Annotated Checklist of Birds of Ballona Valley, Los Angeles County, California.
March 2006 (includes records through mid-2005)
Daniel S. Cooper
Audubon
11340 W. Olympic Blvd.,
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Current address:
Cooper Ecological Monitoring, Inc.
15 So. Raymond Ave.
2nd Fl.
Pasadena, CA 91105
Summary
The
Drawing from historical and current sources, including
specimen data and field notes of experienced observers, I present details on
327 bird species reported from the Ballona Valley and inshore waters from the
1880s through mid-2005. I describe the current and historical status of taxa
with notable regional population concentrations at Ballona (Black-bellied
Plover, Bonaparte’s Gull, Elegant Tern); extirpated taxa (Light-footed Clapper
Rail); taxa recently established (breeding Tree Swallow and Great-tailed
Grackle); and those on the brink of extirpation (Burrowing Owl, Loggerhead
Shrike). This codifies a large and growing body of observations and unpublished
studies to serve an increasing demand for data to inform on-going and proposed
habitat restoration in the
The
term “
Study area
Together,
these habitats now comprise some of the most significant open space left on the
floor of the
Sources of data and
citations
Sight records published in (North) American Birds/Audubon
Field Notes (hereafter referred to as “AFN”) or the Western Tanager (“WT”) are
treated as valid records unless noted otherwise below. Details of many unusual
sightings since 1980 are archived at the Dept. of Ornithology, County Museum of
Natural History of
There are two other important sources of unpublished data. From 1995-1999, the Los Angeles County Breeding Bird Atlas was conducted, coordinated by the Los Angeles Audubon Society and the County Museum of Natural History of Los Angeles County. The data from this massive effort were never published, but are housed at LACM, and are cited in the text as simply “LABBA”.
Second, starting in late 2000, many birders have opted to post sightings on the online forum, LACoBirds (available from the World Wide Web: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LACoBirds/), which I cite as the observer/reporter followed by “LACoBirds.”
Place names abbreviated in text include: BFM = Ballona
Freshwater Marsh; BW = Ballona Wetlands; DRL = Del Rey Lagoon; DW = Dune
Willows; LMU =
Standard abbreviations for museums are LACM = Natural
History Museum of Los Angeles County,
Checklist terminology
This list follows the American Ornithologists’ Union Checklist of North American Birds (A.O.U. 1998) plus its most recent supplement (A.O.U. 2004). Species listed in brackets have not been recorded within the study area, but are expected to occur given their status in the region.
I follow generally accepted status designations: Common: Expected on every visit in season and hard to miss (Brown Pelican, Red-tailed Hawk); Fairly common: Expected in smaller numbers at proper season in ideal habitat (Greater Yellowlegs, Ruby-crowned Kinglet); Uncommon: Seen in season in small numbers, but somewhat unpredictable and often missed (Blue-winged Teal, Cedar Waxwing); Occasional: Occurs annually, but typically in very low numbers so not regularly detected (Red Knot, Olive-sided Flycatcher); Rare: Less than annual, but with an established pattern of occurrence, either seasonally (Northern Waterthrush) or during “invasion years” (Red-breasted Nuthatch); Casual: Irregular and never expected, with records every 10 years or so (Sabine’s Gull, Rock Wren); Vagrant: One or two records total; unlikely to occur again (Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, Bar-tailed Godwit); Extirpated species (or seasonal populations) are those that once occurred locally but no longer do.
Birds of the
DUCKS AND GEESE
Fulvous
Whistling-Duck
Extirpated. This species occurred
as a spring transient and post-breeding visitor to the Ballona Wetlands until
the early 1950s, when it mysteriously disappeared as a breeding (and wintering)
species from most of
Greater White-fronted Goose
Rare transient and winter
visitor; extirpated as a winter resident. Five early records: 04 Feb. 1943 (Bird-Lore
45:15); 01 Feb. 1949 (WT 15:28); 05 Nov. 1951 (AFN XX); 28 Dec. 1958 (AFN XX);
and “late March” 1966 (WT 32:9). After a nearly forty-year hiatus, an
adult and two immatures were present on their early spring migration at BFM 25
Jan. – 03 Feb. 2004 (CD, RB). Since then, it has been recorded additionally in
fall (29 over Mar
Snow Goose
Casual winter visitor and
transient; extirpated as a winter resident. Known records include a group of
three apparent fall transients in “October” 1966 (WT 33:4), and singles on 10
Feb. 1972 at DRL (JBr); 09 Dec. 1982 – 08 Jan. 1983 (RSh); 07 Dec. 1997 (found
“dead on beach” at MdR; LACM 110361); and “December” 2001 at DRL and adjacent
Ballona Cr. (KL). This species historically wintered in large numbers on the
coast of southern
Ross’ Goose
Rare winter visitor. One
was observed with the above species on 10 Feb. 1972 at DRL (JBr), and singles
wintered 1995 – 1996 (to 21 Mar., AP) and 1998 – 1999 (the latter bird last
seen at the junction of Ballona and Centinela Cr. 10 Apr., per RS); and
two were observed on Ballona Cr. near the 90 Fwy. on 04 Dec. 1999 (KL). One was
present with domestic waterfowl at DRL more or less continuously from 2000 to
2002 (last seen in 26 March 2002, BOC). This species was probably overlooked by
Grinnell (1898), but Willet (1912) wrote of seeing “many of these birds in the
Cackling Goose
Vagrant, two records. A
“Cackling Canada Goose” was reported from PdR on 14 Nov. 1981 (LACM files), and
an apparent “Aleutian Canada Goose” (now considered conspecific) was at BFM on
the remarkable date of 14 June 2004 (RB).
Canada Goose
Occasional transient to
freshwater/brackish wetlands, occurring in fall and again in late winter/early
spring. Unlike its status elsewhere in the
Brant
Extirpated
as a winter resident; now an occasional
spring transient (1-2/yr. from early Feb. – late May); casual in summer and
winter. Several of these spring sightings have involved birds in the tidal
channels of the Ballona Wetlands (including a group of six on 03 Apr. 2001,
BOC), indicating that this species may still be attempting to use Ballona as a
stopover site. Two summer/fall records include sick or injured birds in 1980 (LACM
files) and 1996 (DS). The Brant was historically much more common along the
coast of southern California with birds in Los Angeles County wintering on kelp
beds just offshore (Willett 1912, 1933), a phenomenon that no longer occurs.
