*La Jolla Farms Rd. tipus - 1West Hills Park - 1*
Chollas Creek--Euclid Ave to 54th St - 2
Lopez Ridge Park - 7
Lower Otay Reservoir--east arm pullouts (including North Pt. gate) - 7
Cortez Place--coastal access - 8
Henshaw Scenic Vista - 8
Sweetwater Park - 8
Eternal Hills Cemetery - 9
La Costa Canyon Park - 9
La Bajada Field (restricted access) - 10
Hotspots with 3+ week bar chart gaps:
J Street Viewpoint (Encinitas)
Otay Valley Regional Park--Hollister Pond
Warner Springs--town
Jackson Park
Buena Vista Lagoon--Jefferson St. overlook (east of I-5)
Hosp Grove Park--east of Monroe St
Heritage Park (Chula Vista)
San Onofre SB--bluffs
Sunnyslope Park
Mandell Weiss Eastgate City Park
stakeout Eastern Phoebe, City Heights (2020–24)
W 16th St at Cleveland Ave
Tierrasanta Substation
Holy Cross Cemetery
La Posta Creek pullouts
Hidden Canyon Park
Sweetwater Community Gardens
Camp Pendleton--Santa Margarita River mouth (restricted access)
Cheers,
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Date: 4/14/26 8:37 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Ruff update
Well, I guess nothing's easy. While sending out my previous message about the Ruff continuing At around 7:00 a.m., it disappeared while I wasn't looking and now over an hour later I still can't refind it. Plenty of birds in that channel on the south side of the bike trail at and past the second bridge to the east of 13th Street. Including now 250 red knots and several ruddy turnstones looking nice. Lesser yellowlegs total is 15 or 16 (mostly next to the little island on Pond 20). Vaux's Swift flying around with the Cliff Swallows. And on the island in the middle of pond 22 is the Pacific Golden-Plover-- Not it's typical spot.
Paul Lehman, San Diego
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-------- Original Message -------- On Tuesday, 04/14/26 at 08:04 Lisa Ruby <lbruby1...> wrote:
> Hi, The Gray Catbird that Nancy C found at Agua Caliente County Park on April 6th was still here as of yesterday evening. Some of us found it in a round planter area inside the fence of the outdoor pool a little before 6 p.m. yesterday. Viewed from the upper road. There are at least 2 Green-tailed Towhees. One on the Marsh Trail and one in the camground near site 115 (I think, could be 11 > > I would call the migration activity moderate right now. The most numerous species seems to be Western Flycatchers. Good number of Western Tanagers too, and some of the males are stunning. Wilson's, Nasville, Black-throated Gray, Orange-crowned, and Yellow Warblers; Warbling Vireos, Black- headed Grosbeaks, and Ash-throated Flycatchers are also around. Had 2 Hammond's Flycatchers on the Marsh Trail yesterday. I have submitted multiple lists from the last day and a half. > > Lisa Ruby > Sabre Springs > > Sent from [Proton Mail](https://proton.me/mail/home) for Android.
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Date: 4/14/26 8:04 am From: Lisa Ruby via groups.io <lbruby1...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Catbird continues at Agua Caliente County Park
Hi, The Gray Catbird that Nancy C found at Agua Caliente County Park on April 6th was still here as of yesterday evening. Some of us found it in a round planter area inside the fence of the outdoor pool a little before 6 p.m. yesterday. Viewed from the upper road. There are at least 2 Green-tailed Towhees. One on the Marsh Trail and one in the camground near site 115 (I think, could be 11
I would call the migration activity moderate right now. The most numerous species seems to be Western Flycatchers. Good number of Western Tanagers too, and some of the males are stunning. Wilson's, Nasville, Black-throated Gray, Orange-crowned, and Yellow Warblers; Warbling Vireos, Black- headed Grosbeaks, and Ash-throated Flycatchers are also around. Had 2 Hammond's Flycatchers on the Marsh Trail yesterday. I have submitted multiple lists from the last day and a half.
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Date: 4/14/26 7:01 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Ruff continues
At 6:55 a.m. on Tuesday, the Ruff found yesterday by Nathan French bordering the saltworks continues, currently in the channel on the south side of the bike trail adjacent to the second bridge east of 13th Street. But of course stuff moves around. Also an "inland" Red-throated Loon in the channel and 175 Red Knots, many of them looking very spiffy. Plus the usual 14+ Lesser Yellowlegs scattered around.
Paul Lehman , San Diego
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Date: 4/13/26 1:38 pm From: Geoff Veith via groups.io <veithlaw...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Some Info on Finding the Crissal Thrasher WTP/Borrego
Date: 4/13/26 12:39 pm From: Justyn Stahl via groups.io <justyn.stahl...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Ruff, 13th st / salt works
Looking from here 32.5882868, -117.1075251
To the east along the shoreline here: (32.5901216, -117.1035444)
Found by Nathan French
Justyn Stahl North park
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Date: 4/13/26 11:27 am From: Nathan French via groups.io <nathanfrenchphotography...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Ruff near Salt Works 4/13
Just had a Ruff south of the Salt Works from the bike path approximately here:
(32.5900433, -117.1015995)
Unfortunately it and all the LEYEs and Willets it was with flushed into the Salt Works and I’m trying to relocate it now.
Nathan French
Hillcrest
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Date: 4/13/26 11:21 am From: Geoff Veith via groups.io <veithlaw...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Some Info on Finding the Crissal Thrasher WTP/Borrego
For those interested in finding Crissal Thrasher, the following may be helpful. Margaret Brown and I heard and saw Crissal Thrasher at the Water Treatment Ponds in Borrego yesterday morning, 4/12. Generally, the bird (or birds, may be more than one) preferred the mesquite just north of the northern settlement pond and displayed a pattern of silence, interrupted by brief, unprompted singing. More specifically, we arrived shortly after 7 am and did not see or hear the bird for the first hour; there were two out of town birders also present. At 8:15-20 the thrasher began singing unprompted. Margaret and I heard it but could not find the bird as it was hidden by the mesquite. It sang for maybe two minutes then stopped. One of the out of town birders who had seen the bird from their vantage point came over and pointed the general area where they had seen the bird in the mesquite NE of the settling ponds. About 5 minutes later and in that same location, the thrasher popped up to the top of the mesquite and began singing very briefly and just as suddenly as it popped up, it stopped and dropped back down. It then sang unprompted about every 15-20 minutes and while we could hear it we could not find it. I walked to the NW portion of the mesquite and clearly heard a Crissal singing there and also thought I heard a brief response from the NE area. Margaret and I then walked to dirt road or path on the west side of the settling ponds. From that location, at about 9:30 am, we heard and saw the Crissal singing from the top of somewhat distant mesquite WNW of the ponds. One other detail, when perched up and singing, the Crissal seemed to favor mesquite with mistletoe.
If this pattern holds I would recommend getting to an elevated spot where you can see out over the mesquite and wait patiently for the bird to pop up and sing. Walking through the mesquite or using playback would likely reduce the chance of seeing this bird.
Geoff Veith
Solana Beach, CA
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Date: 4/11/26 8:34 am From: Mike Wittmer via groups.io <bumper1369...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Tennessee Warbler
There is currently a Tennessee Warbler at the Wing St Canyon in the bottlebrush trees. Currently there are 5 birders on it
Mike Wittmer
Escondido
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Date: 4/10/26 10:30 pm From: Isabelle Davignon via groups.io <isa1212123...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Wing Street Piranga sp.
In case it is useful information, I took a horrible photo of a bird I couldn’t identify at Wing Street Canyon on March 21st. I had recorded the male Hepatic Tanager in eBird (list here https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S311738627) and made note that I thought there might be a 2nd individual Hepatic Tanager with red and yellow. I saw it in the exact same spot in the tree where I had twice seen the male Hepatic Tanager that morning, and it flew across in the same direction as the male Hepatic Tanager, across the path towards the large tree and beyond. My photo is terrible, it flew away before I could get a photo and I only caught a this one that shows the abdomen and under tail when it had flown across the path and paused for a second in the far tree beyond the path.
Adding here in case there is a possibility the hybrid was there as early as 3/21st. Please let me know if you can tell from this that it is not, or if you can tell what it actually is. I have not added to eBird other than as a note within the Hepatic Tanager entry since I couldn’t id.

Thanks
Isabelle.
> On Apr 8, 2026, at 9:39 AM, Michelle Reilly via groups.io <reilhag...> wrote:
>
>
> For anyone interested, the Tanager(hybrid?) was seen again today. New photos on today's list:
>
> https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S318783147 >
> Michelle Haglund
>
> "there is still good in this world and it's worth fighting for”...Sam Gamgee
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, Apr 7, 2026 at 9:33 PM Philip Unitt via groups.io <http://groups.io/> <unitt...> <mailto:<cox.net...>> wrote:
>> Dear friends,
>>
>> Has anyone considered the possibility that this bird could be Foudia madagascariensis? Back in 1991 I got a call from a woman who said she had been seeing a pair of Vermilion Flycatchers around her house in La Mesa for about 6 weeks, then the male flew into a window and killed itself. I asked her to bring it to the San Diego Natural History Museum, and when I saw the specimen, what was my surprise to see it was not a Vermilion Flycatcher but a species of the weaver family from Madagascar. Now catalog number 47510 in the museum's research collection of birds. So there is a precedent.
>>
>> Good birding,
>>
>> Philip Unitt
>> San Diego
>> On Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 07:16:46 AM PDT, Mark Stratton via groups.io <http://groups.io/> <zostropz...> <mailto:<gmail.com...>> wrote:
>>
>>
>> The Hybrids for Flame-colored and Western do have a cheek patch, I believe it's a lighter patch and maybe even greenish if I remember correctly. I didn't notice one on the Wing St. bird.
>>
>> Mark Stratton
>> Escondido
>>
>> On Mon, Apr 6, 2026 at 7:36 PM Susan Smith via groups.io <http://groups.io/> <seiurus...> <mailto:<aol.com...>> wrote:
>> Has Western x Flame-colored Tanager hybrid been eliminated? I think some have showed up in AZ.
