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 This codifies a large and growing body of observations and unpublished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There are two other important sources of unpublished data.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,
Clapper
Rail
Extirpated as a breeding
perennial resident. A resident population of the Light-footed Clapper Rail (R.
l. levipes) persisted at least into the 1950s, but was apparently
eliminated by the creation of Marina del Rey. Four were at PdR 09 Oct. – 06
Nov. 1950 (AFN 4:35), and singles were recorded on the Los Angeles Christmas
Bird Count in 1952, 1955 and 1956 (NAS 2002). This population had been long
documented by specimen and egg collections (Grinnell 1898; WFVZ), with the last
egg set collected 24 Apr. 1944 at “Del Rey” (WFVZ). In the past fifty years,
there have been but two
records, presumably of vagrants from extant populations in neighboring Ventura
or Orange counties: “February” 1966 (calling bird at the Ballona Wetlands near
the tidal inlets from Ballona Cr., fide MSM); and two in “January” 1995
in this same tidal channel (D. De Lange, pers. comm.; photos of one
reviewed by KLG but subsequently lost).
Virginia
Rail
Extirpated
as a breeding perennial resident; reestablished as an uncommon transient and rare (or rarely-seen) winter
visitor at BFM. Small numbers have been recorded here since 2003, with dates
extending from 23 Aug. to 05 May (m. ob.). Von Bloeker (1943) considered the
Virginia Rail “resident in the salt marsh” (but note his expanded definition of
salt marsh which included freshwater and brackish marshes), and breeding was
documented in 1902 (“two egg sets taken by W.L. Chambers at Ballona, Los
Angeles County, April 13, 1902” in
Willett 1933). The only other credible record from the 1900s was of one
observed at PdR on 19 Feb. 1952 (WT 18:38); Several sightings in atypical
habitat by Dock and Schreiber (1981) are not credible and may pertain to Common
Snipe Gallinago gallinago.
Sora
Extirpated
as a breeding perennial resident; reestablished as a fairly common transient and winter resident at BFM
(July through May). The first modern record was of an early fall transient
found mortally injured (possibly mobbed by crows or gulls) along Ballona Cr. on
29 Jul. 1998 (LACM 110576). All other recent records are from BFM since its
opening in 2003 (high: 5 at BFM on 04 Jan. 2004), beginning with another fall transient
on 31 July 2003 (RB). Von Bloeker (1943) considered the Sora “present in small
numbers throughout the year in the salt marsh most frequently being found in
vicinity of tule-bordered ponds and creeks,” and even breeding (in “April and May”). Prior to the 1998 record, the
last records of Sora in the
Common Moorhen
Extirpated as a
(presumably) perennial resident; reestablished as an uncommon transient and
winter visitor at BFM. The first modern record involved a transient at BFM on
19 Apr. 2003 (DSC), with subsequent records of up to two birds every month of
the year (though no evidence of breeding or paired birds). This freshwater
marsh obligate was apparently lost very early; in 1924, F.B. Schneider wrote:
“seen frequently in a restricted area of the marsh” during April and May
(Bird-Lore 26:278), with multiple birds present that fall, temporarily
displaced by drying marsh ponds until water was pumped into impoundments of a local
gun club (Bird-Lore 26:426). These two references comprise the entire
historical record of this species at Ballona prior to 2003; its loss was
apparently overlooked by von Bloeker (1943).
American
Coot
Extirpated,
then reestablished as a breeder; now a common
breeding perennial resident at BFM; still a transient and winter resident
elsewhere. Prior to the construction of BFM, coots were mainly a winter visitor
to freshwater portions of Ballona Cr. (upstream of
Sandhill Crane
Extirpated. Cranes
historically occurred (pre-1900) commonly in winter throughout the Los Angeles
Basin (e.g. “A.M. Shields states that a few stay through the winter and spring
months, up to May first, among the Centinela hills and grain-fields” in
Grinnell 1898), it was still passing through as a migrant by the early 1930s
(Willett 1933), though a “rare” migrant in the Playa del Rey area by the 1940s
(von Bloeker 1943). Specific late records include a “Greater Sandhill Crane” (Grus
c. canadensis) at Playa del Rey from “the latter part of January” to 27
Feb. 1949 (AFN 3:224). Prior to this, an “adult male” “Little Brown Crane” (=
Greater Sandhill Crane) was collected “near
SHOREBIRDS, GULLS AND TERNS
Plovers
Black-bellied Plover
Common non-breeding
resident. This species is most numerous in fall and winter, but at least a few
are present every month of the year. The first southbound individuals arrive at
the end of July, and numbers soon swell to c. 500 birds that remain through the
winter from August to March. Though exact counts are lacking, this remarkable
concentration may represent a majority of all wintering Black-bellied Plover in
Pacific Golden-Plover
Extirpated; previously a
fall transient and winter resident. The Ballona Wetlands, including the Ballona
Creek channel, was a historical wintering area for this species, with records
of fall transients dating back at least to the 1920s (Willett 1933 lists
records from 04 Sept. to 27 Nov.). After a gap in data mid-century, the next
records are of one in Feb. 1964 (WT 30:52) and two birds present in “February”
1966 (WT XX), with six birds present the following December (WT 33:6). (Owing
to a paucity of published observations [of birds of any species] at Ballona in
the intervening years, it should not be assumed the birds were not
present). Golden-Plovers were found wintering in small numbers each winter from
the early 1970s to 1983 (AFN; LACM files), arriving as early as 04 September (3
in 1974; AFN 29:121) and staying as late as 29 Apr. (in 1978; AB 32:1055). These
birds would apparently roost on the saltpans of the Ballona Wetlands (Dock and
Schreiber 1981), presumably with the numerous Black-bellied Plovers. Though
they have not wintered since the early 1980s, however, every effort should be
made to manage habitat for this species, as only a handful of regular wintering
areas are known in
Snowy
Plover
Extirpated
as a breeding perennial resident; now an occasional transient and rare winter visitor. Historically an
important wintering area (e.g., “more than 100 returned for winter at upper
beach at Playa del Rey” in late July 1926; Bird-Lore 28:355), and several dozen
birds were recorded on Los Angeles Christmas Bird Counts into the 1960s (Table
2). Numbers declined sharply in the late 1960s, but Page et al. (1986) still
found up to eight birds on eight of nine winter counts in the Playa del Rey
area from 1978 to 1985. By the end of the 1980s, birds were no longer wintering
at Ballona (fide RSh, AP), and there
have been only two winter records since the start of near-daily coverage by
birders in early 2003, both of small flocks: just south of the Ballona Cr. mouth
on 09 Jan. 2003 (10, KLG), and north of the Marina del Rey mouth 16 – 29 Dec.
2004 (up to 14, DB). Just south of the region, a loose wintering flock has
developed on
Semipalmated Plover
Uncommon transient and
occasional winter visitor. Currently, this plover occurs irregularly in small
flocks in spring and fall, with the first (presumably northbound) birds
arriving in late winter, coincident with the ponding of water on the Ballona
Wetlands salt pan (e.g. 8 birds on the salt pan at BW on 10 Jan. 2004; 10 here
on 12 Feb. 2005; both DSC) with small numbers increasingly common and
widespread into April. The first southbound birds appear in July (3 at DRL on
27 July 2003, DSC), with birds passing through into September. Von Bloeker
(1943) considered it to be a migrant, although “considerable numbers” were
present 16 and 21 Jan. 1923 (Bird-Lore 25:137), and up to 7 were recorded by
RSh between Nov. – Jan. during the early 1980s. This species is most often
observed with large groups of mixed shorebirds on wet mud along Ballona Creek,
at DRL, and on peak migration days (April, July/August) at BFM.
Killdeer
Common perennial resident.
Though the short grass and bare dirt habitat preferred by this species is
getting increasingly scarce in the Ballona Valley, numbers of this plover may
still be encountered year round, on mudflats (e.g. DRL), along Ballona Creek,
at BFM and in undeveloped portions of Playa Vista. Small numbers continue to
nest (or attempt to do so) on barren patches of dirt, and numbers swell during
migration and winter; a tight flock of 20 birds was observed at BFM on 12 Oct.
2003 (DSC).
Mountain Plover
Extirpated, if it ever
occurred regularly. Formerly apparently a rare transient or winter visitor,
with known records of birds on the Hughes airstrip (now Playa Vista) on 03 Dec.
1972 (JBr); along Ballona Cr. on 30 Oct. 1976 (WT 43:6); and 02 Nov. 1979 (2)
at “Playa del Rey” (WT 46:8). Because the area with the most appropriate
Mountain Plover habitat has long been closed to the public (and was rarely
visited by birders), and has now been lost with the build-out of Playa Vista,
there is no way to know whether these records were representative of a lost
coastal wintering population, or just an ephemeral phenomenon. Small numbers of
birds still winter in small numbers as close as Seal Beach, Orange Co. (NAS
2002). The lack of records on any Los Angeles Christmas Bird Count, however,
suggests that this species was probably gone prior to the 1940s. Historically,
the Mountain Plover was more common in the region away from the immediate coast
(see Grinnell 1898), though small numbers probably always wintered locally on
coastal prairie.
Oystercatcher
Black Oystercatcher
Uncommon resident. Small
numbers are found on the outer jetties and the free-standing breakwater of
Playa del Rey, rarely seen along lower Ballona Creek. Breeding was confirmed during
late 1980s (LACM files), and during the Los Angeles Breeding Bird Atlas on 05
Aug. 1999 (LABBA). A high count of 15 was made on 06 Feb. 1998 (RB).
Stilt and Avocet
Black-necked
Stilt
Extirpated
as a breeder; reestablished as a common
perennial resident and localized breeder away from the immediate coast. Stilts
are found year round in freshwater portions of Ballona Cr. (e.g., between
American
Avocet
Extirpated
as a breeding perennial resident; now an occasional
transient. Since the mid-1980s, there have been about 10 records (though this
species is no doubt under-reported), mostly in late fall (26 Sept. – 01 Dec.),
but also in spring (02 Mar. – 27 May). Historically, the American Avocet was
apparently resident (breeding described at “Del Rey” in 1923 in Willett 1933). An egg set from this
colony, noted as being “on mud-hump in marsh” was collected on 29 Apr. 1923
(WFVZ), and adults accompanied by young were present here the next year on 27
July (Bird-Lore 26:347), making the last year of known nesting 1924 (contra Willett 1933). Fall migrants
would build through late summer (Bird-Lore 29:438; WT 16:8), and winter counts
of up to 200 birds were recorded into the late 1950s (Bird-Lore 26:131; WT
13:28; NAS 2002). Numbers apparently declined through the 1960s (NAS 2002); RSh
(1977-1987) recorded avocets mainly in single-digits in winter and migration,
including highs of 20 birds in
January and February. The last Los Angeles CBC record came in 1993 (NAS 2002),
and the only winter record in the past ten years (10 Feb. 1996, AP) may have
been a very early spring transient.
Sandpipers
Greater Yellowlegs
Fairly common transient and
winter resident. Generally confined to freshwater habitats, with small numbers
present essentially year round. RSh (1977-87) lists highs of up to 10 birds
(presumably along Ballona Cr.) in mid-winter. The last northbound migrants and
the first southbound birds both pass through in June (e.g. records at BFM from
01 and 30 June).
Lesser Yellowlegs
Rare transient and winter
visitor. Most frequently recorded in early fall in freshwater, esp. along
Ballona Cr. or at BFM, with several records from 03 August through early
September. Historical sources (e.g., Willett 1933 include several fall records,
with a high of up to 13 together on 01 Sept. 1924 (Bird-Lore 26:426). Winter
records are limited to two birds at “Playa del Rey marshes” on 04 Feb. 1943
(Bird-Lore May-June 1943 XX), at that time considered the “first definitely
identified in winter” in southern California; and two birds present from 25
Dec. 1980 to 23 Jan. 1981 (LACM files). Another found by the same observer the
following fall on 24 Nov. 1981 (Ibid)
may have been attempting to winter. The lone spring record is of one along
Ballona Cr. on 29 Mar. 2003 (KL). Dock and Schreiber (1981) listed several fall
and winter records, but given other problematic shorebird records therein,
these should probably be disregarded.
Solitary Sandpiper
Probably an occasional fall
transient. Prior to 2003, there was only one known sighting, on 20 July 1971 (WT
XX). The opening of BFM in 2003 led to three records that year, 22 July (RB);
01 August (JP); 27-28 Sept. (DSC), and additional records in 2004 (3 on 19 Aug.
2004). A species typically found at muddy margins of freshwater ponds and
rivers migration, it will likely prove regular at BFM in migration, provided proper
habitat is present.
Willet
Common non-breeding
resident, primarily in saltwater habitats. Though small numbers are present
year-round, two distinct pulses in spring (Feb. – early Mar.) and fall (July –
early Oct.), bringing concentrations of hundreds of individuals (high: 400 on
30 July 1996, KLG). Most of these birds concentrate along the lower portion of
Ballona Cr., but Willets are also frequently found at Ballona Lagoon, DRL and
along the beach and jetties. Formerly (as with several species of shorebirds
and waterfowl) much more common locally, with 10,000 reported at the Venice
Marshes on 18 Oct. 1953 (AFN 8:42).
