Date: 10/21/25 2:29 pm From: Peter Pyle via groups.io <ppyle...> Subject: [Mendobirds] October 3rd-4th-5th Noyo Pelagic reports up.
Greetings Mendobirders and pelagic folks,
Following up on Tim's announcement, we have decided to switch the October 31st trip into a half-day trip, so Captain Richard can get back in time to prep his pots for the opening of Dungeness Crab season on the 1st. So perhaps some of you can make this now ($120 instead of $180). At this early stage, the prediction is for light west winds and fairly low swell so it should be a good day to see both birds and marine mammals.
Tonight Katherina Audley of the Noyo Center for Marie Science will be giving a presentation on Humpback Whales, which will give us a big picture view in the eastern Pacific and highlight some of Humpback IDs we have seen on Noyo Pelagics trips (and see more about this in the October report linked above). Don't miss this!
On 10/16/2025 6:45 PM, Tim Bray via groups.io wrote: > > Noyo Pelagics has only three more trips on the schedule. Jump on as > many of these as you can, we have had some fantastic trips in > October-November. Sign up for any and all at noyopelagics.com > > Friday October 31 - All-day offshore seabirding - only a few people > have signed up so far and this one is at risk of cancellation if there > aren't enough people signed up to go. That would be a shame, as this > is near peak migration for many seabirds, and a lot of birds will be > moving south out of the Arctic and the Gulf of Alaska. Gull numbers > and diversity will be increasing, Jaegers and Skuas may be abundant, > Flesh-footed Shearwater is likely, and chances of a rarity like > Parakeet Auklet, Horned Puffin, or Mottled Petrel are increasing. > We've seen Cocos Booby twice this fall, and with the recent sighting > of Waved Albatross at Cordell Bank (less than a day's flight from > here, as the Albatross soars) we will be on high alert for another > mega-rarity. Whales, dolphins, fur seals, and ocean sunfish are all > likely to be encountered as well. > > Monday November 3 - Half-day Noyo Canyon mammals and birds - We will > be looking for whales (Humpback, Fin, and Blue are all possible) as > well as the seabirds that often congregate above them. Several species > of Dolphins are also likely, especially if the sea conditions allow us > to maintain enough speed to attract the bow-riding Pacific White-sided > and Northern Right-whale Dolphins. These half-day trips to the upper > Noyo Canyon area have also been extremely productive for seabirds this > year, with Petrels, Storm-petrels, Short-tailed Albatross, Cocos > Booby, Manx Shearwater, etc. all seen just a few miles out. > > Friday November 21 - All day Seabirding - Our November trip last year > was amazing, with three Flesh-footed Shearwaters, and a surprising > number of Fork-tailed and Leach's Storm-petrels, the latter rarely > seen on these trips. We also had a stream of migrating Pomarine > Jaegers, probably 40-50 different birds. Best bird was a Horned Puffin > (possibly two). We also had Fin Whales. > > Hope to see you on the boat - remember to sign up ASAP so the trips > aren't canceled. > > Eyes on the horizon! > Tim > > “I now belong to a higher cult of mortals for I have seen the > albatross.” Robert Cushman Murphy, 1912 > Mendocino Coast Audubon Society <http://mendocinocoastaudubon.org/> > Ecology Hour <https://ecologyhour.wordpress.com/> > >
Date: 10/18/25 6:39 pm From: Janet Theilen via groups.io <jcrtheilen...> Subject: [Mendobirds] Virginia Rall
I'm standing over the Ocean Lake pond and I heard a really odd call; kind of laugh and a almost piggy kind of repetitive squeak. I turned on Merlin recording and it came up with Virginia rail. I was skeptical but when I played the Virginia rail tapes it's perfectly what I'm hearing. There's two of them overlapping each other. I've got them recorded. I think I have two Virginia rails in the cattails and the little pond at Ocean Lake.
Date: 10/18/25 10:48 am From: Lisa D. Walker, (Feather Forestwalker) via groups.io <feather...> Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] FOS White-throated Sparrow
On 2025-10-18 10:14 am, David Jensen via groups.io wrote:
> October 18, 2025. I had my first-of-season White-throated Sparrow
> (tan stripe) observation this morning. They have been regular winter
> residents here (North Harold Street, Fort Bragg) for more than ten
> years now. Usually 2-3 with a mix of color morphs. I was afraid that
> streak might be ended due to my landscape renovation/removal, but site
> allegiance and the promise of black oil sunflower seed evidently was
> sufficient to overcome the changes.
OOPS! I forgot to mention my sightings from yesterday! There were *FIVE*
on the Enchanted Forest Trail yesterday morning - tan-striped forms
seemed to be three-to-two. I got video of one singing, too.
Date: 10/18/25 10:14 am From: David Jensen via groups.io <djensen...> Subject: [Mendobirds] FOS White-throated Sparrow
October 18, 2025. I had my first-of-season White-throated Sparrow (tan stripe) observation this morning. They have been regular winter residents here (North Harold Street, Fort Bragg) for more than ten years now. Usually 2-3 with a mix of color morphs. I was afraid that streak might be ended due to my landscape renovation/removal, but site allegiance and the promise of black oil sunflower seed evidently was sufficient to overcome the changes.
Date: 10/16/25 6:45 pm From: Tim Bray via groups.io <tbray...> Subject: [Mendobirds] Pelagics Oct-Nov
Noyo Pelagics has only three more trips on the schedule. Jump on as
many of these as you can, we have had some fantastic trips in
October-November. Sign up for any and all at noyopelagics.com
Friday October 31 - All-day offshore seabirding - only a few people have
signed up so far and this one is at risk of cancellation if there aren't
enough people signed up to go. That would be a shame, as this is near
peak migration for many seabirds, and a lot of birds will be moving
south out of the Arctic and the Gulf of Alaska. Gull numbers and
diversity will be increasing, Jaegers and Skuas may be abundant,
Flesh-footed Shearwater is likely, and chances of a rarity like Parakeet
Auklet, Horned Puffin, or Mottled Petrel are increasing. We've seen
Cocos Booby twice this fall, and with the recent sighting of Waved
Albatross at Cordell Bank (less than a day's flight from here, as the
Albatross soars) we will be on high alert for another mega-rarity.
Whales, dolphins, fur seals, and ocean sunfish are all likely to be
encountered as well.
Monday November 3 - Half-day Noyo Canyon mammals and birds - We will be
looking for whales (Humpback, Fin, and Blue are all possible) as well as
the seabirds that often congregate above them. Several species of
Dolphins are also likely, especially if the sea conditions allow us to
maintain enough speed to attract the bow-riding Pacific White-sided and
Northern Right-whale Dolphins. These half-day trips to the upper Noyo
Canyon area have also been extremely productive for seabirds this year,
with Petrels, Storm-petrels, Short-tailed Albatross, Cocos Booby, Manx
Shearwater, etc. all seen just a few miles out.
Friday November 21 - All day Seabirding - Our November trip last year
was amazing, with three Flesh-footed Shearwaters, and a surprising
number of Fork-tailed and Leach's Storm-petrels, the latter rarely seen
on these trips. We also had a stream of migrating Pomarine Jaegers,
probably 40-50 different birds. Best bird was a Horned Puffin (possibly
two). We also had Fin Whales.
