BIRD SURVEYS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
APOLLO PARK
Ross's Goose (Chen rossii) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County, CA 20 March, 2012 Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii leucopareia) Apollo Park 4 Oct. 2012
© 2012 Callyn Yorke
Link to A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Apollo Park
© Callyn Yorke
Links to previous Apollo Park bird surveys
Recent Surveys
Weather: Fair; 47F; winds calm.
Time: 0715-0810 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the park, using the perimeter pathway; the interior sections were not surveyed. About 30 people were in the park, including fishermen, joggers and dog owners using leashes. Note: Apollo Park will be closed for maintenance October 29 - November 2, 2018. A fishing derby is scheduled for Saturday, November 3, 2018.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1- cont), Snow Goose (2 - cont.) and Hooded Merganser (2).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1-cont. swimming with GLGO, s.
Snow Goose 2-cont. foraging on main beach with GLGO, s.
Canada Goose 60 ubiquitous in small, vocal flocks swimming, flying and foraging on lawns.
Domestic Gray-lag Goose 25 (including hybrids), mostly s.
Domestic Swan Goose 4 with GLGO, s.
Muscovy Duck 3 (including hybrids), on shore, s.
Gadwall 4 (m,f) swimming in open water and resting on shore, se.
Mallard (wild-type) 80 (m,f) wary, flighty, ubiquitous in lakes.
Mallard (domestic/hybrid) 30 ubiquitous, mostly on or near shore.
Hooded Merganser 2 (f) two individuals swimming in open water, s, se.
Pied-billed Grebe 2 swimming in open water, s.
Western Grebe 1 swimming in open water, s.
Eurasian Collared Dove 8 on utility lines, s.
Mourning Dove 2 edge of parking lot, s.
American Coot 100 gregarious, ubiquitous in the lakes.
Great Blue Heron 2 on shore, se, n.
Black-crowned Night Heron 2 in pines and on shore, ne.
Northern (RS) Flicker calls (unseen) n.
Black Phoebe 1 sallying to ground from fence, e.
Common Raven 4 flying outside of park, n.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 6 gregarious; pairs foraging in pines throughout, often with YRWA.
European Starling 4 on utility lines, s.
House Sparrow 6 vocal, gregarious, s.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 5 (m,f) gregarious; foraging in pines, e.
White-crowned Sparrow 12 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious; on fence line and in brush pile and saltbush outside park, e.
Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco 1 foraging in pine with YRWA, e.
Western Meadowlark 3 gregarious; foraging on lawn, n.
Brewer's Blackbird 10 (m,f) gregarious; foraging on lawns, ne.
Weather: Fair; 65F; wind WSW 5-10 mph.
Time: 0757-0950 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route on the perimeter and interior pathways through the park, excluding the north fence line. Additionally, my survey included the vacant parking area lined with tamarisk and a marshy drainage ditch outside of the fence line, west of the park boundary. There were several people walking leashed dogs in the park; about 25 fishermen were scattered around the park. Air traffic, including a noisy helicopter, was prevalent at the adjacent Fox Field.
BIRDS NOTED
Snow Goose 2 with flock of domestic GLGO, s.
Canada Goose 80 vocal, gregarious; ubiquitous in small flocks in and around the lakes.
Domestic Gray-lag Goose 16 gregarious; mostly on or near shore, s.
Domestic Swan Goose 4 gregarious, s.
Domestic Muscovy Duck 3 (m), on shore, s.
Gadwall 2 (m) swimming together, s.
Mallard (wild type) 60 ( m,f) gregarious, wary; scattered around the edges of the lakes and islands.
Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 30 gregarious; mostly on s shore.
Northern Shoveler 1 (m) swimming near shore, s.
Ring-necked Duck 2 (f) very similar looking to a pair of females found at Lake Palmdale two weeks ago, s.
Ruddy Duck 6 resting in open water, s.
Pied-billed Grebe 1 swimming in open water, s.
Eurasian Collared Dove 3 gregarious, on utility line and ground, s.
American Coot 30 gregarious; ubiquitous in and near the water.
Double-crested Cormorant 3 (ad, imm) resting on island shore, s.
Great Blue Heron 2 on shore, s, nw.
Great Egret 1 on shore, s.
Cooper's Hawk 1 (imm) pursuing a flock of HOSP immediately outside the park, s.
Northern (RS) Flicker 1 vocal; flying low through pines, central.
Black Phoebe 3 vocal sallying to lawn and ground from low pine and tamarisk limbs, s, w.
Common Raven 6 vocal, gregarious; flying around the park.
Horned Lark 2 drinking from puddle immediately outside the park, s.
Barn Swallow 1 flying low, back and forth over saltbush field, e.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 (fos) gregarious; a pair foraging together, low in tamarisks immediately outside the park, w (photo).
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) Apollo Park LACO CA 5 October 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
European Starling 20 vocal, gregarious; foraging on ground and lawns with BRBL, s-central.
House Sparrow 12 (m,f) vocal, gregarious; chased by a COHA in saltbush scrub immediately outside the park, s.
House Finch 2-4 vocal, gregarious; in pines, nw.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 6 (m,f) vocal (calls) gregarious; foraging in pines and on lawns, s, se.
Common Yellowthroat 2 (m,f) snatch-gleaning on ground beneath patch of cattails in drainage ditch immediately outside of the park, w.
Bell's Sparrow 3 vocal; in saltbush scrub near fence line, se.
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 on fence at edge of lawn, se.
White-crowned Sparrow 20 on lawns and in saltbush scrub along fence line; on ground beneath tamarisk, se, sw.
Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco 1 foraging on ground beneath tamarisk with WCSP, immediately outside of park, w.
Red-winged Blackbird 5 (m; imm) gregarious; in leafless tree on island; foraging with EUST and BRBL on lawns and ground, s-central.
Brewer's Blackbird 25 (m,f) gregarious; foraging with EUST on lawns and ground, s-central.
Brown-headed Cowbird 2 (imm) foraging on ground and lawns with BRBL and EUST, s-central.
September 12, 2018 (35 Species)
Weather: Fair; 69F; wind WNW 2-5 mph.
Time: 0715-0856 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a clockwise route around the entire park, using the perimeter pathways, lawns and fencelines. Many people were walking dogs (one unleashed) both on the paved paths and on the lawns near the fenceline. Most landbirds were wary and easily flushed to the fence and outside the park.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included,Greater White-fronted Goose (1 -cont.), Snow Goose (2 - cont.), Snowy Egret (9), Olive-sided Flycatcher (1), Western Wood Pewee (1) , Willow Flycatcher (8), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2), and Spotted Towhee (1).
Note: I have not observed Ross's Goose at Apollo Park since April 13, 2018. Previous to that date, I had regularly seen one or two individual ROGO since at least October, 2009.
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 -cont. resting on the main beach with GLGO and other waterfowl.
Snow Goose on and near the main beach with GLGO.
Canada Goose 40 small flocks scattered around the park; foraging on lawns, swimming near shore.
Gray-lag Goose (domestic/hybrid) 20 small flocks on and near shore throughout.
Swan Goose 4 (domestic) main beach.
Muscovy Duck 3 (domestic/hybrid) on shore, s.
Mallard (wild-type) 60 (m,s) small flocks scattered around the lake and shore.
Mallard (domestic/hybrid) 30 small flocks, mostly on south shorelines and beach.
Pied-billed Grebe 2 swimming/diving near shore, s.
