Volume 74, Number 6 July/August 2008
WESTERN
TANAGER
a publication of Los Angeles Audubon
Tejon Ranch Agreement
Audubon California and other
conservation groups save up to
90% of Tejon Ranch Groups
agree not to oppose 10% that will
be developed
n Thursday, May 8, 2008
O
Audubon California, the
Sierra Club, the Natural
Resources Defense Council,
Endangered Habitats League, the
Planning and Conservation League
and Resource Opportunities, LLC
announced that they had reached an
agreement with Tejon Ranch
Company to protect up to 240,000
acres or 90% of the 270,000 acre Tejon
Ranch after 20 months of negotiation.
Tejon Ranch is at the
convergence of four important
California habitat areas - the end of the
Southern Sierras, the Coastal Ranges,
the San Joaquin Valley, and the
Antelope Valley. Two Audubon
California Important Bird Areas are on
the property in the conservation zone,
and the high mountain ridges are prime
Condor critical habitat designated by
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
This writer accompanied
Board members from four
Southern California Audubon
July/August 2008
www.laaudubon.org
by Garry George
chapters including Los Angeles The agreement puts in place:
Audubon Board members Jenny
Jones and Kimball Garrett on a Permanent Conservation –
day-long tour of the ranch just Safeguards 240,000 acres, including
before the announcement. We 178,000 acres through an
witnessed a range of habitat as we enforceable conservation easement
drove from the San Joaquin Valley and dedicated open space donated
agricultural fields and grasslands by Tejon Ranch Company, a
to foothills of oak woodlands – publicly traded company, as well as
there are 10 species of oaks on the the option to purchase an additional
property! – to slopes covered with 62,000 acres within three years.
Blue Oaks still brown before Governance and Funding -
leafing, and covered in ice and Establishes an independent Tejon
sleet two days before the tour, to Ranch Conservancy to manage and
fir and pine at the very top where restore landscape, monitor the
Kimball heard Purple Martins conservation easements, and provide
(over 10% of the California
population of Purple Martins are
on this ranch). We drove down the
other side to Joshua tree forest and
fields of wild flowers in bloom in
the Antelope Valley where
Kimball found a Night Lizard,
Scott’s Oriole and other goodies.
It was the first time any of us had
been on the property, which is
home to more than two dozen state
and federally listed plant and
animal species including Condor
and up to 17 bird species on the
Audubon Watch list including
Golden Eagle, Spotted Owl,
Purple Martin, Willow Flycatcher,
and Tricolored Blackbird. Oak Grove at Tejon Ranch
1
for public access. The agreement
also provides it with a permanent
funding source through a transfer tax
on lots and homes sold and resold on
the ranch and initial funding.

Public Access –
37 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail
will be realigned in order to allow
hikers to cross the Tejon Ranch. The
agreement also commits all parties
to work together to establish a state
park on a portion of the ranch, and
the Tejon Ranch Conservancy will
manage a public access program.

Agreement –
Audubon California and its
partners agree not to oppose three
development projects on 10
percent of the Tejon Ranch. These
developments will still be subject
to public review and applicable
federal and state environmental
protection laws.

The “not to oppose”

agreement is the bitter pill. Tejon
Ranch Company plans three
developments, one in Los Angeles
County called Centennial in the
Antelope Valley, where 24,000 homes
will replace Antelope Valley open
space, create massive traffic on the 5,
and massive water and energy needs to
service a new population. Tejon
Mountain Village will follow; a
development of around 1,800
Tejon Ranch stream
exclusive homes on huge lots on ridge
tops in critical habitat for the California
Condor. The third development in
Kern County is an expansion of an
industrial park that already houses an
Ikea distribution center.
Audubon chapters, as
individual 501 (c) (3)s, are not party
to the agreement, and can oppose
these developments as can Center
for Biological Diversity, which
pulled out of the negotiations, and
other groups concerned about clean
air, water, traffic and habitat
destruction. A d d i t i o n a l l y,
USF&Wildlife Service would have
to comment on critical habitat for
the Condor.
But the kinds of financial
and staff resources that it might take
to defeat these developments would
be more than daunting without a
large coalition willing to take on
Tejon Ranch Company.
Los Angeles Audubon is
awaiting the impending EIRs for
Centennial and Tejon Mountain
Village, and celebrates the
conservation of 240,000 acres of this
spectacular habitat.

