Date: 7/21/26 1:07 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [slocobirding] [eBird Alert] San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Marbled Murrelet (2 reports)
- Western x Clark's Grebe (hybrid) (4 reports)
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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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 19, 2026 09:07 by Pair of Wing-Nuts
- Cayucos Pier, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.9069453&<ll...>,-120.9069453 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S374332999 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "We moved to this location after observing a Marbled Murrelet from Lucerne Dr. a few minutes earlier, hoping for a closer view. From the end of the pier, we were able to observe the bird much better and clearly see the lighter undertail along with the paler markings on the face, neck, and back. Photographs also revealed a light stripe at the base of each wing that was not visible through the scope. Throughout our visit, the bird remained in the vicinity of the green buoy, slightly closer to shore, where it spent most of its time diving and swimming."
Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 19, 2026 08:15 by Pair of Wing-Nuts
- Lucerne Street Overlook, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.9092547&<ll...>,-120.9092547 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S374322876 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "This small alcid was observed approximately 50 yards shoreward of the green buoy, where it spent much of the time preening. Although the bird appeared relatively dark through the scope, over a 30-minute period we were able to get views of the tail, which was frequently held high, revealing a pale undertail. We also noted paler markings on the face, neck, and back."
Western x Clark's Grebe (hybrid) (Aechmophorus occidentalis x clarkii) (3)
- Reported Jul 20, 2026 09:31 by Michael Moss
- Santa Margarita Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4874811&<ll...>,-120.4874811 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S374482174 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Slight black feathering below eye flanks are paler bill is at base of mandible little brighter orange pics 1 on 2 swimming 2 mic pairs"
Western x Clark's Grebe (hybrid) (Aechmophorus occidentalis x clarkii) (3)
- Reported Jul 20, 2026 09:31 by Robbie & Bob Revel
- Santa Margarita Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4874811&<ll...>,-120.4874811 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S374499057 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Slight black feathering below eye flanks are paler bill is at base of mandible little brighter orange pics 1 on 2 swimming 2 mic pairs"
Western x Clark's Grebe (hybrid) (Aechmophorus occidentalis x clarkii) (3)
- Reported Jul 20, 2026 09:31 by Kevin Zimmer
- Santa Margarita Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4874811&<ll...>,-120.4874811 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S374540783 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Slight black feathering below eye flanks are paler bill is at base of mandible little brighter orange pics 1 on 2 swimming 2 mic pairs"
Western x Clark's Grebe (hybrid) (Aechmophorus occidentalis x clarkii) (3)
- Reported Jul 20, 2026 09:31 by Christine Hogue
- Santa Margarita Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.4874811&<ll...>,-120.4874811 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S374588781 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Slight black feathering below eye flanks are paler bill is at base of mandible little brighter orange pics 1 on 2 swimming 2 mic pairs"
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You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/19/26 9:23 am From: Ginger Langdon-Lassagne via groups.io <binzer...> Subject: Re: [slocobirding] California Bird Atlas updates - SAVE THE DATE 07/23 @7pm
Hi Again - I’ve been asked by a few folks to follow up on this message below. We have a wonderful “how to” video on YouTube, which describes the steps needed to switch a standard eBird checklist to one for the California Bird Atlas:
> On Jul 17, 2026, at 12:54 PM, Ginger Langdon-Lassagne via groups.io <binzer...> wrote:
>
> Hi folks!
>
> There’s lots to report from the California Bird Atlas. First of all, please join us on July 23rd at 7pm for the next Town Hall meeting on Zoom! We’ll be discussing the late-breeding birds of California, so even if you’re not a frequent Atlas contributor, it should be a fascinating, fun discussion! Here are the links: Register via Zoom <https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rmJ-dlOVSD2ScPlf5HWePg#/registration> | Submit a question <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnWjR4UApjRAPx0ErxR3y9dqFUNSzZ_KekPtbVGH_6JCrHIA/viewform?usp=dialog>.
>
> If you haven’t already seen it, there’s also a new Atlas Dispatch, with all the latest data from June: https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/news/atlas-dispatch-june-2026 >
> Highlights in this Dispatch include the latest tools we’re using to improve the data collection process: Code Check, and the new, updated version of Blockboard (now much more mobile-friendly!) Definitely worth a read.
>
> If there’s one thing I’d like to ask folks to understand, it’s this: if you’re submitting eBird checklists with breeding codes, but aren’t signed in with an Atlas Checklist, that data will not be added until the very end of the project, about 4.5 years from now. We will lack the information of those non-Atlas breeding records as we try to figure out which species are unconfirmed and which Atlas blocks are under-birded! So please, if you’re finding these breeding behaviors in the field, take a moment to make sure you are logged in and submitting to the data… FOR SCIENCE!
>
> Thanks to all of those who have been putting in so much work for the project. Stay tuned for more updates!
>
> Bird on,
> Ginger Langdon-Lassagne
> SLO county regiona coordinator
> California Bird Atlas
>
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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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Ashy Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates homochroa) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 11:18 by Kevin Zimmer
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.27455, -121.25971, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.259707&<ll...>,-121.259707 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S372263914 - Comments: "Smaller storm-petrel from Black with quicker and shallower wingbeats and smaller, more compact appearance. A few participants got on this bird before we got distracted by more murrelets."
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You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
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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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/17/26 12:54 pm From: Ginger Langdon-Lassagne via groups.io <binzer...> Subject: [slocobirding] California Bird Atlas updates - SAVE THE DATE 07/23 @7pm
Highlights in this Dispatch include the latest tools we’re using to improve the data collection process: Code Check, and the new, updated version of Blockboard (now much more mobile-friendly!) Definitely worth a read.
If there’s one thing I’d like to ask folks to understand, it’s this: if you’re submitting eBird checklists with breeding codes, but aren’t signed in with an Atlas Checklist, that data will not be added until the very end of the project, about 4.5 years from now. We will lack the information of those non-Atlas breeding records as we try to figure out which species are unconfirmed and which Atlas blocks are under-birded! So please, if you’re finding these breeding behaviors in the field, take a moment to make sure you are logged in and submitting to the data… FOR SCIENCE!
Thanks to all of those who have been putting in so much work for the project. Stay tuned for more updates!
Bird on,
Ginger Langdon-Lassagne
SLO county regiona coordinator
California Bird Atlas
Date: 7/17/26 10:39 am From: Rubba Johanna via groups.io <jer72701...> Subject: [slocobirding] Oystercatcher chick
While scanning the landscape at Shell Beach for the Shorebird Survey, one of us found a pair of Black Oysercatchers with a chick. Not a common sight, I think. They were on the stoneface of a cliff a short way above the waterline. Location: bluffs below the Inn at the Cove, 2651 Price St, Pismo Beach.
I have a video taken by Layla Solomon. I'll try to post it on eBird, but I'm afraid I'm not at all familiar with how to do so.
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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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 15, 2026 13:47 by Kathi Marston
- Sweet Springs Nature Preserve, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8422726&<ll...>,-120.8422726 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S372543273 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Hard to get looks at them with their heads out of the water, but you could see the white crescent by dark bill. Smaller than nearby Mallards. Has a dark eye-line, longer blue-green tertials on back and a grayer/brown over all tone. One displayed a green wing secondary, but I decided they were both BWTE upon examining the photos."
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 15, 2026 09:40 by Petra Clayton
- Bayshore Bluffs Park, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.845906&<ll...>,-120.845906 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S372601031 - Media: 1 Video, 5 Photos
- Comments: "Same female that has been present in the bay since 7/4/26.
Overall brown and whitish. Round head; whitish face and neck; very dark cheek patch; dark bill.
It was diving constantly as it was actively foraging.
Third-ever eBird report of this species viewed from this eBird hotspot. Prior reports 3/17/1996 and 1/19/2024."