Though omitted by von Bloeker (1943), this may have been an oversight; groups
of up to 12 birds were attempting to winter at Ballona as late as the 1950s (e.g.,
WT 12:22; AFN 5:225; WT 18:23; AFN 7:234), and singles were recorded on the Los
Angeles CBC through the 1950s (NAS 2002). One modern (post-1950s) wintering
attempt of what was presumably the same bird on 03 Dec. 2002 (BOC) and 12 Jan.
2003 (KL). The historical status of Brant at Ballona is difficult to ascertain,
as declines probably occurred so long ago. It is conceivable that Brant
historically passed over Ballona en route to more favorable stopover and wintering
sites north of and south of here. It is also possible that hunting in the
Tundra Swan
Vagrant (uncommon south to
central
Wood Duck
Status unclear, but
probably a rare visitor any time of year. The first known record is of a male
at PdR (exact location not known) on 01 Dec. 1994 (AP). The next was of another
male at Ballona Lagoon on 01 Feb. 2003 (D. Gould, LACoBirds). Since the
creation of BFM, the Wood Duck has been recorded annually as a rare
post-breeding visitor, with up to seven birds 11 July to 03 August 2003 (RB, m.
ob.), 2 on 31 Oct. 2004 (KL), and 1 on 25 Aug. 2005 (RB). The Wood Duck is now
a locally uncommon breeder, winter visitor and transient on small freshwater
lakes and even vegetated portions of channelized rivers throughout the
Gadwall
Colonized as a winter
resident; now fairly common in winter and migration; uncommon through the
summer; one recent breeding record. Up to 20 birds were present at BFM during
its first winter 2003 – 04, and several apparently paired birds remained here
through the summer of 2003. Birds did not summer the following year (2004), but
two pairs did so in 2005, with breeding confirmed on 16 June 2005 (adult with 4
chicks, RB). This species is more widespread during migration, and quickly
appears on rain pools (e.g., on Playa Vista). Not mentioned by von Bloeker
(1943) or earlier authors, this species was apparently a casual winter and
spring transient in the Ballona Valley during most of the 1900s (three records
1950 – 1990s), with wintering noted only in 1998, presumably along Ballona Cr.
(AP). The Gadwall has been expanding its breeding range in southern
[Eurasian Wigeon
Probably a casual winter
visitor, but no records. Small numbers of this species are found in
American Wigeon
Common winter resident and
fall transient, with birds arriving in September. As it feeds on both grasses
(incl. lawns) and aquatic plants, this species has apparently benefited locally
recently as a result of the restoration of Ballona Lagoon, Del Rey Lagoon, and,
particularly, by the creation of BFM. Though von Bloeker (1943) recorded it as
a “common winter visitant in the vicinity of the salt marsh lagoon and Ballona
Creek”, it was only irregularly present in rain-filled pools at Playa Vista at
least during 1996-97 and 2003-04 (RS, DSC); and RSh recorded it only three
times in fall and winter from 1977-1987. AP recorded none in the same area
during the years 1995-1998. Small numbers resumed wintering on Ballona Lagoon
beginning in 1996 (CLA) and on Del Rey Lagoon more recently (pers. obs.).
Nearly 80 birds were present at BFM during Nov./Dec. 2003.
Interestingly, most of these birds did not remain at BFM through the winter
(though 18 were recorded nearby at in the concrete box channel of Centinela Cr.
at the Ballona Cr. confluence on 01 Feb. 2004, DSC). Still, the wet meadow
habitat preferred by this species remains scarce at Ballona; an interesting
observation was made of two pairs feeding on rain-soaked lawn at DRL on 03 Feb.
2004 (DSC). An early individual was present at BFM from 30 July 2005 through
the fall (RB).
Mallard
Colonized as a breeder; now
a common perennial resident in fresh and brackish water throughout, though
actual status has long been obscured by the presence of feral birds. Though only
an “occasional winter visitor” in the early 1900s (von Bloeker 1943) and absent
from lower Ballona Creek/DRL from mid-Apr. to early Sept. from 1977-1987 (BSh),
Dock and Schreiber (1981) considered it a permanent resident in the Ballona
Wetlands area in the late 1970s, though specific locations were not given. Corey
(1992) did not record this species surveying the Ballona Wetlands in 1990-91,
though this was during a period of prolonged drought; surveys since 1996 at
Ballona Lagoon have recorded up to 10 on May – July visits (CLA), and the
species was found through the summer along Ballona Cr. as early as 1998 (AP).
Since 2003, it has been numerous year round at BFM, though numbers dip somewhat
in spring when paired and nesting. Successful nesting was documented on the
Ballona Wetlands as early as 1995 (adult with three young on 18 April; LABBA)
and more recently, several pairs have raised young each year at BFM since 2003 (ducklings
appear mid-Apr.). During the non-breeding season, birds are often seen feeding
in flooded grassland after heavy winter rains.
Blue-winged Teal
Uncommon perennial visitor;
recorded every month of the year. In 2003, three individuals appeared at BFM in
March (JP), and since then up to three birds have been irregularly recorded at
BFM year round (and rarely elsewhere), with little pattern of occurrence or
peak in numbers. Prior to 2003, just three known records: two at PdR 20 Dec.
1942 (Bird-Lore May-June 1943 XX) with one here (continuing?) on 14 Mar. 1943;
24 Feb. 1952 (Minutes of the Cooper Club Meetings 1952 XX); and a pair at Playa
del Rey from “early January” 1981 to at least 07 Mar. (WT XX).
Cinnamon
Teal
Extirpated
as a breeding resident; colonized as a winter resident; now a fairly common transient and winter resident on
freshwater (mid-Aug. – May); uncommon in mid-summer. Occurs most reliably at
BFM, but also recorded at freshwater pools at Playa Vista, along upper Ballona
Cr., and elsewhere during migration. At BFM, fall migrants arrive in mid-August
(a high of 25 by the end of August 2003, DSC) and remain in variable numbers
through May (but have not yet bred). This teal apparently nested at Ballona
during the early 1900s “in the salt marsh” (von Bloeker 1943, which would have
included brackish wetlands and tule-lined ponds) but apparently had been
reduced to a transient by the 1920s (Bird-Lore 26:347). Between the early 1900s
and the construction of BFM in 2003 recorded only in early spring (up to 30
from late Jan. – mid. Mar.) and fall (4 records Sept. – Nov.), with an
anomalous sighting on 14 May 1998 (AP).
