Date: 9/2/25 7:57 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] North County
All,
To escape the "groundhog day" shorebirding at COPR, I headed up to N county today. At Ocean Park, I managed to eventually see the continuing Baird's Sandpipers and Red Knot. This the first time we have have heavily flooded saltmarsh at this location prior to winter and we may get really big numbers of dabbling ducks this winter at the SYRE. I already had 23 Pintails today. There were a few hundred Barn and Tree Swallows present early in the morning giving good looks but no Bank Swallows.
At the corral at the turn off into Ocean Park, there was a White-winged Dove.
Next up was the Santa Maria River Mouth. The main highlight here was a minimum of 11 Common Terns, a very high on-shore count these days. There were a couple of Eared Grebe pairs with young. A Wandering Tattler was out of place, hanging out with a Ruddy Turnstone.
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
Date: 9/2/25 11:38 am From: Hugh Ranson via groups.io <zonetail1...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Clay-colored Sparrow
This morning there's a bright Clay-colored Sparrow at Elings Park, first spotted by Zach Phillips. When I first saw it, it was between the stone bench and the restoration area. Unfortunately the sparrow was associating pretty closely with a large flock of Lesser Goldfinches--when the flock flies, so does the sparrow.
Also at the park was a flyover Osprey. There were two Loggerhead Shrikes, one in hot pursuit of the other.
For those of you interested in dragonflies, there has been a rare Pale-faced Clubskimmer near the Calle Montilla gate for the last two days.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 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.
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (7)
- Reported Sep 01, 2025 07:54 by Mary Jo Hayes
- Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, including Santa Maria River Estuary (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6473815&<ll...>,-120.6473815 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S270928908 - Comments: "Large duck with dark rust-colored head and contrasting white chin/neck; bill relatively thick. Seen on south shoreline of river mouth."
Guadalupe Murrelet (Synthliboramphus hypoleucus) (1)
- Reported Aug 29, 2025 09:04 by Val Landwehr
- WINGS 08.2025 4.4, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.8342582&<ll...>,-121.8342582 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S270451864 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Disoriented, deck-stranded, ship-assisted bird. No idea at what point this bird was on the deck, it was first brought to our attention by some passengers. Prominent amount of white in front of the eye as well as behind the eye on the face, easily distinguishing this from the other murrelets. Successfully released on the back of the ship, where it flew very well over the ocean. Potentially a younger bird based on some molt limits in the wing. Many pics taken, pics will be added later."
Lucy's Warbler (Leiothlypis luciae) (1)
- Reported Aug 31, 2025 10:34 by Rachel Street
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S270773475 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "See flitting around the reeds at the Whittier Pond. Very mobile, grey above and white undersides with a rusty-red patch on the upper side at the base of the tail. No song heard."
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Date: 9/1/25 2:04 pm From: Dave Compton via groups.io <davcompton60...> Subject: [sbcobirding] El Capitan access
I went to El Cap this morning after a short, uneventful visit to Refugio State Beach. If you drive by the entrance road at El Cap, you'll see there's construction going on there, and it might look like there's no access. But while there's no vehicle access, you CAN walk outside the construction area and down to the beach, crossing to the east side of the creek where the road turns west. If you can get into the campground, it's only via the beach.
The birding was unexceptional: no land bird migrants, but there was a little bathing spot in the creek that you could watch from the path between the road and the beach.
The project is the widening of the entrance road, as many of you may know. Currently, the road bridge over El Cap has been removed, and it doesn't look like they've even started the new one. They HAVE built a new path on the west side of the entrance road that is part of the current access--a raised cement path on top of stone in an area that used to be part of the oak woodland. So, some habitat has been sacrificed for access. The new path has some places where you can see to the creek, which may be interesting for birding in the future. It's surprising this sort of project would happen in the coastal zone, since this is all considered sensitive habitat. I suppose State Parks probably leveraged the need to maintain access to their facilities.
Date: 9/1/25 12:02 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Sun AM birds
All,
I saw the Lucy's Warbler in the W part of the Techpark this morning. It appears to be an adult to me, based on the lack of any creamy buff wash on the breast. Dave confirmed that this is similar to the bird he saw. There were a few other western migrants in the Techpark.
I had very little at Newport Drive and absolutely no migrants at Gaviota or Refugio.
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 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/
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 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.
Guadalupe Murrelet (Synthliboramphus hypoleucus) (1)
- Reported Aug 29, 2025 09:04 by Monte Neate-Clegg
- WINGS 08.2025 4.4, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.8342582&<ll...>,-121.8342582 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S270442601 - Comments: "Disoriented, deck-stranded, ship-assisted bird. No idea at what point this bird was on the deck, it was first brought to our attention by some passengers. Prominent amount of white in front of the eye as well as behind the eye on the face, easily distinguishing this from the other murrelets. Successfully released on the back of the ship, where it flew very well over the ocean. Potentially a younger bird based on some molt limits in the wing. Many pics taken, pics will be added later."
Guadalupe Murrelet (Synthliboramphus hypoleucus) (1)
- Reported Aug 29, 2025 09:04 by Kyle Kittelberger
- WINGS 08.2025 4.4, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.8342582&<ll...>,-121.8342582 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S270442549 - Comments: "Disoriented, deck-stranded, ship-assisted bird. No idea at what point this bird was on the deck, it was first brought to our attention by some passengers. Prominent amount of white in front of the eye as well as behind the eye on the face, easily distinguishing this from the other murrelets. Successfully released on the back of the ship, where it flew very well over the ocean. Potentially a younger bird based on some molt limits in the wing. Many pics taken, pics will be added later."
Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) (4)
- Reported Aug 29, 2025 14:00 by Kyle Kittelberger
- WINGS 08.2025 4.9, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.28479&<ll...>,-121.28479 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S270442554 - Comments: "Long white-tailed terns seen well through the scope at moderate distance by KK and others. Gray above on the wings contrasting nicely with the long, white forked tail. Grayish underside."
Short-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris) (1)
- Reported Aug 29, 2025 15:00 by Monte Neate-Clegg
- WINGS 08.2025 4.10, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.0776101&<ll...>,-121.0776101 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S270442607 - Comments: "Scoped by Kyle, Abe, and Skye. Overall dark Sooty-type shearwater with minimal brightness in underwing: pale underwings but the primaries were contrastingly dark, seen well through the scope. This bird gave the impression of a Sooty-type bird but was off, besides in coloration; the bill color was not contrastingly pale or large in size. It flew noticeably different than the other Sooty's (as well as PFSH's) that were passing by, including a Sooty that was in the same scope view flying close to this bird, which first brought this bird to the attention of KK and made it easy to pick out for the others. The bird did not, as far as we could recall, flap once and instead was gliding comfortably in good arcs above the surface. The shape of the bird was arced and narrow-winged."
