Date: 3/29/26 6:14 pm From: David Assmann via groups.io <david_assmann...> Subject: [SFBirds] Fort Mason Local Interest
Seasonal changes are in full swing at Fort Mason. YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS (the few that are left), HERMIT THRUSHES, GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS and FOX SPARROWS, to name just a few, are all singing. A number of species, including SONG SPARROWS, RED-TAILED HAWKS, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS, and WESTERN BLUEBIRDS are nest-building. A pair of Bluebirds were passing nesting material back and forth to each other this morning, and ferociously defending their nest by chasing any EUROPEAN STARLING that came close. The Red-breasted Sapsuckers have left. The SUMMER TANAGER is now almost completely red, and the hybrid BULLOCK'S x BALTIMORE ORIOLE is now singing frequently, sounding just like a Baltimore Oriole. The WESTERN TANAGER continues, and a number of HOODED ORIOLES have arrived. Migrants have been trickling through, with a PALM WARBLER bobbing its tail in the Battery on the 21st, a WESTERN KINGBIRD on the 23rd and 28th, a NORTHERN YELLOW WARBLER on the 25th, a very early ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER on the 27th (it made a ka-brick call before landing briefly on the north fence of the garden), and a WESTERN WARBLING VIREO today.
Date: 3/20/26 2:40 pm From: Lang via groups.io <langtian.lang...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] grebe stranded on ocean beach
Thank you Cleo. I'm glad someone was able to gather the bird. Hope they're
able to recover.
On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 2:38 PM Cleo <congnancleo...> wrote:
> I was able to retrieve the bird and bring it to International Bird Rescue.
> It’s currently under intensive support for leaky grebe syndrome.
>
>
> On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 2:28 PM Langtian Lang <langtian.lang...>
> wrote:
>
>> Hey Travis, I called sf animal control soon after the initial email.
>> They said they were aware and would attempt to gather the bird.
>> Unfortunately I had to leave quickly after, so not sure if they
>> actually got there or if there's any further update.
>>
>> On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 2:26 PM Travis Smith <sivarthtims...>
>> wrote:
>> >
>> > Any update on this?
>> >
>> > On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 12:53 PM Cleo via groups.io <congnancleo=
>> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>> >>
>> >> Anyone nearby that has a carrier and a towel? The bird should be
>> brought to peninsula humane society or international bird rescue.
>> >>
>> >> On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 11:42 AM Lang via groups.io <langtian.lang=
>> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>> >>>
>> >>> hey all, there's a grebe stranded at ocean beach. there's a beach
>> rescue there doing his best to block the off leash dogs right now but not
>> sure how long he'll stay.
>> >>>
>> >>> (37.7452640, -122.5090163)
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>
Date: 3/20/26 2:38 pm From: Cleo via groups.io <congnancleo...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] grebe stranded on ocean beach
I was able to retrieve the bird and bring it to International Bird Rescue.
It’s currently under intensive support for leaky grebe syndrome.
On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 2:28 PM Langtian Lang <langtian.lang...>
wrote:
> Hey Travis, I called sf animal control soon after the initial email.
> They said they were aware and would attempt to gather the bird.
> Unfortunately I had to leave quickly after, so not sure if they
> actually got there or if there's any further update.
>
> On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 2:26 PM Travis Smith <sivarthtims...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Any update on this?
> >
> > On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 12:53 PM Cleo via groups.io <congnancleo=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
> >>
> >> Anyone nearby that has a carrier and a towel? The bird should be
> brought to peninsula humane society or international bird rescue.
> >>
> >> On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 11:42 AM Lang via groups.io <langtian.lang=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> hey all, there's a grebe stranded at ocean beach. there's a beach
> rescue there doing his best to block the off leash dogs right now but not
> sure how long he'll stay.
> >>>
> >>> (37.7452640, -122.5090163)
> >>
> >>
>
Date: 3/20/26 2:28 pm From: Lang via groups.io <langtian.lang...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] grebe stranded on ocean beach
Hey Travis, I called sf animal control soon after the initial email.
They said they were aware and would attempt to gather the bird.
Unfortunately I had to leave quickly after, so not sure if they
actually got there or if there's any further update.
On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 2:26 PM Travis Smith <sivarthtims...> wrote:
>
> Any update on this?
>
> On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 12:53 PM Cleo via groups.io <congnancleo...> wrote:
>>
>> Anyone nearby that has a carrier and a towel? The bird should be brought to peninsula humane society or international bird rescue.
>>
>> On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 11:42 AM Lang via groups.io <langtian.lang...> wrote:
>>>
>>> hey all, there's a grebe stranded at ocean beach. there's a beach rescue there doing his best to block the off leash dogs right now but not sure how long he'll stay.
