STERN TANAGER LOS Angeles Alldubon Society Volume 49 Number 1 September 1982

The Identification of Common and Lesser Nighthawks by Kimball Garrett and Jon Dunn Common

ur two nighthawks (genus Chor- deiles) are quite different in seasonal and geographical distribution in southern ; fundamental to an under- standing of such differences is the correct allocation of sightings to species. In this note we discuss the major field characters which should separate virtually all individuals. We also briefly treat age, sex, and geographical variation in each species; such variation is especially pronounced in the Common Night- hawk ( C. minor). The Lesser Nlghthawk (C. acutipennii) is our more widespread species. It breeds through most of our desert areas, north to Mono County and west to the Antelope and Lesser San Joaquin Valleys. Small populations also breed on the coastal slope, especially where broad, dry gravel washes exist below foothill canyons. Transients are often noted away from breeding areas, particularly in fall. The few winter records are for the southern coast and southern deserts; this species may be regular in small numbers in winter in the southeastern part of our region. Otherwise, the species is and in some adjacent valleys (e.g. Fish lake The illustrations for this article were drawn by generally not expected before mid-March or Valley of Mono Co. and adjacent Nevada). In Jonathan Alderjer. Jonathan is a Los Angeles artist after mid-October. these areas, Lesser Nighthawks are primarily whose interest in birds has recently become part of While numerous and widespread through restricted to the valley floors whereas Com- his artistic pursuits. He attended the University Of much of North America, the Common Night- Chicago and Cooper Union in New York City and mons range well up into adjacent mountain has lived in Los Angeles the past six years. hawk is decidedly uncommon in southern ranges. California. It is to be expected only near Calls: Commons are instantly recognized limited breeding areas in die northeastern San by their loud, nasal "peeent" calls, which they Bernardino Mountains and in the higher val- give frequently. Lessers are more silent, al- "blooms" of insects at considerable heights in leys of Inyo and Mono Counties. Common though they often give a low purr or trill when the late afternoon and early morning hours Nighthawks are among our latest spring arri- active at dusk. The diving courtship display of (often until mid-morning). Lessers, in contrast, vals; records prior to about 20 May are du- the Common is accompanied by a loud rarely forage more than about 25 meters off bious, as are those after mid-October (it is booming noise; courting Lessers may give odd the ground, and tend to work singly or in unrecorded in winter in North America). This whinnying noises. small, loose groups. Both species have erratic species is virtually unknown in southern Cali- Flight: Although there is clearly overlap, flight styles, with jerky wingbeats and frequent fornia away from its breeding grounds; only the average foraging height of the Common directional changes. Of the two, the Lesser has about half a dozen records of transients exist. Nighthawk is considerably higher than that the more erratic flight, and it utilizes somewhat Note that the breeding ranges of the two of the Lesser. We have often seen groups shallower wingbeats. nighthawks overlap in the upper Owens Valley of Common Nighthawks exploiting aerial continued on page 3 As I move into the position of President, Sandy Wohlgemuth will pass the hat of Execu- From the President tive Past President to Jean Brandt. Sandy will continue working on conservation matters and by Boh Shanman keep us up to date on what is happening in s we begin this new year at Audu- the environment with his excellent monthly bon, I would like to welcome every- column. A one back for another exciting and The remainder of last year's Board has challenging year for all of us. In my 2% years of returned to continue their excellent work. active participation in LA.A.S., I have been Carol Friedman, our Executive Secretary, and impressed with the dedication and enthusi- Andrea Kaufman, Registrar, round out the asm of the volunteers who keep the organiza- seven elected Board members. Marge Wohl- tion running on a daily basis. It is indeed an gemuth continues to run the House and honor to have been elected as the new Presi- coordinate the volunteers, and Olga Clarke dent, and I look forward to working with every- will continue to oversee the Bookstore opera- one to keep the Chapter moving on the course tions. Willabelle Maloney is continuing her offices, the bookstore, library and museum. set by Jean Brandt over the past three years. Education programs for grade-school chil- Plans are presently being developed for the Several Board members from this past year dren, and Ian Austin is already lining up an remodeling, which should be underway in have moved on, and thanks are due to them. excellent program of Field Trips for the year. two or three months. Some $14,000 in dona- Mary Test has been a dedicated and hard- Sandy Wohlgemuth and David White are con- tions were received after the fire, and this working Editor for the WESTERN TANAGER. tinuing their efforts on the environmental front money will be directed to the "new" House in We all appreciate the job she has done for the as Conservation Co-chairmen. Raye Galindo Long Hall. past two years. Art Cupples has been our will be striving to gain LAAS. positive Publicity The sad news is that the old Plummer House Treasurer for the past 3 years. He has skillfully again this year, and Roberta Shanman is in the will be demolished by the County. However, a handled and invested the Society's funds dur- final stages of reestablishing the Library and plaque commemorating Plummer House will ing this period, so that we are financially shelving the many books received following be placed in the area presently occupied by stronger than we have ever been. Dorothy the fire. Herb Clarke, whose advice and coun- the structure. Anew estate-type fence will be Dimsdale served us capably this past year as sel are sought almost continually, has been erected, and LAAS. will restore and maintain ourRecording Secretary, butchose not to con- appointed as Special Advisor to the Board. the garden, which is a registered bird sanctuary. tinue on this year. Hopefully, her bright articles On behalf of the Board, and all the members, We will be having