Area Covered: After signing in at the nw maintenance building, I drove the levee roads around the entire facility. Construction and maintenance vehicle traffic was fairly heavy during my survey. Waterbirds were distributed unevenly in the ponds; most species were in the northwest and eastern ponds. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, White-faced Ibis (1), Bonaparte's Gull (33), Herring Gull (1) and Barn Swallow (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 1 (m) nw pond.

American Wigeon 1 (m) nw pond.

Mallard 2 (m,f) nw pond.

Northern Shoveler 1,200 (m,f) mostly nw and eastern ponds and embankments; flighty.

Redhead 1 (m) resting, e pond.

Ruddy Duck 80 (m,f) nw and e ponds.

Eared Grebe 5 nw and e ponds.

Western Grebe 1 on embankment, e pond.

White-faced Ibis 1 on embankment with gulls, central-east ponds (partial photo, see below).

American Coot 50 nw and east ponds.

Killdeer 2 fly, call central-e levees.

Bonaparte's Gull 33 swimming in a tight flock, ne pond.

Ring-billed Gull 12 (ad, imm) on levee with CAGU, central-e (photo).

California Gull 85 ( 75% adult) on levee and in pond, e (photo).

Herring Gull 1 HY on levee with CAGU (photo).

California Gull (ad & imm) and HY Herring Gull (center) and Ring-billed Gull (imm), Lancaster Sewage TF, LACO, November 9, 2011

Common Raven 10 on levees and edges of ponds.

Horned Lark 10 adjacent fields, s.

Barn Swallow 1 flying over adjacent field and s-central pond.

European Starling 5 ne.

Savannah Sparrow 2 weedy catchment basin, nw.

White-crowned Sparrow 5 weedy catchment basin, nw.

Brewer's Blackbird 30 (m,f) levees and edges of ponds.

OCTOBER 14, 2011 (26 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy. 63F to 72F; no wind.

Time: 0900 - 1056 hrs.

Area Covered: After signing in at the maintenance building in the northwest corner of the facility, I drove on the levee of the northwestern catchment basin, now a ruderal field grown to numerous exotics, such as Russian Thistle (Salsola iberica), Salt Cedar (Tamarix sp.) and grasses (Bromus spp). A small patch of tules (Schoenoplectus acutus ) in the southwest corner next to an inlet was the site where marsh birds (e.g. Marsh Wren and Song Sparrow) were found. I also walked around the northwest pond and drove the levees around the entire facility. There was only one maintenance truck on the main, east-west levee during my survey. Conditions were good for finding and identifying birds.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 200 (m,f) most were flushed from the embankment of the northeastern pond; several swimming with NOSH.

American Wigeon 4 (m,f) swimming with NOSH and RUDU, nw.

Mallard 6 (m,f) with NOSH, nw.

Cinnamon Teal 1 (m) dabbling at edge of pond, nw.

Northern Shoveler 2,500 (m,f) dense flocks swimming, dabbling throughout the facility, especially e.

Ruddy Duck 80 (m,f) swimming in center of most ponds.

Eared Grebe 120 swimming in most ponds.

American Coot 60 edge of pond, nw, e.

American Avocet 1 edge of levee, e.

Killdeer 10 on levee and edge of ponds, nw.

Least Sandpiper 60 foraging in small flocks (8-12 birds) at edge of ponds, nw.

Least Sandpiper, nw Lancaster Sewage TF, October 14, 2011

Black Phoebe 1 low perch, nw catchment basin.

Western Kingbird 1 flying along eastern border of the facility.

Common Raven 10 on levee and flying over, nw, w.

Horned Lark 10 foraging on adjacent side of levee, n.

Marsh Wren 2 in patch of tules, nw catchment basin; calls.

European Starling 2 flying over, nw.

American Pipit 1 fly, calls, nw.

Common Yellowthroat 1 (m) in tamarisk, calls.nw

Savannah Sparrow 12 in weedy field and on levess throughout (photo).

Savannah Sparrow nw Lancaster Sewage TF, October 14, 2011.

Song Sparrow 2 in tules and weeds; calls. nw (photo).

Song Sparrow nw Lancaster Sewage TF, October 14, 2011

Lincoln's Sparrow 5 in weeds and tules, nw (photo)

Lincoln's Sparrow nw Lancaster Sewage TF, October 14, 2011

White-crowned Sparrow 16 foraging on ground in weedy area; calls and song, nw (photo).

White-crowned Sparrow ( Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii) nw Lancaster Sewage TF, October 14, 2011

Brewer's Blackbird 18 (m,f) on levees and edge of ponds.

House Finch 3 (m,f) in weedy area, calls, nw.

House Sparrow 1 foraging on ground in weedy area, nw.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 (23 Species)

Weather: Fair; 72F, no wind.

Time: 0735 -0900 hrs.

Area Covered: After signing in at the nw maintenance building, I drove a counter-clockwise route around the perimeter of the ponds, beginning from the central west levee (instead of my usual start at the nw corner). This route afforded good lighting when viewing the eastern and northwestern ponds. Traffic around the facility was fairly heavy. Conditions were otherwise good for locating birds on the levees and in the ponds. The largest concentrations of waterbirds were in the southeastern, eastern and northwestern ponds. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, American White Pelican (1), Black-bellied Plover (1), Snowy Plover (3), and Baird's Sandpiper (4), Red-necked Phalarope (250). Wilson's Phalarope, the most abundant phalarope in my August 28, 2011 survey (see below), was not found today. Nor were there any Western Sandpipers, gulls or terns found at the sewage ponds today.

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 40 (m,f) edges of the ponds; swimming.

Northern Shoveler 1,200 (m,f) most swimming, dabbling; some resting on levee; very flighty.

Ruddy Duck 90 (m,f alt., bsc. plmg.) resting in eastern ponds.

Eared Grebe 10 (bsc. plmg.) swimming, e, nw.

American White Pelican 1 resting on levee, central-north.

American Coot 7 resting together on the edge of the levee, n-central.

Black-bellied Plover 1 (imm) foraging at the water line; running ahead of me on the levee; fly (photo).

Black-bellied Plover (immature) Lancaster sewage ponds, LACO , CA September 8, 2011

Snowy Plover 3 on levee, nw (photo).

Snowy Plover, LSP, September 8, 2011

Killdeer 6 on levee, w, nw.

American Avocet 3 ( 2 ad, 1 imm) two adults with a half-grown young bird, edge of levee, e.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 foraging at edge of water, e.

Least Sandpiper 40 (ad, imm) foraging at edge of water throughout the facility.

Baird's Sandpiper 4 (imm) foraging at the edge of the water, e, nw.

Red-necked Phalarope 200 (conservative. estimate) spinnning in loose flocks, s, se, nw.

Mourning Dove 1 flying s, grassy field, s.

