Date: 1/16/26 5:23 pm From: Naresh Satyan via groups.io <naresh.satyan...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Ancient Murrelet
At sunset, the bird continued mid channel at Pacific Ave. It hasn't shown
signs of leaving. I recommend looking for the bird from the north side of
the Marina del Rey channel rather than the Playa del Rey side.
Naresh
--
Naresh Satyan
Pasadena, CA
On Fri, Jan 16, 2026, 9:49 AM Michael J. Pazzani via groups.io <pazzani=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Thanks to those the found and reported the Ancient Murrelet. It’s been
> visible from the North Jetty (Marina del Rey) since around 8:30. At first
> it was close to the jetty on the Venice beach side (in great light too) but
> then swam to the channel and has been hanging out close to the flagpole on
> the breakwater.
>
> I’ll eBird later, but a photo is on my instagram
> @mike90292
> https://www.instagram.com/p/DTlJGfQD4D_/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== >
> Michael Pazzani
> Marina del Rey
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 1/16/26 9:49 am From: Michael J. Pazzani via groups.io <pazzani...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Ancient Murrelet
Thanks to those the found and reported the Ancient Murrelet. It’s been visible from the North Jetty (Marina del Rey) since around 8:30. At first it was close to the jetty on the Venice beach side (in great light too) but then swam to the channel and has been hanging out close to the flagpole on the breakwater.
Date: 1/15/26 4:31 pm From: Andrew Birch via groups.io <andyrbirch...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Elysian Park wintering rarities
At lunchtime today, a continuing BALTIMORE ORIOLE (first reported on iNat in Dec' and later seen by Cassaro and Satyan this month) was in a large dense fruiting fig with a TENNESSEE WARBLER at 34.084434287044346, -118.2471725684628
The PAINTED REDSTART also continues nearby in a white oak and adjacent trees at (34.084415262795794, -118.24576754124908) but ranges more widely and less consistently seen than the bird that wintered in this exact same white oak 15 years ago. Two SUMMER TANAGERS also continue here ranging down to the parking lot to the west along with a BULLOCK'S ORIOLE and WESTERN TANAGER.
Best, Andy BirchLos Feliz
This is the Los Angeles Rare Bird Alert for January 13, 2026.
One to several SURF SCOTERS continued at Quail Lake through January 10.
A male BARROWS GOLDENEYE continued at Quail Lake through January 10.
A SOLITARY SANDPIPER continued at Hansen Dam through January 10, now near the Ranger Station.
Another SOLITARY SANDPIPER was at the Coyote Creek Bikeway in La Mirada on January 12.
Two LAUGHING GULLS were at Malibu Lagoon on January 4 and one was along lower Ballona Creek from January 5-6.
A VEGA GULL continued at MacArthur Park through December 31.
A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was at the Rio Hondo Spreading Basins in Pico Rivera on January 1. Another was along the Los Angeles River between Bandini and Slauson in the Vernon / Maywood area on January 10.
A PACIFIC LOON was at Lake Palmdale (no public access, viewing from Highway 14 pullout) from January 1-5.
A ZONE-TAILED HAWK was in Monrovia (vicinity of Encinitas and Greystone) from January 7-11.
A SHORT-EARED OWL was in the Antelope Valley at West Ave. B and 60th Street West on January 11.
A NORTHERN YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER continued at the Rio Hondo Spreading Basins in Pico Rivera through January 5.
The DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER at Vincent Lugo Park in San Gabriel was reported through January 11. It typically frequents the southeast area of the park.
A TROPICAL KINGBIRD continued at the San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds in Pico Rivera through January 2. It is often on the east side of the basins across from where Mines Ave. ends.
Another TROPICAL KINGBIRD continued around the parking lot at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro through January 10. One was in San Pedro on January 6 and another was in Area 3 at El Dorado Park in Long Beach on January 9.
The THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD in Griffith Park along the Mineral Wells Trail was reported through January 11. Google Maps 34.1394, -118.2881. A HEPATIC TANAGER was in the same area through January 10. A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was present through January 11. One or more SUMMER TANAGERS also continue here.
Another THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD continued by the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round through January 7.
A WESTERN KINGBIRD was at the Ballona Freshwater Marsh on January 2.
The GREATER PEWEE continued in Monrovia Canyon by the Nature Center through January 10. Google Maps 34.1774, -117.9910
A WESTERN FLYCATCHER was at Murphy Ranch Park in La Habra Heights on January 8.
The EASTERN PHOEBE at Lake Lindero in Agoura Hills continued through January 5.
A GRAY CATBIRD was at Sage Hill on the UCLA campus through January 11. Google Maps 34.0741, -118.4550. A NASHVILLE WARBLER was here on January 3.
Three GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS continued near Santa Clarita through January 3. Google Maps 34.4589, -118.4429 and 34.4562, -118.4433.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW continued at Pan Pacific Park through January 11.
A DARK-EYED GRAY-HEADED JUNCO continued at Hahamongna Watershed Park in Pasadena through January 11. Look for it on the west side around the athletic field. Another was at Poinsettia Park in Hollywood on January 2 and one was at the Mt. Wilson Observatory through January 6.
WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS were at the Kenneth Hahs SRA on January 1, at Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas through January 2 (Kikos Trail), along the Los Angeles River above Willow Street (east side) through January 11, at Arcadia County Park on January 4, in Pasadena on January 4, in the lower Arroyo Seco (two birds) on January 9 and in Franklin Canyon on January 10.
A SAGEBRUSH SPARROW was in the Antelope Valley at West Ave. B and 60th Street West on January 2.
A LARGE-BILLED SAVANNAH SPARROW was at the Ballona Salt Pan in Playa del Rey on January 2.
SWAMP SPARROWS were along the Los Angeles River just below the Los Feliz crossing from January 1-2, at Echo Park on January 2 and at the west end of Quail Lake on January 3.
A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE continued at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood through January 11 (in the vicinity of Monte Verde Park). A BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was in this area on January 7.
HOODED ORIOLES were at Victoria Park in Carson on January 1, at Fox Hills Park on January 2 and continuing at the Huntington Gardens in San Marino (often at the north end of the desert garden) through January 7.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES continued at El Nido Park in Torrance through January 11 and at Kenneth Hahn SRA (Japanese Garden) through January 11. A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER continued at the former location through January 11.
An OVENBIRD continued along the lower Los Angeles River near Willow Street through January 11. Google Maps 33.8064,-118.2043.
A BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was by the Nature Center at El Dorado Park in Long Beach on January 11.
A LUCYS WARBLER and a NASHVILLE WARBLER were around the lake at SoFi Stadium from January 8-11. A MACGILLIVRAYS WARBLER was present on January 11.
A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH continued at Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas through January 2 (on the northeast shore by the old green pier).
A NASHVILLE WARBLER was at Windermere Park in La Mirada on January 8.
An AMERICAN REDSTART continued along the Los Angeles River in Glendale through January 1. Google Maps 34.1565, -118.2888. Access from the end of Garden Street.
Another AMERICAN REDSTART was at Hansen Dam on January 3 in willows near the northeast corner of the main lake.
A NORTHERN PARULA continued at Peck Road Water Conservation Park in Arcadia through January 11. Google Maps 34.1031, -118.0153.
The CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER on the USC Campus continued through January 12 here 34.0210, -118.2861.
The CAPE MAY WARBLER at Loyola Marymount University continued through January 11. Google Maps 33.9685, -118.4176. A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK continued at the campus through January 2. Google Maps 33.9659, -118.4147.
A PALM WARBLER continued at Belvedere Park in East Los Angeles through January 10.
A GRACES WARBLER was at Wardlow Park in Long Beach through January 9. Google Maps 33.8211, -118.1296
The BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER at William Andrews Clark Memorial Library continued through January 9.
A PAINTED REDSTART continued at San Dimas Canyon Park near the restrooms through January 10.
Another PAINTED REDSTART continued at Chavez Ravine in Elysian Park through January 10.
SUMMER TANAGERS were at UCLA on January 2, at Kinneloa Mesa in Pasadena on January 1, at Stearns Champions Park in Long Beach on January 1 and at Chavez Ravine in Elysian Park from January 1-8.
A BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK was at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas on January 1 near the Gamache Trail trailhead.
-end transcript
Jon L Fisher
Glendale, CA
<JonF60...>
EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
For all events, field trips and announcements, please see our website at http://www.laaudubon.org
Date: 1/10/26 3:11 pm From: Don Sterba via groups.io <donsterba...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Polliwog Park Birders
Birders,
I checked eBird, and it has been a couple of years since an Am. White Pelican has been recorded at Polliwog Park, so in case anyone needs this species for their Year/Location List, a non-birder friend of mine, Cara Nip, found one this afternoon at the park.
Date: 1/9/26 12:16 am From: Lisa Freeman via groups.io <lisafreeman...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] California’s First Statewide Breeding Bird Atlas Launches Tomorrow, January 1, 2026
Thank you.🙏
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
On Thursday, January 8, 2026, 10:21 PM, Lance Benner <lbenner...> wrote:
Hi Everyone, In case you didn't see Van Pierszalowski's email on Calbirds, the California Bird Atlas began on January 1. This is a five-year effort to document breeding birds across the entire state. Although it's only early January, a number of species are already breeding, so this is a good time to start contributing to the atlas. General information is available on the California Bird Atlas Website at:
https://www.californiabirdatlas.org/Data collection is being done through eBird using a dedicated portal specific to the California Atlas:https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/home The eBird portal has extensive information about how the atlas works, how to submit data, how to view results, and much more at:https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/about Many species are already breeding in January! Sam Safran posted an article in eBird that describes them:https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/news/early-breeders-jan
Van's email from Calbirds appears below.
