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September-October 2010 Western Tanager Newsletter - Los Angeles Audubon
September-October 2010 Western Tanager Newsletter - Los Angeles Audubon
WESTERN
TANAGER
a publication of Los Angeles Audubon www.laaudubon.org
R
ecent technology has given us the ability to “see” mathematical process is the theory that many complex
into many heretofore invisible parts of the world. phenomenon, like equations or data derived from
From X-Rays of broken bones, to CAT scans of physical events like a sound; can be broken down into
the brain, to ultrasound images of yet-to-be born infants; smaller pieces and thus more easily understood..
modern technology reveals important and useful
information about our world. To make it possible to “see” a sound, a Fourier
analysis is made of the audio and the resulting
One such tool that can be very helpful for birders is information is converted into graphical form. Here's how
the sonogram, or more accurately, the audio spectrogram. the process works.
Audio spectrograms (“AS” or “sonograms”) allow
birders to “see” inside a bird vocalization and can First of all, the target sound is digitally recorded in
provide important clues on how to differentiate one call very small “samples”, often 44,100 samples per
or song from another. Sometimes sonograms help by second, the same process used for a CD. The analyzer
showing subtle variations in short calls; other times by then looks at regularly spaced groups of samples to see
helping the birder recognize differences in the larger if there is a sound present at that moment in time. If
patterns of complex songs. Once these differences are audio is present, then it checks the sound at each of
discerned in spectrograms, they often become much many different frequencies to determine which
easier to hear and differentiate in the field. frequencies are present at that time and the how loud
each frequency is.
This short “teaser” article will serve as an
introduction to the topic. On the LAAS Website are more The presence of any audio content in each
examples of different kinds of vocalizations and their frequency band is then graphically represented by a
representation as sonograms, including a look at using short line or dot at that frequency, at the time that
sonograms to differentiate the easy-to-confuse songs of sample occurred. The intensity or loudness of the audio
the thrashers found in SE Arizona. at each frequency is represented as a lighter or darker
line on a continuum from very soft (light mark) to very
At the talk on Wednesday, September 8, 2010, we’ll loud (much darker mark).
include additional examples and analyses and you will be
able to hear the songs as you watch the sonograms, This analysis is repeated for regular intervals for as
something difficult to do in a printed article! long as the sound lasts. The resulting graphic is a
collection of all of these instantaneous representations
WHAT ARE AUDIO SPECTROGRAMS of frequency content placed on a time line. The
An audio spectrogram is a two dimensional graphical horizontal axis is time, showing the length of the
representation of an audio source. The graphic represents audio. The vertical axis is frequency, with dots or lines
all of the frequencies of the sound and also the loudness showing what, if any, content there was at each frequency.
of each frequency. Spectrograms are created using a
principal called Fourier Analysis. The basis of this
SOME SIMPLE AUDIO EXAMPLES A second pure whistle of the same length, but at a
Let’s look at a very simple example of an audio lower pitch, would have a single line also lasting a
spectrogram of a whistle that starts at a low pitch and second, but the line would be lower on the graphic than
gradually rises to a very high pitch over 30 seconds. The the first line.
whistler whistles one short note per second, each higher
than the previous, and all at the same volume. Here’s an Audio Spectrogram of 12 pure tones, each
lasting 1 second. The tones are in groups of 3 tones at the
The resulting graphical representation of the sound same pitch. Each group is lower in pitch than the prior
would show one dot at each sample for the frequency of group. The whole selection lasts about 4 seconds, from
the tone at that time. It would look like this. the 7 second mark to the 11 second mark on the time
scale (in this graphic shown across the top). Notice that
the frequency of the first set of tones is about 1kHz or
1,000 cycles per second. (Middle C on a piano is about
260 cycles.)
Now let’s look at the audio spectrogram of a simple Fig. 3. Row your boat sonogram.
sine wave. If you remember back to your physics class
(you weren’t sleeping were you...) a sine wave is the
purest of all tones. It consists of only 1 pitch, with no
overtones, and is similar to the sound you would hear
from a flute or a very pure whistle. A sonogram of a one
second sine wave at one pitch would have only one line,
representing the pitch of the sound, and the length would
be one second’s worth of distance on the graphic.