2 Western Tanager
 Audubon House Library
os Angeles Audubon is
L pleased to announce that
digital editions of our 74
year collection of Western Tanager
newsletters are now available in the
Audubon House Library of our
headquarters in Plummer Park. The
printed newsletters, first published in
the year 1934, have been converted
into fully text searchable, PDF files.
This addition to our library will be
a valuable asset to researchers and
historians, as well as to casual birders
who are interested in this tremendous
body of work. These files are now
readily available and easily retrievable.
The digital files are stored on CDs and
our computer hard drives. Please
schedule library computer time with
the staff at Audubon House by calling
(323) 876-0202.
Susan Castor
Member Services
Los Angeles Audubon
receives $111,000 grant for after school program at
Baldwin Hills
Baldwin Hills Conservancy has
awarded a $111,000 grant to Los
Angeles Audubon to create and
manage an after school program at
the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
site at the new California State Park.
The project will engage students
from Dorsey and Crenshaw Highs in
growing native plants from seed and
restoring the Baldwin Hills to create
habitat for wildlife.
The symbolic mascot of the
project is the Cactus Wren, which
used to be present in the Baldwin
Hills. Project Director will be
Margot Griswold, Project Director
for the Native Plant & Wildlife
Garden. As a restoration ecologist,
July/August 2008 3 See Volunteer Corner page 8.
Excerpt from the Western Tanager,
Volume 1, Issue 1, October 1934
“Conceived with the idea of
stimulating interest in our feathered
friends, THE WESTERN TANAGER
will be published by the Los Angeles
Audubon Society for distribution to
its members and to others interested
in the activities of Audubon. In
addition to the news of the Society,
THE WESTERN TANAGER will
contain as many feature articles,
curious facts, and other interesting
information about the birds as can be
crowded into the available space. We
hope that you will welcome this new
venture of the Audubon Society, and
that you will help your editor to make
it a success by communicating with
her whenever you feel you have
something that will be of interest to
the others.”
—Editor, Mrs. Raymond Brennan
Margot has restored coastal sage
scrub in Orange County to the extent
that California Gnatcatchers have
inhabited and bred in her restoration,
and the Owens Lake bed dust
mitigation in the Eastern Sierras,
among many other projects. Project
Manager for the program will be
Stacey Vigallon, Los Angeles
Audubon Director of Interpretive
Programs, who is also developing
the education program at the Native
Plant & Wildlife Garden at Kenneth
Hahn Recreation Area with help
from Barbara Courtois and Cindy
Hardin, Directors of the Ballona
saltwater marsh education program.
WESTERN TANAGER
Published by
Los Angeles Audubon Society,
a chapter of
National Audubon Society.
EDITOR: Garry George
LAYOUT: Susan Castor
CONSERVATION: Garry George
FIELD TRIPS: Nick Freeman
PELAGIC TRIPS: Phil Sayre
PROGRAMS: Mary Freeman
ORNITHOLOGY CONSULTANT:
Kimball Garrett
PRINTING: G2 Graphics Services, Inc.
Opinions expressed in articles or letters
herein do not necessarily express the
position of this publication or of
Los Angeles Audubon Society.
PRESIDENT:
Mary Freeman
1st VICE PRESIDENT:
David De Lange
2nd VICE PRESIDENT:
Paul Fox
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY:
Linda Oberholtzer
RECORDING SECRETARY:
Eleanor Osgood
TREASURER:
Lisa Fimiani
EXECUTIVE PAST PRESIDENT:
Dexter Kelly
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
Postion Open
Membership in Los Angeles Audubon is $25
Individual, $35 Couple, $50 Family, $100
Donor or $250 Donor per year. Members
receive the Western Tanager newsletter and
other benefits. Donations and memberships
can be made online at www.laaudubon.org
Make check payable to Los Angeles Audubon.
Los Angeles Audubon Headquarters, Library
and Nature Store are open to the public
Monday – Thursday
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Plummer Park
7377 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90046-6694
(323) 876-0202 – office
(323) 876-7609 – fax
(323) 874-1318 – bird tape
WesternTanager@LAAudubon.org – e-mail
LAAS@LAAudubon.org – e-mail
www.LAAudubon.org – website
Printed on Recycled Paper
 my patc h
Hansen Dam
—by Kimball L. Garrett
n 2007, I made the
I circuit of local Audubon
Chapters to present a
talk I called “Birding on $4 a
Gallon” –a call for more intensive
local “patch” birding in the face of
increasing gasoline prices and, more
urgently, the environmental and
societal costs of burning fossil fuels
to undertake “late 20th Century
style” long-distance bird chasing.
Feeling some responsibility to
practice what I’ve been preaching, I
have a patch of my own – Hansen
Dam in the northeastern San
Fernando Valley. The Hansen Dam
basin and surrounding habitats along
Big Tujunga Creek fit my criteria for
an “ideal” patch in several ways. It
is close – about a third of a gallon of
gas for the round trip from my
house. It has a variety of habitats
(open water, marsh, riparian forest,
alluvial sage scrub, and landscaped
park land) and, consequently,
harbors a satisfying diversity of bird
species. Finally, it’s small enough to
be birded in a day – albeit a long day
if all habitats are to be covered.
Hansen Dam is gritty, and
not especially user-friendly.
Homeless encampments and
weekend hordes of recreationists
and revelers make it distinctly off-
putting at times to one seeking
nature. But it increasingly typifies
the urban-adjacent wildlife
experience in our obscenely over-
populated region. The Dam basin
and upstream washes host several
key breeding riparian species (15+
Bell’s Vireo territories, Blue
Grosbeaks, Yellow-breasted Chats,
Willow Forest Lake, Photo by Kimball Garrett
Swainson’s Thrushes) as well as
alluvial scrub specialists (Lesser
Nighthawk, Cactus Wren, and this
year a single California
Gnatcatcher). Nesting waterbirds
have included Least Bitterns,
Western Grebes and Spotted
Sandpipers. The occasional rarity
adds spice, such as Brown Pelican
(April 2002), Little Blue Heron
(May 2007 and May 2008), Broad-
winged Hawk (October 2002,
November 2003), Crested Caracara
(January-February 2007), Yellow-
throated Warbler (May 2007), and
Painted Redstart (September 2004).
Most morning visits yield 70 to 90
species, depending on the time
of year.
I’ve identified another
criterion for a good birding patch –
that the natural history data
generated from coverage of the
patch can influence management of
the area for habitat quality and bird
conservation. The Hansen Dam area
and Big Tujunga Wash are replete
with environmental challenges.
There are constant and growing
pressures to add high-density
recreation and equestrian
development, and wildlife issues
take a back seat to flood control,
human safety, and sometimes even
commercial needs. The bird data for
this patch that I and others have
generated (my database now
includes over 17,000 entries) can
provide ammunition for arguing for
the protection of diverse wildlife in
the area. Covering the patch is the
fun part – putting the information to
work is the important challenge.
Kimball Garrett is the
Ornithology Collections Manager at
the Natural History Museum of Los
Angeles County and Scientific
Advisor to the Board of the Los
Angeles Audubon Society. His latest
book, Birds of the Los Angeles Region
(with Jon Dunn and Bob Morse) is
available at the Los Angeles Audubon
Nature Store.
4 Western Tanager
 THANks!
The Membership Department wishes to thank all of our members and Los Angeles Audubon also thanks
donors, both new and renewed! Your memberships help us to fulfill the following Donors who
our mission... responded with donations for
other program needs:

