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Volume 71 Number 4 March/April 2005 Los Angeles Audubon Society

Extinction at Our Doorstep:What Happened to the Island Loggerhead Shrike?

by Hartmut S. Walter, Ph.D

Most certainly the readers of thispublication care deeply aboutbirds. Worldwide, the survival

of an ever increasing number of bird taxais threatened and many valid and oftensuccessful attempts have been made tostern this extinction tide. Conservationefforts have been aided by the fact thatbirds are-by far-the best known group oforganisms on the globe, thanks to thededication and talents of ornithologistsand a multitude of birders around theworld. It may therefore surprise you tolearn that hardly anything is knownabout a unique but rapidly vanishing birdpopulation that lives within a 100 mileradius off the coast of Los Angeles. Infact, the few knowledgeable experts ofthis population agree that there are atmost only 50 100 birds left in 2005.Extinction appears imminent yet there isno species inventory and norecovery plan. How can this bewhen state and federal govern-ment agencies spend millionsof dollars on well known,much beloved, and yet moreabundant species? The answerto this question takes us backinto the 19th century, to modemgenetics, to island geography,as well as to current conserva-tion policy issues affecting theChannel Islands.

The somewhat complicatedstory of an overlooked endemicsubspecies concerns a smallbreeding population of the

familiar Loggerhead Shrike on three of thenorthern Channel Islands, Santa Cruz,Santa Rosa, and Santa Catalina. Thispopulation comprises the endemic IslandShrike Lanius ludovicianus anthonyi thatwas described as distinct from Californiamainland shrikes in 1898 by Dr. EdgarAlexander Mearns (1856-1916), a surgeonand naturalist to the US and MexicanBoundary Commission. He named thissubspecies (type specimen from SantaCruz Island) after one of the great westernnaturalists at the turn of the century,Alfred Webster Anthony (1865-1939), aprofessional mining engineer and keenisland naturalist in the eastern Pacific.Originally, the range of this new sub-species extended south to San ClementeIsland but that island's population waslater separated from L. I. anthonyi asL. I. meamsi by Ridgway in 1903.

Museum specimen o/'L. 1. anthonyi from Santa Rosa Island(Courtesy Santa Barbara Museum Natural History)

In general, the shrikes from theChannel Islands have a somewhat darkerplumage than the nearest mainlandsubspecies L. I. gambeli. Recent measure-ments of morphological characters show,however, that we cannot clearly separatethe San Clemente birds by their appear-ance alone from their conspecifics onSanta Catalina, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa.But a new and careful DNA analysis byUC San Diego scientists appears toconfirm the presence of three isolated andwell differentiated island populations andone mainland metapopulation stretchingfrom San Diego to the Vandenbwg AirForce Base in northern Santa BarbaraCounty (see map). When mitochondrialDNA haplotypes of breeding birds arebeing compared, the birds from the twonorthern islands (Santa Rosa and SantaCruz) possess only haplotype B and

show "significant differencesfrom all other populations"(Eggert, L. S., N. I. Mundy &D. S. Woodruff. 2004. Molec-ular Ecology 13:2121-2133).Birds from San Clemente andfrom Santa Catalina are alsodifferent from the mainland;they possess either haplo-types A and B or A, B, and Crespectively, indicating a lowlevel of gene flow fromneighboring populations. Asecond analysis of sevenpolymorphic microsatelliteloci by the same team offersadditional evidence that the

Vandenburg AFB

SanMiguel

/ ^ - ' -Santa ( Q \SantaRosa V y Cruz

LosAngeles

0Perris

D A

119* 118'

Map qfmlDNA liaphiype distribution among breeding Loggerhead Shrike populations insouthern California. Modified from Eggcrt el al. 2004.

anthonyi birds from the two northernislands constitute a distinct populationthat is unusually well differentiatedgenetically. In plain language, anthonyi isa well defined subspecies or evolutionaryunit that meets all the prerequisites forprotection and recovery efforts under theEndangered Species Act (ESA).

The San Clemente Island populationL. I. mearnsi has been under strongextinction stress for many years due tosevere habitat degradation and introducedmammalian predators, particularly cats.The wild population had declined to wellbelow 50 adults by the mid 1990s. TheU.S. Navy-which owns the island-iscurrently funding and supporting a costly,elaborate, and impressive state-of-the-arthabitat restoration and shrike conservationand captive breeding project for this feder-ally endangered subspecies (listed in 1977).

Until recently, Santa Catalina Islandrecorded more shrikes than the othernorthern islands. In 1996, the Institutefor Wildlife Studies surveyed circa 30%of the island and observed eleven adultshrikes and located four nests. In 1998, asurvey team of 15 observers spent some196 hours (June 2-4) to locate a total of27 shrikes (13 adults estimated). EarlierChristmas Bird Counts conductedbetween 1988 and 1997 yielded from 1-11birds per count. Since then, casual obser-vations have shown a critical decline tojust a few adults. Although a single

individual had been seen once on SantaBarbara Island and a nest had been foundon Anacapa, only Santa Rosa and SantaCruz have additional breeding populationsof the L. I. anthonyi subspecies today.

Population trends for Santa RosaIsland indicate a "fairly common" oreven "abundant" bird between 1892 and1968. But bird counts between 1994 and1998 (Fancy, unpubl.) yielded only 1-3birds/year. The current estimate is for notmore than four probable pairs and amaximum of 10 potential pairs in suitablecanyon habitats.

Santa Cruz Island has a slightly dif-ferent history. The shrike was considered"fairly common" in 1897, "decidedlyrare" in the vicinity of Prisoner's Harborby Howell in 1917, and still "fairly com-mon" by Grinnell & Miller (1944).Nobody has yet completed a thorough oreven casual study or survey of this islandpopulation. My own recollections goback to 1972. At that time a few shrikeswere annually seen on fences in variouspails of the island. Some of these locationsdo not have shrikes anymore. Over thelast fifteen years, 1 have kept notes andnever seen more than four adults duringa 3-4 day visit. Other observers haveconducted breeding bird surveys andpoint counts over some part of thisisland. The combined data (adults andjuveniles are generally not distinguished)are alarming:

199119921994199519982000200120032004

2 birds3 birds6 birds3 birds5 birds8 birds4 birds3 adults3 birds

fledulines

In my judgment, a maximum oftenbreeding pairs may still survive on SantaCruz Island: this estimate is based on theobservation that the few known recentbreeding territories were located nearcoastal estuaries, streams, or erodedcanyons that hold freshwater pools evenduring the long summer drought. We maytherefore conclude that additional breedingpairs may be found in unsurveyed remotehabitats with similar characteristics.