Short-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris) (1)
- Reported Aug 29, 2025 15:00 by Kyle Kittelberger
- WINGS 08.2025 4.10, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-121.0776101&<ll...>,-121.0776101 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S270442555 - Comments: "Scoped by Kyle, Abe, and Skye. Overall dark Sooty-type shearwater with minimal brightness in underwing: pale underwings but the primaries were contrastingly dark, seen well through the scope. This bird gave the impression of a Sooty-type bird but was off, besides in coloration; the bill color was not contrastingly pale or large in size. It flew noticeably different than the other Sooty's (as well as PFSH's) that were passing by, including a Sooty that was in the same scope view flying close to this bird, which first brought this bird to the attention of KK and made it easy to pick out for the others. The bird did not, as far as we could recall, flap once and instead was gliding comfortably in good arcs above the surface. The shape of the bird was arced and narrow-winged."
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: 8/30/25 1:14 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Tech Park Lucy's
I have checked lerps at several locations and I agree it's a poor year for them. There are some along Newport Drive, but not a lot, and less than normal at Evergreen and Winchester One. Very few or no migrants in them.
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
On Saturday, August 30th, 2025 at 12:36 PM, Dave Compton via groups.io <davcompton60...> wrote:
> There's a Lucy's Warbler in the southwestern part of the Hollister tech park, in tipu trees near the condos. Otherwise, it's pretty quiet here. Some of the trees in this part of the complex are looking kind of sickly. Also, note that the cherry trees in the middle section of the complex (near the eucalyptus grove) have a lot of fruit, so this area has some promise until the cherries are gone. > > Earlier, I was at Evergreen Open Space. There were only a few migrants here, as well. There aren't a ton of lerps on the trees. > > Dave Compton > Santa Barbara >
Date: 8/30/25 1:14 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Baird's Sandpiper at NCOS
David Blue reported a juvenile Baird’s Sandpiper at NCOS this morning. When Lynn and I, along with other birders, viewed it from the north path, it was feeding on the south shore about half way between the first overlook and Phelp’s Pond. It eventually flew off but we didn’t see which direction it went.
Date: 8/30/25 12:36 pm From: Dave Compton via groups.io <davcompton60...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Tech Park Lucy's
There's a Lucy's Warbler in the southwestern part of the Hollister tech park, in tipu trees near the condos. Otherwise, it's pretty quiet here. Some of the trees in this part of the complex are looking kind of sickly. Also, note that the cherry trees in the middle section of the complex (near the eucalyptus grove) have a lot of fruit, so this area has some promise until the cherries are gone.
Earlier, I was at Evergreen Open Space. There were only a few migrants here, as well. There aren't a ton of lerps on the trees.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 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.
Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) (1)
- Reported Aug 29, 2025 10:53 by Mark Holmgren
- Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, including Santa Maria River Estuary (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6473815&<ll...>,-120.6473815 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S270261714 - Comments: "Very distant observation of an immature bird sitting on a log in the middle of the estuary. Bill and legs black. Mainly we could see that the black mask seemed to not extend to the nape. No carpal bar."
Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) (1)
- Reported Aug 29, 2025 10:53 by dave haupt
- Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, including Santa Maria River Estuary (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6473815&<ll...>,-120.6473815 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S270279914 - Comments: "Very distant observation of an immature bird sitting on a log in the middle of the estuary. Bill and legs black. Mainly we could see that the black mask seemed to not extend to the nape. No carpal bar."
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> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 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-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) (2)
- Reported Aug 28, 2025 14:49 by Joel Barrett
- Santa Barbara Island (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.035716&<ll...>,-119.035716 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S270112361 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Bird was seen standing high up on the rock in vegetated area. Later seen in a lower spot. Photos show two birds rather than one bird moving. Not in flight. Mostly streaked brown and some fine white streaks on the head and upper neck. White from the neck down to the belly and beyond. Blue feet and lower legs visible. Back not seen well but a few photos show white speckles on “back” and a whiteish patch near the base of the neck. One photo showes rocky arete (outlined in orange) and one of the birds circled in purple. Another photos shows two in one frame, circled in green."
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: 8/28/25 12:49 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Common Merganser (1 report)
- Common Tern (1 report)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 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.
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (5)
- Reported Aug 27, 2025 07:58 by Glenn Kincaid
- Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, including Santa Maria River Estuary (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6473815&<ll...>,-120.6473815 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S269909825 - Comments: "Good scope views as ducks were resting on estuary shore. Female-type plumage. Distinguished from Red-breasted by darker head, straighter bill, and strong white chin. Uniformly gray back with large white wing patches showing"
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) (2)
- Reported Aug 27, 2025 07:58 by Glenn Kincaid
- Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, including Santa Maria River Estuary (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6473815&<ll...>,-120.6473815 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S269909825 - Comments: "Possibly 3. Medium sized tern, smaller than nearby Royal Tern. Distinguished from Forster’s Tern by black cap extending solidly down onto nape, Underside light gray."
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Date: 8/27/25 8:56 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Another birding location lost
Hugh is Correct. This is one of the spots that was identified in unincorporated SB County to meet the state's mandate as a potential housing location. It has been in its current non-accessible state for several months. A real loss.
Florence Sanchez
On Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 01:10:25 PM PDT, Hugh Ranson via groups.io <zonetail1...> wrote:
It appears we might have lost another birding location in Santa Barbara. This morning I visited Lane Farm, west of the shopping center at Turnpike and Hollister. Over the years birders have been allowed to bird the farmland which, in the fall and winter, has had an attractive combination of crops, grasses, and stubble. The farm has been great for an assortment of sparrows and buntings, grosbeaks, doves, meadowlarks, pipits, etc. It's been a reliable spot for Bobolinks, Blue Grosbeaks, and Lazuli Buntings, and has had a couple each of Dickcissel and Painting Bunting over the years.
Today when I arrived the gate was padlocked, and there was a "No Trespassing" sign. A peek through the fence revealed no crops--mostly bare earth and a few weeds. Perhaps the property is being prepared for housing--I seem to remember reading that this area was being eyed some years ago.
I went with Plan B and walked Atascadero Creek from Patterson to Ward Memorial. I saw no migrants and very few resident birds.
Hugh RansonSB
Date: 8/27/25 1:10 pm From: Peter Schneekloth via groups.io <peterschneekloth...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Purple Martin - Sedgwick Reserve
With Guy Tingos at Sedgwick Reserve (restricted access) today we had very nice looks at a Purple Martin. Lehman's Birds of Santa Barbara County has them as very rare spring and fall transient in District I. This is a new bird for the Reserve to our knowledge. Looks here if of interest:
Date: 8/27/25 1:10 pm From: Hugh Ranson via groups.io <zonetail1...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Another birding location lost
It appears we might have lost another birding location in Santa Barbara. This morning I visited Lane Farm, west of the shopping center at Turnpike and Hollister. Over the years birders have been allowed to bird the farmland which, in the fall and winter, has had an attractive combination of crops, grasses, and stubble. The farm has been great for an assortment of sparrows and buntings, grosbeaks, doves, meadowlarks, pipits, etc. It's been a reliable spot for Bobolinks, Blue Grosbeaks, and Lazuli Buntings, and has had a couple each of Dickcissel and Painting Bunting over the years.
Today when I arrived the gate was padlocked, and there was a "No Trespassing" sign. A peek through the fence revealed no crops--mostly bare earth and a few weeds. Perhaps the property is being prepared for housing--I seem to remember reading that this area was being eyed some years ago.
