Date: 10/20/26 5:42 pm From: Brad Singer via groups.io <bcsinger...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] SBVAS General Meeting, tomorrow, 7pm, October 21
All, San Bernardino Valley Audubon meets at the San Bernardino County Museum. Everybody (non-members as well) are welcome to attend. Talk is on: *"James Bond and the Mysteries of Bird Taxonomy and Conservation in the Bahamas," presented by William K. Hayes of the School of Medicine, Loma Linda University.*
Date: 10/19/26 9:17 pm From: henry detwiler via groups.io <henry_detwiler...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] Imperial Valley - Take 2
Greetings Birders,
Had so much fun on Saturday that I decided to do it again today! Started off at a marsh along the All-American Canal, and heard Sora, Virginia Rail, and Black Rail. At Living Waters I added a lingering Bullock's Oriole and fly-over Pine Siskins. My next stop was the west end of Young Road and I found several of the storm-petrels still in residence--two Blacks and one Least.No Purple Finches or Harris's Sparrow at the Visitor Center, but there were two Pine Siskins in a tree. At the Schrimpf Road Pond the Laughing Gulls have almost all departed--only three remained. At the IID Marsh south of Niland I was happy to hear and then see a Northern Waterthrush. It responded quite well to pishing, and I was able to take a nice video of it. Also in the marsh was a Ridgway's Rail and an American Bittern. The Fulvous Whistling-Duck continues at the Alamo Wetlands, along with a number of shorebirds, including Wilson's Snipe, Solitary Sandpiper, and Dunlin. By the time I quit at 5:00pm I'd tallied 106 species.
The complete list is recorded here as an eBird trip report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/586030 Good Birding!Henry D. <Detwilerhenry_detwiler...>, AZ
Finding Birds at the Salton Sea and in Imperial County, Californiahttps://www.southwestbirders.com/swb_Imperial_County_Book.htmFinding Birds in Southwest Arizonahttps://www.southwestbirders.com/swb_SWAZ_Book.htm
Date: 10/18/26 12:34 pm From: henry detwiler via groups.io <henry_detwiler...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] Imperial County Birding
Greetings Birders,
Brian, Kendra, and I made a leisurely day of birding the Imperial Valley yesterday, from 0730 to 1700, and picked up 93 species along the way. We saw a number of good birds, some of which were helped along by Tropical Storm Rachel, and have stuck around.Highlights of the day included:- 1 Fulvous Whistling-Duck at the Alamo Wetlands- 1 Horned Grebe at the Schrimpf Road pond- 2 Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrels at the end of Young Road- 1 Black Storm-Petrel at the end of Young Road- 1 Reddish Egret at the Calipatria State Prison Pond- 3 White-tailed Kites (a pair north of the Sea Wall close to Young Road, and one at Unit 1)- 1 Purple Finch female at the Salton Sea NWR Visitor Center feeder
Also fun were 2 Peregrine Falcons and one Merlin!
Good Birding!Henry D. <Detwilerhenry_detwiler...>, AZ
Finding Birds at the Salton Sea and in Imperial County, Californiahttps://www.southwestbirders.com/swb_Imperial_County_Book.htmFinding Birds in Southwest Arizonahttps://www.southwestbirders.com/swb_SWAZ_Book.htm
Date: 10/17/26 10:35 am From: Chris Dean via groups.io <chrisdeanbirder...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] Scrub-Jay at Young
Hi,
Just the messenger, Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay candidate at Young (south end of Salton Sea) near (33.1383724, -115.6659468) found by Ted Keyel. Currently being seen.
Thank you Andrew and Tom. Personally, I don’t remember noticing very many
barnacle geese or hybrids in California, but I may have also just been
ignoring them. I do remember seeing one in Italy and being disappointed
because I suspected that it was a feral bird as opposed to the ones I have
seen in Holland that were legit.
Thomas Geza Miko
Claremont CA 91711
909.241.3300
On Fri, Oct 16, 2026 at 1:43 PM howe395 via groups.io <howe395=
<yahoo.com...> wrote:
> Given the number of Canada x Barnacle hybrids I've seen over the years
> (probably 4-5 at disparate locations), I'm forced to conclude one of the
> following:
>
> 1) That there's a wild, highly motivated, libidinous Barnacle Goose
> wandering the state, sowing its wild oats.
>
> 2) That this species is fairly common in captivity and interbreeds freely
> with Canada Geese, either after escaping or perhaps whilst in captivity
> alongside Canadas (with the hybrid progyny subsequently escaping).
>
> Best,
>
> Andrew Howe
> Riverside, CA
>
>
> On Friday, October 16, 2026 at 11:41:20 AM PDT, Tom Benson via groups.io
> <thomasabenson...> wrote:
>
>
> Tom,
>
> I am not aware of previous reports of this bird, but it is almost
> certainly an escapee and not a wild vagrant. Barnacle Goose is not
> considered a likely vagrant to California, and even if one did show up,
> Prado seems like a very unlikely location for one.
