BIRD SURVEYS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Areas Covered: 1) Avenue C entrance and levee (AC), Duckbill Lake (DL) and north section of Big Piute (BP). I drove the main AC levee, stopping in the middle and at the observation shack for extended observations using a spotting scope. Dredging with heavy machinery was occurring adjacent to the porta-pottie; a few other people with vehicles were present in this area during the survey. After surveying the SPC area, I returned and drove a clockwise route around DL for an additional survey. The water levels of BP and DL were high, leaving little or no exposed shoreline.

2) South Pond Complex (SPC). I drove a clockwise route on the levees of SPC, stopping to observe birds at several places. The water levels here were low, leaving much exposed shoreline, which attracted an abundance of sandpipers and other shorebirds not seen in the northern half of Piute Ponds. There was little or no human disturbance in this area during the survey.

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 8 on shallow peninsula, DL.

Mallard 8 (m,f) DL, BP.

Cinnamon Teal 6 (m,f) DL.

Northern Shoveler 20 (f) DL.

Northern Pintail 1 (f) DL.

Green-winged Teal 120 a cohesive flock, DL.

Redhead 6 (m,f) BP.

Ruddy Duck 150 DL, BP.

Pied-billed Grebe 1 SPC.

Eared Grebe 1 trans. bsc. plmg. SPC.

Aechmophorus sp. 2 resting near tules, BP.

Double-crested Cormorant 1 flying low, BP.

Great Blue Heron 10, ubiquitous.

Great Egret 20, DL, SPC.

Snowy Egret 8 BP.

Black-crowned Night Heron 6 DL.

White-faced Ibis 40 loose flocks and individuals foraging in shallows, SPC.

Northern Harrier 1 (f) flying low over fields and marsh, DL, SPC.

American Kestrel 1 (f) aerial hawking for dragonflies, DL.

Sora 4 calls (unseen) DL, SPC.

American Coot 250, gregarious, ubiquitous.

Semipalmated Plover 1, foraging in shallow, wet depression, e SPC.

Killdeer 4, SPC.

Black-necked Stilt 30 DL, SPC.

American Avocet 12 (bsc. plmg.) , DL, SPC.

Spotted Sandpiper 1, DL.

Greater Yellowlegs 12 DL, SPC.

Lesser Yellowlegs 2, with GRYE, SPC.

Western Sandpiper 4 (ad, imm) with LESA, SPC.

Least Sandpiper 150 (ad, imm) , foraging on shore and in shallows in cohesive flocks; ubiquitous; esp. abundant, SPC.

Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) SPC, Piute Ponds, Edwards AFB, LACO CA 13 September 2017

Dowitcher sp. 6 on edge of shallow peninsula, DL.

Wilson's Phalarope 6 a cohesive flock in shallows, DL.

Red-necked Phalarope 30 loose flocks foraging in shallows, DL, SPC.

Ring-billed Gull 1 (ad) flying low over water, DL.

California Gull 25 (ad, imm) flying; resting on sandbar, SPC.

Caspian Tern 30 vocal, gregarious; resting on peninsula; flying, DL, SPC.

Eurasian Collared Dove 2 on snag at edge of tamarisk grove, e SPC.

Mourning Dove 12 ubiquitous; pairs and individuals in and around cottonwoods and tamarisks.

Greater Roadrunner 1 taking cover in tamarisks, then running east on main levee, n DL.

Black Phoebe 10 low perches; ubiquitous.

Loggerhead Shrike 2 vocal; an individual perched in a small tree, e DL; in tall shrub near AC entrance.

Common Raven 12 pairs and loose flocks flying over, DL, SPC.

Tree Swallow 12 flying low, back and forth over shallow ponds, SPC.

Barn Swallow 6 flying low, back and forth over fields, ponds and marsh, DL, SPC.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 flying low with TRSW over shallow pond and marsh, SPC.

Marsh Wren 6 vocal (unseen), DL, BP., SPC.

Northern Mockingbird 1 flying over saltbush field, SPC.

European Starling 2 foraging at edge of shallow pond, SPC.

American Pipit calls (unseen) edge of levee, n DL.

Orange-crowned Warbler 6 in roadside tamarisk grove, n DL.

Yellow Warbler 2 with OCWA in roadside tamarisk grove, n DL.

Common Yellowthroat 2 calls; edge of saltbush and marsh, DL.

Chipping Sparrow 2 (ad, imm) on levee road at base of tamarisk grove, n DL.

Lark Sparrow 1 flushed from levee to perch in marsh, e SPC.

Savannah Sparrow 12 flushed from levee; edge of marsh, SPC.

Song Sparrow 12 vocal; in marsh and edge of saltbush, DL, BP, SPC.

Lazuli Bunting 1 (f) on levee road with CHSP, n DL.

Red-winged Blackbird 150 (m,f) calls; gregarious, ubiquitous.

Western Meadowlark 3 flushed from saltbush scrub at edge of levee, n, ne DL.

Yellow-headed Blackbird 2 (m,f) flying over marsh, e SPC.

Great-tailed Grackle 1 (m) in marsh, BP.

March 24, 2017 Piute Ponds (54 Species)

Weather: Fair; 51F to 75F; wind ENE 0- 2 mph.

Time: 0915- 1230 hrs.

Area Covered: 1) Duckbill Lake (DL) via Avenue C entrance and levee road. I birded from the vehicle and on foot, beginning in the southwest corner of DL and including a clockwise drive on the perimeter levees. 2) I drove east on the main levee, then southward, bordering alkali marsh to the east and Big Piute pond (BP) to the west. 3) Continuing from BP, I drove west to the South Pond Complex (Ducks Unlimited Ponds and marsh), stopping frequently to observe birds from my vehicle (DU). Two other individuals were also birding Piute Ponds during my survey. One of them reported GWFG in the northeast corner of DL, beyond the main pond, which I was unable to find. Water levels in the ponds were relatively high, leaving very little exposed mudflats and shoreline.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Swainson's Hawk (1), Burrowing Owl (1), Loggerhead Shrike (4), and Palm Warbler (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 1 swimming in slough north of the northeast corner of DL.

Gadwall 8 (m,f) pairs and individuals swimming in open water and near marsh, DL, DU.

American Wigeon 1 (m) resting on shallow peninsula near marsh, DU.

Mallard 12 (m,f) pairs at edge of marsh; wary and easily flushed, DL, DU.

Cinnamon Teal 80 (m,f) variable sized flocks (4 - 20) in ponds; ubiquitous but most abundant in DU.

Northern Shoveler 1,200 (m,f) gregarious, ubiquitous; foraging in open water and edge of marsh.

Northern Pintail 1 (m) resting on shallow peninsula, DL.

Green-winged Teal 10 (m,f) ubiquitous in marsh and ponds, though rather scarce.

Lesser Scaup 2 (m,f) individuals swimming in open water, DL, DU.

Bufflehead 12 (m,f) pairs and trios in open water, DL, DU.

Ruddy Duck 800 (m,f) about 50% in alt. plmg.; ubiquitous.

Pied-billed Grebe 6 vocal; swimming in sloughs and edge of ponds, DL, DU.

Eared Grebe 25 (several in alt. plmg.) gregarious; ubiquitous, though most abundant in BP.

Clark's Grebe 4 vocal; 2 pair swimming together in open water and near marsh, BP.

Double-crested Cormorant 12 (ad, imm) resting on shallow peninsula; swimming, DL.

American White Pelican 6 (alt. plmg.) flying from DL, s.

Great Blue Heron 1 flying from swc of DL.

Great Egret 5 (1 in alt. plmg.) one pair at edge of marshl; others alone, DL.

Black-crowned Night Heron 24 (ad, imm) around edges of ponds; perched on conspicuous objects in ponds; ubiquitous.

White-faced Ibis 2 individuals resting in marsh outside of DL and BP.

Swainson's Hawk 1 (ad) flying nw, 500 ft. agl @ 1205 hrs. seen from swc of DL.

Sora 2 vocal in swampy salt grass area adjacent to BP.

American Coot 1000 ubiquitous, gregarious.

Killdeer 2 vocal; shoreline and edge of marsh, DL, DU.

Black-necked Stilt 20 gregarious; foraging in shallows, DU.

American Avocet 1 (alt. plmg.) edge of marsh, DL.

Least Sandpiper 5 foraging together on narrow peninsula, DU.

Dowitcher sp. 60 gregarious; most resting on shallow peninsula at s edge of pond, DU.

Greater Yellowlegs 1 shoreline, s DU.

Wilson's Snipe 4 gregarious; on narrow shoreline, s DU.

California Gull 4 (ad, imm) resting in open water, DL; one walking on shallow peninsula, s DU.

Mourning Dove 3 flushed from tamarisk grove, DU.

Burrowing Owl 1 perched atop a large saltbush, swc of 10th St E and Avenue C (photo).

Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) Piute Ponds Edwards AFB, LACO CA 24 March 2017

Northern Flicker calls (unseen) field with tamarisk grove, n DL.

Black Phoebe 1 vocal; perched on tamarisk snag, edge of field, n DL.

Loggerhead Shrike 4 individuals perched atop Joshua Trees and other emergent shrubs, DU.

Common Raven 6 flying over ponds.

Horned Lark 6 a flock moving low over saltbush scrub near Ave. C gate, w.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 6 a loose flock flying low, northward; hawking insects over ponds and sloughs, s DL.

Bewick's Wren 1 vocal; in tamarisk grove, n DL.

Marsh Wren 20 vocal; ubiquitous in dry cattail marsh.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 foraging in low branches of cottonwood, swc DL.

Northern Mockingbird 1 vocal atop dead tree, s DU.

American Pipit 2 on shallow peninsula with LESA; one on roadside, DU.

Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 25 (m,f) many in alt. plmg. gregarious, ubiquitous in tamarisk, cottonwoods and saltbush.

Palm Warbler 1 (bsc./trans. plmg.) seen briefly on ground; tail bobbing; flushed to adjacent cottonwood, giving a series of chip calls. Unable to relocate for a photo, swc DL, near parking area and porta-potty.

Common Yellowthroat 5 (m) vocal at edge of marsh, DL, DU.

Wilson's Warbler 1 vocal in tamarisk grove with YRWA, DL.

Bell's Sage Sparrow 2 a pair moving low in saltbush, roadside, w DL.

Savannah Sparrow 2 staying low in roadside grass and shrubs, DL.

Song Sparrow 30 vocal, ubiquitous in marsh and adjacent vegetation.

