Date: 1/16/21 11:18 am From: Kevin Lapp via groups.io <kevin_lapp...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Scissor-tailed Continues at Ballona Marsh
Everyone:
Around 10am, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher showed up at the marsh, first spotted in trees in the middle of the marsh with a couple of Cassin Kingbirds. They moved west to the field west of the marsh, where the Scissor-tailed was feeding and showing off its pinkish sides and long tail. Not sure if the bird hung around. because I had to leave. If 2 days is a pattern, though, 10am tomorrow could be a good time to find the bird.
You are invited to join Los Angeles Birders for this first installment of
our new webinar series, “Slashes, sp.’s, and Identification (or not)” :
Identification of Female Hummingbirds in the Los Angeles Area
Dessi Sieburth
Tue, Jan 19, 2021 7:00 PM
As any birder knows, female hummingbirds present a difficult identification
challenge. Join Dessi Sieburth as he discusses the identification of the
six hummingbird species that regularly occur in Los Angeles County. We will
review status and distribution as well as key field marks of each species.
This program will conclude with a fun, interactive quiz on the member-only
Zoom platform -- though livestream viewers will be able to see and hear the
quiz clues, they won’t be able to participate in the live polling
functionality.
CONNECTION INFORMATION: A link to the webinar livestream will be posted on
our website <https://www.labirders.org/webinars/female_hummingbirds.html> at 6:55pm, five minutes before the webinar start time. If you are unable to
attend, this webinar *will* be recorded and made available on our website
for later (or repeat) viewing.
**
BECOME A MEMBER! Though our webinars will always remain free and available
to all, members of Los Angeles Birders have access to live webinars via
Zoom, allowing for more interactivity with presenters -- and the ability to
participate in quizzes. Members also receive priority sign-up for LAB
events and will receive discounts on paid LAB programs in the future. To
learn more about membership, please see our website
<https://www.labirders.org>!
**
SAVE THE DATE! Upcoming webinars:
*2/9/2021 -- Allison Shultz on infections and selective evolution
*3/9/2021 -- Cin-Ty Lee on empidonax identification
*4/13/2021 -- John McCormack on the Moore Lab of Zoology
Upcoming “Slashes, sp.’s, and Identification (or not)” workshops:
*2/16/2021 -- Jon Feenstra on yellow-bellied kingbirds
Date: 1/15/21 12:34 pm From: Ryan Terrill <Ornithoterrill...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] surprising bird call at the Arboretum today:
Hi Tom-
I have a lot of Bulbuls in my neighborhood, and hear that call quite frequently -- it does get me sometimes, it sounds a lot like an Ash-throated Flycatcher to my ear. Good one to know about
ryan
On Thu, Jan 14, 2021 at 5:54 PM Thomas Miko <thomas_miko...> wrote:
> > 1. Click on the 2nd recording of a Red-whiskered Bulbul, close your > eyes, and tell me that doesn't sound like a Myiarchus flycatcher. It's the > first recording that I obtained, when I thought I was hearing a > Brown-crested Flycatcher in a tree, but kept seeing a bulbul that was > eating berries: https://ebird.org/checklist/S79238775 > 2. Hey Merryl, I was at Cabrillo Beach yesterday, and didn't see a > single Mew Gull (I looked through a lot of Ring billed Gulls). The tides > are weird this time of year, and are called King Tides. > 3. Yesterday I drove over the new Gerald Desmond Bridge (beautiful > structure, by the way) and wound up opposite i.e. south of Golden Shore > Preserve at 33.76273402878856, -118.20537264409563 (I made a morally > questionable parking decision in the name of science, and wore my > "construction worker" safety reflector vest), and realized that I could see > a lot of mud bank with sandpipers which are not visible from the actual > preserve parking lot. There were multiple Whimbrels and 40+ Willets, > multiple Marbled Godwits, and a White-winged Scoter flew past me, towards > the open ocean. > > > Thomas Geza Miko > > Claremont, LA County > > 909.241.3300 > > >
-- Ryan S. Terrill
Postdoctoral Researcher Moore Lab of Zoology Occidental College ryansterrill.com
Date: 1/15/21 10:34 am From: Thomas Miko <thomas_miko...> Subject: [LACoBirds] American Oystercatcher Marina del Rey
Jehl scale numbers are going to be really good for this bird. He has been sitting on the rocks for the last hour and I don't think he is going anywhere. If you walk out to the far end of the middle jetty and look to your left (south) the bird is halfway between where you are and the southern tip of the free-standing jetty that is inaccessible.
I came here this morning despite knowing that I would be here at the same time as a very high tide, because the best time to look at the rocky shorebirds is in the morning when the sun is somewhat to your back, in the east, southeast. I may return in the late afternoon when the title be low and a lot of habitat becomes available to the various species of rock-loving sandpipers.
You need a scope to see the birds on the far jetty.
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is continuing at the Ballona Freshwater Marsh as of 10:15AM. It’s been flycatching in the field just west of the pond. The bird also flew briefly to one of the snags along the edge of the pond.
Date: 1/14/21 5:54 pm From: Thomas Miko <thomas_miko...> Subject: [LACoBirds] surprising bird call at the Arboretum today:
1.
Click on the 2nd recording of a Red-whiskered Bulbul, close your eyes, and tell me that doesn't sound like a Myiarchus flycatcher. It's the first recording that I obtained, when I thought I was hearing a Brown-crested Flycatcher in a tree, but kept seeing a bulbul that was eating berries: https://ebird.org/checklist/S79238775 2.
Hey Merryl, I was at Cabrillo Beach yesterday, and didn't see a single Mew Gull (I looked through a lot of Ring billed Gulls). The tides are weird this time of year, and are called King Tides.
3.
Yesterday I drove over the new Gerald Desmond Bridge (beautiful structure, by the way) and wound up opposite i.e. south of Golden Shore Preserve at 33.76273402878856, -118.20537264409563 (I made a morally questionable parking decision in the name of science, and wore my "construction worker" safety reflector vest), and realized that I could see a lot of mud bank with sandpipers which are not visible from the actual preserve parking lot. There were multiple Whimbrels and 40+ Willets, multiple Marbled Godwits, and a White-winged Scoter flew past me, towards the open ocean.
There was a nice group of Mew Gulls today at about 2 to 2:30 pm, close to the fence near the boat launch, on exposed flats outside the salt marsh riprap. The Little Blue Heron also made an appearance close to the fence but was scared off by some aggressive Snowy Egrets and retreated to the salt marsh.
I can't quite figure out how to work the tide charts for that location, but I think it was half tide and falling.
Merryl EdelsteinLong Beach
Date: 1/13/21 10:13 am From: David Bell <d...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Rough-legged Hawk hotspot
I have created a new hotspot that is centered in the area where there have been a large number of Rough-legged Hawk sitings along Ralphs Ranch Road. This location is south of I-5 and is between Gorman and Quail Lake. If you are the owner of one of the checklists containing Rough-legged Hawk, or any other checklist in this immediate area, we would appreciate you changing the location of your list to this new hotspot: "Ralphs Ranch Road". Here is the link to the new hotspot: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L13260371 I decided not to make this a "stakeout" hotspot at this point because the Rough-legged Hawk has also been seen at the Quail Lake hotspot. While on the subject of hotspots: if you would like to see any changes to any hotspots in Los Angeles County please don't hesitate to email me directly. I welcome requests to: 1) correct the names of hotspots; 2) correct the locations of hotspots; 3) merge with other hotspots; 4) propose new hotspots; or 5) remove hotspots (i.e. revert them to personal locations).
If you want to suggest a change to a hotspot, it is very helpful to include the link to the hotspot in question in your email. You can do this by clicking the name of the hotspot or exploring hotspots and then copying the link. David BellLa Canada, CA_._,_._,_
Date: 1/11/21 5:13 pm From: Thomas Miko <thomas_miko...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Lacy Park red crossbills
Hello, late this afternoon while photographing and observing the greeter pewee in the North end of Lacy Park, a small flock of six Red Cross pills flew overhead. There was no one around when this happened, except for Mark and I don't know why I didn't mention it but it happened too fast, anyway.
Thomas Geza Miko
Claremont 91711
909.241.3300
Date: 1/11/21 3:26 pm From: Richard Barth <busyday...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Eurasian Wigeon @ Magic Johnson
Birders,
Mon 11 Jan
This morning there was a male Eurasian Wigeon at Earvin Magic Johnson
Recreation Area in Willowbrook. It was with American Wigeons on the
north lake. [1]https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S79101145 [2]
Continuing at the park was an imm. female Vermilion Flycatcher.
This winter the park has also produced an adult Ross's Goose, an imm.
Snow Goose and three imm. Greater White-fronted Geese, none of which I
saw today. Much of the south half of the park is fenced off for
renovation.
Richard Barth West Hollywood
Date: 1/11/21 11:51 am From: Naresh Satyan <naresh.satyan...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Greater Pewee Lacy Park, San Marino(?)
The Greater Pewee continues today. It wasn't seen or heard at dawn and until 8:45 am when I left, but was found shortly thereafter. Relocated at 11:20 am. It has been preening high on a Dawn Redwood tree on the NW corner of the big oval field for the past 15 minutes. Calling a very soft pip-pip while preening, but there was one sequence when it stopped preening and gave loud pip-pip calls while shaking its wings and tail.
Naresh
-- Naresh Satyan Pasadena, CA
On Mon, Jan 11, 2021, 10:12 AM Tom Benson via groups.io <thomasabenson= <aol.com...> wrote:
> Tom, > > There are messages about the Greater Pewee posted to this listserv here ( > https://groups.io/g/LACoBirds/topic/greater_pewee_at_lacy_park/79549148?p=,,,20,0,0,0::recentpostdate%2Fsticky,,,20,2,0,79549148) > and here ( > https://groups.io/g/LACoBirds/topic/san_marino_greater_pewee/79581990?p=,,,20,0,0,0::recentpostdate%2Fsticky,,,20,2,0,79581990). > Anyone can visit the LACoBirds website and view all the archived messages ( > https://groups.io/g/LACoBirds/topics). > > Tom Benson > Redlands, CA > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Thomas Miko <thomas_miko...> > To: <LACoBirds...> <lacobirds...> > Cc: <tgmiko...> <tgmiko...> > Sent: Mon, Jan 11, 2021 9:57 am > Subject: [LACoBirds] Greater Pewee Lacy Park, San Marino(?) > > > Hi, > I am seeing some eBird reports about a Greater Pewee in n San Marino, but > the thing that is confusing to me is that I feel like I'm walking into the > middle of a conversation. it's possible that somebody posted this here to > this list and that that person, unfortunately, is one of those random > people that Hotmail is Spam blocking e.g Naresh and Ryan (I'm still not > able to fix that for them) > Specific information would be greatly appreciated. I'm ceasing myself at > my gmail address in the hope that whoever answers will definitely get > through to at least that email address. > > Thomas Geza Miko > Claremont 91711 > 909.241.3300 > > >
-----Original Message-----
From: Thomas Miko <thomas_miko...>
To: <LACoBirds...> <lacobirds...>
Cc: <tgmiko...> <tgmiko...>
Sent: Mon, Jan 11, 2021 9:57 am
Subject: [LACoBirds] Greater Pewee Lacy Park, San Marino(?)
Hi,I am seeing some eBird reports about a Greater Pewee in n San Marino, but the thing that is confusing to me is that I feel like I'm walking into the middle of a conversation. it's possible that somebody posted this here to this list and that that person, unfortunately, is one of those random people that Hotmail is Spam blocking e.g Naresh and Ryan (I'm still not able to fix that for them)Specific information would be greatly appreciated. I'm ceasing myself at my gmail address in the hope that whoever answers will definitely get through to at least that email address.
Thomas Geza Miko Claremont 91711909.241.3300
Date: 1/11/21 10:10 am From: Reilly Moss <snekker49...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Greater Pewee Lacy Park, San Marino(?)
Luke Tiller and I saw it yesterday at 1615 and saw it on and off for the next 45 minutes. It was amongst the 4 really tall pines on the north side. It stayed quite high up - 100'?
Date: 1/11/21 10:04 am From: Thomas Miko <thomas_miko...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Greater Pewee Lacy Park, San Marino(?)
Hi,
I am seeing some eBird reports about a Greater Pewee in n San Marino, but the thing that is confusing to me is that I feel like I'm walking into the middle of a conversation. it's possible that somebody posted this here to this list and that that person, unfortunately, is one of those random people that Hotmail is Spam blocking e.g Naresh and Ryan (I'm still not able to fix that for them)
Specific information would be greatly appreciated. I'm ceasing myself at my gmail address in the hope that whoever answers will definitely get through to at least that email address.
Date: 1/10/21 9:11 pm From: Mary & Nick Freeman <mnfreeman...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Help to ID Gull
Hey, Jan!
I am at a loss for the dark smudge on the bill of what appears to be a full adult alternate plumage "Herring-type” gull, which includes a lot of species. That said, here are my impressions:
While the darkness of upperparts on gulls is always hard to ascertain with any certainty due to lighting conditions, camera angle relative to the sun, etc.; these do look like very good photos to evaluate grays with. Of course, it would be better still if a nice WEGU was standing next to it pointing in the same direction, but at least there are not heavy shadows or blown-out aspects of the bird. But even with all these caveats, I am comfortable saying that this bird is as light (or at least nearly as light) as a full Herring or Glaucous-winged gull on the back. The primaries are not black like a Western Gull or Herring Gull, and not even as dark as most Western/Glaucous-winged hybrids ("Olympic Gulls”) that I recall. The eye does not seem to have even a hint of Herring yellowness about it. The basic plumage shading around the hood is smudgy - more like I see on occidentals Westerns and Glaucous-winged gulls than the streakiness of Herring Gulls. Leg color good for all. The bill is interesting, even apart from the “troubling spot”. Western Gulls have one of the most pronounced gonydeal angles in gulldom, and this bird has very little of that going on - more reminiscent of a Glaucous-winged or Herring gull.
My educated guess - going out on a limb here with 40% of my chips - is a Glaucous-winged / Herring / Glaucous-winged backcross, with 3/4 Glaucous-winged to keep the eye family dark, and hopefully enough influence to keep the streakiness out of the head; and just enough Herring to keep the good-sized bill uniformly thin and add a touch of gray to the primaries without darkening the mantle.
I could also make an argument for Glaucous-winged / occidentals Western / Glaucous-winged, or even “Nelson’s Gull” but I don’t think it would be as strong.
Nick
======================
> On Jan 10, 2021, at 7:51 AM, J. Wilson <jdi4interest...> wrote:
>
> [Edited Message Follows]
>
> Request help from gull expert to ID this probable hybrid found at Anaheim St on LA River please January 7th.
> The link is to the ebird report where a photo taken by J. Kendall is under Larus sp.
>
> It has the very pale gray on wings and tail like a GWGU but Please note the black spot on the bill (unlike a GWGU) which I think might indicate a cross with a Western Gull. Houghton and Mifflin have a lot of photos with this cross and some do indeed show a black on the bill.
> Also a very long bill. The fact that the tip is not worn down makes me wonder about quicker bill growth or not feeding well but that is a side note.
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S78827200 > Thanks.
