Date: 10/13/26 10:22 pm From: Kellie Morgantini <chalonelaw...> Subject: Fwd: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
Sorry - I thought I sent this to the list....
-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2026 13:21:58 -0700
From: Kellie Morgantini <chalonelaw...>
To: Lola Ross <lolabones...>
That deputy's response is not enough.
If the reporter is willing, a call to the elected Sheriff is warranted.
There have been too many instances in the past where such a situation
was allowed to escalate, then ended in tragedy (here in Monterey
County). Anyone who believes they are protecting "their" road will not
become more realistic if their actions result in what they want -
driving individuals away from public property.
Thanks,
 🌀🌀🌀
Kellie D. Morgantini
831.674.5863
<tula...>
On 10/12/26 21:28, Lola Ross wrote:
> Hi folks,
>
> Just wanted to update you. One of the birders who was threatened spoke
> with a deputy and explained everything that happened. The Santa Cruz
> Sheriffs Department determined that this incident doesn’t warrant any
> further action on their part. They told the birder that a person
> living in that locale is allowed to shoot a gun on their own property.
> And based on the conversation with the birders, the Sheriffs
> Department determined that the birders were far enough away when the
> man pointed the gun at them that he wasn’t an actual threat to them.
>
> That being said, please do use caution and common sense when birding
> Loma Prieta or anywhere else, especially when it’s in a residential
> community.
>
> Sincerely,
> Lola
>
> On Mon, Oct 12, 2026 at 8:04 PM David Apgar <d_apgar...> wrote:
>
> Maybe Audubon had the right idea about bird identification, after all.
>
> David
>
> On Oct 12, 2026 4:55 PM, Kent Johnson <kentjohnson...> wrote:
>
> This is not the first time this has happened. I had an
> unpleasant encounter with a man at that same location several
> years ago. No gun was involved, but the man did claim that he
> owned the road and could prohibit anyone from using it, which
> is clearly untrue. At least one other birder had a similar
> experience in the area. If he is becoming more aggressive it
> certainly needs the attention of law enforcement. His home is
> on the Santa Cruz side of the road, so the incident should be
> reported to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff.
> Kent Johnson
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *From:* <mbbirds...> <mbbirds...> on
> behalf of Lola Ross <lolabones...>
> *Sent:* Monday, October 12, 2026 2:39 PM
> *To:* MBBirds <mbbirds...>
> *Subject:* [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders
> with rifle
> Hey all,
>
> This morning I went up to Loma Prieta and ran into several
> birders up there when I was at the Wiliamson’s Sapsucker
> stakeout pine (never saw it, but I did get nice photos of a RBS).
> Three birders from Santa Clara Co said a Loma Prieta resident
> threatened them with a rifle, fired two shots in the air,
> motioned them violently to go away, flipped them off, and
> pointed his rifle at them (not necessarily in that order). The
> birders were on the public county road. One of the three
> birders shared the location where it occurred (see link
> below). She took photos of the man and the location and was
> planning to file a report with the SC County Sheriff’s Office,
> but at Kim’s suggestion, I’m posting the info here so you can
> all be aware.
>
> Brian Spence also returned from that direction a little later
> on, and had not encountered anything untoward, but I chose not
> to walk up that way anyway. Two drivers also sped past us at
> various times, purposefully revving through the softer dirt to
> try to coat us with dust (once by the sapsucker tree and once
> at the parking area). Most drivers were courteous, but not
> those two.
>
> Stay safe out there. Here’s the location that was shared with
> me of the guy with the rifle:
>
> https://maps.app.goo.gl/diiWnzvfDEUGjFfR7?g_st=ig > --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the
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>
>
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We are seeing them from Point Pinos in Monterey as well. This past weekend
several tens of thousands of birds were counted flying past the point. My
guess is that they are feeding in all parts of the bay. There have also
been many Sabine's Gulls nearshore this month.
On Tue, Oct 13, 2026 at 6:07 PM Tom Hambleton <tah...> wrote:
> We very, very conservatively counted 12,000 Black-vented Shearwaters at
> Wilder Ranch today in 2hrs. 100 per min. It was more realistically
> 150-400/min. All headed northwest and not far from shore. Only a hundred or
> so rafting. No specific frenzy going on. Question - are these birds
> circulating around the bay or are they headed somewhere?
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Tom
>
> --
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> "mbbirds" group.
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> email to mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>
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>
We very, very conservatively counted 12,000 Black-vented Shearwaters at Wilder Ranch today in 2hrs. 100 per min. It was more realistically 150-400/min. All headed northwest and not far from shore. Only a hundred or so rafting. No specific frenzy going on. Question - are these birds circulating around the bay or are they headed somewhere?
Observed late afternoon yesterday and again this morning at Pajaro Dunes
south, fly catching around the big field, mostly on the meeting hall/tennis
court end. No good photos, but smallish brown bird, bright pinky-red belly,
whitish throat & red hints in crown.
I’m thinking immature male vermillion.
Date: 10/13/26 10:21 am From: Garrett Lau <garrett.lau...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
The shooter was at (37.090528, -121.835868). We were at (37.091760,
-121.837386). This is by two snags where I had seen a Cassin's Finch on
September 27.
Garrett Lau
On Monday, October 12, 2026 at 9:31:25 PM UTC-7 <clifford......> wrote:
> It would be good to know his address so I don't stop in front of his house.
>
> On Mon, Oct 12, 2026, 9:28 PM Lola Ross <lola......> wrote:
>
>> Hi folks,
>>
>> Just wanted to update you. One of the birders who was threatened spoke
>> with a deputy and explained everything that happened. The Santa Cruz
>> Sheriffs Department determined that this incident doesn’t warrant any
>> further action on their part. They told the birder that a person living in
>> that locale is allowed to shoot a gun on their own property. And based on
>> the conversation with the birders, the Sheriffs Department determined that
>> the birders were far enough away when the man pointed the gun at them that
>> he wasn’t an actual threat to them.
>>
>> That being said, please do use caution and common sense when birding Loma
>> Prieta or anywhere else, especially when it’s in a residential community.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>> Lola
>>
>> On Mon, Oct 12, 2026 at 8:04 PM David Apgar <d_a......> wrote:
>>
>>> Maybe Audubon had the right idea about bird identification, after all.
>>>
>>> David
>>>
>>> On Oct 12, 2026 4:55 PM, Kent Johnson <kentj......> wrote:
>>>
>>> This is not the first time this has happened. I had an unpleasant
>>> encounter with a man at that same location several years ago. No gun was
>>> involved, but the man did claim that he owned the road and could prohibit
>>> anyone from using it, which is clearly untrue. At least one other birder
>>> had a similar experience in the area. If he is becoming more aggressive it
>>> certainly needs the attention of law enforcement. His home is on the Santa
>>> Cruz side of the road, so the incident should be reported to the Santa Cruz
>>> County Sheriff.
