Saturday, 29 August: Lower Los Angeles River. EARLY START! 7 AM. The lower portion of the LA River has become a late summer hotspot for southbound migrants: in the vegetated river channel are Sandpipers, Phalaropes, Ibis, Terns; various passerines in the trees and bushes of adjacent parks. Baird’s and Pectoral Sandpipers quite possible! The river is wide, so bring your spotting scope and 10X binoculars if you have them, water, snacks and dress for variable weather. Rainshowers occasionally. Sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats and water recommended, small folding chair/stool can be useful. Family guide: 1-2 miles walking on pavement and grass, ending about 11-11:30am.

These are the current (Monday 8/24) weather predictions for Saturday. Considering what we’ve experienced in the past, they seem quite reasonable. I had feared it would be in the high 100’s.

Try to arrive early. We start birding at 7:00, not just gathering. Early birders get the jump on early birds.

Reservations: Please contact Lu Plauzoles (310-779-0966). We just like to know who’s coming so we can keep an eye open for them. Open to everyone.

Car Pooling: If you are interested in a carpool ride or have a seat available please contact Lu Plauzoles (310-779-0966), by Thursday afternoon if possible so we can try to match you up. (If no answer, please leave a message.)

Lunch: For those who wish, we will have lunch at our last birding stop and thrash out our sightings, DeForest Park in Long Beach no later than noon. Often there are many migrating warblers in the trees, including occasional oddities.

Directions to LA River meeting spot: from Santa Monica, take I-10 east to I-405, south on I-405 22 miles to Long Beach Fwy I-710. South on I-710 1.5 mi. to Willow St., exit eastbound over the Fwy. & river. Turn left at first stoplight at Golden Ave., left again at 26th Way, then 2 blocks to end at DeForest Ave. Park along DeForest Ave. and meet at the bikeway at the top of the pedestrian ramp. Meet at 7 am. Allow 45 minutes from Santa Monica.

After birding here, we will go north to DeForest Park for more birds and lunch. To reach DeForest Park, return to I-710 north, pass the I-405 and exit at Artesia Blvd. Proceed east and turn right onto Atlantic Ave., then right again onto E. Harding St. The park is at the end of the road. Park along DeForest Ave. or in the lot near the pickleball courts. 

Leaders: Chuck Almdale & Lu Plauzoles
Field Trip Chair & Information: Jean Garrett 213-522-0062

Prior Reports including trip lists: August 2016, September 2015, September 2014, August 2013,  September 2012,  September 2011,  October 2010

Google Map to Meeting Site

[Posted by Chuck Almdale]