Date: 5/13/25 8:55 am From: larry corridon <larry961357...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] NYTimes.com: Flamingos Make Underwater Vortexes to Suck Up Prey
Flamingos Make Underwater Vortexes to Suck Up Prey
Three cooperative birds and a model bird head helped scientists figure out what flamingos are actually doing when they stick their heads upside down underwater.
I am in complete agreement with Don about the Center for Biological
Diversity and their exceptional record on issues affecting bird
conservation.
CBD is a member of the Bird Conservation Alliance, a network of like
minded conservation organizations that track issues related to bird
conservation in the federal government, such as bills related to prairie
chicken habitat.
BCA provides updates and facilitates public involvement in these issues.
The network is led by American Bird Conservancy and you can learn more and
sign up for email updates here:
On Sat, May 10, 2025 at 2:12 PM Don Roberson <creagrus...>
wrote:
> Cliff et al.,
>
> re Lesser Prairie-Chicken, this has been of concern to the Center on
> Biological Diversity for some years, and they highlighted the new Trump
> order in their latest newsletter. You can see their prior actions on
> behalf of this species on the website, and sign up for their free weekly
> newsletter at
>
> https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/birds/lesser_prairie_chicken/index.html >
> They have a good track record on defeating ham-handed “orders” like this
> one through litigation, and I think they are worthy of support.
>
> Thanks,
> Don Roberson
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "mbbirds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<34119907-3C3A-4A17-A5FD-9516CC742E38...> > .
>
Date: 5/11/25 10:41 am From: Chris Soriano <soriano151...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Re: Yellow breasted chat in Felton
Got a pic now too! Not a great one, but a pic nonetheless.
On Sun, May 11, 2025, 10:24 AM Chris Soriano <soriano151...> wrote:
> I just had a close up view of a yellow brested chat in my backyard in
> downtown Felton! Got a sound recording with Merlin, it is still in the
> area. I will try to get pics, it went right across the fence line and I had
> great views.
>
>
Date: 5/11/25 10:24 am From: Chris Soriano <soriano151...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Yellow breasted chat in Felton
I just had a close up view of a yellow brested chat in my backyard in downtown Felton! Got a sound recording with Merlin, it is still in the area. I will try to get pics, it went right across the fence line and I had great views.
Date: 5/11/25 8:28 am From: silverbirder via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] First of the season
On May 9 a Black-throated Gray warbler showed up at our willow woods bird bath and then on May 10 a Cassin Vireo showed up. Also have been hearing an Olive-sided Flycatcher for over a week now. Our Western Bluebirds also have babies and so do our Oak Titmouses. Lots of bird activity down on The Land in Royal Oaks. Laura and Betty
Date: 5/10/25 8:03 pm From: '<delallag...>' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Astonishing Migration Push and a Lazuli photo
Gorgeous LABU photo!
Gail DeLalla
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, 6:36 PM, Pete Sole <pete...> wrote:
Hi birders,
During the last 2 nights, radar analysis from Cornell's Birdcast
reported an astonishing number of birds passing through. Thursday night
was phenomenal, with some 1.5 million birds crossing into Santa Cruz
county. Friday night, last night, still saw some incredible, 1.09
million birds cross into our county. My strong suspicion, is that this
is likely one the largest migration pushes, if not the largest, that we
will see this migration season. To obsess over more data 😂, see:
Given the above, I aborted my plan to bird the northern end of the
county today, and went up to Loma Prieta. Got there late around 8am. But
none the less, BLACK-CHINNED SPARROWS and LAZULI BUNTINGS were singing.
One bunting even sort of posed for a brief moment:
Date: 5/10/25 6:36 pm From: Pete Sole <pete...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Astonishing Migration Push and a Lazuli photo
Hi birders,
During the last 2 nights, radar analysis from Cornell's Birdcast
reported an astonishing number of birds passing through. Thursday night
was phenomenal, with some 1.5 million birds crossing into Santa Cruz
county. Friday night, last night, still saw some incredible, 1.09
million birds cross into our county. My strong suspicion, is that this
is likely one the largest migration pushes, if not the largest, that we
will see this migration season. To obsess over more data 😂, see:
Given the above, I aborted my plan to bird the northern end of the
county today, and went up to Loma Prieta. Got there late around 8am. But
none the less, BLACK-CHINNED SPARROWS and LAZULI BUNTINGS were singing.
One bunting even sort of posed for a brief moment:
Date: 5/10/25 3:47 pm From: Brian Scanlon <briancscanlon...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Purple Martins at Ponderosa Lodge
This afternoon a pair of PUMA were circling above last year's nest site at Ponderosa Lodge, but the nest tree fell in a winter storm. Will be interesting to see if they find another tree or move on. No sign yet of the second pair.
re Lesser Prairie-Chicken, this has been of concern to the Center on Biological Diversity for some years, and they highlighted the new Trump order in their latest newsletter. You can see their prior actions on behalf of this species on the website, and sign up for their free weekly newsletter at
https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/birds/lesser_prairie_chicken/index.html
They have a good track record on defeating ham-handed “orders” like this one through litigation, and I think they are worthy of support.
Lest we not act like the Ostrich and stick our heads in the sand, it is worth noting that the Trump administration just ended federal protection for the Lesser Prarie Chicken. It seems the land is targeted for mining. Cliff Bixler
Date: 5/7/25 12:06 am From: Carol Pecot <carol.pecot...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Migration
I heard one yesterday, and we are 4 miles down from Summit Road (Santa Cruz side of mnt) It is an unusual bird for us. I’ve not heard one in the 25 years that we have been here. Carol
On May 6, 2025, at 11:23 AM, Anne Williams <annetw42...> wrote: Any reports on Ash-throated Flycatchers specifically? So far none have been seen (by me) at Quail Hollow park. Weeks late. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "mbbirds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/CAEtTz5Y6UQ%2BOFJ8w9EimEDK3tyKtQfAnQEZ%<2B0-JVswXOnYBkHg...>
I had at least one, but possibly two Ash Throated Flycatchers calling at Quail Hollow two days ago. They were in the trees between teh parking lot and the meadow behind it.
Shantanu Phukan
-----Original Message-----
From: Phil Brown <pdpbrown...>
Sent: May 6, 2025 1:56 PM
To: Anne Williams <annetw42...>
Cc: MBB <mbbirds...>
Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Migration
The West Glenwood preserve has had them present for a couple of weeks already. Phil Brown
I heard one yesterday, and we are 4 miles down from Summit Road (Santa Cruz side of mnt) It is an unusual bird for us. I’ve not heard one in the 25 years that we have been here.
Date: 5/6/25 12:03 pm From: Paul Miller <paulbug.2876...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] MacGillivray's Warbler
This morning at around 11:15 we had a MacGillivray's Warbler in the trees along the trail south of Empire Grade Rd. I've attached a screenshot of the coordinates where we were standing. Norman spotted it first. He noted a gray hood and a bright yellow belly. We were looking south from the trail into the trees and brush. Paul Miller Mount Hermon
Date: 5/6/25 9:21 am From: <chucao...> Subject: RE: [MBBIRDS] This year's migration numbers/lateness
Pete
It is a new outlier, a new normal would only be a “norm” once we have multiple outliers like this to create a pattern. We are not there yet, so it is an outlier.
