We lead off with a couple of great photos from Joyce Waterman.

Killdeer chick, a little unsteady. (J.Waterman 4/21/12)

This Killdeer chick was photographed on Saturday, the day before our monthly lagoon walk.   It was inland of the Snowy Plover enclosure, in the same location where the adult Killdeer were photographed (see below) the following day, and where we found a Killdeer nest last year.   This next shot makes me think of the Secretary-Bird of the African veldt.

Killdeer chick, as leggy as a Secretary-Bird (J.Waterman 4/21/12)

Today was Earth Day, kept cool by the morning fog.  It was nice to see so many caring people out on the beach, picking up trash.  But this ‘celebration’ really works only when people carry their concern over into daily life.  So think about: reducing water waste, fewer flushes, reduce driving, reduce driving speeds.  When I drive the speed limit on the freeway and many dozens of cars pass me every minute and I pass no one except semis, I have to think that the price of gasoline is still far too low.  At today’s prices, the EPA says that every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph costs you 31¢ per gallon.  Slow down: reduce frustration, save fuel, save lives.

Lagoon flock front to rear: Elegant & Caspian Terns, California & Western Gulls, American Coot, & Black-necked in left center. (Lee Huniu 4/22/12)

Time marches on.  Birds come and go.  The elegantly crested Elegant and Caspian Tern numbers grew with each passing minute.  A beautifully plumaged Sora appeared all ready to breed somewhere, perhaps right here.  The gulls and terns weren’t waiting: we frequently saw them (ahem) standing atop one another; perhaps it was to admire the view.  A small flock of Western Sandpipers appeared out of nowhere.  A Peregrine Falconshot through, sending the birds up in a cloud of wings.

With “eyebrows” much like some of our older chapter members, this Double-crested Cormorant displays the crests for which it was named. (J.Kenney 4/26/12)

Three Semipalmated Plovers – absent  since last August’s southerly migrants passed through – were on the mud.  A Pacific Loon in alternate plumage repeatedly dove out past the kelp and surf zone.  On the outer rocks, two Black Turnstones braved the over-breaking waves.  In the reeds and trees, Red-winged Blackbirds ground out their songs and displayed their bright red epaulets.  Nearby, Great-tailed Grackles bowed and tail-pointed, while a pair of Brown-headed Cowbirds waited patiently for someone – anyone! – to get on the stick and build a nest so they could dump their eggs into it.  Four Black-necked Stilts – on their 6^th visit in 32 years –rested, fed and rested again.

Deer footprint in beach sand (Lee Huniu 4/22/12)

Just after finding a deer footprint in the damp sand – something I don’t recall previously seeing – we spotted four actual deer inland of the highway bridge on the east side of the creek.  They wandered back and forth for a few minutes, then disappeared into the brush.

Killdeer inspects us. (Lee Huniu 4/22/12)

This Killdeer patrolled the sand between the lagoon and the Snowy Plover enclosure.  It was probably keeping such a close eye on us because its chick was nearby, unbeknownst to us at the time.  This is where we found a Killdeer nest last year.

The Killdeer shows us his new tail (Lee Huniu 4/22/12)

The Snowy Plover Enclosure was doing fine, although the 3 remaining Snowies chose not to utilize it today.  There were plenty of footprints – dog and human – inside it, plus wrack and growing vegetation, so it wasn’t because they couldn’t find any little depressions to lounge in.   Besides, they can scrape them out themselves without much effort, should they choose to do so.

A sizable group of Cub “Webelo” Scouts showed up, to our surprise, with many parents in tow, so the “parents & kids” leaders showed them around.  [We encourage organizers to please let us know they’re coming so that we’re here to meet them.]  We received this note from Cub Scout Stanley Funnell:

Our next three field trips:   Solstice Canyon 12 May, 8 am;   Malibu Lagoon, 27 May, 8:30 & 10 am;   Mt. Piños Birds & Butterflies, June 16-17, 8 am.
Our next program: Tuesday, 1 May, 7:30 pm – Alaska, presented by Guy Commeau.   The usual reminders will be emailed from the blog.

As a reminder to those coming to our 10 a.m. Parent’s & Kids Birdwalk, it meets at the beach trail footbridge closest to the parking lot.

Links: Unusual birds at Malibu Lagoon
Aerial photo of Malibu Lagoon from 9/23/02.
Prior checklists: July-Dec’11, Jan-June’11, July-Dec ’10, Jan-June ’10, Jul-Dec ‘09, and Jan-June ‘09.
[Chuck Almdale]