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8/8/2019 November-December 2009 Western Tanager Newsletter - Los Angeles Audubon
1/12
Environmental global warming
campaigns and government
policies calling for more re-
newable energy have stimulated a
green rush of renewable energy in
California. The Governors steroidalExecutive order calls for 33% of en-
ergy to be renewable in California by
2020. The Presidents stimulus
package calls for shovel ready re-
newable energy projects by Decem-
ber 2010 to qualify for billions in
federal stimulus money. But, grass-
roots activists and conservation or-
ganizations are pushing back at the
green rush as projects come online
that will destroy the very thing theyare designed to protect, and they are
using sophisticated political advo-
cacy powered by conservation tech-
nology that goes beyond the NIMBY
(Not in My Back Yard) opposition of
the past. This new grassroots advo-
cacy might just bridge the current
Green vs. Green split in the environ-
mental community over renewable
U.S. Department of the Interior and
National Park Service.
But after passage of the 2005
Energy Policy Act, the Bush
administration said the land could beused for solar energy projects. The
Conservancy discovered that the
Bureau of Land Management was
taking applications for large scale
wind and solar projects on the land
to meet renewable energy goals. In
February 2009, Bruce Pavlik
reported in the LA TIMES, that there
were applications for large scale
wind and solar projects on 1.4
million acres of public lands inCalifornia, mainly in the pristine,
unrestorable desert, a green rush
fueled by federal stimulus and
federal and state tax breaks which
environmental organizations had
fought to achieve.
Alarmed, local activists pres-
sured their state organizations and
energy where organization leaders
call for more wind and solar, and
grassroots call for protection of pris-
tine habitat and threatened species.
Case in point: CaliforniasMojave, Sonora, Colorado, Joshua
Tree, Big Morongo Valley, and
Antelope Valley deserts, the
epicenter of solar energy.
The Wildlands Conservancys
acquisition of more than 587,000
acres of desert lands in Southern
California began in 1999, cost around
$40 million, and is the largest
nonprofit land acquisition donated tothe American people in U.S. history.
It includes over 85,000 acres in
Mohave National Preserve, over
20,000 acres in Joshua Tree National
Park, over 210,000 acres in 20 Bureau
of Land Management wilderness
areas, and hundreds of thousands of
acres of important habitat. The over
587,000 acres were donated to the
Volume 76, Number 2 November/December 2009
WESTERNTANAGER
a publication of Los Angeles Audubon www.laaudubon.org
Grassroots activists work to protect California desert
Conservation Conversation, by Garry George
8/8/2019 November-December 2009 Western Tanager Newsletter - Los Angeles Audubon
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level of protection as a monument
and put pristine lands off limits to
energy development.
BrightSource Energy Inc. had been
planning its 5,130-acre solar power
farm in a remote part of the Mojave
Desert, but the company, based in
Oakland, California and Jerusalem,Israel, announced in mid-September,
that it would look for another site due
to opposition from environmentalists
and Senator Feinstein.
LADWP is rumored to be
withdrawing their Green Path North
transmission line project through
Big in Morongo Canyon, an
Audubon California IBA, in favor
of existing lines along the I 10 fwy.due to opposition from local
residents, California Desert
Coalition, and local Audubon
chapters including Los Angeles and
San Bernardino Valley.
Newsweek reported in August,
2009, that large scale solar proj-
ects were getting vastly outpaced
by the decentralized rooftop solar
approach. According to the Inter-state Renewable Energy Council's
2006-08 count, consumers added
522 megawatts to the grid;
whereas utility generated sites
added just 96 megawatts.
AB920 from Assemblyman Jared
Huffman (D-San Rafael), is intended
to boost the Million Solar Roofs ini-
tiative. That package of rebates and
other incentives includes sellingelectricity back to the utility grid,
currently prohibited in California.
The bill aims to raise the number of
solar homes in California from
25,000 in 2006 to 1 million in 2016.
Power (pun intended!) from
the grassroots!
lawmakers to help protect California
desert lands habitat and wildlife.
The grassroots pushed the agenda.
In spring 2009, grassroots ac-
tivists and top policy leaders from
Wildlands Conservancy, Defenders
of Wildlife, Sierra Club, Center for
Biological Diversity, NRDC,Audubon California, California
Wilderness Coalition, California
Desert Coalition, National Parks
Conservation Association, and a host
of local desert conservation organi-
zations and land trusts, met in a sum-
mit to compare GIS layers of maps
and biological data as well as
ground truthing of personal testi-
mony on desert sites. In a few
weeks, the group developed a criteriafor siting of projects in the desert to
inform federal and state agencies and
energy developers of areas where
their projects might meet the fewest
environmental obstacles, and encour-
age developers toward industrialized
areas near already existing roads,
cities that need jobs, transmission
centers and lines, and away from
pristine areas and wildlife corridors.
The goal was to protect pristinelands while also closing the gap on
renewable energy portfolio standards
through solar and wind development
in the desert. This was a surprising
moment when local and state conser-
vationists and environmentalists
worked for habitat protection as well
as energy development.
This new balanced movement is
having results and shows the powerof a marriage of overarching policy
and local ground truth.
Some of the recent
developments:
As of late September, Senator
Dianne Feinstein is preparing to
introduce legislation in Congress
that could give the Mojave a higher
E2 Western Tanager Vol. 76, No.2
The mission of Los Angeles Audubon Society is to
promote the enjoyment and protection of birds and
other wildlife through recreation, education,
conservation and restoration.