Say's Phoebe 1 landed on construction fence, w.

Common Raven 12 on levee, s.

Horned Lark 30 flocks in adjacent ruderal fields and bare ground; levees and edge of water.

Barn Swallow 2 flying low over pond, w.

European Starling 2 on utility wires, w.

Sage Sparrow 1 on chain-link fence, s.

Brewer's Blackbird 20 (m,f) foraging on edge of levees, s, e, n.

Brown-headed Cowbird 6 (imm) a cohesive flock on the levee with BRBL, e.

AUGUST 28, 2011 (26 Species)

Weather: Fair. 73F; no wind.

Time: 0706 - 0937 hrs.

Area Covered: After signing in at the nw maintenance building, I drove the main levees around the north and central ponds. Only one maintenance vehicle was being used on the levees during the survey. Hundreds of sandpipers and other water birds were found throughout the ponds.. Species of seasonal and/or distributional interest included: Sanderling (1); Baird's Sandpiper (3); Pectoral Sandpiper (1); Snowy Plover (5) and Willet (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 3 (f) flew into nw pond.

Mallard 40 (m,f) scattered around pond complex.

Northern Shoveler 1,200 (m,f) crowded and flighty in eastern and southern ponds.

Ruddy Duck 3 (m,f) swimming, nw.

American Coot 1 swimming in s pond with NOSH.

Killdeer 6 levees, w.

Snowy Plover 5 (ad, imm) running on levees, w, nw.

American Avocet 60 (ad, imm) resting on levees; swimming.

Willet 1 (imm) resting, calls, on levee (photo).

Spotted Sandpiper 2 foraging at water line, e and nw.

Sanderling 1 (imm) foraging at water line with WESA and LESA; flying (photo).

Western Sandpiper 120 (ad, imm) foraging at water line throughout the pond complex (photo).

Least Sandpiper 400 (ad, imm) foraging at the water line throughout the pond complex.

Baird's Sandpiper 3 (imm) foraging at water line; resting on levee together, nw (photo).

Baird's Sandpiper (immatures) with LESA in middle, LSP 28 August, 2011

Pectoral Sandpiper 1 flushed from main levee at edge of water, nw.

Red-necked Phalarope 60 (bsc. plmg.) occasionally swimming with WIPH but usually keeping separate, nw (photo).

Wilson's Phalarope 350 (bsc. plmg.) present in most ponds (photo).

California Gull 13 (ad; C1, C2) restiing on main levee; swimming in w-central pond.

Common Raven 6 on levee, s.

Horned Lark 20 on levee and at the water line, nw.

Barn Swallow 10 flying around w buildings and marshy catchment basin, nw.

Bewick's Wren 1 in marshy catchment basin with young salt cedars.

European Starling 8 flying around buildings, w, e.

Red-winged Blackbird 1 (imm) in tall shrubs, marshy catchment basin.

Brewer's Blackbird 30 (m,f) on levees and at water line throughout pond complex.

House Finch 8 on levee next to marshy catchment basin, nw.

AUGUST 14, 2011 (25 Species)

Weather: Fair. 65f to 83 F. Winds WSW 2-5 mph.

Time: 0710 - 0830 hrs.

Area Covered: After signing in at the nw maintenance building, I drove on the main levees around the entire sewage pond facility, including side trips on smaller levees in the northwest corner. No other vehicles were present during my survey; conditions were excellent for locating and identifying birds. A binocular and scope were used for the surveys.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 5 (m,f) swimming, se pond.

Mallard 80 (m,f; imm) swimming; resting on levees.

Northern Shoveler 8 (f) swimming, dabbling; very flighty, se.

Ruddy Duck 6 (m, f alt. bsc. plmg.) resting, se pond.

Great Blue Heron 1 (imm) on s levee.

Killdeer 6 on levees, nw, se.

Wilson's Phalarope 400 (bsc. plmg.) swimming, foraging on surface insects in most ponds, esp. nw and se.

Red-necked Phalarope 8 (bsc. plmg.) swimming, foraging, se pond.

American Avocet 80 (ad, imm: 98/2%) levees everywhere; calls, protection displays.

Black-necked Stilt 4 flushed from main levee, nw.

Willet 5 resting on levee, se.

Western Sandpiper 2 (imm) forgaging at water line, nw.

Least Sandpiper 18 (ad, imm) foraging at water line, nw, se.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 (bsc. plmg.) foraging at water line, se.

Ring-billed Gull 4 (ad) on levee, nw, se.

California Gull 30 (all ages; 50% ad) levees, nw, se.

Forster's Tern 2 (ad, alt. plmg.) resting together at water line, se.

Mourning Dove 1 flushed from levee, sw.

Common Raven 18 on levees, s, ne.

European Starling 10 (ad, imm) around buildings, ne.

Horned Lark 15 on levees and adjacent open areas, nw, s.

Barn Swallow 12 flying low over ponds; on utility lines, nw, ne.

Brewer's Blackbird 25 (m,f) small flocks on levees and at the water line, nw, e.

House Finch 5 on fence, w.

House Sparrow 2 calls, fly, buildings, w.

JULY 20, 2011 (19 Species)

Weather: Fair; 77F. Winds WSW 2-5 mph.

Time: 0837-0937 hrs.

Area Covered: After signing in at the nw maintenance building, I drove the main levee road forming the perimeter of the ponds. Some traffic on the e-w levee prohibited stopping for long on the north side without turning onto a side levee as an alternate route. Winds subsided during the survey; conditions were good for finding birds in the facility. About 150 Wilson's Phalarope were confined to the east-central pond.Other waterbirds, e.g. Mallard, Avocet, Snowy Plover, were concentrated in the northwestern pond.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 10 (ad, imm) swimming in the nw and e-central ponds.

Mallard 60 (ad, imm) nw and e-central ponds.

Ruddy Duck 20 e-central pond.

Least Sandpiper 15 edge of ponds, nw.

Marbled Godwit 1 (imm) on levee, nw.

Wilson's Phalarope 150 (bsc.and trans. alt.) loose flocks swimming, e-central pond (photo).

Killdeer 10 on levees, nw.

Snowy Plover 2 together on a side levee, nw.

American Avocet 80 (ad; imm) ubiquitous, vocal.

Black-necked Stilt 12 on levees, nw.

California Gull 1 (C2) flying, e-central.

European Starling 25 (ad, imm) edge of ponds, e-central.

Common Raven 6 central ponds.

Horned lark 6 on ground, nw.

Tree Swallow 1 on utility line, ne.

Barn Swallow 8 flying; on utility line, ne.

Red-winged Blackbird 2 weedy catchment basin, nw.

Brewer's Blackbird 8 nw.

House Sparrow 8 around buildings, nw.

JULY 9, 2011 (15 Species)

Weather: Fair; 89F; winds WSW 8-10 mph.