I went with Plan B and walked Atascadero Creek from Patterson to Ward Memorial. I saw no migrants and very few resident birds.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 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: 8/26/25 8:59 pm From: Mark Bright via groups.io <pywiack...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Update on Reddish Egret
I was also at the Carpinteria Creek Estuary this morning and saw the Reddish Egret at about 9:40 am and watched it foraging for about 15 minutes. I then went to the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Preserve and found another Reddish Egret in the tidal basin just before (east) of the Franklin Creek bridge. Perhaps it was the same Reddish Egret?
Date: 8/26/25 8:36 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Update on Reddish Egret
I birded a few places in Carpinteria this morning including the Carpinteria Creek Estuary. The Reddish Egret reported by Dave Compton et al. was foraging in the estuary when I arrived. It gradually walked toward the SW corner of the Estuary and was hidden by a bush on the bank, which I walked around for a better view. And the Egret was gone! I didn't see it fly out but it must have done so, no idea in which direction it went. I waited around for a while but it didn't return.
Florence Sachez
Date: 8/26/25 8:28 pm From: Jim Long via groups.io <tagdesjim...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Forest Closure
Hi Peter, What I got only shows it to Feb 28th which makes more sense as
it would have had rain other than our March miracle by then. But tomorrow
is the last good dark skies for this year and I'm not clear as to where the
closures are. Fig. Mtn. looks like 34.742791,-120.028915 which cuts off
the Spirit Pine Sanctuary. Happy Cyn shows it at 34.663787,-119.943626
but cuts off De La Guerra and Chicken Springs so hopefully gate 1994?
Jim Long
Santa Barbara
On Tue, Aug 26, 2025 at 5:29 PM Wes Fritz via groups.io <wes-fritz=
<verizon.net...> wrote:
On 8/26/2025 15:51, Peter Schneekloth via groups.io wrote:
> Just a heads up if you were planning a Figueroa Mtn visit seems it's
> closed until March next year due to Gifford Fire. Closure order
> available on Los Padres Web Page.
> Peter Schneekloth
> Buellton
>
Date: 8/26/25 3:51 pm From: Peter Schneekloth via groups.io <peterschneekloth...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Forest Closure
Just a heads up if you were planning a Figueroa Mtn visit seems it's closed until March next year due to Gifford Fire. Closure order available on Los Padres Web Page.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 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: 8/24/25 9:41 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Ocean Park
All,
i decided to check out Ocean Park today for about 3 hours in the morning and was fortunate enough that the fog layer was well above the water. It wasn't particularly exciting although the river mouth continues to hold a number of yellowlegs (incl. 4 Lesser) and SB Dowitchers with various larger shorebirds cycling in and out. I had an ibis on the island upriver from the carpark. The swallow flock continues on the rail bridge but still lacks any Bank Swallows.
It has been an exceptional year for breeding grebes in the river mouth. earlier in the season I counted 21 different broods of Clark's and Western Grebe, which is a lot higher than normal. In all, I had almost 100 Western/Clark's today, with Clark's being commoner. Also plenty of PB Grebes. Best of all were 7 Eared Grebes including a pair with a chick on their back. This species only breeds at the SYRE occasionally.
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) (1)
- Reported Aug 24, 2025 11:04 by Kelly Krechmer
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S269330064 - Comments: "Recorded and photographed in a pine tree - only one. I used playback to get it to call again for proof. It responded. Recordings are response. It tried to find the other waxwing and the left headed toward the south"
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Date: 8/24/25 3:48 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Coal Oil point Beach, August 24
I walked a portion of the beach this morning at low tide, covering the area from Isla Vista to a little way past the Dune Pond trail marker. I did not check the westernmost portion of the beach nor the Dune Pond.
Biggest change since my last visit two weeks ago was a significant reduction in the number of Long-billed Curlews present. Black-bellied Plovers still abound, with over 120 counted on the portions of the beach I covered. New additions were lots of fresh-plumaged Western Sandpipers on the Island Vista portion of the beach. They outnumbered Least Sandpipers today. I also had at least 8 Dowitchers on the beaches today, most appearing to be molting adult Short-bills.
Only a few terns were around this morning. I had a fly-by of 2 Royal Terns and a group of 5 Elegant Terns briefly on the beach. It was really too early in the morning for the Tern flock to start to gather. Around 10 a.m. is better for that.
After leaving the beach, I checked out the north pond at NCOS, but it was devoid of all shorebirds while I was there. I think it is important to keep checking the few areas of wet mud* at this time as they are the most likely places for certain migrant shorebirds that occur in small number each year: Semipalmated Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Baird's Sandpiper to name the most likely to appear.
Florence Sanchez *Besides NCOS, the Dune Pond, the Bird Refuge, and maybe Lake Jocelyn are the most likely spots this year.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
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: 8/23/25 4:38 pm From: Dave Compton via groups.io <davcompton60...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Carp Creek Lagoon Reddish Egret
Following up on this bird. It was there when I left the lagoon area to bird
upcreek, probably about 10am. John Callender was with the bird when I left.
Note that, while the bird was in the lagoon, I included it on my
Carpinteria Creek checklist, so did not put it with other Reddish Egret
reports from this location, on the "Carpinteria Creek Estuary" hotspot. I
don't separate the two when I bird the lagoon and upcreek of the railroad
bridge in the same outing.
Some thoughts on how many individuals have been in the county this summer
(and apologies if I'm repeating anything that's been said before and
claiming the idea as my own). The juvenile that was here for about 5 days
in early August (for a couple of days with an older looking bird) looked
really similar to this bird, based on the photos, but I'm not convinced
it's the same one. A similar looking bird was at Villa Creek in SLO County
for several weeks, until about a week ago, and one farther south in SLO
County, photographed yesterday, also looked similar. I'll leave it to SLO
folk to decide whether those were the same bird, but if the bird seen
yesterday is gone, then the Carpinteria bird could be the same one. Note
that the earlier Carp bird and the Villa Creek bird were photographed on
the same date, several days in a row. So, there have been at least two
really similar looking juveniles recently.
The first Reddish Egret in the County this year, according to eBird, is the
one Daniel Farrar photographed at Vandenberg in the morning on July 10 and
reported as gone later in the morning. What could easily have been the same
bird was photographed after 4:30pm the same day in Santa Barbara by Larry
and Carol Rose. Rod Farber and Even Martin photographed a Reddish Egret at
Refugio State Beach on the morning of August 4, hours before Rod was the
first to enter a photograph in eBird of the original Carp Creek lagoon
bird. An older bird showed up later and stayed for at least two days. In
my opinion, it's likely there have been four different individuals in the
county: (1) the Vandenberg/Santa Barbara bird, (2) the Villa Creek (SLO)/23
Aug Carp bird; (3) the Refugio/Carp juvenile; and (4) the Carp Creek 2Y (?)
bird.
If the bird in SLO Co shows up again, then I'll have to rethink this.