Wandering Tattler
Uncommon winter visitor and
transient, but present in small numbers practically year round, typically on
outermost portions of the jetties at Playa del Rey. Though usually single, multiple
birds are often seen in late summer, during fall migration. Records extend from
08 July (2002, RB) to 09 May (1995, AP).
Spotted Sandpiper
Fairly common transient and
uncommon winter visitor. Recorded in all aquatic habitats (fresh and salt
water), but not normally found on sandy beaches, and only one record for
Ballona Lagoon (09 Sept. 2002, CLA). Birds are present from early fall (1 at
BFM on 03 Aug. 2003) to late spring (1 at BFM on 27 May 2003, TPR). Von Bloeker
(1943) did not mention the presence of this species from the
Whimbrel
Common non-breeding
resident in saltwater habitats, with small numbers lingering through June along
the beach, at Ballona Lagoon and along Ballona Cr. Recorded at BFM primarily as
fly-overs in migration. A noticeable increase of southbound birds occurs in
late summer (late July), when hundreds loaf along lower Ballona Cr. (High: 300
on 01 August 1982, RSh). Birds are much more widespread in the
Long-billed
Curlew
Extirpated as a winter resident; now an occasional
transient. This species is currently recorded exclusively as a transient,
generally as individuals calling overhead. Spring dates extend 08 Mar. – 31
May, and fall records are between 03 July and 31 Oct. (modern high: 16 flying
south over BFM on 01 Aug. 2004, DSC). During visits in the 1970s and 80s, RSh
recorded it just six times (27 August – 04 Apr.), with a single winter record
of 5 birds on 06 Dec. 1980 being the last known winter sighting for the
Bar-tailed Godwit
Vagrant (from
Marbled Godwit
Common transient and winter
resident on immediate coast, with up to 50 birds typically present from July
through mid-March. High: 150 on 23 Feb. 1980 (RSh). Found mainly along lower
Ballona Cr., at Ballona Lagoon and along the beach. Unrecorded (except for
fly-overs) at BFM. Like other large shorebirds, the Marbled Godwit is likely to
benefit greatly from future saltmarsh restoration that increases the amount of
tidal flat habitat.
Ruddy Turnstone
Common transient and winter
resident on lower Ballona Cr., outer jetties and breakwater, and beach, with
small numbers lingering through summer. Distinct peaks in spring (Feb. – early
Apr.) and fall (Sept. – early Nov.) may involve several dozen birds. The Ruddy
Turnstone is unrecorded at Ballona Lagoon or at BFM and rare at DRL; three were
roosting on the BW salt pan, where rare, in a flock of several hundred
shorebirds that had congregated there on 12 Feb. 2005 after a heavy rain (DSC).
Apparently scarce prior to the construction of the larger breakwaters and
jetties at PdR; von Bloeker (1943) listed just a single record.
Black Turnstone
Almost identical pattern of
occurrence as above species. A high count was estimated at 100+ on 12 Mar. 1983
(RSh), which undoubtedly involved spring migrants. Scarce prior to the
construction of the breakwaters and jetties; von Bloeker (1943) listed just two
records, both of summering birds from the early 1900s.
Surfbird
Fairly common (sometimes
hard to detect) spring transient and winter resident on jetties and outer
breakwater of Playa del Rey, with a few summer records (incl. 3 on 16 June
2002, KL). A high count of 60 was made on 20 Apr. 1983 (RSh). Like above
species, scarce prior to the construction of the breakwaters and jetties, with von
Bloeker (1943) only listing a single record of a spring transient. This
species, along with turnstones and oystercatcher, is most readily seen along
the lowermost Ballona Creek channel and jetties at low tide, when mussels and moss
are exposed on the boulders.
Red Knot
Occasional fall transient
and winter visitor; rare in spring. Typically observed in small numbers with
other shorebirds, either on PdR jetties and beaches, or roosting with
Black-bellied Plovers on flooded saltpans of the Ballona Wetlands. RSh
(1977-87) listed 10 records of fall and winter visitors between 06 Sept. and 17
Jan., and small numbers have appeared in fall since the late 1980s (early: 16
July 1995, DSC). In 2004 – 05, two birds wintered on the saltpan at BW,
roosting with Black-bellied Plovers (KL), the first confirmed instance of local
over-wintering. Since 1950, there have been six records of spring transients,
11 Mar. – 12 May. The Red Knot was historically much more common during
migration, presumably when the area offered more of its preferred mudflat
habitat; von Bloeker (1943) considered it a “common fall migrant, less common
in spring.” Examples of early fall counts include 17 on 07 Sept. 1926 (Bird-Lore
28:413) and 10 on 16 Oct. 1954 (AFN 8:42).
Sanderling
Common transient and winter
resident. This species is generally found on the wet sand of the beach at Playa
del Rey, but occasionally ventures up the Ballona Cr. channel (e.g. 14 at
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Probably a rare fall
transient. One was observed along Ballona Cr. at McConnell Ave. 09 Aug. 1998
(KL), and another was at DRL on 28 Aug. 2004 (KL); more records of this
rare-but-regular early fall migrant are anticipated in the future.
Western Sandpiper
Common transient and
uncommon winter visitor (July – Apr.). Birds are most common at Ballona Lagoon,
along Ballona Cr., at BFM (primarily as a transient), and on the saltpan at
Ballona Wetlands when saturated by rain. Numbers are apparently highest during
spring migration: a remarkable count of 5000 birds roosting on the jetties of
PdR was made on 25 Apr. 1985 (JKA), and 1000 were at the historical Ballona Wetlands
on 22 Apr. 1951 (AFN 5:275). The last spring migrants linger into early May,
and a “summer wanderer” was observed on 13 June (2004, BGJ), a full two weeks
before the first fall arrivals on 03 July (6 at DRL in 2004; DSC). Thousands of
birds undoubtedly fly past or over the Ballona Wetlands in spring and fall,
landing instead in more extensive habitat to the north and south. This species
will probably respond well to salt marsh restoration, particularly if it
involves an increase of mudflat habitat.
Least Sandpiper
Similar pattern of
occurrence to above species, but much more common through the winter, when
Westerns may be absent for weeks. Earliest in fall: 4 at BFM on 30 June 2004
(DSC).
Baird’s Sandpiper
Probably a rare early fall
transient, but difficult to identify and doubtless overlooked, even by
experienced birders. Two modern records include single birds flying and trying
to land at BFM on 31 Aug. 2003 (calling) and 21 Aug. 2004 (both DSC).
Historically more common: Willett (1933) lists several fall records (Aug. –
Oct.) from the 1920s, and four were counted “between Hyperion and Playa del
Rey” on 09 Aug. 1948 (AFN XX). A purported Baird’s Sandpiper “on the mudflats”
of Ballona Wetlands on the unprecedented date of 01 Nov. 1979 (Dock and
Schreiber 1981) should be disregarded; as should a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (on
graph only) in the same report in August.
Pectoral Sandpiper
Probably a rare fall
transient. Just four modern records (post-1960) in late Sept./Oct.: two birds
“on rocks” at PdR in “October” 1964 (WT 32:42); one on the Ballona Wetlands on
12 Oct. 1980 (RSh); and juveniles along Ballona Cr. on 30 Sept. 1998 (KL) and
at BFM 17 – 23 Sept. 2004 (RB, m. ob.). These fall within the expected mid-fall
passage of this species in
Rock Sandpiper
Vagrant (uncommon south to
northern
Dunlin
Uncommon winter visitor and
spring transient. Though found in both fresh and saltwater situations during
migration, this species typically appears in small numbers (single digits) on
the flooded salt pan at BW after winter rains, and may be picked out of
Dowitcher flocks along Ballona Cr. at low tide. Apparently more common
previously, RSh (1977-87) recorded up to 50 during walks along Ballona Cr., and
JKA counted up to 100 with the large flock of Western Sandpipers on 25 Apr.
1985 (see above). Early: 10 Sept. 1958 (WFVZ); late: singles at DRL on 23 May 2004
(DSC) and at Ballona Lagoon on 01 Jul. 2005 (CLA). Even before the loss of most
of the wetland habitat at Ballona, the area was apparently never a major
wintering area for the Dunlin, as von Bloeker (1943) termed it “occasional”.
Stilt Sandpiper
Vagrant (from the central
Ruff
Vagrant (from
Short-billed Dowitcher
Fairly common transient.
This species is most often recorded in late summer at Del Rey and Ballona
lagoons at low tide, though small numbers also occur at BFM. In migration,
small numbers of birds are present from mid-March through early May, and again
in fall from late June (e.g. 1 at DRL 27 June 2004, BGJ) through Aug. (exceptionally
to 31 Oct. 2003, DSC), after which time most dowitchers here are assumed to be
Long-billed. High: 26 along Ballona Cr. on 19 Aug. 2004 (DSC). A bird at BFM on
10 June 2003 (TPR) was either a very early fall transient or a summer wanderer.
Long-billed Dowitcher
Common winter resident and
transient. This species is most common from Nov. to early Mar., and at least
100 individuals now winter within the study area (e.g. 109 during low tide at
DRL 19 Dec. 2004, BGJ), most dividing their time between DRL, the BW salt pan,
and upper Ballona Cr. at low tide. The earliest transients arrive in late July
(e.g. 1 on Ballona Lagoon on 23 July 2001, CLA) and lingerers can remain
through late spring.
Wilson’s Snipe
Uncommon transient and
winter resident in both fresh and salt marsh, as well as any damp herbaceous
vegetation; most frequently seen in winter. Dates range from 24 Aug. 2003 (1 at
BFM, DSC) to 13 May 2003 (3 at BFM, TPR). Away from BW and BFM, transients have
been recorded mainly in fall, with singles at Ballona Lagoon on 09 Sept. 2003
(CLA) and roosting with Black-bellied Plovers in the Venice Beach Least Tern
colony on 16 Oct. 2004 (DB). A high count of six circling in a tight flock over
BW/BFM was made on 07 Dec. 2004.
Wilson’s Phalarope
Uncommon and irregular
early fall transient; rare spring transient. Primarily a freshwater species,
there is but one record for Ballona Lagoon: 18 August 1996 (CLA), and one
record of a bird on the immediate coast (a fly-by on 22 Aug. 2004, KL). Numbers
are variable – groups of 5-10 per day were observed at BFM in August 2003, yet
just one was recorded here in fall 2004 (25 June 2004). Fall dates
extend from 10 June to 07 Sept. It is less common in spring, with three spring
records of singles at PdR on 28 Apr. 1998 (BOC); at BFM on 03 May 2004 (RB), as
well as an historical record of “two small flocks” at the “gun-club ponds” at
PdR on 02 May 1925 (Ross 1925). A record of one at the Ballona Wetlands in
“April” 1980 (Dock and Schreiber 1981) may have been correct. In recent
decades, much less common prior to the construction of BFM, which features its
preferred habitat (shallow coastal lagoons). However, the Wilson’s Phalarope
was termed a “common late spring and early fall migrant” by Bloeker (1943), and
it was historically much more numerous as a fall transient (before construction
of MdR and channelization of Ballona Cr.), e.g. 180 birds at PdR on 30
July 1949 (AFN 3:252). Along with those of Willet, Green-winged Teal, and the
following species, one of the few known historical counts of wetland birds at
Ballona). A reference to winter occurrence at Ballona (NAS 1988) is not
credible.
Red-necked Phalarope
Uncommon early fall and
spring transient. Most common in August, records extend from late June (1 on 21
June 1981, KLG) to mid-October (modern high: 13 along Ballona Cr. on 18 Sept.
2005, RDS). Exceptionally late birds have lingered to 16 Dec. (1951; WT 18:23)
and 26 Dec. (1954; AFN XX). Prior to the construction of BFM, a rare spring
transient, with just three modern records: 1 on 26 Apr. 1981 (RSh); one
continuously from 22 Mar. to 02 May 1995 (AP); and 1(?) on 14 and 26 May 1998
(M. Ingalls, BOC). However, April 2004 found multiple birds each day on Ballona
Cr., Del Rey Lagoon and at BFM. More tolerant of salt water than preceding
species (e.g. 6 on the ocean offshore PdR on 22 Aug. 2004, KL), this species is
often seen in tidal sections of Ballona Cr. Like the above species, much more
numerous in the historical wetlands, termed an “abundant migrant off-shore,
along shore, and on the salt marsh lagoon and sloughs” by von Bloeker (1943)
and an early count of 130 birds was made at PdR on 30 July 1949 (AFN
3:252).
Red Phalarope
Rare and irregular visitor,
mainly in winter. Essentially a pelagic species in southern
Jaegers, gulls and terns
Pomarine Jaeger
Rare perennial visitor;
more regular just offshore. Records include birds at the mouth of Ballona Cr.
or just offshore on 09 Sept. 1951 (AFN XX), 26 Sept. 1955 (8 birds; AFN XX), 28
May 1976 (KLG), 21 Feb. 2004 (KL), and 09 Jan. 2005 (KL). An unusual
concentration of up to 10 jaegers (both Pomarine and Parasitic) was present for
just off PdR for several days in late Apr. 2005 (m. ob.). Marine food conditions may be much more important than
weather or time of year for this species’ appearance locally.