>>>
>>> (37.7452640, -122.5090163)
>>
>>
Date: 3/20/26 2:26 pm From: Travis S via groups.io <sivarthtims...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] grebe stranded on ocean beach
Any update on this?
On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 12:53 PM Cleo via groups.io <congnancleo=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Anyone nearby that has a carrier and a towel? The bird should be brought
> to peninsula humane society or international bird rescue.
>
> On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 11:42 AM Lang via groups.io <langtian.lang=
> <gmail.com...> wrote:
>
>> hey all, there's a grebe stranded at ocean beach. there's a beach rescue
>> there doing his best to block the off leash dogs right now but not sure how
>> long he'll stay.
>>
>> (37.7452640, -122.5090163)
>>
>>
>
>
Date: 3/20/26 12:53 pm From: Cleo via groups.io <congnancleo...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] grebe stranded on ocean beach
Anyone nearby that has a carrier and a towel? The bird should be brought to
peninsula humane society or international bird rescue.
On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 11:42 AM Lang via groups.io <langtian.lang=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> hey all, there's a grebe stranded at ocean beach. there's a beach rescue
> there doing his best to block the off leash dogs right now but not sure how
> long he'll stay.
>
> (37.7452640, -122.5090163)
>
>
>
Date: 3/20/26 11:42 am From: Lang via groups.io <langtian.lang...> Subject: [SFBirds] grebe stranded on ocean beach
hey all, there's a grebe stranded at ocean beach. there's a beach rescue there doing his best to block the off leash dogs right now but not sure how long he'll stay.
Date: 3/20/26 10:57 am From: Dominik Mosur via groups.io <dominikmosur...> Subject: [SFBirds] Breeding Atlas news and miscellaneous observations from recent days
The California Breeding Bird Atlas held its first virtual Town Hall meet up last night. For anyone who thought about joining the project but was hesitating or wanted more information, this video answers a lot of questions:
Some breeding bird activity from my personal notes:
Band-tailed Pigeons - a pair was observed copulating in a Redwood tree next to the Aldea Housing community building on Johnstone/Mount Sutro OSP. This species is quite secretive in building nests high up in dense trees so I'm calling on folks to put in an effort to locate one for this spring. Band-tails are also regularly seen displaying around the Forest Hill/Inner Sunset Neighborhoods nearby as well so searching some of the small parks could be productive.
White-throated Swifts - multiple birds were noted on March 9th in the vicinity of probable nest sites along the HWY 280 corridor and at the 101 interchange. This species is also notably hard to "nail down" with confirmation codes so anyone who doesn't mind birding near freeway overpasses is encouraged to make periodic visits and see what we can document. The highway overpasses in the presidio are another place to look for swift nests.
California Gulls - the breeding colony on the north facing half of the roof of Recology complex at Pier 96/Cape Henry Berth is ramping up. March 9th 500-600 birds were already present and some engaged in courtship and occasional copulation, outnumbering the Western gulls by about 10 to 1. This spot is quite far for me to bike to so I am encouraging birders on the east side of town to take a look and note any progress like the carrying of nesting material and nest building.
American Crow - five different nest sites in progress at North Lake in Golden Gate Park were noted on March 16th. If you see crows carrying nesting material or building, expand your search of the area and you may find more, as they appear to be loosely colonial to some extent. A week previously, two pairs were working on nests at Gamble Memorial Park in the Haight.
Violet-green Swallows - first arrivals in the airspace between Corona Hill and Buena Vista Park were noted on 2/25 and have been noted daily since. Courtship behavior is increasing now and this species breeds in the area and throughout the city but sites are difficult to locate. Most in my experience have been in roof cavities of buildings rather than in natural cavities; the so called "spanish tile" roofs are especially popular although I've seen ventilation vents with broken/missing screens also being used.
Red-winged Blackbirds (California Bicolored) - the colony at Pier 94 was in full swing with nest building noted March 9th. Red-winged Blackbirds have become quite scarce in SF with continuing loss of habitat, other locations to check: Candlestick Park (especially around the seasonal wetland at the main entrance), Golden Gate Park lakes (Blue Heron, Elk Glen, North Lake et al), Lake Merced.
I've also located two nests of Cooper's Hawks and a potential Barn Owl nest; I can share the location off list with a volunteer or two who are willing to monitor these. I have additional target species assignments for anyone who is interested.
Happy spring birding and get out there and find some nests!
