BIRD SURVEYS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Areas Covered: 1) Avenue C entrance, east to the northeast corner of Big Piute Pond (BP). I walked around a grove of tamarisk at the northwest corner of the intersecting levees of Avenue C and Duckbill Lake (DL). Most of my observations in the BP and DL area were from the vehicle. The water level was relatively high, leaving little or no shoreline in this part of Piute Ponds. 2) Entering from the east road, I circled the DU ponds, stopping to scope in a few places with the sun behind me. Most of the waterbirds found today were in the North DU pond (see header photo). I was especially interested in locating a Hudsonian Godwit, found by Jon Feenstra three days earlier in the North DU pond area. Also of interest, found by JF and/or members of SWBSC, were Franklin's Gull and Western Gull. Of those three rarities found by others earlier this week, only Franklin's Gull was seen today. Before leaving Piute Ponds, I returned to DL and drove slowly around it, stopping frequently on the north levee to identify flocks of warblers moving through a grove of tamarisk, usually a few yards ahead of my vehicle. Presumably the birds were attracted to swarms of diptera and odonata in and around the tamarisk. When more than a dozen warblers (mostly Yellow, Orange-crowned and Wilson's) eventually found themselves crowded together in a small deciduous tree, the last significant refuge before a vast expanse of saltbush fields, they flushed and circled back behind my vehicle, returning to the safety of a grove of tamarisk.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Ring-necked Duck (1), American White Pelican (6), Great Egret (8), Cattle Egret (1), White-faced Ibis (110), Franklin's Gull (1), Black Tern (1), Forster's Tern (1), Marbled Godwit (3), Western Kingbird (1), and Bank Swallow (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 5 open water and resting near a snag, DU.

Mallard 25 (m,f) edge of marsh, DU.

Cinnamon Teal 20 (m,f) edge of marsh, DU.

Northern Shoveler 400 (m,f) ubiquitous.

Ring-necked Duck 1 (m) open water, DU.

Ruddy Duck 5 edge of marsh, DU.

California Quail 20 flying over levee, BP.

Pied-billed Grebe 1 open water, DU.

Eared Grebe 120 ubiquitous; diving.

Western Grebe 1 (imm) about half-grown juvenile, diving, DU.

Double-crested Cormorant 9 resting on a snag; diving, DU.

American White Pelican 6 staying together, DU.

Great Blue Heron 6 in marsh and flooded fields, DU.

Great Egret 8 in shallows and resting on snags, DU.

Snowy Egret 5 resting on snags, DU.

Cattle Egret 1 resting on a snag with SNEG and GREG, DU.

Black-crowned Night Heron 15 (ad, imm) scattered around the marsh at the water's edge, DU.

White-faced Ibis 110 (ad, imm) vocal; foraging together (90 in one flock) in flooded depressions with tall grass and herbs, DU.

Northern Harrier 1 (f) flying low, back and forth over marsh and ponds, DU.

Red-tailed Hawk 1 circling on thermals to the west, DU.

American Kestrel 2 (m,f) hunting insects (e.g. dragonflies) over flooded field, DL.

Sora 2 repeated calls from flooded grass-marsh, w DU.

American Coot 1,200 ubiquitous.

Killdeer 1 vocal; shoreline, DU.

Black-necked Stilt 8, in shallows with other waders, DU.

American Avocet 12, in shallows with other waders, DU.

Greater Yellowlegs 25 vocal; foraging, resting, mostly in north DU.

Lesser Yellowlegs 9 resting with dowitchers, north DU.

Spotted Sandpiper 3 foraging on shorelines, BP, DU.

Western Sandpiper 10 foraging on mudflat, DU.

Least Sandpiper 12 fly, call, DU.

Long-billed Dowitcher 40 resting in shallows, north DU.

Short-billed Dowitcher (relatively short bills) 4, resting in shallows with LBDO, north DU.

Marbled Godwit 3 resting and foraging in shallows with other waders, north DU.

Red-necked Phalarope 5 swimming together, open water, north DU (photo).

Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) north DU pond, Piute Ponds, Los Angeles County CA 19 September 2013

Franklin's Gull 1 ( imm. C1) flying about 20 feet above the marsh and pond, north DU.

Forster's Tern 1 diving in open water; resting in shallows with other shorebirds, north DU.

Black Tern 1 resting on a snag; flying over marsh, north DU.

Mourning Dove 2 flying over flooded field, DL.

Black Phoebe 4 sallying from low perch, DL, BP, DU.

Western Kingbird 1 (molting worn rectrices) on tamarisk snag, DL (photo).

Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) Piute Ponds, Los Angeles County CA 19 September 2013

Loggerhead Shrike 2 vocal, DU, DL.

Common Raven 10 perched on stumps in fields, DU, BP.

Horned Lark 20 flying low over shoreline, w DU.

Tree Swallow 2 flying low, back and forth over pond, w DU.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 flying low with TRSW and BASW over pond, w DU.

Bank Swallow 2 flying above other swallows (e.g. BASW) above pond and marsh, w DU, DL.

Cliff Swallow 1 flying with BASW, DL.

Barn Swallow 20 flying low over pond and marsh, DU, DL.

Marsh Wren 5 vocal in dense marsh, BP, DU.

Orange-crowned Warbler 60 ubiquitous, esp.in tamarisk;cottonwoods and saltbush.

Yellow Warbler 50 (m,f) ubiquitous; often in tamarisk with OCWA.

Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 1 (f) in tamarisk with OCWA and YEWA, DL.

Common Yellowthroat 30 (m,f) calls in dense marsh; ubiquitous.

Wilson's Warbler 20 (m,f) ubiquitous, esp. tamarisk, DL.

Bell's Sage Sparrow 2 in tamarisk with warblers, DL.

Savannah Sparrow 30 calls; ubiquitous (esp. DU) in roadside weeds and marsh.

Song Sparrow 20 vocal; ubiquitous in and around marsh, roadside weeds.

Swamp Sparrow 1? (unseen) a loud metallic chip heard from dense roadside weeds bordering a marsh, DU.

White-crowned Sparrow 1 (imm) in tamarisk with warblers, DL.

Red-wnged Blackbird 25 vocal; in marsh and flying over, DU.

Yellow-headed Blackbird 3 (m,f) flying together over marsh, DU.

Western Meadowlark 10 vocal, ubiquitous in salt bush fields.

Brown-headed Cowbird 3 roadside weeds on the shoreline, DU.

August 31, 2013 Piute Ponds, Los Angeles County, CA (54 Species)

Weather: Overcast; 80F to 95F; wind WSW 5-10 mph.

Time: 0735-1157 hrs.

Area Covered: I drove the main levee east from the Avenue C entrance, surveying the perimeter of Duckbill Lake (now an inundated ruderal field bordered by a drainage channel on three sides), exposed mudflats at the nwc of Big Piute Pond (BP) alongside the levee, adjacent alkali scrub with mature tamarisk, marsh and open water. Continuing southward and westward on the access road, I surveyed the south pond complex (SP) including the perimeter of the North DU pond and adjacent marsh and alkali scrub fields. Water levels were fairly high throughout; exposed shoreline and mudflats were minimal. Nevertheless, waterbirds were relatively abundant on exposed mudflats, grassy peninsulas and in flooded depressions throughout SP. Two other people (one photographer on foot) and their vehicles were present during the survey; conditions were generally good for identifying bird vocalizations. Dragonflies were flying abundantly throughout the area. I used a 10x40 binocular, 35 -50x scope and DSLR camera for the survey.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Northern Shoveler (3), Eared Grebe (1), Double-crested Cormorant (7), American White Pelican (6), Great Egret (4), White-faced Ibis (22), Sora (1), Willet (1 - cont.), Marbled Godwit (1), Semipalmated Plover (2), Stilt Sandpiper (1), Sanderling (1), Baird's Sandpiper (1), Caspian Tern (1), Forster's Tern (1), Common Tern (1), and Yellow-headed Blackbird (5).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 120 (m,f) ubiquitous, esp. SP.

Northern Shoveler (3) swimming with mallards, SP.

Cinnamon Teal 16 (m,f) a cohesive flock in flightt and swimming, SP.

Ruddy Duck 4 (m) swimming at edge of marsh, SP.

Eared Grebe 1 diving, SP.

