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Volume 77, Number 1 September/October 2010

WESTERN
TANAGER
a publication of Los Angeles Audubon www.laaudubon.org

UNDERSTANDING Bird Vocalizations


Through AUDIO SPECTROGRAMS
—by Tom Stephenson

R
ecent technology has given us the ability to “see” mathematical process is the theory that many complex
into many heretofore invisible parts of the world. phenomenon, like equations or data derived from
From X-Rays of broken bones, to CAT scans of physical events like a sound; can be broken down into
the brain, to ultrasound images of yet-to-be born infants; smaller pieces and thus more easily understood..
modern technology reveals important and useful
information about our world. To make it possible to “see” a sound, a Fourier
analysis is made of the audio and the resulting
One such tool that can be very helpful for birders is information is converted into graphical form. Here's how
the sonogram, or more accurately, the audio spectrogram. the process works.
Audio spectrograms (“AS” or “sonograms”) allow
birders to “see” inside a bird vocalization and can First of all, the target sound is digitally recorded in
provide important clues on how to differentiate one call very small “samples”, often 44,100 samples per
or song from another. Sometimes sonograms help by second, the same process used for a CD. The analyzer
showing subtle variations in short calls; other times by then looks at regularly spaced groups of samples to see
helping the birder recognize differences in the larger if there is a sound present at that moment in time. If
patterns of complex songs. Once these differences are audio is present, then it checks the sound at each of
discerned in spectrograms, they often become much many different frequencies to determine which
easier to hear and differentiate in the field. frequencies are present at that time and the how loud
each frequency is.
This short “teaser” article will serve as an
introduction to the topic. On the LAAS Website are more The presence of any audio content in each
examples of different kinds of vocalizations and their frequency band is then graphically represented by a
representation as sonograms, including a look at using short line or dot at that frequency, at the time that
sonograms to differentiate the easy-to-confuse songs of sample occurred. The intensity or loudness of the audio
the thrashers found in SE Arizona. at each frequency is represented as a lighter or darker
line on a continuum from very soft (light mark) to very
At the talk on Wednesday, September 8, 2010, we’ll loud (much darker mark).
include additional examples and analyses and you will be
able to hear the songs as you watch the sonograms, This analysis is repeated for regular intervals for as
something difficult to do in a printed article! long as the sound lasts. The resulting graphic is a
collection of all of these instantaneous representations
WHAT ARE AUDIO SPECTROGRAMS of frequency content placed on a time line. The
An audio spectrogram is a two dimensional graphical horizontal axis is time, showing the length of the
representation of an audio source. The graphic represents audio. The vertical axis is frequency, with dots or lines
all of the frequencies of the sound and also the loudness showing what, if any, content there was at each frequency.
of each frequency. Spectrograms are created using a
principal called Fourier Analysis. The basis of this
SOME SIMPLE AUDIO EXAMPLES A second pure whistle of the same length, but at a
Let’s look at a very simple example of an audio lower pitch, would have a single line also lasting a
spectrogram of a whistle that starts at a low pitch and second, but the line would be lower on the graphic than
gradually rises to a very high pitch over 30 seconds. The the first line.
whistler whistles one short note per second, each higher
than the previous, and all at the same volume. Here’s an Audio Spectrogram of 12 pure tones, each
lasting 1 second. The tones are in groups of 3 tones at the
The resulting graphical representation of the sound same pitch. Each group is lower in pitch than the prior
would show one dot at each sample for the frequency of group. The whole selection lasts about 4 seconds, from
the tone at that time. It would look like this. the 7 second mark to the 11 second mark on the time
scale (in this graphic shown across the top). Notice that
the frequency of the first set of tones is about 1kHz or
1,000 cycles per second. (Middle C on a piano is about
260 cycles.)

Fig. 1. Basic sonogram.


Fig. 2. Simple repeated tones on 4 pitches.
Moving Left to Right on the graphic represents time,
which increases one second per “scale” of the graphic. Here’s a sonogram of the first part of "Row, Row,
Pitch is represented by the vertical placement of each Row Your Boat" performed with a flute which has no
dot, with a higher dot representing a higher pitch. overtones.

Notice that at each second there is a dot showing that


sound was present, and each dot is higher in pitch than
the last one, as the tone was rising slowly. Since the
whistle was played at an even volume, there is no
difference in the lightness or darkness of each dot.

Now let’s look at the audio spectrogram of a simple Fig. 3. Row your boat sonogram.
sine wave. If you remember back to your physics class
(you weren’t sleeping were you...) a sine wave is the
purest of all tones. It consists of only 1 pitch, with no
overtones, and is similar to the sound you would hear
from a flute or a very pure whistle. A sonogram of a one
second sine wave at one pitch would have only one line,
representing the pitch of the sound, and the length would
be one second’s worth of distance on the graphic.

2 Western Tanager Vol. 77, No.1


If you take two sounds of different pitches but equal
volume and play them at the same time, you would hear
them both at once and it would sound like a chord. The
AS would look like this:

Fig. 6. 2 upslurred notes.

Fig. 4 Sonogram of chords.


Next here's part of a song that is a smooth “slur” that
rises and then falls in pitch and contains rich harmonics.
Now let’s take five sounds and stack them on top of
You can see the harmonics as “shadows” above the
each other. This time we’ll make all but the lowest much
darker, fundamental pitch. By the way, the mottling or
softer and place each an octave higher than the next.
background “dots” of most audio spectrograms are
Instead of sounding like a chord, it would sound like just
caused usually by the background noise present during
one pitch, the pitch of the lowest note. However it would
the recording.
sound much richer than a simple sine wave. If you
remember back to your physics class again, this is what
happens when a bow excites a string and the resulting
sound consists of one or more harmonics. The more
harmonics, the richer sounding the sound.

Fig. 5. Pitches showing fundamental with harmonics.

When you are reading a sonogram for a bird song,


it's important to remember that the more harmonics
visible in the audio spectrogram, the richer the sound.
Fig. 7. Rich up/down slurs with harmonics.
Moving closer to how bird audio spectrograms might
look, here’s how two simple up-slurred tones would
look. Notice they start low and end higher.

Western Tanager September/October 2010 3


If the pitch of the sound varies very quickly during ON TO BIRD SONGS
its duration, but only by a small change in pitch, then this So what does all of this nonsense, that once put you
would be visible on an AS as a ripple or wave in the to sleep in physics class and sounds pretty soporific now,
graphic. Here’s an example of part of “row row row your have to do with birds? Well, plenty. In order to read an
boat” played with a sine wave that has vibrato, or fast, Audio Spectrogram effectively, you need to be able to
small variations in its pitch. interpret the graphical representation of the sound in two
main ways.

First of all, you can get a good understanding of the


tone of the bird by seeing how many sounds are stacked
at any one moment of time and if they look like
harmonics or would just amount to some kind of noise.
(more about noise on the web article). And secondly you
Fig. 8. Sine waves with vibrato.
can use the graphic to help you understand the rhythms
and patterns of the song as it unfolds over time.
Notice the different notes, and also that each note has
very fast changes in pitch caused by the vibrato. Let’s take a look at a couple of simple bird songs
that demonstrate some of the basics we have been
If the pitch of the sound varies quickly and very discussing above.
widely, then it would sound like a trill. Here’s the
sonogram of a trill, in this case a Cedar Waxwing. Notice SOME SIMPLE EXAMPLES
the “shadow” harmonics above the fundamental tone, Here is an audio spectrogram of the very clear tones
that indicate the trill is fairly round or rich in tone and of a Lesser Yellowlegs. Notice the very strong
not “dry”. harmonics, denoting a rich tone. You can also see that
each note has a downward slur.

Fig. 9. Sonogram of Cedar Waxwing trill.


Fig. 10. Lesser Yellowleg vocalization.
Be sure to remember that the more simultaneous
sounds that are harmonics of the lowest tone, the richer Here is the familiar spring song of a Northern
the sound will be. Cardinal (familiar at least for those of us in the Eastern
US.) Notice all of the harmonics, denoting a very rich
song. The song starts with two very slow up slurs. It then
continues with a very steady, fairly rapid sequence of
rich tones. If you look closely you can see that each of
the rapid notes has a prominent down slur.

4 Western Tanager Vol. 77, No.1


Fig. 11. Northern Cardinal slurs and faster repeated notes. Fig. 13. Black-capped Chickadee call.

