Angeles Crest Highway, Los Angeles, LAX

Regular readers will have noticed that I am prone to getting mixed up in all manner of unfortunate events and misadventures. This week, for the third time this year, my wanderings were disrupted by mountain fires. Little did I know it (or feel it) at the time, but I had actually been very lucky in visiting at a time when the mountain road was fully open.

The ‘Station Fire’ burned for more than 7 weeks back in 2009, resulting in the death of two fire-fighters and the loss of over 160,000 acres of National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains. Such is the financial muddle of the state’s government, that money and resources were slow in being allocated to aid the recovery of the infrastructure and the Angeles Crest Highway was closed indefinitely. It had only been open for 3 months following storms and landslides that had affected it for the preceding four and a half years. Just 3 weeks ago, it reopened again, but some of the side-roads, trails, picnic areas and campsites remained closed. Works are still ongoing as road collapse and landslides are a permanent feature of the highway.

Not knowing any of this history, I started along the Angeles Crest Highway from its junction with Highway 210, just north-west of Pasadena. Just beyond the suburbs, a Coyote was attacking a Mourning Doves’ nest. It had killed one squab and was chasing one of the parent birds along the side of the road. The adult was either already hurt in the attack or was feigning injury to distract the coyote from the rest of its brood.

The effects of the fire were still visible on the lower slopes, but higher up in the tree zone, it became very apparent. My first planned stop had been at the Switzer Picnic area, which was barred and I was worried that my Arizona experiences would be repeated all over again. The trail leading to the west fork of the San Gabriel River was open though and I was able to start looking for some birds. The trail starts at the Red Box Ranger Station and leads downhill from the parking lot there. This canyon had escaped the ravages of the fire and the scrub and mature trees held plenty of birds. First was a Bewick’s Wren that responded well to a ‘pish’.

Further down the slope, Oak Titmice, Black Phoebe and Western Wood-pewee were seen. Spotted Owl are said to breed at the bottom of the canyon, but I was not able to find any. In a small meadow, Ash-throated Flycatchers hawked from a dead tree while Orange-crowned Warblers fed in a low bush.

Charlton Flat Picnic area is another recommended site that was closed and when I arrived at Chilao Visitor Center to find that this too was shut, I became rather disgruntled and dispirited. Rangers from the Visitor Center maintained feeders that attracted Mountain Quail, which would have made for an easy lifer if the place had not been abandoned. Western Scrub-jays were common and my spirits were raised momentarily by a White-headed Woodpecker.

A small road leads from the Visitor Center back past the closed Chilao campgrounds to the highway and gave me the opportunity to drive slowly and enjoy a bit of the scenery. Birds along here included Mountain Chickadee, Dark-eyed Junco, and Acorn Woodpecker. An old forestry hut near the Visitor Center shows what happens if you build your home in Acorn Woodpecker country.

My next stop was to be Buckhorn Campground where I had a slim chance of finding an American Dipper. The way was barred again, but on this occasion, I understand that work is being carried out to upgrade the site. Nevertheless, I could not gain access and had to overshoot. I was cursing my luck by now and decided to head on to Wrightwood for lunch. Fortified and willing myself into a better mood, I began the return journey by dropping in at Grassy Hollow Visitor Center.

The center was open and the feeders here were filled. White-breasted Nuthatches and Steller’s Jays were seen here and in the surrounding areas, Violet-green Swallows swooped across an open area and through the trees. Pygmy Nuthatches fed in the conifers and Western Bluebirds fed hungry chicks. Suddenly it was as though the troubles in the mountains had melted away. Sure enough as I travelled back downhill, the campgrounds and picnic areas were opening. People were moving in, putting up their tents and all was well with the world.

I returned to The Chilao complex where the network of roads behind the now open campgrounds brought a California Quail and some more Western Scrub-jays. It also caused me an ID dilemma in that the hummingbird that was displaying by flying J shapes should have been a Rufous Hummingbird, but when it perched, I would swear it was an Allen’s Hummingbird. I was in a better mood now and decided to take both.

