Date: 8/21/26 11:46 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Devereux Slough,, August 21
I had time for a fairly short visit this morning. Â I did not find all the birds reported yesterday but there still was a large number of (mostly Western) Sandpipers working the areas near the broken bridge. Â Unfortunately the flock was very flighty this morning and portions of it were working up and down the stream channels, often below the tops of the surrounding banks. Â I'm sure I saw perhaps only half of all the birds that were present.
No rarities were found, but I did note that among the 15 or so juvenile Red-necked Phalaropes, there were at least 2 adults in basic plumage. Â I also spotted two Dowitchers upstream in a channel. Â Gold patterns on the tertials of one bird indicated juvenile Short-billed Dowitcher. Â Markings were not clear on the second bird but when they flew upstream together, both appeared to be making the L. Yellowlegs-like Tu-tu call.
I'm wondering if this big influx of small shorebirds here comes from birds previously at the drying-up Area K?
I did not see the Neotropic Cormorant while I was there.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 8/21/26 12:48 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Neotropic Cormorant (2 reports)
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 8/20/26 2:55 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Lake Los Carneros early AM, August 20
In some past years, we have had a Lesser Nighthawk at LLC in August, so I decided to give it a shot. Â No luck on that one today, but nevertheless it was a pleasant experience to get there at 5:30 a.m. and watch the sky gradually lighten and hear the birds wake up.
First birds I detected were a pair of Black-crowned Night-herons the flew in overhead and foraged around the perimeter of the lake near the dam.  Then I noticed a large bump on the raining along the dam that turned out to be a Great Horned Owl.  It dropped down to the ground a couple of times but I didn't see it catch anything.  Eventually as the sky lightened, it flew across the Lake into a eucalyptus  tree on the far side and disappeared.
Overall the birding was not remarkable. Â Bird activity around Stow House was very low but I did find both a Yellow Warbler and a Wilson's Warbler in the tipu tree next to the caretaker's house. Â Nevertheless, it was a beautiful place to be early today.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 8/20/26 9:30 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] UCSB. Beaches and Lagoon, Aug 19
Fantastic! This kind of flock is long overdue.
Please follow up if something new turns up in the population. (My morning is booked or I would join you.)
Florence Sanchez
> On Aug 20, 2026, at 8:47 AM, Lynn Scarlett via groups.io <Lynnscarlett...> wrote:
>
> Devereux at Half Bridge teeming with birds. Phalaropes, dowitchers, 3 avocets, black-necked stilts, hundred plus sandpipersâwestern, least, sanderlings, greater yellowlegs. Semi-palmated plovers. Plus the usual egrets, herons, cormorants.
>
>>> On Aug 19, 2026, at 2:16â¯PM, Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> wrote:
>>>
>> 
>> I walked the UCSB beaches for the first time this season and found a large number of shorebirds on the portion of the beach north of the wooden steps at Lot 6. This is the same area where we found a Curlew Sandpiper a few years ago; until today, birding has been pretty bleak there in subsequent years. And this was in spite of some idiot on an eBike who raced up and down the full length of the beach with two barking large dogs chasing along in the surf beside him!
>>
>> Anyway, I found a good variety at this spot and got an answer to question I've been asking myself: Where are the Godwits? At Coal Oil Point Reserve, I have found only individual birds with a day's total there ending in low single digits. Apparently, this portion of the beach has what they like because they were the most numerous large shorebird I found there, outnumbering Curlews, Willets, and Whimbrels.
>>
>> One reason why this beach was perhaps more popular with shorebirds than it usually may be that the "low tide" this morning was not very low and the portion of the beach exposed south of the steps was pretty narrow.
>>
>> On the rocks at Campus Point, I found a Black Turnstone along with expected Semi-palmated Plovers and a Willet.
>>
>> The campus lagoon had nothing unexpected for this time of year except a flyover adult Ring-billed Gull, the first one I've seen this season. I also had an adult male Surf Scoter there when I first arrived. Speaking of Gulls, I had juvenile Western Gulls on the UCSB beach this morning and have been seeing individuals at COPR regularly for the past couple of weeks.
>>
>> Florence Sanchez
>>
>>
>
> --
> ---
> Lynn Scarlett
> Santa Barbara
>
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Craveri's Murrelet (Synthliboramphus craveri) (4)
- Reported Aug 13, 2026 11:27 by Philip Zeng
- Offshore--southern Pilgrim Bank, north of Santa Barbara Island (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.1055298&<ll...>,-119.1055298 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S385058300 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Two pairs with photos of at least one pair. All were obvious Craveri's, even if looks of one pair were brief. Straight demarcation of black and white on the face, long tails held cocked up, and when erupting in flight the dusky underwings and dark spur on the side of the breast was noted. Pereksta would also contend that they have a hunched back appearance when taking off or just generally in flight. Appear to reliably hold their head lower while other small murrelets (Scripps's and Guadalupe) often hold their head higher in flight. More investigation needed, but reliably seen in photos."
Craveri's Murrelet (Synthliboramphus craveri) (4)
- Reported Aug 13, 2026 11:27 by logan kahle
- Offshore--southern Pilgrim Bank, north of Santa Barbara Island (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.1055298&<ll...>,-119.1055298 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S385057399 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Two pairs with photos of at least one pair. All were obvious Craveri's, even if looks of one pair were brief. Straight demarcation of black and white on the face, long tails held cocked up, and when erupting in flight the dusky underwings and dark spur on the side of the breast was noted. Pereksta would also contend that they have a hunched back appearance when taking off or just generally in flight. Appear to reliably hold their head lower while other small murrelets (Scripps's and Guadalupe) often hold their head higher in flight. More investigation needed, but reliably seen in photos."
Craveri's Murrelet (Synthliboramphus craveri) (4)
- Reported Aug 13, 2026 11:27 by Todd McGrath
- Offshore--southern Pilgrim Bank, north of Santa Barbara Island (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.1055298&<ll...>,-119.1055298 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S385056308 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Two pairs with photos of at least one pair. All were obvious Craveri's, even if looks of one pair were brief. Straight demarcation of black and white on the face, long tails held cocked up, and when erupting in flight the dusky underwings and dark spur on the side of the breast was noted. Pereksta would also contend that they have a hunched back appearance when taking off or just generally in flight. Appear to reliably hold their head lower while other small murrelets (Scripps's and Guadalupe) often hold their head higher in flight. More investigation needed, but reliably seen in photos."
Craveri's Murrelet (Synthliboramphus craveri) (4)
- Reported Aug 13, 2026 11:27 by Caitlin Chock
- Offshore--southern Pilgrim Bank, north of Santa Barbara Island (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.1055298&<ll...>,-119.1055298 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S385060529 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Two pairs with photos of at least one pair. All were obvious Craveri's, even if looks of one pair were brief. Straight demarcation of black and white on the face, long tails held cocked up, and when erupting in flight the dusky underwings and dark spur on the side of the breast was noted. Pereksta would also contend that they have a hunched back appearance when taking off or just generally in flight. Appear to reliably hold their head lower while other small murrelets (Scripps's and Guadalupe) often hold their head higher in flight. More investigation needed, but reliably seen in photos."
Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) (1)
- Reported Aug 13, 2026 09:29 by Caitlin Chock
- Anacapa / Santa Cruz passage (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5024109&<ll...>,-119.5024109 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S385060532 - Comments: "Seen as we made our way to the south side of the passage. Small tern with a uniformly dark gray back and tail. Had a dark black spot on the head and distinctive Black Tern flight style."
Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) (1)
- Reported Aug 13, 2026 09:29 by Philip Zeng
- Anacapa / Santa Cruz passage (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5024109&<ll...>,-119.5024109 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S385058303 - Comments: "Seen as we made our way to the south side of the passage. Small tern with a uniformly dark gray back and tail. Had a dark black spot on the head and distinctive Black Tern flight style."
Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) (1)
- Reported Aug 13, 2026 09:29 by logan kahle
- Anacapa / Santa Cruz passage (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5024109&<ll...>,-119.5024109 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S385057401 - Comments: "Seen as we made our way to the south side of the passage. Small tern with a uniformly dark gray back and tail. Had a dark black spot on the head and distinctive Black Tern flight style."
Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) (1)
- Reported Aug 13, 2026 09:29 by Todd McGrath
- Anacapa / Santa Cruz passage (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5024109&<ll...>,-119.5024109 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S385056278 - Comments: "Seen as we made our way to the south side of the passage. Small tern with a uniformly dark gray back and tail. Had a dark black spot on the head and distinctive Black Tern flight style."
Cook's Petrel (Pterodroma cookii) (7)
- Reported Aug 13, 2026 14:14 by logan kahle
- Eastern slope of Santa Cruz Basin (SBA), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.331997&<ll...>,-119.331997 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S385057397 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "All initially found on the water. In bad backlight, they first presented as Sabine's Gulls. We were shocked when they lifted off as none of us has ever seen them in this part of the bight. Small gray petrels with dark "M" pattern across the back and white undersides. First group of six at 33.615864, -119.321439, then one additional bird shortly after."
Cook's Petrel (Pterodroma cookii) (7)
- Reported Aug 13, 2026 14:14 by Caitlin Chock
- Eastern slope of Santa Cruz Basin (SBA), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.331997&<ll...>,-119.331997 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S385060526 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "All initially found on the water. In bad backlight, they first presented as Sabine's Gulls. We were shocked when they lifted off as none of us has ever seen them in this part of the bight. Small gray petrels with dark "M" pattern across the back and white undersides. First group of six at 33.615864, -119.321439, then one additional bird shortly after."
