Professional Documents
Culture Documents
WESTERN
TANAGER a publication of Los Angeles Audubon www.laaudubon.org
10 Birds of the Season Despite all of the attempts to derail this program in the early 1980’s, and
14 Bird Walks setbacks in the program from unexpected condor deaths in the mid-80’s,
the research and recovery program inched forward. It was a valiant
15 Field Trips
effort by US Fish and Wildlife Service and Audubon biologists to try
17 Reservation Policy and save the species in the wild. The population, however, continued to
18 Pelagic Trips 2007
decline, and on April 19, 1987 the last California Condor was removed
from the wild. The long and sometimes convoluted history of this recov-
19 International Birding ery effort has been well documented in newsletters, newspaper articles,
20 Member Meetings journals, scientific papers, and books over the past 25 years. There is no
need to take valuable time and space to review that history here. The
20 Adobe Photoshop Workshop
key piece of knowledge to come out of all of this was that condors are
highly susceptible to lead poisoning, with three out of four birds dying
of lead poisoning during the 1980’s. It was probably the major cause for
The Western Tanager is published bi-
monthly. For address changes or member-
the species decline, and yet was a significantly overlooked factor in all
ship concerns, call (323) 876-0202, or previous studies on the species.
write to:
Membership Administrator
Los Angeles Audubon The bottom line is that the species was saved from extinction. Captive
PO Box 931057
Los Angeles, CA 90093-1057
breeding was a knockout success, radio telemetry revealed previously
unknown facts about the birds range, breeding behavior, and causes of
Submissions for the Sept/Oct issue are due
July 16, 2007. Please send submissions as
mortality, and we discovered that this is not a shy, wary bird, but a high-
Microsoft Word or RTF documents, or ly adaptive, curious, intelligent animal. Original wild birds brought into
plain text files, to GarryGeorge at garryge-
orge@laaudubon.org.
captivity adapted easily, and pairs were breeding successfully as quickly
as two years after being taken captive. First eggs began to appear in
Coordinator, Garry George
Editor, Ben Loehnen
captivity in 1988, and the first releases of captive reared birds back into
Layout, Susan Castor the wild occurred in 1992. Since 1992 135 captive reared condors have
been released in California.
Releasing captive reared condors There are now three disjunct pop- Other release sites include the
back into their historical range ulations of California condors in Grand Canyon in Arizona, and the
without an existing population of the wild. Release sites in Califor- Sierra San Pedro Martir Moun-
wild birds to act as mentors nia have included Hopper Moun- tains in Baja, Mexico.
turned out to be a significant chal- tain National Wildlife Refuge
lenge. The habitat had become above Fillmore, Bittercreek Today there are 283 condors in
significantly degraded with National Wildlife Refuge west of the world population, up from the
human development, not some- Mt. Pinos (near the famous con- all-time low of 22 in 1982. There
thing the species had to cope with dor observation area of the 1980’s are 148 birds in the captive popu-
even 30-40 years earli- lation and 135 birds
er. For a species that is flying free in Califor-
highly curious, nia, Arizona, and Baja
extremely mobile, and Mexico. The Califor-
generally fearless, nia population of free-
these young naïve con- flying birds now
dors were soon getting stands at 66, scattered
into all sorts of trouble, between southern Cal-
and mortality became a ifornia, the central
significant factor. On California coast, and
any given day a flock Pinnacles National
of newly released birds Monument. Today 57
could and would go in birds can be found in
any direction; there northern Arizona, and
were no guidelines 11 birds are flying
established by years of free in Baja.
careful honing to pro-
tect them. Mortality In the early 2000’s,
rates soared as young birds from the central
birds collided with California coast popu-
powerlines, starved to lation would frequent-
death, disappeared, ly fly south and join
and, worst of all, up with the southern
ingested lead bullet California birds, a dis-
fragments from animal tance of almost 180
carcasses shot by miles. Birds from Pin-
hunters. To date 49 nacles National Mon-
birds have died in Cali- ument discovered the
fornia as part of the AC-9, one of the original wild condors hatched in 1980 and subseqe-
central coast birds in
reintroduction effort untly taken into captivity as a breeder, is shown back at his historical the summer of 2006,
and a number have nesting area after his release back into the wild in 2003 and now spend a great
been returned to per- deal of their time con-
manent captivity. As some of the known as the “Forest Service sorting with those birds on the
first released birds that survived Sign” on Cerro Noreste Road), coast. Occasionally central coast
have become older, they have the Sierra Madre Mountains birds will visit Pinnacles National
established habits and behaviors above the Cuyama Valley, the Big Monument. As of this writing, no
that are less hazardous, and mor- Sur area on the central California Pinnacles birds have made it to
tality rates have decreased, at coast south of Monterey, and Pin- southern California, but we know
least in California. nacles National Monument on the that is just a matter of time.
east side of the Salinas Valley.
2 Western Tanager
The leading cause of mortality would require non-lead ammuni- resolve, like lead, and the inges-
and debilitation in free flying tion in their hunting programs tion of micro-trash by free-flying
birds in all release areas is still beginning in July of 2007. It is birds, West Nile Virus, avian
lead poisoning. Despite the fact hoped other large public and pri- influenza, increasing human pop-
that birds are provided contami- vate landowners will also soon ulations in southern California,
nant free carcasses, they still find follow suit. At the same time the possible organochlorine exposure
animal carcasses tainted with lead California Game Commission is from birds feeding on marine
from ammunition. All evidence considering requiring non-lead mammals on the central coast,
now strongly supports the ammu- ammunition be used in all hunting collisions with powerlines, and
nition/lead toxicosis connection in programs for large game within random shooting. But while that
condors. The Peregrine Fund has the range of the condor within the all still sounds quite daunting, we
conducted extensive research on year. feel we can get through it, step by
lead ammunition and how it gets step.