Hope to see you on the boat - remember to sign up ASAP so the trips
aren't canceled.
Date: 10/16/25 3:44 am From: Sarah Grimes via groups.io <zewa...> Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Any sightings of ospreys?
Had one late afternoon today calling above my house. Little River Airport rd.
> On Oct 15, 2025, at 7:19 PM, Lisa D. Walker, (Feather Forestwalker) via groups.io <feather...> wrote:
>
> On 2025-10-15 3:11 pm, jackson_us via groups.io wrote:
>> Hi All,
>> I haven't seen or heard an osprey for perhaps a week or so. Has
>> anyone seen or heard one?
>> Thanks, Jeanne
>> Anchor Bay
>
> I saw one over Virgin Creek about five days ago
>
> Lisa D Walker
> Fort Bragg/Cleone
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 10/15/25 10:06 pm From: Rain Tenaqiya 4001 Parducci Rd Ukiah, CA 95482 via groups.io <raincascadia...> Subject: [Mendobirds] Short-eared owl at Noyo Headlands Park
I was looking for the bobolink seen about a week ago at Noyo Headlands Park and flushed a short-eared owl, which ended up flying around the area for quite a while. It was here: 39°26'03.0"N 123°48'57.3"W.
Date: 10/15/25 7:19 pm From: Lisa D. Walker, (Feather Forestwalker) via groups.io <feather...> Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Any sightings of ospreys?
On 2025-10-15 3:11 pm, jackson_us via groups.io wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I haven't seen or heard an osprey for perhaps a week or so. Has
> anyone seen or heard one?
>
> Thanks, Jeanne
>
> Anchor Bay
Date: 10/15/25 1:15 pm From: TaberA via groups.io <taberallison...> Subject: [Mendobirds] Possible Eurasian Wigeon Garcia River mouth
Single female/juvenile Eurasian Wigeon currently at mouth of Garcia River. Russet, not gray, head with little contrast to body. Hanging with small flock of American Wigeons but keeping some distance.
Date: 10/12/25 4:42 pm From: Doug Forsell via groups.io <djforsell...> Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cackling Goose at Iversen Point
Odd with all of the messages we've had on Aleutian geese, came home yesterday 11 Oct about 5 PM to find this bird in my yard or more accurately my neighbor's yard. Didn't see it around today, so hopefully it moved on with a passing flock rather than being eaten by an eagle.After seeing 10s of thousands fly over my house in the spring, never expected to see one on the ground, Now I'm greedy and want to see a flock here.
Regards,
Doug
Doug <Forselldjforsell...> 884-1514
On Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 08:41:18 AM PDT, David Jensen via groups.io <djensen...> wrote:
October 4. There is a single Cackling Goose in the flock of Canadas this morning on the Middle School athletic field (North Harold Street).
Date: 10/10/25 12:39 pm From: Roger Adamson via groups.io <radamson...> Subject: [Mendobirds] White-winged dove
Today a White-winged Dove is walking around in my back garden—A bird we often go racing around trying to find as a county bird.
Roger Adamson
Fort Bragg
Date: 10/10/25 9:58 am From: David Barry via groups.io <wildbarrydb...> Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
Great info,
Thanks Doug.
Dave Barry
Santa Rosa
On Fri, Oct 10, 2025 at 9:41 AM Frank Hall via groups.io <fagrhall=
<frontiernet.net...> wrote:
> Hi Lisa,
> As far as I know, a few of each of the multitude of Canada subspecies that
> mostly winter in the Willamette Valley, Oregon turn up on the Humboldt
> and Del Norte Coast. This would include any Cackling, Dusky, (fulva,
> Taverner's. etc.) and more. Virtually all of those which breed from the
> Arctic, and inland to the Yukon and south to Vancouver Island could turn
> up.
>
> Frank
>
> On Friday, October 10, 2025 at 09:10:38 AM PDT, Diane Hichwa via groups.io
> <dhichwa...> wrote:
>
>
> Thanks David. Good info---but maybe Cornell Birds of the World could be a
> better source than Wikipedia. Who knows??
>
>
>
> Diane Hichwa
>
>
>
> Email: <dhichwa...>
>
>
>
> Telephone: 707-785-1922 (Sea Ranch)
>
> 707-483-3130 (cell)
>
> More Tail Wagging!!! Less Barking!!
>
> Millie 2007
>
>
>
> *From: *<Mendobirds...> on behalf of "David Jensen via groups.io"
> <djensen...>
> *Reply-To: *David Jensen <djensen...>
> *Date: *Friday, October 10, 2025 at 8:57 AM
> *To: *"<fagrhall...>" <fagrhall...>, "
> <feather...>" <feather...>
> *Cc: *"<gallo.ja...>" <gallo.ja...>, Jeanne & Rick Jackson <
> <jackson2...>, "<tbray...>" <tbray...>, "<Mendobirds...>"
> <Mendobirds...>
> *Subject: *Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
> *Resent-From: *David Jensen <djensen...>
> *Resent-Date: *Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:57:27 -0700
>
>
>
> Two things can be real:
>
> Aleutian cackling geese typically arrive in California in mid-October each
> year. The majority of the population goes right to its primary wintering
> areas in the Central Valley. Since 2002, though, a relatively small
> (1500-5000) number of geese spend fall and winter on the northern coast.
> Around late December, the geese wintering in the Central Valley begin
> moving north, and by mid-February, most of the Aleutian cackling goose
> population is located in northwestern California until they depart for the
> Aleutian Islands in mid-April. As of 2004, Humboldt County began receiving
> the majority of Aleutian cackling geese on the northwestern coast from
> January through April.[6]
> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleutian_cackling_goose#cite_note-6> >
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> *From:* <Mendobirds...> <Mendobirds...> on behalf of Lisa D.
> Walker, (Feather Forestwalker) via groups.io <feather...>
> *Sent:* Friday, October 10, 2025 8:35 AM
> *To:* <fagrhall...> <fagrhall...>
> *Cc:* <gallo.ja...> <gallo.ja...>; <jackson2...> <
> <jackson2...>; <tbray...> <tbray...>; <Mendobirds...> <
> <Mendobirds...>
> *Subject:* Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
>
>
>
> On 2025-10-09 8:51 pm, <fagrhall...> wrote:
> > Lisa,
> >
> > Your guess seems sensible, but I can assure you that most Aleutians
> > decidedly do not spend the winter in California's Central Valley. A
> > few do, especially in the Sacramento - SJ Delta, but many more winter
> > on the Del Norte and Humboldt coasts.
>
> Aleutian?
>
>
> See, the most common answer is that they winter in the western half of
> the US in and near brackish water situations. So, Humboldt is one area,
> as is the Central Valley. We see them here in winter too (on the coast).
>
> Which other subspecies are seen in Humboldt besides the Aleutian?