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

Red-winged Blackbird 30 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous in marsh.

Western Meadowlark 8 vocal; open saltbush fields thoughout.

September 30, 2016 Piute Ponds (63 Species)

Weather: Fair; 62F to 83F; wind WSW 1-2 mph.

Time: 0715- 1010 hrs.

Areas Covered: From the Avenue C gate, I drove east on the main levee separating Duckbill Lake (DL) to the north, from Big Piute Pond (BP) to the south. I birded the southwest and southeast corners on foot, then drove on the DL levee, counterclockwise around DL. Driving east, then south and southwest, first on the BP levee, then on graded roads through Joshua-Tree - Atriplex fields, I arrived at the South Pond DU Complex (SP). Stopping frequently to bird from my vehicle, I slowly circled SP on the levee roads, exiting on the west end and proceeding directly back to the main Avenue C gate. Someone in a pick-up truck with a leashed bird dog was flushing waterfowl off the western half of DL. Otherwise, the entire area was quiet and undisturbed during my survey. Aerial Diptera were plentiful, especially around DL and north BP. The water level of DL and BP was high, leaving no exposed shoreline. Some partially dry ponds in the DU complex had exposed mudflats, yet shorebirds were absent. The few shorebirds present, were found in the shallow, grass margins of the ponds.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater White-fronted Goose (20), Blue-winged Teal (3), American Wigeon (4), Northern Harrier (1), Virginia Rail (1), Sora (1), Forster's Tern (1), Greater Roadrunner (1), Great Horned Owl (2), Loggerhead Shrike (4), Barn Swallow (60), House Wren (1), Yellow-rumped Warbler (6), Spotted Towhee (1), White-crowned Sparrow (50), Savannah Sparrow (20), and Lincoln's Sparrow (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Greater White-fronted Goose 20 vocal; in one large and two small flocks, flushed by man with dog at southwest end of DL (photo).

Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) Piute Ponds Edwards AFB, LACO CA 30 September 2016

Canada Goose 1 (ad) flushed with flock of GWFG, DL.

Gadwall 20 (m,f) gregarious, ubiquitous in shallows.

American Wigeon 4 (m,f) swimming together in open water, SP.

Mallard 100 (m,f) gregarious and in pairs; ubiquitous, esp. margins of DL.

Blue-winged Teal 4 (1 m; 3 f) swimming, dabbling together in shallows, se DL.

Cinnamon Teal 50 (m - imm; f) gregarious, ubiquitous in shallows.

Northern Shoveler 300 (m,f) gregarious; dabbling; ubiquitous, esp. DL.

Northern Pintail 8 (m, imm; f) flushed from w; swimming together in open water, DL.

Green-winged Teal 25 (m,f) small flocks flushed from w DL.

Ruddy Duck 250 (m,f; bsc. plmg.) gregarious, ubiquitous.

Pied-billed Grebe 4 swimming near edge of marsh and in open water, DL, BP.

Eared Grebe 10 (bsc. plmg.) gregarious and solitary; diving in shallows, DL, BP.

Western Grebe 2 vocal; open water, BP.

Clark's Grebe 2 silent, open water but distant from WEGR, BP.

Double-crested Cormorant 10 resting on snags and islets, DL, BP.

American White Pelican 3 swimming together in open water, DL.

Great Blue Heron 6 individuals standing in shallows; perched on shrubs in fields, ubiquitous.

Great Egret 8 edge of marsh and in shallows throughout.

Snowy Egret 1 edge of marsh, SP.

Black-crowned Night Heron 30 (ad, imm) inidivuals in and near marsh; tamarisks, and on shore throughout.

White-faced Ibis (ad, imm) a small, cohesive flock foraging in shallow grassy pond, SP.

Turkey Vulture 1 (ad) perched on tamarisk snag, e SP.

Northern Harrier 1 (f) flying low over marsh and ponds throughout.

Red-tailed Hawk 3 perched on snags and utility pole, SP; flying over adjacent field, BP.

American Kestrel 1 (m) on utility pole; sallying, hovering over adjacent roadside field.

Virginia Rail calls, (unseen) edge of e marsh, DL.

Sora calls (unseen) ne corner of marsh, DL.

American Coot 600 (conserv. est.) gregarious, ubiquitous in ponds and marsh.

Killdeer 2 calls, DL; 1 foraging on shore, SP.

American Avocet 15 (bsc. plmg.) foraging together in shallows; flying around together and settling in shallows, e DL.

Greater Yellowlegs 2 (bsc. plmg.) foraging together in grassy shallows, SP.

Least Sandpiper 5 foraging together on small shoreline peninsula, SP.

Dowitcher sp. 4 foraging together in shallows near LESA, SP.

Red-necked Phalarope 5 loosely gregarious; spinning on surface in shallows, s DL.

Forster's Tern 1 (imm) resting on shore with other waterbirds, then taking flight and returning, SP.

Mourning Dove 4 flying together over field, BP.

Greater Roadrunner 1 on edge of graded road next to tamarisk, e SP.

Great Horned Owl 2 (ad, imm) an immature on exposed perch on sunlit side of tamarisk grove, se DL; an adult flushed from tamarisk grove along levee, e BP.

Black Phoebe 5 vocal, ubiquitous at edge of ponds and marsh.

Say's Phoebe 4 flying and perched in adjacent Atriplex fields, DL, BP, SP.

Loggerhead Shrike 4 perched on top of Joshua Trees and tamarisk snags throughout.

Common Raven 12 pairs and individuals in Joshua Trees and tamarisk throughout.

Tree Swallow 10 flying, skimming ponds; with BASW; gregarious small tule island, e BP.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 flying low over field,e BP.

Cliff Swallow 1 flying low over water with BASW, e BP.

Barn Swallow 60 a fairly cohesive flock, flying low over water and marsh; roosting in an island patch of tules, e BP.

Cactus Wren 3 in Joshua Tree, field between BP and SP.

Bewick's Wren 2 vocal (calls and partial song) in tamarisk and adjacent marsh, sw corner, DL.

House Wren 1 repeated song (unseen) from concealed location in tamarisk at edge of patch of tules, se corner of DL.

Marsh Wren 10 vocal in marsh along roadways throughout.

Orange-crowned Warbler 2 in cottonwoods and tamarisk sw corner of DL.

Yellow-rumped Warbler 6 (m,f) calls while foraging in loose flocks in marsh, cottonwood and tamarisk, sw corner of DL.

Common Yellowthroat 8 calls; flying low between patches of marsh, DL.

Spotted Towhee 1 repeated song (unseen) in tamarisk grove, se corner of DL.

Bell's Sparrow 5 flying low and perched in Atriplex fields between BP and SP.

Savannah Sparrow 20 flushed from roadside shrubs and grassy areas throughout.

Song Sparrow 15 vocal; ubiquitous in marsh and edge.

Lincoln's Sparrow 1 roadside brushy edge of marsh, sw corner of DL.

White-crowned Sparrow (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous, esp. around DL.

Red-winged Blackbird 60 (mostly f and imm) vocal, gregarious; in marsh adjacent to levee, DL, BP.

Western Meadowlard 6 partially vocal; pairs in Atriplex fields throughout.

Great-tailed Grackle 5 (m,f) a small, cohesive flock at the s edge of the marsh, DL.

August 8, 2016 Piute Ponds (53 Species)

Weather: Fair; 65F to 89F; winds calm.

Time: 0710-0950 hrs.

Areas Covered: 1) Duckbill Lake (DL) and Big Piute (BP) from the Avenue C levee separating them; I also drove a counter-clockwise route around DL. I surveyed mostly on foot using a 25x scope at the southeast corner of DL. The water level of DL was relatively low, exposing extensive mudflats and shoreline, where many shorebirds were concentrated. Large swarms of midges occurred on the east end of the Avenue C levee. 2) Continuing eastward on the levee road, I drove around BP, through the Joshua Tree - Atriplex scrub (JT), leading to the Ducks Unlimited South Pond Complex, (SPC), then north on Challenger Way. Relatively few birds were found in this section, as I drove the levee roads slowly, making observations from the vehicle.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 15 (m,f) along the edges of the ponds; flighty. DL, BP.

Mallard 60 (m,f) along the edges of the ponds; flighty. DL, BP, SPC.

Cinnamon Teal 30 (m,f) edges of the ponds and open water; flighty. DL, BP.

Ruddy Duck 90 (m,f) edge of marsh and open water, BP.

Pied-billed Grebe 10 (ad, imm); vocal; open water; diving, BP.

Western Grebe 1 calls (unseen) east BP.

Clark's Grebe 1 calls; swimming in open water, s BP.

Double-crested Cormorant 8 resting on snags; swimming in open water, DL, BP.

American White Pelican 55 most resting together on shore of interior islet; at least three separate flocks, DL.

Great Blue Heron 6 on shore and in shallows, DL, BP.

Great Egret 10 on shore and in marsh, DL; perched together in a tree with SNEG, e DL, BP.

Snowy Egret 4 on shore, in shallows; in tree with GREG, DL, BP.

Black-crowned Night Heron 35 (ad, imm) ubiquitous in marsh and on shore.

White-faced Ibis 20 uibquitous in small flocks and individuals, foraging in shallows.

Northern Harrier 1 (f) flying back and forth, low over east marsh and tamarisks, BP.

Virginia Rail 1 heard calling once (unseen) DL/BP.

American Coot 80 ubiquitous in shallows.

Black-bellied Plover 2 (bsc. plmg.) on shore, DL.

Snowy Plover ? 1 on shore with other peeps; too distant for pos. ID; sw DL.

Semipalmated Plover 8 on shore in loose flock, DL.

Killdeer 4 vocal; on shore and levee, DL, BP, SPC.

Black-necked Stilt 70 foraging in shallows, DL. BP.

American Avocet 30 (most in bsc. plmg.) foraging in shallows with BNST, DL.

Greater Yellowlegs 2 foraging together on shore and in shallows, DL.

Willet 1 on shore with LESA and SPSA, DL.

Marbled Godwit 4 foraging in shallows, DL.

Sanderling 2 (alt. plmg.) foraging together on shore amongst LESA and SPSA, DL.

Least Sandpiper 30 foraging together on shore; flocks frequently relocating, DL.

Long-billed Dowitcher 12 (alt and trans.plmg.) small flocks foraging in shallows.

Red-necked Phalarope 1 resting on shore, e DL.

Ring-billed Gull 1 (ad) resting on shore, DL.'

California Gull 2 (C1, C2) on shore; flying low over marsh, DL.

