Lake Palmdale: Recent Bird Surveys (2019-2024) Callyn Yorke

LAKE PALMDALE BIRD LIST (266 Species)

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Lake Palmdale LACO 14 November 2024 (61 Species)

Weather: Fair; 50°F to 68°F; wind ENE 1 – 5 mph.

Time: 0709-1105 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route from the northeast corner adjacent to the skeet range, around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level has continued to decrease and was about 3.3 ft. below the high water mark; 3 – 20ft. of shoreline substrate (marsh, mudflat, rocks) was exposed around the lake. Inflow in the Palmdale Ditch was moderate. Except for two people at the entrance to a dock in the south section, the lake area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities.

The 2024/25 waterfowl hunting season at Lake Palmdale continues (late October to early January); hunting days are normally Wednesday and Sunday. Several hunting blinds appeared to have been recently active; groupings of duck decoys (mostly Mallard) were anchored in the lake near blinds in the southeast and northeast. Hunting is forbidden along the south slough and marsh and also apparently along the north shore and northwest corner of the lake – the latter section containing a significant patch of tule marsh and exposed mudflat. Those areas had the greatest diversity and concentrations of waterbirds this morning.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Red-breasted Merganser (5), Greater Yellowlegs (2), American White Pelican (2), Peregrine Falcon (1), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (2), and Phainopepla (4).

BIRDS NOTED

• Cinnamon Teal 2 (m,f) greg. dabbling in shallows with a WOOD, nw.
• Gadwall 8 (m,f) in backwaters, slough, nw, se.
• American Wigeon 1 (m) swimming in open water, e.
• Mallard (wild-type) 10 (m,f) greg. wary and readily flushed from shallows.
• Northern Pintail 1 (f) with RUDU, swimming near the marsh, nw.
• Green-winged Teal 3 (f) dabbling in muddy shallows, nw.
• Redhead 2 (m,f) greg. swimming in open water, central.
• Lesser Scaup 12 (m,f) greg individuals and small, cohesive flocks swimming in open water and near the marsh, n, nw.
• Bufflehead 10 (m,f) greg. swimming in open water, nw, se, n.
• Red-breasted Merganser 5 (f; ad.,imm) ID: dusky neck with blended rusty feathering on head; slender, slightly upturned bill. Individuals and one pair swimming near shore, peering and making brief, shallow, apparently unsuccessful dives; shy and swimming away as I approached the shore for photos, n (FOS).

• Ruddy Duck 240 (m,f; bsc. plmg.) greg. large flocks resting, most in shallows or nearby open water, throughout.
• California Quail vocal (unseen) in brushy area next to Palmdale Ditch, se.
• Pied-billed Grebe 26 vocal, individuals diving in shallows and open water throughout.
• Western Grebe 12 vocal, greg. individuals and pairs resting in shallows and open water nw, s, central
• Clark’s Grebe 80 (ad.; 1 imm- nearly full-grown) greg. vocal (ad. and imm.), greg., large, loosely aggregated flocks, central, n, nw.
• Feral Rock Pigeon 7 greg., on roof top of adjacent home, s.
• Mourning Dove 2 in flight, ne, nw.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 5 (m,f) individuals hovering around cottonwood, willow and creosote bush, ne, n, nw.
• American Coot 300 greg. mostly in backwater shallows, marsh and adjacent open water throughout.
• Killdeer 2 greg. on mudflat, nw.
• Greater Yellowlegs 2 greg., possibly a continuing pair, in same location on shore of dam, e.
• Ring-billed Gull 20 (80% ad.; imm. C1) greg. most resting together in open water, apart from CAGU; late morning flights around lake, central.
• California Gull 110 (75% ad., C2, 2 juv.) loosely greg., flying low and alighting on water, central.
• Larus sp. c.f. occidentalis. ID: a large white adult gull, observed briefly in distant flight amongst CAGU and RBGU, low over lake, proceeding northward, showing very dark upper wings, s-central.
• Double-crested Cormorant 8 (ad., imm) greg. on stirring platforms and swimming in open water; in flight around lake, s, ne.
• Cormorant sp. c.f. Nannopterum brasilianum 1 (imm) resting with nearby DCCO; wings outstretched while standing on a stirring platform assembly, nw. Distant photos of this comparatively small cormorant, showed grayish lores; a distinct white gular margin; relatively long tail (photo). Note that immature Double-crested Cormorants may also show some of the above features, e.g. white gular margin. Specific assignments of immatures for those two species can be problematic.

• American White Pelican 2 one (ad.) standing on s end of jetty, nw; another (imm.) flushed from its resting spot in shallows of slough, se (photo).

• Great Blue Heron 4 (ad., imm) individuals in marsh and shore, n, nw, se; wary and readily flushed, s, e.
• Great Egret 2 (ad) in shallows and on mudflat and in marsh, flushed to a willow perch nw, se.
• Snowy Egret 1 foraging in shallows of slough near AMWP, se.
• Green Heron 1 ad. standing on rocky shore, n.
• Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (imm) one bird partly concealed, standing at edge of tule marsh; another perched 8 ft. agl in willow overhanging tule marsh and slough, se.
• Turkey Vulture 2, one perched on a willow overhanging marsh; another bird circling 15- 25 ft. agl nearby, nw.
• Cooper’s Hawk 1 (imm) apparently bathing in middle of Palmdale Ditch; flushed to nearby chain-link fence under a cottonwood, as I approached, se.
• Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) silent in flight over dam and into cottonwood-willow patch, se.
• Red-tailed Hawk 3 (ad., 2 imm)) one imm. flushed from willows, nw; other individuals perched and flying outside LP property, n, w.
• Belted Kingfisher 2 (m,f) vocal, individuals in flight; one (m) perched on flag pole, ne; s.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 (m) vocal, in flight to large cottonwood, nw; in cottonwood subcanopy, s.
• Northern (RS) Flicker 1 in flight over dam, sw toward cottonwoods, se.
• Peregrine Falcon 1 (ad) observed in low, fast flight, eastward over the lake, nw.
• Black Phoebe 10 individuals sallying from low perches throughout, often near water.
• Say’s Phoebe 1 individual sallying from picnic table to grass embankment, ne.
• Common (Northern) Raven 12 greg. vocal, individuals and pairs in flight, ubiq..
• Horned Lark 40 greg. two large flocks in flight, low over skeet range; alighting separately on ground to forage, ne.
• Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 greg. a pair in low, direct flight, se over lake, nw.
• Bushtit 8 greg. foraging in cottonwood foliage, s.
• Bewick’s Wren 5 vocal (calls) actvie in brushy areas and ascending willow of trunk, w, sw.
• Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3 individuals active in creosote bush with YRWA, BEWR, COYE, nw; also foraging in cottonwood foliage, w.
• Northern Mockingbird 1 in flight from cottonwood, n into PWD yard, n.
• European Starling 2 greg. vocal, in mulberry trees around picnic area, n.
• Phainopepla 4 (1 m; 3 f) sallying from canopies of adjacent cottonwoods, s (FOS).
• American (Buff-bellied) Pipit 5 greg. a cohesive flock, flushed from ruderal patches on jetty, nw.
• House Finch 60 (m,f) vocal, greg. large, cohesive flocks in brush patches and around the skeet range, nw; n.
• Lesser Goldfinch 2 vocal in cottonwoods, sw.
• White-crowned (Gambel’s) Sparrow 70 (85 % ad.) greg., vocal (calls and song) in brushy areas throughout.
• Lincoln’s Sparrow 4 in msf with BEWR, WCSP, YRWA, salt bush and creosote bush patch, nw.
• Savannah Sparrow 2 vocal; in flight from jetty, nw.
• Western Meadowlark 7 greg. in ruderal field of cleared junipers, w.
• Great-tailed Grackle 10 (m,f) greg. vocal, in marsh, on jetty; in flight over lake, nw, s.
• Common Yellowthroat 1 in msf with BEWR, WCSP, YRWA, in salt bush and creosote bushes, nw.
• Yellow-rumped Warbler 50 (m,f) greg. vocal (calls), foraging (aerial hawking, insect and seed-gleaning) a wide variety of vegetation from ground to canopy, ubiq..

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Lake Palmdale LACO 24 October 2024 (70 Species)

Weather: Fair; 70°F to 82°F; wind 16 – 5 mph, decreasing from 0900-1200 hrs.

Time: 0658-1208 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route from the northeast corner adjacent to the skeet range, around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level was about 3.0 ft. below the high water mark; 3 – 15 ft. of shoreline was exposed around the lake. Inflow in the Palmdale Ditch was moderate. Except for a work crew in the western section, the lake survey area was quiet and little disturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Wood Duck (1), Bufflehead (5 -FOS), Lesser Scaup (10), Greater Yellowlegs (2), Sabine’s Gull (1), American White Pelican (1), Hermit Thrush (1 – FOS), Vesper Sparrow (1), and Western Meadowlark (7 – FOS).

BIRDS NOTED

• Wood Duck 1 (f) dabbling with CITE in shallows next to mudflat, nw.
• Cinnamon Teal 5 (m,f) greg. dabbling in shallows with a WOOD, nw.
• Northern Shoveler 3 (f) greg. in shallows, nw.
• Gadwall 8 (m,f) in backwaters, slough, nw, se.
• Mallard (wild-type) 50 (m,f) greg. wary and readily flushed from shallows throughout; several decoys representing this species were set out near the marsh, ne.
• Green-winged Teal 2 (f) dabbling in muddy shallows with CITE and WOOD, nw.
• Redhead 10 (m,f) greg. in slough and shallows near dam, se.
• Ring-necked Duck 5 (m,f) greg in msf with two REHE; open water, se.
• Lesser Scaup 10 (m,f) two, small cohesive flocks swimming in open water, s-central, se.
• Bufflehead 5 (2m, 3 f) greg. swimming in open water, nw, se, ne (FOS – photo).

• Ruddy Duck 120 (m,f; all in bsc. plmg) small flocks resting in shallows around the lake.
• California Quail 8 (m,f) flushed from brushy area next to skeet range, ne.
• Pied-billed Grebe 12 vocal, individuals diving in shallows and open water throughout.
• Western Grebe 6 vocal, greg. individuals and pairs resting in shallows and open water s, se.
• Clark’s Grebe 80 greg. vocal, greg., ubiq..
• Feral Rock Pigeon 2 greg., alighting on roof tops of adjacent homes, s.
• Mourning Dove 14 greg. pairs on utility lines and on upper bare limbs of cottonwoods, ne, nw.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 7 (m,f) individuals hovering around trees and shrubs, ne, n, nw.
• Sora 1 vocal (unseen) marsh around docks, s.
• American Coot 250 greg. mostly in shallows throughout.
• Killdeer 4 greg. vocal when approached and flushed from jetty, nw.
• Wilson’s Snipe 1 flushed from a partly concealed mudflat on the recently exposed shore, ne.
• Greater Yellowlegs 2 greg., vocal, a pair in flight, changing locations on shore of dam, e.
• Sabine’s Gull 1 (imm.) flying north over s and sw shore at about 10- 20 ft. agl..
• Ring-billed Gull 16 (ad., 2 C1) greg. most resting together in open water; late morning flights around lake, s-central.
• California Gull 30 (75% ad., C2, 1 juv.) loosely greg., flying low and alighting on water, s-central.
• Double-crested Cormorant 8 (ad., imm) greg. on stirring platforms and swimming in open water; in flight around lake, s, ne.
• American White Pelican 1 with DCCO on stirring platform, e (FOS).
• Great Blue Heron 2 individuals in marsh and shore of dam; wary and readily flushed, s, e.
• Great Egret 1 (ad) in marsh, nw.
• Black-crowned Night Heron 4 (imm) loosely greg., in flight, low over marsh and shore; one stalking aquatic prey in shallows, ne, se.
• Cooper’s Hawk 2 (ad., imm) an imm. changing perches in mulberry picnic area grove; ad. perched in interior of willow-marsh, flying to cottonwood canopies, nw, w.
• Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad, imm) vocal, in flight, low over open fields and cottonwoods, w, ne.
• Red-tailed Hawk 1 (imm. dark morph) confiding when perched in willows, nw.
• Belted Kingfisher 2 (m,f) vocal, individuals flushed from tree limb perches over shallows, ne, se.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 1 (m) vocal, in cottonwood subcanopy, s.
• Northern (RS) Flicker 1 perched in leafless cottonwood canopy, ne.
• Black Phoebe 8 individuals sallying from low perches throughout.
• Say’s Phoebe 5 individuals perched on tall shrubs and posts, ne, nw, w, s..
• California Scrub-Jay 1 flying into LP from Ave. S, n.
• Common (Northern) Raven 24 greg. vocal, flocks circling ne fields and shore at sunrise, then dispersing over a wide area, ubiq..
• Horned Lark 14 greg. resting on gravel in shade of wind turbine, n.
• Barn Swallow 1 flying low over lake, ne, e.
• Oak Titmouse 2 greg., vocal, a pair active in cottonwoods, s.
• Verdin 1 vocal (unseen) with YRWA and WCSP in juniper-cholla field, ne.
• Bushtit 10 greg. vocal in saltbush and junipers, se.
• Marsh Wren 1 vocal, in a small tule patch bordering mudflat, ne.
• Bewick’s Wren 5 vocal (calls) loosely greg., pairs in brushy areas and ascending cottonwood subcanopy, w, sw.
• Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 vocal, active in cottonwoods, msf with YRWA, ne, w.
• Hermit Thrush 1 vocal (long and short calls) on ground in shade of cottonwood and junipers, flushed to lower limbs, then began calling, s (FOS – photo).

• Northern Mockingbird 2 perched atop tall shrubs, skeet range and clubhouse driveway, ne, n.
• European Starling 6 greg. vocal on utility line next to F&F clubhouse, n.
• House Sparrow 5 (m,f) greg., vocal on F & F entrance driveway fence line, n.
• American (Buff-bellied) Pipit 3, greg. a pair flushed from w side of dam; one individual foraging around mudflat puddle, ne.
• House Finch 22 (m,f) vocal, greg. in trees and shrubs, ne, w.
• Lesser Goldfinch 1 vocal (unseen), se.
• White-crowned (Gambel’s) Sparrow 60 (85 % ad.) greg., vocal (calls and song) in brushy areas throughout.
• Vesper Sparrow 1 in msf with WCSP, brushy patch, ne.
• Savannah Sparrow 5 greg. a pair on jetty and in ruderal patches, flushed to cover, nw, se (photo).

• Song Sparrow 2 in brushy border of Palmdale Ditch, se.
• Lincoln’s Sparrow 3 vocal (calls), greg. flushed from brushy border of Palmdale Ditch, se.
• California Towhee 2 vocal, greg. pair on ground, flushed to junipers, ne.
• Western Meadowlark 7 greg. a cohesive flock in flight, low over jetty, nw (FOS).
• Red-winged Blackbird 10 (m,f) in flight over shore, alighting in marsh, nw, ne.
• Great-tailed Grackle 14 (m,f) greg. vocal, in flight over marsh and lake; occupying a vacant fishing dock bordered by dense marsh, s.
• Orange-crowned Warbler 4 in msf with YRWA in creosote bush and cottonwoods, n, nw, sw.
• Common Yellowthroat 1 (f) vocal when flushed from edge of Palmdale Ditch, se.
• Yellow Warbler 1 (f) in cottonwood canopy, msf with YRWA, w.
• Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 70 (ad., imm; m,f) greg. vocal (calls) foraging at all foliage height levels in a wide variety of shrubs and trees, ubiq..
• Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 (m) foraging in juniper, sw.

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Lake Palmdale LACO 17 October 2024 (62 Species)

Weather: Fair; 57°F to 65°F; increasing winds, 0930-1125 hrs, WSW 8 -16 mph.

Time: 0702-1125 hrs,

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route from the northeast corner adjacent to the skeet range, around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level was about 2.5 ft. below the high water mark; 3 – 8 ft. of shoreline was exposed around the lake. Inflow in the Palmdale Ditch was moderate. Except for a work crew in the western section, the lake survey area was quiet and little disturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Greater Yellowlegs (1), Sabines Gull (1), Tree Swallow (30), Violet-green Swallow (16), Barn Swallow (12), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (4), Cliff Swallow (20), Cactus Wren (1), American (Buff-bellied) Pipit (1 – FOS) and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1- FOS).

BIRDS NOTED

• Cinnamon Teal 5 (m,f) greg. swimming near jetty, nw; flushed from backwater slough and shallows near dam, se.
• Northern Shoveler 4 (m,f) greg. in shallows, nw, se.
• Gadwall 8 (m,f) in backwater slough, se.
• Mallard (wild-type) 35 (m,f) greg. wary and readily flushed from shallows; several decoys representing this species were set out near the marsh, ne.
• Redhead 10 (m,f) greg. in shallows near dam, se.
• Ring-necked Duck 8 diving in shallows; in msf with REHE, se.
• Ruddy Duck 80 (m,f; all in bsc. plmg) small flocks resting in shallows around the lake.
• California Quail 13 flushed from streamside brush at Palmdale Ditch, se.
• Pied-billed Grebe 16 vocal, individuals diving in shallows and open water throughout.
• Eared Grebe 20 (bsc. plmg.) individuals in shallows and open water throughout.
• Western Grebe 16 vocal, greg. individuals and pairs resting in shallows and open water throughout.
• Clark’s Grebe 60 greg. one pair swimming with a nearly full-grown juvenile (photo); shallows near marsh and open water, central, e.

• Feral Rock Pigeon 5 flying around and alighting on roof tops of adjacent homes, s.
• Mourning Dove 6 greg. on utility lines and on upper bare limbs of cottonwoods, ne, nw.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 5 (m) individuals hovering around trees and shrubs, ne, n, nw.
• American Coot 250 greg. mostly in shallows throughout.
• Killdeer 9 greg. vocal when approached on jetty and elsewhere, nw, e.
• Spotted Sandpiper 1 flushed from shore, ne.
• Greater Yellowlegs 1 on shore of dam, e (photo).

• Phalarope sp.? 10 a cohesive flock seen in flight and alighting on the water in the south-central section of lake early AM; too distant for a positive ID.
• Sabine’s Gull 1 (imm.) flying back and forth over s and sw shore at about 25-50 ft. agl. (photo).

• California Gull 12 (ad., imm) loosely greg., flying low and alighting on water, s-central, nw.
• Double-crested Cormorant 8 (ad., imm) greg. on stirring platforms and swimming in open water, s, ne.
• Great Blue Heron 5 individuals in marsh; wary and readily flushed, throughout.
• Great Egret 1 (ad) in low flight and alighting in marsh, se.
• Black-crowned Night Heron 5 (ad., imm) loosely greg., in flight, low over marsh and shore, ne, se.
• Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad) in flight, low over open fields and cottonwoods, w, se.
• Red-tailed Hawk 1 soaring over lake at about 70 ft. agl., s.
• Belted Kingfisher 2 (m,f) vocal, individuals flushed from tree limb perches over shallows, ne, se.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 vocal, in cottonwoods, nw, se.
• Northern (RS) Flicker in flight over shore, ne.
• American Kestrel 2 (m,f) a male perched 4 ft. agl. on favored post in skeet range; a female in flight over then alighting in a cottonwood canopy, se.
• Black Phoebe 10 individuals sallying from low perches throughout.
• Say’s Phoebe 5 individuals perched on tall shrubs and a utility line, ne, nw, w, s..
• Common (Northern) Raven 16 greg. pairs and small flocks in flight around the lake.
• Tree Swallow 30 loosely greg., flying 2 -70 ft. agl over marsh, shallows and open areas, n, nw.
• Violet-green Swallow 20 greg. a cohesive flock dipping into lake surface, flying back and forth over marsh and shallows; TRSW and CLSW nearby, nw.
• Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4 greg. pairs flying low over shallows and open field, nw, w.
• Barn Swallow 10 loosely greg., flying 6 – 30 ft. agl over shallows, marsh and adjacent fields, nw, w.
• Cliff Swallow 20 loosely greg. in msf with BASW and TRSW, flying 10 – 80 ft. agl over fields and marsh, n, nw.
• Bushtit 10 greg. vocal in saltbush and junipers, se.
• Marsh Wren 2 vocal, greg., a pair in a small tule patch at n end of jetty, nw.
• Bewick’s Wren 6 vocal (calls) in brushy areas throughout.
• Cactus Wren 1 on fence bordering railroad tracks, ne (photo).

• Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 foraging in cottonwood foliage, se (photo – FOS).

• California Thrasher 1 vocal (repeated calls) juniper field, w.
• Northern Mockingbird 2 perched atop tall shrubs, ne, se.
• European Starling 16 greg. on utility line next to F&F clubhouse, n.
• House Sparrow 8 (m,f) greg., vocal on F & F entrance driveway fence line, n.
• American (Buff-bellied) Pipit 1 at water’s edge on the jetty, nw (FOS).
• House Finch 32 (m,f) vocal, greg. in trees and shrubs throughout.
• Lawrence’s Goldfinch vocal (unseen) in cottonwoods overhanging Palmdale Ditch, se.
• White-crowned (Gambel’s) Sparrow 60 (85 % ad.) greg., vocal (calls and song) in brushy areas throughout.
• Song Sparrow 1 in brushy border of Palmdale Ditch, se.
• Lincoln’s Sparrow 3 vocal (calls), greg. in brushy border of Palmdale Ditch w/ SOSP, se.
• California Towhee 5 vocal, greg. pairs on ground, flushed to shrubs, ne, w.
• Red-winged Blackbird 5 (m,f) in flight over marsh, n, nw.
• Great-tailed Grackle 12 (m,f) greg. vocal in flight over marsh and lake, n, nw, s.
• Orange-crowned Warbler 2 in msf with YRWA in creosote bush and cottonwoods, n, nw.
• Common Yellowthroat 5 (m,f) active low in marsh and adjacent willows, ne, nw, w.
• Yellow Warbler 1 (f) in msf with YRWA in creosote bushes, n.
• Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 70 (ad., imm; m,f) greg. vocal (calls) foraging at all foliage height levels in a wide variety of shrubs and trees, ubiq..

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Lake Palmdale LACO 1 October 2024 (64 Species)

Weather: Fair; 69°F to 90°F; wind WNW 2 – 7 mph.

Time: 0640- 1130 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route from the northeast corner adjacent to the skeet range, around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level was within about 2 ft. of the maximum capacity, eliminating exposed mudflats for shorebirds. The Palmdale Ditch inlet stream was dry.

This was another Tuesday morning survey and the Fin & Feather Club was open to members. One fishing boat was moving slowly across the lake at sunrise. Several fishermen were stationed around the lake. Two people were walking with leashed dogs. Otherwise, the lake survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities. Several first- of- the- autumn season species were found today (FOS – see BIRDS NOTED).

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, American Wigeon (17 – FOS), Common Gallinule (1 – FOS), Sabine’s Gull (2 – FOS), Sharp-shinned Hawk (1 – FOS), MacGillivray’s Warbler (1 – FOS), and Western Tanager.

BIRDS NOTED

• Blue-winged Teal 1 (f) with CITE, swimming away from the dam, ne.
• Cinnamon Teal 3 (f) greg. swimming, then flying away from the dam, ne.
• Northern Shoveler 5 (f) greg. swimming in open water, e.
• Gadwall 4 (m,f) greg. flushed from s slough and edge of dam, se.
• American Wigeon 17 (m,f) greg. a cohesive flock in open water, s-central (FOS).
• Mallard 15 (m,f) greg. in shallows around the lake.
• Ruddy Duck 40 (m,f; bsc. plmg.) greg. 4- 5 cohesive flocks resting near the marsh and docks, nw, w.
• California Quail vocal (unseen) w.
• Pied-billed Grebe 22 loosely greg., vocal, in shallows around the lake.
• Eared Grebe 4 (bsc. plmg.) greg. swimming in open water, s-central.
• Western Grebe 16 loosely greg., vocal, in msf with CLGR in open water throughout.
• Clark’s Grebe 70 loosely greg., pairs engaged in courtship; one pair followed by a nearly full-grown immature; another pair in tules (nesting?), ne; ubiq..
• Feral Rock Pigeon 2 in flight over adjacent homes, s.
• Mourning Dove 12 greg. perched in dead trees; in flight, nw.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 12 (m, f) greg. individuals and pairs hovering around cottonwoods and junipers throughout.
• Sora 4 greg., vocal, a pair at a dock boardwalk entrance bordering a dense marsh; another two individuals calling nearby (unseen), sw, s.
• Common Gallinule 1 (imm) swimming and dabbling with AMCO in shallows near marsh, s (FOS – photo).

• American Coot 220 greg. occasionally vocal, mainly seen in shallows around marsh and shore, ubiq..
• Killdeer 7 greg., vocal when flushed; on jetty and shore of dam, nw, e.
• Sabine’s Gull 2 (imm. – juv.- C1) greg. a pair initially seen in flight over distant south marsh and shore; subsequently found resting together in open water, s-central (FOS – photos).

• California Gull 10 (ad., C1, C2) greg. most were resting in a cohesive flock in open water- s-central; two immatures (C1, C2) in flight around lake.
• Caspian Tern 1 vocal (usually encountered in flocks – possibly more that this morning were silent, at higher altitude and unseen) in flight over lake and marsh, se.
• Double-crested Cormorant 5 (ad., imm) a pair perched in a cottonwood overhanging the lake at sunrise, ne – one of the pair repeatedly vocal, uttering resonant croaking calls; other individuals perched near shore on rocks and/or swimming in open water, ubiq..
• Great Blue Heron 2 one adult swimming across the south slough with something in its beak, then walking up to the edge of the marsh. Another individual perched in a willow, se.
• Great Egret 5 greg. perched in willows overhanging the lake, ne.
• Snowy Egret 1 with GREG in same willow tree, ne.
• Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (imm) flushed from willows near shore, ne.
• White-faced Ibis 14 greg. in flight, about 15 ft. agl around the lake, apparently looking for a place land. Subsequently flushed from the ne shore of the dam near the end of the survey.
• Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 flushed from a cottonwood and a nearby flock of WCSP, n (FOS).
• Cooper’s Hawk 1 (imm) flushed from willows, then alighting in nearby cottonwood subcanopy, nw.
• Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad, imm) vocal in se; one flushed twice from willows, nw.
• Red-tailed Hawk 1 on cell phone tower in PWD yard, ne.
• Belted Kingfisher 3 (m,f) individuals vocal in flight between tree perches overhanging lake; one perched individual evaporative cooling with beak open, ne, sw, se.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3 vocal (unseen) in cottonwoods, w, sw, s.
• Northern Flicker 1 vocal (unseen) ne.
• American Kestrel 1 (m) on utility pole next to skeet range, ne.
• Western Wood Pewee 1 sallying from outer cottonwood limb at 15 ft. agl, w.
• Black Phoebe 12 vocal, sallying to ground from junipers,cottonwoods and willows, 5 -15 ft. agl, ubiq..
• Say’s Phoebe 1 perched on post 3 ft. agl at edge of skeet range, ne.
• California Jay 1 vocal (unseen) in adjacent yard with mature conifers, se.
• Common (Northern) Raven 14 greg. vocal, individuals and pairs flying around the lake; perched on utility poles and other tall objects, ubiq..
• Barn Swallow 15 greg. a cohesive flock flying low, back and forth over the lake surface at sunrise; unseen thereafter, ne.
• Verdin 1 in flight over saltbush scrub adjacent to Park n Ride, n.
• Marsh Wren 2 vocal (unseen) in dense marsh around dock, s.
• Bewick’s Wren 10 vocal (calls) in brushy areas throughout.
• California Thrasher 1 vocal (calls – unseen) in juniper field, w.
• Northern Mockingbird 2 vocal (calls and fragmented song) on fence and ground in F&F picnic area, apparently defending ornamental berry hedge from HOFI and HOSP, n; vocal (unseen) s.
• European Starling 16 greg. vocal, on utility poles, cottonwoods and mulberry trees around picnic area, n.
• House Sparrow 7 (m,f) mostly around fruiting hedge at the F&F clubhouse, n.
• House Finch 18 (m,f) vocal, greg. one pair in a cholla cactus, ne.
• Lesser Goldfinch 2 vocal in pines, ne.
• Lawrence’s Goldfinch 2-4 vocal, greg. in flight around pines at edge of skeet range, ne.
• White-crowned Sparrow 18 (ad., imm) greg. in brushy areas throughout.
• Savannah Sparrow 1 in grass next to boat launch – flew to marsh, then into adjacent field, nw.
• Song Sparrow 8 vocal (calls and song) in dense riparian-marsh, ne, nw, w, sw.
• California Towhee 2 vocal, greg. on ground next to dry Palmdale Ditch stream, se.
• Red-winged Blackbird 18 (m,f) vocal, flew to leafless willow overhanging marsh, nw; another vocal flock concealed in marsh, se.
• Brown-headed Cowbird 2 in msf with RWBL, nw.
• Great-tailed Grackle 5 (m,f) greg. vocal, on jetty and in willow-marsh peninsula, s.
• Orange-crowned Warbler 7 greg. pairs and individuals in msf with YEWA and YRWA, foraging in creosote bush, cottonwoods and willows, 8 -15 ft. agl., ubiq.
• MacGillivray’s Warbler 1 (m) repeatedly vocal (calls) staying low and partially concealed in marsh-riparian patch, ne (FOS – photo).
• Common Yellowthroat 10 (m,f) greg. vocal (calls) pairs and individuals foraging in marsh and lower levels of willows; msf with YEWA and OCWA, ubiq..
• Yellow Warbler 4 (1 m; 3 f) foraging in foliage of cottonwoods and willows; creosote bush, often in msf with OCWA.
• Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler (m,f) greg., vocal (calls) pairs and trios foraging mostly in cottonwood and willows; also junipers.
• Western Tanager 1 (f) in msf with OCWA and YEWA in willow overhanging marsh, nw.

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Lake Palmdale LACO 19 September 2024 (71 Species)

Weather: Fair with low clouds and fog in surrounding foothills; 57°F to 72°F; wind SW 7-16 mph.

Time: 0630-1130 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route from the northeast corner adjacent to the skeet range, around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues to be within about 1 ft. of the maximum capacity, eliminating exposed mudflats for shorebirds. Inflow at the Palmdale Ditch was moderate. Several vehicles were moving briefly around the lake. Two CDFW biologists were sampling the lake water for the presence of zebra mussel in the southern slough; no sign of the invasive mollusk was found.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Blue-winged Teal (2), Lesser Scaup (1), Vaux’s Swift (16), Neotropic Cormorant (1), Vermilion Flycatcher (1), Violet-green Swallow (10), Chipping Sparrow (1), White-crowned Sparrow (1), Townsend’s Warbler (1) and Lazuli Bunting (2).

BIRDS NOTED (FOS = First Occurrence at LP for the Autumn 2024 Season)

• Canada Goose 16 greg., vocal, in flight w over lake; several alighting briefly on lake, n; other birds on jetty, nw (FOS).
• Blue-winged Teal 2 (f) ID: relatively conspicuous eye-arcs and cheek patch; greg., a pair swimming close to marsh, ne (FOS).
• Cinnamon Teal 3 (m,f) greg. swimming/flying over lake surface to backwaters, se.
• Northern Shoveler 4 (f) greg. swimming near dam, e.
• Gadwall 7 (m,f) greg. in shallows, nw, se.
• Mallard 40 (m,f) greg. ubiquitous in shallows.
• Lesser Scaup 1 (f) swimming near marsh, se (FOS – photo).

• Ruddy Duck 14 (m,f) bsc. plmg. greg. swimming/resting in shallows, w se.
• California Quail 14 (m,f) greg. vocal when alarmed; two coveys on ground, w, se.
• Pied-billed Grebe 18 (ad., imm) loosely greg. in shallows around the lake; one with captured crayfish, nw (photo).

• Western Grebe 20 (ad) vocal, greg. individuals and pairs in open water with nearby CLGR, n, nw, w.
• Clark’s Grebe 40 (ad) vocal, greg. many resting in shallows and/or swimming; a few in open water. One pair nesting with one bird bringing bunches of tule to augment a large, floating nest in an isolated tule patch (photo). This may represent a second attempt at nesting, since it is in the same area where a pair of CLGR was photographed constructing and occupying a nest on 1; 15 August this year, prior to the current high water level.

• Feral Rock Pigeon 1 in flight w over lake, n.
• Mourning Dove 5 greg. on fence, ne.
• Vaux’s Swift 16 (a rough estimate due to wide area being covered by these birds); greg. circling, flying back and forth 10- 100 ft. agl. in msf with mainly CLSW, TRSW, and BASW (FOS).
• Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (f) hovering around willow canopy, nw.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 6 (f) individuals and pairs hovering around cottonwood canopies, throughout.
• American Coot 160 greg. most in shallows and marsh around the lake; a few in open water, n.
• Killdeer 7 greg., vocal when approached and flushed from jetty, nw.
• Ring-billed Gull 1 (ad) slow flight e over lake, early AM, at about 40 ft. agl., n (FOS).
• California Gull 3 (ad, imm – C1) an adult preening in open water; immature flying nw toward Palmdale landfill, nw.
• Caspian Tern 8 (ad., imm.) greg., vocal (including high-pitched begging calls), a cohesive flock circling above lake 30 -70 ft. agl, e; possibly the same flock showing similar behavior that was found here in the previous survey of 10 September, 2024.
• Double-crested Cormorant 3 (ad., imm) individuals on stirring platforms, central, nw.
• Neotropic Cormorant 1 ID: relatively small size, short tarsi, long tail; lores and orbital area lacking a conspicuous yellow-orange stripe; gular patch with white border. Resting alone on a buoy, s (photo – first documented record for LP).

• Great Blue Heron 7 (ad., bsc. plmg.) individuals in marsh and in shallows around the lake.
• Great Egret 1 (ad.) at edge of peninsular marsh in shallows, s.
• Green Heron 6 (ad.,imm) an adult and imm. flushed from shore, n; other individuals in marsh and on shores around the lake.
• Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (ad., imm) individuals in flight, low over marsh, ne.
• Turkey Vulture 4 greg. circling and flying low over dam, e.
• Cooper’s Hawk 3 (ad., 2 imm) individuals flying low over marsh and shore, alighting in willows, ne, nw, s.
• Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad, imm) individuals flushed from cottonwoods and willows overhanging the marsh, w, se.
• Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad., imm) individuals circling 40 -60 ft. agl above open fields; one imm. alighting in a cottonwood ne, w.
• Belted Kingfisher 3 (m,f) vocal, individuals perched and alighting on snags over marsh, nw, s, se.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 4 (m,f) vocal, individuals foraging on cottonwood main limbs, nw, w, s.
• Western Wood Pewee 2 individuals aerial-hawking, 8 – 15 ft. agl from exposed limbs on cottonwoods, w, se.
• Empidonax sp. ? most similar in appearance to E. hammondii, 1; seen briefly alighting on small, lower cottonwood limb over Palmdale Ditch stream, se.
• Black Phoebe 12 vocal, individuals sallying to ground and between perches, 2 – 15 ft. agl, throughout.
• Say’s Phoebe 1 in low flight over skeet range, ne.
• Vermilion Flycatcher 1 (f imm.) sallying to grass, snatching small insects and returning to perch on signs, cable and tules between the boat ramp and jetty, nw (FOS – photo).

• Warbling Vireo 1 foraging in cottonwood canopy foliage, se.
• California Jay 1 vocal (unseen) sw.
• Common (Northern) Raven 24 greg., vocal, pairs and small flocks in flight over most of the lake area, especially n.
• Horned Lark 2 (greg.) in usual late – AM location in shade of wind turbine in PWD yard, n.
• Tree Swallow 12 loosely greg. circling and flying back and forth in msf with VGSW, NRWS, BASW and CLSW, 8 – 30 ft. agl, over creosote bush scrub, marsh and shallows, nw, se.
• Violet-green Swallow 10 greg. in msf with TRSW, NRWS, BASW and CLSW, flying back and forth, 5 – 30 ft. agl, over creosote bush scrub and marsh, backwaters, n, nw, se (FOS).
• Northern Rough-winged Swallow 8 greg. in msf with other swallows but mostly flying at lower heights, 3 – 10 ft. agl, ne, n, se.
• Barn Swallow 30 loosely greg. in msf with other swallows at medium heights, 2 – 20 ft. agl; one of the most wide ranging swallows at LP.
• Cliff Swallow 60 greg. in msf with BASW, TRSW, VGSW, NRWS and VASW, wide ranging and flying at great heights, e.g. 200 ft. agl, as well as moderate heights among other swallows, e.g. 20 ft. agl., ne, n, nw, w.
• Bushtit 14 greg. vocal in cottonwoods, w, se.
• Marsh Wren 1 alighted low in cattails, nw.
• Bewick’s Wren 10 vocal (calls and partial song), foraging low and medium heights, i.e. 1 -15 ft. agl, in brushy areas and riparian marsh throughout.
• Northern Mockingbird 1 vocal (calls and brief song) in hedgerow-fence line next to F&F clubhouse, n.
• European Starling 3 greg. on utility wire, n.
• House Sparrow 5 (m,f) greg. with HOFI on rooftop of adjacent home bordering the LP fence, s.
• House Finch 22 (m,f) greg. vocal, in cottonwoods throughout and bathing in Palmdale Ditch stream, se.
• Lesser Goldfinch 2 (m,f) greg. a pair awaiting turn for bathing with other birds in Palmdale Ditch stream, se.
• Lark Sparrow 1 on barbed wire fence bordering skeet range, ne (FOS).
• Chipping Sparrow 1 bsc. plmg. flew from Palmdale Ditch ruderal patch into adjacent cottonwood, se (FOS).
• White-crowned Sparrow 1 (imm) in cottonwood with HOFI and BEWR, s (FOS).
• Song Sparrow 4 vocal (calls) in brushy areas and adjacent marsh-riparian, nw, w.
• California Towhee 2 vocal in desert chaparral patch bordering skeet range, ne.
• Red-winged Blackbird 14 (m,f) greg., vocal, most seen in flight over marsh, n, nw.
• Great-tailed Grackle 6 (m,f) greg. on boats at jetty; in willows overhanging marsh peninsula, s.
• Orange-crowned Warbler 7 individuals and pairs foraging in cottonwood canopies throughout; one bathing in Palmdale Ditch stream.
• Common Yellowthroat 6 (m,f) vocal (calls) active low in marsh, occasionally ascending into adjacent willows throughout.
• Yellow Warbler 2 (f) vocal (calls) foraging in cottonwood and willow canopies with OCWA, w, sw.
• Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 3 (f) greg. and in msf with OCWA in cottonwood and willow canopies, nw.
• Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 (f) with TOWA in mulberry canopy, F&F picnic area, n.
• Townsend’s Warbler 1 (m) with BTYW in mulberry canopy noted above and adjacent cottonwood (FOS – photo).

• Wilson’s Warbler 1 (f) with OCWA in willow and cottonwood canopies, n.
• Lazuli Bunting 2 (f) greg. a pair in lower level of cottonwood overhanging Palmdale Ditch stream, se.

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Lake Palmdale LACO 10 September 2024 (56 Species)

Weather: Fair; 76F to 91F; wind W, WSW 7-12 mph.

Time: 0620 (dawn) – 1055 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route from the northeast corner adjacent to the skeet range, around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level had risen since my previous survey of 27 August, 2024, to within about 1 ft. of the maximum capacity, eliminating exposed mudflats for shorebirds. Inflow at the Palmdale Ditch was moderate. This was another Tuesday morning survey and the Fin & Feather Club was open. However, only about five fishermen were around the lake; one person in the northeast and the others on the southwestern and southern docks. The lake was otherwise quiet and undisturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Green-winged Teal (4), Western Grebe (20, including 2 juveniles); Clark’s Grebe (70), Rufous Hummingbird (1); Selasphorus sp. (8), Black-chinned Hummingbird (4), Caspian Tern (6), Belted Kingfisher (3), Horned Lark (50), Tricolored Blackbird (40), Yellow Warbler (6) and Yellow-rumped (Audubon’s) Warbler (1 – FOS).

BIRDS NOTED

• Cinnamon Teal 3 (m,f) greg. flushed from shallows near the marsh, se.
• Northern Shoveler 3 (f) greg. swimming away from the dam, ne.
• Gadwall 23 (m,f) greg. a large flock flushed from shallows, se.
• Mallard 40 (m,f) greg. in shallows throughout the lake perimeter.
• Green-winged Teal 4 (f) greg. pairs swimming away from the marsh, nw, se.
• Ruddy Duck 6 (m,f) bsc. and alt. plmg. resting near docks and marsh, w.
• California Quail 20 (m,f) on ground next to skeet range n fence.
• Pied-billed Grebe 16 vocal, greg. individuals and pairs in shallows near the marsh throughout the lake perimeter; diving in open water.
• Western Grebe 20 greg., vocal, two pair of adults each followed by one juvenile, one cohort near the nw marsh, the other in open water (photo); a smaller juvenile Aechmophorus grebe with an entirely white head (no eyestripe), was swimming close to a pair of WEGR near the marsh. Several CLGR with WEGR, sometimes swimming side by side. Most of the WEGR were near the marsh.

• Clark’s Grebe 70 greg. vocal, pairs and individuals in conspecific and msf with WEGR; most near marsh, nw. No nests or young of this species were observed. Increasing lake water levels may have swamped the active nests previously found in the nw section. Today, Clark’s Grebe outnumbered WEGR by almost 4:1.
• Feral Rock Pigeon 4 greg. perched on roof-top of home bordering LP; one in flight toward the lake, s.
• Eurasian Collared Dove 1 dead beneath a metal F&F picnic table; appeared to be a recent kill by an adult COHA that was feeding on it when I approached. The bird’s thoracic and abdominal cavities were open with its internal organs freshly exposed. n.
• Mourning Dove 14 greg. on utility lines; in flight, ubiq..
• Black-chinned Hummingbird 4 (f) ID based on comparatively slender profile with clean to dusky breast and belly. Aerial hawking around cottonwood canopies, ne, nw.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 3 (f) ID based on comparatively stocky profile with dark markings on breast and belly; aerial hawking around cottonwoods and willows, ne, n, w.
• Rufous Hummingbird 1 (m) ID extensive rufous feathering with little or no green coloration showing when perched and hovering around cottonwood canopy, nw.
• Allen’s Hummingbird 1 ? (m) ID: bright rufous on sides, flanks and tail; upper back with mostly green feathering; aerial hawking and perched on snags in cottonwood, ne.
• Selasphorus sp. 8 (f, imm.) ID: variable amounts of pale rufous feathering on sides and flanks, contrasting with green upperparts; tail structure not seen clearly. greg. pairs chasing each other and individuals perched on snags and bare branches of cottonwood, willow and juniper; also aerial hawking near those perches.
• American Coot 120 greg. large, cohesive flocks in shallows near the marsh, mainly in the n, nw and se.
• Killdeer 5 (ad) greg. vocal, two pair and a single on jetty, nw.
• California Gull 3 (ad., imm – C1,C2) initially on jetty then flushed to open water, nw.
• Caspian Tern 6 (ad., imm) greg. a loose flock with two immatures giving high-pitched begging calls while making several flights around the lake with the adults, 10 -80 ft. agl. The flock frequently dispersed then regrouped, three individuals soaring high on thermals (200 ft. agl) One adult was flying just above the lake surface.
• Double-crested Cormorant 1 resting on stirring platform, s.
• Great Blue Heron 7 (a seasonal high count) vocal when flushed; individuals standing at edge of marsh or inside of the marsh, and edge of dam.
• Green Heron 2 (ad, imm) one imm. in flight over docks, s; an adult at edge of marsh peninsula, s.
• Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (imm) perched on willow limb in marsh-riparian patch with nearby GBHE, ne.
• Turkey Vulture 4 three on and flying low over dam, e; another soaring on late morning thermals, se.
• Cooper’s Hawk 1 (ad.) feeding on freshly killed EUCD beneath metal picnic table, F&F, n.
• Red-shouldered Hawk 3 (2 ad; 1 imm) flushed from riparian-marsh, ne, w, sw.
• Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad) flying 30 ft. agl over juniper field toward cottonwoods, se (photo); an adult (possibly the same bird) seen later circling high on thermals, w.

• Belted Kingfisher 3 (m,f) individuals vocal in low flights over marsh and shallows, ne, nw, sw.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 vocal in cottonwoods, s, se.
• American Kestrel 1 (f) on utility line over skeet range, ne.
• Black Phoebe 14 vocal, greg. pairs and individuals sallying from low perches to fields and marsh throughout.
• Loggerhead Shrike 1 sallying to ruderal field at fence line, se.
• California Jay 1 vocal (unseen) cottonwoods on fence line below dam, se.
• Common (Northern) Raven 12 pairs in flight 20 – 80 ft. agl. throughout; alighting on dam, e.
• Horned Lark 50 greg. a large, cohesive flock on ground and gravel in shade of the PWD wind turbine (in the same place where these birds have been found at the end of multiple LP surveys), ne.
• Barn Swallow 1 circling low over lake near the dam, e; no other BASW found in or around se concrete box nest site, or elsewhere at LP this morning.
• Cliff Swallow 5 greg. a small flock briefly circling low over the lake at sunrise, ne.
• Oak Titmouse 2 a pair in cottonwoods and junipers; one bird exploring a large broken limb cavity in a cottonwood, w.
• Verdin 1 foraging in canopy and subcanopy of a mature mulberry tree in F&F picnic area, n.
• Bushtit 24 greg. vocal, two flocks – both foraging in cottonwoods and willows, nw, sw.
• Marsh Wren 3 vocal (unseen) in dense marsh- willow riparian next to docks, w, sw.
• Bewick’s Wren 12 vocal, individuals foraging in junipers, willows and cottonwoods, ne, nw, w, s.
• Northern Mockingbird 2 individuals on fences next to F&F clubhouse and Park n Ride, n, nw.
• House Finch 12 (m,f) vocal, pairs in shrubs, trees and on utility lines throughout.
• Song Sparrow 10 vocal (calls) individuals active on ground, in marsh and riparian patches throughout.
• California Towhee 2 flushed from edge of skeet range to adjacent juniper, ne.
• Red-winged Blackbird 20 (m,f, imm) vocal, greg. most perched together in willows overhanging marsh, nw.
• Tricolored Blackbird 40 (m,f, imm) vocal – a very loud, chattering dawn chorus while mostly concealed in bulrush (Schoenoplectus sp.); groups of 8-18 taking flight sequentially, leaving the area and heading n from the ne corner of the lake.
• Great-tailed Grackle 1 (m) on jetty, nw (a seasonal low count for this species at LP).
• Orange-crowned Warbler 5 individuals and pairs in msf with YEWA and WIWA, in willows and cottonwoods throughout.
• Common Yellowthroat 3 vocal (unseen) in marsh-riparian patches, nw, w.
• Yellow Warbler 6 (m,f) individuals and pairs with OCWA in willows and cottonwoods, nw, w.
• Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 1 (f) foraging in cottonwood subcanopy; OCWA nearby, w (FOS – photo).

• Wilson’s Warbler 2 (m) a pair foraging 8 – 10 ft. agl, keeping about 3 yards apart in a patch of willow-cottonwood overhanging the marsh, w.

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Lake Palmdale LACO 27 August 2024 (54 Species)

Weather: Fair; 62°F to 90°F; wind W, WNW 2 mph.

Time: 0630- 1050 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route from the northeast corner adjacent to the skeet range, around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level was about 2 ft. below the maximum; inflow at the Palmdale Ditch, relatively low. This was a Tuesday morning survey and the Fin & Feather Club was open. About twenty-five fishermen we around the lake (two motorboats on the lake with fishermen). Most of the people were stationary and created little or no disturbance to birdlife. Five vehicles were met briefly going slowly on the interior shoreline road. Otherwise, the survey area was fairly quiet and undisturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Northern Shoveler (6 – FOS), Redhead (1 -FOS), Ring-necked Duck (1), Green-winged Teal (1 – FOS), Rufous Hummingbird (1), Caspian Tern (4),White-faced Ibis (5), Belted Kingfisher (3), Western Wood Pewee (2), Willow Flycatcher (1), Black-throated Gray Warbler (2 – FOS) and Lazuli Bunting (1 – FOS).

Other notable wildlife found today included, Eastern Fox Squirrel (one adult in a cottonwood on the west side – first confirmed record of this invasive species at LP); Bullfrog – another invasive, non-native species with a large population of juveniles on the west shore (photo). These frogs are probably consumed by several species of bird at Lake Palmdale, e.g. Great Blue Heron, Green Heron and Red-shouldered Hawk.

BIRDS NOTED

• Cinnamon Teal 2 (f) greg. a pair swimming away from the dam, e.
• Northern Shoveler 6 (f; m in trans. plmg.) greg. a flock of 5 swimming near the marsh, se; one female with MALL, nw (FOS).
• Gadwall 3 (f) greg. swimming away from the dam, se.
• Mallard 120 (m,f) greg. in shallows throughout.
• Green-winged Teal 1 (f) flushed from shallows, swimming away from dam, se (FOS).
• Redhead 1 (f) one individual swimming near the marsh and jetty with RNDU, nw (FOS) (photo).

• Ring-necked Duck 1 (f/imm.) with REHE noted above, nw (photo).
• Ruddy Duck 5 (bsc. plmg.) greg. resting in shallows, nw.
• California Quail 30 (m,f) greg. vocal, two coveys on ground in ruderal patches, ne, w.
• Pied-billed Grebe 10 (ad, imm) greg. in shallows throughout.
• Western Grebe 20 vocal, greg. pairs and individuals in shallows and open water throughout.
• Clark’s Grebe 40 greg. vocal. a flock of about 16 birds in open water; others as individuals, pairs and trios in shallows and open water throughout; one with nest material (we vegetation) in beak, nw.
• Feral Rock Pigeon 6 on rooftops of adjacent homes, s.
• Mourning Dove 10 individuals and pairs in flight throughout.
• Black-chinned Hummingbird 4 (f) aerial hawking around cottonwood and willow canopies, ne, nw.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 4 (f) aerial hawking around cottonwood canopies, ne, nw, w.
• Rufous Hummingbird 1 m) aerial hawking from exposed perch in willow, ne.
• American Coot 100 (conserv. est.) greg. in shallows throughout.
• Spotted Sandpiper 3 (bsc. plmg.) a pair on the jetty waterline, nw; one on the shoreline of the dam, e.
• California Gull 4 (ad.; C1) greg. a pair of adults in open water; two immatures in low flight, central.
• Caspian Tern 4 greg., vocal flying about 30 ft. agl over marsh and shallows, se.
• Double-crested Cormorant 1 (imm) on stirring platform, nw.
• Great Blue Heron 3 (bsc. plmg.) individuals flushed from marsh and jetty, ne, nw, s.
• Green Heron 2 vocal when flushed from marsh; another on shore of dam, e.
• White-faced Ibis 5 greg. in flight, w over lake.
• Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad., imm) vocal, individuals flushed from willow perch, s – flying over, vocalizing and circling cottonwoods where nesting had occurred this year, se.
• Belted KIngfisher 3 greg., vocal a vocal pair flying 20 ft agl from pine-juniper edge of skeet range; individuals vocalizing in flight over lake, se.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 4 vocal in cottonwoods, ne. w, s.
• Western Wood Pewee 2 individuals sallying from mid-level of willows and cottonwoods overhanging lake and further from shore, ne, w.
• Willow Flycatcher 1 sallying from interior limbs at mid-levels in cottonwoods, w.
• Black Phoebe 18 vocal, occasionally in pairs – sallying to ground and lake surface from low perches throughout.
• Say’s Phoebe 1 sallying from low posts and fence in open field w of skeet range, ne.
• Warbling Vireo 1 in cottonwood canopy with OCWA and BEWR, ne.
• California Jay 2 vocal (unseen) n, sw.
• Common (Northern) Raven 10 vocal, greg. pairs in flight throughout.
• Horned Lark 25 greg, in favored area of shade created by the wind turbine in the PWD yard, ne.
• Barn Swallow 40 (ad., imm) greg. vocal; on utility lines, fences and flying low over marsh, lake and open fields throughout.
• Cliff Swallow 6 greg. flying 30 -60 ft. agl over open areas, n, w.
• Oak Titmouse 3 vocal; one foraging in lower foliage of cottonwood, sw, s.
• Bewick’s Wren 12 vocal; foraging in cottonwood and willow canopies to ground; understory and edge of marsh, throughout.
• California Thrasher 1 vocal (song – repeated) atop juniper, w.
• Northern Mockingbird 1 perched atop fence line shrubs next to F&F clubhouse, n.
• European Starling 3 greg. on utility line with HOFI and BASW, ne.
• House Finch 30 (m,f) greg. variable sized flocks on ground and fences, ne, e.
• Song Sparrow 5 vocal (calls) active in marsh-riparian, ne, w.
• California Towhee 2 vocal in brushy field, ne.
• Red-winged Blackbird 40 (m,f, imm) greg. vocal, foraging in fruiting cottonwoods throughout.
• Great-tailed Grackle 10 (m,f) vocal, greg. on jetty and in willows, nw, s.
• Orange-crowned Warbler 3 foraging in cottonwood canopies, in msf with other insectivorous birds, e.g. YEWA and WAVI, WIWA, ne, w, se.
• Common Yellowthroat 8 (m,f; imm) vocal (calls) loosely greg. in marsh and ascending into adjacent willows and cottonwoods, ne, nw, w (photo).

• Yellow Warbler 2 (m) vocal (calls and brief song) active in cottonwood canopies, w.
• Black-throated Gray Warbler 2 (m,f) individuals foraging in separate trees – cottonwood foliage, w (photo).

• Wilson’s Warbler 3 (m) individuals and a pair foraging in cottonwood canopy and lower level foliage, ne, w.
• Lazuli Bunting 1 (f/imm.) alighting in cattail margins of dam, e (photo).

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Lake Palmdale LACO 15 August 2024 (57 Species)

Weather: Fair; 864°F to 90°F; wind WNW 1 – 8 mph.

Time: 0613-1120 hrs.

Observers: Hai-Dang Phan and I

Area Covered: We walked the standard, counter-clockwise route from the northeast corner adjacent to the skeet range, around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road (including multiple brief detours, totaling approximately five-miles, according to HDP’s cell phone step counter app.) The lake water level was near the maximum; inflow in the Palmdale Ditch moderate. Aside from the weekly porta-potty servicing truck met as usual in the southeast section, about 45-minutes before the conclusion of the survey, the lake area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Ring-necked Duck (1 – FOS), Clark’s Grebe (40, high count for the season, including a continuing nesting pair), Green Heron (5 – high count for the season), Black-crowned Night-Heron (6 – high count for the season), Barn Owl (1 – cont.), Willow Flycatcher (1 – FOS), Warbling Vireo ( 5 – high count for the season), American Crow (2), Horned Lark (50 – high count for the season), Nashville Warbler (1 – FOS), and Wilson’s Warbler (3 – FOS).

BIRDS NOTED

• Gadwall 5 (m,f) greg. flushed then flying away from the dam, e.
• Mallard 120 (m,f) greg., in shallows around the lake.
• Ring-necked Duck 1 (m) swimming away from the dam, e (FOS).
• Ruddy Duck 1 imm. (a very low count for any season at LP) resting in shallows , w (HDP)
• California Quail 50 (m,f; ad. with nearly full-grown imms.) vocal, greg. presumably two separate coveys, one at skeet range (ne) the other around dripping faucets in the F&F picnic area, n.
• Pied-billed Grebe 10 ad., vocal swimming in shallows and open water around the lake.
• Western Grebe 20 vocal, greg. individuals and pairs throughout the lake; though highly vocal when swimming near shore and in open water, a noticeably lower number observed compared with the previous survey of 8 August, 2024.
• Clark’s Grebe 40 vocal, greg.; at least one pair continuing on an active nest in cattail-bullrush marsh about 15 yards from the shore (photo); larger of the pair (presumably the male) bringing wet vegetation and placing it on the periphery of the nest, occupied by the other individual (presumably the female – photo) At least twice the number of individuals of CLGR seen at LP today, compared with the previous week’s survey of 8 August, 2024.

• Feral Rock Pigeon 3, greg. two on rooftop of an adjacent home bordering the property fence line, s; one in flight nw.
• Mourning Dove 18 greg. individuals and pairs foraging on ground; flying over clearings throughout.
• Black-chinned Hummingbird 2 (fem) hover-gleaning and aerial hawking insects on outer edge of juniper and cottonwood foliage, nw, w.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 5 (m,f) individuals hover-gleaning, aerial hawking insects on outer edge of cottonwoods and willows, ne, nw, se.
• American Coot 80 greg. throughout the shallows and a few in open water; most concentrated numbers in shallow, algal matt backwaters, se.
• Spotted Sandpiper 2 (alt.; trans. bsc. plmg.) greg. vocal when flushed from rocks along shoreline of dam, e.
• California Gull 1 (ad.) in open water, central.
• Double-crested Cormorant 1 (ad bsc. plmg.) on stirring platform, ne.
• Great Blue Heron 2 (bsc. plmg.) individuals flushed from shoreline marsh, ne, se.
• Great Egret 3 (bsc. plmg.) greg. individuals on shore and together in willows, ne, nw.
• Green Heron 5 (ad., imm) vocal when flushed from marsh-riparian patches around the lakeshore.
• Black-crowned Night Heron 6 (a high count for the season) (2 ad.; 4 imm.) at edges of marsh and in flight, ne, s, se (photo).

• Turkey Vulture 2 one on dam, e; one soaring 80 ft. agl, se.
• Cooper’s Hawk 2 (ad. imm) flying low over open jumiper field, w; another flying low over marsh, ne.
• Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad, imm) vocal; low flight between cottonwoods and junipers, w, s.
• Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) circling at about 80 ft. agl over juniper field, w.
• Barn Owl 1 flushed from willow-marsh next to dock; flew about 20 yards s, then flushed again, returning to original area; probably a continuing bird, w.
• Belted Kingfisher 1 (fem) vocal in flight over slough; alighting in lakeside cottonwood, se.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3 (m,f) vocal, individuals in cottonwood subcanopies, ne, w, s.
• Ash-throated Flycatcher 2, (fresh bsc. plmg.) – active in lower level of willow-cottonwood patch, nw; another individual behaving similarly with BLPH nearby in willow-marsh next to boat launch, w.
• Western Kingbird 1 sallying from exposed outer canopy of lakeside cottonwood, ne.
• Willow Flycatcher 1 vocal (repeated song) moving quickly among mature black willows, lower middle level at edge of marsh, nw (FOS).
• Black Phoebe 20 (ad, imm) vocal, loosely greg. individuals and pairs sallying from low perches to ground and edge of marsh throughout; often in msf with other insectivorous birds, e.g. NUWO, BEWR, ATFL.
• Warbling Vireo 5 (high count for the season) greg. pairs foraging within 2-5 ft. of each other in willow and cottonwood canopies, often in msf with YEWA and BEWR, nw, w, sw.
• California Jay 3 vocal, individuals in cottonwoods, n, nw, w.
• American Crow 2 in flight about 50 ft. agl, northwest, ne.
• Common (Northern) Raven 8 vocal, greg. pairs in flight and in cottonwoods around the lake.
• Horned Lark 50 (ad. , imm) greg. resting the usual, late morning location – in the shade of PWD wind generator and adjacent chain-link fence surrounding gravel yard, n.
• Tree Swallow 1 (imm) in flight, low over lake, ne.
• Barn Swallow 35 (probably a low est.) loosely greg. vocal, a pair exiting the concrete box nest site in se; others flying low over the lake and marsh; open fields throughout.
• Cliff Swallow 6 greg. in msf with BASW around gardens in PWD yard, n.
• Oak Titmouse 2 vocal, in cottonwood subcanopy and lower limbs, s.
• Bushtit 12 small, cohesive flocks favoring cottonwood dry foliage with fruits; large numbers of bees and wasps, ne, w, s.
• Marsh Wren 1 active low in cattail-bullrush marsh near shore, nw.
• Bewick’s Wren 20 vocal (including an unusual, LEGO-like song given in the canopy of cottonwoods), greg. pairs in cottonwood canopy and willow understory, nw, w.
• California Thrasher 1 running on ground beneath junipers at edge of F&F front parking area, n.
• Northern Mockingbird 2 on utility line and fence, n, sw.
• House Sparrow 1 (f) on utility line in front of F&F office, n (CY).
• House Finch 25 (m,f; ad. imm)) vocal (calls and partial song) greg. foraging on ground in ruderal fields throughout; several individuals taking turns bathing under dripping sprinkler in picnic area, n.
• Song Sparrow 5 vocal (calls) individuals and pairs in willow-marsh understory throughout, w.
• California Towhee 2 bathing under dripping sprinkler in F& F picnic area, n.
• Bullock’s Oriole 1 (f) flying between lakeside cottonwood canopies, ne.
• Red-winged Blackbird 30 (ad. imm; m,f) greg. vocal; sexes and developmental stages segregated — flocks consisting of predominantly adult males or females and young, flying between fruiting cottonwoods and patches of marsh, ne, se.
• Great-tailed Grackle 25 (m,f; ad. alt. & bsc. plmg.; imm – one tail-less) vocal, greg. flocks on jetty early am, nw; another in cluster of dead, vertical cottonwood canopy branches with alpha male (alt. plmg.) in topmost position; females and young males below, sw.
• Orange-crowned Warbler (all relatively dark celata ssp.) 1 individual foraging in cottonwood canopy in msf with YEWA and NAWA, ne.
• Nashville Warbler 1 (fem/imm) ID: complete eyering, relatively dull gray head and brownish back; yellowish below; foraging quickly in dense cottonwood canopy foliage in msf with OCWA and YEWA (FOS).
• Common Yellowthroat 5 (m,f) greg. vocal (calls) individuals and pairs foraging in marsh and adjacent willows, ne, nw, w.
• Yellow Warbler 10 (m,f-imm) vocal (calls and brief song from one individual) foraging in canopies of willows and cottonwoods, often in msf with BEWR and WAVI, ne, nw, w.
• Wilson’s Warbler 3 (m,f) an individual male foraging low in understory and low willow limbs, w (photo); a pair foraging in subcanopy of a mature cottonwood, se (FOS).

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Lake Palmdale LACO 8 August 2024 (53 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy; 80°F to 88°F; wind SSW 5 -12 mph.

Time: 0610-1000 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route from the northeast corner adjacent to the skeet range, around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level was near the maximum; inflow in the Palmdale Ditch moderate. Two stray dogs — the same pair (a male pit-bull and white mutt) seen in the northeast corner of LP on June 20, 2024, were on the west shoreline road. The lake survey area was otherwise quiet and undisturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Osprey (1), Willet (3), Forster’s Tern (1) and Caspian Tern (1).

BIRDS NOTED

• Gadwall 4 (fem) greg. swimming away from the dam, ne.
• Mallard 120 (m,f; many in trans. plmg.) in shallows around the lake.
• Cinnamon Teal 1 (f) with MALL, swimming away from the dam, e.
• Ruddy Duck 20 (m,f) mostly resting in shallows and open water, nw, w, se.
• California Quail 32 (m,f; ad. imm) vocal, greg. a large covey of adults and nearly full grown immatures at edge of skeet range; another, smaller covey at roadside, n.
• Pied-billed Grebe 10 ad., vocal swimming in shallows and open water around the lake.
• Western Grebe 30 vocal, greg. individuals and pairs throughout the lake; the numerically dominant grebe species found at LP today; the local breeding population presumably augmented by new arrivals.
• Clark’s Grebe 12 vocal; at least one pair on active nest in bullrush marsh; individuals swimming in open water and near the marsh throughout with WEGR nearby. Noticeably fewer individuals of CLGR seen at LP today compared with the previous week’s survey.
• Feral Rock Pigeon 3 one on jetty, nw; two on rooftop of an adjacent home bordering the property fence line, s.
• Eurasian Collared Dove 2 in flight, nw, w.
• Mourning Dove 5 on ground and flying over clearings throughout.
• Black-chinned Hummingbird 2 (fem) hover-gleaning and aerial hawking insects on outer edge of juniper and cottonwood foliage, nw, w.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 12 (m,f) individuals hover-gleaning, aerial hawking insects on outer edge of cottonwoods and willows, n, nw.
• American Coot 80 greg. mostly in shallow, algal matt backwaters, se.
• Spotted Sandpiper 2 (alt.; trans. bsc. plmg.) greg. in flight and on rocks along shoreline of dam, e.
• Willet 3 (imm) greg. vocal in flight and on rocks at waterline of dam, e (photo).