The Ovenbird’s song starts quietly and increases in There are several useful things to notice about
volume. As you can see in this sonogram, it also this call.
increases in richness of tone. You can also see the two First of all, the sound is very pure. There is a basic
parts of each song element (“tea cher.........tea pitch and a couple of harmonics. We’re pretty sure they
cher....”) are harmonics and not noise because they are evenly
distributed above the fundamental pitch. Both notes of
the two part call have the same level of “purity” since
they contain about the same harmonic content. So they
will sound similar in quality. The first tone falls a bit in
pitch, but not a lot. The second tone is lower than the
first. And there’s a clean break between the two notes, so
they will sound distinct and separate.
The first note is thin and pure under the tutelage of Arthur A. Allen Programs & Activities
sounding, the second more complex. and Peter Paul Kellogg. He has birded Conservation Garry George
Field Trips Nick Freeman
Certainly the two notes do not sound around the world, guided many birding Bird Walks Eleanor Osgood
Pelagic Trips Phil Sayre
groups, and recently has been invited
as similar to each other as the Programs Mary Freeman
by the Board of Tourism in Bhutan to Ornithology Consultant Kimball Garrett
BCCH’s notes, which are basically Rare Bird Alert Jon Fisher
train their local bird guides. Tom has Report Rare Birds (323) 874-1318
the very same tonal quality. written many articles on birding for Volunteer Coordinator Eleanor Osgood
Library Dorothy Schwarz
periodicals including Birding and Bird
Now look at the graphic area Watcher’s Digest. He has given lectures Staff
Director of Interpretation Stacey Vigallon
between the first two notes of the and workshops for the Los Angeles Audubon House Administrator Martha Balkan
Membership Services Susan Castor
CACH’s call. You can clearly see a Audubon Society, The Nature
line between the two notes that Conservancy and other birding Audubon House Bookstore
Orders (888) 522-7428
extends lower than the second note. organizations. He is a published Fax (323) 876-7609
Bookstore Manager (323) 876-0202
Since the line indicates many photographer and is on the Zeiss Hours Mon–Thurs 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
different frequencies in the same Sports Optics World Series of Birding 1st Sat. ea. month 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
CACH’s song and is very different instruments. before the date of the issue. Please send submissions as Microsoft
Word or RTF documents, or plain text files, to Linda Oberholtzer at
westerntanager@laaudubon.org.
from the two pure, simple notes of
Editor Linda Oberholtzer
the BCCH. Layout Susan Castor
Proofreaders Hanna Hayman, Kimball Garrett
A
ll too quickly, the third of the remainder is still accessible in a years cause resources—and thus
the year that encompasses roundabout way. Side roads and migrants—to be less concentrated.
spring migration has come trails are still off limits, but at least In drought years, choice patches of
and gone. By the official start of beyond Chilao, everything is open, habitat and well-watered parks and
summer, virtually all migrants have habitat is in good shape, and that part gardens have a greater chance of
passed through and many summer of the range offers good birding at attracting migrants. Desert oases in
visitors have already raised broods. this time of year. The montane forest Kern County did produce a number
in the high country supports all the of good vagrants this spring, but
Activity in the mountains common species as well as smaller such isolated areas tend to be good
continues through July as it tapers numbers of Williamson’s Sapsucker, migrant traps in any year.
off in the now drier and hotter Calliope Hummingbird, Clark’s
lowlands. With adequate Nutcracker, Townsend’s Solitaire and Most of June and early July offer
precipitation and snow in the higher Red Crossbill. something of a lull in migration
elevations persisting well into June activity, although late northbound
this year, conditions in the mountains With all the results in, this year passerines practically overlap early
have been favorable. we again led the Americas Birdiest southbound shorebirds which are
County competition with 271 increasing noticeably in the first half
But even from a distance, we’re species. Nueces County in Texas of July. In an odd juxtaposition,
visually reminded that a good was in second place with 262 species shorebirds just in from farther north
portion of the San Gabriels remain and in California San Diego County- mingle with Black-necked Stilts still
scarred by the Station Fire. with 256 species this year- is a incubating clutches.
