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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
Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus) (1)
- Reported Apr 22, 2025 09:02 by Ryan Seppala
- 1100 Refugio Rd, Goleta US-CA (34.4904,-120.0720), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.071996&<ll...>,-120.071996 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S228359806 - Comments: "Likely the same bird that’s been reported sporadically along the coast for over a year. I was on top a knoll overlooking a sheared field when a large raptor appeared headed N/NE. It scaled a mustard-covered hillside and then turned, headed W/NW and directly over the field. My best look was a lateral view while it was near eye level and ~100 ft south. This view was excellent and plainly diagnostic. What initially struck me was the massive and moderately drooping beak, as well as the wings held impressively perpendicular to the body. On its final pass, I noted additional field marks: It appeared larger than a TUVU and flapped its wings regularly. The neck looked heavy/elongated, and there was a noted contrast between a black cap, white auriculars/neck, and fleshy orange bill. There was also a stunning contrast between the dark wings and white patches at the bases of the primary feathers. In all, I witnessed this bird for about 20 seconds. My camera was not accessible, which hindered photo documentation. Features I failed to note were of the tail and marks that might match it to other recent sightings (in particular, a broken primary feather)."
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) (2)
- Reported Apr 22, 2025 09:51 by Toby Fowler
- Goleta Slough Ecological Reserve--Los Carneros Rd. at Mesa Rd., Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8586941&<ll...>,-119.8586941 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S228286247 - Comments: "Full yellow chest, green backs, white edging on brown wings, big chunky bill, pale head, forked tail. Perched together. Mobile. One silent, the other twittering."
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