VOLUME 74, NUMBER 3 JANUARY/FEBUARY 2OO8 WESTERN TANAGER

A PUBLICATION OF AUDUBON WWW.LAAUDUBON.ORC LOOKING FORWARD IN 2008 BY GARRY GEORGE, EXEGUTIVE DIRECTOR ur mission has four legs that Park Lake. As our three other legs have support it: recreation, strengthened to match our decades long, Oeducation, conservation and strong recreational programs for bird restoration. Our future depends on a watchers, we can look forward to balance of these essential Audubon progress on all legs in 2008 using some elements and a weakness in any one leg engines that the current Board of can affect the forward movement of the Directors has identified as key to entire organization. In 2004, the Board expand our growth and continue to the of Directors shared a vision of imperative of the 2004 Board of strengthening the education, Directors to position Los Angeles conservation and restoration legs of our Audubon as a conservation organization body by putting the funds to work that © PHOTOGRAPHER: ALAIN that has the power to affect policy and had built up over the years from AGENCY: DREAMSTIME.COM inspire people to protect and enjoy birds bequests and investment income. The and their habitat. supervision of our education programs began advocating for protections for at Ballona saltwater marsh and birds in chambers and halls in which 1. Reaching out Sepulveda Wildlife Basin which we had Los Angeles Audubon had been absent. relinquished to Audubon City Hall, Coastal Commission, The future of any membership were reclaimed and revitalized. We California Energy Commission, Los organization depends on fresh new strengthened our own conservation Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Los members, new blood, and new ideas. programs rather than supporting other Angeles Department of Water and While National Audubon membership non-profits, and focused on endangered Power began to see representatives numbers have remained around the and threatened species of birds, and from Los Angeles Audubon speaking same over the last four decades, our urban conservation challenges in Los publicly about protections for birds, or Chapter Only Membership program has Angeles. We didn't anticipate that those the lack thereof. We were loud and clear more than doubled every year, now challenges would include crimes of in public hearings on wind energy topping 400 members. This causing the deaths of Elegant and projects. Our restoration programs have achievement is thanks to Membership Caspian Terns in Long Beach Harbor been strengthened by the interest in drives, Board leadership and a fantastic (Temgate), the death of thousands of renewed habitat through the removal of new brochure. Our former Membership raptors in Los Angeles to protect roller invasive non-natives in Los Angeles Chair Jason Stuck demanded we carry pigeons (Raptorgate), and the protection County, and our message of the use of this brochure with us at all times. We of Great Blue Herons and their nests native plants to attract biodiversity may turn up a new supporter while bird and roosting sites from developers at especially of species of birds in re- watching, getting coffee at Starbucks or Marina del Rey and Long Beach. In our development projects throughout Los standing in line at the bank. Jason revitalized mission, we involved Angeles like the L.A. River, Silver Lake taught me well, and I recently gave one ourselves in efforts on Endangered Reservoir, Baldwin Hills Park and Echo to Councilmember Eric Garcetti after Species and Important Bird Areas and our meeting on the Silver Lake reservoir! Board member Eleanor to run them, but attract additional Western Snowy Plover and California Osgood enthusiastically has taken on resources from donors who are Least Tem. We've created relationships the role of Outreach and Volunteer encouraging us to sustain and broaden with Friends of Ballona on our saltwater Coordinator, and takes the Audubon our impact. Although all paid staff are marsh education program and San message to new audiences through bird on a part-time basis, we focus on our Fernando Valley Audubon on our watching classes (with Board member programs on a daily basis, and that Sepulveda Basin Wildlife education Jenny Jones), to new audiences means we can take on more of the program, with Pasadena Audubon and including UCLA Environmental Bruins, projects we care about and not burn out Audubon Center of Debs Park on to the Latino community with the help our volunteers and Board or Directors. AUDUBON FILM FRIDAYS, with of bird watcher and L.A. Audubon These programs build our organization Committee to Save Silver Lake member Antonio Paiz, through and it's identity to the public. We're Reservoir on re-naturalization of native programs like AUDUBON FILM already on the way to building capacity habitat, and with the City of Beverly FRIDAYS, and in bird walks for at Los Angeles thanks to the generosity Hills on the Great Backyard Bird beginners in areas of Los Angeles like of conservation and education donors and Count. These partnerships create links South Central, Baldwin Hills and grant partners of over $100,000 in 2007, to our local and state communities that where Audubon and the fine work of our staff and Board. expand our message, our mission and has seldom ventured. This is attracting our role in the enjoyment and protection not only new nature lovers through 3. Partnering of birds and their habitat, and we'll watching birds, but new conservation continue to nourish them and make new activists through an awareness of the Our organization cannot ones in 2008. natural habitat that birds need. This accomplish our goals alone. We are not engine is full steam ahead. a silo serving our own interests, but just The three engines of Reaching Out, like species are a part of a biodiversity Reaching In and Partnering will move 2. Reaching In and Building Capacity web we are part of a web of our organization forward on the four legs organizations with common goals. We of our mission throughout the New Year. We've learned in the past few years have entered into partnerships with how to build capacity at Los Angeles Audubon California through Los Angeles Audubon is looking Audubon, and that's through strong collaborative funding on endangered forward to a great '08! Thank you for conservation and education programs species, and through conservation of being a part of it. and dedicated people to staff those Important Bird Areas like Santa Clara programs. Successful programs attract River, Hansen Dam, Bolsa Chica, and Happy New Year! funding through grant partners and lower Los Angeles River. We enjoy donors, and we've seen our partnerships with Santa Monica Bay Garry George conservation and education programs Audubon Society, California Executive Director attract enough resources to not only pay Department of Fish & Game, and U.S. for the programs and the part-time staff Fish & Wildlife Service on endangered

New crop of birders joined Dexter Kelly s bird walk at Debs Park before A UDUBON FILM FRIDA YS.

Western Tanager BOOK REVIEW

BY LARRY ALLEN

j PETERSON REFERENCE GUIDES consisting of 1160 four-color identification basics, comments on photographs and five illustrations. The distribution and habitat, details of the plates are organized into sections and molt sequence at each age, and known subsections, with each subsection hybrids. Particularly helpful is a

• I beginning with one representative photo discussion of similar species, with of each taxon therein. Following are separate headings for similar species from seven to 40+ photos for each that are common and rare respectively.

•. •'••i£ft '*''- •'$,' taxon, illustrating identifiable stages in On a disquieting note, I found the its maturation sequence. These photos book's layout hard to use. The title page include a sequence of perched gulls, contains a list of all taxa addressed, with followed by a similar sequence of gulls numerals denoting the order in which in flight. they are treated. It neglects, however, to The goal seems to have been to include page numbers for either the Peterson Reference Guides: Gulls of include a photo (occasionally plates or the species accounts. In the Americas, by Steve N. G. Howell illustration) of the plumage at each flipping through plates in search of a and Jon Dunn, Houghton Mifflin, 2007 major stage in a gull's development, and species of interest, there is an photos of some transitional plumages as occasional stumble if your first glance his work is the first in what well. With rare exception, the authors lands upon a plate in the mixed group at appears to be a new series of have succeeded admirably. The figure the head of each subsection, since you T in-depth identification captions address morphological will get an erroneous idea of where in guides published under the aegis of the structure, plumage details, aging, and the sequence you are. (The procedure Roger Tory Peterson Institute. It molt. As is the case with Western Gull with the species accounts is similar, also addresses 36 gull species, and eight in the introduction, the photos provide a made inconvenient by the lack of identifiable subspecies (I will hereafter much more immediate sense of the species number in the running footers.) use "taxa" to refer species and/or sequence of plumage development and This is not difficult to solve: most subspecies together). The book is the identification of subadult gulls than family-group volumes manage to divided into three sections: words can convey. Additionally helpful provide page numbers for both plates introduction, plates, and species in this section is a comparison of and text in their tables of contents. accounts. wingtip patterns for the Iceland- Heavy users of this book may wish to The introduction covers definitions, Thayer's Gull complex (p. 252). tape a list of gulls with the paginations hints on how to examine gulls, pitfalls Following the recognized taxa are noted inside the front cover (people that may arise in the field, and an sets of plates illustrating plumage wishing a copy of the one I made for my extensive section on gull molt and age features of 14 hybrid gulls. This series volume may e-mail me at characteristics. The authors have used of plates provides much food for [email protected]). the most recent research to clarify the thought and an extensive number of For some reason the bibliography is molt strategies employed by the various cautionary examples. Every gull split among four sections: a main gull species (summarized on p. 45). The watcher is likely to benefit from perusal sequence followed by references discussion of molt is enhanced by a of these photos. Inexplicably, a series of grouped into three geographic regions. series of 34 photos illustrating the photos illustrating hybrid Ring-billed ? Some references in the latter are sequence of molts and maturation of the California and Mew Gulls is not duplicated in the main sequence, and Western Gull, from juvenal to adult. included here, but placed instead some are unique. Every reference I Another nice feature of the introduction following Ring-billed Gull on pp. followed was in the main sequence, but is a comparative gray-scale ranking of 144—145. These plates are not listed on there was occasional page turning to gull dorsal colors (p. 26). the contents page. I trust a future edition find that sequence. The plates occupy the bulk of the will fold this series into the "Hybrids" I noticed a few minor problems that book (251 pp.), and for most users will section. would be easy to fix at the next printing: be the most consulted portion. This The species accounts follow the on plate 1.22 (p. 19) the label pointing portion of the book is truly impressive, same order as the plates, and include continued on page 9