Parasitic Jaeger
Occasional perennial
visitor. This species is far more likely to be seen from shore than the
preceding species, and is often noticed harassing feeding gulls. Fall and
winter records span 29 Sept. to 12 Mar., and include an exceptional group of 10
birds on 26 Sept. 1955 (AS, AFN). An unidentified jaeger on 12/13 Sept. 1981
(RSh) was described as “probably this species,” and a purported Pomarine Jaeger
observed “resting on mudflats of (Ballona Wetlands)” in “early December” 1979
(Dock and Schreiber 1981) may also have been a Parasitic (assuming it was a
jaeger). Just two spring
records: 20 Apr. 1978 (KLG), and several birds with the above species in late
Apr. 2005 (m. ob.).
[South Polar Skua
One observed in flight at
the mouth of Ballona Creek on 11 Sept. 1982 (RSh), while possibly correct, was
not accompanied by a description. A subsequent reference to this species
(National Audubon Society 1988) is inappropriate and may have been based on
this report.]
Laughing Gull
Vagrant (from
Rare fall and casual spring
transient. This species has apparently declined as a migrant in past decades,
as noted in
Little Gull
Vagrant (from Asia or the
northeastern
Bonaparte’s Gull
Currently an irregularly
common winter visitor and spring transient; rare in summer and fall. Several
thousand typically winter here (e.g. 3600 birds estimated on 11 Jan. 2005, DB),
but are absent some winters (e.g. 1998-99, LACM files). Ballona has apparently
long been an important concentration area for wintering Bonaparte’s Gulls in
southern
Heermann’s Gull
Common in summer, fall and
winter along immediate coast; uncommon in late winter and spring. Recorded in
maximum numbers (100+) from Aug. to December, then a sharp drop-off (as birds
leave for breeding grounds in
Mew Gull
Uncommon winter visitor,
though difficult for most birders to identify and probably overlooked. RSh
(1977-87) lists 9 records (mostly of singles) from Oct. – Apr., but up to 5/day
can be expected in winter, usually found by searching gull flocks along Ballona
Ck (fide KL). Early dates include one on 04 Oct. 2002 (KL), and a high
count of 16 birds along lower Ballona Cr. and the adj. beach was made on 28
Dec. 2004 (BGJ).
Ring-billed Gull/California
Gull
Both are common winter
residents and fall transients; fairly common spring transients, and uncommon
summer lingerers. Both found in all aquatic habitats, and are often seen in
large numbers circling overhead, dozens, if not hundreds, of each are generally
present from fall through late winter. Neither species has ever been adequately
surveyed here, so true numbers not known. RSh recorded a high count of 500
Ring-billed Gulls on 09 Feb. 1985.
Herring Gull
Uncommon winter visitor.
RSh recorded 1-2 from Sept. to Feb., but up to 10/day may be found searching
gull flocks along Ballona Cr. during winter (pers. obs.).
Thayer’s Gull
Uncommon winter visitor.
Though RSh lists just a single record, 22 Jan. 1983, this was during a period
when identification criteria for this species were not widely known. Based on
others’ observations (KL, DB), it appears to be a regular part of the wintering
avifauna of Ballona. A “Thayer’s/
Western Gull
Common summer, fall and
winter resident in all aquatic habitats (and often seen circling overhead);
fairly common in spring (April and May). Like above species, generally
overlooked, so knowledge of seasonal movements and abundance incomplete.
Glaucous-winged Gull
Fairly common winter
resident (Oct. – Apr.), with birds generally seen near the immediate coast and
along lower Ballona Cr.
Glaucous Gull
Casual winter visitor. This
species was apparently more common than currently. Birds were at PdR on 01 Feb.
1949 (WT 15:28); 07 Aug. 1949 (“crippled”; AFN XX); 20 Jan. 1952 (WT 18:34);
and 29 Nov. 1953 (WT 19:22). Von Bloeker (1943) also mentions five early
specimens spanning 25 Nov. – 24 Mar. from Hyperion, just south of PdR. Just one
modern record, one present at PdR from 04 – 23 Feb. 1986 (AFN 40:335).
Sabine’s Gull
Casual transient. Four fall
records: 15 Sept. 1924 (Bird-Lore 29:438); 10 Sept. 1954 (AFN 9:57); 27 Sept.
1983 (JJ), and an exceptionally late bird on 26 Nov. 1997 (RB); two spring
sightings: 22 April 1926 (Schneider 1926) and 01 May 1968 (AFN 22:576). One
reportedly at PdR on 19 Feb. 1952 (WT 18:38), repeated by Pyle and Small (1961)
is anomalous – this species winters at sea off South America.
Black-legged Kittiwake
Rare and irregular winter
visitor (absent most years), lingering into spring and, rarely, through summer.
Always scarce and unpredictable (see von Bloeker 1943), this species has been
recorded during four winters since 1980 as follows: 1982-83, 1989-91, 1997-98 and
2000-01. A local high count of 30 was made on 28 May 1976 (KLG), and records of
summer lingerers include 1-2 in 1970 (AFN 24:71); and singles in 1978 (to 16
Aug.; KLG) and 2001 (to 02 Sept.; KL).
Caspian Tern
Common spring transient,
fairly common non-breeding visitor in summer, and uncommon during fall and
winter, when only <5/day are encountered. Dozens of Caspian Terns roost with
other gull and tern species along the beach just south of Ballona Cr. and on
exposed mud within Ballona Cr. during low tides (c. 70 on 23 May 2004, DSC).
Multiple birds can also be picked out of Elegant Tern flocks on the saltpan of
Ballona Wetlands in late summer.
Royal Tern
Uncommon fall, winter and
spring visitor to immediate coast and lower Ballona Cr., often foraging just
beyond surf line (so easy to overlook) or roosting on the sand just south of
the creek mouth with Elegant Terns. Dates range in fall from 16 Nov. and
continue through winter into late spring (5 off PdR on 31 May 2004, feeding
with Elegant Terns, KL). This species, like Brandt’s Cormorant and Common Tern,
is unlikely to be seen away from salt water.
Elegant Tern
Common spring, summer and
fall resident (both pre- and post-breeding) to the immediate coast and lower
Ballona Cr. It is uncommon on Ballona and Del Rey lagoons, and has been seen at
BFM just once (04 June 2004, KL). Elegant Terns roost by the hundreds on the
saltpan of the Ballona Wetlands and on the sandy beach just south of the mouth
of Ballona Ck in spring and late summer, foraging on small fish along Ballona
Creek and at Marina del Rey. This species has only recently colonized
southwestern
Common Tern
Rare and irregular fall
transient. The true status of this species is difficult to ascertain due to
difficulty in identification, and long-time birders may overlook this species
because it was formerly much more common. Most common far offshore, flocks of
100 birds were recorded on 14 Aug. 1972 and 11 Aug. 1978 (both KLG), but the
only records since then were 02 Dec. 2000 (J. Feenstra) and 28 Aug. 2004 (KL).
AP recorded it twice in April 1998, with no details. The Common Tern has only
been recorded on four Los Angeles CBCs since 1939 (NAS 2002). The large fall
concentrations of the late 1970s, also observed in San Diego Co. (Unitt 2004),
have not been repeated. The Common Tern should be watched for offshore or
roosting with other terns in late summer. Interestingly, this species rarely
roosts (or even lands?) in the area with other tern species (fide T.
McGrath).
Arctic Tern
Vagrant, one record. A
“disabled” individual was observed at MdR on 17 May 1981 (WT 47:9). This record
is consistent with the late spring movement of this species through the region,
which generally takes place well offshore (Garrett and Dunn 1981).
Forster’s Tern
Uncommon to fairly common
(but irregular) perennial visitor along immediate coast, with numbers highly
variable from year to year (e.g. absent most of fall 2004). Its abundance
onshore apparently peaks in late winter and spring; AP recorded maximum numbers
from Jan. – May during the 1990s (a pattern continuing today, fide DB).
Just inland, it is an uncommon spring transient (e.g. Ballona Lagoon, BFM),
with records into June (one at BFM 08 June 2004, KL). When present, this tern
normally occurs in small numbers (e.g. 2-10 individuals per day), but large
concentrations have been noted during migration (e.g. 100 birds on both 13
Sept. and 07 Mar. 1981, RSh) and historically, it was present in large numbers
in winter (e.g. 400 at “Del Rey” on 20 Dec. 1942 [Kent, Bird-Lore Mar.-Apr.
1943 XX]). Clearly, more needs to be learned about its local movements and
usage of Ballona area habitat.
Least Tern
Fairly common summer
resident, with a large breeding colony (up to 200-300 pr.) within fenced-off
“tern preserve” on
Historically, the Ballona
area has apparently long been a major breeding locale for the Least Tern in the
“A
colony of 8 pair nested on a tiny area of dry mud and gravel east of the main
highway paralleling and skirting the east side of Del Rey Hills. Nest about 20’
from the boulevard where a steady stream of traffic flowed by daily. This area
was not over 20’ x 30’ in measurement and was the only dry spot for a mile.”
Later, KBC (1996, 1998)
summarized the status and distribution of nesting Least Terns at Ballona from
1973 to 1998, during which time birds used the sandy beach at Venice (just
north of the Ballona Cr. mouth) as well as the salt flats of the Ballona
Wetlands proper (prior to 1982 only). Currently, however, the only nesting,
including failed attempts, have been from
Black
Tern
Casual fall transient; extirpated as a non-breeding summer
resident. The Black Tern has been seen just four times since the 1950s,
including three times in fall: 26 to “end of” Sept. 1975 at Marina del Rey (WT
42:6); 09 Aug. 1978 along Ballona Cr. (KLG); and 05 – 12 Oct. 1980 (RSh). A
single winter record, 17 Feb. 1973 (AFN 27:663) is exceptional, as most birds
are in wintering grounds off
Black Skimmer
Currently an irregularly
uncommon mid-winter and spring visitor; rare at other times of year. The first
record was of a bird along Ballona Cr. on 24 Apr. 1972 (WT XX), which was also
the first Los Angeles County record. The next local reports came over ten years
later, on 08 Oct. 1983 (39:351) and 14 Mar. 1985 (AFN 38:351). After a
five-year hiatus, records began increasing in 1990, with concentrations of 20
on 10 Feb. 1990 (D.M. Heindel) with 33 reported to the BirdBox on 24 March. Up
to several dozen birds have been present in mid-winter and spring each year
thereafter, peaking with c. 40 birds in late March and April 1998 (fide
KLG). After 1997, however, the number and frequency of sightings declined sharply
(fide RB). Birds are generally first noted in December (early: 01 Dec.
2004, DB; 17 Dec. 1994, DS), and remain through spring (late: 31 May 1995, AP).
The only known summer and fall records are the October 1983 bird above, as well
as singles on the beach at PdR on 14 Sept. 1993 (KLG) and 12 Sept. 2002 (BOC).
ALCIDS
Common Murre
Rare visitor, with six
known records split between two distinct roles, late summer and mid-winter.
Four summer records include singles off MdR/PdR in “late summer” 1959 (WT 26:12);
28 July 1973 (AFN 27:919); 11 July 1978 (JBr); and 01 Aug. 1982 (RSh). Two
winter records have come in “early February” 1973 (WT XX; poss. same as above?)
and on 15 Jan. 2003 (JF, ph.).
Pigeon Guillemot
Rare transient in early
fall, though fairly common well offshore. Singles have been recorded at PdR in
“early September” 1959 (WT 26:12); from 03 Sept. to 05 Oct. 1980 (AFN 35:227); and
at the MdR harbor mouth on 02 Sept. 2002 (KL) and 10 Sept. 2005 (DB).
Marbled Murrelet
Rare winter visitor to salt
water, casual in late summer. At least five records (all since the late 1990s),
with birds generally seen in the deep water at the mouth of Marina del Rey
harbor up to vic. Burton Chase Park. Records include one from 16 Nov. 1997 to
08 Jan. 1998 (A. Glasser, LACM files),
with probably the same bird on continuing to 22 Jan. 1998 (AP); one (off Burton
Chase Park) on 18 Dec. 1998 (BE); 17-18 Dec. 1999 (KLG); and 09 (KLG) to at
least 12 Jan. 2003 (KL). An apparent transient was present from 01 – 02 August
1996 (RB).
Xantus’ Murrelet
Vagrant (regular well
offshore), one to two records. Four birds, including one found dead, were at PdR
on 16 Dec. 1951 (WT 15:23). A single reportedly off MdR on 28 July 1973 (AFN
27:919) was aseasonal (Craveri’s Murrelet would be more expected; see below),
and was reported on the same day as a Common Murre (see above). All three
species are very rare in the Ballona area and should be identified with
caution.
Craveri’s Murrelet
Vagrant (regular well
offshore), one record. One was at “Playa del Rey” 28 August 1978 (Garrett and
Dunn 1981). Two purported Xantus’ Murrelets just north of the study area (off
the Venice Pier) on 20 Aug. 1973 (O. Widman; LACM files) may have been this
species.