>>
>> Susan Smith
>> Seiurus Biological Consulting
>> Del Mar, CA
>> <seiurus...> <mailto:<seiurus...> >>
>>
>> On Monday, April 6, 2026 at 06:32:57 PM PDT, Andrew N via groups.io <http://groups.io/> <floodshark...> <mailto:<gmail.com...>> wrote:
>>
>>
>> For record keeping sake, that bird has been floating around there for at least a week. Flew under the radar on Michelle H's checklist from the 30th.
>>
>> https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S314926459 >>
>> --
>> Susan Smith
>> Seiurus Biological Consulting
>> Del Mar, CA
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
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Date: 4/9/26 10:13 pm From: Philip Unitt via groups.io <unitt...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Unusually early Lesser Nighthawk
Dear friends,
There have been a few San Diego County sightings of the Lesser Nighthawk in early March, but it has been unclear if these represent early spring migrants or wintering birds (there are a few scattered records of those). So it was notable that we received a specimen of the Lesser Nighthawk found barely able to fly at the 10th Ave. marine terminal in downtown San Diego on 7 March. It survived 16 days of attempted rehabilitation at Project Wildlife but ultimately died, and the specimen came to the San Diego Natural History Museum. Today Brandi Sanchez prepared the specimen, now catalog number 58600 in the museum's research collection of birds. The 10th Ave. marine terminal doesn't seem like a likely habitat for a Lesser Nighthawk to winter, so I infer this specimen represents an early migrant--the earliest yet confirmed in San Diego County. Congratulations to Brandi for her successful preparation of this difficult specimen as well as her recent master's degree from UCSD. And many thanks to Linda King for her over 20 years of service as liaison between the museum and Project Wildlife, ensuring that these notable specimens are preserved.
Also today I prepared our 5th specimen of the Burrowing Parrot, from National City.
Good birding,
Philip UnittSan Diego
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Date: 4/9/26 11:25 am From: Catherine Zinsky via groups.io <Catherine.Zinsky...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Varied Thrush/Kitchen Creek
While standing quietly along the creek on the east side of the bridge a Varied Thrush landed on a branch and I was able to get quite a few photos of it. It then flew up into the Sycamore and I lost sight of it. A birder has since contacted me to say it has gone down stream a bit.
--
*My dogs are my anchor, my friends give me strength. Catherine*
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The overlap of breeding ranges of the two species is very small, so it makes sense that hybrids would be rare.
Surprisingly, there are only 13 records of WETA x SUTA. So either way, either hybrid is quite rare!
Personally, I can see the merits of WETA x SCTA for the subject bird given the size and color of the bill, the lack of black on the upper back, and similarity to the one other individual photographed.
--
Nick Thorpe
University Heights
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Date: 4/8/26 3:10 pm From: Jeff Spaulding via groups.io <ornithomedic...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] eBird has website for WETA x SUTA
I think Scarlet x Western is more likely given the apparent lack of black on the back and it's rather small-billed appearance. I'm happy to change my eBird lists if we have some consensus, otherwise I think Piranga sp. covers it.
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Wed, Apr 8, 2026 at 11:47, Michael Evans via groups.io<aves...> wrote: To me, this seems like a potential answer. < https://ebird.org/species/x00824> Mike EvansSan DiegoMobile Message
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Date: 4/8/26 10:16 am From: Ruslan Balagansky via groups.io <ruslan...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Hotspots for eBird bar charts April 8 - 14
Apologies - originally the "gap" list on the linked map was showing the
spots from the previous week. I just fixed it. If you were solely going off
of the map to pick where to bird, please check again.
Big thanks to Joni for the heads up about this (and for regularly helping
cover *many* of the spots on these lists!)
Ruslan
On Tue, Apr 7, 2026 at 10:56 PM Ruslan Balagansky <ruslan...>
wrote:
> Greetings,
>
> We have now completed one more hotspot (SDSU River Park)!
>
> And now that Spring is in full swing, it's nice seeing all of the breeding
> codes on these lists under the CBA project, with a good number of Confirmed
> codes among them!
>
> Map for the bar chart week starting tomorrow:
> https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1MoRPxpvHdAKQG7cd6r-3yCaNlvIdUMY&usp=sharing >
> Hotspots nearing bar chart completion:
>
> Manzanita Canyon - 2
> Hilleary Park - 4
> Collier Park (Ramona) - 7
> Henshaw Scenic Vista - 9
> San Vicente Reservoir - 9
> Delta Beach--north overlook - 10
> La Costa Canyon Park - 10
> Carmel Valley Community Park - 11
> Lawrence Welk Village - 11
> Snapdragon Stadium - 12
>
>
> Hotspots with 3+ week bar chart gaps:
>
> Otay Valley Regional Park--Hollister Pond
> Buena Vista Lagoon--Jefferson St. overlook (east of I-5)
> Hosp Grove Park--east of Monroe St
> Sunnyslope Park
> Mandell Weiss Eastgate City Park
> Tierrasanta Substation
> Borrego Springs--landfill
> Sage Canyon Park
> La Posta Creek pullouts
> Sweetwater Community Gardens
> Palomar Mtn.--East Grade Road
> South Buena Vista Park
> Rolling Hills Park
> Views West Neighborhood Park
> Ramona Oaks Park
> Cuyamaca Rancho SP--Harvey Moore Trail
> San Dieguito Sports Complex
> Monserate Mountain Preserve
> El Monte Rd. fields
> Kunkel Park
>
>
> Cheers,
>
>
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Michelle Haglund
"there is still good in this world and it's worth fighting for”...*Sam
Gamgee*
On Tue, Apr 7, 2026 at 9:33 PM Philip Unitt via groups.io <unitt=
<cox.net...> wrote:
> Dear friends,
>
> Has anyone considered the possibility that this bird could be *Foudia
> madagascariensis*? Back in 1991 I got a call from a woman who said she
> had been seeing a pair of Vermilion Flycatchers around her house in La Mesa
> for about 6 weeks, then the male flew into a window and killed itself. I
> asked her to bring it to the San Diego Natural History Museum, and when I
> saw the specimen, what was my surprise to see it was not a Vermilion
> Flycatcher but a species of the weaver family from Madagascar. Now catalog
> number 47510 in the museum's research collection of birds. So there is a
> precedent.
>
> Good birding,
>
> Philip Unitt
> San Diego
> On Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 07:16:46 AM PDT, Mark Stratton via groups.io
> <zostropz...> wrote:
>
>
> The Hybrids for Flame-colored and Western do have a cheek patch, I believe
> it's a lighter patch and maybe even greenish if I remember correctly. I
> didn't notice one on the Wing St. bird.
>
> Mark Stratton
> Escondido
>
> On Mon, Apr 6, 2026 at 7:36 PM Susan Smith via groups.io <seiurus=
> <aol.com...> wrote:
>
> Has Western x Flame-colored Tanager hybrid been eliminated? I think some
> have showed up in AZ.
>
> Susan Smith
> Seiurus Biological Consulting
> Del Mar, CA
> <seiurus...>
>
>
> On Monday, April 6, 2026 at 06:32:57 PM PDT, Andrew N via groups.io
> <floodshark...> wrote:
>
>
> For record keeping sake, that bird has been floating around there for at
> least a week. Flew under the radar on Michelle H's checklist from the 30th.
>
> https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S314926459 >
> --
> Susan Smith
> Seiurus Biological Consulting
> Del Mar, CA
>
>
>
>
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Date: 4/8/26 8:47 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] vagrant Swinhoes White-eye!!
Wednesday morning I am out at Jacumba and have found a Swinhoe's White-eye in the lerpy eucalyptus near the fire station. I can't check my various data at home currently, but my guess is this is the farthest east record ever in Southern California?
Other highlights include "the dark lord" White crowned Sparrow, Yellow-headed Blackbird, the usual three turkeys, and the usual couple Harris's Hawks. Only a few migrant passerines.
Paul Lehman, San Diego
Sent from AOL on Android
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Date: 4/8/26 5:21 am From: Justyn Stahl via groups.io <justyn.stahl...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] California Bird Atlas Newsletter + April 16 Town Hall
As of this morning, here in San Diego
<https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/county/US-CA-073?atlasPeriod=EBIRD_ATL_CA_2026&m=&rank=mrec>,
791 Atlasers have visited 282 of 429 blocks (66%), coding 223 species and
*confirming* ~117, and spending a combined 6,760 hours afield! (Nearly 1000
hours more than Los Angeles County!) Let's keep that momentum going as our
migratory suite of breeders arrives.
Our most common breeders (by # of blocks Confirmed):
American Crow (62)
House Finch (61)
Anna's Hummingbird (59)
Bushtit (55)
Common Raven (50)
There are 25 species that have been Confirmed in just 1 block. Some of
these just haven't really got going yet (Western Gull, Bullock's Oriole)
and others will take more effort as cavity nesters (Acorn Woodpecker,
American Kestrel), while some may nest in only one block (White-faced
Ibis). And there are still more low-density or not-yet-arrived species to
track down.
Not sure where your efforts would be most valuable this weekend? Have a
look at the effort map <https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/effortmap>,
toggle to Confirmed Species, and spend some time in a block that is blank
(no Confirmed breeding yet for the Atlas). Or, search the Species Map here
<https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/explore> for your favorite species, and
try to find it in a new block! Still plenty of gaps for Anna's Hummingbird
(including multiple blocks in Pt Loma and La Jolla), Black Phoebe, etc. It
is an incredibly rewarding feeling to color in a new block.