Double-crested Cormorant (ad, imm) 7 resting on snag; swimming, SP.

American White Pelican 6 (ad, imm) a cohesive flock, resting on a small island, SP.

Great Blue Heron 1 edge of marsh, SP.

Great Egret 4 two interacting in flight, BP; SP.

Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (ad, imm) edge of marsh, SP.

White-faced Ibis 22 small cohesive flocks scattered around the marsh, foraging in shallows, SP.

American Kestrel 2 (m,f) one female with dragonfly

Sora 1 calls (unseen) roadside marsh, SP.

American Coot 8 swimming near the marsh, SP.

Semipalmated Plover 2 on exposed mudflats, BP.

Killdeer 25 vocal and ubiquitous.

Black-necked Stilt 6 foraging in shallows, SP.

American Avocet 4 foraging in shallows, SP.

Greater Yellowlegs 14 (ad, imm) vocal, ubiquitous in shallows, esp. SP (photo).

Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) Piute Ponds, Los Angeles County, CA 31 Aug 2013

Stilt Sandpiper 1 Size, shape and plumage initally suggested Yellowlegs; but those species were ruled out due to grayish-green legs (definitely not yellow). The bird was observed and photographed at a distance of about 60 yards in the southeast portion of the North DU pond. Inclined sharply downward, the bird foraged methodically, rather slowly in the shallows, occasionally coming up for a full lateral view. I did not see it fly, nor hear it vocalize.

Some of my photos show a Long-billed Dowitcher in the background, providing a rough size comparison. Note that my photos were obtained with a 400mm lens that may show misleadingly large images of nearby background objects. Additionally, depending on the angle, telephoto images may incorrectly show a straight rather than slightly downturned bill. Indeed, my intial impression of the bird (seen with its bill submerged) suggested an overall size comparable with Lesser Yellowlegs. Other possibilites among the medium to small size Tringa spp. not showing conspicuous yellow-colored legs were, Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) and highly unlikely Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus). But the latter two species are probably ruled out based on the size and shape of the bill.

Two reviewers suggested this bird was a Stilt Sandpiper, but observed that the bill looked "wrong" for that species. The apparent size and body shape, as well as other visible features, e.g. prominent white supercilium and angled posture while foraging, are consistent with Stilt Sandpiper.

Addendum: On Septermber 4, Kumaran Arul reported a Stilt Sanpiper at Piute Ponds in the same area where the bird photgraphed below was found. His photos have been requested for review.

Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus) (same individual in all photos, a,b,c) . south Piute Ponds Edwards AFB, Los Angeles County CA 31 August, 2013 a) Note gray-green legs, short neck, dark tapered bill, prominent white supercilium, dark breast and side; predominantly clean white underparts.

b & c) Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus) right lateral; note leg color,dark breast and sides, prominent white supercilium. s Piute Ponds, LACO CA Aug 31 2013

Willet 1 (cont.) resting in shallows, SP.

Marbled Godwit 1 foraging in shallows near LBDO, SP (photo).

Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa) Piute Ponds, Los Angeles County, CA 31 Aug 2013

Spotted Sandpiper 2 foraging on exposed mudflats, BP.

Sanderling 1(trans. bsc. plmg.) on exposed mudflats, BP.

Western Sandpiper 40 (ad, imm) ubiquitous on shorelines and in shallows, esp. SP.

Least Sandpiper 160 (ad, imm) ubiquitous on shorelines and mudflats, esp, SP.

Baird's Sandpiper 1 (trans. bsc. plmg.) 1 foraging on mudflats with WESA and LESA, BP.

Long-billed Dowitcher 90 (ad, imm.) foraging in shallows, SP.

Wilson's Phalarope 4 swimming in shallows, SP.

Red-necked Phalarope 40 swimming in shallows; two foraging on shore, SP.

California Gull 5 (juv. C1, C2) flying over marsh; swimming, SP.

Larus sp. c.f. argentatus 1 (C1) flying low over marsh; CAGU nearby for comparison; note bill shape; pale window of inner primaries (photos).

Larus sp. c.f. argentatus (same individual in both photos) south Piute Ponds, Los Angeles County, CA 31 August 2013

Caspian Tern 1 flying over marsh, calls, SP.

Forster's Tern 1 (bsc. plmg.) resting on inundated grassy peninsula near COTE, SP (photo).

Common Tern 1 (alt. plmg.) Noted comparatively thin, red bill; full black cap and nape and gray mantle (photo).

Left to right: Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) and Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), Piute Ponds, Los Angeles County, CA 31 Aug 2013

Mourning Dove 1 flushed from roadside, SP.

Willow Flycatcher 1 vocalizing in tamarisk, BP.

Black Phoebe 4 sallying from low perch, BP, SP.

Common Raven 8 fly, call; perched in Joshua Trees, BP, SP.

Horned Lark 2 flying across Avenue C entrance.

Tree Swallow 30 flying back and forth, low and to about 100 ft. over the ponds and marsh, SP, BP.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5 flying low, back and forth over patch of tules and saltbush scrub, SP.

Bank Swallow 2 flying low and to 50 ft.over the pond; TRSW nearby, SP.

Cliff Swallow 1 flying low over the marsh and pond, SP.

Barn Swallow 20 flying low over the marsh and pond, SP.

Marsh Wren 2 vocal in dense, roadside marsh, SP.

European Starling 5 fly, calls, shoreline, BP, SP.

Yellow Warbler calls, in roadside tamarisk, BP.

Common Yellowthroat 3 flying between patches of marsh; vocal but often concealed in dense vegetation.

Wilson's Warbler 15 (m,f) ubiquitous in cottonwoods, tamarisk and flying over the open desert.

Song Sparrow 5 vocal in dense marsh-tamarisk, BP.

Red-winged Blackbird 30 (m, f) vocal flocks in marsh, SP.

Yellow-headed Blackbird 5 (ad, imm) vocal; interacting in marsh, SP.

Western Meadowlark 10 (ad, imm) vocal; flying low over fields; foraging on shore.

August 9, 2013 Piute Ponds Los Angeles County, CA (43 Species)

Weather: Fair; 68F to 88F; wind W 2-5 mph.

Time: 0750-1132 hrs.

Areas Covered: Driving east on the Avenue C levee, I surveyed Big Piute pond (BP), returning later for a driving circuit around the entirely dry Duckbill Lake (DL). Continuing on the main levee east and south, I entered the south pond complex (SP) and drove the levees through this area, stopping frequently to scan with a scope. Water levels in BP and SP were relatively high, leaving little exposed mudflat and shoreline. Most of the waterbirds were found in SP; many were foraging in the shallows. An EAFB security officer checked my permit on the main SP levee. Otherwise, no one else was in the area during my survey. Conditions were excellent for identifying bird vocalizations.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today incluced, Northern Shoveler (2), Great Egret (2), White-faced Ibis (11), Northern Harrier (1), Willet (1), and Sanderling (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 60 (m,f) in small flocks around the edges of the larger ponds, BP, SP.

Northern Shoveler 2 (f) swimming together, SP.

Ruddy Duck 8 (m, f) swimming near the edge of BP and SP.

Eared Grebe 1 swimming, diving with RUDU, BP.

Double-crested Cormorant 5 (ad, imm) on snag, SP.

Great Blue Heron 1 on edge of desert, SP.

Great Egret 2 flying together, SP.

Snowy Egret 2 flushed from grassy marsh, SP.

Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (ad) perched in tules, edge of BP.

White-faced Ibis 11 (bsc. plmg; 1 alt. plmg.) foraging in shallows, SP.

Northern Harrier 1 (f) flying low over marsh and pond, SP.

American Coot 4 swimming at edge of pond, SP.

Killdeer 26 ubiquitous around the edges of ponds.

Black-necked Stilt 13 foraging in shallows, SP.

American Avocet 6 flying together over pond; foraging in shallows, BP.

Willet 1 foraging in shallows, SP (photo).

Willet (Tringa semipalmata) south Piute Pond, Los Angeles County, CA 9 August 2013

Sanderling 1 (trans.plmg.) foraging in flooded grass at edge of pond, SP (photo).

Sanderling (Calidris alba) south Piute Pond, LACO CA 9 Aug 2013

Western Sandpiper 12 (ad, 3 imm) foraging in shallows, SP.

