Area Covered: After signing in at the maintenance building, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the only two settling ponds with water that are still functional, located in the central-western section of the facility. The remaining six settling ponds are dry, or largely so with only small puddles and weeds. Relatively new settling ponds to the north and east were not surveyed. Most of the waterbirds today were found in the western pond, which contains a small area of exposed "fecal flats."

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 2 (m,f) swimming together, w.

Mallard 8 (m,f) resting on concrete structures; swimming, w.

Cinnamon Teal 2 (m,f) swimming with other ducks, w.

Northern Shoveler 120 (m,f) dabbling throughout the ponds.

Green-winged Teal 4 (f) swimming with other ducks,w.

Ruddy Duck 60 (m,f) most resting in open water, w.

Eared Grebe 6 swimming amongst ducks.

Double-crested Cormorant 1 resting on partially submerged drainage pipe, nw.

Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) on utility pole, w.

American Coot 10 swimming near fecal flats and in open water, w.

Killdeer 3 on edge of levee, w.

Least Sandpiper 10 foraging on fecal flats and edge of ponds at base of levees.

Black Phoebe 2 calls; sallying from low perch at edge of pond and in weedy pond without water, nw.

Common Raven 80 flying around processing pools, w; a few on the levee road, sw.

European Starling 6 in and around processing plant, w.

American Pipit 12 fly, call; one leaping upward catching airborne insects.

Savannah Sparrow 1 calls; flying into weedy dry pond, sw.

White-crowned Sparrow 8 two flocks in weedy, dry ponds, sw, nw.

Brewer's Blackbird 7 (m,f) in and around processing facility, w.

House Finch 4 calls; flying into weedy area, ne.

July 26, 2013 (19 Species)

Weather: Overcast with intermittent light rain. 83F; wind W 2 mph.

Time: 1022- 1140 hrs.

Area Covered: After signing in at the maintenance building in the nwc, I drove a clockwise route around the facility, turning north in the central section then west to the end of the levee. Most of the ponds were dry. Birdlife was largely confined to the western half of the facility where "fecal flats" and open water predominated. Relatively large numbers of 'Western and Least Sanspiper were found on the fresh fecal flats in the central-western edge of the facility.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Northern Shoveler (3), White-faced Ibis (2), Whimbrel (1), Marbled Godwit (1), Long-billed Dowitcher (1) and Black Tern (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 80 (m,f; imm) ubiquitous in or near water.

Northern Shoveler 3 (f) swimming in open water with mallards, w.

White-faced Ibis 2 foraging at the edge of the water, w-central.

Killdeer 4 on levee and at edge of pond, w.

Black-necked Stilt 1 foraging at edge of pond, w.

Whimbrel 1 flushed from fecal flats; calls given in flight were a repeated series of loud, flute-like whistles; flying around facility briefly aborting a landing then heading eastward out of view, w-central. Note: A Whimbrel was reported at LSP on July 14, 2013 by Charles Hood (email: chood@avc.edu)

Marbled Godwit 1 flushed and began flying with the Whimbrel, sw.

Western Sandpiper 200 (mostly imm; one adult in alternate plumage - photo); foraging in loose flocks on fresh fecal flats, w.

Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) adult, alt. plmg. Lancaster sewage ponds, LACO, CA 26 July 2013

Least Sandpiper 300 (ad, imm) foraging on fecal flats and elsewhere at the water's edge.

Long-billed Dowitcher 1 (alt. plmg.) with WESA and LESA at water's edge and on fecal flats, w.

Red-necked Phalarope 7 (bsc. and trans. plmg.) swimming in a tight flock, w-central.

Black Tern 1 (ad. trans. alt.-bsc. plmg.) flying low over pond, dipping into surface, w (photo).

Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) Lancaster Sewage Ponds, LACO CA 26 July 2013

Common Raven 80 most perched on fence railings, w-central.

Tree Swallow 10 (ad, imm) flying low over ponds.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 flying low over dry and wet areas, w.

Cliff Swallow 20 vocal; ubiquitous; flying low over ponds and fecal flats.

Barn Swallow 10 vocal; flying low over ponds and fecal flats; perched together on wire, w (photo).

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) Lancaster Sewage Ponds, Los Angeles County, CA 26 July 2013

European Starling 2 on levee next to fecal flats, w.

Brewer's Blackbird 6 (m,f) foraging at the water's edge, w.

