Callyn Yorke Biology: LAKE PALMDALE, LOS ANGELES COUNTY,CA

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* BIRD SURVEYS OF LAKE PALMDALE, LOS ANGELES COUNTY (Previous Seasons: 2009; 2010)

* HISTORICAL SEASONAL SUMMARY OF BIRD SURVEYS OF LAKE PALMDALE (1986-1996)

Lake Palmdale is 2.7 miles in circumference, 234 acres in area and holds 4,129 acre-feet of water when full.

HABITATS and MAJOR VEGETATION COMMUNITIES OF LAKE PALMDALE

Lake Palmdale (Elevation 2,655 ft.) occupies a geographical and ecological transition zone along the San Andreas Fault, between the north slope of the San Gabriel Mountains and the southwestern corner of the Mojave Desert. Below are photos showing the mosaic pattern of the major vegetational formations and habitat types in and around the lake. All photos were made on September 24, 2010 by Callyn Yorke. © 2010 Callyn Yorke

Open water, jetty, marsh, Willow riparian, northwestern LP Dam on east side of LP: ruderal and NE fresh water marsh. Eastern fence-line with dense Arroyo Willow riparian. Freshwater slough, Willow riparian and marsh SE LP. Young Cottonwood riparian woodland and marsh, SE LP. Joshua Tree - Great Basin Sage, SE corner of LP. Mature Cottonwood (r) and Willow (l) Riparian, west LP. California Juniper-Great Basin Sage, west LP. Mature Black Willow-Fresh Water Marsh, west LP.

Saltbush and Great Basin sage Creosote Bush, Rabbitbrush and California Buckwheat

. Fruitless Mulberry grove next to Fin and Feather entrance, N LP. Aleppo Pine grove, northeast LP. PWD settling ponds adjacent to 5th St. East entrance, N LP.

October 29, 2010 (53 Species)

Weather: fair; 49F to 64F; winds ENE 0-2 mph. Lake surface calm and glassy.

Time: 0750-1145 hrs.

Area Covered: After scoping the lake from two locations along the north bluffs across from the F&F clubhouse, I walked slowly around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see above photos), using a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. Auto traffic was very light ( a couple of maintenance vehicles and others working on their docks); no boats were on the lake during the survey. Conditions were excellent for identifying bird vocalizations. Dozens of duck (mostly. Bufflehead) and goose (Snow goose) decoys had been placed around the edges of the lake; hunting season will continue on Wednesdays and Sundays through January 28, 2011. Waterbirds on the lake this morning were generally wary; ducks and coots especially flighty. Numbers of hunting-favored species (e.g. Mallard ) were decidely reduced or absent, while unfavored species (e.g. Ruddy Duck and American Coot) were high. Curiously, no Lesser Scaup have been found at Lake Palmdale during my Fall surveys this year. Herons and Egrets were almost totally absent today, except for Great Blue Heron. Also noteworthy was a relatively greater proportion of Western Grebe, compared with Clark's Grebe; Three Common Loons (all in basic plumage) were found actively peering and diving around margins of the northern half of the lake (see below).

A Note Regarding Species Identification at Lake Palmdale

A large flock of gulls assembled in the middle portions of the lake by 0900 hrs; some were difficult to assign due to the harsh, highly reflective lighting when facing southeast from the end of the jetty during morning hours (the nearest point for observations, located about 0.50 mi. from mid-lake flocks of birds). Other angles of view (e.g. from docks along the southwestern and southern lake margins) had favorable lighting, but flocks were generally at distances too great for all individuals to be seen clearly. Again, even experienced observers using excellent optics must exercise discretion when attempting to identify waterbirds based on subtle differences in plumage and other features, when viewing from more than 1 mile away (e.g. scoping the lake from the Palmdale Park-and-Ride lot adjacent to the Lake Palmdale jetty). More than one misidentification at Lake Palmdale has doubtless resulted from unclear views of distant birds.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall (m,f) two flocks of three, ne and nw edge of lake; wary and flighty.

Mallard (m,f) 8 pairs and trios around the margins, ne, nw and s; two in settling pond (photo).

Cinnamon Teal 3 (m,f) in flight, coming in low from se.Bufflehead 8 (m,f) mid-lake and w margins; diving; wary and flighty.

Ruddy Duck 120 large rafts in the middle of the lake and margins; many sleeping.

California Quail 20 flushed from brushy area near inlet, SE.

Common Loon 3 (bsc. plmg; one showing partial neck collar marking). peering and diving in clear, relatively shallow water around the north edges of the lake (photo).

Common Loon (Gavia immer) Lake Palmdale CA 29 Oct. 2010

Horned Grebe 1 swimming near shore, n.

Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) LP 29 Oct. 2010

Eared Grebe 12 diving mid-lake and edges.

Western Grebe 80 diving, many calls, edges of lake; 10-15 birds in mid-lake.

Clark's Grebe 30 few calls, mostly edges of lake, NW, W, SW.

Double-crested Cormorant 12 (ad, imm) on floating stirring platforms; swimming, diving, flying low over lake.

Great Blue Heron 1-2 one flushed from n edge, flew s; later found another (same bird?) at edge of s slough; also flushed.

Cooper's Hawk 1 flew into Willow-riparian, NW.

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 flushed from Willow-riparian, W.

Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad, imm) flying around and landing in Cottonwoods, N, NW.

Sora 1 calls from Willow-riparian-marsh, NW.Common Moorhen 1 swimming in s slough with abundant submerged vegetation.

American Coot 300 (probably a low est but definitely fewer than found earlier in October) around edges of lake; flighty.

Killdeer 5 in and around settling ponds, n.

Least Sandpiper 5 foraging at edge of mud and water in settling pond # 2 (numbered west-east: photo)

Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) and Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) Lake Palmdale, PWD settling ponds, LACO CA 29 Oct. 2010

Ring-billed Gull 3 (ad: possibly a few more individuals that were not seen clearly) near flock of CAGU, mid-lake.

California Gull 60 (90% C3&4) assembling in mid-lake from the east and northwest; some taking off toward sw ( Palmdale landfill).

Herring Gull 1 ? (ad) couldn't see eye clearly; light mantle when compared to adjacent CAGU. mid-lake.

Rock Pigeon 1 on utility line, n.Mourning Dove 5 flushed from riparian woods, n and s.

Anna's Hummingbird 2 calls, w and se riparian.

Belted Kingfisher 2 fly, call; one perched on fence at inlet, S

.Nuttall's Woodpecker 1-2 fly, call: Cottonwoods, SE.

Northern Flicker 3 (m,f) one foraging on ground at base of dam; two in Cottonwoods; calls (photo).

Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) Lake Palmdale, 29 Oct. 2010

Black Phoebe 3 riparian-marsh and open Juniper scrub-edge, w, s, se; calls.

Common Raven 10 pairs flying around lake; calls.

Oak Titmouse 2 calls from riparian edge, w and se.

Bushtit 12 two small flocks, w and s; calls.

Cactus Wren 1 calling repeatedly from n (unseen).

Bewick's Wren 8 song and calls; riparian and brushy fields throughout.

Marsh Wren 5 calls from marsh-riparian, nw; marsh sw, s.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 10 in Cottonwoods, Junipers, Salt-Cedar and other vegetation around the lake; often in MSF with WCSP calls.

American Robin 1 called from Fruitless Mulberry grove next to clubhouse, n.

Northern Mockingbird 2 around fruiting Pyracantha lining entry road, n.

California Thrasher 1 calling from dense Junipers, NW.

European Starling 1 flying nw.

American Pipit 1 fly, call, near settling ponds, n.

Yellow-rumped Warbler 30 ubiquitous, but in smaller numbers than previous survey; calls (two types, suggesting at least one Myrtle present).

Common Yellowthroat 15 active, calls in marsh and riparian; responded (along with SOSPand BEWR) to my Screech Owl call imitations with pshing.

Savannah Sparrow 2 weedy border of jetty; calls.

White-crowned Sparrow 40 (ad, imm) about same density and distribution as found during previous survey; calls and song.

Red-winged Blackbird 1-2 calls, riparian-marsh, W.

Great-tailed Grackle 6 (m,f) calls, flying, slough entrance, S.

House Finch 20 (m,f) ubiquitous in pairs and small flocks around the lake; calls and song.

Lesser Goldfinch 4 feeding on dried sunflowers at base of dam; calls.

House Sparrow 15 gardens around clubhouse, n.

October 22, 2010 (50 Species)

Weather: Fair; 55-65F; winds variable, 5-12mph WNW, WSW, W. Heavy thundershowers intermittently over past several days in the region.

