STERNTANAGEH

Los Angeles Audubon Society volume 51 Number 9 June 1985

New Zealand Bird lifebyDr. Michael H. RosoveMaxine D. Wolfmay my heart always be open to littlebirds who are the secrets of living

e.e. cummings

" ew Zealand, located in the SouthPacific southeast of Australia, is faraway from the frenetic pace of the

workaday life of Los Angeles. Only the south-ern tip of South America, the subantarcticislands, Antarctica lie farther south. At 45°South latitude, the December days are longand the twilight lingers. The sun sweepsacross the North, Orion is upside down, andthe constellations and Megellanic clouds ofthe Southern hemisphere glitter on clearnights.

The country is composed of two principalislands, North and South, and several smalleroutlying islands, comprising a land massabout two-thirds that of California. It is aregion of many habitats: oceans, coasts,wetlands, rolling farmlands, subtropicalforests in the North, and dense mountainforests with breathtaking alpine scenes andglaciers in the South. Most New Zealanderslive in or near several main cities, includingWellington, Auckland, Christchurch, andDunedin, leaving large tracts of agricul-turally productive, sparsely populated land,and substantial tracts of native unspoiledbush. There are 3 million people, 60 millionsheep, and billions of birds.

New Zealanders are so friendly andextend themselves so naturally that theAmerican traveler is immediately taken in bytheir warmth. All the more so for the visitingbirder; New Zealanders have a strong con-sciousness of their birds, as there are nonative mammals. Native birds are protected,a different species is depicted on each cur-rency denomination, many New Zealandersknow their birdlife well, and, of course, theyrefer to themselves affectionately as Kiwis.Environmental issues have become asimportant and familiar to New Zealanders asthey are to us in the United States.

Fantail

While the main purpose of our four weekvacation in New Zealand last December wasto be together and "get away from it all," ourbinoculars were packed into our bags assurely as our clothing and toothbrushes. Wereturned from New Zealand refreshed andwith indelible memories. The birds stole abit of our hearts, and we would like to sharesome ways to enhance your birding enjoy-ment in this land "down under."

For starters, the essential field guide is TheNew Guide to the Birds of New Zealand, byR.A. Falla, R.B. Simpson, and E.G. Turbott(Collins, Auckland and London, 1983, 8vo,247 pp., 48 color plates plus additional illus-trations, NZ $20). This superb and indispen-sible guide is sanctioned by the OrnithologicalSociety of New Zealand. It contains full des-criptions of the 315 species recorded in NewZealand since the last century. It is exhaus-

Illustration by Maxine Wolf

tively comprehensive. For example, the Huiais given full treatment although the bird hasnot been recorded alive since 1907. It is cau-tiously "presumed extinct." (Maybe you willbe its rediscoverer.) The circumpolarEmperor Penguin is similarly treated becauseone bird came ashore in 1967. A new compre-hensive book in large format has just beenreleased under the title of Complete Book ofNew Zealand Birds edited by C.J.R. Robertsonwith 77 contributors (Reader's Digest, Sidney,1985, 319 pp, 330 color photos). This book isthe very latest standard reference work and ishighly recommended. We recommend twoadditional items to those interested in beauti-fully made, high quality books. One is NewZealand Birds, by W.Jacob, D. Braithwaite, D.Hadden, and J. Warham (Kowhai PublishingLtd., Christchurch and Auckland, 1983,4to, IIIpp., 125 color photographs, NZ $20). This is a

June '85

collection of stunning photographs by someof New Zealand's best known bird photo-graphers, with good habitat descriptions. Theother is Buller's Birds of New Zealand, editedby E.G. Turbott (Whitcoulls Publishers, Christ-church, Sydney, and London, 1982, folio, 261pp., 48 color plates, in slip case, NZ $75). Thisbook is a handsomely made reproduction of AHistory of the Birds of New Zealand, originallypublished in 1888, a collaboration betweenthe great ornithologist Sir Walter Lawry Bullerand artist E.G. Keulemans. Many of the origi-nal writings, and all of the original plates arereproduced with high quality. You may findthese books at Whitcoulls, on Queens Street,in Auckland, and at many other book stores.

On the naming of birds, many native birdshave retained their Maori names. In general,the accent is on the-first syllable. Most Maorinames are onomatopoetic for the birds' calls.We were intrigued by this cultural difference,as most English names describe how a birdlooks or behaves.

Once you arrive in New Zealand, you willfind myriads of flying creatures inhabiting theroadsides, especially in rural areas. The birddensity is so high in some places that it isnearly impossible to avoid accidents betweenbird and auto. Several times our inner peacewas terribly disturbed as the result of unin-tended collisions. Among the rural roadsideand park birds, non-native species of Euro-pean origin are the Mallard, Rock Dove, Sta-rling, Song Thrush, Blackbird (a thrush),Skylark, Hedge "Sparrow", House Sparrow,Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Yellowhammer, Green-finch, and Redpoll. Other non-native birds arethe Indian Myna (North Island only) and twoAustralian Bell-Magpies, the White-backed(widespread), and the Black-backed (locallycommon — look hard in the Hawkes Bay areaof the North Island). Seven natives are theGrey Duck; the Weka, a flightless rail to befound near South Island forests; the Pukeko,another rail found in swampy or moister areasof both islands; the Harrier, usually seen soar-ing overhead or picking at carrion; the NewZealand Falcon, a hilly back country inhabit-ant, and quite rare; the welcome Swallow,self-introduced from Australia several decadesago; and the New Zealand Pipit, whose colora-tion and body habits are virtually identical tothe Skylark. In fact, differentiation is often dif-ficult and frustrating. It is easy to say a bird isaSkylark when the bird shows its slight crest, orflies into a wind, stationary above the ground,singing and trilling neurotically and seem-ingly without end. It is more difficult to say it isa pipit. Just hope to catch one land on theground with its distinctive behavior, severalbobs of the tail. Most will go undifferentiated— we called these "pi-larks"! The Greenfinchand Hedge "Sparrow" are uncommon. Lookfor both in the botanical gardens in Christ-church and for the Greenfinch in the park inQueenstown. The Redpoll is tougher still —good luck.

Low tide exposes broad expanses of beachand mudflats often abutting on mangroves orleading to inland waters. It is not surprisingthat these environments host a remarkablenumber of bird species. The Auckland envir-ons, Bay of Islands, and Firth of Thames aregood examples in the North Island; the OtagoPeninsula and Lake Ellesmere are exampleson the South Island. One may expect to seeseveral shag species, the White-faced and ReefHerons, New Zealand Scaup, Mallard andGrey duck, Variable (Black) and SouthernPied Oystercatchers. Pied Stilt, Spur-wingedPlover, and New Zealand Kingsfisher in manylocales. Several places deserve specialmention.

The Firth of Thames is an enormous seainlet, largely surrounded by land. Be sure tovisit Miranda at high tide. The area is host to-common coastal species, the Knot and Bar-tailed Godwit, and numerous migrants. Manyof the century's rarest sightings have beenmade here. To those especially interested inshore birds, this is paradise.

You must not miss the Australian Gannetcolony at Cape Kidnappers (North Island,near Napier) during the breeding seasonwhich begins in October. These large, geor-geously colored birds of six-foot wingspan areperhaps the most majestic birds in the coastalwaters. This is the only mainland-based col-ony in the world. Call ahead by telephone toobtain tide information, as the beach is impas-sable at high tide. From the road end, there isa beautiful and leisurely five mile (each way)beach and overland walk to the nestinggrounds. You may approach the colonies

Australian gannets at Cape Kidnappers

within yards and see the birds nest building,egg warming, chick rearing, searching forfood, preening, and nuzzling.