Time: 1042 - 1143 hrs.

Area Covered: After signing in at the nw maintenance building, I drove the levees around the northern ponds, surveying several ponds twice with a 10x42 binocular. Relatively few waterbirds were found; American Avocet continues to breed sucessfully here.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 1 swimming, nw pond.

Mallard 30 (ad, imm) swimming in nw ponds.

Killdeer 5 on levees.

American Avocet 50 (ad, imm) scattered on levees; injured wing display, alarm calls.

Black-necked Stilt 3 (ad) on levee, nw.

Least Sandpiper 6 foraging at edge of water in splash zone, nw.

Ring-billed Gull (ad, imm) 11 on levee, nw.

California Gull 8 (ad, imm) on levee with RBGU.

Common Raven 2 flying over ponds.

Horned Lark 2 (ad, imm) edge of water.

European Starling 30 (ad, imm) foraging on levee and edge of water.

Barn Swallow 4 flying low over ponds and weedy catchment basin, nw.

Red-winged Blackbird 2 in tules, nw catchment basin.

Brewer's Blackbird 30 (m,f; imm) foraging on levees and edge of water.

Brown-headed Cowbird 1 (imm) following BRBL at edge of water.

JUNE 14, 2011 (16 Species)

Weather: Fair; 85F; no wind.

Time: 0934-1009 hrs.

Area Covered: After signing in at the nw maintenance facility, I drove slowly around the ponds in the northwest portion of the original Lancaster Sewage Pond Facility at the swc of Avenue D and Sierra HWY (see May 11, 2009 survey for a map). This part of the facility appeared to have most of the birdllife, as is usually the case. My survey also included distant views of adjacent (south) ponds and the marshy catchment basin at the northwest corner. There were no other vehicles on the levees during my survey. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Whimbrel (1) and Snowy Plover (4). Additionally, several young Gadwall and American Avocet were present, indicating successful breeding of those species at the sewage ponds.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 20 (m,f; imm) on levees and in ponds; one pair swimming, followed by about 12 small immatures, nw.

Mallard 20 (m,f) one fem with several young.

Ruddy Duck 6 (m,f) nw.

Clark's Grebe 1 picking insects from water surface, nw.

Killdeer 2 edge of levee, nw.

Snowy Plover 4 on southern levee, nw.

Black-necked Stilt 18 on north-south oriented levee, nw.

American Avocet 60 (m,f; imm) adults on levees with small and half-grown immatures; also swimming

Whimbrel 1 on 2nd north-south levee, nw.

California Gull 2 (C2, C3) on s levee, nw.

Common Raven 4 on south side of facility.

Horned Lark 28 edge of levees and open areas, nw.

Barn Swallow 4 flying low over ponds; probably nesting in local buildings.

European Starling 4 in open, ruderal field, nw.

Red-winged Blackbird 2 (m,f) marshy catchment basin, nw.

Brewer's Blackbird 12 (m,f, imm) on levees.

JUNE 5, 2011 (16 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy; 55F; winds WSW 5 -7 mph.

Time: 0935 - 1035 hrs.

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I.

Area Covered: After signing in at the maintenance building in the nw corner of the facility, we drove the levees around the northwestern and northeastern portions of the ponds, surveying birds with binoculars and a DSLR camera. Relatively few waterbirds were found. An adult coyote was seen on the nw levee; startled by our presence, it fled northward onto a tall berm of the new pond complex. At least 32 American Avocet were found; about twenty appeared to be nesting on the last north-south running levee before the eastern border. Three young birds were running along the main east-west levee in this vicinity. The only relatively unusual species found today was Sanderling (2) on the levee in the nw section (photos).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 10 (m,f) pairs on levees and swimming.

Mallard 3 swimming in ponds; one f with small young.

Ruddy Duck 3 (m,f) swimming in pond.

American Avocet 32 ad, imm(3); vocal, active breeding colony on levees.

Snowy Plover 2 (alt. plmg.) a pair staying together on levee, nw.

Killdeer 2 on levee, nw.

Sanderling 2 staying together on levee (photo) ; flew out over pond and circled back to the levee when approached (photo).

California Gull 1 (C2) flying over nw pond.

Common Raven 3 flying around buildings and s ponds.

Horned Lark 20 on levees and edge of ponds.

Tree Swallow 2 flying over pond; on levee and utility wire, ne.

Barn Swallow 6 flying low over ponds; one on levee next to TRSW.

European Starling 4 around buildings, ne and levees.

Red-winged Blackbird 2 (m) 1 m chasing a raven above marsh-weed catchment basin, nw.

Brewer's Blackbird 8 (m,f) foraging on levee and edge of pond, ne.

House Finch 6 around buildings, w.

MAY 25, 26 & 28, 2011 (26 Species)

Weather: Fair; 59F, wind WSW 1 - 2 mph (5/25); Fair, 72F, wind W 20 - 30 mph.(5/26); Fair; 61F wind WSW 25-30 mph.

Time: 0650 - 0807 hrs.(5/25); 1320 -1400 hrs (5/26); 0928-1007 hrs.

Observers: myself (5/25); Merissa Mendez and I (5/26); Ethan Yorke and I (5/28)

Area Covered: 5/25: After signing in at the nw maintenance building, I drove slowly and walked on the levees surrrounding the northwest ponds. Conditions were excellent for finding and identifying birds. A search for Arctic Tern, reported here yesterday by Todd McGrath, failed to produce this rare visitant to the Antelope Valley. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found this morning included: Willet, Semipalmated Plover, Snowy Plover and Bonaparte's Gull. 5/26: After I signed in, we drove the same route as I covered yesterday in addition to going to the east end of the main access levee. Most of the same bird species found yesterday were seen again today; the Arctic Tern, initially found on 5/24, then reported here again yesterday (5/25) at around noon by Jim Moore, was not seen by us today. Three additional species were noted today, including Sanderling (photo), Whimbrel and Black Tern. Strong winds whipped up waves that splashed onto the n-s running levees (and over the top of our vehicle), together with gritty dust clouds from adjacent construction areas. On 5/28, weather conditions were similar to those on 5/26; most of the same bird species were found. In addition, we obtained excellent views of an adult Arctic Tern continuing at this location and foraging in the northwest pond (photo).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 12 (m,f) pairs swimming together in 4 ponds; a few resting on levees.

Mallard 20 (m,f) swimming in 4 ponds; resting on levees.

Redhead 4 two pair swimming in nw pond.

Ruddy Duck 5 (m,f) swimming in nw pond.

White-faced Ibis (alt. plmg.) 7 resting on nw levee; 20 flying nw.

Semi-palmated Plover 4 (alt., bsc. plmg.) together on nw levee.

Snowy Plover 1 running along nw levee.