The Ovenbird’s song starts quietly and increases in There are several useful things to notice about
volume. As you can see in this sonogram, it also this call.
increases in richness of tone. You can also see the two First of all, the sound is very pure. There is a basic
parts of each song element (“tea cher.........tea pitch and a couple of harmonics. We’re pretty sure they
cher....”) are harmonics and not noise because they are evenly
distributed above the fundamental pitch. Both notes of
the two part call have the same level of “purity” since
they contain about the same harmonic content. So they
will sound similar in quality. The first tone falls a bit in
pitch, but not a lot. The second tone is lower than the
first. And there’s a clean break between the two notes, so
they will sound distinct and separate.

Now let’s take a look at a Carolina Chickadee’s


(CACH) call. Although these calls are often confused in
the field, they are actually very different. And this
difference is quite evident when you look at the audio
spectrograms.
Fig. 12. Ovenbird song.

COMPARING CHICKADEE CALLS


Finally, let’s put sonograms to real use by
examining two similar-sounding species’ vocalizations
to see how an AS might help us learn to differentiate
them in the field.

Here’s an audio spectrogram of a Black-capped


Chickadee’s (BCCH) “phoebe” call.

Fig. 14. Carolina Chickadee call.

The most obvious difference is that the CACH’s call


has four notes vs the BCCH’s two. But let’s look a bit
deeper to see some more revealing differences, since the
BCCH can double its call or the CACH truncate its call.

Western Tanager September/October 2010 5


One striking difference between
the two calls is the pitch difference Finally, the length of the
between the first and second notes in CACH’s call is about 1.5
the CACH’s call. Whereas the seconds, the same length as the
BCCH’s two notes were very close two notes of the BCCH’s call, The mission of Los Angeles Audubon Society is to
promote the enjoyment and protection of birds and
to the same pitch, 4.5kHz to which therefore sounds slower other wildlife through recreation, education,
3.75kHz, there is a big pitch jump and more relaxed. conservation and restoration.
from the first note to the second note Los Angeles Audubon is a non-profit volunteer
in the CACH: from 6kHz to 3.5kHz. As you can see, an audio organization of people with a common interest in
birding and natural history. Los Angeles Audubon
And oddly enough, the second note spectrogram can make it easier maintains offices, a library, and bookstore, the
of the CACH’s call is lower than the to “see” inside vocalizations and proceeds of which benefit all of its programs.
notes of the BCCH! This can explain find the important differences
Los Angeles Audubon Society
some confusion that can be caused between two species. Audubon House
by field guides that describe the 7377 Santa Monica Blvd.,
W. Hollywood, CA 90046-6694
CACH as being a higher call than We’re out of space, so for
the BCCH. Indeed it starts higher, more examples, go to the LAAS Mailing Address
P.O. Box 931057, Los Angeles, CA 90093-1057
but the second notes are lower, so website,
you may or may not hear this song as www.losangelesaudubon.org, and (323) 876-0202 (voice/messages)
(323) 876-7609 (fax)
higher pitched. attend the LAAS program on LAAS@laaudubon.org (general email)
Sept 8, 2010. (see back cover) www.losangelesaudubon.org

Take a look at the first two notes. Board Officers 2010-2011


President Travis Longcore
Notice the differences in the 1st Vice President Garry George
2nd Vice President Margot Griswold
harmonics between the first note, © 2009 by Tom Stephenson Executive Secretary Eleanor Osgood
with only one harmonic, and the Recording Secretary
Treasurer
Linda Oberholtzer
Lisa Fimiani
second note, with three harmonics. Tom grew up birding in Ithaca Executive Past President David DeLange

The first note is thin and pure under the tutelage of Arthur A. Allen Programs & Activities
sounding, the second more complex. and Peter Paul Kellogg. He has birded Conservation Garry George
Field Trips Nick Freeman
Certainly the two notes do not sound around the world, guided many birding Bird Walks Eleanor Osgood
Pelagic Trips Phil Sayre
groups, and recently has been invited
as similar to each other as the Programs Mary Freeman
by the Board of Tourism in Bhutan to Ornithology Consultant Kimball Garrett
BCCH’s notes, which are basically Rare Bird Alert Jon Fisher
train their local bird guides. Tom has Report Rare Birds (323) 874-1318
the very same tonal quality. written many articles on birding for Volunteer Coordinator Eleanor Osgood
Library Dorothy Schwarz
periodicals including Birding and Bird
Now look at the graphic area Watcher’s Digest. He has given lectures Staff
Director of Interpretation Stacey Vigallon
between the first two notes of the and workshops for the Los Angeles Audubon House Administrator Martha Balkan
Membership Services Susan Castor
CACH’s call. You can clearly see a Audubon Society, The Nature
line between the two notes that Conservancy and other birding Audubon House Bookstore
Orders (888) 522-7428
extends lower than the second note. organizations. He is a published Fax (323) 876-7609
Bookstore Manager (323) 876-0202
Since the line indicates many photographer and is on the Zeiss Hours Mon–Thurs 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

different frequencies in the same Sports Optics World Series of Birding 1st Sat. ea. month 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Digiscoping team. Online Nature Store


very short period of time, this part of www.losangelesaudubon.org/store
O n t h e n o n - b i rd i n g f ro n t , h e
the call will not be a clear note, but is a musician and has worked
rather some kind of noise. And it will w i t h c l i e n t s f ro m P h i l C o l l i n s t o
sound a bit lower than the second th e G r a t e f u l D e a d . For many years
WESTERN TANAGER
Published by
note. Since it’s short and noisy, then, he was Director of Technology for Los Angeles Audubon Society, Inc
it will sound a bit like a hiccup or Roland Corporation, a leading
Western Tanager is published bi-monthly. For address changes or
glitch in the song. This glitch is very manufacturer of digital editing subscription problems call (323) 876-0202, or write to Member
Services, Los Angeles Audubon, PO Box 931057, Los Angeles, CA
obvious when you listen to the equipment and electronic musical 90093-1057. Submissions are due the 1st of the month, two months

CACH’s song and is very different instruments. before the date of the issue. Please send submissions as Microsoft
Word or RTF documents, or plain text files, to Linda Oberholtzer at
westerntanager@laaudubon.org.
from the two pure, simple notes of
Editor Linda Oberholtzer
the BCCH. Layout Susan Castor
Proofreaders Hanna Hayman, Kimball Garrett