Please join birders across California who are contributing to this important project. Best wishes, Lance Benner
Pasadena, CA
----------Forwarded Message----------
From: "Van Pierszalowski via groups.io" <vanpierszalowski...>
To: <CALBIRDS...>
Sent: December 31, 2025 at 8:39 PM PST
Subject: [CALBIRDS] California’s First Statewide Breeding Bird Atlas Launches Tomorrow, January 1, 2026 Hi Birders, Tomorrow marks the launch of California’s first statewide Breeding Bird Atlas, a community-powered initiative to document breeding birds across the state and generate the science needed to guide habitat protection, restoration, and long-term conservation planning for decades to come. This landmark effort is being led by California Bird Atlas (CBA), an independent nonprofit, in collaboration with state agencies, thousands of volunteers, and dozens of partner organizations. All birders are now officially invited to join the project by visiting the new California Bird Atlas eBird website. Simply click “Join Project” (or “Log In to Join Project”) and you will automatically be able to contribute checklists to the Atlas project. The Atlas is fully integrated with the eBird mobile app. If you submit checklists on mobile, this Quick Start Tutorial video provides a brief overview. If you use the website, you can submit checklists to the Atlas project by clicking Submit from the CBA eBird site. Please visit the About page for resources, basic guidance, and everything you need to begin contributing to this statewide initiative. We encourage all checklists submitted year-round to be entered through the Atlas project, even if they don’t include breeding behavior. While we are still a few months from peak breeding season, you can learn more about species with a history of breeding in January in California by reading this article. We will be growing our team, expanding resources, and continuing to build this grassroots movement in the coming months. As we launch, early donations are especially impactful — supporting training, field tools, and outreach in the first critical months. We’re a nonprofit, and every contribution is tax-deductible and genuinely appreciated. If you have the means, please consider making a gift today to help the Atlas start strong — your support right now truly matters. Donate here. With gratitude and excitement for what we’ll build together, Van Pierszalowski
Executive Director,California Bird Atlas (CBA)email: <van...>
Date: 1/8/26 10:21 pm From: Lance Benner via groups.io <lbenner...> Subject: [LACoBirds] California’s First Statewide Breeding Bird Atlas Launches Tomorrow, January 1, 2026
Hi Everyone, In case you didn't see Van Pierszalowski's email on Calbirds, the California Bird Atlas began on January 1. This is a five-year effort to document breeding birds across the entire state. Although it's only early January, a number of species are already breeding, so this is a good time to start contributing to the atlas. General information is available on the California Bird Atlas Website at: https://www.californiabirdatlas.org/ Data collection is being done through eBird using a dedicated portal specific to the California Atlas:https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/home The eBird portal has extensive information about how the atlas works, how to submit data, how to view results, and much more at:https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/about Many species are already breeding in January! Sam Safran posted an article in eBird that describes them:https://ebird.org/atlascalifornia/news/early-breeders-jan Van's email from Calbirds appears below. Please join birders across California who are contributing to this important project. Best wishes, Lance Benner Pasadena, CA ----------Forwarded Message----------
From: "Van Pierszalowski via groups.io" <vanpierszalowski...> To: <CALBIRDS...> Sent: December 31, 2025 at 8:39 PM PST Subject: [CALBIRDS] California’s First Statewide Breeding Bird Atlas Launches Tomorrow, January 1, 2026 Hi Birders, Tomorrow marks the launch of California’s first statewide Breeding Bird Atlas, a community-powered initiative to document breeding birds across the state and generate the science needed to guide habitat protection, restoration, and long-term conservation planning for decades to come. This landmark effort is being led by California Bird Atlas (CBA), an independent nonprofit, in collaboration with state agencies, thousands of volunteers, and dozens of partner organizations. All birders are now officially invited to join the project by visiting the new California Bird Atlas eBird website. Simply click “Join Project” (or “Log In to Join Project”) and you will automatically be able to contribute checklists to the Atlas project. The Atlas is fully integrated with the eBird mobile app. If you submit checklists on mobile, this Quick Start Tutorial video provides a brief overview. If you use the website, you can submit checklists to the Atlas project by clicking Submit from the CBA eBird site. Please visit the About page for resources, basic guidance, and everything you need to begin contributing to this statewide initiative. We encourage all checklists submitted year-round to be entered through the Atlas project, even if they don’t include breeding behavior. While we are still a few months from peak breeding season, you can learn more about species with a history of breeding in January in California by reading this article. We will be growing our team, expanding resources, and continuing to build this grassroots movement in the coming months. As we launch, early donations are especially impactful — supporting training, field tools, and outreach in the first critical months. We’re a nonprofit, and every contribution is tax-deductible and genuinely appreciated. If you have the means, please consider making a gift today to help the Atlas start strong — your support right now truly matters. Donate here. With gratitude and excitement for what we’ll build together, Van Pierszalowski Executive Director,California Bird Atlas (CBA)email: <van...>,_._,_
The Grass Mountain CBC (CAGM) was completed on Dec 27, 2025. CAGM includes
Leona Valley, Petersen Ranch, Green Valley, Bouquet Canyon, Bouquet
Reservoir, San Francisquito Canyon, Sawmill Mountain, Lake Hughes, Lake
Elizabeth and a slice of the desert north of the aqueduct. After four
straight days of rain and wind in the area, we finally had one perfect day
of sunshine for the count. Fourteen participants came out to cover five of
the six sectors of the circle. Sawmill Ridge and campgrounds were
inaccessible due to road closures.
