BIRD SURVEYS OF

Area Covered: We walked a diagonal route through the park covering all but the the southeast corner. A few fishermen were around the lake; two LACO sheriff's cruisers were patrolling the park. Except for some noisy aircraft around the adjacent Fox Field airstrip, condtitions were good for finding and identifying birds by their vocalizations. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Ross's Goose (2; one new individual); Snow Goose 1 -cont.; Greater White-fronted Goose 1 -cont.;Long-eared Owl (5); Pink-sided Junco (J.h. mearnsii 1 - cont.).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 50 - cont. foraging on lawn; swimming.

Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (adult - cont.) swimming with domestic geese, s.

Snow Goose 1 (adult -cont.) 1 swimming and foraging with domestic geese, s.

Ross's Goose 2 (1 adult -cont) still limping but no pathology visible on foot; 1 ( immature -- dusky gray on head and neck; foraging on lawn with domestic geese, s.

Gray-lag Goose 20 (including domestic albinos) swimming; foraging on lawn, s.

Swan (Chinese) Goose 4 swimming; foraging on lawn.

Mallard (wild-type) 120 (m,f) mostly resting on shore and islands around the park

Mallard (domestic albino & hybrid) 40 shoreline, s.

Northern Shoveler 10 (m,f) swimming; resting on shore, s.

Bufflehead 4 (m,f) diving, s, n-central.

Ruddy Duck 15 (m,f) resting in middle of lake, s.

Pied-billed Grebe 8 swimming, diving, central.

Double-crested Cormorant 25 resting on shore; flying, swimming in small flocks; diving; ubiquitous.

Great Blue Heron 1 (imm) on shore, s.

Great Egret 1 on shore, ne.

Black-crowned Night Heron (ad, imm) on shore; on island in old rookery pines, ne.

American Coot 80 ubiquitous near shore; one dismembered carcass on lawn, n-central.

Killdeer 1 calls, n-central.

California Gull 8 (ad, imm) resting on shore and dock (photo).

California Gull (immature, first cycle) w Apollo Park, LACO, CA December 31, 2011

Ring-billed Gull 13 (ad, imm) resting on shorelines and dock. (photo).

Ring-billed Gull (adult) w Apollo Park, LACO, CA December 31, 2011

Rock Pigeon 1 flying around park, central.

Eurasian Collared Dove 4 fly, calls (meow call and long calls) s.

Long-eared Owl 5 (ad, imm) flushed from a large, short pine near picnic table on w side of park. Ground below pines had abundant uric acid and pellet deposition. Birds scattered in all directions, ending up in nearby pines. Very shy and difficult to approach. I recommend minimal disturbance by birders seeking to observe these birds, which are likely continuing as breeding residents of the park.

Black Phoebe 2 sallying from low perches; calls, n.

Common Raven 6 fly, call, throughout the park.

Bewick's Wren 2 scold calls from dense brushy field, n.

European Starling 2 on light standard, calls and song, w.

White-crowned Sparrow 30 mostly in brushy fields bordering the park, s, e, n.

Dark-eyed Junco 20 (m,f) (Junco hyemalis thurberi); 1 Pink-sided Junco (J. h. mearnsii); all foraging on lawn; calls, n.

Red-winged Blackbird 2 (m imm. , f) foraging on lawn with BRBL, central, s.

Brewer's Blackbird 60 (m,f) foraging on lawns in large flocks throughout.

Great-tailed Grackle 1 (m) with full-length tail; on walkway, sw.

Western Meadowlark 4 foraging on lawn; fly, n.

Lesser Goldfinch 2 fly, calls, n.

House Sparrow 20 (m,f) some moulting; on lawns and shore; in pines, mostly, s.

DECEMBER 9, 2011 (38 Species)

Weather: Fair; 34F. Winds ENE 0-2 mph.

Time: 0854 - 1048 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire park, including the north-central lakes.About thirty fishermen and a large group of school children were present. Conditions were good for finding and identifying birds by their vocalizations. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1-continuing), Snow Goose (1 - cont.), Ross's Goose (1 -cont.), Hooded Merganser (4 -cont.) and Pink-sided Junco (Junco hyemalis mearnsi 1 - cont.).

BIRDS NOTED

Snow Goose 1 (continuing) swimming with domestic geese, s.

Ross's Goose 1 (cont.) swimming with SNGO and domestic geese, s.

Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (cont.) swimming with SNGO, ROGO and domestic waterfowl,s.

Canada Goose 50 (est. - cont.) foraging on dry lawn grass; swimming, se, n.

Gray-lag Goose 15 (and domestic hybrids) shoreline, swimming, s.

Swan (Chinese) Goose 5 with GRGO and other domestic waterfowl,s.

Muscovy Duck 3 shoreline, s.

Mallard (wild type) 80 shorelines and edge of lakes throughout.

Mallard (domestic and hybrids) 40 shorelines, islands and edge of lakes, mostly s.

Bufflehead 20 (m,f) diving, n-central.

Hooded Merganser 4 cont. 3 f, 1 m) edge of ne island; swimming and on shore.

Ruddy Duck 8 (m,f) resting, diving, n-central.

Pied-billed Grebe 4 diving, n-central.

Eared Grebe 3 diving, n-central.

Western Grebe 1 resting, nw.

Double-crested Cormorant 25 resting on island; swimming, se, ne.

Great Egret 1 on shore, s-central.

Snowy Egret 1 on shore near GREG, s-central.

Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (imm) on island with former colony in pines, ne.

American Coot 200 (est.) ubiquitous; some foraging on dry lawn grass.

Ring-billed Gull 3 (ad, imm) on shore, s.

California Gull 6 (ad, imm) flying low around lake; on shore, n-central.

Mourning Dove 1 flushed from pines, se.

Black Phoebe 3 on fence and in pines, calls, se, nw.

Say's Phoebe 2 on fence, calls, e, ne.

Loggerhead Shrike 2 returning repeatedly to the fence, n, se, (photo).

Loggerhead Shrike se Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA December 9, 2011

Common Raven 6 flying around park; on lawns and in pines.

Bewick's Wren 1 scolding on fence, n.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 calls, pines, sw.

Yellow-rumped Warbler 10 calls; sally-gleaning in pines and Tamarisk around borders of the park.

Sage Sparrow 1 foraging on lawn with WCSP and DEJU, ne.

White-crowned Sparrow 15 calls; foraging on lawns and on ground between saltbush, ne, n.

Dark-eyed Junco 16 ( Junco hyemalis thurberi 16; 1(J . h. mearnsi) - cont.; vocal; foraging on dry lawns, ne, n, sw.

Red-winged Blackbird 2 (m,f) foraging on lawn with BRBL, n-central.

Western Meadowlark 3 on lawn and in pines, se.

Brewer's Blackbird 40 (m,f) foraging on lawns and bare ground around the park.

Great-tailed Grackle 2 (m,f) calls; foraging on lawn with BRBL, n-central.

House Finch 6 flying over entrance road, sw.

House Sparrow 10 on lawns and bare ground, s.

