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Canada warbler

Rachel Lawrence
 

GG botanicals showing again
Canada Warbler at the Zellerbach Garden, Botanical Garden

Dario Taraborelli
 

Found by Noah Arthur at (37.7683830, -122.4714210)
Re: Birding Ethics and Tape Playback

judisierra
 

Maybe one of the most salient points not mentioned is that the Presidio is a National Park. Tape playing isn't allowed in National Parks. Period. Although Jim brought up good points that this person didn't want to hear, maybe getting a fine would wake him up.
Re: Ferruginous & Early Arrivals

Brian Fitch
 

I was doing a quick scan out of my kitchen window when I spotted a distant raptor heading south.  It was flying laterally, and appeared to be a harrier from the obvious white rump, but luckily it caught a thermal and began circling and gaining altitude.  Then I could see that it was a buteo and not a harrier, and it gave me time to post a quick message and then run down the hall and get my 10x binos rather than my 8x kitchen pair.  The Ferrug slowly drifted closer to my position, allowing adequate views dorsally of the white rump, the dark mantle and inner wing, white outer wing, and ventrally it was very white.  It then broke from the thermal and headed south.

Earlier, I was out at Lake Merced and then Mt Davidson.  Around 7:30, there was an interesting set of early birds on the lake, three female Buffleheads, four Mew Gulls (don't bother correcting me) and a Glaucous-winged Gull.  Mt D had a male American Kestrel, at least three Fox Sparrows, and some Cedar Waxwings, and both sites had only sparse representations of other migrants.
Brian Fitch

On Mon, Sep 13, 2021 at 11:39 AM Brian Fitch via groups.io <fogeggs=gmail.com@groups.io> wrote:
Looks like a juv Ferruginous Hawk heading south towards Bernal.  I picked it up circling over the upper Mission
Brian Fitch
Ferruginous

Brian Fitch
 

Looks like a juv Ferruginous Hawk heading south towards Bernal.  I picked it up circling over the upper Mission
Brian Fitch
Re: Birding Ethics and Tape Playback

Mike Correll-Feichtner
 

What email?  What Thrasher?

Mike Correll-Feichtner 
Livermore



Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone


-------- Original message --------
From: David Webster <davisigno@...>
Date: 9/12/21 7:11 PM (GMT-08:00)
To: Jim Chiropolos <jnc@...>
Cc: SF Birds <SFBirds@groups.io>
Subject: Re: [SFBirds] Birding Ethics and Tape Playback

Some really great points, Jim!  I'm glad you broached this subject. I live adjacent to the Presidio, and though I'm a new 'bird observer'(since the pandemic) and now consider myself 'obsessed' with all things birds, I get the etiquette part, and All your other observations. Respect.   Thanks,  for putting this out there!

Best, 
David Webster 

On Sun, Sep 12, 2021, 4:09 PM Jim Chiropolos <jnc@...> wrote:

I birded dragonfly creek today to look for the thrasher. As i walked dow, I asked another birder if they had seen it and they told me “No but the birding was very distracting, as another birder was cranking thrasher calls on top volume in a continuous cycle.” I walked down the trail and sure enough, tape playback was fully cranked.”

I told the birder that tape playback was not really useful to find the bird and they told me no one could tell them not to use tape playback and who in the hell was I to tell them anything.”The birder then left.

Lets remember birding ethics out here - my guess is this was a starting birder who does not understand the impact of using tape playback.

1. First - tape playback is considered stressful for birds. Google Sibley on the use of tape playback and he has a thoughtful discussion of the use of playback.
2.Overuse of tape playback may cause the thrasher to leave this area.
3. Many birders consider the use of playback offensive, if other birders are present, please ask them before you use it!
4. For a target bird in an area, this bird will be called out because people are doing this. Watch how good guides use it on birding trips - very judiciously and not on loops or high volumne.
5. To find a skulker, you need to here it first. You lose your hearing cranking playback.
6. By using playback in the presence of others, you are losing your best tool - other birders - good birders will not stay in your presence because they cannot here birds and sadly, if I see the bird and you are cranking playback, I will probably not call you over and normally, I like getting people on birds and a lot of people have seen lifers or county birds with me - thats fun!

Later on - we did see the thrasher - no playback needed - and how did we see it - we heard it first.

Anyways, remember birding ethics and consider the impact   Of your behavior on the birds - they have it really tough these days! 

Good birding!
And no need for anyone to pile on this post.

Jim Chiropolos
Orinda
Re: Birding Ethics and Tape Playback

David Webster
 

Some really great points, Jim!  I'm glad you broached this subject. I live adjacent to the Presidio, and though I'm a new 'bird observer'(since the pandemic) and now consider myself 'obsessed' with all things birds, I get the etiquette part, and All your other observations. Respect.   Thanks,  for putting this out there!