January/February 2008 CONSERVATION CONVERSATION —BY6ARRY6EORGE L.A. AUDUBON LAUNCHES SPILLS AND CHILLS One fire bumed what is probably the CONSERVATION PAGE ON biggest contiguous coastal sage scrub WEBSITE Environmental challenges hit habitat in California near San Diego, Northern and Southern California with a and along with it most likely the We've put up a Conservation page one two punch in October and November. Gnatcatchers that live, breed and nest in on www.laaudubon.org under MAIN it. Two sites in Southern Orange County MENU, CONSERVATION thanks to In October, wildlifes devasted contained a high percentage of the the suggestion of many folks. On this Southern California from San Diego to coastal Southern California population page we've posted our conservation Magic Mountain, and devastated of Cactus Wren. We won't know the priorities by species, area, and issue, species of birds as well. Anecdotal final impacts until an inventory and along with documents and policies that reports were that the fires were analysis is done, but these two are relevant. Have a look, please make unnaturally hot and fast due to the populations will surely move up on suggestions and comments, and most of drought. Attention was focused on two anyone's watch list or sensitive species all GET INVOLVED! We'll try to put species of birds that in initial list, and recovery efforts may be up as many links and documents as inventories seem to have suffered a required. California Gnatcatcher is possible in the next months. heavy loss due to the fires, California already federally endangered due to Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica) and habitat loss. the coastal population of Cactus Wren (Campylohrynchus brunneicapillus). On November 8 a 60,000 gallon oil spill in San Francisco Bay from a vessel that collided with the Bay Bridge poured into the Bay at the worst possible time when Fall migration was still in full swing and wintering birds -;•] were returning to the Bay. Within a week, rescuers had attempted to clean over 1200 birds but Point Reyes Bird Observatory predicted that between 10,000 and 20,000 would be affected by the spill. Initial reports were that Surf Scoters had been the species most affected by the accident. iv* Audubon California's Center at Richardson Bay became a hub of rescue activity in Marin County, For almost an

, y entire day the spill threatened to enter the 900 acres of Richardson Bay owned

Cactus Wren, Arnold Small Photo Collection, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles Counlv continued on page 6

4 Western Tanager v -"

10

Oiling Very light - light < ^Moderate - heavy Important Bird Areas ^t 1. Bodega Harbor •v t .». 2. Tomales Bay (- .'',- 3. Point Reyes - Outer 4. Bolinas Lagoon 5. Richardson Bay 6. Corte Madera Marsh Spill site 7. San Pablo Bay 8. Benicia State Recreation Area ^s 9. Suisun Marsh 10. Concord Marshes 11. North Richmond Wetlands 12. Brooks Island 13. East Shore Wetlands !4.Alameda Naval Air Station 15. San Francisco Bay - South

I Miles Santa Ctoro

January/February 2008 CONSERVATION CONVERSATION continued from page 4 Sage mounted a "Wall of Death" field trip every Saturday to document the WESTERN TANAGER by Audubon which would impact the mortalities and to protest to the Published by eelgrass and native oyster bed developer. A campaign brought in the Los Angeles Audubon Society, restoration. At the last minute, the tide a chapter of LA TIMES, KPPC and other media. As National Audubon Society. took the spill in the other direction, but of press time, the developer had not oiled and injured birds continued to be EDITOR: Garry George taken down the glass wall. LAYOUT: Susan Castor brought to the Center for rescue and CONSERVATION: Garry George cleanup, Audubon California created a MARINA DEL REY HERONS FIELD TRIPS: Nick Freeman map of die Bay showing the scope of the PELAGIC TRIPS: Phil Sayre spill in comparison to the Important Bird PROGRAMS: Mary Freeman At the same Coastal Commission ORNITHOLOGY CONSULTANT: Areas that ring the Bay, and a map of the hearing L.A. Audubon Board member Kiraball Garrett PRINTING: G2 Graphics Services, Inc. fires in Southern California. Those color David DeLange gave a presentation on maps are available on our Conservation the nesting and roosting herons in Opinions expressed in articles or letters page of our website. herein do not necessarily express the Marina del Rey in advance of the position of this publication or of upcoming Coastal Commission hearings Los Angeles Audubon Society. BOLSA CHICA on the Marina Del Rey LCP Review. PRESIDENT: That hearing will take place in January Mary Freeman Coastal Commissioners voted 8-4 on in Marina del Rey. To find out the times 1st VICE PRESIDENT: November 14 to approve development of and location of the hearing, or to watch David De Lange homes on the upper Mesa of Bolsa Chica 2nd VICE PRESIDENT: Coastal Commission hearings live or Linda Oberholtzer with a few conditions, but not as many archived on video, go to EXECUTIVE SECRETARY: conditions asked for by the www.coastal.ca.gov. Watch our website Jenny Jones conservationists that gathered at the RECORDING SECRETARY: www.laaudubon.org for an Eleanor Osgood Commission hearing in San Diego in announcement of any group action to TREASURER: Lisa Fimiani their eight hours of public comment. make public statements at the The Commission approved a variable EXECUTIVE PAST PRESIDENT: Commission hearing to protect the heron Dexter Kelly buffer zone around the raptor nesting and and egret rookery in Marina del Rey. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: roosting habitat on the mesa that has Garry George already been declared an SANTA BARBARA COUNTY WIND Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area Membership in Los Angeles Audubon is $25 FARM by the Commission instead of a 100 Individual, $35 Couple, $50 Family, $100 meter minimum buffer zone advocated Donor or $250 Donor per year. Members The County of Santa Barbara is receive the Western Tanager newsletter and by Sea & Sage Audubon Conservation other benefits. Donations and memberships currently working on a final EIR on a Director Scott Thomas and biologist Pete can be made online at www.laaudubon.org large wind energy project near Lompoc. Bloom. Bloom cautioned the Los Angeles Audubon joined La Purisma Make check payable to Los Angeles Commission on the precarious status of Audubon. and Santa Barbara Audubons in writing a White-tailed Kite, a fully protected lengthy comment letter, available on our Los Angeles Audubon Headquarters, Library species, on that site. The Commissioners website under MAIN MENU, and Nature Store are open to the public recognized around five acres of the 21 or Monday - Thursday CONSERVATION. At issue, again, are so acres as wetlands, but ignored testimony 9:30AM-4:0OPM inadequate studies on birds, especially mat other sites were wetlands and had been Plummer Park migratory songbirds which migrate at night. filled illegally over many years. 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard West , CA 90046-6694

(323) 876-0202-office Meanwhile at Parkside Homes, (323) 876-7609 - fax another development adjacent to Bolsa (323) 874-1318-bird tape Chica, bird carcasses were discovered [email protected] - e-mail next to the glass wall erected by the [email protected] - e-mail developer. Northern Harrier, www.LAAudubon.org - website hummingbirds and warblers were some Printed on Recycled Paper of the species found. In response, Sea &

Western Tanager MY PATCH STARR RANCH -BY LINDA OBERHOLTZER

will become scientists. Justin Shew, Biologist/Educator has a giant board which simulates the data collection sheet. He has the kids mark in the the data. He holds a Sooty Fox Sparrow and then weighs it on a scale. He tells the weight and a boy writes it on the board. Later, all the kids want to help release 4t the bird. He patiently lets each one hold a bird close to the ground and let it fly away. The kids are excited and thrilled.