Ancient Murrelet
Vagrant (common offshore
south to northern
Cassin’s Auklet
Probably a rare winter
visitor; one summer record. This species is probably regular offshore in very
small numbers during winter storms. Three individuals were found dead on the
beach at PdR on 15 Jan. 1997 (LACM 110196-98), and one was observed off PdR on
05 Dec. 2004 (KL). One was observed at PdR on the unusual date of 22 July 1979
(KLG).
Rhinoceros Auklet
Probably a rare winter
visitor. One was observed flying south during a major storm on 09 Jan. 2005
(KL), and another was present at the mouth of MdR in winter, “1990 or 1991”
(KL). This pelagic (in our area) alcid is much more common several miles
offshore.
Tufted Puffin
Vagrant, one record. One
was observed by R. Pyle at PdR on 24 Feb. 1952 (Minutes of the Cooper Club
Meetings 1952 XX). A northern species now very scarce in southern and central
PIGEONS AND DOVES
Rock Pigeon
Common perennial resident
throughout. Along with House Sparrow and European Starling, one of the most
numerous birds of urban habitats in the
[Band-tailed Pigeon
No records, but one was
seen and heard calling just east of the study area, in a
Spotted Dove
Currently a rare and
localized resident; formerly much more common. This non-native species (from
Asia) continues its decline in outlying areas of
White-winged Dove
Rare fall transient. Aside
from an older record of a late transient at Marina del Rey on 15 Dec. 1973
(HB); recent coverage of the Ballona Valley since 2003 has yielded several additional
records of this regular fall visitor from the Desert Southwest, including birds
at BFM on 23 August 2003 (KL), 19 and 25 Sept. 2004 (DB) and on 04 Oct. 2005
(RB, DS). One was observed along the
Mourning Dove
Common perennial resident,
most numerous in late summer, when dozens are seen per day, esp. at BFM. Though
least common in late fall and winter, still may be encountered in double digits
any day of the year.
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Currently a vagrant, but
increasing regionally and likely to become more common. First observed locally
at BFM on 18 Mar. 2005 (RB), with additional sightings at PdR later that spring
(DSC).
PARAKEETS
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Status unclear, but
apparently a rare resident. This non-native species was present as a breeder
during the 1990s, with a high count of 12 along Ballona Cr. at
Mitred Parakeet
Status unknown, but
possibly regular in small numbers to eastern edge of study area. A flock of
20-30 birds was observed flying west over
Yellow-chevroned Parakeet
Rare perennial visitor from
established populations elsewhere in the
CUCKOO AND ROADRUNNER
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Vagrant, one record. One
flew over a residence in Mar
Greater Roadrunner
Extirpated. The Greater
Roadrunner was apparently resident at PdR and the El Segundo Dunes through at
least the 1930s. Von Bloeker considered it a “resident of the meadow (= grassy
areas inland from the saltmarsh and dunes) and sand dunes. Nests in April and
May, usually in patches of cactus (Opuntia littoralis).” Two known
specimens include a male at PdR 29 Dec. 1908 (LACM 21866) and a female taken on
13 Feb. 1932 (von Bloeker 1943). Von Bloeker (Ibid) also wrote “an old,
but well preserved, nest of this species was found in the midst of a patch of
tuna cactus on the seaward slope of the dunes (presumably the El Segundo Dunes)
by G.P. Kanakoff, Oct. 26, 1939.” Greater Roadrunner is now a localized
resident of coastal scrub habitat in
OWLS
Barn Owl
Rare (or at least
rarely-recorded) perennial visitor. Though von Bloeker considered them a
“common resident” throughout the Ballona Valley, there are just a handful of
modern records: one in the eucalyptus grove used by the Great Horned Owl (see
below) on 04 July 1995 (LABBA); one at a spring at the base of the Westchester
Bluffs below LMU on 01 Nov. 1997 (RDS); one in “spring” (no date) in 1996
(Hamilton 1997) along the base of the Westchester Bluffs at Lincoln Blvd.; one
hunting over Salicornia marsh just west of BFM on 15 Nov. 2003 (DSC);
one at Dune Willows on 09 Oct. 2004 (DSC); and one calling at Ballona Lagoon
the night of 30 Dec. 2004 (DB). Another was observed just east of the region in
Great Horned Owl
Rare perennial resident. A
single pair is essentially resident at the eucalyptus grove at the southwestern
edge of the Ballona Wetlands at the north end of
Burrowing Owl
Now a rare fall and winter
visitor; formerly an uncommon resident. Birds are apparently still attempting
to winter locally, as singles have appeared along lower Ballona Cr. near the
UCLA boat ramp in three consecutive recent winters: 14 Jan. 2003 (BE), 15-16
Dec. 2003 (RB) and 27 Nov. 2004 through late Dec. (L. Brown, m. ob.).
Additional records of presumed migrants include one found dead on Vista del Mar
in PdR on 03 Mar. 2003 (LACM 112292); two birds convincingly reported to DSC on
31 Oct. 2003 (perched atop a railing on the southern levee of Ballona Cr.,
across from the UCLA boathouse, eventually flying south and landing in the
Wetlands); and in “late August” 2004 (to JRC; perched on the chainlink fence
along the bike path, east of UCLA boathouse).
Once a fairly common and
conspicuous resident of large vacant lots and grassland patches in southern
From 1977 – 1985, RSh
recorded this bird on 11 out of 62 visits (spanning the year), with birds seen
along Ballona Cr., the Ballona Wetlands proper, and at the “Hughes Property”
(now Playa Vista). Owls were recorded on Los Angeles Christmas Bird Count
through the mid-1980s (NAS 2002), but on only two counts in the twenty years
since. Indeed, there have been only a handful of local records period since the
1980s. Prior to its disappearance, the local Burrowing Owl population had been
small but apparently stable for several decades, as Dock and Schreiber (1981)
wrote of two pairs known nesting “in banks adjacent to Ballona Cr.” (north side
of channel, within “Parcel A”) and of birds “probably” nesting along bluffs
south of the “agricultural area” (= Westchester Bluffs). These modern breeding
records are supported by observations such as: 2 birds “hovering over fields
off
This owl’s decline at
Ballona has been blamed on the proliferation of non-native Red Fox (and the
community-driven resistance to trapping foxes). Though fox predation may have
finished off the owls here, the habitat has changed dramatically as well, now
overrun with the shrubby, dense non-native Garland Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum
coronarium. Further, other open country species that are probably not
preyed upon by foxes have declined, some to the point of extirpation, from
Ballona, including Black-tailed Jackrabbit and Loggerhead Shrike (now winter
only), all of which prefer barren habitats (as does the Burrowing Owl). The Red
Fox is probably best considered one of several causes of Burrowing Owl and
other open country species’ extirpation, a list that probably includes
vegetation changes, increased (or cumulative years’ worth of) automobile
traffic, and feral cats. Burrowing Owls could probably be successfully
re-introduced to the Ballona area – one of the only
Long-eared Owl
Vagrant, two specimens, one
additional report. The two confirmed records include “roadkill” (fide von
Bloeker 1943) at PdR on 31 Dec. 1929 (LACM 16842) and another specimen from MdR
on 08 Jan. 1934 (LACM 87423). This species was apparently gone by the 1930s
(i.e. otherwise unrecorded by von Bloeker 1943). Dock and Schreiber (1981)
reported 1-2 Long-eared Owls “flushed out of trees” just north of Ballona Cr.
in “October” 1980, but provided no details on what would be an exceptional
record. Historically more common in the late 1800s and early 1900s, even
breeding in the Los Angeles Basin (WFVZ egg records), this species had been
eliminated from most of southern and central California by the 1970s (Garrett
and Dunn 1981). It could be enticed to return at least as a migrant or winter
visitor with adequate restoration of riparian and adjacent grassland habitat,
and the protection of likely habitat from human (and other) disturbance.
Short-eared
Owl
Extirpated
as a winter resident; now a casual
transient. Historically observed using both the Ballona Wetlands proper as well
as the grassland of the “Hughes property” (now Playa Vista). Both early
(Bird-Lore 25:137; Bird-Lore 30:137) and recent records indicate consistent
wintering or attempts to winter, with sightings of up to three birds in fourteen winters between 1947 and 1996
(AFN, WT; contra KBC 1996). The
Short-eared Owl was consistently recorded on the Los Angeles Christmas Bird
Count through the 1970s but the species has only been seen on one count since
1980 (NAS 2002). Since the last mid-winter sighting on 14 Feb. 1996 (BOC), there
have been just two convincing records, both of transients: one at Ballona
Wetlands on 26 Oct. 2000 (BOC) and one at BFM on 20 Mar. 2004 (J. Fuhrman).
Though there is no direct evidence of historical nesting; a late transient was
observed at “The Motordrome” (= Ballona Wetlands, near present-day BFM) on 11
May 1935 (field notes of L.B. Howsley; WFVZ).
NIGHTJARS
Lesser Nighthawk
Rare transient. A spring
transient was observed at BFM on 09 Apr. 2004 (BE, RB, JP), and fall transients
were over Mar
Common Poorwill
Casual transient. One was
flushed from the base of the bluffs west of
SWIFTS
Black Swift
Probably a rare and
irregular transient. Two spring sightings, 18 May 1994 (18, HB) and 06 May 2003
over BFM (T. McGrath). This species is regular in late spring throughout
southern
Vaux’s Swift
Uncommon transient,
occurring both in spring (Apr./May) and fall (Sept./Oct.); occasionally in
large numbers, especially on overcast days (e.g. 50 at BFM on 25 Apr. 2003,
JP). Late transients were over the Ballona Wetlands in spring (22 May 2004) and
fall (14 Nov. 2004; both DSC); the earliest fall record of Vaux’s in the study
area is 23 Sept. (BFM in 2003, DSC). A report for “June” (Corey 1992) is
suspect – Chimney Swift (unrecorded in the
White-throated Swift
Status complex; irregularly
common winter visitor (Nov. – Feb.), less common during spring and early summer
(to 06 July 2003, DSC); occasional at best in late summer and fall. Flocks of
up to 100 birds are not unusual in early winter, and pairs are usually
encountered later in the year. Although breeding has not been confirmed from
the
HUMMINGBIRDS
Broad-billed Hummingbird
Vagrant (from
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Possibly irregular summer
resident and rare migrant, but status not well known. The only records include
a “pair” at the base of the Westchester Bluffs on 13 June 1999 (DS), and
transients in spring (BW on 09 Apr. 1932, von Bloeker 1943) and fall (Burton
Chase Park on 01 Oct. 2002, KL; base of Westchester Bluffs on 10 Sept. 2005, KL).
Von Bloeker (Ibid) wrote that birds were “fairly common in April, 1932,
around flowers of tree tobacco” at the edges of the wetlands, which may still
be the case in some years. Additionally, there is one historical record from
nearby Palms on 24 Apr. 1928 (MVZ 78173), and it is known to breed just east of
the study area in
Anna’s Hummingbird
Common permanent resident
in all terrestrial habitats. This species was “the” hummingbird at Ballona
until the 1990s, when Allen’s Hummingbird, formerly scarce, became almost as
common here. By the early 2000s, Allen’s Hummingbird came to outnumber Anna’s,
though both are numerous.
Costa’s Hummingbird
Casual mid-winter visitor
and transient; one anomalous nesting record. Three January records, all in
landscaped habitat: one at a city park just northeast of Ballona Valley near
Sawtelle and Palms on 08 Jan. 1978 (KLG); 1 on the same day in 2000 at a
residence in Mar Vista (KL), and one visiting a feeder 12-25 Jan. 1995 (BE).
One was collected “in the meadow at tree tobacco”, either in PdR or nearby El
Segundo, on 17 Apr. 1932 (von Bloeker 1943). Two pairs reportedly bred in
Marina del Rey during the late 1970s in “March and April” (JJ; LACM files), but
this was an unprecedented event. This species winters in very small numbers
throughout the
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Vagrant (from the
Rufous Hummingbird
Apparently a rare (or
rarely-identified) spring transient and casual winter visitor. Known records
are sparse, but it has been identified in spring at Ballona Lagoon 09 Feb. 2005
(CLA), Mar Vista on 11 Apr. 1999 (KL); Ballona Cr. on 16 Apr. 1998 (AP); on the
Westchester Bluffs from 05 – 30 Apr. 1990 (BE) and on 19 Dec. (BE; wintering?).
RDS reports several sightings of males from his
Allen’s Hummingbird
Common perennial resident
and nester. Nesting records of this taxon date back to at least 1980, when two
nests were found in Marina del Rey 22 and 24 May 1980 (AB 34:930; LACM files),
and one remained through the winter in 1980-81 (LACM files). Breeding was also
confirmed (female on nest) on 18 Dec. 1985 (Ibid).
Since then, it has become much more widespread, occurring throughout the area
around both ornamental plantings and native plants. One was observed carrying
nesting material (mulefat “fuzz”) from BFM to Playa Vista on 27 Apr. 2005
(Cooper 2005).
KINGFISHER
Belted Kingfisher
Uncommon transient and
winter visitor to all aquatic habitats, including fairly “sterile” hardscapes
(e.g. marinas, upper Ballona Cr. channel). Usually encountered singly, the
first fall birds showing up in mid-summer, and wintering birds leaving by the
end of March (with early spring records possibly pertaining to transients).
