Volume 76, Number 1 September/October 2009
WESTERN
TANAGER
a publication of Los Angeles Audubon
Where Have All the Birds Gone?
What You Can Do Before It Is Too Late!
ow much adversity can a
H
population of birds take
before its numbers are re-
duced to the point of no-return?
Habitat loss and fragmentation due
to development, urban sprawl and poor
land/water management, is the number
one cause of the decline of bird popu-
lations in Los Angeles County.
However, it is easy to ignore or
downplay other factors that contribute
to population declines. We go about
our daily lives in ways that cumula-
tively create a recipe for disaster for
many of our bird populations.
Window panes without screens or
protective devices attached to them
kill millions of birds a year. This in-
cludes plate glass windows installed
on residential structures as well as
those on larger office buildings.
Fishing line and hooks that are left
to lie beside or within public lakes,
ocean piers and streams by non-com-
mercial fishermen, entangle birds
which then die a slow death.
Trimming trees during the time
when most birds nest and raise their
young, (in Los Angeles County this is
March through September), only adds
to the toll. See Los Angeles
Audubon’s publication, Guide to Bird-
Friendly Tree and Shrub Trimming
and Removal. This booklet is avail-
able in print and online at
www.laaudubon.org.
Guide to Bird-Friendly Tree and Shrub
Trimming and Removal
Domestic outdoor cats are esti-
mated to kill millions of birds per
year. When cats live near or are re-
leased into the coastal scrub or chapar-
ral of our local mountains, they de-
stroy the eggs and nests of ground
nesting birds.
An adult bird’s life is strenuous
and a young bird’s life is tenuous. On
average about 50% of a season’s nests
fail to produce a fledgling. The chicks
www.laaudubon.org
—by Eleanor Osgood
usually die of natural causes —preda-
tors, disease, physical elements— be-
fore the eggs hatch or the young have
left the nest. Of those that live to
leave the nest, as high as 90% will not
make it through their first year, either
because of predation or the trials of
migration, lack of food, or a myriad of
other reasons. That leaves, on aver-
age, only a very small percentage of
the birds hatched in any single year
surviving to breed and reproduce in
order to sustain the population.
In April, 2009, Los Angeles
County once again won the title of
America’s Birdiest County —264
species. Los Angeles County is at a
crossroads of many migratory routes,
having one of the most diverse habi-
tat types of any county within the
United States.
When all species are added up, in-
cluding the 120 or so resident species,
an additional 80 spring breeders, and
another 140 migrants passing through,
they add up to a total of approximately
350 species inhabiting the county dur-
ing any one year. That does not in-
clude a variety of rare migrants and
vagrants that brings the county’s
species total to 500 (matched only by
San Diego County.) Yes, we do live
in a birding paradise.
 So, one might ask, with such
species diversity, what is the problem? • Keep your cat indoors —the #3
killer of birds are outdoor cats.
The answer has to do with the Yes, that cuddly cat of yours does
health of bird populations (the number have a wild side and will kill
of individuals of each species.) For birds just out of instinct. Get
those of us who have participated in more information from the
The mission of Los Angeles Audubon Society is to the local Christmas Bird Counts year American Bird Conservancy,
promote the enjoyment and protection of birds and
other wildlife through recreation, education,
after year, or have birded the area for www.abc.org; and spread the
conservation and restoration. many years and have read the histori- word to fellow cat owners.
Los Angeles Audubon is a non-profit volunteer
organization of people with a common interest in
cal records, we know that the number • Put screens or other visible
birding and natural history. Los Angeles Audubon of birds frequenting the various habi- items on windows, especially on
maintains offices, a library, and bookstore, the tats has drastically decreased for all large plate glass windows and on
proceeds of which benefit all of its programs.
but a handful of bird species. sliding glass doors, so the birds
Los Angeles Audubon Society can see the glass instead of flying
Audubon House
7377 Santa Monica Blvd., Individual decisions as to where into them. Keep bird feeders
W. Hollywood, CA 90046-6694 we house our domestic cats, where away from windows.
Mailing Address we dispose of our fishing line and • Trim trees and do major
P.O. Box 931057, Los Angeles, CA 90093-1057 hooks, what time of year we prune landscaping removal between
(323) 876-0202 (voice/messages) our trees and shrubs, and even how September and March; educate
(323) 876-7609 (fax) we build our houses, have an effect arborists, landscapers and
LAAS@laaudubon.org (general email)
www.laaudubon.org on bird populations. neighbors as to when to trim trees
or clear brush by passing out Los
Board Officers
President David De Lange As individuals we can make a Angeles Audubon’s Guide to Bird
1st Vice President Garry George
2nd Vice President Paul Fox commitment to changing how we go Friendly Tree and Shrub
Executive Secretary Linda Oberholtzer
Recording Secretary Eleanor Osgood
about living our daily lives. We can Trimming and Removal booklet.
Treasurer
Executive Past President
Lisa Fimiani
Dexter Kelly
also make a commitment to educate The booklet is also available in
our family, neighbors and friends. PDF format on the Los Angeles
Programs & Activities
Conservation Garry George Audubon website:
Field Trips Nick Freeman
Bird Walks Eleanor Osgood Here is how: www.laaudubon.org.
Pelagic Trips Phil Sayre
Membership Meetings Mary Freeman
Ornithology Consultant Kimball Garrett With all of us keeping the needs of
Rare Bird Alert Jon Fisher
Report Rare Birds (323) 874-1318 birds and other wildlife in our scopes,
Volunteer Coordinator Eleanor Osgood
Library Dorothy Schwarz together we can help our local bird
Staff
populations survive.
