INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Western Tanager, January–February 2023, Vol. 89 No. 3
Inside This Issue
Pelagic Birding: A Birder’s Box of Chocolates, by Robbie Lisa Freeman
Ten Tips To Prepare for Your First Pelagic, by Robbie Lisa Freeman
Snowy Owl in San Pedro, by Andy Dowdell
Conservation Conversation, by Travis Longcore (Wildness in Our City, Farewell, P-22, Seeing the Wild at Silver Lake Reservoir, Wild Under Threat at Ballona)
Birds of the Season — December 2022
Christmas Count, by Linda Sheehan
January 11th Online Presentation — Scaring Birds for Science, with Mario Díaz presenting
Western Tanager—Nov-Dec 2022
Birds of the Season – October 2022
September and October are a time of almost endless potential and anticipation in the birder’s world in southern California, with a wide variety of migrants passing through. But it is also a time of uncertainly; each year is different and we never know exactly what to expect. What numbers of vagrants will turn up? What species will be above or below average? Will any ultra-rare Asian strays be found? To avoid any unnecessary suspense, I will state that the fall of 2022 did not disappoint.
Native-plant landscaping in residential yards provides habitat and refuge for birds in Southern California
As an ecologist, the mega sprawl of cities such as Los Angeles has always made me wonder what happened to wildlife native to the land before development. In the 20th and 21st centuries, humans in Southern California have converted vast natural ecosystems into buildings, houses, roads, agriculture, and other infrastructure and land uses. How did these drastic changes to the environment affect wildlife? How can we mitigate the negative effects of urbanization on wildlife?
Western Tanager, Sep–Oct 2022, Vol. 89 No. 1
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Page 1–2 Hawk On The Block
Page 3 Nature Nexus & Volunteers
Page 4 Conservation Conversation
Pages 5–6 Birds of the Season
Page 7–8 Hope Is The Thing With Feathers
Pages 9 Upcoming Bird Walks
CONSERVATION CONVERSATION—Legislative Priorities to Protect Birds During Migration
The migration each year of nearly 5 billion birds from breeding grounds in North America to wintering grounds in Central and South America and the Caribbean (the “Neotropics”) is both one of the wonders of nature and what marks the season for birders. Some of those birds even stay and overwinter here in Los Angeles and other southern reaches of North America. A Western Tanager stopped under our oak tree as this column was going to press but it will be another month before the Yellow-rumped Warblers arrive for the winter.
Birds of the Season- August 2022
In some respects, July represents the summer doldrums for birds and birding. Breeding activity is largely over and fall migration has yet to get into full swing. But nothing is static in the bird world. Shorebird migration was already well underway, and the first southbound passerines were not far behind. Though much of what migration has served up thus far has been standard fare, a handful of vagrants have already been recorded.
Lek Leaders Celebrate 30 Years Guiding Birders to Owens Valley
When you sign up for a birding excursion with Mary and Nick Freeman, you may find yourself learning a lot more than you expected. In addition to bird identification by color, features, calls, and habitat, you may learn about flora and fauna, geology, biology, and even archeology. That’s because the folks who tend to go on their trips are amazingly diverse in their backgrounds and happy to share their knowledge. On a recent four-day Owens Valley sage-grouse trip led by the Freemans, the dozen attendees included two biologists, a geologist, an archeologist, and birders and photographers of all levels, including one world birder whose life list encompasses more than 7,700 birds!
The Great Lek Trek: Viewing the Bi-State Greater Sage-Grouse
It’s been a long, bone-jarring drive down a dark and dusty rutted road. But finally, our caravan of eight vehicles pulls to a stop and 14 birders tumble out of their cars. Tucked into down jackets, gloves, face masks, and boots, we’re hoping to keep the bitter cold at bay. But as we gather our gear and strike out on our path, the 22-degree chill seeps insidiously through the stitching of even the best-made gloves and parkas. Before long, my fingers tingle from grasping the aluminum legs of the tripod and camera slung over my shoulder. But we are moving towards our target and my excitement exceeds my discomfort.