>
> Tom Benson
> Redlands, CA
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: "<tgmiko...> via groups.io" <tgmiko...>
> Date: 10/16/26 11:12 AM (GMT-07:00)
> To: Inlandcountybirds <inlandcountybirds...>
> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] (Feral?) Barnacle Goose Prada
>
> Any thoughts on the Barnacle Goose at Prado?
> It seems a few weeks (a month?) early for a Siberian or a Eurasian vagrant
> duck or goose.
> Is this a known tame bird?
>
> Thomas Geza Miko
> Claremont CA 91711
> 909.241.3300
>
>
>
Given the number of Canada x Barnacle hybrids I've seen over the years (probably 4-5 at disparate locations), I'm forced to conclude one of the following:
1) That there's a wild, highly motivated, libidinous Barnacle Goose wandering the state, sowing its wild oats.
2) That this species is fairly common in captivity and interbreeds freely with Canada Geese, either after escaping or perhaps whilst in captivity alongside Canadas (with the hybrid progyny subsequently escaping).
Best,
Andrew HoweRiverside, CA
On Friday, October 16, 2026 at 11:41:20 AM PDT, Tom Benson via groups.io <thomasabenson...> wrote:
Tom,
I am not aware of previous reports of this bird, but it is almost certainly an escapee and not a wild vagrant. Barnacle Goose is not considered a likely vagrant to California, and even if one did show up, Prado seems like a very unlikely location for one.
Tom BensonRedlands, CA
-------- Original message --------From: "<tgmiko...> via groups.io" <tgmiko...> Date: 10/16/26 11:12 AM (GMT-07:00) To: Inlandcountybirds <inlandcountybirds...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] (Feral?) Barnacle Goose Prada
Any thoughts on the Barnacle Goose at Prado? It seems a few weeks (a month?) early for a Siberian or a Eurasian vagrant duck or goose.Is this a known tame bird?
Date: 10/16/26 11:41 am From: Tom Benson via groups.io <thomasabenson...> Subject: Re: [inlandcountybirds] (Feral?) Barnacle Goose Prado
Tom,I am not aware of previous reports of this bird, but it is almost certainly an escapee and not a wild vagrant. Barnacle Goose is not considered a likely vagrant to California, and even if one did show up, Prado seems like a very unlikely location for one. Tom BensonRedlands, CA -------- Original message --------From: "<tgmiko...> via groups.io" <tgmiko...> Date: 10/16/26 11:12 AM (GMT-07:00) To: Inlandcountybirds <inlandcountybirds...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] (Feral?) Barnacle Goose Prada Any thoughts on the Barnacle Goose at Prado? It seems a few weeks (a month?) early for a Siberian or a Eurasian vagrant duck or goose.Is this a known tame bird?Thomas Geza MikoClaremont CA 91711909.241.3300
Date: 10/16/26 11:35 am From: Tom Benson via groups.io <thomasabenson...> Subject: Re: [inlandcountybirds] (Feral?) Barnacle Goose Prado
Tom,I am not aware of previous reports of this bird, but it is almost certainly an escapee and not a wild vagrant. Barnacle Goose is not considered a likely vagrant to California, and even if one did show up, Prado seems like a very unlikely location for one. Tom BensonRedlands, CA -------- Original message --------From: "<tgmiko...> via groups.io" <tgmiko...> Date: 10/16/26 11:12 AM (GMT-07:00) To: Inlandcountybirds <inlandcountybirds...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] (Feral?) Barnacle Goose Prada Any thoughts on the Barnacle Goose at Prado? It seems a few weeks (a month?) early for a Siberian or a Eurasian vagrant duck or goose.Is this a known tame bird?Thomas Geza MikoClaremont CA 91711909.241.3300
Date: 10/16/26 11:12 am From: <tgmiko...> via groups.io <tgmiko...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] (Feral?) Barnacle Goose Prada
Any thoughts on the Barnacle Goose at Prado? It seems a few weeks (a month?) early for a Siberian or a Eurasian vagrant duck or goose. Is this a known tame bird?
Date: 10/15/26 8:01 am From: Tom Benson via groups.io <thomasabenson...> Subject: Re: [inlandcountybirds] Tropical Storm Rachel summary (correction)
Correction--the Elegant Tern was at Silver Lakes, not Spring Valley Lake.
Tom
On Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 07:33:22 AM PDT, Tom Benson wrote:
Following is a summary of the bird highlights of Tropical Storm Rachel for San Bernardino (SBE), Riverside (RIV), and Imperial (IMP) counties. Note that while some of these species were obviously pushed inland off the ocean or coast by Rachel, others [Red Phalarope(?), Parasitic Jaeger, Arctic Tern(?)] were more likely rare but regular southbound migrants downed by the weather.