The team counted 4,273 individual birds, compared to last year’s 4,143
count in 2024. The number of species identified also increased from 95 in
2024 to 101 species in 2025. Birds of note, rare in the circle in recent
years, were Lewis’s Woodpecker, Common Loon on Bouquet Reservoir and
Tricolored Blackbird in the desert sector. There was a noticeable increase
in the number of waterfowl on Lake Elizabeth and on Bouquet Reservoir!
Missing from the count were the expected large flocks of Yellow-rumped
Warblers and Lawrence’s Goldfinch, with just one of each sighted. It was
nice to see a Bald Eagle present again at Bouquet Reservoir. [See link
below]
New this year!! Audubon sent a photographer to shoot video and photos of
our birders in action. Thank you Liz Munoz Huber for documenting the Grass
Mountain CBC on film.
Here is a link to the eBird report for Bouquet Reservoir (with lots of
pictures) posted Dec 27 by Naresh Satyan and Jonathan Nakai.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S290676607
Date: 1/2/26 8:41 pm From: Mary & Nick Freeman via groups.io <mnfreeman...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Lancaster CBC result, 12/20/25
Happy New Year Birders!
Kind of late, but worth the wait!
Nick & Mary Freeman, Compilers
=========================
2025 Lancaster CBC Breakdown
CBC Date: Dec. 20, 2025
The 47th Lancaster CBC held on Saturday, Dec. 20 was a remarkably calm (start: 0 -finish: 0 to 20 mph) and temperate (45°- 75°F) affair, under light cirrus (0-30%) skies. Mary and I would once again like to thank all who came out to tally birds in the Lancaster area. We had 24 participants this year, about spot-on with our Count Average of 25 participants, but – notably- only two teams counted after lunch.
Total Species Count:
105 Species were tabulated this year, which is 5 under the Count Average of 109.8, and 20 under the Max of 125 species seen in 2020. 105 species betters only 8 other years (17%) of our long and illustrious count.
Total Bird Tally:
18,466 Birds were tallied for the 2025 Count. Not many birds compared to a corrected Avg. of 36.7K over the years. Total Birds is only down 500 from last year with 7 less participants in the field, so I think we are at least treading water.
New Species: Never Before Seen on the Lancaster Christmas Bird Count – NONE!
Now for the Highlights, Lowlights, and Remarkable Sightings, or Lack Thereof :
Remarkable Sightings:
Wood Duck (1), most recently seen 2011. 2 others ever for the Count. Excellent!
Costa’s Hummingbird (1), of only (4) ever for the Count. Most recently 3 yrs. ago (’97, ’11, ’22).
Clarke’s Grebe (1), Avg. (0.4). Most recent: ’00 (1). (15) of (19) ever seen were in ’86 – the only year with over 2 CLGR recorded. I.D. issue?
Osprey (1), Avg. (0.1). 5 ever, most recent in ’16. Flyover at Country Club, heading S.
Pygmy Nuthatch ! ! ! (1), Avg. (0.1). Only 2 others ever seen, both in 1987 on the 9th year of the CBC. It’s been a long time. Probably the Bird of the Count!
Max for the Count:
Ring-necked Duck (214), Avg. (34). Only over 100 thrice, including 2007 (143). Max is more than twice the Avg. of the last 7 yrs. Percent increase in numbers like Redhead!
Anna’s Hummingbird (28), old Max. (25) from 2 yrs. ago. Avg. (10), which ANHU hit in 2000, missing this mark only three times since.
Allen’s Hummingbird (3), ties Count Max. in ‘20. Of 11 ever seen, all were recorded in the last 9 yrs. Here to stay! Note: first 4 yrs seen, always at one feeder. This year, in 3 separate areas.
Black Phoebe (59), Avg. (22). Beats out the Max. of (50) from 2 yrs. ago, and (47) from last year. Irrigation and matured plantings in urban & suburban areas likely to account for continued success of this species.
Remarkably High or Trending Up (*see below):
Canvasback (24), Avg. (9). Only 2 counts over (20) since 1983 (153 seen).
Redhead*(13), Avg. (12). Over Avg. all of last 7 yrs., but only 5 times in previous 39 yrs. Change in wintering distribution? High counts 1983 (110), and 2003 (53); irruptive.
Rock Pigeon (1,398), Avg. (490). Max. of (2,214) in ’96. Only over 1K twice before (’88, ’96). Both over 2K. 1K ROPI were in Ag & Dairy lands. Doing well!
Verdin (10), Avg. (3.4). High (15). All 5 counts over (9) in last 7 yrs. These tiny desert obligates seem able to make a go of it while the desert habitat and all other desert birds are struggling. Fascinating.
Historic Minimums for the Count:
Loggerhead Shrike (10), Avg (40). Previous Mins. of (13) were both in last 6 yrs. Max. (97)! Should be fairly common in healthy J-tree and Atriplex scrub, Ag windbreaks. Victim of depressed groundwater?
