LAKE PALMDALE, Los Angeles County, CA
Lake Palmdale List of 239 Bird Species
See Previous Surveys for Habitat Descriptions
Aerial Photo of Lake Palmdale, viewing south. March 12, 2007. © 2007 Callyn Yorke
Lake Palmdale is 2.7 miles in circumference, 234 acres, and holds 4,129 acre-feet of water when full. Maximum depth is 39 ft.
Fall 2011 Bird Surveys © 2011 Callyn Yorke
Weather: Fair; 43F to 60F; wind 0 - 1mph.
Time: 0805 - 1100 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin & Feather clubhouse, I cycled a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats. The water level in the lake is about four feet lower than usual, exposing 20-30 ft. of shoreline around the lake. Several duck blinds with nearshore groups of decoys (mostly Mallard) have been set up. Hunting days are Wednesday and Sunday; the most recent hunting here was two days ago (Wednesday, Oct. 26). Fin & Feather is otherwise open every day except Thursday. Except for a few people doing construction on their docks and blinds, the lake was quiet (no boat traffic) during my survey this morning. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest included Western Grebe (150 est. with a pair feeding two young - see photo below) and Wilson's Snipe (1). Aside from Ruddy Duck (90) and Bufflehead (20), relatively few waterfowl were present during the survey (c.f. previous survey of Oct. 19, 2011).
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 1 (m) swimming with coots, ne.
American Wigeon 2 (f) swimming near shore, nw.
Green-winged Teal 2 (f) swimming near muddy shore, nw.
Cinnamon Teal 1 (f) swimming near shore and docks, w (photo).
Cinnamon Teal (female) west Lake Palmdale, October 28, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Lesser Scaup 1 (m) swimming, ne.
Bufflehead 20 (m,f) diving, w.
Ruddy Duck 90 (m,f) mostly resting, w.
California Quail 30 flushed from brushy roadside, e.
Pied-billed Grebe 20 (ad, imm) ubiquitous around edges of the lake (photo).
Pied-billed Grebe (immature) se Lake Palmdale, October 28, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Eared Grebe 20 swimming, diving, open water, middle and edges of lake.
Clark's Grebe 40 pairs and singles scattered around the lake; often nearby WEGR.
Western Grebe 150 in pairs, triplets (skimming display), and singles; calls; two adults with two young being fed, in the middle of the lake (photo); first photo-documentation of successful breeding of WEGR at Lake Palmdale.
Western Grebe (two adults with young being fed), central Lake Palmdale, October 28, 2011.
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Double-crested Cormorant 8 swimming, diving, w, central.
Great Blue Heron 1 edge of marsh, nw.
Great Egret 2 on shore, ne, n.
Snowy Egret 1 on shore, ne.
Green Heron 1 (imm) on shore at opening to slough (a regular location for this bird) s (photo).
Green Heron, south Lake Palmdale, October 28, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Black-crowned Night Heron 13 (ad, imm) edge of marsh, nw, ne. Highest daily count this year.
Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad) courtship in flight, nw.
American Coot 1,000 (est.) ubiquitous around edges of the lake. Highest daily count this year.
Killdeer 4 on shore, ne.
Spotted Sandpiper 2 foraging on shore; fly, calls, ne.
Wilson's Snipe 1 in same area as in the last survey, on shore, ne (photo).
Wilson's Snipe ne Lake Palmdale, October 28, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
California Gull 2 (C2) flying over lake, se.
Rock Pigeon 2 on utility pole, n.
Mourning Dove 6 riparian areas, w, s, ne.
Anna's Hummingbird 2 riparian, s; calls, juniper-sage scrub, se.
Belted Kingfisher 3 fly, call; perched on pole, w, s.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 (m,f) foraging in separate trees, calls, w.
Northern Flicker 1 calls (unseen) ne.
Black Phoebe 10 marsh and riparian edges around the lake.
Loggerhead Shrike 1 on fence; flew down to roadside and chased an insect, e.
Common Raven 4 fly, call, s, e.
Horned Lark 2 fly, call, n.
Oak Titmouse 1 calls, tall cottonwoods, s.
Verdin 1 calls, caretaker's yard with olive trees.
Bushtit 30 three vocal flocks of about birds, n, sw, se.
Cactus Wren 1 calls (unseen) n.
Bewick's Wren 6 calls, song, brushy areas; riparian; one foraging upside down ike a nuthatch on a willow trunk, w (photo).
Bewicks Wren west Lake Palmdale, October 28, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Marsh Wren 5 calls, song; dense marsh around the lake.
Northern Mockingbird 1 on fence with pyracantha, n.
California Thrasher 2 (ad, imm) foraging near SOSP in leaf litter in marsh-riparian, ne (photo).
California Thrasher (HY) ne Lake Palmdale, October 28, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
European Starling 6 calls, fly, cottonwoods, s.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (A) 80 ubiquitous in woodland, marsh, ruderal habitats; calls.
Common Yellowthroat 10 (m,f) foraging low in marsh around the lake; calls.
Savannah Sparrow 3 calls, active in roadside brushy areas, s, e.
Song Sparrow 10 active, vocal in marsh, riparian; one relatively thin-streaked, light -gray individual (subsp.?), shoreline willows, ne (photo).
Song Sparrow (a relatively lightly marked subspecies) ne Lake Palmdale, October 28, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 flushed from roadside ruderal into willow thicket at fence line with HOFI, e.
White-crowned Sparrow 30 (ad, imm) large, vocal, dispersed flocks, mostly in brushy, ruderal areas near the fence line, s, e.
Western Meadowlark 1 song, open field at edge of riparian, s.
Great-tailed Grackle 15 (m,f) a small, vocal flock in tall riparian woodland, s.
House Finch 30 (m,f) widespread in all wooded and brushy habitats.
Lesser Goldfinch 2 calls, near patch of dried sunflowers and cattails, e.
