Good afternoon, South Bay Birders, What a nice day to go birding at the good ole sewage treatment plant! By pre-arrangement, Dan and I met 7 other birders of various experience/skill to explore the trail behind the Sunnyvale WPCP (I personally was hoping to see a Black Tern). As we started along the trail, it was evident that the Marsh Wrens have been busy in the last month. Numerous "brown pineapple-looking" nests were found with parent wrens exiting and entering while tending their young. If they weren't tending their young, they were singing up a storm. On the hillside an odd flock of Red-winged Blackbirds and a bunch of Barn Swallows found some yummy stuff in a small grassy area and proceeded to actively feed. As we traveled along the slough, Snowy and Great Egrets and a Great Blue Heron with its cousin, a Green Heron, floated by and landed, affording us really nice views of these elegant creatures. Some Black-crowned Night Herons fed on minnows along the slough. Forster's Terns and the ubiquitous California Gulls were nice pure white splashes in the blue sky as were the far off American White Pelicans. No Black Tern in amongst the Forster's Terns. *Sigh* A young Red-tailed hawk perched on the lower supports of a high voltage tower and thoroughly preened and tidied its plumage. It is so hard to look your best when you are moulting! One lone Great-tailed Grackle and a couple of American Crows allowed a size/body/tail comparison. And the grand finale of the day was one lone Western Grebe paddling in the slough, showing off its white cheeks, red eye, and that amazing fish-catching bill! It did not dive even once! A real treat!
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 6/3/26 7:00 am From: Vinayak Hebbagil via groups.io <vinayakh7985...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVBA Evening field trip to Pearson Arastradero Preserve
Hi everyone,
Shweta and I led a SCVBA evening field trip at Pearson Arastradero Preserve yesterday joined by 11 birders. It is a great time to take advantage of the longer days and increased spring/summer bird behavior.
It was a great trip for raptors; we started by seeing the *American Kestrel* and *White-tailed Kite* and ended with the *Red-tailed *and *Red-shouldered Hawk* with the latter giving us great views. It was also a delight to see a nice group of *Band-tailed Pigeons *resting on the eucalyptus trees. On the trail, we enjoyed viewing *Hutton's Vireos, Spotted Towhees* and the aerial antics of various swallows (*Tree, Violet-Green and Barn*) and *White-throated Swifts*. The nesting behavior was in full swing - *Tree Swallows* feeding their chick in a nest box, *Western Bluebirds* building and evaluating their nest, *Song Sparrow *carrying a grub and a *Pied-billed Grebe* nesting in the pond. The *Purple Finch* in breeding plumage, which fed on berries and flowers and gave us extended looks was certainly a highlight. At the pond, it was nice to see the hierarchy of herons and egrets displacing each other from a prime spot: *Green* *Heron*, *Great* *Egret* and *Great Blue Heron*. Seeing multiple *Ash*-*throated* *Flycatchers* towards the end was a treat.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 6/1/26 7:46 am From: Group Notification <noreply...> Subject: [southbaybirds] South Bay Birds Monthly Reminder #guidelines-notice
Thank you for being a member of South Bay Birds [SBB]. This is our monthly reminder sent to the list with information about the group.
South Bay Birds [SBB] is a list intended for reporting the interesting birds you find in Santa Clara county, in order to help your fellow birders see them as well. We encourage everyone to share where they bird and what they see. Please include the general location (e.g., an eBird hotspot) and, if appropriate, the bird(s) of interest in the subject line, with any additional detail needed in the message body. If you use eBird, we encourage you to include a link to the eBird trip report that you filed.
This list is maintained by the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance ( scvbirdalliance.org) ( https://scvbirdalliance.org ). Their volunteers and funding keep the list running so please consider joining or donating to them. SBB's Lead Admin is Jim Dehnert. Chuq Von Rospach, Brooke Miller, Matthew Dodder and Barry Langdon-Lassagne assist Jim. You can contact the administration team with your questions and concerns at southbaybirds+<owner...>
The home site for this list is https://scvbirdalliance.org/siliconvalleybirding and you can find out more about us there. To start sending messages to members of this group, send email to <southbaybirds...>
The birds we watch should be our primary concern. As birders we need to be sensitive to their needs and not do things that put the birds or their habitat at risk.
We believe all birders should act as ethical birders. Your personal year list or that special photograph could put the bird at risk or cause its nest to fail. Because we expect all birders to act ethically around the birds that bring them joy, we expect that of the birders who are on our list as well. We have written up some ideas of what it means to be an ethical birder, and list links to other resources on ethical birding as well. Please read them and act to put the bird’s needs ahead of your own. If we find out that members of the list are putting birds or their habitat at risk, those members may lose access to the mailing list and its resources.
We also believe that members of the list should treat each other properly. If a list member is found to be attacking or harassing other list members, or engaging in activities that violate the ethical birding code it may affect their future ability to contribute to or subscribe to our lists.