Time: 0815- 1100 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see above photos), using a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera.A few hunters were in boats setting out decoys and preparing blinds for opening weekend of duck season this weekend (October 23-24). Thereafter, duck-hunting season at LP will be on Wednesdays and Sundays this year. Conditions were fair to poor for identifying bird vocalizations due to increasing winds (0900-1100 hrs.).Whitecaps on the lake made observations difficult; several points around the lake were used to confirm identifications of birds in the middle of the lake, indicating that observations (i.e. with a spotting scope) of the lake from distant locations (e.g Lamont-Odett overlook and the Park-and-Ride on Avenue S) could be subject to significant identification errors. First of the season (FOS) birds found today were: American White Pelican, American Wigeon, Bufflehead, Common Loon and Horned Grebe.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 12 (m,f) N and S slough area. One male molting primaries (photo)

Gadwall (Anas strepera) Lake Palmdale 22 October, 2010

American Wigeon 8 (m,f) edges of lake, W and S. FOS for LP

.Mallard 20 (m,f) relatively scarce around the edges of the lake; flighty.

Bufflehead 8 (m,f) open water, W. FOS for LP

Ruddy Duck 30 (m,f bsc. plmg.) around the edges of the lake.

Common Loon 1 (trans. bsc. plmg.) diving in open water, mid-lake. FOS for LP.

Pied-billed Grebe 12 scattered around edges of the lake; diving, resting.

Horned Grebe 2 (trans. bsc. plmg.) diving in open water, mid-lake FOS for LP.

Eared Grebe 30 (bsc. plmg.) diving, open water, mid-and edges of lake.

Western Grebe 16 (m,f) around edges of lake; resting (no calls heard).

Clark's Grebe 30 (m,f) singles and pairs around edges of lake, esp. N, NW and W; calls.

American White Pelican 1 (imm.?) standing on dock next to jetty, NW (photo); later seen soaring high above dam. FOS for LP.

American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) Lake Palmdale LACO CA 22 Oct. 2010

Double-crested Cormorant 6 around edges of the lake and on floating stirrer platforms.

Great Egret 1 at edge of marsh in slough, SE.

Green Heron 1 flushed from riparian-marsh, W. calls.

Cooper's Hawk 1 (imm) riparian at edge of lake, SW.

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 calls from NE section.

Red-tailed Hawk 3 ( 2 ad, 1imm.) N, S and E (one being dive-bombed by a raven).

American Coot 300 scattered around the edges of the lake.

Killdeer 3: two individuals at edge of sludge pile in settling pond, N; calls from NW section.

California Gull 80 ( mostly 3-4th cycle; at least 3, 1-2nd cycle.) large, tight flock flying into middle of the lake from the NW.

Rock Pigeon 1 on edge of settling pond, N.

Mourning Dove 6 riparian areas around the lake.

Belted Kingfisher 2 fly, call, N and NE.

Northern Flicker 3 a pair flushed from Cottonwoods, SE; one calling in N section.

Black Phoebe 4 edge of lake; riparian and open fields; calls.

Loggerhead Shrike 1 calls from Juniper-Rabbitbush scrub, NW.

Common Raven 20 pairs and quartets soaring on deflection air currents off bluffs around lake; one chasing and diving on a RTHK.

Horned Lark 1 fly, call, NE.Tree Swallow 12 flying 30-100 ft. back and forth over lake and riparian, W and S.

Oak Titmouse 3 riparian areas and caretaker's yard; calls.

Verdin 2 calls from riparian-Juniper edge, NW.

Bushtit 20 three separate flocks in riparian areas, N, W and S; calls.Rock Wren 1 on boulders at E side of dam.

Bewick's Wren 8 calls and song from brushy areas around the lake.

Marsh Wren 6 calls and partial song from marsh, NW, W, S and SE.Ruby-crowned

Kinglet 1 calls from Juniper scrub, SW.

Northern Mockingbird 2 in fruiting Pyracantha along entry road (5th St. W); defensive scold calls.

California Thrasher 1 calling from Juniper scrub, NE.European Starling 3 in tall Cottonwoods, N; calls.

Yellow-rumped Warbler 50 (Audubon's: m,f) ubiquitous, foraging around the lake at all levels in most habitats; calls.

Common Yellowthroat 10 active in marsh and riparian areas around the lake; calls.

Savannah Sparrow 1 calls from brushy, ruderal area, E.

Song Sparrow 6 active in marsh and riparian areas, W, SW, S and SE; calls and partial song.

White-crowned Sparrow 40 (ad, imm) ubiquitous in most habitats around the lake, esp. ruderal edges; calls and song

. Red-winged Blackbird 8 (m,f) marsh and riparian, W and SW; calls.

Great-tailed Grackle 10 (m,f) perched in riparian-marsh edge, S; flying, calls and song.

House Finch 10 riparian areas around the lake; calls and song.

Lesser Goldfinch 2 fly, call, E.

House Sparrow 10 (m,f) gardens around the clubhouse; calls.

October 8, 2010 (51 Species)

Weather: Fair, 45F to 68F; winds WSW 1-3 mph.

Time: 0715 - 1100 hrs.

Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the F&F clubhouse, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see photos above), using a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. Conditions were good for finding birds and identifying vocalizations. No fishermen were on or around the lake (fishing season concluded on October 3). Waterbirds were scattered over the entire lake in contrast with previous surveys during fishing season, when nearly all were around the edges of the lake. Two first-of-the-season species were found today, Wood Duck (second record for LP) and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Yellow-rumped Warblers were abundant and widespread around the lake; few other species of migrant warblers were found today. Duck hunting season at LP is scheduled to begin on October 23. The Fin and Feather club is now open daily 8AM - 4PM and is closed on Thursday. The two duck hunting days will be Wednesday and Saturday.

BIRDS NOTED

Wood Duck 5 (3 m; 2 f) resting on a floating mat of cattails with AMCO and GAWA, at the east end of the slough, SE; flew off to the west as I was photographing them (photos).

Gadwall 10 (m,f) open water, N, S and in slough, SE.

Mallard 30 (m,f) edges of the lake; settling ponds.

Cinnamon Teal 4 (f) open water and slough, SE.

Ruddy Duck 20 (m,f bsc. plmg.) edges of the lake, N, W and SW.

California Quail 15 flushed from dense cover, SE.

Pied-billed Grebe 6 open water, N, NW, S.

Eared Grebe 2 (bsc. plmg.) near jetty, NW.

Clark's Grebe 40 scattered over the lake in pairs and singles; calls.

Western Grebe 30 mostly around the edges of the lake; begging calls, rushing, head-turning displays; pairs staying close (photo).

Double-crested Cormorant 6 on floating stirrers mid-lake.

Great Blue Heron 1 flushed from shoreline-riparian, W.

Great Egret 1 on dock next to inlet, SW.

Black-crowned Night Heron 4 (ad, imm) in marsh, N, S.

Cooper's Hawk 1 flushed from trees, NW.

American Coot 400 scattered around the edges of the lake.

Killdeer 5 in and around the settling ponds, N

.Least Sandpiper 4 foraging at edge of mud in settling pond

.California Gull 11 (ad, imm) in a tight flock mid-lake.

Rock Pigeon 10 on adjacent utility line, N.

Mourning Dove 5 riparian areas around the lake.

Anna's Hummingbird 2 (m,f) tall Cottonwoods, SW and S

.Belted Kingfisher 3 fly, call around the riparian edges of the lake.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 4 (m,f) call, fly; riparian areas around the lake

.Northern Flicker 1 calls from riparian area, SW.

Black Phoebe 8 marsh, riparian and edges around the lake.

Western Scrub-jay 1 calls from Juniper - Cottonwood, SW.

Common Raven 8 riparian and flying over dam.Horned Lark 1-2 fly, call, open area near clubhouse.

Oak Titmouse 2 trees in caretaker's yard and riparian, calls, SW.

Verdin 1 calls from roadside shrubs, N.

Bushtit 12 noisy flocks foraging in shrubs and Cottonwoods, N, W and S

Rock Wren 1 E (photo).

Bewicks Wren 20 ubiquitous; calls and song.

Marsh Wren 2 calls and song from marsh, S and SE.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 eating insect larvae in California Juniper, SW.

Northern Mockingbird 1 in Pyracantha along entry road, N.

California Thrasher 2 calls from Juniper and riparian edge, W and S.

European Starling 6 atop Cottonwoods and snags, N and S; calls and song.

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 foraging in small Cottonwood at N end of dam, NE.

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) 30 (m,f) ubiquitous in shrubs and trees; calls

.Common Yellowthroat 20 (m,f) calls from marsh, riparian and edges around the lake.

Savannah Sparrow 2 on jetty; calls.

Song Sparrow 10 marsh, riparian and edges around the lake; calls.

Lincoln's Sparrow 1 staying low in Salt Cedar at edge of marsh, S; calls.

White-crowned Sparrow 60 (ad, imm) ubiquitous in all vegetation types; calls and song

.Red-winged Blackbird 2 fly, call; perched atop snag, S.

