BIRD SURVEYS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
APOLLO PARK, Los Angeles County, CA
2013
© Callyn Yorke
Ross's Goose (Chen rossii) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 20 March, 2012 Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii leucopareia) Apollo Park 4 Oct. 2012
© 2012 Callyn Yorke
Link to A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Apollo Park
Links to previous Apollo Park bird surveys
2013 Apollo Park bird surveys
NOVEMBER 27, 2013 (34 Species)
Weather: Partly cloudy; 43F to 50F; wind ENE 2 mph.
Time: 0745-1015 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire park, including the central section. A few fishermen were on the shorelines; a few visitors were walking and jogging around the park. The lawns had recently been ploughed and aerated, leaving small cylinders of soil on the surface. Relatively few birds were feeding on the lawns. No herons or egrets were found in the park during the survey.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1-cont.), Snow Goose (2 - cont.), Ross's Goose (2-cont.), Hooded Merganser (1-cont.), White-faced Ibis (1), Plumbeous Vireo (1), Pink-sided Junco (1) and Slate-colored Junco (2-cont.).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (cont.) on lawn with domestic geese,s.
Snow Goose 2 (cont.) on lawn with domestic geese, s.
Ross's Goose 2 (cont.) on lawn and swimming near shore with domestic geese, s.
Canada Goose 80 scattered in small flocks around the park.
Swan Goose 8 with other domestic geese, s.
Gray-lag Goose ( domestic, incl.hybrids) 35 s.
Muscovy Duck 3 (hybrids only) s.
American Wigeon 3 (m,f) swimming together, s.
Mallard (wild type) 300 (m,f) scattered around the park.
Mallard (domestic & hybrids) 30 mostly on the south shore, s.
Green-winged Teal 3 (f) on shore and swimming with AMWI, s.
Hooded Merganser 1 (f) - cont. on island shore, ne.
Ruddy Duck 12 (m,f) resting on the lake, s.
Pied-billed Grebe 6 diving; one with a crayfish in its beak, s.
Eared Grebe 1 diving near shore, s.
Double-crested Cormorant 4 (imm) flew to se island at about 1000 hrs. Previously, none in the park.
White-faced Ibis 1 flew into the park from the west; calling and circling the southeast lake.
American Coot 150 ubiquitous.
Ring-billed Gull 8 (ad) on shore; flying around the park.
California Gull 4 (ad; C2) on shore; flying around the park.
Mourning Dove 2 in pines on fence line, n.
Black Phoebe 1 calls; adjacent fields inundated by recent rains,e.
Say's Phoebe 1 on fence, entrance road to park.
Plumbeous Vireo 1 Noted relatively uniform slate-gray dorsum and sides of breast, contrasting with yellowish-white ventral; prominent white wing bars and yellowish flanks; relatively short tail, foraging at mid-level in pines, se (photo).
Plumbeous Vireo (Vireo plumbeus) Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 27 November 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Common Raven 5 ubiquitous; on lawns, fly, called repeatedly as I approached.
Horned Lark 6 flying over adjacent alkali salt bush field, n.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 6 vocal; active in pines with "YRWA, e,se.
Hermit Thrush 2 foraging (one with large orthopteran)at base of pines along fence line; displays; interaction between two individuals, se.
American Robin 1 in large tamarisk alongside road near park entrance.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 16 (mostly females) calls; ubiquitous in pines, esp. se.
Sage Sparrow 1 running between saltbushes in adjacent field, e.
White-crowned Sparrow calls (unseen) in pines next to parking lot,s.
Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco 10; Pink-sided (1); Slate-colored (2 m,f); all foraging in a loose flock beneath pines, se.
Brewer's Blackbird 20 (m,f) a vocal, cohesive flock foraging on bare ground near the beach, s.
House Sparrow 20 foraging on ground, main beach, s.
NOVEMBER 14, 2013 (37 Species)
Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus) male (left); females (right) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County CA 14 November 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Weather: Fair; 41F to 70F; no wind.
Time: 0713-1040 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise and clockwise route around the entire park, including the central section. Increasing numbers of visitors (e.g. fishermen) arrived after 0900 hrs. Except for intermittent aircraft noise from Fox Field, the park was relatively quiet and undisturbed by human activities during the survey..
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1-cont.), Snow Goose (2-cont.), Ross's Goose (2-cont.), Hooded Merganser (7), Herring Gull (3) and Slate-colored Junco (3).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1-cont. with domestic GLGO, s.
Snow Goose 2-cont. with domestic GLGO, s.
Ross's Goose 2-cont. on shore with domestic geese, s.
Canada Goose 80-cont. flocks scattered around the park; some foraging on lawns.
Swan Goose 4 with GLGO, s.
Gray-lag Goose 25 (domestic and hybrids) mostly around the main beach, s.
Muscovy Duck 2 (hybrids only) on shore, central.
Gadwall 2 (m,f) swimming with Mallards, ne.
Mallard (wild-type) 120 (m,f) many resting on islands and shorelines around the park.
Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 45 resting on main beach and islands.
Northern Shoveler 20 (m,f) dabbling near shore, n, se.
Green-winged Teal 11 a tight flock flying around park; swimming together, se.
Bufflehead 2 (m,f) swimming together nw.
Hooded Merganser 7 (1 m; 6 f) swimming together; male leading females (photos).
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) male Apollo Park, Los Angeles County CA 14 Nov 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Ruddy Duck 9 (m,f) resting in open water, nw.
Pied-billed Grebe 4 open water, s, ne.
Eared Grebe 1 swimming near shore, s.
Double-crested Cormorant 12 resting on shore and swimming around islands, ne, se.
Great Blue Heron 2 (ad) on shore, n, ne.
Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (imm) flying to pine on ne island.
American Coot 100 ubiquitous; a few foraging on lawns.
Ring-billed Gull 6 (ad, C1, C2) on shore, s.
California Gull 8 (C2, C3) on shore; flying around the park, s.
Herring Gull 3 (C1, C2) eating dead fish on island shore; flying around the park, ne, s.
Mourning Dove 1 flying, se.
Black Phoebe 1 calls; flying over pines, e.
Common Raven 4 calls; in pines and on fence, nw.
Bewick's Wren 2 calls, brushy fence line, e, ne.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 18 vocal; active in pines and tamarisk throughout.
Hermit Thrush 2 on lawn, sw, se (photo).
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County CA 14 November 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
American Robin 1 (imm) on lawn, se (photo).
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) Apollo Park LACO CA 14 Nov 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Yellow-rumped(A) Warbler 25 calls; ubiquitous, esp. in pines.
Bell's Sage Sparrow 1 flew into rabbitbrush-saltbush field, ne.
Savannah Sparrow 1 foraging on lawn amongst DEJU, ne.
White-crowned Sparrow 24 (90% ad) vocal; ubiquitous, esp on lawns near fence line.
Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco 20; ubiquitous in small flocks beneath pines; Slate-colored Junco 3 (1 m; 2 f) foraging in a loose flock near the fence line; on bare ground and on lawns. (photo).
Slate-colored Junco (Junco hyemalis hyemalis) male Apollo Park, Los Angeles County CA 14 November 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Brewer's Blackbird 15 (m,f) a cohesive flock flying around the park; foraging on beach and bare ground, s.
House Sparrow 20 foraging together on re-seeded lawn and bare ground, sw.
Weather: Fair; 54F; wind W 25-35 mph.
Time: 0711- 0830 (PST).
Area Covered: I walked a clockwise route around the perimeter of the park, excluding the interior pathways. About 100 fishermen and others were present in the park during the survey. High winds and dust made observations of birds difficult. Shotgun blasts were heard to the east of the park.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1-cont.) Snow Goose (2; 1-cont.), Ross's Goose (2-cont.) Double-crested Cormorant (90), Herring Gull (2), and Slate-colored Junco (1).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1-cont. foraging on lawn with domestic, sw GLGO.
Snow Goose 2 (1-cont.) both foraging on lawn with GLGO, sw.
Ross's Goose 2-cont. foraging on lawn with GLGO and SNGO, sw.
Canada Goose 80 -cont. foraging on lawns around the park; some swimming; several resting on se island.
Gray-lag Goose (domestic and hybrids) 35 foraging on lawns; resting on shore, s.
Swan Goose (domestic) 4 with GLGO, sw.
Gadwall 2 (f) near shore of ne island.
Muscovy Duck (hybrids only) 3 on shore, central.
Mallard (wild-type) (m,f) 120 scattered around the edges of the lake and on islands.
Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 50 scattered on the shorelines around the park, esp. s..
Northern Shoveler 6 (f) swimming together, ne.; also on shore, se island.
Northern Pintail 10 flying over the park, w.
Green-winged Teal 2 resting on shore, se.
Pied-billed Grebe 4 swimming, n, s.
Eared Grebe 2 swimming together, se.
Double-crested Cormorant 90 (ad, imm) most resting on se island; a few diving, n.
Great Egret 2 resting on se island.
American Coot 80 around the edges of the lake.
Ring-billed Gull 2 (ad) flying over the lake, se.
California Gull 3 (ad; C2, C3) flying over the lake, se.
Herring Gull 2 (juv/C1) noted bill shape and white innner primaries; resting on island, se (photos).
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) juvenile-first cycle (same individual in both images) Apollo Park LACO CA 3 Nov 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Common Raven 6 vocal; on fence and flying around the park, n.
American Pipit calls (unseen) beach area, s.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 12 calls; ubiquitous.
Bell's Sage Sparrow (Artemisiospiza belli) 1 in a brushy area near a puddle on the n side of the fence, ne. TAXONOMIC NOTE: This species has recently been split from the Sagebrush Sparrow (Artemisiospiza nevadensis), the latter of which is of uncertain status in the Antelope Valley. Distinctions include relatively small size for A. belli, a conspicuous dark malar stripe and relatively little or no dark streaks on the upper back. All of the aforementioned features, except for relative size, were observed on the bird shown below (photo). Review of my published images of sage sparrows in Apollo Park during the past three years, indicated that all of them could be assigned to A. belli. See also, Peter Pyle's August 2013 analysis of MVZ specimens... http://www.sibleyguides.com/wp-content/uploads/On-separating-Sagebrush-and-Bells-Sparrows.pdf
Bell's Sage Sparrow (Artemisiospiza belli) Apollo Park LACO CA 3 Nov 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 foraging with DEJU at the edge of the lawn on the fence line, se.
White-crowned Sparrow 12 calls; foraging on shore and lawns throughout the park.
Chipping Sparrow calls (unseen) pines, ne.
Dark-eyed Junco 15 (Oregon-type: Junco hyemalis thurberi) 1 Slate-colored ( J. h. hyemalis) with Oregon types, fence line, se (photo).
Slate-colored Junco (Junco hyemalis hyemalis) se Apollo Park LACO CA 3 Nov 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Red-winged Blackbird 1 (m) foraging on bare ground and in re-seeded lawn area with BRBL, sw.
Brewer's Blackbird 18 (m,f) foraging on beach, lawn and in parking area, sw.
House Sparrow 25 ubiquitous; foraging on beach and lawns.
NOTE: APOLLO PARK IS SCHEDULED FOR CLOSURE OCTOBER 28 to NOVEMBER 2, 2013.
Weather: Fair; 39F to 70F. no wind.
Time: 0726-1103 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked two clockwise circuits around the entire park, including the interior sections. Relatively quiet, undisturbed conditions occurred in the park until about 1030 hrs. when increasing numbers of visitors arrived, several with dogs.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1-cont.), Snow Goose (1-cont.), Ross's Goose (2-cont.), Spotted Towhee (1) and White-throated Sparrow (1).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1-cont. with domestic GLGO, s.
Snow Goose 1-cont. with GLGO on lawn s.
Ross's Goose 2-cont. with GLGO in water near main beach,s.
Canada Goose 80-cont. scattered in small flocks around the park.
Gray-lag Goose (domestic & hybrid) 35 ubiquitous.
Swan Goose (domestic) 4 with GLGO, s.
Muscovy Duck (hybrids only) 3 on shore, s-central.
Gadwall 3 (m,f) with mallards, ne.
Mallard (wild-type) 400 (m,f) resting on islands; numerous in ne.
Mallard (domestic & hybrid) 35 ubiquitous on shore and swimming.
Cinnamon Teal 1 (m) on shore, ne.
Northern Shoveler 35 (m,f) dabbling, ne.
American Wigeon 2 (m,f) flew into se section of the lake.
Pied-billed Grebe 4 vocal; ubiquitous.
Eared Grebe 5 ubiquitous near shore.
Double-crested Cormorant 80 (ad, imm) ubiquitous, esp on . islands, se, ne.
Great Blue Heron 1 on shore and se island.
Great Egret 2 on shore, central, se.
Black-crowned Night Heron 5 (ad, imm) on shore and in pines, central, e.
American Coot 200 ubiquitous.
Ring-billed Gull 4 (ad, imm) flying; on shore, n, s.
California Gull 3 (C2, C3) s.