Printed on Recycled Paper

6 Western Tanager Vol. 77, No.1


Conservation Conversation
A REPORT ON CONSERVATION EFFORTS BY LOS ANGELES AUDUBON
EPA DECLARES LA RIVER ruling by the previous Presidential Los Angeles Audubon is also proud
NAVIGABLE WATERS administration, that the river was not to inaugurate a docent program at
July 7, 2010, EPA Administrator navigable, wasn’t protected under the Dockweiler Beach to educate
Lisa Jackson, came to Compton Creek Clean Water Act and couldn’t receive beachgoers about the fence, the birds,
in Los Angeles announcing that the EPA federal funding under that act. Protests and why we should all protect them.
has reversed a previous ruling and has took the form of kayaks, navigating the Plovers lay their eggs right on the
found the LA RIVER to be navigable LA River from the headwaters to the beach, and with the growing population
waters. This protects the river and ocean, that told a different story. of Southern California beachgoers and
allows access to funding under the Rock the Boat, a documentary film the resulting recreational activities;
Clean Water Act. “We are moving made during that journey, was screened beach grooming, dogs-off-leash and
away from concrete,” Ms. Jackson at the July 16, 2010 opening of other challenges, the little guys winter–
stated, when she made her AUDUBON FILM FRIDAYS. This but haven’t bred on our beaches since
announcement at the Compton Creek in film and nature partnership program 1949. Will they breed if they are
Los Angeles. between Audubon Center at Debs Park, protected? That is the big question.
A member of the LA RIVER Los Angeles Audubon and Pasadena Who knows, but Los Angeles Audubon
STAKEHOLDERS COMMITTEE Audubon Society, is now in the fourth is willing to give them a chance, as
since 2004, Los Angeles Audubon has year of this venue. It is free, outdoors, every population increase can help these
identified goals for restoration of the and presented on a big-screen with birds survive and play their important
river to benefit the birds which currently high-quality audio. Details are on any part of our beach ecology. Besides, the
and historically use the river. A vision of the three websites of the partners. educational conservation message of
is to someday hear a Yellow-billed protecting a threatened species is a key
Cuckoo on the river. In the Master THEY’RE BACK! message that supports the mission of
Plan, The Lower LA RIVER, an Los Angeles Audubon, Santa Los Angeles Audubon, and the new
Audubon California IBA, providing Monica Bay Audubon and Palos docent program developed by
refuge for migratory shorebirds in fall, Verdes/South Bay Audubon, are joining Interpretive Director Stacey Vigallon
is protected during any revitalization in the fourth year of a program to and biologist Tom Ryan. To volunteer
efforts. A goal of the revitalization of monitor and protect the threatened for the program, contact Stacey at
the river should be to increase the Western population of Western Snowy tern@laaudubon.org.
diversity of birds. Sightings by LA Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus
birders, entered into eBird and other nivosus), in partnership with U.S. Fish CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
bird data collection systems, such as & Wildlife Service and California RECONVENES IN SEPTEMBER
Rare Birds Committee, provide Department of Fish & Game. LAAS’s Conservation Committee will
important scientific data on what This year, a brand new fence has reconvene in September to consider the
species use this important man-made been erected at Dockweiler Beach to conservation program’s outstanding issues,
resource on the Pacific Flyway, and protect the birds. Thanks to the and to consider new issues. The purpose of
when. The loss of habitat in estuaries in cooperation of LA County Beaches & the committee is to make recommendations
Southern California makes this location Harbors and with help from Coastal to the Board of Directors regarding
super important, and it is interesting that Commission, LA Audubon’s Stacey conservation policy, programs and actions,
these shorebirds are adapting to the food Vigallon, Tom Ryan Biological and issues that Los Angeles Audubon
resources and shelter in the river. Consulting, Dan Cooper Ecological, should address. The Committee is headed
The ruling by the EPA came about and all of the volunteers, lifeguards, and by Conservation Chair Garry George. If
partly by the efforts of LA RIVER aware beachgoers. you want to join, please contact
activists who protested the previous garrygeorge@laaudubon.org.
Western Tanager September/October 2010 7
Interpreting Nature
On June 5, 2010 students participating in the Baldwin Hills Greenhouse Internship Program presented their
research to the public at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook State Park. Intern projects addressed real-world habitat
restoration issues, and each student devoted 175-240 hours to their internship. The information obtained through
their hard 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…
–Stacey Vigallon, Director of Interpretation
Rina Arce Buckwheat (Eriogonum nest boxes on both south and east
Converting invasive plants into fasciculatum) on Dark Red Lollo facing slopes had fewer than 5% of
paper in the Baldwin Hills Area Rossa lettuce. Lettuce plants in the holes occupied by bees. I surveyed
In November 2009, I took oak treatment had the highest for pollinators by tracking flower
invasive plants from the Baldwin survival (66.7%) while lettuce locations with a GPS, and
Hills area, converting them into plants in the buckwheat treatment performing 3-minute focal surveys.
paper fiber. This site contains had the lowest survival (33.3%). There was no major difference
coastal sage scrub habitat, a vital There was no difference in insect between the number of pollinators
food and shelter source for presence among the treatment found in winter surveys (80
wildlife. Invasive plants disturb groups, including control, as all pollinators counted) and those
wildlife habitat by out-competing lettuce plants in treatments had found in the spring surveys (74
native plants. Converting invasive insect presence at some point. pollinators counted). Honeybees
plants into paper lowers the Interestingly, control treatment had were the dominant species in the
percentage of invasive plants in the the highest plant height but surveys. Weather may have
Baldwin Hills area. In my performed the second lowest in affected the number of pollinators
experiment, I have created paper survival. Survival of the native counted.
from arundo (Arundo donax), oats plants was 100%. Based on my
(Avena spp.), ripgut (Bromus current data, it is possible to plant June Blassingame
diandrus), pampas grass native plants with food plants. For Greenhouse germination of
(Cortaderia spp.), and iceplant future research, I suggest using a Opuntia littoralis through acid
(Carpobrotus edulis), by soaking, different food plant with the same treatments
cooking, and blending their fiber. native plant species and observing Opuntia littoralis provides
The best plant fiber for paper has the performance differences; or, Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus
been oats and ripgut. Invasive using lettuce once more but brunneicapillus) with food and
plant fiber mixed with white changing the native plant species. shelter. However, since O.
recycled paper increased the Gardeners that practice companion littoralis has become scarce in the
quality of the handmade paper. I planting between native plants and Baldwin Hills area, so has the
recommend that future interns food plants may help provide Cactus Wren (Molina 2001). O.
create a protocol that will make wildlife corridors and provide littoralis has a low germination
larger quantities of paper to sell, highly nutritious food. rate. From January-April 2010, I
and create a business plan to profit measured the germination rate for
from making handmade paper. Leopoldo Hernandez O. littoralis seeds scarified with 3
Restoring Baldwin Hills with the different acids (orange juice, white
Jessica Sosa help of pollinators vinegar, lemon juice) for 30 minute
Can native plants from Pollinators play an important and 2 hour time periods. In my
California help food plants grow? part in the ecosystem and evidence experiment I attempted to imitate
The purpose of my companion worldwide shows that pollinators the coyote (Canis latrans)
planting project was to find out if are declining (Frankie et al. 2009). digestive system, but all treatments
native plants from Baldwin Hills I created a survey at Baldwin Hills showed 0% germination, even the
Scenic Overlook State Park (Culver Scenic Overlook State Park in control group. Future interns
City, CA) could benefit food plants order to determine the pollinating should find a way to control the
when planted together. I tested the species currently occupying the temperature in the greenhouse.
effects of Scrub Oak (Quercus area. I also checked wooden nest Other studies have shown that
berberidifolia), Purple Sage (Salvia boxes for solitary bees. Between temperature plays an important role
leucophylla), and California December 2009 and April 2010, in Opuntia seed germination.

8 Western Tanager Vol. 77, No.1


Longcore is new
Los Angeles Audubon President

On July 1, 2010, Travis


Longcore assumed the presidency
of LA Audubon. Longcore was 2nd
and 1st Vice President of Los
Angeles Audubon in 1995–1997,
during which time he edited the
Western Tanager for a year and
coordinated both the Birdathon and
Christmas Bird Count. Longcore
has long been involved in
conservation issues in the Los
Angeles basin and beyond as the
Science Director of The Urban
Wildlands Group. He holds a
Ph.D. in geography from UCLA
Baldwin Hills Greenhouse Interns, 2009-2010. and has faculty appointments at
both UCLA, where he is Associate
Wanda Carter only rainwater over a three/four-year Adjunct Professor in the Institute of
Non-irrigated versus irrigated period, providing long term survival the Environment and USC, where
Nassella pulchra: who will be the last data. he is Associate Research Professor
plant standing?
in the Spatial Sciences Institute.
The Baldwin Hills internship Emily Cobar and Wanda Carter
program is continuing studies on how to Developing a restoration plan for the
Longcore has been active in
restore the Baldwin Hills Scenic drainage at the Baldwin Hills Scenic
Overlook State Park. In November scientific research relevant to bird
Overlook State Park
2008, I planted 72 Nassella pulchra conservation, with projects
Since the opening of the Baldwin
plants to test the survival of irrigated vs. addressing mortality of migratory
Hills Scenic Overlook State Park in
non-irrigated plants, for gallon pots and Culver City, California, there has been birds at communication towers,
2-inch plug plant sizes. The total an increase of eroded areas adjacent to management of feral cats, and
survival did not fall below 75% for any the cacti patch by the park’s main road. habitat modeling for Western
of the three irrigation treatments by The Overlook visitor center’s building Snowy Plover on California’s
April 2009, however, survival rate is designed with a slanted roof, so when central coast. He is also known for
among all treatments decreased it rains the water runs through those work on the management and
dramatically by April 2010. The total pipes and comes out from two other conservation of endangered
survival for non-irrigated, 1-time pipes close to the cactus patch. The butterflies in California and he and
irrigation, and regularly irrigated plants purpose of our project is to develop a The Urban Wildlands Group have
by April 2010 was 25%, 17%, and 68%, plan for future volunteers/researchers to been recognized for effective
respectively. I believe this decline was prevent further erosion. From conservation actions on behalf of
caused by the increase in gopher activity September 2009 to April 2010, we the Palos Verdes blue and El
over the summer/fall. It’s apparent that identified existing vegetation and tested Segundo blue butterflies.
N. pulchra could survive with the the soil in the drainage at the Baldwin
absence of human support but I am Hills Scenic Overlook State Park. We
curious to know how the absence of made a list of tasks for the coming year
animal interference would have affected that was tailored to the skill sets of
them. I would suggest purchasing 2- varying groups who would participate in
inch plugs instead of gallon pots to save restoration activities. Not only does our
time and money. Some important plan help restore the park, it also helps
follow-up studies may include; the volunteers individually: research
conducting the same experiment on a shows that doing hands-on work
different facing slope, or testing the outdoors eases one’s mind and relieves
survival rate of 2-in plugs provided with one from stress.
Western Tanager September/October 2010 9
birds of the season —by Jon Fisher