“The mission of Los Angeles Audubon is to promote the Jack Bath

enjoyment and protection of birds and other wildlife through Mary Renaker & Eric Brazel
recreation, education, conservation and restoration.” Harvey Fisher
Albert & Elizabeth Garrison
Susan Krebs
Peggy & Donn Miller
Fred Alcantar Jr. Dr. Kathleen Komar Margery Nicolson
Elizabeth Jamie Alter Richard Krafsur Steve Shunk
Joseph Andrews Suzanne Larky Johanna Dawes - Pat’s Big Year
Frank Arentowicz Dr. & Mrs. Emil M Lichina Eleanor Osgood &
C. M. Armstrong Peggy & Donn Miller Rich Waters - Pat’s Big Year
Jack L. Bath Michael Lynton
Bettina Bennewitz Mr. L. R. Marks We thank the following people that
Michele Bigelow John W. McCoy made heartfelt donations in honor of
Eric Brazel Karen Molleson & Lowell Hill loved ones:
Katie Brennan Paul & Irene Oppenheim
Betty J. Brown Linda Peterson In Memory of Herb Clarke,
Thomas Chell Regina Phelps
Larry Allen
Barbara Courtois Judith B. Raskin
Richard Barth
Glen C. Dake Mary Renaker
Jack Bath
Zan Dubin-Scott Bernhard Rohrbacher
Fred & Jennifer Brantly
Linda Dunn Joseph Ruggeri
Elaine Green
Joi Edwards Kathleen M. Sacchi
Lloyd Ely Bruce & Joyce Schoppe Karen Johnson
Diane Farag David G. Seay John McCoy
William Farhood Arlyne W. Shepro Jean Pickus
Donna M. Fernholz Ross Shideler Cynthia Schotte
Harvey Fischer John Silvester Stephen Tabor
Bridget Fitzsimons Dr. Nellie Becker- Slaton Laura J. Vance
Jerry & Jeanette Gadt William Slaton
Albert Gasser Scott & Laurie Szogas The Membership Department also
Donna Groman Robert Thomas wishes to extend a very special thank
Marcia D. Hanscom Anthony Tomicich you to the volunteers who help
Eric Hansen Dr. Joshua Trabulus address, stuff, and stamp our
Melissa Haylock Aino Vimb membership information and
Nan Helgeland Bob Walden invitation packets.
Tommye Hite Sandra Wolchok
Cynthia Jackson Mrs. Susan Wolin Hanna Hayman
Joyce A. Kidd Amy Worell DVM Dorothy Schwarz
July/August 2008 5
 C O N S E R VAT I O N C O N V E R S AT I O N
Protecting the San Fernando
Valley
Activists from Los Angeles and San
Fernando Valley Audubon joined
forces in efforts to protect Hansen
Dam (an Audubon California
Important Bird Area) from an
equestrian facility and Sepulveda
Basin Wildlife Area from an
extension of the 405 and 101
interchange. On April 19, Kimball
Garrett led a group of Board and staff
from both chapters on a morning tour
of Hansen Dam alluvial and coastal
sage scrub and wetlands habitat
finding an extraordinary mix of bird
species including Least Bell’s Vireo,
California Gnatcatcher, Cactus Wren,
Yellow-breasted Chat and Blue
Grosbeak among others. The group is
planning to strategize for protection
and more public awareness of this
valuable and unique remaining piece
of habitat in Los Angeles. The group
also toured an area proposed for an
equestrian facility and found two
Cactus Wren nests that could be
impacted from the development of
the facility. Armed with this
knowledge, San Fernando Valley
Audubon’s Conservation Co-Chairs
Kris Ohlenkamp and Seth Shteir
opposed the facility in Park Advisory
Board meetings and in meetings with
House of Representitive Howard
Berman, and with Los Angeles City
Parks. Meanwhile, San Fernando
Valley President Muriel Kotin
gathered a group of activists for the
May 14 hearing on development
around the 405-101 interchange, and
opposed alternatives 2 and 3. The
EIR/EIS for the project
acknowledges that those alternatives
would impact Sepulveda Basin
Wildlife Area greatly.
County Birds of Special Concern
Los Angeles. Audubon members
Larry Allen, Eleanor Osgood, Mary
Freeman and staff members Garry
George and Stacey Vigallon are
working with biologists Tom Ryan,
Dan Cooper, Kimball Garrett and
Mike San Miguel to create a list of
Los Angeles County Sensitive
Species based on data from
Christmas Bird Counts, Breeding
Bird Atlas and historic data as far
back as Grinnell. Once the list is
prepared, Los Angeles Audubon will
be enlisting the support of other
chapters in Los Angeles County on
conservation efforts identified by site
and priority.
Tree Trimming
Every spring Los Angeles Audubon
receives multiple calls from members
worried about the effects of tree
trimming on nesting birds. Recently,
Board member Eleanor Osgood and
members Eric and Ann Brooks,
noticed tree trimming in Kenneth
Hahn Recreation Area at Baldwin
Hills Park, and stepped in to advocate
with park superintendent and tree
trimming staff on awareness of bird
nests. Eleanor, Eric and Ann tried to
identify trees that might have nests in
them before the trimmers got to them.
In response, Los Angeles Audubon is
writing up a policy on tree trimming
that will include a review of local
laws and recommendations on time
periods that are safest for different
groups of species of birds, and how
to look for nests. This policy will be
distribured in meetings with Los
Angeles County and City parks, Port
of Los Angeles, and other agencies
that order tree trimming.
Pesticides and birds of UCLA
New Los Angeles Audubon member
Linda Navroth advocated with the
Maintenance Department of UCLA
to consider using different or no
pesticides on the UCLA campus out
of her concern for species such as
Bewick’s Wren that she observes
there. Linda researched the impacts
of the pesticides used by UCLA on
birds and provided her research to
UCLA. Her request is under
consideration. Meanwhile, we’ve
asked Linda to join in the tree
trimming policy effort as a result of
her fine efforts to protect birds on the
UCLA campus.
6 Western Tanager
 News and Announcements
BOARD SLATE 2008-2009 LOS ANGELES AUDUBON
wins
Members voted at the May 14th TOYOTA Together Green
meeting for the following slate for Los Volunteer Days grant!
Angeles Audubon’s Board of Directors
for the fiscal year 2008-2009. LOS ANGELES AUDUBON
has won one of the first round of
President – Mary Freeman grants in the TOYOTA/AUDUBON
1st VP - David DeLange Together Green partnership.
2nd VP – Paul Fox
Treasurer – Lisa Fimiani Los Angeles Audubon will
Executive Secretary – Linda Oberholtzer
receive $7,000 to use for volunteer
Recording Secretary – Eleanor Osgood events in the Baldwin Hills in
partnership with other organizations
Dexter Kelly will remain on the in the community such as Friends of
Board as Executive Past President, a Baldwin Hills.
non-elective, voting position.
The grant recipients were
Executive Director, Garry announced on Friday, May 30, 2008.
George leaves Los Angeles Stacey Vigallon, Los Angeles
Audubon on June 30, 2008 to Audubon Director of Interpretive
become Chapter Network Programs, will oversee the grant
Director for Audubon California. project and grant funding in the
Baldwin Hills.
The Board is currently
interviewing new candidates for Stacey's recent project with the
the position. Dorsey High Eco Warriors to remove
invasive non-native vegetation from the
Garry will continue to serve Least Tern colony on Venice Beach is
with Los Angeles Audubon as a also featured on the
member of the organization, a www.togethergreen.org website, as
member of the Executive a feature community work.
Committee, and as Chair of the http://www.togethergreen.org/Projects/
Conservation Committee. FeaturedCommunityWork.aspx
July/August 2008 7
LIFETIME
MEMBERSHIPS
for Los Angeles Audubon
now available.
Due to popular demand, Los
Angeles Audubon has recently
begun issuing Lifetime, Chapter-
only memberships for $1,000.00.
A chunk of money —yes—
but, somewhat mitigated if one or
more of the following might apply
to you: you anticipate being a
greater Los Angeles birder for two
or three decades (they really pass
quickly!); you itemize your tax
deduction (Los Angeles Audubon is a
501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Organization);
you really get tired of mailings to
renew memberships (sorry!); or you
really believe in the many
recreation, conservation, education,
restoration and research projects that
make up Los Angeles Audubon.
By declaring your unquestionable
affiliation with our chapter, you can
know as you read the Western
Tanager, that your level of
involvement, more than ever, makes
happen all of those facets of Los
Angeles Audubon that most appeal
to you. You will also receive a note
expressing the eternal gratitude of
everyone in the Los Angeles
Audubon organization.
Call Audubon House at
(323) 876-0202 to pay by telephone
using your credit card, or mail your
check to:
Los Angeles Audubon-Membership,
P.O. Box 931057, Los Angeles CA
90093-1057.
 Volu n te e r Cor n e r
he Baldwin Hills area has The new Baldwin Hills

T
We are extremely excited about
become a new focal point Overlook Park is tentatively the tremendous interpretive and
for Los Angeles scheduled to open in Fall 2008, and outreach possibilities at this site, and
Audubon education and outreach we’re still working closely with welcome any and all volunteers who
activities. Currently in development California State Parks on the details want to share their love for the
for Fall 2008 are docent programs at of the new docent program at this natural world with park visitors.
both Kenneth Hahn State Recreation location. However, what we do Please let us know if you’re
Area and the new Baldwin Hills know for certain is that we’ll need interested and we will continue to
Overlook Park. motivated birders and nature-lovers keep you informed as the program
interested in spending time as takes shape.
The Kenneth Hahn program is docents at this exciting new park.
geared toward students in grades 3- The site has a stunning view of the To request more information
12 who are attending inner-city Los Los Angeles Basin (mountains to about these programs and other
Angeles schools. Participating ocean!) and will have a native plant volunteer opportunities, contact:
classes will spend time outdoors garden and interpretive center. In
learning about the ecology of the addition, the surrounding hillsides Stacey Vigallon
Baldwin Hills through scientific will gradually be restored to native (tern@laaudubon.org,
inquiry, field sketching, and coastal sage scrub habitat through (323) 481-4037)
orienteering. Hands-on activities hands-on projects conducted by or Eleanor Osgood
and a multidisciplinary approach interns from local high schools (volunteer@laaudubon.org).
will be emphasized, and the working with restoration ecologists.
curriculum has been developed to
align with California State
Education Standards. People
interested in volunteering should
have a great enthusiasm for the
natural world and for working with
children. Educational outreach
volunteers will visit teachers and
their students in the classroom in
order to introduce them to the
ecology of the Baldwin Hills.
Classes will subsequently visit
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation
Area for a two-hour field trip, during
which volunteers will lead them on a
range of outdoor activities. A
volunteer training session will be
provided in late summer that covers
plant and wildlife species of the
Baldwin Hills, ecology of the
coastal sage scrub plant community
and interpretive techniques.
Volunteers will receive a Pictured are Garry George, Exec. Director and Margot Griswold, Project Director at a
comprehensive training manual. volunteer event at the Native Plant & Wildlife Garden with Crenshaw area Boy Scouts.