The Charlton Flats Picnic area was open on the return leg and a Western Tanager greeted me as I stopped for a look here. Mountain Chickadees and a Spotted Towhee came out to be added to the list. It occurred to me then that next weekend will be the Fourth of July celebrations and the Forest Service had probably been using whatever resources they could muster to get as many facilities open as possible for what will probably be a very busy holiday weekend. Please, just please, be sensible with your fires and don’t use fireworks in the forest! It's only been open for 3 weeks!

I stopped by chance at a pull in to scan a mountainside that had a look about it. I felt that if I were a bear in the forest around here, that would be the mountainside that I would choose to be on. Actually, there were no bears, but there was a small flock of Purple Finch. What have I been doing all my life that I get a red tick for a Purple Finch I wonder.

To stop and park in any forest facility or pull in requires an ‘Adventure Pass.’ This can be purchased online or at a store near you. In Long Beach for example, they can be bought for $5 from the Big 5 store. If it is not possible to get one in advance, a ranger can issue one, but cannot take money. You are obliged, under pain of criminal record, to send a money order. It is easier to get it in advance, just in case.

If you leave Long Beach at 05.00, you can reach the lower slopes of the Angeles Crest Highway by 06.00. Stopping a couple of times on the way up and a couple more on the return can easily use up a day and Wrightwood is well positioned for a lunch stop. There are plenty of toilet facilities available, but no provisions for food. Water may be available at open visitor centres.

Birds seen; 33

California Quail 1, Band-tailed Pigeon 20, Mourning Dove 4, Rufous Hummingbird 1, Allen’s Hummingbird 3, Acorn Woodpecker 5, White-headed Woodpecker 1, Western Wood-pewee 3, Black Phoebe 14, Ash-throated Flycatcher 2, Violet-green Swallow 15, Bewick’s Wren 3, Northern House Wren 1, Western Bluebird 25, Mountain Bluebird 3, Bushtit 3, Mountain Chickadee 6, Oak Titmouse 8, Pygmy Nuthatch 4, White-breasted Nuthatch 8, Steller’s Jay 5, Western Scrub-jay 12, Common Raven 35, House Sparrow 6, Purple Finch 6, Lawrence’s Goldfinch 15, Orange-crowned Warbler 3, Western Tanager 2, Spotted Towhee 1, California Towhee 1, Chipping Sparrow 1, Dark-eyed Junco 4, Black-headed Grosbeak 1

For other posts from the Los Angeles area, use the links below;
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/01/bolsa-chica-ecological-reserve-los.html
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/05/bolsa-chica-los-angeles-california.html
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2009/08/come-on-in-waters-great.html
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/03/los-angeles-california.html
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/06/la-river-los-angeles.html
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/10/la-river-long-beach-california-usa-lax.html
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/12/long-beach-california.html
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/01/bolsa-chica-ecological-reserve-los.html
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/10/el-dorado-park-area-iii-long-beach.html
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/12/san-juaquin-wildlife-sanctuary-los.html
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/12/upper-newport-bay.html
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/12/long-beach-california.html

Visit the dedicated USA and Canada page for other posts in the region

Angeles Crest Highway, Los Angeles, LAX

Skimmers at Bolsa Chica, Los Angeles, LAX

This evening’s outing was directed specifically at watching the Black Skimmers feeding on the lagoon at Bolsa Chica, Orange County. Earlier posts describe long bus journeys for what is a simple 20 minute drive south from Long Beach. From my previous experiences, I had discovered that skimmers are more active and more likely to be seen ‘skimming’ later in the day.

From May 2010 visit.



They drop their enlarged lower mandible into the water as they fly along and fish by sense of touch which is just as easy to do in low light levels and even in the dark. My only concern would be crashing into man-made obstacles such as the boardwalk that stretches across their fishing lanes. Just a thought, skimmers completely submerge the black section of the lower mandible. Is the bill-tip black to conceal it from prey in the water and does the bird use it as a Plimsoll-line to guage how far to lower it in?

On the tern breeding island in the distance, to the south of the boardwalk, they appeared as large black birds with red bills. Only when they fly do the white underside and the long black bill-tip become visible.

