Date: 9/1/25 11:12 am From: Keith Maley via groups.io <keith.maley...> Subject: [SFBirds] Northern Waterthrush - Mt. Davidson
Appeared briefly in an elderberry, tail bobbing, chipped loudly and flew north down the hillside. Not able to relocate. Seen here: (37.7399848, -122.4542429)
Date: 8/31/25 11:12 am From: Daniel Scali via groups.io <daniel.s.scali...> Subject: [SFBirds] McLaren fall Migrants
Hello,
Migrants are trickling in. An effort by the Middle School canyon and central sections Friday turned up 2 Bullocks Orioles, 2 Black-headed Grosbeaks, a Western Tanager, a Yellow Warbler, a few Western Flycatcher, and a White-tailed Kite. Today w/ the McLaren crew (Ben Dudek and Kevin Liberg) we added a rare for the park Western Kingbird (spotted alighting on a blackberry patch by Ben), more Yellows, a Warbling Vireo, a Western-wood Pewee, and a Kestrel.
Date: 8/29/25 10:44 am From: Brian Fitch via groups.io <fogeggs...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Zebra finch and more
In 37 years of city residency, I’ve seen one Zebra Finch, many years ago.
It spent three days chasing everything else away from my seed feeder.
Brian
On Fri, Aug 29, 2025 at 10:34 AM Ann via groups.io <nelson.ann=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Are there escapees of zebra finch in SF?
>
> Seen and heard (sounds like a red-breasted nuthatch). Still tracking it
> now.
>
> 37.7726709, -122.4621001
>
> Also saw a rose-breasted grosbeak and a zillion other migrants this
> morning here.
>
>
>
Date: 8/29/25 10:24 am From: Brian Fitch via groups.io <fogeggs...> Subject: [SFBirds] Home Delivery Munias
Five Scaly-breasted Munias landed in a neighbor’s tree on Walter St. a few
minutes ago, staying long enough for me to scope them.
A questionable first for my house list…
Brian Fitch
Date: 8/28/25 8:47 am From: Amber Zertuche via groups.io <bestillamber...> Subject: [SFBirds] Olive-sided Flycatcher at Brooks
Hi all!
A cute flycatcher with a lil vest is hanging out at the top of a pine tree above the double set of picnic benches in Brooks Park. I'll post pictures to my list this afternoon but I'm 90% sure it's an Olive-sided Flycatcher!
Date: 8/27/25 2:01 pm From: Brian Fitch via groups.io <fogeggs...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Possible Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
I'd been at the small graffitied bunker at Battery Chester for several
minutes, watching singles of Hermit Warbler, W Tanager, and Acorn
Woodpecker, when movement caught my eye below in the scrub. It was an
empidonax that briefly looked like a Western, of which I'd seen two earlier
at other sites; green back, peaked head and slightly teardrop shaped eye
ring. The bird was hawking inside of a fruiting nightshade shrub, but then
it flew up into a dying pine and perched in profile. The wing panel was
unusually dark for a Western, the throat was rather bright yellow, it
appeared big headed and short tailed, and I began to get interested. I
watched it for some minutes, as it did a regular circuit between two
nightshades and multiple dead or dying pines adjacent, and on one of the
upflights from bush to tree, it gave the only call I heard, an explosive,
flat toned "pweeest!" I then tried to approach its nightshade perch for
closer looks, but it disappeared while I was in that zone. Upon climbing
back up to the paved walk, I pulled out my phone, found calls online and
played them for my own elucidation, but they immediately brought the bird
out of its hiding place and up to my level about ten feet away. I stopped
the sound and studied the bird for only a few seconds before it flew back
down to its circuit. I then wrote to the group and settled in to keep
track. After a while, the flycatcher left its route and flew into the main
thicket below the bunker and didn't show again for at least five minutes.
It then returned to the nightshades, and I didn't see it come out before
Carter arrived and then Eli. They both then spotted it back in the tree at
sidewalk level, but it again vanished, during which time we ended up
chasing in another direction what turned out to be a Western Flyc. As I
finally tried to leave, I refound the Y-b at the south end of the battery
structure, but it again disappeared before the others could reach me.