*Acceptable Content*
The primary content for SBB is reports of interesting birds you saw and where you saw them ( https://groups.io/g/southbaybirds/message/24065 ). The objective ( https://groups.io/g/southbaybirds/message/25078 ) is to help other birders interested in the birds you saw to find them themselves. Please include the general location (e.g., an eBird hotspot) and, if appropriate, the bird(s) of interest in the subject line, with any additional detail needed in the message body. Please report only Santa Clara County locations -- other counties have their own mailing lists for trip reports.
Occasionally the administrator will post an Advocacy digest -- no more than once a week, and more typically much less often. This digest contains topics that are not typically posted to the list but we feel are of interest to the readers of SBB and are important enough to warrant posting to the wider audience. These messages will be tagged with the word "Advocacy" in the subject so members who aren't interested can delete or filter them if they choose. Topics posted as Advocacy messages typically include updates on important Advocacy activities by Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance (SCVBA) and SCVBA volunteer activities.
*Unacceptable Content*
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
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South Bay Birds and Birdwatching in Silicon Valley are affiliated with the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance ( scvbirdalliance.org ( https://scvbirdalliance.org ) ), which offers classes and outings around the county, so if you're interested in learning more about birding in the county or joining other birders in going out birding, they can help you find an outing that matches your interests.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/31/26 5:59 pm From: Oliver Zhang via groups.io <BLACKROCKARTSTUDIO...> Subject: [southbaybirds] White-throated Swift near Guadalupe Parkway
BIRD REPORT — White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis)
Location: Guadalupe Parkway, under Hwy 87 overpass, near SJPD parking lot, San Jose, CA
Date: May 31, 2026
Time: ~07:00 AM
---
What an incredible start to the morning! While volunteering at the San Jose Half Marathon and stationed under the Highway 87 overpass near the Guadalupe Parkway, I heard a series of distinctive, chattering calls overhead. I looked up and saw a pair of WHITE-THROATED SWIFTs slicing through the early morning sky with breathtaking speed and agility.
These birds were absolutely flying with purpose, darting and banking through the air beneath the overpass structure with effortless precision. I managed to capture several rough shots. Back home, reviewing the images confirmed the ID, the bold white throat patch and distinctive white flank stripes were clearly visible against the dark plumage.
My guess is the bridge structures mimic the natural cliff faces these birds favor for nesting, and the Guadalupe River greenway below provides an abundant insect buffet. This is a species well worth watching for in this area.
There were also a dozen or so NORTHERN ROUGH WINGED SWALLOWs
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/31/26 5:28 pm From: Melody Bafetti via groups.io <massimo...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Northern Parula at Joseph D. Grant
Hi All,
I saw a Northern Parula at Joseph D. Grant, in the trees along the path leading up to the ranch house from the first parking lot (specifically around 37.33753° N, 121.71591° W). It may be the same NOPA that was being seen there at the start of the month, but the last sighting of that bird I could find was from the 18th, so it could be a different individual. I’ve attached some decent photos I got that helped me confirm the ID. It was also vocalizing a lot, so I was able to ID by song as well.
- Melody Bafetti
(PS, if you recognize that last name, yes I used to go by Massimo, and yes that’s the same Massimo who was super involved in the SBB community a couple years past. After a long hiatus, I’ve gotten back into birding recently, and I’m very happy to be back!)
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
***The birds are handled by trained personnel of SFFBO and under U.S. Dept of Interior license for research purposes. No birds were hurt during the process.***
I would like to thank Fen and Katie for arranging the trip and her team for demonstrating what they do. I learned a lot on this trip and appreciate the patient work that goes into building research that helps protect our birds and ecosystems.
We began the morning by making our way to the field station and heading out to the research table where Katie, her staff and volunteers banded, sexed, and established the age and condition of the birds and entered the data into their database. When we got out of our cars we scanned the area where we saw Black-necked Stilts, American Avocets, Killdeer, Mallards and a Greater Yellowlegs with a red-tailed Hawk and a fuzzy nestling in the nest on top of the electrical pole. We then made our way to the working area and had quite a few Bewick's Wrens, Black Phoebe, ong Sparrows, a Lesser Goldfinch, a California Towhee and Common Yellowthroats that had been retrieved from the mist nets. They were all banded and information taken down. The big surprise was a Yellow-breasted Chat that had shown up the week before in the nets. It was a lifer for several people in the group and I doubt anybody had got this close of a photograph before. Many of the birds were juveniles and Katie explained the markings/characteristics she used to determine their age. We think gulls are tough...try a songbird. Because it was breeding season we saw the brood patch and the cloacal protuberance on some of the birds. (or is that too much information!)