The 50 square mile Otago Peninsula nearDunedin is a must. Even those uninterested inbirds will be taken by the environment — bayshore on one side, open sea with beautifulbeaches and steep cliffs on the other, rollinggrassy hills, and forests. Visit the Royal Alba-tross colony at the far end of the peninsula.The colony is fenced off and protected. Ticketreservations must be obtained from theGovernment Tourist Bureau in Dunedin. Thiswill probably be your only chance to viewthese enormous oceanic birds in NewZealand.

While driving to the colony, look for a signfor Penguin Place, turn off to the farm house,and obtain a key (for a nominal charge) topass through the locked gate a hundred or soyards from the albatross colony.

At the far end there is a beach overlookwhere Yellow-eyed Pengunis may be found.While on the peninsula, take a side trip toAllen's Beach. The beach is an unspoiledbeauty — a walk to the south end will bringyou to another Yellow-eyed Penguin colony.We fought a fresh gale and rain storm to getthere. But it was no matter to the birds. Obli-vious to the weather, they rode the wave andwaddled ashore to their nests in shrubberyadjacent to the beach.

New Zealand is well endowed with shags,and you may expect to see many including thePied, Black, Little, and Little Black varieties.Two additional species may be found on theOtago Peninsula. There is a large, impossible-

June '85

to-miss Stewart Island Shag breeding colonyat the albatross colony. While at PenguinPlace, walk past the designated seal area andnote the Spotted Shag colony on the rockycliffs. Among the shags, the Spotted has partic-ulary beautiful plumage.

Lake Ellesmere, about 40 miles from Christ-church, is another vast wetland environment,and common species, migrants, and acciden-tals may be found. At the lake edge at GreenFlat Huts resides an enormous Black Swancolony. We counted about 750 birds. Thenight time sights of these elegant birds flyingthrough moonlight, and of adult pairs, cygnetsclose by, paddling on the lake, were inspiringand serene.

The forests are quintessential New Zealand.We relished every moment spent in theseunspoiled, canopied hideaways. The forestsbecome more and more beautiful the farthersouth one goes, culminating in Mt. Aspiringand Fiordland National Parks. The first birdsare all native, and are the New Zealanders'pride. Rightfully so! Each one is a jewel. Thirtyodd species reside in forests and closely adja-cent habitats. The most widespread and com-mon are the Wood Pigeon; Kea; Morepork (anowl); Fantail, Tomtit, and Robin (flycatchers);Silvereye; Grey Warbler; and Bellbird and Tui(honeyeaters). The rest are uncommon andrequire special efforts... and luck.

Spotted shags on the Otago Peninsula

Without Fantails, the world would be apoorer place. These tame creatures are sixinches in length, of which over half is tail.They follow you along a trail because yourwalking stirs up insects. One will squeak andtwitter from its perch 8 to 10 feet off theground, eying you amicably. Then it shiftsside to side, tail slightly cocked and folded, ittwitters some more, and then splendidly dis-plays its twelve tail feathers in a radiallystripped fan. Suddenly the bird flies from itsperch, engages in phenomenal aerobatics as itfeeds on small flies and gnats, and just assuddenly returns to its perch. We only grew tolove them more and more as we enjoyedthem playing, flitting, flying, and being.

The Bellbird and Tui produce the mostcharacteristic daytime sounds of the forest.Their voices are at one moment liquid song,then a croak, a knock at the door, a grunt, or asniff. The precise fine tuning of bell-like

sounds is indescribable. Captain Cook andBuller marvelled at these birds. So did we!

The New Zealand Wood Pigeon is strikingfor its enormous size (20 inches in length)and brilliant, forest-tone plumage. Itlumbers through tree foliage and flies withpowerful wing beats audible at considerabledistances. Tree branches sway upon its land-ing. It is the Boeing 747 of the forest.

The Kea is a drab olive-green parrot withscarlet-orange underwings and rump, and islimited to mountain areas of the SouthIsland. You don't have to go out looking forthem. They will find you. They are cheekyrascals and enjoy tearing at unguarded softitems such as shoes and automobile uphols-tery. Their bills are like can openers, formid-able indeed. The closely related Kaka tendsto limit itself to forests away from settle-ments. The largest psittacine is the Kakapo,the green "parrot-owl" that has lost its abilityto fly against gravity (glides down, walksup). It is extremely rare, inhabiting steepcanyon ravines at Milford Sound, not accessi-ble to the public except by special arrange-ment. Inquire at Fiordland National Parkheadquarters at Te Anau in advance.

Three native parakeets are found on themain islands, but are scarce. A convenientplace to find the Yellow-crowned Parakeet isin the forest across the lake from Te Anau.With some luck, binoculars peering into theupper canopy, flashes of green may be seenpassing through the foliage. Lake Rotoroa isan outstanding forest and lake birding area.The other two Parakeets, the Red-crowned

A Kea waits for an unattended, open vehicle

and Orange-fronted, are in the vicinity. Inaddition, the Fernbird (a warbler) resides inthe swamp adjacent to the lake on the trail toBraeburn Falls. Grey Ducks, Paradise Shel-ducks, Bellbirds, Tuis, Tomtits, Fantails,Grey Warblers, and Robins are here in abun-dance. But so are mosquitoes and sandflies.Lake Rotoroa is famous for them. Take itfrom us, proper clothing and insect repellentare essential!

Four more warblers are difficult to find.The Whitehead is limited to forests in thesouthern part of the North Island. The BrownCreeper, Yellowhead, and Chatham IslandWarbler (very scarce) reside in South Islandforests. Two endemic cuckoos specialize inparasitizing warblers' nests. Thus the Shin-ing Cuckoo is found where Grey Warblersare, and the Long-tailed Cuckoo whereWhiteheads, Yellowheads, and BrownCreepers are.

Three wrens comprise a family (Acanthi-sittidae) unique to New Zealand. Only theRifleman, New Zealand's smallest bird atthree inches in length, is considered com-mon. Nevertheless, we were giving up hopethat we would glimpse this bird at all. Thensome high pitched cheeps in the forest at theGates of Haast drew our attention to a familyunit actively passing through the bush, feed-ing on insects in bark crevices. Look for therare Rock Wren in the subalpine scrub Fiord-land. The Bush Wren is extremely rare.

Three wattle-birds comprise another fam-ily (Callaeidae) unique to New Zealand. TheHuia is likely extinct, the Saddleback

June '85

extremely rare, and the Kokako scarce butpresent in numerous places on the NorthIsland (see Falla et al for details). TheKokako, a classic bird with dark blue-grayplumage and blue wattles, is worth finding.The male's morning song, reminiscent of anorgan, has been regarded the most rapturoussound of the forest.

The Takahe is a richly colored, flightlessrail that was considered extinct until it wasrediscovered in 1948. About 200 birds live inthe tussock grasslands of the MurchisonMtns. in Fiordland. Access to the area is gen-erally prohibited to protect the birds fromintrusion.

Last and certainly not least, the Kiwi needsno description. Birds of three species arenow fairly numerous throughout forest areason both islands. Nevertheless, very few NewZealanders have seen Kiwi in its natural habi-tat, owing to the nocturnal and extremelyreclusive habits of these flighless creatures.We were undaunted by the unfavorableodds, and inquired at the Waitangi PineForest ranger headquarters (near Paihia, Bayof Islands), a Brown Kiwi research center.Having obtained entry permission, we pro-ceeded deep into the forest at nightfall. Itwas raining (the birds remain in their bur-rows under these circumstances). At 1:00A.M., the rain stopped and the birds began tocall, one every few minutes from many direc-tions. If the Bellbird and Tui are the voices ofthe forest by day, then the Kiwi rules bynight. Its call is eerie and plaintive. Dutifully,we sat on the damp forest floor for threehours, flashlight ready, waiting for a bird towalk by sniffing amongst the fallen pineneedles. In the end, at least our ears were

Magnificent alpine scenery in Fiordland

rewarded, though not our eyes. Fortunately,we had the satisfaction of our effort, forannoying insect bites and our physicalexhaution were with us for quite a few days.