>
> Jan Wilson
> Huntington Beach
>
>
"The party of Lincoln has become the party of Trump Incorporated."--Margaret Hoover, Republican political analyst & great grand daughter of Herbert Hoover
Date: 1/10/21 5:56 pm From: Thomas Miko <thomas_miko...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Great Sagebrush Sparrow Hunt update
!Hola!
Hay unas veces when my Android cell phone does, in fact allow me to directly upload the audio files from my free West German app (Hi-Q) directly into eBird. then, once in awhile I have a good friends at Alphabet a.k.a. Google will push out a software update and then that function or feature will stop working. A few months later, they will push out another operating system upgrade and then it will start working again.
Tom (Born in West Germany, the "okay") Germany
Thomas Geza Miko
Claremont 91711
909.241.3300
-------- Original message --------
From: Kimball Garrett <kgarrett...>
Date: 1/10/21 4:10 PM (GMT-08:00)
To: "<LACoBirds...>" <lacobirds...>
Subject: [LACoBirds] Great Sagebrush Sparrow Hunt update
Birders,
Now that Christmas Bird Counts are over and all the wintering rarities have already been chased and tallied for your 2021 Year Lists, it's time to think about ramping up field efforts for the Great Sagebrush Sparrow Hunt. For background, please visit the L. A. Birders website:
https://www.labirders.org/webinars/sage_sparrows.html
We are very encouraged with the initial field efforts in late November and December -- several birds with plumage matching that expected for Sagebrush Sparrow were induced to sing through playback and gave what appear to be diagnostic Sagebrush Sparrow songs. So we know they are out there, and possibly not even rare (but do bear in mind that Bell's Sparrows of the subspecies canescens are far more numerous and widespread).
Having said that, it is clear that this is a difficult, if not intractable, field identification issue. We know that canescens Bell's Sparrows can show some streaking across the entire back as well as great variation in the width and extent of the black malar. So we are still trying to refine exactly what the diagnostic characters are (besides species-specific songs). Some frustrated observers have called into question the validity of Sagebrush Sparrow as a species distinct from Bell's Sparrow (i.e., The Great Sagebrush Sparrow Hoax"). But bear in mind that species are not defined by the ability of birders to identify them but rather by biological attributes determined from specimens and from intensive field studies (e.g., morphology, genetics, ecology, behavior, and extent of interbreeding). Bell's and Sagebrush Sparrows "act" like good species where their breeding ranges meet in northern Inyo County, CA.
So we urge all of you to spend time in the Antelope Valley looking through "Sage" Sparrows from now into March. It is our assumption, though unproven, that Sagebrush Sparrows will be more likely to sing in response to playback (and maybe even spontaneously) as hormone titers ramp up with the approaching spring migration and breeding season. Some observers have already (early January) noticed an uptick in spontaneous singing of Bell's Sparrows, though that is more expected since they breed commonly in the Antelope Valley.
Most of the probable Sagebrush Sparrows have been east of Lancaster and north and east of Lake Los Angeles, but very similar creosote or mixed shrub habitat occurs south to the northern flank of the San Gabriel Mtns. (up to about 2500-3000' elevation) and in scattered pockets in much of the western Antelope Valley north of Hwy 138. Any and all of these areas should be searched, but we don't have enough knowledge yet to suggest specific habitat conditions. Don't worry if areas you choose to search have already been covered -- as composition of sparrow flocks at a given site seems to vary from week to week if not day to day.
The following seems to be the best strategy:
1. Find a paved or passable dirt road that traverses creosote and/or Atriplex scrub habitat. Try to avoid busy highways, and always be careful on dirt roads for sandy patches and especially for trash in the road that might contain sharp objects [every dirt road in the Antelope Valley is an unofficial and illegal dumping site.]
2. Stop and wander into scrub away from the road, pishing or using song playback to attract sparrows. A spotting scope is essential to see plumage details of birds as they (ideally) tee up atop a shrub.
3. You may have to stay with a bird a while to see and photograph its dorsal surface (the key area, along with the head/malar region).
4. If the bird is spontaneously singing or responds to playback, try to get a recording. [See below for more details on getting recordings]. Note that Bell's Sparrows will often respond by singing to Sagebrush Sparrow playback, but a Sagebrush Sparrow should as well. So far the only sightings we are inclined to accept as Sagebrush Sparrows involve well-photographed birds that were also song-recorded. So if you get a Sagebrush candidate, spend as much time as you can with it for photos and recordings.
5. Good numbers of sparrows (and other birds) are attracted to small puddles and water drips -- a few of these occur out in the Antelope Valley. This is a good way to examine a lot of birds, but less than ideal for getting song recordings.
We encourage everyone who hears Bell's Sparrows and Sagebrush Sparrow candidates to record their calls and songs. Although we welcome recordings obtained with dedicated recording equipment, recordings obtained with cell phones are also ideal to contribute to this effort.
Most cell phones come equipped with at least one app that allows users to make recordings. In general, recordings obtained with these apps (such as "Voice Memo" on iPhones) are in the compressed m4a format that is fine for documenting birds. For a few dollars, though, we recommend installing apps such as Voice Record Pro, Rode Rec, Rec Forge (for Android phones) and others on your phone that allow you to record "wav" files that are uncompressed and thus contain more information with each recording.
Once you have a recording, what should you do with it? Arguably the most important thing is to add your recordings to your eBird lists to document what you found, share the results with everyone, and so your contributions will be archived with the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Sound files uploaded to eBird lists will make lasting contributions whose value will increase with time; they are directly analogous to museum specimens.
To upload your sound files, you first need to get the recording from your phone to a computer and then add it to the eBird list. The method to transfer the sound files from the phone to the computer varies with the phone app, but most allow you to use the email app on the phone to email the file to yourself (then you can then retrieve the sound file from email on a computer); transfer the file to Google Drive, Dropbox, and then get it to a computer; use AirDrop (on an iPhone); and so forth. Transfer of the sound files from a phone to a computer generally does not require any sort of cable to connect the devices. When you have the file on your computer, upload it to your eBird list using the "Manage Media" option that you use to add photos to an eBird list.
To the best of our knowledge, it's not possible (yet) to transfer sound files from a phone directly to an eBird list, but if someone knows otherwise, please let us know.
If you're not familiar with editing sound files, don't worry about it, and please upload your files as they are. If you've had some sound editing experience, eBird welcomes files with minor edits such as removing handling noise at the beginning and end of the file, and normalizing the volume to -3 dB, but otherwise eBird prefers that sound files have no other edits (for example, no high- or low-pass filtering, even if there's a lot of background noise). Again, if you're not familiar with how to edit sound files, don't worry about this.
eBird allows you to upload files in "wav," "mp3," and "m4a" formats, which are the most widely used sound file formats currently in use.
Thanks for helping out with this effort, and best of luck in the field.
Kimball Garrett and Lance Benner
LABirders Science and Research Committee
Kimball L. Garrett
Ornithology Collections Manager
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90007 USA
213-763-3368
<kgarrett...><mailto:<kgarrett...>
Now that Christmas Bird Counts are over and all the wintering rarities have already been chased and tallied for your 2021 Year Lists, it's time to think about ramping up field efforts for the Great Sagebrush Sparrow Hunt. For background, please visit the L. A. Birders website:
We are very encouraged with the initial field efforts in late November and December -- several birds with plumage matching that expected for Sagebrush Sparrow were induced to sing through playback and gave what appear to be diagnostic Sagebrush Sparrow songs. So we know they are out there, and possibly not even rare (but do bear in mind that Bell's Sparrows of the subspecies *canescens *are far more numerous and widespread).
Having said that, it is clear that this is a difficult, if not intractable, field identification issue. We know that *canescens* Bell's Sparrows can show some streaking across the entire back as well as great variation in the width and extent of the black malar. So we are still trying to refine exactly what the diagnostic characters are (besides species-specific songs). Some frustrated observers have called into question the validity of Sagebrush Sparrow as a species distinct from Bell's Sparrow (i.e., The Great Sagebrush Sparrow Hoax"). But bear in mind that species are not defined by the ability of birders to identify them but rather by biological attributes determined from specimens and from intensive field studies (e.g., morphology, genetics, ecology, behavior, and extent of interbreeding). Bell's and Sagebrush Sparrows "act" like good species where their breeding ranges meet in northern Inyo County, CA.
So we urge all of you to spend time in the Antelope Valley looking through "Sage" Sparrows from now into March. It is our assumption, though unproven, that Sagebrush Sparrows will be more likely to sing in response to playback (and maybe even spontaneously) as hormone titers ramp up with the approaching spring migration and breeding season. Some observers have already (early January) noticed an uptick in spontaneous singing of Bell's Sparrows, though that is more expected since they breed commonly in the Antelope Valley.
Most of the probable Sagebrush Sparrows have been east of Lancaster and north and east of Lake Los Angeles, but very similar creosote or mixed shrub habitat occurs south to the northern flank of the San Gabriel Mtns. (up to about 2500-3000' elevation) and in scattered pockets in much of the western Antelope Valley north of Hwy 138. Any and all of these areas should be searched, but we don't have enough knowledge yet to suggest specific habitat conditions. Don't worry if areas you choose to search have already been covered -- as composition of sparrow flocks at a given site seems to vary from week to week if not day to day.
The following seems to be the best strategy:
1. Find a paved or passable dirt road that traverses creosote and/or *Atriplex* scrub habitat. Try to avoid busy highways, and always be careful on dirt roads for sandy patches and especially for trash in the road that might contain sharp objects [every dirt road in the Antelope Valley is an unofficial and illegal dumping site.]
2. Stop and wander into scrub away from the road, pishing or using song playback to attract sparrows. A spotting scope is essential to see plumage details of birds as they (ideally) tee up atop a shrub.
3. You may have to stay with a bird a while to see and photograph its dorsal surface (the key area, along with the head/malar region).
4. If the bird is spontaneously singing or responds to playback, try to get a recording. [See below for more details on getting recordings]. Note that Bell's Sparrows will often respond by singing to Sagebrush Sparrow playback, but a Sagebrush Sparrow should as well. So far the only sightings we are inclined to accept as Sagebrush Sparrows involve well-photographed birds that were also song-recorded. So if you get a Sagebrush candidate, spend as much time as you can with it for photos and recordings.
5. Good numbers of sparrows (and other birds) are attracted to small puddles and water drips -- a few of these occur out in the Antelope Valley. This is a good way to examine a lot of birds, but less than ideal for getting song recordings.
We encourage everyone who hears Bell's Sparrows and Sagebrush Sparrow candidates to record their calls and songs. Although we welcome recordings obtained with dedicated recording equipment, recordings obtained with cell phones are also ideal to contribute to this effort.
Most cell phones come equipped with at least one app that allows users to make recordings. In general, recordings obtained with these apps (such as "Voice Memo" on iPhones) are in the compressed m4a format that is fine for documenting birds. For a few dollars, though, we recommend installing apps such as Voice Record Pro, Rode Rec, Rec Forge (for Android phones) and others on your phone that allow you to record "wav" files that are uncompressed and thus contain more information with each recording.
Once you have a recording, what should you do with it? Arguably the most important thing is to add your recordings to your eBird lists to document what you found, share the results with everyone, and so your contributions will be archived with the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Sound files uploaded to eBird lists will make lasting contributions whose value will increase with time; they are directly analogous to museum specimens.
To upload your sound files, you first need to get the recording from your phone to a computer and then add it to the eBird list. The method to transfer the sound files from the phone to the computer varies with the phone app, but most allow you to use the email app on the phone to email the file to yourself (then you can then retrieve the sound file from email on a computer); transfer the file to Google Drive, Dropbox, and then get it to a computer; use AirDrop (on an iPhone); and so forth. Transfer of the sound files from a phone to a computer generally does not require any sort of cable to connect the devices. When you have the file on your computer, upload it to your eBird list using the "Manage Media" option that you use to add photos to an eBird list.
To the best of our knowledge, it's not possible (yet) to transfer sound files from a phone directly to an eBird list, but if someone knows otherwise, please let us know.
If you're not familiar with editing sound files, don't worry about it, and please upload your files as they are. If you've had some sound editing experience, eBird welcomes files with minor edits such as removing handling noise at the beginning and end of the file, and normalizing the volume to -3 dB, but otherwise eBird prefers that sound files have no other edits (for example, no high- or low-pass filtering, even if there's a lot of background noise). Again, if you're not familiar with how to edit sound files, don't worry about this.
eBird allows you to upload files in "wav," "mp3," and "m4a" formats, which are the most widely used sound file formats currently in use.
Thanks for helping out with this effort, and best of luck in the field.
Kimball Garrett and Lance Benner
LABirders Science and Research Committee
Kimball L. Garrett Ornithology Collections Manager Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 USA 213-763-3368 <kgarrett...>
Barrow’s Goldeneye still here at 2:30 PM. It was about 400 meters east of where 72nd St. Dead ends at the aqueduct. If you approach the spot by driving south on 72nd as I did you can still see the water (and the bird) by parking and walking around the west end of the aqueduct in front of you. There’s access to a footpath along the south side.
Chris Spurgeon
La Crescenta
> On Jan 10, 2021, at 8:00 AM, Mark Scheel <scheel314...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi all,
>
> The male Barrow's Goldeneye continues 745am. Now at the west end of ave V (dirt), adjacent to 72nd street. 72nd street does not intersect ave V.
>
> Chris Dean
> Mark Scheel
> Janet Scheel
>
>> On Sat, Jan 9, 2021, 5:58 PM Lance Benner <lbenner...> wrote:
>> Male on the aqueduct at 82nd East and Ave V in Littlerock. It’s a couple hundred meters east of the road crossing.
>>
>> Lance Benner and Kathi Ellsworth
>> Altadena, CA
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
Juvenile hawk with heavy stripes on the face, long narrow pointed wings, mottled under wings and body, narrow pale band on the rump at the base. Hoping that it returns so I can get photos.
Date: 1/10/21 8:44 am From: J. Wilson <jdi4interest...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Help to ID Gull
[Edited Message Follows]
Request help from gull expert to ID this probable hybrid found at Anaheim St on LA River please January 7th.
The link is to the ebird report where a photo taken by J. Kendall is under Larus sp.
It has the very pale gray on wings and tail like a GWGU but Please note the black spot on the bill (unlike a GWGU) which I think might indicate a cross with a Western Gull. Houghton and Mifflin have a lot of photos with this cross and some do indeed show a black on the bill.
Also a very long bill. The fact that the tip is not worn down makes me wonder about quicker bill growth or not feeding well but that is a side note.
Date: 1/10/21 8:00 am From: Mark Scheel <scheel314...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Barrow’s goldeneye
Hi all,
The male Barrow's Goldeneye continues 745am. Now at the west end of ave V
(dirt), adjacent to 72nd street. 72nd street does not intersect ave V.
Chris Dean
Mark Scheel
Janet Scheel
On Sat, Jan 9, 2021, 5:58 PM Lance Benner <lbenner...> wrote:
> Male on the aqueduct at 82nd East and Ave V in Littlerock. It’s a couple
> hundred meters east of the road crossing.
>
> Lance Benner and Kathi Ellsworth
> Altadena, CA
>
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 1/10/21 7:53 am From: J. Wilson <jdi4interest...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Help to ID Gull
Request help from gull expert to ID this probable hybrid found at Anaheim St on LA River please January 7th.
The link is to the ebird report where a photo taken by J. Kendall is under Larus sp.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S78827200 Thanks.