Least Sandpiper 16 (ad, 5 imm) foraging on shore and in wet grass, SP.

Long-billed Dowitcher 80 ( 90% ad. trans. plmg.) foraging in shallows, SP.

Red-necked Phalarope 7 (bsc. plmg.) swimming together in open water, BP.

Wilson's Phalarope 16 (bsc. plmg.) swimming in open water BP; several wading in shallows and foraging on shore, SP.

Ring-billed Gull 1 (ad) swimming and plucking insects from surface, BP.

California Gull 5 (C1, C3) swimming; resting on shore, BP. SP.

Forster's Tern 1 diving, SP (photo).

Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) south Piute Pond, Los Angeles County, CA 9 August 2013

Mourning Dove 6 flushed from tamarisk, BP, SP.

Black Phoebe 1 low perch on shore, BP.

Say's Phoebe 1 calls; flying low in chenopod scrub, SP.

Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 flying low over shore, BP.'

Western Kingbird 1 flying and landing in tules, BP.

Loggerhead Shrike 1 in dead tamarisk, DBL.

Common Raven 10 together in field adjacent to pond, SP.

Tree Swallow 2 flying low over marsh, BP.

Cliff Swallow 1 flying low over chenopod scrub, DBL.

Barn Swallow 6 pairs flying low over pond and marsh, SP.

European Starling 8 (ad, imm) foraging on shore, SP.

Sage Sparrow 2 flushed from roadside saltbush, BP, SP.

Song Sparrow 2 vocal; tamarisk and edge of marsh, BP, SP.

Red-winged Blackbird 12 (m,f) flying together; foraging on shore, SP.

Western Meadowlark 6 vocal; edge of pond and grassy fields, BP, SP.

Yellow-headed Blackbird 6 (m,f) together at edge of marsh; foraging on shore, SP.

Brown-headed Cowbird 2 foraging with EUST and RWBL on shore, SP.

Brewer's Blackbird 1 (f) foraging on shore, SP.

July 26, 2013 Piute Ponds Los Angeles County, CA (34 Species)

Weather: Overcast with occasional light drizzle; intermittent rain last night. 84F; wind w 2 - 5 mph; humidity high.

Time: 0706-1015 hrs.

Area Covered: I drove a clockwise and counter-clockwise route around Piute Ponds beginning and ending at the Avenue C levee. Big Piute pond (BP)and most of the inundated areas elsewhere had relatively high water levels, leaving almost no exposed shoreline and mudflats. This apparently correlated with a lack of shorebirds compared with two previous surveys (see below). Abundance values for shorebirds were only about 10% of what I found at Piute Ponds during the most recent survey of July 22, 2013. One small muddy peninsula in the North DU pond of the South Pond complex (SP), had the only concentration of peeps (WESA and LESA) at Piute Ponds this morning.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Northern Shoveler (3), Double-crested Cormorant (3), American White Pelican (13) and Great Egret (1-cont.).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 70 (m,f) ubiquitous around the edges of the ponds.

Northern Shoveler 2 (f) swimming in open water, SP.

Ruddy Duck 9 (m) swimming in open water, SP, BP.

California Quail 6 running across the levee, BP.

Pied-billed Grebe 2 swimming in open water, SP.

Double-crested Cormorant 3 (ad, imm) resting on snag, SP.

American White Pelican 13 swimming together in a cohesive flock, SP.

Great Blue Heron 2 separated by 200 yards or more, wading in shallows, SP.

Great Egret 1 -cont. on shore in same location as during previous survey, SP.

Black-crowned Night Heron 3 (ad, imm) edge of marsh, SP.

Northern Harrier 1 (f) flying low over inundated depressions, SP.

American Coot 12 edge of marsh; open water, SP, BP.

Killdeer 8 inundated depressions, se SP.

Black-necked Stilt 6 foraging together in shallows, SP.

Greater Yellowlegs 5 (alt.plmg.) vocal; staying close together at grassy edge of pond, BP.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 (alt. plmg.) foraging on muddy peninsula with WESA and LESA, SP.

Western Sandpiper 16 (mostly imm) foraging with LESA on muddy peninsula, SP.

Least Sandpiper 30 (ad, imm) foraging with WESA on muddy peninsula and in small numbers elsewhere.

Wilson's Phalarope 2 (bsc. plmg.) foraging in shallows with WESA, SP.

Ring-billed Gull 1 (C2) swimming and picking insects from surface of pond, BP.

California Gull 13 (juv. C1,; C2, C3) swimming, picking insects; foraging on grassy shoreline, BP.

Mourning Dove 5 flying across levee and fields; perched in leafless tree, BP.

Black Phoebe 2 low perch near edge of pond, SP, BP.

Loggerhead Shrike 2 vocal; flying over levee, SP, BP.

Common Raven 4 flying over marsh, BP, SP.

Tree Swallow 12 flying low, back and forth over the water, BP.

Marsh Wren 4 vocal in dense marsh at edge of levee, SP.

Northern Mockingbird 2 flying over levee and field, SP, BP.

European Starling 18 (ad, imm) ubiquitous in cohesive flocks; foraging in grassy areas.

Common Yellowthroat 1 song, marsh next to levee, SP.

Song Sparrow 3 active at the edge of the marsh, BP.

Red-winged Blackbird 11 (m,f) flying over marsh; foraging with LESA and WESA on mudflat and grass, SP.

Western Meadowlark 5 vocal, ubiquitous in fields and at the edge of marsh.

House Finch 5 (m,f) perched together in a tamarisk, SP.

July 22, 2013 Piute Ponds Los Angeles County, CA (39 Species)

Weather: Fair with scattered high clouds; intermittent showers last night; 62F to 94F; winds calm, humidity high.

Time: 0641- 1124 hrs.

Area Covered: I drove slowly, counterclockwise around the south Piute Pond complex, stopping frequently to scope from the levee (SP). Most of the pond now called "North DU" which is on the north side of the main levee runnning east-west through SP, had exposed or partially vegetated shoreline attracting increasing numbers of shorebirds (c.f. July 12 and 18, 2013 survey notes). Shallow areas of the ponds also held a variety of waders and waterfowl. SP in comparison with BP, held the greatest diversity and abundance of birds at Piute Ponds this morning. Continuing by car on the eastern desert roadways connecting to the northeast pond, I scoped Big Piute pond from the levee with a barrier of mature tamarisk (BP). Additional bird species were found here, including Wilson's Phalarope, Red-necked Phalarope, White-faced Ibis, American Avocet, California Gull ,Ring-billed Gull and Black Tern. A uniformly reddish-brown colored canid, generally showing combined features of a domestic dog and coyote, ran across the dry salt pans at the southeast corner of BP. Aerial insects (Odonata and Diptera) became abundant with increasing air temperature.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found here today included, Double-crested Cormorant (2), Great Egret (1), White-faced Ibis (2), Solitary Sandpiper (1), a possible Semipalmated Sandpiper (1), Short-billed Dowitcher (3), Marbled Godwit (1) and Black Tern (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 120 (ad, imm) ubiquitous.

Cinnamon Teal 26 (m,f) resting on islands; swimming, SP, BP.

Ruddy Duck 10 (m, f) diving, SP; swimming in deep sections of BP.

Pied-billed Grebe 1 diving, BP.

Double-crested Cormorant 2 (imm) on snag, SP.

Great Blue Heron 2 wading in shallows, n and s SP.

Great Egret 1 on shore, SP.

White-faced Ibis 2 foraging in shallows, nw BP.

American Coot 12 swimming near marsh, SP, BP.

Killdeer 10 vocal, in peripheral flooded depressions, e SP.

Black-necked Stilt 8 vocal, shallows, n SP; se BP.

American Avocet 10 on shore, s BP.

Greater Yellowlegs 12 (alt. plmg.) vocal; cohesive small flocks on shore and in shallows, SP, se BP.

Solitary Sandpiper 1 eye ring visible; resting on shore, se "North DU" pond, SP.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 flying low over the water, SP.

Western Sandpiper 220 ubiquitous but mostly on a variety of substrates around North DU, SP.

Least Sandpiper 350 ubiquitous on a variety of substrates including short grass.