This summer, fall and winter pattern is shared by the White-tailed Kite and the
Loggerhead Shrike. In fall, birds may arrive as early as June (failed
nesters?), e.g. 27 June 1981 (RSh); 29 June 1996 (DS, poss. also seen by same
along Ballona Cr. in
WOODPECKERS
Acorn Woodpecker
Vagrant, with several records from fall 2003. 2003 proved an unprecedented invasion year for this species in California and the West, and produced the first known records for the Ballona area. Five-six sightings were logged of single birds, each for just one day (so probably involving multiple birds):
· 11 Oct., PdR and BFM (m. ob.)
· 27 Oct., BFM (CLA)
Despite these records, this species is still casual on the
coast of southern
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Rare (but probably regular) winter visitor and transient;
few records. Singles were at LMU on 22 Jan. 2000 and 04 Jan. – 01 Feb. 2004
(both RDS). Judging from drilling evidence on trees near the chapel at LMU,
this is a traditional wintering site for at least one individual. Away from
Red-naped Sapsucker
Probably a casual transient and winter visitor; one record. One was at LMU on 10 Oct. 2004 (BGJ, RDS), with presumably the same bird on 22 January 2005 (DSC).
Nuttall’s Woodpecker
Occasional fall and winter visitor on floor of
Downy Woodpecker
Occasional perennial visitor. This woodpecker has been
recorded a handful of times nearly year-round by RDS in
Northern Flicker
Common fall and early spring transient; fairly common through winter; extirpated as a breeder. By far the most common woodpecker in the Ballona area, flickers arrive in late September (earliest: 23 Sept. in both 1989 [KLG] and 2004 [DSC]) and are present into early April (fide RDS). Though most often found near tall, established trees, small waves of 4-6 birds may appear in various habitats (often feeding on the ground) during both fall (Oct./Nov.) and spring (mainly March). All records pertain to the “Red-shafted” Flicker, though “Yellow-shafted” Flickers and/or hybrids have been recorded at PdR 20 Oct. 1982 (RSh); through Nov. 2004 (KL) at LMU, and at BFM and (presumably the same bird) Dune Willows 31 Oct. 2003 – 10 Jan. 2004 (DSC). The Red-shafted Flicker once bred in the area, described by von Bloeker (1943) as nesting “in willows or in telegraph poles, and in corners under eaves of old houses,” all areas now occupied by the European Starling.
PASSERINES
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Occasional transient. About one per season is expected, with
records split between the Dune Willows and
Western Wood-Pewee
Occasional transient, with a similar seasonal pattern as above species. This species is more common in areas with tall trees (e.g. vic. LMU), when several per day may be encountered in peak season.
Fairly common transient. This is the only Empidonax
flycatcher besides Pacific-slope (below) regularly encountered at Ballona.
Typical of this species’ migration in the region, local records of transients
extend in spring from 11 May – 09 June and in fall from 23 Aug. – 08 Oct., and
several per day may be expected in late May and early September. Birds are
found in a wide variety of habitats, but are probably most common in willows,
near water. Males in late spring are often mistaken for summering birds, as
they can sing vigorously and act territorial for several days before moving on.
However, there are no records, historical or modern, of nesting activity in the
Ballona area, though many egg sets were obtained in the (formerly) much more
extensive habitat of the eastern Los Angeles Basin (e.g. San Gabriel River
bottom) in the early 1900s (WFVZ). Nesting is currently unknown on the
immediate coast of
Least Flycatcher
Rare fall transient. Birds were carefully studied at DW 16 – 19 Sept. 1984 (AFN 39:103) and 12 Oct. 2000 (RAE), and at Ballona Lagoon on 14 Sept. 2005 (DB). More fall records are anticipated of this overlooked eastern species.
Occasional spring transient throughout; probably a rare fall transient. Spring records from LMU and Dune Willows extend 16 Apr. – 03 May. An exceptionally late bird was reported at Dune Willows on 27 May 1999 (AP, BOC). The only fall record is of an exceptionally late transient at BFM 18 Nov. 2004 (RB).
Gray Flycatcher
Occasional transient and casual winter visitor; few records. Four spring records from DW and LMU extend from 04 – 25 April, and three fall records for the Westchester Bluffs/LMU on 06 Sept. (KL) and 25 Sept. (DSC) 2004, and at BFM on 14 Sept. 2004 (KL). A wintering bird was observed at DW 10 – 25 Feb. 1993 (BOC), and one in Marina Del Rey in “late October” 1970 (JJ) may also have been attempting to winter locally.
Dusky Flycatcher
Occasional transient. Spring transients were at BFM on 14
Apr. 04 (DSC) and at DW on 24 Apr. 04 (KL); fall records include one in willows
along the Westchester Bluffs on 07 Oct. 2000 (KL) and one at BFM 03 – 05 Oct.
2004 (KL). The migration of this species tracks inland in the
Pacific-slope Flycatcher
Fairly common transient; potential breeder. Northbound birds have been detected in spring from early Apr. through May (exceptionally to 07 June 2003 at LMU, RDS). In fall, the first southbound birds can be present almost in mid-summer (26 July 2003 at LMU, RDS), continuing to pass through into October. One pair was “acting territorial” during May 1995 in willows at the base of the Westchester Bluffs south of what is now BFM, but did not remain to breed (Hamilton 1997), and DB felt at least one was present all summer 2004 vic. Ballona Lagoon. Future breeding should be watched for especially in shady spots at LMU, and along the base of the Westchester Bluffs.
Black Phoebe
Common perennial resident in all habitats. This ubiquitous
and familiar flycatcher has undergone a significant change in seasonal roles at
Ballona. During the 1970s and 80s, it was exclusively a non-breeding visitor,
with 1-3 birds recorded by RSh from 09 Aug. to 08 Mar., and in 1990 only in
Oct. (single bird in dunes at Ballona Wetlands!). During the mid-1990s, these
birds became much more widespread in non-riparian situations (their preferred
habitat) throughout the
Say’s Phoebe
Common fall transient and winter resident; rare through
summer. This species favors grassland, open scrub habitats, and is found
locally in coastal strand and in residential areas. A very small number have
recently lingered into summer, but their nesting status is not known. Records
extend from early September (exceptionally late August: 1 at BFM on 24 Aug.
2005, RB) into early spring (late: 09 May 2003, JP). A bird along Ballona Cr.
on 09 Aug. 1986 (RSh), if correctly identified, may have summered locally.
Slightly more numerous in fall, it can be missed entirely on cold days when
insects are inactive (unlike Black Phoebe, which is almost always seen). Spring
and summer records have come from the eastern portion of the
Vermilion Flycatcher
Vagrant, two records. This striking flycatcher has been
recorded once in fall (PdR on 25 Sept. 1969, AFN 24:100a) and once in spring, a
female at the Ballona Wetlands on 10 Apr. 2005 (DSC). This species winters
sparingly in the
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Fairly common transient in
both spring and fall. Spring records extend from early April to early June, and
fall returnees, likely from local breeding populations (e.g. in the Santa
Monica Mtns.) typically appear in July, with migrants into October (Latest: 20
Oct. 1982, KLG). Though not known to ever have bred at Ballona, two were
observed together in a remnant patch of mature alluvial fan scrub just north of
Ballona Cr. (at
Tropical Kingbird
Probably a casual fall
visitor. The only known record is one photographed at PdR on 11 Oct. 2003 (J.
Engel, J. Feenstra). Two birds discovered in January 2005 at West L.A. College
just east of the study area (DS) remained through early spring, and are the
only other local records, although it is annual both to the north (e.g. Malibu)
and the south (e.g. Palos Verdes).
Cassin’s Kingbird
Uncommon resident; local
breeder. This bird has been recorded irregularly throughout the year at BFM
(breeding locally in Mar
Western Kingbird
Common transient in both
spring and fall; local breeder. This species is often encountered in small
groups, feeding as they move through the valley, pausing to alight on tops of
trees and shrubs. Spring records extend from 10 Mar. through 08 June, with peak
numbers in April. In fall, it moves through early and rapidly, with sightings
of presumed migrants from early August (8 over DW on 05 Aug. 2004) through
mid-September, with most of the movement in August. The Western Kingbird
historically bred in the area (von Bloeker 1943), and recent breeding was
confirmed on 19 June 2004, with adults bringing food to a nest in a tall
sycamore on Playa Vista east of LMU (KL). A reference to this species’ being
present in winter (National Audubon Society 1988) is not credible.
Eastern Kingbird
Vagrant (from the eastern
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Vagrant (from central
Shrike
Loggerhead
Shrike
Extirpated
as a breeder; now an uncommon summer,
fall and winter resident (June – March). Long a characteristic resident in the
Ballona Valley (e.g., von Bloeker 1943), the last locally nesting shrikes were
recorded on the Ballona Wetlands in the mid-1990s, with an “occupied nest” on
29 Apr. 1995 and “two young fledglings” observed on 09 June 1996 (KLG files).
Aggression or courtship displays were observed at the eastern end of the Playa
Vista property on 14 June 1998 (KLG files), and one was here in “April” 2000
(RDS), but no actual breeding evidence was obtained. An exceptionally early
adult accompanied by a juvenile was present for one day near BFM on 16 May 2004
(JRC), and not seen afterward.
Vireos
Casual transient. A spring
migrant at BFM on 13 May 2003 (TPR) and a fall migrant at LMU on 25 Sept. 2004
(DSC) were presumably Vireo b. belli, the “Least”
Cassin’s Vireo
Occasional spring
transient; rare in fall. RDS records seven spring records in
Hutton’s
Vireo
Extirpated as a winter
resident. Von Bloeker (1943) considered this species an “occasional winter
visitant in the brushy portion of the sand dunes and in the willow thickets of
the Playa del Rey salt marsh. Also found in shrubbery and trees around houses,”
listing a specimen collected “on the meadow slope of the dunes” on 05 Dec.
1931. Aside from this, there is no other record of the Hutton’s Vireo occurring
at Ballona before or since, and no records from the Baldwin Hills (Garrett
2001). However, this species was probably at least a winter resident along
pre-channelized Ballona Creek, as it was more common in the historical Los
Angeles Basin when riparian habitat was more extensive (e.g., Grinnell 1898).
Warbling Vireo
Fairly common spring
transient, less common in fall; mainly recorded in
Jays and Crows
Western Scrub-Jay
Fairly common perennial
resident. This species is most common in tree-filled residential areas (e.g.
American Crow
Common perennial resident.
This species is now observed in large numbers (dozens often seem flying to
roost in late afternoon), and has been common here since at least the late
1970s (Dock and Schreiber 1981). This species is constantly seen harassing
raptors in the region, and may be limiting their numbers and use of the
habitats here, especially those closest to human-made structures and planted
trees, which crows prefer for roosting and nesting. Not known to breed locally
during the early 1900s (von Bloeker 1943; considered “moderately common”), their
numbers have are expected to increase with the completion of Playa Vista.
Several dozen birds were observed foraging on trash washed up along lower
Ballona Creek on 03 Feb. 2004 after heavy rains the day before (DSC).
Common Raven
Fairly common perennial
resident. One or two birds are typically observed each visit, and it will
probably increase with the completion of Playa Vista. Though this species was
apparently mainly a winter visitor during the late 1900s, and less common (e.g.
RSh lists only two records, both in January), prior to this, it was considered
a “fairly common resident” by von Bloeker (1943).
Larks and swallows
Horned
Lark
Extirpated
as a perennial resident; now a casual
fall transient. A flock of five birds observed over BFM on 14 Nov. 2004 (KL,
RB) provided the first record since fall 1994, when this species was recorded
10 Oct. and 15 Nov. (AP, KLG). Once a characteristic resident of coastal dunes
and fields in the
Purple Martin
Probably a rare transient.
Two modern fall records from BFM on 19 Sept. 2004 (DSC) and 30 Jul. 2005 (KL).
Singles were also recorded at PdR on 24 Mar. 1948 (AFN XX) and 09 Aug. 1949 (AFN
3:252).
Tree Swallow
Fairly common transient and
uncommon winter visitor; local breeder. Prior to the construction of BFM, this
species apparently only occurred as a rare (or at least rarely-identified)
spring transient, with dates spanning 07 Feb. – 16 May. However, recently, up
to 30 have been observed at BFM during the peak of spring migration (mid-Feb.
2004) and slightly lower numbers in fall (c. 20 on 28 Nov. 2004, DSC) at BFM,
with small numbers remaining through the winter. The first southbound birds of
fall can appear early (e.g. 10 August 2003, DSC), but the largest fall numbers
are seen in associated with cold fronts and especially rainy weather. Prior to
the creation of BFM, fall birds presumably passed through unnoticed. Though no
historical records are known (e.g. it was unrecorded by von Bloeker 1943), in
May 2004 a pair colonized one of several new nest boxes put up earlier that year
at BFM, and fledged at least two young in June (fide RB). Birds fledged
in June the following year as well (2005, fide RB), making this the only known
nesting site for this species in
Violet-green Swallow
Rare spring transient.