Fires/birds/migration – keep in mind that the Western (Pacific) migration system is complex with many species having a huge latitudinal range. Often much greater latitudinal ranges than birds out East. As such, migration is super protracted. We can see Wilson’s Warblers as early as March and as late as late May moving north. The earlier migrants are the ones that breed farther south, the later migrants the ones that breed farther north. So it is very difficult to sort out what sector of the breeding range is affecting migration numbers, if there has been a disruption there, and this is separate from the fact that these different latitudinal breeding areas often have a different section of the world where they go to winter. In short, it is way to complex to make sense of it. But when we see some major shift like this year, something major must have happened. Not a gradual incremental type change, or even trend over time. Keep in mind that small birds can recoup a population rather quickly if all systems are go when they breed (for example the spruce budworm species of warblers in the north/east).
From: Pete Sole <pete...>
Sent: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:49 AM
To: Jane Mio <jmio...>; <chucao...>
Cc: Abram Fleishman <abfleishman...>; Carol Pecot <carol.pecot...>; MBB <mbbirds...>
Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] This year's migration numbers/lateness
Hi Jane,
Interesting question, I don't have any insight on the fires. The most hopeful response I can come up with, is that maybe the fires open up different ecological niches for less common birds. But I have no data to back that up.
Alvaro,
Thanks for the insight. I guess the one big question is whether the pattern we are seeing this year is an outlier, rather than a "new normal" of sorts. In my own yard, all of the expected regular breeding migrants have appeared or passed through, but the numbers are lower. Specifically, Black-headed Grosbeaks and Western Flycatchers are sparser.
My hope is that this year is very much an outlier, with higher numbers of migrants and the resumption of earlier arrivals in the coming years. But time will tell.
Pete
On 5/5/25 12:37 PM, Jane Mio wrote:
Does anybody have info of the various wildfires impacts on migratory/local breeding grounds?
Some of the fires took place smack in their habitat during the nesting season.
BTW: I, too, have noticed that my neighborhood is mighty bird silent this spring & the usual migratory species are either absent or sparse.
I think that one has to step back and realize that there is variation year to year as you all mention and that is normal. But, what has been noted this year is far from the norm. People who have been birding for a long time, and have a good gut feel about bird arrivals and migration density suggest it is way, way off the norm this year. Both late and low volume. I have not been birding much this spring so it is what I am hearing from folks, more than what I am seeing. The suggestion is that very dry winter in parts of Mexico may have influenced overall numbers or health of birds down there. The suggestion is that many may have died. Of course with birds that only live 5-6 years, one good year can resupply the loss that can happen in a poor year. We shall see.
Date: 5/6/25 8:49 am From: Pete Sole <pete...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] This year's migration numbers/lateness
Hi Jane,
Interesting question, I don't have any insight on the fires. The most
hopeful response I can come up with, is that maybe the fires open up
different ecological niches for less common birds. But I have no data to
back that up.
Alvaro,
Thanks for the insight. I guess the one big question is whether the
pattern we are seeing this year is an outlier, rather than a "new
normal" of sorts. In my own yard, all of the expected regular breeding
migrants have appeared or passed through, but the numbers are lower.
Specifically, Black-headed Grosbeaks and Western Flycatchers are sparser.
My hope is that this year is very much an outlier, with higher numbers
of migrants and the resumption of earlier arrivals in the coming years.
But time will tell.
Pete
On 5/5/25 12:37 PM, Jane Mio wrote:
> Does anybody have info of the various wildfires impacts on
> migratory/local breeding grounds?
> Some of the fires took place smack in their habitat during the nesting
> season.
>
> BTW: I, too, have noticed that my neighborhood is mighty bird silent
> this spring & the usual migratory species are either absent or sparse.
>
> Thanks to all for your interesting inputs ~ jane
>
>> On May 5, 2025, at 8:33 AM, <chucao...> wrote:
>>
>> Pete et al.
>> I think that one has to step back and realize that there is
>> variation year to year as you all mention and that is normal. But,
>> what has been noted this year is far from the norm. People who have
>> been birding for a long time, and have a good gut feel about bird
>> arrivals and migration density suggest it is way, way off the norm
>> this year. Both late and low volume. I have not been birding much
>> this spring so it is what I am hearing from folks, more than what I
>> am seeing. The suggestion is that very dry winter in parts of Mexico
>> may have influenced overall numbers or health of birds down there.
>> The suggestion is that many may have died. Of course with birds that
>> only live 5-6 years, one good year can resupply the loss that can
>> happen in a poor year. We shall see.
>> Alvaro
>
Date: 5/5/25 12:38 pm From: Jane Mio <jmio...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] This year's migration numbers/lateness
Does anybody have info of the various wildfires impacts on migratory/local breeding grounds?
Some of the fires took place smack in their habitat during the nesting season.
BTW: I, too, have noticed that my neighborhood is mighty bird silent this spring & the usual migratory species are either absent or sparse.
Thanks to all for your interesting inputs ~ jane
> On May 5, 2025, at 8:33 AM, <chucao...> wrote:
>
> Pete et al.
>
> I think that one has to step back and realize that there is variation year to year as you all mention and that is normal. But, what has been noted this year is far from the norm. People who have been birding for a long time, and have a good gut feel about bird arrivals and migration density suggest it is way, way off the norm this year. Both late and low volume. I have not been birding much this spring so it is what I am hearing from folks, more than what I am seeing. The suggestion is that very dry winter in parts of Mexico may have influenced overall numbers or health of birds down there. The suggestion is that many may have died. Of course with birds that only live 5-6 years, one good year can resupply the loss that can happen in a poor year. We shall see.
>
> Alvaro
Date: 5/5/25 8:40 am From: Jean Brocklebank <jeanbean...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] This year's migration numbers/lateness
I'll toss in that destruction of habitat globally is a major factor, much more so than any climate/weather variability. At some point, with more and more disruptions, death by a thousand cuts becomes obvious.
Perhaps next year's migrations will tell a different tale. One can hope.
Jean
On May 5, 2025, at 7:22 AM, Pete Sole wrote:
> Hi Abram,
>
> Thanks for the insight! Much appreciated.
>
> I wonder though, given the variability over time, if the averages are even representative of the data. Not to get in the weeds on the math, but if the standard deviation is high, then looking at the average could easily lead to wrong expectations. One example, I wonder if El Niño, La Niña, and in-between years, lead to noticeably different migration patterns (numbers and timing), given their effect on weather (rainfall).
>
> Many factors to ponder. Some quite complex with feedback loops and subtle downstream impacts. Yet somehow, the birds still manage to migrate. 🙂
>
> Thanks again for sharing,
>
> Pete
>
> On 5/5/25 6:39 AM, Abram Fleishman wrote:
>> Hi Carol and Pete,
>>
>> The historical lines on birdcast come from the 1995-2017 period. As with any average, there are high years and low years and the average draws the line through the middle. There may even be average years that the line represents really well. But I like to think about our rainfall in Santa Cruz county (or California in general) when thinking about this stuff. With our rainfall, we normally have wet years or dry years and both of which are quite far from the average rainfall. Only occasionally do we get years that hit the average.
