Joe Morlan
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Joe Morlan
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jmorlan.bsky.social
European Mantis (Mantis religiosa)
12 September 2025. Pier 94, Salt Marsh Restoration, San Francisco, California, USA.

Usually called "Praying Mantis" they were introduced to North America from Europe. They can change color from brown to green.
European Mantis (Mantis religiosa) 12 September 2025. Pier 94, Salt Marsh Restoration, San Francisco, California, USA. Usually called "Praying Mantis" they were introduced to North America from Europe. They can change color from brown to green usually choosing a background providing color camouflage. They prey on other insects by grabbing them with their spiked forelegs. A peculiar feature of their life history is "Sexual Cannibalism" where the female kills and eats the male immediately after copulation.
November 13, 2025 at 12:49 AM
jmorlan.bsky.social
Surfbird (Calidris virgata)
04 November 2025. Hayward Landing, Hayward, California, USA.

Endemic to North America, breeding in the mountains of central Alaska and the Yukon and wintering along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to South America.

#Birds
Surfbird (Calidris virgata) 04 November 2025. Hayward Landing, Hayward, California, USA. Endemic to North America, breeding in the mountains of central Alaska and the Yukon and wintering along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to South America. In California it is fairly common as a local migrant and winter visitor but appears to be declining. Nestled among Marbled Godwits, Willets and Black Turnstones, this is an adult in winter (basic) plumage showing extensive flank and belly spotting. The bill is unusually short and blunt for a sandpiper which is why it was formerly placed in its own genus "Aphriza." Presumed hybrids between Surfbird and Great Knot have been photographed in San Diego and Japan.
November 6, 2025 at 5:22 PM
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Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)
04 November 2025. Hayward Landing, Hayward, California, USA.

Originally found 02 November 2025 by Ed Yong, a first winter (formative plumage) bird retaining juvenile wing coverts and tertials.

#Birds
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) 04 November 2025. Hayward Landing, Hayward, California, USA. Originally found 02 November 2025 by Ed Yong, a first winter (formative plumage) bird retaining juvenile wing coverts and tertials. I judged it to be a male based on its relatively small size (smaller than adjacent Willets) and short bill. They are a rarity in California. This is the seventh Alameda County record. Most Bar-tailed Godwits occurring in North America are of the dark-backed race, "L. l. baueri" which breeds in Alaska. Radio-tracked birds found this population undergoes the longest known non-stop migration of any bird. They use major pressure ridges to sling-shot across the Pacific, covering distances of up to 11,000 km (7,200 statute miles) in nine days losing up to half their body weight during these marathon non-stop migrations. Sadly, the future of these extraordinary migrants is imperiled by reclamation projects in the Yellow Sea destroying key migration staging areas for shorebirds in East Asia. They have been upgraded from "least concern" to "near threatened" as their population continues to plummet. Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) 04 November 2025. Hayward Landing, Hayward, California, USA. Originally found 02 November 2025 by Ed Yong, a first winter (formative plumage) bird retaining juvenile wing coverts and tertials. I judged it to be a male based on its relatively small size (smaller than adjacent Willets) and short bill. They are a rarity in California. This is the seventh Alameda County record. Most Bar-tailed Godwits occurring in North America are of the dark-backed race, "L. l. baueri" which breeds in Alaska. Radio-tracked birds found this population undergoes the longest known non-stop migration of any bird. They use major pressure ridges to sling-shot across the Pacific, covering distances of up to 11,000 km (7,200 statute miles) in nine days losing up to half their body weight during these marathon non-stop migrations. Sadly, the future of these extraordinary migrants is imperiled by reclamation projects in the Yellow Sea destroying key migration staging areas for shorebirds in East Asia. They have been upgraded from "least concern" to "near threatened" as their population continues to plummet. Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) 04 November 2025. Hayward Landing, Hayward, California, USA. Originally found 02 November 2025 by Ed Yong, a first winter (formative plumage) bird retaining juvenile wing coverts and tertials. I judged it to be a male based on its relatively small size (smaller than adjacent Willets) and short bill. They are a rarity in California. This is the seventh Alameda County record. Most Bar-tailed Godwits occurring in North America are of the dark-backed race, "L. l. baueri" which breeds in Alaska. Radio-tracked birds found this population undergoes the longest known non-stop migration of any bird. They use major pressure ridges to sling-shot across the Pacific, covering distances of up to 11,000 km (7,200 statute miles) in nine days losing up to half their body weight during these marathon non-stop migrations. Sadly, the future of these extraordinary migrants is imperiled by reclamation projects in the Yellow Sea destroying key migration staging areas for shorebirds in East Asia. They have been upgraded from "least concern" to "near threatened" as their population continues to plummet.
November 5, 2025 at 4:40 PM
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Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
26 October 2025. North Lake, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, USA.

