Date: 10/13/25 10:33 am From: msperalez via groups.io <msperalez...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Turkey Vulture movement
From Glendora:
I can confirm the impressive tuvu migration. Yesterday, the vultures
kettled and streamed over the foothills north of Glendora and over my house
in the mid-morning. Many of the vultures were very high while others
streamed low over the house. It was a superhighway of vultures!
I inspected every vulture that flew by looking for a stray raptor but they
were all vultures.
On a side note, it's very difficult to inspect vultures with a 1 year old
grandson on your hip whose sole mission was to grab my binoculars. LOL!
Teach 'em young!
Mike Peralez
Glendora, CA
On Sun, Oct 12, 2025, 11:06 AM Lance Benner via groups.io <lbenner=
<charter.net...> wrote:
> All,
>
> 11:05, Sunday
>
> I saw Ron's message and ran outside at 10:35. I missed mosty of "Ron's
> River" but still saw 75 turkey vultures from Upper Hastings Ranch between
> 10:35-11:00, all to the north of Sierra Madre Blvd. Most were moving east
> but there were two oddballs that drifted west. Initially the kettle was
> mixed with about 20 common ravens but they soon separated. The only other
> raptor I saw among the vultures was a single red-tailed hawk.
>
> Regards,
>
> Lance
>
> Lance Benner
> Pasadena
>
>
> --------------------
>
> From: "Ron Cyger via groups.io" <ron...>
> Reply-To: <ron...>
> To: "Ron Cyger" <ron...>
> Cc: <LACoBirds...>
> Sent: October 12, 2025 at 10:37 AM PDT
> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Turkey Vulture movement
> We're now well over 1500 and counting... The river just keeps flowing.
>
> Ron Cyger
> Monrovia
>
> On Sun, Oct 12, 2025, 10:28 AM Ron Cyger via groups.io <ron=
> <cyger.org...> wrote:
>
>> About 500+ Turkey Vultures are heading east over Monrovia now... it's
>> incredible seeing a river of TUVUs going overhead!
>>
>> Ron Cyger
>> Monrovia
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
Date: 10/12/25 11:06 am From: Lance Benner via groups.io <lbenner...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Turkey Vulture movement
All, 11:05, Sunday I saw Ron's message and ran outside at 10:35. I missed mosty of "Ron's River" but still saw 75 turkey vultures from Upper Hastings Ranch between 10:35-11:00, all to the north of Sierra Madre Blvd. Most were moving east but there were two oddballs that drifted west. Initially the kettle was mixed with about 20 common ravens but they soon separated. The only other raptor I saw among the vultures was a single red-tailed hawk. Regards, Lance Lance BennerPasadena --------------------
From: "Ron Cyger via groups.io" <ron...> Reply-To: <ron...> To: "Ron Cyger" <ron...> Cc: <LACoBirds...> Sent: October 12, 2025 at 10:37 AM PDT Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Turkey Vulture movement We're now well over 1500 and counting... The river just keeps flowing. Ron Cyger Monrovia On Sun, Oct 12, 2025, 10:28 AM Ron Cyger via groups.io <ron...> wrote:
About 500+ Turkey Vultures are heading east over Monrovia now... it's incredible seeing a river of TUVUs going overhead! Ron CygerMonrovia
Date: 10/12/25 10:48 am From: Judy Bass via groups.io <Judy.bass...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Turkey Vulture movement
We were in the lower Arroyo about 30 minutes ago, saw the same river of
close to 1000 TVs. They came in groups of 3-400 at a time, and seemingly
never stopped coming.
On Sun, Oct 12, 2025 at 10:28 AM Ron Cyger via groups.io <ron=
<cyger.org...> wrote:
> About 500+ Turkey Vultures are heading east over Monrovia now... it's
> incredible seeing a river of TUVUs going overhead!
>
> Ron Cyger
> Monrovia
>
>
>
Date: 10/12/25 10:37 am From: Ron Cyger via groups.io <ron...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Turkey Vulture movement
We're now well over 1500 and counting... The river just keeps flowing.
Ron Cyger
Monrovia
On Sun, Oct 12, 2025, 10:28 AM Ron Cyger via groups.io <ron=
<cyger.org...> wrote:
> About 500+ Turkey Vultures are heading east over Monrovia now... it's
> incredible seeing a river of TUVUs going overhead!
>
> Ron Cyger
> Monrovia
>
>
Date: 10/11/25 8:41 pm From: Naresh Satyan via groups.io <naresh.satyan...> Subject: [LACoBirds] American Dippers along the West Fork of the San Gabriel River, other forest notes
Hi all,
I spent much of the day today (October 11) walking for 5 miles along the West Fork of the San Gabriel River west of Hwy 39. It was a struggle to find birds on a warm day for the most part, but I did end up with 41 species, including at least 3 American Dippers at various points along the river. Two of these birds were singing, one of them going nonstop for many minutes (and it was still going when I returned an hour later). Also interesting were 3-4 Belted Kingfishers along the river, and a Great Blue Heron halfway up a large fir tree. Checklist here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S278773256
Dippers were getting hard to find in the mountains a few years ago (at least for me) after several years of drought, but now appear to be back in most creeks that have water -- along the various forks of the San Gabriel river and its tributaries, various creeks that flow into Big Rock Creek on the north slope, and some washes in the front range like San Antonio Creek, the Arroyo Seco and Santa Anita Creek -- nice to see.