Nobody could declare the islandshrike to be even "fairly common" today.Clearly, the three populations on SantaCatalina, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosahave been decimated. By whom and whyin recent decades'? Unfortunately, we donot have the answers. There are severalreasons explaining our uncomfortableignorance: (1) Most of the island birdsare very hard to find and to observebecause they are extremely shy; in fact,the museum collectors of the 19th centuryconsidered anthonyi extremely difficultto shoot, and M. R. Beck wrote in 1897that "they were the wildest land birds 1ever saw by far." Even today, to followan individual bird on foot or by car isnearly impossible as they usually takeoff at a distance of 80-120 meters, thenfly several hundred meters betweenstops, and regularly dive into erodedcanyons or skip over the nearest ridge.(2) There are few passable roads andtrails on the three islands that can covereven 50% of the surface area. (3) Fewnaturalists and birders have access to theislands. (4) No uniform and comparablecensus of shrikes has taken place on thenorthern islands; the attempted land birdcensuses were not designed to incorporateany potential remote shrike territories.(5) Impoitantly, there are no stakeholderssupporting this taxon. The two northernislands are owned by public agencies(National Park Service and Nature Con-servancy); Santa Catalina is 87% owned

Western Tanager

and managed by the Catalina Conservancy.Professional staff personnel have theirhands full with major conservation issuessuch as these: plague of feral pigs,invasions of alien weeds such as fennel,restoration of Peregrine Falcons and BaldEagles, removal of pesky Golden Eaglesfrom the northern islands, and preventingthe extinction of endemic Island Foxpopulations. No wonder then that theshrike fell relatively unnoticed throughthe cracks.

It may be too late to rescue thislaxon but we should try at least to lift thefog of ignorance about the causal factorsof the dramatic decline of this isolatedand uniquely differentiated loggerheadshrike. Some of the possible routes forfurther analysis are: (1) We lack basicnatural history data. Remedy: study thebreeding biology and ecology of a fewpairs if still possible. (2) Investigate thepossible role of competitors and predatorson the island: Common Ravens haveshown a dramatic increase, AmericanKestrels are possibly more abundant today

than in earlier decades. (3) Survey prey-selection and prey density: are the islandsdrying up and do they possess fewerterricole invertebrates'? (4) Has the removalof goats and sheep from the islands affectedthe shrikes negatively? (5) Has a possibledecrease of standing or running waterbecome a problem for shrikes [they feedon froglets, dragonflies, etc.]?

The reader can see that we knowpractically nothing about these strongand powerful small predators. In fact, thebest we have are the bountiful data fromother shrike populations across the con-tinent. An open grassland or partiallyshrubby or arboreal habitat is required byall shrikes. There has been a significantdecline in many parts of its range; thisspecies was on the first Audubon BlueList of declining species in 1972. TheBBS data show that from 1966-1989,37 of 43 states and provinces of the USand Canada showed negative trends.Habitat loss and disturbance as well aspesticide applications appear to accountfor some or much of this trend. But the

northern Channel Islands have improvedtheir habitats and do not need pesticides.They are practically free of human dis-turbance. So, why the decline?

This is an appeal for your interest,your voice, and your check to LAASbecause I hope that LA Audubon will setup a special conservation fund on behalfof the shrikes! In my view, it is a clearAudubon Chapter responsibility to cometo the rescue of such a beleaguered birdpopulation. A group of scientists andengaged volunteers (UCLA has now astudent-sponsored SHRIKE FORCE)will soon petition the State of Californiaand the Federal government to issue anemergency endangered species declara-tion; this will expedite the long overdueresearch and monitoring tasks needed tosolve the mysterious vanishing act ofLanius ludovkiamis anthonyi and toquickly develop the knowledge base fora recovery plan. ~^9^~

Dr. Waller is a professor in the Departmentof Geography at UCLA; he specializes inbiogeography and conservation geography.

Now is the Time to Re-enlist -in Los Angeles Audubon

The new year brings glimmers of hope to our LosAngeles Audubon Society. Our Young Naturalists Edu-cation Program will soon be ready for implementation.We will be leading more bird walks for schoolchildrenin Baldwin Hills and Debs Park. Our field trips remainpopular, and we may expand our travel program. Andan excellent location for a new headquarters maybecome available in the future - if we can provide theprograms that will make the best use of it.

But it all depends on you. To make all theseactivities keep going, and for Los Angeles Audubonto even survive, we've all got to pay our dues!

The strength and viability of any volunteer organi-zation depends on the support of its members. We needyour talents and energy to maintain our programs. Butfirst we need your membership dues! For Los AngelesAudubon, that is.

Most of us joined LAAS through the NationalAudubon Society. And most of us have renewed ourmembership through NAS. But times have unpleasantlychanged. National Audubon now takes all the duesmoney paid to it. We get not a cent of your NationalAudubon dues! So we have virtually no steady revenuesource, aside from a small net income from the book-store. To maintain our programs, we are spending moremoney than we are taking in, and that can't go on

much longer. So . . . .The only way we can get income from member-

ship dues is through Chapter membership. JoiningLos Angeles Audubon as a chapter member gets youthe Tanager six times a year, and helps you keep upwith our schedule of land and sea trips, general meet-ings, workshops, and other events. And it enables usto keep up our urgently needed programs in conserva-tion, education, and research.

In these hard times for our environment, ourefforts to preserve and protect our natural heritage inSouthern California, and to reveal the beauty of thenatural world to our fellow Angelenos, have neverbeen so urgently needed. We need your help andsupport to keep these efforts going, and to expandthem in the near future.

In the last issue of the Tanager you will find amembership form with a scale of dues. Please select alevel of membership, fill out the form, and mail it tous in the enclosed envelope. Most of us have to eitherjoin our chapter, or renew our chapter membership.(Even I have to send my dues in!) And right away, please!

Thanks for joining us!

Dexter Kelly, President

March/April 2005

•n/-

CONSERVATION CONVERSATIONEnergy and Wildlife - Oil and Water?

by Garry George

California's rush to fulfill urgentenergy needs is impactingwildlife adversely, and it's not the

energy itself, it's the rush that seems tohave the most immediate and unneces-sary negative impact on wildlife.