Rock Pigeon 2 on shore, s.
Northern Flicker 2 fly, call, n.
Common Raven 6 vocal; pairs in pines, on fence, n, sw.
Bewick's Wren 1 vocal, brushy area of fenceline, ne.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 18 vocal, ubiquitous; flock of 8 foraging in pines and deciduous trees, se.
Hermit Thrush 5 on ground and in pines along fence lines.
European Starling 2 foraging with BRBL on reseeded lawn, sw.
Orange-crowned Warbler 3 calls; foraging in pines, tamarisk and deciduous trees throughout.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 25 (m,f) calls, ubiquitous in pines and other vegetation; all height levels.
Common Yellowthroat 1 (f) calls; low brushy area at fence line, ne corner.
Spotted Towhee 1 on ground in brushy area at fence line, ne corner (photo).
Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 20 October 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Chipping Sparrow 2 foraging on lawn with DEJU and WCSP, nw.
Sage Sparrow 3 brushy fence line, n, ne.
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 shady tamarisk and seepage at the fence line, n.
White-crowned Sparrow 25 vocal, ubiquitous in small flocks foraging on lawns and bare ground.
White-throated Sparrow 1 foraging next to DEJU in shady, seepage on n side of fence, n (photo).
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 20 October 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Dark-eyed Junco 8 foraging in pairs and singles on lawns and beneath shrubs throughout.
Red-winged Blackbird 2 (m) fly, call; with flock of BRBL, s.
Brewer's Blackbird 30 (m,f) foraging on lawns and bare ground throughout.
House Finch 2 calls, pines, se.
House Sparrow 40 flocks on lawns and bare ground throughout.
Weather: Fair; 43F to 60F; wind WNW 1 mph (high winds in the Antelope Valley for the past 10 days).
Time: 0740-1039 hrs.
Area Covered: Initially I walked a counter-clockwise route, then clockwise route around the enitire park, including the central section. Relatively few visitors were present during the survey. Some early morning air traffic noise from take-offs. Conditions were otherwise good for detecting bird vocalizations.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 -cont.), Snow Goose (1-cont.) Ross's Goose (2-cont.), Common Merganser (1-cont.) and Hooded Merganser (1-cont.).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose (1- cont.) with domestic GRLE geese on lawn, s-central.
Snow Goose (1-cont.) with domestic GRLG geese on lawn, s.
Ross's Goose (2-cont.) with domestic GRLG geese on lawn s-central.
Canada Goose 80 on lawns and swimming in lake, n; central.
Gray-lag Goose 35 (domestic & hybrid) central, south.
Swan Goose 4 on shore, s-central.
Muscovy Duck (hybrids only) on shore, s-central.
Gadwall 4 (m,f) swimming with mallards, near shore, ne.
Mallard (wild-type) 200 mostly on and around islands, ne.
Mallard (domestic & hybrid) 40 shorelines, s.
Green-winged Teal 3 (f) swimming together, ne.
Common Merganser 1 ( f -cont.) diving near shore, se.
Hooded Merganser 1 (f - cont.) swimming near shore, sw.
Pied-billed Grebe 3 vocal; swimming, ne.
Eared Grebe 3 swimming, diving, nw, central, se.
Western Grebe (1 -cont.) resting in open water, n-central.
Double-crested Cormorant 50 (80% imm.) in trees on se island; diving and catching small fish, nw.
Great Blue Heron 2 on shore, nw, s.
Great Egret 4 on shorelines around the park.
Black-crowned Night Heron 1 ad flushed from pine tree, s-central.
Turkey Vulture 30 in pines around the park.
American Coot 20 around the edges of the lake.
Ring-billed Gull 3 (ad, C2) on shore, se, and main beach, sw.
California Gull 2 (ad, C1, C2) on shore, se, and main beach.
Herring Gull 1 (C1) flying around lake, s.
Eurasian Collared Dove 5 perched together in a tall tamarisk, w.
Rock Pigeon 2 adjacent field with trailers and antena.
Mourning Dove 2 flying, s.
Northern Flicker 1 vocal, flying, w.
Pacific Slope Flycatcher 1 in tamarisk, w (photo).
Pacific Slope Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis) w Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 6 Oct. 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Black Phoebe 2 in and around pines, n, nw.
Common Raven 8 vocal, flying around pines; apparently agitated by the presence of many TUVU.
Hermit Thrush 1 foraging on ground and lawns along fenceline, nw (photo).
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County CA 6 October 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
European Starling 2 adjacent field, e.
Orange-crowned Warbler 8 calls; active in pines throughout.
Yellow Warbler 1 (f) foraging in tamarisk, n.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 10 (m,f) calls; ubiquitous; foraging in loose flocks in pines and tamarisk
Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 (m) foraging in tamarisk, se (photo).
Black-throated Gray Warbler (Setophaga nigrescens) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County CA 6 October 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Common Yellowthroat 1 (f) foraging in tamarisk, n.
Wilson's Warbler 2 foraging in pines, se, n,
Chipping sparrow 2 foraging on lawns, nw (photo).
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County CA 6 October 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Sage Sparrow 1 in saltbush at the fenceline, se.
Lincoln's sparrow 1 foraging on the ground and edge of the lawn at the fence line, n (photo).
Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County CA 6 October 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
White-crowned Sparrow 30 (ad, imm) calls, ubiquitous; immatures tending to stay together while foraging on bare ground and lawns
Red-winged Blackbird calls (unseen) in pines, s.
Brewer's Blackbird 12 (m,f) fly, call; foraging on lawns, in parking lot and main beach, s.
Red Crossbill ? ( unseen) sounds of pine cones being opened, ne.
House Sparrow 30 vocal, ubiquitous, esp. s.
September 26 & 27, 2013 (60 Species)
Weather: fair both days; gusty winds (15 -25 mph 9/26); light winds (2 mph 9/27). 64F (9/26); 42F to 60F (9/27). Steady winds (30-40 mph) in the Antelope Valley have occurred frequently in the afternoon and evening during the previous 8-10 days.
Time: 1659-1829 hrs. (9/26); 0658-1104 hrs. (9/27).
Area Covered: I walked a clockwise route around the entire lake, excluding the interior (9/26). I walked a counter-clockwise and clockwise route around the lake, including the interior (9/27). Less than ten visitors were in the park for the 9/26 survey; about 25 visitors were in the park on 9/27, including fishermen, joggers, cyclists and people walking leashed dogs. Aircraft noise from adjacent airfields was absent on 9/26 and fairly frequent on 9/27.
Most of the bird species found on 9/26 were found again on 9/27, except forHerring Gull and Hermit Thrush. Fourteen additional bird species were found on 9/27; and are indicated in the bird list given below. Conditions were generally good for identifying birds during both surveys. However, Increasing winds near the end of the survey on 9/26, significantly reduced detectability. Numbers following each species indicate highest count for the two surveys.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found during the two surveys included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 -cont.), Snow Goose (1- cont.), Ross's Goose (2 - cont.), Blue-winged Teal (1), Green-winged Teal (2), Ring-necked Duck (3), Common Merganser (1 - cont.), Hooded Merganser (1), Herring Gull (1), Hammond's Flycatcher (1), and Thick-billed Fox Sparrow (1).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (cont.) with domestic GRLA geese, s.
Snow Goose 1 (cont.) with domestic GRLA and SWGO, s.
Ross's Goose 2 (cont.) staying together; associated with the aforementioned species.
Canada Goose 80 (cont). scattered in loose flocks on lawns around the park.
Gray-lag Goose 25 (domestic and hybrids) scattered around the park on shore and land.
Swan Goose 4 with GRLA on lawns, s.
Muscovy Duck (hybrids only) 4 on shore, central, s.
Gadwall 8 (m,f) pairs scattered around the lake near shore.
American Wigeon 1 (f ) swimming alone, open water, se (9/27)
Mallard (wild-type) 150 scattered around the lake, esp n island.
Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 50 scattered around the southern half of the lake.
Blue-winged Teal 1 (f) swimming with mallards, ne (9/27) (photo).
Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) female Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 27 September 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Northern Shoveler 4 (f) swimming together, n-central.
Green-winged Teal 2 (f) swimming together, sw (9/27) (photo).
Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County CA 27 Sept. 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Ring-necked Duck 3 (m) flying around lake early AM; swimming in north-central area.
Common Merganser 1(female - cont.) attacked and stole a small trout from a Double-crested Cormorant, which tried to recapture the fish after lost it to the merganser (9/27) (photos).
a) Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (right) shortly after forcing the DCCO (left) to release its fish.
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
b) Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) after swallowing a small stolen trout. Apollo Park, Los Angeles County CA 27 Sept. 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Hooded Merganser 1 (imm.fem) evidently a different individual (see Sept. 21 photo); swimming near shore, w. (9/27) (photo).
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) immature Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 27 Sept 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Pied-billed Grebe 5 swimming near shore throughout.
Eared Grebe 4 diving near shore, n.
Western Grebe 1 (cont.) resting in open water, n-central.
Double-crested Cormorant 45 resting on islands; diving; one caught a small trout that was quickly stolen by a COME (see preceeding notes).
Great Blue Heron 2 on shore, n, central.
Great Egret 3 on shore in the relatively undisturbed areas of the park (photo).
Great Egret (Ardea alba) Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 27 September 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (ad, imm) on shore and in pines, n.
American Coot 20 ubiquitous at edges of the lake.
Killdeer 1 vocal; on lawn, central.
Ring-billed Gull 2 (ad; C2) flying around lakes; on s beach.
California Gull 3 C1; C3; flying around lakes; resting on shore, s.
Herring Gull 1 (C1) flying around lake, e (9/26).
Caspian Tern 2-3 vocal, flying over lake then leaving the park, se (9/27).
Rock Pigeon 1 on top of adjacent trailers, e.
Mourning Dove 2 flushed from under pines, central.
Anna's Hummingbird 1 (f) hovering around a tamarisk (9/27).
Belted Kingfisher 1 fly, call, ne (9/27).
Western Wood Pewee 2 occasional calls; sallying from low pine branches and fence , nw, ne.
Hammond's Flycatcher 1 (noted relatively large head, short bill; slightly asymmetrical eye-ring; short tail olive-green coloration) silently sallying in shady tamarisks overhanging a seepage, n. (9/27) (photo).
Hammond's Flycatcher (Empidonax hammondii) north Apollo Park LACO CA 27 Sept 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Black Phoebe 5 vocal, ubiquitous.
Common Raven 8 fly, call, ubiquitous.
Tree Swallow 1 flying with BASW over lake, ne (9/27).
Cliff Swallow 1 flying with BASW, high above the lake, nw (9/27).
Barn Swallow 5 flying over adjacent alkali scrub fields (e) and lake, s.
Bewick's Wren 6 vocal, active on ground and in shrubs, e, n.
Hermit Thrush 1 in shade of pine and tamarisk at the fence line, nw (9/26).
European Starling 2 on trailer in adjacent field, e.
Orange-crowned Warbler 8 calls; in tamarisk and pines with conspecifics and in mixed warbler flocks, e.g. YEWA, WIWA. (photo).
Orange-crowned Warbler (Oreothlypis celata) Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 27 September 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Yellow Warbler 20 calls; many immatures and relatively dull-colored individuals (ssp.?) ubiquitous in pines and tamarisk.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 10 (m, f; imm) vocal, ubiquitous at all vegetation heights.
Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 (f) calls; in outer branches of pines, e (9/27).
Townsend's Warbler 2 one with relatively dull facial markings; another typical HY male; foraging in herbs, shrubs and pines e (photo).
Townsend's Warbler (Setophaga townsendi) Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 27 September 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
MacGillivray's Warbler 1 (HY fem) foraging on and near the ground in garden, sw (9/27).
Common Yellowthroat 2 calls; foraging on ground and in shrubs, ne.
Wilson's Warbler 8 (m,f) foraging with YEWA and OCWA in pines, ne, n.
Chipping Sparrow calls (unseen) in pines, south-central.
Fox Sparrow (Thick-billed) 1 scratching moist ground in garden, sw (photo) (9/27).
Thick-billed Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca stephensi) sw Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 27 Sept 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Lincoln's Sparrow 2 secretive; under shrubs and edge of lawn along fence line, ne (9/27).
White-crowned Sparrow 12 (ad, imm) ubiquitous; calls; cohesive, secretive flocks in shrubs at edge of lawn (photo).
White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii) Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 27 Sept 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Red-winged Blackbird 3 (m,f) foraging on lawns and bare ground with BRBL, central.
Western Meadowlark 1 shoreline and lawn, e-central (9/27).
Brewer's Blackbird 25 (m,f) a vocal, cohesive flock moving around the park, foraging on bare ground and lawns.
House Finch 4 foraging on bare ground and on lawn, s-central.
House Sparrow 50 (m,f) vocal, ubiquitous, esp. s.
September 21, 2013 (42 Species)
Weather: Fair; 58F; wind WSW 5 - 20mph.