Dave Compton
Santa Barbara
On Sat, Aug 23, 2025 at 9:34 AM Dave Compton via groups.io <davcompton60=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Non-Slackers,
>
> A juvenile Reddish Egret is at Carp Creek Lagoon, Carpinteria State Beach,
> at 9:30am, 8-23.
>
> Dave Compton
> Santa Barbara
>
>
>
Date: 8/22/25 5:43 pm From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Solitary Sandpiper (2 reports)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 21, 2025 12:23 by Dawn Hovey
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S268674067 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Medium-sized shorebird with white eye rings. It was foraging in the western pond where others have seen it. It flew off while we were there, but returned a few minutes later. Photos."
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 21, 2025 12:23 by Steve Hovey
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S268683860 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Medium-sized shorebird with white eye rings. It was foraging in the western pond where others have seen it. It flew off while we were there, but returned a few minutes later. Photos."
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Date: 8/22/25 2:32 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] East Beach and bird Refuge, Aug. 21
Steve Colwell and I spent a little time birding yesterday morning before it got too hot. We started at East Beach in the hope of being able to pick up some interesting terns. However, we found the flock of 300 or more terns was up in the air, constantly flying from West to east, never alighting for more than a few minutes. After this went on for quite a while with no sign of ceasing, we moved on to the Bird Refuge.
The areas of exposed mud are gradually increasing, but are not extensive yet. Best bird in the Refuge was probably the White-faced Ibis, feeding in the shallow water near the east end. There were a lot of Black-necked Stilts, a Yellowlegs, and several small shorebirds, including Semi-palmated Plover, Least Sandpipers, and Western Sandpipers. We had 5 species of Heron, including a large flock of Snowy Egrets that included several very young birds. Among the Ducks, we found a couple of Shovelers and a female Blue-winged Teal.
We returned East Beach for another look and found a group of about 100 Terns had settled in by the blue lifeguard tower. We scanned through them, but they were all Elegant Terns with the exception of 1 Royal.
We decided to follow up on a report of Wood Duck in the Mission Creek Outfall to see if it was in the pond at Chase Palm Park. We found it on the grounds with the Mallards and it turned out to be a splendid male. This bird is worth a visit--I don't recall seeing one this colorful in Santa Barbara before.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 8/22/25 12:59 am From: Miguel Christie via groups.io <christiemiguel...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Shelducks at Ocean Park
Hi all, just to confirm that the 3 Shelducks reported by Peter S. are still in the outflow area near the beach, best seen from the 'balcony' by rails (last seen 14:30 yesterday, thursday). A bit far and hazy, but they seemed to be foraging and in no hurry to leave. Best
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) (1)
- Reported Aug 21, 2025 08:30 by Barbara Millett
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S268621128 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Medium-sized shorebird, olive-brown above and bright white below. Pale spots on back, Large, prominent eye-ring. Greenish-yellow legs. Would often bob the back end of body. Foraging in NW pond. Just before 9:00 a.m. it flew off to the east. I waited about 5 min.,but it did not return."
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) (1)
- Reported Aug 21, 2025 05:45 by The Spotting Twohees
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S268574763 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing first seen by Lynn Scarlett 8/19. When I arrived it was still too dark to see bird colors, but I could see movement and sandpipers on the pond. I could pick out the Solitary by the overall larger size and long length.
Head had a dark cap and white eye ring. Yellowish legs. White spots on dark wings, white undertail, belly, and lower breast."
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) (1)
- Reported Aug 20, 2025 18:38 by Mario Ramos
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S268513197 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing Solitary Sandpiper at NCOS, observed again this afternoon at the most western pond. As reported yesterday and this morning. Foraging along the muddy edge. Notable field marks, bold white eye ring. Compared to nearby Least Sandpipers, the Solitary appeared larger, longer-legged, and slimmer, with a more upright posture."
Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) (4)
- Reported Aug 21, 2025 09:08 by Daniel Farrar
- Ocean Beach County Park and Santa Ynez River Estuary, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6003785&<ll...>,-120.6003785 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S268648159 - Comments: "Small terns roosting with royals. 2 ad and 2 immatures/winter plumage. Adults with black tipped orange bills and full black cap. In flight no black edge to tails. Others with black facemask not extending behind to nape."
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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: 8/21/25 10:07 am From: Peter Schneekloth via groups.io <peterschneekloth...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Shelducks at Ocean Park
With recent discussion of the Shelducks (if that's what they are) in Carp a few have appeared at Ocean Park. Here is distant photo not sure if they provide comparison to the other birds:
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) (1)
- Reported Aug 20, 2025 07:30 by Eunice Schroeder
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S268457099 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing bird foraging in northwest pond; first reported yesterday (8/19/25) by Lynn Scarlet. Medium-sized shorebird with small white spots on brown back and prominent white eye-ring. Photo."
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 19, 2025 08:45 by Pamela Viale
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S268303840 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Medium sized bird with darker spotted back, white underparts, medium sized darker bill (yellow green at base with darker tip) with slight streaking of breast annd throat and bold white eye ring. Yellow green legs. Actively foraging in western pond of NCOS, first spotted by Lynn Scarlett."
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 19, 2025 08:45 by Adrian O'Loghlen
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S268315780 - Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Medium sized bird with darker spotted back, white underparts, medium sized darker bill (yellow green at base with darker tip) with slight streaking of breast annd throat and bold white eye ring. Yellow green legs. Actively foraging in western pond of NCOS, first spotted by Lynn Scarlett."
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) (1)
- Reported Aug 17, 2025 11:42 by Tracy Drake
- Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, including Santa Maria River Estuary (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6473815&<ll...>,-120.6473815 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S267943757 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Could have been two. Small tern looking much like a Forster's thought he black eye patch wrapped around the head and The coloring in the primary wing margins was present but negligible."
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Date: 8/19/25 8:13 pm From: Rob Hofberg via groups.io <rhofberg...> Subject: [sbcobirding] California Gulls at Ocean Park on 8/18/25
Hi All -
On my Ebird checklist I listed 25 California gulls. My first inclination
was to put them as ring-billed, which I believe they were. It was a flock
that stuck together. Most had dark eyes , small pointed yellow bills and
were small. As they floated on the water very distinct bright white spots
were very prominent along the black folded primaries. 2 of them had me
thinking short-billed due to the very tiny yellow bills.
I’m not sure how to correct the checklist from yesterday.
Date: 8/19/25 3:21 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Solitary Sandpiper at NCOS
Lynn Scarlett found a Solitary Sandpiper at NCOS this morning. It was at the most westerly pond along the path leading to the Ellwood Eucalyptus Grove. This pond is rapidly shrinking and the exposed mud banks are attracting lots of birds, mainly Kilideer and Least Sandpipers.
Date: 8/19/25 1:11 pm From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Solitary Sandpiper (1 report)
- Black Tern (1 report)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) (1)
- Reported Aug 19, 2025 07:15 by Lynn Scarlett
- UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8792197&<ll...>,-119.8792197 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S268298485 - Comments: "medium-size sandpiper, bright white eye ring, white underneath, darker back than spotted sandpiper, not doing constant tail bobbing like spotted sandpiper, brown back with pale spots--photos to come"
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: 8/18/25 11:36 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Black Tern (1 report)
- Forster's Tern (3 reports)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) (3)
- Reported Aug 17, 2025 11:42 by Tracy Drake
- Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, including Santa Maria River Estuary (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6473815&<ll...>,-120.6473815 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S267943757 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Small tern with sharp black bill, dark eye patch, reddish upper legs and dark feet. The coloring in the primary wing margins was negligible."