Hot air at Butterbredt?LAAS board members Garry George

and Johanna Dawes attended the publicmeeting in Mojave, December 9, 2004,where LADWP presented a proposed windfann in Pine Tree Canyon. The site includesJawbone Canyon, the ridge above Butter-bredt Springs, a migrant oasis on thePacific Flyway, a traditional LAAS fieldtrip site and one of the 500 US IBA's in theAmerican Bird Conservancy book. LAASsubmitted written comments to DWP asthe lead CEQA (California Environmen-tal Quality Act) agency and to the BLM,the lead NEPA (National EnvironmentalPolicy Act) agency on the biologicalassessment included in the Environmen-tal Impact Report. LAAS objected to theconclusion that the farms "would haveno substantial impact on avian wildlife"on the grounds that: the assessmentunderestimated the importance of the sitefor migratory songbirds and raptors thatare protected under Migratory BirdTreaty Act and the Bald and GoldenEagle Protection Act, and we cited tripreports by leaders of field trips of over1,000 birds seen in one day whereas theassessment reported few individuals of30 species; the on site survey of only twodays for raptors is inadequate; there wasno survey of migratory song birds at night;the on site of survey of only five days forsongbirds is inadequate: the study failedto consider the conclusions of the August2004 report of the California Energy Com-mission entitled "Developing Methods toReduce Bird Mortality in the Altamont

Pass Wind Resource Area" which foundthat assessment methodology on that sitewas inadequate, that avian mortality wasunderestimated (four Golden Eagles peryear estimated, 40 Golden Eagles peryear actual), and the Commission givesrecommendations to reduce avian mortal-ity for the future of wind energy. Insteadthe assessment cited a recent study inTehachapi that found only four avianmortalities in one year.

LAAS worked closely with SantaMonica Bay Audubon's Conservation ChairMary Prismon, who attended the BLMhearings at Ridgecrest the day before theMojave hearings. Mary also submittedwritten comments to DWP and BLM, as didlong-time Kern County birder/tour leader/environmental advocate Keith Axelson.

Bright lights for the murrelet?The LA Times reported on January 7 thatMexico's Secretaria de Medio Ambientey Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT) hasissued a second permit to NorthernCalifornia based ChevronTexaco in theirrush to build the first liquefied natural gasplatform to service California's growingdemand for clean energy. ChevronTexacobiologists concluded that the platform,located less than 600 meters from theleeward side of the island, would have noimpact on wildlife. Of course the biologicalassessment was conducted in daylightand not during the breeding season whenten species of seabirds come to IslasLos Coronados to breed, most notablyXantus's Murrelet (Synthlibommphushypokuciifi) with a global population ofonly 5,600. These birds feed noclurnallyand are disturbed by light, even as far assix miles away according to researcherson the Channel Islands. ChevronTexaconeeds local permits before they canproceed with construction of the platform,

and opposition to these permits by Bajapoliticians, fishermen, and citizensmight be the only hope to slow down,move or stop this off-shore platformwhich will be visited by four to sixtankers a week.

Conservation chat. . .California endemic Tricolored Black-

bird has moved up a notch on the conser-vation list due to loss of habitat in the Cen-tral Valley according to all recent reportsfrom Audubon, ABC, and Cornell.

23,000 acres of prime coastal sagescrub and chaparral fell to developers asOrange County, in December, gaveapproval for the development of RanchoMission Viejo over objections of envi-ronmentalists and the city of MissionViejo which isn't able to handle theincreased population. A lawsuit againstthe developers has been filed by Endan-gered Habitats League, Natural ResourceDefense Council, the Sierra Club, Lagu-na Greenbelt, and Sea & Sage Audubon.LAAS contributes financially to most ofthese conservation organizations.

Recently, at least five released Cali-fornia Condors in California and Arizonawere found dead due to lead poisoning.Eight other condors would have died butthey were found and successfully treatedand saved. Lead bullet consumption is sofrequent that the condors are regularlytrapped and brought in for blood tests.Join LA Audubon and SFV Audubon andsend a letter to:

Fish and Game CommissionPO Box 944209,Sacramento, CA 94244-2090

Let them know that you favor banning leadbullets. A sample letter provided by SFVAudubon is on www.Iaaudubon.oi-g."

Western Tanager

July 4th Butterfly Counts

Similar in format to the Audubon Christmas Bird Counts, NAB A (North AmericanButterfly Association) sponsors July 4th Butterfly Counts throughout North America.Unlike the CBC's, the July 4th counts are ran over a much longer time period andsome of the first counts for southern California are scheduled for the near future:

Count

Borrego Springs

South Fork Kern River Valley

Joshua Tree N.P.

Date

Monday March 21

Saturday April 23

Saturday April 30

ContactLynne Monroelynnmon@juno.comBob Barneskrplriendstfi/i ighispeed.netJoe Zarki/Marilyn Lutzlulzarki@adelphia.nei

For information on any southern California Butterfly Count please contact,Fred Heath fred.heath@power-one.com

Dr. Robert Ridgely To SpeakSaturday, March 19, 2005, 7 PM

Los Angeles CountyMuseum of Natural History Auditorium900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles

Dr. Ridgely received his Ph.D from Yale University and is a leadingornithologist in the study of endemic and endangered species of birds in theAmericas. He is the author of Birds Of Panama (first edition 1976, revised1989), Birds Of South America Vols 7(1989) & II (1994), and Birds OfEcuador (2001). He discovered Jocotoco Antpitta (Grallaria ridgelyi) in1997 which was named after him. In 1998, Dr. Ridgely founded the JocotocoFoundation that has created and sustained six habitat reserves in Ecuador.Dr. Ridgely serves on many conservation boards and is cun'ently InternationalVice-President of the American Bird Conservancy.

Following Dr. Ridgely's presenta-tion there will be a reception (includedin the cost of the ticket) catered byWolfgang Puck in the Museum's GrandFoyer, Fruit, cheese, cookies, and coffeewill be served with a cash bar servingwine, beer, and soft drinks ($7).

Dr. Ridgely will sign books at thisevent. In advance of the presentation,his books will be available for sale atthe Natural History Museum bookstoreand Los Angeles Audubon bookstore

i (323)876-0202.Tickets are $50, partly tax-deductible for most donors, and benefitsparticipating Audubon Chapters and the Jocotoco Foundation.

Event Producers Garry George - garrygeorgc@laaudubon.org andCat Waters - robcatwaters@earthlink.net, are volunteering their time.

For more information visit www.laaudubon.org or contact the producers.

I

WESTERN TANAGERPublished by

Los Angeles Audubon Society.a chapter of

National Audubon Societv.

EDITOR: Jean BrandtASSISTANT EDITOR: Tom Frillman

CONSERVATION: Garry GeorgeFIELD TRIPS: Nick Freeman

ORNITHOLOGY CONSULTANT:KJmball Garrett

PELAGIC TRIPS: Phil SayrePRINTING: Holden Color Inc.PROGRAMS: Mary Freeman

Opinions expressed in articles or lettersherein do not necessarily express the

position of this publication or of LAAS.