Seven blocks on the immediate coast still have zero Confirmed species:
Point Loma SW (the extreme south end of Pt. Loma, essentially the Coast
Guard buildings south of the tide pools),
Del Mar Oe W SE (the south end of Torrey Pines, west of the golf course),
and five blocks in the extreme NW corner of the county (including San Mateo
Creek/Trestles Beach). Slightly inland, Del Mar NE
<https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/block/32117H2NE> is ripe for the picking
as the next block in need of its first Confirmed breeder.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Van Pierszalowski via groups.io <van...>
>
Date: Mon, Apr 6, 2026 at 9:14 AM
Subject: [CALBIRDS] California Bird Atlas Newsletter + April 16 Town Hall
To: <CALBIRDS...>
Birders,
Thank you to everyone contributing to the California Bird Atlas. The latest
edition of *The Atlas Dispatch* is now live. Click *here
<https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/news/atlas-dispatch-march-2026>* for a
full update, including Atlas-first breeding records, field highlights from
across the state, and incredible photos.
We continue to be blown away by the level of engagement statewide. As of
today, 66,642 Atlas checklists have been submitted across 5,131 blocks,
spanning all 58 counties. 3,196 atlasers have contributed to the project,
and we’re still in the first spring of a five-year Atlas period!
California Bird Atlas is an independent 501(c)(3), and donations can be
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helps us grow the team, expand coverage, and continue building this
incredible momentum statewide. We are deeply grateful :)
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Date: 4/7/26 10:56 pm From: Ruslan Balagansky via groups.io <ruslan...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Hotspots for eBird bar charts April 8 - 14
Greetings,
We have now completed one more hotspot (SDSU River Park)!
And now that Spring is in full swing, it's nice seeing all of the breeding codes on these lists under the CBA project, with a good number of Confirmed codes among them!
Manzanita Canyon - 2 Hilleary Park - 4 Collier Park (Ramona) - 7 Henshaw Scenic Vista - 9 San Vicente Reservoir - 9 Delta Beach--north overlook - 10 La Costa Canyon Park - 10 Carmel Valley Community Park - 11 Lawrence Welk Village - 11 Snapdragon Stadium - 12
Hotspots with 3+ week bar chart gaps:
Otay Valley Regional Park--Hollister Pond Buena Vista Lagoon--Jefferson St. overlook (east of I-5) Hosp Grove Park--east of Monroe St Sunnyslope Park Mandell Weiss Eastgate City Park Tierrasanta Substation Borrego Springs--landfill Sage Canyon Park La Posta Creek pullouts Sweetwater Community Gardens Palomar Mtn.--East Grade Road South Buena Vista Park Rolling Hills Park Views West Neighborhood Park Ramona Oaks Park Cuyamaca Rancho SP--Harvey Moore Trail San Dieguito Sports Complex Monserate Mountain Preserve El Monte Rd. fields Kunkel Park
Cheers,
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Date: 4/7/26 9:33 pm From: Philip Unitt via groups.io <unitt...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Wing Street Piranga sp.
Dear friends,
Has anyone considered the possibility that this bird could be Foudia madagascariensis? Back in 1991 I got a call from a woman who said she had been seeing a pair of Vermilion Flycatchers around her house in La Mesa for about 6 weeks, then the male flew into a window and killed itself. I asked her to bring it to the San Diego Natural History Museum, and when I saw the specimen, what was my surprise to see it was not a Vermilion Flycatcher but a species of the weaver family from Madagascar. Now catalog number 47510 in the museum's research collection of birds. So there is a precedent.
Good birding,
Philip UnittSan Diego On Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 07:16:46 AM PDT, Mark Stratton via groups.io <zostropz...> wrote:
The Hybrids for Flame-colored and Western do have a cheek patch, I believe it's a lighter patch and maybe even greenish if I remember correctly. I didn't notice one on the Wing St. bird.
Mark StrattonEscondido
On Mon, Apr 6, 2026 at 7:36 PM Susan Smith via groups.io <seiurus...> wrote:
Has Western x Flame-colored Tanager hybrid been eliminated? I think some have showed up in AZ.
Susan Smith Seiurus Biological Consulting
Del Mar, CA
<seiurus...>
On Monday, April 6, 2026 at 06:32:57 PM PDT, Andrew N via groups.io <floodshark...> wrote:
For record keeping sake, that bird has been floating around there for at least a week. Flew under the radar on Michelle H's checklist from the 30th. https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S314926459 --
Susan Smith
Seiurus Biological Consulting
Del Mar, CA
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Date: 4/7/26 8:23 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] La Jolla and Imperial Beach seawatching
Yesterday morning, I spent 3 hours seawatching at La Jolla with the highlights being 6 northbound Common Murres and, no surprise given it's early April, the beginning of good numbers of northbound loons of all three species. In order of declining numbers, they are Pacific, Red-throated, and Common. My first of season migrant-type Wandering Tattler and Surfbirds.
This morning, Tuesday, from 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. I was back in Imperial Beach off the end of Seacoast Drive and tallied a healthy 45 Cocos Boobies flying by, as well as good numbers of northbound loons.
Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 4/7/26 7:16 am From: Mark Stratton via groups.io <zostropz...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Wing Street Piranga sp.
The Hybrids for Flame-colored and Western do have a cheek patch, I believe
it's a lighter patch and maybe even greenish if I remember correctly. I
didn't notice one on the Wing St. bird.
Mark Stratton
Escondido
On Mon, Apr 6, 2026 at 7:36 PM Susan Smith via groups.io <seiurus=
<aol.com...> wrote:
> Has Western x Flame-colored Tanager hybrid been eliminated? I think some
> have showed up in AZ.
>
> Susan Smith
> Seiurus Biological Consulting
> Del Mar, CA
> <seiurus...>
>
>
> On Monday, April 6, 2026 at 06:32:57 PM PDT, Andrew N via groups.io
> <floodshark...> wrote:
>
>
> For record keeping sake, that bird has been floating around there for at
> least a week. Flew under the radar on Michelle H's checklist from the 30th.
>
> https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S314926459 >
> --
> Susan Smith
> Seiurus Biological Consulting
> Del Mar, CA
>
>
>
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Date: 4/6/26 6:05 pm From: Justyn Stahl via groups.io <justyn.stahl...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Wing Street Piranga sp.
Cool bird! While Western Tanager can show extra red based on diet
(particularly honeysuckle berries; see the link to the paper below by
Hudson and Pyle), I think this amount of red (well down the back and chest)
may be due to more than diet! A hybrid with Scarlet Tanager surely seems
like a likely explanation.
On Mon, Apr 6, 2026 at 5:56 PM Jeff Spaulding via groups.io <ornithomedic=
<yahoo.com...> wrote:
> I had a funky tanager at Wing Street this morning that I thought could
> have been a molting orange variant Scarlet, maybe a hybrid, and suggested a
> diet based abnormally.
>
> Anyway, here's Wonderwall... or eBird.
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S318102748 > --
> Jeff Spaulding
> San Diego, CA
>
>
>
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Date: 4/6/26 5:56 pm From: Jeff Spaulding via groups.io <ornithomedic...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Wing Street Piranga sp.
I had a funky tanager at Wing Street this morning that I thought could have been a molting orange variant Scarlet, maybe a hybrid, and suggested a diet based abnormally.
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Date: 4/6/26 7:58 am From: Geoff Veith via groups.io <veithlaw...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Rose breasted grosbeak
Good looks at young male with distinct red on breast and large grosbeak bill. Associating with black headed grosbeak. Found or refound by Dave Trissel. Last seen on south side of canyon 32.74489° N, 117.21710° W
Geoff Veith
Solana Beach
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Date: 4/4/26 7:00 pm From: Ken Hartman via groups.io <kenhartman28...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Dead seabirds along Carlsbad
My wife and I took a sunset walk along S Carlsbad State Beach (south of lifeguard stand 25) and over a .75 mile stretch I found the carcasses of 7 murres (I think), 1 B Pelican, 1 Brant’s Cormorant, and one W Grebe (I think). Most dead seabirds by far I’ve seen in my short time here. I have pics if anyone is interested.
Ken Hartman
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Date: 4/4/26 4:35 pm From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Least = Alder Flycatcher? Sep 2018
A number of photos of a "Least" Flycatcher in Sorrento Valley on 26 Sep 2018 found on iNaturalist and in eBird have been TENTATIVELY re-identified as an Alder Flycatcher by several empid experts (e.g., Andy Birch, Cin-Ty Lee, Mohammed Karam). This determination has been based somewhat on bill structure but especially on the pattern of emargination and spacing of the primaries--viewable with much enlarging of the photos. This is the bird present 25-26 Sep 2018 at El Camino Cemetery and seen and identified by quite a few observers, and eBirded, as a Least Flycatcher. (Not me, I was out of state.)
The couple iNaturalist photos in question are at: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/16947756and but then the MANY in eBird from 26 Sep 2018 make for a more thorough source to check. I must admit that some of the eBird photos look better for Alder, but that some do look somewhat like a Least. While everyone talks in general about the Alder vs. Willow Flycatcher ID issue, it is actually Alder vs. Least which can be equally problematic.
Did any of the many observers out there who saw and photo'd this bird have any notes (or better yet, a recording) of the call-notes it was rarely giving--other than simply noting that it gave a "sharp" call??
I'll post a follow-up at some point with further results of these ongoing discussions!
If the bird ends up being an acceptable Alder, then it would constitute the first county record. (And anyone with this bird being their only "Least" Flycatcher in the county......)
But we will see....
--Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 4/4/26 10:12 am From: Susan Smith via groups.io <seiurus...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Sparky Stensaas' video of our August 2025 pelagic out of Mission Bay
Hi San Diego birders, In case you have already seen this, Sparky Stensaas has released a video he put together of our August 2025 pelagic birding trips out of Mission Bay last year--the one where the Flesh-footed Shearwater was first seen. Some of you may know him as CEO of Sax-Zim Bog in Minnesota, and from the great birding videos he's done from there and elsewhere. He was also featured in the documentary "Listers" that came out in 2025. I think he did a great job of capturing one of our pelagic trips. the YouTube video is at OCEAN BIRDING—What's it like? 6 Lifers—RARITIES! San Diego California Pelagic August 2025
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OCEAN BIRDING—What's it like? 6 Lifers—RARITIES! San Diego California Pe...