Great-tailed Grackle 16 (m,f) loose flock on the jetty early AM; single birds at edge of slough, S; calls.

House Finch 30 ubiquitous in riparian areas around the lake; calls and song.

Lesser Goldfinch 8 small flocks of 3-4 birds; calls, N and E.

House Sparrow 10 (m,f) around the clubhouse; calls.

October 1, 2010 (58 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy with increasing clouds to the SE; thundershowers last night. 66F to 80F; winds WSW 0-2 mph.

Time: 0714 - 1130 hrs.

Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the F&F clubhouse, I walked a clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see photos above), using a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. About 25 fishermen were around the lake; several in small motorboats. Overnight rains left the ground damp and vegetation freshly rinsed. Conditions were excellent for identifying bird vocalizations; auto traffic was light around the western and southern sections. Noteworthy birds found this morning included, American Bittern (1) and Common Tern (1) . First-of-the-season birds included Yellow-rumped Warbler (3) and Black-throated Gray Warbler (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 2 (m, f) open water, NE and edge of slough, S.

Mallard 30 (m,f) around the edges of the lake; flighty

.Ruddy Duck 15 (m,f) flocks in open water, S and SW.

California Quail 10 Cottowood-Juniper edge, SW.

Pied-billed Grebe 12 around the edges of the lake

.Eared Grebe 16 (bsc. plmg.) tight flocks of 6-8 birds, open water.

Western Grebe 20 calling repeatedly, esp, NW; pair on floating cattails near jetty.

Clark's Grebe 30 scattered around the edges of the lake and in open water; occasional calls; pairs staying close.

Double-crested Cormorant 1 on floating platform, open water.

American Bittern 1 upright, frozen posture on floating mat of cattails, slough, S (photo). Possibly the same individual seen here last month.

Great Blue Heron 1 flushed from fishing dock, W.

Great Egret 1 flew to shoreline of dam, E.

Snowy Egret 1 foraging on shoreline near F&F clubhouse, N.

Green Heron 3 flying from shoreline, N; flying NW, S; calls.

Black-crowned Night Heron 3 (ads; 1 imm) in Willows, NE.

Red-shouldered Hawk 2 flushed from Cottonwood, S; Willow, W; calls.

Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) with prey in talons, n (photo)

Sora 1 calls from marsh, S.

Common Moorhen 1 edge of marsh in slough, S. Possibly same individual found here last month.

American Coot 400 crowded around the edges of the lake.

Killdeer 4 settling ponds, N, and drainage culvert, S; calls.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 flying low over water, N.

Common Tern 1 (bsc. plmg.) resting on floating plastic container near jetty; flying around; dipping and bringing up 4 ft. long stringy section of cattail, NW(photo).

Mourning Dove 6 riparian areas around the lake

.Anna's Hummingbird 2 (f, imm ) riparian areas, S and W; calls.

Belted Kingfisher (m,f) 4 flying and calling around the lake; one chased by BNSW.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 (m,f) riparian areas, NE and SW; calls.

Downy Woodpecker 1 (f) foraging in Cottonwood, NE; calls.

Northern Red-shafted Flicker 1 (m) atop tall Cottonwood, S; calls (photo).

Black Phoebe 10 around the edges of the lake; calls

.Loggerhead Shrike 2 GB sage along fence line, E (calls).

Western Scrub-jay 1 juniper scrub, S; calls.

Common Raven 6 pairs flying; on park bench under Mulberry trees, alternate calls, N.

Barn Swallow 10 flying low over lake, early AM; calls.

Oak Titmouse 6 Foraging in Cottonwoods, SE, S, SW; calls.

Verdin 1 calls from roadside shrubs, N.Bushtit 8 in Cottonwoods, SE; calls.

Bewick's Wren 20 ubiquitous; calls and song.

Marsh Wren 4 singing in marsh, NE, SE, S and W.

Northern Mockingbird 1 calls and brief song, near clubhouse, N.

California Thrasher 4 calls and song, Juniper-riparian edge, SW, W and NW

.European Starling 8 small flocks atop Cottonwoods; flying over lake; calls and song

.Orange-crowned Warbler 10 shrubs and trees around the lake; calls.

Yellow Warbler 6 (m,f) foraging together and with OCWA, mostly in Cottonwoods; calls.

Yellow-rumped Warbler 6 confined mostly to pines and edge of riparian, N; calls

.Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 (m) foraging in subcanopy of Cottonwood, S; calls.

Common Yellowthroat 20 (m,f, imm) ubiquitous in marsh, riparian and juniper scrub; calls.

Wilson's Warbler 3 Foraging in Cottonwood, pines, Salt Cedar; calls, N, SE.

Savannah Sparrow 2 on weedy section of jetty, NW; calls.

Song Sparrow 10 riparian, brushy roadside, marsh; calls and song.

Lincoln's Sparrow 2 drainage ditch and ruderal edge of dam, E; calls.

White-crowned Sparrow 40 ubiquitous in most habitats; calls and song.

Black-headed Grosbeak 1 sharp call note in Cottonwoods, NE

.Red-winged Blackbird 10 small, vocal flocks in marsh and flying over lake, E, S.

House Finch 60 (m, f) ubiquitous around the lake; calls and song.

Lesser Goldfinch 6 feeding on sunflowers, E; Cottonwood, SE; calls and song.

Lawrence's Goldfinch 2 singing atop Cottonwood, SE.

House Sparrow 10 around clubhouse and yard, N; calls.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2010 (58 Species)

Weather: Fair, 54F to 80F; winds WSW 0-2 mph.

Time: 0705-1100 hrs.

Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the F&F clubhouse, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see above photos), using a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. About 30 fishermen were around the lake; several in small motorboats. Conditions were excellent for identifying bird vocalizations. Noteworthy birds found today included, American Bittern and Osprey. In addition, first-of-the-season birds found today were, Northern Flicker and Say's Phoebe.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 15 (m,f) edge of lake, flighty, NE.

Mallard 20 (m,f) edges of lake, flighty

Cinnamon Teal 2 (m,f) open water, N.

Ruddy Duck 20 (m,f) open water, S and W.

California Quail 20 one covey flushed from riparian-marsh SE.

Pied-billed Grebe 12 (ad, imm) edges of the lake.

Western Grebe 25 edges of the lake; most resting.

Clark's Grebe 60 active; pairs displaying rushing and simultaneous diving, edges of lake; calls (photo).

Double-crested Cormorant 2 swimming, open water near jetty, NW.

American Bittern 1 (imm) flushed from dense cattails, edge of marsh, S slough; flew NW.

Great Blue Heron 1 flying S over riparian, SE.

Great Egret 1 preening in tall Willow, SE.

Snowy Egret 1 foraging along shoreline near clubhouse, N.

Green Heron 3 (ad, imm) flushed from edge of jetty, NW and marsh, S

Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (imm) flushed from marsh near jetty, NW.

Osprey 1 flying over lake, S.

Cooper's Hawk 1 (imm) perched in tall Cottonwood, SE.

Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad, imm) flushed from Willow riparian, W; calls, SE.

Red-tailed Hawk 1 on utility pole near 5th Street entrance, N.

Sora 1 calls from Willow-marsh, NW

.American Coot 500 scattered around edges of lake.

Killdeer 10 settling ponds, S and E edge of lake; calls

.Spotted Sandpiper 2 one on shore near clubhouse; other on jetty, NW

.Mourning Dove 10 perched in tall Willow snags around the lake.

Eurasian Collared Dove 2 on ground in parking area next to jetty, N. Second record for LP.

Anna's Hummingbird 10 (f and imm) riparian areas around the lake.

Belted Kingfisher 2 fly, call around the edges of the lake, N and S.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 calls, flying through riparian, W and NE.

Downy Woodpecker 1 calls, flying in Willow riparian, S.

Northern Flicker 1 calls from W riparian (unseen).

Western Wood Pewee 2 aerial-hawking from tall Cottonwoods, N and W.

Black Phoebe 12 riparian, marsh and edges of lake.

Say's Phoebe 1 hawking insects from dry grass near jetty (photo). First record ot the season.

Western Scrub-Jay 3 flying, calls, W juniper and SE.

Common Raven 4 pair in tall cottonwood near dam, SE.

Horned Lark 30 flock moving around in RV parking area.

Oak Titmouse 2 riparian, W and S; calls.

Verdin 2 saltbush roadside scrub, N and junipers, W; calls

Bushtit 20 loose, noisy flocks in riparian, S and NE.

Rock Wren 1 on rocky slope of dam, E.

Bewick's Wren 25 ubiquitous in brushy areas, riparian, edge of marsh; most habitats (photo); calls and song.

Marsh Wren 6 calls and song in marsh, NW, W, S and SE.

Northern Mockingbird 2 (ad, imm) bushes lining fence on 5th St. East entrance, N.