>>
>> I imagine the same thing is happening with bird migration. There are many contributing factors like the previous breeding season’s reproductive success, the fall migration and then winter survival rate, and then spring migratory corridor and survival. All these are affected by weather (storms can kill, but rains lead to strong food resources, winds and storms can push and pull birds during migration) along with a host of other factors. This is all just to say that averages are just one piece of info, to ask the question of how this year stacks up to past year we would need to seem more data. Specifically yearly values or trend lines.
>>
>> The birdcast team has put some great info here:
>> https://birdcast.info/about/review >>
>> Hope this helps interpret the birdcast info,
>>
>> -Abram
>>
>> On Mon, May 5, 2025 at 00:48 Carol Pecot <carol.pecot...> wrote:
>> Good thoughts, Pete, thanks. Thanks also for mentioning the 7 simple actions link, it is a good one! Jane Orbuch made some posters in a larger format, and we usually display them at birding events. On the topic of planting natives = more caterpillars = more baby bird food, Doug Tallamy’s Homegrown National Park park is awesome: https://homegrownnationalpark.org/.
>>
>> By the way, this coming Saturday will be a small Migration event at Natural Bridges. If anyone is interested in helping in some way, please contact me.
>>
>> Carol
>>
>> > On May 4, 2025, at 9:59 PM, Pete Sole <pete...> wrote:
>> >
>> > Hi Carol,
>> >
>> > I'm no expert. I don't know how far back the "historic" data goes. But my suspicion, is that data older than perhaps 10 or 20 years, reflects migration patterns that may no longer be present. That is why when I look at data on ebird to try to tease out trends, I try to limit the data to the last 10 years. If nothing else, we know that land use and climate patterns have changed significantly in the last 50 years. Not to mention the estimates, that we have lost some 2.9 billion birds in North America since 1970. (source: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/bring-birds-back)
>> >
>> > Regardless, here are 7 suggestions to help avian species:
>> >
>> > https://www.3billionbirds.org/7-simple-actions >> >
>> > My 2 cents,
>> >
>> > Pete
>> >
>> > On 5/4/25 8:57 PM, Carol Pecot wrote:
>> >> I was looking at the BirdCast dashboard ( https://dashboard.birdcast.info/region/US-CA-087) and saw that the graph of the “Total Birds Crossed” seems to show about 1/2 the number of birds compared to the historic amount for our county. Does that seem correct, or might that be a late migration that people have been mentioning? If late is the case, then maybe it will continue rising more steeply…?
>> >>
>> >> Does anyone have other information on this?
>> >>
>> >> Carol Pecot (We now have M & F BH Grosbeaks, and got a Wilson’s Warbler about a week ago)
Date: 5/5/25 8:33 am From: <chucao...> Subject: RE: [MBBIRDS] This year's migration numbers/lateness
Pete et al.
I think that one has to step back and realize that there is variation year to year as you all mention and that is normal. But, what has been noted this year is far from the norm. People who have been birding for a long time, and have a good gut feel about bird arrivals and migration density suggest it is way, way off the norm this year. Both late and low volume. I have not been birding much this spring so it is what I am hearing from folks, more than what I am seeing. The suggestion is that very dry winter in parts of Mexico may have influenced overall numbers or health of birds down there. The suggestion is that many may have died. Of course with birds that only live 5-6 years, one good year can resupply the loss that can happen in a poor year. We shall see.
From: <mbbirds...> <mbbirds...> On Behalf Of Pete Sole
Sent: Monday, May 5, 2025 7:23 AM
To: Abram Fleishman <abfleishman...>; Carol Pecot <carol.pecot...>
Cc: MBB <mbbirds...>
Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] This year's migration numbers/lateness
Hi Abram,
Thanks for the insight! Much appreciated.
I wonder though, given the variability over time, if the averages are even representative of the data. Not to get in the weeds on the math, but if the standard deviation is high, then looking at the average could easily lead to wrong expectations. One example, I wonder if El Niño, La Niña, and in-between years, lead to noticeably different migration patterns (numbers and timing), given their effect on weather (rainfall).
Many factors to ponder. Some quite complex with feedback loops and subtle downstream impacts. Yet somehow, the birds still manage to migrate. 🙂
Thanks again for sharing,
Pete
On 5/5/25 6:39 AM, Abram Fleishman wrote:
Hi Carol and Pete,
The historical lines on birdcast come from the 1995-2017 period. As with any average, there are high years and low years and the average draws the line through the middle. There may even be average years that the line represents really well. But I like to think about our rainfall in Santa Cruz county (or California in general) when thinking about this stuff. With our rainfall, we normally have wet years or dry years and both of which are quite far from the average rainfall. Only occasionally do we get years that hit the average.
I imagine the same thing is happening with bird migration. There are many contributing factors like the previous breeding season’s reproductive success, the fall migration and then winter survival rate, and then spring migratory corridor and survival. All these are affected by weather (storms can kill, but rains lead to strong food resources, winds and storms can push and pull birds during migration) along with a host of other factors. This is all just to say that averages are just one piece of info, to ask the question of how this year stacks up to past year we would need to seem more data. Specifically yearly values or trend lines.
Good thoughts, Pete, thanks. Thanks also for mentioning the 7 simple actions link, it is a good one! Jane Orbuch made some posters in a larger format, and we usually display them at birding events. On the topic of planting natives = more caterpillars = more baby bird food, Doug Tallamy’s Homegrown National Park park is awesome: https://homegrownnationalpark.org/.
By the way, this coming Saturday will be a small Migration event at Natural Bridges. If anyone is interested in helping in some way, please contact me.
Carol
> On May 4, 2025, at 9:59 PM, Pete Sole <pete...> <mailto:<pete...> > wrote:
>
> Hi Carol,
>
> I'm no expert. I don't know how far back the "historic" data goes. But my suspicion, is that data older than perhaps 10 or 20 years, reflects migration patterns that may no longer be present. That is why when I look at data on ebird to try to tease out trends, I try to limit the data to the last 10 years. If nothing else, we know that land use and climate patterns have changed significantly in the last 50 years. Not to mention the estimates, that we have lost some 2.9 billion birds in North America since 1970. (source: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/bring-birds-back)
>
> Regardless, here are 7 suggestions to help avian species:
>
> https://www.3billionbirds.org/7-simple-actions >
> My 2 cents,
>
> Pete
>
>
> On 5/4/25 8:57 PM, Carol Pecot wrote:
>> I was looking at the BirdCast dashboard ( https://dashboard.birdcast.info/region/US-CA-087) and saw that the graph of the “Total Birds Crossed” seems to show about 1/2 the number of birds compared to the historic amount for our county. Does that seem correct, or might that be a late migration that people have been mentioning? If late is the case, then maybe it will continue rising more steeply…?