NOVEMBER 7, 2011 (39 Species)

Weather: Fair; 45F; winds WNW 5 mph.

Time: 0735-0925 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire park, followed by a diagonal route through the middle sections, surveying all habitats. About 60 fishermen were around the lake, which evidently was stocked with trout during the park closure last week; two people with leashed dogs.Maintenance workers were in the southern and soutwestern sections. Conditions were fair for identifying bird vocalizations. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Hooded Merganser (3), Peregrine Falcon (1) and Pink-sided Junco (1- continuing).

BIRDS NOTED

Greater White-fronted Goose 1 - cont. swimming with domestic geese, s.

Canada Goose 50 - cont. on lawns and swimming, n.

Snow Goose 1-cont. swimming with domestic geese, s.

Ross's Goose 1-cont. swimming with SNGO and domestic geese, s.

Grey-lag Goose 20 (incl. hybrids) swimming, s; foraging on lawns.

Swan (Chinese) Goose 5 swimming, s; foraging on lawns.

Muscovy Duck 5 (including hybrids) on shore, s.

Mallard (wild-type) 80 (m,f) scattered around the shorelines.

Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 40 mostly in the southern sections.

Northern Pintail 2 ( m,f) being fed by people on shore, central.

Bufflehead 2 (m,f) diving, n-central.

Hooded Merganser 3 (1m, 2 f) all three swimming near island, ne (photo); chased by coots (fos).

Hooded Merganser (m, f) ne Apollo Park, November 7, 2011

Ruddy Duck 30 (m,f) resting, central, n.

Pied-billed Grebe 2 swimming, s-central; n-central.

Eared Grebe 6 a tight flock, n-central.

Western Grebe 3 one pair, nw-central; one alone, ne.

Double-crested Cormorant 8 on ne island; swimming, n-central.

Great Egret 1 ne shore.

Snowy Egret 1 n shore.

Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (imm) n-central shore.

Northern Harrier 1 (f) flying low over adjacent field, n.

Peregrine Falcon 1 flying fast and low through the ne park; dove once on and hit a coot near the shore, which appeared uninjured; PEFA then left park, flying east.

American Kestrel 1 on utility pole, entrance to park.

American Coot 250 scattered around the park.

Say's Phoebe 1 sally-flycatching from fence, s.

Black Phoebe 4 sally-flycatching from low branches in pines around the park; calls.

Common Raven 6 flying over; in pines; calls.

Bewick's Wren 1 calls, adjacent field, n.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3 calls, active in pines, n, ne.

European Starling 10 foraging on lawn, n.

American Pipit 1 fly, call n.

Yellow-rumped Warbler 15 active, vocal in pines and on lawns.

Common Yellowthroat 2 calls, tamarisks by puddle, n.

Savannah Sparrow 1 calls, adjacent field, n.

White-crowned Sparrow 30 (ad, imm) calls, song; foraging on lawns and adjacent fields around the park.

Dark-eyed Junco 10 (Junco hyemalis thurberi); 1 Pink-sided (J.h. mearnsi - photo) foraging on lawns, n, sw.

Pink-sided Junco (Junco hyemalis mearnsi) north Apollo Park, November 7, 2011

Red-winged Blackbird 2 (m,f) with flock of BRBL foraging on lawns, n.

Brewer's Blackbird 50 (m,f) flocks dispersed, foraging on lawns, n, central, shoreline, s.

Great-tailed Grackle 3 (m,f) on island, flying, calls, s.

House Sparrow 10 on and around buildings, s.

OCTOBER 27, 2011 (38 Species)

Weather: Fair; 43F; no wind.

Time: 0835 - 1015 hrs.

Area Covered: I surveyed the main (south) shore then walked northward through the central section of the park and counter-clockwise around the perimeter, missing only the south east corner. The park contained many people, walkers, joggers and fishermen. Conditions were otherwise good for finding birds. A gardening was picking up bags of trimmings along the northern fence line. Birds of seasonal and/ or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 - continuing), Ross's Goose (1 - cont.), Snow Goose ( 1- cont.) American Wigeon (6) , Bufflehead (4) , Common Loon (1), Rock Wren (1), American Robin (1), and two rare but regular winter resident subspecies of Oregon Junco (Junco hyemalis hyemalis and J. h. mearnsi). ( Note: Apollo Park is scheduled to be closed from October 31 - November 5, 2011. )

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 65 - continuing - mostly foraging on lawn, n.

Greater White-fronted Goose 1-continuing - swimming in central lake (photo)

Greater White-fronted Goose Apollo Park, October 27, 2011

Snow Goose 1 -continuing - swimming with domestic GLGO, central.

Ross's Goose 1 -continuing - swimming with domestic GLGO and SNGO, central

Gadwall 1 (f imm) resting in central lake (photo).

Gadwall ( f imm) central Apollo Park October 27, 2011

American Wigeon 6 (m,f) swimming in se lake; one m with buffy median head stripe (photo).

American Wigeon (male with buffy median head stripe) se Apollo Park, Oct. 27, 2011

Mallard (wild-type) 80 - 100 (m,f) ubiquitous.

Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 30, mostly s.

Anas sp. ( dwarf hybrid or immature domestic mallard?) 50% smaller than a typical adult mallard; rounded head, unusual plumage color and pattern; with injured wing; vocalizing like a female mallard, central lake with other domestic ducks, s. October 27, 2011 (photo)

Bufflehead 4 (3 m, 1 f) resting, swimming close together, se (photo).

Bufflehead (three males, one female) se Apollo Park, October 27, 2011

Ruddy Duck 3 (m,f) resting, north-central.

Common Loon 1 diving and staying under for more than 15 minutes, central lake.

Pied-billed Grebe 1 north-central lake.

Eared Grebe 10 diving, north-central, se.

Western Grebe 1 resting, se lake.

Double-crested Cormorant 8 diving, n-central and s-central lake.

Great Blue Heron 1 on shore, n-central.

Great Egret 1 on shore s-central.

Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (imm) on shore, n-central, ne.

American Coot 300 + ubiquitous.

Black Phoebe 3 low branches, sally-flycatching over lawns, s.

Say's Phoebe 1 in a low pine branch; interaction with BLPH, sw.

Common Raven 6 in pines; flying around park.

Horned Lark 2 fly, call, adjacent fields, n, s.

Rock Wren 1 singing atop a piece of heavy machinery, nw corner.

Bewick's Wren 2 calls from brushy borders of fence line, n, nw.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 foraging in tamarisk; calls, ne corner.

American Robin 1 in pines and on lawns, n.

European Starling 20 foraging on lawn, se.

Yellow-rumped Warbler 15 foraging in pines and on ground, ubiquitous.

Common Yellowthroat 1 (m) foraging in tamarisk and cedars; calls, n.

Sage Sparrow 5 active, calls, in rabbitbrush fields, n.

Savannah Sparrow 20 brushy borders of park, ne, n, nw.

White-crowned Sparrow 30 (ad, imm) edge of park, pines, brushy fields, ubiquitous, calls and song.