In other news, they seem to have finished construction work along the West Fork road from Hwy 39 up to Cogswell dam, where they have laid a new asphalt road along the entire length. It should be a good place to ride a bicycle (as well as hike). The road is still only open on weekends until the end of the year.
Finally - I don't know if Lance sent out an email reminding people about deer-hunting season, but the main season began today in our area and runs until November 9. There are a few more days for junior hunters in late November. There was plenty of evidence of that today -- I saw about 30 hunters with rifles along the West Fork road and up on the hillsides on my hike. A few were on foot, but a lot of them were zooming around on e-bikes, and a couple of deer were being hauled out on e-bikes too. It is not legal to hunt across or along roads and trails and you should be fine birding on major trails, but the rule of law is what it is these days. I recommend sticking to popular hiking trails and roads during hunting season, and consider wearing high-visibility vests and hats when you're out in the forest.
Date: 10/11/25 5:37 pm From: Lance Benner via groups.io <lbenner...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Massive flock of Turkey Vultures over the foothills
All, Saturday, 5:35 pm There's a massive flock of roughly 2000-3000 turkey vultures moving east along the foothills right now over Sierra Madre, northern Arcadia, and Monrovia. Luke Tiller contacted me about them so I wanted to spread the word to folks farther east. So, Sawpit Canyon in Monrovia, Encanto Park, Santa Fe Dam, and the foothills of Glendora, San Dimas, and possibly even Claremont would be good places to watch for the birds. The birds are kettling, gaining altitude, and then streaming east. The stream is several miles long. Regards, Lance Lance BennerPasadena _._,_._,_
Date: 10/11/25 1:54 pm From: Kimball Garrett via groups.io <cyanolyca818...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Pearblossom Park: Pygmy Nuthatch, late wood-pewees
Birders,
A quick check of Pearblossom Park this morning yielded a "lowland" Pygmy Nuthatch in the planted pines west of the baseball field and along the south (Ave V-14) edge of the park. Although there haven't been signs of any incursions of this or most other montane species into the lowlands of the county this fall, this might be a sign of at least some minor movement.
There were at least three, and possibly four, Western Wood-Pewees in the park, representing fairly late migrants. A number of Western Wood-Pewees have been reported in various parts of the county in the last several days. Although the species is not rare in the second week of October, most L. A. County eBird filters are set at "0" this far into October, so reports are getting flagged. This is intentional -- for the earliest and latest parts of the migration "windows" for many species we ask for details so that we don't get overwhelmed with undocumented reports that might obscure the real timing of migration arrivals and departures. So please provide some documentation for such flagged records even when they don't seem to be terribly unusual.
This is the Los Angeles Rare Bird Alert for October 11, 2025.
A GREATER ROADRUNNER continued along the east side of the Los Angeles River through October 6 above the Willow Street crossing.
The PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER along lower Ballona Creek was reported through October 9. Check for it with the flock of Black-bellied Plovers along the creek or on the salt pan. This area is upstream from the Pacific Ave. bridge.
A BROAD-WINGED HAWK was at El Dorado Park in Long Beach on October 3.
A TROPICAL KINGBIRD was along the lower Los Angeles River in Long Beach from October 3-9 below the Willow Street crossing.
Another TROPICAL KINGBIRD was at Signal Hill Park in Long Beach on October 5 and one was at Colorado Lagoon on October 6.
A GREATER PEWEE was at Sycamore Canyon in Whittier on October 11. It was on the hillside beyond the refinery and past the white gate.
A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE continued at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood (by the gazebo) through October 6.
A BOBOLINK was along the Los Angeles River in the Sepulveda Basin on October 4 and another was along the San Gabriel River below Whittier Blvd. in Pico Rivera on October 4.
A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was in Elysian Park on October 11.
A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was at Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas from October 7-10 in the wet area by the large square north shore parking lot.
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLERS were at Malibu Legacy Park on October 4 and in Torrance on October 6.
A TENNESSEE WARBLER continued at Bond Park in Atwater Village through October 3.
Another TENNESSEE WARBLER was in Chavez Ravine in Elysian Park from October 3-8 south of the playground. Another was at the Village Green Condominiums in Los Angeles on October 5 and one was at Creek Park in La Mirada on October 10.
An AMERICAN REDSTART was at Barnsdall Art Park in Los Angeles from October 3-7.
Another AMERICAN REDSTART was at Lamanda Park in Pasadena on October 9.
A BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER was at a residence in Long Beach on October 3 and another was at Santa Fe Dam in Irwindale on October 11 ( south of parking lot 3).
A BLACKPOLL WARBLER continued at Arcadia County Park through October 10, last seen west of the tennis courts parking area and north of the golf course. Another BLACKPOLL WARBLER was at Bond Park in Atwater Village from October 6-10.
A PALM WARBLER was at Ernie Howlett Park in Rilling Hills Estates on October 5.
A BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER continued at the William Andrews Clark Library in Los Angeles (restricted hours) through October 9.
SUMMER TANAGERS were in Griffith Park (in the Old Zoo Area) on October 9 and at the Virginia Country Club in Long Beach on October 9.
Santa Catalina Island produced a GRAY CATBIRD on October 5, a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK on October 3, two CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS from October 4-5, a BLACKPOLL WARBLER on October 4 and an INDIGO BUNTING on October 5. Most of these were in the area around Avalon.
