BIRD SURVEYS OF LAKE PALMDALE, Los Angeles County, CA
Aerial Photo of Lake Palmdale, viewing south. March 12, 2007. © 2007 Callyn Yorke
Lake Palmdale is 2.7 miles in circumference, 234 acres, and holds 4,129 acre-feet of water when full. Maximum depth is 39 ft.
Spring and Summer 2011 Bird Surveys © 2011 Callyn Yorke
Winter 2010 -11 Bird Surveys © 2011 Callyn Yorke
FALL 2011 BIRD SURVEYS © 2011 Callyn Yorke
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Weather: Partly cloudy to fair: 81F to 90F; wind WSW 5 - 7mph.
Time: 0730- 0945 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin & Feather clubhouse, I cycled a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake. I included part of the western perimeter (fence line) road through a dense stand of Great Basin Sage and California Juniper, as well as the main road servicing the docks. About 20 fishermen were around the lake, on the jetty, docks and in small motorboats. Traffic on the main road was light (though dusty when autos passed me); conditions were good for identifying bird vocalizations.
BIRDS NOTED
Mallard 200 (m,f; imm) around the edges and in the middle of the lake.
Ruddy Duck 30 (m,f) around the edges of the lake.
California Quail 2 fence line, ne.
Pied-billed Grebe 3 edges of the lake, nw, w, se; calls.
Western Grebe 20 pairs around the edge of the lake; calls.
Clark's Grebe 18 pairs around the edge of the lake, esp. nw.
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 calls, cottonwoods, se.
Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) flushed from utility pole, ne.
American Coot 70 (ad, imm) around the edges of the lake.
Killdeer 4 muddy edge of settling pond, n.
Rock Pigeon 1 flying over, ne.
Mourning Dove 8 in cottonwoods around the lake; calls.
Anna's Hummingbird 1 hawking insects from the canopy of a tall cottonwood, ne.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 calls, nw.
Black Phoebe 10 edges of marsh-riparian around the lake; calls.
Say's Phoebe 2 parking area, nw; next to settling ponds, n.
Loggerhead Shrike 1 on fence, e.
Western Scrub-jay 1 calls, sw.
Common Raven 4 in cottonwoods; flying over, s, e.
Horned Lark 50 foraging in shade of parked trailers, n.
Barn Swallow 4 flying low over lake and into marsh, ne.
Oak Titmouse 1 in cottonwood, s.
Verdin 2 calls, Joshua tree-juniper, se.
Bushtit 10 active, vocal in a variety of shrubs (e.g. Creosote Bush; Juniper) and trees (e.g. Cottonwood)around the lake.
Cactus Wren 1 song (brief) , ne.
Bewick's Wren 12 active, vocal in shrubby habitats around the lake.
House Wren 1 song, cottonwoods, s.
Northern Mockingbird song, ne.
European Starling 4 vocal in cottonwoods, s.
Yellow Warbler song rep. young stand of cottonwoods, n.
Common Yellowthroat 6 song, calls, marsh-riparian around the lake.
Song Sparrow 3 calls, song, marsh-riparian around the lake.
California Towhee 3 vocal, active, GB Sage area, fence line, nw.
Red-winged Blackbird 20 call, fly; feeding young, nw; ne.
Tricolored Blackbird 2 (f; imm) female feeding highly vocal imm in willows, nw.
Great-tailed Grackle 40 (m,f) active, vocal, jetty, riparian, marsh around the lake.
House Finch 40 active in a variety of habitats; small, vocal flocks.
House Sparrow 6 around buildings, n.
Weather: Fair; winds WSW 0-5 mph; 77F to 84F.
Time: 0727 - 0930 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin & Feather clubhouse, I cycled a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see above link for habitat descriptions). About 25 fishermen were around the lake, on docks, the jetty and in small motorboats. Traffic around the lake was light; conditions were good for finding birds. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Caspian Tern, Greater Roadrunner and White-breasted Nuthatch.
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 2 (f) open water near the dam.
Mallard 200 (m,f; imm) open water around the edges of the lake, especially, e.
Ruddy Duck 10 (m,f) edges of the lake.
California Quail 6 brushy areas, n, ne.
Pied-billed Grebe 3 edges of the lake, nw, se.
Western Grebe 12 around the edges of the lake; calls.
Clark's Grebe 40 around the edges of the lake; calls.
Great Blue Heron 1 (ad) on the edge of the jetty, nw.
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 flushed from cottonwoods, nw, sw; calls.
Red-tailed Hawk 1 flushed from a large cottonwood near the dam, se.
American Coot 50 (ad; imm.) around the edges of the lake.
Killdeer 1 edge of settling pond, n.
Caspian Tern 1 resting on jetty; flying; calls.
Mourning Dove 10 a small flock on the ground and in dead tree, ne.
Roadrunner 1 running on edge of entrance road, then going under the fence, n.
Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 on fence, se.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 calls from cottonwoods, s.
Black Phoebe 4 riparian-marsh edge, w, s, ne.
Say's Phoebe 4 on fences adjacent to open fields and settling ponds, se, e, n.
Western Kingbird 7(ad, imm) call; sally-flycatching from crown of cottonwoods and fences, w, se, ne.
Western Scrub-jay 1 perched in willows, e.
Common Raven 8 fly, call, interacting, n, ne.
Horned Lark 40 on ground in shade of parked trailers, n.
Tree Swallow 80 ubiquitous; call, flying high above the lake and over riparian areas.
Cliff Swallow 40 flying around nests under eaves of adjacent home, s.
Barn Swallow 2 flying low over the jetty, nw.
Oak Titmouse 1 calls in cottonwoods, s.
Verdin 5 calls, active in Creosote Bush and Juniper- GB Sage, n, sw, s, se.
White-breasted Nuthatch 1 working trunk and large branches of a cottonwood; calls, s.
Bewick's Wren 4 calls, active in understory, riparian and GB sage, s, se, e.
Marsh Wren 2 calls from marsh, sw, se.
European Starling 2 in cottonwoods, s.
Common Yellowthroat 4 song, marsh-riparian, nw, w, s, ne.
Song Sparrow 4 marsh-riparian, w, e.
Red-winged Blackbird 10 calls, active in riparian-marsh, n, w, se.
Great-tailed Grackle 40 (m,f) loose, vocal flocks, s, se.
Brown-headed Cowbird 2 (imm) on edge of jetty and in cottonwoods, nw, s.
House Finch 40 (ad, imm) ubiquitous in riparian and edge habitats; calls.
House Sparrow 20 in loose flocks near the clubhouse, n.
Weather: Fair; 77F to 85F, no wind.
Time: 0717 - 0900 hrs.
Area Covered: After scanning the lake with a 10x42 binocular from the bluff next to the Fin & Feather clubhouse, I cycled a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, stopping frequently to survey birds in all habitats. About 25 fishermen were around the edges of the lake, on the jetty and docks; one motorboat was moving slowly in the eastern and central part of the lake. Otherwise, auto traffic around the lake was light and there was little noise or disturbance during my survey. No unusual bird sightings were obtained, except for a relatively large flock of Clark's Grebe in the western half of the lake.
BIRDS NOTED
Mallard 80 (ad, imm; trans. bsc. plmg.) around the edges of the lake and in a settling pond.
Ruddy Duck 20 (alt. plmg.) w and ne edges of the lake.
California Quail 4 roadside and fence line, se, e.
Pied-billed Grebe 3 calls; s slough and ne edge of lake.
Western Grebe 6-10 active, calls, s, n, ne edge and middle of lake.
Clark's Grebe 40-50 a large active, vocal flock near the jetty; high-pitched calls by young; adults chasing.
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 calls, s cottonwoods.
American Coot 50 (ad, imm) around the edges of the lake, esp. ne and nw.
Killdeer 1 edge of settling pond, n.
Rock Pigeon 2 on edge of settling pond, n.
Mourning Dove 6 riparian, n, w, s; calls.
Black-chinned Hummingbird 2 (m) fly; cottonwoods and junipers, sw, se.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 4 (m,f) active, vocal in cottonwoods, n, w, se.
Black Phoebe 4 edge of marsh, w, se, n.
Say's Phoebe 1 top of cottonwood, calls, s.
Ash-throated Flycatcher 4 calls, nw, w, s, se.
Western Kingbird 1 calls near clubhouse, n.
Loggerhead Shrike 1 calls, ne.
Common Raven 8 flying, calls, e, n.
Horned Lark 25 (ad, imm) resting in shade; feeding in ruderal parking lot next to settling ponds, n.
Tree Swallow 80-100 (ad, imm) a large flock in crown of leafless willows bordering slough, s; flying low over lake.
Oak Titmouse 1 cottonwoods, s.
Verdin 1 calls, willow-cottonwood-GB sage, e.
Bushtit 25 several active, vocal flocks of 5 -10 birds in riparian and edge around the lake.
Bewick's Wren 6 active, calls, riparian and GB sage around the lake.
Marsh Wren 1 singing, inlet at slough, se.
Northern Mockingbird 1 singing, ne.
European Starling 1 feeding in ruderal parking area, n.
Common Yellowthroat 6 singing in marsh-riparian around the lake.
Song Sparrow 6 active, vocal in marsh-riparian, s, se.
Red-winged Blackbird 10 active, vocal, nw, w, sw.
Great-tailed Grackle 50 (m,f) perched in tall willows; , active, vocal small flocks of ad and imm males.
Brown-headed Cowibird 6 (m,f) vocal in riparian and marsh edge, w, sw.
House Finch 50 (m,f) small flocks of 4 -6 birds in riparian and edge around the lake.
Lesser Goldfinch 4 vocal in cottonwoods, sw.
House Sparrow 10 active, vocal around clubhouse and entry road.
Weather: Fair; 64F to 70F; winds variable WSW 10 - 0 mph.
Time: 0701 - 0938 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the F&F clubhouse, I cycled a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see above link). Fewer than 20 fishermen were on the docks and jetty during the survey; no motorboats were seen on the lake. Conditions were good for finding and identifying birds. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today were: Bufflehead (m,f) and two pair of Clark's Grebe with young.
BIRDS NOTED
Mallard 25 (m,f; imm) around the edges of the lake.
Bufflehead 2 (m,f) a pair swimming together near the jetty (photo June 13, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Ruddy Duck 14 (m,f) around the edges of the lake, esp. nw, w.
California Quail 14 pairs and small family flocks flushed from dense coverr around the lake.
Pied-billed Grebe 3 swimming, calls, nw, s, ne.
Eared Grebe 1 (trans. alt. plmg.) swimming, diving near the jetty.
Western Grebe 16 pairs swimming, synchronized courtship displays around the edges of the lake, esp. se, w.
Clark's Grebe 12 vocalizations exclusively this species; two pair with advanced young begging from adults, nw, w.
Double-crested Cormorant 1 (imm) swimming, diving near jetty.
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 fly, call, sw.
Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad) on utility pole, ne.
American Coot 30 scattered around the edges of the lake.
Killdeer 1 foraging at the water line in a settling pond, n.
California Gull 2 (C2, C3) resting in open water, e-central.
Caspian Tern 2 flying and dipping into surface near dam, se.
Mourning Dove 8 pairs and singles in riparian areas around the lake; calls.
Black-chinned Hunmingbird 3 (m,f) one f hawking aerial insects from Cottonwood branch, e; s.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 3 call, fly, active in Cottonwoods, w, e.
Black Phoebe 6 individuals on conspicuous perches in riparian areas around the lake; calls.
Ash-throated Flycatcher 2 call, fly, sw, se.
Western Kingbird 2 edge of lake on branch; edge of skeet range, ne.
Western Scrub-jay 2 fly, call, w, e.
Common Raven 10 (ad, imm) highly vocal in Cottonwoods, around dam and on utility poles, w, e, ne.
Horned Lark 12 ruderal edges of settling ponds, n.
Tree Swallow 50 flying back and forth, low and 50 ft, around and over lake; ad feeding young, n.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 flying low over ruderal area, se.
Cliff Swallow 20 flying low and high around and over edges of lake.
Barn Swallow 10 flying back and forth over edge of lake, w, s.
Oak Titmouse 2 calls, riparian and edge, s, ne.
Bushtit 12 vocal, active flocks in riparian areas, w, se.
Bewick's Wren 6 active, singing, riparian and edge around the lake.
Northern Mockingbird 1 on fence line at edge of GB sage patch, ne; song.
European Starling 10 fly, call, n, s.
Yellow Warbler 1 singing continuously in riparian, w.
Common Yellowthroat 8 (m) vocal and active in marsh and riparian areas around the lake, esp w.
California Towhee 1 on ground at base of dam, se.
Song Sparrow 8 active, vocal in riparian areas around the lake.
Black-headed Grosbeak 1 singing in crown of tall Cottonwood, se.
Red-winged Blackbird 200 (ad, imm) active, vocal, ubiquitous in marsh and riparian areas.
Tricolored Blackbird 2 (imm m) call, fly, edge of riparian, ne.
Yellow-headed Blackbird 12 (m,f, imm) vocal and active in patches of marsh-riparian, nw, ne, s.
Great-tailed Grackle 30 ubiquitous in marsh, riparian and edge.
Brown-headed Cowbird 6 (ad, imm), vocal, active in riparian areas; one imm chasing RWBL, ne.
House Finch 15 (m,f) vocal and active in all habitats around the lake.
Lesser Goldfinch 1 (f) foraging on catkins, ne.
House Sparrow 10 around clubhouse and garden, n.
Weather: Overcast with intermittent light rain; partly cloudy. 49F; winds WNW 5-10 mph; WSW 15 - 20 mph.