To conclude, a few odds and ends. TheEastern Rosella, an introduced Australianparakeet and certainly one of the most daz-

zlingly colorful in the world, is doing well innumerous North Island locales. We foundthem on the outskirts of Auckland via Tit-irangi to Parau. Some reside along the roadto the beach at Parau. The beach itself is abeautiful coastal mangrove area with numer-ous shore species

If you have time, arrange a trip to KapitiIsland (northwest ofWellington) through theforestry service. It is a wildlife bird reserveabundant in forest and shore species. At Oka-rito (near Westland National Park) are RoyalSpoonbill and White Heron Colonies in akahikatea swamp. Fiordland Crested and Lit-tle Blue Penguins may be seen in MilfordSound. Those interested in walking the fourday, 33 mile Milford Track in Fiordland,dubbed "the finest walk in the world," shouldplan to make reservations a year in advance.Contact New Zealand consulate in LosAngeles.

Some birding purists may scorn the notionof bird exhibits. But several are noteworthy.Kiwis can be viewed at the Kiwi House inOtorohanga. While in Te Anau, visit the WildBird Preserve; represented are a pair ofTakahes and all of the native psittacinesexcept the Kakapo. There is the outstandingand complete preserved collection of NewZealand birds in the Canterbury Museum inChristchurch.

We hope you make it to New Zealand someday. When you do, have a great time, and say"Hi" to the Fantails for us!

June '85

From TheEditorby Fred Heath

B ecause this is a jam-packed 12page issue, I don't have to spend alot of words to fill up the empty

space. I am thrilled to have an article fromDorothy Dimsdale who had been a regularcontributor to the Tanagennd was one of mypersonal favorite writers. I always enjoyed herpoking fun at the supposedly serious expert/lister side of birding. Unfortunately the cur-rent piece is a little less humerous than herother works. I was hoping to reproduce herx-ray to go along with the article, but luckilyfor all of you the lack of space has stopped mylack of good taste.

Don't let this issue fool you. I am still verylow on material. There is enough to completethe July-August issue, but that's it. So pleasesend those articles, suggestions or even nastyletters to the editor, Fred Heath, P.O. Box5036, Chatsworth, CA 91311.

PELAGIC TRIPS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10th: Shearwater andJaeger Trip, Santa Barbara Island and out tosea. Depart 6 a.m., return 6 p.m. Leaders: Bruce

.Broadbooks and Kimball Garrett. Price: $24per person.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22: Red-billed Tropic-bird Trip, San Clemente Island. Depart 6:00a.m., return 6 p.m. Leaders: Richard Websterand Louis Bevier. Price: $24 per person.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5: Tropicbird and Storm-Petrel Trip, out to sea towards Santa BarbaraIsland. Depart 6:00 a.m., return 6 p.m. Leaders:Herb Clarke, Larry Norrls. Price: $24 perperson.

Expected Species on Summer Fall Trips: Pink-footed, Sooty and Black vented Shearwaters, Black,Ashy and Least Storm-Petrels, Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers, Sabine's Gull, Arctic Tern, Xantus'Murrelet (Aug.), Craveri's Murrelet, Cassin'sAuklet.

Other Possibilities and Rarities seen on PreviousTrips: Flesh-footed and Buller's Shearwaters,Leach's and Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrels, Red-billed Tropicbird (Sept. and Oct.), Red Phala-rope, Long-tailed Jaeger and South Polar Skua.

All trips are on the Vantuna, leaving from theUSC Docks at Fish Harbor, Seaside Ave. on Ter-minal Island, across the Vincent Thomas Bridgefrom San Pedro. There are 38 spaces, plus 2 forleaders. Remember: If possible, you should getyour reservations in at least 4 weeks before tripdate. (See Reservation Policy on Calendar Page).

The President's CornerBob Shanman

B elive it or not, I'm still here, eventhough my monthly writings havebeen absent for some time. But

taking care of a "bird on the nest" hasproven to be more time-consuming than weever imagined. (For those of you who havenot heard, our little hatchling, Derek Jacob,increased the Chapter's membership by oneon Nov. 6, 1984!) All kidding aside, this is mylast column as President, and I look forwardto June with mixed emotions.

The past 5 years on the Board, and the past3 as President, have been very rewarding andeducational for me. I have seen LAAS func-tion, survive adversity (the fire), grow, sup-port major environmental programs, andgenerally to serve its members and the envir-onmental community as a leader. None ofthis happens as the result of any one individ-ual. It takes a lot of work by many to keepthis organization going. I heartily recom-mend that any of you who have some timetry to get involved. The leaders of this chap-ter are an excellent group of people to workwith and for.

Almost 3 years ago I asked the Board tosupport getting National Audubon involvedin the Ballona Wetlands project, with thehope that National could be involved withthe restoration project. At that time, I did noteven dream of the final of this effort. Justbefore the banquet this year, John Borne-man of National informed me that two yearsof sometimes very difficult negotiations hadbeen completed, and that National andSumma had signed the agreement to makeNational responsible for the restoration pro-ject, and ultimately to be the owner andoperator of the restored wetlands. Summawill fund the project, and National will havea major sanctuary and educational facilityhere in Los Angeles. This is a unique oppor-tunity for the National Audubon Society tohave a very visible and positive presence inthe Los Angeles Basin.

I would like to thank everyone on theBoard for their support these past threeyears. Even more so, I would like toacknowledge the work of those silent indi-viduals with whom I have had very littlecontact. A hearty thanks for a job well doneto those volunteers who come in even' day,week after week to keep the chapter going.

The chapter had embarked on two veryexciting new projects. We have had two verysuccessful seminars, and plan to make this aregular activity. Gerry Maisel has volun-teered to take on this responsibility, and isbeginning to organize the next one, to begiven this fall by Jon Winters on the GreatGrey Owl. Details will follow in theTanager.

More recently, the Board has voted toestablish the Los Angeles Audubon SocietyResearch Awards. This program will be usedto fund research by southern Californiabirders and ornithologists. The Awards fund-ing has been seeded with a major donationfrom the estate of Bob Johnson, a formermember who passed away from cancer inDecember 1983. Proceeds from the sale ofLAAS T-shirts and sweatshirts will be addedto the fund. We are seeking corporate dona-tions, and donations to this project may bemade directly by interested individuals.Sharon Milder is handling this project andwill be publishing more information aboutapplication and proposal requirements infuture issues of the Tanager.

The chapter will continue to support theMono Lake lawsuit. LAAS is a plaintiff, andwas the precipitator for National's involve-ment in the case. As always, support for theCondor program continues to be strong. Weare still helping to fund the Research Centerthrough the annual fund raising campaignand other sources. In the last 5 years, theprogram has received over $25,000 in sup-port from LAAS through our members,grants, and chapter funding.

The LAAS "Peregrine Project" on BoneyRidge has been reasonable success, and weare currently working with with the SantaCruz Predatory Bird Research Center on thisyear's program. If eggs are available, we willbe supporting a release either on BoneyRidge, or one of the Channel Islands. Amajor corporate donation has been given tothe Center and will be used to supplementour funding for the project this year.

Well, it is time to say so long, but notgoodbye. The Ballona walks will continue,and I will move into the position of Execu-tive Past President on the Board. The best ofluck to our new President, Ken Kendig andhis new Board. And finally, thanks to all ofyou out there. I don't always express it, butyour efforts and support over the past threeyears have really been rewarding and appre-ciated. See you all soon.

Illustration by K. Jollie

June '85

Summer Birding Doldrums?Wanda Conway,Field Trip Chairman

Wonder where to bird now that springmigration has passed and it's gottenhot? It's time to visit the mountains

or go to sea!While the Angeles National Forest which

includes Switzer, Charlton, Chilaeo, Buck-horn, Table Mountain, Jackson Lake andCamp Sycamore are favorite localities formountain birds, you might consider a trek tothe Los Padres National Forest to see theCalifornia Condor. (For more specifics orderthe Tanager articles on the San Gabriels inthe August and September 78 issues or thearticle on Switzer in the February 78 issue; allby Jean Brandt. Send $1 and SASE to LAAS foreach article).