Killdeer 6 on all levees; calls.

American Avocet 20 (m,f; alt. plmg.) vocal, broken wing display; swimming and resting on levees.

Black-necked Stilt (alt. plmg.) running on nw levee.

Spotted Sandpiper 4 (alt. plmg.) foraging at water line of nw levees.

Sanderling 11 ( bsc. and trans. alt plmg.) a tight flock initially flushed from main levee then landed again on sw levee (photo)

Willet 1 (bsc. plmg.) on edge of levee (photo); flew w across pond; calls.

Whimbrel 1 resting on nw levee.

Bonaparte's Gull 4 (ad, imm; 1 alt; 3 bsc. plmg) ) foraging on pond surface, nw (photo).

Ring-billed Gull 4 (ad, imm) on levee.

California Gull 5 (ad, imm) on levee.

Caspian Tern 3 flying over nw pond; calls.

Black Tern 1 flying low over splash zone, nw-central pond.

Arctic Tern 1 (adult alt. plmg.) foraging by dipping into the water while flying into the wind over the nw pond (photo). This record (first reported by Todd McGrath) is evidently only the second record for Arctic Tern in the Antelope Valley; the first was obtained on June 1, 1980, by Kimball Garrett at Lake Los Angeles, which has been completely dry for about 25 years.

Common Raven 3 on levee and edge of water.

Horned Lark 3 on levee.

Barn Swallow 4-10 flying low over nw ponds and weedy catchment basin.

Cliff Swallow 1 flying low over nw levee (5/28).

Red-winged Blackbird 2 (m) foraging on insects at edge of pond; in weedy catchment basin; calls.

Brewer's Blackbird 1 (f) foraging at edge of nw pond.

House Finch 2 around maintenance buildings, w.

MAY 4, 2011 (20 Species)

Weather: Fair; 55F; no wind.

Time: 0735 - 0830 hrs.

Area Covered: I signed in at the maintenance building, NWC of the Lancaster Waste Water Treatment Facility (the original Lancaster sewage ponds), and drove around two nw ponds, avoiding traffic on the main east-west levee. I did not cover the other ponds in this facility this morning, due to traffic on the levees and limited time before my biology lab class. I used a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera for the survey. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found this morning included, Redhead - continuing; Lesser Scaup - continuing; Red-necked Phalarope, Whimbrel and Franklin's Gull.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 20 (m,f) on levees and in ponds.

Mallard 18 (m,f) on levees and in ponds.

Northern Shoveler 3 (m,f) on levee and in ponds.

Lesser Scaup 2 (m,f) - continuing - in pond.

Redhead 3 (m,f) - continuing - on levee and in pond.

Ruddy Duck 40 (m,f) alt. plmg. in pond.

American Coot 4 in pond.

American Avocet 20 (m,f) alt. plmg. open wing display, calls; on levee and in ponds.

Whimbrel 4 on levee.

Least Sandpiper 60 foraging at the water lines.

Western Sandpiper 8 fly, landing on levee.

Red-necked Phalarope 30 (alt. plmg.) a tight flock foraging in the nw pond.

Killdeer 1 on levee.

Ring-billed Gull 7 (ad, imm) on levee.

California Gull 2 (ad, imm) on levee.

Franklin's Gull 7 (alt. plmg.) both nw ponds; two on levee; flew to pond; flock vocalizing, flighty and staying together; snatching aerial insects (photos).

European Starling 3 (1 imm) on levee and in weedy catchment basin.

Common Raven 4 flying around facility

Barn Swallow 2 flying low over ponds and levees.

Red-winged Blackbird 2 (m,f) in weedy catchment basin.

APRIL 27, 2011 (25 Species)

Weather: Fair; 57F to 62F; Winds WNW 2-15 mph.

Time: 0745 - 0947 hrs.

Area Covered: After signing in at the main office, I drove around the northern ponds, beginning and ending with the northwest pond. Traffic from maintenance vehicles on the east-west levee, forced me to stay on side levees, mainly in the northwestern section. This area seemed to have the greatest variety and abundance of waterbirds. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included: Blue-winged Teal and Red-necked Phalarope. More than 100 Least and Western Sandpipers were feeding at the waterlines, both within and outside the wave-splash zone. A 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera were used for the survey.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 14 (m,f) on levee and in nw pond.

Mallard 16 (m,f) on levees and in ponds.

Blue-winged Teal 2 (m,f) a pair foraging at the edge of the nw pond.

Northern Shoveler 10 (m,f) in nw and ne ponds.

Redhead 3 (m,f) in nw pond.

Lesser Scaup 2 (m,f ) in nw pond.

Ruddy Duck 120 (m,f) in nw and ne ponds.

American Coot 8 in nw pond and nw grassy area.

American Avocet 13 on levee, nw, n.

Black-necked Stilt 27 on levee, nw, n.

Western Sandpiper 80 (alt. plmg.) foraging at waterlines, nw pond; 2 SY bsc. plmg, slighly smaller, paler and shorter-billed than nearby adult WESA (Photos A, B)..

Least Sandpiper 120 foraging at waterline in nw and n ponds.

Red-necked Phalarope 7 (alt. plmg.) foraging in nw pond (photo).

Ring-billed Gull 6 (ad, imm) on levee and in nw pond.

California Gull 20 (ad, imm) on levee and circling above nw pond.

Forster's Tern 10 (alt. plmg.) arriving near the end of the survey on levee of nw pond (photo).

Common Raven 4 flying around buildings, w.

Tree Swallow 1 flying over nw pond.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 flying low over nw pond.

Barn Swallow 3 flying low over nw pond.

European Starling 2 around buildings, w.

American Pipit 3 edge of levees, n.

Red-winged Blackbird 3 (m,f) grassy area, nw.

Brewer's Blackbird 2 edge of levee, n.

APRIL 24, 2011 (26 Species)

Weather: Fair; 56F; WNW winds 15 -30 mph.

Time: 0815 - 1100 hrs.

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I.

Area Covered: After signing in, we drove around the original Lancaster Sewage Treatment ponds north of Avenue D and west of Sierra Hwy. We stopped at several locations (e.g. nw ponds and ne pond) to observe and photograph birds on levees and in open water. We used a 35-55x scope, 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera for the survey. No other people were present in the survey area. Increasing winds created hazardous splash zones along the north-south levees, forcing us to stay in the vehicle for most of the survey. Migratory waterbirds were abundant (e.g. Western Sandpiper and Least Sandpiper); Red-necked Phalarope (3) was found on the nw pond. The latter species had apparently been altogether missed by birders covering the ponds during the past two days of the ABC event.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 24 (m,f) on levees and along edges of ponds, nw, ne, se.

Mallard 14 (m,f) as above.

Northern Shoveler 21 (m,f) in ponds, nw, ne.