Time: 0704 - 1024 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin & Feather clubhouse, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see above link). Fewer than twenty fishermen were around the lake; one group in a small motorboat, the others on west and south docks. Increasing winds made observations of birds difficult; as a result, some species probably were undetected and/or undercounted. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included: Northern Pintail (continuing) and Olive-sided Flycatcher.
BIRDS NOTED
Mallard 18 (m,f; imm) scattered around edges of the lake, esp. nw; one female with several small young in grass by RR tracks, e.
Northern Pintail 1 (f) - continuing - swimming in the same settling pond where seen in the previous survey.
Ruddy Duck 6 (m) edges of the lake, nw, w.
California Quail 12 pairs flushed from edge of riparian and brushy areas around the lake.
Pied-billed Grebe 1 (ad) trying to swallow a crayfish; slough, s.
Western Grebe 8 one pair engaged in courtship displays near jetty; another pair in slough, s.
Clark's Grebe 10 pairs and singles near jetty; calls.
Great Blue Heron 1 flying over edge of lake, ne.
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 imm. perched together in Cottonwood, sw (photo June 6, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) circling above riparian and chased by a raven, n.
American Coot 20 (ad, imm) edges of lake. One ad with two young near jetty (photo June 6, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Killdeer 3 in and around settling ponds, n.
California Gull 1 (C2) flying over lake; landing on jetty.
Rock Pigeon 2 flying over riparian edge of lake, sw.
Mourning Dove 8 pairs on roadway and in ruderal - riparian areas around the lake.
Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (m) feeding on yellow inflorescences of Prince's Plume, nw.
Anna's Hummingbird 1 calls, se.
Olive-sided Flycatcher 1 sally-flycatching from tall snag in Willow, nw (photos June 6, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke © 2011 Callyn Yorke
Western Wood Pewee 4 sally-flycatching, calls, from low to medium high perches in Willows and Cottonwoods around the lake.
Black Phoebe 4 gleaning insects from roadway and low vegetation; calls.
Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 calls, se.
Western Scrub-jay 2 calls, w, se.
Common Raven 10 ad, imm; highly vocal as I approached trees where birds were perched or circling, se, ne.
Horned Lark 3 foraging in RV parking area, n.
Tree Swallow 50 flying back and forth over ruderal fields, roadways, shrubs and lake.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 10 flying low over ruderal fields, n.
Cliff Swallow 20 flying low in all open areas with other swallows.
Barn Swallow 10 flying low in all open areas and over marsh with other swallows.
Oak Titmouse 2 calls, foraging low in riparian-marsh, sw.
Verdin 2 active, calls in Creosote Bush scrub, n; calls, se.
Bushtit 16 flocks active in shrubland and riparian areas around the lake.
Bewick's Wren 4 active in Creosote Bush scrub, nw; scolding calls.
House Wren 2 singing in same area as previous surveys, riparian, sw.
European Starling 6 (ad, imm) foraging on lawn next to clubhouse; riparian, sw.
Phainopepla 1 calls from Cottonwood-Juniper, se.
Yellow Warbler 2 singing in riparian-marsh, se; ne.
Common Yellowthroat 2 singing, nw, sw.
Wilson's Warbler m, molting; active in Creosote Bush - riparian edge, n (photo June 6, 2011); se.
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
California Towhee 1 calls, Juniper scrub, w.
Song Sparrow 8 calls and song, riparian -marsh, nw, w, se, e.
Red-winged Blackbird 200 (ad, imm) active, vocal in riparian -marsh around the lake.
Tricolored Blackbird 2 (imm m) flying into riparian area, ne; calls.
Yellow-headed Blackbird 12 (m,f) pairs and small, vocal flocks in flowering Creosote Bush and riparian patches, n, sw, se, ne; males singing, foraging; frequenting conspicuous perches (photo June 6, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Great-tailed Grackle 30 (m,f) ubiquitous, vocal; commuting to and from marsh and riparian areas.
Brown-headed Cowbird 6 (m,f) perched in Willows; calls and song, nw, s.
House Finch 10 pairs and small, vocal flocks in riparian, ruderal and Juniper scrub arouns the lake.
Lesser Goldfinch 2 fly, calls, riparian, se.
Lawrence's Goldfinch 2 riparian and edge, calls, w.
House Sparrow 10 around clubhouse and picnic area, n.
Weather: Fair to partly cloudy; 55F to 68F; winds WSW, WNW 2 - 5 mph.
Time: 0717 - 1110 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin &Feather clubhouse, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake surveying all habitats (see above link for habitat descriptions). About 25 fishermen were around the lake on the docks and the jetty; several were trolling in small motorboats. Conditions were good for finding and identifying birds. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included: Northern Pintail and Bufflehead.
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 3 (2 m, 1 f) swimming near the dam, ne.
Mallard 12 (m,f) edges of the lake.
Northern Pintail 1 (f) trans. bsc. plmg. swimming in a settling pond, n (photo June 1, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Bufflehead 3 (m, imm, f) swimming and diving near dam, se.
Ruddy Duck 12 (m,f) around edges of the lake.
California Quail 6 (m,f) pairs in brushy, riparian areas around the lake.
Pied-billed Grebe 3 edge of lake, marsh; calls, nw, sw, s.
Eared Grebe 2 (alt. plmg.) swimming and diving near jetty, nw.
Western Grebe 4 resting, calls, edge of lake; calls, nw.
Clark's Grebe 8 open water and edges of lake; calls.
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 one ad with small dark bird (RWBL nestling) in talons; imm fledgling nearby in Cottonwood; both calling, s.
American Coot 20 around the edges of the lake.
Killdeer 2 calls, settling pond, n.
Spotted Sandpiper 1 at the water line on jetty, nw.
Eurasian Collared Dove 1 in Juniper, se.
Mourning Dove 6 riparian areas around the lake.
Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (m) on fence, se.
Anna's Hummingbird 1 on juniper, w.
Western Wood Pewee 3 sally-flycatching from fence and low Cottonwood branches, se, ne.
Black Phoebe 4 in Cottonwoods, low and high perches; calls, w, s, se.
Say's Phoebe 1 fence line, ne.
Ash-throated Flycatcher 2 calls from high perch in Cottonwood, s, ne.
Western Kingbird 2 calls, mulberry grove next to clubhouse, n.
Common Raven 10 small flocks in tops of Cottonwoods, s, se; calls.
Horned Lark 5 foraging in ruderal field along fence line, n.
Tree Swallow 50 ubiquitous; flying low, back and forth over lake and marsh.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4 flying low over ruderal fields and between Junipers; low around marsh, nw, w.
Cliff Swallow 10 flying low over concrete spillway, w, sw.
Barn Swallow 4 flying low over edge of lake and marsh; settling ponds, sw, s, n.
Oak Titmouse 2 riparian, n, sw; calls.
Verdin 1 calls, creosote hillside, n.
Bushtit 10 in Junipers and Cottonwoods, n, w, sw; calls.
Cactus Wren 1 calling, Joshua tree-Juniper field, n.
Bewick's Wren 5 singing in Juniper, GB Sage and edge of riparian around the lake.
House Wren 3 singing in Cottonwoods, sw, s.
Marsh Wren 2 singing in marsh, s, se.
Northern Mockingbird 1 foraging on lawn in picnic area, n.
California Thrasher 1 foraging beneath a large Juniper, sw.
European Starling 8 foraging on lawn in picnic area, n.
Phainopepla 1 calls, se.
Yellow Warbler 10 active in Cottonwoods around the lake; singing.
Common Yellowthroat 3 singing in marsh-riparian, w, sw, s.
Wilson's Warbler 8 singing in riparian and Juniper edge around the lake.
California Towhee 2 (ad, imm) in concrete spillway, imm begging on fence line next to adult, sw.
Song Sparrow 6 singing in marsh-riparian around the lake.
Red-winged Blackbird 200 (ad, imm) active, calls, song, riparian areas around the lake.
Tricolored Blackbird 1 (m) foraging on lawn in picnic area, n.
Yellow-headed Blackbird 12 calls and song in patches of marsh, n, sw, s, ne.
Great-tailed Grackle 60 (m,f) marsh, riparian, lawns and ruderal areas around the lake.
Brown-headed Cowbird 4 foraging on lawn in picnic area; calls, song; m displaying to f, n.
House Finch 20 riparian and edge habitats around the lake; calls and song.
Lesser Goldfinch 2 in Cottonwoods, sw; song.
House Sparrow 10 around clubhouse and ruderal fields, n.
Weather: Fair to partly cloudy; 55F to 60F; winds variable: WNW, WSW, 2 - 35 mph.
Time: 0706 - 1030 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin & Feather clubhouse, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see above link for habitat descriptions) using a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. About 20 fishermen were using the docks; one was sitting on the jetty. No boats were on the lake during the survey. Winds steadily increased during the survey, gusting to about 35 mph and turning the lake surface from mostly calm to very choppy. Migratory landbirds were represented by several species of flycatcher including, Western Wood Pewee, Gray Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific Slope Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher and Western Kingbird).
BIRDS NOTED
Mallard 12 (m,f) swimming near edges of lake.
Ruddy Duck 10 (m,f) around edges of lake, esp, nw.
California Quail 20 (m,f) brushy areas around the lake.
Pied-billed Grebe 1 calls, s slough.
Eared Grebe 3 diving near docks, w.
Western Grebe 12 resting; pairs displaying, calls, nw, w.
Clark's Grebe 2 near edge of lake; WEGR nearby; silent, nw.
Double-crested Cormorant 1 (imm) flying over dam, e.
Great Egret 1 flying over riparian, ne.
Osprey 1 (molting 2 -3 inner primaries) flying over riparian area, s slough.
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad) calls; 1 soaring high above se corner.
Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) soaring above lake, ne.
American Coot 12 swimming around edges of the lake.
Killdeer 2 around settling ponds, n.
Spotted Sandpiper 3 ( ad. alt. plmg.) flushed from water line on jetty . One appeared to lack spots and showed much white in the wings in flight.
California Gull 3 imm resting on lake, n-central.
Caspian Tern 2 flying high above the lake; calls, e.
Mourning Dove 10 pairs flushed from riparian and edge around the lake.
Black-chinned Hummingbird 2 (m,f) female gathering spiderwebs in riparian, ne; m on fence, se.
Anna's Hummingbird 3 (m) perched on tall shrubs and in trees, nw, w, se.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 (m,f) foraging on Cottonwoods, w, sw.
Western Wood Pewee 3 sally-flycatching from 15 ft. branches in Cottonwoods and Willows, w, sw, se.
Gray Flycatcher 1 perched in Junipers; sally-flycatching; loud, distinctive vocalizations (photo May 23, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Willow Flycatcher 1 calls, song, in Junipers and on fence, se,
Pacific Slope Flycatcher 1 active in lower levels of Cottonwoods and Junipers, w.
Black Phoebe 10 low perches around edges of riparian areas throughout.
Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 calling from dead branches in Cottonwood, nw (photo May 23, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Western Kingbird 2 one on fence, e; one flying, ne.
Western Scrub-jay 1 calls, Juniper woodland, w.
Common Raven 10 pairs in tall Cottonwoods; flying around riparian areas, calls.
Tree Swallow 60 flying low over riparian, lake, ruderal roadside fields.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 20 flying back and forth over open fields, lake and riparian edge.
Cliff Swallow 200 flying low over the lake, adjacent riparian and open fields; about 20 active nests in adjacent home, s.
Barn Swallow 10 flying low over calm, protected areas of the lake, nw, se.
Oak Titmouse 2 foraging beneath Junipers, w; calls.
Bushtit 12 scattered small flocks in riparian and Juniper woodland around the lake.
Bewick's Wren 3 singing in Junipers, riparian and edge, w, sw, ne.
House Wren 2 singing in Cottonwood riparian, sw, s.
Northen Mockingbird 2 on Pyracantha hedge along fence line, n.
California Thrasher 1 scratching at ground beneath Juniper, w.
European Starling 6 around clubhouse and caretaker's yard.
Orange-crowned Warbler 1 in Juniper, se.
Yellow Warbler 10 (m,f) ubiquitous in riparian areas.
Common Yellowthroat 4 singing in marsh-riparian; a pair, one with nest material in Juniper-Joshua edge, w.
Wilson's Warbler 8 (m,f) Cottonwoods and Junipers around the lake.
Western Tanager 1 (m) dove into large Juniper, se.
Song Sparrow 10 singing; ad and imm; calls, riparian and edge around the lake.
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 foraging on ground beneath Junipers, w.
Black-headed Grosbeak 1 calls, riparian, s.
Red-winged Blackbird 200 nesting in marsh-riparian around the lake.
Tricolored Blackbird 2 (m,f) in Mulberry trees, picnic area next to clubhouse, n.
Yellow-headed Blackbird 10 (m,f) song and calls, patches of marsh, n, se.
Great-tailed Grackle 100 (m,f) ubiquitous.
Brown-headed Cowbird 1 calls, w.
House Finch 20 pairs and imm being fed, riparian and edge around the lake.
Lesser Goldfinch 2 calls and song, Cottonwoods, s.
House Sparrow 10 around the clubhouse, n.
Weather: Overcast to partly cloudy; 43F to 54F; winds (variable) WSW 2 - 30 mph.
Time: 0717-1030 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the calm surface of the lake from the bluff next to the Fin & Feather clubhouse, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see above link for habitat descriptions). A few fishermen were on docks on the south side; one was on the jetty and three boats were on the lake. Increasing winds hampered observations of landbirds. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest were: Greater Scaup (3) and Bufflehead (1).