Northern Shoveler
Extirpated, then
reestablished as a winter resident; currently fairly common in fall and winter
at BFM; uncommon to rare elsewhere. Since the creation of BFM in 2003, fall
transients have appeared at the end of August in 2003 and 2004, building to
several dozen birds by midwinter, with dozens observed feeding on the flooded
saltpan of the Ballona Wetlands after heavy rains in Jan. 2005 (DSC). The
Northern Shoveler was not recorded by von Bloeker (1943) but was likely overlooked;
early accounts (e.g., Grinnell 1898, Willett 1933) have it common or abundant
throughout coastal southern California, and a count of 200 presumably wintering
birds was made at PdR on 05 Feb. 1947 (WT 13:28). A dramatic decline apparently
occurred after the 1950s (Table 2), and during the last decades of the 1900s,
the shoveler was only irregularly recorded at Ballona, with just eight records
since the early 1970s (RSh, KLG, AP).
Northern
Pintail
Extirpated
as a breeding perennial resident; reestablished as a winter resident; now
uncommon in migration and winter. The
first southbound birds trickle through in late August (two along Ballona Cr. 21
Aug. 2004, KL), and up to 10 remained through the winter 2003 – 04 (but rare
the following winter). The status of the pintail in winter and migration has
changed dramatically from its being historically very numerous (“abundant
winter visitor on salt marsh lagoon”, von Bloeker 1943), declining through the
late 1900s, then back to being irregularly present, albeit in greatly reduced
numbers, at BFM. Examples of historical numbers include 2000 birds at a local
gun club (with freshwater impoundments) in late summer 1952 (WT 19:4); and 1000
birds along Ballona Cr. on 12 Oct. 1953 (WT 20:15) and 04 Jan. 1954 (WT 20:30).
This species was also historically more common offshore during migration (AFN
2:189), and it apparently nested in the historical Ballona Wetlands (Willett
1933). Though the Northern Pintail was still being recorded in large numbers on
Los Angeles Christmas Bird Counts in the 1970s (NAS 2002), there are just seven
known records between the 1950s and 2003.
Green-winged Teal
Common fall transient and
winter resident. Birds are found mainly at BFM (up to 20 birds wintering here
2003-04 and 2004-05), with smaller numbers on fresh and brackish water
elsewhere. This species is uncommon in tidal channels of Ballona Wetlands and
has been recorded just once at Ballona Lagoon (2 on 25 Oct. 2003, CLA). Birds
are now present in the
Canvasback
Extirpated as a winter
resident; two modern records of singles at PdR on 12 Jan. 1985 (RSh) and at BFM
on 05 Oct. 2003 (DSC). Von Bloeker (1943) considered the Canvasback “fairly
common in winter on the salt marsh lagoon,” a reference to the water body that
was subsequently reduced in size and transformed to Del Rey Lagoon and Ballona
Lagoon. The only other local mention is an report of this species within
mixed-species raft of waterfowl in the ocean just off Playa del Rey (including
Scaup, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail and Ruddy Duck) on 11 Dec. 1925
(Bird-Lore 27:22).
Redhead
Extirpated, then
reestablished as a winter resident; now uncommon in fall and winter. Von
Bloeker considered this species “occasional in winter on the salt marsh lagoon”
(1943:20). Oddly, Grinnell (1898) termed Redhead “tolerably common in summer”
in coastal Los Angeles Co., but this may have been a misprint for “winter,”
(which he did not mention) when more expected in the region (see Willett 1912,
1933). From the early 1900s until the creation of BFM, the Redhead was known
from just a handful of records of singles from Dec. – Feb. (WT 16:24; WT 18:34;
AFN 10:56, where termed “irregular in numbers and occasional in this region”);
with just a single post-1960 record before 2003 (02 Dec. 1994, AP). Since 2003,
up to three birds have wintered at BFM (pers. obs.).
Ring-necked
Duck
Colonized
as a winter resident; uncommon at BFM through winter. A single (?) bird at PdR on 07 Dec. 1995 (AP) served
as the sole local record until the creation of BFM in 2003, when up to two
pairs were present during the first winter (from 03 Oct. 2003, JP) and the
subsequent year (m. ob.). An early
transient was at BFM on 23 Sept. 2004 (DSC), and one was at DRL on 07 Nov. 2004
(DSC). This species was unrecorded by von Bloeker (1943), so its historical
status locally is unclear. However, given its preference for relatively deep
freshwater ponds and avoidance of the immediate coast in southern
Greater Scaup
Uncommon winter resident in
very small numbers throughout, with birds arriving in late Oct./early Nov.,
remaining through March.
Lesser Scaup
Common winter resident,
casual in summer. Birds are present in numbers from late fall into April, most
commonly seen on Ballona and Del Rey lagoons. An aseasonal record was made of
one at BFM from 11 June 2003 that continuing through October (RB). Though
counts since at least the 1970s have not exceeded 50 birds (RSh, AP, DSC),
historically, much larger numbers wintered along (pre-channelized) Ballona
Creek (e.g. 200 on 31 Dec. 1954, WT 21:34).
Harlequin Duck
Vagrant (from the north);
three records. One record of an apparent fall transient (23 Oct. 1949, AFN 4:35),
and two of birds summering along lower Ballona Cr.: a male present from 03 Mar.
1972 into 1976 (Garrett and Dunn 1981; erroneously listed as 1977 – 1982
in AFN 40:334), and another twenty years later at the same location from 16 May
(KL) to 03 Oct. 1999 (RB).
Surf Scoter
Common winter resident and
spring transient; casual in summer. Though nearly absent some years, hundreds
are generally present on salt water (often into lower portion of Ballona Cr.)
from mid-Dec. to mid-Apr., but fewer than 25 are generally present in fall
before mid-Nov. (RSh). This species over-summered in numbers during 1981 (15,
RSh) and 1982, but is otherwise best considered rare at that season. It is
apparently irregular at Ballona Lagoon, occurring only during the winter/spring
of 1998 (CLA), when birds were common in tidal channels throughout
White-winged Scoter
Irregular and rare winter
visitor; casual in summer. Formerly as common as Surf Scoter (e.g. “many
hundreds” off PdR and
Black Scoter
Rare winter visitor; casual
in summer. Records of this rarest scoter have come sporadically, and it has
apparently always been scarce in the area (e.g. von Bloeker 1943). Known
sightings include one at the “Recreation Gun Club” from 01 Feb. – 14 Mar. 1943 (Bird-Lore
May-June 1943 XX); up to three birds each winter between 1980 and 1982 (AFN
35:226; LACM files); one from 05 Feb. to 05 Mar. 1998 (AP, fide KLG);
and one on 07 Jan. 2003 (R. Norton, LACoBirds). Summer sightings include birds
off PdR “to 31 Aug. 1979” (AB 33:897; LACM files) and on 27 June 2005 (BGJ).