Southern Orange County, one of California's Important Bird Areas (IBA), encompasses some of the last remaining expanses of California's southern coast wildlands. Starr Ranch plays a significant role in this IBA, protecting nearly 4,000 acres of Bird Banding, Photo by Linda Oberholtzer imperiled habitats such as coastal sage small unmarked road winds Starr Ranch is a MoSi Station scrub and needlegrass grassland in down into Trabuco Canyon which monitors the overwintering mosaics with oak and riparian Ato Starr Ranch. The sounds survival of birds coming from Mexico woodlands. Rare habitats provide of cars are replaced with singing White- and Central America. The Starr Ranch foraging and nesting for rare bird crowned Sparrows hopping around the Bird Observatory helps with estimates species such as the Coastal California bushes. Deer walk casually across the of monitoring overwintering and annual Gnatcatcher (federally threatened) and path and a quiet calmness draws you to survivorship of birds by assessing their Coastal Cactus Wren (CDFG Species of this place where time stands still. One physical condition. Special Concern) in coastal sage scrub feels like an early pioneer might have and Grasshopper Sparrow (proposed upon coming to California. As I embarked on a two-day classroom listing as a Species of Special Concern) civilization disappears, the delightful training session and several in-the-field in needlegrass grasslands. sound of birds can be heard in the trees. observation days. We learned about bird safety and how birds' physical SRBO's mission is to provide Starr Ranch is located within the condition are assessed through looking science-based educational programs Dove Canyon gated community near at molt, body fat, weight, and other that stimulate an interest in birds and Mission Viejo in Southern Orange indicators. I learned that extracting a conservation of bird habitat and to County. Visits to Starr Ranch need to be bird from a net is a very complicated contribute to avian conservation arranged in advance. I had decided to process and that once the bird is out of through applied and basic research. volunteer at the Starr Ranch Bird the net, the process of banding and Observatory this fall and play a role in collecting the data is very involved. If you are interested in helping to monitor the survivorship of volunteering for Bird Banding, contact birds over the winter. I did not know Starr Ranch Bird Observatory also Justin Shew [email protected] or that this place would call to me and has home-school programs where look at the webpage at become my "patch." young kids can watch and "help" gather http://www.starrTanch.org/srbo.html. scientific data about the birds and see how it plays a role in monitoring a bird's survival. Maybe some of the kids

January/February 2008 BIRDS OF THE SEASON

BY JON FISHER he middle of September through Dockweiler Beach and Marina del Rey. on October 14 (Todd McGrath). mid-November was nothing if Sightings of this species are on the Tnot varied. With summer Horned Grebes are quite scarce away increase, but tliere's always the problem of waning, we had some cool weather, from the coast, thus one at Apollo Park determining whether any record involves heat, Santa Ana winds, wildfires and in Lancaster on November 3 was of a naturally occurring bird or an escapee. even a bit of rain. All typical in some interest (Kimball Garrett). measure for fall in southern California. A great find— and the second in the Very rare in L.A. County— and indeed county this fall— was a Buff-breasted Also typical in fall is diversity in anywhere in California waters— was a Sandpiper near the Ballona Creek the types and movements of birds. Masked Booby found and recovered on mouth in Playa del Rey on September Some montane species-- Mountain September 29 between Catalina Island 28 (Christopher Taylor). The bird was Chickadees for example— were and San Pedro. The bird was seen again the following day but then recorded away from breeding areas in rehabilitated and released on October 9 apparently moved on. above average numbers. It's probable (Susan Kaveggia). these movements were related at least Following a lively summer for in part to dry conditions and resultant Two Cook's Petrels were in L.A. shorebirds, the lower L.A. River was lack of food sources. In addition to that, County waters southwest of San quiet after mid-September, with the the usual shorebirds, waterfowl and Clemente Island on September 4-5 only notable report being three Baird's passerines were all on the move, which (Todd McGrath). This species is regular Sandpipers near DeForest Park on makes for great variety. well offshore elsewhere in California, but September 20 (Richard Barth). Another rarely recorded in L.A. County. trio of Baird's was at the Lancaster Sewer Though the appearance of three Ponds on September 24 (Jon Feenstra), Arctic Warblers in L.A. and Kern An American Bittern was at and a Stilt Sandpiper was not far from Counties and an Eastern Yellow Wagtail Sepulveda Basin on October 19 (Bob there at Piute Ponds on Edwards AFB the in Malibu sparked hopes of a fallout, the Pann). While somewhat regular in same day (Jon Feenstra). tantalizing possibility of an winter at this locale, they are very Alaskan/Siberian 'invasion' never scarce on the coastal plain. There's Scarce as a migrant along the coast was materialized. Objectively we can say simply not much habitat left capable of Franklin's Gull at Hermosa Beach on no more were found, though a few supporting them. October 18 (Martin Byhower). certainly passed through undetected. Raptor reports included five Also quite rare as a transient was a Unusual waterfowl included two Swainson's Hawks over Claremont on Burrowing Owl at Kenneth Hahn Park "Aleutian" Cackling Geese at Apollo September 24 and another seven there on October 2 (Eric Brooks). Park in Lancaster on November 3 on October 2 (Tom Miko). Rather (Kimball Garrett). There was a White- unusual was an immature Ferruginous A ground-dove was at the Sepulveda Basin in winged Scoter and two fly by Black Hawk first seen at the El Monte Airport Van Nuys on October 7 was likely a more Scoters at the Ballona Creek mouth on and then at Peck Pit in Monrovia from expected Common Ground-Dove, but October 28 (Martin Byhower). The November 9-10 (Larry Schmahl, under poor viewing conditions it could not be number was up to two White-winged Andrew Lee). identified to species (Raymond Schep). With Scoters there on November 9 (Barbara L.A. County's first Ruddy Ground-Dove Johnson). All three scoters are to be A Crested Caracara was seen briefly appearing in La Canada last year, either looked for in late fall and winter between over the 10 Freeway at Rosemead Blvd. species is possible. Western Tanager Four Common Poorwills turned up A Vermilion Flycatcher was in West Los Not unexpectedly, warblers made up the away from breeding areas in rapid-fire Angeles on October 11 (Dan Cooper). bulk of unusual passerines, with three succession with one returning for a dozen vagrants of thirteen species fourth year at Kenneth Hahn Park on Tropical Kingbird reports included recorded. The list begins with a October 9 (Ann and Eric Brooks), one two at Harbor Regional Park in Tennessee Warbler at Bonelli Park in at Madrona Marsh on October 12 (Dave Wilmington on September 29 (Kevin San Dimas on September 17 (Andrew Moody) and another at Malibu Lagoon Larson, Carol Selvey). Another was at Lee) and another (?) on the opposite on October 13 (Dan Cooper). The last El Dorado Park on October 24 (Karen side of the park the following day (Rod report was of one at Peck Pit in Gilbert) followed by a bird returning for Higbie). Others were found at the Monrovia on October 14 (Andrew Lee). its second winter at Lincoln Park in Village Green Condominiums on Many populations of poorwills are Lincoln Heights on October 30 (Tom September 20 (Don Sterba) and at migratory, and each year we see this Miko). The last one recorded was at the DeForest Park in Long Beach on October influx into the area. Ballona Freshwater Marsh on October 31 September 24-29 (Karen Gilbert). (Don Sterba). Reports of swifts included a Black Two Virginia's Warblers was less then Swift and a Chimney Swift over A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was at average, with one at DeForest Park in Hazard Park in Los Angeles on Banning Park briefly on October 27 Long Beach on September 20-22 September 24 (Tom Miko). (Kevin Larson), but the bird flew off (Karen Gilbert, Jeff Boyd) and another and could not be relocated. at Kenneth Hahn Park in Baldwin Hills Quite late was an adult male Rufous on September 23 (Richard Barth). Hummingbird at Banning Park on Plumbeous Vireos were relatively October 28 (Steve Sosensky, Bruce & widely reported with over a half dozen The only Northern Parula reported was at Greg Aird). Given the date, this bird birds in the county between mid- Banning Park on October 2 (Tom Wurster). may well spend the winter. September and mid-November. The productive Village Green On the other hand, Chestnut-sided The only Lewis's Woodpecker found Condominiums in Los Angeles held a Warblers kept turning up. The first one thus far. was a bird flying over Red-eyed Vireo on October 10 was at Ladera Park in Ladera Heights Exposition Park on October 9 (Kimball (Kimball Garrett). from September 17-19 (Richard Barth). Garrett). Other woodpecker reports Others were at the Village Green included Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers at Two Purple Martins were reported for Condominiums on September 19 Ed Vincent Park in Inglewood on the period, with one at DeForest Park (Kimball Garrett, Johanna Dawes), at October 20, and at the Village Green on September 20 (Jeff Boyd) and Creek Park in La Mirada on September Condominiums in Los Angeles on another at Peck Pit in Monrovia on 20 (Jonathan Rowley), at DeForest Park October 19 (both Don Sterba). September 24 (Tom Ryan). from September 25-30 (Richard Barth, Karen Gilbert) and in Studio City on Bonelli Park had a Gray Flycatcher from An above average number of Red- September 27 (Bruce Katz). September 17-28 which was apparently a breasted Nuthatches were scattered continuing bird (Andrew Lee). What is through the lowlands, but of greater The only Magnolia Warbler was one at probably the same individual was first interest were four Pygmy Nuthatches Sepulveda Basin on September 16 (Jon reported here on August 6. Another Gray at on October 7 (Dan Fisher). The bird apparently liked this Flycatcher was at Elysian Park on Cooper). While some degree of dispersal location as it lingered here through October 4. October 31 (Richard Barth) and a third is normal in Red-breasted, movements of was at Ballona Freshwater Marsh on Pygmy Nuthaches into the coastal Two Black-throated Blue Warblers November 9 (Jim Moore). lowlands are comparatively rare. were found, with one at Holmby Park near Westwood from October 10-13 Apollo Park in Lancaster produced a Brown Creepers also were more (Richard Barth), and another at Zuma Least Flycatcher on September 24 widely encountered than usual. Most Beach on October 14 (Jon Fisher). (Mike San Miguel, Jon Feenstra). reports were of single birds, but three were at Bonelli Park in San Dimas on A Black-throated Green Warbler was at A Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, a long October 11 (Rod Higbie). Apollo Park in Lancaster on September 20 overdue first for the county if the record (Jim Lomax). This locale was well-worked is accepted, was at Apollo Park on The only Winter Wren reported thus and productive this fall. September 19 (John Sterling). far was at Griffith Park on October 10 (Dan Cooper).