Cook's Petrel (Pterodroma cookii) (7)
- Reported Aug 13, 2026 14:14 by Todd McGrath
- Eastern slope of Santa Cruz Basin (SBA), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.331997&<ll...>,-119.331997 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S385056353 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "All initially found on the water. In bad backlight, they first presented as Sabine's Gulls. We were shocked when they lifted off as none of us has ever seen them in this part of the bight. Small gray petrels with dark "M" pattern across the back and white undersides. First group of six at 33.615864, -119.321439, then one additional bird shortly after."
Cook's Petrel (Pterodroma cookii) (7)
- Reported Aug 13, 2026 14:14 by Philip Zeng
- Eastern slope of Santa Cruz Basin (SBA), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.331997&<ll...>,-119.331997 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S385058298 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "All initially found on the water. In bad backlight, they first presented as Sabine's Gulls. We were shocked when they lifted off as none of us has ever seen them in this part of the bight. Small gray petrels with dark "M" pattern across the back and white undersides. First group of six at 33.615864, -119.321439, then one additional bird shortly after."
Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) (1)
- Reported Aug 13, 2026 12:59 by Philip Zeng
- Santa Barbara Island (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.035716&<ll...>,-119.035716 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S385058299 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Assumed continuing individual (male?) that has been here for a number of years. Only asserting it as a possible continuing bird because of its association with an apparent Blue-footed x Cocos hybrid that it sired in ??. Those two are often seen together and apparently have a strong bond. Slender booby with streaked brownish-gray head, pale eye, slender gray bill, white barring on the back, and pale uppertail. Blue feet were visible at times. Photos forthcoming."
Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) (1)
- Reported Aug 13, 2026 12:59 by logan kahle
- Santa Barbara Island (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.035716&<ll...>,-119.035716 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S385057398 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Assumed continuing individual (male?) that has been here for a number of years. Only asserting it as a possible continuing bird because of its association with an apparent Blue-footed x Cocos hybrid that it sired in ??. Those two are often seen together and apparently have a strong bond. Slender booby with streaked brownish-gray head, pale eye, slender gray bill, white barring on the back, and pale uppertail. Blue feet were visible at times. Photos forthcoming."
Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) (1)
- Reported Aug 13, 2026 12:59 by Todd McGrath
- Santa Barbara Island (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.035716&<ll...>,-119.035716 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S385056319 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Assumed continuing individual (male?) that has been here for a number of years. Only asserting it as a possible continuing bird because of its association with an apparent Blue-footed x Cocos hybrid that it sired in ??. Those two are often seen together and apparently have a strong bond. Slender booby with streaked brownish-gray head, pale eye, slender gray bill, white barring on the back, and pale uppertail. Blue feet were visible at times. Photos forthcoming."
Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) (1)
- Reported Aug 13, 2026 12:59 by Caitlin Chock
- Santa Barbara Island (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.035716&<ll...>,-119.035716 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S385060527 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Assumed continuing individual (male?) that has been here for a number of years. Only asserting it as a possible continuing bird because of its association with an apparent Blue-footed x Cocos hybrid that it sired in ??. Those two are often seen together and apparently have a strong bond. Slender booby with streaked brownish-gray head, pale eye, slender gray bill, white barring on the back, and pale uppertail. Blue feet were visible at times. Photos forthcoming."
Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata) (1)
- Reported Aug 19, 2026 15:53 by Diego Perez
- field site off figueroa mtn rd (no public access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.02629&<ll...>,-120.02629 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S385049503 - Media: 1 Video, 3 Photos
- Comments: "Juvenile. Bold white supercilium and white throat. Light gray breast with some faint streaking. gray-brown back and wings. Solid dark gray crown and auricular. lark sparrow would show dark malar, patterning on wing and auricular, which this bird lacked. Foraged around my site while I worked for a few hours."
***********
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Date: 8/19/26 2:16 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] UCSB. Beaches and Lagoon, Aug 19
I walked the UCSB beaches for the first time this season and found a large number of shorebirds on the portion of the beach north of the wooden steps at Lot 6. Â This is the same area where we found a Curlew Sandpiper a few years ago; until today, birding has been pretty bleak there in subsequent years. Â And this was in spite of some idiot on an eBike who raced up and down the full length of the beach with two barking large dogs chasing along in the surf beside him!
Anyway, I found a good variety at this spot and got an answer to question I've been asking myself: Â Where are the Godwits? Â At Coal Oil Point Reserve, I have found only individual birds with a day's total there ending in low single digits. Â Apparently, this portion of the beach has what they like because they were the most numerous large shorebird I found there, outnumbering Curlews, Willets, and Whimbrels.
One reason why this beach was perhaps more popular with shorebirds than it usually may be that the "low tide" this morning was not very low and the portion of the beach exposed south of the steps was pretty narrow.
On the rocks at Campus Point, I found a Black Turnstone along with expected Semi-palmated Plovers and a Willet.
The campus lagoon had nothing unexpected for this time of year except a flyover adult Ring-billed Gull, the first one I've seen this season. Â I also had an adult male Surf Scoter there when I first arrived. Â Speaking of Gulls, I had juvenile Western Gulls on the UCSB beach this morning and have been seeing individuals at COPR regularly for the past couple of weeks.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 8/19/26 10:33 am From: Rebecca Coulter via groups.io <rfcphoebe...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Signs of migration
Hi birders, I've had a few subtle signs of land bird movement over the past few days at the Museum of Natural History: an adult male Western Tanager in a holly-leaf cherry tree and a Black-throated Gray Warbler at the fountain in the MacVeagh House garden. On Sunday at home, two Wilson's Warblers were bathing together in my birdbath (a species I rarely see otherwise), joined later by three Orange-crowned Warblers together. Adult male Hooded Orioles have mostly moved out, but immatures/females are still abundant, as are Allen's and Anna's hummingbirds at the fountain--sometimes six or eight at a time in the very early mornings. Cliff Swallows are mostly gone now except for some family groups chattering while they forage in the early evening.
Bravely facing the forecast heat ahead but so ready for autumn's cooler days and interesting migrant birds moving through!
Date: 8/18/26 10:14 pm From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Solitary Sandpiper (1 report)
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) (1)
- Reported Aug 18, 2026 08:46 by Yixin L
- Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve--Devereux Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8756027&<ll...>,-119.8756027 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S384710331 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "yellowish bill and greenish legs. distinct lack of spots and did not bob nearly as frequently as spotted sandpiper. noted dark rump in flight. did not get close enough to get good pictures or look at the eye ring unfortunately. in the slough. awful quality photos next to killdeer"
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Date: 8/18/26 2:21 pm From: David Levasheff via groups.io <dcl5277...> Subject: [sbcobirding] LLC & Devereux slough
This morning Jeff, Janice & I had a Black-throated Grey Warbler at LLC. In some oaks on the north/south trail west of the road out to the dam.
Later at Devereux we had a Solitary Sandpiper on the mud flats fairly close to the road. It disappeared when we were not looking and never showed again. Also a juvenile YCNH in the oak across from the bridge to nowhere.
Date: 8/18/26 1:27 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Coal Oil Point Reserve August 18 and Area K August 17
Last evening, I checked out the dwindling Area K. Â Because of the shrinking size, it was actually a little easier to see most of the birds. Â I found 2 Greater Yellowlegs and 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, about 15 Kildeer and an equal amount of Semi-palmated Plovers, 6 Dowitchers, and both Western and Least Sandpipers in abundance. Â I couldn't pull out any rarities among the Sandpipers. Â The pond at the most easterly edge of the wetland still has a lot of water, but it isn't attracting any birds. Â The big pond closer to the runway has lots of Phalaropes, which I was not able to identify at that distance.
This morning I walked the beaches at COPR and found essentially the same birds as I have been seeing over the past few days. Â One exception was the first juvenile Sanderling I've had at this location this season. Â The probably Common Tern that I saw yesterday was not present today.
A brief stop at Devereux afterwards found a nice flock of small shorebirds on the small mudflat just upstream of the broken bridge parking lot, but nothing new was in it. Â The White-faced Ibis I saw here yesterday was not present.
FYI: Â I discovered yesterday that the Atascadero Creek channel at Goleta Beach is now open to the sea. Â That should improve birding at this location.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 12, 2026 07:49 by Mark Holmgren
- More Mesa, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7963064&<ll...>,-119.7963064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S382674824 - Comments: "At (34.423982,-119.796226). In eucalyptus, immature or female plumage. Seen briefly twice. No wing bars, tanager bill. Yellowish bird whose wing was the same color as the body, not darker. I was unable to bring the bird back into view."
***********
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After walking the beach I checked Devereux. Â There were a few small shorebirds in range near the pullout at the broken bridge but nothing unexpected in the flock. Â AT this location was a single Ibis, presumably White-throated.I saw a goodly number of small shorebirds heading up the channel toward NCOS.
Did not pull out the Neotropic Cormorant while I was there.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 8/17/26 3:25 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] COPR August 17
I walked the beach again this morning and did not find a lot of difference from previous trips.  We still don't have any influx of juvenile shorebirds at this location except for  Western and Least Sandpipers.  Totals for individual species remain about the same, though there has been a slight increase in Willets and a decrease in Whimbrels.  Long-billed Curlews and Black-bellied Plovers still duke it out for top spot.
