Home > Field Notes > MALIBU LAGOON BIRD SURVEY

MALIBU LAGOON and LEGACY PARK, LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA

BIRD SURVEYS © Callyn Yorke

2012-2018 Bird Surveys (see below) Previous Bird Surveys: 2009-2012

Aerial view of Surfrider Beach, Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon, CA © 2009 Google Maps
L to R: Malibu Colony, Malibu Lagoon, Surfrider Beach, Adamson House, PCH, Malibu Pier.

Malibu Lagoon during the controversial ecological restoration project, viewing northwest from PCH bridge to Malibu Colony. Note lengthy new beach trail resulting from the elimination of the interior wooden bridges. Also destroyed and/ or dredged were the interior lagoons, mudflats, salt and freshwater marsh, riparian edges, saltbush scrub and coastal sage habitat (see 2009 aerial photo above and photos from my previous bird surveys). August 25, 2012

The restored lagoon is vulnerable to flooding during high tides and storms (see photos A&B below).

Southwest corner of restored Malibu Lagoon (A: viewing north; B: viewing southeast). Note high water level and flooding of new walkway April 14, 2013.

Index to Bird Surveys

April 21, 2018 Malibu Lagoon, Malibu Creek and Legacy Park (59 Species)

UCLA Extension Spring Birds of Southern California class Malibu Lagoon CA 21 April 2018

Weather: Fair; 49F to 70F; wind WNW 2 - 5 mph. Low tide @ 0730 hrs. (extreme - exposing an unusually large area of intertidal rocks). Surf 2 - 3ft.

Time: 0730 - 1330 hrs.

Observers: UCLA Extension Birds of Southern California class (six students and I).

Areas Covered: 1) Intially, we walked directly from Civic Center Way (CCW) to Malibu Lagoon State Beach (ML), continuing on the main pathway to the outer shore and Surfrider Beach (SB) to the Adamson House. We returned on the pathways around the west side of the lagoon, stopping at two observation decks to observe birds of the interior lagoon. 2) We continued out of ML and through the shopping center on Cross Creek Rd. (CCR) to its northern terminus at a gated community. We included a brief survey of the pruned trees in the shopping center parking lot which supported a small colony of nesting Great Egret. 3) We surveyed the lower segment of Malibu Creek (MC) from a small pathway along the west bank , between the PCH bridge and the approximate alignment with Civic Center Way. The creek and lagoon waters were largely stagnant, blocked by a sandbar and low tide at the mouth. Large fish (mullet?) were jumping out of the water repeatedly in the creek and lagoon. 4) After lunch in Legacy Park, we walked a clockwise loop on the interior marsh- streambed pathway around the park (LP), including a cursory inspection of adjacent ruderal fields to the north.

The usual crowds of weekend visitors were relatively small today, particularly in Malibu Lagoon. However, increasing numbers of people began arriving around 1000 hrs. in the vicinity of LP and CCR. One person was walking a large, leashed dog on the shore (ML and SB). Another individual was observed feeding gulls in the intertidal zone. No sign of a State Park ranger or other law enforcement officials was seen anywhere in the ML area during our visit. Many more individuals with leashed dogs were in LP, which, unfortunately for wildlife, has become a popular destination for dog owners. It should be noted that birds and other wildlife are readily disturbed by domestic dogs, whether leashed or unleashed.

Habitats surveyed were: Coastal sage (mostly replanted, e.g. LP and swc of ML); freshwater marsh (mainly LP and small, narrow patches bordering MC and ML); saltwater and brackish marsh (minimal around west edge of ML), mudflats (reclaimed landfill areas in the southwest cormer of ML), sandy shore (mainly SB), cobbled stones of an intertidal zone (SB - exposed at an extreme low tide to about 30 yards); offshore waters to about 200 yards; mature willow-sycamore riparian (northwest and east bank of MC) and immature (southwest bank of MC and perimeter of LP); gardens (e.g. shopping center and Malibu Colony) with mostly exotic flowering shrubs, trees and herbs and ruderal fields (e.g. bordering Stuart Ranch Rd. with mostly exotic grasses and herbs). Total area surveyed was about 70 acres (see Google Maps). Equipment used, primarily binoculars and DSLR cameras.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 8 (m,f) pairs around the edges of the creek and lagoon, ML, MC.

Mallard 20 (m,f) pairs and individuals around the edges of the creek, lagoon and marsh, ML, MC, LP.

Red-breasted Merganser 1 (f) repeatedly diving (not seen capturing a food item) in the swc of the lagoon, ML.

Western Grebe 1 swimming near shore and the pier, e SB.

Feral Rock Pigeon 20 a flock circling the park, LP, CCR.

Mourning Dove 2 flying low; perched in trees, LP, MC.

Allen's Hummingbird 2 (m) on conspicuos perch in tall shrubs, sw ML.

Anna's Hummingbird 1 (m) perched atop a seedling sycamore,at edge of coastal sage and marsh s LP.

Sora 1 vocal (unseen) early am, before class, LP (JH).

American Coot 3 swimming near shore, MC; LP.

Snowy Plover 1 (alt. plmg.) on outer shore at edge of intertidal rocks, SB.

Semipalmated Plover 6 (alt. plmg.) pairs and individuals foraging on mudflats and outer shore, ML, SB.

Killdeer 10 (ad, imm) including three precocial young running on shore, sw lagoon, ML.

Whimbrel 3 (trans. alt. plmg.) individuals foraging on shore of lagoon, beach and among stones exposed by low tide, ML, SB.

Marbled Godwit 5 gregarious; foraging at edge of intertidal zone, SB.

Least Sandpiper 8 (alt. plmg.) loosely gregarious while foraging on shore, ML, SB (photo).

Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutila) Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 21 April 2018

Western Sandpiper 5 (alt. plmg.) gregarious; foraging on outer shore and tidepools, SB (photo).

Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) Surfrider Beach Malibu LACO CA 21 April 2018

Spotted Sandpiper 1 flushed from edge of streambed, sw LP.

Willet 3 vocal, loosely gregarious while foraging on shore, ML, SB.

Ring-billed Gull 4 (ad, imm) on shore with CAGU, SB.

Western Gull 18 (ad, imm. C1, C3) ubiquitous; an adult gathering nest material from lagoon debris on shore, ML.

California Gull 6 (ad, imm) gregarious on outer shore, SB.

Glaucous-winged Gull 1 (C1/C2) - continuing? on outer shore with WEGU and CAGU, SB (photo - cf previous March 25, 2018 survey photo).

Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens) Surfrider Beach Malibu LACO CA 21 April 2018

Caspian Tern 18 (ad. alt plmg.) vocal, gregarious; one pair copulating separate from others; shoreline, s ML..

Royal Tern 4 (bsc. plmg.) individuals with ELTE on shore, flying over lagoon, s ML (photo).

Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus) far left; Elegant Terns (Thalasseus elegans) right; Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA

Elegant Tern 16 (alt. plmg.) vocal, gregarious (photo); two or more pairs copulating and showing a variety of courtship (facing at close proximity; angled, rotating head moves) on shore; small flocks flying to and from lagoon and offshore.

Black Skimmer 1 (ad; USFWS aluminum band on right foot) on shore, s island; resting, then flying low over lagoon. Apparently a different individual from an unbanded bird photographed here on March 25, 2018 (cf photos).

Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) Note: same individual in both images; USFWS band on r foot; Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 21 April 2018

Loon Gavia sp. 4 all similar, gray above, light below; individuals flying ne, low well offshore, SB.

Brandt's Cormorant 2 flying swiftly, low, ne, about 100 yards offshore.

Double-crested Cormorant 14 (ad. alt plmg.; imm) gregarious; perched on islets and snags; flying around lagoon and outer shore s ML.

Brown Pelican 40 (90% imm) gregarious; resting on islets and shore, s ML; flying offshore, SB.

Great Egret 8 (ad; alt. plmg.); one displaying with head pointed skyward; body plumes fully extended (photo); at least four, including pairs on nests in crowns of pruned deciduous trees - traditional roosts and colonial nest sites of GREG and BCNH (none of the latter found); one or two GREG sitting very low in nests, possibly incubating eggs; other individuals in adjacent row of eucalyptus (on n side of lot); main parking area was busy in nw corner of shopping center; GREG, showing remarkable site fidelity to the heavily trimmed trees at this location, were apparently undisturbed by pedestrian and automobile traffic below, CCR.

Great Egret (Ardea alba) Cross Creek Rd. shopping center, Malibu LACO CA 21 April 2018

Snowy Egret 6 (alt. plmg.) foraging on shore and in marsh; none observed nesting in area, ML, SB, LP.

Green Heron 1 (ad) flushed from marsh, e LP.

Turkey Vulture 2 soaring 20 - 200 ft. agl over park and adjacent hillsides, LP, CCW.

Nanday Parakeet vocal, gregarious; obserrved by others in the class, LP.

Black Phoebe 2 sallying from low perches near water, LP, ML.

California Scrub-Jay calls (unseen) e MC.

American Crow 8 vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous.

Tree Swallow 2 perched on a snag, e shoreline near PCH bridge, MC.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 8 gregarious, usually flying in pairs, low over a riparian, open water, ML, MC, LP.

Cliff Swallow 10 gregarious; gathering small bits of mud at edge of streambed, flying northward, and returning within a few minutes several times to same spot or nearby, repeating this activity, LP.

Barn Swallow 10 gregarious; flying 2 - 20 ft. agl over a land and water; perching on sprinkler risers, LP, MC, ML, SB.

Bushtit 4 individuals and pairs, vocal; brushy areas, ML, MC.

Marsh Wren 1 vocal in small patch of tules at sw edge of lagoon, ML.

Common Yellowthroat 2 (m,f) vocal; active in dense marsh and adjacent riparian shrubs, ML, LP.

Northern Mockingbird 4 vocal; gardens and ruderal areas with trees, fences and utility poles used for advertising song.

European Starling 2 flying to coral tree in adjacent garden, sw ML.

House Sparrow 1 (m) on ground with HOFI and SOSP, LP.

House Finch 20 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous in brushy areas.

Lesser Goldfinch 6 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, riparian and edge of coastal sage, ML, LP.

Spotted Towhee 2 vocal flying low over riparian border, sw ML.

California Towhee 6 vocal; individuals and pairs active in brushy areas and gardens throughout.

Song Sparrow 12 vocal; singing from exposed perches throughout.

Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco 1 on ground, parking area beneath trees, n CCR.

Hooded Oriole 1 (imm m) in coral tree, adjacent garden, sw ML.

Red-winged Blackbird 14 (m,f) vocal, gregarious; males on territories in and around marsh, LP.

Brewer's Blackbird 6 (m,f) in and around shopping center, pathways and streambed, CCR, LP.

Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) vocal; males in alt. plmg. forming mobile leks in tree seedlings around marsh, LP; on inner shore of lagoon, ML and in shopping area, CCR.

March 25, 2018 Legacy Park and Malibu Lagoon (75 Species)

Malibu Lagoon, viewing south east from dredged and replanted sw section 25 March 2018

Weather: Partly cloudy; 45F to 60F; wind WSW 2-5 mph.

Time: 0705-1110 hrs.

Areas Covered: 1) Malibu Lagoon (ML): I walked from the State Park entrance to the lagoon outflow at Surfrider Beach (SB) and back. The lagoon and shore area were quiet and relatively undisturbed by human activities. 2) Cross Creek Rd (CCR) and lower Malibu Creek (MC). I walked through the Malibu Village shopping center to the west bank of Malibu Creek, then north on CCR, surveying birds in ornamental trees (previous heron rookeries were now absent due to severely pruned trees), shrubs, riparian woodland -coastal sage borders, and open, running water in MC. The outflow to the sea was active, reducing the volume of MC and exposing mud and rocks along the edges. Relatively few waterbirds were in the creek, compared with the lagoon downstream of the PCH bridge. 3) Legacy Park (LP) and Stuart Ranch Rd (SRR). I walked a clockwise route around LP, surveying fresh water marsh and coastal sage. Several people were letting their dogs run freely through the marsh area and on the main pathway. I continued walking north to SRR via Civic Center Way (CCW). Two vacant lots with new, weedy growth were surveyed, along with bordering trees and shrubs. Auto traffic was becoming heavy in this area by 0930 hrs. A 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera were used for the survey.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Glaucous-winged Gull (1), Black Skimmer (1), Marsh Wren (1), and Belding's Savannah Sparrow.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 8 (m,f) pairs dabbling in shallows, w, s ML.

American Wigeon 12 (m,f) pairs dabbling in shallows, w, s ML.

Mallard 30 (m,f) vocal; pairs and individuals in shallows; flying; ubiquitous.

Northern Shoveler 1 (m) with AMWI in shallows, ML.

Surf Scoter 1 flying low, nw offshore, SB.

Red-breasted Merganser 5 (f) loosely gregarious; diving in open water; resting on small islets, ML.

Western Grebe 2 dead on inner shore of SB (photo).; recent die-offs of this species in Southern California, possibly related to toxic byproducts of bacterial decomposition, resulting from unusually warm oceanic temperatures.

Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) Surfrider Beach Malibu Los Angeles County CA 25 March 2018

Feral Rock Pigeon 12 ubiquitous; flying around; foraging on ground.

Mourning Dove 2 flying over, ML.

Anna's Hummingbird 1 (m) LP.

Allen's Hummingbird 2 (m,f) shrubs at edge of lagoon, ML; coastal sage, LP.

American Coot 80 ubiquitous in wetlands.

Black-bellied Plover 16 (bsc. plmg.) gregarious; on outer shore and in shoals, SB.

Snowy Plover 10 alt. plmg. (none banded); gregarious; foraging on outer shore with receding tide, SB; none found within the signed, roped off area designated for their protection (photo).

Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus) Surfrider Beach, Malibu Los Angeles County CA 25 March 2018

Killdeer 8 vocal; individuals and pairs on shore, ML, LP.

Whimbrel 2 (trans. alt. plmg.) foraging on outer beach, SB (photo).

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) Surfrider Beach Malibu Los Angeles County CA 25 March 2018

Ruddy Turnstone 5 (alt. plmg.) gregarious; foraging on outer beach and in shoals, SB (photo).

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) Surfrider Beach Malibu Los Angeles County CA 25 March 2018

Sanderling 30 bsc. plmg. gregarious; foraging on outer shore, SB (photo).

Sanderling (Calidris alba) Surfrider Beach Malibu Los Angeles County CA 25 March 2018

Western Sandpiper 2 (trans. alt. plmg). a pair foraging on outer beach and lagoon, SB, ML (photo).

Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) Surfrider Beach Malibu Los Angeles County CA 25 March 2018

Willet 10 (trans. alt. plmg.) individuals foraging on outer beach; a flock flying nw offshore, SB.

Ring-billed Gull 10 (ad, C1) on sandbar and inner beach, ML.

Western Gull 60 (90% ad; C1, C2 (2), C3 (5)) gregarious, ubiquitous.

California Gull 25 90% ad; C1, C2) gregarious; sandbar, ML.

Glaucous-winged Gull 1 C1 rather unhealthy looking with oiled, badly worn plumage; sandbar, ML (photo).

Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 25 March 2018

Caspian Tern 3 (ad) gregarious, on sandbar, ML.

Royal Tern 4 gregarious on outer shoals, SB (photo).

Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus) Surfrider Beach Malibu Los Angeles County CA 25 March 2018

Elegant Tern 2 flying low around s end of lagoon, ML.

Black Skimmer 1 (ad) resting on sandbar with gulls; flying low around lagoon, ML (photos).

Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) same individual in both images, Malibu Lagoon LACO CA 25 March 2018

Pacific Loon 2 flying together, low, nw offshore, SB.

Common Loon 1 open water about 100 yards offshore, SB.

Brandt's Cormorant 1 flying nw offshore, SB.

Double-crested Cormorant 20 (ad, imm) flying near shore; resting on snags, s ML.

Brown Pelican 16 (ad, imm) most resting on sandbar, s ML.

Great Blue Heron 4 on shore, ML; edge of marsh, LP.'

Great Egret around edges of the lagoon, ML.

Snowy Egret 6 in shallows around the edges of the lagoon, ML.

Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (ad- alt. plmg; imm) remaining together for an extended time period (at least 20 minutes) at edge of sw lagoon, ML (photo).

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) adult (l) and immature (r) Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 25 March 2018

Turkey Vulture 1 foraging for unidentified item on ground with Ravens and WEGU, SRR.

Osprey 1 circling the lagoon at 70- 100 ft. agl. ML

Cooper's Hawk 1 perched in eucalyptus at edge of field, SRR.

Red-shouldered Hawk vocal (unseen) east side of MC.

Belted Kingfisher 1 (m) vocal; flew to tree overhanging water, MC.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 vocal in sycamore, CCR.

Nanday Parakeet 5 vocal, gregarious; flew to tall sycamore, east MC.

Black Phoebe 6 solitary, vocal; sallying from low perches, natural and artificial, usually near water and marsh, LP, ML/SB (photo).

Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) Surfrider Beach Malibu Los Angeles County CA 25 March 2018

Say's Phoebe 1 vocal, CCR.

Cassin's Kingbird 3 vocal; one sallying to shore from low perch, ML, LP.

California Scrub-Jay vocal (unseen) SRR.

American Crow 20 ubiquitous; displaced at foraging site on ground by CORA and TUVU, SRR.

Tree Swallow 2 flying low, east acrosss lagoon with CLSW and VGSW, ML.

Violet-green Swallow 100 gregarious; flying low (2-30 ft. agl), back and forth over lagoon, shore, marsh, ML, SB.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 12 pairs and individuals foraging low ( 2- 15 ft. agl) with other swallows, ML.

Cliff Swallow 80 flying at a large range of heights, (2 - 200 ft. agl) over entire lagoon area, ML, LP..

Barn Swallow 20 individuals and pairs flying low (< 10 ft. agl) over water, shore and marsh; perched on dry sprinklers, ML (photo).

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 25 March 2018

Oak Titmouse 2 repeated song in trees on w bank of MC; CCR (photo).

Oak Titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus) Lower Malibu Creek, Malibu Los Angeles County CA 25 March 2018

Bushtit 4 gregarious, vocal; shrubs beneath sycamores, nw ML.

Marsh Wren 1 repeated song; secretively moving on ground in small, isolated patch of dried cattails on mudflats near s observation deck, ML (photo).

Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 25 March 2018

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 6 very active foraging in halophytic and other shrubs, ML; LP (photo).

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 25 March 2018

Wrentit vocal (unseen) east side of MC.

Northern Mockingbird 5 vocal, ubiquitous, esp. near settlements.

House Sparrow 4 around cafes and parking lots, CCR.

American Pipit 1 vocal (unseen) flying over shore, SB.

House Finch 20 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous.

Lesser Goldfinch 2 vocal, ML, LP.

Orange-crowned Warbler 5 ubiquitous in tall shrubs and leafy deciduous trees; often foraging with YRWA (photo).

Orange-crowned Warbler (Oreothlypis celata) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 25 March 2018

Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 25 (m,f; many m in alt. plmg.) gregarious, vocal (calls) ubiquitous.

Common Yellowthroat 4 (m,f) vocal in tall vegetation usually close to water and marsh, ML, LP.

California Towhee 1 on ground with WCSP at edge of path in coastal sage, LP.

Belding's Savannah Sparrow 1 foraging in low vegetation and in open on mudflat, near sw observation deck ML (photo).

Belding's Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 25 March 2018

Song Sparrow 4 vocal; edge of lagoon in tall shrubs, ML.

Lincoln's Sparrow 1 edge of walkway in tall shrubs, ML.

White-crowned Sparrow 30 vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous in open areas next to dense cover.

Red-winged Blackbird 20 (m,f) vocal in marsh and adjacent small sycamores, LP.

Brewer's Blackbird 6 (m,f) in shopping center around cafes, CCR.

Great-tailed Grackle 12 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, CCR, ML, LP.

Western Meadowlark 1 flying low over revegetated island wetland, sw ML.

November 20-21, 2017 Point Dume, Malibu Lagoon, Legacy Park, Zuma Creek (79 Species)

Viewing northeast from Pt. Dume, Malibu, Los Angeles County CA 20 November 2017

Weather: Partly cloudy to fair; 54F to 75F; winds variable, SSE, W, WNW 2 - 10 mph; seas generally calm; high tide @ 0900-1000 hrs. , surf 1-2 ft.

Time: 0700- 1200 hrs.

Areas Covered: 1) Pt. Dume Nature Reserve (PD): I walked the sandy trails throughout the reserve, surveying birds in an area of about 10 acres of coastal sage bluff, adjacent suburban gardens with exotic flowering vegetation, and offshore waters to a distance of about 0.5 mi., using a 10 x 42 binocular. The reserve was fairly quiet and undisturbed by human activities during my Monday morning visit (20 Nov. 0700-0845 hrs.). 2) Legacy Park (LP). I walked the trails through the park, surveying birds in about 10 acres of grassland, freshwater marsh (water level in pond and stream moderately high), restored coastal sage and riparian habitats. Several visitors with leashed and unleashed dogs (photo) were present in the park during my survey (20 Nov. 1055-1120 hrs.). 3) Malibu Lagoon (ML): I walked the paths through the restored lagoon area to Surfrider Beach (SB) and back, surveying birds in the lagoon, saltwater marsh, sandy beach and nearshore waters. Most of the accessible areas were occupied by visitors, including a few surfers and sunbathers (20 Nov. 1130-1245 hrs; 21 Nov. 0950-1150 hrs.). 4) Zuma Creek (ZC), Zuma Lagoon (ZL - an ecological restoration patch), Zuma Beach and nearshore waters (ZB). I walked on roadways bordering Zuma Creek, from the residential area on the north side of the intersection of PCH and Westward Beach Rd., to the outer shore, surveying a riparian strip (sycamore- willow) within the ZC drainage (largely dry in the upper half), suburban gardens with flowering vegetation, freshwater-brackish marsh bordering a small closed lagoon at the mouth of ZC, sandy beach, shoreline, and nearshore waters to about 0.25 mi. offshore, using a 10x 42 binocular. Relatively few people were present during the survey; two homeless encampments with sleeping occupants were observed at ZC and ZL (21 Nov. 0700-0820 hrs.). 5) Pacific Coast Highway between Pt. Mugu (VECO) and Legacy Park, while in transit between the above locations (PCH: 20 & 21 Nov. 0700- 1300 hrs.).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 1 (m) resting at s edge of lagoon ML.

American Wigeon 7 (m,f) dabbling at e edge of lagoon, ML.

Mallard 20 (m,f) ZL, ZC; 8 LP (photo); 2 ML.

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) female Legacy Park Malibu Los Angeles County CA 21 November 2017

Blue-winged Teal 1 (f) swimming in main pond, LP.

Surf Scoter 8 (m,f) gregarious; diving near rocks at Pt. Mugu State Beach, PCH (photo).

Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) Pt. Mugu State Beach, VECO CA 20 Nov. 2017

Bufflehead 1 (m) swimming in open water, s ML.

Ruddy Duck 1 (f) swimming in lagoon, ZL.

Pied-billed Grebe 1 swimming in open water, sw ML.

Western Grebe 120 offshore, ZC; 6 ML.

Clark's Grebe 1 swimming in open water, s ML.

Feral Rock Pigeon 100 ubiquitous in developed areas.

Eurasian Collared Dove 3 PD; 4 ML/LP.

Mourning Dove 1 ZC; 2 LP.

Anna's Hummingbird 4 PD; 2 ZC; 2 LP; 1 ML.

Allen's Hummingbird 3 ZC.

Sora 1 flushed from edge of marsh, LP.

American Coot 30 ZC, ZL; 10 LP; 30 ML.

Black-bellied Plover 40 mostly resting on inner shore, s ML.

Pluvialis sp. c.f. P. dominica 1 imm. ID: compared with nearby BBPL-- plumage appeared slightly darker brownish gray overall with fine spotting on breast; relatively shorter and smaller in overall size; smalll, rounded head and thin bill; conspicuous white supercilium extending into forecrown; long primary projection. Standing on inner shore of s ML (photo).

Pluvialis sp. c.f. P. dominica immature (left foreground), BBPL in basic plmg. behind to right

Snowy Plover 16 (none seen with leg bands) resting and well-concealed in deep sandy depressions behind high tide line, s ML/SB.

Killdeer 4 foraging on edge of drainage LP ; 4 on shore, sw ML.

Whimbrel 6 gregarious, on shore, SB.

Marbled Godwit 70 resting on shore, s ML.

Ruddy Turnstone 6 mostly resting on shore in a crowd of gulls and other shorebirds birds, s ML.

Sanderling 4 on outer and inner shore, s ML, SB.

Least Sandpiper 2 foraging on inner shore, s ML.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 foraging on inner shore, s ML.

Willet 30 most resting on inner shore, s ML.

Bonaparte's Gull 1 on inner shore of lagoon, s ML.

Heermann's Gull 4 (ad) flying by cliffs, PD; around lagoon, ZL and outer beach ZB; 10 (ad) inner shore, s ML.

Ring-billed Gull 4 (ad, imm) around lagoon, ZL; 6 (ad, imm) on shore, s ML, SB.

Western Gull 120 (95 % ad.) gregarious, ubiquitous near water; two badly oiled on outer beach, ZB.

California Gull 30 (95 % ad.) gregarious, ubiquitous near water.

Royal Tern 7 gregarious, on shore, s ML/SB.

Common Loon 1 diving outside of surf zone, ZB.

Brandt's Cormorant 10 flying low over ocean surface offshore, PD.

Double-crested Cormorant 20 (ad, imm) resting on shore and on snag in lagoon, ML.

Brown Pelican 50 gregarious, ubiquitous around outer shore.

Great Blue Heron 4 edge of lagoon, ML.

Snowy Egret 10 gregarious and solitary, edge of lagoon, ML; 2 foraging in shallows, LP; one in lagoon, ZL.

Turkey Vulture 1 soaring over PCH.

Osprey 1 leisurely flying 80-100 ft. agl over, w ML.

Cooper's Hawk 1 (imm) flushed from dense cover in coastal sage, PD.

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 calls (unseen) Pt. Mugu campground, PCH.

Nuttall's Woodpecker calls (unseen) upper ZC.

Black Phoebe 10 ubiquitous; solitary; sallying from low perches in a wide variety of vegetation.

Say's Phoebe 1 flying low over grassland and vacant lot, LP.

Cassin's Kingbird 1 flew to young sycamore at edge of parking area, LP; 1 flying 100 ft. agl north, ZC.

California Scrub-Jay 2 hillside coastal sage, ZC; calls, upper Malibu Creek.

American Crow 40 gregarious, ubiquitous.

Horned Lark 1 foraging alone on bare ground on cliff overlook, PD (photo).

Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) Pt. Dume, Malibu Los Angeles County CA 20 November 2017

Bushtit 8 vocal, gregarious; foraging in riparian patch, ZC; 6 foraging in coastal sage, PD. 6 foraging in replanted and restored coastal sage scrub, LP (photo).

Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus) Legacy Park Malibu Los Angeles County CA 20 Nov 2017

Rock Wren 1 (imm) on outer edge of cliff in low coastal sage growth, PD (photo).

Rock Wren (Salpinctes obsoletus) Pt. Dume Malibu Los Angeles County CA 20 November 2017

House Wren 1 foraging in willows on trimmed edge of roadside riparian patch, ZC; vocal, active in coastal sage scrub, LP; 1 riparian strip, sw ML.

House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) Zuma Creek Malibu Los Angeles County CA 21 November 2017

Marsh Wren 1 calls (unseen) LP.

Bewick's Wren 3 vocal, staying well concealed in coastal sage, PD.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3 PD; 2 LP. 1 ML.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 21 November 2017

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 vocal, PD.

Wrentit 2 vocal (unseen) PD.

Western Bluebird 4 fenced enclosure at edge of riparian patch and marsh, ZC.

Hermit Thrush 2 vocal, riparian patch, ZC.

California Thrasher 1 vocal (calls) coastal sage, PD.

Northern Mockingbird 1 vocal, saltbush scrub adjacent to Malibu Colony gardens, ML.

European Starling 5 gregarious, n edge of ML.

House Sparrow 6 PD.

House Finch 30 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous.

Lesser Goldfinch calls (ZC); 5 foraging on roadside composites with dry fruiting heads, PD.

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 foraging in willows, ZC.

Common Yellowthroat 2 Z C, ZL; 4 vocal, LP.

Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 50 (m,f) vocal (calls), gregarious, ubiquitous.

Townsend's Warbler 1 in eucalyptus at edge of garden, PD.; 2 in subcanopy of syacamores, ZC.

Spotted Towhee 4 in sugar bush and other shrubs, coastal sage, PD (photo).

Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) Pt. Dume Los Angeles County CA 20 November 2017

California Towhee 2 ZC; 2 LP; 1 ML.

Song Sparrow 4 ZC; 4 LP.

Lincoln's Sparrow 1 ZC.

White-crowned Sparrow 25 PD; 10 LP, 8 ZC.

Red-winged Blackbird 4 LP.

Brewer's Blackbird 2 PD; 4 LP and adjacent shopping center.

Great-tailed Grackle 4 on shore, s ML/SB.

October 7, 2017 Malibu Lagoon and Legacy Park (77 Species)

Surfrider Beach, Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County CA 7 October 2017

Weather: Partly cloudy, clearing by 0830 hrs. 55F to 82F; winds calm. High tide @ 1100 hrs., Surf 5 - 10 ft.

Time: 0630-1308 hrs.

Observers: UCLA Extension Autumn Birds of Southern California class (8 students) and I.

Areas Covered: 1) Legacy Park (0630-0745 hrs.; 1215-1308 hrs.- LP): Prior to the beginning of the class, I walked a counter-clockwise circuit around the park, surveying grassland,chaparral, early successional riparian, freshwater marsh, artificial pond and stream. Subsequently, (12:15- 1308 hrs.) I was joined by several students after class for another bird survey of LP. The water level of the artificial stream and pond was high with dense growth of tule and perimeter sedge grasses; little exposed shoreline-mudflat remained. Adjacent grassland, early riparian and heavy coastal chaparral growth provided good foraging opportunities and cover for seedeaters and insectivorous birds.