Frequently misspelled, they were named in honor of the German naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller who collected the first specimen.

#Birds
Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) 26 October 2025. North Lake, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, USA. Frequently misspelled, they were named in honor of the German naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller who collected the first specimen. Range in evergreen forests of western North America, they often visit picnic tables. They are famous for imitating a variety of birds, mammals, and other sounds including hawks, squirrels, and creaking trees. The pale blue streaks on its forehead are characteristic of coastal populations. This is the paler subspecies "C. s. carbonacea" which has more extensive blue streaking and is resident in central coastal California.
October 30, 2025 at 5:58 PM
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Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)
28 October 2025. Mirada Surf County Park, El Granada, California, USA.

A rare vagrant in California. The sharply pointed and attenuated rectrices indicate an immature (formative plumage) and the all dark primary coverts and alula indicate a female.

#Birds
Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) 28 October 2025. Mirada Surf County Park, El Granada, California, USA. A very rare vagrant in California, found 10/27 by Joanne Kerbavaz. The sharply pointed and attenuated rectrices indicate an immature (formative plumage) and the all dark primary coverts and alula indicate a female. Widespread nominate subspecies characterized by relatively small size and reduced white on its lower back but here based on range. Formerly classified with other buntings in Emberizidae, Snow Buntings are now placed in a new family, the Calcariidae along with the Longspurs. Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) 28 October 2025. Mirada Surf County Park, El Granada, California, USA. A very rare vagrant in California, found 10/27 by Joanne Kerbavaz. The sharply pointed and attenuated rectrices indicate an immature (formative plumage) Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) 28 October 2025. Mirada Surf County Park, El Granada, California, USA. A very rare vagrant in California, found 10/27 by Joanne Kerbavaz. The all dark primary coverts and alula indicate a female.
October 29, 2025 at 3:37 PM
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Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata)
27 October 2025. Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary, Alameda, California, USA.

Harsh backlighting was a challenge. Found by Deborah Crooks October 24, a very rare and declining late Fall migrant in California.

#Birds
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata) 27 October 2025. Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary, Alameda, California, USA. Harsh backlighting was a challenge. Found by Deborah Crooks October 24, a very rare and declining late Fall migrant in California. This juvenile appears to be the third record for Alameda County, the first was in 1959 and the second in 2008. Recalls Pectoral Sandpiper but lacks the extensive breast streaking. Instead has a buff colored wash across the breast with streaking confined to a narrow band just below the chin. Note the contrasting reddish cap, white supercilium and throat without streaks and distinct eyering. Despite the similarity between the two, genetic studies have found that Pectoral and Sharp-tailed are not closely related.
October 28, 2025 at 5:08 PM
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Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
24 August 2025. Shamrock Ranch, Pacifica, California, USA.

Posing on a dead sunflower head. A female of the race "J. h. pinosus" which is largely resident. They are distinguished by having more extensive pinkish color on their sides.

#Birds
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 24 August 2025. Shamrock Ranch, Pacifica, California, USA. Posing on a dead sunflower head, a natural feeding station. A female of the race "J. h. pinosus" which is largely resident. They are distinguished by having more extensive pinkish color on their sides. The contrasting gray hood is a feature of the far west "Oregon Junco" group formerly split as a separate species.
October 24, 2025 at 4:29 PM
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Columbian Black-tailed Deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus).
23 October 2025. San Pedro Valley Park, Pacifica, California, USA.

Note sideways cud chewing action. Not often seen in the wild, deer usually repair to a safe place to chew their cud.

#Nature #Wildlife
October 23, 2025 at 10:55 PM
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Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
01 August 2017. Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District, San Rafael, California, USA.

A peaceful reflective setting. An adult in breeding plumage showing black chin and bill ring.

#Birds
October 22, 2025 at 5:45 PM
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Cooper's Hawk (Astur cooperii)
22 August 2025. Pacifica, California, USA.