Executive Director Mary Loquvam
Director of Interpretation Stacey Vigallon
Audubon House Administrator Martha Balkan Eleanor Osgood is a Board Member of the Los
Membership Services Susan Castor Angeles Audubon Society and serves as the
Audubon House Bookstore Recording Secretary. She is also the Volunteer
Orders (888) 522-7428
Fax (323) 876-7609
Coordinator for the organization. Eleanor has
Bookstore Manager (323) 876-0202 been birding since 1988, serving as a sector
Hours Mon-Thurs 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
1st Sat. ea. month 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
coordinator for data collection for the Los
Angeles Breeding Bird Atlas, and volunteering
Online Nature Store
www.losangelesaudubon.org/store at the Natural History Museum since 1992,
assisting Kimball Garrett . She served on the
WESTERN TANAGER Los Angeles Audubon Committee which
recently produced the Tree Trimming Guide
Published by
Los Angeles Audubon Society mentioned in this article. The Tree Trimming
Western Tanager is published bi-monthly. For address changes or
Guide is part of a campaign by Los Angeles
subscription problems call (323) 876-0202, or write to Member Audubon to alert the public to the hazards to
Services, Los Angeles Audubon, PO Box 931057, Los Angeles, CA
90093-1057. Submissions are due the 1st of the month, two months birds in urban areas. Much of the data in this
before the date of the issue. Please send submissions as Microsoft
Word or RTF documents, or plain text files, to Linda Oberholtzer at
article was provided in consultation with
westerntanager@laaudubon.org.
Bird Guard, Window Decal Kimball Garrett, the ornithology collections
Editor Linda Oberholtzer Birds fly into windows because they see a reflection manager at the Natural History Museum of
Layout Susan Castor of the sky. The silhouette of this Accipiter Hawk helps
Proofreaders Hanna Hayman, Kimball Garrett
Los Angeles County.
them to avoid the window. Sold at Los Angeles
Printed on Recycled Paper Audubon Society Bookstore for $2.25 each.

E2 Western Tanager Vol. 76, No. 1

 MEMBERship INTRODUCTION TO In Remembrance
BIRD WATCHING CLASS
A special thank you to all the follow- Nellie Gryk passed away on
Los Angeles Audubon will be Friday, July 17, 2009, from a
ing new and renewed Chapter Only
offering a 3 day introduction to bird severe stroke.
members!
watching class, Oct./Nov., 2009 with
instructor Eleanor Osgood. Sessions I'm not
NEW MEMBERS sure if you
are geared towards participants with
Bruce & Carrie Anders, Elizabeth knew Nellie
beginning and low intermediate bird
Ball, Candice Byers, Janine Coyle, Gryk or not.
identification skills. Binoculars and
Kara Donohue, Jim Dunsford, Martha She was a gra-
field guides will be provided; bring
Estus, Edmond Hewlett, Barbara cious lady
your own if you have them. The class
Hogan, Barclay Hudson, James who was one
will include handouts, practice sheets,
Krause, Sud Menon, Barbara Osborn, of our premier
and a Los Angeles Audubon
Bob Parker & Laurie Allen, Denise volunteers for many years, in the Audubon
Bookstore coupon that is good for House Bookstore. Nellie helped get the
Perez, Nancy Popenoe, Emily Jane
10% off on non-sale items, and 5% off orders packaged and shipped out. Nellie
Reed, Jill Roberts, Marsha Rosenberg,
on optics. was well liked by everyone! After many
Marlene Rotblatt, Edmund Segal,
Susan Shemin, Allison Shultz, Susan of our volunteers had moved on to other
Areas to be covered: activities, she remained, helping us once a
J. Vitucci, David Warren, Barbara
• Basic tools needed for bird watching: week until failing health began to take its
Watson, Jack Wax M.D., Crispin
Field Guides and Binoculars toll.
Whittell, Lori Winer-Hecht
• Field Identification: Bird Families,
Field Marks, Habitat, Status and She was a participant in the Southwest
RENEWED MEMBERS
Distribution Bird Study Club's Monday birding
Albert Ackroyd, Gina Albi, Jane adventures, and had joined us on one of
• Conservation & Citizen Science
Anderson & Tess Ayers, Joseph our Los Angeles Audubon's Costa Rica
Andrews, Charles Armstrong, Tours in the early 1980's. Nellie was a
WHEN, HOURS, LOCATION
Nicholas Armstrong, John Bassett, graduate of So. Hadley High School and
Sat., Oct. 31st 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Michele Bigelow, Eric Brazel & Mary the University of the State of NY nursing
Sun., Nov. 1st 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Renaker, Katie Brennan & Albert program. She was a registered nurse and a
Sat., Nov. 7th 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Gasser, Betty Brown, Allan Compton Veteran of the U.S. Army serving during
& Miriam Tasini, Gloria and Murray WWII in the U.S. and abroad. Nellie
Call Audubon House or check our received an honorable discharge as a 1st
Cooper, Barbara Courtois, Linda
website for updated class locations. Lt. in 1952, and is registered in the
Dunn, Bridget Fitzsimons, Paul &
Carol Fox, Ethan Greenspan, Donna National WWII Memorial for Women in
Limited to 12 participants. Pre- Washington DC. Nellie moved to
Groman, Eric N. Hansen, Melissa
registration is required. Please provide California after the war and worked at the
Haylock, Hanna & Gerald Hayman,
name, address, phone and email. VA hospital for thirty years before retiring.
Annmarie Hunter & Souhail Kaspar,
She enjoyed a full life doing things she
Dr. Kathleen Komar & Ross Shideler,
Fee: loved. She was a long time member of the
Richard Krafsur, Dr & Mrs Emil M
• $30.00 - Chapter Only Members of National Audubon Society, The Southwest
Lichina, John McCoy, Susan Bird Study Club, The Sierra Club, The
Los Angeles Audubon.
Mogilka, Irene Maupin Oppenheim, Loganites, and of course enjoyed her
• $50.00 - Non-members (includes a
Ms Jean Pickus, Bud Plochere, Vivian swimming at the YMCA. She traveled
new Chapter Only
Ramirez, Bernhard Rohrbacher, around the world and had a great love for
membership in Los
Heather Sabin, Mr. & Mrs. Harry nature, birds and the outdoors. Nellie was
Angeles Audubon.)