MARCH 24, 2013 (25 Species)

Weather: Fair; 45F to 60F; wind W 0 -2mph.

Time: 0843-1015 hrs.

Area Covered: After logging in at the usual place (northwest corner maintenance building), I drove a clockwise route around the entire facility, stopping frequently to survey on foot. Most of the ponds have been partially or entirely drained, leaving extensive "mud" flats everywhere. Shorebirds (almost entirely Least Sandpiper) were found on the exposed mudflats, especially the western ponds. Large concentrations of ducks (i.e., Northern Shoveler) were found in the few operational ponds in the central and southern sections. There was no other traffic on the levees during my survey.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Canada Goose (2), Black-necked Stilt (20), and American Avocet (4).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 2 flushed with a flock of NOSH as I approaced, ne.

American Wigeon 1 (m) swimming near the levee, ne.

Mallard 16 (m,f) pairs scattered around the ponds with most of the water.

Cinnamon Teal 2 (m,f) swimming with NOSH, e-central.

Northern Shoveler 1,200 concentrated in ponds full of water.

Ring-necked Duck 1 (f) diving near the levee, se (photo).

Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) east Lancaster Sewage Ponds, LACO CA 24 March 2013

Lesser Scaup 2 (m) swimming with NOSH, e.

Ruddy Duck 50 (m,f) swimming amongst NOSH, e.

Eared Grebe 1 (bsc. plmg.) swimming near levee, nw.

American Coot 30 swimming near the levees throughout.

Killdeer 2 on mudflats, nw.

Black-necked Stilt 20 in two flocks, on base of levees, nw and e.

American Avocet 4 foraging in weedy puddle next to maintenance buildings, ne.

Least Sandpiper 300 (conserv. est.) ubiquitous; foraging on mudflats and base of levees.

California Gull 16 (ad) vocal; flying in small flocks to adjacent (new) ponds in nw.

Ring-billed Gull 3 (ad) foraging at the base of a levee in corner, nw.

Common Raven 8 flying around the western buildings and ponds.

Barn Swallow 2 vocal; flying low, back and forth together over weedy pond, nw.

European Starling 3 around buildings, w.

American Pipit 35 ubiquitous and vocal; foraging on mudflats and at the edge of grassy puddles.

Savannah Sparrow 2 fly, call, weedy pond, nw.

White-crowned Sparrow 2 in bush, weedy pond, nw.

Red-winged Blackbird 2 (m) vocal in tall shrub, weedy pond, nw.

Brewer's Blackbird 20 (m,f) vocal, especially around buildings, w, ne.

House Finch 2 fly, call, nw.

NOVEMBER 4, 2012 (19 Species)

Weather: Fair; 55F to 58F; wind WSW 1 mph.

Time: 0809 - 0924 hrs.

Area Covered: After checking in with a facilities supervisor at the main office (the sign-in sheet is in an unoccupied, locked building on weekends), I drove a clockwise route around the entire facility, featuring full, partially dry and completely dry settling ponds. Most of the shorebirds were in the southern ponds with peripheral 'mudflats.' A white truck was the only maintenance vehicle being operated on the levees during my survey. Shotgun blasts were heard to the east (Piute Ponds). I used a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera for the survey. Note: A portion of the sw levee has been removed, requiring a high-clearance vehicle.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Cackling Goose (2), Dunlin (2) and Sanderling (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Cackling Goose 2 (Richardson's and Aleutian): Two distinctly different forms; one about 15% heavier, with a thicker neck, lacking basal white band, c.f. hutchinsii; the other smaller, thin neck with basal white band, c.f. leucopareia. Both with short, stubby bills. Pair staying together on levee, then flew off as I approached.

Gadwall 23 (m,f) swimming together, sw.

Mallard 4 (m,f) edge of pond, sw.

Northern Shoveler 5,000 (m,f) (conserv. est.) many resting; crowded flocks in all settling ponds with water.

Ruddy Duck 30 (m,f) scattered thoughout.

Western Grebe 2 nw, sw.

Eared Grebe 10 e, se.

Red-tailed Hawk 1 calls, on utility pole briefly, n-central.

American Coot 120 scattered throughout the ponds.

Least Sandpiper 30 foraging on mudflats and edge of levees throughout.

Dunlin 2 foraging with LESA at water's edge of levee, ne.

Sanderling 1(imm) foraging on mudflats with LESA nearby, sw; Sanderling is a casual vagrant in the Antelope Valley in November (photos).