Great Egret (Ardea alba) Legacy Park, Malibu, Los Angeles County CA 7 October 2017

Generally, the coastal chaparral restoration and wetland landcaping of LP have been successful in attracting a large variety of native bird species to this area. However, episodic vegetation removal, drainage and inundation, is a detrimental management policy for resident and migratory birds. In simple terms, minimal habitat and wildlife disturbance, especially of the wetland area, would be the best management policy.

2) Civic Center Way (CCW) and Cross Creek Rd (CCR): We walked on CCW from LP to CCR, surveying gardens, an open, ploughed field, a row of Ficus trees, clusters of eucalyptus and other ornamental trees along the roadway. One fruiting loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) in particular, at the north end of CCR, attracted a variety of birds. 3) Continuing southward, we inspected pruned Ficus trees in the Malibu shopping center, for roosting herons (none found), then on to the west bank of Malibu Creek (MC). The water level was high due to sandbar dam at Surfrider Beach; with almost no exposed shoreline along the creek. Relatively few waterbirds were found in the creek, north of the PCH overpass. By contrast, the restored riparian strip along the west bank of MC (together with the undisturbed riparian growth on the east bank) provides abundant cover for birds. Unfortunately, this and adjacent coastal chaparral areas, continue to be popular homeless camps. 4) Malibu Lagoon (ML) and Surfrider Beach (SB): Here, we walked slowly, stopping frequently to observe birds using a spotting scope and binoculars in the bordering coastal chaparral, lagoon, tiny patches of marsh, inner shore and offshore waters.

Most of the birdlife was found within the fenced-protected shoreline area between the lagoon and SB. Relatively few birds were seen on or near the dredged backwater and landfill islands in the western section of the lagoon, where a thriving estuarine marsh occurred prior to the the restoration. Dabbling ducks and marsh birds once common in this backwater section of ML, e.g. Green-winged Teal, Black-crowned Night Heron, Short-billed Dowitcher, Sora, Marsh Wren, Red-winged Blackbird, are scarce, transitory, or entirely absent due to unsuitable habitat, i.e. lack of foraging substrates and inadequate cover. In terms of overall abundance, diversity and sustainability of waterbirds at ML, the dredge, fill and revegetation project has been a dismal failure (see 2009-2012 survey notes).

By contrast, Surfrider Beach, together with the south shore of ML, was left largely intact during the restoration project, and continues to provide (largely due to protective fencing) suitable habitat for migratory shorebirds (e.g. Black-bellied Plover, Whimbrel, Marbled Godwit, Willet, Elegant Tern), and notably, the recent (2017) nesting of a few Snowy Plover and California Least Tern.

High surf and tide, combined with crowds of surfers and beach-goers, discouraged us from approaching the eastern edge of SB. We scoped the shoreline and lagoon from the central area, but may have missed counting some of the smaller shorebirds, e.g. Snowy Plover, at the southeast edge of the lagoon. Noteworthy for this area, was a surface school of steelhead trout and other fish, e.g. mullet, at the sandbar of SB, as it was being breached by the incoming tide and high surf. Some relatively large, e.g. 5 lb., trout were observed flopping around in the shoals, amongst dozens of spectators, including some trying to capture the fish by hand. The fish frenzy attracted a number of bird species to the area, including a pair of Osprey, several Double-crested Cormorant and Brown Pelican, and most surprisingly, a flock of six American White Pelican.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, American White Pelican (6), Ridgway's Rail (1-cont.), Black-headed Grosbeak (1) and Lawrence's Goldfinch (3).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 16 (m,f) pairs and small flocks dabbling in shallows, LP, ML.

Cinnamon Teal 3 (f) dabbling in main pond, LP.

Green-winged Teal 2 (f) dabbling with CITE, LP; 2 (f), flushed from open water (possibly the same birds as LP), rsw ML.

Ruddy Duck 7 (bsc. plmg.) resting together in open water near bridge, ML.

Pied-billed Grebe 2 diving near shore, sw ML.

Eared Grebe 1 (imm) diving near shore, sw ML.

Western Grebe 10 a scattered flock offshore, SB.

Aechmophorus sp. (probably occidentalis) 1 showing a largely white face but with a partial, faded black area reaching the eye; open water, ML.

Double-crested Cormorant 15 (ad, imm) flying low; s and sw edge of lagoon; diving near shore and sandbar breach, ML.

American White Pelican 6 a cohesive flock flying in at about 1110 hrs., low from west, alighting in shallow, fenced area near fish frenzy breach,s; but not observed feeding, ML.

American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 7 Oct 2017

Brown Pelican 8 (ad, imm) around edges of lagoon; circling over sandbar breach at high tide, ML.

Great Blue Heron 3 individuals at edge of lagoon on fill island and sandbar, ML.

Great Egret 3 individuals foraging in marsh (LP); in flight; standing at edge of lagoon, LP, ML.

Snowy Egret 3 individuals foraging (one stirring with its feet in shallows of stream - photo) (LP); edge of lagoon, and at sandbar breach, s ML.

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) Legacy Park, Malibu Los Angeles County CA 7 October 2017

Osprey 2 (ad, imm) an immature perched on low snag on s shore of lagoon while an adult repeadly circled lagoon and outer shore; not observed with any fish prey, ML, SB (photo).

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) immature, Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County CA 7 October 2017

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) vocal; flying n, low over marsh, @ 0645 hrs.LP.

Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) perched about 20 ft. agl on outer limb, then flying from tall eucalyptus at edge of field, CCR.

American Kestrel 1 perched on leafless tree overlooking east riparian strip, MC.

Ridgway's Rail 1- continuing (ID: possibly a first-year bird; relatively large, bicolored bill; buffy-gray cheeks; long, thin white barring on sides). Observed by all for several minutes, as it rested in full sunlight at base of tule marsh; a RIRA was reportedly at this location earlier this week, se LP. Note: Initially mistaken for a Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) due to its hunched posture, producing a relatively small profile. A review of photos showed the features noted above (photo).

Ridgway's Rail (Rallus obsoletus) Legacy Park, Malibu LACO CA 7 Oct 2017

American Coot 4 dabbling in main pond, LP; 15 edge and open water of lagoon, ML.

Black-bellied Plover 60 (all but one in bsc. plmg.), resting in fenced- protected area of beach and edge of lagoon, SB.

Snowy Plover 20 in fence-protected area of beach and edge of lagoon, SB.

Killdeer 8 vocal, gregarious; often paired on shore and in field, LP, ML.

Willet 16 with MAGO on edge of lagoon in fenced-protected area, SB.

Whimbrel 6 resting and foraging among BBPL and other shorebirds in fenced-protected area, SB.

Marbled Godwit 30 resting and foraging on s shore of lagoon in fenced-protected area, SB.

Ruddy Turnstone 3 foraging together on s shore of lagoon in fenced-protected area, SB.

Western Sandpiper 1 foraging on shore in fenced-protected area, SB.

Least Sandpiper 3 foraging on shore of fill island, sw ML.

Heermann's Gull 9 (ad) resting on shore in fenced-protected area, SB.

Ring-billed Gull 3 (ad, imm) resting on shore with HRGU and CAGU in fenced-protected area, SB.

Western Gull 60 (90% ad); vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous.

California Gull 10 (ad, imm) resting with other gulls in fence-protected area, SB.

Caspian Tern 3 (ad, imm) vocal when flying low over lagoon; resting together in fenced-protected area, SB.

Royal Tern 3 (ad) with ELTE, resting on shore in fence-protected area, SB.

Elegant Tern 8 (ad, imm) with ROTE and CATE; resting on shore in fence-protected area; flying near and offshore, SB.

Feral Rock Pigeon 12 gregarious, ubiquitous.

Mourning Dove 1 flying low over open field, LP.

Nanday (Black-hooded) Parakeet 55, several small ,vocal flocks observed flying around LP and MC all morning; gathering together in canopies of deciduous trees on east bank of MC (photo).

Nanday Parakeet (Aratinga nenday) Malibu Creek, Malibu Los Angeles County CA 7 October 2017

Anna's Hummingbird 1 (m) perched in young sycamore, LP.

Allen's Hummingbird 1 ML, (YBH).

Belted Kingfisher 1 vocal; flying from low branches overhanging east bank of MC.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 calls (unseen) north end of CCR.

Black Phoebe 2 sallying from low perches, LP.

Say's Phoebe 2: 1 on sign at edge of field; 1 on utility pole, CCW.

Cassin's Kingbird 1 vocal; with YRWA, OCWA, BHGB, having difficulties consuming a dry loquat fruit, n CCR (photo).

Cassin's Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans) Malibu, Los Angeles County CA 7 October 2017

California Scrub-Jay 2 vocal; flying to tall tree in shopping center, CCR; in trees at edge of riparian strip, MC.

American Crow 8 vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous.

Barn Swallow 4 flying together, low over s lagoon and beach, ML; SB.

Oak Titmouse 2 vocal; in trees and tall shrubs, CCR, CCW.

Bushtit 8 vocal, gregarious; flying between shrubs in riparian strip on west bank, MC.

Bewick's Wren 2 vocal; foraging in low shrubs, LP.

House Wren 1 vocal; in low shrubs at e end of LP.

Marsh Wren 2 vocal in marsh, LP; one singing from an exposed perch in a tiny patch of tules, sw ML (photo).

Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris) Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 7 October 2017

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3 vocal, gregarious; a pair foraging together in 7 ft. willows at edge of field and marsh, LP (photo).

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) Legacy Park, Malibu Los Angeles County CA 7 Oct 2017

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 individuals foraging in a variety of shrubs and trees with YRWA and BGGN, CCR, LP.

Wrentit 1 vocal (unseen) MC (YBH).

Western Bluebird 1 flying to ground beneath fruiting loquat tree, CCR.

Northern Mockingbird 1 vocal, edge of parking area and riparian strip, MC.

European Starling 20 vocal, gregarious; on utility lines on s side of PCH, ML.

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 foraging in loquat tree with YRWA, CCR.

Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 30 (m,f) vocal (calls), gregarious; ubiquitous; foraging in a wide variety of shrubs, trees, sometimes on the ground; often in msf with other warblers, sparrows and wrens.

Common Yellowthroat 5 (m,f) vocal; in marsh and adjacent chaparral, LP, ML.

Wilson's Warbler 1 (m) seen briefly in outer foliage of a eucalyptus, adjacent to fruiting loquat with YRWA, CCR.

California Towhee 1 vocal, shrubs at edge of LP.

Spizella sp. (probably passerina) flushed from sedges at edge of stream; flew to distant perch in sycamore, LP.

Savannah Sparrow 6 gregarious; foraging on ground in grassy areas, LP.

Song Sparrow 5 vocal; shrubby borders and edge of marsh, LP, ML.

White-crowned Sparrow 7 vocal, gregarious; shrubby borders and edge of marsh, LP.

Black-headed Grosbeak 1 (f) foraging in fruiting loquat with YRWA, CCR.

Red-winged Blackbird 12 (m,f) vocal, gregarious; in marsh, LP.

Western Meadowlark 8 gregarious; sedge border of stream, LP; landfill revegetation areas, ML.

Brewer's Blackbird 6 (m,f) in and around gardens of shopping center, CCR.

Great-tailed Grackle 5 (m,f) flying over, LP; edge of lagoon and outer shore; one male on the beach repeatedly giving a series of single-note, sparrow-like chirp calls.

House Finch 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; a small flock feeding on seeds of halophytic shrubs in revegetated area (photo).

House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) female, Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County CA 7 Oct 2017

Lesser Goldfinch (m,f) 16 vocal, gregarious; a large flock alighting in the canopy of a sycamore, LP.

Lawrence's Goldfinch (m,f) 3 in a small willow at east edge of pond, LP.

House Sparrow 10 (m,f) in and around shopping center and adjacent developments, CCR, ML.

September 9, 2017 Malibu Lagoon and Legacy Park (60 Species)

Weather: Overcast to partly cloudy; 65F to 74F; wind WNW 2 - 5 mph. High tide @ 0900 hrs. Surf 1-2 ft.

Time: 0740- 1219 hrs.

Areas Covered: Malibu Lagoon (ML) and Surfrider Beach (SB); Lower Malibu Creek (MC); Cross Creek Rd. (CCR); Legacy Park (LP). I walked from the construction area on Civic Center Way (CCW) to Malibu Lagoon and back, briefly stopping on the west bank of Malibu Creek. Continuing westward, I circled Legacy Park once. Water levels were high in MC, ML and LP. Almost no shoreline was exposed in those areas; the inlet and main LP pond were completely full with murky water. Agricultural-type sprinklers connected to a large generator and pump, were soaking the east end of LP. The north half of Surfrider Beach, adjacent to ML was sectioned off with temporary pvc fencing and posted with no trespassing and other signs indicating a protected area for Western Snowy Plover and California Least Tern (see below). Increasing numbers of visitors arrived at ML by 0930 hrs, including about 25 surfers. Legacy Park was without much birdlife.

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 16 (m,f) vocal, ubiquitous; pairs and loose flocks.

Northern Shoveler 1 (f) dabbling in shallows near shore at the s end of ML.

Pied-billed Grebe 1 diving near shore, sw ML.

Western Grebe 2 resting in open water and near shore, s ML.

Brandt's Cormorant 1 on offshore rocks, SB.

Double-crested Cormorant 18 (ad, imm) resting on shore, s ML; flying over lagoon and offshore; individuals diving in lagoon and MC.

Brown Pelican 8 (ad, imm) standing on shore with DCCO, s ML; flying near shore, SB.

Great Blue Heron 2 on shore and perched on snag, s, sw ML.

Great Egret 4 edge of marsh, LP, ML.

Snowy Egret 12 (2 in alt. plmg.)ubiquitous; pairs and loose flocks foraging in shallows.

Cattle Egret 1 flying sw over s ML.

Green Heron 1 in shady margin of creek, e bank of MC.

American Coot 16 loose flocks foraging near shore, s ML; MC.

Black-bellied Plover 50 (ad; imm; 90% bsc. plmg. a few in alt. and trans. bsc. plmg.) a fairly cohesive flock resting on upper beach within the protected fenced area, s ML, SB.

Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) Malibu Lagoon-Surfrider Beach, LACO CA 9 Sept. 2017

Snowy Plover 12 (ad, imm.) scattered over the entire protected fenced area; LETE nearby; some SNPL feeding at s edge of lagoon, SB (photo).

Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) Malibu Lagoon- Surfrider Beach, LACO CA 9 Sept. 2017

Semipalmated Plover 2 foraging on s shore of lagoon within protected fenced area, ML-SB.

Killdeer 6 (ad, imm) vocal; gregarious, ubiquitous at water's edge.

American Avocet 1 (bsc. plmg.) 1 resting on shore within protected fenced area, s ML -SB.

Spotted Sandpiper 2 flying; foraging on shore, s ML - SB.

Willet 12 (ad, imm; bsc. & trans. bsc. plmg.) vocal, gregarious; on inner lagoon and outer shore, ML - SB.

Whimbrel 7 a cohesive flock alighting on s shore of lagoon within protected fenced area ; foraging in shallows, ML - SB.

Marbled Godwit 1 foraging in shallows within protected fenced area, s ML - SB.

Ruddy Turnstone 6 (ad, imm; bsc. plmg.) gregarious; foraging in dry and wet wrack within and outside the protected fenced area, ML, SB.

Sanderling 1 (trans. bsc. plmg.) resting in sand depression protected fenced area with SNPL and BBPL, SB.

Least Sandpiper 3 (ad, imm) on shore within protected fenced area, s ML-SB.

Short-billed Dowitcher 3 (imm) resting on shore within protected fenced area, s ML-SB.

Heermann's Gull 7 (ad; bsc. plmg.) gregarious; on shore within and outside of protected fenced area, ML - SB.

Western Gull 25 (ad, imm) ubiquitous, greagarious.

California Gull 8 (ad, imm) on shore and in shallows, s ML.

Least Tern 4 (2 ad; 2 imm) on beach within protected fenced area (ph); flying and diving offshore, ML-SB.

Elegant Tern 3 (ad, imm) gregarious; on shore in protected fenced area; flying over lagoon and offshore, ML-SB.

Caspian Tern 7 (ad) vocal, gregarious; resting on shore in protected fenced area, ML-SB; flying over lagoon.

Feral Rock Pigeon 50 gregarious, ubiquitous, esp. LP, Stuart Ranch Rd fields,and CCW.

Mourning Dove 3 gregarious; on ground n LP.

Allen's Hummingbird 2 (m,f) foraging on flowering exotics and native herbs, CCW, ML.

Anna's Hummingbird 1 vocal in willows and saltbush scrub at edge of lagoon, sw ML.

Belted Kingfisher 1 (f) vocal; flying low over ne side of creek, MC.

Black Phoebe 4 vocal; intraspecific flight aggression, LP.

Cassin's Kingbird 1 vocal; in sapling sycamores, LP.

California Scrub-Jay 4 vocal, gregarious, MC, CC.

American Crow 10 vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous.

Common Raven 1 flying over CC toward ML.

Barn Swallow 10 vocal, gregarious; foraging 5- 50 ft. agl over vegetation and open water, LP, ML.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 foraging 5 -25 ft. agl over sw corner of ML.

Tree Swallow 2 foraging 20-80 ft. agl over adjacent golf course, sw ML.

Bushtit 8 vocal, gregarious; foraging in native shrubs and planted oaks, LP, ML.

House Wren 5 vocal, active in brushy areas, LP, ML.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher calls (unseen) patchy shrub next to sidewalk; nearby vocal flock of BUSH, n LP.

Northern Mockingbird 2 active in shrubs at edge of lagoon, sw ML.

European Starling 6 gregarious; foraging on lawns of adjacent golf course, sw ML.

Common Yellowthroat 6 (m,f) vocal, gregarious; brushy areas, LP, ML.

Spotted Towhee 1 flushed from dense brush cover, swc ML.

California Towhee 4 calls from dense brushy areas, LP, sw ML.

Song Sparrow 6 vocal; ubiquitous in dense brushy areas.

Red-winged Blackbird calls (unseen) garden with mature trees, CC.

Brewer's Blackbird 10 (m,f) foraging on walkways, CC.

Great-tailed Grackle (m) foraging in protected fenced area, ML-SB.

House Finch 6 (m,f) vocal, gregarious in riparian edge of lagoon, s ML.

Lesser Goldfinch 4 vocal, gregarious in willows and brushy areas, sw ML.

House Sparrow 2 vocal, gardens around buildings with tiled rooftops, CC.

April 22, 2017 Malibu Lagoon and Legacy Park (55 Species)

UCLA Extension Spring Birds of Southern California Malibu, CA 22 April 2017

Weather: Fair; 62F to 70F. Surf 2-3 ft. medium high tide.

Time: 0752 - 1215 hrs.

Observers: UCLA Extension Spring Birds of Southern California class (6 students) and I.

Areas Covered: 1) Civic Center Way and Cross Creek Rd. (CC): We walked east from the parking area in front of the Malibu Civic Center, to Cross Creek Rd., surveying gardens, recently cleared fields (with heavy machinery parked on the side), and a row of exotic fruiting trees (e.g Ficus) bordering a nursery. Continuing southward, we passed through the Cross Creek shopping area (stopping to observe nesting Great Egrets and Double-crested Cormorant) to the west bank of Malibu Creek (MC), and southward along a heavily regrown coastal sage- riparian patch. 2) Malibu Lagoon State Beach (ML): We walked the trails, stopping frequently to observe birds from platforms overlooking the lagoon, mudflats, coastal sage and adjacent suburban gardens. We continued walking along the inner shore bordering the lagoon to the edge of Surfrider Beach (SB); returning nearly the same route but closer to the outer shoreline. A narrow, curved channel on the east bank of the lagoon is the only tidal connection with the outer shore. We also scanned the offshore waters for pelagic birds. As expected on this unofficial national holiday, Earth Day, many beachgoers and surfers were present in the area during our survey. 3) Legacy Park (LP): Some of us remained in the area after class and walked the main path around Legacy Park. The water level in the artificial creek and pond continues to be relatively high, supporting a dense algal mat and a substantial freshwater marsh (e.g. Schoenoplectus and Typha).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 6 (m,f) pairs swimming near shore and dabbling in algal mats in open water, MC, ML, LP.

Mallard 20 (m,f; imm) pairs and one female with four ducklings (LP); on land and near shore, MC, ML, LP.

Anas sp. 1 (f) size, shape and markings generally similar to a female mallard but with an all black bill and a conspicuous black eye stripe and contrasting white supercilium, suggesting Garganey (Anas querquedula); speculum dark (mostly concealed) with white borders on scapulars and tertials; staying close to a male mallard on embankment; moved into creek as we approached, then out of view (no photo), MC.

Red-breasted Merganser 1 observed swimming in the west lagoon , ML (JH).

Pacific Loon 6 flying in line, swiftly, low, northwesterly direction, offshore, SB.

Eared Grebe 1 (alt. plmg.) diving, w, ML.

Double-crested Cormorant 12 (alt. plmg; imm) resting on snags in the lagoon (photo); swimming in open water, ML; one adult (alt. plmg.) was on a nest in the crown of a large, exotic evergreen (Araucaria sp.) in the Cross Creek shopping area; an immature DCCO was perched on a lower branch of the same tree.

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 22 April 2017

Brown Pelican 2 circling above the outer shore and lagoon, ML, SB.

Great Blue Heron 2 in shallows; wading into area where fish were surfacing, w; a relatively fresh looking carcass of a GBHE partially exposed in the shallows, s-central, ML.

Great Egret 6 3 pair nesting in severely pruned, though still living Ficus tree in the Cross Creek parking lot adjacent to the movie theater. Adult birds in alt. plmg were on and nearby the nests; one appeared to be feeding young concealed from our view from below. Occasionally one of a pair would fly to an adjacent tree or to some more distant location. This is the same tree (and group of trees) where GREG and BCNH had been nesting for several years prior to the heavy pruning of the main branches, CC (photos).

Great Egret (Ardea alba) Cross Creek commerical center, Malibu LACO CA 22 April 2017

Snowy Egret 8 (alt. plmg.) foraging in shallows, MC, ML (photo).

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) Malibu Lagoon SP LACO CA 22 April 2017

Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (ad, imm) flew to a terminal stump in the canopy of another severely pruned Ficus tree adjacent to the GREG nesting tree. No evidence of BCNH nesting was found in this area as a result of our survey today.

Osprey 1 (ad) repeatedly circling 50 - 80 ft. above the s-central lagoon; one plunge, feet-first was successful, producing a 5-6 inch fish, which was carried off to the crown of a tall, exotic evergreen (Araucaria sp.) and torn apart with its beak over a period of about 30-40 minutes (photo). The osprey was initially followed by a small flock of gulls after it caught the fish in the lagoon.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Cross Creek commercial center, Malibu LACO CA 22 Apr 2017

Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) flying over the lagoon; chased by two Common Ravens, sw ML.

American Coot 25 gregarious, ubiquitous in aquatic habitats (except on outer coast).

Black-bellied Plover 2 (bsc.plmg.) on inner shore of lagoon, w ML.

Semipalmated Plover 8 (alt. plmg. - photo) individuals and pairs foraging on inner shore of lagoon; one repeatedly chased away by a KIlldeer.

Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) Malibu Lagoon SP LACO CA 22 April 2017

Killdeer 8 (ad.- alt. plmg., imm) a total of at least five precocial young (about 40% adult size) running around on inner shore (ML)and in coastal sage (LP); vocal adults nearby (photos).

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) (L) adult; (R) juvenile Maibu Lagoon SP LACO CA 22 Apr 2017

Spotted Sandpiper 2 (alt. plmg.) individuals foraging separately on rocky shore of east bank, MC.

Willet 2 (alt. plmg.) individuals foraging on inner shore and shallows of lagoon, s ML.

Whimbrel 2 individuals foraging on rocky shore (MC) and inner lagoon (ML); one wading in shallows with WILL, ML.

Marbled Godwit 2 foraging in shallows of lagoon; WHIM and WILL nearby, s ML.

Western Sandpiper 8 (alt. plmg.) gregarious; foraging on inner shore of lagoon; LESA and SEPP nearby (photo).

Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) Malibu Lagoon SP LACO CA 22 April 2017

Least Sandpiper 14 (bsc. and alt. plmg.) gregarious; foraging on inner shore of lagoon, WESP, SEPP nearby (photo).

Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) Malibu Lagoon SP LACO CA 22 April 2017

Ring-billed Gull 1 (ad) flying over lagoon, ML.

Western Gull 10 (C1, C2, C3; few if any ad.) ubiquitous, gregarious.

California Gull 25 (85% imm: C1, C2; a few ad..) ubiquitous, gregarious.

Caspian Tern 6 (alt. plmg.) gregarious; resting on shore; flying around lagoon, vocal, s ML.

Elegant Tern 18 (alt. plmg.) vocal, gregarious, one pair showing brief courtship behavior (standing on shore, facing each other, head turning); flying around s lagoon; occasionally landing on shore, s ML.

Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans) Malibu Lagoon SP LACO CA 22 April 2017

Royal Tern 2 (alt. plmg.) two flew over lagoon near ELTE and CASP, then offshore, ML.

Feral Rock Pigeon 12 flying around and landing on main path, LP.

Mourning Dove 6 pairs on ground and flushed from riparian trees, LP, MC, ML.

Black-hooded (Nanday) Parakeet 3 vocal; individuals flying around developed areas, LP, CC.

Anna's Hummingbird 1 (m) perched in seedling sycamore, displaying gorget, LP.

Allen's Hummingbird 1 (m) coastal sage and riparian patch, LP.

Black Phoebe 5 vocal; individuals sallying from low perches; some perched 25-40 ft. in tree canopies, LP, MC, ML.

American Crow 4 flying over, LP, ML.

Common Raven 2 vocal; aerial chasing of a RTHA, s ML.

Violet-green Swallow 1 circling 25-100 ft. over lagoon, ML.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 flying low over lower MC.

Cliff Swallow 4 flying back and forth over lagoon; landing on mudflats to collect nest material, ML (photo)

Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) Malibu Lagoon SP LACO CA 22 Apr 2017

Barn Swallow 10 flying back and forth over lower MC and lagoon; landing on mudflats to collect nest material, ML.

Bushtit 1 seen briefly in dense foliage of exotic tree in backyard of a Malibu Colony home, sw ML.

Wrentit 1 repeated song (unseen) distant chaparral-riparian on east bank, MC.

Northern Mockingbird 1 in crown of tree in adjacent Malibu Colony yard, ML.

European Starling 8 vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous, esp. developed areas.

Savannah Sparrow 1 (alt. plmg.) LP (TP).

Song Sparrow 12 vocal from exposed perches throughout.

Dark-eyed Junco 1 repeated song (unseen) suburban garden, nursery area, CC.

Red-winged Blackbird 30 (m,f) vocal; males singing from exposed perches in sapling sycamores, LP; MC,ML.

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) Legacy Park Malibu, LACO CA 22 April 2017

Brewer's Blackbird 3 (m,f) vocal; in shopping center gardens and walkways, CC.

Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous.

House Finch 10 (m,f) vocal gregarious, ubiquitous.

Lesser Goldfinch 1 (f) foraging on short, flowering Amsinkia sp. along pathway, e LP (photo).

Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) Legacy Park Malibu LACO CA 22 April 2017

House Sparrow 10 one pair using an old cliff swallow nest in the eaves of a two-story building, CC.

March 26, 2017 Legacy Park and Malibu Lagoon (50 Species)

Weather: Fair; 55F to 72F; wind WNW 2 - 3 mph; spring high tides all morning; no rocky shoals exposed; surf 2-4 ft.

Time: 0750-1200 hrs.

Observers: Dan Byrne, Toan Ngo and I.

Areas Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP) and ornamental shrubs, trees, etc., adjacent shopping center on Cross Creek Rd. (CCR) 2) Malibu Lagoon (ML), Surfrider Beach (SB); we surveyed the lagoon, shoreline and nearshore waters. Only the southern portion of Malibu Creek (MC - around the PCH bridge) was visually surveyed from ML and SB.

Much debris (tree limbs and other vegetation) was carried downstream into lagoon during recent storms, accumulating on narrow shoreline and creating a new stagnant backwater area in the modified channel of the western lagoon section, as occurred prior to the restoration project. Very little marsh vegetation has become established within the restoration area. Colored flag markers persist throughout the area. Diversity and abundance of waterbirds and other wetland bird species in Malibu Lagoon continues to be relatively low compared with pre-restoration springtime surveys.

Legacy Park was nearly completely inundated by recent rainfall and runoff. The once nearly dry streambed and marsh now supports an algae covered slough and pond with increasing vegetative growth on the perimeter of the wetland and throughout the coastal sage -riparian restoration area. However, avian diversity and abundance during the survey this morning appeared to be low compared with my previous surveys (e.g. March 16, 2013).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 2 swimming near shore, nw ML.

Gadwall 5 (m,f) a loose flock swimming near shore, nw ML.

American Wigeon 25 (m,f) individuals resting on shore; swimming in open water, nw ML.

Mallard 15 (m,f) individuals resting on or near shore, LP, ML.

Northern Shoveler 1 (m) on shore, nw ML.

Surf Scoter 6 swimming offshore in a cohesive flock, SB.

Western Grebe 1 swimming near shore, nw ML.

Brandt's Cormorant 3 flying w offshore, SB.

Double-crested Cormorant 20 (ad, imm; a few in alt. plmg.) a few swimming in open water; others resting on snags and islets, s ML.

Brown Pelican 3 on shore, SB.

Great Egret 2 (alt. plmg.) a pair nesting or attempting to nest in severely pruned ornamental tree (a traditional nesting site) in shopping center parking area adjacent to movie theater, CCR.

Snowy Egret 2 edge of lagoon, nw, w.

Great Blue Heron 1 on shore, s MC.

Osprey 1 circling repeatedly, dipping feet into lagoon in a series of unsuccessful foraging attempts, ML (photo).

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County CA 26 March 2017

American Coot 50 ubiquitous, gregarious; occasional chasing in apparent territorial disputes, LP.

Black-bellied Plover 6 (bsc. and trans. plmg.) on shore, nw ML.

Snowy Plover 4 two pair (unbanded) remaining motionless and well concealed on debris-strewn inner beach, until closely approached (photo).

Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) Surfrider Beach, Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 26 March 2017

Killdeer 6 (alt. plmg.) vocal; individuals on shore, LP, w ML.