Santo, Judy & Robert Scharf, Bruce a very independent lady who surrounded
& Joyce Schoppe, David Seay, John herself with friends whom she considered
Write checks to Los Angeles Audubon,
Silvester, Bruce Spring, Laura Tooley, her family. Many families across the U.S.
and mail registration information to:
Becky & Steve Turley, Catherine enjoyed her company and her knowledge.
Los Angeles Audubon – Registration She led by example and has inspired so
Waters, Edward & Susan Wolin
PO Box 931057 many young people to achieve their goals.
Continued on page 9.
Los Angeles, CA 90093-1057
Western Tanager September/October 2009 E3
 birds of the season
igration almost al-
M ways delivers a few
surprises. However,
as spring marched toward summer,
vagrant season was shaping up to
be a rather dull one. But even at
the end of May, the show was far
from over. June through early July
produced an array of notable sight-
ings and a few exceptional rarities.
In southern California, a push
of southeastern species included
Yellow-throated and White-eyed
Vireos, Northern Parulas and
Hooded Warblers. All were present
in above average numbers and that
trend spilled over into LA County.
Each time it seemed things
might calm down, another good
bird turned up and vagrant passer-
ines were still being found as
southbound Least and Western
Sandpipers, Greater Yellowlegs
and others were arriving.
Despite low rainfall for yet an-
other season, habitat in the San
Gabriel Mountains was in good
condition, with plenty of activity
through early summer. The com-
bination of the reopening of the
Angeles Crest Highway and good
habitat translated into an increase
in birding activity and reports
from the mountains.
It all added up to make for in-
teresting birding. Here’s a look at
E4 Western Tanager Vol. 76, No. 1
what was around…
Brant are scarce migrants inland,
thus one at Balboa Lake in the
Sepulveda Basin from May 17-
June 10 was of interest (Mike
Stensvold). Coastally, Malibu La-
goon hosted seven Brant on May
17, and two were there through
June 14 (Jon Fisher).
The only other waterfowl of note
was a lingering male Ring-necked
Duck at the Lancaster Sewer
Ponds on June 13 (Jon Feenstra).
Rare but regular in the county was
an adult Little Blue Heron that
was reported frequently at Del
Rey Lagoon and vicinity from
May 31-July 4 (David Moody).
A White-faced Ibis, quite uncom-
mon as a migrant on the coastal
slope, was along the LA River in
Van Nuys on May 15 (Mike
Stensvold). Also recorded was an
early juvenile ibis on the LA River
in Long Beach on June 28 (Jon
Fisher). Already there are several
Glossy Ibis records for California,
thus it’s prudent to scrutinize any
Plegadis ibis in the county, and of
course to be aware of the field
marks of both.
After a number of reports earlier in
the season, the last migrant Swain-
son’s Hawk was one over Hansen
Dam on May 16 (Kimball Garrett).
—by Jon Fisher
An excellent and serendipitous
find was an Upland Sandpiper
that showed up in the Antelope
Valley on June 3 (Jon Feenstra).
By chance, the observer was mon-
itoring a construction site where
the bird was found— otherwise
this spot would never have been
covered. This is only the county’s
second Upland Sandpiper and first
spring record.
A number of shorebird species
linger through the summer in
small numbers. A Surfbird near
the Ballona channel on June 18
(Richard Greer) and three others-
there on June 12, fell into this cat-
egory (Michael Zarky).
Though rare as migrants, even
along the immediate coast, Red
Phalaropes occasionally turn up
well inland as evidenced by one at
the Lancaster Sewer Ponds on
June 13 (Jon Feenstra).
There was less activity at the Lan-
caster ponds this year than last
spring—and perhaps they received
less coverage by birders. Aside
from the phalarope, reports were
limited to a single Franklin’s Gull
on May 26 (Tom Miko) and five
Bonaparte’s Gulls on June 13
(Jon Feenstra).
Nearby at the Piute Ponds on Ed-
wards AFB, a single adult Arctic
Tern on July 9 was noteworthy
(Mike San Miguel). It’s also of
interest that one was present at the
same location almost exactly two
years ago.
Always scarce close to shore was a
Common Murre found literally on
the sand at Venice Beach on May 23
(Dan Cooper). Obviously such birds
are distressed in some way, and this
one was feeding on crabs tossed to it
by beachgoers.
Remarkable was a Whip-poor-will
discovered high in the San Gabriels
on June 20 and reported through July
3 (Nick & Mary Freeman, Chris Tay-
lor). This marks the first county
record in over a decade. Historically
Whip-poor-wills were detected with
some regularity in the Big Pine and
Table Mountain area, but even there
they have gone unrecorded for many
years. Lack of observer coverage at
dusk and just before dawn when
these birds being calling, is undoubt-
edly a part of the equation.
Reminding us that autumn migration
starts very early for some species,
was a ‘first of fall’ Belted King-
fisher at Hansen Dam on July 3
(Kimball Garrett).
A Black Swift was observed on sev-
eral evenings north of Claremont be-
tween June 28-July 4 (Tom Miko).
With only two known breeding sites
in the San Gabriels, one wonders
where this bird was roosting and
whether it may have been a local
breeder. But since breeding birds are
known to forage widely in search of
food, it may have been from a loca-
tion many miles away.
Expected in fall, but less so in
spring, was a White-winged
Dove in Lancaster from June 13-
14 (Kumaran Arul).
An intriguing find was a Yellow-
billed Cuckoo along the Rio
Hondo near South El Monte on
June 28 (Dan Cooper). Formerly
common in the LA basin, this
species vanished long ago as a
breeding bird due largely to the
destruction of the specialized ri-
parian habitat it requires. Excit-
ing as it is, the occurrence of a
single individual in appropriate
habitat may well be an anomaly,
though the possibility exists that
breeding might once again occur
in one or two riparian pockets .
The presence of an adult and a ju-
venile Red-breasted Sapsucker
along Soledad Canyon Road near
Santa Clarita on July 1 (Dan
Cooper, Dave Bell) indicates local
breeding. This notable record
away from known or expected
breeding areas highlights how un-
explored some of our remaining
riparian corridors are.
