Date: 3/11/25 10:23 am From: howe395 via groups.io <howe395...> Subject: [inlandcountybirds] recent NECO pulse & long-term changes in local avifauna
A search for Neotropic Cormorant on eBird shows a recent pulse into the LA Basin/Inland Empire, following years of similar, albeit smaller, pulses. The small flock at the Tri-City Center in San Bernardino is likely part of this event, as is La Sierra University's long-awaited first record, discovered by Andrew Karpenko on March 6. This bird—which sits much of the time on a small rock and allows close approaches in the tiny pond across the entry road from the kiosk—has already survived entanglement with fishing line.
Having spent nearly four decades birding suburban Riverside, I have seen the growth of multiple native species, whether it be through general range expansion (Allen's Hummingbird) or gradual adaptation to suburban habitats (Band-tailed Pigeon, Cooper's Hawk, Acorn Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, and Cassin's Kingbird). Numerous other species have suffered, such as those requiring a critical mass of open space (Golden Eagle, Burrowing Owl, and Loggerhead Shrike). NECOs represent the latest example of the ever-changing face of our local avifauna. I wonder what the next few decades will bring.
Best,
Andrew HoweRiverside, CA