Time: 0709-0953 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise and clockwise route around the entire lake, including the central section. Increasing numbers of visitors arrived in the park by 0900 hrs., including many people with leashed dogs (Pitbull being the most common breed). Conditions were generally good for finding and identifying birds by their vocalizations, except in the northwestern section, where aircraft noise from adjacent airfields was sometimes quite loud.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 - cont.), Snow Goose (1 -cont.), Ross's Goose (2 - cont.), Common Merganser (1-cont.), Hooded Merganser (1), Great Egret (1), Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler (2) and White-crowned Sparrow (1).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (cont) with domestic GLGO, s.
Snow Goose 1 (cont.) with domestic GLGO, s.
Ross's Goose 2 (cont.) with domestic GLGO, s.
Canada Goose 81 (actual count) mostly together on the lawn, n.
Gray-lag Goose 35 (incl. hybrids) ubiquitous, esp. s.
Swan Goose 4 with GLGO, s.
Muscovy Duck (hybrids only) 4 , shore, central.
Gadwall 4 (m,f) near shore, central, ne.
Mallard (wild-type) 200 (est.) ubiquitous.
Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 50 ubiquitous, esp. s.
Common Merganser 1 (f. cont) swimming near shore, sw (photo).
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 21 September 2013
.
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Hooded Merganser 1 (imm m) swimming in open water near mallards, nw (photo).
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) male (immature) Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 21 Sept 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Ruddy Duck 1 (f) open water, nw.
Pied-billed Grebe 4 open water, n, se.
Eared Grebe 1 diving, open water, nw.
Western Grebe 1 open water, n.
Double-crested Cormorant 17 mostly on a ne island; one carcass hanging by neck (on fishing line?) in tree on island, se.
Great Blue Heron 1 on the dock, nw.
Great Egret 1 on shore, se, ne.
Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (ad, imm) on shore and in pine tree, ne.
American Coot 20 swimming near shore, s, central.
Killdeer 1 fly, call, n.
Spotted Sandpiper 1 foraging on shore, nw, central.
Mourning Dove 1 foraging on se island.
Belted Kingfisher 1 (f) fly, call; perched in pine overhanging lake, ne.
Western Wood Pewee 1 on fence, ne.
Black Phoebe 2 on fence and low branches of pines, e, s.
Common Raven 6 ubiquitous; fly, call; in pines.
Horned Lark 9 drinking from puddle in parking lot, sw.
Barn Swallow 2 flying low, back and forth over lake, sw.
Bewick's Wren 3 scold calls; active on ground and in shrubs, ne.
Orange-crowned Warbler 4 calls; active in pines, n, e.
Yellow Warbler 5 calls; active in pines, n, s.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2 (m,f) active in deciduous trees, se and pines, nw.
Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 (f) active in pines, nw.
Common Yellowthroat 2 active in shrubs and on ground, ne.
Sage Sparrow 12 vocal; active on ground and lawns, ne, n.
Savannah Sparrow 1 calls (unseen) adjacent ruderal field on fence line, s.
White-crowned Sparrow 1 (imm) in pines and on ground, s.
Red-winged Blackbird 3 (1 m; 2 f) foraging on bare dirt with BRBL, s.
Brewer's Blackbird 20 (m,f) foraging on ground throughout.
House Finch 5 (m,f) in pines and on ground, n.
House Sparrow 30 foraging on main beach, s.
September 5, 2013 (44 Species)
Weather: Fair; 66F to 80F; no wind.
Time: 0649-0953 hrs.
Area Covered: Initially, I walked a clockwise half-circuit due to the use of noisy, gasoline powered machines (edger and weed-trimmer) by maintenance personnel in the northern half of the park (0650-0818 hrs.). Subsequently, when the noise subsided, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire park (0830-0949 hrs.). Increasing numbers of visitors arrived by 0830 hrs, including joggers with portable sound systems, cyclists and people with multiple leashed dogs. Generally, the early morning hours in the park were too noisy to identify most bird vocalizations; many waterbirds and other species moved to the quieter sections of the park during maintenance operations. Seven more bird species were added to the day-list during my second walk around the park.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 - cont.), Snow Goose (1 -cont.) Ross's Goose (2 -cont.) Common Merganser (1 - cont.), Double-crested Cormorant (15 -cont.), Great Egret (2 cont.), and White-faced Ibis (8).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1- cont. foraging on lawn with domestic geese, sw.
Snow Goose 1 -cont. foraging on lawn with domestic geese, sw
Ross's Goose 2 -cont. foraging on lawn with domestic geese, sw.
Canada Goose 65 - cont. two flocks foraging on lawns, e, n.
Swan Goose (domestic) 4 with GLGO on lawn, sw.
Gray-lag Goose 35 (incl. domestic hypbrids) foraging on lawn, sw.
Muscovy Duck (hybrids only) 4 on shore, n-central.
Mallard (wild-type) 180 (m,f) scattered around the park, esp. ne.
Mallard (domestic & hybrid) 55 scattered around the park, esp. s, e.
Common Merganser 1 (f) -cont. swimming near shore, then resting on shore, n.
Pied-billed Grebe 2 open water, e.
Western Grebe 1 - cont. open water, n.
Double-crested Cormorant 15 -cont. ad, imm. in trees on se island; diving, open water, n.
Great Blue Heron 1 on shore, se.
Great Egret 2 -cont. on separate shores, n, se.
Black-crowned Night Heron 5 (1ad, 4 imm) in pines, on shore, ne, se.
White-faced Ibis 8 (ad, imm) a cohesive flock, briefly on shore, then flying out of park (photo).
White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 5 September 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
American Coot 4 swimming near shore, n.
Killdeer 1 calls, central.
Ring-billed Gull 1 (ad) - cont. on roof of office building, s.
Caspian Tern calls (unseen) s.
Rock Pigeon 2 perched on trailers in adjacent field, e.
Eurasian Collared Dove 1 flying low over beach, s.
Mourning Dove 3 in tamarisk; flying, w, s.
Anna's Hummingbird 2 hovering around pine, ne.
Belted Kingfisher calls (unseen) e.
Willow Flycatcher 1 sallying from tamarisk and low pine branches, e.
Empidonax sp. (possibly E. difficilis) hawking insects inside the middle level of a pine, s.
Black Phoebe 4 ubiquitous along the fence line; sallying from low branches of pines
Common Raven 8 ubiquitous; vocal; pairs on fence and flying around pines
Cliff Swallow 1 flying at about 15 ft. above lawn, seen once at about 0700 hrs., sw.
Bewick's Wren 2 vocal, fence line shrubs, ne, n.
European Starling 20 vocal in flight; foraging on ground between patches of lawn; also foraging on lawn, n.
Orange-crowned Warbler 5 ubiquitous; calls; foraging in pines.
Yellow Warbler 10 ubiquitous, esp. pines.
Common Yellowthroat 2 calls; fence line shrubs near water, n, s.
Wilson's Warbler 8 calls, ubiquitous, esp in pines.
Sage Sparrow 30 vocal; ubiquitous, esp, n fence line.
Western Tanager 1 (f) flying between pines, sw.
Black-headed Grosbeak 2 (f) one on fence; one flying between pines, e.
Red-winged Blackbird 1 (f) foraging on lawn with BRBL, n.
Brewer's Blackbird 12 (m,f) vocal; foraging on lawns, n.
Brown-headed Cowbird 1 (imm ) foraging on lawn with BRBL, n.
House Finch 6 (m,f) foraging in adjacent field, ne.
House Sparrow 5 calls, around buildings, w.
Weather: Fair; 57F to 70F; wind W 1-3 mph.
Time: 0708-1025 hrs.
Area Covered: I initially walked a clockwise route around the entire park, followed by a diagonal route through the interior and counter-clockwise route back to the parking lot. Numerous visitors were present during the survey, including several with leashed dogs (some working the northern fence line), fishermen, walkers, joggers and cyclists. Two individuals were operating a remote-controlled speedboat in the southeastern lake, resulting in the immediate evacuation of waterbirds to the western portion of the park. I made an inquiry with two on-duty LACO Sheriff deputies regarding the legality of remote-control boats at Apollo Park. Neither officer knew the park regulations covering that form of recreation and evidently had no reference manual in their office (a temporary trailer next to the parking lot). One officer said that he had not encountered such activities in the park and therefore had no experience with the problem.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 -cont.), Snow Goose (1-cont.), Ross's Goose (2 -cont.), Common Merganser (1), Double-crested Cormorant (22-cont.), Great Egret (2 -cont) Pacific Slope Flycatcher (1), Bank Swallow (1), Bewick's Wren (3), and Sage Sparrow (16).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (cont.) with domestic GLGO, se.
Snow Goose 1 (cont.) with domestic GLGO, se.
Ross's Goose 2 (cont.) swimming together with domestic geese, s.
Canada Goose 60 (cont.) one vocal flock of 14 flying low around the lake; others foraging on lawns; swimming.
Gray-lag Goose (domestic and hybrid) 35 foraging on lawns; swimming, s.
Swan Goosw (domestic) 7 with GLGO, s.
Muscovy Duck (hybrid) 5 on shore, central.
Mallard (wild type) 80 scattered around the park on shorelines.
Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 40 scattered around the park, esp. s.
Common Merganser 1 (f) ID primarily by head and bill shape; diving near shore, se (photo).
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) female se Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 25 August 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Pied-billed Grebe 5 swimming in open water; diving, se, nw.
Western Grebe 1 (cont.) open water, nw.
Double-crested Cormorant 22 (ad, imm) mostly resting in island trees and on shore, se.
Great Egret 2 on shore, n; in island tree, se.
Snowy Egret 5 (alt.and bsc. plmg.) together in an island tree, se.
Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (ad, imm) on shore, se, ne.
American Coot 5 swimming together near shore, n.
Killdeer 1 vocal, on lawn, central.
Spotted Sandpiper 3 (bsc. plmg.) vocal while flying low; foraging on separate shorelines around the park.
Ring-billed Gull 2 (ad) on shore, n, s.
California Gull 1 (C2) flying low over the lake, e.
Eurasian Collared Dove calls, s.
Rock Pigeon 4 on main beach, s.
Mourning Dove 1 flushed from lawn, ne.
Black-chinned Hummingbird 2 (f) hovering on outer branches of pines, n.
Western Wood Pewee 1 sally-flycatching from dead pine branch over saltbush field, ne (photo).
Western Wood Pewee (Contopus sordidulus) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 25 August 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Willow Flycatcher 2 vocal ("WIT" calls) from mature tamarisk, w, nw; sallying to lawn from low pine branch (photo).
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) n Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 25 August 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Pacific-slope Flycatcher 1 ID by voice and prominent, asymmetrical eyering; snatch-gleaning on outside of tamarisk, n.
Black Phoebe 2 vocal; sallying from fence, ne.
Western Kingbird 1 flew to top of large pine, s.
Common Raven 6 vocal; pairs and singles on lawns and in pines.
Horned Lark 12 vocal in flight over parking lot, s.
Tree Swallow 8 flying back and forth over lake: 10-100 ft. height.se.
Bank Swallow 1 flying back and forth over lake; underneath TRSW, se.
Barn Swallow 1 flying with TRSW, but lower over lake, se.
Bewick's Wren 3 calls and song; adjacent saltbush field and beneath pines on fence line, n.
Orange-crowned Warbler 1 calls in pines, n.
Yellow Warbler 1 (f) calls; foraging in canopy and subcanopy of pines, n.
MacGillivray's Warbler 1 (f) low in tamarisk, cedars and pines, fence line, n.
Wilson's Warbler 1 (f) foraging in large tamarisks, nw.
Sage Sparrow 16 (ad, imm) contact calls; pairs and singles foraging on ground and lawns beneath pines, n, nw (photo).
Sage Sparrow (Artemisiospiza belli) n Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 25 August 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Black-headed Grosbeak 3 calls from tops of pines, n.
Brewer's Blackbird 6 (m,f) on dock fence, nw.
House Finch 5 calls, pines, n.
House Sparrow 40 (m,f) foraging in a tight flock on the main beach, s.
Weather: Mostly fair with partially cloudy skies to the west; 75F to 85F. Wind ENE 2-5 mph.
Time: 0748-1050 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked counter-clockwise and clockwise routes around the entire park, including the interior sections. A few people walking leashed dogs were present, together with several fishermen. There was almost constant noise along the northern fence line from small aircraft at the adjacent Fox Field. Conditions were otherwise good for identifying bird vocalizations.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 - cont.), Snow Goose (1 - cont.), Ross's Goose (2 - cont.), Double-crested Cormorant (26 - cont.), Great Egret (1), Spotted Sandpiper (1), Willow Flycatcher (2), Yellow Warbler (5), Orange-crowned Warbler (4) and Lark Sparrow (10).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (cont.) with domestic geese, s.
Snow Goose 1 (cont.) with domestic geese, s.
Ross's Goose 2 (cont. ) with domestic geese, s.
Canada Goose 65 (cont.) foraging on lawns, e, n.