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 2 (m) dabbling in the shallows of a flooded Willow riparian area near the dam, ne.
Mallard 6 (m,f) flying low over the lake, w, s.
Greater Scaup 3? (m, f; imm) swimming together. Seen with the scope on the southern part of the lake: features clearly seen were the large, rounded head and bill of an adult male; other two birds assumed to be this species, though not seen clearly due to their resting posture. Not found later when I scanned the southern portion of the lake at close range from docks.
Bufflehead 1 - continuing - (m? imm) swimming with RUDU, nw. This bird, in trans. basic plmg., may have been the same one seen during my last survey in this area, identified as a female.
Ruddy Duck 8 (alt. plmg.) around the edges of the lake near the marsh, nw, w, s.
California Quail 20 (m,f) scattred flocks in brushy areas around the lake.
Pied-billed Grebe 2 swimming; calls, nw, s.
Western Grebe 12 resting, swimming; calls, nw, sw, s.
Clark's Grebe 4 resting, swimming, w, s.
Snowy Egret 1 foraging at water line on dam, e.
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) flushed from Cottonwood; chased by a pair of CORA, s.
American Coot 12 (probably an underestimate) swimming near edge of marsh around the lake.
Killdeer 1 on gravel road behind dam; calls, ne.
Spotted Sandpiper 1 flying low over the lake from the jetty, nw.
California Gull 1 (C1) flying over lake, s.
Mourning Dove 8 pairs flushed from riparian areas around the lake.
Eurasian Collared Dove 4 calls from near the clubhouse; a pair flying, se; one foraging on edge of road, se.
Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (f) perched on outer edge of Calif. Juniper; foraging in the interior of the shrub, sw.
Anna's Hummingbird 2 (m,f) perched on Cottonwood and Juniper.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 calls, riparian, w.
Western Wood Pewee 1 on fence, se.
Black Phoebe 3 edge of marsh-riparian, w, s, ne.
Western Kingbird 2 calls, riparian area near clubhouse.
Warbling Vireo 1 foraging in Willow, w.
Common Raven 12 a pair constructing a nest in a tall Cottonwood, w; others in riparian areas around the lake.
Tree Swallow 80 flying low, back and forth over the lake and adjacent ruderal fields; several perched in Cottonwoods and Willows.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 20 foraging exclusively over land; flying low over ruderal fields and roadways, n, ne.
Cliff Swallow 200 ubiquitous; flying low over the lake and adjacent habitats; about 30 mud nests under eaves of adjacent Spanish style home, s.
Barn Swallow 10 pairs flying low over edge of lake and adjacent ruderal fields, n, s, ne.
Verdin 2 one dove into the dense foliage of a Deer Weed shrub, n; other moving, calling in Juniper scrub, se.
Bushtit 12 small flocks of 4-8 moving, vocalizing in California Juniper, sw, se.
Bewick's Wren 1 song, brushy edge of riparian, sw.
House Wren 3 singing in Cottonwood riparian, sw, s.
Swainson's Thrush 1 seen clearly at close range, but shy and flighty; intially active on ground and in lower branches of California Juniper; shady area near pump building, s.
Northern Mockingbird 2 active in Joshua Tree; song, se, n.
California Thrasher 1 sang briefly, w.
European Starling 6 foraging on lawn in caretaker's yard, n.
Yellow Warbler 3 singing in Willows and Cottonwoods, w, sw, ne.
Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 sang briefly in Chinese Elm and Olive trees, caretaker's yard, n.
Townsend's Warbler 1 (m) foraging near WIWA in Calif. Juniper, sw.
Common Yellowthroat 4 active, vocal, marsh and edge, nw, w, sw.
Wilson's Warbler 20 active, vocal riparian and edge around the lake.
Song Sparrow 6 singing in marsh and riparian, nw, w, s,sw.
Red-winged Blackbird 200 (m,f, imm) ubiquitous: female feeding young in marsh, s; nesting; commuting to adjacent fields; vocal.
Tricolored Blackbird 2 (f) in dry cattails at edge of nesting colony of REBL, se.
Yellow-headed Blackbird 10 (m,f) vocal, flying around lake, nw, ne, n.
Great-tailed Blackbird (m,f) 100 ubiquitous in marsh and riparian areas; commuting to adjacent fields.
Brown-headed Cowbird 1 calls, w.
House Finch 10 (m,f) pairs in brushy areas, marsh and riparian around the lake.
Lesser Goldfinch 1 (m) singing in canopy of Willow, s.
House Sparrow 10 active around the clubhouse, n.
Weather: Partly Cloudy; 47F to 50F; winds WNW, WSW 10 - 25 mph.
Time: 0710 - 1034 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin & Feather clubhouse, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see above link). About 50 fishermen were on docks along the western and southern margins of the lake. One boat with three fishermen was near the jetty. One fisherman was sitting in a chair on the jetty. Winds steadily increased during the survey. Several migratory landbirds were present, including: Vaux's Swift, Western Wood Pewee, Pacific Slope Flycatcher, Western Tanager and Savannah Sparrow.
BIRDS NOTED
Mallard 6 (m,f) around the edge of the lake; a pair of males on the jetty, nw.
Lesser Scaup 2 (m,f) mid-lake.
Bufflehead 1 (imm) swimming near the jetty.
Ruddy Duck 8 (m,f) edges of the lake, nw, s.
California Quail 20 pairs scattered around the brushy edges of the lake.
Pied-billed Grebe 2 edge of lake near jetty and s slough.
Eared Grebe 1 (alt. plmg.) diving near jetty (photo May 9, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Western Grebe 8 pairs resting, calls, nw, w.
Clark's Grebe 2 a pair chasing near the jetty, nw.
Osprey 1 circling above the lake; landing in Willow, ne.
American Coot 40 around the edges of the lake.
Killdeer 1 call, fly near the jetty.
Spotted Sandpiper 3 foraging at the waterline on the jetty.
California Gull 6 (imm) a tight flock flying over and then coming down to the lake, ne.
Mourning Dove 10 pairs in riparian areas around the lake.
Eurasian Collared Dove 1 on utility pole, w.
Vaux's Swift 50 flying low around Mulberry trees at entrance (photo May 9, 2011), n; also over the lake near the dam (FOS).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (f) in and around Mulberry trees near entrance, n.
Anna's Hummingbird 1 (m) calls, w.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 calls, drumming, sw.
Hairy Woodpecker 1 (m) forgaging in mature Willows, sw.
Western Wood Pewee 1 low branches in Cottonwoods, n.
Pacific Slope Flycatcher 1 low- middle level in Cottonwoods, s (photo May 9, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Black Phoebe 3 edge of marsh-riparian, w, sw, n.
Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 calls, se.
Warbling Vireo 1 singing in Mulberry trees near clubhouse, n.
Common Raven 10 pairs and singles around the lake.
Tree Swallow 80 flying back and forth, low over the lake and marsh; entering nest cavity in Cottonwood every few minutes (photo May 9, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 20 flying low over roadway and ruderal fields at entrance, n.
Cliff Swallow 120 flying low, back and forth over the lake.
Barn Swallow 6 flying low over the lake, nw, central, e.
Oak Titmouse 1 calls and song, nw.
Verdin 1 gathering nest material in canopy of Cottonwood; calls, sw.
Bushtit 10 two vocal flocks in junipers, w, sw.
Bewick's Wren 6 singing, edge of riparian, juniper, n, nw, se.
House Wren 1 singing in Cottonwood, sw.
Northern Mockingbird 1 singing on fence, n.
European Starling 6 foraging on lawn in picnic area, n.
Yellow Warbler 1 foraging in Cottowoods, n.
Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 (m) foraging in Mulberry trees, n.
Common Yellowthroat 2 flushed from edge of jetty; singing, nw.
Wilson's Warbler 10- 15 (m,f) singing; active in many types of vegetation around the lake.
Western Tanager 5 (m,f) mostly males (alt. ,trans alt. plmg.) in several vegetation types, including Mulberry and Cottonwood (photo May 9, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
California Towhee 1 calls, GB scrub and Arroyo Willow, e.
Savannah Sparrow 1 at waterline on jetty, nw.
Song Sparrow 10 singing in marsh and riparian edge; unusual "chink" call note given by (nesting?) pair at base of dam, e.
Black-headed Grosbeak 1 calls from Willow riparian edge, w.
Red-winged Blackbird 200 nesting around the lake; mostly west side riparian; calls, foraging in nearby ruderal fields, commuting back and forth.
Tricolored Blackbird 20 (m, ad, imm) foraging on lawn beneath Mulberry trees in picnic area, n. Nesting not seen at LP today.
Yellow-headed Blackbird 10 (m,f) calls from patches of marsh, n; one foraging on ground beneath Creosote Bush, singing (photo May 9, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Great-tailed Grackle 100 (m,f) ubiquitous in marsh and riparian around the lake; calls, song.
Brown-headed Cowbird 1 calls, song, near entrance, n.
Bullock's Oriole 1 calls from Cottonwoods, nw.
House Finch 10 pairs, calls, song, n, w, sw, ne.
Lawrence's Goldfinch 1 (m) flushed from edge of jetty next to marsh, n.
House Sparrow 15 on roof of clubhouse; fence line and Mullberry trees; vocal and displays, n.
Weather: Fair; 50F to 62F; wind WNW 0-2 mph.
Time: 0707 - 1000 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin & Feather clubhouse, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see above link for habitat descriptions). Several fishermen were on the lake in small boats; many were fishing from docks on the west and south sides. Auto traffic was light around the lake. Conditions were generally good for identifying bird vocalizations. One Fin and Feather member, upon leaving the main gate, reported a nesting Bald Eagle (with chicks) at LP, that he saw "about two weeks ago" somewhere in the southeast corner of the lake. I returned to this area by car this morning but was unable to locate any sign of an eagle nest. Furthermore, it seems highly unlikely that such a large bird of prey, which is dependent almost entirely on fish, would have been overlooked during my surveys this year. Today's sightings did include an adult Osprey, however I have never observed nesting of this species at LP.
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 4 (m,f) swimming near dam and ne shore.
Mallard 12 (m,f) edges of the lake and on land.
Bufflehead 4 (imm) swimming together, central; one individual alone near marsh, ne (photo May 2, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Ruddy Duck 30 (m,f) alt. plmg. around edges of lake.
California Quail 8 (m,f) brushy edges around the lake; calls.
Pied-billed Grebe 2 swimming near marsh, jetty; calls, nw.
Horned Grebe 2 (alt. plmg.) diving in middle of lake.
Eared Grebe 3 (alt. plmg.) diving near marsh, s.
Western Grebe 8 resting, swimming, near marsh, nw, n; diving in middle of lake.
Clark's Grebe 2 swimming near marsh, nw ; in middle of lake.
Green Heron 1 (ad) flushed from edge of marsh, se.
Osprey 1 (ad) perched in Willow; later circling high above the lake, ne.
Cooper's Hawk 1 being chased out of Cottonwood by REBL, se.
Red-tailed Hawk 2 a pair perched on utility pole, n.
American Coot 60 around edges of the lake.
Killdeer 2 on gravel road next to dam, e; alarm calls (nesting?).
Spotted Sandpiper 4 foraging at water line on jetty, nw.
Least Sandpiper 1 foraging at water line on jetty, nw.
California Gull 3 (ad, imm) flying nw over lake.
Mourning Dove 12 pairs in riparian areas around the lake.
Anna's Hummingbird 2 (m) riparian , w, s.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 flying, calls, riparian, w; (m) drumming on dead snag, sw.
Black Phoebe 3 edge of marsh-riparian, w, s.
Say's Phoebe 1 calling from road sign, n (photo May 2, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Ash-throated Flycatcher 2 calls, riparian - juniper area, se.
Warbling Vireo 2 foraging, singing, in Cottonwood canopy, sw.
Common Raven 10 circling high above the lake.
Tree Swallow 50 flying at a wide range of altitudes ( 20-250 ft.) around and above the lake; pairs entering nest cavities in Willows, s.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 6 flying over riparian, w; edge of riparian, n.
Cliff Swallow 20 nesting under eaves of adjacent Spanish-style home, s.
Barn Swallow 2 on ground in ruderal parking area, n.
Oak Titmouse 2 near clubhouse; calls.
Verdin 1 (m) active in Great Basin Sage- Calif. Juniper habitat; calls, se.
Bushtit 10 foraging actively in Cottonwoods and other trees and shrubs around the lake.
Bewick's Wren 10 singing from conspicuous perches, Juniper, Cottonwood, GB Sage, around the lake.
House Wren 4 singing in Cottonwood riparian, sw, s.
Marsh Wren 2 singing in marsh, s, se.
Northern Mockingbird 2 singing, edge of skeet range, ne; near clubhouse on utility pole, n.
California Thrasher 1 running across ruderal yard to large juniper, n.
European Starling 5 around caretaker's house and yard, n.
American Pipit 1 fly, call, n.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2 foraging in Cottonwood, n, nw.
Common Yellowthroat 4 singing in marsh-riparian, nw, w, s.
Wilson's Warbler 6 singing in riparian areas, nw, w, s, ne.
Western Tanager 1 (m) flycatching, snatch-gleaning in Cottonwoods at edge of Creosote Bush scrub, n (FOS).
California Towhee 1 in dead GB sage, ne; calls.
Song Sparrow 10 pairs staying close; one with small lepidopteran in beak (photo); giving unusual ' chink' alarm calls as I approached.
