Sightings - January 2026

Phainopepla, 1/24/2026, Old River Road, Roger Adamson.

The first unexpected bird of the month was a Barn Swallow found at the Ukiah Water Treatment Plant on 1/3 (GG). The next day (1/4) saw the 52nd running of the Manchester Audubon Christmas Bird Count and it delivered a handful of special sights: an American Bittern was found at the edge of Hunter’s Lagoon (RA, DF, SG, DB, JL); a Tennessee Warbler was spotted in the KOA campground (BK, AF); a Swamp Sparrow, one of many this year, was found near the Garcia River mouth (PP); and a Pigeon Guillemot was scoped off Arena Point (PP, CV). Lastly, the best bird of the day, a Black-capped Chickadee was also found in the KOA campground (BK, AF). This is now the most southerly record of this species in California, superseding records from 2020 in Fort Bragg.

A new bird for the county, a Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata) associating with a mixed sparrow flock surprised Chuck Vaughn on 1/9 when birding the Ukiah Water Treatment Plant (CV). This member of the waxbill family (Estrildidae), native to Southeast Asia, is an attractive bird widely kept in cages. Probably as the result of escapees or intentional releases, there are now well-established populations throughout Southern California, and they are spreading northward. This species is now recognized as an established breeding bird (“introduced”) in California and so is countable on your California bird lists.

Lewis’s Woodpecker, 1/22/2026, Old River Road, Roger Adamson

Further January observations include a Swamp Sparrow at Jug Handle on 1/12 (EB). A young male Phainopepla was found 1/17 on Old River Road a few miles north of Hopland and subsequently was seen by many birders (EA). Primarily found in the desert southwest and in Mexico, Phainopeplas are also found through the Central Valley of California, but rarely this far north along the coast. This Phainopepla was spotted in a cottonwood heavily infested with mistletoe, the berries of which are a primary food source for Phainopepla. Always keep Phainopepla in mind when you see mistletoe! On 1/22 a Tropical Kingbird was reported on Point Arena near the lighthouse (RT). A Harlequin Duck was found 1/27 at Virgin Creek Beach (JM). And, while looking for the Harlequin Duck on 1/28, two birders were pleased to also find a Rock Sandpiper just north of Virgin Creek (PP, LW).

American Dipper, 1/25/2026, Van Damme State Park, photo by Roger Adamson.

Several reports were received of “continuing” observations: Western Tanager in Ukiah (GG); Black-necked Stilt in Ukiah (MD, GG); Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) in Willits (MC); Tennessee Warblers in Fort Bragg (numerous, including LW and PP) and near Albion (TB, CK); Swamp Sparrow in Fort Bragg mill pond (TB, CK); and Bullock’s Oriole in Fort Bragg (RA, LW, PP).

Thanks to all who reported sightings: Roger Adamson (RA), Doug Forsell (DF), Dave Bengston (DB), Julia Larke (JL), Sarah Grimes (SG), Bob Keiffer (BK), Alan Falleri (AF), Peter Pyle (PP), Chuck Vaughn (CV), Emily Berna (EB), Eric Austin (EA), Rich Trissel (RT), Joe Madden (JM), Lisa Walker (LW), Mathew Dodder (MD), George Gibbs (GG), Mike Curry (MC), Catherine Keegan (CK), Tim Bray (TB).