A juvenile Cooper's Hawk perching on our backyard fence checking out our bird feeders. They feed on small birds.

#Birds
Cooper's Hawk (Astur cooperii) 22 August 2025. Pacifica, California, USA. A juvenile Cooper's Hawk perching on our backyard fence checking out our bird feeders. Notice the rusty facial feathers, forward facing eyes, and sparsely streaked belly which help distinguish this species from the smaller Sharp-shinned Hawk. Both feed mostly on small birds. Formerly restricted to remote forests, but has adapted to towns and villages, sometimes nesting along tree lined residential streets. Formerly placed in the genus "Accipiter". Cooper's Hawk (Astur cooperii) 22 August 2025. Pacifica, California, USA. A juvenile Cooper's Hawk perching on our backyard fence checking out our bird feeders. Notice the rusty facial feathers, forward facing eyes, and sparsely streaked belly which help distinguish this species from the smaller Sharp-shinned Hawk. Both feed mostly on small birds. Formerly restricted to remote forests, but has adapted to towns and villages, sometimes nesting along tree lined residential streets. Formerly placed in the genus "Accipiter".
October 21, 2025 at 6:42 PM
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Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
24 August 2025. Point San Pedro, Pacifica, California, USA.

Late nestlings. Likely a second brood. The yellow "gape flanges" attached to the edges of the bill and yellow-orange mouth lining stimulate the adult birds to feed their babies.

#Birds
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) 24 August 2025. Point San Pedro, Pacifica, California, USA. Late nestlings. Likely a second brood. The yellow "gape flanges" attached to the edges of the bill and yellow-orange mouth lining stimulate the adult birds to feed their babies. North American breeding birds are the subspecies "H. r. erythrogaster" characterized by their reddish belly. They are named for their adopted habit of nesting in barns or other man-made structures. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) 24 August 2025. Point San Pedro, Pacifica, California, USA. Late nestlings. Likely a second brood. The yellow "gape flanges" attached to the edges of the bill and yellow-orange mouth lining stimulate the adult birds to feed their babies. North American breeding birds are the subspecies "H. r. erythrogaster" characterized by their reddish belly. They are named for their adopted habit of nesting in barns or other man-made structures.
October 20, 2025 at 5:22 PM
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Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus)
9 October 2022. Lake Merced, San Francisco, California, USA.

A blue iridescent male striking a tail-up pose. Still expanding their range, they were first recorded in California along the Colorado River in 1964.

#Birds
Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) 9 October 2022. Lake Merced, San Francisco, California, USA. A blue iridescent male striking a tail-up pose. Still expanding their range, they were first recorded in California along the Colorado River in 1964 and are now locally common in Northern California. Formerly lumped with the similar Boat-tailed Grackle of the East and Gulf coasts.
October 19, 2025 at 5:38 PM
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Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
16 October 2025. Skylawn Cemetery, Highlands, California, USA.

They breeds across much of the continent, choosing gravel bars when available. But they have become well adapted to nesting on roadsides, golf course edges and even tar & gravel rooftops.

#Birds
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) 16 October 2025. Skylawn Cemetery, Highlands, California, USA. One of the most widespread and familiar North American shorebird. They breeds across much of the continent, choosing gravel bars when available. But they have become well adapted to nesting on roadsides, golf course edges and even tar & gravel rooftops. They are noisy alarmists, calling a loud "kill-dee" frequently stirring up anxiety among all the other birds for no apparent reason. Thus the name "vociferus". North American birds are the larger nominate race. Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) 16 October 2025. Skylawn Cemetery, Highlands, California, USA. One of the most widespread and familiar North American shorebird. They breeds across much of the continent, choosing gravel bars when available. But they have become well adapted to nesting on roadsides, golf course edges and even tar & gravel rooftops. They are noisy alarmists, calling a loud "kill-dee" frequently stirring up anxiety among all the other birds for no apparent reason. Thus the name "vociferus". North American birds are the larger nominate race.
October 18, 2025 at 8:35 PM
jmorlan.bsky.social
Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)
16 October 2025. Skylawn Cemetery, Highlands, California, USA.

Famous for different populations having different call types and bill sizes.