a FIRE SALE on October will continue to appear in the TANAGER. I pass on a sincere thank you to Jean Brandt, 16 in Great Hall, opposite our new offices. who has served as President for the past 3 Fire-damaged (mostly smoke) articles from years following more than 10 years of service the bookstore will be available at reduced as a "regular" volunteer. During the past three prices. Many donated art items will also be years, Jean has successfully guided LA.A.S. available for purchase, and a silent auction for through its first major publication— The Birds duplicate copes of rare and/or out-of-print of Southern California: Status and Distribu- books from the library will be held. Details tion, by Kimball Garrett and Jon Dunn. She appear elsewhere in this issue of the TAN- has committed LAAS. to being a strong support- AGER, and will be repeated again next month. er of the Southern California Coordinating There will be many issues to deal with this Council, an association of the 22 Southern coming year on the environmental front. California chapters of Audubon, both actively Locally we will be voting in November on a We have three new faces on the Board this participating in the council and hosting several Bottle-and-Can Bill, and the Water Rights year. Brian Kahn is our new 2nd Vice-president, of the meetings. She has been dedicated to Initiative. We will continue our efforts to re- replacing Ken Kendig, who has moved up to two of our most important projects—National store the marsh at Malibu Lagoon and to protect 1st Vice-president. Dexter Kelly has taken on Audubon's Mono Lake Suit, and the Condor other threatened wetland areas. We will also the position of Treasurer and Marilyn Cooper Captive Breeding Program. And it was with continue our support for the Mono Lake case has accepted the duties of Recording Secretary. Jean's leadership and energy, along with die and the Mono Lake Committee in their efforts Welcome aboard to each of you. Two individu- support of many others, that quickly led us out to educate the public about the Lake and the als never far away from the center of activity of the fire disaster last November, and had the need for water conservation here in the South- for the Chapter have returned to the Board in Chapter functioning again in a matter of weeks. land. We will continue to seek support from new positions this year, and we are very Again Jean, from all of us, thank you for your our members in writing Congressmen on excited to have them back. We are looking service and dedication. issues of national importance such as funding forward to an excellent series of programs this Some good news and some sad news 'for the recently renewed Endangered Species year, ably put together by Kimball Garrett. In regarding Audubon House. As many of you Act, the passing of stronger Clean Air and addition to our regular programs, Kimball is know, the County Parks and Recreation Depart- Clean Water Acts, and preventing the EPA and contemplating our first annual (we hope) ment has been very desirous of our staying in the President from allowing the reintroduction Members' Photography Contest. News of the Plummer Park following the fire. To that end, of Compound 1080 for use by farmers and contest will be published in an upcoming they made two rooms available to us in Long ranchers as a means of predator control (see issue of the TANAGER, which leads us to the Hall, where we are now located. We have been page 34 of the March '82 issue of Audubon second returnee. Fred Heath, who served for working with the County to obtain a "perma- Magazine). Sandy Wohlgemuth will be contin- several years as 1st Vice-president, and as nent" status in the Park, and recently, the County uing his excellent articles on these important coordinator for the publishing of the "Birds of agreed to give us a third room adjoining the issues. To become aware of when letters may Southern California," has returned as the new two we now have. They will be making some be needed, why not join Sandy's Telephone Editor of the WESTERN TANAGER. Fred is a structural and architectural changes for us, Tree?To do this, call or write Audubon House former Editor of the Linnaean Society Neii's- including heating and air conditioning. We and let him know that you would like to letter in New York. We are looking forward to have also received their approval to remodel become part of this organized letter-writing the TANAGER under his leadership. the three rooms to meet our space needs for effort. One last item before I close, and that is the Common and Lesser subject of volunteers. The strength of any Nighthawks organization such as Audubon lies with its volunteers. There are many ways that you can volunteer to help L.AAS., and I would like you Size and Shape: While Common Night- by bold dusky bars; the undertail coverts have to consider some of them. First, and probably hawks average larger than Lessers in all mea- sparse dusky bars. In the Lesser the general easiest, is to attend our monthly evening surements, the differences are not striking. background color of the underparts (espe- meetings to learn what is happening in Audu- What is noticeable in the field are the longer, cially the belly and undertail coverts) is buff. bon, to hear a good program, and to let us more pointed wings of the Common (see The dusky barring is somewhat finer and less know you're thinking on issues that concern drawing this page). Not only does the Com- conspicuous than in the Common. all of us. Second, is to join us on some of our mon have a relatively longer wing, but the Our Common Nighthawks are considerably field trips, or for you "expert" birders, to relatively long outermost primary lends a dif- darker (dusky-blackish) above than our Les- volunteer to lead an occasional field trip. Next ferent shape to the wingtip. sers. The finely mottled wing coverts are would be to participate in the Telephone Tree grayish, contrasting with the darker back. The mentioned above. Letters from constituents Lesser Nighthawk's wing coverts are mottled are powerful... one personally written letter gray-brown, showing no contrast with the is worth 50 form letters or 50 petition signa- gray-brown back. Additionally, Lessers show tures. And last, if you have the time available, richrusty-buffbarringontheinnerportionsof volunteer to help out at Audubon House— the primaries and secondaries (hard to see in once a week or once a month—the effort will many males); this rich barring is