Dark-eyed Junco 3 Oregon (1 - J. h. thurberi ? - female, imm) ; Slate-colored J. hyemalis hyemalis (1) , and Pink-sided J. h. mearnsi (1) ; foraging on lawns, n (photo). The latter two uncommon subspecies of DEJU in Southern California, are apparently regular winter visitants to Apollo Park (see 2010 survey notes).

Pink-sided Junco (J. h.mearnsi ) n Apollo Park, Oct. 27, 2011 Slate-colored Junco (J. h. hyemalis) n Apollo Park, Oct. 27, 2011

Red-winged Blackbird 3 (f; imm) foraging on lawn with BRBL , s.

Brewer's Blackbird 60 (m,f) foraging on lawns, ubiquitous.

Great-tailed Grackle 15 (m,f) foraging on lawns and shorelines, ubiquitous.

House Finch 10 (m,f) in tamarisk and pines; calls, song n, nw.

House Sparrow 20 around buildings, s.

OCTOBER 13, 2011 (36 Species )

Weather: Fair; 63F to 72F; no wind.

Time: 0830 - 1010 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a clockwise route around the entire lake, including the interior paths. A few fishermen were scattered around the park, along with people walking dogs, jogging and cycling. Some maintenance workers and vehicles were operating in the park during my survey. Conditions were fair for locating and identifying birds by their vocalizations. Most of the landbirds were found along the northern and northeastern fence line.

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 20 - cont. two small flocks, nw and n-central. Decidely fewer birds than in previous surveys of AP this year.

Greater White-fronted Goose 1- cont. foraging on lawn with domestic geese, s.

Snow Goose 1 - cont. foraging on lawn with domestic geese, s.

Ross's Goose 1 -cont. foraging on lawn with domestic geese, s.

Gray-lag Goose 15 foraging on lawn, s.

Swan (Chinese) Goose 3 foraging on lawn, s.

Muscovy Duck 3 on shore, s.

Mallard (wild -type) 200 (m,f) most resting on islands, se, ne.

Mallard (domestic) 25 on shore, s.

Ruddy Duck 3 (bsc. plmg.) resting in lake, se.

Pied-billed Grebe 4 open water, ne.

Great Egret 1 resting on island; flying to main beach and lawn (photo).

Great Egret south Apollo Park, October 13, 2011

American Coot 120 scattered around the park.

Eurasian Collared Dove 4 landed on roof of maintenance building; harsh calls, sw.

Rock Pigeon 5 flying around homestead in adjacent field, n.

Mourning Dove 3 foraging on bare ground, ne.

Burrowing Owl 1 on fence on 60th Street West about 100 yards north of Avenue G (same location where this sp. was found on ) (photo).

Burrowing Owl east side of 60th Street West north of Avenue G, October 13, 2011

Anna's Hummingbird 1 calls, pines, n.

Northern Flicker 1 calls, nw.

Black Phoebe 3 low perch and pines, hawking insects; calls.

Loggerhead Shrike 1 calls, adjacent field, nw.

Common Raven 8 fly, call; on ground, nw.

Horned Lark 2 fly, call, adjacent fields, nw.

Bewick's Wren 3 calls, saltbush scrub, adjacent fields, n.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 calls, pines, n.

European Starling 4 on lawns, edges of park, sw, nw.

Orange-crowned Warbler 5 foraging in tamarisk and pines, nw, n, ne.

Yellow-rumped Warbler 10 (m,f) active, vocal in fields and pines, w, n, ne.

Common Yellowthroat 4 foraging low in tamarisk over puddles outside of fence, n, ne.

Sage Sparrow 15 in saltbush and rabbitbrush scrub, adjacent field; calls, n.

White-crowned Sparrow 30 adjacent fields, gardens, lawns and in pines throughout the park; calls.

Red-winged Blackbird 8 (m, f) foraging on cones in mature pines; calls and song, sw, nw.

Brewer's Blackbird 80 (m,f) ubiquitous on lawns and shorelines.

Western Meadowlark 1 flushed from lawn, s.

House Finch 15 entrance road, chain-link fence, w.

Lesser Goldfinch 2 coming down to grass-filled puddle for bathing, ne.

House Sparrow 30 ubiquitous on shore, lawns, gardens, calls.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2011 (43 Species)

Weather: Fair; 63F; no wind.

Time: 0736 - 0915 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire park, including diagonal paths through the interior. The park reopened this morning after a two-week closure for maintenance.Visitors were greeted this morning by the roar of a wood-chipper in the northwest and a chainsaw in the eastern portion of the park, continuing until about 0900 hrs.. Maintenance crews were raking shoreline debris on the eastern side of the lakes, though a considerable amount of wind-blown trash was still present throughout the park. Lawns and picnic areas were largely flooded; areas without vegetation were muddy. Most of the waterbirds were crowded on the central shorelines; islands, appearing to have been swept clean of debris, were nearly devoid of birdlife. A few people (some with leashed dogs) were making the rounds on paved pathways. Most of the landbird migrants were found along the northern fence line, where it was relatively quiet. 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.), Mountain Chickadee (1) , Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1), Brewer's Sparrow (2) and White-crowned Sparrow (6).

BIRDS NOTED

Greater White-fronted Goose 1 - continuing - resting with domestic geese, central.

Snow Goose 1 - cont. - resting with domestic geese, central.

Ross's Goose 1 - cont - walking on lawn with domestic geese, central.

Canada Goose 65 - cont. - on lawns and shorelines.

Gray-lag Goose (domestic) 20 on lawns and shorelines

Swan (Chinese) Goose 3 on lawn, central.

Muscovy Duck 3 resting on shore, central.

Gadwall 1 (f) on shore, moving to water, central (photo).

Gadwall (female) central Apollo Park, September 26, 2011

Mallard (wild type) 60 (m,f) scattered around shorelines.

Mallard (domestic) 30 swimming near shore; resting on ne island; central, s.

Eared Grebe 1 diving, se.

Pied-billed Grebe 2 diving, se and central.

Great Blue Heron 1 shoreline, central.

Great Egret 1 shoreline, central-east.

Snowy Egret 3 shoreline with GREG, central-east.

Black-crowned Night Heron 4 (ad, imm) shoreline, central-east; east.

American Coot 120 scattered around the lakes.

Killdeer 4 shoreline, central-east.

California Gull 1 (ad) shoreline of main beach, s.

Eurasian Collared Dove 2 playground and pines, sw.

Mourning Dove 3 on utility line, s.

Black Phoebe 3 low branches; calls, n, w, sw.

Say's Phoebe 1 song repeated from tall saltbush, n.

Loggerhead Shrike 1 on fence; calls, n.

Common Raven 6 pairs flying over; in pines.

Horned Lark 3 fly, call, adjacent field, n.

Barn Swallow 4 dipping in lake, se.

Mountain Chickadee 1 calls, pines, n.

Bewick's Wren 3 calls in adjacent fields, n.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 calls, pines, n.

Northern Mockingbird 1 chased by BRBL, central.

European Starling 10 flying, calls, landing in pines, n-central.