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best birding, Sue Smith
Susan Smith Seiurus Biological Consulting
Del Mar, CA
<seiurus...>
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Date: 4/3/26 10:44 am From: Trent R. Stanley via groups.io <trent...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Singing Orchard Oriole @ Zoo
Second‑year, splotchy male Orchard Oriole singing at the Africa Rocks
Baboon viewing area, at the Baboon Outpost snack bar (32.738176,
-117.150136). Also an adult male Rufous Hummingbird foraging nearby in the
aloes to the west of the Ground Hornbill habitat (32.738740, -117.150280).
https://ebird.org/checklist/S316376511
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Date: 4/3/26 8:24 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Imperial Beach Cocos Booby total: 123
I've been at the end of Seacoast Drive, like yesterday, again this morning with a couple others since 6:30 a.m. and as of 8:20 a.m. we are up to 29 Cocos Boobies. But not nearly the number of yesterday and almost all of them are farther out than yesterday. A constant movement of northbound Red-throated and Pacific Loons.
Paul Lehman et al., San Diego
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On Fri, Apr 3, 2026 at 7:53 AM, David Trissel via groups.io<dtrissel...> wrote: Well, not the show from yesterday, but there have been two distant Cocos Boobies from the Imperial Beach pier in the last 30 minutes.
David TrisselSan Diego, CA
On Apr 2, 2026, at 10:12 AM, <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> wrote:
Thursday morning I spent exactly 3 hours seawatching In imperial Beach from the south end of Seacoast Drive up on the little berm, from 6:50 to 9:50 a.m. Beginning at 6:50 a.m., Cocos Boobies started flying by, all heading north, a fair number of which were incredibly close to shore. By the time the dust settled, my total was 123 birds, by far a record for San Diego County waters. I only saw two or three birds all morning go southbound. Because my view up the shore is blocked looking North by buildings, I don't know how much farther north they continued close to shore or if they soon swung out more toward Point Loma. But I would imagine that given how close they were to shore where I was standing that they would have provided superb views from the end of the imperial Beach Pier. The largest numbers were between around 7:00 and 8:30 AM. Also good numbers of loons of all three species flying every which way, and several hundred young Heermann's Gulls. Several Parasitic Jaegers.
Back to the boobies for a moment: The total population on the Los Coronados Islands is currently uncertain, as best I have heard, though I do not expect it's very much larger than 123. So the question then becomes are this morning's birds all from the roost on these nearby Islands and the best foraging now is all off southern San Diego County, or did this surge include birds from even farther to the south? I'll also add that there were two seawatchers at La Jolla this morning, and as of 8:15 a.m. they had seen only two Cocos Boobies from there. My total this morning included well over 15 distinctly pale-headed adult males, which normally are decidedly scarce when we see boobies from pelagic trips. On a few of them, the head was so extensively whitish that observers should be careful they don't confuse such birds with other species such as Blue-footed. I saw no booby this morning that was anything other than a clear Cocos.
Lastly, it remains to be seen if this phenomenon continues for additional days or if there was something about today that was somewhat unique, such as that it was windier this morning than it has been. But clearly there's a lot of foraging activity going on here very close to shore.
Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 4/2/26 2:59 pm From: j.nguyen32 via groups.io <j.nguyen32...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] I'm wondering if someone can help me identify this bird...
I am running a custom BirdNET model on my balcony to detect birds coming around my home. It's essentially the same kind of technology that Merlin uses and it's designed to alert me whenever it hears an unexpected bird.
Today, it identified a bird as a MacGillivray's Warbler. I played the audio for Merlin to cross reference, and Merlin "hears a bird" but was not able to identify it with confidence.
I am wondering if anyone knows what bird this is? I added the audio to a checklist under "new world warbler sp." (it may not even be a warbler)
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Date: 4/2/26 12:32 pm From: Larry Edwards via groups.io <larry...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Tecolote Canyon Natural Park - April Fools': no joke
The reopening of the main trail in the park has been delayed, for the fourth time, until "June 31." No, that's not a typo. The sign had read "March 31" but it now reads "June 31."
I spoke with the head ranger this morning, and he said that when the construction crew dug the ditch for the new sewer line, they discovered a previously uncharted water line. Oops. Until that water line is repaired ,it officially keeps the trail off limits, although no one is enforcing the restriction. In addition,
water has been shut off to the baseball fields' sprinkler systems; the fields are now being watered by hand, at additional expense, according to the ranger.
He also said the cleanup and restoration will likely be put off until the entire project is completed, rather than at the completion of this phase.
The construction crews are currently working in the area of the golf course, M-F.
Larry Edwards
San Diego, CA
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Date: 4/2/26 12:21 pm From: Nathan French via groups.io <nathanfrenchphotography...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Pacific Loon at Robb Field 4/2
No boobies here, but there’s a Pacific Loon foraging in the water pretty close to shore.
(32.7559595, -117.2397044)
Also a Bonaparte’s Gull on the mud.
Nathan French
Hillcrest
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Date: 4/2/26 11:06 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] booby p.s.
After leaving imperial Beach, I drove up to Coronado and at 11:00 a.m. in a single scope scan from near the Hotel Del Coronado I counted five Cocos Boobies, some circling around, some flying northwest-- All quite far out and needing a scope to clearly see.
It will be interesting to see what happens the next few mornings......
Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 4/2/26 10:12 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Imperial Beach Cocos Booby total: 123
Thursday morning I spent exactly 3 hours seawatching In imperial Beach from the south end of Seacoast Drive up on the little berm, from 6:50 to 9:50 a.m. Beginning at 6:50 a.m., Cocos Boobies started flying by, all heading north, a fair number of which were incredibly close to shore. By the time the dust settled, my total was 123 birds, by far a record for San Diego County waters. I only saw two or three birds all morning go southbound. Because my view up the shore is blocked looking North by buildings, I don't know how much farther north they continued close to shore or if they soon swung out more toward Point Loma. But I would imagine that given how close they were to shore where I was standing that they would have provided superb views from the end of the imperial Beach Pier. The largest numbers were between around 7:00 and 8:30 AM. Also good numbers of loons of all three species flying every which way, and several hundred young Heermann's Gulls. Several Parasitic Jaegers.
Back to the boobies for a moment: The total population on the Los Coronados Islands is currently uncertain, as best I have heard, though I do not expect it's very much larger than 123. So the question then becomes are this morning's birds all from the roost on these nearby Islands and the best foraging now is all off southern San Diego County, or did this surge include birds from even farther to the south? I'll also add that there were two seawatchers at La Jolla this morning, and as of 8:15 a.m. they had seen only two Cocos Boobies from there. My total this morning included well over 15 distinctly pale-headed adult males, which normally are decidedly scarce when we see boobies from pelagic trips. On a few of them, the head was so extensively whitish that observers should be careful they don't confuse such birds with other species such as Blue-footed. I saw no booby this morning that was anything other than a clear Cocos.
Lastly, it remains to be seen if this phenomenon continues for additional days or if there was something about today that was somewhat unique, such as that it was windier this morning than it has been. But clearly there's a lot of foraging activity going on here very close to shore.
Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 4/2/26 7:37 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] major Cocos Booby show off Imperial Beach
For several days now there have been a number of Cocos boobies seen from shore off imperial Beach in the morning. This morning, Thursday, I arrived at 6:30 a.m. First booby passed by heading north at 6:50 a.m. And by 7:35 a.m. I am now up to 46 birds and they're still going by. I will stay as long as the birds continue. All heading north, undoubtedly all coming off the Los Coronados roost. Singles and small foocks, the largest single group being six. A fair number of the birds are extremely close to shore, although plenty your well out as usual. No birds have been seen recently as of this morning from La Jolla, so whether these birds are mostly off Point Loma or even some of them inside there, off Coronado, has yet to be determined.
Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 4/1/26 2:09 pm From: Bill Tweet via groups.io <billtweet229...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Dead shorebirds
My wife and I walked Southcoast to the river mouth today and found 6 dead shorebirds.
2 Double-crested Cormorant, 1 Brant’s Cormorant, 1 Western Grebe and 2 Common Murre.
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Date: 3/31/26 7:58 pm From: Ruslan Balagansky via groups.io <ruslan...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Hotspots for eBird bar charts April 1 - 7
Greetings,
This time I'm making sure to send this new list out before the calendar actually rolls over, lest anybody think I'm kidding when I say that SDSU Mission Valley River Park only needs one more week to achieve 100% bar charts!
The past week was a bit unusual, with quite a few folks going for the same few hotspots at the top of the list with fewest weeks remaining. And that means those spots got particularly good data, with every checklist adding something unique to mix!
*SDSU Mission Valley River Park - 1* San Diego Bay--bait barges - 5 San Luis Rey River--Foussat to Douglas - 9 Eternal Hills Cemetery - 10 La Bajada Field (restricted access) - 11 Lake View Park - 13 San Luis Rey Mission - 13 San Onofre Creek mouth - 14 San Diego Bay NWR--Paradise Marsh - 15
Hotspots with 3+ week bar chart gaps:
Mahr Reservoir Aston & Rutherford business area Jackson Park Buena Vista Lagoon--Jefferson St. overlook (east of I-5) Calzada Del Bosque / Chino Farms area Sage Canyon Park La Posta Creek pullouts Sweetwater Community Gardens Grape Day Park Rolling Hills Park Emerald Hills Park Encinas Creek--Laurel Tree Ln. Cuyamaca Rancho SP--Harvey Moore Trail Carmel Mountain Ranch Community Park Montgomery-Waller Park Monserate Mountain Preserve Veterans Park (Imperial Beach) El Monte Rd. fields Rolando Park Vista Conservancy--Nature Trail Calle Acervo Trail
Cheers,
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Date: 3/31/26 10:27 am From: Alison Hiers via groups.io <lahiers...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Swainson's Hawk
Just had a Swainson's Hawk fly over La Costa headed north very high up. I was only alerted to it because a couple of crows were circling it calling but not attacking it. It was also accompanied by a gull checking it out. It was flapping very leisurely but headed straight north.
