Date: 10/12/26 11:36 am From: Mark Wilson via groups.io <marklyonwilson...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Griffith Park Irruption Species
Birders,
I was recently granted permission by the Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) and by Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) to place automated recording units (ARUs) in Griffith Park. I was able to deploy one near the Toyon Landfill, where the relatively high elevation, low levels of city noise, and unique habitat could yield some fascinating results, both diurnally and nocturnally.
I'd like to emphasize that Toyon Landfill is technically closed to the general public. The landfill continues to produce methane and is considered a health hazard. The eBird hotspot page for the landfill provides more details, so please be sure to read it before considering a visit: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L6528214/about ( https://ebird.org/hotspot/L6528214/about )
With that said, I'm happy to report that within a few days of deployment, the ARU recorded Evening Grosbeak (Type 1) and Pinyon Jay on multiple days. Combined with Greg Slak's recent report of a Clark's Nutcracker at Ferraro Soccer Fields, Griffith Park should be considered well part of the 2026 irruption. I'm not sure about records predating eBird, but all three appear to be new species for the park.
Griffith Park is oddly underbirded, but hopefully this serves as incentive to visit more often especially during this irruption year. Who knows? With a little more effort, we might even turn up a Cassin’s Finch.