We then headed out to the mist nets which were pretty quiet except for a juvenile Anna's hummingbird which was released. When we returned we had a couple more Song Sparrows and a Northern Yellow Warbler, female second year! Other birds seen out and about were Cliff, Tree, Violet-Green and Barn Swallows, Northern Mockingbirds, Canada Geese and White-throated Swifts, Turkey Vultures and both a Nuttall's and a Hairy Woodpecker for a total of 32 species.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/23/26 7:16 pm From: John Harshman via groups.io <john.harshman...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Alum Rock Phylobirding Trip, 5/23
The SCVBA Phylobirding trip to Alum Rock went well, with 39 species from 21 families (including 6 passerine superfamilies). Three species in family Cardinalide, superfamily Passeroidea, were there: we saw and heard a great many *black-headed grosbeaks* , all male; a male *western tanager* (not really a tanager, and it should more reasonably be called a western piranga) sat for photos; and a single female *lazuli bunting* showed herself briefly. We found a *western warbling vireo* (Vireonidae, Corvoidea) nest, with the unseen male single energetically nearby. We had good looks at a *wrentit* , only New World species of the parrotbill family (Paradoxornithidae, Sylvioidea). Thanks to Vicki Silvas-Young for co-leading and IDing all the plants and butterflies.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/23/26 5:48 pm From: Karen via groups.io <karush111...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Field Notes: Rancho Canada del Oro
Hello Everyone,
I would like to thank you for coming on this beautiful morning to explore Rancho Canada del Oro with Susan, Craig and I. Thanks to Susan for keeping the ebird list and Craig for rounding everyone up. We saw 33 species today and multiple views of quite a few of them. We started the morning by practicing our binocular skills and we soon started looking at all the birds in the parking lot. We had two Ash-Throated Flycatchers, California Towhees, Turkey Vultures, a perched Red-tailed Hawk, Western Bluebirds, Violet-green Swallow, European Starlings, Brewer's Blackbirds and Black Phoebes with a many Acorn Woodpeckers making a lot of noise in the background.
As we made our way around the loop trails we added Chestnut Chick-a-dees doing their upside down acrobatics, Spotted Towhees stirring up the leaves with their feet and a beautiful male Western Tanager. We also had a pair of California Towhees displaying and picking up nesting material in addition to numerous Acorn Woodpeckers and Lesser Goldfinches. We finished the walk with a Wild Turkey and a couple of Common Ravens. We heard, but never saw a Black-headed Grosbeaks, Western Wood-Peewee, Western Flycatcher and a Warbling Vireo.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/22/26 11:55 pm From: Scott Smithson via groups.io <wscottsmithson...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Ed Levin - nest building Blue Grosbeaks
Hi all, James Terrell and I observed a pair of BLUE GROSBEAKS on the Agua Caliente Trail at the sharp turn where there is the little drainage with sycamores, just above the dog park in the Sandy Wool section of Ed Levin Park. The female grosbeak twice carried nesting material into a thick thistle patch right next to the trail. This location is far enough away from the Blue Grosbeaks being reported from the Calero Creek Trail to likely be another pair.
Last Saturday May 16, in the same general area on the Agua Caliente Trail, the West Coast Birding class from Palo Alto Adult School had great looks at a male Lazuli Bunting, but that bird was either silent or not present today.
Other breeding birds of note on our hike were multiple RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS, one singing LARK SPARROW, two singing GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS, and a pair of SAY’S PHOEBES nesting in the old barn.
There was also a singing YELLOW WARBLER in a pepper tree close to the dog park.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/22/26 10:54 am From: Chris Johnson via groups.io <ryanjohnson77...> Subject: [southbaybirds] 2 Tennessse Warblers at Ulistac
All,
There are 2 Tennessse Warblers at Ulistac Natural Area. One near Station 2, and the other just south of the first around 150 yards. Both were singing constantly and could be heard at the same time. I made audio recordings of each and visually confirmed each individual.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/21/26 7:45 am From: Melissa Johnson via groups.io <mitzimelissa...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Ulistac Parula & Tennessee
Parula refound (with original poster, Juan) here
37.40694° N, 121.95574° W. in the ‘bike hills euks’. and the Tennessee is singing at Station #2. Lots of mosquitos too.
-Melissa
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/20/26 2:06 pm From: john tsortos via groups.io <jtsortos99...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Weird Flyover
Interesting sighting especially considering the wood stork from last
spring. Thanks for the heads up!
On Wed, May 20, 2026 at 1:45 PM Chris Henry via groups.io <birdingwithchris=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> About 10 minutes ago had a very weird large black and white sharp
> contrasted bird flying west towards Santa Cruz mountains from westmont high
> school. Gave me the impression of a wood stork. Black and white most
> similar to white pelican but shape flight style and overall impression
> makes me think Wood Stork. Didn’t get good documentation but please keep
> eyes to the sky for this one.
>
>
>
>
>
>
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/20/26 1:45 pm From: Chris Henry via groups.io <birdingwithchris...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Weird Flyover
About 10 minutes ago had a very weird large black and white sharp contrasted bird flying west towards Santa Cruz mountains from westmont high school. Gave me the impression of a wood stork. Black and white most similar to white pelican but shape flight style and overall impression makes me think Wood Stork. Didn’t get good documentation but please keep eyes to the sky for this one.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/20/26 1:32 pm From: janna pauser via groups.io <jannapauser...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Alamitos Creek trail Tanagers
This morning at nine, I was walking south towards Almaden Lake from
Crossview Court when a flock of Western Tanagers flew in. I counted
eight as they eventually flew to the eucalyptus trees at the entrance gate.