Recent sightings of this species (and other rare sea ducks) have been from
large Surf Scoter rafts that typically form off
Long-tailed Duck
Occasional winter visitor
and rare spring transient in salt water. The first known records were obtained
in the late 1940s (WT). One or two birds have been present about every three
winters, with up to five birds were seen 1994-95 (MSM). In addition to these
winter records, up to five sightings of presumed spring migrants are known:
along Ballona Cr. from April (WT XX) to 01 May 1975 (AFN 29:908); 05 Apr. 1982
(3, BPE); 04 June 1985 (AFN 39:962) and a male (which may have wintered) 03
Mar. – 29 Apr. 2001 (KL). Dock and Schreiber (1981) also list a questionable
sighting on Ballona Lagoon in “mid-March” 1979, the only known record for
Ballona Lagoon.
Bufflehead
Common winter resident. Several
dozen birds winter in salt and brackish water (esp. Del Rey and Ballona
lagoons); less common in freshwater (e.g. BFM) and along Ballona Cr., where
typically found downstream of
Common Goldeneye
Occasional winter visitor
and early spring transient. First mentioned locally by Willett (1933) as “about
a dozen seen at Del Rey” on 23 Apr. 1928 (spring transients?), this species was
also recorded irregularly in winter at Playa del Rey through the 1940s and 50s
(von Bloeker 1943; AFN; WT). Somewhat mysteriously, this species went
unreported (possibly because it was not considered particularly rare?) for
nearly fifty years until 2000, when three (two males and a female) were
found on DRL 06 – 26 Jan. 2000 (RB). Singles were again present here in 2001
(12 Mar., RB), 2003 (14 Mar., KL), with up to two here and up to three at BFM
the following winter (2003-2004). At Ballona Lagoon, single females were
present 21 Jan. 04 and 14 – 16 Feb. 2004 (both CLA). The Common Goldeneye is
likely still somewhat irregular at Ballona, as none was reported the winter of
2004-2005.
Hooded Merganser
Occasional and irregular late
fall and winter visitor. The first record was of a female at “Del Rey”
(probably along Ballona Cr. near present-day Mar Vista) on 27 Nov. 1913
(Willett 1933). A male was recorded 26 Nov. 1951 (AFN 6:38), and the next
record involved an unusual report of “Hooded Mergansers...in the channels at
Playa del Rey...early winter 1971” (WT XX). Subsequently, it has been recorded three
times at DRL (21 Nov. 1975, KLG; 6 birds on 10 Feb. 1991, M.C. Long; and 16
Dec. 1993, AP). Up to four birds were recorded together at BFM here 31 Oct.
2003 to 16 Jan. 2004 (m. ob.), where will likely prove regular in small
numbers: singles present here 02 Nov. 2004 (KL) and 24 Oct. 2005 (DB). In
addition, RDS recorded this species along “Centinela Ditch” (now Playa Vista)
during the winters of 1998-99 and in Feb. 2003. This merganser is a localized
winter resident in small numbers in freshwater situations in the
Common
Merganser
Extirpated as a winter
resident; two modern records: 16 Jan. 1998 (B. Elliot); and two females on 26
Jan. 2000 (RB). Considered a “moderately common” winter visitor by von Bloeker
(1943), this species now winters on large inland reservoirs in the region
(Garrett and Dunn 1981) but historically was apparently more common on the
immediate coast (Willett 1933, Grinnell and Miller 1944).
Red-breasted Merganser
Fairly common winter
resident and rare transient; casual in summer. This species is found at Ballona
Lagoon, Ballona Cr., DRL and inshore waters from Aug. – Apr. (peaking Dec. –
Feb.. RSh notes). Two spring transients at Playa del Rey on 03 June 1949 (AFN 3:252)
were exceptionally late, as were two at BFM 25-26 May 2003 (LMF). Aside from an
old record of three birds “in the canal east of the colony of beach homes” at
PdR 25 June – 02 July 1929 (= the historical Del Rey Lagoon?; Stevenson 1932),
modern summer records limited to a single (apparently injured) female at
Ballona Lagoon from 07 July 2004 on (RB, m. ob.).
Ruddy
Duck
Extirpated, then
reestablished as a breeder; now a fairly common breeding resident. Between the
1950s, when common in winter (e.g., 53 along Ballona Cr. on 31 Dec. 1954; WT
21:34) and the construction of BFM in 2003, recorded mainly in single digits
during fall and winter, with peaks in late winter (Feb./Mar.) in the 1990s (AP)
possibly involving early spring migrants. Since 2003, up to 30 birds have
wintered at BFM, with numbers lowest in early fall (none recorded Sept. 2003,
Sept. 2004). Though breeding was known from the historical Ballona Wetlands
(“Formerly nested in the salt marsh [also referable to brackish wetlands] and
may still do so in small numbers” von Bloeker 1943), it had apparently ceased
doing so by the second half of the 20th century, when birds were
present in winter only. With the construction of BFM in 2003, breeding was
reestablished (8 young observed on 24 June 2003; T.P. Ryan), with additional
broods the following summers (Cooper 2004; DSC).
QUAILS
California
Quail
Extirpated as a breeding
perennial resident; three recent records. Von Bloeker (1943) considered quail a
“common resident of the meadow (= grassland habitat) and meadow slope of the
dunes. Nests here between middle April and late June,” and confirmed nesting as
late as 1940. This population persisted into the 1970s (15 from the Culver
Blvd. bridge over Ballona Cr. on 05 Jan. 1975; KLG), and Dock and Schreiber
(1981) wrote of a “small covey observed regularly throughout the year on (the
area of Ballona Wetlands south of Culver Blvd.), and recorded sporadically
(north of Culver Blvd. and north of Ballona Cr.).” Post-1980s records limited
to a “flock” vic. Hughes airstrip, now part of Playa Vista, on 22 August 1998
(RDS); one on the Westchester Bluffs on 10 Apr. 1999 (B. Elliot); and a male
and a female at BFM 17-18 Apr. 2004 (C. Day, RB, m. ob.), the male
continuing to 26 July (RB). Quail remain common in the Baldwin Hills just east
of the
LOONS
Red-throated Loon
Uncommon spring transient
on salt water, generally recorded as birds flying north offshore, sometimes in
flocks; apparently extirpated as a winter resident. This species wintered
offshore into the 1980s (up to 6 birds present Nov. to Apr., RSh), but
apparently no longer does. Late-moving birds have been recorded into May (16
May 1996, AP), and a spring transient at BFM on 19 April 2003 (DS) is the only
record away from the immediate coastline and lower Ballona Cr.