California Thrasher 2 calls and song, Juniper and riparian edge, NW and W.

European Starling 6 in tall Cottonwood near clubhouse; calls and song.

Orange-crowned Warbler 2 on fence, E.

Yellow Warbler 10 (m,f) insect-gleaning foliage in Cottonwoods and Willows around the lake; calls.

Common Yellowthroat 20 (m,f) marsh and edge of riparian around the lake; calls; hover-gleaning at base of cattails.Wilson's Warbler 3 (m,f) riparian, calls, W and S.

Savannah Sparrow 3 on jetty, NW.

Song Sparrow 10 marsh, riparian and brushland around the lake; calls and song (photo).

White-crowned Sparrow 20 brushy areas around the lake; calls and song.

Chipping Sparrow 2 (ad, imm) flushed from weedy area beneath dam, landed on fence (photo).

Red-winged Blackbird 4 fly, calls, over marsh, S.

Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) mostly concealed in marsh, S; calls; a few flying over lake.

House Finch 30 (m,f) ubiquitous in brushy and riparian areas.

Lesser Goldfinch 4 fly, call; feeding on sunflowers under dam, E (photo).

House House Sparrow 20 around clubhouse and bushes lining 5th St. East entrance, N.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2010 (55 Species)

Weather: Fair, 59F to 80F; no wind.

Time: 0705 - 1000 hrs.

Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff by the clubhouse, I walked the usual counter-clockwise route around the lake, surveying all habitats (see previous notes), using a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. About 15 fishermen were around the lake; a few in small motorboats. Conditions were excellent for identifying bird vocalizations. A relatively low diversity of warblers and other landbird migrants was found today. Notable species included, Common Gallinule (continuing) and Yellow-breasted Chat (second seasonal record) . First of the season birds were, Northern Pintail, Rock Wren and White-crowned Sparrow.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 3 (m,f) open water, NE.

Mallard 25 (m,f) scattered around edges of the lake.

Northern Pintail 1 (f) open water, NE.

Ruddy Duck 20 (m,f) resting, open water, S.

Pied-billed Grebe 4 edges of the lake

Western Grebe 30 pairs and singles, open water and edges of the lake; calls.

Clark's Grebe 40 pairs and singles, open water and edges of the lake; calls.

Double-crested Cormorant 2 (ad, imm) resting on floating stirring platform, E.

Great Blue Heron 1 (ad) shoreline, NE.

Great Egret 2 shoreline of dam, E.

Snowy Egret 2 shoreline of dam and N.

Green Heron 1 (imm) shoreline at jetty entrance.

Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (imm) flew and landed with neck outstretched in a bare-branched Willow next to the jetty.

Cooper's Hawk 1 flying E toward Lake Una.Red-shouldered Hawk 1 calling, SE.

American Kestrel 1 caught large dragonfly and consumed it on a tall Cottonwood (photo).

Sora 1 walking on edge of cattail swamp in shady Willow riparian, NW.

Common Moorhen 1 foraging on floating algae in backwater slough, S (photo); probably the same individual seen here earlier this month.

American Coot 500 scattered around the edges of the lake.

Killdeer 3 NW settling pond; calls.

Spotted Sandpiper 2 one in NW settling pond; one on jetty.

California Gull 1 (C2) flying over NW section of the lake

.Mourning Dove 10 pairs and singles in tall trees around the lake.

Anna's Hummingbird 10 (m,f; imm) riparian areas around the lake; hover-aerial foraging.

Belted Kingfisher 3 shoreline-riparian, N, W and S; calls.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 calls from riparian, S and NE.

Downy Woodpecker 1 calls from edge of riparian, NW.

Willow Flycatcher 1 ? calls: short, high-pitched "kip" like a weak BHG call, edge of Cottonwoods, S.

Black Phoebe 10 riparian, marsh and edges of lake.

Western Scrub-Jay 2 calls from W and S.

Common Raven 6 flying over N and W side of lake; calls; two flushed from Cottonwood, NE.

Oak Titmouse 2 calls from riparian, SW, S.

Verdin 2 calls from roadside shrubs, N.

Bushtit 20 three separate flocks, N, W and S; calls.

Rock Wren 1 around rocky NE side of dam; flew into a juniper when approached. First of the season for LP.

Bewick's Wren 16 calls and song around the lake in all habitats.Marsh Wren 6 calls; foraging at base of cattail swamp in Willow riparian, NW.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 in pines, NE; calls.

California Thrasher 2 one singing near clubhouse in Juniper-Joshua tree area; another also singing in NW juniper-sage scrub.

Northern Mockingbird 1 flushed from roadside shrubs near 5th St. entrance.

European Starling 2 singing in tall Cottonwood, S.

Orange-crowned Warbler 2 in Salt Cedar, W and S; calls.

Yellow Warbler 8 (f) in Cottonwoods and Willows around the lake; also in Salt Cedar; calls.

Wilson's Warbler 1 (m) foraging low in riparian understory, S.

Common Yellowthroat 16 (m,f) riparian-marsh around the lake; calls.

Yellow-breasted Chat 1 (imm) preening in understory of Willow riparian, NW

.Western Tanager 1 (f) in subcanopy of Willows, NW.

Savannah Sparrow 3 on weedy edge of jetty, NW; calls.

Song Sparrow 10 riparian-marsh and adjacent fields with shrubs and pines; calls and song.

White-crowned Sparrow 6 (ad, imm) roadside rabbitbrush and saltbush, N; riparian-marsh, NW; calls and song.

Red-winged Blackbird 3 (m, imm) marsh and riparian edge, S and NE; calls.

Great-tailed Grackle 10 (m,f) on jetty early AM.

House Finch 30 (m,f) ubiquitous in shrubs and trees around the lake; calls and song.

Lesser Goldfinch 3 singing in tall Cottonwoods, SE.

House Sparrow 4 around clubhouse; calls.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2010 (53 Species)

Weather: Fair, 64F to 80F; winds, WSW 0-10 mph.

Time: 0705 - 1150 hrs.

Observers: Jim Abernathy and I

Area Covered: After I scoped the lake from the bluff next to the Fin & Feather clubhouse, Jim and I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see previous notes) using binoculars and a DSLR camera. About 20 fishermen were around the lake; a few in small motorboats. Conditions were good for identifying bird vocalizations. Relatively few landbird migrants were found today.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 2 (m,f) open water, S.

Mallard 50 (m,f) edges of the lake.

Cinnamon Teal 2 (f) edge of the lake, S.

Ruddy Duck 7 (m,f) edge of the lake, S.

Pied-billed Grebe 4 edges of the lake; slough, S.

Eared Grebe 2 (bsc. plmg.) open water, S.

Western Grebe 30 open water around edges of the lake; calls.

Clark's Grebe 50 open water and edges of the lake; courtship dance and chase.

Great Blue Heron 3 shoreline and edges of the lake, N, E.

Great Egret 2 edge of the dam and shore, E, N.

Snowy Egret 3 edges of the lake, shoreline, N, E, NW.

Green Heron 2 edge of marsh and shore, N.

Osprey 1 flying over N side of lake.

Cooper's Hawk 1 flying through trees, S.

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) flying lakeside, W.

American Coot 500 scattered around the edges of the lake and S slough.

Killdeer 5 settling ponds, N and near dam, E.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 shoreline, N.

California Gull 1 (ad) open water, S.

Ring-billed Gull 1 (ad) flying over lake, S.

Caspian Tern 7 (ad, imm) flying, calls, over lake, N and S.

Rock Pigeon 2 flying around dam and N side of lake.

Mourning Dove 12 (ad, imm) perched on snags in riparian areas around the lake.

Anna's Hummingbird 8 (f) riparian areas around the lake.

Belted Kingfisher 4 2 pair, chasing, calls, N and S marsh-riparian.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 (m,f) foraging a few trees (Cottonwood) apart then together, S (photo).

Black Phoebe 12 riparian, marsh and edges of the lake.

Western Scrub-jay 2 fly, call, SE.

Common Raven 20 soaring on deflection currents around dam, E.

Horned Lark 15 in shade of parked RV's.

Tree Swallow 2 flying low over the lake, S.

Oak Titmouse 3 riparian and ornamental trees, SW and N.

Verdin 1 calling in creosote scrub, N.

Bushtit 15 two flocks in riparian edge, S and NE.

Bewick's Wren 20 ubiquitous in brushy areas, riparian and GB sage around the lake; calls and song.

House Wren 1 foraging in Salt Cedar and riparian in NW, with YW, BW; calls.

Marsh Wren 2 calls and song, marsh-riparian, NW.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 foraging in Salt Cedar, NW, with YW , HW and BW; calls.

Northern Mockingbird 1 singing, Juniper scrub near entrance, N.

California Thrasher 1 singing at edge of Juniper-riparian, NW.