Willet 12 flying; on shore, ML, SB.

Marbled Godwit 2 a pair foraging together on outer shore with outgoing tide, SB (photo).

Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa) Surfrider Beach, Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 26 March 2017

Least Sandpiper 8 on inner shore of lagoon, nw ML.

Bonaparte's Gull 1 (alt. plmg.) on inner shore of lagoon with CATE, nw ML.

Western Gull 40 (80% ad; remainder C1; relatively few C2's and C3's) ubiquitous, gregarious.

California Gull 10 (ad, imm) one first-cycle gull attempting to consume a small plastic ball by initially soaking it in shallow water; burying it partially in wet sand and carrying it along the shore. The bird was twice observed attempting to swallow the incompressible object, which was evidently too large for its throat. Other nearby CAGU and WEGU appeared uninterested in this object as a potential food item (photo).

California Gull (Larus californicus) first-cycle with plastic ball; Malibu Lagoon LACO CA 26 March 2017

Caspian Tern 3 (alt. plmg.) resting together on shore, nw ML.

Royal Tern 2 vocal; a pair flying over lagoon, ML.

Elegant Tern 2 vocal; a pair flying over the lagoon and offshore, ML, SB.

Black Skimmer 1 on shore, nw ML.

Feral Rock Pigeon 10 flying around developed areas, LP, CCR.

Mourning Dove 4 flying over park, LP.

Anna's Hummingbird 1 (m) perched at top of sapling cottonwood, LP.

Northern Flicker 1 vocal (unseen) n of CCR.

Black Phoebe 3 vocal; individuals sallying from low to medium heights in vegetation near water, LP, ML.

California Scrub-Jay 1 vocal (unseen) parking area of ML.

American Crow 6 gregarious, ubiquitous, esp. developed areas.

Barn Swallow 2 flying back and forth, low over lagoon and restoration area, ML.

Bushtit 4 vocal; pairs and individuals in brushy areas, LP, ML.

Wrentit 1 vocal (unseen) east side of MC.

Northern Mockingbird 2 vocal ( a varied repertoire from one individual at ML, that included accurate imitations of Black Phoebe and California Scrub-Jay); LP, ML.

European Starling 4 LP, ML.

Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 4 (m,f; alt. plmg.) in a variety of vegetation, LP, ML.

Common Yellowthroat 2 vocal (unseen) coastal sage scrub and edge of marsh, LP, ML.

Song Sparrow 12 highly vocal, and variable songs; at least 2 dialects; exposed perches, LP, ML.

White-crowned Sparrow 12 (ad, imm.) foraging together on ground, LP, ML.

Red-winged Blackbird 20 (m,f) vocal; males establishing territories in and adjacent to marsh, LP.

Brewer's Blackbird 12 in and around developments, CCR.

Great-tailed Grackle 5 (m,f) vocal, gregarious; in and around marsh, LP.

House Finch 4 vocal, gregarious, LP.

House Sparrow 4 vocal; gardens in developed areas, CCR.

October 1, 2016 Legacy Park, Malibu Creek and Malibu Lagoon (65 Species)

Weather: Fair; 63F to 72F; wind WSW 1-2 mph; high tide; surf 3 - 5 ft.

Time: 0715 - 1200 hrs.

Observers: UCLA Extension Autumn Birds of Southern California class (ten students and I).

Areas Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP): I made a brief loop survey of the park prior to the beginning of the class; met YB-H on the southeast side and birded together (0715-0815 hrs.). Two workers were removing dead cattails from the drainage channel and basin, the latter mostly dry. Due to time constraints, the class did not survey LP during our field trip this morning. 2) Civic Center Way and Cross Creek Rd (CCR). The class and I walked east from the parking area adjacent to LP, on Civic Center Way, and north on Cross Creek, surveying a mosaic of suburban habitats featuring ornamental shrubs, trees and a large ruderal field at the northwest corner of CCW and CCR. Fruiting Loquat trees (Enobotrya japonica) and adjacent mature Eucalyptus sp. at the north end of CCR, attracted a variety of landbirds (0830-0920 hrs.). 3) Continuing south on CCR, we walked through the shopping center to the west bank of Malibu Creek (MC), surveying birds in open water bordered by a narrow, mature and re-planted riparian strip (Sycamore, Willow, Mulefat 0920- 0945 hrs). 4) We then crossed PCH at the CCR traffic signal and entered Malibu Lagoon State Beach (ML). We walked the main trail on the western and southern edge of the lagoon, surveying birds in open water, brackish marsh (re-planted with low-profile, native halophytic vegetation) which appeared greatly impoverished in terms of bird diversity, compared with pre-development surveys. The relatively low diversity of marsh birds (e.g. herons and rails) is primarily due to the scarcity of cattails and tules, once abundant around the western margins of the lagoon. We continued to the outer sandbank, surveying the inner shoreline of the lagoon, which was still isolated from tidal flow and stagnating around the margins. This area held a diversity of shorebirds, however most were in small numbers. Numerous beachgoers and surfers were present during our survey. Combined with the relatively high tide, these conditions forced the few birds present to the inner, isolated margins and islets of the south end of the lagoon (0950-1150 hrs.).

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Merlin (1 F.c. suckleyi), Snowy Plover (30 - 2 color banded), and Hooded Oriole (2).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 4 (m,f) one male dabbling upstream, MC; three fem. dabbling near shore, sw ML.

Mallard 5 (m,f) resting on shore, sw ML.

Northern Shoveler 2 (m) dabbling near shore, nw ML.

Pied-billed Grebe 1 open water, diving, MC.

Eared Grebe 1 pursuing small prey (minnows?) by discontinuously swimming quickly just beneath the surface, between algal mats, near shore, sw ML. The bird's plumage appeared matted down, presumably repeated immersion (photo).

Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 1 October 2016

Double-crested Cormorant 6 (ad, imm) swimming, diving in open water; flyingn low over s lagoon; resting on islet with BRPE, ML.

Brown Pelican 20 (ad, imm) swimming; flying over lagoon; resting on islet, ML.

Great Blue Heron 3 individuals separated by 50 yards + around margins of lagoon and on islet, ML.

Great Egret 2 edges of lagoon; one inside fenced viewing area, nw, ML.

Snowy Egret 3 one upstream in rocks, MC; two foraging in shallows at sw edge of lagoon; foraging by stirring water sediments with feet; pursuing small, unidentified prey (photo).

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) sw Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 1 October 2016

Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (imm) perched in willows overhanging west bank, MC.

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) flying low, south to north, toward marsh, LP.

Merlin 1 Falco columbarius suckleyi - this relatively rare, dark, Pacific NW subspecies of Merlin was seen through a 20-40x spotting scope by most of the class, including myself. Due to the great distance (about 200 yards away on the east side of MC, perched in the leafless canopy of a sycamore) the size of this falcon was difficult to judge. Its overall dark coloration, seen in posterior view, initially suggested a relatively small Peregrine Falcon. When the bird turned and presented a fronto-lateral view, the heavy, dark streaking of the underparts was visible, in addition to its comparatively plain, dark, posterior facial markings. The bird was mostly motionless when perched, then flew and changed tree perches at least twice while we observed it for about 10 minutes (0920-0930 hrs.).

American Coot 80 gregarious, ubiquitous around the edges of the creek and lagoon.

Black-bellied Plover 22 (bsc. plmg.) a loosely gregarious, sedentary flock on the sandbar between the lagoon and outer shore (photo).

Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) top and Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) bottom left, Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 1 Oct. 2016

Western Snowy Plover 30 including two color-banded individuals (photo); relatively inactive on the inner sandbar and lagoon shoreline; loosely gregarious, perhaps in two or three separate flocks. The birds appeared relatively habituated to human foot traffic on the beach and remained outside the area fenced in for their protection. The color band sequence is read left to right tarsi, top to bottom. Five (twelve colors are possible for the Western Snowy Plover) color bands were found on these two individuals; the abbreviations are: r = red; b= blue; a = aqua; v = violet; w = white. I had some difficulty distinguishing aqua (a) from blue (b), both in the field and in the digital images, particularly when the latter, darker color may be worn and faded.

Provenance and age information: According to Frances Bidstrup, director of the Western Snowy Plover banding program, both of these individual birds were banded at Oceano Dunes, San Luis Obispo County CA. The bird shown in the left image below (rr bb) was banded as a chick this year (2016). The one on the right (vv aw) was banded as a chick in 2014.

In addition to difficulties judging the color of worn and faded plastic bands, there is another problem of mistaken identity. Frances Bidstrup informed me that pairs of nestling Snowy Plovers are commonly given the same color band combination. Thus, it is possible, in the unlikely event that both siblings survive, one might be subsequently mistaken for the other in the field. I am not convinced that banders should necessarily be placing identical color band sequences on any of these birds, since there is large number of available band combinations. However, the number of available band color combinations is significantly reduced when certain combinations are repeatedly used to indicate a particular banding station, e.g. Oceano Dunes.

Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) two color- banded birds: rr bb; vv aw, originating from Oceano Dunes, San Luis Obispo Co. CA

Semipalmated Plover 1 on the sandbank amongst SNPL, ML.

Killdeer 6 individuals and pairs foraging around the shoreline, ML (photo).

Killdeer (Charardrius vociferus) Malibu Lagoon LACO CA 1 October 2016

Willet 3 (bsc. plmg.) one foraging in shallows of s lagoon; others on inner shore; flying across the s lagoon, ML.

Whimbrel 3 on the inner shore (two partially concealed in low vegetation) of the lagoon, ML.

Ruddy Turnstone 8 (bsc. plmg.) foraging continuously in wrack piles on sandy beach and lagoon shore, in pairs and small flocks, ML (photo).

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) Malibu Lagoon LACO CA 1 October 2016

Sanderling 9 (bsc. plmg.) foraging in a cohesive flock on the inner lagoon shore and shallows; taking flight together around the south end of the lagoon and changing shoreline location, ML (photo).

Sanderling (Calidris alba) Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 1 October 2016

Western Sandpiper 1 (bsc. plmg.) landed briefly on inner shore of s lagoon, ML.

Least Sandpiper 1 (bsc. plmg.) foraging on inner shore of sw lagoon islet, sw ML.

Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) Malibu Lagoon LACO CA 1 Oct. 2016

Dunlin 1 (bsc. plmg.) moving quickly along outer shore of s lagoon islet, ML (photo).

Dunlin (Calidris alpina) Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 1 October 2016

Heermann's Gull 6 (bsc. plmg.) a cohesive flock resting on the s lagoon shore (photo).

Heermann's Gull (Larus heermanni) ad. Malibu Lagoon LACO CA 1 October 2016

Western Gull 35 (90% ad. 10% C1, C2) gregarious, ubiquitous, esp. s lagoon.

California Gull 8 ( 90 %ad; 10% C1, C2) a fairly cohesive flock resting & preening in shallows, s ML.

Royal Tern 9 (8 ad. 1 imm) an immature begging from an unresponsive adult on the inner shore; other adults standing around in loose flocks with nearby ELTE , allowing good comparisons of their morphology (photo).

Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans) top; Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus) bottom; Malibu Lagoon LACO CA 1 Oct. 2016

Elegant Tern 20 (ad, imm) a fairly cohesive, vocal flock flying around lagoon and resting on shore and in shallows of s lagoon, ML.

Feral Rock Pigeon 16 on utility tower; flying around civic center, CC.

Mourning Dove 2 perched together in a young sycamore, MC.

Black-hooded (Nanday) Parakeet 30 vocal, gregarious, conspicuous. Several small flocks of 4 - 8 individuals, coalescing into one large flock (30 individuals) early in the morning, LP, CC, MC.

Anna's Hummingbird 2 (f) hovering around ornamental trees, including loquats, CC.

Belted Kingfisher 2 (m,f) vocal; flying down creek; diving from perch above water in upper creek; flying around the s lagoon; one female perched on a post at edge of lagoon (photo).

Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryl alcyon) female Malibu Lagoon LACO CA 1 Oct. 2016

Acorn Woodpecker 1? reported by others in the class (unseen by me), north end of CCR.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 (m,f) foraging in a mature eucalyptus tree with audible pecking on upper dead and dry limbs; pair maintaining visual and vocal contact while occupying separate limbs on the same tree; flying to different trees together, CCR (photo).

Nuttall's Woodpecker (Picoides nuttallii) male (l) and female (r), Cross Creek Rd. Malibu, LACO CA 1 October 2016

Black Phoebe 4 vocal in trees; sallying to ground and edge of creek from a variety low perches; SAPH often nearby and with similar foraging behaviour, but maintaining their distance , e.g 20 yards, from each other. LP (photo), MC, ML.

Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) Legacy Park, Malibu LACO CA 1 October 2016

Say's Phoebe 3 sallying to ground from low to medium heights from chain link fence (field adjacent to Stuart Ranch Rd.) in young sycamores and tall shrubs, LP(photo),CCR, LP. ML.

Say's Phoebe (Sayornis saya) Legacy Park, Malibu LACO CA 1 October 2016

Cassin's Kingbird 2 vocal; a pair active in and around fruiting loquats and adjacent eucalyptus and sycamores; one individual consuming a loquat fruit s CCR, (photo).

Cassin's Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans) Cross Creek Rd. Malibu, LACO CA 1 Oct. 2016

Warbling Vireo 1 seen breefly in foliage of outer eucalyptus limb, CCR.

Coastal Scrub-Jay 1 observed by others in the class (unseen by me), CCR.

American Crow 12 vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous in flight.

Common Raven 1 flying low over w end f LP.

Oak Titmouse 1 vocal; active around fruiting loquats, on utility lines, and in other ornamental trees adjacent to the nursery, CCR.

Bushtit 20 vocal; iitinerant flocks of 6 -10 individuals foraging in a variety of native and exotic shrubs and trees throughout.

House Wren 1 (unseen) repeated calls and song from trailside shrubs, nw ML.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 active in coastal sage, s LP.

Wrentit 1 repeated song (unseen) , riparian-chaparral edge, e MC.

European Starling 6 vocal, gregarious; foraging on loquat fruits, CCR.

Orange-crowned Warbler 2 foraging in coastal sage scrub and fruiting loquats; in mixed species flock, variously composed of YRWA, SOSP, HOFI and BUSH, LP (photo), CCR.

Orange-crowned Warbler (Oreothlypis celata) Legacy Park, Malibu LACO CA 1 October 2016

Yellow-rumped Warbler 2 foraging by stationary gleaning, snatch-gleaning and hover-gleaning in a variety of shrubs and trees, LP, CCR, ML.

Townend's Warbler 1 (reported by others in class; unseen by me) CCR.

Common Yellowthroat 4 (m,f) repeated calls; active low in coastal sage, usually near water, LP, ML.

California Towhee 1 vocal; flew across trail and into adjacent shrubs, nw ML.

Lincoln's Sparrow 1 flushed from low shrubs along trail, nw ML.

Song Sparrow 2 vocal; foraging in coastal sage and on trail, LP (photo).

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) Legacy Park Malibu, LACO CA 1 Oct. 2016

Dark-eyed Junco 1 perched in subcanopy of ornamental tree next to nursery, CCR.

Western Tanager 1 (f) foraging on loquat fruits in a msf, including HOFI, EUST, OCWA and other spp., CCR.

Red-winged Blackbird 8 (m,f) vocal, gregarious; perched in young sycamore adjacent to dry marsh, LP (photo), MC.

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus ) male (l) and female (r) Legacy Park Malibu, LACO CA 1 Oct. 2016

Western Meadowlark 1 on ground in cleared field adjacent to Stuart Ranch Rd and CCR.

Hooded Oriole 2 (possibly more) (f) initially seen foraging in ornamental trees adjacent to civic center; flew toward loquats on CCR; foraing on those fruits in msf with WETA. HOFI, OCWA, EUST and other bird species.

House Finch 20 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous in native and exotic vegetation.

Lesser Goldfinch 2 vocal; tall shrubs and pines, w ML.

House Sparrow 3 vocal; around buildings with tiled roofs and in adjacent gardens, CCR.

April 23, 2016 Legacy Park, Malibu Creek and Malibu Lagoon (64 Species)

Weather: Fair; 60F to 70F; wind WNW, ENE 2 -12 mph. Seas choppy, windblown; surf 3-4 ft; medium high tide.

Time: 0758-1230 hrs.

Observers: UCLA Extension Birds of Southern California class: 14 students and I.

Areas Covered: 1) Legacy Park and Stuart Ranch Rd. (LP; SR): We walked a counter-clockwise route around the park, interrupted by a brief visit to ruderal fields adjacent to the intersection of Civic Center Drive and Stuart Ranch Rd. Habitats surveyed included, grassland and ruderal fields, coastal sage (California sage), riparian (Mulefat and young Sycamores), and fresh water marsh (Tule and Cattail). The artificial stream bed was largely dry; the main pond with relatively shallow water but enough for a few dabbling ducks. 2) Continuing eastward from LP, we surveyed lines of exotic trees along Cross Creek Rd (CCR), a small Great Egret colony using severely pruned fig trees and a largely untrimmed conifer in the shopping center, and continued to the west bank of Malibu Creek (MC). We visually surveyed upstream to the first group of large rocks in the creek; downstream to the PCH bridge. 3) Crossing PCH at the light, we entered Malibu Lagoon State Beach (ML). We walked southward on the pathways through the restored lagoon and onto the outer shore. Here we surveyed the lower lagoon (mostly blocked from its outflow to the ocean by a wide sandbar connecting with Surfrider Beach), outer shore and nearshore waters. Except for large flocks of Elegant Tern, shorebirds were notably scarce. A few surfers and other beachgoers were present during our survey; human disturbances to birds were minimal.

BIRDS NOTED

Brant 1 initially observed swimming just beyond the surf near shore; moved to the beach, ML.

Gadwall 6 (m,f) pairs swimming in upstream section of MC; individuals dabbling in sw lagoon, ML.

Mallard 10 (m,f) ubiquitous except offshore.

Red-breasted Merganser 1 (f) diving upstream in MC.

Western Grebe 4: swimming together (3); another lagging behind; all about 100 yards offshore, ML.

Brandt's Cormorant 1 swimming/diving offshore about 60 yards offshore, ML.

Double-crested Cormorant 20 (ad, imm) 20 individuals flying over park and lagoon; small flocks resting on shore of lagoon, ML.

Brown Pelican 40 (ad - some in alt. plmg.; imm) most resting on protected sandbar at the s end of the lagoon, ML.

Great Blue Heron 1 flying over park, LP.

Great Egret 8 (ad) five individuals (a comparatively low number for this colony) on nests in severely pruned Ficus trees and adjacent Araucaria tree, CCR; individuals on shore of the lagoon, ML.

Snowy Egret 1 (ad) foraging on sw shore of lagoon, ML.

Black-crowned Night Heron 2 one flying over LP; another in trees overhanging the upstream, west section of MC; none found nesting in the area today.

Osprey 1 foraging over the south end of the lagoon; made at least five unsuccessful attempts to capture fish by plunging into the surface from a height of about 50 ft agl; eventually the bird caught a medium-sized Centrarchid (e.g. perch) and flew off with the fish oriented in the characteristic upright, head-first aerial-transport position. While flying upstream with its catch and having gained another 50 ft. in elevation, the Osprey encountered aerial piracy challenges from an immature California Gull over the lagoon and distantly, an American Crow above the PCH bridge; the result of the AMCR attack was not determined. Nesting of the Osprey was also unverified. A few minutes later an Osprey returned to continue foraging over the lagoon, presumably the same individual observed here earlier (photos).

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) w fish caught in Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 23 April 2016

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) foraging over Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 23 April 2016

Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) soaring high above the mouth of the canyon; aerial harassment by a couple of Ravens.

American Coot 5 upstream, MC and lagoon, ML.

Black-bellied Plover 5 (bsc. plmg.) resting together on shore, sw lagoon, ML.

Semipalmated Plover 15-20 (alt. & bsc. plmg.) a loose flock; mostly resting together on sandbar at s end of lagoon (photo; flock moving to landfill restoration islet, sw lagoon, ML.

Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County CA 23 April 2016

Killdeer 6 vocal; often paired; on open ground in park and s shore of lagoon, LP, ML.

Willet 3 (bsc. plmg.) inner shore of s. lagoon, ML.

Whimbrel 4 pairs and individuals foraging in shallows and on inner shore of s. lagoon, ML (photo).

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County CA 23 April 2016

Marbled Godwit 3 individual and a pair foraging on inner shore of the lagoon and outer shore, ML.

Western Sandpiper 8 (alt. plmg.) foraging together on inner shore of lagoon, ML.

Least Sandpiper 1 (alt. plmg.) foraging with WESA on inner shore of lagoon, ML (photo).

Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 23 April 2016

Dunlin 2 (alt. plmg.) foraging together on inner shore of s. lagoon, ML (photo).

Dunlin (Calidris alpina) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 23 April 2016

Heermann's Gull 1 (immature, second cycle (C2)). resting on sw shore with WEGU and CAGU, ML.

Ring-billed Gull 1 (imm. C2) foraging and preening in shallows of se lagoon, ML.

Western Gull 60 (ad, imm.) ubiquitous, often gregarious.

California Gull 20 (80% imm) ubiquitous; mostly concentrated on islets and s end of lagoon.

Caspian Tern 10 pairs scattered on shore amongst ELTE and ROTE, s ML (photo).

Royal Tern 5 (alt., bsc. plmg.) together on inner shore of lagoon with CATE (photo); others on opposite shore with ELTE.

Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus) left (bsc. plmg.) , center (alt. plmg.), back center (bsc. plmg.) ; Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) foreground far right (alt. plmg.). Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 23 April 2016

Elegant Tern 400-500 (conserv. est.) alt. and bsc. plmg. preliminary, fragmented courtship behavior in subgroups (i.e. clubs); crowded on protected shore of s. lagoon islets; noisy, gregarious; occasionally taking flight in unison, circling lagoon and alighting at or near original location (photo); a few flying low offshore. Such a large aggregation of ELTE at this season, in what appears to be a possible future breeding site, e.g. isolated islets and landfills, is worthy of continued study. Worldwide, only five nesting colonies are known for the Elegant Tern; three of them in Southern California (San Diego Bay, Bolsa Chica and Los Angeles Harbor) and two in Mexico (Gulf of California).

Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 23 April 2016

Feral Rock Pigeon 8 flying over park and shopping area, LP, CCR.

Eurasian Collared Dove 4 vocal; pairs flying over park and shopping area, LP, CCR.

Mourning Dove 4 vocal; pairs flying around park and edge of creek, LP, MC.

Black-hooded (Nanday) Parakeet 3: one pair perched together, rotating, bowing and changing positions in slow synchrony, on a low limb of an American Sycamore (Plantanus occidentalis) in the Civic Center Dr. parking area adjacent to LP (photo). These two birds appeared unconcerned with my presence about 20 ft. away with a camera. An introduced species from South America (est. late 1960's), locally distributed in coastal Southern California. http://www.californiaparrotproject.org/black_hooded_parakeet.html

Black-hooded Parakeet (Aratinga nenday) Legacy Park Los Angeles County CA 23 April 2016

Vaux's Swift 8 circling over the park and adjacent land, 100 -200 ft. agl; LP, CCR.

White-throated Swift 1 heard twittering calls first then seen flying about 200 ft. agl near the summit of local mts., CCR.

Anna's Hummingbird 2 (m; imm) interacting at the top of a young sycamore, LP.

Allen's Hummingbird (presumed due to calls and partial courtship displays) 2 (m) vocal; in trees, shrubs and flying over park and adjacent area, LP, CCR.

Selasphorus sp. 1 (possibly RUHU; largely reddish-orange upperparts w some green on back, (m) on utility wire, CCR.

Belted Kingfisher 1 diving and perched in trees overhanging upstream area of MC.

Black Phoebe 4 vocal; sallying from low perches in the park and adjacent areas, usually near water, LP, CCR, ML.

Say's Phoebe 1-2 ? (seen by others) ML.

Cassin's Kingbird 2 flying low over field; alighting on post, SR; flying over coastal sage edge, ML.

American Crow 6 vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; pairs and individuals.

Common Raven 2 a pair harassing a RTHA high above the canyon (see previous account of RTHA), CCR.

Violet Green Swallow 4 flying low, back and forth over ruderal field, SR.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 6 ubiquitous; pairs flying and perched low over fields in msf with other swallows, open areas, marsh, PCH bridge and edge of lagoon.

Cliff Swallow 6 individuals in a loose and msf of other swallow flocks flying low, back and forth over ruderal fields and open areas, SR.

Barn Swallow 3 individuals flying low over SR fields and edge of MC; sometimes among other swallow species but usually separate.

Bushtit 1 carrying in its beak a clump of fuzzy whitish plant material between shrubs and a sycamore, LP.

American Robin 1 in a low branch of a suburban garden tree adjacent to the lagoon.

Northern Mockingbird 1 in a dense clump of saltbush (Atriplex sp.) at sw corner of the lagoon, ML.

European Starling 20 vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous (except offshore).

Common Yellowthroat 2: one in young sycamore, LP; another singing from w bank of MC.

California Towhee 1 vocal; in coastal sage scrub, s LP.

Song Sparrow 16 vocal, ubiquitous; foraging on ground; advertising song from elevated perches in shrubs and trees.

Dark-eyed Junco 1: Observed in continuous song (prior to visual contact, I mistook this bird's vocalizations for a rather odd-sounding Orange-crowned Warbler) from a eucalyptus limb about 15 ft. agl, at the ne corner of CCR. This species may linger in its wintering range along the coast into early May; most coastal populations in this region (i.e. LA County and southward) migrate to the mountains for breeding. A persistently singing male DEJU at this location suggests there could be a local (undocumented?) breeding population.

Red-winged Blackbird 25 (m,f; ad, imm) vocal, males singing on territory on and adjacent to the freshwater marsh; two advanced fledglings showing residual begging behavior (crouching and wing- fluttering) on border of marsh (photo).

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) imm m; Legacy Park, LACO CA 23 April 2016

Brewer's Blackbird 6 (m,f) on ground in shopping center and edge of park, LP, CCR.

Great-tailed Grackle 12 (m,f) vocal, gregarious; most numerous around marsh and adjacent trees, LP.

Brown-headed Cowbird 3 (m,f) vocal; flying over park, LP.

House Finch 8 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous in brushy areas.

House Sparrow 10 (m,f) vocal; edge of park and adjacent shopping area, LP, CCR.

November 7, 2015 (63 Species)

Weather: Fair; 60F to 78F; wind N 1 - 2 mph; low tide; surf 2-3 ft.

Time: 0800-1245 hrs.

Observers: UCLA Extension Autumn Birds of Southern California class (11 students) and I.

Area Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP): We walked a clockwise route on and off the main pathways around the park, cutting through the middle, returning to the main entrance on Civic Center Way. Most of the tall grasses, herbs and marsh vegetation had been cut and removed since my most recent survey (January 31, 2015: see notes below). The main pond was largely mud with 1 to 3 inches of water; the inlet creek mostly dry. A few other pedestrians were present in the park during our survey; conditions were largely quiet, undisturbed and good for identifying bird vocalizations. 2) Civic Center Way (CCW) and Cross Creek Rd (CCR). : We walked east on CCW, turning north on CCR to survey a row of exotic trees (e.g. Ficus sp.)in front of a nursery and adjacent ruderal field. 3) We continued south on CCR, turning east into a shopping mall parking lot adjacent to Malibu Creek (MC). We visually surveyed distant riparian woodland, open water, shoreline (minimal) and upstream to the first set of large rocks, and a restored riparian strip along the west bank of MC. 4) We continued to Malibu Lagoon (ML) from the State Park entrance to the western edge of Surfrider Beach (SB). We scoped the nearshore waters and rocks to a distance of about 150 yards. About 40 surfers in the water and on the beach during our survey.

The dredged-and-filled reconfiguration and replantings of Malibu Lagoon, to date, provides comparatively sparse cover for wildlife. The once biologically diverse and ecologically balanced lagoon, marsh and riparian habitat now more closely resembles a colorfully flagged, reclaimed landfill than a functional coastal ecosystem. I am unaware of any successful breeding by a riparian or waterbird species immediately within the Malibu Lagoon restoration area. Indeed, there is very little marsh-riparian vegetation and hence cover for resident and wintering birds at ML, when compared with pre-restoration conditions (see my previous field notes). Essentially, the recent loss of several successive nesting seasons at Malibu Lagoon has contributed to the historical decline of riparian and waterbird populations in coastal Los Angeles County. Additionally, recent high tides and heavy rains of mid October, 2015, have predictably eliminated most of the isolated islets and sandbars at the mouth of the lagoon, leaving little habitat for wintering shorebirds, e.g. the endangered Western Snowy Plover and California Least Tern.

Pedestrian traffic was relatively heavy during our survey. Consequently, except for crowded flocks of California Gull and Western Gull on the exposed rocky shoals at low tide, we found relatively few shorebirds at Malibu Lagoon today. The Surfrider Foundation evidently sponsored a clean-up party today, resulting in the removal of unsightly debris around the lagoon. This was an important remedial project on several levels. For example, some of this material, e.g. plastics and fishing line, is potentially harmful to birds and other wildlife (photos, A & B).

A) Surfrider Foundation -sponsored clean-up of trash of Malibu Lagoon. B) Brown Pelican entangled in fishing line, Malibu Creek 7 Nov. 2015

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 6 (m,f) dabbling at the south edge of the lagoon, ML.

Northern Shoveler 2 (m) dabbling at the east edge of the lagoon, ML.

Bufflehead 3 (m,f) diving together upstream, MC.

Red-breasted Merganser 2 (f) resting in open water upstream, MC.

Ruddy Duck 100 (m,f) ubiquitous in the creek and lagoon, MC, ML.

Pied-billed Grebe 2 diving, MC, ML.

Eared Grebe 1 diving, lower MC.

Western Grebe 3 open water, sw ML.

Brandt's Cormorant 2 on offshore rocks, ML.

Double-crested Cormorant 30 (ad, imm) swimming; resting on emergent snags; flying low over lagoon, ML.