White-crowned Sparrow (494), Avg. (1.5K), Max. (3.9K). 4 of the 7 counts below 800 have been in the last 8 yrs., although the other 4 yrs. in the last 8 tallied over 1K WCSP, so hopefully this trend can turn around. Decreased Ag, seed bank in the soil, struggling scrub not seeding well. Idle speculation. Maybe the heavy rains this year will turn things around?
Western Meadowlark (40), Avg. (270), Max. (875)! Previous Min. was (88) in ’89. Numbers fluctuate considerably on this CBC. Our areas in both Lancaster & Malibu CBCs were skunked here, so maybe something regional/climate-related is going on.
Notable Misses and Underachievers:
Northern Harrier*(10), Avg. (29), Max (73). Second Lowest tally for the Count. Low of (3) in ’99 is only count less than (11). Appears somewhat cyclical, but numbers have been lower on average lately.
California Scrub-Jay (0), Avg (1.9). Skunked 2 yrs. running, and 3 of last 4. Unheard of since the first 11 yrs. of the 47-year CBC. Not generally urban or suburban birds, so probably unable to take advantage of most in-town irrigation or feeders.
LeConte’s Thrasher*(0), Avg. (2.9). While we have been skunked by LETH 7 times over the history of the Count, 3 times were over the first 9 yrs, one in the middle and 4 over the last 8 yrs. of the Count. As LETH prefers undeveloped, dense Atriplex scrub and desert washes, I suspect that early skunks were due to lack of surveying in “desert wasteland”, and not lack of birds. The habitat was likely better then. It is disconcerting that we are often not finding LETH now, which seems likely to stem from poor quality scrub, caused by lack of groundwater.
(* designates California Species of Special Concern)
Nick & Mary Freeman, Lancaster Christmas Bird Count Compilers
Glendale, CA
LA Audubon Society, Lancaster CBC Sponsor
Date: 1/2/26 6:40 am From: lathrotriccus via groups.io <lathrotriccus...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Reminder: LA CBC is TODAY (Jan. 2)
Hi folks,
We moved the Christmas Count date from Jan. 4 to Jan. 2 due to the forecast. If you find yourself birding within the LA CBC count circle, drop me a line and we'll add you in.
This is the Los Angeles Rare Bird Alert for December 31, 2025.
A EURASIAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL was at the San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds in Pico Rivera on December 28.
Up to three SURF SCOTERS continued at Quail Lake through December 24.
A male BARROWS GOLDENEYE continued at Quail Lake through December 29.
A VEGA GULL was at MacArthur Park on December 31.
A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL continued at Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas through December 28. Two more were along the Los Angeles River between the Atlantic and Slauson crossings in Maywood on December 28.
A NORTHERN YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER was at the Rio Hondo Spreading Basins in Pico Rivera on December 27.
A PRAIRIE FALCON continued at Hansen Dam through December 29.
The DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER at Vincent Lugo Park in San Gabriel was reported through December 28. It typically frequents the southeast area of the park.
A TROPICAL KINGBIRD continued at the San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds in Pico Rivera through December 28. It is often on the east side of the basins across from where Mines Ave. ends.
Another TROPICAL KINGBIRD continued around the parking lot at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro through December 28.
The THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD in Griffith Park along the Mineral Wells Trail was reported through December 30. Google Maps 34.1394, -118.2881. A HEPATIC TANAGER was in the same area through December 29. A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was present here through December 31. One or more SUMMER TANAGERS also continue here.
Another THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD continued by the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round through December 25.
The GREATER PEWEE continued in Monrovia Canyon by the Nature Center through December 30. Google Maps 34.1774, -117.9910
A HAMMONDS FLYCATCHER and a SUMMER TANAGER were at the Japanese Garden at Kenneth Hahn SRA in Baldwin Hills on December 28.
Rare away from the deserts was a VERDIN along the Santa Clara River in Santa Clarita on December 17 and another nearby along Vasquez Canyon Road the same day.
A GRAY CATBIRD was at Sage Hill on the UCLA campus through December 31. Google Maps 34.0741, -118.4550
Three GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS were at Cruzan Mesa near Santa Clarita on December 27.
A DARK-EYED GRAY-HEADED JUNCO continued at Hahamongna Watershed Park in Pasadena through December 27. Look for it on the west side around the athletic field.
Another DARK-EYED GRAY-HEADED JUNCO was at Mt. Wilson Observatory on December 28 near the 60 telescope.
A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW continued at Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas (Kikos Trail / Restroom #11) through December 28.
A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE continued at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood (south of Monte Verde Park by the gazebo) through December 27.
A HOODED ORIOLE continued at the Huntington Gardens in San Marino through December 28 (often at the north end of the Desert Garden).
An OVENBIRD continued along the lower Los Angeles River near Willow Street from December 25. Google Maps 33.8064,-118.2043. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW continued in the same area through December 30.
An AMERICAN REDSTART continued along the Los Angeles River in Glendale through December 31. Google Maps 34.1565, -118.2888. Access from the end of Garden Street.
A NORTHERN PARULA continued at Peck Road Water Conservation Park in Arcadia through December 27. Google Maps 34.1031, -118.0153
A PALM WARBLER continued at Belvedere Park in East Los Angeles through December 28, last reported at the south end of the park.