Also quite interesting was a Wil-
low Flycatcher present at Hansen
Dam from June 13-23 (Kimball
Garrett). Vocalizations, plumage
and a leg band suggested that this
bird belonged to the southwestern
race extimus and this date was
outside the spring migration win-
dow. This is yet another species
that had substantial historical pop-
ulations eliminated by the radical
destruction of riparian habitat, as
well as severe brood parasitism by
cowbirds. At present there are no
known Willow Flycatcher breed-
ing sites in the county.
A juvenile Say’s Phoebe in the Sepul-
veda Basin on June 6 was probably the
result of local breeding (Jon Fisher).
This flycatcher has recently been
recorded breeding at several locations
on the coastal slope where it was previ-
ously absent, including Hansen Dam.
Western Tanager
In addition to the bonanza of
Bell’s Vireos at Hansen Dam
this spring, two were at
Schabarum Park in Rowland
Heights on May 26 (Dan Cooper)
indicating possible breeding
there. A handful of other Bell’s
were on territories along the San
Gabriel River in Duarte, along
the Rio Hondo near South El
Monte and in the Santa Fe Dam
basin in Irwindale and no doubt
elsewhere. When assisted by
cowbird removal, this species
has proven very capable of
recovering where suitable habitat
still exists.
Several Red-eyed Vireos were
found with birds at the Village
Green condos in Los Angeles
from June3-4 (Don Sterba), at
Lake Balboa in Van Nuys on
June 10 (Jim Abernathy) and in
lower Big Tujunga Canyon on
June 22 (Mike San Miguel).
A Plumbeous Vireo was on the north
slope of the San Gabriels along Big
Rock Creek on June 20 (Kimball
Garrett) where this species is known
to have bred in past years. It’s likely
that a few pairs continue to do so,
making this the only location in the
county where both Cassin’s and
Plumbeous Vireos breed side by side.
Yellow-throated Vireos were at
Peck Pit in Arcadia from June 21-
22 (Jon Fisher) and at Hansen
Dam on July 3 (Kimball Garrett).
An above average number were
recorded in southern California
this spring so it wasn’t surprising
that one or two eventually turned
up in LA County. In California
there is a noticeable pattern of
vagrancy in this species with a
spike in records every eight to
nine years.
September/October 2009 E5
An excellent find was a White-
eyed Vireo at DeForest Park in
Long Beach which was present
from July 2-4 (Karen Gilbert, Jeff
Boyd). That this bird was discov-
ered is remarkable, given the fact
that it was not singing. This sight-
ing would represent only the third
accepted county record.
Eleven Horned Larks seen flying
in off the ocean at Leo Carillo
State Beach on June 27 (Kimball
Garrett) were undoubtedly early
fall migrants. Although a lack of
suitable habitat makes this species
rather rare on our coastal slope, a
number of them certainly occur as
undetected ‘flyovers’.
Vagrant warblers were generally
in short supply this spring. The
exception was a wave of North-
ern Parulas with at least nine in-
dividuals reported. With so many
birds showing up, it became hard
to keep track of which were new
and which were continuing birds.
The first two reports came on May
27 from the Ballona Freshwater
Marsh (Don Sterba) and the Vil-
lage Green Condos in Los Angeles
(Kimball Garrett).
A subsequent record of note
came from the Village Green
Condominiums with a male and a
female there from June 25-July 7
(Don Sterba). Interactions ob-
served between these two birds
indicated possible breeding at
this location. As counterintu-
itive as it seems, this southeast-
ern species is not only a vagrant
but also occasionally breeds in
the county.
Two Tennessee Warblers were
reported, with one in Long
Beach on June 13 (Sam Stewart)
E6 Western Tanager Vol. 76, No. 1
and another at the Village Green
Condominiums in Los Angeles
on June 25 (Don Sterba).
Three Black-and-white Warblers
turned up during the period. One
was in Rolling Hills Estates on the
PVP on May 25 (Robb Hamilton),
another was at El Dorado Park in
Long Beach on May 31 (Kevin Al-
caino) and a third was at Eaton
Canyon in Pasadena from June 18-
21 (John Garrett).
The lone American Redstart of
the spring was at the Ballona
Freshwater Marsh on June 22
(Denise Perez, Mary Staff).
A Hooded Warbler was at the
Loyola Marymount University
Campus in Westchester on June
10 (Dan Cooper). Others were
in San Pedro on June 13 (Bob
Beckler) and at Hahamongna
Watershed Park in Pasadena on
June 14 (Sue Horton).
A Summer Tanager was on the
USC Campus on June 2 (Tom
Miko), while two were along
Soledad Canyon Road July 1-4
(Dan Cooper, Dave Bell). The
upper Santa Clara River drainage
is one of only two locations in
the county where this species is
known to breed regularly, the
other being near Valyermo.
Three Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
were recorded, with one at El Do-
rado Park in Long Beach on May
28-31 (Karen Gilbert), another in
Zuma Canyon on June 6 (Kimball
Garrett) and one in Long Beach
on June 13 (Brian Daniels).
A male Indigo Bunting near Cabrillo
Beach in San Pedro on June 1 was the
only one reported (David Ellsworth).
Now, in mid-August shore-
bird migration is in full stride.
All the usual spots will be well-
covered by birders— the lower
LA River, Piute Ponds, Malibu
Lagoon and Playa del Rey. Sort-
ing through thousands of peeps
and others requires patience, but
can offer rewards. These areas
will produce a number of good
birds this summer and fall. But
rarities or not, the occurrence of
large numbers of shorebirds, es-
pecially on the easily accessible
LA River, is a spectacle that
should not be missed.
Southbound passerines will
lag behind shorebirds and will be
evident by mid August. Many
will be moving through the
mountains and taking advantage
of cooler temperatures and food
resources when the lowlands are
especially dry and hot.
August and September are
months to try and beat the heat,
but it’s also a time when any
patch of wet or green in the
deserts can be worth checking
for migrants. Of course they can
also be found coastally and in
any number of city and county
parks.
Looking ahead, there are in-
dications that we may be headed
for an El Niño event this year—
the first in nearly a decade.