Brown Pelican 10 flying over lagoon and nearshore waters; one or two diving in lagoon; an individual entangled in fishing line at base of bill and wing; initially found swimming near the west shore of MC (photo); later found at the sw edge of the lagoon. The bird appeared able to partially open (about 10-20% of a full gape) and close its mouth while swimming and foraging for surface prey, similar to the normal foraging behavior of a White Pelican. We reported this bird to the State Park ranger on duty at the parking entrance, who wrote down my name and phone number, promising to contact the marine animal rescue center.

Great Blue Heron 4 upstream edge of creek and lagoon, MC, ML.

Great Egret 2 central-west edge of the lagoon, ML.

Snowy Egret 12 gregarious, ubiquitous; foraging in shallows, inner lagoon and outer tidal shoals.

Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (ad; alt. plmg.) partly concealed in a tiny patch of marsh at the edge of the lagoon, sw ML.

White-tailed Kite 1 (imm) being chased by crows, flying east over the park, LP.

Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad, imm) soaring above the park; one perched high in an emergent tree on east bank, LP, MC.

American Kestrel 1 (f) flying low over park; one (possibly the same bird) in the crown of a tall palm tree, LP,MC.

American Coot 150 gregarious, ubiquitous in the creek and lagoon.

Black-bellied Plover 6 on inner and outer shore; tidal shoals, ML.

Snowy Plover 20 two flocks of birds resting in individual sandy depressions on the inner and outer beach peninsula (photo); flushed to shoreline; none observed with leg bands.

Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County CA 7 November 2015

Killdeer 12 often in pairs; vocal; on and near shore, MC, ML.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 foraging on narrow shoreline of east bank, MC.

Willet 2 a pair on the inner shore of the s lagoon, ML.

Whimbrel 1 foraging amongst exposed rocks of tidal shoals, ML.

Ruddy Turnstone 1 (seen and described by others) inner and outer shore with piles of kelp, ML.

Sanderling 2 inner and outer shore; one resting in sandy depression near SNPL, ML (photo).

Sanderling (Calidris alba) Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County CA 7 November 2015

Heermann's Gull 16 (ad, imm) on the outer beach, ML, SB.

Ring-billed Gull 2 (ad) on inner shore of the s lagoon, ML.

Western Gull 60 (ad, imm) ubiquitous, esp. outer shore of ML.

California Gull 80 (ad, imm) ubiquitous, esp. outer shore of ML.

Royal Tern 1 flying low over s lagoon and outer shore, ML (photo).

Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus) Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 7 Nov. 2015

Forster's Tern 1 ? relatively small sized tern w black cap; flew to outer rocky shoals with gulls, ML.

Feral Rock Pigeon 10 flying around town, CCR.

Mourning Dove 6 foraging on ground at edge of east path, LP.

Nanday Parakeet 8 vocal, gregarious; flying around tall trees, CCW, CCR.

Hummingbird sp. (seen and described by others) CCW.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 vocal; one female in eucalyptus, CCR (photo).

Nuttall's Woodpecker (Picoides nuttallii) Malibu, LACO CA 7 Nov 2015

Northern Flicker 1 calls (unseen) riparian woodland, east bank, MC.

Black Phoebe 10 ubiquitous; often perched on low branches of shrubs and trees.

Say's Phoebe 1 flew to low branch of sapling sycamore, LP.

Cassin's Kingbird 2 flew to branch at top of sapling sycamore, LP; flying over nw section of lagoon, ML.

Western Scrub-Jay 1 calls, riparian woodland, east bank, MC.

American Crow 25 vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous.

Bushtit 12 vocal, gregarious; in shrubs (e.g. saltbush, mulefat) on fringes of the sw corner of the lagoon, ML.

House Wren 4 vocal; somewhat secretive in tall shrubs around the edges of the park, LP.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 6 largely silent, ubiquitous; often foraging busily, low in shrubs in pairs and often with other birds, e.g. YRWA, RCKI, BUTI (photo).

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 7 Nov. 2015

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 25 vocal, gregarious (often in pairs), ubiquitous in shrubs and trees.

Hermit Thrush 2 one on shady side of roadway, CCR; one calling in adjacent garden, sw ML.

European Starling 20 vocal, gregarious; on ground and flying around park, LP, CCR.

Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler 80 gregarious, vocal (calls), ubiquitous; foraging in all foliage height levels.

Townsend's Warbler 1 (m) foraging in exterior foliage of exotic trees, CCR (photo).

Townsend's Warbler (Setophaga townsendi) Malibu, Los Angeles County CA 7 November 2015

Palm Warbler 1? (yellowish brown with streaks) seen briefly (1215 hrs) near the ground and flying low through garden at east park border, LP.

Common Yellowthroat 2 one flying low into tiny patch of marsh vegetation at sw edge of lagoon, ML; one in garden, east LP.

California Towhee 1 repeated calls from shrubs along sw wall of lagoon trail, ML.

Savannah Sparrow 1 flushed from ruderal field to low branch of seedling sycamore, LP (photo).

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) Legacy Park ,LACO CA 7 Nov. 2015

Song Sparrow 5 foraging by scratching in leaf litter; active in dense coastal sage, LP.

White-crowned Sparrow 30 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous.

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) adult Legacy Park LACO CA 7 Nov. 2015

Red-winged Blackbird 2 calls, flying over park, LP.

Brewer's Blackbird 4 on sidewalks, CCR.

Great-tailed Grackle 2 (m,f) riparian edge upstream, MC.

House Finch 10 (m,f) brushy edge of fields, LP.

House Sparrow 10 vocal, gregarious, CCW.

January 31, 2015 (63 Species)

Weather: Fair; 60F to 73F; winds calm. Low tide @ 1100 hrs., surf 1-2 ft.

Time: 0915-1223 hrs.

Area Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP). I walked a clockwise route once around the entire park perimeter. A few people with leashed dogs were present during the survey. 2) Civic Center Way and Cross Creek Rd (CCR). I surveyed gardens, vacant lots, assorted trees (including fruiting Ficus sp. on Cross Creek Rd adjacent to the hardware store). Several mature BCNH/GBHE/GREG rookery trees in the CCR mini-mall parking area had been severely cut back since my last visit (October 18, 2014), effectively eliminating any possibility of roosting and/or nesting by those three previously common species. 3) Malibu Creek (MC). I surveyed Malibu Creek from the northern rocky occlusion (visible from the embankment adjacent to the CCR parking area) to the PCH bridge. A large unleashed dog was roaming inside the new ecological restoration area on the west bank north of the PCH bridge, preventing me from doing my usual survey of that area. 4) Malibu Lagoon (ML). I walked the pathways from the State Park kiosk to the outer shore, surveying riparian patches, replanted coastal sage borders, mudflats (nearly devoid of shorebirds), replanted landfill (featuring hundreds of colored flag markers, serving as a grim reminder of the diverse avifuana occupying this area prior to the habitat improvement project), beach (about 25 people on the shore and the edge of the exposed tide pools) and near shore waters. Piles of kelp were abundant on Surfrider Beach (SB), however very few shorebirds were seen foraging there. The Malbu Creek outlet is now open, allowing fresh water to drain into the ocean and possibly a relatively small influx of saltwater influx into the lagoon during the highest tides. Exposed shoreline of the lagoon provided extensive mudflats, however relatively few birds were found using them. I did not survey the east side of SB, nor visit the Adamson House gardens. I used a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera for the survey.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 12 (m,f) dabbling with other ducks in the shallow, backwater areas, MC, ML.

American Wigeon 60 (m,f) crowded in the upper end of MC; a few along the interior of ML.

Mallard 20 (m,f) dabbling in the shallows with other ducks, MC, ML.

Northern Shoveler 12 (m,f) resting at the edge of the interior mudflats, ML.

Green-winged Teal 5 (m) swimming together in the upper section of MC; 5 in shallows of backwater areas of ML.

Red-breasted Merganser 3 (f);resting on rocks, MC; diving in surf zone, SB.

Ruddy Duck 12 (m,f) resting together in open water near PCH bridge, MC.

Loon Sp (Pacific or Common) definitely not RTLO, swimming near a BRCO, well outside the surf zone, SB.

Eared Grebe 3 diving in open water, MC, ML.

Western Grebe 3 gregarious; open water, MC.

Brandt's Cormorant 3 within and outside the surf zone; one on outer rocks.

Double-crested Cormorant 20 (ad, imm) resting on snags and shore, ML.

Brown Pelican 15 (ad, imm) resting on inner shore of lagoon, ML.

Great Blue Heron 1 edge of marsh, LP; 1 in ruderal field, CCR.

Snowy Egret 8 individuals foraging separately on shore, tidepools and shallows, ML.

Black-crowned Night Heron 1 low perch in willow at edge of creek, MC.

Turkey Vulture 2 soaring over adjacent hillsides, n, CCR.

Osprey 3 one vocalizing, flying low over the central lagoon; a pair flying 150 ft. agl toward the west side of the lagoon.

American Coot 150 ubiquitous; one of the few waterbirds foraging on exposed mudflats of the lagoon.

Black-bellied Plover 8 edge of inner and outer shore; tidepools, ML/SB.

Snowy Plover 12 taking cover together in small depressions in sand at nwc of SB; one color-banded, possibly the same bird found here on October 18, 2014 (photo).

Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) GA/OY Surfrider Beach/Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County CA 31 Jan 2015

Killdeer 6 vocal, gregarious; inner shore of ML.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 on inner shore of lagoon, ML.

Willet 1 foraging at the tide line on outer shore, SB/ML.

Whimbrel 1 foraging in the exposed tidepools and tideline, SB/ML.

Marbled Godwit 8 resting on the inner shore, ML.; foraging in a loose flock on the outer shore and tidepools, SB, ML

Heermann's Gull 8 (ad, imm) on inner shore, islets and and tidepools, ML.

Ring-billed Gull 35 (90% ad) islets, inner shore; shallows of lagoon, ML.

Western Gull 150 (80 % ad) ubiquitous.

California Gull 85 (85 % ad) inner shore, lagoon, outer tidepool, ML.

Herring Gull 2 (C1, C2) inner shore of lagoon and tidepool, ML/SB.

Glaucous-winged Gull 1 (C1) outer tidepool rocks with other gulls, ML/SB.

Caspian Tern 1 flying low over tidepool rocks and inner shore, ML/SB.

Royal Tern 16 resting on tidepool rocks; flying around outer shore, ML/SB.

Feral Rock Pigeon 15 circling parking area, CCR.

Nanday Parakeet 2 (possibly several more out of view) vocal, gregarious, CCR.

Allen's Hummingbird 4 (m) gardens and roadside trees, CCR; 1 ML.

Anna's Hummingbird 2 trees at edge of roadway, CCR; 1 riparian, ML.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 calls (unseen) trees around hardware store parking area, CCR.

Black Phoebe 3 calls; low sallies around edge of riparian and replanted landfill areas, ML.

Say's Phoebe 2 vocal; sallies from fences at edge of ruderal fields, LP/ CCR.

Western Scrub-Jay 1 flying east over swc of LP.

American Crow 20 vocal, gregarious, LP, open fields, CCR.

Bushtit 8 vocal, gregarious; coastal sage-riparian edge at entrance, ML.

White-breasted Nuthatch 1 repeated calls (unseen) mature trees around hardware store parking area, CCR.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 riparian strip at park entrance, ML.

Wrentit 1 repeated song (unseen) riparian/chaparral edge, east side of MC.

Western Bluebird 1 flying low along edge of riparian patch and ruderal field, CCR.

Hermit Thrush 1 repeated calls (unseen) dense riparian-coastal sage patch at entrance to park, ML.

Northern Mockingbird 2 vocal; chasing; west wall park boundary, ML.

European Starling 2 flying over park, LP.

Cedar Waxwing vocal, gregarious (unseen) fruiting fig trees, CCR.

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 calls, foraging with YRWA in fruiting figs, CCR.

Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler 25 ubiquitous; esp. fruiting figs, CCR.

Common Yellowthroat 1 calls, garden at edge of parking area, CCR.

California Towhee 1 repeated calls, riparian-coastal sage, ML.

Song Sparrow 12 vocal, ubiquitous; one common song heard from several individuals, but at least two dialects in the area; one with relatively pale underparts, supercilium and moustachial stripe, repeatedly singing a comparatively abbreviated (especially the first few 2-3 phrases), clear and distinctively different song from other SOSP singing in the area today, swc of ML (photo).

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) Showing a relatively pale underparts, supercilium and moustachial stripe; singing a distinctively different song from other SOSP in the area, swc of Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 31 Jan 2015

White-crowned Sparrow 6 foraging on the ground beneath and in the canopy of fruiting fig trees, CCR.

Dark-eyed Junco 2 calls, trees at edge of hardware store parking area, CCR.

Red-winged Blackbird 5 vocal, gregarious, marsh and riparian, LP.

Western Meadowlark 2 calls; on the ground in revegetated landfill, ML.

Great-tailed Grackle calls, CCR.

House Finch 25 (m,f) ubiquitous in open fields, riparian, gardens, LP, CCR.

October 18, 2014 (59 Species)

UCLA Autumn Birds of Southern California Legacy Park Malibu 18 October 2014

Weather: Fair; 60F to 75F; wind W 2-3 mph. Surf 1-3 ft.; outgoing tide.

Time: 0756- 1205 hrs.

Observers: UCLA Autumn Birds of Southern California class and I.

Areas Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP): We walked half way around the park on the perimeter path in a clockwise direction, ending at the pharmacy building on PCH. Ecological plant communities here include early successional grassland (e.g. Bromus spp.) freshwater marsh (e.g. cattail, bullrush), riparian (e.g. mulefat, willow, sycamore, cottonwood) and coastal sage scrub (e.g. goldenbush, California buckwheat and California sage). A few other visitors and a maintenance crew were present during our survey. 2) Continuing on foot, we crossed PCH and entered Malibu Lagoon State Park (ML). We surveyed the main lagoon and side lagoons (largely freshwater due to a sandbar blocking tidal flow; the margins have been revegetated with elements of coastal sage and freshwater marsh) via the walkways. Relatively steep sided lagoon edges and high water levels has resulted in very little mudflat area for shorebirds and waders.

Continuing south, we walked the sandbar of Surfrider Beach about halfway to Adamson House and back. This area held a number of shorebirds not found elsewhere in the lagoon, e.g. Snowy Plover, Willet, Whimbrel, Marbled Godwit, Ruddy Turnstone and Short-billed Dowitcher (SB). About 25 surfers were present on the beach and adjacent nearshore areas. Very little of the tidepool was exposed even as the tide receeded. The upper (n) end of Malibu Creek and adjacent riparian areas were not surveyed today.

The newly dredged and reconfigured lagoon bears little resemblance to the well-developed tidal marsh found here prior to 2010. The comparatively low bird diversity found here today reflects the dramatic ecological alterations that have occurred at Malibu Lagoon.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Snowy Plover (25-30; two color banded), Marsh Wren (1-2), and Vesper Sparrow (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 3 (m,f) edge of lagoon, ML.

Pied-billed Grebe 8 diving in the main lagoon, ML.

Eared Grebe 12 diving in small flocks in open water and the edges of the lagoon, ML.

Western Grebe 5 gregarious; diving in open water, ML.

Double-crested Cormorant 25 (mostly imm.) resting on snags and islet; some with wings outstretched; a few diving in main lagoon, ML.

Brown Pelican 5 (ad, imm) plunge diving near bridge in open water; on shore; one adult badly tangled in monofilament fishing line; called bird rescue hotlines -- only an automated answer machine without any helpful advice, ML (photo).

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) Note monofilament fishing line; Malibu Lagoon LACO CA 18 Oct 2014

Brandt's Cormorant 1 flying low, w outside surf zone, SB.

Great Blue Heron 1 on inner south shore, ML.

Great Egret 3 on inner shorelines, ML.

Snowy Egret 18 several in alt. plmg. gregarious with some chasing and aggression; foraging in shallows, ML.

Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (imm) edge of marsh, interior of main pond, LP.

Red-shouldered Hawk calls (unseen) LP.

Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad); one dove into a cleared field adjacent to Civic Center Way and Cross Creek Rd.; another adult circling low overhead. LP.

American Kestrel 1 (f) perched on small, leafless deciduous tree in field, LP.

American Coot 20 ubiquitous in open water and edges of main lagoon, ML.

Black-bellied Plover 25 (bsc. plmg.) gregarious; most resting on inner sandbar, ML, SB.

Snowy Plover 25-30; resting in depressions on sandbar and relying on cryptic coloration for concealment; running short distances when approached to within about 20 feet; reluctant to fly or leave the immediate vicinity; two color-banded individuals: 1) gg:oy 2) gg:ar SB (photos). According to Frances Bidstrup, both of these birds were banded as chicks in 2011 at Oceano Dunes, San Luis Obispo County, CA.

Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) color banded g:oy and gg:ar Surfrider Beach Malibu CA 18 Oct. 2014

Killdeer 5 vocal; shorelines of main lagoon, ML.

Willet 6 (bsc. plmg.) on inner and outer shore, ML, SB.

Sanderling 5 foraging together at the tide line of the outer beach; also with SNPL on sandbar, SB.

Whimbrel 1 foraging near rocks on outer beach, SB.

Marbled Godwit 6 foraging and resting together on sandbar, inner and outer beach, SB.

Short-billed Dowitcher 2 (trans. alt./bsc. plmg.) ID initially by rapidly repeated melodic flight and single stationary calls; tu tu tu- -tu; alighted on inner shore of main lagoon; frozen posture for several minutes; not seen feeding, SB (photo).

Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) Malibu Lagoon LACO CA 18 Oct 2014

Ruddy Turnstone 2 foraging on sandbar and both inner and outer shores, SB.

Heermann's Gull 12 (ad, imm) gregarious on sandbar and inner shore, SB.

California Gull 5 (ad, imm. C2) on sandbar with HMGU and WEGU, SB.

Western Gull 20 (ad, imm C1, C2; 85% ad) on sandbar and both shores, ML, SB.

Royal Tern 12 (ad) gregarious on outer sandbar, SB.

Elegant Tern 1 (ad) with ROTE on outer sandbar, SB.

Domestic Rock Pigeon 30 flying around civic center.

Nanday Parakeet 26 a vocal, cohesive flock flying w over adjacent rural area at base of hills, LP.

Anna's Hummingbird calls sycamore trees at entrance to park, ML.

Allen's Hummingbird 10 vocal; ubiquitous in coastal sage, riparian and flowering gardens.

Belted Kingfisher 1 calls; flying low over lagoon, ML.

Black Phoebe 3 sallying from low perches; open coastal sage bordering marsh and stream, LP.

Say's Phoebe on chain link fence in adjacent cleared field, Civic Center Way and Cross Creek Rd.

American Crow 10 vocal; pairs and loose flocks flying over, LP.

Bushtit 20 vocal, gregarious flock foraging in revegetated coastal sage scrub next to main walkway, s ML.

Marsh Wren 1-2 vocal; edge of marsh in main pond and stream, LP.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 foraging in sycamores at edge of walkway, LP.

Northern Mockingbird 1 on utility wire over Malibu Colony yard, ML.

European Starling 20 vocal; a tight flock flying n over adjacent MC.

Orange-crowned Warbler 2 calls; foraging low in revegetated coastal sage, LP, ML.

Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler 50 (m,f; imm) ubiquitous; gregarious, calls; foraging at all foliage height levels; on ground with WCSP and SASP, LP.

Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 (f) foraging low in revegetated coastal sage scrub with Bushtit, YRWA and COYE, s ML.

Common Yellowthroat 3 calls; edge of marsh and coastal sage, LP; coastal sage drainage, s ML.

Vesper Sparrow 1 ID: conspicuous eye-ring; rusty shoulder patch; foraging on ground in coastal sage with SASP, SOSP and WCSP, LP; flushed to nearby sapling sycamore.

Savannah Sparrow 5 calls; gregarious while foraging on ground in coastal sage, LP, ML.

Song Sparrow 15 vocal, solitary, ubiquitous in moist vegetation.

Lincoln's Sparrow ? 2 calls (unseen) dense revegetated coastal sage, LP, ML.

White-crowned Sparrow 25 (ad, imm) foraging on gravel walkways and in coastal sage, LP, ML.

Red-winged Blackbird 35 (m,f; imm) gregarious, vocal; foraging on walkways and singing from perches in marsh, LP.

Western Meadowlark 12 gregarious; foraging in coastal sage; flying around park, and lagoon, LP, ML.

Brewer's Blackbird 5 (f) in msf with RWBL; foraging on walkway, LP.

Great-tailed Grackle 2 (m,f) flying se toward lagoon, Civic Center Way.

Brown-headed Cowbird calls (unseen) with BRBL and RWBL, LP.

House Finch 30 (m,f) vocal, gregarious and widespread, LP.

Lesser Goldfinch 8 (m,f) gregarious; foraging on coastal sage shrubs gone to seed, LP.

House Sparrow 2 adjacent shopping area, CCR.

;

October 14, 2014 (56 Species)

Weather: Overcast to partly cloudy; 63F; wind W 2 - 5 mph.; high tide @ 1000 hrs. surf 3-5 ft.

Time: 0910-1341 hrs.

Observers: B. Kitto and I.

Areas Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP): We walked two circuits around the entire park, initially in a clockwise direction (AM), then counterclockwise (PM). Only a few other people were present in the park during our survey. Evidence of recent vegetation removal was seen along the artificial stream. Generally, LP continues to support an increasing volume of riparian and coastal sage vegetation, attracting many species of native bird. 2) Civic Center Way and Cross Creek Rd (CCR). We surveyed cleared fields and ornamental plantings along the street. 3) Malibu Creek (MC): We walked the western edge of Malibu Creek through a newly revegetated area on the north side of PCH, visually surveying riparian patches on both sides of the creek and upper lagoon. The creek water level was relatively high (the Surfrider Beach sandbar continueds to block tidal flow), leaving little or no exposed shoreline. Continuing across PCH at the intersection of CCR, we entered Malibu Lagoon State Park (ML). The paved walkway in the southwest corner was flooded and impassable. Vegetation regrowth has proceeded fairly continuously but is still relatively sparse compared with pre-development conditions at ML. We walked to the outer shore and beach. The latter has been significantly reduced in area (perhaps as much as 50%) from a recent tropical Pacific storm which brought heavy surf to the coastline of Southern California. Tidepool stones have been pushed shoreward, thus increasing the area of that particular habitat. The once roped off wildlife sanctuary has been removed, bringing increased pedestrian traffic to a narrow stretch of sandy beach. This has forced shorebirds to the edges of the lagoon and outer rocky shore. We did not visit the eastern portion of Surfrider Beach or the gardens of Adamson House.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, White-tailed Kite (1), Marsh Wren (1), and Brewer's Sparrow (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 2 (m,f) s edge of ML.

Pied-billed Grebe 5 swimming in open water, ML.

Eared Grebe 20 (bsc. plmg.) loose flocks, swimming and diving in open water, MC, ML.

Western Grebe 4 individuals and one small flock of three birds, open water, ML.

Double-crested Cormorant 25 resting on snags; flying over lagoon and surf zone, ML.

Brandt's Cormorant 2 diving in surf zone; flying low, w, ML.

Brown Pelican 12 (ad, imm) on shore and flying offshore, ML.

Great Blue Heron 3 edge of ML.

Great Egret 2 edge of ML.

Snowy Egret 12 wading in marsh, LP; foraging with heads extended into the lagoon from s shore, ML.

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

White-tailed Kite 1 hovering over open fields; later seen with small mammal (vole?) in talons while perched, LP.

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ad) vocal; flew from field to chain-link fence in town, CCR.

American Kestrel 2 (m,f) vocal; aerial chasing; alighting in a tall eucalyptus over the shopping center, CCR.

Sora calls (unseen) edge of marsh, s LP.

American Coot 100 ubiquitous, esp. ML.

Black-bellied Plover 18 (bsc. plmg.) crowded on inner shore of lagoon, ML (photo).

Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 14 October 2014

Killdeer 4 vocal edge of marsh and lagoon, LP, ML.

Snowy Plover ? 2 not seen clearly; flying away from the shore, ML.

Willet 16 edge of lagoon and outer shore, ML (photo).

Willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 14 October 2014

Spotted Sandpiper 1 (bsc. plmg.) inner edge of the lagoon; flew to opposite shore, ML.

Marbled Godwit 6 resting together while standing on one leg on inner shore of lagoon, ML (photo).

Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 14 October 2014

Whimbrel 1 foraging on outer shore and beach, ML (photo).

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 14 October 2014

Ruddy Turnstone 12 in loose flocks and individuals, foraging on outer and inner shore of lagoon, ML (photo)

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 14 October 2014

Heermann's Gull 15 a cohesive flock resting on the outer shore, ML.

California Gull 20 (C1, C2; 85% adult) on shore and in the lagoon, ML.

Western Gull 30 (C1, C2; 85 % adult) on and near shore, ML.

Royal Tern 6 (ad, imm) on outer beach; close-up comparison with nearby Elegant Tern; (photo).

Morphological comparison of two closely related tern species: Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus) adult (left); Elegant Tern (T. elegans) adult (right) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 14 October 2014

Elegant Tern 12 (ad, imm) a vocal, cohesive flock on the outer shore (photo); one immature begging from an adult.

Domestic Rock Pigeon 25 flying around buildings; foraging in cleared field adjacent to LP.

Mourning Dove 3 together in sapling deciduous tree, LP.

Allen's Hummingbird 5 (m) exotic vegetation in gardens; coastal sage, LP, ML.

Belted Kingfisher 1 fly, call, MC.

Black Phoebe 5 vocal; sallying from low perches, LP, MC, ML.

Say's Phoebe 1 edge of field, CCR.

Western Scrub-jay 1 calls, riparian patch, MC.

American Crow 20 vocal, ubiquitous, esp. cleared field adjacent to LP.

Bushtit 10 a vocal, cohesive flock in coastal sage, LP.

Marsh Wren 1 appeared briefly at edge of marsh, s LP.

Northern Mockingbird 1 in coastal sage at edge of lagoon, ML.

European Starling 10 vocal, adjacent fields and suburbs, CCR.

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 foraging low in revegetated coastal sage, ML.

Yellow Warbler 1 calls (unseen) ornamental deciduous trees lining the street, CCR.

Common Yellowthroat 6 (m,f) calls; ubiquitous in dense vegetation near water.

Wilson's Warbler 1 (m) foraging in revegetated coastal sage, ML.

California Towhee 1 (BK) flushed from riparian regrowth, MC.

Savannah Sparrow 8 small flocks feeding on the ground in revegetated area, LP (photo).

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) Legacy Park Malibu CA 14 Oct. 2014

Song Sparrow 10 calls; ubiquitous in marsh and adjacent coastal sage scrub.

White-crowned Sparrow 25 vocal, ubiquitous in brushy areas and edge of marsh.

Brewer's Sparrow 1 in sapling deciduous tree, coastal sage revegetation area, sw LP (photo).

Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri) Legacy Park Malibu Los Angeles County CA 14 Oct. 2014

Red-winged Blackbird 20 (m,f) vocal; flying over marsh, LP.

Western Meadowlark 6 edge of lagoon in revegetated area, ML.

Brewer's Blackbird 5 around shopping center, CCR.

Brown-headed Cowbird 3 flying over with RWBL, LP.

House Finch 30 (m,f) foraging on ground with WCSP and SASP, LP.

House Sparrow 5 in shopping area, CCR.

April 10 & 12, 2014 (71 Species)

Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 10 April 2014

Weather: 4/10: Fair with variable coastal low fog; 53F to 60F; wind WNW 5-7 mph. Low tide @ 1000 hrs.; surf 2-3 ft.

4/12: Partly cloudy and clearing by late morning; 57F to 64F; other conditions as noted above.

Time: 4/10: 0843-1403 hrs. (CY, MM); 4/12: 0800-0840 hrs. (CY); 0900-1258 hrs. (UCLA Birds of SoCal class of 17 students and I).

Observers: 4/10: Merissa Mendez and I; 4/12: UCLA Birds of SoCal class of 17 students and I.

Areas Covered: 4/10 & 4/12: 1) Legacy Park (LP), including distant views of adjacent fields, gardens and assorted exotic plantings on Stewart Ranch Rd. (SRR), Civic Center Drive and Cross Creek Rd (CCR). We walked a clockwise route around the entire park, surveying restored (i.e. plantings) of mature coastal sage, young riparian ( e.g. cottonwood and sycamore) and freshwater marsh (recently thinned out by maintenance crews). The water level in the main pond was relatively high; no exposed mudflats. Foot traffic on the pathways was light. Several people had dogs (most were leashed) on 4/12.

2) Malibu Creek (MC), including the adjacent shopping area with trimmed fig trees supporting an egret rookery. We surveyed gardens, a newly replanted riparian strip on the west bank, creek and a mature riparian strip on the east bank. The creek water level was relatively high (some shoreline and mudflats exposed) due to the sand berm blockage at the mouth on Surfrider Beach.

3) Malibu Lagoon (ML). We walked the paths around the newly dredged and replanted west section of the lagoon, Surfrider Beach (SB), rocky intertidal and nearshore waters. 4/10: Relatively few people were on the west side of the beach; a film crew and onlookers were present on the east side near the parking area and restrooms. I found mistakes on a new information sign in ML at the end of the path nearest the PCH bridge: Images apparently intended to represent Great Egret (Ardea alba) and Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) are mislabled, Common Egret = Great Egret, Casmerodius = Ardea, and Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina, respectively.

4) 4/10: We returned to Legacy Park on PCH, stopping briefly to survey the gardens of Adamson House (AH). Following lunch in LP, I returned to all of the above-mentioned areas briefly from 1245-1400 hrs. although no new bird species were found for the day-list.

4/12: The field session ended at the south end of Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach at 1228 hrs. The class did not survey the east end of Surfrider Beach or the Adamson House garden.The beach had a fair amount of foot traffic; about 20 people were surfing during our visit. Conditions were generally good for identifying bird vocalizations on both days.

NOTE: Unless indicated otherwise, bird species listed below were found during both surveys of 4/10 and 4/12. The maximum number of birds found on either the 4/10 or 4/12 survey is indicated.

BIRDS NOTED

Brant 1 (ad) standing and preening in the shallows at the lower end of the lagoon near a resting flock of BRPE, ML (4/12).

Gadwall 10 (m,f) edge of MC and ML.

American Wigeon 8 (m,f) dabbling at the upper end of MC; edge of ML.