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 riparian edge, NW.

Yellow Warbler 4 (m,f) riparian and Salt Cedar, NW and S.

Common Yellowthroat 10 (m,f) marsh, riparian and edge, around the lake; calls.Wilson's Warbler 1 (m) foraging low in shady Willow thicket, NW.

California Towhee 1 fly, call, Juniper-riparian edge, SE.

Savannah Sparrow 4 riparian and ruderal edge; jetty and near dam, NW and E.

Song Sparrow 20 ubiquitous in marsh-riparian areas around the lake; calls and song.

Red-winged Blackbird 8 (m,f) marsh and riparian, N and S; calls.

Yellow-headed Blackbird 14 (m,f) tight flock flying E along N shore.

Great-tailed Grackle 2 (m,f) calls, marsh-riparian, SW.

House Finch 40 (m,f) ubiquitous in brushy areas, riparian and edge; calls and song.

Lesser Goldfinch 2 Cottonwoods, S; calls.

House Sparrow 4 roadside shrubs near clubhouse, N.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 (58 Species)

Weather: Fair, 61F to 80F; winds WSW 0-5 mph.

Time: 0700- 1130 hrs.

Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff next to the clubhouse, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see previous notes for habitat descriptions), using a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. About 15 fishermen were around the lake; two or three trolling in small motorboats. Conditions were excellent for identifying bird vocalizations. Relatively uncommon migrants at Lake Palmdale, found today included, Common Moorhen (first record for 2009/10) and Common Tern (second record for this month and second record for 2009/10). Migrant warblers included, Yellow Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler and Wilson's Warbler.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 5 (m,f) open water, S

.Mallard 20 (m,f) scattered around the edges of the lake.

Cinnamon Teal 2 edge of the lake, S.

Redhead 3 edge of the lake, S.

Ruddy Duck 12 (m,f trans-bsc. plmg) edge of the lake, S.

California Quail 12 (est.) calls from brushy area at edge of riparian, W.

Pied-billed Grebe 15 scattered around the edges of the lake; diving.

Horned Grebe 4 (bsc. plmg.) tight flock swimming in open water, central lake. Western Grebe 30 calling, diving, edges of the lake.

Clark's Grebe 60 edges of the lake.

Double-crested Cormorant 3 swimming, resting on floating platform stirrers; diving, near dam, E.

Great Blue Heron 3 (ad, imm) one with bullfrog in beak, W, NE, NW.

Great Egret 3 riparian edge, NE; dam and SE.

Snowy Egret 1 on shoreline near clubhouse.

Green Heron 4 (1 imm) on shore, N; on jetty, NW; flying, W.

Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad, imm) one imm flushed from willows, W; ad circling, calling, NE (photo).

Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) flying over cottonwoods, SE; chased by three ravens.

Common Moorhen 1 swimming with coots in stagnant backwater slough, S (photo). First record for LP this year.

American Coot 250 scattered around edges of lake.Killdeer 3 on concrete wall of NW settling pond, N.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 flying low over the water, slough,S.

California Gull 1 (ad) open water, central, S.

Caspian Tern 4 (1 imm.) flying back and forth over E end of lake; calls; adults followed by immature making high-pitched begging calls (photo).

Mourning Dove 6 (ad, imm) riparian areas, N, W , SE.

Anna's Hummingbird 5 (f) riparian areas, W, S, SE and NE.

Belted Kingfisher 4 (m,f) perched in trees; fly, calls, around the lake.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 2 (m,f) calls from riparian, W; in Cottonwood, NE.

Western Wood Pewee 2 (ad, imm) riparian edge; high and medium perches in NE.

Pacific Slope Flycatcher 2 low to medium perch in Cottonwoods; snatch-glean and aerial hawking; staying concealed in shade when approached, SW (photo).

Black Phoebe 12 riparian and open areas around the lake.

Western Kingbird 1 on top of tall Cottonwood, hawking dragonflies, N.

Loggerhead Shrike 2 GB sage scrub on E side of fence along roadway; calls, E (photo).

Western Scrub-Jay 3 calls, flying S and SE.

Common Raven 10 trio chasing RSH; calling; singles flying around lake.

Horned Lark 10 (est.) calls from RV parking area, N.

Tree Swallow 2 (ad, imm) flying over lake, N and E.

Oak Titmouse 3 calls, caretaker's garden, N; riparian S and SE

.Bushtit 15 calls in Cottonwood, SE.Bewick's Wren 20 ubiquitous: calls and song, riparian, Juniper, GB sage.

Marsh Wren 2 calls and song from marsh-riparian, W, S.

California Thrasher 1 singing, riparian edge, NW.

European Starling 6 in tall Cottonwood, N and S; song and calls.

Orange-crowned Warbler 3 Salt Cedar and adjacent Aleppo Pines, NE; riparian, N, calls.

Nashville Warbler 4 riparian and pines, NE and S (photo).

Yellow Warbler 18 ubiquitous; riparian, edge, pines; calls.

MacGillivray's Warbler 2 brushy edge of Willow riparian; keeping low and well-concealed; calls. NW.

Common Yellowthroat 20 (m,f) ubiquitous in marsh-riparian; calls.

Wilson's Warbler 1 (m) understory of Willow-marsh, NW; found in the same location during the previous survey.

Savannah Sparrow 2 on jetty; calls.

Song Sparrow 20 ubiquitous around the lake; riparian, marsh, edge; calls and song.

Brewer's Sparrow 2 fence line in GB sage scrub, calls. E; found in same location during the previous survey.

Red-winged Blackbird (m,f) riparian-marsh and flock of 8 flying; NW, S and SW; calls.

Great-tailed Grackle 4 (m,f: molting ) riparian edge, SW and S.

House Finch 20 (m,f) ubiquitous in riparian and edge; calls and song; one female with nest material in beak, NW.

Lesser Goldfinch 6 flying, chasing, calls and song, Cottonwoods, SE.

House Sparrow 6 shrubs along entry road near clubhouse.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2010 (55 Species)

Weather: Fair, 66F to 85F; no wind; lake surface glassy.

Time: 0830 - 1210 hrs.

Observers: Ethan Yorke and I.

Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff across from the clubhouse, we walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see previous notes), using binoculars and a DSLR camera. About 20 fishermen were around the lake; a few were on the lake in small motorboats. Except for an occasional vehicle on the main road, and skeet shooters in the northeast corner, most of the survey area was undisturbed and conditions excellent for identifying bird vocalizations. Western migrant landbirds were well represented, notably, MacGillivray's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Brewer's Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow and Western Tanager.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 1 (f) in shaded willow overhang of the NE corner of the lake.

Mallard 30 (m,f) scattered around the edges of the lake.

Cinnamon Teal 4 (f) edge of slough, S; NE riparian backwater.

Redhead 4 (m, f) tight flock in open water, NE.

California Quail 12 brushy areas S and NE.

Pied-billed Grebe 4 open water and edges, N and S.

Western Grebe 30 pairs and singles in open water around edges of the lake; no sign of nesting in S slough (see previous survey notes).

Clark's Grebe 40 pairs chasing; courtship; edges of the lake, especially N, NW and S.

Great Blue Heron 2 flying, calls, N and NW.

Great Egret 2 edge of dam and edge of marsh in slough, S.

Snowy Egret 2 shoreline of dam, E.

Green Heron 5 (ad, imm) two individuals along N marsh; other individuals at edge of marsh and riparian, W, S and NE.

Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (imm) flushed from dense riparian, NE

.Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) flushed from cottonwood, SE.

Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) soaring high on thermals; chased by a raven.

American Coot 150 around the edges of the lake.

Killdeer 3 settling ponds, N; one imm molting.

Spotted Sandpiper 2 flying from jetty, NW.

Common Tern 1 ? (ad with black cap; seen with scope across the lake) resting on buoy on S side of lake next to a FT; flying off and not seen again.

Forster's Tern 1 (bsc. plmg.) on buoy, S side next to CT.

Rock Pigeon 2 1 dark morph on edge of settling pond; one albino flying down to lake and dipping; later seen flying around E and Lake Una.

Mourning Dove 8 ( ad, imm) perched on snags in Willow riparian, NW, S and SE.

Anna's Hummingbird 4 (m,f) riparian areas around the lake; calls.

Belted Kingfisher 4 two pair, W and S; chasing, calls.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 (f) foraging in Willow, S; calls (photo).

Western Wood Pewee 2 riparian, low perches, N and NE

.Black Phoebe 10 riparian, marsh and edge around the lake.

Western Kingbird 2 riparian, tall snag perches, N and S; one individual molting central tail feathers.

Common Raven 5 riparian area, S and SE.

Horned Lark 25 open field RV parking area, in shade of parked vehicles, N.

Tree Swallow 2 flying low over lake, W.