Chaparral, oak and pine woodland strong contender. Kern County, in
were largely obliterated in the burn spite of being landlocked, posted an Here’s a look at reports for May
zone, although patches remain here impressive 242 species. While the through early July...
and there. In spite of the near total competitive aspect between counties
loss of vegetation, the result of is definitely fun, another challenge is Brant included one inland at the
winter rainfall was a very obvious simply to better our own record. At Piute Ponds on Edwards AFB on
regeneration of growth, albeit of a present, 272 is the number to beat May 8 (Mike San Miguel) and eight
different kind. Birds exploited the and we came awfully close in 2010. long-time stopovers at Malibu La-
area quickly and the burn zone was Once again, Lance Benner deserves goon through July 7. Also reflecting
very attractive to Lazuli Buntings much credit and thanks for a regional pattern of tardy migrants
which have been present in good compiling the species count and for and lingering birds was a very late
numbers. Rock Wrens too have been his repeated updates throughout the flock of twelve flying past Pt. Dume
drawn to newly exposed habitat. three day period which enable on June 27 (Kimball Garrett).
birders to more easily target
Birding the San Gabriels– a missing birds. A few Redheads were also pres-
summer tradition for LA area ent late on the coastal slope and in-
birders– is still problematic. Part of The showing of eastern cluded a pair found at Harbor
the Angeles Crest Highway remains passerines this spring was less than Regional Park in Wilmington on June
closed just above La Canada, though impressive. At least in part this can 12 (Ed Griffin). Breeding is expected
be attributed to the fact that wetter at the Piute Ponds, but should be
Those who knew Mike well, and a great many who didn’t,
Gabriel Mountains. He was 70 years old. were keenly aware of Mike’s tireless work for bird and wildlife
habitat conservation. We all try to be good conservationists, and
This is incredibly difficult to write, because I’m writing we’re all keenly aware of the problems birds and their habitats
about the loss of a good friend as well as a beloved fixture in the face. On my countless wonderful trips in the field with Mike the
birding community. The very early call this morning from Jon conversation would inevitably turn, and pretty quickly, to the
Feenstra should have been about a really good bird, but instead it inexorable loss of bird habitats as urban areas continued to grow
brought devastating news. And somehow it isn’t any comfort to and consume the places we enjoyed going. I would gripe and
know that Mike died working hard doing one of the things he curse and feel generally pessimistic about everything, but Mike
loved most–birding with a purpose. had a different and much more effective approach–he got
involved. If he enjoyed birding in an area, he felt it was his
Most of you are familiar with Mike’s accomplishments in responsibility to work as hard as he could to make sure it was
the world of field ornithology. He was a long-time bird bander preserved or restored for birds and birders. His career working
with a bug for gathering good bird data. He was an in environmental work for Southern California Edison no doubt
extraordinary connoisseur of rare birds, finding a great many of had a positive impact on southern California habitats. His efforts
them and enjoying trips all over California to chase them. His for bird habitat at Piute Ponds, the San Gabriel River, and so
experience and talent earned him a place for several years on the many other areas we take for granted, have been heroic. His
California Bird Records Committee, and he was one of the best battles with agencies that were damaging habitat were fought
ambassadors the Committee ever had. He served Western Field with fervor but also with grace–even the Army Corps of
Ornithologists in many important capacities, culminating in a Engineers must have had great respect for Mike. When Mike
several year stint as President during which the organization had a conservation mission he was almost unstoppable, and the
gained new vibrancy and scope. He had an important role in world is much better for that passion of his.