In the tern flock, I had three small terns. Â Two were the basic-plumaged Forester's Terns that have been there frequently on past visits. Â The third was an adult in breeding plumage that at first I called Forester's but now believe was a Common Tern, based on literature I checked after returning home.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 8/17/26 11:30 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Area K and a tribute to Patrick McNulty
Dear Dave,
Thank you for the nice article on Patrick McNulty. Â He and I were UCSB employees at the same time and often shared campus sightings. Â He was dead serious about his UCSB list! Â I remember he was as excited as I was when I found an over-wintering Magnolia Warbler in some alder trees near North Hall. But even though he took his UCSB list very seriously, he didn't take himself seriously at all and had a great sense of humor.
The last time I saw Partrick was several years ago at the UCSB Lagoon. Â We were chasing our first county Neotropic Cormorant, which had been found at Devereux but then flew elsewhere. Â It was relocated at the Lagoon and there Patrick was, excited as ever about adding a new bird to his UCSB list.
IF you get more details on the memorial service, please let us know as I think there many of us "older-timers" who would like to pay our final respects.
Florence Sanchez
On Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 10:54:44 PM PDT, Dave Compton via groups.io <davcompton60...> wrote:
Hi everyone,
I was at Area K today, on the bluffs at UCSB, where there are still good numbers os shorebirds, but a low diversity. Matt Brady was there when I left, and I assume the lack of additional reports means he didn't see anything unusual, either. I recommend getting there soon, if you want to see shorebirds there this year, because it won't be long before everything dries up.
As I was walking back to my car, through the pull off just east of the driveway to the Environmental Health and Safety Building lot, I thought of Patrick McNulty, who 20 or 25 years ago (maybe more) found a Lark Bunting at this location while stopping in to see the shorebird show.
I received word recently that Patrick passed away on August 1. I don't have a lot of details on his passing, but it sounded relatively sudden. I have a lot of fond memories of Patrick. They all focus around birds, I suppose because that was the reason we knew one another in the first place. I remember meeting him for the first time at the Bird Refuge in 1993 or 1994, while I was talking to the late Helen Matelson. It was a completely random meeting of three people interested in birds, and may have been my first time realizing there was something like a local community of people who shared this new interest of mine. Helen and I were both birding with binoculars. Patrick walked up with his Spacemaster scope to look at the ducks and other birds. That may have been the first time I had seen one of those.
I would bump into him again at times both random and not so random. A few years after our first encounter, back in the days when it never occurred to any of us that walking all around the Santa Maria estuary in our Wellingtons could be a bad idea, we both showed up there one Saturday to chase a Buff-breasted Sandpiper. There was a small group of us that day, and we all saw the sandpiper. And at one point, slightly hunched over and peering back into the uplands through that same Spacemaster, Patrick noticed a Lark Bunting, my county bird. I guess finding Lark Buntings while looking for shorebirds was a theme for him.
Another memorable encountered was a planned one. We met at Shoreline Park in the year (12 years ago? more?) when Blue-footed Booby, a bird that was rare enough that I and many others had chased one at the north end of the Salton Sea, not so long before, was suddenly turning up all up and down the coast of Southern California. Patrick and I agree to meet at Shoreline with our scopes to scan the ocean in hopes seeing one. After probably an hour or so, we watched a Blue-booted Booby flying east a few hundred yards offshore. He was pretty happy about that. I was, too, and I was glad to pay him back for the bunting and share another county bird with him.Â
Also, I think he had a nice scope by then.
I recall that, as a UCSB employee for many years, Patrick was very interested in his UCSB list. I think his rule was that if you could see it from UCSB, you could put it on your list. That's probably one reason so many of our encounters were at Area K, where he found that bunting years ago. In later years, like many birders, Patrick became a lot less active in our mutual hobby. He was a sharp and well-rounded guy, and probably had many interests I don't know about, and I assume those kept him busy. But for many years he was a CBC stalwart, a constant and welcome presence in the community, and one of the regulars who had been birding for many years before I showed up with a pair of cheap binoculars. Patrick was a man of an unfailing even temperament in my estimation, and a man with a dry wit that was never cutting. I think every minute I was around him was one well spent. From his wife Betsy, via Patrick's friend and longtime UCSB coworker Joan Murdoch, I hear that there will be a memorial service on October 24 at the Loma Pelona Center at UCSB. Betsy says she thinks it will be at 2pm.
Good birding all,Dave ComptonSanta Barbara
Date: 8/16/26 10:54 pm From: Dave Compton via groups.io <davcompton60...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Area K and a tribute to Patrick McNulty
Hi everyone,
I was at Area K today, on the bluffs at UCSB, where there are still good numbers os shorebirds, but a low diversity. Matt Brady was there when I left, and I assume the lack of additional reports means he didn't see anything unusual, either. I recommend getting there soon, if you want to see shorebirds there this year, because it won't be long before everything dries up.
As I was walking back to my car, through the pull off just east of the driveway to the Environmental Health and Safety Building lot, I thought of Patrick McNulty, who 20 or 25 years ago (maybe more) found a Lark Bunting at this location while stopping in to see the shorebird show.
I received word recently that Patrick passed away on August 1. I don't have a lot of details on his passing, but it sounded relatively sudden. I have a lot of fond memories of Patrick. They all focus around birds, I suppose because that was the reason we knew one another in the first place. I remember meeting him for the first time at the Bird Refuge in 1993 or 1994, while I was talking to the late Helen Matelson. It was a completely random meeting of three people interested in birds, and may have been my first time realizing there was something like a local community of people who shared this new interest of mine. Helen and I were both birding with binoculars. Patrick walked up with his Spacemaster scope to look at the ducks and other birds. That may have been the first time I had seen one of those.
I would bump into him again at times both random and not so random. A few years after our first encounter, back in the days when it never occurred to any of us that walking all around the Santa Maria estuary in our Wellingtons could be a bad idea, we both showed up there one Saturday to chase a Buff-breasted Sandpiper. There was a small group of us that day, and we all saw the sandpiper. And at one point, slightly hunched over and peering back into the uplands through that same Spacemaster, Patrick noticed a Lark Bunting, my county bird. I guess finding Lark Buntings while looking for shorebirds was a theme for him.
Another memorable encountered was a planned one. We met at Shoreline Park in the year (12 years ago? more?) when Blue-footed Booby, a bird that was rare enough that I and many others had chased one at the north end of the Salton Sea, not so long before, was suddenly turning up all up and down the coast of Southern California. Patrick and I agree to meet at Shoreline with our scopes to scan the ocean in hopes seeing one. After probably an hour or so, we watched a Blue-booted Booby flying east a few hundred yards offshore. He was pretty happy about that. I was, too, and I was glad to pay him back for the bunting and share another county bird with him.
Also, I think he had a nice scope by then.
I recall that, as a UCSB employee for many years, Patrick was very interested in his UCSB list. I think his rule was that if you could see it from UCSB, you could put it on your list. That's probably one reason so many of our encounters were at Area K, where he found that bunting years ago. In later years, like many birders, Patrick became a lot less active in our mutual hobby. He was a sharp and well-rounded guy, and probably had many interests I don't know about, and I assume those kept him busy. But for many years he was a CBC stalwart, a constant and welcome presence in the community, and one of the regulars who had been birding for many years before I showed up with a pair of cheap binoculars. Patrick was a man of an unfailing even temperament in my estimation, and a man with a dry wit that was never cutting. I think every minute I was around him was one well spent. From his wife Betsy, via Patrick's friend and longtime UCSB coworker Joan Murdoch, I hear that there will be a memorial service on October 24 at the Loma Pelona Center at UCSB. Betsy says she thinks it will be at 2pm.
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Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) (1)
- Reported Aug 16, 2026 11:10 by Matt Brady
- San Jose Creek--North of Cathedral Oaks, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8107304&<ll...>,-119.8107304 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S384143214 - Comments: "Continuing bird, seen ~50m N of the Patterson Rd bridge (34.4578, -119.8098). Silent, but not uncooperative. Larger vireo with a relatively long and stout bill, prominent dark eyeline contrasting with whitish supercilium separating the gray crown from a paler face, Olive upper parts contrasting with dingy white under parts. I thought the eye was dark rather than red, but I spent most of my time trying to get some photos."
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) (1)
- Reported Aug 16, 2026 10:33 by Daniel Farrar
- San Jose Creek--North of Cathedral Oaks, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8107304&<ll...>,-119.8107304 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S384191108 - Comments: "Continuing on north side of Patterson bridge. After searching for 30 minutes I was pishing in a flock and Matt Brady walked up and immediately spotted the vireo. Thanks Matt! Large vireo with greenish beach and dark line through eye. Was never vocal."
Swinhoe's White-eye (Zosterops simplex) (Exotic: Naturalized) (4)
- Reported Aug 12, 2026 09:16 by Kelly Krechmer
- Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden and Alameda Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.7060287&<ll...>,-119.7060287 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S383803029 - Media: 3 Audio
- Comments: "Exact count: Seen foraging together in the top of a tree and recorded. Group of birds foraging together; appeared to include recently fledged/juvenile birds, possibly already dispersed from the breeding area."
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Date: 8/16/26 6:08 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Black-throated Gray Warbler on Refugio Rd
On checking my photos from Saturday morning (15th) taken when Lynn and I were birding the area around the 1st crossing on Refugio Rd., I found a few shots of a Black-throated Gray Warbler. It was in the willows along the creek a couple of hundred yards north of the crossing. I didn't notice it at the time as I was concentrating on trying to get some photos of a Yellow Warbler in the same willow.
Date: 8/16/26 2:44 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] COPR Beaches Aug 14 & 16
I have checked the beaches on the above dates and found plenty of shorebirds, but nothing new.  Numbers of various species are about the same as  they have been for awhile, though short-billed Dowitchers have not been present for the past week or so. Â
Nick recently commented to me at Area K that juvenile shorebird migration seems to be late this year, and from what I've seen at Coal Oil Point, I would agree. Â What I have been seeing are returning (molting) adults.