Eurasian Collared Dove 4 on ground, main beach, s.
Anna's Hummingbird 1 flying around tamarisks, sw.
American Coot 30 small flocks near shore throughout.
Double-crested Cormorant 5 (ad, imm) gregarious; resting on shore of island, ne.
American White Pelican 1 (imm) resting on island, ne.
Great Blue Heron 3 individuals on shore, ne, se.
Great Egret 3 individuals on shores throughout.
Snowy Egret 9 gregarious; on island shore, ne.
Black-crowned Night Heron 3 (ad, imm) on favorite pine island, ne.
Olive-sided Flycatcher 1 sallying from leafless limbs of tall tamarisk, w.
Western Wood Pewee 1 sallying from low perch in tamarisk, w.
Willow Flycatcher 8 individuals and pairs sallying to lawns and ground from a variable heights in tamarisk, pines and fences.
Black Phoebe 3 sallying from low perches in pines and fences.
Common Raven 6 gregarious, vocal; flying around park and in pines.
Horned Lark 8 gregarious; a small flock in saltbush scrub just outside of park, n.
Barn Swallow 1 flying low, back and forth over the lake, e.
Blue-gray Gnatchatcher 2 vocal; a pair busily foraging in tamarisk along the fenceline, w (photo).
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) Apollo Park, LACO CA 12 September 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
European Starling 10 vocal, gregarious; foraging on lawns, w, s.
House Sparrow 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, in gardens around buildings; main beach.
House Finch 6 (m,f) vocal, gregarious; in pines, n.
Wilson's Warbler 1 (f) moving quickly through tamarisks, w.
Spotted Towhee 1 on lawn at fence line; flew to brush pile outside of park (photo).
Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) Apollo Park, LACO CA 12 September 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Lark Sparrow 1 (imm) foraging on lawn with BESP, nw.
Bell's Sparrow 14 vocal, gregarious; small flocks foraging on lawns, nw, ne.
Red-winged Blackbird 20 (m) gregarious; foraging on lawns with EUST,and BRBL nw.
Brewer's Blackbird 10 (m,f) gregarious; foraging on lawns with EUST and RWBL, nw.
Great-tailed Grackle 3 (m,f; molting) gregarious; walking around parking lot, s.
Weather: Fair; 67F to 72F; wind nw 5-10 mph.
Time: 0651-0908 hrs.
Area Covered: Initially, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire park, using the perimeter path and fence line (0651-0812 hrs.). Then I walked through the interior and followed the fence line again in a clockwise direction back to the main parking area (0820-0908 hrs.. Increasing numbers of visitors with leashed dogs began arriving during the second loop; some meandering along the fence line instead of the paved path. Numerous individuals were fishing around the lakes.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Snow Goose (2 - cont.), Willow Flycatcher (1) Pacific-slope Flycatcher (1), and Bell's Sparrow (25).
BIRDS NOTED
Snow Goose 2 in a mixed flock of waterfowl, e.g. GLGO, taking food from people, ne.
Canada Goose 50 scattered around the park on lawns and in the lakes.
Domestic Gray-lag Goose 30 (including albinos) in flocks on land taking food from people.
Domestic Swan Goose 4 with flocks of GLGO.
Muscovy Duck 3 (incl. hybrids) on shore, n.
Gadwall 2 (m,f) swimming near shore, n.
Mallard (domestic & hybrid) 40 scattered around the lake with other waterfowl.
Mallard (wild-type) 30 mostly on and near islands, ne.
Pied-billed Grebe 5 swimming, diving near shore and in open water throughout.
Feral Rock Pigeon 2 on main beach with waterfowl taking food from people.
Eurasian Collared Dove 8 vocal; often paired, ubiquitous.
Hummingbird (Calypte or Archilochus sp.) (f) flying fast between pines, se.
American Coot 2 swimming near shore and islands, ne.
Spotted Sandpiper 1 on shore of se island.
Double-crested Cormorant 16 (ad, imm) gregarious; standing on shores of islands, se, ne.
Great Blue Heron 2 individuals standing on shore, se, n.
Black-crowned Night Heron 8 (ad, imm) individuals standing on shore around the lakes; on islands in guano-stained pines, ne.
Red-tailed Hawk 1 flushed from pines, ne fence line.
Willow Flycatcher 1-2 imm; frequent tail bobbing; sallying from chain-link fence to lawn, e; another found later in deciduous tree, se (photo).
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) first fall plumage Apollo Park, LACO CA 25 August 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Pacific-Slope Flycatcher 1 imm - orange lower mandible, conspicuous asymmetric eye-ring; in same deciduous tree as WIFL, but not at the same time, ne (photo).
Pacific- Slope Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis ) first fall plumgage, Apollo Park, LACO CA 25 August 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Common Raven 6 vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous, esp. in pines.
Horned Lark 10 in adjacent saltbush field, s.
European Starling 8 foraging on lawn with BRBL, e.
House Sparrow 2 (f) on lawn and in pines, ne.
House Finch 3 (m,f) vocal, gregarious; in pines, ne.
Bell's Sparrow 25 (ad, imm) frequent calls; gregarious; on lawns, drinking from puddles; in adjacent saltbush scrub, e, n (photo).
Bell's Sparrow (Artemisiospiza belli) Apollo Park LACO CA 25 August 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Red-winged Blackbird 1 (m) imm foraging on lawn with BRBL and EUST, e.
Brewer's Blackbird 20 (m,f) gregarious; foraging on lawns, e.
Weather: Fair; 55F to 63F; wind WSW 10 - 20 mph.
Time: 0720 - 0950 hrs.
Observers: UCLA Spring Birds of Southern California class (5 students and I).
Area Covered: We walked a counter-clockwise route around the perimeter of the park, surveying lawns, pines, concrete shorelines, lakes, islands and adjacent Atriplex scrub, visually covering an area of about 30 acres. There were relatively few fishermen and visitors in the park during our survey. Increasing winds appeared to cause many birds to seek wind-shielded areas on the eastern and western fence lines. There was moderate air traffic at Fox Field, including a continuous blast of extremely loud exhaust from a large jet aircraft, which alarmed many birds..
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Snow Goose (2), Spotted Sandpiper (8), Olive-sided Flycatcher (1), Western Wood Pewee (8), Hammond's Flycatcher (1), Swainson's Thrush (1), Hermit Warbler (1) and Chipping Sparrow (3).
BIRDS NOTED
Snow Goose 2 (cont.?) ad (one about 10% larger in size), swimming together near the main beach (photo).
Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens) Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 12 May 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Canada Goose 30 (ad, imm) scattered around the park in small flocks.
Gray-lag Goose (domestic & hybrid) 20 most responding to people with food at main beach, s.
Swan Goose 2 (domestic) at main beach with GLGO, s.
Muscovy Duck (domestic hybrid) 5 on shore, s.
Gadwall 2 (m,f) a pair swimming in open water, se.
Mallard (wild type) 40 (m,f) pairs on islands, shoreline and swimming in open water.
Mallard (domestic & hybrid) 40 pairs and individuals scattered around the park.
Feral Rock Pigeon 4 flying over park, s.
Eurasian Collared Dove 8 on lawns and bare ground around the park.
Mourning Dove 4 flying around the park and in adjacent fields.
American Coot 20 scattered around the edges of the park and on islands.
Spotted Sandpiper 8 individuals in small, loose flocks, foraging on the concrete shorelines throughout.