the production of the CBRC’s book "Rare Birds of California"
and published several papers in WFO’s journal Western Birds. We’ve lost so many birding friends to tragic accidents over
He embraced eBird with unbridled enthusiasm (...he did so the years, but this one is almost unbearable. I knew Mike for
much with unbridled enthusiasm) and has entered more eBird forty years, and I’ve rarely enjoyed anybody’s company as much
data from California (4245 checklists) than almost any other as his. To Gayle, and to Michael and Lisa, and to Jake and Alex,
individual as well as editing submissions from several I can’t imagine the pain you’re going through now and I hope
counties. He did a heroic amount of field work and these few thoughts bring you at least some comfort. To Jon
paperwork for the Los Angeles Breeding Bird Atlas and other Feenstra–you were such a great friend to Mike and I hope the
large-scale data gathering projects. In short, Mike was not weight of the tragedy that happened while you and Mike were
only about the most active birder I have ever known, but he doing your owl surveys is lessened slightly by knowing you
was also the most enthusiastic birder–he loved being in the were there as a friend and performed an incredible service in
field whether alone or with his many friends, and he enjoyed dealing with a horrific situation.
learning something new every outing.
Mike loved so many good things in life–as well as good
But I can hardly think about Mike the birder right now, people–that I’ll be reminded of him constantly. Watching the
because birding was only his second passion. Mike was the hummingbirds in my yard, following the annual demise of the
consummate family man, and the love he and Gayle showed so Dodgers, hearing about that next rare bird, seeing the trees and
openly and generously for each other was nothing short of shrubs he has nurtured in so many places mature and thrive,
inspirational. His son Michael (also one of California’s most enjoying a meal. How could I not think of Mike. And right
accomplished birders) and daughter Lisa were everything to now, Mike’s passion for really good wine seems like an
Mike, and if he wasn’t the world’s greatest grandfather he was appropriate way to honor him–I think I’ll open a good one from
certainly in the running for that title. Many birders don’t realize Paso Robles and toast one of the most generous and enjoyable
that Mike virtually stopped birding for many years to be the best people I have ever met. I’ll miss you, Mike!
possible father to his growing children, and even after he –Kimball Garrett, Scientific Advisor
resumed birding with more zeal and passion than ever he was Tributes continued on page 16. Los Angeles Audubon
FIELD TRIP FEES: Envelopes for voluntary donations to support Los Angeles Audubon and its field trips may be
distributed on some non-fee trips. Please consider supporting your trips.
Sunday, August 29 permitting. Scopes & FRS radios Los Angeles Audubon-Field Trips
Huntington Central Park and helpful, and bring a lunch if you plan PO Box 931057
Bolsa Chica Wetlands. to bird into the afternoon with Irwin. Los Angeles, CA 90093-1057.
NO FEE, NO SIGN-UP No sign-up required. Include: Name(s), E-mail address
Leader: Irwin Woldman. or SASE, (for confirmation flyer.)
Huntington Central Park is September 18 & 19 and your phone number.
excellent for migrating songbirds. Galileo Hills Weekend (12 max.)
Flocks of shorebirds should be NO FEE, PHONE SIGN-UP (OR MAIL), Saturday, September 25, 2010
heading south, with leftover terns. PROVIDE EMAIL ADDRESS (OR SASE) Piute Ponds
Bring a lunch for a full day of birds. FOR CONFIRMATION FLYER. (24 MAX., NO DROP-INS)
Meet at 7:30 a.m. in the park parking Leaders: Mary & Nick Freeman. NO FEE, PHONE SIGN-UP (OR MAIL),
lot on the south side of Slater Ave. Galileo is arguably the best PROVIDE EMAIL ADDRESS (OR SASE)
just east of Golden West St. in fall migrant trap in the state. FOR CONFIRMATION FLYER.
Huntington Beach. No sign up. Western warblers and flycatchers Leader: Jim Moore.
should headline. Reptiles may A good mix of shorebirds and
Sunday, September 12 be encountered! early waterfowl, with a chance at
Ventura County Game Preserve Take Hwy 14 about 4 miles past LeConte’s Thrasher and Pectoral
(Duck Club). Mojave, then turn right on California Sandpiper. Possible extension to
NO FEE, NO SIGN-UP City Blvd. Drive through town Lancaster sewage ponds or Apollo
Leader: Irwin Woldman. about a mile past the shops, turn left Park afterwards.