Sanderling (Calidris alba) imm. same individual; Lancaster WWTF, Los Angeles County, CA 4 Nov. 2012

Killdeer 1 edge of mudflats, sw.

California Gull 2 (C2) flew in from the east to a full pond, e.

Say's Phoebe 1 perched on wooden stake , s-central.

Common Raven 8 flying around west side of the facility, w.

American Pipit 4 on levees, e.

Brewer's Blackbird 8 (m,f) around buildings, w; on levee, ne.

Savannah Sparrow 10 flushed from levee, n, ne.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2012 (25 Species)

Weather: Fair; 75F to 87F. no wind.

Time: 0840 - 1044 hrs.

Area Covered: After checking in at the temporary office near the main entrance (the usual sign-in building was locked), I drove a clockwise route around the entire facility, stopping frequently to walk on the levees and observe birds. Most of the bird life was found in the central and southwest corner. Two ponds in the latter area were partially dry with extensive "mudflats." This area attracted numerous shorebirds. There was no other automobile traffic on the levees during my survey. I used a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera for the survey.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Redhead (1), Black-necked Stilt (1), Baird's Sandpiper (1), Pectoral Sandpiper (19), Red-necked Phalarope (2), Wilson's Phalarope (15), and Spotted Sandpiper (3).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 6 (m,f) swimming with NOSH in three ponds.

Mallard 35 (m,f) at edge of ponds throughout.

Cinnamon Teal 25 (f) pairs and individuals mixed in with NOSH.

Northern Shoveler 2,500 ubiquitous; dabbling in small groups of 3-10 individuals.

Redhead 1 (m) swimming from edge of pond out into the middle, e. (photo).

Redhead (Aythya americana) male Lancaster sewage ponds, LACO, CA 15 Sep 2012

Ruddy Duck 25 (m,f) scattered in south ponds.

Eared Grebe 10 swimming in south ponds.

American Coot 800 ubiquitous.

Killdeer 19 on levees and mudflats throughout.

Black-necked Stilt 1 foraging on mudflat, sw.

American Avocet 12 foraging in shallows, sw.

Greater Yellowlegs 1 fly, call, sw.

Spotted Sandpiper 3 together at nec of sw pond.

Western Sandpiper 16 foraging on mudflats, sw.

Least Sandpiper 60 foraging at edge of ponds and on mudflats in corners.

Baird's Sandpiper 1 noted buffy breast and face, black legs, bill shape, primary tip projection; foraging with WESA, sw (photo).

Baird's Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii) sw Lancaster sewage ponds, LACO CA 15 Sep 2012

Pectoral Sandpiper 19 (ad, imm) a cohesive flock of 12-14 foraging on mudflats at nec of sw pond (photo). Others foraging singly or in pairs elsewhere at edge of ponds, sw.

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) sw Lancaster sewage ponds, Los Angeles County, CA 15 Sept. 2012

Calidris sp. 1 foraging apart from neaby WESA. Noted relatively straignt, short bill; scaly gray upperparts; dark legs. sw (photo).

Calidris sp. sw Lancaster sewage ponds, LACO, CA 15 Sep 2012

Red-necked Phalarope 2 swimming, foraging together in se pond.

Wilson's Phalarope 15 swimming in circles together; flying a short distance and back to the same pond, sw.

Mourning Dove 1 flying over entrance.

Common Raven 10 around pump shed in west; flying; resting on levee, sw.

Horned Lark 6 on levee and adjacent bare ground, s.

European Starling 4 around buildings, w.

Savannah Sparrow 3 calls when flushed from edge of levee, s, sw.

JULY 29, 2012 (18 Species)

Weather: Fair; 86F; no wind.

Time: 0858 - 0917 hrs.

Area Covered: I drove a clockwise route around the facility from the northwest corner. No other vehicles were present during the survey. Two ponds on the southwest side were partly drained and had exposed mudflats (without birds). Most of the bird-life was found in the northwestern and eastern ponds. I walked partly around the northwest pond but found the birds rather skittish compared with their reaction to my vehicle moving slowly toward them.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest included Wilson's Phalarope (300 +), Barn Swallow (20) and Tree Swallow (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 5 (f) nw.

Mallard 15 (f, imm) nw, e.

Ruddy Duck 10 (m,f) e.

American Coot 1, w.

Killdeer 6 nw. (photo).

Black-necked Stilt 5 nw.