January/Februarv 2008 Five Palm Warblers were reported, As expected, a few Summer Tanagers McFaddcn, Paul Clarke) and seen with one at Peck Pit in Monrovia on turned up. Reports came from through the end of the period. October 14 and another at Sante Fe Sycamore Canyon in Whittier on Dam in Iwrindale the following day September 29 (Andrew Lee), Elysian Three White-throated Sparrows (both Andrew Lee). Additional birds were Park from October 21 through included one at Augustus Hawkins Nature at El Dorado Park in Long Beach from November 12 (Richard Barth), Park in south central Los Angeles on October 20-24 (Richard Barth), at Oak Park Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica September 28 (Richard Barth). A Cemetery in Claremont on October 26 (Rick on October 23 (Barbara Johnson) and returning bird was at Eaton Canyon on Clements) and in Willowbrook on October Ladera Park from October 26-27 November 8 (Will & Lois Fulmer) and the 30 (Richard Barth). (Richard Barth). last was at Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach on November 11 (Bob Shanman). Two Blackpoll Warblers, one at A Green-tailed Towhee in Lomita on Pomona Cemetery on September 30 October 22 was the only one reported on the In Claremont, a Rose-breasted (Tom Miko) and another at Sand Dune coastal slope (Martin Byhower). Though a Grosbeak stuck a window and then Park from October 7-13 (Kevin fairly common breeder in the higher San recovered to fly away on September 23 Larson), was a below average number Gabriels they are virtually absent from the (Dan Guthrie). Another was at Oak for the period. coastal lowlands as migrants. Park Cemetery in Claremont on October 11 (Michael San Miguel Jr.). Among the more common vagrants- Several Clay-colored Sparrows were more accurately labeled 'rare migrants'- found, with the first at Sand Dune Park A Blue Grosbeak in San Pedro on - was a Black-and-white Warbler was in Manhattan Beach on September 22 November 2 was late (David Ellsworth). at Ladera Park on September 18 (Tori (Lori & Mark Conrad). Others turned Collender). This was followed by up at Hansen Dam the same day Two Indigo Buntings were at Bonelli Black-and-whites at Peck Pit in (Kimball Garrett), at Vanderlip Park on Park on September 17 (Andrew Lee) and Monrovia on October 2 (Andrew Lee), the Palos Verdes Penninsula on October three were present there on September 22 Legg Lake on October 2 (Peter Sharp). 8 (Martin Meyers) and at Peck Pit in (Lance Benner, Kathi Ellsworth). Two Black-and-whites were found on Monrovia on October 14 (Andrew Lee). October 28, with one at Banning Park In early October, there was a second-hand in Wilmington and another at El Dorado Vesper Sparrows, regular but sparse report of a probable female Painted Park the same day (Steve Sosensky, migrants away from the deserts, were Bunting at Madrona Marsh in Torrance Bruce & Greg Aird). A Black-and- recorded at Ballona Freshwater Marsh (fide Tom Miko). Unfortunately the bird white at Legg Lake on November 4 on September 24 (Dan Cooper), in was not confirmed. may have been the same bird seen on south central Los Angeles on October 6 October 2 (Andrew Lee). (Richard Barth), at Debs Park on A count of two Bobolinks was below October 23 (Richard Barth) and at Oak average, with single birds at Madrona Three American Redstarts were found, Park Cemetery on October 25 (Mike Marsh in Torrance from September 15- with birds at Peck Pit in Monrovia on San Miguel Jr.). 20 (fide Tom Miko) and another at Peck September 24 (Gjon Hazard), at Sand Pit in Monrovia on September 18 Dune Park in Manhattan Beach on Quite rare in the county was a Lark (Andrew Lee). September 28 (Richard Barth, John Bunting discovered at Griffith Park on Ivanov) and at the Earvin Magic Johnson September 20 (Dan Cooper). An Orchard Oriole and a Baltimore Recreation Area in Willowbrook on Oriole were at DeForest Park in Long October 1 (Richard Barth). Though an uncommon local breeder Beach on September 15 (Tom Wurster, Grasshopper Sparrows are rarely Liga Auzins, Kevin Larson). Another A Northern Waterthrush near Orcas detected in migration. Nonetheless, two Orchard Oriole was at DeForest Park on Park in Lake View Terrace on of them were at Rose Hills in Whittier on September 30 (Kevin Larson) and a November 4 (Kimball Garrett) was the October 21 (Andrew Lee) and another was third was at Banning Park in only one reported in the county this fall. found and photographed at Madrona Wilmington on October 6 (Kevin Marsh in Torrance on November 9-10 Larson). Other Baltimores were at A Painted Redstart was back for its third (Tracy Drake, David Moody). Bonelli Park in San Dimas on September season at Bonelli Park as of October 17 28, with the same or a second bird there (Rod Higbie). Another returning bird was A Swamp Sparrow returning to on October 12 (Andrew Lee), and at in Glendale at the Bette Davis Picnic Area Bonelli Park for its second winter was Forest Lawn in Glendale on October 14 on October 21 (Mike San Miguel). first reported on October 27 (Cathy (Richard Barth).