absent in the be appreciated; you'll meet some great people Common Nighthawk. and have a good time, If you can volunteer Geographical Variation: There is rela- your time, call Marge Wohlgemuth at the tively little geographical variation in Lesser House (876-0202), or contact me in the even- Nighthawks north of Mexico. However, the ings at 545-2867. We'd love to have you join us. Common Nighthawk shows considerable racial differentiation. For a thorough study of this variation, see "A systematic review of the booming nighthawks of western North Amer- ica" by R.K. Selander {Condor 56:57-82, Tracings of wing tips 1954). In general, the nominate race (breeding (Lesser, left; Common, right) from the east coast west across Canada to Plumages: We will compare die Lesser British Columbia and Alaska) is the darkest, Nighthawk of our northernmost race (texen- being quite blackish on the crown, breast, and sis) to our local Common Nighthawk race upperparts. Our birds (C m. hesperis) are {hesperis). In the Lesser Nighthawk, adult slightly paler than the nominate race; they males have a conspicuous white band on the occur from the Great Basin west to the Pacific wing and on the tail. Adult females lack the tail states. A very pale race, sennetti, breeds on the band and have a smaller, buffier wing patch. northern Great Plains. South of this is C. m, Juvenile males have rather limited wing and hoiuelli, intermediate in appearance between tail bands, and juvenile females lack the tail sennetti and the race C. m. henryi (which band and have a very restricted, buffy wing breeds from southeastern Utah south through bandwhichis often scarcely visible. Common north-central Mexico), Henryi is slightly paler We Made a Difference! Nighthawks show a conspicuous white wing than hesperis and quite brown, with strong band in all plumages (but this mark is boldest rufescent tones in the plumage. While exact in adult males). Adult females have a narrow racial determination is impossible in the field Those of us who wrote our Senators and inconspicuous white tail band, and juve- (and often very difficult with specimens), the and Representatives a while back niles of both sexes lack this band completely. range of geographical variation is indeed great (J'anager, April 1982) asking them to Juveniles of both species are further distin- when the dark and light extremes are reauthorize and strengthen the En- guished from adults by conspicuous pale compared. dangered Species Act have been vindi- edges to the coverts, secondaries, and primar- It is puzzling that the Common Nighthawk, cated. Despite the opposition of power- ies, and also by the restriction or absence of so abundant in the Pacific Northwest and ful industrial, mining and lumber in- the white patch on the throat. locally common at its limited California nest- terests and the inclinations of the The major plumage distinction between ing grounds, is so rarely detected in migration Reagan Administration, both houses of Common and Lesser Nighthawks stressed in in southern California. It is hoped that the Congress unanimouslypassed the bills field guides is the relative position of the information we have provided here will help we wanted. In today's political climate, white bar on the wing. While there is no over- observers be critical in their nighthawk field this is a significant victory. It demon- lap in this character, it can be difficult to judge identification and perhaps uncover additional strates that the efforts to weaken mea- in the field. The white bar is relatively nearer information on the rather poorly-known sures like the Clean Air Act and the the wingtip in the Lesser. Recall that only in movements of bom species. ~ Clean Water Act by the Administration the Lesser Nighthawk is the wingbar ever and its allies may also fail because our completely or nearly lacking. Other plumage legislators are beginning to feel the characters should be used to corroborate field weight of an aroused electorate. identification. Most important is the pattern and coloring of the underparts. In the Com- mon Nighthawk the general background color of the belly and undertail coverts is whitish (slightly buffy in females). The belly is crossed devastatingly imprudent. More than that, it is Conservation Conversation betraying the agreement between the Ameri- can people and their government—expressed by Sandy Wohlgemuth in many laws—that the government will shield the public lands from abuse, develop com- mercial resources in a prudent balanced way, and protect noncommercial resources for last- ing use. In March of this year ten of the leading con- The Administration has moved swiftly. It The Administration's energy policy has been servation organizations in the United States has changed clean air rules to allow many to eliminate virtually every program that pro- published an extraordinary document. It was coal-burning plants to dump more sulfur vides direct benefits to individuals and small called, "Indictment: The Case Against The dioxide into the air, where it re-forms as acid businesses seeking to conserve energy or use Reagan Environmental Record." It was ex- rain. It has withdrawn rules to control indus- solar energy, while protecting billions of dol- traordinary not simply for the detailed, specific tries that dump toxic chemical wastes into lars in subsidies for nuclear power, synthetic evidence it chronicled, but for the very fact landfills or flush them into city wastewater fuels, and the oil industry. that it had to be written at all. plants where they corrode equipment. From This Administration is blind to the dangers In its 200-year history many sins have been strip mines to waste dumps the Administration of nuclear power. It has withdrawn safeguards committed against this bountiful land. But has cut back enforcement of the laws. Its against nuclear proliferation and, seeking a most of them have been sins of ignorance, agencies make fewer inspections and take quick solution convenient for industry, has committed in a mental climate different from many fewer illegal polluters to court. overridden a cautious process to deal with today's, when it was taken for granted that our When it could not get Congress to change nuclear waste disposal. The Administration is natural wealth was inexhaustible, that the the environmental laws, the Administration considering the use of fuel from nuclear pow- cornucopia would always be full. The delib- used budget cuts to cripple the agencies that