I've already described the bird, but in addition, it was very active in
tail and wing flicking, and also clung several times to the pine trunks as
it took prey from the crevices. I've just gone through some recordings and
found two very similar ones in Macauley, ML52524901 from Honduras and
ML125854571 from Florida. The call from today's bird was only different in
being slightly more drawn out.
With reference checks complete, I feel confident in removing the "Possible"
from the header, and stating that it was a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. I
hope others can see, hear, and document it before it moves on, and my only
regret is that it's not my numerical milestone species, since I saw Logan's
Y-b Flyc a few years ago at Pine Lake.
Brian Fitch
On Wed, Aug 27, 2025 at 10:54 AM Brian Fitch <fogeggs...> wrote:
> I’ve been watching an empid with dark wing panels and yellow throat, and
> it then gave an explosive “pweeest!” call. I pulled out my phone to listen
> to Y-b calls and the bird came blasting in very close.
> Battery Chester toward the octagon house.
> Brian Fitch
>
From: <SFBirds...> <SFBirds...> On Behalf Of Brian Fitch via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 1:55 PM
To: SFBirds <SFBirds...>
Subject: [SFBirds] Possible Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
I’ve been watching an empid with dark wing panels and yellow throat, and it then gave an explosive “pweeest!” call. I pulled out my phone to listen to Y-b calls and the bird came blasting in very close.
Date: 8/27/25 10:55 am From: Brian Fitch via groups.io <fogeggs...> Subject: [SFBirds] Possible Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
I’ve been watching an empid with dark wing panels and yellow throat, and it
then gave an explosive “pweeest!” call. I pulled out my phone to listen to
Y-b calls and the bird came blasting in very close.
Battery Chester toward the octagon house.
Brian Fitch
Date: 8/26/25 5:33 pm From: David Assmann via groups.io <david_assmann...> Subject: [SFBirds] Fort Mason Local Interest
There's been a steady movement of migrants through Fort Mason the last couple of days. Seen both days - WESTERN FLYCATCHER, CHIPPING SPARROW, HOODED ORIOLE, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER, WILSON'S WARBLER, and WESTERN TANAGER. Seen yesterday only - YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (first of season) and LAZULI BUNTING. The surprise bird yesterday was a SOOTY SHEARWATER flying west over the Bay with a group of BROWN PELICANS - a first for me for Fort Mason. Seen today only - WILLOW FLYCATCHER, SAVANNAH SPARROW, WESTERN KINGBIRD, and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT.
Date: 8/24/25 12:52 pm From: Dominik Mosur via groups.io <dominikmosur...> Subject: [SFBirds] continuing A. REDSTART/N. PARULA and misc. observations
This morning (8/24/25) the over-summering male AMERICAN REDSTART continued at Pine Lake; now present for 54 days.
The NORTHERN PARULA once again made an appearance next to Hoover Middle School; first in the flowering red eucalyptus trees and later dropping down into an Acacia in front of 2328 12th Avenue. This bird has been here since 8/21 although concerted efforts in the morning and afternoon the previous two days failed to turn it up.
Some other migrants noted the past week:
Western Flycatcher - Corona Hill 8/21-22, Pine Lake 8/24
Western Kingbird - dropping in briefly on Corona Hill 8/22, surprisingly the first time I’ve noted this species there in “fall” migration
Warbling Vireo - (2) at Pine Lake 8/23
N. Rough-winged Swallow - from Corona Hill 8/21
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher- on Corona Hill 8/21-22
Northern House Wren - (2) Mount Sutro 8/17, Corona Hill 8/20, Laguna Honda 8/21-23, Lily Pond (GGP) 8/23
Cedar Waxwings - Corona Hill, (2) 8/16 and (12)8/21
TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS - (3m & 2f) flew over Graystone Terrace below Twin Peaks 8/20
MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLER - Pine Lake 8/18
Common Yellowthroat - Clipper Terrace Comm. Garden 8/22
Black-headed Grosbeak - Mount Sutro 8/17
Lazuli Bunting - Laguna Honda Reservoir/Corona Hill 8/21 and Lily Pond (GGP) 8/23
One continuing SWINHOE’S WHITE-EYE responded to playback at Waller and Downey in the Haight 8/23 where this species has been continuously noted since January and appeared to have successfully fledged young earlier this year.