American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 13, 2026 09:58 by Tom Edell
- West Hazard Canyon--Montana de Oro SP, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8812916&<ll...>,-120.8812916 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371835915 - Media: 11 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird foraging on the second shelf-reef down coast from Hazard Canyon. Updating my original Jehl score based on new photos, I scored this bird at 29-31. The secondary coverts have grown in and there appeared to be more black feathers (many with white fringes) on the breast below the solid black border. There is still a little dusky color on the outer bill and the bird is still molting. It still retains its old outer three primaries and secondaries, which were a faded brown color. There is a gap in the primaries that will soon be filled by an emerging primary. This bird fed with three Black Oystercatchers. It resembles the Baja California subspecies frazari, though how one would separate it from a Channel Islands hybrid is unclear to me. (Photos)"
Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) (1)
- Reported Jul 15, 2026 10:38 by Tom Edell
- Morro Strand State Beach, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8678892&<ll...>,-120.8678892 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S372532870 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Smaller than Elegant Terns with dark legs and an all black bill with a faint red tinge. Legs appear short in photos but length not noted in the field. White forehead with black extending from eye to rear crown and nape. Gray upper parts and white below. I was never able to see a dark carpal bar and never saw the bird in flight. I suspect this is a second year bird. The bird was initially passed off as a Common Tern. This is the earliest July record for the county. (Photos)"
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) (1)
- Reported Jul 15, 2026 12:32 by Andrew Fleming
- Morro Strand State Beach, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8678892&<ll...>,-120.8678892 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S372577721 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing immature found earlier by Tom. Smaller than nearby Elegant Terns with an all black bill and partial back cap. Took a few digibin pictures for ID. Was initially sitting and bathing in the pond at the Alva Paul Creek mouth with some of the Elegants, then moved out onto the sand and stood just a bit removed from the main big flock."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/16/26 3:58 pm From: Tom Edell via groups.io <TEdell...> Subject: [slocobirding] Upcoming Boat trip
Forwarded for Reef Comer:
I’m currently planning a pelagic with a friend of mine to hopefully get us out at the very least, on the edge of the continental shelf, if not deeper. Main goal is Cook’s Petrel, which seems to be prevalent off our coast this year, but can always turn up something even more unexpected, especially with El Niño conditions looming. Still waiting to hear back about exact date and prices, but wanted to put this out here to give folks a heads up. Going to shoot for early August!
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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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 14, 2026 19:42 by Fox Vasquez
- Morro Bay Estuary (use more specific location(s) when possible), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8501072&<ll...>,-120.8501072 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S372228238 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing female enjoying her spot on the wooden platform of the southern oyster farm. Bulky brown duck with diagnostic white patch and bar under wing. Good viewpoint from (35.3319864, -120.8425659)."
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 10, 2026 09:20 by Petra Clayton
- 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/S370449195 - Media: 1 Video, 8 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing female on the sandspit beach, mostly preening.
Overall brown and whitish. Round head; whitish face and neck; light brown crown; very dark dark cheek patch; dark bill."
Vaux's Swift (Chaetura vauxi) (3)
- Reported Jul 15, 2026 05:51 by Ben Kolstad
- Atascadero Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6667256&<ll...>,-120.6667256 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S372374920 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Small brown swifts all over in the very dark morning light. Could easily have been 6 or 7 of them but I’m sure of at minimum 3. Easy to pick out from the purple martins and violet greens."
American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 14, 2026 17:30 by Fox Vasquez
- West Hazard Canyon--Montana de Oro SP, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8812916&<ll...>,-120.8812916 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S372218650 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing oystercatcher, observed foraging around (35.2876722, -120.8833207) for about 5 minutes before flying a few hundred yards south. Dark brown mantle, black head and clean white belly."
Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 12:39 by Kevin Zimmer
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.20743, -121.20529, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.205288&<ll...>,-121.205288 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S372263932 - Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "First spotted sitting in the water. Small compared to two adjacent western gulls floating nearby. Striking black, white, gray wing pattern seen in flight. Photos to be added"
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 13:38 by Kevin Zimmer
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.21777, -121.09886, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.098864&<ll...>,-121.098864 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S372263939 - Media: 23 Photos
- Comments: "Large white seabird sitting in water. “Messy” plummage. Orangish bill. Suspected to be a different individual than the Booby we saw on an earlier list today. Photos to be added."
Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) (1)
- Reported Jul 13, 2026 18:00 by Jim Royer
- My House, 337 Henrietta Ave., Los Osos US-CA (35.3172,-120.8507), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8507143&<ll...>,-120.8507143 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S372446415 - Comments: "A compact accipiter that circled around near the house before disappearing to the northwest. The wing flapping was sharp and quick in little or no wind. There was very little head projection, the tail was squared off with little noticeable light terminal tail band. Cooper’s is definitely the expected accipiter now, but this looked to be a Sharp-shinned. We have no known Cooper’s or Sharp-shunned nesting nearby this year, although in recent last years Cooper’s have nested nearby. It was an adult."
Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Jul 14, 2026 07:24 by Will Knowlton
- Cholame Valley (SLO Co.), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.3057475&<ll...>,-120.3057475 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S372457774 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing individual near the county line that has been previously observed at this location on May 28, June 4, and July 9, 2026. It's continued presence in this area makes me think it likely nested nearby, possibly just north of the county border in Monterey County."
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You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/15/26 8:19 am From: Bob Revel via groups.io <robrev...> Subject: Re: [slocobirding] Welcome back, Dozer!
Welcome back, Dozer – glad you will be here for the MBBF this year. The funding for this research project was cut by the Federal Gov. and you know who. There were so many of these worthy projects that were discontinued, it would be impossible to refund them all. Heather, the researcher that banded Dozer and his mate, was here for the festival 2 years ago and was able to see Dozer for the first time on his wintering grounds. A lot of knowledge was gained during the years of the study. Grateful for all of that.
From: <slocobirding...> <slocobirding...> On Behalf Of petra schaaf via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 1:25 AM
To: Slocobirding <slocobirding...>
Subject: Re: [slocobirding] Welcome back, Dozer!
I am happy to report our first encounter with Dozer since 2024. We never saw him last year.
On Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 03:14:10 PM PDT, Kaaren Perry via groups.io <surfbird1...> <mailto:<surfbird1...> > wrote:
Hi Carol.
Thanks for the updated summary. What a guy! Still sad that the funding for the project had been called off, indefinitely I assume. Too bad that MCAS and other Audubon chapters didn't take up a fund raising drive for the possibility of renewing the monitoring research project. Seems that it would be a well received donation venue. I sure know I for one would help with a little $ if I knew it was going to help. I imagine it is too late now?
On Jul 5, 2026, at 8:22 AM, RoserComeau via groups.io <80comros...> <mailto:<80comros...> > wrote:
A big congratulations to Anne Marie Bergen for spotting and photographing our celebrity Long-billed Curlew, MV Dozer, at Morro Strand State Beach on July 3rd. For those new to the SLOCO Birding Group, here's some background:
· Dozer was banded and fitted with a satellite transmitter by the Intermountain Bird Observatory in May 2020, at his breeding grounds in Indian Valley in Idaho's West Central Mountains.
· Local birder Petra Clayton first spotted Dozer on Sunday, June 21, 2020, at Morro Strand State Beach. This marks his 6th non-breeding season on the Central Coast, where he's frequently seen near Alva Paul on Morro Strand. In 2025, the Tillmans spotted him on June 28th.
· On September 11, 2024, Dozer's transmitter went silent after he lost part of the antenna on his "backpack" unit — a small piece of it is still visible.
· Mimi, Dozer's mate, was banded in early May 2021 at Indian Valley, ID. Her transmitter kept working until May 29, 2025, last signaling from an agricultural field in Mexico (32.159160, -115.075530). Since the signal hadn't moved since January, she's presumed deceased.
· Funding for the curlew monitoring program ended several years ago, so we can't confirm whether Dozer has found a new mate or had a successful breeding season this year. He's expected to stick around the Central Coast until March, so keep an eye out — you might get lucky with a sighting of our famous curlew! And even without funding, I still pass along Dozer sightings to the researchers.
Date: 7/15/26 6:48 am From: <iseekbirds...> via groups.io <iseekbirds...> Subject: [slocobirding] Not SLO County but Close Enough-Lesser Nighthawk Show
Not San Luis Obispo County but far northern SB County. Last night, the Lesser Nighthawk show at the middle pond at the Santa Maria Mesa Road Ponds hotspot was truly impressive. We have a few more warm, buggy nights. It's worth your time if interested. The show started around 8:15 p.m. last night.
