Date: 9/28/25 7:40 pm From: Grigory Heaton via groups.io <g.heaton...> Subject: [LACoBirds] BOBOLINK and continuing CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR @ Santa Fe Dam
Hi all,
The chestnut-collared longspur continued at Santa Fe dam this evening (originally found by Caleb P. Yesterday) near the dam outflow. The bird tends to keep to itself relatively out in the open, returning to a narrow part of the trail near 34°06'52.4"N 117°58'04.7"W after being flushed by bikes et al. Vocal in flight as well and one of the least painful grassland birds I've chased in LA! As a plus, this is much easier to reach than Toyon Landfill and once you find it on the path it gives really nice views.
After I initially accidentally flushed the bird while trying to dodge dirt bikes approaching, I found a Bobolink in the same area while waiting for the longspur to return to its spot. Initially perched nicely out in the open on a dead tree before vanishing after a few minute.
Note: Due to recent budget cuts, Santa Fe Dam recreation area is frustratingly closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (aka tomorrow). This dam outflow area is pretty far from the main park and is technically accessible without ever using the main gate by parking on Arrow Highway, walking up the bike path, and then walking down the bank directly to the outflow. The bike path gate may be closed on closure days, but in any case, if you do this *do not* go east into the actual park area to avoid causing any issues - enter at your own risk.
Also of note, the free weekday entry we used to enjoy post-October-1 is also gone now due to said cuts, with a $15 entry fee every day.