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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: 8/17/25 9:59 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Bank Swallow (1 report)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) (1)
- Reported Aug 16, 2025 10:13 by Tracy Drake
- Ocean Beach County Park and Santa Ynez River Estuary, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6003785&<ll...>,-120.6003785 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S267667662 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "This is a probable sighting. It looks like it however since so many of the birds are melting it could be another type of swallow. Please correct if I am wrong on this identification. Thank you."
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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: 8/16/25 8:30 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Solitary Sandpiper (1 report)
- California Gull (albertaensis) (2 reports)
- California Gull (californicus) (2 reports)
- Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) (2 reports)
- Forster's Tern (4 reports)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) (1)
- Reported Aug 13, 2025 16:47 by John Callender
- Lake Jocelyn, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.4772805&<ll...>,-119.4772805 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S267379182 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing bird reported earlier by Spencer Steele. I first observed fly up from the northwest corner of the lake and leave the area flying west. Later I saw an individual at the east end of the lake that could have been the same bird having returned without my seeing it come back."
California Gull (albertaensis) (Larus californicus albertaensis) (1)
- Reported Aug 15, 2025 07:18 by Herb Elliott
- Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, including Santa Maria River Estuary (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6473815&<ll...>,-120.6473815 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S267484662 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "*Rare but probably regular over-summerer. KH has been studying variation in CAGU and their ssp for several years. Fairly typical 2nd-cycle. Large, pale, streaky, long-winged and legged CAGU. New scaps very pale like AHGU. Shallow forehead, etc."
California Gull (albertaensis) (Larus californicus albertaensis) (1)
- Reported Aug 15, 2025 07:18 by Reef Comer
- Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, including Santa Maria River Estuary (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6473815&<ll...>,-120.6473815 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S267488873 - Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "*Rare but probably regular over-summerer. KH has been studying variation in CAGU and their ssp for several years. Fairly typical 2nd-cycle. Large, pale, streaky, long-winged and legged CAGU. New scaps very pale like AHGU. Shallow forehead, etc."
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) (Larus occidentalis x glaucescens) (1)
- Reported Aug 15, 2025 07:18 by Reef Comer
- Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, including Santa Maria River Estuary (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6473815&<ll...>,-120.6473815 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S267488873 - Comments: "*Rare but likely summer. Odd almost Slaty-backish chocolatey 2nd-cyc. Structurally odd, massive bulbous bill, and uniform wing coverts."
Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) (Larus occidentalis x glaucescens) (1)
- Reported Aug 15, 2025 07:18 by Herb Elliott
- Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, including Santa Maria River Estuary (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6473815&<ll...>,-120.6473815 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S267484662 - Comments: "*Rare but likely summer. Odd almost Slaty-backish chocolatey 2nd-cyc. Structurally odd, massive bulbous bill, and uniform wing coverts."
Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) (1)
- Reported Aug 15, 2025 09:26 by Mario Ramos
- Mission Creek outflow, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6869361&<ll...>,-119.6869361 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S267423565 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing: in non-breeding plumage standing on the shore at Mission Creek outflow next to another tern. White forehead with black eye-mask, pale gray upperparts, and white underparts."
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: 8/15/25 7:03 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Forster's Tern (4 reports)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) (3) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 14, 2025 10:55 by Bob Marshall
- Coal Oil Point Reserve, Goleta US-CA 34.40773, -119.87813, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.878134&<ll...>,-119.878134 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S267288295 - Comments: "One flying; a pair on Sands Beach, apart from large flock of Elegant Terns. Much smaller than Elegant; prominent ear patches not connected on nape."
Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 14, 2025 12:06 by The Spotting Twohees
- Mission Creek outflow, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6869361&<ll...>,-119.6869361 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S267238183 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Seen on the beach with the Royal Terns. Pale overall with light brownish highlights on back. Black eye patch extending behind eye. Black bill and dark legs with a redish tinge."
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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/
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) (3) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 13, 2025 08:06 by Armando Aispuro
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S267034189 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Smaller tern, black eyespots. This is an expected species on Sands Beach at this time of year, perhaps not a rarity anymore."
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: 8/13/25 9:16 am From: Dave Compton via groups.io <davcompton60...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Recent (not accessible) Crested Auklet
I'm providing this information because it's obviously relevant to all those out there who, like me, try to keep up on local bird goings on. This is not chaseable, as it was found far from any place where most of us have access. Anyway, for those wondering what the next first record for Santa Barbara County would be, read below:
A Crested Auklet was found by biologists offshore from a restricted area on Vandenberg Space Force Base, representing the first record for Santa Barbara County. It was seen on July 28 and again on July 29, but has not been seen since then despite being searched for on several occasions. As a reminder, Vandenberg Space Force Base is not open to the public and birders should not try to access the base to find this bird.
There are only two prior CBRC-accepted records of Crested Auklet for California: one approximately 5 km north of Bolinas, Marin County, 16-17 July 1979, and at Bodega Head, Sonoma County, 24 June 1995. Pending acceptance by the CBRC, a recent report from Southeast Farallon Island, San Francisco County, 21 July 2025 and the Santa Barbara County report will represent the third (if considered the same individual) or third and fourth state records.
Date: 8/13/25 4:04 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Forster's Tern (1 report)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
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> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
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: 8/11/25 11:25 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Foggy morning at COP, August 11
The heading pretty much says it all. I walked the full beach anyway but skipped the Dune Pond. As has been the case recently, the dominant species were Long-billed Curlew and Black-bellied Plover. I had very few small Sandpipers today: 1 Western Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, 2 Sanderlings, and 10 Least Sandpipers. Semi-palmated Plovers continue to split into two groups: one on the Isla Vista portion of the beach and the other near the western end.
The tern flock increased as the morning went on and was dominated by Elegant Terns. It was up to 42 Elegants by the time I left, with more birds coming in.
The highlight of the morning was seeing a very large Peregrine Falcon sitting on a post of the plover nesting boundary fence. Interesting timing as the docent had just arrived with two cages of fostered chicks ready to be released! Eventually, the Falcon flew off and the docents could complete their task.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 8/11/25 6:16 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Black Tern at EAst Beach
Does anyone have a photo of this bird that they'd be willing to share with me? You can reply off-list as photos on the listserve are limited.