-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: 10/11/25 9:37 am From: Larry Schmahl via groups.io <larschmahl...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Greater Pewee in Sycamore Canyon Whittier
We just found a Greater Pewee in Sycamore Canyon Whittier. The bird is beyond the refinery and past the the white gate. It was on the hillside on the north side of the canyon. Sycamore Canyon trailhead is on Workman Mill Road north of Beverly Blvd and just south if Gate 17 to Rose Hills Memorial Park. Park in the parking lot and walk into the Canyon following the small "trail" signs. 34.003210, -118.048256
Please join us for an in-depth webinar on the identification of thrashers.
Eight species of thrasher can be found in the US and a few more in Mexico,
and some of them can be tricky to identify.
Join Diego as he thrashes through identification points of these
fascinating birds!
This webinar will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel
<https://tinyurl.com/2y6efp3f> and will also be recorded for later viewing.
Please use the YouTube link above (alternatively:
https://tinyurl.com/2y6efp3f) which will take you directly to LAB’s main
page, where the live webinar should be visible once it begins at 7pm.
Become a LAB Member! Though our webinars will always remain free and
available to all, members of Los Angeles Birders have access to live
webinars via Zoom, invitations to special LAB-only field trips, priority
sign-up on LAB field trips & events, and discounts on paid LAB programs. To
learn more about membership, please see our website
<https://www.labirders.org/>!
Looking for a past webinar? Don’t forget that a list of all of our
previously recorded webinars <https://www.labirders.org/webinars.html> is
available on our website – which might come in handy if you want to study
up before a field trip, or if you're looking to build your birding skills
from home! Just scroll all the way down, past our upcoming and most recent
online programs and you'll find a list of webinars sorted by category.
These recordings are all viewable via our YouTube
<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHbAhQTFVaeowMCl-sD2e0g> page.
Upcoming Programs
10/14 Thrasher ID with Diego Blanco (webinar)
10/18 Birding Catalina’s Interior (field trip) FULL
11/2 First Sundays at the Huntington with Katy Mann (member-only field trip)
11/4 California Bird Atlas Project with Van Pierzalowski (webinar)
Date: 10/7/25 9:10 am From: Jonathan Feenstra via groups.io <feenstra...> Subject: [LACoBirds] LA Birders pelagic trip 10/5/25
LA Birders:
Last Sunday was the LA Birders' half-day pelagic trip aboard Navegante from King Harbor, Redondo Beach. In our 5-hour trip we traversed Redondo Canyon going west, crossed the shipping lane going first south, then north-northwest on return to follow feeding flocks, then jammed it back to the harbor when we ran out of time.
We had a good diversity of birds, and notably high numbers of jaegers, double digits of Pomarines. We also had at least 2 Short-tailed Shearwaters, not an annual species (or, at least, not identified annually), including one that allowed close study. A single Rhinoceros Auklet and a Craveri's Murrelet represented the alcids. We saw a few Black-vented Shearwaters, but they have not been present in any numbers yet this fall. Perhaps 10 humpback whales were seen as were hundreds of common dolphin.
As noted from several recent trips in the area, the inshore waters, including Redondo Canyon, were pretty dead, but marine life was concentrated in some nice flocks off the edge of the escarpment. There's an Island Packers trip next Sunday out of Ventura, so that's your next chance to get out there.
Date: 10/5/25 5:51 pm From: Alexander Viduetsky via groups.io <alikoster...> Subject: [LACoBirds] An Osprey flying with a weighted fishing hook in its body
Hello birders,
Today, October 5, 2025, I photographed an Osprey with an embedded weighted fishing hook in its body flying over Lake Balboa / Anthony C. Beilenson Park in Van Nuys. There were also some Egyptian Geese at the park with fishing lines attached to their legs. If interested, you may see my photos from the park on my Flickr page: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCwuAX
Kind regards, Alexander Viduetsky Valley Village, CA
This is the Los Angeles Rare Bird Alert for October 3, 2025.
The PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER along lower Ballona Creek was reported through September 30. Check for it with the flock of Black-bellied Plovers along the creek or on the salt pan. This area is upstream from the Pacific Ave. bridge.
DUNLIN included one at Dockweiler State Beach continuing through September 26, one at Colorado Lagoon in Long Beach on September 26, two at Malibu Lagoon from September 25-28 and three at the Piute Ponds on Edwards AFB (currently closed to access) on September 26.
Two RED KNOTS were on the beach at Playa del Rey through September 29.
A COMMON TERN was at Lake Palmdale on September 26 and one was at Dockweiler State Beach in El Segundo through September 28.
A SABINE’S GULL was on the lake at Santa Fe Dam in Irwindale on September 27.
A SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER was in the Santa Monica Bay (south of Pt. Dume) on September 25.
A RED-FOOTED BOOBY was southeast of Santa Catalina Island on September 28.
A WILLIAMSON’S SAPSUCKER was along Pinon Road in Llano on September 26.
TROPICAL KINGBIRDS were at Colorado Lagoon in Long Beach and at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood on October 1.
A CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR was at Santa Fe Dam in Irwindale from September 27-28.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was at Buena Vista Park in Burbank on October 2.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, a TENNESSEE WARBLER and a BLACKPOLL WARBLER were at the Los Angeles National Cemetery in Westwood on September 28. Another CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood on October 1.
A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE continued at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood (by the gazebo) through October 1.
Another GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was in Signal Hill (north side trails) from October 1-2.
A BOBOLINK was at Santa Fe Dam in Irwindale (near the spillway) on September 28.