The duck club in Ventura has a past the golf course on Randsburg- Carpool at Denny’s (Roxford &
rich history of excellent bird Mojave Rd., and veer right on 20 I-5), leaving at 7:00 a.m., or meet at
sightings including Sora and Virginia Mule Team Rd. Turn left on Rutgers the Avenue C gate at 7:45 a.m. To
rails, American Bittern, Solitary, Rd. at the Silver Saddle sign before get here, take Hwy 14 N to Avenue
Pectoral and Baird’s sandpipers, and the hill, take your first paved right, D, head E to Sierra Hwy, head N to
one Lesser Sand-Plover. Perhaps your first right again, into the Silver Avenue C, and go a block E to the
some warblers streaming through the Saddle Country Club, followed by end. Bring lunch, water and
willows. Get to the preserve by two lefts to the lot in front of the HQ sunblock. Expect hot weather, and
taking the 101 Fwy W to Rice building. Park by the pond. A little afternoon wind. High clearance
Avenue S, carefully following the over 2 hrs. driving time from L.A. vehicles may be a plus.
Rice Ave. prompts to the T- No fee. Bring lunches, sun block. This is a joint trip with SFVAS,
intersection, then take Hueneme Rd. Reserve a room in Mojave. Meet at but members from both chapters
west just past the buildings on the 7:00 a.m. Saturday, and bird all day; MUST sign up with LAAS. To
right, turn left of Casper Road, left meet 7:00 a.m. Sunday, and bird reserve with LAAS, call Audubon
through the gate at the far end, and (tentatively) Galileo, Apollo Park House (323) 876-0202 by Sept. 23,
park across from the barn on the and Piute Ponds. with name, phone number, and email
road. Meet on the side of the road at To reserve Galileo Hills address (or send us a SASE).
8:00 a.m. We will walk the property, Weekend, either call Los Angeles Limited sign-up of 24. No drop-ins.
so good hiking/mud shoes with Audubon at (323) 876-0202, or No cameras on base!
energetic legs inside a plus. We may mail to:
have one car on the grounds, weather
Mike San Miguel introducing the joys of digiscoping to a Contact the compilers to participate.
USC Master of Liberal Studies student in my class
on urban conservation biology in 2008. INTRODUCTION TO BIRD
Photo courtesy of Travis Longcore WATCHING CLASS
Mike was very generous with his time in Mike was 20 years my senior but I Los Angeles Audubon will be offering
a three day INTRODUCTION TO BIRD WATCHING
leading field trips and sharing his knowledge couldn’t keep up with his seemingly endless
CLASS, Oct./Nov., 2010 with instructor
of the LA River and its biota with my class. energy and enthusiasm. I first got to know
Eleanor Osgood. Sessions are geared
We corresponded and helped each other out Mike in the early ’90s. I don’t remember
towards participants with beginning and low
on conservation issues facing the San Gabriel exactly how or where I met him, but we intermediate bird identification skills.
River and environs. I tried to help him where birded together frequently back then. There Binoculars and field guides will be
I could; and he always shared anything I was always his signature smile and a gleam provided; bring your own if you have them.
needed—even volunteering to do impromptu in his eye when he talked about having seen a Classes will cover the basic tools
bird surveys if he didn’t know a site. What a good bird. When we found something needed for bird watching: field guides and
truly great and gentle man; that he is gone is interesting, it didn’t matter if he knew more optics as well as field identification skills,
hard to grasp. My condolences to his family about birds than I did; he’d always ask “what field marks, habitat, and status and
and to all of those for whom his loss is so do ya think?” distribution. The topics of conservation and
deeply felt. One spring as we headed from citizen science will be also be explored.
–Travis Longcore, President Butterbredt Spring to Galileo, my car broke Full day workshop at Plummer Park.
Los Angeles Audubon down. I encouraged Mike to hitch a ride with Location of field trips TBA. Call Audubon
one of the other birders there so he wouldn’t House (323) 876-0202 or check our website
The last time I saw Mike, was when he miss out, but no. He patiently waited for a for updated class locations.
called me to join a meeting at Whittier couple of hours as we got towed into Mojave Limited to 12 participants. Pre-
Narrows with LA County Parks and and as I rented a car so we could get home. registration is required. Please provide
Recreation officials. He was distressed that Only a birder would understand that level of name, address, phone number, email address
the maintenance crew had, severely and sacrifice! That minor tale says a lot about and fee.
uneccessarily, trimmed the reeds at Legg Lake who Mike was. Ultimately we did get out to
during the breeding season. Mike kept his FEE:
Galileo that day and were rewarded with a
$30 LAAS Chapter Members or
cool in the meeting and didn’t just complain, stunning Prothonotary Warbler.