PRESIDENT:Dexter Kelly

1st VICE PRESIDENT:Garry George

2nd VICE PRESIDENT:Becky Schweibert

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY:position vacant

RECORDING SECRETARY:Johanna DawesTREASURER:

Pat Heirs

Annual membership in both societies is$35 per year and $20 for new membersfor their first year. Members receive theWestern Tanager newsletter and Audubonmagazine, a national publication.LAAS Chapter Only memberships do notinclude Audubon magazine and are $25,$35, $50, S100, and $250.

Western Tanager subscription rates fornon-members are $9 per year for thirdclass delivery or $15. per year for firstclass delivery. LAAS members mayreceive first class delivery by paying anadditional $5. Make check payable toLos Angeles Audubon Society.

Los Angeles Audubon SocietyHeadquarters, Library

and Bookstore are open to the publicTuesday - Saturday9:30 A M - 4 : 0 0 PM

Plummer Park7377 Santa Monica Boulevard

West Hollywood, CA 90046-6694

(323) 876-0202 - office(323) 876-7609 - fax

(323)874-1318-bird tape

WesternTanager@LAAudubon.org - e-mailLAAS@LAAudubon.org - e-mailwww.LAAudubon.org - websitePrinted on Recycled Papei-

March/April 2005

B I R D S O F T H E S E A S O Nby Jon Feenstra

After the relatively slow fall wehad here in Los Angeles, wewere all hoping for an interesting

birding winter. We did alright there, andalong with some interesting birds cameeven more interesting weather. The endof fall migration was characterized by aninvasion of mountain birds into lowerelevations. The wave passed pretty quicklywith those species mostly (but certainlynot entirely) departed by Christmas BirdCount (CBC) season. In the meantimewe were having a wetter fall than usual,seemingly with a storm a week, finallyculminating in late December or earlyJanuary with nearly a week of non-stoprain. (I don't know if I've ever playedvideo games for so many consecutivehours.) Caused by a low-pressure systemcrawling at us from the South Pacific,that one storm resulted in well over20 inches of rain in some areas andbroke many historical records. Afterdrought conditions over the past severalyears, we needed it. A quick look intoany of your local reservoirs or floodbasins will surely provide a differentsight. But, back to birds.

The Cackling Goose of Santa FeDam was back for another winter andreported most recently on January 6 [DN].It was probably the only Cackling Goosepresent in the county this past year. Quitea treat was an immature TrumpeterSwan that dropped onto Lake Homer atHansen Dam 011 December 23-24 [SS].Its tags indicated it was part of a study ofwinter movements of Trumpeters fromIdaho. It had been seen earlier in Utahwith another banded Trumpeter thatended up (and subsequently died) inSanta Barbara. Tundra Swans made it

into southern California this fall includinga few in LA County. One was present onLake Hughes in northwestern LA Countyon December 18 and remained for acouple of weeks [TMcG; JFe; MSM] andanother was at Madrona Marsh in lateDecember [TD], One of our usual"unusuals", Eurasian Wigeons werearound in several locations in the LABasin this winter. White-winged Scotersfirst showed up in the mouth of BallonaCreek in the late fall and persisted into thewinter [RB]. Four were reported there onDecember 23 [LZ]. Two female BlackScoters were mixed with the large SurfScoter flock at Dockweiler State Beach[RB] and were last reported on January 1[TM]. The female Long-tailed Duckfound in the fall in Marina del Reyremained until at least December 9 [DB].Hooded Mergansers were widelyreported this winter in LA County buta congregation of forty-two on LakeHollywood on January 2 is certainlyworth a mention [.IB].

A fantastic find was a dark-morphSwainson's Hawk in the eastern AntelopeValley on January 8 [MH; NF], There areonly a handful of winter records of thisbird for California. Interestingly enough,a pair of Swainson's Hawks built a nestnear the same location last spring.Ferruginous Hawks were present alongthe coast in the marshes near Marina delRey December 8-10 [RB; KL] and inSan Pedro for the Palos Verdes CBC onDecember 26 [MB]. A Pacific Golden-Plover was in the big grassy field at ElDorado Park December 4-10 [JI; MSM].Great for winter anywhere in California,a first-year Laughing Gull was on thelower LA River on December 26 [KL].

A Black Skimmer was seen fishing bystreetlamp in the Marina del Rey channelon December 1. Also there on the rocksalong the channel was a Burrowing Owlfound on November 27 and remainingfor at least a couple of weeks [LB; DB].Burrowing Owls, like so many otherspecies of the LA Basin, are nearly (ortotally) extiipated as breeders but winterhere in small numbers. The returningadult male Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerwas seen at St. Andrew's Abbey nearValyermo November 16 and December 4[JFe]. A Williamson's Sapsucker, likemany other high elevation birds thisyear, was below its usual haunts whileon Mt. Wilson for the Pasadena CBC onDecember 18 [AW]. White-headedWoodpeckers were lower as well inseveral locations along the north slope ofthe San Gabriels. Just seeing a White-headed Woodpecker in a cottonwood isworth the trip!

Wintering Gray Flycatchers werereported from two locations: a bird return-ing for its fourth winter at Hahamonga inLa Canada [MH] and another at PeckPit [MSM]. A Dusky or Hammond'sFlycatcher was seen on the PasadenaCBC in the Huntington Gardens onDecember 18 [JFi]. "Western"-typeFlycatchers were seen at El DoradoPark on December 24 [RS] and at theLA Arboretum on December 30 [WF].A calling Pacific-slope Flycatcher wascounted on the Pasadena CBC in theHuntington Gardens on December 18[JD]. The wintering Eastern Phoebe atSepulveda Basin was seen again onDecember 6 [MK]. Vermilion Flycatchers,rare but regular here in die winter, includeda returning adult male at the Piute Ponds