If you have questions please don't hesitate,
Dominik Mosur San Francisco CA Breeding Bird Atlas crew
Date: 3/15/26 5:12 pm From: David Assmann via groups.io <david_assmann...> Subject: [SFBirds] Fort Mason Local Interest
A great mixture of overwintering and arriving birds resulted in sightings of 62 species at Fort Mason this morning for the GGBA field trip. A male SUMMER TANAGER turning into alternate plumage (picture attached) gave us nice views as it hunted wasps in the garden. The BULLOCKS x BALTIMORE ORIOLE was in full song first thing this morning (interestingly Merlin wasn't able to ID it at all, even at very close range - maybe this hybrid isn't in its database), and spent some time no more than 20 feet away from the group. A little while later a male HOODED ORIOLE was in the Avocado tree, and then in one of the Eucalyptus - presumably the same bird found yesterday. Two NASHVILLE WARBLERS were chasing each other on the north side of the garden. The overwintering NORTHERN FLICKER - YELLOW-SHAFTED x RED-SHAFTED spent close to 30 minutes preening in the Cabbage Palm in the garden. One of the RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS is still there, but we didn't see any HERMIT THRUSHES. We were able to find one of the adult GREAT HORNED OWLS, but not either of the two fledglings seen this week. BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS are back, and a PIGEON GUILLEMOT was swimming along the pier in Aquatic Park. At the end of the morning both TREE SWALLOWS and a VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW flew over.
Date: 3/11/26 4:26 pm From: David Assmann via groups.io <david_assmann...> Subject: [SFBirds] City list stands at 203 at the end of February
Eleven new species for February - Black Skimmer, Common Merganser, Black-legged Kittiwake, California Thrasher, Tropical Kingbird, Black-and-white Warbler, Cinnamon Teal, Yellow-billed Loon, White-tailed Kite, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Painted Bunting - brought us to 203 species for the year, tying the 2023 record through the end of February. You can see the complete list at https://sfbirds.net/2026-city-cumulative
Date: 3/11/26 2:10 pm From: Megan Jankowski via groups.io <mindfuldocumentation...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] [CALBIRDS] California Bird Atlas Update + March 19 Town Hall
On Wed, Mar 11, 2026 at 1:14 PM Dominik Mosur via groups.io <dominikmosur=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Greeting SF Birders and Breeding Bird Atlas participants.
>
> Here is the most recent update to the statewide breeding effort below from
> Atlas Director Van Pierzalowski:
>
> -------------
>
> Birders,
>
> As many of you know, California’s first statewide Breeding Bird Atlas
> launched on January 1, 2026. In just over two months, the level of
> participation across the state has been remarkable. Breeding code use in
> January and February was up a staggering *+545%* over last year.
>
> As of March 9:
>
> -
>
> 42,885 checklists have been submitted to the Atlas
> -
>
> 2,538 atlasers have joined the project and submitted at least one
> checklist
> -
>
> 3,924 blocks have Atlas data
> -
>
> All 58 counties have Atlas data
>
>
> By the end of January, 61 species had accepted Confirmed breeding codes.
> By the end of February, that number had risen to 102. The full February
> report is available in the latest edition of *the Atlas Dispatch
> <https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/news/atlas-dispatch-feb-1-feb-28-2026>* > .
>
> If you have not yet joined the eBird project, we encourage you to do so *here
> <https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/home>*.
>
> For a quick visual overview of how to get started, you can watch the *Quick
> Start video <https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8Z3kbqiO9rw>*.
>
> Participating is very similar to how you already use eBird, but opting
> into the Atlas ensures your observations become part of the permanent
> statewide dataset being built to guide conservation and land management
> decisions for decades to come.
>
> The Atlas is being coordinated by California Bird Atlas
> <https://www.californiabirdatlas.org/> (CBA), an independent nonprofit.
> We will be hosting the first *CBA Town Hall* on Zoom on *March 19 at 7:00
> pm PT*. You can *register for the webinar here
> <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnWjR4UApjRAPx0ErxR3y9dqFUNSzZ_KekPtbVGH_6JCrHIA/viewform?usp=dialog>* > .
>
>
>
> We have been deeply encouraged by the number of individual donors stepping
> up to support the project. If you are able, please consider making a
> tax-deductible contribution *here
> <https://donorbox.org/california-bird-atlas>*. Your support helps fund
> the infrastructure and coordination needed to sustain this statewide effort.
>
> Thank you all for joining the project. It has been inspiring to see the
> California birding community come together around this effort, and we are
> only just getting started.
>
> Happy Atlasing,
>
>
>
> Van Pierszalowski
>
> Executive Director, California Bird Atlas
> <van...>
>
> Los Angeles, CA
>
> ----------------------
>
>
> From a more local persepective, as of yesterday (3/10/26) *159 San
> Francisco observers have submitted *1309 atlas checklists covering *9 of
> 13* blocks confirming *35 species.
>
>
> If you haven't joined the effort, what are you waiting for??!! If you have
> and find yourself with questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
>
>
> Dominik Mosur
>
> San Francisco Breeding Bird Atlas Coordinator
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 3/11/26 1:14 pm From: Dominik Mosur via groups.io <dominikmosur...> Subject: [SFBirds] [CALBIRDS] California Bird Atlas Update + March 19 Town Hall
Greeting SF Birders and Breeding Bird Atlas participants.