Swan Goose 4 on island and with GLGO, s.
Gray-lag Goose (domestic and hybrid) 16: taking food thrown by park visitors at the main beach s.
Muscovy Duck (hybrid) 2 swimming together, n.
Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 35 scattered around the shorelines, esp. s.
Mallard (wild-type) 40 (m,f) ubiquitous, esp. s and central.
Pied-billed Grebe 5 ubiquitous; swimming in open water.
Western Grebe 1 (cont.) resting in open water, nw.
Great Blue Heron 1 on shore, central.
Great Egret 1 on shore, s.
Black-crowned Night Heron 3 (1 ad. 2 imm) on shore, s, central.
Cooper's Hawk 1 (imm) on paved path; flew e, low across saltbush field, e.
American Coot 2 on and near shore, ne.
Spotted Sandpiper 1 on concrete shore, central.
Ring-billed Gull 1 (C3) on shore, nw.
Eurasian Collared Dove 2 calls; flying through park, s.
Rock Pigeon 5 foraging on main beach, s.
Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (f) on tamarisk, fence line, nw.
Willow Flycatcher 2 repeated "WIT" call from tamarisk, sw; another individual in worn plumage snatch-gleaning from tamarisk, nw fence line.
Black Phoebe 1 sallying from shore, n.
Common Raven 6 (ad, imm) pairs highly vocal around favorite pines, nw, s, n.
Tree Swallow 1 flying low, back and forth over lake, sw.
Cliff Swallow 2 flying 10 - 50 ft. over lake, sw.
Barn Swallow 5 flying low over lake, s.
Bewick's Wren 1 scold calls; on ground beneath pines, n.
Orange-crowned Warbler 4 calls; active in pines and deciduous trees, s, e, n.
Yellow Warbler 5 calls active in pines, tamarisk and deciduous trees, se, e, n.
Lark Sparrow 10 song from atop pines, n; flock moving through park, s.
Sage Sparrow 8 calls; pairs and singles foraging on ground, lawns beneath pines, n, nw.
Red-winged Blackbird 1 (m) foraging on lawns, loosely associated with BRBL, central.
Brewer's Blackbird 5 (m,f) foraging on lawns, central.
House Finch 5 calls; flying through park, n.
House Sparrow 30 (m,f) ubiquitous.
Weather: Fair; 73F; wind W 0-1 mph.
Time: 0730-0900 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire park in addition to a diagonal path through the center. There were several park visitors, some with dogs, but none was fishing. Two LACO sheriff's patrol vehicles were operating during the survey. Heavy algae growth has built up throughout the lake. Power water nozzles on islands were aerating the lake in several places. Virtually no aircraft noise was heard during the survey; the entire park was unusually quiet and undisturbed by maintenance activities.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 -cont.), Snow Goose (1 - cont.), Ross's Goose (2 - cont.) and Double-crested Cormorant (22).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 -cont. swimming with domestic GLGO, s.
Snow Goose 1- cont. foraging on lawn with domestic GLGO, central.
Ross's Goose 2 - cont. swimming in a flock of domestic GLGO and SWGO, s.
Canada Goose 35 noticeably fewer individuals in the park; most foraging on lawns, se.
Swan Goose 4 swimming with GRL, s.
Gray -lag Goose 30 (domestic & hybrids) ubiquitous, esp. s.
Muscovy Duck (hybrids only) 4 on shore, central, n.
Mallard (wild-type) 30 (m,f) scattered around the shorelines.
Mallard (domestic) 50 (m,f) mostly in the southern half of the park.
Pied-billed Grebe 4 open water, n, ne.
Western Grebe 1-cont. resting in open water, nw.
Double-crested Cormorant 22 (ad, imm) in trees on island and on shore, se.
Great Blue Heron 2 on shore, se, ne.
Great Egret 3 on shore, se, n.
Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (ad, imm) on shore, se.
American Coot 5 on shore, n.
Spotted Sandpiper 1 (trans. plmg.) on shore, ne.
Ring-billed Gull 1 - cont. C3 with missing distal left tarsometatarsus, on beach; flying around the park, s.
Eurasian Collared Dove 2 vocal; on utility line, s.
Rock Pigeon 2 on ground, s.
Mourning Dove 6 vocal; flying around the park; foraging on gravel soil.
Black Phoebe 4 on fence and lawn, se, n.
Common Raven 4 vocal; in pines; flying, n. sw.
Tree Swallow 1 flying low over lake, se.
Barn Swallow 1 flying very low over lake, se.
Cliff Swallow 10 flying at at heights ranging from the lake surface to 100 ft. +. se.
European Starling 12 foraging on lawn and bare ground, central.
Yellow Warbler 1 (imm) in tamarisk, fence line, se.
Sage Sparrow 14 ubiquitous around the fence lines on lawns and bare ground beneath pines.
Red-winged Blackbird 2 (m) foraging on lawn with BRBL, central.
Brewer's Blackbird 30 (m,f) foraging on lawns and bare ground, central.
House Finch 2 in pines and on fence, se.
House Sparrow 25 vocal; on lawns and bare ground, throughout.
Weather: Fair; 65F; wind WSW 1 mph.
Time: 0655-0813 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, including the northern half of the central section. A few people were cycling and walking; some with leashed dogs. Park maintenance vehicles, including a motorboat, were moving about during the survey. Unexplained deaths of birds in the park (reported recently in the Antelope Valley Press) resulted in suspension of fishing until further notice. However, I did not find a significant decrease in bird diversity or abundance during today's survey. Nor were there any dead or diseased birds found.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 - cont.), Snow Goose (1 -cont.), Ross's Goose (2 - cont.), Hooded Merganser (1 - cont), Double-crested Cormorant (20 - cont.), Great Egret (5) and Western Tanager (1).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 -cont. on lawn with domestic geese, se.
Snow Goose 1 -cont. on lawn with domestic geese, se.
Ross's Goose 2 -cont. on lawn with domestic geese, se.
Canada Goose 75 - cont. most on lawn; one flock of about 12 flying around the park, se.
Swan Goose 2 (domestic) on island, se.
Gray-lag Goose (domestic and hybrid) 20 on lawn and island, se.
Mallard (wild type) 60 (m,f) moving single file across ne island to a section of the lake undisturbed by a motorboat.
Mallard (domestic, hybrid) 30 scattered around the edges of the lake, esp. n.
Muscovy Duck (hybrids only) 6 on shore, central.
Cinnamon Teal 1 (m) swimming with HOME, central.
Hooded Merganser 1 f - cont. swimming with CITE, central.
Pied-billed Grebe 2 edge of lake, e.
Western Grebe 1-cont. resting in open water, nw.
Double-crested Cormorant 20 cont. in trees on island; diving near shore throughout.
Great Blue Heron 1 flushed from shore, central.
Great Egret 5 (ad, imm) individuals separated by 50 yards or more on shore around the park.
Black-crowned Night Heron 4 (ad, imm) flying around the park; on shore, ne.
American Coot 4 on and near shore, se.
Killdeer 2 fly, calls, ne.
Rock Pigeon 1 on adjacent truck trailer, e.
Mourning Dove 4 calls; flying low across park.
Black Phoebe 1 low perch at edge of lake, se.
Western Kingbird 4 vocal, gregarious on top of pines, se, w.
Common Raven 4 fly, call; two young together, n.
European Starling 12 foraging on lawn, w.
Sage Sparrow 6 calls; active in adjacent saltbush field along fence and on lawn, n, nw.
Western Tanager 1 (m) active in canopy of a deciduous tree near shore, se (photo).
Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) male Apollo Park LACO CA 19 July 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Red-winged Blackbird 3 (m) foraging on lawn with BRBL, ne, n.
Brewer's Blackbird 30 (m,f; imm) ubiquitous; foraging together on lawns.
Great-tailed Grackle 8 (m,f) vocal, gregarious; on shore and in trees, mainly s.
Bullock's Oriole 1 calls, pines, se.
House Finch 4 calls, pines, ne.
House Sparrow 30 (m,f; imm) vocal, ubiquitous; flocks foraging on lawns.
Weather: Fair; 67F to 75F; no wind.
Time: 0640-0823 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route once around the entire park, excluding most of the central area. Park maintenance (rototilling) and noise from aircraft at Fox Field reduced the detectability of bird vocalizations in the western half of the park. The remainder sections of the park were relatively quiet; a few visitors were walking leashed dogs; others were jogging, walking and fishing from the shorelines. One individual was feeding pieces of bread to waterfowl on the eastern shoreline.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 -cont.), Snow Goose (1 -cont.), Ross's Goose (2 - cont.), Hooded Merganser (1 -cont.), Double-crested Cormorant (22 -cont.) and Great Egret (4)..
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (cont.) swimming with GRLG, se.
Snow Goose 1 (cont.) on lawn with GRLG and ROGO, se.
Ross's Goose 2 (cont.) forgaging on lawn together with GRLG and SNGO, se.
Canada Goose 80 (no immatures seen); foraging on lawns, n.
Gray-lag Goose (domestic and hybrid) 20 scattered around the southern half of the park.
Swan Goose (domestic) 3 on se island.
Gadwall 1 (m) resting on lake, se.
Mallard (wild-type) 35 (m,f) scattered around the edges of the lake.
Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 40 scattered around the edges of the lake.
Muscovy Duck (hybrid only) 2 on shore, central.
Hooded Merganser 1 (f - cont.) resting on rock near shore, se (photo).
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) Apollo Park, LACO CA 9 July 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Pied-billed Grebe 2 swimming near shore, se, n.
Western Grebe 1 swimming near shore, ne.
Double-crested Cormorant 22 (90% imm.) most resting on se island on shore and in pines; three diving, n.
Great Blue Heron 1 on shore, ne.Great Egret 4 on shore, separated by 50 yards or more, ne, n, central.
Great Egret 4 scattered around shorelines, s-central, ne, n.
Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (ad) on rookery island shore, ne.
American Coot 4 on and near shore, s-central.
Killdeer 2 fly, call, n-central.
Ring-billed Gull 1 (C2) missing lower left foot, main beach, s.
Eurasian Collared Dove calls (unseen) s.
Rock Pigeon 2 foraging on new lawn, s.
Mourning Dove 3 fly, call, sw.
Western Kingbird 2 vocal in pines, n.
Common Raven 4 vocal in pines and fence line, n.
Horned Lark 8 flock on shore, fly; calls, sw.
Tree Swallow 1 flying low over lake, n-central.
Bewick's Wren 1 song (unseen) pines on fence line, n.
European Starling 8 foraging on lawn, n.
Sage Sparrow 3 foraging on ground, fenceline and interior shrubs, n.
Red-winged Blackbird 6 (m - imm) foraging with BRBL on lawns, se.
Brewer's Blackbird 20 (m,f) vocal; foraging on lawns throughout.
Great-tailed Grackle 4 (m,f) vocal; foraging on shore and lawns, s.
Brown-headed Cowbird 1 vocal; fly; nw.
House Finch 2 (m,f) on fence, se.
House Sparrow 30 (m,f) on lawns around buildings.
Weather: Fair; 72F to 85F; wind WSW 0-2mph.
Time: 0721-0940 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the park and a diagonal path through the interior. Relatively few (about thirty) park visitors were present during the survey, including a group of runners. Considerable algal growth continued around the shorelines, though water visibility was clear enough to see the bottom. Diversity and abundance of western migrants were comparatively low today (see previous survey notes for May 30 & 31, 2013).
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 -cont.), Snow Goose (1 -cont.), Ross's Goose (2 -cont), Hooded Merganser (1 - cont.), Double-crested Cormorant (25 - cont.), Great Egret (4), Western Wood Pewee (1), Willow Flycatcher (1), Pacific Slope Flycatcher (2), Yellow Warbler (2), and Wilson's Warbler (1).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 flying around the park; calls; later found foraging on a lawn with domestic GLGO.
Snow Goose 1 on se island with domestic GLGO.
Ross's Goose 2 foraging on lawn next to main beach, s.
Canada Goose 100 (ad, imm) ubiquitous on lawns, shore; swimming.
Gray-lag Goose (domestic & hybrids) 35 ubiquitous; some defending young with hissing calls and low neck posture.
Swan Goose (domestic) 4 on se island and shore, s.
Gadwall 1 (m) swimming, ne.
Mallard (wild-type) 30 pairs resting on shore, islands throuhgout the park.
Mallard (domestic & hybrid) 30 pairs resting on shore and islands throughout; foraging in algae mats.
Hooded Merganser 1 (f - cont. - see 13 May, 2013 notes) swimming near shore, ne (photo).
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) female ne Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 5 June 2013 
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Pied-billed Grebe 2 calls; swimming near shore, n.
Western Grebe 1 -cont. swimming, se.
Double-crested Cormorant 25 - cont. se and ne islands.
Great Blue Heron 2 on separate shores, n, ne.
Great Egret 4 (alt. plmg.) a pair in a tree on se island; flying to shores, n., s-central.