Date: 8/22/25 3:56 pm From: Brian Fitch via groups.io <fogeggs...> Subject: [SFBirds] Jaeger Morning
Parasitic Jaegers showed up sometime after 7 this morning after a quiet
start to the seawatch. From that time until the fog interfered with my
viewing around 8:30, multiple jaegers were constantly present, though not
in high densities. The most I saw in a single scope frame was five, with
others nearby, but they coursed back and forth too much to obtain a certain
count.
The highlight was my first Pomerines of the season, with a juv attacking a
Heermann’s and then a Parasitic, giving me a rare view of the two species
immediately adjacent to each other. Awhile later, an adult Pom flew by and
was attacked by an intermediate juv Parasitic, and shortly thereafter and
some distance from that adult, another adult Pom attacked a young
Heermann’s, grabbing it by the wing and flinging it to the surface. The
gull seemed to recover after a moment and flew back to the rocks.
Despite the good shearwater numbers not far south of me, I didn’t see any
before the fog lowered.
Brian Fitch
Date: 8/21/25 2:59 pm From: David Assmann via groups.io <david_assmann...> Subject: [SFBirds] Fort Mason Local Interest
Migrants came through in a waves at Fort Mason this morning, with the main one shortly after 8. A WESTERN KINGBIRD remained behind the General's Residence (I believe it's the same one that's been here more than a week - pictures show a little blood on it). There were at least six BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, 4 HOODED ORIOLES, 4 WESTERN TANAGERS, 2 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS, a WILSON'S WARBLER, a YELLOW WARBLER, 2 COMMON YELLOWTHROATS, and an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. A fig tree in the garden was a hub - the Grosbeaks and Tanagers joined EUROPEAN STARLINGS in eating figs. The WESTERN BLUEBIRDS hatched this year are molting into their adult plumage.
Date: 8/20/25 5:03 pm From: David Assmann via groups.io <david_assmann...> Subject: [SFBirds] San Francisco Annual City List through July 2025
Only 3 new species were added to the list for July, which is typically the slowest month of the year for new species. This brought our list to 246 (25 species below last year's total of 271 as of the end of July). The new species were Ruddy Turnstone, Fork-tailed Storm Petrel and White-breasted Nuthatch. You can see the current year list at https://sfbirds.net/2025-city-cumulative-list
Date: 8/20/25 2:55 pm From: David Assmann via groups.io <david_assmann...> Subject: [SFBirds] Local Interest at Fort Mason and Presidio - Kingbirds and others
On six of the past eight days, there have been between 1 and 3 WESTERN KINGBIRDS at Fort Mason. Yesterday, there were three, today there were two. In addition there were two Kingbirds at Crissy Lagoon this morning. In general migration has been slowly picking up at Fort Mason. Last Sunday, on the GGBA walk, we had (in addition to the Kingbird), an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, 2 WESTERN TANAGERS and 2 HOODED ORIOLES. On Monday, migrants at Fort Mason included a YELLOW WARBLER, a WILSON'S WARBLER, a WESTERN TANAGER, a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE and a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE. This morning, Fort Mason had an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, 4 HOODED ORIOLES, a WILSON'S WARBLER, a YELLOW WARBLER, a WESTERN FLYCATCHER and a RUFOUS/ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD. El Polin Springs this morning had a WESTERN FLYCATCHER, a SWAINSON'S THRUSH, a HOODED ORIOLE, 2 BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, a YELLOW WARBLER, a BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, 6 WILSON'S WARBLERS and a male WESTERN TANAGER with orange on its head.