Mallard 16 (m,f) ubiquitous in freshwater marsh and the main lagoon.

Northern Shoveler 2 (m,f) a pair resting near w shore, ML (4/10).

Red-breasted Merganser 4 (3f; 1 m) swimming near the PCH bridge; male later seen flying toward shore, ML.

Ruddy Duck 5 (m,f) resting in open water, MC.

Pied-billed Grebe 1 swimming, open water, ML(4/10).

Western Grebe 1 largely inactive on the beach; ventral feathers with dark stains (photo 4/10).

Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) Surfrider Beach Malibu, Los Angeles County CA 10 April 2014

Double-crested Cormorant 12 (ad, imm) resting on snags and sandbar, ML.

Brandt's Cormorant 10 two small flocks flying low, westward offshore, ML.

Brown Pelican 25 (many in alt. plmg.) resting on sandbar; flying over lagoon and shore, ML.

Great Blue Heron 1 (ad) in shallows of lagoon, ML.

Great Egret 8 (alt.plmg.) on nests in trimmed fig tree next in the Malibu shopping area; one adult returning to nest with small fish, CCR. All the birds were silent; except for minor adjustments of nest material, most birds were largely inactive on the nests (incubating eggs?). On 4/12 our class observed six adults in the nesting colony; one adult was apparently feeding very small young in the nest, hidden from our view.

Great Egret (Ardea alba) Cross Creek Rd. Malibu, Los Angeles County CA 10 April 2014

Snowy Egret 10 small flocks on shore and in shallows, ML.

Black-crowned Night Heron 5 (ad, imm) in parking lot trimmed trees, CCR; one immature at the edge of the creek (photo).

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) immature Malibu Creek, Los Angeles County CA 10 April 2014

Turkey Vulture 1 soaring high over adjacent chaparral ridge, n CCR (4/12).

Osprey 1 (ad) flew to large sycamore overhanging the creek, MC; later seen circling the lagoon, flushing a flock of ELTE, ML (4/10).; one flying over the lagoon carring a fish in its talons (4/12).

Red-shouldered Hawk calls (unseen) SRR (4/10).

White-tailed Kite 1 (ad) initially found by Jane Hines; our class then observed the bird preening for about 10 minutes in a young sycamore; it then flew southeast and began hovering about 50-60 ft agl over an open section in the southeast corner of the park. Subsequently, the bird was observed flying back to its perch in a sycamore, carrying a freshly-captured rodent (about 4-5 " long with dark fur, resembling a Valley Pocket Gopher) including strands of grass dangling in the air. The kite was then observed repeatedly ripping at the lifeless prey item with its beak, LP (4/12).

Sora calls (unseen) marsh-pond, LP.

American Coot 50 ubiquitous in aquatic areas.

Black-bellied Plover 1 (alt. plmg.) foraging on outer shore, SB (photo 4/10).

Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) Surfrider Beach Malibu, Los Angeles County CA 10 April 2014

Killdeer calls (unseen) ML.

Willet 4 (alt. plmg.) foraging on outer beach, SB.

Whimbrel 16 (alt. plmg.) resting and foraging on the shoreline of lower lagoon and tidepools, ML.

Sanderling 3 (alt. plmg.) foraging together on outer shore, ML (4/10).

Western Sandpiper 5 flew to interior shoreline of lower lagoon, ML (4/10).

Least Sandpiper 1 flew to interior sandbar shoreline at the lower end of the lagoon, ML (4/12).

Marbled Godwit 3 foraging on outer shore, SB.

Bonaparte's Gull 8 (ad, imm) together in shallows of lower lagoon; snatching flies around beach wrack, ML (photo).

Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia) adult (lower left and right) and immatures. Malibu Lagoon LACO CA 10 April 2014

Heermann's Gull 4 (3 C1; 1 ad) flew to sandbar in lower lagoon, ML.

Ring-billed Gull 2 (ad, C1) on sandbar in lower lagoon, ML.

California Gull 20 (ad, C1, C2) lower lagoon, ML.

Herring Gull 1 (C1) on roof of pharmacy next to LP (0815 hrs. CY 4/12).

Glaucous-winged Gull 2 : (C2) on outer shore of SB (photo) and C1 inner shore of lower lagoon, ML.

Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens) Surfrider Beach Malibu, Los Angeles County CA 10 April 2014

Western Gull 35 (ad. C1, C2, C3) ubiquitous; marsh, creek, lagoon, outer shore and offshore; three immatures (C1; C2) foraging by pecking holes in the back of dead California Sea Lion pup and adult (presumably its mother) lying together on sandbar island at the lower end of the lagoon (4/12)..

Caspian Tern 4 (ad) on sandbar with ELTE, ML.

Elegant Tern 120 (4/10) - 300 (4/12): (90% adult); displays and copulation of a pair with strikingly different color shades of orange-yellow and red-orange bills (4/12) on inner shore; frequent flights and vocalization; one (4/10) to three (4/12) cohesive flocks (photo).

Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans) Malibu Lagoon Los Angeles County CA 10 April 2014

Royal Tern 2 (bsc. plmg.) on sandbar in lower lagoon with ELTE, ML.

Domestic Rock Pigeon 12 foraging on pathway, LP (4/10).

Eurasian Collared Dove 1 calls atop a wooden utility pole adjacent to Malibu Colony, ML (4/12).

Mourning Dove 4 two pairs; flying low and fast over the park, LP (4/12).

Nanday Conure 5 calls, flying over open areas, SRR (4/10).

Anna's Hummingbird 1 m in garden CCR.

Allen's Hummingbird 8 (m,f) ubiquitous in flowering shrubs.

Belted Kingfisher calls (unseen) MC (4/10).

Black Phoebe 6 ubiquitous; low perches in vegetation near water.

Cassin's Kingbird 2 1 in weedy field, SRR; 1 calls; perched in seedling sycamore, LP (photo- 4/10) (4/12: 0820 hrs. one with nest material - CY).

Cassin's Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans) Legacy Park Malibu, LACO CA 10 April 2014

Western Scrub-jay 3 calls; perched in branches of tall snag adjacent to PCH, MC (4/10).

American Crow 30 vocal, ubiquitous.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 6 (ad, imm) at least one pair nesting under PCH overpass in ceiling drainage pipes; flying low, back and forth over mudflats and beach; perched on snags and barbed wire fencing, ML (photo).

Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) Malibu Lagoon LACO CA 10 April 2014

Barn Swallow 3 (alt. plmg) flying low, back and forth over beach and edge of lagoon; perched on fence, ML (photo).

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County CA 10 April 2014

Cliff Swallow 1-2 flying 25- 50 ft. agl, ML (4/12).

Wrentit song (unseen) riparian-chaparral on east side of creek, MC (4/10).

Northern Mockingbird 1 repeated song, trees around civic center, CCR (4/100; 4/12 - 0815 hrs. LP - CY).

European Starling 20 vocal, ubiquitous.

Orange-crowned Warbler 2 vocal in dense coastal sage-riparian, LP (4/10).

Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 1 (4/12 - DKA).

Common Yellowthroat 2 repeated song, edge of marsh, LP.

California Towhee 5 repeated song from exposed perches on young trees, LP (4/12).

Savannah Sparrow 1 calls, patches of coastal sage, LP; 1 edge of replanted landfill, ML.

Song Sparrow 12 vocal, ubiquitous in heavily vegetated and adjacent open areas.

White-crowned Sparrow calls, garden next to civic center, CCR (4/10).

Red-winged Blackbird 20 (m,f) vocal; males on territory in marsh and adjacent riparian; female with nest material going into clump of cattail regrowth ,LP.

Brewer's Blackbird 8 (m,f) in shopping mall area, CCR.

Great-tailed Grackle 1 (m) edge of lagoon, ML.

Brown-headed Cowbird 1 (f) vocalizing in a young sycamore alongside the path; Common Yellowthroat (a potential host) active in the adjacent coastal sage scrub, LP (4/12).

Lesser Goldfinch 3 (m,f) vocal; in canopy of young sycamores, LP.

House Finch 10 (m,f) vocal, LP.

House Sparrow 20 on and around buildings and gardens, CCR, LP.

December 21, 2013 (72 Species)

Weather: Fair with early morning coastal fog; 53F to 60F; wind WNW 0-2 mph. Surf 1-3 ft.; high tide @ 0930 hrs.

Time: 0915- 1507 hrs.

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I.

Area Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP). The park was covered on foot, including the southeast corner next to the dog hospital. Numerous park visitors had leashed dogs, which did not appear to disturb the birdlife. Legacy Park has also attracted an increasing number of homeless people, who commonly loiter on benches in the park, litter profusely and have established temporary encampments in the less-traveled areas, e.g. the southeast corner. Today (Saturday), the park was fairly quiet and undisturbed during the survey. Coastal sage, fresh water marsh and riparian habitat restoration appears to have been successful throughout most of the park.

2) Cross Creek Rd. via Civic Center Drive (CCR). We walked from LP to the north end of CCR, surveying recently cleared lots and fields. This area includes a shopping mall with ornamental flowering trees and shrubs. Continuing eastward through the mall, we walked along the west bank of Malibu Creek (MC) visually surveying upstream and along the newly restored riparian strip between the shopping mall, creek and the PCH bridge. The upstream portion of Malibu Creek has a well-developed riparian strip. The creek water level was comparatively high from recent rains.

3) Malibu Lagoon (ML). We walked the newly established trail from the parking lot to the outer shore, surveying open water, mudflats (mostly landfill), beach and offshore to about 200 yards. Thousands of blue and red marker flags remain in the restored area for no apparent reason. These flags appear to be discouraging the use of the replanted landfill areas by birds. Many waterbirds were resting on the islands at the south end of the lagoon. The creek outlet was breached and we did not cross over to Surfrider Beach from the west side of ML. About 40 surfers were present during the survey. Automatic sprinklers (with overspray onto walkways) came on when we returned from the beach.

4) After lunch, I surveyed the Adamson House garden (AH), Surfrider Beach (SB) and, once again, the south end of Malibu Lagoon to the outlet channel. A large pile of sand, presumably left by a bulldozer, was in the southeastern corner of ML, bordering Surfrider Beach. Although the outer beach had a diversity of shorebirds, relatively few were present on the inner shore of the lagoon. Some people were waving their arms at a large flock of gulls and other birds resting on the shore of the lagoon, setting most of them to flight. A couple from Pasadena later stopped me on the beach to ask me about the identity of some of the birds they had seen in the lagoon. On the way back to the parking area at the Civic Center, I re-surveyed the southern and eastern sections of Legacy Park (LP).

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Osprey (1), White-tailed Kite (1), Snowy Plover (35, including one with leg bands), and Eastern Phoebe (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 10 swimming upstream, MC; south end of lagoon, ML.

American Wigeon 4 (m,f) LP; 10 (m,f) MC, ML.

American Wigeon (Anas americana) female Legacy Park Malibu, Los Angeles County CA 21 December 2013

Mallard 2 (m,f) upstream, MC.

Northern Shoveler 2 (m,f) upstream, MC; 12 (m,f) dabbling near inner shore, ML.

Northern Pintail 3 (m) dabbling in open water, ML.

Green-winged Teal 5 (m,f) foraging in cut-over marsh, LP (photo); 10 inner shore and edges of ML.

Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) male Legacy Park Malibu, Los Angeles County CA 21 December 2013

Surf Scoter 3 flying w, low, about 200 yards offshore, ML.

Bufflehead 1 (f) shallow dives and dabbling, LP; 4 (m,f) diving , open water, s ML.

Red-breasted Merganser 5 (f) diving together upstream, MC; 3 (f) inside surf zone and 200 yards offshore, SB.

Ruddy Duck 15 (m,f) MC; 10 open water, ML.

Pied-billed Grebe 2 MC; 2 near edge of lagoon, ML.

Horned Grebe 1 diving in w lagoon, ML.

Eared Grebe 10 diving throughout MC; 2 open water, ML.

Double-crested Cormorant 50 resting on shore of lagoon, ML.

Brandt's Cormorant 2 flying low offshore, SB.

Brown Pelican 30 (many in alt. plmg.) resting around edges of the lagoon and beach, ML.

Great Blue Heron 3 on shore and island, s ML.

Great Egret 1 walking in marsh and in coastal sage, LP; 3 edge of lagoon, ML.

Snowy Egret 5 foraging together in marsh, LP; 15 together on island, s ML.

Osprey 1 (ad) in crown of leafless tree, w ML (photo).

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Malibu Lagoon LACO CA 21 Dec 2013

White-tailed Kite 1 hovering above marsh and grassy area; displaced a RSHA from its perch next to the marsh, LP.

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 calls; chased away from marsh by WTKI, LP.

Red-tailed Hawk 1 ad in leafless tree next to PCH, across from AH.

American Coot 250 ubiquitous.

Black-bellied Plover 25 on shore and island, ML.

Killdeer calls, ML.

Snowy Plover 35 partially concealed on the beach in small, individual depressions in the sand, ML/SB; one banded: NO/WW (photo); all individuals were reluctant to fly when approached.

Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) Malibu Lagoon/Surfrider Beach Los Angeles County CA 21 December 2013. This bird was banded (NO/WW) at Vandenberg AFB (Santa Barbara County, CA) as a chick in 2009. It has subsequently been seen elsewhere in SBCO and at McGrath State Beach, Ventura County, CA. ( fide Frances Bidstrup, December 24, 2013).

Marbled Godwit 5 foraging individually about 20 yards apart at the tideline, SB.

Willet 5 foraging individually on the beach and tideline, SB, ML.

Spotted Sandpiper 2 flying over the creek, upstream, MC.

Sanderling 30 foraging at the tideline and on beach wrack, ML, SB (photo).

Sanderling (Calidris alba) Surfrider Beach/Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County CA 21 December 2013

Ruddy Turnstone 5 on shore of inner lagoon, ML.

Bonaparte's Gull 1 (C1) on shore of inner lagoon, ML.

Heermann's Gull 2 (ad) on beach, SB.

Ring-billed Gull 25 (ad, imm) on sandy beach with CAGU, ML, SB.

California Gull 150 ubiquitous, ML, SB; Noted only one individual wih yellow feet and bill.

California Gull (Larus californicus) Note: all birds in adult or third cycle plumage; one (center right) with yellow feet and bill), Malibu Lagoon LACO CA 21 December 2013

Herring Gull 1 (ad) on outer beach with CAGU and WEGU (photo).

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) Surfrider Beach/Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 21 Dec 2013

Glaucous-winged Gull 3 (1 ad; 2 C1) on shore, sw inner lagoonand outer beach, ML, SB (photos).

Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens) first cycle (left) and adult (right) Malibu Lagoon/Surfrider Beach, LACO CA 21 Dec 2013

Western Gull 60 (90% ad; 7% C1; 3 % C2 & C3) ubiquitous; most abundant on outer beach, ML. SB.

Rock Pigeon 12 flying over town and beach, LP, ML, SB.

Mourning Dove 6 flushed from cleared lot, CCR.

Great Horned Owl 1 partially concealed in a willow in dense riparian woodland, upstream, MC.

Anna's Hummingbird 1 (m) calls; in flowering hedge, AH.

Allen's Hummingbird 4 calls; flowering shrubs in gardensLP; CCR, AH.

Rufous Hummingbird 1(?) male displaying coppery-orange gorget; showing a small green central patch of feathers on an otherwise red back and tail, LP.

Black Phoebe 10 ubiquitous, low perches on shrubs and other objects (photo).

Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) Legacy Park Malibu, LACO CA 21 Dec 2013

Say's Phoebe 1 sallying from exposed perch on sapling sycamore, se LP (photo).

Say's Phoebe (Sayornis saya) Legacy Park Malibu, LACO CA 21 Dec 2013

Eastern Phoebe 1 Initially located by its repeated calls in a low shrub near the bridge (sw) LP; then flew to a sapling tree in the se section of the park (photo). This is probably the same bird found at LP by Joyce Waterman on December 11, 2013 and seen by others a week later.

Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) Legacy Park Malibu, LACO CA 21 Dec 2013

Cassin's Kingbird 4 highly vocal; flock staying close in sapling sycamores, n LP.

Western Scrub-jay calls, CCR.

American Crow 25 vocal, ubiquitous.

Bushtit 12 a cohesive, vocal flock in shrubs, sw ML.

Bewick's Wren 2 calls, coastal sage and gardens, LP, CCR.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 foraging in low shrubs, LP; 1 calls, Ficus tree with YRWA, CCR.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 in coastal sage scrub, se LP (photo).

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) Legacy Park Malibu, LACO CA 21 December 2013

Northern Mockingbird 1 vocal, CCR.

European Starling 15 a vocal, cohesive flock moving around the area.

Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 60 (m,f) foraging at all heights and in many types of vegetation; one rather oddly marked individual (photo).

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) male AHY; note partial leucism in feathering; Legacy Park, LACO CA 21 Dec 2013

Common Yellowthroat 5 wet areas and adjacent coastal sage scrub, LP, ML.

California Towhee 3 on lawn, AH.

Savannah Sparrow 3 calls; staying low; with WCSP, LP.

Song Sparrow 8 calls; wet areas and adjacent coastal sage scrbu, LP, MC.

Lincoln's Sparrow 2 calls; occasionally on conspicuous, low perch in coastal sage scrub, LP.

White-crowned Sparrow 20 (many imm.) on ground and low shrubs, LP, CCR.

Dark-eyed Junco 2 foraging on roadside with WCSP, CCR.

Western Meadowlark 15 (ad, imm) in grassland and edge of marsh, LP (photo).

Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) immature Legacy Park Malibu, LACO CA 21 Dec 2013

Brewer's Blackbird 4 calls; flying toward shopping mall, LP.

Great-tailed Grackle 10 (m,f) males with long tails (alt. plmg.) on shore, ML, SB.

House Finch 18 (m,f) ubiquitous.

Lesser Goldfinch 8 (m,f) foraging on ground and in low shrubs, LP.

American Goldfinch 2 (m,f) foraging in low shrubs and in wet soil, near LEGO, LP.

House Sparrow 5 foraging on roadside with WCSP, CCR.

November 17, 2013 (83 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy; 51F to 65F; wind WNW 2 mph.; surf 1-3 ft. medium high tide @ 0900 hrs.

Time: 0838-1413 hrs.

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I.

Areas Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP); two walking surveys; one AM, one PM. Fairly quiet at 0840 hrs. as the farmer's market was setting up on Civic Center Way, Increasing numbers of visitors and dogs (leashed and unleashed) by 1100 hrs. The water level in the creek and pond was relatively high. 2) Civic Center Way and Cross Creek Rd. (CCR). We surveyed adjacent weedy fields, a row of trees (e.g. fruiting figs) next to the nursery and in the shopping mall. The large fig trees formerly supporting a colony of egrets and herons had been severely trimmed since our last visit in September (see previous report). We included Malibu Creek (MC)between the PCH bridge and the upstream occlusion lined by a riparian woodland. A habitat restoration project has begun along the west bank of MC, now with numerous seedling sycamores fed by drip lines. 3) Malibu Lagoon (ML). We walked along the western edge of the lagoon, surveying the newly dredged and filled areas, adjacent gardens bordering Malibu Colony, inner and outer shorelines and open ocean to about 200 yards. Relatively few people were on the beach during our survey. The beach area on the south end of ML that had been roped off with signs during our previous surveys was completely unprotected. 4) Surfrider Beach (SB). We continued eastward on the shore to the SB parking area, surveying offshore waters. 5) Adamson House (AH). We visited briefly the gardens of AH, which were very quiet and undisturbed by human activities. 6) Stuart Ranch Rd. (SRR). I walked to the north end of SRR, surveying recently cleared fields, a grove of mature eucalyptus, ornamental shrubs and adjacent hillside chaparral.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Aleutian Cackling Goose (1), Hooded Merganser (1), White-tailed Kite (2), Snowy Plover (13), Glaucous-winged Gull (1), Elegant Tern (1), Rufous Hummingbird (1- presumed), and Western Tanager (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Aleutian Cackling Goose 1 on south shore of ML (photo).

Aleutian Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii leucopareia) south Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County CA 17 November 2013

Gadwall 4 (m,f) pairs swimming near shore, ML.

American Wigeon 8 (m,f) dabbling in main pond, LP.

Mallard 5 (m,f) edge of main pond, LP.

Northern Shoveler 8 (m,f) resting and swimming near shore, ML.

Green-winged Teal 2 (m,f) main pond, LP; 4 southwest ML.

Surf Scoter 12 (m,f) a tight flock flying low, w offshore, SB.

Bufflehead 4 (m,f) upper lagoon and MC.

Red-breasted Merganser (f) 1 sw ML; 6 diving in rocky shallows of surf zone, SB.(photo).

Hooded Merganser 1 (f) diving, sw ML; swimming near RBME (photo).

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) fem l; Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) fem r. Malibu Lagoon LACO CA 17 Nov 2013

Ruddy Duck 30 (m,f) most resting in open water, MC, ML.

Pied-billed Grebe 5 diving near shore, MC,ML.

Horned Grebe 1 diving near shore, SB.

Eared Grebe 10 diving; open water and near shore, MC, ML.

Western Grebe 2 resting and swimming, MC; two dead on shore, ML.

Double-crested Cormorant 15 (ad, imm) resting on island and on snags; diving, MC, ML.

Brandt's Cormorant 8 resting on rocks near shore, ML; flying low, w, SB.

Brown Pelican 15 (ad, imm) resting on island, s ML; flying over lagoon and offshore.

Great Blue Heron 2 on shore, ML.

Great Egret 2 main pond, LP; 4 on shore, ML.

Snowy Egret 3 main pond and marsh, LP; 8 shoreline around ML.

Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (imm) on backyard fence of Malibu Colony, ML.

Osprey 1 flying, ML; AH.

Red-tailed Hawk 3 (ad) repeated calls; two individuals flying around together, SRR.

White-tailed Kite 2 (ad) one perched atop leafless tree in backyard of Malibu Colony; another joining it; calls (photo).

White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) Malibu Colony at Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County CA 17 November 2013

American Kestrel 2 (m,f) female flying over LP; male in eucalyptus, SRR.

American Coot 200 ubiquitous in wetlands.

Black-bellied Plover 70 on shore and island, s ML.

Snowy Plover 13 (none banded) in depressions of deep sand , s ML.

Killdeer 12 together in ploughed field, SRR.

Marbled Godwit 3 foraging individually at the edge of the water on outer beach, SB.

Willet 6 foraging individually at the edge of the water on outer beach, SB.

Whimbrel 2 foraging at the edge of the water on outer beach, SB.

Ruddy Turnstone 10 foraging and resting on island and inner shore of s ML.

Least Sandpiper 1 on shore of s ML.

Bonaparte's Gull 3 (ad, imm) flying low; dipping on surface of sw ML.

Heermann's Gull 5 (ad) resting on shore, s ML.

Ring-billed Gull 20 (ad, imm) on sandy beach and shore, s ML, SB.

California Gull 120 (ad, imm) resting in lagoon and on shore, ML, SB.

Western Gull 80 (ad, C1,C3) resting in lagoon and on shore, ML, SB.

Glaucous-winged Gull 1 (C1) flying low over main pond, LP.

Forster's Tern 1 dove and caught fish in sw ML.

Elegant Tern 1 flying over surf zone, SB.

Rock Pigeon 8 flying around over marketplace, LP.

Mourning Dove 5 in eucalyptus, SRR.

Nanday Conure 5 calls; pairs foraging in canopy on cypress cones in backyard of Malibu Colony, ML (photo).

Nanday Conure (Aratinga nenday) Malibu Colony at Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 17 Nov 2013

Anna's Hummingbird 1 calls; flying around red-flowering exotic shrub, LP.

Allen's Hummingbird 3 fly, call; flowering ornamentals in gardens adjacent to LP; AH..

Rufous Hummingbird (presumed) 1 (m) noted back mostly red; male Allen's Hummingbirds nearby for comparison. fly, call; perched on red-flowering shrub, LP (photo).

Presumed Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) male Legacy Park, Los Angeles County CA 17 November 2013

Belted Kingfisher 2 fly, call, MC, ML.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 calls; CCR; AH.

Black Phoebe 5 wetlands throughout.

Say's Phoebe 3 open fields, LP, SRR.

Loggerhead Shrike 1 (ad) on top of small tree, LP (photo).

Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) Legacy Park Los Angeles County CA 17 Nov 2013

Western Scrub-jay 1 suburban yard, SRR.

American Crow 30 vocal, ubiquitous.

Common Raven 2 vocal; flying over adjacent areas, LP.

Bushtit 10 in ornamental trees next to nursery, CCR; 12 foraging in the foliage of a large sycamore, AH; 6 in dense coastal sage, LP.

Bewick's Wren 1 scolding calls; on fence at edge of ruderal field, SRR.

Marsh Wren 1? calls (unseen) marsh on sw corner of main pond, LP.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 in fruiting fig tree, CCR; calls, mature trees, AH.

Hermit Thrush 1 calls; on wall on west walkway, ML.

Wrentit 1 repeated song, chaparral hillside, CCR.

Northern Mockingbird 2 song, LP; AH.

California Thrasher 1 calls (unseen) ornamental plantings at edge of hillside chaparral, SRR.

European Starling 10 fly, call, LP, CCR; 10 in sycamore, AH.

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 foraging in outer foliage of a coast live oak, AH.

Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 50 calls; ubiquitous; a variety of vegetation types and height levels; often in small flocks of 3-5 females and immatures.

Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 (f) foraging low with YRWA in replanted herbaceous area, sw ML.

Common Yellowthroat 8 calls; wetlands and adjacent brushland throughout.

California Towhee 1 AH; 1 SRR.

Savannah Sparrow 3 calls; edge of coastal sage and marsh, LP.

Song Sparrow 8 calls; marsh and gardens, LP, AH (photo).

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) Adamson House gardens, Malibu, LACO CA 17 Nov 2013

Lincoln's Sparrow 1 calls; edge of marsh-coastal sage, LP.

White-crowned Sparrow 35 vocal, ubiquitous in small ground-feeding flocks of mostly adults.

Western Tanager 1 (m) flying se across adjacent open field with scattered trees, LP.

Red-winged Blackbird 5 (m,f) flying sw over marsh, LP.

Western Meadowlark 10 a loose flock in open area adjacent to main pond, LP; also in cleared field, SRR.

Brewer's Blackbird 5 in shopping area, CCR.

Great-tailed Gracke 10 (m,f) vocal, ubiquitous. Several males with long tails (alt. plmg.) at the edge of ML.

House Finch 10 vocal; foraging in weedy areas alongside the newalkway, LP.

Lesser Goldfinch 6 (m,f) foraging at the edge of the ne walkway, LP.

House Sparrow 6 vocal, gardens and roadside, CCR.

September 2, 2013 (55 Species)

Weather: Coastal fog, partially clearing by 1200 hrs. 67F to 72F; wind SSW 2 -5 mph; high tide @ 0830 hrs. Surf 2 -3 ft.

Time: 0757-1257 hrs.

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I.

Areas Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP): We walked the perimeter of the park twice in a clockwise direction. We were greeted at the northeastern entrance by someone operating a noisy leafblower, throwing up clouds of dust. Why these intrusive machines are necessary in a nature preserve is a question local residents should be asking. Thankfully, the LP conservation news isn't all bad. The artificial creek and pond had a relatively high water level attracting a variety of birds associated with wetlands (e.g. Great Egret, Snowy Egret and White-tailed Kite). Replanted coastal sage, riparian, marsh and grassland habitats in the park continue to flourish and provide good cover for many smaller species of bird and mammal..

2) Stuart Ranch Rd (SRR): I walked to the northern terminus of SRR and into the Malibu City Hall parking area, surveying ruderal fields and hillside coastal sage chaparral. A temporary carnival was beginnng in the northeast corner of SRR and Civic Center Way. 3) Civic Center Way and Cross Creek Rd (CCR). We walked to the northern terminus of CCR from Civic Center Way, surveying ruderal fields, ornamental shrubs and trees, and adjacent hillside chaparral. 4) Malibu Creek (MC). We surveyed the northern section of Malibu Creek between the PCH bridge and the first set of rocks partially occluding the stream. This area includes ruderal fields and ornamental trees (e.g. Ficus and Eucalyptus) in the parking area on the west side. 5) Malibu Lagoon (ML): We walked the pathways through the restored lagoon to the outer shore, surveying the dredged western section, replanted landfill, inner and outer shorelines and adjacent Malibu Colony ornamental trees and shrubs. The low water level of Malibu Creek and lagoon, still blocked by a sandbar at the southern end, continued to support eutrophic algal growth, resulting in little open water for diving birds. Increasing numbers of visitors were arriving at the beach after 0900 hrs. About 40 surfers were offshore. The southern lagoon shoreline was roped off with signs indicating a sensitive nesting area. This boundary appeared to be respected by everyone on the beach, even though relatively little sandy beach remained at high tide. We continued walking east on a busy Surfrider Beach (SB), circling around to the quiet gardens of Adamson House (AH).

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Brant (3- cont.), and Royal Tern (3).

BIRDS NOTED

Brant 3 two on southern landfill island; one on the northern (photo).

Brant (Branta bernicla) Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County CA 2 September 2013

Gray-lag Goose (domestic albino) 1 foraging in the pond, SP.

Mallard 60 (m,f) edges of the landfill and inner lagoon, ML.

Northern Shoveler 1 (f) dabbling in the heavy algal growth, s ML.

Pied-billed Grebe 3 swimming in small sections of open water adjacent to heavy algal growth, ML.

Double-crested Cormorant 30 (ad, imm) resting on sandbar islands and snags in the lagoon, ML.

Brown Pelican 90 (ad, imm; a few carcasses on the inner shore) crowded on a sandbar island with DCCO, s ML.

Great Blue Heron 2 on landfill islands, s ML.

Great Egret 2 in marsh bordering pond, LP; one in traditional Ficus tree, CCR; one at edge of ML.

Snowy Egret 4 foraging in marsh, LP; 5 inner shore of lagoon, s ML.

White-tailed Kite 1 (ad) perched on top of a sapling Sycamore, bordering the marsh, LP.

American Coot 5 on edge of landfill; swimming in lagoon, sw ML.

Black-bellied Plover 70 (90% bsc. plmg.; others in trans. plmg.) on inner shore of lagoon, s ML.