Alison Hiers
Carlsbad
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Date: 3/31/26 8:56 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Coastal seabird numbers and mortality
There has been a fair amount of online discussion and websites discussing increasing seabird mortality, with beached birds being found in larger numbers, not only the usual suspects like pelicans and cormorants, but also some murres and rhinos. The water is warmer than normal and there may be a food source issue developing, although as recently as late February fishing captains were telling me that there were plenty of bait fish around.
Sometimes under these conditions the best fishing is right near the shore, and I just finished spending 2 hours looking off the end of Seacoast Drive near the Tijuana River mouth and near the imperial Beach Pier and tallied a record total of 430 Red-throated Loons, a species that annually stages along this section of coast in March and early April but not normally in nearly these numbers. Also about 100 Pacific Loons, 1800 Western Grebes, and four Cocos Boobies.
Paul Lehman, San Diego
Sent from AOL on Android
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Date: 3/27/26 4:19 pm From: Laurel Scott via groups.io <laurel_scott...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Mira Mesa Acorn Woodpeckers
Good afternoon,
After visiting the Sharp Rees-Stealy clinic at 10243 Genetic Center Drive, I was surprised to hear an Acorn Woodpecker. A group has taken up residence in at least one of the date palm trees at the front of the building. Not sure if this has been reported.
Good birding,
Laurel Scott
San Diego, CA (Mission Valley)
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Date: 3/27/26 1:56 pm From: Nick Thorpe via groups.io <nick.thorpe49...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] San Diego Birdathon: April 10 - May 10
Hi all,
Spring is upon us, and very soon we should start seeing good numbers of our favorite migratory species. If you needed even more reason to get out during the peak of spring migration, what if I told you that birding between April 10 - May 10 could benefit local conservation initiatives?
The San Diego Birdathon is a friendly birding competition and fundraiser supporting San Diego Birdathon Alliance’s local endangered species work (California Least Tern, Light-footed Ridgway’s Rail). Teams and individuals endeavor to spot as many species as possible within a 24-hour period during April 10 - May 10, and friends can support their efforts by donating per-species or a flat amount.
Last year, a hardcore team spotted *173 species* in San Diego County under traditional Big Day rules. Will a new team rise to break the record this year? I’m excited to see!
Awards for teams and individuals who raise the most funds and spot the most birds will be announced at a fun closing celebration on Sunday June 7 (more details TBA).
This will also be prime time for taking Bird Atlas breeding data, and there will be award for whoever documents the most confirmed breeding codes in one day too :)
I won’t flood the listserv with more updates about the Birdathon, so please DM me if you have any questions!
Hope to see you out there
--
Nick Thorpe
University Heights
--
Nick Thorpe
University Heights
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Date: 3/26/26 11:40 am From: Kyle Fischer via groups.io <kylebradyfischer...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Odd bird song in Poway yesterday afternoon
Date: 3/25/26 8:04 pm From: Lisa Ruby via groups.io <lbruby1...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Odd bird song in Poway yesterday afternoon
Thank you Ed (and Phil). After listening to a lot of different recordings of Golden-crowned and White-throated Sparrows, if it was a Sparrow my totally inexpert opinion would be White-throated. There are some that have spent the winter in San Diego County, including one in the Poway area that I learned this afternoon has been visiting someone's yard that is about 3/4 of a mile as the bird flies from the park. Probably too far for it to be that bird. The quality of the notes didn't seem as clear and loud to me as either Sparrow. My first thought when I was there listening to it was maybe a Warbler of some sort, but I ultimately ruled that out. Best I could tell the bird was up in a smallish tree and not conspicuous if that helps at all.
Lisa Ruby Sabre Springs
On 3/25/2026 6:51 PM, ed pandolfino via groups.io wrote:
> Wow, Lisa that is a very interesting recording. I also think that Golden-crowned Sparrow (subsong) is a good guess. One thing that is odd for subsong is how relatively consistent the song is from one to the next. The structure here consists of two down-slurred notes ending at about 5kHz, then those three oddly down-slurred higher pitched notes, then two lower notes on a steady pitch, then ending with slightly downslurred notes at a frequency more or less between the first and third set of notes. If I ignore that second set of odd notes, it resembles the Type 3 song (see for example spectrograms in this paper: [View of USING SONG DIALECTS TO ASSESS THE MIGRATION STRATEGY OF THE GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW](https://journal.westernfieldornithologists.org/index.php/westernbirds/article/view/703/665)) I found most common among SoCal wintering GCSP. (All GCSP songs start with a down-slurred note, followed usually by two sets of notes on a steady pitch). that third set of notes at a steady pitch look just like the middle notes of the Type 3 song. In Type 3 songs the third note or notes are at a pitch intermediate between the first and second notes. That fact that the syntax (the order of the phrases) remains consistent does not rule out subsong as syntax is often somewhat innate, even in species that learn their songs. > > https://journal.westernfieldornithologists.org/index.php/westernbirds/article/view/703/665 > > View of USING SONG DIALECTS TO ASSESS THE MIGRATION STRATEGY OF THE GOLD... > > That's only a guess, of course. If I had to pick a second option, it would also be White-throated Sparrow subsong, as Bruce suggests. So still a Zonothrichia and their songs are more GCSP-like than WCSP-like. > > Do go back and see if you can refind this bird and get a look and another recording. Given that young birds' songs are crystallizing right now, it might even have and "improved" version to share. > > And I'll reiterate Bruce's advice and ANY recordings. Longer the better. I have studied song repertoire of some birds using archived recordings and short recordings are just about useless for that purpose. > > thanks for sharing this > > Ed Pandolfino > >> com > > On Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 06:12:12 PM PDT, Philip Unitt [<unitt...>](mailto:<unitt...>) wrote: > > Dear Lisa, > > In this response, I'm copying Ed Pandolfino from the Sacramento area. Ed has studied and published on variation in the Golden-crowned Sparrow. I thought of him because, to me, your recording sound closest to that species. > > Very interesting! > > Thanks much, > > Philip Unitt > San Diego > > On Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 03:28:17 PM PDT, Bruce Rideout via groups.io [<bnkrideout...>](mailto:<bnkrideout...>) wrote: > > Lisa: It sounds to me like you have two birds singing similar unusual songs, which reduces the likelihood that it's a significant rarity. It's worth noting that this is the time of year for unusual songs. Males entering their first breeding season will often be singing subsong or plastic song as they transition to their final adult song, and adult males may sometimes sing truncated songs before the breeding season is fully underway. > > Mountain Chickadee seems like a reasonable possibility for these, although it's hard to find close matches in the Macaulay library, as you mentioned. The closest I can find is this one: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/632267226 > > Zonotrichia sparrows, like a Golden-crowned Sparrow or even a White-throated Sparrow, might also be possibilities, but the notes are a bit short and delivered more rapidly than I would expect. Those species also often intersperse various call notes with song phrases, which I don't hear in your recording. Which brings up another point. When recording an unknown species, it's always a good idea to get recordings that are as long as possible. Often a suspected ID can be clinched if there are species specific call notes that show up eventually along with the song phrases. > > If you get a chance, I would encourage you to go back and see if you can confirm the ID. > > Bruce Rideout > La Mesa > >> On Mar 25, 2026, at 11:55 AM, Lisa Ruby via groups.io [<lbruby1...>](mailto:<lbruby1...>) wrote: >> >> Hi, >> >> I was on a bike ride yesterday afternoon and stopped at Valle Verde Park >> for a little while to check for birds. Right when I got there I heard a >> bird singing and I could not identify the song. Merlin couldn't either, >> despite repetitive singing and the bird being close. I have a recording. >> After putting the recording on the computer, amplifying it and playing >> it back to Merlin, Merlin finally decided it was a Mountain Chickadee. >> That seems like a distinct possibility, but I don't think I've ever >> heard a Mountain Chickadee song sound quite like this. Possibly at Mount >> Palomar where I've heard them make different sounds, but I don't >> remember. It's not unusual for me to run across Chickadees around the >> Poway and Carmel Mountain Ranch area at this time of year. I've listened >> to many recordings of Chickadees online and can't find one like this. >> I've listened to a lot of Warbler songs and none of those matched >> either. I posted the recording under passerine sp on my list, which is here: >> >> https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S312814277 >> >> Anyone know for sure if this was a Mountain Chickadee, or know what it >> was if it was something else? >> >> Lisa Ruby >> Sabre Springs >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> Lisa Ruby >> Sabre Springs >> >> >> >> >> > >
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Date: 3/25/26 7:22 pm From: Lisa Ruby via groups.io <lbruby1...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Odd bird song in Poway yesterday afternoon
Thanks Bruce. When I was there it sure seemed like one bird. It did not
seem like the singing was coming from more than one location. Thanks for
the reminder about doing longer recordings. I got what I could this
time. Being on my bike, it took me time to get the bike set aside,
switch glasses, and get my phone and small bins out of my pockets. I
heard the singing right as I pulled into the parking lot. After I got
the recording I posted it stopped singing. I wish I'd had time to go
back today, but I didn't. If I can get there tomorrow it will likely be
in the afternoon again. Maybe someone else in the community who lives up
this way can check?
Lisa Ruby
Sabre Springs
On 3/25/2026 3:26 PM, Bruce Rideout wrote:
> Lisa: It sounds to me like you have two birds singing similar unusual songs, which reduces the likelihood that it's a significant rarity. It's worth noting that this is the time of year for unusual songs. Males entering their first breeding season will often be singing subsong or plastic song as they transition to their final adult song, and adult males may sometimes sing truncated songs before the breeding season is fully underway.
>
> Mountain Chickadee seems like a reasonable possibility for these, although it's hard to find close matches in the Macaulay library, as you mentioned. The closest I can find is this one: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/632267226 >
> Zonotrichia sparrows, like a Golden-crowned Sparrow or even a White-throated Sparrow, might also be possibilities, but the notes are a bit short and delivered more rapidly than I would expect. Those species also often intersperse various call notes with song phrases, which I don't hear in your recording. Which brings up another point. When recording an unknown species, it's always a good idea to get recordings that are as long as possible. Often a suspected ID can be clinched if there are species specific call notes that show up eventually along with the song phrases.