Calidris sp ? 1 This small Calidris was found at about 0830 hrs. on my first loop around the North DU pond, near the levee, bathing in shallows, ne "North DU". I observed it for several minutes while in my vehicle at a distance of about 15 yards. My attention was drawn to this bird because it initially appeared to show features atypical of Western Sandpiper (C. mauri), which was abundant in the area this morning. I noted.the bird's relatively plain face, contrasting black and white scapulars with white and reddish margins, black tarsi and toes - largely characteristic of WESA. Yet the relatvely short, tubular bill, with only a slight terminal expansion,appeared unlike most WESA and perhaps more similar to SPSA (C. pusilla). Kimball Garrett of the Ornithology Dept. of LACMNH, initially evaluated my photos and agreed with me that this bird probably was a Semipalmated Sandpiper. More recently, others have argued the photos better represent WESA.

Calidris sp. c.f. C. pusilla and C. mauri (same individual in all photos) South Piute Ponds, Edwards AFB, LACO, CA 22 July 2013

Short-billed Dowitcher 3 (or more in alt. plmg.) occasionally vocal; noted white belly in comparison with nearby LBDO with entirely rusty underparts; foraging in shallows in a cohesive flock near a large flock of LBDO, se BP.

Long-billed Dowitcher 60 (alt. and trans. plmg.) vocal; foraging in shallows; some resting on shore;SP, BP.

Marbled Godwit 1 (imm) foraging alone in the middle of the pond, SP.

Red-necked Phalarope 5 (trans. plmg.) flying; swimming in a cohesive flock near WIPH, se BP.

Wilson's Phalarope 12 (bsc. plmg.) swimming and wading in shallows; flighty, se BP.

Ring-billed Gull 6 (ad) on shore, n BP.

California Gull 14 (ad; C1, C2, C3) on shore and in shallows near RBGU, n BP.

Black Tern 1 (imm) flying low over marsh and pond, n BP.

Mourning Dove 4 flying over levee, SP, BP.

Black Phoebe 2 low perch, sallying over shore, SP.

Western Kingbird 10 loosely gregarious, vocal, on tamarisk with masses of aerial insects.

Loggerhead Shrike 2 vocal; flying over marsh and adjacent saltbush scrub, SP, BP.

Common Raven 6 fly, call; SP, BP.

Tree Swallow 100 (conserv. est. ad., imm) flying low, back and forth over marsh, open water and adjacent desert scrub. Also landing in tules, SP, BP. This was the dominant and possibly only swallow species this morning at PP. Note: young TRSW may vaguely resemble other species, e.g. NRWS. None of the latter species was positively identified at PP this morning. Bank Swallow was also not found among the large flocks of TRSW this morning. Overnight rains may have resulted in widespread dispersal of other swallow species expected to be found at PP at this time of year (e.g. see July 12, 2013 notes).

Marsh Wren 2 occasionally vocal (unseen) in dense tules bordering levee, SP, BP.

Northern Mockingbird 1 flying over edge of marsh, SP.

European Starling 16 foraging together on grassy shore, SP.

Song Sparrow 1 foraging on shore, SP.

Red-winged Blackbird 10 (m,f) fly; gregarious in marsh; foraging on shore, SP.

Western Meadowlark 5 vocal; flying low over ruderal fields and adjacent saltbush scrub.

Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 (m imm) in small tamarisk on shore, s SP.

July 18, 2013 Piute Ponds Los Angeles County, CA (43 Species)

Weather: Fair ; 69F to 96F; wind WSW 0 - 2 mph.

Time: 0715 -1120 hrs.

Area Covered: Big Piute Pond from the Avenue C levee (BP). I stopped twice on the Avenue C levee to scope BP; once near the observation shelter at the east end and again after turning south on the levee of the eastern edge of BP. Two other birders were present at BP when I arrived. I continued driving to the east side of the South Pond complex, stopping to scope birds at several locations (SP). Most of the ponds and flooded depressions had exposed shoreline and small islands. Heavy earth-moving equipment was being operated in the Piute Ponds area during the last hour of my survey. Conditions were otherwise excellent for shorebirds.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Northern Shoveler (2), Redhead (1), Double-crested Cormorant (4), White Pelican (36), White-faced Ibis (1), Greater Yellowlegs (18), Willet (1), Sanderling (3), Long-billed Dowitcher (30), Red-necked Phalarope (9), and Wilson's Phalarope (15). The numbers of individuals of migratory shorebirds (e.g. White Pelican, Western and Least Sandpiper, Dowitcher sp.,had increased significantly since the previous survey of July 12, 2013 (see notes below).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 120 (m,f) ubiquitous; several ducklings with adults in the SP.

Cinnamon Teal 12 (m,f) dabbling together, BP.

Northern Shoveler 2 (f) preening on island, SP (photo).

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) south Piute Pond, Edwards AFB, LACO CA 18 July 2013

Redhead 1 (m) with mallards on edge of pond, BP.

Ruddy Duck 8 (m) swimming in open water and near the marsh, BP; SP.

Pied-billed Grebe 4 vocal; swimming near the edge of the pond, BP, SP.

Eared Grebe 1 picking insects from the surface of the pond, BP.

Double-crested Cormorant 4 (imm) together on a snag in the shallows, SP.

American White Pelican 36 swimming in a tight flock, SP.

Great Blue Heron 2 standing in shallows at the edge the pond, SP.

Great Egret 1 (ad) on levee, SP.

Black-crowned Night Heron 6 (ad, imm) flying; in tules at the edge of the pond, SP.

White-faced Ibis 1 (ad) foraging on island, BP.

American Coot 4 SP.

Killdeer 10 vocal; flooded depressions, SP.

Snowy Plover 2 (alt. plmg.) foraging on sand bar, BP.

Black-necked Stilt 6 foraging in shallows, SP.

American Avocet 22 (alt. plmg.) foraging at edge of pond, BP.

Greater Yellowlegs 18 (trans. plmg.) vocal; foraging in shallows, BP, SP.

Willet 1 (trans. to bsc.plmg.) foraging on grassy edge of flooded depression, SP (photo).

Willet (Tringa semipalmata) south Piute Ponds, Edwards AFB, LACO CA 18 July 2013

Spotted Sandpiper 1 (alt. plmg.) on rocky shoreline, BP.

Sanderling 3 (imm) flushed with large mixed species flock of WIPH and WESA, SP.

Western Sandpiper 250 (ad, imm) ubiquitous; foraging in cohesive flocks on shore and shallows

Least Sandpiper 100 (ad, imm) ubiquitous; foraging in cohesive and mixed species flocks on shorelines and short grass.

Long-billed Dowitcher 30 ad (alt. plmg.); imm (about 50%); cohesive flocks foraging in shallows, BP, SP.

Dowitcher sp. 20 appeared slightly smaller and with relatively short bills; cohesive flocks of 5-7 with LBDO, SP.

Red-necked Phalarope 9 (trans. plmg.) swimming together, foraging in shallows, BP.

Wilson's Phalarope 15 (.imm, ad; trans. plmg.) foraging together and in msf with RNPH, WESA, LESA,.BP, SP.

Ring-billed Gull 5 (ad) foraging in shallows and on sandbar, BP.

California Gull 17 (ad, imm) foraging in shallows and resting on sandbar, BP.

Mourning Dove 2 flying low in Joshua Tree - saltbush field, SP.

Black Phoebe 1 sallying from low perch at edge of pond, SP.

Western Kingbird 24 vocal, gregarious and ubiquitous in open areas and on shoreline.

Loggerhead Shrike 3 edge of fields, BP, SP.

Common Raven 4 edge of pond, BP, SP.

Tree Swallow 2 flying low over pond, BP.

Barn Swallow 1 flying low over pond and marsh, BP.

Northern Mockingbird 1 flying over field, SP.

European Starling 8 a cohesive flock foraging in grass fields and on shore, BP, SP.\

Common Yellowthroat 2 song, edge of marsh, BP.

Song Sparrow 3 calls, marsh at edge of field and pond, BP, SP.

Red-winged Blackbird 6 calls, flying together over marsh, BP, SP.

Western Meadowlark 8 song, adjacent fields and shoreline, BP, SP.

Brown-headed Cowbird 2 vocal, flying, shoreline and levee, BP.