I had arrived earlier than expected and still had a couple of hours until dusk. A group of big cameras were gathered further up at the inlet from the northern lagoon and were probably taking pictures of the terns fishing in the current there. I considered going up to join them for a while before the skimmers started, but was sidetracked by a Peregrine Falcon flying over and moments later the tern colony exploded.

Perhaps there was more than one falcon, or perhaps it was unsuccessful, anyhow, a short while later the Willets behind me flew up and were chased across the upper lobe. The terns rose spectacularly again several more times, so I didn’t feel that I was missing out on the fishing terns. Each time the colony rose, the skimmers would rise too and fly languidly around, occasionally passing the boardwalk and circling around before settling down again. The light was beautiful and in a perfect direction. I hoped that the light breeze that ruffled the water’s surface would give the birds extra lift, enabling them to fly slightly slower as they came towards me. All was set very fair.

Elegant terns flew in synchronised pairs, screeching. Forster’s Terns flew back and forth carrying fish. A few young ones were already providing for themselves.

Some Black Skimmers had already ventured past the boardwalk, but at around 45 minutes before dusk they began to move in greater numbers. They did not seem anxious to start feeding and for the most part cruised by and up towards the inlet.

Perhaps the cameras had been able to predict that a rising tide would attract them to the current as it passes through the pipe. It would have made a good vantage point with the light behind and the birds approaching straight up the lagoon, pulling out at the last moment and arcing round for another run (but that is merely fanciful speculation as I did not go up to join them).

Back at the boardwalk, I had been joined by Mark, another photographer and the skimmers were giving some nice fly-bys, making us duck with their close passes, but there was very little skimming going on. Just the same, it was a glorious evening, if a little chilly in the wind.

Other birds that put in an appearance included a very accomodating Great Egret that flew to and fro a couple of times for our photographic pleasure and big numbers of Brown Pelican that had found a roost beyond the boardwalk, sheltered from the wind.

Find the boardwalk at Google Earth ref; 33 41' 46"N 118 02' 45"W

Birds seen; 16

Brown Pelican 300, Double-crested Cormorant 20, Great Egret 1, Reddish Egret 1, Black-crowned Night Heron 1, Peregrine Falcon 1, Black-necked Stilt 1, Willet 25, California Gull 4, Western Gull 150, Caspian Tern 25, Elegant Tern 150, Forster’s Tern 60, Black Skimmer 60, Mourning Dove 3, Savannah Sparrow 3.

The numbers shown above cannot reflect the amount of terns in the breeding colony, only those flying past the boardwalk. When the colony rose under threat from the Peregrine there were thousands of birds in the air and counting them would be for someone more diligent than I am.

Follow the links below for other posts from Bolsa Chica and Los Angeles;

http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/01/bolsa-chica-ecological-reserve-los.html

http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/05/bolsa-chica-los-angeles-california.html

http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2009/08/come-on-in-waters-great.html

http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/03/los-angeles-california.html

http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/06/la-river-los-angeles.html

http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/10/la-river-long-beach-california-usa-lax.html

http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/12/long-beach-california.html

http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/01/bolsa-chica-ecological-reserve-los.html

http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/10/el-dorado-park-area-iii-long-beach.html

http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/12/san-juaquin-wildlife-sanctuary-los.html

http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/12/upper-newport-bay.html

http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/12/long-beach-california.html

Visit the dedicated USA and Canada page for more posts from the region.

Skimmers at Bolsa Chica, Los Angeles, LAX

Long Beach, California.

Now, correct me if I am wrong (after my previous posts, I know with some confidence that you will), but does the sun not rise in the east and set in the west? Isn’t this one of the constants in the bedrock of assumed wisdom?

So why then, when I am standing on the coast of California, did I see the sun coming up out of the Pacific Ocean?

I had assumed that by being on the west coast of North America, I would be looking out across the water in a westerly direction, with the sun rising behind me in the east. This would have provided me with perfect conditions to sea-watch from Long Beach’s harbour wall, but instead I found myself looking straight into the sun and being blinded to any potential birds on the calm waters in front of me.