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seen on December 4 [JFe; MSM] thatdidn't stick around for the ChristmasCount. Others included an immaturefemale at Earvin '"Magic" JohnsonRecreation Area on December 13 [RB]and another at Columbia Park in Torrancefor the Palos Verdes CBC on December 26[DM], Although it's probably there some-place, the Tropical Kingbird usuallywintering at Malibu Lagoon has not beenreported since October. However, anotherone was found at El Dorado Park onJanuary 4 [KG]. The Scissor-tailedFlycatcher returned for its third winterat Santa Fe Dam on November 23 [CA]and has been seen regularly since. As inmost winters. Plumbeous Vireos werereported from several coastal locationsbut worth a special mention was the firstone for the Lancaster Christmas Countseen in Palmdale on December 18 [MF].As a testament to the invasion ofmontane species, the LancasterCount also recorded severalMountain Chickadees andRed-breasted Nuthatches, hardlyannual birds in the AntelopeValley. Only a single WinterWren was reported this fall - onthe Palos Verdes Peninsula onDecember 7 [MSM]. MountainBluebirds made a small influx to ^the LA Basin this winter withthree birds on the Pasadena CBC , \at Santa Fe Dam on December 18 p.[AL]. Five more were picked up , A1^on the Palos Verdes Christmas . ,[ l

t

Count: three in San Pedro [MB] .and two at the Torrance Airport | ^ ^ l[A&EB]. A late Red-throated £ ' ' • -•Pipit was the only representation inthe county this year with a flyover at theBallona Freshwater Marsh on November21 [DC]. It was great, but we all gotpretty spoiled by the numbers aroundlast year.

Wintering eastern warblers made apretty poor showing this year with onlytwo species. Pine Warbler, nearly anannual at El Dorado Park in winter, wasfound again there on January 2 [KG].Two Black-and-white Warblers wereseen there on December 17 [JG], as well.El Dorado Park is probably the mostlikely place in the county to find easternwarblers (and lots of other neat stuff, too)in the winter. Other Black-and-whites

were at the El Segundo Library Park onDecember 6 [RB] and Rolling HillsEstates on December 26 [JP]. A maleSummer Tanager returned for anotherwinter in the Whittier Hills this November[LS; JW]. Also back for more was theLarge-billed Savannah Sparrow on thecentral jetty in Playa Del Rev, first seenon November 21 [JFe; FG]. After a coupleshowed up in the late fall, the onlySwamp Sparrow on the radar into winterwas in El Dorado Park on December 9[DB]. White-throated Sparrows made afairly good showing with six in the LABasin this winter. After a couple yearswithout any. a single Harris's Sparrowwas found on the Palos Verdes CBC inPalos Verdes Estates on December 26 [JP],The Palos Verdes count also produced thiswinter's only Rose-breasted Grosbeak,also in Palos Verdes Estates [JP].

, * - : . .

/ .

/

\l Crowbill m Apollo Park, nscembur 4, 2004

With the scattered northern finchreports during the fall, it was only amatter of time before our crossbillsshowed up. Indeed, as the previous issueof the Tanager hit the press, the cross-bills rolled in. The largest numbers ofthem have been in the Antelope Valley,particularly at Apollo Park where up totwenty-five have been present. Manywere recorded on the Lancaster CluistmasCount on December 18. Unfortunately,only a couple of reports touted theirappearance here in the lowlands. Get outto Apollo Park soon and take a lookbefore they follow the pine cone cropback out of the LA area.

So now we're in the "'birding dol-drums" of late winter/early spring whenour wintering birds are leaving and thespring migrants haven't yet arrived.Although to be honest, it's all in theperception. Spring migration starts inJanuary. Early migrating species likeSage Thrashers will be moving throughthe Antelope Valley before this issuearrives in your mailbox, and by the timeit makes it to your coffee table or toiiettank our resident birds will be singingand preparing for the next generation. Soinstead of staying inside and watchingreality shows, it's a perfect time to getout and appreciate those species that stillare interested in calling Los Angelestheir home.

[CA] = Chris Akiyoshi[RB] = Richard Barth[DB] = David Bell[JB] = Jean Brandt[A&EB] = Ann & Eric Brooks[LB] = Loraa Brown[MB] = Martin Byhower[DC] = Dan Cooper[JD] = John DeModena[TD] = Tracy Drake[JFe] = Jon Feenslra[JFi] = Jon Fisher[MF] = Mary Freeman[NF] = Nick Freeman[WF] =• Will Fulmer[KG] = Karen Gilbert[FG] = Frank Gilliland[JG] = John Green[MH] = Mark Hunter[JI] = John Ivanov[MK] = Muriel Kotin[KL] = Kevin Larson[AL] = Andrew Lee[TMcG] = Todd McGrath[TM] = Tom Miko[DM] = David Moody[DN] = Dick Norton[.IP] = Jim Pike

[MSM] = Mike San Miguel[LS] = Larry Schmahl[SS] = Steve Sosensky[RS] = Russell Stone[AW] = Andrew Waltman[JW] = Jeff Webster[LZ] = Linda Zhang

March/April 2005

P E L A G I C TfR I P $Saturday, May 7 -Oxnard Harbor to Santa BarbaraIsland and the Osborne Banks. Thisnine-hour trip departs the Island Packer'sdock at 8:00 AM in the Oxnard Harbor onthe M/V Vanguard. Birds seen on priortrips: Northern Fulmar; Black-vented,Sooty, and Pink-footed shearwaters;Pomarine Jaeger; Sabine's Gull; rockyshorebirds (up to 5); Common Murre;Pigeon Guillemot; Xantus's Murrelet;Cassin's and Rhinoceros auklets.Rarities: puffins (twice in 25 years).Leaders: Todd McGrath, David Perekstaand Jon Feenstra.

$85 - Snack type galley; bring food, ororder a box lunch from a nearby deli.

Sunday, June 5 -Santa Cruz Island landing for theIsland Scrub-Jay. This nine-hour tripdeparts from Island Packer's dock inOxnard at 8:00 AM. on the M/V Vanguard.We will land on Santa Cruz Island wherethe endemic Island Scrub-Jay is easilyseen, then out to sea for pelagic birding,with a return by Anacapa Island. Birdsseen on prior trips: Northern Fulmar;Sooty and Pink-footed shearwaters;Parasitic and Pomarine jaegers; Sabine'sGull, rocky shorebirds (up to 5); PigeonGuillemot; Xantus's Murrelet. Rarities:Flesh-footed Shearwater; South PolarSkua. Tufted Puffin seen in 2002.Leaders: Kimball Garrett, ToddMcGrath, and Jon Feenstra.$85 - Limited Galley - box lunches maybe ordered from a nearby deli.

Saturday, September 10A deep water trip toward Cherry, Tanner,and Cortez banks. This 12-hour trip

departs from Sea Landing in Santa BarbaraHarbor at 7:00 AM on the fast catamaranthe Condor Express. It returns approxi-mately at 7:00 PM This is the Red-billedTropicbird trip. We will be far offshorein three counties, Santa Barbara, Ventura,and Los Angeles. Birds to be expected:Black, Least, Ashy, and Leach's storm-petrels; Pomarine and Long-tailedjaegers; South Polar Skua; Sabine's Gull;Arctic Tern. Rarities: Black-footedAlbatross; Buller's Shearwater; Craven'sMurrelet. Blue, Fin, and Minke whalesas well as several species of dolphins areusually seen on this trip.Leaders: Kimball Garrett, ToddMcGrath, Jon Feenstra, and DavidPereksta.