House Sparrow 10 around buildings, n.
Weather: Fair; 63F to 80F; no wind.
Time: 0827 - 1130 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake at the bluff across from the Fin & Feather Club and the northeast corner of the lake at the dam, I cycled a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats. Maintenance crews were weed-wacking on the jetty; a dump truck was operating just outside the fence in the south. Otherwise, the survey area was quiet and conditions good for finding and identifying birds by their vocalizations. The lake water level continues to be low, exposing 20-30 ft. of muddy shoreline and/or marsh around the lake.Only one settling pond had water, but except for one Black Phoebe, was devoid of birdlife. I was informed by Fin and Feather managers, that duck hunting season begins this Saturday and continues on every Sunday and Wednesday until the end of January, 2012. Decoys and duck blinds have been set up around the lake. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Redhead, Bufflehead (continuing), Wilson's Snipe, Black-necked Stilt, Downy Woodpecker, Mountain Chickadee (cont.) and Black-throated Gray Warbler.
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 30 (m,f) around the edges of the lake.
American Wigeon (m,f) edges of the lake, ne,w (photo fos)
American Wigeon (female) west LP, Oct. 19, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Mallard 5 (f) edge of lake near dam, e.
Northern Pintail 1 (f) swimming alone, w (fos)
Redhead 13 (m,f) swimming in a tight flock, e.
Ring-necked Duck 2 (m imm) swimming together near LESC, ne (fos)
Lesser Scaup 10 (m,f) females separate from males, ne (fos)
Bufflehead 3 (m,f) - continuing - edge of lake, s, sw.
Ruddy Duck 100 (m,f) scattered around the edges of the lake; most resting.
California Quail 40 two coveys, n, s.
Pied-billed Grebe 20 around the edges of the lake.
Eared Grebe 16 swimming in a tight flock, central lake; individuals around edges, w.
Western Grebe 50 pairs; courtship dance & dive; begging calls, singles in middle of lake.
Clark's Grebe 80 pairs and singles around the edge of the lake and in the middle; diving; silent.
Double-crested Cormorant 2-3 diving with ducks; resting on buoy, ne, nw.
Great Blue Heron 2 edge of marsh, sw, se; fly.
Great Egret 1 flying over lake, e.
Snowy Egret 2 foraging on shore, ne, n.
Green Heron 1 imm flushed from marsh next to dock, s (photo).
Green Heron (immature) south Lake Palmdale, October 19, 2011.
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (ad, imm) in marsh, flying, nw, w.
Cooper's Hawk 1 soaring over riparian, s.
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (imm) soaring below COHA, s.
Northern Harrier 1 (f) flying w over lake, n.
American Coot 600 edges of lake. One DOR by dam, e.
Killdeer 2 on muddy shore, ne.
Black-necked Stilt 1 on shore at base of dam, e.
Wilson's Snipe 1 foraging on shore, ne (fos).
California Gull 18 (80% ad; one C1) resting in middle of lake.
Mourning Dove 10 riparian, w, e.
Anna's Hummingbird 4 (m,f) one male vocalizing and displaying full gorget, nw, s.
Belted Kingfisher 2 fly, calls, n, se.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 (f) foraging in cottonwood nest cavity, ne; calls.
Downy Woodpecker 1 (m) foraging in crown of cottonwood; calls, s (photo fos)
Downy Woodpecker (male) south LP, October 19, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Northern (RS) Flicker 3 fly, call, n, w, s.
Black Phoebe 8 low perches around the lake and edge of settling pond.
Western Scrub-jay 1 flying to Calif. Juniper, n.
Common Raven 4 flying over, ne.
Horned Lark 2 fly, call, n.
Mountain Chickadee 1 - cont. - calls, exotic trees in caretaker's yard, n.
Oak Titmouse 2 calls, riparian, sw, s.
Bushtit 30 three flocks of 10-12 birds working foliage of cottonwoods, w, sw, ne.
Cactus Wren 2 foraging at base of old infloresence stalk on Joshua Tree; adjacent Calif Juniper; calls, n (photo).
Cactus Wren north Lake Palmdale, October 19, 2011.
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Bewick's Wren 10 vocal, active, marsh, riparian and shrubland around the lake.
Marsh Wren 2 vocal, marsh, nw, se.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3 active, vocal in mulberry trees, n; cottonwoods,sw.
Northern Mockingbird 2 active, vocal on ground, Calif. Junipers, n.
European Starling 10 around buildings, n; vocal.
Orange-crowned Warbler 1 fly, call, mulberry grove, n.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 50 ubiquitous in trees and shrubs; vocal.
Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 (HYF) active in crown of cottonwood with YRWA, s (photo).
Black-throated Gray Warbler (HY female) south Lake Palmdale, October 19, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Common Yellowthroat 4 calls, marsh-riparian, w, s, se, ne.
Savannah Sparrow 3 calls, fly, ruderal field, se.
Song Sparrow 6 active, vocal in marsh-riparian around the lake (photo).
Song Sparrow nw Lake Palmdale, October 19, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
White-crowned Sparrow 30 (ad, imm) ubiquitous; vocal, active; foraging on ground in ruderal fields.
Great-tailed Grackle 15 (f, imm) fly, call; n; s.
House Finch 30 (m,f) ubiquitous in riparian, ruderal edge.
Lesser Goldfinch 2 (m,f) feeding on old sunflower heads, e.
House Sparrow 10 around buildings and yards, n.
Weather: Overcast with light rain; winds WSW 10-20 mph. 53F to 56 F.
Time: 0745 - 0950 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin & Feather clubhouse, I cycled a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats, though rather briefly due to wind and rain. A backhoe was operating on the west side; a maintenance crew was clearing vegetation on the south side. Otherwise the lake was nearly unoccupied by fishermen. The lake water level was low enough to expose about 15 - 20 feet of muddy shoreline. Aside from four species of swallow, relatively few migrant landbirds were found. The only bird found of seasonal significance was Horned Grebe (1).