The Condor is practically a sure bet if youplan a full day at the Mil Portrero sign insummer. Go north on Fwy. 5 and take theFrazier Park exit. Go west to the junction ofCuddy Valley Rd. and Mil Portrero. Followthe latter to the sign "Leaving Los PadresN.F." where you will find some friendly col-lege students working on the Condor survey.Do take plenty of liquids, lunch, some shadeand perhaps a beach chair and be preparedto wait. If you get a very early start (and arethere near sunrise especially in earlysummer) stop at the Tecuya Mt. Speedwaysign about 6V2 miles in from the freeway andlisten for the song of the Black-Chinned Spar-row in the mesquite on either side of theroad. Also stop at the Cuddy Valley/Mil Por-trero junction to search for Lazuli Bunting,Brewers, Sage and Vesper Sparrows andacross the street in the tall pines look forPygmy Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Stellar Jayand White-headed Woodpecker. If you havemore time, Fir Ridge Rd., Iris Meadows andMt. Pinos are good spots to look for thefollowing: Fox Sparrow, Green-tailedTowhee, Clark's Nutcracker, Mt. Bluebird,Williamson's Sapsucker, and in June, Calli-ope Hummingbird. For more specifics,order the Western Tanagerjune 1976 article,"Birding at Mt. Pinos" by Jean Brandt for $1and SASE from LAAS.

Regularly scheduled morning birdwalksthrough the summer are listed below, thelast two are sponsored by the Santa MonicaMountains Task Force.

David White's monthly walk is through thevery diversified habitats of Whittier NarrowsRegional Park. Some really great birds havebeen found in the river channel, willows,lakes and fields. It is worth the outing on thechance of seeing the Least Bittern that breedthere. Look for numerous others fromTowhees and Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers toWarbling Vireo, Western Flycatcher, warblersGoldfinches, Herons, Kingfisher, Herons,raptors and introduced Cardinals. On rareoccasions the Chat and Wood Stork havebeen seen. (See Calendar page for dates anddirections.)

Topanga State Park is the sight of GerryHaigh's monthly walk. Meet at 8 a.m. the firstSunday of each month. In these oak mea-dows, pond, and woodlands overlooking thevalley and sea, look for nesting Warblers andBlue-Gray Gnatcatcher, a variety of chaparralbirds, Black-headed Grosbeaks, WesternBluebirds, Warbling Vireo, Flycatchers, Rap-tors and perhaps a Lazuli Bunting or even aDusky Flycatcher. From Topanga CanyonBlvd. take a very sharp east turn uphill onEntrada Rd. (7 miles from Ventura Fwy. and 1mile north of Topanga Village.) Keep bear-ing left on Entrada at various roadforks toparking lot ($2 fee) at end.

Wayne and Judy Moore (347-0915) lead abeginner's walk through the Malibu CreekState Park the third Sunday of each month.This former movie ranch has oak woodlands,a stream and lake. Look for Goldfinches,Towhees, Western Bluebirds, Warblers,Vireos, Flycatchers, Phainopepla and a var-iety of raptors among others. Meet at theparking lot ($2 fee) at 7 a.m. in summer (8a.m. otherwise) 200 yards south of Mulhol-land Drive off the the Las Virgines/MalibuCanyon Rd., Malibu.

A trip to the Salton Sea can be memorablein many ways! The temptation of possiblyseeing Wood Storks, Fulvous WhistlingDucks, Gull-billed Terns, Stilt Sandpipers,Laughing and Yellow-footed Gulls and irreg-ular strays of Magnificent Frigatebirds,Roseate Spoonbills and even Boobies a fewyears ago, is high for those able to overlookthe probable temperatures of over 110° andthe stench of dead fish. One Audubon groupdoes a very long day trip annually for veryhardy souls in mid-August, aptly named "TheInsane Jaunt to the Salton Sea!"

My recommendation for those wishing totemper the heat a bit would be to start bird-ing the north end after the peak of the heat(3-30ish), work your way down the variousstops on the east side staying overnight inBrawley or El Centro (air-conditioned andpool of course), then start birding at thecrack of dawn the following day on the west

side, allowing a drive home in your air-conditioned car during mid-day. For moredetailed info, refer to Jean Brandt's "Birdingat the Salton Sea" and/or "The Salton Sea —A Chronicle of the Seasons" by Jon Dunn,both from the Jan-Feb. 77 Western Tanager.(To order from LAAS, send SASE and $1 perarticle by check).

Closer to home, The Santa Monica Moun-tains National Recreation Area has an exten-sive program to bring you closer to nature,through various walks and seminars (includ-ing Birds of the Santa Monicas by KimballGarrett). Their brochure comes out too lateto be timely for this article, but may beobtained by calling 818-888-3770 or writingSMMNRA, 22900 Ventura Blvd., Suite 140,Woodland Hills, 91364.

Several groups including SMMNRA andthe Santa Monica Audubon sponsor a weeklytaped message of events for the L.A. Area.One week included among other items, anAudubon outing to Butterbredt Springs, anEntomology class, Antelope Valley wild-flower information and a Bluegrass MusicFestival. Phone 213-477-2153.

You want to see some seabirds and can'tgo on on one of LA.A.S.'s great pelagicsscheduled by Phil Sayre? One option wouldbe to take a natural history trip sponsored byThe Nature Conservancy to Santa Cruz Islandwhose leader is familiar with birds. The tripsrun 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. You should be in goodphysical condition — able to move from askiff to a rocky shore and manage a fairlystrenuous 1V2 mile hike. Wear good hikingshoes and dress in layers as it is usually quitecold at sea. The island will be warmer andyou may wish to swim during the y-h to 4hours ashore. In addition to bathing suit orshorts, bring suntan lotion and hat. Takeyour own food and water. There are no facili-ties on the island. Maximum 35 participants:$28 for TNC members and $35 for non-members. (For more information, contactDiane, The Nature Conservancy, (805-962-9111) 213 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara93101.)

Ventura trips, on June 8, June 30, July 14and August 10 are reserved through IslandPackers 805-642-1393. Go north on Fwy. 101beyond Oxnard. Take the Victoria Ave., exit;go left under the freeway approximately 1mile to Olivas Park Dr. and go right; continuethrough intersection which becomes Spin-naker Drive to 1867. (Follow signs to Chan-nel Island National Park Headquarters. Thedisplays there are also worth your while.)

Santa Barbara trips on June 22, July 27,August 25 are handled by Sea Landing, 805-963-3564 for reservations. Take Fwy. 101 toCastillo exit; go south to Cabrillo Blvd. andturn left to Bath St. Landing at foot of Bath.

If your schedule doesn't jibe with thepelagics listed and you're desperate to geton the water, see the next page for a list oftour or fishing boats off Southern California.

Best wishes for a great summer and greatbirding!