A GRACES WARBLER was at Wardlow Park in Long Beach from December 29-31. Google Maps 33.8211, -118.1296
A PAINTED REDSTART continued at San Dimas Canyon Park near the restrooms through December 27.
A SUMMER TANAGER continued by the Whittier Narrows Nature Center in South El Monte through December 27.
-end transcript
Jon L Fisher
Glendale, CA
<JonF60...>
EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
For all events, field trips and announcements, please see our website at http://www.laaudubon.org
Date: 12/31/25 2:10 pm From: Andrew Birch via groups.io <andyrbirch...> Subject: [LACoBirds] 3rd cycle VEGA GULL, MacArthur Park
There was a 3rd cycle giving point blank views this morning amongst the Westerns and Californias and very food motivated so bring some food for better views. Was seen all around the lake but probably the west end is the best place to start and plenty of metred parking along Wilshire.
Also here, was a continuing 1st cycle SHORT-BILLED GULL and a banded occidentalis WESTERN GULL plus a few GLAUCOUS-WINGEDS and one OLYMPIC. It's been pretty slow past couple of weeks with very little turnover and it's now been a while since I've seen any THAYER'S or even COOK INLET hybrids so hopefully this signals a change.
Some photos of the VEGA here:https://ebird.org/checklist/S291471431
Best, Andy BirchLos Feliz
Date: 12/30/25 12:06 am From: Ann and Eric via groups.io <motmots...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Belated Report Barn Owl in Baldwin Hills
Dear Birders,
I was delighted to see a Barn Owl perched on a road sign on the Kenneth Hahn Park side of LaBrea just south of the intersection of LaBrea and Don Lorenzo when I drove by at 8:45 last night. It was still sitting there when I cam back abut 9, but was gone by the time we walked back over. I flushed one out of a palm tree in the park a few months ago, but this is the first good sighting we've had in the area in years!Hoping to relocate it for the CBC!!
Good Birding!
Ann BrooksBaldwin Hills Los Angeles
Date: 12/29/25 8:01 am From: rebecca.fenning via groups.io <rebecca.fenning...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Open seats on LA Birders Jan 18 pelagic
Hello birders,
There are currently open seats on the January 18 LA Birders pelagic trip out of King Harbor in Redondo Beach. LAB members had priority registration for this trip, and now we would like to open it to any and all interested birders, so please spread the word:
This is a 5-hour trip, giving us the opportunity to explore more areas and find more birds.
We will explore the areas around Redondo Canyon, an underwater canyon that tends to have upwellings of food that attract birds. We will be on the lookout for shearwaters, alcids, terns, gulls, phalaropes, and jaegers.
*The trip will cost $100 per person, which includes a gratuity for the boat crew.*
*All individuals under the age of 18 participating in a LAB sponsored event must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or an adult designated as responsible for their well-being including their safety, behavior, and compliance with all applicable rules and regulations during the course of the event, program, activity, etc.* Good birding, Rebecca Marschall for LA Birders <info...>
Date: 12/29/25 4:45 am From: Vincent Baker via groups.io <bakerv1996...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Grace's Warbler at Wardlow Park (Long Beach), 12/28/2025
Hi all,
I had a nice Grace's Warbler at Wardlow Park in Long Beach on Sunday morning. It was working its way through the pine trees bordering the flood control channel along the west side of the park, often associating with a Townsend's Warbler in the same trees, roughly here: 33°49'16.1"N 118°07'46.8"W. It made a relatively distinct chip call that is similar to the Townsend's call yet kind of like a wetter Orange-crowned warbler call note. It's a little frustrating to track down, but I did have it occasionally in the privet trees about 10 feet over my head, but it usually preferred hiding within the mid to high canopies of the pines. Tracking the call was most efficient (if it was calling).
Date: 12/28/25 9:57 pm From: David Koeppel via groups.io <davkofilms...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Griffith Park Rarities
[Edited Message Follows]
[Reason: Failed to add name and address.]
The THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD by the merry-go-round continues. It frequents the mature ash trees alongside the parking lot north of the structure. An entirely white (leucistic) CALIFORNIA TOWHEE feeding in the open by the nearby dumpsters was an interesting novelty.
Date: 12/28/25 9:52 pm From: David Koeppel via groups.io <davkofilms...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Griffith Park Rarities
The THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD by the merry-go-round continues. It frequents the mature ash trees alongside the parking lot north of the structure. An entirely white (leucistic) CALIFORNIA TOWHEE feeding in the open by the nearby dumpsters was an interesting novelty.
This is the Los Angeles Rare Bird Alert for December 24, 2025.
Up to three SURF SCOTERS continued at Quail Lake through December 23.
A male BARROWS GOLDENEYE continued at Quail Lake through December 23.
A MOUNTAIN PLOVER continued at the A&G Sod Farm in the Antelope Valley through December 15. The location is south of Avenue N and east of 40th Street East.
Two SOLITARY SANDPIPERS were at Hansen Dam on December 20. They were observed at the basins south of the dam, just north of the dam by the outflow and on the south shore of the main lake.