Tom BensonRedlands, CA
PS. A reminder that Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel is a CBRC review species--the CBRC appreciates direct submissions of documentation via email (<secretary...>) or through its website: https://www.californiabirds.org/report_sighting.html Red Phalarope – Singles of this species were reported at the IID Wetlands (IMP) in Niland and at Senator Wash Reservoir (IMP) along the Colorado River on 11 Oct, and at Lake Havasu (SBE) on 12 Oct. Parasitic Jaeger – One off the west end of Young Road (IMP) at the south end of the Salton Sea on 13 Oct was likely either a southbound migrant downed by the weather or a continuing bird. Heermann’s Gull – Three at Spring Valley Lake (SBE) in Victorville and two at Lake Perris (RIV) on 11 Oct were almost certainly blown inland ahead of Rachel. Arctic Tern – One was reported flying around a flooded field just north of Mecca on 11 Oct. Elegant Tern – Two were at Senator Wash Reservoir (IMP) along the Colorado River on 11 Oct and one was at Silver Lakes (SBE) in Helendale on 12 Oct. The latter was the first record for San Bernardino County. Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel – At the Salton Sea, there were scattered reports on 11 Oct, including singles at Bombay Beach (IMP), Desert Shores (IMP), and Corvina Beach (RIV), and up to four at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area (RIV). Later, birds seemed to coalesce around the west end of Young Road (IMP), where up to five were seen 13-15 Oct. Eight were reported at Lake Havasu (SBE) 13-14 Oct, with as many as ten present on the Arizona side of the lake. Black Storm-Petrel – Up to two off the west end of Young Road (IMP) at the south end of the Salton Sea 13-15 Oct were the only representatives of this species documented inland in California following Rachel. Least Storm-Petrel – At the Salton Sea, there were scattered reports on 11 Oct, including singles at Johnson Landing (IMP), Bombay Beach (IMP), and Corvina Beach (RIV), up to two at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area (RIV), and up to four at Desert Shores (IMP). Later, birds seemed to coalesce around the west end of Young Road (IMP), where up to six were seen 13-15 Oct. Only one was reported at Lake Havasu (SBE) 13-14 Oct, with up to three present on the Arizona side of the lake. Cocos Booby – One at Lake Havasu (SBE) was documented on the California side of the lake 12-13 Oct. This bird has been present along the Colorado River on the Arizona side since 17 Sep, so was not delivered by Rachel, but added to the impressive list of pelagic species present.
Date: 10/15/26 7:33 am From: Thomas Benson via groups.io <tbenson...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] Southeastern CA RBA: October 15, 2026
RBA
* California
* Southeastern
* October 15, 2026
* CASE26.10.15
This is the Southeastern CA weekly RBA summary. We cover Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. California Bird Records Committee review species are denoted by asterisks. To report a bird POST TO INLANDCOUNTYBIRDS (https://groups.io/g/inlandcountybirds). If there is some reason that you cannot post there, please e-mail or call/text Tom Benson at <tbenson...> or (909) 648-0899.
Birds mentioned:
*GROOVE-BILLED ANI*
Red Phalarope
Heermann's Gull
Arctic Tern
Elegant Tern
Red-necked Grebe
Black Storm-Petrel
*WEDGE-RUMPED STORM-PETREL*
Least Storm-Petrel
Cocos Booby
Roseate Spoonbill
Broad-winged Hawk
Tropical Kingbird
Varied Thrush
Evening Grosbeak
Black-throated Green Warbler
Dickcissel
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
A *GROOVE-BILLED ANI* was on the publicly inaccessible Fort Irwin on Oct 14 (Brian Sandstrom).
A RED PHALAROPE was seen on Lake Havasu on Oct 12 (Konstantin Iordanov).
Three HEERMANN'S GULLS were seen at Spring Valley Lake on Oct 11 (Gavin Aquila).
A first county record ELEGANT TERN was seen at Silver Lakes on Oct 12 (Noah Arthur).
At least eight *WEDGE-RUMPED STORM-PETRELS* and one LEAST STORM-PETREL were at Lake Havasu Oct 12-13 (Ryan Hood, John Sterling).
A COCOS BOOBY that has been on the Arizona side of Lake Havasu for several weeks was seen on the California side Oct 12-13 (Ryan Hood).
A BROAD-WINGED HAWK was seen at the Baker sewage ponds on Oct 12 (Adam Panto).
A TROPICAL KINGBIRD was seen at Mesa Linda Park in Victorville on Oct 14 (Adam Jimenez).
A VARIED THRUSH was seen at the 29 Palms Inn Oct 8-12 (Johnny Bovee).
An EVENING GROSBEAK was seen at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve Oct 10-12 (Dan Ward).
An EVENING GROSBEAK was seen at Roadrunner Dunes Golf Course on Oct 10 (Matt Grube).
An EVENING GROSBEAK was seen at Horse Thief Springs on Oct 10 (Brittany O'Connor).
An EVENING GROSBEAK was seen at the 29 Palms Inn on Oct 12 (Becca Cockrum).