#Birds
Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) 16 October 2025. Skylawn Cemetery, Highlands, California, USA. Famous for different populations having different call types and bill sizes. My voice recording matches type 12. However that type is centered in the northeast and has only one previous California record. But it might be the enigmatic type 7, the rarest call type with unknown call variation and unknown range. For now it remains a mystery. The left bird is a male with a mixture of red and yellow. It is tempting to attribute the yellow to immaturity but they are nomadic and molt at different seasons. Adult males molting in winter look like this. Crossbills specialize on Pine Cones. Their crossed bill tip specialized for extracting pine nuts from the cones. Sometimes called the "Common Crossbill." Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) 16 October 2025. Skylawn Cemetery, Highlands, California, USA. Famous for different populations having different call types and bill sizes. My voice recording matches type 12. However that type is centered in the northeast and has only one previous California record. But it might be the enigmatic type 7, the rarest call type with unknown call variation and unknown range. For now it remains a mystery.
October 17, 2025 at 1:03 AM
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Hudsonian Whimbrel (Numenius hudsonicus)
13 October 2025. Coyote Point Recreation Area, San Mateo, California, USA.

Taxonomy in transition. Formerly lumped with the Eurasian Whimbrel they are scheduled to be split in the next Clements/eBird update.

#Birds
Hudsonian Whimbrel (Numenius hudsonicus) 13 October 2025. Coyote Point Recreation Area, San Mateo, California, USA. Taxonomy in transition. Formerly lumped with the Eurasian Whimbrel they are scheduled to be split in the next Clements/eBird update bringing our taxonomy in line with IOC and AviList and reverting to an older taxonomy before they were lumped in 1957. Hudsonian differs from Eurasian Whimbrel in having a dark rump and more contrasting head stripes. This is an adult in non-breeding (basic) plumage. Note its diffuse feather pattern and relatively long pink-based bill. Their diet appears to be mostly Mole Crabs. They are long-distance migrants and winter visitors on our beaches and rocky shores but are rarely encountered inland. .
October 15, 2025 at 6:28 PM
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Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva)
13 October 2025. Coyote Point Recreation Area, San Mateo, California, USA.

A nice bright juvenile found 09 October by Michael Long. Increasingly scarce in California.

#Birds
Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva) 13 October 2025. Coyote Point Recreation Area, San Mateo, California, USA. A nice bright juvenile found 09 October by Michael Long. Increasingly scarce in California, they are long-distance migrants breeding from the Russian Far-East to northern Alaska, and migrating as far as Australia and New Zealand. The yellowish eyebrow, extensive gold spangling and short primary projection help distinguish this species from the similar American Golden-Plover. Here in California, both species may occur during migration but only Pacific is known to winter. The two species were split in 1993. Formerly they went under the name "Lesser Golden-Plover." Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva) 13 October 2025. Coyote Point Recreation Area, San Mateo, California, USA. A nice bright juvenile found 09 October by Michael Long. Increasingly scarce in California, they are long-distance migrants breeding from the Russian Far-East to northern Alaska, and migrating as far as Australia and New Zealand. The yellowish eyebrow, extensive gold spangling and short primary projection help distinguish this species from the similar American Golden-Plover. Here in California, both species may occur during migration but only Pacific is known to winter. The two species were split in 1993. Formerly they went under the name "Lesser Golden-Plover." Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva) 13 October 2025. Coyote Point Recreation Area, San Mateo, California, USA. Spread wing showing smoky gray underwing lacking dark axillaries of similar Black-bellied Plover.
October 14, 2025 at 3:28 PM
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White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi)
13 October 2025. Coyote Point Freshwater Marsh, San Mateo, California, USA.

Scarce along the immediate coast, this bird was first reported 07 October by Tom Duncan. A non-breeding adult showing the green and bronze sheen.

#Birds
October 14, 2025 at 1:32 AM
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Western Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis)
14 September 2025. Fort Mason, San Francisco, California, USA.

Formerly split from the virtually identical Cordilleran Flycatcher under the name "Pacific-slope Flycatcher."

#Birds
Western Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis) 14 September 2025. Fort Mason, San Francisco, California, USA. Formerly split from the virtually identical Cordilleran Flycatcher under the name "Pacific-slope Flycatcher." More recent research found extensive hybridization and more vocal overlap than previously thought. Presumably the nominate race. The buffy wing-bars indicate an immature (formative plumage). Note the yellow throat and the tear-drop shaped eyering which expands behind the eye which help distinguish this species from similar "Empidonax" species. Western Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis) 14 September 2025. Fort Mason, San Francisco, California, USA. Formerly split from the virtually identical Cordilleran Flycatcher under the name "Pacific-slope Flycatcher." More recent research found extensive hybridization and more vocal overlap than previously thought. Presumably the nominate race. The buffy wing-bars indicate an immature (formative plumage). Note the yellow throat and the tear-drop shaped eyering which expands behind the eye which help distinguish this species from similar "Empidonax" species.
October 12, 2025 at 10:49 PM
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Pygmy Nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea)
14 September 2025. Fort Mason, San Francisco, California, USA.