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 25 (m,f) near the shore, ne.
Mallard 15 (m,f) near shore, nw, ne.
Ruddy Duck 45 (m,f) most resting around the edges of the lake, esp. w.
Pied-billed Grebe 30 (ad, imm) edges of the lake; diving.
Horned Grebe 1 seen well with the scope: white cheeks and neck; flat head and back; swimming, central-west.
Western Grebe 50 pairs and singles around the lake; calls.
Clark's Grebe 4 edge of lake, nw.
Double-crested Cormorant 3 (imm) in trees at edge of lake, nw, ne.
Great Blue Heron 1 flying, n.
Great Egret 1 edge of marsh, s.
Green Heron 1 (ad) flushed from marsh, s.
Black-crowned Night Heron 1 flushed from marsh, w.
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (imm) in cottonwood, w.
Sora 1 calls, marsh, ne.
American Coot 400 scattered around the edges of the lake.
Killdeer 2 flushed from the jetty, nw.
Mourning Dove 2 flying over riparian, se.
Anna's Humminbird 2 riparian, calls, w, e.
Belted Kingfisher 1 flushed from marsh, slough, se.
Black Phoebe 10 riparian and ruderal edges around the lake; calls.
Common Raven 6 flying near the dam, ne.
Horned Lark 20 on ground, RV parking area, n.
Tree Swallow 6 flying low over water, calm backwater areas, nw, ne.
Violet -green Swallow 4 flying low, back and forth over water with TRSW and CLSW, nw.
Cliff Swallow 2 flying low, back and forth with TRSW and VGSW, nw.
Barn Swallow 4 flying low, back and forth with other swallows, nw.
Verdin 1 calling in pyracantha, entry road, n.
Bewick's Wren 2 calls, n, w.
Marsh Wren 2 calls, marsh, w, ne.
Northern Mockingbird 2 on ground, n; calls and song.
European Starling 2 calls, n.
Orange-crowned Warbler 2 calls, riparian, w, s.
Common Yellowthroat 6 calls, marsh-riparian around the lake.
California Towhee 1 calls, juniper-Joshua Tree scrub, n.
Song Sparrow 8 brushy areas, riparian, marsh, calls, around the lake.
White-crowned Sparrow 7 brushy, ruderal fields, n, e; calls.
Tricolored Blackbird 1 fly, call, e.
House Finch 30 (m,f) riparian and ruderal areas around the lake; calls and song.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2011 (45 Species)
Weather: Partly cloudy; 65F to 83F; no wind until 1000 hrs.
Time: 0720 - 1000 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin & Feather clubhouse, I cycled a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, stopping most frequently in the west, south and northeast sections to observe birds. At least 25 fishermen were using the lake, either on the western and southern docks or in small motorboats. Southwestern and southern sections of the concrete drainage ditch near the perimeter fence line, were being cleared of debris by heavy equipment. A maintenance crew was removing vegetation in the southern section. Conditions for finding birds and identifying vocalizations were poor to fair, depending on where maintenance activities were happening. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Bufflehead (3 - continuing), Hairy Woodpecker (1 - fos), and Mountain Chickadee (2 - continuing).
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 30 (m,f) swimming around the edges of the lake.
Mallard 10 edges of the lake.
Bufflehead 3 - continuing (m,f) diving, w.
Ruddy Duck 40 (m,f) edges of the lake, esp. w.
California Quail 4 calls, w.
Pied-billed Grebe 1 diving, ne.
Eared Grebe 13 diving; swimming in central and southern portions of the lake.
Western Grebe 50 pairs and singles in the middle and edges of the lake; calls.
Clark's Grebe 60 pairs and singles throughout.
Great Blue Heron 1 flying, s.
Great Egret 3 flying; in marsh, nw.
Green Heron 1 (ad) landed on edge of jetty.
Black-crowned Night Heron 1 flushed from marsh, ne.
Red-shouldered Hawk 3 (ad, imm) riparian, nw, se, ne
Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) circling, n.
American Coot 300 edges of the lake.
Killdeer 2 edge of settling ponds.
California Gull 1 (ad) flying over lake, n.
Mourning Dove 10 riparian and open fields.
Anna's Hummingbird 2 calls, riparian, w, sw.
Belted Kingfisher 2 calls, fly, n.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 calls, n.
Hairy Woodpecker 1 (m) foraging, calls, cottonwood with dead branches (photo).
Hairy Woodpecker south Lake Palmdale, Sept. 23, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Black Phoebe 10 riparian and edge of marsh around the lake.
Say's Phoebe 1 on fence, ne.
Loggerhead Shrike 2 in cottonwoods (photo).
Loggerhead Shrike northeast Lake Palmdale, September 23, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Western Scrub-jay 3 calls; on top of junipers, w.
Common Raven 5 fly, call, w, s, ne.
Mountain Chickadee 2 - continuing - in subcanopy of cottonwoods; calls.
Oak Titmouse 4 in cottonwoods, calls, sw, s.
Verdin 1 calls, w.
Bushtit 10 active, calls; creosote bushes, n.
Bewick's Wren 10 calls, song; riparian and edge.
Marsh Wren 6 calls, song, marsh, nw, w, sw, s.
Northern Mockingbird 1 calls, Joshua-juniper scrub, n.
European Starllng 10 in cottonwoods, calls. n, s.
Orange-crowned Warbler 5 calls, in cottonwoods, w, se,
Yellow Warbler 8 (m,f) calls, foraging in cottonwoods around the lake.
Common Yellowthroat 8 active, calls, marsh around the lake.
Song Sparrow 8 active, calls, song; marsh-riparian around the lake.
White-crowned Sparrow 1 ? calls, roadside pyracantha, 5th St. entrance, w.