July 12, 2013 Piute Ponds Los Angeles County, CA (42 Species)

Wnnda Deal (far right) and friends, Piute Ponds dedication ceremony, Edwards AFB 12 July, 2013

Weather: Partly cloudy; 73F to 75F; wind W 0-2 mph. A subtropical weather system originating in southwestern Mexico has been moving through the Southern California region during the past 48 hrs.

Time: 0718- 1020 hrs.

Observers: Charles Hood and I.

Area Covered: Initially we surveyed the main pond on the south side of the Avenue C levee (now designated Big Piute pond), stopping the vehicle for several minutes on the east levee behind a windbreak of tamarisk trees. Most of the shorebirds found today at Piute Ponds were in the eastern portion of Big Piute pond (BP). We returned to Challenger Way and joined a large group of conservationisls, birders, resource agency representatives, duck hunters and Edwards AFB officers, for a Piute Ponds dedication ceremony led by Wanda Deal (photo). Following the ceremony at the south pond complex, Charles Hood and I surveyed the south pond complex by walking the perimeter levee in a counter-clockwise direction (SP).

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Northern Shoveler (1), Double-crested Cormorant (1) American White Pelican (1), White-faced Ibis (7), Dowitcher sp (9), Semipalmated Plover (1), Greater Yellowlegs (10), Black Tern (2), and Marsh Wren (2).

Shorebirds (mostly Least Sandpiper) in Big Piute pond, Edwards AFB, Los Angeles County, CA 12 July, 2013

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 1 (f) swimming, SP.

Mallard 80 (ad, imm) ubiquitous, BP, SP.

Northern Shoveler 1 (f) swimming, SP.

Ruddy Duck 3 (m) swimming, SP.

Eared Grebe 1 swimming, SP.

Double-crested Cormorant 1 (imm) on snag, SP.

American White Pelican 1 resting on small island, BP.

Great Blue Heron 1 on shore at edge of marsh, BP.

Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (ad, imm) edge of tule marsh, SP.

White-faced Ibis 7; two on shore, BP; 5 later seen in flight, (sw), SP.

American Coot 3 BP.

Semipalmated Plover 1 on sand island with peeps and SNPL, BP.

Snowy Plover 4 on sand island with peeps and SPPL, BP.

Killdeer 5 vocal; flying; foraging in flooded grassy area; SP.

Black-necked Stilt 2 together in shallows, SP.

American Avocet 15 foraging in small, loose flocks at edge of pond, BP.

Greater Yellowlegs (10) some in alt. plmg. vocal; foraging in shallows and flooded areas, BP, SP.

Western Sandpiper 40 (ad, imm) foraging on edge of islands, BP.

Least Sandpiper 60 (ad, imm) foraging on edge of islands; flooded depressions in fields, BP, SP.

Dowitcher sp. 9 foraging silently in a cohesive flock in shallows, BP; three individuals staying together had relatively short bills (e.g.SBDO). Both species, LBDO and SBDO probably present

Red-necked Phalarope 11 (ad - trans bsc. plmg; 3 imm) swimming and walking in shallows, BP.

Wilson's Phalarope 1 (imm) identified by comparison with nearby RNPH in a photo, BP.

Ring-billed Gull 4 (ad) resting on sand peninsula, BP.

California Gull 5 (ad, C1, C2) resting on island and shore, BP, SP.

Black Tern 2 (1 imm) flying low, dipping; back and forth over marsh and ponds, SP.

Mourning Dove 2 flying low, north field, BP.

Ash-throated Flycatcher 5 marsh and open fields adjacent to BP.

Western Kingbird 8 (ad, imm) a loose flock sally-flycatching from tules bordering open field, BP, SP.

Loggerhead Shrike 4 vocal; flying to perch in tall shrubs and Joshua Trees, BP, SP.

Common Raven 4 flying over marsh, SP.

Tree Swallow 2 flying low, back and forth over pond, BP.

Cliff Swallow 6 flying low, back and forth over marsh, fields and ponds, BP, SP.

Barn Swallow 4 flying low, back and forth over marsh, ponds and fields, BP, SP.

Marsh Wren 2 vocal, active in tule marsh, n BP, SP.

Northern Mockingbird 3 vocal; active in tall shrubs and trees; one on shore, BP, SP.

European Starling 10 foraging on grassy shore, SP.

Common Yellowthroat 2 vocal; flying into marsh, BP.

Song Sparrow 3 vocal, dense marsh and edge of pond, BP, SP.

Red-winged Blackbird 5 fly, call; marsh and edge of pond, SP.

Western Meadowlark 4 vocal; in flooded field, BP, SP.

Great-tailed Grackle 2 (f; imm) flying north over marsh, SP.

House Finch 5 in tamarisk, n BP.

June 19, 2013 Piute Ponds Los Angeles County, CA (35 Species)

Weather: Fair; 55F to 60F; wind W 7-15 mph.

Time: 0709 - 1008 hrs.

Observers: Myself, except for about 15 minutes on the east levee of the main pond with Becky Turley, Steve Turley, Jim Moore and Nancy.

Area Covered: I drove from Avenue C, south to the south pond (DU) complex, making 1.5 circuits (SP). I then drove north on the east levee to the North Ponds (NP). I made a complete clockwise circuit of the north pond, which was dry except for a narrow channel on the north side. Most of the birds were found in the south pond complex.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Northern Shoveler (3-cont.) ), Blue-winged Teal (1), Double-crested Cormorant (3 - cont.)), Snowy Plover (1), Spotted Sandpiper (1), Black-necked Stilt (6-cont.)), Willow Flycatcher (1 - cont.), and Yellow-headed Blackbird (1). A focused search for White-rumped Sandpiper (inconsistently found and photographed here by other observers during the past two days) failed to produce this casual vagrant during my survey this morning.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 10 (m,f) ubiquitous; dabbling in shallows; on islets and peninsulas around the edges of the ponds; flighty..

Mallard 25 (m,f) ubiquitous; dabbling in shallows. on islets and peninsulasaround the edges of the ponds; flighty.

Northern Shoveler 3 (m,f) resting on shore, SP.

Cinnamon Teal 6 (m,f) dabbling in shallows, SP.

Blue-winged Teal 1 (m) dabbling with GAWA. SP.

Ruddy Duck 10 (m,f) swimming close to marsh, SP.

Grebe (Aechmophorus sp.) sleeping in open water, NP.

Double-crested Cormorant 3 (imm) one swimming in open water; two on snag, SP.

Great Blue Heron 2 resting on snag; flying low over marsh, SP.

White-faced Ibis 13 (alt. plmg.) foraging in shallows near shore, e, SP.

American Coot 10 swimming in shallows, SP.

Killdeer 1 foraging on shore, e SP.

Snowy Plover 1 foraging on shore, north-central SP.

Black-necked Stilt 6 together on a small patch of ,muddy shore next to the marsh, sw SP.

American Avocet 30 foraging in loose flocks; on shore and shallows, SP.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 (alt. plmg.) on rocky shoreline, e NP.

California Gull 12 (C2; C3) resting and foraging on shore, SP.

Mourning Dove 2 flushed from the roadway, NP.

Willow Flycatcher 1 - cont. repeated song and calls given from perch in bullrush marsh on the leeward side of a tamarisk grove. This is probably the same individual that was singing in this spot during my previous survey of June 14, 2013. The bird was foraging on large aerial insects (e.g. damselflies). Specific location: 10 yards east of a metal shelter at intersection of the Avenue C and east levee of the north pond (photo).

Willow Flycatcher ( Empidonax traillii) Piute Ponds LACO CA 19 June 2013

Black Phoebe 1 low perch on shore, SP.

Say's Phoebe 3 medium to low perch on shore lines and at edge of marsh, SP.

Loggerhead Shrike 2 flying low over saltbush field; perched on tamarisk snag, SP, NP.

Common Raven 6 fly, call; standing on shore, SP.

Horned Lark 50 -cont. a cohesive flock foraging on grassy shore, and in open fields, SP.

Tree Swallow 2 flying low, back and forth over ponds and marsh with CLSW, SP.

Cliff Swallow 40 flyinglow, back and forth over ponds and marsh, SP.

Barn Swallow 6 flying low, back and forth over ponds and marsh; few if any other swallow species present with them, e SP.