Orange-crowned Warbler 5 foraging in pines, tamarisk; calls, e, n.

Yellow Warbler 1 (f) foraging in pines, tamarisk, calls, n.

Common Yellowthroat 4 (m,f) foraging in tamarisk; swampy, shaded area, n; calls.

Wilson's Warbler 3 foraging in pines, tamarisk; calls, n.

Brewer's Sparrow 2 one flew from adjacent field into pine, then to fence; calls, n.

Sage Sparrow 20 active in adjacent saltbush fields; on ground along fence line; calls, ne, n.

White-crowned Sparrow 6 active in adjacent field, fence line, calls, n; garden, lawns, walkways, central (photo).

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelli) central Apollo Park

Red-winged Blackbird 3 ( m, imm) with flock of BRBL on lawns.

Brewer's Blackbird 35 (m,f) foraging on lawns, central.

Brown-headed Cowbird 1 calls, with BRBL, central.

Lesser Goldfinch 2 flew into pines; calls, central.

House Sparrow 20 around buildings; calls.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2011 (36 Species)

Weather: Overcast with intermittent lightning, thunder and light rain; 75F; winds ENE 5 - 10 mph.

Time: 0700 - 0810 hrs.

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I.

Area Covered: We walked from the main parking lot, clockwise around the entire lake, surveying all habitats. Several walkers (some with leashed dogs) joggers and others were present in the park during our survey. Conditions were good for finding and identifying birds by their vocalizations. Western migrant landbirds found included, Pacific Slope Flycatcher (1), Willow Flycatcher (1), Yellow Warbler (5), Orange-crowned Warbler (2) and Yellow-headed Blackbird (1). Apollo Park is scheduled to be closed for "lake maintenance" September 12-26. During the closure, access to the southern and eastern boundary of the park (with limited views of the interior) may be obtained from a roadway paralleling the fence line on the south side. Access to the western and northern borders of the park is blocked by fencing.

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 70 most foraging on lawns, n-central.

Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (ad. - continuing) with domestics being fed by individuals tossing seeds at the main (s) beach.

Snow Goose 1 (ad - continuing) " ".

Ross's Goose 1 (ad - continuing) " ".

Gray-lag Goose 25 (including hybrids) " ".

Swan (Chinese) Goose 6 " ".

Muscovy Duck 3 " ".

Mallard (wild-type) 120 (m,f) many resting on shorelines and islands.

Mallard (domestic, hybird, etc.) 50 main beach and se shore.

Great Blue Heron 1 flushed from se shore, flew to se island.

Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (imm) flying low over the lake, w. Colony on ne islands has evidently dispersed and vacated the park.

American Coot 10 (ad, imm) edge of lake, s.

Killdeer 3 running along shore, n-central.

California Gull 1 (C3) on main beach, s.

Rock Pigeon 3 on roof of restroom building, n.

Eurasian Collared Dove 2 flying, calls, n, s.

Mourning Dove 2 flying over park, n.

Barn Owl 1 flushed from pine near GHOW, nw.

Great Horned Owl 1 (ad) flushed from pine, nw.

Black Phoebe 2 calls, low perch, w, n.

Willow Flycatcher 1 hawking insects from small tamarisk outside of fence line, n.

Pacific Slope Flycatcher 1 hawking insects from a lower level in tamarisk; WIFL nearby.

Common Raven 4 flying over park, n.

Horned Lark 30 two or more flocks in salt bush fields; fly, calls, s, n.

Bewick's Wren 1 scold call, edge of salt bush field, fence line, n.

Northern Mockingbird 1 flying through park, s.

European Starling 4 foraging with BRBL on seeds, main beach, s.

Orange-crowned Warbler 2 foraging in pines and tamarisk; calls, n.

Yellow Warbler 5 (f, imm) a loose flock working the upper parts of pines; calls, nw.

Common Yellowthroat 1 (m) staying low in swampy area beneath tamarisk; calls, n.

Sage Sparrow 30 (conserv. est.) ubiquitous in bordering salt bush fields; some on lawns.

Red-winged Blackbird 1 (m) foraging on shore with BRBL, e.

Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 (imm) foraging on seeds with BRBL, main beach, s (photo).

Yellow-headed Blackbird (immature) main beach (south) Apollo Park, September 10, 2011

Brewer's Blackbird 80 (m,f) foraging on lawns, shorelines and on seeds at main beach.

Great-tailed Grackle 1 (m) flying low over lake, s.

Lesser Goldfinch 2 -3 calls, song atop pine, w.

House Sparrow 30 on and around buildings.

AUGUST 26, 2011 (34 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy. 73F to 75F. no wind.

Time: 0730 - 0903 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire park, including the interior diagonal pathways. A few fishermen and two sheriff's patrol vehicles were present during the survey. Lawns had recently been mowed. One maintenance crew was working in the northwestern corner of the park.Conditions were excellent for finding and identifying birds by their vocalizations. I used a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera for the survey. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today were: Snow Goose (1 -continuing); Ross's Goose (1 -cont.) and Greater White-fronted Goose (1 -cont.).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 60 feeding on lawns; edge of lake.

Snow Goose 1 (ad - continuing) on n beach (photo) with domestic geese.

Ross's Goose 1 (ad. -cont.) on nw beach with SNOGO and domestic geese (photo).

ROGO 1 adult continuing - on nw beach, Apollo Park. Aug. 26, 2011. Note slightly enlarged left tarsometarsus and deformity of inner phalange (see Sept. 26, 2010 survey notes with photos). This injury appears now to be almost completely healed; the bird was walking normally. © 2011 Callyn Yorke

Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (ad. - cont.) foraging on beach and lawn with domestic geese, nw. (photo).

Gray lag Goose 30 (domestic including hybrids) on shore, swimming, s.

Chinese Goose 2 on shore, swimming, s

Muscovy Duck 10 (including hybrids) shore line, s.

Gadwall 3 (m, f) resting in water at edge of se island.

Mallard (wild type) 140 (m,f) ubiquitous, on shorelines and swimming.

Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 60 shore and lawns.

California Quail 5 calls, active in fields, ne.

Double-crested Cormorant 3 (imm) swimming, resting on se island.

Great Blue Heron 1 (imm) lunged and caught 5 inch trout in shallows, ne.

Snowy Egret 1 perched in tree on se island.

Black-crowned Night Heron 12 (imm) scattered around the park on shorelines; vocal.

Cooper's Hawk 1 (imm) chasing California Ground Squirrels, nwc.

American Kestrel 1 flying with small prey item in talons, n.

Killdeer 2 on lawn, s-central.

Rock Pigeon 2 flying, nw.

Eurasian Collared Dove 7 (ad, imm) on utility line, s; vocalizations including harsh nasal calls.

Mourning Dove 8 in trees, flying, n, nw.

Anna's Hummingbird 1 (f) in salt cedar, w.

Black Phoebe 1 small trees, calls, w.

Western Kingbird 3 flying, landing in tall pines, s-central.

Loggerhead Shrike 1 on fence in adjacent field, ne.