• California Gull 2 (imm. C1) a pair standing on dam, e.
• Caspian Tern 1 in flight, se over cottonwoods, se.
• Forster’s Tern 1 (alt. plmg.) in flight over marsh; alighting on buoy in open water, s.
• Double-crested Cormorant 8 (ad. imm.,bsc. plmg.) greg. individuals and trios on jetty boardwalk and stirring platforms, nw, w, s.
• Great Blue Heron 2 (bsc. plmg.) individuals flushed from shoreline marsh, ne, s.
• Great Egret 2 (bsc. plmg.) individuals flushed from edge of marsh, ne, nw.
• Green Heron 1 vocal (unseen) marsh-riparian patch, w.
• White-faced Ibis 18 greg. a cohesive flock flying se at about 80 ft. agl. se.
• Turkey Vulture 3 one soaring over dam, ne; two flying low over cottonwoods, se.
• Osprey 1 (ad.) flying 50 ft. agl over dam and lake, ne.
• Cooper’s Hawk 2 ( imm), one bird standing under dripping sprinkler stand in picnic area; another immature bird unsuccessfully chasing a covey of quail on the roadside, nw.
• Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad, imm) an immature flying to utility pole at edge of caretaker’s yard, n; an adult flying from marsh to subcanopy of cottonwoods with small, prey item, possibly a frog, s.
• American Kestrel 1 (m) perched on Joshua Tree at edge of PWD yard, ne.
• Ash-throated Flycatcher 2, one in worn plmg. – active in creosote bushes at roadside, nw (photo); another individual in fresh bsc. plmg. sallying from mid-level in willow-riparian patch, w.

• Western Kingbird 2 greg. a pair in flight, 15 ft. agl, heading southwest over dam, se.
• Black Phoebe 16 (ad. imm) vocal; individuals and pairs sallying from low perches in trees to ground at edge of clearings throughout.
• Common (Northern) Raven 14 vocal, greg. individuals and pairs flying 10-50 ft. agl. throughout; on ground at the dam, e.
• Horned Lark 36 (ad. imm.- about 30 % juveniles) greg., three in favored ruderal patch of skeet range; a large, cohesive flock in same area as observed at the conclusion of previous surveys, resting in shade on gravel patch in PWD yard.
• Tree Swallow 1 (imm) flying low over lake, w.
• Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 greg. a pair flying 3 -10 ft. agl over juniper field, w.
• Barn Swallow 30 (conserv. est.) greg. vocal, individuals and pairs flying low over open areas and skimming water on lake throughout.
• Cliff Swallow 6 with BASW, flying over riparian-marsh, lake and open fields, n, w, sw.
• Oak Titmouse 2 vocal, flew to cottonwood, w.
• Verdin 2 greg. with BUTI in saltbush patch at edge of Park n Ride at fence line, nw.
• Bushtit 22 cohesive flocks (5-10 birds) favoring cottonwood dry foliage with fruits; large numbers of bees and wasps, nw, w.
• Marsh Wren 1 vocal (calls) in dense marsh, w.
• Bewick’s Wren 10 vocal, greg. pairs in cottonwood canopy and willow understory, nw, w.
• House Finch 12 (m,f) vocal (calls and partial song) greg. foraging on ground in ruderal fields throughout.
• Song Sparrow 1 vocal (calls- unseen) in willow-marsh understory, w.
• California Towhee 1 vocal (calls – unseen) brushy fields, w.
• Bullock’s Oriole 2 (f) active in cottonwoods, ne, w.’
• Hooded Oriole 1 (f) vocal (calls) while active in fruiting cottonwood, sw.
• Red-winged Blackbird 20 (ad. imm; m,f) greg. vocal; small flocks moving between cottonwoods and marsh, ne, s.
• Great-tailed Grackle 18 (m,f; ad. imm) vocal, greg. a large, scattered flock of mostly fem. and immatures on jetty, nw.
• Orange-crowned Warbler (all relatively dark celata ssp.) 3 individuals foraging in cottonwood canopies, two with nearby YEWA, ne, w.
• Common Yellowthroat 5 (m,f) greg. vocal (calls) individuals and pairs foraging in marsh and adjacent willows, w, sw.
• Yellow Warbler 5 (m,f) vocal (calls and song) foraging in willows and cottonwoods, ne, nw, w.

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Lake Palmdale LACO 1 August 2024 (55 Species)

Weather: Fair with some high clouds; 73°F to 91°F; wind ENE 0 – 2mph.

Time: 0617-1030 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route from the northeast corner adjacent to the skeet range, around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level was near the maximum; inflow in the Palmdale Ditch moderate. PWD technicians were sampling lake water in the northwest jetty area. Two CDFW biologists were checking the southern slough area for the presence of zebra mussel. The lake survey area was otherwise quiet and undisturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Allen’s Hummingbird (1), Spotted Sandpiper (2), Great Egret (2), Barn Owl (1 -cont.), Belted Kingfisher (1), and Yellow-headed Blackbird (1).

• Gadwall 1 (fem) swimming away from the dam, ne.
• Mallard 120 (m,f; many in trans. plmg.) in shallows around the lake.
• Cinnamon Teal 1 (f) with MALL, swimming away from the dam, e.
• Ruddy Duck 20 (m,f) mostly resting in shallows and open water, nw, w, se.
• California Quail 12 (m,f) vocal, greg. two coveys about 50 yards apart, foraging at edge of skeet range, ne.
• Pied-billed Grebe 22 ad, imm., vocal swimming in shallows and open water around the lake.
• Western Grebe 18 vocal, greg. pairs swimming together, showing ritualized preening courtship moves; most abundant near marsh in nw near jetty; CLGR swimming nearby but no interspecific interactions observed.
• Clark’s Grebe 32 individuals and pairs swimming throughout; one pair constructing a nest with rotted cattail fragments in patchy, inundated marsh, nw (photo).

• Mourning Dove 5 on ground and flying over clearings throughout.
• Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (fem) hovering, aerial hawking insects on outer edge of cottonwood foliage, nw, w.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 5 (f) pairs and individuals hovering, aerial hawking insects on outer edge of cottonwoods and willows, n, nw.
• Allen’s Hummingbird 1 (m imm.) aerial hover-gleaning; aerial-hawking insects around willow canopy, ne (photo).

• Rufous Hummingbird 2 (f; imm. m) hovering around cottonwood and willow canopies – aerial hawking and aerial snatch-gleaning from foliage, nw, w.
• Selasphorus sp. 2 (fem) perched on outer limbs of willows and cottonwoods; aerial hawking insects, nw, s.
• American Coot 80 greg. mostly in shallow, algal matt backwaters, se.
• Spotted Sandpiper 2 (alt.; trans. bsc. plmg.) greg. a pair in flight along shoreline of dam; one foraging alone on algal-edged rock, e (photo).

• California Gull 3 (imm. C1, C2; ad.) resting on jetty, flushed to open water; adult remaining in open water, central, nw.
• Double-crested Cormorant 5 (bsc. plmg.) individuals on stirring platforms, nw, s.
• Great Blue Heron 2 individuals flushed from shoreline marsh, ne, s.
• Great Egret 2 (bsc. plmg.) individuals flushed from edge of marsh, ne, nw.
• Green Heron 2 one in brief flight n, low near the dam; another on a snag, s.
• Black-crowned Night Heron 1 low flight over marsh, nw.
• Turkey Vulture 3 one soaring over dam, ne; two flushed from cottonwoods, se.
• Cooper’s Hawk 2 (ad, imm), immature in mulberry canopy picnic area, n; adult in flight over willows, nw.
• Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad, imm) an immature with a bait crayfish in talons while perched in a willow (photo); a vocal adult flushed from cottonwoods, se.

• Red-tailed Hawk 2 (imm., ad.) perched on PWD cell tower, ne; an adult in low flight over cottonwoods, se.
• Barn Owl 1-cont. flushed from same location in lakeside willows, flying low, sw.
• Belted Kingfisher 1 in low flight over lake, nw; subsequently perched on a snag, se.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 4 vocal, in cottonwoods and willows, w, s.
• Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 in outer canopy of isolated cottonwood, nw.
• Black Phoebe 12 (ad. imm) vocal; individuals and pairs sallying from low perches in trees to ground at edge of clearings throughout.
• Warbling Vireo 2 greg. a pair foraging in cottonwood foliage, w.
• California Jay 3 greg. individuals and a pair in cottonwoods and willows, nw, w.
• Common (Northern) Raven 12 greg. individuals and pairs flying 10-50 ft. agl. throughout; on ground at the dam, e.
• Horned Lark 38 (ad. imm.- about 30 % juveniles) a dispersed flock foraging in ruderal patches of skeet range; subsequently, a large, cohesive flock resting in shade on gravel patch in PWD yard.
• Tree Swallow 1 flying low over lake, w.
• Barn Swallow 30 greg. vocal, individuals and pairs flying low over open areas and skimming water on lake throughout.
• Cliff Swallow 2 with BASW, flying over riparian-marsh, w.
• Oak Titmouse 1 vocal, flew to cottonwood with BUTI flock, nw.
• Bushtit 18 cohesive flocks (5-10 birds) in cottonwoods and willows with catkins, nw, w.
• House Wren 1 vocal (song – unseen) se.
• Marsh Wren 2 vocal in dense marsh, w.
• Bewick’s Wren 10 vocal, greg. pairs in cottonwood canopy and willow understory throughout.
• European Starling 4 greg. vocal in fruiting cottonwood, n.
• House Sparrow 3 (m,f) greg. vocal in picnic area, n.
• House Finch 30 (m,f) vocal (calls and partial song) greg. foraging on ground in ruderal fields throughout.
• Lawrence’s Goldfinch 1 vocal (song – unseen) in cottonwood canopy, w.
• Song Sparrow 5 (ad., imm) vocal (calls) in willow-marsh understory, ne, w.
• California Towhee 3 vocal (calls – unseen) brushy fields, ne, w.
• Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 (m) on upper, exposed limb of willow; BHGR perched nearby, nw.
• Bullock’s Oriole 1 (f) with COYE in willows, sw.
• Red-winged Blackbird 20 ad. imm; m,f) greg. vocal; a small flock foraging on cottonwood fruits, sw.
• Great-tailed Grackle 16 (m,f) vocal, greg. in marsh on exposed snags; on dam, nw, s, e.
• Common Yellowthroat 5 (m,f) greg. vocal (calls) individuals and pairs foraging in marsh and adjacent willows, w, sw.
• Yellow Warbler 5 (m,f) vocal (calls and song) foraging in willows and cottonwoods, ne, nw, w.
• Black-headed Grosbeak 2 (m) on exposed willow canopy snag; another in a cottonwood subcanopy, sw, se.

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Lake Palmdale LACO 26 July 2024 (53 Species)

Weather: Fair; 84°F to 94°F; wind WNW 0 – 6 mph.

Time: 0605 – 1015 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route from the northeast corner adjacent to the skeet range, around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level was near the maximum ; inflow in the Palmdale Ditch moderate. The lake survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities. All large brush piles (mainly in the northeast, northwest, west and southeast) had been removed since the previous survey of 27 June, 2024.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Blue-winged Teal (1), Long-billed Dowitcher (3), Barn Owl (1,) Warbling Vireo (1)

BIRDS NOTED

• Gadwall 2 (fem) greg. a pair flushed from near the dam, se.
• Mallard 120 (m,f; many in trans. plmg.) in shallows around the lake.
• Blue-winged Teal 1-2 (fem – showing gray face, broken white eye-ring and conspicuous eye-line) resting with flock of CITE on floating mat of bullrush, se.
• Cinnamon Teal 6 (m,f) with BWTE; a separate trio flushed from near the dam, se, e.
• Ruddy Duck 40 (m,f) mostly resting in shallows and open water, nw, w, se.
• California Quail 6 (m,f) vocal in brushy areas at edges of clearings, w, e.
• Pied-billed Grebe 12 vocal swimming in shallows and open water around the lake.
• Western Grebe 22 greg. two active nests; one with an adult on it (photo); another with a nearly full grown juvenile and a pair of adults swimming nearby; CLGR also nearby, vocalizing, nw, se.

• Clark’s Grebe 42 vocal, greg. pairs and individuals swimming near marsh and in open water throughout, often with WEGR in vicinity; nesting CLGR and/or immature birds not observed.
• Feral Rock Pigeon 1 on roof of adjacent home borering s fence line.
• Eurasian Collared Dove 1 on utility line near aqueduct inlet, sw.
• Mourning Dove 8 on ground and flying over clearings throughout.
• Black-chinned Hummingbird 2 (fem) hovering, aerial hawking insects on outer edge of cottonwood foliage, nw, w.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 12 (m,f) pairs and individuals hovering, aerial hawking insects on outer edge of cottonwoods and willows throughout.
• Selasphorus sp. 2 (fem) on outer limbs of willows and cottonwoods, nw, s.
• American Coot 80 greg. mostly in shallow, algal matt backwaters, se.
• Killdeer 3 greg. vocal when approached; pairs and individuals on dam and jetty, e, nw.
• Long-billed Dowitcher 3 (1 ad., 2 imm.) greg. vocal (rapid series of loud ‘peep’ notes given before and during flight; flushed from waterline at dam, e (photo).

• California Gull 5 (imm. C1, C3) resting on jetty, flushed to open water, nw, ne.
• Double-crested Cormorant 2 (bsc. plmg.) individuals on stirring platforms, nw, s.
• Great Blue Heron 2 individuals flushed from shoreline marsh, nw. se.
• Green Heron 1 in brief flight between patches of marsh, w.
• Turkey Vulture 3 greg. on dam, e.
• Cooper’s Hawk 2 (ad, imm) an immature alighted on a short post in the picnic area, n; an adult perched in willow, allowing close approach, sw (photo).

• Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad.) repeatedly vocal after flushed from cottonwood and flying to se corner.
• Red-tailed Hawk 1 on utility pole, n.
• Barn Owl 1 flushed from lakeside willows, flying low, sw.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 (fem.) vocal, foraging on main limbs of cottonwoods and willows, w, s.
• Black Phoebe 12 (ad. imm) individuals and pairs sallying from low perches in trees to ground at edge of clearings throughout.
• Say’s Phoebe 1 flying low over skeet range, ne.
• Warbling Vireo 1 foraging low in willow foliage, w (photo).

• Common (Northern) Raven 10 (ad, imm) vocal, greg. individuals and pairs flying and on ground; a relatively tame immature bird following me across the dam.
• Horned Lark 32 (ad, imm) greg. on ground in ruderal patches of skeet range, ne; a large flock resting in the shade on a gravel lot in the PWD yard, ne.
• Tree Swallow 2 flying low over lake, nw.
• Barn Swallow 20 greg. pairs and trios flying low and dipping into lake surface; ubiq..
• Cliff Swallow 2 greg. a pair flying from adjacent property in west, over riparian lakeside, w.
• Oak Titmouse 4 (ad, imm) greg. vocal. pairs foraging in msf with BUTI in willows and fruiting cottonwoods, w, s.
• Verdin 1 vocal in msf with BUTI, foraging in fruiting, partially desiccated cottonwoods, s.
• Bushtit 18 (ad, imm) greg.. flocks foraging at all height levels in fruiting cottonwoods and willows, sw, w, s.
• Marsh Wren 3 vocal (unseen) in dense cattail marsh, w, sw.
• Bewick’s Wren 10 vocal, greg. pairs and individuals foraging at all height levels in cottonwood, mulberry and willow; often in msf, e.g. SOSP, OCWA, BUTI, NUWO, ubiq..
• California Thrasher 1 vocal (unseen) in PWD parking area gardens, n.
• Northern Mockingbird 1 brief song (unseen) se.
• House Finch 42 (m,f) greg. large flocks foraging in ruderal patches of skeet range and other brushy areas throughout.
• Lark Sparrow 2 (imm) flushed from brushy area at edge of clearing, s.
• Song Sparrow 3 vocal individuals and pairs in marsh-riparian patches, ne, w.
• California Towhee 6 vocal (calls) pairs and individuals on ground at edges of clearings, ne, nw, w.
• Red-winged Blackbird 30 (m,f) greg. vocal, in marsh and flying n over lake, nw, w.
• Brown-headed Cowbird 1 (fem.) in cottonwood canopy, sw.
• Great-tailed Grackle 18 (m,f) vocal, greg. in marsh-riparian areas throughout.
• Orange-crowned Warbler 1 foraging in willow foliage, s.
• Common Yellowthroat 2 vocal (calls and partial song) dense marsh-riparian, nw, w.
• Yellow Warbler 1 vocal in willow canopy, sw.

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Lake Palmdale LACO 27 June 2024 (52 Species)

Weather: Fair; 72°F to 87°F; wind WSW 5 -15 mph.

Time: 0555-1010 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route, from the northeast corner adjacent to the skeet range, around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water was about one-foot below the maximum level. There was no inflow of water from the Palmdale Ditch. Two vehicles moved around the lake briefly. There was some late-morning, road-leveling activity in the northeast corner area that otherwise did not interfere with the survey, which proceeded largely without disturbance from human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Allen’s Hummingbird (1 – a new record for the official LP bird list); Tringa sp. (see below).

BIRDS NOTED

• Canada Goose 5 (ad, imm – continuing) greg. two adults with three, 3/4 grown goslings, on jetty, moving to the lake, nw.
• Mallard 80 (m,f) ( ad. imm) ., greg., adult females followed by mostly full-grown young in dark, pre-basic plumage, swimming near the marsh and in open water; pairs and small cohorts also swimming near open shorelines, ubiq..
• Ruddy Duck 10 (m,f) males in alt. plmg., small, loose flocks resting in shallows in s slough and near docks, w, sw.
• California Quail 28 (m,f) ad. imm. greg. vocal when alarmed; foraging in brushy and ruderal fields around the lake.
• Pied-billed Grebe 10 vocal; individuals and pairs in shallows, inundated marsh areas around the lake and open water, ubiq..
• Western Grebe 8 vocal, greg., individuals and pairs in open water; msf with CLGR, e, n, nw.
• Clark’s Grebe 22 greg., vocal, individuals and pairs swimming in open water and shallows at edge of marsh throughout; most in nw.
• Eurasian Collared Dove 2 greg., vocal, in and around cottonwoods, w.
• Mourning Dove 6, greg. vocal, pairs in cottonwoods, on fences and on ground.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 6 (m,f) individuals flying, aerial-hawking in abundant swarms of diptera around willows, w, s.
• Allen’s Hummingbird 1 (m) ID: trans. bsc. plmg, showing mottled rufous undersides and upper tail coverts with a green back and sharply pointed rectrices when the tail was fanned; hovering at edge of willow foliage, nw (First photo-documented record for this species at LP).

• Black-chinned Hummingbird 2 (m,f) a female feeding on Stanleya pinnata flowers; a male perched in a Joshua Tree, se.
• American Coot 20 (others probably hidden in marsh and/or on nests) vocal, greg. open water; pairs and trios in shallows, backwaters and marsh around the lake.
• Killdeer 4, greg. pairs vocalizing repeatedly and flying a short distance as I approached; on ground in alkali soil clearing next to the jetty; moving to jetty, nw.
• Tringa sp. 1 observed for about two-minutes in rapid flight; initially low when flushed from nw marsh, then circling marsh and jetty widely, twice; gaining altitude and heading north; ID: a medium-sized Tringa, c.f. LEYE, showing a conspicuous white tail and wedge on lower back; wings and overall upperparts graysish-white; undersides white. Feet darkish and extending out from the tail 2-3 inches. The bill could not be seen clearly, though appeared slender. Plumage, size and structure appeared to rule out WIPH, SOSA, LEYE and GRLE. To my eye, this bird most closely resembled an Eurasian Tringa, e.g. T. stagnatalis or possibly an immature T. ochropus; both of the latter species being highly unlikely to occur at this southerly latitude (photo).

• California Gull 2 (imm. C2) greg. a pair resting on the south end of the jetty, nw.
• Double-crested Cormorant 1 (ad.), bsc. plmg. resting on jetty; moving to shallows, nw.
• Turkey Vulture 4 greg. standing on top of the dam; flying off together as I approached, ne.
• Cooper’s Hawk 1 flying sw over dam and into willow riparian strip, se.
• Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) perched in subcanopy of a large cottonwood, s.
• Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad.) 1 gaining altitude on thermals, s; one adult, a desiccated carcass on the fence line embankment next to skeet range clubhouse; cause of death undetermined (photo).

• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2, (m,f) vocal in cottonwoods, w, e.
• Ash-throated Flycatcher 6 (ad, imm) vocal, loosely greg. individuals perched in creosote bush and junipers; in flight over cottonwoods, ubiq..
• Western Kingbird 2 vocal, atop large cottonwoods, w.
• Black Phoebe 16 (ad, imm), greg. vocal; individuals and pairs flying low between shrubs and trees at edges of dry clearings and near water; a conspicuous increase in abundance of this species compared with recent surveys. ubiq..
• Say’s Phoebe 4 (ad) greg., pairs showing intraspecific aggression in flight; sallying from low perch to ground in ruderal field adjacent to skeet range, ne; nw.
• California Jay 1 (ad) vocal, in cottonwood with nearby BUOR, sw.
• Common (Northern) Raven 10 (ad, imm) greg., vocal pairs and small family groups, ubiq..
• Horned Lark 18 (ad, imm.) greg., a continuing large, fairly cohesive flock of adults and juveniles, flying low a short distance and walking on ground in ruderal patches on skeet range, ne. e.
• Tree Swallow 22 greg. vocal individuals, pairs and loosely associated flocks in and around willows and cottonwoods, where nesting had been observed in previous years; flying low over skeet range, marsh and edge of lake throughout.
• Northern Rough-winged Swallow 12, greg. a pair perched and flying over marsh and backwater slough, s.
• Barn Swallow 40 greg. pairs flying low over skeet range, dipping into surface of settling ponds; over lake, marsh; vocalizing in concrete drainage box nest site, se; ubiq..
• Cliff Swallow 20, greg. flying low in msf with BASW and TRSW; over marsh & lake, w, s.
• Oak Titmouse 1 in lakeside willow, sw.
• Verdin 3 vocal; individuals in junipers and cottonwood, ne, n.
• Bushtit 18 greg. at least three separate flocks foraging in cottonwoods, ne, nw, s.
• House Wren 1 climbing up trunk of large cottonwood, se.
• Marsh Wren 2 vocal (song- unseen) in dense cattail marsh, w.
• Bewick’s Wren 4 vocal (mostly unseen) in brushy areas, ne, nw, s.
• Western Bluebird 2 (m,f) greg. continuing pair; female entering tree cavity nest site; male perched nearby, ne.
• California Thrasher 1 (imm) running on ground alongside juniper patch, w.
• Northern Mockingbird 4 vocal (repeated song) ne, se.
• House Sparrow 12 (m,f) vocal, greg. in cottonwoods and around buildings, ne,
• House Finch 44 (m,f) vocal, greg. foraging in cottonwood canopies and on ground in ruderal patches, ubiq..
• Lesser Goldfinch 12 (m,f) greg. foraging in mustard and other herbaceous weeds in and adjacent to the skeet range, ne.
• Song Sparrow 4 vocal and active on the ground and in trees, riparian-marsh, ne, w.
• Bullock’s Oriole 1 (m) vocal (repeated calls) in cottonwood canopy, sw.
• Red-winged Blackbird 80 (conserv. est. continuing – apparently a significant post-breeding departure from LP) (m,f), ad. imm., greg., vocal; males comparatively less vocal in cattails and adjacent willows throughout; females and young birds foraging in shoreline patches of grass.
• Brown-headed Cowbird 3 (m) individuals perched atop junipers and cottonwoods, w, sw.
• Great-tailed Grackle 24 (ad., imm; m,f) (alt. plmg.) vocal, greg., small flocks and family groups; pairs of males with several females nearby on ground and low perches on jetty, in marsh and riparian areas around the lake.
• Common Yellowthroat 1 vocal (repeated song) in isolated marsh patch offshore, nw.
• Yellow Warbler 8 (m,f) vocal (song) individuals in cottonwoods, ne, w, sw.

_________________________________________________________

Lake Palmdale LACO 20 June 2024 (50 Species)

Weather: Fair; 60°F to 82°F; winds calm.

Time: 0550-0945 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water was at the maximum level; usually dry, grassy margins in the western section were inundated. Inflow at the Palmdale Ditch was at a high volume. A large accumulation of displaced soil and rotting vegetation was being removed with a backhoe and truck in the northwest section. A few PWD vehicles were moving briefly around the lake; a pair of adult stray dogs (a brown pit-bull and white mutt) were running freely next to the skeet range in the northeast section.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included multiple juveniles, e.g. Great Blue Heron, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird and Horned Lark, indicating locally breeding populations for those species, i.e. at or adjacent to LP. A singing Least Bell’s Vireo was photographed in the western section of LP.

BIRDS NOTED

• Canada Goose 5 (ad, imm – continuing) greg. two adults with three, 3/4 grown goslings, on jetty, moving to the lake, nw.
• Mallard 70 (m,f) ( ad. imm) ., greg., adult females followed by mostly full-grown young in dark, pre-basic plumage, swimming near the marsh and in open water; pairs and small cohorts also swimming near open shorelines, ubiq..
• Ruddy Duck 12 (m,f) males in alt. plmg., small, loose flocks resting in shallows in s slough and near docks, w, sw.
• California Quail 22 (m,f) ad. 5 imm. greg. vocal when alarmed; foraging in brushy and ruderal fields around the lake.
• Pied-billed Grebe 10 vocal; individuals and pairs in shallows, inundated marsh areas around the lake and open water, ubiq..
• Western Grebe 12 vocal, greg., individuals and pairs in open water, n, nw.
• Clark’s Grebe 10 greg., vocal, individuals and pairs swimming in open water and shallows at edge of marsh throughout; most in nw.
• Feral Rock Pigeon 3 greg. in flight over PWD maintenance yard.
• Eurasian Collared Dove 3 greg., pairs on ground then in flight, in and around cottonwoods, nw, sw.
• Mourning Dove 26, greg. vocal, pairs in cottonwoods, on fences and on ground, ubiq..
• Anna’s Hummingbird 3 (f) individuals flying, aerial-hawking in abundant swarms of diptera around willows, w, s.
• American Coot 40 (others probably hidden in marsh and/or on nests) vocal, greg. open water; pairs and trios in shallows, backwaters and marsh around the lake.
• Killdeer 6, greg. pairs vocalizing repeatedly and flying a short distance as I approached; on ground in alkali soil clearing next to the jetty; moving to jetty, nw, ne.
• California Gull 1 (imm. C2) possibly sick and/or injured; resting on shore of dam, se.
• Double-crested Cormorant 4 (3 ad.,1 imm), bsc. plmg. , greg., resting on jetty; swimming in open water and shallows, nw.
• Great Blue Heron 3 greg. (imm) three juveniles flying from marsh in se corner to shore of dam; then northwest across the lake; no nests were found for this species recently at LP. However, the presence of a juveniles (probably a colonial cohort), indicates a local breeding population of this species (photo).

• Turkey Vulture 2 greg. a pair leaving a perch in mature cottonwoods, gaining altitude on thermals to at least 200 ft. agl., se.
• Cooper’s Hawk 2 (ad., imm) an immature bird unsuccessfully chasing a juvenile California ground squirrel into a hole at the base of a juniper. At the same time, an adult COHA remained motionless and alert, perched on a short post about 5 yards away; the adult bird flew a short distance to a low limb on a mulberry tree, tail-wagging, as I approached. The incident appeared to be one of parental supervision of a young bird learning how to forage on its own. This site (Fin & Feather picnic area lined with mature mulberry trees) had an active COHA nest during the most recent springtime surveys.
• Red-shouldered Hawk 1 – vocal, flying low over east end of backwater slough, se.
• Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad.) greg. vocal; apparently a continuing resident pair, using on crosspiece of utility pole, ne.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2, (m) vocal in cottonwoods, ne, s.
• Ash-throated Flycatcher 6 (ad, imm) vocal, loosely greg. individuals and pairs (including an adult and juvenile) perched in creosote bush and junipers; in flight over cottonwoods; one individual structurally resembled this species but has since been reassigned to SAPH. ubiq..
• Western Kingbird 3, (ad. imm) an immature, on the LP property bordering a juniper-Joshua tree field, sallied from a chain-link fence to the ground for a large lepidopteran insect, which it rapidly consumed; the bird then returned to the adjacent field and perched atop a juniper, se (photo).

• Black Phoebe 12 (ad, imm), vocal; individuals flying low between shrubs and trees at edges of dry clearings and near water; a conspicuous increase in abundance of this species compared with recent surveys. ubiq..
• Say’s Phoebe 1 (ad) sallying from low perch to ground in ruderal field adjacent to skeet range; another individual, apparently immature, was interacting briefly with an ATFL in a patch of juniper-creosote bush, nw (photo); ne.

• Least Bell’s Vireo 1 vocal (repeated song) initially recognized by its distinctive song; active in a mature willow canopy, providing only a brief photo opportunity, showing a partially concealed bird. The vireo then flew across interior shoreline road and into another willow canopy adjacent to Dock # 31. Vocalizations continued and soon faded in the distance as the bird moved northward in a patch of lakeside willows.

• California Jay 2 (ad) vocal, in junipers and cottonwoods, nw.
• Common (Northern) Raven 12 greg., vocal pairs; a continuing pair with at least one recently fledged young; in and adjacent to a PWD yard utility pole nest, ne; ubiq..
• Horned Lark 22 (ad, imm.) greg., a large, fairly cohesive flock of adults and juveniles, flying low a short distance and walking on ground in ruderal patches on skeet range, ne (photo).

• Tree Swallow 32 greg. vocal individuals, pairs and loosely associated flocks in and around willows and cottonwoods, where nesting had been observed in previous years; flying low over skeet range, marsh and edge of lake throughout.
• Northern Rough-winged Swallow 10, greg. a pair perched and flying over marsh and backwater slough, s.
• Barn Swallow 40 greg. pairs flying low over skeet range, dipping into surface of settling ponds; over lake, marsh; vocalizing in concrete drainage box nest site, se; ubiq..
• Cliff Swallow 4, greg. flying low in msf with BASW and TRSW; over marsh & lake s.
• Marsh Wren 8 individuals vocalizing (unseen), sometimes simultaneously, 20-30 yards apart in same area as in previous surveys this Spring — dense cattail marsh, w and peninsula bordering channel, s.
• Bewick’s Wren 5, loosely greg. a pair on fence, ne; and individuals singing atop junipers and in willows, cottonwoods around the lake.
• American Robin 1 (ad) on ground in shady roadside area next to PWD pump house, sw.
• Northern Mockingbird 2, one vocal bird in an adjacent residential yard, issuing repeated song with recognizable imitations of California Jay, Cactus Wren, and other local bird species, se.
• European Starling 12 (ad., imm) greg. vocal, pairs and small flocks on ground and in trees around the lake, ubiq..
• House Sparrow 4, (m,f) greg. vocal pairs on ground and on roof-tops; foraging in ruderal patches around skeet range building, ne.
• House Finch 40 (ad, imm; m,f) greg. vocal, pairs and small flocks in cottonwoods and junipers; a large flock foraging on ground with MODO and LEGO in skeet range.
• Lesser Goldfinch 12 (m,f) greg., vocal, on a large flock foraging on flowering mustard (Brassica sp.) in ruderal patches on skeet range ne.
• Lawrence’s Goldfinch 3 (m,f) greg. vocal. flying from Az. Cypress, s to marsh, ne.
• Song Sparrow 8 (ad., imm) vocal in sage-rabbitbrush and riparian-marsh, ne, w.
• Bullock’s Oriole 1 (m) vocal (calls), active in cottonwood canopy, se.
• Hooded Oriole 2 (imm.) greg. in cottonwood canopy with nearby BUOR. Hooded Oriole (historically rare at LP), appears to be an established summer breeding resident in adjacent residential yards, e.g. with mature palm trees, se.
• Red-winged Blackbird 80 (conserv. est. – apparently a significant post-breeding departure from LP) (m,f), ad. imm., greg., vocal; males comparatively less vocal in cattails and adjacent willows throughout; females and young birds foraging in shoreline patches of grass.
• Great-tailed Grackle 12 (m,f) (alt. plmg.) vocal, greg., small flocks and pairs of males on ground and low perches on jetty, in marsh and riparian areas around the lake.
• Yellow Warbler 8 (m,f) vocal (song) individuals in cottonwoods, ne, w, sw.
• Black-headed Grosbeak 1 (f) active in cottonwood canopy, ne.
• Lazuli Bunting 1 (f) on ground with HOFI and LEGO at skeet range, ne (FOS).

________________________________________________________

Lake Palmdale LACO 6 June 2024 (55 Species)

Weather: Fair; 75°F to 89°F; wind WNW 2-10 mph; a continuing Southwestern regional, high-pressure system; second consecutive day with 101-102°F daytime high temperatures in the Antelope Valley.

Time: 0554-0935 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water was near the maximum level, exposing almost no shoreline substrate. Inflow at the Palmdale Ditch was at a high volume. Aside from the weekly porta-potty servicing in the northeastern section, and PWD service vehicles moving briefly around the lake, the survey area was quiet and little disturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Eared Grebe (8), California Gull (14), American Goldfinch (1), Tricolored Blackbird (4) and Yellow Warbler (8).

BIRDS NOTED

• Canada Goose 5 (ad, imm – continuing) greg. two adults with 1/3 grown goslings, on land next to the Palmdale Ditch inlet, se.
• Mallard 30 (m,f) ( ad. imm) ., greg., adult females followed by half-grown young, swimming near the marsh; pairs swimming and flying low near shore, ubiq..
• Ruddy Duck 20 (m,f) males in alt. plmg., loose flocks resting in shallows in s slough and near docks, ubiq..
• California Quail 18 (m,f) ad. 5 imm. greg. vocal when alarmed; pairs and small coveys, one including five young, foraging in brushy and ruderal fields around the lake.
• Pied-billed Grebe 12 vocal; individuals and pairs in shallows, inundated marsh areas around the lake and open water, ubiq..
• Eared Grebe 8 (alt. & trans. alt. plmg.), a cohesive flock in open and shallows, nw, w.
• Western Grebe 6, vocal,greg., individuals and pairs in open water, n, nw.
• Clark’s Grebe 10 greg., vocal, individuals and pairs swimming in open water and shallows at edge of marsh throughout; most in nw.
• Feral Rock Pigeon 1, an unusual racing pigeon variant, apparently carrying a homozygous recessive “ember” gene; showing, among other distinctive features, a conspicuous light eye-ring; alone in subcanopy of cottonwood, w (photo).

• Eurasian Collared Dove 3 greg., pairs on ground then in flight, in and around cottonwoods, nw, sw.
• Mourning Dove 22, greg. vocal, pairs in cottonwoods and on ground around the lake.
• Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (f) in middle level of a mature black willow, nw.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 6 (m, f) individuals flying, aerial-hawking in abundant swarms of diptera, ubiq..
• American Coot 30 (others probably hidden in marsh and/or on nests) vocal, greg. open water; pairs and trios in shallows, backwaters and marsh around the lake.
• Killdeer 12, greg. pairs vocalizing repeatedly and flying a short distance as I approached; on skeet range; a pair continuing on ground in alkali soil clearing next to the jetty, nw, ne.
• California Gull 14 (imm.- 13 C1, 1 C2) greg. a cohesive flock resting on south end of jetty, nw.
• Double-crested Cormorant 6 (ad., imm), bsc. plmg. , greg., diving in open water and shallow backwaters, n,nw,s.
• Green Heron 2 greg. in flight, w at about 25 ft. agl. over shoreline, ne.
• Turkey Vulture 2 greg. on the dam, flying a short distance as I approached, moving northward; flying low over ground and chased by a highly vocal RTHA (photo).

• Red-shouldered Hawk 1 – continuing in patch of mature cottonwoods; no nest activity seen, se.
• Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad. one dark phase) greg. vocal; apparently a continuing resident pair, using on crosspiece of utility pole; circling same area and chasing a pair of TUVU near the dam.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 1, (m) vocal in cottonwoods, w.
• Ash-throated Flycatcher 6 vocal, loosely greg. individuals and pairs perched and in flight over cottonwoods, ne, s, se.
• Western Kingbird 2, individuals on exposed perches in cottonwood canopies, ne, w.
• Black Phoebe 16 (ad, imm), vocal; individuals flying low between shrubs and trees at edges of dry clearings and near water; a conspicuous increase in abundance of this species compared with recent surveys. ubiq..
• California Jay 2 (ad) vocal, in junipers and cottonwoods, nw.
• Common (Northern) Raven 12 greg., vocal pairs; a continuing pair with nearly fledged young in and adjacent to a PWD yard utility pole nest, ne.
• Horned Lark 8 (alt. & bsc. plmg.) greg., flying low and walking on ground in ruderal patches on skeet range, ne.
• Tree Swallow 32 greg. vocal individuals, pairs and loosely associated flocks in and around willows and cottonwoods, where nesting had been observed in previous years; flying low over skeet range, marsh and edge of lake throughout.
• Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3, greg. a pair perched and flying around a bare branch in cottonwood canopy, w.
• Barn Swallow 40 greg. pairs flying low over skeet range, dipping into surface of settling ponds; over lake, marsh; entering and leaving concrete drainage box nest site, se; ubiq..
• Cliff Swallow 10, greg. flying low in msf with BASW and TRSW; over marsh & lake throughout.
• Verdin 2 – individuals staying in juniper-Joshua tree and low limbs of cottonwoods, se.
• Bushtit 16 greg. vocal, two cohesive flocks of 6 -10 individuals, in mid-level of willows and cottonwoods nw, se.
• House Wren 1 vocal (unseen) in cottonwood understory, sw.
• Marsh Wren 8 individuals vocalizing (unseen), sometimes simultaneously, 20-30 yards apart in same area as in previous surveys this Spring — dense cattail marsh, w and peninsula bordering channel, s.
• Bewick’s Wren 6 loosely greg. a pair in cottonwood understory; and individuals singing atop junipers and in willows, cottonwoods around the lake.
• American Robin 1 (imm) on lawn in shaded picnic area with mulberry trees, n (first photo-documented record of this usually transient species breeding at LP).

• Western Bluebird 1 (f) a continuing to attend a nest cavity as previously described (16 & 30 May 2024) in a lakeside cottonwood; female entering nest cavity with a food item; exiting about two minutes later; male perched on adjacent limb.
• Northern Mockingbird 1 vocal, ne.
• California Thrasher 3 vocal (calls) individuals and a pair on ground and staying low in brushy areas, w, ne.
• European Starling 16 greg. vocal, pairs and small flocks on ground and in trees around the lake.
• House Sparrow 4, (m,f) greg. vocal pairs on ground and on roof-tops; foraging in ruderal patches around picnic area, n.
• House Finch 40 (m,f) greg. vocal, pairs and small flocks in cottonwoods and junipers; a large flock foraging on ground with MODO and LEGO in skeet range.
• Lesser Goldfinch 22 (m,f) greg., vocal, on a large flock foraging on flowering mustard (Brassica sp.) in ruderal patches on skeet range ne.
• American Goldfinch 1 (f) foraging on flowering mustard in ruderal patch in msf with LEGO, and HOFI, ne.
• Song Sparrow 3 (ad., imm) vocal in sage-rabbitbrush and riparian-marsh, ne, w.
• California Towhee 3 vocal in rabbitbrush -juniper fields, ne, se.
• Bullock’s Oriole 1 (m) vocal (brief song), perched in cottonwood canopy, ne.
• Red-winged Blackbird 120 (conserv. est.) (m,f), ad. imm., vocal; males on territories in cattails and adjacent riparian patches throughout; females foraging in shoreline patches of grass.
• Tricolored Blackbird 4 (m, f) greg. an individuals and cohesive flock flying low, eastward over marsh and shoreline, n, nw.
• Brown-headed Cowbird 1 (m) vocal, in cottonwood understory, w.
• Great-tailed Grackle 12 (m,f) (alt. plmg.) vocal, greg., small flocks and pairs of males on ground and low perches on jetty, in marsh and riparian areas around the lake.
• Common Yellowthroat 2 (f) vocal (unseen) dense marsh peninsula, s.
• Yellow Warbler 8 (m,f) vocal (song) individuals in cottonwoods, ne, w, sw.

___________________________________________________________

Lake Palmdale LACO 30 May 2024 (57 Species)

Weather: Fair; 56°F to 80°F; wind WNW 0-2 mph.

Time: 0605-1030 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water was near the maximum level, exposing almost no shoreline substrate. Inflow at the Palmdale Ditch was at a high volume. Aside from the weekly porta-potty servicing, a PWD team of water chemists taking samples, and a few service vehicles moving briefly around the lake, the survey area was quiet and little disturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Ladder-backed Woodpecker (1), Loggerhead Shrike (1) and Horned Lark (1).

BIRDS NOTED

• Mallard 16 (m,f) ad., (7) imm ., greg., two adult females followed by seven half-grown young, swimming near the marsh; pairs swimming and flying low near shore, ubiq..
• Ruddy Duck 15 (m,f) males in alt. plmg., loose flocks resting in shallows in s slough and near docks, ubiq..
• California Quail 18 (m,f) ad. 5 imm. greg. vocal when alarmed; pairs and small coveys, one including five young, foraging in brushy and ruderal fields around the lake.
• Pied-billed Grebe 5 vocal; individuals in shallows and inundated marsh areas around the lake.
• Eared Grebe 2 (alt. & bsc. plmg.), individuals diving in open water around jetty and shallows, nw, w.
• Western Grebe 6, vocal,greg., individuals and pairs in open water, n, nw.
• Clark’s Grebe 12 greg., vocal, individuals and pairs swimming in open water and shallows at edge of marsh throughout; most in nw.
• Feral Rock Pigeon 2 greg. continuing — on roof of adjacent home bordering the LP boundary fence, s.
• Eurasian Collared Dove 4 vocal, greg., pairs on ground then in flight, in and around cottonwoods, nw, s.
• Mourning Dove 14, greg. vocal, pairs in cottonwoods and on ground around the lake.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 7 (m, f) individuals chasing each other and aerial hawking around flowering Mesquite in PWD parking lot garden; perched atop junipers, ne, w, se;
• American Coot 20 (others probably hidden in marsh and/or on nests) vocal, greg. open water; pairs and trios in shallows, backwaters and marsh around the lake.
• Killdeer 7, greg. pairs vocalizing repeatedly and flying a short distance as I approached; on skeet range; a pair continuing on ground in alkali soil clearing next to the jetty, nw, ne.
• Spotted Sandpiper 2 (alt. plmg.) flushed from the side of the jetty at the water line; nw.
• California Gull 9 (imm.- C1, C2) greg. a cohesive flock resting, then flying from open water, central.
• Double-crested Cormorant 3 (ad., imm), bsc. plmg. , standing on stirring platforms, nw, ne.
• Cooper’s Hawk 1 (imm.) flushed a short distance in subcanopy of willows, w.
• Red-shouldered Hawk 2, continuing — an adult in low flight to stand of mature cottonwoods with nest, carrying a small rodent in talons; another adult partially concealed in its cottonwood canopy nest, se.
• Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad.) greg. vocal; a continuing resident pair on crosspiece of utility pole and adjacent juniper; circling same area at 60-80 ft. agl, ne.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2, (m) vocal in cottonwoods, nw, w.
• Ladder-backed Woodpecker 1 vocal, flying and alighting briefly in three cottonwoods and a willow at the shoreline, ne.
• Ash-throated Flycatcher 4 vocal, loosely greg. individuals and pairs in flight over cottonwoods and stationary in trees, s, se.
• Western Kingbird 3 vocal, individuals on exposed perches in cottonwood canopies, nw, w.
• Black Phoebe 5 (ad, imm), vocal; individuals flying low between shrubs and trees at edges of dry clearings and near water ubiq..
• Say’s Phoebe 1 flying low over ruderal field, nw.
• Loggerhead Shrike 1 in direct flight, 20 ft. agl. northwestward over dam, ne.
• California Jay 5 (ad, imm) greg. vocal, an adult on nw border fence and in adjacent junipers and cottonwoods; imm. nearby; another adult on light pole perch, ne.
• Common (Northern) Raven 10 greg., vocal pairs; a continuing pair and young in and adjacent to a PWD yard utility pole nest, ne.
• Horned Lark 1 (alt. plmg.) walking on ground in ruderal patch on skeet range, ne.
• Tree Swallow 40 (conserv. est.) greg. vocal pairs loosely associated flocks in and around willows and cottonwoods, where nesting had been observed in previous years; flying low over skeet range, marsh and edge of lake throughout.
• Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1, perched on bare branch in canopy of cottonwood, w.
• Barn Swallow 40 greg. pairs flying low over skeet range, dipping into surface of settling ponds; over lake, marsh, ubiq..
• Cliff Swallow 35, greg. flying low in msf with BASW and TRSW; over marsh & lake throughout; one large flock of about 25 birds in a willow-marsh peninsula adjacent to slough, s
• Oak Titmouse 1 vocal (unseen) cottonwood-juniper edge, sw.
• Verdin 1 – continuing in hillside juniper-cholla patch, ne.
• Bushtit 3 greg. vocal, a continuing, cohesive cohort in mid-level of cottonwood and adjacent junipers; three staying close with one gathering cottonwood inflorescent parts, sw.
• House Wren 1 vocal (unseen) in cottonwood understory, w.
• Marsh Wren 8 individuals vocalizing (unseen), sometimes simultaneously, 20-30 yards apart in dense cattail marsh, w and peninsula bordering channel, s.
• Bewick’s Wren 10 loosely greg. a pair in cottonwood understory; and individuals singing atop junipers and in willows, cottonwoods around the lake.
• American Robin 1 (f) in juniper-cottonwood patch, sw.
• Western Bluebird 2 (m,f) a continuing pair attending nest cavity as previously described (16 May 2024) in a lakeside cottonwood; female entering nest cavity with a food item; exiting about two minutes later; male perched on adjacent limb.
• Northern Mockingbird 2 (ad. imm) vocal, an immature individual singing a fragmented, song, ne; se.
• European Starling 10 greg. vocal, pairs and small flocks on ground and in trees around the lake.
• House Sparrow 10, (m,f) greg. vocal pairs on ground and on roof-tops; foraging in ruderal patches around picnic area, n; s.
• House Finch 32 (m,f) greg. vocal, pairs and small flocks in cottonwoods and junipers around the lake, ne.
• Lesser Goldfinch 4 greg., vocal, on chain-link fence and in adjacent PWD yard gravel-ruderal field, ne.
• Song Sparrow 6 vocal in in sage-rabbitbrush and riparian-marsh, ne, w.
• California Towhee 3 an individual on border fence with LEGO and HOFI, ne; one singing atop a cottonwood, se.
• Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 continuing – briefly vocal (unseen) in dense cattail marsh with GTGR and RWBL, nw.
• Bullock’s Oriole 1 vocal (brief song, unseen) in cottonwood canopy, ne.
• Red-winged Blackbird 150 (conserv. est.) (m,f), ad. imm., vocal; males on territories in cattails and adjacent riparian patches throughout; females foraging in shoreline patches of grass.
• Tricolored Blackbird 4 (m) greg. a cohesive flock flying low, over marsh and shoreline, n.
• Brown-headed Cowbird 2 (m) greg. vocal atop cottonwoods, nw, w.
• Great-tailed Grackle 16 (m,f) (alt. plmg.) vocal, greg., small flocks on ground and low perches on jetty, in marsh and riparian areas around the lake.
• Common Yellowthroat 1 (f) staying low in willow-marsh, nw.
• Yellow Warbler 10 (m,f) vocal (song) individuals in cottonwoods, ubiq..
• Wilson’s Warbler 1 vocal (unseen), singing briefly in patch of mature cottonwoods and willows, ne.

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Lake Palmdale LACO 23 May 2024 (59 Species)

Weather: Fair; 60°F to 75°F; wind WSW 10-28 mph.

Time: 0632-1040 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water was about 1.5 ft. lower than maximum level, exposing as much as two-feet of shoreline in the western section. Inflow at the Palmdale Ditch was at a moderately high volume. Aside from the weekly porta-potty servicing, a backhoe and brush pile extraction crew working in the northeast corner, and vehicles moving briefly around the lake, the survey area was quiet and little disturbed by human activities. Strong, gusty winds made observations difficult during the second half of the survey.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Western Wood Pewee (2 – FOS); Willow Flycatcher (1 – FOS), Tricolored Blackbird (5) and Yellow-rumped Warbler (1).

BIRDS NOTED

• Canada Goose 5 (2ad., 3 imm) greg. continuing two adults with two 1/3 grown goslings following them on jetty.
• Gadwall 3 (m,f) greg. a pair flushed from se slough; an individual swimming near shore, se.
• Mallard 6 (m,f) greg., pairs swimming and flying low near shore, ubiq..
• Ruddy Duck 25 (m,f) most males in alt. plmg., loose flocks resting in shallows in s slough and near docks, ubiq..
• California Quail 14 (m,f) greg. vocal when alarmed; pairs and small coveys foraging in brushy areas around the lake.
• Pied-billed Grebe 6 vocal; individuals in shallows and inundated marsh areas around the lake.
• Eared Grebe 5 (alt. plmg.) greg. individuals and a small flock diving in open water around jetty and shallows, nw, w.
• Western Grebe 2, vocal, a pair in open water, n.
• Clark’s Grebe 9 greg., vocal, individuals and pairs swimming and resting in open water and shallows at edge of marsh, most in nw.
• Feral Rock Pigeon 6 greg. continuing — on roof of adjacent home bordering the LP boundary fence, s.
• Eurasian Collared Dove 4 vocal, greg., pairs in flight, in and around cottonwoods, nw, sw.
• Mourning Dove 16, greg. vocal, pairs in cottonwoods and on ground around the lake.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 1 (m) perched atop juniper, se;
• American Coot 20 (others probably hidden in marsh and/or on nests) vocal, greg. open water; pairs and trios in shallows, backwaters and marsh around the lake.
• Killdeer 1, vocalizing as I approached; continuing — on ground in alkali soil clearing, nw.
• Spotted Sandpiper 2 (alt. plmg.) flushed from the side of the jetty while foraging at water line; nw.
• California Gull 13 (imm.- C1) greg. a cohesive flock resting, then flying from open water, central; one partially consumed carcass on n shore; s-central.
• Double-crested Cormorant 5 (1 ad. 4 imm.) on stirring platform, jetty dock, and diving in open water, n, nw.
• Great Blue Heron 1 flushed from marsh shoreline, nw.
• Red-shouldered Hawk 1-2, an adult in flight, northeastward over the dam, se; another partially concealed, continuing in cottonwood canopy nest, se.
• Red-tailed Hawk 2-4 (ad.) greg. vocal; a continuing resident pair on crosspiece of utility pole, ne; adult pair (possibly the same birds as in the ne) circling at 80-100 ft. agl., w.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2, (m) vocal in cottonwoods, nw, w.
• Ash-throated Flycatcher 3 vocal, individuals in flight over cottonwoods and stationary in trees, n, w.
• Western Kingbird 4 vocal, individuals on exposed perches in cottonwood canopies, nw, w.
• Western Wood Pewee 2 aerial-hawking between junipers and cottonwoods; one with a large insect (e.g. lepidopteran), w (FOS – photo).

• Willow Flycatcher 1, shy and retreating; flying between and perching in mid-level of cottonwoods, w (FOS).
• Black Phoebe 3 vocal; individuals flying low between shrubs and trees at edges of dry clearings and near water, ne, s.
• Say’s Phoebe 1 flying low from chain-link fence over gravel-ruderal field in PWD maintenance yard, n.
• California Jay 2 (ad, imm) greg. vocal, an adult on ground in grassy patch; imm. and adult flying to LP boundary fence, nw.
• Common (Northern) Raven 16 greg., vocal pairs and loose flocks soaring and flying 10- 150 ft. agl into strong headwinds throughout the area; a continuing pair and young in and adjacent to a PWD yard utility pole nest, ne.
• Tree Swallow 35 (conserv. est.) greg. vocal pairs loosely associated flocks in and around willows and cottonwoods, where nesting had been observed in previous years; flying low over skeet range, marsh and edge of lake throughout.
• Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 greg. a pair flying low in msf with BASW and CLSW over skeet range, ne.
• Barn Swallow 40 greg. pairs flying low over skeet range, lake, marsh; resting on dock railings, ubiq..
• Cliff Swallow 26 greg. flying low in msf with BASW and TRSW; over marsh & lake, at variable heights (2-80 ft. agl) ; highest with TRSW in strong winds, e.g. 50- 80 ft. agl.
• Oak Titmouse 1 vocal (unseen) cottonwood-juniper edge, sw.
• Verdin 1 vocal (unseen) in juniper-cholla patch, ne.
• Bushtit 4 greg. vocal, a cohesive cohort in mid-level of cottonwood and adjacent junipers, sw.
• Marsh Wren 9 individuals vocalizing (unseen), sometimes simultaneously, spaced 20-50 yards apart in dense cattail marsh, w and peninsula bordering channel, s.
• Bewick’s Wren 12 loosely greg. a pair, staying low in junipers; and individuals singing atop junipers and in willows, cottonwoods around the lake.
• American Robin 1 (f) in juniper-cottonwood patch, sw.
• Western Bluebird 1 (m) on utility line over skeet range; no activity observed at previous nest cavity, ne.
• Northern Mockingbird 1 vocal, an individual singing repeatedly in cottonwood-ruderal field adjacent to the se LP boundary fence, se.
• California Thrasher 1 flushed to ground in creosote bush patch, nw.
• European Starling 10 greg. vocal, pairs and small flocks on ground and in trees around the lake.
• House Sparrow 4, (m,f) greg. vocal pairs on ground and on roof-tops; foraging in ruderal patches around picnic area, n.
• House Finch 24 (m,f) greg. vocal, pairs and trios in cottonwoods and junipers around the lake, ne.
• Lesser Goldfinch 4 greg., vocal, on chain-link fence and in adjacent PWD yard gravel-ruderal field, ne.
• Song Sparrow 4 in sage-rabbitbrush and riparian-marsh, ne, w.
• California Towhee 1 flew to perch on mature juniper, ne.
• Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 briefly vocal in dense cattail marsh (unseen), nw.
• Red-winged Blackbird 120 (conserv. est.) (m,f), ad. imm., vocal; males on territories in cattails and adjacent riparian patches throughout; females foraging in shoreline patches of grass.
• Tricolored Blackbird 5 (m) greg. a cohesive flock flying low, eastward over marsh and shoreline, n.
• Brown-headed Cowbird 2 (m) greg. vocal (unseen – ne); a male perched top of juniper, w.
• Great-tailed Grackle 16 (m,f) (alt. plmg.) vocal, greg., small flocks (males displaying in leks) on ground and low perches on jetty, in marsh and riparian areas around the lake.
• Yellow Warbler 12 (m,f) vocal (song) in cottonwoods, ubiq..
• Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 1 vocal (calls) in cottonwood-willow, lakeside, ne.
• Wilson’s Warbler 4 (m,f) vocal, individuals singing and foraging at low to mid-story level of cottonwoods and willows, ne, nw, w.
• Western Tanager 1 ? (f) seen briefly in canopy of cottonwood, se.
• Black-headed Grosbeak 1 vocal (repeated song – unseen) in cottonwood patch, se.

___________________________________________________________________

Lake Palmdale LACO 16 May 2024 (58 Species)

Weather: Fair; 59°F to 89°F; wind W 2-7 mph.

Time: 0625-1200 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water was about two feet lower than maximum level, exposing as much as four-feet of shoreline in the western section. Inflow at the Palmdale Ditch was at a moderately high volume. Aside from the weekly porta-potty servicing and two vehicles moving briefly around the lake, the survey area was quiet and little disturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Bald Eagle (1), Bonaparte’s Gull (3), Verdin (1), Western Bluebird ( 2 – second documented nesting at LP), and Tricolored Blackbird (7).

BIRDS NOTED

• Canada Goose 4 (ad., imm) greg. continuing two adults with two 1/4 grown goslings following them on jetty; other individual adults on or near shore, ne, se.
• Mallard 8 (m,f) greg., pairs swimming and flying low near shore; one adult female followed by four hatchlings in se slough, ubiq..
• Ruddy Duck 25 (m,f) most males in alt. plmg., loose flocks resting in shallows in s slough and near docks; small flocks of non-breeding birds in open water, ubiq..
• California Quail 16 (m,f) greg. vocal when alarmed; pairs and small coveys foraging in brushy areas around the lake.
• Pied-billed Grebe 10 vocal; individuals in shallows and inundated marsh areas around the lake.
• Eared Grebe 6 (ad. in alt. or trans. alt. plmg.) diving in open water and shallows, nw, w, s (photo).

• Western Grebe 2, vocal, individuals swimming near marsh, nw, s.
• Clark’s Grebe 8 greg., vocal, individuals and pairs swimming and resting in open water and shallows at edge of marsh, mostly nw.
• Feral Rock Pigeon 3 greg. on roof of adjacent home bordering the LP boundary fence, s.
• Eurasian Collared Dove 8 vocal, greg., in flight, in and around cottonwoods,n, nw, sw.
• Mourning Dove 18, greg. vocal, pairs in cottonwoods and on ground around the lake.
• Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (fem./imm. m) in cottonwood, s.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 2 (m) individuals perched atop junipers, nw, s;
• American Coot 18 (others probably hidden in marsh and/or on nests) greg. open water; pairs and trios in shallows, backwaters and marsh around the lake.
• Killdeer 2, individuals vocalizing as I approached; on ground in open areas, ne, nw.
• Spotted Sandpiper 5 (alt. plmg.) individuals and pairs on the side of the jetty and shore, foraging at water line; flying near n shore and along dam, n, nw.
• Bonaparte’s Gull 3 (1 ad., 2 imm), greg. foraging by gleaning on the surface while swimming in small circles in open water; one imm. resting on buoy, nw (photo).

• California Gull 2 (ad. & imm.- C1) greg. resting in open water, central.
• Double-crested Cormorant 2 (imm.) diving in open water, nw.
• Great Blue Heron 1 flying low over marsh shallows and marsh, ne.
• Green Heron 2 (alt. plmg.) a pair flushed from same location as during previous survey, cattail-willow marsh, w.
• Bald Eagle 1 (young ad.) greg. wary and initially flushed from lakeside willow; then from a large cottonwood about 100m away, adjacent to an open field, nw; this appeared to be the same individual seen and photographed at LP during previous surveys this Spring, nw (photo).

• Red-tailed Hawk 3 (ad.) greg. a continuing resident pair on crosspiece of utility pole; one adult flying low in same area later in the morning, ne; w.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3, (m) vocal in cottonwoods, ne, s, se.
• Ash-throated Flycatcher 4 loosely greg., individuals and pairs in willows and cottonwoods near and distant from the lakeshore, ne, s.
• Western Kingbird 1 on fence adjacent to skeet range, ne.
• Black Phoebe 3 vocal; individuals flying low between shrubs and trees at edges of clearings near water, sw, s, se.
• California Jay 2 (ad, imm) greg. in junipers, w (photo).

• Common Raven 12 vocal, greg. pairs and small flocks consisting mostly of pairs, soaring throughout area, 20 -80 ft. agl.; one pair feeding young in a nest on a utility pole adjacent to the PWD office buildings (photo).

• Tree Swallow 25 (conserv. est.) greg. vocal pairs loosely associated flocks in and around willows and cottonwoods, where nesting had been observed in previous years; flying low over marsh and edge of lake throughout.
• Barn Swallow 20 greg. pairs flying low over skeet range, lake, marsh; resting on dock railings, ubiq..
• Cliff Swallow 2 greg. a pair flying over marsh, nw.
• Oak Titmouse 1 vocal (unseen) cottonwood-juniper edge, sw.
• Verdin 1 vocal from a conspicuous perch atop a juniper, ne (photo).

• Bushtit 6 individuals and pairs in cottonwoods and junipers, ne, w, sw.
• Marsh Wren 5 (conserv. est.) individuals vocalizing (unseen), sometimes simultaneously in cattail marsh, w and peninsula bordering channel, s.
• House Wren 3, vocal (repeated song) in brushy cottonwood-willow understory, w, sw (photo).

• Bewick’s Wren 12 greg. (ad. imm) adults singing atop junipers and fences in brushy areas around the lake.
• American Robin 2 greg. possibly a nesting pair; vocal (calls and partial song) in same willow thicket where found during previous spring surveys, ne.
• Western Bluebird 2 (m,f) greg. a pair in and around a small cavity in the main trunk, at about 8 ft. agl in a lakeside cottonwood; female initially seen partly exposed in the tree cavity being attended by a male (second documented nesting record of WEBL at LP – photo).

• Northern Mockingbird 1 vocal, an individual singing repeatedly in cottonwood-ruderal field adjacent to the se LP boundary fence, se.
• California Thrasher 3 (ad., imm.) individuals vocalizing from conspicuous perches atop shrubs (Great Basin sage and creosote bush); an immature bird in brownish-gray, first basic plmg. was repeatedly singing a fragmented, incomplete song, e, nw (photo).

• European Starling 10 greg. vocal, pairs and small flocks on ground and in trees around the lake.
• House Sparrow 8, (m,f) greg. vocal pairs on ground and on roof-tops; foraging in ruderal patches around picnic area, n.
• House Finch 22 (m,f) greg. vocal, pairs and trios in cottonwoods and junipers around the lake, ne.
• Lesser Goldfinch 2 vocal in desert willow patch on e side of dam, e.
• Lawrence’s Goldfinch 6 (m,f) greg. pairs in willows and cottonwoods, n,w, s.
• Song Sparrow 5 in sage-rabbitbrush and riparian-marsh, ne, w.
• California Towhee 1 repeatedly vocal (unseen) in juniper field adjacent to Palmdale Ditch, se.
• Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 briefly vocal in dense cattail marsh, nw.
• Red-winged Blackbird 80 (conserv. est.) (m,f) vocal; males on territories in cattails and adjacent riparian patches throughout; females foraging in shoreline patches of grass.
• Tricolored Blackbird 7 (6m, 1f) greg. vocal; perched in dead willow then flying low over marsh, nw (photo).

• Brown-headed Cowbird 3 (m) greg. on utility line, ne.
• Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) (most males in alt. plmg.) vocal, greg., small flocks (males displaying in leks) on ground and low perches on jetty, in marsh and riparian areas around the lake (photo).

• Yellow Warbler 12 (m,f) vocal (song) in cottonwoods, ubiq..
• Wilson’s Warbler 4 (m,f) individuals foraging at low to mid-story level, occasionally vocal in cottonwoods and willows, ne, w.
• Western Tanager 10 (m,f) greg. aerial insect hawking from canopies of cottonwoods, ne., w, se.
• Black-headed Grosbeak 1 vocal (calls – unseen) in desert willow patch on east side of dam, e.

__________________________________________________________

Lake Palmdale LACO 9 May 2024 (60 Species)

Weather: Fair; 54°F to 75°F; wind E, ENE 5-20 mph.

Time: 0700-1125 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road, except for about 50m in the sw section and on the dam. Lake water was about two feet lower than maximum level, exposing as much as four-feet of shoreline in the western section. Inflow at the Palmdale Ditch was at a moderately high volume. Aside from the weekly porta-potty servicing and ground squirrel pest-control on the dam, the survey area was quiet and largely undisturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Bald Eagle (2), Osprey (1), and several first of the season species at Lake Palmdale (FOS): Sora (1), Rufous Hummingbird (2), Swainson’s Thrush (1), Phainopepla (1), Yellow-headed Blackbird (3), Tricolored Blackbird (1) and Townsend’s Warbler (1).

BIRDS NOTED

• Canada Goose 7 (ad., imm) greg. a pair of adults with three goslings following them on jetty, establishing a breeding record for this species at LP, nw (photo).