Los Angeles Audubon is a non-profit volunteer
organization of people with a common interest in
birding and natural history. Los Angeles Audubonmaintains offices, a library, and bookstore, the
proceeds of which benefit all of its programs.
Los Angeles Audubon Society
Audubon House
7377 Santa Monica Blvd.,
W. Hollywood, CA 90046-6694
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 931057, Los Angeles, CA 90093-1057
(323) 876-0202 (voice/messages)
(323) 876-7609 (fax)
[email protected] (general email)
www.laaudubon.org
Board Officers
President David De Lange
1st Vice President Garry George
2nd Vice President Paul Fox
Executive Secretary Linda Oberholtzer
Recording Secretary Eleanor Osgood
Treasurer Lisa Fimiani
Executive Past President Dexter Kelly
Programs & Activities
Conservation Garry George
Field Trips Nick Freeman
Bird Walks Eleanor Osgood
Pelagic Trips Phil Sayre
Membership Meetings Mary Freeman
Ornithology Consultant Kimball Garrett
Rare Bird Alert Jon Fisher
Report Rare Birds (323) 874-1318
Volunteer Coordinator Eleanor Osgood
Library Dorothy Schwarz
Staff
Executive Director Mary Loquvam
Director of Interpretation Stacey Vigallon
Audubon House Administrator Martha Balkan
Membership Services Susan Castor
Audubon House Bookstore
Orders (888) 522-7428
Fax (323) 876-7609
Bookstore Manager (323) 876-0202
Hours Mon-Thurs 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
1st Sat. ea. month 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Online Nature Store
www.losangelesaudubon.org/store
WESTERNTANAGERPublished by
Los Angeles Audubon Society
Western Tanageris published bi-monthly. For address changes or
subscription problems call (323) 876-0202, or write to Member
Services, Los Angeles Audubon, PO Box 931057, Los Angeles, CA
90093-1057. Submissions are due the 1st of the month, two months
before the date of the issue. Please send submissions as Microsoft
Word or RTF documents, or plain text files, to Linda Oberholtzer at
Editor Linda Oberholtzer
Layout Susan Castor
Proofreaders Hanna Hayman, Kimball Garrett
Printed on Recycled Paper
8/8/2019 November-December 2009 Western Tanager Newsletter - Los Angeles Audubon
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Western Tanager November/December 2009 E3
Interpreting Nature
Students complete Baldwin Hills
Boot Camp 2009
From August 24th through
September 3rd, 2009 students
accepted to the Baldwin Hills
Greenhouse Internship and
Restoration Leader programs
completed Baldwin Hills Boot
Camp, an intensive summer training
session designed to prepare them
for the challenges of conducting
scientific research, leading
community volunteers during
habitat restoration events, and
teaching elementary school
students. With temperatures in the
high 90s for most days, these
dedicated students nonetheless
showed up to spend long hours
outdoors at Kenneth Hahn State
Recreation Area and Baldwin Hills
Scenic Overlook State Park.
Orienteering with map and
compass, soil sampling, pollination
biology, and invasive plant removal
were just a few of the activities on
the schedule. In addition, Interns
and Restoration Leaders spent
several afternoons writing an
environmental curriculum for Leo
Politi Elementary School students,
with a plan to work together to
create an on-campus native plant
garden. We hope you enjoy these
photo highlights!
The Baldwin Hills Greenhouse
Program is the result of a
partnership between Los Angeles
Audubon and NewFields (formerly
EARTHWORKS Restoration), with
funding from the Baldwin Hills
Conservancy and TogetherGreen.
Participating students are from
Susan Miller Dorsey High School.
This is the programs second year.
By Stacey Vigallon
Director of Interpretation
During an introduction to pollination biology,
Interns dissected flowers to gain a better understanding of
how plants and their pollinators interact.
Restoration Leaders assessed
bird abundance and species diversity
along a stretch of theBallona Creek in Culver City.
Students worked hard at
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
to remove invasive fennel and pampas grass.
Interns and Restoration
Leaders built nest boxes for native bees
in addition to building soil sieves for use
during habitat restoration events.
Dr. Margot Griswold, restoration ecologist,
led students on a hike to identify invasive plant species
at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area.
8/8/2019 November-December 2009 Western Tanager Newsletter - Los Angeles Audubon
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The big story was the Station Fire
of late August and early Septem-
ber. There is no precedent in the
countys recorded history for the extent
of destruction that this event brought to
the western San Gabriels.
Years of drought and notoriously
rugged terrain made for an explosivecombination as this fire tore through
nearly 250 square miles of thick dry veg-
etation. Its difficult to grasp the fact that
this fire affected a full one fourth of the
Angeles National Forest.
A number of residents living near
the base of the mountains provided anec-
dotal information about increases of
birds in backyards and at feeders due to
displacement as a result of the fire. Un-usual though the scope of this fire was,
predictions are that more such major
fires will occur as long term drought
conditions persist
Though still the middle of summer,
July and August were months of change.
Shorebirds were steadily increasing in
number and some waterfowl had arrived
by the end of the period. Passerine
movement was evident in July and obvi-ous by mid-August. In addition to regu-
lar migrants, a number of minor vagrants
were recorded over the past two months.
Spring migrants have a critical drive
to reproduce and the pace is intense. In
fall, birds travel in a more leisurely fash-
ion and may linger for days or even
weeks before continuing their southward
journey. This is also the time when birds
on the move tend to go wildly off course.
Both of these things are good for birders,
as vagrants tend to be easier to re-find,
and the birds can be very good ones.