erplants to make nuclear weapons, erasing erate effort by this Administration to sacrifice carry them out. Eight major statutes passed in the distinction drawn by President Eisenhower the public good to private gain across the the last 12 years assign to EPA a job that will between Atoms for Peace and weapons for boardhns made the "Indictment" necessary. double in size in the next few years. The nuclear war. What follows is the introduction. In the months Administration wants to slash EPA's budget by since it was written there have been no 40 percent. The job will not get done and the changes for the better; the passage of time has cost in terms of sickness, death and material only intensified the crisis.... destruction will be very great. A century ago, the federal government was giving away public lands and their resources practically free of charge. Since then, the Indictment American people have come to see their public lands as a priceless resource to be used for the President Reagan has broken faith with the long-term benefit of all. A succession of laws American people on environmental protec- over many decades has directed that these tion. During his first 14 months in office, he lands be used for wilderness, wildlife habitat, and his appoi nted officials have simply refused recreation, watershed protection and scenic to do the job that the laws require and that beauty, as well as for minerals production, Americans expect of their government—to timber cutting, and livestock grazing. The law protect the public health from pollution and requires management of public forestland and to use publicly owned resources and lands for grasslands to protect the long-term interests the public good. Instead, Reagan Administra- of the public and assure that private use does tion officials are handing over to private use not destroy die land's long-term productivity. the clean air and water, forests, grasslands, The Reagan Administration has made a The Reagan Administration's approach to coal and oil that belong to us all. In the name mockery of the multiple-use/sustained-yield the environment and natural resources, is not of "getting the government off our backs," concept that governs the public lands. It has conservative; it is radical. Conservatives have they are giving away our natural heritage. put huge amounts of the nation's coal, oil and recognized and helped to shape the essential We have watched for a year as the Adminis- timber up for sale at bargain basement prices, role of government in conservation of the air, tration took or proposed scores of actions that without considering the need for this massive water and land we all share. Without govern- veered radically away from the broad biparti- transfer of public resources to private hands. ment intervention, for example, the company san consensus in support of environmental Far more coal and timber are on the block that voluntarily refrains from dumping wastes protection that has existed for manyyears. We than industry can use. They will be used for into a stream will be at a competitive disad- thought it time to examine the entire record. private speculation instead of public benefit. vantage vis-a-vis another company that freely We began with apprehension. We end appalled. The lumber companies control more than a uses public waters as a private sewer. But the ' Administration sees government regulation of The pages that follow document hundreds three-year supply of uncut timber on the pub- private pollution simply as an inconvenience of actions that endanger the quality of life of lic lands. Yet the Administration subsidizes for industry—a nuisance that should be re- all Americans. These separate actions add up even more sales—in virgin areas that might duced or eliminated. to the Reagan environmental record. It is diffi- remain wilderness. Sixteen and one-half bil- cult to read that record without sorrow, anger, lion tons of coal are under lease to private Real free market principles are unpalatable and a real concern for our future. industry—enough to last two centuries at the to the Reaganite Sagebrush Rebels as well. Pollution will increase because the rules present rate of production. Yet the Administra- They want the Federal Government to stop designed to control it and the agencies that tion, riding roughshod over land use plans the managing the public lands. So the Administra- enforce the rules are being systematically law requires, wants vastly expanded coal tion is turning over management of public weakened. The Administration's attention has leasing. rangeland to ranchers who pay grazing fees focused upon easing the burdens for polluters In handing over the public resources to on public lands that are one-fifth the fees instead of protecting the public and the land. private interests, the Reagan Administration is charged for private lands. This not only costs the nation money, but invites overgrazing, which has seriously damaged more than half Classified Section the public range. Likewise, western farmers irrigating with water from federal dams pay No, we're not competing with the Los Angeles Chairperson of the Social Committee. If you're one-fifth or less of the cost. Taxpayers pay the Times. We do have a few positions that need not all of the above, then here's your chance to rest. The Administration has increased the filling— break out of your shell. Help make provisions budget for western water projects. for refreshments at monthly meeting, plan the The problems of cleaning up pollution, Clerical Help Wanted — Annual Banquet and lots of other exciting managing public lands and water resources Part Time things. Call Audubon House immediately, wisely, and encouraging the development of before someone else steals your big op- safe clean energy for the Nation's future cannot Area! paid job portunity. be resolved by private self interest alone. Government has a crucial role in protecting Audubon House has a need fora person to do Calendar Editor the natural world we all share—and on which clerical work part time. Two days per week our survival depends. That is why President preferably Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to The Calendar page of the WESTERNTANAGER theodore Roosevelt built and protected our 3 p.m. paid on an hourly basis. Typing skills is very important in that it gives the dates and National Forest System in the early years of the essential. Interest and familiarity with times for all the Chapter's