>>> Kent Johnson
>>> ------------------------------
>>> *From:* <mbb......> <mbb......> on behalf of
>>> Lola Ross <lola......>
>>> *Sent:* Monday, October 12, 2026 2:39 PM
>>> *To:* MBBirds <mbb......>
>>> *Subject:* [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
>>>
>>> Hey all,
>>>
>>> This morning I went up to Loma Prieta and ran into several birders up
>>> there when I was at the Wiliamson’s Sapsucker stakeout pine (never saw it,
>>> but I did get nice photos of a RBS).
>>> Three birders from Santa Clara Co said a Loma Prieta resident threatened
>>> them with a rifle, fired two shots in the air, motioned them violently to
>>> go away, flipped them off, and pointed his rifle at them (not necessarily
>>> in that order). The birders were on the public county road. One of the
>>> three birders shared the location where it occurred (see link below). She
>>> took photos of the man and the location and was planning to file a report
>>> with the SC County Sheriff’s Office, but at Kim’s suggestion, I’m posting
>>> the info here so you can all be aware.
>>>
>>> Brian Spence also returned from that direction a little later on, and
>>> had not encountered anything untoward, but I chose not to walk up that way
>>> anyway. Two drivers also sped past us at various times, purposefully
>>> revving through the softer dirt to try to coat us with dust (once by the
>>> sapsucker tree and once at the parking area). Most drivers were courteous,
>>> but not those two.
>>>
>>> Stay safe out there. Here’s the location that was shared with me of the
>>> guy with the rifle:
>>>
>>> https://maps.app.goo.gl/diiWnzvfDEUGjFfR7?g_st=ig >>>
>>> --
>>> 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+<u......>
>>> To view this discussion visit
>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...> >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> .
>>>
>>> --
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
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>>> To view this discussion visit
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>>>
>>>
>>> --
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>>> an email to mbbirds+<u......>
>>> To view this discussion visit
>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<DM6PR12MB34036BD721B4ED921512BFAF9B9E2...> >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<DM6PR12MB34036BD721B4ED921512BFAF9B9E2...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> .
>>>
>> --
>> 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+<u......>
>>
> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<CAFCCGgneqn88ftRfGO09_AbPTfUre-jdEKtqUGgVO_dGH8nUMw...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<CAFCCGgneqn88ftRfGO09_AbPTfUre-jdEKtqUGgVO_dGH8nUMw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>
Date: 10/12/26 9:31 pm From: Cliff Bixler <clifford.bixler50...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
It would be good to know his address so I don't stop in front of his house.
On Mon, Oct 12, 2026, 9:28 PM Lola Ross <lolabones...> wrote:
> Hi folks,
>
> Just wanted to update you. One of the birders who was threatened spoke
> with a deputy and explained everything that happened. The Santa Cruz
> Sheriffs Department determined that this incident doesn’t warrant any
> further action on their part. They told the birder that a person living in
> that locale is allowed to shoot a gun on their own property. And based on
> the conversation with the birders, the Sheriffs Department determined that
> the birders were far enough away when the man pointed the gun at them that
> he wasn’t an actual threat to them.
>
> That being said, please do use caution and common sense when birding Loma
> Prieta or anywhere else, especially when it’s in a residential community.
>
> Sincerely,
> Lola
>
> On Mon, Oct 12, 2026 at 8:04 PM David Apgar <d_apgar...> wrote:
>
>> Maybe Audubon had the right idea about bird identification, after all.
>>
>> David
>>
>> On Oct 12, 2026 4:55 PM, Kent Johnson <kentjohnson...> wrote:
>>
>> This is not the first time this has happened. I had an unpleasant
>> encounter with a man at that same location several years ago. No gun was
>> involved, but the man did claim that he owned the road and could prohibit
>> anyone from using it, which is clearly untrue. At least one other birder
>> had a similar experience in the area. If he is becoming more aggressive it
>> certainly needs the attention of law enforcement. His home is on the Santa
>> Cruz side of the road, so the incident should be reported to the Santa Cruz
>> County Sheriff.
>> Kent Johnson
>> ------------------------------
>> *From:* <mbbirds...> <mbbirds...> on behalf of
>> Lola Ross <lolabones...>
>> *Sent:* Monday, October 12, 2026 2:39 PM
>> *To:* MBBirds <mbbirds...>
>> *Subject:* [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
>>
>> Hey all,
>>
>> This morning I went up to Loma Prieta and ran into several birders up
>> there when I was at the Wiliamson’s Sapsucker stakeout pine (never saw it,
>> but I did get nice photos of a RBS).
>> Three birders from Santa Clara Co said a Loma Prieta resident threatened
>> them with a rifle, fired two shots in the air, motioned them violently to
>> go away, flipped them off, and pointed his rifle at them (not necessarily
>> in that order). The birders were on the public county road. One of the
>> three birders shared the location where it occurred (see link below). She
>> took photos of the man and the location and was planning to file a report
>> with the SC County Sheriff’s Office, but at Kim’s suggestion, I’m posting
>> the info here so you can all be aware.
>>
>> Brian Spence also returned from that direction a little later on, and had
>> not encountered anything untoward, but I chose not to walk up that way
>> anyway. Two drivers also sped past us at various times, purposefully
>> revving through the softer dirt to try to coat us with dust (once by the
>> sapsucker tree and once at the parking area). Most drivers were courteous,
>> but not those two.
>>
>> Stay safe out there. Here’s the location that was shared with me of the
>> guy with the rifle:
>>
>> https://maps.app.goo.gl/diiWnzvfDEUGjFfR7?g_st=ig >>
>> --
>> 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/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>> --
>> 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/<BL1PPFCDE88AB4399A9209CECA42E5A8C5CAA9F2...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<BL1PPFCDE88AB4399A9209CECA42E5A8C5CAA9F2...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>>
>> --
>> 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/<DM6PR12MB34036BD721B4ED921512BFAF9B9E2...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<DM6PR12MB34036BD721B4ED921512BFAF9B9E2...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
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>
Date: 10/12/26 9:30 pm From: Lola Ross <lolabones...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Re: Help with teal ID
Thanks to Dominik and Kent, who both replied that it looked like a cinnamon
teal. Dominik also pointed out that the facial markings and bill size are
consistent with a first year cinnamon teal.
Thank you again! Always love learning from the community!
On Mon, Oct 12, 2026 at 6:36 PM Lola Ross <lolabones...> wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> This duck was seen at Elkhorn Ranch pond on the festival field trip
> Saturday. The more exposed photos are mine; the more saturated photo is
> Dana Cox’s. We are torn between cinnamon teal and blue-winged teal. Merlin
> photo ID has given both ID’s (2 and 2 for these four shots).
>
> Dana is leaning toward cinnamon due to the thickness of the bill and its
> dark color. I can also see the bird seems to have a warmer tone to its
> feathers, which might indicate cinnamon. The things that make me hesitate
> in calling it cinnamon are the length of the bill, which to my eyes looks a
> little shorter and less shoveler-like than I think of with cinnamon teal,
> and the darker eyeline. It does seem to have less white behind the bill,
> though, which also might indicate cinnamon teal.
>
> I think in typing this out I’m convincing myself it’s a cinnamon teal, but
> I would love others’ thoughts. (Full disclosure: I also really want it to
> be blue-winged teal because I don’t have one for Monterey County yet, lol).
>
> Thanks, everyone!