John Deacon
<iseekbirds...>
Date: 7/15/26 1:25 am From: petra schaaf via groups.io <pcschaaf...> Subject: Re: [slocobirding] Welcome back, Dozer!
I am happy to report our first encounter with Dozer since 2024. We never saw him last year.
I added a link to a Flickr video to our eBird checklist.
Petra ClaytonLos Osos, CA
On Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 03:14:10 PM PDT, Kaaren Perry via groups.io <surfbird1...> wrote:
Hi Carol.
Thanks for the updated summary. What a guy! Still sad that the funding for the project had been called off, indefinitely I assume. Too bad that MCAS and other Audubon chapters didn't take up a fund raising drive for the possibility of renewing the monitoring research project. Seems that it would be a well received donation venue. I sure know I for one would help with a little $ if I knew it was going to help. I imagine it is too late now?
Happy After 4th!
Kaaren Perry
Morro Bay
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaarenp/
On Jul 5, 2026, at 8:22 AM, RoserComeau via groups.io <80comros...> wrote:
A big congratulations to Anne Marie Bergen for spotting andphotographing our celebrity Long-billed Curlew, MV Dozer, at Morro Strand StateBeach on July 3rd. For those new to the SLOCO Birding Group, here's somebackground:
· Dozerwas banded and fitted with a satellite transmitter by the Intermountain BirdObservatory in May 2020, at his breeding grounds in Indian Valley in Idaho'sWest Central Mountains.
· Localbirder Petra Clayton first spotted Dozer on Sunday, June 21, 2020, at MorroStrand State Beach. This marks his 6th non-breeding season on the CentralCoast, where he's frequently seen near Alva Paul on Morro Strand. In 2025, theTillmans spotted him on June 28th.
· OnSeptember 11, 2024, Dozer's transmitter went silent after he lost part of theantenna on his "backpack" unit — a small piece of it is stillvisible.
· Mimi,Dozer's mate, was banded in early May 2021 at Indian Valley, ID. Hertransmitter kept working until May 29, 2025, last signaling from anagricultural field in Mexico (32.159160, -115.075530). Since the signal hadn'tmoved since January, she's presumed deceased.
· Fundingfor the curlew monitoring program ended several years ago, so we can't confirmwhether Dozer has found a new mate or had a successful breeding season thisyear. He's expected to stick around the Central Coast until March, so keep aneye out — you might get lucky with a sighting of our famous curlew! And evenwithout funding, I still pass along Dozer sightings to the researchers.
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Ashy Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates homochroa) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 11:18 by Russ Namitz
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.27455, -121.25971, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.259707&<ll...>,-121.259707 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371696581 - Comments: "Smaller storm-petrel from Black with quicker and shallower wingbeats and smaller, more compact appearance. A few participants got on this bird before we got distracted by more murrelets."
Ashy Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates homochroa) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 11:18 by Ann Stockert
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.27455, -121.25971, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.259707&<ll...>,-121.259707 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371716599 - Comments: "Smaller storm-petrel from Black with quicker and shallower wingbeats and smaller, more compact appearance. A few participants got on this bird before we got distracted by more murrelets."
Ashy Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates homochroa) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 11:18 by Reef Comer
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.27455, -121.25971, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.259707&<ll...>,-121.259707 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371468750 - Comments: "Smaller storm-petrel from Black with quicker and shallower wingbeats and smaller, more compact appearance. A few participants got on this bird before we got distracted by more murrelets."
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 09:12 by Reef Comer
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.35579, -121.04882, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.048819&<ll...>,-121.048819 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371468798 - Media: 8 Photos
- Comments: "Update: After reviewing photos, there appears to be a slight pinkish cast to bill favoring Nazca over Masked. Even in these blurry photos, Masked should show a greener-yellow cast to the bill at this age. We were also able to view a second NABO from a similar age class under better viewing conditions and see a similar bill coloration. https://ebird.org/checklist/S371696758
Large booby seen from the bow flying south away from the boat. Unable to definitively ID in the field due to direction of flight."
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 09:12 by Mike Bush
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.35579, -121.04882, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.048819&<ll...>,-121.048819 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371470272 - Media: 8 Photos
- Comments: "Update: After reviewing photos, there appears to be a slight pinkish cast to bill favoring Nazca over Masked. Even in these blurry photos, Masked should show a greener-yellow cast to the bill at this age. We were also able to view a second NABO from a similar age class under better viewing conditions and see a similar bill coloration. https://ebird.org/checklist/S371696758
Large booby seen from the bow flying south away from the boat. Unable to definitively ID in the field due to direction of flight."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 11:39 by James Hinshaw-Zingo
- West Hazard Canyon--Montana de Oro SP, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8812916&<ll...>,-120.8812916 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371364408 - Comments: "White belly, brown back, black head. Messy border between black neck and white breast consistent with typical individuals in northwestern Baja peninsula. Continuing individual."
Scripps's Murrelet (Synthliboramphus scrippsi) (2)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 13:38 by Ben Kolstad
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.21777, -121.09886, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.098864&<ll...>,-121.098864 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371498527 - Media: 8 Photos
- Comments: "Small alcid seen off bow of boat. Black above, white below. Photos to be added. Two different individuals seen 10 minutes apart."
Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 12:39 by Russ Namitz
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.20743, -121.20529, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.205288&<ll...>,-121.205288 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371696698 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "First spotted sitting in the water. Small compared to two adjacent western gulls floating nearby. Striking black, white, gray wing pattern seen in flight. Photos to be added"
Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 12:39 by Ben Kolstad
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.20743, -121.20529, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.205288&<ll...>,-121.205288 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371498526 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "First spotted sitting in the water. Small compared to two adjacent western gulls floating nearby. Striking black, white, gray wing pattern seen in flight. Photos to be added"
Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 12:39 by Ann Stockert
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.20743, -121.20529, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.205288&<ll...>,-121.205288 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371716660 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "First spotted sitting in the water. Small compared to two adjacent western gulls floating nearby. Striking black, white, gray wing pattern seen in flight. Photos to be added"
Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 12:39 by Mike Bush
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.20743, -121.20529, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.205288&<ll...>,-121.205288 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371470441 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "First spotted sitting in the water. Small compared to two adjacent western gulls floating nearby. Striking black, white, gray wing pattern seen in flight. Photos to be added"
Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 12:39 by Reef Comer
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.20743, -121.20529, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.205288&<ll...>,-121.205288 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371468667 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "First spotted sitting in the water. Small compared to two adjacent western gulls floating nearby. Striking black, white, gray wing pattern seen in flight. Photos to be added"
Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 12:39 by Yamina Pressler
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.20743, -121.20529, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.205288&<ll...>,-121.205288 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371466871 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "First spotted sitting in the water. Small compared to two adjacent western gulls floating nearby. Striking black, white, gray wing pattern seen in flight. Photos to be added"
Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 12:39 by Leisyka Parrott
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.20743, -121.20529, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.205288&<ll...>,-121.205288 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371468214 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "First spotted sitting in the water. Small compared to two adjacent western gulls floating nearby. Striking black, white, gray wing pattern seen in flight. Photos to be added"
Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 12:39 by Petra Clayton
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.20743, -121.20529, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.205288&<ll...>,-121.205288 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371628666 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "First spotted sitting in the water. Small compared to two adjacent western gulls floating nearby. Striking black, white, gray wing pattern seen in flight. Photos to be added"
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 13:38 by Reef Comer
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.21777, -121.09886, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.098864&<ll...>,-121.098864 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371468623 - Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "Large white seabird sitting in water. “Messy” plummage. Orangish bill. Suspected to be a different individual than the Booby we saw on an earlier list today. Photos to be added."
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 13:38 by Ben Kolstad
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.21777, -121.09886, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.098864&<ll...>,-121.098864 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371498527 - Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "Large white seabird sitting in water. “Messy” plummage. Orangish bill. Suspected to be a different individual than the Booby we saw on an earlier list today. Photos to be added."
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 13:38 by Russ Namitz
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.21777, -121.09886, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.098864&<ll...>,-121.098864 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371696758 - Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "Large white seabird sitting in water. “Messy” plummage. Orangish bill. Suspected to be a different individual than the Booby we saw on an earlier list today. Photos to be added."