Wanting to check the birds seen near the bathroom eucs yesterday I ran
into Kim N. We heard the Northern Yellow Warblers but there were fewer
today. Surprisingly we had at least one Pygmy Nuthatch in the same eucs.
We crossed the pedestrian bridge and came across more Western Tanagers
fly-catching from a snag near the nursery. A Hutton's Vireo was feeding
young and a House Wren with prey at another snag. A Downy Woodpecker fed
a nestling. A female Black-chinned Hummingbird was found here and
another along the creek. From the bridge we spotted a female Common
Merganser with her adorable chicks navigating the water. A Western
Warbling Vireo was heard at the pedestrian bridge and another at the
Mazzone bridge.
More Tanagers were here and there, at least twenty in all. I've never
seen so many migrating through this area.
Back home our reliable Pygmy Nuthatch pair brought its fledgling to the
suet feeder yesterday.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/20/26 5:46 am From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] June SCVBA Field Trips
Hi Everyone!
Registration for June SCVBA field trips opens May 21 at 8 pm (tomorrow night). You can preview our trips now on our field trip page <https://scvbirdalliance.org/fieldtrips>. Please limit your sign-ups to *1 weekend *trip and *2 weekday trips* per month.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/19/26 7:20 pm From: Vicki Silvas-Young via groups.io <mrnngwrblr...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVBA California Gull Colony Field Trip, 5-19-2026
Hello, SBBers, On a warmish day, Diane, Julie, Mary Ann, and I met 11 intrepid birders from near and far, San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz, to take a look at the infamous and well studied Palo Alto California Gull colony at Charleston Slough. At the meeting place we were greeted by the "always present at the bathroom" Northern Mockingbird, owning the property by chasing off all other birds. Cliff, Barn, and Violet-Green Swallows flew overhead while many Song Sparrows serenaded us as we started down the road. The walk out to the colony was sprinkled with hungry Black-crowned Night Herons, Snowy Egrets, Black Oystercatchers with a Great Egret and a Great Blue Heron thrown in for good measure. As we approached the more open part of Adobe Creek, Mallards and a Gadwall or two were hanging with a bunch of the California Gulls who use the creek to bathe and as a "highway" to the colony. About 3 or 4 American Avocet chicks were found across the creek.......so C U T E! And then just when we were minding our own business, someone in the group pointed to a group of dark birds toward the north. What are those? Many guesses: Double-crested Cormorants ?, Brown Pelicans ?, Pterodactyls ?. For the next couple of minutes we stood in awe of a very unusual sighting.....64 White-faced Ibis in breeding plumage! Check out Mary Ann's photos in the eBird list here. https://ebird.org/checklist/S342442855
Well, after that mind-blowing moment, we continued on to the colony. Savannah Sparrows egged us on to our goal. Black Oystercatchers and Elegant Terns flew over to direct us. When we arrived, we hunted and hunted for chicks, but could not find any, making it a fairly quiet gull colony. We are too early. *Sigh!* But about 9,000 adult CAGU were sitting faithfully on fluffy nests, hopefully incubating the next generation. A Cinnamon Teal pair swimming among the European Carp brightened the slough. A M A L E (we all love them!) Ruddy Duck smacked the water to make bubbles for his lady love. On the way back we were escorted by Black Skimmers and Marbled Nitwits, er, I mean, Godwits, Elegant Terns and serenaded by Marsh Wrens. Not a bad day! Thank you to Mary Ann Robertson for being a continuous support for this trip. She has guided us over the years with SFBBO facts and her photos. Thank you to Diane for keeping the eBird list. Diane and Julie keep us abreast with CAGU facts, ie where do they come from? Where are they going? I dedicate this email to David Gaines of the Mono Lake Committee, Vicki
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/19/26 4:27 pm From: Caroline Bowker via groups.io <caroline...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Flock of White-faced Ibis
I snapped a photo of them as they passed the Palo Alto Baylands at about 9:30 I count 60.
Caroline
On Tue, 19 May 2026 13:02:36 -0700, "john tsortos via groups.io" <jtsortos99...> wrote:
To clarify, this was in Mountain View, near Microsoft and Moffett Field. My apologies for the confusion.
On Tue, May 19, 2026 at 10:13 AM john tsortos <jtsortos99...> wrote:
At 9:41 am, I had a large flock of at least 30 white-faced ibis fly over my car headed east in a V formation. This was at the intersection of 85 and 101.
Not sure where they’ll end up landing, but it’s a good day to keep your eyes on the sky!
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/19/26 1:02 pm From: john tsortos via groups.io <jtsortos99...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Flock of White-faced Ibis
To clarify, this was in Mountain View, near Microsoft and Moffett Field. My
apologies for the confusion.
On Tue, May 19, 2026 at 10:13 AM john tsortos <jtsortos99...> wrote:
> At 9:41 am, I had a large flock of at least 30 white-faced ibis fly over
> my car headed east in a V formation. This was at the intersection of 85 and
> 101.
>
> Not sure where they’ll end up landing, but it’s a good day to keep your
> eyes on the sky!