Even an average season of rain-
fall would be welcome at this
point.
 Volunteer Corner — Message from Eleanor Osgood and Stacey Vigallon
n this issue we would like to
I acknowledge the kindred spirits
of Los Angeles Audubon who
volunteered their energy and knowledge
to help further the mission of Los Angeles
Audubon Society. Those acknowledged
on this page have volunteered at events,
participated on committees, helped with
publications and with the operations of
our chapter between September, 2008
and July, 2009.
N EW VOLUNTEERS
Rocky Baisden, Digital Scanning; Paul
Caplan-Bennett, Baldwin Hills Overlook,
Docents-in-the-Park, Publicity Committee;
Kara Donahue and her husband, Eddie,
L.A. River Event, Tree Trimming Guide;
Elizabeth Isenberg, Publicity Committee;
Theresa Kim, Audubon House Bookstore;
Georgie Pettis, Outreach; Sophie Robinson,
Docents-in-the-Park, Publicity Committee;
Heather Sabin, Facebook Administrator,
Publicity Committee; Bill Slaton, Baldwin
Hills Overlook, Docents-in-the-Park; Cat
Waters, Centennial Committee,
Nominations Committee
S EASONED VOLUNTEERS
Hanna Hayman, Audubon House
Bookstore & Membership, Dorothy
Schwarz, Audubon House Librarian; Larry
Allen, Breeding Bird Atlas Committee, L.A.
County Birds Species of Special Concern,
Compiler for Malibu Christmas Bird Count,
Field Trip leader; Olga Clarke,
International Trips Chair, Hospitality,
Bookstore, Board Member; Dan Cooper,
L.A. County Bird Species of Special
Concern Committee, Compiler of the Los
Angeles Christmas Bird Count; David De
Lange, Board officer and Acting President;
Lisa Fimiani, Green House Internship
Program, Baldwin Hills Overlook, Finance
Committee Chair, Board member,
Outreach; Jon Fisher, “Birds of the
Season” in the Western Tanager, Rare Bird
Report tape; Paul Fox, Data base support,
Board member; Mary Freeman, Programs
Chair, Field Trip Leader, Board Member-
President, Docents-in-the-Park; Nick
Freeman, Field Trips Coordinator,
Compiler for the Lancaster Christmas Bird
Count, Board member. Docents-in-the-
Park, Field Trip Leader; Kimball Garrett,
Breeding Bird Atlas Committee, L.A.
County Birds of Special Concern
Committee, Ornithological Consultant,
Field Trip leader; Garry George,
Conservation Committee Chair,
Nominations Committee, Board Member;
Margot Griswald, habitat restoration in
Baldwin Hills; Dexter Kelly, Executive
Past President, Publicity, Outreach, Field
Trips Leader; Walter Lamb, Publicity
Committee, Docents-in-the-Park, Outreach
Committee; Mary Loquvam, Green House
Internship Program; Linda Navroth, Tree
Trimming Guide, Conservation Committee,
Outreach; Linda Oberholtzer, Editor of
Western Tanager, Outreach, Board member;
Eleanor Osgood, Bird Walks coordinator
and leader, Docents-in-the Park, Volunteer
Coordinator, Tree Trimming Guide, Board
member; Antonio Paiz, Outreach;
Elizabeth A. Rinnander, Outreach; Judith
Ruskin, Bird walk leader and Conservation
Committee; Tom Ryan, L.A. County Bird
Species of Special Concern Committee;
Jose Santillan, Docents-in-the-Park,
Outreach; Don Sterba, Bird walk leader,
Docent-in-the-Park; Rich Waters,
Outreach; Irwin Woldman, Field trip leader;
Dick Barnes, Dick Barth, Todd Battey,
Jean Brandt, Eric and Ann Brooks, Stan
Gray, Fred Heath, Howard King, Kris
Ohlenkamp, Ray Schep, Robert Shanman
and Irwin Wolman, have volunteered their
time to lead field trips. Jon Feenstra, Wes
Fritz, Terry Hunefeld, Todd McGrath,
Millie Newton, David Pereksta, and Phil
Sayre, have assisted in organizing and
leading the pelagic trips.
S NOWY P LOVER AND
L EAST T ERN V OLUNTEERS
Greg Ainsworth, Aurelio Albaisa,
Sandra Albers, Alma Alegria, Jenny
Aleman-Zometa, Larry Allen, Chuck
Almdale, Lillian Johnson Almdale,
Western Tanager
Christian Alvez, Leili Azizi, Ned Bader,
Tamara Ball, Michelle Black, Maureen
Bohler, Hank Borenstein, Clea
Bowdery, Allison Brandin, R.C. Brody,
Rocky Brown, Martin Byhower, Clara
Cartwright, Guy Commeau, Dan
Cooper, Barbara Courtois, Annie
Daly, Tracy Drake, Gianna Dryer,
JoAnn, David and Maegan Fellner,
Lisa Fimiani, Sally Garcia, Garry
George, Candy Groat, Jessica Hall,
Tyler Hallman, Robb Hamilton, Cindy
and Jonathan Hardin, Tommye Hite,
April House, Karin Howard, Judy
Howell, Shirley Imsand, Meighan
Jackson-Dietenhofer, Robert Jeffers,
Jim Jennings, Laurel Jones, Allan
Kotin, Anne Laval, Nan Lehnert and
Family, Kiersten Lo, Amber Lomet and
Family, Mary Loquvam, Chris Lord,
Miguel Luna, Karen Martin, Ron
Melin, Richard Montijo, David Moody,
Jess Morton, Julie Naylor, Margery
Nicolson, Don Nierlich, Mary O’Neill
and Family, Kris Ohlenkamp, Eleanor
Osgood, Lu Pauzoles, Ann Perkins,
Christy Pierce, Lauren Platt, Marian
Porter, Mary Prismon, Calin Rusti,
Thomas Ryan, Laurel Scott,
Christopher Taylor, Vic Warren, Ken
Wheelan, Shin-Yee Yau, Dr. Joan
Hackeling, Dr. Meredith Leonard, Dr.