A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was at Ladera Park in Los Angeles on September 29.
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLERS were at South Gate Park on September 26, at DeForest Park in Long Beach from September 29-30 and in the Avalon area on Santa Catalina Island on September 27.
A LUCY’S WARBLER was at DeForest Park in Long Beach on September 28.
TENNESSEE WARBLERS were at DeForest Park in Long Beach on September 28, at Bond Park in Atwater Village on September 29 at Hahamongna Watershed Park in Pasadena on September 29, at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood on October 1, at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood on October 1 and in Chavez Ravine in Elysian Park on September 30.
An AMERICAN REDSTART was at Cal State University in Long Beach on September 30.
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLERS were at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood on September 27 and at Don Knabe Park in Cerritos on September 29.
A CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER was at Lambert Park in El Monte on September 29 and another was at Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas (by the old closed pier on the north shore) on October 2.
BLACKPOLL WARBLERS were at Bond Park in Atwater Village from September 28-October 1, at the Los Angeles National Cemetery in Westwood on October 28, at the Bette Davis Picnic Area in Glendale from September 29-October 2 and at Arcadia County Park on September 30.
A GRACE’S WARBLER was at a private residence in Rancho Palos Verdes on October 2.
A BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER was at the William Andrews Clark Library in Los Angeles (restricted hours) from September 29-October 1.
On September 27-28, Santa Catalina Island produced a LEAST FLYCATCHER, a BELL’S VIREO, a LARK BUNTING, four CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS, a NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, a BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, three TENNESSEEE WARBLERS, a BLACKPOLL WARBLER, a CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, a PALM WARBLER, a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, a PAINTED BUNTING and an INDIGO BUNTING.
A SUMMER TANAGER was in Baldwin Hills on October 1.
A PAINTED BUNTING was at Colorado Lagoon in Long Beach (on the golf course) on September 30.
A DICKCISSEL was at a residence in the Los Feliz area on September 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: 10/3/25 12:31 pm From: Aaron Jones via groups.io <atj0888...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Stolen Harris Hawks from SoFi Stadium
ADMIN: This message is a request for information, if you have any, about the missing hawks. The topic is closed for the group. If you have any information, please contact the appropriate authorities. Thanks, Aaron for letting us know.
Good morning,
I have only now seen an article regarding 2 stolen Harris Hawks from a falconer at SoFi Stadium. I haven't seen anything posted about it here, if this is an appropriate forum to spread the awareness, if it is not yet widely known. A search online should bring up a multitude of articles, but I shall post one here from the LA Times (I think it's readable without a paywall).
Date: 10/1/25 10:01 am From: Andrew Birch via groups.io <andyrbirch...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Banded BLACKPOLL WARBLER, Bond Park, Atwater Village
Continues this morning for its 4th day. Usually in the eucalyptus on the fence line and with a roving, mixed warbler flock of about a dozen birds. It's a very difficult bird as this flock is not in the park all the time. It does some sort of circuit through the neighborhood yards and I'm not sure how often the flock comes through the park. Every time it's been seen, it has been in the morning and everyone who has tried in the afternoons seems to have missed it. Although, there has been a compensation TENNESSEE WARBLER here for some.
What is the most interesting aspect of this bird is that it was banded on Southeast Farallon on 9/18 and turned up here 10 days later (I've been watching this park daily the past couple of weeks). Many thanks to Louis Wang for excellent photos showing the band and to Jim Tietz for confirming.
Best, Andy BirchLos Feliz
Date: 9/30/25 10:44 am From: Grigory Heaton via groups.io <g.heaton...> Subject: [LACoBirds] BLACKPOLL WARBLER, Arcadia County Park
Hi all,
The Blackpoll push continues - Luke Tiller and I had one this morning in the very northwest corner of Arcadia County Park, near 34°08'22.7"N 118°02'06.1"W. Apparently this park is not affected by the monday/tuesday closure at Peck/Santa Fe Dam/etc.
Date: 9/29/25 8:16 am From: <tgmiko...> via groups.io <tgmiko...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Northern Parula at Valhalla Memorial Park on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
Sorry this is my third PS: I only was able to see the one anterior view of
the bird where it really does look like there is a orange band across the
chest like a parula, but the other photo of the bird in the leaves which I
did not notice or was unable to see on the Flickr page--but just found on
the eBird report) makes me agree with Tom Benson about the bird looking a
lot more like a yellowthroat.
Tom Miko (Polar Bear Whisperer)
Claremont 91711
909.241.3300
On Sun, Sep 28, 2025, 8:10 PM Tom Benson <thomasabenson...> wrote:
> Why isn't it an immature male Common Yellowthroat?
>
> Tom Benson
> Redlands, CA
>
>
> On Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 08:05:50 PM PDT, <tgmiko...> via
> groups.io <tgmiko...> wrote:
>
>
> Alex,
> I am looking at this photo and I don't see any white around the eye.
> Obviously Kimball will look at your photo and correct me but could this
> possibly be a Tropical? Or is it just an artifact of how the photo came out?
>
> Tom Miko (Polar Bear Whisperer)
> Claremont 91711
> 909.241.3300
>
> On Sun, Sep 28, 2025, 7:21 PM Alexander Viduetsky via groups.io
> <alikoster...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> Today, I photographed what appears to be a Northern Parula at Valhalla
> Memorial Park in Burbank. The bird was very active and rather shy. I found
> it near the rose garden by the Portal of the Folded Wings.