Ring-billed Gull 4 (imm. C1, C2) together on main beach, s.
California Gull 8 (imm. C1, C2) flying around but mostly staying in a cohesive flock on the main beach, s.
Double-crested Cormorant 6 diving; resting on island shore and on dead outer limbs of se island trees.
Great Blue Heron 1 (alt. plmg.) resting in pine with several BCNH, ne island.
Black-crowned Night Heron 16- 20? (80% ad alt plmg.; imm. C1, one - C2 ) a few commuting to and from park over adjacent fields, e; most in a vocal rookery on ne islands, on ground and in pines (traditional site); one adult in alt. plmg. gathering stick-nest material on ground (photo). Note: some birds were concealed from view in the island pines, thus reducing the accuracy of the count.
Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 12 May 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Osprey 1 flying 100 ft. agl over park from the east.
Barn Owl 1 flushed from a pine tree on the fence line, nw.
Olive-sided Flycatcher 1 perched and sallying from perches atop saltbush outside of the park, ne (photo).
Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi) same individual in both images Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 12 May 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Western Wood Pewee 8 individuals sallying from fence, low pine limbs and brush piles around the park (photo); one pair aggressively interacting on fence line, n.
Western Wood Pewee (Contopus sordidulus) Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 12 May 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Hammond's Flycatcher 1 ID: vocal; relatively small size; large head, slight posterior expansion of eyering; small bill; long primary extension; sallying between low limbs and dense foliage of tamarisk outside of park, w (photo).
Hammond's Flycatcher (Empidonax hammondii) same individual in both images Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 12 May 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Say's Phoebe 1 sallying to ground in adjacent saltbush field, n.
Common Raven 8 vocal pairs and individuals in pines and flying around park.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 a pair flying low (1 - 15 ft. agl) over adjacent saltbush field and edge on fence line; occasionally perched on small limbs extending from a brush pile, e.
Swainson's Thrush 1 seen briefly on ground on shady knoll beneath pines and tamarisks, swc.
European Starling (ad, imm) foraging in pairs and small flocks on ground and lawns throughout the park.
House Sparrow 20 (m,f) small, vocal flocks and individuals throughout, esp. around buildings and main beach, s.
House Finch 4 (m,f) vocal; pairs in pines and on fences throughout.
Yellow Warbler 3 (m,f) in pines, often with WIWA, e, ne.
Hermit Warbler 1 (m) foraging quickly in pines along fence line, e (photo).
Hermit Warbler (Setophaga occidentalis) Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 12 May 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Wilson's Warbler 4 (m,f) foraging with YEWA in pines; in tamarisks, w.
Chipping Sparrow 3 (alt. plmg. gregarious; foraging on lawn and bare ground, w.
Bell's Sparrow 2 individuals perched on saltbush and in brush pile outside of park, ne (photo).
Bell's Sparrow (Artemesiospiza belli) Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 12 May 2018
© 2012 Callyn Yorke
Brewer's Blackbird 2 (m,f) foraging on ground near shore, nw.
Great-tailed Grackle 8 (m,f) vocal, ubiquitous.
Weather: Fair; 72F to 78F; wind W 5 - 7 mph.
Time: 0810- 0930 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route once around the park, using the perimeter pathways and lawns. About 25 fishermen were on the shorelines around the lake (a fishing derby was held here two days ago); several other people were walking, one along the fence line with a leashed dog. Two cyclists were doing high-speed laps on the perimeter pathways. One person was feeding birds on the main beach. Park maintenance workers were removing debris from the northeastern section of the lake.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 - cont.), Snow Goose (1 - cont.), Cackling Goose (1), Bonaparte's Gull (1), Western Wood Pewee (4) and Pacific Slope Flycatcher (2).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 -cont. swimming alone in open water, se.
Snow Goose 1- cont. swimming with GRLE geese, s.
Cackling Goose 1 ID: relatively small size; short neck, rounded head and small bill; basal white neck band absent or partly concealed by darker feathers. Swimming alone, se (photo).
Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsonii) Apollo Park LACO CA 7 May 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Canada Goose 30 (ad, imm) pairs and individuals on islands and in lakes throughout; one pair with several small goslings, e-central.
Gray-lag Goose (domestic and hybrid) 25 gregarious, ubiquitous.
Swan Goose 4 (domestic) swimming together, e-central.
Muscovy Duck 3 (domestic, hybrid) resting on shore, e-central.
Mallard (wild-type) 30 (m,f) often paired on shore and islands throughout.
Mallard (domestic & hybrid) gregarious; some paired, on shores, esp. s.
Eurasian Collared Dove 6 vocal, often in pairs; ubiquitous.
American Coot 30 gregarious; ubiquitous around edges of lake.
Killdeer calls (unseen) s.
Spotted Sandpiper 2 flying low over shore, se.
Bonaparte's Gull 1 (C1) swimming in open water; loosely associated with a flock of CAGU, s (photo)
Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia) Apollo Park LACO CA 7 May 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
California Gull 11 (C2, C3) gregarious, on main beach, s.
Double-crested Cormorant 8 diving; resting on shore of island, se, ne.
Great Blue Heron 1 flying low over lake, se.
Great Egret 2 perched in dead tree on island, se.
Black-crowned Night Heron 4 (ad) flying between pines on islands, ne.
Western Wood Pewee 4 vocal; individuals sallying from low pine limbs and fence to ground, nw, w.
Pacific- slope Flycatcher 2 calls; individuals making short sallies from partly concealed, shaded areas in tamarisk and pines, ne, w.
Western Kingbird 2 vocal in and around pines, w.
Common Raven 6 vocal; often in pairs, in pines; flying over park, s, sw.
European Starling 12 vocal, gregarious; ubiquitous; foraging on lawns.
House Sparrow 20 (m,f) vocal, gregarious; foraging on lawns near buildings.
House Finch 10 (m,f) vocal; ubiquitous, in pairs on lawns and fence.
Brewer's Blackbird 2 (m,f) foraging at edge of lawns and shore, n-central.
Weather: Fair; 46F; winds calm (high ENE winds in Antelope Valley over the past two days).
Time: 0744-0940 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the perimeter of the park, surveying lawns, pines, concrete shorelines, islands, lakes and adjacent salt bush scrub. Increasing numbers of visitors arrived by 0830 hrs. many with dogs; two running freely, flushing birds, dragging their leashes on the ground. At least one person throwing food to a gathering flock of geese, ducks, gulls and coots, s.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 -cont.), Snow Goose (1-cont.), Ross's Goose (2 -cont.), Hooded Merganser (3 - cont.), Least Sandpiper (1), Pacific Slope Flycatcher (4), American Robin (2), Black-throated Gray Warbler (3), Sooty Fox Sparrow (2), Dark-eyed Slate-colored Junco (1), and Dark-eyed Pink-sided Junco (1).
Birds Noted
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 swimming with domestic GLGO, n.
Snow Goose 1 swimming with domestic GLGO, n.
Ross's Goose 2 separated by > 100 yards, with other domestic geese, n, s.
Canada Goose 60 gregarious, ubiquitous.
Gray-lag Goose (domestic and hybrid) 25, mostly s.
Swan Goose (domestic) 4, se.
Muscovy Duck (domestic, hybrid) 6, s
Mallard (wild-type) m,f 30, gregarious, often paired, ubiquitous, esp. islands and shoreline.
Mallard (domestic, hybrid) 40 gregarious, ubiquitous, esp. s.
Gadwall 2 resting on shore, se island.