Killdeer 2 fly, call, marsh, LP. 2 calls, edge of landfill, ML.

Snowy Plover 28 a loose flock in deep sand of unprotected section of the beach, SB (none found with leg bands).

Ruddy Turnstone 6 (trans. plmg,) a cohesive flock on the protected inner shore of lagoon, s ML.

Willet 4 on the protected inner shore of lagoon, ML.

Whimbrel 3 on the protected and unprotected inner shore of the lagoon, s ML.

Marbled Godwit 8 a vocal flock flying low over the lagoon, s ML.

Short-billed Dowitcher 2 (imm) resting on the protected inner shore of the lagoon with BBPL, s ML. (photo).

Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) immature Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County CA 2 September 2013

Least Sandpiper 5 vocal, flew to the inner landfill shore, sw ML.

Heermann's Gull 30 (90% imm) on inner unprotected shore of ML and SB.

California Gull 8 (ad) on inner unprotected shore of ML and SB.

Western Gull 80 (ad, C1, C2) ubiquitous; most abundant on inner shore of the lagoon.

Caspian Tern 1 flying low over SB.

Elegant Tern 120 a vocal, cohesive and flighty colony of adults with begging juveniles, inner protected shore of the lagoon, s ML.

Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans) Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 2 Sept. 2013

Royal Tern 3 (2 ad; 1 juv.) one adult ( with a USFWS aluminum leg band on lower right tarsus) and a begging juvenile on the unprotected beach, SB (photo).

Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus) adult and juvenile, Surfrider Beach, Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 2 Sept 2013

Forster's Tern 1 (bsc. plmg.) on the protected inner shore of a sandbar island, s ML.

Rock Pigeon 15 flying; on ground in ruderal areas throughout.

Nanday Parakeet fly, calls, CCR.

Allen's Hummingbird 10 (m,f) vocal, ubiquitous, esp. around flowering herbs and ornamental shrubs.

Anna's Hummingbird 4 vocal, widespread in gardens with mature shrubs and trees.

Black Phoebe 5 vocal, ubiquitous near water with adjacent vegetation.

Cassin's Kingbird 1 sallying from deciduous saplings around marsh, LP (photo).

Cassin's Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans) Legacy Park, Malibu, LACO CA 2 Sept. 2013

Western Scrub-jay 4 call, fly, riparian strip along MC; 1 in garden, SRR.

American Crow 20 vocal, ubiquitous.

Common Raven 2 a pair foraging in a recently cleared field, CCR.

Barn Swallow vocal, flying over coastal sage and creek, LP.

Oak Titmouse 1 foraging in canopy of ornamental tree bordering the nursery, CCR.

Bushtit 30 vocal, ubiquitous flocks in a variety of shrubs and trees.

White-breasted Nuthatch 1 calls (unseen) ornamental trees bordering the nursery, CCR.

House Wren 2 vocal, active in coastal sage and sapling trees, se LP.

Northern Mockingbird 1 flying around garden, AH.

California Thrasher 3 calls; flying over hillside chaparral, SRR.

European Starling 20 a cohesive flock foraging in open field, LP.

Common Yellowthroat 6 vocal, active in marsh and adjacent coastal sage, LP.

California Towhee 8 vocal, ubiquitous in gardens and ruderal areas.

Savannah Sparrow 2 calls (unseen) grassland and edge of marsh, LP.

Song Sparrow 12 vocal, ubiquitous in vegetation near water, esp. LP (photo).

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) Legacy Park, Los Angeles County, CA 2 September 2013

Red-winged Blackbird 6 (m, f) vocal; flying over marsh, LP.

Brewer's Blackbird 5 vocal; in and around shopping center, CCR.

Great-tailed Grackle 4 (m,f) foraging on beach and inner shore of the lagoon, ML, SB.

House Finch 20 (m,f) vocal, ubiquitous.

Lesser Goldfinch 2 vocal, edge of marsh in sapling deciduous trees, LP.

House Sparrow 3 vocal, in and around shopping center, CCR.

August 4, 2013 (52 Species)

Weather: Coastal marine layer partially clearing by 1200 hrs; 60F to 72F; wind W 2-5 mph. Surf 2 -4 ft.; high tide @ 1000 hrs.

Time: 0838-1359 hrs.

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I.

Areas Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP). We walked around the entire park once in the morning and again in the early afternoon. The northeastern corner was crowded with people attending an event featuring music playing on loudspeakers, an auction and many leashed dogs. The water level in the main pond and inlet was relatively high, resulting in a grassy shoreline with no exposed mudflats. 2) Stuart Ranch Rd. (SRR), Civic Center Way and Cross Creek Rd (CCR): We walked north on SRR, surveying adjacent ploughed fields. Continuing walking eastward, we surveyed vacant lots and ornamental trees (including mature, fruiting figs, along Civic Center Way and CCR). The heron colony at CCR had a few Snowy Egret and one Great Blue Heron; the rookery appeared largely abandoned compared with our previous survey on 14 July, 2013. 3) We surveyed the upper end of Malibu Creek (MC) between the PCH bridge and a low rocky peninsula partially occluding the upstream portion of the creek. Algae mats were abundant along the shores of the entire creek. 4) Malibu Lagoon (ML): We walked on the western pathway around the newly dredged and replanted section of ML, to Surfrider Beach (SB). The sandbar continued to block creek flow to the ocean, which resulted in a relatively high water level in the lagoon, stagnant pools and abundant algal mats around the lagoon shores. Part of the new concrete walkway on the west side of ML was inundated and covered by a slippery mat of algae. 5) We continued on SB (a surfing competition was underway) and around to the relatively quiet Adamson House and gardens (AH).

COMMENTARY ON THE MALIBU LAGOON RESTORATION PROJECT

Vegetation is beginning to cover the landfill areas surrounding the dredged lagoon. However, hundreds of blue and red flags remain in this area which are problematic for at least two obvious reasons:

1) Water birds in particular, continue to avoid most of the flagged land. The few species present (e.g. Mallard, Great Blue Heron and American Coot), were crowded near the water's edge only on the eastern borders of the newly dredged and filled lagoon. A flock of fifty-seven Whimbrel chose a resting place on a narrow piece of unflagged shoreline bordering the very busy Surfrider Beach. Large flocks of Elegant Terns, Brown Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants also avoided the newly dredged and flagged areas, and were crowded on the small, sandy islands and shoreline of the southern portion of the main (undeveloped) lagoon. A flimsy and often disregarded fence along SB provided minimal protection for birds using the southern end of the main lagoon. Yet, most of the habitat in the western lagoon (i.e. dredged, filled and flagged) remained unihabited by birds.

2) I can see no practical way to remove all of the closely-spaced flags without trampling the newly germinated and partially regrown vegetation covering the landfills of the western lagoon. Clearly, this problem should have been forseen by whomever was responsible for approving the project. In fact, there appears no valid reason why flags were needed at all. There are other equally effective measures for preventing loss of seeds and seedlings (e.g. shiny plastic propellers strung across the site, such as those used by Southeast Asian rice farmers). Those devices are much more easily removed than thousands of flags stuck into the ground. If the flags were intended to indicate where plantings had occurred, associated with quantifying results of the revegetation effort, then this could have been more easily (and sensibly) accomplished by simply counting and mapping the initial plantings, followed by periodic photography of the results. Instead, resource agencies are now faced with the awkward task of removing flags without destroying the native vegetation they so painstakingly established.

BIRDS NOTED

Brant 2 (one adult; and one molting imm?) foraging onshore ( on algae?) on island in the main lagoon, s ML.

Mallard 14 (m,f) in and around the main pond, LP; 20 s ML.

Pied-billed Grebe 2 diving in the s section of the main lagoon, ML.

Double-crested Cormorant 20 (ad, imm) resting together with BRPE on islands and snags in the s main lagoon, ML/

Brandt's Cormorant 1 flew inside surf zone by nearshore rocks; diving; SB.

Brown Pelican 80 (ad, imm) crowded with DCCO on island with at least five BRPE carcasses , s main lagoon, ML.

Great Blue Heron 1 in traditional fig tree colony.roost, CCR; 2 w edge of main lagoon, ML.

Great Egret 1 in fig tree . CCR; 1 s main lagoon, ML.

Snowy Egret 3 (ad) in fig tree, CCR; 8 in main pond, LP; 6 at s edge of main lagoon, ML.

Green Heron 1 (ad) flying along e shore of MC.

Black-crowned Night Heron 5 (imm) on shore and in adjacent trees, upstream, MC.

White-tailed Kite 1 (ad) hovering over open field; in young sycamore at n edge of main pond, LP (photo).

White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) Legacy Park, Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA 4 August 2013

American Coot 8 shore of the main lagoon, ML.

Black-bellied Plover 12 (bsc. and alt. plmg.) a cohesive flock on the inside shore of the lagoon, SB.

Killdeer 4 edge of the main pond, LP; 4 on the shores of the west and main lagoon, s ML.

Snowy Plover 1 on the beach with RUTU, SB.

Whimbrel 57 a cohesive flock on the sw shore of the main lagoon, ML/SB.

Sanderling 1 (imm) on the beach with RUTU and SNPL, SB (photo).

Sanderling (Calidris alba) Surfrider Beach, Malibu LACO CA 4 August 2013

Western Sandpiper 3 flew to inner shore of main lagoon, S ML.

Ruddy Turnstone 5 (alt. and trans. plmg.) foraging among the piles of kelp on the beach, SB.

Short-billed Dowitcher 1 (alt. plmg.) foraging alone on the grassy shoreline of the main pond, LP.

Heermann's Gull 6 (ad, imm) on beach with other gulls, SB.

California Gull 8 (ad, imm) on beach with other gulls, SB.

Western Gull 6 (ad) in main pond, LP; around parking area, CCD; 30 (80% ad, C1, C2)on beach and islands, s ML.

Caspian Tern 2 (ad) on inner shore of main lagoon, SB.

Elegant Tern 70 (85% adults, 15% juveniles) two cohesive flocks within fenced enclosure on inner beach of main lagoon; adults feeding topsmelt to peripheral juvenile birds. Juveniles observed orienting and vocally responding with begging calls to vocalizations of incoming adults with food. Transfer of a fish (adults arriving with one fish at a time) , including time for the young secure and swallow , was about 3-5 seconds (photo) Time between feedings of individual young, ranged from 8 -15 minutes. Adults appeared to be foraging well beyond the many surfers and paddleboarders. The entire flock of terns, pelicans and cormorants suddenly took flight when someone entered the fenced area. The terns circled the beach and landed on a more remote shore on a southeastern lagoon island. The pelicans did not return to the lagoon during my observations (1300-1340 hrs.). Note: Although lifeguards and other officials were on duty at this time, they made no effort to enforce the No Entry signs posted on the fence, placed there to protect nesting terns and other sensitive water birds.

Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans) south Malibu Lagoon/Surfrider Beach Los Angeles County, CA 4 August 2013

Rock Pigeon 90 foraging in a ploughed field, SRR.

Mourning Dove 6 flying over fields, SRR, LP.

Nanday Parakeet calls, SRR.

Anna's Hummingbird 1 ornamental shrubs and trees, CCR.

Allen's Hummingbird 25 (m,f) ubiquitous in and around native and ornamental flowering plants, LP,CCR, ML, AH.

Belted Kingfisher 3 (m,f) vocal, flying along shore, MC, s ML.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 calls, ornamental trees next to nursery, CCR.

Black Phoebe 8 ubiquitous near water,

Ash-throated Flycatcher 2 (ad, imm) sallying for insects on the ground from boulders and low perches near main pond, LP (photo)

Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) imm Legacy Park, Malibu, LACO CA 4 August 2013

Cassin's Kingbird 2 (ad, imm) perched on same young sycamore tree, n LP.

Western Scrub-jay calls, CCR.

American Crow 20 vocal, ubiquitous.

Cliff Swallow 1 flying low, back and forth over field and pond, LP.

Barn Swallow 10 flying low over beach and inner shore of lagoon, SB.

Bushtit 6 vocal, in fruiting fig tree, CCR.

Wrentit 1 song, hillside chaparral, SRR.

Northern Mockingbird 1 calls, AH.

European Starling 5 foraging at edge of main pond, LP.

Common Yellowthroat 1 edge of main pond, LP; 1 revegetated landfill, sw ML.

Song Sparrow 4 calls, song, brushy edge of main pond and further afield, LP; 4 on ground in garden, AH.

Brewer's Blackbird 5 (m,f) in gardens and on lawns in town, CCR.

Great-tailed Grackle 4 on outer shore and in garden, SB, AH.

Hooded Oriole 2 calls; foraging in a fruiting ornamental tree next to the nursery, CCR.

House Finch 5 (ad, imm) in fields surrounding the main pond, LP.

Lesser Goldfinch 4 foraging on herbaceous plants in revegetated area next to beach, ML/ SB.

House Sparrow 6 vocal, active in and around shopping area, CCR.

July 14, 2013 (47 Species)

Great Egret (Ardea alba) immature Cross Creek Road colony, Malibu, CA 14 July 2013

Weather: Partly cloudy with a marine layer until about 1000 hrs. 65F to 80F; wind WSW 5 - 7 mph. Low tide @ 0930 hrs. Surf 1-3 ft.

Time: 0812 - 1215 hrs.

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I.

Areas Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP); covered once by both of us (0812-0844 hrs.) and again by me (1140-1210 hrs.). The water level in the inlet drainage and pond was relatively high, leaving almost no exposed mudflats or shoreline. A few park visitors included photographers, cyclists and folks walking leashed dogs. I also surveyed adjacent fields and planted trees along Stuart Ranch Road (SRR). 2) Cross Creek Road (CCR): We surveyed fields and plantings along Civic Center Way and Cross Creek Road, including mature Ficus trees with a nesting colony of egrets and herons. 3) Upper Malibu Creek (MC): We surveyed the upstream portion of Malibu Creek to the first set of rocks and obstructions, north of the PCH bridge. The moderately low creek level left exposed mudflats on the east side of the creek but no shorebirds were found there. A few bird species were vocalizing in the adjacent riparian area on the east side of the creek, which were not encountered elsewhere today, e.g. Western Scrub-jay, Oak Titmouse and Wrentit. 4) Malibu Lagoon (ML) and Surfrider Beach (SB): We walked the path around the newly dredged and revegetated section of west ML, continuing to the outer shore. We surveyed the shorelines of the landfill areas, open water of the lagoon, outer beach, exposed shoals and nearshore waters. The Malibu Creek outlet at Surfrider Beach was completely blocked by a wide sandbar. There was abundant pedestrian traffic throughout this area. A local surfing event was in progress when we arrived at SB. 5) Adamson House (AH): We visited the garden area briefly, which was largely devoid of birdlife.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Brant (1), White-tailed Kite (1), and Nanday Parakeet (7). A cluster of mature Ficus trees adjacent to Malibu Country Market contained the pre-fledglings of three species: Great Egret, Snowy Egret and Black-crowned Night Heron.

BIRDS NOTED

Brant 1 (Branta bernicla nigricans) foraging on the shoreline of the new landfill area of the western lagoon, ML.

Gray-lag Goose (introduced albino domestic) 2 main pond, LP.

Mallard 2 (f) LP; 15 (m,f) edge of lagoon, ML.

Pied-billed Grebe 2 open water, ML.

Double-crested Cormorant 8 resting on sand island with BRPE, ML.

Brandt's Cormorant 1 (ad) flying nw across the lagoon, ML.

Brown Pelican 40 ad, imm (one dead) resting on island at s end of lagoon, ML; one immature banded (L: Blue, T11; right USFWS aluminum) (photo).

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) adult (l), immature color banded (BLU T11), Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 14 July 2013

Great Blue Heron 1 (ad) in main pond, LP; 1 (adult) in Ficus tree, CCR; 2 on edge of lagoon, ML.

Great Egret 15 vocal; about equal numbers of adults and immatures (sub-fledgling) on and near their nests in the canopy of a cluster of three Ficus trees growing in the parking lot of a busy shopping mall, CCR (photo).

Great Egret (Ardea alba) immature Cross Creek Road colony, Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA 14 July 2013

Snowy Egret vocal; 12 (adults and subfledglings) in same Ficus trees with GREG, GBHE and BCNH, CCR (photo).

Great Egret (Ardea alba) immatures Cross Creek Rd. Malibu, LACO CA 14 July 2013

Black-crowned Night Heron 8 (ad, imm) two subfledlings next to a nest in same tree with GREG and SNEG, CCR (photo).

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) immature, Cross Creek Rd. Malibu, LACO CA 14 July 2013

Turkey Vulture 1 soaring on thermals alongside a steep hillside, SRR.

White-tailed Kite 1 (ad) flying low over the marsh; perched in a sapling Sycamore, LP.

Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) soaring on thermals over a steep hillside, SRR.

American Coot 5 foraging in shallows, ML.

Killdeer 6 vocal; on west shorelines of new lagoon area, ML.

Willet 1 (alt. plmg. c.f. T. s. inornata and T.s. semipalmata) somewhat heavily streaked underparts; in side profile and harsh light the bill appeared relatively short and dark; on sw shore of main lagoon, ML. (photo).

Willet (Tringa semipalmata c.f. inornata and semipalmata) Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 14 July 2013

Heermann's Gull 32 (90% adult) together on inner beach, SB (photo).

Heermann's Gull (Larus heermanni) adult Surfrider Beach, Malibu, LACO CA 14 July 2013

California Gull 2 (C2) together on s shore, ML.

Western Gull 23 (ad, C1, C2, C3); ML.

Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) third cycle (C3). Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 14 July 2013

Caspian Tern 2 an adult observed skimming with its lower mandible across the surface of the lagoon , ML (photo).

Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia): Note line of splashes left by this bird as it skimmed the water surface. Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 14 July 2013

Elegant Tern (ad, imm) immatures clustered together; vocal, flighty; on inner lagoon beach and s. island (photo).

Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans) adult (left); 3 immatures (right). Note immature features, e.g. orange-yellow tarsi and relatively short, straight bill. Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 14 July 2013

Rock Pigeon 30 foraging in field, SRR.

Nanday Conure (introduced from South America) 7 highly vocal; a pair initially found together flying from a tall Sycamore, CCR (photo); a flock of five later seen flying ne over SRR.

Nanday Conure (Aratinga nenday) Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA 14 July 2013

Anna's Hummingbird 2 calls; active in flowering ornamental shrubs; ALHU nearby, LP, CCR..

Allen's Hummingbird 8 chasing; calls, around purple flowering ornamentals (e.g. Texas Ranger), CCR.

Black Phoebe 2 vocal; active at edge of pond and lagoon, LP; ML.

Say's Phoebe 1 calls, flying over marsh, LP.

Cassin's Kingbird 1 (ad) snatch-gleaning insects from field; using roadside sign as a perch, SRR.

Western Scrub-jay 2 calls (unseen) MC.

American Crow 40 vocal, ubiquitous; many foraging in open fields, SRR.

Cliff Swallow 20 flying low and high (100 ft. and higher) over marsh and open fields throughout.

Barn Swallow 8 flying very low over beach, SB and lagoon shore, ML.

Oak Titmouse 1 calls, CCR.

Bushtit 4 calls, riparian strip, MC.

Wrentit 1 song (unseen), MC.

Northern Mockingbird 2 song, LP, MC.

European Starling 10 foraging in field, SRR.

Common Yellowthroat 2 vocal, edge of marsh and coastal sage, LP.

California Towhee 1 edge of marsh, LP.

Song Sparrow 6 vocal; edge of marsh and in coastal sage scrub, LP; 2 CCR.

Brewer's Blackbird 16 (m,f) foraging together in field, SSR.

Great-tailed Grackle 2 vocal; active on shore, ML.

Hooded Oriole 4 (ad, imm) vocal; active in fruiting Ficus tree, SRR.

House Finch 8 (m,f) vocal; active in coastal sage scrub, LP.

Lesser Goldfinch 3 (ad, imm) vocal; active in sapling Sycamores, LP; one immature foraging in newly revegetated area of lagoon, ML.

House Sparrow 5 vocal, active in gardens, CCR.

June 9, 2013 (51 Species)

Weather: Overcast with a persistent marine layer; 62F to 72F; winds W 2-5 mph. Surf 2-5 ft; low tide @ 0800 hrs.

Time: 0811-1630 hrs.

Areas Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP) and fields adjacent to Stuart Ranch Road (SRR). I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire park, followed by a brief survey along SRR. The pond of LP was full. Replanted coastal sage and riparian vegetation continues to grow and expand in area, increasing ecological diversity in the park. 2) Civic Center Way (CCW) and Cross Creek Road (CCR), including adjacent fields, a nursery, a nesting colony of herons and egrets in mature Ficus trees and the trail bordering the western edge of Malibu Creek (MC). 3) Malibu Lagoon (ML). I walked the new paths through the western restoration section of Malibu Lagoon. The creek continues to drain into the sea at low tide, through a channel in the sandbar of Surfrider Beach. Subsequent to the breach of the SB sandbar, the lagoon water level fell below the walkways that were previously flooded (see photos A & B, April 14, 2013).

Commentary: Restoration issues continue at Malibu Lagoon. Some of these are major challenges, others simply annoying. For example, this morning an automatic sprinkler system suddenly activated upwind as I was walking on the path leading to an overlook on the southwest shore of the lagoon. With no shelter available on the pathway, my clothes and optical equipment were soaked within seconds. Signage warning of the possibility of unexpected showers would be helpful. I'll remember to wear my raincoat next time.

A much bigger water-park surprise than sprinklers is imminent at the lagoon. We're talking winter storms. The relatively low walkways in the restored area are likely to be inundated by a combination of increased stream flow and tidal surge. When the lagoon and drainage ditch fill along the southern border of the restored area, where will the excess water go? Some folks involved with this project evidently didn't get the memo. Global climate change is real; winter storms may be an order of magnitude heavier and more frequent than what this area has experienced in the recent past. Birders, park rangers, life guards and Malibu colonists, get your SCUBA gear ready.

In addition to nearly drowning in a surge of pseudoscientific controversy, the Malibu Lagoon restoration project now suffers from another entirely predictable enemy: Invasive weeds. Unfortunately for Monsanto, such unwanted vegetation can only be laboriously removed by hand, if native plants are to be protected. This is ecologically problematic and likely to be a chronic issue for resource agencies. Due to disturbed and poorly structured soils favoring exotic weeds, native vegetation in the newly configured western portion of the lagoon has been very slow to grow and propagate. Indeed, over the past year much of the reclaimed land continues to be barren and devoid of native wildlife. Most alarmingly, the restoration project has significantly reduced and/or effectively eliminated two consecutive years of reproduction for wetland bird species recently known to breed at this location. At the current rate of regrowth, we can expect at least five more years without substantial (i.e. pre-project) reproduction by resident bird species.

Wintering shorebirds have also declined in the restoration area. Except for Western Gull and California Gull, two opportunistic species often associated with landfills and coastal refuse, the restored land has attracted very few species that were formerly common there. Waterbirds remaining are often crowded as they take refuge in marginal habitat on small sandbars, rocky shoreline and islands at the north and south end of the lagoon Diversity and ecological stability may ultimately return to Malibu Lagoon, but at what cost? Given the precipitous decline of coastal wetland habitat in Southern California during the past century, these multiple losses represent a cumulative and quite possibly irreversible impact to the State's wildlife resources.

4) Surfrider Beach (SB). The northern edge of the beach, bordering ML, has been fenced and posted to protect Snowy Plover and the recently found colony of California Least Tern. No evidence of Snowy Plover was found today; neither was there evidence of California Least Tern found anywhere in the area today. A birder named Lou, from the Santa Monica Audubon Society, reported that he had seen California Least Tern here a few days ago (on or about June 5) and that the birds had apparently entirely disappeared since then. He also mentioned seeing American Crows (a local predator of shorebird eggs and young) within the protected area. According to a recent posting on the LACO Yahoo list server, California Least Tern has not nested at Malibu Lagoon (i.e. Surfrider Beach) for about forty years. In view of the current abundance of crows and frequent disturbances (I have seen people trespassing and throwing objects into the protected area on several occasions), it appears unlikely California Least Tern would sucessfully reproduce here.

5) Adamson House and garden (AH). I made a brief walk-through survey of the AH property, focusing on the sections with mature trees and shrubs.

The entire Malibu area today (Sunday) was heavily impacted by pedestrians, beachgoers,motorists and at least fifty surfers offshore. As usual, birds were found mostly in the relatively quiet, secluded areas, of which there were few.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Gadwall (18), Great Egret (6), White-tailed Kite (2). Royal Tern (2), and Elegant Tern (34).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 18 (m,f) several pair foraging in the creek at the north end of ML; a few around the edges of the s lagoon, ML.

Mallard 20 (m,f) around the edges of the pond, LP and lagoon, ML.

Pied-billed Grebe 3 north ML.

Double-crested Cormorant 14 (2 adult; 12 immature) resting on sandbar with snags, s ML.

Brandt's Cormorant 1 flying west, low offshore., SB.

Brown Pelican 18 (ad, imm) resting on sandbar; flying in formation near shore, ML, SB.

Great Blue Heron 2 a pair together in a traditional rookery, a large Ficus tree with GREG and SNEG in the mall parking lot, CCR.

Great Egret 6 vocal; two pair in a large Ficus tree with GBHE, SNEG, in the mall parking lot, CCR; one foraging on shore, ML.

Snowy Egret 8 one pair in a large Ficus tree with GBHE, GREG, CCR; 6 foraging in shallows, ML.

White-tailed Kite 2 (ad., imm) An adult was hovering about 50 ft. above a field, LP; immature on utility wire, CCW (photo).

White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) immature; Malibu, LACO CA 9 June 2013

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) on chain-link fence adjacent to marsh, SRR.

Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) grounded on hillside opposite AH; dive-bombed then chased in flight by several crows.

American Coot 5 around the edges of ML.

Killdeer 3 vocal on ground at edge of pond, LP; 2 foraging on shore in restored area, ML.

Heermann's gull 2 (ad, imm) on sandbar then flying, ML, SB.

California Gull 3 (C2) resting on sandbar island, ML.

Western Gull 23 (90 % C3 and adult) resting on sandbar, ML, SB.

Caspian Tern 13 (alt. plmg.) ) resting together on sandbar, ML, SB.

Royal Tern 2 (bsc. plmg.) resting on sandbar with CATE and ELTE, ML.

Elegant Tern 34 (alt. plmg.) vocal, flying; most individuals crowded on sandbar, ML.

Forster's Tern 1 seen only once in the afternoon; resting on sandbar with ELTE, ML.

Rock Pigeon 20 ubiquitous, flying around.

Mourning Dove 5 in small trees, LP; flying, AH.

Anna's Hummingbird 2 calls, chasing, LP.

Allen's Hummingbird 4 vocal; flowering shrubs, CCR, AH.

Belted Kingfisher 1 calls (unseen) north end of creek, ML.

Black Phoebe 2 in small trees, LP.

Cassin's Kingbird 1 vocal; flew to perch on dead mustard plant, SRR.

American Crow 30 vocal, ubiquitous in small flocks; several chasing a RTHA.

Western Scrub-jay 1 perched in leafless tree on se side of lagoon, ML.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4 flying low, back and forth over field and marsh, LP.

Cliff Swallow 6 flying low, back and forth over field and marsh, LP.

Barn Swallow 60 vocal; ubiquitous flying low, dipping in lagoon and on for insects on beach.

Oak Titmouse 1 in olive tree, AH.

Bushtit 5 vocal, active in ornamental shrubs and trees, CCR; 4 coastal sage shrubs, LP.

American Robin 2 calls, ornamental fruiting trees, CCR.

Northern Mockingbird 1 song, LP, SRR; 1 ML; 1 AH. One gave recognizable imitations of shorebirds, e.g. KIDE, BNST.

European Starling 30 vocal, ubiquitous.

Common Yellowthroat 2 song, LP; 1 song, AH.

Spotted Towhee 1 song (unseen) east riparian strip along the creek, ML.

California Towhee 2 calls (unseen) LP, CCR.

Savannah Sparrow 1 calls (unseen) tall grass on northwest edge of park, LP.

Song Sparrow 10 vocal, ubiquitous in areas with dense cover.

Blue Grosbeak 1 repeated song (unseen) in relatively densely vegetated areas near pond, LP.

Red-winged Blackbird 3 song; fliying low, marsh, LP.

Brewer's Blackbird 7 (m,f) edge of fields, LP; shopping area, CCR.

Great-tailed Grackle 6 (all males observed with relatively short tails compared with Antelope Valley population) vocal; foraging on beach.

Brown-headed Cowbird 1 (m) vocal, flew to fence rail momentarily in restored area next to Malibu Colony yards.

House Finch 8 vocal, ubiquitous in well-vegetated areas.

Lesser Goldfinch 2 vocal; in young sycamore trees, LP.

House Sparrow 10 vocal, edge of developed areas, LP, CCR.

May 19, 2013 (51 Species)

Weather: Fair to partly cloudy; 64F to 72F; wind W 5 mph. Low tide @ 1200 hrs. Surf 2 - 3 ft.

Time: 0930 - 1340 hrs.

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I.

Area Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP). We walked two circuits around the park, clockwise and counter-clockwise. 2) Civic Center Drive, Cross Creek Rd. and lower Malibu Creek (MC). Walking the sidewalks, roadway and western edge of Malibu Creek, we surveyed ruderal fields (one adjacent to Stuart Ranch Road, recently cleared and disced), ornamental shrubs and trees, riparian woodland (east side of MC) and open water (low water level) north of the PCH bridge. 3) Malibu Lagoon (ML). We walked south on the new pathways through the newly channeled western portion of ML and onto Surfrider Beach (SB). We surveyed the algae-covered shoreline, barren landfill, open water, islets, outer beach and nearshore waters. About 40 surfers and as many beach-goers were present during our survey. Low tide had exposed extensive patches of rocky shoals; these were almost devoid of birdlife. Most waterbirds were resting and/or swimming around the islets at the south end of MC. The sandbar was breached today, allowing MC to siphon into the ocean with the outgoing tide. A 10-30 ft. border of green algae covered most of MC and ML shoreline; this area was largely devoid of birdlife. 4) Adamson House (AH). We made a brief visit to the gardens surrounding AH on our way back to LP for a lunch break and a final walk around the park. No new bird species were added to our day list at AH and the second survey of LP.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Brant (5), Great Egret (8), Whimbrel (5), Bonaparte's Gull (12), Heerman's Gull (4), Glaucous-winged Gull (1), Royal Tern (2), Elegant Tern (35), and Dark-eyed Junco (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Brant 5 (all Branta bernicla nigricans) on se shore, ML.

