RBA
* California * Orange County * June 16, 2022 * CAOC22.06.16
This is the Orange County, CA weekly Rare Bird Alert (RBA) and local events summary. California Bird Records Committee (CBRC) review species are capitalized and marked with asterisks below. All documentation of review species should be forwarded to the CBRC secretary, Tom Benson, at secretary@... .

BIRDS MENTIONED
Neotropic Cormorant Red-eyed Vireo
NEOTROPIC CORMORANTS continued to be reported from San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine. As with last week, many of these reports in eBird are still under review, primarily due to difficulty determining the identity of the birds. eBird users are encouraged to attempt to get photos from multiple angles and, when possible, with other birds, particularly Double-crested Cormorants, in the same photo and close by for comparison. Again this week, there have been a lot of photos of immature cormorants by themselves with faint white edges to their bill base; this does not in itself make a Neotropic Cormorant. If you photograph potential candidates, please attempt to get photos of the bill, the lores, the underparts, the tail, everything possible to support the ID instead of just some white around the edge of the bill, which on the younger birds isn't adequate to make the ID.
A RED-EYED VIREO was photographed on June 16 during a nesting survey in an undisclosed location.

LOCAL EVENTS
For a complete up-to-date list of current field trips, please visit the webpage on Sea and Sages website: https://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/FieldTrips/fieldtripscurrent.htm
** As a reminder, all field trips continue to require reservations in advance and proof of full Covid-19 vaccination. Email nancykenyon@... to make a reservation or get on the waitlist.
The next Anaheim Coves bird walk will take place on June 19 from 8:00am to 12:00pm. Email Nancy to get on the list.
The Mammoth Lakes Weekend Trip is taking place June 25th and 26th. Currently listed as full, but you can email Nancy to get on the waiting list.
The Upper Newport Bay Bird Walk will take place on June 26 from 8:00am to 11:00am. Email Nancy to get on the list.
A summer pelagic trip has been added on August 13.

BIRDING WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES
None at this time.
****************************************************
The Orange County RBA and events summary is produced weekly by Ryan Winkleman and Jeff Bray in collaboration with Doug Willick. Sightings of rare birds can be posted to the OrangeCountyBirding listserv, emailed directly to Jeff Bray ( jbray3928@... ) and/or Ryan Winkleman ( rswinkleman@... ), and/or submitted to eBird ( http://ebird.org/content/ebird ). Any supporting details (descriptions, photos, audio recordings, etc.) of rare sightings that are not already disclosed on the listserv or on eBird should also be emailed to Ryan Winkleman separately for consideration to be mentioned in the current quarterly report for North American Birds.
Those sightings that are included in this summary generally include those that are considered rare (regionally or seasonally) for Orange County based on "The Birds of Orange County: Status and Distribution" (Hamilton and Willick), "Birds of Southern California" (Garrett and Dunn), and/or more contemporary changes in local or regional status and distribution. Rarities that regularly or seasonally occur at a particular location, such as annually wintering rarities on Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, may or may not be included in this digest, but reports of these same species occurring at other, atypical locations throughout the county may be included. We don't include hybrids, subspecies, introduced or exotic birds, or in most cases and for no real reason, geese. All bird reports are vetted to the extent possible prior to each publication, but in the interest of sharing information, the accuracy of any given report cannot always be guaranteed, nor can the presence of any given bird for those who choose to chase after them.
Information on upcoming local events is taken largely from the Sea and Sage Audubon website ( http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/ ). Sea and Sage Audubon is based out of the Audubon House at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine. They sponsor a number of public field trips, special birding events, conservation lectures, and social gatherings throughout the year. Information regarding upcoming local events should be considered accurate at the time of this posting. However, for the most current information please refer to the field trip list on the Sea and Sage Audubon website at http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/FieldTrips/FieldTripSchedule.html . It is also recommended that you refer to that website immediately prior to engaging in any field trip to confirm that trips are still occurring. If you know of additional upcoming events that are not sponsored directly by Sea and Sage Audubon, please email Ryan Winkleman and/or Jeff Bray for inclusion. #RBA
--
Jeff Bray
Irvine, CA

RBA
* California * Orange County * June 10, 2022 * CAOC22.06.10
This is the Orange County, CA weekly Rare Bird Alert (RBA) and local events summary. California Bird Records Committee (CBRC) review species are capitalized and marked with asterisks below. All documentation of review species should be forwarded to the CBRC secretary, Tom Benson, at secretary@... .