>
>
> Lisa
>
>
> >
> > Best, Frank
> >
> > On Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 07:07:37 PM PDT, Lisa D. Walker,
> > (Feather Forestwalker) via groups.io <feather...>
> > wrote:
> >
> > I have a guess as to why the geese sometimes head north during the
> > fall
> > migration:
> >
> > They nest in the Arctic tundra and in the Aleutians. They head south
> > and
> > over-shoot their destination and turn around. They have to regain
> > their
> > bearings and turn inland at a spot where the Jet Stream might carry
> > them
> > east. Once they see some familiar landmarks, they can drift south into
> >
> > the Central Valley, where they will spend the winter.
> >
> > Maybe?
> >
> > Lisa Walker, Fort Bragg/Cleone
> >
> > PS. What else did you see at Virgin Creek? I've missed it the last
> > couple of days because I've been doing over-due chores at home :)
> >
> > On 2025-10-09 3:19 pm, John Gallo via groups.io wrote:
> >> I saw another one of the northbound flocks at about 9:00 AM at
> > Virgin
> >> Creek today. Love that sound.
> >>
> >> Is there any speculation or science about why heading north, not
> >> south, and for how far?
> >>
> >> Maybe doing a second pass along the North Coast to respectfully
> > invite
> >> locals to join their flock?
> >>
> >> (Giving them time for last minute packing of course.)
> >>
> >> ;-) John
> >>
> >> On Thu, Oct 9, 2025 at 7:51 AM jackson_us via groups.io [1]
> >> <jackson2...> wrote:
> >>
> >>> Several large flocks were seen and heard off Point Arena heading
> >>> south yesterday afternoon.
> >>>
> >>> Jeanne, Anchor Bay
> >>>
> >>> From: <Mendobirds...> <Mendobirds...> On Behalf Of Tim
> >>> Bray via groups.io [1]
> >>> Sent: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 9:39 PM
> >>> To: <mendobirds...>
> >>> Subject: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
> >>>
> >>> 8 October 2025 - Multiple flocks of 80-200 Cackling Geese flew over
> >>> the coast this afternoon. Photos show white neck collars indicating
> >>> Aleutians.
> >>>
> >>> The first ones we saw were flying low over the ocean south of Fort
> >>> Bragg heading toward shore; once over land they gained elevation
> > and
> >>> turned north, surprisingly. They were followed by at least two more
> >>> flocks also going north over town. When we got home in Albion
> >>> another flock flew over going south.
> >>>
> >>> Evidently, winter is coming.
> >>>
> >>> --
> >>> Cheers,
> >>> Tim
> >>> “I now belong to a higher cult of mortals for I have seen the
> >>> albatross.” Robert Cushman Murphy, 1912
> >>> Mendocino Coast Audubon Society [2]
> >>> Ecology Hour [3]
> >>> Oak & Thorn [4]
> >>> Facebook: Oak and Thorn [5]
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Links:
> >> ------
> >> [1] http://groups.io > >> [2] http://mendocinocoastaudubon.org/ > >> [3] https://ecologyhour.wordpress.com/ > >> [4] http://oakandthorn.wordpress.com > >> [5] https://www.facebook.com/oakandthorn > >> [6] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/message/9664 > >> [7] https://groups.io/mt/115667065/974701 > >> [8] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/post > >> [9] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/editsub/974701 > >> [10] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/unsub > >
> >
>
> --
> Lisa D Walker, Feather's Fotos
> https://facebook.com/PhotographyByFeather >
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 10/10/25 9:41 am From: Frank Hall via groups.io <fagrhall...> Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
Hi Lisa,As far as I know, a few of each of the multitude of Canada subspecies that mostly winter in the Willamette Valley, Oregon turn up on the Humboldt and Del Norte Coast. This would include any Cackling, Dusky, (fulva, Taverner's. etc.) and more. Virtually all of those which breed from the Arctic, and inland to the Yukon and south to Vancouver Island could turn up.
Frank
On Friday, October 10, 2025 at 09:10:38 AM PDT, Diane Hichwa via groups.io <dhichwa...> wrote:
Thanks David. Good info---but maybe Cornell Birds of the World could be a better source than Wikipedia. Who knows??
Diane Hichwa
Email: <dhichwa...>
Telephone: 707-785-1922 (Sea Ranch)
707-483-3130 (cell)
More Tail Wagging!!! Less Barking!!
Millie 2007
From: <Mendobirds...> on behalf of "David Jensen via groups.io" <djensen...>
Reply-To: David Jensen <djensen...>
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025 at 8:57 AM
To: "<fagrhall...>" <fagrhall...>, "<feather...>" <feather...>
Cc: "<gallo.ja...>" <gallo.ja...>, Jeanne & Rick Jackson <jackson2...>, "<tbray...>" <tbray...>, "<Mendobirds...>" <Mendobirds...>
Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
Resent-From: David Jensen <djensen...>
Resent-Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:57:27 -0700
Two things can be real:
Aleutian cackling geese typically arrive in California in mid-October each year. The majority of the population goes right to its primary wintering areas in the Central Valley. Since 2002, though, a relatively small (1500-5000) number of geese spend fall and winter on the northern coast. Around late December, the geese wintering in the Central Valley begin moving north, and by mid-February, most of the Aleutian cackling goose population is located in northwestern California until they depart for the Aleutian Islands in mid-April. As of 2004, Humboldt County began receiving the majority of Aleutian cackling geese on the northwestern coast from January through April.[6]
From: <Mendobirds...> <Mendobirds...> on behalf of Lisa D. Walker, (Feather Forestwalker) via groups.io <feather...>
Sent: Friday, October 10, 2025 8:35 AM
To: <fagrhall...> <fagrhall...>
Cc: <gallo.ja...> <gallo.ja...>; <jackson2...> <jackson2...>; <tbray...> <tbray...>; <Mendobirds...> <Mendobirds...>
Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
On 2025-10-09 8:51 pm, <fagrhall...> wrote:
> Lisa,
>
> Your guess seems sensible, but I can assure you that most Aleutians
> decidedly do not spend the winter in California's Central Valley. A
> few do, especially in the Sacramento - SJ Delta, but many more winter
> on the Del Norte and Humboldt coasts.
Aleutian?
See, the most common answer is that they winter in the western half of
the US in and near brackish water situations. So, Humboldt is one area,
as is the Central Valley. We see them here in winter too (on the coast).
Which other subspecies are seen in Humboldt besides the Aleutian?
Lisa
>
> Best, Frank
>
> On Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 07:07:37 PM PDT, Lisa D. Walker,
> (Feather Forestwalker) via groups.io <feather...>
> wrote:
>
> I have a guess as to why the geese sometimes head north during the
> fall
> migration:
>
> They nest in the Arctic tundra and in the Aleutians. They head south
> and
> over-shoot their destination and turn around. They have to regain
> their
> bearings and turn inland at a spot where the Jet Stream might carry
> them
> east. Once they see some familiar landmarks, they can drift south into
>
> the Central Valley, where they will spend the winter.
>
> Maybe?
>
> Lisa Walker, Fort Bragg/Cleone
>
> PS. What else did you see at Virgin Creek? I've missed it the last
> couple of days because I've been doing over-due chores at home :)
>
> On 2025-10-09 3:19 pm, John Gallo via groups.io wrote:
>> I saw another one of the northbound flocks at about 9:00 AM at
> Virgin
>> Creek today. Love that sound.