>>
>> Does anyone have other information on this?
>>
>> Carol Pecot (We now have M & F BH Grosbeaks, and got a Wilson’s Warbler about a week ago)
>>
>
Date: 5/5/25 7:22 am From: Pete Sole <pete...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] This year's migration numbers/lateness
Hi Abram,
Thanks for the insight! Much appreciated.
I wonder though, given the variability over time, if the averages are
even representative of the data. Not to get in the weeds on the math,
but if the standard deviation is high, then looking at the average could
easily lead to wrong expectations. One example, I wonder if El Niño, La
Niña, and in-between years, lead to noticeably different migration
patterns (numbers and timing), given their effect on weather (rainfall).
Many factors to ponder. Some quite complex with feedback loops and
subtle downstream impacts. Yet somehow, the birds still manage to
migrate. 🙂
Thanks again for sharing,
Pete
On 5/5/25 6:39 AM, Abram Fleishman wrote:
> Hi Carol and Pete,
>
> The historical lines on birdcast come from the 1995-2017 period. As
> with any average, there are high years and low years and the average
> draws the line through the middle. There may even be average years
> that the line represents really well. But I like to think about our
> rainfall in Santa Cruz county (or California in general) when thinking
> about this stuff. With our rainfall, we normally have wet years or dry
> years and both of which are quite far from the average rainfall. Only
> occasionally do we get years that hit the average.
>
> I imagine the same thing is happening with bird migration. There are
> many contributing factors like the previous breeding season’s
> reproductive success, the fall migration and then winter survival
> rate, and then spring migratory corridor and survival. All these are
> affected by weather (storms can kill, but rains lead to strong food
> resources, winds and storms can push and pull birds during migration)
> along with a host of other factors. This is all just to say that
> averages are just one piece of info, to ask the question of how this
> year stacks up to past year we would need to seem more data.
> Specifically yearly values or trend lines.
>
> The birdcast team has put some great info here:
> https://birdcast.info/about/review > <https://birdcast.info/about/review/?_gl=1*m513m6*_gcl_au*NDUyMDExOTM0LjE3NDU1NTYyMTA.*_ga*MTk0OTIyMDUwMy4xNzQ1NTU2MjEw*_ga_QR4NVXZ8BM*czE3NDY0NTA3MDYkbzIyJGcwJHQxNzQ2NDUwNzI5JGozNyRsMCRoMA..> >
> Hope this helps interpret the birdcast info,
>
> -Abram
>
> Sent from my phone
>
>
> On Mon, May 5, 2025 at 00:48 Carol Pecot <carol.pecot...> wrote:
>
> Good thoughts, Pete, thanks. Thanks also for mentioning the 7
> simple actions link, it is a good one! Jane Orbuch made some
> posters in a larger format, and we usually display them at birding
> events. On the topic of planting natives = more caterpillars =
> more baby bird food, Doug Tallamy’s Homegrown National Park park
> is awesome: https://homegrownnationalpark.org/.
>
> By the way, this coming Saturday will be a small Migration event
> at Natural Bridges. If anyone is interested in helping in some
> way, please contact me.
>
> Carol
>
>
> > On May 4, 2025, at 9:59 PM, Pete Sole <pete...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Carol,
> >
> > I'm no expert. I don't know how far back the "historic" data
> goes. But my suspicion, is that data older than perhaps 10 or 20
> years, reflects migration patterns that may no longer be present.
> That is why when I look at data on ebird to try to tease out
> trends, I try to limit the data to the last 10 years. If nothing
> else, we know that land use and climate patterns have changed
> significantly in the last 50 years. Not to mention the estimates,
> that we have lost some 2.9 billion birds in North America since
> 1970. (source: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/bring-birds-back)
> >
> > Regardless, here are 7 suggestions to help avian species:
> >
> > https://www.3billionbirds.org/7-simple-actions > >
> > My 2 cents,
> >
> > Pete
> >
> >
> > On 5/4/25 8:57 PM, Carol Pecot wrote:
> >> I was looking at the BirdCast dashboard (
> https://dashboard.birdcast.info/region/US-CA-087) and saw that the
> graph of the “Total Birds Crossed” seems to show about 1/2 the
> number of birds compared to the historic amount for our county.
> Does that seem correct, or might that be a late migration that
> people have been mentioning? If late is the case, then maybe it
> will continue rising more steeply…?
> >>
> >> Does anyone have other information on this?
> >>
> >> Carol Pecot (We now have M & F BH Grosbeaks, and got a
> Wilson’s Warbler about a week ago)
> >>
> >
>
> --
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> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<5F57E0A0-9444-4F26-B8D6-3F9B6B99C496...> >
Date: 5/5/25 6:39 am From: Abram Fleishman <abfleishman...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] This year's migration numbers/lateness
Hi Carol and Pete,
The historical lines on birdcast come from the 1995-2017 period. As with
any average, there are high years and low years and the average draws the
line through the middle. There may even be average years that the line
represents really well. But I like to think about our rainfall in Santa
Cruz county (or California in general) when thinking about this stuff. With
our rainfall, we normally have wet years or dry years and both of which are
quite far from the average rainfall. Only occasionally do we get years that
hit the average.
I imagine the same thing is happening with bird migration. There are many
contributing factors like the previous breeding season’s reproductive
success, the fall migration and then winter survival rate, and then spring
migratory corridor and survival. All these are affected by weather (storms
can kill, but rains lead to strong food resources, winds and storms can
push and pull birds during migration) along with a host of other factors.
This is all just to say that averages are just one piece of info, to ask
the question of how this year stacks up to past year we would need to seem
more data. Specifically yearly values or trend lines.
On Mon, May 5, 2025 at 00:48 Carol Pecot <carol.pecot...> wrote:
> Good thoughts, Pete, thanks. Thanks also for mentioning the 7 simple
> actions link, it is a good one! Jane Orbuch made some posters in a larger
> format, and we usually display them at birding events. On the topic of
> planting natives = more caterpillars = more baby bird food, Doug Tallamy’s
> Homegrown National Park park is awesome:
> https://homegrownnationalpark.org/.
>
> By the way, this coming Saturday will be a small Migration event at
> Natural Bridges. If anyone is interested in helping in some way, please
> contact me.
>
> Carol
>
>
> > On May 4, 2025, at 9:59 PM, Pete Sole <pete...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Carol,
> >
> > I'm no expert. I don't know how far back the "historic" data goes. But
> my suspicion, is that data older than perhaps 10 or 20 years, reflects
> migration patterns that may no longer be present. That is why when I look
> at data on ebird to try to tease out trends, I try to limit the data to the
> last 10 years. If nothing else, we know that land use and climate patterns
> have changed significantly in the last 50 years. Not to mention the
> estimates, that we have lost some 2.9 billion birds in North America since
> 1970. (source: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/bring-birds-back)
> >
> > Regardless, here are 7 suggestions to help avian species:
> >
> > https://www.3billionbirds.org/7-simple-actions > >
> > My 2 cents,
> >
> > Pete
> >
> >
> > On 5/4/25 8:57 PM, Carol Pecot wrote:
> >> I was looking at the BirdCast dashboard (
> https://dashboard.birdcast.info/region/US-CA-087) and saw that the graph
> of the “Total Birds Crossed” seems to show about 1/2 the number of birds
> compared to the historic amount for our county. Does that seem correct, or
> might that be a late migration that people have been mentioning? If late
> is the case, then maybe it will continue rising more steeply…?