Marsh Wren 1 vocalizing in bullrush marsh, NP.

European Starling 8 foraging together on grassy shore, SP.

Song Sparrow 10 (ad, imm) active on shore at edge of marsh, SP, NP.

Red-winged Blackbird 8 (m,f) foraging on grassy shore at edge of marsh, SP.

Western Meadowlark 10 vocal; active on shore and in fields, SP, NP.

Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 (f) foraging on shore with RWBL, SP.

Great-tailed Grackle 1 (f) foraging on shore, SP.

Brown-headed Cowbird 4 (f) foraging together and with RWBL on shore, SP, SP.

June 14, 2013 Piute Ponds Los Angeles County, CA (36 Species)

Weather: Fair; 70F to 84F; wind W 0- 2 mph.

Time: 0716-1014 hrs.

Area Covered: 1) Avenue C east, overlooking the north pond (mostly dry) and northern portion of the south ponds (also relatively dry) NP. I scoped the south pond area from the northern intersection of the two levees (Avenue C and the north pond perimeter levee). 2) I continued driving east then south on the Avenue C levee until reaching the southeast corner of the Ducks Unilimited ponds (SP). From there I drove a complete counter-clockwise circuit of the southern pond complex on the levee. Water levels in all ponds were relatively low, exposing extensive shoreline grown to short green grass and herbs. Most waterbirds were on islets and peninsulas distant from the levee; those closest to the levee flushed immediately as I approached in my vehicle. I completed the clockwise circuit of NP and SP on Challenger Way, returning to the gate on Avenue C.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Northern Shoveler (6), Green-winged Teal (1), Bufflehead (1), Double-crested Cormorant (3) Black-necked Stilt (22), Wilson's Phalarope (14) Willow Flycatcher (1) and Tree Swallow (4)..

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 30 (m,f) ubiquitous; mostly in pairs, foraging in shallows and on grassy shorelines.

Mallard 60 (m,f) ubiquitous in shallows and on shorelines.

Cinnamon Teal 3 (m,f) foraging in shallows, SP.

Northern Shoveler 6 (m,f) resting on shore and foraging in shallows, SP.

Green-winged Teal 1 (f) on shore with other ducks, SP.

Bufflehead 1 (f) resting on shore of peninsula, SP (photo).

Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) female, south Piute Ponds, LACO CA 14 June 2013

Ruddy Duck 32 (m,f) swimming in shallows, SP.

Pied-billed Grebe 1 swimming in shallows, SP.

Double-crested Cormorant 3 (imm) swimming; resting on islet, SP.

Great Blue Heron 4 resting on shorelines; in shallows, SP.

Black-crowned Night Heron 6 (ad, imm) edge of marsh, SP.

White-faced Ibis 32 foraging in small, shallow ponds, e SP.

American Coot 10 in shallows and on shore, SP.

Killdeer 2 calls, small ponds, e SP.

Black-necked Stilt 22 foraging in shallows, SP (photo).

American Avocet 50 foraging in shallows, SP.

Wilson's Phalarope 14 (alt. plmg) foraging in shallows, SP (photo).

Wilson's Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor) lower and Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) above, Piute Ponds LACO CA 14 June 2013

California Gull 6 (C2, C3) foraging on shore, SP.

Mourning Dove 6 vocal; active around tamarisk, NP.

Anna's Hummingbird 1 calls (unseen) around tamarisk, NP.

Willow Flycatcher 1 gave distinctive fitz-bew song repeatedly, bullrush-tamarisk, NP.

Say's Phoebe 2 flying into tamarisk together, NP.

Western Kingbird 1 (ad) with worn plumage, on tamarisk, SP.

Loggerhead Shrike 2 vocal; joshua tree-salt bush field, NP, SP.

Common Raven 8 a pair perched on a duck blind, on shore; flying, NP, SP.

Horned Lark 22 a cohesive flock foraging together on grassy shore, SP.

Tree Swallow 4 flying back and forth over marsh and dry fields, NP.

Barn Swallow 1 flying low over marsh, SP.

Marsh Wren 10 vocal, ubiquitous in marsh; one pair staying close, SP.

Northern Mockingbird 3 vocal; saltbush-joshua tree fields, SP.

European Starling 8 foraging on grassy shore, SP.

Common Yellowthroat 3 vocal in marsh, NP.

Song Sparrow 10 vocal, active on shoreline and in marsh, NP, SP.

Red-winged Blackbird 6 vocal; a small flock foraging on shore and staying together in marsh, SP.

Western Meadowlark 5 vocal in saltbush fields and edge of marsh, NP, SP.

Brown-headed Cowbird 2 vocal, edge of marsh-tamarisk, NP.

May 26, 2013 Piute Ponds Los Angeles County, CA (45 Species)

Weather: Fair; 62F to 72F; wind W 15-25 mph.

Time: 0825-1111 hrs.

Areas Covered: 1) Avenue C east, overlooking the north pond (mostly dry) and northern portion of south ponds (also relatively dry) (NP). I scoped the south pond sections from the northern intersection of two levees (Avenue C and the north pond perimeter levee), but persistent winds made observations with a scope difficult. I walked into a field sheltered by a row of mature salt cedar (Tamarisk) adjacent to the levee intersection. 2) I continued east then south on the Avenue C levee until reaching the southeast corner of the Ducks Unilimited ponds (SP). From there I drove a complete counter-clockwise circuit of the southern pond complex on the levee. Water levels in all ponds were relatively low, exposing extensive alkaline mud flats. Most waterbirds were on islets and peninsulas distant from the levee but identifiable with a 10x40 binocular. I completed the clockwise circuit of NP and SP on Challenger Way, returning to the gate on Avenue C.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Northern Shoveler (6),Green-winged Teal (1), Redhead (1), and Double-crested Cormorant (1). A raccoon was observed foraging in the shallows of the south pond (photo).

Raccoon (Procyon lotor) south Piute Ponds, Edwards AFB, Los Angeles County, CA 26 May 2013

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 30 (m,f) usually paired; swimming and resting on islets, NP, SP.

Mallard 120 (m,f) ubiquitous in pairs and singles.

Cinnamon Teal 3 (2 m, 1 f) swimming, sw, SP.

Northern Shoveler 6 (m,f) resting on islet, swimming, NP, SP.

Green-winged Teal 1 (m) resting on islet with mallards, NP.

Redhead 1 (m) resting on island, NP.

Ruddy Duck 80 (m,f) ubiquitous, open water and near shore.

California Quail 10 running in saltbush field, NP.

Eared Grebe 5 (alt. plmg.) open water, NP.

Double-crested Cormorant 1 (adult) on snag in shallows, SP.

Great Blue Heron 3 at edge of pond, SP.

Great Egret 1 in salt bush field, SP.

Snowy Egret 1 in flooded field, SP.

Black-crowned Night Heron 6 (ad, imm) in marsh at edges of ponds, SP.

White-faced Ibis 28 three flocks foraging in shallows of ponds and flooded fields, SP.

American Coot 40 scattered around edges of ponds and flooded areas, NP, SP.

Snowy Plover 2 close together on alkaline mud flat, NP.

Killdeer 8 vocal pairs scattered around shorelines, NP, SP.

American Avocet 20 foraging in shallows, SP.

Black-necked Stilt 26 foraging on shore and shallows, SP.

Greater Yellowlegs 2 (alt. plmg.) together in shallows, SP.

Spotted Sandpiper 6 foraging on shorelines, NP, SP.

Ring-billed Gull 6 (imm: C1, C2) foraging on alkaline mudflats, NP.

California Gull 3 (C2, C3) resting on islet, NP, SP.

'Mourning Dove 8 pairs flying; fields adjacent to NP, SP.

Western Wood Pewee 1 roadside Tamarisk, NP.

Willow Flycatcher 1 roadside Tamarisk, NP.

Black Phoebe 1 low perch on snag in mudflat, SP.

Loggerhead Shrike 6 three adults with two fledglings; calls; perched together in dead limbs of Tamarisk, NP; one flying low across saltbush-Joshua Tree field, SP.

Common Raven 12 flying over marsh and open fields, NP, SP.

Horned Lark 6 foraging in grassy area at edge of pond, SP.

Tree Swallow 1 flying low over saltbush field and marsh, NP.