There continues to be a single Forester's Tern basic adult in the Elegant-Royal Tern flock, though this morning, it was a different bird than the one I've been seeing before.
Florence Sanchez
(PS--I checked for the Neotropic Cormorant at Deverux today and found it perching in the bare tree where it often sits. Â The tree is just downstream from the parking area at the broken bridge, but best seen from the Nature Center Parking Lot across the road.)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Aug 13, 2026 14:14 by James Rounds
- 5638–5776 E Highway 246, Lompoc US-CA 34.64962, -120.30984, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.309838&<ll...>,-120.309838 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S383021347 - Comments: "Saw a larger peep circle briefly around the stock pond on the side of the highway. Stopped to see if I could find it. White underneath, attractively spotted back. Eye ring."
Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) (3)
- Reported Aug 14, 2026 08:00 by Noah Gaines
- Jalama Beach County Park, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.5014432&<ll...>,-120.5014432 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S383359462 - Comments: "I saw a single of a murrelet last night when the light was bad. This morning I found 3. Yesterday the bird was to the right of the creek mouth, today they were to the L. They stayed between the waves and the kelp. They were mostly bobbing around but started diving a bit later. They were near some PALOs for size comparison. I was able to see distinct white on the bottoms of the loons so this made me feel more confident in the dark coloration of these birds (that it was not just bad light).
These Alcids were very small with short beaks, no neck, chunky body and short tails and appeared all dark. I have seen Marbled Murrelet before but not recently. I am not 100% on this ID, but fairly certain. I did not see any adult Murres in the area. I was viewing through binoculars and not a scope."
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Date: 8/13/26 4:48 pm From: Wim van Dam via groups.io <wim.van.dam...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Ecard spam
All:
It's hopefully obvious that Jim Moore's email account got compromised. Please ignore the evite messages that you received and don't click on the links in them. Jim's sbcobirding account has been switched to "moderated" status, which should stop this spam from appearing on sbcobirding.
Please do not reply to this email. If you should have any questions,
issues, or problems regarding this email, please visit our FAQs
<https://evites.ink/account/> page.
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 8/13/26 11:09 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Another Semipalmated Sandpiper
A group of four of us tried valiantly to re-find this Sandpiper at Area K this morning, but we came up short. Â Because of the heavy overcast, viewing conditions were unusually good for this time of day.
We moved on to Devereux, where we combed through the small Sandpiper flock there and found nothing present except Western and Least Sandpipers.
Florence Sanchez
On Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 07:16:26 PM PDT, Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> wrote:
All,
This evening, I saw another Semipalmated Sandpiper at Area K, a different juvenile to the one from a few days ago. There was also the first juv SB Dowitcher of the season thereÂ
Regards,
Nick LethabyGoleta, <CAnlethaby...>+1 805 284 6200
Date: 8/12/26 7:16 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Another Semipalmated Sandpiper
All,
This evening, I saw another Semipalmated Sandpiper at Area K, a different juvenile to the one from a few days ago. There was also the first juv SB Dowitcher of the season there
Regards,
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 8/12/26 2:38 am From: Peter Schneekloth via groups.io <peterschneekloth...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Figueroa Mountain Purple Martin breeding update
Responding to John Lewis's request for further comments of Figuroa Mountain bird activity this year I can add a bit on my observations. Not all of these are necessarily related to recovery from the fire as per John's request for feedback. Several good winters of rain may have had an impact as well.
1. Lawerence's Goldfinches were very numerous in the burn area along Figueroa Mountain Road between the burned-out campground and Davey Brown trailhead.
2. Lazuli Buntings were in good numbers in the area mentioned above and also in the burned-out area of Cachuma Creek above Cachuma Campground. On April 6 and especially April 9 I had Lazuli Buntings migrating up Lion Canyon and passing over the saddle just below Ranger Peak towards the back country. On the 9th I had a rough estimate of 120 or so pass over in about 30 minutes. The birds were coming in pulses so fully accurate count and ID of every bird not possible but this number a good estimate. I plan to revisit this spot next spring.
3. Several trips down Davey Brown trail did not yield any Cassin's Vireo in areas where they are usually reliable, not surprising with most of the understory burned away. There sure were a lot of Humbolt Lily visible though.
4. I had confirmed breeding of Northern Pygmy Owl a bit lower down on E and W slope of mountain and a few more heard only records within Sedgwick Reserve (restricted access).
5. Olive-sided Flycatcher seemed a bit more common than usual with upwards of 3 pair on the summit and 3 more over at Ranger Peak/East Pinery area.
6. Oaks seemed to blossom a bit early this year and it is these blossoming trees where I tend to find mixed flocks of stop-over passerines. The flocks were very had to find this year.
Date: 8/11/26 1:02 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Devereux Slough Aug. 11
I made a short stop at Devereux Slough this morning. Â I didn't See the continuing Neotropic Cormorant, but I met David Blue at the half-bridge and he said he'd had it earlier perched in the tree where the cormorants often roost.
I concentrated on the small group of Sandpipers that were feeding just north of the bridge parking spot. Â Again, just Western and Least Sandpipers made up the mix, though I found a Spotted Sandpiper along the near edge of the Channel as well. Â I had an Osprey circling overhead for a few minutes--the first one I've seen at this location in a while. Â
One of the Least Sandpipers was very odd-looking.  It had a large white patch on the Primaries or wing coverts on one side.  In addition, it was also larger than any of the other Least Sandpipers in the group.  However, the rest of its coloration and the small, delicate shape of its bill certainly looked like Least.  (A "Greater Least"?) We compared it with other possible Shorebirds and ruled out both Bairds and Pectoral for many reasons.  I think David got a photo of this bird and I showed it to the Levasheffs and  Jeff Hanson as well.
Shorebirds are fun sometimes . . .
Florence Sanchez
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 8/11/26 7:39 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] No Semiplamated Sandpiper found at Area K Last evening (Aug. 10)
For over an hour, Nick Lethaby and I sorted through every small sandpiper that we could find at Area K last evening. Â We did not turn up a Semipalmated Sandpiper. Â The area is drying up fast and we noticed a definite decrease in the Egrets that have been hunting there, as well as fewer Greater Yellowlegs and Black-necked Stilts. Â Meanwhile, the number of Kildeer seems to have increased.
Best we can hope for at this point is that we'll get another Semi-palm somewhere else this season.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 8/10/26 10:59 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] San Jose Creek August 10
A quieter place from what it's been for the past two days in that there were very few birds of any species singing this morning. Â I'm not sure if it's because it was overcast to start or what, but I didn't hear a Yellow Warbler or a Hutton's Vireo sing or call until the sun peeked out at 9 a.m., and then only briefly. Â No Red-eyed Vireo seen or heard at all. Â This is what I would normally expect at riparian habitats around here in August, but it was a little disappointing.
I then went to Devereux Slough, where I spent a lot of time looking on the through the Sandpiper flock that often hangs out on the mudflats upstream of the half bridge. Â Had great views of some 30+ birds, but they were all juvenile Westerns of Least Sandpipers. Â Sometimes there have been Semi-palmated Plovers with this flock, but not this morning. Â A lone Red-necked Phalarope was swimming further out in the estuary.
Florence
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) (1)
- Reported Aug 09, 2026 08:11 by Laurel S Luby
- Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5353699&<ll...>,-119.5353699 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S381698627 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "First heard it fly over and then saw it at outlet with Willets and Black-bellied Plovers. Medium sized with bold white eye ring, yellow green legs, bobbing tail as foraging. Photos"
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) (1)
- Reported Aug 09, 2026 08:11 by Andrew Brooks
- Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5353699&<ll...>,-119.5353699 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S381707906 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "First heard it fly over and then saw it at outlet with Willets and Black-bellied Plovers. Medium sized with bold white eye ring, yellow green legs . Photos"
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) (1)
- Reported Aug 09, 2026 08:11 by Tom Beland
- Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve (restricted access), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5353699&<ll...>,-119.5353699 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S381706076 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "First heard it fly over and then saw it at outlet with Willets and Black-bellied Plovers. Medium sized with bold white eye ring, yellow green legs . Photos"
Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) (1)
- Reported Aug 09, 2026 12:34 by David Compton
- Goleta Slough Ecological Reserve--Areas I, J, K, L, M, and N, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.84824&<ll...>,-119.84824 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S381734049 - Comments: "Juvenile, seen close in. Short, straight bill with broad tip, dark cap compared to Western and contrasting with pale supercilium, darker face than in Western, dark legs, slightly larger than nearby Least. This individual also lacked the obvious red on the scapulars, visible in young Westerns."
Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) (1)
- Reported Aug 09, 2026 06:59 by Mario Ramos
- Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve--Devereux Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8756027&<ll...>,-119.8756027 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S381762519 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing Neotropic Cormorant. Observed perched in a tree on the south side of the pullout at the half bridge. Faint white border and no yellow visible on the lores. Photographed from the pullout"
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) (1)
- Reported Aug 10, 2026 06:34 by Craig Prater
- San Jose Creek--North of Cathedral Oaks, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8107304&<ll...>,-119.8107304 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S381953806 - Comments: "Faintly heard but did not see on La Josa Rd near intersection with N. Patterson, near where spotted by others recently. Several sound IDs by Merlin. Will post audio later. Did not see or hear from N. Patterson bridge over San Jose Creek."