Up to two EVENING GROSBEAKS were seen on private property in Fawnskin Oct 12-14 (Robin Eliason).
An EVENING GROSBEAK was heard Silver Lakes on Oct 13 (Tom Benson).
An EVENING GROSBEAK was seen at Chet Huffman Park on Oct 14 (Michael San Miguel).
Two EVENING GROSBEAKS were seen at Yucaipa Regional Park on Oct 14 (Gavin Aquila).
A DICKCISSEL continued at Roadrunner Dunes Golf Course through Oct 8 (Johnny Bovee).
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Two HEERMANN'S GULLS were seen at Lake Perris on Oct 11 (Luca Cinus).
An ARCTIC TERN was reported near Mecca on Oct 11 (Noah Arthur).
A RED-NECKED GREBE was seen at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park on Oct 11 (Anne Cheung).
Up to four *WEDGE-RUMPED STORM-PETRELS* and two LEAST STORM-PETRELS were seen at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area on Oct 11 (Adrian Hinkle, Jesse Pline).
Single *WEDGE-RUMPED* and LEAST STORM-PETRELS were seen at Corvina Beach on Oct 11 (Eugene Huryn).
A BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER was seen at Whitewater Preserve on Oct 13 (Steve Myers).
IMPERIAL COUNTY
A RED PHALAROPE was seen at Senator Wash Reservoir on Oct 11 (John Sterling).
A RED PHALAROPE was seen at IID Wetlands on Oct 13 (Logan Kahle).
Two ELEGANT TERNS were seen at Senator Wash Reservoir on Oct 11 (Henry Detweiler).
Up to two BLACK, six LEAST, and five *WEDGE-RUMPED* STORM-PETRELS were seen at the end of Young Road Oct 13-15 (Logan Kahle).
Single *WEDGE-RUMPED STORM-PETRELS* were seen at Bombay Beach and Desert Shores on Oct 11 (Adrian Hinkle, Andrew Howe).
Single LEAST STORM-PETRELS were seen at Bombay Beach and Johnson Landing and up to four were at Desert Shores on Oct 11 (Chris Dean, Adrian Hinkle, Jesse Pline).
An EVENING GROSBEAK was heard at Senator Wash Reservoir on Oct 11 (Curtis Marantz).
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Birds included in this weekly summary are those that are considered casual or of less than annual occurrence in San Bernardino, Riverside, or Imperial Counties, or in some cases regionally within these areas. If you do find or see something of interest, whether it be a geographical or seasonal rarity, evidence of local range expansion, or a novel breeding record, I'd recommend sharing that information with the CBRC, North American Birds subregional editors, or regional listservs as appropriate. Information for contacting these entities is available below.
Please submit your documentation of all California Bird Records Committee review species (denoted by asterisks) to CBRC Secretary Tom Benson at <secretary...> or via the CBRC website: https://www.californiabirds.org/report_sighting.html
CBRC review species and birds of local or seasonal rarity should be reported to the North American Birds (https://www.aba.org/north-american-birds/) county coordinators. They are:
IMPERIAL COUNTY: Chris Dean, <chrisdeanbirder...>
INYO COUNTY: Chris and Rosie Howard, <chris93514...>
KERN COUNTY: Kelli Heindel-Levinson, <kkheindel...>
RIVERSIDE COUNTY: David Rankin, <david.rankin...>
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY: Alexander E. Koonce, <sandy_koonce...>
************
Other dying birding listservs that occasionally include reports of birds in southern California are:
A schedule of San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society field trips is available on the SBVAS website at https://www.sbvas.net/field-trips
************
Bird status and distribution references that every southeastern California birder should own:
Birds of southern California: status and distribution (1981), by Kimball L. Garrett and Jon L. Dunn
Birds of the Salton Sea: status, biogeography, and ecology (2003), by Michael A. Patten, Guy McCaskie, and Philip Unitt (update: https://archive.westernfieldornithologists.org/archive/V56/56(2)-p126-p142.pdf)
Birds of the Lower Colorado River Valley (1991), by Kenneth V. Rosenberg, Robert D. Ohmart, William C. Hunter, and Bertin W. Anderson
Date: 10/15/26 7:33 am From: Tom Benson via groups.io <thomasabenson...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] Tropical Storm Rachel summary
Following is a summary of the bird highlights of Tropical Storm Rachel for San Bernardino (SBE), Riverside (RIV), and Imperial (IMP) counties. Note that while some of these species were obviously pushed inland off the ocean or coast by Rachel, others [Red Phalarope(?), Parasitic Jaeger, Arctic Tern(?)] were more likely rare but regular southbound migrants downed by the weather.