Forster's Tern 1 (alt. plmg.) resting on shore; flying off low to s., DL.

Mourning Dove 1 on dead tamarisk limb, SPC.

Greater Roadrunner 1 in Joshua Tree, Challenger Way, w of DL.

Black Phoebe 2 vocal; sallying from low perches, DL/BP.

Western Kingbird 1 perched on low snag, se corner of DL.

Loggerhead Shrike 2 vocal; perched on Joshua Tree and other tall vegetation in open fields, DL.

Common Raven 6 pairs and individuals flying over marsh and open fields, DL, BP.

Horned Lark 6 a flock flying over AVE C entrance road, w DL.

Tree Swallow 8 flying low, back and forth over ponds and marsh, DL, BP.

Cliff Swallow 4 flying low, back and forth over ponds and marsh, DL, BP.

Cactus Wren 2 flying and alighting together in Joshua Tree - Atriplex scrub, JT.

Marsh Wren 6 vocal (unseen) edge of marsh, DL, BP, SPC.

European Starling 10 a cohesive flock, flying over marsh and open fields; alighting in tamarisk, e DL/BP.

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 in tamarisk and edge of marsh, DL.

Yellow Warlber 2 vocal; tamarisk and cottonwoods, DL/BP.

Common Yellowthroat 2 vocal; edge of marsh, DL/BP.

Song Sparrow 3 vocal, edge of marsh, DL, BP, SPC.

Red-winged Blackbird 60 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous.

Great-tailed Grackle 8 (m,f) edge of marsh, DL, BP.

Brown-headed Cowbird 2 flying, DL, BP.

House Finch 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious; tamarisk and cottonwoods, DL, BP.

July 3, 2016 Piute Ponds (55 Species)

Weather: Fair; 60F to 89F; winds calm.

Time: 0630-1000 hrs.

Observers: John Birsner, David Bell et. al., and I.

Areas Covered: I observed birds intermittently with John Birsner around Duckbill Lake (DL). Subsequently, David Bell and a group of birders with him arrived and independently surveyed the north and south pond areas.

I birded on foot and from my vehicle on the levee surrounding Duckbill Lake, using a scope and binocular (0630-0826 hrs.). I then drove on Challenger Way, south to the entrance of the South Pond Complex (SPC), where David Bell's group provided a brief report of their findings. Continuing eastward through the saltbush-josha tree scrub, I drove to the east levee of Big Piute (BP) and rejoined John Birsner at Duckbill Lake, comparing notes as we completed our separate surveys (0830-1000 hrs.).

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Blue-winged Teal (2), White Pelican (40), Cattle Egret (1), Dowitcher sp. (2), Wilson's Phalarope (8), Red-necked Phalarope (5), Burrowing Owl (4), and Blue Grosbeak (1).

Gadwall 18 (m,f) one adult with 5 young; ubiquitous.

Mallard 50 (m,f) scattered individuals and pairs; ubiquitous, most in DL.

Blue-winged Teal 2 (m,f) with CITE, DL.

Cinnamon Teal 14 (m,f) in shallows, DL.

Redhead 1 DL (JB).

Ruddy Duck 70 (m,f; alt. plmg.) DL, BP.

Pied-billed Grebe 3 DL, BP.

Eared Grebe 3 (alt. plmg.) individuals diving, BP.

Western Grebe 1 calls, BP.

Clark's Grebe 2 BP.

Double-crested Cormorant 10 DL, BP.

Great Blue Heron 6 DL, BP.

Great Egret 7 DL, BP.

Snowy Egret 2 DL, BP.

Cattle Egret 1 (found by JB) in tules, BP.

Black-crowned Night Heron 50 (ad, imm) ubiquitous.

White-faced Ibis 4 DL.

American Coot 120 uibquitous.

Killdeer 4 vocal; pairs flushed from edge of levee, DL, SPC.

Black-necked Stilt 60 DL.

American Avocet 30 (alt. plmg.) DL

Greater Yellowlegs 3 (alt. and trans. plmg.) foraging on mudflats, DL.

Western Sandpiper 10 foraging on mudflats near LESA, DL.

Least Sandpiper 80 (ad, imm) foraging on mudflats, DL.

Dowitcher sp. 2 foraging together on mudflats, DL.

Wilson's Phalarope 10 (alt. and trans. plmg.) foraging on mudflats; preening, DL.

Red-necked Phalarope 5 spinning together in shallows near WIPH, DL.

Bonaparte's Gull 5 alt and trans plmg. foraging on shore and in shallows, DL.

Ring-billed Gull 1 (C2) on shore, DL.

California Gull 3 (C2, C3) on shore, DL.

Forster's Tern 2 (alt. plmg.) vocal; flying low; one on post in shallows, DL.

Mourning Dove 1 flying over tamarisks, SPC.

Black Phoebe 1 (imm) edge of DL.

Western Kingbird 1 flying low over marsh and field, w BP.

Common Raven 4 flying over, DL, SPC.

Purple Martin 1 ? imm relatively broad wings with slow wingbeat, c.f. nearby TRSW, DL.

Tree Swallow 25 flying low, back and forth over fields and marsh, ubiquitous.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4 flying low over fields with TRSW, DL.

Bank Swallow 1 flying low over levee and tamarisk, e BP.

Cliff Swallow 3 flying low, back and forth over saltbush field with TRSW, BP.

Barn Swallow 2 flying low over the ponds and fields, DL, BP.

Cactus Wren 3 flying between Joshua Trees and saltbush, BP.

Marsh Wren 10 vocal (unseen) ubiquitous, esp. SPC.

Northern Mockingbird 4 open fields, saltbush-Joshua Tree, DL, SPC, w.

European Starling 6 (ad, imm) gregarious; on ground and in tamarisk, DL, BP.

Common Yellowthroat 1 vocal in marsh (unseen) DL/BP.

Bell's Sparrow 10 active in saltbush scrub, e SPC, BP.

Song Sparrow 15 vocal; active in and around the marsh edges throughout.

Blue Grosbeak 1 repeated song from elevated perch at intersection of Challenger Way and SPC.

Red-winged Blackbird 30 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous.

Western Meadowlark 1 flew to Joshua Tree, e BP.

Brewer's Blackbird 1 (f) on mudflats, e DL.

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

Brown-headed Cowbird 2 (m) in tamarisk and cottonwoods, DL.

House Finch 3 fly, calls, DL.

May 19, 2016 Piute Ponds (52 Species)

Weather: Fair; 65F to 83F; wind WNW 2 mph.

Time: 0638-0915 hrs.

Areas Covered: 1) Avenue C and the perimeter of Duckbill Lake (DL). I parked at the southwest corner of DL and walked the levee and edge of the marsh eastward about 0.2 mi. and back. The water level in DL was high enough for many ducks and other waterbirds, yet low enough to leave exposed mudflats on the southern edge. DL and adjacent areas held the greatest bird diversity in Piute Ponds this morning (0638-0820 hrs.) 2) Driving south on Challenger Way (CW), I turned east and drove the perimeter of the south pond complex (SPC), stopping frequently to observe birds from my vehicle. This area was relatively dry and held fewer waterbirds than DL. Although there was extensive exposed mudflats and shoreline, relatively few shorebirds were found in SPC. The east side of Big Piute Pond was not surveyed (0830-0910 hrs.).

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Snow Goose (1 - dark morph), Northern Shoveler (12), Marbled Godwit (2), Dunlin (4), Long-billed Dowitcher (1), and Franklin's Gull (10).

BIRDS NOTED

Snow Goose 1 dark morph; walking at edge of marsh next to slough; flew to DL (photo).

Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens) Piute Ponds EAFB LACO CA 19 May 2016

Gadwall 60 (m,f) ubiquitous; often in pairs; mostly areas with relatively deep water.

Mallard 90 (m,f) ubiquitous; often in pairs; marsh and adjacent fields.

Cinnamon Teal 2 (m) swimming in open water, DL.

Northern Shoveler 12 (m,f) resting in shallows and edge of marsh, DL, SPC.

Northern Pintail 1 (f) standing on shallow peninsula in DL.

Ruddy Duck 50 (m,f; alt. plmg.) ubiquitous in areas with relatively deep water.

Pied-billed Grebe 2 (ad, imm) slough adjacent to Avenue C levee, DL.

Eared Grebe 8 (alt. plmg.) individuals and small flocks; diving in relatively deep water, DL.

Western Grebe 1 diving in open water, DL.

Clark's Grebe 1 diving in open water, DL.

Double-crested Cormorant 32 (ad) many resting on snags and isolated peninsulas, DL.

Great Blue Heron 5 edge of marsh, pond and open fields, DL, SPC.

Great Egret 7 edge of ponds, marsh and in open fields, DL, SPC.

Snowy Egret 3 edge of ponds, often with GREG, DL, SPC.

Black-crowned Night Heron 45 (ad, imm) ubiquitous; many partially concealed in marsh.

White-faced Ibis 14 (alt. plmg.) a cohesive flock foraging in shallows, sw DL.

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

American Coot 350 gregarious, ubiquitous in ponds and marsh, esp. DL.

Killdeer 2 fly, call, west DL.

Black-necked Stilt 10 gregarious; foraging at edge of marsh, DL.

American Avocet 60 (m,f; alt. plmg.) gregarious, ubiquitous in shallows.

Spotted Sandpiper 5 (alt. plmg.) individuals foraging on shorelines throughout, esp. DL.

Marbled Godwit 2 a pair foraging in shallows; flushed and returning to similar habitat nearby, DL (photo).

Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa) with American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana), Piute Ponds EAFB LACO CA 19 May 2016

Western Sandpiper 2 foraging on shore with DUNL and LESA, DL.

Least Sandpiper 8 foraging on shore with other peeps, DL.

Dunlin 4 (alt. plmg.) foraging together in shallows near LESA and WESA, DL.

Long-billed Dowitcher 1 trans. alt. plmg. (ID: conspicuous white edgings of scapulars and tertials), alone on shore, SPC.

Long-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus) Piute Ponds EAFB LACO CA 19 May 2016

Bonaparte's Gull 2 (imm) on shore, DL.

Franklin's Gull 10 a highly vocal, cohesive flock flying back and forth at 50-100 ft. agl over DL (photo).

Franklin's Gull (Leucophaeus pipixcan) Piute Ponds, EAFB LACO CA 19 May 2016

Ring-billed Gull 10 (C1) resting on shore of shallow peninsulas, DL.

California Gull 6 (C1, C2) resting in open water and on shore, DL.