Pacific Loon
Uncommon winter resident
and spring transient on salt water, with one or two birds present Nov. – Feb.
(but often missed entirely), and higher numbers in March and Apr. during spring
migration. A transient at BFM 15 – 24 May 2003 (BGJ) is the only record away
from the immediate coastline and lower Ballona Cr. Rare summer lingerer: two
birds on 31 July 1981 (B. Broadbrooks) and two on 05 June and 04 July 1998,
RB).
Common Loon
Fairly common winter
resident and spring transient on salt water, with up to 4 birds consistently
present Nov. – Feb., and higher numbers in March and April. A spring transient
was found dead at BFM 13 May 2003 (TPR), the only record away from the
immediate coastline and lower Ballona Cr. Regular in very small numbers in
summer and fall, with up to four birds 21 June – 09 August 1981 (KLG, RSh);
plus June records in 1996 and 1998 (AP).
GREBES
Pied-billed Grebe
Colonized as a breeder; now
a common and conspicuous breeding resident at BFM; fairly common fall transient
and winter visitor in fresh and brackish water throughout. The first local
nesting evidence came in 2003 (4 broods at BFM on 29 June; DSC, Cooper 2004).
Though the Pied-billed Grebe may have bred at Ballona historically, it was rare
in summer in southern
Horned Grebe
Uncommon winter resident
(Oct. – early Apr.; earliest: 29 Sept. 1996, AP). Up to 10 birds are typically
present each winter offshore, along lowermost Ballona Creek and in Marina del
Rey harbor, with just two records (mid-winter) from Ballona Lagoon (CLA). The
first BFM record came on 13 Nov. 2003 (BGJ), and at least 2 birds wintered here
2003-04 (RB, m. ob.), joined by a third on 26 Mar. 2004 (DSC).
Red-necked Grebe
Rare winter visitor (Dec. –
Mar.) and casual transient to salt water. There have been twelve winter records
since this species was first recorded the winter of 1948-49 (WT 15:24), with
birds lingering into March. Additionally there are single records of apparent
transients each in spring (two at Ballona Lagoon on 27 Mar. 1998, CLA) and fall
(Ballona Cr. on 23 Sept. 1976; WT XX).
Eared Grebe
Fairly common winter
resident and transient. Daily counts of up to 20 birds have been made from mid-Sept.
to Apr. (RSh) along lower Ballona Cr., Marina del Rey, Del Rey Lagoon and
inshore ocean waters; up to 10 in winter at Ballona Lagoon and BFM. Formerly
occurred in tidal sloughs of Ballona Wetlands (von Bloeker 1943), but now rare
here. An early individual was at BFM on 05 Sept. 2003 (KL), with most birds
arriving in October. Small numbers linger through the spring, but are rare by
mid-summer, with two at Marina del Rey on 27 June 1978 (KLG) and one summering
along Ballona Cr. from 20 July on in 2003 (LMF).
Western Grebe
Common winter resident on
salt water; rare in summer. Though nearly absent some years, this grebe can be
abundant; typically seen in large rafts just beyond breakers, or in smaller
groups in MdR and lower Ballona Cr. Uncommon on Ballona Lagoon (CLA), and
unrecorded at BFM. The first birds arrive in October, but do not become common
until December. Counts may reach several hundred birds (high: 650 on 01 Jan.
1978, RSh) into April, or they can be virtually absent (e.g. winter 2003-04). Non-winter
records are few (possibly overlooked/not reported), but small flocks have
lingered through May (30 on 28 May 1976, KLG), and up to two birds were along
Ballona Cr. 10-17 Jul. 2004 (LMF).
Probably an occasional
winter visitor; few recent records. This species likely follows a similar
pattern of seasonal occurrence of preceding one, (e.g. up to 4 on 09 Jan. 1982,
RSh). Dates extend from 21 Oct. (1989, KLG) to 28 May (2 birds in 2002, KL).
TUBENOSES
Northern Fulmar
Rare and irregular visitor.
This species is occasionally present well offshore throughout the year, and
local records are of birds seen just behind the breakers or picked up sick/dead
on the beach, especially after storms. It was historically more common; von
Bloeker (1943) reported 33 known specimens from Hyperion from 30 Oct. to 17
Apr., during winter when most expected. Since the 1930s, however, birds have
been recorded only during rare incursions, the most recent of which occurred
during fall 2003, when large numbers of mainly dark-morph birds were seen along
the California coast through summer 2004, including one “just offshore” on 16
Nov. 2003 (KL), and moribund or dead birds on Playa del Rey/Marina del Rey
beach 19 Oct. 2003 (RSh) and 5 birds picked up locally in summer 2004 (CD, DB).
[Pink-footed Shearwater
Though considered “common
in summer and fall” in the area by von Bloeker (1943), recent records from PdR
are lacking, though this species remains common just offshore, and is regularly
seen with the following species from coastal promontories nearby such as the
Sooty Shearwater
Irregular and uncommon
spring and summer visitor to inshore waters. This species is responsive to
extreme local conditions such as strong onshore winds and temporally abundant
food supply, with a report of “hundreds” off PdR on 15 May 2003 (BGJ) one of
the few known records. Formerly abundant just offshore, a recent increase in
ocean temperature off southern
[Short-tailed Shearwater
Though considered
“irregular in winter off Hyperion” by von Bloeker (1943), this species has not
been conclusively reported off PdR. However, a report of two small, dark
shearwaters offshore PdR after a severe storm on 27 Oct. 2004 (DB) may have
pertained to this species.]
Black-vented Shearwater
Irregularly uncommon winter
visitor to inshore waters. Though present at sea c. 3-10 mi. offshore, large
concentrations (e.g. 200 birds on 07 Feb. 2004, KL) are only occasionally seen
from shore during periods of onshore winds and rain, or when food sources (e.g.
squid, anchovies) happen to be close to the beach, generally Nov. – March (KL, via
email).
Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel
Vagrant (uncommon offshore
south to northern
Leach’s Storm-Petrel
Vagrant (regular in small
numbers well offshore), one record. A single bird reportedly seen “inside
breakwater during storm” 23 Jan. 1981 (AB 35:335) was reported as having “a
white rump with a black line through the center” (LACM files).
Ashy Storm-Petrel
Vagrant (regular in small
numbers well offshore); two winter records. Dead birds have been picked up at
the beach at PdR on 12 Dec. 1934 (von Bloeker 1943) and 15 Mar. 1969 (LACM
80876).
BOOBIES, PELICANS,
CORMORANTS, ETC.