The lower LA River lived up to
its reputation as a premier birding lo-
cation in the county. To the uniniti-ated, the number of birds that
congregate here is amazing. Aes-
thetically, the river doesnt score
high marks and junk of almost any
kind can turn up. Dolls, tricycles,
shopping carts, suitcases, rubber
balls, plastic containers of every de-
scription and a myriad of plastic
bags can be found. Sadly, many
view the river as a garbage dump.
Though the trash and other pol-
lutants inevitably have effects, it
doesnt appear to bother the birds in
the short term; they come here in
droves. Most of our scarce but regu-
lar shorebirds including Solitary,
Bairds and Semipalmated Sand-
pipers had all appeared on the river
by the second week of August, but it
wasnt until the end of the month
though that two truly significant va-grants turned up.
As is typical in summer, few waterfowl
of note were to be found. One of these
was a Cackling Goose that appeared at
El Dorado Park in Long Beach on July
31 (Karen Gilbert). Also present was a
very worn Brant on the LA River in
Long Beach from July 30-August 9
(Richard Barth) and two American
Wigeon that summered at Bonelli Park
in San Dimas with sightings from June
30-August 3 (Andrew Lee).
A Brown Booby was photographed
in the Catalina Channel on August
15, a record which falls within the
expected window for post-breedingwanderers (Jess Morton). While this
species breeds commonly not far
south of us in the Gulf of California,
it is rarely recorded in the county.
Pelicans of interest included a Brown
Pelican well away from the coast along
the San Gabriel River in South El Monte
on July 31 (Rick Swarzentrover) and an
American White Pelican on the San
Gabriel River near the Pacific CoastHighway on August 30 (Ron Cyger).
The previously reported Little Blue
Heron was reported through August 1 at
Del Rey Lagoon and a Cattle Egret was
on LA River in Long Beach on August 6
(Karen Gilbert).
Small numbers ofWhite-faced Ibis
moved through the coastal slope during
the period with reports roughly split be-tween Malibu Lagoon and the San
Gabriel and LA Rivers.
An interesting report was a probable
Sharp-shinned Hawkin the San
Gabriel Mountains on August 15 (Lance
Benner). This is a time of year when mi-
grants are absent, and if correct this
record suggests that a few individuals
E4 Western Tanager Vol. 76, No.2
birds of the season by Jon Fisher
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Western Tanager November/December 2009 E5
may regularly summer and perhaps even
breed locally. A very few historical
breeding records do exist for the San
Gabriels and other southern California
mountain ranges.
A juvenile Northern Harrier turned up
at Santa Fe Dam in Irwindale on July 25
and was seen through August 9 (AndrewLee), demonstrating that fall migrants
can show up quite early in the season.
ACommon Moorhen was observed
with young on the San Gabriel River in
South El Monte on August 2. Although
this species is scarce in summer, appro-
priate patches of habitat occasionally if
not regularly support breeding pairs
(Rick Swarzentrover).
The first Solitary Sandpiper of the
fall was on the lower LA River on
August 7 (Andrew Lee). A handful
of others were found along the river
through August 26 and a few were at
other locations on the coastal slope.
On the desert, two were at the Piute
Ponds on August 19 (Tom Miko).
The highlight of the fall thus far was
a Hudsonian Godwit seen onlybriefly on the lower LA River on
August 22 (Steve Sosensky, Bruce &
Greg Aird). Only the second county
record, this bird vanished after a few
minutes, never to be seen again. In
fall most of these godwits follow a
route that takes them over the
Atlantic Ocean. They are also rare
but expected vagrants in the northern
half of the state, but most seem to
correct course and only very rarelyappear in southern California.
This remarkable find was followed three
days later by another very rare shorebird.
ABuff-breasted Sandpiper was found
on the river near DeForest Park in Long
Beach from August 25-26 (Karen
Gilbert, Richard Barth, Jeff Boyd).
(Karen Gilbert, Jeff Boyd).
White-winged Doves are rare but regu-
lar late summer and fall visitors. The
first of the season was one at El Dorado
Park in Long Beach on September 7
(Karen Gilbert).
Chimney Swifts- the default Chaeturafrom June until mid August were along
the LA River in Long Beach on July 24
(Andrew Lee) with two or more being
reported in this general area at least
through August 22.
Empidonax flycatchers included a Gray
Flycatcherback for a third winter at
Bonelli Park in San Dimas by August 3
(Andrew Lee) and a probable Least
Flycatcherat Ballona FWM onSeptember 7 (Russell & Dorothy Stone).
An immature Vermilion Flycatcher
was at Kenneth Hahn Park in Baldwin
Hills on August 22 (Ann & Eric
Brooks). This was certainly a dispersing
bird that had hatched elsewhere, rather
than the result of local breeding.
An Eastern Kingbird was at El
Dorado Park in Long Beach on July14, a date that could pertain to either
a late spring bird or an early fall
migrant (Karen Gilbert).
Away from breeding areas were two
Bells Vireos along the LA River in
Long Beach on August 6. Another was
in Long Beach on August 13 (Karen
Gilbert) and a report came from Peck
Park in Arcadia on September 6
(Andrew Lee). Increasing local breedingpopulations are resulting in many more
reports of migrants and dispersing birds.
A juvenile Loggerhead Shrike, unlikely
to have fledged locally, was near Playa
Del Rey from July 14 - 20 (Jonathan
Coffin) and two adults were reported in
this area by August 28 (Loretta Selinger,
Jonathan Coffin).
TwoRed Knots scarce migrants in the
county were on the lower LA River on
August 13 (Karen Gilbert, Jeff Boyd)
and seven were observed there on Au-
gust 18 (Paul Weers).