A
ll too quickly, the third of the remainder is still accessible in a years cause resources—and thus
the year that encompasses roundabout way. Side roads and migrants—to be less concentrated.
spring migration has come trails are still off limits, but at least In drought years, choice patches of
and gone. By the official start of beyond Chilao, everything is open, habitat and well-watered parks and
summer, virtually all migrants have habitat is in good shape, and that part gardens have a greater chance of
passed through and many summer of the range offers good birding at attracting migrants. Desert oases in
visitors have already raised broods. this time of year. The montane forest Kern County did produce a number
in the high country supports all the of good vagrants this spring, but
Activity in the mountains common species as well as smaller such isolated areas tend to be good
continues through July as it tapers numbers of Williamson’s Sapsucker, migrant traps in any year.
off in the now drier and hotter Calliope Hummingbird, Clark’s
lowlands. With adequate Nutcracker, Townsend’s Solitaire and Most of June and early July offer
precipitation and snow in the higher Red Crossbill. something of a lull in migration
elevations persisting well into June activity, although late northbound
this year, conditions in the mountains With all the results in, this year passerines practically overlap early
have been favorable. we again led the Americas Birdiest southbound shorebirds which are
County competition with 271 increasing noticeably in the first half
But even from a distance, we’re species. Nueces County in Texas of July. In an odd juxtaposition,
visually reminded that a good was in second place with 262 species shorebirds just in from farther north
portion of the San Gabriels remain and in California San Diego County- mingle with Black-necked Stilts still
scarred by the Station Fire. with 256 species this year- is a incubating clutches.
Chaparral, oak and pine woodland strong contender. Kern County, in
were largely obliterated in the burn spite of being landlocked, posted an Here’s a look at reports for May
zone, although patches remain here impressive 242 species. While the through early July...
and there. In spite of the near total competitive aspect between counties
loss of vegetation, the result of is definitely fun, another challenge is Brant included one inland at the
winter rainfall was a very obvious simply to better our own record. At Piute Ponds on Edwards AFB on
regeneration of growth, albeit of a present, 272 is the number to beat May 8 (Mike San Miguel) and eight
different kind. Birds exploited the and we came awfully close in 2010. long-time stopovers at Malibu La-
area quickly and the burn zone was Once again, Lance Benner deserves goon through July 7. Also reflecting
very attractive to Lazuli Buntings much credit and thanks for a regional pattern of tardy migrants
which have been present in good compiling the species count and for and lingering birds was a very late
numbers. Rock Wrens too have been his repeated updates throughout the flock of twelve flying past Pt. Dume
drawn to newly exposed habitat. three day period which enable on June 27 (Kimball Garrett).
birders to more easily target
Birding the San Gabriels– a missing birds. A few Redheads were also pres-
summer tradition for LA area ent late on the coastal slope and in-
birders– is still problematic. Part of The showing of eastern cluded a pair found at Harbor
the Angeles Crest Highway remains passerines this spring was less than Regional Park in Wilmington on June
closed just above La Canada, though impressive. At least in part this can 12 (Ed Griffin). Breeding is expected
be attributed to the fact that wetter at the Piute Ponds, but should be

10 Western Tanager Vol. 77, No.1


watched for away from there. Very A late Solitary Sandpiper was at the Farther east and returning for a
unusual at this time of year was a pair Ballona Freshwater Marsh on May second year was a Whip-poor-will
of Lesser Scaup at a quarry pond off 28 (Don Sterba, Richard Barth), but along the Angeles Crest Highway. It
the 605 Freeway near Irwindale on the stunning find this spring—both was found at the same location as in
June 21 (Robb Hamilton). in rarity and appearance—were two 2009 near Dawson Saddle and was
Hudsonian Godwits at the Piute heard from June 4-26 (Lance Ben-
The county’s second Yellow- Ponds on May 14 (Mark & Janet ner). This bird just happened to be
billed Loon continued to be seen at Scheel, Darren Dowell, Frank & only a short distance from the high-
Castaic Lagoon through May 8, Susan Gilliland). About a third of way and these records definitely beg
making for a remarkable two month California records are for the month the question—how many others
layover there. of May, thus this bird was right in an might there be summering, or even
expected window. The pair re- breeding—in the San Gabriels?
A Little Blue Heron was re- mained through May 23 and consti- Given the amount of roadless and
ported from El Dorado Park on May tute only the third (?) county record. unbirded habitat here, as well as the
29 (fide Donna Bray). small time window of opportunity
On the lower LA River, the first for hearing them, who knows...
As usual, a few White-faced southbound Lesser Yellowlegs of the
Ibis were scattered around the season was seen on June 28 and the Right on schedule for this gener-
coastal slope but a flock of seventy- first of fall migrant Wilson’s ally scarce species was a Chimney
five seen heading south over Westch- Phalaropes turned up there on June Swift over the LA River near the 5
ester on June 20 dwarfed the other 30 (both Richard Barth). and 110 Freeway interchange on
records (Kevin Larson). May 17 (Kimball Garrett). Another
Always rare in the county was an was over Westchester on June 27
On the waning side of their adult Laughing Gull at Cabrillo (Kevin Larson).
spring migration were two Beach on June 4 (Larry Fukuhara).
Swainson’s Hawks over Peck Pit Also of interest was a possibly A major movement of Black
and another three over Santa Fe Dam summering Glaucous-winged Gull Swifts occurred in late May, with
in Irwindale on May 9 (Andrew found along Ballona Creek on June nineteen seen over Westchester on
Lee). Also reported was a large and 13 (Walter Lamb). May 19 (Kevin Larson). Outside of
late flock of over 40 birds above the county, but coinciding with this
Sunland on May 16 (Aino Vimb). Expected in spring on the desert report, were approximately 250 near
but always worth noting were fifteen Ventura on May 23. Aside from
In the Antelope Valley a rather Black Terns at Piute Ponds on May those records, single birds were seen
late Ferruginous Hawk was spotted 8 (Mike San Miguel). Not far from at Lake Palmdale on May 10 (Mike
on April 24 (Ron Cyger, Mark there were numerous Black Terns San Miguel) and at Eaton Canyon on
Hunter). This species is very scarce and a single Franklin’s Gull at the May 24 (John Garrett), while thirteen
after mid-April. Lancaster Sewer Ponds on May 11- were at the Huntington Gardens in
12 (Tom Miko). Pasadena on May 23 (Norm Vargas).
Very unusual in the county was Other singles were over El Dorado
an American Oystercatcher at The only White-winged Dove Park in Long Beach on May 31
Golden Shore Marine Reserve in reported was at a feeder in San Pedro (Roger & Maureen-Sullivan Lewis)
Long Beach present from May 5- on May 9 (David Ellsworth). and at Chantry Flat in Big Santa
July 3 (Bob Hoffman). Black and Anita Canyon on June 22 (Tom
American Oystercatcher hybrids are In the San Gabriels, a Saw- Miko), the latter close to the known
always problematic and a source of Whet Owl, a Flammulated Owl nesting site at Sturdevant Falls.
confusion, but keyed out on Jehl’s and two Western Screech Owls
Scale– the go to resource for found in the burned area on June Though still scarce, Say’s
determining oystercatcher purity– 12 were an encouraging sign Phoebes are increasingly being con-
this bird appeared to be safely on the (Nick & Mary Freeman). firmed as breeders on the coastal
“American” side of the gene pool. slope. Two records pointing to po-
tential or probable nesting were a
Say’s Phoebe at Peck Pit from May
Western Tanager September/October 2010 11
9-30 and four at Santa Fe Dam on Placerita Canyon on May 29 (Larry From late July through early
July 2 (both Andrew Lee). Also in- Clarfield) and at the Village Green September we’ll see shorebird
dicative of local breeding was a juve- Condominiums in Los Angeles on June numbers peak and the lower LA
nile Say’s on the LA River in Long 12 (Don Sterba). Obviously it was a River will be a hotspot for both
Beach on June 13 (Jon Fisher). remarkably slow spring for warblers. rare and regular species. The
Piute Ponds, though requiring
Especially unusual along the Two Summer Tanagers were greater effort to reach, can also
coast in spring was a Scissor-tailed along Soledad Canyon Road on May produce amazing birds as well as
Flycatcher at Malibu Lagoon on 14 (Jim Moore) in the same location good numbers of expected ones.
May 19 (Bruce Starrett) where they were seen last year. Birding these areas or—for those
Nesting is to be watched for here and of us stuck in an office five days
Continuing their remarkable and in similar riparian habitat elsewhere a week—just watching the LA
gratifying recovery were two pairs of in the county. County Birds list to see what’s
Bell’s Vireos at a new location- the turning up, is always intriguing.
Ballona Freshwater Marsh. The first Rare, but regular in spring, were
pair was confirmed breeding there on Rose-breasted Grosbeaks at Evey The mountains can still be
May 25 (Don Sterba) followed by Canyon in Claremont on May 16 great in August and September as
the second. (Cathy McFadden, Paul Clarke) and passerine migrants are on the
at DeForest Park in Long Beach on move and resident and
Uncommon as migrants on the May 31 (Andrew Lee). continuing summer birds are still
deserts but rather rare on the coastal present. The initial trickle of
slope were single Bank Swallows A male Indigo Bunting was at passerines through the lowlands
in Pasadena on May 10 (John Gar- Vogel Flat in big Tujunga Canyon begins in August and increases
rett), at Madrona Marsh in Torrance from May 18-23 (Kathi Ellsworth). through September. What
on May 17 (Dan Cooper) and at Others are likely present in the unexpected surprises will turn up
Balboa Lake in Van Nuys on May ideal—for buntings at least— in the county this fall? We’ll
27 (Mike Stensvold). habitat in the burn area. know soon enough. Aside from
the wide range of typical
An interesting find were an adult Green-tailed Towhees migrants, autumn always offers
and juvenile Horned Lark at Santa included one in the Whittier Hills vagrants and perhaps an uber-
Fe Dam on July 2, with another adult on May 7 (Robb Hamilton) and a rarity from Alaska or Siberia.
seen there on May 25 (Andrew Lee). very odd record at Claremont Arctic Warbler and Yellow
This species is now scarce as a Wilderness Park in Claremont on Wagtail were found in 2007.
breeder on the coastal slope—little June 12 (Tom Miko).
suitable habitat remains. The allure of birding is based
Yellow-headed Blackbirds not only on the beauty and
A few Northern Parulas—one moved through in mostly small variety of birds, but also their
of our more common eastern “va- numbers with two at Peck Pit on penchant for vagrancy. Autumn
grants”—were found, with one at May 9 (Andrew Lee), six more at migration is a great time for
Creek Park in La Mirada on May 10 the Ballona Freshwater Marsh on birders as it fulfills all of these
(Jonathan Rowley), one at Eaton May 15 (Michael Zarky) and a no- aspects of the pursuit. To the
Canyon in Pasadena on May 22 (Jon table forty at Santa Fe Dam on layman, a juvenile Baird’s
Fisher) and another in a residential May 18 (Andrew Lee). Sandpiper may seem a plain and
area of Pasadena from June 11-12 nondescript bird. But for the
(Frank & Susan Gilliland). Two Tricolored Blackbirds birder, beauty is very often found
were out of place at the Earvin in subtle details.
The very few other Parulids dis- Magic Johnson Rec. Area in Willow-
covered included a singing male brook on June 3 (Richard Barth).
Hooded Warbler near the Ballona
FWM on May 25 (Don Sterba) and
Black-and-white Warblers at

