I send this email out every year, but I’m making a change this year. Rather than put half a dozen or more topics in one email, I’m going to break it up into just a few topics per email in order to make these important points more easily digested. In this email, I would like to highlight:
Reporting Birds that trigger a RARE BIRD ALERT and requests that the observer provide details
• Written Documentation
• Uploading Photos and Audio
• Using Merlin as documentation
*Written Documentation :* When you are prompted to provide documentation for a sighting of an unusual or rare bird, the *#1 comment to add* is *a description of the bird*. The bird’s behavior, where it was seen etc. can add depth to the record, but *a description* of what the bird looked/sounded like is the most important element. A *description* of the bird should contain field marks and defining physical or audible characteristics that helped you separate it from similar species. *Photos, audio or video are generally best for documenting a rare bird, but if quality of media does not clearly support the ID, please back up the observation with a detailed description*. Remember, the rarer the bird, the more important thorough documentation becomes. Here is an eBird help article about how to document your sightings.
*Photos and Audio* : eBird has made uploading photos and audio recordings easy. Media are a great way to document your sightings. However, when reporting a rare bird , checklist comments like, “ *Photos to be added”, “Photos taken” , or similar wording* is something we see all the time…….And sometimes we never get to see the photos or hear the audio. *Please don’t make these comments a permanent part of your record!!!* *Please upload your photos or audio as soon as it is convenient*. If photos or audio are poor quality, you can still upload them, but try to back them up *with a description. If you decide not to upload media, then a description is needed.* Try to *write your descriptions* with field marks/separating from similar species etc. as soon as you can *while the details are still fresh in your mind*. Don’t wait until a time too far in the future when details are fuzzy at best . *Back of Camera (BOC) photos should be replaced with the actual photos* as soon as convenient as well.
*Here are eBird help articles about uploading photos and audio.*
*Using Merlin as Documentation:* If you are using Merlin to identify a bird that gets flagged for more details, *please upload your audio recording to your checklist as soon as it is convenient*. Leaving a comment *“ID”d by Merlin” or “Sound ID” is not considered sufficient documentation* as Merlin can be accurate, but *Merlin can also be very wrong* and still needs the human element to review *suggested Identifications*. *It is always a best practice to try to see a vocalizing bird in order to get visual confirmation of the ID when possible.*
A few more notes about using Merlin to document a rare or unusual bird:
• If birding in a group please ask folks to stop talking and try to be still while recording the vocalizing bird. We need to hear the bird!
• Also, If you are uploading a long recording, please indicate at what minute/second the target bird is vocalizing.
• Please don’t add a screen shot of your audio to your checklist. We cannot listen to a screen shot. Some spectrograms may be Identifiable visually, but we really want to hear the audio.
*The following link takes you to more info such as how to prepare and upload your audio to your checklist*
*A Big Thank You to All,* for your using eBird, your continued media contributions, and documentation efforts to support rare bird sightings, You make San Mateo County eBird what it is!
*One Last Thing:* we are seeing a lot of new users on eBird. If you are new, or know someone who is new to eBird, here is a help article about Getting Started with eBird:
Date: 1/12/26 11:51 am From: Ronald- Thorn via groups.io <Tronthorn...> Subject: [pen-bird] Recent sightings, Red-naped Sapsucker
On the 7th, a morning skywatch from home in Redwood Shores scanning towards the Belmont hills, I noticed a large group of geese moving south. I grabbed my scope, as the geesereversed their course to the north and then to the west. There was a high of ( 82 ) Greater White-fronted Geese. On the 9th at the Fioli Estate, there was a Red-naped Sapsucker workingthe roll of trees along the entrance road before the orchard at the lower parking lot. At one time, a Red-breasted Sapsucker joined the Red-naped in the same tree. On the 10th, therewere ( 8 ) Lesser Yellowlegs among Greaters on the Ravenswood Salt Ponds along Highway 84.