Date: 1/10/21 2:03 am From: Mary & Nick Freeman <mnfreeman...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] ID Help for a(nother) hawk
Kevin,
A couple of things that jump out at me are:
Dark secondaries - Swainson’s Hawks in all plumages have noticeably dark secondaries, which are also helpful in separating dark Swainson's from most all other dark-morph buteos (Short-tailed and White-tailed are a bit dark here). Also, the pointed, flame-shaped wings is no artifact. They really have pointier wings than other buteos. I agree with other comments that have been posted. Obviously, the oddest thing about this being a Swainson’s Hawk is the season! Some breed in the Antelope Valley, where I saw one in late February (?) once, and I believe there is a small wintering population in the Sacramento delta (?). Perhaps someone else can chime in on definite winter Status & Distribution for SWHA.
Nick Freeman
Glendale, CA
======================
> On Jan 9, 2021, at 6:39 PM, Katz, Nurit <nkatz...> wrote:
>
> Hi Kevin,
>
> There is a great app you can download called “Raptor ID”, and there is also an excellent Raptor ID group on Facebook with many experts who are really helpful in explaining ID points. You are correct that the lack of dark patagials makes this mot one of the 31 flavors of Red-tailed Hawk. It looks to be an intermediate or intermediate dark morph Swainson’s to me, since it has very little light on the throat, and a young one, maybe first year since its lacking the dark terminal band on the tail and has so much streaking on the belly. Experts may have more to add.
>
> Happy Birding!
> Nurit
> Encino, CA
>
> From: <LACoBirds...> <mailto:<LACoBirds...> <LACoBirds...> <mailto:<LACoBirds...>> On Behalf Of Kevin Lapp via groups.io
> Sent: Saturday, January 9, 2021 6:14 PM
> To: <LACoBirds...> <mailto:<LACoBirds...> > Subject: [LACoBirds] ID Help for a(nother) hawk
>
> Birders:
>
> I can't tell if I'm getter better, or worse, at identifying hawks. A couple of days ago at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, there was a hawk soaring high. It looked mostly like a Red-tailed Hawk, but something I couldn't articulate in the field was bothering me about it. I took a couple of poor photos, and looking at them today--cropped and photoshopped to bring out details--saw that there are no dark patagial bars. Does that mean anything? I figure it is one of the 31 flavors of Red-tailed Hawk, but thought I'd check in with the great birding community so I could learn a more about hawk ID.
>
> eBird checklist here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S78833582 <https://ebird.org/checklist/S78833582> > Same photos on Flickr, where you can zoom in a little: https://www.flickr.com/photos/34061022@N07/50819376591/in/photostream/ <https://www.flickr.com/photos/34061022@N07/50819376591/in/photostream/> >
> Kevin Lapp
> Culver City
>
Date: 1/9/21 6:47 pm From: Kevin Lapp via groups.io <kevin_lapp...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Update: ID Help for a(nother) hawk: SWAINSONS
Everyone:
The responses have been swift, several, and unanimous: the hawk I saw is a Swainson's Hawk. A cool 5MR lifer I had on my target list for 2021. Thank you to those who shared their knowledge.
Date: 1/9/21 6:39 pm From: Katz, Nurit <nkatz...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] ID Help for a(nother) hawk
Hi Kevin,
There is a great app you can download called “Raptor ID”, and there is also an excellent Raptor ID group on Facebook with many experts who are really helpful in explaining ID points. You are correct that the lack of dark patagials makes this mot one of the 31 flavors of Red-tailed Hawk. It looks to be an intermediate or intermediate dark morph Swainson’s to me, since it has very little light on the throat, and a young one, maybe first year since its lacking the dark terminal band on the tail and has so much streaking on the belly. Experts may have more to add.
Happy Birding!
Nurit
Encino, CA
From: <LACoBirds...> <LACoBirds...> On Behalf Of Kevin Lapp via groups.io
Sent: Saturday, January 9, 2021 6:14 PM
To: <LACoBirds...>
Subject: [LACoBirds] ID Help for a(nother) hawk
Birders:
I can't tell if I'm getter better, or worse, at identifying hawks. A couple of days ago at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, there was a hawk soaring high. It looked mostly like a Red-tailed Hawk, but something I couldn't articulate in the field was bothering me about it. I took a couple of poor photos, and looking at them today--cropped and photoshopped to bring out details--saw that there are no dark patagial bars. Does that mean anything? I figure it is one of the 31 flavors of Red-tailed Hawk, but thought I'd check in with the great birding community so I could learn a more about hawk ID.
Date: 1/9/21 6:13 pm From: Kevin Lapp via groups.io <kevin_lapp...> Subject: [LACoBirds] ID Help for a(nother) hawk
Birders:
I can't tell if I'm getter better, or worse, at identifying hawks. A couple of days ago at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, there was a hawk soaring high. It looked mostly like a Red-tailed Hawk, but something I couldn't articulate in the field was bothering me about it. I took a couple of poor photos, and looking at them today--cropped and photoshopped to bring out details--saw that there are no dark patagial bars. Does that mean anything? I figure it is one of the 31 flavors of Red-tailed Hawk, but thought I'd check in with the great birding community so I could learn a more about hawk ID.
Date: 1/9/21 5:05 pm From: <coreyhusic...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Eurasian Teal - San Gabriel Spreading Grounds
Hey all,
It was reported on eBird, but I figured I’d share here that Steven Kurniawidjaja found a Eurasian (Common) Teal at the San Gabriel Spreading Grounds this morning. I’m currently watching the bird from the bike path near Loch Avon Dr. where it is with some pintails and a Green-winged Teal. eBird still considers this to be a subspecies of Green-winged Teal, but it should still be of interest to some.
Birders,
Sat 9 Jan
This morning there was a Plumbeous Vireo at Odd Fellows Cemetery in
Boyle Heights, in trees near the southwest corner of the property.
https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S78961266 [1]
Another note. Yesterday at the L.A.River, Jeff and I had a
female-type Black Scoter south of Anaheim St and three Long-tailed
Ducks north of Anaheim. https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S78901568 [2]
Date: 1/9/21 12:22 pm From: <rebecca.fenning...> Subject: [LACoBirds] LA Birders Webinar: Evolution and Feather Molt, 1/12/2021
Hello birders,
You are invited to join Los Angeles Birders for our next webinar:
Evolutionary Interactions of Feather Molt in Birds
with Ryan Terrill, PhD
Tuesday, January 12, 2021 7:00 PM
Dr. Terrill studies the evolution of bird molt, an incredible adaptation
that allows birds to drop and regrow worn feathers each year. Annual molt
is essential for survival of birds and is the only event of the annual
cycle found in all individual birds, yet the fundamental nature of its
variation is unknown. Birds face a trade-off between immediate need for a
feather and resources available for regrowth, which has led to the
evolution of a diversity of patterns and sequences of feather replacement.
Dr. Terrill uses phylogenetic comparative analyses combined with molt,
phenotype, ecology, and spatial data to investigate how and why birds have
evolved such a diverse array of molt strategies.
CONNECTION INFORMATION: A link to the webinar livestream will be posted on
our website
<https://www.labirders.org/webinars/evolution_of_feather_molt.html> at
6:55pm, five minutes before the webinar start time. If you are unable to
attend, this webinar *will* be recorded and made available on our website
for later (or repeat) viewing.
**
BECOME A MEMBER! Though our webinars are always free and available to all,
members of Los Angeles Birders have access to live webinars via Zoom,
allowing for more interactivity with presenters, as well as priority
sign-up for LAB events and discounts on any paid LAB programs and classes.
To learn more about membership, please see our website
<https://www.labirders.org>.
**
SAVE THE DATE! Upcoming webinars:
*2/9/2021 -- Allison Shultz on infections and selective evolution
*3/9/2021 -- Cin-Ty Lee on empidonax identification
*4/13/2021 -- John McCormack on the Moore Lab of Zoology
Upcoming “Slashes, Spuhs, and ID” workshops:
*1/19/2021 -- Dessi Sieburth on female hummingbirds
*2/16/2021 -- Jon Feenstra on yellow-bellied kingbirds
Date: 1/9/21 7:12 am From: <lathrotriccus...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Greater pewee at Lacy Park (San Marino)??
Just noticed this ebird alert, reported as western wood-pewee. Greater would be much more likely this time of year, and photos look ok for Greater (bright orange mandible).
Date: 1/8/21 7:55 pm From: Thomas Miko <thomas_miko...> Subject: [LACoBirds] PS: Golden Shore Mew Gulls
I forgot to mention that there were 9 Mew Gulls at Golden Shore Preserve, this afternoon. I deliberately arrived at low tide, hoping for Long billed Curlews (nope). I only saw one Long-tailed Duck, and no White-winged or Black Scoters at from PCH south to Shoreline Drive, along with multiple Redheads, 3 Greater Scaup among/near the Lesser Scaups. (Is the plural of scaup "scaup" or "scaups"?). I ran into a other birders who reported no rare scoters, and we photographed what looked like an adult Thayer's now Iceland Gull at the spillway at Anaheim Street.
If this is not an adult Iceland (Thayer's) Gull, please let me know why [I hate gulls]. Same goes for my photo of an adult Glaucous-winged Gull (the primaries were paler than they look in the photo).
Thomas Geza Miko
Claremont, LA County
909.241.3300
"The party of Lincoln has become the party of Trump Incorporated."--Margaret Hoover, Republican political analyst & great grand daughter of Herbert Hoover
Hi
What is this warbler? I never saw it (I tried, I tried) in a ficus at Golden Shore Preserve, Long Beach?
I saw and heard many Audubon's Warblers, and did have a Common Yellowthroat up in the ficus (It's always weird when a Yellowthroat is 30 feet up in a tree)?
https://ebird.org/checklist/S78902338
Thomas Geza Miko
Claremont, LA County
909.241.3300
"The party of Lincoln has become the party of Trump Incorporated."--Margaret Hoover, Republican political analyst & great grand daughter of Herbert Hoover
This is the Los Angeles Rare Bird Alert for January 8.
A WHITE-WINGED DOVE was in the west central area of Madrona Marsh on January 5. A WESTERN KINGBIRD continued at the marsh through January 5.
Eighteen VAUX'S SWIFTS were at Silver Lake Reservoir on January 3.
A PACIFIC LOON continued at Quail Lake near Gorman through January 2.
An AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER flew past Malibu on January 2.
The PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER along lower Ballona Creek was seen through January 7. Park at the end of Pacific Ave in Playa del Rey and head north over the bridge to the far (north) side of the channel. Walk upstream and watch for the bird at or near the UCLA boat ramp.
Up to thirty-three MOUNTAIN PLOVERS continued in the Antelope Valley through January 5. They have been at the A&G Sod Farm at 50th Street East and Avenue N. Remember that most of the land here is private property. Bird from the roadside only.
A NEOTROPIC CORMORANT continued at Peck Road Water Conservation Park in Arcadia through January 6.
The immature LITTLE BLUE HERON at the Cabrillo / Salinas de San Pedro Salt Marsh in San Pedro was present through January 6.
A YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON continued around the Ballona Creek mouth jetties through January 3.
The BROAD-WINGED HAWK at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Rilling Hills Estates was seen through January 7. It moves around the area, but the dry pond seems to be a good place to start.
A ZONE-TAILED HAWK continued in Monrovia through January 3. It has often been in the vicinity of Grand Avenue Park, but can be seen anywhere in the general area.
The "HARLAN'S" RED-TAILED HAWK continued at the Ballona Wetlands through January 5. It has been seen in section A, on the north side of Ballona Creek and east of the UCLA boat ramp (upstream from Pacific Ave.).
The ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK near Gorman continued through January 7. It is now regularly being seen from Ralph's Ranch Road where it parallels the 5 Freeway south of Gorman.
A SHORT-EARED POWL was in the Antelope Valley along Avenue E, between 60th and 70th Street East.
WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKERS were at Almansor Park in Alhambra on January 4 (southeast corner of the jogging trail where the golf course fence meets Adams) and at Inglewood Park Cemetery on January 6 (Pinecrest section near the southwest corner of the mausoleum).
NORTHERN "YELLOW-SHAFTED" FLICKERS were at the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library in Los Angeles on January 3 and at the Village Green Condominiums in Los Angeles on January 3.
The DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER at Heartwell Park in Long Beach was seen through January 6. It has been on the west side of Woodruff Ave. near the south side of the park. A NASHVILLE WARBLER continued in this same area also through January 5.
The BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER continued at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Rolling Hills Estates through January 6 around the dry pond. A BELL'S VIREO also continued here through January 6.
The BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER at Michigan Park in Whittier was seen through January 4 near the parking lot.
TROPICAL KINGBIRDS continued around the pond at Entradero Park in Torrance through January 6 and at El Dorado Park in Long Beach through January 3 (on the east side of the south lake).
The GREATER PEWEE continued at Rustic Canyon in Pacific Palisades through January 2. It was at the end of Latimer Road near Brooktree.
A HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER continued at Carr Park in Glendale through January 4.
A DUSKY FLYCATCHER continued through January 2 at Willow Springs Park in Long Beach. This bird was first found on December 9. An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER continued at the park through January 2.
PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS continued at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Rolling Hills Estates north around the pond through January 5 and at the small park where Los Feliz crosses the Los Angeles River in Atwater Village through January 6.
The EASTERN PHOEBE at the Bette Davis Picnic Area in Glendale was reported through January 4. It is being seen on the north side of the Los Angeles River, usually just east of the Riverside Drive crossing. It may be seen in the park area proper or between there and the island east of Riverside.
The EASTERN PHOEBE continued at the Rolling Hills Landfill Loop in Rolling Hills Estates near the equestrian center stables through January 7 along with a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW.
CASSIN'S VIREOS continued at Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park in Harbor City (in a large ficus by the northeast parking area) through January 2 and at the San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds in Pico Rivera through January 1 (on the west side of the basin, close to the end of Mines Ave.).
The japonicus type AMERICAN PIPIT continued at the Ferraro Soccer Fields in Glendale through January 2.
A GRASSHOPPER SPARROW continued at Triunfo Creek Park in Westlake Village along the trail to the reservoir through January 2.
Another GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was at the San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds in Pico Rivera on January 6. It was along the east side berm, north and across from the Mines Ave. entrance.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was at the Piute Ponds on Edwards AFB on January 2. A letter of permission is required for entry.
Other CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS continued at Cheviot Hills Park through January 3 and in Torrance through January 7.
DARK-EYED "GRAY-HEADED" JUNCOS were at Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas through January 7, at College Park in Claremont through January 4 and at Hahamongna Watershed Park in Pasadena (by the lower parking area near the sports field) through January 7.
A DARK-EYED "PINK-SIDED" JUNCO was also at College Park in Claremont through January 4.
WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS continued at Horsethief Canyon Park in San Dimas through January 5 near the southwest corner of the dog park, at Harbor Regional Park through January 2 (by the middle parking lot near the playground), at the South Coast Botanic Garden through January 3, in Valley Village through January 5 and in Winnetka through January 3.
The SWAMP SPARROW along the Los Angeles River in Glendale continued through January 7. It has been in the riverbed vegetation adjacent to the Bette Davis Picnic Area, below the Riverside crossing.
GREEN-TAILED TOWHEES were along the Los Pinetos Trail near Santa Clarita on January 2, continuing at the Ballona Freshwater Marsh through January 3 and at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood through January 6 near the Los Coyotes entrance.