to condors. Radiographs of shot Certainly the pendulum is swing-
animal carcasses, radiographs of ing away from the continued use There is one thing for sure, con-
condors with lead fragments in of lead ammunition. Strong scien- dors are flying in the skies of Cal-
their digestive tracts, lead isotope tific evidence now supports the ifornia again, they are breeding on
signature analysis of both lead in previously suspected hazards of the cliff faces in the same pot-
animal carcasses and lead in con- lead to wildlife, and reinforces the holes their ancestors used thou-
dors confirms the lead is one and danger to humans. It doesn’t sands of years ago. They are
the same. The University of Cali- appear as if this issue will go using the same roost trees wild
fornia at Santa Cruz has been a away quietly without being birds used in the 1980’s, and peo-
leader in the latter work. resolved. The momentum is now ple are still being awed by this
too great. With lead out of the magnificent bird as it soars over-
Based on this sound evidence a environment, condors have a head. It can now safely be said
strong movement among conser- much greater chance of success in the condor has been saved from
vationists, hunters, sportsman’s reestablishing self-sustaining pop- extinction. Returning it back to
groups, human health activists, ulations in western North Ameri- the wild with all the traditions and
and even politicians are advocat- ca. culture under which it evolved is
ing a change from lead-based the next challenge.
ammunition to a solid copper- As of this writing there are six
based ammunition. Balistically condor chicks in nests in Califor-
the copper bullet is equal or supe- nia (four in southern California,
rior to the lead ammunition, it two in central California), and one (Jesse Grantham is the California
may cost a few dollars more per in Baja Mexico. This is our best Condor Coordinator for the US
box, and it may require more breeding season ever. Biologists Fish and Wildlife Service. He was
searching to locate suitable sup- with the US Fish and Wildlife one of a half-dozen biologists that
plies, but this is a small price to Service, Ventana Wildlife Society, joined the expanded effort to save
pay. Recently the Tejon Ranch, a and the San Diego Zoo are watch- the species in 1980, working for
270,000-acre ranch known for its ing these nests closely on an National Audubon Society. He
long relationship with the condor almost daily basis. We are ready remained with the Society for 24
because the ranch contains impor- to intervene at a moment’s notice years and was a speaker at sever-
tant feeding grounds for the birds, to do everything possible to maxi- al of our chapter meetings over
announced it would now require mize success of these nests. the years. He retired from
all individuals hunting on the Audubon in 2003 and went to
ranch to use non-lead ammunition For those of us involved in the work for the USFW Service. He
as of January 2008. Last month field program, we feel as if we are can be contacted at 805-644-
Camp Roberts and Fort Hunter- three-quarters of the way to 5185, or email:
Liggett in the central California accomplishing our goals. We still Jesse_Grantham@fws.gov.)
population both announced they have some major issues to
July/August 2007 3
MY PATCH
by Garry George
while for me to stop ognized and ran out the back door
trying to control my only to discover a beautiful jay
patch, and let leaves but with a very ragged tail indi-
fall where they may, cating it had escaped from a cage
let the fallen lavatera recently. I know it’s politically
grow along the ground incorrect, but I’ve loved seeing
in a tangle, let the those diverse birds in my patch:
island chickory, ribes, urban avian entertainment.
and buckwheat turn
brown and appear I’ve really gotten to know the reg-
dead. Some did die, ulars, and over the years the num-
and that took me a ber of visitors has increased and
while to accept. But at increased. I’m sorry I didn’t put
Garry’s Patch
some point, around up mist nets or get a base line to
4 Western Tanager
inspects with one
eye for a moment. Conflicts are inevitable, and the
It looks around for biggest decision for me was the
predators, hops, introduction of niger seed feeders
hops, hops down to attract goldfinches. For five
the rocks to the years, I could hear them in nearby
water, looks yards, but they just wouldn’t make
around, takes a the short flight into my yard. Impa-
quick bath, and tient, I put up the feeder, and voila,
then zip, it’s gone. tons of Lesser and American
Goldfinches. The spilt seed is a
I am reminded of
feast for Mourning Doves, up to
Cooper’s Hawk South American
seven at a time, and well-nourished
antpittas, which to
Mourning Doves sure get promis-
track the increase from re-vegetat- me are thrushes without tails in cuous. Quite a hotbed out there in
ing with native plants. There is so morphology and behavior. The my patch. It didn’t take long for a
much life in my patch now that I Hermit Thrush in my patch takes Cooper’s Hawk to discover the
am constantly presented with me back to Ecuador. smorgasbord I had created. I
interesting puzzles to solve or watched out the window as the
speculate on. I can barely get out Along with Hermit Thrush a win- doves and goldfinches scattered in
the door and down the walk with- tering flock of Ruby-crowned a flurry of wings and silence, then,
out some movement catching my Kinglets, Orange-crowned Warblers a disappointed juvenile Cooper’s
attention. (lutescens ssp), Black-throated Hawk perched on my deck chair
Gray Warblers, and Yellow-rumped with that intense focus. But this
Migration is surprising in my Warblers come in and out of the young male was developing his
patch. I suddenly discover a Wil- yard joining regulars Bushtits, skills, and soon there was a pile of
low Flycatcher in the acacia, or a Western Scrub-Jays, Northern feathers in the yard, next I saw him
Bell’s Vireo plopping into the Mockingbirds, and Black Phoebes. take a Mourning Dove and eat it by
For two winters a male Common the pond. I had mixed emotions.