Ron Thorn
Date: 1/11/26 1:20 pm From: Marty Freeland via groups.io <martinf3...> Subject: [pen-bird] Lucy's Warbler and Eurasian Teal
Hi all,
On 1/8, Eddie Monson and I birded the south coast for part of the morning. We found a Lucy's Warbler at the Butano Cutoff bridge over Pescadero Ck near the high school, foraging in cape ivy. The Lucy's was a very fresh-looking bird and quite cooperative. Although the county has many records from December, few have stayed into January (e.g., the only ones in eBird/Penbirds were at Seal Pt last year, at Fitzgerald in 2018, and in Pescadero in 1990, although there may certainly be a couple others). The flooded field by the Pescadero Ck Rd bridge over Butano Ck was looking amazing and was full of waterfowl.
This morning (1/11), I spent a couple hours birding the central bayshore. The large rafts of bay ducks that are sometimes off Seal Pt were not present, but there were four Burrowing Owls. On Marina Lagoon in Foster City, two Lesser Yellowlegs were with other shorebirds. Checking the Belmont Slough from behind Design Tech HS in Redwood Shores, a male Eurasian Green-winged Teal ("Common Teal") was with a couple Americans. It was a striking bird and showed no signs of introgression. There have only been 34 others reported in the state so far this season, which feels a little below average (although it is still only early January). The male Tufted Duck present for its second winter at Oracle Lagoon was very close in and fed on shellfish within ten yards or so of me for an extended period.
Date: 1/8/26 4:36 pm From: maliadances via groups.io <maliadances...> Subject: [pen-bird] Eurasian Wigeon vs. hybrids
Penbirders,
There have been a couple of adult male Eurasian Wigeons reported this year in San Mateo county that have turned out to be EurasianXAmerican Wigeon hybrids. I’ve been conferring with experts about these birds.
This link shows photos of Eurasian Wigeons. https://ebird.org/species/eurwig The photo of the adult male from this link is an excellent example of what an adult male Eurasian wigeon, should look like.
Below are some characteristics for what adult male Eurasian Wigeon should show. There are other characters, but these are the most obvious and important ones to look for:
• Rufous head and face with the same quality of saturated rufous color and texture both above the eye as well as on the cheek. Can be slightly darker rufous around the eye, but cheeks should not be paler, nor show a grainier look, than the area above and behind the eye as those can indicate an American Wigeon trait.
• A golden-yellow toned forehead extending to the center of the crown – a pale whitish tan forecrown on a rufous head can point to an American trait.
• Breast pink and sharply demarcated, contrasting with completely gray appearing flanks.
• Gray appearing flanks are actually finely vermiculated whitish and blackish feathering, and should show no pinkish/rufous wash.
• Back should appear Gray with no rufous or pink wash.
• There should be no strong vertical black border at the base of the bill on an adult male Eurasian Wigeon as that is an American Wigeon trait.
*EurasianXAmerican Wigeon hybrids will show mixed traits of both species.*
When seeing red-headed adult wigeons at a far distance on the water it can sometimes be impossible to discern some of the traits that will help clarify the ID. Also photos taken in poor or less than optimal conditions can add artifacts that aren’t there or obscure traits that are there. But knowing what to look for and with experience, training the eye over time, can help. Consider that some birds viewed in less optimal circumstances should sometimes be left unidentified.
Best case scenario is to see these birds up close if possible.
A good waterfowl specific reference is “Waterfowl of North America, Europe and Asia” An Identification Guide by Se’bastien
Reeber
Date: 1/7/26 1:19 pm From: Rich Ferrick via groups.io <richferrick...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] White Goose - Menlo Park
Hi Pen Birders
The white goose was in closer today ay Bedwell Bayfront Park (assuming same bird). A couple of photos in the attached checklist. Reviewer feedback from yesterday indicated there were some Ross's Goose characteristics but the bird could also be a hybrid. Today, it appeared more stubby billed and the head looked more rounded, not as long necked/headed as yesterday. I entered it as Ross's today pending additional feedback.