>>
>> Is there any speculation or science about why heading north, not
>> south, and for how far?
>>
>> Maybe doing a second pass along the North Coast to respectfully
> invite
>> locals to join their flock?
>>
>> (Giving them time for last minute packing of course.)
>>
>> ;-) John
>>
>> On Thu, Oct 9, 2025 at 7:51 AM jackson_us via groups.io [1]
>> <jackson2...> wrote:
>>
>>> Several large flocks were seen and heard off Point Arena heading
>>> south yesterday afternoon.
>>>
>>> Jeanne, Anchor Bay
>>>
>>> From: <Mendobirds...> <Mendobirds...> On Behalf Of Tim
>>> Bray via groups.io [1]
>>> Sent: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 9:39 PM
>>> To: <mendobirds...>
>>> Subject: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
>>>
>>> 8 October 2025 - Multiple flocks of 80-200 Cackling Geese flew over
>>> the coast this afternoon. Photos show white neck collars indicating
>>> Aleutians.
>>>
>>> The first ones we saw were flying low over the ocean south of Fort
>>> Bragg heading toward shore; once over land they gained elevation
> and
>>> turned north, surprisingly. They were followed by at least two more
>>> flocks also going north over town. When we got home in Albion
>>> another flock flew over going south.
>>>
>>> Evidently, winter is coming.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Cheers,
>>> Tim
>>> “I now belong to a higher cult of mortals for I have seen the
>>> albatross.” Robert Cushman Murphy, 1912
>>> Mendocino Coast Audubon Society [2]
>>> Ecology Hour [3]
>>> Oak & Thorn [4]
>>> Facebook: Oak and Thorn [5]
>>
>>
>>
>> Links:
>> ------
>> [1] http://groups.io >> [2] http://mendocinocoastaudubon.org/ >> [3] https://ecologyhour.wordpress.com/ >> [4] http://oakandthorn.wordpress.com >> [5] https://www.facebook.com/oakandthorn >> [6] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/message/9664 >> [7] https://groups.io/mt/115667065/974701 >> [8] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/post >> [9] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/editsub/974701 >> [10] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/unsub >
>
Date: 10/10/25 9:10 am From: Diane Hichwa via groups.io <dhichwa...> Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
Thanks David. Good info---but maybe Cornell Birds of the World could be a better source than Wikipedia. Who knows??
Diane Hichwa
Email: <dhichwa...>
Telephone: 707-785-1922 (Sea Ranch)
707-483-3130 (cell)
More Tail Wagging!!! Less Barking!!
Millie 2007
From: <Mendobirds...> on behalf of "David Jensen via groups.io" <djensen...>
Reply-To: David Jensen <djensen...>
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025 at 8:57 AM
To: "<fagrhall...>" <fagrhall...>, "<feather...>" <feather...>
Cc: "<gallo.ja...>" <gallo.ja...>, Jeanne & Rick Jackson <jackson2...>, "<tbray...>" <tbray...>, "<Mendobirds...>" <Mendobirds...>
Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
Resent-From: David Jensen <djensen...>
Resent-Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:57:27 -0700
Two things can be real:
Aleutian cackling geese typically arrive in California in mid-October each year. The majority of the population goes right to its primary wintering areas in the Central Valley. Since 2002, though, a relatively small (1500-5000) number of geese spend fall and winter on the northern coast. Around late December, the geese wintering in the Central Valley begin moving north, and by mid-February, most of the Aleutian cackling goose population is located in northwestern California until they depart for the Aleutian Islands in mid-April. As of 2004, Humboldt County began receiving the majority of Aleutian cackling geese on the northwestern coast from January through April.[6]
From: <Mendobirds...> <Mendobirds...> on behalf of Lisa D. Walker, (Feather Forestwalker) via groups.io <feather...>
Sent: Friday, October 10, 2025 8:35 AM
To: <fagrhall...> <fagrhall...>
Cc: <gallo.ja...> <gallo.ja...>; <jackson2...> <jackson2...>; <tbray...> <tbray...>; <Mendobirds...> <Mendobirds...>
Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
On 2025-10-09 8:51 pm, <fagrhall...> wrote:
> Lisa,
>
> Your guess seems sensible, but I can assure you that most Aleutians
> decidedly do not spend the winter in California's Central Valley. A
> few do, especially in the Sacramento - SJ Delta, but many more winter
> on the Del Norte and Humboldt coasts.
Aleutian?
See, the most common answer is that they winter in the western half of
the US in and near brackish water situations. So, Humboldt is one area,
as is the Central Valley. We see them here in winter too (on the coast).
Which other subspecies are seen in Humboldt besides the Aleutian?
Lisa
>
> Best, Frank
>
> On Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 07:07:37 PM PDT, Lisa D. Walker,
> (Feather Forestwalker) via groups.io <feather...>
> wrote:
>
> I have a guess as to why the geese sometimes head north during the
> fall
> migration:
>
> They nest in the Arctic tundra and in the Aleutians. They head south
> and
> over-shoot their destination and turn around. They have to regain
> their
> bearings and turn inland at a spot where the Jet Stream might carry
> them
> east. Once they see some familiar landmarks, they can drift south into
>
> the Central Valley, where they will spend the winter.
>
> Maybe?
>
> Lisa Walker, Fort Bragg/Cleone
>
> PS. What else did you see at Virgin Creek? I've missed it the last
> couple of days because I've been doing over-due chores at home :)
>
> On 2025-10-09 3:19 pm, John Gallo via groups.io wrote:
>> I saw another one of the northbound flocks at about 9:00 AM at
> Virgin
>> Creek today. Love that sound.
>>
>> Is there any speculation or science about why heading north, not
>> south, and for how far?
>>
>> Maybe doing a second pass along the North Coast to respectfully
> invite
>> locals to join their flock?
>>
>> (Giving them time for last minute packing of course.)
>>
>> ;-) John
>>
>> On Thu, Oct 9, 2025 at 7:51 AM jackson_us via groups.io [1]
>> <jackson2...> wrote:
>>
>>> Several large flocks were seen and heard off Point Arena heading
>>> south yesterday afternoon.
>>>
>>> Jeanne, Anchor Bay
>>>
>>> From: <Mendobirds...> <Mendobirds...> On Behalf Of Tim
>>> Bray via groups.io [1]
>>> Sent: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 9:39 PM
>>> To: <mendobirds...>
>>> Subject: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
>>>
>>> 8 October 2025 - Multiple flocks of 80-200 Cackling Geese flew over
>>> the coast this afternoon. Photos show white neck collars indicating
>>> Aleutians.
>>>
>>> The first ones we saw were flying low over the ocean south of Fort
>>> Bragg heading toward shore; once over land they gained elevation
> and
>>> turned north, surprisingly. They were followed by at least two more
>>> flocks also going north over town. When we got home in Albion
>>> another flock flew over going south.