• Gadwall 2 (m,f) greg. a pair flying e over dam, se.
• Mallard 8 (m,f) greg., pairs swimming and flying low near shore, ubiq..
• Ruddy Duck 20 (m,f) most males in alt. plmg., loose flocks resting in shallows in s slough and near docks, w
• California Quail 12 (m,f) greg. vocal when alarmed; pairs and small coveys foraging in brushy areas around the lake.
• Pied-billed Grebe 8 vocal; individuals in shallows and inundated marsh areas around the lake.
• Eared Grebe 6 (all but one individual in alt. plmg.) diving in open water and shallows, nw, w, s.
• Western Grebe 1, swimming near marsh, nw.
• Clark’s Grebe 6 greg., vocal, individuals and pairs swimming and resting in open water and shallows at edge of marsh, mostly nw.
• Feral Rock Pigeon 4 greg. a small flock circling over PWD offices, n.
• Eurasian Collared Dove 8 vocal, greg., in flight, in and around cottonwoods,n, nw, sw.
• Mourning Dove 24, greg. vocal, pairs in cottonwoods and on ground around the lake.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 3 (m) individuals perched atop junipers, nw, s;
• Rufous Hummingbird 2 (f) ID: comparatively broad rectrices visible in photos; individuals flying low, ne, nw; one foraging on flowering Stanleya pinnata, (photos – FOS).

• Sora 1 vocal (unseen) dense cattail marsh, w (FOS).
• American Coot 22 (others probably hidden in marsh and/or on nests) greg. open water; pairs and trios in shallows, backwaters and marsh around the lake.
• Killdeer 2, individuals vocalizing as I approached; on ground in open areas, ne, nw.
• Spotted Sandpiper 5 (alt. plmg.) individuals and pairs on the side of the jetty and shore, foraging at water line; flying near n shore and along dam, n, nw.
• California Gull 90 (about 75% ad. alt. plmg.; ad. in bsc. plmg. & imm. & – C1, C2, C3) highly greg. in a tight migratory flock arriving at LP around 1000 hrs.; resting in open water, central; a few immatures flying in later, joining the flock on the lake.
• Ring-billed Gull 6 greg. at one end of the CAGU flock in the water, central.
• Double-crested Cormorant 1 (imm.) diving in open water, nw.
• Great Blue Heron 1 flying low over marsh shallows and marsh, nw.
• Green Heron 2 (alt. plmg.) individuals flushed from cattail-willow marsh, w.
• Turkey Vulture 1 flying low over cottonwoods and marsh, se.
• Osprey 1 (ad.) circling open field and lake, 40-60 ft. agl. (photo).

• Bald Eagle 2 (ad. imm) greg. a pair circling 20 -100 ft. agl over the lake; subsequently one adult (the same bird as in the pair) flying low over the lake; a large, dead trout was visible, floating near the jetty, possibly attracting the eagle; these two birds appeared to be the same individuals seen and photographed at LP during previous surveys this Spring, nw.
• Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ad. -cont. partially exposed in large stick nest in canopy of mature cottonwood; contents of nest not seen, se.
• Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad.) greg. a pair on crosspiece of utility pole; one adult flying low in same area later in the morning, ne.
• Belted Kingfisher 1 (f) vocal, flying low over marsh to perch in willows, n, nw.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2, vocal (unseen) in cottonwoods, ne.cholla field, n.
• Black Phoebe 3 vocal; individuals flying low between shrubs and trees at edges of clearings near water, sw, s, se.
• Say’s Phoebe 2 (ad) vocal, both individuals on widely separated low perches at edge of skeet range. The nest found during the previous survey in a metal building was examined from ground-level and evidently unoccupied by young birds.
• Common Raven 16 vocal, greg. pairs and small flocks consisting mostly of pairs, soaring throughout area, 20 -80 ft. agl..
• Tree Swallow 20 (conserv. est.) greg. vocal pairs loosely associated flocks in and around willows and cottonwoods, where nesting had been observed in previous years; flying low over marsh and edge of lake throughout.
• Barn Swallow 18 greg. flying low over skeet range, lake, marsh, ubiq..
• Cliff Swallow 2 greg. a pair flying under and around dock in s slough, s.
• Oak Titmouse 1 drinking at marsh shoreline, sw.
• Marsh Wren 5 individuals vocalizing (unseen), sometimes simultaneously in cattail marsh, w and peninsula bordering channel, s.
• House Wren 1, vocal (unseen; repeated song) in brushy cottonwood-willow understory, nw.
• Bewick’s Wren 14 greg. (ad. imm) a small, highly vocal flock, including several juveniles and at least two adults, issuing scolding calls from shrubs a few feet from where I stood, ne (photo); adults singing atop junipers and fences elsewhere around the lake.

• Swainson’s Thrush 1 keeping low in willow thicket at shoreline of dam, ne (FOS).
• American Robin 2 vocal (calls and partial song) in same willow thicket with SWTH, ne.
• Western Bluebird 2 (m,f) greg. a pair sallying to grass from shaded, low perches in lakeside cottonwoods, ne (photo).

• Northern Mockingbird 1 vocal, an individual singing repeatedly in brushy area alongside RR tracks, ne.
• California Thrasher 2 greg. a pair on ground, flushed to fence bordering patch of desert willow, e.
• European Starling 12 greg. vocal, pairs and small flocks on ground and in trees around the lake.
• Phainopepla 1 (m) flying nw over open area, 30 ft. agl., s (FOS).
• House Sparrow 6, (m,f) greg. vocal pairs on ground in ruderal patches around picnic area, n.
• House Finch 18 (m,f) greg. vocal, pairs and trios in cottonwoods and junipers around the lake, ne.
• Lawrence’s Goldfinch 4 (m,f) greg. vocal pairs in Arizona cypress, willows and cottonwoods, n.e.
• Song Sparrow 5 in sage-rabbitbrush and riparian-marsh, ne, w.
• Yellow-headed Blackbird 3 (m,f) vocal in dense cattail marsh, nw, s (FOS).
• Red-winged Blackbird 70 (conserv. est.) (m,f) vocal; males on territories in cattails and adjacent riparian patches throughout; females foraging in shoreline patches of grass.
• Tricolored Blackbird 1 (m) seen at close range, flying low over lake and jetty, nw (FOS).
• Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) (most males in alt. plmg.) vocal, greg., small flocks (i.e. leks) on ground and low perches in marsh and riparian areas around the lake.
• Orange-crowned Warbler 1 in desert willow patch,e.
• Yellow Warbler 6 (m,f) vocal (song) in cottonwoods, ne, n, w.
• Townsend’s Warbler 1 (m) vocal (calls) in willows and cottonwoods, ne (photo – FOS)

• Western Tanager 5 (m,f) vocal, loosely greg. in cottonwoods, willows and creosote bush, ne, n.
• Black-headed Grosbeak 1 vocal (unseen) in cottonwoods, ne.

________________________________________________________________

Lake Palmdale LACO 2 May 2024 (56 Species)

Weather: Fair; 54°F to 77°F; wind W, WSW, 2-5 mph.

Time: 0700-1117 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road, except in the southwest and southern sections, where several fishermen were present. Lake water was about two feet lower than maximum level, exposing as much as three-feet of shoreline in the western section. Inflow at the Palmdale Ditch was at a moderately high volume. Aside from a PWD crew taking water samples at the jetty, porta-potty servicing and multiple vehicles briefly moving around the lake, the survey area was quiet and largely undisturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included several first of the season (FOS) species for LP, i.e., Wood Duck (1), Gadwall (5), Black-chinned Hummingbird (2), Bonaparte’s Gull (6), Green Heron (1) , Western Bluebird (2), Western Tanager (18) and Black-headed Grosbeak (5).

BIRDS NOTED

• Canada Goose 5 vocal, greg. pairs and trios swimming and flying low near shore, n, se.
• Gadwall 5 (m,f) greg. pairs and a trio swimming, flying low near shore, se, e (FOS).
• Wood Duck 1 (m) dabbling near marsh, then flying w, backwater in s slough, se (FOS).
• Mallard 12 (m,f) greg., pairs swimming and flying low near shore, ubiq..
• Ruddy Duck 36 (m,f) most males in alt. plmg., loose flocks resting in shallows in s slough and near docks, w
• California Quail 18 (m,f) greg. vocal when alarmed; pairs and small coveys foraging in brushy areas around the lake.
• Pied-billed Grebe 10 vocal; individuals in shallows and inundated marsh areas around the lake.
• Eared Grebe 8 (all but 2 individuals in alt. plmg.) diving in open water and shallows, nw, w, s.
• Western Grebe 2 greg. vocal; a pair swimming near marsh, nw.
• Clark’s Grebe 12 greg., vocal, pairs swimming and resting in open water and shallows at edge of marsh, nw, w, central.
• Eurasian Collared Dove 8 vocal, greg., in flight, in and around cottonwoods,n, nw, sw.
• Mourning Dove 26, greg. vocal, pairs in cottonwoods and on ground around the lake.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 2 (m) individuals perched atop junipers, nw, s;
• Black-chinned Hummingbird 2 (m) on conspicuous perches in juniper and cottonwood nw, s, (photo – FOS).

• American Coot 50 (conserv. est. many more probably hidden in marsh and/or on nests) greg. open water; pairs and trios in shallows and marsh around the lake.
• Killdeer 2 individuals vocalizing as I approached; on ground in open areas, e, nw.
• Spotted Sandpiper 8 (alt. plmg.) individuals and pairs on the side of the jetty and dam, foraging at water line; flying near n shore and along dam, n, nw, e.
• Bonaparte’s Gull 6 (3 in full alt. plmg.; others in bsc. and/or trans. alt. plmg.) loosely greg., flying low, dipping into the lake surface; swimming, turning in small circles; mostly in open water, central (FOS).
• California Gull 120 (about 35% ad. alt. plmg.; ad. in bsc. plmg. & imm. & – C1, C2, C3) highly greg. in a tight migratory flock; resting for an hour or more in open water, central; small flocks flying SE from the main flock.
• Larus sp. ? 1 ad., greg. with CAGU, seen in open water of central lake from n shore at a distance of about 0.25 mi.; noticeably larger in overall size cf. nearby CAGU; with light mantle and a comparatively large, yellow bill with darkish tip.
• Caspian Tern 1, vocal, (unseen), se.
• Double-crested Cormorant 10 (ad. most in alt.; 2 imm.) greg. resting on solar stirring platforms; two swimming, n, nw, central.
• Green Heron 1 (alt. plmg.) flying to marsh; later seen standing on shoreline rocks of dam, ne (photo – FOS).

• Cooper’s Hawk 1 – continuing (ad.) on nest in subcanopy of a mature fruitless mulberry on east side (roadway entrance) of the Fin & Feather picnic yard, n.
• Red-shouldered Hawk 1 -cont. in large stick nest in canopy of mature cottonwood; contents of nest not seen, se.
• Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad.) circling and gaining altitude on thermals, se.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 1, vocal (unseen) in cottonwoods, sw.
• American Kestrel 1 flying 20 ft. agl, n over open Joshua Tree – cholla field, n.
• Western Kingbird 2 a pair in cottonwood outer branches, ne.
• Black Phoebe 3 vocal; individuals flying low between shrubs and trees at edges of clearings near water, sw, s, se.
• Say’s Phoebe 2 one adult with a captured insect in its beak, repeatedly vocal as I approached nest site; a pair sallying for insects from low perches in ruderal patches at the skeet range; a nearby nest with chicks, placed interiorly on an upper ledge of an all-metal shelter adjacent to the skeet range — presumably a traditional nesting location (photo).

• California Jay 1 flying between and into a large juniper, w.
• Common Raven 20 vocal, greg. pairs and small flocks consisting mostly of pairs, soaring throughout area, 20 -80 ft. agl..
• Tree Swallow 30 (conserv. est.) greg. vocal pairs loosely associated flocks in and around willows and cottonwoods, where nesting had been observed in previous years; flying low over marsh and edge of lake throughout.
• Barn Swallow 16 greg. flying low over skeet range, lake, marsh and around previous year’s nesting area in concrete drainage box, se.
• Bushtit 4 greg., pairs flying low in cottonwood-juniper areas, se, w.
• Marsh Wren 2 individuals vocalizing (unseen), sometimes simultaneously in marsh peninsula bordering channel, s.
• House Wren 1, vocal (unseen; repeated song) in brushy cottonwood understory, s.
• Bewick’s Wren 10 individuals vocal (calls and at least three song variations) atop junipers and other tall shrubs; also in willows and in brushy areas, ne, n, w.
• American Robin 1 in middle of lakeside willows, ne (FOS).
• Western Bluebird 2 (m,f) in grass and adjacent low perches in lakeside cottonwoods, ne (FOS).
• Northern Mockingbird 3 vocal, individuals singing atop a California Juniper, Great Basin Sage and a Joshua Tree, n, se.
• European Starling 14 greg. pairs and small flocks on ground and in mulberry trees around picnic area; ubiq..
• House Sparrow 4, (m,f) greg. pairs vocal on ground in and around picnic area, n.
• House Finch 16 (m,f) vocal, pairs and individuals in cottonwoods and junipers around the lake, ne.
• Lawrence’s Goldfinch 4 (m,f) greg. vocal pairs in willows and cottonwoods; one drinking in marsh at the lakeshore ne.
• Song Sparrow 2 in sage-rabbitbrush and riparian-marsh, ne, w.
• California Towhee 1 vocal (unseen), in juniper field, sw.
• Bullock’s Oriole 3 (m,f) greg. vocal in cottonwoods, ne.
• Red-winged Blackbird 80 (conserv. est.) (m,f), males highly vocal on territories in dense marsh and adjacent trees around the lake.; females foraging in grass and ruderal patches at edge of marsh and riparian areas throughout.
• Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) (alt. and bsc. plmg.), vocal, greg. individuals and small flocks on ground, (i.e. leks of males and nearby females); ubiq..
• Common Yellowthroat 1 in marsh-willows at lakeside, ne.
• Yellow Warbler 8 (m,f) vocal in canopies of cottonwoods, ne, nw,w.
• Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 16 (m,f) alt. plmg. greg., vocal (calls and brief song); most in cottonwoods, n, nw.
• Western Tanager 18 (m,f) males in alt. and trans. alt. plmg., greg. vocal (calls) in canopies of cottonwoods and junipers, ne, n, nw (photo – FOS).

• Black-headed Grosbeak 5 (m,f) repeatedly vocal (song), loosely greg. in canopies of cottonwoods, ne, nw.
  
  
  
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Lake Palmdale LACO 18 April 2024 (59 Species)

Weather: Overcast to partly cloudy; 55°F to 64°F; wind W, WSW, variable, 5 – 18 mph.

Time: 0650-1150 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road, except in the southwest and southern sections. Lake water was near the maximum level; inflow at the Palmdale Ditch was at high volume. Aside from porta-potty servicing and a backhoe operator drag-leveling the west and southern interior shoreline road, the survey area was quiet and largely undisturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Caspian Tern (4), Bald Eagle (2), Belted Kingfisher (1-FOS), American Crow (1), Cedar Waxwing (1- FOS) and Hooded Oriole (1-FOS).

BIRDS NOTED

• Mallard 8 (m,f) greg. vocal; pairs swimming and flying low near shore, w, se.
• Ruddy Duck 35 (m,f) most males in alt. plmg., resting in shallows around the lake.
• California Quail 10 (m,f) greg. vocal when alarmed; pairs and small coveys foraging in brushy areas around the lake.
• Pied-billed Grebe 10 vocal; individuals in shallows and inundated marsh areas around the lake.
• Eared Grebe 4 (bsc. plmg.) diving in open water and shallows, nw, w, s.
• Western Grebe 3 greg. vocal; one pair swimming side-by-side showing ritualized courtship behavior (preening, head-turning), nw, s.
• Clark’s Grebe 8 greg., vocal pairs swimming and resting in in shallows at edge of marsh, nw, w.
• Feral Rock Pigeon 4 greg. flying w @ 60 ft. agl, n.
• Eurasian Collared Dove 6 vocal, greg., in flight, in and around cottonwoods, nw, sw.
• Mourning Dove 10 greg. pairs and trios in cottonwoods and on fences around the lake.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 5 (m) individuals perched atop creosote bush and juniper, n, s;
• American Coot 30 (conserv. est. many more probably hidden in marsh and/or on nests) greg. open water; shallows and marsh around lake.
• Least Sandpiper 26 (all or most in alt. plmg.) greg. small flock foraging at waterline on jetty (photo); a larger, cohesive flock of 18 flying se over the lake surface, nw, e.

• Spotted Sandpiper 3 (alt. plmg.) an individual on the side of the jetty, foraging at water line; another individual flying near n shore and along dam, n, nw, e.
• California Gull 4 ( 2 ad., 2 imm. – C1, C2) greg. gliding on late morning thermals at 150 ft. agl from the northwest; not seen alighting on lake, nw, se.
• Caspian Tern 4 (ad., alt. plmg.) vocal, loosely greg., circling lake area @ 50 to 150 ft. agl. and moving to the nw.
• Double-crested Cormorant 6 (ad. most in alt.; 2 imm.) greg. resting on solar stirring platforms, n, nw, central.
• Great Blue Heron 2, individuals flushed from shore and marsh, seemingly moving ahead of me, sw, e, ne.
• Cooper’s Hawk 2 – continuing (ad; imm) one adult on nest in subcanopy of a mature fruitless mulberry on east side (roadway entrance) of the Fin & Feather picnic yard; an immature perched in an adjacent tree, flying low toward me then to lakeside trees.
• Bald Eagle 2 (ad.; imm – c.f. 2nd -year without white head feathering; showing a partially white tail with subterminal dark band); an adult first seen flying se @ 60 ft. agl; subsequently found perched in lakeside cottonwoods and willows, se (photo); an immature individual flying 60 to 120 ft. agl on late morning thermals, heading nw, e.

• Red-shouldered Hawk 1 -cont. standing on rim of large stick nest in canopy of mature cottonwood; contents of nest not seen, se.
• Red-tailed Hawk 2 one in flight, low over n shore; one adult continuing on nest in canopy of lakeside willow, ne.
• Belted Kingfisher 1 (fem.) vocal as I approached, perched then flushed from 10 ft. agl in lakeside willows, sw (FOS) photo.

• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 1 vocal (unseen) in cottonwoods, sw.
• Western Kingbird 6 vocal, greg. perched together in leafless cottonwood outer branches; together in flight to the nw @ 20 -30 ft. agl, ne, n.
• Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 (ad., alt. plmg.) an individual perched on a chain-link fence at LP property boundary, s.
• Black Phoebe 3 vocal; individuals flying low between shrubs and trees at edges of clearings, sw, s, se.
• Common Raven 32 vocal, greg. pairs and small flocks consisting mostly of pairs, soaring throughout area; small flocks, 10 -250 ft. agl.; a continuing pair nesting on a utility pole crosspiece, ne.
• American Crow 1 on ground and table, flushed; nearby flock of GTGR, se.
• Tree Swallow 40 (conserv. est.) greg. vocal pairs loosely associated flocks in and around willows and cottonwoods where nesting had been observed in previous years; flying low over marsh and edge of lake throughout; several pairs soaring to great heights, e.g. > 300 ft. with clearing skies.
• Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 flying in msf with CLSW and BASW, 10 -20 ft. agl over skeet range, ne.
• Barn Swallow 22 greg. flying low over lake, marsh and around previous year’s nesting area in concrete drainage box; two birds seen gathering mud from concrete drainage canal, se.
• Cliff Swallow 20 (conserv. est.) loosely greg. flying over open areas and marsh around the lake, esp. ne and se.
• Oak Titmouse 1 vocal in cottonwood-juniper patch, sw.
• Verdin 1 flying low across perimeter fence-line road and into junipers, sw.
• Bushtit 4 greg. flying low from cottonwood-juniper patch to property border chain-link fence, s.
• Marsh Wren 2 individuals vocalizing (unseen), sometimes simultaneously in marsh peninsula bordering channel, s.
• House Wren 1 – continuing ? – vocal (repeated song) in vicinity of mature cottonwoods adjacent to Palmdale Ditch, se.
• Bewick’s Wren 8 individuals vocal (calls and song variations) atop junipers and other tall shrubs; also in willows and in brushy areas, ne, n, w.
• Northern Mockingbird 1 vocal, individual atop a juniper, n.
• California Thrasher 3 vocal (repeated song) individuals on conspicuous perches atop junipers, nw, w.
• European Starling 14 greg. pairs and small flocks on ground and in mulberry trees around picnic area, n; s.
• Cedar Waxwing 2 in mulberry trees on s side of F&F picnic area, n (FOS).
• House Sparrow 2, vocal on ground in picnic area, n.
• House Finch 24 (m,f) vocal, pairs and individuals in cottonwoods and junipers around the lake, ne.
• Lesser Goldfinch 3 (m,f) vocal in pines and on ground at edge of skeet range, ne.
• Lawrence’s Goldfinch 6 greg. vocal pairs in conifers and cottonwoods, ne.
• Chipping Sparrow 1 vocal (unseen) sage- rabbitbrush-ruderal field, ne.
• White-crowned Sparrow 16 (ad.) greg. vocal (calls and song), most foraging on ground between sage, juniper and other shrubs around the lake; some vocalizing while perched atop shrubs.
• Song Sparrow 5 vocal in brushy areas near water, ne, nw, w.
• California Towhee 1 vocal, in juniper field, sw.
• Bullock’s Oriole 2 vocal in cottonwoods; one adult male (alt. plmg.) atop a large juniper, w.
• Hooded Oriole 1 (m – imm. ) atop a mature juniper, about 20 yards outside the LP property fence line, se (FOS).
• Red-winged Blackbird 80 (m,f) males in alt. plmg. greg., males highly vocal on territories in marsh and adjacent trees around the lake.; females foraging in grass and ruderal patches at edge of marsh and riparian areas throughout.
• Great-tailed Grackle 35 (m,f) (alt. and bsc. plmg.), vocal, greg. individuals (small flocks, (i.e. leks of males and nearby females; one female seen gathering small twigs as nesting material) and small flocks (m,f) in marsh and adjacent willows around the lake.
• Brown-headed Cowbird 1 (m) vocal in flight over marsh-riparian, sw.
• Orange-crowned Warbler 1 (dull-colored, e.g. Oreothlypis c. celata) , on boundary chain-link fence, se.
• Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 150 (m,f) greg., most males in alt. plmg., vocal (mostly contact calls; occasional brief song) greg. individuals, pairs and small flocks foraging at all foliage height levels (ground to canopy) in cottonwood canopies (most with complete leaf development) around the lake; a continuing large influx of this species at LP.
• Yellow Warbler 1 vocal in lakeside cottonwood canopy, w.

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Lake Palmdale LACO 11 April 2024 (67 Species)

Weather: Fair; 55°F to 80 °F; wind NW 2-5 mph.

Time: 0705-1210 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. Lake water was near the maximum level; inflow at the Palmdale Ditch was at high volume. Except for porta-potty servicing and two other vehicles moving around the lake, the survey area was quiet and largely undisturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest included, Horned Grebe (1), Franklin’s Gull (1) and several first of the season (FOS) species, e.g. Ash-throated Flycatcher (3), House Wren (1), Yellow Warbler (1) and Wilson’s Warbler (2).

Birds Noted:

• Canada Goose 3 greg., a pair in shallows and shore, se.
• Mallard 10 (m,f) greg. vocal; pairs swimming and flying low near shore, w, se.
• Ruddy Duck 80 (m,f) a few males in alt. plmg. most resting in shallows around the lake.
• California Quail 16 (m,f) greg. vocal when alarmed; several small coveys foraging in brushy areas around the lake.
• Pied-billed Grebe 10 vocal; individuals in shallows and marsh areas around the lake.
• Horned Grebe 1 (trans. alt plmg.) swimming in open water, central.
• Eared Grebe 4 (bsc. plmg.) diving in open water and shallows, nw, w, s.
• Western Grebe 4 greg. vocal, individuals, pairs, mostly resting in shallows, nw, s.
• Clark’s Grebe 12 greg., vocal pairs swimming in in shallows at edge of marsh, nw, w.
• Feral Rock Pigeon 3 flying over PWD maintenance yard, ne.
• Eurasian Collared Dove 2 vocal, cottonwoods, nw.
• Mourning Dove 10 greg. pairs and trios in cottonwoods and on fences around the lake.
• White-throated Swift 2 greg. a pair circling @ 300- 400 ft. agl, se.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 5 (m) individuals perched atop creosote bush and juniper, n, s;
• American Coot 80 (conserv. est.) greg. open water; shallows and marsh around lake.
• Killdeer 4 highly vocal, one bird giving broken-wing distraction-display on ground littered with clay pigeon and shotgun shell fragments at the skeet range, ne, nw, e.
• Spotted Sandpiper 1 (trans. alt. plmg.) on a small inshore rock near the dam, e.
• California Gull 53 (ad, imm. – C1) greg. flying in from the northwest, low over lake and alighting in open water, central.
• Herring Gull 1 (imm. C1) swimming in open water apart from flock of CAGU, s-central.
• Ring-billed Gull 4 (ad., imm) near CAGU flock noted above.
• Franklin’s Gull 1 (ad. alt. plmg.) swimming alone and probing into lake surface, open water, sw central (photo).

• Double-crested Cormorant 4 (ad. most in alt. and trans. alt. plmg.; 4 imm.) greg. resting on solar stirring platforms, n, central.
• Great Blue Heron 2 flushed from shore and marsh, sw, e.
• Osprey 2 greg. a pair circling @ 60 ft. agl over the lake, nw.
• Cooper’s Hawk 2 (ad; imm) one adult on nest in subcanopy of a mature fruitless mulberry on east side (roadway entrance) of the Fin & Feather picnic yard; an immature perched in an adjacent tree (photo).

• Red-shouldered Hawk 2 continuing – one adult sitting in large stick nest in canopy of cottonwood, se.
• Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad) one dark phase flying low over riparian patch, ne; one adult continuing on a nest in shoreline willow patch, where successful nesting has taken place in previous years, ne.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3 (m,f) vocal; individuals in separate cottonwoods, s, se.
• Western Kingbird 3 vocal, in flight 10- 15 ft. agl, alighting on bare branch of cottonwood; another pair perched in canopy of a willow, nw, se (FOS).
• Ash-throated Flycatcher 3 (ad, imm; alt. and worn bsc. plmg.) vocal; individuals flushed from creosote bush patch; and lower limb of cottonwood, n; s (photo).

• Black Phoebe 5 individuals flying low between shrubs and trees at edges of clearings, sw, s, se.
• Say’s Phoebe 1, on a small fence at the edge of the skeet range, ne.
• Common Raven 22 vocal, greg. pairs soaring throughout area; small flocks, 10 -70 agl.; a pair nesting on a utility pole crosspiece, ne.
• American Crow 4 greg.. a small flock flying 50 ft. agl se over lakeshore, nw.
• Tree Swallow 50 (conserv. est.) greg. vocal; one pair seen at opening of probable nest cavity in cottonwood (e.g. old NUWO nest site); other, vocal pairs loosely associated flocks in and around willows and cottonwoods where nesting had been observed in previous years; flying low over marsh and edge of lake throughout.
• Barn Swallow 22 greg. flying low over lake, marsh and around previous year’s nesting area in concrete drainage box, se.
• Cliff Swallow 5 loosely greg. flying over open areas and marsh around the lake (FOS).
• Oak Titmouse 3 vocal individuals and pairs in cottonwood-juniper patches, sw, se.
• Verdin 1 vocal (unseen) sage-juniper field, se.
• Bushtit 2 individuals foraging amongst catkins of a large cottonwood, w.
• Marsh Wren 2 individuals vocalizing (unseen), sometimes simultaneously in marsh peninsula bordering channel, s.
• House Wren 1 vocal (repeated song) around mature cottonwoods adjacent to Palmdale Ditch, se (FOS).
• Bewick’s Wren 7 individuals vocal (calls and song variations) atop junipers and other tall shrubs; also in willows and in brushy areas, ne, n, w.
• Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 vocal (unseen) in cottonwood with YRWA, sw.
• Northern Mockingbird 3 vocal, individuals atop junipers and Joshua Trees n, s.
• California Thrasher 5 vocal (repeated song) individuals on conspicuous perches atop junipers, creosote bush and other large shrubs, ne, nw, w (photo).

• European Starling 8 vocal, greg. pairs foraging in short grass near shore; perched in adjacent cottonwoods; entering a cavity in the main trunk, n, s.
• House Sparrow 2, vocal on ground in picnic area, n.
• Buff-bellied (American) Pipit 6 greg. foraging on ground in ruderal patch at edge of skeet range, ne.
• House Finch 14 (m,f) vocal, pairs and individuals in cottonwoods and junipers around the lake; a pair nesting in a cholla, ne.
• Lesser Goldfinch 3 (m,f) vocal in pines and on ground at edge of skeet range, ne.
• Lawrence’s Goldfinch 2 vocal (unseen) ne.
• Chipping Sparrow 2 individuals foraging on ground in ruderal patch (Erodium sp.) ne, n.
• Lincoln’s Sparrow 1 vocal (unseen) low, on ground beneath junipers and rabbitbrush, w.
• White-crowned Sparrow 34 (ad. imm) greg. vocal (calls and song), most foraging on ground between sage, juniper and other shrubs around the lake; some vocalizing while perched atop shrubs.
• Vesper Sparrow 1(bsc. plmg.), occasional song atop a four-winged saltbush, ne (photo).

• Song Sparrow 2 vocal, in marsh-riparian patch and singing atop an adjacent rabbitbrush, ne (photo).

• California Towhee 5 vocal, greg. individuals and pairs atop junipers and other tall shrubs, ne, w.
• Bullock’s Oriole 1 vocal (unseen) cottonwoods at edge of perimeter road, s.
• Red-winged Blackbird 60 (m,f) most males in alt. plmg. greg., males highly vocal on territories in marsh and adjacent trees around the lake. (photo).
• Great-tailed Grackle 35 (m,f) (alt. and bsc. plmg.), vocal, greg. individuals (mostly females) and small flocks (m,f) in marsh and adjacent willows around the lake.
• Brown-headed Cowbird 2 (m) vocal in flight over cottonwoods, w.
• Orange-crowned Warbler 1 (dull-colored, e.g. Oreothlypis c. celata) , in lower limbs of a cottonwood, w.
• Common Yellowthroat 1 briefly vocal, then flew from dense clump of sage and rabbitbrush to barbed-wire fence at edge of drainage ditch and outer perimeter road, w (FOS)
• Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 80 (m,f) many males in alt. plmg., vocal (mostly contact calls; occasional brief song) greg. individuals, pairs and small flocks foraging at all foliage height levels (ground to canopy) in cottonwood canopies (most with early leaf development) around the lake; a continuing large influx of this species at LP.
• Yellow Warbler 1 vocal in lakeside cottonwood canopy, w (FOS).
• Wilson’s Warbler 2 greg. a pair flying to lakeside cottonwood, sw (FOS).

Lake Palmdale LACO 28 March 2024 (69 Species)

Weather: Fair with patchy high clouds; 48°F to 62°F; wind WNW 5-20 mph, reaching greatest velocity by 1000 hrs.

Time: 0650-1210 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using primarily the interior shoreline road, except for about 150m in the west and southwest sections, where I used the outer perimeter road. Lake water was near the maximum level; inflow at the Palmdale Ditch was near the maximum volume. Except for porta-potty servicing and two other vehicles moving around the lake, the survey area was quiet and largely undisturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest included, Horned Grebe (5), Northern Harrier (1), Swainson’s Hawk (2), Rough-legged Hawk (1 – first record for LP) and several first of the season (FOS) species, e.g. Caspian Tern (3), Western Kingbird (2), Warbling Vireo (1), Cliff Swallow (25) and Bullock’s Oriole (1).

Birds Noted:

• Canada Goose 2 greg. vocal. pair in shallows and shore, ne.
• Mallard 10 (m,f) greg. vocal; pairs swimming and flying low near shore, w, se.
• Bufflehead 1 (f) swimming near shore, ne.
• Ruddy Duck 80 (m,f) a few males in alt. plmg. most resting in shallows around the lake (photo).

• California Quail 16 (m,f) greg. vocal when alarmed; several small coveys foraging in brushy areas around the lake.
• Pied-billed Grebe 10 vocal; individuals in shallows and marsh areas around the lake.
• Horned Grebe 5 (bsc. and trans. alt plmg.) greg. a cohesive flock in open water, central.
• Eared Grebe 4 (bsc. plmg.) diving in open water and shallows, nw, w, s.
• Western Grebe 8 greg. vocal, individuals, pairs and small flocks, mostly resting in shallows, nw, s.
• Clark’s Grebe 8 greg., pairs swimming in in shallows at edge of marsh, nw, w.
• Feral Rock Pigeon 1 flying over parking area, nw.
• Eurasian Collared Dove 1 vocal, cottonwoods, nw.
• Mourning Dove 12 greg. pairs and trios in cottonwoods and on fences around the lake.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 5 (m) individuals perched atop creosote bush and juniper, n, s;
• American Coot 80 (conserv. est.) greg. in shallows and marsh around lake.
• Least Sandpiper 4 (bsc. plmg.) greg. a cohesive flock foraging on the windward waterline of the jetty, nw.
• California Gull 16 (ad, imm. – C1) greg. flying in from the northwest, low over lake and alighting in open water, central.
• Ring-billed Gull 1 (ad) with CAGU flock noted above.
• Caspian Tern 3 (ad) loosely greg., vocal in flight, 20 ft. agl, sw over lake (FOS).
• Double-crested Cormorant 14 (ad. most in alt. and trans. alt. plmg.; 4 imm.) greg. most birds (adults and imm.) resting on solar stirring platforms; a few swimming and diving in shallows and open water throughout.
• American White Pelican 1 (alt. plmg.) swimming in open water, ne.
• Great Blue Heron 1 flushed from marsh, nw.
• Great Egret 2 flushed from shore and marsh, ne, nw.
• Turkey Vulture 1 flying nw, 80-100 ft. agl, s.
• Osprey 1 flying 40-80 ft. agl over the lake.
• Northern Harrier 1 (f) flying 10 – 50 ft. agl. over dam and adjacent Lake Una, e.
• Cooper’s Hawk 1 (ad) flying low (4- 8 ft. agl) from a field of mature junipers, eastward into a stand of shoreline willows, sw.
• Red-shouldered Hawk 1 continuing – sitting, then standing in large stick nest in canopy of cottonwood, se.
• Swainson’s Hawk 2 (ad) greg. a pair flying 40 -60 ft. agl., nw, into a moderate headwind, nw (photo).

• Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad) one dark phase flying low over riparian patch, ne; one adult on nest in shoreline willow patch, where successful nesting has taken place in previous years, ne.
• Rough-legged Hawk 1 (light morph, possibly an imm.) ID: a medium-large Buteo with a light head and small bill; light breast and tail contrasting with a black belly-band. Initially seen from northeast area of the dam, about 350 yards away to the south, as it alighted in a largely leafless cottonwood (photo – first documented record of this species at Lake Palmdale).

• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 (m,f) vocal (female only heard), individuals in separate cottonwoods, s, se.
• Northern (RS) Flicker 2 (m) vocal on ground in short grass near shore; another in a cottonwood ne, w.
• Western Kingbird 2 vocal, in flight 10- 15 ft. agl, alighting on bare branch of cottonwood, nw, se (FOS).
• Black Phoebe 2 individuals flying low between shrubs and trees at edges of clearings, sw, s, se.
• Say’s Phoebe 2 greg. a pair on a small fence at the edge of the skeet range, ne.
• Warbling Vireo 1 foraging in outer branches of junipers, se (FOS).
• Common Raven 18 vocal, greg. pairs soaring throughout area; small flocks, 10 -70 agl.; a pair nesting on a utility pole crosspiece, ne.
• American Crow 2 vocal, harassing a RTHA perched in a mature cottonwood canopy, se.
• Tree Swallow 50 (conserv. est.) greg. vocal; pairs and loosely associated flocks in and around willows and cottonwoods where nesting had been observed in previous years; flying low over marsh and edge of lake throughout.
• Northern Rough-winged Swallow 11, greg. on utility line and flying low over marsh and open field, nw, sw.
• Barn Swallow 18 greg. flying low over lake, marsh and around previous year’s nesting area in concrete drainage box, se.
• Cliff Swallow 25 loosely greg. flying over open areas and marsh around the lake (FOS).
• Oak Titmouse 1 vocal in cottonwood-juniper patch, sw.
• Verdin 1 vocal (unseen) sage-juniper field, se.
• Bushtit 2 individuals foraging amongst catkins of a large cottonwood, w.
• Marsh Wren 3 individuals vocalizing (unseen), sometimes simultaneously in marsh peninsula bordering channel, s.
• Bewick’s Wren 5 individuals vocal (calls and at least three song variations, including one similar to that of a Spotted Towhee, as described for the previous survey) atop junipers and other tall shrubs in brushy areas, n, w.
• Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 in cottonwood with YRWA, ne.
• Northern Mockingbird 4 vocal, individuals atop junipers and other tall shrubs, n, s.
• California Thrasher 1 vocal (unseen) juniper field, w.
• European Starling 6 vocal, greg. pairs foraging in short grass near shore; perched in adjacent cottonwoods; entering a cavity in the main trunk.
• House Sparrow 4 (m,f) greg. vocal on ground in ruderal field with WCSP, n.
• Buff-bellied (American) Pipit 1 on windward side of jetty in ruderal patch; LESA nearby, nw.
• House Finch 15 (m,f) vocal, pairs and individuals in cottonwoods and junipers around the lake; a pair nesting in a cholla, ne.
• Lesser Goldfinch 2 vocal in pines and on ground at edge of skeet range, ne.
• Lawrence’s Goldfinch 4 (m,f) greg., pairs vocal in pines, cottonwoods and on ground in ruderal roadside area adjacent to the skeet range, ne. w.
• Chipping Sparrow 6 greg. pairs foraging on ground in ruderal patch (Erodium sp.) at edge of juniper field, w.
• Lincoln’s Sparrow 3 individuals foraging on ground beneath junipers and rabbitbrush, w.
• White-crowned Sparrow 30 – consev. est. (ad. imm) greg. vocal, most foraging on ground between sage, juniper and other shrubs around the lake; some vocalizing while perched atop shrubs.
• Golden-crowned Sparrow 1 foraging on ground beneath junipers, w (FOS).
• Song Sparrow 4 vocal, staying low in marsh and adjacent brushy areas, ne, nw, w.
• California Towhee 1 vocal, then flying to perch atop a juniper in a dense sage-juniper field near outer perimeter road, w.
• Bullock’s Oriole 1 vocal (unseen) cottonwoods at edge of perimeter road, sw (FOS).
• Red-winged Blackbird 80 (m,f) most males in alt. plmg. greg., males highly vocal on territories in marsh and adjacent trees around the lake. (photo).

• Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) (alt. and bsc. plmg.), vocal, greg. individuals (mostly females) and small flocks (m,f) in marsh and adjacent willows around the lake.
• Orange-crowned Warbler 4 (3 dull-colored, e.g. Oreothlypis c. celata; one bright yellow e.g., O. c. lutescens), in msf with YRWA, moving quicky through a stand of creosote bush and junipers, n, w.
• Common Yellowthroat 1 briefly vocal, then flew from dense clump of sage and rabbitbrush to barbed-wire fence at edge of drainage ditch and outer perimeter road, w (FOS)
• Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 80 (m,f) many males in alt. plmg., vocal (mostly contact calls; occasional brief song) greg. individuals, pairs and small flocks foraging at all foliage height levels (ground to canopy) in cottonwood canopies (most with early leaf development) around the lake; a continuing large influx of this species at LP.

Lake Palmdale LACO 21 March 2024 (52 Species)

Weather: Fair; 48°F to72°F; wind 0 – 18 mph, reaching greatest velocity by 1000 hrs.

Time: 0700-1200 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using primarily the interior shoreline road, except for about 100m in the southwest section, where I used the outer perimeter road. Lake water was near the maximum level; inflow at the Palmdale Ditch was near the maximum volume. Except for maintenance workers burning tree trimmings in the southwest section near the road, the survey area was largely quiet and undisturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest included, Blue-winged Teal (1), Horned Grebe (1), Swainson’s Hawk (1), Northern Yellow-shafted Flicker (1), Chipping Sparrow (6) and Lawrence’s Goldfinch (5).

Birds Noted:

• Canada Goose 5 greg. vocal. pairs and in two small flocks on lake and flying low around lake; on dam; ne.
• Blue-winged Teal 1 (f) with CITE, swimming near shore.
• Cinnamon Teal 4 (m,f) greg. courtship displays while swimming near shore, (photo).

• Mallard 12 (m,f) greg. vocal; pairs swimming and flying low near shore, w, se.
• Bufflehead 8 (m,f) greg. pairs and individuals scattered around the edges of the lake.
• Ruddy Duck 80 (m,f) a few males in alt. plmg. several pairs swimming in shallows around the lake.
• California Quail 17 (m,f) greg. vocal when alarmed; several small coveys foraging in brushy areas around the lake.
• Pied-billed Grebe 10 vocal; individuals in shallows and marsh areas around the lake.
• Horned Grebe 1 (bsc. plmg.) diving in open water, n.
• Eared Grebe 5 (bsc. plmg.) diving in open water and shallows, nw, w, s.
• Western Grebe 12 greg. vocal, individuals, pairs and small flocks, mostly resting in shallows, nw, s.
• Clark’s Grebe 4 greg., pairs swimming in in shallows at edge of marsh, nw, w.
• Eurasian Collared Dove 1 vocal, cottonwoods, s.
• Mourning Dove 8 greg. pairs and trios in cottonwoods and on fences around the lake.
• Anna’s Hummingbird 2 (m) individuals perched atop creosote bush and juniper, n, s;
• American Coot 120 (conserv. est.) greg. in shallows and marsh around lake.
• Killdeer 2 greg. pair vocal (when approached) on ground in open area near jetty, nw.
• Double-crested Cormorant 10 (ad. most in alt. and trans. alt. plmg.; 4 imm.) greg. most birds (adults and imm.) resting on solar stirring platforms; a few swimming and diving in shallows and open water throughout.
• American White Pelican 2 (alt. plmg.) pair in open water and flying low around the lake.
• Great Blue Heron 3 individuals standing on shore, s, e.
• Great Egret 1 flushed from marsh, ne.
• Osprey 1 flying low around lake; perched in willows next to se channel.
• Red-shouldered Hawk 1 on large stick nest in canopy of cottonwood, se.
• Swainson’s Hawk 1 (imm) perched in subcanopy of cottonwood, se.
• Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad) one dark phase flying low over riparian patch, ne.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 1 vocal in cottonwoods, s.
• Northern (RS) Flicker 2 (m) vocal one on ground in short grass near shore; another in a cottonwood ne, w.
• Northern (YS) Flicker 1 (f) perched for several minutes atop a cottonwood, s (photo).

• Black Phoebe 2 individuals flying low between shrubs and trees at edges of clearings, sw, s, se.
• Say’s Phoebe 2 greg. a pair on and around a previous nest site in a small metal shelter adjacent to the skeet range, ne.
• Common Raven 18 vocal, greg. pairs soaring throughout area; small flocks, 10 -70 agl.; a pair nesting on a utility pole crosspiece, ne.
• Tree Swallow 30 (conserv. est.) greg. vocal; pairs and loosely associated flocks in and around willows and cottonwoods where nesting had been observed in previous years; flying low over marsh and edge of lake throughout (photo).

• Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 i flying low over marsh and open field, sw.
• Barn Swallow 8 greg. flying around nesting area in concrete box, se.
• Verdin 1 vocal when flushed from sage-juniper field, w.
• Bushtit 2 individuals foraging low in separate junipers, w.
• Marsh Wren 1 vocalizing briefly (unseen) in marsh border of channel, s.
• Bewick’s Wren 5 individuals vocal (at least three song variations, including one similar to that of a Spotted Towhee) atop junipers and other tall shrubs in brushy areas, n, w.
• Hermit Thrush 1 flushed from base of creosote bush at roadside, nw.
• Northern Mockingbird 4 vocal individuals atop junipers and other tall shrubs, n, s.
• European Starling 6 vocal, greg. foraging in short grass near shore; perched in adjacent trees and antennae, n.
• House Sparrow 4 (m,f) greg. vocal on ground in ruderal field with WCSP and CHSP, n.
• House Finch 12 (m,f) vocal, greg. on ground and in shrubs, ne, n.
• Lesser Goldfinch 1 (f) in cottonwood with LAGF, w.
• Lawrence’s Goldfinch 6 (m,f) greg., vocal in pines, cottonwoods and on ground in ruderal roadside area adjacent to the skeet range, ne. w.
• Chipping Sparrow 6 greg. pairs foraging on ground in ruderal patch (Erodium sp.) with WCSP, n.
• White-crowned Sparrow 22 (ad. imm) greg. vocal, most foraging on ground between sage, juniper and other shrubs around the lake; some vocalizing while perched atop shrubs.
• Song Sparrow 1 staying low in sage and marsh grass, s.
• California Towhee 1 perched atop a juniper in a dense sage-juniper field near outer perimeter road, w.
• Red-winged Blackbird 80 (m,f) most males in alt. plmg. greg., vocal on territories in marsh and adjacent trees around the lake.
• Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) (alt. and bsc. plmg.), vocal, greg. individuals and small flocks in marsh and adjacent willows around the lake.
• Orange-crowned Warbler 1 (dull-colored form), in msf with YRWA, moving quicky through a stand of creosote bush, n.
• Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 80 (m,f) many males in alt. plmg., vocal (contact calls) greg. individuals, pairs and small flocks foraging at all foliage height levels (ground to canopy) in cottonwood canopies (most with early leaf development) around the lake; a substantial increase in numbers since my survey last week.

Lake Palmdale LACO 14 March 2024 (48 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy; 38°F to 55°F; wind ENE 19 – 28 mph; whitecaps on lake.

Time: 0700-1015 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using primarily the interior shoreline road, except for about 100m in the southwest section, where I used the outer perimeter road. Lake water was near the maximum level; inflow at the Palmdale Ditch was near the maximum volume. Except for a maintenance worker servicing porta-potties, the survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities. Strong winds with a 10°F chill factor reduced bird activity and decreased their detectability.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest included, Horned Grebe (1), Bald Eagle (1 – imm.) and Buff-bellied (American) Pipit (6).

Birds Noted:

• Canada Goose 7 greg. vocal. in two small flocks on lake and flying low around lake, ne.
• Mallard 3 (m) individuals swimming near shore, w, se.
• Bufflehead 18 (m,f) greg. pairs and small flocks scattered around the edges of the lake, occasionally taking flight, low over the lake surface.
• Ruddy Duck 120 (conserv. est.) greg. mostly resting around the edges of the lake.
• Pied-billed Grebe 12 vocal; individuals in shallows and marsh areas around the lake.
• Horned Grebe 1 (bsc. plmg.) diving in open water, n.
• Eared Grebe 4 (bsc. plmg.) diving in open water and shallows, nw, w, s.
• Western Grebe 7 greg. individuals and small flocks resting in shallows, nw, s.
• Clark’s Grebe 2 individuals swimming in open water, central, s.
• Eurasian Collared Dove 1 vocal, cottonwoods, s.
• Mourning Dove 8 greg. pairs and trios in cottonwoods and on fences around the lake.
• Hummingbird sp. (Calypte sp.) perched briefly atop Joshua Tree, se.
• American Coot 80 (conserv. est.) greg. in shallows and marsh around lake.
• Killdeer 3 greg. vocal (when approached) on ground in open area and on dam, sw, ne.
• Ring-billed Gull 3 greg. resting in open water apart from large flock of CAGU, n.
• California Gull 760 (75 % ad.; imm (C1, C2)) (rough estimate, counting by tens; hundreds more circling the landfill) greg. individuals and small flocks in flight to and from landfill (nw); very large flock strung out across the central and northern section of the lake in open water.
• Double-crested Cormorant 22 (ad.; imm.) greg. most birds (adults and imm.) resting on solar stirring platforms; a few swimming and diving in shallows and open water throughout.
• American White Pelican 6 (alt. plmg.) pairs and individuals in open water around the lake.
• Great Blue Heron 2 individuals standing on shore, s, e.
• Turkey Vulture 1 soaring low over tree-tops, se.
• Bald Eagle 1 (imm. or young adult with largely mottled plumage with white outer halves of tail) 1 flushed from willow, then circling and gaining altitude, w (photo).

• Red-shouldered Hawk 1 vocal (unseen) in tall cottonwoods, se.
• Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad.) one in flight between willows; the other (light phase) perched in a cottonwood, ne, se.
• Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 (m,f) vocal; a pair, frequently moving between trees and maintaining vocal contact while foraging in separate cottonwoods; one drumming briefly, sw, se.
• Northern (RS) Flicker 2 vocal on ground, flushed to cottonwoods, ne.
• American Kestrel 1 (m) perched on post in middle of skeet range, ne.
• Black Phoebe 5 individuals flying low between shrubs and trees at edges of clearings, sw, s, se.
• Say’s Phoebe 1 on fence line adjacent to open field, w.
• California Jay 2 greg. in sage and junipers, nw.
• Common Raven 22 vocal, greg. soaring throughout area in small flocks, 10 -70 agl.; a pair on ground near boat launch, nw.
• Tree Swallow 60 (conserv. est.) greg. individuals and loosely associated flocks flying low over lake surface throughout.
• Violet-green Swallow 1 in msf , low over lake with TRSW, se.
• Northern Rough-winged Swallow 40 (conserv. est.) in msf with TRSW and BASW, flying low over lake surface throughout.
• Barn Swallow 12 in msf with TRSW and NRWS, flying low over lake and adjacent land, s, se.
• Bewick’s Wren 3 vocal in brushy areas, n, w.
• Northern Mockingbird 2 vocal atop junipers, n, s.
• European Starling 12 vocal, greg. foraging in short grass near shore; perched in adjacent trees and antennae, n.
• House Sparrow 6 (m,f) greg. vocal in mulberry trees, n.
• Buff-bellied (American) Pipit 6 greg. vocal when flushed together from top road on dam, e.
• House Finch 10 (m,f) vocal, greg. on ground and in shrubs, ne.
• Lark Sparrow 2 greg. a pair foraging in short-grass with flowering Erodium, roadside, ne (photo).

• White-crowned Sparrow 30 (ad. imm) greg. vocal, most foraging on ground between sage, juniper and other shrubs around the lake; some vocalizing while perched atop shrubs.
• Song Sparrow 1 vocal (unseen) willow-marsh riparian patch, sw.
• California Towhee 1 vocal (unseen) dense sage-juniper field near outer perimeter road, w.
• Red-winged Blackbird 80 (m,f) greg. vocal in marsh and adjacent trees around the lake.
• Brown-headed Cowbird 1 vocal, flying between cottonwood canopies, s.
• Great-tailed Grackle 8 (m,F) (bsc. plmg.), vocal, greg. marsh and adjacent willows around the lake.
• Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 12 (m,f) vocal (contact calls) greg. individuals and pairs foraging in budding cottonwood canopies around the lake.

Lake Palmdale LACO 20 April 2023 (76 Species)

Weather: Fair; 41F to 64F; wind WSW 1 mph; NE 8 mph.

Time: 0640 -1130 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using primarily the interior shoreline road, except for about 50m in the southwest section, where I used the fence line (LP boundary) road. PWD service trucks and a bobcat backhoe were operating in the western and southern sections. Two fishermen were on docks in the west and south. Otherwise, the lake area was quiet and little disturbed by human activities during the survey. The lake water level was down about one foot, compared with last week; small shoreline areas of mud and rock were exposed in the west and northeast. The Palmdale Ditch inlet was flowing moderately.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Vaux’s Swift (1 – FOS), Bonaparte’s Gull (1 – FOS), Common Loon (1), Osprey (2), Bald Eagle (1), American Crow (1), Bank Swallow (3), Oak Titmouse (1), Verdin (2), Hermit Thrush (1 – FOS), Western Bluebird (1 – FOS), Lawrence’s Goldfinch (8), Vesper Sparrow (1 – FOS), Yellow Warbler (3), Wilson’s Warbler (1 – FOS), and Western Tanager (1 – FOS).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 5 greg. pairs and individuals on shore and in shallows, ne, se; Cinnamon Teal 1 (m) swimming near the marsh in the slough, s; Gadwall 2 (m,f) greg. a pair resting in the shallows, nw; Mallard 10 (m,f) greg. pairs in shallows around the lake; Lesser Scaup 11 (3 m, 8 f) greg. swimming in open water, n; Bufflehead 25 (m,f) greg. pairs and trios diving in open water around the lake; Ruddy Duck 120 (m,f; alt. plmg.) greg., most resting in shallows around the lake; California Quail 14 (m,f) greg. coveys on ground in brushy areas, ne, w, se; Pied-billed Grebe 8 individuals in shallows around the lake; Eared (Slavonian) Grebe 10 alt. & bsc. plmg.) loosely greg., diving in open water, throughout; Western Grebe 3 greg. a pair swimming together, displaying courtship head-dipping, turning, ritualized preening and simultaneous dives, near docks, w (photo).

Clark’s Grebe 14 greg. most resting near the docks and marsh, nw, w; Feral Rock Pigeon 2 flying over open area and on rooftop in adjacent yard, n, s; Eurasian Collared Dove 5 vocal, greg. pairs on ground and in trees around the lake; Mourning Dove 14 vocal, greg. pairs in flight, on ground and in trees around the lake; Vaux’s Swift 1 flying 10 -20 ft. agl in mixed species flock of swallows over skeet range and adjacent shoreline, ne (FOS – first of the season); Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (m) flew from all sage into junipers, se (FOS); Anna’s Hummingbird 5 (m,f) nest in se corner apparently empty and abandoned with no sign of the former occupants; elsewhere, males perched conspicuously on tall shrubs, ne, nw, s; Selasphorus sp. 1 flying low and fast across roadway, s; Sora 1 vocal (calls -unseen) marsh at edge of island-peninsula, se (FOS); American Coot 120 greg. occasionally vocal, most in shallows around the lake; Killdeer 5 vocal, on ground in open areas, nw, e; Least Sandpiper 2 (one in worn bsc. and the other in fresh alt. plmg.) foraging at the waterline on the jetty, nw; Spotted Sandpiper 2 (one in worn bsc. and the other in fresh alt. plmg.) flushed from rocky shoreline of dam, e; Bonaparte’s Gull 1 (imm. C1) flying back and forth and occasionally dipping into the lake surface, s, nw (FOS); Common Loon 1 (alt. plmg.) open water, n and e-central; Double-crested Cormorant 22 (ad. , imm) greg. most resting on stirring platforms in open water, a few flying, swimming and diving, throughout; Great Blue Heron 1 (alt. plmg.) on shore next to docks, w; Great Egret 3 greg. on shore and in marsh, ne; Snowy Egret 1 flying over docks, sw; Turkey Vulture 1 soaring above the dam, 50-70 ft. agl., e; Osprey 2 flying separately at the same time, about 50 ft. over the lake, earlier, one in tall shoreline willow, ne; Cooper’s Hawk 2 greg. a pair engaged in aerial chase and close interactions during flight (presumably courtship), 60-80 ft. agl, se; Bald Eagle 1 (ad), possibly the same bird that was found here during the previous survey; initially seen flying slowly about 80 ft. above lake, circling and then diving toward the surface, pulling up about 10 ft. above it; later found perched then flushed from subcanopy of large cottonwood, se; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 vocal (unseen) ne; Red-tailed Hawk 1 flying over adjacent land, e; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 (m) vocal, flying between cottonwoods and willows, nw, w; Northern (RS) Flicker 1 in subcanopy of large cottonwood, ne; Western Kingbird 2 greg. a pair sallying from the fence to the ground at edge of skeet range, ne; Black Phoebe 3 vocal, low perches near shore, w, sw, s; California Scrub-jay 2 on junipers, ne, se; American Crow 1 flying se at about 40 ft. agl over open area, nw; Common (Northern) Raven 16 vocal, greg. pairs and trios soaring 50 -300 ft. agl over the lake and adjacent areas, in cottonwood subcanopy (several trees with large, apparently active nests), ubiquitous; Bank Swallow 3 perched on utility lines in mixed species flock of swallows (mostly CLSW and TRSW), ne (photo).

Tree Swallow 120 (conserv. est. – difficult to count due to high mobility over and around the lake), greg. many in msf with CLSW and BASW; at least 50 TRSW hovering around cottonwoods and willows with exposed cavities from broken limbs, though no direct evidence of nesting observed (many of the birds are probably transients here), ubiquitous; Violet-green Swallow 1 (imm) in msf of TRSW and CLSW on utility line, ne; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5 greg. in msf with CLSW and TRSW, ne, nw; Barn Swallow 80 (conserv. est. – difficult to count due to high mobility around the lake), often in msf with other swallows on utility lines and flying low over lake, ubiquitous; Cliff Swallow 160 (conserv. est. as with other swallows, highly mobile and difficult to count; clearly the most abundant swallow species at LP today; some flying > 150 ft. agl; traditional nest colony under eaves of adjacent homes (s) apparently removed by homeowner; Oak Titmouse 1 vocal (repeated calls) in junipers, se; Verdin 2 individuals in juniper-sage, ne, w; Bushtit 4 greg. on juniper-sage slope, ne; Marsh Wren 2 vocal in dry cattails, nw; Bewick’s Wren 6 vocal in brushy areas, ne, n, w; Hermit Thush 1 flushed from beneath a creosote bush, n (FOS); Western Bluebird 2 (m,f) greg. a pair atop junipers, n; California Thrasher 4 vocal (full song) atop saltbush and junipers, ne, n, nw; Northern Mockingbird 2 vocal (song) ne, se; European Starling 5 greg. on lawns and ruderal roadside, n; House Sparrow 2 vocal, garden around the clubhouse, n; House Finch 15 (m,f) vocal, greg. ubiq; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 8 (m,f) vocal, greg. foraging on Amsinckia, in adjacent cottonwoods and pines, ne; White-crowned Sparrow 26 (ad) vocal, greg. in brushy areas throughout; Vesper Sparrow 1 with WCSP in saltbush and juniper, ne (FOS); Savannah Sparrow 1 vocal, flushed from jetty, nw; Song Sparrow 5 vocal (calls) in marsh and riparian edge, ne, nw, w; Bullock’s Oriole 3 (m) vocal in canopy of cottonwoods, sw, s, se; Red-winged Blackbird 60 (m,f) vocal, greg. in marsh and adjacent riparian patches throughout; Great-tailed Grackle 30 (m,f) alt. plmg. vocal, greg., ubiquitous; Common Yellowthroat 2 vocal in marsh, nw, w; Yellow Warbler 3 (m) vocal (repeated song) in cottonwoods, w, sw; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 40 (conserv. est.) (m,f) vocal (calls), loosely greg. in cottonwoods and a variety of other vegetation, ubiquitous; Black-throated Gray Warbler 3 foraging in creosote bushes, n; Wilson’s Warbler 1 (m) vocal in cottonwoods, ne; Western Tanager 1 (m) atop a large cottonwood, se (FOS).

Lake Palmdale LACO 13 April 2023 (72 Species)

Weather: Fair with low clouds on surrounding hilltops; 47F to 55F; wind WSW, W 8 mph, gusting to 25 mph by 1100 hrs.; white-caps on lake surface.

Time: 0650-1210 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using primarily the interior shoreline road, except in the west and south, where I walked about 100m on the LP fence line (boundary) road. The lake was quiet and largely undisturbed by human activities. Water inflow from the Palmdale Ditch was moderately high; the lake water level continues to be at or near maximum volume. Early leaf-out on cottonwoods and willows was ubiquitous.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Hooded Merganser (3- cont.), Greater Roadrunner (1), White-throated Swift (1), Osprey (1 – cont.), Bald Eagle (1 – FOS), Verdin (2), Cactus Wren (1), Phainopepla (2), Lawrence’s Goldfinch (2) and Yellow Warbler (1- FOS).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 5 greg. pairs on grassy shore and in shallows, ne, se; Gadwall 1 (m) swimming with a mallard near the marsh, se; Mallard 10 (m,f) greg. pairs in shallows around the lake; Redhead 2 (m,f) a pair resting in open water with RUDU, w; Lesser Scaup 6 (m,f) greg. swimming in open water, n; one fem. resting in backwater slough, s; Bufflehead 50 (m,f) greg. pairs and trios in open water throughout; Hooded Merganser 3 (f) greg. a pair swimming in shallows, another individual alone near docks; all three birds same general area where found during previous surveys, w; Ruddy Duck 120 (m – most in alt. or trans. alt. plmg., f) greg. most resting in shallows, backwaters and protected bays throughout; California Quail 8 (m,f) vocal, two small coveys on ground – one on northeast brushy slope, the other in se juniper-sage scrub; Pied-billed Grebe 3 occasionally vocal, swimming near marsh, nw, w; Eared Grebe 5 (alt. plmg.) diving in open water, n, n-central; Western Grebe 3 resting near marsh and docks, w;

Clark’s Grebe 11 vocal, greg. most in sleeping posture in shallows near the marsh, nw,w; one pair engaged in a series of courtship moves, observed initially as a spectacular rushing water-run lasting a few seconds, followed by simultaneous diving, surfacing with alternate ritualized preening, and side-to-side head turning — both moves repeated while swimming slowly into and out of the marsh (photo); a third CLGR (possibly a first year bird) acted as an observer about 15-20 ft. away, and was subsequently chased away by the larger of the engaged couple (presumably the male). No nest building or gathering of nest material was observed.

Feral Rock Pigeon 3 on tiled roof of home adjacent to LP boundary, s; Eurasian Collared Dove 5 vocal (scolding call and “song”), greg. pairs in flight and in trees around the lake, esp. n & s; Mourning Dove vocal, greg. pairs on roadside and in trees throughout; Greater Roadrunner 1 on ground in clearing between mature junipers, w; White-throated Swift 1 flying back and forth, into and with a strong headwind at about 40 ft. agl, ne; Anna’s Hummingbird 5 (m,f) nest from 23 March, 2023 with two, now much larger, fully feathered young squeezed in tightly together with their heads protruding just above the nest rim (probably soon to be fledged), se; female flying around nervously nearby but not observed to visit the nest; Selasphorus sp. 1 flying low and fast over open area and into adjacent desert scrub, n; Virginia Rail 1 resting in shallows near shore, moving to cover in new growth tules next to a dock boardwalk, close to the same place where found on 23 March, 2023, w; American Coot 120 greg. most in shallows, marsh, backwaters and protected bays throughout; Killdeer 3 vocal when disturbed on ground in open areas, including the skeet range, ne, nw; Least Sandpiper 2 (alt. plmg.) a pair foraging on the windward edge of the jetty, nw; Spotted Sandpiper 2 (alt. plmg.) one foraging in same area with LESA on windward side of jetty, nw (photo).

Ring-billed Gull 4 (ad) greg. resting with CAGU in open water, n-central; California Gull 3 (imm. C1, C2), with RBGU in open water, n-central; Double-crested Cormorant 12 (ad, imm) greg. most resting on stirring platforms in open water; a few swimming and diving nearby, n, e; American White Pelican 2 (alt. plmg.) individuals, quite far apart, swimming in open water, nw, s; Great Blue Heron 1 (alt. plmg.) standing on shore, ne; Great Egret 1 flying over lake surface near marsh, s; Turkey Vulture 1-2 soaring 20-40 ft. agl in strong winds, over riparian patch and shore, n, ne; Osprey 1 – cont. flying to favored perch in cottonwood adjacent to backwater slough, s; Bald Eagle 1 (ad) perched on horizontal cottonwood limb, taking flight soon after I began photographing it, se (photo); Red-tailed Hawk 2 one adult on nest in willow on peninsula bordering backwater slough, se; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 1 vocal (unseen) sw; Northern Flicker 1 (m) in canopy of large cottonwood, nw; Western Kingbird 2 greg. a pair perched in a cypress tree at the edge of the skeet range, ne; Empidonax sp. 1 seen briefly sallying from outer limb of cottonwood, se; Black Phoebe 1 on low perch at edge of grass clearing near a dock, s; California Scrub-Jay 1 vocal (unseen) east side of dam, se; Common (Northern) Raven 20 vocal, greg. one large stick nest in cottonwood canopy, with cotton-like material around outside, w and several declivity soaring over bluff, apparently enjoying the strong westerly winds n; Tree Swallow 120 (conserv. est.) difficult to count due to constant flying low, back and forth over lake surface throughout; Violet-green Swallow 5 loosely associated with TRSW and CLSW over lake and marsh nw; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 20 (conserv. est.) with TRSW, also difficult to count due to constant flights back and forth over lake and marsh, though definitely less abundant than all other swallow species except, VGSW, nw; Barn Swallow 60 (conserv. est.) also widespread flying back and forth over lake surface with TRSW, NRWS and CLSW, several pair of BASW nesting in concrete drain box, ne (photo).