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 13:38 by Leisyka Parrott
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.21777, -121.09886, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.098864&<ll...>,-121.098864 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371468079 - Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "Large white seabird sitting in water. “Messy” plummage. Orangish bill. Suspected to be a different individual than the Booby we saw on an earlier list today. Photos to be added."
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 13:38 by Ann Stockert
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.21777, -121.09886, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.098864&<ll...>,-121.098864 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371716661 - Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "Large white seabird sitting in water. “Messy” plummage. Orangish bill. Suspected to be a different individual than the Booby we saw on an earlier list today. Photos to be added."
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 13:38 by Petra Clayton
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.21777, -121.09886, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.098864&<ll...>,-121.098864 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371627237 - Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "Large white seabird sitting in water. “Messy” plummage. Orangish bill. Suspected to be a different individual than the Booby we saw on an earlier list today. Photos to be added."
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 13:38 by Yamina Pressler
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.21777, -121.09886, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.098864&<ll...>,-121.098864 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371466997 - Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "Large white seabird sitting in water. “Messy” plummage. Orangish bill. Suspected to be a different individual than the Booby we saw on an earlier list today. Photos to be added."
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 13:38 by Mike Bush
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.21777, -121.09886, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.098864&<ll...>,-121.098864 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371470486 - Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "Large white seabird sitting in water. “Messy” plummage. Orangish bill. Suspected to be a different individual than the Booby we saw on an earlier list today. Photos to be added."
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 09:12 by Ann Stockert
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.35579, -121.04882, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.048819&<ll...>,-121.048819 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371716549 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Update: After reviewing photos, there appears to be a slight pinkish cast to bill favoring Nazca over Masked. Even in these blurry photos, Masked should show a greener-yellow cast to the bill at this age. We were also able to view a second NABO from a similar age class under better viewing conditions and see a similar bill coloration. https://ebird.org/checklist/S371696758
Large booby seen from the bow flying south away from the boat. Unable to definitively ID in the field due to direction of flight."
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) (1)
- Reported Jul 12, 2026 09:12 by Russ Namitz
- North Pacific Ocean, 35.35579, -121.04882, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.048819&<ll...>,-121.048819 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S371696446 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Update: After reviewing photos, there appears to be a slight pinkish cast to bill favoring Nazca over Masked. Even in these blurry photos, Masked should show a greener-yellow cast to the bill at this age. We were also able to view a second NABO from a similar age class under better viewing conditions and see a similar bill coloration. https://ebird.org/checklist/S371696758
Large booby seen from the bow flying south away from the boat. Unable to definitively ID in the field due to direction of flight."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/12/26 10:52 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [slocobirding] [eBird Alert] San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- American Redstart (1 report)
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 08, 2026 08:45 by Ling Gan
- Pismo SB--Oceano Campground, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6265268&<ll...>,-120.6265268 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S370910074 - Comments: "Continuing female, carrying insects to presumed nest with cowbird. Grey on top, mostly pale underneath except for some yellow, dark tail with yellow spots. Busy foraging and delivering insects."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/11/26 8:58 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [slocobirding] [eBird Alert] San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Ring-necked Duck (2 reports)
- King Eider (1 report)
- Long-tailed Duck (1 report)
- Red-breasted Merganser (3 reports)
- Black Skimmer (1 report)
- Least Bittern (1 report)
- American Redstart (1 report)
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 10, 2026 09:30 by Bob McCay
- Whale Rock Reservoir, Cottontail Creek arm., San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.870151&<ll...>,-120.870151 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S370295470 - Comments: "Probably continuing bird. Diving duck, black back with gray sides, peaked head, gray bill with white band near tip. Foraging out from the big pullout on the cottontail creek arm."
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 10, 2026 16:14 by Tom Edell
- Morro Bay SP--Marina/Boardwalk Trail, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8418006&<ll...>,-120.8418006 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S370428267 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Female in one of its two usual spots. Long distance look at overall brown duck with black bill that showed white in underwing when it flapped its wings. Very poor photo shows location at southern oyster facility. Bird is resting in front of right white upright pole. Slightly better view through scope."
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 05, 2026 16:00 by Kathy Phipps
- Morro Bay Estuary (use more specific location(s) when possible), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8501072&<ll...>,-120.8501072 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S369521261 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "We saw this female long-tailed duck on the sandspit in Morro Bay. It was standing at the waters edge across from Tidelands Park."
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) (3) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 10, 2026 16:14 by Tom Edell
- Morro Bay SP--Marina/Boardwalk Trail, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8418006&<ll...>,-120.8418006 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S370428267 - Comments: "three flying together out into bay from upper estuary. Thin reddish billed ducks with white wing patches. Pale reddish heads were not brick red enough for Common Merganser."
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 09, 2026 12:24 by Terri May
- San Simeon Creek Mouth/Beach, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.1267052&<ll...>,-121.1267052 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S370210862 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Observed one bird in the creek near the bridge. It was very tattered in appearance. It had a long narrow bill with a small black portion on the tip, a small white plumage patch at the top of the bill, a small white patch under the bill, overall the body was light-colored plumage. Potentially an immature or molting individual."
Least Bittern (Botaurus exilis) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 10, 2026 08:52 by Tom Edell
- Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6903817&<ll...>,-120.6903817 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S370320840 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "One perched in bulrushes and then flying at NW end of lake. One seen at Prefumo creek outlet area and photographed in the mid-lake bulrushes. Distant bird identified in flight by small size and buff colored inner wing and dark flight feathers. Close bird appeared to be a male based on the chestnut color below the dark cap, brownish back, and white border to scapulars. (photos)"
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (1)
- Reported Jul 08, 2026 09:55 by Petra Clayton
- Pismo SB--Oceano Campground, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6265268&<ll...>,-120.6265268 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S369639466 - Comments: "The most prominent field mark of this otherwise rather inconspicuous female-plumaged bird were the light yellow panels in the brown tail when fanned as the bird was moving through the willows on the east side of the loop trail, about 200 yards north of the Norswing entrance, by the black plastic culvert. It was mostly on the east side of the trail, closer to Highway One than the lagoon.
It had a medium gray head and face with a dark line through the eye and white eye arcs. The back was gray, the throat and breast were white and the belly was light yellow.
It is presumed to be a female, because it was seen carrying food in its dark bill. However, we were unable to locate the nest."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/10/26 7:19 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [slocobirding] [eBird Alert] San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Vaux's Swift (1 report)
- Black Skimmer (1 report)
- Swainson's Hawk (1 report)
- American Redstart (1 report)
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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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 09, 2026 13:03 by Kathi Marston
- Morro Bay Harbor, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.857&<ll...>,-120.857 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S369913507 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Skimming the water near the Sandspit directly across the harbor landed approximately here (35.3668008, -120.8565094). Two long winged black-backed birds with different lengths of black and orange bills. Photographed."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/9/26 5:40 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [slocobirding] [eBird Alert] San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- King Eider (2 reports)
- Long-tailed Duck (1 report)
- Red-breasted Merganser (1 report)
- American Redstart (3 reports)
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 08, 2026 12:14 by Kathi Marston
- Morro Bay SP--Marina/Boardwalk Trail, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8418006&<ll...>,-120.8418006 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S369523455 - Comments: "Continuing female Eider. Seen with RJ Adams via his scope. Very bad photos due to heat haze, but it was in a line of Cormorants for size & shape comparisons. Could see a large rusty-brown duck. It had a distinctive heavy bill & an even slope from the forehead."
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 08, 2026 12:04 by R.J. Adams
- Morro Bay SP--Marina/Boardwalk Trail, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8418006&<ll...>,-120.8418006 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S369470719 - Comments: "Continuing female eider. Distant views looking south from the Morro Bay Boardwalk at a female eider (large rusty-tan sea duck with distinctive heavy, dark bill with an even slope from the forehead). It was with a large flock of cormorants on a mud at the channel mouth"
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 08, 2026 08:58 by Tom Edell
- 561 Embarcadero (35.363, -120.853), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8526823&<ll...>,-120.8526823 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S369496327 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "continuing female across the harbor where it was resting on the inside of the sandspit. The bird had its head tucked into its back the entire time I was present. Photos by another observer this morning showed the bird standing. Its feathers were both worn and sun bleached and the bill was dark and showed no pink (expected on a male)."