Also, a Pacific Golden Plover along the eastern edge, in the traditional location.
Date: 1/6/26 6:20 pm From: Chris M. via groups.io <chrismac...> Subject: [pen-bird] Ano Nuevo CBC, January 3
Hi everyone,
Despite predictions of much rain, most sections of the Año Nuevo count
circle were drier than expected. In my Cloverdale section, we barely got a
sprinkle, though it was breezy and gray.
The preliminary total of species was 148. 85 volunteer counters
participated.
Birds were not very numerous, probably due to the weather. The most
unexpected find was a Royal Tern, which flew past the counters at Año Nuevo
State Park. The sea watchers remarked on the high numbers of loons -
thousands - that they saw passing by.
This count circle is more rural than Crystal Springs, with more hiking
required of counters. I appreciate everyone that turned out to help. As
always, we welcome new birders on their first CBC, and people who are
visiting from out of town and join a CBC in a new-to-them area.
As well as our long-time and invaluable counters who know their areas so
well.
Many thanks to everyone who participated! See you again in December!
Date: 1/6/26 1:53 pm From: Rich Ferrick via groups.io <richferrick...> Subject: [pen-bird] White Goose - Menlo Park
Hi Pen Birders
There was a Snow or Ross's Goose along Bayfront Expressway in Menlo Park today (1/6, 10:15AM) between Bedwell Bayfront Park and the Facebook Perimeter Trail. I thought it looked good for Snow Goose and one was reported here during the Palo Alto CBC but the media filter of the eBird checklist suggested two photos were Ross's...so awaiting reviewer input.
Date: 1/5/26 4:54 pm From: San Mateo County Bird Alliance via groups.io <office...> Subject: [pen-bird] Thurs. Jan 8 Zoom w/ Peter Cavanagh
*Happy New Year!*
*Please join us on Thurs. Jan. 8 at 7:00 pm on Zoom.*
*How Birds Fly: The Science and Art of Avian Flight with Peter Cavanagh*
Peter Cavanagh is a scientist, author, and bird photographer who lives in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. He is drawn to the study of bird flight by his experiences as an instrument-rated private pilot, his professional training in anatomy and biomechanics, and his passion for nature and the outdoors. In his presentation, Peter will show photographs and videos illustrating various aspects of bird flight described in his recent book *How Birds Fly.* His images have been featured in the Audubon Society's Top 100 Bird Photographs of the Year. Peter is also the author of *100 Flying Birds: Photographing the Mechanics of Flight* and has traveled widely to photograph birds on every continent, most recently to India and Bhutan. Don't miss this exciting presentation!
Date: 1/5/26 7:46 am From: Ronald- Thorn via groups.io <Tronthorn...> Subject: [pen-bird] Recent miscellaneous sightings
Large numbers of American Wigeon have been coming into salt marshes that have been under water during the King Tides. Among the American Wigeons at Bair Island on the 1st werean adult male Eurasian Wigeon and an adult male Eurasian x American Wigeon hybrid. On the 2nd at the Third Avenue marsh in San Mateo were an adult male Eurasian Wigeon andan adult male Eurasian x American Wigeon hybrid. On the 3rd at Bird Island at the end of Canvasback Way in Redwood Shores was an adult male Eurasian Wigeon. Also at thislocation on the 1st was an adult male Blue-winged Teal. On the 1st, a Lesser Yellowlegs was with other shorebirds during a high tide at the Westpoint Harbor in Redwood City. On the1st in Belmont during the King Tide, there were ( 23 ) Wilson's Snipe along the O'Neill Slough Trail. Black Skimmers returned to Radio Road in Redwood Shores with ( 138 ) noted onthe 1st. Early morning skywatches from the upper deck at home in Redwood Shores looking out towards the Belmont hills I have noted large numbers of Band-tailed Pigeons in groupsmoving north. On the 2nd, noted were ( 1,128 ) Band-tailed Pigeons. There were also that morning in groups ( 540 ) American Robins moving north.