Tom BensonRedlands, CA
PS. A reminder that Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel is a CBRC review species--the CBRC appreciates direct submissions of documentation via email (<secretary...>) or through its website: https://www.californiabirds.org/report_sighting.html Red Phalarope – Singles of this species were reported at the IID Wetlands (IMP) in Niland and at Senator Wash Reservoir (IMP) along the Colorado River on 11 Oct, and at Lake Havasu (SBE) on 12 Oct. Parasitic Jaeger – One off the west end of Young Road (IMP) at the south end of the Salton Sea on 13 Oct was likely either a southbound migrant downed by the weather or a continuing bird. Heermann’s Gull – Three at Spring Valley Lake (SBE) in Victorville and two at Lake Perris (RIV) on 11 Oct were almost certainly blown inland ahead of Rachel. Arctic Tern – One was reported flying around a flooded field just north of Mecca on 11 Oct. Elegant Tern – Two were at Senator Wash Reservoir (IMP) along the Colorado River on 11 Oct and one was at Spring Valley Lake (SBE) in Victorville on 12 Oct. The latter was the first record for San Bernardino County. Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel – At the Salton Sea, there were scattered reports on 11 Oct, including singles at Bombay Beach (IMP), Desert Shores (IMP), and Corvina Beach (RIV), and up to four at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area (RIV). Later, birds seemed to coalesce around the west end of Young Road (IMP), where up to five were seen 13-15 Oct. Eight were reported at Lake Havasu (SBE) 13-14 Oct, with as many as ten present on the Arizona side of the lake. Black Storm-Petrel – Up to two off the west end of Young Road (IMP) at the south end of the Salton Sea 13-15 Oct were the only representatives of this species documented inland in California following Rachel. Least Storm-Petrel – At the Salton Sea, there were scattered reports on 11 Oct, including singles at Johnson Landing (IMP), Bombay Beach (IMP), and Corvina Beach (RIV), up to two at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area (RIV), and up to four at Desert Shores (IMP). Later, birds seemed to coalesce around the west end of Young Road (IMP), where up to six were seen 13-15 Oct. Only one was reported at Lake Havasu (SBE) 13-14 Oct, with up to three present on the Arizona side of the lake. Cocos Booby – One at Lake Havasu (SBE) was documented on the California side of the lake 12-13 Oct. This bird has been present along the Colorado River on the Arizona side since 17 Sep, so was not delivered by Rachel, but added to the impressive list of pelagic species present.
Date: 10/12/26 2:52 pm From: Anthony Metcalf via groups.io <ametcalf...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] Sabine’s Gull at Lake Perris
Hi all,
This afternoon a Sabine's Gull at Lake Perris flew east to west in direction of the dam. Distant but good scope views from Life guard tower 2.
Tony Metcalf CSUSB
Anthony Metcalf Department of Biology California State University, San Bernardino 5500 University Parkway San Bernardino, CA 92407 (909) 537-7501 FAX: (909) 537-7038
Date: 10/12/26 2:28 pm From: John Green via groups.io <bewickwren...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] Cassin's Finch in the City of Riverside
Inlandcountybirders,
Today a Cassin's Finch was seen briefly on the Black Widow Ranch, our
property in eastern Riverside at the edge of the Box Springs Mountains. I
got my camera out of the house and searched for it for a couple of hours,
but so far it has not been refound.
Date: 10/11/26 3:27 pm From: Anthony Metcalf via groups.io <ametcalf...> Subject: Re: [inlandcountybirds] 2 Heermann's Gulls Lake Perris
Heermann’s Gulls continue at LP Beach 2. LP is white-capping with strong
wind out of southwest.
Tony Metcalf
CSUSB
Anthony Metcalf
Department of Biology
California State University, San Bernardino
5500 University Parkway
San Bernardino, CA 92407
(909) 537-7501
FAX: (909) 537-7038
On Sun, Oct 11, 2026 at 1:52 PM McGiffen via groups.io <kmcgif=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> [You don't often get email from <kmcgif...> Learn why
> this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
>
> Thanks for the notice, Luca. The 2 Heermann’s are still at the same
> location along with about 100 other gulls. 1:50pm
> Kathryn
> > On Oct 11, 2026, at 9:55 AM, Luca Cinus via groups.io <lucacinus2009=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
> >
> > 33.86221° N, 117.19174° W).
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 10/11/26 1:52 pm From: McGiffen via groups.io <kmcgif...> Subject: Re: [inlandcountybirds] 2 Heermann's Gulls Lake Perris
Thanks for the notice, Luca. The 2 Heermann’s are still at the same location along with about 100 other gulls. 1:50pm
Kathryn
> On Oct 11, 2026, at 9:55 AM, Luca Cinus via groups.io <lucacinus2009...> wrote:
>
> 33.86221° N, 117.19174° W).
Date: 10/11/26 1:50 pm From: Chris Dean via groups.io <chrisdeanbirder...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] Salton Sea storm birds
Hi,
Today, I saw a Least Storm-Petrel from Johnson’s Landing in Salton City, along the west side of the Sea. Later, I chased Adrian Hinkle’s Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrels at the Salton Sea headquarters SRA (NE side of Sea) and saw two of them, scoping from the harbor channel berm. Earlier in the morning, I saw a Sabine’s Gull, 15 black terns and 6 Red-necked Phalaropes at Brock Research Center (scoped from freeway overpass).