Red-winged Blackbird 3 calls, marsh-riparian, nw.
House Finch 10 calls, riparian, edge of ruderal fields, around the lake.
Lesser Goldfinch 5 cottonwoods and marshy area with sunflowers, sw, e.
House Sparrow 10 around clubhouse.
SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 (49 Species)
Weather: Fair; 58F to 83F, no wind.
Time: 0710 - 1013 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin & Feather clubhouse, I cycled a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats. About 25 fishermen were around the lake on the docks and in motorboats. Conditions were good for finding and identifying birds. I had to abbreviate my survey in the southern portion of the lake due to time constraints. Most of the landbirds were found in the southwestern and southern areas, using the cottonwoods and willows. Undoubtedly, I overlooked several species (e.g. warblers) today. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Bufflehead (3 - continuing) and Mountain Chickadee (2-3).
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 8 (m,f) swimming near edge of lake, ne.
Mallard 80 (m,f) around the edges of the lake.
Cinnamon Teal 1(m) central-northern section of the lake.
Bufflehead 3 (1m, 2 f - continuing) western edge of the lake (photo).
Bufflehead (male) west Lake Palmdale, September 19, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Ruddy Duck 60 (m,f; a few in alt. plmg.) edges of the lake.
California Quail 4 calls, w.
Pied-billed Grebe 20 edges and center of the lake; diving.
Eared Grebe 10 central and southern edges of the lake.
Western Grebe 60 in pairs, calls, edges of the lake, esp. w, sw.
Clark's Grebe 50 in pairs, central, edges of the lake.
Great Blue Heron 2 flying over the lake, sw, ne.
Great Egret 2 flying over lake; one at edge of rushing inlet stream, s.
Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (imm) edge of marsh, s channel.
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad, imm) flushed from low perch in riparian, calls, se, ne.
American Coot 300 scattered around the edges of the lake.
Killdeer 6 settling ponds, n.
California Gull 4 (ad, imm) resting together in central lake.
Forster's Tern 1 circling the lake, then resting in the middle.
Rock Pigeon 13 flying together, high n.
Mourning Dove 8 on utility wires and in riparian areas around the lake.
Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (?) a single, high-pitched call, unseen, riparian, w.
Anna's Hummingbird 4 calls, aerial hawking, around the lake.
Belted Kingfisher 1 fly, call, ne.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 fly, call, riparian, sw, s.
Black Phoebe 8 low perches around the lake; calls.
Say's Phoebe 1 on fence, e; one in fruiting tree next to caretaker's house, n.
Western Scrub-jay 2 calls, w, sw.
Common Raven 4 fly, call, n.
Horned Lark 10 fly, call, RV parking area, n.
Mountain Chickadee 2-3 calls, riparian, s; pines, ne.
Oak Titmouse 2 riparian, sw, s, calls.
Verdin 1 calls, riparian, se.
Bushtit 10 canopy and subcanopy of cottonwoods, se.
White-breasted Nuthatch 1 calls, riparian, s.
Cactus Wren 2 calls, desert scrub, n.
Bewick's Wren 12 calls and song ( remarkable imitations of HOWR song) throughout, esp. riparian.
House Wren 1 song, riaprian, s.
Marsh Wren 4 active, visible (unusual), vocal, marsh, w, s, se.
California Thrasher 1 singing atop a Joshua Tree, n (photo).
California Thrasher north Lake Palmdale, September 19, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
European Starling 2 riparian, s.
Yellow Warbler 1 (m) active in cottonwood canopy with COBU.
Common Yellowthroat 10 active, vocal, marsh-riparian around the lake.
California Towhee 1 calls, w.
Song Sparrow 8 active, vocal, marsh-riparian, including subcanopy of cottonwoods and willows.
Red-winged Blackbird 5 marsh, calls, sw.
Great-tailed Grackle 2 (f) calls, on dock, w.
House Finch 20 ubiquitous; riparian, ruderal.
Lesser Goldfinch 10 ruderal fields with sunflowers, s,e.
House Sparrow 10 around clubhouse, n.
SEPTEMBER 12, 2011 (59 Species)
Weather: Fair; 58F to 81F; no wind.
Time: 0632 - 1002 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin & Feather clubhouse, I cycled a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake twice, surveying all habitats. I also surveyed the middle of the lake in a small motorboat with three fishermen (Peter Rehme (captain), Billy Nettles and Nelson Moore) in an effort to approach a jaeger for photographs (see below). I used a 10x42 binocular, 35-55x scope and DSLR camera for the survey. Recent thundershowers had left standing water in several low-lying places around the lake. Conditions were very good for finding and identifying birds by their vocalizations. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Bufflehead (3), Long-tailed Jaeger (1), Mountain Chickadee (2) and Northern Waterthrush (1).
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 5 (m,f) swimming, n-central.
Mallard 100 (m,f) edges of the lake.
Cinnamon Teal 3 (f) swimming near the edge of the lake, w.
Bufflehead 3 (2 f, 1 m) swimming, diving, w FOS (photos).
Bufflehead (m,f) west Lake Palmdale, September 12, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Ruddy Duck 20 (m,f; alt. and bsc. plmg.) swimming, w.
Pied-billed Grebe 10 edges of the lake; calls.
Eared Grebe 15 (bsc. plmg.) central lake; preening.
Western Grebe 20 edges of the lake; calls, w, s.
Clark's Grebe 70-80 many in pairs, edges of the lake,w, sw, s; central.
Double-crested Cormorant 4 swimming in central lake.
Great Blue Heron 1 (ad) flying over lake, s.
Great Egret 1 in willows, se.
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad, imm) riparian, s, se; calls.
Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) soaring over GB sage scrub, ne.
American Coot 150 edges of the lake.
Killdeer 6 settling ponds (n) , edge of lake, se.