> >>
> >> Does anyone have other information on this?
> >>
> >> Carol Pecot (We now have M & F BH Grosbeaks, and got a Wilson’s
> Warbler about a week ago)
> >>
> >
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "mbbirds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
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>
Date: 5/5/25 12:48 am From: Carol Pecot <carol.pecot...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] This year's migration numbers/lateness
Good thoughts, Pete, thanks. Thanks also for mentioning the 7 simple actions link, it is a good one! Jane Orbuch made some posters in a larger format, and we usually display them at birding events. On the topic of planting natives = more caterpillars = more baby bird food, Doug Tallamy’s Homegrown National Park park is awesome: https://homegrownnationalpark.org/.
By the way, this coming Saturday will be a small Migration event at Natural Bridges. If anyone is interested in helping in some way, please contact me.
Carol
> On May 4, 2025, at 9:59 PM, Pete Sole <pete...> wrote:
>
> Hi Carol,
>
> I'm no expert. I don't know how far back the "historic" data goes. But my suspicion, is that data older than perhaps 10 or 20 years, reflects migration patterns that may no longer be present. That is why when I look at data on ebird to try to tease out trends, I try to limit the data to the last 10 years. If nothing else, we know that land use and climate patterns have changed significantly in the last 50 years. Not to mention the estimates, that we have lost some 2.9 billion birds in North America since 1970. (source: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/bring-birds-back)
>
> Regardless, here are 7 suggestions to help avian species:
>
> https://www.3billionbirds.org/7-simple-actions >
> My 2 cents,
>
> Pete
>
>
> On 5/4/25 8:57 PM, Carol Pecot wrote:
>> I was looking at the BirdCast dashboard ( https://dashboard.birdcast.info/region/US-CA-087) and saw that the graph of the “Total Birds Crossed” seems to show about 1/2 the number of birds compared to the historic amount for our county. Does that seem correct, or might that be a late migration that people have been mentioning? If late is the case, then maybe it will continue rising more steeply…?
>>
>> Does anyone have other information on this?
>>
>> Carol Pecot (We now have M & F BH Grosbeaks, and got a Wilson’s Warbler about a week ago)
>>
>
Date: 5/4/25 9:59 pm From: Pete Sole <pete...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] This year's migration numbers/lateness
Hi Carol,
I'm no expert. I don't know how far back the "historic" data goes. But
my suspicion, is that data older than perhaps 10 or 20 years, reflects
migration patterns that may no longer be present. That is why when I
look at data on ebird to try to tease out trends, I try to limit the
data to the last 10 years. If nothing else, we know that land use and
climate patterns have changed significantly in the last 50 years. Not to
mention the estimates, that we have lost some 2.9 billion birds in North
America since 1970. (source:
https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/bring-birds-back)
Regardless, here are 7 suggestions to help avian species:
On 5/4/25 8:57 PM, Carol Pecot wrote:
> I was looking at the BirdCast dashboard ( https://dashboard.birdcast.info/region/US-CA-087) and saw that the graph of the “Total Birds Crossed” seems to show about 1/2 the number of birds compared to the historic amount for our county. Does that seem correct, or might that be a late migration that people have been mentioning? If late is the case, then maybe it will continue rising more steeply…?
>
> Does anyone have other information on this?
>
> Carol Pecot (We now have M & F BH Grosbeaks, and got a Wilson’s Warbler about a week ago)
>
Date: 5/4/25 8:57 pm From: Carol Pecot <carol.pecot...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] This year's migration numbers/lateness
I was looking at the BirdCast dashboard ( https://dashboard.birdcast.info/region/US-CA-087) and saw that the graph of the “Total Birds Crossed” seems to show about 1/2 the number of birds compared to the historic amount for our county. Does that seem correct, or might that be a late migration that people have been mentioning? If late is the case, then maybe it will continue rising more steeply…?
Does anyone have other information on this?
Carol Pecot (We now have M & F BH Grosbeaks, and got a Wilson’s Warbler about a week ago)
Did anyone get any good photographs of birds feeding along the shoreline of Corcoran Lagoon Beach this year?
It is a tough place to observe birds because of all the human and canine traffic, but thought I'd ask. I will, for sure, credit the photographer if I receive any and share them.
Date: 5/4/25 4:06 pm From: Pete Sole <pete...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] All migrants present...
Hi birders,
Every year I look for a number of common migratory birds, that I believe
breed in my Soquel neighborhood. Today, the last one that I track made
it's appearance, the OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER.
Other migrants present today that I look for included:
A fun surprise was a bright male WESTERN TANAGER in full breeding
regalia. WESTERN TANAGERS don't breed in my neighborhood AFAIK, but they
do pass through in spring and fall. My understanding is that they breed
up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and further inland in the Sierras and
foot hills.
Full list of birds seen or heard this morning with a few, ahem,
documentary photos:
Date: 5/3/25 5:39 pm From: Julia van der Wyk <juliavdw11...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Bald Eagle pair seen over Harbor High area today!
This was around 2pm, very excited to see the circling eagles, who were being harassed by a few seagulls.
Seagulls look small in comparison. Did not need my binoculars for the bird ID, nobody else has that wingspan and colors!
Date: 4/30/25 2:33 pm From: larry corridon <larry961357...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] scout for band tailed pigeons
I have a lot of feeders off my deck that attract a nice variety of birds, including the band tail pigeon. I was getting up to 40 at a time on and around my feeders until I protected them all in various ways.
Since then, what has happened is I get a loan bird watching my yard quite often in the morning. If I put out feed and scattere some outside of the protected area, a little later, Iget a pile of pigeons! I feel it happens too often to be a coincidence. Anyone else seen this behavior?
Date: 4/30/25 11:02 am From: Bob Meads <meadsbob...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] If you enjoy this list please support Santa Cruz Bird Club
This is a polite reminder about this list.
The *Monterey Bay Birds Group* covers Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito
counties.
We welcome posts of bird sightings, questions about birds, and birding
event announcements.
The list is maintained by the Santa Cruz Bird Club. Their volunteers keep
the list running.
Date: 4/23/25 3:42 pm From: Arthur Macmillan <grrrrrrrrrr8...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] White Wagtail on West Cliff Dr. and Columbia on 4-22-25 around 4:45 to 5pm. Very likely.
I was there for hours yesterday from 1:30 to 5pm. 1:30 was low tide, I had thought it would be a good time to look. Long story short at five when I was leaving I thought I saw one, but did not feel like going on a wild goose chase. So, I get in my car and I take out my phone to make sure I had turned Merlin off. But wait! the very last bird was "White Wagtail". Yes, I'm going back again. I want to see its alternate leaning plumage. See you there?