Best, 
David Webster 

On Sun, Sep 12, 2021, 4:09 PM Jim Chiropolos <jnc@...> wrote:

I birded dragonfly creek today to look for the thrasher. As i walked dow, I asked another birder if they had seen it and they told me “No but the birding was very distracting, as another birder was cranking thrasher calls on top volume in a continuous cycle.” I walked down the trail and sure enough, tape playback was fully cranked.”

I told the birder that tape playback was not really useful to find the bird and they told me no one could tell them not to use tape playback and who in the hell was I to tell them anything.”The birder then left.

Lets remember birding ethics out here - my guess is this was a starting birder who does not understand the impact of using tape playback.

1. First - tape playback is considered stressful for birds. Google Sibley on the use of tape playback and he has a thoughtful discussion of the use of playback.
2.Overuse of tape playback may cause the thrasher to leave this area.
3. Many birders consider the use of playback offensive, if other birders are present, please ask them before you use it!
4. For a target bird in an area, this bird will be called out because people are doing this. Watch how good guides use it on birding trips - very judiciously and not on loops or high volumne.
5. To find a skulker, you need to here it first. You lose your hearing cranking playback.
6. By using playback in the presence of others, you are losing your best tool - other birders - good birders will not stay in your presence because they cannot here birds and sadly, if I see the bird and you are cranking playback, I will probably not call you over and normally, I like getting people on birds and a lot of people have seen lifers or county birds with me - thats fun!

Later on - we did see the thrasher - no playback needed - and how did we see it - we heard it first.

Anyways, remember birding ethics and consider the impact   Of your behavior on the birds - they have it really tough these days! 

Good birding!
And no need for anyone to pile on this post.

Jim Chiropolos
Orinda
Re: Birding Ethics and Tape Playback

tracy_farrington
 

I won’t pile on, Jim. 
Just wish to add well said.
Tracy Farrington
Walnut Creek


On Sep 12, 2021, at 4:09 PM, Jim Chiropolos <jnc@...> wrote:



I birded dragonfly creek today to look for the thrasher. As i walked dow, I asked another birder if they had seen it and they told me “No but the birding was very distracting, as another birder was cranking thrasher calls on top volume in a continuous cycle.” I walked down the trail and sure enough, tape playback was fully cranked.”

I told the birder that tape playback was not really useful to find the bird and they told me no one could tell them not to use tape playback and who in the hell was I to tell them anything.”The birder then left.

Lets remember birding ethics out here - my guess is this was a starting birder who does not understand the impact of using tape playback.

1. First - tape playback is considered stressful for birds. Google Sibley on the use of tape playback and he has a thoughtful discussion of the use of playback.
2.Overuse of tape playback may cause the thrasher to leave this area.
3. Many birders consider the use of playback offensive, if other birders are present, please ask them before you use it!
4. For a target bird in an area, this bird will be called out because people are doing this. Watch how good guides use it on birding trips - very judiciously and not on loops or high volumne.
5. To find a skulker, you need to here it first. You lose your hearing cranking playback.
6. By using playback in the presence of others, you are losing your best tool - other birders - good birders will not stay in your presence because they cannot here birds and sadly, if I see the bird and you are cranking playback, I will probably not call you over and normally, I like getting people on birds and a lot of people have seen lifers or county birds with me - thats fun!

Later on - we did see the thrasher - no playback needed - and how did we see it - we heard it first.

Anyways, remember birding ethics and consider the impact   Of your behavior on the birds - they have it really tough these days! 

Good birding!
And no need for anyone to pile on this post.

Jim Chiropolos
Orinda
Birding Ethics and Tape Playback

Jim Chiropolos
 

I birded dragonfly creek today to look for the thrasher. As i walked dow, I asked another birder if they had seen it and they told me “No but the birding was very distracting, as another birder was cranking thrasher calls on top volume in a continuous cycle.” I walked down the trail and sure enough, tape playback was fully cranked.”

I told the birder that tape playback was not really useful to find the bird and they told me no one could tell them not to use tape playback and who in the hell was I to tell them anything.”The birder then left.

Lets remember birding ethics out here - my guess is this was a starting birder who does not understand the impact of using tape playback.

1. First - tape playback is considered stressful for birds. Google Sibley on the use of tape playback and he has a thoughtful discussion of the use of playback.
2.Overuse of tape playback may cause the thrasher to leave this area.
3. Many birders consider the use of playback offensive, if other birders are present, please ask them before you use it!
4. For a target bird in an area, this bird will be called out because people are doing this. Watch how good guides use it on birding trips - very judiciously and not on loops or high volumne.
5. To find a skulker, you need to here it first. You lose your hearing cranking playback.
6. By using playback in the presence of others, you are losing your best tool - other birders - good birders will not stay in your presence because they cannot here birds and sadly, if I see the bird and you are cranking playback, I will probably not call you over and normally, I like getting people on birds and a lot of people have seen lifers or county birds with me - thats fun!