Black-crowned Night Heron 2 one in traditional pine on ne island; one on shore, se.
American Coot 4 swimming in algal mat, s-central.
California Gull 1 (C2) on shore; flying around park, s.
Eurasian Collared Dove 4 calls; in pines, on utility wires, s.
Mourning Dove 6 calls; in pines, on fences; bare ground throughout.
Rock Pigeon 5 on bare ground beneath pines, s-central.
Western Wood Pewee 1 low branch in pine, n.
Pacific Slope Flycatcher 2 vocal; low branch in pines and tamarisk, n, nw.
Willow Flycatcher 1 no eyering; tail bobbing; low branch of pine, n.
Western Kingbird 2 vocal, tops of pines and cypress, n.
Common Raven 6 vocal, esp. near nest sites in pines, sw, n.
Swainson's Thrush 1 moving quickly on ground beneath row of tamarisks, nw.
European Starling 20 vocal, ubiquitous.
Yellow Warbler 2 vocal, active in pines, e,n.
Wilson's Warbler 1 vocal, active in pine with YEWA.
Sage Sparrow 2 song in adjacent burned out saltbush field, n; one on fence, nw.
Red-winged Blackbird 1 (m) vocal; foraging on lawn with EUST and BRBL, e.
Brewer's Blackbird 10 (m,f) foraging on lawns throughout.
Great-tailed Grackle 8 vocal, active on lawns and shorelines.
House Finch 6 vocal; floraging on unmowed lawn, ne.
House Sparrow 50 vocal, ubiquitous.
MAY 30 & 31, 2013 (57 Species)
Weather: (5/30/2013): Fair; 61F to 80F; winds WNW 1 - 20 mph. Persistent WNW winds (30-60mph) and dust storms in the AV over the past few days. (5/31/2013): Fair; 69F to 74F; winds WNW 0-1mph.
Time: (5/30/2013): 0627- 1140 hrs. (5/31/2013): 0700-0945 hrs.
Area Covered: (5/30/2013): I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire park, followed by a clockwise route. Winds declined to 1 mph by 0900 hrs. Park visitors included a few fishermen pedestrians and two unidentified birders. Conditions were good for identifying bird vocalizations. The relatively wind-sheltered eastern fence line area supported an abundance of western migrants. (5/31/2013): I walked a counter-clockwise and clockwise route around the entire park, including a diagonal n-s route through the interior. I initially searched for and found an Ovenbird, found here yesterday morning by John Birsner. Additional bird species found this morning (that I did not encounter yesterday) included Dusky Flycatcher (1), Black-throated Gray Warbler (1) Hermit x Townsend's Warbler (1) and Orange-crowned Warbler. Most of the species I found in the park yesterday were seen again today, with the notable exception of Red Crossbill.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 - cont.), Snow Goose (1- cont.), Ross's Goose (2 - cont.), Red-breasted Nuthatch (1), Willow Flycatcher (12), Hermit Thrush (1) Ovenbird (1) and Red Crossbill (4).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (cont.) on se island with domestic geese.
Snow Goose 1 (cont.) on se island.
Ross's Goose 2 (cont.) initially on se island; later foraging on lawn next to main beach, s.
Canada Goose 100 (ad. imm) on and near shore, s.
Swan Goose (domestic) 2 on se island.
Gray-lag Goose (domestic and hybrid) 20 on se island.
Gadwall 1 (m) on shore of se island.
Mallard (wild-type) 50 (ad, imm) scattered around the park.
Mallard (domestic & hybrid) 40 scattered around the park, esp. s.
Ruddy Duck 6 resting, open water, s, n.
Pied-billed Grebe 4 swimming, open water, w, n.
Western Grebe 1 (cont.) swimming, se.
Double-crested Cormorant 26 (cont.) se island; swimming, ne.
Great Blue Heron 2 on shore; flew to pines, s, ne.
Great Egret 4 (alt. plmg.) on shore, s, ne.
Black-crowned Night Heron 2 in pines on traditional island rookery, ne.
American Coot 6 in shallows around the lake.
Killdeer 4 vocal; on shore and lawns, ne, n.
Spotted Sandpiper 2 on shore, n.
California Gull 3 (C1, C2) flying around lake.
Eurasian Collared Dove 2 calls, nw.
Rock Pigeon 3 foraging on bare ground, s.
Great Horned Owl 1 calls from large pine, ne.
Mourning Dove 6 vocal; pairs foraging on ground, s, nw.
Western Wood Pewee 8 vocal, ubiquitous on fence line around park.
Willow Flycatcher 12 vocal, ubiquitous; some intraspecific aggression; low branches and fence line (photo).
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii ) Apollo Park 31 May 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Pacific Slope Flycatcher 6 vocal, ubiquitous; low branches of trees and shrubs.
Dusky Flycatcher 1 identified by light gray upperparts, symmetrical eye ring, moderate-sized bill; call, ne (5/31/13).
Black Phoebe 1 vocal, flying over shoreline, n.
Western Kingbird 3 vocal; tops of pines, n.
Warbling Vireo 5 vocal; pairs staying close in pines, se, n.
Common Raven 6 vocal, territorial around nest sites in pines, se, n.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 flying low, back and forth over saltbush field, ne.
Barn Swallow 10 vocal; flying low, back and forth over saltbush field and lake, e.
Red-breasted Nuthatch calls, pines, nw.
Swainson's Thrush 2 staying close; foraging on bare dirt beneath pines and tamarisk, e.
Hermit Thrush 1 foraging beneath tamarisk and pines, e.
Northern Mockingbird song, nw.
European Starling 25 vocal, ubiquitous on lawns.
Yellow Warbler 25 vocal, ubiquitous in pines with WIWA and TOWA.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 1 (f) foraging on lawn, e.
Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 (m alt. plmg.) song, foraging at mid-level in pines, e (5/31/13).
Townsend's Warbler 6 (m,f) foraging in pines; one on lawn, e, n.
Hermit x Townsend's Warbler 1 foraging in pines, n (5/31/13 - photo).
Hermit x Townsend's Warbler possible hybrid. Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 31 May, 2013
2013 Callyn Yorke
Orange-crowned Warbler 1 song, foraging in pines, se (5/31/13)
MacGillivray's Warbler 1 foraging in tamarisk, e.
Common Yellowthroat 1 (f) with yellow throat and yellow vent; rest of underparts white, e.
Ovenbird 1 walking beneath a tamarisk, then in the open on bare ground at the northeast corner of the fence line; flew to low branch in a nearby pine, ne corner. This bird was reported in this general area of the park yesterday by John Birsner (LACO Yahoo groups), and represents the first documented record of this species in Apollo Park (photos - 5/31/13)
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) same individual in both photos; Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 31 May 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Chipping Sparrow 2 (imm) foraging together on lawn, ne.
Sage Sparrow 2 foraging together on lawn and on bare ground, ne.
Western Tanager 1 (m) in salt bush field, then in pines, ne.
Red-winged Blackbird 1 (imm m) foraging on lawn, e.
Brewer's Blackbird 6 foraging on lawns, e, central.
Great-tailed Grackle 6 (m,f) vocal, ubiquitous.
Brown-headed Cowbird 1 (m) foraging with EUST and BRBL, e.
Bullock's Oriole 1 calls, nw.
House Finch 8 (m,f) foraging on lawns, nw.
Red Crossbill 4 (m,f) calls in flight; landed in pines, se.
House Sparrow 50 vocal, ubiquitous.
Weather: Fair; 53F to 60F; wind W, WNW 10 - 20 mph.
Time: 0628-0955.
Area Covered: I walked the entire perimeter and central areas of the park, initially in a clockwise direction, then a half-circuit counter-clockwise. Park maintenance was fairly heavy, including trash pick-up along the fence line, power edgers and ATV's operated on the pathways and lawns. Increasing winds also made observations difficult.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 - cont.), Snow Goose (1 - cont.), Ross's Goose (2 - cont.), Hooded Merganser (1 - cont.), Double-crested Cormorant (26 - cont.), Great Egret (4 ), Gray Flycatcher (1), Orange-crowned Warbler (1), Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler (1), Lazuli Bunting (1), Dark-eyed Junco (1) and Red Crossbill (2 - cont.).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 - cont. with GRLA on lawn and shore, s.
Snow Goose 1- cont. with domestic GRLA near shore, s.
Ross's Goose 2 - cont. foraging on lawn together, s.
Canada Goose 75 ad, imm) foraging on lawns; resting on shore and islands, s.
Gray-lag Goose (domestic and hybrid) 30 scattered around the shoreline, s.
Swan Goose 4 resting on se island.
Muscovy Duck (dark mallard hybrid) 6 resting on shore, s ne.
Gadwall 1 (m) resting on island shore, ne.
Mallard (wild-type) 30 (m,f) on island and shorelines around the park.
Mallard (domestic & hybrid) 35 on shorelines and islands around the park, mostly s.
Hooded Merganser 1 (f) - cont. resting on island shore, ne.
Ruddy Duck 5 (m,f) resting in open water, n, se.
California Quail 2 calls; running between salt bush in adjacent field, e.
Pied-billed Grebe 2 calls; open water, nw.
Western Grebe 1 - cont. resting, open water, se.
Double-crested Cormorant 26 (ad, imm) most resting on se island; several swimming and diving, n.
Great Egret 4 (alt. plmg.) two in pine on ne island.
Snowy Egret 1 flying low across lake, s.
Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (ad) in pine, traditional rookery island, ne.
American Coot 4 together near shore, s-central.
Killdeer 6 on lawns and shore,central.
Spotted Sandpiper 4 foraging on concrete shoreline, ne.
Ring-billed Gull 2 (C1, C2) resting on main beach; flying, s.
California Gull 2 (C2) flying low around the lakes.
Sterna sp. 1 (ad, alt. plmg.) suggested Forster's in flight with very pale upperwings; photos show orange bill with black tip; gray back with contrasting white rump, s (photo).
Sterna sp. Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 23 May 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Eurasian Collared Dove 2 calls, s.
Rock Pigeon 6 in adjacent field on parked truck-trailers, e.
Mourning Dove 6 vocal; foraging on bare ground throughout the park.
Western Wood Pewee 10 vocal, ubiquitous; many flycatching to or near ground from fence line and low pine branches.
Willow Flycatcher 2 seen well; no eyering, occasional calls; low perch in pines and adjacent salt bush fields, s, e.
Gray Flycatcher 1 seen at close range in middle level of pine; called twice, s.
Black Phoebe 2 calls; on steel cable fence, central.
Say's Phoebe 1 on fence, ne.
Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 perched on shrubs; moving around in adjacent salt bush field, e.
Western Kingbird 2 vocal around ravens, junipers, n.
Warbling Vireo 2 singing in pines, se.
Common Raven 6 vocal around nests in pines, sw, n.
Horned Lark 1 walking between salt bush, adjacent field, se.
Tree Swallow 2 flying low, back and forth over lake and salt bush field, se.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4 flying low, back and forth over saltbush field and lake, se.
Barn Swallow 10 flying low, vocal; over saltbush field and lake, e, se.
Swainson's Thrush 3 fence line and adjacent shaded areas, e.
European Starling 30 (ad, imm) vocal, ubiquitous; foraging on lawns.
Orange-crowned Warbler 1 foraging in pine, se.
Yellow Warbler 25 (m,f) vocal, ubiquitous in pines.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 1 (f) calls, foraging on lawn, sw.
Townsend's Warbler 3 (m,f) calls; foraging in pines, n, s.
Common Yellowthroat 1 (f) foraging in tamarisk, ne.
Wilson's Warbler 50 (m,f) vocal, ubiquitous in pines; often in msf with YEWA.
Dark-eyed Junco 1 - cont. possibly with injured left wing; foraging on ground, fenceline, se (photo).
Dark-eyed Oregon Junco (Junco hyemalis thurberi) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 23 May 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Western Tanager 3 (m,f) a male and female foraging together on lawn, ne.
Black-headed Grosbeak 1 calls (unseen) in mature pine, ne.
Lazuli Bunting 1 (m) foraging in tall grass; flushed to pines; flighty and difficult to approach, w (photo).
Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 23 May 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Brewer's Blackbird 10 (m,f) foraging with EUST and GTGR on lawns, central.\
Great-tailed Grackle 8 (m,f) vocal foraging together on lawns, shoreline, central.
Brown-headed Cowbird 2 (m,f) vocal; with BRBL on lawns, central.
House Finch 15 (m,f; ad, imm) vocal, ubiquitous.
Red Crossbill 2 (m,f) calls, at top of pines, ne.
House Sparrow 50 (ad, imm) vocal, ubiquitous.
Weather: Fair; 57F to 72F; wind W 5-12 mph.
Time: 0630 - 1005 hrs.