Date: 4/20/25 12:50 pm From: Don Roberson <creagrus...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Offshore highlights for 19 April
Michael Force was a researcher on a transact far offshore southwest of Pt. Sur on 19 April. He reported various landbirds 30-37 miles offshore:
> Yesterday (19 April) was a migrant day on board, about 37 nmi SW of Point Sur to 30 nmi SW of Point Piedras Blancas (Monterey County). A thick low marine layer all day. Mostly the expected offshore land bird waifs:
>
> Eurasian Collared-Dove 5
> Whimbrel 1
> Green Heron 1 adult
> Belted Kingfisher 1 male
> Northern House Wren 1
> Marsh Wren 1
> American Pipit 1
> Savannah Sparrow 1
> Common Yellowthroat 5
> Bay-breasted Warbler 1 adult male
> Yellow Warbler 1
> Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
> Wilson’s Warbler 1
> Western Tanager 1 adult male
>
That’s an impressive haul that far offshore, and the breeding-plumaged Bay-breasted Warbler was a first spring record for Monterey County.
Also on the cruise, on 18 April, Michael had a Red-throated Pipit that flew around the boat west of the Farallones.
Date: 4/19/25 3:09 pm From: Pete Sole <pete...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Golden-crowned Sparrow?
Hi Carol,
Below is the ebird bar chart data for the last 10 years (2015-2025) for
a number of sparrow species in Santa Cruz county CA. See the last 2
entries for Golden-crowned and White-crowned sparrows:
Be well,
Pete
On 4/19/25 3:00 PM, Carol Pecot wrote:
> Thanks All for the early May timeline - that is helpful!!
> Carol
>
>> On Apr 19, 2025, at 2:58 PM, Steve Rovell <tapaculo...> wrote:
>>
>> I’ve noticed that of the two common wintering Zonotrichia species,
>> the Golden-crowns tend to stay a bit longer than the White-crowns,
>> and that the last Golden-crowns stick around until early May. At
>> least that’s the way it has been in my yard in Marina.
>>
>> Steve Rovell
>>
>>> On Apr 19, 2025, at 1:52 PM, Dominik Mosur <dominikmosur...>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi Carol,
>>> Based on average departure dates, not at all. Golden-crowned
>>> Sparrows are regularly reported well into the last week of April
>>> most springs and even the first week of May isn't unusual although
>>> by then there's many fewer around.
>>>
>>> dominik
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Sat, Apr 19, 2025 at 1:18 PM Carol Pecot <carol.pecot...>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> I just saw a Golden-crowned Sparrow (with bright yellow) bathing
>>> - isn’t this a little late for them?
>>>
>>> Carol Pecot
>>> Below Summit
>>>
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Date: 4/19/25 3:02 pm From: Julia van der Wyk <juliavdw11...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Golden-crowned Sparrow?
I had thought the sparrows had moved on this past week, simply because my wake up call was replaced by the house finch, and my mid-morning break is mostly juncos, bushtits and wrens now. :)
But today I saw a golden crowned sparrow as well, so at least a few are still here.
Hi Carol,
Based on average departure dates, not at all. Golden-crowned Sparrows are
regularly reported well into the last week of April most springs and even
the first week of May isn't unusual although by then there's many fewer
around.
dominik
On Sat, Apr 19, 2025 at 1:18 PM Carol Pecot <carol.pecot...> wrote:
> I just saw a Golden-crowned Sparrow (with bright yellow) bathing - isn’t
> this a little late for them?
>
> Carol Pecot
> Below Summit
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
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>
Date: 4/19/25 1:48 pm From: Pete Sole <pete...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Golden-crowned Sparrow?
Hi Carol,
I think Randy W. figured out a few years ago, that most Golden-crowned
Sparrows leave the third week of April (4/22-4/24, if I remember right).
My garden numbers are already down from a few weeks ago. I expect that
by the end of April, there will be close to none left in county. Ebird
is a little unstable as I type right now, but you can check the data for
Santa Cruz county. I think it will show you that by early May, the
Golden-crowned Sparrows are gone.
My 2 cents,
Pete
On 4/19/25 1:18 PM, Carol Pecot wrote:
> I just saw a Golden-crowned Sparrow (with bright yellow) bathing - isn’t this a little late for them?
>
> Carol Pecot
> Below Summit
>
Date: 4/17/25 8:08 am From: Don Roberson <creagrus...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Very late spring migration this year
CalBirds is an io group. Go to Sialia at http://digest.sialia.com/?region=2 and pick yesterday’s date, and there is an entire set of email groups to California regionally; the statewide group is CalBird, at the top. You can click on the link at left and presumably received instructions to join.
Others will have better instructions, but that would be one way to go
Date: 4/16/25 10:32 pm From: Craig Fosdick <craig.fosdick...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Very late spring migration this year
Very interesting - It is both reassuring and disturbing to know it is not
just me wondering why the regular and vocal Neotropical migrants have not
returned. I've seen only one BHGR in my yard so far this spring. Most years
(I've lived in Boulder Creek for a decade now) I have WAVI, BHGR, PSFL (now
back to WEFL), and WIWA back by now (most years, WIWA are usually here by
late March; typically 3/19-23 arrivals) and talking - a lot. BHGR are
usually here, in force, by now. PSFL (WEFL) returned a couple of days ago
and has been somewhat talkative.
The resident tyrant though, the local Allen's male, returned on time
(January 25), and as usual has evicted the Anna's male and has the yard on
complete lockdown. :)
Craig Fosdick
Boulder Creek, California
On Wed, Apr 16, 2025 at 9:22 PM Don Roberson <creagrus...>
wrote:
> We are reposting Paul Lehman’s post from today on CalBirds. Some of you
> read CalBirds, but this post applies to every local birder. We’ve been out
> and about in southern Monterey the last two weekends, and what is stated by
> Paul for San Diego County applies broadly to local counties here on the
> central coast. It has been a very late migration. Many species are up to
> 2-3 weeks behind that “usual” first arrival date and also the “usual”
> standard arrival date. Western Kingbirds and Chipping Sparrows were in by
> last weekend, but all the species that Paul notes have not yet arrived in
> San Diego have also not arrived here in Monterey. Read Paul’s second
> paragraph carefully. We will be very strict in accepting “first arrivals”
> of those species that are usually “late” April birds, even in a “normal”
> migration. Note Paul’s call for caution and photos or tape-recordings for
> such “usually late arriving” species this year.
>
> We have had recent years when arrivals were 2-3 weeks early. This year is
> the opposite. Please take that into consideration.