The BALTIMORE ORIOLE at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Rolling Hills Estates continued through January 7 in coral trees by the entrance.
A SCOTT'S ORIOLE continued near the Crystalaire Country Club in Llano through January 5.
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLERS continued at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood through January 6 and in the willows at Madrona Marsh in Torrance through January 7.
A NASHVILLE WARBLER was at Pan Pacific Park in Los Angeles on January 3. Another continued at Peck Road Water Conservation Park in Arcadia through January 3 (between the north and south lake) and one was at Silver Lake Reservoir on January 3.
The AMERICAN REDSTART at Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach continued through January 6 in trees by the dog park near the botanical garden.
A PALM WARBLER continued at the San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds in Pico Rivera through January 6, west of the Mines Ave. entrance.
The PAINTED REDSTART at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood was reported through January 7. It has been frequenting an oak tree by the south side of the Pinecrest section, south of the pond.
SUMMER TANAGERS continued at Wardlow Park in Long Beach through January 5 and at the Village Green Condominiums in Los Angeles through January 3. Another was at the Los Angeles Country Club on January 3.
A BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK continued at a residence in Pasadena through January 5.
-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: 1/8/21 11:49 am From: Christoph Randler <christoph.randler...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Covid - birding
Happy New Year
Dear Birders,
Hope you all are fine; we are doing a short study how COVID-19 has changed birding. Please help us and answer a few questions, that take some minutes. You can also forward the link to others.
The study is in several languages and we would be happy for your participation. The study is hosted by the University of Tübingen, and run by a team of people, also being birders.
Stay healthy and good birding,
Christoph
Date: 1/8/21 11:40 am From: Thomas Miko <thomas_miko...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Grasshopper Sparrow Friday
Hi, the adult mle American Wigeon and the Grasshopper Sparrow continue along the eastern edge of the pond that is north of Mines Avenue (which does not actually enter the spreading grounds) at the San Gabriel spreading grounds, between Whittier Boulevard and Washington Boulevard, in Pico Rivera. Big shout-out to Derek H, who pointed out the sparrow and the warbler.
Date: 1/6/21 3:37 pm From: Larry Schmahl via groups.io <larschmahl...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Williamson's Sapsucker at Inglewood Park Cemetery
Hello all, Had lunch near the Painted Redstart oak tree at Inglewood Park Cemetery today, the 6th.There was a male Williamson's Sapsucker in a pine tree near the SW corner of the mausoleum which runs through the Pinecrest section of the cemetery.The redstart was also present in its favored oak tree. Both birds were no more that 100 feet from each other.The oak tree is along the south edge of the Pinecrest section and across from a large brown headstone with the name "LACER" on it. Happy birding Larry SchmahlWhittier Ca.
Date: 1/6/21 11:03 am From: David Bell <d...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Grasshopper Sparrow
There is a grasshopper sparrow along the dike along the south/east edge of the San Gabriel spreading grounds approximately here: (33.9899910, -118.0757650). It is very tame and feeding out in the open.
The Palm warbler continues at the Mines Road entrance. David A. BellLa Cañada, CA. _._,_._,_
Date: 1/6/21 8:57 am From: Thomas Miko <thomas_miko...> Subject: [LACoBirds] bald eagles Santa Fe Dam
Hi, there is a Bald Eagle flying around Santa Fe dam. It is a sub adult bird at the west end of the lake. I took a big walk trying to get Rock Wten and didn't want to haul my camera with me so of course I can't get pictures of the bird.
I'm trying to copy and paste GPS coordinates but my phone is not cooperating this morning.
Date: 1/5/21 9:30 pm From: Richard Barth <busyday...> Subject: [LACoBirds] a few notes....
Birders,
Tues 5 Jan
An adult Bald Eagle, twice seen flying downriver at LAR recently by
Jeff Boyd, was seen yesterday perched in trees in the neighborhood
west of the river, at the American Gold Star Manor (Spring St and
Santa Fe Ave). The bird was photographed and reported by a resident of
the Manor. It stayed only briefly on the property.
At the river this morning, Jeff and I covered Willow St to south of
7th St. Our most unexpected sighting was that of a Harbor Seal
foraging in the river between 7th and Anaheim.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbarth/50805162323 [1]
There was an immature male White-winged Scoter between 20th and 21st,
well upriver for one of our "rare" scoters. 3 Long-tailed Ducks were
between 7th and Anaheim. Photos of these birds are in my eBird
submission: [2]https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S78754125 [3]
Richard Barth West Hollywood
Date: 1/5/21 2:26 pm From: <lathrotriccus...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Los Angeles CBC wrap-up
Birders,
This season’s Los Angeles Christmas Bird Count (CBC) was held January 3,
2021. The center of the count is roughly Pico at Robertson. Our sites had
roughly the same coverage as in prior years, and a whopping 525 eBird
checklists were submitted, with more trickling in. I want to thank the
dozens of birders who turned out, socially-distanced (many birding alone),
to make this count happen. With most checklists in, our species total so
far is very high: 185 species, including exotics/introduced species. By
comparison, we tallied 171 in 2020, 171 (again) in 2019, 165 in 2018, 174
in 2017, and 183 in 2016. I started compiling this count in 2007 and
switched to an all-eBird reporting system in 2016. I’d have to go into the
Audubon database, and account for introduced species, to really compare
totals, but this feels like a very high count.
Due to the pandemic, we could not access the entire Veterans’
Administration (VA) complex in west Los Angeles, which in past years tends
to produce 2-3 rare/vagrant species. We also did not cover Los Angeles
National Cemetery due to security issues. And for those who haven’t visited
Los Angeles city parks in a while, several of our better parks for birding
are now de facto homeless villages, with loud music, tent cities, and most
recently, piles of human waste, which can make birding challenging. Still,
finding 185 taxa in what is probably the most urbanized count circle in the
U.S. is impressive.
Below I will relate my impressions and interpretation of the sightings, in
taxonomic order.
DUCKS/GEESE
We tanked with rare geese – two Ross’ Geese were the only non-Canada Geese.
One was entangled in fishing line at Kenneth Hahn (makes things easy), but
one at Ballona Freshwater Marsh with the Canada flock was a wild bird
(Darren Dowell).
Egyptian Geese are now locally established in the region, but still aren’t
that common here. We had 6 birds at two sites (MacArthur Park, Hollywood
Forever Cemetery).
We did well with ducks, picking up small numbers of Northern Pintail,
Canvasback, Redhead, Greater Scaup, and Common Goldeneye here and there.
However, the days of easily finding Wood Ducks at Franklin Canyon may be
over – none were there on count day, but I see in eBird one was there on
Jan. 4th (plus a handful of sightings last month).
QUAIL
California Quail have been scarce – even missed – in past years, so 11 at
Bird Sanctuary in Griffith Park (Bob Packard), and 20 along the Kenter Fire
Road Trail in Brentwood (Nurit Katz) were nice to see.
GREBES
Some large flocks of Pied-billed Grebes winter in the area. Jarod Diamond
tallied 95 at Stone Canyon from a friend’s deck (the only way that DWP
reservoir can be birded).
A lone Clark’s Grebe was picked out off Venice beach by sharp-eyed Graham
Montgomery, a UCLA postdoc. We encourage good birders from all over the
world to come to UCLA just to push our count total up, so good going.
DOVES
Eurasian Collared-Doves are here to stay, with more than 100 individuals
found at 15 locations.
SWIFTS
Vaux’s Swifts are far less than annual, but on most winter days, a flock
will drift from the Los Angeles River into the count circle, as happened at
Echo Park (18, Ryan Terrill).
HUMMINGBIRDS
A possible Costa’s Hummingbird (Vista Hermosa Park) is still being puzzled
over.
Anna’s and Allen’s were both common, but we’ll need to wait until I sort
the numbers out (due to multiple reports from the same location).
Interestingly, 65 locations reported Anna’s, while 63 reported Allen’s,
though typically there are many more Allen’s per square inch than Anna’s,
at least in winter.
RAILS
We picked up both Virginia Rail and Sora at our two freshwater marshes,
Franklin Canyon (upper reservoir; Scott Logan/John Lobel) and Ballona
Freshwater Marsh (Darren Dowell).
SHOREBIRDS
Between 200-300 Black-bellied Plovers were tallied at the Ballona Wetlands,
where they winter, and Bob Packard managed a photo of the Pacific
Golden-Plover during an afternoon check.
Snowy Plover was only at Venice Beach (10, Graham Montgomery), which
appears to be a regular wintering area now.
At least one Long-billed Curlew was at Ballona Lagoon, and one Western
Sandpiper was on Venice Beach (Graham Montgomery). Both are pretty rare in
the circle in winter, and at least the curlew appears to require extensive
saltmarsh for roosting, which is in short supply at Ballona Wetlands.
GULLS/TERNS
A Parasitic Jaeger was off Venice Beach (Graham Montgomery), where fairly
regular if you stare at the ocean long enough.
Black Skimmers occur just off the beach unpredictably all winter, and Lee
Pace managed to see one as it flew down the coast at Playa del Rey.
CORMORANTS/PELICANS
We only picked up a single American White Pelican, at Ballona Freshwater
Marsh.
HAWKS/OWLS
Up to three White-tailed Kites were at Ballona, as was either a single
Northern Harrier, or several more (need to figure that one out based on
when the singles were seen, plumage notes, etc.). Elsewhere in the count
circle, I had a surprise Northern Harrier at Forest Lawn/Griffith Park edge
(all that grading of the upper slopes was good for something, I guess).
Only 3-4 Sharp-shinned Hawks seems low; Cooper’s Hawks were recorded (1-2
birds) at 22 locations, by comparison.
Our owl count was a respectable three species, including two Barn Owls at
Ballona Freshwater Marsh (Darren Dowell), and a roosting Western
Screech-Owl somewhere along Benedict Canyon (Nurit Katz).
WOODPECKERS
Red-naped Sapsucker was a good find at Los Angeles Country Club (Kimball
Garrett/Allison Shultz); they’re less than annual on the CBC.
FALCONS
No more than 10 American Kestrels were found; this was formerly (pre-1970s)
the most common raptor in the count circle, but things have changed. I’ve
wondered if Merlin will overtake it, but we only had 6 of those.
FLYCATCHERS
Empids are rare in the circle in winter (usually missed), so the Gray
Flycatcher wintering at Village Green (Don Sterba) was a good catch.
Vermilion Flycatchers are seemingly everywhere in the region now; two at
Rosedale Cemetery were known, but one at Hillside Memorial Cemetery (Russ
Stone) was not (yet) at a regular wintering area.
MISC. PASSERINES
A Plumbeous Vireo was a good find at Pan Pacific Park (Rebecca Marschall).
You never know which random park will produce something that no one else
sees that day.
The Loggerhead Shrike at Ballona Wetlands was missed, but one was
photographed as it chased birds through pine trees at Cheviot Hills Park
(Andy Kleinhesselink). Andy also picked out the only Golden-crowned Kinglet
for the count in these trees.
Our only swallow was a single Barn Swallow along Venice Beach (Graham
Montgomery); in a few more weeks, Tree Swallows will be swarming Ballona
Freshwater Marsh!
A Swinhoe’s White-eye, a recent introduction now established in coastal
Orange County, was picked up at Park La Brea (Bhaskar Krishnamachari) for
only the second time on the count (two were at Westchester Park last year).
Not a great year for montane species, but not a terrible one – 5 Mountain
Chickadees were found, a single Red-breasted Nuthatch was at Franklin
Canyon (Scott Logan/John Lobel), and a Brown Creeper was a super find at
Echo Park (Morgan Edel).
On the heels of a single California Gnatcatcher a few weeks ago at Hillside
Memorial Park, a pair was photographed (from a public road) on oil company
property planted with native coastal sage scrub in the Baldwin Hills
adjacent to West L.A. College (Don Sterba). A population has recently
(2012-on) become re-established on the El Segundo Dunes; perhaps the
Baldwin Hills are next?
Not a great year for American Robin, with counts under 10 birds at just 12
sites. Waxwings were everywhere.
No fewer than FOUR Phainopepla were scattered around (sometimes missed).
Pin-tailed Whydahs aren’t yet established in the count circle (see
white-eye, above), so six at Cheviot Hills might be a harbinger.
SPARROWS
The continuing Clay-colored Sparrow was picked up at Cheviot Hills Park
(Andy K.), as was the lingering Green-tailed Towhee at Ballona Freshwater
Marsh (D. Dowell).
ORIOLES/WARBLERS/ETC.
Just one oriole was found, a Bullock’s at Cheviot Hills Park (Andy K.).
Brewer’s Blackbirds continue to be scarce, found at just four locations:
Echo Park, Baldwin Hills, and Playa del Rey.
Relatively few rare warblers were found, with two Nashvilles, one Yellow,
seven Black-throated Grays, a Hermit, and the continuing Painted Redstart
at Inglewood Cemetery.
Two Summer Tanagers were found, at L.A. Country Club (Kimball
Garrett/Allison Shultz), and at Village Green (Don Sterba), along with 11
Westerns.
MORE
A couple late entries promised once eBird lists are entered include
White-winged Scoter and Pelagic Cormorant at Playa del Rey (both Alex
Coffey).
Finally, Scott Logan just emailed about finding a Townsend’s Solitaire at a
private residence in Beverly Hills yesterday. I really wish he’d been there
the day before, or could have just lied about the date, but a great Count
Week bird nonetheless!
Date: 1/5/21 12:21 pm From: Donna Bray <donnabray...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Phainopepla in Downey
Though not super rare, I had an unexpected male Phainopepla at Rio San Gabriel Park in Downey about noon.
It was in a nearly bare tree near the Park office.
Donna Bray
Norwalk
Date: 1/4/21 9:51 pm From: Kathryn via groups.io <ottergal65...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Williamson's Sapsucker Almansor Park (Alhambra) 1-4-21
Happy New Year, Birders!
Midday today I had a female Williamson’s Sapsucker in a tall pine at the southeast corner of the jogging trail, where it turns from paralleling the golf course to paralleling Adams Ave. There are 2 pines and a Eucalyptus on the inside of the track, it was in the taller pine farther from the street. There also are several small trees with brown seed pods that have lots of sap wells in them. Not sure if she is the culprit, but it is worth taking a look. Photos in my ebird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S78697201 <https://ebird.org/checklist/S78697201>
Not very birdy during the time I was at the park. Disappointing that the wide variety of wintering ducks have disappeared the last couple of years.
Date: 1/2/21 10:52 pm From: condor262001 via groups.io <condor262001...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Dusky Flycatcher at Willow Springs Park Long Beach
This was a bird first reported by Brad Dawson on ebird on Dec 9th.
Apparently (based on ebird) he had gone back and forth on the ID between a Dusky and a Gray Flycatcher.
At the end of Dec he obtained a video (referenced on his ebird reports) showing an upward tail flick ruling out a Gray.
I arrived at 930 this morning to find Kim and Jeff Moore and Christine Jacobs already having briefly found the bird.
The location is the part of the trail between the last farmstand and the well.
Within about 15 minutes we all had good views and took some pictures. My best is at
https://www.flickr.com/photos/25876581@N00/with/49814922246/
Based on the observations I would rule out a Gray based on todays observation of the upward tail flick.
Also, the bill was dark and short consistent with a Dusky. There was also contrast between the head and the back.