Spotted Sandpiper 1 flushed from edge of jetty, nw.
Long-tailed Jaeger 1 (imm) - continuing (see Sept. 7 notes and photos) - resting in middle of lake (photos); flew south (photo) as we approached in a motorboat to within about 30 yards from the east. Noted relatively small size, slim build (seen earlier next to a Clark's Grebe), rounded head, bicolored bill, long tail. A new record for LP.
Long-tailed Jaeger (immature) central Lake Palmdale, September 12, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Caspian Tern 2 flying high over lake, calls, e.
Eurasian Collared Dove 1 on utility pole, s.
Rock Pigeon 1 on utility pole, sw.
Mourning Dove 6 flying, riparian, s.
Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (f) on fence by clubhouse, n (photo).
Black-chinned Hummingbird (f) north Lake Palmdale, September 12, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Anna's Hummingbird 1 calls, riparian, sw.
Belted Kingfisher 1 fly, call, s.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 calls, nw.
Black Phoebe 6 edge of riparian -marsh, wet fields around the lake.
Say's Phoebe 2 open fields, s, ne.
Western Kingbird 1 flushed from cottonwoods, ne.
Western Scrub-jay 2 calls, w, in cottonwood, w.
Common Raven 4 flying, call, e.
Horned Lark 20 flocks in ruderal fields, s, n.
Barn Swallow 5 flying low over the lake, n.
Mountain Chickadee 2 one in creosote bush scrub, n; another in juniper-cottonwood edge, calls, s.
Oak Titmouse 2 calls, riparian edge, sw, s.
Verdin 1 calls, creosote bush scrub, n.
Bushtit 10 creosote bush scrub, riparian, juniper, n, w, se.
Cactus Wren 1 calls, sage scrub, ne.
Bewick's Wren 15 calls and song, brushy areas, riparian around the lake.
House Wren 2 calls, song, riparian s, ne.
Marsh Wren 4 calls, song, marsh, w, sw, s.
Northern Mockingbird 1 calls, song, n.
California Thrasher 1 singing continuously, juniper-sage, nw.
European Starling 5 riparian, s; calls.
Orange-crowned Warbler 2 one down to a puddle, ne; calls from cottonwoods.
Yellow Warbler 5 active, calls, cottonwoods, w, s, ne.
Northern Waterthrush 1 on muddy shore and brush pile, riparian, ne ( 2 photos).
Northern Waterthrush (2 photos) northeast Lake Palmdale, September 12, 2011 © 2011 Callyn Yorke
NOWA posteriolateral view northeast Lake Palmdale, September 12, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Common Yellowthroat 10 calls, song, riparian-marsh around the lake.
Wilson's Warbler 2 foraging in cottonwoods, calls, w, se.
California Towhee 1 calls, sw.
Song Sparrow 6 calls, song, w, sw, s, e.
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 in swampy area, riparian-marsh, ne.
Black-headed Grosbeak 1 (f) cottonwoods, calls, sw.
Red-winged Blackbird 4 fly over lake; riparian, calls, w.
Great-tailed Grackle 25 (m,f; imm) on jetty, nw.
Brown-headed Cowbird 1 calls, sw.
House Finch 20 ubiquitous, riparian, open fields.
Lesser Goldfinch 15 feeding on sunflowers, e.
House Sparrow 10 around buildings and lawns, n.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2011 (54 Species)
Weather: Fair; 65F to 91F; no wind.
Time: 0708 - 1036 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin & Feather clubhouse, I cycled a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats. A few fishermen were on the western and southern docks; two or three in small motorboats on the lake. Conditions were good for finding and identifying birds by their vocalizations. Relatively few migrant landbirds were found. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Green Heron (2), Red-necked Phalarope (3), Jaeger (Stercorarius sp.1) and Summer Tanager (1).
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 2 swimming, edge of lake, ne.
Mallard 150 (m,f) ubiquitous around the edges of the lake.
Cinnamon Teal 3 (m,f) edge of lake near jetty, nw.
Ruddy Duck 15 (m,f alt. and bsc. plmg.) edge of the lake, w, sw.
California Quail 4 in riparian-marsh, w.
Pied-billed Grebe 12 open water and edges of the lake.
Eared Grebe 8 (bsc. plmg.) a fairly cohesive raft swimming in the middle of the lake and in the nw.
Eared Grebe central-west Lake Palmdale, September 7, 2011 © 2011 Callyn Yorke
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Western Grebe 30 edges of the lake; many paired; calls.
Clark's Grebe 50 edges of the lake; many paired; silent.
Great Blue Heron 2 (ad, imm) fly, call, s.
Great Egret 2 on dam and at water line of dam, e.
Green Heron 3 (2 imm) edge of riparian, s (photo).
Green Heron (immature) south Lake Palmdale, September 7, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (ad, imm) flying low over edge of lake, s.
Red-shouldered Hawk 3 (ad, imm) riparian; flying over lake; calls (photo).
Red-shouldered Hawk (immature) west Lake Palmdale, Sept. 7, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Cooper's Hawk 1 (imm), flew into cottonwood, wagging tail, w.
Red-tailed Hawk 1 calls, n.
American Coot 120 scattered around edges of the lake.
Killdeer 6 jetty and settling ponds, nw, n.
Red-necked Phalarope 3 swimming, foraging in settling pond full of water, n (photo).
Red-necked Phalarope north settling ponds, Lake Palmdale, September 7, 2011.
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Jaeger ( probably Stercorarius longicaudus) 1 swimming alone in the central-northern part of the lake. Appeared to have a broad head, large flesh-colored bill tipped with black; overall brown plumage, slightly lighter shade of brown on wings, head and neck. Observed and photographed from a dock with a fisherman (Dan) on the south side of the lake, at a distance of about 150 yards (0900-0910 hrs.). Could not relocate bird from the north side at 0930 hrs. Photos (see below) subsequently e-mailed to Kimball Garrett of LACMNH, who was unable to conclusively establish the specific identity of the bird represented in the photos below.