>
> Thanks, Don & Rita
> on behalf of the Monterey eBird editing team
>
> > I think almost everyone in California would agree that the passerine
> migration so far this April is notably LATE and SLOW. Down here in parts of
> southern California, a number of folks (including myself) have commented on
> it being a good migration earlier in the season for Violet-green Swallow,
> and since then OK for Western Kingbird and Chipping Sparrow. But almost
> everything else.....late and slow! One very common refrain virtually
> statewide has been, "Where are all the Hooded Orioles?" Here in San Diego
> County, where common and widespread, they were remarkably scarce until just
> a little over a week ago. Still below average, but at least they have
> filled in a fair bit of their widespread range locally--but this is almost
> A FULL MONTH LATE. Bullock's Orioles and Black-headed Grosbeaks have also
> finally begun to increase, but still below normal and running 2-3 weeks
> late. And where are all the many Ash-throated Flycatchers that normally
> start appearing by late March? Anyway, the list goes on and on. So, what's
> happening? Major population declines? Inappropriate local weather
> conditions locally for migration? Or something odd going on farther to the
> south(east), either en route or closer to the wintering grounds? In support
> of the latter factor are reports that a fair chunk of southern Arizona had
> it driest winter on record, EVER, and--perhaps more important--one friend
> of mine reported that parts of Mexico had a cooler or colder than usual
> (relatively speaking) winter and early spring--which could well translate
> into a lot of stuff running late. We will certainly know a lot more once
> the next month plays out!
> >
> >
> > It's another first half of April, and yet another year of multiple
> reports of the following species that are way early and which in most cases
> likely reflect misidentifications. (And all of which could really use photo
> documentation.) Western Wood-Pewees are not expected to start arriving
> until after about 15 April, so any reports before that need to come with
> strong documentation, and need to be flagged by eBird filters. (For
> example, the all-time early arrival in San Diego County is around 8 April.)
> Most such early reports involve either heard-only birds (think vocalizing
> starlings or a number of other mimics) or are poorly documented and have no
> photos. Often these reports are from observers who do not at all appreciate
> how unusually early their bird would be. And a problem that I bet many
> birders don't realize is that the first Olive-sided Flycatchers actually
> arrive before wood-pewees do--and probably get misidentified. This month,
> there were several poorly documented early reports, but also one well
> photographed bird in Orange County on 10 April. The next species is
> Swainson's Thrush, which already has a bunch of reports in California
> during the first half of the month. This species is not reliable until
> around late the third week in the month, with a just a few documented
> records as early as the 12th-15th. A fair number of the earliest records
> are of birds at breeding sites, arriving even earlier than through-migrants
> do farther to the SOUTH, but such local breeders need to be heard SINGING.
> Unfortunately, almost all of the early reports this month have involved
> birds not seen and only heard calling, or heard calling and seen rather
> poorly, again mostly by folks who don't appreciate the true status of this
> species so early--and who report the bird giving the "wink" or "wheet" call
> only, but some other species (e.g., Song Sparrow) can give similar calls.
> Last but not least comes Black Swift. There are a small number of legit
> records for the last week or perhaps ten days of April in California (some
> associated with southern or lowland nesting areas), but of course this
> species is a notorious late arriver and typically doesn't show until into
> May. The problem here is the usual one of an observer not appreciating the
> true status and seasonal timing, and either seeing a White-throated or
> Vaux's Swift at a distance or in mediocre light and not properly assessing
> size and/or color. And the other recurring problem is misidentifying male
> Purple Martins. Heck, some especially early reports of Black Swift, if
> indeed of a large all-dark swift, might need to also consider either Common
> Swift or White-collared Swift. So far this year, there have already been
> one or two Black Swift reports. From previous years, there is an especially
> "egregious" report with very limited details coming from Butte County on 30
> March 2021 and apparently being validated by eBird.....
> >
> >
> > Anyway, I'd recommend all county ebird filters be tightened for these
> and several other migrants that are notoriously reported "too early" almost
> every spring (e.g., add Willow and Dusky Flycatchers to the list), and set
> to 0 until these species are truly known to occur REGULARLY in at least
> small numbers.
>
> --
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>
Date: 4/16/25 9:23 pm From: Don Roberson <creagrus...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Very late spring migration this year
We are reposting Paul Lehman’s post from today on CalBirds. Some of you read CalBirds, but this post applies to every local birder. We’ve been out and about in southern Monterey the last two weekends, and what is stated by Paul for San Diego County applies broadly to local counties here on the central coast. It has been a very late migration. Many species are up to 2-3 weeks behind that “usual” first arrival date and also the “usual” standard arrival date. Western Kingbirds and Chipping Sparrows were in by last weekend, but all the species that Paul notes have not yet arrived in San Diego have also not arrived here in Monterey. Read Paul’s second paragraph carefully. We will be very strict in accepting “first arrivals” of those species that are usually “late” April birds, even in a “normal” migration. Note Paul’s call for caution and photos or tape-recordings for such “usually late arriving” species this year.
We have had recent years when arrivals were 2-3 weeks early. This year is the opposite. Please take that into consideration.
Thanks, Don & Rita
on behalf of the Monterey eBird editing team
> I think almost everyone in California would agree that the passerine migration so far this April is notably LATE and SLOW. Down here in parts of southern California, a number of folks (including myself) have commented on it being a good migration earlier in the season for Violet-green Swallow, and since then OK for Western Kingbird and Chipping Sparrow. But almost everything else.....late and slow! One very common refrain virtually statewide has been, "Where are all the Hooded Orioles?" Here in San Diego County, where common and widespread, they were remarkably scarce until just a little over a week ago. Still below average, but at least they have filled in a fair bit of their widespread range locally--but this is almost A FULL MONTH LATE. Bullock's Orioles and Black-headed Grosbeaks have also finally begun to increase, but still below normal and running 2-3 weeks late. And where are all the many Ash-throated Flycatchers that normally start appearing by late March? Anyway, the list goes on and on. So, what's happening? Major population declines? Inappropriate local weather conditions locally for migration? Or something odd going on farther to the south(east), either en route or closer to the wintering grounds? In support of the latter factor are reports that a fair chunk of southern Arizona had it driest winter on record, EVER, and--perhaps more important--one friend of mine reported that parts of Mexico had a cooler or colder than usual (relatively speaking) winter and early spring--which could well translate into a lot of stuff running late. We will certainly know a lot more once the next month plays out!
>
>
> It's another first half of April, and yet another year of multiple reports of the following species that are way early and which in most cases likely reflect misidentifications. (And all of which could really use photo documentation.) Western Wood-Pewees are not expected to start arriving until after about 15 April, so any reports before that need to come with strong documentation, and need to be flagged by eBird filters. (For example, the all-time early arrival in San Diego County is around 8 April.) Most such early reports involve either heard-only birds (think vocalizing starlings or a number of other mimics) or are poorly documented and have no photos. Often these reports are from observers who do not at all appreciate how unusually early their bird would be. And a problem that I bet many birders don't realize is that the first Olive-sided Flycatchers actually arrive before wood-pewees do--and probably get misidentified. This month, there were several poorly documented early reports, but also one well photographed bird in Orange County on 10 April. The next species is Swainson's Thrush, which already has a bunch of reports in California during the first half of the month. This species is not reliable until around late the third week in the month, with a just a few documented records as early as the 12th-15th. A fair number of the earliest records are of birds at breeding sites, arriving even earlier than through-migrants do farther to the SOUTH, but such local breeders need to be heard SINGING. Unfortunately, almost all of the early reports this month have involved birds not seen and only heard calling, or heard calling and seen rather poorly, again mostly by folks who don't appreciate the true status of this species so early--and who report the bird giving the "wink" or "wheet" call only, but some other species (e.g., Song Sparrow) can give similar calls. Last but not least comes Black Swift. There are a small number of legit records for the last week or perhaps ten days of April in California (some associated with southern or lowland nesting areas), but of course this species is a notorious late arriver and typically doesn't show until into May. The problem here is the usual one of an observer not appreciating the true status and seasonal timing, and either seeing a White-throated or Vaux's Swift at a distance or in mediocre light and not properly assessing size and/or color. And the other recurring problem is misidentifying male Purple Martins. Heck, some especially early reports of Black Swift, if indeed of a large all-dark swift, might need to also consider either Common Swift or White-collared Swift. So far this year, there have already been one or two Black Swift reports. From previous years, there is an especially "egregious" report with very limited details coming from Butte County on 30 March 2021 and apparently being validated by eBird.....