Hooded Merganser 3 (f) resting, open water, ne.
Ruddy Duck 1 (m -alt. plmg.) open water, se.
Feral Rock Pigeon 6 flying low over park.
Eurasian Collared Dove 10 vocal, courtship behavior; mostly pairs, ubiquitous.
American Coot 80 gregarious, ubiquitous.
Least Sandpiper 1 foraging on concrete shoreline of se island.
Ring-billed Gull 6 (5 ad; one imm) gregarious; on shore; flying off together, s.
California Gull 1 (C1) joining geese and RBGU for food handouts, se.
Double-crested Cormorant 12 (ad, imm) gregarious; perched in trees on se island; swimming, diving throughout.
Great Blue Heron 1 on shore, n.
Great Egret 5 gregarious; flying from shore to pines on island,se, ne.
Black-crowned Night Heron 10 (ad, imm) gregarious; in pines and on ground, ne islands.
Pacific Slope Flycatcher 4 sallying to ground and lawns from low perches in pines, se, ne, n.
Empidonax sp. pale gray above; relatively long bill; not seen clearly; possibly GRFL, in pines along fence line, nw.
Common Raven 8 pairs; vocal, ubiquitous.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 flyiing low (2 - 8 ft. agl) over adjacent saltbush scrub and occasionally over lakes, e.
Cliff Swallow 4 flying low over lakes, e.
Barn Swallow 20 gregarious, ubiquitous; mostly flying below 10 ft. agl over a large area, including adjacent saltbush scrub.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 vocal in pines, e, n.
American Robin 2 vocal; top of pines, se.
European Starling 12 vocal, gregarious; on ground and in pines, n.
House Sparrow 25 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous, esp. near buildings.
House Finch 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, mostly in pines around edges of the park.
Black-throated Gray Warbler 3 (m,f) calls; foraging in outer branches of mid to upper level in pines, se, e. (photo).
Black-throated Gray Warbler (Setophaga nigrescens) male Apollo Park LACO CA 13 April 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 30 (m,f; alt. plmg.) vocal (calls) gregarious, ubiquitous (photo).
Yellow-rumped Audubon's Warbler (Setophaga cornonata auduboni) male Apollo Park LACO CA 13 April 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Chipping Sparrow 1 foraging on lawn, w.
Fox Sparrow (Sooty group) 2: one (A) showing relatively strong reddish tail contrast with back, combined with reddish wash on flanks when seen in good light, nwc; the other (B), showing more uniform dark brown coloration with much less contrast between the tail and back, without reddish flanks; both intially foraging by scratching ground in shade beneath pines with nearby WCSP, w.(photo).
(A) Sooty Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca ssp.) (B)
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Lincoln's Sparrow 8 individuals and pairs foraging on ground beneath pines along fence line, e, n, nw.
White-crowned Sparrow 30 (ad) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous in saltbush scrub, lawns and beneath pines.
Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco 14 gregarious; foraging on lawns and ground, mostly beneath pines along fence line.
Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco 1 with other Juncos, nw.
Dark-eyed (Pink-sided) Junco 1 with other Juncos, nw.
Brewer's Blackbird 6 (m,f) gregarious; foraging on lawns, e, n.
Great-tailed Grackle 12 (m,f) vocal, gregarious; males engaged in movable lek displays on ground, ubiquitous.
.
'
Weather: Fair;52F to 60 F;winds calm.
Time: 0817-0930 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a clockwise route once around the park, using the pathways and adjacent lawns. Several people with leashed dogs were present. A white helicopter repeatedly flew low circles over the park for no apparent reason. Sprinklers were on full force in the northeastern section. About 20 fishermen were positioned on the shore around the lake. Many ducks and other waterbirds sought shelter on the islands in the ne and se sections. Recent rains produced large puddles and small ponds in the saltbush scrub surrounding the park. The park reopened on March 26, following a four-day closure for maintenance.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1 -cont.), Snow Goose (2 -cont.), Ross's Goose (1 - cont.), Hooded Merganser (11 -cont.), Common Merganser 1 (cont.), and Pink-sided Dark-eyed Junco (1).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 -cont. with GLGO, foraging on lawn parking, s.
Snow Goose 2 separated by 100 yards or more, in two separate flocks of GLGO and SWGO, s.
Ross's Goose 1 swimming with GLGO, se.
Canada Goose 80 small flocks foraging on lawns, resting on islands; flying low over lake, throughout.
Gray-lag Goose (domestic and hybrid) 25 gregarious, ubiquitous, esp. s.
Swan Goose 4 independent and loosely associated with other domestic waterfowl, s.
Muscovy Duck 6 (incl. mallard hybrids) on shore, s.
Mallard (wild type) 60 (m,f) pairs and small flocks throughout.
Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 30 pairs and small flocs throughout, esp. s.
Northern Shoveler 3 (m,f) swimming in open water, s.
Hooded Merganser (2 m; 9 f) gregarious, resting on and around islands, ne, s (photo).
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) male Apollo Park LACO CA 29 March 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Common Merganser 1 (f) swimming in open water, se (photo).
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) fem. Apollo Park LACO CA 29 March 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Feral Rock Pigeon 4 on the ground, flying, s.
Eurasian Collared-Dove 8 vocal; one pair showing courtship behavior, s.
American Coot 120 gregarious, ubiquitous.
Greater Yellowlegs 2 vocal; a pair flying sw over lake, s.
Ring-billed Gull 1 C2 on island, se.
Double-crested Cormorant 16 (ad, imm) most resting on se island; a few diving, s, ne.
Great Blue Heron 1 on island, se.
Black-crowned Night Heron 5 (ad) on ground and in traditioal roosts and rookery in pines on ne island.
Northern (RS) Flicker 2 m,f individuals foraging on lawns, w, se.
Black Phoebe 2 sallying from fence lines, nw, w.
Common Raven 6 vocal, pairs (nesting?) in pines and flying around park.
European Starling 10 foraging with BRBL on lawns; in adjacent saltbush scrub, s.
House Sparrow 25 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous around buildings.
House Finch 4 (m,f) vocal; in adjacent tamarisk, w.
Lesser Goldfinch 1 vocal in pines and deciduous trees, s.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 6 (m,f) foraging in trees and on lawns throughout.
Chipping Sparrow 1 foraging on lawn with DEJU, w (photo).
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) Apollo Park LACO CA 29 March 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Savannah Sparrow 1 foraging alone on lawn, w (photo).
Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) Apollo Park LACO CA 29 March 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 foraging on lawn beneath tree, DEJU foraging nearby, w (photo).
Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) Apollo Park LACO CA 29 March 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Dark-eyed Oregon Junco 25 gregarious, ubiquitous on lawns.
Dark-eyed Pink-sided Junco 1 with other juncos, foraging on wet lawns beneath small grove of Arizona Cypress, nw.
Brewer's Blackbird 20 (m,f) gregarious; foraging on ground and lawns, s.
Great-tailed Grackle 10 (m,f) often with BRBL, foraging on lawns, shore, s.
Weather: Fair; 43F; wind WNW 2 mph.
Time: 0812-0932 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire park on the perimeter pathway; interior sections were surveyed visually. Numerous fishermen were around the edges of the lakes; others were walking, jogging and leading dogs on the pathways and lawns. The park reopened today following a one-week closure for maintenance.
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.), Common Merganser (3), Hooded Merganser (17), American White Pelican (16), Tree Swallow (4), Violet-green Swallow (2), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (2), Cliff Swallow (1), and Barn Swallow (1).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 swimming with GLGO and others, s.