Later on - we did see the thrasher - no playback needed - and how did we see it - we heard it first.

Anyways, remember birding ethics and consider the impact   Of your behavior on the birds - they have it really tough these days! 

Good birding!
And no need for anyone to pile on this post.

Jim Chiropolos
Orinda
White-tailed Kite

Lisa Erdberg
 

Hi, I’m new to this group. A very kind birder pointed out this white-tailed kite to me at Crissy Field yesterday morning.
Gray catbird

Rachel Lawrence
 

Gray catbird found by David Assmann in Fort Mason confirmed feeding on blackberries now
Coon Hollow

Alan Hopkins
 

I'd like to straighten out a miss understanding about the name "Racoon Hollow" in Golden Gate Park the name is actually Coon Hollow. The site was named for Mayor Henry Perrin Coon (1822-1884) who was an early supporter of the park's creation. I know that there signage calling the area Racoon Hollow. I don't know if this was a formal change or just someone's thought to be PC.   

Alan S. Hopkins
San Francisco, CA
Possibly a 2nd American Restart and continuing Rose-Breasted Grosbeak at Middle Lake

Dario Taraborelli
 

The AMERICAN REDSTART found by Sarah 2 days ago was continuing this morning on the NE side of North Lake in proximity of the flowering red gum with other western migrants. We refound it later further south on the east shore in the area where people feed raccoons.

I biked later to the south side of Middle Lake (37.7662593, -122.4986033) where the juvi ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK reported by Brian was continuing at 1pm. Around 1:15 I saw in the large oak at the same location an AMERICAN REDSTART, likely a second bird distinct from the North Lake. This one is very cooperative, preferring lower branches and associating with Pac-slope Flycatchers and Wilson’s Warblers. A Willow Flycatcher is also witting loudly in the same area. Photos will follow on eBird.

Dario
American Redstart, Presidio

Rudyard Wallen
 

On Washington Blvd
Summoned by the Irregulars, Linzy and Jon, they were circling a gum tree (Carymbia) but this one white flowering, and had an odd warbler. Tree hangs over the sidewalk on Washington Boulevard across from Nauman Rd (37.7955503, -122.4646445)

AMRE has the same aspect as the N. Lake bird. Photos on eBird later. 

Rudy W
SF.
Ash-Throated Flycatcher in Raccoon Hollow

sam.harrison821@...
 

Hi everyone,

First post here but I've been following along for a few months. I'm one of the newly bird-obsessed since the pandemic, and have been learning as much as I can about Bird ID and especially bird sounds. I appreciate all the informative posts here :). Fall Migration season has been a treat so far in SF!

Just wanted to report that I just saw an Ash-Throated Flycatcher on the west side of the Raccoon Hollow oak woodlands in GG park. Brief but clear views of a large silver-gray flycatcher with rufous tail and wings. Also heard it give a few pip calls. It was still there when I left, going between oaks and coyote bushes along the path that ends at Fulton and Third. Good fall birding!

- Sam Smith, Inner Richmond SF
Catbird?

David Assmann
 

Had a super brief look at a mid/sized gray bird with a black cap in the blackberries at Fort Mason in the newly opened hillside above Aquatic Park (just behind the buildings). Look wasn’t long enough to be definitive and I couldn’t refind in 30 minutes of waiting.
Orchard Oriole - Botanical Gardens

Joachim Gonzalez
 

There was an Orchard Oriole in the Chile section of the SF Botanical Gardens near the restrooms. 

Good Birding,
Joachim Gonzalez
Re: Gull ID help?

Joe Morlan
 

Looks like a Western Gull to me. 

On Sat, Sep 11, 2021 at 7:18 AM David Webster <davisigno@...> wrote:
Was hoping for some ID help on this gull that's been hanging out at Mountain Lake for a couple of days. Leaning towards a juvenile herring gull, though it does not have a pale eye.

David Webster



--
Joseph Morlan, Pacifica, CA 94044   jmorlan (at) ccsf.edu
Gull ID help?

David Webster
 

Was hoping for some ID help on this gull that's been hanging out at Mountain Lake for a couple of days. Leaning towards a juvenile herring gull, though it does not have a pale eye.

David Webster
Short-tailed Albatross notice

Gerry McChesney
 

The Seabird Protection Network put out the following post about the Short-tailed Albatross. Please share with anyone who may encounter it. Thanks!

A rare short-tailed albatross has been recently spotted by fishermen off the coast of Half Moon Bay. Short-tailed albatrosses are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
If you see this bird, please give it plenty of space - keep your distance, keep fishing gear away, and refrain from feeding it.
The Short-tailed Albatross is one of the world's rarest seabirds. This bird - a juvenile - is identified by its brown body and large, bright pink beak. They were common off our coast in the 19th century before being hunted to near extinction for their feathers.
If you do happen to see it or snap a photo, please contact the Seabird Protection Network of Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary at california.seabirds@....

Gerry McChesney
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