10 Western Tanager A Scott's Oriole, always rare on the Book Review continued from page 3 coastal slope, was in north Glendora on NATURE STORE September 26 (Mickey Long). Another to the secondaries (the "skirt") is JANUARY/ FEBRARY SCHEDULE Scott's was at St. Andrew's Priory near obscured by the background; on plate Open Mon., - Tours., 9:30AM to 4:00PM Valyermo on November 10 (Mark 1.41 (p. 29) the picture is cropped so Normally closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Scheel), well after most have departed. that a feature being compared is not visible on one of the specimens; the Additional Closing Thus was the story of fall caption to plate 25A.43 (p. 167) refers Mon., Dec. 31, 2007 & Tues., Jan. 1, 2008 migration. The continuing drought, and to left and right upperwings, but they to a lesser degree fires and other forces, are arrayed upper and lower in the SPECIAL SATURDAY OPENINGS will continue to affect bird distribution plate; and the bird on plate 23.26 (p. 10:00AM to 3:00PM and movements. Continuing dispersal 144) appears to be in third cycle, not Sat., Jan., 5, 2008 & Sat., Feb., 2008 of montane species into the lowlands is adult, plumage. to be watched for. Observations over I do not wish to leave the SPECIAL REMINDER the next few months and Christmas impression that I have more quibbles The Nature Store is open one hour before the Bird Counts will better illuminate the than kudos for the volume. It is an Wednesday General Meetings and 30 to 45 minutes movements and numbers of nuthatches, excellent work, to some degree after the meeting. creepers, chickadees and others. sabotaged by poor layout. The authors have not only included an impressive With summer's heat behind us, the amount of factual information in this New At The Nature Store cool mornings are a welcome change. compendium, but are also giving us the N12371, $19.95, Field Guide to The excitement of passerine migration results of their long experience and is over, but other birds are just arriving deep familiarity with this family. I Owls of California and the in mid-November, and there are always recommend it unhesitatingly. West lingering migrants and wintering vagrants to be found. N10849, $29.95, Bird Songs of the Pacific States (CD) By January and February, the first Larry Allen is the co-author, with Kimball Garrett, of the forthcoming northbound migrants will appear... Los Angeles County Breeding Bird N12433, $24.95, Fifty Places to White-fronted Geese and Turkey Atlas to be published by Los Angeles Go Birding Before You Die Vultures, Selasphorous hummingbirds Audubon, and frequently leads gull and swallows among them. workshops, field trips and bird walks for us. N12346, $49.50, Birds of Peru In the brief meantime, the winter months can be put to good use indulging in that favorite pastime of refining gull ID skills. It's also a good time to check those female ducks closely. There are certainly a few See Gull Workshop female Eurasian Wigeons present each Details on page 14. winter that go undetected.

There are also plenty of birds to be found and much to be learned by birding a local patch on a regular basis, a prospect made all the more palatable by the price of gas. - ' _^—~ ~_SaB^. in"—"' •

Ross s Gull Photo by Mar\ Freeman

January/Februarv 2008 11 DORSEY HIGH SCHOOL ECO-CLUB CROUP PHOTO

Dorsey High School the students diligently set to work. If Eco-club Helps Out you were flying out of LAX that day and happened to look down at the Least Terns colony (yes, you can see it from the By Stacey Vigallon air - very cool!) you would have seen a small army busily scouring On a sunny Sunday morning in the enclosure. Teachers Robert October, 37 students and two Jeffers (club advisor) and Kate teachers from Susan Miller Dorsey Rainey provided encouragement, High School trekked across the supervision, and strong arms for Venice Beach sand and into the hauling out the bagged up sea Least Tern colony enclosure. rocket. Within about three hours Though the terns were basking in almost all the sea rocket was gone wanner climes at the time, come from the colony, a feat that would spring they will return to nesting have taken one or two biologists grounds greatly improved through working alone many days to the help of the Dorsey eco-club. accomplish. The volunteer effort These students are serious about the DORSEY HIGH 5CHOOL provided by the Dorsey eco-club ECO-CLUB PRESIDENT environment, and were willing to was extremely helpful in arrive at school early on a Sunday maintaining quality nesting habitat morning to take a bus from the for the terns, and the students were Stacey Vigallon is Volunteer Adams District out to the tern able to get hands-on experience in Coordinator for Los Angeles colony in Marina del Rey. Tom Ryan an important coastal conservation Audubon and Santa Monica Bay of SWCA Environmental issue. This was an extremely Audubon Western Snowy Plover Consultants was there to greet them, successful event, and we hope to and California Least Tern and gave them information about the plan more in the future. Many thanks monitoring and protection terns and the importance of program. She also illustrated to the teachers and students of and wrote much of the Native removing invasive plants (namely, Dorsey High School as well as Tom sea rocket) from the colony Plant & Wildlife Garden booklet Ryan for donating their Sunday to for Baldwin Hills Park, and enclosure. The mission of the day: the terns. recently wrote the curriculum out with the sea rocket! Armed with for the education program at implements of destruction (a.k.a. Baldwin Hills Park. rakes, shovels, and garbage bags)

12 Western Tanager THANK YOU!

/ DONORS V. RENEWED MEMBERS Larry W Allen NEW MEMBERS Jonathan K Armstrong Family Wendy Averill Gloria Barrios & Bonita Bielski Gloria & Marvin Baker Paul & Barbara Caplan-Bennett Lorna Bitensky Martha Balkan Joseph C Gotten Lorna Brown Robert E Barnes Seth Davidson Family Dr Francis F & Ande Chen Richard Barth Roberto Fradera Kathleen Crandall Lance Benner Ilona Grothe Roy E & Patricia Disney Ellen K Bergeron David Haake Denver Museum of Nature & Science David Bradley David Lang - Library Joseph Brooks Stewart Lozano Thomas L Drouet Terry A Callahan Sue McHenry Jon L Dunn Kathleen Carey Geoffry Oblath Ms Janice L Feinstein Suzie & Ron Cyger James Wheat Family Mary Ellen Hanrahan Thomas E Duque Joe Zell & Ellen Gelbard Curtis O Johnson Merilee France Frances M Kubica Georges & Germaine Fusenot Charity Martha Lesser Foundation Robert E Munsey Jr Linda Gaigler Robert W Pann Garry George Ms Jean Pickus Susan & Frank Gilliland Myra Pomerantz Kitty & Ginny Goldstein Marion Porter Pat Heirs Dr Ronald M Rothman Loretta Hersh Selinger Judith S & John Rothman Mary Jo Hoover Peter R Sharp Winona & Vemon Howe Willard Huyck Ellsworth Kendig Los Angeles Audubon Arthur Langton thanks an Anonymous Donor John Lobel for the generous contribution Elaine MacPherson Marilyn E Morgan of$5Q,000toour Margery & Herb Morris Conservation & Education Robert E Munsey Jr Endowment Eleanor Osgood M Louise Owen Judith Raskin Melvin M Sigman Esther & Mark Warschaw Catherine Waters Paulus M Weers Joe & Mary Zeitchick