Ron Thorn
Date: 1/1/26 12:50 pm From: maliadances via groups.io <maliadances...> Subject: [pen-bird] San Mateo County Cumulative Year-list Report for --- December 2025
*Greetings Pen-birders,*
San Mateo County birders found a total of 1 species that was new for the year by the end of December. *The 1 new bird species found in December brings the end of year total species observed in 2025 to 334.* In reading the following, please note, the number in parenthesis next to the bird name is the rarity code assigned for San Mateo County birds. *From the link below* , you can *see definitions for the rarity codes,* *download a checklist* which shows seasonality, frequency, and county breeding information, *find a full list of the birds* observed so far in 2025 *, plus* *all monthly reports going back to 2009* *****Note, As I write, the website may not be updated with the December 2025 report yet so please give it a couple of days.
*Here is the new bird for December, the finders and location where found:*
Janet Duerr and Steve Schafer described a BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER (5) seen off Pescadero State Beach. The same day there were multiple reports of this species from counties further south along the coast.
*Birding San Mateo County:* There are plenty of ways to see birds. Did you know *The San Mateo County Bird Alliance leads birding Field Trips* on a regular basis? To join a field trip, check out their schedule here: http://www.sequoia-audubon.org/fieldtrips.html
*To stay informed of the latest bird news, consider creating an account with both Peninsula Birding (Pen-bird) and eBird.* To join eBird, simply go to https://ebird.org/home and create an account. To join the Peninsula Birding group, join here: https://groups.io/g/peninsula-birding You can post your sightings there and be kept informed of sightings throughout the county including discussions about birds, population trends, where-can-I-find topics, events, field trips, webinars, pelagic trips and conservation issues. You can engage with other members of the birding community and can connect with online/offline discussions.
*This Report:* As a volunteer for the San Mateo County Bird Alliance I gather content for this report, each month, by primarily using eBird and Pen-bird. When posting to Pen-bird, please include the location and date of your sighting in either the subject line or in the body of your email. If you don’t use eBird or Pen-bird, you can always email me directly. Thank you! If you have questions or comments regarding this report, or if I missed something, please email: <maliadances...>
THAT’S A WRAP FOR 2025 – HAPPY NEW YEAR - GOOD BIRDING IN 2026!
Date: 12/29/25 10:39 am From: David Suddjian via groups.io <dsuddjian...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Juvenile Great Egrets or Cattle Egrets?
I think it is a Great Egret. Western Cattle-Egret has a differently shaped
head/chin and bill, a shorter neck and would look a good bit smaller yet
than an adjacent Great Egret than is shown in your photo. There are sexual
size differences in the Great Egret, with males being larger all around.
Considering just tarsus length, for example, the male Great Egret averages
10-15% longer than the female, according to data given in the Birds of the
World species account. I believe that an immature bird born this year would
appear similarly sized to the same sex adult, and not smaller because it is
younger.
David Suddjian
Littleton, CO
On Mon, Dec 29, 2025 at 10:15 AM Naomi Goodman via groups.io <nlgoodman=
<hotmail.com...> wrote:
> I posted it to iNat with additional pictures, and one person agrees with
> you, but it's surprisingly difficult to find reliable information on
> juvenile Great Egret size after fledging. Some sources suggest they are
> the same size as adults.
>
> https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/332546665 >
> I think the dark bill tips on the three smaller birds weighs it toward
> Great Egret, compared to the Cattle Egrets seen in November nearby, as here
> in Chris Hayward's checklist.
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S285125299 >
>
> On 12/29/2025 9:08 AM, Lisa Larson wrote:
>
> Yes, I did. And yes, LBHE have dark beaks, so my bad. I think it's a
> smaller Great Egret. Plus, the perspective of the photo makes it look
> smaller.
>
> It doesn't seem stocky enough for a Cattle Egret. And it seems devoid of
> color in the plumage.
>
> What's the consensus?
>
> On Sun, Dec 28, 2025, 8:03 PM Naomi Goodman <nlgoodman...> wrote:
>
>> Little blue heron juveniles have dark beaks. Why did you suggest that?