Photos and Notes: September, 7, 2011 Lake Palmdale (left to right, top to bottom: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H). Note: relatively rounded head (A), medium-size bicolored bill, (B, D,F); small size (c.f. nearby EAGR - G) and long tail (H). I am tentatively assigning specific identity of this individual as Long-tailed Jaeger (Stercorarius longicaudus).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
California Gull 1 (ad) swimming in the south-eastern part of the lake.
Eurasian Collared Dove 2 calls hears, sw; one flying w over riparian, s.
Mourning Dove 20 small flocks perched in canopies of cottonwoods, riparian, flying.
Great Horned Owl 2 flushed from willows, nw.
Anna's Hummingbird 4 calls, active in cottonwoods, n, w, s.
Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (f) active in canopy of cottonwood near SUTA, s.
Belted Kingfisher 1 fly, call, s.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 3 calls, cottowoods, n, sw, s.
Black Phoebe 4 low perch near edge of lake, w, s, se.
Say's Phoebe 2 trees and fences, w, se.
Loggerhead Shrike 2 calls, open fields, w, s.
Western Scrub-jay 2 calls, juniper scrub, fields and yards, w, s.
Common Raven 4 fly, call, e.
Horned Lark 50 two flocks, s, n (RV parking area).
Barn Swallow 20 flying low over lake, riparian, n, w, s.
Oak Titmouse 2 active in willows and cottonwoods, w, s.
Verdin 1 calls repeated, juniper scrub, se.
Bushtit 12 small flocks in cottonwoods, w, se.
Bewick's Wren 15 song, calls, brushy areas and riparian around the lake.
Marsh Wren 4 song, marsh, w, sw, s.
California Thrasher 2 calls and song, juniper scrub and yards, s.
European Starling 5 active in subcanopy of cottonwoods, s.
Yellow Warbler 1 (m) active in subcanopy of cottonwoods, se.
Common Yellowthroat 3 calls and song, marsh-riparian, w, s, se.
California Towhee 1 calls, ruderal roadside, w.
Lark Sparrow 2 calls, riparian, s, ne.
Song Sparrow 3 calls, song, marsh-riparian, w, s, se.
Summer Tanager 1 (m - incomplete molt ) calls; active, caught large flying insect in subcanopy of cottonwood (photo). Possibly same bird photographed here in August.
Summer Tanager (AHY) south Lake Palmdale, September 7, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Great-tailed Grakle 2 (m, imm) fly, call, jetty, nw.
Brown-headed Cowbird 1 (m) fly, call, s.
Bullock's Oriole 1 calls, cottonwoods, s.
House Finch 30 (m,f) ubiquitous around the lake.
Lesser Goldfinch 4 cottonwood canopy, and sunflower-ruderal roadside, s, e.
House Sparrow 6 around clubhouse and picnic area.
Weather: Fair; 70F to 85F; winds WSW 0-15 mph.
Time: 0713 - 1020 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin & Feather clubhouse, I cycled a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats. Auto traffic was negligible, except for a porta-potty service truck. Conditions were good for finding birds until winds increased around 0920 hrs.Fewer than ten fishermen were on the lake (one in a small motorboat) and 4-5 on the western and southern docks. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Green Heron (1), Common Loon (1), Forster's Tern (6), Osprey (1), Belted Kingfisher (1), Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler (2), Wilson's Warbler (2), Bullock's Oriole (3) and Black-headed Grosbeak (1).
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 2 (m,f) edge of lake, s, ne.
Mallard 120 (m,f) edges and middle of the lake.
Ruddy Duck 16 ( m,f, trans. alt. and bsc. plmg.) w edge of the lake.
California Quail 15 (ad, imm) brushy border of concrete drainage ditch, s.
Common Loon 1 diving, s-central lake. FOS.
Pied-billed Grebe 8 swimming, edge of lake, s, e, n; calls.
Western Grebe 14 edges and near middle of lake throughout; calls.
Clark's Grebe 40 edges and middle of lake; several pairs swimming.
Great Blue Heron 2 perched on docks, sw, s; call, n.
Great Egret 1 flying near dam, e.
Green Heron 1 flushed from side of jetty, nw.
Osprey 1 flying over the lake.
Cooper's Hawk 1 (ad) flushed from dense stand of young cottonwoods, n.
Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) circling over e side.
American Coot 150 edges of the lake, esp. e.
Killdeer 3 edge of settling pond with water, n.
Ring-billed Gull 1 (ad) flying over lake, w.
California Gull 1 (C1) flying near RBGU, w.
Forster's Tern 6 (ad, imm) adult bring a fish to young, w (photo).
Forster's Tern adult and young, west Lake Palmdale, August 31, 2011 © 2011 Callyn Yorke
Mourning Dove 20 riparian and edge around the lake.
Anna's Hummingbird 10 (f) pairs chasing; calls, perched in cottonwoods, w, s, se.
Belted Kingfisher 1 (m) flushed from docks, w.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 calls, sw, se.
Black Phoebe 6 riparian and edge around the lake.
Say's Phoebe 1 on chain-link fence, ne.
Western Scrub-jay 1 calls, e.
Common Raven 4 flying, n.
Horned Lark 3 edge of settling ponds, n.
Tree Swallow 1 flying over willows, s.
Barn Swallow 10 flying high (100 ft. +) over edge of lake, s, calls.
Oak Titmouse 2 calls, cottonwoods, w, s.
Verdin 1 calling repeatedly, riparian, w.
Bushtit 20 small flocks of 5 -8 birds foraging in cottonwood foliage; calls, s, se.
Bewick's Wren 8 calls, song, riparian and brushy edge around the lake.
Marsh Wren 3 calls, song, marsh, w, s.