>>>
>>> Evidently, winter is coming.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Cheers,
>>> Tim
>>> “I now belong to a higher cult of mortals for I have seen the
>>> albatross.” Robert Cushman Murphy, 1912
>>> Mendocino Coast Audubon Society [2]
>>> Ecology Hour [3]
>>> Oak & Thorn [4]
>>> Facebook: Oak and Thorn [5]
>>
>>
>>
>> Links:
>> ------
>> [1] http://groups.io >> [2] http://mendocinocoastaudubon.org/ >> [3] https://ecologyhour.wordpress.com/ >> [4] http://oakandthorn.wordpress.com >> [5] https://www.facebook.com/oakandthorn >> [6] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/message/9664 >> [7] https://groups.io/mt/115667065/974701 >> [8] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/post >> [9] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/editsub/974701 >> [10] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/unsub >
>
Date: 10/10/25 8:57 am From: David Jensen via groups.io <djensen...> Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
Two things can be real:
Aleutian cackling geese typically arrive in California in mid-October each year. The majority of the population goes right to its primary wintering areas in the Central Valley. Since 2002, though, a relatively small (1500-5000) number of geese spend fall and winter on the northern coast. Around late December, the geese wintering in the Central Valley begin moving north, and by mid-February, most of the Aleutian cackling goose population is located in northwestern California until they depart for the Aleutian Islands in mid-April. As of 2004, Humboldt County began receiving the majority of Aleutian cackling geese on the northwestern coast from January through April.[6]<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleutian_cackling_goose#cite_note-6>
________________________________
From: <Mendobirds...> <Mendobirds...> on behalf of Lisa D. Walker, (Feather Forestwalker) via groups.io <feather...>
Sent: Friday, October 10, 2025 8:35 AM
To: <fagrhall...> <fagrhall...>
Cc: <gallo.ja...> <gallo.ja...>; <jackson2...> <jackson2...>; <tbray...> <tbray...>; <Mendobirds...> <Mendobirds...>
Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
On 2025-10-09 8:51 pm, <fagrhall...> wrote:
> Lisa,
>
> Your guess seems sensible, but I can assure you that most Aleutians
> decidedly do not spend the winter in California's Central Valley. A
> few do, especially in the Sacramento - SJ Delta, but many more winter
> on the Del Norte and Humboldt coasts.
Aleutian?
See, the most common answer is that they winter in the western half of
the US in and near brackish water situations. So, Humboldt is one area,
as is the Central Valley. We see them here in winter too (on the coast).
Which other subspecies are seen in Humboldt besides the Aleutian?
Lisa
>
> Best, Frank
>
> On Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 07:07:37 PM PDT, Lisa D. Walker,
> (Feather Forestwalker) via groups.io <feather...>
> wrote:
>
> I have a guess as to why the geese sometimes head north during the
> fall
> migration:
>
> They nest in the Arctic tundra and in the Aleutians. They head south
> and
> over-shoot their destination and turn around. They have to regain
> their
> bearings and turn inland at a spot where the Jet Stream might carry
> them
> east. Once they see some familiar landmarks, they can drift south into
>
> the Central Valley, where they will spend the winter.
>
> Maybe?
>
> Lisa Walker, Fort Bragg/Cleone
>
> PS. What else did you see at Virgin Creek? I've missed it the last
> couple of days because I've been doing over-due chores at home :)
>
> On 2025-10-09 3:19 pm, John Gallo via groups.io wrote:
>> I saw another one of the northbound flocks at about 9:00 AM at
> Virgin
>> Creek today. Love that sound.
>>
>> Is there any speculation or science about why heading north, not
>> south, and for how far?
>>
>> Maybe doing a second pass along the North Coast to respectfully
> invite
>> locals to join their flock?
>>
>> (Giving them time for last minute packing of course.)
>>
>> ;-) John
>>
>> On Thu, Oct 9, 2025 at 7:51 AM jackson_us via groups.io [1]
>> <jackson2...> wrote:
>>
>>> Several large flocks were seen and heard off Point Arena heading
>>> south yesterday afternoon.
>>>
>>> Jeanne, Anchor Bay
>>>
>>> From: <Mendobirds...> <Mendobirds...> On Behalf Of Tim
>>> Bray via groups.io [1]
>>> Sent: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 9:39 PM
>>> To: <mendobirds...>
>>> Subject: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
>>>
>>> 8 October 2025 - Multiple flocks of 80-200 Cackling Geese flew over
>>> the coast this afternoon. Photos show white neck collars indicating
>>> Aleutians.
>>>
>>> The first ones we saw were flying low over the ocean south of Fort
>>> Bragg heading toward shore; once over land they gained elevation
> and
>>> turned north, surprisingly. They were followed by at least two more
>>> flocks also going north over town. When we got home in Albion
>>> another flock flew over going south.
>>>
>>> Evidently, winter is coming.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Cheers,
>>> Tim
>>> “I now belong to a higher cult of mortals for I have seen the
>>> albatross.” Robert Cushman Murphy, 1912
>>> Mendocino Coast Audubon Society [2]
>>> Ecology Hour [3]
>>> Oak & Thorn [4]
>>> Facebook: Oak and Thorn [5]
>>
>>
>>
>> Links:
>> ------
>> [1] http://groups.io >> [2] http://mendocinocoastaudubon.org/ >> [3] https://ecologyhour.wordpress.com/ >> [4] http://oakandthorn.wordpress.com >> [5] https://www.facebook.com/oakandthorn >> [6] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/message/9664 >> [7] https://groups.io/mt/115667065/974701 >> [8] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/post >> [9] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/editsub/974701 >> [10] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/unsub >
>
Date: 10/10/25 8:35 am From: Lisa D. Walker, (Feather Forestwalker) via groups.io <feather...> Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
On 2025-10-09 8:51 pm, <fagrhall...> wrote: > Lisa, > > Your guess seems sensible, but I can assure you that most Aleutians > decidedly do not spend the winter in California's Central Valley. A > few do, especially in the Sacramento - SJ Delta, but many more winter > on the Del Norte and Humboldt coasts.
Aleutian?
See, the most common answer is that they winter in the western half of the US in and near brackish water situations. So, Humboldt is one area, as is the Central Valley. We see them here in winter too (on the coast).
Which other subspecies are seen in Humboldt besides the Aleutian?