American Avocet 80 (alt. trans bsc. plmg.) nw (photo).

American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana) nw Lancaster WWTF LACO, CA 29 July, 2012

Spotted Sandpiper i foraging at edge of water, e-central.

Western Sandpiper 2 nw.

Least Sandpiper 100 ubiquitous; esp. nw.

Wilson's Phalarope 300 (bsc. and trans. plmg.) foraging at edge of water and in middle, nw, e. (photo).

Wilson's Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor) nw Lancaster WWTF, LACO, CA 29 July, 2012

California Gull 5 (C1, C2) on levee, nw, e.

Common Raven 6 on levee, flying, w.

Horned Lark 10 on levee, n.

Tree Swallow 1 (juv.) on utility wire with BASW and CLSW, ne (photo).

L-R: Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota), Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) and Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) LWWTF 29 July, 2012

Cliff Swallow 1 on utility line, ne (photo).

Barn Swallow 20 flying low, back and forth, over ponds; on utility lines and other perches, nw, ne (photo).

European Starling 4 calls, utility wires, w.

MAY 27, 2012 (14 Species)

Weather: Fair; 68F to 72 F; winds variable, WSW 0 - 5 mph. Cool, windy conditions (40F to 50 F; westerly winds gusting to 40 mph) have prevailed in the Antelope Valley the past two days.

Time: 1030 -1140 hrs.

Area Covered: I drove a clockwise route around the entire facility, focusing attention mostly in the northwest corner where most of the birdlife was found. No other vehicles were present during my survey. Note: the nw maintenance building remains open for birder's to sign in during construction; vehicle access to the building is temporarily blocked on the west side.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Western Sandpiper (2) and Sanderling (7).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall (m,f) 20 mostly in pairs on levee and swimming, nw.

Mallard (m,f) 18 pairs on levee and swimming, nw, sw.

Ruddy Duck 10 (m,f) swimming; males displaying, nw.

American Coot 10 swimming, nw.

American Avocet 20 highly vocal; pairs on levee, calls, flying, nw.

Western Sandpiper 2 (alt. and bsc. plmg.) foraging in splash zone, nw (photo).

Western Sandpiper (alt. plmg.) LWTF, LACO CA 27 May, 2012

Sanderling 7 ( ad; imm. alt. and bsc. plmg.) foraging in splash zone, nw (photo).

Sanderling LWTF, LACO CA 27 May, 2012

Spotted Sandpiper 2 foraging at edge of water, nw.

Common Raven 12 gathered around smaller side-ponds, w.

Horned Lark 10 flying low from levee to adjacent fields around the facility.

Barn Swallow 3 flying low over the weedy catchment basin, nw.

European Starling 2 flying, w.

Brewer's Blackbird 2 around buildings and levee, ne.

House Sparrow 5 calls, active around building, nw.

MAY 13, 2012 (19 Species)

Weather: Fair, 80F; no wind.

Time: 1005 - 1110 hrs.

Area Covered: I drove the usual clockwise route around the facility, stopping frequently to observe birds. Most of the birdlife was in the northwestern and northeastern ponds. I used a 10x40 binocular and DSLR camera for the survey. No other vehicles were operating in the facility during my survey.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Gadwall (40), Snowy Plover (2), Western Sandpiper (8), Red-necked Phalarope (30) and nesting American Avocet (30).

Gadwall 40 (m,f) most in pairs, resting on levee and swimming, nw, ne.

Mallard 25 (m.f) in pairs, resting on levee, swimming, nw, ne, w.

Ruddy Duck 4 (m,f alt. plmg.) swimming, nw

Eared Grebe 4 (alt. plmg.) diving, ne,

American Coot 10 edge of ponds, nw.

Killdeer 2 on levee, nw.

Snowy Plover 2 together on levee, nw (photo).

Snowy Plover Lancaster WWTF, LACO, CA 13 May, 2012

Spotted Sandpiper 8 on levees and edge of ponds throughout.

Western Sandpiper 8 (alt. plmg.) foraging at edge of ponds, nw (photo).

Western Sandpiper Lancaster WWTF, LACO, CA 13 May, 2012.

American Avocet 30 about 10 sitting on nests along east-facing embankment, ne; others vocalizing on levees, nw, ne.

Red-necked Phalarope (m,f alt. plmg.) spinning in ponds, nw, ne (photo).

Red-necked Phalarope (female, alt. plmg.) Lancaster WWTF LACO, CA 13 may, 2012

Ring-billed Gull 1 (C1) resting on levee, nw.