Area Covered: Initially, I walked a clockwise route, followed by a counter-clockwise route, including the diagonal path through the interior. A few people were fishing; increasing numbers of visitors arrived around 1000 hrs. Conditions were good for identifying bird vocalizations.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 - cont.), Snow Goose (1 - cont.), Ross's Goose (2 -cont.), Hooded Merganser (1- cont.), , Double-crested Cormorant (26 - cont.), American White Pelican (1), Townsend's x Hermit Warbler (1 -cont.), and Red Crossbill (1).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1-cont. resting on the se island.
Snow Goose 1-cont. with domestic GLGO on se island.
Ross's Goose 2 -cont. on shore of se island.
Canada Goose 80 (incl. about 20 imm.) vocal; intraspecific aggression; scattered around the park
Gray-lag Goose (domestic and hybrid) 25 ubiquitous, esp. s.
Swan Goose 6 on se island and adjacent shore.
Muscovy Duck (mallard hybrids only) 4 on shore, ne, sw.
Gadwall 2 (m,f) swimming from shore, se.
Mallard (wild type) 20 pairs scattered around the edges of the lake.
Mallard (domestic & hybrid) 45 scattered around the park, esp. s.
Hooded Merganser 1 (f) cont. resting on ne island shore.
Ruddy Duck 5 (m,f) resting in open water, nw.
California Quail 4 vocal, outside of fence line, e.
Pied-billed Grebe 6 calls; edge of lake, nw, n, ne.
Western Grebe 1-cont. vocal, open water, se.
Double-crested Cormorant 26-cont. most resting on se island; 3 swimming, se.
American White Pelican 1 (ad) resting on se island; flying around se, landing again on se island.
Great Blue Heron 1 on shore, s-central.
Great Egret 5 (alt. plmg.) four initially found together on n shore; later scattered around park on shorelines.
Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (ad) flushed from pine, nw.
American Coot 6 foraging in algae mats near shorelines around the park.
Killdeer 4 vocal; active on lawns, nw, ne.
Spotted Sandpiper 8 foraging on concrete shorelines around the park.
California Gull 2 (C2, C3) flying, se.
Ring-billed Gull 4 (C1, C2) resting near shore and main beach, s.
Mourning Dove 10 vocal, ubiquitous; foraging on lawns and bare ground.
Western Wood Pewee 8 vocal; on fence line and lower branches of pines around the park.
Pacific Slope Flycatcher 2 lower branches of pines, s, ne.
Western Kingbird 4 vocal; chasing raven, n.; probably nesting in pines, n, se.
Warbling Vireo 3 vocal; foraging in pines, msf with WIWA, YEWA, n, nw, s.
Common Raven 6 vocal, esp around nests in pines, as I approached, sw, n.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 one on fence; other flying low over adjacent saltbush field with swarms of insects, ne.
Barn Swallow 20 vocal; flying low, back and forth over adjacent saltbush field, ne.
Swainson's Thrush 4 foraging on ground in shade of pines, e, n, sw.
European Starling 30 vocal, ubiquitous; foraging on lawns.
Orange-crowned Warbler 3 foraging in msf with other warblers; bathing, drinking in puddle, ne; sw, n.
Yellow Warbler 20 (m,f) vocal, ubiquitous, active in pines.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 4 (m,f) three males foraging together on bare ground and lawn, e.
Yellow-rumped (M) Warbler 1 (m) foraging alone in pine, e.
Townsend's Warbler 6 (m,f) ubiquitous, foraging in pines, msf with WIWA, YEWA.
Hermit Warbler 2 (m,f) foraging in pines, generally separate from other warblers, se, n.
Hermit Warbler x Townsend's Warbler 1 (f) -cont. intermediate characters, suggesting a female TOWA or hybrid HEWA-TOWA with mostly white underparts; faint dark cheek markings, n. A similar individual was described from AP by David Bell on May 14, 2013. Today's bird also resembled one that I photographed in the se corner of the park on May 12, 2013.
MacGillivray's Warbler 2 two foraging low in salt cedar, ne, nw; one (ne bird) then flying to trunk of pine; moving upward and laterally, probing into bark crevices in nuthatch fashion (photo).
MacGillivray's Warbler (Geothlypis tolmiei) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 18 May 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Wilson's Warbler 60 (m,f) vocal, ubiquitous; foraging on lawns and in pines, often in msf with other birds.
Sage Sparrow 12 vocal, ubiquitous, foraging on lawns, bare ground beneath pines.
Western Tanager 5 (m,f) vocal; foraging in pines, n.
Black-headed Grosbeak 3 (f) calls; in pines and on ground beneath pines, n, sw.
Brewer's Blackbird 6 (m,f) pairs foraging on lawns and bare ground, central, e.
Great-tailed Grackle 4 vocal, active on lawns, shorelines, s, ne.
House Finch 8 (m,f) foraging in small flocks on lawns, often with HOSP, ne, sw.
Red Crossbill 1 (carotenistic male) , similar to a male RECR I photographed in the se corner of the park on 21 April, 2013; today's bird was foraging silently on cones in canopy of Aleppo pine; extracted one seed and consumed it while perched, n (photo)
Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) a carotenistic male (same bird in both photos), north Apollo Park, LACO, CA 18 May 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
House Sparrow 60 (m,f; ad, imm) vocal, ubiquitous; foraging in small flocks on lawns.
Weather: 5/12: Fair; 72 F; no wind; 5/13: Fair, 65F to 78F; no wind.
Time: 5/12: 0725-0825 hrs. 5/13: 0640-0951 hrs.
Area Covered: 5/12: one clockwise route around the entire park, excluding the interior; 5/13: one counter-clockwise route around the entire park; one diagonal route through the interior. Relatively few visitors were present during both surveys. Conditions were excellent for identifying bird vocalizations. Numbers following each entry represent the highest count for the two survey days; dates are included when a species was found only on one of the two survey days.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1-cont.), Snow Goose (1-cont.), Ross's Goose (2-cont.), Hooded Merganser (1), Double-crested Cormorant (16-cont), Red -breasted Nuthatch (1-cont.), Chipping Sparrow (5) and Dark-eyed Oregon Junco (1).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 -cont. swimming with domestic GRLG, s.
Snow Goose 1 with domestic geese on SE island.
Ross's Goose 2 with domestic geese on SE island; later swimming near island.
Canada Goose 80 (including hatchlings following adults; one on nest, SE island) ubiquitous.
Gray-lag Goose (domestic & hybrid) 25 most in the south half of the park.
Swan Goose 5 on islands, ne, se.
Muscovy Duck (mallard hybrid; no pure MUDO seen) 2 black with green head, ne.
Mallard (wild-type) 20 (m,f) pairs resting on lawns and islands.
Mallard (domestic & hybrid) 35 most in the southern half of the park.
Hooded Merganser 1 (fem. imm) swimming, east-central 5/13 (photo).
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) female Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 13 May 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Ruddy Duck 6 (m,f) resting on lake near shore, s, n.
Pied-billed Grebe 3 calls; swimming near islands, ne.
Western Grebe 1-cont. resting on lake, se.
Double-crested Cormorant 16 -cont. (ad, imm) resting on island; a few in trees, se.
Great Blue-heron flew to tree on se island, se.
Black-crowned Night Heron 4 (ad) on shore and in pines on traditional island nest site, ne.
American Coot 14 scattered around edges of the lake.
Killdeer 2 fly, call; 5/13, central.
Spotted Sandpiper 4 foraging singly and in pairs on concrete shorelines throughout.
Rock Pigeon 2 foraging on lawn, 5/13 e.
Eurasian Collared Dove 2 calls; on utility line, s.
Mourning Dove 6 fly, call, ubiquitous.
Great Horned Owl 1 unseen; fresh castings with rodent bones under a mature Aleppo pine, ne; 5/12.
Anna's Hummingbird 1 (f) aerial hawking of midges, 5/12, n.
Western Wood Pewee 2 calls; conspicuous perch on dead branches of tamarisk and pines, ne, w.
Hammond's Flycatcher 2 in lower branches of pines, se.
Pacific Slope Flycatcher 1 calls, hawking insects from lower branch of pine, ne.
Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 calls, on top of a mature pine, e.
Western Kingbird 6 three pair; vocal, tops of pines, n, se, sw.
Common Raven 6 two nesting pair, sw, n; increasingly vocal, flying around as I approached nests.
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 calls, in pines, 5/12, nw.
European Starling 12 vocal; pairs foraging on lawns throughout.
Orange-crowned Warbler 1 foraging in middle level of pines, 5/13, s.
Yellow Warbler 15 (m,f) vocal; foraging in pines; visiting puddle on lawn; ubiquitous.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 15 (m,f) ubiquitous; foraging in pines; Myrtle Warbler 2 (m,f) , in pines, 5/12, n (photo).
Myrtle Warbler (Setophaga coronata) male Apollo Park, LACO CA 12 May 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Townsend's Warbler 2 (m,f) foraging in lower branches of pines, se.
Hermit Warbler 1 (m) foraging in lower branches of pines, 5/12. se.
MacGillivray's Warbler 1 (m) foraging in lower branches of pines, 5/13, s.
Wilson's Warbler 30 foraging in lower branches of pines, se.
Chipping Sparrow 5 foraging on lawns, n, se.
Lark Sparrow 1 foraging on lawn, n (photo).
Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) Apollo Park, LACO CA 13 May 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Sage Sparrow 8 vocal, active in pines and in adjacent saltbush fields, s, e, n.
Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco 1 foraging at edge of lawn, se.
Western Tanager 2 (f) calls; active in pines, se.
Red-winged Blackbird song, s.
Western Meadowlark song, adjacent field, s.
Brewer's Blackbird 4 (m,f) vocal; foraging on lawns, e, w.
Great-tailed Grackle 6 (m,f) vocal; active in pines, s, n.
Brown-headed Cowbird 2 (m,f) vocal; flushed from lawn, w.
Bullock's Oriole 1 (f) vocal, in pines, 5/12, s.
House Finch 8 (m,f) vocal; one male foraging like a crossbill on cones near the crown of a mature Aleppo pine, n.
House Sparrow 30 vocal, active throughout the park.
Weather: Fair; 60F to 65; wind W 2- 7mph.
Time: 0740 - 1000 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a clockwise route around the park perimeter once. Increasing numbers of visitors arrived after about 0930 hrs. Conditions were excellent for identifying bird vocalizations. Relatively large numbers of western migrants were found in the pines,shrubs and on the ground along the north, east and southeast fence lines.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 - cont.), Snow Goose (1 - cont.), Ross's Goose (2 -cont.), Double-crested Cormorant (16), Red-breasted Nuthatch (1), Yellow-headed Blackbird (2) and Red Crossbill (4).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 - cont. swimming with domestic GRLG, s.
Snow Goose 1 -cont. foraging on lawn with domestic geese, s.
Ross' Goose 2 -cont. foraging on lawn with domestic geese, s.
Canada Goose 45 two pair swimming with 4-5 hatchling goslings each, s.
Swan Goose (domestic) 5 on se island and shore, s.
Gray-lag Goose (including domestic and hybrid) 25 s.
Gadwall 1 (m) foraging in shallows near concrete shore, ne.
Mallard (wild-type) 20 pairs resting on island and shores throughout.
Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 60 mostly on or near shore, s.
Muscovy Duck (hybrid) 5 in shallows and on shore, s.
Ruddy Duck 5 ( alt. plmg.) nw
Pied-billed Grebe 4 calls; swimming near shore, n, s.
Western Grebe 1 calls; swimming near shore, se.
Double-crested Cormorant 16 (ad, imm) most resting on se island; some swimming, ne.
Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (ad) in pines on traditional colony island, ne.
American Coot 12 scattered around the shallows.
Killdeer 2 calls; on lawn and bare ground, n.
Spotted Sandpiper 6 (alt. plmg.) foraging together on shore, ne, se.
Eurasian Collared Dove 2 fly,, call, sw.
Mourning Dove 8 vocal; pairs on lawns and in adjacent fields, n, e.
Western Wood Pewee 4 vocal; on fence and low branches of pines, n, e, se.
Black Phoebe 1 calls, n.
Pacific Slope Flycatcher 1 active in lower branches of pines, n.
Hammond's Flycatcher 1 flycatching from lower branches of pines, ne (photo).
Hammond's Flycatcher (Empidonax hammondi) Apollo Park, LACO CA 9 May 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Western Kingbird 4 two vocal pairs in tops of pines (probably nesting), nw, se.
Warbling Vireo 1 active in upper branches of pines, s.
Common Raven 6 increasing vocal as I approached nest trees, sw, n.
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 calls, in pines and junipers, n.
Swainson's Thrush 4 on ground at fence line, n, e. (photo)
Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 9 May 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
European Starling 10 vocal; pairs foraging on lawns around the park.
Orange-crowned Warbler 3 vocal; active in pines in mixed species flocks with YRWA, WIWA and TOWA, nw, n.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 10 vocal, active in pines with other warblers, n, e.
Yellow-rumped (M) Warbler 1 (f) active in lower branches of pines and on lawn, ne.
Townsend's Warbler 10 (m, f) calls; active in pines and tamarisk throughout; often in msf with other warblers.