Lesser Scaup 4 (m,f) one male diving in ne pond.

Ruddy Duck 55 (m,f) most in alt. plmg.

Eared Grebe 4 (alt. plmg.) edge of ne pond.

American Coot 21 swimming near edges and in middle of ponds, nw, ne.

Semipalmated Plover 4 on levees, nw, e.

Killdeer 3 on levee, nw, e.

Spotted Sandpiper 2 (alt. plmg.) on levee, n, e.

Western Sandpiper 90 (alt. plmg.) on levees; foraging at edge of ponds, nw, n, e (photo).

Least Sandpiper 110 (alt. plmg.) on levees and foraging at edge of ponds, nw, n, ne, e (photo).

Black-necked Stilt 3 on levee, e.

American Avocet 6 on levee and in pond, nw, ne.

Red-necked Phalarope 3 (alt. and trans. alt. plmg.) flew into nw pond; close enough for an ID (photo).

Whimbrel 1 on levee, nw (photo).

Ring-billed Gull 9 (ad; C1, C2) on levees, nw.

Mew Gull 1 (C1) resting on levee with CAGU; noted about 30% smaller than nearby CAGU; long wings largely transluscent in flight, intially drawing my attention; light brown, worn primaries; brownish wing coverts; medium gray mantle. Wide black tail band. Bill medium flesh-pink, with black tip. Legs flesh-pink. Overall size and other features suggest RIGU; small bill and long wings, European Mew Gull (photos). Mew Gull is an additional species for this year's LA County ABC event.

Common Raven 10 flying around facility.

Tree Swallow 40 flying low, dipping on water surface, nw.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4 flying low over pond, nw.

Cliff Swallow 3 flying low over ponds with other swallows, nw.

Barn Swallow 10 flying low over ponds with other swallows, nw.

European Starling 2 around buildings, w.

American Pipit 5 on and below levees, nw, e.

Red-winged Blackbird 2 weed-filled basin, nw.

Brewer's Blackbird 5 on levee, nw, e.

FEBRUARY 23, 2011 (13 Species)

Weather: Fair; 47F; winds W 2-5 mph.

Time: 0745 - 0830 hrs.

Area Covered: I drove on the perimeter levees of the originial Avenue D sewage treatment facility (north of Avenue D, west of Sierra HWY), beginning and ending at the office building in the northwest corner. Most of the birds were in the northwest and southeast ponds. A binocular and DSLR camera was used. Birds of seasonal/distributional interest found and photographed today were: Snow Goose (11) and Ross's Goose (2). No sandpipers were found in the facility during the survey.

BIRDS NOTED

Snow Goose 11 (1 imm) feeding on grass sprouts in yard on north side of ponds flew off to southeast( right side of photo).

Ross's Goose 2 (ad) feeding together with SNGO; flew off to southeast( left side of photo).

Mallard 60 (m,f) most in the northwest ponds on levee at first then into the water.

Gadwall 8 (m,f) mixed in with NOSH and MALA.

Northern Shoveler 200 (m,f) northwest levees and ponds; southeast ponds.

Bufflehead 3 (m) se ponds.

Ruddy Duck 50 northwest and southeast ponds.

Eared Grebe 1 (bsc. plmg.) e pond.

American Coot 120 scattered in ponds throughout facility.

Killdeer 3 brushy, dry pond, northwest.

Ring-billed Gull 2 flying, dipping, w pond.

California Gull 10 (ad, imm) on levee, nw; flying.

Herring Gull 2 (ad, imm) on levee, nw.

NOVEMBER 4, 2010 (21 Species)

Weather: Fair; 47F, no wind. Temperature range over the past week in the Antelope Valley, 40F to 80F.

Time: 0755- 0850 hrs.

Area Covered: After signing in at the nw operation building, I drove slowly along the peripheral and internal levees, covering most of the ponds, levees, and adjacent ruderal seepages. Traffic on the main e-w levee was light. Northern Shoveler was the most abundant bird present, with numbers estimated at 1,200.

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 12 on e-central levee.

Mallard 2 (m,f) edge of n pond.

Gadwall 20 (m,f) together in n-central pond.

Northern Shoveler 1,200 (est.) (m,f) dabbling and resting in most ponds, esp. sw.

American Wigeon 1 (f) on nw levee.

Ruddy Duck 200 scattered over several ponds.

Eared Grebe 60 scattered over several ponds.

American Coot 20 scattered over several ponds.

Least Sandpiper 4 nw levee.

California Gull 3 (C2,3,4) on nw levee.

Ring-billed Gull 1 (C2) nw levee.

Rock Dove 2 flying around s-central edge of facility.

American Pipit 1 outside of nw pond at bottom of the levee.

Common Raven 10 w and s sections of the facility.

Yellow-rumped Warbler 8 ruderal areas; foraging in shrubs and on ground.

White-crowned Sparrow 5 (ad, imm) ruderal edge near entry road.

Song Sparrow 2 nw weedy-marshy area.

Red-winged Blackbird 5 (m,f) ruderal, weedy marshy area, nw.

Brewer's Blackbird 20 (m,f) ruderal areas around the facility.

House Finch 8 (m,f) ruderal edge of facility.

House Sparrow 14 (m) ruderal edges of facility.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2010 (17 Species)

Weather: Fair, 61F; no wind.

Time: 0735 - 0845 hrs.

Area Covered: I signed in at the NW corner office of the Lancaster Sewage Treatment Facility and drove slowly along the northern and central levees covering most of the ponds with a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. No other vehicles were on the levee during the survey. Conditions were excellent for finding birds. Most of the ducks (i.e. Northern Shoveler) were on the ponds in the southern half of the facility.

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 150 (m,f) scattered over the ponds; msf with NS.

Northern Shoveler (m,f) 1,200 large, flighy flocks in southern and eastern ponds.

Redhead 8 (m,f) tight flock in eastern pond.

Ruddy Duck 40 (m,f) scattered on eastern pond.

Eared Grebe 5 (bsc. plmg.) eastern ponds.

Killdeer 4 on levee, NW.

Least Sandpiper 5 edge of water, central and NW.

Red-necked Phalarope 30 (bsc. plmg.) NE pond.

California Gull 20 (1 ad; imm:. C1, C2) on levees, NW and E.

Forster's Tern 2 (ad, imm) on levee, E; flying when I approached (photo).

Horned Lark 10 on levee, NW.

Common Raven 8 flying around; on levee, E-central.

European Starling 10 foraging near shrub on E levee.

Barn Swallow 12 flying low over NW pond and dry marsh.

Bank Swallow 1 flying low over pond and marsh, NW.

Savannah Sparrow 1 flushed from roadside weeds, NW.

Brewer's Blackbird 4 on levee, NW.

AUGUST 25, 2010 (23 Species)

Weather: Fair, 84-88F; no wind.