> -Lola
>
>
Date: 10/12/26 9:28 pm From: Lola Ross <lolabones...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
Hi folks,
Just wanted to update you. One of the birders who was threatened spoke with
a deputy and explained everything that happened. The Santa Cruz Sheriffs
Department determined that this incident doesn’t warrant any further action
on their part. They told the birder that a person living in that locale is
allowed to shoot a gun on their own property. And based on the conversation
with the birders, the Sheriffs Department determined that the birders were
far enough away when the man pointed the gun at them that he wasn’t an
actual threat to them.
That being said, please do use caution and common sense when birding Loma
Prieta or anywhere else, especially when it’s in a residential community.
Sincerely,
Lola
On Mon, Oct 12, 2026 at 8:04 PM David Apgar <d_apgar...> wrote:
> Maybe Audubon had the right idea about bird identification, after all.
>
> David
>
> On Oct 12, 2026 4:55 PM, Kent Johnson <kentjohnson...> wrote:
>
> This is not the first time this has happened. I had an unpleasant
> encounter with a man at that same location several years ago. No gun was
> involved, but the man did claim that he owned the road and could prohibit
> anyone from using it, which is clearly untrue. At least one other birder
> had a similar experience in the area. If he is becoming more aggressive it
> certainly needs the attention of law enforcement. His home is on the Santa
> Cruz side of the road, so the incident should be reported to the Santa Cruz
> County Sheriff.
> Kent Johnson
> ------------------------------
> *From:* <mbbirds...> <mbbirds...> on behalf of
> Lola Ross <lolabones...>
> *Sent:* Monday, October 12, 2026 2:39 PM
> *To:* MBBirds <mbbirds...>
> *Subject:* [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
>
> Hey all,
>
> This morning I went up to Loma Prieta and ran into several birders up
> there when I was at the Wiliamson’s Sapsucker stakeout pine (never saw it,
> but I did get nice photos of a RBS).
> Three birders from Santa Clara Co said a Loma Prieta resident threatened
> them with a rifle, fired two shots in the air, motioned them violently to
> go away, flipped them off, and pointed his rifle at them (not necessarily
> in that order). The birders were on the public county road. One of the
> three birders shared the location where it occurred (see link below). She
> took photos of the man and the location and was planning to file a report
> with the SC County Sheriff’s Office, but at Kim’s suggestion, I’m posting
> the info here so you can all be aware.
>
> Brian Spence also returned from that direction a little later on, and had
> not encountered anything untoward, but I chose not to walk up that way
> anyway. Two drivers also sped past us at various times, purposefully
> revving through the softer dirt to try to coat us with dust (once by the
> sapsucker tree and once at the parking area). Most drivers were courteous,
> but not those two.
>
> Stay safe out there. Here’s the location that was shared with me of the
> guy with the rifle:
>
> https://maps.app.goo.gl/diiWnzvfDEUGjFfR7?g_st=ig >
> --
> 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/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
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>
>
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> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<DM6PR12MB34036BD721B4ED921512BFAF9B9E2...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<DM6PR12MB34036BD721B4ED921512BFAF9B9E2...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 10/12/26 8:04 pm From: David Apgar <d_apgar...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
Maybe Audubon had the right idea about bird identification, after all. David On Oct 12, 2026 4:55 PM, Kent Johnson <kentjohnson...> wrote:
This is not the first time this has happened. I had an unpleasant encounter with a man at that same location several years ago. No gun was involved, but the man did claim that he owned the road and could prohibit anyone from using it, which is clearly untrue. At least one other birder had a similar experience in the area. If he is becoming more aggressive it certainly needs the attention of law enforcement. His home is on the Santa Cruz side of the road, so the incident should be reported to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff. Kent Johnson
From: <mbbirds...> <mbbirds...> on behalf of Lola Ross <lolabones...> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2026 2:39 PM To: MBBirds <mbbirds...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle Hey all, This morning I went up to Loma Prieta and ran into several birders up there when I was at the Wiliamson’s Sapsucker stakeout pine (never saw it, but I did get nice photos of a RBS). Three birders from Santa Clara Co said a Loma Prieta resident threatened them with a rifle, fired two shots in the air, motioned them violently to go away, flipped them off, and pointed his rifle at them (not necessarily in that order). The birders were on the public county road. One of the three birders shared the location where it occurred (see link below). She took photos of the man and the location and was planning to file a report with the SC County Sheriff’s Office, but at Kim’s suggestion, I’m posting the info here so you can all be aware. Brian Spence also returned from that direction a little later on, and had not encountered anything untoward, but I chose not to walk up that way anyway. Two drivers also sped past us at various times, purposefully revving through the softer dirt to try to coat us with dust (once by the sapsucker tree and once at the parking area). Most drivers were courteous, but not those two. Stay safe out there. Here’s the location that was shared with me of the guy with the rifle: https://maps.app.goo.gl/diiWnzvfDEUGjFfR7?g_st=ig
Date: 10/12/26 6:36 pm From: Lola Ross <lolabones...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Help with teal ID
Hello all,
This duck was seen at Elkhorn Ranch pond on the festival field trip
Saturday. The more exposed photos are mine; the more saturated photo is
Dana Cox’s. We are torn between cinnamon teal and blue-winged teal. Merlin
photo ID has given both ID’s (2 and 2 for these four shots).
Dana is leaning toward cinnamon due to the thickness of the bill and its
dark color. I can also see the bird seems to have a warmer tone to its
feathers, which might indicate cinnamon. The things that make me hesitate
in calling it cinnamon are the length of the bill, which to my eyes looks a
little shorter and less shoveler-like than I think of with cinnamon teal,
and the darker eyeline. It does seem to have less white behind the bill,
though, which also might indicate cinnamon teal.
I think in typing this out I’m convincing myself it’s a cinnamon teal, but
I would love others’ thoughts. (Full disclosure: I also really want it to
be blue-winged teal because I don’t have one for Monterey County yet, lol).
Date: 10/12/26 4:58 pm From: Lola Ross <lolabones...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
The birder has contacted Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.
On Mon, Oct 12, 2026 at 4:55 PM Kent Johnson <kentjohnson...>
wrote:
> This is not the first time this has happened. I had an unpleasant
> encounter with a man at that same location several years ago. No gun was
> involved, but the man did claim that he owned the road and could prohibit
> anyone from using it, which is clearly untrue. At least one other birder
> had a similar experience in the area. If he is becoming more aggressive it
> certainly needs the attention of law enforcement. His home is on the Santa
> Cruz side of the road, so the incident should be reported to the Santa Cruz
> County Sheriff.
> Kent Johnson
> ------------------------------
> *From:* <mbbirds...> <mbbirds...> on behalf of
> Lola Ross <lolabones...>
> *Sent:* Monday, October 12, 2026 2:39 PM
> *To:* MBBirds <mbbirds...>
> *Subject:* [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
>
> Hey all,
>
> This morning I went up to Loma Prieta and ran into several birders up
> there when I was at the Wiliamson’s Sapsucker stakeout pine (never saw it,
> but I did get nice photos of a RBS).