Of course the old rising sun adage only holds true for 2 days each year, at the equinoxes. For the other 360+ days, the sun’s rising point strays a little to the south during the northern winter and back to the north for the summer. Its furthest wanderings (to the tropic lines at 23.5° either side of the equator) are marked by the solstices in June and December, but the degree will vary slightly depending on the observer’s latitude. If you ever wondered what druids do at Stonehenge, they are celebrating Wiltshire’s most northerly sunrise point on June 21st (research suggesting that the site was originally built to observe the winter solstice (summer sunrise being diametrically opposite winter sunset means that the stones can be used for either purpose) is conveniently ignored by those who don’t want to get frost-bitten in a frock on a cold morning in late December).

And another thing; I had forgotten that the coastline at Long Beach was not strictly north to south. In fact, it is east to west and the marine path veers round to point almost north-east. So the water is to the south and I had arrived during the season when the sun was rising south of east and therefore appearing to come up out of the Pacific Ocean. Well, I am glad that’s settled.

I solved my dilemma by walking as far out along the harbour wall as I could, then began birdwatching on the return journey. On the rocks of the harbour wall a Black Turnstone stood quietly while Willets were taking advantage of the mussels revealed as the tide flowed out. Across the mouth of the LA River, Pelicans were plunge-feeding in front of the Queen Mary. Forster’s terns were feeding too, a little closer.

A noisy group of Western Gulls chased an Osprey which had a fish grasped tightly and arranged aerodynamically, facing the line of flight.

A Whimbrel, flushed by one of the many feral cats that live in the rocks, alighted just in front of me. These pictures are taken with my Nikon P100 today after the DSLR failed again yesterday.

It took rather a fetching picture of a Great Blue Heron without much input from me. The background should have been dirty water, but I rather like the way that the camera decided to up the contrast and go for black.

I followed the path around noting Western Grebes, Surf Scoters and BufflEheads on the river mouth. In the harbour amongst the boats were some Heerman’s Gulls, American Coots, and a Belted Kingfisher which sat watchfully at the prow of a boat.

Bird species; 32

Eared Grebe 4, Western Grebe 20, Brown Pelican 25, Double-crested Cormorant 50, Great Blue Heron 3, Snowy Egret 2, Black-crowned Night Heron 3, Mallard 1, Surf Scoter 25, Bufflehead 15, Osprey 2, Peregrine Falcon 1, American Coot 7, Black Oystercatcher 5, Marbled Godwit 12, Whimbrel 1, Spotted Sandpiper 4, Willet 40, Black Turnstone 1, Heerman’s Gull 8, Ring-billed Gull 4, California Gull 2, Western Gull 30, Caspian Tern 1, Forster’s Tern 15, Anna’s Hummingbird 2, Belted Kingfisher 1, American Crow 10, Common Starling 6, House Sparrow 4, Yellow-rumped Warbler 5, White-crowned Sparrow 6.


Long Beach, Los Angeles, LAX, California, USA

Upper Newport Bay

A tide was rising in Newport Back Bay. It would continue to do so until after midday when the heavenly effects would pass and the waters would flow back to the ocean.

Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve commands a view up and down the estuary from a raised position on the west side. At this time of day, the sun’s position and the reserve’s distance did not favour viewing of the incoming tide, however we stopped long enough to note someWestern Meadowlarks, Common Ravens and a hovering White-winged Kite.

Jerry, my generous companion for the day used to be a competitive glider pilot and we took a while to enjoy the Turkey Vultures which, most of all the soaring birds, make flight look effortless.

Back Bay Drive is a one way road, running from south to north with a 15mph speed limit. There is nothing much there except for the estuarine marsh, so most of the other road users had similar intent to us.

Proximity and sun position in the morning and early afternoon make for much better viewing than at the reserve. Since the road’s main purpose seems to be recreational marsh watching, there are plenty of pull offs along the route. From our first stop, at a raised position at the north end, we noted a few Redhead and Bufflehead amongst the more numerous Green-winged Teal and American Wigeon. On a distant sandbank, hundreds of waders were roosting in anticipation of high tide. American Avocets stood out as a pied patch, some bulky warm brown birds were probably Marbled Godwit, but distance denied us getting to know the other birds by name.