8 Western Tanager
 I n t e r p r e t i ng n at u r e
by Stacey Vigallon
elcome to the new

W Interpreting Nature
column. The goal of
this new feature is to keep readers
We also have big ideas for our
Snowy Plover, Least Tern, and
Audubon At Home programs, and
we’ll keep you posted as they
Rosemary Virula is currently a
senior at Dorsey High School and
will be graduating in June. She
participated in both Least Tern
apprised of Los Angeles Audubon’s progress. colony clean-ups during the school
natural science interpretation projects. year, helped collect data for the
Not only do we have a new Great Backyard Bird Count this past
But first an essential question… column about interpretation, but spring, and has been an active
What exactly is natural science we’d also like to introduce you to member of her campus’s eco-club
interpretation? Essentially, natural our new intern who will be working and student leadership program.
science interpretation involves on several of Los Angeles Rosemary will attend
translating concepts and data from Audubon’s interpretation projects. CSU Northridge in the fall.
highly technical science-speak into
verbal and visual components easily
understood by people who aren’t
scientists. Ideally, the finished
project is engaging and leaves the
participant feeling well informed. If
you’ve ever been to a museum or
nature center, thumbed through a
field guide, or watched a natural
history documentary, then you’re
well acquainted with science
interpretation.

Los Angeles Audubon’s

interpretive projects include docent
programs, printed publications, and
outdoor signage. The long-running
Ballona Wetlands education
program managed by Cindy Hardin
and Barbara Courtois is an excellent
example of science interpretation in
action. Other docent and education
programs are in development for
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
as well as the soon-to-open Baldwin
Hills Overlook Park (more on that in
this issue’s Volunteer Corner). Last
fall Los Angeles Audubon published a
guide to the native plant garden at
Kenneth Hahn, and permanent signs
for a self-guided tour of the garden are
soon to follow.
Rosemary Virula, Intern