Jonathan Campbell, and their classes at
Los Angeles Valley and Santa Monica
Colleges, Employees of the Toyota
Corporate Office in Torrance, The
Dorsey High School Eco-club, and
Leo Politi Elementary School.
We look forward to your renewed
commitments as well as to seeing new
faces. Because of your energy and
your time commitments, Los Angeles
Audubon is able to have the
environmental and conservation
impact that we have, and able to offer
the programs and events that we do.
You are Los Angeles Audubon!
Thank you all for your support.
September/October 2009 E7
 I n t e r p r e t i n g N at u r e
—By Stacey Vigallon,
Director of Interpretation
On June 10, 2009 students participating in the Baldwin Hills Greenhouse Program presented their
research at the Los Angeles Audubon general meeting. Interns conducted their projects during their
junior or senior year of high school, and their projects addressed real-world habitat restoration
issues. The information obtained through this work will be used by Dr. Margot Griswold,
Restoration Ecologist, for the in-progress restoration of the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook State
Park. Reprinted here are project abstracts…

Baldwin Hills Greenhouse Program Interns from the 2008-2009 school year (from left to right):
Chris Simmons, Jesus Macias, Fonda Williams, Wanda Carter, Emily Cobar.

Non-irrigated Versus Irrigated
Nassella pulchra: Who Will Be
The Last Plant Standing?
On November 25, 2008, I
planted 72 Nassella pulchra plants
on a hillside in the Baldwin Hills to
test the survival of irrigated vs. non-
irrigated plants, for gallon pots and
2-inch plug plant sizes. By the end
of the six months of my experiment
the total survival did not fall below
75% for any of the three irrigation
treatments (no irrigation, one-time
irrigation, regular irrigation), and
was as high as 100% for both 2-inch
and gallon regular irrigation
treatments as well as the gallon non-
irrigated treatment. It was
interesting to find that although
gallon plants had a better overall
survival rate, the difference between
gallon and plug survival was only
14%, not drastic. I am interested to
know if the survival rate would have
been the same had the experiment
been conducted during the summer.
—Wanda Carter
Design of an Aesthetically Pleasing
Cactus Wren Nesting Structure
The objective of the Baldwin
Hills Greenhouse Internship
Program is to reintroduce native
plants and animals to the Baldwin
Hills area of Los Angeles,
California. My project dealt with the
Cactus Wren, a native bird whose
numbers are declining in Los
Angeles. I have designed and created
a nesting structure to mimic the
natural nesting sites composed of the
Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia
littoralis), a California native plant. I
combined artistic and ecological
ideals to develop my sculpture. My
sculpture had to meet the nesting
requirements of the Cactus Wren: 5ft
tall, 7ft wide, providing protection

E8 Western Tanager Vol. 76, No. 1

and support for the nest itself. I also
developed a survey comparing my
sculpture with a pre-existing similar
structure created by the Irvine Ranch
Conservancy (IRC). The survey was
one page with 10 questions and
included photos of my sculpture, the
nesting structure developed by IRC,
and an image of a standard garden
trellis as a control. The survey was
created with the idea that people
have their own opinions about
aesthetics, conservation, and
recycling. Respondents to the survey
deemed my structure to be more
aesthetically pleasing as well as
better able to fulfill the nesting
requirements of the Cactus Wren.
—Jesus Macias
Do Fuel Types Affect
Opuntia littoralis Germination?
From November 2008 to April
2009 we measured the germination
rates for Opuntia littoralis seeds
exposed to fires fueled by native and
non-native plants in the Baldwin
Hills area of Southern California. O.
littoralis is often used as nesting
sites for the Cactus Wren
(Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus),
however, O. littoralis has an low
germination rate (13%). In our study
we had 0% germination in all
treatments including control. Future
researchers and conservationists
should consider more research on the
results of seeds bathed in acid and
those obtained from mature
O.littoralis fruits. These treatments
may yield a higher germination rate
than seeds exposed to fire.
—Chris Simmons
Germination of Opuntia littoralis Seeds
in Three Water Treatments
From January-April 2009, I
examined the germination rate of
Opuntia littoralis in a greenhouse setting
at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
State Park in Southern California. Cactus
Wrens rely on O. littoralis as a nesting Member Acknowledgements
structure and ecologists want to restore cont’d. from page 3.
this native cactus species to this parkland
within the industrialized landscape of Lifetime Membership
Los Angeles. This cactus species has a Amy Worell & Bob Walden
germination rate of 13%. I studied the
germination rate for O. littoralis seeds Donors
that were leached and non-leached under 41 Pounds.org
3 water treatments: 1500mL/week, Joe Church
150mL/week, and control (no water). Clif Bar Family Foundation
After a trial period of 89 days of Robbin & Don Close, in memory of
watering and monitoring, not one of the
Esther Shorr
898 seeds germinated. Future
Brian M Collier
researchers might be interested in
William Cullen
exposing seeds in acid to get a higher
Norine Dresser, in memory of Jane
germination rate or possibly working
Dicker Jones
with broken cactus pads.
Edmond Hewlett
—Emily Cobar
Arthur Langton
Kurt Leuschner
Growth Rate and Root Formation
Linda Navroth
of Opuntia littoralis
Margery Nicolson
November 2008 to April 2009 I
Eleanor Osgood
conducted research on Opuntia littoralis
in the Baldwin Hills area of Los Larry Pasquali
Angeles, California to find a more Judy Gragg Scharf
efficient way to grow O.littoralis. I Janice Schwegler
observed the growth and root formation David Seay
rate among three different treatments: Caryol Ann Smith
pre-rooted plants from gallon pots, Lori Winer-Hecht
calloused cuttings placed directly in the
soil (planted) and calloused cuttings
placed directly on the ground (surface). Los Angeles Audubon
This is to help reestablish the Cactus
is able to accommodate
Wren (Campylorhynchus
all forms of planned
brunneicapillus) in the Baldwin Hills
giving including wills and
area or other areas prone to their
settlement. Out of 180 cactus plants
trusts, annuities, and
100% (n=18) of those I extracted from property donations. If
surface and planted treatments had you are thinking of
rooted within six months. Pre-rooted leaving a legacy to local
cactus plants maintained the largest pad conservation of birds and
width among the three treatments. their habitat, you might
Considering time and cost, using surface be able to reap the
cactus cuttings would be a more benefits now of planning
efficient treatment when trying to for later.
restore native habitats, although all Contact:
treatments had root growth. Annual maryloquvam@laaudubon.org
rainfall should also be taken into with any questions regarding
consideration for any long-term projects. planned giving to Los
—Fonda Williams Angeles Audubon.