Brown Booby
Vagrant (from
American White Pelican
Rare winter visitor and
transient. Seven early records from Playa del Rey through 1978 span 26 Sept. –
16 Apr. (AFN, WT), and after a nearly twenty-year hiatus, the next record was
obtained on 04 January 1996 (AP), and five records have followed: 28 Jan. 1997
on Ballona Wetlands/Ballona Creek (BOC); 08 Mar. 1999 (2, BE); 07 Jan. 2002 (3,
with one to 10 Feb., RB); and 28 Sept. – 01 Oct. 2004 at BFM (KL, BOC). A
remarkable modern record was of a flock of six birds that wintered here from 21
Nov. 2002 to “February” 2003 (m. ob.), roosting on saltpan of Ballona
Wetlands and visiting BFM; this is the only record of the American White
Pelican remaining through the entire winter at Ballona.
Brown Pelican
Abundant late summer, fall
and winter resident. Hundreds of pelicans roost on the Playa del Rey breakwater
and large numbers throughout Marina del Rey, Ballona Cr. and Ballona Lagoon.
High count: 2500 on breakwater 19 Oct. 1986 (AB 41:143). Much less common
(though always present in numbers) from late April through July, when most are
on breeding grounds. Von Bloeker (1943) termed this species a “common coastal
resident.” This species is rarely observed at BFM, though several corpses
(apparently killed by introduced Red Fox) have been found here.
Brandt’s Cormorant
Status unclear due to
confusion with Double-crested Cormorant, but probably a fairly common winter
resident on breakwaters of Playa del Rey. Strictly coastal; unrecorded away
from ocean.
Double-crested Cormorant
Common winter resident,
with 100+ birds recorded on breakwaters of Playa del Rey, in Marina del Rey and
along Ballona Creek through fall and winter, with small numbers at Ballona
Lagoon (up to 8, CLA) and at BFM (generally singles). This species becomes
scarcer through spring and into summer, though a handful are generally present
year round, often along Ballona Creek.
Pelagic Cormorant
Fairly common transient and
winter resident in salt water, with up to 50 on breakwaters and in salt water
from August to April (RSh), though singles often seen fishing along Ballona Ck
(to vic. Pacific Ave. bridge). Strictly coastal; recorded just once on Ballona
Lagoon (1 on 14 Nov. 2004, CLA).
Magnificent Frigatebird
Casual summer visitor. A
spate of sightings in the late 1970s include: 13 July 1975 (AFN 29:1030); 30
July 1977 (2, LACM files); 15 August 1978 (WT XX); three sightings in 1979: 30
June (WT XX), 31 July (2 imm., KLG) and “early August” 1979 (Dock and Schreiber
1981); and one present from 03 July to at least 10 August 1980 (WT XX). An
additional sighting was made on 13 July 1986 (AFN 40:1254), and consistent
records since then to the north and south suggest limited observer coverage
here during the summer may be affecting the dearth of recent sightings.
LARGE WADERS AND VULTURES
American
Bittern
Extirpated as a winter
resident; two modern (post-1960) records. One apparently wintered at BFM from
23 Oct. 2004 – 03 Apr. 2005 (RB, B.G. Johnson), and another was at the Ballona
Wetlands on 06 Dec. 1980 (RSh). Historically, this species was much more
numerous in winter and migration at PdR (von Bloeker 1943), and one here on the
early date of 06 Aug. 1924 (Bird-Lore 26:347) suggests the possibility of
historical nesting. Birds were recorded on the Los Angeles Christmas Bird Count
through the early 1950s (Table 2), and the last local record during this period
is of one at PdR 07 – 20 Jan. 1952 (WT 18:28).
Least
Bittern
Extirpated,
then reestablished as a rare and
localized perennial visitor or resident; essentially confined to BFM. The first
modern record was of one present at BFM from 24 July to 05 Aug. 2003. One to
two were recorded at BFM through spring 2005, when one was consistently heard
singing from dense reedbeds from 22 Mar. (DSC). In summer, 2005, a spate of
sightings of multiple birds and a probable nest at BFM (RB, E. Read) strongly
suggested local breeding. This bittern likely nested in the
Great Blue Heron
Colonized as a breeder; now
a common breeding resident, most common in fall and least common in early
spring when actively breeding. Small numbers nested in the lone cottonwood on
the western edge of the Ballona Wetlands at least in 1995 (KBC 1996; BOC, pers.
comm.), and now breed in trees at Marina del Rey just north of Ballona Cr.
(e.g., 10 nests on 16 Feb. 2002, KLG; at least 8 nests in March 2004, DSC).
This heron’s historical breeding status is unknown, but it was only a transient
and winter visitor by the 1920s (e.g., Bird-Lore 26:347), and breeding was not
mentioned by von Bloeker (1943), who considered it “frequently observed in the
meadow area and in the salt marsh,” nor was it mentioned as a breeder on
subsequent surveys (e.g., Dock and Schreiber 1981; Corey 1992).
Great Egret
Fairly common transient and
winter resident and (increasingly) an uncommon summer resident in wetlands,
grassland and on jetties throughout. Like most of the local waders, most common
during migration (e.g. 21 at BFM on 12 Oct. 2003, DSC; 20+ at DRL on 20 Nov.
2004, DSC). Formerly present only in the non-breeding season, with the earliest
fall arrivals record recorded by RSh (1977-87) during the second week of September
(14 birds on 10 Sept. 1983), and winter/spring sightings extending into April
(exceptionally to 19 May 1998, AP). Spring numbers are generally low (as birds
are breeding away from the region), and mid-summer records were apparently
unknown until 2000 (see e.g. Corey 1992), when birds were present at Ballona
Lagoon on 30 August 2000 (3), and the next year on 23 July (both CLA). Since
then, up to three birds have been present here and at BFM through the summer
months. Historically much less common, with von Bloeker (1943) terming it
“occasionally seen in all seasons in the salt marsh”. Birds are often seen
stalking rodents in flooded grassland after heavy winter rains.
Snowy Egret
Fairly common perennial
resident (common during migration) in wetlands and on jetties throughout. Large
aggregations of several dozen birds are encountered in migration and winter
(e.g. 41 at Ballona Lagoon on 07 Apr. 2002, CLA). Less common during winter and
mid-summer, a few can be found any month of the year. Local breeding was
unknown until 2005, when 5 active nests were observed in eucalyptus over a
lightly-used parking lot in MdR near Washington Lagoon on 12 May (DB, DSC). It
is not known how long birds have been nesting here; they were not recorded
doing so during the Los Angeles County Breeding Bird Atlas during the late
1990s (LABBA). Numbers have increased regionally since the early 1900s, when a
rare sight (e.g., Bicknell 1922). Von Bloeker (1943) wrote that in the Ballona
area, this species was “rarely observed in the Playa del Rey salt marsh,”
although it had apparently rebounded by the 1950s: “60-100 roosting with
Black-crowned Night-Herons in eucalyptus, Venice Marshes” during fall 1951 (AFN
6:37). Today, birds still utilize these large eucalyptus trees where Marina del
Rey has replaced the historical marshes.