Given its regularity in open habitats just to the east (e.g., Garrett 2001), a
surprisingly rare visitor along the coast at Ballona, with just a handful of
sightings between 20 Feb. and 16 Apr., and possibly not recorded every year.
Northern Rough-winged
Swallow
Common spring transient;
fairly common summer resident and early fall transient; casual in winter. The
largest numbers are noted in early spring (e.g. 50 at BFM on 05 Apr. 2003,
DSC), with smaller numbers lingering into early summer. The first northbound
birds begin passing through in early February (06 Feb. at BFM in both 2004 and
2005; KL, DSC), and fall migration peaks in August and Sept. Though nesting has
not been conclusively documented, this species would be expected to colonize
drainage structures locally, if not already doing so. Small numbers winter in
very small numbers in southern
Bank Swallow
Occasional transient. Though
records are few, it has doubtless been overlooked. This species may be most
common in early fall, when birds have been recorded 04 Aug. to 14 Sept. A
handful of spring sightings extend 22 Mar. – 17 May.
Cliff Swallow
Common spring transient and
summer resident, uncommon fall transient; one winter record. Dozens (occasionally
hundreds) are present from March through July, esp. along Ballona Cr. and at
BFM, and irregularly and in increasingly lower numbers through August (to 09
Sept. 2003, DSC). A single bird with White-throated Swifts on 29 Dec. 2003 (KL)
was exceptional. This species nests colonially on hard, sheer structures such
as buildings and overpasses (as it has done since at least the 1920s, fide
von Bloeker 1943), and has likely increased locally as a breeder since the
early 1900s.
Barn Swallow
Common transient and summer
resident; uncommon in winter. The first northbound birds arrive in February,
with numbers building in March, and continue in large numbers (occasionally
hundreds) through the spring. Similar numbers occur in late summer and early
fall (roosting at night in the reeds at BFM starting in 2004). Southbound birds
are mainly gone by the end of September, though birds occur in small numbers
through late fall and winter generally associated with storms. A handful breed
in a variety of human-made structures, especially in cement-lined culverts
under roads and freeways; a notable early occurrence of breeding “under the
Playa del Rey canal bridge” with Cliff Swallows was recorded in 1956 (WT 23:6).
Chickadee, Bushtit,
nuthatches
[Mountain Chickadee
No records; this species is
irregularly present in pines along the coast, so it would be expected in the
Bushtit
Common perennial resident.
Roving bands are noted throughout the year, most commonly from mid-summer (i.e.
post-breeding) through winter, in residential areas, native scrub and willow
thickets (e.g. two family groups – adults feeding juveniles – were present at
DW 08 Apr. 04, DSC). Historically also present as a breeder (see von Bloeker
1943); this species is expected to become much more common with the development
of Playa Vista.
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Probably a rare, irregular
fall and winter visitor during “invasion years”. Singles have been noted along
White-breasted Nuthatch
Vagrant, one record. One
was in a
Wrens
Rock
Wren
Extirpated
as a perennial resident; now a casual
fall and winter visitor. Only about one per decade are now expected, recent
records include singles on 13 Sept. 1980 (WT XX), “winter c. 1992 – 1993” (KL)
and “late Oct.” 2001 (RSh). Von Bloeker (1943) wrote that this wren was a
“resident of the established fore-dune area at El Segundo and along cliffs at
Palisades del Rey”, where they may have persisted until these bluffs were
covered with houses in the 1960s and 70s.
Bewick’s Wren
Apparently an irregular and
occasional fall transient and rare winter visitor. Recent records have come
from the Westchester Bluffs and DW, where recorded from 24 August through March.
Additionally, there are two records from Ballona Lagoon, 22 Sept. 1996 and 18
Jan. 1997 (both CLA). Several were found at DW during fall 2004 and 2005, but
despite good coverage, it was not recorded during all of 2003, suggesting that
numbers reaching Ballona may be dependent on breeding success of local
populations (e.g. Baldwin Hills,
House Wren
Common fall transient,
fairly common through winter; recent spring records. Birds arrive in early
August (earliest: 05 Aug. 2004 at Dune Willows, DSC) and are common in scrub
through November, but seem to decline through the winter. The status in spring
needs clarification. Small numbers are detected into March, and singles were
singing near abandoned structures on Playa Vista property near LMU on 04 Apr. 2004
and 24 Apr. 2005 (both DSC), indicative of at least possible breeding. House
Wrens are probably most numerous in willow scrub in fall (at least 10 at DW on
23 Sept. 2004, DSC). At BFM, they are largely restricted to the willows and Salicornia
wetlands at the base of the bluffs. Though rarely recorded prior to intensive
coverage of Ballona beginning in 2003 (e.g. RSh recorded just one, on 17 Jan.
1982; Corey (1992) found just two, in Oct. and Feb.), the dearth of early
records is likely attributable to the confiding nature of the species; for
example, KLG recorded several per visit in fall and winter at the Dune Willows
as early as 1974, and on subsequent visits through the 1990s. Oddly, von Bloeker
(1943) considered this species mainly a summer resident in the region,
referable either to post-breeding dispersers from local lowland populations
around the
Marsh Wren
Fairly common fall
transient and winter resident; extirpated as a breeder. Small numbers of Marsh
Wrens move through and over-winter in dense, damp herbaceous habitats,
including both fresh and saltwater wetlands (incl. solid Salicornia
mats). The first fall arrivals appear in late August (1 at BFM on 23 Aug. 2003,
RB), and five were present at BFM on 25 Oct. 2003 (DSC). Wintering birds are
largely gone after early March, though future breeding should be watched for at
BFM. This species can be almost impossible to see, remaining deep in cover in
reeds near the ground or water. Like the House Wren, it was virtually
unrecorded by previous observers (incl. Corey 1992), except for KLG, who has
recorded it regularly (presumably by its vocalizations) at the Ballona Wetlands
since the early 1970s. Von Bloeker (1943) considered it a breeder here “in tule
patches, along edges of ponds and sloughs from April to June”, and egg sets
housed at WFVZ extend from 16 May 1894 (“marshes near
Kinglets, gnatcatchers
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Vagrant, one record. A
“small flock” was at LMU on 12 Nov. 2000 (RDS). This observation occurred
during an invasion winter for this species, when small numbers were present in
ornamental plantings throughout the
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Fairly common winter resident.
This species prefers areas with taller shrubs and trees, but readily utilizes
willow thickets and lush residential plantings. Interestingly, it has not been
recorded at Ballona Lagoon, and was only recorded twice at BFM in its first
year (2003), but was much more numerous in 2004. Kinglets arrive in mid-fall
(earliest: 20 Sept. 1986, RSh), and are mostly gone by late March, with
occasional birds lingering through April.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Common fall transient and
fairly common winter resident; confined to native scrub and riparian habitats.
This species arrives generally in late August (exceptionally 07 Aug. 2005 at
BFM, KL), and has been recorded into mid-spring (to 02 May 1999 on Westchester
Bluffs, RDS). It is most common in scrub and tall herbaceous vegetation,
venturing into the restored coastal sage scrub and riparian habitat at BFM the second
autumn after planting (2004), though occurring commonly in 2003 in the established
willow thicket and bluff scrub to the south (pers. obs.). The Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher is currently unknown from Ballona Lagoon (nor has it been recorded
from any local residential area), suggesting that it may require somewhat
larger areas of scrub. Thus, its presence may be used to monitor native habitat
restoration in the study area.
Extirpated, if it ever
occurred regularly. Known from a single historical record: 07 Oct. 1888 (LACM
12790) from “Port Ballona”. The local status of this species is enigmatic, and
though specimens exist from “Redondo” (presumably from once-extensive coastal
dunes there), there is no conclusive evidence of it having occurred in the
nearby Baldwin Hills despite the persistence of Cactus Wren and other coastal
scrub species there (Garrett 2001). It is possible that this bird’s range
extended along the immediate coast from the
Bluebird, thrushes
[Western Bluebird
One possible historic
record. Von Bloeker (1943) considered this species an “occasional winter visitant”
and mentions two specimens he collected “from a flock of seven in the meadow,
Feb. 13, 1932”. The exact location is unknown, and could have been anywhere
from Mar
Mountain Bluebird
Vagrant, one record. One
was observed at the Ballona Wetlands on 04 Feb. 1985 (LACM files), during an
exceptional invasion winter for this species in the
Swainson’s Thrush
Probably an occasional late
spring transient on floor of
Hermit Thrush
Uncommon winter resident on
floor of
American Robin
Occasional and irregular
visitor to
Wrentit
[Wrentit
Extirpated, if it ever
occurred at Ballona or on the Westchester Bluffs. Von Bloeker (1943) considered
it “resident of the brush-covered portions of the dunes and meadow. Breeds in
April and May…An adult male was collected on the meadow [= inland] slope of the
dunes 13 Feb. 1932.” This is the only reference to this species’ occurrence in
the area (e.g. no egg records in WFVZ), and since it is unrecorded in the much
more extensive habitat of the Baldwin Hills to the east (Garrett 2001), its
extirpation must have occurred early. The El Segundo Dunes (and lands now
covered by LAX) may have represented an isolated, coastal outpost of the
scrub-dwelling species, which, along with Greater Roadrunner, California
Gnatcatcher, Rock Wren and seasonal populations of California Thrasher and
perhaps Sage Sparrow, did not persist past the early 1900s. The nearest
populations were apparently in willow bottoms of the Artesia area (now
extirpated; WFVZ egg records) and the
Thrashers
Northern Mockingbird
Common perennial resident.
Most numerous in summer, and largely confined to residential and urban
habitats, or around fruiting shrubs and trees.
Sage Thrasher
Probably a rare fall
transient. Birds were at BFM on 22 Sept. 2004 (RB) and a year later on 16 Sept.
2005 (DB). A rare-but-regular fall migrant to coastal southern
Brown Thrasher
Vagrant (from eastern
Extirpated; two records
since 1931. Two birds were recorded in 2002, one on 08 June on the Westchester
Bluffs (RDS) and another adj. to DW at Ballona Wetlands (at a seed feeder) in
“October” of that year (BOC). Von Bloeker (1943) considered the California
Thrasher a fall and winter visitor “in brushland areas”, and cites a specimen
record caught in a rat trap on 25 Oct. 1931. This sedentary species is an
common perennial visitor less than 10 miles away in the Santa Monica Mountains,
but is casual in the lowland portions of the Los Angeles Basin (incl. the Palos
Verdes Peninsula), and has been reliably recorded just twice in the Baldwin
Hills (Garrett 2001).
Starling
European Starling
Common perennial resident,
most numerous in summer and fall, when huge flocks are recorded, mainly of
first-year birds (c. 800 at BW on 03 July 2004, with 500+ continuing into
August). These numbers decrease through fall, possibly the result of a decrease
in Myoporum fruit availability (pers. obs.). Starlings are often
seen feeding in grassland and dry salt marsh with Western Meadowlark, but seem
to successfully mimic the foraging techniques of many species, from shorebirds
to swallows. The first records of this introduced species in southern
Pipits
Red-throated Pipit
Vagrant (from
American Pipit
Fairly common winter
resident. Currently represented by a loose flock of no more than 100 birds
present throughout the winter, probably most readily seen on barren ground at
Playa Vista/Hughes, BFM or along Ballona Cr. Records extend from 25 Sept. to 29
Apr., with recent high counts of 100 in the eastern, undeveloped portion of
Playa Vista on 13 Mar. 2004 (DSC), and 80 together at BFM on 29 Jan. 2004
(DSC). This species requires large expanses of flat, barren ground, and though
still numerous, is probably much reduced compared to former years. The
Waxwing, Phainopepla
Cedar Waxwing
Uncommon and localized
winter visitor and transient. This species is seen at fruiting trees (or in
flocks overhead), typically in residential areas (esp. at LMU), or is recorded
as small flocks speeding overhead. Most common in spring; dates extend from 12
Sept. to 31 May. Local high counts include 50 feeding in ficus trees at DRL on
08 Apr. 2004 (DSC).
Phainopepla
Casual transient. Two fall
records: a “pair” at PdR on 12 Oct. 1985 (RSh) and a male at BFM on 12 Nov.
2004 (RB, m. ob.); one spring record from PdR (19 May 1998, AP). One
reported from Washington Lagoon in “October” 1978 (Schreiber and Dock 1980) may
be correct, as it falls within the fall dispersal period for this species, but
given other questionable records by these observers, this should not be
considered an acceptable record. Phainopepla are commonly found along the lower
foothills of the
Wood-warblers
Tennessee Warbler
Vagrant (from eastern
Orange-crowned Warbler
Common transient and
uncommon winter resident. Status complex, and complicated by the regular
presence of three races: V. c. lutescens, V. c. sordida, and at
least one gray-headed form that is probably V. c. orestra. During
migration, which begins very early in both spring and fall, the Orange-crowned
Warbler occurs in small waves (e.g. 8 at Dune Willows on 16 Mar. 2004, DSC; 10
here on 10 Sept. 1986, RSh). Spring migration peaks in late March and early
April, and all races of this species are uncommon after mid-April. June records
are unknown (suggesting that no – or only irregular – local nesting occurs) and
the first fall birds, invariably juvenile birds, may appear as early as July.