Eurasian Collared Dove 1 vocal; on sign at sw corner of DL.

Mourning Dove 6 ubiquitous in fields at edge of ponds.

Western Wood Pewee 1 sallying from perch on dead tree next to hedgerow of tamarisk, e SPC.

Black Phoebe calls (unseen) e SPC.

Common Raven 8 vocal; often in pairs; soaring above the marsh; perched on snags at edge of pond, DL, SPC.

Horned Lark 5 gregarious on shore, e SPC.

Marsh Wren 10 ubiquitous, vocal (mostly unseen) in dense marsh bordering levees.

Northern Mockingbird 3 vocal from exposed perches, Ave C., e SPC.

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 in tamarisk, e SPC.

Yellow Warbler 5 (m) vocal; gregarious in tamarisk and cottonwoods, swc DL.

Common Yellowthroat 2 vocal (unseen) edge of marsh, s DL.

Bell's Sparrow 1 repeated song in roadside saltbush scrub, Ave. C.

Song Sparrow 15 vocal, ubiquitous at edges of marsh.

Black-headed Grosbeak 1 (m) in cottonwood adjacent to a hedgerow of tamarisk, e SPC.

Red-winged Blackbird 20 (m) vocal; small flocks flying around, low over marsh, DL, sec SPC.

Western Meadowlark 6 vocal, ubiquitous; often singing from exposed perches in fields of saltbush (photo).

Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) Piute Ponds EAFB LACO CA 19 May 2016

Great-tailed Grackle 4 (m) vocal; active on ground at edge of road and marsh, swc DL.

Brown-headed Cowbird 2 vocal (unseen) cottonwoods with YEWA, swc DL.

Bullock's Oriole 2 (m, f) vocal in cottonwoods, swc, DL.

House Finch 3 (m,f) vocal, gregarious; in tall shrubs in saltbush scrub, w DL.

February 8, 2016 Piute Ponds (38 Species)

Weather: Fair; 52F to 68F; wind N 2-3 mph.

Time: 0856- 1058 hrs.

Areas Covered: 1) South Pond Complex (SP): I drove slowly on the levee roads around the Ducks Unlimited ponds and marsh, stopping frequently to observe birds from the vehicle. 2) North Ponds (NP): I drove slowly on the main levee road (Ave. C ) between Big Piute and Duckbill Lake, proceeding north, then west on the north side of DL. One other vehicle was present briefly on the Avenue C levee; conditions were excellent for finding and identifying birds. The water level was relatively high throughout Piute Ponds. The levee roads were relatively dry, though frequently furrowed by auto traffic following recent rains. Waterfowl hunting season ended here on January 31, 2016. Most waterfowl were wary and flighty as my vehicle approached. The largest concentrations of waterfowl (i.e. NOSH) were found in Duckbill Lake (photo).

Duckbill Lake, viewing north, Piute Ponds, Edwards AFB Los Angeles County CA 8 February 2016

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 6 together in open water on DL, NP.

Gadwall 250 (m,f) ubiquitous in the ponds.

Mallard 50 (m,f) relatively scarce throughout.

Cinnamon Teal 80 (m,f) ubiquitous; most numerous in NP.

Northern Shoveler 2,300 (m,f) ubiquitous, esp. NP.

Northern Pintail 20 (m,f) relatively scarce, NP.

Green-winged Teal 50 (m,f) ubiquitous on mudflats and in shallows, esp. NP.

Bufflehead 10 (m,f) relatively scarce in open water throughout.

Ruddy Duck 1,500 (m,f) flocks resting in open water throughout.

Pied-billed Grebe 10 vocal, ubiquitous; edges of marsh and open water.

Eared Grebe 4 open water, SP, NP.

Double-crested Cormorant 4 resting; swimming, NP.

Great Blue Heron 3 edge of marsh, SP, NP.

Great Egret 3 together in marshy field, NP.

Snowy Egret 4 walking in shallows and edge of marsh, SP.

White-tailed Kite 2 interacting in canopy of willow; hovering over marsh, NP (photo).

White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) Piute Ponds, LACO CA 8 Feb 2016

Northern Harrier 4 (3 f, 1 m) flying low, back and forth over marsh, SP, NP.

Red-tailed Hawk 7 (ad, imm; light and one dark morph); perched and flying low over and around marsh; one with half-consumed AMCO, NP.

Prairie Falcon 1 flying low over saltbush field near intersection of Avenue C and Sierra HWY.

American Coot 400 gregarious, ubiquitous.

Killdeer 4 vocal; flying; on mudflats, SP, NP.

American Avocet 6 foraging in shallows, SP.

Greater Yellowlegs 3 preening and resting in shallows, SP, NP.

Ring-billed Gull 3 (ad) in open water; flying; on mudflats, SP, NP.

California Gull 3 (ad, C1) flying over marsh; on sandbar, SP, NP.

Northern Red-shafted Flicker 2 flying low over saltbush field, SP, NP.

Loggerhead Shrike 2 perched on tall shrubs; flying low over saltbush field, SP, NP.

Common Raven 10 ubiquitous.

Horned Lark 1 flushed from the roadway near the entry gate, NP.

Tree Swallow 2 flying low over the marsh, SP.

Marsh Wren 8 vocal; marshes at edge of levees, SP, NP.

American Pipit 4 vocal; flushed from edge of levee, SP, NP.

Savannah Sparrow 25 gregarious, ubiquitous; often on weedy shorelines.

Song Sparrow 10 vocal; in marsh and edge, SP, NP.

White-crowned Sparrow 20 edge of tamarisk and marsh, NP.

Red-winged Blackbird 1 flying east toward SP.

Western Meadowlark 8 gregarious; flushed from roadside saltbush scrub, SP, NP.

Great-tailed Grackle 2 flew to emergent tree in marsh, SP.

September 11, 2015 Piute Ponds (49 Species)

Weather: Fair; 88F to 95F; no wind; showers yesterday originating from w Mexico tropical system.

Time: 0924-1130 hrs.

Observers: Charles Hood and I.

Areas Covered: 1) South Pond Complex (SP): We drove slowly eastward through the pond-marsh-saltbush habitats, stopping frequently to observe birds from our vehicle. One other birder in a vehicle was present in the area during our survey. The pond water levels were generally low, exposing mudflats nearly everywhere. 2) North Ponds (NP). We drove east on the Avenue C levee and adjacent north-south levees, stopping to walk and observe birds.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found during our survey included, White-tailed Kite (1), Common Tern (1), Western Kingbird (2),Tree Swallow (2), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1), Yellow-rumped Warbler (1) and Chipping Sparrow (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 12 flying; swimming, SP, NP.

Mallard 30 around edges of the ponds, SP, NP.

Cinnamon Teal 50 (f) gregarious; mostly in shallows; flightly, SP, NP.

Northern Shoveler 1 (f) NP.

Ruddy Duck 25 SP, NP.

California Quail 10 roadway entrance, NP.

Pied-billed Grebe 10 open water, SP, NP.

Eared Grebe 14 (bsc. plmg.) open water, NP.

Clark's Grebe 3 (ad, imm) vocal; two adults followed by a half-grown juvenile, NP.

Double-crested Cormorant 8 NP, SP.

American White Pelican 8 NP.

Great Blue Heron 6 SP, NP.

Great Egret 5 SP, NP.

Snowy Egret 6 SP, NP.

Black-crowned Night Heron 5 (ad, imm) SP.

White-faced Ibis 65 gregarious, ubiquitous in shallows.

White-tailed Kite 1 on post in flooded field; flew to tamarisk, NP.

Northern Harrier 1 (f) flying low over marsh, SP.

Virginia Rail 2 calls, edge of marsh, NP.

Sora 4 repeated calls, edge of marsh, SP, NP.

American Coot 120 SP, NP.

Killdeer 10 SP, NP.

Black-necked Stilt 20 SP, NP.

American Avocet 2 SP.

Greater Yellowlegs 8 SP, NP.

Lesser Yellowlegs 2? based on size comparison with BNST, SP.

Least Sandpiper 150 ubiquitous, gregarious.

Dowitcher sp. 300 gregarious on sandbar, SP.

California Gull 1 (C1) flying over, SP.

Caspian Tern 1 (ad) flying low over main pond, NP.

Common Tern 1 ID by post-field trip examination of images, showing dark wedge mark on primaries; plunge-diving and flying back and forth over main pond; too distant for pos. ID, NP.

Mourning Dove 6 flying over marsh, NP.

Willow Flycatcher 1 in tamarisk, NP (CH).

Black Phoebe 2 edge of pond, NP.

Western Kingbird 2 perched on tamarisk snag, NP.

Loggerhead Shrike 2 vocal; perched on tamarisk snag, SP, NP.

Common Raven 10 flying over ponds and open fields, SP, NP.

Tree Swallow 2 flying low over pond and adjacent saltbush scrub, NP.

Barn Swallow 1 flying with TRSW over pond, NP.

Marsh Wren 1 vocal, roadside marsh, NP.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 in tamarisk, NP (CH).

Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 flying low over roadway, NP.

Common Yellowthroat 3 vocal, marsh, SP, NP.

Chipping Sparrow 1 (bsc. plmg.) on levee in shade of tamarisk grove and with BESP, NP (photo).

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) north Piute Ponds, Edwards AFB, LACO CA 11 September 2015

Bell's Sparrow 20 ubiquitous, gregarious in saltbush scrub.

Song Sparrow 5 vocal, roadside marsh, SP, NP.

Red-winged Blackbird 14 (m,f) edge of marsh, SP, NP.

Western Meadowlark 10 roadside saltbush and flooded fields, SP, NP.

Great-tailed Grackle 10 (m,f) foraging with shorebirds on shore and in shallows, SP, NP.

August 9, 2014 Piute Ponds (50 Species)

Weather: Fair; 64F to 98F; wind WSW 0- 0.5 mph.

Time: 0743-1208 hrs.

Observers: D.K. Anderson, R. Kitto and I.