The northern end of Back Bay Road runs into East Bluff Road, which allowed us this little bit of back-to-fronty, but then we had to abide by the rules of the road and circle round to the southern end and start from there.

Once into the one-way section we noted Northern Pintail, Common Yellowthroat and a good number of Great and Snowy Egrets gathered in what must have been a productive spot.

At Big Canyon there is a car park and a short boardwalk. Sadly someone put up the birds that habitually roost close in and we watched hundreds of Willet and Marbled Godwit take to the air and disappear up the estuary. From across the road, a freshwater marsh and pond drain into the brackish water of the bay. Coots were gathered here to get a salt-free drink.

This was the most productive area along Back Bay Road and would warrant a little more time on a subsequent visit. A few of the waders had returned to a small beach and counted a Long-billed Curlew amongst their number.

While I was trying to get a picture of some American Wigeon, Jerry noticed a tightly packed flock of Snowy Egrets. The photographs here were enhanced when a latecomer arrived and tried to make a position for itself in the group.

I am beginning to think that it might be me. I have had to send off my Canon 50D for repairs twice already and it failed on me again today as we reached the top end of Back Bay Road. Currently, it refuses to take any pictures and it has been sent for repair for the third time in 14 months. This is in addition to my lens having been to the menders twice as well as my previous DSLR! Hopefully all will be better soon or the blog might go a bit quiet.

The Google Earth ref for the south end of Back Bay road is; 33* 36’ 55”N 117*  53’ 20”W . Arrival shortly before high tide would be most productive I would guess. Check tide times and heights at http://www.easytide.com/  Today’s tide was only 1.5m. A higher tide might force a few rails (potentially Sora, Virginia, Black and Light-footed Clapper) up and into view.

A last quick look over the fence at Shipley Nature Center accounted for the Townsend’s Warbler and Peregrine Falcon noted in the list below. Here, I had to say goodbye to Jerry who had been a great birdy buddy for the day and I would like to thank him very much for his company and his generosity.

Bird species; 34

Double-crested Cormorant 20, American Great Egret 4, Snowy Egret 15, American Wigeon 120, Green-winged Teal 80, Mallard 30, Northern Pintail 8, Blue-winged Teal 10, Cinnamon Teal 15, Northern Shoveler 150, Redhead 12, Bufflehead 12, Ruddy Duck 12, Turkey Vulture 12, White-tailed Kite 1, Red-tailed Hawk 3, American Kestrel 2, Peregrine Falcon 1, American Coot 40, American Avocet, 150, Marbled Godwit 40, Long-billed Curlew 5, Willet 40, Western Gull 1, Caspian Tern 1, Black Phoebe 4, Common Raven 2, Yellow-rumped Warbler 6, Townsend’s Warbler 1, Common Yellowthroat 2, Lesser Goldfinch 6, American Goldfinch 1, White-crowned Sparrow 4, Western Meadowlark 15.

Upper Newport Bay, Los Angeles, LAX, Orange County, California, USA

San Juaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, Los Angeles, California.

It was the Saturday after Thanksgiving and the mist lay heavily on the ponds, subduing the early morning light as we arrived.

Jerry Millet had generously given up precious time with his family and his in-laws who were staying for the holidays, to take me birding in Orange County, south of Los Angeles. Note that I do not write this with keyboard in cheek as he genuinely is lucky enough to enjoy spending time with his extended family. He is not a birder and my competence has been called into question as often as I have served hot dinners, but between us we managed to wrestle nearly 60 marks onto a checklist that we had gleaned from Sea and Sage Audubon House, the visitors’ centre for San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. While gleaning, I wish that we had picked up a map as we later found that we had barely covered a third of the sanctuary and had missed out on a boardwalk, open areas and an urban forest.

The section that we did cover, in the south-east corner of the reserve, included the square ponds, known evocatively as Ponds A, B, C, D and E and the larger, non-uniform lakes charmingly named Ponds 1 and 2. The catchy titles are possibly a throwback to their association with the on-site water treatment facility. Once beyond the bodies of water, track names such as Willow Path, Shady Lane and Lost Trail leave a sweeter taste in the mouth.