Gadwall 8 (m,f) pairs dabbling in pond, LP and lagoon, ML.

Mallard 24 (m,f) many resting on shore; a few dabbling, LP, ML.

Ruddy Duck 6 (m,f) resting in open water n of the PCH bridge, ML.

Pied-billed Grebe 2 foraging in open water, MC.

Double-crested Cormorant 14 resting on snags and rocks, ML, MC.

Brown Pelican 8 resting on islet, s ML.

Great Egret 8 (most in alt. plmg.) four in mature ornamental tree in the shopping center, MC; others catching fish on shore, s ML.

Snowy Egret 16 (alt. plmg.) foraging on shore, ML; three in same tree with GREG, MC.

Great Blue Heron 5 foraging on shore with GREG and SNEG, ML; one in tree with GREG and SNEG, MC.

Black-crowned Night Heron 4 roosting in trees, MC; one on shore, MC; one in tree with GREG, SNEG and GBHE, MC.

American Coot 10 foraging at edge of creek, MC, ML.

Killdeer 4 (ad) vocal, on boulders around pond, LP.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 on rocky shore, ML.

Whimbrel 5 on algae-covered shore, sw ML.

Bonaparte's Gull 16 (all but one in bsc. plmg.) resting on shore with ELTE, sw ML.

Heermann's Gull 4 (ad w/ broken wing); imm; on shore, se ML; SB.

Ring-billed Gull 3 on shore with BOGU, sw ML.

California Gull 10 ( C1, C2, C3) on se shore, ML.

Glaucous-winged Gull 1 (C2) resting on sand peninsula with WEGU, se ML.

Western Gull 40 70 % ad. 30 % imm (C1, C2, C3); (alt. plmg.) most resting on sand peninsula, s ML; a few on light standards at outdoor Farmer's Market, LP (CCD).

Caspian Tern 10 (alt. plmg.) vocal pairs in a small flock on a s sand peninsulat, s ML (photo).

Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 19 May 2013

Royal Tern 3 (bsc. plmg.) on sand peninsula with CATE, ML (photo).

Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) middle; Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus) far left and far right. Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 19 May 2013

Elegant Tern 35 (alt. plmg.) all in one large, crowded flock at nw edge of sand peninsula; several flying, calls. ML.

Rock Pigeon 10 flying around Farmer's Market, LP (CCD).

Allen's Hummingbird 2 (m, f) vocal; a pair flying around and landing in a young sycamore tree, LP.

White-throated Swift calls, flying high over hillsides, n CCR, MC.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 calls, nursery on n CCR.

Black Phoebe 1 flying to rocks, upper MC.

Cassin's Kingbird 1 perched on dry stem of wild mustard in field with WEKI, CCD.

Western Kingbird 5 vocal, trading places on dry mustard stems in disced field, CCD.

Western Scrub-jay 1 calls, riparian patch, e side of upper MC.

American Crow 20 vocal, ubiquitous.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 6 pairs foraging over open fields and wet meadows, LP and adjacent fields.

Cliff Swallow 100 + (conserv. est.) ubiquitous flying back and forth, 10-150 ft.over meadows, fields and marshes.

Barn Swallow 50 ubiquitous, flying back and forth low over mustard meadows, pond, marsh, dry fields.

Wrentit 1 song, adjacent chaparral hillside, e MC.

Northern Mockingbird 2 song, CCR; AH.

European Starling 30 vocal, ubiquitous.

Common Yellowthroat 2 song, chaparral adjacent to pond and marsh, LP.

Spotted Towhee 1 vocal, riparian on e side of MC.

California Towhee 1 calls, garden in Malibu Colony.

Song Sparrow 10 song, chaparral and marsh, LP.

Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco on ground beneath tropical (loquat?) tree next to nursery; calls; flew up to tree, CCR.

Black-headed Grosbeak 2 vocal in canopy of sycamores, e MC.

Red-winged Blackbird 12 vocal, setting up territories in marsh around pond (photo); chasing GTGR, LP.

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) Legacy Park, Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA 19 May 2013

Great-tailed Grackle 3 fly, call; one (immature?) male with a relatively small tail; repeatedly chasing and being chased by RWBL in marsh, LP (photo).

Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) male; note relatively small tail. Legacy Park, Malibu, LACO CA 19 May 2013

Brewer's Blackbird 2 (m,f) flying around shopping center, CCR.

House Finch 5 vocal; adjacent riparian and ornamnental trees, LP; MC.

Lesser Goldfinch 3 (m,f) vocal, flying over mustard field adjacent to LP.

House Sparrow 10 (m,f) edge of town; adjacent fields, LP, MC.

April 14, 2013 (69 Species)

Weather: Overcast; 56F to 58F; wind WSW 5 mph. Low tide @ 0900 hrs. Surf 1-3 ft.

Time: 0840-1330 hrs.

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I.

Areas Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP: 2 visits, AM & PM: ). We walked a clockwise and counter-clockwise route around the park. The drainage and pond water levels were relatively high. Several visitors with dogs (one unleashed) were present in the park during our survey. We included Civic Center Way (including fields adjacent to Stuart Ranch Road), Cross Creek Rd., adjacent fields and commercial developments in this part of the survey.

2) Malibu Lagoon (ML): We walked to the beach on the new pathway around the west lagoon and landfill islands. Exposed land in the new western portion of the lagoon was covered with red and blue flags, effectively discouraging birds from using most of this area. A complete sandbar tidal blockage on Surfrider Beach resulted in hign water levels in the lagoon (part of the new western walkway was inundated; see above photos A&B) and adjacent section of Malibu Creek north of PCH. The southwest section of the restored lagoon (including adjacent Malibu Colony) appears highly vulnerable to flooding during high tides and storms.

We included a brief survey of the latter area by walking a trail on the west margin of Malibu Creek behind the shopping mall. Relatively few species of waterbird were found in Malibu Lagoon.

3) Surfrider Beach (SB): Continuing eastward from ML, we covered the main beach and to about 300 yards offshore. 4) Adamson House garden (AH): We surveyed birds in the garden area and marsh adjacent to Malibu Lagoon. Relatively few visitors were present in ML, SB and AH during our survey. Conditions were good for identifying bird vocalizations. A 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera were used for the survey.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Red-throated Loon (1), Greater Yellowlegs (1), Herring Gull (1), Heermann's Gull (1) and Royal Tern (3).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 10 (m,f) foraging in shallows, AH, ML.

American Wigeon 6 (m,f) foraging upstream in the creek, ML.

Mallard 16 ubiquitous in wetlands.

Ruddy Duck 10 (m,f) resting in lagoon near PCH bridge, ML.

Red-throated Loon 1 preening about 100 yards offshore, SB.

Pied-billed Grebe 3 diving in lagoon; calls, ML.

Double-crested Cormorant 12 (trans. alt. plmg.) on snags in lagoon, ML.

Brandt's Cormorant 6 flying low, w offshore, SB.

Brown Pelican 30 (most in alt. or trans. plmg.) most resting on islet in lagoon, ML.

Great Blue Heron 2 flying over, LP; edge of lagoon, ML; on in tree with nesting GREG.

Great Egret 4 (alt. plmg.) in large exotic tree behind the Malibu Market. This tree has attracted egrets for at least three previous years. No active nests could be seen from our vantage point on PCH.

Snowy Egret 3 foraging at the edge of the lagoon, ML.

Black-crowned Night Heron 8 (ad. alt. plmg.; imm) several roosting in upstream trees on east side of the creek, ML.

Cooper's Hawk 3 one chasing (unsuccessfully) a pair of mourning doves in tall second-growth adjacent to LP; two flyiing together s over LP.

American Coot 50 in creek and edges of lagoon, ML.

Semipalmated Plover 2 together on beach at the edge of the lagoon, ML.

Killdeer 2 vocal, in short grass next to the main pond, LP.

Black-necked Stilt fly, call, s edge of the lagoon, ML.

Greater Yellowlegs 1 fly, calls; on s edge of the lagoon, ML.

Willet 2 on outer shore, SB.

Whimbrel 4 on outer and inner shore of lagoon, ML, SB.

Marbled Godwit 1 foraging on outer shore, SB.

Least Sandpiper 5 foraging on inner shore of s lagoon, SB.

Heermann's Gull 1 (ad) with injured wing, SB.

California Gull 14 (ad, imm) with WEGU on landfill island, sw ML.

Herring Gull 1 (C3) with other gulls on landfill island, sw ML.

Western Gull 60 (ad, imm) on ladfill island ML; several drinking in pond and adjacent parking area next to farmer's market, LP..]

Caspian Tern 6 pairs engaged briefly in courtship, inner shore of main lagoon, ML (photo).

Royal Tern 3 (ad; imm. bsc. plmg.) inner shore of main lagoon near CATE, ML (photo).

Royal Tern (Thalasseus maxima) and Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 14 April 2013

Rock Pigeon 5 fly; foraging on beach, SB.

Mourning Dove 2 chased by COHA in adjacent field to north, LP.

Anna's Hummingbird 1 call, fly, AH.

Allen's Hummingbird 6 (m) vocal in trees and shrubs, LP, AH.

Belted Kingfisher 2 calls; one (f) perched on snag, s ML.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 calls, ornamental trees bordering CC rd., LP.

Downy Woodpecker 1 calls, tall trees, AH.

Black Phoebe 2 calls; edge of garden and weedy fields, AH; LP.

Western Scrub-jay 2 call, fly, upstream, ML; AH.

American Crow 15 ubiquitous.

Tree Swallow 10 circling above upstream riparian, ML.

Violet-green Swallow 1 flying low over pond with BASW, LP.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 6 flying back and forth, low over pond, LP.

Barn Swallow 25 vocal; flying low, back and forth over pond, LP.

Oak Titmouse 2 calls; active in ornamental trees, CC Rd. and AH.

Bushtit 15 vocal, small flocks; ubiquitous in brushy and wooded areas.

Bewick's Wren 1 song, AH.

House Wren 2 song, AH.

American Robin calls, song; around palms and edge of garden, AH.

Wrentit 2 song, adjacent hillside chaparral, LP, ML.

Northern Mockingbird 2 fly, song, ML., AH.

California Thrasher 1 song, hillside chaparral next to homes, LP.

European Starling 9 a vocal, tight flock in tall grass at edge of main pond, LP.

Cedar Waxwing calls; in top of exotic fruiting tree, CC rd.

Phainopepla 1 (m,) fly hillside chaparral and mixed ornamental trees n of LP.

Yellow-rumped Warbler 3 (f) deciduous trees and shrubs, LP, AH.

Common Yellowthroat 4 calls, song, weedy fields and coastal sage, LP.

Spotted Towhee 1 edge of garden under sycamore, AH.

California Towhee 2 calls, edge of weedy field and second-growth trees, LP.

Savannah Sparrow 1 calls, weedy field n of LP.

Song Sparrow 18 vocal, ubiquitous in wetland margins and weedy fields.

White-crowned Sparrow 1 song, weedy field n of LP.

Red-winged Blackbird 20 (m,f) vocal, ubiquitous in wetlands with tall grasses and shrubs.

Western Meadowlark 2 fly, LP.

Brewer's Blackbird 4 (m,f) on ground and on roof-tops in shopping area, CC Rd.

Great-tailed Grackle 2 vocal, active at edge of beach, SB.

Hooded Oriole 1 calls from atop a large sycamore tree, field n of LP.

House Finch 20 (m,f) pairs and trios; vocal, ubiquitous in brushy areas.

Lesser Goldfinch calls, song; tall deciduous trees, LP area.

House Sparrow 4 calls; shopping area and adjacent weedy fields, LP.

March 16, 2013 (70 Species)

Weather: Overcast with continuous marine layer; 55F to 57F; wind WNW 2-5 mph; outgoing tide.

Time: 0927-1510 hrs.

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I.

Areas Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP):Two walking circuits, clockwise and counter-clockwise, once in the morning (0927-1003 hrs. MM, CY) and afternoon (1440-1510 hrs. CY). The main streambed and pond water levels were medium-high, with some exposed grassy mudflats around the perimeter; moderate foot traffic, including leashed and unleashed dogs. I made an afternoon visit ( 1400-1440 hrs.) to Stuart Ranch Road (from the intersection of Civic Center Way) for a visual survey of adjacent ruderal fields. Noisy auto traffic made the detection of bird vocalizations difficult at times. 2) Civic Center Way (CCW). We walked on the sidewalk to and from the Malibu mini-mall on Cross Creek Rd. We also included a brief tour of a grassy field adjacent to the nursery. 3) Lower Malibu Creek (LMC): We surveyed the southern section of Malibu Creek from the back of the mini-mall to PCH. The water level was relatively low, exposing rocky mudflats on the east shore. Malibu Lagoon (ML): We walked south from the MLSB parking area on the new pathway to the beach. This new walking route currently gives good views of the entire restored west lagoon but still lacks vegetation. Colored flags flapping in the breeze throughout the landfill areas appeared to inhibit use of the area by most birds. A few ducks and other waterbirds were in the shallows of the interior shorelines of the lagoon. Surfrider Beach and nearshore (SB). We walked east along the outer shore, fording the shallow mouth of Malibu Creek in front of the Adamson House. The outgoing tide had partially exposed the rocky shoals nearshore. Relatively few people were on the beach; a few surfers and paddleboarders were offshore. Adamson House (AH): We walked on the pathways around the gardens (1200-1215 hrs.) and returned via PCH and CCR to the parking area adjacent to LP.

Birds of seasonal and distributional interest found today included, Peregrine Falcon (1), Snowy Plover (35; one banded), Short-billed Dowitcher (2), Ruddy Turnstone (6), Mew Gull (1) Glaucous-winged Gull (2), Cassin's Kingbird (2), Western Kingbird (4) and Western Bluebird (2).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 8 (m,f) dabbling in shallows of outer lagoon, ML.

American Wigeon 4 (m,f) LP. 4 (m,f) ML.

Mallard 2 (m,f) LP; 6 (m,f) dabbling in main pond, ML.

Cinnamon Teal 6 (m,f) dabbling in main pond, LP.

Northern Shoveler 15 (m,f) dabbling in the interior (w) lagoon and main lagoon, ML.

Green-winged Teal 2 (m,f) dabbling in shallow depressions of the interior (w) lagoon bordering main lagoon, ML.

Lesser Scaup 1 (m) resting in the middle of the main lagoon, ML.

Bufflehead 4 (m,f) diving in the middle of the main lagoon, ML.

Red-breasted Merganser 4 (f) swimming near the s shore, ML.

Ruddy Duck 25 (m,f) most of the males in trans. alt. plumage, resting, diving, ML.

Pacific Loon 1 flying w offshore, SB.

Pied-billed Grebe 3 near shore, main lagoon, ML.

Horned Grebe 1 (bsc. plmg.) diving near e shore, MC.

Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) Lower Malibu Creek, Los Angeles County, CA 16 March 2013

Double-crested Cormorant 22 (several in alt. plmg.) resting on sandbar and snags, s main lagoon, ML.

Brandt's Cormorant 8 (alt. plmg.) a tight flock flying w, low, offshore,. SB

Brown Pelican 15 (ad, imm) several in trans. alt. plmg., resting on islet, s ML.

Great Blue Heron 1 edge of main pond, LP (photo)

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) Legacy Park, Malibu Los Angeles County, CA 16 March 2013

Great Egret 2 on shore at edge of main lagoon, ML.

Snowy Egret 8 on shore of interior (w) and main lagoon, ML.

White-tailed Kite 1 perched in small sycamore; flying over park, LP.

Red-shouldered Hawk 2 calls, flying over adjacent fields with eucalyptus and other plantings, LP.

Peregrine Falcon 1 (ad) perched atop a trimed ornamental in an adjacent field, nw LP.

American Kestrel 1 hovering over an adjacent field and wetland, nw LP.

American Coot 120 foraging in the shallows and in the mainstream of ML.

Black-bellied Plover 20 (bsc. plmg.) a cohesive flock on the outer shore; flying around the lagoon, ML.

Killdeer 2 on the east bank of MC.

Snowy Plover 35 (one banded: PV/YB -cont. see Feb 24, 2013 notes below) in the deep sand with depressions and tidal debris, SB (photo).

Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) PV/YB Surfrider Beach, Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 16 March, 2013

Spotted Sandpiper 2 (bsc. plmg.) foraging on east bank of MC.

Least Sandpiper 4 foraging on east bank of MC.

Short-billed Dowitcher 2 (trans. alt. plmg.) gave several flight calls; landing on outer beach with BBPL, SB ; flying around the lagoon with the same flock of BBPL,(photo).

Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) Surfrider Beach, Malibu Lagoon, LACO, CA 16 Mar 2013

Ruddy Turnstone 6 (bsc. plmg.) staying together while foraging on outer shore amongst BBPL, SB.

Heermann's Gull 2 (C1, C2) on outer shore; one (C2) with injured wing, SB.

Mew Gull 1 (C1) with bleached plumage; on outer beach with RBGU, CAGU; flew off separately from other gulls, heading se, SB..

Ring-billed Gull 8 (ad, imm) on outer beach with other gulls, SB.

California Gull (ad, imm) on outer beach with other gulls, SB.

Glaucous-winged Gull 2 (ad; alt plmg.) a pair separated by about 10 yards on outer beach with other gulls, SB (photo); one on light pole, near some WEGU adjacent to LP.

Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens) Surfrider Beach, Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 16 March 2013

Western Gull 60 (ad, imm) ubiquitous; most numerous on outer beach, SB.

Rock Pigeon 15 circling gardens and adjacent developed area, AH.

Mourning Dove 16 pairs on utility wires over adjacent fields, CCW.

Anna's Hummingbird 2 calls, AH.

Allen's Hummingbird 8 calls; on territories near flowering ornamental shrubs and herbs, CCW, AH.

Black Phoebe 1 edge of adjacent field, CCW.

Cassin's Kingbird 2 sallying and hovering from perches in large weedy field; WEKI doing likewise, nw LP (photos).

Cassin's Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans) same individual Malibu, Los Angeles County CA 16 March 2013

Western Kingbird 4 a loose flock hovering over a weedy field; CAKI doing likewise nearby, nw LP (photos).

Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) same individual Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA 16 March 2013

Western Scrub-jay 2 fly, calls, AH.

American Crow 20 ubiquitous, fly, call.

Tree Swallow 1 flying back and forth at about 30 ft. above adjacent field, CCW.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 60 ubiquitous, flying low over fields, LP, CCW.

Cliff Swallow 1-2 with NRWS, flying low over streambed and main pond, LP.

Bushtit 3 1 carrying nest material, LP.

House Wren 1 song, repeated, brushy edge of garden and field, CCW.

American Robin 3 chasing around fruiting loquat tree, CCR.

Western Bluebird 2 (m,f) perched within 10 yards of each other on utility wires over adjacent field, CCW (photo).

Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA 16 March, 2013

Wrentit 1 song, repeated from adjacent hillside with patches of coastal sage, CCW.

Northern Mockingbird 1 song, repeated from tall trees bordering field, CCW; 1 song, AH.

European Starling 30 ubiquitous; vocal; at leastthree flocks moving between fruiting trees; also in grassland, LP.

Cedar Waxwing 38 a vocal, cohesive flock visiting flowering eucalyptus and fruiting exotic trees, CCR (photo).

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA 16 March 2013

Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 65 (m,f) many males in alt. plmg. vocal, loose flocks; ubiquitous in all types of vegetation and at all levels (photo).

Yellow-rumped Audubon's Warbler (Setophaga coronata) Legacy Park, Malibu, LACO CA 16 March 2013

Common Yellowthroat 10 song, weedy fields and edge of wetlands, LP.

California Towhee 6 vocal, heavy brush at edge of fields and gardens, CCW; 2 AH.

Savannah Sparrow 3 calls, foraging in weedy fields, CCW, LP (photo).

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) Malibu, LACO CA 16 Mar 2013

Song Sparrow 20 song, calls, ubiquitous in weedy fields.

White-crowned Sparrow 5 (ad) calls; edges of weedy fields and shrubby borders of gardens, CCW

Red-winged Blackbird 20 (m,f) vocal, weedy fields and wetlands, LP.

Brewer's Blackbird 15 around eating areas of mini-mall, CCW.

Western Meadowlark 6 staying together in grassland, LP.

Great-tailed Grackle 6 (m,f ) highly vocal; eating areas of mini-mall, CCW; 3 foraging on tidal debris, SB.

House Finch 15 (m,f) sycamores and other trees bordering fields, CCW, LP.

Lesser Goldfinch 10 (m,f) a cohesive, vocal flock using low shrubs and young sycamores, LP.

House Sparrow 2 eating area in the mini-mall, CCW.

FEBRUARY 24, 2013 (55 Species)

Weather:Fair; 55F to 65F; winds variable, N, NNE 7 - 15 mph; infrequent gusts to 30 mph. Seas choppy; tide outgoing @ 1030 hrs.

Time: 0915 - 1338 hrs.

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I.

Areas Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP): two walking surveys, clockwise (0915 - 0945 hrs. CY and MM) and counter-clockwise (1300-1338 hrs. CY). The main pond (east end of the drainage) had enough water to support dabbling ducks and other shorebirds (photo). Several people with dogs (some unleashed) were present in the park during our survey. Two local residents complained that the city has failed to maintain adequate water levels in the park. We recommend that current water levels be maintained throughout the year, particularly from August through April, when migratory waterbirds are most dependent on local wetlands.

Legacy Park Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA viewing northeast across main pond February 24 2013.

2) Weedy fields and ornamental plantings adjacent to Civic Center Drive, including the shopping mall (CC).

3) Malibu Lagoon (ML): We walked along the only beach access trail (west border) leading from the State parking area to the lagoon and outer shore. Continuing west, we crossed a shallow opening of Malibu Creek (MC)at Surfrider Beach. Habitats surveyed included fresh water (MC), lagoon, shoreline and nearshore waters. Very little riparian and saltbush habitat remains here, due to an ongoing "restoration" project. Most of the former lagoon on the west side remains a barren landfill, attracting relatively few species of waterbird.

4) Adamson House and gardens (AH). e walked through the gardens, returning to Legacy Park via PCH and Civic Center Drive. The gardens were largely vacant; a small birding group (met at ML earlier) was leaving the area as we entered.

Conditions were fair to excellent for birding. We experienced only two brief episodes of blowing sand on Surfrider Beach (SB). The high winds widely forecast on regional television news and internet (presumably originating from the NWS) did not materialize during our visit.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Brant (1), Snowy Plover (12; one color-banded), Rough-winged Swallow (1) and Violet-green Swallow (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Brant 1 (imm) foraging on floating vegetation near shore, ML (photo).

Brant (Branta bernicla) immature Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 24 Feb 2013

Gadwall 3 (m,f) swimming near shore, ML.

American Wigeon 10 (m,f) dabbling in shallows, LP.

Mallard (m) 1 LP; 3 near shore, ML.

Cinnamon Teal 11 (10 males) dabbling together in main pond, LP (photo).

Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera) Legacy Park Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA 24 Feb 2013

Northern Shoveler 25 (m,f) barren shoreline of interior (west) and main lagoon, ML.

Green-winged Teal 3 (m,f) barren shoreline of interior (west) lagoon, ML

Red-breasted Merganser 7 (6 females) a tight flock chasing surface fish in the middle of the main lagoon, ML.

Ruddy Duck 20 (m,f) two or three small flocks resting in open water upstream, MC; ML.

Eared Grebe 1 diving in the interior lagoon, ML.

Western Grebe 1 joining RBME in fish-chase, ML.

Double-crested Cormorant 25 (ad, imm) resting on snags in main lagoon (photo); flying nearshore, ML.

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 24 Feb 2013

Brandt's Cormorant 8 (ad) resting on offshore rocks, ML.

Brown Pelican 15 (ad, imm) on and offshore, ML.

Great Blue Heron 1 (ad) edge of main pond, LP.

Great Egret 10 (ad, imm) edge of main pond, LP.

Snowy Egret 1 (ad) edge of main pond, LP.

Turkey Vulture 1 soaring over adjacent hillside, LP.

Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad) courtship-chasing each other on updrafts from adjacent hillsides, LP.

Sora 1 foraging in the marsh of the main pond, LP (photo).

Sora (Porzana carolina) Legacy Park Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA 24 Feb 2013

American Coot 120 edges and middle of main lagoon, ML.

Killdeer 1 on lawn, AH.

Snowy Plover 12 : scattered in small, cohesive and relatively tame flocks in small depressions on the beach, between the lagoon and outer shore. A refound bird (see Sept. 27, 2012 notes) banded (PV/YB) as a HY bird at Oceano Dunes, San Luis Obispo County, last year, ML (photo). Evidently, this individual shows site-fidelity to the Malibu Lagoon area. Note the completed basic molt; slightly worn but readable color bands.

Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) banded at Oceano Dunes as a HY last year (summer 2012); Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 24 Feb 2013.

Sanderling 20 foraging on outer shore, ML.

Least Sandpiper 8 foraging at edge of main pond, LP.

Heermann's Gull 3 (C1) resting on shore, SB.

Ring-billed Gull 15 (ad, imm) on shore, SB.

California Gull 85 (ad, imm) on shore, SB.

Herring Gull 1 (C3) resting on beach , ML.

Glaucous-winged Gull 3 (C1, C2, C3) resting on beach, SB.

Western Gull 60 (C1, C3; ad.) on beach; flying offshore, ML, SB.

Tern sp. (Royal?) flying over outer lagoon, ML.

Rock Pigeon 30 flying around coastal developments, SB, AH.

Anna's Hummingbird 2 fly, call, CC; ML.

Allen's Hummingbird 6 fly, call; around ornamental flowering shrubs, LP, CC.

Selasphorus sp. 1 (m) with predominantly red dorsum posteriorly; green anteriorly. A relatively long bill; territorial around flowering plants, CC (photo).

Selasphorus sp. male (c.f. S. sasin and S. rufus) Civic Center Drive, Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA 24 Feb 2013

Belted Kingfisher 1 (m) perched on snag in MC on northeast side of PCH overpass, ML.

Black Phoebe 2 sally-flycatching from boulders at edge of main pond, LP; 1 in garden, AH.

American Crow 25 ubiquitous; fly, call.

Tree Swallow 100 + flying low over weedy fields and to 200 ft. over LP.

Violet-green Swallow 1 flying amongst TRSW, low over weedy fields, LP.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 flying low, back and forth over edge of main pond, LP.

Cliff Swallow 100 + flying low and very high (+300 ft.) over LP and adjacent fields.

Bushtit 4 vocal, active in shrubs next to kiosk in State parking lot, ML.

Northern Mockingbird 1 fly, calls, around fruiting loquat tree, Cross Creek Dr.; 1 song, in garden, AH.

European Starling 40 two vocal flocks; one 12-15 in small trees, LP; one 25 in flowering flame of forest tree, AH.

Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 30 vocal, ubiquitous; 5 -10 in all kinds of vegetation.

Common Yellowthroat 1 calls, well-concealed in coastal sage near main streambed, LP.

California Towhee 1 in garden, AH.

Song Sparrow 3 song from exposed, elevated perches, LP; song, calls, AH.

White-crowned Sparrow 1 foraging on ground, Cross Creek Dr.

Western Meadowlark 8 song, calls, LP

Red-winged Blackbird 6 fly, call, LP.

Brewer's Blackbird 2 around shops, CC.

Great-tailed Grackle 3 calls AH; on shore, SB.

House Finch 2 calls, song, AH.

House Sparrow 3 calls, around shops, CC.

OCTOBER 19, 2012 (54 Species)

Weather: Fair with fog bank by 1600 hrs. Wind: w; wsw. 2 - 12 mph. High Tide @ 1215 hrs. Surf 1- 3 ft.

Time: 1000 - 1700 hrs.

Area Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP). I walked around the park once and through the eastern section twice. The drainage stream bed and pond had enough water to attract a few shorebirds. Several people with leashed dogs were present in the park during my survey (1000-1044 hrs.). 2) Malibu Lagoon (ML). A new path to the beach along the western perimeter of the construction area has been made, replacing the path along the main lagoon. Close-up views of birds in the main lagoon were not possible today. I surveyed the outer beach and adjacent islets, shoreline and nearshore waters. About fifty surfers were present during my survey today. Waves at high tide connected briefly with the main lagoon, allowing passage by wading from the Malibu colony side to the Adamson House side.. I spent most of the time today observing birds on and adjacent to Surfrider Beach. A 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera were used for the survey.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, White-tailed Kite (1), Wilson's Snipe (1), Ruddy Turnstone (10) and Royal Tern (4).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 12 (m,f) dabbling in the construction area, ML..

Northern Shoveler 5 (f, (f) dabbling in the construction area near mallards, ML..

Western Grebe 5 diving near shore, ML.

Double-crested Cormorant 10 mostly resting on islets, ML.

Brandt's Cormorant 5 flying west offshore, ML.

Brown Pelican 80 two large flocks of about 25 birds flying east in the late aftternoon; one flock resting on the islets, ML.

Great Blue Heron 2 one at the edge of the water in the construction area; edge of the main lagoon, ML.

Great Egret 4 edge of main lagoon; flying n over the beach, ML.

Snowy Egret 5 flying northeast over the outer shore, ML.

American Kestrel 1 flying north over Malibu Creek, LP.

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) vocal in a young sycamore and being attacked by a WTKI, LP.

White-tailed Kite 1 (ad) flying, hovering above the open fields (photo); repeated aerial assaults on a RSHA, LP.

White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) Legacy Park, Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA 19 October, 2012

American Coot 100 + (conserv. est.) foraging at the edges of the main lagoon and construction area, ML

Black-bellied Plover 30 resting on the islets and outer shore of the main lagoon, ML.

Killdeer 1 at the edge of the pond, LP; 5 edge of main lagoon, ML.

Snowy Plover 15 partially displaced by the incoming tide on the beach, ML.

Sanderling 20 foraging on outer beach, ML.

Least Sandpiper 4 foraging in and at the edge of the pond, LP.