12 Western Tanager Vol. 77, No.1


On the loss of our good friend
Michael San Miguel, 1939–2010
W e learned early on July 15th that Mike San Miguel
had been killed in a fall down a steep cliff while
performing owl surveys the previous evening in the San
always talking about his children and, eventually, grandchildren.

Those who knew Mike well, and a great many who didn’t,
Gabriel Mountains. He was 70 years old. were keenly aware of Mike’s tireless work for bird and wildlife
habitat conservation. We all try to be good conservationists, and
This is incredibly difficult to write, because I’m writing we’re all keenly aware of the problems birds and their habitats
about the loss of a good friend as well as a beloved fixture in the face. On my countless wonderful trips in the field with Mike the
birding community. The very early call this morning from Jon conversation would inevitably turn, and pretty quickly, to the
Feenstra should have been about a really good bird, but instead it inexorable loss of bird habitats as urban areas continued to grow
brought devastating news. And somehow it isn’t any comfort to and consume the places we enjoyed going. I would gripe and
know that Mike died working hard doing one of the things he curse and feel generally pessimistic about everything, but Mike
loved most–birding with a purpose. had a different and much more effective approach–he got
involved. If he enjoyed birding in an area, he felt it was his
Most of you are familiar with Mike’s accomplishments in responsibility to work as hard as he could to make sure it was
the world of field ornithology. He was a long-time bird bander preserved or restored for birds and birders. His career working
with a bug for gathering good bird data. He was an in environmental work for Southern California Edison no doubt
extraordinary connoisseur of rare birds, finding a great many of had a positive impact on southern California habitats. His efforts
them and enjoying trips all over California to chase them. His for bird habitat at Piute Ponds, the San Gabriel River, and so
experience and talent earned him a place for several years on the many other areas we take for granted, have been heroic. His
California Bird Records Committee, and he was one of the best battles with agencies that were damaging habitat were fought
ambassadors the Committee ever had. He served Western Field with fervor but also with grace–even the Army Corps of
Ornithologists in many important capacities, culminating in a Engineers must have had great respect for Mike. When Mike
several year stint as President during which the organization had a conservation mission he was almost unstoppable, and the
gained new vibrancy and scope. He had an important role in world is much better for that passion of his.
the production of the CBRC’s book "Rare Birds of California"
and published several papers in WFO’s journal Western Birds. We’ve lost so many birding friends to tragic accidents over
He embraced eBird with unbridled enthusiasm (...he did so the years, but this one is almost unbearable. I knew Mike for
much with unbridled enthusiasm) and has entered more eBird forty years, and I’ve rarely enjoyed anybody’s company as much
data from California (4245 checklists) than almost any other as his. To Gayle, and to Michael and Lisa, and to Jake and Alex,
individual as well as editing submissions from several I can’t imagine the pain you’re going through now and I hope
counties. He did a heroic amount of field work and these few thoughts bring you at least some comfort. To Jon
paperwork for the Los Angeles Breeding Bird Atlas and other Feenstra–you were such a great friend to Mike and I hope the
large-scale data gathering projects. In short, Mike was not weight of the tragedy that happened while you and Mike were
only about the most active birder I have ever known, but he doing your owl surveys is lessened slightly by knowing you
was also the most enthusiastic birder–he loved being in the were there as a friend and performed an incredible service in
field whether alone or with his many friends, and he enjoyed dealing with a horrific situation.
learning something new every outing.
Mike loved so many good things in life–as well as good
But I can hardly think about Mike the birder right now, people–that I’ll be reminded of him constantly. Watching the
because birding was only his second passion. Mike was the hummingbirds in my yard, following the annual demise of the
consummate family man, and the love he and Gayle showed so Dodgers, hearing about that next rare bird, seeing the trees and
openly and generously for each other was nothing short of shrubs he has nurtured in so many places mature and thrive,
inspirational. His son Michael (also one of California’s most enjoying a meal. How could I not think of Mike. And right
accomplished birders) and daughter Lisa were everything to now, Mike’s passion for really good wine seems like an
Mike, and if he wasn’t the world’s greatest grandfather he was appropriate way to honor him–I think I’ll open a good one from
certainly in the running for that title. Many birders don’t realize Paso Robles and toast one of the most generous and enjoyable
that Mike virtually stopped birding for many years to be the best people I have ever met. I’ll miss you, Mike!
possible father to his growing children, and even after he –Kimball Garrett, Scientific Advisor
resumed birding with more zeal and passion than ever he was Tributes continued on page 16. Los Angeles Audubon

Western Tanager September/October 2010 13


Field Trips
Bird walks are geared for the beginner/intermediate looking for an introduction or less strenuous excursion. Field trips
often require more time or effort, and delve more deeply into identification, natural histories and interactions observed in
the field. All are welcome on either type of trip. Reserve each trip per instructions within trip write-up. No pets or small
children, please. Contact information will be released for carpooling unless requested otherwise.