Habitat preferences also vary throughout the year. In migration, the
Orange-crowned warbler may be common in tracts of native scrub (e.g.
Westchester Bluffs, Dune Willows), but by early winter, birds are largely
confined to ornamental plantings (esp. Eucalyptus) within residential (or even
commercial/industrial) areas where flowering plants are present. In residential
Fairly common spring and
uncommon fall migrant. Most frequently encountered in
Rare fall transient. There
have been four records, all in early fall (03 – 23 Sept.), when very small
numbers are expected in coastal southern
Lucy’s Warbler
Vagrant (from the interior
Southwest); one record. An adult male was at DW on 11 Oct. 2003 (J. Engel, J.
Feenstra).
Yellow Warbler
Common transient both in
spring and fall; occasional into early winter. During migration, this warbler
is common in willow thickets as well as in tall ornamental trees, especially if
flowering (e.g. eucalyptus, silk-oak). The Yellow Warbler is one of the most
consistently common passerine migrants in the Ballona area, especially in late
spring and early fall. Spring birds peak late in the season, with the bulk of
movement in May (high: 24 at BFM on 19 May 2003, TPR). The latest date
in spring is 18 June (BFM in 2004, RB), though birds are rare after late May.
Fall birds typically begin arriving at the end of July (earliest 20 July 1982,
KLG), and continue into October (3 at Dune Willows on 13 Oct. 2003, DSC). An
adult male at the
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Rare fall transient. Four
known records include singles at Burton Chase Park in Marina del Rey 6 – 7 Oct.
2000 (KL); in a yard on the Westchester Bluffs on 30 August 2001 (BE); and at
BFM from 20 – 27 Sept. 2003 (Larry Schmahl, m. ob.). An individual in Marina
del Rey 17 Nov. – 02 Dec. 1979 (G & D 1981) may have been attempting to
over-winter.
Magnolia Warbler
Vagrant (from the eastern
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Two distinct subspecies
occur: “Audubon’s Warbler”, a common winter resident and transient, and “Myrtle
Warbler”, an uncommon winter visitor. The first Audubon’s Warblers return in
late September, and dozens are found wintering in large numbers in virtually
all terrestrial habitats from mid-October (early: 3 on 17 Sept. 1984, KLG) on,
remaining common into March. This species is often found in mixed-species
migrant flocks in early April (latest: 14 April 2004, DSC). Much less common,
one or two “Myrtle Warblers” per day may be expected in winter.
Black-throated Gray Warbler
Uncommon transient and
winter resident; more common in Westchester than on the
Townsend’s Warbler
Fairly common spring and
uncommon fall transient and winter resident; more numerous in Westchester than
on the
Hermit Warbler
Uncommon mid-spring
transient, casual in fall and winter; like above species, rare on Ballona
Valley floor. Spring records extend from late April to mid-May, when it is most
often encountered in large waves of northbound passerines, especially at LMU.
Two fall/winter records from
Blackburnian Warbler
Vagrant (from the eastern
Prairie Warbler
Vagrant (from the eastern
Palm Warbler
Occasional late fall
transient; rare winter visitor and spring transient. Five fall records prior to
2003 span 15 Oct. – 24 Nov.; but three
birds in 2003 alone were found at BFM between 30 Oct. and 16 Nov., where
it should prove regular. This species is probably most common in
Blackpoll Warbler
Rare fall transient. One
early record of two birds at PdR on 24 – 25 Sept. 1969 (AFN 24:100b), and modern
records of singles at BFM from 03 Oct. to 06 Oct. 2003 (BOC; m. ob.); and on 19
Sept. (DSC) and 09 Oct. (DSC) 2004.
Black-and-white Warbler
Casual transient and winter
visitor. Transients have been observed at Dune Willows on 17 May 1981 (WT 47:11),
and just outside the study area in
American Redstart
Casual transient, two
records. Birds have been recorded at PdR 28 Sept. 1965 (AFN 20:93) and along
Ballona Cr. on 04 Sept. 1975 (WT XX).
Ovenbird
Casual transient, two
records. Birds have been reported at the Dune Willows on 06 June 1981 (WT 47:11)
and at LMU on 10 Nov. 2002 (RDS). A reference to this species being
“accidental” in winter is not credible (NAS 1988).
Rare transient. Five
records in both spring and fall as follows: Westchester on 07 Oct. 1978 (WT XX);
1 in willows near present-day BFM 22 Apr. 1996 (
MacGillivray’s Warbler
Occasional transient. RDS
has recorded 6 spring and 3 fall birds at LMU/Westchester, but on the floor of
the Ballona Valley, records are limited to four spring records at Dune Willows
(where probably regular) between 10 Apr. – 28 May and a handful of fall records
from BFM and Ballona Lagoon 21 Sept. – 08 Oct. One in “early November” at
Washington Lagoon (Schreiber and Dock 1980) should be disregarded.
Common Yellowthroat
Common perennial resident.
Difficulty in detection and insufficient survey effort at BW and in other
appropriate habitat (wet and/or brushy grassland) has no doubt depressed the
number of historical records for this species. It has proven very common at BFM
during spring and summer, with 20 territories estimated here in 2004 (more in
the riparian scrub to the west, pers. obs.). An unknown number
presumably breed in pampas-grass clumps along the base of the Westchester
Bluffs from PdR east to BFM, and locally elsewhere in the
Wilson’s Warbler
Common spring and uncommon
fall transient; rare winter visitor. This species and Yellow Warbler are among
the most common passerine migrants in the Ballona area in spring, with Wilson’s
being most frequently recorded in low, dense vegetation such as riparian
thickets (willows, mulefat) and scrub (incl. exotic species). Birds arrive the
third week in March, and peak in late April; spring dates extend from 16 Mar.
to 28 May (high: 20 moving through willows just south of BFM on 29 Apr. 04,
DSC); fall records span 07 Aug. to 06 Oct. One or two are probably annual in
winter in the
Yellow-breasted Chat
Rare transient; extirpated
as a breeder. This skulking migrant has been detected a handful of times in
fall (23 Sept. 1979 at Marina del Rey, WT XX; 04 Oct. 2003 at Dune Willows,
DSC; 09 Oct. 2004 at BFM, DB) and in spring (04 May 1981 at Dune Willows, WT
47:11; 29 Apr. 2004 singing from willows south of BFM, DSC) and is probably
more common in migration than the few records indicate. Historic nesting,
presumably in once-common willow thickets, is known only from a set of 3 eggs
collected by J.H. Baumgardt in 20 May 1936 at “Venice” (WFVZ), making it one of
the few local riparian obligate species (see also American Goldfinch, below)
known to have bred at Ballona historically. Restoration of riparian habitats in
the Ballona Valley, specifically the removal of pampas grass and other invasive
weeds, may also result in summer and even nesting records of this species, as
it occurs as a breeder in coastal riparian habitats both north and south of Los
Angeles County (e.g. Santa Clara River mouth, Santa Ana River mouth).
Tanagers
Summer Tanager
Probably a casual transient
and winter visitor. A male apparently wintered at LMU, recorded 01 Feb. to 04
Apr. 1987 (A. Howe, ph.), and one was heard and seen at DW 24 – 25 Oct. 2005 (DB).
Scarlet Tanager
Vagrant (from the eastern
Western Tanager
Fairly common transient
(late spring and early fall); casual winter visitor. More often seen in
Westchester (esp. LMU) than on the floor of the Ballona Valley, spring migration
is late, between late April and the end of May (high: 8 at DW on 26 Apr. 2005,
DSC), and fall birds move early from 31 July – 18 Sept., with most sightings in
August. The lone winter record is of one in
Towhees and sparrows
Green-tailed Towhee
Rare transient. Birds at
Burton Chase Park in MdR on 03 May 2003 (L. Conrad, LACoBirds) and at DW 05 –
09 Sept. 2004 (DSC) are the only credible records. This species, which breeds
in our local mountains, winters in deserts well south and east of the Los
Angeles Basin, and is rarely (but regularly) recorded along the immediate
coast.
Spotted Towhee
Uncommon and localized transient
and winter visitor; occasional in spring and summer. Small numbers of Spotted
Towhees apparently over-winter in coastal sage scrub, at least on the
Westchester Bluffs. As much of the suitable breeding habitat in the area is
currently inaccessible, its nesting status is not known, but two recent records
of singing males in suitable breeding habitat were suggestive of this: one in (native)
alluvial scrub of “Parcel A” of BW on 16 June 2002 (KL); another on the
hillside below LMU on 15 Apr. – 18 July 2004 (DSC, m. ob.). Since this
species occurs almost exclusively in native scrub (and is a breeding resident
in the Baldwin Hills a short distance to the east, per Garrett 2001), it
may be a good indicator of habitat restoration. However, its absence from the
Fairly common perennial
resident in areas of scrub (including that dominated by exotic species),
including all open parcels on the floor of
American Tree Sparrow
Vagrant (from the eastern
Chipping Sparrow
Uncommon transient. This
species is surprisingly scarce at Ballona. Small numbers (up to 3/day) have
been recorded roughly equally in fall (24 Aug. – 01 Nov.) as in spring (19 Mar.
– 25 Apr.). An adult at BFM on 15 Dec. 2003 (DSC) was not seen before or after,
and was likely a very late fall transient.
Clay-colored Sparrow
Probably a rare fall transient.
A fall bird was present in a
Brewer’s Sparrow
Probably a rare transient;
two records. One or two birds were at BFM 23 – 26 Sept. 2004 (RB, DSC), and a
single was at the base of the Westchester Bluffs on 07 Aug. 2005 (KL). This is
an uncommon and very inconspicuous migrant along the coast of southern
Vesper Sparrow
Occasional fall transient.
Several have been recorded at BFM and DW between 12 Sept. and 07 Nov. All
records are post-2002 (i.e. after the construction of BFM), but this is likely
due to greatly increased coverage by birders. Additional sightings of this
inconspicuous migrant are anticipated, and wintering is conceivable in the
largest patches of grassland.
Lark Sparrow
Occasional fall transient;
rare in late winter and spring. A handful of records fall mostly between 26
Aug. and 13 Nov. (with an additional historical record from the El Segundo-PdR
area on 15 Aug. 1931, von Bloeker 1943). Rare at other times of year; a spring
transient singing at Dune Willows 13 Mar. 2004 (DSC); one at BFM on 11 May 2005
(DSC); and one winter or very early spring transient record of two in
“February” 1991 at the base of Westchester Bluffs (Corey 1992).
Black-throated Sparrow
Vagrant (from the desert
Southwest); one record. One was observed below the Westchester Bluffs adj. to
BFM on 24 July 2005 (KL). This species is a rare-but-regular fall visitor along
the coast, so more records are anticipated.
[Sage Sparrow
Extirpated, if it ever
occurred. Historically, the
[Lark Bunting
Possibly a vagrant. A bird
likely of this species was flushed from grassland at
Best discussed as three
distinctive groups, “Belding’s Savannah Sparrow,” “Large-billed Savannah
Sparrow” and a suite of migratory northern races:
Belding’s
Fairly
common perennial resident. This distinctive race occurs almost exclusively in
and adjacent to Salicornia-dominated wetlands, especially in the
vicinity of tidal channels at the western edge of the Ballona Wetlands. At
least one pair is now resident adjacent to BFM, foraging both here and in the
(muted) saltmarsh to the west and south (pers. obs.). Individuals are
often seen away from preferred habitat, particularly during non-breeding
season, foraging in grassland and scrub near breeding habitats (e.g. one on
Playa del Rey jetty 09 Jan. 2003, KLG). The Belding’s Savannah Sparrow may also
breed irregularly in atypical habitats provided water and Salicornia are
in proximity: one seen carrying food into clump of pampas-grass at DRL in May
2002, BOC). Interestingly, it has not been recorded at the restored Ballona
Lagoon (fide CLA), which, at 16 acres, may simply be too small to
support breeding pairs. Numbers are variable from year to year, but an
estimated 10-20 pairs persist at Ballona. As the Ballona Wetlands represent
essentially the last remaining population of this taxon wholly within
Large-billed
Rare
and highly localized fall and winter visitor. The first modern record (since
1950s/early 1960s, fide KLG) of this
Migratory
Common
transient and winter resident. Relatively pale migratory races of Savannah
Sparrow are numerous in the
Grasshopper Sparrow
Vagrant, one record. A
singing male was seen and heard on the Ballona Wetlands during a survey for
Belding’s Savannah Sparrow on 10 May 2004 (K. Keane, via email). This was apparently a transient (not seen after this
date), and future occurrences of this grassland obligate is conceivable,
especially after wet winters.
Nelson’s Sharp-tailed
Sparrow
Vagrant (but possibly a casual/rare
winter visitor); one old record. One was discovered at the “Recreation Gun Club
near
Fox Sparrow
Uncommon (and localized)
winter resident and occasional transient. Very small numbers winter on the
Westchester Bluffs (fide RDS), and at the Dune Willows. Two birds were also
recorded at the “Ballona Wetlands” (possibly DW) in Feb. 1990 by Corey (1992).