BIRDS MENTIONED
Neotropic Cormorant Cattle Egret

NEOTROPIC CORMORANTS continued to be reported from San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine. Many of these reports in eBird are still under review, primarily due to difficulty determining the identity of the birds. eBird users are encouraged to attempt to get photos from multiple angles and, when possible, with other birds, particularly Double-crested Cormorants, in the same photo and close by for comparison. There have been a lot of photos of immature cormorants by themselves with faint white edges to their bill base; this does not in itself make a Neotropic Cormorant. If you photograph potential candidates, please attempt to get photos of the bill, the lores, the underparts, the tail, everything possible to support the ID instead of just some white around the edge of the bill, which on the younger birds isn't adequate to make the ID.
A CATTLE EGRET was found in Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach on June 9, east of the Wintersburg Channel and north of the bridge. The bird continued into June 10.

LOCAL EVENTS
For a complete up-to-date list of current field trips, please visit the webpage on Sea and Sages website: https://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/FieldTrips/fieldtripscurrent.htm
** As a reminder, all field trips continue to require reservations in advance and proof of full Covid-19 vaccination. Email nancykenyon@... to make a reservation or get on the waitlist.
The next San Joaquin WIldlife Sanctuary bird walk will take place on June 12 from 8:00am to 11:00am. Email Nancy to get on the list.
The next Anaheim Coves bird walk will take place on June 19 from 8:00am to 12:00pm. Email Nancy to get on the list.
The Mammoth Lakes Weekend Trip is taking place June 25th and 26th. Currently listed as full, but you can email Nancy to get on the waiting list.
The Upper Newport Bay Bird Walk will take place on June 26 from 8:00am to 11:00am. Email Nancy to get on the list.
A summer pelagic trip has been added on August 13.

BIRDING WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES
None at this time.
****************************************************
The Orange County RBA and events summary is produced weekly by Ryan Winkleman and Jeff Bray in collaboration with Doug Willick. Sightings of rare birds can be posted to the OrangeCountyBirding listserv, emailed directly to Jeff Bray ( jbray3928@... ) and/or Ryan Winkleman ( rswinkleman@... ), and/or submitted to eBird ( http://ebird.org/content/ebird ). Any supporting details (descriptions, photos, audio recordings, etc.) of rare sightings that are not already disclosed on the listserv or on eBird should also be emailed to Ryan Winkleman separately for consideration to be mentioned in the current quarterly report for North American Birds.
Those sightings that are included in this summary generally include those that are considered rare (regionally or seasonally) for Orange County based on "The Birds of Orange County: Status and Distribution" (Hamilton and Willick), "Birds of Southern California" (Garrett and Dunn), and/or more contemporary changes in local or regional status and distribution. Rarities that regularly or seasonally occur at a particular location, such as annually wintering rarities on Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, may or may not be included in this digest, but reports of these same species occurring at other, atypical locations throughout the county may be included. We don't include hybrids, subspecies, introduced or exotic birds, or in most cases and for no real reason, geese. All bird reports are vetted to the extent possible prior to each publication, but in the interest of sharing information, the accuracy of any given report cannot always be guaranteed, nor can the presence of any given bird for those who choose to chase after them.
Information on upcoming local events is taken largely from the Sea and Sage Audubon website ( http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/ ). Sea and Sage Audubon is based out of the Audubon House at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine. They sponsor a number of public field trips, special birding events, conservation lectures, and social gatherings throughout the year. Information regarding upcoming local events should be considered accurate at the time of this posting. However, for the most current information please refer to the field trip list on the Sea and Sage Audubon website at http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/FieldTrips/FieldTripSchedule.html . It is also recommended that you refer to that website immediately prior to engaging in any field trip to confirm that trips are still occurring. If you know of additional upcoming events that are not sponsored directly by Sea and Sage Audubon, please email Ryan Winkleman and/or Jeff Bray for inclusion. #RBA
--
Ryan Winkleman
Rancho Santa Margarita