$50 Non-Members
instead, he advocated for a parkwide Mike’s attitude, breadth of knowledge
Conservation Plan for the habitat in the entire and outgoing personality were always an WORKSHOP
park. That is what inspired me about Mike. inspiration. Even if I couldn’t match them, Sat., Oct. 30, 9am to 3pm
Mike was a true conservationist as well as a they motivated me to become a better birder
birder. He did this by sharing his love of and a stronger advocate for birds and birding. FIELD INSTRUCTION
birding on field trips he led, and by sharing his But as much as he was a fixture of California Sun., Oct. 31, 8:30am to 12pm
data, knowledge, organizing skills and birding, he was first and foremost just a great Sat., Nov. 6, 8:30am to 12pm
wisdom with others in conservation efforts. person. I still can’t imagine him being gone.
–Garry George, 1st Vice-President He will be missed by so many people and in Mail check and registration information to:
Los Angeles Audubon
so many places. –Jon Fisher, RBA Report Los Angeles Audubon – Registration
Los Angeles Audubon PO Box 931057
Los Angeles, CA 90093-1057
16 Western Tanager Vol. 77, No.1
BIRD WALKS
Bird Walks are geared for the beginner/intermediate looking for an introduction to local birds or a less strenuous
excursion. Appropriate for young bird watchers age 6 years and older. Carpooling is encouraged. Binoculars are
provided on some walks as noted below.
Topanga State Park Birdwalk If you wish to carpool, or for present, plus the resident Black
(Topanga, CA 90290) more information, contact Eleanor Oystercatchers frequent the rocky
1st Sunday of every month Osgood at volunteer@laaudubon.org shores of Ballona Creek.
September 5, 2010 or call (310) 839-5420. If lost, call Meet at the Del Rey Lagoon
October 3, 2010 the morning of the walk after 8:00 parking lot. Take the Marina Fwy
Leaders: Ken Wheeland, a.m. (424) 298-1376. Mapquesting (90) to Culver Blvd and turn left for
(310) 455-1401; ksafarri@aol.com, directions is recommended. a mile. Turn right on Pacific Ave.
and Chris Tosdevin (310) 455-1270 Binoculars provided. The lot is on the right. Lot or street
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. parking is usually not a problem.
Ken and Chris will lead Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area Three hour walk. Scopes helpful.
participants through this beautiful 4100 S La Cienega Blvd
and diverse coastal mountain area. Los Angeles, CA 90056 Echo Park Lake Bird Walk
An ideal trip for a beginning birder (in Baldwin Hills.) Echo Park in Los Angeles
or someone new to the area. 3rd Saturday of the month Leader: Judy Raskin
Leaders: Eric and Ann Brooks; (323) 663-6767; jayebea@att.net
Upper Franklin Canyon (Sooky Eleanor Osgood Saturday, September 25, 2010
Goldberg Nature Center) September 18, 2010 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
(2600 Franklin Canyon Drive, October 16, 2010 Take a leisurely walk around
Beverly Hills, 90210) Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Echo Park Lake, one of the oldest in
Second Sunday of each month This trip covers landscaped Los Angeles. More than 70 species
Leader: Eleanor Osgood parkland, a lake and natural coastal call Echo Park their home for all or
September 12, 2010 scrub habitats and is paced for part of the year. They include
October 10, 2010 beginning birders. We will look for Mallards, Great-tailed Grackles,
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. the birds of the coastal sage scrub, American Coots, Great-blue Herons,
Join us as we take a casual walk such as Spotted Towhee, California Great Egrets, hawks and various
around the ponds and trails of this Towhee and Song Sparrow. The lake gulls and doves. This is an excellent
urban oak woodland nature preserve. attracts herons, egrets, cormorants, walk for beginners. Parents are
We are likely to see the resident ducks as well as an Osprey. We will encouraged to bring their children.