Date: 10/11/26 11:09 am From: Lance Benner via groups.io <lbenner...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] Evening Grosbeak Update
Hi Everyone, The irruption of evening grosbeaks continues and there are now widespread reports across the southern part of the state. Many of the birds have been reported from the mountains, but there have also been reports from the deserts and even Point Loma. Audio recordings of the birds by many people using their phones have been very helpful and have revealed that the vast majority so far have been flight call type 1s, which are usually found in the Pacific northwest. However, a few days ago, Sam Zhang obtained a really nice recording that showed a type 2 evening grosbeak at the Ramona Trailhead along Highway 74 in the San Jacinto Mountains. This is the type that nests in the Sierra Nevada. Sam Zhang's ebird report shows really clear examples of types 1 and 2: Type 1:https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/666579641 Type 2:https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/666579655 To date, types 1 and 2 are the only ones documented in southern California, but it's possible others might also appear, so please continue to record them and upload your recordings to eBird. Regards, Lance Lance BennerPasadena _._,_._,_
View/Reply Online (#1853) | Reply to Sender | Reply to Group | Mute This Topic | New Topic Your Subscription | Contact Group Owner | Unsubscribe [<lists...>] _._,_._,_
Date: 10/8/26 9:21 am From: Thomas Benson via groups.io <tbenson...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] Southeastern CA RBA: October 8, 2026
RBA
* California
* Southeastern
* October 8, 2026
* CASE26.10.08
This is the Southeastern CA weekly RBA summary. We cover Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. California Bird Records Committee review species are denoted by asterisks. To report a bird POST TO INLANDCOUNTYBIRDS (https://groups.io/g/inlandcountybirds). If there is some reason that you cannot post there, please e-mail or call/text Tom Benson at <tbenson...> or (909) 648-0899.
Two EVENING GROSBEAKS were seen at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve on Oct 1 (Gavin Aquila).
Up to four EVENING GROSBEAKS were seen at Granite Mountains Research Station Oct 2-7 (Tim Miller).
Two EVENING GROSBEAKS were seen in Baker and another or the same was at Chet Huffman Park on Oct 2 (Christopher Hinkle).
An EVENING GROSBEAK was at Zzyzx Desert Studies Center on Oct 2 (Addison L.).
An ORCHARD ORIOLE was at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve Sep 27-Oct 1 (Kathy Snyder).
A DICKCISSEL was seen at Roadrunner Dunes Golf Course Oct 3-5 (Matt Grube).
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
A WOODHOUSE'S SCRUB-JAY was seen in Blythe on 6 Oct (Jake Thompson).
Up to four EVENING GROSBEAKS were at the Ramona Trailhead in the San Jacinto Mountains Oct 3-6 (Ginger Spinelli).
A CANADA WARBLER was seen at Hidden Springs Park Oct 4-5 (David Rankin).
A PAINTED BUNTING was seen at Lake Tamarisk Golf Club (Desert Center) on Oct 4 (Luca Cinus).
IMPERIAL COUNTY
An EASTERN KINGBIRD was seen in ag fields near Bard on Oct 3 (Henry Detweiler).
An EVENING GROSBEAK was seen at Phil Swing Park on Sep 30 (Curtis Marantz).
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Birds included in this weekly summary are those that are considered casual or of less than annual occurrence in San Bernardino, Riverside, or Imperial Counties, or in some cases regionally within these areas. If you do find or see something of interest, whether it be a geographical or seasonal rarity, evidence of local range expansion, or a novel breeding record, I'd recommend sharing that information with the CBRC, North American Birds subregional editors, or regional listservs as appropriate. Information for contacting these entities is available below.
Please submit your documentation of all California Bird Records Committee review species (denoted by asterisks) to CBRC Secretary Tom Benson at <secretary...> or via the CBRC website: https://www.californiabirds.org/report_sighting.html
CBRC review species and birds of local or seasonal rarity should be reported to the North American Birds (https://www.aba.org/north-american-birds/) county coordinators. They are:
IMPERIAL COUNTY: Chris Dean, <chrisdeanbirder...>
INYO COUNTY: Chris and Rosie Howard, <chris93514...>
KERN COUNTY: Kelli Heindel-Levinson, <kkheindel...>
RIVERSIDE COUNTY: David Rankin, <david.rankin...>
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY: Alexander E. Koonce, <sandy_koonce...>
************
Other dying birding listservs that occasionally include reports of birds in southern California are:
A schedule of San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society field trips is available on the SBVAS website at https://www.sbvas.net/field-trips
************
Bird status and distribution references that every southeastern California birder should own:
Birds of southern California: status and distribution (1981), by Kimball L. Garrett and Jon L. Dunn
Birds of the Salton Sea: status, biogeography, and ecology (2003), by Michael A. Patten, Guy McCaskie, and Philip Unitt (update: https://archive.westernfieldornithologists.org/archive/V56/56(2)-p126-p142.pdf)
Birds of the Lower Colorado River Valley (1991), by Kenneth V. Rosenberg, Robert D. Ohmart, William C. Hunter, and Bertin W. Anderson
Date: 10/4/26 7:09 am From: David Rankin via groups.io <davidtrankin...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] Canada Warbler Moreno Valley
I just found a Cañada Warbler near Hidden Springs Park, at the intersection of Hidden Springs Dr and Greenridge Dr. (33.9796605, -117.2681502)
Foraging with many other warblers in a Eucalyptus just west of the intersection
David RankinMoreno Valley
Date: 10/1/26 12:33 pm From: Matt Grube via groups.io <mattgrube...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] Morongo birds
This morning at the feeders Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Clay-colored Sparrow continued. We also had a flyover Lewis's Woodpecker, and after we left Evening Grosbeak appeared.