The Neotropic Cormorant was still there this afternoon when I made it over around 3:45pm. It was sitting out on the rocks with a single Double-crested Cormorant when I arrived. It later swam around the pond, feeding, then was back on the rocks when I left.
Thanks for finding and reporting the bird, Linda. It was a new 5 Mile Radius bird for me.
A few photos on my eBird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S94389853
Cheers, Jeff Bray Irvine, CA

For a few days, I have seen a small black cormorant on the lake in Heritage Park in Irvine. Today, I took photos to confirm that it is a Neotropic Cormorant. Sharp white border sets off throat pouch. It is in the company of one Double-crested Cormorant.
Linda Thomas Irvine

For people submitting checklists to eBird, please please please include photos if possible of any birds that are identified as Neotropic Cormorants. I understand they were there Monday morning, yet I went there Monday morning about 10:30 after completing a survey and found nothing but Double-crested Cormorants on the Pond 1 island. Then Neotropics were reported again later in the day, but with no photos so I personally don't know if the birds were actually there or not. A checklist yesterday identified Neotropic Cormorants, yet at least some of the photos submitted with it show Double-crested Cormorants. I realize it's not always easy and that the island is a little far from the viewing areas, but to the extent possible if you are reporting Neotropic Cormorants to eBird please include photos so that we can evaluate reports with as much information as possible.
Thanks in advance for your help, Ryan

This morning while I was walking around Huntington Lake on the west side of Huntington Central Park I encountered an immature NEOTROPIC CORMORANT. It was roosting with 20 or so Double-crested Cormorants on the dead branches over the water south of the caf.
At 9am a big gust of wind knocked it off balance from its perch. It then flew around the lake twice before I lost view of it behind trees. I searched the entire lake could not refind it. I suspect if flew off headed north. Since the lake has a lot of cormorant activity it could return so may be worthwhile to check it or other suitable local spots like Shipley, Wintersburg Channel, etc.

Roger Schoedl
Huntington Beach

Greetings, We walked the in-laws around this lake yesterday afternoon (Tues 5 Jan 2021), had some very nice birds. Ring billed gulls, double-crested cormorants, 6 ibis standing near the cormorants (backlit, not sure of species ), black phoebes, Cassies kingbirds, pied-billed grebes, American coots, 3 Egyptian geese, 2 snowy egrets, ruddy ducks, great blue heron, Brewers blackbirds, mallards, domestic duck, & martins (species).
The highlight was a beautiful male vermillion flycatcher. It roosted on a London plane tree on the peninsula south of the footbridge, best observed from the path on the east side of the lake. It often flew out & back, no doubt flycatching chironomid midges that are emerging from the lake.
Cheers,

-Bob Allen bugbob@... Mission Viejo, CA Author, Wildflowers of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains

XsMAX

RBA * California * Orange County * July 16, 2020 * CAOC20.07.16 This is the Orange County, CA weekly Rare Bird Alert (RBA) and local events summary. California Bird Records Committee (CBRC) review species are capitalized and marked with asterisks below. All documentation of review species should be forwarded to the CBRC secretary, Tom Benson, at secretary@... . BIRDS MENTIONED Neotropic Cormorant Yellow-crowned Night-Heron A cormorant showing several features of NEOTROPIC CORMORANT was photographed on July 10 on the island of Pond 1 at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine. The identity of this bird has not been fully ascertained, and theres a decent chance that its the same bird that was photographed at the same location on April 12. The April bird was determined by local experts to be an apparent Neotropic x Double-crested Cormorant hybrid. That bird and the July bird both mostly show characteristics of a typical Neotropic Cormorant, particularly with the small size, long tail, and sharply-angled gular pouch with white edging. However, the extent of yellow in the lores of the bird is particularly troublesome to clinch the ID as a Neotropic. Should this bird be seen again, I would appreciate personally receiving high quality photos. There is of course currently only one accepted record of Neotropic Cormorant in Orange County, after we finally got our first county record in October 2019 after every other county in southern California was freaking sick and tired of all the constant Neotropics... An adult YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was photographed along the jetties of Dana Point Harbor on July 10.
LOCAL EVENTS All Sea and Sage Audubon sponsored field trips have been canceled until further notice due to cautionary measures regarding the coronavirus. BIRDING WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES Nothing new scheduled at this time. ***************************************************** The Orange County RBA and events summary is produced weekly by Ryan Winkleman and Jeff Bray in collaboration with Doug Willick. Sightings of rare birds can be posted to the OrangeCountyBirding listserv, emailed directly to Jeff Bray ( jbray3928@... ) and/or Ryan Winkleman ( rswinkleman@... ), and/or submitted to eBird ( http://ebird.org/content/ebird ). Any supporting details (descriptions, photos, audio recordings, etc.) of rare sightings that are not already disclosed on the listserv or on eBird should also be emailed to Ryan Winkleman separately for consideration to be mentioned in the current quarterly report for North American Birds. Those sightings that are included in this summary generally include those that are considered rare (regionally or seasonally) for Orange County based on "The Birds of Orange County: Status and Distribution" (Hamilton and Willick), "Birds of Southern California" (Garrett and Dunn), and/or more contemporary changes in local or regional status and distribution. Rarities that regularly or seasonally occur at a particular location, such as annually wintering rarities on Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, may or may not be included in this digest, but reports of these same species occurring at other, atypical locations throughout the county may be included. We don't include hybrids, subspecies, introduced or exotic birds, or in most cases and for no real reason, geese. All bird reports are vetted to the extent possible prior to each publication, but in the interest of sharing information, the accuracy of any given report cannot always be guaranteed, nor can the presence of any given bird for those who choose to chase after them. Information on upcoming local events is taken largely from the Sea and Sage Audubon website ( http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/ ). Sea and Sage Audubon is based out of the Audubon House at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine. They sponsor a number of public field trips, special birding events, conservation lectures, and social gatherings throughout the year. Information regarding upcoming local events should be considered accurate at the time of this posting. However, for the most current information please refer to the field trip list on the Sea and Sage Audubon website at http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/FieldTrips/FieldTripSchedule.html . It is also recommended that you refer to that website immediately prior to engaging in any field trip to confirm that trips are still occurring. If you know of additional upcoming events that are not sponsored directly by Sea and Sage Audubon, please email Ryan Winkleman and/or Jeff Bray for inclusion. #RBA
--
Ryan Winkleman
Rancho Santa Margarita

After the rain this morning, we decided to go birding in LNRP. There were many Yellow-rumped Warblers, Western Bluebirds, Bushtits, Canada Geese, Northern Shovelers, Ruddy Ducks, Double-crested Cormorants, White Pelicans, etc. Of note were 2 Snow Geese, 2 noisy Ospreys, and 1 Palm Warbler.
--
Sachi Fukuman
San Clemente

Greetings,
Yesterday (21 Nov 2019), while leading an Environmental Biology class field trip at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary between 1-3 pm, I saw a vermilion flycatcherfly into a cottonwood tree. Got great looks at it, since it was close by. Really took me by surprise.
The spot was along Pond 1, at the viewing cut-out loop" on the southeast side (map: https://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/SJWS/SJWSmapandrules.pdf )
Other birds seen:
Northern mockingbird - 1 in parking lot near Audubon house Great egrets - 1 in Pond E, 1 in Pond B Cinnamon teal - several in Pond C Northern shoveler - several in Pond C Green-winged teal - few in Pond C Bufflehead - few in Pond C Killdeer - 1 on shore at northeast end of Pond C America coot - few in Ponds E & C Great blue heron - 1 in Pond B, caught a fish along the southwest shore Black-crowned night heron - 1in Pond Balongnorthwest shore American white pelican - several on island in center of Pond 1, a few in flight Terns (species not noted) - about 6 orso, mostly above Pond 1 Double-crested cormorant - surprisingly few, most on island in center of Pond 1 Pied-billed grebe - 4, in Pond 1 Clarks or western grebes (didnt determine which) - about 4 in Pond 1
Common yellowthroat - saw 1 around southwest side of Pond 1, more heard than seen Northern harrier - 2 seen over Pond 1, one of them chased off a red-tailed hawk Turkey vulture - about 6 overhead Osprey - none seen by us, but a photographer said he saw one
Its still early, but winter species arestarting to show up.