$ 185 - There is a full galley whichserves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.A full bar is available.

SAVE $5 - SIGN-UP60 DAYS PRIOR TO ANY TRIP

Sunday, October 16 -Northern Channel Islands Monument.This 10-hour trip departs from the IslandPacker's dock in the Oxnard Harbor at7:30 AM on the M/V Vanguard. We willtake the Anacapa passage to Santa Cruzand Santa Rosa Islands, cruise along theSanta Rosa Flats to the deep Santa CruzBasin and return by Arch Rock at AnacapaIsland. Birds seen on prior trips: NorthernFulmar; Pink-footed, Sooty, and Black-vented shearwaters; Leach's, Least, andAshy storm-petrels; cormorants (3);Pomarine and Parasitic jaegers; Sabine'sGull; rocky shorebirds (up to 5); CommonMurre; Craveri's and Xantus's murrelets;Cassin's Auklet. Rarities: Buller's andFlesh-footed shearwaters; South Polar

Skua; Long-tailed Jaeger. In 2002, aStreaked Shearwater and in 2003, aBrown Booby and two Manx Shearwaterswere seen.Leaders: Todd McGrath, David Pereksta,and Jon Feenstra.$95 - Limited galley. Box lunches maybe ordered from a nearby deli.

Saturday, November 19 -Ventura Harbor toward San MiguelIsland. This nine-hour trip departs fromthe Island Packer's dock in the VenturaHarbor at 8:00 AM on the fast catamaranIsland Adventure, and will return around4:30 PM. After dropping off campers onSanta Cruz Island we will have the boatto ourselves and head along the SantaRosa Flats toward the 1000 fathom waterabout 10 miles from San Miguel Island.Birds seen this time of year: NorthernFulmar; Black-vented, Pink-footed, andSooty shearwaters; Leach's Storm-Petrel;South Polar Skua; Pomarine and Para-sitic jaegers; rocky shorebirds (up to 5);Common Murre; Cassin's and Rhinocerosauklets. Occasionally: Craveri's Murrelet.Rarities: Buller's Shearwaters; Black-footed Albatross. In 2004 we saw fiveFlesh-footed Shearwaters, two Short-tailed Shearwaters, a pod of Orcas, andfour species of dolphins.Leaders: Kimball Garrett, ToddMcGrath, David Pereksta, and JonFeenstra.

$95 - Snack type galley with drinksavailable.

Note: Destinations may be changed in orderto maximize bird sightings, or minimizerough seas, in order to meet unexpectedincreases in fuel costs, there can be a $3 toS10 energy surcharge per person.

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LAAS INTERNATIONAL TOURSBRAZIL'S PANTANAL AND IGUACU FALLS

October 15-24, 2005Plus a 4-day Extension to Rio de Janeiro

Poca das Antas Biological Reserve. TijucaBotanical Gardens and Itatiaia National Park

Wildlife viewing on the Pantanal is likened to that on the plains of Africa. See Rheas, Seriemas. Jabirus,Plumbeous Ibis, Hyacinth Macaws, hummingbirds. Toco Toucan, among an extraordinary concentration ofbirds and other wildlife. Even a jaguar was seen on our last trip. This tour is climaxed by visiting theincomparable Iguacu Falls, the largest waterfalls on earth.

Special price includes International Airfare from Miami and all internal flights within Brazil,Space is limited!

THAILAND - March 2006Planning is underway for a birding, natural history, and photography excursion to Thailand.

For information and itinerary, contact:Olga Clarke, Travel Director, Los Angeles Audubon Society

2027 El Arbolita Dr., Glendale, CA 91208Ph/Fax: (818)249-9511 e-mail: oclarketravel@earthlink.net

RESERVATIONAND

FEE EVENTS(Limited Participation)Policy and Procedure

Reservations will be accepted ONLY if ALLthe following information is supplied:

1) Trip desired2) Names of people in your party3) Phone numbers:

(a) usual and(b) evening before event, in

case of cancellation4) Separate check (no cash please) to

LAAS for exact amount for each trip5) Self-addressed stamped envelope for

confirmation and associated trip informationSend to:

LAAS Reservations7377 Santa Monica Blvd.

West Hollywood, CA 90046-6694

If there is insufficient response, the trip willbe cancelled two Wednesdays prior to thescheduled date (four weeks for pelagics). Youwill be so notified and your fee returned. Yourcancellation after that time will bring a refundonly if there is a paid replacement, MillieNewton is available at Audxibon House onWednesdays from noon to 4:00 P.M. to answerquestions about field trips. Our office staff isalso available Tuesday through Saturday formost reservation services.

REFUND POLICY FORPELAGIC TRIPS

If a participant cancels 31 days or more prior todeparture, a $4 service charge will be deductedfrom the refund. There is no participant refundif requested fewer than 30 days before departure,unless there is a paid replacement available.Call LAAS for a possible replacement. Pleasedo not offer the trip to a friend as it would beunfair to those on the waiting list.

All pelagic tripsmust be filled 35 clays prior to sailing.

Please reserve earlv.

NEW AT THE BOOKSTOREA Birder s Guide to Michigan — This ABA Birdfinding Guide describes over 200 sites,with details on birds, best seasons, and driving directions, with 200+ maps. Status andseasonality are given in well-researched bar graphs. Annotated listing of specialities.Appendices on amphibians, reptiles, butterflies, dragonflies, mammals, and orchids.Allen T. Chartier and Jerry Ziarno $28.95

Pale Male (DVD) — Affectionately dubbed "Pale Male" by New York City admirers,this Red-tailed Hawk's life history is traced in an award-winning documentary narratedby Joanne Woodward. A faithful crowd of birdwatchers gathered daily to watch PaleMale's courtship, nesting, his defense against marauding crows, and teaching his babychicks to fly. Proclaimed "a classic" by National Audubon Society.DVD, 60 minutes $20.00

Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Chile - 438 species recorded in the country arelisted in grid format, Life-zone codes for every species, latest taxonomies and systematics,analysis of 34 hypothetical species, details on rare, endemic, and introduced species.Manuel Marin SI6.00

Birds & Mammals of the Antarctic, Subantarctic & Falkland Islands — Illustrated withfull color, digitally enhanced photographs with accompanying text covering all birdand mammal species including most wintering birds and vagrants.Frank S. Todd $29.95

Field Guide to Australian Birds — This handy pocket-sized Complete Compact Editionfollows Michael Morcombe's much-acclaimed full-sized Field Guide to Australian Birds.300+ illustrations detail subspecies, males, females, and juveniles of 800 species frommainland Australia, Tasmania, and offshore islands. Pinpointed locations with colordistribution maps. Color tabbed for easy reference to families and cross-referenced toa Quick Tndex. Large illustrated section on nests and eggs.Michael Morcombe $34.00

THE BOOKSTORE WILL BE CLOSEDTHURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2005 FOR INVENTORY

March/April 2005

F I E L D T R I P SBefore setting out on any field trip,please call the LAAS bird tape at(323) 874-1318 for special instructionsor possible cancellations that may haveoccurred by the Thursday before the trip.