Little Blue Heron
Vagrant (from
Tricolored Heron
Vagrant (from
Reddish Egret
Vagrant (from
Cattle Egret
Occasional winter visitor
and transient. Sixteen known records (several involving small flocks) extend
from 17 Sept. – 06 May, with most sightings in fall (Sept. – Nov.) and early
spring (March). A high count of “up to 50” were present at PdR in “late
December” 1978 (AFN 32:398); oddly, this is the first known record of this
species at Ballona; it may have been present earlier and simply unreported.
Green
Heron
Extirpated, then
reestablished as a breeder; now an uncommon perennial resident. Up to 4 birds
have been recorded year round since the 1990s, with nesting first confirmed in
1995 (fledglings at a condominium complex near Ballona Lagoon on 16 July 1995; LACM
files); breeding commenced at BFM in 2005 (2 nests, fide E. Read). Until the 1930s, the Green Heron was a
characteristic breeding bird of Ballona: six egg sets were collected here
between 1933 and 1935 (WFVZ), and Howsley (1936) estimated four pairs nesting
in the area – about the same as the current population! Between then and the
1990s, however, it was only recorded in fall and winter (RSh, LACM files).
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Fairly common perennial
resident; recent colonizer as a breeder. Though generally present in small
numbers, a notable influx of young birds occurs in late summer (high: 14 at BFM
on 06 Aug. 2004, JP). Typically up to five birds, mostly juveniles and
immatures, are present irregularly throughout the year at Ballona Lagoon,
Ballona Cr., BFM and MdR. Previously an uncommon transient, the year round
population in the Ballona region has apparently increased. For example, RSh
listed just 3 records from 1977-1987, in fall and early spring; and Corey
(1992) lists just four sightings between June and Oct. 1990. AP (1993-98)
recorded it year round in small numbers along Ballona Cr. and at BW. Recent breeding
was documented vic. Washington Lagoon (3 nests in eucalyptus, 1 with fledglings,
on 11 April 1995; LABBA).
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
Vagrant (from
White-faced Ibis
Extirpated as a winter
resident; now an uncommon fall transient (late Aug. – early Dec.), occasional
in spring. In 2003, up to 20 were present more or less continuously from 20
July (3, RB) through early November (1 to 09 Nov., m. ob.). Similar numbers were present in the following autumn
(2004), and birds at PdR on 21 June 2004 (RB) and 30 June 2005 (2, R. Van de
Hoek, LACoBirds) were apparently post-breeding visitors. There have been six
spring records (12 Apr. – 23 May) since 2003, mainly from BFM. Between the
1940s and 2003, only a handful of records known, mainly of fall migrants (some
involving small flocks); but also two records each in winter (05 Jan. 1953, AFN
7:234; 3 on 06 Feb. 1999 KLG files) and spring (“April” 1990, Corey 1992; 40
on 16 Apr. 1998, AP). This ibis was apparently regular in winter and spring
through the 1920s (Bird-Lore 26:131; Bird-Lore 29:285), and Grinnell (1898)
considered it “of common occurrence in fall, winter and spring,” adding “a few
remain through the summer in the Ballona marshes, and A.M. Shields believes
that they breed here.” By mid-century, it was irregular in winter (von Bloeker
1943:13), the last records of over-wintering coming in the early 1940s
(Bird-Lore 45:15; NAS 2002).
Roseate Spoonbill
Vagrant (from
Wood Stork
Vagrant (from
Turkey
Vulture
Extirpated as a winter
resident; now an uncommon transient. Recent (post-1990s) records have also been
concentrated in spring and mid-fall (Sept. – Oct.), coinciding with the peak
movement through southern
DIURNAL RAPTORS
Osprey
Uncommon fall transient;
rare visitor at all other times of year. Fall records are concentrated in the
month of September (range: 05 Aug. to 02 Nov.), with two presumed spring migrants
on 16 May 1995 (“JF” in AP) and 26 Apr. 2003 (RDS) and a handful of summer
records both in 2004 and 2005 (m. ob.).
Generally recorded singly, but four were observed together over Ballona Cr. on
05 Sept. 2005 (RDS). Virtually unknown in winter (contra KBC 1996), with
four records: 11 Dec. 1925 (Bird-Lore 27:22); 25 Jan. 2004 over BFM carrying a
fish (DSC, KL), and two the next year, on 23 Jan. (DSC) and 06 Mar. (KL –
possibly an early spring migrant). Though not mentioned as occurring by von Bloeker
(1943), numerous fall reports were published in Bird-Lore during the 1920s.
White-tailed Kite
Fairly common non-breeding
resident from mid-summer to mid-winter; casual in spring. Two-three kites are
expected at Ballona from mid-summer (late June or July) through mid-winter
(January), when they apparently vacate the area to breed elsewhere. A
remarkable five juveniles were seen together at the wetlands on 12 July 2003
(RB) and up to 3 juveniles were here on 10 Aug. 2003 (DSC). Kites can begin
breeding as early as mid-February in southern California (Unitt 2004), and
while local breeding was suspected by KBC (1996) who observed an adult and a
juvenile “throughout the summer” of 1995, no details were provided that would
rule out their being post-breeding/dispersing birds. A recent smattering of
spring and early summer records of single birds briefly present may pertain
either to north-bound migrants or to dispersing/failed breeders, e.g. 28 May
and 16 June 2002 (KL); 03 and 30 May (KL) and 10 June (TPR) 2003; 18 Apr. 04
(CD). This species was historically much more numerous in the
Bald Eagle
Vagrant, four known
records. This species was apparently always rare at Ballona, at least within
recorded history. Modern records limited to presumed transients observed “over
Hughes” (now Playa Vista) on 25 Nov. 1982 (RSh) and on 17 Mar. 1984 (imm.,
RSh). One “present for weeks” on 08 Jan. 1978 (KLG) was clearly attempting to
winter during a year that brought large numbers of raptors in the
Northern
Harrier
Extirpated
as a breeding perennial resident; now an occasional
fall and winter visitor (Oct. – Dec.). Harriers formerly occurred in winter in
small but consistent numbers, but have not over-wintered here since the
mid-1990s (AP, RDS). Up to two birds are recorded on the Los Angeles Christmas
Bird Count each year (NAS 2002), and about one sighting per year is now
expected in winter (fide RDS). A high
of seven were on the Ballona Wetlands 01 Jan. 1955 (WT 21:34), and harriers
nested at Ballona as late as 1953 (WFVZ; additional egg records from 1935 and
1947).