Lisa
> > Best, Frank > > On Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 07:07:37 PM PDT, Lisa D. Walker, > (Feather Forestwalker) via groups.io <feather...> > wrote: > > I have a guess as to why the geese sometimes head north during the > fall > migration: > > They nest in the Arctic tundra and in the Aleutians. They head south > and > over-shoot their destination and turn around. They have to regain > their > bearings and turn inland at a spot where the Jet Stream might carry > them > east. Once they see some familiar landmarks, they can drift south into > > the Central Valley, where they will spend the winter. > > Maybe? > > Lisa Walker, Fort Bragg/Cleone > > PS. What else did you see at Virgin Creek? I've missed it the last > couple of days because I've been doing over-due chores at home :) > > On 2025-10-09 3:19 pm, John Gallo via groups.io wrote: >> I saw another one of the northbound flocks at about 9:00 AM at > Virgin >> Creek today. Love that sound. >> >> Is there any speculation or science about why heading north, not >> south, and for how far? >> >> Maybe doing a second pass along the North Coast to respectfully > invite >> locals to join their flock? >> >> (Giving them time for last minute packing of course.) >> >> ;-) John >> >> On Thu, Oct 9, 2025 at 7:51 AM jackson_us via groups.io [1] >> <jackson2...> wrote: >> >>> Several large flocks were seen and heard off Point Arena heading >>> south yesterday afternoon. >>> >>> Jeanne, Anchor Bay >>> >>> From: <Mendobirds...> <Mendobirds...> On Behalf Of Tim >>> Bray via groups.io [1] >>> Sent: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 9:39 PM >>> To: <mendobirds...> >>> Subject: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers >>> >>> 8 October 2025 - Multiple flocks of 80-200 Cackling Geese flew over >>> the coast this afternoon. Photos show white neck collars indicating >>> Aleutians. >>> >>> The first ones we saw were flying low over the ocean south of Fort >>> Bragg heading toward shore; once over land they gained elevation > and >>> turned north, surprisingly. They were followed by at least two more >>> flocks also going north over town. When we got home in Albion >>> another flock flew over going south. >>> >>> Evidently, winter is coming. >>> >>> -- >>> Cheers, >>> Tim >>> “I now belong to a higher cult of mortals for I have seen the >>> albatross.” Robert Cushman Murphy, 1912 >>> Mendocino Coast Audubon Society [2] >>> Ecology Hour [3] >>> Oak & Thorn [4] >>> Facebook: Oak and Thorn [5] >> >> >> >> Links: >> ------ >> [1] http://groups.io >> [2] http://mendocinocoastaudubon.org/ >> [3] https://ecologyhour.wordpress.com/ >> [4] http://oakandthorn.wordpress.com >> [5] https://www.facebook.com/oakandthorn >> [6] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/message/9664 >> [7] https://groups.io/mt/115667065/974701 >> [8] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/post >> [9] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/editsub/974701 >> [10] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/unsub > >
Date: 10/10/25 3:52 am From: Peter Headland via groups.io <stonecurlew...> Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
On 2025-10-09 15:19, John Gallo via groups.io wrote:
> Maybe doing a second pass along the North Coast to respectfully invite
> locals to join their flock?
>
> (Giving them time for last minute packing of course.)
This cartoon agrees! Daily Cartoon: Thursday, October 9th | The New
Yorker
<https://www.newyorker.com/cartoons/daily-cartoon/thursday-october-9th-goose-wallet>
We have seen several skeins of them W and TH coming down the coast and continuing on S from Sea Ranch
Diane Hichwa
Email: <dhichwa...>
Telephone: 707-785-1922 (Sea Ranch)
707-483-3130 (cell)
More Tail Wagging!!! Less Barking!!
Millie 2007
From: <Mendobirds...> on behalf of "Doug Forsell via groups.io" <djforsell...>
Reply-To: Doug Forsell <djforsell...>
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 10:22 PM
To: "<gallo.ja...>" <gallo.ja...>
Cc: "<tbray...>" <tbray...>, "<mendobirds...>" <mendobirds...>
Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
Resent-From: Doug Forsell <djforsell...>
Resent-Date: Thu, 09 Oct 2025 22:22:16 -0700
I saw a couple of flocks flying south on Wednesday south of Point Arena.
I am unaware of anyone who has put geolocator or GPS devices on Aleutian geese, but I suspect that like most waterfowl, shorebirds, and other waterbirds coming from the Bering Sea and the Aleutians, they cut across the Gulf on the leading edge of low pressure systems.
I've attached a couple graphics from my migration talk that illustrate the migration route of Brant. The first graphic is a map showing that the Aleutian geese are coming from a latitude of about 52 degrees north, about equal to southern British Columbia, so it would not be advantageous to fly 600 miles north to follow the coast to the south.
The second slide shows the migration of Brant geese that breed from the Yukon Delta to Arctic Canada. They pile into Nelson and Isenbeck Lagoons on the Alaska Peninsula to fatten up for migration. After feeding on the abundant eel grass, they leave on the front of a low pressure system so they can get a good tail wind and end up in Mexico 36 hours later.
I assume the Aleutian geese are using a similar strategy, except doing essentially an ESE migration, hitting the coast and then flying north or south to find a foraging area. Some of the Aleutian geese winter in Oregon, but I think most still winter in the Central Valley south of Sacramento, but I haven't looked into it for many years to see how it might have changed.
I saw a couple of flocks flying south on Wednesday south of Point Arena.
I am unaware of anyone who has put geolocator or GPS devices on Aleutian geese, but I suspect that like most waterfowl, shorebirds, and other waterbirds coming from the Bering Sea and the Aleutians, they cut across the Gulf on the leading edge of low pressure systems.
I've attached a couple graphics from my migration talk that illustrate the migration route of Brant. The first graphic is a map showing that the Aleutian geese are coming from a latitude of about 52 degrees north, about equal to southern British Columbia, so it would not be advantageous to fly 600 miles north to follow the coast to the south.
The second slide shows the migration of Brant geese that breed from the Yukon Delta to Arctic Canada. They pile into Nelson and Isenbeck Lagoons on the Alaska Peninsula to fatten up for migration. After feeding on the abundant eel grass, they leave on the front of a low pressure system so they can get a good tail wind and end up in Mexico 36 hours later.
I assume the Aleutian geese are using a similar strategy, except doing essentially an ESE migration, hitting the coast and then flying north or south to find a foraging area. Some of the Aleutian geese winter in Oregon, but I think most still winter in the Central Valley south of Sacramento, but I haven't looked into it for many years to see how it might have changed.
Regards,
Doug
Doug <Forselldjforsell...> 884-1514
Date: 10/9/25 8:51 pm From: Frank Hall via groups.io <fagrhall...> Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
Lisa,
Your guess seems sensible, but I can assure you that most Aleutians decidedly do not spend the winter in California's Central Valley. A few do, especially in the Sacramento - SJ Delta, but many more winter on the Del Norte and Humboldt coasts.
Best, Frank
On Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 07:07:37 PM PDT, Lisa D. Walker, (Feather Forestwalker) via groups.io <feather...> wrote:
I have a guess as to why the geese sometimes head north during the fall
migration:
They nest in the Arctic tundra and in the Aleutians. They head south and
over-shoot their destination and turn around. They have to regain their
bearings and turn inland at a spot where the Jet Stream might carry them
east. Once they see some familiar landmarks, they can drift south into
the Central Valley, where they will spend the winter.
Maybe?
Lisa Walker, Fort Bragg/Cleone
PS. What else did you see at Virgin Creek? I've missed it the last
couple of days because I've been doing over-due chores at home :)
On 2025-10-09 3:19 pm, John Gallo via groups.io wrote:
> I saw another one of the northbound flocks at about 9:00 AM at Virgin
> Creek today. Love that sound.
>
> Is there any speculation or science about why heading north, not
> south, and for how far?
>
> Maybe doing a second pass along the North Coast to respectfully invite
> locals to join their flock?
>
> (Giving them time for last minute packing of course.)
>
> ;-) John
>
> On Thu, Oct 9, 2025 at 7:51 AM jackson_us via groups.io [1]
> <jackson2...> wrote:
>
>> Several large flocks were seen and heard off Point Arena heading
>> south yesterday afternoon.