Saturday, March 5 -Bonelli Regional Park Leader RodHigbie, Bonelli Regional Park is aremarkable island of coastal sage scrubhabitat with adjacent lake and parkland.Birds regularly seen include CaliforniaGnatcatcher, Cactus Wren, Golden Eagle,and Rufous-crowned Sparrow. 200 otherspecies throughout the year. Take the 57Fwy to San Dimas, take the Via Verdeofframp, turn onto Via Verde toward thefreeway from either side, and meet in thePark and Ride lot on the north side of thestreet at 7:30 AM to carpool, since thereis a $7 / car park entrance fee. Rod willcontinue after lunch, if there is interest.There are picnic tables and facilities.Bring lunch, if you plan to bird into theafternoon. No limit, but please call yourname and phone number in to LAAS ifpossible.

Sunday, March 6 -Topanga State Park - Ken Wheelandand Chris Tosdevin will lead participantsthrough this beautiful and diverse coastalmountain area. An ideal trip for a begin-ning birder or someone new in the area.From Ventura Blvd., take Topanga CanyonBlvd. 7 miles S, turn E uphill on EntradaRd. Follow the signs and turn left intoTrippet Ranch parking lot. From PCH,take Topanga Cyn. Blvd. 5 miles toEntrada Rd. Parking $2. Meet at 8:00 AM.

Sunday, March 6 -Private Duck Club - Leader: IrwinWoldman. This duck club is an excellentspot to observe wintering birds andmigrating shorebirds. We have seen Soraand Virginia rails here, as well asAmerican Bittern, Eurasian Wigeon, darkmorph Red-tail Hawk, Golden Eagles,and Snow Geese - all due to the sheernumbers of birds on the property. Get tothe preserve by taking the 101 Fwy W

to Las Posas Rd. S, then lake HucnemeRd. W past PCH to Casper Rd. TakeCasper Rd. S past the turn, and park andmeet at 7:30 AM by the barn. Free. Nosign-up required.

Saturday and Sunday. March 12-13Anza Borrego with Fred Heath. Thespring explosion of desert flora andfauna should be well under way in theColorado Desert, including butterflies,Desert Bighorn, herps, and early birds inthe throes of breeding activity. Swainson'sHawk, Black-throated Sparrow, Scott'sand Hooded orioles, Chuckwalla all likely.Suggested accommodations: TamariskGrove Campground [reserve throughwww.reserveamerica.com], or StanlundMotel in Bon-ego Springs (760) 767-5501.Anticipate a busy weekend, and reserveor motels early. Limit 20 people. SendSASE with phone number and $5 fee toLAAS to learn 7:00 AM meeting placeand more details. Pleasant to warm days,cool to cold nights.

Sunday, March 13Point Dume Seabird Watch withKimball Garrett. We will concentrateon how to identify late gulls, earlymigrating seabirds, and possible tubenosesand alcids in flight and at a distance.Some may be near, and we will startwith gulls on the beach by the meetingspot. Take PCH N to Westward BeachRoad, turn left, and meet along the rightside of the road before the restrooms tocarpool. We will carpool up to the paylot at the overlook. Spotting 'scoperequired. 8:00 AM until about noon.

Sunday, March 13Whittier Narrows - Leader: Ray Jillson.View colorful resident and migratingbirds, including the introduced NorthernCardinal. Take Peck Dr. off the 60 Fwy inSouth El Monte (just west of the 605Fwy). Take the offramp onto DurfeeAve. heading W (right) and turn left intothe Nature Center, 1000 Durfee Ave.S2 suggested donation. Meet at 8:15 AM.

Saturday, March 19Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area -Leader: Eleanor Osgood. This trip coverslandscaped parkland and natural coastalscrub habitats, and is paced for beginningbirders and members of the Baldwin Hillscommunity. The park entrance is off ofLa Cienega Blvd. between Rodeo Rd.and Stacker St. After passing the entrancekiosk ($4 parking fee), turn left (leadingto the "Olympic Forest") and park in thefirst available spaces. Meet at 8:00 AM.

Sunday, March 19 -Robert Ridgely ProgramSee page 5 for details.

Sunday, March 20 -Ballona Wetlands - Bob Shanman willbe leading this trip to our nearest wetlandand adjacent rocky jetty. Good spot forSurfbird, Black Oystercatcher, gulls, andearly migrating shorebirds. Meet at theDel Rey Lagoon parking lot. Take theMarina Fwy (90 W) to Culver Blvd. andturn left for a mile, turn right on PacificAve. The lot is on the right. Lot or streetparking is usually not a problem. Three-hour walk, 'scopes helpful. Meet at 8:00 AM.

Sunday, April 3Topanga State Park - Leaders: KenWheeland and Chris Tosdevin. Meet at8:00 AM. See March 6 listing for details.

Saturday, April 9 -Owens River Delta - Botanist andbirder Mike Prather will be showing usthe lower Owens River, which is anothermitigation site for our DWP. Around theLower Owens River proper, we willhave chances at Lc Contc's Thrasherand early songbird migration in thisriparian corridor. In the river delta, therewill be waterfowl, Yellow-headedBlackbirds, and possible bitterns, falcons,and nesting harriers in the reeds andSwainson's Hawks nearby. At the outflow,we may see nesting Snowy Plovers andmany migrating shorebirds. If staying inLone Pine, Olancha is 22 miles south. Ifstaying in Mojave (Motel 6?), the drive

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will be more like 90 miles. Meet at theRanch House Cafe in Olancha around7:30 AM, and be ready to depart at8:30 AM. It may be hot or cold. Bringsunscreen, a large hat, a full tank of gas,(mud shoes?) and lunch. Reserve byphone with LAAS. Maximum 20. A$10 (or greater) donation to the OwensValley Committee Foundation will getyou a membership.