functions. As such, century. It is why the Congress passed the Audubon aims and goals helpful. Ambience is the lazy new editor would like someone to Multiple Use Sustained Yield Act in I960, the informal and congenial (this means you'll take responsibility for getting the Field trip Wilderness Act in 1964, the Clean Air Act in have a good time even though some of the and evening meeting information from Ian 1970, the Clean Water Act in 1972, the National people at Audubon House use big words). If Austin (Field Trip Chairman) and Kimball Forest Management, Hazardous Waste, and this sounds interesting to you, please call Carol Garrett (Program Chairman) and then typing Toxic Substances Control Acts in 1976, the Friedman at Audubon House on Thursday it up in a neat format to hand to the typog- Surface Mining Act in 1977, and many more. (876-0202). rapher. This means a few hours of work ten In 1969 the Congress declared a times a year. For this small effort you will Volunteers Needed become world famous...we will print your national policy which will encourage Social Chairman name on the back of each arid every TANAGER. Call the Editor, Fred Heath (days 998-9873 or productive and enjoyable harmony be- Are you outgoing, fun-loving and love to get tween man and his environment; to evenings 828-6524) quickly, before anyone involved? If the answer is yes, then do we have beats you to it. promote efforts which will prevent or the job for you! We are looking for a new eliminate damage to the environment and biosphere and stimulate the health and welfare of man. (National Environmental Policy Act)

The Reagan Administration has turned its back Fire Sale and Rare Book Auction on that goal, although the great laws Congress passed to fulfill it remain unchanged, and the On November 21, 1981, Plummer House, weresellingforarninirnumof$150.Thereare public support that led to their enactment has known to most of us as Audubon House, was two different lithographs—one depicting a not diminished but grown stronger. set on fire by some unknown vandal or van- Brown Pelican and the other an American We think the Administration's environmen- dais. The Los Angeles County Fire Department Kestrel. tal policies have harmed the Nation, and that responded immediately and was able to save Also at the sale, we will have on display the harm grows steadily worse. We believe most of our library, our records and some of eight library books of which we have dupli- President Reagan should be called to task. our book store inventory. Many books were cates. These collector's items will be available dampened and most were smoked to one for sale through a sealed bid process. This is a degree or another. Our insurance company rare opportunity to acquire a valuable addition Friends of the Earth Natural Resources Defense Council has settled with us and allowed us to keep to your personal library. The titles and the The Wilderness Society these books. We will be offering them for sale minimum acceptable bids are: Sierra Club at substantial discounts during a fire sale to be held on Saturday, October 16 in the Great Hall National Audubon Society Bids must be Environmental Defense Fund just opposite to our offices in Plummer Park. submitted by Friday, October 22 with This sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vour name' address and telephone number. Bids Environmental Policy Center below the Environmental Action In addition to offering some great savings minimums will not be accepted. Mail on some slightly damaged books, we will be bids t0: Defenders of Wildlife Stum Davis Solar Lobby giving away some new lithographs to anyone P' Greenberg Accountants Inc. donating $35 or more to our Fire Fund. These 8405 Perching Drive, Suite 301 numbered lithographs by Teri Matelson were p|aya del Rey> ^s>0291 donated to us by the Wing Gallery, where they Attention: Jack Valensky: Audubon Auction

MEXICAN BIRDS—FIRST IMPRESSIONS, George M. Sutton I 50 LAS AVES SUDAMERICANAS, Claes Olrog * 35 DISTRIBUTION OF THE BIRDS OF CALIFORNIA, Grinell & Miller $ 60 MANUAL OF NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS—4th ed., Robert Ridgway * 30 A NEW DICTIONARY OF BIRDS, Sir A. Thomson Iandsborough $ 45 THE BIRDS OF CALIFORNIA—4 vol. Deluxe edition, William I. Dawson $500 HUMMINGBIRDS, Crawford H. Greenwalt S350 • BIRDS OF THE PACIFIC STATES, Ralph Hoffman t 30 Nancy Spear saw three California Condors, Birds of the Season a male Williamson's Sapsucker, and a few Golden-crowned Kinglets. While conduct- by Shwn Suffel ing their Breeding Bird Survey along the Mt. Pinos Road, Herb and Olga Clarke were sur- prise to find a singing male Yellow-throated Warbler on 19 June.

arly summer saw the last of the Spring, Rick has a male Summer Tanager. spring migration —• mostly vagrant In the San Gabriel Mountains owls received E passerines, and the start of die fall major attention, particularly from Brian Keelin. migration — particularly shorebirds. In the The widely seen pair of Spotted Owls which he status of shorebirds in June is com- interim most birding was done in the local nested at Switzer Picnic Area fledged two Tplicated. Some are late spring migrants, mountains which proved very productive. owlets in mid-July, and Northern Pygmy- others are early fall migrants, and still others Three exceptional migrants deserve special Owls were heard on a nearby hillside. At are non-breeding individuals which summer mention. Two of these were immature Mis- Buckhom Campground Flammulated Owls here. Many larger shorebirds along the coast sissippi Kites, the latest and most southerly have rarely been reported since they nested (e.g. Willets and Marbled Godwits) certainly of some ten California records. The first visited there in 1973, but Brian heard them near the fall in the last category. Two Red Phalaropes the campus of Cal State Long Beach briefly on old nest site in earlyjuly. Kimball Garrett heard in breeding plumage were at Bolsa Chica on 21 June, when Brian Daniels was conducting a one or two Whip-poor-wills again near Big 31 May (Loren Hays), and twenty-five Wil- day camp. After a couple of hours a flock of Pines Village, at the foot of Table Mountain. son's Phalaropes were there on 24 June crows took over its preferred tree, and it dis- Just east of the village, a male Calliope (Dennis Minsky), The Reds were probably appeared into the northern sky. The second Hummingbird was in the willows along the late migrants (possibly oiled) and the Wilson's was near