Date: 10/1/26 8:00 am From: Thomas Benson via groups.io <tbenson...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] Southeastern CA RBA: October 1, 2026
RBA
* California
* Southeastern
* October 1, 2026
* CASE26.10.01
This is the Southeastern CA weekly RBA summary. We cover Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. California Bird Records Committee review species are denoted by asterisks. To report a bird POST TO INLANDCOUNTYBIRDS (https://groups.io/g/inlandcountybirds). If there is some reason that you cannot post there, please e-mail or call/text Tom Benson at <tbenson...> or (909) 648-0899.
A BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD was seen at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve on Sep 26 (Matt Grube).
An EASTERN KINGBIRD was seen at Zzyzx Desert Studies Center Sep 25-28 (Becca Cockrum).
A WHITE-EYED VIREO continued at Barstow Community College through Sep 29 (Addison L.).
The PAINTED BUNTING infestation continued with three at Luckie Park on Sep 26 (Matt Grube).
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
An EVENING GROSBEAK was at Cottonwood Spring in Joshua Tree National Park on Sep 28 (Nicole Durtschi).
A BAY-BREASTED WARBLER continued along the Las Brisas Trail in Murrieta through Sep 27 (Adam Jackson).
IMPERIAL COUNTY
A *ROSEATE SPOONBILL* was seen at Unit 1 Salton Sea NWR on Sep 28 (Bobby Figarotta).
A CLARK'S NUTCRACKER was seen at Drop 4 east of Calexico Sep 28-29 (Orlando Aguirre).
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Birds included in this weekly summary are those that are considered casual or of less than annual occurrence in San Bernardino, Riverside, or Imperial Counties, or in some cases regionally within these areas. If you do find or see something of interest, whether it be a geographical or seasonal rarity, evidence of local range expansion, or a novel breeding record, I'd recommend sharing that information with the CBRC, North American Birds subregional editors, or regional listservs as appropriate. Information for contacting these entities is available below.
Please submit your documentation of all California Bird Records Committee review species (denoted by asterisks) to CBRC Secretary Tom Benson at <secretary...> or via the CBRC website: https://www.californiabirds.org/report_sighting.html
CBRC review species and birds of local or seasonal rarity should be reported to the North American Birds (https://www.aba.org/north-american-birds/) county coordinators. They are:
IMPERIAL COUNTY: Chris Dean, <chrisdeanbirder...>
INYO COUNTY: Chris and Rosie Howard, <chris93514...>
KERN COUNTY: Kelli Heindel-Levinson, <kkheindel...>
RIVERSIDE COUNTY: David Rankin, <david.rankin...>
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY: Alexander E. Koonce, <sandy_koonce...>
************
Other dying birding listservs that occasionally include reports of birds in southern California are:
A schedule of San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society field trips is available on the SBVAS website at https://www.sbvas.net/field-trips
************
Bird status and distribution references that every southeastern California birder should own:
Birds of southern California: status and distribution (1981), by Kimball L. Garrett and Jon L. Dunn
Birds of the Salton Sea: status, biogeography, and ecology (2003), by Michael A. Patten, Guy McCaskie, and Philip Unitt (update: https://archive.westernfieldornithologists.org/archive/V56/56(2)-p126-p142.pdf)
Birds of the Lower Colorado River Valley (1991), by Kenneth V. Rosenberg, Robert D. Ohmart, William C. Hunter, and Bertin W. Anderson
Date: 9/24/26 10:06 am From: Thomas Benson via groups.io <tbenson...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] Southeastern CA RBA: September 24, 2026
RBA
* California
* Southeastern
* September 24, 2026
* CASE26.09.24
This is the Southeastern CA weekly RBA summary. We cover Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. California Bird Records Committee review species are denoted by asterisks. To report a bird POST TO INLANDCOUNTYBIRDS (https://groups.io/g/inlandcountybirds). If there is some reason that you cannot post there, please e-mail or call/text Tom Benson at <tbenson...> or (909) 648-0899.