July/August 2008 9
 birds of the season
panning a mix of habitats
S
from ocean to coast to
mountains to interior
deserts, Los Angeles County
experiences a rich and varied
spring migration. Nearly every
species of bird that migrates
through California this spring, is
heading north through the
county at some point between
January and early June. And
these migrants can be found
almost anywhere.
While the Los Angeles basin is
hyper-developed, it is still a
relatively hospitable environment
for migrating songbirds. Even the
downtown area has many parks
and patches of green, and in
suburbia there are homes and
parks with exotic trees, shrubs,
water features and endless lawns.
While not ideal, these areas
mitigate at least to some extent the
habitat lost due to human
population growth.
Out on the desert, some human
activity can actually be a good thing.
Any patch of green— ranches,
irrigation ditches, windbreaks, city
parks and golf courses— offers an
oasis for birds in need of food, water
and rest and a great place for birders
to look for them (assuming of course
that the owner is amenable). Spring
on the desert is often windy and
some days may be slow, but others
can produce plenty of birds.
For all its potential however,
reports indicated that migration
through early May was
underwhelming. Weather
conditions conspired with the
calendar to turn some of the best
April weekends into hot, dry and
relatively birdless ones. Migrants
were certainly moving through,
but for the most part impressive
numbers of birds were not being
encountered.
Even our ABC (America’s Birdiest
County) competition reflected the
trend and scored markedly fewer
birds than last year’s knockout 272.
Observers did find 256 different
species from April 26-28, which is
quite respectable by any measure
and undoubtedly will match up with
the top few counties in the country.
Each spring similar numbers of
birds follow the same migration
routes, but changing conditions on
the ground and in the air can
produce noticeably different
results from one year to the next,
at least from the human observer’s
perspective. Weather fronts,
winds, heat, the marine layer and
the concentrative effects of
drought - or lack thereof - all have
their effects on observed numbers
of birds.
Nevertheless, a variety of
northbound migrants as well as
lingering wintering birds combined
by Jon Fisher
to paint the picture of Los Angeles
County avifauna from mid-March
through mid-May…
Aside from a Snow Goose
continuing in Willowbrook through
early April and few lingering
Cackling Geese, the only other
noteworthy report was of two
Brant- common migrants along the
coast but scarce inland- at the Piute
Ponds on Edwards AFB on May 6
(Mike San Miguel).
Aside from the usual Surf Scoters,
one White-winged Scoter was at
the Ballona Creek mouth from
March 21-30 (Barbara Johnson)
and at least three remained at
Quail Lake near Gorman through
April 4 (Jon Feenstra).
A single Black Scoter continued
at Dockweiler State Beach in El
Segundo through April 2 when it
was joined by a second bird
(Richard Barth). Another Black
was at Point Dume on April 5
(Mike San Miguel) and two more
were at the Ballona Creek mouth
on April 8 (Tori Collender).
Other sea ducks included a female
Long-tailed Duck continuing at
Ballona Creek mouth through
March 30 and an immature male
off Dockweiler Beach on April 13-
21 (Richard Barth).
10 Western Tanager
Back in May of 2007, an adult
Little Blue Heron appeared at
Hansen Dam. A year later almost
to the day, what was probably the
same bird was there again on May
10 (Kimball Garrett).
Swainson’s Hawks continued to
move through in small numbers
with a half dozen sightings
totaling three dozen individuals
being tallied during the period. A
coordinated effort to find these
hawks would likely turn up many
more, as they can easily pass
through unnoticed.
Solitary Sandpipers put on a
decent show with the first report
coming from Madrona Marsh in
Torrance on April 2 (Dave
Moody). This was followed by
five other individuals at various
locations and a group of three- an
unusual number for spring- at the
Sepulveda Basin on April 27.
Another Solitary at the Piute
Ponds on May 3 was the only one
reported away from the coastal
plain (Mike San Miguel).
Red Knots aren’t all that rare
along the southern California
coast, but in Los Angeles County
there are precious few places one
has a hope of finding them. Thus
one at Del Rey Lagoon in Playa
del Rey on March 26-30 was of
interest (Michael Zarky). There
are but a handful of documented
records for this locality.
The only report of a spring
Semipalmated Sandpiper was
one at the Piute Ponds on May 3
(Mike San Miguel).
An cooperative adult Franklin’s
Gull found at Malibu Lagoon on
April 1 hung around for a week
July/August 2008 11
offering birders great views
(Muriel Kotin). This bird was
followed a month later by four
Franklin’s at the lagoon on May 1
(Richard Barth, Jim Hardesty, Jim
Moore). Another Franklin’s was
at Del Rey Lagoon in Playa del
Rey from April 26-29 (Bob Pann)
and three more were at the
Lancaster Sewer Ponds on May 7
(Mike San Miguel).
Rare in the Antelope Valley were a
Glaucous-winged Gull and a
Herring Gull at the Lancaster Sewer
Ponds on April 4 (Jon Feenstra).
Two Black-legged Kittiwakes- rare
inshore in recent years- turned up on
the beach at Malibu Lagoon on April
20 (Nick & Mary Freeman).
Good numbers of Black Terns can
move through the deserts in spring
as evidenced by the forty-seven at
the Lancaster Sewer Ponds and
another forty at the Piute Ponds on
May 3 (Mike San Miguel).
A very nice find was a Gull-billed
Tern- only the second county
record- seen flying by Point Dume
on April 5 (Mike San Miguel).
Amazingly, this bird was followed
by the brief appearance of three
Gull-billed Terns almost a month
later at Malibu Lagoon on May 3
(Jon Fisher). Interestingly, several
were at Bolsa Chica in Orange
County on May 1 and the Malibu
area birds may have originated
from there. Certainly these
sightings raise the possibility of
additional records in the county
this spring and summer.
Lesser Nighthawks had returned
to Big Tujunga Wash by April 2
(Kimball Garrett). The San
Gabriel River drainage below
Azusa Canyon is also a reliable
spot to look for them in the early
evening. Breeding still occurs in
the vicinity of these broad canyon
washes in spite of extensive
development.
A Burrowing Owl, a scarce
transient, was in South Pasadena
on April 10 (David Whitman).
Meanwhile, the San Gabriel
Mountains were a productive area
for owls for those willing to go
searching for them. Northern
Pygmy, Saw-Whet, Spotted and
Western Screech-Owls can all be
found with a little effort. These
mountains are relatively pristine
and habitat alteration has been
minimal by comparison, thus
much of the avifauna that was
there historically remains intact.
A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker that
spent the winter at the Village
Green condos in Los Angeles
lingered quite late, being last seen
on March 27 (Don Sterba).
A Hairy Woodpecker was at
Hansen Dam on March 29
(Kimball Garrett). These birds are
scarce anywhere in the lowlands,
but breeding takes place along the
Santa Clara River and is suspected
at Hansen. A White-headed
Woodpecker at St. Andrew’s
Priory near Valyermo on April 6
(Mark Scheel) was away from
normal areas of occurrence.
Scattered reports of single birds and pairs
of Eurasian Collared-Doves seemed to
indicate the slow but inevitable spread of
this species in the county. Away from the
deserts where they are already more
widely established, reports are slowly
becoming more frequent from the Los
Angeles Basin and surrounding areas.
After having presumably spent
the winter, a Dusky-capped
Flycatcher remained through
April 3 at Creek Park in La
Mirada. A Gray Flycatcher
continued at the Arboretum
through April 9 and a migrant
Gray was at Sycamore Canyon in
Whittier on April 27 (Larry
Schmahl). An immature male
Vermilion Flycatcher was
discovered at Palos Verdes Nature
Park on April 12 (Carla Sedlacek,
Paul Irving).
A Plumbeous Vireo was at
Hansen Dam on March 29
(Kimball Garrett) and a singing
bird at the Sepulveda Basin on
April 11-19 (Jon Fisher, Bob
Pann, Alan Dunn) was almost
certainly a migrant as none were
known to have wintered here.
A singing Bell’s Vireo at El
Dorado Park in Long Beach on
March 31 (Kevin Alcaino) was at
the same spot where one was
found last spring. Further
evidence of breeding should be
watched for at this locale. This
species, once on the brink of
being extirpated from coastal Los
Angeles County, has rebounded
surprisingly well in the last two
decades. Illustrative of that fact
were the 15 Bell’s Vireo
territories at Hansen Dam by
early May (Kimball Garrett).
This is one of the Brown-headed
Cowbirds’ favorite host species
and trapping efforts and other
factors have had a very positive
effect on vireo populations. This
in spite of the fact that little
historical breeding habitat remains.
A first record for Hansen Dam
was a male California
Gnatcatcher found there on
March 29 (Kimball Garrett) and
present through April 19. There
have been several unconfirmed
reports from the Tujunga drainage
over the years and this species
should be looked for as possibly
breeding in the area, particularly at
the east end of the basin where less
disturbed habitat still exists.
Undoubtedly a few pairs still breed
in as yet undiscovered locations.
Though it’s still early in the
season a couple of ‘eastern
vagrant’ warblers were found. A
singing male Northern Parula
was found at Banning Park in
Wilmington on May 11 (Mike San
Miguel) and a Northern
Waterthrush was nearby at
Harbor Park on the same day
(Martin Byhower).
A Summer Tanager, likely the
same bird found on January 21,
was at Los Angeles National
Cemetery on April 21 (Richard
Barth) and another Summer
Tanager was in Claremont on
April 27-May 11 (Paul Clarke).
Sparrows of interest included a
rather late Vesper Sparrow at
Peck Pit in Monrovia on May 11
(Jon Fisher), a wintering White-
throated Sparrow continuing at
Eaton Canyon through April 1,
and a very rare “Pink-sided”
Junco found at St. Andrew’s
Priory near Valyermo on April 25
(Jon Feenstra).
Small numbers of Yellow-headed
Blackbirds regularly occur as
transients on the coastal plain in
spring, but remarkable was a
flock of over 150 at the Ballona
Freshwater Marsh on April 27
(Jonathan Coffin).
There were reports of a few
small groups of Red Crossbills
scattered through the Antelope
Valley with at least one pair