>>
>> Jeanne, Anchor Bay
>>
>> From: <Mendobirds...> <Mendobirds...> On Behalf Of Tim
>> Bray via groups.io [1]
>> Sent: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 9:39 PM
>> To: <mendobirds...>
>> Subject: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
>>
>> 8 October 2025 - Multiple flocks of 80-200 Cackling Geese flew over
>> the coast this afternoon. Photos show white neck collars indicating
>> Aleutians.
>>
>> The first ones we saw were flying low over the ocean south of Fort
>> Bragg heading toward shore; once over land they gained elevation and
>> turned north, surprisingly. They were followed by at least two more
>> flocks also going north over town. When we got home in Albion
>> another flock flew over going south.
>>
>> Evidently, winter is coming.
>>
>> --
>> Cheers,
>> Tim
>> “I now belong to a higher cult of mortals for I have seen the
>> albatross.” Robert Cushman Murphy, 1912
>> Mendocino Coast Audubon Society [2]
>> Ecology Hour [3]
>> Oak & Thorn [4]
>> Facebook: Oak and Thorn [5]
>
>
>
> Links:
> ------
> [1] http://groups.io > [2] http://mendocinocoastaudubon.org/ > [3] https://ecologyhour.wordpress.com/ > [4] http://oakandthorn.wordpress.com > [5] https://www.facebook.com/oakandthorn > [6] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/message/9664 > [7] https://groups.io/mt/115667065/974701 > [8] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/post > [9] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/editsub/974701 > [10] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/unsub
Date: 10/9/25 7:07 pm From: Lisa D. Walker, (Feather Forestwalker) via groups.io <feather...> Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
I have a guess as to why the geese sometimes head north during the fall migration:
They nest in the Arctic tundra and in the Aleutians. They head south and over-shoot their destination and turn around. They have to regain their bearings and turn inland at a spot where the Jet Stream might carry them east. Once they see some familiar landmarks, they can drift south into the Central Valley, where they will spend the winter.
Maybe?
Lisa Walker, Fort Bragg/Cleone
PS. What else did you see at Virgin Creek? I've missed it the last couple of days because I've been doing over-due chores at home :)
On 2025-10-09 3:19 pm, John Gallo via groups.io wrote: > I saw another one of the northbound flocks at about 9:00 AM at Virgin > Creek today. Love that sound. > > Is there any speculation or science about why heading north, not > south, and for how far? > > Maybe doing a second pass along the North Coast to respectfully invite > locals to join their flock? > > (Giving them time for last minute packing of course.) > > ;-) John > > On Thu, Oct 9, 2025 at 7:51 AM jackson_us via groups.io [1] > <jackson2...> wrote: > >> Several large flocks were seen and heard off Point Arena heading >> south yesterday afternoon. >> >> Jeanne, Anchor Bay >> >> From: <Mendobirds...> <Mendobirds...> On Behalf Of Tim >> Bray via groups.io [1] >> Sent: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 9:39 PM >> To: <mendobirds...> >> Subject: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers >> >> 8 October 2025 - Multiple flocks of 80-200 Cackling Geese flew over >> the coast this afternoon. Photos show white neck collars indicating >> Aleutians. >> >> The first ones we saw were flying low over the ocean south of Fort >> Bragg heading toward shore; once over land they gained elevation and >> turned north, surprisingly. They were followed by at least two more >> flocks also going north over town. When we got home in Albion >> another flock flew over going south. >> >> Evidently, winter is coming. >> >> -- >> Cheers, >> Tim >> “I now belong to a higher cult of mortals for I have seen the >> albatross.” Robert Cushman Murphy, 1912 >> Mendocino Coast Audubon Society [2] >> Ecology Hour [3] >> Oak & Thorn [4] >> Facebook: Oak and Thorn [5] > > > > Links: > ------ > [1] http://groups.io > [2] http://mendocinocoastaudubon.org/ > [3] https://ecologyhour.wordpress.com/ > [4] http://oakandthorn.wordpress.com > [5] https://www.facebook.com/oakandthorn > [6] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/message/9664 > [7] https://groups.io/mt/115667065/974701 > [8] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/post > [9] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/editsub/974701 > [10] https://groups.io/g/Mendobirds/unsub
Date: 10/9/25 4:49 pm From: John Gallo via groups.io <gallo.ja...> Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
I saw another one of the northbound flocks at about 9:00 AM at Virgin Creek
today. Love that sound.
Is there any speculation or science about why heading north, not south, and
for how far?
Maybe doing a second pass along the North Coast to respectfully invite
locals to join their flock?
(Giving them time for last minute packing of course.)
;-) John
On Thu, Oct 9, 2025 at 7:51 AM jackson_us via groups.io <jackson2=
<mcn.org...> wrote:
> Several large flocks were seen and heard off Point Arena heading south
> yesterday afternoon.
>
> Jeanne, Anchor Bay
>
>
>
> *From:* <Mendobirds...> <Mendobirds...> *On Behalf Of *Tim
> Bray via groups.io
> *Sent:* Wednesday, October 8, 2025 9:39 PM
> *To:* <mendobirds...>
> *Subject:* [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
>
>
>
> 8 October 2025 - Multiple flocks of 80-200 Cackling Geese flew over the
> coast this afternoon. Photos show white neck collars indicating Aleutians.
>
> The first ones we saw were flying low over the ocean south of Fort Bragg
> heading toward shore; once over land they gained elevation and turned
> north, surprisingly. They were followed by at least two more flocks also
> going north over town. When we got home in Albion another flock flew over
> going south.
>
> Evidently, winter is coming.
>
> --
> Cheers,
> Tim
> “I now belong to a higher cult of mortals for I have seen the albatross.”
> Robert Cushman Murphy, 1912
> Mendocino Coast Audubon Society <http://mendocinocoastaudubon.org/> > Ecology Hour <https://ecologyhour.wordpress.com/> > Oak & Thorn <http://oakandthorn.wordpress.com> > Facebook: Oak and Thorn <https://www.facebook.com/oakandthorn> >
>
>
>
Date: 10/9/25 7:51 am From: jackson_us via groups.io <jackson2...> Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
Several large flocks were seen and heard off Point Arena heading south yesterday afternoon.
Jeanne, Anchor Bay
From: <Mendobirds...> <Mendobirds...> On Behalf Of Tim Bray via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 9:39 PM
To: <mendobirds...>
Subject: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
8 October 2025 - Multiple flocks of 80-200 Cackling Geese flew over the coast this afternoon. Photos show white neck collars indicating Aleutians.
The first ones we saw were flying low over the ocean south of Fort Bragg heading toward shore; once over land they gained elevation and turned north, surprisingly. They were followed by at least two more flocks also going north over town. When we got home in Albion another flock flew over going south.
Date: 10/8/25 9:39 pm From: Tim Bray via groups.io <tbray...> Subject: [Mendobirds] Aleutian Cacklers
8 October 2025 - Multiple flocks of 80-200 Cackling Geese flew over the
coast this afternoon. Photos show white neck collars indicating Aleutians.