The first Semipalmated Sandpiper of
the fall was on the LA River from
August 6-10 (Richard Barth). A fewothers turned up later in the month, all
along the LA River.
ABairds Sandpiper was on the LA
River in Long Beach as early as July 23
(Karen Gilbert, Jeff Boyd) and a number
of Bairds appeared on there in the
following weeks. Sightings away from
that locale included two on the Rio
Hondo near El Monte on August 10
(John Garrett) and up to five were on theRio Hondo near Rosemead from August
21-26 (Andrew Lee, Peter Sharp). On
the desert, three were at the Piute Ponds
on August 19 (Tom Miko).
The first Pectoral Sandpiper reported
was on the LA River in Long Beach on
August 18 (Richard Barth), with a hand-
ful of others being encountered later in
the period. Others turned up on the Rio
Hondo north of Rush Street in South ElMonte on August 25 and on the San
Gabriel River in Cerritos on August 30
(Ron Cyger)
Quite unusual was a South Polar Skua
seen very close to shore near San Pedro
on September 6 (Graham Langley).
Though regular well offshore, birds this
close to the coast are unexpected.
Also expected well offshore, but veryrare inland, was an adult Long-tailed
Jaeger at the Lancaster Sewer Ponds on
August 22 (Mark & Janet Scheel).
Away from the deserts where they are
expected in spring and fall was a Black
Tern was on the lower LA River on
August 22 (obs?) with the same bird or
another seen there on September 8
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E6 Western Tanager Vol. 76, No.2
AYellow-headed Blackbird was on the
LA River in Long Beach on August 18
(Karen Gilbert) and another was there on
August 22 (obs?).
While shorebird migration is
waning, the bulk of passerine mi-
grants are still moving through and
September, October and Novemberwill bring some good birds.
Experience tells us that long after
migration has ended, vagrant songbirds
will continue to be found well into
December. Mild weather and exotic
plantings offer the potential for unusual
birds to be found in parks, backyards and
along our river channels.
Northern Shovelers, Cinnamon Tealand Northern Pintails began arriving in
late August, but waterfowl numbers wont
peak until November. Any pond, lake or
river channel is worth checking and can
harbor a variety of waterfowl or a vagrant
or two. Recall last years late November
Barrows Goldeneye at Quail Lake?
In spite of the apparent devastation,
areas burned by the Station Fire should
not be neglected as birding dead zones.Once the burned areas are reopened to
public access which may not be for
some time- there will be a good opportu-
nity to observe the changes taking place.
A worthwhile project would be to
pick one or more locations in the burned
area and cover them regularly while tak-
ing good notes. eBird is a great place to
enter your data for this and of course for
any other birding trips.
Taking notes appears tedious at first,
but once incorporated into your birding
routine, it becomes habit. Entering trip
lists into eBird also makes them readily
available in a way that was never before
possible. Note taking tends to make us
better birders too its a good deal
all around.
ABank Swallow a scarce migrant any-
where on the coastal slope- was at Santa
Fe Dam on August 9 (Andrew Lee) and
many were at the Piute Ponds on August
19 where typically small numbers are
expected (Tom Miko).
Several sightings of White-breasted
Nuthatches on the coastal slope inJuly and early August seemed to in-
dicate a general movement of this
species into the lowlands, but no
subsequent reports surfaced.
The first report of a migrant Hermit
Thrush came from UCLA in Westwood
on September 9 (Linda Navroth).
The continuing pair ofNorthern
Parulas at the Village GreenCondominiums in Los Angeles were
confirmed nesting on July 29. Soon
thereafter the nest was predated and
no sign of the young birds could be
found. A presumed fall migrant
showed up at this locale on
September 8, but when a second bird
appeared there on September 10,
there was some suspicion that these
birds may have been associated with
the earlier nesting attempt (DonSterba). Another Northern Parula
was at Oak Park Cemetery in
Claremont from September 4-6
(Mike San Miguel Jr.)
Lucys Warblers were in Long Beach
on July 23 and on August 18 (Karen
Gilbert, Jeff Boyd) and one was at Peck
Park in Arcadia on September 6
(Andrew Lee).
Virginias Warblers were at Bosque del
Rio Hondo in South El Monte on August
30 (Steve Bernal), at Oak Park Cemetery
in Claremont from September 4-6 (Tom
Miko), and at DeForest Park in Long
Beach on September 8 (Karen Gilbert,
Jeff Boyd).
Very early was a Yellow-rumped
Warbler reported at Hahamongna
Watershed Park in Pasadena on August
15 (Sue Horton).
Wrapping up the warblers was a Black-
and-white Warbler at Madrona Marsh
in Torrance on August 5 (Dave Moody).
ABrewers Sparrow at Peck Park in Ar-
cadia on September 6 (Andrew Lee) was
the only report thus far from the coastal
slope, although this species is normally a
scarce but regular fall migrant away from
the deserts.
Black-throated Sparrows
typically juveniles- are rare but
regular coastally in fall and one in
Malibu on September 9 was the onlyone reported thus far (Scott King)
At the early end of the window for
fall migrants was an adult male
Lark Bunting found and pho-
tographed at the Long Beach Air-
port on August 13 (Matt Teutimez).
A Large-billed Savannah Sparrow
was at away from expected areas at
Malibu Lagoon on September 7 (JonFisher). A few post-breeding birds
move north from Baja each year and
are most commonly recorded on the
jetties at Marina del Rey.
An adult male Rose-breasted
Grosbeakwas at DeForest Park in
Long Beach on August 13 (Karen
Gilbert, Jeff Boyd) and another was
at Oak Park Cemetery in Claremont
on August 23 (Rick Clements).