Date: 8/18/25 12:35 pm From: Alan Hopkins via groups.io <alanhopkins...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Jaegers, Tattlers, & a Few Passerines
On the way out to the Farallones there were at least 3 Parasitic Jaegers in the Golden Gate straights seen through the heavy fog. The Farallones had the usual subjects. the Coscos Booby was there but a bit hard to see. Out past the shelf we had 6 or more Black-footed Albatross but nothing like the previous week's abundance. Had some Blue Whales, a Minky and plenty of Humpbacks
Alan S. HopkinsSan Francisco, CALink to art website
On Monday, August 18, 2025 at 11:41:03 AM PDT, Brian Fitch via groups.io <fogeggs...> wrote:
My morning seawatch was cut short by lowering fog, but between 6:45 and 7:30, there was a big feeding event not far beyond the rocks. A minimum of nine Parasitic Jaegers were stealing some of the bounty, exclusively from Elegant Terns, and one jaeger that appeared to be in normal adult plumage showed a completely white rump, a mark I don't recall seeing before. Also present was a returning Red-throated Loon, a single Sooty Shearwater, and a minimum of seven Wandering Tattlers. Last week the tattler group peaked at nine.Once the fog settled onto my viewpoint, I went over to Golden Gate Park, the section that hasn't been privatized for the past month, and found singletons of a number of migrant species, including Ash-throated Flycatcher at the Beach Chalet, Yellow Warbler at the south windmill, and Warbling Vireo, Orange-crowned Warbler, Western Tanager and Black-headed Grosbeak at North Lake.Brian Fitch
Date: 8/18/25 11:41 am From: Brian Fitch via groups.io <fogeggs...> Subject: [SFBirds] Jaegers, Tattlers, & a Few Passerines
My morning seawatch was cut short by lowering fog, but between 6:45 and 7:30, there was a big feeding event not far beyond the rocks. A minimum of nine Parasitic Jaegers were stealing some of the bounty, exclusively from Elegant Terns, and one jaeger that appeared to be in normal adult plumage showed a completely white rump, a mark I don't recall seeing before. Also present was a returning Red-throated Loon, a single Sooty Shearwater, and a minimum of seven Wandering Tattlers. Last week the tattler group peaked at nine. Once the fog settled onto my viewpoint, I went over to Golden Gate Park, the section that hasn't been privatized for the past month, and found singletons of a number of migrant species, including Ash-throated Flycatcher at the Beach Chalet, Yellow Warbler at the south windmill, and Warbling Vireo, Orange-crowned Warbler, Western Tanager and Black-headed Grosbeak at North Lake. Brian Fitch
Retraction, I had a Sanderling roosting on the beach. The Baird's could still be there....
Best,
Nico
On August 16, 2025 10:25:46 AM PDT, Nico Stuurman <nico...> wrote:
>The Baird's continues on Ocean Beach, last seen 9.30 am at about Moraga, roosting amongst foraging Snowy Plovers. Thanks Keith!
>
>Sorry for the late update, no phone on me.
>
>Best,
>
>Nico
>
>On August 16, 2025 6:47:33 AM PDT, "Keith Maley via groups.io" <keith.maley...> wrote:
>>Between Pacheco and Ortega working the wrack line near the carcass here: (37.7499201, -122.5092936)
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>--
>Nico Stuurman
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 8/16/25 10:25 am From: Nico Stuurman via groups.io <nico...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Baird’s Sandpiper- Ocean Beach
The Baird's continues on Ocean Beach, last seen 9.30 am at about Moraga, roosting amongst foraging Snowy Plovers. Thanks Keith!
Sorry for the late update, no phone on me.
Best,
Nico
On August 16, 2025 6:47:33 AM PDT, "Keith Maley via groups.io" <keith.maley...> wrote:
>Between Pacheco and Ortega working the wrack line near the carcass here: (37.7499201, -122.5092936)
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 8/14/25 11:52 am From: Amber Zertuche via groups.io <bestillamber...> Subject: [SFBirds] Gray Flycatcher - Brooks Park
Howdy, Birders!