Western Tanager September/October 2009 E9

Field Trips
Field trips often require more time or
effort than do Bird Walks. They delve more
deeply into identification, natural histories
and interactions observed in the field. No
pets or small children, please. Contact
information will be released for
carpooling unless requested otherwise.
More details are available online at
www.laaudubon.org
Friday, August 28
Point Mugu NWS
Tentative trip cancelled due to
scheduling difficulties.
Sunday, September 13
Ventura County Game Preserve
Tentative trip cancelled due to
scheduling difficulties.
September 19 & 20
Galileo Hills and California City
Leaders: Nick & Mary Freeman. Galileo
is arguably the best fall migrant trap in the
state. Western warblers and flycatchers
should headline. Reptiles may be
encountered! Directions: Take Hwy 14
about 4 miles past Mojave, then turn right
on California City Blvd. Drive through
town about a mile past the shops, turn left
past the golf course on Randsburg-Mojave
Rd., and veer right on 20 Mule Team Rd.
Turn left on Rutgers Rd. at the Silver
Saddle sign before the hill, take your first
paved right, your first right again, into the
Silver Saddle Country Club, followed by
two paved lefts into the lot in front of the
building. Park by the pond. A little over
2 hrs driving time from L.A. Bring
lunches, sun block. Reserve a room in
Mojave, or inquire with Silver Saddle
Ranch & Club, (760) 373-8617 for
present weekend policy. Meet at 7:00 a.m.
on Saturday, and bird all day, and bird until
3-4 p.m. Sunday. Nominal donation to
Los Angeles Audubon is suggested;
envelopes will be provided. Call Audubon
House (323) 876-0202 to reserve. 12 max.
E10 Western Tanager Vol. 76, No. 1
Saturday, September 26
Piute Ponds
Leader: Jim Moore. A good mix of
shorebirds and early waterfowl, with a
chance at LeConte’s Thrasher and
Pectoral Sandpiper. Possible extension to
Lancaster sewage ponds or Apollo Park
afterwards. Carpool at Denny's (Roxford
& I-5), leaving at 7 a.m., or meet at the
Avenue C gate at 7:45 a.m. Directions:
Take Hwy 14 N to Avenue D, head E to
Sierra Hwy, head N to Avenue C, and go
a block E to the end. Bring lunch, water
and sunblock. Expect hot weather, and
afternoon wind. High clearance vehicles
may be a plus. No cameras on base! This
is a joint trip with SFVAS. To reserve call
Audubon House (323) 876-0202 by
September 23 with name, phone number,
and e-mail address. Limited sign-up of 15.
No drop-ins.
Saturday, October 3
Malibu to McGrath Field Trip
Leader Barbara Johnson. Late
passerines and shorebirds should be
moving through coastal migration
spots, mixed with early wintering
birds. Possibly 100 species.
Directions: Take PCH N over the
bridge in Malibu, and turn right on
Cross Creek Road for free parking
along the road (and Starbucks), or turn
left into the fee lot. Cross PCH, and
meet at the kiosk by the lagoon at 7:30
a.m. for a full day of birding. There
may be one or two access fees at
McGrath, elsewhere. Bring lunch.
No sign-up or fee for the trip.
Saturday, October 10
San Diego Area Field Trip
Leaders: Nick & Mary Freeman. A good
portion of the morning will probably be
spent at Pt. Loma. Some odd birds have
been known to pop up here during late
migration. Other possible areas include the
Tijuana River marsh and nearby farm
fields. Directions: Take the 5 Fwy S about
three miles past Route 52 to the Clairemont
Drive offramp and head W into the small
lot adjacent to the Mission Bay Information
Center. Meet E of the kiosk at 8:00 a.m.
Bring a lunch. Send $15 fee to LAAS’s PO
Box 931057, Los Angeles CA 90093-1057.
Sunday, November 1
Oxnard Plain
Leader: Mary & Nick Freeman. Meet at
the Hueneme sod fields at 8:00 a.m. to look
over the American Pipits for the Red-
throated variety, as well as longspurs.
Golden-Plovers are also possible. There
may be eastern vagrants to chase. Mugu
estuary, Sycamore Canyon, and local
tamarisk stands are also possibilities.
Directions: From the 101 N, drive S on
Rice Avenue to the end, then turn Rt. on
Hueneme Rd. Meet on the N (Rt) side of
Hueneme Rd. a few blocks west of this
turn, and just before Casper Rd. Scopes
helpful. Bring lunch and bird 'till we drop.
Nominal donation to LAAS is suggested,
envelopes will be provided.
Saturday, November 7
Lake Perris Area
Leader: Howard King. The Little Gulls,
Ruddy Ground Dove, and Least and
Vermilion flycatchers of past years may
not be back, but surely something will take
their places! Last year, TWO Lesser
Black-backed Gulls! Directions:Take the
10 or 60 Fwy E to the 215 Fwy S, exit E
at Ramona Expressway, continue E just
past Perris Blvd., and meet at the Farmer
Boys Restaurant on the S side of the road.
Leave from here at 8:00 a.m.. Bring lunch,
warm clothing and footwear for possible
mud. Possible entrance fee.
Saturday, December 19
Lancaster Christmas Bird Count
Contact compiler Nick Freeman at:
(818) 247-6172 or
mnfreeman@earthlink.net
to be placed on a team or be given an
area.