> I'm including my eBird list from today with the enclosed photo of the
> Parula:
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S276183165 >
> You may also see my photo of this bird on my Flickr page:
> https://flic.kr/p/2rw5vjr >
> Also, in the park, I photographed a Red-tailed Hawk with a captured Rock
> Pigeon (I think it was a pigeon). I was a bit surprised to see that.
>
> Kind regards,
> Alexander Viduetsky
> Valley Village, CA
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 9/29/25 8:16 am From: <tgmiko...> via groups.io <tgmiko...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Northern Parula at Valhalla Memorial Park on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
Hi Tom
I believe that I see the colorful rainbow band across the chest. It's pale
and hard to see but I think I see it.
Tom Miko (Polar Bear Whisperer)
Claremont 91711
909.241.3300
On Sun, Sep 28, 2025, 8:10 PM Tom Benson <thomasabenson...> wrote:
> Why isn't it an immature male Common Yellowthroat?
>
> Tom Benson
> Redlands, CA
>
>
> On Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 08:05:50 PM PDT, <tgmiko...> via
> groups.io <tgmiko...> wrote:
>
>
> Alex,
> I am looking at this photo and I don't see any white around the eye.
> Obviously Kimball will look at your photo and correct me but could this
> possibly be a Tropical? Or is it just an artifact of how the photo came out?
>
> Tom Miko (Polar Bear Whisperer)
> Claremont 91711
> 909.241.3300
>
> On Sun, Sep 28, 2025, 7:21 PM Alexander Viduetsky via groups.io
> <alikoster...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> Today, I photographed what appears to be a Northern Parula at Valhalla
> Memorial Park in Burbank. The bird was very active and rather shy. I found
> it near the rose garden by the Portal of the Folded Wings.
> I'm including my eBird list from today with the enclosed photo of the
> Parula:
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S276183165 >
> You may also see my photo of this bird on my Flickr page:
> https://flic.kr/p/2rw5vjr >
> Also, in the park, I photographed a Red-tailed Hawk with a captured Rock
> Pigeon (I think it was a pigeon). I was a bit surprised to see that.
>
> Kind regards,
> Alexander Viduetsky
> Valley Village, CA
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 9/28/25 8:26 pm From: Alexander Viduetsky via groups.io <alikoster...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Correction to my post of possible Northern Parula @ Valhalla today
Birders, I apologize for my incorrect post about the bird that I thought was a Northern Parula. According to our experts, it was an immature male Common Yellowthroat (as I initially suspected, but got confused by two rebukes on my iNaturalist page: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/317394351
I have already updated my eBird post.
Kind regards, Alex Alexander Viduetsky Valley Village, CA
Date: 9/28/25 8:11 pm From: Tom Benson via groups.io <thomasabenson...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Northern Parula at Valhalla Memorial Park on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
Why isn't it an immature male Common Yellowthroat?
Tom BensonRedlands, CA
On Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 08:05:50 PM PDT, <tgmiko...> via groups.io <tgmiko...> wrote:
Alex,I am looking at this photo and I don't see any white around the eye. Obviously Kimball will look at your photo and correct me but could this possibly be a Tropical? Or is it just an artifact of how the photo came out?
Tom Miko (Polar Bear Whisperer)
Claremont 91711
909.241.3300
On Sun, Sep 28, 2025, 7:21 PM Alexander Viduetsky via groups.io <alikoster...> wrote:
Hello,
Today, I photographed what appears to be a Northern Parula at Valhalla Memorial Park in Burbank. The bird was very active and rather shy. I found it near the rose garden by the Portal of the Folded Wings.I'm including my eBird list from today with the enclosed photo of the Parula:https://ebird.org/checklist/S276183165
You may also see my photo of this bird on my Flickr page:https://flic.kr/p/2rw5vjr
Also, in the park, I photographed a Red-tailed Hawk with a captured Rock Pigeon (I think it was a pigeon). I was a bit surprised to see that. Â
Kind regards,Alexander ViduetskyValley Village, CA
Date: 9/28/25 8:05 pm From: <tgmiko...> via groups.io <tgmiko...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Northern Parula at Valhalla Memorial Park on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
Alex,
I am looking at this photo and I don't see any white around the eye.
Obviously Kimball will look at your photo and correct me but could this
possibly be a Tropical? Or is it just an artifact of how the photo came out?
Tom Miko (Polar Bear Whisperer)
Claremont 91711
909.241.3300
On Sun, Sep 28, 2025, 7:21 PM Alexander Viduetsky via groups.io <alikoster=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> Today, I photographed what appears to be a Northern Parula at Valhalla
> Memorial Park in Burbank. The bird was very active and rather shy. I found
> it near the rose garden by the Portal of the Folded Wings.
> I'm including my eBird list from today with the enclosed photo of the
> Parula:
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S276183165 >
> You may also see my photo of this bird on my Flickr page:
> https://flic.kr/p/2rw5vjr >
> Also, in the park, I photographed a Red-tailed Hawk with a captured Rock
> Pigeon (I think it was a pigeon). I was a bit surprised to see that.