The first ones we saw were flying low over the ocean south of Fort Bragg
heading toward shore; once over land they gained elevation and turned
north, surprisingly. They were followed by at least two more flocks also
going north over town. When we got home in Albion another flock flew
over going south.
Date: 10/8/25 6:57 pm From: Roger Adamson via groups.io <radamson...> Subject: [Mendobirds] FOS White-throated Sparrow
Today I had the first-of-season White-throated Sparrow in our garden in
Fort Bragg. It is on the early side relative to recent years.
The first dates have been:
2015 24 Sep
2016 03 Nov
2017 16 Oct
2018 03 Nov
2019 09 Nov
2020 03 Oct
2021 28 Oct
2022 15 Nov
2023 22 Nov
2024 02 Nov
2025 08 Oct
Date: 10/4/25 4:41 pm From: Peter Pyle via groups.io <ppyle...> Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Cassin's Sparrow/MCBG Bird Walk
The Cassin's Sparrow was still there 15:50. It was on the west side of
the outcrop in the bunch grass there, flushed over to the east side, and
I could not relocate it in the area or over the bluff before a wedding
party headed to the bench there to take photos ("Excuse me, could you do
this somewhere else while I look for the drabbest bird you could ever
imagine?...not). Hopefully it will be there tomorrow morning. I would
suggest stationing folks on both sides of the outcrop to see where it
flushes to.
NW point of MCBG, coords 39.40922 -123.81800
Good luck!
Peter
On 10/4/2025 2:49 PM, Lisa D. Walker, (Feather Forestwalker) via
groups.io wrote:
> Correction: *Matt Brady
>
> (I must have the Brady Bunch on my mind, LOL)
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 10/4/25 2:49 pm From: Lisa D. Walker, (Feather Forestwalker) via groups.io <feather...> Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Cassin's Sparrow/MCBG Bird Walk
Date: 10/4/25 2:47 pm From: Lisa D. Walker, (Feather Forestwalker) via groups.io <feather...> Subject: [Mendobirds] Cassin's Sparrow/MCBG Bird Walk
Hi, all!
On this morning's bird walk as we headed north along the headlands, Tess
McGuire spotted a sparrow atop a high rocky outcropping that's enclosed
within a cable barrier to keep people out. I got several photos and sent
a back-of-camera shot to my private birders list as well as on the
What's App to the Mendocino County Rare Birds and NW CA Birds. (Sasha
Cahill took a screenshot and sent it to the other list whose name I
forget at the moment). Todd Easterla, Mike Brady and Peter Pyle all
agree that it was a Cassin's Sparrow. Until our list taker can share the
eBird list with me, here are photos, attached
Date: 10/3/25 9:49 pm From: Peter Pyle via groups.io <ppyle...> Subject: [Mendobirds] Today's Pelagic trip (Oct 3)
Greetings Mendo birders and pelagic enthusiasts-
It was an exhilarating full day on the ocean for about 16 participants. Wind was fairly brisk and picked up on us out at about 20 miles in Noyo Canyon but birds were everywhere all day. Highlights were an adult female Cocos Booby (technically Cocos/Brown Booby) that flew past us half an hour out of the gate, at least 4-5 for-sure Short-tailed Shearwaters and probably up to 5-6 more possible/probables, the skua slam in two ways, multiples of all four species but also a Mendo record 20 or so South Polar Skuas, including some nice blond-headed adults, thousands of shearwaters including >100 Buller's, multiple breaching Humpback Whales, Sabines Gulls, Ashy Storm-Petrels, etc. At one point we were scoping a raft of >1000 shearwaters when three skuas started fighting, slammed into the flock, and sent the entire crowd over the southern horizon. We will be busy sorting through our scattershot photos of this and other shearwater flocks for anything more interesting.
We have half day trips on both days this weekend with some spaces left if anyone would like to witness this spectacle. Sunday's trip (Oct 5th) at least will include much calmer weather. Our normal full trip report with photos, for all three trips, will be posted after the 5th.
Date: 10/3/25 8:44 pm From: TaberA via groups.io <taberallison...> Subject: [Mendobirds] Curlew Sandpiper at Garcia River Mouth
On October 1st, while scoping from the bluffs on the south edge of the Garcia River Mouth, I saw two Curlew Sandpipers in a flock of Western Sandpipers foraging along the gravel water's edge nearest the bluff. Apologies for not posting sooner, but I wasn't able to post to the listserv until today - I just signed up to the listserv yesterday.
I got clear views of the flock and the CUSA for about 10-15 minutes before they flew off, and I lost track of them.
I believe I saw two adults in non-breeding plumage (told by grayish appearance above and white unmarked belly) foraging with a flock of 15 Western Sandpipers, which were ~half the size of the CUSA; the two CUSA had relatively long, downcurved/droopy bills; their dark legs had a bluish cast in bright light.
Target birds were larger, longer-billed, longer-legged and had a more slender body shape when compared to Dunlin and, in general, they just were not the right GIS for a Dunlin. My first thought was Stilt Sandpiper, but that species has yellowish legs.
Date: 9/28/25 2:39 pm From: Roger Adamson via groups.io <radamson...> Subject: [Mendobirds] Blue-headed Vireo Windy Hollow Road
Todd Easterla reports a Blue-headed Vireo on south Windy Hollow Road
near Point Arena. "where someone stuck a beer can on some vegetation on
the edge of the road at the big curve in the road." In a mixed flock
including a Blackpoll Warbler.
Date: 9/26/25 1:24 pm From: David Jensen via groups.io <djensen...> Subject: [Mendobirds] Fort Bragg White-fronted Geese
26 September. There are four White-fronted Geese in the flock of 50+ Canadas on the athletic field at the Middle School (North Harold Street) in Fort Bragg.
Date: 9/23/25 4:27 pm From: Tim Bray via groups.io <tbray...> Subject: [Mendobirds] Early October pelagics
Three trips in three days coming up soon - get your spots reserved at
noyopelagics.com if you haven't already.
We start with an all-day offshore seabirding trip on Friday October 3,
followed by a half-day birds & mammals trip on Saturday October 4,
followed by another half-day trip focusing on mammals Sunday October 5.
There is a marine heat wave offshore, which means a lot of marine life
is compressed into the relatively narrow strip of cooler waters within
30 miles of shore. Marine productivity is high on the shelf this
summer, with recurring episodes of wind-driven upwelling feeding
plankton blooms, and water temperatures varying widely. This is good
for the ecosystem and means there is likely to be plenty of food
available for birds and mammals, which in turn means plenty for us to
look at. At this time of year there can often be interesting
zooplankton, like Salps, Ctenophores, and Jellies, and the Ocean Sunfish
(Mola mola) that feed on them, plus schools of bait drawing birds and
whales. Last year in early October we found an amazing congregation of
baleen whales, with Humpback, Fin, and Blue Whales all feeding in the
same area.
Birds should be abundant with diversity improving as some of the winter
birds begin appearing along with the migrants, and improving chances of
finding a rare shearwater or murrelet. With plenty of chum we should
hold a good "fan club" of Gulls, and that often draws in Jaegers, Skuas,
and sometimes rarer birds. October trips have been very productive for us.