>
> Good birding,
> John
>
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/19/26 10:14 am From: john tsortos via groups.io <jtsortos99...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Flock of White-faced Ibis
At 9:41 am, I had a large flock of at least 30 white-faced ibis fly over my
car headed east in a V formation. This was at the intersection of 85 and
101.
Not sure where they’ll end up landing, but it’s a good day to keep your
eyes on the sky!
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/19/26 9:14 am From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Lake Almaden
Hi Everyone!
There are at least 5 beautiful male Yellow Warblers in the eucalyptus trees behind the blue bathrooms at Lake Almaden (37.2393676, -121.8699881) right now. Plus Western Tanagers, Hooded Orioles. Black-chinned Hummingbird near red pedestrian bridge too.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/19/26 7:06 am From: Carter Gasiorowski via groups.io <carter.gasiorowski...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Willow Flycatcher, migrant push SCU
Willow flycatcher in the same spot the Gray Flycatcher was a few weeks ago, last seen in small trees between Lucas hall and Vari hall. (37.3506598, -121.9396152). A scattering of other migrants.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/18/26 10:14 am From: Sandy Hamilton via groups.io <hamiltonsandra...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Male Common Loon at Los Capitancillos Ponds east
Hi Birders-
This morning at 9am I had brief views of a male Common Loon in beautiful breeding plumage at Los Capitancillos Ponds east of Meridian. He was on the first pond east of Meridian and then flew east. Possibly he will be seen at Almaden Lake or the Water District??
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/17/26 8:47 pm From: janna pauser via groups.io <jannapauser...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Santa Teresa Canal trail
Every May I bird the Santa Teresa Canal trail that runs along the north
base of Santa Teresa park. Yesterday 5-16 I birded west from the
trailhead at Snell for an hour out but didn't get to the half way mark.
Today I started at Glendora Ct. and birded east, then west to Foothill
Park. I climbed the steep hill to the top of the park picking up Western
Tanager 2, Yellow Warbler another Black headed Grosbeak and a Coopers Hawk.
For both days I had Ash throated Flycatchers in five locations.
Black-headed Grosbeaks and House Wren also 5. Rufous-crowned Sparrow 2,
Lazuli Bunting 1, Cal. Quail in many locations. I was surprised to find
4 Warbling Vireo and a Western Flycatcher. I was disappointed to find
only two Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. Red-tailed Hawks were at their nest but
the Common Raven nest appeared empty. Band tailed Pigeons, Am. Kestrel
and Wild Turkey's were seen. Wrentit was heard but no Cal. Thrasher. A
Wilson's Warbler and possible Yellow-rumped Warbler were heard only.
Many Cliff Swallows, Violet Green, Northern rough winged and a few
Vaux's Swifts seen. I had 52 species in all.
Attached are a few photos.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/17/26 5:17 pm From: Connor Christensen via groups.io <connor.r.christensen...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVBA Lake Almaden Park Trip Report
Hello everyone,
We had a spectacular time this morning birding at Lake Almaden Park with spring in full swing. Our species total for the morning was 60, with 18 different species observed exhibiting breeding behaviors, and young birds identified from 10 different species. Here is our checklist ( https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S341207530 ). We began our morning at the center of the breeding action, the egret rookery on the island in Lake Almaden. The rookery was active with a wide variety of stages of nesting. Snowy and Great Egrets were seen taking care of sizeable chicks while at least two *Great Blue Heron* nests crowned the island. Black-crowned Night Herons and a small swarm of turtles rounded out the bottom of the island.
**
**
While scoping out the rookery, a Girl Scout troop happened to be there for a morning of bird watching. We shared our scope with the group, and I couldn’t tell if the girls or the adults were more excited. While making our way around the lake, we happened upon a Red-shouldered Hawk nest with an adult sitting snuggly, likely actively incubating eggs. We shared our scope with the Girl Scouts again as the rest of the group took in views of the male and female Western Tanagers overhead. Before bidding farewell to the Girl Scout troop, they gave us very kind handwritten thank-you cards. That might be the highlight of my Trip Leader career!
The lake and surrounding grounds were teaming with young birds. In and around the lake, many Canada Geese were leading their goslings around. One set of parents was seen swinging with 8 goslings. Young stripey Pied-billed Grebes and fuzzy American Coots were diving or foraging in the pond when they weren’t begging their parents for more food. Young Dark-eyed Juncos and a Western Bluebird were also seen foraging around the lake. My favorite young birds we spotted were the adorable Killdeer chicks scurrying around the sandy shore of the lake.
**
**
Territorial defense was another highlight of the trip. We watched a pair of Hooded Orioles chase an American Crow from their palm tree. We also saw the classically defensive Northern Mockingbird and Red-winged Blackbirds defending their turf from Great-tailed Grackle. Other species were seen gathering nesting material, including a pair of Scaly-breasted Munia, which we also observed nesting in the same area this time last year.