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 08, 2026 08:58 by Tom Edell
- 561 Embarcadero (35.363, -120.853), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8526823&<ll...>,-120.8526823 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S369496327 - Comments: "two continuing female plumaged birds sleeping along the inside of the sandspit. Both resting with bills tucked into back while in view. A little earlier when I first saw one of these birds if showed the expected thin, orangish merganser type bill, gray upper parts, pale underparts, and rusty reddish colored head that was too pale for a Common Merganser."
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 08, 2026 09:39 by Ben Golet
- Oceano County Park, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6255312&<ll...>,-120.6255312 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S369433080 - Comments: "Continuing female feeding in willows and returning to nest site to feed chick which could be heard calling frequently. Yellow shoulder patches, tail flicking and displaying light patches while moving quickly in canopy."
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (1)
- Reported Jul 08, 2026 08:45 by Alexander Yan
- Pismo SB--Oceano Campground, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6265268&<ll...>,-120.6265268 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S369423483 - Comments: "Continuing female, carrying insects to presumed nest with cowbird. Grey on top, mostly pale underneath except for some yellow, dark tail with yellow spots. Busy foraging and delivering insects."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/8/26 8:24 am From: Tom Edell via groups.io <TEdell...> Subject: Re: [slocobirding] Female Long-tailed Duck?
Hi Kphipps,The bird you photographed is a female Long-tailed Duck. It's typically a rare winter visitor and it is unusual for one to be here in summer.Tom Edell Cayucos, CA Sent from my Galaxy -------- Original message --------From: "kphipps456 via groups.io" <kphipps456...> Date: 7/8/26 7:52 AM (GMT-08:00) To: <slocobirding...> Subject: [slocobirding] Female Long-tailed Duck? I saw this duck today while boating on Morro Bay (it was standing on the sandspit). I don't recognize it. Is it a female long-tailed duck or something else?
Date: 7/8/26 7:52 am From: kphipps456 via groups.io <kphipps456...> Subject: [slocobirding] Female Long-tailed Duck?
I saw this duck today while boating on Morro Bay (it was standing on the sandspit). I don't recognize it. Is it a female long-tailed duck or something else?
Date: 7/8/26 3:52 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [slocobirding] [eBird Alert] San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Blue-winged Teal (2 reports)
- King Eider (4 reports)
- Rufous Hummingbird (1 report)
- American Oystercatcher (2 reports)
- American Redstart (4 reports)
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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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) (1)
- Reported Jul 07, 2026 12:56 by Derek Heins
- Morro Bay SP--Marina/Boardwalk Trail, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8418006&<ll...>,-120.8418006 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S369153955 - Comments: "Long continuing female. Had seen it earlier from Pasadena Park Beach in the same area, and came up to this location after going further south for the American Oystercatcher, so by the time we got to boardwalk the mid-day heat-waves were significant. The eider eventually flew a short distance and then was swimming along the shoreline."
American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 07, 2026 11:38 by Cris Heins
- West Hazard Canyon--Montana de Oro SP, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8812916&<ll...>,-120.8812916 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S369153655 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Poor photos as we scoped it from (35.2859910, -120.8839869). It was at roughly (35.2899316, -120.8830673) , about as far away as we could see north from where we were scoping."
American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 07, 2026 11:38 by Derek Heins
- West Hazard Canyon--Montana de Oro SP, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8812916&<ll...>,-120.8812916 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S369153654 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Poor photos as we scoped it from (35.2859910, -120.8839869). It was at roughly (35.2899316, -120.8830673) , about as far away as we could see north from where we were scoping."
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 07, 2026 06:51 by Ann Stockert
- Pismo SB--Oceano Campground, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6265268&<ll...>,-120.6265268 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S369002516 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "***Continuing pair visiting nest with young. See 7/6 checklist (https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S368701434) for general description of both birds and experience which was similar to today’s. Apparently Ben Kolstad was able to see the male well just prior to our arrival today; like yesterday our views were again brief and largely flying through the willows. Our experience with the female was similar to yesterday, but we were able to locate the nest this morning in the same area obscured deep in the willows at eye level and were able to confirm that the nestling that is being fed is indeed a Cowbird, which was fed mostly by the female every 1-3 minutes. We were both able to get photos of the female, nest, and Cowbird being fed. KH was also able to get a short video of the Cowbird being fed by the female. Photos"
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 07, 2026 06:16 by Ben Kolstad
- Pismo SB--Oceano Campground, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6265268&<ll...>,-120.6265268 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S368992848 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Male foraging near area reported recently. Repeated forays. No female visible at this location until Killian and Ann showed up, then it was everywhere. Coopers Hawks were very present from time to time, both in the canopy and overhead, perhaps contributing to the lack of visibility of the redstarts from time to time. I observed the male redstart with food in his mouth flying down low to the sound of a begging chick. Killian and Ann later discovered the nest and observed a BHCO chick being fed."
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 03, 2026 09:06 by Tom Edell
- Pismo SB--Oceano Campground, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6265268&<ll...>,-120.6265268 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S367189495 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "We were here to look for the adult male American Redstart and heard one calling in the willows by the first culvert north of the Norswing trail entrance. Instead of a male we found a female type bird that was a pain to view because it was constantly moving in the willows between the lagoon trail and Hwy 1 which at this time of day also meant it was backlit much of the time. Nonetheless, the bird fanned its tail as it fed in the willows, mostly at mid-height or slightly higher. We saw no black or orange on this bird so it was not the male previously reported at this location. In my many brief views this bird pale underparts and yellow patches on the outer part of the inner tail with a broad dark outer tail were seen. A couple of times I got the impression that the bird was molting its underparts and wondered if this could have been an immature male. I did once hear an American Redstart song while looking for the bird and many sweet chip notes that sounded like they came from this bird were heard, though there was a Yellow Warbler in the area that we never saw.
Note added on 7 Jul: The adult male and a female were found and calling fledgling heard on 6 Jul by another party. On 7 Jul, the same party saw the pair feeding a juvenile cowbird in a nest."
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 03, 2026 09:06 by Mike Bush
- Pismo SB--Oceano Campground, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6265268&<ll...>,-120.6265268 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S369174582 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "We were here to look for the adult male American Redstart and heard one calling in the willows by the first culvert north of the Norswing trail entrance. Instead of a male we found a female type bird that was a pain to view because it was constantly moving in the willows between the lagoon trail and Hwy 1 which at this time of day also meant it was backlit much of the time. Nonetheless, the bird fanned its tail as it fed in the willows, mostly at mid-height or slightly higher. We saw no black or orange on this bird so it was not the male previously reported at this location. In my many brief views this bird pale underparts and yellow patches on the outer part of the inner tail with a broad dark outer tail were seen. A couple of times I got the impression that the bird was molting its underparts and wondered if this could have been an immature male. I did once hear an American Redstart song while looking for the bird and many sweet chip notes that sounded like they came from this bird were heard, though there was a Yellow Warbler in the area that we never saw.
Note added on 7 Jul: The adult male and a female were found and calling fledgling heard on 6 Jul by another party. On 7 Jul, the same party saw the pair feeding a juvenile cowbird in a nest."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/7/26 2:07 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [slocobirding] [eBird Alert] San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Least Bittern (1 report)
- American Redstart (1 report)
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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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Least Bittern (Botaurus exilis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 05, 2026 10:15 by Petra Clayton
- Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6903817&<ll...>,-120.6903817 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S368343636 - Media: 1 Video, 4 Photos
- Comments: "Overall it appeared to be smaller and lighter in color than a juvenile Green Heron. Dark crown; buffy hind-neck; creamy-colored face and underparts from chin to lower belly; yellow bill; greenish-yellow legs. In flight the coverts were buffy and the remiges dark.
Observed from the vacant lot at the Prefumo Creek mouth."