January/February 2008 13 FIELD TRIPS Sunday, December 30 - Los Saturday, January 19 - East hopeful to certain. Fee: S10. No Limit, Angeles Basin Christmas Bird Antelope Valley but sign up with phone, e-mail, and Count. Contact compilers with leaders Stan Gray and Todd SASE for more details. Meet at 7:00 Eleanor Osgood (310) 839-5420, Battey. Beyond 50th Street East is AM Saturday at the Wister Unit parking Barbara Courtois (310) 379-4669, neglected territory for many birders. lot by the portapottys. This is 5 miles Cindy Harding, (310) 301-0050 or However, both Todd and Stan bird the north of Niland where Davis joins Hwy email to [email protected] to be area extensively; so they know that 111. Calipatria Inn (800) 830-111 3 placed on a team or be given an area. Mountain Plover, raptors, LeConte's (leader's preference) and Brawley Inn Thrasher and other AV specialties are (760) 344-1199 are recommended. FRS radios & 'scopes helpful. Arrive fed, Friday & Saturday, January sometimes easiest to find in the far bring lunches, those who wish will dine 11&12 - Slaty-backed Gull eastern reaches of the Valley. Take Hwy 14 N to Avenue S (next to Lake together at Calipatria Inn Steak House. Workshop with Jon Dunn. Palmdale). Drive into the Park-and- A knowledgeable second guide will Ride just to the east of the offramp. Saturday, February 2 - Seal assist, if sign-ups warrant. Extensive Meet at 8:00 AM at the W end of the Beach Naval Weapons Station Lecture in Half-Moon Bay will be main lot. Bring lunch and a full tank of Wetlands. John Nieto, Nick Freeman Friday from 8AM until 2PM with a gas for a full day of splendor in the break, then look for gulls at Half-Moon and a base biologist will drive 12 lucky alfalfa. No fee, no reservation. 'Scopes Bay on Friday afternoon and all day LAAS participants - and 12 from PVAS and FRS radios helpful. A precursor to Saturday. Saturday morning meeting - around this prime wetlands site where Todd's February 13 LAAS program on time and place at the beach TBA at wintering Pacific Golden-Plover, Raptors and Other Wildlife of the lecture with maps. We may bird as a Mountain Plover, Nelson's Sharp-tailed Antelope Valley. self-guided group on Sunday morning Sparrow, Sage Thrasher and numerous if there is interest. Sunday morning will raptors are often sighted. Send SASE to also serve as a back-up day for the Sunday, January 20 - Sepulveda Audubon House with e-mail and phone official field trip in case of rain on Basin Wildlife Area. Leader: Kris number (phone # required) by January Saturday, although the nearby dump is Ohlenkamp. "Freeway close" morning 23. Only SASE-confirmed U.S. citizens closed on Sunday, and the loafing gulls of birding. Kris has led this walk on- with photo ID allowed on base. No at the beach thin out. Bad weather may and-off for 20 years, noting 200 species, cameras or weapons. Meet at the main actually increase the flock size. A and averaging 60-65 per walk. Take the public lot at 800 Seal Beach Blvd. at Friday lecture will give us the best 405 fwy N into the San Fernando 7:30 AM, and bird until noon. Take Seal chance to see thousands of gulls, and to Valley, turn W on Burbank Blvd. and N Beach Blvd. S from the 405 Fwy, pass possibly study rare gulls like Slaty- (Rt.) on Woodley Ave. to the second Rt., Westminster Blvd., turn left onto the backed. No guarantees, of course, but which is marked "Wildlife Area". Turn base at the Forrestal Lane light, and left we will probably find Thayer's, here and park in the lot at the end. Meet again into the lot. No fee. Glaucous, perhaps hybrids such as at 8:00 AM, and bird until about 11:30 Nelson's, and all of the more common AM. gulls (Ring-billed is rare here!). Most Before setting out on any field trip, please eall Slaty-backed Gull records for the lower Saturday & Sunday, January 26 (323)874-131 & 27 -Salton Sea with leaders Nick (Events & Announcements, #4). 48 states have been at this beach in this Special instructions or possible cancellations that time frame, a number every year since and Mary Freeman. Yellow-footed may have occurred, by the Thursday before the people have been looking, so we do Gull, Ruddy Ground-Dove, Snow & trip, will be announced at this number. have a real chance of finding one! S80 Ross' geese, Sandhill Cranes, Stilt for workshop with field trips. 25 max Sandpiper, and Gila Woodpecker all Please see page 17 for reservation information

Birdwalks (pages 16 & 17) 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.

14 Western Tanager F IE L D TRIPS Saturday and Sunday, February 9 Saturday, February 23 - Parrot Yaqui Wells across from Tamarisk and 10 - Carrizo Plain. Leaders: Patrol. Parrots have become a Grove Campground. Limit 20 people. Larry Allen & Mary Freeman. Meet common sight in much of the L.A. Send SASE with phone number, e-mail at 8AM in Maricopa. Spectacular basin, with many species well and $30 fee (Schreiber Grant Fund scenery. We will see Ferruginous established. Larry Allen will take us to Raiser) to LAAS to leam more details. Hawks, Prairie Falcons, Golden Eagles, staging areas and roosting spots for up Pleasant to warm days, cool to cold LeConte's Thrasher, Merlin and to eight species of parrots and parakeets nights. pronghorn; with likely Rough-legged now found in the San Gabriel Valley. Hawk, Mountain Plover and Sandhill Meet at 3:00 PM in South Pasadena, Saturday and Sunday, April 12 Crane. We will meet in Maricopa, drive and pick out parrots until about 5:00 and 13 - Owens Valley Grouse around the Plain all weekend, then leave PM. Take the Pasadena Fwy (110) to Trip. Mary Freeman leads. Sage the Plain heading north via Bitterwater Orange Grove Ave, turn S, and meet on Grouse on the lek, breathtaking scenery, Road on Sunday before we away to LA. the W side of this small street just raptor-rich valleys, early shorebirds If possible, please carpool or avail your beyond the offramp. heading north. Meet early Saturday and vehicle to others when you reserve. Sunday mornings in Bishop. Limited to Your phone number will be released for Saturday, March 8 - Upper 20. To sign up, send $55 (Schreiber carpooling unless you request Franklin Canyon Birdwalk. Grant Fund Raiser), phone#, and e-mail otherwise. Send name, phone number, Docent Steve Botts will be escorting us in a SASE to LAAS. More details next e-mail, $40 per person (Schreiber Grant around this local bird haven, with issue and in mailer. Reserve rooms and Fund Raiser), and SASE to sign-up with stunning Wood Ducks, resident trip early, for this perenially popular Audubon House for exact directions chaparral species, and a few migrating trip. Motel 6, Mountain View Inn, and further information. Reserve your songbirds expected. Franklin Canyon is Bishop Elms are some of many hotels own room in Buttonwillow for Saturday located between Sherman Oaks and in Bishop. Submitted Later: night. Motel 6 is one option here. FRS Beverly Hills. Meet in the parking lot at radios & 'scopes helpful. Limit: 14. 8:00 AM, and bird for a few hours. April 30-May 6 - Bird Kern From the 101 Fwy, take Coldwater Cyn. County Kern River Valley Spring Sunday, February 17 - Private Ave. S into the hills. Immediately after Nature Festival. Come visit "America's Duck Club. Leader: Irwin Woldman. Mulholland Dr. merges from the W with Birdiest Inland County" 04-07, including The duck club in Ventura has a long Coldwater Cyn. Ave., make a 90-degree Sequoia National Forest and South Fork history of producing the kinds of birds right turn onto Franklin Cyn. Dr. and Kem River Valley Globally Important Bird that most rich, well-birded and continue west to the Sooky Goldberg Areas. 242 species during 07 festival! Thirty- disappearing habitats can lay claim to, Nature Center. The lot is through a five+ birding trips with twenty+ excellent including Sora and Virginia rails, gated drive on the left. leaders set for 08 including Central American Bittern, Eurasian Wigeon, Valley/Kern National Wildlife Refuge, dark morph Red-tailed Hawk, Golden Saturday and Sunday, March 15 Mojave Desert/Bufterbredt Spring, Kem Eagle, and one Lesser Sand Plover. Get and 16 - Anza Borrego Birds, River Valley/Kem River Preserve, and Sierra to the preserve by taking the 101 Fwy Butterflies and Beyond. Leader: Nevada/Giant Sequoia National Monument W to Rice Avenue S, following the Rice Fred Heath. High points over the Go birding during a "Best in West" spring Ave. prompts to the T-intersection, then years: blooming desert evening- migration. Owling, art/photo contests, take Hueneme Rd. W. Take the first left primrose and indigo bush, chuckwalla, butterflies, dinner speakers, exhibitors, and at Casper Rd., continue past the turn, collared lizard, desert bighorn (annual), more. NEW in 2008: Owens Valley birding. and leave your car across the street from Swainson's Hawks, LeConte's Trip size restricted. FREE trip planning the barn. Meet by the road at 7:30'AM. Thrasher, Long-eared Owl (hopeful). services. Area's spring birding featured in Free. No sign-up required. We will walk Suggested accommodations: Tamarisk ABA's "A Birder's Guide to Southern the property, so good hiking/mud shoes Grove Campground (reserve through California" 2007 edition. with energetic legs inside a plus. www.reserveamerica .com), or Contact: Bob Barnes, Field Trips Chair, Scopes & FRS radios helpful. Stanlund Motel in Borrego Springs Email: [email protected], (760) 767-5501. Anticipate a busy Phone: 760-382-1260. weekend, and reserve camping and motels very early. Meet at 7AM at