> Three birders from Santa Clara Co said a Loma Prieta resident threatened
> them with a rifle, fired two shots in the air, motioned them violently to
> go away, flipped them off, and pointed his rifle at them (not necessarily
> in that order). The birders were on the public county road. One of the
> three birders shared the location where it occurred (see link below). She
> took photos of the man and the location and was planning to file a report
> with the SC County Sheriff’s Office, but at Kim’s suggestion, I’m posting
> the info here so you can all be aware.
>
> Brian Spence also returned from that direction a little later on, and had
> not encountered anything untoward, but I chose not to walk up that way
> anyway. Two drivers also sped past us at various times, purposefully
> revving through the softer dirt to try to coat us with dust (once by the
> sapsucker tree and once at the parking area). Most drivers were courteous,
> but not those two.
>
> Stay safe out there. Here’s the location that was shared with me of the
> guy with the rifle:
>
> https://maps.app.goo.gl/diiWnzvfDEUGjFfR7?g_st=ig >
> --
> 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/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 10/12/26 4:55 pm From: Kent Johnson <kentjohnson...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
This is not the first time this has happened. I had an unpleasant encounter with a man at that same location several years ago. No gun was involved, but the man did claim that he owned the road and could prohibit anyone from using it, which is clearly untrue. At least one other birder had a similar experience in the area. If he is becoming more aggressive it certainly needs the attention of law enforcement. His home is on the Santa Cruz side of the road, so the incident should be reported to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff.
Kent Johnson
________________________________
From: <mbbirds...> <mbbirds...> on behalf of Lola Ross <lolabones...>
Sent: Monday, October 12, 2026 2:39 PM
To: MBBirds <mbbirds...>
Subject: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
Hey all,
This morning I went up to Loma Prieta and ran into several birders up there when I was at the Wiliamson’s Sapsucker stakeout pine (never saw it, but I did get nice photos of a RBS).
Three birders from Santa Clara Co said a Loma Prieta resident threatened them with a rifle, fired two shots in the air, motioned them violently to go away, flipped them off, and pointed his rifle at them (not necessarily in that order). The birders were on the public county road. One of the three birders shared the location where it occurred (see link below). She took photos of the man and the location and was planning to file a report with the SC County Sheriff’s Office, but at Kim’s suggestion, I’m posting the info here so you can all be aware.
Brian Spence also returned from that direction a little later on, and had not encountered anything untoward, but I chose not to walk up that way anyway. Two drivers also sped past us at various times, purposefully revving through the softer dirt to try to coat us with dust (once by the sapsucker tree and once at the parking area). Most drivers were courteous, but not those two.
Stay safe out there. Here’s the location that was shared with me of the guy with the rifle:
Date: 10/12/26 4:55 pm From: Shantanu Phukan <phukan...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
Dear Birders: 6 years ago I was birding on Loma Prieta just a little below the fork and was confronted by a single white man (in his late forties or early fifties) who shouted at me very aggressively to get off his land followed by various obscenities. I was standing on the road and not on anybody's land. he was not armed but he was so irate that a friend I was with suggested we just withdraw. We did, but ever since then I have not felt entirely safe when birding that area.
Shantanu Phukan
-----Original Message-----
From: Cliff Bixler <clifford.bixler50...>
Sent: Oct 12, 2026 3:41 PM
To: Lola Ross <lolabones...>
Cc: MBBirds <mbbirds...>
Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
The birders who were threatened should make a report along with any photos especially a license #. We can't have crazies with guns threatening us on public property. That guy needs law enforcement contact.
This morning I went up to Loma Prieta and ran into several birders up there when I was at the Wiliamson’s Sapsucker stakeout pine (never saw it, but I did get nice photos of a RBS).
Three birders from Santa Clara Co said a Loma Prieta resident threatened them with a rifle, fired two shots in the air, motioned them violently to go away, flipped them off, and pointed his rifle at them (not necessarily in that order). The birders were on the public county road. One of the three birders shared the location where it occurred (see link below). She took photos of the man and the location and was planning to file a report with the SC County Sheriff’s Office, but at Kim’s suggestion, I’m posting the info here so you can all be aware.
Brian Spence also returned from that direction a little later on, and had not encountered anything untoward, but I chose not to walk up that way anyway. Two drivers also sped past us at various times, purposefully revving through the softer dirt to try to coat us with dust (once by the sapsucker tree and once at the parking area). Most drivers were courteous, but not those two.
Stay safe out there. Here’s the location that was shared with me of the guy with the rifle:
Date: 10/12/26 3:47 pm From: Ryan Phillips <norcalbirding...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
That road from the junction to the gate marked private property right at
the Knibbs Knob County Park Trailhead is public road. This is where it
starts as private property: 37.083700,-121.818152
However, many of the residents believe it is "their" road up there and are
very protective. There is a reason some of them live that deep up there. I
think they maintain the roads up there so I am not sure how much the county
does up there. Probably the reason they are very territorial.
Before they could tolerate a few birders every now and then but now with
the mass amount of birders up there with the current irruptions, they are
not happy. But that does not allow for guns being pulled, but don't put it
past some of the folks up there.
Be careful all.
Ryan
*Ryan Phillips* ǀ Owner and Guide
Personal and Group Birding Excursions in Northern California and Beyond
"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes
and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"
- Sir David Attenborough
On Mon, Oct 12, 2026, 2:39 PM Lola Ross <lolabones...> wrote:
> Hey all,
>
> This morning I went up to Loma Prieta and ran into several birders up
> there when I was at the Wiliamson’s Sapsucker stakeout pine (never saw it,
> but I did get nice photos of a RBS).
> Three birders from Santa Clara Co said a Loma Prieta resident threatened
> them with a rifle, fired two shots in the air, motioned them violently to
> go away, flipped them off, and pointed his rifle at them (not necessarily
> in that order). The birders were on the public county road. One of the
> three birders shared the location where it occurred (see link below). She
> took photos of the man and the location and was planning to file a report
> with the SC County Sheriff’s Office, but at Kim’s suggestion, I’m posting
> the info here so you can all be aware.
>
> Brian Spence also returned from that direction a little later on, and had
> not encountered anything untoward, but I chose not to walk up that way
> anyway. Two drivers also sped past us at various times, purposefully
> revving through the softer dirt to try to coat us with dust (once by the
> sapsucker tree and once at the parking area). Most drivers were courteous,
> but not those two.
>
> Stay safe out there. Here’s the location that was shared with me of the
> guy with the rifle:
>
> https://maps.app.goo.gl/diiWnzvfDEUGjFfR7?g_st=ig >
> --
> 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/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 10/12/26 3:41 pm From: Cliff Bixler <clifford.bixler50...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
The birders who were threatened should make a report along with any photos
especially a license #. We can't have crazies with guns threatening us on
public property.
That guy needs law enforcement contact.
On Mon, Oct 12, 2026, 2:39 PM Lola Ross <lolabones...> wrote:
> Hey all,
>
> This morning I went up to Loma Prieta and ran into several birders up
> there when I was at the Wiliamson’s Sapsucker stakeout pine (never saw it,
> but I did get nice photos of a RBS).