Dunlin 4 foraging in the pond, LP (photo).

Dunlin (Calidris alpina) Legacy Park, Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA 19 October, 2012

Whimbrel 13 resting on the s shore of the lagoon and islets, ML.

Marbled Godwit 1 on the shoreline of an islet, ML.

Short-billed Dowitcher 2 foraging together at the edge of the pond, LP (photo).

Shoirt-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) Legacy Park, Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA 19 October, 2012

Willet 2 resting on the shore of the main lagoon; flying; foraging on the outer shore, ML.

Ruddy Turnstone 10 foraging on the outer and inner shore of the main lagoon and islets, ML (photo).

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 19 October, 2012

Wilson's Snipe 1 foraging at the edge of the pond, LP (photo).

Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata) Legacy Park, Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA 19 October, 2012

Heermann's Gull 30 (ad, imm) being fed on the beach by someone holding food with outstretched arms, ML.

California Gull 14 (ad, C3) together on shore next to main lagoon, ML.

Western Gull 30 (ad, imm) on shore, ML. 1 immature C3 Note: large size, massive, tricolored bill; light-colored irus, sloping forehead; dark mantle and upper wings, deep pink feet; white windows in primaries. The bird flew to the outer shore of Surfrider Beach, staying apart from other gulls (WEGU and HEGU) (c.f. photos of today's C3 WEGU and of two other C3 WEGU from Mission Bay, San Diego County, CA, November, 2011 and January, 2012) Apparently, third cycle (C3) WEGU may show asynchronous development of adult features such as bill color and white markings of the primaries (see: Howell, S.N.G & Dunn, J.L. 2007. Gulls of the Americas. pp. 442-47).

Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) immature C3 same individual; Surfrider Beach, Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA 19 October, 2012

Larus occidentalis C3 Mission Bay, SDCO, CA 23 November, 2011 Larus occidentalis C3 Mission Bay, SDCO, CA 19 January, 2012

Royal Tern 4 resting on shore of islet and main lagoon, ML.

Elegant Tern 8 resting on shore of islet. ML.

Rock Pigeon 15 flying, on utility poles adjacent to LP.

Anna's Hummingbird 1 calls, around eucalyptus on Cross Creek Rd. LP.

Allen's Hummingbird 6 (one male; 5 females and/or imm.) territorial, vocal, in purple flowering ornamental sage, adj. to mall, ML.

Belted Kingfisher 1 fly, call, dive, se edge of main lagoon, ML.

Black Phoebe 3 edge of field and pond, LP.

American Crow 25 fly, call, LP.

Common Bushtit 10 vocal, foraging as a flock in ornamental shrubs at ne edge of park, LP.

Oak Titmouse 1 vocal, active in canopy of ornamnental trees next to the nursery of CC Rd, LP.

House Wren 3 vocal, active in brushy borders of the park, LP.

Bewick's Wren 1 in subcanopy of ornamental trees with OATI, LP.

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 calls, with YRWA in ornamental trees, CC Rd., LP.

Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler 15 (m,f) vocal, active in a variety of trees and shrubs in and around the park, LP.

Common Yellowthroat 3 active, vocal in native and exotic shrubs in and bordering the park, LP.

Savannah Sparrow 5 call, staying low in brushy edges of the park, LP.

Song Sparrow 1 calls, dense coastal sage, LP.

White-crowned Sparrow 12 vocal, active throughout the park and ornamental shrubs on the border, LP.

Western Meadowlark, 4 call, fly, LP.

Red-winged Blackbird 2 fly, call, LP.

Brewer's Blackbird 2 (m,f) foraging at edge of pond, LP.

Great-tailed Grackle 2 on shore, foraging in wrack and scavenging around people's trash, ML.

House Finch 5 fly, call, LP.

Lesser Goldfinch 3 fly, calls, LP.

Dark-eyed Junco 2 vocal, foraging beneath ornamental trees, CC Rd., LP.

House Sparrow 10 vocal, active in and around gardens in mall, LP.

OCTOBER 5, 2012 (47 Species)

Weather: Fair; 72F; wind WSW 0 -1 mph. Surf 3-5 ft.

Time: 1434 - 1730 hrs.

Areas Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP); I walked through the park on the pathways, surveying the replanted coastal sage scrub, artificial streambed with a small amount of surface water, riparian saplings and adjacent ruderal fields. A few visitors with their pets (including a couple with a young Mandrill on a leash) were in the park during my survey.

2) Malibu Lagoon (ML). From the new trail between the parking area and the beach, I surveyed the main lagoon, including the adjacent construction zone, shoreline, islets, outer shore and nearshore waters. More than one hundred surfers and other beach-goers were present during my survey. 3) Adamson House gardens (AH). I walked through the AH gardens and along PCH across the bridge. A large group of people arrived at AH during my survey. Otherwise, conditions were good for identifying bird vocalizations.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 2 (m,f) swimming at edge of the main lagoon, ML.

Mallard 18 (m,f) around the edges of the main lagoon, ML.

Northern Shoveler 14 (m,f) around the edges of the main lagoon, ML..

Northern Pintail 1 (f) swimming in the construction area, ML.

Green-winged Teal 1 (f) dabbling at the s edge of the main lagoon, ML.

Red-breasted Merganser 2 (f) one preening, one swimming near the south islet, ML.

Pied-billed Grebe 1 edge of the main lagoon, ML.

Eared Grebe 1 diving near the e edge of the main lagoon, ML

Western Grebe 3 vocal; (2 half-grown chicks swimming on their own), main lagoon.

Double-crested Cormorant 20 (ad, imm) resting on islets and snags, s ML.

Brown Pelican 32 (ad, imm) resting on islets, s ML.

Great Blue Heron 1 at edge of the water, construction zone, ML.

Great Egret 1 wading in wetland, LP.

Snowy Egret 2 foraging near the edge of the main lagoon, ML.

American Kestrel 1 on dead branch of eucalyptus tree, n.

American Coot 85 ubiquitous in the main lagoon, ML.

Black-bellied Plover 50 resting on earthen embankments in construction zone; a few on s islets, ML.

Killdeer 2 shoreline of main lagoon, ML.

Snowy Plover 28 a cohesive flock resting in small depressions in deep, dry sand on outer beach, ML.

Whimbrel 2 resting on islet, ML.

Ruddy Turnstone 3 foraging on shore of islet, ML.

Willet 2 on shore of islet, ML.

Heermann's Gull 15 (ad, imm) on outer beach, ML.

California Gull 20 (ad, imm) with other gulls on the beach, ML.

Western Gull 30 (ad, imm) with other gulls on the beach, ML; a few flying over LP.

Elegant Tern 4 on islet with ROTE, ML.

Royal Tern 10 on islet, ML.

Rock Pigeon 10 flying over adjacent fields, LP.

Anna's Hummingbird 1 calls, fly, LP.

Allen's Hummingbird 5 calls, chasing around flowering shrubs, AH.

Belted Kingfisher 1 (m) calls, flying low around backwater, se (photo).

Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) south Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 5 October, 2012

Black Phoebe 1 LP; 1 ML; 1 AH.

Cassin's Kingbird 1 sallying out and back from a sapling at the edge of the streambed, (photo).

Cassin's Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans) Legacy Park, Malibu, LACO, CA 5 Oct. 2012

American Crow 15 vocal, ubiquitous.

Common Bushtit 10 a vocal flock in coastal sage scrub, s LP.

House Wren 2 vocal, active in garden shrubs and trees, AH.

Northern Mockingbird 1 vocal, AH.

Yellow-rumped Warbler 3 vocal in shrubs and trees, AH.

Common Yellowthroat 2 calls, edge of fields, adjacent garden, LP; 1 calls, garden, AH.

Savannah Sparrow 2 calls, active in open fields, LP (photo).

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) Legacy Park, Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA 5 Oct. 2012

Song Sparrow 1 edge of marsh, AH.

White-crowned Sparrow 2 vocal, LP.

Red-winged Blackbird 12 (m,f) calls, flying over field, LP.

Brewer's Blackbird 2 edge of field, LP.

Great-tailed Grackle 3 vocal, shoreline of main lagoon, ML.

House Finch 5 (m,f) LP; 5 vocal, AH.

House Sparrow 10 AH.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2012 (67 Species)

Weather: Fair; 65F to 72F; wind WNW 2mph. High tide @ 1000 hrs. Surf 2 - 5 ft.

Time: 0906 - 1345 hrs.

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I.

Areas Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP): We walked around the entire park, surveying restored coastal sage, numerous riparian saplings and the dried remains of a seasonal pond. Nearly all of the freshwater marsh has been removed from the drainage inlet and perimeter of the pond. The remainder of the park is largely undisturbed and intact. 2) Civic Center Way and Cross Creek Rd, including an upstream section of Malibu Creek as viewed from the parking lot behind the mini mall next to PCH (CCW). Except for Malibu Creek, this area is predominantly commercial and light industrial, surrounded by ruderal fields, gardens (e.g. around the Civic Center) and groves of mature trees (e.g. eucalyptus, pines, deciduous ornamentals lining Cross Creed Rd.). 3) Malibu Lagoon (ML). We followed the new trail to the beach from the main parking lot, surveying the construction area (mounds of earth around dredged lagoons, now flagged with revegetation markers). We surveyed the main lagoon, interior shoreline and islets, outer shore and nearshore waters. Low tide (@1300 hrs.) left shoals and tidepools exposed, attracting fair numbers of shorebirds. A few surfers and sunbathers were present during the survey. Adamson House gardens (AH): We walked through the grounds, surveying gardens with mature trees and shrubs. Workers were using power mowers during our survey, rendering identification of bird vocalizations difficult in some areas. Most of the birds apparently fled to quieter areas of the property. A 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera were used for the survey..

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Red-breasted Merganser (1 -cont.), White-tailed Kite (1), Snowy Plover (29), Sage Thrasher (1) and Lincoln's Sparrow (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 4 resting on the west edge of the main lagoon, ML.

Mallard 25 (m,f) scattered around the edges of the lagoon, ML.

Northern Shoveler 18 (m,f) resting and dabbling in the shallows of the lagoon, ML.

Green-winged Teal 1 (f) dabbling near the shore of an islet, ML

Red-breasted Merganser 1 -cont. (f) on shore of islet, ML.

Pied-billed Grebe 4 in middle and edges of the main lagoon, ML.

Eared Grebe 4 two swimming together in the construction area; main lagoon, ML.

Double-crested Cormorant 12 resting on islet; swimming, flying near shore, ML.

Brandt's Cormorant 1 diving inside surf zone, ML.

Brown Pelican 30 resting on islets; neaby islet with a few old BRPE carcasses, ML.

Great Blue Heron 2 on islet, ML.

Great Egret 7 a flock flying over tall trees upstream in Malibu Creek, alighting in canopy with one SNEG; GREG nesting colony in a large ornamental fig tree in the mini mall has been abandoned, CCW (photo).

Great Egret (Ardea alba) and Snowy Egret (Egretta garzetta) upstream of Malibu Lagoon, LACO, CA 27 Sep 2012

Snowy Egret 10 in trees upstream and on shoreline of main lagoon, CCW, ML.

White-tailed Kite 1 (ad) hovering over fields, LP (photo)

White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) adult Legacy Park, Malibu, LACO, CA 27 Sep 2012

Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) circling over open area at base of north hills; chased by a raven, LP.

American Kestrel 1 (f) flushed from riparian sapling near dry pond, LP.

American Coot 65 creek and main lagoon including edges and floating barriers, CCW, ML.

Black-bellied Plover 45 resting in construction area; on islets and in tidepools, ML.

Killdeer 1 dry pond, LP; 3 main lagoon shoreline, ML.

Snowy Plover 29 a fairly cohesive flock reluctant to move from depressions in deep sand on the main beach; one banded individual (PV/YB) was found amongst them.(photo). According to Frances Bidstrup, the SNPL shown below in the photo was banded this year as a hatchling at Oceano Dunes, San Luis Obispo County CA. This is the second HY Oceano Dunes SNPL I have found at Malibu Lagoon (c.f October 21, 2011). Go to the following link for details: http://avconline.avc.edu/cyorke/fieldnotes/20092011malibulagoon.html#oct21

Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) immature HY banded (Left: PV; Right: YB, Malibu Lagoon, LACO, CA 27 Sep 2012

Willet 5 resting on shore of islet, ML.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 foraging on shore of main lagoon, ML.

Whimbrel 14 resting on islet, ML.

Marbled Godwit 2 resting on islet with WHIM, ML.

Western Sandpiper 1 on shore of main lagoon, ML.

Least Sandpiper 1 on shore of main lagoon, ML.

Ruddy Turnstone 2 on shore of islet and outer shore at low tide, ML.

Heermann's Gull 11 (ad, imm) with CAGU and WEGU on sandy shore, ML.

California Gull 22 (ad, imm) with WEGU on sandy shore, ML.

Western Gull 35 (ad, imm) on shore of main lagoon and outer shore, ML.

Common Tern 1 circling over main lagoon and plunge-diving, ML.

Elegant Tern 35 (ad, imm) several small flocks of presumably closely related individuals on islets and outer shore; immature begging from an adult; flying over lagoon (photo), ML.

Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans) Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 27 Sep. 2012

Royal Tern 10 individuals and small groups scattered on islets with ELTE, ML (photo).

Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus) Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 27 Sep 2012

Rock Pigeon 20 feeding in adjacent low-cut ruderal field, LP.

Mourning Dove 3 perched in leafless tree in adjacent field, LP.

Anna's Hummingbird 2 vocal, feeding on flowering shrubs at edge of fields, LP.

Allen's Hummingbird 7 (m,f) territorial, vocal around a flowering ornamental shrub outside the mini mall, CCW (photo); 6 around flowering shrubs and vines growing on the north wall, AH.

Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) female Malibu, LACO, CA 27 September, 2012

Belted Kingfisher 1 fly, call, upstream Malibu Creek, CCW.

Black Phoebe 2 fly, call, LP.

Say's Phoebe 1 vocal, on foot bridge, LP.

Cassin's Kingbird 1 -cont. flying between saplings, LP.

Western Scrub-jay 1 in garden, AH.

American Crow 20 ubiquitous, vocal, esp. in trees at edge of cleared fields.

Common Raven 2 perched on utility pole and line, below foothills, n; one chasing a RTHA, CCW.

Oak Titmouse 1 calls, tall trees in garden, AH.

Bushtit 6 vocal, active in shrubs and saplings, LP.

House Wren 2 vocal, active in shrubs and saplings, LP, 1 scolding in shrubs, ML.

Northern Mockingbird 1 in garden, AH.

Sage Thrasher 1 (ad) flushed from a partially cleared patch to a sapling in se section of the park (near the ceramic lizard); later chased by a CAKI (photo) LP.

Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) Legacy Park, Malibu, LACO, CA 27 Sep 2012

European Starling 15 vocal in tall, leafless trees around adjacent fields and gardens, CCW, AH

Orange-crowned Warbler 2 active, calls, foraging in shrubs and small trees, LP, AH..

Yellow Warbler 1 calls, mature, tall ornamental trees in garden, AH.

Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 (f) calls, active near ground along streambed near bridge, LP.

MacGillivray's Warbler 1 calling repeatedly, well conxealed in undegrowth beneath tall trees , AH.

Common Yellowthroat 5 calls, active in shrubs at edge of trail and streambed, LP; garden, AH.

Wilson's Warbler 1 calls, garden trees, AH.

California Towhee 1 streamside shrubs, CCW; 1 calls, garden, AH.

Savannah Sparrow 2 calls; active on ground in clearings along stream bed and trail, LP.

Song Sparrow 2 vocal, dense shrubs near streambed, LP. Shrubs along wall, ML.

Lincoln's Sparrow 1 attracted to psshing noises near a flock of COBU and OCWA in coastal sage, LP.

White-crowned Sparrow 2 calls, concealed in coastal sage, LP.

Western Meadowlark 5 in grassland area in nw, LP.

Brewer's Blackbird 8 vocal, in leafless tree of adjacent field, CCW.

Great-tailed Grackle 4 (m,f) m in bsc. plmg. with relatively short tail; vocal, foraging on shoreline and beach of main lagoon, ML.

House Finch 30 (m,f) ubiquitous in fields, gardens and trees.

Lesser Goldfinch 3 call, fly, coastal sage, saplings, LP.

House Sparrow 6 around buildings and gardens, CCW.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2012 (58 Species)

Weather: Fair with some early morning haze; 72F to 84F; no wind. Seas calm; surf 1-2 ft. Medium high tide @ 0900 hrs.

Time: 0840 - 1349 hrs.

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I.

Areas Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP): We walked through the park on the trails, surveying restored habitats of coastal sage, riparian and fresh water marsh. The marsh was reduced to a mudflat; little if any standing water remains in the park. Sapling deciduous trees (e.g. Sycamore) offlered perch sites for birds but with little shade or shelter. Coastal sage habitat, by comparison, has developed quite well in the park and offers excellent cover for birds and other small animals (0840 -0900 hrs.; 1200 - 1300 hrs.). 2) The local nursery and adjacent ruderal fields bordered by planted trees and shrubs. This area is immediately adjacent to the Malibu commercial center and is treated here as urbanized habitat (MSC; 0905 -0915 hrs.). 3):Malibu Lagoon (ML). We walked the new eastern perimeter trail south to the outer lagoon and shore, stopping to look through the screened fence bordering the ML restoration project. The project land appears largely as it did during our previous survey of August 25, 2012 (see notes below), with earthen embankments surrounding dredged canals and pits, all virtually without any vegetation. Nevertheless, numerous waterbirds (e.g. gulls and plovers) were resting on the earthen embankments inside the project area. We continued to the outer shore, surveying nearshore waters, the main lagoon, shoreline and sandbar islets in the south lagoon. Many people were on the beach along with about 50 surfers off shore. A professional surfing contest was in progress off of Surfrider Beach. Most of the bird life was on the islets in the main lagoon and shorelines where there was relatively little foot traffic (0915 -1020 hrs.). 4) We continued walking to the Malibu Pier ((nothing much in the way of bird life there: MP) then back to Adamson.House and gardens (AH: 1020 - 1130 hrs.). The gardens were relatively quiet except for a few workers setting up tables for an outdoor reception. By this time the noise from traffic on PCH was deafening, rendering observations increasingly difficult as we walked back to LP for a lunch break (1135 - 1200 hrs.). We used a 10x42 binocular and a DSLR camera for the survey today.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Red-breasted Merganser (1), Pectoral Sandpiper (1), Red-necked Phalarope (4), Glaucous-winged Gull (1), White-winged Dove (1) and Purple Martin (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 4 (f) dabbling at the w edge of the main lagoon, ML.

Mallard 65 (m,f) scattered around the edges of the main lagoon and islets, ML.

Northern Shoveler 3 (f) dabbling near the sw edge of the main lagoon, ML.

Red-breasted Merganser 1 (f) on a se sandbar islet of the main lagoon, ML.

Pied-billed Grebe 5 upstream in Malibu Creek, ML.

Double-crested Cormorant 25 most resting on islet in main lagoon; one was pursuing small fish in shallows (photo).

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) s Malibu Lagoon, LACO CA 9 Sep 2012

Brown Pelican 10 on sandbar islet in main lagoon; about 5 carcasses also visible on islet.

Great Blue Heron 1 flying over marsh, LP; 2 edge of main lagoon, ML.

Great Egret 2 edge of marsh, LP; two (immatures?) atop rookery tree in MSC; 3 foraging at edge of main lagoon, ML.

Snowy Egret 1 edge of marsh, LP; 10 foraging indiviually, nearby other SNEG , competitively at edge of islets and s shore; some aggression seen with raised feathers and vocalizations.

Green Heron 1 (ad) edge of marsh, LP; another adult in tangle of roots and branches upstream in Malibu Creek, ML.

Black-crowned Night Heron 3 (ad, imm) dense shoreline vegetation at edge of main lagoon upstream; one imm standing on an orange plastic barrier cable near beach, ML.

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 calls (unseen) vicinity of LP.

American Kestrel 2 (m, f) flying around the park, calls (photo).

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) female Legacy Park, Malibu CA 9 September, 2012

American Coot 65 mostly in the center of the main lagoon, ML.

Black-bellied Plover 35 (ad, imm;bsc. and trans. bsc. plmg.) scattered in loose flocks on land, both on sand bar islets and in project area, ML.

Killdeer 2 mudflats of marsh, LP; 4 shoreline of main lagoon, ML.

Semipalmated Plover 2 foraging on shore of sandbar islet, ML.

Snowy Plover 18 running from pedestrians in heavy sand with depressions on main beach, ML (none found with leg bands).

Spotted Sandpiper 2 shoreline of main lagoon, ML.

Whimbrel 30 foraging and resting on sandbar islets and shoreline of main lagoon, ML.

Willet 5 foraging on shoreline of sandbar islet, ML

Western Sandpiper 2 foraging on shoreline in backwater of main lagoon, ML.

Pectoral Sandpiper 1 (imm) foraging on mudflats of marsh; blackish mud partially covering legs and feet, LP (photos).

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) immature Legacy Park, Malibu CA 9 Sept 2012

Turnstone (Arenaria sp. probably melanocephala) distant view partially obscured by fencing; 1 resting on embankment in project area, ML.

Red-necked Phalarope 4 (ad, imm) two swimming in shallows within the project area; two in stagnant backwaters, se ML (photo).

Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) immature southeast Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 9 Sept 2012

Heermann's Gull 8 (ad, imm) on s beach of main lagoon, ML.

Ring-billed Gull 1 (ad) swimming near sandbar islet, ML.

California Gull 3 (ad, imm) on s lagoon main beach with WEGU and HEGU, ML.

Glaucous-winged Gull (ad) 1 with worn plumage on s shore of main lagoon, moving to water as I approached (photo).

Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens) adult south Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 9 September, 2012

Western Gull 45 (ad, imm) on s shore of main lagoon and sandbar islets; fly, call; 3 flying over marsh, LP.

Elegant Tern 28 (ad, imm) most on sandbar islet of main lagoon; immatures flying with adult, some begging calls heard, ML.

Royal Tern 2 on sandbar islet with ELTE, s ML.

Rock Pigeon 25 on and around MP.

White-winged Dove 1 flew into a tall eucalyptus tree on the north side of the nursery, MSC (photo).

White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA 9 Sep 2012

Anna's Hummingbird 2 fly, call LP.

Allen's Hummingbird 5 (m,f) fly, call, territorial in flowering shrubs in garden, AH; 2 (m) defending lavender flowering TR shrubs, MSC.

Belted Kingfisher 1 (f) fly, call, upstream in Malibu Creek adjacent to the commercial center, MSC.

Black Phoebe 2 fly, calls from low perches, LP; 2 edge of garden and main lagoon, AH.

Cassin's Kingbird 1 sally-flycatching, aerial-hawking from sapling near trail, LP (photo).

Cassin's Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans) Legacy Park, Malibu, CA 9 Sep 2012

Western Scrub-jay 2 calls, flying, AH.

American Crow 6 fly, calls, LP; 25 a loose flock foraging in a ruderal field, MSC; 8 flying, calls, AH.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 flying back and forth over marsh at about 50 -100 ft. agl, LP..

Barn Swallow 2 flying low over project area and adjacent lagoon, ML.

Purple Martin 1 (f) flying 30 - 80 ft., back and forth over marsh; noted size, ventral markings and wing-stroke comparison with nearby RWSW, LP.

Oak Titmouse 1 vocal in trees around nursery, MSC; 2 (ad, imm) vocal, in garden trees, AH.

Bushtit 4-6 a small, vocal flock in adjacent yard on w side of project, ML.

House Wren 2 scolding calls, e edge of field, LP.

European Starling 5 flying over the marsh; calls, LP.; 5 vocal, in garden trees, AH.

Common Yellowthroat 8 calls from marsh and edge of coastal sage areas, LP.

Spizella sp. 1 calls (unseen) ruderal edge of coastal sage, LP.

Song Sparrow 4 vocal in marsh and edge, LP.

Red-winged Blackbird 3 (m,f) vocal, flew into marsh, then northwes out of the park LP.

Brewer's Blackbird 2 (m,f) around restaurants, MSC.

Great-tailed Grackle 4 (m,f) several molting most of the body and tail feathers, MP; 1 shore, ML.

House Finch 20 (m,f) fly, call, foraging on ground; ubiquitous in shrubs, trees and ruderal fields.

Lesser Goldfinch vocal in tops of sycamores and other deciduous trees, LP, MSC.

House Sparrow 10 vocal, open market adjacent to LP.

AUGUST 25, 2012 (52 Species)

Weather: Fair with coastal low fog burning off by 1200 hrs.; 62F to 77F; winds WNW 5 mph; Low tide @ 1200 hrs. Surf 1-3 ft.

Time: 0840 - 1300 hrs.

Observers: Merissa Mendez and I.

Area Covered: 1) Legacy Park (LP): We walked a clockwise route through the park surveying the restoration areas of coastal sage scrub, early riparian and freshwater marsh. Several other people were on the trails, including those with dogs (leashed and unleashed). Conditions were fair for identifying bird vocalizations, despite noise from traffic on PCH and the street on the north side of the park (0840 - 0900 hrs; 1130 - 1300 hrs.). We used the complimentary electric vehicle charging station conveniently located adjacent to Legacy Park (photo).

2) Malibu Lagoon (ML): We walked to the shore along the new beach trail on the west side of the main lagoon (see above photo), occasionally peering through the green screen of a chain-link fence. Virtually all of the previous natural habitat west of the beach trail has been removed, including the wooden access bridges through the interior lagoons. Relatively little bird-life was apparent on exposed earth embankments and modified water empoundments. By contrast, the main lagoon and inner shore supported a diverse assemblage of waterbirds (0910 - 1100 hrs.).

3) Adamson House (AH): We walked through the garden surveying ornamental shrubs (many flowering) and trees (1105 -1120 hrs.) A 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera were used for our survey of all of the aforementioned areas.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Brewer's Sparrow (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 4 (f) dabbling in main lagoon.

Mallard 10 dabbling at edges of main lagoon.

Cinnamon Teal 8 (f) two in the pond, LP; 6 ML.

Pied-billed Grebe 4 in main lagoon, ML.

Brown Pelican 40 resting on sandbar; one dead, one sickly, ML.

Double-crested Cormorant 25 resting on sandbar and on snags; one diving in main lagoon, ML.

Great Blue Heron 6 separate individuals around the edges of the lagoon, including the earthen embankments on the north side, ML.

Great Egret 3 foraging successfully on small fish near south shore of main lagoon, ML (photo).

Great Egret (Ardea alba) Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 25 August, 2012

Snowy Egret 10 foraging competively with other individuals (including GREG) for small fish on south shore, ML.

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (imm) bathing on southeast shore of lagoon, ML.

American Coot 20 foraging near shore, ML.

Black-bellied Plover 15 (trans. bsc. plmg.) most on sandbar, s ML.

Semipalmated Plover 1 with SNPL on main beach, ML.

Snowy Plover 16 in small depressions on beach; running a short distance when approached by pedestrians; none seen with leg bands,ML.

Killdeer 1 call, fly, inner shore of main lagoon, ML.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 on east shore of main lagoon, ML.

Western Sandpiper 4 on shore of main lagoon, ML.

Least Sandpiper 3 on shore and sandbar of main lagoon, ML.

Sanderling 2 on east shore of main lagoon, ML.

Short-billed Dowitcher 4 foraging on shore of sandbar, ML.

Whimbrel 20 most resting on sandbar; a few foraging at edge of main lagoon.

Ruddy Turnstone 6 foraging on shore of sandbar; resting, ML.

Heermann's Gull 5 (C1, C2) on outer shore, ML.

Ring-billed Gull 2 (ad, C2) on outer shore, ML.

California Gull 6 (ad; C1, C2) resting on shore, ML (photo).

California Gull (Larus californicus) second cycle Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 25 August, 2012

Western Gull 40 mostly resting on outer shore; juveniles begging from adults and foraging on debris and bird carcasses, ML (photo).

Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) juvenile foraging on mallard carcass. Malibu Lagoon, Los Angeles County, CA 25 August, 2012

Elegant Tern 25 mostly resting, preening on sandbar; a few flying, diving in main lagoon, ML.

Rock Pigeon 20 flying over, LP, ML, AH, adjacent mini-mall.

Mourning Dove 2 flying over, LP.

Anna's Hummingbird 4 fly, call, LP, AH.

Allen's Hummingbird 8 (m,f imm) fly, call, chasing around flowering shrubs, AH (photo).

Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) immature male, Adamson House, Malibu 25 Aug 2012

Belted Kingfisher 1 fly, call, LP, ML.

Black Phoebe 6 low perch; calls, LP, AH.

Cassin's Kingbird 1 flying to small trees, LP.

Western Scrub-jay 2 foraging in Coast Live Oak; calls, AH.

American Crow 10 fly, call; on shore, LP, ML, AH.

Horned Lark 1 fly, call, LP.

Cliff Swallow 12 flying low, back and forth over fields and lagoon; resting on earthen embankment, ML.

Barn Swallow 4 flying back and forth, low over surface of the lagoon, ML.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow ? (not seen clearly) 1 flying low over marsh, LP.

House Wren 3 scold calls in shrubs and trees, LP (photo)

House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) Legacy Park, Malibu, CA 25 August, 2012

Northern Mockingbird 3 (1 imm) active in garden trees, AH.

European Starling 16 a flock in a leafless tree adjacent to PCH, AH.

Common Yellowthroat 8 calls, marsh, coastal sage scrub, LP; 2 edge of main lagoon, AH.

California Towhee 2 on ground in garden; calls, AH.

Brewer's Sparrow 1 (ad) flew into small tree, LP (photo)

Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri) adult Legacy Park, Malibu, Los Angeles County, CA 25 August, 2012

Savannah Sparrow 1 called once (unseen) edge of path through coastal sage, LP.

Song Sparrow 3 active, vocal in marsh and edge of coastal sage scrub, LP; one in garden, AH.

Great-tailed Grackle 4 (m,f) on lawn around picnic benches in adjacent mini-mall; one male flying, LP..

House Finch 4 flying, in small trees, LP; AH.

Lesser Goldfinch 10 in seedling and mature sycamores, LP and adjacent nursery.

House Sparrow 5 on and around buildings in adjacent mini-mall, LP.