>
> If you get a chance, I would encourage you to go back and see if you can confirm the ID.
>
> Bruce Rideout
> La Mesa
>
>> On Mar 25, 2026, at 11:55 AM, Lisa Ruby via groups.io <lbruby1...> wrote:
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I was on a bike ride yesterday afternoon and stopped at Valle Verde Park
>> for a little while to check for birds. Right when I got there I heard a
>> bird singing and I could not identify the song. Merlin couldn't either,
>> despite repetitive singing and the bird being close. I have a recording.
>> After putting the recording on the computer, amplifying it and playing
>> it back to Merlin, Merlin finally decided it was a Mountain Chickadee.
>> That seems like a distinct possibility, but I don't think I've ever
>> heard a Mountain Chickadee song sound quite like this. Possibly at Mount
>> Palomar where I've heard them make different sounds, but I don't
>> remember. It's not unusual for me to run across Chickadees around the
>> Poway and Carmel Mountain Ranch area at this time of year. I've listened
>> to many recordings of Chickadees online and can't find one like this.
>> I've listened to a lot of Warbler songs and none of those matched
>> either. I posted the recording under passerine sp on my list, which is here:
>>
>> https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S312814277 >>
>> Anyone know for sure if this was a Mountain Chickadee, or know what it
>> was if it was something else?
>>
>> Lisa Ruby
>> Sabre Springs
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Lisa Ruby
>> Sabre Springs
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
--
Lisa Ruby
Sabre Springs
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Date: 3/25/26 6:51 pm From: ed pandolfino via groups.io <erpfromca...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Odd bird song in Poway yesterday afternoon
Wow, Lisa that is a very interesting recording. I also think that Golden-crowned Sparrow (subsong) is a good guess. One thing that is odd for subsong is how relatively consistent the song is from one to the next. The structure here consists of two down-slurred notes ending at about 5kHz, then those three oddly down-slurred higher pitched notes, then two lower notes on a steady pitch, then ending with slightly downslurred notes at a frequency more or less between the first and third set of notes. If I ignore that second set of odd notes, it resembles the Type 3 song (see for example spectrograms in this paper: View of USING SONG DIALECTS TO ASSESS THE MIGRATION STRATEGY OF THE GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW) I found most common among SoCal wintering GCSP. (All GCSP songs start with a down-slurred note, followed usually by two sets of notes on a steady pitch). that third set of notes at a steady pitch look just like the middle notes of the Type 3 song. In Type 3 songs the third note or notes are at a pitch intermediate between the first and second notes. That fact that the syntax (the order of the phrases) remains consistent does not rule out subsong as syntax is often somewhat innate, even in species that learn their songs.
|
|
| |
View of USING SONG DIALECTS TO ASSESS THE MIGRATION STRATEGY OF THE GOLD...
|
|
|
That's only a guess, of course. If I had to pick a second option, it would also be White-throated Sparrow subsong, as Bruce suggests. So still a Zonothrichia and their songs are more GCSP-like than WCSP-like.
Do go back and see if you can refind this bird and get a look and another recording. Given that young birds' songs are crystallizing right now, it might even have and "improved" version to share.
And I'll reiterate Bruce's advice and ANY recordings. Longer the better. I have studied song repertoire of some birds using archived recordings and short recordings are just about useless for that purpose.
thanks for sharing this
Ed Pandolfino
com
On Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 06:12:12 PM PDT, Philip Unitt <unitt...> wrote:
Dear Lisa,
In this response, I'm copying Ed Pandolfino from the Sacramento area. Ed has studied and published on variation in the Golden-crowned Sparrow. I thought of him because, to me, your recording sound closest to that species.
Very interesting!
Thanks much,
Philip UnittSan Diego
On Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 03:28:17 PM PDT, Bruce Rideout via groups.io <bnkrideout...> wrote:
Lisa: It sounds to me like you have two birds singing similar unusual songs, which reduces the likelihood that it's a significant rarity. It's worth noting that this is the time of year for unusual songs. Males entering their first breeding season will often be singing subsong or plastic song as they transition to their final adult song, and adult males may sometimes sing truncated songs before the breeding season is fully underway.
Mountain Chickadee seems like a reasonable possibility for these, although it's hard to find close matches in the Macaulay library, as you mentioned. The closest I can find is this one: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/632267226
Zonotrichia sparrows, like a Golden-crowned Sparrow or even a White-throated Sparrow, might also be possibilities, but the notes are a bit short and delivered more rapidly than I would expect. Those species also often intersperse various call notes with song phrases, which I don't hear in your recording. Which brings up another point. When recording an unknown species, it's always a good idea to get recordings that are as long as possible. Often a suspected ID can be clinched if there are species specific call notes that show up eventually along with the song phrases.
If you get a chance, I would encourage you to go back and see if you can confirm the ID.
Bruce Rideout
La Mesa
> On Mar 25, 2026, at 11:55 AM, Lisa Ruby via groups.io <lbruby1...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I was on a bike ride yesterday afternoon and stopped at Valle Verde Park
> for a little while to check for birds. Right when I got there I heard a
> bird singing and I could not identify the song. Merlin couldn't either,
> despite repetitive singing and the bird being close. I have a recording.
> After putting the recording on the computer, amplifying it and playing
> it back to Merlin, Merlin finally decided it was a Mountain Chickadee.
> That seems like a distinct possibility, but I don't think I've ever
> heard a Mountain Chickadee song sound quite like this. Possibly at Mount
> Palomar where I've heard them make different sounds, but I don't
> remember. It's not unusual for me to run across Chickadees around the
> Poway and Carmel Mountain Ranch area at this time of year. I've listened
> to many recordings of Chickadees online and can't find one like this.
> I've listened to a lot of Warbler songs and none of those matched
> either. I posted the recording under passerine sp on my list, which is here:
>
> https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S312814277 >
> Anyone know for sure if this was a Mountain Chickadee, or know what it
> was if it was something else?
>
> Lisa Ruby
> Sabre Springs
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Lisa Ruby
> Sabre Springs
>
>
>
>
>
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Date: 3/25/26 6:12 pm From: Philip Unitt via groups.io <unitt...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Odd bird song in Poway yesterday afternoon
Dear Lisa,
In this response, I'm copying Ed Pandolfino from the Sacramento area. Ed has studied and published on variation in the Golden-crowned Sparrow. I thought of him because, to me, your recording sound closest to that species.
Very interesting!
Thanks much,
Philip UnittSan Diego
On Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 03:28:17 PM PDT, Bruce Rideout via groups.io <bnkrideout...> wrote:
Lisa: It sounds to me like you have two birds singing similar unusual songs, which reduces the likelihood that it's a significant rarity. It's worth noting that this is the time of year for unusual songs. Males entering their first breeding season will often be singing subsong or plastic song as they transition to their final adult song, and adult males may sometimes sing truncated songs before the breeding season is fully underway.
Mountain Chickadee seems like a reasonable possibility for these, although it's hard to find close matches in the Macaulay library, as you mentioned. The closest I can find is this one: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/632267226
Zonotrichia sparrows, like a Golden-crowned Sparrow or even a White-throated Sparrow, might also be possibilities, but the notes are a bit short and delivered more rapidly than I would expect. Those species also often intersperse various call notes with song phrases, which I don't hear in your recording. Which brings up another point. When recording an unknown species, it's always a good idea to get recordings that are as long as possible. Often a suspected ID can be clinched if there are species specific call notes that show up eventually along with the song phrases.
If you get a chance, I would encourage you to go back and see if you can confirm the ID.
Bruce Rideout
La Mesa
> On Mar 25, 2026, at 11:55 AM, Lisa Ruby via groups.io <lbruby1...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I was on a bike ride yesterday afternoon and stopped at Valle Verde Park
> for a little while to check for birds. Right when I got there I heard a
> bird singing and I could not identify the song. Merlin couldn't either,
> despite repetitive singing and the bird being close. I have a recording.
> After putting the recording on the computer, amplifying it and playing
> it back to Merlin, Merlin finally decided it was a Mountain Chickadee.
> That seems like a distinct possibility, but I don't think I've ever
> heard a Mountain Chickadee song sound quite like this. Possibly at Mount
> Palomar where I've heard them make different sounds, but I don't
> remember. It's not unusual for me to run across Chickadees around the
> Poway and Carmel Mountain Ranch area at this time of year. I've listened
> to many recordings of Chickadees online and can't find one like this.
> I've listened to a lot of Warbler songs and none of those matched
> either. I posted the recording under passerine sp on my list, which is here:
>
> https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S312814277 >
> Anyone know for sure if this was a Mountain Chickadee, or know what it
> was if it was something else?
>
> Lisa Ruby
> Sabre Springs
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Lisa Ruby
> Sabre Springs
>
>
>
>
>
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Date: 3/25/26 3:28 pm From: Bruce Rideout via groups.io <bnkrideout...> Subject: Re: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Odd bird song in Poway yesterday afternoon
Lisa: It sounds to me like you have two birds singing similar unusual songs, which reduces the likelihood that it's a significant rarity. It's worth noting that this is the time of year for unusual songs. Males entering their first breeding season will often be singing subsong or plastic song as they transition to their final adult song, and adult males may sometimes sing truncated songs before the breeding season is fully underway.
Mountain Chickadee seems like a reasonable possibility for these, although it's hard to find close matches in the Macaulay library, as you mentioned. The closest I can find is this one: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/632267226
Zonotrichia sparrows, like a Golden-crowned Sparrow or even a White-throated Sparrow, might also be possibilities, but the notes are a bit short and delivered more rapidly than I would expect. Those species also often intersperse various call notes with song phrases, which I don't hear in your recording. Which brings up another point. When recording an unknown species, it's always a good idea to get recordings that are as long as possible. Often a suspected ID can be clinched if there are species specific call notes that show up eventually along with the song phrases.