European Starling 4 in cottonwoods, s.
Orange-crowned Warbler 1 (imm) foraging in cottonwood canopy (photo).
Orange-crowned Warbler immature west Lake Palmdale, August 31, 2011 © 2011 Callyn Yorke
Yellow Warbler 2 (f, imm) foraging in cottonwood canopy, w ,se.
Common Yellowthroat 10 marsh-riparian, w, s, se; calls.
Wilson's Warbler 2 (m, imm) foraging in cottonwood canopy, calls.
California Towhee 3 calls, roadside scrub, w, sw.
Song Sparrow 8 calls, marsh, riparian, w, s, se, e.
Black-headed Grosbeak 1 (m, imm) in canopy of cottonwoods and willows, calls, w.
Red-winged Blackbird 2 flying over riparian, ne.
Great-tailed Grackle 5 (m,f) fly, call, n.
Bullock's Oriole 3 (f) foraging together, calls, canopy of willows and cottonwoods, s.
House Finch 40 (m,f) ubiquitous.
House Sparrow 4 entry road near clubhouse, n.
Weather: Fair; 73F to 94 F; wind WSW 0- 2 mph.
Time: 0640-0945 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin and Feather clubhouse, I cycled a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake. Only a few fishermen were present during the survey; three groups on the southern and southeastern edge and two in small motorboats. Conditions were excellent for locating and identifying birds. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Green Heron and Warbling Vireo.
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 5 (f) dabbling, swimming, edges of lake, s, ne.
Mallard 120 (m,f) foraging in algae-covered edges of the lake.
Cinnamon Teal 1 (f) flew and landed in center-north section of the lake.
Ruddy Duck 5 (alt. plmg.) edge of the lake, w.
California Quail 20 ruderal roadways, s, se.
Pied-billed Grebe 10 edges of the lake; calls.
Western Grebe 10 edges of the lake and middle; calls.
Clark's Grebe 70 mostly in pairs, edges and central lake; calls.
Great Blue Heron 2 (ad, imm) perched on dock; flying, s.
Green Heron 1 (imm) flushed from marsh, landed in willow, w. (photo).
Green Heron (imm) west Lake Palmdale, August 24, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (ad) flushed from marsh, ne
Red-shouldered Hawk 3 (ad, imm) perched in willows, w, s, ne.
Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) flushed from large cottonwood, e.
American Coot 80 (ad, imm) foraging on algae around edges of the lake.
Killdeer 4 edge of settling pond with water, mud and weeds, n.
California Gull 5 (ad, 1 C1) swimming in central-southern part of lake.
Caspian Tern 1 fly, call, central.
Rock Pigeon 1 (dark morph) in leafless tree next to caretaker's house.
Mourning Dove 8 riparian canopies around the lake; calls.
Black-chinned Hummingbird 5 ( imm, f) feeding on flowering shrubs; call, chase, fly; riparian, se, ne (photo).
Black-chinned Hummingbird (imm) southeast Lake Palmdale, August 24, 2011
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Anna's Hummingbird 10 (imm, f) active, vocal, hover-gleaning in cottonwoods around the lake.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 3 (m,f) a pair foraging in nearby cottonwoods, se; calls.
Black Phoebe 6 low perches around edges of marsh-riparian.
Tyrannus sp. 1 slender, pale gray above, light below. Sally-flycatching from east fence line next to Artemesia tridentata field (photo).
© August 24, 2011 Callyn Yorke
Loggerhead Shrike 1 calls, s.
Warbling Vireo 1 (ad) with lepidopteran larvae in cottonwood foliage, s.
Western Scrub-jay 1 calls, n.
Common Raven 4 flying and on utility poles around dam, ne.
Horned Lark 60 foraging in ruderal fields, n.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 perched on concrete ladder in drainage channel with BASW, sw.
Cliff Swallow 2 flying with BASW, n.
Barn Swallow 40 flying, calls, resting in concrete drainage culvert, s.
Oak Titmouse 3 calls, foraging on willow catkins, w.
Verdin 1 calls, Juniper field, se.
Bushtit 12 small, vocal flocks in shrubs and riparian, nw, w. s.
Cactus Wren 2 calls, active on fence line and in shrubs, ne.
Bewick's Wren 8 calls, song (2 types including a warbling, finch type) riparian and edge around the lake.
Marsh Wren 3 song, marsh, nw, sw, s.
European Starling 20 active, vocal in cottonwoods, sw, s, n.
Common Yellowthroat 10 active, vocal in marsh-riparian around the lake.
California Towhee 2 on fence-line roadway next to concrete drainage culvert, sw.
Song Sparrow 6 active, vocal, riparian, marsh around the lake.
Red-winged Blackbird 3 (m,f) flying into riparian area, ne; calls.
Western Meadowlark 1 song, open field, sw.
Great-tailed Grackle 30 (m,f) active, vocal; on jetty and in riparian-marsh, nw, sw, s.
Bullock's Oriole 1 (f) in willows, s.
House Finch 40 (m,f) ubiquitous in riparian and ruderal areas.
House Sparrow 2 foraging in ruderal field, n.
Weather: Fair; 59F to 85F; winds variable, 2 -15 mph.
Time: 0700 - 1015 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin and Feather clubhouse, I cycled a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats. A few fishermen were on trolling on the lake; about 25 more were on west and south docks. Conditions were good for identifying bird vocalizations. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found and photographed today were: Sterna sp. and Summer Tanager.
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 2 (f) edge of lake, s, ne.
Mallard 120 (m,f) edges of the lake and in a settling pond.
Cinnamon Teal 2 flushed from the ne corner of the lake.
Ruddy Duck 1 edge, n.
Pied-billed Grebe 4 (ad, imm) edges of lake; calls.
Western Grebe 10 mostly in pairs scattered around the lake.
Clark's Grebe 50 mostly in pairs around the edges of the lake; frequent calling; some diving, n..