CLSW 60 (conserv. est.) tending to fly at greater heights, e.g. 30-80 ft. agl., than other swallows, though in small numbers, often in msf with them over the lake surface; none seen around traditional nest colony in adjacent homes on south side; Verdin 2 a pair active on a juniper and Atriplex hillside and ravine, ne (photo).

Bewick’s Wren 2 vocal in brushy areas, ne, nw; Cactus Wren 1 atop a Joshua Tree, se; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 active in junipers with YRWA, ne; California Thrasher 2 vocal atop junipers and fence, ne, nw; Northern Mockingbird 3 vocal in trees and shrubs, ne, nw; European Starling 4 greg. on lawn and in trees around clubhouse, n; Phainopepla 2 (m) active and resting in subcanopy of cottonwood heavily parasitized by mistletoe, se; House Sparrow 3 (m,f) vocal, active in hedgerow by clubhouse, n; Buff-bellied Pipit 2 on jetty, nw (photo).

House Finch 12 (m,f) greg. vocal, pairs in junipers, cottonwoods and on ground, a pair nesting in cholla cactus, ne, n, se; Lesser Goldfinch 4 (m,f) two pair, foraging on herbaceous growth at edge of skeet range, ne; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 2 (m,f) a pair foraging on roadside, se; White-crowned (Gambel’s) Sparrow 22 (ad) greg. vocal (calls) most on ground in brushy areas throughout; Savannah Sparrow 1 vocal (calls) rabbitbrush-sage patch, ne; Song Sparrow 4 greg. in marsh and edge of riparian, ne, nw; California Towhee 1 vocal (calls) juniper – sage, w; Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 vocal (song – briefly but unseen) in dense dry cattails, nw (FOS); Bullock’s Oriole 1 vocal (calls and partial song) in cottonwood canopy, se (FOS); Red-winged Blackbird 50 (m,f) vocal, greg. in marsh and adjacent riparian woodland throughout; Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) vocal, greg, males in mobile leks on ground and on low tree limbs; females usually a few feet away on ground and in separate trees from males, w, s; Orange-crowned Warbler 1 active in junipers with YRWA, ne; Common Yellowthroat 4 (m,f) vocal, active in understory of riparian woodland, marsh and adjacent dry shrubs, ne, w, se; Yellow Warbler 1 (m) vocal (song) in cottonwood over shore, ne (FOS); Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 20 (m,f) greg. vocal (occasional calls) active in a variety of shrubs and trees throughout; Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 (f) active in creosote bush, n (FOS).

Lake Palmdale LACO 6 April 2023 (63 Species)

Weather: Fair; 42F to 60F; winds ENE, initially 2 mph; by 0930 hrs. increasing to 15 mph, producing a choppy lake surface.

Time: 0740 – 1150 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using primarily the interior shoreline road, except in the south, where the road was being leveled by dragging a wooden platform back and forth behind a skip-loader. Some excavation work occurred briefly in the nw and w sections; a septic pump truck crew was servicing porta-potties around the lake. Water inflow from the Palmdale Ditch was moderately low; the lake water level continued to be at or near maximum volume, leaving very little exposed shoreline. Cottonwoods were beginning to leaf-out; many still with catkins attracting birds.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Hooded Merganser (1- cont.), White-throated Swift (1), Common Gallinule (1), Common Loon (1), Osprey (1), Hutton’s Vireo (1 – first record for LP), American Crow (1), and six species of swallow (Purple Martin, Tree Swallow (nesting), Violet-green Swallow, Barn Swallow (nesting), Cliff Swallow and Northern Rough-winged Swallow).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 5 greg. vocal, pairs swimming near shore and alighting on shore, n, ne; Cinnamon Teal 2 (m) resting and swimming at edge of marsh, s, se; Gadwall 5 (m,f) greg. pairs swimming near the marsh, w, se; Mallard 8 (m,f) greg. pairs swimming near the marsh around the lake; Ring-necked Duck 1 (f) resting in open water, e; Lesser Scaup 7 (m,f) greg. swimming and resting in open water and backwater slough, n, s; Bufflehead 50 (m,f) greg. pairs and loosely aggregated flocks diving and resting in open water throughout; Hooded Merganser 1 (f) swimming in favored area by docks, w; Ruddy Duck 130 (m,f) a few males in alt. and trans. alt. plmg., greg. resting in backwaters near marsh throughout; California Quail 10 (m,f) greg. pairs and trios on ground in brushy areas, ne, se; Pied-billed Grebe 3 swimming near marsh, ne, n, w; Eared Grebe 16 (alt. plmg.) greg. diving in open water throughout; Western Grebe 3, greg. a pair resting in shallows near marsh, nw, w; Clark’s Grebe 8 greg. pairs swimming and resting in shallows near marsh, nw, w; Feral Rock Pigeon 2 perched on utility pole and roof top, n,s; Eurasian Collared Dove 2 greg. vocal, a pair in cottonwoods, s; Mourning Dove 12 greg., vocal, in cottonwoods, flying low over clearings, ubiq.; White-throated Swift 1 in msf with CLSW, flying at about 100 ft. agl, s; Anna’s Hummingbird 3 (m,f, imm.) 2 m on conspicuous perches, fence and juniper, one female feeding two nestlings in same nest found and photographed during previous surveys (see 23 March, 2023), se (photo).

Common Gallinule 1 (alt. plmg.) foraging on surface in slough backwater, se (photo).

American Coot 180 greg. swimming and resting in shallows, mostly near the marsh, throughout; Killdeer 5 greg. vocal, pairs on ground in open areas, ne, nw, e; Ring-billed Gull 2 (ad) greg. swimming and probing lake surface, open water, central; California Gull 6 (ad, imm) resting and swimming in open water, central; Common Loon 1 alt. plmg. peering, diving near shore beneath willow riparian patch, and in open water, north (FOS – photo); Double-crested Cormorant 22 (ad, imm) resting on stirring platforms, swimming and diving in open water and near shore throughout; American White Pelican 1 resting on shore of dam with DCCO, e; Great Blue Heron 3 one in alt. plmg. stationary in marsh (photo).

Osprey 1 – cont. flying over dam, later seen perched with a trout on willow limb, se; Red-tailed Hawk 2 greg. a pair on repeater tower platform above the PWD buildings, n; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 1 vocal (unseen) cottonwoods, se; Northern (RS) Flicker 2 flying low between willows and cottonwoods, nw, w; Black Phoebe 5 vocal, sallying from low perch in clearings throughout; Hutton’s Vireo 1 initially seen foraging at mid-level in pines with YRWA nearby; appeared from a distance similar to a slow-moving RCKI; closer views (10 ft. away) as it moved into an adjacent, leafless cottonwood, showed bold wing bars and large bill, grayish green upper parts suggested coastal subspecies, huttoni (first record for LP); California Scrub-jay 2 greg. vocal in creosote bush patch on roadside, nw; American Crow 1 flying about 60 ft agl, southward, s; Common (Northern ) Raven 30 greg., vocal, soaring 50- 300 ft. agl and in cottonwoods around the lake; Purple Martin 1 flying about 30 ft. above the lake, northward, noted comparatively large size, all dark profile, TRSW and CLSW nearby, w; Tree Swallow 85 (conserv. est.) greg. vocal, ubiq. over lake surface and shoreline, one gathering nest material in grass adjacent to willow patch, nw, others perched in willows, n, nw, s; Violet-green Swallow 4 greg., msf with TRSW and CLSW, flying low over lake and marsh, nw, w, s; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 6 greg. pairs flying low over lake surface with TRSW, nw, sw; Barn Swallow 8 greg. individuals and pairs flying in msf with TRSW, low over lake, entering and exiting concrete culvert box- colonial nest site in previous years, se; Cliff Swallow 120 greg. flying low over lake and 200 ft. agl + over open areas, ubiq; Marsh Wren 3 vocal (unseen) in dry cattail patches, nw; Bewick’s Wren 4 vocal in brushy areas, ne, w; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 active low in Calif. Junipers, se; American Robin 1 on ground in adjacent yard beneath a large juniper, sw; California Thrasher 5 all detected initially by their repeated vocalizations (song) atop junipers and in a desert willow thicket, ne, nw. se, e; Northern Mockingbird 3 vocal in brushy areas and edges of clearings, ne, se; European Starling 6 greg. vocal in mulberry trees and cottonwoods, also foraging in Amsinkia tesselata patches on skeet range, ne; House Sparrow 4 (m,f) greg. vocal in shrubs and on ground around clubhouse, n; Buff-bellied (American) Pipit 1 on windward edge of jetty, nw; House Finch 25 (m,f) pairs foraging in clearings and in cottonwoods throughout, esp. n; Lesser Goldfinch 4 greg. vocal pairs in cottonwoods, n, s; White-crowned (Gambel’s) Sparrow 32 ad., imm (alt. and trans. alt. plmg.) vocal (calls and occasional song) on ground in brushy areas throughout; Song Sparrow 3 greg. vocal, a pair with nest material in marsh-willow patch, nw; Lincoln’s Sparrow 1 vocal (alarm call) when flushed from ground beneath rabbitbrush, n; California Towhee 3 greg. a pair foraging together on ground in brushy area, sw; Red-winged Blackbird 45 (m,f) greg., vocal, males singing from elevated, conspicuous perches above marsh and riparian patches, ubiq; Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) vocal, mobile leks (5-6 male individuals, only two with long tails (full alt. plmg.) in grassy clearings, moving to cottonwoods when approached, ubiq; Orange-crowned Warbler 2 foraging on catkins in cottonwoods, ne, w; Common Yellowthroat 1 vocal at edge of marsh, w; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 50 (m,f) vocal (calls and occasional partial song), mostly found in cottonwoods but also in a variety of shrubs and trees, ubiq..

Lake Palmdale LACO 30 March 2023 (57 Species)

Weather: Overcast with low fog in foothills and patchy cumulus clouds (ceiling @ about 4,000 ft. agl), partially clearing and sunny by 0945 hrs.; intermittent light rain and snow (mostly above 3,500 ft.) previous 24 hr., leaving fresh snow on adjacent foothills and mountains. 40 F; wind SSW, shifting to W, 5-16 mph, increasing by late morning with a choppy lake surface.

Time: 0830-1300 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the lake, using primarily the interior shoreline road, except for about 100 yards in the southern section to avoid a group of fishermen on the docks. Aside from two or three maintenance vehicles and small work crews, the lake and adjacent survey area was quiet and largely undisturbed by human activities. Water flow in the southeast Palmdale Ditch was moderately high; the lake water volume was at or near the maximum.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Hooded Merganser (1), Horned Grebe (3), Clark’s and Western Grebe (15 & 5, respectively), Osprey 1 – cont.), Western Kingbird (2 – FOS), five species of swallow (Tree, Violet-green, Northern Rough-winged, Barn and Cliff), and Verdin (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 2 greg. a pair swimming near the marsh, se; Cinnamon Teal 1 (f) swimming at the edge of the marsh, se; Northern Shoveler 2 (m,f) swimming near the marsh, se; Gadwall 6 (m,f) greg. pairs swimming in backwaters, w, se; Mallard 8 (m,f) greg. pairs swimming near the marsh throughout; Ring-necked Duck 1 (m) diving in open water, central; Lesser Scaup 5 (m,f) greg. pairs and individuals in open water, n. s; Bufflehead 30 (m,f) greg. pairs and individuals diving in open water throughout; Hooded Merganser 1 (f) swimming near the marsh, nw; Ruddy Duck 120 (m,f), 3m in alt. plmg., most birds resting in large flocks in sheltered bays and backwaters throughout; Pied-billed Grebe 6 (3 in alt. plmg.) swimming and diving in open water and near the marsh throughout; Horned Grebe 3 (2 in trans. alt. plmg.) diving in open water, n, n-central; Eared Grebe 10 (1 in trans. alt. plmg.) greg. diving in open water and near shore, n, central; Western Grebe 5 greg. two pair swimming near marsh, nw, w; one individual with a small flock of CLGR, w; Clark’s Grebe 15 greg. pairs and individuals mostly resting near marsh and docks, nw w; Eurasian Collared Dove 2 vocal, s; Mourning Dove 6 greg. pairs in cottonwoods and willows; flying around the lake; Anna’s Hummingbird 1 (f) active low in cottonwood and adjacent shrubs, returning apparently to continue incubating in same nest where it was last week, se; American Coot 80 greg. (noticeably fewer birds than found during the previous week’s survey), most aggregated close to the marsh and in sheltered bays around the lake; Killdeer 2 greg. a pair, vocal when flushed from ground on skeet range, ne; Western Sandpiper 1 (trans. alt. plmg.) foraging at the water line on windward side of the jetty, nw; California Gull 6 (1 ad; 5 imm) greg. alighting together in open water, central; Double-crested Cormorant 28 (ad, imm) several in alt. plmg., most resting on mid-lake stirring platforms, a few diving in open water and backwaters throughout; American White Pelican 12 greg (at least 8 in alt. plmg.) most seen swimming near the marsh and in open water in pairs; one flock of six birds (all alt. plmg.) circling above the lake, gaining elevation, then heading northbound at about 250 ft. agl.; Great Blue Heron 1 flushed from marsh nw, flew to se marsh; Green Heron 1 (ad) flying at about 40 ft. agl westward over dam, e; Osprey 1 (ad. – probably a continuing bird; possibly two birds at the lake but only one seen at a time) vocal when perched on favored willow limb, lakeside, w, sw, flying 30-50 ft. agl around lake; Cooper’s Hawk 1 flying between willows, w, sw; Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad. light phase) declivity soaring at edge of north cliffs, ravens in attendance; Nuttall’s woodpecker 1 vocal (unseen) riparian patch, se; Northern (RS) Flicker 6 greg. pairs and trios on ground and on large cottonwood trunk around the lake; Western Kingbird 2 individuals flying at edge of riparian woods, lakeside and across the roadway, w (FOS); Black Phoebe 3 vocal, individuals sallying from low perches in shrubs, open, lakeside areas, s, se; Common (Northern) Raven 25 greg., vocal in pairs and small flocks, soaring 30- 500 ft. agl, perched in cottonwoods, ubiq; Tree Swallow 120 (conserv. est.) greg. most flying low over lake surface throughout, one small flock in willows, ne; a few in msf with numerically dominant CLSW on leeward side of jetty, nw; Violet-green Swallow 5 in msf with CLSW and TRSW on jetty; 1-2 individuals flying low over edge of lake and backwater slough, s; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5 individuals in msf with other swallows on jetty and flying low over water surface in backwaters, s, se; Barn Swallow 5 greg. with msf of other swallows on jetty and flying low over marsh and lake elsewhere, nw, s; Cliff Swallow 150 (consev. est) initially seen in a large flock of about 150 birds resting on leeward side of jetty, readily flushed but soon returning to nearby spot on jetty; later many in a msf with TRSW, flying back and forth over the lake surface against gusty, WSW winds; Verdin 1 vocal (repeated calls) in brushy area bordering a concrete spillway, sw; Bushtit 12 greg., occasionally vocal in brushy area with VERD, moving to nearby cottonwoods, feeding on catkins, sw; Marsh Wren 2 (possibly 3) vocal in dense patch of dormant cattails next to a dock and willow woodland, nw; Bewick’s Wren 1 vocal, secretive (calls and partial song, apparently in response to my imitative scold calls) in saltbush-rabbitbrush patch, ne; California Thrasher 3 individuals, all repeatedly vocal (calls, subsong, full song) in tall shrubs and low tree limbs; one with a nearby, vocal NOMO, ne, w, s; Northern Mockingbird 1 vocal (subsong and partial full song) in brush pile near fence line, s; European Starling 8 vocal, greg. in picnic area, n; House Sparrow 2 vocal around clubhouse, n; American (Buff-bellied) Pipit 1 apparently foraging near the waterline when flushed from the weedy edge of the windward side of the jetty, nw; House Finch 20 (m,f) vocal, greg. on utility lines, in trees and on ground, n; White-crowned Sparrow 18 (ad, imm) vocal (calls), greg, on ground, flushed to shrubs and brush piles, n, ne, se; Savannah Sparrow 2 vocal (unseen) in rabbitbrush patch, ne; Song Sparrow 1 in dormant patch of cattails, nw; Red-winged Blackbird 60 (m,f) vocal (males singing and displaying from conspicuous perches; females comparatively secretive), most abundant in dormant cattails and adjacent riparian woodland throughout; Great-tailed Grackle 16 (m,f) vocal males in alt. plmg. forming small, mobile, unstable leks in riparian edge, marsh and clearings, mostly nw, w; Orange-crowned Warbler 1 vocal (unseen, repeated song) tall shrubs, ne; Common Yellowthroat 1 vocal (unseen) (repeated calls) in dense patch of dormant cattails, w; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler (m,f) vocal (calls), loosely greg. foraging in tall shrubs and trees throughout.

Lake Palmdale LACO 23 March 2023 (55 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy; 41F; wind SSW 10 -22 mph; snow on adjacent mountains and foothills.

Time: 0713-1122 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. Aside from two utility vehicles, the lake and adjacent area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities during the survey. Water inflow in the Palmdale Ditch was moderate; the lake water level continues at or near maximum volume. Most of the cottonwoods were with catkins but without leaves.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Hooded Merganser (4), Horned Grebe (2), Clark’s Grebe (2 – FOS), Osprey (1), Least Bell’s Vireo (1), American Crow (2), six species of swallow (Bank, Barn, Cliff, Northern Rough-winged, Tree and Violet-green), Cactus Wren (1), and Orange-crowned Warbler (4).

Birds Noted

Canada Goose 4 greg. (2 pair) in shallows, n, w; Cinnamon Teal 1 (f) swimming near the marsh, se; Northern Shoveler 12 (10 m, 2 f), greg. in shallows near marsh and adjacent open water se; Gadwall 1 (m) swimming in backwater marsh, w; Mallard 10 (m,f) pairs in shallows around the lake; Lesser Scaup 4 (m,f) greg. diving in open water, central; Bufflehead 60 (m,f) greg. pairs in open water throughout; Hooded Merganser 4 (f) greg swimming in shallows near docks, sw; Ruddy Duck 150 (m,f) bsc. plmg. greg. resting in shallows near marsh around the lake; California Quail 22 (m,f) greg. on ground in brushy areas, ne, se; Pied-billed Grebe 4 individuals swimming near marsh, nw, w, se; Horned Grebe 2 bsc. plmg. diving in open water, n; Eared Grebe 12 greg. bsc. plmg. diving in open water, central; Clark’s Grebe 2 greg. vocal, a pair resting in open water, s; Feral Rock Pigeon 1 flying over road, n; Eurasian Collared Dove 3 vocal in cottonwoods, n, s; Mourning Dove 10 greg. pairs in cottonwoods around the lake; Anna’s Hummingbird 1 (f) on nest, south-facing and mostly in full sun, attached to cottonwood limb about 4 ft. from ground, bird apparently incubating (photo).

Virginia Rail 1 (ad) foraging at edge of partially cleared tule marsh, w (photo).

American Coot 120 greg. in shallows around the lake; Least Sandpiper 1 on edge of jetty, nw; California Gull 24 (90 % ad) greg. circling 100-200 ft. above the lake and flying low over lake surface, resting in open water, s-central; Double-crested Cormorant 26 (ad, imm) diving in open water, resting on stirring platforms throughout; American White Pelican 8 (alt. plmg.) individuals and pairs in open water and swimming near marsh throughout; Great Blue Heron 3 individuals in marsh and shallows around the lake, wary and readily flushed; Turkey Vulture 1 (ad) in willows and flying low around the lake shoreline, n, w; Osprey 1 vocal, with trout, flying to branch where it removed the head of the fish then flew away with it, grasped in one talon, se (photo).

Red-tailed Hawk 4 (mf) greg. pairs perched in canopy of willow and cottonwood, n, se; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 (m,f) individuals foraging on main limbs of cottonwoods, s, se; Northern (RS) Flicker 6 loosely greg. occasionally vocal; foraging on ground beneath and on trunks of cottonwoods, sw, w; Black Phoebe 6 vocal, sallying from low perches, usually near water, throughout; Least Bell’s Vireo 1, loosely associated with YRWA and OCWA, foraging among limbs with catkins at lower to middle level of mature cottonwood in riparian patch next to flowing water in the Palmdale Ditch, se; American Crow 2 vocal, in willows on marsh peninsula, flying s; several ravens in vicinity, se; Common Raven 30 greg. vocal, soaring 100-200 ft. above lake, flying over lake and alighting in tall cottonwoods, ubiq.; Bank Swallow 1 (resting on jetty in msf with mostly CLSW and a few TRSW, taking to flight with them when flushed, nw (photo).

Tree Swallow 90 (conserv. est.) greg. in msf with mostly CLSW, resting on jetty, later flying low over lake; a few perched in willows near the shore, ubiq.; Violet-green Swallow 2 one in msf with CLSW and TRSW on jetty; one flying back and forth over canal, s; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5 greg. flying low over lake surface, sometimes associated with CLSW and TRSW but usually flying separately from those two species; Barn Swallow 3 resting on jetty with CLSW and TRSW, nw; Cliff Swallow 60 greg. most seen initially resting in a large flock on the jetty, then dispersing over the lake surface (photo).

Cactus Wren 1 repeatedly vocal (song) in dense Atriplex-juniper-cholla field, ne; American Robin 2 individuals on the ground; one in clubhouse picnic area, n, the other in a cottonwood clearing, w; California Thrasher 3 repeatedly vocal (song) in juniper-Joshua tree patches, ne, w, se; Northern Mockingbird 2 vocal (song) in cottonwood and brushy clearings, n, se; European Starling 10 vocal, greg. in mulberrys, cottonwoods and on ground in clearings, n; House Sparrow 4 (m,f) greg. vocal, mostly on ground and in shrubs at edge of roadway, n; American Pipit 1 on edge of jetty near LESA, nw (FOS); House Finch 8 (m,f) vocal, greg. foraging in short grass in clearings, roadsides, n, ne; White-crowned Sparrow 22 (ad, imm) greg. vocal (calls) on ground, in shrubs and foraging on cottonwood catkins, ubiq.; Song Sparrow 2 greg. a pair flushed into a dense cattail patch, w; Red-winged Blackbird 32 (m,f) vocal, greg. in marsh and adjacent trees, ubiq.; Great-tailed Grackle 18 (m,f) alt. plmg. vocal, greg. on ground and in trees, on docks, n, nw, w, sw; Orange-crowned Warbler 4 greg. two pair (one much brighter plumage than others), foraging at low to middle level of cottonwoods with catkins, se; Common Yellowthroat 1 mostly concealed in dense shrubs in a riparian patch bordering the Palmdale Ditch, se (FOS); Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 10 (m,f) occasionally vocal, individuals and pairs foraging in a variety of vegetation types, e.g. creosote bush, juniper, cottonwoods, throughout;

Lake Palmdale LACO 9 March 2023 (55 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy to mostly fair; 41F to 53F; wind W; ENE 2 – 4 mph. Patchy snow coverage visible on the adjacent Ritter Ridge and San Gabriel mountains.

Time: 0708-1020 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the lake, using the interior shoreline road. One fisherman, a PWD maintenance vehicle and a porta-potty service truck, were in the area during the survey. The lake area was predominantly quiet and undisturbed by human activities. Water inflow in the Palmdale Ditch was at maximum volume; the lake water level was high. About two-acres of tules, cattails and other wetland vegetation had been removed from the north and northwestern shore, which allowed relatively clear views and counts of waterbirds using those areas. Cottonwoods with leaf-budding terminal branches, attracted several bird species in the southeastern riparian section next to the Palmdale Ditch inlet.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Hooded Merganser (1), Horned Grebe (2), five species of swallow, (Tree, Violet-green, Rough-winged, Cliff and Barn), Phainopepla (2) and Orange-crowned Warbler (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 8, greg. vocal when approached, some birds appearing relatively tame; pairs and a small flock on shore and in shallows around the lake; Cinnamon Teal 3 (m,f) individuals swimming near marsh, w, se; Northern Shoveler 18 (m,f) greg. resting and swimming near the marsh and in open water, n, e; Gadwall 2 (mf) a pair swimming near the marsh, w; Mallard 12 (m,f) pairs swimming and resting in shallows around the lake; Redhead 1 (f) swimming near the marsh, se; Lesser Scaup 8 (m,f) greg. in open water, s; Bufflehead 70 (m,f) loosely greg., diving in open water throughout; Common Goldeneye 1 (f) swimming with BUHE in open water, n; Hooded Merganser 1 (f) in backwater, cleared marsh, w; Ruddy Duck 220 (conserv. est.) (m,f) bsc. plmg. greg mostly resting in shallows near shore around the lake; California Quail 38 (m,f) greg. foraging on ground at edge of brushy areas, ne, se; Pied-billed Grebe 2 swimming in open water and near marsh, s, e; Horned Grebe 2 (bsc. plmg.) individuals diving in open water, n (photo).

Eared Grebe 22 (bsc. plmg.) greg. diving in open water throughout; Western Grebe 2 greg. a pair staying close in open water, s; Eurasian Collared Dove 5 (one bird, nearly entirely leucistic) greg. vocal, pairs in cottonwoods and other trees around the lake; Mourning Dove 22 greg. vocal, pairs in trees, in flight and on the ground around the lake; Anna’s Hummingbird 7 9 (m,f) individuals hovering in canopy of pines and understory of cottonwoods around the lake; American Coot 130 greg. occasionally vocal, swimming mostly in shallows throughout; Killdeer 8 greg. vocal and flushed when approached, pairs on dam and roadside, e, nw; Least Sandpiper 1 (imm) on edge of jetty, nw; California Gull 20 (90% ad) greg, resting in open water, s; Double-crested Cormorant 9 (ad, imm,) greg. perched on floating stirring platform, s-central; diving in open water, low in flight over the lake; American White Pelican 6 (alt. plmg.) pairs and individuals swimming near the marsh; in flight low over the lake, throughout; Great Blue Heron 5 (possibly double-counted) (ad, imm) vocal when flushed, individuals at edge of marsh and on jetty, flying low across lake; Red-tailed Hawk 5 (ad) a pair perched on a favored utility pole, another on a metal tower (nest site?) above PWD building, one in willow canopy, ne, se; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 5 (4 f, 1 m) vocal, individuals foraging on cottonwood main limbs, w, sw, s; Northern (RS) Flicker 6 greg. mostly silent on ground beneath cottonwoods; foraging at and on base of willows and cottonwoods, w, s; Black Phoebe 5 vocal, individuals sallying to ground from low limbs of trees and shrubs throughout; Say’s Phoebe 1 an individual perched on top of a porta-potty, s; California Scrub-Jay 1 vocal (unseen) nw; Common (Northern) Raven 30 (conserv. est.) vocal, greg several small flocks soaring 150-200 ft. agl. a few individuals on ground around lake; Tree Swallow 85 loosely greg., coursing back and forth, low over the lake surface, occasionally dipping into it, none seen perched or in direct flight leaving or entering the lake area; Violet-green Swallow 2 flying 20 ft. agl over roadway and shore, n; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 10 greg. pairs flying back and forth, low over lake surface, mostly near shore and backwater areas, n, se; Barn Swallow 4 individuals flying low over lake, nw, s; Cliff Swallow 2 a pair flying 15-25 ft. agl over roadway with TRSW, n; Bushtit 3 vocal, loosely greg. while foraging on budding branches of cottonwoods, se; Marsh Wren 2 vocal (unseen) in dense patch of cattails around docks, s; Bewick’s Wren 5 vocal, individuals in brushy fields around the lake; American Robin 5 individuals on ground beneath trees, in flight over the area; California Thrasher 5 vocal atop exposed perches on Calif. Juniper and Great Basin Sage, ne, nw, w, se; European Starling 18 vocal, greg. in cottonwood and mulberry canopies; in flight, n, s Phainopepla 2 (f, m imm.) a pair interacting around canopy of large cottonwood infested with mistletoe, se; House Sparrow 4 (m,f) greg. vocal in patch of creosote bush next to clubhouse parking area, n; House Finch 10 (m,f) greg., vocal on utility wire, in pines and cottonwoods, ne, s; Lesser Goldfinch 4 (m,f) greg. a pair foraging on budding cottonwood branches, se; White-crowned Sparrow 16 (ad, imm) greg. occasional call notes given, most foraging on ground at edge of brushy areas, a pair foraging on cottonwood buds, ne, se; Savannah Sparrow 1 on the edge of the jetty, nw; California Towhee 2 vocal, one perched atop a mature juniper, w; Red-winged Blackbird 25 (consrv. est.) greg. males vocalizing from conspicuous perches in and above marshes around the lake; Great-tailed Grackle 40 (m,f) (alt. plmg.) greg., vocal males in mobile leks in trees, on docks and fences and other upright objects around the lake; Orange-crowned Warlber 1 foraging on buds in cottonwood, se; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 5 (m,f, imm.) vocal (call notes) individuals and pairs foraging in adjacent cottonwoods around the lake;

Lake Palmdale LACO 19 May 2022 (60 Species)

Weather: Fair; 68 F to 86F; wind SSW, WNW 1 – 4 mph.

Time: 0550-1015 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counterclockwise route around the entire lake, using primarily the interior shoreline road, except in the sw, where people were on the road and fishing from the docks. One couple was fishing in the northeast corner next to the water treatment inlet, then relocating to the se in the channel. Those folks had some questions for me regarding the birds of Lake Palmdale. The Lake water level was relatively high with little exposed shoreline; water flow was near the maximum volume at the Palmdale Ditch inlet. Except for a few fishermen, the lake area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities during the survey.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Lesser Scaup (1), Eared Grebe (12, including adults with young), Cassin’s Kingbird (1), Tree Swallow (20, including several nesting pairs), Yellow Warbler (10), and Tricolored Blackbird (30, presumably nesting).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 11 vocal, gregarious – a cohesive flock swimming in open water, n; Gadwall 8 (m,f) vocal, greg. – pairs in shallows around the lake; Mallard 60 (m,f) greg. – pairs and females with several young following in shallows around the lake; Ring-necked Duck 2 (m,f) in open water near shore, n, channel, se; Lesser Scaup 1 (m) preening in open water, nw; Ruddy Duck 30 (m,f; alt. plmg.) greg. while resting in open water, nw, w; California Quail 20 (m,f; one covey with several young), ubiquitous in brushy areas; Pied-billed Grebe 20 (ad., imm.) young greg. in shallows around the lake; Eared Grebe 12 (ad. alt. plmg.) one nearly full-grown immature staying close with two adults in alt. plmg., all three diving sequentially, open water, nw; note: there is no clear evidence yet of breeding for this species at LP;

Western Grebe 10 vocal, greg. – pairs swimming near marsh, nw; one individual observing courting pair of CLGR, e; Clark’s Grebe 18 (ad) vocal, greg. pairs swimming and resting in shallows, nw, w; one pair (with apparent size dimorphism) briefly engaged in a synchronized rush, followed by diving, ritualized preening, head flex and rotation (photo).

Double-crested Cormorant 1 (bsc. plmg.) resting on rock at edge of dam, ne; Great Blue Heron 3 (bsc. plmg.) flushed from shore, ne, se; Great Egret 2 (bsc. plmg.) on shore and in tree overhanging marsh, ne; Green Heron 1 (alt. plmg.) flushed from marsh shoreline, w; Turkey Vulture 1 (ad) foraging on remains of trout on shore of dam, ne; Cooper’s Hawk 1 diving into olive tree at edge of caretaker’s yard n; Red-tailed Hawk 3 (ad, imm) one adult on fence, nw; ad. and a vocal imm. in cottonwood canopy, se; American Coot 50 loosely greg. in shallows and open water, ubiq; Killdeer 2 vocal, edge of jetty and mowed ruderal field, nw; Spotted Sandpiper 1-2 (alt. plmg.) on dam, ne; Eurasian Collared Dove 6 vocal, greg. – pairs in cottonwoods around the lake; Feral Rock Pigeon 6 greg. in flight, n; Mourning Dove 20 vocal, greg. pairs in riparian and open areas throughout; Black-chinned Hummingbird 4 (m,f) individuals in and around cottonwoods and flowering shrubs, n, w, s; Anna’s Hummingbird 1 (f) perched atop large cottonwood, sw; Costa’s Hummingbird 1 (f) foraging on purple flowering ornamental shrub in PWD garden entrance, n; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 (m) vocal, active in willows and cottonwoods, s, se; Western Wood Pewee 4 individuals sallying from low-upper level in cottonwoods and willows at edge of riparian and marsh-riparian, w, s; Willow Flycatcher 1 perched on low limb of willow overhanging marsh, w; Black Phoebe 4 vocal, individuals sallying to shoreline and ground from low perches throughout; Say’s Phoebe 1 an individual sallying from brush pile to open ground, ne; Ash-throated Flycatcher 3 vocal (calls), individuals atop cottonwoods, n, sw, se; Cassin’s Kingbird 1 (trans. alt plmg.) perched atop small cottonwood at edge of skeet range, WEKI nearby, ne; Western Kingbird 6 individuals and pairs interacting atop cottonwoods near shore and overhanging marsh, ne, w; Northern Raven 10 vocal, greg. ubiq.; Tree Swallow (20 – conserv. est.) individuals flying low over marsh and lake throughout; flocks of 4 -8 birds in dead cottonwoods, one pair observed twice entering and exiting a small cavity about 12 ft. agl in a willow overhanging shallows, then perching on a nearby limb; several other pairs active around dead limbs of cottonwoods and willows, esp. s, se; Cliff Swallow 12 loosely gregarious while flying back and forth over open fields, riparian-marsh, esp. s; no obvious sign of active nesting under eaves of adjacent homes where colonies of CLSW had nested in previous years; Barn Swallow 16 greg. flying low over lake and marsh throughout, three or four active nests visible in concrete drainage box (a BASW colonial nest site at LP in previous years), se; Verdin 1 repeated calls, cottonwood-junipers, sw; Bewick’s Wren 6 vocal, individuals and pairs active on ground between and within shrubs (e.g. rabbitbrush, creosote bush), n, w; Northern Mockingbird 4 vocal in brushy areas, ne, n, se; California Thrasher 3 one vocal atop a juniper, w, two on ground beneath creosote bush, n; European Starling 12 vocal, greg., around building and gardens, foraging with RWBL in ruderal patches, n; Yellow Warbler 10 (m,f) vocal (repeated song) in cottonwoods around the lake; Common Yellowthroat 3 vocal (unseen) in marsh-riparian patches, ne, nw; Wilson’s Warbler 1 vocal – repeated song (unseen) in cottonwoods, n; California Towhee 5 vocal in brushy areas, ne, n,w; Song Sparrow 4 vocal (calls and song) in marsh-riparian patches, nw, w, sw; Western Tanager 2 (m,f) individuals flying between cottonwood canopies, w, sw; Black-headed Grosbeak 5 (m, f) vocal (calls and song) in cottonwood and willow canopies, n, w, s; Red-winged Blackbird 160 (m,f, imm.) vocal, greg. – nesting colonies in marsh-riparian patches around the lake, many foraging on ground in ruderal patches with EUST, GTGR, TCBL; Tricolored Blackbird 30 (conserv. est. – possibly many more than that number variably present at LP) vocal, greg. one vocal m and fem exchanging insect food in a cottonwood, others foraging on ground in ruderal patches; sorties of 3-10 birds commuting w and nw to and from LP; possible nesting sites in ne and nw marsh with extensive Scirpus growth, though nesting of TCBL at LP remains unconfirmed this year;

Yellow-headed Blackbird 2 (m,f) vocal at edge of marsh, nw; Great-tailed Grackle 30 (m,f) vocal, greg. most in marsh-riparian areas around the lake; Brown-headed Cowbird 6 (m,f) vocal, greg. in cottonwoods and willows, nw, w; Bullock’s Oriole 3 (m,f) vocal in cottonwood canopies, ne, w, sw; House Finch 50 (m,f) vocal, greg. ubiq; Lesser Goldfinch 2 vocal in adjacent suburban garden trees at edge of LP property boundary, s; House Sparrow 6 (m,f) vocal, greg. foraging on ground in ruderal patches, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO 27 May 2021 (57 Species)

Weather: Fair; 64F to 73F; wind WSW 2 – 5 mph.

Time: 0626-0850 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counterclockwise route around the entire lake, using primarily the interior shoreline road, except in the sw, where people were on the road and docks. The lake water level continues to be at or near maximum; inflow was moderate through the Palmdale Ditch. Except for some fishermen and a few vehicles briefly moving around the lake, the survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Canada Goose (4), Redhead (3), Eared Grebe (4), Western Grebe (12), Clark’s Grebe (6), Osprey (1), Spotted Sandpiper (5), California Gull (6), American Crow (3), Yellow-rumped (A), Warbler (2), Yellow Warbler (8), and Wilson’s Warbler (8).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 4 gregarious, swimming near dam, e; Mallard 30 (m,f) pairs and small flocks throughout in the shallows and on shore; Redhead 3 (2m, 1 f) gregarious, open water, e-central; Ruddy Duck 30 (m,f) gregarious, most resting in shallows,nw, w, sw; California Quail 60 (m,f) gregarious, several small flocks on ground in brushy areas throughout; Pied-billed Grebe 12 vocal, in shallows around the lake; Eared Grebe 4 (alt. plmg.) gregarious – pairs diving in open water, n, nw; Western Grebe 12 gregarious, vocal, several pairs, open water and resting in shallows n, nw, w; Clark’s Grebe 6 vocal, pairs and individuals in open water and shallows, n, w, se; Double-crested Cormorant 1 (imm) in willow overhanging lake, ne; Great Blue Heron 1 flushed from marsh, se; Great Egret 6 gregarious – pairs in shallows and perched in trees around the lake; Snowy Egret 4 (1 in trans. alt. plmg.) individuals foraging in shallows, perched in trees overhanging the lake, n, nw, ne; Black-crowned Night Heron 1 in willow overhanging shallows, w; Osprey 1(ad) flying low around the lake; Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad) vocal on top of favored utility pole, ne; Sora 1 vocal (unseen) marsh next to muddy shallows, w; American Coot 60 gregarious, in shallows around the lake, esp. near dam; Killdeer 4 vocal pairs on ground, nw, e; Black-necked Stilt 1 flushed from shore of dam, ne; California Gull 6 (C2, C3) gregarious on jetty and resting in open water, nw, w; Eurasian Collared Dove 4 vocal, riparian edge, n, sw; Mourning Dove 20 pairs and individuals in riparian patches around the lake; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 5 vocal in cottonwoods and willows around the lake; Downy Woodpecker 1 (vocal) in willows, sw; Western Wood Pewee 2 sallying from exposed 10-15 ft. perch in cottonwoods, ne, sw; Black Phoebe 5 flying low near shore, ubiquitous; Say’s Phoebe 4 sallying to ground from low perches in brushy areas, sw, s; Ash-throated Flycatcher 4 (vocal) atop cottonwoods n, sw, se; Western Kingbird 6 (vocal) pairs and individuals atop and around cottownoods and mulberries, n, w, ne; California Scrub-Jay 2 atop juniper and cottonwood, nw, se; American Crow 3 gregarious in flight, northward over Park & Ride lot; Northern Raven 4 flying around lake, n, s; Tree Swallow 20 loosely gregarious, flying low over lake and adjacent riparian vegetation, ubiquitous; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 flying low over road, n; Barn Swallow 20 loosely gregarious, flying 10 – 150 ft. throughout, one exiting previous year’s colonial nest site in concrete drainage box, se; Oak Titmouse 1 vocal (unseen) Cottonwoods, sw; Verdin 1 (vocal) unseen in junipers, ne; Bushtit 4 vocal, individuals and pairs in junipers and cottonwoods, nw, ne; Bewick’s Wren 10 vocal (song) in brushy areas throughout; House Wren 1 vocal (unseen) brushy area beneath cottonwoods, se; Marsh Wren vocal (unseen) marsh/riparian edge, w, sw, s; Northern Mockingbird 3 vocal (song) from exposed perch, n, se; California Thrasher 1 (light gray morph), on ground in weedy picnic area, n; European Starling 16 vocal, gregarious, foraging on ground in picnic area, n, s; Yellow Warbler 8 (m) vocal (calls and song) in mulberries and cottonwoods, throughout; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 2 (bsc. plmg./imm m) foliage gleaning in middle level of willows and outer foliage of flowering creosote bushes, n, w; Common Yellowthroat 2 vocal (song) unseen in marsh-riparian edge, sw, se; Wilson’s Warbler 8 (m,f) most staying low in shrubs and trees, pairs and individuals, vocal (calls and song), throughout; California Towhee 2 vocal individuals in creosote and sage scrub, n, s; Red-winged Blackbird 40 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous in marsh and riparian edge; Great-tailed Grackle 30 (m,f) males in vocal leks of 3 -5 birds, on jetty and in riparian patches, nw, s; Brown-headed Cowbird 8 (m,f) vocal, gregarious in riparian areas, nw, w; Bullock’s Oriole 3 (m,f) vocal in cottonwoods, sw, se, ne; House Finch 30 (m,f) vocal, gregarious – foraging on ground in picnic area, n, se; House Sparrow 10 (m,f) vocal, individuals and small flocks on ground, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO 29 April 2021 (64 Species)

Weather: Fair; 58F to 75F; wind WNW 0- 2 mph.

Time: 0659- 1015 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the lake, using primarily the interior shoreline road, except in the southwest, where there were parties of fishermen and their vehicles around the docks. Otherwise, the lake area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities. The lake water level continues at maximum volume; water flow in the Palmdale Ditch inlet was moderate.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Bufflehead (3), Red-breasted Merganser (2), Osprey (1), Long-billed Dowitcher (2), and Tricolored Blackbird (4).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 6 gregarious, on land and in the shallows, nw e; Mallard 10 (m,f) gregarious – pairs in the shallows around the lake; Cinnamon Teal 1 (m,f) a pair dabbling in the shallows, nw; Bufflehead 3 (f) gregarious in shallows and open water, nw, e; Red-breasted Merganser 2 (f) a pair swimming in open water, central; Ruddy Duck 30 (a few in alt. plmg.) gregarious in shallows around the lake; California Quail 40 (m,f) gregarious, on the ground in brushy areas around the lake, esp. n; Pied-billed Grebe 20 vocal, individuals in shallows around the lake; Eared Grebe 30 (many in advanced trans. alt. plmg.) loosely to tightly gregarious flocks in open water and shallows around the lake; Western Grebe 4 vocal, pairs and individuals in shallows, nw, s; Clark’s Grebe 3 individuals and a pair, resting in shallows and swimming in open water, nw; Double-crested Cormorant 1 (imm), standing on stirring platform, nw; Great Blue Heron 2 flushed from marsh, w, ne; Great Egret 9 (alt. and bsc. plmg.) gregarious while roosting in willows; individuals foraging in shallows, ne; Snowy Egret 2 foraging in shallows, nw; Green Heron 2 (ad) flushed from shore, w, se; Black-crowned Night Heron 3 (ad) in shallows and marsh, nw, w, s; White-faced Ibis 1 foraging in shallow mud pits, nw (photo).

Osprey 2, one perched in favored cottonwood overhanging slough, s, one flying with fish, north across Avenue S Park & Ride at 0650 hrs.; Red-tailed Hawk 1 vocal on favored utility pole perch ne; American Coot 120 (conserv. est.) ubiquitous in shallows and on shore; Killdeer 8 vocal, pairs on and around jetty, shore, nw, w, se, e; Spotted Sandpiper 6 (alt. plmg.) individuals foraging on jetty, shore, around the lake; Least Sandpiper 8 (bsc. plmg.) gregarious while foraging on muddy shorelines, nw, w, se; Long-billed Dowitcher 2 (trans. alt. plmg.) a pair foraging in shallow, se (photo).

California Gull 3 (1 ad; 2 C1) loosely gregarious, resting in open water, n; Eurasian Collared Dove 2 vocal (unseen) sw; Mourning Dove 20 vocal, pairs and individuals ubiquitous; Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (f) visiting (foraging and/or collecting nest material) a patch of dry cocklebur next to the Palmdale Ditch, se; Anna’s Hummingbird 4 (f) individuals and pairs (f) visiting the same vegetation as above, one definitely collecting nest material; Selasphorus sp. 1 (m) perched atop a Juniper, se; Western Wood Pewee 2 vocal, sallying from outer limb of cottonwoods, ne, se; Black Phoebe 6 (ad, imm) one female with nesting material, ubiquitous, often near water; Say’s Phoebe 1 in adjacent yard – flew into small storage shed, s; Western Kingbird 6 vocal, gregarious – pairs sallying from outer cottonwood limbs, n, w, ne; Northern Raven 6 gregarious – mostly pairs flying around the lake; Tree Swallow 20 loosely gregarious, vocal, flying low over open fields lake and marsh, a few perched in cottonwoods, ubiquitous; Cliff Swallow 1 flying back and forth, low over shore and marsh, nw; Barn Swallow 10 (alt. plmg.) gregarious – pairs perched on docks and flying low over lake and marsh, throughout; Oak Titmouse 1 vocal (unseen) sw; Verdin 3 vocal a pair foraging in a patch of flowering creosote bush, nw, se; Bushtit 8 gregarious – seen only as pairs moving quickly through foliage of shrubs and trees throughout; Bewick’s Wren 10 vocal (repeated song) brushy areas throughout; American Robin 2 gregarious, one on ground, the other nearby in a cottonwood, n; Northern Mockingbird 2 vocal, n; California Thrasher 3 vocal from exposed perches on fence and shrubs, n, one running across road, s; European Starling 12 vocal, gregarious – mostly in pairs around cottonwoods with possible nest cavities; Yellow Warbler 6 (m) vocal in cottonwoods throughout; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 4 (alt. plmg.) gregarious – pairs foraging in lower limbs of cottonwoods and willows, w, sw; Common Yellowthroat 2 (m) vocal in marsh and subcanopy of cottonwoods, nw, w Wilson’s Warbler 1 (m) foraging low in shrubs beneath willows nw; California Towhee 3 vocal, pairs on fence and in juniper patch, n, nw; Savannah Sparrow 2 gregarious on shore near jetty, nw; Song Sparrow 4 vocal in riparian-marsh, nw, w; White-crowned Sparrow 2 vocal (calls), one flew to dry cocklebur patch, se; Red-winged Blackbird 30 (m,f) vocal, gregarious in and around marsh-riparian throughout; Tricolored Blackbird 4 (m) gregarious – flying low into riparian patch, ne; Yellow-headed Blackbird 2 (m) vocal, foraging on jetty, active in adjacent marsh on w side, nw; Great-tailed Grackle 25 (m,f) vocal, gregarious on shore and in marsh, n, s; Brown-headed Cowbird 6 (m,f) vocal, gregarious in cottonwoods, n; Bullock’s Oriole 1 vocal (unseen) in canopy of tall cottonwoods, sw; House Finch 30 (m,f) vocal, gregarious – mostly in pairs, ubiquitous; Lesser Goldfinch 1 vocal (unseen) tall cottonwoods, se; House Sparrow 3 (m,f) vocal, gregarious on ground in picnic area, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO 11 February 2021 (60 Species)

Weather: Mostly fair with increasing high clouds; 45F to 54F; winds calm.

Time: 0725-1005 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the lake, using primarily the interior shoreline road, except in the southwest, where there were parties of fishermen and their vehicles around the docks. A septic pump truck was servicing portable toilets around the lake. The lake water level continues at maximum volume; the aqueduct and Palmdale Ditch inlets shut off.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Common Goldeneye (1- cont.), Hooded Merganser (1 – cont.), Horned Grebe (5 – cont.), Clark’s Grebe (4), American White Pelican ( 5 – cont.), Osprey (1), Merlin (1), Violet-green Swallow (1), Phainopepla (2 – cont.), and Orange-crowned Warbler (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 7 (m,f) gregarious – pairs and small flocks in shallows, w, se; Cinnamon Teal 1 (m,f) a pair swimming in shallows, nw; Lesser Scaup 1 (m) swimming near the dam, e; Bufflehead 20 (m,f) gregarious – several small flocks around the lake; Common Goldeneye 1 (f) swimming with a fem. BUFF, e; Hooded Merganser 1 (m – cont.) swimming in open water near the slough where found last week, s; Ruddy Duck 100 (m,f – bsc. plmg.) gregarious, ubiquitous in shallows; California Quail 20 (m,f) gregarious – flushed from rabbitbrush field, ne; Pied-billed Grebe 30 loosely gregarious around edges of the lake, especially close to the marsh; Horned Grebe 5 (cont.) gregarious, diving in open water, n-central; Eared Grebe 5 (3 in trans. alt. plmg.) individuals swimming in open water, n, nw; Clark’s Grebe 4 two pair swimming in open water, s-central; Double-crested Cormorant 20 (ad, imm) gregarious, most resting on stirring platforms around the lake; American White Pelican 5 pairs and individuals swimming and flying around edges of the lake; Great Blue Heron 4 individuals flushed from shore around the lake; Great Egret 1 standing near the water on the dam, e; Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (ad. -cont.) in same place as last week, in the slough at the edge of the marsh, s; Osprey 1 (ad) perched in favored willow overhanging lake, w, flying low over marsh, se; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad.) vocal after flushed from cottonwood, s, then flying to se corner; Red-tailed Hawk 3 (2 ad., 1 imm) one adult perched atop last year’s nest in willow, flew to a willow with another adult RTHA, ne; Merlin 1 (f) flew to sycamore perch on shore, remaining there for at least 15 minutes, se (photo)

Sora 1 calls (unseen) in dense marsh at edge of slough, s; American Coot 120 (conserv. est.) gregarious, ubiquitous in shallows, a few foraging on land near water; Killdeer 3 vocal, on ground near jetty and on dam, nw, e; Ring-billed Gull 1 (ad) resting in open water with nearby CAGU, central; California Gull 90 (only 4 immatures, C1, C2) gregarious, most resting in open water, central; Eurasian Collared Dove 1 flying over adjacent yard, s; Mourning Dove 20 gregarious, n, ne; Anna’s Hummingbird 3 (m) perched atop junipers and outer limbs of cottonwoods, w, sw, s; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 vocal in cottonwoods, n, w; Down Woodpecker 1 vocal (unseen) in willows, nw; Northern (RS) Flicker 5 vocal, individuals in willows and cottonwoods around the lake; Black Phoebe 8 vocal from exposed perches,3 – 15 ft. agl, around lake; Say’s Phoebe 1 vocal on fence, s; California Scrub-Jay 1 calls (unseen) in pines around Lake Una, e; Northern Raven 10 vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; Tree Swallow 80 vocal, gregarious, most circling lake and adjacent areas, 1- 300 ft. agl, some skimming surface, pairs and loose flocks, a pair flushed from a cottonwood, s, ubiquitous; Violet-green Swallow 2 flying 20 – 50 ft. agl under a loose flock of TRSW, w, s; Oak Titmouse 1 vocal, in juniper field, sw; Verdin 3 vocal – a pair in roadside creosote bushes, nw, one foraging near BUSH in subcanopy of a large cottonwood, ne; Bushtit 4 foraging in canopy of cottonwood, ne; Bewick’s Wren 8 highly vocal (repeated song, scold calls) given from exposed and concealed locations around the lake; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 foraging in mulberry tree at edge of picnic area, n; Northern Mockingbird 1 on fence, s; California Thrasher 1 vocal (mimicry included CASJ) in juniper patch, s; European Starling 10 vocal, gregarious, in cottonwoods and mulberry trees, n, s; Phainopepla 2 (m,f) individuals in separate cottonwoods with clumps of mistletoe, se; Orange-crowned Warbler 1 vocal (calls) in creosote bush, n; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 8 (m,f) vocal, gregarious in cottonwoods and willows, n, s; Common Yellowthroat 5 vocal (calls) in and around marsh at shoreline, n, nw, s; California Towhee 1 vocal (calls – unseen) in dense juniper stand, sw; Savannah Sparrow 1 flushed from near s end of jetty, nw; Song Sparrow 5 (vocal – song) riparian-marsh and wet fields, nw, w, sw; Lincoln’s Sparrow 1 with WCSP on ground in ruderal patch, n; White-crowned Sparrow 25 (ad, imm) vocal (mostly calls) gregarious, ubiquitous in areas with nearby cover, including marsh and shore; Red-winged Blackbird 50 (m,f) males vocal on territory in and adjacent to marsh-riparian around the lake; Great-tailed Grackle 12 (m,f) gregarious – a separate small flock of only females, another pair of males with unequal tail lengths, giving a “head’s- up” display while perched together n, nw, s; House Finch 15 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, often with WCSP and HOSP, n; Lesser Goldfinch vocal (unseen) in cottonwoods, se; House Sparrow 5 vocal, gregarious in and around picnic area and clubhouse garden, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO 4 February 2021 (57 Species)

Weather: Fair 38F to 48 F; wind WNW 2 – 7 mph.

Time: 0723-1050hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues to be at maximum volume; both inlets (California Aqueduct and Palmdale Ditch were shut off). Several fishermen on the docks in the southwest and south, along with PWD maintenance trucks, were present during the survey. Otherwise, there was little disturbance due to human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Common Goldeneye (1-cont.), Common Merganser (1), Hooded Merganser (1- fos), Canvasback (1), Horned Grebe (5 – cont.), Common Loon (1-cont.), Clark’s Grebe (2), American White Pelican (12 – cont.), Wilson’s Snipe (1), Tree Swallow (20), Mountain Chickadee (1), Phainopepla (3) and Lawrence’s Goldfinch (2).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 19 (m,f) gregarious, easily flushed from shallows, w, s, e; Green-winged Teal 2 (m,f) a pair flushed from shallows, se; Canvasback 1 (m) swimming with LESC, nw; Lesser Scaup 3 (2 m, 1 f) gregarious males, nw, female near shore with BUFF, ne; Bufflehead 10 (m,f) individuals and loose flocks in shallows around the lake; Common Goldeneye 1 (f – cont.) diving near the dam, ne; Common Merganser 1 (f) flying low over lake, nw; Hooded Merganser 1 (m) swimming in slough, s (fos – photo).

Ruddy Duck 100 (conserv. est.) (m,f) gregarious, most at edge of marsh and in shallows around the lake; California Quail 12 (m,f) gregarious, vocal when flushed from rabbitbrush field, ne; Common Loon 1 – cont. preening, open water, central; Pied-billed Grebe 40 gregarious, most in shallows and edge of marsh around the lake, two diving in open water, n; Horned Grebe 5 gregarious, open water, e; Clark’s Grebe 2 individuals swimming in open water, s-central, e; Double-crested Cormorant 30 (ad, imm) gregarious on stirring platforms, flying low over lake, several diving in open water, ubiquitous; American White Pelican 12 (alt., bsc. plmg.) two small flocks of 3 – 4 individuals, others (alt. and bsc. plmg.) solitary, swimming in shallows around the lake; Great Blue Heron 3 flushed from edge of lake, n, w, se; Great Egret 1 standing on shore n; Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (ad) partially concealed at edge of marsh, s; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) flying over marsh with prey (possibly a bird) in talons, w; Red-tailed Hawk 4 (one dark morph) vocal, solitary, perched in willows and cottonwoods around the lake; American Coot 120 vocal, gregarious, most in shallows around the lake; Wilson’s Snipe 1 flushed from s edge of jetty, flew to grassy edge of lake next to boat ramp, nw; California Gull 30 (ad.) tightly gregarious while resting in open water, central; Eurasian Collared Dove 6 vocal, gregarious, n, s; Feral Rock Pigeon 3 flying over adjacent suburbs, w; Mourning Dove 8 gregarious, flushed from cottonwoods at edge of brushy fields, s, ne; Anna’s Hummingbird 5 (m,f, imm) perched atop junipers and in cottonwoods, one fem. foraging on dry clusters of cottonwood foliage, w, sw,, se; Belted Kingfisher 1 calls (unseen) n; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 4 (m,f) vocal, individuals foraging well apart on main limbs of cottonwoods and willows around the lake; Downy Woodpecker 1 (f) foraging on terminal branches of cottonwood, s; Northern (RS) Flicker 6 vocal, gregarious – pairs flying to willows and cottonwoods throughout; Black Phoebe 8 vocal, individuals sallying from low perches to ground and over shallows throughout; California Scrub-Jay 1 calls (unseen) adjacent property, e; Common Raven 12 vocal 1 (female?) giving repeated two-phrase clucking calls from low limb of cottonwood, s, others circling above the lake and hopping on the ground, mostly n, e; Tree Swallow 20 gregarious, flying low over lake surface, back and forth, nw, s; Mountain Chickadee 1 repeated calls (unseen) from juniper field, se; Oak Titmouse 2 repeated calls, active on low limbs in cottonwoods with RCKI and NUWO, s; Bewick’s Wren 6 vocal (individuals each producing distinctive song patterns) juniper– sage- buckweat- rabbitbrush fields around the lake; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 5 pairs and individuals foraging in junipers, cottonwoods and other vegetation around the lake; Northern Mockingbird 3 vocal, foraging on ground and around the picnic area and caretaker’s yard beneath fruiting olive trees, n; California Thrasher 2 both individuals singing from exposed perches in juniper fields, nw, se; European Starling 8 gregarious, vocal, foraging on olives on ground with HOFI, HOSP, WCSP, n; Phainopepla 3 (m) one male in same large cottonwood, nw, two others in another large cottonwood, also with clumps of mistletoe, se; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 10 (m,f, imm) gregarious, foraging mostly in ruderal edges of picnic area, n; Common Yellowthroat 2 (m,f) individuals active at the recently removed marshland along shorelines, n, w; California Towhee 1 (vocal) flew to saltbush fence line, ne; Song Sparrow 1 vocal (calls and song) from exposed perch on sage in wet area adjacent to road, nw; Lincoln’s Sparrow 1 (vocal – calls – unseen) in dense, wet brush near boat launch, s; White-crowned Sparrow 20 (ad, imm) gregarious, vocal (mostly calls) in brushy areas throughout; Red-winged Blackbird 30 (m,f) males highly vocal (calls and song), establishing territories in marsh-riparian patches around the lake; Great-tailed Grackle 6 (m – alt. plmg., f) vocal (calls and song), loosely gregarious in willows above marsh, nw, w; House Finch 10 (m,f) vocal (calls and song) foraging on ground covered with dry olives, msf with WCSP, EUST and HOSP, n; Lesser Goldfinch 1 (m) foraging on flower heads in dead sunflower patch along the PD, se; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 2 vocal (song) in canopy of large cottonwood next to PD, se; House Sparrow 5 (m,f) in msf with HOFI, WCSP, EUST, NOMO, foraging on dry olive fruits in caretaker’s yard, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO 28 January 2021 (49 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy; 33F to 43F, wind WSW 2 – 5mph; major storm front moving in slowly and visible to the northwest.

Time: 0718-1050 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. A large earth-moving operation was taking place on the west side during most of the survey. The lake is currently at maximum volume, with inundated riparian-marshland and very little exposed shoreline. Inflow from the aqueduct in the southwestern section was high but absent in the Palmdale Ditch. According to a Fin & Feather employee, the lake is scheduled to be stocked with fish sometime within the next 24 hrs.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Common Goldeneye (2), Common Loon (1- cont.), Horned Grebe (10), Clark’s Grebe (1), American White Pelican (10), Wilson’s Snipe (3), Herring Gull (1), Osprey (1), Tree Swallow (2 – first of the season), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (1- first of the season), Barn Swallow (2 – first of the season), Phainopepla (1) and Orange-crowned Warbler (1 – first of the season).

BIRDS NOTED

Cinnamon Teal 1 (m) swimming in backwater shallows, nw; Lesser Scaup 2 (m) swimming near shore and marsh, se, n; Bufflehead 6 (m,f) in shallows around the lake; Common Goldeneye 2 (f) individuals swimming near shore, one with BUFF, nw, e (photo).

Ruddy Duck 120 (m,f) gregarious – multiple flocks resting near docks and marsh around the lake; California Quail 12 (m,f) vocal, gregarious flushed from roadside saltbush, nw; Common Loon 1 -cont. diving in open water, central; Pied-billed Grebe 25 gregarious near marsh ( two diving in open water) around the lake; Horned Grebe 10 (bsc. plmg.) gregarious in open water, some diving, central (photo).

Eared Grebe 4 (trans. alt. plmg.) loosely gregarious, diving near shore, n; Clark’s Grebe 1 (ad. – cont.) near large flock of CAGU, central; Double-crested Cormorant 40 (ad, imm) gregarious, resting on stirring platforms, diving in open water and near shore, flying low over lake, ubiquitous; American White Pelican 10 ( ad., alt. and imm. bsc. plmg.) gregarious – two flocks on opposite sides of the lake, individuals occasionally flying and joining others in open water and near shore throughout the lake, immatures relatively solitary; Great Blue Heron 4 (ad) individuals, vocal when flushed from water’s edge throughout; Osprey 1 (ad) vocal as I approached, flew with a fish from a willow limb overhanging marsh, nw; Red-shouldered Hawk 3 vocal – a pair interacting in a tall cottonwood, s; Red-tailed Hawk 4 ( one dark morph) vocal, one, possibly two pair, perched in willows, flying around lake, one pursued by a pair of ravens, n, s, se; American Coot 60 gregarious, mostly in shallows around the lake; Wilson’s Snipe 3 vocal when flushed – a pair flying from muddy depressions near jetty, nw, another flushed from water’s edge, se; California Gull 80 (95% ad. at least 2 C1) gregarious, resting in open water, central; Herring Gull 1 (C1) taking flight from open water, e-central; Eurasian Collared Dove 2 in Aleppo pines, ne Mourning Dove 10 gregarious in brushy area, ne; Belted Kingfisher 2 vocal in flight over marsh, n; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3 (m,f) vocal, foraging in cottonwoods, n, nw; Northern (RS) Flicker 5 vocal, individuals and pairs foraging on ground, n, s; Black Phoebe 10 vocal, individuals sallying from low perch near water, throughout; Say’s Phoebe 1 perched on tall snag at edge of skeet range, ne; California Scrub-Jay 2 gregarious, vocal, juniper-sage field, nw; Northern Raven 12 gregarious – pairs on ground and low perches near buildings, n; Tree Swallow 2 gregarious, flying over lake surface, back and forth for > 20 minutes (fos); Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 flying 3-10 ft. over lake, nw (fos); Barn Swallow 2 ( alt. plmg.) gregarious, msf with TRSW, flying low, back and forth over lake surface for > 20 minutes, nw (fos); Bewick’s Wren 5 (unseen) vocal (song) in dense brushy areas, n, nw, w, ne; California Thrasher 1 vocal (subsong) in juniper-sage field, nw; European Starling 10 vocal, gregarious, around picnic area, n, old cottonwoods with prospective nest cavities, s; Buff-bellied (American) Pipit 3 individuals foraging at water’s edge, nw, se, n; Phainopepla 1 (m) preening in large cottonwood with several clumps of mistletoe, nw (photo).