>>
>> From my cell phone
>> ------------------------------
>> *From:* Lisa Larson <lisafaylarson...>
>> *Sent:* Sunday, December 28, 2025 5:18:36 PM
>> *To:* <nlgoodman...> <nlgoodman...>
>> *Cc:* Peninsula Birding <peninsula-birding...>
>> *Subject:* Re: [pen-bird] Juvenile Great Egrets or Cattle Egrets?
>>
>> I suspect it is an immature Little Blue Heron.
>>
>> Lisa
>>
>> On Sun, Dec 28, 2025, 5:04 PM Naomi Goodman via groups.io <nlgoodman=
>> <hotmail.com...> wrote:
>>
>> This afternoon at 2:30 PM there was a Great Egret and three smaller white
>> egrets in the field next to the Pescadero post office. The smaller ones
>> were about 3/4 the size of the Great Egret - see picture. All the egrets
>> had yellow bills and black or grey-black legs and feet.
>>
>> To me, the smaller egrets looked similar to the 3 Cattle Egrets that were
>> on Water Lane in November, but I can't distinguish Cattle Egrets from
>> juvenile Great Egrets. What do you think?
>>
>> Naomi
>>
>>
>
>
Date: 12/29/25 9:08 am From: Lisa Larson via groups.io <lisafaylarson...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Juvenile Great Egrets or Cattle Egrets?
Yes, I did. And yes, LBHE have dark beaks, so my bad. I think it's a
smaller Great Egret. Plus, the perspective of the photo makes it look
smaller.
It doesn't seem stocky enough for a Cattle Egret. And it seems devoid of
color in the plumage.
What's the consensus?
On Sun, Dec 28, 2025, 8:03 PM Naomi Goodman <nlgoodman...> wrote:
> Little blue heron juveniles have dark beaks. Why did you suggest that?
>
> From my cell phone
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Lisa Larson <lisafaylarson...>
> *Sent:* Sunday, December 28, 2025 5:18:36 PM
> *To:* <nlgoodman...> <nlgoodman...>
> *Cc:* Peninsula Birding <peninsula-birding...>
> *Subject:* Re: [pen-bird] Juvenile Great Egrets or Cattle Egrets?
>
> I suspect it is an immature Little Blue Heron.
>
> Lisa
>
> On Sun, Dec 28, 2025, 5:04 PM Naomi Goodman via groups.io <nlgoodman=
> <hotmail.com...> wrote:
>
> This afternoon at 2:30 PM there was a Great Egret and three smaller white
> egrets in the field next to the Pescadero post office. The smaller ones
> were about 3/4 the size of the Great Egret - see picture. All the egrets
> had yellow bills and black or grey-black legs and feet.
>
> To me, the smaller egrets looked similar to the 3 Cattle Egrets that were
> on Water Lane in November, but I can't distinguish Cattle Egrets from
> juvenile Great Egrets. What do you think?
>
> Naomi
>
>
>
Date: 12/28/25 5:18 pm From: Lisa Larson via groups.io <lisafaylarson...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] Juvenile Great Egrets or Cattle Egrets?
I suspect it is an immature Little Blue Heron.
Lisa
On Sun, Dec 28, 2025, 5:04 PM Naomi Goodman via groups.io <nlgoodman=
<hotmail.com...> wrote:
> This afternoon at 2:30 PM there was a Great Egret and three smaller white
> egrets in the field next to the Pescadero post office. The smaller ones
> were about 3/4 the size of the Great Egret - see picture. All the egrets
> had yellow bills and black or grey-black legs and feet.
>
> To me, the smaller egrets looked similar to the 3 Cattle Egrets that were
> on Water Lane in November, but I can't distinguish Cattle Egrets from
> juvenile Great Egrets. What do you think?
>
> Naomi
>
>
Date: 12/28/25 5:04 pm From: Naomi Goodman via groups.io <nlgoodman...> Subject: [pen-bird] Juvenile Great Egrets or Cattle Egrets?