If you get a chance, I would encourage you to go back and see if you can confirm the ID.
Bruce Rideout
La Mesa
> On Mar 25, 2026, at 11:55 AM, Lisa Ruby via groups.io <lbruby1...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I was on a bike ride yesterday afternoon and stopped at Valle Verde Park
> for a little while to check for birds. Right when I got there I heard a
> bird singing and I could not identify the song. Merlin couldn't either,
> despite repetitive singing and the bird being close. I have a recording.
> After putting the recording on the computer, amplifying it and playing
> it back to Merlin, Merlin finally decided it was a Mountain Chickadee.
> That seems like a distinct possibility, but I don't think I've ever
> heard a Mountain Chickadee song sound quite like this. Possibly at Mount
> Palomar where I've heard them make different sounds, but I don't
> remember. It's not unusual for me to run across Chickadees around the
> Poway and Carmel Mountain Ranch area at this time of year. I've listened
> to many recordings of Chickadees online and can't find one like this.
> I've listened to a lot of Warbler songs and none of those matched
> either. I posted the recording under passerine sp on my list, which is here:
>
> https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S312814277 >
> Anyone know for sure if this was a Mountain Chickadee, or know what it
> was if it was something else?
>
> Lisa Ruby
> Sabre Springs
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Lisa Ruby
> Sabre Springs
>
>
>
>
>
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Date: 3/25/26 11:55 am From: Lisa Ruby via groups.io <lbruby1...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Odd bird song in Poway yesterday afternoon
Hi,
I was on a bike ride yesterday afternoon and stopped at Valle Verde Park
for a little while to check for birds. Right when I got there I heard a
bird singing and I could not identify the song. Merlin couldn't either,
despite repetitive singing and the bird being close. I have a recording.
After putting the recording on the computer, amplifying it and playing
it back to Merlin, Merlin finally decided it was a Mountain Chickadee.
That seems like a distinct possibility, but I don't think I've ever
heard a Mountain Chickadee song sound quite like this. Possibly at Mount
Palomar where I've heard them make different sounds, but I don't
remember. It's not unusual for me to run across Chickadees around the
Poway and Carmel Mountain Ranch area at this time of year. I've listened
to many recordings of Chickadees online and can't find one like this.
I've listened to a lot of Warbler songs and none of those matched
either. I posted the recording under passerine sp on my list, which is here:
Anyone know for sure if this was a Mountain Chickadee, or know what it
was if it was something else?
Lisa Ruby
Sabre Springs
--
Lisa Ruby
Sabre Springs
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Date: 3/23/26 11:27 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Cassin's & Purple Finch comparisons (Laguna Mountains)
For a while now there has been a small to fair number of Cassin's Finches in the Laguna Mountains. In contrast, very few or none are in the Cuyamacas--where one recent report of Cassin's ended up being a Purple. A visit this morning, Monday, to the Lagunas produced small numbers of Cassin's at a total of four sites along Sunrise Highway, where also Purple Finches are present. At two of these sites--the Mile 19 pullout/trailhead and farther north at the turnoff for the Laguna Campground--there were several each of Cassin's and Purple Finches in mixed flocks. And at Mile 19 there were also a couple House Finches present, so we had a Hat Trick of Haemorhous finches there. Anyway, at multiple sites the presence of both Cassin's and Purples provided for a good ID lesson and an opportunity to try to tell the songs apart of the two species (much more difficult than the call-notes).
It has been a rather mediocre season for Townsend's Solitaires this winter, so of note was an individual today at Desert View Picnic Area, a site that has supported this species over the past several years (same individual?).
Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 3/22/26 10:51 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] "vagrant" Black Oystercatcher, miscellanea, private property birds
On Sunday morning, a Black Oystercatcher came flying into San Diego Bay and briefly landed at the Shelter Island boat launch area before returning south past North Island toward the mouth of the bay. This put the bird a solid two miles farther into San Diego Bay than the usual inside location of Ballast Point.
Also early on Sunday morning, the female Hepatic Tanager continues at the north end of Bill Cleator Park, in the line of eucalyptus behind the YMCA. This is one of three Hepatics still present this month in the county, with the others being in La Jolla and the well-known bird in Wing Street Canyon.
For much of the winter, there have been one or two rare warblers present in the Serra Mesa neighborhood of San Diego which I have periodically reported and clearly noted as being on undisclosed PRIVATE property. Such sites which are sensitive in some way include schools, private neighborhoods not accustomed to birders, kiddy playgrounds, some high-tech corporate parking lots, golf courses, etc. Just imagine a bunch of binocular- and camera-wielding birders walking around some of these sites. In some such cases, a small number of folks are likely OK to visit as long as they follow some common-sense protocols of behavior. I and others regularly strive to make such sites available via private correspondence, where the "rules of engagement" can be explained, IF numbers are kept manageable and IF people can behave. One expectation is that people told of the location will then not turn around and, without "permission," publicize it to "just" a bunch of their own personal friends or to the world in eBird reports with exact locations of lat-long coordinates down to six decimal points. Thank goodness the couple warblers in question here were very rare species which also occurred elsewhere on public property this winter as well and were well seen by hordes. Very lucky for that, otherwise the demand would have been through the roof. Anyway, this didn't stop several folks from posting eBird reports with exact locations and no mention of site sensitivity.
It is experiences such as these, and happening more and more with the ever-increasing number of observers and photographers, that will result in more and more rare birds being suppressed. Not a desirable outcome, but unfortunately necessary. It doesn't take much for things to quickly get out of hand and for everyone to be tossed out of such sites forever. And it doesn't take very many folks to misbehave and we all suffer the consequences. In 98% of these situations, people don't misbehave out of spite, although a few just don't care. Most of them just aren't carefully thinking about the ramifications of what they are doing.
--Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 3/22/26 1:25 am From: Ruslan Balagansky via groups.io <ruslan...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Hotspots for eBird bar charts March 22 - 31
Greetings,
As of this past week, one more hotspot has 100% bar charts. This hotspot (Los Penasquitos Ranch House) has special meaning to us as this is where Beverly and I first started birding together!
Overall we saw a very good completion rate despite the hot weather, with all but the bait barges hotspot being covered in the past week from the main list, as well as a majority of the hotspots from the "gap" list!
Next week we have a smaller slate on the main list, with only 9 hotspots needing 15 weeks or fewer, and this being the last week of the month, we have more days than usual until the next bar chart week starts on April 1.
SDSU Mission Valley River Park is again on the list this week, and needs only 2 weeks. I'd like to highlight this hotspot in particular. Before appearing on the weekly hotspot lists, I had never ventured there. I'm very glad I did and have enjoyed coming back to it. Earlier this year when this hotspot appeared on the weekly list, it yielded the CBA's first Confirmed breeding code for White-throated Swifts! Beverly and I photographed them carrying nesting material into the cracks under the bridge. When I covered it again this Saturday, I again saw Swift Nest Building activity and was even able to record video of swifts hanging to the side of the cracks and then flying out. I also observed very, very active nest building by many Northern Rough-winged Swallows all along the bridge (a first for both CBA blocks the park is in). This hotspot is a relatively unique opportunity to conveniently and closely observe breeding activity for both of these species, as the trolley bridge runs along the entire length of this rather lengthy park, with playgrounds and sports fields situated directly underneath the bridge. The bridge is not elevated very high off the ground, making for very good views!
SDSU Mission Valley River Park - 2 NAS North Island--O St. path, golf course, ponds (restricted access) - 5 San Vicente Reservoir - 9 Sweetwater Park - 9 Barrel Springs - 13 Mt. Hope Cemetery - 13 Cuyamaca Rancho SP--Stonewall Peak - 14 Laguna Mtns.--Desert View Overlook - 14 Laguna Mtns.--Thing Valley/Desert View Rds. - 14
Hotspots with 3+ week bar chart gaps:
Memorial Park (SD Co.) Montclair Park Hollywood Park Dairy Mart Rd.--east riparian Jackson Park La Costa Glen Trail--La Costa Ave. to Levante St., Carlsbad Ranchita--Old Mine Road Spooners Mesa Paradise Creek Educational Park Cuyamaca College Water Conservation Garden Holy Cross Cemetery Sweetwater Community Gardens Berry Street Park Grape Day Park Rolling Hills Park Emerald Hills Park Mission Trails Regional Park--West Sycamore Otay River Valley--east of 125 Cuyamaca Rancho SP--Harvey Moore Trail Monserate Mountain Preserve Veterans Park (Imperial Beach)
Cheers,
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Date: 3/20/26 9:32 pm From: Philip Unitt via groups.io <unitt...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Black-throated Green Warbler in Mission Valley
Dear friends,
This morning 20 March 2026 Steve Ritt and I found a female Black-throated Green Warbler in the FSDRIP revegetation area in Mission Valley, on the south side of the San Diego River a few hundred feet west of Mission Center Road. We first heard a soft but distinctive call like a Black-throated Gray's but softer--Steve called it "kissy." Then we saw it in the canopy of a cottonwood tree. The sides of the head were rather dull yellow with just a little dusky smudge over the ear coverts.The throat was a very pale yellow--barely discernible yellow.The breast and sides were variably marbled or mottled with blackish over white, most heavily on the sides of the breast, lightly across the center of the breast and on the sides. Thus the pattern below just hinted at the characteristic pattern of an spring male Black-throated Green. After we watched it for a couple of minutes it flew off to the west, toward Hwy. 163, and we lost it.
Good birding,
Philip UnittSan Diego
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Date: 3/19/26 7:47 pm From: Hal Cohen via groups.io <raptorhal3...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Swainson's Hawks in Borrego Springs 3/19/2026
Today, Thursday March 19, 102 Swainson's Hawks migrated. Onlookers were treated to close views as large kettles of hawks formed. This evening, we believe around 50 hawks have entered the valley. Tomorrow's takeoff time depends on whether there is enough wind early on. It is possible that the hawks might kettle up around 8 a.m. or earlier. It all depends on the wind. If the wind is light, the hawks could take off later. Today most of the hawks became airborne after 9 a.m. We are anxiously awaiting Betsy's possible arrival (she was captured last March). The last transmitter recently updated her location about 150 miles south of Borrego Springs. She has now travelled almost 6,000 miles on her journey to her nesting area near Sacramento. We'll keep you updated concerning Betsy's location. Hal Cohen Borrego Springs.