Snow Goose 1 swimming with GLGO and others, s.
Ross's Goose 1 swimming with GLGO and others, s.
Canada Goose 80 flocks scattered around the shores and lawns.
Graylag Goose 25 (domestic, hybrids) ubiquitous.
Swan Goose 4 (domestic) with GLGO, s.
Muscovy Duck 4 (domestic) on shore, s.
Gadwall 1 (m) swimming near shore, se.
Mallard (wild type) 60 (m,f) scattered around the shores and islands.
Mallard (domestic; hybrid) 40 mostly, s.
Cinnamon Teal 1 (m) on island shore, ne.
Northern Shoveler 8 (m,f) gregarious; incipient courtship displays by males with females swimming nearby.
Hooded Merganser 17 (3 m; 14 f) gregarious; most resting on or near shore and islands, se, ne (photo).
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 4 March 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Common Merganser 3 (f) gregarious; swimming, resting in open water, se.
Ruddy Duck 3 resting near islands, ne.
Eurasian Collared Dove 4 on ground; flying, s, ne.
American Coot 70 gregarious, ubiquitous.
California Gull 3 (ad; C2) on shore; flying around island, se.
American White Pelican 16 (many in alt. plmg.) gregarious; on islands; swimming in open water, s, nw (photo).
American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) Apollo Park LACO CA 4 March 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Double-crested Cormorant 30 (ad - many in trans. alt. plmg.) gregarious; resting on islands and in trees, s.
Great Blue Heron 2 flushed from shore and edge of island, s, ne.
Black-crowned Night Heron 5 (ad) in pines - traditional island roost , ne.
Northern (RS) Flicker 1 (f) in tree with DCCO on island, se.
Black Phoebe 4 vocal sallying from fences and low limbs, ubiqutious.
Say's Phoebe 1 flying low over saltbush scrub, n.
Common Raven 8 vocal, gregarious; flying over park and adjacent saltbush scrub, n.
Tree Swallow 4 flying low over open ground, saltbush scrub and lakes, e.
Violet-green Swallow 2 flying with other swallows (TRSW, CLSW), low over open ground at edge of saltbush scrub, e (photo).
Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina) Apollo Park, LACO CA 4 March 2018
© 2018 Callyn Yorke
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 flying together, low over open ground at edge of saltbush scrub, e, se.
Cliff Swallow 1 flying low with other swallows, low over open ground at edge of saltbush scrub, e, se.
Barn Swallow 1 flying low with other swallows, as noted above, se.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 5 vocal, loosely gregarious; foraging in adjacent pines, s, e.
House Sparrow 10 vocal, gregarious; around buildings and gardens, s.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 25 vocal, gregarious; mostly foraging in pines around the park.
Bell's Sparrow vocal, gregarious; in saltbush scrub outside of fenceline, nw.
White-crowned Sparrow 12 calls; gregarious; foraging on lawns and on bare ground along the fence lines.
Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco 25 gregarious; foraging on lawns and open ground along fence lines.
Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco 1 foraging on lawn with other juncos, se.
Brewer's Blackbird 12 (m,f) gregarious; foraging on lawn, se.
November 17, 2017 (33 Species)
Weather: Partly cloudy; 55F to 65F; wind w 15-17 mph.
Time: 0830 - 0945 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route, once, around the park, using the perimeter pathway. Interior lakes and lawns were surveyed visually at distance, using a 8 x 40 binocular. Fishermen and other visitors (some with leashed dogs) were present during the survey. The lake water continues to stagnate in the northeast corner next to the shoreline.
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.), Dusky Canada Goose (1), Hooded Merganser (4), and Red Crossbill (10).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 -cont. on and near shore with domestic GLGO, main beach.
Snow Goose 1 -cont. on and near shore with other geese, ducks and coots, main beach.
Ross's Goose 1 -cont. on and near shore with other geese.
Canada Goose 90 most on land, foraging on lawns, n; one odd variant, presumably the relatively rare, dark subspecies, Branta canadensis occidentalis (photo), showing extensive white facial markings, swimming with another CAGO (B. c. moffitti) away from the shore as I approached, n.
A presumed 'Dusky' Canada Goose (Branta canadensis occidentalis) variant , Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 17 November 2017
© 2017 Callyn Yorke
Domestic Gray-lag Goose 35 (including hybrids) most near shore on main beach.
Swan Goose 4 with GLGO, main beach.
Muscovy Duck (hybrids) together on shore adjacent to bridge, s.
American Wigeon 2 (m) swimming together, open water, se.
Mallard (wild type) 50 (m,f) scattered around edges of the lake and on islands; wary and easily flushed from shore.
Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 60 most on or near shore, s.
Hooded Merganser 4 (2m, 2 f) gregarious; flushed from water near shore, n (photo).
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) Apollo Park, Los Angeles County CA 17 November 2017
© 2017 Callyn Yorke
Eared Grebe 1 open water, s.
Western Grebe 1 open water, s.
Feral Rock Pigeon 8 foraging on ground; flying e.
Eurasian Collared Dove 4 on ground and in pines, s, sw.
American Coot 150 gregarious, ubiquitous in the lakes; one pair engaged in a vigorous competitive dispute, attacking each other with their feet.
Ring-billed Gull 7 (ad, C1, C2) resting on shore of main beach, s.
California Gull 2 (C1, C3) resting on shore of main beach, s.
Double-crested Cormorant 25 (ad, imm) many perched in leafless trees on se island; a few diving in open water and near shore.
Great Blue Heron 5 loosely gregarious but maintaining several yards of separation on shore, s, se.
Northern Flicker 1 calls (unseen), s.
Black Phoebe 1 vocal; low perches in trees near shore, se.
Say's Phoebe 1 low perches in trees and garden, sw.
Common Raven 6 pairs in pines and on fence, n.
Bewick's Wren 1 vocal, active in saltbush scrub outside of park on fence line, n.
American Pipit 3 flight calls (unseen), se, n.
House Finch 2 (m,f) saltbush scrub with WCSP, n.
Red Crossbill 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious; flying between pines, nw.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 15 vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; foraging at all foliage height levels.
Bell's Sparrow 2 foraging on lawns and bare ground near fence; in msf with WCSP, se.
Savannah Sparrow 1 foraging on lawn; WCSP and BESP nearby, se.
White-crowned (Gambel's) Sparrow 20 vocal, gregarious; foraging in saltbush scrub and on lawns, se, ne.
Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco 12 vocal, gregarious; foraging on ground and lawns, nw.
Dark-eyed (slate-colored) Junco 2 m,f a pair foraging together on ground beneath pines, nw (photo).
Dark-eyed slate-colored Junco (Junco hyemalis hyemalis) female (l); male (r) Apollo Park LACO CA 17 Nov 2017
© 2017 Callyn Yorke
Brewer's Blackbird 1 on main beach, s.
Weather: Fair; 60F to 65F; winds calm.
Time: 0815-0930 hrs.
Area covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire park, surveying treed fencelines; interior pathways were not covered. About 40 visitors, several with leashed dogs, were in the park during the survey. Most of the lake surface area was covered with algae; this was especially dense near the shores.
Note: Signage at the park entrance indicated that a fishing derby will be held on the first Saturday of November (Nov. 4). This event is usually preceeded by several days of park closure for stocking of trout.