Area Covered: 1) Avenue C levee, Little Piute Pond (LP) and perimeter of Duckbill Lake (DL). We drove the levee around DL, stopping frequently to observe birds using a narrow strip of shoreline on the north channel. Many of the shorebird species found at Piute Ponds today were in this area, due to relatively high water levels elsewhere. We birded the junction of the LP road and Avenue C levee at DL, by walking a short distance and setting up a scope. 2) Big Piute Pond (BP). We continued driving east on the Avenue C levee, turning south on the perimeter of Big Piute, then east again on a new dirt road through flooded fields (largely birdless today). We scoped the eastern half of BP next to a grove of tamarisk on the levee. That section held numerous waterbirds, including shorebirds on the edge of peninsulas and shorelines in the distance. 3) Continuing by car through the Joshua-tree - Alkali scub, we drove the levees around the south pond Ducks Unlimited complex (DU). The water levels here were fairly high, leaving little or no habitat for shorebirds. Only one other person was in the Piute Ponds area during our survey; this man drove a late model white pickup truck with a dog in the cab and a canine cage in the back. Evidently, this individual had entered through the Avenue C security gate, which we found unlocked when we left the base.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Northern Shoveler (1), Northern Pintail (1), White-faced Ibis (45), Northern Harrier (1), Peregrine Falcon (1), Lesser Yellowlegs (2), Long-billed Dowitcher (120), Wilson's Phalarope (50), Red-necked Phalarope (2), Caspian Tern (2), Verdin (1), Yellow Warbler (2), and Yellow-headed Blackbird (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 40 ubiquitous, esp. DU; adults followed by many ducklings

Mallard 80 ubiquitous (ad, imm).

Cinnamon Teal 1 flying into marsh, DU.

Northern Shoveler 1 (f) swimming in open water with Mallards, BP.

Northern Pintail 1 (m) flying low, eastward over pond, BP.

Ruddy Duck 70 (m,f; alt. plmg.) ubiquitous, esp. BP.

California Quail 6 running across road, e BP.

Pied-billed Grebe 6 ubiquitous, esp. BP and DU.

Eared Grebe 2 one ad (alt. plmg.) with hatchling riding on back, BP.

Double-crested Cormorant 3 resting on shore; flying, DU.

Great Blue Heron 4 ubiquitous; on shore at edge of marsh; flying.]

Great Egret 12 ubiquitous in shallows.

Black-crowned Night Heron 12 (ad, imm) ubiquitous.

White-faced Ibis 45 ad; trans. alt.bsc. plmg. two or three cohesive flocks foraging in shallows; flying around, BP, DU.

Northern Harrier 1 (f) flying low over marsh and landing, DU.

American Kestrel 1 (f) flying to and perching briefly in Joshua Trees, BP-DU.

Peregrine Falcon 1 (imm) circling at 100-150 agl, DL (photo).

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) immature Piute Ponds EAFB LACO CA 9 Aug 2014

Sora calls (unseen) edge of channel, intersection of LP/DL.

American Coot 12 edge of marsh and in open water, BP, DU.

Killdeer 14 ubiquitous.

Black-necked Stilt 16 foraging and resting in shallows and on shore, BP, DU.

Greater Yellowlegs 10 (alt. plmg.) foraging in shallows and on shore in n channel, DL (photo).

Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) Piute Ponds EAFB LACO CA 9 Aug 2014

Lesser Yellowlegs 2 foraging on shore and in shallows of channel near GRYL, DL (photo).

Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) Piute Ponds EAFB LACO CA 9 Aug 2014

Western Sandpiper 2 foraging with LESA on shore of n channel, DL.

Least Sandpiper 25 foraging in flocks on shore of n channel; flying around marsh, DL, LP.

Long-billed Dowitcher 120 ( many in alt. plmg,) one flock of three foragin at edge of n channel, DL; most in a linear flock in shallows, BP.

Red-necked Phalarope 2 (bsc. plmg.) swimming with WIPH, BP.

Wilson's Phalarope (50 - conserv. est.) flying; loose flock foraging in open water throughout e BP.

California Gull 4 (C1, C2) resting on shore and in open water, DU.

Caspian Tern 2 (ad, imm) adult and immature together on shore, preening, DU (photo).

Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia) adult (l) and immature (r), Piute Ponds EAFB LACO CA 9 Aug 2014

Mourning Dove 3 flying over marsh, DL, DU.

Hummingbird sp. edge of channel, LP/DL (DKA).

Black Phoebe 3 sallying from low perches, DL, BP.

Ash-throated Flycatcher 6 (ad, imm) ubiquitous; sallying from low perches in tamarisk and other shrubs (photo).

Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) immature Piute Ponds EAFB LACO CA 9 Aug 2014

Western Kingbird 4 ubiquitous; flying; sallying from cottonwoods and snags in open areas and edge of marsh.

Loggerhead Shrike 2 calls; perched in small cottonwood, LP/DL; BP/DU.

Common Raven 10 pairs in Joshua Trees; fly, call.

Tree Swallow 25 ubiquitous over marsh and akali scrub.

Verdin 1 flushed from small cottonwood by LOSH, LP/DL.

European Starling 6 ubiquitous; flying over marsh.

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 foraging in cottonwood, LP/DL.

Yellow Warbler 2 (f) calls; foraging with OCWA in cottonwood; flushed by LOSH, LP/DL.

Common Yellowthroat 2 fly, call, DL, DU.

Bell's Sparrow 12 on ground and in shrubs, alkali scrub, BP-DU.

Song Sparrow 3 song (unseen) DL/BP; DU.

Black-headed Grosbeak 1 flying out of tamarisk, e BP.

Red-winged Blackbird 60 (mostly f and imm) ubiquitous in marshy areas.

Western Meadowlark 7 vocal, ubiquitous in alkali scrub and edge of marsh.

Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 (m) perched in bulrushes at edge of pond, DU.

House Finch 5 fly, calls, e BP.

July 23, 2014 Piute Ponds (48 Species)

Weather: Fair; 73F to 95F; wind WSW 0-8 mph.

Time: 0715-1117 hrs.

Area Covered: I entered at the Avenue C gate and drove eastward to the levee separating Duckbill Lake (DL), Little Piute (LP) and Big Piute (BP) Ponds. I stopped on the levee to observe birds in and around the marsh and flooded fields. DL appeared to be completely dry and overgrown with halophytic vegetation, except for a boundary slough on the west, north and east sides. Continuing my drive eastward on the Avenue C levee, surveyed the fields east of DL and a new flooded area with an access road on the neastern border of BP. The final part of my survey was in the south pond complex, where I circled the North Ducks Unlimited pond (DU) by driving slowly and stopping several times to observe birds from my vehicle. Another car with birders was in this area briefly during my survey. We exchanged a few remarks on the birds observed thus far. The water levels were high in Big Piute but low enough elsewhere for extensive exposed shoreline and shallows. Most of the shorebirds were in the south pond complex.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, White Pelican (5), Black-bellied Plover (2), Black-necked Stilt (50), Lesser Yellowlegs (2), Long-billed Dowitcher (80), Wilson's Phalarope (400), Ash-throated Flycatcher (2), Loggerhead Shrike (2), Tree Swallow (60), Phainopepla (1), Black-headed Grosbeak (2) and Yellow-headed Blackbird (2).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 8 (ad, imm). swimming, n BP.

Mallard 80 (ad, imm) ubiquitous around the edges of the ponds.

Ruddy Duck 120 (alt. plmg.) ubiquitous, esp. BP; some courtship displays observed.

California Quail 15 (ad, imm) two small coveys with young birds following adults, BP. DU.

Pied-billed Grebe 2 swimming in open water, DU.

Eared Grebe 1 (alt. plmg.) diving, n BP.

Double-crested Cormorant 8 (ad, imm) resting on snags; flying; diving in open water, DU.

American White Pelican 5 resting at the edge of the marsh, s BP.

Great Blue Heron 10 ubiquitous in shallows and on small islands.

Great Egret 9 ubiquitous in shallows and on shore.

Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (ad) flying over marsh, w DU.

White-faced Ibis 40 (ad, imm) ubiquitous in small flocks foraging in shallows; one relatively small individual (presumably a first-year bird), dark breast and belly; dorsal feather coloring dull green, eyes brown (not red), dark preocular with short white supercilium, short, bicolored bill, dark basally grading to pinkish brown, DU (photo).

White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) subadult south Piute Ponds, Edwards AFB CA 23 July 2014

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

American Coot 10 swimming near the marsh, BP, DU.

Black-bellied Plover 2 (alt. plmg.) foraging together on shore, s DU.

Killdeer 20 (ad, imm) ubiquitous in wet areas; two nearly full-grown young on shore, sw DU.

Black-necked Stilt 50 loose flocks scattered in shallows, DU.

American Avocet 20 loose flocks in flooded fields and edge of ponds, DU.

Greater Yellowlegs 10 (alt. plmg.) foraging together in shallows, DU.

Lesser Yellowlegs 3 (bsc. plmg.) foraging in shallows with GRYL, e and sw DU.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 (alt. plmg.) foraging on shore, s DU.

Western Sandpiper 120 (ad, imm) foraging together on shore, DU.

Least Sandpiper 40 (ad, imm) foraging together on shore with WESA, DU.

Long-billed Dowitcher 80 (alt. plmg.) foraging together (three flocks) in shallows, DU.

Long-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus) Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper and White-faced Ibis s Piute Ponds 23 July 2014

Short-billed Dowitcher ? 2 (alt. plmg. relatively short bill; light tail and white belly) with LBDO, DU.

Red-necked Phalarope 2 (bsc. plmg.) swimming on the edge of a large flock of WIPH, BP.

Wilson's Phalarope 400 (bsc. plmg; 1 in alt. plmg.) swimming in large cohesive flock in open water, BP; several more swimming; on shore, DU.

California Gull 5 (C2) on shore and swimming, DU.

Mourning Dove 6 flying over marsh; perched on dead branches of tamarisk, BP, DU.

Black Phoebe 2 sallying from low perch, DU, BP.

Ash-throated Flycatcher 2 perched together in tamarisk, e DL.

Western Kingbird 8 ubiquitous; perched in tamarisk and shrubs; flying low over marsh.

Common Raven 8 ubiquitous; pairs flying over fields and marsh.

Horned Lark 20 ubiquitous, gregarious; on shore; open fields, flooded and dry.

Tree Swallow 30 gregarious; a loose flock rooting in tules at the edge of the pond, e BP.

Cliff Swallow 4 flying over flooded fields, e BP.

Barn Swallow 4 flying over marsh and flooded field, e BP.

Marsh Wren 10 ubiquitous; repeated song in dense marsh.

Northern Mockingbird 3 perched in Joshua trees and tamarisk, se BP.

European Starling 12 foraging on shore; flying over marsh, BP, DU.

Phainopepla calls (unseen) tamarisk grove, e DL.

Common Yellowthroat song (unseen) edge of marsh, n DU.

Bell's Sparrow 2 flying between saltbush, e BP, se DU.