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 06, 2026 10:47 by The Kingbirder
- Pismo SB--Oceano Campground, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6265268&<ll...>,-120.6265268 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S368701434 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "***Very rare. 1st county nesting record! After birding Pismo and Arroyo Grande Creek Mouths this morning without finding much of note I decided to follow up on Tom Edell’s report of a female Redstart at this location on Friday (7/3), and was able to spot the continuing female right away as it caught insects at eye level in the willow understory. This was a pale, rather worn, average-sized parulid warbler that exhibited a medium-sized, flat all-dark bill, pale grayish head, pale lores, dark eye, essentially white throat and underparts with the exception of the reduced dull yellow patch on the upper sides, dark legs and feet, dull pale olive green back, dark wing coverts with dull yellow bases to the folded secondaries, and a largely dark tail except for the yellow basal half of the outer rectricies (“starts”). In typical Redstart fashion, the tail was frequently fanned as it foraged and collected food. The only part of this bird that one may see on average in the field that I was not able to see well was the uppertail coverts. The female was actually quite vocal, and almost constantly gave chip calls that were similar to a (Northern) Yellow Warbler, but softer and sweeter sounding, with less of a piercing quality. After a little while I noticed that the female was actually carrying food, and eventually it flew back further into the willows and down into the brambles suggesting it was visiting a nest to feed young! Almost instantly after, I heard the sound of at least one nestling being fed with a loud twittering call. I tried for another 20 minutes to find the nest and/or see a nestling without any luck, although the female continued to bring food to the presumed nest site and feed the nestling frequently during my observation.
I was also able to briefly see the continuing returning ~7+ year old (ASY when found in 2021) male Redstart at one point during my observation as it flew by in front of me at eye level in the willow understory flying towards the presumed nest site. This was an obvious parulid warbler that was identical in shape, structure, and size as the female that exhibited a similar small dark pointed bill, a jet black head, throat, upper back, and breast that extended down raggedly almost around the bright neon orange upper sides on each side and contrasted sharply with the otherwise white and neon orange underparts. The upper sides were a bright neon orange color that extended weakly down towards the flanks and extended barely into the vent area and contrasting strongly with the dark breast and slightly less strongly with the bright white underparts. The wing coverts were largely black save for the orange bases to the secondaries. This bird had a short broad forked orange tail with long black tips, giving the tail a “half orange half black” appearance (“Red Starts”). In my brief view I was not able to see many finer details of this bird such as the eye and leg and feet color, uppertail coverts, and whether or not this bird fanned it’s tail as it foraged. This bird was later heard calling frequently like the female, but gave a different sharper, more metallic call. I did not hear the male (or female for that matter) sing. Also, I did not see this bird carrying food but I did hear the nestling being fed while the female was in view catching food, so I suspect the male was feeding the nestling as well. I did not see it after it flew by the first time.
Overall my view of the male was brief and largely in flight, but I was nonetheless able to see it well enough to identify. The female, on the other hand, was seen well and reasonably close, and I was able to watch it as it moved around and visited the nest site for an extended period of time. I was only able to get photos of the female and they are not good, but show enough to sufficiently document it.
In regards to the identity of the nestling I did not see it so am leaving it as passerine sp. It is possible that the nestling is indeed a Redstart but it seems equally plausible that this pair has been parasitized by Cowbirds. In fact my recording of the calling fledgling may be more indicative of this, though I wasn’t able to hear it well enough in the field to tell and the recording may not be sufficient enough either.
Photos TBA."
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You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 04, 2026 12:35 by Ming Samuel
- 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/S368043110 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Medium-sized overall brown and pale duck with greenish on bill. Brown on crown and cheek patch. Observed standing and sittingon sandspit with WEGUs, then swimming off into the bay.See photos."
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 05, 2026 09:16 by Kathi Marston
- Morro Strand State Beach, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8678892&<ll...>,-120.8678892 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S368167558 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Female. Same area as yesterday, but further from shore. Wispy 2-point head feathers. Grey bodied. Shorter, very pointy Merganser bill. Saw clearly with scope, but badly photographed."
Pacific Wren (Troglodytes pacificus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 05, 2026 10:57 by Michael Moss
- Coon Creek Trail--Montana de Oro SP, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8808124&<ll...>,-120.8808124 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S368298391 - Comments: "Continuing I presume from Jay Carrol’s sighting observed and heard at bridge labeled 5 past rattlesnake flats trail junction skulky little short, tailed wren, calling periodically briefly seen with tail upright recording tba"
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/5/26 3:14 pm From: Kaaren Perry via groups.io <surfbird1...> Subject: Re: [slocobirding] Welcome back, Dozer!
Hi Carol.
Thanks for the updated summary. What a guy! Still sad that the funding for the project had been called off, indefinitely I assume. Too bad that MCAS and other Audubon chapters didn't take up a fund raising drive for the possibility of renewing the monitoring research project. Seems that it would be a well received donation venue. I sure know I for one would help with a little $ if I knew it was going to help. I imagine it is too late now?
> On Jul 5, 2026, at 8:22 AM, RoserComeau via groups.io <80comros...> wrote:
>
> A big congratulations to Anne Marie Bergen for spotting and photographing our celebrity Long-billed Curlew, MV Dozer, at Morro Strand State Beach on July 3rd. For those new to the SLOCO Birding Group, here's some background:
>
> · Dozer was banded and fitted with a satellite transmitter by the Intermountain Bird Observatory in May 2020, at his breeding grounds in Indian Valley in Idaho's West Central Mountains.
>
> · Local birder Petra Clayton first spotted Dozer on Sunday, June 21, 2020, at Morro Strand State Beach. This marks his 6th non-breeding season on the Central Coast, where he's frequently seen near Alva Paul on Morro Strand. In 2025, the Tillmans spotted him on June 28th.
>
> · On September 11, 2024, Dozer's transmitter went silent after he lost part of the antenna on his "backpack" unit — a small piece of it is still visible.
>
> · Mimi, Dozer's mate, was banded in early May 2021 at Indian Valley, ID. Her transmitter kept working until May 29, 2025, last signaling from an agricultural field in Mexico (32.159160, -115.075530). Since the signal hadn't moved since January, she's presumed deceased.
>
> · Funding for the curlew monitoring program ended several years ago, so we can't confirm whether Dozer has found a new mate or had a successful breeding season this year. He's expected to stick around the Central Coast until March, so keep an eye out — you might get lucky with a sighting of our famous curlew! And even without funding, I still pass along Dozer sightings to the researchers.
>
> Happy birding,
>
> Carol Comeau - Los Osos
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 7/5/26 2:39 pm From: susang302 via groups.io <susang302...> Subject: [slocobirding] Rufous/Allen's on the move yet?
Briefly saw a very small coppery hummingbird alight on a bare sunlit shrub twig this afternoon. Anyone seeing them lately as new visitors? It was immediately challenged and chased by a Anna's female. Haven't had any come through my yard in several years, since a neighbor took down a 40' Monkey Hand x Fremontia, (Chiranthofremontia lenzii) removing a valuable nectar source.
Date: 7/5/26 8:22 am From: RoserComeau via groups.io <80comros...> Subject: [slocobirding] Welcome back, Dozer!
A big congratulations to Anne Marie Bergen for spotting and photographing
our celebrity Long-billed Curlew, MV Dozer, at Morro Strand State Beach on
July 3rd. For those new to the SLOCO Birding Group, here's some background:
· Dozer was banded and fitted with a satellite transmitter by the
Intermountain Bird Observatory in May 2020, at his breeding grounds in
Indian Valley in Idaho's West Central Mountains.
· Local birder Petra Clayton first spotted Dozer on Sunday, June 21,
2020, at Morro Strand State Beach. This marks his 6th non-breeding season
on the Central Coast, where he's frequently seen near Alva Paul on Morro
Strand. In 2025, the Tillmans spotted him on June 28th.
· On September 11, 2024, Dozer's transmitter went silent after he lost
part of the antenna on his "backpack" unit — a small piece of it is still
visible.
· Mimi, Dozer's mate, was banded in early May 2021 at Indian Valley,
ID. Her transmitter kept working until May 29, 2025, last signaling from an
agricultural field in Mexico (32.159160, -115.075530). Since the signal
hadn't moved since January, she's presumed deceased.