Red-shouldered Hawk 3 (ad, 2 imm) s, e fence line.
Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) in cottonwood, se.
American Coot 30 edges of the lake.
Killdeer 2 edge of the lake, s; settling pond, n.
Ring-billed Gull 15 (ad) resting then flying from center-s lake.
California Gull 4 with RIGU on lake.
Caspian Tern 4 flying 50 -150 ft. over dam and e lake, calls.
Forsters Tern 1 resting, preening on buoy; flying around (photo)nw, plunge diving 3-5 times near jetty.
Forster's Tern nw Lake Palmdale, August 16, 2011 © 2011 Callyn Yorke
Rock Pigeon 1 on fence line road, sw.
Mourning Dove 10 riparian areas, fly, perched in cottonwoods around the lake.
Black-chinned Hummingbird 2 (f) feeding on red flowers (Keckelia sp.), se.
Anna's Hummingbird 4 (f) in cottonwoods, calls, foraging on red flowers, w, s, se.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 calls, cottonwoods, se.
Black Phoebe 6 sally-flycatching from low-medium heights, riparian and edge of marsh.
Loggerhead Shrike 1 chasing a large aerial insect, ne.
Western Scrub-jay 3 calls, active in juniper scrub, n, w.
Common Raven 4 on dam, ne; flying, n.
Horned Lark 30 flushed from RV parking area, n.
Barn Swallow 6 fly, call, over lake and marsh, n, s.
Oak Titmouse 2 calls, active in subcanopy of cottonwoods, s, se.
Verdin 3 one with a moth-like insect, calls, w; others calling in dense juniper scrub, se.
Bushtit 15 small, noisy flocks in junipers, willows and cottonwoods around the lake.
Cactus Wren 1 singing incessantly, fence line juniper-buckwheat, w.
Bewick's Wren 6 calls and song, brushy areas around the lake.
Marsh Wren 2 song in marsh, nw, s.
European Starling 4 in cottonwoods, s.
Yellow Warbler 1 calls, cottonwoods, n.
Common Yellowthroat 10 calls, song, marsh, riparian areas around the lake.
Song Sparrow 10 calls and song, marsh-riparian around the lake.
Summer Tanager 1 (imm m) calls, cottonwoods, sw (photos).
SUTA (immature male) southwest Lake Palmdale, August 16, 2011 © 2011 Callyn Yorke
Red-winged Blackbird 20 (m,f) call, fly, marsh-riparian around the lake.
Great-tailed Grackle 10 (m,f) riparian-marsh, se.
Bullock's Oriole 1 (f) flew into cottonwood, se.
House Finch 50 (m,f) 10 -12 foraging on ground, se; elsewhere, fields and riparian areas.
Lesser Goldfinch 6 feeding in clump of sunflowers behind dam, e.
Weather: Fair; 68F to 73F; winds WSW 2 mph.
Time: 0715-0915 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin & Feather clubhouse, I cycled a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats. About 20 fishermen were around the lake on docks and in small motorboats. Traffic around the lake was light. Conditions were good for identifying bird vocalizations.
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 1 (f) swimming at w end of slough, s.
Mallard 150 (m,f) open water and edges of the lake.
Ruddy Duck 20 open water and edges of the lake.
California Quail 10 brushy edges of the roadway and fields.
Pied-billed Grebe 3 edge of lake near tules; calls, nw, w, s.
Western Grebe 12 individuals and pairs, open water; calls.
Clark's Grebe 20 individuals and pairs, edges of the lake, esp. nw and w; no calls heard.
Double-crested Cormorant 1 (imm) flying e over lake, se.
Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (ad) perched in willows, ne.
American Coot 80 around the edges of the lake.
Killdeer 5 on jetty (1) nw, and edge of settling pnds, n.
Caspian Tern 3 flying over marsh and dam; calls, se,
Rock Pigeon 2 on edge of settling pond, n.
Mourning Dove 12 foraging on ground in ruderal field, n.
Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 vocalizations, GB sage - willow, nw.
Black Phoebe 10 low perches on docks and edge of marsh around the lake; calls.
Say's Phoebe 1 on roadside fence; calls, ne.
Western Kingbird 1 on fence, ne.
Loggerhead Shrike 2 call, fly, e, ne.
Western Scrub-jay 2 calls, n.
Common Raven 8 on and around dam, ne.
Horned Lark 60 on ground in RV parking area, n.
Tree Swallow 2 flying over riparian, n.
Oak Titmouse 1 calls from caretaker's yard, n.
Verdin 1 vocalizing in willow-cottonwood riparian, sw.
Bushtit 10 in California Juniper and Creosote Bush, calls, n.
Cactus Wren 1 vocalizing in dead tree, n.
Bewick's Wren 8 calls and unusual warbling, finch-like song, concealed in large Atriplex, n; brushy areas elsewhere; calls and normal song,
House Wren 1 song, cottonwoods, s.
Marsh Wren 1 song, marsh, s.
Northern Mockingbird 1 calls, song (partial) ruderal field with tall trees, n.
European Starling 5 cottonwoods; flying; vocalizing, s, n.
Common Yellowthroat 2 feeding a fledgling cowbird in marsh, w; 6 elsewhere, song, calls, marsh-riparian.
Song Sparrow 2 (ad, imm) marshy area on e side of dam, e.
Red-winged Blackbird 20 (m,f imm) fly, call, willow-marsh, nw, n.
Tricolored Blackbird 1 (f) calling in marsh near jetty, nw.
Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 (f) in willow at edge of marsh near jetty, nw.
Great-tailed Grackle 25 (m,f imm.) very vocal at edge of marsh, se.
Brown-headed Cowbird 2 imm; one chasing with begging calls, two COYT in march, w.
House Finch 30 (m,f imm) vocal, ubiquitous in riparian, marsh and edge habitats.