Transients through the
Song Sparrow
Status complex. A common
perennial resident at BFM and in riparian and emergent marsh vegetation along
the base of the Westchester Bluffs; uncommon transient and winter visitor, and
possible breeder, in scrub and riparian habitats elsewhere (e.g. Dune Willows).
Birds have recently lingered (attempting to breed?) into late spring at the
Dune Willows (1 on 22 May 2004, DSC) and at DRL (1 on 23 May 2004, DSC). At Del
Rey Lagoon, birds are encountered in dense pampas-grass clumps (often with
Common Yellowthroat). The first fall transients arrive in late August, and
variable numbers winter throughout in wet areas (including salt marsh). Away
from the LMU campus, the Song Sparrow is virtually unrecorded in residential
areas (fide RDS), and is a rare fall transient in the limited restored coastal
scrub at Ballona Lagoon (CLA). Though locally common, this species has
apparently undergone a recent decline in the region, especially during the
breeding season. Historically much more widespread at Ballona, von Bloeker
(1943) called it a “common resident of the dunes, meadow, and salt marsh [which
included brackish wetlands]. Breeds chiefly in April and May.” Of course, since
most of this habitat acreage has been lost, its decline is not particularly
surprising. Still, well after the massive habitat loss, KLG recorded six in the
salt marsh and willow scrub of the Ballona Wetlands on 28 May 1976 and 8 on 11
May 1992, presumably involving birds nesting or attempting to do so. Numbers
such as these are unheard of in late spring in the Dune Willows or the main
saltmarsh (away from the Westchester Bluffs) today. Planned riparian habitat
restoration anywhere in the
Common transient and fairly
common winter resident. This species is most numerous in wet scrub and
grassland in fall, with highest numbers present from October to December (30+
at BFM on 30 Nov. and 07 Dec. 2004, DSC), and records extending from 03 Sept.
to 13 May. Difficulty in detection (mainly found by its distinctive call notes)
and skulking behavior has probably resulted in few records (cf. Common
Yellowthroat), as this species was unrecorded by RSh, found just once along
Ballona Cr. by AP (17 Nov. 1995), and recorded just twice by CLA at Ballona
Lagoon (since 1996!). However, it has probably long been present (and
overlooked) at BW, as von Bloeker (1943) termed it a “moderately common winter
visitant, occurring most abundantly in the salt marsh”, and five were found
here by KLG on 01 Nov. 1975.
Swamp Sparrow
Occasional winter visitor
and transient. Prior to the creation of BFM and regular coverage by birders,
the lone Ballona record was of a very late spring transient at PdR on 20 May 1975
(AFN 29:912; G & D 1981). Since then, singles have been recorded in winter
at BFM (30 Nov. 2003 – 04 Mar. 2004, DSC) and on the southwestern edge of BW
(28 Nov. 2004 – 06 Mar. 2005; DB, KL). Two additional spring transients have
been recorded at BFM on 05 Apr. 2003 (DSC) and a singing bird on 15 May 2005
(KL).
White-throated Sparrow
Probably a rare fall
transient and winter visitor. Four known records include singles wintering
“below LMU” (along the base of the Westchester Bluffs) on 25 Dec. 1997 (RDS)
and one in a Westchester yard 15 Dec. 2001 to 21 Apr. 2002 (RDS); two apparent late
fall transients, one in a (different) Westchester yard 07 – 08 Nov. 2002 (BE)
and one reported (to JP) at BFM on 25 Nov. 2003 (D. Pomerantz).
White-crowned Sparrow
Common winter resident and
rare spring transient. This species is found in highest numbers in low scrub
(e.g. Dune Willows, BFM). Though small numbers arrive toward the end of
September (early: 14 Sept. 1993, KLG), flocks start building the first week in
October, remaining through the winter into early April (late: 08 May 2005, JC).
A black-lored individual with the characteristics of Z. l. oriantha was
observed at BFM 27-29 Apr. 04 (KL).
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Fairly common winter
resident in native scrub, especially in shady areas with damp ground. The first
birds typically do not arrive in numbers until early winter (earliest: 14
Oct.), but may not be conspicuous and numerous until December. By February,
small numbers may be observed feeding on willow catkins with goldfinches and
White-crowned Sparrows (esp. at Dune Willows); transients are regular through
early April.
Dark-eyed Junco
Uncommon winter resident on
well-watered lawns below scattered trees (esp. pines) in
Grosbeaks, buntings
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Probably a rare transient
and winter visitor. Fall transients have been observed in Westchester 01 – 03
Nov. 2002 (RDS), at DW on 18 Sept. 2004 (DSC), and one in
Black-headed
Grosbeak
Extirpated as a breeder;
now a fairly common transient; rare (irregular?) summer resident. Recent spring
records extend into June, and fall birds have been seen as early as 05 August.
Hamilton (1997) believed a male to have been on territory in willows at the
base of the Westchester bluffs in summer of 1996, but subsequent searches here
(DSC, KL) have not revealed more records and no modern nesting events are
known. Of this common southern
Blue Grosbeak
Uncommon transient; rare
summer resident. Spring transients, often singing males, have been recorded as
early as 09 Apr. (2004 at BFM, KL), and continue through May. Fall records are
fewer, but include birds at DW on 18 Oct. 2000 (RAE), 12 Sept. 2004 (DSC), 19
Sept. (DB) and at BFM on 18 Sept. 2004 (DSC). The Blue Grosbeak also apparently
nests irregularly in very small numbers in willow/mulefat thickets on the floor
of the
Lazuli Bunting
Uncommon transient; casual
into summer. This species is most often encountered during the height of spring
migration in late April, with dates extending from 10 Apr. to 15 May. A pair
lingered on the Westchester Bluffs to 12 July in 1997, possibly attempting to
breed (BE). Birds begin moving early in fall (5 overhead on 24 Jul. 2005, KL),
but are less frequently detected at this time than in spring, as many
individuals are drab brown and are overlooked unless vocalizing. Lazuli
Buntings are found almost exclusively in riparian and scrub habitat, and not in
residential or urban areas.
Indigo Bunting
Probably a casual transient
and summer visitor. One male was present at DW on 11 May 1992 (KLG), an
apparent pair was on the Westchester Bluffs on 20 July 1996 (BE), and a
female-type was at the base of the bluffs on 10 Sept. 2005 (RDS).
Blackbirds
Bobolink
Rare transient. Four
sightings in fall span 01-29 Sept., with three in late spring 01-29 June. All
records have been from the Ballona Wetlands proper except one at BFM on 29 June
2003 (DSC).
Red-winged Blackbird
Common spring, summer and
winter resident at BFM (less common in fall), with several dozen pairs
breeding. Less numerous and more irregular elsewhere, present mainly during the
nesting season (late winter through early summer) given proper conditions of moist
grassland, often with some standing water. A species that has apparently
increased recently with the advent of BFM, previous records of probable
breeding include 20 birds with “at least three displaying males along a small
section of ditch in the fields just south of the Jefferson-Culver intersection
(just west of present-day BFM)” on 21 March 1975 (KLG) and 30 here on 06 Mar.
1983 (KLG). RSh (1977-87) recorded up to 10 birds along Ballona Cr. from Dec.
to May; Corey (1992) found territorial birds in the area during summer 1990;
and Dock and Schreiber (1981) recorded it as “resident throughout the Ballona
Wetlands” during 1979-1980. Though BFM has augmented the amount of habitat
available for this species, it is probably a paltry amount in comparison to that
present in historic times: declines – attributed to local agricultural
expansion – were noted as early as 1943 (von Bloeker), who termed them
“formerly a common resident of tule patches in the salt marsh sloughs, now much
less common”.
Tricolored Blackbird
Aside from a regular
wintering flock of several dozen birds vic. Westchester Park near Manchester
Blvd. and Lincoln Blvd. (fide RDS),
only a casual visitor to the Ballona Valley. There have been just two known
records in the past 100 years: a flock of 30 at PdR on 16 Sept. 1951 (with 20
the next day, AFN XX); and an adult male feeding on the ground with
Brown-headed Cowbirds at BFM in “July” 2003 (KL). Though nesting was
historically documented from wetlands a few miles inland of Ballona (“Nigger Slough”,
Carson) The only indication that this species nested locally comes from the
field notes of W.B. Judson (name crossed out and apparently later replaced by
“P.H. Robertson”), who found a set of three incubated eggs (“nest built in
tules out of grass”) taken at “Ballona Harbor” on 19 May 1894 (notes at WFVZ).
However, without physical evidence, this record should be considered
hypothetical. The Tricolored Blackbird was not mentioned by von Bloeker (1943)
nor by subsequent observers. This species is generally rare on the immediate
coast of
Western Meadowlark
Common (but probably
declining) winter resident, uncommon through summer. A minute breeding
population (up to 3 pairs) persists at the Ballona Wetlands, all west of
Lincoln Blvd. Corey (1992) confirmed breeding in “Parcel A” north of Ballona Cr.,
and suspected nesting south of the channel as well. A young juvenile
accompanying two adults were at BFM on 01 Aug. 2004 (DSC), the same season a
singing male held a territory in the grassy parcel adj. to BFM (between Culver
Dr. and Jefferson Ave.) all summer. Wintering birds arrive in mid-fall (35 on
28 Sept. 2003, DSC). Though RSh recorded “up to 100” birds during winter walks
along Ballona Cr. in the 1970s and 1980s, the largest recent flock was of 80
birds on 09 Nov. 2003 over BFM (DSC). The Ballona Valley represents one of the
last breeding areas for Western Meadowlark in the Los Angeles Basin, and one of
just a handful of local wintering areas for groups of >50 individuals.
Therefore, this population should be closely watched, and its foraging and
breeding areas protected.
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Extirpated as a winter
resident; now a fairly common spring and rare fall transient at BFM. Since the
creation of BFM (2003), this species has proven regular in mid-spring,
occurring from early April to mid-May, with small numbers irregularly through
June (high: 200-300 birds on 23 Apr. 2004; DS, DSC). Currently rare in fall
(three records since 2003), it was apparently historically common at this
season, even remaining through winter (e.g., “50 seen at their winter haunts in
the marsh area” on 28 Sept. 1925; Bird-Lore 27:417). Prior to the creation of
BFM, this species was known as rare transient through most of the 1900s, with
just six known records in spring, and one in fall (28 Aug. 1998, BOC).
Brewer’s Blackbird
Uncommon and localized resident,
more common in winter. Recent records from the
Great-tailed Grackle
Common in winter, spring
and summer; occasional in fall. The first local record of this species, which
invaded
Brown-headed Cowbird
Uncommon transient and
summer visitor; rare in winter. This species is most common in
Orchard Oriole
Probably a casual fall
transient; one record. A female-plumaged bird was found in pampas-grass at Ballona
Lagoon on 14 Nov. 2005 (DB). This eastern species is rare but regular in
southern
Hooded Oriole
Common spring and early
summer resident. As this species breeds almost exclusively in planted
(non-native) palm trees, it was likely absent historically as a breeder (e.g.
not mentioned by von Bloeker 1943). Dates of occurrence range from 30 March to
31 August, though small numbers probably winter locally (esp.
Bullock’s Oriole
Uncommon summer resident
and spring transient, rare in fall and winter. A handful of pairs breed locally
in Westchester and in groves of tall eucalyptus and sycamores on the floor of
the
[Baltimore Oriole
Probably a casual transient
and winter visitor. A “probable” Baltimore Oriole was observed at LMU on 11
Oct. 2003 (RDS), and birds have been observed just to the east in
Scott’s Oriole
Vagrant, one record. A
female was at DW on 13 Sept. 1975 (AFN 30:129; published as 16 Sept. in WT).
This Great Basin breeder is an uncommon nester in the desert mountains of
southeastern
Finches
House Finch
Common perennial resident.
Though hundreds are present year round within the
Pine Siskin
Probably a rare and
irregular transient and winter visitor. Fall 2004 saw an exceptional flight of
this irruptive species, with small numbers of birds from 31 Oct. (KL) on,
including up to five at a feeder in
Lesser Goldfinch
Status complex, but
apparently a fairly common perennial resident in residential
Casual transient. Two fall
records: one at LMU on 30 Sept. 2001 (RDS), and singles heard flying overhead on
03 Nov. 2004 (at BFM, DSC) and on 01 Apr. 2005 (at BW, DSC). This species,
though fairly common in the interior of the
American
Goldfinch
Extirpated as a breeder; now an irregularly uncommon
transient and winter visitor. There is no indication that it breeds locally,
although recent (2004 and 2005) records during April and May include pairs,
singing males and immature (but not necessarily locally-produced) birds on the
eastern edge of the Ballona Wetlands and in residential
House Sparrow, Bishop
House Sparrow
Common permanent resident,
most common in urban habitats, where it is attracted to garbage, pet food, and
bird feeders. Originally introduced from Europe, birds have been common at
least since the 1930s (von Bloeker 1943), and have infiltrated nearly every
area of Ballona Valley, except for spots with the most intact native vegetation
(e.g. Westchester Bluffs away from houses; Ballona Wetlands saltmarsh).
Orange Bishop
Currently a fairly common
spring, summer and fall resident within a small area that includes BFM and the
extreme southeastern corner of Ballona Wetlands; occasional elsewhere in the
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