Wilson's Warbler 35 (m,f) vocal, active in pines and other vegetation around the park; often in msf.
Chipping Sparrow 8 active on ground and on lawns , n, e, se.
Sage Sparrow 12 vocal; active on ground and on lawns, n, e.
Savannah Sparrow 1 on lawn beneath pines, s.
Western Tanager 14 (m,f) active in pines and on bare ground, n, e, se.
Black-headed Grosbeak 5 (m,f) vocal; active in pines and on bare ground beneath pines, n, e, se.
Red-winged Blackbird calls, w.
Yellow-headed Blackbird 2 (f) foraging together on the lawn, ne.
Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 9 May 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Brewer's Blackbird 4 (m,f) foraging on lawns, w, ne.
Great-tailed Grackle 2 (m,f) fly, call; w, s.
Brown-headed Cowbird 2 (m,f) vocal; foraging on lawns, ne.
House Finch 5 (m,f) vocal, active in pines, n., se.
Red Crossbill 4 vocal, active in tops of pines, n.
House Sparrow 30 vocal, active on lawns and shore, throughout.
NOTE: Apollo Park is scheduled for closure April 29 - May 3, 2013.
Weather: Fair; 55F to 70F; wind W, WSW 0- 2 mph.
Time: 0714-1148 hrs.
Area Covered: Initially I walked a clockwise route around the entire park, followed by a diagonal and counter-clockwise route back to the parking area. The park was quiet for the first two hours. The parking lot was nearly full by the time I finished the survey. Conditions were excellent for identifying bird vocalizations.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 -cont.), Snow Goose (1 - cont.), Ross's Goose (1 - cont.), Great Egret (4), Red-breasted Nuthatch (2 -cont.), Green-tailed Towhee (1), Brewer's Sparrow (1), Red Crossbill (4 - cont.) and Lawrence's Goldfinch (5). A Grace's Warbler reported here on 4/24/2013 by Jon Feenstra, was not found.
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (cont.) swimming with domestic GLGO, s.
Snow Goose 1 (cont.) on se island with domestic geese, s.
Ross's Goose 1 (cont.) swimming with domestic white geese, s; The second individual , usually present, was not found.
Canada Goose 40 pairs scattered around the park on lawns and shores.
Gray-lag Goose (domestic and hybrids) 20 on se island and shore, s.
Swan Goose (domestic) 4 initially on se island; moving to main beach where people were feeding the birds.
Muscovy Duck (domestic and hybrid) 3 on shore, s, s-central.
Gadwall 2 (m,f) resting near se island.
Mallard (wild-type) 20 (m,f) pairs scattered around the shorelines.
Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 30 scattered around the shorelines, mostly, s.
Ruddy Duck 6 (alt. and trans. alt. plmg.) resting in open water throughout.
Pied-billed Grebe 2 swimming, open water, central, s.
Double-crested Cormorant 2 diving, central, s.
Great Egret 4 (2 alt. plmg.) breeding pair together in pine on ne island; others on shore.
Black-crowned Night Heron 1 ad. in pine, traditional nest area, ne island.
American Coot 35 scattered around the edges of the lake.
Killdeer 2 on lawns; calls, nw.
Spotted Sandpiper 1 (trans. alt. plmg.) on shore, n.
Least Sandpiper 16 scattered, foraging on shorelines throughout.
Western Sandpiper 1 (trans. alt. plmg.) on shore with LESA, n.
Eurasian Collared Dove 2 calls; fly, w.
Mourning Dove 6 on lawns; ground; calls, flying w.
Great Horned Owl in large pine; calls, ne.
Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (f) on outer edge of pine, ne.
Western Wood Pewee 1 outer edge of pines, n.
Gray Flycatcher 1 in middle of large pine; sally-flycatching, nw (photo).
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 26 April 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Dusky Flycatcher 1 middle outer level of pines, n.
Pacific -slope Flycatcher 1 lower level of pines, ne,
Western Kingbird 3 vocal; exposed perches on tamarisk and pines, w.
Warbling Vireo 2 active in middle-level of pines; with YRWA, BTGR and WIWA, s, sw.
Common Raven 4 vocal; alarm calls; two pair nesting and circling pines as I approached, sw, nw.
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 calls, pines and junipers, n., e.
Hermit Thrush 1 foraging for insects on ground, nwc.
European Starling 12 vocal; foraging on lawns around the park.
Orange-crowned Warbler 4 foraging in pines with YRWA, WIWA, BTGW.
Nashville Warbler 1 (f) in low branches of pines, w.
Yellow Warbler 1 (m) in crown of pines, se.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 45 (m,f) calls, foraging at all foliage-height levels around the park; often in mixed species flocks.
Yellow-rumped (M) Warbler 1 (f) calls; foraging with other YRWA in pines, nw.
Black-throated Gray Warbler 10 (m,f) foraging in pines and junipers throughout the park; often in MSF.
Townsend's Warbler 3 (m, f) calls; foraging alone low to medium heights in pines and junipers, w, n (photo).
Townsend's Warbler (Setophaga townsendi) male Apollo Park, LACO CA 26 April 2013 C Yorke
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
MacGillvray's Warbler 2 (m,f) foraging low in seepages with tall grass and tamarisk, nw, n.
Common Yellowthroat 2 (m,f) foraging low in seepages, nw, n, ne.
Wilson's Warbler 60 (90% males) vocal, foraging at all foliage height levels around the park
Green-tailed Towhee 1 moving quickly on ground in brushy area near fence; foraging at edge of lawn; shy and retiring, ne (ph).
Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo chlorurus) Apollo Park, LACO CA 26 April 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Chipping Sparrow 12 vocal; small flocks foraging on ground and lawns throughout.
Brewer's Sparrow 1 with WCSP and other small passerines at bird bath puddle, n.
Sage Sparrow 6 song; one coming from adjacent saltbush field to use a bird bath, n.
Savannah Sparrow 10 active on ground and lawns throughout, esp. e.
White-crowned Sparrow 14 (ad) in mixed species flocks with other sparrows around the park.
Dark-eyed Junco 2 (one female slate-colored) foraging together beneath pines on ground and lawns, nw.
Western Tanager 8 (m,f) snatch-gleaning insects from middle to lower level of pines throughout.
Black-headed Grosbeak vocal, in pines, sw.
Red-winged Blackbird 2 calls, song, pines, s.
Brewer's Blackbird 10 (m,f) foraging on lawns; courtship behavior, sw.
Great-tailed Grackle 8 (m,f) highly vocal; foraging on lawns; in salt bush scrub, se.
Brown-headed Cowbird 2 (m) vocal; foraging together on lawn, nw.
House Finch 8 vocal, in pines and on lawns throughout.
Red Crossbill 4 flying over pines; calls; one female drinking from puddle; returning to tree, n (photos).
Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) immature female same individual in both photos Apollo Park, LACO CA 26 April 2013 C Yorke
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Lawrence's Goldfinch 5 (m,f) vocal; active in middle to upper level of pines, ne.
House Sparrow 25 vocal, active on and around buildings and lawns.
Weather: Fair; 53F to 70F; wind W, WNW 0 - 2 mph.
Time: 0730 - 1110 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked counter-clockwise and clockwise routes around the entire park, including the interior. Relatively few fishermen and other visitors were present during the survey (many people were undoubtedly drawn to the Lancaster Poppy Festival). Except for occasional aircraft traffic over Fox Field, conditions were excellent for identifying bird vocalizations. More than twenty non-native Red-eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta), and two soft-shelled turtles (Apalone sp.) were basking on the east shore of a ne island (photo).
Red-eared Slider and Soft-shelled Turtle (center) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 21 April 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 - cont.), Snow Goose (1 - cont.), Ross's Goose (2 - cont.), Hooded Merganser (5 -cont.), Belted Kingfisher (1), Western Wood Pewee (1), Pacific Slope Flycatcher (2), Gray Flycatcher (1) and Red Crossbill (2).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (cont.) swimming with domestic geese, s.
Canada Goose 55 scattered over the park; on lawns and in the water.
Snow Goose 1 (cont.) with domestic geese, se island.
Ross's Goose 2 (cont.) swimming with domestic geese, s.
Gray-lag Goose (domestics and hybrids) 24 shoreline; swimming, s.
Swan Goose (domestic) 2 on se island.
Muscovy Duck (domestic; hybrids) 3 on shore, se.
Gadwall 2 (m,f) resting on ne island.
Mallard (wild-type) 40 (m,f) scattered around the shorelines and in open water.
Mallard (domestic; hybrids) 30 scattered on shorelines, s.
Hooded Merganser (5: 4 f; 1 imm. m) -continuing (see previous surveys) - resting on shore of ne island; swimming from shore, se (photo).
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) immature male. Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 21 April 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Ruddy Duck 25 (most in alt. plmg.) resting in open water, s, n,.
Pied-billed Grebe 2 swimming, diving, s, s-central.
Double-crested Cormorant 16 (ad, imm) most resting together on ne island; some diving, ne.
Great Egret 2 (one alt. plmg.) in tree on se island.
Snowy Egret 2 in tree and on shore, se.
Green Heron 1 (ad) resting in shade of acanthus grass, on ne island.
Black-crowned Night Heron 4 (3 ad. 1 imm) in traditional nesting pine (no nesting seen today), ne.
American Coot 80 ubiquitous.
Killdeer 4 fly, call, adjacent field, n.
Spotted Sandpiper 1 (alt. plmg.) foraging on shore of ne island.
Western Sandpiper 3 (alt. and trans. alt. plmg.) on shore with LESA, s (photo).
Least Sandpiper 8 (alt. and trans. alt. plmg.) on shore with WESA, s (photo).
Left: Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla); Right: Western Sandpiper (C. mauri) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 21 April 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Eurasian Collared Dove 2 s, sw.
Rock Pigeon 4 foraging on lawns beneath pines, n.
Mourning Dove 5 perched on tamarisk snag, w.
Belted Kingfisher 1 fly, call, s.
Olive-sided Flycatcher ? 1 called once loudly from about 20 feet away (unseen), in pines above fence, ne.
Western Wood Pewee 1 aerial fly-catching from dead pine branch on fence line, ne (photo).
Western Wood Pewee (Contopus sordidulus) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 21 April 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Gray Flycatcher 1 vocal, forgaging in middle level of pines, se (photo).
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 21 April 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Pacific Slope Flycatcher 2 sallying from lower branches of pine, se, ne.
Black Phoebe 1 calls, s.
Western Kingbird 5 vocal; interacting in canopy of pines and tamarisk, e, n,. nw.
Common Raven 6 vocal, flying around pines throughout the park.
Cliff Swallow 1 foraging at 100 ft. over adjacent field, ne.
Red-breasted Nuthatch 3 (cont.) vocal, active in pines, se, ne.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 calls; active in lower branches of pines, n.
American Robin 1 foraging on lawn, nw.
European Starling 4 vocal; fly; foraging on lawns, w.
Orange-crowned Warbler 2 calls; foraging in pines and Chinese Elm, n, sw.
Yellow Warbler 1 song; active in pines, central.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 50 vocal, ubiquitous at all foliage-height levels; snatch-gleaning; aerial-fly-catching.
Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 (f) foraging in pines, e (photo).
Common Yellowthroat 3 calls; active in tall grass and wet areas along the fence line, se, e, ne.
Wilson's Warbler 20 highly vocal in pines and deciduous trees throughout.
Chipping Sparrow 13 (most in alt. plmg.) foraging in loose flocks on lawns beneath pines, se, e, w.
Lark Sparrow 1 foraging beneath pines, nw.
Sage Sparrow 5 song in adjacent fields; some approaching fence line, e.
Fox Sparrow 2 (one relatively dark gray form, c.f. slate-colored); foraging beneath pines (photos), ne; s.
Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca c.f. schistacea ) same individual in both photos; note relatively small bill; faint streaking on mantle. Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 21 April, 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Savannah Sparrow 5 vocal, foraging on lawns beneath pines, ne.
Lincoln's Sparrow 2 calls; active on ground in grassy seepage, ne, n.
White-crowned Sparrow 12 vocal, ubiquitous in and around pines.
Dark-eyed Junco 4 calls; foraging with WCSP beneath pines, s, ne.
Black-headed Grosbeak 1 calls, song in pines, se.
Brewer's Blackbird 6 (m,f) vocal; courtship, s.
Great-tailed Grackle 6 (m,f) vocal, foraging on lawns, sw, ne.
Bullock's Oriole 1 vocal in pine, sw.
House Finch 4 vocal, in pines and on ground, se.
Red Crossbill 2 (m, f) female drinking from puddle; an aberrant (carotenistic) male in nearby Aleppo pines (photo).
Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) carotenistic male, Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 21 April 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Lesser Goldfinch 2 song, calls, top of pines, e.
House Sparrow 20 vocal, active around buildings and exposed soil, nw.
Weather: Partly cloudy; 63F to 66F; wind WNW 10 - 25 mph. High winds (to 70 mph) the past three days.