This afternoon at 2:30 PM there was a Great Egret and three smaller white egrets in the field next to the Pescadero post office. The smaller ones were about 3/4 the size of the Great Egret - see picture. All the egrets had yellow bills and black or grey-black legs and feet.
To me, the smaller egrets looked similar to the 3 Cattle Egrets that were on Water Lane in November, but I can't distinguish Cattle Egrets from juvenile Great Egrets. What do you think?
Date: 12/26/25 2:33 pm From: maliadances via groups.io <maliadances...> Subject: [pen-bird] San Mateo County Cumulative Year-list Report for --- November 2025
*Greetings Pen-birders,*
Chris and I have just returned from an epic 3 week self-guided birding trip to Australia and New Zealand with ocean cruises back and forth across the Tasman Sea…..hence the tardiness of this November report. The December report will be right on its heels as the 2025 birding year comes to a close.
*San Mateo County birders found a total of 5 species* that were new for the year by the end of November. But first….. a March record for BONAPARTE’S GULL (2) found by Noah Arthur at Gazos Creek Beach, got overlooked and was not counted in the March report. The record has been added, thus adjusting our end of October totals to 328. The 5 new bird species found in November will bring the total species observed by the end of the eleventh month to 333. In reading the following, please note, the number in parenthesis next to the bird name is the rarity code assigned for San Mateo County birds. *From the link below* , you can *see definitions for the rarity codes,* *download a checklist* which shows seasonality, frequency, and county breeding information, *find a full list of the birds* observed so far in 2025 *, plus* *all monthly reports going back to 2009*
*Here are the new birds for November, their finders and locations where found:*
Marty Freeland found a WESTERN CATTLE-EGRET (4) in a horse paddock along Water Lane in Pescadero. Donna Pomeroy obtained photographs of a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK (4) at Wavecrest. An EASTERN PHOEBE (5) was discovered by Garth Harwood in the Dearborn Park Area. Two separate reports of HORNED LARK (4) found independently on the same day at two different locations, were made by Adam Dudley at La Honda Creek OSP (lower section) and by Marty Freeland, while checking a plowed field just north of the Gazos Creek Beach parking lot. Avis Boutell encountered a RUSTY BLACKBIRD (6) in a field near her Moss Beach home.
*Birding San Mateo County:* There are plenty of ways to see birds. Did you know *The San Mateo County Bird Alliance leads birding Field Trips* on a regular basis? To join a field trip, check out their schedule here: http://www.sequoia-audubon.org/fieldtrips.html
*To stay informed of the latest bird news, consider creating an account with both Peninsula Birding (Pen-bird) and eBird.* To join eBird, simply go to https://ebird.org/home and create an account. To join the Peninsula Birding group, join here: https://groups.io/g/peninsula-birding You can post your sightings there and be kept informed of sightings throughout the county including discussions about birds, population trends, where-can-I-find topics, events, field trips, webinars, pelagic trips and conservation issues. You can engage with other members of the birding community and can connect with online/offline discussions.
*This Report:* As a volunteer for the San Mateo County Bird Alliance I gather content for this report, each month, by primarily using eBird and Pen-bird. When posting to Pen-bird, please include the location and date of your sighting in either the subject line or in the body of your email. If you don’t use eBird or Pen-bird, you can always email me directly. Thank you!
If you have questions or comments regarding this report, or if I missed something,
Date: 12/26/25 9:31 am From: Peter Metropulos via groups.io <pjmetrop...> Subject: [pen-bird] Yellow-headed Blackbird,etc
Last Saturday,December 20, I covered the baylands from Coyote Point to Seal Point on the Crystal Springs Xmas Bird Count.Highlights were the continuing drake HARLEQUIN DUCK and a flock of 14 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE at Coyote Point,and a drake EURASIAN WIGEON and 5 BURROWING OWL at Seal Point.The previous Wednesday,December 17, I was pleasantly surprised to encounter a male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD strutting around the parking lot at Seal Point among a mixed blackbird flock. Unfortunately it didn't hang around to participate on the Xmas Count. This species is very rare in SM County with most records in Spring along the bay. There may be only one or two previous winter records for the county.
