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Monthly Archives: October 2020

Grace's Warbler and Red-breasted Nuthatch, San Dieguito Drive, Del Mar

San Diego Region Birdsters,
Today (31 October) between about 10:45 am and 11:30 am I observed a male GRACE'S WARBLER in the pine trees on San Dieguito Drive about 40 m north of its intersection with Oribia Road in Del Mar (GPS coordinates Lat 32.9612 N, Lon -117.2563 E).  This is presumably the same bird overwintering here the past several years.
During that 45-minute period, the GRWA was seen twice for a total time of probably less than a minute.  During both visits it was very active, foraging in the outer clumps of needles high in the pines, sometimes hovering.  It vocalized often, with its rich tschip call heard clearly both times before the bird was spotted.
The GRWA ended its first visit to the pines by flying into the backyard of the house on the east side of the road.
A male RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH was also seen preening and quietly foraging amongst the same pine trees.
Bird on,
Carl Ebeling
Hillcrest/S. Mission Hills

Source: SanDiegoRegionBirding Latest Reports

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Carlsbad

Sorry for a delay in posting but we were not sure of this bird being a Red-naped or Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.  Thanks to Paul Lehman for checking the photos that Jane Mygatt took.  The bird was on the main trunk of a pine tree on Xana Way close and north of Alga but after a few minutes it flew off past the pool and we couldn't relocate it.
Kathy Aldern 
Leucadia 

Source: SanDiegoRegionBirding Latest Reports

Summer Tanager; Buddy Todd Park, 31 OCT2020

I observed a female-type SUMMER TANAGER this morning (31OCT2020) at Buddy Todd Park in Oceanside. My impression is that it has been slow for this species so far this fall. With all the people visiting Villa La Jolla Park recently, I don’t recall a single report at this location (which is usually very reliable).  I also observed a getting late warbling vireo. Both birds were seen in the ficus tree next to playground to the west.  There is a sufficient amount of ripening fruit to attract a good variety of birds. Photos are in following ebird report.

 

https://ebird.org/checklist/S75644251

 

Tito Gonzalez

Carlsbad, CA

 

Source: SanDiegoRegionBirding Latest Reports

Masked Booby, final chapter; Buff-breasted Sandpiper, not final chapter?

Dear friends,

The Buff-breasted Sandpiper is old news now, but I was surprised to see it
still here, 12:45-1:00 PM today 31 Oct, on the westernmost ball field at
Robb Field–the Snow Bunting field for those who remember back to 2009. Over
the past couple of weeks it has learned to be indifferent to soccer players,
as today it foraged, paying them little mind, while they ran back and forth
scarcely 20 feet from it.

Also, the Masked Booby picked up at Del Mar on 2 September 2020 finally
failed its second round of rehabilitation. Lexi Mena of Sea World was kind
enough to deliver the carcass to me at the museum on Thursday. Yesterday Lea
Squires skinned it and will complete the stuffing and stitching on
Tuesday–SDNHM 56611.

Good birding,

Philip Unitt
San Diego
Source: SanDiegoRegionBirding Latest Reports

Re: Pine Siskin in Hillcrest 10/31

All,
This species is clearly on the move this year. Studying their varied flights calls is the best way to increase your odds of encountering one. I’ve been hearing them with some regularity on San Clemente Island the past few weeks but only get eyes on perhaps 1 in 5 as they “zip” over.
Justyn Stahl

Source: SanDiegoRegionBirding Latest Reports

Now 3 Lapland Longspur-Crown Point

2:09-10/31. Flew in together as I was scanning the grass area. Able to get all 3 in one photo. Range from a pale individual to a rather dark individual.

John Bruin
Bay Park
Source: SanDiegoRegionBirding Latest Reports

Pine Siskin in Hillcrest 10/31

Probably not super exciting for most of you, but this morning around 9:30am I noticed a drab streaky bird on one of our sock feeders with the usual Lesser Goldfinches and House Finches. It was the first Pine Siskin (female) we’ve had visit our balcony (also a 5MR bird for me) and she has been returning to the feeder frequently and nipping at the LEGOs. Not sure how long she will stick around but if anyone wants to try to come have a look, you can probably view her from the sidewalk below our balcony. Message me for address/feeder check (it’s on the feeder as I type this at 1:50 PM) if interested, or if you know where I live already feel free to have a look. 

https://ebird.org/checklist/S75644707

Nathan French
Hillcrest 

Source: SanDiegoRegionBirding Latest Reports

Possible McCown's?

We stopped by Fiesta Island north of the tern nesting area this morning and picked slowly through a huge flock of Horned Larks.  There was a bird that appeared to be a Longspur but was not streaked and colored dark enough for a Lapland.  It was basically varying shades of tan coloring overall.  It had a distinct pink bill, larger bill than a Chestnut-collared it seemed.  And it had a light rusty red patch on its shoulder.  Very faint streaking on the upper chest and very white below that.  Thin streaks over the head.  Not like the dark lines on a Lapland.  When it flushed there was white on the tail but we didn't see the pattern well.  I'm not well versed in Longspurs so I am just throwing this out there so everyone can be on the lookout.  We got good looks through the scope but no pictures before it was flushed by dogs.

Alison Hiers
Source: SanDiegoRegionBirding Latest Reports

Re: Lapland Longspur at Crown Point 10/31

The Lapland Longspur is still present where Barbara found it! Also a somewhat scruffy Clay-colored Sparrow amongst the Savannahs. Longspur went back and forth from the sparrow flock to the Horned Lark flock, so check both if you come.

Aaron Gyllenhaal
San Diego, CA
Source: SanDiegoRegionBirding Latest Reports

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