**
**
After finishing our loop around the lake, a few birders stuck around to explore the Los Alamitos Creek in hopes of spotting a Black-chinned Hummingbird. One did briefly zoom overhead while chasing off an intruder, but we never got a good look at the bird. We were eventually rewarded for our efforts with a great view of an Osprey soaring overhead and by picking up the last few species, bringing our total species count up to 60!
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/15/26 3:17 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Uvas Canyon CP
Hi Everyone!
Today I visited Uvas Canyon CP (before going, get a reservation through the Santa Clara County Park system). It's a very pretty place with lots of small waterfalls and it's reliable for Olive-sided Flycatchers near Western Wood Pewees - good practice for me. Anyhow, I took the Waterfall Loop Trail to the Knobcone Point trail. It's very steep but there's a quiet picnic table at the top. Spotted along the way were at least two *Olive-sided Flycatchers* and a couple of *Western Wood Pewees*, both birds like to perch high in the bare branches of the tall dead trees. Also present were *Townsend's Warblers* and *Purple Finch*.
On the way home, I stopped by Uvas Reservoir. Two adult *Bald Eagles* were flying high overhead and a third Bald Eagle was closer to the water. This one looked like it might be that leucistic eagle that is occasionally reported but I needed a longer look.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/14/26 7:01 pm From: Hugh McDevitt via groups.io <hdmcdevitt...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVBA field trip to Calero Creek Trail
Ray Trent and I led 10 birders on a fun birding trip yesterday to the Calero Creek Trail between the Stiles Ranch trail and Harry Road. We got to experience a variety of habitats including chaparral hillside, the old IBM orchard, and the riparian habitat along Calero Creek. We saw 48 species with many of our target birds including Lazuli Bunting, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Northern House Wren. The highlight of the trip was a Phainopepla observed in an Elderberry bush roughly halfway between the start of the trail and the point where it crosses Santa Teresa Creek.
All in all, a great morning of birding! Thanks to Ray for keeping our eBird list and to everyone for participating!
https://ebird.org/checklist/S338384376
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/14/26 12:51 pm From: hacksoncode via groups.io <hacksoncode...> Subject: Re: [southbaybirds] Joseph D Grant County Park ~ Highlights from Today
Northern Parula was continuing this morning at JDG Park. Heard in the Green
Barn parking lot, then seen near the Hotel trailhead here: 37.336775,
-121.714583.
[image: _DSC1947.JPG]
On Wed, May 13, 2026 at 5:25 PM Karen DeMello via groups.io <karen.demello=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Inspired by Eve's "Run for the Hills" birdathon report 2 weeks ago, 3 of
> us headed to Joseph Grant Ranch County Park today (5/13/2026). What a
> GORGEOUS day to be there!
>
> Our first stop (approx 10:20 AM) was at the entrance station to pay the
> parking fee. We immediately saw a *Western Kingbird* and several *Lawrence's
> Goldfinch* ~ I couldn't believe it!
>
> Next we headed to the historic Grant Ranch House and rose garden, where
> upon getting out of the car we heard an unusual birdsong. I pulled out my
> phone and Merlin identified the song as *Northern Parula. *We stared at
> the tree in the parking lot from many angles over the next 40 minutes; Kay
> had a brief glance after 20 minutes, Renée had a brief glance after 30
> minutes, I never could get my eyes on it though it continued to sing
> the entire time we were there in the parking lot. Pretty exciting.
>
> Other highlights: good looks at a perched *Lazuli Bunting, *great looks
> at several *Western Bluebirds, *a *Bald Eagle *being mobbed by crows as
> it perched at Grant Lake, a *Green Heron* flying along the shore and then
> over Grant Lake, and another *Western Kingbird *and *2 Lawrence's
> Goldfinch* seen from the Grant Lake parking lot.
>
> Karen DeMello
>
>
>
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/13/26 5:25 pm From: Karen DeMello via groups.io <karen.demello...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Joseph D Grant County Park ~ Highlights from Today
Inspired by Eve's "Run for the Hills" birdathon report 2 weeks ago, 3 of us
headed to Joseph Grant Ranch County Park today (5/13/2026). What a
GORGEOUS day to be there!
Our first stop (approx 10:20 AM) was at the entrance station to pay the
parking fee. We immediately saw a *Western Kingbird* and several *Lawrence's
Goldfinch* ~ I couldn't believe it!
Next we headed to the historic Grant Ranch House and rose garden, where
upon getting out of the car we heard an unusual birdsong. I pulled out my
phone and Merlin identified the song as *Northern Parula. *We stared at
the tree in the parking lot from many angles over the next 40 minutes; Kay
had a brief glance after 20 minutes, Renée had a brief glance after 30
minutes, I never could get my eyes on it though it continued to sing
the entire time we were there in the parking lot. Pretty exciting.