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 - cont. with domestic geese, main beach and lake, s.
Snow Goose 1 -cont. swimming with domestic geese near shore, s.
Ross's Goose 1-cont. swimming with domestic geese near shore, s.
Canada Goose 80 -cont. most on or near shore in s.
Domestic Gray-lag Goose 40 on or near shore, s.
Swan Goose 4 with other geese, s.
Muscovy Duck 2 one nearly all white individual near shore, s.
Gadwall 4 (m,f) swimming near shore, se.
Mallard (wild type; m,f) 100 (est.) ubiquitous; many on or around islands..
Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 50 most on or near shore, s.
Eared Grebe 1 swimming in open water, s.
Western Grebe 2 swimming about 30 yards apart in the same lake, s.
Double-crested Cormorant 10 in trees on islands; flying around, s.
Great Blue Heron 1 on shore, n.
Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (ad, imm) on island shore and in pines, ne.
American Coot 80 ubiquitous; in water and on shore.
Eurasian Collared Dove 12 pairs and small flocks on ground and in trees, s.
Mourning Dove 2 flying low, ne.
Anna's Hummingbird 1 hovering around outer edge of pines, ne.
Northern Flicker 3 on ground beneath pines; flying, n.
Black Phoebe 2 vocal; sallying from pines to lawns, s, n.
Loggerhead Shrike 1 on fence, ne.
Common Raven 6 mostly in pines; one excavating a ground squirrel burrow, n.
Barn Swallow 1 flying over lake, se.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 in pines, n.
European Starling 12 gregarious; foraging on lawns with RWBL and BRBL, se.
Orange-crowned Warbler 2 foraging in pines, ne.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 25 gregarious, ubiquitous; foraging in pines.
Bell's Sparrow 10 (including at least one with a pale malar stripe) gregarious; foraging on ground and on lawns with WCSP, ne.
White-crowned Sparrow 20 gregarious, vocal; foraging on ground and lawns, ne.
Red-winged Blackbird 16 (m,f) gregarious; foraging on ground and lawns, s.
Brewer's Blackbird 12 (m,f) gregarious, vocal; foraging with RWBL on lawns and ground, s.
House Finch 6 (m,f) vocal, gregarious; in pines and tamarisk,n, sw.
House Sparrow 8 around buildings, s.
September 17, 2017 (42 Species)
Weather: Fair; 65F to 80F; wind WNW 2 - 5 mph.
Time: 0805-1050 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a clockwise route around the entire park twice, beginning at the parking lot. The lakes had stagnant, green water in the corners and shorelines, along with much debris. Lawns had recently been fertilized and produced a stong odor of decomposing feces, particularly along the eastern fence line. Dipterans and Odonatans were abundant as the morning air temperature increased. Increasing numbers of visitors arrived by 0900 hrs.,many with leashed dogs. One jogger with their dog was running the insided fence line around the park, flushing many birds ahead of them. Several people were feeding the ducks at the main beach. A few other birders were present, including Jeannie and Mike from AVC, who reported a Cooper's Hawk in the northeastern section that I didn't see.
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.), Western Wood Pewee (3), House Wren (1),Yellow-rumped Warbler (2), Chipping Sparrow (1), Brewer's Sparrow (1), Vesper Sparrow (1), Bell's Sparrow (30), White-crowned Sparrow (1), Black-headed Grosbeak (2) and Western Tanager (3). Additionally, a small flock of Mountain Bluebird (fos) was observed in the vicinity of Avenue K and 110 th Street West this morning as I was driving to Apollo Park.
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1-cont. on main beach with GRLG and other waterfowl.
Snow Goose 1 -cont. on main beach with other waterfowl.
Ross's Goose 1 - cont. on main beach with other waterfowl.
Canada Goose 70 - cont. gregarious; flocks scattered in and around the lake.
Graylag Goose (including hybrids) 35 most on and near main beach with other waterfowl.
Swan Goose 4 on and near main beach with other geese.
Gadwall 2 (m,f) resting on island; swimming near shore, ne.
Mallard (wild-type) 40 (m,f) scattered around the edges of the lake and on islands.
Mallard (hybrid, domestic) 35 scattered around the edges of the lake and on islands.
Double-crested Cormorant 4 perched on island tree, se.
Great Blue Heron 1 on shore, ne.
Great Egret 2 on shore, n, se.
Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (imm) on island and mainland shore, ne.
Cooper's Hawk 1 in flight (J &M), ne.
American Coot 90 gregarious; ubiquitous in the water and shore (none on lawns).
Killdeer calls (unseen), n.
Eurasian Collared Dove 6 pairs scattered around the park.
Mourning Dove 6 pairs and individuals throughout.
Barn Owl (unseen) - ID by two fresh flight feathers only on the ground, nw, n.
Anna's Hummingbird 1 (m) on fence, ne.
Western Wood Pewee 3 sallying to saltbush scrub and over park lawns, n, ne, se.
Black Phoebe 3 sallying from fence to saltbush scrub and over lawns, n, ne, s.
Say's Phoebe 1 in deciduous tree, sw.
Common Raven 6 vocal, gregarious, often paired; on fence and in pines, around the park.
Verdin 1 ? (unseen) well-concealed and giving a rapid series of call notes coming from saltbush-salt cedar on fence line outside of park, nw.
House Wren 1 vocal, active in saltbush ouside of fence line, ne.
European Starling 15 foraging on lawns with RBBL and BRBL, throughout.
Orange-crowned Warbler 1 foraging low in pines and shrubs on fence line, se.
Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 (f) calls; foraging in low limbs of pines on fence line, se corner.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2 (imm. f) calls; foraging together on lawn, n (fos).
Common Yellowthroat 1(f) in saltbush scrub outside of park on fence line, n.
Wilson's Warbler 1 (m) foraging on low limbs of pines on fence line, n.
Chipping Sparrow 1 (bsc. plmg.) in tamarisk grove outside of park on fence line, w.
Brewer's Sparrow 1 in brush piles and on fence with BESP, e.
Vesper Sparrow 1 foraging on lawn with BESP, ne corner.
White-crowned Sparrow 1 (ad) in saltbush scrub outside of park on fence line, nw corner.
Western Tanager 3 (f) moving through upper limbs of pines on fence line, n.
Black-headed Grosbeak 3 (f) calls; moving through upper limbs of tamarisk outside of park on fence line, w.
Red-winged Blackbird 40 (m,f) gregarious; occasional song; foraging on lawns throughout, esp. in nw.
Brewer's Blackbird 60 (m,f) gregarious, vocal; foraging with RWBL and EUST on lawns throughout, but remaining in cohesive flocks.
House Finch 4 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, foraging on seed pods in deciduous trees, sw corner.
Lesser Goldfinch 4 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, in pines and deciduous trees throughout.
House Sparrow 30 (m,f) vocal, gregarious; ubiquitous, esp. in gardens and on roof tops, s.
Weather: Fair; 54F; wind WNW 12 - 18 mph.
Time: 0722- 0828 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire park using the perimeter walkway. The central section of the park was not surveyed, except for the open water areas, which were viewed from a distance. A few visitors were present during the survey; the park was otherwise undisturbed by human activities. The brushy outer border of the east fence line has been removed, leaving bare ground without any cover for birds and other animals. This area was, for many years, attractive to migrants. The outside border of the northern fence line continues to support weedy second-growth, including young tamarisk trees.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (1), Snow Goose (1), Ross's Goose (1), Golden-crowned Sparrow (1) and Lawrence's Goldfinch (4).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (ad) probably a continuing bird; foraging on lawn with domestic GRLG, w.