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) (1)
- Reported Aug 09, 2026 07:18 by David Blue
- San Jose Creek--North of Cathedral Oaks, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8107304&<ll...>,-119.8107304 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S381776186 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "This bird was olive-green above with no wingbars, and white below. It had a dark eyeline, and a long distinct white eyebrow with a dark stripe above it bordering a gray crown. The bill was longer and thicker than those of our Western Warbling Vireos.
It was quite vocal at times, singing its repetitive musical phrases nonstop for many minutes from high up in the trees. It was first heard at the end of La Josa Road, 200 yards north of Patterson Avenue. Later it was heard and seen looking south from the bridge where Patterson Avenue crosses San Jose Creek. It flew back and forth from one side of the creek to the other and vocalized strongly from the trees on both sides.
This is quite possibly a summering bird as it was first heard here by Thomas Turner on June 2, 2026, and then again by him on August 7."
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) (1)
- Reported Aug 09, 2026 07:18 by Linda Blue
- San Jose Creek--North of Cathedral Oaks, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8107304&<ll...>,-119.8107304 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S381776188 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "This bird was olive-green above with no wingbars, and white below. It had a dark eyeline, and a long distinct white eyebrow with a dark stripe above it bordering a gray crown. The bill was longer and thicker than those of our Western Warbling Vireos.
It was quite vocal at times, singing its repetitive musical phrases nonstop for many minutes from high up in the trees. It was first heard at the end of La Josa Road, 200 yards north of Patterson Avenue. Later it was heard and seen looking south from the bridge where Patterson Avenue crosses San Jose Creek. It flew back and forth from one side of the creek to the other and vocalized strongly from the trees on both sides.
This is quite possibly a summering bird as it was first heard here by Thomas Turner on June 2, 2026, and then again by him on August 7."
***********
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 8/10/26 6:48 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Last evening at Area K
Four birders tried our best to pick up a Semi-palmated Sandpiper at Area K last evening. Â At that time of day, the glare and heat-shimmer problems were much les than in the morning, but the birds had moved to the center of the wetland and were really distant. Â Even at high power, I had a prospect but just couldn't be sure it was a Semi-palm. Â One birder digi-scoped a possible bird but the photo was not sharp due to the distance and "possible" was the best adjective that could be applied.
Eventually the birds flew nearer the eastern end of the wetland where they were easier to see, but still no viable prospect for Semi-palm. Â I also did not see the bird that in the morning, appeared it could be a Baird's Sandpiper.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 8/10/26 6:36 am From: John Lewis via groups.io <jwlew...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Figueroa Mountain Purple Martin breeding update
I returned to the summit yesterday morning for the first time since early July and saw no sign of the Purple Martins. I spent several minutes at the nesting cavity and observed no activity there. I didn't have time to explore nearby areas so it's possible they are still there but have left the summit area.
It will be interesting to see if this becomes an established breeding site for the PuMas. I recently looked at the observational data through Bird View and saw there have been several random sightings in the mountain areas over the years, but perhaps most relevant is Lynn Scarlett's 2025 report of one PuMa near the Figueroa Mountain summit. So it seems they have been active in the area at least two years in a row, so we can be hopeful they'll return next year.
My overall sense is that the mountain has recovered well from the 2024 Lake Fire, and that there was a greater number and diversity of birds present this year. Of course, much of the summit was spared from the worst of the fire, so perhaps it makes sense that this would be an area of more concentrated bird activity. Earlier this year, in addition to the PuMa's, I saw a group of about 16 Lawrence's Goldfinch, a trio of Northern Pygmy Owls, and what seemed to me to be greater numbers of Purple Finch, Western Wood Pewee, Mountain Quail, Ash Throated Flycatchers and Steller's Jay. Â I am curious to hear others thoughts about this.
Date: 8/9/26 3:59 pm From: Dave Compton via groups.io <davcompton60...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Area K this morning (Aug 9)
Hi Florence and everyone,
The Semipalmated Sandpiper was close in and easily identified in the early
afternoon, at least for a few minutes. I took my eye off it and lost it,
after getting good looks. If I had seen it even in the middle of the basin,
it might've been hard to ID, with the heat haze.
Shorebird numbers and variety were decent enough, for an area as small as
Area K, but not as good as they can be here. Both dowitcher species were
present, as were Lesser Yellowlegs (heard, then seen flying off to the
east), Greater Yellowlegs, Western and Least Sandpiper (a few dozen peeps
overall), Killdeer, and Semipalmated Plover. All the Black-necked Stilts I
saw were in Basin B/C, the basin farther east that has a bunch of water at
the moment. Some phalaropes were out there, too, but I could not say for
sure which kind.
Dave Compton
Santa Barbara
On Sun, Aug 9, 2026 at 2:43 PM Florence Sanchez via groups.io
<sanchezucsb11...> wrote:
> After getting the Red-eyed Vireo, I went to area K where Nick Lethaby
> reported a Semi-palmated Sandpiper last evening.
>
> As I anticipated, the glare from the morning sun made viewing difficult
> but I resolutely combed through a group of about 25 Sandpipers repeatedly
> without coming up with anything I felt comfortable calling a Semi-palmated
> Sandpiper. I did keep coming back to a bird that appeared to be an adult
> Baird's sandpiper, but I needed a better (or closer) view to be sure.
> Finally, eyestrain and a headache forced me to give it up for this morning.
>
> I stopped at Devereux where I did not turn up the Neotropic Cormorant.
> There was a nice group of shorebirds feeding on a small mudflat just north
> of the half-bridge. Nothing rare among them. I couldn't help wishing that
> the Semi-palmated Sandpiper had shown up there where the viewing was good,
> there was no heat shimmer, and one could stand in shade to observe.
>
> Florence Sanchez
>
>
>
>
Date: 8/9/26 2:43 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Area K this morning (Aug 9)
After getting the Red-eyed Vireo, I went to area K where Nick Lethaby reported a Semi-palmated Sandpiper last evening.
As I anticipated, the glare from the morning sun made viewing difficult but I resolutely combed through a group of about 25 Sandpipers repeatedly without coming up with anything I felt comfortable calling a Semi-palmated Sandpiper. Â I did keep coming back to a bird that appeared to be an adult Baird's sandpiper, but I needed a better (or closer) view to be sure. Â Finally, eyestrain and a headache forced me to give it up for this morning.
I stopped at Devereux where I did not turn up the Neotropic Cormorant. Â There was a nice group of shorebirds feeding on a small mudflat just north of the half-bridge. Â Nothing rare among them. Â I couldn't help wishing that the Semi-palmated Sandpiper had shown up there where the viewing was good, there was no heat shimmer, and one could stand in shade to observe.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 8/9/26 2:36 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] A Little more on San Jose Creek
As reported earlier, Rob Hofberg and I heard and saw (for me, briefly saw) the Red-eyed Vireo on San Jose Creek at North Patterson Avenue early this morning. Â I'm glad a later group had it low enough for photographs--when I was there it tended to stay very high up.
Whether one turns up the Vireo or not, it's a great place to bird right now and unusually active for August. A lot of stuff is still singing and I've had a nice complement of singing warblers on my visits: Yellow, Orange-crowned, Wilson's, and Common Yellowthroat. Â Best surprise yesterday (when I did NOT see or hear the Vireo), was a male Western Tanager high up in a eucalyptus tree.
Florence Sanchez Â
Date: 8/9/26 12:51 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Red-eyed Vireo
A small group of birders had relatively good views of this bird from the N Patterson Ave bridge later in the morning around 10:45 am. Â It was down low in a tree at the south east corner of the bridge (34.457601, -119.810462). Â It was singing loudly.
Date: 8/9/26 8:37 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Red-eyed Vireo
Singing loudly on San Jose Creek at North Patterson and Queen Anne Lane. Has been on both sides of the Patterson Bridge. Tends to stay high in various trees.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 8/9/26 8:31 am From: Rob Hofberg via groups.io <rhofberg...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Red-eyed Vireo
This morning at 8:00 Florence Sanchez and I found the red-eyed vireo at the corner of Patterson and the San Jose creek bridge. It was singing loudly. We followed it up the creek a bit and then flew out of sight.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) (1)
- Reported Aug 08, 2026 08:05 by David Blue
- Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve--Devereux Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8756027&<ll...>,-119.8756027 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S381303767 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "A continuing bird reported August 2 by Nick Lethaby. The submitted photos show the orange facial skin coming to a point at an acute angle and bordered by a very thin faint white line, and no yellow on the lore.
This bird was perched in a tree on the left (south) side of the pullout at the half bridge and was photographed from this location:
(34.4116231, -119.8770116)
It was first seen at 8:05 AM and then flew off alone at 8:14 down the slough toward the beach."
Along La Josa Road. Just east of the creek, in a mix of live oak and avocado trees: (34.45874,-119.80870).
Sang briefly a few times but it was more distant at that point so audio quality is poor.
Presumably a continuing bird, reported most recently yesterday morning. It briefly seemed possible that there were two individuals in the same tree although I think that's unlikely given their rarity here."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 8/8/26 12:51 pm From: Dave Compton via groups.io <davcompton60...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Black-and-White Warbler at Goleta tech park
At the business park in Goleta formerly known as LogMeIn, a Bland-and -White Warblerm was in a Tipuana tipu tree in the far southwest corner this morning. Otherwise, things were slow.
No sign of the presumed Neotropic Cormorant at Devereux around midday.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) (1)
- Reported Aug 07, 2026 10:45 by Alex Eberts
- Prisoner's and Scorpion's harbors transfer (inshore), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5945501&<ll...>,-119.5945501 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S380968798 - Comments: "What an unexpected surprise! Subadult but mostly in adult plumage. Orangeish bill and white central tail feathers. Insanely close pass as it flew alongside the boat as we approached the island."
