Field Trip Report Malibu Lagoon Dec. 27, 2015 & July-Dec 2015 Trip Lists

If you can’t ID this species, you need to come on our birdwalk  (G. Murayama 12-24-15)

A very crisp morning with temps in the lower forties as we started. The lagoon had recently received a tidal surge and was

Osprey close-up (Jim Kenney 11-25-15)

slowly draining as we birded. Luckily, temperatures “soared” into the low 60’s as we explored the area.We were unable to cross over the drainage of the lagoon and walked around on the bridge to the Adamson House where we were pleasantly surprised to see two Sora chasing each other in the open right below the observation deck, formerly boat launch area. As is often the case, this is one of our best-attended walks of the year with visitors from as far as Michigan this year, and at least 20 persons, of all sizes and ages, on our 10AM family walk.

Common Murre (Jim Kenney 11-20-15)

This Common Murre was the exceptional bird of the day. Even though a rarity and a treat for those who do not participate in pelagic birding, its presence in the lagoon did not presage a happy future for this normally sea-going bird. No Snowy Plovers spotted, a troubling absence.

The Royal Tern In Winter. Note that eye is not surrounded by dark feathers and slight gonydeal bump on lower bill, unlike the similar Elegant Tern (Bob Gurfield 12-18-15)

Birds new for the season were: Northern Pintail, Brandt’s Cormorant, Red-tailed Hawk, Greater Yellowlegs,  Common Murre, Peregrine Falcon, Oak Titmouse. The murre is a new addition to our monthly lagoon bird list, now 233 species long.

A Snowy Plover bad hair day (G. Murayama 12-31-15)

As always, many thanks to our photographers: Grace Murayama,  Jim Kenney and Bob Gurfield.

Our next four scheduled field trips: Antelope Valley Raptor Experience, 16 Jan. 8:00am (sign up required); Malibu Lagoon 8:30 & 10am, 24 Jan.;  Sepulveda Basin Reserve, 13 Feb. 8:30am; Malibu Lagoon 8:30 & 10am, 28 Feb.

A drowsy Ring-billed Gull (G. Murayama 12-29-15)

Our next program: Malibu Lagoon – Past and Present with Chuck Almdale on Tuesday, 2 February, 7:30 pm, at [note location change] Chris Reed Park, 1133 7th St., NE corner of 7th and Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica.

NOTE: Our 10 a.m. Parent’s & Kids Birdwalk meets at the shaded viewing area. Watch for Willie the Weasel. He’ll be watching for you and your big floppy feet.

Great Blue Heron striding purposefully (G. Murayama 12-24-15)

Links: Unusual birds at Malibu Lagoon
9/23/02 Aerial photo of Malibu Lagoon
Prior checklists:
2015:   Jan-May
2014:   Jan-July,    July-Dec     2013:   Jan-June,   July-Dec
2012:   Jan-June,   July-Dec    2011:   Jan-June,   July-Dec
2010:  Jan-June,   July-Dec     2009:  Jan-June,   July-Dec

Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are still here, quizzical as ever (G. Murayama 12-31-15)

The 10-year comparison summaries created during the project period, despite numerous complaints, remain available on our Lagoon Project Bird Census Page. Very briefly summarized, the results unexpectedly indicate that avian species diversification and numbers improved slightly during the period Jun’12-June’14.
[Lucien Plauzoles & Chuck Almdale]