> Three birders from Santa Clara Co said a Loma Prieta resident threatened
> them with a rifle, fired two shots in the air, motioned them violently to
> go away, flipped them off, and pointed his rifle at them (not necessarily
> in that order). The birders were on the public county road. One of the
> three birders shared the location where it occurred (see link below). She
> took photos of the man and the location and was planning to file a report
> with the SC County Sheriff’s Office, but at Kim’s suggestion, I’m posting
> the info here so you can all be aware.
>
> Brian Spence also returned from that direction a little later on, and had
> not encountered anything untoward, but I chose not to walk up that way
> anyway. Two drivers also sped past us at various times, purposefully
> revving through the softer dirt to try to coat us with dust (once by the
> sapsucker tree and once at the parking area). Most drivers were courteous,
> but not those two.
>
> Stay safe out there. Here’s the location that was shared with me of the
> guy with the rifle:
>
> https://maps.app.goo.gl/diiWnzvfDEUGjFfR7?g_st=ig >
> --
> 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/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 10/12/26 3:12 pm From: Lola Ross <lolabones...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
I did not witness the incident. It was reported to me by the Santa Clara
birders who had been threatened. They were intending to report to the
Sheriff. I am just putting it out there as a safety warning to the MB
birding community.
On Mon, Oct 12, 2026 at 3:08 PM Heidi Sandkuhle <mrskuhle...>
wrote:
> Please report this to the Sheriff’s office. I have encountered residents
> on that road who claimed we were trespassing—we thought we were on county
> roads the entire time. If that road crosses private property, it should be
> marked. This is a serious violation to be threatened with a weapon, and
> should not be tolerated—at anytime.
> Heidi Sandkuhle
>
> On Oct 12, 2026, at 2:39 PM, Lola Ross <lolabones...> wrote:
>
> Hey all,
>
> This morning I went up to Loma Prieta and ran into several birders up
> there when I was at the Wiliamson’s Sapsucker stakeout pine (never saw it,
> but I did get nice photos of a RBS).
> Three birders from Santa Clara Co said a Loma Prieta resident threatened
> them with a rifle, fired two shots in the air, motioned them violently to
> go away, flipped them off, and pointed his rifle at them (not necessarily
> in that order). The birders were on the public county road. One of the
> three birders shared the location where it occurred (see link below). She
> took photos of the man and the location and was planning to file a report
> with the SC County Sheriff’s Office, but at Kim’s suggestion, I’m posting
> the info here so you can all be aware.
>
> Brian Spence also returned from that direction a little later on, and had
> not encountered anything untoward, but I chose not to walk up that way
> anyway. Two drivers also sped past us at various times, purposefully
> revving through the softer dirt to try to coat us with dust (once by the
> sapsucker tree and once at the parking area). Most drivers were courteous,
> but not those two.
>
> Stay safe out there. Here’s the location that was shared with me of the
> guy with the rifle:
>
> https://maps.app.goo.gl/diiWnzvfDEUGjFfR7?g_st=ig >
> --
> 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/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
>
>
Date: 10/12/26 3:08 pm From: Heidi Sandkuhle <mrskuhle...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
Please report this to the Sheriff’s office. I have encountered residents on that road who claimed we were trespassing—we thought we were on county roads the entire time. If that road crosses private property, it should be marked. This is a serious violation to be threatened with a weapon, and should not be tolerated—at anytime.
Heidi Sandkuhle
> On Oct 12, 2026, at 2:39 PM, Lola Ross <lolabones...> wrote:
>
> Hey all,
>
> This morning I went up to Loma Prieta and ran into several birders up there when I was at the Wiliamson’s Sapsucker stakeout pine (never saw it, but I did get nice photos of a RBS).
> Three birders from Santa Clara Co said a Loma Prieta resident threatened them with a rifle, fired two shots in the air, motioned them violently to go away, flipped them off, and pointed his rifle at them (not necessarily in that order). The birders were on the public county road. One of the three birders shared the location where it occurred (see link below). She took photos of the man and the location and was planning to file a report with the SC County Sheriff’s Office, but at Kim’s suggestion, I’m posting the info here so you can all be aware.
>
> Brian Spence also returned from that direction a little later on, and had not encountered anything untoward, but I chose not to walk up that way anyway. Two drivers also sped past us at various times, purposefully revving through the softer dirt to try to coat us with dust (once by the sapsucker tree and once at the parking area). Most drivers were courteous, but not those two.
>
> Stay safe out there. Here’s the location that was shared with me of the guy with the rifle:
>
> https://maps.app.goo.gl/diiWnzvfDEUGjFfR7?g_st=ig >
> --
> 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...> <mailto:mbbirds+<unsubscribe...>.
> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/CAFCCGgm_N6wmud9%<3Dg9fY3qbD8TGupsh5tqGwoV8Fqbcmyxo-Mg...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>.
Date: 10/12/26 2:39 pm From: Lola Ross <lolabones...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Loma Prieta neighbor threatened birders with rifle
Hey all,
This morning I went up to Loma Prieta and ran into several birders up there
when I was at the Wiliamson’s Sapsucker stakeout pine (never saw it, but I
did get nice photos of a RBS).
Three birders from Santa Clara Co said a Loma Prieta resident threatened
them with a rifle, fired two shots in the air, motioned them violently to
go away, flipped them off, and pointed his rifle at them (not necessarily
in that order). The birders were on the public county road. One of the
three birders shared the location where it occurred (see link below). She
took photos of the man and the location and was planning to file a report
with the SC County Sheriff’s Office, but at Kim’s suggestion, I’m posting
the info here so you can all be aware.
Brian Spence also returned from that direction a little later on, and had
not encountered anything untoward, but I chose not to walk up that way
anyway. Two drivers also sped past us at various times, purposefully
revving through the softer dirt to try to coat us with dust (once by the
sapsucker tree and once at the parking area). Most drivers were courteous,
but not those two.
Stay safe out there. Here’s the location that was shared with me of the guy
with the rifle:
Date: 10/8/26 11:52 am From: Paul Miller <paulbug.2876...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Clark's Nutcrackers etc
A few birders and I saw a couple CLARK'S NUTCRACKERS today up at Loma Prieta. Sorry, don't know all the last names... Ann, Tasha, and I went before sunrise, but ended up seeing them later at around 1015. They flew overhead, silent, around here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pQnhtF3u9fnY2ATn8?g_st=ac We also saw Dave L. and Alex later in the morning, and they saw the same birds overhead just a moment later, since they were further down the road. We saw 2; they saw 3 apparently. We also had 2 likely CASSIN'S FINCHES, heard only, near the coffee berry location, further east. Possible flyovers, or maybe just skulky. Not seen. A Merlin was doing the rounds overhead near the first Mayman's flat road, and a Peregrine was cruising overhead just a bit further west, later in the morning. Lots of good looks at Sooty Fox Sparrow. Paul Miller Mount Hermon
Date: 10/8/26 10:50 am From: Ryan Phillips <norcalbirding...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Re: West Cliff?
Since everyone is asking, the West Cliff frenzy ended yesterday morning and
now has moved over to Sunny Cove and 20th Ave area yesterday.