Common Raven 4 flying, resting on levee, w.

Horned Lark 12 edge of levees, n.

Barn Swallow 3 flying low around buildings and ponds, w.

European Starling 3 around buildings, w.

Red-winged Blackbird 1 song, nw.

Brewer's Blackbird 4 (mf) around buildings, ne.

House Finch 2 song, weedy catchment basin, nw.

APRIL 27, 2012 (23 Species)

Weather: Fair; 68F to 75F; wind WNW 7-10 mph.

Time: 1352 - 1516 hrs.

Area Covered: After signing in at the nw maintenance building, I drove a clockwise route on the main levees around the entire facility, focusing mostly on birds in the northwestern ponds. Conditions were good for finding and identifying birds; maintenance traffic was light.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Redhead (2), Whimbrel (27), Long-billed Curlew (1), Dunlin (1), Red-necked Phalarope, Black Tern (2) and American Pipit (7). In addition, an unusual looking immature (first cycle) Herring Gull that resembled a European Herring Gull, was photographed (see notes below).'Today was the first of a three-day event called "America's Birdiest County (ABC)" sponsored by the Los Angeles Audubon Society.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 4 (m,f) swimming in pairs, nw, e.

Mallard 8 (m,f) on levee and swimming, nw.

Northern Shoveler 64 (m,f) swimming, nw, central.

Redhead 2 (m,f) swimming together, w-central (photo).

Redhead (male, left; female right) central-west Lancaster WWTF, LACO CA 27 April, 2012

Ruddy Duck 58 (m,f; alt. plmg.) nw and central-west.

American Coot 30 scattered around the ponds.

American Avocet 2 (m,f) on levee, nw.

Spotted Sandpiper 3 water's edge of levee, s.

Western Sandpiper 25 (alt. plmg.) foraging on "mud flats) in corner of pond, ne (photo).

Western Sandpiper (adult, alternate plumage) LWTF, 27 April, 2012

Least Sandpiper 40 (alt. and trans. alt. plmg.) foraging near WESA, ne and edges of levees elsewhere.

Dunlin 1 (alt. plmg.) foraging with WESA, ne (photo).

Dunlin (lower right) with WESA Lancaster WWTF, LACO, CA 27 April, 2012

Western and Least Sandpiper comparisons: 2 (trans. alt. plmg.) showing WESA bill shape and spotting on underparts (rules out female C. alba ) but apparently larger (female?) than other nearby WESA.

Calidris variation: one preening upper right; cf. larger size than LESA and other WESA in front Lancaster WWTF, LACO, CA 27 April, 2012

Red-necked Phalarope 10 (alt. plmg.) swimming, nw.

Ring-billed Gull 6 (ad, imm) on levee with CAGU, nw, e-central.

California Gull 35 (ad, imm) on levee, nw, e-central.

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus ssp.?) on levee, flew to adjacent pond; appears to have certain features characteristic of a first cycle European Herring Gull: 1) Conspicuous barring on mantle (uncommon in American HEGU). 2) Lacks dark distal marks on inner webs of inner primaries; 3) A two-tone pattern to the upper wings, though this individual's plumage appears rather bleached. 4) A relatively white ground color to the underparts. Two Photos of this bird (below) have been sent to our local experts for their opinions.

Herring Gull (European? see preceeding notes) immature (C1) Lancaster WWTF LACO CA 27 April, 2012

Herring Gull (same individual as shown above; see preceeding notes) Lancaster WWTF, LACO, CA 27 April, 2012

Black Tern 2 a pair flying 3 - 40 ft. above the pond, nw (photo).

Black Tern Lancaster WWTF, LACO, CA 27 April, 2012

Horned Lark 2 ruderal area around entrance to the facility.

Common Raven 10 mostly staying around the western part of the facility.

Barn Swallow 6 flying low over the ponds, esp. west side.

European Starling 5 on levees and in adjacent ruderal fields.

American Pipit 7 one loose flock of 5 birds at edge of levee, central; two near nw corner (photo).

American Pipit Lancaster WWTF, LACO, CA 27 April, 2012

Savannah Sparrow 2 fly from edge of levee, n.

Brewer's Blackbird 6 (m,f) foraging on ground around the facility.

APRIL 17, 2012 (24 Species)

Weather: Fair; 59F.Wind WNW 0-1 mph.