Other highlights: good looks at a perched *Lazuli Bunting, *great looks at
several *Western Bluebirds, *a *Bald Eagle *being mobbed by crows as it
perched at Grant Lake, a *Green Heron* flying along the shore and then over
Grant Lake, and another *Western Kingbird *and *2 Lawrence's Goldfinch* seen
from the Grant Lake parking lot.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/12/26 5:03 pm From: Brooke Miller via groups.io <brooke.bam...> Subject: [southbaybirds] April 2026 Cumulative Bird Report for Santa Clara County
Hi South Bay Birders:
Before I report on April, there were 2 birds missed in prior months. On
27-February was the first sighting of Cliff Swallow (1) by Amber Salt at
Los Gatos Creek County park and Oka Ponds; On 28-March Sarah Chan found a
Nashville Warbler (4) at Rancho Canada del Oro OSP.
In April we added 18 new countable birds, bringing the total to 252 at the
end of the month. The average for April is 20 new birds, with an average
of 245 at the end of the month. Thank you to everyone who birded, and took
the time to report birds either on SBB, eBird, or send emails directly to
me.
Here are the birds that were found in April:
1. Calliope Hummingbird (4), 3-April, found by Chris Johnson along the
Penitencia Creek Trail
2. White-faced Ibis (4), 3-April, found by Mike Rogers and Michael Mammoser
along the entrance road to Don Edwards NWR
3. Ruddy Turnstone (5), 4-April, found by Mike Rogers, Michael Mammoser,
and Richard Jeffers, at the Stevens Creek delta
4. Hammond’s Flycatcher (4), 6-April, seen by Brooke Miller at Smith Creek
Fire Station
5. Swainson’s Thrush (2), 7-April, seen by Mike Danzanbaker in his home yard
6. Brandt’s Cormorant (6), 7-April, seen by Liz Frith at Shoreline Lake
7. Olive-sided Flycatcher (3), 9-April, heard by Tristan Yoo at the Lower
Saddle at Loma Prieta
8. Common Loon (4), 9-April, found by Andrew Bradshaw at Uvas Reservoir
9. Purple Martin (4), 9-April, Found by Josh McLaughlin at Vasona Lake
County Park
10. Elegant Tern (3), 17-April, seen by Kirsten Holmquist at Sunnyvale WPCP
Pond A4
11. Costa’s Hummingbird (5), 18-April, found by an Ohlone Audubon Group
along Mines Road
12. Gray Flycatcher (5), 19-April, found by Karen Pinckard at McClellan
Ranch Preserve
13. Western Wood-Pewee (2), 19-April, found by Melanie Barnett at Rancho
Canada del Oro OSP
14. Red-necked Phalarope (2), 21-April, found by Susan Weinstein at
Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay
15. Yellow-breasted Chat (4), 21-April, found by Carter Gasiorowski and
Connor Christensen at Santa Clara University
16. Palm Warbler (5), 25-April, found by Julie Rose at Ulistac Natural Area
17. Yellow-headed Blackbird (5), 28-April, seen by Michael McMaster at
Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay
18. Black-chinned Sparrow (4), 30-April, found by Gena Zolotar at Rancho
San Antonio—Chamise Trail.
As a reminder, here is what each rarity code means:
**Rarity Codes:
1 = common, always seen in habitat in season.
2 = fairly common, usually in habitat in season, but missed sometimes.
3 = uncommon, always around, but sometimes you can't find.
4 = rare, occurs yearly in the county, but not always in same places.
5 = very rare, does not occur every year.
6 = casual or vagrant, generally fewer than 10 records.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/11/26 8:47 pm From: Vicki Silvas-Young via groups.io <mrnngwrblr...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVBA Field Trip to Sunnyvale WPCP, Wednesday, 5-6-2026
Good evening, South Bay Birders Nine birdwatchers joined the guest leader, Allen Royer, Dan Bloch and myself at our meeting place on Caribbean Drive to discover what may be lurking in the environs of Sunnyvale WPCP last Wednesday at noon. After brief introductions, we headed down the trail with the hopeful expectation of sighting the recently sighted Black Tern. I was secretly hoping the Black Tern would be feeding from the surface of the water. We were greeted by Cliff and Barn Swallows who were very cooperative which allowed good sightings of each species. The ubiquitous singing Marsh Wrens along the slough were not singing or gave up on nesting along the slough! So we moved on to see male Anna's Hummingbirds, singing Song Sparrows, European Starlings, and a couple of Brown-headed Cowbirds here and there with a flyby of a European Collared-Dove. Further up the trail, a Green Heron flew in to greet us, landing next to a mixed congregation of Snowy Egrets and Black-crowned Night Herons. Then the trail turned to the left. I crossed my fingers for good luck. I led the group to the best spot to see the Black Tern which was not there, but out on the two pipes were a bunch of Forster's Terns, adults and recently fledged young, one lonely Black-necked Stilt, and a couple of Double-crested Cormorants intermingled with some California Gulls. But no Black Tern. Bummer! But right behind us in the slough a muskrat entertained us as did the feeding Black-crowned Night Heron with a couple of Common Gallinules in breeding plumage swimming back and forth. Hoping to drown my disappointment, we continued down the trail to see if the Western Pond Turtles would be out sunning themselves and they were! They brought their buddy, a huge catfish, who was just below the surface of the water, maybe sunning itself? Overhead an American Crow kept harassing a very patient Red-tailed Hawk. On the way back, we again stopped by the double pipes just to re- check for the Black Tern. *Sigh* Not to be seen, but we paused to admire the Ruddy Duck and noted the buoyant flight of the Forster's Terns. Calling it a day, we started to leave when one of the attendees said, "Look at that black bird." Hot damn, a Black Tern just landed to probably digest for a while. Everyone got a good look at this visitor and we headed home. It pays to go pause sometimes. Thank you, Dan, for keeping the eBird list. Here it is.....eBird Checklist - 6 May 2026 - Sunnyvale WPCP (please use a more specific hotspot where possible) - 34 specie <https://ebird.org/checklist/S334866605>s
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/11/26 7:05 pm From: Kathleen Stukenborg via groups.io <kathleen...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Vermilion Flycatcher in Cuesta Park
Vermilion flycatcher was still there at 4:20pm in the same tree.