(photo May 2, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Red-winged Blackbird 100 (conserv. est.) (m,f) ubiquitous, vocal.
Yellow-headed Blackbird 20 (m,f) small groups of males singing in marsh areas around the lake.
Great-tailed Grackle 100 (conserv. est.) ubiquitous, vocal.
Brown-headed Cowbird 3 flying, calls, riparian, w.
Bullock's Oriole 1 calls from Cotonwood canopy, ne.
House Finch 8 pairs singing, riparian and edge, w, sw, se.
Lawrence's Goldfinch 5-7 small flocks and pairs , riparian and edge, nw, se; calls and song.
House Sparrow 10 around clubhouse, n.
Weather: fair with variable high clouds; 49F to 60F; winds variable WNW 7 - 20 mph.
Time: 0650-1025 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin & Feather cluhouse, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats by staying mostly on the western and southern fence-line roads. Heavy use of the lake by fishermen today resulted in having to avoid surveys along the main road on the busy western side; occasionally, I used docks to view birds on the lake. My survey included the jetty, which yielded a close-up view of a diving Horned Grebe, a thusfar unreported species for yesterday's beginning of the annual America's Birdiest County (ABC) three day event. Two other species, also missing from the ABC list, were found at LP today: Herring Gull (1) and Verdin (2).
BIRDS NOTED
Mallard 4 near shore, flying, n.
Bufflehead 12 (m,f) diving, mid-lake and edges.
Ruddy Duck 4 edges of lake, nw.
California Quail 8 pairs scattered around the lake, riparian and edge.
Pied-billed Grebe 1 (alt. plmg.) near marsh, sw.
Horned Grebe 2 (alt. plmg.) diving mid lake; another diving near the jetty (photo April 23, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Eared Grebe 2 (one bsc. one alt. plmg.) diving near marsh, n, nw.
Western Grebe 6 pairs staying close, open water; resting and swimming to escape motorboats; one with 3 " fish in beak near jetty.
Clark's Grebe 2 a pair staying close, open water, central.
Double-crested Cormorant 2 open water; flying low.
Green Heron 1 flushed from marsh-riparian, ne.
American Coot 50 edges of the lake.
Killdeer 3 settling ponds with dry sediment; calls.
Spotted Sandpiper 1 foraging at the water line on the end of the jetty, nw.
Least Sandpiper 1 foraging at the water line on the w side of the jetty.
Ring-billed Gull 1 (ad) flying around with CAGU, mid-lake.
California Gull 50 (ad, imm) circling at variable altitudes above the lake; following fisherman in boat, dipping onto the lake surface.
Herring Gull 1 (C2) circling fishing boat with CAGU.
Caspian Tern 2 (ad) flying back and forth above the lake, calls.
Mourning Dove 8 flushed from riparian and edge around the lake.
Anna's Hummingbird 2 (m) perched on low branches in Creosote Bush and tall GB Sage, nw, e.
Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (m) perched on top of California Juniper, se FOS at LP (photo April 23, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Black Phoebe 3 edge of lake and riparian, w, s, ne.
Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 on barbed wire fence; calls, s.
Western Kingbird 2 edge of skeet range, ne.
Common Raven 12 pairs flying over dam back and forth in ne; other individuals perched on buildings and in tall trees, s.
Tree Swallow 40 flying back and forth over lake; nesting in tree cavities, s.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 20 flying, calls, around clubhouse and over roadways, n, e.
Cliff Swallow 80 several pairs nesting under eaves of adjacent home, s; flying low over lake, e.
Barn Swallow 12 individuals flying low over lake, nw, e.
Oak Titmouse 2 calls, n, w.
Verdin 2 one concealed in Rabbitbrush (nesting?) ; issued series of distintive, rapidchips when I approached, w; another flew from Juniper into Cottonwood, SW.
Bushtit 20 small flocks of 3 -5 birds vocalizing, moving through shrubs and low branches of Cottonwoods, w, sw, s.
Bewick's Wren 4 singing from exposed perches on fences, trees, shrubs, nw, w, s.
House Wren 4 singing vigorously in riparian areas, w, s.
Marsh Wren 1 singing in marsh-riparian, sw.
Northern Mockingbird 1 on fence at edge of skeet range; singing, ne.
California Thrasher 4 individuals engaged in advertising song atop California Junipers, nw, w; one running on ground across entrance road, n.
European Starling 4 foraging on lawn at caretaker's house, n.
Orange-crowned Warbler 2 calls and song, GB sage and edge of riparian, nw, w.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (A) 30 (m,f) ubiquitous in shrubs and trees around the lake.
Common Yellowthroat 3 marsh-riparian, calls song, nw, w.
Wilson's Warbler 2 (m) gleaning foliage in Cottonwoods and Junipers, singing vigorously, w, sw.
California Towhee 1 calls, GB sage-Juniper woodland, w.
Savannah Sparrow 1 on chain-link fence, w.
White-crowned Sparrow 20 small flocks of 3 -5 in brushy areas around the lake; calls and song.
Red-winged Blackbird 100 mostly flying back and forth between nests in riparian and adjacent grassy fields with insects.
Tricolored Blackbird 20 (m,f) apparently establishing a colony by the jetty again, nw.
Yellow-headed Blackbird 2 (m) singing from conspicuous perch next to patch of cattails, nw (photo April 23, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Great-tailed Grackle 100 (m,f) females foraging in adjacent grassy fields; males singing from exposed perches (photo April 23, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Brown-headed Cowbird 5 (m,f) a tight flock, flying fast through riparian and open areas; calls.
House Finch 4 (m,f) pairs in riparian and edge, calls and song, w, s.
Lawrence's Goldfinch 6 3 pairs around the lake, calls, song, w, s, ne.
House Sparrow 10 around the clubhouse and garden, n.
Weather: Partly cloudy; 65F to 72F; winds WNW 10-15 mph. Lake surface choppy.
Time: 0845 - 1126 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff across from the Fin & Feather clubhouse, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see link above for habitat descriptions). Nearly every dock had fishermen; two were on the jetty and three or four were trolling in small motorboats. A ground maintenance crew was working in the Mulberry picnic area next to the clubhouse. Except for occasional traffic from passing vehicles, LP was quiet and little disturbed by human activities. I used a 35-55x spotting scope, 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera for the survey.
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 2 (m,f) dabbling near edge of dam, e.
Mallard 8 (m,f) pairs and one single male around the edges of the lake; one pair in the only settling pond with water, n.
Bufflehead 18 (m,f) loose rafts, diving, nw and w.
Ruddy Duck 10 (m,f alt. plmg.) swimming, chasing, nw.
California Quail 12 ubiquitous; pairs scattered in brushy areas
Pied-billed Grebe 1 (alt. plmg.) swimming near the dam, ne.
Horned Grebe 2 (alt. plmg.) diving in middle of lake.
Eared Grebe 20 (alt. plmg.) diving throughout the lake.
Western Grebe 4 pairs resting near marsh, nw; 2 a pair sleeping in channel, s.
Clark's Grebe 3 2 pair and one single, resting, swimming near marsh; staying apart from WEGR, nw.
Snowy Egret 1 in willow tree at edge of water, ne.
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) circling above Cottonwoods, se.
American Coot 50 (est.) around edges of lake.
Killdeer 2 fly, call, east side of dam, e.
Spotted Sandpiper 1 running along edge of jetty; flushed, then returned.
Least Sandpiper 2 foraging at edge of jetty; 3 foraging at edge of water in settling pond, n.
California Gull 11 (ad, imm) 7 resting in middle of lake; 4 flying nw.
Caspian Tern 3 (ad) flying back and forth over dam and lake; calls, se.
Mourning Dove 10 pairs in riparian edge around the lake; calls.
Anna's Hummingbird 2 (m) perched on top of tall shrubs, w, e.
Selasphorus sp. 1 fly, call, in creosote scrub, nw.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 3 calls, flying through riparian, w, sw, se.
Black Phoebe 8 riparian edge; marsh, open shrubland, around the lake,calls.
Ash-throated Flycatcher 2 calls from canopy perches, w and se.
Common Raven 10 pairs and single birds flying around, n, e.
Tree Swallow 40 (est.) flying low over lake; some much higher (e.g. 100 ft. +); pair nesting in Willow cavity, s (photos April 18, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 10 flying back and forth, low over lake and adjacent marsh, nw, w; on power line, n.
Barn Swallow 6 flying back and forth, low over lake; calls, nw.
Oak Titmouse 2 calls from trees in caretaker's yard; calls & song, Cottonwoods, w.
Bushtit 4 active in California Juniper, calls, w.
Bewick's Wren 8 calls and persistent singing, brushy edges of riparian, nw, w, sw.
House Wren 2 singing in riparian subcanopy, w and sw (photo April 18, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Northern Mockingbird 1 singing near fence line at 5th St. E entrance, n.
European Starling 8 fly, calls, song; nest with chicks in Cottonwood cavity near HOWR and TRSW, s.
Yellow Warbler 1 (m) singing in dense patch of Arroyo Willow ,e.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 50 (est.) ubiquitous in all habitats with trees and shrubs; calls and song.
Common Yellowthroat 3 calls and song, marsh-riparian edge, nw, w, s.
Wilson's Warbler 1 singing in riparian-juniper edge, nw (unseen).
Song Sparrow 6 singing from exposed perches, nw, w, s.
White-crowned Sparrow 20 calls and song, shrubland, n, w; edge of riparian, s.
Black-headed Grosbeak 1 calls from canopy of Cottonwood, w.
Red-winged Blackbird 100 (est.) ubiquitous in marsh and riparian edge around the lake.
Tricolored Blackbird 10 (m,f) mostly in marsh and overhanging Willow, nw.
Yellow-headed Blackbird 6 (m,f) singing in small patches of cattails, n, nw.
Great-tailed Grackle (100 est.) (m,f) calls and song; ubiquitous in marsh, riparian and edge around the lake.
Brown-headed Cowbird 3 (m,f) singing in riparian canopy, w, sw.
Bullock's Oriole 1 (m) chatter call, canopy of riparian, nw.
House Finch 18 (m,f) singing, calls, ubiquitous.
Lawrence's Goldfinch 2 singing in California Juniper, ne.
House Sparrow 10 calls and song, shrubs near clubhouse, n.
Weather: Fair; 46F to 61F. Winds SSW 0-15 mph.
Time: 0721 - 1040 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the Fin and Feather clubhouse, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats. About 40 fishermen were around the lake; several trolling in motorboats. Windy conditions later in the survey depressed bird activitiy and vocalizations. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today were, Horned Grebe (2), Lesser Scaup (1), Common Goldeneye (1), Yellow-headed Blackbird (1 - continuing) and Tricolored Blackbird (30).
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 2 (m,f) dabbling in shallows at edge of dam, e.
Mallard 6 (m,f) edge of the lake; flying, nw.
Lesser Scaup 1 (m) diving, mid-lake.
Bufflehead 60 (m,f) small flocks around the lake.
Common Goldeneye 1 (f) near the dam, e.
Ruddy Duck 80 (m,f) many males in trans. alt. plmg. around the edges of the lake.
California Quail 8 foraging at edge of skeet range, ne.
Pied-billed Grebe 1 calls, edge of lake, nw.
Horned Grebe 2 diving mid-lake; swimming near jetty (trans. alt. plmg. - photo March 28, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Eared Grebe 40 (a few in trans. alt. plmg.) diving, edges and middle of the lake.
Western Grebe 2 edge of lake; one caught small perch near jetty; swimming, calls (photo March 28, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Double-crested Cormorant 14 in trees; flock of 7 swimming, diving, n-central.
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 calls, ne.
American Coot 100 scattered around edges of the lake; some feeding on grass near jetty.
Killdeer 6 roadside, n; skeet range, ne.
California Gull 12 (ad, imm) resting n-central lake.
Herring Gull 1 (C1) middle of lake.
Mourning Dove 4 riparian, n, ne.
Anna's Hummingbird 6 (m) on conspicuous perches in riparian and sage areas around the lake; calls.
Selasphorus sp. 1 call, fly, e.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 4 (m,f) foraging, calls, riparian, w.
Black Phoebe 3 low perches, riparian edge; skeet range, calls, ne.
Western Scrub-jay 1 on Juniper, se.
Common Raven 20 flying around dam; several in pines and other tall trees; calls.
Tree Swallow 250 flying low over entire lake, especially margins.
Violet-green Swallow 4 flying low, back and forth near jetty, nw.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 20 one small flock (3-5) over grassy area near jetty; the other larger (10-15) flock over se slough.
Cliff Swallow 2 flying low over water, nw.
Barn Swallow 2 flying low over water near jetty, nw.
Oak Titmouse 6 calling in riparian areas around the lake.
Verdin 2 calls in creosote scrub, nw.
Bushtit 20 small, active, vocal flocks in riparian areas around the lake.
Rock Wren 2 in sage scrub and base of dam, e; calls.
Bewick's Wren 10 individuals singing in sage, juniper and edge of riparian around the lake.
Marsh Wren 3 singing in marsh, w, sw, ne.
Northern Mockingbird 2 one singing atop pine near skeet range; one on fence near clubhouse.
California Thrasher 2 both singing; one atop a Calif. juniper (w - photo Mar 28 2011); the other on a Great Basin sage, next to RR tracks, e.
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
European Starling 6 around clubhouse, in tall trees and utility lines.
American Pipit 1 (trans. alt. plmg.) flushed from se slope of dam.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 20 (m,f) active, vocal (calls) in riparian and riparian edge around the lake.
Common Yellowthroat 3 (m) calls and song, marsh-riparian, nw, w and s.