Peter J.Metropulos
Date: 12/26/25 6:02 am From: judisierra via groups.io <judisierra...> Subject: [pen-bird] Leucistic sandpiper
A friend took this photo at Seal Point Park 12/24 and wanted to know the ID (as do I). When I asked at nearby birds she had taken the photo of one least sand piper. So this may also be one.
Date: 12/25/25 3:47 pm From: David Assmann via groups.io <david_assmann...> Subject: [pen-bird] Last minute openings in northern San Mateo County for the San Francisco Christmas Bird Count
Due to a few last minute cancellations, we are looking for a few counters for the San Francisco Christmas Bird Count on Monday December 29th to cover parts of the area in San Mateo County around South San Francisco and San Bruno. You can see the area on the map at this link (click San Francisco on the drop down menu - it's the area around South San Francisco). https://cbcviewer.appspot.com/map If you are interested please send us an email at <sfcbcount...> - please give us your name, email, phone #, birding skill level (good, fair or beginning), if you use eBird and whether you prefer to count land or water birds.
Date: 12/22/25 2:14 pm From: Al Eisner via groups.io <eisner...> Subject: [pen-bird] Preliminary results from Palo Alto CBC
The Palo Alto CBC, overlapping Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, was held on Monday December 15. After two years with rain, we had a relatively dry day, with sunny conditions high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, but morning low clouds or fog in some areas lower down. We have a preliminary total of 164 species, as compared to an average of 166 over the previous 15 years.
There were no super-rarities, but some unusual birds, most notably a Lewis's Woodpecker at the Monte Bello OSP, a single Black Skimmer at Mountain View Shoreline Lake (the species has been scarce in winter in the circle for the past decade, despite large numbers in nearby areas) and a Black Rail. Other less-than-regular species: a Snow Goose at Bedwell-Bayfront Park, 2 Black Oystercatchers near the Dumbarton Bridge (they are becoming regular), Snowy Plovers, 2 red Knots near Adobe Creek, 2 Lesser Yellowlegs (in separate locations), 2 pairs of Northern Pygmy-Owls up near Skyline, Northern House Wrens, and an Evening Grosbeak reported from downtown Los Altos. All are subject to our local review, as are numbers of Tree and Violet-green Swllows.
An impressive count of Snowy Plovers totalled 60 birdw (53 of them at NWR areas near the Dumbarton Bridge). This is an encouraging new record for the CBC, and the first of more than 20 birds since a couple of countw in the 1960s.
As for Northern House Wren, this regular winterer in Southern California has been showing up singly on our CBC for the majority of the past 20 years. There were a few years with more than 1, includingn 5 accepted in 2019. This year looks to exceed that number. The species might be echoing a trend set by Orange-crowned Warbeler.
We apparently missed 8 species we have usually found over the past 15 years: Barrow's Goldeneye, Commony Merganser, Ridgway's Rail, Ruddy Turnstone, Loggerhead Shrike (this may be a real trend), Swamp Spsrrow, Brown-headed Cowbird and Great-tailed Grackle. (The railnand cowbird were observed during count-week.) More about variations and trends awaits compilation.
Thanks to Ann Hepenstal for organizing our counting effort, to our sector coordinators, and to all those who participated.
Date: 12/22/25 10:03 am From: Chris M. via groups.io <chrismac...> Subject: [pen-bird] Crystal Springs CBC Dec 20
Hi everyone,
The rain mostly held off for us on Saturday for the Crystal Springs CBC,
though it was certainly very foggy in many areas.
The preliminary total of species was 191. Over 100 volunteer counters
participated.