An Indigo Bunting was on the
San Gabriel River in Pico Rivera
on August 1 (Larry Schmahl).
Others were at Madrona Marsh
in Torrance from August 1-4 and
and at Hahamongna Watershed
Park in Pasadena on August 15
(Sue Horton).
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Western Tanager November/December 2009 E7
aCKNOWLEDGEMENTS
DONORS
Harvey Abrams
Sandra Ferrari Disner
Lisa Fimiani
Grace Evangelical
Lutheran Church
Margaret Maw
Myra PomerantzPaula Reynosa
Ted & Nancy J Rose
Heidi Schwindt
Tanis Sugden & Lisa Mark
Michael Swimmer
Gary Turner
James Walters
NEW LAAS SUPPORTERS
Stephen Dexter
Pamela King
Karen Pinkus & Robert Kaufman
RENEWED LAAS SUPPORTERS
Sandra Albers
Ed & Marnell Bruce
Dan D'Urso
Nancy Freeman
William & Bernhild Heckmann
Paul Nelson
Drew Pallette
Joan L. Roach
Margaret F. Sobel
Richard Sutton
Robert Whittaker
Irwin Woldman
IN MEMORY OFJane Dicker Jones
Virginia Shabaik
Jean M Shreve
Linda Michele
IN PASSING
Gerry Haigh has passed. Gerry was
our friend, a long time chapter mem-
ber of Los Angeles Audubon, and
leader of our Topanga State Park bird
walks. He lead this walk nearly
every month since 1972, stepping
down in November of 2002. Gerry
also contributed many articles to our
newsletter, the Western Tanager.
Bird Walk Report
adults. We were just about to give up on
the herons when an adult Black-crowned
Night-Heron flew into a tree directly
overhead; then as we were leaving we
spotted a first year bird in its juvenile
plumage perched in a different tree. To
top things off we observed a Cooper's
Hawk that was standing along side the
pathway, swoop up and land 3 feet from
the, now highly nervous (or inquisitive),
young Black-crowned Night-Heron.
Asmall group of novice bird
watchers spent Sunday morning,
September 19th walking about
Kenneth Hahn Park looking for those
elusive coastal scrub birds. For the first
time the sparrows failed to make an
appearance at our traditional starting
point above the parking area. Despite
their absence we spent an hour at this
location stalkingEpidinax flycatchers, a
wren and vireos flitting about in the
shrubs. We were finally able to get a
decent look at two of the birds, to
identify them as a Pacific-slope
Flycatcher and a Warbling Vireo, two
migrants on their way south. The wren
remained hidden despite its frequent
scolding and movement throughout the
area. Usually a House Wren inhabits the
slopes and it was assumed that that is
what we were hearing. Overhead were
resident Western Scrub-Jays; and
periodically we could hear a California
Towhee.
We then walked over to Gwen
Moore Lake looking for egrets and
herons. While waiting for their
appearance we had the opportunity to
study the plumage of a pair of young
American Coots compared with the
We definitely had to work for our
birds but the weather was great and
participants learned a lot along the way.
Other birds seen that day were: Says
Phoebe, Black Phoebe, Red-tailed
Hawk, Brewers Blackbird, Song
Sparrow, Allens Hummingbird,
Mallard, Barn Swallow, a swift,
Mourning Doves, Nutalls and Downy
Woodpeckers, Bushtits, Northern
Mockingbird, European Starlings,
House Finches and House Sparrows.
by Eleanor Osgood
Gwen Moore Lake, KHP photo by Eleanor Osgood
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E8 Western Tanager Vol. 76, No.2
for those parking at the lagoon.
No sign-up for this trip.
Saturday, January 9
East Antelope Valley
Leader: Stan Gray. We will be
birding beyond 50th Street Eas
for much of the day, in areassometimes neglected by birders
However, Stan birds this area
regularly, and knows tha
Mountain Plover, raptors, Le
Contes Thrasher and other AV
specialties are sometimes easier
to find in the far eastern reaches
of the Valley. Take Hwy 14 N to
Avenue S (next to Lake
Palmdale). Drive into the Park
and-Ride just to the east of theofframp. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the
W end of the main lot. Bring
lunch and a full tank of gas for a
full day of splendor in the alfalfa
No fee, no reservation. Scope
and FRS radios helpful.
Saturday, January 16
Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Area
Leader:Kris Ohlenkamp. Freeway close
morning of birding. Kris has led this walkon-and-off for over 30 years, noting 240
species, and averaging 60-65 per walk
Take the 405 fwy N into the San Fernando
Valley, turn W on Burbank Blvd. and N
(Rt.) on Woodley Ave. to the second Rt.
which is marked Wildlife Reserve. Turn
here and park in the lot at the end. Meet a
8:00 a.m., and bird until about 11:30 a.m.
exit E at Ramona Expressway,
continue E just past Perris Blvd.,
and meet at the Farmer Boys
Restaurant on the S side of the
road. Leave from here at 8:00
a.m. Bring lunch, warm clothing
and footwear for possible mud.Possible entrance fee.
Saturday, November 28
West Antelope Valley Raptors
and Other Wintering Birds
Jean Brandtwill lead us from
Quail Lake east across the
Antelope Valley. Ferruginous
Hawk and Prairie Falcon likely.
Wear warm clothing, bring lunch,
and have a full tank of gas. Meetat Dennys at 6:45 a.m. to
carpool. Take 405 N to Roxford
in Sylmar. Turn right, then right
into the Dennys parking lot. Trip
leaves at 7:00 a.m. sharp. Rain
cancels. Scopes and FRS radios
helpful.