>
>
> Anyway, I'd recommend all county ebird filters be tightened for these and several other migrants that are notoriously reported "too early" almost every spring (e.g., add Willow and Dusky Flycatchers to the list), and set to 0 until these species are truly known to occur REGULARLY in at least small numbers.
Date: 4/16/25 3:17 pm From: Ryan Phillips <norcalbirding...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Blue Grosbeak Continues
Hi Birders,
Ezra's BLUE GROSBEAK continues at the Phainopepla spot off Old Chittenden
railroad tracks. The male flew into small willow here then flew to
SW: 36.901564,-121.595188.
Also, a singing GRASSHOPPER SPARROW in grassland above Phaino spot.
Have not seen Phainopeplas yet, but windy.
Good Birding,
Ryan
*Ryan Phillips* ǀ Owner and Guide
Personal and Group Birding Excursions in Northern California and Beyond
Date: 4/14/25 7:09 pm From: Grey Hayes <17coastalprairie17...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Silent Spring, almost
We had our first grosbeak this past weekend.
Grey Hayes, PhD
900' above Davenport at
Molino Creek Farm
On Monday, April 14, 2025 at 10:10:30 AM UTC-7 Pete Sole wrote:
> Hi Barbara,
>
> It's still early in the season. But according to the birdcast data, the
> biggest migration pulse of the season so far, happened last night, with
> over 600k birds passing through. See this link:
>
> https://dashboard.birdcast.info/region/US-CA-087 >
> So there is still hope for this season. That being said, it does feel
> like the numbers are getting lower, but the multi year data would really
> tell the story.
>
> Pete
>
>
> On 4/14/25 8:43 AM, Barbara Monahan wrote:
> > My yard has been remarkably quiet. No Grosbeaks, Hooded Orioles and very
> few hummers….especially Selasphorus. Over the weekend the FOS Western
> Flycatcher. A handful of Orange-crowned Warbles have started vocalizing.
> >
> > Let me know if this is an aberration in the area, or I’d everyone sees
> this happening?
> >
> > Barbara Monahan
> > Near Scotts Valley, off of Jarvis Rd at about 1,100 ft.
> > Sent from my iPad
> >
>
>
Date: 4/14/25 10:10 am From: Pete Sole <pete...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Silent Spring, almost
Hi Barbara,
It's still early in the season. But according to the birdcast data, the
biggest migration pulse of the season so far, happened last night, with
over 600k birds passing through. See this link:
So there is still hope for this season. That being said, it does feel
like the numbers are getting lower, but the multi year data would really
tell the story.
Pete
On 4/14/25 8:43 AM, Barbara Monahan wrote:
> My yard has been remarkably quiet. No Grosbeaks, Hooded Orioles and very few hummers….especially Selasphorus. Over the weekend the FOS Western Flycatcher. A handful of Orange-crowned Warbles have started vocalizing.
>
> Let me know if this is an aberration in the area, or I’d everyone sees this happening?
>
> Barbara Monahan
> Near Scotts Valley, off of Jarvis Rd at about 1,100 ft.
> Sent from my iPad
>
Date: 4/14/25 8:43 am From: Barbara Monahan <monahan...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Silent Spring, almost
My yard has been remarkably quiet. No Grosbeaks, Hooded Orioles and very few hummers….especially Selasphorus. Over the weekend the FOS Western Flycatcher. A handful of Orange-crowned Warbles have started vocalizing.
Let me know if this is an aberration in the area, or I’d everyone sees this happening?
Barbara Monahan
Near Scotts Valley, off of Jarvis Rd at about 1,100 ft.
Sent from my iPad
Date: 4/13/25 2:42 pm From: Paul Miller <paulbug.2876...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Purple Martins
Yesterday while on a bike ride, I ended up at the Eucalyptus grove at
Wilder Ranch and heard the calls of Purple Martins. Looked like a pair
investigating possible nesting holes in the dead trees. Some starlings
where in attendance as well.
I think the Martins nested there last year, so perhaps these are the same
birds (?)
Map pin:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DKv4hq1JAzvG7fpe7 Paul Miller
> Young male molting into its lovely indigo plumage. Seen around large
> walnut at east end of apple orchard where there's a small cement bridge
> over a creek. Calling lots. No kingbird seen...
Just resighted (accidentally while eating pie) at Gizdich Ranch (off Peckham Rd in Watsonville). Briefly calling in yard with picnic tables, then flew off west towards parking lot.
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Jaclyn Tolchin <jaclyntolchin...> wrote: > Young male molting into its lovely indigo plumage. Seen around large walnut at east end of apple orchard where there's a small cement bridge over a creek. Calling lots. No kingbird seen...
Young male molting into its lovely indigo plumage. Seen around large walnut at east end of apple orchard where there's a small cement bridge over a creek. Calling lots. No kingbird seen...
Date: 4/13/25 11:47 am From: Liam Murphy <liammsf...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Trip Report: SCBC @ Schwan Lake
Hi birders and happy Sunday,
Earlier today I led a field trip for the Santa Cruz Bird Club at Schwan Lake. Even though the morning started with thick fog, we had a lot of singing birds throughout the morning, and ear birding tided us over until the fog began to burn off and things began to move around more actively.
Highlights of the morning included:
- close flybys from a pair of BALD EAGLES, one adult and one immature/subadult, which appear to be nest building. Nesting efforts here last spring were abandoned, but we can remain cautiously optimistic about the possibility of a mid-town nest this year, for now
- two WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, one of which sang once and provided nice looks. The second bird was drabber and streakier, suggesting a one-year-old, and confusing enough in the field to require ID from photos after the fact
- all five expected species of swallow: BARN, TREE, VIOLET-GREEN, CLIFF, and NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED
- close looks at a vocal WESTERN FLYCATCHER
- an adult male HOODED ORIOLE
Other birds heard singing were resident OAK TITMOUSE, BEWICK’S WREN, DARK-EYED JUNCO, SONG SPARROW, SPOTTED TOWHEE, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, recently arrived WILSON’S WARBLERS, and soon-to-depart YELLOW-RUMPED and TOWNSEND’S WARBLERS.