Barn Swallow 15 flying low, dippin in NW settling pond, N.

Oak Titmouse 2 around olive trees in caretaker's yard; calls; in Cottonwoods, SW.

Verdin 1 calls from juniper scrub-riparian edge, SE.

Bushtit 12 small, noisy flocks in riparian and edge, W and S.

Bewick's Wren 5 calls and song from Juniper and riparian edge around the lake.

Marsh Wren 2 marsh, W and SE; calls and song.

California Thrasher 2 riparian and Juniper edge, SW and W; calls and song.

European Starling 2 tree tops near clubhouse, N.

Orange-crowned Warbler 2 low riparian edge, S and E.

Nashville Warbler 2 foraging together in Willow, S.

Yellow Warbler 8 (m,f) foraging in Cottonwoods and Willows around the lake; calls.

MacGillivray's Warbler 1 foraging in low riparian shrubs, W.

Common Yellowthroat 5 marsh and riparian edge, W and S; calls.

Wilson's Warbler 2 (m,f) low marsh-riparian growth in shaded Willow woodland, NW.

Yellow-breasted Chat 1 mid-level in shaded Willows, S (photos). First record for 2009/20010 at LP; second record for LP.

Western Tanager 1 (f) in Cottonwoods, W.

Savannah Sparrow 3 shrubby edge of roadway, NW

.Song Sparrow 6 riparian areas around the lake; song and calls.

Brewer's Sparrow 1 flushed from brushy roadside on E side of dam (photos).

Red-winged Blackbird 3 riparian-marsh, W; calls and song.

Tricolored Blackbird 3 (f, imm) perched on snags, riparian-marsh, NW; calls.

House Finch 8 riparian and edge, W and S.

Lesser Goldfinch 3 top of Cottonwood, SE; calls and song.

House Sparrow 6 fenceline Pyracantha near clubhouse, N.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2010 (44 Species)

Weather: Fair with clouds hugging adjacent foothills; 57F to 67F; winds variable, 16-30 mph with gusts of 40 mph.Whitecaps on lake.

Time: 0720 - 1110 hrs.

Area Covered: After scoping the windswept lake across from the clubhouse, I drove a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, stopping frequently to bird on foot. All habitats were surveyed (see previous notes for habitat descriptions) using a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera with an 80-400mm lens. Only about three fishermen were around the lake; no boats on the lake (a small craft advisory flag was flying near the clubhouse). Conditions were fair to poor for identifying bird vocalizations. Birds of special interest today included, a nesting Western Grebe, Sabines Gull (1), Solitary Sandpiper (1), Willet (1) and Northern Waterthrush (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 50 (m,f) around the edges of the lake

Cinnamon Teal 1 (m) resting on a log, slough, S.

California Quail 10 brushy area, SE.

Pied-billed Grebe 4 edge of lake, N, W, S.

Western Grebe 30 one sitting on floating cattail nest in middle of slough, S (photo). Same area where a pair of Clark's Grebe was found with nest material (see previous survey .

Clark's Grebe 45 scattered around edges of lake; a few in mid-lake in rough water; two showing courtship behavior, W.

Great Egret 1 edge of marsh in slough, S.

Green Heron 4 (1 imm) three individuals nearby along edge of marsh, NW; one ad in slough, S (photo). High count for the year.

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) flushed from tall cottonwood, S; calls.

Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) stationary soaring on obstruction currents off bluff, N.

American Coot 130 scattered around edges of the lake.

Killdeer 2 on concrete wall of settling pond, N.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 shoreline, N.

Solitary Sandpiper 1 foraging on edge of NW settling pond.

Red-necked Phalarope 1 foraging in NW settling pond.

Willet 1 on jetty (photo). First recent record for LP.

Sabine's Gull 1 (ad alt. plmg.) Flying around the jetty, then down to surface; swimming briefly. Flew off in SW direction (photos).

Mourning Dove 2 riparian area, W.Anna's Hummingbird 3 (f) riparian, W, S and SE.

Belted Kingfisher 2 (m,f) riparian-marsh, NW and W (Photo).

Willow Flycatcher 2 riparian W; riparian-marsh, NE.

Black Phoebe 12 riparian and Juniper edge around the lake.

Warbling Vireo 1 Mulberry trees next to clubhouse; calls.N.

Common Raven 10 pairs and small flocks flying around riparian areas.

Horned Lark 20 flushed from ground in RV parking lot, N.

Cliff Swallow 10 flying over NW settling pond.

Barn Swallow 10 flying over water, NW corner near marsh.

Oak Titmouse 1 foraging on ground beneath Juniper next to Mulberry trees, N.

Verdin 1-2 calls from riparian edge, NW.

Bushtit 20 two vocal flocks of 8-10 birds,

Creosote Bush and riparian N and S.

Bewick's Wren 2 one foraging 10-12 ft in willow, W.

European Starling 1 top of cottonwood, SE.

Orange-crowned Warbler 2 riparian (Cottonwood), S and NE; calls.

Yellow Warbler 2 riparian (Willows) W and S; calls.

Northern Waterthrush 1 in Willow-marsh, NW. First heard alarm call; bird well concealed in shade on muddy ground near cattails. Features seen clearly for 2-3 minutes at about 30 feet away; no contrasting buffy flanks; thin, clean white eye-line (photo); bobbing while foraging; called several times then moved out of view. Call, a loud metallic chirp. © 2010 Callyn Yorke

Common Yellowthroat 2 calls from marsh-riparian, W, near NWT.

Wilson's Warbler 2 (m,f) foraging in willows, middle height, W; calls.

Western Tanager 1 calls in canopy of Cottonwood, W.

Savannah Sparrow 3 on jetty, NW.

Song Sparrow 2 riparian-marsh, W, S.

Lincoln's Sparrow 1 beneath juniper, edge of riparian, W.

Great-tailed Grackle 3 (ad, imm) riparian, NW.

House Finch 10 riparian and edge, S and SE

.House Sparrow 4 near clubhouse in shrubs along entry road.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 (53 Species)

Weather: Fair, 62F to 84F; no wind.

Time: 0640 - 1050 hrs.

Area Covered: After scoping the lake on the bluff across from the F&F clubhouse, I walked a clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see previous notes), using a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. About 20 fishermen were around the lake; two were in small motorboats on the lake. Heavy equipment was being used to move dirt on the west side. Traffic around the lake was light, though very dusty. Conditions were good for identifying bird vocalizations. Several migratory passerines were found today in the willows and cottonwoods, including Yellow Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Wilson's Warbler and Western Tanager. A Sharp-shinned Hawk was near the dam in the NE corner; a Solitary Sandpiper was seen early this morning foraging along the edge of the NW settling pond.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 1 (f) flying from slough, S.

Mallard 50 (m,f) scattered around the edges of the lake.

Cinnamon Teal 4 (f) taking flight from the NW corner.

Redhead 2 (f) diving, NW.

California Quail 16 two coveys, NE and SE.

Pied-billed Grebe 8 edges of lake; calls.

Western Grebe 25 pairs around the edges of the lake, N, NW and W; calls.

Clark's Grebe 30 several pairs showing courtship: weed carrying, bill crossing, nesting behaviorcalls, S slough (photo).

Double-crested Cormorant 4 (ad, imm) flying in from E; two on floating stirrers in middle of lake.

Great Blue Heron 2 (ad, imm) N and NW.

Great Egret 2 on dam.

Snowy Egret 2 on dam and riparian island NE.

Green Heron 2 (ad) S slough and NW marsh.

Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (imm) flushed from riparian shoreline, N.

Osprey 1 flying in from NE.

Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 flying low across dam from E into riparian area, NE.

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 perched on pole E of dam; then low perch near ground.

American Coot 100 (est.) scattered around the lake.

Killdeer 5 foraging at edge of NW settling pond; jetty; calls.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 foraging at edge of NW settling pond.

Solitary Sandpiper 1 foraging alone at NE corner of NW settling pond.

California Gull 2 (imm: C1;2) flying over lake.

Mourning Dove 10 riparian areas around the lake.

Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (f) gleaning insects from Willow, W.

Anna's Hummingbird 8 (m,f) gleaning insects in riparian areas, N, W and S; calls.

Belted Kingfisher 2 chasing around edge of lake, W; calls.

Hairy Woodpecker called once from mature Cottonwood, SE (unseen).

Black Phoebe 15 marsh, riparian and edge around the lake; calls.

Western Scrub-Jay 1 calls, SW.

Common Raven 10 flying around lake; on dam and utility poles.

Horned Lark 4 on ground and flying over RV parking lot, N.

Cliff Swallow 20 on utility line, N; dipping in lake.

Barn Swallow 2 flying W, low over lake.

Oak Titmouse 10 riparian areas around the lake; calls.Verdin 1 calling, juniper scrub, N.Bushtit 25 noisly flocks (6-12 birds) in riparain and edge, W and N.