-Bob Allen Mission Viejo, CA bugbob@... AdjunctProfessor of Biology, Santiago CanyonCollege &Orange Coast College Research Associate in Entomology, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Research Associate, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Author, Wildflowers of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains occnps.org/wildflower-book.html

RBA

* California
* Orange County
* August 1, 2019
* CAOC19.08.01

This is the Orange County, CA weekly Rare Bird Alert ( RBA ) and local events summary. California Bird Records Committee (CBRC) review species are capitalized and marked with asterisks below. All documentation of review species should be forwarded to the CBRC secretary, Tom Benson, at secretary@... .

BIRDS MENTIONED

American Wigeon
Red Phalarope
Common Murre
*NAZCA BOOBY* Brown Booby *RED-FOOTED BOOBY* Brandt's Cormorant
Reddish Egret
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
Swainson's Hawk Chipping Sparrow Lucy's Warbler
A male AMERICAN WIGEON continued summering at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine through July 27.

A RED PHALAROPE photographed offshore on July 26 was about a month earlier than expected for this species.
A COMMON MURRE photographed offshore on July 26 was about two months early and presumably summering.

A COMMON TERN was seen at Bolsa Chica Wetlands in Huntington Beach on July 23. Six more birds were seen on July 24. Theyve been seen from the main observation area at the end of the footbridge from the PCH lot.
A *NAZCA BOOBY* was found near the end of the outer jetty at Dana Point Harbor on July 26. The bird continued through July 31. This would be around the fifth or sixth record of this species for Orange County, depending on the CBRC voting results of some of the more recent records. Because this is a CBRC review species, please send all documentation to Tom Benson at secretary@... .
Different immature BROWN BOOBIES were photographed offshore of Dana Point and Newport Beach on July 29 and July 30, respectively.
A *RED-FOOTED BOOBY* was photographed offshore of Newport Beach on July 30. Because this is a CBRC review species, all documentation should be sent to Tom Benson at secretary@... .
A BRANDT'S CORMORANT photographed at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary on July 27 was completely unexpected considering it is not often found onshore. Just a reminder that of our regularly-occurring cormorants, the only species that is expected onshore and inland is Double-crested Cormorant. Brandt's and Pelagic Cormorants are only expected offshore or on the coastline. Neotropic Cormorants are not expected at all despite occurring in droves in surrounding counties because they hate Orange County and everybody in it and they would rather just freaking sit there like a mile from the county line than just fly over here already (apparently they made a pact with spring 2019 migrants to just avoid OC like the plague).

An out-of-place REDDISH EGRET continued in San Diego Creek in Irvine through July 31.

Immature YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS continued at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach and at Dana Point Harbor, both through July 28, although the Dana Point bird continued for an extra three days through July 31 as well.

SWAINSON'S HAWKS continued to be observed in Seal Beach along the I-405 right-of-way on poles or flying over Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, as well as on the Los Alamitos side of the freeway as well, through July 31. They can be seen pretty reliably from the Seal Beach Tennis Club parking lot.
A known breeding population of CHIPPING SPARROWS continued to hang out in the lowlands at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton on July 28.
A LUCY'S WARBLER found at the Nature Center at Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley on July 28 continued through July 29.
LOCAL EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS

The monthly Nature Walk at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary will take place on August 3 from 9:00am to 10:30am. Meet at the Audubon House.
The monthly Bird Walk at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine will take place on August 11 from 8:00am to 12:00pm. Meet at the Audubon House.
UPCOMING EVENTS THAT REQUIRE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS

The Upper Newport Bay pontoon boat trip on August 23 is full, but you can email Nancy Kenyon at nancykenyon@... if you want to be on the waitlist.