I've got some fun news! The pictures I took recently were just confirmed as a *Gray Flycatcher* , a rare migrant not seen on the coast every year. What an exciting find!
I spotted this lovely bird on August 5 at Brooks Park. I've been back every day since but haven't seen it again, so I'm glad I was able to capture the moment and share it with all of you.
I also saw a *Hermit Warbler* at Brooks Park that day! Again, haven't seen it since.
Date: 8/13/25 12:40 pm From: Dominik Mosur via groups.io <dominikmosur...> Subject: [SFBirds] WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH Corona Hill and misc. observations
Late this morning , while walking one of the regular routes around Corona Heights Park, I heard the distinctive nasal calls of a White-breasted Nuthatch directly above my head coming from a Metrosideros tree at the corner of Roosevelt and 15th St.s.
Looking up I got point-blank looks at a heavily molting WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH. There seems to be a region wide irruption of this typically coastally scarce species, with this being the 4th one recorded in SF the past month. It was also quite a relief to my sanity as I had thought I'd been hearing a White-breasted Nuthatch calling from the north side of Corona Hill all the way back to Friday 7/18 (and as recently as yesterday) and it was great to have the confirmation that my ears aren't completely shot and I haven't lost it yet.
A few other signs of migration picking up (albeit still quite slowly):
Northern Harrier - fly by over Corona Hill during a skywatch on 8/6 kicking off the raptor watching season. This bird was also seen by Keith Maley over Mount Davidson (about 12 minutes later)
Belted Kingfisher - out of habitat bird on the move flew down Portola Drive this morning (8/13) in the mist
Northern Flickers - dispersing birds showing up on Mount Davidson and at Laguna Honda Reservoir the first week of August
Western Wood-pewee - first of "fall" migrant was near the Archery Range in West Golden Gate Park 8/10
Western Flycatcher - first of "fall" for Corona Hill 8/12
Violet-green Swallows - locally breeding birds at sites like Pine Lake seemed to have cleared out after the 3rd week of July. Flocks of migrants were noted from Corona Hill on 8/6 (35) and 8/8 (8)
Orange-crowned Warblers - apparent migrants on 8/6, Corona Hill (2) and at Hoover Middle School (1)
AMERICAN REDSTART - saw the "molt migrant" which appeared on 7/3 still at the same spot near Pine Lake on 8/7 at which time it had dramatically changed appearance into almost complete "definitive(?)" plumage. This bird was reported again the next day but I haven't caught up with it since despite making several concerted efforts the last few days, so presumably it has moved on
Western Tanager - first of "fall" on Corona Hill 8/12
Lazuli Bunting - first of "fall" on Corona Hill 8/2
Date: 8/11/25 5:29 pm From: Michaela F. via groups.io <michaelafigari...> Subject: [SFBirds] [pen-bird] GGRO 2025
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Kimberlie Moutoux via groups.io <kimberliemoutoux...>
Date: Mon, Aug 11, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Subject: [pen-bird] GGRO 2025
To: <peninsula-birding...>
Hello all.
I’m sure some of you know this but for those not involved- there is an
active construction site on the road to Hawk Hill. It may be that way til
Nov. So only current GGRO Hawk watch volunteers will be allowed to access
the counting site. I want to spare you the drive and disappointment in case
you regularly visit.
The season opened today. You can still check the website to see what was
counted
Date: 8/11/25 2:43 pm From: San Mateo County Bird Alliance via groups.io <office...> Subject: [SFBirds] Thurs. August 14 - Building a Bird-Friendly City - Zoom 7PM
This month's meeting features Glenn Phillips, Executive Director of Golden Gate Bird Alliance, who will speak about Building a Bird-Friendly City, highlighting practical strategies for making urban environments safe and welcoming for birds. Drawing on real-world examples and science-based solutions, this talk explores the challenges birds face in cities—such as habitat loss, glass collisions, and light pollution—and offers proven approaches to address them. Learn how urban planning, thoughtful landscaping, and small-scale community actions can create thriving habitats that benefit both wildlife and people. Whether you are a city planner, homeowner, or nature enthusiast, this lecture will inspire you with simple steps and impactful initiatives to transform your city into a haven for birds.