Bewick's Wren 18 song and calls, riparian, edge around the lake.Marsh Wren 3 active, calls and song in marsh, SE and SW.

California Thrasher 1 foraging beneath juniper N edge of Mulberry picinic area, N.

European Starling 8 flying and perched on utility lines, N and S; calls.

Orange-crowned Warbler 4 foraging mid to high levels in riparian areas, SE, S, W; calls.

Yellow Warbler 8 (m,f) foraging high and medium levels in riparian areas around the lake; calls.

Wilson's Warbler 3 (m,f) foraging low in riparian areas, S and W.

Common Yellowthroat 10 (m,f ; imm) foraging on wet ground, mid and high levels in riparian areas around the lake; calls and song.

Western Tanager 1 (f) in subcanopy of willows, W.

California Towhee 1 calls from SE juniper-riparian edge.

Song Sparrow 10 marsh and riparian areas around the lake; calls and song.

Red-winged Blackbird 10 riparian and marsh , NW and W; calls; flying over lake.

Great-tailed Grackle 100 (est) large flock on jetty early in the morning, then gone, NW.

Brown-headed Cowbird 1 (imm) on utility line, N.

House Finch 90 (m,f) large flock (70) perched in tall dead tree, N.

Lesser Goldfinch 2 flying away from tree with large flock of HF, N.

House Sparrow 4 in Pyracantha lining entry road, N.

AUGUST 30, 2010 (43 Species)

Weather: Fair, 58 to 71F; winds WSW 10-18mph.

Time: 0708-0955 hrs.

Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff across from the clubhouse, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see pervious notes) using a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera.Several fishermen were around the lake; one in a small motorboat in the middle and northern section of the lake. Conditions were fair for identifying bird vocalizations.Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included American Bittern (1), Virginia Rail (1) and Western Wood Pewee (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 80 (m,f) open water; most scattered around the edges of the lake; dabbling in the NW settling pond.

Redhead 1 (m) open water, NE.

California Quail 4 in concrete drainage culvert, S.

Pied-billed Grebe 10 open water, N and NW; diving in N cove.

Western Grebe 40 pairs and singles around the jetty, near the marsh.

Clark's Grebe 20 pairs (displays)around the edges of the lake, N and W.

Double-crested Cormorant 1 swimming and diving, near riparian edge, NE.

American Bittern 1 flushed from marshy drainage ditch, S.

Great Blue Heron 4 (3 imm) on jetty, NW and in willows, NE.

Great Egret 1 flying in from Lake Una.

Green Heron 3 individuals along edge of marsh (two flushed), NW, W and SE.

Virginia Rail 1 calling marsh-riparian, W.

American Coot 150 scattered around the edges of the lake.Killdeer 5 settling ponds and jetty.

Spotted Sandpiper 3 edge of water on jetty, N breakwater and dam.

Least Sandpiper 2 foraging on W edge of jetty.

California Gull 3 1st Cycle (C1) and 2nd Cycle (C2), open water and on jetty.

Mourning Dove 8 (ad, imm) riparian areas around the lake.

Anna's Hummingbird 1 (f) in cottonwood, W.

Belted Kingfisher 3 flying and calling around the lake, N, W.

Western Wood Pewee 1 sally-flycatching mid-level in cottonwoods, NE.

Black Phoebe 10 riparian, edge and marsh around the lake; calls.

Loggerhead Shrike 1 sage scrub between fence and rr tracks, E.

Common Raven 8 soaring over dam.

Horned Lark 3 open areas and parking lot, N.

Tree Swallow 1 flying over W edge of lake.No.

Rough-winged Swallow 2 msf of swallows over settling pond.

Cliff Swallow 30 several individuals in a msf flying back and forth over settling ponds N; later a large (20 +) flock 100 ft.+ over adjacent hills, W.Barn Swallow 10 flying back and forth over settling ponds, N.

Oak Titmouse 2 calling from trees in caretaker's yard. Another calling from riparian area, NE.Verdin 1 calling from creosote-juniper scrub, N.

Bushtit 10 a noisy flock in creosote-juniper scrub, N.

Bewick's Wren 10 individuals and pairs; song, calls, in brushy areas around the lake.

Marsh Wren 1 marsh-riparian, song, calls, W.

House Wren 1 singing repeatedly in area of tall cottonwoods, S.

European Starling 4 flying, calls, riparian, S.

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 sage-saltbush-desert willow, E fence line; calls.

Common Yellowthroat 10 (m,f) active, calls, marsh and riparian edge around the lake.

Western Tanager 2 (f) active at mid-level in cottonwoods, NE.

Song Sparrow 10 (ad, imm) foraging on ground, shoreline and in cottonwoods at edge of marsh; song and calls.

Great-tailed Grackle 5 (m,f; imm) marsh and riparian edge, N and W.

House Finch 10 riparian and edge, S and SE.

House Sparrow 10 around clubhouse and entry road.

AUGUST 27, 2010 (42 Species)

Weather: Fair, 77 to 90F; winds WSW 0-20 mph.

Time: 0700- 1000 hrs.

Area Covered: After scoping the lake from the bluff across from the F&F clubhouse, I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see previous notes), using a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. A few fishermen were around the lake and trolling in small motorboats. Weather conditions deteriorated by 0830 hrs., following steady 20 mph. WSW winds that turned the lake from a glassy to white-capped surface. The persistent winds made observations difficult, especially in the riparian areas of the S and NE. Two new species were added to the Lake Palmdale Bird List, Band-tailed Pigeon (1) and Ladder-backed Woodpecker (1), bringing the official species list total to 206.

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 90 (m,f) scattered around the edges of the lake; one in settling pond, N

.Ruddy Duck 10 (m,f: alt. plmg.) edge of lake, S and SW.

Pied-billed Grebe 5 open water, middle and S slough.

Western Grebe 30 edges of the lake in pairs and singles; calls.

Clark's Grebe 50 edges of the lake in paris and singles; calls.

Great Blue Heron 2 shoreline and jetty, N.

Great Egret 1 shoreline on dam, E.

Snowy Egret 3 shoreline on dam and riparian peninsula, N, E.

Green Heron 1 (ad) flushed from marsh-riparian, slough, S.

Sora 1 (juv) E edge of jetty.

American Coot 100 scattered around edges of lake.

Killdeer 3 settling ponds, N.Least Sandpiper 4 W edge of jetty, foraging along waterline.

California Gull 1 (1st cycle) open water and on jetty.

Black Tern 1 (imm) dipping in lake, flying back and forth low over lake, E.

Mourning Dove 10 singles and pairs in riparian areas around the lake.

Band-tailed Pigeon 1 (juv - all dark in flight) flushed from riparian edge, SW. A new record for LP.

Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (f) feeding on red flowers, SE (photos).

Anna's Hummingbird 4 (f) riparian areas, W and S.

Belted Kingfisher 3 riparian edge of lake; settling ponds, N, NW and NE; calls

.Ladder-backed Woodpecker 1 (f) seen clearly at the top of a Cottonwood; flew SW into Junipers; calls. A new record for LP.

Black Phoebe 10 riparian and marsh around the lake.

Western Scrub-Jay 1 calls from Juniper scrub, W.

Common Raven 8 pairs soaring above the dam.

Oak Titmouse 3 in caretaker's yard, Mulberry and Olive trees; riparian and Juniper edge, W and S; calls.

Verdin 4 around caretaker's yard; two males in saltbush scrub W;

Bushtit 20 two flocks; one in creosote bush scrub, the other in riparian edge, N and SW; calls.

Bewick's Wren 8 singing in brushy areas around the lake.

Marsh Wren 1 singing in marsh, NW.

American Robin 1 flying N; calls.

Northern Mockingbird 2 1 around caretaker's yard; another in adjacent yard, S.

European Starling 6 in tall tree next to caretaker's house; singing in dead Willow, S.

Yellow Warbler 2 one in Mulberry trees next to clubhouse; calls. Another calling in Cottonwood, next to noisy pumphouse, S.

Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 calls from cottonwood, S.

Common Yellowthroat 3 pair in riparian; male gleaning insects in subcanopy of Willows; calls.

California Towhee 1 in creosote scrub, N, calls.

Song Sparrow 4 marsh and riparian edge, W and SW; calls and song.

Red-winged Blackbird 3 (m,f) landing in Willow snags near jetty, NW.

Tricolored Blackbird 2 flying over riparian, W; calls.

Great-tailed Grackle 10 flying over lake; calls, W.

House Finch 20 brushy and riparian areas around the lake.

House Sparrow 15 shrubs lining entrance road next to clubhouse, N.

AUGUST 23, 2010 (52 Species)

Weather: Fair, 62 to 84F; winds WNW 0-1 mph. Lake surface glassy- calm.