Sunday, December 20
Malibu Christmas Bird Count
Contact compiler Larry Allen at:
(626) 288-2701 or
larryallen@earlymusicla.org
to participate.
 Before setting out on any event, please call the LAAS bird tape at (323) 874-1318, Option #4,
for special instructions or possible cancellations that may have occurred.
TO RESERVE MAIL SASE & FEE TO: Los Angeles Audubon, PO Box 931057 Los Angeles, CA 90093-1057
International
Birding Tours
Patagonia, Argentina
Oct. 23 - Nov. 7, 2009
Pre & Post Extensions to
Northwest Argentina & Iguazu Falls
This southern-most tip of the South
American continent, has such diverse
habitats as arid steppes, southern
beech forests and sea shores of the
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. A unique
opportunity to bird in superb
destinations, framed by incredible
landscapes, such as the Perito Moreno
Glacier, the Beagle Channel and the
steppes of Patagonia.
Ecuador: Best of the Andes
Dec. 26, 2009 - Jan. 9, 2010
with Galapagos Extension
Jan. 8 - 13, 2010
Ecuador may be one of South
America's smallest countries, but for
phenomenal birding and spectacular
scenery, its extreme biodiversity
cannot be imagined. Visit seven
zones of different regions on this
serious but friendly excursion,
accompanied by a local expert guide.
For information and itinerary on
International Birding Tours, contact:
Olga Clarke oclarketravel@earthlink.net
Los Angeles Audubon, Travel Director
2027 El Arbolita Dr.
Glendale, CA 91208-1805
Ph/Fax: (818) 249-9511
Bird Walks
Bird Walks are appropriate for young
bird watchers age 6 years and older.
Carpooling is encouraged.
Binoculars are provided on some
walks as noted below. NO sign-up,
NO fees, just show up! More detailed
descriptions are vailable online at
www.laaudubon.org
Topanga State Park Birdwalk
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
1 st Sunday of every month
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
An ideal trip for a beginning birder
or someone new to the area.
Leaders: Ken Wheeland
(310) 455-1401, ksafarri@aol.com
and Chris Tosdevin (310) 455-1270
Upper Franklin Canyon
(Sooky Goldman Nature Center)
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Leader: Eleanor Osgood
Sunday October 11, 2009
Leader: Irwin Woldman
2nd Sunday of every month
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join us as we take a casual walk
around the ponds and trails of this
urban oak woodland nature preserve.
Meet in the parking lot of the Sooky
Goldman Nature Center and bird for a
few hours in the cool of native trees
and a pond. Binoculars provided.
If you wish to carpool, or for more
information, contact Eleanor Osgood
at volunteer@laaudubon.org or call
(310) 839-5420.
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
3rd Saturday of the month
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Western Tanager
Leaders: Ann and Eric Brooks;
Eleanor Osgood This trip covers
landscaped parkland,lake and native
coastal scrub habitats and is paced for
beginning birders. Binoculars
provided. If you wish to carpool, or
for more information, contact Eleanor
Osgood at volunteer@laaudubon.org
or (310)-839-5420.
Ballona Wetlands Bird Walk
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
3 rd Sunday of the month
(except for December)
Leaders: Bob Shanman and Friends
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 P.M.
Contact: Bob (310) 326-2473;
wildbirdbob@cs.com
Complete descriptions and directions for
each bird walk are available on our website
www.laaudubon.org. Please call the contact
number for additional assistance.
Pelagic Trips
Pelagic Trip reservations are made by mailing
in your check and SASE, or by calling and
paying with your credit card. Detailed
information about each pelagic trip can be
found online at www.laaudubon.org. Call
(323) 874-1318, Option 4, for special
instructions or last minute cancellations that
may have occurred.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Around the Northern Channel
Islands for rare Shearwaters
Departs 7:30 a.m. Santa Barbara Harbor
This 8 hour trip departs from the Santa
Barbara Harbor at 7:30 a.m. on the
catamaran Condor Express.. There is a
complete galley that serves breakfast and
lunch. Leaders: Terry Hunefeld, Todd
McGrath and David Pereksta. $115
September/October 2009 E11
 mONTHLY pROGRAMS
Meet at 7:30 PM in the Community Building in Plummer Park
7377 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046

"Nick Freeman holding a Yellow-breasted Chat at

"Dave Weeshoff with Kings" Photo by Dave Weeshoff.
Zuma Canyon" Photo by Mary Freeman.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009 Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

"Birds, Bergs and Beasts:
A Southern Ocean Experience"
Dave Weeshoff, San Fernando Valley Audubon
Society Board Member, will present photos and quips of
his recent travels to the Antarctic Peninsula, South
Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Included will be
penguins, albatrosses, petrels, whales, cute seal pups, sea
lions, and other rascally creatures, as well as amazing
icebergs and landscapes of phenomenal beauty. Come
help him identify some of the mystery birds in his
photos. Dave is on the Board of Directors of the
International Bird Rescue Research Center and the San
Fernando Valley Audubon Society, and is a frequent
guest speaker on environmental issues for Heal the Bay,
an organization concerned with improving the water
quality off the Southern California coast, and the
Algalita Marine Research Foundation, concerned with
the plague of plastic in the oceans.
"15 years of bird banding in the Santa
Monica Mountains: What have we
learned?"
Walt Sakai has been banding birds in Zuma
Canyon the past 15 years. This chaparral-covered
canyon attracts many resident and migrant bird
species. It has chaparral-covered hillsides, and
sycamore and oak trees dotting the canyon bottom.
What have been some of the more unusual birds
found? Do our chaparral species seem to be doing
well in this "typical" coastal chaparral canyon?
Are exotic parrots becoming more prevalent here?
Walt conducts regular monthly banding runs and
tonight, he will discuss the findings and trends of
the species found in this wonderful canyon.

AUDUBON HOUSE HOURS

Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:30a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Closed: Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
Closed: Mon., September 7th Labor Day
Open: 1st Saturday of the month, September 5th and October 3rd 10 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Open: 2nd Wednesday of the month, we are open 9:30 a.m until 9:45 p.m for those attending the Membership Program.