Time: 0910-1015 hrs.

Observers: Ethan Yorke and I.

Area Covered: After signing in at the northwest entrance, we drove the levees around all but the southwestern corner, surveying with a binocular and DSRL camera. A couple of maintenance vehicles were travelling on the levees; otherwise the ponds were undisturbed and conditions very good for identifying birds.

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 20 (m,f) open water and on levees throughout.

Northern Shoveler 250 (conserv. est.) most crowded on western ponds; about 50 on E pond, dabbling and resting on floating objects.

Gadwall 4 (m,f) E pond; flying.

Cinnamon Teal 4 (m,f) S pond.

Ruddy Duck 5 (m,f; alt. plmg.) E pond.

Pied-billed Grebe 1 E pond

Eared Grebe 1 (alt. plmg.) E pond.

Snowy Plover 2 on levee, W.

Black-bellied Plover 1 (trans. plmg,) levee, NW.

Killdeer 5 on levee , NW.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 SE levee near water; flying.

Least Sandpiper 15 levee and foraging at water-line, NW and E.

Red-necked Phalarope 30 (bsc. plmg) E pond with WP.

Wilson's Phalarope 120 (bsc. plmg.) E pond.

Bonaparte's Gull 2 (ad, imm) E and NW levee.

Ring-billed Gull 3 (ad, imm) E levee and pond.

California Gull 25 (ad, imm) mostly E pond and levees.

Common Raven 20 levees, S and SE.

Barn Swallow 7 around maintenance building with open door, NW.

Tree Swallow 2 flying low over W pond.

Horned Lark 6 on NW levees.

Brewer's Blackbird 20 (m,f) levees, W and E.

Brown-headed Cowbird 10 (m,f; imm) E and NW levees.

AUGUST 22, 2010 (20 Species)

Weather: Fair, 73 to 76F; winds WNW 5-10 mph.

Time: 0745-0950 hrs.

Area Covered: I drove the levees beginning at the northwest entrance to LSTF, surveying primarily the northern, northwest and northeastern ponds, using a binocular, scope and DSLR camera. Only one maintenance vehicle was being used on the eastern boundary of the survey area. Conditions were good for finding birds, except toward the end ot the survey when wind-driven waves on the eastern shorelines made observations a little more difficult. One species, Red Knot, reported to have been seen here by Kumaran this morning, was not found.

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 20 (m,f) most along the edges of the western and central-eastern ponds.

Northern Shoveler 120 (m,f) large, flighty flocks in central and eastern ponds.

Ruddy Duck 20 (alt. plm.) eastern pond.

Killdeer 6 on levee, W and W-central.

Snowy Plover 1 on levee, W.

Least Sandpiper 20 foraging along shoreline of most levees; especially in splash zones.

Baird's Sandpiper 1 (ad) foraging on shoreline, E-central pond.

Red-necked Phalarope 30 (bsc. plmg.) foraging in E ponds; intermixed with Wilson's Phalaropes.

Wilson's Phalarope 130 (bsc. plmg.) foraging in E ponds

California Gull 25 (ad, imm) levees, W and E; one first-second cycle bird with an above-average bill length ( by about 15%).

Ring-billed Gull 10 (ad, imm) levees, W and E.

Bonaparte's Gull 3 (bsc. plmg.) on E levee and foraging in pond.

Caspian Tern 1 (ad ) with Calif. Gulls on E levee.

Tree Swallow 6 (ad, imm) flying low over W and E ponds; on utility wire, NE.

Barn Swallow 10 flying low over ponds.

Common Raven 6 flying around W side and on S levees.

Horned Lark 6 on W levees and along shoreline.

Brewer's Blackbird 20 (ad) on levees and shorelines throughout.

Brown-headed Cowbird 3 (imm) on E shoreline and levee.

House Sparrow 1 on W levee.

AUGUST 8, 2010 (22 Species)

Weather: Fair 66F; no wind.

Time: 0730-0900 hrs.

Area Covered: After signing the log book at the LWTF northwest entrance, I drove the levee roads around all of the ponds, surveying birds both in and out of the vehicle using a 10x42 binocular, spotting scope and DSLR camera. One maintenance vehicle passed by during the survey. Conditions were excellent for finding and photographing birds. Notable birds found and photographed here this morning included, Herring Gull, Bonaparte's Gull and Bank Swallow.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 3 (f, imm) flying over E ponds.

Mallard 80 (ad, imm) in most of the ponds.

Ruddy Duck 20 mostly in SE pond.

Great Egret 2 flying W over the ponds.

Least Sandpiper 20 edge of levees throughout.

Killdeer 5 western levees.

American Avocet 8 western levees.

Ring-billed Gull 4 (ad, imm) E levee.

California Gull 8 ( ad; imm: 1st cycle: photo) W and E levees (photo)

Larus sp. (possibly argentatus) 1 (juvenile) W levee (photo).

Bonaparte's Gull 1 (bsc. plmg) E levee; flushed to pond (photo).

American Coot 2 E pond.

Common Raven 12 S and W levees.

Horned Lark 6 N levees.

Tree Swallow 10 dipping into NW pond.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 on utility line, NE corner.

Bank Swallow 3 flying back and forth, low over NW pond (photo).

Cliff Swallow 14 flying back and forth, low over northern ponds.

Barn Swallow 20 flying low over northern ponds; several resting on utility lines.

Brewer's Blackbird 10 on E levees.

House Finch 10 weedy field in NW.

House Sparrow 10 weedy area N-central area near buildings.

AUGUST 2, 2010 (20 Species)

Weather: Fair, 67F; no wind.

Time: 0700-0810 hrs.

Area Covered: Drove onto the levee at the northwest entrance of the Lancaster Sewage Treatment Facility. Drove slowly on the main northern levee, west to east and side levees, ending at the northeastrn corner. Returned the same route. Note: I didn't drive the southern levee sections; those were surveyed from the northern levee using only a 10x42 binocular. A couple of maintenance vehicles were on the main northern levee road during the survey. Otherwise, conditions were excellent for finding birds both on the water and along the edges of the levees.One relatively unusual species in the Antelope Valley, Purple Martin, was found and photographed.

I noticed that my friend and colleague, Mike San Miguel (see photo below), had logged in to the LSTF on July 13, 2010, two days prior to his tragic death in the San Gabriel Mts. I dedicate my bird survey today of the Antelope Valley in honor of Mike's warm friendship, an unwavering enthusiasm for rarities and his outstanding contribution to field ornithology in Southern California.

Mike San Miguel (1939-2010)

BIRDS NOTED

1) Mallard 30 (f; imm) open water and edges of ponds.

2) American Coot 2 edge of pond, W and E.

3) American Avocet 5 levee, W.

4) Black-necked Stilt 1 edge of levee, central-N.