stream for a few seconds, or a
Yellowthroat roosted in the front
Lesser Nighthawk lurching back
yard. Every day he secretly worked I tell myself I’m making a contribu-
and forth down my street. On
his way down the side of the house tion to reducing global warming
May 4 the jacaranda tree blooms through the bladderpod, skulking
typically begin to attract insects to with my patch. My birding is emis-
up and over the fence through the sion free since I walk to my patch,
the sticky nectar. That’s always grapevines, and then down to the or rather just look out at it. No
when the Yellow Warblers appear, water through the lemonadeberry mowers or blowers spit carbon
usually not a day before, not a and galvezia (island snapdragon) in dioxide, and the shade I’ve created
day after; except this year they a protected route, chucking and cools my patch and sequesters car-
didn’t show up until May 12. Very chattering all the way. For two win- bon.
unusual. ters, a House Wren sang every day
up in the Phoenix palm, and during I love my patch. My ears are
Five years ago the first wintering the second winter another wren always hanging out the window. I
flock stuck around for months. joined the chorus. Every morning carry binoculars to get the paper in
Almost every day a Hermit they sang for about twenty minutes, the morning. Three pairs of bins sit
Thrush would streak through the one across the street and one in my around the house, two in back and
yard and disappear behind a rock yard, and then silently skulked one in front. If I ask you to hold in
at the slightest movement, best around. A scuffling sound in the the middle of a phone call, it might
viewed through the bedroom leaves could be the wren, and a few be because something moved in the
doors as if from a hide. The times I caught him with my binocu- back yard and I need to look closer
thrush hops on the rocks at the top lars, or discovered it was one of the at it. Please don’t take it per-
of the stream, tilting its head as it family of western alligator lizards sonally. It’s my patch!
that have taken up residence.
July/August 2007 5
CONSERVATION CONVERSATION
by Garry George
Bolsa Chica redux a pair of White-tailed Kites that Monica, Venice, and Marina del
breed there, and reminded the Rey, near Ballona wetlands and
On May 8 the California Coastal entire room of the serious the Venice Least Tern colony,
Commission heard from Shea declines in Southern California of using monofilament fishing line.
Properties and other proponents this sensitive species not only The “eruv” defines a boundary
of a 350-unit single residence through loss of habitat, but a dra- within which orthodox congre-
development on the mesa above matic rise in nest failure. Pete gants could be exempt on the
Bolsa Chica wetlands, and from promised to write for the Western Sabbath from laws banning exer-
opponents including Bolsa Chica Tanager on the status of this tions such as the carrying of keys
Land Trust, CLEAN, Sierra Club, species in Southern California in or the pushing of strollers. But the
Sea & Sage Audubon, and Los the near future. permit was issued on the condi-
Angeles Audubon. We empha- When it came time to tion that the “eruv” would have to
sized the importance of the Bolsa vote, one Commissioner made a be accompanied by a monitoring
Chica Ecological Reserve, which motion to declare that there were program to detect bird strike. The
includes the mesa and the euca- no wetlands on the mesa property permit further mandated that the
lyptus groves on the west end of opening it to development. This in monitoring program be approved
the mesa, identified as an Envi- spite of testimony and photo- by the Commission before con-
ronmentally Sensitive Habitat graphic evidence of wetlands struction could begin. In its deter-
Area by the Commission because plants and pooling water as far mination the Commission
of the seven species of raptors back as the sixties, and photos of required the Pacific Jewish Center
that roost, perch and nest there. illegal land fills by prior owners to consult with Audubon, which
Audubon California has identified and Shea. No other Commissioner never happened. May’s Los Ange-
Bolsa Chica as an Important Bird seconded that motion. This was a les Audubon board meeting heard
Area for conservation priority. good sign! But as the vote started, appeals for support from Marina
Los Angeles Audubon is the only it was interrupted by a motion to del Rey homeowners Association
chapter in the State of California continue the vote in July when all and CLEAN, two local groups
that does not have an Important opponents and proponents must opposing the “eruv” with litiga-
Bird Area in its zip code service meet again. tion. The Board voted unanimous-
area, so we’ve been partnering ly to support the citizen groups
with our neighbors whenever pos- Eruv, Schmeruv with a letter to the Coastal Com-
sible and adopting IBAs in Los mission for the May 8 hearing.
Angeles, Orange, and Ventura The Coastal Commission also The Commission decided to con-
Counties. At the Coastal Commis- heard an appeal for the revocation sider the revocation and chided
sion hearing, we marched to the of the permit granted to Pacific the Pacific Jewish Center for not
podium one by one. Biologist Jewish Center in Venice to create being in touch with Audubon to
Pete Bloom spoke of the impor- a six mile long twenty-foot high plan the monitoring program. We
tance of the eucalyptus groves to “eruv” along the beaches of Santa heard from Rabbi Geiger a week
6 Western Tanager
later, and we will meet with him invitation of Audubon. The sum- WESTERN TANAGER
on August 29 and report in the mit included an emotional speech Published by
Los Angeles Audubon Society,
next Western Tanager on the by Audubon President John Flick- a chapter of
results of that meeting. We do not er on the importance of Audubon National Audubon Society.
support and have serious concerns addressing global warming; pre- EDITOR: Ben Loehnen
about the impacts of the “eruv” sentations by communications LAYOUT: Susan Castor
CONSERVATION: Garry George
on birds that are protected by fed- experts on how to shape the FIELD TRIPS: Nick Freeman
eral, state, and local laws. The Audubon message and communi- PELAGIC TRIPS: Phil Sayre
PROGRAMS: Mary Freeman
Ballona Valley, including the cate it; workshops on policy, ORNITHOLOGY CONSULTANT:
Least Tern colony, is another adaptive management at IBAs, Kimball Garrett
Important Bird Area of Audubon citizen science, and education; PRINTING: G2 Graphics Services, Inc.
California, and is a conservation and distribution of a draft Power- Opinions expressed in articles or letters
herein do not necessarily express the
priority. point presentation on global position of this publication or of
warming’s potential impacts on Los Angeles Audubon Society.