Savannah Sparrow 1 in short grass on edge of jetty, nw (photo March 28, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Song Sparrow 8 individuals singing in marsh-riparian around the lake.
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 flushed from roadside, se fence line.
White-crowned Sparrow 30 (ad, imm) brushy areas around the lake; calls.
Red-winged Blackbird 80 (m,f) males singing, displays, marsh and riparian around the lake (photo March 28, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Tricolored Blackbird 30 (m; f ? ) an active, vocal colony of mostly males in cattails at the ne corner of the jetty (photo March 28, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 (m - continuing) perched in same location (see 3/21/11 notes below); silent, (photo March 28, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Great-tailed Grackle 30 (m,f) males in trios and pairs flying around the lake; calls, song; perched in tall trees; some on ground.
House Finch 20 (m,f) calls and song in riparian and sage around the lake.
Lesser Goldfinch 2 calls from the crown of a budding Cottonwood, se.
Lawrence's Goldfinch 2 fly, call, ne.
House Sparrow 10 in garden around clubhouse; calls.
Weather: Overcast with intermittent light rain; 39F to 43F; winds WSW 10-18mph. Heavy rain and snow over the past two days.
Time: 0800 - 1120 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see above link for habitat descriptions). About 50 fishermen were on docks on the western and southern shore; no boats were on the windswept lake during my survey. Cold, windy conditions appeared to reduce bird vocalizations; several common resident species went uncounted today. I used a binocular, scope and a DSLR camera for the survey. Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Surf Scoter (6), Horned Grebe (2), Turkey Vulture (18), Peregrine Falcon (1), Bonaparte's Gull (8) and Yellow-headed Blackbird (1). Peregrine Falcon is a new addition to the LP bird list, now at 233 species.
BIRDS NOTED
Lesser Scaup 6 (m,f) diving, nw corner near marsh.
Bufflehead 80 (m,f) diving, displays, flying low over lake.
Surf Scoter 6 (3m, 3 f) a tight flock swimming and diving in the middle of lake (photos March 21, 2011). First photo-documented record of SUSC for LP.
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Ruddy Duck 150 (m,f; 15% in trans. alt. plmg.) flocks scattered around the edges of the lake.
California Quail 10 calls, dense shrubs, n.
Loon sp.? (smallish in flight profile; light gray above; possibly PALO) 1 flying low over the middle of the lake.
Pied-billed Grebe 1 edge of lake; diving, nw.
Eared Grebe 12 (90% in bsc. plmg.; 6 in trans. alt.), diving in calm waters around docks at w edge of the lake; nw, w, sw.
Horned Grebe 2 (trans. alt. plmg. - photo March 21, 2011) diving near docks, w.
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Western Grebe 2 open water, separated by about 50 yards; calls, s.
Double-crested Cormorant 12 two swimming mid-lake; others resting on floating stirrer platforms.
Turkey Vulture 18 most resting in Cottonwoods (photos March 21, 2011), se; a few on dam; flying low.
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Cooper's Hawk 1 flushed from Cottonwoods, n-central.
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) flushed from Cottonwood, s.
Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad, imm) Cottonwoods, s and ne.
Peregrine Falcon 1 (ad. note yellow feet); overall dark dorsal coloration with heavy breast streaking, suggesting an intergrade F. p. pealei and F. p. anatum. The bird was perched with little movement for the duration of my observations and photos (about 10 minutes) in a tall willow overlooking the southern lake and slough (photos March 21, 2011). A new record for LP.
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
American Coot 100 (conserv. est.) around the edges of the lake; many concealed in the marsh and riparian areas.
Killdeer 3 e side of dam; settling pond, n.
Bonaparte's Gull 8 a tight flock first seen swimming, mid-lake; then flying low and returning to the water.
Ring-billed Gull 2 in with CAGU in middle of lake.
California Gull 20 (ad, imm) resting in middle of lake.
Herring Gull 2 (ad, imm) with CAGU in middle of lake.
Mourning Dove 4 riparian, w, se.
Anna's Hummingbird 2 calls, riparian, s, w.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 (m) calls; riparian, n, s.
Downy Woodpecker 1 (m) foraging in willow; calls, s.
Northern Flicker 2 calls; riparian, n, sw.
Black Phoebe 2 edge of parking lot, n.
Common Raven 20 flying around lake, esp east; calls.
Tree Swallow 250 (conserv. est.) flying back and forth, low over entire lake, especially near edges.
Violet-green Swallow 20 flying low over sheltered waters, nw, w; resting on dock (photo March 21, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4 flying low over sheltered sections of the lake, nw, w.
Cliff Swallow 10 flying low over the water, nw.
Barn Swallow 1 flying low, back and forth over the water, nw (photos March 21, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Oak Titmouse 3 calls, n, w and s, riparian.
Bushtit 10 two separate flocks, edge of riparian, n, w; calls.
Rock Wren 1 calls, e side of dam.
Bewick's Wren 10 calls, song, riparian, shrubland around the lake.
Marsh Wren 3 singing in marsh, nw, w, se
Northern Mockingbird 1 singing near F&F clubhouse, n.
European Starling 20 in trees and on utility lines; foraging on ground, n; calls and song.
American Pipit 1 edge of jetty, nw.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (A) 5 riparian, n, w, se; calls.
Common Yellowthroat 1 singing in marsh-riparian, w.
Savannah Sparrow 1 fly, call, edge of jetty, nw.
Song Sparrow 6 singing from exposed perches in trees, n, nw, w, s.
White-crowned Sparrow 30 mostly foraging on open ground, n; calls.
Red-winged Blackbird 80 (conserv. est.) singing from exposed perches around edges of the lake.
Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 (m) singing from an exposed perch above a small patch of cattails, n (photo March 21, 2011) FOS.
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) males flying, calls, w, sw,s; marsh and riparian.
House Finch 20 (m,f) calls, song; riparian with tall trees, n, s.
House Sparrow 15 foraging on ground with WCSP, n.
.
Weather: Fair with increasing high clouds; 52F to 70F; winds ENE; WNW 2-10 mph. Lake surface, turning choppy by 1030 hrs.
Time: 0743 - 1110 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the F&F clubhouse, I walked a clockwise route around the lake, using the southwestern and western perimeter roads along the fence line. Scores of fishermen were around the lake; many in small motorboats. All habitats were surveyed (see previous notes for habitat descriptions), however I avoided heavy auto traffic on the main road servicing the southern and western docks. Many resident passerines were engaged in advertising song, including Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Rock Wren, Marsh Wren, California Thrasher, Northern Mockingbird, Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow, California Towhee, Red-winged Blackbird and Great-tailed Grackle. One new species was added to the Lake Palmdale bird list: LeConte's Thrasher (1) found singing in the northwestern section (photos), bringing the official total to 234 Species.
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 2 (m) flying over lake.
Mallard 5 (m,f) swimming, open water, s.
Bufflehead 80 (m,f) scattered over most of the lake.
Ruddy Duck 100 (m,f; some in trans. alt. plmg.) mostly resting around edges of lake; many in se slough.
California Quail 40 (m,f) small coveys around the lake.
Pied-billed Grebe 1 se slough, calls.
Eared Grebe 8 open water and edges of the lake; diving.
Western Grebe 1 open water, central; calls.
Double-crested Cormorant 10 resting on stirring platforms; swimming.
Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (ad, imm) fly, call, n to se slough.
Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) on utlilty pole, ne.
American Coot 120 scattered around the edges of the lake.
Killdeer 5 on edge of settling pond, n; field adjacent to Ave. S; calls.
Ring-billed Gull 1 (ad) resting in open water, central.
California Gull 120 (90% ad) resting on open water, central; 20 soaring and gaining altitude over lake, e.
Herring Gull 1 (ad) with CAGU in central lake.
Mourning Dove 6 riparian and ruderal roadside, se, n.
Anna's Hummingbird 4 calls and gorget displays while perched, ne, e, s, w.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 calls, riparian, ne.
Northern Flicker (RS) 2 riparian, ne, s; calls.
Black Phoebe 10 edges of fields and riparian around lake; calls.
Common Raven 20 flying around lake; in tall trees; on dam,e.
Tree Swallow 15 flying back and forth over lake, riparian, 50 -150 ft; calls.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 flying back and forth over field next to marsh, 30-70 ft, n.
Oak Titmouse 8 calls and song, olive trees, n; riparian elsewhere.
Verdin 4 (m,f) calls and song; feeding on Cottonwood inflorescences, s, sw (photo March 11, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Bushtit 30 small flocks of 6 -10 birds in riparian, Juniper scrub around the lake.
Rock Wren 1 calls and song, bolders on e slope of dam, e.
Bewick's Wren 20 song and calls, ubiquitous in heavily vegetated areas.
House Wren 2 singing repeatedly, riparian, se , s.
Marsh Wren 2 singing in marsh, se, s.
Northern Mockingbird 2 both singing, n and adjacent fields, e.
California Thrasher 3 all individuals singing, e, w, nw.
LeConte's Thrasher 1 first found on singing on chain-link fence next to the Park n Ride; then flew downslope into a creosote bush; continued singing (photos March 11, 2011). First record for LP.
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
European Starling 15 in trees and on utility wires, n; calls and song.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 50 very active and ubiquitous in heavily vegetated areas around the lake; calls.
Common Yellowthroat 4 singing in marsh, ne, se, sw, w.
California Towhee 4 three chasing, calls, song; on fence and ground, riparian and Buckwheat- California Juniper, se, sw (photo March 11, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Song Sparrow 8 singing in marsh, riparian edge and Great Basin Sage scrub, nw (photo March 11, 2011) around the lake.
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
White-crowned Sparrow 50 (consev. est.) small flocks in shrubland around the lake; calls and song.
Red-winged Blackbird 40 (conserv. est.) singing in marsh and riparian around the lake, esp. s, sw.
Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) calls and song; marsh, riparian and edge around the lake, esp. ne and s.
House Finch 20 pairs and small flocks in riparian areas around the lake; calls and song,
Lesser Goldfinch 4 (m,f) feeding on Cottonwood inflorescences, se; calls and song.
House Sparrow 20 a small flock in shrubs next to homesteads, s; regular flock around clubhouse, n.
Weather: Fair; 50F to 60F; winds ENE 5-10 mph.
Time: 0837 - 1140 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff adjacent to the Fin & Feather clubhouse, I walked a clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats. Due to the crowds of fishermen on the west side, I walked the western fence line perimeter, including extensive areas of Great Basin Sage and California Juniper. I also covered the field along the north fenceline adjacent to the boat storage area. About 80 fishermen were stationed around the lake on docks; about 12 were in small motorboats going slowly around the lake. Auto traffic on the west side road was heavy; I avoided the jetty altogether due to fishermen using it, though it could be seen initially with a scope. Birds of seasonal/distributional interest found today included: Common Goldeneye (2), Horned Grebe (1), Western Grebe (1), Clark's Grebe (1), Turkey Vulture (30), Sharp-shinned Hawk (1) Northern Yellow-shafted Flicker (1 - cont.), Barn Swallow (1) and Tricolored Blackbird (2).
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 4 (m,f) two pair dabbling near dam, e.
Mallard 6 (m,f) edge of slough, s.
Bufflehead 80 (m,f) displays between males; diving; scattered over entire lake,
Common Goldeneye 2 (m,f) pair swimming away from the dam, e.
Ruddy Duck 40 (m,f bsc. plmg.) most resting in quiet backwaters of slough, s.
California Quail 10 flushed from brushy area, ne.
Pied-billed Grebe 3 backwater slough; calls, s.
Horned Grebe 1 (bsc. plmg.) diving near jetty, nw.
Eared Grebe 12 diving around edges of lake, n.
Western Grebe 1 in middle of lake.
Clark's Grebe 1 open water central-eastern section.
Double-crested Cormorant 16 in Cottonwoods, w; swimming, nw.
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 (ad) flushed from junipers at edge of picnic area near clubhouse, n.
Cooper's Hawk 2 (ad, imm) in Cottonwoods and willows, ne and se.
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad) circling above riparian woods, calls, s.
Red-tailed Hawk 2 pair circling, calls, ne.
Turkey Vulture 30 a kettle soaring at 200+ ft. over Palmdale, n. An uncommon species at LP.
American Coot 150 around edges of the lake; one dead on roadway; partly consumed, se.
Killdeer 3 on edges of settling ponds, n.
California Gull 70 (98% ad) resting in middle of lake; a few flying around.
Mourning Dove 2 riparian, calls.
Anna's Hummingbird 3 (m,f) conspicuous perches in shrubs and low branches of trees, e, s, w; calls.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 foraging in leafless deciduous tree next to caretaker's house; gave several HAWO-type calls but lower-pitched, slightly slower and very loud. Note: This particular NUWO call may have been mistaken for HAWO in my previous surveys.
Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker 2 foraging, calls in same tree with NUWO.
Northern (Yellow-shafted) Flicker) 1 - continuing -- in tree with NUWO and two other red-shafted flickers; yellow shafts of wings seen in flight. Appears to regularly be associated with NRSF at LP.
Black Phoebe 10 riparian and edge around the lake; calls.
Western Scrub-jay 1 in and around California Juniper - Joshua Trees, near entry road, n.
Common Raven 25 pairs soaring; several pairs in and around large Cottonwood by dam, e.
Tree Swallow 15 flying back and forth 50 - 150 ft. above marsh and lake, se, s.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 flying low, back and forth over marsh, se.
Barn Swallow 1 flying low, under TRSW over marsh, se. FOS.