June '85

California Pelagics — Resource ListLos Angeles Audubon— several trips each year from San Pedro(Sat. Aug. 10, Sun. Sept. 22, Sat. Oct. 5)Audubon House,7377 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A 90046Attn: Ruth Lohr Reservations

Western Field Ornithologistsfew trips annually from San Diego(Sat. Sept. 7)Ginger Johnson,4637 Del Mar Ave., San Diego 92107

Flite Guide Tours —some San Diego tripsClaude Edwards,2932 Greyling Drive, San Diego 92123

Shearwater Journeys —numerous trips from MontereyDebra Love Shearwater,221 Claudius Dr., Aptos 95003

Wings, Inc. — several a year fromMonterey Bay (8/2, 10/8)Box 889, Northeast Harbor, Maine 04662

Oceanic Society Expeditions —Farallon Islands fm. S.F. & Santa Cruzfm. Ventura Fort Mason Center, Bldg. E.San Francisco 94123

Golden Gate Audubon — trips fromSan Francisco2718 Telegraph Ave, #206, Berkeley 94705

Santa Barbara Audubon —occasional trip from Santa Barbara or Ventura,300 N. Los Carneros Rd, Goleta 93117

Morro Coast Audubon — occasional tripfrom Morro Bay, Los Osos, 93442

The Nature Conservancy — several naturetrips yearly from Ventura & Santa Barbara213 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara 93101Attn: Diane

Cabrillo Marine Museum Volunteers —several nature trips a year, some to islands3720 Stephen White Dr., San Pedro 90731

(213)876-0202

(619) 223-7985

(619) 279-8171

(408) 688-1990

(207) 276-5077

(415) 441-1106; (415) 474-3385

(415) 843-2222

(805)964-1468

(805) 528-7182; (805) 544-1777

(805) 962-9111

(213) 548-7562

Tips for pelagic participants:

1. Dress in several layers year around as a breeze off the water can be VERYCOLD. Don't forget gloves, warm cap, non-skid footgear, visor, sun lotion andwaterproof outer layer of clothing.

2. Eat a good breakfast, though not too heavy or greasy. Take lunch. Sodacrackers, bagels etc. and lemon-lime type drinks are great for queasy tummies!

3. Consider taking Marazine or comparable motion-sickness medication beforetrip or you may wish to have your M.D. prescribe the newTransvaalD earpatches. Many swear by them!

4. Take popcorn for chum; LOTS if you're a lone birder on a tour boat.

Compiled by Wanda Conway, LA.AS. 4/85

Pelagic Possibilities in Southern CaliforniaThe following take groups out regularly for whale-watching (Jan.-April), fishing off-coast or island tours, etc. Usually no experiencedbirder is available, but its water transportation if you're really anxiousto find some seabirds. Do check ahead and make reservations ashours, days, charges etc. vary considerably. They may also require aminimum number of reservations before going out. You may also wishto check their destination (preferably with the Captain if a fishingboat) as to whether they will be going out to sea or just following thecoast, though many a good alcid, grebe or gull has been seen aroundthe breakwater

Los Angeles AreaRedondo Sport Fishing Pier,

233 No. Harbor, Redondo Beach 90277

Capt. Frenchy's Happy Man,Pier 52, Fiji Way, Marina Del Rev

San Pedro:Catalina Cruises, Catalina Terminal

(213) 372-2111

(213)882-3625

(213) 514-3838(213) 755-6111;(714) 527-7111(213) 547-9916(213) 831-1073(213) 831-0996(213) 832-8304

(213)434-6781

(213) 432-8993

(714) 673-1434; (714) 673-5245

Ports O' Call Sportfishing, Berth 79Ports O' Call Village, Berth W33Village Boat House, Village SkytowerSkipper's 22nd St. Landing, 141 W. 22nd St.

Long BeachBelmont Pier Sportfishing,

Ocean Blvd., at Termino Ave.Queen's Warf Sportfishing,

Berth 55, Pico Ave.Orange CountyDavey's Locker,

Balboa Pavilion, Newport Beach

Dana PointDana Wharf Sportfishing (714) 496-5794Orange County Marine Institute (714) 831-3850; (714) 831-4646

San Diego CountyMunicipal Pier at Emerson & Scott St.

between Harbor & Shelter IslandsH&MLanding (619)222-1144Fisherman's Landing (619) 222-0391

Municipal Pier at Pt. LomaH & M Landing (to Coronodo Islands) (619) 222-1144Sportfishing's Sundown Cruises (619) 223-1627

Seaport Cruises — Sherator Harbor I. (619) 234-4383or Marina at Embarcadero

Invader Cruises — (619) 298-8066

Embarcadero on Harbor Dr., Pier B.

Mission Bay — Islandia Sportfishing, (619) 222-1164

1551 W. Mission Bay Dr.Mission Bay — Seaforth Sportfishing, (619) 224-3383

1717 Quivera Rd.

Oceanside — Helgren's Sportfishing (619) 722-2133

Oxnard — Cisco Sportfishing, (800) 322-3474; (805) 985-85114151 S. Victoria Ave.

Ventura — Island Packers, (805) 642-1393; (805) 642-33701867 Spinnaker Dr. 93001

Santa Barbara — Sea Landing, (805) 963-3564Cabrillo at Bath 93101

Compiled by Wanda Conway, LA.AS. 4/85

Recommended Reference: "Birds of Monterey Bay, California" by R. StallcupAlso helpful: "Seabirds" by Harrison, "Gulls" by Grant, and "Birds of SouthernCalifornia, Status & Distribution" by Garrett & Dunn. All available from IAASAudubon House.

June '85

Mycobacterium Avium Pneumonia'stry Dorothy Dimsdale

T he splendid title of this article re-fers to what is more commonlyknown as avian tuberculosis. Some

time ago this disease came to public noticewhen a severe outbreak on the east coast ofthe U.S. killed thousands of chickens. Tragicthough it was, it was understood that therewas no danger to humans.

Simply explained, the bacteria of avian t,b.live in the feces of birds, and if inhaled, caninvade the lungs where they take hold and, ifleft untreated, can be fatal.

The chances of humans getting this diseaseare almost nil. I say 'almost' because for thepast eighteen months I have been battlingwith it. I have yet to meet or hear of anyoneelse who has had it, but it is possible that aperson with an interest in birds could bemore susceptible.

There were no symptons — at least in mycase. Just a change in my annual lung X-raywhich showed a strange white lacy patterndeveloping. At first there's a novelty in findingthat no one can diagnose one's X-ray, thenone begins to feel distinctly alone. Finally,after many tests, a bronchoscopy showed pos-itively that I had contracted aviantuberculosis.

The treatment is worse than the disease. Asit is to rare, there hasn't been a great deal ofresearch to find a simple cure, so the medi-cine consists of frequent large and powerfuldoses which can have numerous side effects,though after a time these become tolerable.It's at this point that it would be a relief todiscuss symptoms and possible progress withanother who has the same problem. Fortu-nately, it's not contagious so that last year,though pretty dreary, wasn't dreary enough toprevent me from birding at Point Pelee andalso in Alaska. I'm firmly convinced that a lifebird or two will cure anything!

This somewhat cheerless piece is written toissue a small warning. I had no idea of whereor how I could have inhaled these bacteria —I have never, as far as I know, immersed mynose in or near bird droppings of any kind. Ihave never had any curiosity about bird fecesin general — except to remove them from mypatio.

This fall, doing my usual removal of oldbird nests from the hanging baskets in theatrium and various spots round the roof of thehouse, I realized that they sometimes took abit of pushing with a broom handle. Somecame apart as I removed them, thereby show-ering dust from the nest down close to myface and hair. As I quickly moved out of theway, I realized that this was how I could havecaught the disease in the first place. It's cer-tainly possible. So to those of you who enjoyexamining old nests, I urge you to take carewhen handling them. To those who removebird feces from your environs, do not scrape

or brush them up, but rather use warm waterand wash them away.

Avian t.b. isn't quickly diagnosed becauseit's one of the last things one's doctor will belooking for. They checked me for all sorts ofghastly ailments so that when I finally foundthat I had something for which there is acure — however long and tedious — I wasgrateful.

Finally, my medication is being reducedand in time I should be back to normal.There will be a scar on the lungs, but that'sall.

My advice is to have regular X-rays andavoid contact with bird droppings and birdnests, unless taking precautions not toinhale. For myself, this disease has servedsimply to rekindle my disinterest in feces asa whole.

April Field TripLime Kiln Creek ParkCaryol Smith

This seldom-used canyon park proved,again, to be an ideal outing. The morningstarted off with a good group of birders (28,slightly overcast skies followed by sunshine,and high expectations.