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 in msf with YRWA and HOFI in mulberry and cottonwoods, n; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 10 (m,f, imm) vocal (calls) gregarious, foraging on ground, lawns and ruderal patches, n; Savannah Sparrow 3 vocal (calls) individuals on ground, one near flock of WCSP nw, ne; Song Sparrow 3 vocal (song) brushy areas bordering inundated marsh-riparian, nw, w Lincoln’s Sparrow 3 vocal (calls) on ground with WCSP and SOSP in brushy areas bordering inundated marsh-riparian, nw, w; White-crowned Sparrow 50 (ad, imm) gregarious, vocal (calls and song) on ground in brushy and gravelly areas throughout; Red-winged Blackbird 20 (m,f) vocal (calls and song) males establishing territories in marsh-riparian areas, n, nw, w; Great-tailed Grackle 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious in and around marsh, nw, s; House Finch 12 (m,f) vocal (calls and song) gregarious in mulberry, olive and lawns around buildings, n; Lesser Goldfinch 1 with flock of HOFI in mulberry and ornamental shrubs around caretaker’s home, n; House Sparrow 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, in garden around buildings with HOFI and WCSP, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO 21 January 2021 (50 Species)

Weather: Fair; 40F to 51F; winds calm

Time: 0715-1025 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. Human disturbances were minimal – two vehicles moving briefly around the lake. The water level has risen about 2 ft. since the previous survey; exposed mudflats and shoreline were greatly reduced. Inflow was high from the aqueduct but absent from the Palmdale Ditch.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Ring-necked Duck (1), Common Goldeneye (2), Common Loon (1), Horned Grebe (4), Clark’s Grebe (1), and Osprey (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 1 (f) swimming with mallards, w; Mallard 22 (m,f) gregarious in shallows, nw, w, se; Northern Shoveler 8 (m,f) gregarious in shallows, w, se; Ring-necked Duck 1 (m) swimming with mallards, se; Lesser Scaup 2 (m,f) a male diving repeatedly near shore, n; Bufflehead 4 (m,f) scattered individuals near shore, n, w, e; Common Goldeneye 2 (m,f) with BUFF, n, e; Ruddy Duck 140 (m,f) gregarious, mostly in shallows near marsh throughout; Common Loon 1 diving in open water, central; Pied-billed Grebe 30 individuals in shallows and open water throughout; Horned Grebe 4 gregarious, swimming in open water, e-central; Eared Grebe 6 (trans. alt. plmg.) gregarious, diving in open water, n; Clark’s Grebe 1 open water near flock of CAGU, s-central; Double-crested Cormorant 40 (ad, imm) gregarious, diving, resting on stirring platforms and shore of dam, ubiquitous; American White Pelican 6 (2-3 in alt. plmg.) individuals and pairs in open water and cove next to jetty, nw, s; Great Blue Heron 5 individuals on shore, on docks and in trees around edge of lake; Great Egret 4 gregarious on shore n, s, ne; Green Heron 1 (ad) on shore, n; Osprey 1 (ad) flushed from canopy of willow, se; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 flushed from willows, nw, vocal, se; Red-tailed Hawk 3 (1 imm dark morph, 2 ad) vocal, circling above dam, one chased by a NORA, n, se; American Coot 120 occasionally vocal, gregarious in shallows and marsh throughout; Ring-billed Gull 1 (ad) with CAGU, open water, central; California Gull 90 (98% ad) gregarious, most resting together in open water n-central; Mourning Dove 6 individuals and pairs, one foraging on ground with WCSP and HOFI, n; Anna’s Hummingbird 5 individuals and pairs active in brushy areas and riparian edge, n, s; Belted Kingfisher 3 vocal in flight, one fem. captured fish near shore, n, s; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 vocal (m,f) foraging in willows and cottonwoods, n, sw; Northern (RS) Flicker 2 vocal, one on ground beneath juniper, s; Black Phoebe 6 vocal, individuals sallying to ground from low perches throughout; California Scrub-Jay 2 gregarious, vocal, possibly mobbing an owl (unseen) in willows, nw; Northern Raven 10 vocal, gregarious – pairs and individuals perched in trees, circling above dam, se, n, ne; Oak Titmouse 3 vocal in juniper-cottonwoods, w, sw; Verdin 1 vocal in creosote bush-rabbitbrush scrub, n; Bewick’s Wren 3 vocal, one foraging in a cottonwood like a Brown Creeper, n, nw,, e; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 vocal, foraging in cottonwoods and junipers, sw; Northern Mockingbird 3 vocal (song and calls) around caretaker’s garden, n, nw, s; California Thrasher 2 one on ground in creosote bush patch, n, another singing in junipers, w; European Starling 10 vocal, gregarious, in and around caretaker’s yard and picnic area, n; Buff-bellied (American ) Pipit 2 on shore, n, e; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 10 (m,f, imm) gregarious, vocal (calls) foraging on ground with WCSP and HOFI and in trees, n; Common Yellowthroat 4 (m) vocal (calls) active on shore and in marsh, n, nw, w; California Towhee 3 vocal (unseen) in dense brush, ne, n, nw; Song Sparrow 4 vocal (calls and song) active on shore, marsh and adjacent vegetation, n, nw, w, sw; Lincoln’s Sparrow 1 active on shore in fragmented marsh, nw; White-crowned Sparrow 40 vocal (calls and song) ad, imm, gregarious, ubiquitous in brushy areas; Red-winged Blackbird 20 (m,f) vocal (calls and song) gregarious in and around marsh, n,nw, w; Great-tailed Grackle 6 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, commuting between LP and adjacent parking lot, n; House Finch 10 (m,f) vocal (calls and song), gregarious, in and around picnic area and garden, n; House Sparrow 12 (m,f) vocal, gregarious with HOFI and WCSP on ground in garden, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO 14 January 2021 (55 Species)

Weather: Fair; 40F to 53 F; winds NNW 0 – 2 mph.

Time: 0715 – 1015 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. Human disturbances were minimal; three vehicles briefly circled the lake. The lake water level continues at about 3 ft. below the watermark on marsh vegetation. Inflow from the aqueduct was high; the Palmdale Ditch was inactive and dry. As noted in the previous survey (31 December 2020), gaps in the marsh with inundated pools and mudflats, continued to be used by a variety of land birds for foraging.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Ring-necked Duck (1), Common Goldeneye (3), Common Loon (1), Horned Grebe (1), Clark’s Grebe (1), American White Pelican (5), Osprey (1 – cont.), Sora (1), Cactus Wren (1), Rock Wren (1), Savannah Sparrow (1 – dark subsp., c.f. beldingi), and Pine Siskin (3).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 6 (m,f) pairs and individuals in shallows throughout; Northern Shoveler 8 (m,f) gregarious in shallows, nw, s; Ring-necked Duck 1 (f) resting in shallows, nw; Lesser Scaup 3 (1 m, 2 f) individuals in shallows and open water, w, s; Bufflehead 4 (1 m, 3 f) gregarious in shallows, n, nw; Common Goldeneye 2 (m,f) individuals near shore at opposite ends of the lake, nw, ne; Ruddy Duck 120 (m,f) gregarious, most resting in shallows, ubiquitous; California Quail 30 (m,f) vocal as I approached, gregarious on ground in brushy area, ne; Common Loon 1 diving in open water, central; Pied-billed Grebe 25 vocal, most in shallows around the lake; Horned Grebe 1 diving in open water, central; Eared Grebe 4 gregarious, open water, n; Clark’s Grebe 1 swimming in open water, central (the only Aechmophorus grebe found at LP today); Double-crested Cormorant 20 (ad, imm) gregarious on stirring platforms, swimming and diving in open water; several flying into LP from the north; American White Pelican 5 gregarious, swimming in open water, nw, s-central; Great Blue Heron 3 flushed from shore and docks, nw, w, s; Great Egret 3 flushed from shore, n, w, s; Osprey 1 flying over marsh, se; Cooper’s Hawk 1 (imm) perched in willow subcanopy, s; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) flushed from mudflats to willows, sw; Red-tailed Hawk 4 (ad) a pair on a utility pole, ne; Sora 1 vocal when flushed at edge of marsh, s; American Coot 250 gregarious, vocal, mostly in shallows around the lake; Ring-billed Gull 2 (ad) flying low over lake, n; California Gull 80 (90% ad), gregarious, most resting in open water, central, some commuting between LP and Palmdale landfill in nw; Mourning Dove 6 gregarious, on ground in creosote bush stand, other individuals perched in canopy of trees, n; Great Horned Owl 2 a pair being vocally harassed by two CASJ, but unmoved by their antics, large willow, nw; Anna’s Hummingbird 1 (m) on fence at PWD entrance gate, n; Belted Kingfisher 1 (m) vocal in flight to post on dock, s; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 (m,f) vocal while foraging in willows, nw; Downy Woodpecker 1 (m) vocal while foraging in willows with nearby NUWO, nw; Northern (RS) Flicker 4 individuals flushed from riparian woodland, nw, w, s; Black Phoebe 5 vocal sallying to ground from fence and other low perches, n, w, s; California Scrub-Jay 2 gregarious, vocal while harassing a pair of GHOW in a large willow, failing to displace the owls, which appeared unperturbed, NW; Northern Raven 10 gregarious, vocal, flying over riparian and open areas, n; Oak Titmouse 1 vocal (unseen) juniper-cottonwood patch, s; Bushtit 10 vocal, gregarious moving through willows quickly, nw; Cactus Wren 1 on ground at edge of lawn in caretaker’s yard, n; Rock Wren 1 vocal (unseen) on east slope of dam, e; Bewick’s Wren 3 vocal (song) in brushy areas, ne, nw sw; Marsh Wren 5 vocal (calls) all individuals and pairs 30- 50 yards from nearest marsh, staying low in rabbitbrush and saltbush, nw, w, sw; Hermit Thrush 1 vocal (unseen) juniper-creosote patch, n; Northern Mockingbird 1 vocal (song) with WCSP and EUST around caretaker’s home, n; European Starling 8 vocal, gregarious in and around caretaker’s yard, n; Buff-bellied (American) Pipit 1 vocal in flight to shore, n; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 12 (m,f, imm) vocal, gregarious in a variety of vegetation and on ground, n, nw; Common Yellowthroat 10 (m,f) vocal (calls) individuals foraging on and around mudflats, nw, w, sw; Savannah Sparrow 1 (dark subsp, c.f. beldingi) on edge of jetty near water, reluctant to fly, nw (same individual in both photos).

Song Sparrow 8 vocal (calls) individuals on and around mudflats at edge of marsh, nw, w, sw; White-crowned Sparrow 6 (ad, imm) gregarious, foraging on ground and lawn of caretaker’s yard, n; Red-winged Blackbird 30 (m,f) gregarious, vocal, widely dispersed in dry marsh around the lake; Great-tailed Grackle 5 (m,f) vocal, gregarious in marsh-riparian and edge, nw, s; House Finch 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, in and around caretaker’s yard and mulberry trees, n; Pine Siskin 3 flew to fence at PWD back gate, n; House Sparrow 3 vocal, foraging with WCSP on ground in caretaker’s yard, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO 31 December 2020 (42 Species)

Weather: Fair; 46F to 49F; Wind WNW 3- 10 mph; snow from recent storm, visible on surrounding hills.

Time: 0804-1117 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. Human disturbances were minimal; PWD and F&F trucks circling the lake briefly. The lake water level continues at about 3 ft. below the watermark on marsh vegetation (Scirpus & Typha). Inflow from the Palmdale Ditch has ceased for at least three weeks and the riparian area supported by it is now mostly dry. Gaps in the lakeshore marsh, resulting from recent, large scale removal, created exposed mudflats in several areas, especially the northwestern and western lake margins. This relatively new habitat feature is being exploited by small passerines, e.g., Marsh Wren, Buff-bellied Pipit, Song Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Common Yellowthroat. The aforementioned species foraged on the exposed mudflats and mudflat islands surrounded by shallow, inundated depressions. Non-passerine water birds, however, were largely absent from these areas.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Common Goldeneye (1-cont.), Horned Grebe (7), Bald Eagle (1), Osprey (2), and Mountain Chickadee (2).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 3 (m,f) swimming in shallows, sw, se; Northern Shoveler 8 (m,f) gregarious in shallows and open water, s; Green-winged Teal 6 (f) gregarious in shallows next to the marsh s,se; Lesser Scaup 5 (m,f) gregarious in shallows, nw; Bufflehead 14 (m,f) gregarious and dispersed individuals throughout; Common Goldeneye 1 (f – probably a continuing bird), open water, ne; Common Merganser 2 (m) gregarious, flying to northwest, alighting in open water near docks; Ruddy Duck 200 (conserv. est.) (m,f) gregarious, mostly in shallows and sheltered backwater marsh throughout; Common Loon 1 swimming in open water, central; Pied-billed Grebe 40 loosely gregarious, mostly in shallows, a few in open water throughout; Horned Grebe 7 gregarious, swimming in a tight flock, open water, central; Eared Grebe 5 individuals in open water throughout; Clarks Grebe 12 pairs and individuals dispersed in open water throughout; Double-crested Cormorant 16 (ad, imm) gregarious perched on and swimming around stirring platforms in open water throughout; Great Blue Heron 5 individuals vocal when flushed from shore and docks throughout; Great Egret 2 gregarious – a pair flying over marsh and slough, se; Black-crowned Night Heron 3 (1 ad, 2 imm) loosely gregarious perched at edge of marsh, s; Osprey 2 vocal, gregarious – a pair perched on a tall willow snag over slough, se; Bald Eagle 1 (ad) circling 150 – 300 ft. agl, accompanied by several NORA, se (photo).

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) flushed from willows, flew to se corner, repeatedly vocal sw; Red-tailed Hawk 3 (ad) individuals on exposed perches of tall cottonwoods and willows around the lake; American Coot 200 (conserv. est.) gregarious, mostly in shallows and partially concealed in marsh throughout; Greater Yellowlegs 3, vocal 1 on mudflats briefly, two individuals separated by about 50 yards on shoreline of dam, nw, e, ne; Ring-billed Gull 1 (ad) flying low over lake, nw; California Gull (95% ad) 120 gregarious, mostly resting in open water, central, a few commuting between LP and Palmdale landfill, nw; Feral Rock Pigeon 2 flying over riparian patch and across lake, ne; Anna’s Hummingbird (2m, 1 f) individuals active around junipers, cottonwoods and GB sage, sw, se; Belted Kingfisher 2 vocal in flight over shore and docks, w, sw Nuttall’s Woodpecker 4 (m,f) vocal, individuals foraging mostly in cottonwoods, nw, w, s; Downy Woodpecker 1 vocal (unseen) in willow-cottonwood patch, sw; Northern (RS) Flicker 5 (m,f) vocal, loosely gregarious, ubiquitous in wooded areas; Black Phoebe 3 vocal, individuals on low perches near shore, w, s; Northern Raven 20 gregarious, vocal, about 6 individuals following a BAEA, others gathered on dam, se, e; Mountain Chickadee 2 vocal, gregarious while foraging low in junipers, se; Marsh Wren 5 individuals foraging in open and edge of remaining patches of marsh, also on mudflats and short snags surrounded by shallow water in newly cleared areas, nw, w (photo).

Buff-bellied (American) Pipit 5 individuals foraging on shore, mudflats and floating marsh vegetation, nw, w, se; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler (m,f) vocal, loosely gregarious, foraging mostly in low vegetation and on mudflats, nw, w, sw; Common Yellowthroat 8 (m, f) at least five males foraging individually and in msf with SOSP, LISP, on exposed mudflats and edge of newly cleared marsh nw, w, sw; Song Sparrow 2 foraging on mudflats and edge of marsh, nw, w; Lincoln’s Sparrow 2 individuals foraging on mudflats and edge of newly cleared marsh, nw, w White-crowned Sparrow 2 vocal in rabbitbrush, se; Red-winged Blackbird 6 vocal, gregarious, flying from se to ne across riparian patch; Great-tailed Grackle 1 vocal (unseen) ne.

Lake Palmdale LACO 17 December 2020 (45 Species)

Weather: Overcast; 54F to 60F; wind WNW 5 – 20 mph.

Time: 0745-1015 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. Marsh removal using heavy machinery was in progress on the west side; most of the shoreline marsh around the lake had been recently disturbed. Several people and a dog were on a dock in the south section next to the aqueduct inlet. Increasing winds put a chop on the lake surface, resulting in many waterbirds moving to the sheltered backwater areas and reduced detectability.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 1 (f) swimming in slough, se; American Wigeon 2 (f) with RUDU in shallows, n; Mallard 4 (m,) gregarious, n; Northern Shoveler 14 (m,f) gregarious, w, s, e; Green-winged Teal 6 (f) gregarious in shallows, se, e; Canvasback 1 (m) with LESC, s (photo).

Lesser Scaup 24 (m,f) gregarious, ubiquitous in open water; Bufflehead 20 (m,f) gregarious, ubiquitous in open water; Common Goldeneye 1 (f) swimming away from dam as I approached, e; Ruddy Duck 250 (m,f) ubiquitous, most in shallows; Pied-billed Grebe 40 loosely gregarious, ubiquitous in shallows; Eared Grebe 1 diving, open water, s; Western Grebe 12 gregarious – pairs in open water, n, central; Clark’s Grebe 30 gregarious in small flocks, central, elsewhere in pairs; Double-crested Cormorant 50 (ad, imm) ubiquitous, flying, diving and resting on stirring platforms; Great Blue Heron 3 on shore, n, s, ne; Great Egret 3 on shore, n, w, ne; Osprey 1 perched in willows, nw; Cooper’s Hawk 1 flying low over bluff, nw; Red-tailed Hawk 4 (one dark phase ad.), a pair on PWD tower, other individuals in willows and cottonwoods around the lake; Peregrine Falcon 1 imm (heavy streaking on undersides), flying fast and diving unsuccessfully on cormorants and other waterbirds near shore, nw (photo).

American Coot 600 gregarious, ubiquitous, mostly in shallows; Ring-billed Gull 2 (ad, imm) with CAGU in open water near dam, e; California Gull 100 (95% ad) gregarious in open water, circling above lake; Feral Rock Pigeon 2 flying sw over lake, se; Mourning Dove 2 on utility line, n; Belted Kingfisher 4 vocal, individuals flying low over marsh, ubiquitous; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3 vocal in cottonwoods, ne, w, se; Northern (RS) Flicker 2 vocal, in cottonwoods and a mulberry tree, n. w; Black Phoebe 5 vocal, individuals sallying from low perch, ubiquitous; California Scrub-jay 1 flew to low perch in juniper, n; Northern Raven 30 gregarious, especially in high winds, soaring over dam within a few feet of me at eye level, e; Marsh Wren 1 calls (unseen) in marsh, nw; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 vocal, individuals foraging in cottonwoods, s; European Starling 2 vocal on utility pole and in trees, n; Buff-bellied Pipit 4 vocal (in flight) on shore, n, w; Phainopepla 1 calls (unseen) in large cottonwood with extensive parasitic mistletoe, nw; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 5 vocal, gregarious, foraging in junipers, creosote and cottonwoods, n; Common Yellowthroat 2 calls (unseen) brushy areas near water, n, nw; Savannah Sparrow 1 calls (unseen) brushy field edge, s; Song Sparrow 2 vocal (calls) edge of marsh, nw, w; Lincoln’s Sparrow 1 flew to shore then across slough to marsh, s; White-crowned Sparrow 30 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious in brush piles, s, se; Great-tailed Grackle 1 on utility pole, n; House Finch 4 vocal, gregarious, w, se.

Lake Palmdale LACO 20 November 2020 (68 Species)

Weather: Fair; 44F to 57F; wind NNW 0 – 2 mph.

Time: 0700-1020 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. Except for a pair of dogs and their owner on the jetty and a F & F tree-trimming crew in the west, the lake area was largely without human disturbances. The lake water level continues to be about 3 ft. below the high water mark, resulting in relatively extensive mudflats and open shorelines. No water was flowing into the SE section from the Palmdale Ditch.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Common Goldeneye (2), Common Loon (2), Horned Grebe (2), Wilson’s Snipe (1), Phainopepla (1) and Cactus Wren (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 12 (m,f) gregarious flushed from shallows, w, se; American Wigeon 16 (m,f) gregarious, swimming near dam, ne; Mallard 6 (m,f) gregarious, flushed from shallows, w, se; Northern Shoveler 7 (m,f) gregarious, open water, w, e; Northern Pintail 1 (f) swimming in open water, e; Green-winged Teal 6 (f) gregarious, resting and dabbling in muddy shallows, nw; Redhead 1 (f) swimming near shore, ne; Ring-necked Duck 1 (m) swimming in shallows, nw; Lesser Scaup 14 (m,f) gregarious in small flocks in open water, n, central, e; Bufflehead 22 (m,f) gregarious in loose flocks, open water and shallows, n, e; Common Goldeneye 2 (f) a pair swimming near dam, e; Ruddy Duck 180 (conserv. est.) (m,f) gregarious, most resting in open water, ubiquitous; California Quail 16 (m,f) vocal when disturbed, gregarious, two flocks, ne, s; Common Loon 2 (one adult in trans. bsc. plmg) open water and circling above the lake, central; Pied-billed Grebe 22 vocal, loosely gregarious in shallows and open water, one bird struggling in shallows with its leg caught by fishing line; Horned Grebe 2 gregarious, open water, n; Eared Grebe 6 gregarious, open water, central; Western Grebe 30 vocal, gregarious (pairs) in open water and shallows throughout; Clark’s Grebe 70 vocal (esp. two immatures), gregarious, ubiquitous; Double-crested Cormorant 90 (ad, imm) gregarious – one large flock of 70 birds swimming together near dam, others diving and resting near stirring platforms, ubiquitous; American White Pelican 6 gregarious but with two individuals separating from the others, open water, central, ne; Great Blue Heron 3 vocal when flushed from shore and marsh, ubiquitous; Great Egret 2 on shore, n se; Green Heron 1 vocal when flushed from marsh, n; Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (imm) at edge of marsh, nw; Osprey 1 flying with fish in talons, nw; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 vocal (unseen) ne; Red-tailed Hawk 4 (ad, one dark morph), vocal, one on cell tower, another on a utility pole and two more on exposed limbs of willows and cottonwoods around the lake; American Coot 600 (conserv. est.) gregarious, ubiquitous in shallows and open water; Killdeer 3 gregarious on mudflat, nw; Greater Yellowlegs 1 vocal in flight, nw; Wilson’s Snipe 1 flushed from mudflat, sw; Ring-billed Gull 8 (ad) gregarious, flying over and resting in open water, central; California Gull 130 (90% ad; about 10 imm, C1, C2), gregarious, most resting in open water, central, a few commuting between LP and landfill to nw; Eurasian Collared Dove 2 gregarious – a pair on utility pole and adjacent line, n; Mourning Dove 12 gregarious on utility lines flying low over open fields, n; Anna’s Hummingbird 1 (m) displaying gorget in sallies from tree top perch in adjacent Park n Ride lot, nw; Belted Kingtfisher 4 vocal in flight, individuals perched on docks and exposed limbs near shore, ubiquitous; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 6 (m,f) vocal in cottonwoods and willows throughout; Downy Woodpecker 1 (m) vocal, foraging on terminal branches in cottonwood canopy, sw; Northern (RS) Flicker 8 vocal, gregarious – pairs foraging low in cottonwoods and willows, flying together, ubiquitous; Black Phoebe 6 vocal, sallying from low perches near shore throughout; Say’s Phoebe 1 sallying between low perches to ground at edge of skeet range, ne; Northern Raven 8 vocal, gregarious – pairs flying low around lake; Horned Lark 22 gregarious, foraging on ground at skeet range on multiple layers of skeet fragments, ne; Oak Titmouse 3 vocal, gregarious on ground and in trees, cottonwood-juniper patch, sw; Verdin 1 vocal in roadside sage-rabbitbrush patch, nw; Bushtit 16 vocal, gregarious, two flocks foraging in outer foliage of cottonwoods, w, se; Cactus Wren 1 vocal (unseen) in Joshua tree-rabbitbrush field, ne; Bewick’s Wren 3 vocal, active in brushy areas, nw, w; Marsh Wren 2 one flushed from sage-saltbush patch next to marsh, nw, another on mudflat-marsh, w; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 14 vocal (calls) gregarious, foraging in a variety of vegetation, often with YRWA, ubiquitous; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 (cont.?) in same sage-saltbush patch where found during the previous survey of 13 Nov., nw; Hermit Thrush 1 flushed from riparian-marsh, sw; Northern Mockingbird 1 flying across roadway, n; California Thrasher 1 vocal (repeated calls) from dense sage-rabbitbrush, se; European Starling 6 gregarious around clubhouse yard and in cottonwoods, ne, s; American Pipit 2 vocal when flushed, on jetty, nw and one perched briefly near HOFI on a utility line, n; Phainopepla 1 (m) perched at top of a large juniper, nw; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 30 (m,f, imm) gregarious, vocal (calls) ubiquitous but noticeably fewer in number than last week, ubiquitous; Common Yellowthroat 3 (m) vocal (calls) dry patch of roadside shrubs, nw, marsh-riparian, w, sw; Savannah Sparrow 1 vocal (calls – unseen) in dense patch of rabbitbrush with WCSP, ne; Song Sparrow 2 marsh-riparian edge and on mudflat, w, sw; Lincoln’s Sparrow 2 one flushed from sage-saltbush, nw and on mudflat in marsh, sw; White-crowned Sparrow 60 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious, on ground and in low shrubs, ubiquitous in areas with abundant cover; Great-tailed Grackle 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, n; House Finch 16 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, on utility lines and foraging with WCSP on ground in brushy fields, n; House Sparrow 2 vocal, with HOFI, ne.

Lake Palmdale LACO 13 November 2020 (62 Species)

Weather: Fair; 50 to 58F; wind W 0 – 12 mph.

Time: 0705- 0958 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake was largely quiet and undisturbed by human activities during the survey. The water level continues to be about 3 ft. below the high water mark on bullrush and cattail, resulting in relatively extensive mudflats and open shoreline around the lake. No water was flowing into the SE section from the Palmdale Ditch.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Common Loon (2), Horned Grebe (2, Wilson’s Snipe (3) and Bonaparte’s Gull (4).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 8 (m,f) gregarious, flushed from shallows, w, se; American Wigeon 10 (m,f) gregarious, flushed from shallows, sw, se; Mallard 4 (m,f) in shallows nw, se; Northern Shoveler 4 (m,f) gregarious, open water, e; Green-winged Teal 6 (f) dabbling in shallows, nw, se; Redhead 8 (m,f) gregarious, open water, e; Ring-necked Duck 2 (m) nw, se; Lesser Scaup 18 (m,f) gregarious, n, central, e; Bufflehead 8 (m,f) gregarious, nw, s Ruddy Duck 160 (m,f) gregarious, ubiquitous; Common Loon 2 (imm) gregarious, preening, open water, central; Pied-billed Grebe 14 individuals and pairs in shallows, ubiquitous; Horned Grebe 2 gregarious – a pair swimming in open water, e; Western Grebe 22 gregarious, n, sw; Clark’s Grebe 60 incl. two nearly full-grown young, vocal, gregarious in loose flocks with several pair -ubiquitous; Double-crested Cormorant 18 gregarious, on stirring platforms, diving, ubiquitous; American White Pelican 1 swimming in open water, central; Great Blue Heron 4 individuals flushed from shore and edge of marsh, ubiquitous; Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (imm) vocal, gregarious, flying low over open water, s; Osprey 1 vocal in flight, pursued by a NORA; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 vocal (unseen), w, se; Red-tailed Hawk 4 (ad) gregarious – a pair perched on PWD cell tower, n, other individuals circling 20 – 50 ft. agl, n, ne, se; American Coot 400 vocal, gregarious, most in shallows, ubiquitous; Greater Yellowlegs 2 vocal individuals in flight, nw, e; Least Sandpiper 1 vocal while flying low over shore, e; Wilson’s Snipe 3 a pair flushed from mudflat, w, another vocal when flushed from shore, se; Bonaparte’s Gull 4 gregarious, resting and flying low over open water, s; Ring-billed Gull 10 (ad) gregarious, resting in open water, flying low around lake, central, nw; California Gull 120 (90% ad), gregarious, most resting in open water, central; Eurasian Collared Dove 2 gregarious on utility pole and wire, n; Mourning Dove 5 individuals flying low over riparian areas, n, s; Great Horned Owl 1 (ad) perched in subcanopy of willows, nw; Anna’s Hummingbird 2 (m) perched and hovering above shrubs and trees, n, w; Belted Kingfisher 4 vocal, flushed from perches over shore, n, s; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 4 (m,f) vocal, loosely gregarious while foraging in adjacent cottonwoods and willows, n, nw; Downy Woodpecker 1 (f) vocal when flushed from a cottonwood, nw; Northern (RS) Flicker 6 vocal, gregarious – a pair on a low cottonwood limb, ubiquitous; Black Phoebe 10 vocal, sallying from low perches, ubiquitous; California Scrub-Jay 1 vocal (unseen) se; Northern Raven 6 vocal, gregarious, n, s; Verdin 1 foraging in saltbush, a loose msf with BGGN, BEWR, HOWR, WCSP, nw (photo).

Bushtit 8 vocal, gregarious, foraging in a cottonwood canopy, ne; Bewick’s Wren 3 vocal (calls) brushy areas, n, nw; House Wren 1 with BEWR and BGGN in saltbush, nw; Marsh Wren 2, vocal (calls) in marsh, one flushed from low alkali scrub adjacent to marsh, nw; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 12 vocal (calls), gregarious in shrubs and trees, ubiquitous; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3 gregarious – a pair in saltbush with BEWR, HOWR, COYE, nw; Hermit Thrush 1 flushed from marsh, w; Northern Mockingbird 1 vocal (partial song), fence line scrub, n; Buff-bellied (American) Pipit 3 vocal in flight, foraging on shore, w, e; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 60 (m,f, imm) vocal (calls), gregarious, ubiquitous; Common Yellowthroat 6 (m,f) vocal (calls) staying low in marsh-riparian and adjacent alkali scrub n, nw, w; Savannah Sparrow 3 vocal (calls) brushy areas, ne, n, s; Song Sparrow 2 vocal (calls) on shore, marsh-riparian, w, sw; Lincoln’s Sparrow 3 flushed from dense alkali scrub and marsh riparian edge, nw, w; White-crowned Sparrow 60 (ad, imm) vocal (calls and song) gregarious, ubiquitous; Red-winged Blackbird 2 flew into marsh, ne; Great-tailed Grackle 12 (m,f) gregarious, vocal, n; House Finch 8 (m,f) gregarious, riaprian woods, n, sw; Lesser Goldfinch 1 calls (unseen) ne; House Sparrow 2 vocal, skeet range building, ne;

Lake Palmdale LACO 29 October 2020 (58 Species)

Weather: Fair; 53F to 65F; wind WNW 0 – 3 mph.

Time: 0755 – 1100 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route using the interior shoreline road except to dodge several people using a dock in the sw. Several vehicles were present in the survey area, including PWD service trucks. Recent changes around the lake included road smoothing (presumably using heavy equipment) and a continuing lowering of the lake water level, now exposing 5 – 20 ft. of muddy shoreline (rocks and mud at the dam). Water inflow at the Palmdale Ditch has evidently been turned off for the past three weeks. An increased mudflat area attracted several species of water bird to the shorelines. Waterfowl hunting season is scheduled to begin November 6; about a dozen decoys were anchored near the marsh in the southeast corner.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Osprey (1), Wilson’s Snipe (2), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2) and Phainopepla (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 2 (m,f) swimming away from the dam, e; American Wigeon 4 (m,f) swimming near the dam, se; Mallard 10 (m,f) in shallows around the lake; Northern Shoveler 14 (m,f) a cohesive flock swimming away from the dam,e; Green-winged Teal 4 (f) loosely gregarious dabbling in muddy shallows, nw; Ring-necked Duck 2 (f) swimming near the dam with other ducks, se; Lesser Scaup 16 (m,f) gregarious, diving in small flocks, open water, n, nw, central; Bufflehead 8 (m,f) gregarious throughout; Ruddy Duck 180 (m,f) gregarious, resting throughout; California Quail 32 (m,f) gregarious, foraging on ground in brushy areas, ne, nw; Pied-billed Grebe 12 in shallows throughout; Eared Grebe 2 (bsc. plmg.) swimming near the jetty, nw; Western Grebe 12 gregarious, largely isolated in channel, s; Clark’s Grebe 60 gregarious, vocal (2 nearly full-grown young with adults) ubiquitous, except for south channel with WEGR; Double-crested Cormorant 8 (3 ad, 5 imm) resting on stirring platforms, diving, n, nw, ne; Great Blue Heron 3 vocal when flushed from marsh and shoreline, nw, sw, ne; Black-crowned Night Heron 5 (1 ad, 4 imm) edge of marsh, s, se; Osprey 1 flying low over marsh and lake, se; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad, imm) vocal, in willows, ne, se; Red-tailed Hawk 3 (ad (1 dark morph), imm) vocal, ne, nw, se; American Coot 600 (conserv. est.) gregarious, ubiquitous, especially in shallows; Killdeer 8 vocal, gregarious, on mudflats, nw, w, se; Greater Yellowlegs 3 vocal, on mudflats, w; Wilson’s Snipe 2 gregarious while foraging on mudflats, nw; California Gull 6 (ad) resting in open water, central; Mourning Dove 8 in cottonwoods, n, nw; Belted Kingfisher 4 vocal in flight, n, s; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 vocal in cottonwoods, nw, sw; Northern (RS) Flicker 6 vocal, flying low in riparian woods throughout; Black Phoebe 8 vocal sallying from variable height perches, ground to canopy, throughout; Say’s Phoebe 2 perched atop cottonwoods, nw, sw; California Scrub-jay 3 vocal, riparian edge, ne, nw, se Common Raven 4 flying low over open areas, nw, sw; Oak Titmouse 1 vocal (unseen) sw; Verdin 3 vocal, active in msf with BGGN, BUSH and YRWA, nw, w; Bushtit 6 gregarious foraging in junipers, gb sage and cottonwoods, sw; Bewick’s Wren 4 vocal, in msf with BUSH, VERD, BGGN, nw, w; Marsh Wren 1 in gb sage-saltbush clump between road and marsh, nw; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 6 vocal, foraging low in a wide variety of vegetation, throughout; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 individuals foraging low in gb sage, junipers, saltbush, in msf with BUSH, BEWR, nw (photo).

Hermit Thrush 1 foraging briefly on mudflat, then retreating to cover, nw; Northern Mockingbird 1 vocal in juniper, n; California Thrasher 1 on fence, n; European Starling 1 on utility pole, n; American Pipit 3 foraging on shoreline and mudflats, n, nw, ne; Phainopepla 1 (m) sallying from cottonwood canopy, sw; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 60 (m,f) vocal gregarious, often in msf, ubiquitous; Common Yellowthroat 12 (m,f) vocal, individuals foraging in brushy margins and adjacent marsh-riparian throughout; California Towhee 2 foraging on ground in brush pile, nw; Lark Sparrow 1 (ad) atop cottonwood near PHAIN, sw; Savannah Sparrow 2 vocal in dense brush, nw, ne; Song Sparrow 1 on mudflat, se; Lincoln’s Sparrow 1 in brushy area, ne; White-crowned Sparrow 60 (ad, imm) vocal (song and calls), gregarious, ubiquitous in brushy areas; Red-winged Blackbird 1 vocal in marsh, ne; Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f, imm) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous, often near water; House Finch 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, n; House Sparrow 2 vocal, gregarious, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO 15 October 2020 (58 Species)

Weather: Fair; 64F to 77F; wind ENE 5 mph.

Time: 0745-1100 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using primarily the interior shoreline road. Several vehicles, including two PWD maintenance trucks, were moving around the lake and people were on the docks in the southwestern section. Otherwise the lake area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities during the survey. The lake water level had dropped about 1.5 ft. since the previous survey (17 Sept. 2020) and there was no inflow from the Palmdale Ditch in the southeast corner. An exposed shoreline, varying in width from about 2-10 ft., consisting of largely of dried mud and algae, occurred around the lake. Water birds in and around the lake were generally flighty and easily flushed. Smoky skies from regional fires and water-collecting aircraft at the lake, were present here during the last week of September but were not observed today. Several mature cottonwoods have recently been removed in the western and southeastern sections of the property.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included Ring-necked Duck (24), Clark’s Grebe (42, with 3 nearly full-grown young) and American Bittern (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 2 (m,f) gregarious, open water, e; American Wigeon 18 (m,f) gregarious, readily flushed, se; Mallard 30 (m,f) gregarious in mixed and conspecific flocks, readily flushed from shallows at dam, e; Northern Shoveler 12 (f) in mixed flocks with AMWI, readily flushed, w, s, se; Ring-necked Duck 24 (m,f) gregarious, open water, e; Bufflehead 8 (m,f) gregarious in pairs and loose flocks, nw; Ruddy Duck 160 (m,f; most in bsc. plmg.) gregarious, ubiquitous; California Quail 48 (m,f) gregarious, a large flock foraging in ruderal edges of the skeet range, ne; Pied-billed Grebe 16 vocal, gregarious in shallows and open water around the lake; Eared Grebe 2 (bsc. plmg.) a pair swimming near the jetty, nw; Western Grebe 10 vocal, pairs around margins of the lake; one adult following a CLGR, issuing begging-type calls (no imm. WEGR observed); Clark’s Grebe 42 vocal, gregarious, pairs showing incipient behavior; two pair of adults, each followed by 1-2 3/4 grown young issuing begging calls, nw (no active nests or additional imm. CLGR observed); Double-crested Cormorant 2 flying low over lake, w, e; American Bittern 1 (ad) flew to edge of marsh and assumed upright concealment posture (photo).

Great Blue Heron 3 readily flushed with vocalizations from marsh and shorelines around the lake; Great Egret 2 flushed from shoreline, perched on snag atop marsh, ne, se; Snowy Egret 1 at edge of marsh near GREG, ne; Green Heron 1 ad, flushed with vocalizations from marsh, ne; Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (imm) edge of marsh, ne, se; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ad and? vocal, flushed from cottonwoods and willows, w, se; Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad – 1 northern subsp.? with dark streaks breast – perched atop a cottonwood, reluctant to flush, sw; American Coot 400 (conserv. est.) readily flushed, ubiquitous; Killdeer 16 gregarious, vocal, on ground, readily flushed, nw, e; Greater Yellowlegs 3 tightly gregarious, flushed with vocalizations from shore of dam, e; Spotted Sandpiper 1 flushed from shore of dam, e; Wilson’s Snipe 2, individuals flushed from shore, n, e; California Gull 6 (ad) resting on s end of jetty, nw; Mourning Dove 32 gregarious, ubiquitous on ground and in trees; Barn Owl 1 flushed from willows, w; Anna’s Hummingbird 4 (m,f) hovering at edge of cottonwood and willows, nw, w, s; Belted Kingfisher 2 vocal, perched on snags over marsh, n, se; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 1 vocal (unseen), w; Downy Woodpecker 1 (f) vocal, foraging on main limbs of willows, w; Northern (RS) Flicker 6 vocal, flushed from willows and cottonwoods around the lake; Black Phoebe 8 vocal individuals at or near shore around the lake; Say’s Phoebe 1 on sign post near jetty, nw; California Scrub-Jay 1 foraging on ground beneath a juniper, sw; Northern Raven 4 gregarious pairs flying over developed areas, n; Horned Lark 21 on gravel in shade of PWD wind generator, ne; Tree Swallow 1 flying 50-100 ft. agl over lake, n; Bewick’s Wren 6 vocal, brushy and riparian areas around the lake; Marsh Wren 2 vocal (unseen) dense cattail patches, w, s; Hermit Thrush 2 vocal while perched in subcanopy of cottonwood, w; Northern Mockingbird 2 vocal around pyracantha berry bushes at F&F entrance, n; California Thrasher 2 vocal (calls and partial song) individuals conspicuous perches on fence tops, ne, nw; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 70 (m,f) vocal (calls), gregarious, ubiquitous and foraging from the ground to cottonwood and willow canopies, most often seen sally-flycatching and snatch-gleaning ; Common Yellowthroat 4 (ad, imm) vocal (calls) in marsh and riparian-marsh edge, nw, w,sw; California Towhee 1 vocal on fence, ne; Savannah Sparrow 2 gregarious, on shoreline of dam, e; Song Sparrow 3 active in riparian-marsh understory, nw, w; Lincoln’s Sparrow 1 with SOSP at edge of willow-marsh nw; White-crowned Sparrow 40 vocal (calls and song), gregarious, ubiquitous in brushy areas; Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco 1 foraging on ground with WCSP, ne; Red-winged Blackbird 6 (m,f) gregarious, vocal, one imm m foraging with WCSP beneath pines, ne; Great-tailed Grackle 30 (m,f, imm) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous, often near shore; House Finch 12 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, riparian and brushy edges of fields, nw, n, w; Lesser Goldfinch 1 vocal (unseen) ne; House Sparrow 6 vocal, gregarious, around developed areas, ne.

Lake Palmdale LACO 17 September 2020 (62 Species)

Weather: Hazy overcast, clearing partially by 0930 hrs., resulting from an admixture of low clouds and smoke from distant fires; 58F to 80F, wind S, WSW, 0 – 2mph.

Time: 0619 – 1055 hrs

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. Except for a few PWD maintenance vehicles, the survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities this morning. The lake water level continues to be near the maximum; inflow from the Palmdale Ditch in the southeast corner was moderate (see above photo).

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Blue-winged Teal (1 – cont.), Rock Wren (1- fos), and White-crowned Sparrow (1 – fos).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 60 (m,f) gregarious, ubiquitous in shallows and open water; Blue-winged Teal 1 (f – cont), swimming near the dam, se; Cinnamon Teal 5 (m,f) gregarious, swimming in channel, se; Northern Pintail 4 (f) gregarious, in open water, e; Ruddy Duck 8 (m,f) resting and swimming near docks, w; Pied-billed Grebe 40 vocal, individuals and small flocks in shallows and open water throughout; Eared Grebe 6 (bsc. plmg.) gregarious in open water, central; Western Grebe 30 vocal, gregarious – pairs in open water throughout (none observed on nest); Clark’s Grebe 50 vocal, gregarious – pairs in shallows and open water throughout (none observed on nest); Great Blue Heron 1 perched on a willow snag, se; Great Egret 3 gregarious, in willows overhanging shallows, ne; Snowy Egret 2 gregarious, a pair in willows overhanging shallows ne; Green Heron 1 (ad) flushed from marsh to dock railing, sw; Black-crowned Night-heron 2 (ad, imm) in flight over marsh, se; White-faced Ibis 10 gregarious – a cohesive flock flying s over dam, se; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 vocal (unseen) s; Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad, imm) perched on utility poles, ne, n; American Kestrel 2 in flight over willows, one carrying a small (unidentified) animal in its talons, w; Sora 2 one foraging at edge of cattails nest to the jetty, nw (photo).

American Coot 300 gregarious, some flocks very flighty and readily flushed, ubiquitous in shallows and open water; Killdeer 1 on dam, e; Spotted Sandpiper 1 flying low over lake near dam, e; California Gull 5 (ad, 1 C1) gregarious (except the C1, which stayed apart from the adults), resting on jetty, nw; Caspian Tern 1 flying low over shallows, ne; Eurasian Collared Dove 1 on roadway, sw; Feral Rock Pigeon 5 gregarious, flying w, n, one albinistic bird, flying solo toward suburbs, s; Mourning Dove 10 gregarious and solo, ubiquitous, esp. near dam, e; Annas Hummingbird 10 (m,f) vocal, individuals hovering around cottonwoods, willows and pines throughout; Belted Kingfisher 4 (m,f) vocal in flight, individuals perched on dock railings and in trees overhanging lake, throughout; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3 (m,f) vocal individuals in cottonwoods, n, w, s; Downy Woodpecker 1 (f) vocal in canopy of a cottonwood, sw; Western Wood Pewee 1 sallying to brush pile and aerial-hawking from fence and cottonwoods, se (photo).

Willow Flycatcher 1 sallying from outer and inner cottonwood limbs, se; Pacific-slope Flycatcher 1 vocal in cottonwoods (unseen) w; Black Phoebe 12 vocal, individuals sallying to ground and water from low (< 3 ft.) and medium height ( 5 – 15 ft.) perches, often near water, ubiquitous; Warbling Vireo 2 foraging in cottonwood foliage and on green algal mat, w, se (photo).

Common Raven 6 vocal, gregarious, ne, e; Tree Swallow 3 gregarious, flying over marsh, ne; Cliff Swallow 3 vocal, gregarious, flying s over open field, s; Barn Swallow 5 gregarious, flying low over lake and open fields, n, w; Oak Titmouse 2 individuals foraging in willows and cottonwoods, sw; Bushtit 20 vocal, gregarious – flocks foraging in canopies of cottonwoods and creosote bushes, n, w, sw; Rock Wren 1 on rocks on east slope of dam, e (photo – first of the season).

Bewick’s Wren 5 vocal, in brushy fields and riparian-marsh edge, ubiquitous; Marsh Wren 5 vocal in dense cattails and riparian-marsh edge, w, sw, s; Northern Mockingbird 1 on fence at edge of F & F picnic area, n; California Thrasher 1 vocal (unseen) nw; European Starling 5 on utility poles and in crowns of mulberry trees, n; Orange-crowned Warbler 40 vocal (calls) gregarious, affecting a wide variety of shrubs and trees throughout, often accompanied by other warblers, e.g. YEWA and WIWA; Yellow Warbler 5 (m,f) individuals foraging in willows and cottonwoods throughout, often with OCWA; Common Yellowthroat 10 vocal (calls) mostly in marsh-riparian edge, occasionally crossing the roadway to forage in cottonwoods, ubiquitous; Wilson’s Warbler 6 (m,f) foraging near the ground and in middle levels of willows and cottonwoods, often with OCWA, w, s; California Towhee 1 on ground and in brush pile, se; Savannah Sparrow 6 gregarious, foraging in short grass at roadside, s; Song Sparrow 6 gregarious – pairs foraging low at marsh-riparian edge, nw, w, sw; White -crowned Sparrow 1 (ad – gambelii) on ground beneath a creosote bush, n (photo – first of the season).

Western Tanager 1 (f) flew to outer limb of cottonwood, w; Lazuli Bunting 2 (vocal) one in sunflower patch with LEGO, se; Red-winged Blackbird 10 (m,f) gregarious, flying over lake, n, s; Great-tailed Grackle 50 (m,f) vocal, gregarious (many without tails), in and around Park n Ride lot, n, flocks perched in snags over marsh , s, se; House Finch 20 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, n. se; Lesser Goldfinch 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious in and around sunflower patch, se.

Lake Palmdale LACO 10 September 2020 (72 Species)

Weather: Hazy overcast with an admixture of smoke from distant fires; 58F to 75F; wind WSW 0 – 2 mph.

Time: 0628 – 1130 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues to be at or near maximum, resulting in little or no habitat for migratory shorebirds. Water Inflow from the Palmdale
Ditch was at high volume. Aside from a few maintenance vehicles around the lake, the survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities this morning.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, American Crow (1), Purple Martin (4) and Mountain Chickadee (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 5 (m,f) gregarious, swimming away from the dam as I approached, e Mallard 60 (m,f) individuals and small flocks in shallows throughout; Blue-winged Teal 4 (f) gregarious, swimming into marsh, s; Cinnamon Teal 8 (f) gregarious, in shallows, s, e; Northern Shoveler 6 (f) gregarious, swimming away from the dam, e; Northern Pintail 1 (f) in open water, e; Green-winged Teal 4 (f) gregarious, swimming away from the dam as I approached, e; Ruddy Duck 11 (m,f) males gregarious around docks, w; California Quail 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious at edge of skeet range (recently cleared of brush); Pied-billed Grebe40 (m,f; imm) vocal, gregarious – adults with young in shallows near the marsh around the lake; Eared Grebe 12 (bsc. plmg.) gregarious – two flocks swimming in shallows and open water, nw, w; Western Grebe 10 vocal, gregarious – one pair on nest platform in nw cove, others scattered around the lake in shallows; Clark’s Grebe 35 vocal, mostly individuals swimming in open water throughout, none seen on former nests which have apparently been abandoned due to rising water levels; Great Blue Heron 5 individuals perched on tree limbs above the marsh, and on docks around the lake; Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (ad) flushed from the marsh, w; Turkey Vulture 1 flushed from a large cottonwood, se; Red-shouldered Hawk 3 (ad) vocal in distance, flushed from cottonwoods and willows, nw, sw, se; Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad, imm) on cell tower, circling willows, ne; American Coot 250 gregarious, flighty, ubiquitous in shallows; Killdeer 4 gregarious, a pair each on jetty and dam, nw, e; Black-necked Stilt 1 standing on an exposed clump of earth in shallows, vocal when flushed, se; Spotted Sandpiper 2 (bsc. plmg.) individuals foraging on concrete boat ramp and flushed from shore of dam, nw, e; California Gull 2 (ad, C1) flying low around the lake; Feral Rock Pigeon 1 (leucistic) flying low over marsh and adjacent land, ne; Mourning Dove 20 vocal, gregarious – pairs on ground and pn snag perches throughout, esp. on dam; Barn Owl 1 standing on inclined willow trunk, flew low to w, sw; Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (f) hovering around cottonwoods, nw; Anna’s Hummingbird 10 (m,f) vocal individuals hovering around shrubs and trees throughout; Belted Kingfisher 2 (m,f) gregarious, vocal – a pair engaged in head-bobbing and erect crest displays while perched about 10 ft. apart on dock railing, vocal flights, low over marsh ne, sw; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 5 (m,f) vocal, pairs maintaining vocal contact while foraging on separate willows and cottonwoods around the lake; Downy Woodpecker 1 (m) vocal, foraging on small limbs in cottonwoods, sw; Western Wood Pewee 1 sallying from willow near shore, ne; Willow Flycatcher 2 snatch gleaning inside mature willow stand at 10 – 15 ft. agl, sw; Black Phoebe 15 vocal, individuals sallying from low perches, often near water around the lake; Warbling Vireo 2 individuals foraging in subcanopy of willows and cottonwoods, nw, sw; Western Scrub-Jay 2 vocal, individuals on exposed perches, w, ne American Crow 1 vocal in flight to sw over dam, se; Common Raven 4 two pair flying over trees, ne; Purple Martin 4 gregarious, flying in a loose flock, se over lake at about 200 ft. agl; Tree Swallow 20 gregarious, flying low over lake and marsh, ne, nw, s; Cliff Swallow 30 gregarious, flying 3 – 200 ft. agl, many over lake and adjacent land throughout; Barn Swallow 25 gregarious, several perched on utility wires and flying 3 – 50 ft. agl over lake and adacent land, esp. ne, se; Mountain Chickadee 1 vocal, active in cottonwood subcanopy, sw; Verdin 1 vocal in cottonwoods, ne; Bushtit 16 gregarious, foraging in canopy of cottonwoods, suspended from petioles, w, sw; White-breasted Nuthatch 1 vocal, flying between cottonwoods, se; Cactus Wren 1 repeated scolding calls in cholla-juniper field, ne; Bewick’s Wren 3 vocal (calls and song) in brushy areas and marsh riparian nw, w; House Wren 3 active, vocal in lower to middle level of cottonwoods and willows, nw, w, sw; Marsh Wren 6 vocal (calls and song) at edge of marsh and marsh-riparian, nw, w, sw; Northern Mockingbird 1 on fence, se; California Thrasher 2 vocal (repeated subsong and fragmented song), nw, w; European Starling 2 on utility line, n; Orange-crowned Warbler 10 active in cottonwoods and willow canopy, subcanopy, often with WIWA and YEWA, n, nw, w, sw; Yellow Warbler 15 (m,f) active in canopy of willows and cottonwoods throughout, often with WIWA and OCWA; Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 with OCWA, low in cottonwoods, sw; MacGillivray’s Warbler 1 repeated calls, secretive, staying low in junipers and adjacent Great Basin Sage, se; Common Yellowthroat 12 (m,f) vocal (calls) in marsh-riparian throughout; Wilson’s Warbler 20 (m,f) gregarious and in msf with other warblers, ubiquitous in shrubs and trees; California Towhee 1 repeated calls in Rabbitbrush field ne; Savannah Sparrow 1 in weedy margins of jetty, nw; Song Sparrow 3 vocal, active in marsh-riparian edge, ne, nw, w; Lincoln’s Sparrow 1 on ground and low limbs of tamarisk, msf of OCWA and WIWA, ne; Western Tanager 1 (m) flew to outer limb of cottonwood, se; Lazuli Bunting 3 (f) in sunflower patch with LEGO, and flying over dam, se, e; Red-winged Blackbird 20 (m,f) gregarious, foraging in cottonwood foliage, sw; Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f, imm), vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous, often near water; Brown-headed Cowbird 3 (m,f) gregarious atop a willow snag, se; Hooded Oriole 1 (f) in cottonwood canopy, se; House Finch 10 (m,f) gregarious in cottonwoods, ne, se; Lesser Goldfinch 10 (m,f) gregarious, foraging on dried sunflower heads, se (photo).

American Goldfinch 1 (f) with LEGO in sunflower patch, se.

Lake Palmdale LACO 27 August 2020 (63 Species)

Weather: Fair; 60F to 86F; wind wsw 0 – 2 mph.

Time: 0624 – 0946 hrs.

Observers: Jonathan Feenstra and I.

Area Covered: We walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level was at or near maximum; inflow from the Palmdale Ditch was at high volume. Except for two or three vehicles moving slowly around the lake, the survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Blue-winged Teal (1 -cont.), Green-winged Teal (1), Ring-necked Duck (2), Caspian Tern (2 – cont.), Black Tern (1 -cont.?), Downy Woodpecker (2), Ash-throated Flycatcher (1), Lazuli Bunting (1) and Hooded Oriole (2).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 1 (f) swimming in slough, s; Mallard 120 (m,f) ubiquitous in shallows; Blue-winged Teal 1 (f – cont.) apparently the same individual found here last week, swimming near marsh ,se (photo).

Cinnamon Teal 1 (f) swimming in slough, s; Green-winged Teal 1 (f) swimming with mallards in open water, e; Ring-necked Duck 2 (imm or eclipse m) resting in shallows, w (photo).

Ruddy Duck 6 (m,f) gregarious in pen water, w, n-central; California Quail 65 (m,f) gregarious while foraging on ground in overgrown field of skeet range, ne; Pied-billed Grebe 20 vocal, loosely gregarious in shallows and open water throughout; Western Grebe 25 vocal, gregarious, most swimming in shallows; two on separate, small, half inundated assemblages of cattail, presumably anchored to bottom, in nwc, where CLGR was nesting during prior surveys, nw; no clearly active nests, only individual birds resting atop isolated platforms of cattails; Clark’s Grebe 40 vocal, gregarious, in pairs and loose flocks, shallows and open water; one on partially inundated cattail platform, ostensibly due to high water levels; apparent take-over of previous nest platforms in nwc by WEGR, nw; Double-crested Cormorant 3 (ad, imm) flying over lake, resting on small islet, diving, nw, se, ne; Great Blue Heron 3 flushed from edge of marsh around the lake; Green Heron 1 (ad) flushed from dense shoreline vegetation, n; Turkey Vulture 1 flying sw @ 200 ft. agl, s; Cooper’s Hawk (1-2) flying low over junipers toward cottonwoods, se; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 flushed from willows, flying n, nw; Red-tailed Hawk 1 on transmission tower over PWD center, ne; American Kestrel 2 (m, ?) one atop bare cottonwood limb, the other in open field, ne; American Coot 200 gregarious, ubiquitous, most in shallows; Killdeer 6 gregarious, vocal, on ground, nw, e; Spotted Sandpiper 1 flushed from shore of dam, e; Least Sandpiper 1 flushed from shore of dam, e; Phalarope sp. 12 a cohesive flock seen briefly at 0640 hrs. flying low over lake near the marsh, s; Ring-billed Gull 1 (ad) flying over jetty, nw; California Gull 2 (C1, C2) on and flying around jetty, nw; Caspian Tern 2 (ad, imm) immature making high-pitched calls in flight, low over open field and shallows, se; Black Tern 1 (imm, cont. ?) initially seen perched atop an orange buoy, s taking flight to east (photo).

Feral Rock Pigeon 2 in flight, one leucistic, one typical, n, s; Mourning Dove 38 gregarious, ubiquitous pairs most numerous on edge of dam, e; Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (f) hovering around cottonwoods, nw; Anna’s Hummingbird 6 (m, imm ) ubiquitous atop shrubs and trees; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 5 (m,f) vocal, individuals in riparian woods around the lake; Downy Woodpecker 2 (f) foraging in canopy of cottownoods, sw, s; Black Phoebe 11 vocal, individuals and pairs, mostly on low perches around the lake; Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 remaining fairly well concealed in middle level of cottonwood, w; California Scrub-Jay 7 vocal, individuals and pairs in open juniper scrub, w, se; Common Raven 4 vocal, flying over open field, n; Horned Lark 1 vocal (unseen) open field, ne; Tree Swallow 2 (ad, imm) flying low over lake with BASW, ne; Barn Swallow 40 (ad, imm) gregarious, on utility lines and flying low, back and forth over lake, ubiquitous; Oak Titmouse 1 (JF), se; Verdin 6 (ad, imm) vocal, individuals and pairs in creosote bush and juniper fields, n, w; Bushtit 22 two or three active, vocal flocks in cottonwoods, w, sw, s; Cactus Wren 1 on fence at edge of skeet range, ne; Bewick’s Wren 7 vocal in brushy areas around the lake; House Wren 1 vocal (unseen) in cottonwoods, sw; Marsh Wren 3 vocal (unseen) in cattails, nw, s; Northern Mockingbird 4 individuals on conspicuous perches, n, s; California Thrasher 2 vocal in junipers, w, sw; European Starling 4 on utility line n; Orange-crowned Warbler 3 one relatively bright form (lutescens), individuals foraging in outer foliage of cottonwoods and willows, sw, s; Yellow Warbler 8 (m,f) vocal, individuals active in cottonwoods and willows around the lake; Common Yellowthroat 9 (m,f) vocal, active in marsh-riparian patches around the lake; California Towhee 1 vocal, perched on fence in adjacent yard, sw; Song Sparrow 3 vocal in marsh-riparian, nw, w; Lazuli Bunting 1 vocal (calls) flying between junipers and cottonwoods, sw; Red-winged Blackbird 10 (m,f, imm) gregarious in cottonwoods, flying e; Great-tailed Grackle 30 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, several foraging on trash in adjacent Park n Ride lot n; Bullock’s Oriole 1 vocal (chatter calls) in cottonwoods (unseen) ne; Hooded Oriole 2 (m,f) gregarious, vocal (calls) a pair foraging on mistletoe in a cottonwood, s (photo).

House Finch 105 (m,f, imm) vocal (calls and song) most foraging in brushy field of skeet range, ne.

Lake Palmdale LACO 20 August 2020 (56 Species)

Weather: Hazy overcast due to the continuing Lake Fire, in the Lake Hughes- Pine Canyon area about 10 mi. to the northwest; 74F to 94F, winds calm.

Time: 0630-0950 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. Except for a PWD pontoon boat with three passengers, cruising 3 – 5 mph around the lake, and a maintenance crew in the south, the survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities. The lake water level continues to be near maximum, resulting in an intermittent, 2-3 ft. shoreline margin.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Blue-winged Teal (1 – fos), Northern Shoveler (2 – fos), Cattle Egret (1), Peregrine Falcon (1), Common Moorhen (1), Black Tern (1), Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird (1- fos), Western Wood Pewee (1 – fos) and Tricolored Blackbird (3).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 120 (m,f, imm) gregarious, ubiquitous in shallows; Blue-winged Teal 1 (f – comp. with nearby fem. CITE – showing smaller bill, pale lores) swimming with MALL, nw (first of the season); Cinnamon Teal 1 (f) with MALL, nw; Northern Shoveler 2 (f) swimming away from dam in open water, e (fos); Ruddy Duck 8 (m,f, imm) one female followed closely by hatchling, slough, s; California Quail 60 (m,f) a large flock foraging on ground in overgrown field of skeet range, ne; Pied-billed Grebe 25 vocal, ubiquitous, most in shallows; Western Grebe 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, one pair nesting, w; Clark’s Grebe 30 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, at least three pair nesting, nw; Double-crested Cormorant 1 (imm) standing on small islet, ne; Great Blue Heron 3 individuals flushed from shore, nw, se, ne; Cattle Egret 1 flew to snag perch briefly, se; Green Heron 1(ad) vocal when flushed from shore, n; Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (imm) flying around marsh, se; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) flushed from cottonwood, s; Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad, imm) individuals perched on willow snag and transmitter tower, ne; Peregrine Falcon 1 (juv.) perched on snag over marsh, se (photo)

Common Moorhen 1 swimming in shallows near marsh, w (photo).

American Coot 120 gregarious, ubiquitous in shallows and open water; Killdeer 8 vocal, gregarious – pairs on jetty and dam, nw, e; Greater Yellowlegs 1 vocal when flushed from shoreline of dam, e; California Gull 6 (juv., C2, C3, ad) on and around jetty, nw; Caspian Tern 2 (ad, imm) adult with juvenile – begging calls, on jetty and flying low around the lake, nw, e (photo).

Forster’s Tern 2 (imm) on jetty (nw) and dipping to surface, capturing a small fish e (photo).

Black Tern 1 (juv.) flying low over lake, e (photo).

Feral Rock Pigeon 1 on utility line over PWD yard, n; Mourning Dove 60 gregarious – several pair flushed from dam, e; Great Horned Owl 1 flushed from mulberry trees, n; Black-chinned Hummingbird 6 (f) hovering around cottonwoods and willows throughout; Anna’s Hummingbird 3 (f) in and around cottonwoods and willows, n, sw; Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sp.) 1 (m imm) in creosote bush patch, n; Belted Kingfisher 1 vocal when flying over marsh, s; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 1 vocal, cottonwoods, sw; Western Wood Pewee 1 on low, outer limb of cottonwood, se (fos); Black Phoebe 20 vocal, gregarious – pairs and individuals sallying from low and high perches around lake; Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 flew to cottonwood at middle level, ne; California Scrub-Jay 2 vocal, flying, s, e; Common (Northern) Raven 12 (ad, imm) gregarious – pairs and trios on dam and circling above, e, ne; Barn Swallow 60 gregarious, vocal, flocks of 10 -30 birds perched on utility lines, ne (photo), flying low over lake throughout; Verdin 1 vocal, flew to patch of creosote bush, n; Bushtit 20 gregarious, vocal, flocks of 6 – 10 birds, some gleaning by hanging upside down from cottonwood petioles in canopy and subcanopy, w, s, se; Cactus Wren 1 perched atop juniper, bobbing tail, ne; Bewick’s Wren 6 vocal individuals in brushy and riparian areas throughout; Marsh Wren 2 vocal (repeated song) in dense cattails next to jetty, nw; Northern Mockingbird 1 flying over picnic area, n; California Thrasher 1 vocal (repeated calls) remaining concealed on or near ground in creosote bush patch, n; European Starling 2 gregarious on utility line, n; Yellow Warbler 8 (m,f) vocal (song) in canopy and subcanopy of cottonwoods throughout; Common Yellowthroat 3 (m) vocal (calls) in marsh-riparian, n, w; California Towhee 1 vocal (calls) in Atriplex field next to jetty, nw; Red-winged Blackbird 2 (m) gregarious atop a cottonwood, nw; Tricolored Blackbird 3 (m – imm) on a utility line over roadway next to picnic area, n; Great-tailed Grackle 30 (m,f, imm) gregarious, ubiquitous in and around marsh and shore; Brown-headed Cowbird 1 perched on a willow snag, se; House Finch 80 (m,f, imm) foraging on ground in brushy sections of skeet range, flushed to nearby chain-link fence, ne; Lesser Goldfinch 1 (f) with HOFI flock on fence, ne.

Lake Palmdale LACO 13 August 2020 (51 Species)

Weather: Overcast with intermittent light rain; 82 F to 86F, winds calm.

Time: 0716 – 1025 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. Except for a maintenance worker with a weed trimmer on the jetty and several vehicles moving around the lake, the survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities. The lake water level continues at near maximum; inflow from the Palmdale Ditch was moderate.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Belted Kingfisher (1 fos), Greater Yellowlegs (1 fos), Barn Owl (1 -cont.), Cactus Wren (3), Western Bluebird (1), Orange-crowned Warbler (1), Yellow Warbler (5), and Tricolored Blackbird (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 1 (f) swimming away from the dam, e; Mallard 120 (m,f) gregarious, ubiquitous in shallow in open water; Cinnamon Teal 1 (f) dabbling near marsh, s; Ruddy Duck 12 (m,f) gregarious, resting in slough, s; Pied-billed Grebe 30 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous in shallows; Western Grebe 12 vocal, gregarious, at least one pair nesting other pairs carrying pieces of nesting material, nw, s; Clark’s Grebe 30, vocal, gregarious, at least 10 pair nesting in colony, nw, one swimming with WEGR (photo).