Common Raven 2 fly, call.

Horned Lark 1 calls, sw.

Barn Swallow 2 flying over central lake, low; calls.

Bewick's Wren 2 calls, scolding, n, nw.

European Starling 2 calls, fly, n, sw.

Sage Sparrow 10 edge of park, pines; calls.

Red-winged Blackbird 2 (imm m) foraging on lawn, s-centra with BRBLl.

Brewer's Blackbird 25 (m,f) foraging on lawn, s-central.

House Finch 4 fly, call, n.

House Sparrow 5 calls, sw-central.

JUNE 14, 2011 (28 Species)

Weather: Fair; 75F to 80F; no wind.

Time: 0750 - 0910 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a clockwise route around the park, including the central sections but excluding the se corner. Several people were walking dogs during the survey. Conditions were good for finding and identifying birds. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest included, Greater White-fronted Goose (continuing), Snow Goose (continuing) and Ross's Goose (continuing). I used a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera for the survey.

Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (ad) - continuing - foraging in mud puddle on lawn with GLGO (photo).

Snow Goose 1 - continuing - swimming with GLGO and ROGO, se (photo: SNGO left, ROGO right).

Ross's Goose 1 (ad) -continuing- swimming with GLGO and SNGO ( photos). Tarsal pathology from 2010 now gone (not shown in photo).

Canada Goose 70 scattered around on lawns and shorelines, central lake.

Gray-lag Goose 25 (including hybrids) foraging on lawns, resting, swimming, throughout the park.

Chinese Goose 6 on lawns, swimming, central,e.

Muscovy Duck 2 on se island.

Mallard (wild-type) 30 (m,f; imm) swimming, resting on shore; one fem with several young.

Mallard (hybrid) 25 (m,f) scattered around the park.

California Quail 4 active in adjacent Atriplex field, n.

Black-crowned Night Heron 25 (ad, imm) staying close to nesting area on two ne pine islands; calls.

American Coot 1 swimming near shore, se.

Killdeer 1 on shore, calls, se.

Eurasian Collared Dove 2 calling, central-s.

Mourning Dove 4 flying, calls, n.

Barn Owl 1 (ad) flushed from pine on nw fence line.

Black Phoebe 1 low perches, sally-flycatching, n.

Ash-throated flycatcher 1 flycatching in Atriplex field, n.

Western Kingbird 5 vocal, active in pines, nw, n.

Common Raven 8 vocal, active in pines (photo).

Horned Lark 5 flying over Atriplex field, n.

European Starling 30 (ad, imm) foraging on lawns throughout the park.

Sage Sparrow 3 (ad, imm) foraging on lawn; flying over fields, n.

Red-winged Blackbird 2 (m, imm) in wet grass outside of fence, e.

Brewer's Blackbird 20 (m,f, imm) foraging on lawns throughout the park.

Great-tailed Grackle 15 (m,f; imm) fem feeding imm, e fence line; males displaying on lawn, e.

Brown-headed Cowbird 2 calls, song, n.

House Finch 20 (m,f, imm) active on lawns and in pines throughout the park.

House Sparrow 50 around buildings and in pines throughout the park.

JUNE 7, 2011 (39 Species)

Weather: Fair; 62F to 70F; winds WNW 2 mph.

Time: 0800 - 1058 hrs.

Area Covered: Beginning at the parking lot, I walked a clockwise route once around the entire park, surveying all habitats. Increasing numbers of walkers, joggers, fishermen and other visitors (including a Sheriff patrol car) arrived at the park during my survey. I used a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. Swarms of aerial insects filled the air nearly everywhere, especially above the recently watered lawns and mature Aleppo Pines and Arizona Cypress. Flycatchers of several species were well represented, actively hawking aerial insects. Species of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (continuing); Snow Goose (continuing), Ross's Goose (continuing), Long-eared Owl (continuing), Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Wood Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Hammond's Flycatcher, Pacific Slope (Western) Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Wilson's Warbler and Western Tanager.

BIRDS NOTED

Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (continuing) with domestic geese, central lawn and shore.

Snow Goose 1 (continuing) resting on island shore with domestic geese, ne.

Ross's Goose 1 (continuing) resting on shore, ne.

Canada Goose 90 (continuing) scattered on lawns and shorelines, central.

Gray-lag Goose 12 (domestics) central and ne islands.

Chinese Goose 5 (domestics) swimming and on shore, ne.

Muscovy Duck 2 (domestics) swimming near shore, ne.

Mallard (wild type) 40 (ad, imm) females swimming with young (different ages) , resting on shore around the park.

Mallard (domestic, hybrid) 30 (ad) resting on islands, shorelines throughout.

California Quail 5 fence line, n.

Double-crested Cormorant 1 (ad) swimming near ne island.

Black-crowned Night Heron 20 (ad (3); imm (17) vocal in pines on island; on shore, ne. Two BCNH carcasses on island.

Killdeer 2 vocal, on lawns, nw, se.

Mourning Dove 4 flying, n, nw.

Rock Dove 1 on lawn, n.

Barn Owl 1 (ad) flushed from large pine, n.

Long-eared Owl 1 (imm, almost completely lacking ear tufts) flushed from large pine, about 40 yards from recent nest tree, nw (photo).

Great Horned Owl 1 (ad) in large pine, ne (photo).

Nighthawk sp. 1 flushed from pines along fence line, sw; long, angular, pointed, wings ( overall coloration brown; no white wing patches visible). Seen briefly flying away and into adjacent lot of Tamarisk.

Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (f) flying to Atriplex and Chrysothamnus shrubs along fence line, n.

Olive-sided Flycatcher 5 perched on dead emergent branches of a row of Tamarisk along the western fence line (photo); sally-flycatching.

Western Wood Pewee 8 sally-flycatching from fence and low branches of pines throughout the park.

Willow Flycatcher 3-5 sally-flycatching from fence and low to medium high branches in pines; also in adjacent Atriplex fields (photo).

Hammond's Flycatcher 2 sally-fly and gleaning insects from within pines and around lawns, n.

Pacific Slope (Western) Flycatcher 6 sally-flycatching; going to the ground; gleaning from pine needles; calls (photo).

Black Phoebe 2 sally-flycatching from low perches near shore.

Western Kingbird 5 (ad, imm) vocal, active in pines; gleaning insects from lawns; using fence line (ne)and low branches (photo).

Loggerhead Shrike 1 calls, se.

Warbling Vireo 2 one foraging actively in Tamarisk, sw (photo); the other singing in large Aleppo pine, n.

Common Raven 8 (ad, imm) highly vocal as I approached a tall pine where they were perched, n, ne.

European Starling 25 (ad, imm) foraging on lawns throughout the park.

Yellow Warbler 2 (m) singing, calls, active in pines, n, nw.

Wilson's Warbler 4 singing, calls, active in pines around the park.

Sage Sparrow 6 ( ad, imm) imms. foraging together on ground beneath pines; calls and song in adjacent Atriplex field, n

Western Tanager 8 (m,f) active in pines along fence lines around the park.