Least Terns birds and wildlife created by PRESIDENT:
Mary Freeman
Audubon and National Wildlife 1st VICE PRESIDENT:
They’re back! And they are laying Federation that can be configured Jason Stuck
2nd VICE PRESIDENT:
eggs on Venice Beach. Los Ange- for any local presentation by a David De Lange
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY:
les and Santa Monica Bay chapter or center. Dinner speakers Jenny Jones
RECORDING SECRETARY:
Audubon are once again collabo- included Stanford climatologist Eleanor Osgood
TREASURER:
rating on a volunteer program to Dr. Stephen Schneider (see Lisa Fimiani
monitor the nests. As of this writ- http://stephenschneider.stanford.e EXECUTIVE PAST PRESIDENT:
Dexter Kelly
ing, three eggs have been pinched du/), author of Wildlife Responses EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
Garry George
by crows, but efforts to protect to Climate Change, and former
the birds and their eggs have been California EPA Secretary and cur- Membership in Los Angeles Audubon Soci-
doubled. Our own Endangered rent Audubon California Board ety is $25 Individual, $35 Couple, $50 Fam-
ily, $100 Donor or $250 Donor per year.
Species Program Intern Stacey member Winston Hickox on his Members receive the Western Tanager
Vigallon is working with Tom advisory role to Governor newsletter and other benefits. Donations
and memberships can be made online at
Ryan on this colony. If you want Schwarzenegger on developing a www.laaudubon.org
to help, email Stacey at carbon cap and trade financial Make check payable to Los Angeles
tern@laaudubon.org. market. It looks like the global Audubon Society.
WesternTanager@LAAudubon.org – e-mail
LAAS@LAAudubon.org – e-mail
www.LAAudubon.org – website
July/August 2007 7
letter from eleanor osgood
Dear Intermediate and Advanced Ah, yes, that’s what it is like to ers so that they may share our
Birders, be a beginner. enjoyment of birds and join us in
protecting birds and their habitat.
hink back with me to And can you recall life prior to
8 Western Tanager
MEMBERSHIP
people willing to lead or teach at
least one walk or class a year. Please be sure to welcome the
The Outreach Committee will
offer mentoring. We already
THANK YOU! following new members:
July/August 2007 9
birds of the season
by Jon Fisher
ith countless birds Miguel, Jon Feenstra, Michael In addition to these achieve-
W streaming northward
over land and sea, as
well as the hustle and bustle of
San Miguel, Jr. and Todd
McGrath—aka Team Fecal
Sac—recorded an amazing 224
ments, there was quite a lot
happening in the bird world
this spring. Here’s a look at
breeding activity locally, the species on April 29. Very what was found during the
onset of spring always seems impressive. In their quest for period...
contagious with excitement. the Big Day record, the team
Though diminished compared drove a total of 520 miles... and While flocks of Brants are a
to migrations of decades ago, that was a shorter distance than common sight in spring as they
the passage of such a large on their previous record run in head north along the coast, a
number and variety of birds 2005. As important as seeing congregation of forty-three at
remains impressive. Thus even the birds is in the 24 hour peri- Legg Lake in South El Monte
though the majority of our od, it’s in the planning where on April 29 was an unusual
vagrants turn up in fall, spring any Big Day count is won or concentration inland (Mickey
maintains its own appeal. lost. Long). Also reported was a
rather late Snow Goose was at
Whether or not a direct result This mother of all LA County Piute Ponds on April 14 (Mike
of the extremely dry conditions Big Days took place on the San Miguel).
this year, migration seemed same weekend as our ABC Few other waterfowl were
strong through early May. A (America’s Birdiest County) reported. Just one White-
theory is that migrants in dry competition. The ABC, involv- winged Scoter was present
years are forced to concentrate ing dozens of observers and during the period, that one at
in the greener patches that offer covering April 27-29, produced Ballona Creek mouth on April
more food, water and cover. In another record: 272 species 22 (Kevin Larson). Likewise, a
turn birders tend to frequent were observed over the three- Long-tailed Duck present off
those places. In any case, there day event. To add some per- Dockweiler State Beach in El
were a number of reports of spective, the Big Day run by a Segundo from March 15-April
above average counts and good single team produced just 18% 29 (Jim Pike) was the only one
numbers of migrants through- fewer species than the entire found. Rather late was a Can-
out the period. ABC. It is stating the obvious vasback at the Lancaster
to say that they’ve set the bar Sewer Ponds on May 14. (Mike
Two birding events highlighted high for any would-be chal- San Miguel)
LA County this spring. First, lengers.
the Big Day team of Mike San Something of a surprise well
10 Western Tanager
away from the coast, or for that April 4 (Mike San Miguel). may simply represent
matter anywhere in wetland- hybridization, a clinal range or
challenged LA County, was an The dikes and breakwater at a combination of the two.
adult Little Blue Heron at the Ballona Creek mouth are
Hansen Dam on May 9 (Kim- always a good spot for rock- Black Terns were present in
ball Garrett). loving shorebirds. Good num- numbers in early May at the
bers of Surfbirds began con- Lancaster Sewer Ponds with
A few Swainson’s Hawks gregating here in March and the first report of large num-
trickling through the county in over several weeks increased to bers was 45 on May 2 (Mike
early March were followed by a remarkable count of 800 on San Miguel). On the following
some good-sized flocks. Thirty April 8 (Kevin Larson). In day 200 were at the same loca-
were over Pasadena on the addition, after a gap in reports, tion (Tom Miko). Another
morning of March 20 (Lance the Rock Sandpiper discov- group was at Piute Ponds on
Benner), and another flock of ered last November resurfaced May 14 (Mike San Miguel).