FIELD TRIP FEES: Envelopes for voluntary donations to support Los Angeles Audubon and its field trips may be
distributed on some non-fee trips. Please consider supporting your trips.

Sunday, August 29 permitting. Scopes & FRS radios Los Angeles Audubon-Field Trips
Huntington Central Park and helpful, and bring a lunch if you plan PO Box 931057
Bolsa Chica Wetlands. to bird into the afternoon with Irwin. Los Angeles, CA 90093-1057.
NO FEE, NO SIGN-UP No sign-up required. Include: Name(s), E-mail address
Leader: Irwin Woldman. or SASE, (for confirmation flyer.)
Huntington Central Park is September 18 & 19 and your phone number.
excellent for migrating songbirds. Galileo Hills Weekend (12 max.)
Flocks of shorebirds should be NO FEE, PHONE SIGN-UP (OR MAIL), Saturday, September 25, 2010
heading south, with leftover terns. PROVIDE EMAIL ADDRESS (OR SASE) Piute Ponds
Bring a lunch for a full day of birds. FOR CONFIRMATION FLYER. (24 MAX., NO DROP-INS)
Meet at 7:30 a.m. in the park parking Leaders: Mary & Nick Freeman. NO FEE, PHONE SIGN-UP (OR MAIL),
lot on the south side of Slater Ave. Galileo is arguably the best PROVIDE EMAIL ADDRESS (OR SASE)
just east of Golden West St. in fall migrant trap in the state. FOR CONFIRMATION FLYER.
Huntington Beach. No sign up. Western warblers and flycatchers Leader: Jim Moore.
should headline. Reptiles may A good mix of shorebirds and
Sunday, September 12 be encountered! early waterfowl, with a chance at
Ventura County Game Preserve Take Hwy 14 about 4 miles past LeConte’s Thrasher and Pectoral
(Duck Club). Mojave, then turn right on California Sandpiper. Possible extension to
NO FEE, NO SIGN-UP City Blvd. Drive through town Lancaster sewage ponds or Apollo
Leader: Irwin Woldman. about a mile past the shops, turn left Park afterwards.
The duck club in Ventura has a past the golf course on Randsburg- Carpool at Denny’s (Roxford &
rich history of excellent bird Mojave Rd., and veer right on 20 I-5), leaving at 7:00 a.m., or meet at
sightings including Sora and Virginia Mule Team Rd. Turn left on Rutgers the Avenue C gate at 7:45 a.m. To
rails, American Bittern, Solitary, Rd. at the Silver Saddle sign before get here, take Hwy 14 N to Avenue
Pectoral and Baird’s sandpipers, and the hill, take your first paved right, D, head E to Sierra Hwy, head N to
one Lesser Sand-Plover. Perhaps your first right again, into the Silver Avenue C, and go a block E to the
some warblers streaming through the Saddle Country Club, followed by end. Bring lunch, water and
willows. Get to the preserve by two lefts to the lot in front of the HQ sunblock. Expect hot weather, and
taking the 101 Fwy W to Rice building. Park by the pond. A little afternoon wind. High clearance
Avenue S, carefully following the over 2 hrs. driving time from L.A. vehicles may be a plus.
Rice Ave. prompts to the T- No fee. Bring lunches, sun block. This is a joint trip with SFVAS,
intersection, then take Hueneme Rd. Reserve a room in Mojave. Meet at but members from both chapters
west just past the buildings on the 7:00 a.m. Saturday, and bird all day; MUST sign up with LAAS. To
right, turn left of Casper Road, left meet 7:00 a.m. Sunday, and bird reserve with LAAS, call Audubon
through the gate at the far end, and (tentatively) Galileo, Apollo Park House (323) 876-0202 by Sept. 23,
park across from the barn on the and Piute Ponds. with name, phone number, and email
road. Meet on the side of the road at To reserve Galileo Hills address (or send us a SASE).
8:00 a.m. We will walk the property, Weekend, either call Los Angeles Limited sign-up of 24. No drop-ins.
so good hiking/mud shoes with Audubon at (323) 876-0202, or No cameras on base!
energetic legs inside a plus. We may mail to:
have one car on the grounds, weather

14 Western Tanager Vol. 77, No.1


Field Trips

Photo by Liz Muroaka


Before setting out on any event, please call the Los Angeles Audubon
bird tape at (323) 874-1318, Option #4, for a recorded message with
special instructions or possible cancellations that may have occurred.
Updates will also be posted on our website.
www.losangelesaudubon.org
Field Trip Chairperson, Nick Freeman &
Field Trip Leader, Mary Freeman.

Saturday, October 2 Saturday, October 30 The refuge is part of the Naval


Malibu to McGrath Field Trip Oxnard Plain Weapons Station. Mail SASE for
NO FEE, NO SIGN-UP NO FEE, NO SIGN-UP confirmation flyer to:
Leader: Barbara Johnson. Leader: Mary & Nick Freeman. Los Angeles Audubon - Field Trips,
Late passerines and Meet at the Hueneme sod fields at PO Box 931057
shorebirds should be moving 8:00 a.m., we will be looking for the Los Angeles, CA 90093-1057.
through coastal migration spots, over the Red-throated variety of Provide your e-mail address and
mixed with early wintering birds. American Pipits, as well as for phone number (phone # required) by
Possibly 100 species. longspurs. Golden-Plovers are also October 27.
Take PCH N over the bridge in possible. There may be eastern ONLY SASE CONFIRMED
Malibu, and turn right on Cross vagrants to chase at the Mugu estuary. PARTICIPANTS WHO ARE U.S. CITIZENS
Creek Road for free parking along Sycamore Canyon, and local tamarisk WITH PHOTO ID, WILL BE ALLOWED ON
the road (and Starbucks), or turn left stands are also possibilities. BASE. NO CAMERAS OR WEAPONS.
into the fee lot. Cross PCH, and From the 101 N, drive S on Rice Meet at the main public lot at
meet at the kiosk by the lagoon at Avenue to the end, then turn Rt. on 800 Seal Beach Blvd. at 8:00 a.m.
7:30 a.m. for a full day of birding. Hueneme Rd. Meet on the N (Rt) side for a high tide around 9:00 a.m., and
There may be an access fee at of Hueneme Rd. a few blocks west of bird until noon. Take Seal Beach
McGrath or elsewhere. No sign-up this turn, and just before Casper Rd. Blvd. S from the 405 Fwy, pass
or fee for the trip. Bring lunch. Scopes helpful. Bring lunch and bird Westminster Blvd., turn left onto the
’till we drop. Nominal donation base at the Forrestal Lane light, and
October 13-17, 2010 suggested, envelope provided. left again into the lot. No fee.
Western Field Ornithologists
conference in Palm Desert Sunday, November 7, 2010 Saturday, November 20
Pretty close this year! If you like Seal Beach National Wildlife Lake Perris Area
bird conservation, status and Refuge (24 max.) NO FEE, NO SIGN-UP
distribution, cutting-edge avian NO FEE, MAIL SIGN-UP ONLY BEFORE Leader: Howard King.
research, booths with birding OCT. 27. MUST PROVIDE SASE FOR The Little Gulls, Lesser Black-
hardware, etc., as well as photo I.D. CONFIRMATION FLYER. ONLY backed Gulls (2!), and Least and
and bird call I.D. panels; you should CONFIRMED PARTICIPANTS WHO ARE Vermilion Flycatchers of past years
give this opportunity serious U.S. CITIZENS WITH PHOTO ID ARE may not be back, but surely
thought. Excellent field trips with ALLOWED ON BASE. something will take their places!
excellent leaders, and many Refuge volunteer John Nieto, Take the 10 or 60 Fwy E to the
enthusiastic birders from all over the and Nick Freeman will drive up to 215 Fwy S, exit E at Ramona
west attending. Details at: 24 lucky participants around this Expressway, continue E just past
www.westernfieldornithologists.org/ prime limited-access wetlands site Perris Blvd., and meet at the Farmer
conference.php. where wintering birds such as Boys Restaurant on the S side of the
Pacific Golden-Plover, Mountain road. Leave from here at 8:00 a.m.
Plover, Sage Thrasher, numerous Bring lunch, warm clothing and
raptors, and often Nelson’s (Sharp- footwear for possible mud. Possible
tailed) Sparrow are sighted. entrance fee.

