August Algae at Malibu Lagoon, 25 August, 2019

Short-billed Dowitchers – note the rufous inner markings on the scapular feathers
(G. Murayama 8/23/19)

The morning was a bit overcast but quite warm at Malibu Lagoon as we observed return-trippers from the north.

Ruddy Turnstone strolls the lagoon shore (G. Murayama 8/9/19)

Few surprises, no ducks to speak of, and a considerable amount of surface algae – the largest amount this observer has seen since the 2012-13 reconfiguration of the lagoon. This is probably because the outflow has stopped and there has been very little offshore wind.

Red-necked Phalarope in the algae (G. Murayama 8/16/19)

Our flock of Snowy Plovers is still low at 14.

Western Snowy Plover banded bb:go (G Murayama 8/16/19)

There were migrant visitors of note: a Long-billed Curlew and a small group of Red-necked Phalarope. Our attendance was down slightly also because of numerous regulars on vacation birding elsewhere in the world.  [Lucien Plauzoles]

Male Ruddy Ducks getting feisty (L. Loeher 8/9/19)

A little later in the month…

Not a volcano in Malibu but a brush fire (G. Murayama 8/30/19)

There was a fire at Malibu, up the slope and east of the lagoon. Fire season in the Los Angeles area usually starts a bit later.

Water drop on the fire (L. Loeher 8/30/19)

Birds new for the season: Ruddy Turnstone, Least Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Red-necked Phalarope, Elegant Tern, Bewick’s Wren, Orange-crowned Warbler.

Many thanks to our photographers: Larry Loeher & Grace Murayama.

White-faced Ibis in a glossy glow
(G. Murayama 8/16/19)

Our next three scheduled field trips: Coastal Cleanup Day at Malibu Lagoon 9am – Noon, Sat. 21 September; Malibu Lagoon 8:30 & 10am, 22 September; Huntington Beach Central Park 8am, Sat 12 October.

Our next program: Birds, Bees and Butterflies: Native Planting in Your Yard, presented by Connie Day & Lili Singer. Tuesday, 1 October, 7:30 p.m., 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 viewpoint just south (towards the water) of the parking area. Watch for Willie the Weasel. He’ll be watching for you and your big floppy feet.

Links: Unusual birds at Malibu Lagoon recently updated with new photos
9/23/02 Aerial photo of Malibu Lagoon

Prior checklists:
2019: Jan-June
2017: Jan-June, July-Dec   2018: Jan-June, July-Dec
2016: Jan-June, July-Dec   2015: Jan-May, July-Dec
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.

The 10-year comparison summaries created during the Lagoon Reconfiguration 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 restoration period June’12-June’14.