Brewer's Blackbird 16 (m,f) foraging on lawns around the park.

Great-tailed Grackle (m,f) foraging on lawns and near shorelines around the park; vocal.

Brown-headed Cowbird 3 vocal, active in pines, nw, n.

House Finch 8 (m,f) active in pines and on lawns, e.

House Sparrow 30-40 (m,f) active on lawns, in pines, around buildings.

MAY 27, 2011 (37 Species)

Weather: Fair; 58F to 66F; winds WSW 15-30 mph.

Time: 0705-0909 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route once around the entire park, surveying all habitats, including adjacent flooded Atriplex desert scrub. Only a few fishermen and maintenance workers were present during most of the survey; several more walkers arrived at about 0800 hrs. Steady WSW winds resulted in most of the birds being on the eastern edge of the park in the pines and adjacent Atriplex, which was relatively sheltered. A concentrated search for nesting Great Horned and Long-eared Owls failed to produce either of those two species. A Barn Owl was flushed from the pine tree containing the recent nest of Long-eared Owls. The nesting colony of Black-crowned Night Herons produced at least 10 immature individuals that could be seen in the pines and on the adjacent northeast island shoreline. Relatively high numbers of flycatchers and warblers were obtained in the pines in the eastern half of the park, where dense swarms of aerial insects occurred.

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 50 (ad) on land and swimming throughout the eastern and northeastern sections of the park.

Greater White-fronted Goose 1 - continuing - following domestic Gray-lag geese from a ne island into the lake.

Snow Goose 1- continuing - swimming with domestic geese, ne.

Ross's Goose 1 - continuing - resting with domestic geese on ne island; following them into the lake.

Chinese Goose 4 on the ne island.

Gray-lag Goose 15 on islands and swimming.

Muscovy Duck 2 resting on se island.

Mallard (wild-type) 40 pairs and females with young throughout the park and in adjacent flooded field, s.

Mallard (domestic) 30 pairs and individuals resting, swimming throughout the park.

California Quail 8 ad, imm near small pond beneath Tamarisk on n fence line.

Double-crested Cormorant 1 flying from lake, se.

Black-crowned Night Heron 15 2 ad; 13 imm) nesting colony in pines on ne island; several on shore (photo); a few in pines

American Coot 1 on island shore, se.

Killdeer 8 pairs, very vocal, on lawns and walkways.

Eurasian Collared Dove 2 calls; flushed from pines, ne.

Mourning Dove 4 pairs flying around pines, n.

Barn Owl 1 (ad) flushed from pine with recent Long-eared Owl nest, nw.

Western Wood Pewee 10 sally-flycatching from medium to low perches in pines and on chain-link fences; calls, e, ne.

Willow Flycatcher 2 chasing, calls, low branches in pines, e.

Pacific Slope Flycatcher 2 calls, low branches in pines and on fence.

Black Phoebe 1 calls, nw.

Western Kingbird 4 in adjacent field and in pines, se; nw.

Warbling Vireo 2 singing while foraging at medium height in pines, se, n.

Common Raven 12 three young on fence defended by two adults, much vocalization, ne, n.

Horned Lark 1 perched on tall Atriplex , n.

Tree Swallow 1 flying low, ne.

Barn Swallow 8 flying low over Atriplex field, back and forth, e.

Swainson's Thrush 1 foraging in shade of pines (photos).

European Starling 16 ad, imm foraging in adjacent fields and on lawns.

Yellow Warbler 30 (m,f) small flocks of 3 -5 individuals foraging in pines and Atriplex scrub; calls (photo).

Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 (f) insect gleaning in pines with YEWA, se.

Wilson's Warbler 12 (m,f) calls, song; active in pines, Tamarisk and adjacent Atriplex scrub.

Sage Sparrow 15 - 20 (ad, imm) small, loose flocks foraging on ground in adjacent Atriplex; perched on fence, e (photo).

Western Tanager 4 (m,f) a flock flew into the mid-level of a pine, e.

Brewer's Blackbird 12 (m,f) foraging on lawns, e.

Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) foraging on lawns and shorelines; flocks of males and females; calls,

House Finch 20 (m,f) song, calls, foraging in adjacent Atriplex and on lawns, s se.

House Sparrow 50 flocks of 8 -15 birds foraging on lawns and adjacent Atriplex fields; calls, song.

MAY 11, 2011 (51 Species)

Weather: Fair: 55F to 75F; no wind.

Time: 0730-0945 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a clockwise route around the entire park, surveying all habitats, including adjacent Atriplex fields. About 40 people were in the park, many fishing on shorelines. Small plane traffic was light to moderate around Fox Field. Conditions were excellent for identifying bird vocalizations. A relatively high diversity of landbird migrants occurred in and around the Aleppo Pines, where they foraged on dense swarms of insects. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included: Common Merganser, Long-eared Owl (successful nesting), Chipping Sparrow and Golden-crowned Sparrow.

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 40 small flocks (8 - 10) scattered around the park on lawns and in the water.

Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (ad)- continuing -flying over the park alongside a ROGO; later seen on the shore of a ne island.

Ross's Goose 1 (ad) -continuing- flying together with a GWFG.

Gray-lag Goose 14 (including white domestic) scattered around the park.

Chinese Goose 4 on se island.

Muscovy Duck 3 on shore, sw.

Mallard (wild-type) 30 (m,f) throughout the park; in water and on islands.

Mallard (domestic) 25 (m,f) mostly around the south shore.

Common Merganser 1 (f) diving near se island; resting in middle of lake.

Ruddy Duck 2 (alt. plmg.) near se island.

California Quail 4 males on top of large saltbushes, n, e.

Pied-billed Grebe 2 diving, se, s.

Double-crested Cormorant 6 (ad, imm) resting on se island.

Snowy Egret 1 resting on se island.

Black-crowned Night Heron 12 (ad, imm) several pair nesting on ne islands in pines.

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

American Coot 12 around edges of the lakes.

Killdeer 3 shorelines, e, ne; calls.

Spotted Sandpiper 6 (alt. plmg.) foraging on shore, se, s; chasing.

Ring-billed Gull 7 (imm) on se island and s shore.

Mourning Dove 6 flying over adjacent fields, n.

Eurasian Collared Dove 2 calls, nw.

Great Horned Owl 3 (2 fledged young; 1 ad) together, 18 ft. above ground in pine adjacent to nest, ne.

Long-eared Owl 2 - continuing - ( 1 ad; 1 nearly adult-sized, downy young) imm. concealed near the rim of nest; adult a few feet away, about 20 ft. above ground in pine, nw (photo).

Western Wood Pewee 2 sally-flycatching from lower branches on pines, n (photo).

Willow Flycatcher 1 sally-flycatching from lower branch of pine; flew to perch in adjacent saltbush; calls, n.

Pacific Slope Flycatcher 6 sally-flycatching from middle and lower branches in pines, nw, n, e.

Black Phoebe 1 on railing of dock, nw.

Western Kingbird 10 pairs active and vocal in pines and adjacent saltbush fields.

Warbling Vireo 1 gleaning branches and needles, low and medium height in pines, s.