There were several nice rarities found, including
American Redstart
Tennessee Warbler
Green-tailed Towhee
Worm-eating Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Gannet
Scaly-breasted Munia
Vaux's Swift
Pink-footed Shearwater
Sooty Shearwater
Caspian Tern
Covering the Peninsula from the Bay, up over the hills, and down to the
ocean, this is always a great count. I am happy when we welcome new
birders on their first CBC, and people who are visiting from out of town
and join a CBC in a new-to-them area.
As well as our long-time and invaluable counters who know their areas so
well.
Coming next: Año Nuevo CBC on January 3. There's still room to join,
preferably if you have better-than-beginner birding skills and enjoy
hiking.
Date: 12/19/25 1:13 pm From: MARJORY DAVIS via groups.io <marjijean1...> Subject: Re: [pen-bird] White-headed Mallard Female
I saw that white headed mallard in November and got some OK pictures of her.
> On Dec 19, 2025, at 10:54 AM, sgkritzik via groups.io <sgkritzik...> wrote:
>
> At Sausal Pond on 12/17, we saw this leucistic or partially domestic female Mallard with an all-white head. We saw her once before on December 2nd, but she was sleeping in branches on the far side of the pond, and it was hard to tell what we were seeing. Now that she was out swimming with other Mallards, I got some terrible iPhone photos. Other birds seen this visit included Ring-necked Ducks, a male and female Wood Duck, a Pied-billed Grebe, and a male Bufflehead. Often, there are good numbers of Hooded Mergansers there as well. When visiting Sausal Pond, be sure to look into the branches on the far sides of the pond and the corner off to the right when facing the pond.
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> Susan Kritzik
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Date: 12/19/25 10:54 am From: sgkritzik via groups.io <sgkritzik...> Subject: [pen-bird] White-headed Mallard Female
At Sausal Pond on 12/17, we saw this leucistic or partially domestic female Mallard with an all-white head. We saw her once before on December 2nd, but she was sleeping in branches on the far side of the pond, and it was hard to tell what we were seeing. Now that she was out swimming with other Mallards, I got some terrible iPhone photos. Other birds seen this visit included Ring-necked Ducks, a male and female Wood Duck, a Pied-billed Grebe, and a male Bufflehead. Often, there are good numbers of Hooded Mergansers there as well. When visiting Sausal Pond, be sure to look into the branches on the far sides of the pond and the corner off to the right when facing the pond.
Date: 12/17/25 5:42 pm From: Caitlin Chock via groups.io <caitlin.crash...> Subject: [pen-bird] Updates on coastal rarities for Crystal Springs CBC
Hi all,
I've been birding around the Half Moon Bay area the last week on my lunch breaks and have some updates on continuing birds that CBC counters might find useful.
- Cricket Raspet's GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was present today in the same spot it was found in - along the fenceline of the Cowell-Purisima trail adjacent to the house around here 37.422435, -122.427699.
- In 2 visits to Frenchman's Creek Park, the AMERICAN REDSTART originally found on last year's CBC and here for another winter, was in the tall bottlebrushes at the east end of the park on both visits. As Kent Forward has already mentioned, a NASHVILLE WARBLER was still present yesterday. On Saturday, I may have heard but was unable to visually confirm Jari Toivanen's CANADA WARBLER along the creek riparian. A new bird yesterday was a BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK feeding quietly in the top of a eucalypt tree on the corner of Touraine and Toulouse.
- In a brief visit to Our Lady of the Pillar cemetery yesterday I was unable to locate Richard Jeffers' Worm-eating Warbler, but it has been observed in several different parts of the creek so hopefully it will make an appearance for the CBC.
Date: 12/15/25 9:58 pm From: Kent Forward via groups.io <kforward...> Subject: [pen-bird] Coastside Rarities
Good evening birders,
Just wanted to mention a few interesting finds on the coastside the past few days. On Friday a Nashville Warbler made an appearance at Frenchman’s Creek Park:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S288328979 Yesterday a big surprise was seeing a Grasshopper Sparrow on the path in front of me on a hike at Wilbur‘s Watch, quite unusual for this time of year!