In researching how to tell a Dusky from a Hammonds I consulted a few sources including Pyle. My method takes the ratio
of the tail extension past the longest primary to the difference between the longest Primary and the longest Secondary. The latter is discussed in Pyle.
This ratio can often be obtained from photos.
My measurements of known birds show that for Hammonds the ratio is less than 2 while it is usually considerably above 2 for a Dusky.
That is true for this bird as well as for the Sand Dune Dusky seen in April. https://www.flickr.com/photos/25876581@N00/49815224502/in/dateposted-public/
Date: 1/2/21 8:05 pm From: Alex Viduetsky via groups.io <aviduetsky...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Malibu Creek SP on January 02, 2021
Hello birders, Happy New Year, all the best in 2021!
On my today's(January 02, between 10 AM and 1 PM)visit to Malibu Creek SP, I re-found the continuing White-tailed Kite on the Grassland trail. There was also at least one Northern Harrier at the same location, which was harassed by numerous Red-tailed Hawks.
There was enough water under the bridge today to host more waterfowl species than some Mallards and one Coot but I didn't see any others.
There were many Lark Sparrows and at least one Hermit Thrush today at the Campground site (the campground is officially closed but I simply walked there).
On my way back, I photographed a dark morph of Red-tailed Hawk - 20 meters away from my parked car.
If interested, here's a link to some of my today's photos: Malibu Creek SP (Jan 02,2021)
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Malibu Creek SP (Jan 02,2021)
Taken at Malibu Creek State Park in Los Angeles County, California on January 02,2021)
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Good birding,Alexander ViduetskyValley Village, CA
Date: 1/2/21 11:54 am From: Nancy Salem <nansalem...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Loggerhead Shrike
Hello,
This morning I encountered a Loggerhead Shrike singing in El Dorado park area 3.
Although this species isn’t rare, this is only the second time I’ve seen it since 2019. I just thought it is worth sharing the info.
This is the Los Angeles Rare Bird Alert for January 1.
The PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER along lower Ballona Creek was seen through December 26. Park at the end of Pacific Ave in Playa del Rey and head north over the bridge to the far (north) side of the channel. Walk upstream and watch for the bird at or near the UCLA boat ramp.
A first cycle LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL continued at Quail Lake near Gorman through December 30.
A PACIFIC LOON continued at Quail Lake through December 30. A few hundred feet east of the parking area near the end of the reeds along the south shore, a SWAMP SPARROW continued at Quail Lake through December 30.
The immature LITTLE BLUE HERON at the Cabrillo Salt Marsh in San Pedro was present through December 30.
The BROAD-WINGED HAWK at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Rilling Hills Estates was seen through December 30. It moves around the area, but the dry pond seems to be a good place to start looking.
A ZONE-TAILED HAWK continued in Monrovia through December 27. It has often been in the vicinity of Grand Avenue Park, but was most recently seen southeast of there by Madeline and Valley View.
The "HARLAN'S" RED-TAILED HAWK continued at the Ballona Wetlands through December 27. It has been seen in section A, on the north side of Ballona Creek and east of the UCLA boat ramp (upstream from Pacific Ave.).
The ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK near Gorman continued through December 30. It is now regularly being seen from Ralph's Ranch Road where it parallels the 5 Freeway south of Gorman.
The YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Rolling Hills Estates was reported through December 29 by the dry pond.
NORTHERN "YELLOW-SHAFTED" FLICKERS were at Madrona Marsh in Torrance on December 26, continuing at the Sepulveda Basin through December 27 (at the cricket fields and near the north entrance to the Wildlife Reserve), near Malaga Cove on December 27.
The DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER at Heartwell Park in Long Beach was seen through December 31. It has been on the west side of Woodruff Ave. near the south side of the park. A NASHVILLE WARBLER was in this same area also through December 30.
An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER continued at Willow Springs Park in Long Beach through December 29.
The BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER continued at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Rolling Hills Estates through December 27 around the dry pond. A BELL'S VIREO also continued here through December 29.
The BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER at Michigan Park in Whittier was seen through December 31 near the parking lot.
A TROPICAL KINGBIRD was at Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park in Harbor City on December 27 by the Vermont drain. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW continued at the park near the playground and boat ramp through December 30.
The TROPICAL KINGBIRD continued around the pond at Entradero Park in Torrance through December 30.
The THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD at Horsethief Canyon Park in San Dimas was reported through December 29. It ranges around the general area and may be around the dog park, along the ravine to the west or in the neighborhoods to the west and south of here. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW continued along the south fence line of the dog park through December 29.
The WESTERN KINGBIRD continued at Madrona Marsh in Torrance through December 30.
PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS included one at the north end of Peck Road Water Conservation Park in Arcadia on December 29 and two at the South Coast Botanic Garden north of the pond through December 31.
The EASTERN PHOEBE continued at the Rolling Hills Landfill Loop in Rolling Hills Estates near the equestrian center stables through December 27 along with a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW.
The EASTERN PHOEBE at the Bette Davis Picnic Area in Glendale was reported through December 30. It is being seen on the north side of the Los Angeles River, usually just east of the Riverside Drive crossing. It may be seen in the park area proper or between there and the island east of Riverside.
A CASSIN'S VIREO was at Vina Vieja Park in Pasadena on December 28.
The japonicus type AMERICAN PIPIT was at the Ferraro Soccer Fields in Glendale through December 29.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW continued through December 29 and a PALM WARBLER continued through December 31 at the San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds in Pico Rivera. Enter from the west side of the basins at the east end of Mines Ave. Head east along the berm between the basins, both birds have been in this general area. Just north of here, along the west side of the basins, a CASSIN'S VIREO continued through December 29.
Other CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS were at Victory Park in Pasadena on December 28, at Cheviot Hills Park through December 30 and at the Rio Hondo spreading basins in Pico Rivera (on Paramount at the west end of Mines Ave.) on December 30.
DARK-EYED "GRAY-HEADED" JUNCOS were at Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas through December 30, in Juniper Hills through December 27, at Pearblossom Park through December 30, in Area 2 of El Dorado Park in Long Beach on December 27, at Hahamongna Watershed Park in Pasadena through December 27 and at College Park in Claremont through December 29.
A DARK-EYED "PINK-SIDED" JUNCO continued in Juniper Hills through December 31.
A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was at Legg Lake in South El Monte on December 29 north of restroom 6.
A GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE continued at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood through December 30. A BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER also continued here just south of Monte Verde Park through December 31 and a PALM WARBLER continued through December 29.
Another GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE and a HOODED ORIOLE were at Sims Bio Pond in Long Beach on December 30.
HOODED ORIOLES were at Agua Amarga Reserve in Rancho Palos Verdes on December 27 and at Hollydale Park in South Gate on December 30.
SCOTT'S ORIOLES continued at Pearblossom Park through December 30 and near the Crystalaire Country Club in Llano through December 31..
The BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER at Madrona Marsh in Torrance continued through December 27.
A LUCY'S WARBLER was at Bixby Marshland in Carson on December 27.
A NASHVILLE WARBLER was at Lago Seco Park / Torrance Community Gardens on December 27.
The AMERICAN REDSTART at Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach continued through December 31 in trees by the dog park.
The PAINTED REDSTART at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood was reported through December 31. It has been frequenting an oak tree by the south side of the Pinecrest section, south of the pond.
A SUMMER TANAGER was at Will Rogers State Historic Park on December 27. Another continued at the Village Green Condominiums in Los Angeles 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: 1/1/21 12:44 pm From: Nancy Salem <nansalem...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Canvasback at Alondra Park
Hello All and Happy New Year,
This morning the Canvasback flock continues on the pond at Alondra park reservoir.
As I was leaving an interesting looking flycatcher flew to a branch on a tree in front of me. The deep olive-green and wing bars made me wonder if it is a Pacific-slope Flycatcher, rare this time of year.
My attempt this morning at around 9 am to locate the American Redstart male at Polliwog Park was not successful. I examined the trees around Begg pool and near the botanic garden. It is possible that I missed it while watching the Scrub-jay with a peanut from a feeder!
Date: 12/31/20 11:15 pm From: condor262001 via groups.io <condor262001...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Continuing American Redstart at Polliwog Park Manhattan Becah and Dusky-capped Flycatcher at Heartwell Park Long Beach
I set out, successfully, to get some pictures of the American Redstart at Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach and the Dusk-capped Flycatcher
at Heartwell Park in Long Beach. A few notes.
The Dusky-capped finally appeared after about an hour wait at the knoll area off Woodruff. It actually spent most of its time between the knoll and the soccer field about 100 m to the west. It was moving pretty constantly.
I was helped by several birders with the Redstart in the 1 to 2 PM time frame ( I cant hear well). It was very mobile around its favorite habitat, the trees on either side of the path to the SE of the pool fence. It seems to be active late morning and early afternoon. A search the previous two days late in the afternoon was not successful.
Some pictures at
https://www.flickr.com/photos/25876581@N00/with/50786017241/
Date: 12/31/20 3:09 pm From: Kimball Garrett <kgarrett...> Subject: [LACoBirds] The most misidentified bird?
And the winner is.....
OK, that's hard to say, there are so many candidates. As we review dozens of flagged eBird submissions from Los Angeles County each day, and frequently peruse checklists and photos submitted to eBird, it's clear that some groups and species-pairs are confusing and difficult for many birders. The field identification of birds can be hard, and it's not always easy to assess identification criteria with less than adequate views. Misidentifications often occur, and we all do it. But in certain cases, even photographed individuals are routinely misidentified, so it is clear that incorrect identification criteria are being applied, or that too much weight is being put on non-diagnostic characters. Just a few of the trip-ups that happen all the time include: Cooper's Hawk (vs. Sharp-shinned and even unrelated species like Merlin or Red-shouldered Hawk); female hummingbirds; gulls (especially first and second-cycle plumages of the medium and large species); "Yellow-shafted" Northern Flickers (vs. intergrades); Red-breasted/Red-naped Sapsuckers; Plumbeous/Cassins Vireos; *Empidonax* flycatchers (of course); yellow-bellied kingbirds; Ruby-crowned Kinglet vs. Hutton's Vireo; all streaky sparrows; juvenile and female cowbirds and *Agelaius* blackbirds; etc. And of course this is just a partial list. As increasing numbers of novice birders use eBird before they have developed field identification skills and knowledge of status and distribution, the issues multiply all the time. But I would hasten to add that an encouraging sign in being an eBird reviewer is seeing how quickly many novices become more knowledgeable, careful, and accurate in their identifications.
But for right now, I wanted to point out a bird that is perhaps misidentified more than any other -- sometimes even by relatively experienced observers -- and for which diagnostic identification criteria are often either misunderstood or misapplied. As a consequence, even good photos are often misidentified. This bird is the "Pink-sided" Dark-eyed Junco (*Junco hyemalis mearnsi*). OK, so it's "just" a subspecies, but that doesn't mean it's more forgivable to enter misidentifications into eBird. It is common for continental subspecies of birds to interbreed with adjacent subspecies, producing intermediate-looking intergrades that can't confidently be assigned to one subspecies or another. Pink-sided Juncos breed mainly in the northern Rocky Mountains from c. Montana (and north to the Cypress Hills in sw. Saskatchewan and se. Alberta) south through western Wyoming and e. Idaho. They interbreed with "Gray-headed" Juncos in the southern part of their breeding range (e.g., in se. Idaho, s. Wyoming, and n. Utah) and with "Oregon" Juncos in the west (far western Montana, c. Idaho), and they have interbred with White-winged Juncos. So some "almost" Pink-sided Juncos might in fact be intergrades with other subspecies. On the other hand, it is clear that "good, pure" Pink-sided Juncos reach Los Angeles County in small numbers every winter.
But what should a "pure" Pink-sided Junco look like? They really are pretty distinctive. The key characters are: (1) a bluish-gray tone to the head and upper breast, differing from the pale gray of the palest Oregons. (2) lack of a hooded effect (i.e. the blue-gray head does not sharply contrast with the brownish back and does not form a clear concave border on the upper breast) (3) "masked effect" created by dark lore feathering (gray-headed female Oregons at best show only a suggestion of a mask) (4) color of the "pink" sides -- this tends toward the purply end of pink, or "mauve" as Jon Dunn would describe it. Thus, it tends away from the more cinnamon or orangish end of the pink scale. This color alone is probably diagnostic (5) [and perhaps most important] the "pink" color of the sides expands well outward on the sides of the lower breast and is also quite broad all the way down the flanks. In extreme individuals the pink sides actually join in the center of the breast, whereas in most individuals there is a small gap of very pale bluish gray in this area. This shape of the pink area is diagnostically different from the narrower and more even extent of pink down the sides and flanks of Oregon Juncos.
Minor characters, not useful for field ID, include slightly (3-5%) larger size of Pink-sided vs. *montanus* Oregon, and slightly more extensive white on rectrices 3, 4 and 5 in Pink-sided.
The greatest confusion is with pale female "Oregon" juncos. I suspect that many of these pale birds are wintering birds from the northern interior Oregon subspecies *montanus. *[Note: some authors refer to this subspecies as *shufeldti *and use the name *simillimus *for a more westerly subspecies of Oregon Junco breeding in e. Washington and e. Oregon. But if *montanus* is a valid name, then *shufeldti *is applied to the populations alternatively known as *simillimus*. Confusing, isn't it?]. The palest birds have rather light gray heads and pale pinkish, pinkish-orange, or cinnamon sides and flanks and fairly dull brown backs. These characters are suggestive of the pale blue-gray head, extensive pinkish sides and flanks, and dull brown back of Pink-sided. But these pale Oregon Juncos usually show a hooded effect (the hood having a convex border on the breast), lack bluish tones to the gray head, lack contrastingly dark lores, and have the a very different shade of pinkish on the sides and flanks which does not expand toward the center of the breast.
In the eBird checklist below (from today) you can find photos of a Pink-sided, one of the photos also showing a pale Oregon next to it for comparison. https://ebird.org/checklist/S78333441 You can also use the Search Photos function when you explore in eBird and see many additional photos (and you may well find some misidentified ones too).
Bottom line, when in doubt, just enter your junco to the species level as "Dark-eyed Junco." In fact, in general it is a good idea to only indicate subspecies on your eBird lists when diagnostic characters are clearly shown by the individual(s) in question. Don't enter a bird to subspecies just because you are in the right geographical area for that subspecies, and be very hesitant to assign a subspecies name when ID characters are subtle (e.g. shades of a color) and clinal (i.e. vary more or less continuously among populations).
Two closing notes. First, Alden Miller's 1941 monograph "Speciation in the Genus Junco" (Univ. of Calif. Publications in Zoology, Vol. 44, No. 3; pp. 173-434) is a treasure trove of detailed information about junco plumages, measurements, distribution, habitats, and intergradation. Anybody keenly interested in variation in juncos needs to start by reading this monograph.
Also, many of the most frequent bird identification issues that arise in L. A. County eBird submissions will become topics of identification webinars to be hosted by LAB (Los Angeles Birders), so keep an eye on the LAB web site or look for e-mail notices about forthcoming webinars.
Wishing you a misidentification-free New Year!