Double-crested Cormorant 2 (ad, imm) resting on stirring platform, w; Great-blue Heron 4 (ad, imm) individuals flushed from shorelines and marsh around the lake; Snowy Egret 3 (ad, imm) gregarious, foraging near shore of dam, e; Turkey Vulture 2 gregarious, a paor on ground, w side of dam, e; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad) individuals flushed from cottonwood perch, w, s; Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad, imm) perched on transmitter tower and utility poles, ne; American Coot 120 gregarious, ubiquitous in shallows and open water; Killdeer 8 gregarious, vocal when approached, nw, e; Greater Yellowlegs 1 (imm) on shore of dam (first of season), e; Spotted Sandpiper 4 (1 in bsc. plmg.) individuals and pairs flushed from shore of dam, e; Least Sandpiper 4 individuals and a trio flushed from shore, nw, e; California Gull 5 (ad; juv/C1) flying low over lake, resting in open water; Eurasian Collared Dove 1 in adjacent yard, se; Mourning Dove 60 gregarious, ubiquitous, most on w side of dam e; Barn Owl 1-cont. flushed from nearly same location in willows, nw; Black-chinned Hummingbird 4 (f) in and around cottonwoods and willows, w, s; Anna’s Hummingbird 1 (f) edge of riparian woods, sw; Belted Kingfisher 1 vocal (unseen) ne (first of season); Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 vocal (unseen), sw, s; Black Phoebe 20 vocal, individuals and pairs sallying from low perches, often near water, ubiquitous; Western Kingbird 1 flew to willow canopy with GTGR and chased away by the latter, nw; California Scrub-Jay 1 vocal (unseen) se; Common (Northern) Raven 12 gregarious, most on dam, e; Tree Swallow 1 on utility wire with BASW and CLSW, ne; Cliff Swallow (ad, imm) gregarious, on utility wire with BASW and flying over lake and marsh throughout; Barn Swallow 80 (ad, imm) gregarious, on utility wires, flying low, using a variety of exposed perches around lake, ubiquitous; Verdin 1 flying across roadway into a stand of creosote bush, n; Bushtit 24 gregarious, two flocks of about 12 birds moving quickly in lower to mid-levels of juniper and cottonwood; Cactus Wren 3 gregarious, vocal, on fence at edge of skeet range, ne; Bewick’s Wren 8 vocal, individuals in brush and riparian woodland around the lake; Western Bluebird 1 (imm) perched on low cottonwood limb at edge of slough, se; Northern Mockingbird 1 on hedgerow fence at F & F entrance, n; European Starling 2 a pair atop a cottonwood, s; Orange-crowned Warbler 1 closely associated with a HOFI in the canopy of a cottonwood, nw; Yellow Warbler 5 (m) vocal (repeated song), individuals in cottonwoods and willows around the lake; Common Yellowthroat 2 (m) vocal in marsh-riparian and edge, one following flock of BUSH, s; California Towhee 1 vocal (unseen) brushy field adjacent to jetty, nw; Red-winged Blackbird 12 (m,f, imm) gregarious, ubiquitous; Tricolored Blackbird 1 (m) with RWBL in cottonwood canopy, s; Great-tailed Grackle 30 (m,f, imm) vocal, gregarious, often on or near shore, ubiquitous; Brown-headed Cowbird 1 (f) perched on a willow snag near RWBL, se; House Finch 80 (m,f) gregarious, foraging on ground in skeet range, ne; Lesser Goldfinch 1 (f) with HOFI on fence at edge of skeet range, ne; House Sparrow 2 (m) on fence with HOFI at edge of skeet range, ne.

Lake Palmdale LACO 6 August 2020 (32 Species)

Weather: Fair with low clouds in adjacent foothills; 64F to 71 F; wind WNW 10-15 mph.

Time: 0630 – 0832 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues near maximum; inflow from the Palmdale Ditch was moderate. The entire lake area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities during the survey. Note: due to a flat tire upon arrival, the survey this morning was relatively brief and probably incomplete.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Marbled Godwit (1 – first record of this species at Lake Palmdale).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 80 (m,f) gregarious, ubiquitous around edges of the lake; Ruddy Duck 20 (m,f) gregarious most resting in open water near the docks and marsh, w, s; Pied-billed Grebe 10 vocal, loosely gregarious in shallows around the lake; Western Grebe 15 gregarious – pairs, vocal, swimming near the marsh, nw, s; Clark’s Grebe 30 vocal, gregarious – one pair at a cattail platform nest, nw; Double-crested Cormorant 1 (imm) diving near shore, e; Great Blue Heron 2 on shore and in marsh, nw, e; Great Egret 1 standing at edge of marsh, ne; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 vocal, se; Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad, imm) individuals in canopy of willows, cottonwoods and utility pole, se, ne; American Coot 80 gregarious, ubiquitous in shallows and sheltered coves; Killdeer 2 gregarious – a vocal pair flushed from edge of dam, e; Marbled Godwit 1 standing at south end of jetty, flushed and soon returning to same location, nw (photo – first record for LP).

Spotted Sandpiper 1 (alt. plmg.) on rocky shore of the dam, e; Least Sandpiper 3 gregarious, one immature foraging in mud-algal shallows, ne (photo).

Ring-billed Gull 1 (C2) flying around the lake with two CAGU, w; California Gull 5 (C1 – ad) flying around the lake, alighting in open water and on the jetty, nw; Feral Rock Pigeon 4 flying over PWD power plant, n; Mourning Dove 20 gregarious, most on w side of dam, e; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 1 vocal, nw; Black Phoebe 10 vocal, gregairous – pairs sallying from low perches near water around the lake; Western Kingbird 2 gregarious – a pair flying over junipers, nw; Western Scrub-jay 1 perched atop a cottonwood se; Common (Northern) Raven 8 gregarious, on ground and in cottonwoods, n, ne; Barn Swallow 30 flying back and forth, low over multiple habitats, including Palmdale Ditch water fall and concrete box nest site; Verdin 1 vocal, cottonwood-juniper edge, w; Bewick’s Wren 2 vocal, cottonwoods and junipers, n, nw; Marsh Wren 2 vocal (unseen) in cattail marsh bordering slough, s; Yellow Warbler 3 vocal, gregarious – a pair chasing around junipers and cottonwoods, w; Red-winged Blackbird 5 (m,f) gregarious – a flock flying low over road, ne; Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f imm) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; House Finch 20 (m,f, imm) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; Lesser Goldfinch 1 vocal (unseen) se.

Lake Palmdale LACO 30 July 2020 (43 Species)

Weather: Fair; 70F to 88F; winds calm.

Time: 0635 – 0935 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues at or near maximum; inflow from the Palmdale Ditch was moderate. Except for one PWD service vehicle, the lake area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities during the survey.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Caspian Tern (1), Forster’s Tern (3), Barn Owl (1), Warbling Vireo (1 – fos), Black-headed Grosbeak (1- fos) and Tricolored Blackbird (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 80 (m,f) pairs and loose flocks in the shallows around the lake; Ruddy Duck 20 (m,f) loose flocks resting near the docks and marsh, w, s; California Quail 8 (m,f) gregarious, vocal, foraging in brushy areas, nw, w; Pied-billed Grebe 30 vocal, loosely gregarious in shallows around the lake; Western Grebe 6 vocal, pairs, none observed on nests; Clark’s Grebe 30 vocal, gregarious, one pair on floating platform nest of cattails near marsh on e side of jetty; nw cove apparently without active nests – some previous CLGR and WEGR platform nests now occupied by AMCO; Double-crested Cormorant 2 (ad, imm) individuals resting on stirring platform and islet, nw, ne; Great Blue Heron 3 (bsc. plmg.) individuals standing at edge of marsh and on shore, se, e, ne; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) flying low through riparian woodland, w; Red-tailed Hawk 1 perched on metal transmission tower over PWD building, n; American Coot 80 loosely gregarious, shallows and open water, ubiquitous; Killdeer 6 vocal pairs on jetty and dam, nw, e; Spotted Sandpiper 3 (alt. plmg.) vocal, gregarious on shoreline of dam, e; California Gull 7 (1 – C1; 3- C3; 3- C2) gregarious, resting in open water, flying to jetty, nw; Caspian Tern 1 (ad) vocal, flying over shallows and marsh, nw (photo – first of the season).

Forster’s Tern 3 (ad, imm) gregarious, flying low over lake, making shallow dives, resting on buoys, w, nw (photo).

Mourning Dove 20 gregarious, pairs, most on west slope of dam, e; Barn Owl 1 flushed from riparian-marsh and alighted briefly on willow, w (photo).

Black-chinned Hummingbird 5 (m,f) gregarious – chasing, hovering over shrubs and outer foliage of cottonwoods, nw, w, s; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3 (m,f) vocal – individuals foraging on upper limbs of cottonwoods, nw, w, s; Black Phoebe 10 (ad, imm) gregarious – 2 – 3 individuals sallying from shrubs and trees, one taking insects from lake surface, nw, w, e; Say’s Phoebe 2 (ad, imm) one imm alighting on roadway, nw, sw; Ash-throated Flycatcher 2 vocal, nw, s; Western Kingbird 6 (ad, imm) one imm. hovering above creosote bushes with midge swarm, n, nw, w, ne; Warbling Vireo 1 foraging in subcanopy of willows, w (fos); California Scrub-Jay 1 vocal, s; Common (Northern) Raven 4 flying over open areas, n; Cliff Swallow 30 (ad, imm) gregarious, vocal, flying low over roadway and adjacent low vegetation, perched in snags, sw; Barn Swallow 50 (ad, imm) gregarious, ubiquitous – a few entering and leaving concrete box nest site, se; Verdin 3 vocal, individuals and pairs in shrubs and trees, n, w; Bushtit 8 gregarious, vocal, moving quickly through, junipers and cottonwoods, w; Bewick’s Wren 6 vocal, in shrubs and tall trees, nw, w, sw, ne; Marsh Wren 3 vocal (unseen) in cattail marsh, s; Northern Mockingbird 1 vocal, flying over Joshua Tree-Juniper field, n; Yellow Warbler 8 (m,f, imm) vocal in cottonwoods and willows, nw, w, sw (photo).

Common Yellowthroat 5 vocal in marsh-riparian, nw, w, sw; Song Sparrow 3 active in understory of marsh-riparian, nw, w; Black-headed Grosbeak 1 (m, imm) active low in junipers and on ground sw (fos); Red-winged Blackbird 30 (m,f, imm) vocal, gregarious – mostly immatures, n, nw, w; Tricolored Blackbird 1 (ad. m) with immatures (RWBL?) ne; Great-tailed Grackle 30 (m,f, imm) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; Brown-headed Cowbird 10 (m,f, imm) gregarious, vocal, n, nw, w; House Finch 20 (m,f, imm) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous.

Lake Palmdale LACO 23 July 2020 (52 Species)

Weather: Fair; 72F to 79F; wind WSW 2 – 12 mph.

Time: 0705 – 0950 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues at or near maximum; inflow from the Palmdale Ditch was moderately high. Midges (Chironomus sp.) were abundant near water. Except for one person walking around the lake, the lake area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities during the survey.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, California Gull (5 – fos), Costa’s Hummingbird (1), Western Tanager (1) and Tricolored Blackbird (60).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 2 (m,f) swimming near shore, se; Mallard 60 (m,f) pairs around the edges of the lake and in open water; Cinnamon Teal 4 (f) gregarious, swimming together away from the dam se; Ruddy Duck 12 (alt. plmg. m,f) gregarious, males displaying, near docks, sw; California Quail 12 (m,f) vocal, gregarious on ground in brushy areas, ne, w; Pied-billed Grebe 20 vocal, loosely gregarious in shallows and open water throughout; Western Grebe 6 (noticeably less numerous than previous week) vocal, pairs swimming near marsh, none seen on nest and evidently have been displaced from previous nesting site by numerous CLGR in nw corner; Clark’s Grebe 40 vocal, gregarious, at least three pair nesting on small, floating platforms of marsh vegetation in nw corner where two pair of WEGR were nesting last week; pairs moving about busily in nw cove, some engaged in rush-dance courtship; most birds near the marsh, relatively few in open water (photo).

Double-crested Cormorant 1 on stirring platform w; Great Blue Heron 2 flushed from marsh, sw, se; Snowy Egret 1 (imm) standing at edge of marsh, se; Cooper’s Hawk 1 flying low over junipers, w; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) vocal, flying low around cottonwoods, se; Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad, imm) perched on utility pole flying, ne, n; American Coot 50 gregarious around edges of the lake; Killdeer 8 vocal, gregarious on shore and jetty, nw, e; Spotted Sandpiper 3 gregarious, flushed from shore of dam, e; California Gull 5 (ad) gregarious, resting in open water, central (first of the season at LP); Eurasian Collared Dove 2 s; Feral Rock Pigeon 3 flying, n; Mourning Dove 20 gregarious, perched in cottonwoods and willows, ubiquitous; Black-chinned Hummingbird 3 hovering around outside of cottonwoods, n, s; Costa’s Hummingbird 1 (f) perched briefly in a creosote bush, nw; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3 vocal in cottonwoods, w, sw; Black Phoebe 6 (ad, imm) sallying from low perches near shore throughout; Say’s Phoebe 1 vocal, around brush piles, se; Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 in willow riparian patch; Western Kingbird 6 individuals perched atop willows and cottonwoods, n, w; Common Raven 10 vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; Horned Lark 10 gregarious, resting in shade of fence next to PWD entrance, n; Tree Swallow 10 pairs flying low over lake and alighting on tall snags, ne, s; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 6 pairs flying low over lake and adjacent open areas, sw; Cliff Swallow 20 (ad, imm) gregarious, flying 2 – 200 ft. agl throughout, occasionally congregating on snags in mixed species flocks with BASW and TRSW; Barn Swallow 50 (ad, imm) gregarious, ubiquitous, a few birds entering and leaving concrete box nest site in se; Oak Titmouse 2 (ad, imm) foraging in subcanopy of cottonwoods and willows, sw; Verdin 3 vocal, individuals in cottonwoods and junipers, nw, s; Bushtit 8 vocal, gregarious, foraging in cottonwoods, s, se; Bewick’s Wren 10 (ad, imm) vocal in riparian and juniper areas throughout; Marsh Wren 3 vocal (unseen) in dense cattail marsh, sw, s; California Thrasher 2 calls from junipers, nw, w; European Starling 3 (imm) flying, n; Yellow Warbler 4 vocal in cottonwood-willow riparian, n, nw, w, sw; Common Yellowthroat 4 vocal in marsh-riparian, n, nw, w; Song Sparrow 3 vocal in riparian-marsh, nw, w; Western Tanager 1 (m) flew to subcanopy of cottonwood, w; Red-winged Blackbird 100 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious – esp. immatures, ubiquitous; Tricolored Blackbird 60 (m,f, ad. – worn alt. & trans. bsc. plmg. imm.) a cohesive flock, sometimes separating into three sub-groups, feeding on roadway and adjacent short grass, ne (photo).

Great-tailed Grackle 20 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious, often on or near shore, ubiquitous; Brown-headed Cowbird 20 (ad, imm) gregarious, in cohesive flocks in trees and on ground near shore, n, nw; Bullock’s Oriole 1 vocal (unseen) in cottonwoods, sw; House Finch 30 (ad, imm) gregarious, vocal, ubiquitous; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 2 vocal in pines, ne; House Sparrow 2 vocal, picnic area-clubhouse, n;

Lake Palmdale LACO 16 July 2020 (54 Species)

Weather: Fair; 71F to 82F; wind WSW 1 mph.

Time: 0645 – 0945 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues at or near maximum; inflow from the Palmdale Ditch was moderately high. The entire survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities. Midges (Chironomus sp,) abundant, especially near water.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Willet (1), Spotted Sandpiper (3), Least Sandpiper (1), Cactus Wren (3), Western Bluebird (3); Western Tanager (1), Yellow Warbler (10) and Tricolored Blackbird (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 60 (m,f) gregarious – pairs and small flocks in the shallows throughout; Cinnamon Teal 1 (f) swimming near the marsh, se; Ruddy Duck 6 (m,f) loosely gregarious near marsh, w, s; California Quail 25 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious – fledglings following adults, w, s; Pied-billed Grebe 12 vocal, loosely gregarious, in shallows and open water throughout; Western Grebe 14 vocal, gregarious – three pairs on nests in nw corner; CLGR not seen nesting here since 2 July, 2020 (see previous notes); this relatively new, flooded and cleared marsh area is now dominated by nesting WEGR; Clark’s Grebe 30 vocal, gregarious – many in a flock in open water, pairs showing courtship behavior, ubiquitous, none seen nesting; Green Heron 1 (ad) standing at edge of marsh, se; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 vocal, flushed from willows, sw, flying se; American Coot 30 loosely gregarious around edges of the marsh throughout; Killdeer 3 vocal on ground, readily flushed, nw, e; Willet 1 (juv.) on shore of dam, e (photo).

Spotted Sandpiper 3 flushed from shoreline of dam, e; Least Sandpiper 1 (ad) flushed from shoreline of dam with KILL, e; Eurasian Collared Dove 2 vocal, sw; Mourning Dove 20 pairs flushed from ground and trees throughout; Black-chinned Hummingbird 2 (m) hovering around cottonwoods and marsh, ne, w; Anna’s Hummingbird 1 hovering over marsh, s; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 1 vocal in cottonwoods, se; Black Phoebe 10 vocal, gregarious, sallying from low perch, w, sw, se; Say’s Phoebe 4 low perches in open areas; Ash-throated Flycatcher 6 vocal, gregarious – pairs in riparian edge throughout; Western Kingbird 8 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious, in willows and cottonwoods throughout (photo).

Common Raven 10 gregarious, vocal, ubiquitous; Horned Lark 8 gregarious, in gravel lot near PWD back gate; Tree Swallow 10 gregarious, flying low over lake perched on willow snags, n, w, s; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 gregarious – a pair flying low over open fields and lake, ne; Cliff Swallow 4 gregarious, flying low over open areas with swarms of midges, ne; Barn Swallow 50 (conserv. est.) (ad, imm) gregarious, flying 3 – 150 ft. a.g.l., ubiquitous; Oak Titmouse 1 vocal in cottonwoods, s; Verdin 3 vocal in junipers and riparian-marsh, nw, s; Bushtit 20 vocal, gregarious, flocks of 6 -12 foraging in cottonwoods, n, w, s; Cactus Wren 3 vocal, gregarious in cholla cactus, brush pile and desert scub, ne (photo).

Bewick’s Wren 10 (ad, imm) vocal in brushy fields and riparian edge, nw, w, sw; Marsh Wren 5 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious, in cattails, sw, s; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 vocal (unseen) in creosote scrub, nw; Western Bluebird 3 (ad, imm m- molting into 1st bsc. plmg.) gregarious – 2 juv, 1 f (ad) continuing family group sallying to grassy edge of slough, se (photo).

Northern Mockingbird 1 vocal, se; California Thrasher 3 (2 imm) individuals running on ground beneath creosote and junipers, n, nw, s; European (Common) Starling 4 (imm) gregarious- flying over shore, n; Yellow Warbler 10 vocal, gregarious – pairs chasing in cottonwoods, ne, w, sw; Common Yellowthroat 4 vocal in marsh-riparian, nw, w; California Towhee 1 vocal (unseen) riparian edge, w; Song Sparrow 6 vocal in riparian-marsh edge, nw, w, s; Western Tanager 1 (imm m) in willow riparian subcanopy, w (fos); Red-winged Blackbird 100 (conserv. est.) (ad, imm) – gregarious – immatures flying low over shoreline and marsh throughout; Tricolored Blackbird 1 (m) flying to snag in marsh, se; Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, on jetty and shore, ubiquitous; Brown-headed Cowbird 8 (m,f) vocal, gregarious in willow canopy, n nw; Bullock’s Oriole 1 (f ) vocal in cottonwood subcanopy, sw; Hooded Oriole 1 (f) vocal in willow-riparian, w; House Finch 50 (m,f, imm) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; Lesser Goldfinch 1 vocal atop a juniper, w; House Sparrow 2 vocal in cottonwood, se.

Lake Palmdale LACO 9 July 2020 (47 Species)

Weather: Fair; 73F to 80F; wind SSW 8 – 15 mph.

Time: 0635-0930 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues at or near maximum; inflow from the Palmdale Ditch was moderately high. Except for two fishermen in the SE and one vehicle traveling swiftly on the west side, the survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Ring-necked Duck (2), White-throated Swift (1), Green Heron (1), and Tricolored Blackbird (10).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 50 (m,f) gregarious in small flocks near shore, ubiquitous; Cinnamon Teal 6 (m,f) gregarious – swimming together near the marsh, se; Ring-necked Duck 2 (m,f) swimming in open water (photo).

Ruddy Duck 6 (m,f) resting in shallows near the marsh, n, s; California Quail 14 (m,f) gregarious in pairs and flocks of up to 8 birds, ne, w; Pied-billed Grebe 4 vocal, swimming near marsh, nw, w, se; Western Grebe 8 vocal; two pair on nests about 5 yards apart in nwc where CLGR had a nest with eggs that evidently sank and disappeared. Clark’s Grebe 20 vocal pairs showing courtship behavior in open water, one pair at nest in nwc with two nearby nests of WEGR, ubiquitous. Green Heron 1 (imm) flushed from shore, ne; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) flushed from cottonwoods, vocal, SE; Red-tailed Hawk 3 (ad, imm) vocal, perched on utility poles and in willows, e; American Coot 30 gregarious, most congregating near dam, e; Killdeer 1 vocal, e; Spotted Sandpiper 2 (alt. plmg.) a pair flushed from the shore of the dam, e; Eurasian Collard Dove 2 vocal, s; Feral Rock Pigeon 2 flying, ne; Mourning Dove 14 several pairs flushed from west side of dam, e; White-throated Swift 1 (f or imm) dusky colored, flying through gap in pines, 20 – 150 ft. agl in same area with BASW, NRWS, TRSW and CLSW, ne; Black-chinned Hummingbird 2 perched on outer limb of cottonwoods, w, s; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 1 vocal, flying to cottonwoods, ne; Black Phoebe 10 (ad, imm) vocal, active in riparian patches and near water, ubiquitous; Say’s Phoebe 1 flying to low perch on jetty, nw; Ash-throated Flycatcher 2 vocal one flying to outer cottonwood limb, w Western Kingbird 8 (1 imm) vocal, individuals sallying from fence, pines and cottonwoods, throughout. Common (Northern) Raven 20 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious in small family groups around the lake; Horned Lark 8 gregarious on ground in gravel lot, n; Tree Swallow 8 pairs perched in outer, leafless canopies of cottonwoods, flying low, back and forth over open fields, marsh and lake, ne, s; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 (ad, imm) flying with other swallows, a juvenile perched with TRSW, ne (photo – first confirmed record of this species reproducing successfully in the vicinity of Lake Palmdale).

Cliff Swallow 4 flying in a mixed species flock with TRSW, NRWS, BASW, ne; Barn Swallow 30 (ad, imm) gregarious, fluing 3- 50 ft. agl over open fields, marsh and lake throughout, SE concrete box colony noticeably less active – a few birds circling and calling in that vicinity; Verdin 2 repeated calls from creosote bushes and edge of riparian, n, nw; Bushtit 10 vocal, gregarious, foraging in junipers and cottonwoods, n, w; Bewick’s Wren 2 vocal (scold calls and song) park n ride fence, shrubs, n, nw; Marsh Wren 3 repeated song from dense cattails, s; Northern Mockingbird 2 (ad, imm) vocal (s only) n, s; European (Common) Starling 2 around buildings, n; Yellow Warbler 5 (m,f) vocal (song) in cottonwoods, ne, nw, w; Common Yellowthroat 6 vocal (song) in marsh-riparian, nw, w, s; Song Sparrow 3 vocal (song) marsh-riparian, nw, sw; Redwinged Blackbird 80 (m,f, imm) vocal (calls), gregarious, ubiquitous, most near water; Tricolored Blackbird 10 (m,f) a cohesive flock feeding on ground in weedy roadside, then flying together to cottonwoods near shore, ne; Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f, imm) gregarious – a small family of about 6 adults and juveniles on ground near jetty, nw, s; Brown-headed Cowbird 2 (m) vocal atop cottonwood, ne, w; Bullock’s Oriole 1 (f) atop outer canopy of cottonwood, sw; House Finch 60 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious, foraging in weedy field of skeet range, ne; Lesser Goldfinch 20 (m,f, imm) in msf with HOFI, foraging on dry herbs gone to seed, ne; House Sparrow 2 (m,f) active around pines and buildings, ne.

Lake Palmdale LACO 2 July 2020 (47 Species)

Weather: Fair; 65F to 75F; wind WSW 0 – 12 mph.

Time: 0625-0930 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counterclockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues at or near the maximum; inflow from the Palmdale Ditch was high. Except for a few PWD maintenance vehicles in the southeast corner, and two fishermen on south dock, the survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included Clark’s Grebe (30; one nest with eggs), Forster’s Tern (1 – first of the season) and Western Bluebird (3, including one juvenile).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 50 (m,f) gregarious, in shallows around the lake Cinnamon Teal 1 (m) swimming near the marsh, se; Ruddy Duck 8 (m,f) gregarious, resting in shallows near the marsh, nw, s; California Quail 6 (m,f) gregarious, running across roadway, w; Pied-billed Grebe 8 vocal, swimming near the marsh, nw,w, s; Western Grebe 6 vocal, gregarious, pairs and individuals in nw nesting area (none on nest) with nesting CLGR; Clark’s Grebe 30 gregarious (a raft of about 25 individuals in open water- central), one attending a nest containing 3 eggs, nw (photo).

Great Blue Heron 2 flushed from shore, n, e; Snowy Egret 1 (imm) foraging on shore, se; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) vocal flushed from cottonwoods, s; Red-tailed Hawk 3 (1 ad, 2 imm) declivity soaring, n (photo).

Killdeer 4 vocal gregarious, on jetty and dam, nw, e; Black-necked Stilt 1 vocal, foraging in shallows, se; Forster’s Tern 1 (ad – alt. plmg.) flying low near docks and dipping into the surface, s, w (photo – first of the season).

Eurasian Collared Dove 6 gregarious, nw, n; Mourning Dove 14 gregarious, ubiquitous in riparian areas; Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (m) perched atop a juniper, se Anna’s Hummingbird 1 (f) on a low, outer cottonwood limb, s; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 6 (m,f) vocal in cottonwoods, ne, w, s; Black Phoebe 16 (ad, imm) vocal, loosely gregarious, individuals sallying from low branches and gleaning insects from roadway, mostly near shore; Say’s Phoebe 2 flying low over roadway, ne, se; Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 vocal (unseen) sw; Western Kingbird 4 vocal, in and around mulberry trees, cottonwoods, one on fence n, s; Common (Northern) Raven 20 (ad, imm) gregarious, vocal esp. immatures, ubiquitous; Tree Swallow 8 individuals flying low over lake and adjacent land, ne, s; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 flying low over slough, s; Cliff Swallow 10 gregarious circling 150-300 ft. agl over adjacent property, se; Barn Swallow 30 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious, flying low over open fields, marsh, riparian woods and lake, concrete box nest site in se apparently inactive, ubiquitous; Verdin 2 vocal, flying between creosote bushes, n; Bushtit 4 vocal, gregarious in cottonwoods, nw, sw; Cactus Wren 1 in Joshua tree near F&F entrance road, n; Bewick’s Wren 2 vocal (calls and song) riparian and rabbitbrush-juniper field, nw, w; Marsh Wren 3 vocal (unseen) dense cattail marsh, nw, s; Western Bluebird 3 (ad m,f; 1 (possibly 2) juveniles) gregarious on dead outer limbs of a cottonwood, s (photo – first documented breeding record of WEBL at LP).

Northern Mockingbird 2 vocal (song) n, s; California Thrasher 1 flushed from brushy area, se; European (Common) Starling 4 gregarious, n; Yellow Warbler 10 (m & f?) vocal (calls and song) in canopy of cottonwoods throughout; Common Yellowthroat 8 (m) vocal (song) marsh-riparian, n, w, s) Song Sparrow 6 vocal (calls and song) active in low to mid-level, in marsh-riparian throughout; Red-winged Blackbird 80 (ad imm) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous in marsh and riparian; Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f, imm) vocal, gregarious, marsh-riparian, n, w, s; Brown-headed Cowbird 8 (m,f) gregarious, marsh-riparian edge n, nw, w; Bullock’s Oriole 3 (f) vocal (calls) in cottonwood canopy, n, w, sw; House Finch 20 (m,f, imm) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 4 (f, imm) flying se over dam, ne; House Sparrow 5 (m,f) vocal, active in and around gardens, mulberry trees and pines, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO 25 June 2020 (39 Species)

Weather: Overcast to partly cloudy; 76F to 82F; wind WSW 10 – 15 mph.

Time: 0640-0920 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counterclockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues at or near the maximum; inflow volume from the Palmdale Ditch was moderately high. Except for one person walking around the lake, two vehicles passing me briefly, and a PWD maintenance crew in the north, the survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities. Constant wind significantly reduced bird activity and detectability.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included Northern Rough-winged Swallow (30-40).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 25 (m,f, eclipse plmg.) gregarious, swimming and resting near shore throughout; Ruddy Duck 4 (m,f) swimming near the marsh, sw, s; California Quail 5, pairs running across roadway, n; Pied-billed Grebe 6 vocal, swimming near marsh and shore throughout; Western Grebe 8 vocal, gregarious, at least three pair on/and construction nests; some intraspecific aggressive behavior (individuals engaged in brief forward-lunging, swim chasing) in nesting area but no interspecific aggression observed with nearby pair of CLGR, nw; Clark’s Grebe 20 (two to three times more numerous than WEGR) individuals and pairs – one pair swimming around courtship staging area with WEGR, one on apparent nest, nw; other CLGR in open water and near shore throughout; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 vocal, se, ne; Red-tailed Hawk 3 (1 ad, 2 imm) gregarious when soaring into headwind, ne, n; American Coot 40 loosely gregarious around edges of the lake and in open water; Killdeer 3 vocal, on ground, nw; Eurasian Collared Dove 2 vocal, n, sw; Rock Pigeon 3 gregarious in flight, n; Mourning Dove 14 individuals and pairs throughout; Anna’s Hummingbird 2 interacting briefly in a large cottonwood, se; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 vocal in cottonwoods, n, sw; Black Phoebe 6 (ad, imm) vocal, sallying from low perches, often near water, riparian edge throughout; Say’s Phoebe 1 (imm) flew to perch on jetty, nw; Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 on low cottonwood limb, sw; Western Kingbird 6 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious an adult and juvenile on the same cottonwood canopy limb, n, nw s; Common Raven 12 (ad, imm) vocal juveniles in pairs and with adults throughout; Horned Lark 8 gregarious in gravel lot at PWD entrance, n; Tree Swallow 6 pairs flying low over lake, marsh and open areas, n, s; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 30-40 gregarious, flying 10 – 150 ft. agl, ubiquitous (a large influx of this species was difficult to count due to its continuous flight over large areas). Cliff Swallow 2 flying low over water and open areas, se; Barn Swallow 30 gregarious, vocal, ubiquitous, se nesting site still active but with relatively fewer birds entering and leaving; Verdin 1 flying across roadway to creosote bush patch, nw; Bewick’s Wren 2 vocal from exposed perch on juniper, nw; Marsh Wren 2 vocal (unseen) in dense cattails, nw, s; Northern Mockingbird 2 vocal (song) n, s; California Thrasher 1 perched on juniper, se; European Starling 10 (ad, imm) gregarious around picnic area and buildings, n; Yellow Warbler 6 (m) vocal (song) in riparian woodland throughout; Common Yellowthroat 5 vocal (song, calls) in marsh-riparian throughout; California Towhee 1 vocal, flew across roadway into riparian-marsh, w; Song Sparrow 6 vocal (songs and calls) marsh-riparian throughout; Red-winged Blackbird 80 (m,f, ad, imm) vocal, gregarious, young begging from adults, marsh-riparian throughout; Great-tailed Grackle 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, n, s; Brown-headed Cowbird 6 (m,f) vocal, individuals and pairs in riparian and marsh throughout; Bullock’s Oriole 3 (f) vocal, in cottonwoods and adjacent areas, s, se, a nest (possibly abandoned) suspended about 7 ft. a.g.l. in a lakeside willow, sw; House Finch 20 (m,f) gregarious, vocal, ubiquitous; House Sparrow 6 (m,f) vocal, gregarious around buildings and gardens, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO 18 June 2020 (45 Species)

Weather: Fair; 63F to 77F; winds calm.

Time: 0630 – 0930 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counterclockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues to be at or near maximum; inflow from the Palmdale Ditch was moderately high. Except for two people fishing on the bank of the south slough, and a PWD maintenance vehicle, the survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included Buff-bellied (American) Pipit (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 16 (m (eclipse plmg.),f; 6 imm – hatchlings and nearly full-grown young) swimming around the edges of the lake; Ruddy Duck 5 (m,f) swimming near the marsh, nw, se; California Quail 10 (m,f) gregarious in pairs and trios, running across roadways, n, w; Pied-billed Grebe 8 vocal, swimming near shore throughout; Western Grebe 6 vocal, gregarious, one pair engaged in courtship and copulation lasting about 1.5 minutes on a small platform of marsh vegetation: Male slowly approaching female on platform, female in prone position with back elevated, head and neck partially extended with bill touching the water, i.e. receptive posture (Figure A); male mounting her in upright posture with neck in u-shape (Figure B). Male dismounting after a few seconds then swimming around to face the female in an alert posture, both birds then engaging in a synchronized, ritualized preening and head rotation behavior for about 10 seconds (Figure C). This was the same area where a pair of courting-copulating CLGR were observed last week (11 June 2020).

Clark’s Grebe 20 vocal, gregarious (pairs and small flocks of 4 – 6 birds) a few individuals swimming near marsh and shore, others in open water, central; one pair swimming in the vicinity of a pair of courting-copulating WEGR (see above photos); Cooper’s Hawk 1 (imm) chasing an adult RSHA through a willow riparian woodland, sw; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 as noted above, another adult perched at middle height of a mature cottonwood, se; Red-tailed Hawk 4 (2 ad, 2 juv) an adult vocalizing on favored utility pole with its two juveniles perched on the same pole at the opposite end (photo).

American Coot 30 individuals swimming near shore and marsh, ubiquitous, though noticeably less abundant than last month; Killdeer 6 (ad, full-grown imm) vocal, gregarious, four birds vocalizing and staying together on and around jetty, nw; Black-necked Stilt 1 (alt. plmg.) vocal when flushed from the shore of dam, e; Eurasian Collared Dove 1 on utility line, ne; Mourning Dove 14 vocal, pairs and individuals throughout; Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (f) in willow riparian woodland, nw; Anna’s Hummingbird 1 flying low at edge of riparian woodland, w; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3 vocal in cottonwoods, n, w, sw; Black Phoebe 10 (ad, imm) gregarious – a group of five birds ( 2 ad, 3 imm) perched and sallying from a shoreline snag at the edge of dam, ne (photo).

Ash-throated Flycatcher 4 vocal, gregarious – pairs in canopy of cottonwoods, n, sw; Western Kingbird 4 vocal, gregarious – a pair in canopy of mulberry (n), one on fence at Palmdale Ditch inlet, se; California Scrub-Jay 2 moving between junipers, n, nw; Common Raven 20 ad, imm, gregarious, vocal (esp. juveniles as I approached), in small flocks (probably family groups) in and around nest sites in riparian woods and mulberry trees, ubiquitous; Horned Lark 1 flushed from roadside gravel lot, n; Tree Swallow 14 vocal, gregarious – mostly paired, four birds on ground in short grass, se, others flying over lake, marsh and open areas near nest sites in dead cottonwoods and willows, 2 – 50 ft. agl; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 a pair flying low over open ground and marsh, se; Cliff Swallow 1 seen entering nest under eaves of adjacent home in suburbs, s; Barn Swallow 30 gregarious, vocal, ubiquitous but most abundant in and around concrete drainage box, se; Verdin 2 vocal individuals in creosote bush and edge of riparian-marsh, n, nw; Bushtit 12 (ad, imm) gregarious, flocks of 6-8 individuals foraging together in willows and cottonwoods, n, w; Bewick’s Wren 4 (ad, imm) vocal, active in junipers and edge of riparian woodland, n, w; Marsh Wren 2 vocal (unseen) in dense marsh on north border of slough, s; Northern Mockingbird 3 vocal (an individual in adjacent yard (s) with a song including mimicry of seven or eight resident bird species) from exposed perch, one following immature ravens, n, s; California Thrasher 1 vocal (song) atop a large conifer in adjacent yard, s; European Starling 10 vocal, gregarious, n, s; Buff-bellied (American) Pipit 1 (imm) flushed from shore of dam, landing briefly about 100 yards away, then flying south (photos – first documented record of this species at Lake Palmdale, Los Angeles County, CA in the second half of June ).

Yellow Warbler 10 (m,f) vocal (mostly repeated song), active in riparian woodland around the lake; Common Yellowthroat 5 (m, f, imm) vocal (calls and song) gregarious (immature and adults) and active in marsh-riparian, nw, w; Song Sparrow 6 vocal (calls and song) active in riparian-marsh around the lake; Red-winged Blackbird 120 (m,f, imm) gregarious, vocal (calls and song) marsh-riparian areas around the lake; Great-tailed Grackle 12 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, mostly in marsh and riparian areas around the lake; Brown-headed Cowbird 2 (m,f) perched in cottonwood canopies, n, nw; Bullock’s Oriole 4 (imm m, f) vocal, gregarious, foraging in cottonwood foliage, n, w; House Finch 30 (m,f) vocal, gregarious – pairs and small flocks throughout; House Sparrow 6 (m,f) vocal, gregarious around buildings, gardens and adjacent fields, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO 11 June 2020 (52 Species)

Weather: Fair; 67F to 85F; winds calm

Time: 0645-0945 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. Except for occasional PWD maintenance traffic and a person walking around the lake, there was little disturbance from human activities during the survey. The lake water level continues at or near maximum volume; inflow from the Palmdale Ditch was moderately high. Large swarms of chironomids were frequent near the shorelines and around cottonwoods and willows, where several bird species were observed engaged in aerial-hawking of insects.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Bank Swallow (1) and Orange-crowned Warbler (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 2 (m,f) swimming near the dam, e; Mallard 16 (m,f; eclipse plmg.) pairs and trios swimming near shore around the lake; Cinnamon Teal 1 (m, eclipse plmg.) flushed from shore, e; Ruddy Duck 2 (m,f) a pair swimming close to the marsh, nw; California Quail 10 pairs on ground in brushy areas throughout; Western Grebe 4 pairs, vocal in open water, n, w; Clark’s Grebe 16 vocal, gregarious, one pair engaged in ritualized preening courtship displays on and adjacent to a small floating platform of marsh vegetation; courtship and copulation combined lasting about two minutes adjacent to and atop a platform (photo).

Great Blue Heron 2 flushed from shore, e, nw; Cooper’s Hawk 1 imm in willow at edge of riparian woodland, nw (photo).

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) vocal as I approached, perched in cottonwood subcanopy, se; Red-tailed Hawk 3 (2 ad, 1 imm) adult vocal from utility pole perch; one adult carrying small prey in talons, flying north, nw; one immature in willows, se; American Coot 40 individuals scattered around the margins of the lake, some in open water; Killdeer 6 (ad, imm) vocal, on ground, a full-grown immature vocalizing while following two adults, nw, e; Eurasian Collared Dove 2 n; Mourning Dove 12 (ad, imm), vocal, ubiquitous; Black-chinned Hummingbird 3 (m) atop juniper and on fence, n, se (photo).

Anna’s Hummingbird 1 hovering above cottonwoods, w; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3 (m,f) vocal, individuals foraging in subcanopy of willows and cottonwoods, sw, w; Black Phoebe 5 (ad, imm) sallying from low perches over open areas with chironomid swarms near water, n, s, w; Say’s Phoebe 1 sallying, aerial hawking (chrionomids?) from canopy of tall cottonwood, se; Ash-throated Flycatcher 5 vocal, a vocal pair staying close on fence perch, sallying into swarm of chironomid larvae, se, w, n; Western Kingbird 8 vocal, pairs and individuals aerial-hawking insects in canopies of cottonwoods and willows, n, se, w; California Scrub-Jay 1 flying toward riparian patch from junipers, nw; Northern Raven 10 (ad, imm) vocal (esp. imm, giving relatively high pitched calls), gregarious (small family groups of 3-4 adults and immatures), ubiquitous but most remaining in shade of subcanopy and with mouths agape as the air temperature climbed into the 80F+ range; Tree Swallow 14 vocal while perched, gregarious, foraging low over lake, marsh and adjacent land throughout; several small flocks perched on snags; Bank Swallow 1 – ID: white underparts with black breast band, circling over marsh with TRSW and BASW, se; Cliff Swallow 2 a pair flying through swarms of chironomids with BASW and TRSW, se; Barn Swallow 20 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious, active nesting colony inside of concrete drainage box, se, birds entering and exiting, flying low over lake, marsh and adjacent land, especially through chironomid swarms, throughout, two juveniles perched together on dock railing, adults perched and flying nearby, sw; Oak Titmouse 1 flying to juniper patch, w; Verdin 2 vocal in junipers, se; Bushtit 6 vocal, gregarious while foraging in middle level of willows and cottonwoods, w; Bewick’s Wren 6 vocal, individuals singing repeatedly in a variety of vegetation types; House Wren 1 repeated song, cottonwood patch, se; Marsh Wren 6 repeated song (unseen) dense marsh bordering slough, s; Northern Mockingbird 3 repeated song with recognizable imitations, e.g. Ash-throated Flycatcher, California Scrub-Jay, n, s, nw; California Thrasher 1 vocal (calls) in juniper-sage-joshua tree patch, se; European Starling 30 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious, flocks foraging in grassy areas, n; Orange-crowned Warbler 1 a relatively dull-colored individual foraging silently, low in cottonwood foliage, ne; Yellow Warbler 12 (m) highly vocal (song and calls) in cottonwoods and willows around the lake; Common Yellowthroat 6 (m) highly vocal (song) in marsh and riparian edge around the lake; California Towhee 2 vocal individuals, one flying from rabbitbrush-juniper patch into willow thickets, w; Lark Sparrow 1 (imm) atop cottonwood, w (photo first documented breeding record for LP).

Song Sparrow 6 vocal (song) riparian-marsh edge throughout; Red-winged Blackbird 120 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious in small family flocks, aerial-hawking chironomids from cottonwood canopy, marsh-riparian throughout, males continue to sing and display on territories; Great-tailed Grackle 10 (m,f) vocal, loosely gregarious, nw, s; Brown-headed Cowbird 5 (m,f) vocal atop cottonwoods, n,nw, w; Bullock’s Oriole 5 (f) vocal in mature cottonwoods ne, w, se; House Finch 30 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; Lesser Goldfinch 2 vocal in flight around cottonwoods, se; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 2 vocal in flight, ne; House Sparrow 2 (m) on roadway, s, around clubhouse, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO 4 June 2020 (45 Species)

Weather: Fair; 72 – 86F; wind WSW 0 – 5 mph.

Time: 0640-0950 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counterclockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues at or near the maximum; inflow volume from the Palmdale Ditch was high. Except for two vehicles in transit around the lake and a pontoon boat crossing the lake, the survey area was undisturbed by human activities. Large swarms of midges (Chironomus sp.) were abundant near the shore (photo). Tabanid flies were also frequent, though somewhat less so than last week, in the north and western sections.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Osprey (1) and Great Egret (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 12 (m,f; ad., imm) pairs and females with young around edges of the lake; Ruddy Duck 2 (m, alt. plmg.) gregarious, swimming near marsh, nw; California Quail 10 (m,f) pairs running across roadway and open fields, n, w; Western Grebe 5 pairs and individuals swimming near the marsh and docks, nw, w; Clark’s Grebe 16 gregarious, vocal – mostly paired, swimming and diving near the marsh and in open water, nw, central; Double-crested Cormorant 1 (bsc. plmg.) alighting in open water, n; Great Egret 1 (bsc. plmg.) on shore of dam, e; Osprey 1 (ad.) vocal, on favored horizontal limb overhanging s slough, later flying low over dam, e; Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad, juv) a resident pair of adults vocalizing on favored utility pole perch; one of their recently fledged juveniles on a nearby utility pole, ne (photo). A sibling juvenile flying low across lake in se (see previous week’s notes).

American Coot 60 loosely gregarious near shore and open water throughout; Killdeer 8 vocal pairs running on roads and in open fields, nw, e; Eurasian Collared Dove 10, vocal, flying around riparian patches, n, nw; Feral Rock Pigeon 1 flying w, n; Mourning Dove 25 gregarious, vocal, ubiquitous; Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (f) in and around large cottonwoods, se; Anna’s Hummingbird 5 (m,f) in willows, cottonwoods and junipers, throughout; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3 vocal, in subcanopy of cottonwoods, sw, s; Black Phoebe 3 sallying from low perches near shore, ne, n, s; Say’s Phoebe 1 vocal in open field, n; Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 flying low over tops of junipers, se; Western Kingbird 6 vocal, pairs attending nests in cottonwoods and mulberries, n, ne, nw; California Scrub-Jay 2 individuals in junipers, nw, se; Common Raven 16 (ad, imm) juveniles highly vocal, following adults, ubiquitous; Tree Swallow 12 gregarious, mostly pairs, flying low over lake and perched on outer dead limbs of cottonwoods and willows, throughout, esp. n, s; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 flying low over water and open areas, se; Cliff Swallow 2 gregarious, flying over cottonwood canopy with BASW, se; Barn Swallow 20 gregarious, continued nesting in concrete drainage boxes, se (see previous week’s notes), s (edge of adjacent suburbs), flying low over water and marsh throughout; Verdin 1 vocal at edge of riparian-juniper patch, nw; Bushtit 20 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious, older immatures (relatively short tails) feeding young fledglings with shortest tails in cohesive flocks foraging together in cottonwoods, w, ne; Bewick’s Wren 2 vocal, juniper-riparian edge, n, nw; Northern Mockingbird 6 (ad, imm) vocal (recognizable imitations of Killdeer, Scrub-Jay, Western Bluebird, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird and others), individuals and pairs (ad, imm – pale plumage and yellowish-brown iris) active on ground and lower levels of cottonwoods, ne, n, s; California; California Thrasher 2 individuals perched atop juniper and chain-link fence, w, s; European Starling 10 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious, in cottonwoods and other trees, n; Yellow Warbler 15 (m,f) vocal, active in cottonwood canopies throughout; Common Yellowthroat 4 vocal (unseen) in marsh-riparian patches, n, nw, w; Wilson’s Warbler 1 vocal in riparian patch, nw; California Towhee 1 vocal, flew to chain-link fence, s; Song Sparrow 5 vocal in marsh-riparian patches throughout; Red-winged Blackbird 80 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious, in marsh-riparian and adjacent areas throughout; Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) gregarious, vocal, onshore and in marsh, nw, w,s; Brown-headed Cowbird 3 vocal in cottonwoods, n, w; Bullock’s Oriole 3 (m,f) vocal, individuals in cottonwoods, ne, w; House Finch 30 (m,f) vocal, pairs and small flocks throughout; House Sparrow 1 (m) at edge of adjacent suburb, s.

Lake Palmdale LACO 28 May 2020 (43 Species)

Weather: Fair; 73F to 86F; winds calm.

Time: 0639 – 0900 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counterclockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues at or near maximum; inflow from the Palmdale Ditch was moderate. Except for a pair of PWD maintenance vehicles moving around the lake, there was no disturbance from human activities during the survey. Tabanid flies were frequent annoyances along the survey route, especially in the north and west.

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 12 (m,f) pairs scattered around the edges of the lake; Ruddy Duck 2 (m,f) swimming near the docks, sw; California Quail 14 vocal, pairs and small coveys on the ground in brushy areas throughout; Pied-billed Grebe 3 vocal in and near the marsh, nw, w, s; Western Grebe 4 pairs swimming near the marsh and docks, nw, w; Clark’s Grebe 14 vocal, pairs and loose flocks swimming near the marsh, nw and in open water, central; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 flushed from willows, nw; Red-tailed Hawk 3 (1 ad; 2 juv.) adult vocalizing repeatedly upon my approach, from its favored utility pole perch overlooking two juveniles (fully fledged) outside of their nest (photo), one juvenile later flushed from the shoreline of the dam, ne.

American Coot 80 individuals scattered throughout the lake; Killdeer 4 vocal pairs running on ground, nw, e; Spotted Sandpiper 2 individuals, vocal when flushed from jetty and shoreline of dam, nw, e; Eurasian Collared Dove 4 vocal, gregarious, n; Mourning Dove 30 vocal, gregarious in pairs and loose flocks throughout; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3 vocal, a pair (m,f) foraging together on a main, vertical limb in subcanopy of a willow, s; Black Phoebe 3 vocal, individuals and pair sallying, aerial-hawking of insects from low perches, n, s; Western Kingbird 6 vocal in canopy of mulberry and cottonwood, n, s; American Crow 2 a pair on ground and roof of fishing shelter, later together on the dam, se; Common Raven 10 (ad, imm) gregarious, pairs and family groups with vocal juveniles, n, w, s; Tree Swallow 14 vocal pairs foraging over lake and marsh near nests in willows and cottonwoods, n, nw, w, s; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2 a pair flying low over marsh and shoreline, ne; Cliff Swallow 1 flying low over open areas, n; Barn Swallow 20 a continuing nesting colony in a concrete drainage box (see photo of 30 April, 2020 survey); about 12 birds exiting as I approached; elsewhere, individuals and loose flocks flying low over lake and adjacent areas, ubiquitous; one newly constructed (eggs not visible) mud/plant fiber, adobe-style nest lined with coot and mallard contour feathers, attached to inside corner of concrete drainage box (photo).

Verdin 2 vocal in cypress and junipers, n, nw; Bushtit 8 vocal, gregarious while foraging in cottonwoods, sw; Bewick’s Wren 8 vocal, often from an exposed perch atop large shrub, ubiquitous, esp. n and w; Marsh Wren 1 vocal in dense marsh adjacent to slough, s; Northern Mockingbird 6 vocal (including recognizable imitations of several bird species, e.g. California Quail, California Thrasher and Bullock’s Oriole), n, s; California Thrasher 1 running between shrubs, sw; European Starling 14 gregarious, vocal, in and around mulberry and cottonwoods; Yellow Warbler 20 (m,f) vocal, active in canopy of cottonwoods and willows throughout; Common Yellowthroat 8 highly vocal (song and calls) in marsh-riparian but remaining concealed from view; Wilson’s Warbler 4 vocal (song) in cottonwoods, often associated with YEWA, n, w; Song Sparrow 4 vocal (song) on edge of marsh-riparian, n, nw, w; Red-winged Blackbird 60 (m,f, fledglings) vocal, gregarious in marsh and riparian patches around the lake; Great-tailed Grackle 30 (m,f) vocal, gregarious in marsh-riparian patches and shorelines around the lake; Brown-headed Cowbird 4 (m,f) vocal atop cottonwoods, n, w, sw; Bullock’s Oriole 8 (m), active in canopy of cottonwoods ne, nw, w; House Finch 30 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; Lesser Goldfinch 2 vocal in cottonwoods, w; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 2 (m,f) active in shrubs and cottonwoods, ne; American Goldfinch 2 (f, imm) flying to and from cottonwoods, ne; House Sparrow 4 vocal, gregarious, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO 14 May 2020 (51 Species)

Weather: Fair; 52F to 65F, wind NNW 5 – 15 mph.

Time: 0636-1038 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. Except for several fishermen in the sw and se, and two PWD pick-up trucks moving around the lake, there was little disturbance from human activities. The lake water level continues to be at or near maximum; water flow in the Palmdale Ditch was high.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Common Loon (1), Tree Swallow (20), Yellow Warbler (25), and Lawrence’s Goldfinch (2).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 8 (m,f; imm) scattered around edges of the lake; Ruddy Duck 20 (m,f; alt. plmg.), small flocks resting around edges of the lake, w,s; California Quail 16 (m,f) vocal, gregarious (pairs), in brushy areas around the lake; Common Loon 1 (alt. plmg.) peering and diving near docks, sw; Pied-billed Grebe 3 vocal in shallows and in marsh, w, s; Black-necked Grebe 3 (alt. plmg.) diving in open water throughout; Western Grebe 4 vocal, gregarious (pairs; one swimming near CLGR), resting in backwater areas, w, s; Clark’s Grebe 12 vocal, gregarious (pairs and trios), near marsh and in open water, n, nw, central; Red-shouldered hawk 1 flying low over road, se; Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad, imm) adult vocalizing repeatedly at my approach, from its perch atop utility pole opposite nesting area; one large hatchling in nest, ne; American Coot 80 individuals and loose flocks around edges of the lake and marsh; Killdeer 6 vocal, gregarious (pairs) on jetty and dam, nw, e; Spotted Sandpiper 8 (alt. plmg.) vocal, individuals and pairs flushed from shorelines around the lake; Eurasian Collared Dove 10 vocal, gregarious (pairs) in riparian edge around the lake; Feral Rock Pigeon 3 on ground and flying, n; Mourning Dove 22 vocal, gregarious (pairs) ubiquitous; Anna’s Hummingbird 12 (m,f) ubiquitous in pines and riparian vegetation around the lake; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3 (m,f) vocal, individuals foraging in subcanopy of willows and cottonwoods, w, sw; Black Phoebe 3 vocal, sallying from low perches, n, s; Say’s Phoebe 3 vocal, on low perches at edge of clearings, ne, nw; Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 vocal in cottonwood-juniper, ne; Western Kingbird 4 vocal, gregarious (pairs) sallying and aerial-hawking in riparian areas, ne, n; Warbling Vireo 5 active in canopy of cottonwoods, n, w; California Scrub-jay 4 vocal, gregarious (pairs) in juniper scrub, ne, nw; Northern Raven 10 (ad, imm) vocal in and around cottonwoods, ubiquitous; Tree Swallow 20 gregarious (pairs) flying low over lake and marsh, entering and leaving nest cavities in cottonwoods and willows around the lake; Cliff Swallow 12 gregarious, flying low over lake and adjacent land, ubiquitous; Barn Swallow 12 gregarious, vocal, flying low over lake and adjacent fields, in and out of nest site in concrete drainage box, se; Verdin 1 vocal, juniper-cottonwood edge, w; Bushtit 6 vocal, gregarious, foraging in cottonwood middle and subcanopy; Bewick’s Wren 10 vocal (song) from conspicuous perches at brushy edge of open areas around the lake; House Wren 2 voca (song)l in cottonwoods and brushy understory, nw, se; Northern Mockingbird 4 vocal (one singing loudly in mulberry trees, n, including several accurate imitations , e.g. Western Kingbird, Bullock’s Oriole), n, s; California Thrasher 3 (ad, imm) vocal, on ground in sage scrub next to park & ride, singing atop a juniper, w; European Starling 8 vocal, gregarious (pairs) entering and leaving nest cavities in cottonwoods, n; Orange-crowned Warbler 1 in cottonwood with YEWA, n; Yellow Warbler 25 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, one small flock (probably migrants) foraging in creosote bushes, n, elsewhere primarily in willows and cottonwoods; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 1 flushed from creosote bush with YEWA, n; Common Yellowthroat 8 vocal (calls and song) well concealed in marsh-riparian patches, ubiquitous; Song Sparrow 6 vocal, marsh-riparian edge, n, w; Western Tanager 3 (m,f) vocal (calls and song) gregarious in cottonwoods, w, sw; Black-headed Grosbeak 4 (m,f) vocal, gregarious (pairs) in cottonwoods, n, w; Red-winged Blackbird 60 (m,f; imm) vocal (song, calls) one fledgling in marsh, w, many males on territory, ubiquitous; Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 (m) vocal (song) atop a creosote bush, n; Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) gregarious, on ground and in trees overhanging marsh, nw, s; Brown-headed Cowbird 2 (m,f) vocal atop cottonwoods, n, nw, w; Bullock’s Oriole 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious (pairs) in cottonwoods and mulberry trees, ubiquitous; House Finch 20 (m,f) vocal, gregarious (pairs), ubiquitous; Lesser Goldfinch 2 vocal in cottonwoods, se; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 2 vocal, gregarious (pairs) in cottonwoods, se; House Sparrow 8 (m) vocal, individuals and loose flocks on ground, ne, e.

Lake Palmdale LACO CA 7 May 2020 (63 Species)

Weather: Fair to partly cloudy; 56F to 80F; wind ENE 2 mph.

Time: 0635-1030 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. Except for a few fishermen on the docks in the southwestern section, a maintenance crew on the dam and one person walking around the lake, there was minimal human disturbance during the survey. The lake water level continues at or near maximum; inflow from the Palmdale Ditch was high.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Redhead (1), Snowy Egret (1), White-faced Ibis (4), Greater Roadrunner (1), Bell’s Vireo (1), American Crow (2), Cactus Wren (2), and Tricolored Blackbird (3).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 10 (m,f) individuals and pairs scattered around the edges of the lake; Cinnamon Teal 1 (m) on small, standing on a raised mud platform, nw; Redhead 1 (m) swimming in slough, s (photo).

Ruddy Duck 2 swimming together in open water, s-central; California Quail 12 pairs running in open areas around the lake; Pied-billed Grebe 4 vocal, swimming near shore, sw, n; Eared Grebe 20 (alt.plmg.) loosely gregarious, open water, n; Clark’s Grebe 10 vocal, gregarious, several resting near marsh, nw, s; Snowy Egret 1 (ad.) on shore, flying low over lake n; White-faced Ibis 4 (alt. plmg.) gregarious, flushed from grassy margin of boat launch, flew to backwater pond, nw (photo).

Osprey 1 flying with a fish in talons, nw across the lake, n; Cooper’s Hawk 2 (ad) flying together, low through riparian patch, nw; Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad, nestling), adult calling repeatedly from its preferred perch on a utility pole adjacent to riparian peninsula with its nest in a willow, apparently containing only one remaining, half-grown nestling, ne (photo).

American Coot 80 mostly near the marsh (many probably on concealed nests), throughout; Killdeer 3 vocal on ground, nw, e; Spotted Sandpiper 8 loosely gregarious, flushed while foraging at edge of jetty and dam, nw, e; Eurasian Collared Dove 8 vocal, paired, ubiquitous; Mourning Dove 20 vocal, mostly in pairs, riparian and edges of open fields around the lake; Greater Roadrunner 1 on an exposed perch in a cottonwood, nw (photo).

Great Horned Owl 1 (ad) flushed from small bluff over the shore, n; Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (f) in junipers, w; Anna’s Hummingbird 8 (m,f) one fem. on nest about 10 ft. a.g.l. in a willow, w; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3 (m,f) vocal individuals foraging in upper levels of cottonwoods, sw, s; Black Phoebe 3 vocal, riparian and edge near water, w, ne; Say’s Phoebe 2 vocal in open fields, n; Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 vocal, flycatching at edge of riparian patch, sw; Western Kingbird 4 vocal, gregarious, in cottonwoods and mulberry trees, n; Warbling Vireo 8 loosely gregarious in pairs, gleaning foliage in outer and inner subcanopy of cottonwoods, n, sw; Bell’s Vireo 1 vocal (song) in subcanopy of cottonwood, sw (2nd record for LP). Western Scrub-Jay 4 vocal, pairs active in and around junipers, nw, se; American Crow 2 a vocal pair foraging in grass at edge of Palmdale Ditch, se (photo).

Northern Raven 10 gregarious, vocal, in cottonwoods and soaring over lake and adjacent areas, ubiquitous; Tree Swallow 20 individuals and pairs, at least 10 pair nesting in willow and cottonwood cavities around the lake; flying low over land and marsh throughout; Cliff Swallow 2 a pair collecting mud at edge of ephemeral pool, se; a few nests presently visible but no sign of active nesting under the eaves of an adjacent home, s; Barn Swallow 12 gregarious, especially in and around concrete drainage nesting site, se; Verdin 3 vocal, in creosote and juniper-riparian edge, n, w; Bushtit 4 pairs active in cottonwood subcanopy, one with cottony nest material in beak; Cactus Wren 2 entering a large, dome-shaped nest in 5 ft. cholla cactus on east slope at edge of property, ne; Bewick’s Wren 10 vocal (song and calls) brushy areas and riparian edge throughout; House Wren 1 vocal (song) in brushy understory of a large cottonwood, se; Swainson’s Thrush 1 flew from grassy edge of cottonwood understory onto to a low limb, n; Northern Mockingbird 3 vocal (song) from exposed perches at edge of open fields, n, nw, s; California Thrasher 2 vocal (song) in juniper woodland, nw, sw; Common Starling 2 flying e over riparian patch, se; Orange-crowned Warbler 2 individuals in cottonwood canopies, nw, sw; Yellow Warbler 10 (m,f) vocal in cottonwoods around the lake (photo).

Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 (imm) foraging in subcanopy of cottonwoods, sw (photo).

Common Yellowthroat 4 (m) vocal (song) in marsh-riparian around the lake; Wilson’s Warbler 12 (m,f) vocal (song), gregarious – pairs foraging in cottonwoods and willows around the lake; California Towhee 1 vocal (calls) in brushy edge of skeet range, ne; Song Sparrow 6 vocal (song) at edge of marsh-riparian around the lake; Western Tanager 12 (m,f) vocal (calls and song) pairs and trios in cottonwood riparian patches around the lake; Black-headed Grosbeak 2 vocal (calls and song) in cottonwoods, n, se; Red-winged Blackbird 40 (m,f) vocal, gregarious and males on territory in marshy patches around the lake; Tricolored Blackbird 3 (1m, 2 f) flying ne over marsh, nw); Yellow-headed Blackbird 1-2 vocal (song) in dense marsh, nw; Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) gregarious, vocal, ubiquitous on and near shore; Brown-headed Cowbird 5 (m,f) vocal (calls and song) gregarious, often associated with YEWA and WIWA in cottonwoods, n, w; Bullock’s Oriole 10 (m,f) vocal (calls and song) pairs in cottonwoods around the lake; House Finch 20 (m,f) vocal pairs in riparian and brushy areas around the lake; Lesser Goldfinch 2 vocal in cottonwoods, se; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 6 gregarious – pairs and trios in pines and cottonwoods, ne, se; House Sparrow 6 (m) vocal, gregarious around buildings and gardens, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO CA 30 April 2020 (59 Species)

Weather: Overcast to fair; 64F to 78F; wind WNW 0 – 15 mph.

Time: 0710-1110 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. Several vehicles with Fin and Feather personnel and a PWD maintenance crew, were moving around the lake; several people were fishing on southwest docks and one person was walking around the lake (Fin & Feather Club is closed until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Water flow was high in the Palmdale Ditch inlet; the lake continues to be at or near maximum volume, with almost no exposed mudflats.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Bufflehead (7), Common Loon (1), Osprey (1) and Buff-bellied Pipit (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 8 (m,f) pairs on land and in open water throughout; Bufflehead 7 (f) gregarious, swimming near docks, w; Ruddy Duck 20 (m,f; alt. pmg. ) near shore around the lake (photo).

California Quail 20 (m,f) vocal, gregarious (paired) active on ground in brushy areas, n, w; Common Loon 1 (ad, alt. plmg.) swimming, preening, about 50 yards from docks, s (photo).

Pied-billed Grebe 4 vocal, swimming near marsh, sw; Black-necked (Eared) Grebe 20 (most in alt. plmg.) loosely gregarious in open water throughout (photo).

Western Grebe 2 a pair resting near shore, n; Clark’s Grebe 8 vocal, gregarious, pairs engaged in preliminary courtship, e.g. ritualized preening, swimming together in open water, n, s, central; Great Blue Heron 2 one in flight over lake, another on shore, e; Snowy Egret 1 (alt. plmg. ) flying low, s along shoreline, e; Osprey 1 perched with fish in talons, vocal, in willow overhanging slough, s; Cooper’s Hawk 1 imm in dense riparian patch, nw; Red-tailed Hawk 1 vocal, later seen attending young in nest, ne (see photo from previous survey); American Coot 60 individuals and loose flocks around the edges of the lake; Killdeer 3 vocal, flying, n, w; Spotted Sandpiper 6 (alt. plmg.) loosely gregarious on shore and jetty, nw, e; Eurasian Collared Dove 4 vocal, pairs flying between cottonwoods, n, nw; Mourning Dove 20 pairs in riparian areas around the lake; Great Horned Owl 1 lowering ears but holding its position while being mobbed by a Northern Mockingbird while perched in a mulberry tree at edge of clubhouse picnic area, n (photo).