· Funding for the curlew monitoring program ended several years ago,
so we can't confirm whether Dozer has found a new mate or had a successful
breeding season this year. He's expected to stick around the Central Coast
until March, so keep an eye out — you might get lucky with a sighting of
our famous curlew! And even without funding, I still pass along Dozer
sightings to the researchers.
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 04, 2026 12:35 by Sanchita Biswas
- 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/S367781826 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Medium-sized overall brown and pale duck with greenish on bill. Brown on crown and cheek patch. Observed standing and sittingon sandspit with WEGUs, then swimming off into the bay.See photos."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/4/26 2:20 pm From: larry vickman via groups.io <outlierrn...> Subject: [slocobirding] Breeding Oystercatchers
I know Black Oystercatchers aren't a rare bird, but there is a breeding pair on one of the sea stacks just off the Estero bluffs with 2 chicks starting to fledge.
Larry Vickman just another outlying data point on the bell curve of life
Date: 7/3/26 9:07 pm From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [slocobirding] [eBird Alert] San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Vaux's Swift (1 report)
- American Oystercatcher (1 report)
- Least Bittern (3 reports)
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Least Bittern (Botaurus exilis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 03, 2026 11:20 by Christine Hogue
- Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6903817&<ll...>,-120.6903817 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S367196251 - Media: 2 Audio
- Comments: "Small elusive heron calling from the reeds along the east side of the lake by the brick BBQ. I was looking for the one I saw this morning with Bob M when I heard a new (to me) call sounding like an owl/frog/pigeon. Merlin did not give me an ID. I played a recording of a LEBI to see if it was what I was hearing. It was! The bird flew out and perched nearby. I didn’t get a photo because I was holding my phone. It had a dark blue-black head and back with rusty cheeks and sides of neck/chest with light under chin. Recordings."
Least Bittern (Botaurus exilis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 03, 2026 09:19 by Bob McCay
- Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6903817&<ll...>,-120.6903817 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S367097558 - Comments: "Small heron, black back with some red on sides and head. The colors were seen clearly. Seen with Christine Hogue looking west from the dock at the west end parking loop. It flew into the reeds around 50’ from us and then flew in and out, moving west. At one point it perched low in the reeds and gave a very clear look. It was too small and the wrong color for a Green Heron. Was not fast enough to get a photo."
Least Bittern (Botaurus exilis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 03, 2026 07:39 by Christine Hogue
- Laguna Lake Park, San Luis Obispo US-CA 35.26574, -120.68344, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.683438&<ll...>,-120.683438 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S367198578 - Comments: "Small heron with rust colored neck and dark blue-black head & wings with reddish shoulders. Bob McCay and I saw it from the dock by the paved look. It was in the reeds and flew a bit north, quickly landed in the reeds, and a few min later, flew and hid again. I came back later and looked for it along the reeds heading south and confirmed our id. See my subsequent incidental post with recording."
***********
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/2/26 7:28 pm From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [slocobirding] [eBird Alert] San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Blue-winged Teal (1 report)
- Ring-necked Duck (1 report)
- King Eider (1 report)
- American Oystercatcher (1 report)
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/1/26 5:54 pm From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [slocobirding] [eBird Alert] San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Ring-necked Duck (1 report)
- King Eider (1 report)
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 30, 2026 09:00 by Kaaren Perry
- Whale Rock Reservoir delta, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.87037&<ll...>,-120.87037 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S365974251 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Single adult male perched on a branch at the delta end of the reservoir. Black upper parts, black breast, pale sides, gray bill with white bill base. yellow eye."
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) (1)
- Reported Jun 30, 2026 10:21 by McKay Olson
- Morro Bay SP--Natural History Museum, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8437825&<ll...>,-120.8437825 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S366253447 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing long staying bird scoped out around a dock with some cormorants. Overall large brown duck with a sloped forehead into bill, and pale eyeline."
***********
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 6/30/26 4:21 pm From: Claudia Freitas via groups.io <cfreitas365...> Subject: Re: [slocobirding] Cliff Swallows on the move?
Must have been really something to see!
Claudia
On Tue, Jun 30, 2026 at 4:16 PM Kaaren Perry via groups.io <surfbird1=
<att.net...> wrote:
> Hi Birders,
>
> As I drove along Cottontail Creek Rd to Whale Rock Reservoir around 9:00
> this morning I observed many Cliff Swallows circling over the reservoir.
> Rounding a bend there was something I do not remember seeing before. I
> estimated at least 2,000, maybe more, CLSW were resting on the road,
> gathered shoulder to shoulder and solidly covering the road from side to
> side. I approached the large group slowly in my car and watched as they
> casually began to disperse At first glance I thought that perhaps a large
> gravel truck had dumped its load! Fall migration begins??
>
> Delightful morning surprise!
>
> Kaaren Perry
> Morro Bay
>
>
>
>
>
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 30, 2026 10:44 by Bob McCay
- Whale Rock Reservoir, Cottontail Creek arm., San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.870151&<ll...>,-120.870151 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S365909417 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Diving duck, black back with gray sides, peaked head, gray bill with a white band near the tip. With Mallards and Coots and near the reeds, sometimes would return to the reeds. On the far side of the arm about across from where the arm fades into the greater reservoir, near a small reed covered point with a small bay."
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 30, 2026 08:05 by Alexander Yan
- 1137 Pasadena Dr, Los Osos US-CA (35.3313,-120.8432), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.843218&<ll...>,-120.843218 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S365824053 - Comments: "Continuing female on mud flats. Initially closer to the broadwalk before relocating further west. Large, brown diving duck. Distinctive face patterns visible in scope. Sat still for the most part before it started to swimming and foraging in the bay loosely associated with cormorants."
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 29, 2026 06:10 by Christine Hogue
- 701 Myrtle St, Arroyo Grande US-CA (35.1241,-120.5690), San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.569014&<ll...>,-120.569014 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S365583179 - Media: 1 Audio
- Comments: "Singing in the willows near the creek where Stillwell Drive meets Myrtle Street. It was early, so there wasn’t enough light to see the bird. I did not see or hear it the rest of the day or the following day. Recording."
***********
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 6/30/26 4:16 pm From: Kaaren Perry via groups.io <surfbird1...> Subject: [slocobirding] Cliff Swallows on the move?
Hi Birders,
As I drove along Cottontail Creek Rd to Whale Rock Reservoir around 9:00 this morning I observed many Cliff Swallows circling over the reservoir. Rounding a bend there was something I do not remember seeing before. I estimated at least 2,000, maybe more, CLSW were resting on the road, gathered shoulder to shoulder and solidly covering the road from side to side. I approached the large group slowly in my car and watched as they casually began to disperse At first glance I thought that perhaps a large gravel truck had dumped its load! Fall migration begins??
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 6/28/26 1:17 pm From: Judy Neuhauser via groups.io <picaloki...> Subject: [slocobirding] Black Skimmer
Seen from Strauss/Leslie bench on Marina Boardwalk. Made one pass north to south, made brief “skim” in water before heading out of sight.
Judy Neuhauser
Morro Bay State Park Marina Boardwalk
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 26, 2026 13:29 by Steven Hunter
- West Hazard Canyon--Montana de Oro SP, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8812916&<ll...>,-120.8812916 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S364365410 - Comments: "Long orange oyster catcher bill. White wingstripe on black wing seen from above. White underparts, dark head. Flying by with oystercatcher call. Seen from crest of extension of south dune trail that goes to the beach"
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 6/27/26 11:18 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [slocobirding] [eBird Alert] San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- American Oystercatcher (2 reports)
- Black Turnstone (1 report)
- Royal Tern (1 report)
- American Redstart (1 report)
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 26, 2026 13:29 by Viviana Wolinsky
- West Hazard Canyon--Montana de Oro SP, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8812916&<ll...>,-120.8812916 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S363878512 - Comments: "Long orange oyster catcher bill. White wingstripe on black wing seen from above. White underparts, dark head. Flying by with oystercatcher call. Seen from crest of extension of south dune trail that goes to the beach"
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (1)
- Reported Jun 23, 2026 09:15 by Roger Hammer
- Pismo SB--Oceano Campground, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6265268&<ll...>,-120.6265268 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S362330854 - Comments: "Cont. bird. Saw it as we approached from the south just before the black drain pipe. 2 hours later we came back to eat our lunch and listen and watch for it and both saw it again and heard it call, not sing."