Yesterday off the wharf I had multiple jaegers, one right over the end of
the wharf and of course the Black-vented Shearwater shoe and many very
close to the wharf. Also had a Pacific and Common Loon. And the number of
Common Murres was impressive.
Thanks to everyone that responded yesterday.
Ryan
*Ryan Phillips* ǀ Owner and Guide
Personal and Group Birding Excursions in Northern California and Beyond
"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes
and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"
- Sir David Attenborough
On Wed, Oct 7, 2026, 1:11 PM Ryan Phillips <norcalbirding...> wrote:
> Is the feeding frenzy still present on West Cliff in Santa Cruz?
> Any info would be appreciated. You can email/message me back privately not
> to plug this list serve up.
> Thanks,
> Ryan
>
> *Ryan Phillips* ǀ Owner and Guide
>
> Personal and Group Birding Excursions in Northern California and Beyond
>
>
>
> Phone ǀ (831) 234-7324
>
> Email ǀ <norcalbirding...>
>
> Website ǀ *www.norcalbirding.com <http://www.norcalbirding.com/>* >
> Facebook ǀ www.facebook.com/norcalbirding
>
> "Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes
> and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"
>
> - Sir David Attenborough
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 10/7/26 1:11 pm From: Ryan Phillips <norcalbirding...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] West Cliff?
Is the feeding frenzy still present on West Cliff in Santa Cruz?
Any info would be appreciated. You can email/message me back privately not
to plug this list serve up.
Thanks,
Ryan
*Ryan Phillips* ǀ Owner and Guide
Personal and Group Birding Excursions in Northern California and Beyond
Here is a BOC (sorry don't have time to process tonight) from today of one
of them 30 feet from IT's. Beach. The other had a "pied" wing but body was
pretty normal.
*Ryan Phillips* ǀ Owner and Guide
Personal and Group Birding Excursions in Northern California and Beyond
For some reason amelanic, leucistic, piebald…. Whatever you want to call them, Black-vented Shearwaters are frequent. Any time you have a good number to look through, you will find one or more. In my experience it is the species that I have seen which has seemingly the highest proportion of birds with white feathers. The caveat is that some birds you never get to see in numbers, so you really do not know, but of those you do get to see in numbers, this one wins out. The question is why?
Note that while you see this type of thing in Sooty Shearwaters once in a while, the proportion is way, way less.
From: <mbbirds...> <mbbirds...> On Behalf Of Ryan Phillips
Sent: Tuesday, October 6, 2026 10:52 PM
To: Pete Sole <pete...>; MBB <mbbirds...>
Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Leucistic Black-vented Shearwater?
On Tue, Oct 6, 2026, 7:46 PM 'Pete Sole' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> <mailto:<mbbirds...> > wrote:
Hi birders,
Reviewing my bird images from the SC lighthouse today, I came across a
photo with what looks like a LEUCISTIC BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER. Can't
say I've seen one of these before. Here is a crop of the frame in
question, with a red arrow pointing to the interesting bird, flying
below and to the left of the elegant tern:
Reviewing my bird images from the SC lighthouse today, I came across a
photo with what looks like a LEUCISTIC BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER. Can't
say I've seen one of these before. Here is a crop of the frame in
question, with a red arrow pointing to the interesting bird, flying
below and to the left of the elegant tern:
I am seeing much the same thing being reported here at New Brighton SB.
Sooties, Black-vented, jaegers, gulls, pelicans, cormorants, etc. There are
also six humpback whales, a pod of bottlenose dolphins, two white sharks,
and multiple leopard sharks thrown in the mix. There is a lot happening
nearshore in the bay right now. The hardest part is to figure out where to
look.
Jim
On Tue, Oct 6, 2026, 4:12 PM 'Pete Sole' via mbbirds <
<mbbirds...> wrote:
First, big thanks to Ryan, and all of the other birders that have been
reporting on this amazing event, today (Tuesday Oct. 6, 2026).
Around 11am I went over to the SC Lighthouse to catch some of it. Here
is a large image that gives a very rough sense of what it looked like,
when looking south from the lighthouse:
Just an astonishing number of birds! The majority were Black-vented
Shearwaters, Brand's Cormorants, Western and Heerman's Gulls, and Brown
Pelicans. For more detail and photos see the ebird report at:
My understanding from another birder, was that the anchovies were
washing up on the western edge of Its Beach. Unfortunately, I ran out of
time before I could get to the actual beach to take more photos.
Date: 10/6/26 1:10 pm From: 'Yahoo' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Hundreds of Cranes
I m just back to Santa Cruz having driven Saturday afternoon and this morning on Sandy Mush Road. Today about 0930 hundreds (I lost count at 250) of Sandhill Cranes in dairy field east of wildlife entrance adjacent to Sandy Mush Road. Flying in as I sat in car. Mid afternoon on Saturday a thousand ibis fed in a field just N of Merced Wildlife entrance. Today at 0900, 200 ibis east of rt 59 along Sandy Mush Road east of the big dairy.
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
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Date: 10/3/26 10:59 am From: Nelson Samuels <samnelo...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Matt McFaul posted pictures from Moss Landing of this Yellow-crowned Night Heron on the Nextdoor app this morning.
Sept 30 Hermit Thrush and Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Oct 1 Fox Sparrow and a Hermit Warbler that we got great looks at our bird bathWe have had several Golden-crowned sparrows for about a weekDown here on The Land in Royal Oaks, CAHappy Birding, Laura and BettyÂ
Date: 9/28/26 5:13 pm From: Ryan Phillips <norcalbirding...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] SC Wharf BV Shearwaters and Jaegers
Lots of action off the end of the Santa Cruz Wharf. Scope needed. Multiple
jaegers (for sure one is Parasitic) chasing Elegant Terns and Black-vented
Shearwaters (at least 300, likely many more) in binocular range but a scope
helps.
*Ryan Phillips* ǀ Owner and Guide
Personal and Group Birding Excursions in Northern California and Beyond
A juvenile male rose-breasted grosbeak visited our yard last week, picking up seed off the ground and sampling the suet. This is a new yard bird for us.
Date: 9/28/26 11:17 am From: Matthew Coale <matthewcoale02...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Spotted Sandpiper
Hi MBBers I saw what looks like a SPOTTED SANDPIPER at the harbor this morning at 11:00am. It was in fresh water from an inlet at the west side of the harbor near the railroad bridge. Best viewed from the railroad bridge looking west Matthew Coale Santa Cruz
Date: 9/24/26 5:31 pm From: 'Pete Sole' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Fox Sparrows at Loma Prieta
Hi birders,
Been meaning to write about the FOX SPARROWS at Loma Prieta for a couple
of days. I went to Loma Prieta on Tuesday Sept. 22nd and, as other
birders noted as well, there were many FOX SPARROWS. I conservatively
reported 7 individuals on my ebird checklist
<https://ebird.org/checklist/S395321875> for the morning, but there were
probably more.
Interestingly, a number of them were of the SLATE-COLORED subspecies,
including an individual that I was able to photograph. (Sadly the photos
are ahem, poor.)