Time: 0800-0900 hrs.

Area Covered: After signing in, I drove the main levees around the facility, focusing mostly on the northwest and east-central ponds. Traffic was light around the ponds and conditions good for finding birds. Gulls were concentrated in the two usual spots, on the north side of the second north-south levee in the nw corner and the central east-west secondary levee dividing two eastern ponds.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included Franklin's Gull (3).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 4 (m,f) nw and east-central.

Mallard 40 (m,f) on levee and in water, nw, east-central.

Northern Shoveler 250 ubiquitous, esp nw and east-central.

Ruddy Duck 60 resting in middle of ponds, nw, east-central.

Eared Grebe 3 (alt. plmg.) east-central.

American Coot 60 scattered around edges of the ponds.

American Avocet 10 (alt. plmg.) several pair on levees, nw, east-central.

Black-necked Stilt 12 a cohesive flock at edge of levee, nw.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 on levee near water, nw.

Least Sandpiper 20 (bsc and alt. plmg.) foraging at edge of water, nw.

Franklin's Gull 3 (ad, alt. plmg.) on main(north) east-west levee at second pond; flew and landed in second nw pond (photos).

Franklin's Gull Lancaster Wastewater Treatment Facility, LACO, CA 17 April, 2012

Ring-billed Gull 3 (C1) on levee, nw.

California Gull 75 (all ages), on levees, nw (photo) and east-central.

California Gull (adult, alt. plmg. - foreground; immature C3 behind) LWTF, LACO, CA 17 April, 2012

Herring Gull 1 (C1) on levee, central-east.

Common Raven 4 flying, w.

Barn Swallow 10 flying around levees and buildings, ne, w.

European Starling 4 around buildings, ne.

American Pipit 4 on levee and adjacent scraped lot, n.

Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 (f) on Tamarisk in weedy nw basin.

Savannah Sparrow 3 calls, fly, brushy field, se, e.

White-crowned Sparrow 2 brushy roadside near entrance.

Red-winged Blackbird 1 (m) in weedy basin, nw.

Brewer's Blackbird 10 on levees at edge of water; around buildings, nw, w.

House Finch 20 (m,f) on fence; song, e.

MARCH 16, 2012 (21 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy; 57F; winds WSW 15 -20 mph.

Time: 0940 - 1110 hrs.

Area Covered: After signing in, I drove the perimeter of the facility, beginning at the northwest corner. New paved roads around the maintenance buildings connect with the levee in the northwest corner. Heavy traffic from construction vehicles still occurs, mostly around the buildings. Waterbirds were scattered throughout most of the ponds, especially in the northwest and eastern sections. Increasing winds made observations and photography outside of the car difficult. Most of the birdlife could be seen from within my vehicle. The sign-in sheet indicated there were no birders at this facility since January 18, 2012.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 13 (m,f) nw and e ponds.

Mallard 10 (m,f) nw ponds.

Northern Shoveler (m,f) 350 (conserv. est.) in most of the ponds and resting on lee side of levees.

Lesser Scaup 14 (m,f) swimming together in east pond (photo).

Lesser Scaup Lancaster sewage ponds, Los Angeles County, CA 16 March, 2012

Ruddy Duck 120 (m,f; a few in alt. plmg.) in most ponds, esp. nw and e.

American Coot 150 in most of the ponds.

Killdeer 6 on levees, nw.

American Avocet 2 (m,f) base of levee, east-central.

Ring-billed Gull 4 (ad) on levee with CAGU, nw, e.

California Gull 80 (85% adult) on levees, nw, e.

Herring Gull 5 (ad, imm) on east-central levee (photos)

Herring Gull (adult - center left; first cycle immature, center right) with California Gulls, Lancaster sewage ponds, Los Angeles County, CA 16 March, 2012

Common Raven 22 flying around maintenance buildings and elevated concrete pools, w.

Horned Lark 20 on levees, flying, nw.

Tree Swallow 12 flying back and forth over ponds, nw.

Cliff Swallow 2 flying low over pond, w.

Barn Swallow 2 flying low over ponds and levees, nw.

European Starling 8 foraging on ground in brushy basin, nw.

American Pipit 3 foraging near water at edge of levee, nw, e.

Savannah Sparrow 2 landed on levee, nw, s.

White-crowned Sparrow 18 (ad, imm) foraging in ruderal roadside area, s.

Brewer's Blackbird 20 (m,f) on levees; flying.