine tree with 2 additional individuals making a total of two females and one male. Both the females and the male had peaked heads, fairly long straight-sided bills, thin white eye rings, and notched tails. The male's peaked crown was bright red and it had a pale pink throat and breast with a white belly. The females were brown and white with short, crisp dark streaks on their chest and underparts."
Cassin's Finch (Haemorhous cassinii) (3)
- Reported Oct 30, 2023 08:42 by Linda Blue
- La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7147721&<ll...>,-119.7147721 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153450317 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "First identified when an individual bird flew in, giving multiple, distinctive "clee-yip" (or "tulip") calls. It eventually ended up in a pine tree with 2 additional individuals making a total of two females and one male. Both the females and the male had peaked heads, fairly long straight-sided bills, thin white eye rings, and notched tails. The male's peaked crown was bright red and it had a pale pink throat and breast with a white belly. The females were brown and white with short, crisp dark streaks on their chest and underparts."
Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) (1)
- Reported Oct 31, 2023 09:49 by John Callender
- Carpinteria Creek Estuary, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5198238&<ll...>,-119.5198238 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153479886 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "I considered Brewer's Sparrow, but ended up going with Clay-colored Sparrow based on the relatively strong face pattern, gray nape, and buffy tones. In the bare grassy patch just east of the Carpinteria Creek lagoon."
Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo chlorurus) (1)
- Reported Oct 30, 2023 17:00 by Steven Faulstich
- Santa Barbara - Near N La Cumbre, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.749067&<ll...>,-119.749067 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153472651 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "In our back yard feeding on the ground. Stayed at least 10 minutes. Feeding like California Towhee, using short hops back and forth to reveal seeds etc.
I realize this is a rare sighting. Very clear view through binoculars. This is one of many photos I took to document."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 10/31/23 11:50 am From: Robert Lindsay <thisisroblindsay...> Subject: [sbcobirding] San Marcos Foothills - Tuesday
Hi all,
Mostly the birding was poor here this morning. For example, no finches at all, a handfull of White-Crowned Sparrow and one Song Sparrow but no other sparrows. Even common birds were uncommon. There were several Say's Phoebe and quite a few Western Meadowlark. Only highlights were a male American Kestral hunting successfully (this species seem more abundant this year than in several tears past) and a Greater Roadrunner on a fence post on the northern edge of the reserve that allowed a fairly close approach before it dashed after some poor, unsuspecting lizard.
------- Original Message ------- On Tuesday, October 31st, 2023 at 1:04 AM, Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam...> wrote:
> Third try was a charm this Monday morning at La Cumbre Peak. After about two hours of trying, Linda Blue spotted 3 CLARK'S NUTCRACKER flying overhead and got me on my quadricentennial county bird. Thanks Linda. Earlier that morning we also had 3+ CASSIN'S FINCH. > > So, what are people's theories about where these nutcrackers come from and where they go to? Are they all unique individuals that are moving through, migration style, or do we have a local wintering population that just happens to fly east-to-west along La Cumbre Peak? > > Wim > > https://ebird.org/checklist/S153404544 > https://ebird.org/checklist/S153451347 > -- > Wim van Dam (Solvang, CA) > SBCO #399: Red-footed Booby >
Date: 10/31/23 1:05 am From: Wim van Dam <wim.van.dam...> Subject: [sbcobirding] La Cumbre Peak, 2023-10-30
Third try was a charm this Monday morning at La Cumbre Peak. After about two hours of trying, Linda Blue spotted 3 CLARK'S NUTCRACKER flying overhead and got me on my quadricentennial county bird. Thanks Linda. Earlier that morning we also had 3+ CASSIN'S FINCH.
So, what are people's theories about where these nutcrackers come from and where they go to? Are they all unique individuals that are moving through, migration style, or do we have a local wintering population that just happens to fly east-to-west along La Cumbre Peak?