Snow Goose 1 (ad) probably a continuing bird; foraging on lawn with CAGO and GRLG, w.
Ross's Goose 1 (ad) probably a continuing bird; foraging on lawn with CAGO and GRLG, w.
Canada Goose 80 2-3 flocks; swimming; foraging on lawns, w.
Gray-lag Goose (domestic and hybrid) 30 on shore together; foraging on lawns; swimming, s.
Muscovy Duck 2 (hybrids) on shore, s.
Gadwall 2 (m,f) dabbling in shallows, s.
Mallard (m,f) wild-type 40 ubiquitous around margins of the lakes.
Mallard (m,f) domestic and hybrids 50 ubiquitous, esp. shoreline, s.
Ruddy Duck 2 open water, s.
Double-crested Cormorant 8 most resting on se island.
Great Egret 2 individuals on shore, e, nw.
American Coot 150 + ubiquitous around the margins of the lake.
Killdeer 2 a pair on the lawn, sw.
Ring-billed Gull 2 (C2) on shore, s.
Eurasian Collared Dove 8 mostly in pairs, s.
Northern Flicker calls (unseen) central.
Black Phoebe 1 vocal; sallying from low branch, sw.
Common Raven 12 pairs and individuals flying over; foraging on ground, s.
Mountain Chickadee calls (unseen) in pines, e.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 20 (m,f; bsc. plmg.) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; often in msf with sparrows and finches.
Chipping Sparrow 4 on ground, e, se.
Savannah Sparrow 18 small flocks foraging on lawns and mowed weeds, se, nw.
White-crowned Sparrow 12 (ad, imm) calls; in pines and foraging on ground with other sparrows, e, sw.
Golden-crowned Sparrow 1 (imm) foraging on lawns with CHSP, WCSP and LAGO, sw.
Red-winged Blackbird 9 (m,f) foraging together on shore, s.
Brewer's Blackbird 40 several small flocks foraging on ground around the park.
Great-tailed Grackle 25 (m,f; bsc. plmg. - several short-tailed males) foraging on ground and lawns, s.
Brown--headed Cowbird 1 (m) calls; flying w over park.
House Finch 10 (m,f) vocal in pines and on lawns, e, sw.
Lawrence's Goldfinch (m,f) 4 a cohesive flock foraging in mowed weedy patches, sw.
House Sparrow 40 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, foraging on ground, shore, lawns, s.
Weather: Fair; 75F; wind WNW 2 mph.
Time: 0951-1200 hrs.
Observers: UCLA Extension Spring Birds of Southern California (9 students) and I.
Area Covered: We walked the entire perimeter of the 54-acre park in a clockwise direction, beginning and ending in the southwest corner. The parking lot was closed for resurfacing. Many visitors, some with leashed dogs, were in the park during our survey. The Pasadena Audubon Society (PAS) arrived as we were leaving.
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.), Yellow Warbler (8), Townsend's Warbler (2), Wilson's Warbler (2), Bell's Sparrow (10) and Red Crossbill (2?).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 1 - cont. on shore and swimming with domestic GLGO, main beach, s.
Snow Goose 1-cont. on shore with domestic geese, main beach, s.
Ross's Goose 1 -cont. on shore with domestic geese, main beach, s.
Canada Goose 80 (ad, imm) at least 10 goslings of different sizes on shore with adults, s.
Domestic Gray-lag Goose (hybrids and wild-type) 30 several adults with young; mostly on shore and in shallows, s.
Domestic Swan Goose 4 main beach, on shore and swimming.
Domestic Muscovy Duck (hybrids) 2 on shore, s.
Gadwall 1 (m) swimming alone, ne.
Mallard (wild type) 20 (m,f) scattered around the lake.
Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 60 mostly around main beach, s.
Eared Grebe 1 (alt. plmg.) diving near shore, s.
Double-crested Cormorant 25 (ad, imm) resting on shore of e islands; swimming.
Black-crowned Night Heron 30 (ad, imm) several immatures on shore of islands (photo); adults on partial (old?) nests in pines, se.
Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) imm. Apollo Park LACO CA 14 May 2016
© 2016 Callyn Yorke
American Coot 8 swimming near shore, se.
Killdeer 2 vocal; a pair on shore, w-central.
Spotted Sandpiper 2 foraging on concrete shoreline, central, se.
Ring-billed Gull 6 (C1, C2) ubiquitous on shore; flying around park.
California Gull 4 (C1, C2) resting on se island; flying around park.
Feral Rock Pigeon 2 a pair foraging on lawn, e.
Eurasian Collared Dove 10 vocal; ubiquitous; individual display flights over pines.
Mourning Dove 6 individuals on fences; flying around park.
Western Kingbird 2 one on nest with blue plastic strands, about 15 ft. agl in a pine, w; its mate on a lower branch in the same tree (photo).
Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) Apollo Park LACO CA 14 May 2016
© 2016 Callyn Yorke
Common Raven 6 vocal, ubiquitous.
European Starling 10 vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; often foraging on lawns and bare ground.
Yellow Warbler 8 (m,f) individuals and pairs foraging low to medium high levels in tamarisk and pines, n, e.
Townsend's Warbler 2 (m,f) foraging in lower levels of pines, e.
Black-throated Green Warbler ? 1 imm.- an indistinct pale cheek patch similar to immatureTOWA; white underparts; undertail coverts not seen clearly; foraging with TOWA in pines, e..
Wilson's Warbler 4 (m,f) foraging low in pines and tamarisks, ne, e.
Bell's Sparrow 10 (ad, imm) one adult busily searching the ground beneath pines for insects to feed a nearby immature following it. Mostly in small, loose flocks around the fence line; foraging in shady areas beneath pines, ne, e (photo).
Bell's Sparrow (Artemisiospiza belli) immature (left); adult (right); Apollo Park LACO CA 14 May 2016
© 2016 Callyn Yorke
Brewer's Blackbird 6 (m,f) foraging on ground an lawns, e.
Great-tailed Grackle 8 (m,f) vocal; foraging on ground and shore throughout; one male dunking a small orange cracker in a puddle several times before consuming it (photo).
Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) Apollo Park Los Angeles County CA 14 May 2016
© 2016 Callyn Yorke
House Finch 8 (m,f) vocal; pairs and singles in and around pines, n, sw.
Red Crossbill (number?) found and reported by PAS members as our class was leaving; nw fence line pines.
House Sparrow 50 (m,f) vocal; pairs and individuals throughout, esp. s.
Weather: Fair; 64F to 83F; no wind.
Time: 0840-1124 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a clockwise route around the entire park, including the interior section. The lack of wind and increasing temperature promoted abundant insect activity which attracted many birds. Except for a few fishermen and people walking leashed dogs, there was little human disturbance during my survey. Signage at the Apollo Park entrance indicated a Kids Fishing Derby is scheduled for the first Saturday of May.
Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included several first- of- the- season (fos) Western migrants, Greater White-fronted Goose (2), Snow Goose (1 -cont.), Ross's Goose (2 -cont.), Northern (RS x YS) Flicker (1), Olive-sided Flycatcher (1 - fos), Western Wood Pewee (1- fos), Willow Flycatcher (1-fos), Hammond's Flycatcher (1-fos), Pacific Slope Flycatcher (1 -fos), Gray Flycatcher (1-fos), Ash-throated Flycatcher (1- fos), Vermilion Flycatcher (1), Cassin's Vireo (1-fos), Warbling Vireo (1 -fos), Red-breasted Nuthatch (2), Phainopepla (1), Nashville Warbler (1-fos), Black-throated Gray Warbler (3 -fos), Townsend's Warbler (1 -fos), Western Tanager (3- fos) and Black-headed Grosbeak (1 -fos).