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were at the gravel pits near the 605 Freeway and Arrow Highway on December 20, at Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas on December 20 and continuing along the Los Angeles River in Maywood through December 22 (between Slauson and Atlantic).
A PRAIRIE MERLIN was at Glen Haven and Sholom Memorial Park in Sylmar on December 21.
A PRAIRIE FALCON was observed flying over Hansen Dam on December 23.
The DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER at Vincent Lugo Park in San Gabriel was reported through December 20. It typically frequents the southeast area of the park.
A TROPICAL KINGBIRD was around the parking lot at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro from December 20-21.
The THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD in Griffith Park along the Mineral Wells Trail was reported through December 23. Google Maps 34.1394, -118.2881. A HEPATIC TANAGER was in the same area through December 23 as were up to three SUMMER TANAGERS. A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was present here through December 23.
Another THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD continued by the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round through December 23.
A GREATER PEWEE continued in Monrovia Canyon by the Nature Center through December 23. Google Maps 34.1774, -117.9910.
A WESTERN FLYCATCHER was at Lacy Park in San Marino on December 20 by the playground area.
An EASTERN PHOEBE was at the Chatsworth Nature Preserve on December 20.
CASSINS VIREOS were at Recreation Park in San Fernando on December 18 and at the Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve on December 21.
A GRAY CATBIRD was at Sage Hill on the UCLA campus through December 19. Google Maps 34.0741, -118.4550. Two NASHVILLE WARBLERS were in this area on December 17.
WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS were at Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas (Kikos Trail / Restroom #11) through December 21 and in the lower Arroyo Seco in Pasadena through December 22.
A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE continued at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood (south of Monte Verde Park by the gazebo) through December 21.
Another GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was at Hopkins Wilderness Park in Redondo Beach through December 23.
A HOODED ORIOLE continued at the Huntington Gardens in San Marino through December 22 (often at the north end of the Desert Garden).
Another HOODED ORIOLE was at Pt. Dume in Malibu on December 14 (along Grayfox, east of Fernhill).
Three BALTIMORE ORIOLES were at El Nido Park in Torrance on December 23.
An OVENBIRD continued along the lower Los Angeles River near Willow Street from December 23. Google Maps 33.8064,-118.2043. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW continues in the same area.
A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was at Bonelli Park in San Dimas on December 20 on the northeast side by the old green pier.
A BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER continued at Peck Road Water Conservation Park in Arcadia through December 20. It has been in the west side willows between the two lakes.
Another BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was at Joan Milke Flores Park in San Pedro on December 21.
A PALM WARBLER continued at Belvedere Park in East Los Angeles through December 22, last reported at the south end of the park.
A PINE WARBLER continued in the Whittier Narrows area through December 19. It was last seen here- Google Maps 34.0485, -118.0684.
A PAINTED REDSTART was at Chavez Ravine in Elysian Park through December 23. Google Maps 34.0844, -118.2460.
Another PAINTED REDSTART continued at San Dimas Canyon Park near the restrooms through December 23.
SUMMER TANAGERS were at Bonelli Park in San Dimas (by the Sailboat Cove entrance) on December 20, at the Whittier Narrows Nature Center on December 20 and at the Village Green condominiums through December 21.
-end transcript
Jon L Fisher
Glendale, CA
<JonF60...>
EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
For all events, field trips and announcements, please see our website at http://www.laaudubon.org
Date: 12/23/25 7:46 am From: Kimball Garrett via groups.io <cyanolyca818...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Two underbirded wetland "Hotspots" in the Antelope Valley
Birders,
Well worth checking if you are in or passing through the Antelope Valley are two wetland habitats that are eBird hotspots but so far have very little coverage.
West of the 14 Freeway is the Upper Amargosa Creek Recharge Project, a series of ponds (ranging from dry to full and variable through the year) with a good trail system around all the ponds as well as the Amargosa Creek channel with its marshy growth. The ponds are located on the north side of Elizabeth Lake Road (the western extension of Palmdale Blvd.) at 25th Street West (also called Highland Ave.), about two miles west of the Antelope Valley Fwy. Ultimately this site is to be developed into a larger park (also serving its main function as a groundwater recharge basin) but for the time being it is not heavily utilized by the public. There is parking available at the entrance to the ponds, along the east side of Highland (25th St .West). For more information and recent bird lists, see: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L53266794
East of Hwy 14, in Littlerock, are the extensive Little Rock gravel extraction pits. There are several semi-permanent ponds and some riparian and marsh growth within this complex. The gravel works are fenced and OFF LIMITS to the public, but with a scope one can view the ponds along the eastern border of the complex. There is a pullout where one can park on the north (west-bound) side of Hwy 138 (Pearblossom Hwy) about 100 meters west of the Little Rock Creek bridge, Exercise EXTREME CAUTION when pulling off the highway into this small dirt pullout, and BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL when pulling back out onto the highway when exiting the area -- the pullout is located on a curve and traffic moves very fast here. An alternative would be to park off the highway east of the Little Rock Creek bridge and walk west to the gravel operation fenceline. From the southeast corner of the complex walk north along the east fenceline and use the various higher berms to position your scope to view the ponds. After a while you will reach an east/west fence line from which you can view the more northeasterly ponds. By following the fenceline (and Little Rock Creek which parallels the fenceline to the east) you could work almost all the way north to Ave T. It would be great to have more year-round coverage of this site, but again PLEASE keep the above cautions in mind. And DO NOT enter the complex through the fence, even though there are a couple of gaps in the fence that are tempting. The gravel pits are deep and the sides are steep. Here is the hutspot information: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L25664306
Date: 12/23/25 7:05 am From: Kimball Garrett via groups.io <cyanolyca818...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Be on the lookout for Cave Swallows
Birders,
Most of you are aware that some 20+ Cave Swallows have been present around Calipatria in the Imperial Valley in the past week or so, and another apparent Cave Swallow was in coastal Ventura County yesterday (22 December). Paul Lehman sent a message detailing thts situation and implored observers to be on the lookout for San Diego County's first Cave Swallow, especially in areas with any number of Barn Swallows (which are regular in winter).