The "bird of the day" was easily the Town-send's Solitare. It sat patiently waiting to beidentified (with its Mockingbird stance) as itwas scoped by several birders in the group.

The warbler population seemed to be fewthis day, as there were no sightings of theBlack-throated Gray, Orange-crowned orWilsons that were seen earlier in the week.However, we did see several Yellowthroatand many Yellow-rumped in beautifulspring plummage.

It was a good day for Hummers in the area,as Anna's, Costa's and Black-chinned wereoften sighted. The Rufous seen a week ear-lier was no where to be found. In very plainview was a female Anna's sitting on her tinynest. That was a special treat, and we thankDavid for pointing this out to us.

The water area to the south of the park hasalmost disappeared but did produce LeastSandpipers, Killdeer, Water Pipit and manyRedwinged Blackbirds.

All these plus Northern Oriole, Black-headed Grosbeak, Cedar Waxwings, Law-rence, American and Lesser Goldfinches,Pine Siskins, Chipping, Golden-crowned,Lark and Lincoln Sparrows and many moregave us a total for the day of 50 species.

Official LA Audubon ShirtsAt long last due to the persistence of our Educa-

tion Chairperson, Sharon Milder, we now have onsale at Audubon House the Official Los AngelesShirts. The design is from a specially commis-sioned painting by Jonathan Alderfer, the illustra-tor of the upcoming Jon Dunn-Kimball GarrettIdentification Notes book. The black and white

illustration on this page doesn't begin to do thefull-color rendering of a male Western Tanagerjustice. There are both T-shirts at $9.95 and sweat-shirts at $16.95 made of the finest material knownto man. The shirts are in your choice of SnowyEgret White or Clark's Nutcracker Gray.

Official LA Audubon Society ShirtIllustration by Jonathan Alderfer

^°cfubon Society

June '85

ConservationConversation

by Sandy Wohlgemuth

A re environmentalist alarmists? Dowe scream too easily and too long?Do we protest too much? Do we

make mountains out of molehills? Are weafflicted with environmental paranoia? Ourcritics nod their head vigorously. They checkoff "Yes" to all of the above. Why are they soenthusiastic? Because, in one way oranother, we tread on powerful toes. We wantto change things. We challenge the way it'salways been done in these here parts,stranger. (Full speed ahead on renewablesolar energy rather then nearly total relianceon oil, coal and uranium.) Contrariwise, wealso want to keep things the way they are.(Clear air at Bryce Canyon rather than smokeplumes from mining operations.) We arecommitted to saving endangered species,which means saving wetlands and wilder-ness from heedless development. And devel-opment is where the big bucks are.

Yes, sometimes we go off the deep end ofthe emotional swimming pool and hollerprematurely. Sometimes we may lose per-spective and forget that there are other legiti-mate views beside our own, that compromisemay be more productive than confrontation.Sometimes we may appear to be holier thanthou. But these are the exceptions. The envir-onmental movement is no longer in its ado-lescence. Its leaders are dedicated and matureprofessionals. They have access to scientificinformation and the expertise to use itappropriately. Perhaps of greatest importanceis the knowledge that they are speaking forthe great majority who have said in poll afterpoll that they want a healthy and beautifulenvironment and are willing to pay for it.

Rachel Carson was called an alarmist, a hys-terical troublemaker when she warned ofenvironment disaster in "Silent Spring." Thatwas in 1951. It wasn't until 1972 that DDT wasbanned in the United States. Who was right,the environmentalist or the chemical companies that pooh-poohed her? The forests andthe lakes in Germany, Scandinavia and thenortheastern United States are dying from theeffects of acid rain. Sulfur from smokestackindustries in our Midwest, swept eastward byprevailing winds, has been fingered as theculprit in environmental losses in Canada aswell as New England. Canada has taken stepsto reduce emissions from its own industriesand power plants by 50% and for years hasbeen trying to convince the United States todo likewise. The Prime Minister and the Presi-dent met a short time ago and the Canadianleader (as had his predecessor) urgently

called for U.S. action. Mr. Reagan repeated thefamiliar American response: more research.To reduce sulfur and nitrogen emissions is anexpensive proposition and certainly shouldnot be undertaken lightly. But to do nothing,while more of our lakes and forests succumbis unconscionable.

For twenty years scientists have been awareof the phenomenon of acid rain. In the last tenyears, conservative, unflappable bodies likethe National Academy of Sciences, theNational Governors Association and (the Rea-gan) White House Office of Science and Tech-nology have viewed with alarm the threat ofacid deposition. The National Clean Air Coali-tion, composed of all the prominent environ-mental organizations — plus the AmericanLung Association, the United Steelworkersand the League of Women Voters — hasattacked the stalling tactics of the Administra-tion and its transparent intent to gut the CleanAir Act. In 1980, Governor James Rhodes ofOhio (one of the industrial states mostresponsible for the creation of acid rain) wasforced by public outcry to form a scientifictask force to evaluate the problem. At thesame time he smeared the "no-growth envir-onmentalists" who had "latched on to acidrain as a rallying cry for a new wave of environ-mental hysteria." In April this year, PublicBroadcasting's prestigious "Nova" televisionseries had a vivid program on acid rain. Metic-ulously even-handed in its treatment, the pro-gram presented a devasting, gut-wrenchingillustration of the effects of acid rain on ourlakes and forests and wildlife. If he could hearGovernor Rhodes' words after viewing"Nova", a fair-minded observer could readilydecide who was hysterical.

In 1970, Congress authorized the construc-tion of a breeder reactor at the Clinch River inTennessee. This was to be the first of a newgeneration of nuclear power plants thatwould miraculously produce more fuel than itconsumed. We would have an inexhaustiblesupply of power that would solve all ourenergy problems. Environmentalists werehorrified. The dangers of nuclear reactorswould pale beside the breeder that producedplutonium, one of the most dangerous ele-ments in the world. The safety problems werefar more complex than those of existinguranium-based plants. Only 12 lbs of pluto-nium are needed for a Negasaki-size bomb.The fear of unstable nations or terroristsreceiving "diverted" plutonium was so greatthat President Carter in 1977 postponed con-struction of the breeder indefinitely.

The National Resources Defense Council, asplendid organization of scientists and envir-onmental lawyers, led the opposition toClinch River with a lawsuit in 1971. Congresscontinued to vote more money for what oneopponent called "a technological black hole— swallowing up huge sums, but yieldingvirtually nothing in return." Twelve years afterauthorization, ground was broken and theactual work was begun. NRDC and other envir-onmental groups held on grimly through oneclose congressional vote after another. As theoriginal $400 million estimate was dwarfed bythe project's over-runs, more allies joined theopposition. Eventually the utility industryitself began to get cold feet and the Wall StreetJournal and even the Heritage Foundation (aconservative think-tank) came out against thebreeder. Congress finally killed it in 1983- For$8 billion the American taxpayer bought asadly mangled bit of woodland along a Ten-nessee river.

And so it goes. Alarmists, emotional hyster-ics? As that nearly-forgotten pragmatic politi-cian, Al Smith, was fond of saying, "Let's lookat the record."

10 June '85

Birds Of The Seasonby Hal Baxter

andKimball Garrett

Three exceptional birds made bird-watching headlines in late Marchand April; each was accompanied

by its own set of problems. The problemwith the Flame-colored Tanager wassimply that it was nearly 600 miles away, inthe South Fork of Cave Creek Canyon in theChiricahua Mountains, Arizona. The bird(also known as the "Stripe-backed" or"Streak-backed" Tanager) was discovered byBob Morse of nearby Portal, Arizona on 11April, and seen by numerous bird listers overthe next several days; it was thought to be animmature male, paler and more orange thanadult males portrayed in the field guides.The species is found through most of thehighlands of Middle America, north to Son-ora and Chihuahua, but had not been pre-viously reported north of the Mexicanborder.