Regardless, SLATE-COLORED FOX SPARROWS may be, a different species from
the SOOTY FOX SPARROW subspecies we more commonly see closer to the
coast. According to Cornell's Birds of the World reference site,
"analyses of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) detected significant amounts of
genetic structure, identifying 4 groups of Fox Sparrows corresponding to
those defined by plumage and morphology..". Cornell's site, lists 19
subspecies of Fox Sparrows, grouped into the 4 major groups; SOOTY,
THICK-BILLED, SLATE-COLORED, and RED. ( Source:
https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/foxspa/cur/systematics )
What does this mean in plain English?
What our common reference books and apps mention as four subspecies of
Fox Sparrow, are actually groups of subspecies that may each be, a
separate species;Â SOOTY, THICK-BILLED, SLATE-COLORED, and RED.
Given the various contact points between the purported subspecies and
hybridization, ornithologists are still debating and collecting data.
Currently, some professional references already treat the four groups as
separate species. For example, the official International Ornithological
Committee (IOC), the predecessor to the International Ornithologists'
Union (IOU), lists the four Fox Sparrow groups as separate species. (To
see the IOC list, see this link:
This is a large searchable spreadsheet that may take time to load, even
on a fast internet connection.)
In any case, imho, it is worth it to try to list and document, the
separate Fox Sparrow subspecies that we can ID in the field. Who knows,
some day your report and photos may count as another species.
Last weekend I was on the water guiding two full days of pelagic birding on
Monterey Bay. I am including highlights and links to the trip reports below.
Alvaro's Adventures Trip Report 9/19/26:
<https://ebird.org/tripreport/574413> We faced tough conditions, but made
it out to the canyon systems off Davenport and Año Nuevo. Highlights
included a pair of Craveri's Murrelets, an offshore Red-breasted Nuthatch,
several Parasitic and Pomarine Jaegers, a dozen Red Phalaropes, close looks
at an Arcitc Tern and Sabine's Gull, several Black-vented Shearwaters, and
an incredibly cooperative Guadalupe Fur Seal!
Monterey Seabirds Trip Report 9/20/26:
<https://ebird.org/tripreport/574677> Conditions
were a bit better than the previous day. We made it to similar waters, and
then followed the shelf edge all the way to Moss Landing. Highlights
included two Flesh-footed Shearwaters, a leucistic Sooty Shearwater, brief
looks at a couple of Short-tailed Shearwaters, incredible looks at a
Buller's Shearwater, South Polar Skua, dozens of Black Storm-petrels,
lunge-feeding Humpbacks, and Orcas (CA51s and CA50B)!
Pelagic season is still on with several more trips on Monterey Bay
with Monterey
Seabirds <https://www.montereyseabirds.com/> and a few more trips further
north out of Half Moon Bay and San Francisco with Alvaro's Adventures
<https://www.alvarosadventures.com/pelagic-dates-2026.html>. With this
year's warm water, who knows what might show up. Hope to see you on a boat
soon!
Date: 9/21/26 7:30 pm From: 'Pete Sole' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] As the world terns...
Hi birders,
Just before lunch, went down to Aptos Creek Mouth for a purportedly
"short" look at the terns on the beach. The hope was to see a parasitic
jaeger for the season. Dipped on the jaeger, (probably too late in the
day), but there were hundreds (700+?) ELEGANT TERNSÂ resting on the
beach. Among the many ELEGANTS, was also a FORSTER'S TERN and a COMMON
TERN. Some images:
I spent a few hours up at Fremont Peak this morning and found a CLARK’S NUTCRACKER. It was at the Coulter pine eBird hot spot. This is the first known record of a nutcracker at Fremont Peak.
All other San Benito County records of Clark’s Nutcrackers have been at San Benito Mountain except for one record at Pinnacles NP.
Date: 9/20/26 4:23 pm From: Lisa Larson <lisafaylarson...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Not a Tropical Kingbird
Hi Birders,
Upon scrutiny of my crummy distant photos, I conclude that the king ird was Western, not Tropical. Apparent white outer tail feathers, cream upper chest with yellow belly, bill not heavy enough for TRKI.
But the Clay-colored Sparrows were sweet and it was great to see the return of the White-crowned Sparrows. Welcome back, sparrows!
Date: 9/20/26 11:13 am From: Ryan Phillips <norcalbirding...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Clark's Nutcrackers Loma Prieta SCL Side
I posted this on South Bay Birds yesterday, but should have cross posted it
to MBB.
I had a flock of about 15 CLARK'S NUTCRACKERS on the Santa Clara side, but
right on the SCZ edge. They were flying north then went down behind ridge
line and lost view. I know folks are up looking today but wanted to give
coords. Really close to where the Lewis's Woodpecker was last year.
37.087952,-121.827024
Be wary and aware about the two gates that are labeled private road no
public access up there. The CLNU were seen well before that gate near
Knibbs Knob Trail.
Quite an irruption event happening! Get to your peaks with views.
Good birding,
Ryan
*Ryan Phillips* ǀ Owner and Guide
Personal and Group Birding Excursions in Northern California and Beyond
Date: 9/19/26 10:30 am From: liammsf <liammsf...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Be on the lookout
Adding to this, Santa Barbara has seen an irruption of Pinyon Jays as well,
following the nutcrackers. It would be wise to study up on the whole suite
of interior montane species, think Evening Grosbeak and Cassin's Finch as
well. Shaping up to be a very interesting and unique event!
Cheers,
Liam Murphy
On Sat, Sep 19, 2026, 10:21 AM Kent Johnson <kentjohnson...> wrote:
> Most of us who have been out birding recently have probably encountered
> multiple Red-breasted Nuthatches. Those of you who do not follow state-wide
> rare bird alerts may not be aware that there is another species erupting
> across California: Clark's Nutcracker. They have been seen in Santa
> Barbra, San Luis Obispo, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, and San
> Mateo Counties, and, this morning, at Loma Prieta on the Santa Clara County
> side. Higher elevations seem to be the best place to look for them, but
> they probably could show up almost anywhere.
>
> Kent Johnson
>
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> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<BL1PPFCDE88AB435C97132B995CCFAFBE43AA862...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mbbirds/<BL1PPFCDE88AB435C97132B995CCFAFBE43AA862...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 9/19/26 10:21 am From: Kent Johnson <kentjohnson...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Be on the lookout
Most of us who have been out birding recently have probably encountered multiple Red-breasted Nuthatches. Those of you who do not follow state-wide rare bird alerts may not be aware that there is another species erupting across California: Clark's Nutcracker. They have been seen in Santa Barbra, San Luis Obispo, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties, and, this morning, at Loma Prieta on the Santa Clara County side. Higher elevations seem to be the best place to look for them, but they probably could show up almost anywhere.
Date: 9/19/26 9:29 am From: Suzanne Kent <surreykent...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Westside SCruz Tanager update
Male all-red tanager observed again, perched on top of my suet feeder (watchful, not eating) then flew off into neighbor’s trees.
Plumage color is very consistent over entire bird, no evident grey cheek patch. So I identify it as Summer Tanager.