Wood Ducks and as well chaparral also look for migrating songbirds. Binoculars recommended, and a bird
bird species such as California Quail, If you wish to carpool, or for more guide, if you have one.
Spotted and California Towhees and information, contact Eleanor Osgood Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the
California Thrasher. Also expect to at volunteer@laaudubon.org or (310) Boathouse, Echo Park Ave. near
see some migrating songbirds and 839-5420. Binoculars provided. Laguna Ave. Plenty of street parking.
flycatchers. This canyon is a hidden
treasure where the surrounding urban Ballona Wetlands Bird Walk
residences of Sherman Oaks and 3rd Sunday of the month with the
Beverly Hills disappear from view. exception of December Detailed directions to these
Meet in the lower parking lot of Leaders: Bob Shanman and Friends (310) locations are published on our
the Sooky Goldberg Nature Center 326-2473; wbutorrance@gmail.com website:
and bird for a few hours in the cool September 19, 2010 www.losangelesaudubon.org.
of native trees and creek. October 17, 2010 MAIN MENU > RECREATION >
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12: p.m. BIRD WALKS
Join us for a walk through L.A.’s or, call the Leader/Contact in the
only remaining saltwater marsh and walk’s description.
the adjacent rocky jetty. Wintering
shorebirds and terns should be
Western Tanager September/October 2010 17
INTERNATIONAL BIRDING
LOS ANGELES AUDUBON presents:
COSTA RICA, JEWEL OF CENTRAL AMERICA and A BIRDER’S PARADISE
C
osta Rica is located in the colorful birds like motmots, trogons, hummingbirds, the Resplendent
south eastern portion of the parrots, jacamars and tanagers, along Quetzal, and the Three-wattled
Central American landbridge, with the birds with more camoflaged Bellbird—are all possible.
and receives its avifaunal influence plumage like tinamous, antbirds, Spend two days in the transition
from both North America and northern woodcreepers, flycatchers and zone between the dry and moist forest
South America. Near San Jose, the wrens. Early in the mornings, the of the Pacific lowlands— strategically
capitol, located in the central part of dawn chorus of various bird songs located near the Carara Biological
the country, there is considerable keeps you in suspense. We will be Reserve—one of the last tropical rain
overlap of species. The cordilleras visiting seven habitats, each with its forests on the Pacific Coast. Here,
(high range of mountains that divide own distinctive birds that are not Scarlet Macaws, with the early
the country), act as natural barriers to likely to be seen in other places on morning’s light on them, will absolutely
most species of birds and animals on this trip. leave you breathless! In addition you
both the Caribbean and the Pacific We’ll begin with a boat ride into will observe such beauties as —Baird’s
slopes. This phenomenon results in the mangrove forests of the Abangares Trogon, Fiery-billed Aracari, Orange-
small regions with completely River, where Roseate Spoonbills, collared Manakin, and Black-hooded
different avafauna in close proximity Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Antshrike. Coatimundi, peccary,
to one another. raptors, shorebirds, gulls and terns can White-faced Capuchin, Howler and
This tiny country, about the size of be seen. Mantled Howler Monkeys Spider Monkeys and Two-toed Sloth,
West Virginia, boasts well over 800 may be startled by your visit. In the can also be found as you walk along the
species of birds, almost 2000 species dry forests of the Abangares, views of trails bordered with heliconia blossoms.
of plants and orchids, well over 300 the Thicket Tinamou, Banded Wren, Continue on through the Cerro
species of reptiles and amphibians, Black-headed Trogon, Turquoise- de la Muerta Mountains to the
along with numerous butterflies. One browed Motmot and Long-tailed Savegre Mountain Lodge, located at
of the world’s premier destinations, Manakin are possible. In the Palo 7200', on a family farm with a trout
Costa Rica is a small, friendly country, Verde National Park—another of the stream running through it.
without a military, and whose local dry forest ecosystem—we should find Resplendent Quetzal’s nest here in
people welcome you like a guest in the Yellow-naped Parrot, King Vulture, this highland cloud forest—a real
their country Great Curassow, Limpkin, and the paradise for birders—where
All major roads lead out of San world’s largest stork, the Jabiru. additional birds like Yellow-winged
Jose, making it necessary to return Monteverde is one of the most Vireo, Flame-throated Warbler,
there frequently—but within an hour beautiful cloud forests in the world, Tufted Flycatcher, Volcano Junco,
or so—one can be within spectacular where —Black Guan, Prong-billed Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher,
habitats and enjoying the wonders of Barbet, Blue-throated Toucanet, Large-footed Finch and many other
Spangle-cheeked Tanager, numerous species are common.