Thanks,Florence Sanchez
Date: 8/11/25 12:29 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Black Tern (2 reports)
- Forster's Tern (2 reports)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) (1)
- Reported Aug 10, 2025 03:20 by Lynn Scarlett
- East Beach, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6733427&<ll...>,-119.6733427 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S266480973 - Comments: "very small tern, flying low overhead, black bill, white underneath, darker back, some black behind eye (not like Forster's); it was making sounds that also sounded like black tern; I could not manage to get a photo"
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: 8/10/25 9:06 pm From: Glenn Kincaid via groups.io <glenn...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Purple Martin Breeding Nojoqui Falls Park 2025
With support of the Santa Barbara Audubon Society, we (Primarily Adrian O’Loghlen and I) have been monitoring the breeding Purple Martins in and near Nojoqui Falls County Park since 2016. Typically we visit the park weekly during breeding season to check on breeding progress. This year we had 5 successful nests (defined as: minimum of food delivery or fecal sac removal), and 1 additional nest that we could not confirm. The breeding season was late this year, two seeks or more later than last year. Five successful nests have been the number for 3 years now. These low numbers are of great concern because there are data that indicate Purple Martin colonies of this size have only a 50:50 chance of surviving from year to year.
Date: 8/10/25 8:38 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] East Beach update: no Black Tern
Around 6:30 p.m., I went down to the same area where the tern was spotted last evening, but I did not find it. There were 37 Black Skimmers, 4 Elegant Terns and a single Least Tern, several gulls, and a few large shorebirds trying to settle on the beach but they were constantly being disturbed by beach walkers.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 8/10/25 2:55 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Black Tern update and Bird Refuge, Aug 10
Found other birders down on East Beach this morning looking for the Black Tern Wes reported yesterday. One birded had seen it earlier well east of the outfall, but it was flushed well down the beach by a walker and we could not refind it.
Over the years, the Bird Refuge has been a good spot to look for Black Terns, so I headed over there. No luck on the tern, but the place was very birdy. Best of all, we are starting to get some exposed mud at the east end and the "apron" near the parking lot is also widening. This location has produced such niceties as Semi-palmated Sandpiper and Pectoral Sandpiper in past years when there has been a good amount of exposed mud.
No such luck today, but I found Several Black-necked Stilts at the east end, 4 of which were half-grown chicks; also a Spotted Sandpiper, a Least Sandpiper, and 2 Dowitchers, which I suspect (from a single call note) were Long-billed. Also, 17 Black Skimmers were resting on the mud spit and foraging over the water, which is also a good sign of favorable habitat.
Florence Sanchez
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) (4)
- Reported Aug 09, 2025 08:54 by Peter Beck
- Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, including Santa Maria River Estuary (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6473815&<ll...>,-120.6473815 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S266117042 - Comments: "Winter plumage. Small tern. All black bill. White on top of head; black patch extending behind eye. No carpal bar (which common tern would have) and bill longer than arctic tern."
Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) (4)
- Reported Aug 09, 2025 08:54 by Christine Beck
- Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, including Santa Maria River Estuary (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6473815&<ll...>,-120.6473815 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S266120462 - Comments: "Winter plumage. Small tern. All black bill. White on top of head; black patch extending behind eye. No carpal bar (which common tern would have) and bill longer than arctic tern."
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: 8/9/25 2:57 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Northern Shoveler at the Dune Pond
Lynn and I saw a female Northern Shoveler at the Dune Pond this morning. Lehman describes this species as “very rare in summer”.
Earlier we had come across one of the young Red-tailed Hawks at COPR perched on a log probably 15’ in front of us in the area where the tanks used to be. As we approached it, it flew down to the ground and caught an adult Ground Squirrel. It was either unwilling or unable to fly away with the squirrel and so over the next 30 minutes we watched it struggle to kill the squirrel and then consume it – all literally within feet of us. I haven’t included any of the more gruesome photos of this event at my Flickr site.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 07, 2025 18:35 by Mario Borunda
- Carpinteria Creek Estuary, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5198238&<ll...>,-119.5198238 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S265756003 - Comments: "Nondescript gray overall with slight reddish/chestnut color under beak, throat, and down center of neck and belly. Scapulars/upper coverts show same reddish/chestnut color. Black beak. Legs appeared dark. Displayed animated foraging behavior- running, jumping, spreading wings. Features appear to be those of a dark morph juvenile. Continuing bird."
Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 07, 2025 18:35 by Andrea Bruce
- Carpinteria Creek Estuary, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5198238&<ll...>,-119.5198238 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S265840233 - Comments: "Nondescript gray overall with slight reddish/chestnut color under beak, throat, and down center of neck and belly. Scapulars/upper coverts show same reddish/chestnut color. Black beak. Legs appeared dark. Displayed animated foraging behavior- running, jumping, spreading wings. Features appear to be those of a dark morph juvenile. Continuing bird."
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: 8/8/25 8:52 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Lesser Yellowlegs at COPR
I saw what looked like a Lesser Yellowlegs near the Half Bridge at Devereux Slough this morning and later what I assume was the one reported by Nick and Florence at the Dune Pond.
Date: 8/8/25 4:12 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Coal Oil Point and Sands Beach, Aug. 7
Long-billed Curlews and Black-bellied Plovers continue to dominate. There were fewer Semi-palmated Plovers and small Sandpipers on the Island Vista beach than I've found on all previous visits, but the number of SP Plovers at the west end of the beach has almost tripled: from a previous high of 28 birds to 68 this morning.
The tern flock is growing with Elegant Tern now the dominant species. It was hard to get an accurate count because they were behaving in typical tern flock fashion: Settling down, flying up, and coming down again in a different spot with new birds seeming to join the group and others leaving. My best estimate was 47 Elegants and 20 Royals, plus 4 Caspian Terns and a juvenile tern I could not confidently identify. Armando also had a Forester's Tern on another part of the beach.
The Dune pond is getting more use from small sandpipers. I strongly recommend a scope (or long-lens camera) to view them properly. Those individuals that come to the nearest edge of the pond can been seen pretty well through binoculars (I had Western, Least, and a single Spotted Sandpiper in view there) but those on the far shore need greater magnification. I had 3 Yellowlegs, one of which appeared to be slightly smaller, but without a scope I cannot be sure if it was the Lesser Yellowlegs Nick saw after me or not.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 8/8/25 12:14 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Revised ROTE filter
All,
Given that multiple ROTE counts from the N and S coast have blown through the filter in the last few days, I extended the the filter period for the fall/early winter to Aug 1 (it was starting on Aug 15 previously).
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
Date: 8/8/25 12:06 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] A few recent shorebirds
All,
I had a juv Lesser Yellowlegs at the Dune Pond today and three a couple of days ago at Ocean Park. Some dowitchers there included the first juvenile SB Dowitchers of the season.
After having the young BN Stilts on the island off Ocean Park vanish for a couple of weeks, I was very happy to see a pair with two well-grown flying young west of the train tracks. Whether these were from the island or from a different pair I don't know.
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
Date: 8/8/25 11:50 am From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Masked Booby and SBI Booby Pelagic summary
All,
The Island Packers pelagic trip out to the booby colony at Santa Barbara Island was pretty successful with a good variety and quantity of birds. The highlight was an adult Masked Booby at the colony, which conveniently perched quite low down on the rocks by the cormorants. There was one Blue-footed Booby present among all the Cocos (formerly Brown) Boobies, but a few folks missed it as it tended to perch out of view on top of Sutil Rock in between making some short flights.