Common Raven 6 in pines and flying over fields.

Bewick's Wren 1 scolding a WIWA in Tamarisk- saltbush along n fence line.

Swainson's Thrush 1 (eventually seen clearly from about 40 ft. away) shy; flying low beneath pines; landed in shade on ground, n.

European Starling 30 flocks foraging on lawns around the park.

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 in Tamarisk, w.

Yellow Warbler 5 (m,f) foraging in pines around the fence lines.

Yellow-rumped Warbler 12 (m,f) in pines around the fence lines.

Black-throated Gray Warbler 2 (m,f) in pines, n.

Townsend's Warbler 1 (f) in pines, n.

Wilson's Warbler 30 (m,f) in pines and Tamarisk around the park; song.

Western Tanager 12 (m,f) in pines, on lawns, fences, Tamarisk around the park.

Chipping Sparrow 2 (ad) foraging beneath pines, ne.

Lark Sparrow 1 foraging on ground in ruderal saltbush field, near fence line, s.

Golden-crowned Sparrow 1 on ground, calls, then up to fence, n (photo): Third record for AP.

Black-headed Grosbeak 1 calls, elm tree, sw.

Brewer's Blackbird 25 nesting in shrubs and trees around the park.

Great-tailed Grackle 5 (m,f) fly, vocalizing, main beach, sw.

Brown-headed Cowbird 1 calls, pines, se.

Bullock's Oriole 2 (f) calls, song, landed on fence; active in pines, ne.

House Finch 12 pairs in pines, on ground in and outside the park; song.

Lesser Goldfinch 2 song, calls, in pines, se.

House Sparrow 30 vocalizing on and around buildings throughout the park.

APRIL 22, 2011 (46 Species)

Weather: Fair; WNW winds 0 - 15 mph. 62F.

Time: 1030-1200 hrs; 1538-1638 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying open water, shoreline, pines, lawns and adjacent saltbush fields. About 100 people were in the park, including many fishermen ( 1030-1200 hrs.). I returned in the afternoon for a second survey, focused on the west and north sides of the park (1538-1638 hrs.). Additional bird species found in my afternoon survey were: Cooper's Hawk, Killdeer, Long-eared Owl, Great Horned Owl, Pacific Slope Flycatcher , Black Phoebe, Fox Sparrow and Lesser Goldfinch. About the same number of people were still in the park; several walking dogs on leashes.

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 40 pairs scattered around the park; most foraging on grass.

Greater White-fronted Goose 1 -continuing - on main beach with domestics.

Snow Goose 1 - continuing - on main beach with domestic waterfowl taking bread crumbs (photo).

Ross's Goose 1 -continuing - on main beach eating bread crumbs (photo).

Grey-lag Goose 6 (domestic and hybrids) main beach and in other lakes around the park.

Chinese Goose 4 swimming in se lake.

Muscovy Duck 3 shoreline and swimming, se.

Mallard (wild-type) 30 (m,f) pairs resting on islands and shorelines; swimming.

Mallard (domestic and hybrids) crowding into main beach for bread crumbs.

Northern Shoveler 1 (m) resting on shore of se island.

Bufflehead 6 (m,f) diving in s and n lakes.

Ruddy Duck 8 (m,f) swimming near shore, n, se.

Pied-billed Grebe 1 se lake.

Eared Grebe 1 bsc. plmg. diving, se.

Double-crested Cormorant 3 resting on shore, ne.

Black-crowned Night Heron 6 nesting in pines on ne island.

Cooper's Hawk 1 flying low, w into adjacent Tamarisks.

American Coot 30 swimming around edges of lakes.

Killdeer 2 on lawn, se.

California Gull 2 (ad, imm) on se island.

Ring-billed Gull (5 (ad, imm) around main beach and se island.

Mourning Dove 4 flying, n.

Eurasian Collared Dove 2 fly, call, n.

Great Horned Owl 1 large, downy young in nest about 10 ft. from the ground in pine, ne.

Long-eared Owl 1 ad incubating in large stick (raven?) nest, in about 13 ft. from ground in pine, sw. Only the tail of the bird could be seen.

Pacific Slope Flycatcher 1 snatch gleaning and aerial flycatching from middle branches in pine, n (photo).

Western Kingbird 4 pairs chasing and vocalizing at tops of pines,

Black Phoebe 1 sally-flycatching and gleaning, n fence line over puddle in shade.

Cassin's Vireo 1 gleaning pine needles and branches, w fence line (photo).

Common Raven 4 flying over adjacent fields.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 gleaning insects from needles and small branches in middle to upper level in pines; calls, n.

Catharus sp. 1 flushed from shady corner under pines; flew to adjacent lawn under another pine, upright with no tail bobbing, nw (photo).

European Starling 10 flying around; foraging on lawns.

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 foraging in pines, n.

Yellow-rumped Warbler (A) 120 ubiquitous, especially in pines with abundant aerial insects.

Black-throated Gray Warbler 2 (m,f) lower levels of pines and Tamarisk along fence lines, e, n.

Fox Sparrow (Thick-billed) 1 clinging to chain-link fence momentarily, then down to underbrush, staying hidden, n.

Lincoln's Sparrow 1 in and around shaded puddle by Tamarisk outside of fence, n.

White-crowned Sparrow 3 flushed to fence, then into saltbush field, n.

Dark-eyed Junco 4 in pines, w.

Western Meadowlark 1 singing in adjacent field, n.

Brewer's Blackbird 10 on lawns, s.

Great-tailed Grackle 12 (m,f) on lawns, in pines, n, s.

Brown-headed Cowbird 1 call, song, in pines, n.

House Finch 4 calls and song, in pines, w.

Lesser Goldfinch 2 calls, song, pines, n.

House Sparrow 20 around buildings.

MARCH 23, 2011 (49 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy; 41F to 53F; winds ENE 0-1 mph. Heavy rains over the past few days. Snow on adjacent foothills and mountains.

Time: 0745-0935 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire park, including a diagonal path in the northern section. Relatively few visitors were in the park today; light construction was going on near the main entrance with one park vehicle slowly circling the park. A few small aircraft were using the adjacent air strip at Fox Field. Conditions were good for identifying bird vocalizations. Surrounding saltbush-wildflower fields were flooded from recent rains (photos). Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included: Snow Goose (1- continuing); Ross's Goose (1 - cont.); Greater White-fronted Goose (1 - cont.); Common Goldeneye (1); Common Merganser (1); Western Kingbird (4); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); Marsh Wren (2); Pink-sided and Slate-colored Junco (1 + 2);

Viewing south from Apollo Park to Ritter Ridge, March 23, 2011.

Viewing north from Apollo Park to the Tehachapi Mountains, March 23, 2011.

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 55 foraging on grass; in adjacent fields (photo), flying in from the east; swimming.

Snow Goose 1 (imm) - continuing - foraging on grass with domestic geese, se.

Ross's Goose 1 (ad) - continuing - resting on island with domestic geese, ne.

Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (ad) - continuing - foraging on grass with domestic geese, se.