The Fledgling Trail starts at Pond E. Coincidentally, so did we as it was right beside the car park. Cedar Waxwings were up early and feeding in berry trees by the path. On the square, shallow pond, the mist had cleared quickly and waders and ducks awaited our inspection. Black-necked Stilts were numerous with a single American Avocet towards the edge of the flock. 2 Spotted Sandpipers bobbed along the edge. The dowitchers and a number of peeps on the far shore were put aside for a while until we had scanned the water. This photo of a Kildeer was taken at the end of our walk when the sun had cleared the dyke that casts an early morning shadow.

A good selection of duck was headed up by Northern Shoveler and Green-winged Teal with smaller numbers of Gadwall, Mallard, and Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal.

In a moment of excitement a hawk dashed across the pond. It came in low and fast, intent on a kill. A couple of stilts were slow to react and froze in the water, but the hawk mistimed its change of direction and lost speed in the bank, allowing the stilts to escape.

The predator was very small, certainly small enough to make me think that it might be a Sharp-shinned Hawk, but such a suggestion drew sharp intakes of breath from local birders, so we reserved our judgement until photographs could be properly examined and reveal the tell-tale tail, rounded at the end in the manner of a Cooper’s Hawk. Close inspection at high magnification also revealed a slightly pale nape which is again suggestive of Cooper’s.

Pond C must have been deeper. Eared Grebes and a female Bufflehead were diving amongst a flotilla of shovelers that had crammed themselves into a tightly packed wheel, rotating around a central axis. In between the planes taking off from nearby John Wayne Airport, it was quiet enough to hear the shmacky, shplatty noises of dozens of shovelers feeding together.

The margins of Ponds A, B, 1 and 2 are lined with tule rushes. Common Yellowthroats and Marsh Wrens called these home, while Blue-grey Gnatcatchers, Bushtits and Yellow-rumped Warblers enjoyed the scrubby bushes along the banks.

The 6 numbered ponds are much larger than the lettered ones and give the heavier birds such as American White Pelicans enough room for a run-up to get airborne. A flock of about 50 took off directly over our heads as we passed Pond 1.

Forster’s Terns plunged into the water behind us as we checked up on a small flock of Tree Swallows.

A triangular junction between Ponds 1, 2 and 3, might be dubbed ‘Flycatcher Corner’. Cassin’s Kingbird, and Black and Say’s Phoebes were taking it in turns to hawk from a well positioned snag here.

We found the pelicans again in Pond 2, crowded onto an island that they were sharing with Double-crested Cormorants, Great and Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Heron and some mixed ducks and waders.

We rounded this lake and began the last leg of our distorted circle approaching the visitors’ centre along the South Loop Trail, parallel to San Diego Creek. A Northern Mockingbird was keen to have its photograph taken, posing nicely as we both enjoyed its approachability. A small flock of exotic Nutmeg Manikin were less accommodating and stayed out of reach of our cameras.

As we closed the circle, Jerry spotted an Osprey flying over Pond 1. We watched as it was escorted past a distant building by a Peregrine Falcon.

Audobon House (Google Earth ref; 33⁰ 39’ 39”N 117⁰ 50’ 28”W ) is a charming visitors’ centre with as many US-centric bird books as I have ever seen outside of the Open Air Books and Maps shop in Toronto. There are rest rooms in the adjacent car park which is accessed from Riparian Way which runs beside San Diego Creek. Entry to the sanctuary is free and it is open from dawn ‘til dusk. Maps and checklists are available from dispensers for early arrivals. The checklist recognises 263 species, but is in the process of updating.

Bobcats are sometimes seen on the reserve and kittens have been recorded over the last few years. Reports of Mountain Lions are likely to have been a combination of Bobcats and a distorted sense of distance.