>
> Kind regards,
> Alexander Viduetsky
> Valley Village, CA
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 9/28/25 8:01 pm From: omar alui via groups.io <omar.alui11...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Rarities at LA National Cemetery
Hey birders,
Today Mitchell Bailey and I had a pretty productive afternoon at LA
National Cemetery. We first had a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW in a small pine on
top of the hill here (34°3′55″ N 118°27′24″ W). Soon after we had a
BLACKPOLL WARBLER in the adjacent eucalyptus here (34.0654771,
-118.4565351). Then we then had a TENNESSEE WARBLER a ways away in some
smaller trees here (34.0635929, -118.4533986). Looks like LA is finally
getting some birds.
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.
Date: 9/28/25 7:21 pm From: Alexander Viduetsky via groups.io <alikoster...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Northern Parula at Valhalla Memorial Park on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
Hello,
Today, I photographed what appears to be a Northern Parula at Valhalla Memorial Park in Burbank. The bird was very active and rather shy. I found it near the rose garden by the Portal of the Folded Wings. I'm including my eBird list from today with the enclosed photo of the Parula: https://ebird.org/checklist/S276183165
Date: 9/27/25 11:50 am From: Ann and Eric via groups.io <motmots...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Adult summer Tanager at Kenneth Han Park the morning
Dear Birders,
A couple of our volunteers saw an adult male Summer Tanager at our mealworm feeder at Kenneth Hahn Park this morning- I'd share a picture if I could! Seen @ 11 am, in the turn circle near the Lotus Pond (end of the short road with the "Olympic Forest" sign, which is the first left after the entrance booth). Entry is $10/8.Â
Good Birding!Ann and Eric BrooksLos Angeles
This is the Los Angeles Rare Bird Alert for September 26, 2025.
The PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER along lower Ballona Creek was reported through September 25. Check for it with the flock of Black-bellied Plovers along the creek or on the salt pan. This area is upstream from the Pacific Ave. bridge.
Up to two RED KNOTS were on the beach at Playa del Rey from September 21-25. Two DUNLIN were with them on September 24.
Up to three COMMON TERNS were at the Ballona Creek mouth in Playa del Rey from September 19-23.
A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL continued at Dockeiler State Beach in El Segundo through September 24 around Lifeguard Tower 51 to 54.
An AMERICAN BITTERN continued at the Piute Ponds through September 22.
WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKERS were at St. Andrew’s Abbey in Valyermo on September 21 and in Juniper Hills on September 22.
A TROPICAL KINGBIRD was at Alta Vecente Reserve in Rancho Palos Verdes on September 20.
An EASTERN PHOEBE was at South Weddington Park in Studio City on September 24.
A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was at Holmby Park in West Los Angeles on September 21. Others were at the Piute Ponds on Edwards AFB on September 22 and at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood (by the gazebo) on September 19.
An OVENBIRD was on San Clemente Island on September 23.
A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was at St. Andrew’s Abbey in Valyermo (along Pallet Creek) on September 21.
A BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was along the Arroyo Seco at Upper Arroyo Park (just below the 210 Freeway) in Pasadena on September 25
A TENNESSEE WARBLER was at Arcadia County Park from September 21-22 in sycamores by the northwest corner.
Another TENNESSEE WARBLER was at Creek Park in La Mirada on September 23 south of Imperial Highway.
One more TENNESSEE WARBLER and a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK were on Santa Catalina Island (Avalon area) on September 21.
A SUMMER TANAGER was at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood on September 24 just above Carson Street.
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was in Signal Hill (North Side Trails) on September 21.
Two INDIGO BUNTINGS were along the San Gabriel River just above the Whittier Narrows Dam on September 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: 9/23/25 10:28 am From: Kimball Garrett via groups.io <cyanolyca818...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Some birds along the San Gabriel River this fall
Naresh et al.,
Interesting survey results -- thanks to those who did the field work.
One take-away for me is that Northern Red Bishop seems to be on its way out
in the county. Although there have been a few sightings this fall of up to
three individuals at the San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds, the
failure to record any bishops on your two surveys this fall certainly
suggests that they are very scarce. In the "olden" days (say, 1990s), one
would expect many dozens of bishops wherever there was a profuse growth of
annual grasses and others seeding annuals in the areas you covered.
Just goes to show that one can never predict the population trajectories of
naturalized species (the near extirpation of Spotted Doves in mainland
southern California being a prime example). Scaly-breasted Munias seem to
have held steady in your survey areas, and Pin-tailed Whydahs continue to
thrive. But who knows what the situation will be in ten or twenty years.
Of course if Swinhoe's White-eyes blink out one wonders if the planet can
sustain any life at that point.
Kimball Garrett
Juniper Hills
On Tue, Sep 23, 2025 at 9:59 AM Naresh Satyan via groups.io <naresh.satyan=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I had posted on the listserv a couple of months ago that there was quite a
> bit of water and great weedy vegetation along the San Gabriel River in the
> El Monte-Pico Rivera area this year. Some of the regular birders in the
> area were very enthusiastic about attempting some sort of bird survey of
> the river in the fall. So we checked the river from Valley Blvd to Slauson
> Ave, a stretch of 10 miles, on two days. The results of those counts are
> here, for people who like looking at these things:
>
> August 23 -- https://ebird.org/tripreport/405117 > September 21 -- https://ebird.org/tripreport/413834 >
> Generally, the river has dried out quite a bit in the last two months, and
> conditions in the San Gabriel spreading grounds are always changing, but
> the river bed hasn't been disced yet and a lot of weedy vegetation remains.
> Things like Bobolinks haven't arrived yet, but there were a few Indigo
> Buntings in this stretch this season along with other seedeaters, and a few
> interesting birds in the vicinity of the spreading basins. Some really
> interesting habitat that needs regular checking.