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Uncommon winter resident.
This small raptor is as frequently seen in residential neighborhoods (esp.
Westchester) as in native habitat, and unlike Merlin or American Kestrel, often
perches in low, concealed spots (esp. willow clumps), waiting for small birds.
Records span 04 Oct. to 06 Apr. A reference to summer records (National Audubon
Society 1988) is obviously incorrect. The Sharp-shinned Hawk may increase in
abundance with restoration of riparian corridor along the base of the
Westchester Bluffs.
Cooper’s Hawk
Fairly common fall
transient and winter visitor (appears as early as late July); uncommon summer
resident and local breeder in residential areas. A pair fledged young in
Red-shouldered Hawk
Occasional transient and
winter visitor. RSh lists just two records from 1977-87, both in winter (07
Feb. 1981 and 14 Jan. 1984). Only a handful of known local records (but likely
under-reported) include one being mobbed by crows at baseball field east of
Lincoln and north of Ballona Cr. (“Parcel C”) in “October” 1990 (Corey 1992);
16 Dec. 1993 (AP) at BW; 31 Dec. 1996 at BW (RSh); 24 Mar. 2002 at PdR (KL); a
“juvenile seen soaring” above BW on 30 Aug. 2002 (BOC); and several records of
an immature bird at LMU, BFM and PdR between 09 Aug. 2004 (RB) and 22 Jan. 2005
(DSC). This species may be most common in
[Broad-winged Hawk
The reference to one
wintering at PdR in 1977 – 1978 (AFN 32:399) was apparently a misprint (fide B. Broadbrooks, credited as the
observer), and referable to a Rough-legged Hawk (also unusual) that wintered
here that year. There are no records of this raptor from Ballona itself, though
small numbers are recorded each fall in southern
Swainson’s Hawk
Vagrant, one record. One
spring transient was observed near
Red-tailed Hawk
Common and conspicuous
resident, with 1-4 birds generally present year round on the Ballona Wetlands,
and probably as many in the surrounding residential areas. Both Dock and
Schreiber (1981) and Corey (1992) recorded birds throughout the year, and it
appears to be resident, breeding in the large eucalyptus grove on the south
side of the wetlands (pair in courtship flight observed here 27 Dec. 2003,
DSC). Interestingly, von Bloeker (1943) wrote “an occupied nest was found high
in a eucalyptus tree near Palisades del Rey on March 6, 1932” – possibly the
same grove of trees! Other pairs currently breed in palm trees in residential
Mar Vista (fide LMF) and probably elsewhere.
Ferruginous Hawk
Casual winter visitor. Most
post-1960 records of this beautiful grassland raptor came from the “Hughes
property,” since converted to Playa Vista, including singles here on 20 Dec.
1977 (BE); 12 Dec. 1981 (RSh) and what was likely the same bird “near Sepulveda
and Jefferson” on 24 Feb. 1982 (JBr); and an immature bird on 13 Jan. 1990
(KLG). One attempting to winter in grassy parcels near
Rough-legged Hawk
Vagrant, two records. Two
birds were observed 24 Dec. 1977 – 28 Feb. 1978 over grassland that is now
Playa Vista (AFN 32:399), and one was “near Sepulveda and Jefferson” on 06 Jan.
1982 (JBr). This species would have been historically more common when the
American Kestrel
Fairly common resident. As
many as six birds together were observed in winter by Corey (1992), but
typically 2-3 are seen per day now, essentially year round. Though foraging
habitat for this species continues to be reduced for this species, it is
possible that the planted palm trees in future development will prove
attractive nesting areas, as long as some foraging habitat (e.g. grassy or
scrubby hillsides) are retained.
Merlin
Uncommon transient and
winter visitor throughout
Peregrine Falcon
Uncommon transient and
winter visitor. Since summer 2003, singles have been present from mid-summer
through winter, with 1-2 birds recorded practically daily. The historical
status of this species is difficult to characterize due to the paucity of
records; was apparently irregular prior to 1940 (Grinnell 1898; von Bloeker
1943), with just three known records during this early period, and virtually
none in the five decades between 1940 and 1990 (but see below). This falcon became
an irregular migrant and winter visitor during the 1990s, and since 2003, one
can usually be found in a day of birding from late summer through early spring.
Known sightings prior to 2003 include:
·
22 Sept. 1924 (Bird-Lore
26:426)
·
11 and 29 Aug.
1926 (Bird-Lore 28:413)
·
05 Sept. 1939:
one “shot by boys as it foraged at Del Rey” (LACM 86938)
·
15 Dec. 1975 – 13
Feb. 1976 (AFN 30:765)
·
08 Dec. 1991 at
Ballona Wetlands (KLG)
·
20 Oct. 1994 (AP)
·
10 Jan. 1995 (AP)
·
10 Dec. 1995 (AP)
·
08 Apr. 2002 at
Ballona Lagoon (DSC)
A spate of records in the
early 1980s (28 Aug. 1980 – 22 Jan. 1983; J. Cupples, RSh) may be attributable
to an individual that was released here in summer 1980 (fide KLG). Because so many recent sightings have been of birds
foraging at BFM, it is fair to suggest that the creation of this marsh
encouraged the Peregrine to occur more regularly and to remain through the
winter. Birds are also observed at the Ballona Wetlands salt pan when flooded,
but rarely away from these two areas. However, recent local increases are
probably tracking regional ones; this species increased dramatically in the
region through the 1990s (NAS 2002) after begin nearly extirpated in the state
during the height of DDT-related eggshell-thinning in the 1960s.
Prairie Falcon
Casual in fall and
(formerly) winter. Birds at Ballona Wetlands on 10 (2) and 17 Sept. 1925 (Bird-Lore
27:417); 13 Oct. 1975 (WT XX); and another circling above
RAILS AND CRANE
Black Rail
Extirpated. The last record
of this cryptic rail came in the 1920s: “Adult found impaled on barbed-wire
fence near Del Rey, Los Angeles County, by J. Ewan, February 25, 1928” (Ewan
1928). Ewan (Ibid) further noted “There appear to be no recent records
of the occurrence of this rail in this locality,” alluding to its rarity even
then. The only other local record is a sight record: “G.F. Morcom saw one at
Ballona,