building an nest at Apollo Park
in Lancaster as of April 4 (Jon
Feenstra). Such activity in
lowland areas is noteworthy but
not unprecedented. Extensive
non-native plantings have
allowed this species to breed
coastally on the Palos Verdes
Peninsula and at Point Loma in
past decades.
With spring migration having
largely ended by the end of May,
there will be a very short
window before fall migration
begins in earnest. Early
southbound shorebirds will
appear soon, with Wilson’s
Phalaropes showing up as early
as the first week of June while
late passerines are still heading
north.
For the moment, there’s a little
time to pay attention to breeding
birds, which hopefully we were
doing all along anyway. Many
of our foothill canyons are alive
with activity in May and June,
while the higher mountains offer
a different mix of breeding birds
with breeding activity shifted
slightly later. In these higher
and still largely unbirded San
Gabriels, there are still
discoveries to be made.
Various streams and springs
along the Angeles Crest
Highway should have sufficient
water this year to make checking
them worthwhile.
Old standbys such as Charlton
Flat, Chilao Flat, Buckhorn,
Vincent Gap and Mt. Baden-
12 Western Tanager
Powell can all be great places to
bird from May through July. In
addition, there are many lesser
known and little explored parts
of the mountains that have
potential.
Occasionally a rarity turns up in
the San Gabriels— Painted
Redstarts, Grace’s Warblers
(with one spending a cold winter
at Chilao), Northern Parula and
others have been found here.
It’s been three decades since a
Red-faced Warbler was turned
up in the San Gabriels, so maybe
we’re due…
The deserts will mostly be
blistering hot, but nevertheless
will host numbers of southbound
shorebirds by July. The Piute
Ponds will be well covered by
those with the appropriate
permissions, but other spots
such as the Lancaster Sewer
Ponds and the puddle of water at
G Street and the 14 Freeway
may be productive as well.
The lower Los Angeles River
should prove to be the hot spot
for shorebirds once again from
July through September. So
many good birds have been
found here in the past few years
that it’s nearly certain it will be
productive for vagrants again.
Coastally there are few spots in
the county suitable for
shorebirds, but Malibu Lagoon,
the Ballona area and even tiny
Zuma Creek mouth are all worth
checking. While some birds
linger for hours or even days,
others may come and go in mere
minutes or even seconds.
Timing can be everything…
July/August 2008 13
Nature Store
N12466 $24.00
The Life of the Skies
Jonathan Rosen
In a spirit of celebration and curiosity,
Jonathan Rosen has written a fresh and
utterly fascinating new exploration of birds
and beyond. A mixture of memoir, nature
writing, history, and philosophy, The Life of
the Skies is an illuminating look at the
complex relationship humans have with
their flying counterparst and a history of
America viewed on the wing.
N10047 $26.95
Guide to the Birds of Alaska,
5 th Edition
Robert H. Armstrong
New Expanded and Updated Editionobert
Armstrong’s Guide to the Bird of Alaska has
been a must-have for Alaska birders for
more than twenty-five years. Now in its
fifth edition, Armstrong provides
completely updated information plus
hundreds of new photos. Every bird is now
illustrated in this classic guide, including all
casuals and accidentals.This comprehensive
guide offers the most up-to-date knowledge
about the birds in Alaska, including the 480
species on the current list.
N12457 $15.99
Guías Visuales Pájaro Escrito
por David Burnie
Sé testigo del momento en emocionante en
que nace una cría y de su crecimiento en el
nido, y cómo los pájaros se esconden,
vuelan, cazan y comen.
N12372 $29.95
A Bird-Finding Guide to Panama
George R. Angehr, Dodge Engleman, and
Lorna Engleman
A Bird-Finding Guide to Panama is an
essential tool for anyone traveling in search of
Panama’s spectacular birds and natural
attractions. With more than 970 species and a
growing infrastructure of good roads, eco-
lodges, and restaurants, Panama is a premier
birding and nature tourism destination in the
neotropics. The country’s unique geography,
small size, and varied habitats make it possible
to see a vast diversity of birds within a short
time. The isthmus is a crossroads for the
hemisphere’s birdlife — Panama’s varied
avifauna includes such Central American
specialties as the Resplendent Quetzal in its
western highlands, while in the east, in San
Blas and the Darien, species more
characteristic of South America, such as the
Blue-and-yellow Macaw, are found.
 f i e l d
Field Trips & Pelagic Trips,
Reservation Policy and Procedure
for limited participation/fee events.
Reservations will be accepted only if all the
following information is supplied:
1) Separate checks payable to “LAAS”
for exact amount for each trip. (no cash
please, Credit Cards not accepted at this
time.)
2) SASE (Self-addressed stamped
envelope), for booking confirmation
and associated trip flyer.
3) Date & Name of Field Trip or
Pelagic Trip desired.
4) Name of each person in your party.
5) Phone numbers:
(a) usual and
(b) evening before event, (in case
of cancellation)
(c) email addresses (if used).
Our Mailing Address:
Los Angeles Audubon - Reservations
P.O. Box 931057
Los Angeles, CA 90093-1057
If there is insufficient response, the trip
will be cancelled two Wednesdays prior
to the scheduled date (four weeks for
pelagics). You will be so notified and
your fee returned. Your cancellation
after that time will bring a refund only
if there is a paid replacement. Our
office staff is available Monday
through Thursday for most reservation
services.
(323) 876-0202.
REFUND POLICY FOR
PELAGIC TRIPS
If a participant cancels 31 days or more
prior to departure, a $4 service charge will
be deducted from the refund. There is no
participant refund if requested fewer than
30 days before departure, unless there is a
paid replacement available. Call LAAS
for a possible replacement. Please do not
offer the trip to a friend as it would be
unfair to those on the waiting list.
All pelagic trips
must be filled 35 days prior to sailing.
Please reserve early.
NOTE: Destinations may be changed in
order to maximize bird sightings, or
minimize rough seas. In order to meet
unexpected increases in fuel costs, there can
be a $5 to $10 energy surcharge per person.
t r i p s
$ Fee Event  SASE
BIRD WALKS are geared for the
beginner / intermediate looking for
an introduction or less strenuous
excursion. 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 per directions in the
gray box on this page.
No pets or small children, please.
$ 
Saturday, June 28
Night Owling Field Trip
Leader: Raymond Schep
Target birds include Northern
Pygmy-Owl, Flammulated Owl,
Northern Saw-whet Owl, Western
Screech (easier), and Common
Poorwill. It will be much easier to
hear these birds a than see them.
Until dark we will bird for
mounatain specialties such as
Cassin’s finch and White-headed
Woodpecker. We will take a gentle
hike into a canyon looking for
Spotted Owl. They’re all up there,
but no promises! Leave promptly at
5:30 PM from where the 210 Fwy
and Angeles Crest Highway
intersect in La Canada. Exit the 210
at Angeles Crest Hwy N. About one
block up is a frontage road on the
right, where we will park and
carpool. Finish around midnight.
Bring a warm jacket, a full stomach,
snacks, and a Forest Service
Adventure Pass. Send $15, phone
number, e-mail address (if you have
it) and a SASE to L.A. Audubon’s
P.O Box to sign up. Limit 16.
INCREASE IN PRICES: Los
Angeles Audubon is increasing
prices on longer trips to build up
funds including the Schreiber
Grant Fund, which is given out
to deserving non-professional
avian researchers who have
limited access to funding.
Envelopes for voluntary
contributions will be distributed
on some other trips.
$ 
Thursday through Sunday, July 3-6
Quaking Aspen
Camping Trip for Owls
Leaders: Mary & Nick Freeman
Campground is above
Springville, and Camp Nelson
near Ponderosa in the
southwest Sierras. Owling by
night, bird walks by day! We
may also look at some
butterflies! Hopeful birds:
Flammulated, Northern Saw-
whet, Spotted owls and others;
Pileated Woodpecker, Winter
Wren, Hammond’s Flycatcher,
Hermit Warbler and more.
Some meals will be potluck,
others provided or eat out.
Tentatively meet Thursday
3:00PM at Quaking Aspen
Campground Group Site G
(already reserved). More details
in flyer. Send SASE, phone, e-
mail and $70 to L. A.
Audubon’s P.O. Box to reserve.
10 sign-ups max., no children
or pets, please.
14 Western Tanager
 f i e l d
Saturday, July 19
Mount Abel Area Field Trip
Leader: Jean Brandt
We will start the morning near
“Shirley’s Seep”, watching as birds
and mammals are drawn to a
nearby spring. Bring a chair,
snacks, thermos of hot drinks, and
be prepared for any kind of
weather. Possible birds include
Calliope Hummingbird and White-
headed Woodpecker. After we have
exhausted the birds and mammals
that come to the seep, we will bird
our way up to the top of Mount
Abel. Picnic lunch in campground
near the top of Mt. Abel. Rain
cancels. Anticipate the elements,
and bring a lunch and a Forest
Service Adventure Pass. Meet at
Denny’s parking lot off Roxford
and I 405 in Sylmar at 6:00 AM for
carpooling to Mt. Abel. Nominal
donation suggested.
t r i p s
$ 
Sunday, August 24
Sweltering Salton Sea Field Trip
Leaders: Nick & Mary Freeman
Anticipate 95-115°F, rotting stench
and dust-a-plenty. Don’t show up
without lots of water (1 gallon each
per day), good health, and a
reliable car with AC. This is the
gauntlet of SoCal car birding. So
why come? We should see Yellow-
footed and Laughing gulls, Wood
Stork, Black Tern, Lesser
Nighthawk, Abert’s Towhee, Gila
Woodpecker, and possible Least
Bittern, Fulvous Whistling-Duck
and Stilt Sandpiper. Perhaps most
exciting is the slim but real
possibility of real rarities such as
Brown and Blue-footed boobies,
Frigatebird and even stranger stuff
that has popped up in August.
Limit 8 paid cars with two or more
each. Find a friend, as singles are
discouraged, and will be wait-listed
until they can carpool. Send $30
per person with one SASE per
vehicle to L.A. Audubon’s P.O Box
to reserve, and for the information
mailer. Too hot to camp. Meet near
Brawley at Cattle Call Park at
5:30AM, and bird until about 2
PM. Scopes and FRS radios
helpful. Suggested lodging at
Calipatria Inn “Birder’s Discount”,
or Brawley Inn, in those towns.