BIRDS NOTED
Greater White-fronted Goose 2 (1- cont.) walking together across pathway and into the lake, central, se.
Snow Goose 1-cont. resting on island with CAGO and GLGO, ne.
Ross's Goose 2 -cont. a pair resting on se island; later found foraging on grass with domestic albino GLGO, se.
Canada Goose 90 ubiquitous; a few nesting on ne island; two adults, each followed by goslings in lake, ne.
Domestic Gray-lag Goose 20 ubiquitous, esp. main beach; nesting on se island.
Domestic Swan Goose 4 with other domestic geese.
Domestic Muscovy Duck 2 on shore, s.
Gadwall 2 (m,f) resting on shore, se.
Mallard (wild type) 120 (m,f) pairs and small flocks scattered around the park.
Mallard (domestic and hybrid) 60 scattered around the park, esp. main beach.
Ruddy Duck 1 (m - alt. plmg.) n.
Eared Grebe 1 (alt. plmg.) surface feeding in shallows at edge of se island.
Double-crested Cormorant 20 (ad; alt. plmg.) ubiquitous; some diving; many resting on islands.
Great Egret 1 (alt. plmg. but with dull yellow bill); foraging on shore, w-central.
Black-crowned Night Heron 20 (80% imm) individuals in pines on islands; on shore throughout; no clear evidence of nesting.
American Coot 20 scattered around the edges of the lake.
Killdeer 2 vocal; flying over adjacent field of saltbush scrub, se.
Black-necked Stilt 2 together on shore, central.
Spotted Sandpiper 1 (alt. plmg.) foraging on concrete shore of se island.
Ring-billed Gull 7 (ad, C1, C2); ubiquitous, esp. on and near main beach, s.
California Gull 4 (C1, C2) resting on se island; flying around park.
Caspian Tern calls (unseen) heard from my vehicle before leaving the park.
Feral Rock Pigeon 1 flying around the park, e.
Eurasian Collared Dove 6 vocal; pairs flying around the park; foraging on the ground throughout.
Mourning Dove 8 vocal; pairs and individuals on fences around the park.
Belted Kingfisher 1 flew to a leafless tree on se island.
Northern (RS x YS) Flicker 1 drinking from puddle on lawn w; seen in flight - showed yellowish flight feathers.
Olive-sided Flycatcher 1 (fos) observed consuming a wasp; sallying from emergent tamarisk limb, w (photo).
Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi) Apollo Park, LACO CA 21 April 2016
© 2016 Callyn Yorke
Western Wood Pewee 1(fos) sallying from a lower emergent limb of a tamarisk about 15 ft. from an OSFL; no interactions observed between the two congeneric flycatchers (see above), w (photo).
Western Wood Pewee (Contopus sordidulus) Apollo Park, LACO CA 21 April 2016
© 2016 Callyn Yorke
Willow Flycatcher 1 (fos) seen briefly but clearly (ID by body proportions and missing eyering) at close range in lower limbs of a tamarisk, w.
Hammond's Flycatcher 1 (fos) active (silent) in upper foliage of tamarisk (ID weakly asymmetrical eyering; proportionately small bill - photo).
Hammond's Flycatcher (Empidonax hammondii) Apollo Park LACO CA 21 April 2016
© 2016 Callyn Yorke
Gray Flycatcher 1-2 (fos) - possibly the same individual encountered later in the survey); initially on west side near fence line; second sighting in a similar microhabitat in ne corner); both active in lower level (3- 4 ft. agl) in tamarisks (ID: grayish head w eyering; repeated tail-bobbing by both) w, ne.
Pacific Slope Flycatcher 3 (ID: dark upperparts; bold, asymmetrical eye ring). active in mid to upper levels of pines, w, n, ne.
Vermilion Flycatcher 1 (imm m) perched on emergent limb of tamarisk, w (photo).
Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) Apollo Park LACO CA 21 April 2016
© 2016 Callyn Yorke
Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 (fos) active in lower levels of pines and in rabbitbrush-saltbrush scrub outside of fence line, nw (photo).
Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) Apollo Park, LACO CA 21 April 2016
© 2016 Callyn Yorke
Western Kingbird 4 vocal; pairs sallying from low perches, sw, w.
Cassin's Vireo 1 (fos) repeated song from mid-level in pine (photo).
Cassin's Vireo (Vireo cassinii) Apollo Park LACO CA 21 April 2016
© 2016 Callyn Yorke
Warbling Vireo 2 (fos) active in mid to upper level of pines, sw, n.
Common Raven 6 ubiquitous; pairs and individuals.
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 vocal; a pair foraging on large limbs in separate pines, w.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 calls (unseen) pines along fenceline, nw.
European Starling 20 vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous.
Phainopepla 1 repeated calls (unseen) pines and tamarisk near nw corner.
Orange-crowned Warbler 5 pairs and individuals foraging in tamarisk along fence line, nw, n, e.
Nashville Warbler 1 (fos) active in isolated tamarisk on fenceline; noted unusual features, i.e., reddish streaks on breast and sides; relatively large bill, ne (photo).
Nashville Warbler (Oreothlypis ruficapilla) Apollo Park LACO CA 21 April 2016
© 2016 Callyn Yorke
Yellow Warbler 2 (m) vocal; active in upper levels of pines, w, e.
Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 50 + (m,f alt. plmg.) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; often in msf with other warblers.
Black-throated Gray Warbler 3 (m) (fos) individuals active in lower to middle levels of pines, w, n, e (photo).
Black-throated Gray Warbler (Setophaga nigrescens) Apollo Park LACO CA 21 April 2016
© 2016 Callyn Yorke
Townsend's Warbler 3 (fos) (m) individuals in msf with other warblers; active in lower to mid-level in pines and Arizona cypress, n, ne (photo).
Townsend's Warbler (Setophaga townsendi) Apollo Park LACO CA 21 April 2016
© 2016 Callyn Yorke
Common Yellowthroat 1 (f) calls; active on ground and in lower branches of a tamarisk on the fenceline, e.
Wilson's Warbler 10 (m, f) vocal (calls); ubiquitous; individuals and pairs active at all levels in trees and shrubs.
Chipping Sparrow 1 (alt. plmg.) on ground with HOSP outside of fenceline, nw.
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 active on and near the ground beneath tamarisk, e.
White-crowned Sparrow 1(ad) flushed from shrubs; flew to lower branches of a pine, nw.
Western Tanager 3 (fos) (m) calls from atop pines; flying between pines; nw, n, se.
Black-headed Grosbeak 1 (fos) calls (unseen) pines, nw.
Brewer's Blackbird 20 (m,f) vocal; pairs and small flocks foraging on the ground and lawns around the park.
Great-tailed Grackle 10 (m,f) ubiquitous; vocal leks displaying on lawns; females foraging on shore and lawns.
Brown-headed Cowbird 4 (m,f) a vocal, cohesive flock foraging on the lawn, w.
House Finch 6 (m,f) foraging on lawns, w.
House Sparrow 50 (m,f) vocal, gregarious and single, ubiquitous.