Oak Titmouse 8 calls and song, riparian and in California Junipers around the lake.
Verdin 1 (m) calling repeatedly, active in California Juniper, SW.
Bushtit 60 about six flocks of 8-10 birds around the lake; very vocal.
Cactus Wren 2 a pair staying close; singing repeatedly, mixed Great Basin Sage, Rabbitbrush, Buckwheat scrub, ne (photos March 4, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Bewick's Wren 20 calls and song in brushy areas around the lake; also in Cottonwoods.
Marsh Wren 2 calls and song, marsh, se.
Northern Mockingbird 1 in Pyracantha along entry road, n.
California Thrasher 1 singing atop a California Juniper, n.
European Starling 20 in trees and on utility lines around caretaker's house; calls and song, n.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 20 riparian and edge around the lake; calls.
Common Yellowthroat 1 singing in marsh-riparian, ne.
Song Sparrow 10 several singing from exposed perches, riparian and marsh, n, e, se.
White-crowned Sparrow 60 small flocks of 5-8 birds in shrubland around the lake; calls.
Red-winged Blackbird 100 (m) much vocalization (song and calls) in marsh-riparian around the lake; some foraging on catkins in trees.
Tricolored Blackbird 2 (f) foraging on catkins in a Cottonwood near two male RWBL, w.
Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) calls and song, marsh and riparian, mostly s; a few in n near Park n Ride lot.
House Finch 10 (m,f) calls, song in riparian areas, s.
American Goldfinch 2 calls from crown of Cottonwood, w.
House Sparrow 10 around clubhouse, n.
FEBRUARY 25, 2011 (39 Species)
Weather: Increasing cloudiness; intermittent light rain; 47 F; winds WSW, SSW 25-35 mph. Lake surface with whitecaps.
Time: 0800-1030 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a clockwise route around the entire lake, following the western fence line without walking onto the nw jetty. High winds prevented use of a scope; I used a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera for the entire survey. Large portions of the lake were not covered due to winds and scores of fishermen along the southern and western shores. No boats were on the lake during the survey (gale-force wind flags posted). Birds of seasonal/distributional significance were: Tree Swallow (120), Violet Green Swallow (1) Rough-winged Swallow (4) and Lark Sparrow (6) . Both the diversity and abundance of birds was low due to infrequent vocalizations and generally poor conditions for detectablility.
BIRDS NOTED
Mallard 6 (m,f) se slough.
Bufflehead 20 (m,f) open water, n, ne.
Ruddy Duck 60 (m,f; trans alt. plmg.) se slough.
Pied-billed Grebe 1 se slough.
Eared Grebe 2 edge of lake, ne and se.
Double-crested Cormorant 10 on stirring platforms; flying.
Cooper's Hawk 1 flushed from Junipers, w.
Red-shouldered Hawk 3 (ad) a pair in Cottonwoods, se corner; one flying; calls.
Red-tailed Hawk 2 a pair circling, soaring, calls, ne.
American Coot 150 around the edges of the lake.
Killdeer 14 resting in dried mud in settling pond, n.
Ring-billed Gull 4 flying over lake, e.
California Gull 200 (90% ad) resting in middle of lake; soaring high over lake.
Herring Gull 1 (C3) resting on lake with CAGU.
Mourning Dove 8 f 6 lushed from hillside shrubs next to park n ride, n.
Anna's Hummingbird 2 fly, call, se, w.
Northern (RS) Flicker 3 fly, call, ne, se, s.
Black Phoebe 4 calls, marsh, s, sw, w.
Common Raven 20 soaring over lake and adjacent fields.
Tree Swallow 120 (conserv. est.) flying low over edges of the lake, esp w and e.
Violet-green Swallow 1 low around the dam and se slough (FOS)
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4 flying low over water near TRSW, se slough (FOS).
Oak Titmouse 5 calls in Cottonwoods and around clubhouse, s, sw, n.
Verdin 1 calls in Juniper-Cottonwood, nw.
Bushtit 5 calls in Cottonwood-Juniper scrub, w.
Rock Wren 2 a pair active in boulders on e side of dam; calls.
Bewick's Wren 5 calls, e, se, s.
Marsh Wren 2 calls from edge of marsh, se, s.
Northern Mockingbird 1 roadside Pyracantha near clubhouse, n.
European Starling 20 on utility wires and in leafless trees; calls, n.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 15 small, active, vocal (calls) flocks around the lake.
Lark Sparrow 6 flew into crown of Cottonwood, se. An uncommon species at LP.
Song Sparrow 8 calls and song from marsh, riparian and drainage ditch (photos February 25, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke © 2011 Callyn Yorke
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 flushed from low, swampy area e of dam.
White-crowned Sparrow 40 ubiquitous in small flocks around the lake; calls.
Red-winged Blackbird 30 (m,f) calls and song in marsh and edge of riparian, e, se, s.
Great-tailed Grackle 12 (m,f) flock flying over slough, s; calls and song.
House Finch 4 on and around fence line, n.
House Sparrow 12 near clubhouse, calls, n.
.
FEBRUARY 11, 2011 (43 Species)
Weather: Fair; 43F to 54F; winds ENE 2-4mph; WNW 2 mph.
Time: 0802 - 1050 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff adjacent to the F&F clubhouse, I walked a clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats. About 200 fishermen were around the lake; 25 or so in small motorboats on the lake. Auto traffic around the western half of the lake was heavy. Along the south and west sides I kept to the peripheral roadways (paralleling the concrete drainage ditch) to avoid noise and dust from traffic near the docks. Elsewhere (i.e. northern and eastern areas) conditions were quiet and good for identifying bird vocalizations.
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 6 (m,f) edge of lake, ne.
Mallard 4 (m,f) edge of lake, ne.
Canvasback 3 (m,f) swimming together near dam, e.
Ring-necked Duck 2 (f) swimming together; flushed out of marsh-riparian, ne.
Bufflehead 30 (m,f) diving, open water throughout.
Ruddy Duck 120 resting around the edges of the lake.
California Quail 12 flushed from dense cover; calls, se.
Pied-billed Grebe 10 edges of the lake, throughout.
Horned Grebe 2 diving, n.
Eared Grebe 8 diving, n and central.
Western Grebe 2 1 resting in slough, se; one diving, s.
Double-crested Cormorant 30 (ad, imm) resting on rocks at edge of dam; swimming; flying over lake.
Great Egret 1 with DOCC near dam.
Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad) soaring, w; utility pole, ne.
American Coot 120 scattered around edges of the lake.
KIlldeer 2 in open field, n.
Ring-billed Gull 2 with CAGU, mid-lake.
California Gull 120 (98% ad) flying back and forth from sw (Palmdale Landfill); resting in open water, n.
Mourning Dove 8 flock on brushy slope next to park-n-ride, n.
Anna's Hummingbird 5 (m) calls; riparian and sage scrub.
Northern Flicker (RS) 3 riparian; calls, ne and se.
Black Phoebe 8 riparian and edge of marsh throughout; calls.
Western Scrub-jay 1 fly, call, se.
Common Raven 10 flying around the lake.
Tree Swallow 8 flying back and forth over edges of the lake, ne, s, sw.
Oak Titmouse 4 calls, gardens, riparian, n, ne, s, sw.
Verdin 1 flew from Junipers to a Joshua Tree, calls, w.
Bushtit 15 two flocks, n and nw.
Bewick's Wren 12 scold calls and advertisement song in shrubby areas around the lake.
Northern Mockingbird 3 gardens and edge, n; song.
California Thrasher 2 singing atop Junipers, w, nw.
European Starling 10 on utility lines; calls and song, n.
American Pipit 2 fly, call, n.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 15 (m,f) active in Cottonwoods and Junipers throughout.
Common Yellowthroat 1 calls, marsh, se.
Song Sparrow 4 song, calls, marsh and edge of riparian, n, ne, e , s.
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 flushed from tall grass beneath dam; flew to patch of Arroyo Willow,se.
White-crowned Sparrow 20 small flocks in GB sage, Juniper, riparian, and garden areas around the lake; calls.
Red-winged Blackbird 22 (m,f) singing in marsh and edge of riparian around the lake.
Great-tailed Grackle 6 (m,f) song, marsh and edge of riparian, s.
House Finch 18 (m,f) song, calls, riparian around the lake.
American Goldfinch 3 (m,f) edge of riparian in tall Cottonwood, s.
House Sparrow 6 foraging near clubhouse beneath Pyracantha, n.
Weather: Fair, 43F to 62F; winds ENE 0-1 mph.
Time: 0815-1130 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see previous survey notes above), using a scope, 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. Auto traffic and other disturbance was minimal; conditions were excellent for identifying bird vocalizations. One unusual subspecies was found today, Yellow-shafted Flicker, which had been found and photographed during a previous survey (see below) and thus may be continuing as a winter resident.
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 10 (m,f) open water, mid-lake.
American Wigeon 6 (m,f) open water, east lake.
Northern Shoveler 1(m) resting at edge of slough, s.
Ring-necked Duck 1 (m) flushed from s edge of lake.
Lesser Scaup 110 (m,f) mostly resting, some diving, open water, ne.
Bufflehead 30 (m,f) diving, open water throughout.
Ruddy Duck 100 (m,f) mostly resting, open water and edge of slough, s.
California Quail 5-10 calls, brushy edge of riparian, s.
Pied-billed Grebe 7 open water and edge of lake, throughout.
Horned Grebe 3 diving, open water, n, nw.
Eared Grebe 20 diving, open water throughout.
Western Grebe 2 resting, preening, open water, mid-lake.
Clark's Grebe, swimming, open water, nw.
Double-crested Cormorant 15 mostly resting on floating stirrer platforms, mid-lake.
Great Blue Heron 1 on old, partial nest atop tall cottonwood, se.
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 calls, se.
Red-tailed Hawk 3 ( 2 ad, 1 imm ) ne, s and sw. Immature flushed from Cottonwood, circled and returned to same area, s (photo Jan 28, 2011).
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
American Kestrel 1 (m) landed in crown of Cottonwood; calling in flight and after landing, s.
American Coot 300 scattered around the edges of the lake.
Killdeer 4 a pair on the jetty; another near the picnic area, n.
California Gull 120 (95% adult) resting, mid-lake; a few flying in from nw.
Mourning Dove 6 riparian and saltbush scrub, ne, nw.
Anna's Hummingbird 6 (m,f) riparian and sage scrub around the lake; calls.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 calls from riparian, se and s.
Northern (red-shafted) Flicker 4 feeding on and near ground, riparian shoreline; one Yellow-shafted Flicker with them, ne.
Black Phoebe 12 sally-flycatching, calls, riparian and brushy edges around the lake.
Western Scrub-jay 1 called twice, Juniper-Joshua Tree area, se.
Common Raven 10 flying over and around the lake, esp, n and e.
Oak Titmouse 5 calls, n, s, sw.
Verdin 1 (m) on roadside Creosote bush; calls, n.
Bushtit 3 calls, Juniper and ornamental shrubs near clubhouse, n.
Cactus Wren 1 calls, Juniper-Joshua Tree area, se.
Rock Wren 1 boulders on east side of dam, e.
Bewick's Wren 5 calls and song, sage scrub, riparian edge around the lake.
Marsh Wren 2 calls in marsh, s, sw.
Northern Mockingbird 1 in fence line Pyracantha near clubhouse; calls, n.
California Thrasher 1 singing Junipers, se.
European Starling 25 on utility lines and in ornamental trees, song, n.
American Pipit 1 flushed from bare ground, se.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 30 (m,f) ubiquitous in riparian and edge habitats; calls.
Common Yellowthroat 8 calls in marsh, s, sw.
Savannah Sparrow 2 on jetty, calls, nw.
Song Sparrow 8 marsh and ruderal areas around the lake; calls and song.
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 flushed from patch of Arroyo Willow, e.
White-crowned Sparrow 40 (ad, imm) ubiquitous, foraging on ground in ruderal and riparian areas.
Red-winged Blackbird 12 (m) flying over lake; singing in marsh, se.
Great-tailed Grackle 6 (m,f) marsh at mouth of slough, song and calls, s.
House Finch 10 (m,f) riparian and ruderal areas, calls and song, n, ne, se.
House Sparrow 5 around clubhouse, calls.
Weather: Fair; 54F to 68F; winds WNW 0-1 mph.
Time: 0843 - 1125 hrs.
Observers: Ethan Yorke and I.
Area Covered: We walked a clockwise route around the entire lake after first scoping the lake from the bluff next to the F&F clubhouse. Conditions were excellent for identifying bird vocalizations; auto traffic around the lake was light (2 vehicles) and the lake surface was calm and undisturbed by human activities. Waterbirds were scattered around the lake, mostly in the usual, protected areas, e.g. north and eastern borders. Waterfowl hunting continues (Wednesday and Sunday) through the remainder of January; fishing season begins Feb. 5. We surveyed birds using a 10x42 binocular, 35-55 x scope and DSLR camera.
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 5 (m,f) open water, e-central.
Mallard 3 (m,f) edge, n; settling pond, n.
Northern Shoveler 4 (m,f) e-central.
Lesser Scaup 90-100 (m,f) resting in large, loose flocks, n-central.
Bufflehead 40 (m,f) diving, central and edges of lake.
Ruddy Duck 80 (m,f) resting, n-central; s slough.
California Quail 30 flushed from dense cover, ne.
Pied-billed Grebe 1 resting, n-central.
Horned Grebe 4 diving, central.
Eared Grebe 20 diving throughout the lake.
Western Grebe 1 preening, diving, central.