Nazca Booby (Sula granti) (1)
- Reported Aug 07, 2026 10:45 by Wenzheng Fang
- Prisoner's and Scorpion's harbors transfer (inshore), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5945501&<ll...>,-119.5945501 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S380986484 - Comments: "What an unexpected surprise! Subadult but mostly in adult plumage. Orangeish bill and white central tail feathers. Insanely close pass as it flew alongside the boat as we approached the island."
Cooper's Hawk (Astur cooperii) (1)
- Reported Aug 07, 2026 11:00 by Alex Eberts
- Santa Cruz Island--Prisoners Harbor, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6821404&<ll...>,-119.6821404 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S380969635 - Comments: "Juvenile, seemed pretty small so likely male. Flew into the trees above the picnic tables by the base of the pier and rested for a few minutes before flying off. Was able to see the graduated tail feathers and more prominent orbital ridge giving it an “angry†expression to rule out Sharp-shinned Hawk. Will post photos."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 8/7/26 7:45 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Area K August 7
I spent some time at this spot around 5 p.m. today. Â The place is changing rapidly, with a good section of the eastern end of the wetland now almost dry. Â This resulted in more shorebird activity in the middle of the wetland, but also pushed the Egret community down to the front of the wetland, where they are hard to see from above.
Dominant species are still Black-necked Stilts and Greater Yellowlegs. Â I found also found 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, Kildeer, 2 Dowitchers and one each Wilson's and Red-necked Plovers. Â In the far pod nearer the runway, I could make out at least a half dozen Phalaropes on the water, but the distance and heat haze was such that I could not determine the species, even at highest power through my scope.
I did not re-find the Solitary Sandpiper I saw at this location on Wednessday morning.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 8/7/26 10:27 am From: Thomas Turner via groups.io <habarimbu...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Red Eyed Vireo
Hi Em,
I saw your post of eBird from last month, so I think you might be right. But if it has been singing regularly, it has been doing it somewhere else. I’m not great at spotting birds, but I’m always listening; I live nearby and walk around here all the time. This morning I could hear it from my house!
Tom
> On Aug 7, 2026, at 10:14 AM, Em Stephen via groups.io <em.stephen...> wrote:
>
> It's possible it's different birds, but I think it's likely this one is oversummering -- saw it with my mom about a month ago at vineyard rd and saw that someone else had it about a month before then.
>
Date: 8/7/26 10:14 am From: Em Stephen via groups.io <em.stephen...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Red Eyed Vireo
It's possible it's different birds, but I think it's likely this one is oversummering -- saw it with my mom about a month ago at vineyard rd and saw that someone else had it about a month before then.
Date: 8/7/26 9:27 am From: Thomas Turner via groups.io <habarimbu...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Red Eyed Vireo
I think I heard a Red Eyed Vireo singing on San Jose Creek this morning. I never saw the bird, and Merlin declined to name it based on the recording, so your thoughts are welcome. I unintentionally deleted the best recording, but I did manage this one:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S380851661
This is quite near where I heard & saw one in the spring, but I haven’t heard it singing again since then, and I’m out there about once a week.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) (1)
- Reported Aug 06, 2026 08:08 by Eunice Schroeder
- Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve--Devereux Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8756027&<ll...>,-119.8756027 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S380589174 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing immature. Flew into one of the trees across the road from the parking lot by the nature center just after I got out of my car, and remained perching there almost the whole time I was there. Smaller, slimmer, shorter-billed and longer-tailed than the Double-crested Cormorants also perching in the tree. Yellow facial skin at the end of the lower and upper mandibles is angled, like a sideways V, where they meet the cheek and throat, and there is no yellow skin present at the lores, in contrast with DCCO’s. Photos."
Swinhoe's White-eye (Zosterops simplex) (Exotic: Naturalized) (2)
- Reported Aug 06, 2026 15:39 by Dominick Burnham
- 3304 State St, Santa Barbara US-CA 34.44048, -119.73497, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.734971&<ll...>,-119.734971 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S380623339 - Comments: "Male with white eye ring and female or juvenile. Coming from and going back to one of the huge fig trees along the 3300 block of State Street, near the First Bank. Heard on Tuesday as well but couldn’t find this bird. Noticed the unique call, and Merlin detected it, both days."
***********
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 8/6/26 2:03 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Neotropic Cormorant (6 reports)
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) (1)
- Reported Aug 05, 2026 13:09 by Libby Patten
- Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve--Devereux Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8756027&<ll...>,-119.8756027 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S380350623 - Comments: "On sandbar viewable from second turnout. With a group of Double-crested Coromants, but almost half as large and with a thinner bill. Will add poor photo."
Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) (1)
- Reported Aug 05, 2026 09:18 by James Rounds
- Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve--Devereux Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8756027&<ll...>,-119.8756027 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S380240383 - Comments: "Continuing bird. Smaller than the double cresteds, with a longer tail. Whitish edge to the gape with no orange above in the lores. Foraging and perched in the trees above the dock thing."
Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) (1)
- Reported Aug 04, 2026 15:33 by DairaMorrigan Torres
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S380325896 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Clearly smaller than nearby double crested cormorants with comparably short and stubby bill, and a longer tail. On careful inspection it lacked the yellow facial skin in the lore to distinguish from the others- although the lore is pale and feathery. The acute angle of the mandible in connection with the cheek and neck also favored Neotropic. It was resting on the slough shore at the terminus with Sands Beach, then went fishing (and caught a small flounder) after which it returned to rest. It made a yawning gesture- which I suspect was to process the digestion of the awkwardly shaped fish. This was a juvenile in dark brown to light tan plumage but a similarly small black one was also seen from a distance but not confirmed by us."
***********
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 8/5/26 3:54 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] More on Area K August 5
As previously reported, I found a Solitary Sandpiper there this morning, near the eastern end of the wetland. Â I spotted it when a Greater Yellowlegs walked behind a much smaller bird (but not small enough to be a "peep"). Â Even through my scope I could not determine the actual leg color in the bad light, but all the other factors pointed to a juvenile Solitary Sandpiper. Â
Also present were the usual high number of egrets, plus at least 10 Greater Yellowlegs, 8 Black-necked Stilts, 2 Dowitchers, 2 Least Sandpipers, 1 Western Sandpiper, and several Kildeer. Â Most of the shorebirds are still congregating in the eastern end, where vegetation clumps may hide of lot of other birds. Â Still, in the more central portion of the wetland, I found the Stilts, a few Yellowlegs, and the Dowitchers, so I recommend scanning the whole area. Â And try to avoid the morning light if you can.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 8/5/26 12:45 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Neotropic Cormorant (9 reports)
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) (1)
- Reported Aug 04, 2026 13:44 by Craig Prater
- Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve--Devereux Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8756027&<ll...>,-119.8756027 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S380023287 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Observed on mudflat opposite parking pullout along with 10 double crested. Decidedly smaller and with needle like beak. Was not there when I first arrived and not sure when or where it flew in from. Poor photo below. See bird to the right of the gull."
Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) (1)
- Reported Aug 04, 2026 07:20 by Lynn Scarlett
- Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve--Devereux Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8756027&<ll...>,-119.8756027 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S379955756 - Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing very small cormorant relative to adjacent double created cormorant. More sharply angled at intersection of bare skin and feathers on head. Photo to come."
Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) (1)
- Reported Aug 03, 2026 10:12 by David Blue
- Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve--Devereux Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8756027&<ll...>,-119.8756027 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S379771723 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing bird reported yesterday by Nick Lethaby, and likely the same bird photographed by Mark Bright on July 22. This bird was much shorter and slimmer and had a shorter bill than the nearby Double-crested Cormorants as shown in the attached photo and those of Armando Aispuro who observed the bird with us. It also lacked any yellow on its lore."
Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) (1)
- Reported Aug 03, 2026 10:12 by Linda Blue
- Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve--Devereux Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8756027&<ll...>,-119.8756027 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S379773093 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing bird reported yesterday by Nick Lethaby, and likely the same bird photographed by Mark Bright on July 22. This bird was much shorter and slimmer and had a shorter bill than the nearby Double-crested Cormorants as shown in the attached photo and those of Armando Aispuro who observed the bird with us. It also lacked any yellow on its lore."
Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) (1)
- Reported Aug 03, 2026 08:45 by Lynn Scarlett
- Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve--Devereux Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8756027&<ll...>,-119.8756027 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S379630052 - Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing, first reported by Nick Lethaby; seen with 3 others in Devereux Slough on mudflat with other DC cormorants. Much smaller, relatively short bill, acute angle where lower mandible joined with cheek. See (poor) photos"
Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) (1)
- Reported Aug 04, 2026 15:33 by Chloe Kwon
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S380057200 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Clearly smaller than nearby double crested cormorants with comparably short and stubby bill, and a longer tail. On careful inspection it lacked the yellow facial skin in the lore to distinguish from the others- although the lore is pale and feathery. The acute angle of the mandible in connection with the cheek and neck also favored Neotropic. It was resting on the slough shore at the terminus with Sands Beach, then went fishing (and caught a small flounder) after which it returned to rest. It made a yawning gesture- which I suspect was to process the digestion of the awkwardly shaped fish. This was a juvenile in dark brown to light tan plumage but a similarly small black one was also seen from a distance but not confirmed by us."
Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) (1)
- Reported Aug 04, 2026 15:33 by Armando Aispuro
- Coal Oil Point, Devereux Beach, Sands Beach, and bluff trails, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8783064&<ll...>,-119.8783064 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S380056361 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Clearly smaller than nearby double crested cormorants with comparably short and stubby bill, and a longer tail. On careful inspection it lacked the yellow facial skin in the lore to distinguish from the others- although the lore is pale and feathery. The acute angle of the mandible in connection with the cheek and neck also favored Neotropic. It was resting on the slough shore at the terminus with Sands Beach, then went fishing (and caught a small flounder) after which it returned to rest. It made a yawning gesture- which I suspect was to process the digestion of the awkwardly shaped fish. This was a juvenile in dark brown to light tan plumage but a similarly small black one was also seen from a distance but not confirmed by us."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 8/4/26 6:23 pm From: Peter Schneekloth via groups.io <peterschneekloth...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Figueroa Mountain Purple Martin breeding update
Back on May 31 of this year, I had reporting sighting Purple Martins on Figueroa Mountain and seeing some indication they may be looking to breed in the area. A small group of us including Glenn Kincaid, Mark Holmgren, John Lewis and I undertook the task of tracking the bird's activity. Over time we were able to detect food delivery to the nest cavity and ultimately the presence of a recently fledged bird. Per Paul Lehman, in spite of a small number of other recent sightings, this is the first confirmed breeding in the mountains and away from the Nojoqui/Alisal area in over 35 years, the prior history is found in his "Birds of Santa Barbara County".
Glenn was particularly active in visiting and observed and recorded some unusual behavior. There was at least one additional adult male in the area and several younger birds which at times were active and attentive around the nest cavity. See Glenn's list here which includes some interesting video for starters: California Bird Atlas Checklist - 3 Jul 2026 - Figueroa Mountain area (parent hotspot) - 26 species. ( https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/checklist/S367187392?continue )
With the known second adult male around we made some effort in searching for an additional nest site but were unsuccessful in that search. If interested in more I suggest you use the eBird species map function and look at the other list posted for the event. Hopefully Glenn, Mark or John will share any additional insight or photo's they collected in their visits.
Date: 8/4/26 3:57 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Red Knot at COPR NOW
A small group of birders had excellent views of this bird as it continued to forage along the water's edge late into the morning. It remained on the west side of the Point when I last saw it at approx. 10:30 am.
Date: 8/4/26 10:40 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] More on COPR shorebirding Aug.4; Neotropic Cormorant at Devereux
I already sent out a quick note about the highlights of the day. Â Because the low tide is not particularly low, beach walkers were inevitably getting too close to bird flocks and there was a lot of movement as a result, making counting difficult. Â
As mentioned, I had a molting adult RED KNOT Slightly west of the Point itself this morning, feeding actively in the surf edge. I spotted Lynn Scarlett and got her on the bird, so we should have some nice photos in the eBird report.
Previously, I found a gorgeous adult RUDDY TURNSTONE on the Ellwood portion of the beach. Â It was first seen foraging well up on the shore among the kelp clumps, but it soon moved back to join the Black-bellied Plover flock on the beach. Â That flock was soon spooked by a runner and after flying around offshore for several minutes, the flock finally landed much further east on the beach. Â The Ruddy was still with them and I was just approaching close enough for a photo when the whole flock spooked again due to some on-coming oblivious-to-everything walkers. Â The flock headed back up the coast toward Ellwood and I quit chasing at that point.
Earlier, I had a Black Turnstone on the reef along with a Spotted Sandpiper (first Spotty I've seen at that location so far this year). Â I also had a fly-by of another Black Turnstone well off-shore.
Other species routinely seen continue in approximately the same numbers as previous visits. Â The same 2 Forester's Terns continue and this morning, they foraged over the estuary channel behind the roped-off area for a while.
After I left,I checked for the Neotropic Cormorant that had been found roosting in the bare branches of the trees behind the Nature Center earlier. Â By the time I arrived, there were no cormorants in those trees. Â However, a scan of the row of Cormorants resting on the playa of Devereux turned up the desired bird. Â Definitely smaller to the naked eye; sharp triangular gular pouch clearly visible through the scope.
So who knows what tomorrow will bring? Â Unfortunately, I won't be able to check the morning beach due to an appointment, but I hope someone else will be out there looking.
Florence Sanchez Â
Date: 8/4/26 8:58 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Red Knot at COPR NOW
Feeding at tide line just west of the point.
Also found today was a Ruddy Turnstone with BB Plovers well west on Ellwood portion of the beach. More later.
Florence Sanchez
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) (1)
- Reported Aug 03, 2026 10:03 by Maxwell Martin
- South Coast Railroad Museum at the Historic Goleta Depot, Goleta US-CA 34.44294, -119.85280, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.852798&<ll...>,-119.852798 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S379628017 - Comments: "Adult with completely rufus back and belly, touch of green on wing, rest of wing dark. Touch of green on head which could suggest a hybrid. Next to rail station and was stationary for over 10 minutes so we were able to study it closely: has been seen here by other members of group."
Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) (1)
- Reported Aug 03, 2026 10:27 by Armando Aispuro
- Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve--Devereux Lagoon, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.8756027&<ll...>,-119.8756027 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S379636987 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird. A small and pale cormorant, perhaps 70% size of nearby Double-crested Cormorants. It lacked yellow facial skin on the lore, although the lore was slightly pale. The bill was also relatively short and stubby compared with others. The acute angle of the lower mandible as it joins with the feathery cheek and throat also favors Neotropic."
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 8/3/26 11:39 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] COPR Beach and Devereux, August 2
The number of shorebirds overall was down this morning, for no apparent reason that I could see. Â For example, I counted79 Black-bellied Plovers today and they were widely scattered all along the beach; the same for Long-billed Curlews (76). Â I picked up no new species for the season, but 2 Black Turnstones were present on the Ellwood portion of the beach. Â Nice to see after missing them yesterday.
I checked the Slough mouth area to see if I could pick up the Neotropic Cormorant Nick found yesterday, but there were no Cormorants present in that portion of the Slough. Â After I finished my beach walk, I checked Devereux from Slough Road. There were about a dozen Double-crested Cormorants there, but none looked small enough to be a Neotropic Cormorant. Â A small group of juvenile Western Sandpipers was still foraging in approximately the same area where I had them yesterday.
Florence Sanchez Â
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 8/2/26 5:43 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Devereux Beach Neotropic Cormorant
All,
I rediscovered the small cormorant at Devereux today. It was easily viewable from the beach sitting on the south edge of the slough. I am comfortable it is a Neotropic as it is much smaller than the Double-crested and showed some of the requisite distinctions in the pattern of the yellow facial skin.
I asked a visiting birder to take some photos so hopefully will have some in a day or so.
Regards,
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
Date: 8/2/26 4:58 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] More on Shorebirds
I checked the beach at Coal Oil Point again early this morning. Â Surprisingly for a weekend, there were very few people on the beach at that time. Â Few major changes: Â I could find either of the Black Turnstones I saw yesterday. Â A single Forester's Tern continues hanging with the larger terns. Â
Black-bellied plovers were scattered along the length of the beach, with the majority of them foraging west of the Dune Pond Trail Marker. Â I counted 103 this morning, all molting adults, no juveniles yet. Â With the appearance of a Pacific Golden-Plover at the Santa Ynez River mouth, I gave each individual careful scrutiny. Â We are due for this species.
Afterward, I checked Devereux Slough, which was pretty quiet. Â I found a small group of small shorebirds fairly near the half-bridge: Â 7 Western Sandpipers, 1 Least Sandpiper, and 6 Semi-palmated Plovers. Â Of the 7 Westerns, 6 were fresh-plumaged juveniles.
I then checked Area K, Â which continues to be overrun with Egrets, both species. Â Quite an impressive show. Â The shorebird population was somewhat disappointing--not much species variety. Â I counted 19 Greater Yellowlegs, 6 Black-necked Stilts, 4 Dowitchers, and 2 Kildeer. Â All continue to forage at the eastern end of the wetland and thus there may have been other birds tucked out of sight.
Florence Sanchez(PS--A Warning: Â The Isla Vista portion of the Beach at Coal Oil Point has lots of tar to contend with.)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva) (1)
- Reported Aug 01, 2026 15:53 by James Rounds
- Ocean Beach Park and Santa Ynez River Estuary, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6003785&<ll...>,-120.6003785 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S378939517 - Comments: "Continuing. Found earlier by Nick Lethaby. Super distant, scope essential. Smaller than the many black bellies, looked like potentially a molting female. In flight it showed by the clean white underwings with no black in the armpits."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 8/1/26 3:13 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Coal Oil Point Reserve BEach August 1
Today we turn a page in the calendar to August, the month when we can start to expect unusual (usually juvenile) shorebirds. Â Needless to say, I didn't find any today just because the calendar changed. Â Numbers and species were similar to yesterday's counts, but there were 2 Black Turnstones today instead of just one.
As so often happens on weekends, even early in the morning, the number of beach walkers was greater and the Tern flock was disturbed almost constantly. Â There were 2 Forster's Terns in the group while I was there--the same basic-plumaged adult I saw yesterday ad an adult in full breeding dress.
Black-bellied Plovers continue to dominate the beach along with Long-billed curlews.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 7/31/26 6:00 pm From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Forster's Tern (2 reports)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/31/26 3:48 pm From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Coal Oil Point Beaches, July 31
Still a nice assortment of shorebirds present this morning. Â Black-bellied Plovers are gathering in groups--I counted 63 together in just one group today, with many others scattered along the beach. Â A Black Turnstone was present this morning--third individual I've had at this location so far this season, but none have ever stayed more than 1-2 days.