A WHITE-EYED VIREO was seen at Barstow Community College Sep 21-22 (Todd Easterla).
An ORCHARD ORIOLE was at Chet Huffman Park Sep 18-20 (Aidan Brubaker).
A DICKCISSEL was reported at Chet Huffman Park on Sep 21 (Michael McCloy).
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
A BAY-BREASTED WARBLER was seen along the Las Brisas Trail in Murrieta Sep 21-23 (Adam Jackson).
IMPERIAL COUNTY
No reports.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Birds included in this weekly summary are those that are considered casual or of less than annual occurrence in San Bernardino, Riverside, or Imperial Counties, or in some cases regionally within these areas. If you do find or see something of interest, whether it be a geographical or seasonal rarity, evidence of local range expansion, or a novel breeding record, I'd recommend sharing that information with the CBRC, North American Birds subregional editors, or regional listservs as appropriate. Information for contacting these entities is available below.
Please submit your documentation of all California Bird Records Committee review species (denoted by asterisks) to CBRC Secretary Tom Benson at <secretary...> or via the CBRC website: https://www.californiabirds.org/report_sighting.html
CBRC review species and birds of local or seasonal rarity should be reported to the North American Birds (https://www.aba.org/north-american-birds/) county coordinators. They are:
IMPERIAL COUNTY: Chris Dean, <chrisdeanbirder...>
INYO COUNTY: Chris and Rosie Howard, <chris93514...>
KERN COUNTY: Kelli Heindel-Levinson, <kkheindel...>
RIVERSIDE COUNTY: David Rankin, <david.rankin...>
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY: Alexander E. Koonce, <sandy_koonce...>
************
Other dying birding listservs that occasionally include reports of birds in southern California are:
A schedule of San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society field trips is available on the SBVAS website at https://www.sbvas.net/field-trips
************
Bird status and distribution references that every southeastern California birder should own:
Birds of southern California: status and distribution (1981), by Kimball L. Garrett and Jon L. Dunn
Birds of the Salton Sea: status, biogeography, and ecology (2003), by Michael A. Patten, Guy McCaskie, and Philip Unitt (update: https://archive.westernfieldornithologists.org/archive/V56/56(2)-p126-p142.pdf)
Birds of the Lower Colorado River Valley (1991), by Kenneth V. Rosenberg, Robert D. Ohmart, William C. Hunter, and Bertin W. Anderson
Date: 9/22/26 12:08 pm From: Adam Jackson via groups.io <akjackson1...> Subject: Re: [inlandcountybirds] Bay-breasted Warbler in Murrieta (continuing 9/22)
Continued this morning around 9:30 am in pretty much the same spot. There was also an interesting bunting present this morning which appeared briefly. Probably just an Indigo Bunting, though some are suggesting certain features may favor Varied Bunting. Worth keeping an eye out for if you plan on chasing the warbler.
This is the best area to look for either bird. The path on either side of the creek is fine, the upper one has less foot traffic and somewhat better views. Roughly here: 33.5794441, -117.189457. Park along the street at Century Park and walk in.
Date: 9/21/26 6:50 pm From: Adam Jackson via groups.io <akjackson1...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] Bay-breasted Warbler in Murrieta
I found a Bay-breasted Warbler this evening at the Las Brisas Greenbelt trail in Murrieta at 33.5793983, -117.1896205. Closest access is from Century Park where you can park along the street. There was lots of warbler activity, most of it high in the eucalyptus trees.
Date: 9/20/26 10:06 am From: David Rankin via groups.io <davidtrankin...> Subject: Re: [inlandcountybirds] Lake Perris Lesser Black-backed Gull
Correction, it’s off parking lot 2, not 3. Labeled “Perris Beach”. The gulls are very tame, allowing close approach and not flushing to the other side of the lake as they usually do.
David
On Sun Sep 20 16:47:09 UTC 2026, David Rankin via groups.io <davidtrankin...> wrote:Lake Perris is always a gamble in September, with massive numbers of people, music and boats often drowning out any chance of finding birds. Today was no exception, with migrant passerine numbers depressingly low, and parties from last night waking up and blaring their music in an apparent attempt to make their hungover neighbors regret their life choices. A surprise Lesser Black-backed Gull with a small flock of California Gulls at the beach off parking lot 3 being serenaded by a mariachi band) almost made it worth it.
David RankinMoreno Valley
Date: 9/20/26 9:47 am From: David Rankin via groups.io <davidtrankin...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] Lake Perris Lesser Black-backed Gull
Lake Perris is always a gamble in September, with massive numbers of people, music and boats often drowning out any chance of finding birds. Today was no exception, with migrant passerine numbers depressingly low, and parties from last night waking up and blaring their music in an apparent attempt to make their hungover neighbors regret their life choices. A surprise Lesser Black-backed Gull with a small flock of California Gulls at the beach off parking lot 3 being serenaded by a mariachi band) almost made it worth it.
David RankinMoreno Valley