Usually preferring to forage on tree trunks and pine cones, this one has discovered the sweet joy Crimson Bottlebrush nectar.

#Birds
Pygmy Nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea) 14 September 2025. Fort Mason, San Francisco, California, USA. Usually preferring to forage on tree trunks and pine cones, this one has discovered the sweet joy Crimson Bottlebrush nectar. Resident with a patchy distribution in Western North America, they usually associate with pine. But here along the West Coast they have adapted to a variety of wooded habitats. In non-breeding (basic) plumage these smallest of North American nuthatches are buffy below but that color fades to white. The nominate race here is characterized by ear coverts almost the same color as the crown. Other races have contrasting dark ear coverts. Pygmy Nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea) 14 September 2025. Fort Mason, San Francisco, California, USA. Usually preferring to forage on tree trunks and pine cones, this one has discovered the sweet joy Crimson Bottlebrush nectar. Resident with a patchy distribution in Western North America, they usually associate with pine. But here along the West Coast they have adapted to a variety of wooded habitats. In non-breeding (basic) plumage these smallest of North American nuthatches are buffy below but that color fades to white. The nominate race here is characterized by ear coverts almost the same color as the crown. Other races have contrasting dark ear coverts. Pygmy Nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea) 14 September 2025. Fort Mason, San Francisco, California, USA. Usually preferring to forage on tree trunks and pine cones, this one has discovered the sweet joy Crimson Bottlebrush nectar. Resident with a patchy distribution in Western North America, they usually associate with pine. But here along the West Coast they have adapted to a variety of wooded habitats. In non-breeding (basic) plumage these smallest of North American nuthatches are buffy below but that color fades to white. The nominate race here is characterized by ear coverts almost the same color as the crown. Other races have contrasting dark ear coverts.
October 11, 2025 at 3:26 PM
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Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus)
10 October 2025. Mavericks Beach, Moss Beach, California, USA.

An uncommon and declining visitor to California, this individual was particularly cooperative. A female in non-breeding (basic) plumage by the lack of rufous nape and overall buffy color.

#Birds
Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) 10 October 2025. Mavericks Beach, Moss Beach, California, USA. Working the kelp wrack at Mavericks Beach. An uncommon and declining visitor to California, this individual was particularly cooperative. Found yesterday by Cricket Raspet. A female in non-breeding (basic) plumage by the lack of rufous nape and overall buffy color. The long, straight rear claw gives longspurs their name. The black outline to the ear coverts and contrasting chestnut greater wing coverts help distinguish this species. Also known as "Lapland Bunting" in Britain. California specimens consistent with paler "C. l. alascensis:" Declines in our area attributed to climate change and decommissioning of dairy farms at Point Reyes. Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) 10 October 2025. Mavericks Beach, Moss Beach, California, USA. Working the kelp wrack at Mavericks Beach. An uncommon and declining visitor to California, this individual was particularly cooperative. Found yesterday by Cricket Raspet. A female in non-breeding (basic) plumage by the lack of rufous nape and overall buffy color. The long, straight rear claw gives longspurs their name. The black outline to the ear coverts and contrasting chestnut greater wing coverts help distinguish this species. Also known as "Lapland Bunting" in Britain. California specimens consistent with paler "C. l. alascensis:" Declines in our area attributed to climate change and decommissioning of dairy farms at Point Reyes. Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) 10 October 2025. Mavericks Beach, Moss Beach, California, USA. Working the kelp wrack at Mavericks Beach. An uncommon and declining visitor to California, this individual was particularly cooperative. Found yesterday by Cricket Raspet. A female in non-breeding (basic) plumage by the lack of rufous nape and overall buffy color. The long, straight rear claw gives longspurs their name. The black outline to the ear coverts and contrasting chestnut greater wing coverts help distinguish this species. Also known as "Lapland Bunting" in Britain. California specimens consistent with paler "C. l. alascensis:" Declines in our area attributed to climate change and decommissioning of dairy farms at Point Reyes.
October 10, 2025 at 9:33 PM
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Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
30 September 2025. Bodega Harbor, Bodega Bay, California, USA.