Saturday, August 9
Lower Los Angeles
RiverShorebird Migration
Leader: Larry Allen
Larry will help us identify and age
the small sandpipers of the genus
Calidris. A great opportunity to get
some practice as shorebirds are
starting to hit the migration
corridors. Take the 710 Fwy S to
the Willow Street offramp, head E
over the Los Angeles River, and
take the first left on Golden Ave,
the first left on 26th, and follow this
around the pump station onto
DeForest Ave. Park near the river
access by the bridge, meet along the
river at 7:30AM, and bird until
noon. No fee, no sign-up. Spotting
scopes very helpful, although we
will share.
Black-legged Kittiwake, Photo by Mary Freeman

July/August 2008 15
 f i e l d
Sunday, August 31
Huntington Central Park and
Bolsa Chica Wetlands Field Trip
Leader: Irwin Woldman
Start at the park, then on to the
wetlands. Huntington Central Park
is excellent for migrating songbirds.
The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
wetlands were recently opened to
increased tidal flow, dredged in the
back channel for more wetland
habitat, and the walkways were
elevated for improved wildlife
viewing. Flocks of shorebirds
should be heading south, with
leftover terns, early gulls, herons,
and resident Belding’s Savannah
Sparrow. Bring a lunch for a full
day of birds. Meet at 7:30 AM in
the park parking lot on the south
side of Slater Ave. just east of
Golden West St. in Huntington
Beach. No sign up.
$ 
September 13 & 14 Weekend
Galileo Hills and Beyond
Field Trip
Leaders: Nick & Mary Freeman
Galileo is arguably the best fall
migrant trap in the state. Western
warblers and flycatchers should
headline. Reptiles may be
encountered! For those who stick
around for Sunday, we may return to
Galileo Hill, visit Piute Ponds, or
venture farther afield, as dictated by
our rambling hearts and bird reports.
Take Hwy 14 about 4 miles past
Mojave, then turn right on
California City Blvd. Drive through
t r i p s
town about a mile past the shops,
turn left past the golf course on
Randsburg-Mojave Rd., and veer
right on 20 Mule Team Rd. Turn left
on Rutgers Rd. at the Silver Saddle
sign before the hill, take your first
paved right, your first right again,
into the Silver Saddle Country Club,
followed by two paved lefts into the
lot. Park by the first pond. About 2
hrs driving time from Los Angeles
Send $25 fee and SASE to Audubon
House to reserve. 12 max. Bring
lunches, sun block. Reserve rooms
for both nights in Mojave. Meet at
7:00 AM Saturday, finish up perhaps
3-4ish Sunday.
$ 
Saturday, September 20
Piute Ponds
Leader: Todd Battey
A good mix of shorebirds, waterfowl
and songbirds, with a chance at
LeConte’s Thrasher, and Baird’s and
Pectoral sandpipers at this limited
access military facility. Possible
extension to Apollo Park, sewage
ponds or elsewhere afterwards.
Carpool at Golden Valley Road Park
& Ride on Fwy 14, meeting at
Avenue S Park & Ride in Palmdale
at 7:45AM. Bring lunch, water and
sunblock for a full day of birding.
Typically hot weather, and often
afternoon wind. To reserve with
LAAS, send SASE by September
15 with name, phone number, check
for $15, and e-mail address
(optional) to Audubon House.
Limited sign-up of 15, so you are
not registered without confirmation.
No drop-ins. High clearance
vehicles, scopes and FRS radios a
plus. No cameras on base!
$ Saturday, September 27
San Diego Area Field Trip
Leaders: Nick & Mary Freeman
A good portion of the morning will
certainly be spent at Pt. Loma. Some
odd birds have been known to pop
up here during late migration. Other
possible areas include the Tijuana
River marsh and nearby farm fields.
Take the 5 Fwy S about three miles
past Route 52 to the Clairemont
Drive offramp and head W into the
small lot adjacent to the Mission
Bay Information Center. Meet E of
the kiosk at 8:00 AM. Bring a lunch.
Send $25 fee to Audubon House.
Saturday, October 4
Malibu to McGrath Field Trip
Leader: Dexter Kelly
Late passerines and shorebirds
should be moving 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 street parking (and
Starbucks). Cross PCH, and meet in
the lagoon parking lot at 7:30 AM
for a full day of birding (bring
lunch). There may be one or two
access fees at McGrath, elsewhere.
Fee for those parking at the lagoon.
No sign-up for the trip. Nominal
donation suggested.
16 Western Tanager
 B i r d
Bird Walks are geared for the beginner/intermediate nature lover who wants to learn more about local birds.
These walks will also be an introduction to our local urban parks and wildlife magnets. Appropriate for
families with children 8 years and older. Binoculars are provided.
First Sunday of every month
Sunday, July 6
Sunday, August 3
Sunday, September 7
Topanga State Park Bird Walk
Leaders: Ken Wheeland and
Chris Tosdevin
Ken & Chris will lead
participants through this beautiful
and diverse coastal mountain
area. This is an ideal trip for a
beginning birder or someone new
in the area. From Ventura Blvd.,
take Topanga Canyon Blvd. 7
miles S, turn E uphill on Entrada
Rd. Follow the signs and turn
left into Trippet Ranch parking
lot. From PCH, take Topanga
Cyn. Blvd. 5 miles to Entrada Rd.
Parking $2. Time: 8:00a.m.
Contacts:
Ken: ksafarri@aol.com
(310)455-1401,
Chris: (310)455-1270
Third Sunday, all year
Sunday, July 20
Sunday, August 17
Sunday, September 21
Ballona Wetlands Bird Walk
Leader: Bob Shanman and
Friends
Come enjoy our nearest wetland
and adjacent rocky jetty.
July/August 2008 17
W a l k s
Migrating shorebirds and terns
should be coming through. Meet
at the Del Rey Lagoon parking
lot. Take the Marina Fwy (90 W)
to Culver Blvd. and turn left for a
mile, turn right on Pacific Ave.
The lot is on the right. Lot or
street parking is usually not a
problem. Three-hour walk.
’Scopes helpful. Time: 8:00a.m.
Contact: Bob Shanman
wildbirdbob@gmail.com
(310)326-2473
Fourth Saturday every month
Saturday, July 26
Saturday, August 23
Saturday, September 27
Whittier Narrows Bird Walk
Leader: Park Ranger Ray
Jillson
View colorful resident birds,
possibly including the introduced
Northern Cardinal. Take Peck Dr.
off the 60 Fwy in South El Monte
(just west of the 605 Fwy). Take
the off ramp onto Durfee Ave.
heading W (right) and turn left
into the Nature Center, 1000
Durfee Ave. Time: 8:15a.m.
Contact: Ray Jillson:
odri@juno.com
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Echo Park Lake Birdwalk
Leader: Judy Raskin
Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the
Boathouse, 751 Park Ave., Los
Angeles, near Laguna Ave.
Plenty of street parking. Take a
leisurely walk around Echo Park
Lake, one of the oldest in Los
Angeles. More than 70 species
call Echo Park their home for all
or part of the year. They include
Mallards, great-tailed grackles,
American coots, great blue
herons, great egrets, hawks and
various gulls and doves. This is
an excellent walk for beginners.
Parents are encouraged to take
their children. Binoculars
recommended, and a bird guide,
if you have one.
Directions: From N/B 101
(Hollywood) Freeway, exit Echo
Park Ave. and continue north
about ½ mile. From S/B 101
Freeway, exit Glendale
Blvd./Union Ave., go left on
Temple St., left on Glendale
Blvd., right on Bellevue Ave.,
then left on Echo Park Ave. to the
boathouse.
For more information:
(323) 663-6767 or write
judycalifornia@yahoo.com
 2008 pelagic
Save $5.00 with an early sign-up
60 days prior
to the trip departure.
Saturday, September 6
A deep water trip to Cherry,
Tanner and Cortez Banks.
This trip departs from the Santa
Barbara Harbor at 7:00 a.m. on the
fast catamaran Condor Express and
returns approximately at 8:00 p.m.
We are far offshore in 3 counties
Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los
Angeles. Birds expected: Northern
Fulmar; One Cook’s Petrel was
seen in 2005; Ashy and Leach’s
storm-petrels; South Polar Skua;
Parasitic, Pomarine and Long-tailed
jaegers; Sabine’s Gull; Arctic Tern.
Red-billed Tropicbirds are usually
seen on this trip. Rarities seen:
Black-footed Albatross; Buller’s
Shearwater; Least Storm-Petrel and
Craveri’s Murrelet. Blue, Fin and
Minke whales as well as several
species of dolphins can be seen.
Leaders: Todd McGrath, Jon
Feenstra, Dave Compton, and
David Pereksta. $198. The trip will
be cancelled if there is insufficient
response 35 days prior to departure.
There is a complete galley that
serves breakfast lunch and dinner.
schedule
Reservation Policy and Procedure
for limited participation/fee events.
Saturday, October 18
Northern Channel Islands
Monument Trip
This 8 hour trip departs from the
Island Packer’s dock in the Ventura
Harbor at 8:00 a.m. on the fast
catamaran Islander. After dropping
off campers on Santa Cruz Island,
we will have the boat to ourselves
and cruise around Santa Cruz Island
to the Santa Cruz Passage by Santa
Rosa Island, and along the Santa
Rosa Flats to the deeper water near
San Nicholas Island. Then, we will
return by Arch Rock at Anacapa
Island. Birds seen on prior trips:
Northern Fulmar; Pink-footed Sooty
and Black-vented Shearwaters;
Black Storm-Petrel; comorants (3);
Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers;
Sabine’s Gull; rocky shorebirds ( up
to 5); Common Murre; Craveri’s and
Xantus’s Murrelets; Cassin’s Auklet.
Rarities: Buller’s and Flesh-footed
Shearwaters; South Polar Skua;
Long-tailed Jaeger. Blue, Finback
and Humpback whales have been
seen on this trip. In 2002, a Streaked
Shearwater, and in 2003 a Brown
Booby and 2 Manx Shearwaters
were seen.
Leaders: Todd McGrath, Jon
Feenstra, David Pereksta.
$130 – There is a snack-type galley
with beverages, bring your lunch.
18
Field Trips & Pelagic Trips,
Reservations will be accepted only if all the
following information is supplied:
1) Separate checks payable to “LAAS”
for exact amount for each trip. (no cash
please, Credit Cards not accepted at this
time.)
2) SASE (Self-addressed stamped
envelope), for booking confirmation
and associated trip flyer.
3) Date & Name of Field Trip or
Pelagic Trip desired.
4) Name of each person in your party.
5) Phone numbers:
(a) usual and
(b) evening before event, (in case
of cancellation)
(c) email addresses (if used).
Our Mailing Address:
Los Angeles Audubon - Reservations
P.O. Box 931057
Los Angeles, CA 90093-1057
If there is insufficient response, the trip
will be cancelled two Wednesdays prior
to the scheduled date (four weeks for
pelagics). You will be so notified and
your fee returned. Your cancellation
after that time will bring a refund only if
there is a paid replacement. Our office
staff is available Monday through
Thursday for most reservation services.
(323) 876-0202.
REFUND POLICY FOR
PELAGIC TRIPS
If a participant cancels 31 days or more
prior to departure, a $4 service charge will
be deducted from the refund. There is no
participant refund if requested fewer than
30 days before departure, unless there is a
paid replacement available. Call LAAS
for a possible replacement. Please do not
offer the trip to a friend as it would be
unfair to those on the waiting list.
All pelagic trips
must be filled 35 days prior to sailing.
Please reserve early.
NOTE: Destinations may be changed in
order to maximize bird sightings, or
minimize rough seas. In order to meet
unexpected increases in fuel costs, there can
be a $5 to $10 energy surcharge per person.
Western Tanager
 Northern Tanzania
Birding & Wildlife Safari
October 8-22, 2008 - Extension- Saadani N.P. & Zanzibar