Kimball
Kimball L. Garrett Ornithology Collections Manager Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 USA 213-763-3368 <kgarrett...>
Date: 12/31/20 11:18 am From: Sara Boscoe via groups.io <saraclementina...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Hermit warbler at Franklin Park
Not sure this is of interest to anyone since it isn't a rarity, but I just had a Hermit warbler at Franklin Park in Redondo Beach. It was in the big pine next to the park sign, south west corner of the park. Happy last day of birding for 2020 everyone! Sara BoscoeHawthorne CA
Date: 12/30/20 5:17 pm From: Richard Barth <busyday...> Subject: [LACoBirds] a few recent notes...
Birders,
Wed 30 Dec
Early this morning I had an adult male Hooded Oriole at Hollydale
Park in South Gate, in the trees along the east side walkway and
directly across from the picnic shelter. Also in those trees was an
intergrade Red-shafted X Yellow-shafted Flicker. Late morning there
was a female Vermilion Flycatcher working the fences north of the
northernmost horse exercise arena.
https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S78287036 [1] [2]
Yesterday early Jeff Boyd and I met at the L.A.River Willow St.
Before I arrived he saw the adult Bald Eagle (from 25 Dec) flying
downriver over the Willow area. We headed south and did not find the
eagle but had the reliable Long-tailed Duck in the Anaheim St area.
Later we walked upstream from Golden Shore and had two LT Ducks above
the pipe bridge between Ocean Ave and 7th St.
https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S78234974 [3]
https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S78235856 [4]
[5] Richard Barth West Hollywood
Date: 12/30/20 1:35 pm From: willnlois <willo2001...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Juncos at Hahamonga Watershed Park
Hahamongna is a park for all people, not just birders. Be careful of who you call clowns; don't give birders a bad name.Lois Fulmer, Altadena
-----Original Message----- From: <trogon13...> Sent: Dec 29, 2020 5:13 PM To: <LACoBirds...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Juncos at Hahamonga Watershed Park
Today under the oaks in that big open oak area across the road from the lower parking area was a group of 15 or so juncos including the picture perfect "grey-headed" that has been reported but there was also a "slate colored" all even gray above as well. Beware that there were large groups of clowns throwing plastic discs through this area flushing the birds constantly .
Date: 12/30/20 11:05 am From: Al Borodayko <adboro...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Japonicus American Pipit
Greetings,
The rains did not disperse the American Pipit flock at the Ferraro Soccer Fields. I had them, along with the Japonicus subspecie, today in the soccer fields between 7:30 and 9:30 AM. They moved from one field to another when harrassed by Starlings and Blackbirds. Today, it never came out from behind the fences.
Hi all,
I just realized that Apple Maps calls the road North Peace Valley Road, but Google maps calls it Ralphs Ranch Road. Sorry if there was any confusion.
Jonathan NakaiRancho Palos Verdes
On Tuesday, December 29, 2020, 11:40 AM, Jmn1992 via groups.io <Jmn1992...> wrote:
Hi all,
The rough-legged hawk is continuing west of North Peace Valley Road in Lebec at gps 34.775092, -118.808980.
Jonathan NakaiRancho Palos Verdes
Date: 12/29/20 5:13 pm From: <trogon13...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Juncos at Hahamonga Watershed Park
Today under the oaks in that big open oak area across the road from the lower parking area was a group of 15 or so juncos including the picture perfect "grey-headed" that has been reported but there was also a "slate colored" all even gray above as well.
Beware that there were large groups of clowns throwing plastic discs through this area flushing the birds constantly .
Date: 12/28/20 11:06 pm From: Mary & Nick Freeman <mnfreeman...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Lancaster CBC highlights from 12/19/20
Hi Birders
We thank all the birders who participated in this year’s socially-distant Lancaster CBC. It was truly a BEAUTIFUL day. It wasn’t all that cold and best of all NO WIND!
After compiling the reports, we had some new species for the count. It’s been a dry year but we had some very interesting sightings. We were allowed to count at the sewage ponds, where THOUSANDS of Northern Shoveler were present, quite the sight! Here is the listing:
Final species count: 125 species, and 4 notable subspecies; compared with an average of 109 for the Count!
Number of participants: 29
New:
Clay-colored Sparrow (1) - New for the Count!
Cassin’s Kingbird (2) - New for the Count!
Species highlights:
Sandhill Cranes (3) - Singles twice before on the Count. CA Species of Special Concern.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1). Photo. Only third for the Count! Rancho Sierra Golf Course.
Yellow-shafted (Northern) Flicker (1) - third for the Count. Not for 26 years. Diagnostic photos. Clean fieldmarks demonstrated.
Yellow-headed Blackbird (9). Photo. 5th count with over 2 birds in last 21 counts. 15 dips in the same period. Avg. (10), used to be common! CA Species of Special Concern.
American Bittern (1) - Before last year’s (1), 24 years since one was sighted! Used to see 6-8 many years!
Black-necked Stilt (1) - 12 years since last BNST, and 29 yrs. since one before that!
Grey-headed (Dark-eyed) Junco (1) - None for 18 yrs.
Slate-colored (Dark-eyed) Junco (1) - More often than not, but none for last 3 years.
Golden Crowned Sparrow (1) - Photo. Only 1 in last 15 years. Used to be more frequent and numerous.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3) - 4 previous occurrences for a total of 7; 3 in 2018. Significant increase?
Vermilion Flycatcher (6). Photos. First in last 7 yrs., and only other occurrence over 1 bird (2002). 15 of 16 in last 22 yrs. CA Species of Special Concern.
Western Bluebird (43) max. Unheard of 5 yrs ago in the circle! 4 different areas in ‘20! Effects of Bobcat Fire?
Phainopepla (7). 4 previous occurrences in Count - all in last 20 years, 3 singlets. Significant increase?
Great-tailed Grackle (3). Since first occurrence on Count 23 yrs. ago, only 7 under 5 birds; with 6 of those in last 8 yrs. This species, which thrives in many small desert communities, is tanking for unknown reasons.
Cedar Waxwing (18) - 4 occurrences in last 33 yrs., 8 occurrences in last 41 Counts.
Red-breasted Nuthatch (13). 5 irruption years on Count. Most recent 2015. Max 38.
Brewer’s Sparrow (11). Most since 2005.
Tricolored Blackbird (1). Photo. Of the 10 sub-100 counts in the 41 total counts, 9 in the last 21 yrs., and 5 in the last 6 yrs. CA Species of Special Concern. This bird is tanking in the count area. used to occur regularly in the thousands.
Barn Owl (10). Max (12). Strong number probably attributable to a particularly enthusiastic batch of surveyors!
Long-eared Owl (3). Equaled by 4 counts in the last 20 yrs. CA Species of Special Concern.
Burrowing Owl (1). Getting harder to find for the Count. Missed for count day last 4 yrs. CA Species of special Concern.
White Pelican (10). 6 0f 7 counts over 3 birds have been in the last 10 yrs. Positive trend? California Species of Special Concern.
Mountain Plover (9). Missed only once in first 25 years, but missed 10 times in last 15 years. Good to see a little flock this year, but becoming the exception. California Species of Special Concern. When found, outside count circle; but agriculture may not be expanding significantly. If not, habitat is being eaten up from the inside-out.
Northern Harrier (34). Good number. Above average for the Count (30), which is encouraging for this CA Species of Special Concern.
Sagebrush Sparrow (2). First year of trending this recently-split, and hard-to-distinguish species. Some other birds were identified as the expected Bell’s Sparrow or generic “Sage” Sparrow.
Good Birding and stay healthy and safe!
Nick & Mary Freeman
Lancaster CBC Co-compilers
<mnfreeman...>
Date: 12/28/20 2:54 pm From: Richard J. Norton <richardjnorton...> Subject: [LACoBirds] 2020 Malibu CBC
Fifty-two participants, assembled into 29 groups, undertook the 2020 Malibu Christmas Bird Count on Sunday, December 20. The 177 square-mile count area was covered by individual counters, family parties, and regular birding partners. No groups of unconnected people were formed to census areas in our effort to avoid transmitting the covid virus.
With essentially no rain in nine months, the Santa Monica Mountains were particularly parched. There was no water in the feeder creeklets that drain down into the canyons, and even Topanga Creek was dry. Vegetation is dead or brown and we have even lost California Live Oaks. Most bird activity seemed to be in areas with water features or vegetation irrigated by humans.
Wind was predicted to be annoying, but fortunately this did not materialize.
We tallied 150 species, the same as last year. Two of our "species" were empidonax sp. (likely Hammond's) and swallow sp. (likely Tree). Essentially all expected species were found.
Black-throated Gray, Wilson's, and Yellow Warblers were found. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was in Malibu's Bonsall Drive neighborhood. A Grasshopper Sparrow was along a public trail in Westlake, and a White-throated Sparrow was in a private yard in Point Dume. A Wandering Tattler was along the coast east of Point Dume. As almost all of our participants use eBird, the reports of rare birds were available for the week after the count in eBird's Los Angeles County Rare Bird Alert. The records can be found forever with eBird's species maps.
Gray-headed, Pink-sided, and Slate-colored Juncos were found as was a Yellow-shafted Flicker.
Although ordered, Black Oystercatchers and an Osprey showed up late, and are consequently listed as "count week" birds.
231 Nanday Parakeets were reported in 16 of our 40 sub-areas. Swinhoe's White-eyes have made it to Point Dume where they have created a problem for the count compiler as the CBC data entry mechanism doesn't recognize the name.
Our bird total was 15,374 individuals. 1341 White-crowned Sparrows and 1157 Audubon's Warblers were the only two reported in numbers greater than 1000.
Looking at the 1978 Count report book, here are some comparisons:
1978 2020
Species - 156 150 Total birds - 26,081 15,374 (we didn't have large gull flocks off the beach this Dec 20) Allen's Hummingbirds - 1 113 (1978 reported as "selasphorus sp.") Red-winged Blackbirds - 888 100 (in 2019, we had 29) Tri-colored Blackbirds - 800 0 Brewer's Blackbirds - 1697 47 (in 2019, we had 12)
Forty-two years later, four 1978 participants were in the 2020 effort, Jean Brandt, Janet Cupples, Kimball Garrett, and Jon Fisher.
Thanks to all who helped, and particular thanks goes to the usual good number of Pasadena birders for their substantial participation.
Date: 12/28/20 11:29 am From: Mary & Nick Freeman <mnfreeman...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Long Beach Hartwell Park Sunday afternoon 12/27/20
Hi Birders
Yesterday afternoon, Nick and I with Paul Weers, at about 3:00pm to sunset, the continuing DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER made a nice appearance for us. It called very softly. The soft warble at the end of its call was heard. Then we came across a GRAY FLYCATCHER and Nick found a second Gray Flycatcher. One was a tad more brown. These birds were near the white pipes in the grass. This is closest to the Woodruff Ave. side. A large tree near the sidewalk also closest to Woodruff Ave. across the from the parking lot on the opposite side of the street, was filled with lots of warbler activity. HERMIT, BLACK-THROATED GRAY, TOWNSEND’S, ORANGE-CROWNED and the ever present sweet YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER were feeding in this tree.
Nick and I made a short visit Saturday night to the Angeles Crest to look at the fire damage from the Bobcat Fire and owled some areas and we found a Great Horned Owl and I heard downslope off a spot on the road well away from the fire damage, the sharp “kep” call of a Northern Saw-whet Owl - YESSSS! Nick spotted a Gray Fox off the road, nice to still see these little guys. A lovely cold and cloudy night in the forest.
Date: 12/28/20 8:56 am From: Richard Barth <busyday...> Subject: [LACoBirds] "Nelson's" Gull photos
Birders,
I observed this gull on Christmas morning and have enlisted expert
help in identifying it. It was with a huge flock of mainly Westerns at
the L.A.River north of Slauson Ave in Vernon. This is thought to be a
Herring X Glaucous hybrid, sometimes called "Nelson's Gull". Maybe we
should be on the lookout for other individuals in southern California
this winter....when I showed the photos to Jeff Boyd, he said he had
seen a bird just like this at LAR Willow St on 19 Dec which he had
strongly felt was a HEGU X GLGU.
Ebird submission: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]
[12]https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S77976411 [13]
Richard Barth West Hollywood
Date: 12/27/20 9:04 pm From: Naresh Satyan <naresh.satyan...> Subject: [LACoBirds] More on the Whittier Myiarchus
Hi all,
Like I mentioned in my previous email, Reilly Moss and I refound the Myiarchus flycatcher at Michigan park in Whittier this morning, and we spent at least an hour with the bird. My main goal today was to try to get some recordings of the bird's vocalizations, though I did get tempted to take some more photos. I tried playback of Brown-Crested Flycatcher a couple of times (and Great-Crested Flycatcher once) on my cellphone, but though the bird cocked its head to look at me when I did this, I never heard it make any vocalizations when I was looking at it. Part of the problem was all the other birds making a racket, so I could never be sure I was isolating sounds from this bird. So I kept a recorder running on and off for at least 30 minutes, hoping to hear (and see on the spectrogram) something on the tape when I got home.
For the most part, I did not hear anything that sounded like a Myiarchus on the recordings. It is an extremely noisy park with birds, people, cars and airplanes, and I have a headache after listening to all the tape. Incessant high-pitched calls from Cedar Waxwings, and people complaining about birthdays and weddings. BUT- interestingly, there was one stretch just as the bird was being harassed by some Cassin's kingbirds, where I think it did vocalize for a second or two -- and I just didn't pick it out in the field because a lot was happening very fast. I did make a voice note of this event on the recording. There is a short series of rapid calls at the beginning of this snippet, just before the Cassin's Kingbirds start their racket: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/291706331
The bird was clearly in an agitated state, and that phrase sounds to me like a good match for Brown-Crested Flycatcher. For example, it sounds identical to the phrase at the 16 second mark here: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/40539. I don't think I've heard Cassin's Kingbirds make that sound, but I don't know if other Myiarchus flycatchers make that sort of vocalization as well...
I've added this morning's snippet under Cassin's Kingbird (along with a longer soundscape of the full sequence) to my eBird checklist along with a few more photos in different lighting this time: https://ebird.org/checklist/S78073002
I don't have too much experience with all these Myiarchus flycatchers though, particularly their range of vocalizations, so I'd love feedback! All the feedback on the photos so far has been Brown-Crested Flycatcher.
Found it again this morning at 9 am, and stayed with it for more than an hour, but it still didn't vocalize. Every other bird around it was calling. Nothing to add to the description other than it is a fairly large bird comparable to Cassin's kingbirds in size. It was by the parking lot when I last saw it at 10:15 am
Naresh
-- Naresh Satyan Pasadena, CA
On Fri, Dec 25, 2020, 7:36 PM Naresh Satyan <naresh.satyan...> wrote:
> Photos of the bird in my eBird submission: > https://ebird.org/checklist/S77979596 > > Naresh > > -- > Naresh Satyan > Pasadena, CA > > On Fri, Dec 25, 2020 at 4:35 PM Naresh Satyan via groups.io > <naresh.satyan...> wrote: > >> Not sure if anyone else looked at this bird today, but I stopped by >> Michigan park in Whittier this afternoon on my way home, and was able to >> relocate Eddie's Myiarchus in the sycamores and pines in the eastern half >> of the park. >> >> It is one sorry-looking bird, with most feathers worn out and looking >> very beat-up in general. The underside of the tail has straight dark edges >> not bending at the tip, the bill is massive (accentuated by the worn >> feathers on the face), it is a very pale gray bird underneath. The wing >> panel, at least what was left of it, is entirely brownish with no broad >> bright edge to the inner tertial. It opened its mouth a couple of times to >> reveal pink insides of the mouth, but unfortunately I did not hear it >> vocalize in the fairly loud park. I'll add some photos to an eBird >> checklist for comments when I get home. >> >> Naresh >> >> -- >> Naresh Satyan >> Pasadena, CA >> >> On Fri, Dec 25, 2020, 10:23 AM Eddie Monson <eg40monson...> wrote: >> >>> Hi all, >>> This morning at Michigan Park I had a myiarchus flycatcher. I am not >>> coming to any conclusions yet and will attach my horrible digibins on my >>> ebird checklist. I am open and glad to receive any help on this ID. The >>> bird was around the picnic tables near the parking lot. Also present were >>> two Western Tanagers. >>> Merry Christmas >>> Eddie Monson >>> San Francisco >>> >> >> >>
This is the Los Angeles Rare Bird Alert for December 26.