Western Tanager September/October 2010 15


CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS

Saturday, December 18, 2010


Lancaster Christmas Bird Count
Nick & Mary Freeman
(818) 247-6172 or
mnfreeman@earthlink.net

Sunday, December 19, 2010


Malibu Christmas Bird Count
Larry Allen at: (626) 288-2701
larryallen@earlymusicla.org

Sunday, January 2, 2011


Los Angeles Basin
Christmas Bird Count.
Daniel Cooper
dan_cooper_90042@yahoo.com

Mike San Miguel introducing the joys of digiscoping to a Contact the compilers to participate.
USC Master of Liberal Studies student in my class
on urban conservation biology in 2008. INTRODUCTION TO BIRD
Photo courtesy of Travis Longcore WATCHING CLASS
Mike was very generous with his time in Mike was 20 years my senior but I Los Angeles Audubon will be offering
a three day INTRODUCTION TO BIRD WATCHING
leading field trips and sharing his knowledge couldn’t keep up with his seemingly endless
CLASS, Oct./Nov., 2010 with instructor
of the LA River and its biota with my class. energy and enthusiasm. I first got to know
Eleanor Osgood. Sessions are geared
We corresponded and helped each other out Mike in the early ’90s. I don’t remember
towards participants with beginning and low
on conservation issues facing the San Gabriel exactly how or where I met him, but we intermediate bird identification skills.
River and environs. I tried to help him where birded together frequently back then. There Binoculars and field guides will be
I could; and he always shared anything I was always his signature smile and a gleam provided; bring your own if you have them.
needed—even volunteering to do impromptu in his eye when he talked about having seen a Classes will cover the basic tools
bird surveys if he didn’t know a site. What a good bird. When we found something needed for bird watching: field guides and
truly great and gentle man; that he is gone is interesting, it didn’t matter if he knew more optics as well as field identification skills,
hard to grasp. My condolences to his family about birds than I did; he’d always ask “what field marks, habitat, and status and
and to all of those for whom his loss is so do ya think?” distribution. The topics of conservation and
deeply felt. One spring as we headed from citizen science will be also be explored.
–Travis Longcore, President Butterbredt Spring to Galileo, my car broke Full day workshop at Plummer Park.
Los Angeles Audubon down. I encouraged Mike to hitch a ride with Location of field trips TBA. Call Audubon
one of the other birders there so he wouldn’t House (323) 876-0202 or check our website
The last time I saw Mike, was when he miss out, but no. He patiently waited for a for updated class locations.
called me to join a meeting at Whittier couple of hours as we got towed into Mojave Limited to 12 participants. Pre-
Narrows with LA County Parks and and as I rented a car so we could get home. registration is required. Please provide
Recreation officials. He was distressed that Only a birder would understand that level of name, address, phone number, email address
the maintenance crew had, severely and sacrifice! That minor tale says a lot about and fee.
uneccessarily, trimmed the reeds at Legg Lake who Mike was. Ultimately we did get out to
during the breeding season. Mike kept his FEE:
Galileo that day and were rewarded with a
$30 LAAS Chapter Members or
cool in the meeting and didn’t just complain, stunning Prothonotary Warbler.
$50 Non-Members
instead, he advocated for a parkwide Mike’s attitude, breadth of knowledge
Conservation Plan for the habitat in the entire and outgoing personality were always an WORKSHOP
park. That is what inspired me about Mike. inspiration. Even if I couldn’t match them, Sat., Oct. 30, 9am to 3pm
Mike was a true conservationist as well as a they motivated me to become a better birder
birder. He did this by sharing his love of and a stronger advocate for birds and birding. FIELD INSTRUCTION
birding on field trips he led, and by sharing his But as much as he was a fixture of California Sun., Oct. 31, 8:30am to 12pm
data, knowledge, organizing skills and birding, he was first and foremost just a great Sat., Nov. 6, 8:30am to 12pm
wisdom with others in conservation efforts. person. I still can’t imagine him being gone.
–Garry George, 1st Vice-President He will be missed by so many people and in Mail check and registration information to:
Los Angeles Audubon
so many places. –Jon Fisher, RBA Report Los Angeles Audubon – Registration
Los Angeles Audubon PO Box 931057
Los Angeles, CA 90093-1057
16 Western Tanager Vol. 77, No.1
BIRD WALKS
Bird Walks are geared for the beginner/intermediate looking for an introduction to local birds or a less strenuous
excursion. Appropriate for young bird watchers age 6 years and older. Carpooling is encouraged. Binoculars are
provided on some walks as noted below.

Topanga State Park Birdwalk If you wish to carpool, or for present, plus the resident Black
(Topanga, CA 90290) more information, contact Eleanor Oystercatchers frequent the rocky
1st Sunday of every month Osgood at volunteer@laaudubon.org shores of Ballona Creek.
September 5, 2010 or call (310) 839-5420. If lost, call Meet at the Del Rey Lagoon
October 3, 2010 the morning of the walk after 8:00 parking lot. Take the Marina Fwy
Leaders: Ken Wheeland, a.m. (424) 298-1376. Mapquesting (90) to Culver Blvd and turn left for
(310) 455-1401; ksafarri@aol.com, directions is recommended. a mile. Turn right on Pacific Ave.
and Chris Tosdevin (310) 455-1270 Binoculars provided. The lot is on the right. Lot or street
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. parking is usually not a problem.
Ken and Chris will lead Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area Three hour walk. Scopes helpful.
participants through this beautiful 4100 S La Cienega Blvd
and diverse coastal mountain area. Los Angeles, CA 90056 Echo Park Lake Bird Walk
An ideal trip for a beginning birder (in Baldwin Hills.) Echo Park in Los Angeles
or someone new to the area. 3rd Saturday of the month Leader: Judy Raskin
Leaders: Eric and Ann Brooks; (323) 663-6767; jayebea@att.net
Upper Franklin Canyon (Sooky Eleanor Osgood Saturday, September 25, 2010
Goldberg Nature Center) September 18, 2010 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
(2600 Franklin Canyon Drive, October 16, 2010 Take a leisurely walk around
Beverly Hills, 90210) Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Echo Park Lake, one of the oldest in
Second Sunday of each month This trip covers landscaped Los Angeles. More than 70 species
Leader: Eleanor Osgood parkland, a lake and natural coastal call Echo Park their home for all or
September 12, 2010 scrub habitats and is paced for part of the year. They include
October 10, 2010 beginning birders. We will look for Mallards, Great-tailed Grackles,
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. the birds of the coastal sage scrub, American Coots, Great-blue Herons,
Join us as we take a casual walk such as Spotted Towhee, California Great Egrets, hawks and various
around the ponds and trails of this Towhee and Song Sparrow. The lake gulls and doves. This is an excellent
urban oak woodland nature preserve. attracts herons, egrets, cormorants, walk for beginners. Parents are
We are likely to see the resident ducks as well as an Osprey. We will encouraged to bring their children.
Wood Ducks and as well chaparral also look for migrating songbirds. Binoculars recommended, and a bird
bird species such as California Quail, If you wish to carpool, or for more guide, if you have one.
Spotted and California Towhees and information, contact Eleanor Osgood Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the
California Thrasher. Also expect to at volunteer@laaudubon.org or (310) Boathouse, Echo Park Ave. near
see some migrating songbirds and 839-5420. Binoculars provided. Laguna Ave. Plenty of street parking.
flycatchers. This canyon is a hidden
treasure where the surrounding urban Ballona Wetlands Bird Walk
residences of Sherman Oaks and 3rd Sunday of the month with the
Beverly Hills disappear from view. exception of December Detailed directions to these
Meet in the lower parking lot of Leaders: Bob Shanman and Friends (310) locations are published on our
the Sooky Goldberg Nature Center 326-2473; wbutorrance@gmail.com website:
and bird for a few hours in the cool September 19, 2010 www.losangelesaudubon.org.
of native trees and creek. October 17, 2010 MAIN MENU > RECREATION >
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12: p.m. BIRD WALKS
Join us for a walk through L.A.’s or, call the Leader/Contact in the
only remaining saltwater marsh and walk’s description.
the adjacent rocky jetty. Wintering
shorebirds and terns should be
Western Tanager September/October 2010 17
INTERNATIONAL BIRDING
LOS ANGELES AUDUBON presents:
COSTA RICA, JEWEL OF CENTRAL AMERICA and A BIRDER’S PARADISE