Black-headed Grosbeak 2 (f) in tamarisk at edge of marsh, DU.

Red-winged Blackbird 60 (m,f; imm) ubiquitous in and around marsh.

Western Meadowlark 15 vocal, ubiquitous in open areas.

Yellow-headed Blackbird 2 (m,f) on shore at the edge of the marsh, DU.

Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) Least Sandpiper and Black-necked Stilt s Piute Ponds CA 23 June 2014

Brown-headed Cowbird 5 (m,f; imm) vocal; edge of marsh with RWBL, DU.

July 11, 2014 Piute Ponds (45 Species)

Weather: Fair; 75F; wind ENE 5 mph.

Time: 0730-1100 hrs.

Observers: Dan Byrne and I.

Area Covered: Ducks Unlimited, south Piute Ponds: We drove once around the the DU pond complex, stopping frequently to walk the levees and shorelines. The north Piute Ponds (i.e. Big Piute Pond and Duckbill Lake) area was not surveyed. The water levels were relatively low, exposing shoreline around most of the pond perimeters. No other people were in the area during our survey and conditions were good for identifying bird vocalizations. We used binoculars, scope and DSLR camera for the survey.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Redhead (3), Snowy Egret (1), Double-crested Cormorant (1), Greater Yellowlegs (4), Lesser Yellowlegs (3),Western Sandpiper (1) Least Sandpiper (10), Red-necked Phalarope (3), Wilson's Phalarope (2), Forster's Tern (2), White-faced Ibis (50), Bank Swallow (1) and Yellow-headed Blackbird (3).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 5 (m,f) swimming at edge of pond.

Mallard 5 (m,f) swimming and resting around the edges of the ponds.

Cinnamon Teal 10 (m,f) swimming in shallows; flying low over ponds.

Green-winged Teal 2 flying (DB).

Redhead 3 (m,f) fem. swimming together in open water.

California Quail 10 in desert scrub at edge of pond.

Double-crested Cormorant 1 (imm) flying low over the marsh.

Great Blue Heron 4 foraging at edge and in shallows.

Great Egret 5 foraging at edge and in shallows.

Snowy Egret 1 on shore.

Black-crowned Night Heron 20 (ad, imm) ubiquitous, perched in marsh.

White-faced Ibis 50 three flocks staying apart; foraging in shallows, e, ne; Note: John Feenstra found and photographed a Glossy Ibis in this area last month. Today, we carefully examined images of all the ibises within camera and scope range (about 30 individuals); none was a GLIB.

American Avocet, Greater Yellowlegs and White-faced Ibis Piute Ponds Edwards AFB 11 July 2014

American Kestrel 1 (f) on utility pole.

Killdeer 15 vocal, loosely gregarious; ubiquitous around edges of the ponds.

Black-necked Stilt 50 gregarious around edges and in shallows of the ponds.

American Avocet 4 vocal; gregarious in shallows, se (photo).

Greater Yellowlegs 4 (alt. plmg. photo) foraging on shore and in shallows with LEYE.

Lesser Yellowlegs 3 (bsc. alt. plmg.) foraging with GRYE on shore and in shallows.

Western Sandpiper 1 on shore with several LESA for comparison.

Least Sandpiper 10 foraging on shore and in shallows.

Red-necked Phalarope 4 swimming together and resting on shore.

Wilson's Phalarope 1 (bsc. plmg.) in shallows near RNPH.

Ring-billed Gull 1 (C2) on shore.

California Gull 3 (C1, C2) on shore and swimming in shallows.

Forster's Tern 2 (alt. plmg.) flying back and forth over pond; shallow dip-dives.

Mourning Dove 2 flying over marsh.

Western Kingbird 2 sallying from exposed perch in salt cedar.

Loggerhead Shrike calls, perched on Joshua tree and in salt cedar field.

Common Raven 4 flying; on utility poles.

Horned Lark 2 flying over entrance rd. Avenue C.

Tree Swallow 8 flying low, back and forth over ponds and marsh.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 flying low, back and forth over fields and marsh.

Bank Swallow 1 flying low over pond with other swallows.

Barn Swallow 6 flying low, back and forth over marsh, ponds and fields.

Cliff Swallow 10 flying low, back and forth over marsh.

Marsh Wren 5 song repeated from dense marsh throughout.

Northern Mockingbird 2 flying over marsh.

Common Yellowthroat 1 song, dense marsh.

Bell's Sparrow 10 gregarious; running between saltbushes at edge of pond, se.

Song Sparrow 5 vocal; edge of marsh and shore.

Red-winged Blackbird 10 (m,f) in and around marsh.

Western Meadowlark 20 vocal; on shore and in adjacent flooded fields.

Yellow-headed Blackbird 3 (m,f) flying low over marsh.

Brewer's Blackbird 3 (m,f) on shore.

Great-tailed Grackle 2 vocal; flying over marsh.

May 19, 2014 Branch Memorial Park, NWC of Avenue A and 120th Street East, South Edwards AFB, KERN/LACO (31 Species)

Weather: Fair; 64F; wind WNW 10-15 mph.

Time: 0815-1020 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked counter-clockwise and clockwise routes around Branch Pond, including the adjacent park with a lawn, planted Aleppo pines and Mulberry trees. The pond was nearly full with little exposed shoreline. A large diameter pipe was shooting water into the pond at the southwest corner. One other person was present during my initial survey, who left shortly thereafter. Another group of people arrived for a picnic on the west side of the pond as I was concluding my survey. Conditions were fair for identifying bird vocalizations, though a noisy colony of Tricolored Blackbird eclipsed some of the less vocal bird species.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Great Egret (1), Osprey (1), Spotted Sandpiper (4), Olive-sided Flycatcher (1), Yellow Warbler (4), and Sagebrush Sparrow (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 2 (m,f) swimming around the edge of the pond.

California Quail 12 (ad, imm) a covey was at the nw edge of the pond; young about half-grown but capable of flight.

Great Egret 1 (ad) in the marsh at the s edge of the pond.

Black-crowned Night Heron 4 (ad) flushed from a large cottonwood, e.

Osprey 1 (ad) flying around the pond; perched in cottonwood overhanging the water.

American Kestrel 1 on utility pole in adjacent field; flying toward park, nw.

Mourning Dove 16 ubiquitous; pairs drinking from shore.

Eurasian Collared Dove 2 calls; flying between cottonwoods.

American Coot 7 swimming together around the edge of the pond; two in the marsh, sw.

Spotted Sandpiper 4 (alt. plmg.) foraging together and separately on the narrow shoreline around the lake.

Western Wood Pewee 3 sallying from low and medium branches (photo).

Western Wood Pewee (Contopus sordidulus) Branch Park Edwards AFB, Kern Co CA 19 May 2014

Olive-sided Flycatcher 1 sallying from low and medium heights around shrubs and trees without foliage in the park.

Black Phoebe 1 sallying from a low perch in the park.

Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 calls (unseen) edge of the park.

Western Kingbird 1 sallying from a cable connecting fence posts in the park.

Common Raven 2 flying over the park.

Tree Swallow 1 flying low over the park lawn and adjacent marsh.

House Wren 1 song (unseen) under large cottonwood, sw.

Northern Mockingbird 1 flying s into Joshua Tree - saltbush field (LACO).

European Starling 2 flying s over desert (LACO).

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 foraging with WIWA and YEWA in blossoms of mesquite, n.

Yellow Warbler 4 (m,f) foraging in blossoms of mesquite (photo).

Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) male Branch Pond, Edwards AFB Kern Co CA 19 May 2014

Common Yellowthroat 2 repeated song (unseen), from marsh-riparian edge e, sw.

Wilson's Warbler 10 (m,f) ubiquitous in shrubs and trees around the pond.

Sagebrush Sparrow (Artemisiospiza nevadenesis) 1 flew to near the top of a large mesquite; noted worn plumage with distinct brown streaks on mantle feathers; weak malar stripe (c.f. the interior race of Bell's Sage sparrow, A. belli canescens) (photo).

Sagebrush Sparrow (Artemisiospiza nevadensis) Branch Park Edwards AFB, Kern Co CA 19 May 2014

Lincoln's Sparrow 1 calls (unseen) dense riparian vegetation at the edge of the pond, ne.

Lark Sparrow 1 (ad) drinking from shore, nw.

Tricolored Blackbird 150 m,f (conserv. est.) a highly vocal colony; many recently fledged young; some being fed by adult females; ubiquitous, including surrounding desert scrub.

Bullock's Oriole 1 (m) calls; in mesquite, n.

House Finch 4 (m,f) vocal, in cottonwoods and other trees throughout.

House Sparrow 4 vocal; foraging on lawn in park.

April 21, 2014 Piute Ponds (42 Species)

Weather: Increasing high clouds; 74F to 81F; wind W 12-25 mph.

Time: 1650-1932 hrs. - dusk)

Area Covered: From the Avenue C gate, I initally surveyed birds in Duckbill Lake (DL) and the north side of Big Piute pond (BP) in an effort to locate a Sandhill Crane, reported by Kimball Garrett on April 20, 2014 and subsequently by several other birders. I was unable to locate this bird despite a careful search of the specific areas where it had been seen by others earlier today. Continuing east and south, I circled the North Ducks Unlimited and adjacent ponds, marshes and fields (DU). It seems likely the bird (a relatively large, conspicuous species) had left the areas where it was reportedly seen in association with White-faced Ibis (also not found during my late-evening survey).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 50 (consev. est.) (m,f) pairs resting on or near shore; flighty, BP, DU.

Mallard 50 (m,f) pairs ubiquitous in wet areas; flighty.

Cinnamon Teal 8 (m,f) swimming in shallows, BP.

Northern Shoveler 40 mostly males; resting on shore, BP.

Green-winged Teal 30 (m,f) on shore and swimming in shallows, BP, DU.

Redhead 6 (m,f) swimming in shallows, DU.

Ruddy Duck 80 (m,f; alt. plmg.) most resting in open water, BP, DU.

California Quail 10 running across road, BP.

Pied-billed Grebe 1 swimming, DU.

Horned Grebe 1 (bsc. plmg.) swimming with RUDU, DU.

Eared Grebe 3 (alt. plmg.) diving, DU.

Great Blue Heron 1 (ad) at base of tamarisk below BCNH roost, DU.

Great Egret 1 edge of marsh, DU.

Black-crowned Night Heron 13 (ad, imm) flying; roosting in tamarisk, DU.

Northern Harrier 1-2 (f) ubiquitous; soaring over different sections of the ponds and marsh; possibly the same individual.

Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) flying around Joshua Trees, e DU.

American Coot 300 ubiquitous in wet areas.

Black-necked Stilt 8 foraging together near shore, BP.

American Avocet 20 (m,f) foraging in shallows, BP, DU.

Dunlin 1 (alt. plmg.) foraging on shore with WESA, ne DL.

Western Sandpiper 300 (most in alt. plmg.) ubiquitous, foraging together on shore and in shallows, esp. BP.

Least Sandpiper 12 definitely outnumbered everywhere by WESA, BP, DU.

Long-billed Dowitcher 2 (alt. plmg.) resting on shore, BP.

California Gull 1 (ad) resting on shore in grassy area, BP.

Herring Gull 1 (C1) - cont. resting on island, DU.

Mourning Dove 3 flying over fields, DL, BP.

Western Kingbird 1 flying over a saltbush field, DL.

Loggerhead Shrike 4 flying; perched in Joshua Trees, BP/DU.

Common Raven 10 pairs flying over the ponds; in tamarisk and Joshua Trees throughout.

Horned Lark 1 flying low over a saltbush field, w.

Tree Swallow 1 flying low over the ponds, DU.

Marsh Wren 5 repeated song of individuals spaced at least 20 yards apart in the marsh, DU.

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 flying between tamarisks along roadway, BP.

Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 4 flying between tamarisks along roadway, BP.

Wilson's Warbler 1 (m) as above.

Common Yellowthroat 1 flying over roadway in to marsh, BP.

Savannah Sparrow 5 roadside weeds, BP, DU.

Song Sparrow 12 vocal, ubiquitous.

Western Tanager 1 (m) in tamarisks, BP.

Western Meadowlark 2 flying low over flooded field, DU.

Red-winged Blackbird 6 perched in dead cottonwood, BP.

Yellow-headed Blackbird 20 (m,f) together in marsh, DU.

APRIL 19, 2014 SOUTH PIUTE PONDS (28 Species)

Weather: Hazy to partly cloudy; 75F to 80F; winds calm.

Time: 1020 - 1200 hrs.

Observers: UCLA Birds of Southern California class and I (continuing from Apollo Park).

Area Covered: We entered the south pond complex from the Avenue C gate, circling the North DU Pond once in a clockwise direction. We stopped several times to observe birds from the roadside, using binoculars and a 20x scope. Aerial insects (diptera) swarmed over the roadways, marsh and exposed shoreline around the ponds. Due to time constraints, we did not survey the north pond complex (i.e. Big Piute and Duckbill Lake).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 2 standing together on shore, w.

Gadwall 20 (m,f) resting on sand bars; flighty.

Mallard 12 (m,f) resting on sand bars; swimming in shallows; flighty.

Cinnamon Teal 2 (m,f) swimming near shore with Ruddy Ducks.

Northern Shoveler 1 (m) resting on sandbar.

Green-winged Teal 2 (m) swimming near shore; walking on shore.

Ruddy Duck 25 (m,f; several males in alt. plmg.) resting; diving in open water.

Eared Grebe 1 (alt. plmg.) diving near shore.

Double-crested Cormorant 3 flying; resting on shore.

Black-crowned Night Heron 3 (ad, imm) flying over marsh; in tules.

Northern Harrier 1 (f) flying low, back and forth over the marsh, s.

Red-tailed Hawk (1-2) ad. flying low over Joshua trees, se; possibly the same individual on a utility pole along roadway, w.

American Coot 150 (conserv. est.) ubiquitous in wet areas.

American Avocet 2 (m,f alt. plmg.) foraging together in shallows, w.

Greater Yellowlegs call, fly (unseen).

Spotted Sandpiper 1 (alt. plmg. ) on shore, in and around a large spider-shaped snag.

Whimbrel 1 on shore, e.

Western Sandpiper 8 foraging with Least Sandpiper in shallows; flying together in tight flock, low, northward.

Least Sandpiper 6 foraging together in shallows and on shore near roadway.

Herring Gull C1 -cont. resting in shallows, se.

Western Kingbird 3 staying together; flying low across saltbush field near Avenue C gate.

Common Raven 6 pairs soaring high above the marsh; individuals perched in tamarisk.

Marsh Wren 10 repeated song (unseen) in dense cattails and tules.

Song Sparrow 12 vocal; active in shrubs and on shorelines.

Red-winged Blackbird song (unseen) n.

Western Meadowlark 6 repeated song; perched in tamarisk; flying low over adjacent fields.

Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 (f) perched briefly in a tamarisk, s.

Brewer's Blackbird 2 (f) in and around a tamarisk, s.'

APRIL 14, 2014 SOUTH PIUTE PONDS (29 Species)

Weather: Fair; 55F to 60F; Wind initially NW 5-7 mph, increasing to 20 mph by 1030 hrs.

Time: 0925-1054 hrs.

Areas Covered: I drove from the Avenue C gate to the south pond complex. I drove slowly in a clockwise route around the North Ducks Unlimited Pond (DU), stopping frequently to observe birds from the vehicle and roadside, using a binocular, 20x scope and DSLR camera. The relatively low water levels in the ponds and surrounding marsh and saltbush scurb, attracted numerous shorebirds. The north pond area was not surveyed due to the presence of heavy construction equipment.

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 2 in the shallows and on shore of the DU pond.

Mallard 24 (m,f) pairs ubiquitous in wet areas.

Cinnamon Teal 14 (m,f) dabbling in the shallows.

Northern Shoveler 60 (m,f) flushed from the edge of the DU pond.

Green-winged Teal 12 (m,f) on shore and swimming in shallows.

Bufflehead 1 (f) swimming in open water, w.

Ruddy Duck 120 (males in alt. plmg.) open water and edges of the pond.

Double-crested Cormorant 1 flying low, w.

Great Blue Heron 1 in wet field, e.

Great Egret 4 together in tamarisk, w.

Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (ad) on shore at edge of marsh.

Northern Harrier 2 (m,f) a pair flying low over the marsh, sw.

American Coot 160 ubiquitous in wet areas.

Black-necked Stilt 12 foraging together in shallows, se.

American Avocet 25 (m,f) foraging together in shallows, e.

Greater Yellowlegs 2 foraging in shallows of a ditch, w.

Lesser Yellowlegs 4 resting in shallows next to a small island, sw.

Western Sandpiper 80 several small flocks foraging on shorelines.

Least Sandpiper 10 foraging on shorelines with WESA.

Long-billed Dowitcher 40 (alt. and trans. alt. plmg.) a cohesive flock on a small island; photographed on shore and in flight; the latter flight images showed uniform rusty breast and belly characteristic of Long-billed Dowitcher in alternate (breeding) plumage. Only a small fraction of the birds (i.e. 10%) had molted completely into alternate plumage.

Herring Gull 1 (C1) I observed and photographed the distinctive size and shape of bill; pink legs; resting on shore, occasionally yawning.

Common Raven 10 flying over marsh.

Horned Lark 1 at edge of pond.

Tree Swallow 10 flying back and forth over the marsh.

Marsh Wren 3 repeated song; roadside marsh, s.

American Pipit 4 a loose flock on the roadway; one foraging on shore, s.

Savannah Sparrow 6 edge of weedy fields throughout.

Song Sparrow 4 vocal in and at the edge of the marsh, s.

Western Meadowlark 12 vocal, ubiquitous in adjacent fields.

FEBRUARY 21, 2014 PIUTE PONDS (41 Species)

Weather: Fair; 46F to 63F; wind W 0 - 1mph.

Time: 0801-1110 hrs.

Areas Covered: From the Avenue C gate, I drove around Duckbill Lake (DL) and east on the main levee overlooking Big Piute Pond (BP). Continuing south, I drove to the Ducks Unlimited South Pond Complex, circling North Ducks Unlimited Pond (DU) and returning to the Avenue C gate via Shuttle Way. Birds were fairly evenly distributed among the ponds; low water levels resulted in extensive exposed shorelines in BP and DU, which attracted numerous shorebirds. Except for workers at the southeast corner of Little Piute, the area was quiet and conditions excellent for finding and identifying birds.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Semipalmated Plover (1), Greater Yellowlegs (4) Long-billed Dowitcher (18), American Avocet (75), Herring Gull (3) and Glaucous-winged x Western Gull hybrid (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 1 swimming with NOSH, BP.

Gadwall 6 (m,f) swimming together; flighty, DU.

American Wigeon 3 (m,f) flushed from marsh, DU.

Mallard 12 (m,f) edge of the pond, DU.

Cinnamon Teal 16 (m,f) swimming near the edge of the marsh, DU.

Northern Shoveler 600 (m,f) ubiquitous; flighty.

Northern Pintail 8 (m,f) swimming with NOSH, BP, DU.

Green-winged Teal 60 (m,f) ubiquitous; on and near shore.

Bufflehead 16 (m,f) diving, DU.

Ruddy Duck 400 (m,f) ubiquitous.

Pied-billed Grebe 3 diving, DU.

Eared Grebe 20 diving; pairs and singles; ubiquitous.

Double-crested Cormorant 20 (ad, imm) resting on islands; swimming; flighty. DU.

Great Blue Heron 4 (ad, imm) one with small fish, DU.

Great Egret 1 (ad) edge of marsh, DU.

Black-crowned Night Heron 22 (ad, imm) in marsh and on shore, DU.

Northern Harrier 4 (f) ubiquitous; flying low over marsh.

Red-tailed Hawk 5 (ad, imm) ubiquitous; on utility poles and in trees.

American Coot 300 ubiquitous.

Semipalmated Plover 1 foraging on shore, n BP (photo).

Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) Piute Ponds, Edwards AFB, Los Angeles County CA 21 Feb 2014

Killdeer 10 vocal; ubiquitous; foraging in loose flocks on shore.

American Avocet 75 (bsc. and alt. plmg. - about 50%) foraging together on shore and in shallows, BP.

Greater Yellowlegs 4 (bsc. plmg.) three foraging on shore together, DL; one on shore, BP.

Least Sandpiper 15 foraging singly and in pairs on shore, BP.

Long-billed Dowitcher 18 two cohesive flocks foraging in shallows, BP.

Wilson's Snipe 1 resting on shallow peninsula, DU.

Ring-billed Gull 16 (ad, imm) on shore; swimming, DU.

California Gull 14 (ad, imm) on shore, swimming, DU.

Herring Gull 3 (1 ad; 1 C1; 1 C2) one with (fish ?) chased by C2 CAGU, DU; others on shore, swimming, DU.