Three SANDHILL CRANES were at the Piute Ponds on Edwards AFB on December 19. A letter of permission is required for entry.
The PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER along lower Ballona Creek was seen through December 18. Park at the end of Pacific Ave in Playa del Rey and head north over the bridge to the far (north) side of the channel. Walk upstream and watch for the bird at or near the UCLA boat ramp.
A few MOUNTAIN PLOVERS continued in the Antelope Valley at the A&G Sod Farm at Avenue N and 50th Street East with up to nine through December 19. Most of the land in this area is private property; bird from the roadside only.
First cycle LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were at the gravel pits off the 605 Freeway at Arrow Highway on December 19 and continuing at Quail Lake near Gorman through December 20.
A NEOTROPIC CORMORANT was at Peck Road Water Conservation Park in Arcadia through December 20.
The AMERICAN BITTERN at the Piute Ponds on Edwards AFB continued through December 25.
The immature LITTLE BLUE HERON at the Cabrillo Salt Marsh in San Pedro was present through December 26.
The BROAD-WINGED HAWK at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Rilling Hills Estates was seen through December 22. It moves around the area, but the dry pond seems to be a good place to start looking.
A SWAINSON'S HAWK was at Hansen Dam on December 25 around the willow forest west of the main lake.
A "HARLAN'S" RED-TAILED HAWK has been at the Ballona Wetlands from December 16-25. It has been seen in section A, on the north side of Ballona Creek and east of the UCLA boat ramp (upstream from Pacific Ave.).
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK continued at Quail Lake near Gorman through December 20.
A SHORT-EARED OWL was near 50th Street East and Ave E. in the Antelope Valley on December 20.
The YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Rolling Hills Estates was reported through December 19 by the dry pond.
Another YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was in Zuma Canyon in Malibu on December 20. It was seen in front of 5731 Bonsall Drive.
NORTHERN "YELLOW-SHAFTED" FLICKERS were at Tierra Bonita Park in Lancaster on December 19, at the Henrietta Basin in Torrance on December 19 and at the Sepulveda Basin by the cricket fields east of Woodley on December 26.
The DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER at Heartwell Park in Long Beach was seen through December 26. It has been on the west side of Woodruff Ave. near the south side of the park. A NASHVILLE WARBLER was in this same area also through December 26.
An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER continued at Willow Springs Park in Long Beach through December 19 as did one at Madrona Marsh in Torrance through December 26 in the meadow area.
A BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER continued at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Rolling Hills Estates through December 18, having first been reported on November 30.
Another BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER was found at Michigan Park in Whittier on December 25 near the parking lot.
The TROPICAL KINGBIRD continued around the pond at Entradero Park in Torrance through December 26.
The THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD at Horsethief Canyon Park in San Dimas was reported through December 24. It ranges around the general area and may be around the dog park, along the ravine to the west or in the neighborhoods to the west and south of here. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW continued along the south fence line of the dog park through December 24.
A WESTERN KINGBIRD continued at Madrona Marsh in Torrance through December 18 and one was at Rynerson Park in Lakewood on December 25.
A DUSKY FLYCATCHER continued at Stephen Sorenson Park in Lake Los Angeles through December 23.
PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS continued at the South Coast Botanic Garden through December 21, at Hahamongna Watershed Park in Pasadena through December 19 and at Hansen Dam through December 19. Another was at Heartwell Park in Long Beach on December 26.
The EASTERN PHOEBE at the Bette Davis Picnic Area in Glendale was reported through December 24. It is being seen on the north side of the Los Angeles River, usually just east of the Riverside Drive crossing. It may be seen in the park area proper or between there and the island east of Riverside.
Another EASTERN PHOEBE was near the Lake Balboa outflow stream in the San Fernando Valley on December 19.
A third EASTERN PHOEBE continued at the Rolling Hills Landfill Loop in Rolling Hills Estates near the equestrian center through December 20 along with a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW.
A PACIFIC WREN was along the Mt. Wilson Trail in Little Santa Anita Canyon above Sierra Madre from December 19-21 about one quarter of a mile below Orchard Camp.
A japonicus type AMERICAN PIPIT was at the Ferraro Soccer Fields in Glendale through December 23.
A GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was at Triunfo State Park from December 20-22 along the Pentachaeta Trail to the reservoir.
Another GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was at Nicholas Flats in Leo Carrillo State Park on December 22.
At least five CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS were reported over the past week.
DARK-EYED "GRAY-HEADED" JUNCOS were at Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas (by the stop sign at the large square north shore parking lot) through December 19, as was at least one at Mt. Wilson (still closed to public access) on the same day. One was at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas on December 20. Others continued at Hahamongna Watershed Park in Pasadena through December 19.
DARK-EYED "PINK-SIDED" JUNCOS were at Pomona College and at a residence in Altadena on December 19, at Pt. Dume in Malibu on December 20. Another continued at Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas through December 24.
A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was near the playground at Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park in Harbor City from December 23-24.
The SWAMP SPARROW adjacent to the Bette Davis Picnic Area in Glendale was seen through November 23 when a second individual was confirmed there. The birds are in the river vegetation upstream from the 5 Freeway crossing.
GREEN-TAILED TOWHEES were at the south end of the Ballona Freshwater Marsh through December 25, at the DeForest Park wetlands in Long Beach through December 24 (by the wooden bridge) and at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood through December 19. Another GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was at the Bosque del Rio Hondo in South El Monte on December 19.
An adult male HOODED ORIOLE continued in the north end of the Desert Garden at the Huntington Gardens in San Marino through December 19. Another was near Wheeler Park in Claremont on December 25.
A BALTIMORE ORIOLE continued at the South Coast Botanic Garden through December 20 in a Coral Tree at the entrance.
A SCOTT'S ORIOLE was near the Crystalaire Country Club in Llano on December 25.
A BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER and a PALM WARBLER continued at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Tail in Lakewood through December 19. The latter bird was last seen by electrical tower H34.
The BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER at Hopkins Wilderness Park in Redondo Beach continued through December 26 near Sycamore Camp and the park entrance.
A BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER continued at Lacy Park in San Marino near the southwest corner of the sports field through December 22 and one was at DeForest Park in Long Beach through December 25 along the west side of the park near the tennis courts.
A MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER on private property near Wheeler Park in Claremont has been present from December 6-19.
An AMERICAN REDSTART was at Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach from December 20-24 in trees by the dog park and a BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was in a sycamore by the pond inlet on December 25.
A PALM WARBLER was along Walnut Creek in City of Industry on December 19.
The PAINTED REDSTART at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood was reported through December 24. It has been frequenting an oak tree by the south side of the Pinecrest section, south of the pond.
A SUMMER TANAGER continued at Wardlow Park in Long Beach south of the park buildings through December 19.
-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
On Fri, Dec 25, 2020 at 4:35 PM Naresh Satyan via groups.io <naresh.satyan= <gmail.com...> wrote:
> Not sure if anyone else looked at this bird today, but I stopped by > Michigan park in Whittier this afternoon on my way home, and was able to > relocate Eddie's Myiarchus in the sycamores and pines in the eastern half > of the park. > > It is one sorry-looking bird, with most feathers worn out and looking very > beat-up in general. The underside of the tail has straight dark edges not > bending at the tip, the bill is massive (accentuated by the worn feathers > on the face), it is a very pale gray bird underneath. The wing panel, at > least what was left of it, is entirely brownish with no broad bright edge > to the inner tertial. It opened its mouth a couple of times to reveal pink > insides of the mouth, but unfortunately I did not hear it vocalize in the > fairly loud park. I'll add some photos to an eBird checklist for comments > when I get home. > > Naresh > > -- > Naresh Satyan > Pasadena, CA > > On Fri, Dec 25, 2020, 10:23 AM Eddie Monson <eg40monson...> wrote: > >> Hi all, >> This morning at Michigan Park I had a myiarchus flycatcher. I am not >> coming to any conclusions yet and will attach my horrible digibins on my >> ebird checklist. I am open and glad to receive any help on this ID. The >> bird was around the picnic tables near the parking lot. Also present were >> two Western Tanagers. >> Merry Christmas >> Eddie Monson >> San Francisco >> > > >
Not sure if anyone else looked at this bird today, but I stopped by Michigan park in Whittier this afternoon on my way home, and was able to relocate Eddie's Myiarchus in the sycamores and pines in the eastern half of the park.
It is one sorry-looking bird, with most feathers worn out and looking very beat-up in general. The underside of the tail has straight dark edges not bending at the tip, the bill is massive (accentuated by the worn feathers on the face), it is a very pale gray bird underneath. The wing panel, at least what was left of it, is entirely brownish with no broad bright edge to the inner tertial. It opened its mouth a couple of times to reveal pink insides of the mouth, but unfortunately I did not hear it vocalize in the fairly loud park. I'll add some photos to an eBird checklist for comments when I get home.
Naresh
-- Naresh Satyan Pasadena, CA
On Fri, Dec 25, 2020, 10:23 AM Eddie Monson <eg40monson...> wrote:
> Hi all, > This morning at Michigan Park I had a myiarchus flycatcher. I am not > coming to any conclusions yet and will attach my horrible digibins on my > ebird checklist. I am open and glad to receive any help on this ID. The > bird was around the picnic tables near the parking lot. Also present were > two Western Tanagers. > Merry Christmas > Eddie Monson > San Francisco > >
Date: 12/25/20 1:56 pm From: Richard Barth <busyday...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Bald Eagle along L.A.River in Long Beach (Jeff Boyd)
Birders,
Fri 25 Dec
Jeff reports he had an adult Bald Eagle this morning along the
L.A.River, last seen shortly before noon in a eucalyptus on the east
side of the river about a quarter-mile north of Ocean Ave where he
left it. He had originally seen it flying downriver at PCH being
chased by gulls. Parking available at Golden Shore then walk north, or
under the Anaheim St bridge then walk south, or at Drake/Chavez Park
then walk south (the bird was between 7th and Ocean, but there is no
parking at 7th or Ocean).
Just the messenger.... Richard Barth West Hollywood
Date: 12/25/20 10:23 am From: Eddie Monson <eg40monson...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Myiarchus
Hi all, This morning at Michigan Park I had a myiarchus flycatcher. I am not coming to any conclusions yet and will attach my horrible digibins on my ebird checklist. I am open and glad to receive any help on this ID. The bird was around the picnic tables near the parking lot. Also present were two Western Tanagers. Merry Christmas Eddie Monson San Francisco
Date: 12/24/20 6:14 pm From: Kevin Lapp via groups.io <kevin_lapp...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Harlan's Hawk continues in Ballona Area A
Birders:
During a bike ride this afternoon along Ballona Creek, I saw again the dark red-tailed hawk that I think can now confidently be called a Harlan's Hawk (it's been confirmed in eBird). It was, once again, perched on a low snag in Area A when I rode up, and it quickly flushed after I got off my bike, to the middle of the field. If it were not 2020, but 1831-1890, or even 1944-1971, this would be a lifer for some of you! For now, it's a subspecies of Red-tailed Hawk. But maybe it'll be split (again) in the future.
Date: 12/23/20 11:30 am From: Ryan Terrill <Ornithoterrill...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Glendale Narrows Swamp Sparrow (s)
Hi all-
There seem to be two Swamp Sparrows near the hwy 5 bridge along the LA river in the Glendale narrows. As I saw on bird, giving SWSP calls in the reeds, a second bird popped up in the open. I photographed both, though photos of one bird are pretty marginal.
Ryan Terrill Highland Park -- Ryan S. Terrill
Postdoctoral Researcher Moore Lab of Zoology Occidental College ryansterrill.com
Date: 12/22/20 2:55 pm From: Andrew Birch via groups.io <andyrbirch...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] SWAMP SPARROW, Glendale Narrows Riverwalk,
Hi Tom, for the Swamp Sparrow (and Eastern Phoebe), park at Glendale Narrows Riverwalk parking lot which is at the far south end of Garden St. It's a small lot but there is plenty of parking along Garden St too. This is close to Bette Davis Park (or at least much closer than the water treatment facility).
The closest eBird hotpsot is actually LA River Bike Path but that pin is on the south side of the river, whereas I am always birding on the north side, so I choose the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk hotspot. There are 3 hotspots in a small stretch of river that presumably have overlapping boundaries, so not exactly clear. And of course, Glendale Narrows Riverwalk hotspot should not be confused with the Glendale Narrows hotspot a few miles down the river at Frogtown!
Good luck!
Best, Andy
On Tuesday, December 22, 2020, 2:35:14 PM PST, Thomas Miko <thomas_miko...> wrote:
HiI just parked at the Glendale water treatment Plant because that’s the closest place where I can legally park and walk out to the LA River to be at the eBird hotspot for Glendale Narrows Riverwalk, but I have a very bad feeling that what I should have done was park at Bette Davis picnic area and look for the swamp sparrow there. Any suggestions would be helpful. Multiple people looking for this swamp sparrow have been using the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk eBird hotspot.Tom Miko909.241.3300
Get Outlook for iOSFrom: <LACoBirds...> <LACoBirds...> on behalf of Andrew Birch via groups.io <andyrbirch...>
Sent: Tuesday, December 1, 2020 4:48:05 PM
To: LACoBirds <lacobirds...>
Subject: [LACoBirds] SWAMP SPARROW, Glendale Narrows Riverwalk, This afternoon, there was a SWAMP SPARROW in the river vegetation opposite the small equestrian rings (right where the vegetation begins) at Glendale Narrows Riverwalk. About 100 yards east of there, the EASTERN PHOEBE continues to be easily seen in the river among the rocks and vegetation below the Riverside Dr bridge. The GRAY FLYCATCHER also continues at adjacent Bette Davis Park. It's hard to find but generally can be found around the small saplings and oaks opposite the car wash.
Also, at nearby Griffith Manor Park, at least one of the CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS continues among the Chippings.
Best, Andy BirchLos Feliz
Hi
I just parked at the Glendale water treatment Plant because thats the closest place where I can legally park and walk out to the LA River to be at the eBird hotspot for Glendale Narrows Riverwalk, but I have a very bad feeling that what I should have done was park at Bette Davis picnic area and look for the swamp sparrow there. Any suggestions would be helpful. Multiple people looking for this swamp sparrow have been using the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk eBird hotspot.