Sunday, December 6
Malibu Lagoon
Leader: Irwin Woldman.Wintering shorebirds, seabirds
and gulls will predominate. Sora
and Virginia Rails possible. Take
PCH N over the bridge in
Malibu, and turn right on Cross
Creek Road for street parking
(and Starbucks). Cross PCH, and
meet in the lagoon parking lot at
8 a.m., and bird until lunch. Fee
Field trips often require more time
or effort than do bird walks. They
delve more deeply into
identification, natural histories and
interactions observed in the field.
No pets or small children, please.
Contact information will be
released for carpooling unlessrequested otherwise.
Before setting out on any event, please
call the LAAS bird tape at
(323) 874-1318, Option #4.
For a recorded message with special
instructions or possible cancellations
that may have occurred.
Same will be posted on our website.
www.laaudubon.org
Sunday, November 1
Oxnard PlainLeader: Mary & Nick Freeman.
Meet at the Hueneme sod fields at
8:00 a.m. to look over the
American Pipits for the Red-
throated variety, as well as
longspurs. Golden-Plovers are
also possible. There may be
eastern vagrants to chase. Mugu
estuary, Sycamore Canyon, and
local tamarisk stands are also
possibilities. From the 101 N,drive S on Rice Avenue to the
end, then turn Rt. on Hueneme
Rd. Meet on the N (Rt) side of
Hueneme Rd. a few blocks west
of this turn, and just before
Casper Rd. Scopes helpful. Bring
lunch and bird till we drop.
Nominal donation suggested,
envelope provided.
Saturday, November 7Lake Perris Area
Leader:Howard King. The Little
Gulls, Ruddy Ground-Dove, and
Least and Vermilion flycatchers
of past years may not be back, but
surely something will take their
places! Last year, TWO Lesser
Black-backed Gulls! Take the 10
or 60 Fwy E to the 215 Fwy S,
Field TripsChristmas Bird Counts
Saturday, December 19
Lancaster Christmas Bird Count
Contact compilerNick & Mary
Freemanat: (818) 247-6172 or
[email protected] beplaced on a team or be given an area.
Sunday, December 20
Malibu Christmas Bird Count
ContactcompilerLarry Allen at:
(626) 288-2701 or
[email protected] participate
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Western Tanager November/December 2009 E9
FIELD TRIP FEES UPDATE:
After considerable feedback from the
Societys members and leaders, LA
Audubon has decided to change its
philosophy on trip fees, and roll back
fees to cover anticipated expenses only.
We do listen to our members! We still
plan to award Ralph M. Schreiber
Research Grants. Envelopes for
voluntary donations to support LA
Audubon and its field trips, will bedistributed on some non-fee trips.
Please consider supporting your field
trips with your donations.
TO RESERVE BY MAIL
Send SASE, fee (or donation) to:
Los Angeles Audubon
PO Box 931057
Los Angeles, CA 90093-1057
TO RESERVE BY PHONE
Call (323) 876-0202.
Saturday and Sunday,
January 23 & 24
Salton Sea
Leaders: Nick & Mary Freeman.
Fee: $15. No Limit, but sign up
with phone, e-mail, and SASE for
more details. Meet at 7:00 a.m.
Saturday at the Wister Unit
parking lot, 5 miles north ofNiland. Calipatria Inn (800) 830-
1113 and Brawley Inn (760)
344-1199 are recommended.
More details next issue.
Saturday, January 30
Newport Back Bay
Leader:Mary Freeman. Meet at
8:00 a.m. for the 6.8 high tide, and a
full day of birding. Hopefuls:
Nelsons Sparrow and Short-earedOwl (both rare), California
Gnatcatcher, three rails, and
American Bittern. Take the 405 Fwy
S to the 73 Toll Road (free this far)
to the Campus Dr. exit, which
becomes Bristol St. Turn right on
Irvine Ave., drive 1.4 miles, then
turn left on a small street called
University Drive, park at the end,
and walk down the trail and
boardwalk. No sign up or fee. Bringlunch. More details next issue.
Saturday and Sunday,
February 6 & 7
Carrizo Plain
Leaders:Mary & Nick Freeman. Meet
at 8 a.m. in Maricopa. Spectacular
scenery. We will see Ferruginous
Hawks, Golden Eagles, Le Contes
Thrasher, and pronghorn; with likely
Rough-legged Hawk. If possible, please
carpool or avail your vehicle to others
when you reserve. Your phone number
will be released for carpooling unless
you request otherwise. Send name,
phone #, e-mail, $15 per person, and
SASE to our P.O. Box to sign up.
Reserve a room in Buttonwillow for
Saturday night. Motel 6 is one optionhere. Limit: 14. More details next issue.
AUDUBON MORROW BAY
2010 BIRD FESTIVAL
The Morro Bay Winter Bird
Festival is set for January 15 - 18,
2010. To register and for more
information about the Festival,
check out the website at
www.morrobaybirdfestival.org, orcall (805) 772-4677.
Both the brochure and online
registration will be available
October 1, 2009. The registration
deadline is December 31, 2009 but
early signups are encouraged as the
most popular events fill up quickly.
aNNOUNCEMENT!
Los Angeles Audubon has
joined forces with Leo Politi
Elementary School and
through a U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service grant will be installing
a Native Habitat on 6,000
square feet of underutilized
schoolyard! Please join us and
the Leo Politi School
Community and help install
the garden! Followinginstallation, we will have a
ceremony dedicating the
garden to Johnny Mercer
famous song-writer and angel
patron of Los Angele
Audubon!