Kathleen
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Susan Tenney via groups.io <satenney...>
Date: Mon, May 11, 2026 at 12:49 PM
Subject: [southbaybirds] Vermilion Flycatcher in Cuesta Park
To: <southbaybirds...>
Hi everyone,
There is currently a Vermilion Flycatcher in Cuesta Park. “Home base” is
the dead pine near the fitness playground at about 37.37133° N, 122.08020° W
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/11/26 12:49 pm From: Susan Tenney via groups.io <satenney...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Vermilion Flycatcher in Cuesta Park
Hi everyone,
There is currently a Vermilion Flycatcher in Cuesta Park. “Home base” is the dead pine near the fitness playground at about 37.37133° N, 122.08020° W
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Edenvale Park was birdy yesterday at noon. My first bird was a Swainson's Thrush, perch for a photo. Western Tanagers ten, were all over the park. A quiet Olive-sided Flycatcher was perched on a tall snag, see photo. Other birds seen were Yellow Warbler 2, Western Flycatcher 2, Warbling Vireo 2 and a heard only Bullock's Oriole.
Casa Loma Road was cloudy and damp at 8:30 this morning. Oddly enough my first bird was another Olive-sided Flycatcher at the top of a snag a short way from McKean. I was excited to hear a Western Wood Pewee over the creek. Other birds mostly heard along the road were Black-headed Grosbeak, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, House Wrens and Cassin's Vireo. I walked only to the creek on the Longwall trail where I had two more Cassin's Vireo, singing Orange-crowned Warblers and Warbling and Hutton's Vireo. I birded the meadow off the parking lot and the meadow after the pedestrian bridge where I finally saw a Pewee.
For the first time, Hutton's Vireo were numerous. I heard them at ten locations and saw one pair. I walked back along the road and found a male Western Tanager, Western Bluebirds, several Ash-throated Flycatcher and a heard only Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. This species has been scarce for me this year.
Other birds of interest were California Quail, Band-tailed Pigeon, Northern Flicker and a Common Raven pair. I turned onto Uvas before heading home to see a Yellow billed Magpie.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/6/26 2:48 pm From: Eve Meier via groups.io <eve.m.meier...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVBA Field Trip to Santa Teresa CP
Hi Everyone!
Today, Edward, Amanda and I led a SCVBA trip to Santa Teresa CP. This trip starts at the main entrance off of Bernal Ave.
We had a lot of nice moments! Before we even left the parking lot, we spotted or heard 19 species including a beautiful *Bullock's Oriole* high in a eucalyptus tree and a *Lark Sparrow* right on the roof of a car! A pair of *Western Bluebirds* and a pair of *Tree Swallows* were checking out the same nest box. Moving on from the parking lot, we spotted *ravens, crows, and Turkey Vultures* were all sharing a dead carcass of some sort on the hillside. I believe it was the ravens that we saw carrying away a couple of yummy pieces. Amanda was very generous with her time and shared her knowledge of the birds using the nest boxes in that area which included *Western Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, Ash-throated Flycatchers*, and an *American Kestrel* pair with their newly hatched chicks. *Lazuli Buntings* were out in force but a special moment was spotting 4 of them all sharing the same thick reed of grass!
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Date: 5/6/26 6:48 am From: Brooke Miller via groups.io <brooke.bam...> Subject: [southbaybirds] [CALBIRDS] California Bird Atlas Newsletter - April 2026 Rewind
Hi South Bay Birders,
Here is the latest news from the California Bird Atlas.
Brooke Miller
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Van Pierszalowski via groups.io <van...>
>
Date: Tue, May 5, 2026 at 8:25 PM
Subject: [CALBIRDS] California Bird Atlas Newsletter - April 2026 Rewind
To: <CALBIRDS...>
Hi all,
I’m excited to share that the new edition of CBA’s official newsletter, *Atlas
Dispatch*, is out now *HERE
<https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/news/atlas-dispatch-april-2026>*. Huge
thanks to Sam Safran, CBA’s Science Director, who did an incredible job
pulling together a great recap of our first April, along with other project
news and highlights.
As of this writing, we’re at *95,498* Atlas checklists. We truly didn’t
think hitting 100K before the end of the first summer would be possible,
and now we’re within striking distance in early May. Keep it up, everyone!
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