Gray-lag Goose (domestic and hybrid) 25 on land and swimming.

Chinese Goose (domestic and hybrid) 5 foraging on grass.

Muscovy Duck (domestic) 5 (m,f) on shore, s and s-central.

Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 30 (m,f) most on south shorelines.

Mallard (wild type) 40 (m,f) resting on islands; swimming near shore.

Northern Shoveler 8 (m,f) dabbling near shore, s, s-central.

Common Goldeneye 1 (m) preening, n (photo).

Common Merganser 1 (f) resting on island shore, ne.

Bufflehead 25 (m,f) diving, displays (m); flying low over water, ubiquitous.

Ruddy Duck 40 (m,f) 60% males in alt. plmg. resting near shore throughout.

Pied-billed Grebe 2 near shore, s; calls, nw.

Double-crested Cormorant 12 resting on islands, se and ne.

Great Blue Heron 2 (alt. plmg) islands, ne.

Black-crowned Night Heron 5 (ad, alt. plmg.) in pines on islands, ne; calls.

Cooper's Hawk 1 flying through north section of park.

American Coot 120 foraging on grass; swimming near shore.

Killdeer 1 fly, call, n.

Ring-billed Gull 6 (ad, imm) on shore, main beach; flying.

California Gull 16 (ad, imm) on shore, islands, main beach; flying in from n; calls.

Herring Gull 2 ( imm: C1) on shore, islands, se and ne.

Mourning Dove 1 on top of light pole, s.

Eurasian Collared Dove 2 continuous calling, s.

Black Phoebe 2 edge of pines, se and nw; calls.

Western Kingbird 4 within a few yards of each other, perched on Atriplex shrubs in adjacent field, s (FOS).

Common Raven 12 pairs flying around ajacent fields; some in pines; calls. One on fence allowed close approach (photos).

Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 - continuing ? - foraging in pine; tapping sounds, e.

Tree Swallow 20 flying low over lake and adjacent flooded field, n.

Violet-green Swallow 12 flying low over adjacent flooded field, n.

Rough-winged Swallow 2 flying low over flooded field with other swallows, n.

Cliff Swallow 10 flying low with other swallows over flooded field, n.

Bewick's Wren 1 calls, fence line shrubs, n.

House Wren 2 calls and song, saltbush scrub near fence line, n.

Marsh Wren 2 - continuing - singing about 30 yards apart in flooded field near fence line, n.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4 active in pines, n.

European Starling 6 on utility lines near park entrance.

Orange-crowned Warbler 3 foraging in pines, se, n (FOS).

Yellow-rumped Warbler 25 (A); 1 (M) m,f; alt plumg. foraging in loose flocks on grass and in pines throughout.

Common Yellowthroat 1 in tall wet grass of adjacent field near fence line, e.

White-crowned Sparrow 6 singing in adjacent saltbush scrub, e.

Dark-eyed Junco 20 thurberi; 1 mearnsi; 2 hyemalis (photo); loose, vocal flocks foraging on ground beneath pines.

Red-winged Blackbird 1 (m, imm) foraging in adjacent field with BRBL, s.

Brewer's Blackbird 20 (m,f) foraging in adjacent field, s.

Great-tailed Grackle 30 (m,f) pairs foraging on lawns; trios of males calls and displays (photo).

Western Meadowlark 2 singing in adjacent saltbush scrub, e.

House Finch 10 (m,f) pairs with nest material in pines, n; calls and song.

House Sparrow 20 on and around buildings throughout.

MARCH 9, 2011 (43 Species)

Weather: Fair; 44F to 55F; no wind.

Time: 0752 - 0940 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire park, excluding diagonal paths through the center. About 30 fishermen were around the lakes, along with several pedestrians. Construction continues around the main beach and parking area. Conditions were good for identifying bird vocalizations.

BIRDS NOTED

Snow Goose 1 (imm) -continuing- resting at main beach with domestic geese.

Ross's Goose 1 (ad) - continuing - resting at main beach with white domestic geese.

Greater White-fronted goose 1 (ad) resting at main beach with domestic geese.

Canada Goose 40 small flocks of 10-12 individuals foraging on short grass in bordering fields, s, e; others on shore; fly, calls.

Gray-lag Goose 15 (domestic, hybrid) shore and edge of lakes, s.

Chinese Goose 4 shore and edge of lake, s.

Muscovy Duck 3 shore, s.

Mallard (wild-type) 50 (m,f) shore, island, edge of lakes.

Mallard (hybrid, domestic) (m,f) 35 shore, islands, edge of lakes.

American Wigeon 2 (m,f) resting on island, se.

Northern Shoveler 12 (m,f) se island; resting and swimming.

Bufflehead 20 (m,f) scattered around the lakes; diving.

Ruddy Duck 50 mostly s lakes, resting; a few males in alt. plumage.

Eared Grebe 1 (bsc. plmg.) open water, s.

American Coot 120 scattered around edges of lake and foraging on lawns.

Double-crested Cormorant 35 (ad, imm) resting on islands, se, ne; swimming.

Black-crowned Night Heron 16 (ad, imm) in trees on islands (photo - adult in alternate plumage).

Ring-billed Gull 8 (ad, imm) on island; fly, ne.

California Gull 10 (ad, imm) on island, foraging on dead fish, ne.

Herring Gull 2 (ad, imm) on island, ne.

Mourning Dove 4 foraging on ground and calling from atop light pole.

Woodpecker sp. (Picoides?) heard pecking sounds briefly in pines; unseen, ne.

Black Phoebe 6 edges of park; sallies from low branches in pines; calls.

Common Raven 10 pairs flying around park; in pines, calls.

Horned Lark 6 small flock crossing roadway near 50th St. West and Avenue G.

European Starling 4 in trees next to Fox Field.

Tree Swallow 8 flying low over adjacent field, ne.

American Robin 2 swc and s parking lot.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 10 active, calls, in pines around perimeter.

Marsh Wren 1 singing while mostly concealed in dense Rabbitbrush, adjacent field along fence line, n.

Bewick's Wren 3 callsfrom adjacent field, n.

Yellow-rumped Warbler 100 active, calls in pines throughout park.

Sage Sparrow 1 singing atop shrub in adjacent field, n.

White-crowned Sparrow 10 (ad, imm) singing, calls, adjacent field, n.

Dark-eyed Junco 30, with continuing J.h. mearnsi (2) and 1 J.h. hyemalis (1) ; lawns beneath pines and in adjacent fields; calls and song.

Purple Finch 2 singing atop pines (unseen) w.

House Finch 2 singing, pines, n.

Tricolored Blackbird 1 (f) foraging on lawn with f RWBL.

Red-winged Blackbird 2 (m,f) calls and song; pines and on lawn.

Brewer's Blackbird 30 (m,f) foraging on lawns.

Great-tailed Grackle 4 (m) calls and song, s.

Western Meadowlark 2 singing in adjacent fields, e, ne.

Lesser Goldfinch 2 in crown of pines, se; calls.

House Sparrow 30 around buildings throughout.