Black-chinned Hummingbird 1 (f) gathering cottony inflorescent material in cottonwood, n; Anna’s Hummingbird 8 (m,f) territorial chasing, gorget displays, vocal, n, w; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 1 (m) vocal, foraging in cottonwood outer subcanopy, w; Black Phoebe 4 vocal, perched atop cottonwoods and lower limbs near water, n, w; Say’s Phoebe 2 (ad, imm) vocal, sallying from posts to weedy ground cover in skeet range, ne; Western Kingbird 4 vocal pairs in cottonwoods, n; California Scrub-jay 2 vocal, gregarious,in and around junipers, nw; Northern Raven 15 (ad, imm) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous in flight, 50 – 100 ft. agl; Tree Swallow 20 vocal, gregarious – at least eight pair nesting in willow and cottonwood cavities around the lake; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 flying low over open area, ne; Cliff Swallow 6 at least three active nests under eaves of Spanish-style home on adjacent property, s; Barn Swallow 20 vocal, gregarious, at least 10 pair nesting in colony inside grate-covered concrete drainage box (photo).

Oak Titmouse 1 vocal in cottonwoods, sw; Verdin 3 vocal in juniper-cottonwood edge, w, sw; Bushtit 6 vocal, gregarious in cottonwoods, w, se; Bewick’s Wren 8 vocal (song) atop junipers, stumps, cottonwoods and shrubs throughout; Marsh Wren 3 vocal in dense cattails, sw, s; Northern Mockingbird 3 vocal (song) atop Joshua Tree and other tall vegetation, n, s; California Thrasher 7 (1 immature; 6 adults) an immature running across roadway, adults singing atop shrubs nearby, nw, w, sw; Common Starling 6 vocal, gregarious around mulberry trees and cottonwoods, n; Phainopepla 1 calls, in canopy of cottonwood, s; Buff-bellied Pipit 1 (alt. plmg.) at edge of ephemeral pool, se (photo).

Orange-crowned Warbler 1, a relatively dull colored individual, e.g. ssp. orestera, foraging in a flowering Bush Mallow (Malacothamnus densiflorus) and on the inflorescence of Prince’s Plume (Stanleya pinnata), se; Yellow Warbler 15 (m,f) vocal (song and calls), active in cottonwoods and willows around the lake; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 12 active in cottonwoods and willows around the lake, often in msf with WIWA and YEWA; Common Yellowthroat 8 vocal (song) in marsh-riparian around the lake; Wilson’s Warbler 20 (m,f) vocal in willows and cottonwoods around the lake; Song Sparrow 6 vocal (song and calls) in riparian-marsh around the lake; Western Tanager (m,f) 80% adult and young males, gregarious, vocal and active in the canopy of cottonwoods, willows, creosote and other shrubs around the lake; Black-headed Grosbeak 6 (m,f) gregarious pairs and trios, active in cottonwoods and mulberry trees, n; Red-winged Blackbird 60 (m,f) vocal, active in marsh and marsh-riparian patches around the lake; Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) males vocal, displaying together in mobile leks, including breeding (long tail) and a non-breeding (short tail) ‘observer’ male (photo).

Brown-headed Cowbird 6 (m,f) vocal in canopy cottonwoods and willows, n, w; Bullock’s Oriole 10 (m,f) vocal in canopy of cottonwoods throughout; House Finch 20 (m,f) vocal, gregarious (paired) ubiquitous; Lesser Goldfinch 2 (m,f) vocal in canopy of cottonwood, w; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 8 (m,f) vocal (song, calls) gregarious (pairs and trios) in cottonwoods and junipers around the lake; House Sparrow 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious around buildings, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO CA 23 April 2020 (63 Species)

Weather: Fair; 59F to 73F; wind WNW 5 – 17 mph.

Time: 0712-1145 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues to be at or near maximum; with high volume inflow from the Palmdale Ditch. Aside from a fisherman (north), a maintenance vehicle and a someone walking around the lake, there were no significant human disturbances during the survey.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Osprey (1 – cont.), a possible Brown-crested Flycatcher (see following notes),Tree Swallow (40 – most nesting), 8 species of warbler, including Nashville Warbler (1) and Hermit Warbler (1), and Lawrence’s Goldfinch (8 – apparently a flight year).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 5 vocal, gregarious, n; Mallard 8 (m,f), one female followed by four hatchlings; Bufflehead 10 (m,f) gregarious in open water, n; Ruddy Duck 30 (m,f) gregarious, mostly resting in open water, nw, w; California Quail 12 vocal, gregarious on the ground (pairs and loose coveys), ubiquitous; Pied-billed Grebe 2 vocal, swimming near shore, n, w; Black-necked Grebe 25 (trans. and alt. plmg.) loosely gregarious, diving in open water throughout; Western Grebe 2 individuals swimming in backwater and near marsh, s; Clark’s Grebe 4 gregarious, three resting near marsh, one vocal in open water, nw; Great Blue Heron 2 in marsh and on shore, n, s; Snowy Egret 1 in flight, low around edges of the lake; Green Heron 2 (alt. plmg. ) a pair flushed from marsh-riparian, w; Osprey 1 -cont. flushed carrying a fish from shoreline willow, w; Red-tailed Hawk 5 ( 2 ad, 3 imm) nest in canopy of willow with three downy, white young, adult calling repeatedly nearby from the top of a utility pole, ne; American Coot 100 (conserv. est. – may concealed in marsh), ubiquitous; Killdeer 4 two pair, vocal, running on ground, nw, ne; Black-necked Stilt 7 (alt. plmg.) gregarious, a cohesive flock flushed from edge of dam, e (photo -see above); Spotted Sandpiper 4 (alt. plmg.) pairs foraging on edge of jetty and dam, nw, e; Least Sandpiper 10 (alt. plmg.) foraging in and around the same, shallow ephemeral pond as last week, se; Ring-billed Gull 1 (imm. C2) hovering in wind and dipping bill into lake surface with two CAGU, e; California Gull 2 (imm, C1, C2) gregarious, flying low into the wind across the lake, e; Eurasian Collared Dove 6 vocal, gregarious – pairs on ground and in trees, n; Mourning Dove 6 pairs in trees and on ground throughout; Anna’s Hummingbird 3 (m,f) in and around cottonwoods and junipers, n, w; Belted Kingfisher 1 diving near shore, n; Black Phoebe 4 vocal, individuals perched high in trees and sallying from low perches, n, s; Brown-crested Flycatcher 1? ID: Initially seen for a few seconds at eye-level from a distance of about 10 yards, perched on an outer branch of a creosote bush along the north roadway. A comparatively robust-looking Myiarchus sp., apparently an immature or adult in worn, basic plumage, crest not elevated, a long, heavy bill; quite shy, flew again about 50 yards w, perching briefly, until I approached, then made a lengthier flight, disappearing into mature willows in nw corner (no photos were obtained). Ash-throated Flycatcher 5 vocal, individuals and pairs in cottonwoods, n, nw, ne; Western Kingbird 7 vocal, pairs and trios interacting in canopy of cottonwoods, sallying to adjacent open areas, ne, n, se; Western Scrub-jay 2 active in junipers, nw; Northern Raven 15 vocal, pairs in trees and small flocks circling high above the lake and adjacent property, ubiquitous; Tree Swallow 40 (conservative estimate), highly vocal when perched, loosely gregarious, individuals, pairs and trios often flying low, back and forth over the lake and returning to willows and cottonwoods; large flocks of migrants from previous weeks have apparently moved on. Most if not all of the remaining birds are apparently engaged in nesting – old Nuttall’s Woodpecker cavities and broken limb cavities in cottonwoods and willows serving as the primary nest sites around the lake; Barn Swallow 12 gregarious, individuals and pairs flying low over lake and adjacent land, vocal when flying into and around large, concrete drainage box (traditional nest site), se; Oak Titmouse 2, vocal, gregarious, evidently nesting in a cottonwood limb cavity, sw; Verdin 4 vocal, one carrying nest material in juniper area, se; Bushtit 4 gregarious in cypress and cottonwoods, ne; Bewick’s Wren 10 vocal (song) brushy areas and cottonwoods at edge of juniper woodland, throughout; House Wren 2 vocal (song) in mature cottonwoods se; Marsh Wren 3 vocal (unseen) in marsh bordering slough, s; Northern Mockingbird 2 vocal at edge of open fields and parking lot, ne, nw; Common Starling 4 vocal, in and around cottonwoods with dead limbs and cavities, n, s; American Pipit 1 (alt. plmg.) on shore, se; Orange-crowned Warbler 3 in canopy of cottonwoods, often with YRWA, n, w; Nashville Warbler 1 active with LAGO, BTGW and WIWA around marsh at southern Palmdale Ditch inlet at fence line (photo).

Yellow Warbler 6 (m,f) vocal in canopy of cottonwoods and willows throughout; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 60 (m,f) vocal (calls and occasional song), gregarious, ubiquitous, though noticeably less abundant than in previous weeks; Black-throated Gray Warbler 2 (m,f) in creosote scrub and riparian-marsh, n, se; Hermit Warbler 1 (f) active in junipers, w (photo).

Common Yellowthroat 4 vocal (song) well concealed in marsh-riparian, nw, w, s; Wilson’s Warbler 10 (m,f) vocal (song) in cottonwoods and willows, often with YRWA, ubiquitous; Song Sparrow 3 vocal (song) edge of riparian marsh, nw, w; White-crowned Sparrow 2 (ad) at edge of skeet range, ne; Western Tanager 5 (m,f) vocal (calls) in cottonwoods and willows, n, nw (photo).

Black-headed Grosbeak 1 vocal (calls) in cottonwoods, n; Red-winged Blackbird 60 (m,f) vocal (calls and songs) in marsh and marsh-riparian, throughout; Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 (m) vocal (song) in cattail marsh east of jetty, nw; Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, males in mobile leks, n, s; Brown-headed Cowbird 2 (m) vocal (calls and song) in canopy of cottonwoods with YEWA, n, w; Bullock’s Oriole 5 (m,f) vocal (calls and song) loosely gregarious, pairs foraging in cottonwoods, n; Hooded Oriole 1 (f) in mulberry trees around clubhouse picnic area, n; House Finch 20 (m,f) pairs on ground and in trees around the lake; Lesser Goldfinch 2 (m,f) vocal, on fence at edge of riparian patch, se; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 8 (m,f) vocal, pairs and trios in riparian edge, ruderal fields (one foraging on Amsinckia tessellata fruits) and junipers around the lake (photo).

House Sparrow 5 (m,f) vocal, gregarious around buildings at skeet range, ne.

Lake Palmdale LACO CA 16 April 2020 (63 Species)

Weather: Fair; 58F to 64F; wind WSW 5 – 17 mph.

Time: 0710-1105 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. A few fisherman and a PWD maintenance crew were present during the survey. Otherwise there was little disturbance from human activities. The lake water level continues at or near the maximum; inflow from the Palmdale Ditch was high. Recent rains produced water-filled depressions in roadways, including a large, muddy edged puddle in the southeast corner which attracted a small flock of sandpipers.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Band-tailed Pigeon ( 1- new record for LP), Osprey (2 -cont.), Solitary Sandpiper (1), Ash-throated Flycatcher (2 – fos), and Western Tanager (1 – fos).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 2 vocal, a pair alighted in open water near the jetty, nw; Mallard 6 (m,f) dabbling around the edges of the lake; Cinnamon Teal 3 (m,f) one pair and a single male in backwater marsh, w (photo).

Bufflehead 10 (m,f) gregarious near shore next to the jetty, nw; Ruddy Duck 60 (m,f, alt. plmg) several small flocks resting near docks and marsh around the lake; California Quail 12 (m,f) several pair in loose coveys, in brushy areas around the lake; Pied-billed Grebe 2 vocal near marsh, w; Black-necked Grebe 20 (all but one in alt. plmg.) individuals diving in open water throughout; Western Grebe 4 two pair resting and swimming near shore, n; Clark’s Grebe 2 vocal, one pair in open water, central; Double-crested Cormorant 16 (ad, imm) most resting on stirring platforms around the lake; American White Pelican 12 (most in alt. plmg.) gregarious on jetty (photo), individuals swimming around the lake.

Great Blue Heron 1 flushed from marsh next to the aqueduct inlet, s; Osprey 2 one vocal, carrying partially consumed fish (photo), and being chased by C2 California gull; no sign of gregarious behavior, courtship or nesting, individuals maintaining ‘social distance’ of 200 yards or more.

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 vocal when flushed from large cottonwood, se; Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad) on utility pole and soaring over riparian patch, n, s; American Coot 80 gregarious, scattered around the edges of the lake; Killdeer 4 two pair, vocal when approached, running ahead of me, nw, se; Solitary Sandpiper 1 foraging in water-filled, muddy depression with LESA and WESA, se corner (photo).

Spotted Sandpiper 3 one pair flushed from rocky shore of dam, e; Western Sandpiper 2 (alt. plmg.) gregarious, foraging near LESA in relatively deep water of large muddy water depression, se corner; Least Sandpiper 10 (alt. plmg.) gregarious, foraging on edge of muddy depression, se corner; California Gull 5 (2 ad; 3 imm. C1,C2), resting on jetty, nw, one chasing an osprey carrying a fish, s; Eurasian Collared Dove 3 gregarious, vocal, ne; Band-tailed Pigeon 1 ID: a medium-large, nearly uniform slate-gray pigeon with swift, steady and direct westward flight, n (first record for LP). Mourning Dove 12 vocal, mostly paired, ubiquitous; Anna’s Hummingbird 3 (m,f) in creosote scrub and riparian edge, n, s, ne; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 1 calls (unseen) s; Northern (RS) Flicker 1 flying from riparian into juniper woodland, w; Black Phoebe 2 vocal, sallying from low perches near water s, ne; Ash-throated Flycatcher 2 a pair flycatching small wasps in willow at the edge of the lake, ne (fos – photo).

Western Kingbird 5 vocal, gregarious (pairs) in canopy of cottonwoods, ne, s; California Scrub-jay 2 vocal, gregarious in juniper woodland, w; Northern Raven 20 gregarious, several soaring high above dam and adjacent land, w, e, ne; Tree Swallow 30 mostly paired but also trios, nesting in tree cavities (cottonwood and willow) around the lake; Cliff Swallow 2 flying low over lake and marsh, w, s; Barn Swallow 12 gregarious and individuals flying low over marsh, several entering concrete drainage box nest site, se; Oak Titmouse 1 vocal (unseen) cottonwood-juniper, sw; Verdin 2 vocal, one foraging in juniper, sw; Bushtit 2 vocal, individuals flying low in cottonwoods, w, sw; Bewick’s Wren 7 vocal (song) in brushy areas around the lake; House Wren 6 vocal (song) riparian woodland and brush piles,around the lake; Marsh Wren 1 song (unseen) dense cattails, nw; Northern Mockingbird 1 in juniper-cholla, ne; Common Starling 3 vocal, in and around cottonwoods with potential nest cavities; Orange-crowned Warbler 1 in creosote bush scrub with YRWA, n; Yellow Warbler 1 repeated song in cottonwood canopy, ne; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 140 (m,f, alt. plmg.) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; Common Yellowthroat 4 vocal (unseen) dense marsh-riparian edge, nw, w,s; Wilson’s Warbler 1 repeated song in cottonwood canopy, sw; Chipping Sparrow 3 (alt. plmg.) loosely gregarious, foraging on ground beneath pines, ne; Song Sparrow 6 repeated song from marsh-riparian edge around the lake; White-crowned Sparrow 20 (ad) gregarious, foraging on ground in brushy areas around the lake, esp. n; Western Tanager 1 (m) flushed to fence from mulberry trees, picnic area, n (fos); Black-headed Grosbeak 4 (m,f) vocal (calls and song) pairs and individuals in cottonwoods, n; Red-winged Blackbird 60 (m,f) vocal, males on territories in marsh around the lake (photo).

Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 (m) repeated song in cattail marsh with nearby RWBL, nw (photo).

Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) gregarious, males in mobile leks on jetty and in trees overhanging marsh, nw, w,s; Brown-headed Cowbird 2 vocal, in cottonwoods with singing YEWA, n; House Finch 20 (m,f) gregarious, mostly in pairs, ubiquitous, esp. n; Lesser Goldfinch 2 vocal in cottonwoods, sw; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 6 males singing repeatedly in tree tops and on fence line, n, se (photo).

House Sparrow 5 (m,f) on and around buildings at skeet range, ne.

Lake Palmdale LACO CA 2 April 2020 (59 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy; 46F to 58F, wind NW 5 – 12 mph.

Time: 0728-1148 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counterclockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The survey area was quiet and without human disturbances. The lake water level continues at maximum volume; water inflow from Palmdale Ditch was high.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Whimbrel (1), Osprey (2), Swainson’s Hawk (1), and a recently fledged Say’s Phoebe.

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 5 (m,f) individuals and pairs around the edges of the lake; Bufflehead 60 (m,f) individuals and small flocks throughout the lake; Ruddy Duck 120 (m,f; alt. plmg.) flocks resting near the marsh around the lake; Pied-billed Grebe 6 vocal, swimming and resting near the marsh throughout; Black-necked Grebe 20 (most in alt. plmg.), gregarious, diving near shore and in open water, n; Western Grebe 1 swimming in open water, n; Clark’s Grebe 2 individuals in open water, s, central; Double-crested Cormorant 16 (ad, imm, alt. plmg.) gregarious, resting on stirring platforms around the lake, two swimming in open water; Great Blue Heron 3 (alt. plmg.) on shore and in marshes around the lake; Osprey 2 vocal (no intraspecific interactions observed) one with an intact fish, another perched about 300m away on a snag, sw, nw; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 calls from willows, nw; Swainson’s Hawk 1 flying north at more than 500 ft. agl, w; Sora 1 flushed from shoreline into dense marsh, w; American Coot 250 gregarious, many probably nesting out of view in marsh around the lake; Killdeer 5 highly vocal when flushed, possibly nesting near shore, nw; Whimbrel 1 (imm) on s end of jetty (photo);

Wilson’s Snipe 1 flushed from edge of flooded field and marsh, nw; California Gull 4 (C1, C2, ad) flying north at about 300 ft. agl, w; Eurasian Collared Dove 6 vocal, gregarious, n; Feral Rock Pigeon 2 flying over PWD buildings, ne; Mourning Dove 14 vocal, gregarious – mostly pairs on ground and in trees throughout; Anna’s Hummingbird 2 (1 m) hovering around junipers, w, se; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 vocal, in cottonwoods, sw, s; Northern (RS) Flicker 3 flushed from grassy area beneath cottonwood, n, flying through riparian woodland, w, sw; Black Phoebe 4 vocal in cottonwood canopy and near ground, n, s, se; Say’s Phoebe 2 one adult hover-gleaning something from the ground; a recently fledged juvenile preening nearby (photo -early breeding date – nesting must have begun around the first week of March);

Western Kingbird 5 vocal, flying low, alighting on utility lines and fences, n, w; California Scrub-Jay 2 gregarious, vocal, flying between junipers, n; Common Raven 20 gregarious, soaring very high (> 300 ft. agl) above the lake, w, e; Tree Swallow 120 gregarious, two visiting nest cavity (old NUWO nest cavity) in dead cottonwood, s; others flying low over the lake and perched on shoreline willow and cottonwood snags; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 20 gregarious, flying with TRSW and CLSW, low over lake and adjacent open areas, ubiquitous; Cliff Swallow 20 gregarious, flying low over the lake, dipping into surface, in msf with TRSW and NRWS; also flying in msf at much higher altitude, i.e. 100 – 200 ft. agl, ubiquitous; Barn Swallow 30 (alt. plmg.) joining msf, but often separate as pairs and loosely gregarious, flying low over lake and adjacent land, perched on utility line and posts in water (photo);

Oak Titmouse 1 vocal in cottonwoods, s; Verdin 1 with nest material (a small puff of grayish material, e.g. nest liner) moving between junipers, se; Bushtit 4 vocal, pairs foraging together in cotton foliage, w, s; Bewick’s Wren 5 vocal (song and calls) brushy areas and riparian edge throughout; House Wren 1 vocal (repeated song) in cottonwoods, se; Marsh Wren 4 vocal (song and calls) dense marsh, nw, s; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 a pair foraging together in mature junipers, w; Northern Mockingbird 3 vocal (song – including very accurate CAWR calls) n, s, ne; California Thrasher 1 on ground beneath junipers, w; Thrasher sp.? with a very light gray tail – possibly LeConte’s, seen partially and briefly running between creosote bushes, n; European Starling 5 individuals flying around buildings and gardens, n; Orange-crowned Warbler 3 (at least one relatively bright yellow lutescens), gregarious in outer canopy of cottonwoods, sw, se; Yellow Warbler 1 vocal (song) in cottonwoods, n; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 80 (m,f; alt. plmg.) gregarious, vocal (mostly calls), ubiquitous; Common Yellowthroat 8 vocal (calls and song) marsh and riparian edge throughout; California Towhee 1 foraging on ground with WCSP, ne; Chipping Sparrow 1 (alt. plmg.) foraging on ground beneath junipers and pines, ne; Song Sparrow 6 vocal (song) exposed perches and on ground in marsh-riparian areas, n, w; Lincoln’s Sparrow 2 individuals foraging on or near the ground in riparian and shoreline, n, w; White-crowned Sparrow 60 (ad, imm; alt. and trans. alt. plmg.) gregarious, foraging on ground in brushy areas throughout; Red-winged Blackbird 80 (m,f) vocal, males on territories in cattails, using elevated perches in trees for advertising song, often sharing marsh with GTGR, ubiquitous; Yellow-headed Blackbird 1 vocal (song – unseen) in dense marsh with RWBL, nw; Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f, alt. plmg.) vocal, individuals and small flocks of displaying males, nw, s (photo)

Brown-headed Cowbird 2 (m) vocal from exposed perches in cottonwoods, n, w; House Finch 20 (m,f) pairs and loose flocks foraging with WCSP on ground, n; Lesser Goldfinch 2 vocal in cottonwoods, s; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 2 (m,f) foraging on ground beneath junipers, ne;

Lake Palmdale LACO CA 26 March 2020 (52 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy; 38F to 48F; wind NNW 5 -15 mph.

Time: 0712 – 1100 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counterclockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues to be at or near the maximum volume; water inflow from the Palmdale Ditch was moderate. The survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Common Goldeneye (1), Horned Grebe (1), Clark’s Grebe (2), Osprey (1), Bald Eagle (1), Verdin (2), Myrtle Warbler (1), and Lawrence’s Goldfinch (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 10 (m,f) pairs scattered around the edges of the lake; Bufflehead 80 (m,f) pairs and small flocks in open water and shallows throughout (photo); Common Goldeneye 1 (f) swimming with bufflehead in open water, e (photo);

Ruddy Duck 150 (m,f; 80% alt. plmg.) small flocks resting in shallows around the lake; California Quail 12 (m,f) foraging on ground along fence line at skeet range, n; Pied-billed Grebe 2 swimming near the marsh, nw; Horned Grebe 1 (bsc. plmg.) diving in open water, n; Eared Grebe 12 (90% alt. plmg.) individuals and pairs in open water, n; Western Grebe 2 individuals in open water, n; Clark’s Grebe 2 a pair in open water, central; Double-crested Cormorant 12 (ad, imm) resting on stirring platforms, diving, flying low over lake, ubiquitous; Great Blue Heron 3 flushed from shore and marsh, w, s, ne; Turkey Vulture 1 flying low over cottonwoods, se; Osprey 1 (ad) chasing a BAEA carrying the remains of a fish, s; Bald Eagle 1 (ad) first seen gaining altitude over the lake (photo); subsequently carrying the remains of a fish in its talons while being chased by a resident Osprey, s;

Cooper’s Hawk 1 (imm) investigating a large stick nest in a willow, w (photo);

Red-tailed Hawk 2 one adult sitting low in a large platform stick nest in a shoreline willow (photo), another (ad) on a utility pole, ne;

American Coot 400 gregarious, ubiquitous in shallows; Killdeer 1 vocal, flushed from shoreline, ne; California Gull 35 (80% adult) gregarious, soaring 500 ft. agl above lake, resting in a small flock in open water, central; Eurasian Collared Dove 6 vocal, pairs in trees and on ground, ubiquitous; Mourning Dove 20 pairs and individuals in riparian areas, ubiquitous; Anna’s Hummingbird 6 (m,f) individuals hovering around pines and cottonwoods, n, w; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 vocal (unseen) in cottonwoods, ne, w; Northern (RS) Flicker 3 vocal, individuals flying over riparian areas, n, w; Black Phoebe 3 vocal, individuals sallying from low perches, w; one entering large concrete spillway box (nesting ?) where BASW had nested in previous years se, ne; Common Raven 25 gregarious, vocal, a large flock gaining altitude above the lake to about 400 ft. agl, e; Tree Swallow 400 (conserv. est.) gregarious, flying low over surface of the lake and adjacent land; small flocks consisting of pairs, resting in shoreline willows, ubiquitous; Violet-green Swallow 4 pairs flying low over the lake and dam, nw, e; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 80 gregarious, in msf with other swallows, flying low over lake and adjacent land, ubiquitous; Cliff Swallow 40 gregarious, in msf with other swallows, flying low over lake, ubiquitous; Barn Swallow 20 gregarious, in msf with other swallows, flying low over the lake, ubiquitous; Oak Titmouse 2 vocal in cottonwoods, s; Verdin 2 vocal, one foraging on cottonwood leaf buds, w; Bushtit 4 vocal, pairs in cottonwoods, foraging under clusters of new leaves, nw, w; Bewick’s Wren 6 vocal (mostly unseen) in riparian edge and rabbitbrush fields, n, w; Marsh Wren 1 vocal at edge of marsh, nw; California Thrasher 3 vocal individual, one on fence on brushy embankment adjacent to park n ride, n; juniper woodland, w; European Starling 10 vocal, individuals in and around mulberry trees in picnic area, n; American Pipit 1 foraging on weedy edge of jetty, nw; Yellow Warbler 1 repeated song (unseen) cottonwoods, n; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 100 (conserv. est.), gregarious, vocal (calls and song), most males in alt. plmg. (photo); Yellow-rumped (M) Warbler 1 m foraging alone in cottonwood canopy, ne (photo);

Common Yellowthroat 3 repeated song, marsh-riparian edge, nw, w, sw; Song Sparrow 10 vocal from exposed perch, riparian-marsh, n, w, sw; White-crowned Sparrow 40 (ad, imm) vocal (calls), gregarious, foraging on ground in brushy areas, ne, w, s; Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco 1 flew into cottonwood from pines, ne; Red-winged Blackbird 50 (m,f) males singing on territories in marsh, ubiquitous (photo); Great-tailed Grackle 10 (m,f) vocal, in and around marsh with RWBL nw, s; Brown-headed Cowbird 1 (m) flying between cottonwoods, ne; House Finch 20 (m,f) gregarious, often in pairs foraging on ground with WCSP, n; Lesser Goldfinch 2 vocal in cottonwood canopy, w; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 1 (f) in juniper, ne.

Lake Palmdale LACO CA 12 March 2020 (47 Species)

Weather: Overcast with light rain, 46F; wind WNW 2 – 5 mph.

Time: 0727-1048 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. Except for a few fisherman on two docks (n and sw), there were no disturbances during the survey. The lake water level continues to be at or near maximum volume with no exposed mudflats or shoreline.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Common Merganser (1 – fos), Horned Grebe (6), Osprey (2), Wilson’s Snipe (1), Western Kingbird (1 -fos), American Crow (2 – 2nd record for LP), Tree Swallow (60), Northern Rough-winged Swallow (12 – fos), Cliff Swallow (10 – fos), Barn Swallow (6), and Verdin (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 20 (m,f) gregarious in open water and near shore around the lake; Cinnamon Teal 4 (m,f) pairs in open water and near jetty, nw, s; Bufflehead 80 (m,f) gregarious, ubiquitous on the lake; Common Merganser 1 (m) flying over lake surface, n (fos); Ruddy Duck 200 (m,f; many in alt. plmg.) gregarious, in shallows around the lake; California Quail 25 (m,f) gregarious, two coveys foraging on ground at edge of skeet range, n; Pied-billed Grebe 4 diving near shore, n, s; Horned Grebe 6 (bsc. plmg.) loosely gregarious, open water, n; Eared Grebe 10 (trans. alt. plmg.) gregarious, open water, n; Double-crested Cormorant 12 (ad, imm; alt. plmg.) gregarious on stirring platforms and shore; diving in shallows; ubiquitous; Great Blue Heron 2 flushed from shore, n, e; Osprey 2 individuals flying low over lake, perched in willows, w, ne; large platform stick nest in willow, occupant not clearly visible ne; Red-tailed Hawk 1 (imm) on utility pole, ne; American Coot 400 gregarious, ubiquitous, especially near shore; Wilson’s Snipe 1 flushed from inundated riparian patch, w; California Gull 20 (ad, C1, C2) gregarious, adults paired in open water, central; Eurasian Collared Dove 6 gregarious, vocal, pairs in cottonwoods and willows, n,w; Mourning Dove 30 gregarious, pairs in cottonwoods and willows around the lake; Anna’s Hummingbird 2 (m) in garden at PWD n entrance, riparian edge, s; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 (m) vocal in cottonwoods, n, ne; Northern (RS) Flicker 3 in cottonwoods, n, nw; Black Phoebe 6 vocal, edge of fields, variable height perches; Say’s Phoebe 1 vocal at edge of skeet range, n; Western Kingbird 1 (worn rectrices) in canopy of topped mulberry trees, picnic area (historical nesting area at LP), n (fos – photo).

American Crow 2 gregarious, vocal, a pair on the dam, flew to nearby cottonwood, e (2nd record for LP; 1st on 3/3/2014)); Common Raven 12 vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; Tree Swallow 60 gregarious, vocal; pair visiting nest cavity in cottonwood in historical nesting area s (photo);

Northern Rough-winged Swallow 12 (ad, imm) gregarious, flying low over lake surface and perched in adjacent willows, n, s (photo – fos);

Cliff Swallow 10 gregarious, circling 100-200 ft. agl over riparian strip and adjacent nesting area in suburbs, s (fos); Barn Swallow 6 flying low over lake and marsh in msf with TRSW and NRWS, s, n (fos); Oak Titmouse 1 vocal, near pines, ne; Verdin 1 foraging in newly leaved-out cottonwood limbs, w; Bushtit 6 pairs and trios, vocal in cottonwoods, pines w, s, n; Bewick’s Wren 6 vocal (song and calls) in brushy areas around the lake; Marsh Wren 3 vocal (calls and song), a relatively dark-plumaged individual with a black cap and conspicuous white supercilia, in dry, brushy area separated from marsh by about 100 ft.,n (photo);

Northern Mockingbird 3 vocal from conspicuous perches at edge of open areas, n, nw, ne; California Thrasher 2 one giving repeated song from juniper, w; another on park n ride fence, n; European Starling 20 gregarious, vocal (including mimicry), mostly around clubhouse, n; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 60 (m,f imm) vocal (calls) gregarious, affecting a variety of vegetation at multiple heights; Common Yellowthroat 4 vocal (calls and song) marsh-riparian edge, nw, w, s; California Towhee 3 vocal (calls) on ground in garden at PWD entrance, n; Song Sparrow 10 vocal (calls and song) marsh-riparian areas around the lake; White-crowned Sparrow 80 (ad, imm) gregarious, vocal (calls and partial song) on ground in brushy areas around the lake; Red-winged Blackbird 50 (90% m) vocal (song and calls) in marsh and marsh-riparian areas, n, w, s; Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) males displaying together in small leks, n,, nw s (photo);

Brown-headed Cowbird 1 (m) on utility pole, n; House Finch 20 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, open fields and riparian edge, n, s; House Sparrow 2 (m) (probably more unseen) around clubhouse, n;

Lake Palmdale LACO CA 5 March 2020 (51 Species)

Weather: Fair; 49F to 65F; wind WNW 0 – 2 mph.

Time: 0709-1020 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. Heavy earth-moving equipment was being used on the north side of the lake. Otherwise, there was little human-caused noise and disturbance during the survey. The lake water level continues at or near its maximum volume; water inflow was moderately slow in the Palmdale Ditch.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Horned Grebe (2), Western Grebe (2), Sora (2), Downy Woodpecker (1), Verdin (2), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1). Orange-crowned Warbler (1), and Lawrence’s Goldfinch (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 2 (m,f) a pair resting and swimming in open water, n; Mallard 10 (m,f) pairs near the shore and marsh around the lake; Cinnamon Teal 6 (m,f) pairs at the edge of the marsh in the slough, s; Northern Shoveler 3 (m,f) a trio swimming away from the marsh, se; Green Winged Teal 1 (m) flushed from the edge of the dam, e; Lesser Scaup 1 (m) swimming alone in open water, n; Bufflehead 60 gregarious, males showing ritualized preening behavior, pairs and loose flocks scattered in open water; Ruddy Duck 150 (m,f; a few in trans. alt. plmg.), gregarious, mostly resting in large flocks in shallows and open water throughout; California Quail 8 (m,f) gregarious, foraging on ground at edge of skeet range, n; Pied-billed Grebe 6 individuals swimming, diving near the marsh around the lake; Horned Grebe 2 (bsc. plmg.) a pair diving in open water, n; Eared Grebe 6 (bsc. and trans. alt. plmg.) solitary and gregarious, diving in open water, n; Western Grebe 2 vocal; individuals swimming in open water and near the shore, n, nw (note: these two may be continuing birds; CLGR has not been found at Lake Palmdale since November 21, 2019); Double-crested Cormorant 1 (ad) flying e over the lake; Great Blue Heron 3 (ad; at least one in alt. plmg.) flushed from docks, marsh and shorelines around the lake (photo);

Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) perched in large cottonwood, se; Red-tailed Hawk 1 (imm) flushed from canopy perch in cottonwood, w (photo);

Sora 2 vocal (unseen) calling repeatedly from dense, dry cattails, nw, s; American Coot 400 (conserv. est.) gregarious, mostly scattered around the edges of the lake; Killdeer 4 two pair on ground (encrusted saline soil, marginally inundated; gravel road on dam), vocal when approached (possible nest sites?) nw, e; California Gull 80 (90% adult – at least 10 in alt. plmg.), resting in loose flocks in open water; flying to and from nw Palmdale landfill; Eurasian Collared Dove 10 vocal, pairs perched in trees and on utility poles and wires, n; Mourning Dove 40 gregarious, vocal; at least 12 pair perched in trees around the lake; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 vocal in cottonwoods, n; Downy Woodpecker 1 (f) vocal, foraging in canopy and subcanopy on small limbs in a mature cottonwood with profuse leaf buds and catkins; Northern Flicker 3 (m,f) individuals on ground and flushed to cottonwoods, n, w; Black Phoebe 6 vocal, individuals and pairs, low to high perches in shrubs and trees adjacent to water and open fields around the lake; Common Raven 20 pairs and trios soaring high above the lake and adjacent land; pairs on ground near cottonwoods, n, w, s; Tree Swallow 50 vocal, gregarious; pairs perched in cottonwoods and willows with broken branches and cavities, n, w, s; Oak Titmouse 2 vocal in cottonwoods, s; Verdin 2 (ad) a pair moving together between junipers and cottonwoods, se; Bushtit 8 individuals and pairs moving through cottonwood subcanopy, shrubs and willows, nw, w; Bewick’s Wren 10 vocal, pairs and individuals active in a variety of vegetation types around the lake (photo);

Marsh Wren 2 vocal (unseen) in dense, dry cattails bordering slough, s; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 active in subcanopy of a mature cottonwood, n; Northern Mockingbird 3 vocal (nearly continuous but fragmentary song) on elevated perches while singing, n, s; California Thrasher 2 vocal (continuous song), juniper and rabbitbrush-Joshua tree fields, n, w; European Starling 20 vocal, gregarious; most in pruned trees around clubhouse picnic area, n; Orange-crowned Warbler 1 ( O. c. lutescens) 1 (ad, relatively bright yellow ventral feathering) foraging among catkins in canopy of cottonwoods, w (photo – fos);

Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 60 (ad, some in alt. plmg.; m,f & imm) vocal (calls and occasional song), loosely gregarious while foraging in a variety of vegetation at all height levels, ubiquitous; Common Yellowthroat 8 (m,f) vocal in marsh and adjacent brushy areas, n, w; California Towhee 1 vocal, on ground near PWD entrance, n; Savannah Sparrow 1 calls (unseen) rabbitbrush scrub on embankment, n; Song Sparrow 8 vocal, individuals and pairs in marsh and adjacent brushy areas around the lake; Lincoln’s Sparrow 1 in willow with SOSP at edge of marsh, nw; White-crowned Sparrow 80 (ad, imm) gregarious, vocal (calls and song) flocks of 10-20 birds foraging on ground in brushy areas around the lake. Red-winged Blackbird 50 (80% m), highly vocal from exposed perches in marsh and adjacent riparian woods around the lake; Great-tailed Grackle 12 (m,f; alt. plmg. ) vocal, individuals and small flocks; often around docks and edge of marsh, nw, s; House Finch 30 (m,f, alt. plmg. -several bright red males), gregarious, vocal, foraging on ground around the lake; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 1 (m) vocal (continuous song) atop a mature pine, ne; House Sparrow 5 (m,f) vocal, gregarious around clubhouse, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO CA 27 February 2020 (54 Species)

Weather: Fair; 46F to 60F; wind NE 2- 5 mph.

Time: 0723-1040 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. Except for a PWD maintenance vehicle and idle backhoe, there was little human disturbance during the survey. The water level continues to be at or near the maximum lake volume, resulting in the landward movement of water, inundating mudflats and previously exposed shoreline. The flow rate in the SE Palmdale Ditch inlet was low.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest included, Horned Grebe (4), Western Grebe (3), Osprey (1), Downy Woodpecker (1), Tree Swallow (50), Verdin (1), Western Bluebird (2), Phainopepla (2), Lawrence’s Goldfinch (1) and American Goldfinch (10).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 1 (f) resting at edge of marsh, se; Mallard 8 (m,f) pairs around the edges of the lake; Cinnamon Teal 4 (m,f) individuals and a pair on edge of marsh, w, s; Northern Shoveler 6 (m,f), gregarious in open water, s; Lesser Scaup 6 (m,f), gregarious in open water, se; Bufflehead 40 (m,f) pairs and loose flocks scattered, mostly around the edges of the lake Ruddy Duck 200 (m,f, bsc-trans. alt. plmg.), gregarious around the edges of the lake; California Quail 6 (m,f) flushed from rabbitbrush field, w; Pied-billed Grebe 10 vocal, individuals diving around the edges of the lake; Horned Grebe 4 (bsc. plmg.) individuals diving in open water, n, nw; Eared Grebe 4 (bsc. plmg.) pairs diving in open water, n; Western Grebe 3 one pair swimming together in open water, n, another individual swimming and vocalizing near traditional nesting area, nw; Double-crested Cormorant 10 (ad, imm) diving in open water and near shore, resting on stirring platforms; Great Blue Heron 3 vocal when flushed from shore, n, w, s; Black-crowned Night-heron 1 (imm) resting at edge of marsh, s; Osprey 1 circling above the lake, se; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 vocal in the presence of a nearby CORA in traditional cottonwood nest site, se. American Coot 400 gregarious, ubiquitous on the margins of the lake; Killdeer 4 gregarious, pairs vocalizing when flushed from wetland next to the jetty and dam, nw, e; California Gull 100 (ad, imm) resting in open water, flying to and from direction of Palmdale landfill, nw; Eurasian Collared Dove 3 gregarious, riparian woodland, n, nw; Mourning Dove 20 vocal, mostly in pairs, ubiquitous; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 6 (m,f) vocal, drumming, individuals foraging in cottonwoods, pines and willows around the lake; Downy Woodpecker 1 (m) foraging in axillary portion of twigs in the canopy of mature cottonwoods with catkins, w; Northern (RS) Flicker 1 flew to top of creosote bush, n; Black Phoebe 12 vocal, individuals and pairs sallying low from branches near water and open fields around the lake; Western Scrub-jay 2 vocal in junipers, ne (photo -see above); Common Raven 20 gregarious, vocal, a loose flock of ten soaring high above lake and adjacent hills; one flipping over in flight and other acrobatics in mid-air; Tree Swallow 50 vocal, gregarious, pairs perched and flying around traditional nest sites in cottonwoods and willows around the lake; Oak Titmouse 1 vocal (unseen) junipers, w; Verdin 1 foraging on terminal buds of small cottonwood, ne; Bushtit 10 gregarious, pairs and individuals in canopies of a variety of shrubs and trees, n, w; Bewick’s Wren 10 vocal, (song) individuals in brushy areas and riparian edge around the lake; House Wren 1 at edge of open field-riparian-marsh, nw; Marsh Wren 1 in patch of Great Basin Sage adjacent to inundated marsh, nw, two individuals vocalizing in marsh, s; American Robin 2 vocal in cottonwoods, w, sw; Western Bluebird 2 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, a pair flying between low perches in cottonwoods (se – second record for LP – photo).

Northern Mockingbird 3 vocal (song) individuals at edges of open fields, n, nw, s; California Thrasher 3 vocal, a pair foraging on ground beneath junipers and cottonwoods, sw (photo).

European Starling 20 vocal, gregarious, mostly in trees around picnic area and clubhouse, n; Phainopepla 2 (m,f) individuals in cottonwoods with parasitic mistletoe, s; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 60 (m,f; imm) vocal (calls) gregarious, ubiquitous, often in msf with other canopy-dwelling species, e.g. AMGO and BUSH; Common Yellowthroat 3 (m,f) vocal (calls) loosely gregarious, staying low at edge of marsh, w; California Towhee 2 gregarious, a pair foraging on roadside embankment covered by rabbitbrush, n; Savannah Sparrow 1 on jetty, nw; Song Sparrow 8 vocal, pairs foraging on ground at edge of marsh around the lake; Lincoln’s Sparrow 1 flushed from inundated field next to jetty, nw; White-crowned Sparrow 80 vocal (calls and song) gregarious, feeding on ground, ubiquitous; Red-winged Blackbird 10 (m) vocal (song) on exposed perches in marsh and marsh-riparian areas around the lake; Great-tailed Grackle 10 (m,f) gregarious, vocal at edge of marsh-riparian, nw, s; House Finch 25 (m,f) gregarious, vocal, pairs foraging in a variety of habitats around the lake; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 1 (m) foraging with WCSP on reseeded lawn in picnic area, n; American Goldfinch 6 (m,f; bsc. plmg.) gregarious foraging mostly in silence on cottonwood fruiting clusters, w (photo).

House Sparrow 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious on sidewalk next to clubhouse, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO 13 February 2020 (46 Species)

Weather: Fair; 41F to 62F; wind WNW 0- 2 mph.

Time: 0736 – 1030 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a clockwise route around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. Aside from a PWD truck, there was no traffic or human disturbance during the survey. The lake water level was at maximum or near maximum volume, resulting in inundated marshland throughout and no exposed mudflats or shoreline.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Horned Grebe (1), Osprey (1) and Downy Woodpecker (1). Western and Clark’s Grebe were conspicuously absent.

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 2 (m) swimming near shore, e, w; Mallard 4 (m,f) pairs flushed near shore, se, w; Cinnamon Teal 1 (m) flushed from flooded marsh, w; Northern Shoveler 4 (m) gregarious, se; Lesser Scaup 10 (m,f) gregarious, swimming near marsh and into open water, se; Bufflehead 30 (m,f) gregarious in small highly mobile flocks, some showing courtship behavior, ubiq; Common Goldeneye 1 (f) swimming away from the dam, se; Ruddy Duck 160 (m,f) bsc. plmg. gregarious, resting near marsh, ubiq; California Quail 6 vocal, gregarious, rabbitbrush field, w; Pied-billed Grebe 4 individuals diving in open water, ubiq; Horned Grebe 1 (bsc. plmg.) preening, swimming near shore with Bufflehead (photo).

Eared Grebe 3 individuals diving in open water, n, s; Double-crested Cormorant 4 flying and perched on strir platforms, n; Great Blue Heron 3 flushed from marshes around the lake; Osprey 1 flying over the lake, subsequently consuming a rainbow trout in a cottonwood tree, se (photo).

Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad) vocal, flying low in riparian woodland areas, se, w; Red-tailed Hawk 4, ad, one dark morph, s; one pair in upper branches of large cottonwood, ne; American Coot 600 gregarious, most in shallows around the lake; Killdeer 4 two pair, vocal, on dam and jetty, e, nw; Ring-billed Gull 2 (ad, imm) resting in open water but well apart from CAGU flock, s; California Gull 80 (90% ad) gregarious, mostly resting in open water, n-central, some flying nw toward Palmdale landfill; Feral Rock Pigeon 3 flying over suburbs, n; Mourning Dove 30 gregarious, ubiquitous, especially in riparian areas; Anna’s Hummingbird 1 hovering around willows near a dock, w; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 vocal, in pines, n, ne; Downy Woodpecker 1 (f) foraging on main cottonwood trunk and very small, vertical branches (photo).

Northern (RS) Flicker 3 flushed from ground and low perches in riparian areas, n, w; Black Phoebe 10 often vocal, individuals sallying from a wide range of heights in trees, on dock railings and shrubs around the lake, usually near water; Common Raven 12 gregarious; one flock including two or three relatively small individuals in their first basic plumage ( relatively short tail, no throat hackles and minimal basal feathering on bill) with adults, vocal, n, s; Tree Swallow 10 gregarious, pairs perched and flying around willows with broken limb cavities, i.e. showing early nesting behavior, s; Oak Titmouse 1 vocal (unseen) cottonwoods, sw; Bushtit 1 flying to canopy of cottonwood, w; Bewick’s Wren 6 vocal (calls and song), brushy and riparian areas around the lake; Marsh Wren 2 vocal in dry marsh, w; California Thrasher 3 vocal individuals (fragmented, discordant song) atop junipers, sw, s nw; European Starling 12 vocal, gregarious, around buildings, gardens and riparian edge, n; American Pipit 1 foraging on edge of jetty, nw (photo).

Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 12 (m,f) vocal (calls) loosely gregarious, affecting a variety of vegetation types and heights around the lake; California Towhee 1 foraging on ground with shell casing fragments at edge of skeet range with WCSP, ne; Lark Sparrow 6 gregarious, foraging on ground with WCSP next to skeet range, ne; Song Sparrow 5 vocal (song and calls) riparian-marsh edge, se, s, w (photo).

White-crowned Sparrow 80 (ad, imm) gregarious in flocks on ground in brushy and riparian areas around the lake; Red-winged Blackbird 12 (m) vocal (song) atop marsh and in trees adjacent to marsh around the lake, esp. nw, w; Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, lakeshore, marsh-riparian, n, nw, s; House Finch 40 (m,f) gregarious, vocal (calls and song), foraging on ground and in trees (e.g. pines) around the lake, often with WCSP; House Sparrow 2 vocal, a pair hovering around and under the eaves of storage shed, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO 21 November 2019 (65 Species)

Weather: Overcast to partly cloudy; 41F to 49F; winds NW 2 – 3mph; a cold front moved through the region during the past 24 hrs., including relatively light rains.

Time: 0645 – 1150 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues to be low, leaving exposed shorelines throughout. Water flow in both the California Aqueduct and Palmdale Ditch inlets was moderate. There was no disturbance due to human activities during the survey.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Snow Goose (1-first record for LP), Common Merganser (1- fos), Hooded Merganser (1), Common Loon (2), Pacific Loon (1 – fos), and American Bittern (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Snow Goose 1 (imm) ID: relatively large bill, ruling out ROGO, swimming in open water, central; first photo-documented record for LP (photo).

Gadwall 14 (m,f) gregarious, s, se; American Wigeon 6 (m,f) gregarious, w, se; Mallard 3 (m,f) gregarious in open water, s-central; Cinnamon Teal 3 (m,f) flushed from se corner; Northern Shoveler 3 (m,f) gregarious, swimming near shore, s, se; Northern Pintail 2 (m,f) resting near edge of marsh, se (photo);

Green-winged Teal 1 (f) in open water, e-central; Canvasback 1 (f) swimming in slough, s (photo);

Redhead 2 (m,f) gregarious in open water, e-central; Lesser Scaup 40 (m,f) gregarious, open water and near shore throughout; Bufflehead 80 (m,f) gregarious, highly mobile, ubiquitous; Common Goldeneye 1 (f) swimming near marsh, nw; Common Merganser 1 (f) swimming in open water, n (fos); Hooded Merganser 1 (f) swimming in open water, e-central; Ruddy Duck 400 (m,f) gregarious, mostly resting around margins of the lake, some diving; Common Loon 2 gregarious, diving, e-central; Pacific Loon 1 ID: contrast between dark brown head with white cheeks, throat, faint but visible ‘chinstrap’, diving, central (fos – photo);

Pied-billed Grebe 30 (ad, imm) loosely gregarious around margins of the lake; Horned Grebe 3 gregarious, diving, n-central; Eared Grebe 1 diving, central; Western Grebe 15 vocal, pairs and individuals in open water and near marsh, central, s; Clark’s Grebe 60 (ad, imm), gregarious, vocal, at least ten, full-grown, identifiable young giving begging calls with adults, ubiquitous; Double-crested Cormorant 10, (ad, imm) resting on stirring platforms, diving, n, e; American White Pelican 5 gregarious, foraging by surface-scooping near marsh, nw, w; American Bittern 1 (imm) standing on mat of cattails at edge of mars, ne corner of jetty, nw (photo);

Great Blue Heron 3 flushed from shore and marsh around the lake; Great Egret 1 flying over marsh, se; Green Heron 1 vocal (unseen) marsh, nw; Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (imm) at edge of marsh, s, se; Cooper’s Hawk 1 flying over willows, nw; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 vocal (unseen), se; Red-tailed Hawk 5 (ad, imm) a pair of adults perched in willows, se; Sora 1 vocal (unseen) w; American Coot 1,500, gregarious, ubiquitous; Killdeer 2 vocal, flushed from shoreline on dam, e; Greater Yellowlegs 2 -cont. shoreline on dam, e; Wilson’s Snipe 2 individuals on mudflats, nw, se; Ring-billed Gull 20 (90% ad) gregarious, mostly resting in open water, n-central; California Gull 80 (90% ad) gregarious, mostly resting in open water, n-central, individuals commuting between LP and landfill to nw; Herring Gull 1 C1 – cont. flying low over lake, n-central; Eurasian Collared Dove 12 gregarious around picnic area, mulberry trees and clubhouse, n; Mourning Dove 2 gregarious on utility line, n; Great Horned Owl 1 resting in subcanopy in favored cottonwood next to boat ramp, fresh pellets on ground beneath w; Belted Kingfisher 5 (m,f) vocal individuals, flighty, changing perches around lake; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3 vocal in cottonwoods, w, s, ne; Northern (RS) Flicker 7 (m,f) individuals in trees around lake; Black Phoebe 4 vocal, low perches in fields and shoreline around lake; Common Raven 20 gregarious, flocks soaring high (500 ft. agl) over fields, n, sw; Verdin 1 vocal, flew into juniper, w; Bushtit 20 gregarious, vocal, foraging in shrubs and trees, nw, s; Bewick’s Wren 4 vocal in sage-juniper, saltbush and riparian-marsh, n, nw, w; House Wren 1 flushed from riparian edge, nw; Marsh Wren 2 resp. to plshhing and more strongly to playback of song, though maintaining silence at edge of marsh, nw; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 20 vocal, gregarious (often paired), foraging in shrubs and trees, often with YRWA, ubiquitous; Northern Mockingbird 1 on fence, n; California Thrasher 2 repeated song (fragmented) in juniper field, nw, w; European Starling 5 vocal, gregarious in pruned cottonwood with large cavity, n; American Pipit 3 vocal, one individual, with dark ventral & pale dorsal streaking, bobbing tail vigorously while foraging in short grass at roadside , ne (photo).

Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 70 (m,f, imm) gregarious, vocal (calls) foraging in a wide variety of vegetation and on the ground, ubiquitous; Common Yellowthroat 2 vocal, in marsh along PD, se; Song Sparrow 5 vocal, pairs at edge of mudflats and marsh, nw, w, se; White-crowned Sparrow 30 (ad, imm) gregarious, vocal (calls and song), brushy and wooded areas throughout; Great-tailed Grackle 6 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, edge of marsh and on jetty, nw, se; House Finch 5 (m,f) open fields and pines, se, ne; Lesser Goldfinch 4 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, foraging in favored patch of dried sunflowers along PD, se; House Sparrow 5 (m,f) vocal, gregarious in garden around clubhouse, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO 14 November 2019 (57 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy; 61F to 72F; wind WSW, WNW 8- 15 mph.

Time: 0633-1100 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a clockwise route around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues to be relatively low, leaving exposed shorelines of mud and rock throughout. The southeast Palmdale Ditch was flowing at a relatively low volume. There was little disturbance from human activities during the survey. Windy conditions reduced land bird activity in exposed areas.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Common Goldeneye (2 -fos), Common Loon (1), Turkey Vulture (1), Northern Harrier (1), Common Gallinule (1), Red-tailed Hawk (4, including one dark morph), Wilson’s Snipe (3), and Herring Gull (1 -cont.).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 10 (m,f) gregarious, flushed from edge of marsh, w; American Wigeon 10 (m,f) gregarious, usually in pairs and small flocks throughout; Mallard 8 (m,f) pairs and trios around the edges of the lake; Green-winged Teal 3 (f) flushed from edge of marsh, se; Redhead 3 (1 m, 2 f), gregarious, open water, w; Lesser Scaup 40 (m,f) gregarious, two flocks of about 20 each, swimming, e, nw; Bufflehead 150 (m,f) gregarious, ubiquitous in loose flocks on the water, individuals and pairs in flight, low over the lake surface; Common Goldeneye 2 (f) gregarious, swimming near marsh, se (photo – fos);

Ruddy Duck 500 (m,f) gregarious, most resting in shallows near marsh, ubiquitous; Common Loon 1 preening in open water, n-central; Pied-billed Grebe 30 loosely gregarious, swimming, diving near shore and marsh throughout; Western Grebe 22 (a definite increase in numbers, c.f. previous surveys this month) vocal, pairs and small flocks in open water throughout, one swimming with CLGR, s (photo);

Clark’s Grebe 40 vocal, pairs and individuals, including nearly full-grown juveniles, swimming in open water and near the shore throughout; Double-crested Cormorant 12 (ad, imm) resting on stirring platforms, swimming and diving near shore, n,w; American White Pelican 5 gregarious , swimming in open water and flying north away from the lake, n, sw; Great Blue Heron 3 vocal when flushed from edge of lake, e, s, w; Black-crowned Night Heron 2 edge of marsh, s; Turkey Vulture 1 flying low over riparian woods, w; Northern Harrier 1 (f) flying low over marsh, s; Cooper’s Hawk 1 imm flew to horizontal limb in large cottonwood, se; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad, imm) vocal, flying over cottonwoods, s, sw; Red-tailed Hawk 4 (ad, imm) one immature dark morph, probably the calurus subspecies, flying low over riparian woods, w (photo)

Common Gallinule 1 swimming at edge of marsh, nw (photo);

American Coot 1,500 gregarious, vocal, ubiquitous, esp. margins of the lake; Greater Yellowlegs 4 gregarious, vocal, foraging in shallows, se; Wilson’s Snipe 3 one pair on mudflat, se, another single individual on edge marsh near jetty, nw; Ring-billed Gull 30 (90% ad), most resting or flying over open water, n-central; California Gull 30 (90% ad) resting in open water, flying nw; Herring Gull C1 1 -cont. flying near dam, se; Eurasian Collared Dove 1 in cottonwood, s; Anna’s Hummingbird 1 vocal, around junipers, w; Belted Kingfisher 4 (m,f) vocal, flying around edges of the lake, perched over water in trees, one on wooden beam beneath a dock, w; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3 (m,f) vocal, pairs foraging in adjacent cottonwoods, s, w; Northern (RS) Flicker 5 vocal, individuals flying to junipers and cottonwoods, ubiquitous; Black Phoebe 5 vocal, individuals perched near water or over moist soils, ubiquitous; Say’s Phoebe 1 perched on safety cone on dam, e; California Scrub-jay 1 flying e toward Lake Una, se; Common Raven 20 gregarious, vocal, circling above dam and fields, e, sw; Verdin 1 vocal (unseen), nw; Bushtit 40 vocal, gregarious, foraging in willows and cottonwoods, s, n; Bewick’s Wren 3 vocal (scold calls), riparian-marsh and saltbush field, s. w, nw; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4 vocal, often in msf with WCSP and YRWA, s, w; Northern Mockingbird 1 flying over parking area, ne; California Thrasher 1 vocal (calls – unseen) saltbush field, nw; European Starling 4 flying over riparian edge, s; American Pipit 3 vocal in flight, two landed together on jetty, sw one on shoreline of dam, e; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 60 (m,f, imm) vocal (calls), gregarious, foraging mostly in cottonwoods and willows, and a variety of other vegetation, a few on ground, ubiquitous; Common Yellowthroat 2 vocal (calls), secretive in marsh and saltbush scrub, s, nw; Savannah Sparrow 1 at edge of jetty and marsh, nw; Song Sparrow 4 vocal (calls) marsh and mudflats, s, w; Lincoln’s Sparrow 2 vocal (calls – responded to psshing) in riparian edge and saltbush scrub, w, nw; White-crowned Sparrow 40 (ad, imm) vocal (calls and fragmentary song), gregarious, ubiquitous in dense cover; Red-winged Blackbird 1 (m) in flight over marsh, nw; Great-tailed Grackle 6 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, nw, s; House Finch 5 (m,f) vocal, brushy field, edge of skeet range with WCSP; Lesser Goldfinch 4 gregarious, vocal, riparian and dried sunflower patches, se.

Lake Palmdale LACO 7 November 2019 (65 Species)

Weather: Fair; 50F to 66F, wind WNW 0- 3 mph.

Time: 0700-1130 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. Except for a PWD crew taking water samples, the survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities. The lake water level continues to be about 3 to 4 ft. below maximum height, leaving exposed shorelines of mud and/or rocks throughout (see above photo). Water flow was moderate through the southeast Palmdale Ditch inlet.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Canvasback (1 – fos), Hooded Merganser (1 – fos), Horned Grebe (2 – fos), Bonaparte’s Gull (7), Herring Gull (1 – fos), House Wren (1), and Orange-crowned Warbler (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 25 (m,f) gregarious, dabbling in shallows, se; American Wigeon 10 (m,f) gregarious (often paired), open water and shallows , nw, se; Mallard 20 (m,f) mostly in pairs, shallows throughout; Blue-winged Teal 2 (f) a pair flushed from the ne shallows; Cinnamon Teal 1 (m) with other ducks, n; Green-winged Teal 3 gregarious (paired) at edge of marsh, se; Canvasback 1 (m) resting in open water, e (fos); Ring-necked Duck 2 paired in shallows, nw; Lesser Scaup 30 (m,f) gregarious, swimming long distances throughout; Bufflehead 100 (rough est.) (m,f) gregarious, highly mobile throughout; Hooded Merganser 1 (f) open water, ne (fos); Ruddy Duck 500-600 (m,f) gregarious, mostly resting around edges of the lake; California Quail 18 (m,f) gregarious, flushed from marsh at north end of the PD, se; Pied-billed Grebe 20 (ad, imm), vocal, individuals and small flocks around the marshy edges of the lake; Horned Grebe 2 one observed diving and staying submerged for about 5-minutes in open water, n (photo – fos);

Western Grebe 8 vocal, one pair swimming together, open water throughout and in s slough; Clark’s Grebe 40 (some adults and immatures with relatively pale colored bills, suggesting WEGR at a distance) vocal, gregarious with and without nearly full-grown young (vocal), ubiquitous except for s slough, which has been frequented by WEGR in recent weeks; Double-crested Cormorant 10 (at least 5 imm.) gregarious on stirring platforms and small islet, n; American White Pelican 3 (imm) gregariou, swimming long distance, nw, ne; Great Blue Heron 3 flushed from shore, n, e; Green Heron 1 vocal (unseen) in marsh, se; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 (ad, imm) vocal, flying low over marsh and woodland, imm perched in a willow, adult vocalizing in flight over cottonwoods, w, se; Red-tailed Hawk 4 (3 ad, 1 imm) a pair of adults circling with ravens at 200-300 ft. agl, w; American Coot 1,200 (rough estimate) gregarious, ubiquitous, mostly in shallows but readily flushed to open water; Killdeer 2 vocal, flushed from shoreline, e; Greater Yellowlegs 2 – cont, in the usual location on dam shoreline, e; Wilson’s Snipe 2 individuals foraging in marsh on secluded mudflats – one bird showing how its long bill with a distally curved culmen is used to grasp small prey items taken from the soft mud on a recently exposed shoreline sw, s (photo);

Bonaparte’s Gull 7 (ad) gregarious, resting in open water, n-central; Ring-billed Gull 18 (only adults seen) gregarious, resting in open water, n-central; California Gull 10 (ad, imm) flying to and from Palmdale landfill (nw), gregarious in open water, n-central; Herring Gull 1 (imm C1) ID: in flight (from photos), contrasting pale patch on inner primaries, mantle relatively pale gray-brown, dusky breast contrasting with white neck ‘collar’, dark feathering around eyes and cheeks, bill of moderate length and proportions with gonydeal expansion (c.f. CAGU), flying alone, low over lake and jetty, nw (photos);

Eurasian Collared Dove 3 on utility lines, n; Mourning Dove 12 gregarious, ubiquitous, esp. n; Barn Owl 1 flushed from cottonwood at edge of boat launch at Docks 6 & 7,w; Great Horned Owl 1 in subcanopy of favored large cottonwood at edge of boat launch, Docks 6 & 7; Anna’s Hummingbird 4 (m,f) hovering over creosote bush and junipers, n, w, se; Belted Kingfisher 4 (m,f) vocal, individuals flying over marsh, wary and readily flushed, throughout; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 vocal, one fem. flying from a pine to utility pole, then perching on a utility line, ne, s; Northern (RS) Flicker 5 vocal, individuals flying around wooded areas throughout; Black Phoebe 6 vocal, ubiquitous, usually near water; Common Raven 30 a large, vocal flock circling 200-300 ft. agl around a pair of RTHA, w, several others (often paired) on and near dam, e; Oak Titmouse 2 vocal in cottonwoods, s; Verdin 3 vocal in saltbush scrub with HOWR and WCSP, nw (photo);

Bushtit 30 (probably 3 different flocks) gregarious, vocal, foraging in a variety of tall shrubs and trees, n, w, s; Bewick’s Wren 2 vocal, brushy areas and riparian edge, n, nw; House Wren 1 vocal (calls) in saltbush scrub with VERD, WCSP, nw (photo);

Marsh Wren 3 vocal (calls ) in dense marsh, nw, w; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 10 vocal, often in msf with YRWA in cottonwoods, nw, w, sw; Northern Mockingbird 1 in mulberry canopy in F & F picnic area near a PHAI, n; California Thrasher 1 vocal (song) in junipers, w; European Starling 5 vocal, gregarious on utility poles and lines around F & F clubhouse; American Pipit 1, gave alarm call when flushed, showing strong variegated facial markings and heavy black streaks on breast and sides; remainder of underparts whitish-buff, white wing bars; crown, nape and mantle relatively plain gray-brown, unstreaked; this individual was seen briefly and flushed from mowed dry weeds at roadside, w; Phainopepla 1 (f) in mulberry canopy above fruiting hedgerow of pyracantha,F & F picnic area, n; Orange-crowned Warbler 1 relatively dull-colored overall, in msf with BUSH and YRWA in cottonwood and tamarisk, w; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler (m,f, imm) vocal (calls), gregarious, often in msf, foraging by gleaning, snatch and hover-glean, flycatching, in a variety of vegetation types and heights throughout; Common Yellowthroat 12 (m,f) vocal (calls) in a variety of vegetation types, often in msf with SOSP, LISP, WCSP, ubiquitous; Savannah Sparrow 1 vocal (calls – unseen) saltbush scrub, nw; Song Sparrow 5 vocal (calls) in marsh, mudflats and riparian edge , nw, sw; Lincoln’s Sparrow 5 vocal (calls) individuals in brushy edges of fields , marsh-riparian, sometimes on mudflats and bulrush patches; White-crowned Sparrow 40 (ad, imm) vocal (calls and song), gregarious, on the ground in a wide variety of vegetation types from xeric to mesic, ubiquitous; Red-winged Blackbird 2 (m) vocal (calls) flew to edge of marsh on w side of jetty, foraging at base of cattails nw; Great-tailed Grackle 10 (m,f) noticeably fewer compared with previous weeks, vocal, gregarious, n, s; House Finch 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, brushy edges of skeet range, ne; Lesser Goldfinch 5 (m,f) foraging in desiccated sunflower patch at edge of the s side of the PD, se; House Sparrow 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious in F & F picnic area with WCSP, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO 31 October 2019 (65 Species)

Weather: Fair: 36F to 50F; wind N 1 – 3 mph.