Double-crested Cormorant 20 resting, wings outstretched on floating stirring platforms; swim, dive, throughout.
Great Blue Heron 1 flying low, e over the lake.
Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (ad) in trees above marsh, s slough.
Cooper's Hawk 2 (m,f0 in Willows next to s slough; repeated calls.
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) flushed from Cottonwoods, sw.
Red-tailed Hawk 3 a pair on a utility pole, ne; calls, circling; another in Willows, flighty as we approached.
American Coot 300 scattered around edges of the lake.
Killdeer 7 3 in e settling pond, n; 2 in field near jetty; fly, call.
Ring-billed Gull 4 (ad) resting in open water, n; flying w.
California Gull 80 (95% ad) resting in open water, n; flying w.
Rock Pigeon 3 edge of settling pond, n.
Mourning Dove 6 pairs in riparian, se, s, sw.
Anna's Hummingbird 4 (m, f) calls, flying, perched in shrubs, Cottonwoods, e, se, s.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 calls, riparian, ne.
Northern Flicker 2 call, fly, riparian ne and nw.
Black Phoebe 20 riparian around the lake; calls.
Say's Phoebe 1 calls, edge of skeet range, ne.
Common Raven 10 small flocks and pairs flying around the lake.
Oak Titmouse 3 calls from riparian, e, se, s.
Verdin 2 calls in Calif. Juniper field, w.
Bewick's Wren 5 singing in sage scrub, riparian and edge of marsh around the lake.
Marsh Wren 1 calls in marsh, nw.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 calls, riparian se.
Northern Mockingbird 3 2 fence-line Pyracantha near clubhouse; Calif. Juniper; scold calls, W.
California Thrasher 2 singing in Juniper scrub, nw and n.
European Starling 5 in tall leafless tree near clubhouse, n.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 30 ubiquitous around the lake; calls.
Common Yellowthroat 2 calls, marsh, se, s.
Song Sparrow 5 marsh and edge of riparian, e, se, s, nw; calls and song.
White-crowned Sparrow 30 brushy borders, roadside, riparian around the lake.
Red-winged Blackbird 4 (m) calls and song, marsh, w.
Great-tailed Grackle 1 calls, near clubhouse, n.
House Finch 6 shrubs and trees around clubhouse, n.
House Sparrow 5 fence-line shrubs and ground beneath Pyracantha, n.
Lake Palmdale, viewing west from the north side, January 7, 2011.
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
Weather: Partly cloudy to overcast; 42F to 55F; winds WNW 0-1 mph.
Time: 0755 - 1100 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff near the F&F clubhouse, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see previous notes for habitat descriptions), using a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. A few workers were present during the survey; automobile traffic in the survey area was light and the lake was calm and quiet (photos). Conditions were good for identifying bird sounds. Relatively few landbirds were found during the survey; no unusual birds were noted.
Lake Palmdale, viewing west from the southeast corner January 7, 2011.
© 2011 Callyn Yorke
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 5 (m,f) open water, ne.
American Wigeon 4 open water, central lake.
Mallard 3 a pair flying over the lake; one female dabbling in settling pond, n.
Northern Shoveler 6 (m,f) swimming at edge of marsh, nw; two flushed from se marsh.
Lesser Scaup 80 (m,f) resting in large, loose flock in open water, n, ne.
Bufflehead 20 (m,f) diving, open water, throughout.
Common Goldeneye 3 (m,f) open water near jetty, nw.
Ruddy Duck 50 (m,f) resting, open water throughout.
Pied-billed Grebe 12-15 edge of lake, nw, se, ne.
Horned Grebe 4 diving together, open water southeast of jetty.
Eared Grebe 30 (est) open water, diving.
Western Grebe 1 sleeping near docks, sw.
Clark's Grebe 1, sleeping near marsh, nw.
Double-crested Cormorant 18 (ad, imm) resting on buoys and floating platforms; swimming, edges of lake.
Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (ad) in trees above se slough.
Cooper's Hawk 1 flushed into tall willows overhanging se slough.
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 a pair perched in a tall willow at se slough, calls.
Red-tailed Hawk 3 (ad) individuals in tall trees around the lake; calls and flying.
American Coot 300 (est) around the edges of the lake and in open water.
Killdeer 3 edges of settling ponds, n.
Least Sandpiper 3 foraging at edge of sediment and water in settling pond, n.
Ring-billed Gull 1 flying w over lake.
California Gull 20 ( ad; 1 C1) resting, open water mid-lake.
Herring Gull 1 (ad) resting, mid-lake, away from CAGU.
Mourning Dove 10 perched in tall willows, nw.
Anna's Hummingbird 2 (?, m) perched in tall cottonwood, nw; on fence, ne.
Northern (red-shafted) Flicker 4 (m,f) 2 on west side in trees; 2 in trees and on a utility pole, ne.
Black Phoebe 2 flying low in open riparian areas, se, ne; calls.
Common Raven 10 flying, soaring, calls, all around the lake.
Tree Swallow 5 dipping, flying low over lake, nw.
Oak Titmouse 2 calls in tall Cottonwoods, se.
Bewick's Wren 10 singing in brushy areas around the lake.
Marsh Wren 1 calls in marsh-riparian, nw.
Northern Mockingbird 2 in fruiting Pyracantha near clubhouse; calls.
California Thrasher 2 singing in dense chaparral, n.
European Starling 10 on utility lines, fly, call, n.
American Pipit fly, call, settling ponds, n.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 10 brushy and riparian-marsh around the lake; calls.
Common Yellowthroat 4 calls, active in marsh, sw, s, se.
Savannah Sparrow 2 calls, edge of recently weeded jetty, nw.
Song Sparrow 5 calls and song, riparian and marsh, nw, w, se.
White-crowned Sparrow 20 (ad, imm) small flocks of 5 -8 birds foraging on ground, n, se, ne; calls.
Red-winged Blackbird 10 (m,f, imm ) two flocks in cattails, nw and se; calls.
House Finch 6 saltbush -rabbitbrush scrub, ne; calls.
House Sparrow 10 foraging on ground beneath Pyracantha, n.
DECEMBER 31, 2010 (45 Species)
Weather: Fair, 37F to 40F; winds WNW 1-2 mph. Lake surface calm.
Time: 0845 - 1145 hrs.
Observers: Ethan Yorke and I.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff across from the F&F clubhouse, we walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see previous surveys). We used a 10x42 binocular, 35-55x scope and two Nikon DSLR cameras with telephoto lenses (only one was used). Fewer than five people were around the lake during the survey; auto traffic was light. Conditions were good for identifying bird vocalizations. The lake water level was high, almost to the road in the south. Birds of seasonal/distributional interest found today were: Hooded Merganser, Larus sp. and Northern Yellow-shafted Flicker, the latter subspecies is new for Lake Palmdale.
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 2 (m,f) n edge of lake.
Mallard 6 (m,f) nw cove.
Northern Shoveler 2 (m,f) near jetty, nw.
Lesser Scaup 90 (m,f) large flocks staying together; restingn, nw.
Bufflehead 50 (m,f) open water, scattered pairs, diving.
Common Merganser 2 (m,f) flying e low over lake.
Hooded Merganser 1 (f) flushed from nw cove.
Ruddy Duck 120 resting around edges of the lake.
California Quail 10 calls, w.
Pied-billed Grebe 3 edge of lake, w, nw.
Eared Grebe 10 pairs in open water, nw, w.
Double-crested Cormorant 40 crowded on floating stir platforms; swim, dive.
Great Blue Heron 2 edge of lake, n, nw.
Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (ad) edge of slough, s.
Red-tailed Hawk 4 (ad) a pair on a utility pole, soaring, calls, nw, ne.
Sora 1 called briefly, marsh, nw.
American Coot 200 scattered around the edges of the lake.
Killdeer 2 on edge of settling pond #3 (w-e).
Least Sandpiper 9 edge of mud in settling pond # 3.
Ring-billed Gull 3 (ad) open water, s-central.
California Gull 80 (3 imm) two flocks, open water, nw.
Herring Gull 2 (ad) edge of CAGU flock, open water, nw.
Larus sp. (argentatus?) 1 juvenile on edge of jetty, nw; First seen standing on edge of jetty, then moving into lake and swimming away from us (southward). Noted pale, low-contrasting upper wings and back, stout, bicolored bill with large nostril, pink tarsus and feet, pale, non-contrasting primaries extending only to the end of the tail; dark iris, rounded, mottled head (photos December 31, 2010).
© 2010 Ethan Yorke © 2010 Ethan Yorke
Rock Pigeon 7 on utility wire, ne.
Northern Flicker 5 (4 RESF; 1 YESF - photo December 31, 2010) in leafless deciduous trees; following each other w, ne. First record of YESF at LP.
© 2010 Ethan Yorke © 2010 Ethan Yorke
Black Phoebe 3 edge of lake, n, s.
Western Scrub-jay 2 in tall Cottonwood, se; calls, ne.
Common Raven 8 flying over e and n side of lake.
Tree Swallow 2 flying back and forth, dipping into lake, nw.
Oak Titmouse 2 riparian, n and w; calls.
Bushtit 10 in saltbush and creosote bush scrub, nw.
Bewick's Wren 1 calls in creosote bush scrub, n.
Marsh Wren 4 calls in marsh, nw, sw, se.
Northern Mockingbird 3 around fruiting Pyracantha shrubs, clubhouse, n.
California Thrasher 2 singing, creosote bush scrub, n, nw.
European Starling 6 flying ne; perched on utility wires.
American Pipit 1 fly, call, n.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 10 (m,f) riparian; foraging in trees, shrubs and on ground.
Common Yellowthroat 3 riparian-marsh, nw, se; calls.
Savannah Sparrow 1 calls on jetty, nw.
Song Sparrow 2 riparian-marsh, s, ne; calls.
White-crowned Sparrow 20 (ad, imm) riparian, marsh, edge, throughout; calls.
Red-winged Blackbird 6 (m,f) a small flock flying over slough, s; landing in riparian; calls.
House Finch 6 around Pyracantha, clubhouse, n; ne; calls.
House Sparrow 10 (m,f) around entry road and Pyracantha.
DECEMBER 10, 2010 (41 Species)
Weather: Partly cloudy; 60F to 66F; winds WSW 2- 7 mph; lake surface glassy turning choppy.
Time: 0830 - 1130 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the F&F clubhouse, I walked a clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see previous seasons for habitat descriptions). A few workers were present, raking leaves, and repairing floating stirrers and docks. Conditions were good to fair for identifying bird vocalizations. Increasing winds by 1000 hrs. made observations difficult.
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 10 (m,f) edge of lake, n, ne.
Mallard 15 (m,f) flighty; settling ponds, s, ne.
American Wigeon 2 open water, s.
Lesser Scaup 60 (m,f) diving, resting, middle of lake.
Common Goldeneye 2 (m,f) swimming, diving near dam,e.
Bufflehead 8 (m,f) open water, s, w.
Ruddy Duck 120 (m,f) scattered over entire lake.
Pied-billed Grebe 15 edges of the lake.
Eared Grebe 40 scattered over entire lake.
Horned Grebe 3 staying close together, nw.
Western Grebe 2 resting, nw.
Clark's Grebe 1 swimming, nw.
Double-crested Cormorant 10 resting on floating stirrer platforms.
American Coot 100 edges of lake.
Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad, imm) fly, call, e.
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 flushed from Cottonwoods, sw; fly, calls.
Cooper's Hawk 1 flushed from riparian, s.
Killdeer 5 settling ponds.
Least Sandpiper 8 foraging at edge of sediments in settling pond.
California Gull 120 (90% ad) resting in middle of lake.
Herring Gull 2 (ad) swimming near flock of CAGU in middle of lake.
Ring-billed Gull 4 resting in middle of lake near CAGU.
Mourning Dove 12 on utility wires; flying, ne.
Northern Flicker 5 fly, call; pair in riparian area, ne.
Black Phoebe 5 riparian edges of lake.
Common Raven 8 flying around e side of lake.
Oak Titmouse 3 riparian and gardens, n, s.
Bushtit 20 vocal flock moving between Junipers and Cottonwoods, W.
Marsh Wren 1 calls from marsh, w.
Bewick's Wren 2 calls, sage scrub, ne; marsh-riparian, w.
Northern Mockingbird 3 along fence with Pyracantha, 5th St. E. entrance.
California Thrasher 1 calls, juniper woodland, w.
European Starling 10 on utility line, ne.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 30 brushy and open areas around the lake.
Common Yellowthroat 4 marsh-riparian, s, w nw; calls.
White-crowned Sparrow 40 (ad, imm) brushy areas and riparian edge around the lake; calls, song.
Song Sparrow 4 calls, marsh-riparian, se.
Red-winged Blackbird 6 flying over lake.
Great-tailed Grackle 1 calls, sw.
House Finch 40 brushy areas around the lake.
House Sparrow 20 entry road and clubhouse garden.
Weather: Fair, 45F to 63F; no wind; lake surface glassy.
Time: 0830 - 1150 hrs.
Area Covered: After initially scoping the lake from the bluff near the F&F clubhouse, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see above link for habitat descriptions). I carried and used a scope, 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. No fishermen or hunters were at the lake today; conditions were excellent for finding birds. Ducks and other waterbirds were found mostly around the edges of the lake. Numbers of Western and Clark's Grebe were much lower than previous counts this Fall. Aside from one Great Blue Heron, no other herons, bitterns or egrets were found today at the lake.
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 12 (m,f) scattered around the edges of the lake.
Mallard 8 (m,f) settling ponds, n.