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Date: 3/18/26 11:04 am From: Justyn Stahl via groups.io <justyn.stahl...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] [CALBIRDS] California Bird Atlas Town Hall Tomorrow Night (Zoom)
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Van Pierszalowski via groups.io <van...>
>
Date: Wed, Mar 18, 2026 at 8:09 AM
Subject: [CALBIRDS] California Bird Atlas Town Hall Tomorrow Night (Zoom)
To: <CALBIRDS...>
I’ll be joined by CBA Science Director Sam Safran to share updates and
answer questions. The level of engagement statewide has been incredible. As
of yesterday, we’ve surpassed *50,000 Atlas checklists* across more than *4,300
blocks* from over *2,700 birders*. And we're just getting started.
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Date: 3/17/26 9:28 pm From: Hal Cohen via groups.io <raptorhal3...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Over 200 Swainson's Hawks in Borrego Springs
On Tuesday, March 17, 21 Swainson's Hawks migrated. This evening 200-300 Swainson's Hawks came into town at 6:20pm and settled into trees east of Borrego Valley Road. Tomorrow with very light wind, the hawks will continue migrating north between 8:30 and 9:30 am. We suggest you check in at the official day count site, 2.8 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive on DiGiorgio Rd for directions to best viewing.
*WARNING: HEAT ADVISORY - Temperatures are expected to be in the triple digits. If are coming out to view hawks bring lots of water, sunscreen and person shade!*
*Hal Cohen*
*Borrego Springs*
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Date: 3/17/26 2:35 pm From: Michael Beeve via groups.io <pileatedwoodpecker...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] 3 rare birds at San Elijo Lagoon
Sonja and I had a fabulous day birding here with 82 species. Gray catbird (thanks Aedyn), Eurasion widgeon and Black and white warbler were the highlights. Thanks,Michael
Michael Beeve Vista, CA 92081 <pileatedwoodpecker...>
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Date: 3/16/26 8:24 pm From: Hal Cohen via groups.io <raptorhal3...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Swainson's Hawks in Borrego Springs
Today 85 Swainson's Hawks migrated. Several kettles of hawks were observed. This evening (Monday March 16) we had a late arrival of around 15 to 20 hawks. They may have touched down south of the date farm. Best viewing may be around 1 mile north of Palm Canyon Drive on Borrego Valley Rd. A hawk captured last spring and fitted with a radio transmitter is only a few hundred miles south of Borrego Springs. "Betsy" may arrive along with many other hawks either tomorrow or Wednesday evening. Will hopefully will find her among other hawks. Betsy has travelled a great distance from Argentina-over 4,000 miles! Hal Cohen Borrego Springs
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Date: 3/15/26 8:56 am From: Nancy Christensen via groups.io <nancy.r.christensen...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Gray Catbird
Found yesterday by Aedyn Lofke (probably butchered the spelling), continues this morning. Found quietly whisper singing above the sign that says. It to pick the wild cucumber. North end of N Rios in Solano Beach. Trail to the right maybe 20 yards of walking.
Nancy Christensen
Ramona
A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.
Chinese Proverb
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Date: 3/15/26 12:25 am From: Ruslan Balagansky via groups.io <ruslan...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Hotspots for eBird bar charts March 15 - 21
Greetings,
Apologies for the late missive - we returned home late evening after an
outing to Palomar, where we encountered multiple pairs of Mountain Quail
crossing the Thunder Valley loop trail!
Other highlights from the past week's hotspots include:
* Tricolored Heron at Sweetwater Park
* Confirmed breeding codes for Juncos and Anna's Hummingbirds at the
Eternal Hills Cemetery
* Confirmed breeding codes for Red-shouldered Hawk at Azalea Glen
* Confirmed breeding codes for Bushtit and Lesser Goldfinch at Roadrunner
Park
All but 2 stretch goal hotspots were completed from the main list this past
week, and Pine Creek Rd. near S1 is now 100% complete!
In the upcoming week we have one more hotspot that needs just the one week
to be 100% complete!
*Los Peñasquitos Ranch House - 1*
Encinitas Viewpoint Park - 2
Palomar Mtn.--Thunder Spring/Upper Doane Valley Loop - 2
SDSU Mission Valley River Park - 3
Cuyamaca Rancho SP--Azalea Glen Trail - 5
San Diego Bay--bait barges - 5
San Marcos Creek - 10
Swamis Seaside Park - 10
Sweetwater Park - 10
Carmel Valley Community Park - 12
Hotspots with 3+ week bar chart gaps:
Laguna Mtns.--Thing Valley/Desert View Rds.
Palomar Mtn.--Boucher Hill Loop
Banner
Carmel Creek Neighborhood Park
Mahr Reservoir
Oasis Spring
Camp Pendleton--Macs Road Ponds (restricted access)
J Street Viewpoint (Encinitas)
Aston & Rutherford business area
Calzada Del Bosque / Chino Farms area
Paradise Creek Educational Park
Black Mountain Ranch Park
Berry Street Park
Grape Day Park
Panhe Nature Trail
Otay River Valley--east of 125
Monserate Mountain Preserve
Carmel Mountain Ranch Community Park
Veterans Park (Imperial Beach)
Calavera Hills Community Park
Cheers,
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Date: 3/14/26 7:54 pm From: Hal Cohen via groups.io <raptorhal3...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Swainson's Hawks in Borrego Springs
Today, 35 Swainson's Hawks migrated. This evening at 6:45 p.m., around 75 Swainson's Hawks descended into trees in the date farm on Borrego Valley Road. With light wind tomorrow, the hawks will probably begin to kettle up between 8 and 9am. Apparently, flying insects (craneflies and dragonflies) are now available as a food resource. Viewing is probably best from the evening watch site on Borrego Valley Road, 1.8 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive. For more information about the hawks' location, check with the leader at the day count site, 2.8 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive on DiGiorgio Rd. Hal Cohen Borrego Springs
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Date: 3/13/26 8:48 pm From: Hal Cohen via groups.io <raptorhal3...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Swainson's Hawks in Borrego Springs
Thirteen hawks migrated today. This evening at least 50 hawks are in town. If the wind is light tomorrow morning, the hawks will depart between 8 and 9am.The hawks may linger for awhile feeding on craneflies and grasshoppers. Come to the day site for information about the best viewing area. The day count site is 2.8 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive on DiGiorgio Rd. Hal Cohen Borrego Springs, CA
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Date: 3/13/26 12:52 pm From: Millie Basden Thomas via groups.io <pandmthomas...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Calliope Hummingbird Mission Trails Lake Murray Blvd
Friday morning, 3/13, around 8:30 am, Cindy Cornelius and I found a small buffy-fronted hummingbird in the dense vegetation near the beginning of the trail at the end of Lake Murray Blvd (labeled Gate 13) in essentially the same area that a Broad-billed Hummingbird was a few years ago. It was seen on both sides of the trail. Photos are on the following eBird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S308801029 Millie Basden
Tierrasanta
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Date: 3/13/26 11:44 am From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] NEW Grace's Warbler & Black-and-white Warbler
The third Grace's Warbler of this winter is now present in the Stonecrest neighborhood, just east of Serra Mesa and just north of Snapdragon Stadium. The bird was actually foraging in tipu trees, although there are a reasonable number of scattered or lines of pines in the immediate area and where presumably it spends time. The bird was mostly on private HOA property, so exact location will not be given here, but if anyone in "desperate" to try, please contact me privately. But the current "preferred" bird in the county is the one on Crest Drive in Encinitas. However, this is the time of season (mid-March to early April) when wintering Grace's typically depart.
A Black-and-white Warbler was in sycamore trees along the paved walkway bordering Nimitz Blvd. at the very north end of Bill Cleator Park in northern Point Loma. A Black-and-white was in this park in late October, thus may or may not be the same bird.
Two of the wintering Bay-breasted Warblers in town were still present over the past few days, and they are both now showing heavy signs of molt (especially about the head). Yesterday, the Northern Parula continued at Kate O. Sessions Park, and the Magnolia Warbler, Summer Tanager, White-winged Scoter, and Short-billed Gull all continued at Vacation Isle/Paradise Point.
Paul Lehman, San Diego
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Date: 3/13/26 10:06 am From: Kerry Ross via groups.io <kgr.falco...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] Raptor Surveyors
Hello Birders, I am looking for a few Biologists or birders with raptor ID skills who would be interested in doing Swainson's Hawk protocol surveys in the Antelope Valley and NW Central Valley. The work would be ~ 4 days a week (8-10 hr days) from March 15 - July 22. If you are interested in getting more information please contact me directly at <kgr.falco...> Please do not re: this message to keep traffic off this list serve. Thank you.
Keers (as the MAMU says)
Kerry Ross <kgr.falco...>
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Mel, Geoff and I tracked down the Tricolored Heron(s) recently reported
from the Living Coast Discovery Center in Chula Vista. While we were able
to see both birds from there - looking south from the viewing building
towards the shipyard - they were very distant and the heat shimmer was
really bad. We did not pick a very good day for this - very low tide, lots
of heat and bad light.
Better views were had from Sweetwater Park, although we only saw one of
the herons. Park there and walk south on the gravel trail towards the
convention center. There is a bridge near the buildings that gives you a
view of part of the mudflats here:
32°37'56.028" N 117°6'18.948" W
If you decide to try the Living Coast place - first shuttle runs at 10am,
you cannot access the area earlier than that. You ride the shuttle for free
and can walk the trails for free, but must use the shuttle to come and go.
Closed on Monday and Tuesday.
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