18 Western Tanager Vol. 77, No.1
Pelagic Trips
Enter the forests into a We offer an optional 3-day Post- This 8 hour trip departs from
cathedral-like setting, with Extension to Corcovado National the Santa Barbara Harbor at 7:00
columns of hundred-year-old trees, Park—where you will fly from San a.m. on the fast catamaran Condor
unusual plants and mushrooms, Jose to Palmar Sur—continuing by Express. Birds to be expected:
and the celestial chorus of birds road to Rio Sierpe, and transfer to Northern Fulmar; Pink-footed,
that will make your walk magical your home for the next three nights. Sooty and Black-vented
and unforgettable. Towering mangrove trees line the Shearwaters; Black, Ashy and
Your final destination, banks and tributaries of the Rio Leach’s Storm-Petrels; cormorants
adjacent to the Braulio Carrillo Sierpe, on their way to the Pacific (3), rocky shorebirds (up to 5); Red
National Park, in the lush Ocean, to empty into the sea just and Red-necked Phalaropes;
lowlands of northeastern Costa north of Drake Bay and the Marenco Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers;
Rica, may well be the most Biological Reserve. Sabine’s Gull; Royal, Common and
exciting adventure of the trip. Your visit to Corcovado National Arctic Terns; Common Murre;
The Selva Verde Lodge, located Park includes explorations through Xantus’s Murrelet; Cassin’s Auklet.
in the Sarapiqui region, the the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s Uncommon rarities that can be
wettest part of the country, is rainforests—and one of the most seen: Buller’s Shearwater; Least
where the colorful parrots, geologically intense places on earth. Storm-Petrel; Red-billed
trogons, and toucans feed at the There are eight main habitats within Tropicbird; South Polar Skua;
forest edge, where you can watch the park, and the wildlife here is as Long-tailed Jaeger; and Craveri’s
them from the veranda while varied and rich as its plant life. Murrelet. Great whales and several
sipping a cool drink. Join us for an extraordinary species of dolphins are often seen
In nearby, world-famous, introduction to Neo-tropical birds this time of year
La Selva Biological Field Station, and wildlife in beautiful Costa Rica, There is a full galley that can
we will seek the tinamous, March 18 to 30, 2011, plus the serve breakfast and lunch.
antbirds, manakins, and specialties Corcovado National Park extension.
like the Lattice-tailed Trogon, Leaders: Jon Feenstra, Terry
Snowy Cotinga, and various For further information, contact: Hunefeld, Todd McGrath, Dave
wrens. Over 400 species of birds Olga Clarke, Travel Director Pereksta and Dave Compton
have been recorded in this area, Los Angeles Audubon Society $125 Credit card or cash.
and the sounds ringing through the oclarketravel@earthlink.net
forest produce an unforgettable Ph/Fax: (818) 249-9511 Reservations for this trip: Contact
memory of Costa Rica and its Sea Landing in Santa Barbara at
natural riches. (805) 882-0088 or (888) 779-4253
for your reservations or trip status.
Regular Hours:
Mon. - Thurs. 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
MONTHLY PROGRAMS
Wednesday, September 8, 2010 Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tom Stephenson returns from New York to present: Scott Thomas and Pete Bloom present:
Los Angeles Audubon’s monthly Program Presentations, are held the second Wednesday of the month in the
West Hollywood Community Center building in Plummer Park.
7377 Santa Monica Blvd. (at Martel Ave.), W. Hollywood 90046.
Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. and are over at about 9:30 p.m.
All are welcome! Come early, enjoy refreshments, and browse the Nature Shop & Bookstore at Audubon House.