The crossing between SBI and Santa Cruz Island via the Santa Cruz Basin was as usual productive for storm-petrels with multiple good looks at Ashy, Black and Leach's, including both white-rumped and dark-rumped birds, and brief looks at Least. The general feeling was that there were no Townsend's seen and at least a couple of the Leach's looked notably long-winged.
There were many hundreds of Sooty Shearwaters and dozens of Pink-footed. We had good looks at what was likely the same Buller's Shearwaters on both the way out and way back. Unsurprisingly with all the shearwaters around, we had a South Polar Skua that ended up harassing some Pink-foots.
A lone adult Sabine's Gull was seen and we had very good looks at a pair of Scripps's Murrelets, which have often gone north by this date. After several 'years of plenty', we were surprised to find only one pair of Craveri's Murrelets. It will be interesting to see what happens on the later trips with this species.
Thanks to the other leaders on the boat: Dave Pereksta, Dave Compton and Wes Fritz, plus 'honorary leader' Todd McGrath for finding all the birds.
Regards,
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) (1)
- Reported Aug 07, 2025 07:00 by Noah Gaines
- Noah's House near LLC, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8426241&<ll...>,-119.8426241 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S265729643 - Comments: "I heard the Chup call of an Oriole or blackbird in my backyard and immediately struck me as different. It turned out to be an Oriole with a dusky hood. I have recording and photos. My initial thought was Orchard but photos lean more towards Baltimore. Any help with the ID is appreciated. Media will be up shortly."
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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: 8/7/25 2:36 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Carpinteria Area Birding August 7
Steve Colwell and I checked out various spots in Carp this morning, at times fighting a losing battle with persistent fog that hung around the immediate coast all morning. First stop was the Carpinteria Creek Estuary, where the continuing Reddish Egret was fishing, attempting canopy feeding at times, and generally ruling the pond. The large gull flock on the beach consisted of Western, Hermann's, and California gulls, including some juveniles of each species. We had one pair (adult-juv) each of Caspian and Elegant Terns and a few shorebirds: Whimbrels, 1 Godwit, 1 Greater Yellowlegs, and a Snowy Plover.
We moved away from the foggy beach to check a couple of places inland without finding much of interest. Lake Jocelyn had even fewer birds total than I saw there yesterday and no shorebirds at all, but we found the Lazuli Bunting and Black-headed Grosbeak in the same oak tree where I saw them yesterday. The lemon orchard was bing watered, which brought down lots of common small birds and Steve noticed a very wet female Oriole among them. A Belted Kingfisher made a brief appearance when we arrived.
We returned to the foggy beach area and checked out the Harbor Seal beach. There we found 2 Black Oystercatchers, which was a pleasant surprise. Finally we went to the Carpinteria Salt Marsh park where the fog had lifted though it was still hazy. We found a nice mixed flock of small shorebirds on the wet mud, but they were difficult to identify because of heat haze. There were Least Sandpipers and Semi-palmated Plovers in the group along with a Spotted Sandpiper. I identified a few Western Sandpipers in the group and a couple of them looked to be fresh juvenile birds, but several birds in the flock were just too poorly seen to identify properly even through scope and camera.
The adjacent creek channels provided some good birding: 2 Yellow-crowned Night Herons in Franklin Creek and a Green Heron in Santa Monica Creek. Santa Monica Creek was also full of interesting aquatic life: Leopard Sharks; a different shark of similar size but dark blue-green on the back and reddish on the side; at least one Ray; several leaping fish (Mullets?), and a host of tiny Minnow-like fish swimming all around the bottom-feeding sharks.
Florence Sanchez
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 05, 2025 16:33 by Rob Farber
- Carpinteria Creek Estuary, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5198238&<ll...>,-119.5198238 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S265323270 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Reddish Egret still foraging mostly SW end of estuary at 4:50 pm. Young bird, white iris, straight dark bill , black feet, dark (maybe black) legs. Overall bluish-gray with purple or reddish overtones . Small reddish-brown chin.
Gray mantle. Similar size as nearby Snwy Egret. Moving most of the time in shallow water.Photos ."
Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 04, 2025 08:36 by Rob Farber
- Refugio State Beach, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0694835&<ll...>,-120.0694835 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S265321142 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "We were at the bridge and walking towards the scrub when I spotted a heron that I didn't recognize fly in over the lagoon. I backtracked and, luckily, found that it had landed right at the mouth and was foraging near the Snowy Egret. It was bigger than the Snowy and smaller than a nearby Great Egret. A young bird, I think, as, although it reminded me of a Reddish Egret, it didn't have any of the field marks I knew - the bill was mostly solid dark gray rather than half pink, it was foraging more like a Snowy than the "dance" of a Reddish, the plumage was a mix of mottled purplish-rust (especially on the neck) and purplish-blue and the legs and feet were black. But it did show the white iris and the bill was rather stout and dagger-like. It was seen from about about 9-9:30 a.m. at the mouth of the lagoon between the bridge and the ocean then seen leaving the lagoon and flying east along the beach about 10:00 a.m. A million thanks to John C. for bolstering my confidence on the ID and letting others know. [EM]"
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Date: 8/6/25 5:00 pm From: Garrett Lau via groups.io <Garrett.Lau...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Reddish Egret?
I just saw it five minutes ago.
Garrett Lau
On Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 4:27 PM Florence Sanchez via groups.io
<sanchezucsb11...> wrote:
> Did anyone see the Reddish Egret at the Carpinteria Creek mouth today?
> I've seen no reports and was considering birding that spot tomorrow.
>
> Thanks,
> Florence Sanchez
>
>
>
>
Around noon it was on the sand of the estuary mouth with the gulls. Looked comfy.
> On Aug 6, 2025, at 4:26 PM, Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> wrote:
>
> Did anyone see the Reddish Egret at the Carpinteria Creek mouth today? I've seen no reports and was considering birding that spot tomorrow.
>
> Thanks,
> Florence Sanchez
>
>
Did anyone see the Reddish Egret at the Carpinteria Creek mouth today? I've seen no reports and was considering birding that spot tomorrow.
Thanks,Florence Sanchez
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 05, 2025 11:13 by Craig Murray
- Carpinteria Creek Estuary, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5198238&<ll...>,-119.5198238 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S265264756 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing this morning. Smaller of the two was predominantly grey with dark bill and legs. Actively canopy feeding. Larger bird with rust colored head and neck with pinkish red bill. Photos."
Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 05, 2025 08:00 by Lynn Scarlett
- Carpinteria Creek Estuary, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5198238&<ll...>,-119.5198238 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S265285289 - Media: 14 Photos
- Comments: "continuing from previous day--one very gray juvenile with just slight reddish on throat, dark bill; occasionally doing its "canopy" fishing; a second one flew in--much more reddish on throat; they had a bit of a tussle with the first (grayish) one chasing off the other; many photos; two others joined me during this viewing"
Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 04, 2025 18:51 by Linda Blue
- Carpinteria Creek Estuary, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5198238&<ll...>,-119.5198238 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S265258771 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "This bird was discovered here at the Carpinteria Creek Estuary earlier this evening by Rob Farber, and was most likely the same bird reported this morning at Refugio State Beach by Eve Martin. It appeared to be a dark morph juvenile and had a yellow eye and a black bill. The plumage was pale gray on the upperparts and a lighter pale brown on the neck and underparts with some rusty tones. It was an active feeder running around, and once snapped at a nearby Western Gull, but did not do any canopy feeding or "dancing"."
Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 04, 2025 18:51 by David Blue
- Carpinteria Creek Estuary, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5198238&<ll...>,-119.5198238 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S265146226 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "This bird was discovered here at the Carpinteria Creek Estuary earlier this evening by Rob Farber, and was most likely the same bird reported this morning at Refugio State Beach by Eve Martin. It appeared to be a dark morph juvenile and had a yellow eye and a black bill. The plumage was pale gray on the upperparts and a lighter pale brown on the neck and underparts with some rusty tones. It was an active feeder running around, and once snapped at a nearby Western Gull, but did not do any canopy feeding or "dancing"."
Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 04, 2025 18:23 by Rob Farber
- Carpinteria Creek Estuary, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5198238&<ll...>,-119.5198238 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S265132875 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Young Reddish Egret with white iris,straight bill dark with slight lighter shade near base,black feet, overall blueish-gray with purplish overtones. Reddish throat and chin. Medium gray mantle. Similar in size to nearby Snowy Egret. Foraging in 3-5 in. estuary water, mostly on move, lifting feet nearly out of water. Occasionally chasing other birds with scratchy 'gwaaaak' vocalization."
Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 05, 2025 09:30 by Adrian O'Loghlen
- Carpinteria State Beach, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5230103&<ll...>,-119.5230103 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S265285193 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Originally, one grayish individual bird feeding. A second, much more reddish bird flew in and both birds were fighting periodically, with the grayish bird flying the other off down the beach. Medium sized egrets, with light grayish eyes, foraging with caped wings sporadically. Long pointed bills. Dark gray legs."
Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 05, 2025 09:30 by Pamela Viale
- Carpinteria State Beach, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5230103&<ll...>,-119.5230103 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S265276506 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Originally, one grayish individual bird feeding. A second, much more reddish bird flew in and both birds were fighting periodically, with the grayish bird flying the other off down the beach. Medium sized egrets, with light grayish eyes, foraging with caped wings sporadically. Long pointed bills. Dark gray legs."
***********
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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/
As reported by Adrian, TWO Reddish Egrets showed up at the mouth of Carpinteria Creek this morning. I only saw the first one as I left before the second arrived.
I left to go to Lake Jocelyn to check out a report of a Baird's Sandpiper there, but did not find one. In fact, the only shorebird I could locate was a single Spotted Sandpiper and those birders who came after me had the same result.Swallows are still foraging in large groups over the dwindling lake. I saw Barn, Rough-winged, and Cliff there today.
The pleasant surprise was hearing a Lazuli Bunting singing; then spotting it on a dried Castor Bean stalk next to the fence. It flew up into a nearby oak tree and a female Bunting that had been deeper in the vegetation followed it into the oak. I also heard a Black-headed Grosbeak in the same oak.
I stopped at Bates Road where I heard brief songs from both Yellow and Wilson's Warblers, while a Western Wood Pewee called frequently during the entire time I was there.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 8/5/25 1:31 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Two Reddish Egrets at Carpinteria Creek
While Lynn, Pam and I were watching the Reddish Egret first reported by Rob Martin at Carpinteria Creek mouth yesterday, a second Reddish Egret flew in from the west. Almost immediately the Egrets started fighting and chasing each other around the beach. The newly arrived Egret was noticeable brighter and had more red coloration than the ‘resident’ and looked more like the Reddish Egret photoed by Eve Martin at Refugio Beach yesterday morning. Eventually, after several bouts of fighting the resident Egret seemed to prevail and when I left around 10 am the ‘new’ Egret was nowhere to be seen.
Date: 8/5/25 8:18 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Reddish Egret Reported at Carpinteria Creek Estuary
Reddish Egret currently present at this location (8:17 am).
Florence Sanchez
> On Aug 4, 2025, at 5:45 PM, Eve Martin via groups.io <yvemartin...> wrote:
>
>
> Hello birders! I'm just the messenger this time. My husband Rob texted me about 5 minutes ago that he's seeing a look-a-like egret to this morning's immature Reddish Egret at the Carpinteria Creek Estuary.
>
> He says it's visible from the campground bridge looking south into the estuary or from Carpinteria State Beach looking north into the estuary.
>
> ~Eve
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Eve Martin
> Del Mar, California
>
Date: 8/4/25 5:45 pm From: Eve Martin via groups.io <yvemartin...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Reddish Egret Reported at Carpinteria Creek Estuary
Hello birders! I'm just the messenger this time. My husband Rob texted me about 5 minutes ago that he's seeing a look-a-like egret to this morning's immature Reddish Egret at the Carpinteria Creek Estuary.
He says it's visible from the campground bridge looking south into the estuary or from Carpinteria State Beach looking north into the estuary.
~Eve
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eve Martin
Del Mar, California
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) (1)
- Reported Aug 04, 2025 08:36 by Eve Martin
- Refugio State Beach, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.0694835&<ll...>,-120.0694835 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S265040140 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "We were at the bridge and walking towards the scrub when I spotted a heron that I didn't recognize fly in over the lagoon. I backtracked and, luckily, found that it had landed right at the mouth and was foraging near the Snowy Egret. It was bigger than the Snowy and smaller than a nearby Great Egret. A young bird, I think, as, although it reminded me of a Reddish Egret, it didn't have any of the field marks I knew - the bill was mostly solid dark gray rather than half pink, it was foraging more like a Snowy than the "dance" of a Reddish, the plumage was a mix of mottled purplish-rust (especially on the neck) and purplish-blue and the legs and feet were black. But it did show the white iris and the bill was rather stout and dagger-like. It was seen from about about 9-9:30 a.m. at the mouth of the lagoon between the bridge and the ocean then seen leaving the lagoon and flying east along the beach about 10:00 a.m. A million thanks to John C. for bolstering my confidence on the ID and letting others know. [EM]"
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: 8/4/25 2:47 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Reddish Egret reported from Refugio State Beach
Good places to look for this bird if it continues to move down the coast would be the small lagoon where Tecolotito Creek comes down to the beach near the Ritz-Carleton hotel or Haskell's Beach to you old-timers), Devereux Slough mouth, Goleta Beach especially where Atascadero Creek meets the channel to the sea, and Carpinteria-Sandyland Slough.
Florence Sanchez
On Monday, August 4, 2025 at 10:26:02 AM PDT, Eve Martin via groups.io <yvemartin...> wrote:
Thank you, John! Update: The bird left the lagoon and was last seen about 30 minutes ago flying east along the beach. ~Eve~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eve Martin
Del Mar, California
Date: 8/4/25 9:50 am From: John Callender via groups.io <callender.john...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Reddish Egret reported from Refugio State Beach
Just the messenger here: Eve Martin texted me a few minutes ago to report what looks (from the back-of-the-camera photo she shared) like a juvenile Reddish Egret at Refugio State Beach. She said it was in the lagoon between the bridge and the beach.