Time: 0644- 1210 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues to decrease, now by about 5 ft., leaving exposed mud or rock shorelines of varying width, 3 – 50 ft. The south California Aqueduct inlet was shut off; the southeast Palmdale Ditch inlet flowing at moderate volume. Except for a LACO Fire helicopter taking water by hovering low near the nw jetty at sunrise, the survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, American White Pelican (6), Bonaparte’s Gull (3), and Great horned Owl (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 16 (m,f) gregarious, pairs and small flocks scattered around the edges of the lake; American Wigeon 8 (m,f) gregarious, flushed from shallows to open water, e; Mallard 5 (m,f) in shallows near marsh, nw, se; Blue-winged Teal 1 (f) foraging in shallows at edge of boat launch, nw; Cinnamon Teal 2 (m,f) a pair swimming together in open water, ne; Northern Shoveler 6 (m,f) gregarious in shallows, w, s; Green-winged Teal 6 (m,f) gregarious in shallows, se; Ring-necked Duck 6 (m,f) gregarious, open water, nw, se; Lesser Scaup 30 (m,f) gregarious, open water and shallows around the lake; Bufflehead 40 (m,f) gregarious, ubiquitous (photo);

Ruddy Duck 350 (conserv. est.) gregarious ubiquitous around the edges of the lake and in open water; California Quail 6 (m,f) flushed from the marsh along the PD inlet, se; Pied-billed Grebe 5, individuals around the edges throughout, often near the marsh; Western Grebe 8 gregarious, vocal, one pair engaged in rush display, n, s; Clark’s Grebe 30 vocal, gregarious with at least five nearly full-grown young staying near adults, open water and near shore throughout, except in south slough where WEGR usually predominates; Double-crested Cormorant 5 swimming in open water at daybreak, apparently leaving the lake sometime later; American White Pelican 6 resting together on a small wooden dock, s; Great Blue Heron 3 individuals vocal when flushed from shore or marsh around the lake; Great Egret 1 on shore, ne; Green Heron 1 vocal when flushed from marsh, ne; Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (ad, imm) at edge of marsh, n, s; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) flying low over marsh, w; Red-tailed Hawk 3 ( 2 ad; one imm dark morph) on utility poles, in flight, n,e; Buteo sp. 1 (imm) ID (see photo): overall size appeared as a relatively medium to small Buteo, comparable to RSHA when perched on snag over marsh (s); In flight, showing pointed wings, underwings contrasting dark wing linings and dark wing borders, upper wing and tail uniformly dark brown with fine barring (no black and white speckling or reddish shoulder patch, cf RSHA, underside of tail with even dark barring for about 2/3 of length and narrow subterminal band on worn edges of rectrices. Viewing several additional images of this bird suggest that rather than the rare dark morph Broad-winged Hawk, it is likely an immature male Red-tailed Hawk.

American Coot 800 gregarious, ubiquitous, many foraging on shore; Killdeer 7 vocal, gregarious nw, e; Greater Yellowlegs 2 -cont. a pair in the same location on shore of dam as in previous surveys this month; Spotted Sandpiper 1 on shore, n; Wilson’s Snipe 3 individuals foraging in shallows on mud shoreline, nw (photo), s, ne;

Bonaparte’s Gull 3 (2 imm, 1 ad) flying around lake, dipping in surface, resting together in open water, n, nw (photo);

Ring-billed Gull 10 (ad, imm) resting in open water and on jetty, nw; California Gull 8 (ad, imm) resting in open water, in flight to and from nw; Eurasian Collared Dove 3 n; Mourning Dove 7 pairs flushed from fence line, n; Great Horned Owl 1 in subcanopy of cottonwood next to road and boat launch, castings and fecal droppings on the ground below, same tree where GHOW has been found in previous years, w (photo);

Anna’s Hummingbird 1 (imm or fem) hovering around pines, ne; Belted Kingfisher 4 vocalm individuals flying to perches over marsh around the lake; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 vocal in cottowoods, w, s; Northern (RS) Flicker 8 vocal, loosely gregarious in wooded areas around the lake; Black Phoebe 8 vocal, indviduals perched over marsh and in adjacent shrubs around the lake; California Scrub-jay 1 at edge of F&F picnic area, n; Common Raven 12 vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; Barn Swallow 1 (imm) flying low, back and forth over the lake near docks, w; Verdin 2 foraging in msf in saltbush-creosote scrub with BUTI, WCSP, LISP BEWR, and COYE, nw; Bewick’s Wren 3 vocal, one foraging in msf as noted above; Marsh Wren 2 one foraging in msf in salt cedars with YRWA, COYE, WCSP, LISP, nw; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 6 vocal, often in msf with YRWA, ubiquitous in cottonwoods; American Robin 1 in flight, se; Northern Mockingbird 1 on ground beneath pyracantha hedgerow along F&F entrance road, n; California Thrasher 2 vocal (calls) shrubby areas, n, nw; European Starling 5 vocal, on utility poles and one in a large cottonwood cavity,n; American Pipit 1 vocal in flight over skeet range, ne; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler (m,f, imm) vocal (calls), gregarious, ubiquitous in woods and tall shrubs; Common Yellowthroat 6 (m,f) vocal (calls) often in msf with WCSP, SOSP and other small passerines in shrubs and marsh throughout; California Towhee 2 a pair on the ground in sage scrub, ne; Savannah Sparrow 1 vocal (unseen) creosote bush patch, n; Song Sparrow 3 vocal (calls) in msf with COYE and WCSP in marsh and riparian edge, nw, w; Lincoln’s Sparrow 5 individuals in msf with WCSP, COYE, YRWA and BEWR, n, nw; Red-winged Blackbird 4 (m,f) flying over cattail marsh, nw; Great-tailed Grackle 20 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, on shore, nw, s; House Finch 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, n; Lesser Goldfinch 3 (m) in sunflower patch, PD se; House Sparrow 5 (m,f) vocal, gregarious in pyracantha hedgerow next to F&F clubhouse.

Lake Palmdale LACO CA 24 October 2019 (74 Species)

Weather: Fair; 64F to 80F; wind ENE 3 – 20 mph; whitecaps on lake by 0900 hrs.

Time: 0650-1040 hrs.

Observers: Jon Feenstra and I

Area Covered: We walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues to drop, now lowered by about three feet, resulting in a variable shoreline of 3- 50 ft in width. Water flow in the southeast Palmdale Ditch was moderate. Except for one PWD vehicle, there were no disturbances from human activities during the survey. Increasing winds (15-20 mph) began at about 0900 hrs. rendering the detection of birds in the southern and eastern sections more difficult than in the remainder of the area during the first two hours of the survey.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Common Loon (1), Wilson’s Snipe (3), Downy Woodpecker (1), Mountain Bluebird (1), and Phainopepla (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 8 (m,f) individuals and pairs scattered around the edges of the lake, also in flight; American Wigeon 14 (m,f) gregarious in open water and shallows around the lake, also in flight; Mallard 12 (m,f) mostly in pairs around the edges of the lake, also in flight; Cinnamon Teal 2 (m,f) swimming, flying near the marsh, nw; Northern Pintail 8 (m,f) gregarious in flight and in open water, s, e; Green-winged Teal 4 (m,f) individuals and pairs, also in flight with NOPI and AMWI, w, s, se; Redhead 3 (m,f) a pair resting in quiet waters,w, also open water, e-central; Ring-necked Duck (m,f) gregarious in open water with other ducks, e; Lesser Scaup 26 (m,f), gregarious, two flocks of 6-7 in open water and near the jetty, nw, se; Bufflehead 32 (m,f) gregarious in flocks of 4 – 10 around the lake, also in flight over the lake surface, w; Ruddy Duck 500 (conserv. est.) (m,f) gregarious, ubiquitous, mostly around the edges of the lake; California Quail 4 (m,f) saltbush-creosote bush scrub, nw (photo);

Common Loon 1 diving in open water, central (fos); Pied-billed Grebe 9 (conserv. count – many more probably taking cover during high winds), ubiquitous around the edges of the lake; Eared Grebe 6 exclusively gregarious, open water, central; Western Grebe 18 (ad; about 5 juv.) gregarious, mostly away from CLGR , a significant increase since the previous count on 10/17, s, se; Clark’s Grebe 37 (ad; about 10 juv.) loosely gregarious, vocal, ubiquitous around edges of the lake; Double-crested Cormorant 13 ad, imm, gregarious in open water and flight, nw, n; American White Pelican 13 gregarious, staying partly concealed in shallows, nw, se, also in flight, s; Great Blue Heron 4 flushed from shore around the lake; Great Egret 1 flying low over lake, nw; Black-crowned Night Heron 3 (imm) in flight, low over marsh, nw, s; Turkey Vulture 1 soaring at 100- 200 ft agl, n; Osprey 1 flying around the lake; Cooper’s Hawk 2 (ad, imm) in mulberry next to clubhouse (imm) and over riparian, w (ad – JF); Red-shouldered Hawk 2, one adult swooping down, capturing and killing an American coot (imm) next to the jetty, remaining with its kill until flushed 30 minutes later but dropped the coot when taking off, the dead coot had damage to its head, nw; Red-tailed Hawk 3 (2 ad – 1 dark morph; one imm) perched on antenna tower and a dark morph in a dead cottonwood (photo), n, nw;

American Kestrel 1 se; American Coot 1,200 gregarious, ubiquitous; Killdeer 11, gregarious, vocal, ubiquitous, nw, ne; Greater Yellowlegs 2 -cont. a pair flushed from water’s edge of dam (same location in previous survey of 10/17), e; Wilson’s Snipe 3 gregarious, vocal when flushed from shore, circled around and disappeared, nw; Ring-billed Gull 5 (ad, C1) gregarious, resting in open water, nw, also in flight; California Gull 15 (ad, C1) gregarious, resting in open water, flying in from nw, Eurasian Collared Dove 2 , n, nw; Feral Rock Pigeon 4 all white morphs, in flight, nw; Mourning Dove 5 gregarious, nw; Anna’s Hummingbird 3 (m,f, imm) , n, s; Belted Kingfisher 4 flying around and perching over the marsh, ubiquitous; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 vocal (unseen) sw, ne; Downy Woodpecker 1 vocal (unseen – JF), se; Northern Flicker 2 vocal, flying, n, w; Black Phoebe 5 vocal, ubiquitous, usually near water; Say’s Phoebe 4 pairs in open fields, n, nw; Western Scrub-jay 1 vocal, se; Common Raven 12 pairs flying around lake, one on jetty watching RSHA with coot kill, nw; Tree Swallow 1 flying n, n; Barn Swallow 1 flying 50 ft. al, n; Verdin 1 vocal, n; Bushtit 15 gregarious, w, s; Bewick’s Wren 3 with WCSP, burshy fields, n, w; Marsh Wren 2 in dense cattails, nw; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 in creosote bush and riparian, n, w; American Robin 10 gregarious, vocal, cottonwoods, w, se; Mountain Bluebird 1 on rocks e side of dam, e (photo);

Northern Mockingbird 1 brush pile next to boat storage, n; California Thrasher 2 one giving continuous song before sunrise, nw, another on fence line by PWD plant, ne; European Starling 5 vocal, gregarious on utility poles and lines, n; American Pipit 3 vocal in flight, se, a pair on shore, n; Cedar Waxwing 1 vocal (unseen – JF), se; Phainopepla 1 (m) on top of Juniper/ Joshua Tree cluster near entrance, F & F entrance; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 21 (ad, imm) gregarious, vocal (calls) ubiquitous in shrubs and trees; Common Yellowthroat 6 vocal (mostly unseen), marsh-riparian, ubiquitous; California Towhee 2 fence line brushy field by PWD plant, ne; Savannah Sparrow 1 in saltbush at edge of mowed field, nw; Song Sparrow 1 vocal (song), n, 2 calls in riparian-marsh, se; Lincoln’s Sparrow 4 vocal (calls) brushy fields with WCSP, n, nw; White-crowned Sparrow 36 (ad, imm) gregarious, vocal (calls and song), ubiquitous; Red-winged Blackbird 6 (m,f) in flight over marsh, nw,s; Brewer’s Blackbird 2 (JF), nw; Great-tailed Grackle 12 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, n, s; House Finch 20 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ne, n; Lesser Goldfinch 5 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, in and around sunflower patch, se; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 1 (vocal – JF), n.

Lake Palmdale LACO CA 17 October 2019 (69 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy and clearing; 63F to 75F; wind W, WSW 0 – 20 mph, reaching maximum velocity by 1100 hrs. and producing whitecaps on lake.

Time: 0651-1140 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level was down about 2 ft.; no water was flowing in either the aqueduct inlet (south) or Palmdale Ditch inlet (southeast). A newly exposed mudflat and/or rocky shoreline varied in width from about two to five feet. Except for maintenance vehicles in the northeast section by the dam, the lake area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities. Several groups of duck decoys were out in front of a few western docks with blinds. Waterfowl hunting season in Southern California officially begins this weekend.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Wood Duck (2 – fos), Lesser Scaup 6 – fos), Bufflehead (7 – fos), Blue-winged Teal (2 – cont.), Merlin (1- fos), and Rock Wren (1 – fos).

BIRDS NOTED

Wood Duck 2 (m,f) both in transitional plmg. swimming then flushed near dam, se (photo – fos);

Gadwall 4 (m,f) gregarious, open water, n; American Wigeon 6 (m,f) gregarious, swimming near docks, w; Mallard 8 (m,f) pairs scattered around edges of the lake, wary and easily flushed; Blue-winged Teal 2- cont. flushed from near docks, w; Northern Pintail 1 (fem) open water, s; Green-winged Teal 6 (f, imm m) dabbling in shallows, w; open water, se; Ring-necked Duck 6 (5 m, 1 f) gregarious, open water e; Lesser Scaup 6 (4 m, 2 f) gregarious, swimming near marsh and jetty, nw (fos); Bufflehead 6 (3m, 3 f) apparently three pairs, all swimming together, open water, e (fos); Ruddy Duck 140 (m,f) gregarious, flocks scattered around the edges of the lake; California Quail 2 in rabbitbrush field near PWD back gate, n; Pied-billed Grebe 8 (ad, juv.) scattered around edges of the lake, diving; Eared Grebe 10 gregarious in a tight flock, open water, central; Western Grebe 3 (noticeably scarce at LP today) vocal, open water, n, s, se; Clark’s Grebe 30 (at least 7 young, most nearly full-grown, some staying near adults and giving repeated, high-pitched begging calls, one pair doing head-rotating courtship displays, other individuals resting in open water, vocal, ubiquitous around edges of the lake, esp. nw; Double-crested Cormorant 1 flying over lake, n; American White Pelican 4 (imm, bsc. plmg.) gregarious in open water, n; Great Blue Heron 6 wary, easily flushed from shorelines around the lake; Great Egret 12 gregarious in willows and marsh, n; Snowy Egret 1 with GREG, n; Green Heron 1 vocal in marsh, n; Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (imm, one heavily streaked and spotted and one in nearly all gray, advanced imm. plumage), n; Cooper’s Hawk 1-2 (imm) seen flying over willows,n, another imm concealed in subcanopy of willows, nw; Red-tailed Hawk 3 (2 ad, 1 imm, one dark phase, on utility pole, flying over canopy of cottonwoods, another soaring 100 ft. agl, w n, se; Merlin 1 (f) perched on snag overhanging marsh, making short flights over slough and returning to a different snag, s (photo – fos);

Sora 1 edge of marsh next to jetty, nw; American Coot 300 gregarious, ubiquitous; Killdeer 9 vocal, gregarious, on jetty and dam, nw, e; Greater Yellowlegs 2 a pair, vocal when flushed from shore of dam, e; Spotted Sandpiper 1 flushed from shore of dam, e; Wilson’s Snipe 1 flying 50 ft. agl over shore, n; California Gull 1 (ad) resting in open water, n; Eurasian Collared Dove 2 on utility line, n; Mourning Dove 4 on utility line, n, dead tree, nw; Belted Kingfisher 4 vocal, flying to exposed perches over marsh, n, w, s; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 3 vocal in cottonwoods, n, sw, se; Northern Flicker vocal (unseen) e; Black Phoebe 8 vocal, low perches around the lake, usually near water but sometimes in open fields; Say’s Phoebe 2 a pair interacting in flight, perched on parking signs at boat launch field, nw; Common Raven 6 paired, vocal, ubiquitous; Barn Swallow 2 individuals flying over marsh and lake, n, s; Oak Titmouse 1 vocal in cottonwood, s; Verdin 2 vocal, a pair flew to marsh from creosote bush patch, nw; Bushtit 5 vocal, gregarious, foraging in cottonwood canopy, sw; Rock Wren 1 vocal, flying to numerous perches on metal objects in F & F outdoor storage yard, n; Bewick’s Wren 7 vocal, individuals in brushy areas and riparian-marsh around the lake; Marsh Wren 4 vocal (calls) in marsh, w, sw, se; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 in willows with YRWA, sw; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 vocal in creosote bush patch, nw; Northern Mockingbird 2 in brush pile, joshua tree scrub, n; California Thrasher 1 foraging in dry leaf litter beneath a creosote bush, n; European Starling 6 vocal, gregarious on utility lines, n; American Pipit 1 calls (unseen) ne; Orange-crowned Warbler 3 in msf with YRWA in mulberry trees and cottonwoods, n, nw; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 25 (m, f, imm), vocal (calls) gregarious, ubiquitous, esp. in cottonwoods. Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 with YRWA in mulberry trees, n; Common Yellowthroat 10 (m,f) vocal, active in marsh-riparian and adjacent brushy fields around the lake; California Towhee 1 vocal at edge of brushy field, w; Savannah Sparrow 2 vocal calls -unseen) brushy field, n; Song Sparrow 2 vocal (calls) at edge of marsh-riparian, nw; Lincoln’s Sparrow 1 flushed from marsh into small tree, vocal (repeated alarm calls), nw; White-crowned Sparrow 30 vocal (call & song) gregarious, ubiquitous in brushy areas and adjacent riparian; Red-winged Blackbird 2 vocal in marsh, nw; Great-tailed Grackle 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious in marsh, nw, s; House Finch 20 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, utility lines and in brushy fields, n; Lesser Goldfinch 2 vocal, sunflower patch, se; House Sparrow 5 in clubhouse garden with HOFI, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO CA 10 October 2019 (68 Species)

Weather: fair; 50F to 60F; wind ESE 25 mph; whitecaps on lake.

Time: 0714-1100 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues to be at or near the maximum volume, leaving little to no exposed shoreline. The Palmdale Ditch inlet in the southeast was flowing at a comparatively low volume. Except for two maintenance vehicles (below the dam), the lake was quiet and undisturbed by human activities. Strong easterly winds appeared to decrease bird activity and my ability to find and count them.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Blue-winged Teal (2 – cont.), Northern Pintail (2 – fos), Redhead (2 – fos), Ring-necked Duck (11), Great Egret (10), Turkey Vulture (70), Sabine’s Gull (1 imm – cont.), Little Gull (1 – imm), and Cliff Swallow (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 6 (m,f) open water near dam, e; Mallard 4 (m,f) in shallows; flying, s, se; Blue-winged Teal 2 (f) a pair swimming then flushed near docks, w; Northern Shoveler 6 (m, f) gregarious, swimming in open water, n; Northern Pintail 2 (f) swimming together near marsh, se (fos); Green-winged Teal 10 (f) gregarious, swimming in channel and open water near dam, se, e; Redhead 2 (m,f) a pair in open water, e; Ring-necked Duck 11 (m,f) gregarious, open water, e; Ruddy Duck 120 (m,f) loosely gregarious, ubiquitous around edges of the lake; California Quail 10 (m,f) a vocal covey on skeet range fence line in rabbitbrush scrub; Pied-billed Grebe 8 vocal; individuals diving in open water and near marsh around the lake; Eared Grebe 6 a tight flock swimming in open water, n; Western Grebe 13 occasionally vocal (10 adults; three nearly grown young swimming near an adult, e); Clark’s Grebe 30 (ad, imm), vocal, one adult carrying young chick on back; several juveniles of different sizes swimming with and distant from adults in open water, ubiquitous, outnumbering WEGR by at least 3:1; Double-crested Cormorant 4 (ad, imm) gregarious on small islet, n; Great Blue Heron 2 vocal; flushed from marsh, n, s; Great Egret 10 gregarious, flying from tree perches at edge of slough, s; Snowy Egret 1 perched and following GREG, s; Black-crowned Night Heron 2 (imm) at edge of marsh, se; Turkey Vulture 70 (conserv. est.) in a loose flock 100 – 300 ft. agl, flying obliquely downwind from northeast to the southwest; Osprey 1 flying n over lake, nw; Red-shouldered Hawk 3 (1 imm) individuals flushed from willow and cottonwood riparian, w, s; Prairie Falcon 1 flying from lake to a perch atop a large cottonwood, se; Sora 1 vocal (unseen) in marsh, w; Common Moorhen 1 at edge of marsh next to jetty, nw; American Coot 300 (many more probably concealed in marsh during high winds), gregarious, vocal, ubiqutous around edges of the lake; Killdeer 5 vocal, gregarious, on jetty and dam, nw, e; Greater Yellowlegs 2 vocal, gregarious, flushed from water’s edge on dam, e; Spotted Sandpiper 2 individuals flushed from water’s edge on dam, e; Ring-billed Gull 2 (ad) flying low over lake, later resting in open water, n; California Gull 7 (ad, imm) gregarious, resting in open water, n; Sabine’s Gull 1 (imm. – probably a continuing bird, based on similar appearance with previous sightings here with photos), flying low over, into wind (photo); alighting in open water.

Little Gull (Hydrocoloeus minutus) 1 imm seen and photographed briefly at 0800 hrs. from bluff on north side of lake, as it flew low over the lake, struggling against a stiff wind; an immature Sabine’s Gull was in the lead, suggesting the two birds were loosely associated (first photo-documented record for LP).

Eurasian Collared Dove 2 on and around utility line, n; Mourning Dove 20 individuals, pairs and small flocks, ubiquitous; Vaux’s Swift 3 flying with BASW, upwind over lake, n; Belted Kingfisher 5 (m,f) vocal, flying over marsh, ubiquitous; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 vocal in cottonwoods, s; Northern Flicker 1 vocal (unseen) s; Black Phoebe 8 vocal; active in trees and on ground despite strong winds; Say’s Phoebe 1 on fence line next to PD inlet, se; Western Scrub-jay 1 vocal (unseen) se; Common Raven 6 gregarious, vocal, soaring over and around lake; Tree Swallow 4 flying with BASW low over lake, n; Cliff Swallow 1 (ID: white spot on forehead, light undersides; triangular wing profile, flying low with BASW over lake; Barn Swallow 40 (ad, imm) loosely gregarious, flying low into wind over lake, n; Verdin 1 vocal (unseen) se; Bushtit 20 two gregarious, vocal flocks foraging in creosote, tamarisk and juniper, n, w; Bewick’s Wren 2 vocal (scold calls), active in junipers and rabbitbrush, w, n; Hermit Thrush 1 vocal (unseen) in junipers, sw; Northern Mockingbird 1 (imm) perched atop a juniper, se; California Thrasher 1 vocal in rabbitbrush scrub, n; European Starling 4 vocal, gregarious, n; American Pipit 2 vocal when flushed from shore, e, n; Orange-crowned Warbler 20 (all appeared to be the relatively dull subspecies), gregarious, often in msf with WCSP and YRWA, ubiquitous in shrubs and trees, mostly staying low and out of the wind; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 12 (m,f) vocal (calls), loosely gregarious, foraging in shrubs and low trees throughout. Common Yellowthroat 1 vocal in marsh-riparian, nw; California Towhee 2 vocal (calls) on ground beneath rabbitbrush, ne, w; Savannah Sparrow 2 vocal (unseen) in rabbitbrush ne; Song Sparrow 1 vocal (abbreviated song) in marsh-riparian, w; Lincoln’s Sparrow 1 in juniper scrub, ne; White-crowned Sparrow 20 (ad, imm) vocal (calls and song) brushy areas throughout; Red-winged Blackbird 4 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, marsh-riparian, nw, w; Great-tailed Grackle 10 (m,f) gregarious, on jetty and in nearby marsh, nw; House Finch 2o (m,f) gregarious, vocal, often with WCSP on ground, ubiquitous; Lesser Goldfinch 8 (m,f) gregarious, vocal, feeding on sunflowers along PD, se; House Sparrow 3 on fence at edge of skeet range, n.

Lake Palmdale LACO CA 3 October 2019 (61 Species)

Weather: Fair; 50F to 74F; wind WSW 1 – 3 mph.

Time: 0715-1200 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues to be at or near the maximum, leaving little to no exposed shoreline. The Palmdale Ditch inlet in the southeast area was flowing at a comparatively low volume. The lake was quiet without any disturbance from human activities during the survey.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Ring-necked Duck (3), Long-billed Dowitcher (1), Greater Yellowlegs (1), Virginia Rail (1), Common Moorhen (1), Sabine’s Gull (1 imm – cont.?), Red-eyed Vireo ? (1 imm – see notes below), Barn Swallow (120), Northern rough-winged Swallow (1), Tree Swallow (4), and Lawrence’s Goldfinch (2).

Birds Noted

Mallard 12 (m,f) pairs around the edges of marshes throughout; Ring-necked Duck 3 (imm separate from 2 ad m) swimming near dam, e; Ruddy Duck 120 (m,f) loose flocks scattered around edges of the lake; California Quail 30 (m,f) gregarious, vocal (2-3 coveys), n, s; Pied-billed Grebe 12 vocal around edges of the lake; Western Grebe 5 (ad), individuals swimming near marsh and in open water, w, s, one chased by CLGR, nw; Clark’s Grebe 35 (ad, imm) vocal, adults single and paired, one on nest (photo), four juveniles nearly full grown, vocal and staying near adults, nw, w, s, central;

Double-crested Cormorant 1 flying around lake, alighting on solar stirrer platform, n; Great Blue Heron 3  individuals flushed from shore, n,e, ne; Great Egret 2  on shore, s, e; Green Heron 1 flushed from weedy margin of dam, e;  Black-crowned Night Heron 1 (imm) in willows, ne; Red-shouldered Hawk 3 vocal; flying over cottonwoods, sw, s, se; Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad) flying, n, s; Virginia Rail 1 calls (loud, repeated, unseen) in cattail-riparian, sw; Common Moorhen 1 (imm) foraging in shallows near dam, se; American Coot  400 (conserv. est.) gregarious, vocal, ubiquitous around edges of lake; Killdeer  7  gregarious, vocal on jetty, nw and dam, e; Greater Yellowlegs  1  bobbing, vocal, on rock at edge of dam, e (photo).

Long-billed Dowitcher 1 (imm) ID: unbarred tertials; relatively dull gray and brown dorsal plumage resting at sw edge of jetty; gave loud, shrill, three-note call when flushed (photo).

California Gull  5 (4 ad, one imm C1)  resting in open water, central; Sabine’s Gull 1 (imm) possibly a continuing bird seen at LP on 26 September, 2019 (photo).

Mourning Dove  30  gregarious, ubiquitous, especially n; Anna’s Hummingbird 2 (f) hovering around cottonwoods, nw, s; Belted Kingfisher 5 (m,f) vocal, individuals apparently setting up territories, flying, alighting on snags around edge of lake; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 4 vocal, pairs in willows and cottonwoods, sw, s; Northern (RS) Flicker 1 (imm) on outer snag of willow, w; Western Wood Pewee 1 sallying from outer snag on cottonwood, s; Black Phoebe  8 vocal, individuals in marsh-riparian and open fields around the lake; Red-eyed Vireo ? 1 (imm): ID: dark, bluish-gray crown faintly bordered by black;  long white supercilium with complete and distinct dark eyeline extending to lores; olive green colored mantle; darker primaries. The bird was observed for several minutes foraging quickly at middle to upper level of willow, captured a small, adult moth (photos). Note: Two local authorities believed this bird to be a Warbling Vireo, claiming that the bill appears too small (difficult to judge in my photos), and other plumage features. After viewing multiple online images of REVI and WAVI, nearly all of which were of adults, I am leaning in favor of the LP bird being a WAVI. However, hybrid WAVI x REVI have been documented and at least one individual shows intermediate plumage features similar to the Lake Palmdale bird. Further complications to this presumably involve considerable regional variation in vireo facial markings, e.g. extent of the eyeline and width of the supercilium; separating immature vireos can be challenging.

Western Scrub-Jay  3  vocal, in junipers and cottonwoods, w, se; Common Raven  6  vocal,  individuals and pairs flying  20 – 200 ft. a.g.l., ubiquitous; Horned Lark 5  foraging on ground in skeet range, n; Tree Swallow  4   with large flock of BASW on utility line, n; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 on utility line with BASW, n; Barn Swallow 120  (ad, imm) gregarious on utility lines, n, flying low over lake; Oak Titmouse  3 vocal in cottonwoods, se; Verdin  2  vocal in creosote bush and cottonwoods, n, nw; Bushtit  20  gregarious, vocal in cottonwood subcanopy, sometimes joined by OCWA, nw, se; Bewick’s Wren  5  vocal in shrubs and trees around the lake; House Wren 1 vocal in roadside saltbush, n; Marsh Wren  3  vocal and staying low, concealed in cattails, nw, w; Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1  vocal in cottonwood, n; American Robin  vocal (unseen) in cottonwood, n; European Starling  4  vocal, gregarious, on utility lines and poles, n; Orange-crowned Warbler 20 one rather dull yellow subspecies, often in msf with other warblers, ubiqutious in shrubs and trees; Yellow Warbler 3 (f, imm) in msf with OCWA and YRWA in cottonwoods, w, ne; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler  15 (f; imm) in msf with OCWA and YEWA in cottonwoods, nw, ne; Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 (f) foraging alone in creosote bushes, n; Common Yellowthroat 15 (m,f) vocal, often in msf with warblers and SOSP, individuals and pairs foraging in marsh-riparian and cottonwoods around the lake; Wilson’s Warbler 2 (m,f) foraging low in marsh-riparian with OCWA, w; Chipping Sparrow 2  vocal in pines, n; Savannah Sparrow 2 flushed from ground in skeet range, n; Song Sparrow 5  vocal (calls) individuals and in msf in marsh-riparian, staying on or near the ground; White-crowned Sparrow  20 (ad, imm) gregarious, vocal (calls and song), saltbush and creosote bush areas n, ne; Red-winged Blackbird 5 (m,f) gregarious, a small flock flying over marsh, nw,  one fem. foraging on sunflowers with LEGO, se; Great-tailed Grackle  5 (m,f)  vocal individuals, ubiquitous, esp. n, s; House Finch  50  (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous, esp. open fields, e.g. skeet range, n; Lesser Goldfinch  10 (m,f; imm) vocal, gregarious, foraging in shrubs and sunflowers, n, se; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 2 (imm) foraging together in marsh-riparian in cattails, w; House Sparrow  5  (m,f) vocal, gregarious in garden around clubhouse, and skeet range, n.

 

Lake Palmdale LACO CA 26 September 2019 (59 Species)

                                Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) Lake Palmdale, LACO CA 

                                                     26 September 2019   Callyn Yorke

Weather: Partly cloudy, increasing to overcast with WSW winds 10-15 mph; 66F to 70F.

Time: 0742-1155 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues to be at or near maximum, leaving little or no exposed shoreline. The Palmdale Ditch inlet in the SE corner was flowing at a relatively high rate. Little or no human disturbance occurred during the survey. A lively cohort of about twenty hatchling bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) moved quickly from wet grass into deeper water as I approached the shoreline on the west side. Presumably, these prolific, non-native frogs are attracting herons and other predators to the lake.

A recently deceased (road killed) adult Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) was found on the south side of the main road in the northwest section. Specific identification was based on the presence of enlarged internasal (snout) and frontal scales (between the supraoculars), i.e. eliminating  Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri), which is closely similar in appearance and may be sympatric with C. scutulatus in this area (see above images).

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, American Wigeon (2), Blue-winged Teal (2), Sabine’s Gull (1 imm), Vaux’s Swift (5), Downy Woodpecker (1), Bank Swallow (1), Verdin (3), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1), Cedar Waxwing (2), American Redstart (1), Savannah Sparrow (3)  and White-crowned Sparrow (10). 

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 2 (m,f)  swimming in open water near dam, e; American Wigeon 2 (trans. plmg.) swimming near docks, w (photo);

American Wigeon (Anas americana) Lake Palmdale LACO CA 26 Sept. 2019  C. Yorke

Mallard 30 (m,f) shy and easily flushed, margins of the lake; Blue-winged Teal 2 (trans. plmg.), flushed open water near docks, w (photo); 

Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) Lake Palmdale, LACO CA  26 Sept. 2019  C. Yorke 

Ruddy Duck 40 (m,f) loosely gregarious, around docks and marsh, nw, w; California Quail  vocal (unseen) w; Pied-billed Grebe 2  open water, se; Western Grebe 4  open water, w, sw; Clark’s Grebe 30 (ad; imm) ad followed closely by three young, advanced hatchling and about half-grown juveniles. another adult on nest, nw; Great Blue Heron  4  edges of the lake, shy and easily flushed; Great Egret 2 flushed from shore, w, ne; Green Heron  2 (ad)   flying  short distances (one vocalizing) in marsh, w, se; White-faced Ibis 2 (ad, imm) flushed from shore of dam, e; Cooper’s Hawk 2  one flew to middle limb of a mature willow where it remained motionless for several minutes, sw; Red-shouldered Hawk 2  vocal, flying, w, se; American Coot 200  gregarious, most staying close to marsh and easily flushed; Killdeer  7  gregarious at s end of jetty, sw; California Gull 1 resting in open water, central; Sabine’s Gull 1 (imm) circling the lake a few times, dipping and alighting on the surface, central (photo);

                         Sabine’s Gull (Xema sabini) LakePalmdale, LACO CA 26 Sept. 2019 C.Yorke  

Caspian Tern 2 (ad, imm) flying over marsh and edge of lake, w, se; Eurasian Collared Dove  4  on utility lines, n; Mourning Dove  30 gregarious, in leafless trees and on utility lines, n, nw; Vaux’s Swift 5   gregarious, flying 100- 300 ft. agl, loosely associated with TRSW, n, s; Anna’s Hummingbird  1 hovering around juniper, w; Belted Kingfisher 5 (m,f) highly vocal individuals, flying around lake, alighting on posts and in trees overhanging the water; Nuttall’s Woodpecker  3  vocal in cottonwoods, ne, nw; Downy Woodpecker 1 repeatedly vocal (unseen) in willow patch next to dock, nw; Pacific slope Flycatcher 1 in fresh bsc. plmg. sallying from lower middle level of cottonwood, nw; Black Phoebe 10 vocal, sallying from low perches, often near water, ubiquitous; Western Scrub-Jay 3  vocal in junipers, w, sw; Common Raven  8 pairs (often vocal) circling above the lake, 100- 200 ft. agl, ubiquitous; Horned Lark 5  gregarious, foraging in open field, weedy gravel patch, n; Tree Swallow 4  gregarious, circling above the lake, 75-150 ft. agl, n; Bank Swallow  1  flying 50- 80 ft. agl over open fields and marsh, n; Barn Swallow  15  flying at a variety of heights (20-100 ft. agl) over the water and shore, on power lines, ubiquitous. Oak Titmouse 2 vocal (unseen) cottonwoods, sw; Verdin  3  vocal,  individuals active in rabbitbrush and juniper, w, e; Bushtit 8  gregarious, vocal while foraging in canopy of cottonwoods, w; Bewick’s Wren 8 vocal, active in a variety of vegetation types, including riparian-marsh and juniper scrub around the lake; House Wren 1 in lower level of a willow on shore, n; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 vocal in large juniper at edge of Palmdale Ditch, se; European Starling 10 vocal, gregarious, most on utility lines, n; Cedar Waxwing 2 (possibly more) vocal in tops of cottonwoods, n; Orange-crowned Warbler  20 (2 or 3 subspecies, relatively bright plumage, e.g. lutescens, and another with gray head contrasting with greenish-yellow dorsum and pale yellow undersides; intermediate plumaged individuals also present), vocal (calls), often with other warblers, e.g. YRWA and WIWA, mostly in riparian-marsh with mature cottonwoods and willows; Yellow Warbler 2 (m,f) individuals foraging in cottonwood canopies, w, ne; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler  5 (all imm. fem. types) vocal (calls) foraging in cottonwoods and willows, n, w; Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 (m) foraging in outer foliage of a mature cottonwood, n; American Redstart 1 (imm. fem. type) foraging quickly in lower middle level of a mature willow, riparian-marsh, n; Common Yellowthroat  8 (m,f) vocal (calls) individuals and pairs foraging low in riparian-marsh around the lake, sometimes associated with BEWR, SOSP, OCWA and WIWA; Wilson’s Warbler 3 (m,f) a pair foraging near ground and water level in riparian -marsh, nw; California Towhee 1 vocal (unseen) rabbitbrush-juniper field, w; Savannah Sparrow 3  gregarious, foraging on gravel walkway by dock, w; Song Sparrow 10  vocal (calls)  individuals and pairs in dense riparian-marsh, nw, w, se; White-crowned Sparrow 10 (ad, imm) gregarious, foraging on ground beneath creosote and saltbush, nw, w, e; Red-winged Blackbird 10 (m,f) vocal, individuals and pairs in marsh, flying over shore, n, w; Great-tailed Grackle  8 (m,f; bsc. plmg.) vocal, gregarious, flying over marsh, nw, s; House Finch  50 (m,f) gregarious, vocal (calls and song) ubiquitous in open fields and edge of riparian; Lesser Goldfinch  12  (m,f) vocal, gregarious, foraging in patches of sunflowers, se; House Sparrow 5 vocal, gregarious in shrubs around clubhouse, n. 

Lake Palmdale LACO  12 September 2019 (40 Species)

Weather: Fair; 59F to 76F; wind WSW 2 mph.

Time: 0720-1030 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level continues to be high, at or near maximum volume. The Palmdale Ditch inlet was flowing at moderate volume. The survey area was quiet this morning with little or no human disturbances.

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 20 (m,f) scattered around the edges of the lake in small flocks; Cinnamon Teal  2  in flight, s; Ring-necked Duck 1 ( m, trans. plmg.) swimming near docks, w; Ruddy Duck 10 ( m,f , 2 or 3 in alt. plmg.) resting near docks, w; Pied-billed Grebe 12  individuals swimming near marsh around the lake; Western Grebe  10 (ad, imm)  vocal; pairs and individuals swimming near the marsh; one adult on a nest, nw; Clark’s Grebe  28 (ad, imm; 3 pair nesting in nw)   vocal; pairs and individuals swimming near marsh and in open water around the lake; Great Blue Heron  2  individuals in trees and on jetty, nw, ne; Great Egret  6  gregarious in trees at edge of marsh, nw,se, ne; Black-crowned night heron 1 (imm) at edge of marsh, nw; Cooper’s Hawk  1 flushed from shrubs at edge of PD inlet, se; Red-shouldered Hawk  1  flushed from riparian patch, w, another flying, calls, se; American Coot  200  gregarious, ubiquitous around margins of the lake; Killdeer  8  gregarious, vocal, on jetty and dam, nw, e; Spotted Sandpiper 5  gregarious, edge of dam and rocky shore, e, n; California Gull  4 (ad, imm) resting on lake, flying from nw; Caspian Tern 20  (ad, imm) gregarious, vocal (begging calls from young), flying around dam, se; Mourning Dove 20  individuals and small flocks around the lake; Anna’s Hummingbird 6 (m,f) hovering around cottonwoods, ubiquitous; Belted Kingfisher 4 (m,f) vocal; flying around edges of lake; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 4  (m,f) individuals calling, foraging in cottonwoods and willows around the lake; Black Phoebe  10  vocal, pairs, ubiquitous near water; Western Scrub-jay  1 vocal, s; Common Raven 8  pairs and trios soaring around the lake; Tree Swallow  2 flying over the lake, n; Barn Swallow  30  vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; Verdin  2  vocal, at edge of brushy fields, w, ne; Bushtit  12  vocal, gregarious in creosote bush and cottonwoods, w, s; Bewick’s Wren 6 vocal; ubiquitous in rabbitbrush areas and riparian edge; Marsh Wren  5  vocal in marsh, w, sw, s; European Starling 3  gregarious, on utility pole and in mulberry trees, n; Orange-crowned Warbler  10  calls; individuals and pairs foraging in cottonwoods and willows, ubiquitous; Yellow Warbler  1 (f) foraging in cottonwoods, w; Common Yellowthroat 12 (m,f)  vocal, foraging near ground and in subcanopy, ubiquitous; Wilson’s Warbler 2 (m,f) foraging in willows with OCWA, w; Song Sparrow  3  vocal (calls) marsh-riparian and rabbitbrush, nw, w; Red-winged Blackbird  10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous in riparian-marsh; Great-tailed Grackle 5 (m,f, bsc. and trans. plmg.)  vocal;  individuals scattered around riparian and marsh, nw, s; House Finch  30  (m,f) vocal, gregarious (pairs and small flocks), ubiquitous; Lesser Goldfinch 1 (m) in sunflower patch, se.

                                      

Lake Palmdale LACO CA  5 September, 2019  (51 Species)

                       Lake Palmdale viewing sw  5 September 2019   C. Yorke

Weather: Partly cloudy; 75F to 91F; wind WNW 0- 2 mph.

Time: 0700- 1030 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities. The lake water level was at or near the maximum, leaving little to no exposed shoreline. The SE Palmdale Ditch inlet flow was moderate.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Ring-necked Duck (1 -cont.), Western Grebe (12; two pair nesting); Clark’s Grebe (22; 3 pair nesting), Spotted Sandpiper (5), Pacific Slope Flycatcher (1 -FOS), Loggerhead Shrike (1), Barn Swallow (30), Verdin (2), Marsh Wren (3), Orange-crowned Warbler (5), Nashville Warbler (1), Yellow Warbler (3), Black-throated Gray Warbler (1), Common Yellowthroat (5), Wilson’s Warbler (1), and Bullock’s Oriole (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 30 (m,f) ubiquitous in small flocks around the edges of the lake; Cinnamon Teal 5 (m – trans. plmg. ,f), gregarious, open water n; Ring-necked Duck 1 -cont. (m – trans. plmg.); Ruddy Duck 5, gregarious, near docks, w; California Quail 20 (m,f) a cohesive, vocal flock flushed, n edge of skeet range; Pied-billed Grebe  5 (ad, imm) swimming near marsh, n; Western Grebe 12, vocal, gregarious (ad, imm; 2 pair nesting on floating mats; one pair with 2 young swimming alongside), nw, w;

Clark’s Grebe 22 (ad, imm; 3 pair on nesting on floating mats, nw; one adult with young on back (photo).

                    

 Clark’s Grebe with young  NW Lake Palmdale  LACO CA  5 September 2019  C Yorke

Great Blue Heron  2 (ad)  flying and standing at the edge of the lake, nw, s, e; Great Egret 4 gregarious in willows, ne; Turkey Vulture  2, gregarious, flushed from a large cottonwood in SE corner; Cooper’s Hawk  1  flying low across road, s; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) vocal, flushed from a mature cottonwood, s; American Coot 100 (conserv. est.) gregarious, vocal, ubiquitous around the margins of the lake; Killdeer 8  gregarious, vocal;  all flushed from edge of dam, e; Spotted Sandpiper  5; individuals flushed from the shore, se, n and edge of dam, e; California Gull 3 (ad) resting in open water, central; Eurasian Collared Dove  2  on utility line, n; Mourning Dove  40 gregarious, ubiquitous in open areas; Anna’s Hummingbird  10  vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous, several hawking insects by hovering around cottonwood foliage;

Belted Kingfisher  4 (m,f) vocal, ubiquitous individuals perched on limbs over the water (photo).

                                               

  Belted Kingfisher (fem) Lake Palmdale  LACO CA  5 Sept. 2019  C. Yorke

Nuttall’s Woodpecker  3 (m,f) vocal; pairs and individuals foraging in upper interior levels of cottonwood limbs, n,s; Northern Flicker 1 vocal (unseen) n; Pacific-slope Flycatcher 1 (fos) foraging in subcanopy of a cottonwood, s; Black Phoebe  10 vocal,  pairs chasing,  individuals sallying from low perches, usually near water, ubiquitous; Loggerhead Shrike 1 (ad) perched atop a cottonwood next to the dam and archery target, ne; Western Scrub-jay, 4 vocal, gregarious, w, sw; Common Raven 10 vocal, gregarious (including pairs), ubiquitous; Tree Swallow  1 flying over lake with BASW, n; Barn Swallow (ad, imm) 40  gregarious on utility lines; foraging over lake; flying to and from concrete drainage bunker colonial nest site, se; Oak Titmouse 2  vocal, cottonwoods, w, sw; Verdin  2, vocal, an individual in creosote bush and in cottonwoods, n, sw; Bushtit  12  gregarious, vocal; foraging in cottonwood subcanopy, w, sw; Bewick’s Wren  6 vocal; brushy areas and riparian-marsh edge, ubiquitous; Marsh Wren  3  vocal in dense marsh-riparian, w, sw; California Thrasher 2  vocal in brushy areas, n, w; European Starling  3  gregarious, vocal on utility line, n;

Orange-crowned Warbler 5 (2 subspp – one with gray head; others relatively dull olive green above and on sides; bright yellow split eyering, belly and undertail coverts – photo), foraging individually and in pairs, sometimes in msf with other spp, e.g. NAWA and BTGW, in cottonwoods, ubiquitous; 

                

             Orange-crowned Warbler  Lake Palmdale  LACO CA  5 Sept. 2019  C, Yorke                                               

Nashville Warbler 1  foraging in cottonwood with nearby OCWA, ne (photo).

               

          Nashville Warbler  Lake Palmdale  LACO CA  5 Sept. 2019  C. Yorke                                                  

          

Yellow Warbler  3  (m,f) vocal, individuals foraging in canopy and subcanopy of cottonwoods, n, w; Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 (m) foraging in outer, lower foliage of a cottonwood, se; Common Yellowthroat  5 (m,f) vocal; in marsh-riparian patches, nw, w, sw; Wilson’s Warbler  1 (m) foraging in canopy of a cottonwood with a YEWA, n; California Towhee  1  calls (unseen) brushy area, n; Song Sparrow  4  vocal; active but relatively secretive in marsh-riparian patches, nw, w; Red-winged Blackbird  12 (m,f) gregarious, flying over riparian-marsh, n; Great-tailed Grackle  4 (m,f; molting tail feathers), nw, s; Bullock’s Oriole  1 (fem.) in canopy of cottonwood n; House Finch  30 (m,f; ad imm)  vocal, gregarious, feeding on gravel roadway edges, ubiquitous; Lesser Goldfinch  2  flushed from sunflower patch, Palmdale Ditch, se.

Lake Palmdale, LACO CA 29 August 2019 (45 Species)

Weather: Fair; 78F to 85F; wind WSW 10 -17mph.

Time: 0702-1040 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. The survey area was quiet and undisturbed by human activities. The lake water level continues to be near the maximum volume; the Palmdale Ditch inlet was flowing moderately.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Ring-necked Duck (2), Western Grebe (14; 2 pair nesting; fledglings); Clark’s Grebe 24; 2 pair nesting), American Bittern (1), Willow Flycatcher (1), Black-throated Gray Warbler (1), and Black-headed Grosbeak (1).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 2, fem. open water, n; Mallard 30 (m,f) scattered flocks around the edges of the lake; Ring-necked Duck 2 (eclipse plmg.) swimming near dam, e; Ruddy Duck 30 (m,f; some in alt. plmg.);  resting near marsh, w; California Quail 3  brushy area, n; Pied-billed Grebe 3  hiding in or near the marsh, nw, s;

Western Grebe 14 vocal; one pair with four chicks, two carried, older ones swimming nearby; one on nest about 20m from a nesting CLGR; Clark’s Grebe 24  vocal pairs swimming near marsh, two floating platform made of an assortment of cattail stems and aquatic vegetation; nests with a single adult resting on it, occasionally visited by mate; no chicks seen; WEGR and CLGR swimming and nesting in same small area near marsh, jetty and docks, nw;

                                                                           Western Grebe (left) and Clark’s Grebe (right)  Lake Palmdale, LACO CA 29 Aug 2019  C Yorke    

   

        Western Grebe pair with chicks Lake Palmdale LACO CA 29 Aug 2019 C Yorke

American Bittern 1(imm) flying sw, low in front of docks, w; Great Blue Heron  2  edge of marsh and shore, nw, ne; Green Heron  2 (ad, imm) edge of marsh, w, s; Turkey Vulture  1 soaring at 100 ft. agl over dam, e; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 vocal, in an altercation of some kind with two BEKI, nw; Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad., light phase) soaring 200 ft. agl, w; American Coot 100 (conserv. est.) ubiquitous in shallows; Spotted Sandpiper 1 flushed from edge of dam, e; California Gull 1 (ad) flying 50 ft. agl near dam, e; Caspian Tern 1 (imm) flying with FOTE, nw; Forster’s Tern 3 ( trans alt; bsc. plmg.)  gregarious, dipping and diving in open water; Common Tern 1 (?) complete black cap; comparatively thin bill; flying with FOTE around the lake; Eurasian Collared Dove  4  pairs in cottonwoods, n, sw; Feral Rock Pigeon 1 flying over dam, e; Mourning Dove  12  gregarious, ubiquitous in open areas; Anna’s Hummingbird  6 (m,f) foraging on sunflowers, se; Selasphorus sp. 1 fem. foraging on sunflowers after ANHU had left; Belted Kingfisher 4  gregarious, vocal; chasing and interacting aggressively with a RSHA, nw; Willow Flycatcher 1 sallying from a midlevel perch in a mature black willow on the shore, n; Black Phoebe 8  sallying from low perches around the lake; Common Raven 15  vocal, gregarious; most around dam, e; Barn Swallow  30 (a few in alt. plmg; many HY and bsc. plmg.) gregarious on utility wire, n; flying around concrete box in drainage ditch (colonial nest site), se; Bushtit 12  vocal, gregarious;  two flocks, one foraging in creosote bushes, n and other in cottonwood subcanopy  se; Bewick’s Wren 6 vocal in brushy and riparian areas throughout;

California Thrasher 2 (imm; ad) a gray and light brown plumaged immature (allowed my close approach) on edge of roadway, nw, adult on ground in sage scrub, se;

                                                  California Thrasher immature (L) and adult (R) Lake Palmdale CA 29 Aug 2019 C. Yorke 

European Starling 3 in cottonwood, n; Orange-crowned Warbler 4 ubiquitous; vocal (calls) (1 gray-headed form; others with more uniform dull yellowish plumage, individuals and pairs foraging 3-15 ft. agl in willows, cottonwoods and tamarisk; Yellow Warbler 4 (m,f) vocal (calls,song) foraging in canopy of cottonwoods and willows around the lake; Black-throated Gray-Warbler 1 (f) flew to outer canopy of a cottonwood, w; Common Yellowthroat  3  vocal (unseen) marsh and riparian edge, nw,w; California Towhee 1 calls (unseen) edge of riparian-rabbitbrush, w; Song Sparrow 6  vocal; pairs at edge of marsh-riparian, nw, w; Black-headed Grosbeak 1 (f) vocal (calls) in cottonwood, w; Red-winged Blackbird 12 (m,f; some molting rectrices) gregarious; in cottonwoods and marsh, nw, w, s; Great-tailed Grackle 4 (m,f) edge of marsh, s; House Finch 30 (m,f) gregarious, vocal, ubiquitous; Lesser Goldfinch 6 (m,f) foraging on sunflowers, se and in edge of open fields with HOFI.

Lake Palmdale, LACO CA  22 August 2019 (38 Species)

Weather: Fair; 70F to 85F; wind WSW 10 mph.

Time: 0642-0930 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard, counter-clockwise route around the entire lake using the interior shoreline road. The lake water level was relatively high; inlet flow from the Palmdale Ditch (SE) was moderate. Disturbance on land around the lake edges was minimal; a PWD pontoon boat was  motoring over most of the lake during the survey.

Birds Noted

Gadwall  2  swimming together, n; Mallard 30 (m,f) ubiquitous around the edges; Cinnamon Teal 1 (m) resting in marsh, s; Ruddy Duck 10 (m,f) swimming/resting near jetty, nw; California Quail 6  flew to saltbush near jetty, nw; Pied-billed Grebe 8   individuals scattered around edges of the lake; Western Grebe 16 (a pair nesting on a mat of marsh vegetation, nw); one fem. carrying chick on back; vocal; mostly in nwc along with a nearby CLGR on nest about 15m from a WEGR nest); no interspecific pairing seen; Clark’s Grebe 20, including two nesting in nwc near jetty and marsh; not heard vocalizing; pairs swimming in open water around edges of the lake. Nests appeared essentially similar in materials and size as WEGR. Both species swimming as pairs and individuals near the marsh, nw; Great Blue Heron 2-3 (ad)  individuals flushed from marsh, nw, se, ne; Great Egret  3 (ad)  in marsh and in trees above marsh, e; Snowy Egret 1 (ad) flushed from shore, se; Green Heron 1 (imm) at edge of marsh near jetty, nw; Cooper’s Hawk 2  (ad ) flying low over riparian and dam, w, e; one landed on boulders, e side of dam, apparently searching for food; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (ad) flushed from riparian patch, nw; Red-tailed Hawk 1 (ad dark phase) on utility pole, ne; American Coot  100 (conserv. est.)  gregarious,ubiquitous, esp around edges of the lake; Killdeer 1 vocal, flushed from dam, e; Feral Rock Pigeon 1 flying over dam, e; Mourning Dove 30 gregarious, ubiquitous; Anna’s Hummingbird 2 (fem) hovering/flycatching about 8 ft agl in riparian patch; vocal, se, ne; Belted Kingfisher 2  (m, ?) vocal; flying at edge of lake, se; Nuttall’s Woodpecker  5  (m,f) gregarious, vocal pairs in cottonwoods, n, sw, ne; Olive-sided Flycatcher 1  sallying from exposed perch, 15 ft agl on outside limb of cottonwood over PD inlet, se; Black Phoebe  10  vocal; individuals scattered around lake, sallying from low perches; Say’s Phoebe  1 on barbed wire fence next to skeet range, ne; Common Raven  10  pairs and individuals flying around the lake and perched in cottonwoods; Tree Swallow 4  on outer limbs of cottonwood nest sites, s; flying over lake, ne; Barn Swallow 20  (most in bsc. plmg., including HY) on utility lines; flying over lake, n; Oak Titmouse  2 vocal (unseen) in cottonwoods, s; Bushtit 10  gregarious, vocal in cottonwood canopy, w; Bewick’s Wren  4  vocal (unseen) in junipers and rabbitbrush scrub/riparian edge, n, w, s; European Starling  4  on utility lines, n; Orange-crowned Warbler 3  gregarious; foraging in outer canopy of cottonwoods, s; Yellow Warbler 5 (m, ?) vocal; individuals in cottonwoods around the lake; Red-winged Blackbird  3 (m) gregarious; in marsh and trees overhead, nw, s; Great-tailed Grackle 12 (m,f; bsc. plmg.) vocal, gregarious, nw, s; House Finch  40 (m,f)  gregarious, ubiquitous in open fields and edge of brushy areas; Lesser Goldfinch 2  on fence at edge of skeet range, ne.

Lake Palmdale, LACO CA 18 April 2019 (51 Species)

Weather: Fair; 60F to 80F; wind WNW 2 – 5 mph.

Time: 0805-1050 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked the standard counter-clockwise route around the entire lake, primarily using the interior perimeter road. A maintenance crew was at the dam in the northeast corner; fishermen were on a dock in the western section, where I detoured onto the exterior fenceline road. Otherwise, the lake was quiet and undisturbed by human activities during my survey. Water was flowing at medium volume in the Palmdale Ditch.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Ash-throated Flycatcher ( 1 – first of the season), Yellow Warbler (10), Yellow-headed Blackbird (2 – fos) and Bullock’s Oriole (3 – fos).

BIRDS NOTED

Mallard 10 (m,f) pairs around the edges of the lake; Ring-necked Duck 1 (m) diving near shore, n; Bufflehead 13 (m,f) pairs and individuals, loosely gregarious in open water throughout; Ruddy Duck 85 (m,f) males (alt. plmg.) displaying to females; gregarious in cohesive flocks nw, s; California Quail 5 (m,f) gregarious; running across road and clearings, n; Pied-billed Grebe 3 vocal; edges of the lake, n,s; Eared Grebe 8 (alt. plmg.) gregarious; diving and swimming just below the surface, central; Clark’s Grebe 1 open water, central; Double-crested Cormorant 3 on snags and shore, n; Great Blue Heron 1 on shore, e; Great Egret 1 on shore, e; Snowy Egret 2 flying low along shore, se; Osprey 2 – one with fish, flying e over lake; American Coot 100, gregarious, ubiquitous; Killdeer 1 vocal, flying over dam, e; Spotted Sandpiper 1 flying over shore on dam, e; California Gull 70 (90 % ad; remainder C2, C3), gregarious, resting in open water, central; Eurasian Collared Dove 6 vocal pairs, riparian; Mourning Dove 20, gregarious, ubiquitous, esp. n; Anna’s Hummingbird 3 (m) on conspicuous perches, n, sw, se; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 2 , vocal in cottonwoods, n; Black Phoebe 3 sallying from perches near water, n, s; Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 vocal atop tall cottonwood, se (fos); Western Kingbird 6 vocal; loosely gregarious, n; Common Raven 10 vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous, esp. n; Tree Swallow 20 pairs in dead trees with nest holes, s, n; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4 pairs flying low over open ground, n; Cliff Swallow 2 a pair flying low over lake and marsh, n; Barn Swallow 10 gregarious; circling old nest site in concrete bunker, se; Oak Titmouse 4 vocal in cottonwoods, s; Verdin 5 vocal; pairs active in creosote bush and adjacent cottonwood, n, s; Bushtit 2 a pair on fence line, w; Bewick’s Wren 6 vocal, individuals singing atop junipers and cottonwoods, n, w; House Wren 1 vocal in cottonwoods, n; Marsh Wren 4 vocal in marsh at edge of slough, s; Northern Mockingbird 2 vocal, n, s; California Thrasher 1 vocal in junipers, nw; European Starling 2 on utility lines, n; Yellow Warbler 10 (m) vocal in cottonwoods around the lake; a pair chasing, n; Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 60 (m,f; alt. plmg.) gregarious, ubiquitous; Song Sparrow 6 vocal in riparian/marsh around the lake; White-crowned Sparrow 20 gregarious on ground in brushy areas around the lake; Western Tanager 1 (m) foraging in a fruit cluster of a Joshua Tree, n (fos); Red-winged Blackbird 30 (m,f) vocal in marshes around the lake, esp. n; Yellow-headed Blackbird 2 vocal (unseen) marsh areas, w (fos); Great-tailed Grackle 25 (m,f; alt. plmg.) males gregarious, displaying in crowns of cottonwoods, n; Brown-headed Cowbird 6 (m,f) gregarious in cottonwoods and willows near vocal YEWA and RWBL, nw, w; Bullock’s Oriole 3 (m,f) vocal in cottonwoods, n, w (fos); House Finch 15 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, ubiquitous; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 8 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, n, s; House Sparrow 2 (m) around clubhouse, n.

Lake Palmdale, LACO , CA April 11, 2019 (62 Species)

Weather: Fair; 54F to 63F; wind WNW 5 – 12 mph.

Area Covered: I walked a clockwise route around the entire lake, using the interior shoreline road. Relatively little traffic (two maintenance vehicles in the NE; two fisherman in sw) and human disturbance during the survey. Water level medium-high with little to no exposed shoreline; Palmdale Ditch inlet in NE flowing at moderately high volume.

Birds of seasonal and/or distributional interest found today included, Common Goldeneye (1 f), Red-breasted Merganser (1m), Osprey (3), Bank Swallow (1), Verdin (1), Yellow Warbler (4), Black-throated Gray Warbler (2), and Lawrence’s Goldfinch (6).

BIRDS NOTED

Gadwall 2 (f) w; Mallard 18 (m,f) scattered around the edges of the lake; Cinammon Teal 1 (m) ne; Northern Shoveler 6 (m) ne; Bufflehead 12 (m,f) pairs and individuals scattered, mostly in open water; Common Goldeneye 1 (f) swimming near dam, e; Red-breasted Merganser 1 (m) swimming on w side of jetty, nw; Ruddy Duck 120 (m,f; some in alt. plmg.) gregarious; most near marsh in backwater areas, s; California Quail 3 (m,f) brushy areas, n, ne; Pied-billed Grebe 5, vocal near marsh around the lake; Eared Grebe 5 (2 in alt. plmg.) open water throughout; Clark’s Grebe 3, vocal in open water, n; Double-crested Cormorant 4 (ad, imm) resting on shore and islets; Great Blue Heron 1 on shore, ne; Great Egret 1 on shore, ne; Snowy Egret 1 foraging in shallows, ne; Osprey 3 seen flying, loosely gregarious; one with 10 inch trout in talons; Red-tailed Hawk 2 (ad, imm) on utility poles and in canopy, nw; Sora 1 vocal (unseen) w; American Coot 100, gregarious, ubiquitous around edges of the lake; Killdeer 1 vocal; flushed from dam, e; American Avocet 1 (alt. plmg.) flushed from s end of jetty, nw; Spotted Sandpiper 2 flushed from shore and jetty, e, nw; Ring-billed Gull 2 (ad) resting in open water with CAGU, central; California Gull 80 (ad, imm) resting in open water, central; Eurasian Collared Dove 4 vocal, gregarious, n; Mourning Dove 20 gregarious, mostly n, ne; Anna’s Hummingbird 1 (f) on fence with CASJ, se; Nuttall’s Woodpecker 1 vocal (unseen) cottonwoods, n; Northern RS Flicker 3 vocal in tree tops, n, sw; Black Phoebe 3 sallying from low perch, n, s; Western Kingbird 6 vocal, gregarious in tree canopies and on utility lines, n; California Scrub-Jay 1 on fence line with ANHU, se; Common Raven 10 gregarious; flying around lake edges of lake; Tree Swallow 120; ubiquitous; at least 2 pair nesting in willow and cottonwood cavities; vocal, gregarious; many on utility lines, n; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 12 gregarious; mostly pairs flying low over open areas; perched in trees and on utility lines, n; Bank Swallow 1 with TRSW, flying and on utility line, n; Cliff Swallow 1 flying low over lake, nw; Barn Swallow 10 pairs and individuals flying low over open areas and lake, n, nw; Oak Titmouse 2 vocal in cottonwoods, s; Verdin 1 vocal flying into junipers, w; Bushtit 4 pairs in cottonwoods and understory, s, n; Bewick’s Wren 2 vocal, top of cottonwood and junipers, w; Marsh Wren 5 highly vocal in marsh lining s channel; California Thrasher 2 on fence line adjacent to skeet range, n; European Starling 1 in cottonwood, s; American Pipit 2 vocal; one landing on utility pole adjacent to skeet range, n; Orange-crowned Warbler 1 in cottonwood with YRWA, n. Yellow Warbler 4 (m) vocal in canopies of cottonwoods, n, sw. Yellow-rumped (A) Warbler 80 (m,f; alt. plmg.) vocal (calls), ubiquitous; Black-throated Gray Warbler 2 (m) foraging in creosote bushes, n; California Towhee 1 calls (unseen) shrubby roadside, n; Song Sparrow 6 vocal in riparian areas around the lake; White-crowned Sparrow 10 (ad) vocal, gregarious (pairs) in shrubby areas around the lake; Red-winged Blackbird 18 (m) vocal in marshes around the lake; Brown-headed Cowbird 4 (m,f) vocal individuals in canopies of cottonwoods around the lake with singing YEWA; House Finch 10 (m,f) vocal, gregarious, n; Lesser Goldfinch 4 vocal, gregarious, n; Lawrence’s Goldfinch 6 vocal males in pines and cottonwoods, ne, se; House Sparrow 3 around buildings, n.