Tom Miko
909.241.3300
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: <LACoBirds...> <LACoBirds...> on behalf of Andrew Birch via groups.io <andyrbirch...>
Sent: Tuesday, December 1, 2020 4:48:05 PM
To: LACoBirds <lacobirds...>
Subject: [LACoBirds] SWAMP SPARROW, Glendale Narrows Riverwalk,
This afternoon, there was a SWAMP SPARROW in the river vegetation opposite the small equestrian rings (right where the vegetation begins) at Glendale Narrows Riverwalk. About 100 yards east of there, the EASTERN PHOEBE continues to be easily seen in the river among the rocks and vegetation below the Riverside Dr bridge. The GRAY FLYCATCHER also continues at adjacent Bette Davis Park. It's hard to find but generally can be found around the small saplings and oaks opposite the car wash.
Also, at nearby Griffith Manor Park, at least one of the CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS continues among the Chippings.
Hey all, this morning I also had a Grasshopper Sparrow in the Santa Monicas, near the Nicholas Flats trailhead on Decker School Rd. Where the road ends, go up the trail with the gate, and you'll soon find a rusted out ATV. The bird was hanging out there. eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S77853134
Best,
Graham Montgomery West LA
On Sun, Dec 20, 2020 at 9:31 AM Mark Scheel <scheel314...> wrote:
> Hi all, > > We have a grasshopper sparrow along Triunfo Canyon Park in Westlake > Village. From the pentachaeta trailhead at the end of Lindero Canyon Road, > take the trail toward the reservoir, and the sparrow is in the grassy area > on the right (west) side of the trail just past where the trail goes thru > the oak grove. > > Mark and Janet Scheel > Pasadena > > >
Date: 12/20/20 2:00 pm From: Jon Fisher <JonF60...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Pasadena-San Gabriel Valley CBC results- December 19
The Pasadena-San Gabriel Valley CBC was held yesterday, December 19.
At the moment, our species total is at 167, with a few more likely to be added. We had very good coverage of the circle and a number of vagrants and scarce species pushing the total above average.
Highlights were--
Lesser Black-backed Gull (gravel pits off the 605 Freeway)
Northern Pygmy-Owl (San Gabriel Mountains)
Hammond's Flycatcher (Huntington Gardens)
Gray Flycatcher (Peck Road Park)
Pacific-slope Flycatcher (Hahamongna Watershed Park)
Pacific Wren (Little Santa Anita Canyon)
Cassin's Finch (Mt. Wilson- still off limits to the public)
Clay-colored Sparrow (Vina Vieja Park)
Vesper Sparrow (2- Santa Fe Dam)
Dark-eyed "Gray-headed" Junco (Hahamongna Watershed Park and Mt. Wilson)
Dark-eyed "Pink-sided" Junco (residence in Altadena)
Green-tailed Towhee (Rio Hondo)
Hooded Oriole (Huntington Gardens)
Nashville Warbler (Peck Road Park)
Palm Warbler (Walnut Creek)
Date: 12/20/20 9:31 am From: Mark Scheel <scheel314...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Grasshopper sparrow, westlake
Hi all,
We have a grasshopper sparrow along Triunfo Canyon Park in Westlake Village. From the pentachaeta trailhead at the end of Lindero Canyon Road, take the trail toward the reservoir, and the sparrow is in the grassy area on the right (west) side of the trail just past where the trail goes thru the oak grove.
This is the Los Angeles Rare Bird Alert for December 18.
Four LONG-TAILED DUCKS and a continuing WHITE-WINGED SCOTER were on the lower Los Angeles River from south of Anaheim Street to the Pacific Coast Highway on December 15.
The PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER along lower Ballona Creek was seen through December 15. Park at the end of Pacific Ave in Playa del Rey and head north over the bridge to the far side of the channel. Walk upstream and watch for the bird at or near the UCLA boat ramp.
A few MOUNTAIN PLOVERS continued in the Antelope Valley at the A&G Sod Farm at Avenue N and 50th Street East through December 12. Most of the land in this area is private property; bird from the roadside only.
A first cycle LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was at Quail Lake near Gorman from December 13-16. A PACIFIC LOON continued here through December 14.
Another LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was at the San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds on December 15.
A NEOTROPIC CORMORANT was at Peck Road Water Conservation Park in Arcadia on December 12.
The immature LITTLE BLUE HERON at the Cabrillo Salt Marsh in San Pedro was present through December 15.
Seven CALIFORNIA CONDORS were along Piru Creek near Frenchman's Flat Campground on December 13.
The BROAD-WINGED HAWK at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Rilling Hills Estates was seen through December 17. It has often been reported near the junction of Tram Road and the Arizona Crossing.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was at Quail Lake near Gorman on December 13.
The YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Rolling Hills Estates was reported through December 11 near the intersection of Tram Road and the Arizona Crossing.
A "PRAIRIE" MERLIN (subspecies richardsonii) was by the lower parking area at Hahamongna Watershed Park in Pasadena on December 13.
A "BLACK" MERLIN (subspecies suckleyi) continued at the Bette Davis Picnic Area in Glendale through December 12.
The DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER at Heartwell Park in Long Beach was seen through December 18. It has been on the west side of Woodruff Ave. near the south side of the park. A NASHVILLE WARBLER was in this same area from December 12-16.
The TROPICAL KINGBIRD continued around the pond at Entradero Park in Torrance through December 16.
Another TROPICAL KINGBIRD continued at Colorado Lagoon in Long Beach through December 14.
The THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD at Horsethief Canyon Park in San Dimas was reported through December 13. It ranges around the general area and may be around the dog park, along the ravine to the west or in the neighborhoods to the west and south of here.
A WESTERN KINGBIRD was at Madrona Marsh in Torrance from December 16-18.
Up to two PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS have been at the South Coast Botanic Garden through December 17.
Another PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER continued at the small park along the Los Angeles River south of Los Feliz in Glendale through December 17.
The EASTERN PHOEBE at the Bette Davis Picnic Area in Glendale was reported through December 11. It is being seen on the north side of the Los Angeles River, usually just east of the Riverside Drive crossing. It may be seen in the park area proper or between there and the island east of Riverside.
A BELL'S VIREO was at the South Coast Botanic Gardens in Rolling Hills Estates on December 16 off Tram Road in the south part of the garden adjacent to the desert vegetation.
A RED-THROATED PIPIT has been seen at Heartwell Park in Long Beach through December 17. It moves around the park and associates with the pipit flock. A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was seen at the park on December 13.
A japonicus type AMERICAN PIPIT was at the Ferraro Soccer Fields in Glendale from December 16-18.
The LAPLAND LONGSPUR at Colorado Lagoon in Long Beach was seen through December 13. It has been on the golf course west of the bridge that crosses the lagoon and elsewhere on the golf course.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was at Vina Vieja Park in Pasadena on December 13.
Another CLAY-COLORED SPARROW continued at Cheviot Hills Park near West Los Angeles from December 18.
A "RED" FOX SPARROW was at Griffith Park through December 13. It was in the Mineral Wells area on the north edge of the lower lawn, east of the road.
A DARK-EYED "PINK-SIDED" JUNCO was at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area in Baldwin Hills from December 11-16 on the lawn below the Japanese Garden.
DARK-EYED "GRAY-HEADED" JUNCOS were at Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas (by the stop sign at the large square north shore parking lot) through December 16, at Hahamongna Watershed Park in Pasadena (around the lower west side parking lot) through December 17 and in San Dimas Canyon through December 13. Another continued at Pearblossom Park in the Antelope Valley through December 18. Also present there was a SCOTT'S ORIOLE on December 18.
WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS were at Horsethief Canyon Park in San Dimas (near the parking area and roundabout) through December 17, at Malibu Creek State Park on December 11, in Valley Village through December 17, in Rolling Hills Estates through December 14 and along Ballona Creek east of Centinela near Culver City High School on December 17.
A SWAMP SPARROW continued at Quail Lake near Gorman through December 13. It has been along the south shore west of the parking area.
GREEN-TAILED TOWHEES were at the south end of the Ballona Freshwater Marsh through December 11 and continuing at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood through December 18.
A HOODED ORIOLE continued in the Desert Garden at the Huntington Gardens in San Marino through December 14.
A BALTIMORE ORIOLE continued at the South Coast Botanic Garden through December 18 in a Coral Tree at the entrance.
A BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was at DeForest Park in Long Beach near the south end of the tennis courts on December 11. Another continued at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood through December 14 as did one at Madrona Marsh in Torrance through December 16.
A PALM WARBLER continued at the San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds in Pico Rivera through December 12. It was last seen near the Mines Ave. entrance. and two individuals were present on that date. Another PALM WARBLER continued at the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood through December 16.
A returning PAINTED REDSTART was at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood from December 12-17. It has been frequenting an oak tree by the south side of the Pinecrest section, south of the pond.
A SUMMER TANAGER continued at Wardlow Park in Long Beach south of the park buildings through December 12. Another continued at the Village Green Condominiums in Los Angeles through December 13.
-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: 12/18/20 6:49 pm From: Mary & Nick Freeman <mnfreeman...> Subject: Re: [LACoBirds] Update, and more photos, of Dark Hawk
Hi Kevin & Birders
I forwarded Kevin’s photos to raptor expert and researcher and bander, Pete Bloom. Pete agreed this to be an immature Harlan’s Hawk.
Thanks Kevin for the challenge on this beautiful bird!
Good Birding!
Mary Freeman
Glendale, CA
> On Dec 18, 2020, at 4:20 PM, Kevin Lapp via groups.io <kevin_lapp...> wrote:
>
> Everyone:
>
> The initial reaction from generous birders on my request for ID help with the dark hawk was unanimous - "get better pictures." Beyond that, most thought dark morph red-tailed was more likely than Harlan's, but no one ruled out Harlan's. I tried with a lister's optimism to turn it into something even more exotic (a dark morph Short-tailed Hawk or White-tailed Hawk?).
>
> With the uncertainty bothering me, I biked back over this afternoon, and the dark hawk was there. And again, it used low snag perches or settled on the ground in the middle of the field (none of the half-dozen obvious Red-tailed Hawks present during the hour I was there ever landed on the ground). I got more photos - I wish they were better, but the bird often stayed, or was flying, in the middle of the field. My eBird checklist from today, with photos, is here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S77646847 <https://ebird.org/checklist/S77646847> >
> I also threw the photos up on flickr, where I believe you can zoom in a little: https://www.flickr.com/photos/34061022@N07/50733892068/in/photostream/ <https://www.flickr.com/photos/34061022@N07/50733892068/in/photostream/> >
> Opinions and observations always welcome.
>
> Thank you,
> Kevin Lapp
> Culver City
> _._,_._,_
Date: 12/18/20 4:20 pm From: Kevin Lapp via groups.io <kevin_lapp...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Update, and more photos, of Dark Hawk
Everyone:
The initial reaction from generous birders on my request for ID help with the dark hawk was unanimous - "get better pictures." Beyond that, most thought dark morph red-tailed was more likely than Harlan's, but no one ruled out Harlan's. I tried with a lister's optimism to turn it into something even more exotic (a dark morph Short-tailed Hawk or White-tailed Hawk?).
With the uncertainty bothering me, I biked back over this afternoon, and the dark hawk was there. And again, it used low snag perches or settled on the ground in the middle of the field (none of the half-dozen obvious Red-tailed Hawks present during the hour I was there ever landed on the ground). I got more photos - I wish they were better, but the bird often stayed, or was flying, in the middle of the field. My eBird checklist from today, with photos, is here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S77646847
Date: 12/18/20 11:30 am From: Kevin Lapp via groups.io <kevin_lapp...> Subject: [LACoBirds] ID Help for a dark Hawk
Birders:
Two days ago, I observed a dark hawk in Ballona Area A (the field north of the creek that is inland from the UCLA boat ramp). At first, I saw it flying at a long distance over the wetlands. The coloring suggested a turkey vulture (white underwing, white undertail, otherwise dark), but it wasn't wobbling and the white areas didn't look clean white, but barred. And it just struck me as a hawk, not a vulture. But it was far away. It went out of my view, so I biked on to the beach. On my return, I found what I assume was the same hawk perched on a low snag in Area A. It was still all dark, and still had a white undertail. Bright yellow legs. The bird then moved from the snag to the middle of the field, and landed on the ground. After a couple of minutes, it moved 50-70 yards and landed on the ground again, this time out of view. As it was flying over the field (never more than 20 feet off the ground), I did get looks at the underwing, which appeared white with some dark edging and faint barring. I did not see a dark terminal tail band, but I never got good views of the undertail in flight.
Curious if anyone can ID it from my observations and mediocre photos as a dark morph Red-tailed Hawk (calarus), or maybe a Harlan's Hawk, or maybe even something else. I greatly appreciate the sharing of knowledge on odd birds like this.
Date: 12/18/20 10:17 am From: Andrew Birch via groups.io <andyrbirch...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Glendale Miscellanea
This morning, Mary Freeman, Greg Slak and I did a quick rarity sweep of the current birding mecca of Glendale. We started at Ferraro Soccer Fields, where the continuing japonicus AMERICAN PIPIT candidate is still alive and kicking.
For anyone interested in the science behind this potential split, this short 2015 paper teases Martin Collinson's DNA sequencing results (p. 45) for japonicus vs rubescens described as a "deep genetic split".
https://britishbirds.co.uk/sites/default/files/2015_V108_N01_P42-48_WaterPipit.pdf From here, we went across the river to Bette Davis and saw the continuing SWAMP SPARROW and EASTERN PHOEBE within about 100 yards of each other. The sparrow favors the reeds very close to the I 5 freeway bridge and the Phoebe prefers the rocky vegetation very close to the Riverside Dr bridge. We didn't have time to look for the 2 GRAY FLYCATCHERS and MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD across the street. But after we parted company, Mary and Greg were going to go over and check. One flycatcher hangs out in saplings opposite the car wash and the other more confiding bird is at the very far west end of the park (which is also where the Bluebird has been).
From here, we nipped around the corner to Griffith Manor Park to see the 2 continuing CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS among the Whydahs and Chippings.
Best, Andy BirchLos Feliz
Date: 12/17/20 8:23 pm From: condor262001 via groups.io <condor262001...> Subject: [LACoBirds] Red-throated Pipit continues at Heartwell Park
The Red-throated Pipit was well seen today at Heartwell Park in Long Beach. Although I saw it with a number of other birders on 12/12 it seemed to sporadically disappear since then and some thought it was gone. I tried a few times over the past few days with no success. Today I noticed on ebird that it was seen early, so I drove to the park around 1 PM. That was a good time as the clouds made it look gloomy and there were few people or dogs in the park. I parked on Woodruff and walked almost to Bellflower before I found the Pipit flock. It was between the last ball field and the last (I think) soccer goal.. On previous days scanning the flock only yielded American Pipits. Today with no one around I moved as close as I felt comfortable and then stayed put. The Pipits would act as if I wasn’t there and moved close to me. I scanned the flock and the Red-throated seemed absent. The flock would feed for a few minutes and then take off and return to the same general area. After the 4th such flight I found the RT near the soccer goal posts. It stayed in that area feeding and moving for about 15 minutes. It kept moving closer and closer allowing some good shots and movies. I believe it didn’t fly off until after the main flock departed. That may be one of the reasons why it is not always with the flock..
The pictures and movies are on my Flickr Page. Red in the throat is still visible.