Cliff Swallow 1 flying low over pond, NP.

Barn Swallow 25 flying low, back and forth over fields, marsh and ponds, NP, SP.

Marsh Wren 5 singing (unseen) in marsh, sw, SP.

Northern Mockingbird 2 flying over fields, NP, SP.

LeConte's Thrasher 1 running in open area of adjacent saltbush scrub next to a flooded field, sw SP.

European Starling 20 ubiquitous, vocal; small flocks foraging in salt grass, NP, SP.

Yellow Warbler 25 (m,f) ubiquitous in Tamarisk and adjacent saltbush scrub.

Wilson's Warbler 40 (m,f) vocal, ubiquitous, especially in Tamarisk.

Song Sparrow 30 occasionally vocal; ubiquitous in marshy areas.

Red-winged Blackbird 30 (m,f) vocal, ubiquitous in fields and marsh.

Brewer's Blackbird 3 (m,) foraging on shore, SP.

Western Meadowlark 5 vocal in adjacent salt grass fields; edge of flooded fields, NP, SP.

Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) Piute Ponds, Edwards AFB, Los Angeles County, CA 26 May 2013

Brown-headed Cowbird 6 vocal, edge of saltbush and marsh, NP, SP.

May 4, 2013 Piute Ponds Los Angeles County, CA (53 Species)

Weather: Fair; 61F to 70F. wind variable, W 0 - 15 mph.

Time: 0700 - 1104 hrs.

Areas Covered: 1) Avenue C east, overlooking the north pond (mostly dry) and northern portion of south ponds (NP). I scoped the pond on the south side, which included mudflats, marsh and shrub borders. I walked on the Avenue C levee, and north pond levee, observing birds in adjacent alkaline depressions and fields bordered by tamarisk hedgerows. Aerial insects increased in abundance as the temperature increased. The Pasadena Audubon Society was also birding Piute Ponds this morning. 2) I drove around the south pond complex (SP), approaching from the east end of Avenue C, surveying sections unseen from the first stopping place. Included with this area was a brief, drive-by survey of the flooded field between NP and SP on the west side of Challenger Way (CW).

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Northern Shoveler (2), Redhead (1), White-faced Ibis (80), Semipalmated Plover (9), Short-billed Dowitcher (4), Least Sandpiper (6 - one banded), Northern Phalarope (1), Franklin's Gull (1) and Black Tern (3).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 15 (m,f) NP, SP.

Mallard 30 (m,f) NP, SP.

Cinnamon Teal 4 (m,f) NP, SP.

Northern Shoveler 2 (m) NP.

Redhead 1 (m) NP.

Ruddy Duck 50 (m,f) NP, SP.

Eared Grebe 22 (alt. plmg.) NP, SP.

Great Egret 1 NP.

Snowy Egret 2 roadside flooded area, SP.

Black-crowned Night Heron 7 (ad, imm) stationary on shore, NP, SP.

White-faced Ibis 80 (alt. plmg.) one at least 30% larger than others (photo); three flocks , SP (photo).

White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) southwest Piute Ponds, Los Angeles County, CA 4 April 2013

American Coot 150 ubiquitous.

Semipalmated Plover 9 (alt. plmg.) foraging together on dry mudflat, NP.

Killdeer 2 fly, call, NP, SP.

Black-necked Stilt 55 vocal, ubiquitous.

American Avocet 4 pairs foraging in shallows, SP.

Greater Yellowlegs 1 fly, call, NP.

Lesser Yellowlegs 2 foraging at edge of channel, NP.

Whimbrel 1 in flooded field alongside CW.

Western Sandpiper 300 (80% alt. plmg.) ubiquitous on shore and mudflats.

Least Sandpiper 9 (alt. plmg.) one banded: UL Dark Green Flag; UR Yellow on (Blue?). mudflats, NP (submitted resighting with photo).

Dunlin 4 foraging on shore with WESA, NP.

Spotted Sandpiper 5 (alt. plmg.) foraging at edge of channel, NP.

Short-billed Dowitcher 4 (alt. plmg. white belly visible; comparatively short bills; called briefly), foraging with LBDO, SP.

Long-billed Dowitcher 12 (alt. plmg. comparatively dark underparts and long bills), SP.

Wilson's Phalarope 4 (alt. plmg. one bsc.) swimming together, SP.

Red-necked Phalarope 1 (alt. plmg.) swimming with WIPH, SP.

Bonaparte's Gull 5 (one alt. plmg.) foraging for insects on and near shore, NP.

Franklin's Gull 1 (alt. plmg.) flying over levee, SP (photo).'

Franklin's Gull (Leucophaeus pipixcan) south Piute Ponds, Los Angeles County, CA 4 April, 2013

Caspian Tern 2 resting on shore; fly, calls, NP.

Black Tern 3 (alt. plmg.) flying low over pond and marsh, NP;SP.

Western Kingbird 2 vocal, flying around cottonwood and tamarisk, NP.

Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 calls; flycatching from mature cottonwood, NP.

Western Wood Pewee 1 flycatching from perch on dead branches, NP.

Warbling Vireo in cottonwood, NP.

Bell's Vireo ? 1 (unseen) distinctive song heard twice, tamarisk hedgerow, NP.

Common Raven 4 flying over marsh, NP.

Horned Lark 1 flying low over roadway, Avenue C entrance.

Loggerhead Shrike 1 fly, call, east NP.

Tree Swallow 1 flying low over flooded field, NP.

Marsh Wren 25 vocal, ubiquitous in marshes.

Northern Mockingbird 1 flying over field, NP.

Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 1 in tamarisk, NP.

Wilson's Warbler 6 (m,f) vocal; foraging in cottonwoods and tamarisk, NP.

Common Yellowthroat 2 vocal, marsh next to levee, NP.

Sage Sparrow 1 flying low over saltbush field, Ave. C entrance.

Song Sparrow 40 vocal, active in marsh throughout.

Red-winged Blackbird 10 (m,f) vocal, active in marsh bordering field, NP.

Western Meadowlark 8 vocal in adjacent grassland and salt bush fields, NP.

Yellow-headed Blackbird 20 (m,f) vocal, active on shore and marsh, NP.

Brown-headed Cowbird 2 vocal, active in tamarisk and cottonwood, NP.

Black-headed Grosbeak 1 (f) in tamarisk, NP.

Western Tanager 2 (m) calls; foraging in canopy of cottonwoods, NP.

April 19, 2013 Piute Ponds Los Angeles County, CA (51 Species)

Weather : Fair; 39F to 66F; no wind.

Time: 0720 - 1030 hrs.

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I.

Areas Covered: 1) North Pond (NP): We drove the Avenue C levee eastward, surveying open water, freshwater marsh, shoreline, mudflats, tamarisk hedgerows and adjacent saltbush fields. Water level in the north pond south of Avenue C was relatively low, exposing mudflats on the perimeter. North of Avenue C is a mosaic of flooded depressions and saltbush scrub (formerly "North Pond."). 2) Continuing by car on the Avenue C levee, we turned south at the eastern perimeter and surveyed the southern portions of this, the largest and deepest body of water in Piute Ponds. Turning west, we entered the south ppnd complex (SP) with access levees providing good vantage points throughout. We included a brief drive-by survey of the flooded fields adjacent to Challenger Way between the SP and Avenue C. About 200 acres was surveyed by car and on foot. A 10x42 binocular, 30-60x scope and DSLR camera were used for the survey. Conditions were excellent for identifying bird vocalizations. No other people were seen in this area during our survey. A coyote was seen on the south pond levee road.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Canada Goose (2), Double-crested Cormorant (18), White-faced Ibis (5), Black-bellied Plover (2), Lesser Yellowlegs (2), Willet (1), Short-billed Dowitcher (5), and Franklin's Gull (8).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 2 together on shore, NP

Gadwall 25 (m,f) resting on shore, NP.

Mallard 12 (m,f) resting at edge of ponds and in flooded fields; flighty, NP.

Cinnamon Teal 150 (m,f) in shallows and resting on shore, NP, SP.

Northern Shoveler 250 (m,f) in shallows and resting on mudflats, NP, SP.

Green-winged Teal 6 (m,f) resting on shore, NP.

Lesser Scaup 1 (m) swimming with RUDU, NP.

Bufflehead 2 (f) swimming together, SP.