the heron colony in the Tijuana River stream; more hummers, probably Calliopes, early fall migrants (all were females, the sex Valley below San Diego. It was found by Eliza- were seen at 8000 ft. along the Blue Ridge that leaves the breeding grounds earlier be- beth Copper and GuyMcCaskie on 18 July. It is Road. While running his Breeding Bird Survey cause of a reduced parental role). Ten pairs of possible that these sightings may have been of on 18 June, Kimball had a Painted Redstart Wilson's at the Lancaster Sewage Ponds on 5 the same individual. Mitch Heindel's survey of in a stand of live oaks just west of the tunnels June (Hank Childs) don't fit either pattern, the Santa Clara River estuary (S.C.R.E.) on 11 along the Angeles Crest Highway. Near Baldy but this species has nested north of there in July was rewarded with a breeding-plumaged Village, in San Antonio Canyon, Fran Olsen the Owens Valley. Also at Bolsa Chica on 21 Red-necked Stint, which was seen through found both a Summer Tanager and a male June were five Ruddy Turnstones, a Black the 17th. This was very likely the same adult Rose-breasted Grosbeak on 8 June. Turnstone, and two Red Knots (Doug Wil- stint which was widely seen there on the same The San Bernardino Mountains and their lick). Doug also found the first Solitary dates in 1981. There are fewer than ten con- varied habitats were productive, particularly Sandpiper of the fall on 16 July (the previous firmed California records for this Siberian east of Big Bear Lake. Below Big Bear Dam, early record was 18 July); it was an adult about species. during late June and early July, at least two 13 miles above the mouth of the Santa Ana River, in Orange Co. Dunlins are the latest The updated report on the long Memorial Painted Redstarts could be heard easily, but fall arrivals (usually not until October), but Day weekend in the Inyo/Mono region fol- seen with difficulty. A Black-and-white two summered near San Diego. Also summer- lows: At Furnace Creek Ranch — a Missis- Warbler and a Nashville Warbler were also ing in San Diego Co. were 110 Red Knots, 65 sippi Kite and a Swainson's Hawk, a there on 19 June (Richard Webster, etat). On Ruddy Turnstones, nine Black Turnstones, Brown-crested (Wied's Crested) Flycatcher, the Big Bear Sewage Ponds seven Ring-neck hundreds of large shorebirds, but only .nine and a Red-breasted Merganser (another Ducks and two Canvasbacks were seen on Western Sandpipers {fide Richard Web- was at nearby Stovepipe Wells); at Mesquite 19 June (unusual in summer). A William- ster). Always among the earliest fall arrivals, a Springs — a Magnolia Warbler; at Scotty's son's Sapsucker was observed at a nest hole single Balrd's Sandpiper was above San Castle — a Northern Parula, a Chestnut- south of Big Bear Lake (Doug Willick, 12 June). Diego on 11 July (Guy McCaskie), and two sided Warbler, and an American Redstart; Eared Grebes were once again numerous on were at S.C.R.E. the next day (Bob Pann). at Oasis Ranch — an Eastern Kingbird, a Baldwin Lake. Arrastre Creek, just downstream Spotted Sandpipers nested and raised young dead Philadelphia Vireo, a Chestnut-sided from the 2N02 crossing provided the L.A.A.S. at Buena Vista Lagoon, Oceanside (Dennis and two Bay-breasted Warblers, an Oven- field trip on 11 July with a pair of Hepatic Parker) and were territorial at Lake Hodges, bird, a Canada Warbler, and an American Tanagers (and possibly two juveniles), and a San Diego Co. Redstart; at Deep Springs College — a Ken- male Calliope Hummingbird. Further east tucky Warbler, an Ovenbird, a Northern along 2N02, at Rose Mine Pass, there were The Salton Sea was not too exciting in June Waterthrush, another Hooded Warbler, nesting Gray Vireos and Gray Flycatchers. and earlyjuly; the best bird was a Little Gull two American Redstarts, and a White- While observing the above on 27 June, John on 6 June (Richard Webster) which was found winged Dove. Just north of Oasis, at Dyer Hamilton watched a sub-adult Bald Eagle fly dead a week later (Guy McCaskie). Also at the (Nevada), Jeri Langham et al found a Red- overhead. According to Doug Willick, the north end were a Little Blue Heron and a eyed Vireo, four Black-and-White War- Black Swifts in Mill Creek Canyon have Peregrine Falcon on 6 June and a Magnifi- blers, a Magnolia Warbler, two Hooded moved to the upper falls. cent Frigatebird on 4 July (Mike Parmeter). Warblers, an Ovenbird, two Summer In the there were In other areas there were about 50 Wood Tanagers, three Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Spotted Owls and Whip-poor-wills at the Storks and 75 Yellow-footed Gulls, but no and a Bobolink. In the nearby Owens Valley James Reserve and Pinyon Jays at Hurkey Laughing Gulls to 10 July (/fcfcR.W.). Jean Brandt found a Brown Thrasher with Creek Campground, but no Purple Martins Through saturation coverage, the San Diego the Sage Thrashers near Benton's Crossing on were reported there. Near Santa Rosa Moun- area proved most productive. The Little Blue 19 June, and Rick Clements saw a Common tain, where a pair of Zone-tailed Hawks has Herons were probably nesting again in the Merganser on the Owens River just east of been present since 1978, a single individual heronry below San Diego ( Elizabeth Copper). Big Pine on 28 June (they are not expected was seen in late June and earlyjuly (Donna A year-old (calico) Little Blue was seen there, here in summer). Further east, at Tollhouse Dittman, etafi.hiMi. Pinos on lOJulyHaland possibly from last year's nesting. The Yellow- crowned Night-Heron at San Elijo Lagoon be reported from the Whirtier Narrows area was still being seen, but now on the inland was a Northern Parula (Jim Oetzel, 12 June). The New Editor side of the freeway, and the perennial drake Kimball Garrett didn't have to leave work to Harlequin Duck is spending its fifth year at find a singing male Chestnut-sided Warbler Agua Hedionda Lagoon. That elusive Sand- at the LA County Museum of Natural History By now you might have noticed that there is a wich Tern was seen for the last time along on 17 June. Reports of Yellow-breasted new editor for this issue of the WESTERN the Silver Strand on 13 June (Guy McCaskie). Chats from the coastal lowlands are encou- TANAGER. Mary Test, the editor for the past There were six sightings at five well-separated raging. They were seen at Whittier Narrows two years, has handed the reins to me, Fred places from 15 May to 13 June. Royal Terns Nature Center 9-26June and hopefully