I would very much appreciate comments about color variation in this species, because of the sharp contrast between the duller red of this bird’s plumage compared to the intense tropical red and contrasting light-colored bill I observed in the past - at this same site, in late autumn or winter. I haven’t found description of Summer Tanager male winter plumage change, and this bird has none of the mixed yellow patches an immature male would have.
Date: 9/17/26 4:53 pm From: 'Pete Sole' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] FOS and SC Migrants
Hi birders,
Not surprisingly, this last few weeks bird migration has really picked up.
A few highlights from today:
Near the Fern Grotto Beach on the Wilder Old Cove Trail, there was a
WESTERN KINGBIRD on a fence line. Then a WHITE-FACED IBIS flew along the
coast. This afternoon I had my first of season GOLDEN CROWNED SPARROW in
our garden. Meanwhile, I'm hearing almost every day now, a RED-BREASTED
NUTHATCH near our home.
Stepping back a bit, for more trend details see the the latest BirdCast
Migration Dashboard for SC county:
Date: 9/17/26 2:23 pm From: larry corridon <larry961357...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Possible Pectoral Sandpiper Pajaro Dunes Shore Bird Pond
I went to Shorebirds Pond about an hour ago and saw the Pectoral Sandpiper, (Thanks for the ID, Pete) and it was with another bird that to my eyes looked identical other than one slightly smaller than the other. I did not see the Solitary Sandpiper. The logistic redneck, fellow rope. (that is leucistic Red-Necked Phalarope, don't you love it when you're dictating?) was also present along with a semi-palmated Plover, 3 Mallards, 3 Snowy Egrets, and a few Greater Yellowlegs.
Date: 9/17/26 2:08 pm From: Suzanne Kent <surreykent...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Possible male Hepatic Tanager in Westside Santa Cruz
First thing: There should NOT be a Hepatic Tanager in Santa Cruz - I know that!
What I observed: At approx. 1:30 PM today I checked out my ever-active suet feeder and observed a large tanager with the exact plumage coloration of a male Hepatic Tanager sitting on top of the feeder, in perfect light, in profile, starting to eat. It’s coloration was very evenly red, but a dull grayish red, with a dull grey-looking beak.
To my great frustration, a Scrub Jay on the nearby platform feeder flew at the tanager in a hostile manner, scaring it off. No chance to carefully look for the grey cheek that is an important ID sign. However, I have observed a male Summer Tanager, with its tropical red plumage and very light-colored bill, coming to the same feeder for four consecutive days one winter a couple of years ago. I also see Scarlet Tanagers each summer back East. Today’s Tanager was very notably more grayish red.
My suet feeder is hung on a pole only a few feet from an overgrown Coffeeberry covered with ripening berries.
Westsiders, please watch your yards and look for this bird.
Date: 9/17/26 11:25 am From: Deborah Diersch <debbiediersch...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Possible Pectoral Sandpiper Pajaro Dunes Shore Bird Pond
Hi Pete,
I saw that bird at Shorebirds yesterday afternoon, but couldn't positively
ID it at the time. It was actively feeding with a Solitary Sandpiper. The
leucistic Red-necked Phalarope was still there with several others of
expected plumage. A surprise Black-necked Stilt flew in and there were many
Greater Yellowlegs along with only two Mallards actively foraging in the
shallow water and on the mudflats..
Thank you for your reports and photos - it really helps!
Debbie
On Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 5:37 PM 'Pete Sole' via mbbirds <
<mbbirds...> wrote:
Pete:
Oh that is undoubtedly a Pectoral Sandpiper. Bravo!
Shantanu
-----Original Message-----
From: 'Pete Sole' via mbbirds <mbbirds...>
Sent: Sep 16, 2026 5:37 PM
To: <mbbirds...>
Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Possible Pectoral Sandpiper Pajaro Dunes Shore Bird Pond
Hi birders,
Well, after reviewing a handful of pictures, I'm sticking with PECTORAL SANDPIPER for the shore bird ID I reported earlier today. A few processed, unfortunately backlit, and ahem, lets be generous and call them documentary photos:
In other news from Shorebird Ponds, the leuscistic Red-necked Phalarope reported earlier continues, as well as other somewhat expected birds. For more details and additional photos see the ebird report:
Prior to going to Shorebird Ponds, I stopped off at Struve Slough at Lee Road. The bid surprise there was a PACIFIC LOON. I was able to capture some very distant, ahem, documentary images. Very surprised to see a loon there. This was the first Pacific Loon I've ever seen there. For more details and photos from Struve Slough see the ebird report at:
Well, after reviewing a handful of pictures, I'm sticking with PECTORAL
SANDPIPER for the shore bird ID I reported earlier today. A few
processed, unfortunately backlit, and ahem, lets be generous and call
them documentary photos:
In other news from Shorebird Ponds, the leuscistic Red-necked Phalarope
reported earlier continues, as well as other somewhat expected birds.
For more details and additional photos see the ebird report:
Prior to going to Shorebird Ponds, I stopped off at Struve Slough at Lee
Road. The bid surprise there was a PACIFIC LOON. I was able to capture
some very distant, ahem, documentary images. Very surprised to see a
loon there. This was the first Pacific Loon I've ever seen there. For
more details and photos from Struve Slough see the ebird report at:
Date: 9/16/26 12:11 pm From: 'Pete Sole' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Possible Pectoral Sandpiper Pajaro Dunes Shore Bird Pond
Hi birders,
Pretty sure I saw a possible Pectoral Sandpiper at Pajaro Dunes Shorebird Pond around noon today. I got photos which looked good on the back of the camera but will want to review this afternoon. Last seen flying, flushed by a low flying Turkey Vulture, towards the part of the pond near the entrance road.
Date: 9/15/26 9:05 am From: Mary Anne Goldberg <mapmg2011...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] FOS
I spied a red-breasted nuthatch at our fountain today in Royal Oaks, there for a moment before 16 or so lesser goldfinches mobbed it. Mary Anne
________________________________ From: silverbirder via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Sent: Monday, September 14, 2026 6:41 PM To: <mbbirds...> <mbbirds...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] FOS
Today we had the first of the season Gold-crown sparrow under our bird feeders. We have also had a Red-breasted nuthatch the last couple of days. Have not had one for over 20 years down here on The Land in Royal Oaks. Happy Birding, Laura and Betty
Today we had the first of the season Gold-crown sparrow under our bird feeders. We have also had a Red-breasted nuthatch the last couple of days. Have not had one for over 20 years down here on The Land in Royal Oaks.Happy Birding, Laura and Betty
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Date: 9/14/26 11:23 am From: Kent Johnson <kentjohnson...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Possible Blackpoll Warbler Schwan Lake
I am about 75% sure on this. High in oaks on north side of gully that bisects the park. Clean buffy yellow on head and underparts, white bars on dark wings. Did not see back or feet. Kent Johnson
________________________________ From: <mbbirds...> <mbbirds...> on behalf of Stephanie Martin <martins4...> Sent: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 8:16 AM To: MBB <mbbirds...> Subject: [MBBIRDS] Eastern Kingbird at Wilder Ranch
Eastern Kingbird is presently flycatching in the chaparral beside Old Cove Landing trail at Wilder. At the mouth of the cove where the harbor seals haul out.