Ruddy Duck 1,200 (about 30 % in alt. plmg.) ubiquitous.

Pied-billed Grebe 1 swimming near shore, SP.

Eared Grebe 130 (many in alt. plmg.) ubiquitous.

Double-crested Cormorant 18 (ad, imm) on snags and swimming, SP.

Black-crowned Night Heron 20 (ad) spaced well apart in marsh, SP.

White-faced Ibis 5 foraging together in flooded field, SP.

Northern Harrier 1-2 (f) foraging low over ponds and fields; many shorebirds taking flight.

Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) flushed from Joshua Tree, SP.

Merlin 1 ? seen at great distance eating something on a low perch; a dark, medium-sized falcon shape, n NP.

American Coot 1,200 ubiquitous.

Black-bellied Plover 2 (alt. , trans alt. plmg.) foraging on mudflat of flooded depression, NP.

Killdeer 2 fly, call, NP, SP.

Black-necked Stilt 150 ubiquitous; foraging in shallows.

American Avocet 40 (alt. plmg.) scattered in shallows near shore, NP; SP.

Greater Yellowlegs 5 foraging in shallows, NP; SP.

Lesser Yellowlegs 2 foraging within about 20 yards of each other in shallows, NP.

Willet 1 foraging on shore, SP (photo).

Willet (Tringa semipalmata) Piute Ponds, LACO CA 19 April 2013

Western Sandpiper 120 (trans. alt. plmg.) foraging on mudflats in loose flocks throughout.

Least Sandpiper 30 (bsc. and trans. alt. plmg.) foraging with WESA throughout.

Dunlin 4 (trans. alt. plmg.) foraging on mudflats together, NP.

Short-billed Dowitcher (5) (trans. alt. plmg).a cohesive flock foraging in shallows, NP; one in bush next to CW; noted buffy upperparts, white belly and short bill (photo).

Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) Piute Ponds, Los Angeles County, CA 19 April, 2013

Long-billed Dowitcher 8 foraging in shallows; flying; calls. NP.

Franklin's Gull (8) (alt. plmg.) a cohesive flock appeared from the east; largely silent (calls heard only once);, flying within a few feet of the water surface, back and forth, dipping (aerial midges?); left area after about 30 minutes; near Avenue C levee, eastern NP (photo). Apparently continuing; reported at south Piute Ponds April 12, 2013 by Jim Moore.

Franklin's Gull (Leucophaeus pipixcan) two different birds; Piute Ponds, Los Angeles County, CA 19 April, 2013

Bonaparte's Gull 3 (2 alt. plmg.; one imm) swimming, snatching midges from pond surface, NP.

Western Kingbird 1 landed on tamarisk, NP.

Common Raven 4 a pair foraging in flooded field, NP.

Horned Lark 1 on ground near entrance on Avenue C.

Barn Swallow 20 flying back and forth over flooded fields and tamarisk, NP.

Tree Swallow 30 flying low, back and forth over ponds and flooded fields, NP.

Marsh Wren 20 vocal in dense cattails and bulrush; ubiquitous.

Hermit Thrush 2 snatch-gleaning midges from roadside tamarisk and from ground, NP

Northern Mockingbird 2 fly, NP, SP.

European Starling 1 in Joshua Tree, SP.

American Pipit 1 fly, call, SP.

Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 15 (m,f) active, vocal in tamarisk, NP.

Common Yellowthroat 6 vocal, active in marsh, NP.

Sage Sparrow 5 flying low in saltbush field; song from exposed perch; SP.

Savannah Sparrow 30 vocal, ubiquitous in brushy areas near the marsh.

Song Sparrow 5 (ad, and fledgling) vocal, active in marsh, NP.

Red-winged Blackbird 8 fly, call, flooded field and marsh, NP.

Western Meadowlark 10 vocal, active in flooded and dry fields, NP.

Yellow-headed Blackbird 4 (m,f) flying over dry cattails in flooded field, NP.

Brown-headed Cowbird calls, NP.

March 28, 2013 Piute Ponds Los Angeles County, CA (32 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy; 54F to 60F; no wind.

Time: 0820-0950 hrs.

Areas Covered: 1) Challenger Way (CW): From my vehicle, I surveyed birds using flooded fields adjacent to the west side of Challenger Way, between Avenue C and about Avenue D-8. 2) South Pond Complex (SP): I walked the main road east, beginning about 100m east of Challenger Way, to the southeast end of the pond complex. Water levels were high in the ponds, effectively eliminating shoreline habitat for small shorebirds. 3) North Pond on Avenue C (NP): I drove a counter-clockwise route around the north pond, which was entirely dry except for a peripheral drainage ditch. Most of the pond to the southwest of Avenue C (east of Challenger Way) was also dry. The central southeast pond had some exposed shoreline but was largely without shorebirds, except for Greater Yellowlegs and Killdeer. Deep water in the south ponds, along with islets and peninsulas with shrubs, held large numbers of waterbirds, e.g. Cinnamon Teal, Ruddy Duck and American Coot.

Except for improved access to the southern ponds, i.e. driveable levees over drain pipes, Piute Ponds appeared largely the same as before the recent (2012) development project sponsored by Ducks Unlimited. Significantly, shorebird habitat has been greatly reduced in both the north and south ponds, due mostly to inundation, whereas flooded fields and empoundments attracted large numbers of waterfowl. One result of improved access via levees, combined with less marsh habitat along the roads, is that waterbirds are driven further into the more remote central sections and are now more crowded and difficult to study than ever before. Approaching the ponds and flooded areas by car resulted in about as many birds taking flight as did approaching on foot. Elevated walkways and viewing platforms, installed at carefully chosen locations, might help solve this particular problem. Drainage control (i.e. habitat alteration) is an entirely different matter and will likely remain a contentious issue in the forseeable future.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (2) and Canada Goose (2).

BIRDS NOTED

Greater White-fronted Goose 2 (immature) standing alertly together on shore amongst several ducks; took flight as I approached at a distance of about 200 m, se SP.

Canada Goose 2 alert; calling and flying as I approached to within about 250 m, e SP.

Gadwall 45 (m,f) edges of ponds and in flooded areas, CW, SP.

Mallard 20 (m,f) staying well-concealed at edge of flooded areas, SP.

Cinnamon Teal 500 (conserv. est.) (m,f) in pairs and singles throughout PP.

Northern Shoveler 150 (m,f) most resting on peninsula in central SP.

Northern Pintail 2 (m) roadside flooded area, CW.

Green-winged Teal 2 (m,f) on shore, e SP.

Bufflehead 5 open water, SP.

Ruddy Duck 400 (conserv. est.) (m,f) ubiquitous in open water.

Double-crested Cormorant 16 resting on snags, SP.

American White Pelican 20 (alt. plmg.) swimming in a tight flock, open water, SP.

Great Egret 2 flying low, w, SP.

Black-crowned Night Heron 2 edge of marsh, SP.

Northern Harrier 2 (m,f) flying back and forth, low over the marsh; separated by about 500m, SP.

Sora 1 calls, SP.

American Coot 500 (conserv. est.) ubiquitous.

Killdeer 2 CW; 4 SP; 2 NP.

American Avocet 9 resting on shore and in shallows, e SP.

Greater Yellowlegs 5 foraging in flooded field, CW; 4 foraging in shallows, SP; 10 foraging in shallows near mudflats, NP.

Black Phoebe 1 calls; flying low between clumps of marsh, SP.

Common Raven 6 pairs flying over the ponds, SP, NP.

Tree Swallow 2 flying low over the pond and marsh, SP.

Marsh Wren 25 very vocal in marsh alongside road, SP.

American Pipit 30 vocal and ubiquitous in small flocks on levees.

Savannah Sparrow 80 vocal, abundant along brushy borders of levees throughout.

Song Sparrow 10 song, calls, marsh next to levee, SP.

Lincoln's Sparrow 1 called once, brushy roadside, SP.

White-crowned Sparrow 12 small flocks in brushy areas along levees, SP, NP.

'Red-winged Blackbird 20 (m,f) vocal; a flock of 8 females, NP.

Western Meadowlark 10 vocal, flying low over adjacent dry fields, SP,

Great-tailed Grackle 1 (m) foraging in flooded area, SW.