nesting Heath. I only hope I can do half as good a job nested successfully in the San Diego Bay salt (David White); one was singing near Irvine, as Mary did. On behalf of the Chapter, I'd like works. Eight Chimney Swifts were seen by Orange Co., on 25 June and 3 July (Doug to thank Mary for putting out a fine looking Elizabeth Copper in downtown San Diego. Willick); and a singing bird was in Santa Ynez and excellent reading WESTERN TANAGER. Almost daily coverage of Pt. Loma was reward- Canyon, Pacific Palisades, on 20 June (Kimball For those lucky people who haven't had the ed with a Black Swift on 10 June, a White- Garrett). opportunity to become familiar with me, I eyed Vireo on 7 June, a Black-and-White The range expansion of Great-tailed thought I might give you a little of my history. and nine Tennessee Warblers, a Lucy's Grackle continues, with reports from Snow I was born at a young age in New York City Warbler on 2 June, three Ovenbirds in early Creek on the north side of Mt. San Jacinto, and where I started my birding activities which I've June, a "Baltimore" Oriole in mid-June, and from Desert Center, Riverside Co. (Bill Wagner, pursued most vigorously for about 25 years. In a Rose-breasted Grosbeak on 21 June. All 22 May). Another extension of note was a male that time, I've managed to amass so much of the above courtesy of Richard Webster. Bronzed Cowbird at Morongo Valley on 3 birding knowledge, I'm now considered an June; the red eye and the ruffling of the feath- expert beginner (can distinguish between a ers on the nape were noted by Sally Pearce. A squirrel and a bird nine times out of ten). I've male Scarlet Tanager in Tim and Esther lived and birded (if you call that living) in Pickering's idyllic garden, just a long block southern California for almost ten years (and from the Hollywood Freeway in Cahuenga thus can distinguish between a California Pass, was seen by Carol Friedman on 17 July. Ground Squirrel and a California Quail), The next morning it received maximum atten- Enough about me, the important thing is the lsewhere there was much of interest. tion from a dozen LA.A.S. enthusiasts, but TANAGER. E The massive spring movement of didn't show. In its stead was a female Summer I'm fairly happy with the basic look of the Sooty Shearwaters off the Ventura Co. coast lanager, serving as a consolation. A male TANAGER, which was established a number of was witnessed by Matt Heindel from S.CR.E. Painted Bunting in Ontario on 13 June was years ago by Barry Clark. The regular columns, on 6 July, and by Charlie Collins from a boat likely an escapee, as Deanna Turnstall sus- "Birds of the Season" by Shum Suffel and returning from Anacapa Island on the ninth. pected; this species is a popular cage bird. "Conservation Conversation" by Sandy Wohl- Matt guessed 5,000 Sooties offshore and thirty September promises a fall migration which gemuth will continue along with the identifi- dead on the beach. Charlie estimated 50,000 will peak out late in die month. Fall migrants cation feature by Kimball Garrett and Jon about a mile offshore. A report by David Brad- will include many juveniles, which for the Dunn. Aside from these, I'm pretty much open ley of two Blue-footed Boobies flying at fifty most part are in dull, confusing plumages. It is for any natural history type material with an feet overhead near the Cal State Long Beach well to study the field guides, inadequate as obvious preference for articles on birds. Al- campus on 1 June is extraordinary. Two they may be, before hitting the coastal con- though many of our members are world class "Black" Brant spent late June at Bolsa Chica centration spots — valleys and promontories travelers, I have a strong bias for southern (Steve Ganley, et at). Six Common Murres with vegetation and water. Look for Eastern California especially Los Angeles County, and were off the Newport Beach Pier (Loren Hays, Kingbirds early in the month, Tropical King- will lean towards articles written about this 13 June), and a single murre was just beyond birds later in the month, and a multitude of area. Please don't interpret this to mean I have the breakers near Laguna Beach on 4 July other passerines between times. Everyone's a pile of articles ready to be printed. Quite the (Jerryjohnson). A Rhinoceros Auklet inside favorite yard birds, White-crowned Sparrows contrary. What I have left over from this issue King Harbor, Redondo Beach, was "oiled," as and "Audubon's" Warblers, arrive this month wouldn't fill a single page. so many inshore seabirds are (Nancy Spear, 30 to delight us through the winter. And don't say, "I can't write." Anyone can May). The last refuge of Elf Owls in California write. If I don't get enough material, you may is the mesquite clumps along the Colorado well see me write an article or two. If you want River above Needles (Brian Keelin, 5 June). an example of someone who really can't write, Their preferred cottonwoods have been cut wait until you read my stuff. It will probably be down. crammed full of misteaks. I also am looking Doug Wilson at Morongo Valley reports, as for any photographs or drawings which can be of 21 June, one pair of Brown-crested Fly- used to illustrate an article or just stand on catchers, two pairs of Bell's Vlreos (one their own. We will give recognition to any pair hatched four nestlings), and one or more photographer or artist who allows his or her pairs of Lucy's Warblers. Two Purple Mar- work to grace these pages. tins at Palomar State Park, San Diego Co., were If you have any ideas, articles, desires, pic- in possible nesting habitat (Loren Hays, 11 tures, comments for the WESTERN TANAGER June). The White-eyed Vireo first seen near please don't hesitate to write me care of It is with deep regret that we must Audubon House or call (days 998-9873 or Goleta on 18 May was still present on 11 July announce the recent passing of Gilbert (Paul Lehman, etal). Recent multiple reports evenings 828-6524). I will need all the help I King. He had devoted much of his can get in order to succeed as editor. of this species are amazing, considering that energy to the Los Angeles Audubon there were no southern California records Thanks, Society including editorship of the Fred Heath prior to 1979. At Arroyo Grande, near Pismo WESTERN TANAGER from December Beach, Phil Swan found a Philadelphia of 1969 until August of 1975. He will be Vireo on 22 May for the first coastal spring missed. record. A Prothonotary Warbler was near Goleta on 2-3 June. One of the fewvagrants to ^CALENDAR