40 birds were above Cal Tech here on April 23-24 in colorful
later the same day (Brendan alternate plumage (Richard A Horned Puffin reported on
Crill). These groups were Barth). Unfortunately, the bird May 12 at Point Dume could
eclipsed by a hundred birds was missed on the ABC week- not be refound, though this
over Altadena the following end and may have headed north sighting fits the May-June pat-
day (Lance Benner). The last by then. tern of previous records for this
reported flock of any signifi- species (Kris Ohlenkamp).
cant size was one of 26 over A Franklin’s Gull on April 24
Pasadena on April 3 (Frank was the first to be reported Burrowing Owls are scarce
Gilliland). from the Lancaster Sewer migrants on the coastal plain,
Ponds (Richard Barth), and that but when they do appear it is
The only other raptor of note number had increased to 17 by often in the oddest of locations.
was a lingering Ferruginous May 2 (Mike San Miguel). One was on the roof of the
Hawk east of Quail Lake on Two more Franklin’s were at Long Beach Public Library on
April 24 (Bobby Walsh). Castaic Lagoon on May 12, March 22 (Rich Sonnenberg).
while eight were still in Lan- Another was at the newly
Among many reports of Black caster on May 14 and another opened Rio de Los Angeles
Oystercatchers along the coast, seven were at Piute Ponds the Park along the LA River in
there was a single American x same day (all Mike San April (Jon Cox).
Black Oystercatcher at Dock- Miguel). The Glaucous Gull
weiler State Beach on March that wintered along the lower Several Lesser Nighthawks at
16 (Jim Pike). LA River was last seen on lower Tujunga Wash on April 4
March 24 (Kevin Larson). were a welcome sign of contin-
Solitary Sandpipers, rare but ued breeding in this area
regular spring transients, were An interesting gull eventually despite persistent and continu-
at Malibu Lagoon on April 8 judged to be a Thayer’s x Ice- ing habitat degradation (Kim-
(Jon Fisher) and at the Piute land Gull was at Malibu ball Garrett).
Ponds on Edwards AFB on Lagoon on March 14 (Brian
April 14 (Mike San Miguel) Ivon Jones). These two species A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
and April 29 (Team Fecal Sac). are considered conspecific by was present until March 21
Less expected was a Baird’s many and the range of varia- (Don Sterba) at the often pro-
Sandpiper at Piute Ponds on tion between the two forms ductive Village Green Condo-
July August 2007 11
miniums in Los Angeles. Black-and-white Warbler was
Historically much more numer- at Sycamore Canyon in Whitti-
Two Calliope Hummingbirds ous, Purple Martins are now er on April 27 (Larry Schmahl)
at Eaton Canyon on April 2 rare but regular migrants on the and a female American Red-
(Tom Miko) were the first of a coastal plain. Two birds at the start was at Whittier Narrows
wave of reports that continued South Coast Botanic Garden on in South El Monte on May 5
through the end of the month. April 8 (Kevin Larson, Carol (Rob Fowler). Rarer in spring
Calliopes, normally scarce as Selvey) and another in East Los than in fall were two Northern
spring migrants, were widely Angeles on May 7 (Tom Miko) Waterthrushes. One was along
reported on the coastal slope were thus noteworthy. While the Santa Clara River near I-5
and made their debut on many very small numbers may persist on May 4 (Doug Willick) and
yard lists as they turned up at a as breeders in the San Gabriel another was at El Dorado Park
number of feeders. Mountains, locating them is in Long Beach on May 7
difficult. A single Bank Swal- (Karen Gilbert). Thus far, the
A couple of flycatchers were of low, another species that has warbler highlight of the spring
interest during the period. The been reduced to a rare migrant was the discovery of a singing
Old Zoo area at Griffith Park in the county, was along LA Yellow-throated Warbler at
held a Greater Pewee from River Bette Davis Park in Hansen Dam on May 12-13
April 6-15 (Dan Cooper). As Glendale on April 15 (Mike (Kimball Garrett).
most will recall, this was the San Miguel). Several more
exact location where one was were at Bonelli Regional Park Following reports of a number
found on April 17 of last year. in San Dimas on April 21 (Rod of birds this past winter, several
Naturally this bird should be Higbie) and two were at new Summer Tanagers were
looked for at the same time- or Hansen Dam on April 27 (Kim- found. One was at the LA
earlier- next year. One wonders ball Garrett). National Cemetery on April 10
why this bird it appeared at this (Richard Barth), another was at
location in April for two con- A belated report of a Califor- Soledad Canyon near Agua
secutive years, although it may nia Gnatcatcher found at Dulce on May 11 with a pair
have wintered in the area and Santa Fe Dam on February 24 there on May 17 (Jim Moore),
gone undetected until it began (Mickey Long) was followed and a third was at Hansen Dam
calling in spring. A Tropical soon after by the sighting of a on May 12 (Kimball Garrett).
Kingbird that spent the winter pair there (John Griffith). This Breeding should be looked for
at El Dorado Park in Long raises the possibility of breed- in the Soledad Canyon and
Beach remained through May 2 ing at this locale and certainly nearby cottonwood riparian
(Karen Gilbert). the alluvial scrub habitat suits areas.
this species’ requirements. The
Though now fairly common closest known populations are A Lazuli Bunting at Hansen
but very local as a breeder, a near Bonelli Park in San Dimas Dam on March 25 was very
singing Bell’s Vireo at El and in the Montebello Hills. early (Kimball Garrett). This
Dorado Park in Long Beach on was a full two weeks ahead of
May 3 (Karen Gilbert) was at a Though still a bit early in the this species normal arrival date.
location where rarely recorded. season, a few odd parulids This record was followed by
Though they have never been were found. In the Old Zoo one at the Arboretum just two
recorded breeding at this loca- area at Griffith Park, a North- days later (Will and Lois Ful-
tion, this report suggests that ern Parula was reported on mer), also obviously very early.
possibility. April 15 (Dan Williams). A
12 Western Tanager
The Harris’s Sparrow winter- the SGR near Beverly on April NATURE SHOP
ing at El Dorado Park Long 29 (Larry Schmahl). NEW TITLES
Beach remained through March
18 (Laura Nordin). Just one By the middle of May, the bulk The Birds of Costa Rica,
Vesper Sparrow was reported of spring migrants have passed A Field Guide
during the period, that one at through the county, but that by Richard Garrigues and
Santa Fe Dam on March 24 doesn’t mean migration is over Robert Dean
(Andrew Lee). by any means. There are still
smaller numbers of many This book features descriptions
A Grasshopper Sparrow, very passerines moving through into and illustrations of more than
rare as a migrant in the county, the first part of June, and for 820 resident and neotropical
was at Kenneth Hahn Park in species like Willow Flycatcher, migrant species found in Costa
Rica.