Northern Shoveler 6 (m,f) central lake.
Northern Pintail 1 (f) dabbling in a settling pond, n.
Lesser Scaup 20 (m,f) most appeared to be resting around the edges of the lake; one seen diving.
Bufflehead 20 (m,f) swimming, diving, flying low over the lake.
Ruddy Duck 50 (m,f) most resting around the edges of the lake.
California Quail 20 two coveys, s and n.
Pied-billed Grebe 25 edges of the lake, near cattails.
Horned Grebe 4 n and nw section of the lake; pairs and singles.
Western Grebe 5 resting around the edges of the lake.
Clark's Grebe 1 nw section of the lake.
American White Pelican 1 resting on a floating stirrer platform, central-s; flying nw.
Double-crested Cormorant 10 on stirring platforms and swimming; diving.
Great Blue Heron 1 edge of marsh, e end of slough, s.
Sharp-shinned Haek 1 (imm) perched on tall Willow snag, nw; flew ne.
Cooper's Hawk 1 (ad) flushed from dense Willows, sw.
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) flushed from tall Cottonwood, se.
Red-tailed Hawk 4 (ad, imm) nw; ne, n; call, fly.
American Coot 500 around the edges of the lake.
Killdeer 7 settling ponds.
Least Sandpiper 8 foraging at edge of sediments and in boggy areas of settling ponds, n.
Ring-billed Gull 2 (ad) resting on lake, central.
California Gull 7 ( 5 ad, 2 C!) swimming, resting on lake, central.
Rock Pigeon 7 drinking at settling pond, n.
Mourning Dove 4 perched in Willow snag, nw.
Anna's Hummingbird 2 calls, e and n.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 calls from Willows, s slough; in Aleppo Pines, ne.
Northern Flicker 4 in tall Cottonwoods, s, n; calls.
Black Phoebe 3 edge of riparian, e, ne, n.
Say's Phoebe 3 open fields, nw, e, ne.
Common Raven 8 flying around lake.
Tree Swallow 10 flying east, low over s-central lake, dipping to surface.
Oak Titmouse 2 Cottonwoods, s, se, calls.
Bushtit 20 two noisy flocks; foraging in Cottonwoods, s; n.
Marsh Wren 2 marsh, s and se; calls.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 foraging near COBU in Cottonwoods and Junipers, s; calls.
Northern Mockingbird 3 around fruiting Pyracantha, 5th St.. E entrance, n; calls.
California Thrasher 1 on ground beneath Pyracantha, 5th St. E entrance, n.
European Starling 10 perched in tall, leafless trees, n; calls and song.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's (m,f) 12 individuals scattered around the lake in brushy and riparian areas.
Common Yellowthroat 2 (m,f) in Saltbush scrub at edge of roadway, nw; riparian, s; calls.
California Towhee 1 dove beneath juniper, se.
Song Sparrow 2 calls from marsh, se.
White-crowned Sparrow 40 (ad, imm) ubiquitous in brushy areas; calls.
Western Meadowlark 2 perched in tall Willow snag; flew into adjacent field, nw.
Great-tailed Grackle 3 (m,f) flew into marsh-riparian at w end of slough, se.
House Finch 20 (m,f) ubiquitous in brushy and riparian areas.
Lesser Goldfinch 2 calls from Cottonwoods, ne.
House Sparrow 10 5th St. East, under Pyracantha and on chain-link fence.
November 19, 2010 (38 Species)
Weather: Partly cloudy with increasing cloudiness; 49F to 54F. Winds WNW 5-12 mph.
Time: 0755 - 1030 hrs.
Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff across from the F&F clubhouse, I bicycled around the entire lake in a counter-clockwise direction, stopping at numerous locations to survey birds in terrestrial habitats and where views of the lake could be easily obtained. I carried a scope, monopod and DSLR camera in a backpack; using mostly a 10x42 binocular for the survey. Winds made detection of bird vocalizations difficult around the north and western portions of the lake; less so in the protected areas of the south, south-east. A few workers were present during the survey, in the northern and southeastern sections. Otherwise, there was no traffic around the lake on this non-hunting day (duck hunting days are still Wednesday and Sunday through January; fishing season has been suspended until February). Ducks, grebes and gulls were present on the lake, both around the edges and in the middle. Landbird activity (e.g. vocalizations) was noticably reduced; several common resident species (e.g. Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren and Bushtit) were not found during the survey. One rarity was found, Lesser Black-backed Gull (see notes below) at the jetty in the northwestern section of the lake, representing a new species for the Lake Palmdale bird list, now at 229.
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 20 (m,f) several small groups of 2 -5 birds around the edges of the lake; flighty.
Mallard 16 (m,f) staying close to riparian cover, ne; several dabbling in settling pond.
Lesser Scaup 30 (m,f) 2-3 fairly cohesive flocks in open water, nw and n.
Bufflehead 40 (m,f) pairs scattered over the entire lake, including among decoys.
Ruddy Duck 30 (m,f) individuals and small flocks scattered over the entire lake.
Common Loon 2 (m,f ?) a pair in the backwater slough, diving, brief contact calls, se.
Pied-billed Grebe 3 edge of lake, nw, w.
Eared Grebe 30 scattered over the entire lake, esp nw; diving.
Western Grebe 30 most along edge of lake; a few in deeper water, nw, w, s.
Clark's Grebe 10 seemingly limited to the edges of the nw section of the lake; definitely outnumbered by WEGR.
Double-crested Cormorant 6 resting on mid-lake floating stirrers; flying low over the lake.
Cooper's Hawk 1 (ad) active, calling and flying between trees, n.
Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) 1 on utility pole in adjacent yard, w.
Northern Harrier 1 (f) flying low over riparian strip, se.
American Coot 250 (est.) ubiquitous around the edges of the lake.
Killdeer 17 one flock resting in dried sediments of sediment ponts, n.
Least Sandpiper 37 foraging on edge of sediment flats, middle sediment pond, n. Highest count for LESA at LP this season .
Ring-billed Gull 13 (ad) resting in middle of lake; flock gaining altitude above lake.
California Gull 70 (90 % ad; 3-4 C1-C3), resting in middle of lake.
Herring Gull 1 (ad) with CAGU in middle of lake.
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) 1 (1st Cycle): 0840 hrs. First seen with unaided eyes as the bird was taking flight (no view of the stationary bird was obtained) from the terminal (se) end of jetty in the northwestern section of LP; then with my 10x42 binocular, I observed the bird flying low towards me just above eye-level ( within about 30 feet ), slowly gaining altitude and heading nw into the wind. No other gulls nearby (but see above notes). Observed for about 30 seconds (15 seconds at close range in flight). Not enough time to remove my camera from the backpack for a photo. This is a species of gull which I am familiar with from numerous visits to Europe.
Characteristics Noted: Long, narrow wings; initial flight into the wind appeared rather acrobatic, twisting, with deep wing strokes, suggesting a small, agile gull species; overall appearance was medium-sized Larus sp. (e.g. CAGU) with a slender build; all black bill appearing medium -sized (e.g. HEGU); head predominantly pale-colored. Dark area around eyes; iris color not seen. Upper wings with uniform dark primaries; outer wing contrasting with lighter inner wing, the latter showing variegation with whitish edges of tertials and wing coverts. Tail with conspicuous dark terminal band contrasting with wide whitish, lightly flecked base. Underparts whitish with dusky flecks; feet flesh-colored (not seen clearly).
Immediately after my survey of Lake Palmdale this morning, I telephoned Mark Scheel regarding this sighting (fewer than 5 accepted records for LACO), who posted the report on the LACO Yahoo list server. Later (1130 hrs.) I visited the entrance of the nearby Palmdale landfill (located about 2 miles nw of Lake Palmdale) finding no gulls of any kind on the ground or flying above the facility. However, I did not go far into the facility, e.g. where bulldozers continuously cover refuse with earth.
Mourning Dove 3 flushed from riparian area, nw.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 calls, riparian, se.
Northern Flicker (rs) 1 calling from leafless tree in F&F caretaker's yard, n.
Black Phoebe 8 riparian and brushy edges around the lake; calls.
Common Raven 6 on dam and flying around edge of lake, ne.
Oak Titmouse 1 calling from trees in caretaker's yard, n.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3 riparian and in fruiting Pyracantha, sw, n; calls.
Northern Mockingbird 2 in the usual location - defending fruiting Pyracantha bordering the entry F&F entry road(5th Street East), n.
American Pipit 1 calls, settling pond, n.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 20 (m,f) riparian areas around the lake; calls.
Common Yellowthroat 1 calls, marsh-riparian, nw.
Song Sparrow 3 fly, call, marsh-riparian, w ,sw.
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 brushy area at edge of Cottonwoods, s.
White-crowned Sparrow 30 brushy areas, riparian and edge throughout; calls and song.\
Dark-eyed Junco 1 calls, Mulberry grove next to junipers, n.
House Finch 5 riparian and brushy edge, ne.
House Sparrow 5 around clubhouse and garden, n.
Weather: Fair; 55F to 74F; winds calm; lake surface glassy. Unusually warm weather conditions have prevailed in southern California the past week (e.g. Santa Monica reached 90F yesterday, breaking previous records). Antelope Valley temperatures have ranged from the low 50's to low 80's F.
Time: 0750-1115 hrs.
Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, carrying and using a 35-55x scope & monopod, 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. I scoped the lake from the north, soutwest, south and northeast shore, covering all but the southeast corner. No boaters were on the lake during the survey; two small work parties were engaged in reparing docks; auto traffic around the lake consisted of three or four vehicles. Waterbirds were scattered over most of the lake; the greatest number along the edges. Ducks and coots were generally flighty and difficult to approach within about 200 feet. No herons, egrets and bitterns were found during the survey. Several birds of prey were noted, including Northern Harrier, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk and one unassigned falcon, possibly a Merlin. First of the season (FOS) birds of LP today were: Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, and Hermit Thrush.
BIRDS NOTED
Gadwall 6 (m,f) ne and s edge of lake; flighty.
American Wigeon 4 (m,f) nw and ne, near edge of lake.
Ring-necked Duck 1 (f) open water, nw; FOS for my Antelope Valley surveys this year.
Lesser Scaup 6 (m,f) diving in open water, ne. FOS for LP surveys this year.
Bufflehead 15 (m,f) diving, open water, e and w.
Ruddy Duck 100 (m,f) scattered around the edges of the lake.
California Quail 10 flushed near Palmdale Ditch inlet, s.
Pied-billed Grebe 15 (ad, imm) scattered around the lake.
Eared Grebe 30 scattered over the lake; diving.
Western Grebe 50 around the edges of the lake; repetitive calls (including high-pitched begging); displays.
Clark's Grebe 20 around the edges of the lake and mid-lake; silent. Individuals near flocks of WEGR.
Double-crested Cormorant 8 most on floating strirring platforms in middle of lake; some flying in from w (Calif. aqueduct?).
Cooper's Hawk 1 flushed from Cottonwoods, SE.
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 flushed from riparian, W.
Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad, imm) flying around lake; immature wary, easily flushed from se Cottonwoods.
Northern Harrier 1 (f) flying over s edge of lake; repetitive calls; landed in tall Willow, continuing to call.
Merlin ? 1 heavy-bodied falcon profile, flying away just above tree-line, w.
Virginia Rail 1 calls from marsh, s.
American Coot 150 scattered around edges of lake (flighty).'
Killdeer 5 in settling ponds and shorelines; calls.
Least Sandpiper 5 foraging on mudflat in settling pond, n.
Ring-billed Gull 3 (adult) mid-lake.
California Gull 20 (ad, imm: 90:10% ) resting on surface; flying to and from mid-lake.
Rock Pigeon 6 flying around adjacent housing tract, sw.
Mourning Dove 8 perched in dead Willows.
Anna's Hummingbird 2 (m) calls in Creosote Bush (nw) and Cottonwood, e.
Belted Kingfisher 3 fly, call around margins of lake.
Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 calls in Cottonwoods, se.
Northern Flicker 2 in Cottonwood, se; foraging on rocky slope of e side of dam.
Black Phoebe 6 riparian and open fields around the lake; calls and intraspecific chasing.
Western Scrub-jay 1 calls, sw.
Common Raven 10 flying around lake; perched in Aleppo Pine, ne.
Oak Titmouse 3 calls in riparian areas, n, w, s.
Bushtit, noisy flocks in riparian and juniper scrub.
Bewick's Wren 10 calls and song in brushy areas around the lake.
Marsh Wren 3 calls from marsh, sw and se.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4 calls in Cottonwoods and Juniper.
Hermit Thrush 1 flushed from shade beneath Juniper, s.
American Robin 1 calls from Mulberry grove next to clubhouse.
Northern Mockingbird 2 guarding fruiting Pyracantha along 5th St E entry road.
California Thrasher 2 calls and song from Juniper scrub, n and nw.
European Starling 3 in tall Cottonwood with dead branches; calls.
American Pipit 1 foraging on mudflat in settling pond.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 30 (m,f) ubiquitous; calls.
Common Yellowthroat 5 (m,f) calls from marsh-riparian edge, s, sw and ne.
Song Sparrow 10 pair feeding on Russian Thistle, w; calls from marsh and riparian.
White-crowned Sparrow 30 ubiquitous; calls and song.
Great-tailed Grackle 1 (m) fly, call, n.
House Finch 25 (m,f) large, vocal flock feeding on ground, ne.
Lesser Goldfinch 5 (m,f) feeding on dried sunflower heads, ne.
House Sparrow 10 around Pyracantha on 5th St. E.