January/February 2008 15 BIRD WALKS

Echo Park Lake Birdwalk Debs ParkAudubon Center Bird Walk Leader: Judith Raskin Birdwalk Leaders: Ken Wheeland and First Sunday Leader: Jenny Jones Chris Tosdevin Sunday, January 6 Saturday, January 5 First Sunday every month Sunday, February 3 Saturday, February 2 Sunday, January 6 Sunday, March 2 Saturday, March 1 Sunday, February 3 Meet at 9:00 AM at the Boathousc, Join Jenny for a leisurely morning walk Sunday, March 2 Echo Park Ave. near Laguna Ave. through the diverse natural areas that Ken & Chris will lead participants Plenty of street parking. Take a leisurely surround the Audubon Center at Debs through this beautiful and diverse walk around Echo Park Lake, one of the Park. A wide variety of birds of riparian, coastal mountain area. An ideal trip for oldest in Los Angeles. More than 60 walnut woodland, and chapparal a beginning birder or someone new in species call Echo Park their home for all habitats can be found, including raptors. the area. From Ventura Blvd., take or part of the year. They include Meet at 9:00 AM. The Center is located Topanga Canyon Blvd. 7 miles S, turn E Mallards, Great-tailed Grackles, on Griffin Avenue on the west side of uphill on Entrada Rd. Follow the signs American Coots, Great Blue Herons, the park. From the south, take the and turn left into Trippet Ranch parking Great Egrets, hawks and various gulls Pasadena Fwy north to the Avenue 43 lot. From PCH, take Topanga Cyn. and doves. This is an excellent walk for exit. Bear right on Ave. 43 up the hill to Blvd. 5 miles to Entrada Rd. Parking beginners. Parents are encouraged to Griffin Ave. Turn left on Griffin Ave., $2. Meet at 8:00 AM. take their children. Binoculars and go about a quarter mile to the Contacts: Ken: (310) 455-1401, recommended, and a bird guide, if you Center's driveway, which goes steeply [email protected] have one. Directions: From N/B 101 uphill on the right. From the north, exit Chris: (310)455-1270 Fwy, exit Echo Park Ave. and continue the Pasadena Freeway southbound at north about ? mile. From S/B 101 Fwy, Avenue 52. Turn left on Ave. 52, and Kenneth Hahn State Recreation exit Glendale Blvd./Union Ave., go left follow it across the freeway to where it Area Birdwalk on Temple St., left on Glendale Blvd., becomes Griffin Ave. The driveway is a Saturday, January 19 - right on Bellevue Ave., then left on quarter mile on the left. Leader: Eleanor Osgood Echo Park Ave. to the boathouse. Contact Info: For more information call or write: Jenny: w(323) 633-1920, Saturday, February 16 - Judy Raskin - (323) 663-6767 [email protected] Leader: TBA [email protected] or Saturday, March 15 - [email protected] Leader:Ann and Eric Brooks This trip covers landscaped parkland and natural coastal scrub habitats, and is paced for beginning birders and members of the Baldwin Hills community. The park entrance is off of La Cienega Blvd. Between Rodeo Rd. and Stocker St. After passing the entrance kiosk ($4 parking fee), turn left (leading to the "Olympic Forest") and park in the first available spaces. Meet Black Phoebe, Arnold Small Photo at 8:00 AM. Mallard (male), Arnold Small Photo Collection, Collection, Natural History Museum of Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Los Angeles County

Btrdwalks are geared for the beginner/intermediate looking for an introduction or less strenuous excursion. Birdwalks do not require sign-up or reservation, just show up.

16 Western Tanager BIRD W A L K S

Ballona Wetlands Birdwalk Great Backyard Bird Count RESERVATION & FEE EVENTS Third Sundays (Aug - May) (In conjunction with the City of Policy and Procedure Leader: Bob Shanman Beverly Hills) (For Limited Participation Field Trips & Pelagic Trips) Sunday, January 20 Coldwater Canyon Sunday, February 17 Park/Greystone Mansion in Reservations will be accepted ONLY if Sunday, March 16 ALL the following information is supplied: Beverly Hills Bob leads this trip to our nearest February 17, 2008 1) Trip desired. 2) Names of people in wetland and adjacent rocky jetty. your party. 3) Phone numbers: (a) usual Leader: Pat Heirs Migrating shorebirds and terns should and (b) evening before event, (in case Meet at Coldwater Canyon Park at 8:00, of cancellation) (c) email address (if be coming through. Meet at the Del Rey then carpool over to Greystone Mansion used). 4) Separate check (no cash Lagoon parking lot. Take the Marina please) to LAAS for exact amount for at 10:00. Fwy (90 W) to Culver Blvd. and turn each trip. 5) Self-addressed stamped Come join us and Beverly Hills Parks and envelope (SASE) for confirmation and left for a mile, turn right on Pacific Ave. Recreation in this yearly national citizen associated trip information. The lot is on the right. Lot or street science bird survey sponsored by Cornell Our Mailing Address: parking is usually not a problem. Three- University's Ornithology Laboratory. All Los Angeles Audubon - Reservations hour walk. 'Scopes helpful. Meet at bird sightings will be entered into a P.O. Box 931057 8:00 AM. national data base which helps track the Los Angeles, CA 90093-1057 Contacts: Bob: (310) 326-2473 health of bird populations and their winter distribution. If there is insufficient response, the trip [email protected] will be cancelled two Wednesdays prior to the scheduled date (four weeks Directions: Coldwater Canyon Park: Whittier Narrows Birdwalk for pelagics). You will be so notified From Sunset Blvd , go north on and your fee returned. Your Fourth Saturday every month Coldwater Canyon Drive. The park is cancellation after that time will bring a refund only if there is a paid Leader: park ranger Ray Jillson on the west side of Coldwater about a Saturday, January 26 replacement. Millie Newton is mile up from Sunset Blvd. Meet near available at Audubon House on Saturday, February 23 the children's playground. Wednesdays from noon to 4:00 PM to Saturday, March 22 answer questions about Pelagic trips. View colorful resident and wintering Our office staff is also available Directions: Greystone Mansion: Monday through Thursday for most birds, possibly including the introduced From Sunset go north on Foothill (just reservation services. Northern Cardinal. Take Peck Dr. off east of Coldwater Canyon). Make a left on Loma Vista and another left into the the 60 Fwy in South El Monte (just west REFUND POLICY FOR of the 605 Fwy). Take the off ramp onto parking lot driveway. Continue to drive PELAGIC TRIPS Durfee Ave. heading W (right) and turn to the upper lot. Meet at the upper If a participant cancels 31 days or more parking lot. prior to departure, a $4 service charge will left into the Nature Center, 1000 Durfee be deducted from the refund. There is no Ave. Meet at 8:15 AM. participant refund if requested fewer (han Leader: Larry Allen 30 days before departure, unless there is a Contacts: Ray: (213) 257-9274, paid replacement available. Call LAAS Earvin "Magic" Johnson for a possible replacement. Please do not [email protected] (friend's e-mail; offer the trip to a friend as it would be checks every couple days) Recreation Area unfair to those on the waiting list. February 23, 9:00 A.M. All pelagic trips This bird walk will be an introduction to must be filled 35 days prior to sailing. the basics of bird watching. We will be Please reserve early. learning about ducks and common birds NOTE: Destinations may be changed in of urban parks. This well-used park has a order to maximize bird sightings, or large lake, and lots of mature trees. Meet minimize rough seas. In order to meet unexpected increases in fuel costs, there can at the Earvin "Magic" Johnson Recreation be a $5 to $10 energy surcharge per person. Area, 120th St. parking lot. From either direction of the 105 Freeway, exit on Central Ave. Proceed south on Central to 120th St. (first signal), then right (west) on 120th St. to parking lot on left.