BIRDING WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES

None taking place.

****************************** ***********************

The Orange County RBA and events summary is produced weekly by Ryan Winkleman and Jeff Bray in collaboration with Doug Willick. Sightings of rare birds can be posted to the OrangeCountyBirding listserv, emailed directly to Jeff Bray ( jbray4913@... ) and/or Ryan Winkleman ( rswinkleman@... ), and/or submitted to eBird ( http://ebird.org/content/ebird ). Any supporting details (descriptions, photos, audio recordings, etc.) of rare sightings that are not already disclosed on the listserv or on eBird should also be emailed to Ryan Winkleman separately for consideration to be mentioned in the current quarterly report for North American Birds.

Those sightings that are included in this summary generally include those that are considered rare (regionally or seasonally) for Orange County based on "The Birds of Orange County: Status and Distribution" (Hamilton and Willick), "Birds of Southern California" (Garrett and Dunn), and/or more contemporary changes in local or regional status and distribution. Rarities that regularly or seasonally occur at a particular location, such as annually wintering rarities on Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, may not be included in this digest, but reports of these same species occurring at other, atypical locations throughout the county may be included. We don't include hybrids, subspecies, introduced or exotic birds, or in most cases and for no real reason, geese. All bird reports are vetted to the extent possible prior to each publication, but in the interest of sharing information, the accuracy of any given report cannot always be guaranteed, nor can the presence of any given bird for those who choose to chase after them.

Information on upcoming local events is taken largely from the Sea and Sage Audubon website ( http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/ ). Sea and Sage Audubon is based out of the Audubon House at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine. They sponsor a number of public field trips, special birding events, conservation lectures, and social gatherings throughout the year. Information regarding upcoming local events should be considered accurate at the time of this posting. However, for the most current information please refer to the field trip list on the Sea and Sage Audubon website at http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/FieldTrips/FieldTripSchedule.html . It is also recommended that you refer to that website immediately prior to engaging in any field trip to confirm that trips are still occurring. If you know of additional upcoming events that are not sponsored directly by Sea and Sage Audubon, please email Ryan Winkleman and/or Jeff Bray for inclusion. # RBA

--
Ryan Winkleman
Rancho Santa Margarita

Please give a good scrutinizing look at all cormorants as you're out birding, especially Double-crested-type cormorants. At this point it's almost a cruel joke how many Neotropic Cormorants have been popping up in surrounding counties this year. This species has never been recorded in Orange County and would be a great way to perk things up for 2019 a bit.
Note that Neotropics are smaller and have longer tails than Double-crested Cormorants. When juxtaposed against each other the size difference is obvious. They lack the orange lores of a Double-crested Cormorant and instead have a white v-shaped patch along the pointy base of the bill (the v may vary in how conspicuous it is). If in breeding plumage, they have short white plumes on their neck instead of the longer plumes that Double-cresteds show on their heads.
This recent eBird checklist has some good comparison photos: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S57795985