I wish that we had found the map dispenser earlier and used it to do justice to this delightful reserve. I would like to thank Jerry for his company and generosity and for seeking the suggestions of Steve Shinn who recommended San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Bird species; 59

Pied-billed Grebe 1, Eared Grebe 12, American White Pelican 50, Double-crested Cormorant 120, Great Blue Heron 4, American Great Egret 4, Snowy Egret 15, Green Heron 1, Black-crowned Night Heron 6, Canada Goose 35, American Wigeon 4, Gadwall 12, Green-winged Teal 200, Mallard 25, Blue-winged Teal 15, Cinnamon Teal 10, Northern Shoveler 300, Lesser Scaup 4, Bufflehead 3, Ruddy Duck 8, Turkey Vulture 6, Osprey 1, Northern Harrier 1, Cooper’s Hawk 3, Red-tailed Hawk 1, Peregrine Falcon 1, American Coot 4, Black-necked Stilt 35, American Avocet 1, Kildeer 2, Spotted Sandpiper 2, Least Sandpiper 1, Ring-billed Gull 4, Boneparte’s Gull 20, Forster’s Tern 25, Anna’s Hummingbird 6, Downy Woodpecker 1, Black Phoebe 15, Say’s Phoebe 6, Cassin’s Kingbird 1, Tree Swallow 15, Cedar Waxwing 25, Marsh Wren 2, Northern Mockingnird 2, Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3, Bushtit 15, American Crow 6, Nutmeg Mannikin 3, House Finch 4, American Goldfinch 2, Orange-crowned Warbler 3, Yellow-rumped Warbler 35, Common Yellowthroat 10, Spotted Towhee 3, Song Sparrow 10, White-crowned Sparrow 4, Red-winged Blackbird 4, Great-tailed Grackle 20.

San Juaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, California, Los Angeles, Orange County, USA

El Dorado Park, Area III, Long Beach, California, LAX, USA

Perhaps it is time that I started reading my own blog; after all, the post describing El Dorado Nature Center clearly states that it is closed on Mondays. I felt very foolish on this Monday morning as I stood outside the gate, but was determined to salvage something from the day.

El Dorado Park, Areas II and III are directly across the road from the Nature Center and, more importantly, they were open. So I took a chance and I’m glad I did.

Another gamble that paid off was bringing the camera with me. My big lens had broken the day before, and only had a very limited range of focus and zoom but with a bit of shaking and jiggling, I might be able to use it.

I began by following an American Great Egret which was stalking the edges of a lake near the entrance. I was intending to circle it anti-clockwise, which coincidentally appeared to be the Egret’s plan too. It was very approachable and never strayed more than about 5 meters ahead of me.

Most of the duck on the lake were Mallard which looked acclimatised to picnickers. A single American Wigeon was much shyer.

On a grassy slope in the distance, a Great Blue Heron was standing very still and watching the ground intently. It was still there when I reached that side of the lake and I noticed that it had its eye on a gopher hole. A plug of darker, damp earth had been pushed out onto the spoil heap of excavated dirt, indicating an active gopher beneath.

I was later told that the herons love them and that Black–crowned Night Herons could also often be seen staking out the gopher holes in the early morning hoping to catch one.
Comment received from Liz gives a link to gopher-chomping egret. Don't go there if you are squeamish.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/iamsina/3398537379/in/set-72157611556463477/ 

The lake by the entrance is fed by a stream that crosses the road at a ford. The birds were enjoying a sunny bathe in the shallow water. Western Bluebirds, House Finches and American Goldfinches made a very colourful soup.

An alien Scaly-breasted Munia brought some earthy brown tones to the palette.

I was happy to see that a couple of the drivers who were visiting the park were considerate enough to stop and glance in my direction to check that I had finished shooting before crossing and putting the birds to flight.

I didn’t mind them driving through the water as the birds returned very quickly and it was very pleasing that strangers could be so thoughtful.

I met a few other people in the park and they were universally polite. Merri even offered me breakfast!

A photographer named Jeff (Geoff?) was generous with his information, telling me about the Ospreys that liked to fish in the other lakes within the park. Apparently, when the weather cools off a little, the Parks team stock the lakes with trout which attracts the Ospreys. This attracts photographers too who line up at the lakeside hoping to capture that classic “talons out” picture.

I followed the stream up to the next lake which was surrounded by a concrete path. There was no vegetation or features in the lake which left me feeling a little empty until I found the next lake across Wardlow Rd.