Los Angeles County has two previous records of Cave Swallow -- at El Dorado Park in Long Beach 28 November 2015, and Santa Fe Dam 30 Nov-1 Dec 2016. But this is an opportune time to search for more. Places like Bonelli Regional Park, the lower Los Angeles River in Long Beach, the Sepulveda Basin, and Piute Ponds have had Barn Swallows recently. The key thing to remember is that in late November and December Cave Swallow is more likely to occur in California than Cliff Swallow even though many birders assume that Cliff Swallow is the "default" orange/buff-rumped swallow locally. That assumption is probably only valid from late January through October.
Bottom line, if you think you have found a Cliff Swallow in the next couple of weeks, please document it carefully and be aware that Cave Swallow is a strong possibility.
Date: 12/21/25 1:44 pm From: Jon Fisher via groups.io <JonF60...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Pasadena-San Gabriel Valley CBC- December 20
The Pasadena-SGV CBC was held on December 20, 2025.
Preliminary species count is 159, with a few species likely to be added in the coming days.
Weather was good-- partly cloudy with mild temperatures.
Highlights were as follows--
Short-billed Gull (continuing at Peck Road Water Conservation Park in Arcadia)
Lesser Black-backed Gull (gravel pits off the 605 Freeway)
Northern Pygmy-Owl (near Mt. Wilson)
Long-eared Owl x 2 (Pasadena)
Lewis's Woodpecker x 10 (Mt. Wilson and vicinity)
Williamson's Sapsucker (Mt. Wilson)
White-headed Woodpecker x 2 (Mt. Wilson)
Dusky-capped Flycatcher (continuing at Vincent Lugo Park in San Gabriel)
Greater Pewee (continuing at Monrovia Canyon)
Pacific Wren (continuing in Santa Anita Canyon)
Black-and-white Warbler (continuing at Peck Road Water Conservation Park in Arcadia)
Summer Tanager (Whittier Narrows Nature Center)
Date: 12/17/25 4:10 pm From: Richard J. Norton via groups.io <richardjnorton...> Subject: [LACoBirds] 2025 Malibu Christmas Bird Count
The 2025 Malibu CBC took place last Sunday, December 14, 2025.
Participants generally reported that numbers of individual birds seen was way down, but the 145 species recorded was around average for the count, and above last year's total of 141.
The count took place 11 months after the Pacific Palisades fire and 12 months after the Malibu "Franklin" fire, and some sub-areas are still impacted. It is believed that the species total was due to simply fewer species being in the area this year, as opposed to anything directly related to the fires.
The only really out-of-expected-range bird recorded was again the Eastern Phoebe, returning for its fourth winter at Lake Lindero.
The first oriole reported on the count since 1987 appears most likely to be a Hooded Oriole, but experts are still discussing the ID.
Single report sightings included Brant, Cackling Goose, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Snowy Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Parasitic Jaeger, Neotropic Cormorant, Green Heron, Barn Owl, Western Screech Owl, Mitered Parakeet, Eastern Phoebe, Mountain Chickadee, Barn Swallow, Brown Creeper, Scaly-breasted Munia, Brown-headed Cowbird, Brewer's Blackbird, and Black-throated Gray Warbler.
Species believed to be present but missed are Rock Wren and Common Poorwill, which on warm days, can respond to playback just after dusk. Northern Harrier and Horned Grebe were both also expected but not found.
The entire effort has been entered into eBird, including reports from the observers who did not actually use eBird themselves. A detailed report is available at eBird(dot)org/tripreport/445104 . This report is actually quite informative about the count. There is a map of the locations of the individual reports, and if "Show all details" in the Species Observed section is selected, the component sightings of the count totals are shown.
One interesting anecdote was that two observers in nearby sub-areas reported flights of exactly 10 White Pelicans, an uncommon species here, a few minutes apart. This then gives the compiler the opportunity to believe that there were really only 10 present in the count circle, and report only 10 to the Audubon CBC web-site.
Thanks to all the volunteers who participated.
Next years' Malibu Count should be on the first Sunday of the Audubon count period, Sunday, December 20, 2026.