The problem with the Baikal Teal, foundat Unit One of the Salton Sea National Wild-life Refuge on 31 March (Guy McCaskie andJerry Oldenettel), was in its genes. All whostudied the bird felt that it was "mostly" aBaikal, but details of the facial pattern, suchas the position of the green stripe, were trou-blesome and it was widely concludedrepresented a cross between Baikal Teal andanother species of duck. The "impurity" ofthis individual might also raise questions asto its origin, since innumerable bizarre pair-ings have been perpetrated among captivewaterfowl; however, occasional hybridiza-tion, even between distantly related species,is noted in wild duck populations, and itwould be premature to reject this record aspertaining to an escapee simply because itappeared to be a hybrid. There are severalprevious California records for Baikal Teal,all apparently of "pure" birds and most sub-stantiated by specimens. The wild origin ofthese birds has been debated over the years.

The third "problem" bird was the Com-mon Black-Hawk discovered at ThousandPalms Oasis in the Coachella Valley by LorenHays and Brian Daniels on the morning of 13April. The bird was a lot closer to home thanthe Flame-colored Tanager, and thereshould be no questions about its identifica-tion (pending acceptance of the documenta-tion by the California Bird Records Committee)or its origin (the species has been consi-dered long overdue, in fact, to reach Califor-nia as a genuine stray). Alas, the problemwith the Common Black-Hawk was that itdidn't bother to stick around. It was seen

disappearing as a speck to the north a coupleof hours after it was studied in the trees ofthe oasis. Observers looking for the birdlater that day and the following day weredisappointed. While this would represent afirst record for California, it should bepointed out that an individual has beenrecorded for six consecutive springs in theBill Williams River delta, only a few milesinto Arizona from the California border.

On to more mundane (but never uninter-esting!) birds... Every spring and fall a fewvery large flocks of American White Peli-cans are noted migrating between winter-ing areas and Great Basin Breeding lakes. On5 April Chuck Miller of the L.A. CountyMuseum of Natural History witnessed some1000 birds flying northward over Desert HotSprings. Coastally, Brant may be seenmigrating past coastal promontories fromlate March through mid-May, with flocks ofseveral hundred to over a thousand oftennoted (these birds winter primarily in themajor estuaries of Baja California). But asmall proportion of Brant also migratethrough the interior, as Henry Childs' sight-ing of nine flying west through San Gorgo-nio Pass on 28 March attests. A lingeringOldsquaw was at King Harbor, RedondoBeach, on 30 March (Hal Spear), and latefemale Black Scoter was at the mouth ofBig Sycamore Creek near Pt. Mugu on 21April (Kimball Garrett).

Late Merlins were in Arcadia on 22 March(Barbara Cohen) and at the south end of theSalton Sea on 1 April (Jon Dunn; of the racerichardsont).

Major movements of a number of shore-bird species took place in April, as expected.Some 100 alternate plumaged Dunlin, com-plete with reddish backs and black bellypatches, were studied on Fred Heath's 14April L.A.A.S. trip to the Piute Ponds onEdwards Air Force Base. Large flocks ofWestern Sandpipers, totalling some 1000birds, were migrating past Pt. Dume on 20April (Kimball Garrett and Jonathan Alderfer)A flock of 122 migrant Surfbirds was at themouth of the Santa Ana River on 4 April(Loren Hays), and small flocks were notedelsewhere away from normal wintering areas(e.g. at Malibu Lagoon). Seventeen StiltSandpipers were counted at Unit One,south end of the Salton Sea, on 1 April (BruceBroadbooks et at). Unusual were two BlackOystercatchers at Malibu Lagoon on 6April (Lynn Seno and Judy Chovan).

Numbers of Black Skimmers at BolsaChica continued to rise, with 46 birdscounted on 5 April (Loren Hays). Loren alsohad 22 Elegant Terns at the mouth of theSanta Ana River on 27 March, a time periodwhen this species is normally not encoun-tered north of its breeding areas in San DiegoCounty. It would seem that well protectedand managed coastal lagoons north of SanDiego Bay have potential as tern andskimmer breeding sites.

Observers who spend time covering thevarious ranchyards in the Antelope Valleyhave undoubtedly noticed the fluctuationsin the numbers of Common Barn-Owls.There seems to be a trend toward the estab-lishment of Great Horned Owls at many of

11 June '85

the ranchyards which formerly harboredonly barn-owls; it is clear that these two spe-cies do not coexist well, and severalobservers have commented on the absenceor scarcity of barn-owls at ranches that nowhave Great Horneds. Do Great Horneds preydirectly on barn-owls? This is a question forbirders visiting the Antelope Valley to inves-tigate. It should also be pointed out that,whether due to changing livestock/agricul-tural practices or to strict economics, most ofthe frequently birded ranchyards in the Lan-caster area are now without water. Some ofthe groves of trees (such as at well-worked"110th East and Avenue J") have beenremoved altogether. Birding itineraries inthis area will certainly be changing over thenext few years.

The telltale wing trilling of a male Broad-tailed Hummingbird at Bob's Gap, nearValyermo, revealed the first local record ofthis species in several years (Kimball Garrett,14 April). The most recent report of a Lewis'Woodpecker was from Covington Park,Morongo Valley, on 27 March (KentRodecap). A female Yellow-bellied Sap-sucker of the race varius was present atSantiago Park 10-31 March (Doug Willick)was clearly wintering locally, and the winter-ing bird at the Arcadia aboretum was presentto at least 7 April (Barbara Cohen). However,a single bird at Linda Mia Ranch east of Lan-caster (Phil Sayre, 7 April) was a springmigrant.

A lingering Varied Thrush was in Wilder-ness Park, Arcadia, on 12 April (VirginiaEscher). Wandering Townsend's Soli-taires visited Bea Gordon's yard in Pasadena(25 March) and Barbara Elliott's yard inMalibu (30 March). A vigorously singingGray Vireo was patrolling the brushy hil-lside at Bob's Gap, near Valyermo, on 14April (Kimball Garrett), but the bird couldnot be located on subsequent visits (as of 24April). This species has summered at thislocality in recent years (the species' onlystation in Los Angeles County). A SolitaryVireo of the race plumbeus was in HillcrestPark, Fullerton, on 17 March (Doug Willick).Huntington Beach Central Park's winteringBlack-and white Warbler was present toat least 5 April (Brian Daniels and LorenHays), and its Tennessee Warbler stayedthrough at least 6 April.

A White-throated Sparrow stopped bythe Shanmans' yard in Manhattan Beach on 8April; there are very few coastal records ofspring migrants of this species, though it ispossible that this bird may have winteredlocally, Sage Sparrows (of the coastal racebelli), Black-chinned Sparrows, Rufous-crowned Sparrows and Lazuli Buntingswere all singing (the last species abund-antly) in burned over chaparral at CastroCrest in Malibu (at the end of Corral CanyonRoad) on 20 April (Kimball Garrett and Jona-than Alderfer). Costa's Hummingbirdswere also common in this area, forming part

of an avifauna that is distinctly different fromthat encountered in similar but unburnedtracts of chaparral in the Santa Monica Moun-tains. A Sage Sparrow at the arboretum inArcadia on 25 March was a migrant at anunusual locality (Barbara Cohen). Smallnumbers of Red Crossbills continued to bereported through the end of March, e.g. threeat Covington Park, Morongo Valley, on 22March (David Grindell), and five at SantiagoPark, Santa Ana, on 30 March (Brian Danielsand Curtis Marantz).