Baldwin Hills on April 15 migration is just gearing up
(Richard Barth). rather than waning in mid-May.
N12345 $29.95
Field trips often require more time or effort, and delve more deeply into identification,
natural histories and interactions observed in the field.
All are welcome on either type of trip. Reserve Field Trips per directions in the gray box posted elsewhere.
Sunday, July 1 ter, 1000 Durfee Ave. Meet at 8:15 AM. natural coastal scrub habitats, and is
Topanga State Park Bird Walk. Ken paced for beginning birders and mem-
Wheeland and Chris Tosdevin will lead Sunday, August 5 bers of the Baldwin Hills community.
participants through this beautiful and Topanga State Park Birdwalk. Lead- The park entrance is off of La Cienega
diverse coastal mountain area. An ideal ers: Ken Wheeland and Chris Blvd. Between Rodeo Rd. and Stocker
trip for a beginning birder or someone Tosdevin. Meet at 8:00 AM. See July 1 St. After passing the entrance kiosk ($4
new in the area. From Ventura Blvd., listing for details. parking fee), turn left (leading to the
take Topanga Canyon Blvd. 7 miles S, "Olympic Forest") and park in the first
turn E uphill on Entrada Rd. Follow the Sunday, August 19 available spaces. Meet at 8:00 AM.
signs and turn left into Trippet Ranch Ballona Wetlands Birdwalk. Bob
parking lot. From PCH, take Topanga Shanman leads this trip to our nearest Sunday, September 16
Cyn. Blvd. 5 miles to Entrada Rd. Park- wetland and adjacent rocky jetty. Ballona Wetlands Birdwalk. Bob
ing $2. Meet at 8:00 AM. Migrating shorebirds and terns should be Shanman will be leading this trip to our
coming through. Meet at the Del Rey nearest wetland and adjacent rocky jetty.
Saturday, July 7 Lagoon parking lot. Take the Marina Shorebirds should be moving in. Meet at
Debs Park Audubon Center Birdwalk. Fwy (90 W) to Culver Blvd. and turn the Del Rey Lagoon parking lot. Take
Join Dexter Kelly for a leisurely morn- left for a mile, turn right on Pacific Ave. the Marina Fwy (90 W) to Culver Blvd.
ing walk through the diverse natural The lot is on the right. Lot or street and turn left for a mile, turn right on
areas that surround the Audubon Center parking is usually not a problem. Three- Pacific Ave. The lot is on the right. Lot
at Debs Park. A wide variety of birds of hour walk. 'Scopes helpful. Meet at 8:00 or street parking is usually not a prob-
riparian, walnut woodland, and chappar- AM. lem. Three-hour walk. 'scopes helpful.
al habitats can be found, including rap- Meet at 8:00 AM.
tors. Meet at 9:00 AM. The Center is Sunday, September 9
located on Griffin Avenue on the west Upper Franklin Canyon Birdwalk. Sunday, August 7
side of the park. From the south, take the Docent Paul Cooley will be escorting us Echo Park Lake’s 3rd Annual
Pasadena Fwy north to the Avenue 43 around this local bird haven, with Wood Summer Bird Walk
exit. Bear right on Ave. 43 up the hill to Ducks, migrating songbirds, and resident During recent years, Echo Park Lake
Griffin Ave. Turn left on Griffin Ave., chaparral species expected. Franklin Birders have identified more than 60
and go about a quarter mile to the Cen- Canyon is located between Sherman birds that call Echo Park their home for
ter's driveway, which goes steeply uphill Oaks and Beverly Hills. Meet in the all or part of the year. Summer birds at
on the right. From the north, exit the parking lot at 8:00 AM, and bird for a the lake include Mallards, great-tailed
Pasadena Freeway southbound at few hours. From the 101 Fwy, take grackles, robins, American coots, spar-
Avenue 52. Turn left on Ave. 52, and Coldwater Cyn. Ave. S into the hills. rows, finches, great egrets, black-
follow it across the freeway to where it Immediately after Mulholland Dr. crowned night herons, green herons,
becomes Griffin Ave. The driveway is a merges from the W with Coldwater Cyn. blackbirds, hawks and various gulls and
quarter mile on the left. Ave., make a 90-degree right turn onto doves. This is a fun walk, and beginning
Franklin Cyn. Dr. and continue west to birders are encouraged to participate.
Saturday, July 28 the Sooky Goldberg Nature Center. The Parents are encouraged to bring their
Whittier Narrows Birdwalk. Leader: lot is through a gated drive on the left. children. And it's free! Take your
Ray Jillson. View colorful resident and Please check the September Tanager or binoculars, and a bird guide, if you have
migrating birds, possibly including the our website for changes in trip status. one. Sign-up by phone: (323)-663-6767
introduced Northern Cardinal. Take Peck or email jayebea@earthlink.net. Subject
Dr. off the 60 Fwy in South El Monte Saturday, September 15 line “summer bird walk”.
(just west of the 605 Fwy). Take the off Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
ramp onto Durfee Ave. heading W Birdwalk. Leader: Eleanor Osgood.
