Malibu Lagoon Trip Report, Picnic & Jan-June Bird Census: 26 June, 2011

The lagoon outlet to the ocean was a tiny

Snubbed by a Brown Towhee (C.Almdale 6/11)

rivulet, so for the first time in many months we walked the beach to Adamson House. We didn’t find much there, but we saw what the winter had done to the beach where most of the surfers and sunbathers go –  about 1/2 to 2/3rds of the sand  was gone. But it was a great surfing day; the waves were jam packed with surfers.

As typical for June, both numbers and species were at the annual low point. Many of the remaining species are local breeders – Black Phoebes, Cliff & Barn Swallows, and Mallards (ducklings in tow) were the most visible – joined by breeders resting from

Western (Roof) Gull in eponymous habitat (C.Almdale 6/11)

foraging (Western Gulls and the few terns), and gulls too young to breed. Surprise of the day was two alternate (breeding) plumage Western Sandpipers who flew in and began to forage. They ought to be much farther north, I think.

It’s always fun to watch the families of Barn Swallows line up on reed-stems. Often three or four pile onto the same reed, bending it over until it seems they should slide off, like pearls falling from a broken necklace.

Outlet closure always means reduced

"What happened to my pie?," cries Jean. (C.Almdale 6/11)

water circulation in the lagoon and – especially – the channels, quickly followed by the appearance of clumpy masses of ugly gray algae. This stuff eventually sucks all the oxygen out of the water, making it very hard for any fish and invertebrates that are struggling to survive. It’ll be a tough summer for them.

After we got the umbrellas and chairs arranged around the food canopy,

Black Phoebe came to picnic, but wouldn't share its Blue Dragonfly with anyone (C.Almdale 6/11)

we plowed into our picnic. Loads of delicious salads, fried chicken, several desserts (including Paula’s rice pudding, a personal favorite), bottled drinks and some homemade lemonade. We exchanged some books, mostly mysteries, and everyone loaded up on John’s blood oranges and gigantic grapefruit before heading home. [Chuck Almdale]

Our Summer field trips are both at Malibu Lagoon: 24 July, 28 August.

As a reminder to those who plan to come to our 10 a.m. Parent’s & Kids birdwalk, they meet at the beach trail footbridge closest to the parking lot.

Who says you can't get blood from an orange? (C.Almdale 6/11)

Links: Unusual birds at Malibu Lagoon.
Aerial photo of Malibu Lagoon from 9/23/02.
Prior checklists: July-Dec ’10, Jan-June ’10, Jul-Dec ‘09, and Jan-June ‘09.