Time: 0635-0930 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, surveying all habitats (see previous notes) beginning with a scope from the bluff across from the Fin and Feather clubhouse, then binocular and DSLR camera for the remainder of the survey, Only about 6-8 fishermen around the lake; one trolling near the dam. Conditions were excellent for identifying bird vocalizations. Birds of seasonal significance today were: White-faced Ibis (1), Redhead (5), Bufflehead (1) Cinnamon Teal (10) American Bittern (1) Northern Phalarope (7).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 80 (m,f) ubiquitous around the edges of the lake and in one of the settling ponds, N.

Bufflehead 1 (f) swimming near Redheads, open water, NE.

California Quail 4 calling from NE and SE.

Pied-billed Grebe 6 open water and edges; calls

.Eared Grebe 1 diving, open water, E.

Western Grebe 20 edges of lake, especially NW; calls and courtship; chasing.

Clark's Grebe 50 edges of lake and open water; calls; courtship holding weeds in beak.

American Bittern 1 edge of cattails in backwater slough, S (photos).

Great Blue Heron 2 on jetty, NW.

Great Egret 1 edge of dam, E.

Snowy Egret 2 edge of dam and flying W over lake.

Green Heron 1 flushed from peninsula riparian, S.

Black-crowned Night Heron 3 perched in trees, NE; flying; calls.

White-faced Ibis 1 flying around trees at edge of lake, NE.

Osprey 1 (imm) flushed from edge of dam, NE.

Red-shouldered Hawk 2 flushed from cottonwoods, SE; NE.

Red-tailed Hawk 1 on utility pole, N.

American Coot 80 ubiquitous around edges of lake.Killdeer 3 settling pond levee and calls from NW.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 flushed from edge of jetty.

Least Sandpiper 1 foraging at edge of water in settling pond, N.

Red-necked Phalarope 7 flock flying fast, low over lake and above trees, S.

Bonaparte's Gull 1 flying above tree-level over lake, S and SW.

California Gull 1 (ad) resting in middle of lake.

Mourning Dove 12 pairs in riparian areas around the lake; calls.

Anna's Hummingbird 4 riparian and sage scrub around the lake; calls.

Belted Kingfisher 2 riparian lakeside; fly, calls.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 (m) foraging in tall cottonwood, calls, W.Hairy Woodpecker 1 foraging in cottonwoods, calls, SE.

Black Phoebe 8 riparian edges around lake; calls.

Western Kingbird 1 (imm) riparian edge, moulting remiges, NE.

Western Scrub-Jay 2 flying, calls, Lake Una, E.

Common Raven 10 pairs and trios on utility poles, N ; flying.

Barn Swallow 2 flying around settling ponds, calls, N.

Oak Titmouse 2 calls from riparian area, N.Verdin 1 calling; fly W, in sage scrub next to park-and-ride, N.

Bushtit 10 small parties in riparian and edge, W and E.

Bewick's Wren 6 singing in Juniper scrub; riparian edge around lake.

House Wren 1 in Desert Willow thicket, E.Marsh Wren 3 singing in marsh, NW; riparian W, SE.

California Thrasher 1 flushed from riparian edge, flew into Juniper scrub, W.

European Starling 2 in cottonwood, calls, S.

Yellow Warbler 1 (f) foraging in cottonwood, W.

Common Yellowthroat 6 calls in marsh-riparian; one climbing high into willow, W.

Western Tanager 1 (f) foraging in crown of tall cottonwood, E.

Song Sparrow 3 singing in riparian-marsh; in cottonwoods, W and SW.

Red-winged Blackbird 8 (ad, imm) riparian areas, N and W.

Great-tailed Grackle 110 (ad, imm) about 100 together on jetty, early AM.

House Finch 10 in cottonwoods, S

.House Sparrow 5 in hedge along entry road to clubhouse.

AUGUST 6, 2010 (49 Species)

Weather: Fair; 74 to 80 F; winds WSW 5-7 mph.

Time: 0700 - 1000 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake after first scoping the lake from a bluff on the north shore, opposite the Fin and Feather clubhouse. All habitats were surveyed for birds using a 10x42 biinocular and DSLR camera. Habitats included in the survey were: gardens, lawns, ruderal roadways and fields, ornamental trees (i.e. Fruitless Mulberry and Olive), shrubs (e.g. Pyracantha, Oleander), settling ponds ( at the SEC of 5th St. East and Avenue S (see aerial photo above) 4 total; two with water, others with dark sediments; Willow-Sycamore riparian ( at the water's edge and beyond), shoreline (sand, rocks with very little exposed mud), freshwater marsh (Cattail and Bullrush), open water, sheltered coves and sloughs, Great Basin Sage Scrub (Artemesia tridentata, Eriogonum fasciculatum), Creosote Bush Scrub ( Larrea tridentata , Ephedra nevadensis, Opuntia echinocarpa), Chaparral ( Yucca whipplei, Eriogonum spp.) and ecotonal areas of the above communities; Joshua tree - Juniper scrub (Yucca brevifolia, Junperus californica), Saltbush scrub (Atriplex cancescens) with alkaline grasses, ecotonal areas of the latter plant communties. Conditions were good for finding birds. Relatively few fishermen were around the lake (perhaps 25); some trolling in small motorboats (about 5 boats).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 1 partly concealed beneath shaded riparian peninsula, S

.Mallard 80 (est. m,f, imm) scattered around edges of the lake.

Cinnamon Teal (m imm) same location as Gadwall.

Ruddy Duck 2 (m) open water, S.

California Quail 6 two small coveys, NE and SE.

Pied-billed Grebe 4 (ad, imm) open water and slough; a juvenile swimming with an adult, S.

Western Grebe 25 pairs displaying, chasing, calling around edges of the lake, especially NW.

Clark's Grebe 40 pairs around the edges of the lake; calls.

Double-crested Cormorant 4 (ad, imm) flying low over lake; one perched on floating object in lake

Great Blue Heron 5 (ad (2); imm (3). four on jetty; flew E to dam.

Great Egret 2 on dam, NE.

Black-crowned Night-Heron 1 (imm) flushed from NE dam into riparian area.

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 flushed from tall Cottonwood, S.

American Kestrel 2 (f, imm) perched together on utility pole and line.

American Coot 80 scattered around edges of lake.

Semi-palmated Plover 1 foraging on E edge of jetty at water-line.

Killdeer 3 one foraging along edge of settling pond with water; others around jetty; calls.Spotted Sandpiper 3 foraging on W side of jetty; flighty.

Least Sandpiper 1 foraging on E side of jetty at waterline.

California Gull 4 (ad, imm) resting in middle of lake.

Caspian Tern 1 flying slowly around the lake at about 25-50 fteet above the water.

Black Tern 2 flying low, back and forth over marshy patch at SEC of dam.

Common Tern 1 (ad: alt. plmg,) flying at eye-level over water adjacent to north bluff.

Forster's Tern 1 (trans-basic plmg.) on floating object in lake.

Rock Pigeon 2 flying around wind generator (still), N.

Mourning Dove 12 ubiquitous in riparian areas around the lake.

Black-chinned Hummingbird 2 (m) chasing in Cottonwood, SE.

Anna's Hummingbird 6 (f, imm)) riparian and Juniper scrub around the lake; calls.

Nuttall's Woodpecker 1 calling from Willow riparian, NW.

Black Phoebe 10 ubiquitous in riparian and edge around the lake.

Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 low flights and perches, Juniper scrub, SE.

Western Kingbird 3 chasing and calling atop tall Cottonwood snags on peninsula, S.

Common Raven 12 several pairs on dam; other in Cottonwood calling incessantly as I approached, W.

Hornied Lark 14 tight flock feeding on ground in RV parking area, N.

Barn Swallow 3 2 dipping in settling pond, N; one flying low over lake, N.Oak Titmouse 2 active, calling in Cottonwoods, W.

Bushtit 12 small parties in riparian, Creosote and Juniper scrub, N, W and SW.

Bewick's Wren 8 singing in Cottonwoods, Junipers and elsewhere around the lake.

House Wren 1 singing in Cottonwoods, SE.

European Starling 2 flying E over lake.

Yellow Warbler 2 (m,f) insect gleaning in Cottonwood, S; singing in riparian edge, SE.

Common Yellowthroat 2 calls and song in marsh-riparian, W and NE.

California Towhee 1 calls in Juniper scrub, W.

Song Sparrow 3 calls and song in dense riparian; ascending Cottonwood, W.

Black-headed Grosbeak 1 calls in Cottonwood, S.

Red-winged Blackbird 2 (m, imm) riparian-marsh, SW.

Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 (imm) calling atop dead branch in marsh-riparian patch beneath bluff, N.

Great-tailed Grackle 20 (ad, imm) ubiquitous around lake, especially riparian and marsh.House Finch 25 ubiquitous around lake.