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21 — San Pedro to Santa SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 - Ballona Wet- Pelagic Trips Barbara Island. 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Take the Vantuna lands. Join Bob and Roberta Shanman (545- approximately 45 miles along the Coast. Leaders to 2867, after 6) for a morning of birding in this be announced. Birds to be expected include: Alba- threatened wetland. Ducks, shorebirds, gulls, terns LAAS Sponsored tross, Black-vented Shearwater; Alcids. Price: $20. and other water related species will be in evidence. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 - San Pedro to San All prices are tentative and subject to fuel cost Meet at 8 a.m. at the Paci fie Ave. bridge. Take 90 West Clemente Island. 5:30 a.m, to 6:30 p.m. 44 spaces increases. Reserve spaces early. To take part in these (Marina Fwy.) to its end at Culver Blvd Continue and 2 leaders: Phil Sayre and Olga Clarke, Take the pelagic trips, send your reservations with the names west on Culver; turn north onto Pacific Ave. and Vantuna (coffee and tea available, no galley) ap- and telephone numbers of all members of your continue to bridge, proximately 30 miles out to sea along the southern party along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 — Evening Meeting. coast. Birds to be seen this time of year include: to: The Museum and the Birder will be the topic of Long-tailed Jaegar; Shearwaters; Least and White- Reservations c/o Ruth Lohr our year opening program by Klmbal! Garrett rumped Leach's Storm-Petrels; Red-billed Tropic- Los Angeles Audubon Society The illustrated talk will cover the major bird collec- bird; Craveri's Murrelet. Cost: $25. 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. tions in Southern California and explore their main- Los Angeles, CA 90046 tenance and many uses to which they are put by Audubon Bird Reports: (213) 876-0202 (Tues-Sat, 10-3) birders and scientific investigators. Cancellations must be made a minimum of two SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 - Whlttler Nar- Los Angeles (213)874-1318 weeks before a scheduled trip to receive a full rows. David White will lead a morning trip refund. through this unique area along side the San Gabriel Santa Barbara (805)964-8240 River. Meet at the Nature Center at 8 a.m. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9 - Shearwater Trips with the Shanmans. Same details as Sept. 11 trip. Los Angeles Audubon Headquarters, Library, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10 — Malibu Lagoon to Debra Love Shearwater runs a series of regular Bookstore and Nature Museum are located McGrath State Beach. For the eleventh straight pelagic trips out of Monterey and Morro Bay. The at Audubon House, Plummer Park, 7377 year, Ed Navojosky (938-9766) leads this famous following is a list of the scheduled trips from Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046. coastal tour. Includes Big Sycamore and Pt. Mugu. Monterey Bay for the balance of the year: Telephone: (213) 876-0202. Hours: 10-3, Bring lunch and meet at 7:30 a.m. in the market Tuesday through Saturday. parking lot at Malibu Lagoon. DATE LEADERS COST TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12 - Evening meeting.Jon September 18 Ted Chandlk/ $24 Dunn will cover the identification, ageing and dis- Pete White tribution of California's most intriguing group of September 26 Alan Baldridge/ $24 birds .. . The Shorebirds. This program will be WESTERN Joe Morlan illustrated in part by larry Sansone's beautiful and October 2 Steve Bailey/ $24 informative slides. TANAGER Arnold Small EDITOR Fred Heath October 3 John Luther/ $24 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 — Fire Sale and Rare Don Roberson Book Auction. From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. A sale of DESIGN Keith Lee PRINTER Artisan Press October 9 Ted Chandik/ $24 books which were in Audubon House during the Guy McCaskie November 1981 conflagration. Substantial saving. CONSERVATION EDITOR Sandy Wohlgemuth ORNITHOLOGY CONSULTANT Kimhall Garreir October 10 Alan Baldridge/ $32 See full details on page 5 of this TANAGER. Storm-petrel Tour Published ten times a year by the Los Angeles October 16 Steve Bailey/ $24 Call the tape the Thursday before all scheduled trips Audubon Society, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Keith Hansen for changes or verification. Angeles, CA 90046. October 17 Keith Hansen/ $24 PRESIDENT Bob Shanman Joe Morlan 1st VICE PRESIDENT Ellswonh Kendig November 7 Alan Baldridge/ $35 2nd VICE PRESIDENT Brian Kahn Marbled Murrelets EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Carol Friedman & Harbor Porpoises TREASURER Dexter Kelly November 14 Jeri Langham/ $24 Audubon membership (local and national) is John Luther Leaders Needed $25 per year (individual), $32 (family), $15 (stu- December 4 Alan Baldridge/ $24 We need people to lead field trips. Do you have a dent) or $17 (seniorcitlzen), including AUDUBON Ted Chandik favorite birding locale? You don't have to be an Magazine and THE WESTERN TANAGER. To join, Reservations are made by sending a check payable "expert" to show other birders, especially beginners, make checks payable to the National Audubon to Debra, with a self-addressed, stamped envelope a few nice looks at some of our common species. Society, and send them to Audubon House at the to: Your trip doesn't even have to be long . . . you can above address. Members wishing to receive die Debra Love Shearwater opt for a short morning excursion. Call our Field TANAGER by first class mail must send checks for 362 Lee Street Trip Coordinator—Ian Austin to make arrange- $5 payable to Los Angeles Audubon Society. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 ments (Day 879-9700, Evening 452-3318). Subscriptions to THE WESTERN TANAGER sep- (408) 425-8111 arately are $8 per year (Bulk Rate) or $13 (First A detailed brochure is available which describes Class, mailed in an envelope). To subscribe, make these and 1983 pelagic trips. Write or call Debra for checks payable to Los Angeles Audubon Society. further information.

Mr, Lawrence Sansone III 6/77 Los Angeles Audubon Society Non-Profit Organization 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. 3016 Hollyridge Dr, U.S. Postage Los Angeles, CA 90046 Los Angeles, CA. 90068 PAID Permit No. 26974 Los Angeles, CA