Glenn is a lifelong environmental educator and conservationist. Raised in Livermore, he got his start in environmental education by sharing his collection of reptiles and amphibians with local kindergarten classes when he was in second grade. Glenn has master’s degrees in urban sustainability and science education. He is thrilled to return home to the Bay Area after many years in NYC, where he was Executive Director of NYC Bird Alliance and Vice President for Education at Prospect Park. At NYC Bird Alliance, Glenn helped grow the membership base, expanded programming across the city, and directed the publication of the country's first Bird-Safe Building Guidelines.
Date: 8/9/25 4:52 pm From: Alan Hopkins via groups.io <alanhopkins...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] NEW - Sun Aug 10 Farallon Island trip from Sausalito
Saturday was a great trip! Lots of Puffins, Cocos Booby, Black-footed albatross, Buller's Shearwater hundreds of Pink-footed Shearwaters and More! Nice weather.
Alan
Alan S. HopkinsSan Francisco, CALink to art website
On Friday, August 8, 2025 at 10:15:21 AM PDT, Alvaro Jaramillo via groups.io <chucao...> wrote:
We had to reschedule our Thursday trip to Sunday Aug 10 due to weather. The Sunday forecast looks super nice with calm winds and calm waves. This is the last Farallon Island trip we will have this season, and it is a particularly great time to see Tufted Puffin out there as well as growing numbers of shearwaters, Humpback Whales etc. If you have wanted to go to the Farallons and had some trepidation. This looks like a great forecast, on the most stable boat going out there – the Outer Limits.
Date: 8/7/25 5:22 pm From: David Assmann via groups.io <david_assmann...> Subject: [SFBirds] Local Interest - Cedar Waxwings are back
Yesterday I observed a museum of seven CEDAR WAXWINGS flying behind the General's Residence at Fort Mason. Today I spent more than half an hour watching six of them - two adults and four hatch year birds - eating blackberries at Fort Mason.
Date: 8/7/25 12:13 pm From: Brian Fitch via groups.io <fogeggs...> Subject: [SFBirds] B-v Shearwater
A three hour seawatch at the Sutro Baths this morning was rather quiet
until the surprise appearance of a single Black-vented Shearwater. At 8:30,
I spotted a small shearwater heading north low over the surface, with a
choppy flap-flap-glide flight style, a ways beyond Seal Rocks. It’s shape
was back heavy, with relatively short wings, and it was brown-gray
dorsally, blending muddily into apparent brown on the throat and vent,
though the bird was low enough to not have those tracts clearly visible.
The belly was pale, though not white. After possibly five seconds of scope
viewing, the bird disappeared into a trough and I was not able to relocate
it.
A little later, a feeding frenzy formed and slowly moved closer to my
viewpoint, and 1-2 Sooty Shearwaters made 1-2 passes along the fringe. The
larger size, gray color, longer wing length and superior aerodynamic
ability were all notably different from the earlier small shearwater.
B-v’s are being seen in the south state, but having one this far north at
this time of year is unusual. Another observer was nearby and may have
some distant video of this bird.
Other species of interest included a continuing Wandering Tattler, and two
Parasitic Jaegers.
Brian Fitch
Date: 8/4/25 3:02 pm From: David Assmann via groups.io <david_assmann...> Subject: [SFBirds] Wrentits at Crissy Lagoon
I was at Quartermaster Reach this morning when Robert Ho notified me that he was looking at WRENTITS at the south end of the bridge over Crissy Lagoon. I could hear them before I saw them, very vocal and active in the shrubs near the bridge. An unusual place for them - normally the Battery to Bluffs trail is almost the only place where they are found in San Francisco.