There were two Forester's terns in the tern flock today. Â One was obviously that species; the other was a little tricker as the head molt was just starting and it appeared there might be a faint dark carpal bar. Â However, I conferred with Armando who got good photos of it today and we agreed that it was a Forster's Tern.
Florence Sanchez
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Craveri's Murrelet (Synthliboramphus craveri) (2)
- Reported Jul 29, 2026 15:45 by Joel Barrett
- Prisoner's and Scorpion's harbors transfer (inshore), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5945501&<ll...>,-119.5945501 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S378064777 - Comments: "Two birds initially sitting on the water obvious murrelets. As they flushed, they lifted immediately up into flight, a dark underwing, and the dark spurr on the upper breast/neck was very very obvious"
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/30/26 1:48 pm From: Adrian O'Loghlen via groups.io <aologhlen...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Brant at Sands Beach, COPR
There was a Brant on Sands Beach this morning. It stayed at the water's edge near where the Terns, Gulls, etc. were hanging out for a brief period before flying west with a group of Pelicans. Lehman reports that this species is very rare here in mid-summer.
Date: 7/30/26 10:03 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Coal Oil Point Brach, July 30
Early morning walk at low tide did not turn up any new species of shorebirds for this location, but there was a definite increase in the number of Black-bellied Plovers and Willets this morning.
The Tern flock gradually increased after the tide turned but did not include either of the smaller terns (Common and Forster's) that were reported earlier in the week. Â I suspect both are still around and might be better looked for at a higher tide time.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 7/29/26 2:46 pm From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Forster's Tern (3 reports)
- Common Tern (3 reports)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) (1)
- Reported Jul 28, 2026 19:08 by Zach Nett
- Mission Creek outflow, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.6869361&<ll...>,-119.6869361 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S377717575 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "thought it was a Forster’s when seen flying among the Elegants, but relocated in the mix of terns on the ground and got better views. smaller than associating Elegants with black bill and incomplete black cap."
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/29/26 8:16 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Area K July 28 (evening)
I checked the area last evening and was surprised at how much the water level had dropped since Sunday. Â As a result, the Egrets have spread out along the perimeter of almost the entire wetland. Â I did not try to count them but did san the flocks to see if there might be any species other than Snowy and Great Egrets present.
The shorebird population had changed a little, with about the same number of Stilts, Greater Yellowlegs, and Dowitchers present as I found on Sunday. Â The single Lesser Yellowlegs was also present. Â New arrivals included 2 Wilson's Phalaropes and 3 Least Sandpipers.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 7/28/26 1:09 pm From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Ring-necked Duck (1 report)
- Common Tern (1 report)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/27/26 11:24 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) (1 report)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/27/26 11:21 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] No luck searching for possible Neotropic Cormorant
I checked both Goleta Beach and Devereux this morning, spending considerable time scanning the individuals at both locations through my scope. Â There is an individual at Goleta Beach with a rather unusual shape of its gular pouch, but overall size and other characteristics do not indicate a Neo.
The estuary channel at Goleta Beach is extremely full, with water coming well up the banks of the channel. Â The entrance outfall is securely blocked and it will take human intervention to open it up. Â Until then, the habitat is lousy for shorebirds. Â I found only a single Spotted Sandpiper on its shore this morning.
At Devereux, there was a nice mixed flock of small shorebirds feeding upstream of the broken bridge: Â Semi-palmated plovers, Western Sandpipers, a couple of Least Sandpipers, 2 Dowitchers, and a Kildeer.
Florence Sanchez
Date: 7/26/26 10:18 am From: Florence Sanchez via groups.io <sanchezucsb11...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Area K and Devereux Slough, July 26
I checked out Area K this morning and found the east end most productive. Â Shorebirds are definitely gathering here as the water levels drop and the Egret population is loving it. Best find this morning was a single Lesser Yellowlegs in with the Greaters (at least 10). Â Also present were at least 10 Dowitchers (silent), 18 Black-necked Stilts, and a single Sandpiper that stayed behind just enough grass to be unidentifiable. Â I counted 47 Snowy Egrets and 23 Great Egrets as well. Â I expect the numbers to increase in the days ahead.
Best viewing of this area is probably evening as the light will be behind the observer, not behind the birds as it was this morning. Â I'd avoid daytime on weekdays because of the hectic construction in the vicinity.
Moving on to Devereux, I found 1 continuing Wilson's Phalarope 27 Western Sandpipers, and 1 Least Sandpiper, along with the usual Herons and Double-crested Cormorants. Â No sign of a Neotropic Cormorant--I did not check Goleta Beach for the latter species
Florence Sanchez
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Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Jul 25, 2026 07:06 by John Deacon
- Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, including Santa Maria River Estuary (SBA Co.), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-120.6473815&<ll...>,-120.6473815 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S376263138 - Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Smallish tern. Pale nape. Distinctive black eye patch. Dark beak. No carpal bar. Deeply forked tail. Flying over estuary."
Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) (1)
- Reported Jul 25, 2026 17:39 by Asher Perla
- Goleta Beach Park (including east end of Goleta Slough), Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.829812&<ll...>,-119.829812 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S376447097 - Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "(34.4178027, -119.8291650) perched among a bunch of DCCOs. Immediately stood out as small, slender, and long tailed. Watched for quite a while as it sat with DCCOs, fished in the water, and was harassed by DCCO. Seen from several angles. No white around yellow gape, which was limited to just below the bill, none above. The pointedness of the gular skin didn’t stand out to me, but it was somewhat hard to tell at the distance I was seeing it at. Many digibins. My mom independently picked it out and commented on its slender shape and small appearance as well as its “more sleek/dark feathers†without knowing these as field marks for NECO."
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Date: 7/25/26 8:04 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) (1 report)
- Forster's Tern (5 reports)
- Common Tern (1 report)
- Common Yellowthroat (trichas Group) (1 report)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/24/26 3:22 pm From: Daniel Farrar via groups.io <jdanielfarrar...> Subject: Re: [sbcobirding] Rancho Guadalupe Dunes - Tern Show continues with six species
Yesterday at Arroyo Grande Creek mouth there was a one-day wonder Sooty
Tern. Rancho would be a perfect place to refind it!
Today Ocean Park had maybe two dozen terns. Mostly Elegants and no
candidates for something interesting.
Daniel Farrar
Lompoc, CA
<jdanielfarrar...>
On Fri, Jul 24, 2026, 2:46 PM Peter Schneekloth via groups.io
<peterschneekloth...> wrote:
> Seemed to be an uptick in Elegant Terns but I also had Common, Forster's,
> Least, Caspian and Royal Tern this morning. Lots of birds stay well back in
> the estuary but with patience sooner or later they land on beach or give
> reasonable flyby.
>
> Peter Schneekloth
> Buellton
>
>
Date: 7/24/26 2:46 pm From: Peter Schneekloth via groups.io <peterschneekloth...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Rancho Guadalupe Dunes - Tern Show continues with six species
Seemed to be an uptick in Elegant Terns but I also had Common, Forster's, Least, Caspian and Royal Tern this morning. Lots of birds stay well back in the estuary but with patience sooner or later they land on beach or give reasonable flyby.
Date: 7/24/26 6:18 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Northern Pintail (1 report)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/23/26 10:46 pm From: Hugh Ranson via groups.io <zonetail1...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Possible Neotropic Cormorant
Yesterday Mark Bright and I had permission to go into the Coal Oil Point Reserve to survey bees on the north side of the dunes. There was a flock of cormorants on the shore of the lagoon that wouldn't have been visible from the beach. I glassed through them but didn't see anything unusual, but upon seeing a photo that Mark took of the flock, it's apparent there was a diminutive bird amongst the group. The size and proportions look good for Neotropis, but the bird was too distant to pick out other features.
Date: 7/23/26 4:36 am From: eBird alert via groups.io <alert.ebird...> Subject: [sbcobirding] [eBird Alert] Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert
*** Species Summary:
- Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid) (1 report)
- Pacific Loon (1 report)
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Thank you for subscribing to the <daily> Santa Barbara County Rare Bird Alert. The report below shows observations of rare birds in Santa Barbara County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35915 NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.
Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) (1)
- Reported Jul 16, 2026 13:35 by Daniel Scali
- Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Anchorage and Beach Area, Santa Barbara, California
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&<q...>,-119.5555481&<ll...>,-119.5555481 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S375257333 - Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "My first thought was some kind of leucisism but then I realized the glare off a breeding plumaged palo made sense for the bird's size and shape"
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/
Date: 7/22/26 8:27 pm From: Nick Lethaby via groups.io <nlethaby...> Subject: [sbcobirding] North Coast birding
All,
I decided to go up to the North Coast today. At times I was wearing a hoodie so I got a real shock when I arrived on the South Coast!
The main highlight was the large tern flock at the Santa Maria River Estuary. I eventually dug up 4 different Common Terns (a mostly alternate adult and three 1Y old birds) and there was also a Forster's there as well. I had hoped to see Least Terns well but although they were always in view, they were very distant. Any tips on where to get closer views of them at the SMRE would be welcome.
Shorebirds were pretty distant and I failed to find any of interest. The number of Eared Grebes at the SMRE was impressive. It is interesting to me that there were no Western or Clark's breeding there, like on the SYRE, where there are typically no breeding Eared Grebes.
I then had a good check of the SYRE and it was 'make to want to give up birding' bad, with very few shorebirds and only a single tern (I think the terns there are out of view on the ocean side of a sandspit at the mouth). Generally, I don't think Ocean Park and the SYRE is really worth the drive right now from the S Coast.
Regards.
Nick Lethaby Goleta, CA <nlethaby...> +1 805 284 6200