This lake had a more natural feel to it with tule beds along the bank. There was still a concrete path, but it was much nicer than the other one. 3 Ospreys circling overhead added to the ambience.

I have another trip to Los Angeles rostered for November. Perhaps if it has cooled down enough and my lens has been fixed.....

Areas II and III are markedly different to Area I. The El Dorado Nature Center is sited in Area I and is thickly wooded with a stream meandering through the woods to connect 2 mature lakes. There are managed trails and an interpretation centre. Area II is across the road on the north side of Spring. Area III is the furthest north after crossing Wardlow. These areas are parkland with pine and mixed plantings of deciduous trees. A couple of lakes have a natural look to them, but the fishing lake in the middle of Area II is very sterile in appearance.
There is an issue with this site in that it is sometimes used as a film shoot location. When the cameras are in, the park is often closed to the public. I don't know where to check for filming schedules and I am told that they can over-run and the park will remain closed as long as the cameras are rolling.

But....., if you are the type that never tires of bluebirds, then this park is the one for you. In every tree, on every snag and on every patch of lawn, there were Western Bluebirds. I was wondering if this was a seasonal abundance, but am not sure about bluebirds' migrating habits. Perhaps they were coming down from the hills as the days grow shorter? Yellow-rumped Warblers were abundant too with their "chip"s coming from all directions it seemed. 

I wished that I had brought my field guide when I came across a yellow flycatcher. Cassin’s and Western Flycatchers are superficially very similar. I had been called to do this trip while I was doing standby from the airport. So I had elected to leave my vast collection of guides at home and to rely on my skill and experience, both of which proved inadequate. I used my dictaphone to note down as many field notes as I could, but the only mark that really separated the two was the pale outer tail feathers, a distinguishing characteristic of the Western Flycatcher. Cassin’s Flycatcher has pale ends to the tail feathers.

I caught the 173 bus from stop F at the temporary transit mall in Long Beach. About 30-40mins later, shortly after passing the pyramid at University of California Long Beach, we arrived at Studebaker and Spring. There is parkland and a golf course on the right as the bus drives along Studebaker. Get off at the intersection, turn east onto E Spring St and walk with the park and golf course on your right. Cross the drain after 700m. The fenced area on the right is El Dorado Nature Center. The entrance is 400m further on (at Google Earth ref; 33*48'35"N, 118*05'09"W). On the other side of Spring you will see archery butts and then the entrance to the El Dorado Park, Area III.

For other posts about Redgannet in California, follow these links;

Los Angeles, Ca.

LA River
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/06/la-river-los-angeles.html
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2009/08/come-on-in-waters-great.html
El Dorado Nature Center
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/06/la-river-los-angeles.html
Orange County and Santa Anna Mountains
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/03/los-angeles-california.html
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve,
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/01/bolsa-chica-ecological-reserve-los.html
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/05/bolsa-chica-los-angeles-california.html
Long Beach
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/03/los-angeles-california.html

San Francisco, Ca.

Palo Alto Baylands
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/02/palo-alto-baylands-san-fancisco.html

For more posts from other sites in America try the USA and Canada page tab at the top of each post.
http://redgannet.blogspot.com/p/posts-from-usa-and-canada.html

Birds seen; 31

Pied-billed Grebe 1, Double-crested Cormorant 4, Great Blue Heron 3, American Great Egret 1, Black-crowned Night Heron 4, American Wigeon 1, Mallard 60, Ruddy Duck 4, Turkey Vulture 2, Osprey 3, American Kestrel 1, American Coot 3, California Gull 3, Mourning Dove 4, Downy Woodpecker 1, Black Phoebe 3, Western Kingbird 7, Northern Mockingbird 3, Western Bluebird 40, Western Scrub-jay 4, American Crow 15, Common Raven 2, House Finch 20, American Goldfinch 1, Yellow-rumped Warbler 30, Black-throated Warbler 1, Common Yellowthroat 3, Western Tanager 1, Chipping Sparrow 1, Brewer’s Blackbird 25, Scaly Munia 1.