June is the peak of the breeding season forour montane species, and the dedicatedbirders among you will be conducting U.S.Fish and Wildlife Breeding Bird Surveys inthe mountain and foothill regions in late Mayand early June. These standardized surveysprovide an index of bird abundance which,when repeated annually for many years,serves as a measuring stick of bird popula-tions in a variety of habitat types. Even if youare not taking part in so rigorous a survey,you should bear in mind that many parts ofour mountains still remain poorly knownornithologically. Nearly every summerbreeding range extensions of montane birdspecies are recorded in southern California,and in any case information on populationsizes and habitats of our less common mon-tane species is always valuable. Standardmontane birding trips in June might includeMt. Pinos, Buckhorn Flat (San Gabriels), theBig Bear and Baldwin Lake areas (San Ber-nardinos), and the Idyllwild and Pine Coveareas of the San Jacinto Mountains. Weencourage you, however, to also explorethose less traveled mountain roads andtrails, and to report, ideally to your AmericanBirds regional editor or county coordinator,your results.

Send any interesting bird observations to:Hal Baxter

1821 Highland Oaks DriveArcadia, CA 91006

Phone # (818) 355-6300

EDITOR Fred Heath

DESIGN etc. graphics inc.

PRINTER Artisan Press

CONSERVATION EDITOR Sandy Wohlgemuth

ORNITHOLOGY CONSULTANT Kimball Garrett

Published ten times a year by the Los AngelesAudubon Society, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd., Los

Angeles, CA 90046.

PRESIDENT Bob Shanman

1st VICE PRESIDENT Ellsworth Kendig

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Marge Wohlgemuth

Audubon membership (local and national) is$30 per year (individual), $38 (family), $18(student), $21 (senior citizen) or $23 (seniorcitizen family) including AUDUBON Magazineand THE WESTERN TANAGER. To join, makechecks payable to the National Audubon Society,and send them to Audubon House at the aboveaddress. Members wishing to receive the TAN-AGER by first class mail must send checks for $5to Los Angeles Audubon Society.

Subscription to THE WESTERN TANAGERseparately are $8 per year (Bulk Rate) or $13(First Class, mailed in an envelope). To sub-scribe, make checks payable to Los AngelesAudubon Society.

©LA Audubon 1985

Los Angeles Audubon Headquarters, Library,Bookstore and Nature Museum are locatedat Audubon House, Plummer Park, 7377Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046.Telephone: (213) 876-0202. Hours: 10-3,Tuesday through Saturday.

Renew YourMembership ThroughLAAS

When you receive your annual renewalnotice from National Audubon, we stronglyurge that you complete the form and send italong with your dues check to AudubonHouse rather than directly to NationalAudubon. National has been having difficul-ties with the data processing firm handlingmembership. This has led to may errors inchapter records across the country, includ-ing ours. It has also resulted in some of ourmembers missing issues of the WESTERNTANAGER. By sending your renewal directlyto us, many of the problems should beavoided.

Before forwarding your renewal to Nation-al, we will photocopy your form and check,and make sure that our records are current.By renewing through L.A. Audubon you willbe sure not to miss any issues of the TAN-AGER. We will also be able to confirm thatNational has placed you in the correctmembership category.

We care about your membership, and arewilling to make this extra effort to serve youbetter.

^CALENDARCALL THE TAPE!

Before setting out for any field trip, call theAudubon Bird Tape, (213) 874-1318 for specialinstructions or last minute changes that may haveoccurred by the Thursday before the trip.

FIELD TRIPS

Please refer to interior article on page 6"Summer Birding" for unlisted specifics.

SUNDAY, JUNE 2 - Topanga State Park withGerry Haigh

SATURDAY, JUNE 8 — Santa Cruz Island

SUNDAY, JUNE 16 — Malibu Creek State Parkwith Wayne & Judy Moore

SATURDAY, JUNE 22 — Whittier NarrowsRegional Park with David White. Meet at 8a.m. at the Nature Center, 1000 Durfee Ave., So. ElMonte, near crossing of freeways 60 and 605. (12miles from downtown L.A.)

SATURDAY, JUNE 22 — Santa Cruz Island

SUNDAY, JUNE 23 — Charlton Flat to Buck-horn. Meet Fred Heath at 7:30 a.m. at theentrance to Charlton Flat picnic area, along theAngeles Crest Hwy. above La Canada. Montanebreeding birds may be seen in the San GabrielMtns. include Mountain Quail, White-headedWoodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker. Bring lunch.Those wishing to carpool may meet just north ofthe 210 Fwy. at the Angeles Crest exit, being pre-pared to leave that point at 6:45 a.m.

SUNDAY, JUNE 30 - Santa Cruz Island

FORTHCOMING TRIPS

SUNDAY, JULY 21 — Whittiers Narrows —David White

SUNDAY, JULY 21 — Western Screech OwlSearch — Paul Fox

SUNDAY, JULY 28 — Mt. Pinos —Jean Brandt

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 — Whittiers Narrows— David White

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 — UCLA Botanical Gardens— Shirley Rubin

RESERVATION TRIPS

WEEKEND, June 29-30 —Join this perenniallypopular trip to see a great diveristy of species infour distinctly different habitats of the KernRiver/Greenhorn Mt. Area with Bob Barnes.Some of the possibilities are: Summer Tanager,Indigo Bunting, Blue Grouse, Pinyon Jay, GrayFlycatcher, Williamson' Sapsucker. Local leaderBob Barnes has birded this area over 12 years andprobably knows the regions' birdlife and theirsecret haunts best. $20/person. Max. 20.

WEEKEND, JULY 13-14 — See an exciting diver-sity of plants, animals and birdlife while exploringthe eastern Sierra from Mono Lake to TiogaPass. Easy hiking, spectacular mountain viewsand flower displays in addition to looking forLewis' Woodpecker, Pinyon Jay, Gray Flycatcherand others. Local leader David Gaines is theoriginal spokeman and prime mover in the exten-sive Mono Lake efforts in addition to authoring"Birds of the Yosemite Sierra, a Distributional Sur-vey." $20/person.

FRIDAY EVENING/SATURDAY, AUGUST 16-17 Shorebird Seminar and Field Study withJohn Dunn. A slide show lecture will be held inthe San Fernando Valley in preparaton for a day offield study, location dependant on water levels formaximum number of shorebirds. Plumage will becarefully studied to differentiate juveniles fromadults and various differences in peeps and othershorebirds. The approach will be gradual andbeginners are encouraged. Lots of time will bespent looking for individual birds. Expect to bequizzed. Do wear shorts and expect to get wet andmuddy. The experience is meant to be fun as wellas instructive. Dunn has particular expertize withshorebirds, is a professional bird tour learder, wasthe major consultant of the National Geographic's"Birds of North America," and co-author of both"Birds of So. Calif., Status and Distribution," andthe forthcoming "Field Identification of DifficultSpecies." $25/person. Max. 20.

PELAGIC TRIPSsee page 5

Los Angeles Audubon Society7377 Santa Monica Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90046

Non-profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 26974Los Angeles, CA

RESERVATION POLICY AND PROCEDURE:

Reservations will be accepted ONLY if ALL thefollowing information is supplied: (1) Trip desired;(2) Names of people in your party; (3) Phonenumbers-(a) usual and (b) evening before event,in case of emergency cancellation; (4) Separatecheck (no cash please) to LAAS for exact amountfor each trip; (5) Self-addressed stamped enve-lope for confirmation and associated trip informa-tion. Send to: Reservations Chairman Ruth Lohr,LAAS, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA90046.

If there is insufficient response, the trip will becancelled two weeks prior to the scheduled date(4 weeks for pelagics) and you will be so notifedand your fee returned. Your cancellation duringthat time will bring a refund only if there is a paidreplacement.

If you desire to carpool to an event, Ms. Lohr(usually in office on Tuesday) can provide infor-mation for you to make contact and possiblearrangements.

EVENING MEETINGS

TUESDAY, JUNE 11 — 8 p.m. Plummer Park.The Range of Light. A musical interpretation ofthe Sierra Nevada. Slides taken over the last 20years by Jim Long with musical accompanimentto portray the spirit of the range as reflectd in thewritings and philosophy of John Muir.

CARPOOLING: As conservationists, let'stry to reduce gas consumption and air pol-lution whenever possible. In sharing costs,remember that a typical car journey costs20* a mile.