Here is the most recent update to the statewide breeding effort below from
Atlas Director Van Pierzalowski:
-------------
Birders,
As many of you know, California’s first statewide Breeding Bird Atlas
launched on January 1, 2026. In just over two months, the level of
participation across the state has been remarkable. Breeding code use in
January and February was up a staggering *+545%* over last year.
As of March 9:
-
42,885 checklists have been submitted to the Atlas
-
2,538 atlasers have joined the project and submitted at least one
checklist
-
Participating is very similar to how you already use eBird, but opting into
the Atlas ensures your observations become part of the permanent statewide
dataset being built to guide conservation and land management decisions for
decades to come.
We have been deeply encouraged by the number of individual donors stepping
up to support the project. If you are able, please consider making a
tax-deductible contribution *here
<https://donorbox.org/california-bird-atlas>*. Your support helps fund the
infrastructure and coordination needed to sustain this statewide effort.
Thank you all for joining the project. It has been inspiring to see the
California birding community come together around this effort, and we are
only just getting started.
Happy Atlasing,
Van Pierszalowski
Executive Director, California Bird Atlas
<van...>
Los Angeles, CA
----------------------
From a more local persepective, as of yesterday (3/10/26) *159 San
Francisco observers have submitted *1309 atlas checklists covering *9 of
13* blocks confirming *35 species.
If you haven't joined the effort, what are you waiting for??!! If you have
and find yourself with questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
Date: 3/10/26 10:52 am From: Alan Hopkins via groups.io <alanhopkins...> Subject: [SFBirds] Free Feeders
Hi Folks,
I'm doing garage cleaning and need to get rid of these feeders and birdbox. I used them while I was teaching at Visitacion Vally Middle School, but I am not teaching any more so I don't need them. They are not quite good as new, but they should all work. The nestbox was designed for Bluebirds but Tree Swallows have used similar ones.
Thanks!
Alan S. HopkinsSan Francisco, CALink to art website
Date: 3/9/26 5:38 pm From: San Mateo County Bird Alliance via groups.io <office...> Subject: [SFBirds] Thurs March 12 Wildlife of South Africa 🐘
*This Thursday, March 12 at 7:00 pm Zoom*
*Wildlife of South Africa* A wildlife safari to Kruger National Park has been on Donna's bucket list since her father went there in 1974 and raved about it. It did not disappoint. The program will be mostly birds and mammals from the Cape Town region and Kruger National Park, with a few other animals and flowers thrown in for good measure. These photos were all taken by Donna during her Fall 2025 trip to South Africa.
Donna Pomeroy has a BS in Wildlife Management from Humboldt State University. She has been a birder since high school and a photographer even longer. Now retired, she spends much of her time photographing wildlife and volunteering for SMCBA and for many ongoing community science projects. Don't miss this stunning presentation! Register: https://bit.ly/3MOpzp9
Date: 3/8/26 8:36 am From: Keith Maley via groups.io <keith.maley...> Subject: Re: [SFBirds] NORTHERN PARULA @Lincoln HS 3/6/2026
Dominik’s Parula continues in the 3 small oaks on the corner or 22nd and Santiago, here: (37.7449766, -122.4792032). Located by chip note, vocal.
> On Mar 7, 2026, at 5:00 AM, Dominik Mosur via groups.io <dominikmosur...> wrote:
>
> Yesterday afternoon, a Northern Parula emerged to pishing out of the eucalyptus/conifer stand at 24th and Santiago next to the Lincoln HS ballfields.
>
> This is right across the street from McCoppin Park so it might be there as well if not at the original location.
>
> Happy spring birding to all,
>
> Dominik Mosur
> San Francisco
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 3/7/26 6:59 pm From: Nico Stuurman via groups.io <nico...> Subject: [SFBirds] 2 Poorwills on Mnt D
To our surprise we just saw two Common Poorwills simultaneously on Mnt D. Observed roughly from 37.739566,-122.451987. Saw the glow of orange eyes, clearly at two locations, then saw both flying simultaneously.
Date: 3/2/26 7:00 pm From: Daniel Scali via groups.io <daniel.s.scali...> Subject: [SFBirds] Breeding plumaged Blackburnian Warbler continues
Hello,
This afternoon around 4:30pm Travis and I found the Blackburnian Warbler low in trees near the se corner of Sunset Blvd and Quintara. It first caught my eye with its super frenetic pursuit of an invisible fly, landing in a baby conifer. The orange head glowed bright even from across Sunset.
Originally it was seen often at the nw corner of the intersection and the last couple days the ne corner. For us it stayed pretty low for 10-15 min.