--
Ryan Winkleman
Rancho Santa Margarita

Birders,
As we are entering the summer 2019 reporting period for North American Birds, please be on the lookout for breeding attempts or evidence of breeding from any of the following species. I do not endorse or encourage anybody attempting to find nests, but careful unobtrusive observation should make it clear if active nests are present, e.g. birds carrying food into vegetation, sounds of begging, birds seen carrying fecal sacs, obvious young birds, etc. Copulation is worth noting as well.
All of the species listed below have limited breeding ranges in the county or are no longer known to nest in the county. If you observe and/or obtain documentation of breeding, please let me know. This is retroactive for the spring period as well as the summer period that is just starting.
Blue-winged Teal Common Gallinule (particularly in any unusual locations, for patch birders) Black Oystercatcher Spotted Sandpiper (outside of the Santa Ana River or Peters Canyon Wash) Western Gull Double-crested Cormorant Least Bittern Reddish Egret Northern Harrier Belted Kingfisher Peregrine Falcon Olive-sided Flycatcher Loggerhead Shrike Mountain Chickadee (in the coastal region) Swainson's Thrush Lawrence's Goldfinch Black-throated Gray Warbler Chipping Sparrow (outside of the mountains, Craig Regional Park, or Orchard Hills) Tricolored Blackbird Redhead Virginia Rail Warbling Vireo Wilson's Warbler Purple Finch (outside of the mountains) Western Wood-Pewee Western Kingbird Horned Lark Rock Wren Bell's Sparrow Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (curious what happened to the known nest at Doheny)

--
Ryan Winkleman
Rancho Santa Margarita

They wouldnt need bird tags to determine the optimal number of eggs to destroy and adult pelicans to kill they would simply have to count the numbers of pelicans feeding at these reservoirs to get that number. If anything, tracking the tagged adults provides evidence to argue * against * the practice. For example: stop killing these pelicans, because they are known to winter in the state of California, where their population numbers are such that the State has designated them as a Species of Species Concern. Evidence Reports of tagged individuals in CA. Also, tracking the tagged individuals gives information on if those pelicans even return to the breeding sites. If they get attacked and hazed so much from those colonies in Idaho that they decide to start breeding somewhere else, that might give Idaho Fish & Game reason to focus more on hazing than on destroying eggs, or it might make them decide to ease up on the program. Or they may find out that those tagged pelicans from the Idaho breeding colonies arent even the ones that are feeding on the fish those birds might head further south after breeding, and the offending pelicans might be from Canada. The scenarios are many, and reporting data helps figure that out. Thank you for letting us know about this situation, Jim! And airing your concerns helped start a (hopefully) constructive and educational conversation on the value of data. Linette Davenport Orange, CA From: [email protected] On Behalf Of James Pike
Sent: Tuesday, March 5, 2019 9:40 AM
To: Gjon Hazard
Cc: Orangecountybirding
Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] Tagged White pelican Hi Gjon, Where we differ is that you want Idaho authorities to make the best-informed decision possible when determining the optimal number of eggs to destroy and adult pelicans to kill, whereas I want them to make an entirely *different* decision, one that doesnt involve either of those options. You evidently can reconcile assisting them in their efforts, while I cant. A similar banding study involving Double-crested Cormorants being conducted on Sand Island at the mouth of the Columbia River employs similar methods in hopes of achieving similar aims as those in Idaho. After researching this project online, I contributed money to the Audubon Society of Portland to assist their lawsuit seeking to halt the project rather than choosing to contribute cormorant band-numbers to assist the project itself. The bottom line is that birders deserve to know why they are encountering bands on these fish-eating species and how the data they contribute might be used in service of these studies. Maybe theyll conclude that the ends justify the means, or maybe they wont. Jim Pike HB

toggle quoted message . . .

Hi Gjon, Where we differ is that you want Idaho authorities to make
the best-informed decision possible when determining the optimal number of eggs
to destroy and adult pelicans to kill, whereas I want them to make an entirely *different*
decision, one that doesnt involve either of those options. You evidently can
reconcile assisting them in their efforts, while I cant. A similar banding
study involving Double-crested Cormorants being conducted on Sand Island at the mouth of the
Columbia River employs similar methods in hopes of achieving similar aims as
those in Idaho. After researching this project online, I contributed money to
the Audubon Society of Portland to assist their lawsuit seeking to halt the
project rather than choosing to contribute cormorant band-numbers to assist the
project itself. The bottom line is that birders deserve to know why they are encountering
bands on these fish-eating species and how the data they contribute might be
used in service of these studies. Maybe theyll conclude that the ends justify the
means, or maybe they wont. Jim Pike
HB

toggle quoted message . . .