Glaucous-winged Gull x Western Gull ( immature C2) resting on shore; noted light plumage and overall large size (cf nearby RBGU and CAGU); large, bicolored bill; dark markings on primaries; overall size and shape initially suggested GWGU; standing posterior view showed scapulars and remiges with dark markings, suggesting WEGU heritage (photos).

Glaucous-winged x Western Gull (right, images above and below) with an adult Ring-billed Gull. s Piute Ponds, LACO CA 21 Feb 2014

Glaucous-winged x Western Gull (right - same individual in preceeding image). Piute Ponds EAFB, LACO CA 21 Feb 2014

Say's Phoebe 1 near entrance gate, Ave. C.

Loggerhead Shrike 6 (ad imm) ubiquitous; vocal; three in same roadside tree vocalizing; courtship and copularion, DL/BP.

Common Raven 16 ubiquitous; most paired.

Marsh Wren 5 vocal, ubiquitous but sparsely distributed at the edges of the marsh.

European Starling 2 in Joshua Tree, road between BP and DU.

American Pipit 20 vocal, ubiquitous on shore and flying over marsh.

Savannah Sparrow 25 calls; ubiquitous in and around marshy fields.

Song Sparrow 5 vocal, ubiquitous.

White-crowned Sparrow vocal; ubiquitous in flocks of 8 -20 individuals; roadside brushy areas.

Red-winged Blackbird 30 (m,f) vocal; cohesive flocks at the edge of the ponds.

Western Meadowlark 3 ubiquitous though sparsely distributed; vocal; edge of ponds and marsh

FEBRUARY 3, 2014 PIUTE PONDS (32 Species)

Weather: Fair; 29F to 45F; wind calm.

Time: 0750-0946 hrs.

Area Covered: I surveyed the northeast and southeast corner of Duckbill Lake (DL) by walking north on the east levee to the north levee and back to the observation hut at the southeast corner. Habitats surveyed included open water (unfrozen and at a relatively high level), freshwater marsh, grassland-ruderal fields and roadways; saltbush fields bordered by tamarisk. 2) I drove east then south on the levee forming the border of Big Piute pond (BP), stopping frequently to observe birds, using the vehicle as a blind. Continuing south and west, I drove the perimeter of the North Ducks Unlimited pond (DU) of the south pond complex. Hundreds of dabbling ducks (mostly Northern Shoveler), American Coot and Ruddy Duck were distributed throughout the ponds. No other people were present during my survey. Ducks (especially Northern Shoveler) flushed at the approach of my vehicle. This was the usual clockwise survey route taken at Piute Ponds beginning at the Avenue C gate. The total distance covered by auto today was 6 miles; total distance on foot was about 0.25 mile.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Cinnamon Teal (9), Golden Eagle (1) and Tree Swallow (24).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 25 (m,f) pairs and singles in most of the ponds.

Mallard 6 (m,f) edges of the ponds, DL, DU.

Cinnamon Teal 9 (m,f) one cohesive flock of 7 (m,f) swimming near snags, DU.

Northern Shoveler 500-600 (m,f) ubiquitous, cohesive flocks dabbling in open water; very flighty.

Northern Pintail 12 (m,f) edges of the ponds, DL, DU.

Green-winged Teal 60 (m,f) narrow mudflats and edge of marsh throughout.

Bufflehead 21 (m,f) swimming in a loose flock, open water, DU.

Ruddy Duck 400 (m,f) ubiquitous.

Eared Grebe 16 diving in pairs and singles, DL, DU.

Double-crested Cormorant 7 several resting on snag; two diving, DU.

Great Blue Heron 1 flying; edge of marsh, DU.

Black-crowned Night Heron 5 (ad) scattered around the edges of the marsh, DU.

Northern Harrier 2 (f) flying low over the marsh; perched in marsh; flushed and returning to same spot, DL.

Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) Piute Pond EAFB Los Angeles County CA 3 February 2014

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (imm) flew to snag at the edge of the marsh, DU.

Red-tailed Hawk 9 (ad, imm; one dark morph); ubiquitous on exposed perches.

Golden Eagle 1 perched on dead Joshua Tree at the edge of the marsh, DU (photo).

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) Piute Ponds EAFB LACO CA 3 Feb 2014

American Kestrel 1 (f) on roadside utility pole, w DU.

Sora 1 calls (unseen) sec of DU.

American Coot 600 ubiquitous.

Killdeer 1 flying low over marsh, DL.

California Gull 45 a cohesive flock flying sw over the marsh, DL/DU.

Black Phoebe 2 sallying from low perch at edge of marsh, DL.

Loggerhead Shrike 2 flying to exposed perch in a cottonwood and Joshua Tree at the edge of the marsh, DL, DU.

Common Raven 12 flying; on small hills overlooking marsh, DL, DU.

Tree Swallow 24 a cohesive flock perched on snags in the marsh, DU.

Marsh Wren 5 vocal at the edge of the marsh, DL, DU.

American Pipit on a fallen tamarisk snag, DL.

Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 1 in tamarisk grove, DL.

Savannah Sparrow 30 ubiquitous in small flocks at the edge of the marsh-roadways.

Song Sparrow 12 vocal; ubiquitous at the edge of the marsh.

White-crowned Sparrow 13 brushy roadside areas next to the marsh, DL, DU.

Red-winged Blackbird 6 a cohesive flock perched tules at the edge of the marsh, DU.

DECEMBER 10, 2013 PIUTE PONDS (41 Species)

Weather: Fair to partly cloudy; 22F to 43F; wind W, WNW 1 - 2 mph.

Time: 0821-1148 hrs.

Areas Covered: 1) I walked the perimeter of Duckbill Lake (DL) beginning at the southeast corner of the Avenue C levee. Habitats surveyed in this area included open water (much of it frozen), freshwater marsh, grassland and ruderal saltbush fields bordered by tamarisk. This area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities during my survey (0830-0947 hrs.). 2) I drove (4WD) east then south on the levee forming the border of Big Piute pond (BP), stopping frequently to observe birds, using the vehicle as a blind. Continuing south and west (one flooded spot in the road was probably impassable with 2WD) I drove the perimeter of the North Ducks Unlimited pond (DU) of the south pond complex. Thousands of dabbling ducks (mostly Northern Shoveler) were crowded in the portions of the ponds not frozen. Relatively high water levels in the ponds resulted in virtually no shoreline around the ponds. Consequently, the only species of shorebird found was Wilson's Snipe. Some off-loading of large pieces of concrete was taking place on the southwest boundary of the ponds; otherwise there was little disturbance from human activities in this area. Most of the ducks flushed when I approached either on foot or in the vehicle (0950-1140 hrs.).

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Bald Eagle (1) and Prairie Falcon (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 150 (m,f) swimming in pairs and loose flocks among other ducks, DL; most numerous in DU.

American Wigeon 8 (m,f) swimming together with other ducks, DU.

Mallard 500 (m,f) ubiquitous.

Northern Shoveler 5,000 (m,f) ubiquitous, often crowded in open water.

Northern Pintail 10 (m,f) swimming among other ducks, DL.

Green-winged Teal 120 (m,f) ubiquitous; edges of the ponds.

Lesser Scaup 1 (f) swimming among other ducks, DU.

Bufflehead 12 (m,f) swimming among other ducks, DU.

Ruddy Duck 1,200 (m,f) ubiquitous; one trying to fly away as I approached but its feet were stuck in the ice.

Pied-billed Grebe 1 swimming among ducks, DU.

Eared Grebe 10 swimming near edge of ponds and in drainage ditch, DL, DU.

Great Blue Heron 2 edge of marsh, DU.

Black-crowned Night Heron 12 (ad, imm) partially concealed in marsh at edge of ponds, DU.

Bald Eagle 1 (1st or 2nd -year bird) very large body size with long wings; distinctively large bill protruding in flight; mostly dark brown plumage; head and underparts with small patches of white feathering; seen clearly at about 50 yards from the north levee; flushed from a fence post at the northeast corner of DL; flew northeast out of view (no photos). This bird closely resembled an immature Bald Eagle I photographed at Quail Lake last month.

Northern Harrier 4 (f) coursing low, back and forth over the marsh; sometimes landing, DU, DL.

Red-tailed Hawk 5 (ad, imm) on exposed perches around the ponds (including an information sign); also on utility poles along Challenger Way.

American Kestrel 1 (f) landed on an exposed perch (information sign) next to the levee, DL.

Prairie Falcon 1 on a utility pole along the roadway; flushed as I approached in the vehice, DU (photo).

Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) Piute Ponds, LACO CA 10 December 2013

Virginia Rail 1 calls (unseen), dense marsh, w DU.

Sora 1 calls (unseen) dense marsh, e DU.

American Coot 3,000 ubiquitous.

Black-necked Stilt 1? calls (unseen) sw corner, DL.

Wilson's Snipe 6 flushed from roadside at edge of pond, sw DU.

Dowitcher sp. (bill looked relatively short) 1 flying low over the marsh, DU.

Northern Flicker 1 (m) calls; foraging in short salt grass next to outlet, DL.

Black Phoebe 8 ubiquitous at edges of marsh.

Loggerhead Shrike 1 on outer edge of a tamarisk with WCSP foraging nearby, DL.

Common Raven 12 ubiquitous pairs flying over marsh; in open fields and perched in Joshua Trees.

Tree Swallow 4 flying low, back and forth over open water, DL.

Bewick's Wren 1 in dense growth of tamarisk at the edge of the pond, DL.

Marsh Wren 10 vocal in dense marsh throughout.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 calls; active in a tamarisk with YRWA, DL.

American Pipit 6 ubiquitous; one walking across a frozen pond, DL.

Yellow-rumped Warbler 10 (m,f) ubiquitous; vocal; active in pairs and loose flocks in and around tamarisks; two foraging at water's edge.

Common Yellowthroat 3 calls (unseen) dense marsh, DL.

Savannah Sparrow 20 active in short clumps of saltgrass and marsh throughout (photo).

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) north Piute Ponds LACO CA 10 December 2013

Song Sparrow 30 ubiquitous, vocal; often seen on exposed perch at edge of marsh (photo).

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) north Piute Ponds LACO CA 10 December 2013

White-crowned Sparrow 40 vocal; ubiquitous.

Red-winged Blackbird 4 (f) edge of frozen pond and marsh, DU.

Western Meadowlark 5 flying low over open fields, DL.

House Finch 4 (m,f) together in tall grass at edge of marsh, DL.