>
> Regards,
> Naresh (with several other birders, listed in the trip reports)
>
> --
> Naresh Satyan
> Pasadena, CA
>
>
>
Date: 9/23/25 9:59 am From: Naresh Satyan via groups.io <naresh.satyan...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Some birds along the San Gabriel River this fall
Hi all,
I had posted on the listserv a couple of months ago that there was quite a bit of water and great weedy vegetation along the San Gabriel River in the El Monte-Pico Rivera area this year. Some of the regular birders in the area were very enthusiastic about attempting some sort of bird survey of the river in the fall. So we checked the river from Valley Blvd to Slauson Ave, a stretch of 10 miles, on two days. The results of those counts are here, for people who like looking at these things:
Generally, the river has dried out quite a bit in the last two months, and conditions in the San Gabriel spreading grounds are always changing, but the river bed hasn't been disced yet and a lot of weedy vegetation remains. Things like Bobolinks haven't arrived yet, but there were a few Indigo Buntings in this stretch this season along with other seedeaters, and a few interesting birds in the vicinity of the spreading basins. Some really interesting habitat that needs regular checking.
Regards, Naresh (with several other birders, listed in the trip reports)
Date: 9/21/25 3:12 pm From: Kimball Garrett via groups.io <cyanolyca818...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Antelope Valley migrants, Northern Waterthrush at St. Andrews Abbey
Birders,
There has been some discussion, especially out of San Diego, about the generally lackluster volume of passerine migrants in the coastal lowlands so far this fall. I gather this is also the experience for those birding normally productive migrant traps on L. A. County's coastal slope.
Being "over the hill" I must say that passerine migration in the Antelope Valley has generally been quite good, as evidenced by recent coverage at places like Piute Ponds and Sorensen Park. I hesitate to say much more without actually comparing year-to-year numbers, but my impression is certainly that this part of the county has been productive this fall, relative to past years and to this year's conditions on the coastal slope..
There was good passerine migrant diversity and numbers this morning at Saint Andrew's Abbey in Valyermo. A highlight was a Northern Waterthrush along Pallet Creek west of the parking lot and apple orchard, along with eight (possibly nine) other warbler species. Also of note was a White-headed Woodpecker in Coulter pines in the pine grove south of the housing areas. My eBird checklist for the morning is here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S274775310
Same dates each year, pretty much the same observers.
Naresh
--
Naresh Satyan
Pasadena, CA
On Sat, Sep 20, 2025 at 3:01 PM Naresh Satyan via groups.io <naresh.satyan=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> Our third and final day of the annual shorebird survey of the LA river
> this fall was on Saturday September 20. The results are here:
> https://ebird.org/tripreport/413388 >
> Previous reports from this year:
> Day 1 (August 10): https://ebird.org/tripreport/401630 > Day 2 (August 30): https://ebird.org/tripreport/406934 >
> All three days had the same coverage. It was a clear day today, with
> temperatures from the mid 60s closer to the coast to a hot and muggy 85 F
> inland. We had clear skies and no winds. The water level in the river
> remains very high, with mudflats present last month now completely
> submerged. Shorebirds were patchily distributed along the river. Some
> stretches had nothing -- I had more Turkey Vultures than shorebirds in the
> Sepulveda basin/Burbank areas and Mark Wilson, counting in Cudahy and South
> Gate, wanted a refund -- while other stretches were productive. We found
> increased numbers of shorebirds as we progressed further into fall
> migration. Dick Barth had four Baird's Sandpipers in the Paramount area,
> and there were three Pectoral Sandpipers at various places.
>
> The season's results are tabulated at the bottom of this email.
>
> It may also be interesting to compare with the results of previous years'
> surveys. The results of these annual surveys are on the LA Birders website
> here:
> https://www.labirders.org/science_projects/la_river_shorebird_survey.html > -- scroll down to the spreadsheet at the bottom of the page.
>
> Thanks again to the birders who participated today: Jeff Boyd, Jon Fisher,
> Sam Bressler, Lance Benner, Dick Barth, Mark Wilson, Mark and Janet Scheel,
> and Andy Birch. We hope to do this again next fall.