January/February 2008 17 2OO8 PELAGIC SCHEDULE

^L \

Saturday, May 3 Saturday, June 7 Saturday, September 6 A deep water trip toward the Land on Santa Cruz Island for the A deep water trip to Cherry, Tanner San Juan Seamount. Island Scrub Jay, and then out to sea. and Cortez Banks. This trip departs from the Santa This 8 hour trip departs from the This trip departs from the Santa Barbara Harbor on the fast Island Packer dock in the Oxnard Barbara Harbor at 7:00 a.m. on the fast Harbor at 8:00 a.m. on the m/v catamaran Condor Express at 7:00 catamaran Condor Express and returns Vanguard. We will land at Prisoner's a.m., and will return approximately approximately at 8:00 p.m. We are far by 8:00 p.m. We will cruise along Cove where the endemic Island Scrub-Jay is easily seen. Then we offshore in 3 counties Santa Barbara, the deep water shelf by the San Juan will cruise out to sea for pelagic Ventura and Los Angeles. Birds Seamount. Birds previously seen: birding, returning by Anacapa expected: Northern Fulmar; One Cook's Laysan and Black-footed albatross; Island. Birds seen on prior trips: Petrel was seen in 2005; Ashy and Northern Fulmar; Sooty and Pink- Northern Fulmar; Sooty and Pink- Leach's storm-petrels; South Polar Skua; footed shearwaters: Parasitic, footed shearwaters; South Polar Parasitic, Pomarine and Long-tailed Pomarine and Long-tailed jaegers; Skua; Parasitic and Pomarine jaegers; Sabine's Gull; Arctic Tern. Red- Ashy, Leach's and Fork-tailed jaegers; Sabine's Gull; rocky billed Tropicbirds are usually seen on storm-petrels; Pigeon Guillemot; shorebirds (up to 5); Pigeon this trip. Rarities seen: Black-footed Xantus Murrelet; Cassin's and Guillemot; Xantus Murrelet. Albatross; Buller's Shearwater; Least Rhinoceros auklets; Tufted Puffin. Rarities seen: Flesh-footed Storm-Petrel and Craveri's Murrelet. Rare possibilities are Murphy's Shearwater and American Blue, Fin and Minke whales as well as Petrel and Red-billed Tropicbird. Oystercatcher. A Tufted Puffin several species of dolphins can be seen. Leaders: Todd McGrath, Jon seen in 2002. Feenstra, Kimball Garrett, Dave Leaders: Todd McGrath, Jon Leaders: Todd McGrath, Jon Compton and David Pereksta. Feenstra and David Pereksta Feenstra, Dave Compton, and David $198. There is a complete galley that $95. A box lunch and breakfast can Pereksta serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. be ordered from the adjoining dock- $198. The trip will be cancelled if there side deli. Galley onboard. is insufficient response 35 days prior to departure. There is a complete galley that Save $5.00 with an early sign-up 60 days prior to the trip departure. serves breakfast lunch and dinner.

NOTE: Destinations may be changed to maximize bird sightings, or minimize Look for more exciting Please see page 17 for rough seas. new trips to be added reservation information With increased fuel costs there can be a to this Schedule! $5 to $10 energy surcharge perperson.

Western Tanager INTERNATIONAL BIRDING TOURS

THE BEST OF COSTARICA 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-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 distinctive, each offering a marvelous profusion Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth of tropical birds. For information and itinerary, contact: Habitats encountered will range from semiarid ranch land, to misty cloud forest, the transition zone between the dry and moist forests of the Pacific Olga Clarke Los Angeles Audubon - Travel Director lowlands, the treeless paramo, and what may well be the highlight of our trip, 2027ElArbolitaDr. a visit to La Selva, a lowland rainforest where nearly 400 birds have been Glendale, CA 91208-1805 recorded. As part of a small group, enjoy some of the best tropical birding in Costa Rica., where you will be accompanied by outstanding leaders Ph/Fax: 818-249-9511 throughout. Fully Booked e-mail: [email protected]

MOROCCO: FROMTHEATLASMOUNTAINSTOTHE SAHARA April 19-May 5, 2008 Post-Extension Tangier to Fes —-May 5-10, 2008

The thought of Morocco brings visions of casbahs, deserts, minarets, 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.

From the moment you arrive in Casablanca, you'll be on your way to look for the over 460 bird species that have been recorded in this country. We will visit numerous habitats to search for species such as Crested Lark, Fan-tailed and Sardinian Warblers, and migrants such as Olivaceous Warbler, Barbary Partridge, the rare Bald Ibis and the difficult-to-find Double-spurred Francolin, to name only a few. From a birder's point of view, we will be in Morocco at probably the most interesting time of year. After the winter and early spring rains, hundreds of dayas (temporary ponds) form, and an abundance of flowers and lush green forests resound with birdsong. Beyond birds many natural wonders will be encountered: minerals from the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, fossils, orchids, mammals, herps and insects. Accommodations are outstanding, and the cuisine excellent. We will be accompanied by expert birding guides. Space is limited. White Stork nesting on top oj miniret.

Januarv/Februarv 2008 19 PROGRAMS & EVENING MEETINGS

Meet at 7:30 at the Community Center in Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd (at Martel between La Brea & Fairfax)

Wednesday, January 9, 2008 JEWELS OF SOUTH AMERICA

Garry George presents a new DVD of rare and elusive birds from his r — -- trips to Venezuela and Southeast Brazil as well as Ecuador. The DVD j highlights representative species from unique families found only in , South and Central America like Tinamous, Guans, Ovenbirds, Antbirds, Antpittas, Gnateatcrs and Cotingas but also colorful families we share such as Hummingbirds, Tanagers and Finches. This presentation is pure avian entertainment for those who like to watch the behavior and hear the sounds of some of the glamorous birds of the continent to the South. Also included is a short DVD on a conservation program by UCLA's Center for Tropical Research in the Choco habitat of Ecuador featuring historic footage of mega-rarities Banded Ground Cuckoo, Brown Wood-Rail and Bi-cohred Antpitts Photo by Gurry George Long-wattled Umbrellabird

Wednesday, February 13, 2008 Todd Battey Presents Images of Raptors and Other Wildlife of the Antelope Valley Many birders travel to the Antelope Valley to enjoy the birds that inhabit this part of the Mojave Desert, and winter is the time to find many of the area's specialty species. Large numbers of raptors occur during the colder months, including Ferruginous Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Merlin, Long-eared Owl, and many other species. Todd Battey has been digiscoping the local birds for several years and has accumulated a collection of raptor images that documents the variability of many of the common species. Additional photographs by others will be included to provide a more complete presentation of the raptors that can be found in the Antelope Valley. Here's a chance to bone up on the identification of the various color morphs of AV's raptors while there is still time to get out and Ferruginous Hawk Photo by Mary Freeman see them. Todd will also present additional images of other birds (non- raptors) and wildlife of the area, including the many reptiles that emerge about the time the raptors thin out.

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