Non-breeding (basic) plumage. The smudgy "bow-tie" pattern on the chest and orange legs help distinguish them from the more common Black Turnstone.

#Birds
Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) 30 September 2025. Bodega Harbor, Bodega Bay, California, USA. Non-breeding (basic) plumage. The smudgy "bow-tie" pattern on the chest and orange legs help distinguish them from the more common Black Turnstone. One of a flock of five Ruddy Turnstones near the Tides Wharf, the largest number I have seen in California since 1973. One study found they declined by 43% along the entire California coast from 1990 to 2005. Sadly this trend has continued and they remain very uncommon to rare here. However they remain very common away from the North American West Coast where they don't have to compete with Black Turnstones.
October 9, 2025 at 3:14 PM
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Cinnamon Teal (Spatula cyanoptera)
05 October 2025. Lake Merced, San Francisco, California, USA.

A striking adult male still showing body scalloping retained from summer plumage. Its population is estimated at fewer than 300,000 making it one of our least common dabbling ducks.

#Birding
Cinnamon Teal (Spatula cyanoptera) 05 October 2025. Lake Merced, San Francisco, California, USA. A striking adult male still showing body scalloping retained from summer (eclipse) plumage. Its North American population is estimated at fewer than 300,000 making it one of our least common dabbling ducks. Formerly placed in the genus "Anas," this is the North American subspecies "septentrionalium" lacking black spots on its sides and breast found in South America.
October 9, 2025 at 12:08 AM
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Clark's Grebe (Aechmophorus clarkii)
05 October 2025. Lake Merced, San Francisco, California, USA.

A recently hatched juvenile, not yet full grown and still begging for food. Note more extensive white plumage but a darker bill and interesting crown pattern.

#Birds
Clark's Grebe (Aechmophorus clarkii) 05 October 2025. Lake Merced, San Francisco, California, USA. A recently hatched juvenile, not yet full grown and still begging for food. Note more extensive white plumage but a darker bill and interesting crown pattern. Formerly thought to be a color morph of the Western Grebe, Clark's Grebe was split into a separate species in 1985. These large swan-like grebes of Western North America are best distinguished by the placement of the red eye. Birds with the eye mostly surrounded by white are Clark's while Western Grebe has the eye surrounded by dark.
October 6, 2025 at 5:57 PM
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Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris)
04 October 2025. El Granada, California, USA.

Donna Pomeroy kindly allowed birders access to her house to see this Painted Bunting visiting a feeder in her yard. A rare vagrant in California with at least four previous San Mateo County records.

#Birds
Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) 04 October 2025. El Granada, California, USA. Donna Pomeroy kindly allowed birders access to her house to see this Painted Bunting visiting a feeder in her yard. Males take two years to acquire their outrageously bright multi-colored plumage. In their first year, they are usually indistinguishable from the overall greenish females. A rare vagrant in California with at least four previous San Mateo County records. This individual is a juvenile with pale base to the bill and pale tips to its wing coverts forming a faint wing bar. Two subspecies are separated by a broad range gap. They have different molt and migration strategies. "P. c. pallidior" migrates in juvenal plumage while "P. c. ciris" does not, thus confirming our bird is "pallidior".
October 5, 2025 at 10:41 PM
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Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)
03 October 2025. Fort Mason, San Francisco, California, USA.

Note the red inner web extending to the tip and all the way to the feather shaft and the dark centers to the crown feathers. The fourth record for the city of San Francisco.

#Birds
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) 03 October 2025. Fort Mason, San Francisco, California, USA. First reported by Francesca Pastine on 01 October. Flycatchers in the genus "Myiarchus" are notoriously difficult to identify. Subtle differences in the distribution of red in the tail can help. Note the red inner web extending to the tip and all the way to the feather shaft. Usually visible on the underside of the tail, but here a misplaced feather shows this pattern from above. Note also the dark centers to the crown feathers. The combination of more extensive lemon yellow belly contrasting with mouse gray chest and a the pink base to the bill help distinguish this species. A very rare vagrant to California. If accepted this is the fourth record for the city of San Francisco.
October 4, 2025 at 3:47 PM