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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in San Luis Obispo County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN36231 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
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Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 11, 2026 08:21 by Gerry and Linda Baade
- Morro Bay Sandspit, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8670158&<ll...>,-120.8670158 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293861741 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Viewed from 35.304464 -120.874432, looking west-northwest. Seems likely that it’s the same bird that the bigger field trip group found yesterday at Morro Creek (although I haven’t scrutinized the photos yet). We got a better view today, 10-15 minutes. Better photos. It was obvious today that the bird had a gimpy right leg."
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 11, 2026 08:21 by Steve Ellis
- Morro Bay Sandspit, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8670158&<ll...>,-120.8670158 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293837274 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Viewed from 35.304464 -120.874432, looking west-northwest. Seems likely that it’s the same bird that the bigger field trip group found yesterday at Morro Creek (although I haven’t scrutinized the photos yet). We got a better view today, 10-15 minutes. Better photos. It was obvious today that the bird had a gimpy right leg."
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 11, 2026 08:21 by Gjon Hazard
- Morro Bay Sandspit, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8670158&<ll...>,-120.8670158 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293811206 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Viewed from 35.304464 -120.874432, looking west-northwest. Seems likely that it’s the same bird that the bigger field trip group found yesterday at Morro Creek (although I haven’t scrutinized the photos yet). We got a better view today, 10-15 minutes. Better photos. It was obvious today that the bird had a gimpy right leg."
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 11, 2026 08:21 by Mary Jo Hayes
- Morro Bay Sandspit, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8670158&<ll...>,-120.8670158 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293811597 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Viewed from 35.304464 -120.874432, looking west-northwest. Seems likely that it’s the same bird that the bigger field trip group found yesterday at Morro Creek (although I haven’t scrutinized the photos yet). We got a better view today, 10-15 minutes. Better photos. It was obvious today that the bird had a gimpy right leg."
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 11, 2026 08:21 by Ameet Shah
- Morro Bay Sandspit, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8670158&<ll...>,-120.8670158 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293811246 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Viewed from 35.304464 -120.874432, looking west-northwest. Seems likely that it’s the same bird that the bigger field trip group found yesterday at Morro Creek (although I haven’t scrutinized the photos yet). We got a better view today, 10-15 minutes. Better photos. It was obvious today that the bird had a gimpy right leg."
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 10, 2026 16:04 by Monica Border
- Morro Creek mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8624411&<ll...>,-120.8624411 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293670140 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "One of only two birds (the other was a Western Gull) where the creek meets the beach (just downstream from the footbridge, very close to the hotspot pin). Originally spotted by Linda Baade, but several people in the group recognized it as a different and probably some kind of hooded gull. Shortly after discovery, it was promptly flushed by a person walking by, whereupon it flew west-southwest, out to sea, to the north of Morro Rock. It was large by hooded gull standards, with a large, dark bill that seemed to droop downwards somewhat. Smudgy ear patch that went around the back of the head. Mostly uniformly dark upper wings in flight. Tail mostly black. Others in the group will add additional photos."
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 10, 2026 16:04 by Anonymous eBirder
- Morro Creek mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8624411&<ll...>,-120.8624411 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293865685 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "One of only two birds (the other was a Western Gull) where the creek meets the beach (just downstream from the footbridge, very close to the hotspot pin). Originally spotted by Linda Baade, but several people in the group recognized it as a different and probably some kind of hooded gull. Shortly after discovery, it was promptly flushed by a person walking by, whereupon it flew west-southwest, out to sea, to the north of Morro Rock. It was large by hooded gull standards, with a large, dark bill that seemed to droop downwards somewhat. Smudgy ear patch that went around the back of the head. Mostly uniformly dark upper wings in flight. Tail mostly black. Others in the group will add additional photos."
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 10, 2026 16:04 by Gerry and Linda Baade
- Morro Creek mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8624411&<ll...>,-120.8624411 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293861756 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "One of only two birds (the other was a Western Gull) where the creek meets the beach (just downstream from the footbridge, very close to the hotspot pin). Originally spotted by Linda Baade, but several people in the group recognized it as a different and probably some kind of hooded gull. Shortly after discovery, it was promptly flushed by a person walking by, whereupon it flew west-southwest, out to sea, to the north of Morro Rock. It was large by hooded gull standards, with a large, dark bill that seemed to droop downwards somewhat. Smudgy ear patch that went around the back of the head. Mostly uniformly dark upper wings in flight. Tail mostly black. Others in the group will add additional photos."
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 10, 2026 16:04 by Tom Pietuch
- Morro Creek mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8624411&<ll...>,-120.8624411 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293808065 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "One of only two birds (the other was a Western Gull) where the creek meets the beach (just downstream from the footbridge, very close to the hotspot pin). Originally spotted by Linda Baade, but several people in the group recognized it as a different and probably some kind of hooded gull. Shortly after discovery, it was promptly flushed by a person walking by, whereupon it flew west-southwest, out to sea, to the north of Morro Rock. It was large by hooded gull standards, with a large, dark bill that seemed to droop downwards somewhat. Smudgy ear patch that went around the back of the head. Mostly uniformly dark upper wings in flight. Tail mostly black. Others in the group will add additional photos."