Anyone with just a slight interest
in birds will be astonished by the
beauty and diversity of birds one can
easily observe on a TANZANIA
wildlife safari. Within Tanzania's
borders, over 1,000 species of birds
have been recorded. From the
beautifully-striking Hoopoe, to the
yelping cry of the Fish Eagle, the
colorful bee-eaters, the strutting
Secretary Bird, and the long-legged
grace of the Crowned Crane - all and
more make this country of classic
savannahs, craters, lakes and rivers a
must for the serious birder, as well as
the first-timer to Africa. The massive
herds of wildebeest, zebras,
Thompson's Gazelles, the gathering
of Lions, Spotted Hyenas, leopards,
cheetahs, along with jackals and
vultures are possible.
From the world-renowned
Ngorongoro Crater, the largest
unbroken volcanic caldera in the
world, and the Olduvai Gorge,
famous for the Leakeys discovery of
remains dating back over 2 million
years, to lush forests - photograpic
opportunities are endless. Join us for
your dream of a lifetime adventure. Red Colobus Monkey, Photo by Herb Clarke

For information and

itinerary, contact:

Olga Clarke,
Photo by Herb Clarke

Los Angeles Audubon,

Travel Director
2027 El Arbolita Dr.,
Glendale, CA
91208-1805

Ph/Fax: 818-249-9511
oclarketravel@earthlink.net

Mountain Village Lodge, located on the shores of Lake Duluti, a perfect place to relax before embarking on your safari
experience. Magnificent views of snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro or the rugged peaks of Mount Meru.

July/August 2008 19
 Membership MEETINGS
There are No Evening Meetings in July and August - Go Birding!

Coming in September...

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Jordan Karubian presents Ground-cuckoos, Umbrellabirds and other rain
forest delights: highlights from five years of research and conservation
work in the Ecuadorian Choco.

Audubon House
Los Angeles Audubon
Headquarters, Nature Store, and Library
7377 Santa Monica Blvd. (at Martel Ave.)
West Hollywood, CA 90046
OPEN:
Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
Saturday, July 5, 2008 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m
Saturday, August 2, 2008 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m
CLOSED
Monday, September 1, 2008 - Labor Day

Los Angeles Audubon Society

P.O. Box 931057 DATED MATERIAL
Los Angeles, CA 90093-1057 Please Expedite

www.laaudubon.org