Sunday, April 10 -Whittier Narrows - Leader: Ray Jillson.Meet at 8:15 AM. See March 13 listingfor details.

Saturday and Sunday, April 16-17 -Owens Valley Grouse Trip MaryFreeman leads. Sage Grouse on the lek.Blue Grouse in the trees, breathtakingscenery, raptor-rich valleys. Meet earlySaturday in Bishop, and stay in Big PineSaturday night. Meeting site changedfrom last posting. Limited to 20. Newitinerary this year! To sign up, send $20 anda SASE to LAAS. We will watch the SageGrouse strut later in the month. Surprisedetails in mailer. Reserve rooms early.

Saturday, April 16Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area -Leaders: Ann and Eric Brooks. Meet at8:00 AM. $4 entry fee. See March 19listing for details.

Sunday, April 17 -Ballona Wetlands - Leader: BobShanman. Meet at 8:00 AM. See March 20listing for details.

Saturday, April 23 -Rancho Sierra Vista - Biologist, birder,and ex-docent Scott Harris will betraipsing through the tussocks in searchof the elusive Grasshopper Sparrow, BlueGrosbeak, and Lazuli Bunting as well asother foothill and grassland species. Thisis one of the few spots in the southlandthat reports Grasshopper Sparrow on anannual basis. A visit to the Satwiwa IndianCultural Center will follow, if it is open.Exit Lynn Road off the 101 Fwy, headsouth on Lynn Road for 5.2 miles, turnleft on Via Goleta, and proceed to thelast parking lot where the group will bemeeting. Meet at 7:00 AM, and bird untilnoon. Bring sunscreen and water.

Sunday, May 1 -Topanga State Park - Leaders: KenWheeland and Chris Tosdevin. Meet at8:00 AM. See March 6 listing for details.

Sunday, May 8 -Butterbredt Springs and Galileo Hills -Leader: Nick Freeman. These are someof the best migrant traps in the state.Western warblers and flycatchers shouldheadline. *This is a May Birdathonevent! Show your support for LAAudubon by drumming up patronage of25 cents or more per bird seen for the day,as we try to crack the magical 100 mark.Take Hwy 14 past Mojave, continue Non Hwy 14 about 15 miles, then turn lefton Jawbone Canyon Road. Meet at theranger station by the highway. AfterGalileo, we will try Piute or SewagePonds. Allow over two hours driving timefrom LA, or stay at the Mojave Motel 6or elsewhere. LAAS phone sign-upmandatory. 12 max. Bring lunch, sunblock. Meet at 7:30 AM. Birdathon offi-cially finishes at 4:00 PM. Contact LAASfor Birdathon promotional information.

Saturday, May 14 -Lompoc Vicinity - Leader: EleanorOsgood. Varied habitats. Target birdsinclude Purple Martin and Yellow-billedMagpie. Due to construction, we willmeet at 8:00 AM in the Anderson's Split Pearestaurant parking lot in Buellton. Exitthe 101 Fwy just past the Santa YnezRiver, onto Hwy 246 heading west, andmake a right turn into the restaurant lot.Two hour drive from LA. *This is aMay Birdathon event! Show yoursupport for LA Audubon by drummingup patronage of 25 cents or more perbird seen by the group for the day.Eleanor is hoping for 70 species, as sheplans to bird at a relaxed pace. We willalso bird Santa Inez River mouth, RiverPark, and elsewhere. Bring lunch and birduntil three-ish. Carpooling encouraged.More directions in May Tanciger.

Sunday, May 22 -Big Morongo Wildlife Preserve -Leader Dexter Kelly, Meet at 8:00 AM.in the parking lot. *This is a MayBirdathon event! Show your support forLA Audubon by drumming up patronageof 25 cents or more per bird seen for the

day. Dexter is hoping for 70 species, butwith your help, who knows! No sign up.Birdathon officially finishes at 3:00 PM.More details in May Tanager.

Friday through Monday, June 17-20 -Southern Sierras - Leader: Bob Barnes.High deserts to High Sierra. Reserve withSASE for flyer with hotels and itinerary-Fee: $15 for each day attended. Reserverooms in Kemville early. More informationin May/June Tanager.

* Participants in LA Audubon MayBirdathon events may contact AudubonHouse for Birdathon promotional infor-mation and sponsor forms; or bringnames, phone numbers, addresses andlevel of support information to the event.

MAY ISBIRDATHON

MONTHFOR LAAS

All Los AngelesAudubon Society field tripsduring May, including DexterKelly's Morongo Valley trip,will be Birdathons. We hopeeach participant will donatea chosen amount (may wesuggest a dollar per species?).

Proceeds will go to theprograms of the Los AngelesAudubon Society.

March/April 2005 11

E V E N I N G M E E T I N G SMeet at 7:30 PM in Plummer Park

7377 Santa Monica Boulevard West Hollywood, CA 90046-6694

Tuesday, March 8, 2005 Jan WassermanThe Tree Swallow Project

Jan became a birder in 1986 but after watching Elliott McClure mist netand band birds, she knew that she would have to do more than just look.She quit her job and studied with Elliott for a year, learned the techniquesof banding, and by the end of the year, had her own banding permit. Thenin 1991, she started monitoring a few nest boxes that Jesse Grantham fromthe Audubon Society had put up for Tree Swallows at the Ventura sewageponds. Soon thereafter, Jan approached United Water Conservation Districtin Saticoy for pemiission to put up some boxes at the Freeman Diversionthere. Thus was born Tree Swallow Nesting Projects, Inc., whose missionis to re-introduce the Tree Swallow as a breeding species in Ventura Countyand all of southern California.

Tuesday, April 12, 2005 Sophie WebbAn Eastern Tropical Pacific Adventure

Artist/biologist Sophie Webb has spent several months per year, in thepast years, on research vessels censusing seabirds and marine mammals inthe Pacific and more recently the Atlantic. Join her on a trip to the EasternTropical Pacific, and along the Hawaiian Island Chain, where she recentlyspent six months. Enjoy pictures of birds, marine mammals, and othercritters found in that region of the ocean and leam a little about what lifeis like on a research vessel.

Los Angeles Audubon Society7377 Santa Monica BoulevardWest Hollywood, CA 90046-6694

DATED MATERIALPlease Expedite

Non-Prufit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDGlcndale, CA

PERMIT NO. 276

THEBOOKSTORE

WILL BECLOSED

THURSDAY,JUNE 30, 2005

12 Western Tanager