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 10, 2026 16:04 by Ameet Shah
- Morro Creek mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8624411&<ll...>,-120.8624411 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293805138 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "One of only two birds (the other was a Western Gull) where the creek meets the beach (just downstream from the footbridge, very close to the hotspot pin). Originally spotted by Linda Baade, but several people in the group recognized it as a different and probably some kind of hooded gull. Shortly after discovery, it was promptly flushed by a person walking by, whereupon it flew west-southwest, out to sea, to the north of Morro Rock. It was large by hooded gull standards, with a large, dark bill that seemed to droop downwards somewhat. Smudgy ear patch that went around the back of the head. Mostly uniformly dark upper wings in flight. Tail mostly black. Others in the group will add additional photos."
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 10, 2026 16:04 by Maria Elena Crabb
- Morro Creek mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8624411&<ll...>,-120.8624411 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293800526 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "One of only two birds (the other was a Western Gull) where the creek meets the beach (just downstream from the footbridge, very close to the hotspot pin). Originally spotted by Linda Baade, but several people in the group recognized it as a different and probably some kind of hooded gull. Shortly after discovery, it was promptly flushed by a person walking by, whereupon it flew west-southwest, out to sea, to the north of Morro Rock. It was large by hooded gull standards, with a large, dark bill that seemed to droop downwards somewhat. Smudgy ear patch that went around the back of the head. Mostly uniformly dark upper wings in flight. Tail mostly black. Others in the group will add additional photos."
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 10, 2026 16:04 by Tsaiwei Olee
- Morro Creek mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8624411&<ll...>,-120.8624411 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293679436 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "One of only two birds (the other was a Western Gull) where the creek meets the beach (just downstream from the footbridge, very close to the hotspot pin). Originally spotted by Linda Baade, but several people in the group recognized it as a different and probably some kind of hooded gull. Shortly after discovery, it was promptly flushed by a person walking by, whereupon it flew west-southwest, out to sea, to the north of Morro Rock. It was large by hooded gull standards, with a large, dark bill that seemed to droop downwards somewhat. Smudgy ear patch that went around the back of the head. Mostly uniformly dark upper wings in flight. Tail mostly black. Others in the group will add additional photos."
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 10, 2026 16:04 by I Davignon
- Morro Creek mouth, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8624411&<ll...>,-120.8624411 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293661555 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "One of only two birds (the other was a Western Gull) where the creek meets the beach (just downstream from the footbridge, very close to the hotspot pin). Originally spotted by Linda Baade, but several people in the group recognized it as a different and probably some kind of hooded gull. Shortly after discovery, it was promptly flushed by a person walking by, whereupon it flew west-southwest, out to sea, to the north of Morro Rock. It was large by hooded gull standards, with a large, dark bill that seemed to droop downwards somewhat. Smudgy ear patch that went around the back of the head. Mostly uniformly dark upper wings in flight. Tail mostly black. Others in the group will add additional photos."
Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 11, 2026 09:43 by Ann McDowell
- Tidelands Park, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8514118&<ll...>,-120.8514118 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293745505 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Seen in tree near boat dock by other birders. Clearly distinct from the seven black crowned night herons nearby. Very stout bill, spotted down back and wings. Appears very small."
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jan 11, 2026 08:30 by Ann McDowell
- 3190 S Higuera St, DMV, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.668686&<ll...>,-120.668686 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293745917 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Observed sitting on trunk of Oak tree behind DMV. Had been flitting about, but settled. Andrew pointed out where it had settled, was able to get one photo, slightly blurry."
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) (1)
- Reported Jan 11, 2026 08:47 by Andrew Fleming
- SLO DMV, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.66943&<ll...>,-120.66943 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293699930 - Comments: "Continuing bird originally found by Petra on 1/7. Saw it almost immediate in the walnut tree it’s been hanging out in at the back. It was hopping around a bit and preening. After a few minutes it flew to the group of pine trees closer to the front of the DMV, then later it was back on the walnut tree as I was driving out of the lot. Juvenile with dirty brownish markings on slightly yellow belly, red on head, solid white wing bar."
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) (2)
- Reported Jan 10, 2026 08:55 by I Davignon
- Whale Rock Reservoir, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8708239&<ll...>,-120.8708239 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293661623 - Comments: "With swallow flock over Cottontail Creek arm of the reservoir. At least two seen together briefly, unseasonable though it may be. Good vantage point looking down on the swallows under excellent light. All-brown swallows with brownish wash across the breast. Matt-brown upper surface, distinguishably different from the more glossy backs of Tree and Barn Swallows, even the dullest ones."