Come celebrate!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Leo Politi Elementary School
2481 West Eleventh StreetLos Angeles, CA 90006
9:00 a.m. noon
REFRESHMENTS SERVED!
MUSIC PROVIDED!
RSVP TO:
Sunday, February 28
Seal Beach National Wildlife
Refuge (in SBNWS)
Refuge staff, volunteer Jo
Nieto, and Nick Freeman wil
lead. Excellent wintering birds
often Nelson's (Sharp-tailed)
Sparrow. U.S. citizens send SASE
to Audubon House with e-maiand phone number (phone #
required) by February 18. Meet a
the main public lot at 800 Seal
Beach Blvd. and Forrestal Lane at
7:30 a.m., and bird until noon. 24
participants. No fee. Read nex
issue for necessary information
and directions.
LeContes Thrasher, Photo by Mary Freeman
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E10 Western Tanager Vol. 76, No.2
Bird Walks are appropriate for young
bird watchers age 6 years and older.
Carpooling is encouraged.
Binoculars are provided on some
walks as noted below. NO sign-up,
NO fees, just show up!
Topanga State Park Birdwalk
1st Sunday of every month
Leaders:Ken Wheelandand
Chris Tosdevin
Sunday, November 1 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ken and Chris will lead participants
through this beautiful and diverse
coastal mountain/riparian area. Anideal trip for a beginning birder or
someone new to the area.
Directions from Ventura Blvd: Take
Topanga Canyon Blvd 7 miles S.
Turn E uphill on Entrada Rd. Follow
the signs and turn left into Trippet
Ranch parking lot.
Directions from Pacific Coast Hwy:
Take Topanga Canyon Blvd. 5 miles
to Entrada Rd. Parking fee.
Contacts: Ken: (310) 455-1401
Chris: (310) 455-1270
Upper Franklin Canyon
(Sooky Goldman Nature Center)
2nd Sunday of every month
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Leader:Eleanor Osgood
Join us as we take a casual walk
around the ponds and trails of this
urban oak woodland nature preserve.
The wintering birds have mostly
arrived. We are likely to see White-
Crowned and Fox Sparrows,
Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Western
Meadowlarks and if real lucky a
Sharp-shinned Hawk. Wintering
water birds we might encounter
include Pied-billed Grebe, Ruddy
Duck and Ring-necked Duck. We
will look for our resident birds
California Quail, Spotted and
California Towhees, California
Thrashers and Western Scrub-Jays
among others. This canyon is ahidden treasure where the surrouding
urban residences of Sherman Oaks
and Beverly Hills disappear from
view. Meet in the main parking lot of
the Sooky Goldman Nature Center.
Binoculars provided.
Directions from the 101 Freeway:
Take Coldwater Canyon Blvd. south
to the intersection of Coldwater
Canyon and Mulholland Drive. Make
a 90 degree right turn onto FranklinCanyon Drive. There is no sign
indicating the entrance to the park;
the turn at Franklin Canyon Road
reads Road Closed 800 Feet and
Sunrise to Sunset; this is the park
entrance. Do not make a U-turn as
this will take you onto Mulholland
Drive instead of Franklin Canyon.
Stay on paved road to reach the
Sooky Goldman Nature Center
parking lot.
Directions from Sunset: Take
Coldwater Canyon to Mulholland Dr.
Turn left on Mulholland. Make left
turn at the signal onto Franklin
Canyon Dr. (refer to directions from
101 Freeway).
If you wish to carpool, or for more
information, contact Eleanor Osgood
at [email protected] call
(310) 839-5420.
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
3rd Saturday of the month
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ann andEric Brooks (Nov);
Eleanor Osgood(Dec.)
This trip covers landscaped parkland,
lake and native coastal scrub habitats
and is paced for beginning birders.
Most of the wintering birds will have
arrived. We are likely to see White-
Crowned, Golden-crowned and Fox
Sparrows, Ruby-crowned Kinglets
and if real lucky a Sharp-shinned
Hawk Some possible wintering ducksare American Wigeon, Ring-necked
Duck. We should also see the coastal
scrub residents as well as water birds
such as Black-crowned Night-Heron,
Osprey, Great Egret which are
attracted to the lake.
Directions: The park entrance is off
of La Cienega Blvd. between Rodeo
Rd. and Stocker St. After passing the
entrance kiosk ($6.00 parking fee),
make a left at the first turn whichleads to the Olympic Forest. Park
in the frrst available spaces. We will
meet there. Binoculars provided.
If you wish to carpool, or for more
information, contact Eleanor Osgood
(310)-839-5420.
Ballona Wetlands Bird Walk
3rd Sunday of the month
(No walk in December)
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Leaders: Bob Shanman and Friends
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join us for a walk through L.A.s
only remaining saltwater marsh and
the adjacent rocky jetty. Wintering
shorebirds and terns should be
present, plus the resident Black
Oystercatchers frequent the rocky
shores of Ballona Creek. Meet at the
Del Rey Lagoon parking lot.
Directions: take the Marina Fwy (90)
to Culver Blvd and turn left for a
mile. Turn right on Pacific Ave. The
lot is on the right. Lot or street
parking is usually not a problem.
Three hour walk. scopes helpful.
Contact: Bob (310) 326-2473
Bird Walks
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near the Panama border
Corcovado N.P. and Drake Bay inthe south Pacific with miles of
pristine beaches and tropic
rainforest; Excursion to Cano
Island.
You may wish to extend your
visit with an Extension to Panama
or you can do Panama separately.