Time: 0704 - 1100 hrs.
Area Covered: Initially, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire park, followed by a diagonal route and clockwise route in the eastern half. A few fishermen and other visitors were present in the park during my survey. Aircraft traffic and noise from Fox Field was minimal. A 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera were used for the survey.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 - cont.), Snow Goose (1 - cont.), Ross's Goose (2 - cont.), Hooded Merganser (7 - cont.), Green Heron (1), Gray Flycatcher (1), Red-breasted Nuthatch (2), Hermit Thrush (5), Chipping Sparrow (10), Fox Sparrow (3), Lincoln's Sparrow (3), Golden-crowned Sparrow (2), Yellow-headed Blackbird (1), and Red Crossbill (2).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 -cont. with domestic Gray-lag geese, s.
Snow Goose 1 resting on se island with other geese.
Ross's Goose 2 one on se island; one foraging on lawn with other geese, s.
Canada Goose 60 (including one small form B. c. parvipes- photo)); foraging on lawns
Lesser Canada Goose (Branta canadensis parvipes ) north Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 11 April 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Gray-lag Goose 18 (including hybrids) on lawns and shorelines, s.
Swan Goose 3 resting on se island and nw shore.
Muscovy Duck 4 on shore, s.
Gadwall 2 (m,f) resting on shore of ne island.
Mallard (wild type) 40 scattered around the lake.
Mallard (domestic & hybrid) 35 mostly on southern shores.
Hooded Merganser 7 (all fem.) two swimming in separate lakes, s, n (photo).
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 11 April, 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Ruddy Duck 8 (some in alt. plmg.) resting in water, s.
Pied-billed Grebe 2 calls; swimming near shore, s, n.
Double-crested Cormorant 18 (ad, imm) many resting on se island; some swimming, n.
Great Blue Heron 1 on shore of ne island.
Great Egret 3 on islands, se, ne.
Snowy Egret 2 (alt. plmg. ) in pine tree on ne island.
Green Heron 1 on shore, nw (photo).
Green Heron (Butorides virescens ) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 11 April, 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
American Coot 80 ubiquitous; resting on shorelines; swimming near shore
Killdeer 5 calls; fly; on shore and lawns, e-central.
Black-necked Stilt 3 on shore, ne.
Greater Yellowlegs 2 flying low, w.
Least Sandpiper 13 foraging in loose flocks on shorelines.
Ring-billed Gull 8 (ad, imm) on shore, main beach (photo).
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) third cycle; alt. plmg. Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 11 April 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
California Gull 4 (C1, C2) flying around lakes; on main beach, s.
Rock Pigeon 2 foraging on ground beneath pines, n-central.
Eurasian Collared Dove 4 calls; utility wires; foraging on ground under pines, s.
Mourning Dove 8 foraging on ground and newly planted lawns, s.
Black Phoebe 2 sallying to ground from fence, se, ne.
Gray Flycatcher 1 sallying to lawn from low perch in pines, n (photo)
Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 11 April, 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Common Raven 8 calls; flying around pines; repeated calls and overflights as I approached pines in sw corner.
Barn Swallow 2 a pair flying low over lake; calls; s.
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 calls; foraging in bark crevices of Aleppo pines, n. (photo).
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 11 April 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 calls in pines, se, n.
Hermit Thrush 5 on ground in shade of pines and tamarisk, se, n, nw.
European Starling 5 vocal; foraging on lawns, e, s.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 40 (m,f) ubiquitous, vocal, in loose flock foraging in pines and on ground, lawns.
Wilson's Warbler 2 song active in pines, se, n.
Chipping Sparrow 10 (ad ) foraging in pairs and loose flocks on lawns with WCSP and DEJU, se, e. (photo).
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) alt. plmg. Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 11 April, 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Sage Sparrow song, adjacent saltbush field, nw.
Savannah Sparrow 6 on ground, lawns, along fence line, se, e.
Fox Sparrow 3 all apparently the same subspecies with yellow mandible, gray back and varying amounts of reddish-brown in wings and flanks; a pair foraging in garden beneath pines and deciduous shrubs; another alone on lawn, nw, sw (photo).
Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 11 April, 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Lincoln's Sparrow 3 foraging on ground at fenceline, se, ne.
White-crowned Sparrow 50 (ad) ubiquitous on ground and lawns (photo).
White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 11 April, 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Golden-crowned Sparrow 2 pair foraging together then far apart on ground and wet lawns near the fence, e (photo)
Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 11 April, 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco 25 ubiquitous, calls; on ground and lawns beneath pines.
Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 (m) foraging on lawns with BRBL, sw, s (photo).
Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 11 April, 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Brewer's Blackbird 20 (m,f) ubiquitous; foraging in loose flocks on ground and lawns
Great-tailed Grackle 6 (m,f) vocal; foraging on lawns, e, n.
Brown-headed Cowbird 1 (imm. m) foraging on newly planted lawn, sw (photo).
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) immature male; Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 11 April, 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
House Finch 8 vocal, ubiquitous in pines and fencelines.
Red Crossbill 2 fly, call; tops of Aleppo pines, n.
House Sparrow 20 vocal, active on ground and lawns.
Weather: Fair; 57F to 65F, no wind.
Time: 0845- 1030 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the park, surveying open water, shoreline, pines, lawns and adjacent saltbush scrub. About 25 people were fishing from the shorelines; several visitors were walking the paved pathways; some with leashed dogs. Aviation traffic at Fox Field was quite loud at times, setting birds to flight around the park.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 - cont.), Snow Goose (1 -cont.), Ross's Goose (2 -cont.), Hooded Merganser (7 - cpnt.), White Pelican (4 -cont.), Red-breasted Nuthatch (3), Mountain Chickadee (3), Red Crossbill (3-5). Lincoln's Sparrow (1), and Slate-colored Junco (1-cont.).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1-cont. foraging on lawn with domestic geese, s.
Snow Goose 1 -cont. foraging on lawn with other geese, s.
Ross's Goose 2-cont. foraging together on lawn with other geese, s.
Canada Goose 60 -cont. (including one relatively small adult - ssp?) foraging on lawns; swimming; a vocal flock coming in from the north.
Gray-lag Goose 25 (including hybrids) foraging on lawns; swimming,s.
Swan Goose 12 (including hybrids); one wild-type male courting an hybrid on land, s.
Muscovy Duck 3 (including hybrids) on the shore, s.
Mallard (wild type) 120 (m,f) resting; flying across the lake toward a flock of ducks accepting food from people; scattered distribution on shorelines .
Mallard (domestic and hybrids) 50 mostly in the south half of the park on shore, swimming, taking handouts.
Hooded Merganser 7 -cont. (2 m; 5 f) resing on the lake near an island, ne.
Ruddy Duck 7 (m,f) one male in alt. plmg. resting on the lake, s.
Pied-billed Grebe 1 resting on the lake, ne.
Double-crested Cormorant 80-90 (ad, imm) a large flock of about 60 resting on a ne island; some diving and catching fish.
American White Pelican 4 -cont. resting, preening on se island.
Great Blue Heron 1 resting on ne island.
Great Egret 1 foraging on island shore, ne.
Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (ad) fly, landing in pine on ne island.
American Coot 120 scattered around the edges of the lake.
Killdeer 2 calls, foraging on lawn, se.
California Gull 1 (ad) flying over the lake, se.
Eurasian Collared Dove 2 on utility lines, calls, s.
Mourning Dove 4 vocal; pairs on fence and utility lines, w, s.
Black Phoebe 1 calls; sally-flycatching from the fence, se.
Common Raven 6 flying around the park; in pines; vocal.
Horned Lark 1 flying across the entry road, w.
Mountain Chickadee 3 calls, active in pines, se, ne.
Red-breasted Nuthatch 3 calls, active in pines near MOCH, se, ne.
American Robin 1 foraging on lawn, nw.
European Starling 12 flying around the park, w; foraging on lawns with BRBL.
Orange-crowned Warbler 1 foraging in lower branches of pines with YRWA, ne.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 50 (m,f) ubiquitous, especially in pines; calls.
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 foraging in tall grass at the fenceline, n.
White-crowned Sparrow 20 (ad, imm) foraging on ground and on lawns around the park.
Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 25 foraging on ground and lawns beneath pines; Slate-colored Junco (1 fem.-cont.), on ground , nw, (photo).
Slate-colored Junco (Junco hyemalis hyemalis) nw Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 15 March 2013 (c.f. 4 March photo)
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Red-winged Blackbird 2 (m,f) one fem. foraging on lawns with BRBL, e; one m singing in a pine, s.
Brewer's Blackbird 35 (m,f) loose flocks foraging on lawns, ground, beach and pavement around the park.
Great-tailed Grackle 2 (m) song, s.
House Finch 3 in pines, nw.
Red Crossbill 3 -5; flying over pines; calls, n.
House Sparrow 15 around buildings and on lawns.
Weather: Fair; 53F; wind WNW 5 - 10 mph.
Time: 0745 - 0900 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire park, surveying the central areas visually. About thirty people were fishing around the park; two people were walking the paved pathways. Sprinklers were on in the southeast and northeast islands. A maintenance crew was raking debris on the south and southeast shore. Aviation traffic at Fox Field was light. Conditions were fair to good for identifying bird vocalizations. Note: The recent park closure is related to preparations for the annual fishing derby held this past weekend (March 3). Consequently, relatively large numbers of cormorants and gulls were observed in the park today.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 -cont.), Snow Goose (1 -cont.), Ross's Goose (2 -cont.), Hooded Merganser (4 -cont.), American White Pelican (4 -cont.), Herring Gull (1), a possible Thayer's Gull (1), and Red Crossbill (8-10).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1-cont. swimming with domestic GLGO, s.
Snow Goose 1- cont. swimming with domestic GLGO; foraging on dry grass, s.
Ross's Goose 2 -cont. swimming with domestic GLGO; foraging on dry grass, s.
Canada Goose 60 (including one small (1/2 size) subsp.- probably not Cackling Goose based on markings), scattered; foraging on dry grass.
Gray-lag Goose 35 (incl. hybrids) siwmming, s; foraging on lawns, s.
Swan Goose 8 (incl. hybrids) swimming together, s.
Muscovy Duck 3 on and near shore, s.
Mallard (wild-type) 70 (m,f) scattered aorund the edges of the lake.
Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 45 mostly together near shore, s.
Cinnamon Teal 1 (m,f) pair staying close, resting on lake, ne.
Hooded Merganser 4 -cont. one m,f pair; one f,f pair, resting on the lake, ne.
Pied-billed Grebe 6 diving near shore, s, ne, n-central.
Eared Grebe 1 near shore, s-central.
Double-crested Cormorant 50-60 many resting on se island, on shore and in trees; about 15 swimming, diving.
American White Pelican 4 - cont. (ad, imm) swimming and resting near se island.
Great Egret 1 on shore, ne.
American Coot 80 scattered around the edges of the lake.
Killdeer 3 fly, call, se.
Ring-billed Gull 12 (ad) on shore, se, s.
California Gull 15 (ad, C2, C3), flying; several birds forcing a DCCO to give up a fish, n (photo)..
Herring Gull 1 (C3 - C4) on and near shore of main beach, s (photo).
Left, adult California Gull (Larus californicus); Right, adult Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) Apollo Park LACO CA 4 Mar 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) Left, adult (same bird above);
. © 2013 Callyn Yorke
Thayer's Gull? 1 juvenile: noted: relatively small, rounded head, short legs; slightly smaller than nearby HEGU; initially (4 March) I judged this bird to be a small Herring Gull; later comparisons with a similar bird from Ventura, CA (11 March) suggested the much rarerThayer's Gull (photo).
Larus sp. c.f. thayeri Apollo Park, LACO CA 4 Mar 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Eurasian Collared Dove 2 calling repeatedly, s, sw.
Common Raven 4 around parking area.
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 calls in pines, ne.
American Robin 1 on lawn at edge of parking area, s.
European Starling 18 vocal, together on utility wire, s.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 15 (m,f) ubiquitous, calls, foraging on ground and in pines.
Sage Sparrow 3 song; two perched on saltbush, e.
White-crowned Sparrow 10 (ad, imm) foraging on ground, e, w.
Dark-eyed (O) Junco 25 foraging on dry grass and ground, ne, sw (two J.h. hyemalis ) with them (photo).
Two forms of Dark-eyed Junco: left, Slate-colored (Junco hyemalis hyemalis - fem.); right Oregon Junco (J.h. thurberi) Apollo Park Mar 4 2013
© 2013 Callyn Yorke
Red-winged Blackbird 2 song, s.
Brewer's Blackbird 20 (m,f) foraging on ground and in parking lot, s.
Great-tailed Grackle 3 vocal, in pines and near shore, s.
House Finch 4 flying over adjacent field, w.
Red Crossbill 8 -10 fly, call around mature Aleppo pines with abundant cones, n.
Lesser Goldfinch 2 fly, call w.
House Sparrow 10 calls, s.