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) (2)
- Reported Jan 10, 2026 08:55 by Ameet Shah
- Whale Rock Reservoir, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8708239&<ll...>,-120.8708239 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293805154 - Comments: "With swallow flock over Cottontail Creek arm of the reservoir. At least two seen together briefly, unseasonable though it may be. Good vantage point looking down on the swallows under excellent light. All-brown swallows with brownish wash across the breast. Matt-brown upper surface, distinguishably different from the more glossy backs of Tree and Barn Swallows, even the dullest ones."
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) (2)
- Reported Jan 10, 2026 08:55 by Maria Elena Crabb
- Whale Rock Reservoir, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8708239&<ll...>,-120.8708239 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293800539 - Comments: "With swallow flock over Cottontail Creek arm of the reservoir. At least two seen together briefly, unseasonable though it may be. Good vantage point looking down on the swallows under excellent light. All-brown swallows with brownish wash across the breast. Matt-brown upper surface, distinguishably different from the more glossy backs of Tree and Barn Swallows, even the dullest ones."
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) (2)
- Reported Jan 10, 2026 08:55 by Gerry and Linda Baade
- Whale Rock Reservoir, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8708239&<ll...>,-120.8708239 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293861869 - Comments: "With swallow flock over Cottontail Creek arm of the reservoir. At least two seen together briefly, unseasonable though it may be. Good vantage point looking down on the swallows under excellent light. All-brown swallows with brownish wash across the breast. Matt-brown upper surface, distinguishably different from the more glossy backs of Tree and Barn Swallows, even the dullest ones."
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) (2)
- Reported Jan 10, 2026 08:55 by Anonymous eBirder
- Whale Rock Reservoir, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8708239&<ll...>,-120.8708239 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293785028 - Comments: "With swallow flock over Cottontail Creek arm of the reservoir. At least two seen together briefly, unseasonable though it may be. Good vantage point looking down on the swallows under excellent light. All-brown swallows with brownish wash across the breast. Matt-brown upper surface, distinguishably different from the more glossy backs of Tree and Barn Swallows, even the dullest ones."
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) (2)
- Reported Jan 10, 2026 08:55 by Tsaiwei Olee
- Whale Rock Reservoir, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8708239&<ll...>,-120.8708239 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293679446 - Comments: "With swallow flock over Cottontail Creek arm of the reservoir. At least two seen together briefly, unseasonable though it may be. Good vantage point looking down on the swallows under excellent light. All-brown swallows with brownish wash across the breast. Matt-brown upper surface, distinguishably different from the more glossy backs of Tree and Barn Swallows, even the dullest ones."
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) (2)
- Reported Jan 10, 2026 08:55 by Monica Border
- Whale Rock Reservoir, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8708239&<ll...>,-120.8708239 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293670148 - Comments: "With swallow flock over Cottontail Creek arm of the reservoir. At least two seen together briefly, unseasonable though it may be. Good vantage point looking down on the swallows under excellent light. All-brown swallows with brownish wash across the breast. Matt-brown upper surface, distinguishably different from the more glossy backs of Tree and Barn Swallows, even the dullest ones."
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) (2)
- Reported Jan 10, 2026 08:55 by Tom Pietuch
- Whale Rock Reservoir, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8708239&<ll...>,-120.8708239 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293808093 - Comments: "With swallow flock over Cottontail Creek arm of the reservoir. At least two seen together briefly, unseasonable though it may be. Good vantage point looking down on the swallows under excellent light. All-brown swallows with brownish wash across the breast. Matt-brown upper surface, distinguishably different from the more glossy backs of Tree and Barn Swallows, even the dullest ones."
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) (2)
- Reported Jan 09, 2026 11:07 by Nick & Jane
- Whale Rock Reservoir, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8708239&<ll...>,-120.8708239 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293372457 - Comments: "As I previously noted under “swallow sp” thought I was seeing these birds. The Palomar Audubon Society reported them too and I agree with their writeup: “With swallow flock over Cottontail Creek arm of the reservoir. At least two seen together briefly, unseasonable though it may be. Good vantage point looking down on the swallows under excellent light. All-brown swallows with brownish wash across the breast. Matt-brown upper surface, distinguishably different from the more glossy backs of Tree and Barn Swallows, even the dullest ones." My original notes are still under swallow sp."
Black-throated Gray Warbler (Setophaga nigrescens) (1)
- Reported Jan 11, 2026 08:03 by Aaron Kromhout
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293811595 - Comments: "Pleasantly surprised to see beautiful male actively gleaning the lone pine in the middle of the park. Black head and throat with a white cheek. Gray back. White underparts with black streaks under the wing. Clear view of the yellow spot in front of the eye."
Black-throated Gray Warbler (Setophaga nigrescens) (1)
- Reported Jan 11, 2026 08:03 by Carrie Miller
- Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6606531&<ll...>,-120.6606531 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S293767981 - Comments: "Pleasantly surprised to see beautiful male actively gleaning the lone pine in the middle of the park. Black head and throat with a white cheek. Gray back. White underparts with black streaks under the wing. Clear view of the yellow spot in front of the eye."
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