(right) and turn left into the Nature Cen- This trip covers landscaped parkland and
14 Western Tanager
Field Trips
Before setting out on any field trip, please call the
LAAS bird tape, 323-874-1318 (Events & Announcements, #4).
Special instructions or possible cancellations that may have occurred
by the Thursday before the trip will be announced at that number.
July/August 2007 15
Field Trips
Sunday, August 19 Park at 5:30AM, and bird until 1-2 For those who stick around for
Sweltering Salton Sea Field Trip. PM. Scopes and FRS radios help- Sunday, we may return to Galileo
Nick and Mary Freeman lead. ful. Discounted lodging at Calipa- Hills and California City, or ven-
Anticipate 95-115°F, sewer stench tria Inn under "Birder Discount". ture farther afield (did I hear
and dust-a-plenty. Don't show up AM. Zzyzx?), as dictated by our ram-
without lots of water (1 gallon each bling hearts and bird reports. This
per day), good health, and a reli- Sunday, August 26 will be a combined trip for LAAS
able car with AC. This is the gaunt- LA River Shorebird Migration and Pasadena AS. Take Hwy 14
let of SoCal car birding. So why Field Trip. Larry Allen will help about 4 miles past Mojave, then
come? We should see Yellow-foot- us identify and age the small sand- turn right on California City Blvd.
ed and Laughing gulls, Wood pipers of the genus Calidris. This is Drive through town about a mile
Stork, Black Tern, Lesser prime time for Baird's and Semi- past the shops, turn left past the
Nighthawk, Abert's Towhee, Gila palmated sandpipers, although golf course on Randsburg-Mojave
Woodpecker, and possible Least identifying the latter from the con- Rd., and veer right on 20 Mule
Bittern, Fulvous Whistling-Duck crete river bank is a challenge. Team Rd. Turn left on Rutgers Rd.
and Stilt Sandpiper. Perhaps most Take the 710 Fwy S to the Willow at the Galileo Hills sign before the
exciting is the slim but real possi- Street offramp, head E over the LA hill, take your first paved right,
bility for real rarities such as River, and take the first left on your first right again, into the Sil-
Brown and Blue-footed boobies, Golden Ave, the first left on 26th, ver Saddle Country Club, followed
Frigatebird and even stranger stuff straight past the pumping station, by two paved lefts into the lot. Park
that has popped up in August. Limit and follow this around onto DeFor- by the first pond. About 2 hrs dri-
8 paid cars with two or more each. est Ave. Park near the river access ving time from L.A. LA Audubon
Find a friend, as singles are dis- by the Willow Street bridge, meet House phone sign-up mandatory.
couraged, and will be wait-listed along the river at 7:30AM, and bird 12 max. Bring lunches, sun block.
until they can carpool. Send $10 until noonish. No fee, no sign-up. Reserve rooms for both nights in
per person with a SASE per vehicle Spotting scopes very helpful, Mojave. Meet at 7:00 AM Satur-
to Audubon House to reserve, and although we will share. Lots of day, finish up 3-4ish Sunday.
for the mailer with general, lodging walking, and it will get hot.
and meeting details. Camping is Saturday, September 22
risky; it may not drop to 90°F. September 15 & 16 Weekend San Diego Area Field Trip. Nick
Meet near Brawley at Cattle Call Galileo Hills and Beyond Field Freeman and Drew Pallette will
Trip. Leaders: lead. A good portion of the morning
Nick and will certainly be spent at Pt. Loma.
Mary Free- Some odd birds have been known
man. This is to pop up here during late migra-
arguably the tion. Other possible areas include
best fall the Tijuana River marsh and nearby
migrant trap in farm fields. Take the 5 Fwy S about
the state. three miles past Route 52 to the
Western war- Clairemont Drive offramp and head
blers and fly- W into the small lot adjacent to the
Photo by Mary Freeman
16 Western Tanager
Field Trips
Sunday, September 30
Piute Ponds. Leader Irwin Wold- RESERVATION AND FEE EVENTS
man. A good mix of shorebirds, (Limited Participation)
Policy and Procedure
waterfowl and songbirds, with a
chance at LeConte's Thrasher and Reservations will be accepted ONLY if ALL the following information is supplied:
Pectoral Sandpiper. Possible exten-
1) Trip desired
sion to Lancaster sewage ponds or 2) Names of people in your party
Apollo Park afterwards. Carpool at 3) Phone numbers:
Denny's (Roxford & I-5), leaving at (a) usual and
(b) evening before event,(in
7 AM, or meet at McDonald's case of cancellation)
(Rosamond Blvd. about 1/4 mile (c) email address (if used)
west of the 14 Freeway) at 4) Separate check (no cash please) to
LAAS for exact amount for each trip
7:45AM. Bring lunch, water and 5) Self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for
sunblock. Expect hot weather, and confirmation and associated trip information
afternoon wind. To reserve with Send to:
LAAS Reservations
LAAS, call Audubon House before P.O. Box 931057
September 25 with name, phone Los Angeles, CA 90093-1057
number, and e-mail address
If there is insufficient response, the trip will be cancelled two Wednesdays prior to the scheduled
(optional). Limited sign-up of 15. date (four weeks for pelagics). You will be so notified and your fee returned. Your cancellation
No drop-ins. High clearance vehi- after that time will bring a refund only if there is a paid replacement. Millie Newton is available
at Audubon House on Wednesdays from noon to 4:00 PM to answer questions about Pelagic trips.
cles may be a plus. No cameras on Our office staff is also available Monday through Thursday for most reservation services.
base!
Saturday, October 6
Malibu to McGrath Field Trip.
Leader Dexter Kelly. Late passer-
ines and shorebirds should be mov-
ing through coastal migration spots,
mixed with early wintering birds.