>
> Regards,
> Naresh
>
> Date 10-Aug-25 30-Aug-25 20-Sep-25
> Conditions 63-73 F, marine layer over much of the survey area, mostly
> calm. The tide was a relatively low at the river mouth. 67-85 F, clear
> skies, no wind. High tide +3.5 to +4 ft at the river mouth 66-85 F, clear
> skies, humid and muggy inland, no wind for much of the morning. High tide
> +4.0 to +5.0 ft at the river mouth
> Comments Water levels in the river were fairly high throughout the survey
> area, with strong flow in the central channel. Water levels in the river
> were fairly high throughout the survey area, with strong flow in the
> central channel. Active Peregrine Falcons in the most productive areas of
> the river Water levels in the river were very high throughout the survey
> area, with quite a bit of vegetation, and shorebirds distributed unevenly
>
> Black-necked Stilt 1433 1312 1225
> American Avocet 17 8 1
> Black Oystercatcher 5 1 0
> Black-bellied Plover 0 0 1
> Semipalmated Plover 0 25 13
> Killdeer 145 120 144
> Whimbrel 5 12 11
> Long-billed Curlew 0 0 0
> Marbled Godwit 0 0 0
> Baird's Sandpiper 0 1 4
> Least Sandpiper 878 1437 2221
> Pectoral Sandpiper 0 0 3
> Semipalmated Sandpiper 0 0 0
> Western Sandpiper 21 132 1005
> peep sp. 10 42 33
> Short-billed Dowitcher 0 27 0
> Long-billed Dowitcher 121 135 37
> Short-billed/Long-billed Dowitcher 0 70 40
> Wilson's Snipe 0 0 0
> Wilson's Phalarope 1 0 0
> Red-necked Phalarope 0 0 0
> Spotted Sandpiper 22 29 30
> Solitary Sandpiper 0 2 0
> Greater Yellowlegs 52 72 64
> Willet 69 62 42
> Lesser Yellowlegs 1 5 6
> shorebird sp. 0 0 0
> --
> Naresh Satyan
> Pasadena, CA
>
>
>
Date: 9/20/25 3:01 pm From: Naresh Satyan via groups.io <naresh.satyan...> Subject: [LACoBirds] LA River Fall shorebird survey 2025: Day 3 results
Hi all,
Our third and final day of the annual shorebird survey of the LA river this fall was on Saturday September 20. The results are here: https://ebird.org/tripreport/413388
All three days had the same coverage. It was a clear day today, with temperatures from the mid 60s closer to the coast to a hot and muggy 85 F inland. We had clear skies and no winds. The water level in the river remains very high, with mudflats present last month now completely submerged. Shorebirds were patchily distributed along the river. Some stretches had nothing -- I had more Turkey Vultures than shorebirds in the Sepulveda basin/Burbank areas and Mark Wilson, counting in Cudahy and South Gate, wanted a refund -- while other stretches were productive. We found increased numbers of shorebirds as we progressed further into fall migration. Dick Barth had four Baird's Sandpipers in the Paramount area, and there were three Pectoral Sandpipers at various places.
The season's results are tabulated at the bottom of this email.
Thanks again to the birders who participated today: Jeff Boyd, Jon Fisher, Sam Bressler, Lance Benner, Dick Barth, Mark Wilson, Mark and Janet Scheel, and Andy Birch. We hope to do this again next fall.
Regards, Naresh
Date 10-Aug-25 30-Aug-25 20-Sep-25 Conditions 63-73 F, marine layer over much of the survey area, mostly calm. The tide was a relatively low at the river mouth. 67-85 F, clear skies, no wind. High tide +3.5 to +4 ft at the river mouth 66-85 F, clear skies, humid and muggy inland, no wind for much of the morning. High tide +4.0 to +5.0 ft at the river mouth Comments Water levels in the river were fairly high throughout the survey area, with strong flow in the central channel. Water levels in the river were fairly high throughout the survey area, with strong flow in the central channel. Active Peregrine Falcons in the most productive areas of the river Water levels in the river were very high throughout the survey area, with quite a bit of vegetation, and shorebirds distributed unevenly
This is the Los Angeles Rare Bird Alert for September 20, 2025.
The HOODED MERGANSER at Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park in Harbor City continued through September 13.
A GREATER ROADRUNNER continued along the east side of the Los Angeles River above Willow Street through September 17.
One to two BLACK SWIFTS were at the Piute Ponds on Edwards AFB on September 11 (letter of permission required).
The PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER along lower Ballona Creek was reported through September 19. Check for it with the flock of Black-bellied Plovers along the creek or on the salt pan. This area is upstream from the Pacific Ave. bridge.
A RED KNOT was on the beach at Playa del Rey from September 14-19.
A RUFF was at the Piute Ponds (on Duckbill Lake) on September 14.
COMMON TERNS were at the Piute Ponds from September 11-13 and by Belmont Pier in Long Beach through September 18. Five more were at the Ballona Creek mouth on September 19.
A SABINE’S GULL was at Lake Palmdale on September 13 (viewable from the Lamont Odett Vista overlook off the northbound 14 Freeway).
A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL continued at Dockeiler State Beach in El Segundo through September 18 near Lifeguard Tower 51 and 52.
A FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER and a RED-FOOTED BOOBY were in the Santa Catalina Channel (between San Pedro and Catalina Island) on September 14.
An AMERICAN BITTERN was at the Piute Ponds from September 11-14.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was at the Ferraro Soccer Fields in Glendale on September 18.
A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was in Grasshopper Canyon near Castaic Lake on September 19.
A BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was at Pt. Fermin in San Pedro on September 18 near the theater.
A TENNESSEE WARBLER was on Santa Catalina Island on September 14 in the Avalon area.
A VIRGINIA’S WARBLER was at Stephen Sorensen Park in Lake Los Angeles on September 16.
An AMERICAN REDSTART was at the Piute Ponds on September 14.
A BLACKPOLL WARBLER was in Rolling Hills Estates on September 14.
A SUMMER TANAGER continued at Murphy Ranch Park through September 14 around the parking lot.
Another SUMMER TANAGER was at Stephen Sorensen Park in Lake Los Angeles on September 19.
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was at Hopkins Wilderness Park in Redondo Beach on September 18 by the Gum Camp restroom.
-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: 9/19/25 1:55 pm From: condor262001 via groups.io <condor262001...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Olive-sided Flycatcher Western Wood Pewee encounter
I see them often together in the Silk Oak in Sand Dune Park in Manhattan Beach and they seem to get along.
However, yesterday i caught a sequence of photos where the Olive-sided definitely did not appreciate the Pewee flyby.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/25876581@N00/