5) Killdeer 2 edge of levee, W.

6) Snowy Plover 2 N-central levee.

7) Least Sandpiper 12 edge of levees.

8) California Gull 8 (imm) N-central levee.

9) Ring-billed Gull 2 (ad; imm) N-central levee.

10) Bonaparte's Gull 1 (basic plmg.) N-central levee with Calif. Gulls.

11) Barn Swallow 6 dipping into W pond.

12) Cliff Swallow 10 on utility lines near a Purple Martin, NE (photo), and flying over ponds, W.

13) Tree Swallow 20 on utility lines, NE.

14) Purple Martin 1 (f) on utility line near Cliff Swallows (c.f. size difference), NE, then flying W; (photos).

15) Common Raven 4 on S levee.

16) European Starling 2 on utility line, NE.

17) Horned Lark 15 on levees.

18) Brewer's Blackbird 16 (m,f; imm) on dirt piles and edge of levees.

19) House Finch 6 on levee, W.

20) Lesser Goldfinch 2 foraging on seeds in short shrub on levee, W.

MAY 12, 2010 (32 Species)

Weather: Fair, 50F; winds WNW 0-2 mph. (winds 20-30 mph during the past two days)

Time: 0721 - 1000 hrs.

Area Covered: After signing in, I drove along the levees of the northern and central ponds, exiting my vehicle and walking slowly in the northwest and northeastern sections. Wind speed gradually reduced to 0 mph by 0900 hrs. Conditions were excellent for finding birds along the edges of the levees and in open water. I spent most of the time out of my vehicle observing birds with a 10 x 42 binocular and making photographs with a DSLR camera. One other birder was present during my survey, driving his sedan slowly along the levees.

BIRDS NOTED

1) Mallard 20 (m,f) on levees and in ponds.

2) Gadwall 10 (m,f) pairs on levee and in ponds.

3) Redhead 3 (m,f) open water, NW pond.

4) Ruddy Duck 35 (m,f alt. plmg.) mostly resting in the NE pond.

5) Eared Grebe 3 (alt. plmg.) NW and NE pond.

6) Cattle Egret 1 flying over NW marshy basin.

7) American Coot 4 in pond near edge, NW.

8) American Avocet 30 (alt. plmg.) most along the levees; a few flushed into the ponds.

9) Black-necked Stilt 6 (alt. plmg.) NE levee.

10) Killdeer 4 in marshy basin and on levee, NW; calls.

11) Snowy Plover 1 (basic plmg.) running along the levee in front of my car, NW.

12) Semipalmated Plover 1 (alt. plmg.) on levee, NW.

13) Black-bellied Plover 1 (alt. plmg.) edge of levee, NW.

14) Long-billed Curlew 2 on levee, NW.

15) Whimbrel 3 flying W across marshy basin.

16) Spotted Sandpiper 12 (alt. plm.) edge of ponds and on levees throughout.

17) Western Sandpiper 6 foraging on levee and edge of water.

18) Least Sandpiper 10 foraging on edge of levee in splash zone.

19) Red-necked Phalarope 2 (trans. alt. plmg.) flew into NW pond; foraging on airborne insects over water (photo).

Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) LSTF, May 12, 2010

20) California Gull 1 (imm) on levee, NW.

21) Bonaparte's Gull 10 (imm and ad) swimming and catching aerial insects over the water, NW and NE (photo).

Bonaparte's Gull (Larus philadelphia) LSTF May 12, 2010

22) Franklin's Gull 1 flying low over NW and NE ponds (photo).

Franklin's Gull (Larus pipixcan) Lancaster Sewage Treatment Facility, May 12, 2010

23) Black Tern 16 (alt. plmg.) flying low over ponds; dipping. Some on levee (photos).

Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) Lancaster Sewage Treatment Facillity May 12, 2010

24) Barn Swallow 40 flying low over ponds and marsh basin.

25) Cliff Swallow 6 resting on NW embankment; flying 10 -20 ft. over ponds.

26) Tree Swallow 10 resting on embankment; flying low over ponds, NW.

27) Rough-winged Swallow on levee and embankment; flying low over ponds. a pair copulating on levee.

28) Bank Swallow 1 flying low over NW pond.

29) Common Raven 6 flying around edges of ponds.

30) European Starling 2 near main gate.

31) Red-winged Blackbird 4 (m,f) in marshy basin; calls.

32) Brewer's Blackbird 2 NW storage and sludge piles.

APRIL 28, 2010 (21 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy (rain last night); 52F; winds WNW 15-20 mph.

Time: 0806 - 0850 hrs.

Area Covered: After signing in, I drove the western and central levees, circling the NW and NE ponds, returning along the middle western levee to the maintenance facilities. I used a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera, twice exiting the car for unobscured views of birds. Recent rains had muddied the roads; waves were splashing onto the N-S levees and onto the car. Most American Avocets and all Northern Shovelers found today were on the leeward side of the N-S levee separating a central pond from the NE pond (western side of Sierra Hwy.). A sludge basin on the western side of the facility attracted a few Least Sandpipers; most were on the central, N-S levees, foraging in the wave spray zone.

Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) Lancaster Sewage Ponds, April 28, 2010

BIRDS NOTED

1) Gadwall 20 (m,f) NW and NE ponds; on levees and in water.

2) Mallard 20 (m,f) one female with 8 chicks swimming along N edge of NE pond.

3) Northern Shoveler 40 (m,f) NE pond.

4) Redhead 4 (m,f) in water, NE pond.

5) Lesser Scaup 1 (m) in water; flying, NE pond.

6) Ruddy Duck 16 (m,f alt plm.) NW and NE pond (most in latter area).

7) Eared Grebe 6 (alt. plm; bsc. plm.) diving, NE pond.

8) Cattle Egret 1 (alt plm.) weedy NW basin.

9) Least Sandpiper 60 on levees, foraging on embankments in splash zones.

10) Western Sandpiper 12 on levees and embankments; splash zone (photo).

11) Dunlin 1 (alt. plm.) on central-W levee with other peeps (photo).

12) Black-bellied Plover 1 (alt. plm.) NE edge of pond.

13) Killdeer 1 in sludge area, W side.

14) American Avocet 30 (alt. plm.) NW levee; NE -central levee; flushed to ponds.

15) American Coot 25 NW and NE pond.

16) California Gull 5 (imm) NW and Central levees.

17) Ring-billed Gull 6 (imm) Central and Central-west Levees; flying and foraging in splash zone.

18) Common Raven 10 flying around the western part of the facility.

19) Barn Swallow 2 flying low over the NW pond.

20) Red-winged Blackbird 3 (m,f) weedy NW basin.

21) Brewer's Blackbird 2 (m,f) western sludge area.

APRIL 23, 2010 (23 Species)

Weather: Fair, 69F; winds W 10-20mph.