Possibly 100 species. Take PCH N
over the bridge in Malibu, and turn
right on Cross Creek Road for
parking (and Starbucks). Cross
PCH, and meet at the kiosk by the
lagoon at 7:30 AM for a full day of
birding. There may be one or two
access fees at McGrath, elsewhere.
No sign-up or fee for the trip.
July/August 2007 17
pelagic tripS 2007
SATURDAY, JULY 21 catamaran Condor Express, and pa Island. Birds seen on prior trips:
A deep water trip towards the returns approximately at 8:00 p.m. Northern Fulmar; Sooty, Pink-
San Juan Seamount. This trip This is our Red-billed Tropicbird footed and Black-vented shearwa-
departs from the Santa Barbara trip. We are far offshore in 3 coun- ters; Leach's, Least and Ashy
Harbor on the fast catamaran Con- ties: Santa Barbara, Ventura and storm-petrels; cormorants (3); Par-
dor Express at 7:00 a.m. and will Los Angeles. Birds expected: asitic and Pomarine jaegers;
return approximately by 8:00 p.m. Black, Least, Ashy and Leach's Sabine's Gull; rocky shorebirds
We will cruise along the deep storm-petrels; South Polar Skua; (up to 5); Common Murre, Xan-
water shelf by the San Juan Parasitic, Pomarine and Long- tus’s Murrelet; Cassin's Auklet.
Seamount. This time of year tailed jaegers; Sabine's Gull; Arc- Rarities: Buller's and Flesh-footed
Cook's Petrels and Red-billed tic Tern. Rarities: Black-footed shearwaters; South Polar Skua;
Tropicbirds are seen in this area, Albatross; Buller's Shearwater; Long-tailed Jaeger. In 2002 a
and this is an ideal time to look for Craveri's Murrelet. Blue, Fin and Streaked Shearwater, and in 2003 a
mega-rarities such as Dark- Minke whales as well as several Brown Booby and 2 Manx Shear-
rumped and Stejneger's petrels; as species of dolphins are usually waters were seen. Blue, Fin and
well as Wedge-rumped Storm- seen. Leaders: Jon Feenstra, Humpback whales have been seen
petrel. Birds expected: Pink-footed Kimball Garrett, Todd McGrath, on this trip.
and Sooty shearwaters; Leach's, David Pereksta and Wes Fritz. Leaders: Jon Feenstra, Todd
Ashy and Black storm-petrels; $198 The trip will be cancelled if McGrath and David Pereksta.
Cormorants (3); Red-necked and there is insufficient response 35 $120 There is a snack galley with
Red phalaropes; South Polar Skua; days prior to departure. There is a beverages, bring your own lunch.
Pomarine Jaeger; Pigeon Guille- complete galley that serves break-
mot; Common Murre; Xantus’s fast, lunch and dinner.
Save $5.00 with an early sign-up
and Craveri's murrelets; Cassin's 60 days prior to the trip departure.
Auklet. Leaders: Dave Compton, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
Jon Feenstra, Kimball Garrett, A trip around the Northern
Todd McGrath, David Pereksta Channel Islands Monument. REFUND POLICY FOR
and Wes Fritz. $198 If there is This 8 hour trip departs from the PELAGIC TRIPS
insufficient response 35 days prior Island Packer's dock in the Ventura If a participant cancels 31 days or more prior to de-
parture, a $4 service charge will be deducted from
to the departure, the trip will be Harbor at 8:00 a.m. on the fast the refund. There is no participant refund if re-
quested fewer than 30 days before departure, unless
cancelled. There is a complete gal- catamaran Islander. After dropping there is a paid replacement available. Call LAAS
for a possible replacement. Please do not offer the
ley that serves breakfast, lunch and off campers on Santa Cruz Island, trip to a friend as it would be unfair to those on the
dinner. we will have the boat to ourselves waiting list.
Harbor at 7:00 a.m. on the fast will return by Arch Rock at Anaca-
18 Western Tanager
international birding tours
THE BEST OF COSTA RICA February 5-17, 2008
Costa Rica, with its well deserved reputation as a country sincerely interested in
conserving its natural resources, is one that is invariably on all birder's lists to
visit. Its tropical forests harbor howler monkeys, Resplendent Quetzals, poison-
Photo by Herb Clarke
dart frogs, giant morpho butterflies, over 830 species of birds, and the beauty of
thousands of plant species. We will visit six of the major locations that are dis-
tinctive, each offering a marvelous profusion of tropical birds.
Habitats encountered will range from semiarid ranch land, to misty cloud forest,
the transition zone between the dry and moist forests of the Pacific lowlands, the
treeless paramo, and what may well be the highlight of our trip, a visit to La
Selva, a lowland rainforest where nearly 400 birds have been recorded. As part
of a small group, enjoy some of the best tropical birding in Costa Rica., where
Resplendent Quetzal
you will be accompanied by outstanding leaders throughout. Space is limited.
MOROCCO: FROM THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS For information and itinerary, con-
tact: Olga Clarke - Travel Director
TO THE SAHARA April 19 - May 5, 2008 Los Angeles Audubon Society
Post-Extension Tangier to Fes May 5-10, 2008 2027 El Arbolita Dr.
Glendale, CA 91208
Ph/Fax: 818-249-9511
The thought of Morocco brings visions of casbahs, deserts, minarets, e-mail: oclarketravel@earthlink.net
camels, and Arabian nights. These sights, coupled with shopping
excursions in Marrakech and Fes, will frame your experience,
but the primary purpose of this trip is Morocco's birds. With its coasts, islands, wadis, plains, forests,
mountains and deserts, Morocco is a birding wonderland-quite distinct from European habitats to the north.
July/August 2007 19
programs & evening meetings
Meet at 7:30 at Audubon House in Plummer Park
7377 Santa Monica Blvd (at Martel between La Brea and Fairfax)
323-876-0202
NO MEETINGS IN SUMMER