With a short flight from Costa
Rica to Panama, we will visit manyof the world-famous birding areas
such as Soberania N.P.; Pipeline
Road and Achiote Road; Chagres
N.P. Rainforest and a brief visit to
the Embera native tribe; Enjoy a
partial transit to experience th
historic passage through the
Panama Canal; ending with birding
in the Metropolitan N.P.
Western Tanager November/December 2009 E11
BEST OF COSTA RICA
March 5 to 15, 2010
(Featuring an optional
extension to Panama) or
PANAMA
March 15 to 22, 2010
Two of the world's premiernatural history destinations.
Well known by birders
throughout the world for their
natural riches, offering numerous
species of colorful birds and other
wildlife. This action packed
itinerary for incredible neotropical
birding will excite the novice and
enthrall the expert.
We'll be birding new areas onthis Costa Rica trip. Spectacular
scenery from the Caribbean slopes
of the Talamanca Mountains at
Rancho Naturalista for both
Atlantic and Pacific birds; Piedras
Blancas N.P., in humid tropical
primary rainforest; Las Cruces
Biological Station and Wilson
Botanical Gardens in the
southwestern pre-montane range
ECUADOR: BEST OF
THE ANDES
Dec. 26, 2009 - Jan. 9, 2010
Galapagos ExtensionJan. 8 - 13, 2010
Ecuador may be one of South
America's smallest countries,
but for phenomenal birding
and spectacular scenery, its extreme
biodiversity cannot be imagined.
You must see for yourself the
constant parade of unusual species
of birds in these renowned highland
birding areas, the Northwestern and
Eastern slopes of the Andes. Visit
seven zones of different regions onthis serious but friendly excursion,
accompanied by a local expert
guide. Based at the famous San
Jorge De Quito Eco-Lodge, only a
20 minute drive from the airport in
Quito, we'll be birding the
Yanacocha Reserve, Mindo,
Tandayapa Valley, Milpe, Papallacta
Pass, Yanayuca, the slopes of the
Antisana Volcano, and more.
Dozens of species of hummingbirdsand fruit eaters coming to feeders.
For information and itinerary on
International Birding Tours, contact:
Olga Clarke [email protected]
Los Angeles Audubon, Travel Director
2027 El Arbolita Dr.
Glendale, CA 91208-1805
Ph/Fax: (818) 249-9511
International Birding Tours
Turquoise-browed Motmot, Photo by Ann Brooks
Golden-hooded Tanager, Photo by Ann Brooks
On the Galapagos
Extension, you'll walk
some of the same trails
that Charles Darwin did
as a naturalist in 1831.
With expert guides, see
Galapagos Tortoise,Green Turtles,
Galapagos Sea Lions,
Chatham Lava Lizard,
several types of
reptiles, including the
colorful Marine Iguana and the
oversized Lava Lizard. Close views
of Waved Albatross, Magnificent
Frigatebirds, Galapagos Penguins, Blue-
footed and Nazca Boobies, Brown
Noddies, Galapagos Hawk and severalspecies of finches. Great photographic
opportunities throughout.
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AUDUBON HOUSE
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
Saturday, November 7 December 5
December 12 December 19
10 a.m.-3p.m.
Holidays Closed:
Thanksgiving, November 26th- 29th, Thurs. - Sun.
Christmas, December 24th- 27th, Thurs. - Sun.
New Years, December 31st- January 3rd, Thurs. - Sun.
NO Saturday openings in January 2010
AUDUBON HOUSE HOURS
Regular Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:30 a.m. until 4:00p.m.
Regularly Closed: Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
Extended Hours Program Evening:
2ndWednesday of each month
9:30 a.m until 9:45p.m.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009Tom Kaminski presents: "Hooked on Galapagos Birds"
It is cast in the same mold as its predecessor, "Hooked on
Hummingbirds", that is, it is both educational and entertaining.
And like its predecessor, it uses slow motion, stop motion, extreme
close-up videography and other techniques to help the viewer see
very clearly, some of the fascinating behaviors that they otherwise
may miss. Among other things, viewers get to:
Swim with Galapagos Penguins as they slice through their prey...
See a frigatebird literally drag a Blue-footed Booby through the air...
Join a Lava Heron unique to the Galapagos Islands -- as it sneaks up on
a Sally Lightfoot Crab... Observe Storm Petrels walking on water...
Watch a Galapagos Hawk devour its prey, then sneeze...
Be introduced to the Flightless Cormorant, Darwin's Finches, and many,
many other bird species.
Maps help to orient the viewer. Tom of course couldn't resist throwing in one
of Ecuador's fabulously beautiful hummers during brief mention of places to
visit in the Quito area.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009Larry Allen presents:
What Gull is That ? Speciation among the
Larids
When the next edition of your favorite North American
field guide is published, you will note that the scientific
names of many Gull (and other) species will have changed:
Bonaparte's Gull will be Chroicocephalus philadelphia and
Laughing Gull will beLeucophaeus atricilla for example.
And, if your field guide follows AOU order, Swallow-tailed
Gull will be the first picture in the gull section. Larry will
discuss the reasons for these changes and touch on the
history of gull systematics. We will explore some of the
problems imposed by hybridization and the comparatively
recent evolutionary radiation of many gull species. Larry
will also provide identification tips to help in
discriminating among the many members of this interesting
and complex group.
mONTHLY pROGRAMSMeet at 7:30 PM in the Community Building in Plummer Park
7377 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046
Swallow-tailed Gull,Photo by Larry W. Allen.Blue-footed Boobie, by Christopher Taylor, www.kiwifoto.com