Time: 1654 - 1730 hrs.

Area Covered: Drove onto levee from NW corner, and around connecting levees, surveying with binocular the ponds W of Sierra Hwy. Heavy waves on the east edges;kept windows up to avoid overspray, and consequently was unable to get usable photos. Winds and low angle of the sun making observations difficult when returning westward.

BIRDS NOTED

1) Brant 2 on NW levee; flew S when approached.

2) Mallard 10 (m,f) pairs on levees and edge of ponds.

3) Gadwall 4 (m,f) NW pond.

4) Northern Shoveler 30 (m,f) E pond.

5) Lesser Scaup 1 (m) E pond.

6) Ruddy Duck 30 (alt. plm.) W and E ponds

7) Great Egret 1 flying S over ponds.

8) American Coot 10 W and E ponds.

9) Black-bellied Plover 5 (3 alt. plm.) levee, NW.

10) Spotted Sandpiper 3 (bsc. plm.) W edge of ponds, E and W.

11) Least Sandpiper 30 edges, including splash zones, E and W.

12) Baird's Sandpiper 1 levee of E pond with Least Sanpipers. Found and reported here a few days ago by Mike San Miguel.

13) Western Sandpiper 4 (ad, juv) edge of west-central pond.

14) Whimbrel 3 on W levee; flying W when approached.

15) Black-necked Stilt (alt. plm.)1 on levee W.

16) American Avocet 10 (alt. plm.) W levees.

17) California Gull 20 (imm. and 2 ad) on W levee.

18) Ring-billed Gull 2 (imm) on W levee.

19) Common Raven 10 mostly around small treatment ponds near buildings, NW.

20) Tree Swallow 2 flying 40-60 ft, NW.

21) Cliff Swallow 2 10-20 ft. over W ponds.

22) Barn Swallow 5 low over W ponds.

23) Brewer's Blackbird 4 near building on E side.

MARCH 31, 2010 (20 Species)

Weather: Overcast with scattered showers; 52F; WNW winds 15-25 mph.

Time: 1315 - 1420 hrs.

Area Covered: Signed in at the NW office and drove the levees around the west sewage pond complex. High winds drove waves onto to east-facing levees, sometimes splashing the windows of my vehicle. Most birds were found in and adjacent to the north western and eastern ponds.

BIRDS NOTED

1) Mallard 4 (m,f) W marshy area and ponds.

2) Gadwall 6 (m,f) W ponds.

3) Northern Shoveler 35 (m,f) W and E ponds.

4) Lesser Scaup 3 (m) E pond.

5) Ruddy Duck 22 W and E ponds (a few in alt. plumage).

6) American Coot 12 W and E ponds.

7) Killdeer 1 E levee.

8) American Avocet 20 W and E ponds.

9) Black-necked Stilt 12 E edge of pond.

10) Least Sandpiper 10 W and E edges of ponds.

11) Whimbrel 12 flying low over N edge of NW pond.

12) California Gull 60 (ad, imm) on levee and in pond, NW.

13) Ring-billed Gull 3 (ad, imm) on levee, NW.

14) Bonaparte's Gull 1 (ad) basic plumage, E levee.

15) Eared Grebe 1 (ad, alt. plumage) NW pond in high wave-splash zone.

16) Common Raven 12 mostly around small treatment ponds on NW side.

17) Barn Swallow 4 flying low over W and E ponds.

18) Tree Swallow 12 flying low over W and E ponds.

19) Violet Green Swallow 2 flying low over NW and W-central ponds.

20) Brewer's Blackbird 10 E levee.

March 21, 2010 (22 Species)

Weather: Hazy, 57F; no wind.

Time: 0935 - 1040 hrs.

Observers: Dan Byrne and I.

Area Covered: From the NW check-in building, we drove E on the second levee separating the N ponds from the S ponds, continuing around the entire pond complex. We used binoculars and a DSLR camera. Conditions were excellent for finding and identifying birds throughout the facility. According to the sign-in book, no other birders have been at the ponds since about the middle of February of this year.

BIRDS NOTED

1) Gadwall 8 (m,f) NW and N ponds.

2) Mallard 11 (m,f) pairs on N ponds.

3) Northern Shoveler 24 (m,f) foraging in most of the ponds.

4) Redhead 1 (m,) NE pond with Lesser Scaup.

5) Lesser Scaup 7 (m,f) NE pond.

6) Bufflehead 4 (m,f) E pond.

7) Ruddy Duck 89 (m,f) in most of the ponds; 10% in breeding (alternate) plumage.

8) American Coot 53 in most of the ponds.

9) Killdeer 2 NW marsh (empty pond).

10) American Avocet 18 (m,f) on levees (photo) and in NW pond; courtship displays and calls.

11) Least Sandpiper 5 on levee and edge of pond (photos).

Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) at the Lancaster Sewage Ponds

12) California Gull 70 (ad, imm) on N levee; flying.

13) Ring-billed Gull (ad) 4 on N levee with California Gulls.

14) Rock Dove 1 flying on NW side.

15) Black Phoebe 1 SE grassy edge.

16) Common Raven 19 many perched on pipes around small, raised treatment tanks on W side.

17) Barn Swallow 2 flying low over NW marsh.

18) Horned Lark 1 W edge.

19) European Starling 2 W side, construction area with scattered shrubs.

20) White-crowned Sparrow 2 W marsh area.

21) Brewer's Blackbird 4 W side, construction area.

22) Red-winged Blackbird 1 W side, singing.

May 11,13 & 15, 2009 (24 Species)

May, 15 (Friday)

Weather: Fair, 85F; wind 0-5mph

Time: 1115 - 1220 hrs.

Observers: Charles Hood and I.

Mallard, Black-Necked Stilts, and Bonaparte's Gull in northwest marsh basin of the Lancaster Sewage Ponds, CA May 15, 2009

Area Covered: We surveyed the entire perimeter of western ponds by driving slowly and stopping frequently; used binocs, digi-scope (Nikon Coolpix w/ 30x) and Nikon D300 w/ 300mm.

BIRDS NOTED (see May 11 & 13, 2009): All the species seen on May 11 and 13, but only 1 Wilson's phalarope and about 60 red-necked phalaropes. About 12 black terns and 10 Bonaparte's gulls. One male ring-necked duck (south pond) was the only new species added.

May, 13 (Wednesday)

Weather: Fair, 83F; wind 10-15 mph.

Time: 1400- 1430 hrs.

Area Covered: Western ponds; northwest section, by driving slowly and stopping frequently. Used 10 x 40 binocular.

BIRDS NOTED (see May 11, 2009): All species seen on May 11: Additionally, 3 Franklin's gulls (1 ad; 2 imm). About 20 Black Terns and 20 Bonaparte's gulls.