C
osta Rica is located in the colorful birds like motmots, trogons, hummingbirds, the Resplendent
south eastern portion of the parrots, jacamars and tanagers, along Quetzal, and the Three-wattled
Central American landbridge, with the birds with more camoflaged Bellbird—are all possible.
and receives its avifaunal influence plumage like tinamous, antbirds, Spend two days in the transition
from both North America and northern woodcreepers, flycatchers and zone between the dry and moist forest
South America. Near San Jose, the wrens. Early in the mornings, the of the Pacific lowlands— strategically
capitol, located in the central part of dawn chorus of various bird songs located near the Carara Biological
the country, there is considerable keeps you in suspense. We will be Reserve—one of the last tropical rain
overlap of species. The cordilleras visiting seven habitats, each with its forests on the Pacific Coast. Here,
(high range of mountains that divide own distinctive birds that are not Scarlet Macaws, with the early
the country), act as natural barriers to likely to be seen in other places on morning’s light on them, will absolutely
most species of birds and animals on this trip. leave you breathless! In addition you
both the Caribbean and the Pacific We’ll begin with a boat ride into will observe such beauties as —Baird’s
slopes. This phenomenon results in the mangrove forests of the Abangares Trogon, Fiery-billed Aracari, Orange-
small regions with completely River, where Roseate Spoonbills, collared Manakin, and Black-hooded
different avafauna in close proximity Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Antshrike. Coatimundi, peccary,
to one another. raptors, shorebirds, gulls and terns can White-faced Capuchin, Howler and
This tiny country, about the size of be seen. Mantled Howler Monkeys Spider Monkeys and Two-toed Sloth,
West Virginia, boasts well over 800 may be startled by your visit. In the can also be found as you walk along the
species of birds, almost 2000 species dry forests of the Abangares, views of trails bordered with heliconia blossoms.
of plants and orchids, well over 300 the Thicket Tinamou, Banded Wren, Continue on through the Cerro
species of reptiles and amphibians, Black-headed Trogon, Turquoise- de la Muerta Mountains to the
along with numerous butterflies. One browed Motmot and Long-tailed Savegre Mountain Lodge, located at
of the world’s premier destinations, Manakin are possible. In the Palo 7200', on a family farm with a trout
Costa Rica is a small, friendly country, Verde National Park—another of the stream running through it.
without a military, and whose local dry forest ecosystem—we should find Resplendent Quetzal’s nest here in
people welcome you like a guest in the Yellow-naped Parrot, King Vulture, this highland cloud forest—a real
their country Great Curassow, Limpkin, and the paradise for birders—where
All major roads lead out of San world’s largest stork, the Jabiru. additional birds like Yellow-winged
Jose, making it necessary to return Monteverde is one of the most Vireo, Flame-throated Warbler,
there frequently—but within an hour beautiful cloud forests in the world, Tufted Flycatcher, Volcano Junco,
or so—one can be within spectacular where —Black Guan, Prong-billed Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher,
habitats and enjoying the wonders of Barbet, Blue-throated Toucanet, Large-footed Finch and many other
Spangle-cheeked Tanager, numerous species are common.
18 Western Tanager Vol. 77, No.1
Pelagic Trips

Los Angeles Audubon Pelagic Trip


on the Condor Express
Saturday, September 18 - Around
the Northern Channel Islands for
rare Shearwaters.
Photographs courtesy of Olga Clarke

Enter the forests into a We offer an optional 3-day Post- This 8 hour trip departs from
cathedral-like setting, with Extension to Corcovado National the Santa Barbara Harbor at 7:00
columns of hundred-year-old trees, Park—where you will fly from San a.m. on the fast catamaran Condor
unusual plants and mushrooms, Jose to Palmar Sur—continuing by Express. Birds to be expected:
and the celestial chorus of birds road to Rio Sierpe, and transfer to Northern Fulmar; Pink-footed,
that will make your walk magical your home for the next three nights. Sooty and Black-vented
and unforgettable. Towering mangrove trees line the Shearwaters; Black, Ashy and
Your final destination, banks and tributaries of the Rio Leach’s Storm-Petrels; cormorants
adjacent to the Braulio Carrillo Sierpe, on their way to the Pacific (3), rocky shorebirds (up to 5); Red
National Park, in the lush Ocean, to empty into the sea just and Red-necked Phalaropes;
lowlands of northeastern Costa north of Drake Bay and the Marenco Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers;
Rica, may well be the most Biological Reserve. Sabine’s Gull; Royal, Common and
exciting adventure of the trip. Your visit to Corcovado National Arctic Terns; Common Murre;
The Selva Verde Lodge, located Park includes explorations through Xantus’s Murrelet; Cassin’s Auklet.
in the Sarapiqui region, the the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s Uncommon rarities that can be
wettest part of the country, is rainforests—and one of the most seen: Buller’s Shearwater; Least
where the colorful parrots, geologically intense places on earth. Storm-Petrel; Red-billed
trogons, and toucans feed at the There are eight main habitats within Tropicbird; South Polar Skua;
forest edge, where you can watch the park, and the wildlife here is as Long-tailed Jaeger; and Craveri’s
them from the veranda while varied and rich as its plant life. Murrelet. Great whales and several
sipping a cool drink. Join us for an extraordinary species of dolphins are often seen
In nearby, world-famous, introduction to Neo-tropical birds this time of year
La Selva Biological Field Station, and wildlife in beautiful Costa Rica, There is a full galley that can
we will seek the tinamous, March 18 to 30, 2011, plus the serve breakfast and lunch.
antbirds, manakins, and specialties Corcovado National Park extension.
like the Lattice-tailed Trogon, Leaders: Jon Feenstra, Terry
Snowy Cotinga, and various For further information, contact: Hunefeld, Todd McGrath, Dave
wrens. Over 400 species of birds Olga Clarke, Travel Director Pereksta and Dave Compton
have been recorded in this area, Los Angeles Audubon Society $125 Credit card or cash.
and the sounds ringing through the oclarketravel@earthlink.net
forest produce an unforgettable Ph/Fax: (818) 249-9511 Reservations for this trip: Contact
memory of Costa Rica and its Sea Landing in Santa Barbara at
natural riches. (805) 882-0088 or (888) 779-4253
for your reservations or trip status.

Western Tanager September/October 2010 19


Audubon House
7377 Santa Monica Blvd.,
(at Martel Ave., in Plummer Park)
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 876-0202

Regular Hours:
Mon. - Thurs. 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Closed: Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Closed: Saturday, Sept. 4th


Closed: Monday, Sept. 6th Labor Day

Open: 1st Saturday,


Oct. 2nd 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MONTHLY PROGRAMS
Wednesday, September 8, 2010 Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Tom Stephenson returns from New York to present: Scott Thomas and Pete Bloom present:

“How Understanding Sonograms “The Swainson’s


Can Help You Learn Bird Hawk Migration in
Vocalizations” Southern California”

Recent technology has given us Every spring, re-


the ability to “see” into many invisible ports of kettles of
parts of the world. From X-Rays of Swainson’s Hawks fly-
broken bones, to CAT scans of the ing through the Los
brain, modern technology reveals Angeles basin are posted on the local bird reports. This is a
important and useful information great opportunity to listen to Scott Thomas and Pete Bloom,
about our world. both biologists who band and study raptors. They will focus
Audio Spectrograms allow birders to “see” into bird their discussion on Swainson’s Hawk’s travels through south-
songs and calls. Visualizing vocalizations in this way can be ern California on their way to and from breeding grounds, in-
a powerful aid to learning difficult songs and calls. Tom cluding the closest area—the Antelope Valley. Scott will
Stephenson will present an explanation of Audio Spectrogram touch on the migration, discuss his hopes to use satellite
technology and show how it can help you learn vocalizations telemetry as part of the studies at Borrego Springs, and touch
of difficult-to-distinguish species like the western thrashers, on the other California breeding areas, including the central
warblers and passerine call notes. valley and the great basin. Scott and Pete will talk about this
hawk’s ‘life range’ from North America to South America.

Los Angeles Audubon’s monthly Program Presentations, are held the second Wednesday of the month in the
West Hollywood Community Center building in Plummer Park.
7377 Santa Monica Blvd. (at Martel Ave.), W. Hollywood 90046.
Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. and are over at about 9:30 p.m.
All are welcome! Come early, enjoy refreshments, and browse the Nature Shop & Bookstore at Audubon House.

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