***********
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 6/26/26 9:37 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [slocobirding] [eBird Alert] San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Blue-winged Teal (1 report)
- King Eider (1 report)
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 25, 2026 12:05 by Petra Clayton
- Pasadena Park Beach, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8440733&<ll...>,-120.8440733 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S363397838 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing female since 8/17/2025 (Brian O'Kelly & Alexander Yan).
Observed on the floating dock at the oyster farm. first standing, then sitting. --- Mallard-sized, overall brown with a white stripe on the side. When seen in profile, the bill-shape was unlike a Mallard's in that it seemed shorter and the forehead was sloping down to the bill in a more straight line."
***********
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 6/25/26 7:55 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [slocobirding] [eBird Alert] San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Blue-winged Teal (2 reports)
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 6/24/26 6:14 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [slocobirding] [eBird Alert] San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Ring-necked Duck (1 report)
- Red-breasted Merganser (1 report)
- American Oystercatcher (2 reports)
- Royal Tern (1 report)
- California Condor (1 report)
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 20, 2026 08:09 by Pair of Wing-Nuts
- Anchor Memorial Park, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8540039&<ll...>,-120.8540039 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S360571030 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Both female plumaged birds were grayish brown on back with lighter gray breast and neck with blurry transition to reddish/brown upper neck, face and head and steep forehead and narrow reddish/orange bill."
American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) (1)
- Reported Jun 23, 2026 19:31 by Owen Wells
- Montaña de Oro State Park, Los Osos US-CA 35.28783, -120.87982, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.884691&<ll...>,-120.884691 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S362430221 - Comments: "Single American Oystercatcher observed on exposed intertidal rocks at Montana de Oro State Park. The bird was associating with a small group of Black Oystercatchers along the rocky shoreline during low tide. It remained on the rocks for the duration of the observation and was readily distinguished from the surrounding Black Oystercatchers by its plumage pattern."
American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 23, 2026 11:54 by Jay Carroll
- West Hazard Canyon--Montana de Oro SP, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8812916&<ll...>,-120.8812916 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S362409606 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing H. p. frazari type individual with mottled border between the blackish hood and white belly; foraging in mussel beds at low tide along with a Black Oystercatcher; photos."
Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus) (3)
- Reported Jun 23, 2026 12:23 by Sophia Colello
- Morro Strand State Beach, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8678892&<ll...>,-120.8678892 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S362440273 - Media: 11 Photos
- Comments: "LIFER!!! Pictures coming, was in mixed flocks on the shore along with Caspian terns, heerman's gulls, and western gulls, but the pair still stood together to the side a bit."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 6/23/26 4:54 pm From: Jay Carroll via groups.io <macro2953...> Subject: Re: [slocobirding] American Oystercatcher location
Hi All,
The American Oystercatcher was reported to be back at West Hazard Canyon on Monday evening, and I can confirm that it was still there around noon today (Tuesday) at low tide. It was foraging in mussel beds about 300 yds south (downcoast) from the point where the trail meets the ocean. If you do check that location, be very cautious while walking along the intertidal zone due to the uneven footing and slippery rocks.
Jay CarrollLos Osos
Date: 6/23/26 4:34 pm From: sayers68 via groups.io <sayers68...> Subject: Re: [slocobirding] American Oystercatcher location
The bird was last reported at North Point natural area at the north end of
Morro Strand and then flew north towards Cayucos. If you are going to look
for it I would search all the rocky outcrops from Toro creek northwest
through Estero Bluffs.
John Sayers
Morro Bay
On Tue, Jun 23, 2026, 3:36 PM Russell Namitz via groups.io <namitzr=
<hotmail.com...> wrote:
> Hi Johanna,
>
> I am not sure that the bird is being seen at the Hazard Reef location
> anymore, but here are some hopefully helpful hints to access the area.
>
> As you are traveling down Pecho Valley Rd, you will come to a grove of
> eucalyptus trees and parking lot on the right (ocean) side of the road
> (35.287887, -120.879676)
> Pecho Valley Rd - Google Maps
> <https://www.google.com/maps/@35.2877298,-120.8797674,3a,41.3y,321.62h,90.83t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sNACmA1qag6QTCwmhgGJ4rg!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-0.8283059989127963%26panoid%3DNACmA1qag6QTCwmhgGJ4rg%26yaw%3D321.6187722948709!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDYyMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D> >
> Head down the trail on the right (north side) and it will head out to the
> beach. There is a small ravine and riparian corridor on your left as you
> are walking out. You eventually pop out on the beach. Head right and
> fairly quickly you will come upon the Hazard Reef rocks where the
> oystercatchers hang out, especially at high tide.
>
> Google maps are not quite accurate, but the path starts from the cars in
> the photo (see below) on the right and then connects to the Dune Trail and
> then out to the beach.
>
>
> Cheers,
> Russ
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* <slocobirding...> <slocobirding...> on behalf of
> Rubba Johanna via groups.io <jer72701...>
> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 23, 2026 9:07 AM
> *To:* <slocobirding...> <slocobirding...>
> *Subject:* [slocobirding] American Oystercatcher location
>
> I need some help finding the American Oystercatcher. On the map linked to
> the posts here, there are three trails marked Hazard Canyon Reef Trail, and
> one MDO trail guide says Dune Trail. Which trail leads to the approximate
> bird location? Is there a sign at the trailhead? I am looking for the trail
> described as short (1 mile) with little elevation. Is there a sign at the
> trailhead?
>
> Help much appreciated.
>
> Johanna Rubba
> Grover Beach
>
>
Head down the trail on the right (north side) and it will head out to the beach. There is a small ravine and riparian corridor on your left as you are walking out. You eventually pop out on the beach. Head right and fairly quickly you will come upon the Hazard Reef rocks where the oystercatchers hang out, especially at high tide.
Google maps are not quite accurate, but the path starts from the cars in the photo (see below) on the right and then connects to the Dune Trail and then out to the beach.
[cid:96f894a9-866f-40ed-876c-b0c46a6e092c]
Cheers,
Russ
________________________________
From: <slocobirding...> <slocobirding...> on behalf of Rubba Johanna via groups.io <jer72701...>
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 9:07 AM
To: <slocobirding...> <slocobirding...>
Subject: [slocobirding] American Oystercatcher location
I need some help finding the American Oystercatcher. On the map linked to the posts here, there are three trails marked Hazard Canyon Reef Trail, and one MDO trail guide says Dune Trail. Which trail leads to the approximate bird location? Is there a sign at the trailhead? I am looking for the trail described as short (1 mile) with little elevation. Is there a sign at the trailhead?
Date: 6/23/26 9:07 am From: Rubba Johanna via groups.io <jer72701...> Subject: [slocobirding] American Oystercatcher location
I need some help finding the American Oystercatcher. On the map linked to the posts here, there are three trails marked Hazard Canyon Reef Trail, and one MDO trail guide says Dune Trail. Which trail leads to the approximate bird location? Is there a sign at the trailhead? I am looking for the trail described as short (1 mile) with little elevation. Is there a sign at the trailhead?
Date: 6/23/26 4:33 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [slocobirding] [eBird Alert] San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- American Oystercatcher (1 report)
- Northern Parula (1 report)
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 6/22/26 2:47 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [slocobirding] [eBird Alert] San Luis Obispo County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Red-breasted Merganser (1 report)
- Vaux's Swift (1 report)
---------------------------------------------
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.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 21, 2026 06:29 by Tom Edell
- North Point Natural Area--Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.8717568&<ll...>,-120.8717568 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S361259540 - Comments: "distant Female plumaged bird outside of the surf line . It had a reddish head, a pale throat and neck, and thin, long red bill. The body appeared grayish and had a single white wingbar."
Vaux's Swift (Chaetura vauxi) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jun 18, 2026 08:49 by Kathleen Kent
- Atascadero Lake, San Luis Obispo, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6667256&<ll...>,-120.6667256 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S359256582 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Three photos of a very dark swift. I am not positive Vaux's Swift is the correct ID. Feedback or correction welcomed. No vocalization was heard. There does not to appear to be any white on the bird, so WTSW was ruled out."
***********
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
